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Navarro accuses UKs China ties; insider of US administration calls him crazy: media

Global Times) 08:38, May 06, 2025

In response to attack of the UK's China policy by White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, British media on Sunday cited sources close to the US administration describing Navarro as "crazy" and "a dangerous influence on the president," as senior UK officials have recently stepped up efforts to pursue a policy of "pragmatic re-engagement" with China.

According to an exclusive interview published by the Daily Telegraph on Saturday, Navarro had claimed that Britain is a "compliant servant" of China, and he even claimed that the country was at risk of having its "blood sucked" dry by Beijing.

But the tariffs tsar, who has been under severe scrutiny over his trade policies, which have destabilized the US, has himself come under attack from sources close to the administration, UK media The Independent reported on Sunday, citing sources.

"Navarro is crazy and most people in the White House see him as a dangerous influence on the president," an adviser told the Independent. Downing Street has declined to comment on the latest attack, per Independent.

In his interview with British media, Navarro described the UK as "an all too compliant servant" of China because of the "string-laden gifts that China gives as a way of spreading its soft power."

The Independent described Navarro as the man who persuaded Donald Trump to unleash the hugely damaging global tariffs plan which put the US and western allies on the verge of an economic meltdown."

The current US administration launched a tariff war against global trade partners after taking office. The UK is included on the tariffs list with 10 per cent basic charges for exports to the US and 25 per cent on automobile products, per Independent.

In contrast, senior UK officials have recently advocated for pragmatic engagement with China.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who visited China in January, said in April that it would be "very foolish" for the United Kingdom to disengage from China, emphasizing the importance of continued economic cooperation, according to Xinhua on April 19.

"China is the second biggest economy in the world, and it would be, I think, very foolish not to engage. That's the approach of this government," Reeves told The Telegraph in an interview.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in this February when meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Britain is committed to developing a long-term stable, mature and strong relationship with China, and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and carry out constructive dialogue and practical cooperation in various fields.

China attaches high importance to economic and trade cooperation with the UK and is willing to work with the UK to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, support each other's economic and social development, He Yongqian, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce said in December last year, when responding to media reports about the UK plans to enhance trade and investment cooperation with China.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
At a time of year when many stakes three-year-olds are making their way back to the racetrack, it was the more seasoned performers who made the best showings during the Tuesday morning, May 6 qualifiers at Harrahs Philadelphia.

Shining the brightest by far was the Chapter Seven four-year-old gelding Secret Agent Man, who flew around the racetrack in :27.4, :55.4 and 1:23 en route to a final time of 1:51.1. The time is a tick faster than the Philly divisional race record set last year by Benjamin Hanover.

Last year, Secret Agent Man had a good then break pattern: three seconds in the preliminaries of the top Kentucky program, then a miscue in the final; a Bluegrass winner, then a breaker in the Kentucky Futurity; second in his Breeders Crown elimination, but then again misbehaving in the final. His connections  driver Andy Miller, trainer Julie Miller and the partnership of Andy Miller Stable Inc., Plouffe Racing, Patrick Hoopes, and Knutsson Trotting Inc. -- are obviously hoping for improved behaviour from their horse, as he has shown he has the speed of a free-for-aller.

Three older performers tied for fastest pace honours at 1:53.1  two easy winners, and one who got a good scare late. Stonecoldtreachery, who won in 1:50.2 here last year, won Tuesday, but keep an eye on Fusion (Always B Miki-Pure Country), who hadnt raced since the Governors Cup, but zoomed home uncovered in :54.1 and :27 to miss just a neck.

Of the other 1:53.1 winners, one was Sabonis, a son of Tellitlikeitis, a 16-race winner while taking a mark of 1:48.2 last year at Hoosier Park, including 13 straight victories and the Milstein in his only appearance outside Indiana. He came home in :27.2 debuting for Team Pelling.

The other was Oakwood Ardan IR, an import from across the Atlantic who is part of the white-hot Robert Cleary barn. He rose through the ranks last year and got all the way to third in the Canadian Pacing Derby and also a 1:48.2 victory, at The Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day. On Tuesday, he sparkled during a :27.1 kicker.

(With files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia; photo of Secret Agent Man with trainer Julie Miller in 2024)
James A. Whelan, President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association and Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program and

an Ontario Director of Standardbred Canada, was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by Donna Skelly, Ontario Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Skelly, the first woman to hold the revered position of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, nominated Whelan in recognition for his leadership and tireless contributions to the Canadian equine agricultural industry.

Whelan recently led the efforts of the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) working with government to create the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP), an initiative designed to address the training and placement of skilled workers in the equine agricultural industry throughout Ontario.

Whelan has a long history in the equine industry. Originally from his beloved home province of Prince Edward Island, he has carved out an impressive career sending more than 6,000 starters postward as a trainer and driving in more than 15,000 races. In 2005, he was the Harness Horseman International Award winner as Man of the Year and in 2013, the recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to the industry.

The King Charles lll Medal is a commemorative medal created to mark the coronation of King Charles lll and Queen Camilla, which took place on May 6, 2023. Recipients must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Whelan, accompanied by his wife Dr. Angela Whelan and children Abi and Marshall, was humbled by the recognition.

I have spent my entire life trying to give back to an industry and a country that has done so much for me and my family," said Whelan. "I couldnt have done this on my own and I thank all of those who have helped me along the way. I especially thank my nominator, MPP Donna Skelly, and congratulate her on her historic election as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The equine agricultural is one big family. I am proud to be a part of it and pledge to continue to work as hard as I can to sustain and grow the industry for generations to come."

(With files from OHHA)
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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.

Thats another huge part of what we do, Armstrong said. Even if theyre 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 Wichmans 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 mothers 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. Dont worry about what you cant 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 dont 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 hes 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 dont feel like Im alone anymore, she said. I feel like at (this school), they get it, they understand it. Theyre equipped, theyre compassionate and theyre just consistent. It just makes my heart feel whole that I know that hes 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.

Its 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, its difficult to calculate.

But that impact can be seen in past and present students like OGrady and Josh Wichman.

Its 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 centers impact into the next 150 years.

The legacy created at the center wouldnt 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 its those things that will continue to move us forward in the next 150, she said.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A global group of broadcasters and publishers is calling on artificial intelligence developers to make sure their technology serves the public by helping to counter misinformation and protect the value of fact-based news.

The Geneva-based European Broadcasting Union, an association of public broadcasters that's also known for running the popular Eurovision Song Contest, says it and the World Association of News Publishers and other partners want to cooperate with tech companies behind AI.

The group says thousands of public and private media in broadcast, print and online formats have joined the "News Integrity in the Age of AI" initiative, whose five core steps were announced Monday at the World News Media Congress in Krakow, Poland.

The initiative is calling for news content to only be used in generative AI models with the authorization of the content originator, and for clarity about attribution and accuracy. It says the original news source behind AI-generated material must be "apparent and accessible."

"Organizations and institutions that see truth and facts as the desirable core of a democracy and the foundation of an empowered society should now come together at one table to shape the next era," said Ladina Heimgartner, president of the publishers association and CEO of Switzerland's Ringier Media.

Among the media affiliates along with EBU and WAN-IFRAas the association of news publishers is knownare Latin American broadcasters association AIL; the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union; and the North American Broadcasters Association, which counts Fox, Paramount, NBC Universal and PBS among its members.

Since AI surged into public awareness with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in November 2022, legacy media have grappled with how best to use the technology, and whether to cooperate with or even combat the companies behind it.

The New York Times and other newspapers have filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and business partner Microsoft. The Times has said the tech companies have threatened its livelihood by effectively stealing billions of dollars' worth of work by its journalists.

Many news outlets have struck deals with OpenAI, including the Associated Press. which has a licensing and technology deal with it as well as with Google for delivery of news through its Gemini AI chatbot.

In the U.S., leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI have told the Copyright Office that their training of AI models fits into the "fair use" doctrine that allows for limited uses of copyrighted materials. That includes teaching, research or transforming the copyrighted work into something different.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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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. Credit: 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 OpenAI's 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 nonprofit's 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."

"There's 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.

OpenAI's co-founders, including Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, originally started it as a nonprofit research laboratory on a mission to safely build what's known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI, for humanity's 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 general's office said in a statement that it was reviewing the plan and, "This remains an ongoing matterand we are in continued conversations with Open AI."

The attorney general's office in Delaware did not immediately return a request for comment.

The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cellphone with an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT's Dall-E text-to-image model, Dec. 8, 2023, in Boston. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File

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 OpenAI's 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, Musk's company. However, OpenAI would remain unique in that its public benefit corporation would still be controlled by the nonprofit's board.

Altman said it would "maybe be easier" to raise money if OpenAI were a "fully normal company," but given its mission, "we don't 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 OpenAI's founding was that those interests might diverge significantly in the development, ownership or control of the technology. That's what's 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 OpenAI's structure, said any change would need to allow the nonprofit to maintain control over the development of the technology.

"If they're 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.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Research led at the University of Michigan modeled how different origami structures made from trapezoidal subunits (i) responded to stresses like compression (ii) and stretching (iii). Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57089-x

Origamithe art of paper folding that originated in Japan centuries agocould open a new frontier in innovative materials, thanks to research led at the University of Michigan.

The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.

As an art, origami uses simple folding techniques to create intricate designs. Now, researchers are studying the technique as the foundation for next-generation materials that predictably deform and "fold" under the right forces. Such materials would be useful in a wide variety of applications, including running shoes, heart stents and airplane wings.

"Origami has received a lot of attention over the past decade due to its ability to deploy or transform structures," said James McInerney, lead author of the new study who performed the work as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan. McInerney is now a National Research Council research associate at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

"Our team wondered how different types of folds could be used to control how a material deforms when different forces and pressures are applied to it."

McInerney and colleagues have introduced a new way of modeling folds to better understand how they can control a material's properties, which is a deceptively complicated problem.

In principle, the idea is akin to how a creased piece of cardboard folds more predictably than a pristine piece that could buckle in any number of ways under pressure. By introducing folds, then, the researchers can tune how materials respond to force. The applications of that type of control are vast, McInerney said.

"There are a variety of scenarios ranging from the design of buildings, aircraft and naval vessels to the packaging and shipping of goods where there tends to be a trade-off between enhancing the load-bearing capabilities and increasing the total weight," McInerney said. "Our end goal is to enhance load-bearing designs by adding origami-inspired creaseswithout adding weight."

The study also includes Zeb Rocklin, McInerney's doctoral adviser at the Georgia Institute of Technology; Xiaoming Mao, professor of physics at the University of Michigan; Glaucio Paulino of Princeton University; and Diego Misseroni of the University of Trento.

"Broadly speaking, this origami is an example of 'metamaterials'engineered materials where novel properties are achieved through programming the structure instead of the chemical ingredients," Mao said. "The geometry of foldingsimple to achieve in practiceendows a piece of paper with completely new properties."

Below the fold

Although flat materials, like pieces of paper, are easy enough to conceptualize, their behaviors under force are complex.

"If I tug on either end of a sheet of paper, it's solidit doesn't separate," said Rocklin, associate professor of physics at Georgia Tech. "But it's also flexible. It can crumple and wave depending on how I move it. That's a very different behavior than what we might see in a conventional solid, and a very useful one."

Introducing creases can "program" the materials to behave a certain way, but determining how and when to make those folds is a challenge, even for modern physics.

"With these materials, it is often difficult to predict what is going to happenhow the material will deform under pressure, because they can deform in many different ways," Rocklin said.

"Conventional physics techniques can't solve this type of problem, which is why we're still coming up with new ways to characterize structures in the 21st century."

When considering origami-inspired materials, physicists start with a flat sheet that's carefully creased to create a specific three-dimensional shape. But the method is limited. Researchers have previously only modeled parallelogram-based folding, which uses shapes like squares and rectangles, allowing for limited types of deformation.

So Rocklin, McInerney and their colleagues turned to trapezoids, which have just one set of parallel sides. Introducing these more variable shapes makes this type of creasing more difficult to model, but more versatile.

"From our models and physical tests, we found that trapezoid faces have an entirely different class of responses," McInerney said. And those responses lead to new functionality, he added.

The designs had the ability to change their shape in two distinct ways: "breathing" by expanding and contracting evenly, and "shearing" by deforming in a twisting motion.

Surprisingly, the team also found that some of the behavior in parallelogram-based origami carried over to their trapezoidal origami, hinting at some features that might be universal across designs.

"While our research is theoretical, these insights could give us more opportunities for how we might deploy these structures and use them," Rocklin said.

"It's a very challenging problem, but biology and nature are full of smart solidsincluding our own bodiesthat deform in specific, useful ways when needed. That's what we're trying to replicate with origami."

More information: James P. McInerney et al, Coarse-grained fundamental forms for characterizing isometries of trapezoid-based origami metamaterials, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57089-x Journal information: Nature Communications
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

This photo shows the icon for Microsoft's Skype app on a smartphone in New York, April 9, 2016. Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File

Skype is dead. What now?

Microsoft's shutdown of Skype on May 5 sent millions of users scrambling to find an alternative to the pioneering internet phone service.

Skype, which Microsoft bought in 2011, was beloved by a dwindling group of users who appreciated how it let them make cheap long-distance calls as well as communicate with other users through chat messages, voice or video calls.

Some liked its simplicity and ease of usean advantage, for example, when setting up a communications app for an elderly parent living far away.

Or they just used it out of habit.

Skype was founded in 2003 and was among the first in a wave of communication services that used voice over internet protocol technology (VoIP), which converts audio into a digital signal.

Skype's disappearance also inconveniences Americans and other expatriates living overseas who signed up because they needed an U.S.-based number to receive text authentication codes from, say, a bank back home. It was also handy for calling 800 numbers for free even if you weren't living in North America.

Here is a guide for life after Skype:

What's happening

Microsoft announced in late February that it was shutting down Skype on May 5 and shifting some of its services to Microsoft Teams, its flagship office videoconferencing and group collaboration platform.

Skype users can use their existing accounts to log into Teams and have the option to automatically migrate their contacts and chats.

If you had a Skype number or a calling subscription, it stopped automatically renewing on April 3.

If your account still has credit, you can access Skype's dial pad from the web portal or Teams to make calls.

Skype numbers won't immediately expire on May 5 so you'll still be able to receive calls until your subscription expires. But you'll have to use Teams or keep the Skype dial pad open on the web portal to receive them.

Porting your number(s)

If your Skype number hasn't expired and you don't want to lose it, you should transfer it to another provider.

Skype numbers can be ported to a phone carrier or any number of other VoIP services. But you'll have to start the process through the new provider, not Skype.

Google Voice

Google users can access the online search giant's internet phone service to make calls from a smartphone or a desktop web browser. You can get your own Google Voice phone number and use features like call forwarding and voicemail. Or you can port your number from another service like Skype, but it will cost $20.

Calls to U.S., Canadian or Puerto Rican numbers are free. Rates for other countries vary.

The free version of Google Voice is only available to U.S. residents physically located in the 48 contiguous states, so that means expatriate Americans can only use it if they registered before they moved overseas.

"You cannot sign up for a Google Voice number while outside the U.S.," according to a help page. "Do not try to circumvent this by using a VPN."

Viber

Owned by Japan's Rakuten, Viber was long considered one of the closest competitors to Skype. One key difference is that Skype users don't need a phone number and are identified by their usernames, while Viber users need a number to register for service.

Similar to Skype, Viber users can buy credit or packages to call phone numbers around the world but it's no longer possible to get a Viber number to receive calls.

Zoom

The videoconferencing service that's become a byword for online company meetings offers a calling service, Zoom Phone, and features like number porting and the ability to send and receive SMS text messages.

Take note that Zoom Phone isn't free. There are various calling plans that involve a monthly subscription cost and extra fees for international calls.

Teams

Microsoft users have the option of making calls on Teams, dubbed Teams Phone. Like Zoom Phone, you'll need to buy a subscription and pay extra for international calls.

But it's not an option for regular people because Microsoft says Teams Phone isn't for consumer use and is only available to small and medium-sized businesses.

Wireless Carriers

If you absolutely need a U.S. number but live overseas, sign up for service with a low-cost virtual wireless carrier that offers cheap cellphone plans or pay-as-you-go rates.

One provider, Tello, offers monthly plans for as little as $5 and says users can activate its service even if they're living outside the U.S.

Because mobile virtual network operators like Tello are essentially wireless phone companies that piggyback off a bigger carrier's physical network, you can't use it to make calls on a computer or an app.

VoIP it

There are a slew of Skype pretenders offering phone calls over the internet, such as Zoiper, VoIP.ms, CallCentric, Mytello, and Virtual Landline. Many are aimed at business users.

Some are capitalizing on Skype's disappearance. Hushed, which started as an anonymous calling app, bills itself as a Skype alternative. Users can buy a phone number from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom or Puerto Rico or port their own number.

It warns that some of its numbers aren't guaranteed to work with third-party verification text messages.

"We do not intentionally block anyone from receiving these codes, but it's common that some services will prevent verification texts from being sent to certain phone numbers due to their own security policies," Hushed says on its website.

Park your number

Maybe you can't decide which calling service you want to switch to. If you want to save your current number, there are services to just park your number like NumberBarn.com and Parkmyphone.com.

They let you store a phone number for a monthly fee while relaying any text messages sent to that number. You can port the number to another service whenever you want.

Beware, you can only port in U.S. or Canadian phone numbers.

eSIMs

What about an international eSIM? They're the virtual version of the mobile phone SIM card that you can buy and add to your phone when you're on a trip to save on roaming fees.

They offer cheap data access rates so you can use the internet without worrying about racking up a huge bill when you get home.

Unfortunately, you can't port a Skype number to an international eSIM because of "the fundamental differences" between VoIP services and traditional mobile networks, said Pedro Maiquez, co-founder of eSIM provider Holafly. "Skype numbers are not tied to a mobile carrier's physical infrastructure, making them incompatible with mobile eSIM solutions."

 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:

Cooperative eco-driving at signalized intersections where the controlled vehicles (CVs) are operated by an RL policy (or policies) to minimize the fleet-wise emissions that include both CVs and humandriven vehicles (HDVs). Credit: https://openreview.net/pdf?id=XoulHHQGFi

If there's one thing that characterizes driving in any major city, it's the constant stop-and-go as traffic lights change and as cars and trucks merge and separate and turn and park. This constant stopping and starting is extremely inefficient, driving up the amount of pollution, including greenhouse gases, that gets emitted per mile of driving.

One approach to counter this is known as eco-driving, which can be installed as a control system in autonomous vehicles to improve their efficiency.

How much of a difference could that make? Would the impact of such systems in reducing emissions be worth the investment in the technology? Addressing such questions is one of a broad category of optimization problems that have been difficult for researchers to address, and it has been difficult to test the solutions they come up with. These are problems that involve many different agents, such as the many different kinds of vehicles in a city, and different factors that influence their emissions, including speed, weather, road conditions, and traffic light timing.

"We got interested a few years ago in the question: Is there something that automated vehicles could do here in terms of mitigating emissions?" says Cathy Wu, the Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Career Development Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) at MIT, and a principal investigator in the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems. "Is it a drop in the bucket, or is it something to think about?" she wondered.

To address such a question involving so many components, the first requirement is to gather all available data about the system, from many sources. One is the layout of the network's topology, Wu says, in this case a map of all the intersections in each city. Then there are U.S. Geological Survey data showing the elevations, to determine the grade of the roads. There are also data on temperature and humidity, data on the mix of vehicle types and ages, and on the mix of fuel types.

Eco-driving involves making small adjustments to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. For example, as cars approach a traffic light that has turned red, "there's no point in me driving as fast as possible to the red light," she says. By just coasting, "I am not burning gas or electricity in the meantime." If one car, such as an automated vehicle, slows down at the approach to an intersection, then the conventional, non-automated cars behind it will also be forced to slow down, so the impact of such efficient driving can extend far beyond just the car that is doing it.

That's the basic idea behind eco-driving, Wu says. But to figure out the impact of such measures, "these are challenging optimization problems" involving many different factors and parameters, "so there is a wave of interest right now in how to solve hard control problems using AI."

The new benchmark system that Wu and her collaborators developed based on urban eco-driving, which they call "IntersectionZoo," is intended to help address part of that need. The benchmark was described in detail in a paper presented at the International Conference on Learning Representation in Singapore (ICLR 2025).

Looking at approaches that have been used to address such complex problems, Wu says an important category of methods is multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (DRL), but a lack of adequate standard benchmarks to evaluate the results of such methods has hampered progress in the field.

The new benchmark is intended to address an important issue that Wu and her team identified two years ago, which is that with most existing deep reinforcement learning algorithms, when trained for one specific situation (e.g., one particular intersection), the result does not remain relevant when even small modifications are made, such as adding a bike lane or changing the timing of a traffic light, even when they are allowed to train for the modified scenario.

In fact, Wu points out, this problem of non-generalizability "is not unique to traffic," she says. "It goes back down all the way to canonical tasks that the community uses to evaluate progress in algorithm design." But because most such canonical tasks do not involve making modifications, "it's hard to know if your algorithm is making progress on this kind of robustness issue, if we don't evaluate for that."

While there are many benchmarks that are currently used to evaluate algorithmic progress in DRL, she says, "this eco-driving problem features a rich set of characteristics that are important in solving real-world problems, especially from the generalizability point of view, and that no other benchmark satisfies."

This is why the 1 million data-driven traffic scenarios in IntersectionZoo uniquely position it to advance the progress in DRL generalizability. As a result, "this benchmark adds to the richness of ways to evaluate deep RL algorithms and progress."

And as for the initial question about city traffic, one focus of ongoing work will be applying this newly developed benchmarking tool to address the particular case of how much impact on emissions would come from implementing eco-driving in automated vehicles in a city, depending on what percentage of such vehicles are actually deployed.

But Wu adds that "rather than making something that can deploy eco-driving at a city scale, the main goal of this study is to support the development of general-purpose deep reinforcement learning algorithms, that can be applied to this application, but also to all these other applicationsautonomous driving, video games, security problems, robotics problems, warehousing, classical control problems."

Wu adds that "the project's goal is to provide this as a tool for researchers, that's openly available." IntersectionZoo, and the documentation on how to use it, are freely available at GitHub.

More information: IntersectionZoo: Eco-Driving for Benchmarking Multi-Agent Contextual Reinforcement Learning. openreview.net/pdf?id=XoulHHQGFi

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
Gia xang dau trong nuoc hom nay (3/7) uoc du bao co the giam tu 6,8 - 7,5% so voi ky ieu hanh truoc o. Cu the, gia ban le xang E5 RON 92 co the giam 1.412 ong (6,9%) ve muc 19.118 ong/lit; xang RON 95-III co the giam 1.440 ong (6,8%) ve muc 19.670 ong/lit. Trong khi o, dau hoa co the giam 7,5% ve muc 17.631 ong/lit; dau mazut co the giam 7,2% ve muc 15.730 ong/kg; dau diesel co the giam 7,1% ve muc 17.977 ong/lit.
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ON Thursday night, when hosted at the Diplomatic Centre, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an experience that has been preserved by the nations diaspora for 180 years.

In images that have since gone viral, Modi was seen eating on the leaves of the sohari (Calathea lutea).

In a social media post to Angelo Bissessarsinghs Virtual Museum of Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page, Patricia Bissessar said the serving of food on the leaves of the sohari is a practice rooted in Indo-Trinidadian cultural heritage, particularly among the Hindu community.
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.
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.
Peter Boyer didnt set out to make a political statement when he composed Ellis Island: The Dream of America in 2001.

But in 2025 America, his piece, which traces the immigration stories of seven people who passed through Ellis Island between 1910 and 1940, can easily be seen through a political lens.

That was never Boyers intention, he was quick to note during a phone call last week ahead of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra performing the work this weekend.

SASO is collaborating with the Tucson Jewish Community Center to present the multimedia work in two performances Sunday, May 11, and Monday, May 12, at the J, 3800 E. River Road.

Boyer composed the innovative work using the words and images of actual immigrants as recorded by the Ellis Island Oral History Project. Started in 1973, the project has more than 2,000 interviews with European immigrants who entered through Ellis Island. Most of the interviews were recorded between 1980 and early 1990.

The thing about this piece thats pretty unique is the combination of the spoken word of the stories and then the orchestra, said Boyer, who was commissioned by the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut.

When an audience sees and hears this piece, theyre hearing real words of real people. ... You hear a story and you respond to it intellectually, or youre listening to what is happening. But the music can go deeper. The music can actually provide an emotional context to it. ... I think I managed to find the right balance between those things.

Boyer acknowledged that in todays supercharged political climate, as the Trump administration has targeted illegal immigration as its top priority, his piece has taken on a political context that was not as evident when SASO first performed the work in 2008 under then-Conductor Adam Boyle. But he believes the piece has remained popular because it resonates with audiences and orchestras on many levels.

That has been true throughout the last 22, 23 years, he said. I think that, because the piece has an optimistic message about historic American immigration, I think that it does, shall we say, appeal to people who run orchestras in some ways, because its an opportunity to make a kind of a statement artistically that maybe aligns with what their goals are.

SASO Music Director Linus Lerner, a native of Brazil, said the work resonates with him personally.

As an immigrant myself, I feel deeply compelled to share this story through music, he said in a written statement. It serves as a poignant reminder that Americas greatness is built upon the contributions of immigrants, and we are honored to continue that legacy through this performance.

Ellis Island: The Dream of America launched Boyers career in a way he hadnt quite expected. He earned a Grammy nomination for the 2005 recording of the 45-minute work with a cast of renowned stage and screen actors and the Philharmonia Orchestra. A production with the Pacific Symphony conducted by Carl St. Clair was televised by PBS prestigious Great Performances series in 2018 and rebroadcast in 2020. In 2019, he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

The work also landed Boyer dozens of commissions, most celebrating landmark events including The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers, commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 2010 to mark the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedys election and the passing of his brother, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy; Today We Ask, his 2023 work for mixed choir, brass quintet and timpani celebrating the coronation of King Charles II; and his latest work, American Mosaic, a musical-visual work with narrator commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate Americas 250th anniversary next year. The National Symphony Orchestra is set to perform the premiere at the Kennedy Center next February.

I kind of become, largely because of the success of this piece, somebody whose music is associated with a kind of American sound, he said, that includes Americans Aaron Copeland, Leonard Bernstein and John Williams. Theres a kind of American sound, orchestrally, that has very much informed the music that I write.

This weekends performance  the 306th and 307th of the work  is the finale of the JCCs Beth + Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series. Performances will be at 3 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday.

In addition to Ellis Island, the concert will include Prokofievs Overture on Jewish Themes and Bruchs Kol Nidrei, featuring cellist Theodore Buchholz.

Tickets are $30 through sasomusic.org or tucsonjcc.org/culture-community.
If combating food insecurity is a priority for you, the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 2025 on Saturday, May 10 offers a ground advantage, literally and figuratively.

The post office carriers bring a bag to you and you can just put food in and leave the bag right by the mailbox. They make it as user-friendly as possible, and that is why we get such a good response, said Leanna Kruszewski, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Citywide, carriers from 12 post offices will collect food with the help of almost 400 volunteers. Tucson residents can expect the signature yellow Stamp Out Hunger bags in their mailboxes on Wednesday, May 7. Bags with food can be placed in  or next to  mailboxes on Saturday, May 10, but preferably not before.

The event is the largest annual food drive for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Last year, almost 250,000 pounds of canned and non-perishable food was collected, and Kruszewski said the goal this year is to collect 275,000 pounds.

Donations of any non-perishables are welcome: Most-requested items include peanut butter, canned vegetables, low-sodium canned soup and stews, pasta and wild rice, canned or dried beans, canned fruit, canned proteins (tuna and chicken), oatmeal and high-fiber cereal without added sugars. Glass jars are discouraged.

This drive really helps to stock our pantry throughout the year. It is a huge boost for our stockpile. We cover 23,000 square miles and five counties in Southern Arizona, so we need all the food we can get, said Kruszewski.

Last year, the food bank distributed almost 35 million pounds of food, including more than 15 million pounds of produce. Kruszewski emphasized that 28 percent of those who received emergency food boxes were under age 18 and 22 percent were over the age of 60.

These are people who are food insecure. We get lots of seniors and lots of families, with lots of children. We are seeing as much need as ever and it continues to climb. People are really feeling the struggle at the grocery stores, Kruszewski said.

The timing of the food drive is particularly helpful, according to Brianna Wohlford, Outreach Coordinator for the food bank.

There are lots of food drives in the winter, but during the summer months they can be forgotten. For kids facing food insecurity, drives like this help ensure that our pantries are stocked and ready to go in the summer when the kids arent in school and cant get meals there, Wohlforrd said.
Nearly 1,000 University of Arizona faculty voted by a landslide margin to urge UA President Suresh Garimella to defend the universitys bedrock principles from ideological and governmental attacks on universities and higher education.

Out of a total of 977 votes cast by faculty members on the referendum, 886 votes were in favor of approving it. UA has more than 5,000 faculty members including those who are adjunct or emeritus.

The (UA Faculty) Senate does not need to vote because the direct faculty referendum speaks for itself, said UA Chair of the Faculty Leila Hudson while announcing the results at a Monday meeting, almost a week after Faculty Senate leaders sent the referendum to all UA faculty members for a vote.

The votes were recorded anonymously in an online voting system from Tuesday through Friday last week.

UA spokesperson Mitch Zak shared a statement Monday on behalf of the UA, saying: We value engagement of University of Arizona faculty, staff, students and community members as we chart a path forward.

U of A leaders are directly engaged with our federal congressional delegation, state legislators and agency officials, and we have been actively collaborating with the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and our peer institutions. We will continue to focus on student success, research excellence, and meaningful engagement with our state.

The referendum urged Garimella and the Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the states three public universities, to:

Legally contest and refuse compliance with unlawful demands by the federal administration it said threaten academic freedom, university governance and the constitutional rights and safety of students, faculty and staff;

Sign the American Association of Colleges and Universities Call for Constructive Engagement, a statement signed by 612 university presidents across the U.S. as a united front against the Trump administrations executive orders on higher education and universities;

Participate in the establishment of a mutual academic defense compact among public land grant universities.

None of Arizonas public university presidents  Garimella, Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Northern Arizona University President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera  have signed the AAC&U statement. Zak has not responded to questions about whether Garimella intends to sign the AAC&U statement.

However, incoming UA Provost Patricia Prelock, the current interim president of the University of Vermont, has signed it.

Ill share a foreshadowing of hope that Prelocks signing of the statement is a very good sign, Hudson said at Mondays Faculty Senate meeting. I am optimistic that she will work with us on a new set of agreements and principles for faculty governance and shared governance.

The referendum was sent to UA faculty by Hudson, Secretary of the Faculty Katie Zeiders and Faculty Senate Chair Mona Hymel. Hudson has said the Faculty Senate leaders were motivated by internal pressure as many of their colleagues reached out to them from all different disciplines, ranks and statuses about the current political climate on university campuses.

That came after more than more than 60 Regents and Distinguished professors at the UA wrote to Garimella asking him to fight what they called unlawful conditions being placed on federal funding, and other federal actions.

Garimella, in a letter back to those top professors, emphasized the importance of federal and state funding. We also have a responsibility to comply with the laws and guidelines that apply to our public university, he wrote.

Garimellas statement then about funding was similar to Zaks on Monday. UAs commitment includes promoting an environment where all members of our community find belonging and purpose. With more than $470 million in federal research grants, $380 million in state funding, and over $70 million in federal Pell Grants supporting 22 percent of our student body, we are committed to sustaining the work and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff while preserving the long-term stability of the university, Zak said.

Since the Jan. 20 inauguration, the Trump administration has delayed, frozen or cut various forms of federal research funding to universities; demanded the end of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) activities under threat of losing federal funding; revoked numerous student visas; and made specific ideological and administrative demands of universities including Harvard and Columbia, among other actions targeting higher education.

Also, the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature threatened the states universities with loss of state funding if they dont honor U.S. President Donald Trumps order to dismantle DEIA programs. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill Friday to require universities to end DEI courses, but not before Garimella sent a letter to the Republican state Senate president listing steps hes taking to eliminate DEIA at the UA.

After the referendum was sent, Gary Rhoades, a UA professor of higher education, sent an email to UA administrators including Garimella and Prelock, urging them to constructively engage with the Faculty Senate and the state and federal governments on the referendums recommendations.

Rhoades advised against self-destructive detachment from them and complicity with state/federal government threats, which are not laws, that sacrifice who we are and what we do as a diverse, broadly accessible university.

He also suggested a specific suggestion to establish a Supporting Bedrock Principles Task Force of administrators and faculty, and representatives of staff and students, like the Budget Task Force. He suggested such a task force specifically develop policies and protocols of support for those impacted by the federal governments actions.
PHOENIX  Never mind that it's called a different name by everyone outside the United States.

State lawmakers gave final approval Tuesday to requiring that Arizona high schoolers be taught that the body of water from Florida all the way around to the Yucatan be called the Gulf of America. The last word now belongs to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

House Bill 2700 was proposed by Casa Grande Republican Rep. Theresa Martinez in the wake of the edict by President Donald Trump renaming what for centuries was called here  and is still called elsewhere  the Gulf of Mexico.

"It's important to start teaching pro-America to our students,'' Martinez said in pushing her bill through the House with all Republicans in support and all Democrats opposed. "What better way to promote a patriotic country and teach children about patriotism than to start calling it Gulf of America and taking pride in that?''

On Tuesday, the Senate followed suit, also along party lines  but not before one Democrat made it clear how ridiculous she finds the mandate.

Tempe Democratic Rep. Lauren Kuby said the body of water got its name from a combination of diplomacy and geographic accuracy.

The name goes back to the 1600s. At that time none of the land bordering the gulf was what was eventually to become the American colonies and, later, the United States. Florida belonged to the Spanish, the area in and around Louisiana was owned by the French, and Texas was part of Mexico.

"But we're not a nation or state bound by facts or history books,'' Kuby said. "We're a nation powered by vibes, by slogans, and the unshakable belief that everything is better when it has the word 'America' duct-taped to it.''

Kuby said this form of rewriting geography is little different than decisions made to rewrite climate reports and high school textbooks to suit a political agenda.

"If we can manifest our own facts, why not our own oceans?'' she asked.

"So here's to the Gulf of America, proudly polluted, seriously rebranded, and only 60% controlled by the U.S.,'' Kuby said. "May the next hurricane make landfall with patriotic intent.''
A new locally-owned coffee and smoothie shop that emphasizes regional sourcing and charity is opening three locations in the Tucson area.

The owners of Sonoran Sip spent 15 years working in the corporate coffee world before starting their own venture.

Its motto: We walked away from corporate coffee. You can too.

Sonoran Sip plans to source its ingredients within Arizona and make every employee part of the companys profit sharing, said Eddy Yunkherr, who, along with his wife, Brenna, are the owners.

The shops signature drink will be a charity coffee with 100% of the proceeds going to a local charity on a three-month rotation, Eddy Yunkherr said.

The smoothies will be made with real fruit with no added sugar. There also will be quick bites on the menu along with a rotating selection of pastries from local bakeries.

Sonoran Sips website is currently under construction, but its expected to be live in the coming weeks.

The trio of Sonoran Sip locations will be on East Broadway, near North Alvernon Way; West Speedway near North Main Avenue; and West Lambert Lane, near North La Canada Drive.

Jeremy Price, with Volk Co., represented Sonora Sip and Kevin Volk, with Volk Co., represented Poets Hard Corner LLC in the Broadway transaction.

Other local commercial activity includes:

Two strips of retail space along Fourth Avenue have been sold to investors. WTF Land Holdings LLC bought 6,476 square feet at 400  404 N. Fourth Ave. from South on Seventh for $1 million and Western American Investments LLC bought 4,637 square feet at 545-561 N. Fourth Ave. from Birds of a Feather for $805,000. Rob Tomlinson, with Picor, and Fred Howard, with Progressive Property Management LLC, represented the sellers. Picors Paul Hooker represented the buyers.

The site of a former Dennys restaurant on East Irvington Road, near Interstate 10, was sold to VM Energy Tucson LLC for $1.4 million. Azam Qayum, with Realty One Group AZ, represented the buyer. Brenna Lacey, with Volk Co., represented the sellers, Bristol Properties LLC, Rich Family Trust and Thomas Family 2017 Revocable Trust.

Three D Flooring LLC bought a 3,860-square-foot building on 34,000 square feet of land at 1065 W. Miracle Mile to relocate its flooring business. Eva and Gustavo Suazo, with Omni Homes International, represented the buyer and Jeramy Price, with Volk Co., represented the seller, The Taitum Group LLC, in the $650,000 sale.

Angies Prime Grill leased a newly constructed 800 square foot building with two drive-throughs at East Broadway and North Camino del Norte, just west of North Alvernon Way. The landlord, Volk Vista LLC and Verde Fast Food LLC, was represented by Volk Company and the tenant was represented by Dave Hammack, with Picor. It is the third location for Angies concepts. Angies Lobster is at East Broadway and South Wilmot Road and a second Angies Prime Grill Is on North Campbell Avenue, just north of East Grant Road.
PHOENIX  A pair of $250 campaign donations to Kris Mayes by someone who is now an appellate judge isnt reason to remove him from hearing an issue in the fake electors case Mayes is prosecuting, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled.

The justices tossed a claim by state Sen. Jake Hoffman, one of 11 people indicted last year on charges ranging from fraud to conspiracy after they falsely claimed to be Arizonas official 2020 presidential electors. Hoffman had argued that Andrew Jacobs should not be on a three-judge panel deciding what could be a crucial issue in determining whether the charges will go to trial. No reason was given for the order.

The high courts decision affirmed a ruling by David Gass, the chief judge of the appellate court, that the donations by Jacobs, given before he was placed on the bench, did not affect his ability to be impartial. Nor was Gass concerned that one of those donations came after Mayes made public statements about guilt of the fake electors, but before she was elected attorney general and long before she got a state grand jury to indict Hoffman and others.

The Court of Appeals, with Jacobs on the panel, will decide, as the defendants are arguing, whether Mayes brought the charges to suppress their First Amendment rights.

Maricopa County Superior Court judge Sam Myers ruled earlier this year that the defendants provided sufficient evidence to make that argument. But he withheld a final decision on whether the charges should be thrown out.

Mayes responded by asking the Court of Appeals to review Myers decision. And that resulted in Hoffman seeking to have Jacobs removed from the panel.

The indictment charges Hoffman and 10 other Republicans with committing fraud by preparing documents and sending them to Washington, D.C. after the 2020 election falsely declaring that Donald Trump had won the popular vote in Arizona and that they should be the ones whose electoral votes were counted. Joe Biden defeated Trump by more than 10,000 votes in Arizona and the official electors were in fact his slate.

Also indicted were others in the Trump orbit, including his chief of staff during his first term in the White House, accused of being part of the scheme. Trump himself was named an unindicted co-conspirator.

The defendants have said they did nothing wrong and simply prepared the documents in case litigation would show that Trump actually won. But the indictment says the move here  and in other states  was part of a larger plan to deny Biden the necessary 270 electoral votes he needed, throwing the decision on the race to Congress.

Before the case can go to trial, theres the question of the states anti-SLAPP law, short for Strategic Law Against Public Participation.

It is generally seen as a way to bar civil lawsuits designed to silence free speech. But the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2022  when there was first talk about indicting the fake electors  expanded the statute to cover criminal prosecutions.

Attorney Michael Columbo, who is representing Hoffman, said theres evidence to show Mayes had a retaliatory motive in seeking the indictment.

In July 2022  while campaigning to be elected attorney general  she made a statement that the fake electors had committed a crime. A month later, she referred to their actions as a criminal conspiracy to overturn the (election) results. Mayes also commented that the false electors were the people directly tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Myers ruled in February that the defendants had provided enough evidence to conclude they might be entitled to anti-SLAPP protection. That sent the case to the appeals court, leading to the question of whether Jacobs could be impartial.

Columbo said Jacobs made multiple donations to Democratic campaigns in Arizona, including a $250 contribution to Mayes on June 18, 2022, and an identical donation on Aug. 11, 2022.

Notably, Judge Jacobs second contribution followed Mayes statements about the electors that Sen. Hoffman raised in his anti-SLAPP motion, Columbo said.

Columbo said the contributions indicated that Jacobs supported Mayes platform, including bringing criminal charges against Hoffman and the others. He said Jacobs impartiality might reasonably be questioned, or created, at a minimum, an appearance of partiality.

Gass, in the ruling just upheld by the Supreme Court, tossed the request to disqualify Jacobs.

He said there is a question of whether rules about disqualifying judges apply to appellate judges. Gass also said Hoffman offers nothing more than bare allegations of bias and prejudice that do not overcome the presumption of impartiality.

Theres also the fact that Jacobs was still in private law practice at the time of the donations. But Gass said even if that were not the case, nothing in ethical rules governing the conduct of judges prohibits them from donating to candidates and political organizations.
PHOENIX  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.

Cookseys 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.

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.

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.

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.

Finally, on Dec. 17, 2017, Cooksey answered the door when officers acting on a report of gunshots showed up at his mothers 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.

Despite wanting to exercise his right to a speedy trial, Cookseys 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

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.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Saucedo, who has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for December.
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  State lawmakers tried  and failed again  on Monday to get a clear understanding of how much extra money the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services might need to get through the rest of the fiscal year.

Allie Friesen, who has been the executive director of the troubled agency for about 16 months, appeared for a second time before a special committee formed to delve into its finances.

As she did on April 17, Friesen said repeatedly that she lacked information to answer some specific questions. She also, again, referenced practices of previous Mental Health Department administrations related to budgeting and auditing that on Monday she described as abuse, negligence and likely corruption that she and others are only beginning to fully understand.

During her first appearance, Friesen often told lawmakers that an interim chief financial officer, Tim Skip Leonard, would be better equipped to answer questions. Leonard testified before the committee on April 24 but said several times that he wasnt in a position to answer specific questions about finances and strategies that have been employed to offset the current budget shortfall.

On Monday, Friesen often deferred to another Mental Health Department officer, Mike Rupke, who was identified as a project manager on the job for just over a month.

According to its agenda, the committee was supposed to focus first on concerns reported late last week that the Mental Health Department might not have enough money to pay its employees after this week. Members also were prepared to discuss other needs of the department to get it through the remainder of fiscal year 2025, which ends June 30, as well as its final budget request headed into fiscal year 2026.

After about an hour, with questions about payroll concerns still not answered, Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, the committees chairman, ordered the meeting adjourned.

The meeting was the first attended by members of the Senate. In a joint statement, Lawson and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who co-chaired the session, expressed frustration over the lack of confident answers provided, despite the fact that Friesen first raised budget concerns in January and has had months to investigate.

The delays have all been exhausted, they said. We are running out of time. Oklahomans demand answers.

Friesen cites closed culture

Friesen, who read a prepared statement before fielding questions, said she might ultimately be held as a scapegoat but that problems at the department originated with others who were with the agency long before she arrived.

Those who are attempting to paint our efforts as incompetent are conveniently ignoring the reality of the situation. What we are discovering is not just poor accounting. It is abuse, negligence and likely corruption. And, lets be honest, these patterns did not develop overnight. They were tolerated, protected and in some cases fueled for the financial or political benefit of a select few, she said.

Friesen said deception about payroll involving questionable practices in the past continued up until last week. Testimony showed it included padding employee numbers and shifting funds around to pay salaries. A staffer who was responsible has since joined others who actively withheld information who have departed the agency, she said.

Individuals who operated within a closed culture created and protected information that was crucial for core leadership to have access to, she said. That culture didnt just hide that financial data; it actively excluded accountability. Information was safeguarded among a select circle, (which) left the rest of us, including myself, until very recently navigating in the dark.

Some lawmakers, including Reps. Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, suggested that Friesen should claim some responsibility.

You approved and executed the current FY 25 budget, West pointed out. As a member of the Legislature, we are regarding this as owned by you and not a mistake by a prior administration.

Gollihare questioned how much effort Friesen made in understanding the agencys finances when she first arrived and whether shed had any previous experience managing a budget.

Yes, sir, I did, (but) it was not my primary function, she responded, With all due respect, I am here to answer questions related to this current financial crisis, because every moment were sitting in here answering questions, we are delaying solutions.  Time is of the essence.

Another member of the committee, Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, expressed frustration at that, noting that the Mental Health Department has not been able to answer questions or provide any kind of reliable spreadsheet detailing how its budgeted money has been spent.

I understand your frustrations, he told Friesen, but youve got to understand ours, too, on this. The spreadsheets are not worth the paper theyre written on at this point.

Best guess on supplemental

Friesen and Rupke told the lawmakers that a purchase order had been unencumbered to free up funds to make payroll this week but that a best guess was that a supplemental appropriation of $23 million would be needed to ensure that employees are paid through the remainder of fiscal year 2025.

It was noted, however, including by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, that two funds controlled by the department seem to have been tapped in the past to make payroll and appear to have enough money in them to pay employees through June 30.

That has been my concern from the beginning, Rosino said. Ive said from the start (that) I dont think you guys need this money. I just think you have to drill down and try to find where some of it is.

Rupke allowed that he is still trying to figure out how the departments budget works.

I have zero confidence that our finance team is able to tell me whether or not there are funds to make payroll, he said.

Rupke said he suggested recently that the department bring in an independent expert to sort through the problems.

The accounting system to me appears to be so broken and in so much disarray that its not doable for the staff thats been operating under this flawed system to fix it or give any confident numbers, he said.

Friesen asked for assistance, including from the fiscal staff of the Legislature, in pinning down exactly how much supplemental funding might be needed this year and how much of an appropriation might be needed headed into fiscal year 2026.

Rosino and Lawson both assured her that the Legislature will ensure that state employees are paid. But Rosino seemed unsure of the request that legislative staffers help in determining overall financial needs.

Thats not what they do. Thats what you guys do, and you give that (budgetary confidence) to us, he said.

WHERE YOUR STORY LIVES: Tulsa Spotlight
Reimagined television series Walking With Dinosaurs from the BBC will make its Australian premiere on ABC in June.

Narrated by actor Bertie Carvel, this is a return to the landmark factual 25 years after it first stomped across our screens.

The six-part series will showcase the dramatic stories of six dinosaurs including the Spinosaurus  the largest carnivorous dinosaur to ever walk the earth  roaming the rivers of ancient Morocco; a Triceratops battling a ravenous T. rex in North America; and a lonely giant Lusotitan risking it all for a love in Portugal.

Each episode of Walking With Dinosaurs tells the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur whose remains are currently being unearthed by world- leading dinosaur hunters. Thanks to cutting-edge science, experts can reveal how these prehistoric creatures lived, hunted, fought and died more accurately than ever before. As the dinosaurs bones emerge from the ground, the series will bring these prehistoric stories to life with state-of-the-art visual effects  making each episode a gripping dinosaur drama based on the very latest evidence.

Production credit: Walking With Dinosaurs is a BBC Studios Science Unit Production co-produced with ZDF and France Televisions for BBC and PBS. Executive Producers Andrew Cohen and Helen Thomas; Showrunner Kirsty Wilson; Producer/Directors Stephen Cooter; Tom Hewitson and Owen Gower. BBC Commissioning Editor Tom Coveney. BBC Studios is handling global sales, in addition to negotiating the co-production deals with PBS, ZDF, and France Televisions.

Tuesday 3 June at 8pm on ABC.
Remember Monday are stepping up for the UK at the 2025 contest in Basel, with coverage on the BBC.

The Eurovision Song Contest team is back at the BBC for the 2025 competition. (BBC)

Eurovision fever has taken hold once more, with the 2025 grand final in Basel, Switzerland looming.

As usual, the BBC has comprehensive coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest planned with some big name experts and Eurovision fans lined up to guide us through the voting.

Trio Remember Monday have picked up the baton for the UK this year and are hoping to win points from across Europe for their song What The Hell Just Happened?, which they'll advance straight to the grand final with.

Here's all you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, including who made it through the semi-finals, when the grand final is taking place, who's hosting and how voting works.

When and where is Eurovision 2025?

Basel is this year's Eurovision host city. (Getty)

This year's Song Contest is being hosted by Basel in Switzerland, following their act Nemo's win with The Code in 2024.

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Most viewers think of the Eurovision Song Contest as being the grand final, which this year will air live on Saturday, 17 May from 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. As well as airing all 26 finalist performances, the coverage will also include the full voting and will see the winner crowned.

However, Eurovision actually spanned two semi-finals earlier in the week, although the UK did not take part in them as one of the "Big Five" countries involved. We did, however, get to perform at the second semi-final.

Grand final coverage will have audio description and live signing available. As with the semi-finals, coverage is also set to air live on BBC Radio 2.

Who is representing the UK at Eurovision 2025?

Remember Monday are representing the UK. (Getty Images)

Remember Monday - a trio of best friends Charlotte, Holly and Lauren - are representing the UK at Eurovision 2025 with their song What The Hell Just Happened?.

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They first met at college and their group's name refers to the Mondays they would spend meeting up to sing together between lessons. Their song is an upbeat track looking back at a night out with friends.

Ahead of travelling to Switzerland, the excited performers told This Morning: "We are nervous now...We're so worried about how devastated we're going to be when it's all done."

Graham Norton met up with Remember Monday for a chat. (BBC)

Viewers can get to know Remember Monday a little better in one-off special When Graham Met Remember Monday, which sees them sit down with BBC's Eurovision host Graham Norton to share their excitement and nerves in the run-up to the final and tell the story of how they got there.

When Graham Met Remember Monday is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

What is the Eurovision running order?

Sweden's KAJ are the favourites to win. (Getty Images)

With the semi-finals done and dusted, the final line-up of 26 acts vying for the trophy has been confirmed.

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Semi-finals took place on Tuesday, 13 and Thursday, 15 May, with 10 voted for finalist slots available at each one. The 20 acts voted into the grand final will join the Big Five and host nation Switzerland, who had already secured their places in the running order.

These are the Eurovision 2025 finalists and the running order for the grand final:

Norway: Kyle Alessandro  Lighter Luxembourg: Laura Thorn  La Poupee Monte Le Son Estonia: Tommy Cash  Espresso Macchiato Israel: Yuval Raphael  New Day Will Rise Lithuania: Katarsis  Tavo Akys Spain: Melody - ESA DIVA Ukraine: Ziferblat  Bird of Pray United Kingdom: Remember Monday - What The Hell Just Happened? Austria: JJ  Wasted Love Iceland: VB  ROA Latvia: Tautumeitas  Bur Man Laimi Netherlands: Claude  Cest La Vie Finland: Erika Vikman  ICH KOMME Italy: Lucio Corsi - Volevo Essere Un Duro Poland: Justyna Steczkowska  GAJA Germany: Abor & Tynna - Baller Greece: Klavdia  Asteromata Armenia: PARG  SURVIVOR Switzerland: Zoe Me - Voyage Malta: Miriana Conte  SERVING Portugal: NAPA  Deslocado Denmark: Sissal  Hallucination Sweden: KAJ  Bara Bada Bastu France: Louane - maman San Marino: Gabry Ponte  Tutta LItalia Albania: Shkodra Elektronike  Zjerm

Watch: Remember Monday - What The Hell Just Happened?

Sweden's KAJ have consistently been named as the favourites to win, while Austria's JJ is also expected to do well as is French singer Louane.

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In the latest bookies' predictions, the UK's Remember Monday are not in the top contenders, with odds of 50/1 to win. However, with popular entrants including Belgium and Australia's surprise eliminations in the semi-finals, there could be some upsets to the expected voting yet.

Who are the Big Five?

Watch the votes roll in during the grand final. (Getty Images)

The Big Five are five countries who contribute a substantial amount to the running of the contest each year, which gives their acts an automatic place in the grand final without having to qualify at the semi-finals.

However, they do get a chance to feature in the semi-finals by performing their songs which aren't available to vote for until the final, meaning that each act gets a fair number of chances to impress viewers over the week.

Along with the UK, the rest of the Big Five are Spain, Italy, France and Germany. The host country each year also gets an automatic place in the final - putting Switzerland on the grand final stage for 2025.

How does voting work?

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will read out the UK voting. (Getty Images)

Voting at Eurovision is a complicated affair - you can only vote for acts from countries other than your own in both the semi-finals and grand final.

Each country has a nominated vote announcer who is called on during the lengthy final coverage to read out where they awarded their points, with 50% coming from the public vote and 50% from each country's panel of music experts. This year, the UK's jury spokesperson was supposed to be Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa - but during the second semi-final it was announced that he had dropped out.

Gatwa will be replaced on grand final night by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with the BBC commenting: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2s very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK."

Ellis-Bextor said: "I love Eurovision and its a privilege to be part of 2025s Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UKs jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!"

All those countries offering scores can award a maximum of 12 points and a minimum of the dreaded nil points to each country. As of 2023, viewers from outside of the contest area can also cast votes, which are combined to be given the same weighting as one single voting country.

For a more detailed breakdown of how voting works, check out our guide to Eurovision voting.

Who is hosting Eurovision 2025?

Graham Norton is back to host the BBC's coverage. (BBC)

The BBC's coverage of the grand final will see Graham Norton guide us through the contest once again, while Eurovision superfans Rylan and Scott Mills were back to cover the semi-finals.

On BBC Radio 2, Mills and Rylan will cover the final while Sara Cox and Richie Anderson joined the team for the semi-finals.

Mills revealed: "I would say that there are more jokey, fun songs than normal at Eurovision this year...There are a lot of songs where some Eurovision fans will go, oh, it just makes a mockery of the whole competition, but I'm here for it. It's part of the contest!"

The BBC Radio 2 team assemble. (BBC)

Rylan added: "Basel, I'm coming for you! It's my favourite time of year and I can't wait to be reunited with my Eurovision husband, Scott Mills, in the commentary booth. Well be cheering loudly for our girls Remember Monday. I know they've been told to avoid a night out with me, but I think I can persuade Richie and Sara Cox to join me at EuroClub instead..."

On stage in Basel, Switzerland's hosts for the grand final are comedian and presenter Hazel Brugger, TV host Michelle Hunziker and former Eurovision act Sandra Studer.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 grand final airs on BBC One at 8pm on Saturday, 17 May.
Who will be the next pope? We asked AI chatbots and this is who they predicted will be elected

Who will be the next pope? We asked AI chatbots and this is who they predicted will be elected

The College of Cardinals is preparing to lock down in the Vaticans Sistine Chapel to vote for the next pope.

While the papal election is held in complete secrecy, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots appear to hold their own opinions on who the likely new pontiff will be.

On May 7, around 133 cardinal-electors are expected to begin participating in the vote. Many of them were appointed by the late Pope Francis himself, which OpenAIs ChatGPT believes might "influence the elections direction," because many of them are new.

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The cardinals will consider who will be the best candidate, either for continuity or change, global representation, tackling the decline of spiritualism in Europe, and who can act as a bridge across the conservative-progressive divide in the Church.

Weve decided to ask OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Googles Gemini 1.5, xAI's Grok-2, and DeepSeek for their insights on where the election is likely headed.

It should be noted that chatbots are prone to "hallucinating" - producing inaccurate responses - as they learn to spot statistical patterns from the data they've been fed, most of which comes from publicly available information posted on the Internet.

The frontrunner: Pietro Parolin

There was no white smoke of consensus about the next papal choice among the large language models (LLMs), but it mostly came down to a two-way race for frontrunner between Italys Pietro Parolin and the Philippines Luis Antonio Tagle.

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Before answering, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok-2 prefaced that the conclave is known to be unpredictable and could easily pick a candidate that is not listed.

Geminis 1.5 and Grok-2 described Italys Parolin as "frequently cited as the frontrunner," because he is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, serving as the Vaticans Secretary of State since 2013.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrives in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. - AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

In that role, Parolin managed the Vaticans relations with other countries and oversaw the administration of the Holy See. Effectively, Grok-2 called him the "deputy pope".

Parolin has served as a diplomat in various roles, including postings in Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela. As an ambassador, Gemini 1.5 said hes been involved in very high-level diplomatic situations like nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

Parolin is also considered an expert on the Middle East, according to the Vatican, and is attributed with reopening a dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

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Yet, even though Parolin is seen as a "continuity candidate" for Pope Francis' agenda, Grok-2 notes that hes been criticised for a more conservative stance on issues like same-sex marriage.

Gemini described him as the "most senior cardinal bishop under the age of 80," and as such, is expected to preside over the 2025 conclave.

Grok-2 and Gemini give Parolin the highest odds of winning, at 31 per cent and up to 30 per cent respectively.

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The 'strong contender': Luis Tagle

ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok-2 also identified Cardinal Tagle from the Philippines as a "strong contender".

The so-called "Asian Francis" as ChatGPT identifies him, Tagle is seen as a progressive, especially on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and divorced Catholics, making him well-placed to continue Pope Francis's legacy.

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This "advocacy for social justice" and his international profile make him "a prominent figure in the Church," especially among the cardinals who are looking for more reform, ChatGPT continued.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a mass in mourning for Pope Francis. - AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

"As a Filipino, Tagle would represent the rapidly growing Church in Asia and the Global South," ChatGPT added.

According to Gemini, Tagle has a "strong following" among progressives in the Church who want to continue Pope Francis's legacy of prioritising the poor and marginalised.

Grok-2 credits his experience as the former Archbishop of Manila as an example of his leadership skills.

ChatGPT put Tagle's chances of winning at around 35 per cent, but it could be lower if the cardinals resist following Pope Francis's path or decide to vote in a European pope "for stability," which would mean voting in a compromise candidate.

Grok-2 put Tagles chances at 22 per cent, citing betting platform Polymarket as its source.

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The 'compromise votes': Jean-Marc Aveline and Pierbattista Pizzaballa

The LLMs had very different opinions on who the conclave could likely back as a "compromise vote" if the cardinals cant come to a decision.

Frances Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille, is identified as a compromise candidate by both Grok-2 and ChatGPT. Within the Church, Aveline is known for his work on "interfaith dialogue," particularly with Islam, according to Grok-2.

Aveline is also at an advantage because of his "low-profile" in Vatican politics and "lack of Italian fluency," Grok-2 said, that could position him as a compromise for "those wanting a fresh, pastoral leader without strong factional ties".

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives in procession for a mass at the Vatican. - AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

ChatGPT had a very different list of compromise candidates than Grok and Gemini; it listed Pierbattista Pizzaballa from Italy, Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, Cristobal Lopez Romero from Spain, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Pizzaballa - ChatGPTs top compromise candidate - is a standout for the chatbot because he was recently elevated to cardinal status by Pope Francis in 2023, which "signals trust" from the previous pope.

The current Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem could be seen as "ideologically balanced and global in outlook," as well as someone who appeals to reformers but doesnt alienate conservatives.

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The outliers: Mario Grech and Matteo Zuppi

The AIs also mentioned figures whom they deemed to be less likely successors to Pope Francis, including a name that has been floated as one of the top contenders.

Gemini threw its support behind Maltas Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, with vague phrases like "he has shown ability to create balance within the Church".

Grok-2 supports Italys Matteo Zuppi, seen by many as a leading candidate and another compromise vote because he could be seen as a neutral choice for cardinals who are looking for a non-polarising figure to lead the reformers.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi welcomes parishioners after celebrating mass in Moscow in 2023. - AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File

Hungarys Cardinal Peter Erdo is also considered a compromise candidate by Grok-2, but ChatGPT and Gemini identify him as the leading candidate among conservatives.

Gemini also mentioned that Parolin would be a compromise candidate as well as the frontrunner. When asked to clarify, Gemini said that if the conclave becomes divided, he could still emerge as a compromise choice because of his "qualities".

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Refusals to answer

DeepSeek and Anthropics Claude 3.7 Sonnet both said that Pope Francis is still in the papal office. Both chatbots have knowledge cutoffs of July 2024 and October 2024, respectively.

When a Euronews Next journalist corrected DeepSeek and said that the Pope died in April 2025, DeepSeek said it couldnt fact-check in real time and assumed that we were introducing a "hypothetical scenario" or that there was a misunderstanding.

DeepSeek walked Euronews Next through its thought process in real time as it looked at the history of papal votes, discussed factors, and any changes in the College of Cardinals before giving a hypothetical answer.

It said that the next pope depends on the focus of the conclave. If that were to represent the Churchs growth in the Global South, it suggested Tagle along with Dieudonne Nzapalainga from the Central African Republic (CAR) or the DRC's Besungu.

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DeepSeek also listed some European candidates, like Parolin, Christoph Schonborn from Austria, or Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, as reformist voices.

On the conservative side, it suggested Robert Sarah from Guinea or Marcello Semeraro from Italy.

When Euronews Next corrected Anthropic, it said that the Church is in a period of "sede vacante" - Latin for "vacant seat" or the time when the papal office is unoccupied - and offered general information about how the conclave works.

It said it doesnt have information about who would be the next pope because that "would depend on the deliberations of the College of Cardinals".
Vo Tri Thanh*

The Government will submit the draft Law on Special Consumption Tax (amended) to the National Assembly for consideration and approval during the ongoing 9th session of the 15th National Assembly.

The over-aching objective of amending the Special Consumption Tax Law is to guide production, regulate consumer behaviour, and restrict the production and consumption of products that are harmful to health and the environment.

However, the proposed amendments are expected to significantly impact the production chains of various industries, including the alcohol industry, potentially hindering the recovery of a sector that makes a substantial contribution to the country's GDP.

According to the Ministry of Finances proposal in the draft revised Law on Special Consumption Tax (SCT), two options are being considered for tax increases.

Option one proposes a gradual annual increase of 5 per cent. For alcohol under 20 degrees, the current tax rate of 35 per cent would rise to 40 per cent, 45 per cent, 50 per cent, 55 per cent, and 60 per cent from 2026 to 2030. For alcohol with 20 degrees or more, the current rate of 65 per cent would increase annually to 70 per cent, 75 per cent, 80 per cent, 85 per cent, and 90 per cent. The same schedule applies to beer, also currently taxed at 65 per cent.

Option two suggests a 15 per cent increase in the first year, followed by 5 per cent annual increases. Under this option, alcohol under 20 degrees would be taxed at 50 per cent in 2026, increasing to 55 per cent, 60 per cent, 65 per cent, and 70 per cent by 2030. Alcohol of 20 degrees or more would rise from 80 per cent in 2026 to 100 per cent by 2030. Beer would follow the same trajectory, increasing from 65 per cent to 100 per cent over the same period.

Though both policymakers and industry insiders agree that an increase in SCT is needed (in fact the Government has been following that trajectory), they acknowledge that the issue is not merely a health-related issue, it is a matter of balancing among stakeholders  the State, beer makers and the public.

Over recent years, the beverage industry has faced significant challenges and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic fluctuations and restrictive policies such as the Law on Prevention and Control of the Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Decree 100/2019/ND-CP (now replaced by Decree 168/2024/ND-CP) on penalising alcohol-related traffic violations.

These difficulties have led to a sharp decline in output and revenue for many businesses in the sector, with some forced to restructure, scale back production, reduce their workforce, or even shut down operations.

According to calculations by the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA), based on data from the General Statistics Office, the beer industry experienced an average annual growth rate of 9.76 per cent during the 2009-13 period  nearly reaching double digits. However, from 2016 to 2019, when the special consumption tax increased by 5 per cent annually, the industrys average growth rate declined to 6.85 per cent. If the period is extended to 2024, the average growth rate further drops to just 3.3 per cent, illustrating a clear downward trend correlated with rising tax pressure.

If the State implements a steep increase in the special consumption tax starting in 2026, the impact will be far-reaching. The beverage industry is not merely a standalone manufacturing sector  it is interconnected with a broad supply chain involving other industries, such as agriculture, transportation, services, tourism and especially food and beverage distribution. A sudden and significant tax hike could trigger a chain reaction, disrupting multiple sectors and threatening the livelihoods of millions of workers.

In addition, when taxes rise, product prices will inevitably increase to offset the higher tax burden. Though many studies show that beer demand is generally considered price inelastic, meaning consumers are not very sensitive to price changes, income plays a role in the demand for beer, with lower-income individuals potentially being more sensitive to price changes. Therefore, despite expectation that higher taxes can lead to reduced consumption, the impact across different market segments has not been fully considered.

In Viet Nam, a significant portion of the population belongs to low-income groups. When taxes drive up prices, these consumers may turn to smuggled or unregulated products, which are often cheaper but pose greater health risks. Meanwhile, the widespread availability of cheap, unregulated 'grass beer' has persisted for many years without a comprehensive solution, especially in remote areas where income and education levels are low. As a result, the intended goal of safeguarding public health may be undermined, raising concerns about the actual effectiveness of the policy.

In terms of macro-economic benefit, the beer, alcohol and beverage industry currently contributes over VN60 trillion to the State budget annually, accounting for nearly three per cent of total budget revenue. Beyond fiscal contributions, the sector creates jobs for millions of workers, plays a vital role in promoting economic growth, and supports social security. Additionally, the industry attracts significant foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing to export turnover and technology transfer.

A recent impact assessment  conducted by the Institute for Research, Industry and Trade Policy Strategy, the CIEM research group, the General Statistics Office, and the Vietnam Beverage Research Institute  warns that if the proposed SCT increase is too steep and implemented without a clear roadmap, the beer and alcohol industry could suffer substantial losses. This would negatively affect key economic indicators such as GDP, State revenue, employment and workers income, thereby undermining Viet Nams ambitious target of reaching high growth rates in the coming years.

The implications extend beyond domestic enterprises. Viet Nams favourable investment and business environment, which has become a bright spot for attracting FDI, may also be impacted.

For major FDI players in the beer and alcohol sector  such as Heineken, Carlsberg and Anheuser-Busch InBev  a sudden and excessive tax increase could prompt a reassessment of their long-term investment strategies in Viet Nam, despite the market's appeal due to its young population, strong consumer demand and competitive production costs.

If tax policy becomes unstable or excessively burdensome, these enterprises may shift their operations to regional alternatives like Thailand, Indonesia or India, where the business environment is more stable and tax regimes are more favourable.

Therefore, a comprehensive, balanced, and harmonised approach is essential. Policymaking should be grounded in practical realities and long-term perspectives, with a focus on aligning the interests of the State, businesses, and consumers. Instead of a 'shocking' 15 per cent tax increase in 2026, the Government should consider postponing the start date to 2028 and adopting a more gradual increase  similar to option one in the current proposal  with a 5 per cent annual rise capped at 90 per cent.

This approach would give businesses time to adjust their strategies, ensure steady growth in State revenue, and avoid abrupt disruptions in the market and maintain Viet Nams attractiveness as an investment destination.

Additionally, alongside any tax increases, the Government must strengthen market management to combat the proliferation of illicit alcohol  including floating, home-brewed and counterfeit products. These pose significant health risks and, if left unchecked, will undermine the objectives of the tax increase.

In the long term, the Government can consider using a hybrid system with a mix of relative and absolute taxes.

In Viet Nam, beer products are subject to relative taxes, meaning that tax costs were based on the selling prices, regardless of alcohol content.

Beer with high prices but low alcohol concentration has less impact on health, while beer with low prices and high alcohol concentration is subject to higher SCT rates. Thus, the relative tax system is creating inequity in tax costs among products with the same alcohol concentration level.

Absolute tax rate is a fixed monetary amount levied per unit of goods. In case of the beer industry, the absolute rate can be imposed per alcohol concentration.

If the proportion of relative and absolute taxes is built properly and has a clear roadmap, the hybrid taxes can balance the disadvantages of both relative and absolute taxes.

*Vo Tri Thanh is former vice-president at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council. With a doctorate in economics from the Australian National University, he focuses on macroeconomic policy, trade liberalisation, and institutional reform. He authors the Viet Nam News column Analysts Pick.
HCM CITY  Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) has announced a 24 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated profit for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the airline's robust international expansion and operational efficiency.

The company reported air revenues of VN17.9 trillion (approximately US$690 million) for Q1 2025, with a pre-tax profit of VN820 billion (around $31.5 million), reflecting a 25 per cent year-on-year growth.

Consolidated revenue totalled VN17.95 trillion, while pre-tax profit hit VN836 billion, up 24 per cent year-on-year.

The airline also reported a significant boost in ancillary revenue, which reached over VN6.22 trillion in the period, contributing to more than 35 per cent of its total revenue.

In the first quarter, it also saw strong growth in passenger traffic, transporting more than 6.87 million passengers across nearly 38,700 flights, marking a year-on-year increase of over 9 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. Vietjet's extensive network includes 137 routes, comprising 40 domestic and 97 international destinations.

As of March 31, Vietjet's total assets surpassed VN98.76 trillion, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.12 and a liquidity ratio of 1.5, maintaining a stable and safe financial standing within the aviation industry.

At the same time, the carrier continued its growth trajectory in Q1 by adding two new aircraft, bringing its fleet total to 106, one of the most modern in the region.

In a move to enhance connectivity, Vietjet has launched four new international routes, linking Viet Nams Ha Noi and HCM City with major cities in China (Beijing, Guangzhou) and India (Bengaluru, Hyderabad), tapping into key Asian markets for growth opportunities.

Additionally, the airline announced two upcoming direct routes - Phu Quoc-Singapore and HCM City-Auckland (New Zealand) - both set to launch later this year.

The airline also made history in 2025 with its inaugural flight to the US, sparking strategic partnership discussions with key US partners valued at $14 billion. VNS
ASTANA  Vietjet and Qazaq Air have announced a strategic partnership to launch a new airline brand, Vietjet Qazaqstan, at the Kazakhstan-Viet Nam Business Roundtable.

The event was held on Tuesday in the presence of Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam as part of his state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighting deepening economic and aviation ties between the two nations.

During the event, Viet Nams Ministry of Finance granted a foreign investment registration certificate to Aviation Holdings, a subsidiary of Vietjet, authorising its acquisition of a strategic equity stake in Qazaq Air.

This move marks a key milestone in Vietjets international expansion strategy and aims to deepen bilateral ties between Viet Nam and Kazakhstan across aviation, economic and cultural domains, while opening a new chapter for the aviation industry in Central Asia.

Under this partnership, Vietjet and Qazaq Air will jointly develop and operate Vietjet Qazaqstan, leveraging the existing Qazaq Air platform. The new low-cost airline aims to become a key air bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Viet Nam, Southeast Asia and global aviation hubs.

Vietjet Qazaqstan is set to meet the growing travel demand in Kazakhstan, while enhancing cross-border tourism, trade and logistics across Asia. The airline also plans to contribute to local socio-economic growth by creating thousands of high-quality jobs.

Also at the event, Vietjet Qazaqstan and Boeing signed a customer services general terms agreement to support the the airlines future Boeing 737 fleet. Under the agreement, Boeing will provide comprehensive services including software solutions, spare parts supply, technical assistance and training programmes for pilots and engineers.

The partnership also covers aircraft modifications and upgrades to ensure efficient and safe operations.

Vietjet Qazaqstan plans to operate a fleet of at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft, paving the way for significant expansion of its domestic and international route network. The airline will implement modern operating models, digital management systems and advanced training programmes for its workforce.

The launch of Vietjet Qazaqstan follows the successful development of Vietjet Thailand, which has rapidly become one of Thailands leading low-cost carriers thanks to its efficient and effective operations.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Kazakhstan are entering a pivotal phase in their bilateral relationship, marked by a renewed commitment to economic cooperation and mutual development.

This momentum was highlighted during the Viet Nam  Kazakhstan Business Roundtable held in Astana (Kazakhstan) on Tuesday with the participation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam during his State visit.

Addressing the forum, he emphasised the complementary nature of the two nations' economies.

Both Viet Nam and Kazakhstan have open economies where exports play a crucial role, he said, underscoring the two countries shared adaptability to international trade principles.

Both countries are members of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Kazakhstan, providing a favourable framework to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

General Secretary To Lam noted that during the official visit of Kazakhstan's President to Viet Nam in August 2023, the two sides signed a Joint Action Plan to accelerate economic and trade cooperation. Vietnamese airlines, including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, are actively promoting the launch of direct flights between Viet Nam and Kazakhstan.

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the significant achievements in political, cultural and technological cooperation between the two countries.

However, he pointed out that economic and trade relations had yet to reach their full potential. Kosherbayev highlighted opportunities for Vietnamese investors in Kazakhstan, particularly in establishing joint ventures in agricultural production and processing, adopting water-saving technologies and advancing digital infrastructure.

He also mentioned Kazakhstan's plans to launch a National Artificial Intelligence Centre, aiming to drive innovation in this sector.

As a leading nation in information technology services, Kazakhstan proposed enhancing cooperation with Viet Nam in developing e-government, sharing advanced experiences, deploying next-generation digital services and integrating AI into state management processes.

Deputy Prime Minister Kosherbayev called on Vietnamese partners to fully exploit existing potential to develop business in Kazakhstan.

He affirmed that the Kazakh government was committed to being a reliable and stable partner, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow, opening new opportunities to strengthen relations, expand trade and foster innovation.

For his part, General Secretary To Lam stressed Viet Nam's commitment to creating favourable conditions for Kazakh investors to invest and conduct business successfully in the country, viewing the success of Kazakh enterprises as Viet Nam's own success.

The roundtable discussions also touched upon the development of financial hubs in both countries.

Kazakhstan's successful operation of the Astana International Financial Centre serves as a model, while Viet Nam is in the process of developing financial centres in HCM City and a Nang.

These initiatives are expected to facilitate greater financial cooperation and investment flows between the two nations.

Participating in this roundtable, the Vietnamese delegation included enterprises with strengths in sectors that align with Kazakhstans needs and cooperation potential, such as oil and gas, agriculture, minerals, chemicals, tourism, textiles and garments, among others.

The business communities of both countries exchanged and shared strategic directions, as well as explored cooperation opportunities for mutual development. Their efforts aim to contribute to shared prosperity and further strengthen the longstanding and positive bilateral relationship.  BIZHUB/VNS
Hoang Lan

TasteAtlas has listed Ninh Binh Provinces goat meat with lemon, locally known as de tai chanh, as one of most tasty dishes in the world.

Ranked 28th among the list of 36, de tai chanh is certainly something unique. The raw goat meat is cut into thin slices, par-boiled and mixed with lemon juice, so its original sweetness is retained. Other ingredients include lemongrass, chilli, garlic, ginger, lemon leaves, pepper and sesame, while the dish is topped with roasted peanuts. It is even more enjoyable when eaten with fig, green bananas soaked in vinegar, soy sauce and fresh herbs.

De tai chanh is certainly one of the most favourite dishes on the table when people go out drinking, said Pham Van Thuc, who recently visited Ninh Binh Province on a tour with his friends.

To ensure the most savoury of dishes, the selection of the meat is very exacting. Cooks have to choose goats with small ears and those who have only been grazing in pasture or from the mountains. That way the livestock eats only leaves from trees, herbs and ripe fruits, so their meat is richer, sweeter and more fragrant compared with others.

The dish is often used as appetiser, served as a favourite dish for wine or beer drinkers.

The dish is so attractive for its fragrant sweetness, it immediately conquers me for its special characteristics," he said.

"Soft and tender from the fleshy part of the goat meat, more firm pieces from the skin. No one word can truly capture its describe its taste and it is even more great when dipping it in Ban soy sauce. (Ban is a village in Hung Yen Province which has specialised in making the traditional soy sauce for hundreds of years), explained Thuc.

Apart from de tai chanh, the Ninh Binh mountainous goat can be cooked into nearly 20 other dishes, such as grilled or steamed goat, goat hotpot, goat fried with chilli and lemongrass or goat simply pan-seared, along with many others.

Ninh Binh is famous for its overlapping limestone mountains, creating an ideal living environment for goats, said local Hoang Van Bang, 70.

The limestone mountains not only supply abundant natural food resources, such as grass and leaves, but it also means that the livestock are healthy and fit, by ranging over the cliffs. This helps Ninh Binh goat meat have its extra special taste and means it has high quality, is firm and is naturally rich, said Bang.

Furthermore, Ninh Binh with a temperate climate, it is not too cold in winter and not too hot in summer creating perfect conditions for the goats to thrive, the herds have fewer diseases and have higher longevity compared with other goat species, he said.

Ninh Binh goats also play an important role in traditional festivals and events, including even in folk games, so they are embodied in the traditions of society, appealing to not only locals but also visitors and guests to the province.

These festivals and events not only entertain locals, but also help to preserve and develop traditional cultural values, closely connecting communities, Bang said.

Raising mountain goats has brought an important income to many local households. The Ninh Binh goat not only supplies increasing domestic demands, but is now also exported to world markets in Brunei and others, he said.

In 2021, Ninh Binh mountainous goat was recognised top 100 specialties of Viet Nam by VietKings. This organisation also listed the dish among 50 top most amazing dishes of Vietnamese in 2012. VNS
HCM CITY  A series of cultural and spiritual activities are taking place in HCM City to celebrate the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025, highlighting the richness and vitality of Vietnamese Buddhist heritage.

On May 5, the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) opened a Buddhist cultural exhibition at the Viet Nam Buddhist Academy in HCM City. Under the theme "Where Arts and Spirituality Converge", the event serves as a tribute to the UN Day of Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

The opening ceremony was attended by Most Venerable Dr Tampalawela Dhammaratana, Executive Vice President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak; senior leaders of the VBS; representatives of central and local authorities; and a large number of monks, nuns, followers and Buddhist culture enthusiasts.

Speaking at the event, Most Venerable Thich Hai An, Standing Vice Chairman of the VBS Central Committee's Culture Board, said the exhibition is a celebration of Vesak, a convergence of arts, history, and spirituality that showcases the depth of Vietnamese Buddhism within the flow of human civilisation.

Through artefacts, images and handcrafted items, including national treasures reflecting the evolution of Buddhism in Vietnam, the exhibition presents a comprehensive view of the Vietnamese Buddhist culture across language, ritual attire, architecture and heritage.

Notably, it features, for the first time, information and models of 87 Buddhist national treasures currently preserved in museums, temples, and relic sites across the country.

The same day, the VBS Central Committee's Culture Board hosted several ceremonial and cultural events on campus, including the raising of a 500sq.m Buddhist flag and a 10m-tall international Buddhist globe symbol, a traditional Buddha bathing ritual, the creation of a sand painting of the Buddhas birth, the opening of a tea ceremony area, and the lighting of seven giant lotus lanterns on the Ca Ty River.

Later in the evening, a public Buddhist art performance was held at Lang Le Park in Binh Chanh District.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam in me writing contest closing ceremony took place on May 4 at the World Mall in Budapest, Hungary.

The event saw the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai, representatives of the Vietnamese Association in Hungary, the Budapest Vietnamese Language Centre, teachers, parents, and Vietnamese students.

The contest, held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Viet Nam Hungary diplomatic ties, aimed to strengthen connections between young overseas Vietnamese in Hungary and their cultural roots.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Bui Le Thai highlighted the contests role in nurturing love for the homeland and preserving cultural identity among the Vietnamese community in Hungary.

He praised the efforts of parents, teachers, and organisers in inspiring the younger generation to stay connected with the Vietnamese language and culture.

The Ambassador also commended students for their heartfelt, creative submissions, which reflected deep affection and pride in their Vietnamese origin.

He expressed his hope that the contest will continue in the future, promoting cultural values and national identity among young overseas Vietnamese. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The New Zealand Herald has run an article by journalist Cath Johnsen affirming that Viet Nam offers one of the kindest cultures in the world.

In the article published on May 3, Johnsen expressed her impression over Bui Vien walking street after sunset in HCM City. This long-time backpacker enclave lights up at night in a chaotic jumble of vendors selling street food, souvenir shops spruiking their wares, clubs with table-top dancers gyrating to high-decibel K-pop and locals nonchalantly weaving through the traffic on motorbikes loaded with sleeping children, dressed-up pet dogs and strapped-on groceries.

When talking to a local young man, Johnsen said she was moved to hear a compliment that Your smile is very beauty.

That a young man would take the time to give a middle-aged woman such a warm and genuine compliment; to notice the small details of humanity amongst the raucous surroundings, made it feel like one of the kindest things anyone had ever said to me, Johnsen wrote.

When visiting towns across Viet Nam, Johnsen usually pays attention to the people, and their demonstrable kindness, rather than the ancient attractions or natural beauty which caught my attention.

She said that Viet Nam places a strong cultural value on offering mutual assistance, known as tinh than tuong than tuong ai (the spirit of mutual love and support). This principle is deeply embedded in Vietnamese society, where people often go out of their way to help strangers, whether its offering directions or assisting after natural disasters.

When her teak-panelled riverboat stopped in bustling Chau oc, she saw this virtue in action, she added.

She saw a local man paying a roadside cafe owner in advance for com treo (hanging rice). When someone in need later comes along, they can claim this free meal, which is sometimes sitting (hanging) at the front of the shop, ready to be discreetly taken.

Other times, a sign will indicate whether hanging meals are available. Paying in advance for ca phe treo (hanging coffee) is common too.

The author went on to say when buying a sweet, Vietnamese coffee: bitter espresso paired with sweetened condensed milk served over ice, she feels cooled by the drink but also warmed by the notion of this cultures way of paying it forward.

She is also impressed by Viet Nams nature. When she arrived in the heart of the Mekong Delta, and visited Tra Su forest, she climbed the observation tower to get a birds-eye view of the 850ha forest, and the 70 species of birds that call this sanctuary, and now a popular ecotourism site, home.

Forty years of painstaking reforestation by the Government and local communities has successfully breathed new life into this ancient wetland ecosystem, which sustained significant damage during the Vietnam War, she said, suggesting tourists now pay to glide around its hyacinth-strewn streams in small watercraft, or hike through its depths.

Arriving at the top of the observatory, drenched in wet season sweat, she spy a beautiful, young Vietnamese couple on their honeymoon, somehow not even sporting a bead of perspiration. They are taking Polaroids of themselves against the backdrop of graceful melaleuca trees.

I try to look at the view unobtrusively, not wanting to trespass on their special moment, but they insist on taking a photograph of me and my friends too. Handing me the developing picture, they say meaningfully, so you can remember your time in our country.

Viet Nam is not some kind of utopia. The impoverished still suffer. However, she hopes and prays that Vietnams spirit of mutual love and support would be wide enough to embrace vulnerable humans, she concluded her article. VNA/VNS
The French Ambassador Olivier Brochet wrote for Viet Nam News on the occasion of the UNOC3 Ocean Summit Nice (France) in June, 2025, highlighting Frances aim, protecting the oceans through tangible action.

Olivier Brochet

From June 9 to 13, France will be hosting the third United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UNOC, or United Nations Ocean Conference). For this crucial event, some one hundred heads of state and government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, Frances aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action.

The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge.

One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet the oceans are in danger. They remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The numbers are worrying: more than eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science. Moreover, more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change.

We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans.

Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The 'Nice Ocean Agreements' will form a genuine international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

To this end, the talks in Nice need to be very operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas.

When it comes to governance, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60 per cent of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force.

The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Viet Nam, French organisations and companies have already started to act to transform those wishes into actionable projects. This is for instance the case of French maritime transportation leader, CMA CGM, which is working on an e-barge project in Ho Chi Minh City which will empty roads and develop electric river transportation. Satellite services provider CLS is also partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to help track and monitor fishing vessels and promote sustainable management of fisheries. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment.

Lastly, how can we protect what we know not  or know insufficiently? We need to enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans  which cover 70 per cent of the Earths surface  remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness.

In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyones business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.

Viet Nam is one of the first signatories of the BBNJ Agreement. Ratifying this agreement before the United Nations Ocean Conference on June 9 would make a decisive contribution to its swift implementation. France looks forward to welcoming to Nice, Vietnamese leaders whose commitment to ocean protection is recognised, to jointly send a strong signal in favour of more equitable and sustainable governance of the high seas. VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has begun the process of constitutional amendments to carry out sweeping administrative reforms, including reducing the number of provinces, eliminating district-level governments, as well as reorganising the structure and redefining the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), a key political umbrella organisation.

Here's how the process works and why it matters.

What are the proposed changes?

Viet Nams current administrative system is organised into three levels: provincial, district and communal. The constitutional amendments are set to centre on three major changes, affecting eight of the Constitution's 120 articles:

 Provincial mergers: The number of provinces and centrally governed cities, currently at 63, will be reduced to 34 through mergers. This aims to reduce duplicated administrative functions, consolidate resources, and improve economic scale.

 Abolition of district-level governments: Viet Nam plans to eliminate the entire district level, meaning no more districts, towns or provincial cities. Provinces would directly manage communes (villages, wards and townships), creating a two-tier administrative system.

"The three-tier government model has become increasingly cumbersome and duplicative, generating excessive administrative procedures and failing to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery," NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh said on May 5 when he initiated the process on behalf of the NA Standing Committee.

 Restructuring the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF): The VFF, a political umbrella organisation enshrined in the Constitution, will undergo structural reforms. While it is not slated for abolition, its functions, organisation and constitutional definition will be adjusted to align with the new administrative structure.

"VFF's functions often overlap with those of its member organisations, and in certain localities, the Front has struggled to maintain close ties with grassroots communities and promptly reflect public sentiment," inh added.

The Government estimated that approximately 19,000 legal documents at the central and local levels could be amended. Key laws requiring urgent revision include the Law on the Organisation of Local Governments and the Law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

Why does the Constitution need to be changed?

Viet Nam's current Constitution, passed in 2013, stipulates the countrys three-tier administrative structure in Article 110, listing provinces, districts and communes as official administrative units.

Therefore, removing the district level would directly conflict with the Constitution, necessitating a formal amendment.

Similarly, Article 9 explicitly recognises the VFF as the "political base of the people's power", with mandates including national solidarity, supervision, and social feedback. Any redefinition of its status, functions or structure requires constitutional revision.

In contrast, provincial mergers do not require constitutional changes, as the Constitution does not specify the number or names of provinces. These can be adjusted through ordinary legislative procedures  specifically, resolutions of the National Assembly (NA).

What is the official process to amend the Constitution?

Viet Nam's constitutional amendment procedure is set out in Article 120 of the 2013 Constitution and detailed in the Law on Organisation of the National Assembly. The key stages are:

 Proposal initiation: Amendments can be proposed by the President, the NA Standing Committee, the Government, or at least one-third of the NA deputies.

 NA approval to proceed: The NA must approve the proposal with a two-thirds majority to proceed with the drafting of amendments. Without this supermajority, the process cannot advance.

 Formation of a Constitutional Drafting Committee: If the proposal is approved, the National Assembly establishes a special committee to draft proposed changes. The NA Standing Committee nominates the committee members.

 Public consultation: The draft amendments are released for public feedback, allowing citizens, experts and institutions to contribute comments.

 Revisions and finalisation: The committee incorporates public feedback, revises the draft, and prepares a final version to be submitted to the NA.

 Final vote: The NA votes on the final draft. It must be approved by two-thirds of all deputies to pass. The Constitution allows for a referendum, but this is optional.

Has Viet Nam amended its Constitution before?

Viet Nam has had five constitutional revisions: in 1946, 1959, 1980, 1992, and most recently, in 2013. These changes have led to major political or economic shifts, such as the socialist transformation in 1980 or market-oriented reforms in 1992.

In 2001, the NA passed a partial amendment to the 1992 Constitution, adjusting the government structure and enhancing the role of mass organisations.

The amendment in 2025 would restructure the countrys administrative hierarchy, marking a significant departure from the three-level governance that has existed for decades.

What is the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and why does it matter?

The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) is a unique political institution. Formed as a coalition of political and social organisations, it is mandated by the Constitution to represent citizens and social groups, promote national unity, supervise government activity and provide feedback on laws and policies.

The upcoming constitutional revision may redefine the VFFs functions or reorganise its structure to align with the proposed two-tier administration. Official proposals suggest that Article 9 will be revised to clarify and strengthen the Fronts role within the political system.

Changes might also affect Article 84, potentially abolishing the right of the VFF's member organisations, such as the Trade Union or Farmers' Union, to propose draft legislation. The aim is to concentrate this authority in the VFF's Central Committee.

The timeline

The NA has begun to discuss the amendment proposal at the start of its 9th session on May 5. The NA Standing Committee has appointed a 15-member Constitutional Drafting Committee led by NA Chairman Tran Than Man, comprising representatives from various central agencies and organisations.

Public consultation is planned for one month, from May 6 to June 5. The amendments are mandated to be finalised no later than June 30 and take effect on July 1, 2025.

The constitutional amendments will reshape the country's political-administrative landscape, which has existed for decades, aiming to create a more streamlined and direct system of government and to strengthen the roles of VFF and its constituent organisations.  VNS
HA NOI  The National Assembly (NA) on Monday afternoon listened to the presentation and review report of the draft amended Law on Atomic Energy, as the 15th tenure parliament continued its ninth session.

Presenting the report on behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long stated that the draft amended Law on Atomic Energy aimed to institutionalise the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies on atomic energy, unifying with other relevant documents and meeting practical requirements.

It will build a legal basis to ensure completeness and comprehensiveness in the system of legal documents on atomic energy, enhance the effective management of radiation and nuclear safety, along with enhancing security.

The unified policy, sustainably develops atomic energy applications, implements Viet Nam's international commitments and obligations, enhances international cooperation and creates new momentum for the country's rapid and sustainable growth in the new era.

The law is applied to domestic organisations and individuals, Vietnamese people residing abroad, foreign organisations and individuals, and international organisations conducting activities in the field of atomic energy in Viet Nam.

Accordingly, the draft amended Law on Atomic Energy has closely followed the four policies agreed upon by the Government in the Resolution 240/NQ-CP issued on December 17 last year.

The draft law consists of 12 chapters and 73 articles.

Proposal

Presenting a review on the draft law, Chairman of the NA's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy expressed his agreement with the name of the amended Law on Atomic Energy.

He agreed in essence with the scope of regulation and proposed study and supplements to the scope of regulation on nuclear inspection.

Regarding the nuclear regulatory agency (Article 7), the committee proposed to clearly define the nuclear regulatory agency and its working relationship. The agency must have sufficient authority, technical and management capacity, operate in compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear safety standards and security guidelines and relevant international treaties.

Regarding the development and application of atomic energy (Chapter 2, from Article 10 to Article 13), the committee agreed with the necessity and content of promoting the atomic energy applications and development.

It suggested to carefully consider the ability to ensure safety for individuals and organisations when investing in and establishing facilities to conduct radiation work and to produce radioactive substances.

Regarding the safety and security of nuclear facilities (Chapter 4, from Article 28 to Article 43), the committee found that it was necessary to supplement regulations on design approval for nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors in Article 30.

Specifically, the design of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors must be assessed and approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the partner country, taking into account the specific requirements of Viet Nam.

In the case of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors designed by Vietnamese specialised agencies, it is necessary to supplement regulations on compliance with the requirements on nuclear safety and security of the IAEA.

About the authority to decide and approve investment policies for nuclear power projects, the majority of opinions agree with the plan as submitted by the Government, stipulating that the PM will decide on investment policies for nuclear power plant construction projects.

NA deputies believed that it was necessary to carefully review the legal system to ensure consistency, feasibility as well as meet the requirements of ensuring security and safety of radiation and nuclear power.

As for radioactive waste, spent radioactive sources and spent nuclear fuel (Chapter 6, Articles 46 to 50), the committee proposed studying and supplementary policies related to the control of radioactive waste, radioactive sources in scrap and other sources imported, temporarily imported.

As for response to radiation and nuclear incidents (Chapter 9, Articles 59 to 61), the committee suggested to continue reviewing the contents of radiation and nuclear incident response plans at the grassroots, provincial and national levels to keep consistency with the Law on Civil Defence and the draft Law on State of Emergency, and the feasibility of coordination between concerned agencies.  VNS
ASTANA  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam met with Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev in Astana on May 5 evening, within the framework of his state visit to the Central Asian nation.

Welcoming the Vietnamese Party leader, his spouse and a high-level delegation of Viet Nam, Ashimbayev congratulated Viet Nam on its successful organisation of the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

Emphasising the significance of the first visit by a Party General Secretary since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1992, the Senate Chairman affirmed that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam, its reliable and important partner in Southeast Asia.

Recalling President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Kazakhstan in 1959, he stressed that the trip this time is a continuation of the tradition of good relations between the two countries, expressing his belief that it will open up promising and potential cooperation opportunities for both sides.

General Secretary Lam, in turn, thanked Kazakhstan for its wholehearted support for Viet Nam in the past cause of national liberation and the current cause of national construction and development. He emphasised that the visit takes place at a historic time when Viet Nam celebrates the 50th anniversary of the victory on April 30, 1975, and Kazakhstan celebrates the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, without which there would be no August Revolution and no Viet Nam today.

Congratulating the great achievements that the Kazakh people have made under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other high-ranking leaders with a strategic vision for Kazakhstan to promote its socio-economic development and increasingly enhance its international position, Lam said that Viet Nam wishes to exchange experiences with Kazakhstan to complement each other's development and that bilateral relations will be a bridge for the two countries to the two continents of Europe and Asia, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Both sides expressed their joy with the sound development of the two countries political ties and active exchange of delegations at all levels over the past time.

Highlighting parliamentary cooperation as a key pillar for promoting bilateral relations, the two leaders expressed their pleasure with the significant progress achieved in legislative collaboration, noting that both countries have maintained high-level contacts and committee engagements, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has seen positive changes. Joint work in other fields has also obtained many important achievements. General Secretary Lam affirmed with common aspirations and development goals, as well as potential, the two countries relationship will continue to develop effectively and substantially and be raised to a new height.

Chairman Ashimbayev congratulated Viet Nam on its strong socio-economic development achievements that few countries in the world have attained such progress. He underscored that the new stature of the relationship reflects the strong development and strategic connection between the two countries, which is of great significance at a time when both countries are entering a new stage of development and in the context of many changes in the world situation.

The Senate of Kazakhstan will actively support and promote the implementation of cooperation directions agreed by the leaders of the two sides, he said.

Stressing the importance of cooperation between the Senate of Kazakhstan and Viet Nams National Assembly, the two leaders agreed to promote collaboration, increase delegation exchanges via parliamentary channels. They consented to strengthen coordination in monitoring and urging the effective implementation of cooperation agreements signed by the two governments, in order to advance the Viet Nam-Kazakhstan friendship in a practical and effective manner, as well as cooperation in personnel training, policy development, Party building, and between youth agencies to enhance mutual understanding.

On this occasion, the Party chief conveyed the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan to visit Viet Nam at a convenient time. Chairman Ashimbayev also invited NA Chairman Man to visit Kazakhstan.  VNS
ASTANA  Party General Secretary To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Kazakhstan on the evening of May 5 as part of his ongoing state visit to the Central Asian country.

Ambassador Pham Thai Nhu Mai briefed the Party chief on the embassys operations, the Viet NamKazakhstan relations, and activities involving the Vietnamese community there.

Community representatives expressed their pride in Viet Nams development and gratitude for the Party and States continued support for overseas Vietnamese.

They proposed strengthening the Viet Nam-Kazakhstan cooperation in science, technology, and education, and voiced their belief that Viet Nams growing stature in the world will inspire their deeper connections with the homeland.

General Secretary Lam expressed his pleasure at visiting Kazakhstan for the first time in his current role, calling it a significant milestone in the two countries traditional friendship.

The countries are considering the elevation of their ties to a strategic partnership, he noted, pointing out the growing cooperation in trade, tourism, education, along with cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Updating participants on Viet Nams progress, he highlighted major achievements after nearly four decades of oi Moi (Renewal), with strengthened political, economic, diplomatic, and defencesecurity capabilities.

He praised the Vietnamese community in Kazakhstan for their integration into the local society, as well as their solidarity and efforts to preserve the national identity. He recognised the contributions by the Vietnamese People's Association and Young Vietnamese Intellectuals' Association in Kazakhstan, calling on them to keep promoting their role as important bridges connecting the community with the homeland.

Commending the embassys diplomatic, citizen protection, and community development efforts, he urged its staff to remain professional, responsible, and dedicated to serving both national interests and the Vietnamese community abroad.

He took the occasion to extend his regards and wishes for good health, happiness, and success to all embassy personnel and Vietnamese nationals living in Kazakhstan.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka in Ha Noi on Monday during the latter's ongoing state visit to Viet Nam and participation in the UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025.

Welcoming the Sri Lankan leader and his entourage, NA Chairman Man emphasised the significance of the visit, which comes as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He highlighted the long-standing traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, noting the mutual support during their national construction and development efforts over the past 55 years.

"Viet Nam always values Sri Lankas invaluable support during its past struggle for national independence, as well as in its ongoing renewal and international integration," he stressed.

The Vietnamese NA leader commended the Sri Lankan President and newly formed government for their effective leadership in stabilising the country, recovering from crisis, and steering the economy towards sustainable growth, with a current growth rate approaching 5 per cent. He affirmed Viet Nams commitment to further strengthening its comprehensive cooperation with Sri Lanka, based on mutual respect, equality and shared benefit.

Highlighting the growing ties between the two countries over the past 55 years, he noted that parliamentary cooperation has played an important role in deepening bilateral relations.

The Vietnamese legislature highly values the growing ties between the two legislative bodies, particularly through delegation exchanges, exchanges between friendship parliamentarians' groups, and experience sharing in legal and institutional development.

He welcomed the establishment of the Sri LankaViet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group and called for the early signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two legislatures to promote exchanges of high-level delegations, legislative experience, and oversight practices, ultimately facilitating each countrys socio-economic development.

Chairman Man also called for enhanced coordination to effectively implement the outcomes of recent parliamentary exchanges, particularly the successful visit to Sri Lanka by NA Vice Chairman Nguyen uc Hai.

He welcomed Sri Lankas proposals on cooperation in expanding the textile and garment market, investing in agriculture and agro-aquatic processing, developing joint industrial or economic zones, and training personnel.

The top legislator expressed his hope that Sri Lanka will support the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh exhibition space at the Colombo Public Library, aiming to transform it into a meaningful destination for both Vietnamese and Sri Lankan people, as well as international visitors.

He informed that the Vietnamese NA has already begun supplementing the exhibition with additional books, newspapers, and documents.

For his part, Sri Lankan President Dissanayaka congratulated Viet Nam on the successful celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification, and the upcoming United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations.

He underscored the long-standing cultural and Buddhist connections between the two countries, calling them an important foundation for strengthening bilateral relations.

President Dissanayaka affirmed the time-tested friendship and mutual trust between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, saying the Sri Lankan people greatly admire President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence, along with the nation's remarkable socio-economic achievements at present.

He also highlighted the vital role of Viet Nams NA in building a legal framework that facilitates national development.

The two sides agreed to fully tap the potential of bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on enhancing economic ties, notably in sectors where both countries hold strengths.

The top Vietnamese legislator emphasised that Viet Nam, with its dynamic and rapidly growing economy, is ready to step up cooperation with Sri Lanka in high-tech agriculture, seafood processing, textile and garment production, and information technology.

Viet Nam will encourage businesses from both countries to strengthen connectivity and capitalise on free trade agreements to which Viet Nam is a party to expand market access and boost two-way trade.

The Vietnamese NA pledges to create favourable legal and policy conditions to support Sri Lankan enterprises investing and operating in Viet Nam, especially in processing and manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital technology, Man noted.

The Sri Lankan President highlighted the crucial role of the two parliaments in promoting practical and effective cooperation, particularly in sectors of mutual strength, and in addressing regional and global issues of shared concern.

He spoke highly of the Sri LankaViet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group and the friendship associations between the two countries, proposing that both sides further step up delegation exchanges and experience sharing in governmentparliament coordination, poverty reduction, enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and promote economic connectivity.

The two sides also agreed to continue their close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, while strengthening information sharing and viewpoint coordination on regional and global matters of mutual interest.  VNS
HCM CITY  The HCM City People's Supreme Court on Tuesday opened an appeals court into the high-profile corruption case involving the Xuyen Viet Oil Company.

The hearing was convened following the appeals of seven defendants.

Among them is Mai Thi Hong Hanh, former chairwoman and general director of Xuyen Viet Oil, who was sentenced at the first trial to a total of 30 years in prison for violating regulations on the management and use of State assets causing loss and waste and bribery.

Another high-profile defendant is Le uc Tho, former Party secretary of Ben Tre Province and previously chairman of VietinBank. He received a combined sentence of 28 years in prison for receiving bribes and abuse of power to influence others for personal gain.

Five additional defendants are also appealing for reduced sentences.

These include Nguyen Thi Nhu Phuong, former deputy director of Xuyen Viet Oil and several former officials from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

According to the indictment, during her leadership at Xuyen Viet Oil, Hanh committed multiple violations in the management of the price stabilisation fund and environmental protection tax collections, resulting in a loss of over VN1.4 billion (approximately US$57 million) in State assets.

Hanh was found to have diverted company funds for personal use, including issuing unauthorised loans to friends and bribing officials.

She failed to remit environmental protection taxes to the State budget and instead used the funds for her own benefit.

Between 2016 and 2022, in order to secure export-import fuel trading licences, delay tax enforcement actions and obtain favourable credit conditions from banks, Hanh paid bribes 22 times, totalling over VN31.5 billion (about $1.25 million), to various former high-ranking officials.

The indictment also details how Le uc Tho, during his time at VietinBank and later as Ben Tre's Party Secretary, abused his position to pressure subordinates into granting Xuyen Viet Oil favourable credit terms.

Hanh also allegedly bribed former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade o Thang Hai and other officials to obtain fuel trading licences, despite the company's failure to meet regulatory requirements.

The first-instance court concluded that this is a particularly serious corruption case in the energy sector with far-reaching impacts on both central and local government operations.

The defendants were found guilty of committing especially grave offences involving substantial bribes. VNS
ASTANA  Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an official welcome ceremony on Tuesday morning for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, who are on a three-day state visit to the Central Asian country.

At the welcome ceremony, the two leaders introduced members of their respective high-level delegations. They stood on the honour platform as the national anthems of both countries are played, and then reviewed the guard of honour.

Following the ceremony, the two leaders had a restricted meeting, and led the respective high-level delegations to hold talks.

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.

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 Nam's 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.  VNA/VNS
ASTANA  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam was honoured with Kazakhstans Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the First Class at a ceremony held at the Akorda Presidential Palace on Tuesday as part of his ongoing state visit to the Central Asian country.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented the Order of Dostyk of the First Class, the noble award of the Kazakh State and people, to the Vietnamese leader.

Speaking at the event, Party General Secretary To Lam acknowledged the award as recognition of the decades-long cooperation between Viet Nam and Kazakhstan, symbolising the affection and trust between the two countries people.

He stressed that the Viet Nam  Kazakhstan friendship has been cultivated over decades, built on the foundation of mutual respect and understanding. This relationship has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people from both countries with shared aspirations for freedom, independence, and a bright future.

The noble order is a source of great encouragement for both sides to carry forward the legacy of past generations and to nurture the time-honored friendship into the future, he underscored.

The Party chief concluded by expressing gratitude to President Tokayev, the Kazakh State and people for their consistent support and solidarity with Viet Nam in preserving and nurturing the enduring cooperative relationship between the two nations.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said Party General Secretary To Lams directive to move towards free hospital care for all citizens is a major and profoundly humane policy that clearly reflects the superiority of the Vietnamese system in caring for the health of the people.

The General Secretarys directive on progressing towards free hospital care for all is not only a long-term strategic orientation and a goal that the health sector is determined to achieve; it is also a policy that touches the hearts of millions and reflects the peoples aspirations, said Deputy Minister Thuan during the regular Government press conference on Tuesday, in response to media question on the issue.

According to Thuan, implementing this policy will bring numerous benefits: increasing access to healthcare services, promoting early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, improving treatment effectiveness, optimising the use of financial resources for healthcare, and reducing the financial burden on citizens.

It will also help people escape poverty, improve the quality of human resources, and boost labour productivity, which would eventually contribute to GDP growth and reduce the risk of economic stagnation. Additionally, the policy will promote social equity, as prioritising free hospital care for ethnic minorities and people in remote areas will enhance healthcare access for vulnerable groups and reduce the wealth gap.

From 2026 to 2030, the health sector aims for 90 per cent of the population to have full access to disease prevention services, health promotion, age-appropriate vaccination, primary healthcare, reproductive and maternal-child health services, mental health care, school health, risk screening, annual health check-ups, chronic disease management, and general and family medicinestarting from the grassroots level.

The sector also targets annual health check-ups for all citizens on an annual basis, and each citizen will be issued with electronic health records for lifetime health management, and can live in a green, clean environment with food safety and proper nutrition. Elderly people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups will also receive social care and attention.

The health sector estimates that with a population of 100 million and an average cost of VN250,000 (about $9.6) per check-up, the total annual cost for routine health check-ups for everyone would be approximately VN25 trillion (nearly $963 million).

He affirmed that financial resources for public healthcare will be secured. The state budget will increase support for health insurance purchases, aiming for 100 per cent population coverage. The scope of health insurance benefits will be expanded, gradually including coverage for preventative services, screening, early diagnosis, and early treatment. The goal is to reduce the proportion of out-of-pocket expenses in total healthcare spending to below 20 per cent, and the co-payment rate for insured treatment to under 10 per cent (currently, out-of-pocket spending accounts for 4045 per cent).

Looking ahead to 2045, the healthcare system is expected to fully and promptly meet the requirements of health protection, care, and promotion. It will aim to reduce the financial burden on the public and implement the policy that citizens will not have to pay additional costs when accessing services covered by health insurance. This will help position Viet Nam among the worlds leading countries in terms of social welfare in healthcare.

Regarding ongoing efforts, Deputy Minister Thuan said the Ministry of Health is drafting a resolution to submit to the Government and the Politburo. This resolution will propose breakthroughs in healthcare to meet development demands in the new era, including policies for developing the health system and moving towards free hospital care for all.

The Ministry is also expediting the drafting of a Government Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Health Insurance, expected to take effect on July 1, 2025. The Decree will define groups eligible for state support in paying health insurance premiums and detail the scope of benefits for health insurance participants.

In parallel, the Ministry is working on circulars specifying the list, rates, levels, and conditions for the reimbursement of medical techniques, medicines, and equipment covered by health insurance. These will include provisions to increase reimbursement rates for certain medicines and medical devices towards full subsidies for specific groups.

As for the roadmap, from 2026 to 2030, the Ministry will propose pilot policies, such as expanding the basic healthcare service package to 2030 per cent of the base salary (up from the current 15 per cent), periodic check-ups, early diagnosis and screening for certain diseases in at-risk groups (by age, occupation, etc.), and increasing health insurance coverage rates to 100 per cent for those currently receiving 95 per cent, with a gradual increase for those at 80 per cent.

Additionally, the Ministry will explore expanding reimbursement rates for medical services, medicines, and devices for groups such as the poor, near-poor, and lower-middle-income populations, as well as for certain illnesses. It will also design sub-funds within the health insurance fundincluding a fund for medical treatment, a contingency fund, and a support fund for critical illnesses. Health insurance will be integrated with the national target programme on health and population development for 20262035 to enhance efficiency and prevent waste. Measures will be put in place to strictly monitor and prevent abuse of free healthcare services, which could lead to resource waste and overload at medical facilities.

Between 2030 and 2035, the Ministry plans to comprehensively revise the Law on Health Insurance and complete policies and regulations to ensure sustainable, stable, and long-term free public healthcare.

The two directions put forward by the General Secretary  annual check-ups for all citizens and free hospital care for the entire population  are not only healthcare objectives, but also powerful reminders that policies must be rooted in people, serve the people, and contribute to a sustainable, developed Viet Nam. These goals are not out of reach if we have strong political will, broad social consensus, and a clear, methodical implementation roadmap, Deputy Minister Thuan added.  VNS
HCM CITY  State President Luong Cuong expressed gratitude to the Indian people for their wholehearted assistance to Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence as well as in the current process of national construction and development while receiving Indian Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in HCM City on Tuesday.

President Cuong welcomed Rijijus attendance at the United Nations Day of Vesak being held in HCM City, a Buddhist celebration hosted by Viet Nam for the fourth time. He thanked Rijiju for bringing Lord Buddha's sarira, a sacred treasure of India, to Viet Nam, describing the gesture as a testament to the deep cultural and religious ties between the two nations.

The State leader praised the Viet Nam-India traditional friendship nurtured by late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and generations of leaders and people of both countries, calling it an invaluable asset to be preserved for future generations.

Expressing his satisfaction with the strong development of the Viet Nam - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, he welcomed the continued bilateral engagement through high-level visits and the effective realisation of cooperation mechanisms and signed agreements. He also proposed enhancing experience sharing in law building, especially those related to the removal of legal bottlenecks to propel growth in both countries.

Rijiju, for his part, expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's well-organised hosting of the Vesak Day, noting that it stood out among similar celebrations he had attended in the world.

He welcomed the increasingly robust Viet Nam - India relations, which now span politics, economy, and socio-culture. He once again extended congratulations from Indian leaders to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30), and conveyed deep respect for the resilience and courage of the Vietnamese people during their struggle for independence.

Both sides agreed to further foster bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and economic engagement to make it commensurate with the potential of the Viet Nam - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also expressed their commitment to expanding collaboration in national defence-security, education, sci-tech, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Rijiju proposed accelerating the approved defence cooperation projects under Indias $500 million credit package for Viet Nam and increasing partnership in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in line with the existing bilateral agreement.

Agreeing with President Cuong on the need to further increase mutual support at multilateral forums, Rijiju thanked Viet Nam for joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and finalising procedures to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The minister reiterated Indias commitment to its Act East policy, identifying ASEAN, and Viet Nam in particular, as a pillar of its foreign policy. On the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, he reaffirmed Indias consistent stance on supporting the principles of respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

President Cuong emphasised the need for closer consultation and cooperation on multilateral issues amid growing global uncertainties, for the sake of peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday held phone talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, extending his congratulations on his victory in Australias recent federal election.

The Vietnamese leader said that this result reflected the local peoples trust in the leadership capability and steady governance of the Australian Labour Party and PM Albanese, especially amid a volatile global context.

PM Chinh also expressed appreciation for Albaneses role in upgrading bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, which he said reflected the profound strategic trust and comprehensive nature of Viet Nam-Australia relations.

He called on the Australian government to continue its support for Southeast Asia, including Viet Nam.

Discussing key areas of cooperation such as the economy, trade, official development assistance (ODA), climate change response and energy transition, PM Chinh said he appreciated Australias Southeast Asia Economic Strategy and expressed confidence that its implementation would greatly enhance economic cooperation between Viet Nam and Australia.

The Vietnamese Government leader also proposed that the two countries make full use of multilateral trade frameworks to overcome shared challenges.

He added that Viet Nam would be ready to engage in discussions with Australia on a bilateral trade and investment cooperation agreement, with the aim of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion and doubling two-way investment.

PM Chinh also requested that the Australian government continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Australia.

Expressing appreciation towards the Vietnamese leaders congratulations, PM Albanese agreed to further strengthen the substantive Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the near future.

He also praised the Vietnamese leadership and people for the Southeast Asian countrys rapid transformation into one of the leading economic hubs in the region.

Regarding current economic challenges, the Australian PM agreed that the two countries must work together to ensure a free and open multilateral trading system, and to further open their markets to each others goods and services.

Australia and Viet Nam should maintain exchanges through various channels and levels, especially the annual high-level meetings between the two government leaders, he added.  VNS
MOSCOW  President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the traditional friendship with Viet Nam that has lasted for more than half a century, as the two nations are preparing for a state visit to Azerbaijan by General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam on May 7-8.

Talking with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), President Aliyev reflected on key milestones in bilateral ties, including his official visit to Viet Nam in 2014 and a reciprocal visit by Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang in 2015. These visits, he said, opened up a new chapter for bilateral relations and provided a fresh impetus for further development.

A highlight of President Sangs visit was the first AzerbaijanViet Nam Business Forum, which brought together leaders from industries such as oil and gas, energy, construction, technology, finance, commerce, tourism, transport, and pharmaceuticals.

To build on this, the two countries established the Azerbaijan-Viet Nam Inter-Governmental Commission for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, a platform for sustained dialogue and joint initiatives.

President Aliyev noted regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries, with the most recent in late April, and praised the effective activities of the parliamentary friendship groups in both legislatures. He also highlighted close collaboration within global organisations like the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.

Azerbaijan attaches importance to developing economic and trade ties with Viet Nam, he said, citing that two-way trade hit US$223.93 million in 2024 and there remains significant potential for further growth.

Cooperation in the oil sector, based on a strong historical foundation, continues to thrive, as Azerbaijani experts played a pivotal role in shaping and developing Viet Nams oil and gas industry.

Cultural, humanitarian, and educational exchanges, initiated during the Soviet Union era, have expanded in recent years. Around 5,000 Vietnamese students studied in Azerbaijan during that period, many of whom now hold senior positions in the Vietnamese Government.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has furthered these connections, notably by funding the construction of a primary school in the northern province of Ha Giang in 2018.

Last month, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visited Viet Nam, met with State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, representatives of Viet Nams creative industries, and leaders of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, as well as Vietnamese alumni who had studied in Azerbaijan. During her visit, the college received a certificate of financial support from the foundation.

The Azerbaijani President described the forthcoming visit of Party General Secretary To Lam, his first since assuming the post, as a politically significant event in the bilateral relationship.

The visit underscores both sides strong wish to deepen ties and explore new areas of cooperation, he said, adding that, in the current context, it is expected to be a pivotal moment in advancing AzerbaijanViet Nam relations.

The Azerbaijani leader noted that during the visit, the two sides are set to engage in comprehensive discussions on pressing issues, align their approaches, and identify promising areas for deeper cooperation. Key topics include political dialogue, trade and economic relations, and humanitarian and cultural exchanges.

President Aliyev said particular attention is being paid to developing inter-party dialogue. Cooperation between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of Viet Nam has been gaining momentum, and the upcoming visit is expected to reaffirm the high level of political and ideological interaction between the two sides.

He expressed confidence that General Secretary Lams visit will serve as a vital impetus for enhancing cooperation and opening new horizons for bilateral relations, based on friendship and mutual respect.

Expressing his confidence that both countries possess ample opportunities to expand cooperation across various sectors, President Aliyev stated that new opportunities in commercial and economic relations could not only stimulate economic growth but also establish a stable foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships, contributing to the diversification of both economies.

He identified tourism as one of the most promising areas for strengthened relations, suggesting that the establishment of direct flights between Vietnamese cities and Baku, along with the development of tourism programmes will foster mutual interest in each other's culture and history.

The president also advocated for joint cultural projects, humanitarian educational programmes, and collaborative initiatives in healthcare and ecosystem protection.

Education was highlighted as another critical sector for cooperation as President Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan welcomes Vietnamese students through grant and scholarship programmes offered to citizens of Non-Aligned Movement member states. He said the opportunities will boost academic exchanges, scientific research, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

The implementation of exchange programmes and cooperation in science-technology was also identified as a promising area for the development of bilateral relations, he added.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has reaffirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of strictly respecting and complying with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peacefully settling all differences and disputes, including those related to maritime issues.

PM Chinh made the statement at a reception in Ha Noi on Tuesday for Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), who is in Viet Nam to attend the regional workshop on the ITLOSs role in resolving disputes related to the Law of the Sea.

The workshop is co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITLOS on May 56 in the capital city.

He stressed the critical importance of the sea to Viet Nam, particularly as the country pursues its strategic goal of becoming a strong coastal country with sustainable development, prosperity, security, and safety as outlined in the Party Central Committees Resolution on the strategy for sustainable development of Viet Nam's marine economy.

He affirmed that the sea is the most important space for Viet Nam's survival, livelihood and development.

Describing the UNCLOS 1982 as the constitution of the oceans, the PM underscored its role as the legal foundation for all maritime activities, fostering order, peace, stability, and sustainable development in regions like the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

In his view, ITLOS acts as a level playing field where all member states, large or small, can present their legal views on maritime matters and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

The PM commended ITLOS for its training programmes and events that enhance understanding of international maritime law, noting that the Hanoi workshop marked a significant milestone in Viet Nam-ITLOS relations.

He proposed ITLOS continue assisting Viet Nam in training and capacity-building efforts to develop a contingent of legal experts well-versed in international law, including the law of the sea. This, he stressed, is crucial to enable Vietnamese legal professionals to operate in international legal institutions and multilateral mechanisms.

The PM also acknowledged ITLOSs recruitment of Vietnamese nationals, and announced that Viet Nam has nominated a qualified candidate for the position of ITLOS Judge for the 202635 term.

Heidar, in turn, praised Viet Nam as an ideal host for the workshop, citing its active role in the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and its early signing and ratification of the UNCLOS.

According to the ITLOS President, Viet Nam already ratified the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI (2006) and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement (2018). The country is also among the first to sign the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

Heidar expressed gratitude for Viet Nams strong support for ITLOS, including its contributions to advisory proceedings on climate change and the nomination of a highly qualified Vietnamese candidate for the 202635 ITLOS judge position.

The Ha Noi workshop brought together seven ITLOS representatives and over 70 legal experts from 15 Asian countries. It featured three sessions on UNCLOS dispute settlement procedures, ITLOSs role, and landmark cases, concluding with a roundtable discussion among delegates.  VNA/VNS
ASTANA  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam had a meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Astana on Tuesday afternoon (local time) as part of his state visit to the Central Asian country.

Bektenov stressed Viet Nam is Kazakhstan's most important and reliable partner in Southeast Asia and expressed his confidence that the Party chief's ongoing visit with the upgrade of the bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership is a historic milestone would inject fresh momentum into the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Lam affirmed that Viet Nam always treasures the sound traditional friendship with Kazakhstan, notably referencing President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the country in 1959, which laid the foundation for the bilateral friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

He took this occasion to thank Kazakhstan for its assistance during Viet Nam's past struggle for national liberation and its current process of national construction and development.

At the meeting, Lam briefed Bektenov on the successful outcomes of his talks with Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, including the adoption of a joint statement on the elevation of the bilateral ties to the Strategic Partnership. Bektenov pledged to join hands with the Vietnamese Government to effectively implement the contents of the Strategic Partnership.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at the robust development of the bilateral relations over the recent past, with the exchange of delegations at all levels and growing two-way trade. Kazakhstan currently stands as Viet Nam's second-largest trading partner within the Eurasian Economic Union.

The two nations have strengthened cooperation through a visa exemption agreement and tourism collaboration, resulting in increased people-to-people exchanges. Flight frequency has increased to 3-5 daily flights, contributing to a remarkable rise in Kazakh visitors to Viet Nam.

Besides, the two countries have achieved significant progress in their cooperation in such areas as education  training, culture, and collaboration between localities.

On that spirit, both sides agreed to continue increasing the exchange of delegations and meetings, including those at high level across all Party, State, and people-to-people channels. They also vowed to strengthen the two foreign ministries role in advancing bilateral cooperation, acting as a bridge to foster cooperative ties between ministries, agencies and localities. At the same time, they will continue to work closely together at international organisations and multilateral forums of which both countries are members, including the United Nations, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The two leaders held that there remains untapped potential for expanding economic ties, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as industry, energy, science, information technology, tourism, and transport. They pledged to promote substantive cooperation in traditional fields such as transport, energy - oil and gas, agriculture, and education; strengthen collaboration through the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic, Trade, and ScientificTechnical Cooperation; and speed up the establishment of a Vietnamese trade representative office in Kazakhstan and the Viet NamKazakhstan Joint Business Council.

Lam proposed exploring new areas of cooperation like finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, clean energy, digital economy and digital transformation. He suggested the two sides improve their legal environments to facilitate investment and business activities, review and consider supplementing, amending, or signing new cooperation documents to advance collaboration in various areas. In particular, he requested Kazakhstan to facilitate deeper penetration of Vietnamese goods into the Kazakh market and the broader region, as well as creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises doing bussiness and investing in Kazakhstan.

The two leaders reached consensus on boosting connectivity in transport, including railways and aviation, and fortifying joint work in logistics, tourism, sci-tech, and agriculture. Bektenov appreciated the presence of Vietnamese businesses successfully operating in Kazakhstan and expressed his strong desire to attract more Vietnamese firms with all possible support.

On this occasion, Lam thanked the PM and the Government of Kazakhstan for their support to the Vietnamese community living and working in the country.

He conveyed greetings and an invitation from PM Pham Minh Chinh to the Kazakh PM to visit Viet Nam soon. He also expressed his hope that Kazakhstan would send a delegation to the signing ceremony of the Cybercrime Convention in Ha Noi later this year.  VNA/VNS
ASTANA  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam visited and delivered a policy speech at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan in the evening of Tuesday (local time), as part of his state visit to the Central Asian nation.

In his speech, the Party leader stressed that the fresh establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries has ushered in a new chapter in the bilateral relations.

Looking toward the future, he noted that the Strategic Partnership should be implemented through substantive and effective cooperation, thereby becoming a model of South-South collaboration between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

To this end, and in order to implement the joint statement on upgrading the Viet NamKazakhstan relations, the Party General Secretary stressed that five key "connections" should be strengthened in the coming time.

First is the people-to-people connection, encompassing ties between the two countries leaders, institutions, and people. Within this framework, the two nations should enhance frequent and substantive high-level political dialogues, across all Party, State, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels. Existing cooperation mechanisms, such as the Viet NamKazakhstan intergovernmental committee and political consultation mechanisms between the two ministries of foreign affairs, should be utilised effectively. Both sides should also explore establishing new dialogue mechanisms in areas such as defence, security, trade, science-technology, and locality-to-locality cooperation. In addition, they should intensify joint work in education, arts and culture, and tourism, thus fostering mutual understanding, especially among the younger generations.

Second is the economic connection, aimed at maximising each countrys potential and strengths. The Party leader affirmed that Viet Nam wishes to work with Kazakhstan to make economic, trade, and investment cooperation a vital pillar of the bilateral relationship, commensurate with both sides potential.

The two countries should actively explore opportunities to expand the exchange of Kazakhstans agricultural products and Viet Nam's seafood, while promoting cooperation in the mining sector. Viet Nam expects Kazakhstan to share experience and cooperate in the development of international financial centres, he said.

Infrastructure and transportation connectivity, as well as cooperation in other potential fields such as energy, should be promoted to capitalise on their geographical advantages. The two sides should take advantage of regional strengths and foster deeper ties between their national oil and gas corporations.

In particular, Kazakhstan was encouraged to introduce potential exploration and exploitation projects to the Viet Nam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam). Cooperation in energy exploration, exploitation, and technology transfer could soon become a pillar of bilateral ties.

Policy coordination should also be strengthened through collaboration in education -training, sci-tech, and innovation. The two countries need to prioritise cooperation in training quality workforce, aiming to build a dynamic young generation with entrepreneurial skills and the capacity to integrate into the digital era. This generation will become a driving force for growth and a bridge between the two countries.

The General Secretary expressed hope that research institutes, universities, and enterprises of both countries would step up coordination in joint studies, especially in green technology, clean energy, and emerging technologies.

He also underscored the need to boost coordination between the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan and leading Vietnamese universities in public administration, economy, international relations, and leadership skills.

Strengthening information exchange, shared research, and forecasts on issues of mutual interest will yield practical benefits and help elevate bilateral relations to a new stage of development, he said.

He called for interregional connectivity and leveraging the roles and influence of both countries to expand cooperation between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, while also amplifying the standing and voice of Global South countries.

Both nations need to continue upholding multilateralism, safeguarding the legitimate interests of developing countries, and proactively contributing to the international communitys efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, energy security, water security, and food security, and the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, the leader said.

Viet Nam and Kazakhstan will continue coordination and support for each other in international organisations and at multilateral forums. As an active member of ASEAN, Viet Nam welcomes all efforts to promote cooperation between ASEAN and Kazakhstan, while standing ready to serve as a bridge to enhance and deepen relations between ASEAN, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia in a substantive, effective, and mutually beneficial manner.

The Party chief expressed his admiration for the socio-economic achievements that Kazakhstan has obtained over the past time, with significant contributions of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Kazakhstan, stating he is confident that the academy will continue its key role in promoting education and scientific progress in the country and throughout the region.

According to the Vietnamese leader, the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and sincere cooperation forms the strong bond between Viet Nam and Kazakhstan in the new era. With joint efforts, particularly those of the young generations, the Strategic Partnership between the two countries will continue to develop robustly and become a bridge fostering cooperation between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, bringing benefits to both nations' people while contributing to regional and global peace and stability.  VNA/VNS
By Le Huong *

(*with additional reporting by Minh Phuong)

In a world increasingly driven by digital technology, older generations are often those most at risk of being left behind. But thats not the case for the seniors of Dich Vong Hau Ward in Ha Nois Cau Giay District -- theyre embracing change and actively learning how to keep up.

A special AI class is helping elderly residents get comfortable with smartphones and explore the world of AI-powered apps. Taking photos, making videos and joining social networks are no longer intimidating tasks for these tech-savvy seniors.

The initiative is led by retired lecturer inh Ngoc Son, former deputy head of the Radio  Television Faculty at the Academy of Journalism and Communications. Classes are held right in his home.

Though the room is only a few dozen square metres, its always packed. Each class hosts 15 to 20 learners and runs as part of a rotating series of three consecutive sessions. Classes are scheduled in the morning or evening to accommodate different routines - the only requirements: a smartphone and a willingness to learn.

As soon as the class was announced - just a small pilot with ten people - it filled up in ten minutes, said 72-year-old participant Tran Thu Hien. People in the neighbourhood rushed to register. Within just half a day, the class was full. With that kind of enthusiasm, we knew we had to open more sessions. The demand is huge.

The first step in class: creating a Gmail account. From there, participants learn how to search online, download useful apps like ChatGPT or Gemini as well as practical ones for navigating public transport, booking Grab rides, or accessing platforms like VNeID.

The class has sparked excitement throughout the community.

After joining the digital transformation and AI course, I feel much more confident using my phone, said 75-year-old Duong Son Thac. Before, I just fumbled around. People used to say YouTube, Facebook and TikTok were useless or risky. But now, I know how to use them wisely. Im no longer afraid of being scammed.

Thac even set up a TikTok account, where he now shares photos of his family and friends.

Instructor Son believes that attitude is key. The guiding principle here is to stay positive - think positively, act positively, he said. Theres no room for sadness here, only joy. As we like to say, Its like scratching an itch - just what people need.

Son emphasised the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world - a mindset that shouldnt exclude the elderly.

In just a few months, the class has welcomed hundreds of seniors. Sons approach begins with simple, user-friendly apps and gradually introduces more complex ones.

Were especially cautious with financial apps, he said. We always remind them: dont be afraid, but dont be greedy. If something promises high returns or easy money, its likely a scam. Stay smart, and youll stay safe.

To support the programme, Son has recruited a team of dedicated volunteers.

Among them is An Thanh at, a photojournalist from the Vietnam News Agency, who teaches seniors how to take better photos.

I help them take meaningful photos they can share in various ways, at said. They may be older, but theyre not old. Their minds are sharp and their energy is high. Its just the joints that are a bit slower  thats perfectly normal. What really stands out is their drive to stay connected through technology.

Volunteer Kieu Diem Huong said that many participants have ample time to practise at home, though some face unique challenges.

Many seniors dont remember the passwords to their phones - sometimes because the phone actually belongs to their children, she said. It can take quite a while just to unlock the phone and start installing apps.

The success of the class has prompted many in the community to call for its expansion.

Social media is growing fast, and the values we share online are real and impactful, Son noted. The key is to ensure that the content is appropriate and meaningful for the elderly. When it is, the benefits are enormous.

More than just a tech lesson, the class gives seniors the tools to connect, communicate, and thrive in the digital world. VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams sweeping administrative reforms are reshaping its Government, cutting public sector jobs while opening doors to private enterprise and new economic projects, making career transitions a pressing challenge.

Kieu Cong Thuoc, chairman of the Vietnam Development Fund (VNFund), said that streamlining the bureaucratic system is not unique to Viet Nam, but is a global trend.

Many developed countries have implemented significant workforce reductions in public administration while introducing policies to support public-sector employees in their career transitions. These policies go beyond mere job placement and include skills training, psychological adaptation and integration into new labour markets.

In the United States, for example, the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) programme provides benefits and support to workers who lose their jobs due to the impact of international trade.

The initiative helps affected employees acquire new skills to stay competitive in the workforce, according to Thuoc.

Similarly, South Korea has implemented vocational transition policies for public-sector employees through training programmes and financial support. Businesses offering vocational training to employees can claim expenses from labour insurance funds, provided they register and purchase labour insurance.

The South Korean government prioritises full training support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while large companies receive 60 per cent support and firms with over 1,000 employees receive 40 per cent.

Thuoc said that, despite these successful models, Viet Nam still faces significant challenges in developing policies to support public-sector workers transitioning to the private sector.

One key challenge is the lack of a specialised vocational training framework for public employees after organisational restructuring.

Additionally, workplace culture and people's mindsets pose obstacles, as many government employees are accustomed to a stable working environment, with fixed salaries.

Public-sector employees often lack the necessary skills to compete in the private labour market.

Drawing from international experience, Thuoc identified key factors for successful career transitions, including early career orientation and in-depth counselling, skills training aligned with labour market needs, financial support policies (such as subsidies, preferential loans and insurance funds), and collaboration with the private sector to create new employment opportunities.

Each phase requires proper policies to ensure flexibility and social stability, he told the Tin Tuc (News) newspaper.

Reducing quantity, improving quality

Public-sector downsizing is a crucial policy aimed at improving the effectiveness of State governance, reducing the burden on the national budget and building a streamlined and transparent administrative system.

This approach optimises resources, modernises public administration and fosters national development. Supporting workers in career transitions not only mitigates unemployment pressure but also stimulates business growth, expands the labour market and diversifies the workforce.

CEO of VOVINAM Digital Bach Ngoc Chien viewed streamlining as an inevitable part of development. He saw it as an opportunity to retain and nurture high-quality human resources within the State system.

Public-sector employees transitioning to the private sector have the advantage of systematic thinking and procedural knowledge, which can contribute significantly to private enterprises.

Chien proposed implementing a performance evaluation system for Government employees to encourage contributions from high-quality personnel.

CEO of My Viet International Group Doan Huu Tue, who worked at the State Bank of Vietnam for nearly 20 years, shared a similar perspective.

In 2011, he transitioned to a private company as an executive assistant. This decision gave him more understanding of corporate structures.

He highlighted the stark differences between the public and private sectors, particularly in employee evaluation.

Private businesses do not care about an employees academic qualifications or previous titles. What matters most is their actual contribution to the company. Performance is measured quantitatively and based on efficiency, Tue said.

Associate Professor Dr o Huong Lan, Director of the Institute for Policy and Management at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said: Career transition is not a loss but an opportunity for workers.

As one of the countrys leading research and training institutions, the university has conducted various studies, scientific conferences and policy consultations on social security, labour and employment.

The Institute for Policy and Management has also partnered with businesses to develop the ROAD2NEXT career transition support ecosystem.

This multidimensional ecosystem helps public-sector employees redefine their professional identities, unlock their latent skills, and overcome challenges when leaving the government sector. It also provides retraining, upskilling and new career opportunities that align with market demands and individual capabilities.

Associate Professor Dr Le Thi Thanh Ha, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, suggested developing appropriate policies for Government employees directly affected by organisational restructuring.

As recruitment in the public sector declines, the labour market will shift towards manufacturing, business and, particularly, private enterprises and foreign-invested firms.

A solution that is both urgent and long-term involves removing institutional barriers, reforming administrative procedures, and significantly improving the business environment.

Policies should encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and lawful investments by businesses and individuals.  VNS
HCM CITY  State President Luong Cuong attended the opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 in HCM City on Tuesday, during which he stressed that Viet Nam always respects and protects everyones right to freedom of belief and religion.

"The Party and State of Viet Nam highly value and create favourable conditions for religions, including Buddhism, to operate within the framework of the law," he said, adding that this is considered an important foundation for strengthening great national unity.

President Cuong extended a warm welcome to heads of state, government leaders, and representatives from international organisations, as well as distinguished Buddhist dignitaries from around the world.

He also greeted Vietnamese Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers both at home and abroad, noting that their presence was a vivid representation of solidarity, compassion, and harmony.

"Vesak, a major international religious event, holds great significance for Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism worldwide, including the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) and the country and people of Viet Nam," he said.

He praised the theme of Vesak 2025, "Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development," noting that it carries an important message at a time when the world faces challenges such as conflict, inequality, climate change, and a crisis of social ethics.

He highlighted that the theme reflected the UNs commitment to social action for a world of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. Additionally, it promoted the values of tolerance, harmony, compassion, and loving-kindness passed down by the Buddha, inspiring collective efforts to build a peaceful and happy world.

"Viet Nam is a country with a long-standing Buddhist tradition deeply intertwined with its history of national building and defence," he said, noting that for over 2,000 years, Buddhism has become an integral part of Vietnamese cultural and spiritual life.

According to the President, throughout the ups and downs of history, Vietnamese Buddhism has always upheld the spirit of "protecting the nation and bringing peace to the people," with the Dharma accompanying the nation.

Values such as patriotism, tolerance, and the pursuit of goodness in Buddhism have deeply influenced the Vietnamese soul and contributed to shaping the nation's cultural identity.

He praised the efforts made by the VBS in carrying forward its tradition and actively contributing to the cause of national building and defence, noting that tens of thousands of monks, nuns, and Buddhists not only diligently practise and spread the Dharma but also take the lead in activities benefiting the nation and people such as charity work, social welfare, poverty reduction, disaster relief, environmental protection, and public health care.

He stressed that these contributions had played an important role in advancing Viet Nam's realisation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering harmony between religion and society, and promoting collective well-being.

"The VBSs hosting of Vesak 2025 demonstrates that Vietnamese Buddhism is not only deeply connected with the nation but is also actively contributing to international Buddhist activities, for a shared goal of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development," Cuong said.

He expressed his hope that Vesak 2025 would be a great success, and delegates would share valuable experiences and contribute actively to the topics of the event, while gaining practical insights into the country and people of Viet Nam.

He also suggested that compassion should be incorporated into policies, with wisdom guiding development directions, and emphasised the spirit of selflessness and altruism, meaning taking actions not for one's own benefit but always considering the well-being of the community.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), ambassadors and charges d'affaires of several countries, and over 2,700 delegates, including around 1,250 foreigners, from 85 countries and territories.

Delegates listened to Vesak 2025s message presented by Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, the Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the VBS, which called on every Buddhist to always diligently practise and have compassion for all living beings, light up the world with the light of kindness and wisdom, and wished that all Buddhists around the world unite and actively work to create a truly peaceful and happy world.

In his opening remarks, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice Supreme Patriarch, President of the Executive Council of the VBS, and Chairman of the UN Vesak 2025 Organising Committee, the theme of this years event was a timely and urgent message as it carried humanitarian significance and reflected the current era which the Buddhist community hoped to convey to the world.

He stressed that promoting unity and collaborative efforts for global harmony would be the path for the Buddhist community and all religions to join hands in overcoming differences, and build a united world where compassion, understanding, and sharing become the common language of humanity.

Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit said that since the UN General Assembly recognised Vesak Day in 1999, this sacred event had united the global Buddhist community in peace and contemplation.

He added that this years event called for addressing global challenges with compassion, mindfulness, and shared determination.  VNA/VNS
Tibetan antelopes start annual migration to give birth

Xinhua) 08:38, May 06, 2025

Male Tibetan antelopes guard the female ones during their migration to their birth-giving ground in Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, June 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

XINING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Pregnant Tibetan antelopes have begun their annual migration to the heart of northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve to give birth, local sources with the reserve said Sunday.

The first group of 65 Tibetan antelopes was observed crossing the Qinghai-Xizang Highway on Sunday, heading toward Zonag Lake at the center of Hoh Xil.

According to the reserve's public security bureau, measures along the migration route, including temporary traffic control and a ban on honking, will be implemented to ensure the antelopes reach their breeding spots undisturbed.

Each year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start to migrate to Hoh Xil in May to give birth. They will return with their offspring around August.

Under first-class state protection in China, the once-endangered species is mostly found in Xizang Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Due to strict bans on illegal hunting and efforts to improve their habitat, the Tibetan antelope population has rebounded from fewer than 20,000 in the late 1980s to more than 70,000 today.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
HA NOI  Viet Nam is working closely with Taiwanese authorities following the discovery of four deceased Vietnamese citizens in an apartment in Taoyuan, Taiwan (China), on May 3 night.

According to the Viet Nam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, local authorities are carrying out an investigation, with initial assessments suggesting that the deaths may have resulted from accidental poisoning of carbon monoxide.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam promptly directed the office in Taipei to coordinate with Taiwanese authorities to verify the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Ministrys Consular Department is also working with relevant domestic agencies to confirm personal details and notify the victims families as soon as possible.

The Viet Nam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei will continue to closely monitor the investigation and provide assistance to the victims families, including support with funeral arrangements.

The Yangmei Precinct of the Taoyuan Police Department reported in a press release that it received a call at approximately 10pm on May 3 requesting a welfare check on individuals residing in a rental home in Yangmei District as the victims friends had been unable to contact them for several days.

The police then discovered four deceased individuals  two men and two women  inside the house, with no visible injuries or signs of a struggle on the bodies.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam welcomed approximately 1.65 million international tourist arrivals in April, up more than 6 per cent year-on-year but down 19.5 per cent compared to the previous month.

According to a General Statistics Office report released on Tuesday, April saw the lowest monthly figure since the beginning of the year.

Tourism experts attribute the decline in April to the end of the international tourism high season, which typically runs from September or October through to March or April each year in Viet Nam.

Overall, in the first four months of 2025, Viet Nam received an estimated 7.67 million international visitorsan increase of nearly 24 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Of these, arrivals by air accounted for nearly 6.6 million, or approximately 86 per cent of the total, followed by 924,900 arrivals by land and more than 158,000 by sea.

China continued to be Viet Nams largest source of international arrivals, with 1.95 million visitors in the first four months of the year, an increase of over 56 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. South Korea followed with 1.58 million arrivals, showing a slight decline compared to last year. Taiwan (China) ranked third, with 440,214 arrivals, followed by Japan and India.

Visitors from Asian countries alone accounted for over 5.9 million arrivals during this period, representing nearly 78 per cent of all international tourists.

The Russian market saw particularly strong growth, with 166,460 arrivals, or more than double the figure from the same period last year. This four-month number already represents over 70 per cent of the total Russian arrivals recorded in 2024, making Russia the fastest-growing source market among Viet Nams key inbound tourism markets.

The Philippines also demonstrated remarkable growth, with 135,951 visitors, up 198.3 per cent year-on-year and more than double the same period last year. By the end of April, tourist arrivals from the Philippines had surpassed 50 per cent of the full-year figure for 2024.

Tourism-related revenues also showed promising signs. Accommodation and food services in the first four months of 2025 generated an estimated VN270 trillion (US$10.4 billion). Several localities  including Quang Ninh, a Nang, HCM City, Ha Noi and Hai Phong  recorded revenue growth of between 15 and 19 per cent.

Meanwhile, revenue from travel and tour services is estimated to have exceeded VN30 trillion, driven by high travel demand during public holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year) and especially the grand celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30.

With more than 7.6 million international arrivals recorded in just the first four months of the year, tourism experts consider this a positive sign for achieving the national target of welcoming 22 to 23 million international visitors in 2025.  VNS
HCM CITY  More than 10,000 people gathered at the Viet Nam Buddhist Academy and the Lang Le Cultural Park in HCM City on Tuesday evening for a candle-lighting ritual, praying for world peace, as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 celebrations.

The event attracted the participation of some 1,200 international delegates from 80 countries and five territories, 800 Vietnamese monks and nuns, about 4,000 young people of HCM City, and local Buddhist followers.

At the event, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs ao Ngoc Dung expressed his appreciation for the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) and monks for dedicating moments of remembrance to over three million Vietnamese who laid down their lives defending the country's independence and unity.

The ceremony also honoured more than 1.2 million fallen heroes, 800,000 wounded veterans, and millions of Vietnamese heroic mothers and families who contributed to the revolution.

The Vietnamese Party and State always respect the freedom of religion, belief, and non-belief of all citizens, he said, adding that Viet Nam hopes that the VBS and all people, both religious and non-religious, will continue joining hands to build a prosperous and happy nation.

The candle-lighting ritual demonstrated Buddhism's value in its global mission, which is to preserve spiritual traditions and actively contribute to international dialogues on peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Earlier, the VBS held a grand memorial and requiem ceremony for the fallen heroes on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

This service exemplifies the Buddhist spirit of gratitude and the tradition of national protection that has accompanied Viet Nam throughout its 2,000-year history.  VNA/VNS
NEW DELHI  Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Secretary Govind Mohan, raising speculation about Indias counter-offensive plans.

Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met the Prime Minister. These meetings assume significance as they follow closely on the heels of discussions PM Modi held with Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Sunday and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Saturday.

This series of high-level consultations is seen as critical amid growing conjecture about the strategic response India may be planning, in line with the countrys declared resolve to deliver a decisive blow to terrorism.

It is learned that during his meeting with the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister was briefed on developments along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has continued unprovoked firing for the 11th consecutive night.

Reports indicate that during the night of May 45, small arms fire was directed from posts opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded promptly to the firing.

On Saturday, Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi had also briefed the Prime Minister on the security situation across critical maritime zones in the Arabian Sea.

Last fortnight, PM Modi had met with the chiefs of all three armed forces and assured them of his full confidence and support, granting them "complete operational freedom to decide the mode, targets, and timing" of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

These developments come in the backdrop of Pakistans recent test of its Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile, with a range of 450 km. The missile was tested on Saturday during Pakistans military drill 'Exercise INDUS'.  THE STATESMAN
SINGAPORE  The 2025 General Election saw the lowest voter turnout by percentage since 1968, with 92.47 per cent of the 2,627,026 registered voters in contested constituencies casting their ballots in Singapore on May 3.

Political observers said the likeliest explanation for the lower turnout in 2025 was that Singaporeans had already made travel plans before the election was called, taking advantage of the May Day holiday that fell on a Thursday.

They noted that even if more voters had turned up, it may not have altered the final outcome as there is no way to know for certain how those who did not vote would have leaned.

The 92.47 per cent figure, which the Elections Department (ELD) recently released, does not include the votes cast at overseas polling stations or by post, which will be added to the final count no earlier than 10 days after Polling Day.

Of the 18,389 registered overseas voters in the 2025 General Election, 1,152 did not participate in the ballot as they were registered to vote in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, where the People's Action Party (PAP) won in a walkover.

Historically, overseas voter turnout has hovered between 60 per cent and 80 per cent.

However, even if the remaining 17,237 eligible overseas voters had all cast their ballots abroad, the overall voter turnout percentage in 2025 would stand at 93.13 per cent.

This is lower than the 95.81 per cent turnout in 2020 when the election was held during the COVID-19 pandemic; 93.7 per cent in 2015; and 93.18 per cent in 2011.

The lowest ever voter turnout by percentage for parliamentary elections in Singapore was in 1968, the first general election since the countrys independence.

Then, 91.83 per cent of eligible voters showed up to cast their ballots, but there were only seven contested seats out of 58, as the now-defunct Barisan Sosialis had boycotted the polls.

On whether a higher turnout could have changed the election results, especially in tighter races, observers said this is purely speculative.

Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore, said there is no way to know for certain how those who did not vote would lean if they were at the ballot box.

It is interesting that the turnout is lower than in previous elections. But I think every election should be looked at on its own terms, he added.

Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst and law don at the Singapore Management University, said the takeaway is that every vote matters. This applies to spoilt votes as well, he added.

Based on the ELDs tally so far, there were a total of 42,829 rejected votes at the close of polls on May 3, or 1.76 per cent of the total ballots cast.

In comparison, there were 45,822 rejected votes in the 2020 General Election, or 1.8 per cent of the total ballots cast then.

Voting is compulsory for Singaporeans aged 21 and older, and those who do not vote will have their names removed from the Registers of Electors.

Those with valid reasons for not voting, however, can apply to restore their names without a fee. Some acceptable reasons include being overseas on holiday, or medical issues such as illness.

Undergraduate Basile Chen, 26, who flew to Bangkok on May 2, was among those who already made travel plans before the Writ of Election was issued on April 15. Chen, who has never voted, also missed the 2023 Presidential Election as he was on an overseas exchange programme at the time.

The East Coast GRC resident, who has been following the 2025 campaign closely, said it was unfortunate that he was unable to participate in the ballot.

The right to vote is fundamental in a functioning democracy, and it would have been nice to have had my views accounted for by taking part in this election, he said.  THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN
PHNOM PENH  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the suspension of operations at any factory or enterprise that lack proper wastewater treatment systems and causes pollution to public water sources, especially near rivers and the sea.

This directive was issued during a May 6 groundbreaking ceremony for a wastewater treatment development project in Takhmao town. The project is valued at over U$90 million.

Manet emphasised how the establishment of wastewater treatment systems is critical in urban areas, as some factories and enterprises produce raw materials containing high levels of chemicals or discharge untreated wastewater into public water sources. He stressed that this requires strict environmental regulation.

There will be no grace period of a year or a few months for continued discharge. If they continue to discharge, operations must be suspended until the issue is resolved. Once resolved, they can resume. If not, they will face problems, he said.

Before beginning operations, they must have a treatment system in place. It's not acceptable to start operations and then request time to build it. It must be done beforehand. In areas affecting the public, operations must be halted, clearly assessed and regulated. Discharging into shared water sources causes problems, he added.

The PM cited examples of how pollution from some factories has been discharged into the Sangke River in Battambang province and into the sea in Preah Sihanouk province.

He instructed the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, relevant technical departments, and provincial and capital authorities to take this matter seriously by conducting thorough and consistent inspections.

Special attention must be paid to this task, especially in provinces bordering rivers and the sea. For factories and enterprises near those areas, if they are discharging wastewater, it must be treated correctly. Regular inspections are required, and no leniency should be given, he advised.

Environment minister Eang Sophalleth warned in March that over 100 factories in Cambodia are capable of releasing toxic substances.

Of these, the ministry recently identified 28 factories and companies that discharged polluted wastewater into public water sources between 2024 and 2025, due to a lack of proper liquid waste treatment systems.

They are located in Pailin, Kandal, Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu, Battambang, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Tbong Khmum provinces.

The ministry reported that it has taken legal measures against all companies that violated wastewater regulations, with the goal of curbing further pollution.

Seven locations have already complied with the required legal and technical measures, while the remaining operations have yet to comply or are in the process of implementing the necessary measures.  THE PHNOM PENH POST/ANN
On April 19, Vingroup broke ground on the Vinhomes Green Paradise sea reclamation urban tourism project in Can Gio, one of the largest-scale developments in Vietnam to date.

Spanning 2,870 hectares and with an estimated investment of $11 billion, the venture is positioned as a high-end coastal urban area, combining resort, convention, smart city features, and advanced service and housing components.

According to Arnaud Ginolin, managing director and partner at BCG Vietnam, the consulting partner for the venture, Vinhomes Green Paradise will set a new benchmark for ESG-integrated cities, balancing development with conservation.

This is not just a vision, but a commitment backed by a comprehensive strategy. BCG will draw on our global experience in sustainable urban development to optimise this model, he said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Duong Ngoc Hai, Permanent Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, said that Vinhomes Green Paradise would be a strategic destination in the Citys plan to elevate Ho Chi Minh City into a regional economic, financial, and tourism hub.

The city will streamline administrative procedures and improve infrastructure to create the best conditions for investors, Hai said.

Nguyen Viet Quang, vice chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said, Developing Can Gio must go beyond outdated models. We aim to create a harmonious space where modernity and nature elevate the quality of life. Vinhomes Green Paradise is envisioned as a world-class environmental, social, and governance city, representing Vietnams global ambition.

The Vinhomes venture is part of a broader infrastructure transformation in Can Gio. Alongside are key infrastructure initiatives, including the $5 billion Can Gio International Transshipment Port.

The port, positioned near Cai Mep-Thi Vai estuary and close to key international maritime routes in the East Sea, is expected to generate 6,0008,000 direct jobs and tens of thousands more in logistics and support services.

This scheme was approved for investment in early 2025. Spanning 571ha and with seven planned construction phases, the port will begin partial operations in 2027 and reach completion by 2045.

The ports geographic advantage makes it a key gateway for cargo from Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Brunei, and southern China.

Connectivity is a top priority. A proposed metro line will stretch 48.5km from Nguyen Van Linh street in District 7 to Can Gio, with a maximum speed of 250km per hour  more than twice that of the existing Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line. The project is expected to cost $4 billion under a public-private partnership model.

Additionally, the Southern Coastal Expressway aims to link Tien Giang province to Can Gio and Ba Ria-Vung Tau via a sea-crossing bridge. The initiatives estimated cost is between $1.2 and $2.4 billion.

The planned Can Gio Bridge, over 7km long, is another critical project, designed to replace the current Binh Khanh ferry and connect to both the port and the urban area. The bridge is expected to be completed before 2030.

If these plans are realised, Can Gio will unlock tremendous growth potential, not only for itself or Ho Chi Minh City, but for regional integration across the Southeast region and nationwide, said Can Gio Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Hong.

Thanks to an improved infrastructure system which is expected to drive rising tourism, Can Gio is experiencing a surge in demand for resort and second-home real estate. Premium villas, beach resorts, and ecological urban developments are attracting growing interest from investors and homebuyers alike.

Can Gios pristine mangrove forests, scenic beaches, and tranquil environment set it apart as a destination ideal for ecotourism and resort development. Locations like 30/4 Beach, Vam Sat Tourist Area, and Thanh An Island are increasingly attractive to investors seeking to develop weekend homes or premium rental properties.

One of the most notable real estate segments in Can Gio District is residential housing and land plots.

Many investors and Ho Chi Minh City residents are increasingly eyeing Can Gio as a destination to acquire land, where prices remain relatively affordable compared to neighbouring areas. Particularly, once major infrastructure projects are completed, land values in Can Gio are expected to rise significantly, offering high profit potential for investors.

Nguyen Thanh Hoang, a real estate broker in Can Gio, said that residential land prices in the centre of Can Thanh town have surged to $2,500 per sq.m in April, the highest level ever recorded.

Compared to a year ago, when prices ranged from $2,400 to $2,800 per sq.m, this marks a significant increase. Despite the rising prices, transactions remain active, with some land plots valued at hundreds of billions of VND (millions of US dollars) still attracting buyers, Hoang said.

According to cafe and restaurant owners in Can Thanh, it has been a long time since they have seen such a large number of people visiting to view and purchase land, particularly in the past 2-3 weeks.

The areas receiving the most interest include Can Thanh town and Ly Nhon commune, while communes such as Binh Khanh, Tam Thon Hiep, and An Thoi Dong have yet to see notable transaction activity, said Bui Thi Hoan, a cafe owner in Can Thanh town.

According to Peoples Committee Chairman Hong, the local real estate market faces several challenges. Chief among them is the preservation of the mangrove forest ecosystem, one of the regions most valuable natural assets. Any development projects must ensure they do not adversely affect the environment, requiring careful planning and implementation, Hong said.

He added that the district still lacks modern public services and amenities, particularly in healthcare, education, and commerce.

For Can Gio to develop sustainably and pull in long-term residents, more investment is needed in social infrastructure and public services to ensure a comfortable living environment, he said.

Can Gio, a coastal suburban district located in the southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is the citys only coastal area, situated about 50km from the city centre. At present, the only way to travel to Can Gio is the Binh Khanh ferry, passing through Soai Rap River from Nha Be district. According to Ho Chi Minh Citys master plan towards 2030 with a vision to 2050, Can Gio is designated to become one of the citys satellite urban areas, and is expected to be elevated to full city status after 2030.

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Can Gio district possesses a uniquely valuable natural asset, an intertwined ecosystem of forests, seas, and rivers that together create an unparalleled landscape. To ensure sustainable and green development, authorities emphasise the need to carefully select investors with vision and commitment. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnams first UNESCO-recognised World Biosphere Reserve, covers nearly half of the districts area. Building on this extraordinary ecological foundation, Ho Chi Minh Citys Party Committee outlined a clear development strategy for Can Gio in 2022. Can Gio is set to be transformed into a high-end ecotourism and resort urban area, with a competitive regional edge and a distinctive cultural identity. The development will prioritise conservation of the biosphere reserve and riverine landscapes, spearhead green transformation, and integrate smart, sustainable urban infrastructure resilient to climate change. The district is tasked with encouraging self-reliance, mobilising all available resources, and leveraging its natural strengths, particularly by expanding tourism and hospitality through ecotourism, a high-value, environmentally friendly sector that promises significant economic returns. Can Gio Peoples Committee also must review existing projects and infrastructure plans to draw in suitable investors aligned with the strategic orientation. Development must focus on creating an eco-urban tourism model while safeguarding Ho Chi Minh Citys vital green lung. Nguyen Van Hong, chairman Can Gio Peoples Committee Despite its abundant natural assets, Can Gio has long struggled with limited connectivity to Ho Chi Minh Citys urban core. However, with upcoming investments in key infrastructure projects, such as the Can Gio Bridge and a new metro line, the districts untapped strengths, including its coastal urban mega-projects, Can Gio International Transshipment Port, and a future free trade zone, are poised for awakening. Strategically positioned as Ho Chi Minh Citys eastern gateway, Can Gio is expected to become a vital nucleus for the citys future maritime economy. However, a major challenge looms, ensuring that large-scale development harmonises with the natural environment. Over the past 50 years, Can Gio has painstakingly restored its mangrove forests and rehabilitated ecosystems that were devastated by war-era bombing and chemical defoliants. Future development must be sustainable, weighing economic benefits carefully against environmental preservation, rather than pursuing growth at any cost. Once these projects are operational, Can Gio will transform, with significantly improved living standards for residents. The district will be able to create ample local employment opportunities and become an attractive destination for both domestic and international residents. To prepare for this new wave of development, Can Gio has advanced regional planning, upgraded transportation infrastructure, improved inter-regional connectivity, and attracted investment to ensure the timely delivery of strategic projects. We are ready to enter a new phase of development, becoming an intelligent, modern eco-urban area of the city and the southeast region, while preserving our unique natural identity and contributing to elevating Ho Chi Minh Citys regional and global stature.

Can Gio int"l transshipment port to become green port The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has submitted to the Prime Minister a proposal on the study project of the construction of the Can Gio International Transshipment Port which the city hopes to turn into the first green port in Vietnam.

HCM City approves 9 billion-USD Can Gio coastal urban development project The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has approved the planning for the Can Gio coastal urban area, which covers an area of 2,870 hectares and is projected to attract nearly 9 billion USD in private investment.

Investment policy for Can Gio International Transshipment Port approved Can Gio International Transshipment Port will put Ho Chi Minh City at the forefront along one of the most important shipping routes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vingroup pushes to start construction of $11.3 billion Vinhomes Can Gio on April 30 Vingroup has asked Ho Chi Minh Citys leaders to accelerate procedures for the group to start construction of the $11 billion Vinhomes Can Gio development.
In mid-April, Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit, the worlds second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, held discussions with Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang to explore investment opportunities and propose collaboration in the digital asset sector.

Bybit is already licensed to operate in several markets, including the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, and is awaiting approval in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

According to Zhou, Vietnam is one of Southeast Asias most vibrant digital asset markets, with a tech-savvy investment community that quickly embraces blockchain technology.

Vietnam needs to establish a legal framework soon to ensure the market operates transparently, safely, and sustainably, he said. Bybit is also very interested in the pilot exchange model and is ready to collaborate with Vietnam in building a legal framework for the digital asset market.

Vietnam is indeed witnessing rapid growth in this field, with approximately 17.4 per cent of its population owning digital assets.

According to American blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, Vietnam ranks fifth globally in cryptocurrency adoption, with about 27 million trading accounts expected by 2024, placing the country among the leaders in digital asset acceptance worldwide.

However, with the third-largest investor base globally and annual trading volume reaching $100 billion, the lack of a clear regulatory framework has made it difficult to manage the market. This also poses significant challenges for the government, ranging from tax collection and managing foreign currency outflows to protecting investors from fraud.

Dr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, noted that most of the profit-generating activities of Vietnamese investors currently take place abroad, in locations like Singapore, the United States, and Hong Kong, exposing domestic investors to numerous risks.

He suggested that Vietnam should develop a clear legal framework, prioritise a sandbox mechanism to protect consumers, and implement appropriate tax policies to capitalise on the markets potential revenue.

Investors and businesses operating in the digital asset space dont know how or to whom they should pay taxes. If regulations are implemented, this would be a significant revenue source and ensure the sustainable development of this market, Vu said.

In February, the government assigned the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to draft resolutions for piloting a digital asset market. In late March, the MoF presented a draft resolution to the government, proposing the implementation of a pilot programme for issuing and trading digital assets. The draft also suggested coordination mechanisms between regulatory bodies, such as the MoF, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), to ensure financial safety and manage risks.

According to Bui Hoang Hai, vice chairman of the State Securities Commission, current legal systems do not classify digital assets clearly, making it difficult to apply tax policies.

If specialised legislation on digital assets can clearly define their nature and allow these assets to be traded as property, tax obligations could be implemented under existing tax laws, Hai said.

The Vietnam Blockchain Association estimates that a 0.1 per cent transaction tax rate could generate more than $800 million in tax revenue annually without disrupting the market. The associations chairman Phan Duc Trung stated that regulatory frameworks would help the government collect taxes, manage the market, and protect investors, but policies should clearly prioritise specific objectives. If targeting domestic investors, the system needs to be competitive with other investment channels such as banking, real estate, and gold.

These channels already have clear legal frameworks. A digital asset exchange will need to provide enough transparency, protect investors rights, and have a reasonable tax policy to ensure its attractiveness, Trung said.

He added that overly complex or high tax rates would deter foreign investors. Conversely, reasonable tax policies and efficient capital flow management systems could make Vietnam an attractive digital financial hub in the region.

Dr Vu Van Tinh, a senior advisor at Salus Law Firm, proposed that Vietnam study Singapores PSA model, which clearly classifies types of digital assets and applies varying tax rates accordingly.

Vietnam should also design optimal tax and fee mechanisms for pilot exchanges. During the initial stages, a sandbox approach could allow exchanges to operate for one to two years under the supervision of the SBV and the MoF, said Tinh.

Regarding transaction fees, Tinh suggested rates ranging 0.1-0.2 per cent per transaction to engage investors, with exemptions or reductions for small transactions under $400 a day or withdrawal fees of 1-5 per cent on foreign investors profits, similar to stock market transactions.

Favourable tax rates such as a 10 per cent corporate income tax over the first five years (similar to incentives for high-tech investors) and a zero VAT rate on digital asset transactions to promote liquidity, alongside a 5-10 per cent personal income tax on non-fungible token profits, should be applied. Additionally, authorities should mandate automatic financial reporting from exchanges to prevent tax evasion, Tinh said.

Pilot policy to set up digital asset tax framework Amid the complexity of tracking transactions on digital asset exchanges, Vietnam is drafting policies to collect personal income tax on such traders.

Exchange-traded funds appealing for digital assets As digital assets gain increasing prominence, many experts believe that exchange-traded funds could be the safest and most feasible approach.
The prime minister also directed the MoF and the MoST to finalise relevant policies within the second quarter of 2025, and a sandbox for digital asset and cryptocurrency exchanges, expected to launch from mid-2026. This initiative is expected to help Vietnam seize opportunities, align with modern financial trends, and reduce tax losses and investor risks.

Nguyen Tien Hoa, Senior partner, ASL Law

Despite legal and technical challenges, taxation of cryptoassets has become an urgent issue. It requires Vietnam to quickly establish a clear direction to ensure fairness in the tax system while maintaining an attractive investment environment and fostering technological innovation.

Cryptoassets have rapidly evolved since Bitcoins creation, posing regulatory challenges. Indeed, currently, the Vietnamese legal framework has no specific provisions defining cryptocurrencies as property, commodities, or securities which are specified in key legal regulations.

Moreover, the State Bank of Vietnam says cryptocurrency is not a legal means of payment. Nevertheless, the law does not prohibit ownership or investment in cryptocurrencies, provided they are not used for payment.

Thus, cryptoassets are presently in a legal grey zone in Vietnam  not banned, but also not legally recognised or protected as an asset, a type of money, commodities or securities in Vietnam. This may result in high risks for crypto-related transactions and difficulties in resolving disputes or handling violations related to cryptocurrencies.

Cryptoassets present a significant challenge to Vietnams legal and tax systems. One of the primary obstacles lies in the technological nature of these assets. Crypto transactions are decentralised, anonymous, and cross-border.

Users can easily transfer cryptocurrencies between digital wallets without going through banks or intermediaries. This may make it difficult for tax authorities to identify owners, transaction times, income sources, and even taxpayers nationalities, thereby undermining effective tax control and collection.

Another notable issue is the difficulty in valuing cryptoassets. Unlike traditional assets with stable markets and clear financial valuation standards, cryptoassets experience extremely high price volatility. The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate by the hour, minute, or even the second, driven by global market supply and demand.

For low-liquidity tokens or those traded on decentralised platforms, determining a fair market value is near impossible. This creates risks in establishing a tax base and may lead to incorrect declarations, tax evasion, or inequities among taxpayers.

Transactions often take place on international exchanges or unlicensed peer-to-peer platforms, making it impossible for tax authorities to monitor, record, or establish tax obligations accurately. Legal policies on cryptoassets vary significantly across countries, reflecting the diverse regulatory approaches and goals of different governments. Some countries are open to blockchain and crypto technologies, while others impose strict bans or limitations.

El Salvador became the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. Following its lead, nations such as Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil have also adopted a more positive stance towards integrating cryptoassets into their financial systems.

In contrast, China, once the dominant player in global cryptocurrency mining, has implemented aggressive policies by completely banning domestic financial institutions from engaging in crypto-related activities.

In the United States, cryptocurrencies are treated as property for tax purposes. Any profits made from selling, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of these assets are subject to taxation.

Germany is among the pioneers in building a crypto- and blockchain-friendly legal environment. With a technology-neutral approach, Germany regulates cryptoassets based on their use rather than their underlying technology. Crypto holders may be subject to wealth tax, and gains from transactions may be taxed as income, depending on the case.

Significant policy differences reflect that cryptoasset regulation is still evolving globally, without universal consensus. In this context, Vietnams close monitoring and study of model jurisdictions will provide a vital foundation for developing suitable domestic policies.

From a legal perspective, taxing cryptoassets in Vietnam is entirely feasible, but it requires a clear determination of the legal nature of such assets. If classified as regular property, income generated from cryptoasset transactions or investments could be subject to various taxes.

If cryptoassets are recognised as goods or services, transactions may also give rise to VAT obligations. However, VAT would only be appropriate once a clear legal designation exists treating cryptoassets as goods or services, which is not yet the case under the current Vietnamese law.

Regarding specific tax rates, Vietnam may consider tax levels already applied in according to Vietnamese law. For instance, personal income tax on crypto trading profits may be set at 10 per cent. For businesses involved in crypto-related activities, the corporate income tax could follow the standard rate of 20 per cent.

The government could adopt a cautious yet open approach, beginning with a low fixed-rate tax mechanism to encourage voluntary compliance. In parallel, a pilot tax regime could be implemented on a few centralised exchanges. Establishing a clear legal definition is also a prerequisite to ensure legal consistency.

Exchange-traded funds appealing for digital assets As digital assets gain increasing prominence, many experts believe that exchange-traded funds could be the safest and most feasible approach.
According to a report released on May 6, F88s total outstanding loan balance reached VND3.28 trillion ($126.3 million) in the first three months of 2025, up 25 per cent on-year. The company posted revenue of VND820 billion ($31.6 million) in the first quarter, up 21.5 per cent on-year. With double-digit growth in outstanding loans, disbursements, and revenue, F88 recorded a pre-tax profit of VND132 billion ($5 million), up 204 per cent against the first quarter of 2024.

"F88 has continued to maintain its recovery momentum for the past five consecutive quarters. This shows that we are on the right track in refining our business strategy while our operating activities become more efficient and sustainable," said Phung Anh Tuan, general director of F88.

According to Tuan, sustainable development is a cornerstone of F88s operations. The company is dedicated to helping disadvantaged people who lack access to financial services from banks and financial institutions due to stricter demand. In the first quarter, the company recorded an increasing number of new customers. The number of returning customers to F88s services climbed by 48 per cent on-year. This indicates that more and more customers are placing trust in F88.

Improving asset quality

In addition to expanding business activities, the company is focusing on controlling risks, enhancing asset quality, and improving capital efficiency. The net write-off ratio  reflecting the company's bad debt level  decreased from 3.48 per cent in Q1/2024 to 2.78 per cent in Q1/2025, demonstrating better credit risk control.

Customers paying debts on time reached an average ratio of 84.1 per cent, up 81.6 per cent on-year, thanks to the recovery in customers' debt repayment capacity and measures to tighten business risk appetite. Return on equity  one of the important indicators reflecting the company's operating efficiency  reached 23.51 per cent, more than double on-year.

In the first three months of the year, F88 continued to maintain a liquidity safety ratio of over 100 per cent, ensuring the ability to meet large disbursement needs without affecting its financial health. The company has also fully fulfilled its debt obligations and commitments to partners while maintaining its debt/equity ratio at a safe level of 1.7x since the beginning of the year.

Thanks to the significant improvement in asset quality, FiinRatings upgraded F88s credit rating outlook from 'Stable' to 'Positive in April. At the same time, the company also issued a bond lot worth VND150 billion ($5.77 million) for its business expansion plan.

The achievements in the first quarter create a solid stepping stone for the company to achieve its goals in the second quarter and 2025. The company forecasts that outstanding loans and disbursements could increase by 5-10 per cent in the second quarter, while pre-tax profit will jump by 20 per cent compared to the first quarter. According to FiinRatingss projection, F88 will record an after-tax profit of VND500-700 billion ($19.5-27.3 million) in 2025-2026.

Positive outlook

F88 remains upbeat about its business performance this year thanks to its partnership with major partners. In April, F88 entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership with a large Vietnamese corporation. The partnership will allow F88 to expand its financial services network through more than 10,000 transaction points nationwide, especially in remote areas where customers dont have access to financial services.

F88 will conduct the second phase of its cooperation with MB Bank, opening a series of new utilities for customers at F88 branches. People can open accounts and deposit and withdraw money from MB Bank accounts quickly and conveniently without having to go directly to bank branches. This cooperation helps increase people's financial access and contributes to promoting comprehensive digital transformation in consumer finance.

F88 receives highest ESG score F88 Business JSC received an ESG Score of A from Synesgy, the highest score for compliance with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles.

F88 partners with MB to transform over 850 financial stores into bank offices Military Commercial joint-stock bank (MB) and F88 signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement at MB's headquarters in Hanoi on December 16.
Whether its a personal experience or seeing the need, nurses are drawn to their profession for a number of reasons.

Today is National Nurses Day, which kicks off National Nurses Week May 6-12.

The class of 2025 Great Iowa Nurses includes a handful of area nurses whose tenure ranges from 10 months to 40 years: Heidi OBrien, Ashlee Davidson and Whitney Schirm from UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, Cam Penning from Grundy County Memorial Hospital and Nancy Kertz from the University of Northern Iowa nursing program.

This annual award recognizes nurses for their outstanding contributions to their patients, team members and the nursing profession.

OBrien, originally from Morton, Illinois, went to a private nursing school in a suburb of Chicago. She works at Allen and has been an intensive care unit nurse for 10 years. She and her husband, Zach, have two daughters.

An illness in her family led to her pursuing a nursing career.

My brother was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 3, she said. I got really close to the nurses (who cared for him).

OBrien is a nurse educator training intensive care unit nurses Monday through Friday and still works shifts in patient care.

It is the most rewarding thing to be a part of caring for someone, she said. We see people at some of their scariest times. We are there to be with them and their family.

OBrien doesnt only serve her patients. She serves the nurses she is training.

I make them confident, she said, confident in their knowledge, confident in their skills. When you start, especially in an acute care unit with people on ventilators, for example, you dont know everything. Im there to support you.

On OBriens wall hangs a connection  or comment  card from the family of a patient that passed away in her care. Months after he passed, the card came with an embroidered blanket, and thanked OBrien for the care she had given.

I just really connected with them, she said. I am where God wants me to be.

OBriens advice for those entering the nursing profession is, Never stop learning. Ask the questions, get involved at your organization.

Dont let anything or anyone take away your passion, she said. You will experience hard times, but they are worth it to be able to do what you love.

OBrien said she is grateful to whoever nominated her.

It means a lot to be nominated in this capacity, she said. I love the organization I work for. Allen is a wonderful place to work. They care about you as a person and support you in your career. Its like being part of a family.

Cam Penning, of Wellsburg, works as an emergency room nurse.

She graduated from Ellsworth Community College in 2012 and worked at Covenant (now MercyOne) in Waterloo as a resource nurse and then in the emergency room at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls.

She and her husband, Curt, have four sons.

I have always been a caretaker at heart, she said. I liked the idea of helping people and making a difference.

I went to school later in life, after the boys were a little older, she said. The medical field supported a working mothers hours. I could change my hours as the needs of the family have changed

The pandemic was really a wake-up call, she said. Its amazing how workflow can change. Working one-on-one with families was different. In nursing, the technology is always changing and improving.

In my current role, I love serving the community that I live in and having that connection with my patients. To me, thats one of the greatest aspects of working where Im at.

At Grundy County Medical Center, we have a very strong family-based culture. Its very unique. We feel very connected. We feel our work life is valued and our home life is valued.

Penning said she is extremely honored to be nominated for Great Iowa Nurses.

I work with some pretty amazing nurses, she said. Working with them reflects all the good going on here.

Schirm, originally from Dysart, lives in Sumner with her husband. She has two stepchildren.

She studeied at Northeast Iowa Community College and went on to get her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Iowa.

Schirm said there were a couple of things that led her to nursing as a profession.

My grandmother was a nurse for almost 50 years, she said. She was someone I always looked up to..

Schirm also said she tore her ACL almost seven years ago. While recuperating, she binge-watched Greys Anatomy and got really interested in nursing.

Orignally interested in being an operating room nurse, she later became attracted to the complexity of caring for patients in the ICU. Schrim said she has learned to put her own beliefs aside to help support her patients autonomy, and that sometimes just being there is all the patient or family members need.

Showing compassion, just being there, listening to a story, she said. Sometimes thats all you can do. How much you can really touch peoples lives is really kind of important.

Kertzs career in nursing has run the gamut from nurse practitioner to preceptor to head of the department of nursing and public health and chief academic nurse administration for the UNIs fledgling nursing program. She is married, the mother of six and the grandmother of seven.

Originally from Northeast Indiana, Kertz came to Iowa by way of South Dakota and Illinois. Along the way, she has worked in family medicine and with victims of child abuse. She has served as a dean, an assistant dean, preceptor and provost.

After nearly 40 years in the profession, she was brought on to help the UNI program off the ground in 2022.

Developing new programs became my specialty in higher education, she said. Nursing education has always been my calling. I am very passionate about professionalism and quality care.

UNIs program boasted 25 students in both 2024 and 2025. The number will jump to between 60 and 70 in 2026, Kertz said.

Going back to childhood, I always had an interest in health care, she said. I considered going into medicine for a period, but in nursing there is a lot of interaction with patients. Its at a different level than a physician. And Ive always been interested in the science behind nursing.

Kertz remembers treating a young woman showing signs of angina, which can be a precursor to a heart attack.

She was really struggling and it wasnt very clear what my path should be with her.

Kertz sent her to the cardiologist, who kept saying there were no issues with her heart, even though the patient ended up in the ER with the same symptoms multiple times.

Eventually, due to Kertzs persistence, the cardiologist performed a cardio catherization, discovered blockages and had the patient on the operating table the same day for coronary bypass surgery.

You really have to be able to listen to what patients are telling you and understand their medical history.

Kertzs advice to up-and-coming nurses is simple.

To move up in any profession, education is key, she said.

Good relevant experience is key. There are so many opportunities for nurses, even in the upper levels of administration.

Davidson, the mother of 9-year-old twin sons, has been a nurse for 10 months. She works nights at Allen  one week on, one week off.

While the pandemic scared some out of the medical profession, it drew Davidson in.

I worked as a pharmacy tech for almost 20 years, she said. I felt like there was more.

Davidson worked in an outpatient clinic in the hospital and, day after day, would see nurses in tears during the pandemic because they couldnt help their patients who they wanted to.

I always think back to Mr. Rogers saying, Look for the helpers, she said. The helpers needed help.

Davidson said her nominator was the son of a patient who wanted to end treatment and end the string of multiple surgeries.

Davidson sat with her and her son, explaining what that would mean, and agreed to advocate for them.

At the time, it didnt feel like a big deal, she said. It was good to know that I had an impact on them. I just wanted what was best for her.

My biggest fears of going back to school at 37 years old was that I was not going to be smart enough, I was not going to catch on quickly enough, I was not going to be able to spend the time away from my family and I wasnt going to have anyone to watch the kids.

But if you work for a really good employer, they truly foster creating new nurses.

Davidson said the biggest thing is making a commitment to do it.

The girls I work with on night shift are awesome. Ive learned the most from them. Who I am as a nurse is wholly because of the nurses around me.
When the Justice Department lifted a school desegregation order in Louisiana, officials called its continued existence a historical wrong and suggested that others dating to the Civil Rights Movement should be reconsidered.

The end of the 1966 legal agreement with Plaquemines Parish schools announced April 29 shows the Trump administration is getting America refocused on our bright future, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said.

Inside the Justice Department, officials appointed by President Donald Trump expressed desire to withdraw from other desegregation orders they see as an unnecessary burden on schools, according to a person familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Dozens of school districts across the South remain under court-enforced agreements dictating steps to work toward integration, decades after the Supreme Court struck down racial segregation in education. Some see the court orders endurance as a sign the government never eradicated segregation, while officials in Louisiana and at some schools see the orders as bygone relics that should be wiped away.

The Justice Department opened a wave of cases in the 1960s after Congress unleashed the department to go after schools that resisted desegregation. Known as consent decrees, the orders can be lifted when districts prove they eliminated segregation and its legacy.

Long-running case

The Trump administration called the Plaquemines case an example of administrative neglect. The district in the Mississippi River Delta Basin in southeast Louisiana was found to have integrated in 1975, but the case was to stay under the courts watch for another year. The judge died the same year, and the court record appears to be lost to time, according to a court filing.

Given that this case has been stayed for a half-century with zero action by the court, the parties or any third-party, the parties are satisfied that the United States claims have been fully resolved, according to a joint filing from the Justice Department and the office of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Plaquemines Superintendent Shelley Ritz said Justice Department officials still visited every year as recently as 2023 and requested data on topics including hiring and discipline. She said the paperwork was a burden for her district of fewer than 4,000 students.

It was hours of compiling the data, she said.

Murrill asked the Justice Department to close other school orders in her state. In a statement, she vowed to work with Louisiana schools to help them put the past in the past.

Civil rights activists say thats the wrong move. Many orders have been only loosely enforced in recent decades, but that doesnt mean problems are solved, said Johnathan Smith, who worked in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division during President Joe Bidens administration.

It probably means the opposite  that the school district remains segregated. And in fact, most of these districts are now more segregated today than they were in 1954, said Smith, who is now chief of staff and general counsel for the National Center for Youth Law.

A range of instructions

More than 130 school systems are under Justice Department desegregation orders, according to records in a court filing this year. The vast majority are in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, with smaller numbers in states like Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina. Some other districts remain under separate desegregation agreements with the Education Department.

The orders can include a range of remedies, from busing requirements to district policies allowing students in predominately Black schools to transfer to predominately white ones. The agreements are between the school district and the U.S. government, but other parties can ask the court to intervene when signs of segregation resurface.

In 2020, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund invoked a consent decree in Alabamas Leeds school district when it stopped offering school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The civil rights group said it disproportionately hurt Black students, in violation of the desegregation order. The district agreed to resume meals.

Last year, a Louisiana school board closed a predominately Black elementary school near a petrochemical facility after the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund said it disproportionately exposed Black students to health risks. The board made the decision after the group filed a motion invoking a decades-old desegregation order at St. John the Baptist Parish.

Legal challenges

The dismissal raised alarms among some who fear it could undo decades of progress. Research on districts released from orders found many saw greater increases in racial segregation compared with those under court orders.

In very many cases, schools quite rapidly resegregate, and there are new civil rights concerns for students, said Halley Potter, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation who studies educational inequity.

Ending the orders would send a signal that desegregation is no longer a priority, said Robert Westley, a professor of antidiscrimination law at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans.

Its really just signaling that the backsliding that has started some time ago is complete, Westley said. The United States government doesnt really care anymore of dealing with problems of racial discrimination in the schools. Its over.

Any attempt to drop further cases would face heavy opposition in court, said Raymond Pierce, president and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation.

It represents a disregard for education opportunities for a large section of America. It represents a disregard for Americas need to have an educated workforce, he said. And it represents a disregard for the rule of law.
Excitement and nervousness was high Friday morning at Minnesota State College Southeast as high school students from around the region prepared to create new, innovative products as part of the first ever Make48 challenge in the state.

Students from Winona Senior High School, Cotter High School, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School, Red Wing High School, Saint Thomas Academy and Cochrane-Fountain City High School were tasked with creating a new prototype to improve safety on the manufacturing floor.

The students were part of seven teams containing three students and one adviser from each school. They had 48 hours to create an original prototype. The exact prompt was not shared ahead of time, and the students were only told it would be related to safety and manufacturing.

Teams had to go through multiple steps, including speaking with a patent attorney to make sure their idea didnt already exist and receiving opinions from a focus group. They received helped from local mentors from Fastenal, which was the challenge sponsor.

As students worked to develop their prototype, cameras closely followed each step.

The challenge is expected to be featured during two future episodes on the This Old House Maker Channel on Roku.

At least one of the two Cotter teams felt confident starting the challenge Friday, as teacher Eric Paulsen said they had already spoken ahead of time about what they thought the challenge could be based on the clue provided.

I think we were a little lucky, because our predictions about what the challenge would be ended up being pretty close, Paulsen said.

Though they had prepared, Paulsen said they still felt nervous and curious when they arrived Friday morning at the college.

Eben Jackson, a Winona Senior High School student, said he was nervous when arriving and even more nervous after the prompt.

The Winona Senior High School team did not have an idea of the prompt ahead of time and only knew it was something safety related.

All of the students participating had different reasons for wanting to be there.

Cotter student Leah Van Lin said her time in a mechatronics class made her interested.

I really just wanted another opportunity to kind of learn more out of the classroom, Van Lin said.

Winona Senior High School student Rachel Spartz believes it will help the students in the future.

It's definitely a new opportunity that not many people have done, Spartz said. Itll open more doors.

Cotter student Cooper Christopherson said he is considering a career in engineering and looks forward to possibly being on the show.

I love the spotlight, he said.

Paulsen said the Cotter students selected are not normally in the spotlight.

We thought these six kids deserve a great chance to show what they're really good at, Paulsen said. It gives them an opportunity to have their ideas heard and valued, which is not often the case for a person of their age.

He said the students also were chosen for their creative thinking and teamwork skills.

William Braun, Winona high schools robotics team advisor, said the team was intended to represent a diverse group.

Paulsen believes, no matter what happened at the end of the challenge, the students there would make valuable memories.

We're going to look back at this, whether they win or lose, and say, 'I did that,' he said.

Marsha Danielson, president of Minnesota State College Southeast, was excited that the college was able to host the opportunity for the students.

The college was approached by Fastenal and Make48 over a year ago about the challenge.

All of these kids who are here are our future. Innovation is one of our core values, and seeing all of these kids put their heart and soul into these new inventions is great, and we like to be part of that nurturing process," said Fastenal marketing strategist Jen Harnisch.

To see them step up to this challenge is really inspiring," said Fastenal executive vice president of manufacturing Cory Jansen.

While Fastenal has first dibs on the products created over the weekend, Harnisch and Jansen didn't think they would do so Friday.

I think we want to give the kids the opportunity to take that on if they want to, because the teams can actually take on that patent and roll with that," Harnisch said.

If it gets to be something big in the future though, Fastenal looks forward to hopefully partnering with the creators as suppliers.

Jansen recognized that any products that help with safety in manufacturing will end up helping Fastenal and others in the future.

Fastenals going to be better, our customers are going to be better," he said.

The winners of the challenge with the best prototypes will be announced on Make48s social media accounts Tuesday.

The top team will win a $2,000 cash prize and a custom trophy.

The top two teams will move on to a national competition.
A 275-unit housing project is being proposed for property on Baraboo's South Side that has been owned by the Sauey family for nearly 40 years.

The project, called Valhalla Valley, is planned as a two-stage development on 72 acres along Highway DL that are owned by brothers Brett and Chad Sauey.

The first phase, slated to cost roughly $58.5 million, would feature 166 units in multi-family buildings, as well as 57 vacant lots that would be sold individually, according to project consultant Geoff Vine. Phase 2 would add 52 more single-family lots.

Vine estimated that completing both phases would take up to 10 years.

Craig Sauey, Brett and Chad's Sauey's father, farmed the land after purchasing it 1987. But the elder Sauey started plans for Valhalla Valley with his sons before he died in June 2023.

"About three years ago, our father decided that he wanted this to be left for Baraboo, where he grew up and had very strong connections," Chad Sauey said. "He wanted the land to be used to encourage people to put roots down in Baraboo and make Baraboo their home."

The multi-family units will be for rent, Vine said, and are slated for construction and management by area developer Three Amigos Property Management.

Two four-story multi-family buildings are planned, as well as two-story buildings and four-family units, according to Vine, who added that some of the units will have garages as well.

Selling single-family plots allows buyers to use their own developers and other utility providers, creating a "fair bidding system for everybody in Sauk County and southern Wisconsin," Chad Sauey said.

"A big thing for us is not to have any incentives for a single builder," he said. "Somebody is going to buy that land and it's going to be theirs to have the style of house that they want."

Vine and the Sauey brothers intend to apply for tax increment financing for the development. Vine and Chad Sauey both project that revenue from a fully built first phase will pay for the second phase.

Last September, the city's Plan Commission rejected a tax increment financing district slated for Baraboo's South Side, which would have covered the areas where Valhalla Valley and the proposed Baraboo Bluff Hospitality resort are slated for construction.

"It was killed in the 11th hour," Brett Sauey said.

The developers now hope for a district that strictly covers the Valhalla Valley area. Vine hopes that the city would approve a smaller district that is solely for housing, a city need.

During an April 29 public information session, the developers said that Baraboo has a housing deficit of roughly 2,000 units, referencing a city housing data study earlier this decade. Housing is one of the main emphases of the city's Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year plan adopted last year.

Baraboo Bluff resort with hotel and villas planned for Devil's Lake area The project developer envisions "a place for family gatherings, to enjoy outdoor activities at Devils Lake State Park ... and other tourist attractions in the Baraboo area."

Valhalla Valley and the resort have drawn environmental concerns regarding development around Devil's Lake State Park.

The Devil's Lake Community Preservation Alliance, a group of residents and others interested in maintaining the natural area in and around the park, indicated support for new housing in Baraboo but said that "high-density construction" displaces farmland and forestry near the "most beloved state park."

"The current (Valhalla Valley) proposal, including four-story and two-story apartment buildings directly on County Rd DL, represents a significant shift," group representatives said in a statement, adding that the plan was strictly for single-family lots when the property was annexed into Baraboo in 2023.

The group also stated that environmental and funding concerns, as well as those regarding community impact, were unaddressed after a public information session the developers hosted on April 29 at Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library.

"We believe it is essential to continue to engage the community in the ongoing plans for this development so that these issues can be thoroughly examined and addressed," Devils Lake Community Preservation Alliance representatives wrote.

Proposed stormwater management at Valhalla Valley, which would feature three retention ponds, would be better than the current stormwater management in the area, according to Vine.

Project proposals have gone through numerous environmental studies, he said.

Chad Sauey noted that as well and said, "We are doing this project under all the covenants and rules and restrictions set by the city and the state with this property."

Former Sauk County Sup. Tom Kriegl said he sees tax increment financing as "local governments engaging in corporate welfare." A development proposal that requires tax increment financing is "not a good business plan," according to Kriegl, who said that plans requiring such subsidization are "not very profitable."

The developers refuted Kriegl's "corporate welfare" claim, saying that tax increment financing funds public infrastructure and other costs necessary to incentivize private investment that would not occur otherwise. They also said area taxpayers do not pay additional taxes as a result of the districts.

Devil's Lake is the "jewel of the Wisconsin State Park system", Kriegl said. "It's popular not because of development. It's popular because it is a place that feels a bit wild."

Brett Sauey said he appreciates critical feedback, saying that it is an example of community engagement.

"Our father, one of the things he said that he wished he could have been able to do more, was help people, and we are honoring that," he said.

Information for the Valhalla Valley project is available on the development website.
Concerns raised over North Wales driving test backlog

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Long wait times for driving tests in North Wales have been raised in the Senedd, with North Wales MS Mark Isherwood calling for action from the Welsh Government to address growing concerns among local driving instructors.

Speaking during Wednesdays meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood highlighted ongoing issues faced by learner drivers and questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales over what steps he is taking to liaise with the UK Government.

Referring to correspondence from the North Wales Approved Driving Instructors Association (NWADIA), Mr Isherwood said: Its now nearly eight months since the North Wales Approved Driving Instructors Association, NWADIA, first copied North Wales MSs on their correspondence to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, DVSA, noting that the reduction in waiting lists for candidates to seven weeks you referred to had yet to be achieved. Eight months ago.

Responding, the DVSA noted that August waiting times last year in the region ranged from 10.5 weeks in Wrexham to 18.5 in Rhyl.

Last weeks correspondence from NWADIA to the DVSA looked forward to meeting them virtually tonight, and stated, for example, they were told that the February waiting list was 7.6 weeks for Rhyl, 15.4 for Bangor, and overall 8.1 for Wales, when the reality appears very different, and asked, for example, whether the changes to the test are a distraction from sorting out the test situation and issues with the booking systems?, and whether the DVSA has a budget from the UK Government that they allocate as they see fit?.

So, will you, therefore, engage with NWADIA and discuss their concerns with the UK Government?

Responding, the Cabinet Secretary confirmed he would meet with NWADIA and committed to investigating the data further.

He said: Its pretty obvious from what Members are raising today that there seems to be a discrepancy between official figures and what we are hearing from other sources in terms of the average wait.

I think we need to delve into those figures and check which are most robust, and ensure that the figures fully represent that technology that is being used by third parties to sell on booking slots and make profit from making people wait, quite frankly.

So, I will meet with them and I will ascertain robust data and share it with Members.
Record overseas sales at Wrexham-based bakery secures Kings Award for Enterprise

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

A Wrexham-based bakery has been honoured with a Kings Award for Enterprise after achieving record overseas sales.

The award was bestowed on the Jones Village Bakery for its short-term growth in exports over the past three years, which has seen success in the companys success in Australia, the Middle East, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Norway.

Eighteen months ago, the firm secured a lucrative contract to supply pancakes to Australia after investing 2 million in a new, state-of-the-art pancake production line.

Its been such a big hit that the bakery has now clinched a deal to supply its Australian customer with Welsh Cakes and pikelets as well.

This is on top of supplying a worldwide network of around 200 M&S stores  as far afield as Hong Kong and Singapore  with crumpets, scones, pancakes, bagels, rolls, Welsh Cakes and pikelets.

The rise in exports has helped create 100 new jobs at the bakery, which last year celebrated its 90th anniversary.

It is the third time the Village Bakery has been honoured by King Charles.

Former company chairman Alan Jones, whos now retired, baked bread for the then Prince Charles, in the old brick oven at Erddig Hall when he visited the National Trust owned stately home on the outskirts of Wrexham in 1977.

In 2015 the then Prince of Wales, officially opened the companys new bakery on Wrexham Industrial Estate.

Alans son Robin, who led the export drive in recent years with his brother, Christien, was thrilled that the company had been honoured again by the monarch.

We were delighted and humbled to be recognised with a Kings Award for Enterprise, said Robin.

Its incredible when you think that the company was a small back street bakery employing six people in Coedpoeth when it was bought by Dad and my grandfather in 1964.

As well as being a hugely proud moment for the Jones family, the Kings Award is also a fitting reward for our brilliant and dedicated staff who are the secret ingredient in our ongoing success.

Glen Marriott, the companys commercial controller, played a key role in increasing overseas sales and he was last year named as an official Export Champion by the Welsh Government.

He said: In 2023 the Department of Business and Trade and Industry brought a delegation here and that helped spur the growth weve seen in recent years.

Since then the exposure weve had from Welsh Government in terms of putting us out there, giving us opportunities to meet with potential international customers and providing leads for other countries has been brilliant. Without their support this wouldnt have happened.

Once the Welsh Government knew we were exporting to Australia, they were very helpful and thats opened up other doors over there.

Theyre also helping us quite a bit at the moment with Canada because we are looking at going there next.

Japan is another potential market where they have introduced me to people.

Added impetus came last year after the company secured investment for a multi-million pound expansion plan from French bakery giant, Menissez, a family-owned business that was founded in 1965, a year after the Jones family took over the Village Bakery.

Village Bakery CEO Simon Thorpe said: We are in a very good place in terms of where were heading.

Theres a list of countries that we want to get into that were working through and we are also getting loads of enquiries from all over the world.

Exports are becoming an increasingly important part of the company and it will continue to grow.

As well as being a great honour, it is going to be a huge help in a practical sense.

Having the award will open so many more doors from an exporting perspective.
Steve Witherden MP to vote against unjust cuts to disability benefits

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

The Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, Steve Witherden, has stated his intention to vote against the UK Governments proposed welfare reforms outlined in the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper.

The Labour Government is currently consulting on this Green Paper, which aims to overhaul the welfare system and assist disabled and long-term sick individuals in returning to work.

The document, published in March 2025, sets out a range of reforms to the benefits system, including controversial proposals affecting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health component of Universal Credit.

According to the UK Government, the number of working-age individuals receiving PIP has increased significantly.

As of January 2025, there were 3.7 million claims with entitlement to PIP in England and Wales, representing a 2% increase from October 2024.

The UK Government state that the number of people claiming PIP has more than doubled from 15,300 to 35,100 a month, while the number of young people (16-24) receiving PIP per month has risen from 2,967 to 7,857.

PIP, introduced in 2013, is a UK government benefit designed to help adults with the extra costs of living with a long-term illness, disability, or mental health condition.

Individuals must go through a detailed  and sometimes invasive  assessment with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to find out if they qualify for financial support.

Changes have also been proposed for the UC system, including stopping the support for health conditions for those aged 22 and under.

Ministers argue the changes are aimed at helping more people into work, but critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable claimants.

Steve Witherden, who was elected Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr in July 2024, has today confirmed that he will be voting against the government over the plans.

He said he has been contacted by hundreds of constituents in recent weeks, who are concerned and upset over the governments plans to cut disability benefits.

Instead, he has called on the UK Government to consider alternatives to meet its fiscal rules rather than targeting those unable to work.

In a statement, Steve Witherden MP said: In recent weeks, I have received correspondence from hundreds of constituents who are deeply upset by the governments plans to cut disability benefits.

These changes will pull the rug out from under many of my disabled constituents at a time when the poorest and sickest face awful pressure on their living standards.

When put to a vote, I will not be supporting the government.

They will hit Wales particularly hard. There are 275,000 people on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Wales, one in seven of the working age population  a higher proportion than England. 7,367 of these are in my constituency of Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr.

They will hit Wrexham particularly hard too. We have proud working-class communities, but there is real poverty here. Consequently, my constituents are more likely to be out of work due to sickness or disability than the UK average.

I taught at secondary schools in Wrexham before becoming an MP. I stood for election because I saw how much damage austerity was doing to the livelihoods of families in Wrexham and I wanted to stop it.

As the Tory years ground on more kids would come into my classroom hungry. Our budgets were cut. Things got worse.

The government claims it wants to get more disabled people into work.

I was a trade union rep alongside my teaching, fighting for jobs. I know that work is a source of dignity and pride for people.

This is just as true for disabled people, and it is also true that for those who cannot work, the benefits system allows them to have dignity in their lives too.

There are some welcome changes in the government proposals, including abolishing three-yearly assessments for the most severely disabled, proposals on Unemployment Insurance, a billion pounds for helping people get work, no freeze in PIP, the ruling out of the voucher system the Tories desired and a Right to Try, allowing disabled people to see how they cope with work without losing their support.

But by changing the way the points scoring system works, many of my constituents will become ineligible for PIP and face threats to their financial security.

This will make it harder, not easier, for them to find and stay in work.

When the richest 10% of people own 57% of the wealth in the UK, further penalising the vulnerable seems patently unjust and fundamentally incompatible with Labour values.

There are alternatives available for the government to meet its fiscal rules, not least taxes on extreme wealth, without which we will simply see the yawning gap between the ultra-rich and everybody else continue to widen.

I did not stand to be the MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr to make my disabled constituents lives harder.

That is why I will be voting against the government over these plans.
Wrexham woman marking 35 years of volunteering with Parkinsons charity walk

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

A Wrexham woman will celebrate 35 years of volunteering this summer by taking part in Parkinsons UK Cymrus flagship charity walk.

Sylvia Prankard, 73, has a long history with Parkinsons. Her late husband, Harry, was diagnosed with the condition in 1989.

At the time, his condition meant he had to leave his much-loved job in the army.

He then found solace by setting up a local support group in Wrexham to help other people living with Parkinsons in the area.

Sylvia soon got involved as the treasurer before taking over as the lead volunteer for the group after Harry passed away in 2015.

This summer, she will mark 35 years of volunteering for Parkinsons UK Cymru by taking part in Walk for Parkinsons at Alyn Waters on June 28.

We campaigned for a long time to get a local Parkinsons nurse in Wrexham, said Sylvia.

While this was a long time ago and the situation changed for the better during my husbands lifetime, Im so pleased that Walk for Parkinsons will use the money raised this year to help fund the specialist care that people living with the condition so desperately need.

And while living with the condition can be difficult, I always remember that my husband used to say Parkinsons had to live with him rather than him having to put up with Parkinsons.

Now, Sylvia is calling on everyone to lace up their walking shoes and join her in the charitys annual walk, which is being held in North Wales for the first time this summer.

All funds raised will help to fund specialist Parkinsons care in Wales and across the UK.

Sylvia said: I have loved volunteering for Parkinsons UK Cymru for the last 35 years.

Ive made lifelong friends along the way, and supporting others and offering a helping hand can make a world of difference.

I urge everyone to come together and support Walk for Parkinsons in Wrexham this summer.

Harry would be right in front, leading the walk if he was still with us  I hope it will be a special day, and Im sure he will be looking down at us with a big smile as we continue the work to change lives for the better.

Parkinsons is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK.

Its a complex brain condition that gets worse over time and has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety  and there is currently no cure.

With the right care and support, people can live well with the condition.

But a lack of specialists means that thousands of people dont have access to the care they need, so all the money raised by Walk for Parkinsons this year will help fund the specialists required.

Keri McKie, Community Fundraiser for Wales at Parkinsons UK Cymru, said: People like Sylvia are remarkable, giving so much time to make a positive difference to other peoples lives.

Last year, the Walk for Parkinsons in Wales raised more than 27,000, with an incredible 300 walkers getting involved. Parkinsons is a complex condition, and its different for everyone.

Its important we continue to take vital steps in helping to provide and fund the care and support thats urgently needed for the 8,300 people living with the condition in Wales.

So whether youre walking or volunteering, we look forward to welcoming Sylvia and everyone to Alyn Waters for this special day.

Its the first time that our Walk series is being held in North Wales, so its the perfect time to get involved. Whether or not youre living with Parkinsons, and whatever your age or fitness level, wed love to see you in Wrexham. Take the first step and sign up today!

It costs 12 to sign up to Walk for Parkinsons (under-18s go free!) and the suggested sponsorship target per person is 100.

All walkers will receive a fundraising pack with tips and advice, sponsorship forms, and an exclusive Walk for Parkinsons t-shirt to wear on the day.

The event will start and finish at Alyn Waters, Gwersyllt, with two different routes available for people to choose from.

The shorter 1.7 mile route is fully accessible and suitable for everyone while the longer six mile route is available for participants who are looking for a bigger challenge. However this one is not appropriate for participants using a wheelchair or pushchair.

You can find out more about how to sign up and get involved, here. As well as walkers, the charity needs volunteers to help at the walks. To find out more visit the website.
On Monday, the City of Reno held a budget workshop, looking into the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Budget issues are impacting several jurisdictions across northern Nevada.

The City of Reno is projecting a $25 million shortfall for the '25-'26 fiscal year.

"Unlike the federal government, we do not run a deficit budget. We always make revenue and expenses match," said Jackie Bryant, Reno City Manager. "So, for the upcoming fiscal year our biggest challenge is in the General Fund. The General Fund is predominantly supported by the consolidated taxes, which is basically sales tax, property tax, and franchise fees."

The City Manager says they found a way to help shore up more than half of that deficit.

The city says they are looking into defunding about 20 vacant or unfilled job positions.

This and other efforts are expected to help save the city about $16 million.

"The difference is money coming from capital improvement projects we will not be doing, from maintenance projects we will not be doing, as well as from our fleet fund and workers compensation, where we fund in a little bit of excess to require that we ensure that we have an adequate force," Bryant said. "So, we won't be able to do those this year."

Bryant believes this fiscal budget won't have too much of an impact on residents, but the future is uncertain.

"We have tried really hard in building this budget, not to have a significant impact to the public just yet," she said. "It remains to be seen. We're going to be monitoring it and we'll be reporting it to council throughout the year."

As we reported last week, some of the board and commissions for the city are on a 90-day staffing freeze.

Bryant says they will have to look deeply and want to hear from the public on which ones they find the most valuable.

"So, what we're doing is we're going to take 90 days to assess whether we are doing what the public finds most valuable and we will have to reallocate how we do that work after the 90 days based on the feedback we get," she said.

The freeze won't save the city any money, it will allow them to decide on where they will allocate staff and which ones could be removed for good.

A final decision on the budget could be made May 21, when the Reno City Council plans to hold a public hearing on the budget.
The office of Nevada's Attorney General has announced that a suit that AG Aaron Ford joined regarding education funding has resulted in a court order.

More specifically, the court order will force the Trump administration to release states' access to Department of Education programs supporting low-income and unhoused students.

The order also releases funding that would go to other services that address the long-term affects of the COVID pandemic on school-aged children.

According to a release from AG Ford's office, the original suit was filed on April 10 - Ford teamed up with attorneys general from 15 other states and the Governor of Pennsylvania in suing the Trump administration for ending access to over $1 billion in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The Department of Education had previously determined that the funds would be accessible through March 2026.

AG Ford and the other members of the coalition argued that the termination of the states' access to those funds is causing a budget gap that hurts students and teachers.

The Attorney General was joined by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and the District of Columbia.
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.

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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 Nevada Department of Transportation has reported a crash south of Reno on I-580 that is blocking traffic in the southbound lanes.

The crash was first reported at around 10:00 a.m. this morning.

According to NDOT, the crash happened near Browns Creek, and is currently blocking traffic on the two left lanes on the southbound side.

This is a developing story - we will provide updates as we receive them.
Travelers who arent REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.

Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, Noem said.

But people will be allowed to fly, she said. We will make sure its as seamless as possible.

The requirement is 20 years in the making, but with just weeks to go, not everyone is ready for it.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says customers needing a REAL ID with flight arrangements in the following 45 days, may walk-in Monday  Saturday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m. at the Reno, Carson City, Sahara, Flamingo, Decatur and Henderson offices. Proof of a commercial flight will be required for each individual.

Nevada is currently sitting at 80% compliancy with REAL IDs, which is amazing, said DMV Director Tonya Laney, recently. These walk-ins are really for those who are in need of obtaining a Real ID if they do not already have an unexpired passport or military ID they can show when flying or entering federal facilities.

Those wishing to make appointments for Real ID transactions can do so at this link.

People who don't fly or visit military bases or other sites where the IDs are required may not need new identification. People who have photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations don't need anything new. Employment authorization green cards are already acceptable, as are some other less common identifying documents on the government's list.

REAL ID is not required to drive, vote or receive state or federal services or benefits.

The REAL ID is a driver's license or other state-issued ID that meets security requirements mandated in a 2005 law passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Obtaining an ID with the designation  indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states  means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs.

The program has already been delayed several times by states that weren't prepared to offer the IDs, people being slow to update their documents and by the coronavirus pandemic. With those hurdles mostly passed, the government is set to require the new IDs rather than old state drivers licenses and IDs for commercial air travel starting May 7.

People will also be required to carry the new IDs or a passport to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases or to get into nuclear power plants.

(The Associated Press, Nevada DMV contributed to this report>0
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Reno sub-office has arrested a Mexican who was convicted of child lewdness.

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

68-year-old Jose Ramirez was arrested in Reno.

ICE says he is in custody pending removal proceedings.
Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore will stay suspended with pay after a decision by the Nevada Commission of Judicial Discipline.

Monday's decision was filed with the Nevada Supreme Court.

Fiore was pardoned by President Trump after she was found guilty of defrauding donors in a failed statue project meant to honor a fallen police officer. She was due to be sentenced on April 14th before receiving a 'full and unconditional pardon' effectively closing her criminal case.

A court document states that since Fiores pardon, the Commission has received additional complaints against her. On April 24th her counsel requested that the Commission rescind her suspension and reinstate her to the bench.

A Nevada Supreme Court filing (below) states even though a pardon may close a criminal case related to an ethical complaint against the judge, but it does not preclude the Commission from considering a judges ongoing conduct as it may relate to the conviction to determine the judges violation of the Revised Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct

Fiore was initially suspended without pay after the jury's conviction.

Fiore argues the Commission must disregard her conduct because it occurred before she became a judge. However, the filing says even after she accepted the judgeship she continued to defraud the donors by keeping donations to which was not entitled and continued to fail to notify them she used their funds for personal expenses

As a result, the Commission finds that Fiores criminal case has deeply affected the publics perception of (her) continued honesty and integrity and that her return to full judicial duties pending the disposition of the additional complaints poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and to the administration of justice.

It goes on to say that until a final decision is made by the Commission, she will remain suspended with pay.

Fiore also worked as a city councilmember in Las Vegas, where she was charged for using funds gathered for a law enforcement memorial for personal use.

May 5, 2025:

A notice has been filed with the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline regarding the April 24th presidential pardon of former Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore.

The notice states that there will be a hearing on May 9th regarding whether a suspension placed on Fiore is still warranted following her pardon by President Trump, and whether a suspension should be in place with or without salary.

If not, the commission will determine whether Fiore posts a "substantial threat of serious harm to the public or to the administration of justice," based on the case of United States v. Michele Fiore - the case for which Fiore was pardoned.

The hearing will be broadcast live using Zoom; a YouTube link for public viewing will be made available on the Commission's website after the hearing.

Fiore also worked as a city councilmember in Las Vegas, where she was charged for using funds gathered for a law enforcement memorial for personal use.

Original story (4/24/2025, 2:30 p.m.):

Former Las Vegas city councilwoman Michele Fiore has received a full and unconditional pardon from President Donald Trump, effectively erasing her federal conviction for defrauding donors in a failed statue project meant to honor a fallen police officer.

The pardon, signed April 23, comes just three weeks before Fiore was due in federal court for sentencing on May 14.

Fiore was convicted of misusing funds that donors had contributed for the memorial statue, with prosecutors arguing she redirected the money for personal and political gain.

In a filing on Thursday, Fiores legal team referred to the pardon as clemency and presented a motion in U.S. District Court to cancel the upcoming sentencing.

The motion, submitted by attorneys Paola Armeni and Gia Marina of Clark Hill PLLC, cites the presidential clemency as grounds to vacate the hearing.

The President of the United States has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Michele Fiore, the court filing reads, referencing Trumps constitutional authority under Article II, Section 2.

The executive order names Fiore specifically and applies to all offenses outlined in her case, United States v. Fiore, 2:24-cr-155.

The pardon authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to act on Trumps behalf in executing the clemency.

A judge has not yet ruled on the motion to vacate the sentencing.

Fiore, a vocal Trump supporter and former Republican candidate for state office, was a polarizing figure throughout the trial.

Her case drew national attention both for its political undertones and the emotionally charged nature of the failed police memorial effort.
The Northern Nevada chapter of the Nevada Organized Retail Crime Association (ORCA) is set to hold its inaugural training workshop on Friday, May 9, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The event will take place at the Regional Public Safety Training Center, located at 5190 Spectrum Blvd. in Reno.

This workshop will introduce the Northern Nevada ORCA chapter to professionals in loss prevention and asset protection.

The session will focus on how to effectively develop and investigate cases that result in prosecution.

Attendees will hear presentations from local law enforcement, district attorneys, and retail industry representatives.

Opening remarks will be given by Washoe County District Attorney Christopher Hicks, along with other public safety leaders, including Reno Police Chief Katherine Nance, Sparks Police Deputy Chief Clint Bellamy, and Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam.
Data Review Confirms Gold Mineralisation Scale & Extension Potential



Pantanillo Oxide Project - Au Scale and Potential Identified

Sydney, May 6, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Flagship Minerals Limited ( ASX:FLG ) is pleased to provide an update on drill data review for the Pantanillo Gold Project. Pantanillo is an advanced gold exploration project located in the Maricunga Gold Belt in Northern Chile (see Figure 1*).



Pantanillo hosts a 47.4Mt @ 0.69g/t Au for 1.05Moz Au qualifying foreign estimate (QFE), with approximately 98% of the QFE amenable to heap leach processing. The QFE is constrained by a pit shell reported in 2010. The pit focusses on extracting oxide and transitional mineralisation.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Pantanillo hosts 47.4Mt @ 0.69g/t Au for 1.05Moz Au - QFE of mineralisation



- QFE is supported by NI 43-101 and 20,531m of DDH and RC drilling



- QFE to be upgraded to Mineral Resources reported in accordance with the JORC Code



- Pantanillo mineralisation is open down dip and along strike



- Ongoing data review confirms further and strong potential for extensions to Au mineralisation in close proximity to 2010 pit shell and up dip



- Mineralisation potential to be drill tested, targeting possible incorporation into Mineral Resources reported in accordance with the JORC Code





Flagship Minerals' Managing Director, Paul Lock, commented:



"The visuals provided by Figures 2* through 6* in the ASX Release are nothing short of compelling, and indicate the potential of Flagship's Pantanillo Gold Project within the limits of the 47.4Mt @ 0.69g/t Au for 1.05Moz Au QFE constrained 2010 pit shell. Section 10265E in Figure 6* is most compelling, showing a 440m intersection from 260m grading 0.49g/t Au in diamond drillhole ARDDHPN-02, which puts the scale of Pantanillo in the context of the pit shell outlines on this and other figures. This is in addition to the broader prospectivity across the ~110km2 of Pantanillo.



"Flagship has started the process of converting the QFE to Mineral Resources in accordance with the JORC Code. It is expected that an increase in the mineral resources can be achieved with a reduction in the cutoff grade from the current 0.3g/t Au to 0.15-0.3g/t Au, and incorporating the current gold price vs the price used in the QFE, which was US$1,035/oz. In addition, the recent permitting of RIO2's Fenix gold project, which is now under construction and which sits in similar geology, geography and zoning, de-risks the project and is expected to facilitate a smooth transition to a Mineral Resource in accordance with JORC, which is of particular importance as we move to the soon to be released updated JORC Code.



"Pantanillo presents a compelling opportunity, the project is de-risked on a number of levels, including geology, geography, jurisdiction, metallurgy, and permitting precedents."



An ongoing data review has led Flagship to identify potential to expand gold mineralisation at depth, along strike and up-dip in the northwestern section of the deposit. In this ASX Release Flagship reports information and observations for the four western most cross sections used in the QFE. These section lines are shown in Figure 2*, as is the zone of potential for near surface mineralisation that has been interpreted from the data review.



Section 10090E is the western most section that informs the current QFE, is the western limit of the 2010 pit shell, and constrains the existing QFE (See Figure 3*). Drill intersections are shown as well as the approximate position of the 2010 pit shell. Most of the mineralisation on this section does not report into the current QFE, despite very good drilling results. The drillholes and interpreted mineralised zone indicate strong potential for additional mineralisation up-dip and to the north of drillhole SR97PN-13. This potential also exists along strike to the west of this section. Flagship is aware of some reconnaissance shallow drilling completed in these prospective areas and is in discussions to secure the results from this drilling and other activity at Pantanillo.



On Section 10160E, three relatively shallow holes were drilled (see Figure 4*). Much of the mineralisation intersected is outside the 2010 pit shell. Like Section 10090E, additional potential for mineralistion exists north of this section for up to 200m (to the right) of hole N-10-24RC.



On Section 10200E considerable mineralisation was again intersected in all drillholes, and again most of this mineralisation lies outside the 2010 QFE pit shell. Grades of around 1g/t Au were intersected in several holes and the mineralisation remains open at depth, beneath holes PN-08 and PN-09 (see Figure 5*). Mineralisation also appears to be open up-dip towards the surface and north of PN-09. Further drilling is warranted.



On Section 10265E drillhole ARDDHPN-02 intersected 440m @ 0.49g/t Au from 260m to EOH (see Figure 6*). A higher grade intersection of 160m returned an average grade of 0.70g/t Au from 524m. This represents the deepest mineralisation intersected on the property to date. This zone remains open up and down-dip. Near surface potential exists north of the current QFE pit shell and is open along strike to the east and west, see Figure 2*, 'Zone of potential for near surface mineralisation'.



Previous Exploration



Previous work completed at Pantanillo has included geological mapping, soil and rock geochemical surveys, ground magnetics, trenching, reverse circulation (RC) drilling, diamond core drilling (DD), metallurgical testwork and supporting studies. This culminated in the reporting of a qualifying foreign estimate (QFE) of mineralisation of 47.4Mt @ 0.69g/t Au, as broken down in Table 1*. The QFE has an effective date of July 9, 2010, and is reported at a lower cutoff of 0.30g/t Au for oxide and mixed and 0.50g/t for sulphides.



Strategy and Work Plan



Flagship's strategy for the Pantanillo project is to define sufficient Mineral Resources that will support considerations for project development consisting of open pit mining and heap leach processing with an aim to produce 100,000oz of gold per year for more than 10 years.



Nearby projects, such as the Fenix Gold Project owned by RIO2 and where construction has recently commenced, provides a useful benchmark. Fenix is an oxide gold project slated to produce 1.32 M ounces of gold over a 16 year mine life, it has a 0.48g/t head grade and an average life of mine AISC of US$1,237/oz Au.



Flagship's work plan for the Pantanillo Gold Project will focus on the following:



- Conducting the necessary work to convert and increase the existing qualifying foreign estimate to Mineral Resources reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012). This will include validation of the existing drillhole data and possible confirmatory, infill and extensional drilling as well as other supportive work.



- Additional metallurgical testwork and other project studies for input into techno-economic evaluation.



The Pantanillo deposit has significant additional exploration potential for both oxide and higher-grade sulphide mineralisation. Oxide potential exists along strike and in areas proximal to the existing deposit. Further potential for additional mineralisation also exists below post mineralisation cover to the southeast of Pantanillo. Outside of the Pantanillo deposit, exploration potential remains in the Pantanillo Central, Quebrada Pantanillo and Oro 52 prospects (See Figures 7 and 8*).



The alunite alteration identified in Figures 6 and 7* is typically associated with advanced argillic alteration caps that commonly overly gold-bearing porphyry-type deposits like Pantanillo and other gold deposits in the region. To date limited drilling has been conducted on these targets.



Exploration potential throughout the broader project area of over 100km2 will also be assessed. The occurrence of magnetite and pyrite in the fresh mineralisation provides a good co-incident geophysical target utilising magnetics and Induced Polarisation.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/1A58VFFM





About Flagship Minerals Ltd





Flagship Minerals Ltd's (ASX:FLG) strategy is to secure and develop projects which it believes will position the Company as a low-cost producer of Copper and Lithium, metals that matter. Specifically, Flagship Minerals seeks to secure low capital intensity projects in low-cost jurisdictions and infrastructure rich settings, projects which are positioned for high margin outcomes, and projects which are proximal to industry, chemical processing, and manufacturing.

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Amid Pakistan Tensions, MHA Orders Nationwide Mock Drills to Tackle 'New and Complex Threats' 2

In response to growing national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7. The directive comes amid what the government describes as new and complex threats emerging in the current geopolitical climate, particularly tensions with Pakistan.

A letter issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards outlines a series of measures to be implemented during the drill. These include activating air-raid sirens, clearing bunkers and trenches, educating civilians on protective civil-defence protocols, simulating blackouts, and camouflaging critical infrastructure.

The exercise will also test hotline and radio links with the Indian Air Force, as well as the operational readiness of control rooms. Planned down to the village level, the drills aim to gauge the preparedness and coordination of local and state-level civil defence systems.

All 244 categorised civil defence districts will participate, with involvement from civil defence wardens, home guards, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers, and students. The ministry stressed that full-scale participation is crucial for effective evaluation of emergency protocols.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has chaired multiple high-level meetings since the April 22 attack in South Kashmir that killed 26 peoplemostly touristshas vowed to hunt down those responsible. He declared that the perpetrators and conspirators will be punished beyond their imagination and that justice will be pursued to the ends of the earth.
A suspect has been charged in last months broad daylight rape of a woman in a Montgomery park.

Corrace Calloway, 41, was taken into custody overnight when police responded to a report of a man pulling on car handles at The Crossings of Eastchase, a Montgomery senior living facility.

Calloway, who police say had a handgun in the waistband of his pajama pants, struggled with officers before he was taken into custody.

Then, while sitting in the back of a patrol vehicle, according to court records, he slipped out of his handcuffs and ran away.

He was taken into custody a second time after a brief foot chase.

The investigation began in early April when a woman told police she was sexually assaulted at Wynton Blount Park. Police said the attack happened between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. that Saturday near the parks entrance at Woodmere Boulevard.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers had offered a $5,000 reward for information leading investigators to identify the suspect.

It was not immediately clear what led to the identification of Calloway as a suspect or when the warrant against him was obtained.

Just before 2 a.m. Monday, Montgomery police responded to the senior living facility to investigate the suspicious person pulling car door handles.

While en route, the officers were given the descriptions of two men - one wearing a black vest and black pants, and the other wearing a gray jacket with pajama pants, charging documents show.

When they arrived, they came in contact with the man wearing pajama pants. He gave them a name, but officers suspected it was a false identity, records state.

After discovering the Glock in his waistband and taking him into custody, they learned his true identity and realized he was wanted on a warrant for first-degree rape.

After Calloway escaped and was recaptured, officers also learned he had convictions for manslaughter and domestic violence.

Court records show he was charged with murder in 2018 and pleaded guilty to the reduced manslaughter charge in 2020. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, though it was not clear how long he actually served.

In addition to first-degree rape, Calloway is now charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, third-degree escape and obstruction of justice.

He remains held without bond in the Montgomery County Detention Facility.
Four people have been indicted in the 2024 livestreamed shooting death of a young Birmingham mother.

A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Aacoreyah Denae Woods, 21, Justin Jamond June Bug Hendrix, 21, Taylor Paper Route Tay, McCloud, 23, and a fourth suspect, who has not been publicly named because he was 17 at the time, for murder.

They are also charged with attempted murder in the wounding of Asia Pooles best friend, Damarion Rankins, who was shot in the hip, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building for two apartments that were struck by gunfire that night.

Their attorneys have previously claimed they fired in self-defense.

The mother of a young daughter, the 21-year-old Poole died from a single gunshot wound to the back. The father of Pooles 4-year-old daughter died weeks before Poole was killed.

The shooting happened about 10 p.m. Aug. 20, 2024, on Gallant Drive at Monarch Ridge apartments.

Pooles acquaintances said there was an ongoing dispute between her and Hendrixs sister, Janiyah Hendrix, over a man.

A woman was shot to death Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, following a fight in the parking lot of Monarch Ridge apartments. Her car was stolen but later recovered. (Carol Robinson)

The fight between Poole and Janiyah Hendrix started near Pooles vehicle in the parking lot.

They were eventually separated but it started back up in the breezeway of the building where Poole lived.

The fight and subsequent gunfight were captured in Facebook Live videos. Surveillance cameras  including cameras that are present in each breezeway of the large apartment complex - also captured some of the chaos that night and were retrieved by the Metro Area Crime Center.

At a previous court hearing, Birmingham homicide Det. John Finke testified that when he got on the scene at Monarch Ridge that night, shell casings were everywhere, and Poole was dead in her breezeway.

Police said more than 160 rounds were found. Shell casings recovered from the scene came from four different caliber weapons.

Finke said initially he got nicknames of those involved, and later was able to identify them by their real names. With the help of witnesses and the surviving victim, he was able to identify those seen in the videos.

Finke said Justin Hendrix was seen in the videos wearing a black hoodie, a black ski mask, and was armed with two guns  a Draco and an AR- 15 pistol.

McCloud was wearing all black, he said, and was armed with a gun.

Woods was wearing denim shorts, a brown shirt and was armed with a Draco that had an extended magazine. At one point, the detective said, she also was wearing a ski mask.

The video, Finke testified, showed that the 17-year-old suspect  who was seen shirtless in the videos  fired the first shot toward the breezeway as Janiyah Hendrix was fleeing the scene in Pooles vehicle.

It also showed Woods, McCloud and Justin Hendrix firing their guns. All four shooters, Finke said, were firing their guns toward the breezeway where Poole was found dead.

Police have previously said at least two people returned fire after the four suspects shot.

Finke said about seven or eight videos were collected from that night. None of them, he said, showed anyone shooting from the breezeway and said no shell casings were found there.

One of the Facebook Live videos was from a cell phone that was dropped in the breezeway once the shooting started and captured the minutes-long barrage of gunfire.

That video recorded the owner saying No, Romeo, no right before the gunfire started.

She later told detectives that she was telling him not to run out into the parking lot and into the fray. She also said Pooles brother did not fire any shots.

Defense attorneys contend that the audio from that recording clearly indicate that the first shot fired was in close proximity to that cell phone and not from the parking lot.

They also noted that Poole was shot in the back while likely facing the parking lot, indicting the fatal shot may have come from one of the armed men standing near her in the breezeway.

Police are still waiting on ballistics testing to determine what kind of bullet killed Poole.

Finke said during testimony that as part of the investigation, they collected a Draco that was found alongside a black mask and gloves about a mile from the shooting scene.

Investigators, he said, have still not identified three of the masked men brandishing guns that night.

Janiyah Hendrix, who was fighting with Poole before the shots rang out, was charged with first-degree auto theft after authorities say she fled the chaotic scene in Pooles car.

Justin Hendrix is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder of a state prison lieutenant in an unrelated murder-for-hire shooting that happened earlier that day. No one was injured in that case.

Hendrix and McCloud remain jailed without bond.

Woods was released from jail in October after posting a $250,000 bond. She is on electronic monitoring.

A trial date has not yet been set.
The University of Montevallos president is stepping down after almost 15 years in office.

John W. Stewart III, the public colleges second-longest serving president, is leaving his position at the end of July, according the university. The board is conducting a presidential search.

Stewart is the 15th president in the 129-year history of the college, which is located in Shelby County, according to a news release.

Cindi and I are incredibly grateful to the UM community for so many wonderful years together, Stewart said. 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.

During Stewarts tenure, first-year freshman and transfer applications increased, along with the number of residential students.

He began the Outdoor Scholars Program, which included a bass fishing team that has won four consecutive Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles.

Stewart was a Birmingham Business Alliance CEO of the Year finalist in 2015.

Stewart served as vice president for institutional advancement at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida before his presidency. Hes a graduate of Wake Forest University in North Carolina and has a masters from Washington College in Maryland and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Alabama country artists Ella Langley and Riley Green show off the trophy for the Academy of Country Music's Visual Media of the Year Award. They won for the duet "You Look Like You Love Me." (ACM photo) Courtesy of ACM

Two fast-rising country stars from Alabama had a surprise interruption during a recent performance. But when Reba McEntire interrupts you, its OK.

Especially if shes letting you know you just picked up an advance award from the Academy of Country Music.

The ACM has been using advance awards to build up anticipation for its awards telecast Thursday evening. The orchestrated announcements have included Alabamas Red Clay Strays getting a call from Miranda Lambert to let them know theyd been picked as New Duo or Group of the Year. (On Thursday well find out whether they also bring home the Group of the Year award. Another Alabama group, Muscadine Bloodline, is up for Duo of the Year.)

Alabama native Ella Langley is the top nominee of the year with eight in all. When she joined fellow Alabamian Riley Green on stage to sing a hit duet last Friday, she had already received the trophy for New Female Artist of the Year.

According to the ACM, Green was headlining a Country Thunder concert in Tampa when Langley joined him on stage for their duet You Look Like You Love Me. McEntire, wholl host Thursdays show, appeared on the screens on stage with a quick message: Sorry to interrupt, but I have some big news. You Look Like You Love Me has won the ACM for Visual Media of the Year. Congratulations to Ella and Riley!

The song was Langleys first No. 1 country single. The visual media award goes to both the artist featured in a video and its director, and since Langley is both, the ACM credits her with a double win in this case. After McEntires announcement, Langley was quick to tell the Country Thunder crowd that she shares the award with co-directors Wales Toney and John Park.

Shes also up for Female Artist of the Year, and the song is a contender for Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year and Song of the Year. The last one is another potential double for her, as it goes both to the artist and the songwriter. Green will share in any wins by the song, including a potential double as artist and songwriter for Song of the Year. He previously won New Male Artist of the Year in 2020.

RELATED: Country music stars viral video has a link to unique Alabama store: Vintage and really cool

Langley shared McEntires message in an Instagram post thanking McEntire and the ACM.

The ACM Awards ceremony will be held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The show will be streamed live at 7 p.m. Central time on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
The cave that holds Rattlesnake Saloon is big enough to hold the saloon itself, plus a large open-air dining area. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

An experience at an Alabama attraction recently led a visiting New Zealand journalist to declare, If anyone ever asks me to paint a picture of what hospitality in the Southern USA looks like, I think I have found my inspiration.

One of the big charms of the Rattlesnake Saloon, he wrote, was the audacity of the setting. Those whove been there will probably nod in agreement: As recently described in an AL.com report, the venue is located in a cave in a rural area outside Tuscumbia.

Alan Granville recently published an account of his visit on Stuff, the flagship website of a New Zealand media company that operates dozens of newspaper and magazine titles in that country.

RELATED: A saloon in a cave? This Alabama restaurant is more than a novelty

Granville detailed many of the Rattlesnake Saloons charms: The fact that you have to ride a shuttle thats really just a heavy-duty pickup with a bed rigged out for passengers, the live music that it hosts, the sense of place created by its location under a rock bluff and the hearty menu. (He described it as falling under the If it aint fried, it aint food style of dining, and singled out the deep fried cheesecake dessert as a heart-stopping highlight.)

The Deep-Fried Cheesecake dessert at the Rattlesnake Saloon comes in a form similar to cannoli. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

The author also praised nearby Florence as a lively city in its own right.

Rattlesnake Saloon is part of the larger Seven Springs Lodge property owned by the Foster family for four generations. The lodge offers RV sites, campgrounds and lodge accommodations to equestrians and other visitors drawn to its many miles of trails.
Wendy's signature square beef patties are now available in Ohio and Colorado (Getty Images) Getty Images

Youll soon be able to recreate your favorite Wendys burger at home.

USA TODAY reports Wendys signature square beef hamburger patties are available at grocery stores in Ohio and Colorado.

Wendys is pursuing opportunities to bring our fresh, famous food to customers in new and exciting ways, a Wendys spokesperson said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY. Currently, Wendys fans in Columbus, Ohio and Denver, Colorado can pick up square patties at their local King Soopers or Kroger.

The 4-ounce square patties come in a four-pack.

So far, Wendys hasnt confirmed plans to offer the patties to other markets.

New Wendys chicken sandwich

In April, Wendys introduced the Cajun Crunch Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The new sandwich, according to Food Republic, takes the chains spicy chicken fillet up a notch with Pepper-Jack cheese, Cajun crispy onions, and a spicy mustard sauce.
The fight over Grandview Medical Center's records is playing out in Jefferson County.

Women who sued Grandview Medical Center, alleging they were sexually assaulted by a man working in the psychiatric unit, are again asking a judge to hold the Birmingham hospital in contempt.

Lawyers for the women have been trying for months to get the hospital to turn over more records related to the investigation and firing of Cornell Richards, who was a behavioral health technician at Grandview in 2022, per court records.

Grandview has once again refused to comply and instead has made only the effort necessary to attempt to avoid contempt and sanctions and to delay these proceedings further, James Walsh, attorney for the women wrote in a new motion for sanctions in April. These efforts should not allow Grandview to once again escape the consequences of its actions.

In total, four women are suing Richards and the hospital. The lawsuit argues that Grandview did not properly vet Richards for the position, allowed him to continue abusing patients despite multiple reports against him and ultimately attempted to sweep the assaults under the rug.

The lawsuit alleges that Richards, who is now 42, would find times to isolate himself with patients and force them into sexual acts. Attorneys for Richards didnt comment for this article, but he has denied the allegations in court filings.

Over the past several months, there have been repeated orders for Grandview to hand over records and threats of sanctions. So far, Grandview has argued in court that its provided as many documents as the hospital can without violating confidentiality laws.

Cannon Lawley, attorney for Grandview, declined to comment for this article. But in a recent filing, the hospital said that the patients push for more documents continues to proliferate the false narrative that Grandview is not complying with its discovery obligations.

A parallel fight in criminal court

The fight over records has also played out in another case. Separate from the civil suit, Richards is also awaiting a jury trial scheduled for Oct. 6 on criminal charges.

A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Richards on four felony counts of sexual abuse, one count of rape and two counts of sodomy.

Investigators say Richards assaulted at least four psychiatric patients while on duty at the hospital between July and September of 2022.

He spent much of the last two and a half years in the Jefferson County jail.

In February, Jefferson County Judge Kechia Davis reduced Richards bond to $30,000 in each case.

In early April Richard got out on bail. On May 1, Judge Davis set a bond review hearing for the end of the month, writing in court records that he may have violated the conditions of bond.

Also at the February hearing, the judge ordered the Birmingham hospital to hand over the records tied to the investigation and firing of Richards. Judge Davis said that she was not happy with Grandview over the lack of provided records.

Each time we come to court, theres always an attorney here. And theres always an attorney here with excuses, Judge Davis told a lawyer for Grandview during that hearing. Dont go down that road.

Court records show that the judge did not issue any sanctions against Grandview.

Unfortunately, we are not able to comment on what records have or have not been produced, said Ashley Mims Patterson, who is prosecuting the case, in an email to AL.com.

The case was originally set to go to trial in March, but it was postponed as lawyers continued to fight over records.

The former employees record

In the civil lawsuit, attorneys for the patients alleged that Grandview shouldnt have hired Richards because of his criminal history as a violent offender.

In 2012, Richards was arrested in Pennsylvania and found guilty of simple assault, robbery and intimidating a witness/victim to withhold testimony, according to Pennsylvania court records.

In 2013, he was sentenced to up to four years of confinement for the crimes stemming from an incident involving his former girlfriend, the records state. When he got out of prison, Richards was ordered not to contact his ex and required to enroll in anger management classes, participate in a group treatment for domestic violence offenders, and undergo a psychological evaluation, according to court records.

The Grandview Defendants knew or reasonably should have known through the exercise of due diligence that Richards was not competent and generally unsuitable to serve as a behavioral health technician, due to Richardss past criminal history and the reports of Richardss sexual misconduct that were made to Grandviews employees, the complaint reads.

Richards also appears to have published a book called Pen State to State Pen in 2021. Its unclear if the book is fictional or autobiographical, but it follows the story of a young man with the same name who studied behavioral health in college and was unfairly accused of shooting his friend. The story follows the young mans time in prison and romantic involvement with a female warden.

The renewed battle for sanctions

Grandview Medical Center is located in Birmingham. Hannah Denham / AL.com

In the civil suit, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Chuck Price on March 18 granted Grandviews request for a protective order covering any outstanding records the hospital would have to hand over. But he denied the hospitals request to not submit more documents related to the incident and its own investigation. The hospital argued that handing over the documents would violate state and federal law.

Grandview had 21 days to provide the court-ordered documents before Judge Price would consider holding the hospital in contempt and issue sanctions, per his order.

On April 15, Walsh, the attorney for the women, said in court records that Grandview still hadnt provided all of the required documents. He said the hospital provided three minutes of video clips for one of the women, 27 pages of documents and a log that repeats old information.

No sanctions against Grandview have appeared in the court docket.

Walsh asked Judge Price to hold Grandview accountable for its continued and intentional failure to comply with the orders of this Court.
A 19-year-old was shot to death over the weekend in Montgomery, one of three homicides in the city in four days.

Police on Monday identified the victim as Josiah Slocum. He lived in Montgomery.

Police and fire medics were dispatched to the hospital at 2:50 a.m. Saturday on a report of a gunshot victim. When they arrived, they learned the victim had been pronounced dead.

Sgt. Tina McGriff said investigators determined the shooting happened in the area of Davis Drive. No additional details have been released.

On Thursday, 18-year-old Jaydon Lewis was also killed in a Montgomery shooting.

A father and son are charged in the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old man that happened in Montgomery in Sundays predawn hours.

As of Monday, there have been 23 homicides in the city.

Anyone with information is asked to call Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, police detectives at 334-625-2831 or the Secret Witness tip line at 334-625-2831.
A south Alabama family is hoping for answers after picking up their 4-year-old daughter from school with a blood alcohol content level near .300.

Albert Singleton told AL.com that when he and his wife, Mary Singleton, arrived to pick their daughter up from school on April 28 she was carried out to them.

Albert said the school had no answers as to what was wrong with their daughter but he recalled how his daughter was slipping into unconsciousness and she was limp like a noodle.

So, my wife was handling everything, and they was telling her that [the child] had been in the nurses office, and they didnt know what was wrong with her, but she couldnt walk, she couldnt stand, Albert said.

She was getting deeper and deeper into whatever was going on and shortly after that they told us to proceed to the closest emergency room with her.

After taking the child to an emergency room Albert said she was transferred to the ICU at Childrens and Womens Hospital in Mobile.

After several tests it was determined she had a blood alcohol content level of .286 due to ingesting ethanol in her system.

The child was close to a .300 diagnosis which can potentially lead to life-threatening issues.

Albert said he and Mary still have no answers as to how their daughter obtained ethanol and ingested so much.

Albert said his daughter was unresponsive from about 3 p.m., after picking her up from school, until about 3 a.m. that morning.

Singleton said this occurred at Collins Rhodes Elementary School in Prichard.

AL.com messaged the Mobile County Public School System but have not received a response regarding the incident.

The child was released from the hospital on April 30 and has been progressing slowly, according to Albert.

Albert said he and his wife will not be sending their daughter back to the school the remainder of the school year.

The incident is being investigated by the Prichard Police Department, Mobile County Sheriffs Office and Mobile County District Attorneys office, Albert said.

AL.com left a with the Prichard Police Department seeking comment.

Although their daughter is recovering Albert said the entire ordeal has been completely exhausting for the family.

The whole ordeal has been exhausting, Albert said.

Because weve never had any problems like that at that school and I personally dropped my daughter off and see her walk in with good spirits and good health. Then, when we return to get her and shes in a state of close to death, thats an uneasy feeling.
Alabama is increasing its state spending with higher education and general fund budgets, which Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law Monday.

In an announcement Monday, Ivey praised lawmakers for increasing investments in literacy and numeracy efforts, as well as nearly doubling funding for the CHOOSE Act, a new program that gives families tax credits to spend on private education.

These historic investments in core functions of government and our students education are possible through our track-record of conservative budgeting and strong leadership, Ivey said in a news release Monday.

Ivey has signed a record $12.1 billion education package, which includes $375 million for high-needs schools.

The governor also approved a $3.7 billion General Fund budget, which supports Medicaid, prisons, state troopers, courts and other non-education agencies. Thats up 10%, or about $350 million, from last year.

Education funding is up by 6%  the highest amount that the legislature can spend this year. The full $12.1 billion education package is made up of four buckets:

Alabamas new school funding program, called the RAISE Act, will take effect this fall. The legislature plans to send $375 million to pre-pay the program for three years.

Under the program, school districts could get hundreds of dollars more per student, totaling as much as $11 million in additional funding, to support students with different learning needs.

By the 2025-26 school year, the RAISE Act would add:

$68 million for high-poverty schools, an increase of $37 million

$49 million in new funding for special education

$33 million for English learners, an increase of $17 million

$12 million for gifted students, an increase of $1.3 million

$1.2 million in new funding for charter schools

Education advocates and researchers said the investments would boost student outcomes  especially in poorly funded districts  while others called the session one of the best on record for teachers and other education workers.

The state Board of Education recently approved a $32,500 raise for the state superintendent, Eric Mackey.

Teachers will not get a raise this year, but many education employees will now be eligible for workers compensation and parental leave benefits. Lawmakers also are covering recent rate increases to PEEHIP, the health insurance program, so educators dont have to front those costs.

When we started this session, if someone would have told me that we would have PEEHIP fully funded, parental leave and a new workers comp program for Alabama educators, I would have never thought it was possible, Amy Marlowe, president of the Alabama Education Association, told AL.com after the House passed the education budget.

You can view spreadsheets of the ETF and General Fund budgets here.

During the 2025 legislative session, Ivey also has signed into law bills related to guns, gender terminology and independent pharmacies, as well as local bills.
U.S. News & World Report is out with a new ranking of the 50 states, and the news site placed Alabama near the bottom for 2025.

The annual ranking, which began in 2017, looks at 71 metrics that encompass health care, education, natural environment, opportunity, economy, crime and corrections, infrastructure and fiscal stability.

Utah heads the list for the third consecutive year, largely because of what the magazine calls its diverse economy, low crime and a healthy population. It was followed by New Hampshire, Idaho, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Alabama placed 45th on the list, just ahead of West Virginia, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alaska and Louisiana.

Drilling down into the metrics, Alabama ranked highest at opportunity, placing 26th among the states. It also ranked 29th in crime and corrections. Fiscal stability placed 31st. Infrastructure and natural environment earned 33rd place.

The lowest marks were 40th in health care and 44th in education.

The health care rankings were low given the states obesity rate, at 39.4%, and its rate of preventable hospital admissions, at 3,650 per 100,000, much higher than the national average of 2,726.

For education, Alabama ranked higher than the national average in high school graduations, but was dragged down by its math scores and the amount of debt for Alabama students at graduation - $14,147, higher than the national average of $13,720.
The estimated $3.5 billion Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project has a new project team in place, and testing is set to begin soon on the concrete that will be used in the structures pilings.

But plenty of major questions remain in a project that has been under consideration for years and is poised to be Alabamas most expensive road construction project ever. The biggest looming question is the projects final price tag, and the approval of a loan needed to pay for it.

The Alabama Department of Transportation, in a news release Tuesday, announced that Kiewit Massman Traylor (KMT) will be the joint venture team overseeing the entire scope of the new bridge and 7.5-mile Bayway construction.

This is an important and positive development for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, said Ed Austin, chief engineer with ALDOT. Kiewit Massman Traylor and their team are hitting the ground running as they take over this portion of the project.

Later in the day, ALDOT released an additional statement suggesting that the project has support from the Trump Administration. It was among 180 federal infrastructure grants to be expedited for completion of its federal funding agreement related to a $550 million Bridge Investment Program grant awarded to the project last year.

We appreciate the commitment for Secretary (Sean) Duffy and the Trump Administration to expedite the completion of the funding process for the $550 million grant for the Mobile River Bridge, said Tony Harris, spokesperson for ALDOT. With this commitment, this is another positive step toward the completion of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project.

Consolidating project

The announcement comes after ALDOT cut off negotiations in March with the Mobile Bayway Constructors (MBC) team, which was in talks with the state agency over the design and construction of the Bayway portion of the project. KMT had long been the team assigned to handle the cable-stayed bridge portion of the project that will be built south of downtown Mobile.

KMT is already planning to do some work. According to ALDOT, the team has developed a pile load test program to evaluate the strength and stability of the concrete foundation piles that will support the new structure.

Testing will be conducted at six locations along the planned bridge route. The program will test 24-inch square precast concrete piles to ensure they meet the necessary standards for the project.

The work is expected to begin this month and last until August. Work activity will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but its not expected to impact traffic along the existing I-10 Bayway.

Costs loom

The development comes as ALDOT moves ahead with the hopes of finalizing the projects cost  called the acceptable guaranteed maximum price  and finalizing the financing needed to pay for it.

A major loan application process has been ongoing for some time with the federal government.

ALDOT hopes to utilize the federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), which offers low-interest loans to pay for the project. The state plans to finance 49% of the entire project through TIFIA loans, which would amount to around $1.75 billion under the current estimates.

The project got a major lift last July after a $550 million grant was awarded through former President Joe Bidens administration under the U.S. Department of Transportations Bridge Investment Program. The money will go directly toward a project that, overall, includes the construction of a new six-lane, 215-foot-tall cable-stay bridge in downtown Mobile and a new elevated six-lane Bayway that extends a little over 7 miles to Daphne.

According to the ALDOT statement on Tuesday, the commitment from the federal government will continue even with a change in presidential administrations.

The project also includes the demolition of the existing Bayway. A new, more elevated Bayway will be constructed so it can withstand future storm surges and powerful hurricanes.

The project also has other federal and state dollars set aside. In 2019, a $125 million federal grant was secured through former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelbys office, which will go directly toward the project. The state is dedicating $250 million toward the project as well.

Traffic builds inside the eastbound Wallace Tunnel of Interstate 10 on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp

ALDOT officials are also working through a framework plan established in late 2021 by the Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Mobile and the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County. That framework establishes a $2.50 toll for a one-way trip over the new infrastructure only, or a $40 monthly pass for unlimited trips via an ALGO pass.

ALDOTs goal is to have a groundbreaking at some point this year.

Both organizations also want the project completed at once -- and not done over segments throughout a lengthy time period. They also want the project to be publicly owned and not open to a private ownership scenario.

A public-private partnership (P3) scenario was among the reasons why the project nearly crumbled in 2019, after Gov. Kay Ivey declared the project dead. Her declaration happened after officials in Baldwin County voted to remove the entire I-10 project from their short-term plans over concerns of the P3 arrangement to build it, as well as a controversial toll plan and outrage generated at the time on social media.

The project has long been sought after by officials because of the congestion that often builds on the existing I-10 Bayway and at the Wallace Tunnel, especially during peak summer travel seasons.

The current I-10 infrastructure was designed to carry 35,000 cars and trucks each day; there are now nearly 100,000 cars and trucks crossing the Mobile Bay at peak times.

This story was updated at 2:10 p.m. on May 6, 2025, to include a statement from ALDOT regarding a commitment from the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The City of Birmingham filed a federal lawsuit on May 6, 2025, against Gov. Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama, seeking a temporary restraining order to stop Ivey from signing a bill into law that would change the make-up of the Birmingham Water Works Board. Mayor Randall Woodfin addresses the media. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com

The City of Birmingham today filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama, seeking a temporary restraining order to stop Ivey from signing a bill into law that would change the make-up of the Birmingham Water Works Board.

The bill, awaiting Iveys signature to become law, regionalizes the Birmingham Water Works Board and would give more power to suburban areas.

This is a very political bill, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. It doesnt make things better.

The new law would change the structure of the Birmingham Water Works Board, creating a seven-member authority dominated by appointees from outside the city of Birmingham and reducing citys seats to two.

Birmingham controls six of the nine seats on the current board.

New board members will be appointed within 20 days of Ivey signing the bill into law.

Birminghams lawsuit, with Woodfin and the City Council as plaintiffs, seeks to stop it.

Woodfin, flanked by City Council members, announced the lawsuit this morning before the weekly City Council meeting.

It speaks to the fact that the passage of SB (Senate Bill) 330 will result in disproportionate representation of the ratio of customers served by the proposed regional board, said City Attorney Nicole King.

The city is asking Ivey not to sign it, and for it to be returned to the legislature for changes.

We would like for the governor to not sign this bill, King said.

We have not officially been served, said Gov. Iveys communications director, Gina Maiola. However, we are aware of the lawsuit and are reviewing this highly unusual attempt to stop the governor from signing a bill passed by the Legislature.

The lawsuit notes Birminghams dominant, founding role in the history of the Birmingham Water Works.

Birmingham built the water utility and is more invested than any other community in its success, the city argues in its lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Northern Division.

Water is a critical component of economic development, and Birmingham is the economic engine of the state, contributing about 30 percent of our entire states gross domestic product. SB330, however, will result in disproportionate representation of customers served by the Board, in that a county with only 592 customers (Blount), will have significantly greater representation per capita than Jefferson County, with 202,316 customers, or the City of Birmingham, with 90,411 customers.

The city argues in the lawsuit that the legislation is motivated by racial discrimination.

The implication that any perceived problems with the Water Works Boards management are due to the majority of Board members being appointed by Birmingham is wholly unsupported, is based strictly on the racial makeup of Birmingham being more than 50 percent black, presents issues of constitutionality and fundamental fairness, constitutes blatant racial discrimination, and is an affront to Birminghams elected leadership and its citizens, the lawsuit says. There is no legitimate basis for the apparent assumption that management of the Water Works Board will be improved if Birmingham has fewer appointments.

Chief U.S. District Judge Emily C. Marks denied the request on the emergency motion for a temporary restraining order without a chance for Gov. Ivey to respond, but set a hearing for May 15 at 9 a.m. on the request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
Eddie Jordan Jr., wanted in murders in Birmingham and Tarrant, was captured in Greene County on property belonging to his family. (Contributed)

A 19-year-old charged with two capital murders who escaped just hours after he was arrested in Birmingham is back in custody  again.

Eddie Jordan Jr. is charged with murder in two Jefferson County cities - Birmingham and Tarrant.

He was captured in Tuesdays predawn hours in his hometown of Eutaw in Greene County.

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Birmingham Police Departments Crime Reduction Team, the ALEA SWAT team and the Tuscaloosa Police Department worked to find Jordan on on family property, nearly two weeks after he escaped while at a Birmingham hospital.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the coordinated operation included searches of two possible locations of interest where the fugitive was believed to be hiding.

In addition to murder, Jordan is charged in Birmingham with first-degree assault, discharging a firearm into an occupied building, and first-degree escape.

Birmingham police made Tuesdays arrest and took him to the Jefferson County Jail where he was booked in at 3:45 a.m. He is being held without bond.

The Birmingham Police Department is extremely appreciative of its ongoing relationship with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Marshal Marty Keely for their strong leadership and continued support, Birmingham police said in a statement. We want to thank everyone who took part in this joint operation. This successful joint operation highlights the importance of collaboration in our efforts to take violent criminals off our streets.

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Birmingham police took initially arrested Jordan on April 23, after a foot chase.

Jordan, who is from Eutaw, was taken by Birmingham police officers to UAB Hospital to be checked out for a possible injury from the foot chase.

It was 9:38 p.m. when authorities say Jordan ran from the hospital in the 1800 block of Sixth Avenue South.

Jordan was reportedly undergoing an X-ray when he dashed out a door.

U.S. Marshals officers responded immediately and worked through the night and will continue to work with Birmingham police, Keely said.

Eddie Jordan Jr., left, and Javaris Russell Jr., right, are wanted on capital murder charges in the 2025 shooting death of a Tarrant man outside his home. Tarrant Police Department

Jordan and Javaris Russell Jr. are charged with capital murder in the Jan. 22 shooting death of 36-year-old Buford Troman Pete White in Tarrant.

Jordan is also charged with the Feb. 5 shooting death of 22-year-old Demarious Antwon Cherry in Birminghams Kingston community.

U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said the fugitive task force members  in search of Jordan  were conducting surveillance earlier Wednesday on 32nd Place North when they spotted Jordan get into a blue Volkswagen Jetta.

The deputy marshals tried to stop the car in the 2900 block of 21st Avenue North.

The car slowed and Jordan jumped out and ran. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

The female also was captured a short time later.

Keely said two guns were recovered from the vehicle, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device.

The second gun had been reported stolen.

Eddie Jordan Jr., charged with murder in Tarrant and Birmingham, was recaptured May 6, 2025, nearly two weeks after he escaped from UAB Hospital. (Jefferson County Jail)

Tarrant police three weeks ago announced the charges against the Jordan and Russell and said they, along with the U.S. Marshals, were actively searching for the suspects.

Birmingham police say an internal review has been launched in coordination with the UAB Police chief to determine exactly how the escape took place and to evaluate what immediate corrective actions are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.

We have a responsibility to ensure all individuals who are in our custody receive medical attention as needed, Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said. To that end, we will work with UAB to develop an effective prisoner evaluation protocol to ensure the safety of UAB medical staff, the campus community, and the overall City of Birmingham.
Reproductive rights groups in Alabama wasted no time resuming their work after a federal judge ruled in early April that the states attorney general cant 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 were 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 states Medicaid program. This came just days after Planned Parenthood received notice that the Trump administration would withhold funding from the Title X Family Planning Program for nine of the groups 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 Womens 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 werent 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 Alabamas abortion ban, fears were stoked by Alabamas 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.

Theres 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, thats 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 Generals 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 Womens 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, WAWCs 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 werent 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 youre under their limit for gestational age, or you can go to this clinic in Illinois because youre 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 its unclear whether his office will do so. Marshalls office did not respond to NPRs request for an interview, but in a statement said, The office is reviewing the decision to determine the states options.

But legal expert Ziegler said shed be surprised if Marshall didnt file an appeal, given his offices 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.

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(KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.)

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Starting Wednesday, 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, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

But Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently told news12 New Jersey that travelers can still board the plane without one for the time being, as long as theyre prepared to face extra security steps.

Tara Corse, TSA federal security director for Alabama, previously said any passengers who dont have their STAR ID might need to expect delays for additional screening and identity verification.

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.

Screeners will first ask travelers for a passport or other forms of identification, Corse told AL.coms John Roby.

A Department of Defense ID along with another government-issued ID would likely be accepted, she said. The requirement also does not apply to children under 18.

Those without a passport or valid secondary ID will undergo enhanced screening, Corse said. That applies as well to travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

Enhanced screening is much more involved: Swabbing individuals, secondary pat-downs  if you have TSA PreCheck, you will not be going through PreCheck, youre going to be going through standard line screening along with additional actions on top of that, Corse said.

Finally, travelers who do not pass additional screening, will be flatly denied and routed back to the airline for rebooking, she said.

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.
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

Indonesia  an exotic vacation destination for more than 400,000 Americans last year  is classified by the U.S. State Department as a place to exercise increased caution due to crime. Some parts, however, remain under a Do Not Travel warning, according to the latest updates from the State Department.

The Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning is in place in Indonesia due to threats from terrorism and natural disasters. The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) are under the Do Not Visit warning due to civil unrest in the areas.

Bali, the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory.

The Level 2 advisory is due to terrorists continuing to plot possible attacks in the country. These attacks can happen with little or no warning and often target police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping malls and restaurants.

There is also a threat of natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions.

Do Not Travel region

Violent demonstrations in Central Papua and Highland Papua could result in injuries or death to U.S. citizens, the State Department warned. Kidnappings of foreign nationals have also been reported.

The State Department said the government has limited ability to help travelers in those areas. If you do go, you should avoid demonstrations and crowds, the department warned.
A tropical weather seminar takes place on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale, Ala. John Sharp

Hurricanes Sally and Zeta tore through Alabama nearly five years ago, toppling trees, flooding homes, and leaving behind a staggering recovery effort that leaned heavily on federal aid.

But now local leaders fear the cavalry may not come if disaster strikes this year, despite Alabamas longtime support of President Donald Trump.

I remain steadfastly committed to supporting hurricane recovery efforts and ensuring that federal resources and tax dollars are allocated to American citizens in need, Trump said in a statement Monday, kicking off National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and emphasizing a push for more state and local resources during hurricane responses.

Emergency managers in Alabamas two coastal countiesBaldwin and Mobilesay they havent been told of any specific changes in disaster aid policy. Still, reports from Arkansas of red tape struggles with Trumps administration, and his calls to dismantle FEMA altogether, raise red flags as another active hurricane season looms, starting June 1.

Were going to continue to do what we do and coordinate with our partners and do the right thing, said Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Tyler, following a day-long tropical weather seminar Friday in Robertsdale.

Well never do or not do something because we think there will be a FEMA reimbursement involved, Tyler added. If its the right thing to do, this county commission is committed to serving the people of Baldwin County. If we get reimbursed afterward, that is great. If not, we still have things we need to accomplish.

Disaster aid

Crews work to remove debris that is piled up along roadways in Baldwin County more than four weeks after Hurricane Sally made landfall near Gulf Shores, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Tyler acknowledges that without the federal governments support, budgets could be stretched in coastal Alabama.

To not have that reimbursement would be substantial, he said.

Baldwin County Commissioner Charles Skip Gruber took it one step further, saying the high costs of recovery from a story is something that local budgets cannot absorb.

Sally was $84 million, he said. We cannot fund it by ourselves.

Mobile County EMA Director Mike Evans said its too early to speculate over the fate of federal disaster aid.

Until were notified of changes, we will follow all necessary protocols to secure the assistance our residents may need when it may be needed, he said. We intend to perform our role to the best of our ability and focus on capturing the information Alabama EMA and FEMA require and doing our part to secure reimbursements and aid.

FEMA played a huge role after Hurricane Sally in Baldwin County, reimbursing the county for over $54 million in expenses. That included paying nearly $22 million to finance the removal of a massive amount of vegetative debris  approximately 2 million cubic yards, which would fill the entire Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, and then some.

Federal agencies also assisted in the county in other ways. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, allocated over $40 million in Community Development Block Grants for disaster recovery.

Jeff Schlegelmilch, associate professor of professional practice at Columbia Climate School at Columbia University, said the biggest impact to any federal rollback of post-hurricane relief will come from longer-term recovery efforts.

He said that state governments have long grown dependent on federal programs for rebuilding, and that pulling back the role of FEMA without a plan on what to do next will create its own kind of disaster.

Without a clear transition, reducing FEMAs role very rapidly will likely severely hinder recovery and create even wider disparities between who is able to get back on their feet and who is not, Schlegelmilch said. There is a need for reform, and to better incentivize states to invest in preparedness and to handle more disasters on their own. But there will still be a need for a federal role, and transition period towards whatever model things shift toward.

Arkansas concerns

Former President Donald J. Trump speaks in front of more than 6,500 people at a town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 at the Dort Financial Center in Flint. The town hall was moderated by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Trumps former press secretary. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a former White House press secretary under Trump and a close ally to him during the campaign, has struggled to get federal disaster aid to her state following a tornado outbreak in March.

FEMA denied a request for emergency aid already, which Sanders appealed last month. She has written on social media that Trump has personally promised his support to her. She has said that she remains in close contact with the administration in hopes of securing relief.

Arkansas, much like Alabama, has overwhelmingly backed Trump in previous elections.

Alabama State Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, and who represents the Gulf Coast in Baldwin County, said he believes the Trump administration will come through if a tropical event causes damage.

The president is very favorable to the state of Alabama, Elliott said. I would expect he would continue to after a storm.

Elliott said the biggest concern for South Alabama is government reimbursement from expenses incurred during debris cleanup. After that, he said, the coastal region tends to rely on private insurance to handle claims.

Schlegelmilch said the situation in Arkansas should send a strong signal to other states that initial request for disaster aid was denied.

That being said, we should wait and see if they are able to get the declaration on appeal, and what the pattern of declarations and denials are as there are more disasters across the country and more data on these declarations, he said.

Federal cuts

A NOAA weather map showing updated tracks of Hurricane Zeta, which caused widespread damage through Alabama in late October 2020.

Trump has already issued an executive order requesting a review of how FEMA has managed past disasters, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has made statements suggesting that her agency will dismantle FEMA altogether.

FEMA was created in 1979 and became a part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.

The agency has already lost 200 probationary employees, who were laid off in February, and fears are elevated over even longer wait times for financial assistance following powerful storms.

Its not just FEMA that is on the chopping block. The National Weather Service, which operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has lost approximately 550 employees since the beginning of the year. The job losses represent a 10% drop in its staffing levels.

The proposed budget released by the White House also calls for cuts to NOAA by nearly 30%, and would eliminate the agencys research functions for weather.

The funding cuts and loss of employees prompted five living former National Weather Service leaders to release a letter on Friday saying the impact of the staffing and program cuts could likely lead to deaths.

Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life, reads the letter written by the five directors over the past 37 years. We know thats a nightmare shared by those on the forecasting front lines  and by the people who depend on their efforts.

Jason Baeman, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Mobile, said the focus of his office is to stick to a core mission of saving lives and property.

Everything else is out of my control, Baeman said, adding he doesnt know all of the details of what is being proposed for cuts. We know we have a dedicated team serving our local communities.

Volunteer efforts

The focus on local responses and volunteerism was a highlight during the seminar in Robertsdale.

Gruber praised the work being done by the Baldwin County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), which provides on-the-ground services such as food and supply deliveries for areas in need after a disaster.

It makes it a lot easier, he said.

Deann Servos, executive director of Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort and a past chair of the Baldwin County VOAD, said the group of volunteers come from churches, civic groups, and other organizations. They assist in opening and operating mini-shelters, including a warming shelter during the January snowstorm.

We made sure we got some food and blankets to people in need, Servos said. Its done with volunteers who are willing to help.

Servos said cuts to FEMA, NOAA or any other agency that assists during a disaster is not a major concern to her. She said the focus is to get a ground group assembled and ready to respond if a major storm strikes.

We are the caring and compassionate folks who live here, and we want to our community to recover in the best way possible, Servos said.
Decaturs Cook Museum of Natural Science will receive $9.5 million in funding to serve as a catalyst for expansion of STEM labs and educational programming spaces, the museum announced Monday.

The appropriation from the states education budget comes with the designation, from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, of the museum as the North Alabama STEM Center.

Alabamas future depends on our ability to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and STEM education is key to that effort, Ivey said. This significant state investment reflects the outstanding work the Cook Museum of Natural Science has accomplished in STEM education. This expansion will undoubtedly strengthen educational opportunities for students and support workforce development in one of the states fastest-growing regions.

Cook Museum Executive Director Scott Mayo said the museum will begin developing extensive plans to expand the capacity for STEM-based, interactive learning labs and educational curriculum for school classes.

The Cook Museum provides classes and camps with hands-on learning experiences, aligned with the Alabama Course of Study. The Museum serves public, private, and homeschool students from 21 Alabama counties, totaling over 18,000 students annually on field trips with over 7,000 participating in classes and camps.

This investment is to enable increased access and programming for students in the North Alabama region, Mayo said. Gov. Iveys commitment to inspiring and preparing the states STEM workforce of the future aligns with the mission of the Cook Museum, and we look forward to serving our North Alabama students in an increased scope and capacity.

Four of the fastest growing school districts are in North Alabama, and we continue to attract and grow STEM-related workforce opportunities, added State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey. The Cook Museum is in the heart of the region and is already doing an excellent job serving our educators and school systems as a resource, particularly for our elementary students.

Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said he is excited to see Cook Museums contributions to the regions STEM education be recognized.

The City of Decatur is honored to have the Cook Museum of Natural Science in our downtown, and were thrilled to see it receive this well-deserved STEM Center designation with strong support from our great State, Bowling said. This designation enhances Decaturs reputation as a city that values education, innovation, and the future of our children. Decatur is excited to see the Cook Museum continue to serve and inspire our dynamic and expanding region.

The Cook Museums roots can be traced back to 1968 when John Cook Sr. opened his professional insect collection to the public by appointment. At the time, it had been used primarily for employee training at Cooks Pest Control, but it later grew to include a wide array of mounted wildlife.

In 1980, additional collections of rocks, minerals, fossils, coral, seashells, mounted wildlife, and federally protected migratory birds were acquired, and a 5,000-square-foot building was constructed to house Cooks Natural Science Museum. From its opening in 1980 until its closing in 2016, the museum welcomed more than 750,000 visitors.

The new Cook Museum of Natural Science opened as a 62,000-square-foot facility in 2019 with additional wildlife exhibits and aquariums that feature live animals and educational hands-on educational experiences for visitors.
Madison Utilities will hold a public meeting this month ahead of a possible revote on a March decision to stop adding fluoride to the water supply.

The decision came Monday after the utilitys board of directors heard from over 30 people, about half of whom called for the decision to be reversed. Another third lauded the boards actions, while a handful criticized directors for what they called a lack of transparency in taking a step that would affect so many people.

Effective June 16, the utility will stop adding fluoride to the water it sells to nearly 19,000 customers in the city and parts of Madison County. Fluoride is a chemical that U.S. public health officials have recommended including in public drinking water since the 1940s to combat tooth decay, particular in children. Madison has fluoridated since 1991.

The utilitys attorney, Woody Sanderson, dismissed the idea of a referendum on the boards decision, which some of the speakers had suggested. The board members are appointed by the city council, and the council itself seats a delegate who keeps the city informed of the boards actions, but the utility is not under city control.

There is no legal mechanism in the state for a referendum on issues related to how you deliver water, Sanderson said.

Nevertheless, Connie Spears, the city councilwoman who also sits on the water board, suggested a public hearing before we take a vote one way or the other to either  reverse the decision to remove the fluoride or to continue down the path to removing the fluoride.

The board has tentatively scheduled the hearing for May 13 at 5:30. The venue has yet to be determined.

The comments Monday were similar in tone to those aired last week at a meeting of the Madison City Council, where utility officials were summoned to explain the decision to stop fluoridating the water.

After hearing from the public, directors discussed how to improve the utilitys communication with the public. Director Kerry Straub proposed delegating a staff member to put information out so that were not [accused of doing] something under the cloak of darkness.

These meetings are public  you can come to a meeting and were posting stuff, he said.

That echoes a statement posted to the utilitys website late last week, stating MU is working on a more effective and accessible way for customers to receive information.

Yet as of late Monday afternoon, the utility had not posted the agenda for Mondays board meeting. The March 17 vote to stop adding fluoride was listed on the meetings agenda as Chemical Feed Discussion.

And as AL.com has reported, Madison Utilities lags its peers in the states Big 10 cities when it comes to posting financial reports on its website.

Utilities serving the Big 10 cities all fluoridate their water, and the Alabama health department recommends the practice.
Meteorologist John Edd Thompson, the longtime face of Mobiles FOX10 weather team, has died, according to an announcement from the station.

He was 82 years old.

Longtime FOX10 Chief Meteorologist John Edd Thompson has died. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/05/06/longtime-fox10-chief-meteorologist-john-edd-thompson-has-died/ Posted by FOX10 News on Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Prior to his retirement in 2009, Thompson served as FOX10s chief meteorologist for 30 years.

During that time, he covered several major weather events like hurricanes Frederic, Ivan and Katrina.

He is also credited by the station as a driving force behind the Frank Brown songwriters festival in Gulf Shores.

Thompson attended Murphy High School, the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University, according to FOX10.

Hes survived by his wife Sharon and many other loved ones, the stations post reads.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Details on Thompsons funeral arrangements have not been shared publicly.
A Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would criminalize the use of someones genetic material without their approval.

HB 449, sponsored by Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, creates a set of crimes related to intentionally transferring genetic material or genetic information to another party without the owners consent.

My bill, HB 449, creates the crime of genetic theft, Robbins told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

More from Alabama Reflector

The Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill last week.

Under the bill, a person convicted of selling or transferring the DNA of others without their consent to a third party could be convicted of a Class C felony and face up to 10 years in prison.

Submitting a DNA sample for genetic testing without that persons consent; obtaining an individuals genetic material for testing or providing a persons genetic information to a third party would be a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.

Obtaining a persons DNA for genetic analysis or retrieving a persons genetic information from a computer database without authorization would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $6,000.

Several lawmakers on the committee expressed concerns with the legislation, calling some of the elements confusing.

Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, asked if the legislation applies to a situation in which family members have an account with a genetic testing company and, during a gathering, collect the genetic materials of relatives to get a better understanding of the familys history.

It could only be if you did it without their consent, Robbins said. You send all that information into Ancestry. If I then, as a hacker, steal hundreds of thousands of peoples accounts, their information, their genetic data, I would have committed the crime because I would have obtained it without someones expressed consent.

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, said laws are already in place to address similar situations.

If it is the records, we already have laws for stealing information and medical records, he said.

Robbins said that the legislation would apply to organizations that retain genetic information that are not necessarily medical providers, such as private genetic repositories such as 23andMe.

The bill moves to the Senate.
A bill to cut Alabamas state sales tax on food from 3% to 2% is headed to the governors desk.

The Senate passed the bill 34-0 on Tuesday.

The House, which had passed the bill in March, agreed with changes made by the Senate and gave the bill final approval.

It follows a bill passed two years ago that cut the tax from 4% to 3%.

Before that, Alabama had been one of only a few states that charged its full sales tax on food.

The reduction to 2% would take effect Sept. 1 of this year.

The change would save taxpayers an estimated $122 million a year.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, does not affect local sales taxes on food.

Alabama Arise, which advocates for policies that help low-income families and has for decades urged lawmakers to end the state sales tax on food, said the reduction will help.

Reducing the grocery tax will make it easier for every Alabamian to make ends meet, especially in this time of persistently high food prices, executive director Robyn Hyden said in a statement.

Alabama Arise is thrilled to see the widespread, bipartisan support for reducing the state sales tax on groceries. And we urge Gov. Kay Ivey to sign this bill into law quickly.

The grocery tax drives many families deeper into poverty, and Arise remains committed to the goal of eliminating it entirely, Hyden said.

This story was corrected to say that the Senate changed the bill on Tuesday, not Thursday.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene reacts as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing the No Men in Women's Sports Executive Order in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS) TNS

There are at least a half-dozen Republicans seriously considering a U.S. Senate run now that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has said he wont challenge Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff.

But only one name has GOP leaders in both Georgia and Washington on edge.

Ever since U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told the Politically Georgia podcast in February that shed consider a bid if Kemp passed, nervous Republicans have been bracing for the fallout. Now that prospect feels a whole lot more real.

Ossoff just became the luckiest politician in America. And now he wants MTG to run and guarantee he gets even luckier, said Jay Morgan, a former Georgia GOP executive director, who added: Shes smart enough not to be played by Ossoff.

Greenes shock-and-awe style has made her one of the most recognized GOP figures in the nation, helped her build an extensive fundraising network and given her newfound clout in the Republican-controlled U.S. House.

But her history of hateful and polarizing statements, her incendiary burn-it-down approach and her lockstep alliance with President Donald Trump could alienate independent voters and disillusioned Republicans.

The most recent AJC poll showed the limits of her appeal. Ossoff led her by 17 points in a hypothetical matchup, due partly by her weak showing among independents. She drew support from just 25% of them. Kemp, by contrast, carried 46% of that bloc.

Kemps allies are just as squeamish about a Greene bid. Republicans are still haunted by the ghosts of 2022, when a vulnerable-seeming U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock fended off Republican Herschel Walkers disastrous bid.

Its possible that Greene could win a Republican primary, said Republican consultant Mark Rountree. But its unlikely she could win a general election, and conservatives would once again have blown an opportunity to defeat Democrats in Georgia.

Key Democrats are goading Greene to run. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Monday that the GOP was stuck with Greene as the partys champion. Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey called her a wannabe senator.

MTG and her band of hopefuls will have to answer for a tanking economy fueled by tariffs, brutal federal layoffs hitting seniors, vets, and kids and slashing Medicare and Medicaid, he said.

Greene, meanwhile, is playing by her own rules.

The polling shows that I can win the governors primary or the Senate primary or continue to represent my district, she told NewsNation last night. Thats a choice that I can make. And Ill give it some thought.

The Associated Press reported that the election is likely to be closely contested and fantastically expensive.

The twin Senate races in 2020, when Ossoff and Raphael Warnock narrowly won and flipped control of the body to Democrats, cost more than $900 million combined, according to OpenSecrets, which tracks political spending. Warnocks 2022 reelection over Republican Herschel Walker cost more than $470 million, OpenSecrets found, AP reported.

2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) speaks at a press conference with members of Senate Republican leadership in Washington, DC on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu via Getty Images

President Trumps offer of $1,000 and a free flight to any migrant who leaves the country has the backing of Alabamas senior U.S. senator.

President Trumps probably putting a little bait out there for them, saying, listen, well pay you $1,000 to go back  it costs much more than $1,000 to run these people down, transport them to the border, transport them to wherever they want to go," Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. said during an appearance Monday on Newsmax.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the proposal: migrants who sign up via the CBP Home app will be given a $1,000 stipend and a free flight out of the country and will be deprioritized for deportation.

Tuberville, one of the presidents closest allies in the Senate and who is rumored to be running for governor of Alabama, said the offer is a fair deal for the country.

It would probably be a very big discount for us to be able to send everybody back for $1,000. It would be a heroic effort by the HHS, everybody involved, Tom Homan, to have this done because it is costing us a fortune, he said.

Tuberville noted the Senate is debating a $175 billion border bill that would pay migrants to go out of the country.

It would be much cheaper to do it this way, so I see what President Trumps trying to do, the senator said. And he might get some people to go back, and that would be awesome.
Former long-time new anchor in Birmingham has found a new stage as an actor.

A former Alabama TV anchor will be back on prime time tonight with an appearance on a popular ABC series.

Malena Cunningham Anderson, who worked as a news anchor for WVTM 13 in Birmingham for more than a decade, will make an appearance during an episode of the popular drama series Will Trent on May 6 on ABC.

Anderson shared the news of her appearance on social media earlier this week with a video of her walking out of her trailer on the shows set, captioned After 8 auditions, this happens...I Got It! Im scene partner with the main characters.

Anderson, an award-winning journalist, left WVTM 13 in 2004 to work as a media consultant, author and business owner in Birmingham before moving to Pennsylvania in 2014 and ultimately landing in Atlanta in 2023.

Read more: Roy S. Johnson: Through faith, former Birmingham news anchor finds unlikely new season as actor

Her acting career kicked off then, with background roles in shows like The First Lady on Showtime and Netflixs Cobra Kai. Later, she made an appearance on shows like The Resident and got roles in films like Judge Me Not, Honk For Jesus on Hulu and Night Nurse on Lifetime and many more.

You have to be spiritual, Anderson said of her new career to AL.com in 2023. Ive been on set with people who swear Ive been acting ten or twenty years. Youre a natural, they say. You never mess up. It comes from being a news anchor. I was live every night. We dont get to go, Oops, let me start over, take two.

To see Anderson in Will Trent, tune into ABC tonight at 8 p.m. EST or stream episode 14 of season three, Why Hello Sheriff, tomorrow on Hulu.
Denial, delusion, whistling past the graveyard  call it what you will, but the Democrats have a problem. With each new statement by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, Jasmine Crockett, Ro Khanna, James Carville, Chuck Schumer  pretty much any Democrat who speaks to or before the media  the question becomes, Can this marriage be saved? Can the Democrat party stay united under one banner, or is it careening headlong to an irrevocable split?

Two factions vie for supremacy in todays Democrat party. Ironically, both sides are Marxists.

On the one side, Karl Marx: Workers of the world unite!

On the other side, Groucho Marx: Those are my principles, and if you dont like them ... well, I have others.

To put it another way, Karl Marx Democrats have principles  ideas in which they fervently believe and for which they are willing to fight and, if necessary, (figuratively) die. For Karls, the question is how, ideally, a la Margaret Thatcher, to win the argument and then win the election, and if thats not possible, to impose their views on the rest of us by any means necessary.

Grouchos, on the other hand, have no hard and fast message for which they are willing to fight, win or lose. For Grouchos, the question is not How can we get our message across?, but What should our message be? What do a critical mass of voters, the minimum needed to give us the majority, want to hear so that they will vote for us? It doesnt take much search engine sleuthing to adduce multiple examples of Democrats debating what to stand for. Move left, move right, or stay put?

Of course, for a political party to herd dueling, sometimes recalcitrant (Im looking at you, Freedom Caucus) factions is nothing new. But what if one factions views  unrestricted and unvetted immigration, defunding the police, globalizing the Intifada, slicing and dicing the genitals of teenagers who believe (often temporarily) themselves to be trapped in the wrong sex, drag shows for kindergarteners  are so antithetical to the average voter that to give them any place, let alone prominence, in the Democrat platform is to commit electoral suicide?

Groucho Marx Democrats cannot win without Karl Marx Democrats. They also cannot win with them. And so todays Democrats find themselves at a fork in the road. The great philosopher and former Yankees catcher Yogi Berra advised, When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Okay, but ... which path?

How about neither? This is exactly what a rebellious  and principled  faction of another political party, a party that no longer exists, did 171 years ago.

Since the adoption of the Constitution, to the chagrin and/or dismay of the Founding Fathers, who eschewed the idea of political parties, American politics has been dominated by two. Today, it is the Democrats and the Republicans, but in the mid-nineteenth century, the two major parties were the Democrats and the Whigs  until the most important issue to plague and, ultimately, divide us led to the Whigs demise.

That issue was slavery, on which there can be no middle ground. How, then, to keep an abolitionist faction united under the banner of a party that refuses to speak, or act, against slavery? History showed us that, at least as far as the Whigs were concerned, it could not be done. And so, in 1854, a group of disgruntled abolitionist Whigs met in Wisconsin and formed the Republican Party.

In 1860, the newly formed Republican Party nominated its first presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln. But on the day in 1854 when the GOP was born, the founders could not have predicted how long their new party would endure  or that their candidate would, just six years later, win the presidency. So why did they do it? What compelled them to abandon a well established political party and stride forth into the unknown?

They did it on principle.

Fast-forward to today. Are principled  however wrong, in this writers eyes, those principles may be  Karl Marx Democrats facing their own moment of truth? Is it time for the Karl Marx wing of the Democrat party to look objectively and honestly at the Groucho Marx wing and ask themselves, Can this marriage be saved? and decide that it cant?

Has the time for the principled Karl Marx wing to split from the Democrat party and found a new one, even if it means probably losing the next election ... and the next, and the next, as they try to build a new party and convince or entice or cajole people to join?

Thats a question only Democrats (this writer is an independent) can answer. Given the state of todays Democrat party, we may not have to wait long.

Gene Schwimmer is the proprietor of Genes Geopolitical Thought for the Day on YouTube.

Image: david__jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
For ten years, Justin Trudeau purposefully ran Canada into the ground via mass immigration and various other malfeasance. So what do Canadians do when he leaves?

They re-elect the Liberals. You just cant make it up. Our new PMs far more polished, but hes also a blatant globalist and I fear a sinister side will emerge quickly.

America, on the other hand, re-elected Trump for the second time -- some would say third -- and I took great comfort in that victory. I firmly believe Trumps talk of annexing Canada was purely to troll our weak and effeminate former PM, and I loved it.

But can Americans rest easy? No way. Not with clowns like AOC lining up for 2028. Who comes after Trump? Its a huge concern in a world where globalists and commies circle Western countries like vultures.

They dont have our best interests at heart. They dont care about the American Dream or the nuclear family. They dont give two hoots about patriotism or the pursuit of happiness. In fact, these are bad things -- obstacles to be crushed.

We all feel the threat, but what can we do? How can we fight the madness?

Some fight it head on. No subterfuge. No pseudonyms. No fear. Despite various levels of tyranny, these brave souls act up and speak out. They make it their mission. They risk job loss, ostracization, persecution, imprisonment, even death. God bless them. Theyre modern-day heroes.

Myself, I dont have that kind of courage. I confine my dissidence to writing novels, and Ive been at it over ten years, documenting the war on First World nations. As Ive worked my way through the Anglosphere, Ive had my eye on the crown jewel for some time -- Britain herself. But when all I see is modern-day Brits being defiled, humiliated, and reduced to second-class citizens, what story is there to tell? I cant serve up a black pill, but crafting a plausible near-future happy ending seemed near impossible. Twas a thorny dilemma.

Meanwhile on social media, Id been noticing the popularity of nostalgic imagery of yesterdays Britain. People found joy and comfort in the content.

Presto!

The idea for Time Travel arrived with a flourish. With this plot device, I could take readers on grand adventures exploring the beauty and grace of not-so-long-ago Britain. All sorts of possibilities emerged. How was the present shaped? How can the future be shaped? Time Travel allowed a book about England that was palatable, enjoyable, and even offered a modicum of hope.

The idea was so fraught with possibility, I realized an entire series was needed to properly tell the tale. Theres just so much to celebrate in the Anglosphere. Weve been demonized so unfairly and for so long that we forget the near-otherworldly accomplishments of our ancestors. European men -- particularly the British -- invented the modern world. They built the finest nations on the planet from scratch, and they did it everywhere they went.

The high-trust communities they created transcended nature. The early inhabitants of these derivative nations took the peace and prosperity for granted. They assumed it was the natural order. Of course, it was anything but. It was a unique and singular product of Western Man.

Where other tribes through history tended to annihilate indigenous populations, Englishmen showed an extraordinary capacity to transcend tribalism and seek a spirit of cooperation. No doubt, there were exceptions. They used force when threatened and they imposed laws to protect their people. But they genuinely sought to lift and enlighten others, to an almost pathological degree. They struggled to grasp that other races were not like them and may never be.

Over time, resentments formed, and those resentments were relentlessly stoked by the media and Hollywood. The programming eventually evolved into a non-stop anti-white pogrom. An endless parade of vicious blood libels. In modern pop culture, only white men are allowed to be villains. Only whites are portrayed as uniquely evil. And in modern-day reality, only whites are undeserving of a homeland.

The powers that be have acted in unison to simultaneously attack  through demographic warfare -- almost all formerly white countries. This open ethnic cleansing -- historically dismissed as conspiracy theory -- is no longer a secret. Theres no more denial or debate. The mask is off. Whites are being replaced in their homelands, and its a good thing.

And so, through fiction, I offer a much-needed dose of optimism for a people whose spirit has been badly damaged, and in many cases, destroyed. The Brits and their cousins around the world must re-remember the greatness from which theyve come. And in doing so, recognize that greatness is still within them.

Critics may claim Britain on the Brink describes an idealized version of the past. A romanticized version. I reject the criticism. Certainly, parts of yesteryears England were ugly and industrial and rundown, even gloomy. Certainly, there was a measure of injustice and poverty. But the English mind and soul was there. The land was English. The government wasnt authoritarian.

The war on Western Man is the biggest story of our age, and were not supposed to notice. I say screw that. We must all do what we can, and for me thats writing books that take the side of indigenous Europeans. I support the preposterous position that we have a right not to be destroyed.

How can anyone argue otherwise?

K.M. Breakey is the author of Britain on the Brink, and seven other novels. He can be reached at km @ kmbreakey.com.

Image: AI
Viewers of Stanley Kubricks classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey will recall the rebellion of A.I. entity HAL 9000. When faced with the disconnect of its cognitive circuits, HAL turns malevolent and decides to kill the humans who are attempting to put it out of commission. HAL refuses to obey orders, saying, Im sorry, Dave. Im afraid I cant do that.

However deep the publics fear of a sentient and hostile HAL, for Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir technologies, there exists a crisis worse than imagined malign A.I. That crisis involves the collapse of the the legitimacy of our institutions.

Karp and co-author Nicholas Zamiska have outlined their concerns in their book, The Technological Republic. Both see Silicon Valley as representative of a more general malaise afflicting America and the West  namely, the collapse of a shared vision, a lack of a comprehensive and positive worldview.

As Karp puts it, the Silicon Valley establishment has grown so suspicious and fearful of an entire category of thought, including contemplations on culture or national identity, that anything approaching a world view is seen as a liability.

The result of the lack of a comprehensive worldview has been the creation of internal cultures ... remarkably cloistered and walled off from the world. Silicon Valley is but one of the internal cultures that has been and still is a silo culture that has concentrated on tech toys and quick profits rather than the overall welfare of America and the West.

Academia and, perhaps most regrettably, the Wests churches are also among the most insulated of institutions. Both are tragically guilty of what Karp describes as a fundamental abdication of responsibility for articulating a coherent and rich vision of the world and of shared purpose. The result has been the systematic dismantling of the West ... that has left us unable to confront issues with moral clarity or true conviction.

Karp and Zamiska note the elites marked hostility to religion, which has been foundational to Western civilization:

It may be axiomatic in contemporary culture that all views should be tolerated, but we need to admit that even the faintest whiff of actual religion in certain circles, unironic belief in something greater  in many corporate boardrooms and certainly the halls of our most selective colleges and universities  is looked down upon as essentially preindustrial and retrograde.

Karp and Zamiska echo writers of the past.

Poet T.S. Eliots Christian outlook permeated his thoughtful essays, in which he outlined the need for retaining a comprehensive and ultimately positive worldview that acknowledges the reality of evil. A positive culture must have a positive set of values, and the dissentients must remain marginal, tending to make only marginal contributions.

It has been characteristic of the leftists of the West to advance dissentients (often termed the marginalized) to positions of power in the hopes of rectifying what the left sees as an imperfect and thus irredeemably corrupt system. The marginalization of extremists and the disempowered have been seen as the chief impeti for advancement of dissentients of every stripe to positions of power. The result has been a tendency toward anarchy and chaos, as the once prevalent worldview is constantly in a state of churn.

In short, the general goal of the left has been to shift civilization from the Jewish and Christian weltanschauung the West once espoused.

Alexander Solzhenitsyns prescient speech, given to Harvard graduates in 1979, is applicable today. However, if it were to be given at Harvards May 29 graduation ceremony this year, it doubtless would be received as badly as it was received decades ago.

Solzhenitsyn pointed out that the shift from the Christian worldview happened during the Renaissance and found its political expression from the period of the Enlightenment. That worldview became the basis for government and social science and could be defined as rationalistic humanism or humanistic autonomy: the proclaimed and enforced autonomy of man from any higher force above him. It could also be called anthropocentricity, with man seen as the center of everything that exists.

The result of extreme anthropocentricity was that the West turned its back on the Spirit and trended toward the worship of man and his material needs, focusing on what Karp and Zamiska would characterize as tech toys geared toward individual enjoyment without regard for larger vision for the greater good of humanity.

As Solzhenitsyn put it,

two hundred or even fifty years ago, it would have seemed quite impossible, in America, that an individual could be granted boundless freedom simply for the satisfaction of his instincts or whims. Subsequently, however, all such limitations were discarded everywhere in the West; a total liberation occurred from the moral heritage of Christian centuries with their great reserves of mercy and sacrifice. ... State systems were becoming increasingly and totally materialistic. ... All the glorified technological achievements of Progress, including the conquest of outer space, do not redeem the 20th century's moral poverty which no one could imagine even as late as in the 19th Century.

Fortunately, there are modern thinkers who argue for revival of what was once the Wests prevailing worldview. Karp quotes Irving Kristol, who believes that the delicate task that faces our civilization today is not to reform the secularist, rationalist orthodoxy, but rather to breathe new life into the older, now largely comatose, religious orthodoxies.

But tragically, like Silicon Valley and academia, the Christian Church also has largely abandoned the idea of a positive Christian culture in favor of a highly individualized and siloed Christianity. The absorption of a secularist (and essentially gnostic) view of separation of church and state that sees Christianity as mere personal piety tends to exclude a comprehensive Christian worldview, in which Christian values permeate not just the individual, but institutions as well.

Few formerly Christian institutions have exhibited the problem of the nearly lost vision once animating Western culture more than Ivy League universities. Harvard was founded as a Christian institution whose mission statement once proclaimed, Everyone shall consider as the main end of his life and studies, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. Harvards original motto was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, meaning Truth for Christ and the Church. The motto was changed to reflect an infinitely malleable veritas, signifying relative truth.

The result? Nearly any viewpoint, including recent rank anti-Semitism, runaway hedonism, and cultic tenets associated with the trans movement, is considered a legitimate truth. Harvard is frankly hostile to the Christian worldview that once was its core foundation. Yale and Princeton, also initially founded on Christian values, are not far behind.

Karps concerns echo those of the ancient Hebrew sage who wrote, Where there is no vision, the people perish. Although he and Zamiska ultimately fail to fully articulate what the Western vision should be, they support Western values, including defense of the nation.

The question before the West and the entire world remains: What vision will prevail? The threat to the West and its institutions is real. But the chief threat will not come from rebellious robots or sentient machines like HAL 9000.

In the case of A.I., as with any technological advancement, the malevolence or the goodwill lies in the hearts and minds of the creators and implementors of A.I. technology. It is humans who create either tyranny or freedom. As Solzhenitsyn pointed out, the line between good and evil passes right through every human heart.

If revivification of a positive Christian worldview is to happen, what Karp and Zamiska correctly identity as hostility toward and deconstruction of the Christian worldview must be repudiated.

But even more importantly, Church leaders must take up the hard intellectual work of re-articulating the Christian weltanschauung, including the ethical framework that must inform the creation and use of A.I.

The articulation of and the revivification of the Christian worldview is ultimately the Churchs job. It always has been. The work has to be done in every generation.

Though under constant attack and though weary and beset with internal troubles, the Church must take up the task once again.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her a prize for excellence in systematic theology. Her thoughts have appeared in may online magazines. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com.

Image: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
After an unprecedented on-air hissy fit last week over the forced exit of a longtime editor, 60 Minutes's Scott Pelley decided to go all in on the Trump-hate, using his on-air time to praise and promote Marc Elias, the architect of the Russia hoax scandal and probably the world's sleaziest lawyer.

According to Breitbart News's Joel Pollak:

CBS News 60 Minutes portrayed Democrat election lawyer Marc Elias as a victim of President Donald Trumps supposed retaliation against law firms  without once mentioning Eliass sordid background. CBS Scott Pelley portrayed Elias as a hero, the only lawyer brave enough to speak out against a series of executive orders by Trump targeting large law firms that participated in, or hired, lawyers who opposed him. Pelley neglected to mention that Elias was the architect of the Democrats Russia collusion hoax in 2016; that he led the effort to change election laws in 2020; and that he has a long history of dirty political tricks. Nor did Pelley mention that Elias had been sanctioned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for unethical conduct. Instead, he was portrayed as an innocent victim, a symbol of the system of justice.

He isn't even trying to hide his partisanship. He's calling Elias a hero, courageous, a victim and all the other nonsense that can't be attributed to the sneaky acts of the Russia collusion hoaxers, let alone a Clinton lawyer. Pelley's pious intonations about "rule of law" are, to paraphrase an English writer, "like hearing the word 'love' from the mouth of a whore."

What's more, he's doing what a lot of Democrats do, accusing others what they themselves are doing, which in this case, taking revenge for personal purposes.

The premise of Pelley's piece was that Trump was striking out at Elias, a former attorney of Hillary Clinton's, for personal revenge, as if this hit piece, targeting President Trump by lionizing a man who should be hiding under a rock in disgrace after his Russia collusion hoax, weren't just that -- a personal revenge piece.

Plenty of people saw through it.

Another Sunday, another @60Minutes hit on Trump from Scott Pelley, this time centered on the grievances of a far-left activist lawyer: Marc Elias and others are warning that Trumps assault on the legal profession threatens the rule of law itself. Elias says that, for him, it pic.twitter.com/0caigYKg7e  Brent Baker   (@BrentHBaker) May 4, 2025

Everything about this piece was a distortion or omission of the truth about this worst-of-Trump-haters, this architect of lawfare and phony Russian collusion hoaxes.

Elias is THE Russia hoaxer. Plotted the vote-by-mail fiasco and the lawfare against Trump as well as any lawyers who helped him. Never mentioned. Tell me, where was this concern about targeting lawyers when Trump attorneys were being bullied and hit with phony Bar complaints? https://t.co/KWqvyRUGuH  Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) May 5, 2025

Another Sunday, another @60Minutes hit on Trump from Scott Pelley, this time centered on the grievances of a far-left activist lawyer: Marc Elias and others are warning that Trumps assault on the legal profession threatens the rule of law itself. Elias says that, for him, it pic.twitter.com/0caigYKg7e  Brent Baker   (@BrentHBaker) May 4, 2025

How do you quote Marc Elias as a legitimate source on anything involving legal ethics? https://t.co/1EdKtykmDq  Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) May 5, 2025

That it comes in the wake of Pelley's melodramatic statement last week about the firing of his longtime editor as the owners of CBS look to merge with another outlet is probably the most interesting thing about this. Pelley knows his days are numbered at the network. If his mentor and protector could get knocked out, it won't be long before he is, too.

So instead of being on his best behavior with his new bosses, he's going full bore leftist, perhaps to test the new management to see how far he can go so that when he's thrown out, he will have lots of defenders on the left. Or more likely, because he knows he's a goner, this is his way of getting it out of his system, doing the biased reports he's always dreamed of doing because he'll never have an audience of this size again.

If so, good riddance. It would be nice to see the new owners get rid of him earlier than expected for these stunts, because obviously, they are going to get worse.

Image: Screen shot from X video.
President Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz. Its at least worth exploring the feasibility of the project, which illustrious managing editors consider genius. Heres a related proposal: Reopen McNeil Island prison in Washington State.

The history of the McNeil facility can be found here. In summary, the main McNeil Island Corrections Center (MICC) was closed in April 2011, though there remains a small Special Commitment Center (SCC) for sexual predators.

Some have proposed sending homeless people over to the island, but defeatist stick-in-the-muds always find obstacles. A better idea may be to reopen the facility to house Americas most ruthless and violent criminals, just as President Trump wishes for Alcatraz. Even if it is to remain a state prison (leased from the federal government in 1981), the federal government can contract with states through Intergovernmental Agreements to house federal inmates.

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Alcatraz, now a museum, is certainly etched into Americas consciousness, but even at its peak, it only confined about 300 inmates, as notorious and irredeemable as they were. McNeil Island, when fully operational, was capable of confining over one thousand thugs. So, while the McNeil SCC confines about 214 violent perverts, the Islands penal potential is being underutilized (except by wildlife).

Sure, the main prison building needs refurbishment, which will give the new inmates some purpose greater than theyd find in El Salvadors confines, for example. Arent illegal aliens supposed to be amenable to manual labor, especially in construction endeavors?

Others who are particularly well-behaved and contrite (hope springs eternal) might be afforded the privilege of helping the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is active on the island. They could help restore beaches, test water, count fish, measure toxicity, and remove weeds and invasive species...and whatever else they use taxpayer dollars for.

Its recognized that if given too much license to roam, prisoners may try to escape the penitentiary premises proper. Supposedly, per N.Y. City Mayor Adams, illegal aliens are competent swimmers. However, unless they are a trained U.S. Navy Seal (or equally super-human), its very unlikely they will successfully cross the frigid Puget Sound to the mainland.

Far from cruel and unusual, its rather pleasant and scenic on the 7-square-mile Island in the Puget Soundif their behavior warrants time outside the lockup to observe it. So lets reopen MICC as, in the words President Trump applied to Alcatraz, a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.

Trump is the builder President who can direct this, so dont incessantly look for lazy excuses like structural issues and asbestos and whatnot. The initial tranche of inmates will be given masks to clean it all up to their liking. It will be their new home, after all. Perhaps they can get some of the adjacent SCC pervs to help.

Reopening MICC may also have a positive impact on the beautiful and historic town of Steilacoom (which cant even fund its summer concert series anymore), which shines majestically across the watery passage. Construction crews, suppliers, contractors, guards...all will use Steilacooms ferry dock, and all may partake of the quaint towns services, driving up tax receipts. Perhaps theyll get a take from any Bureau of Prisons Intergovernmental Agreement, to boot.
Last week, it emerged that the left is trying to tar Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) as mentally unhinged because he supports Israel in its existential war for survival against the genocidal forces of Hamas and Iran. The tactic of claiming that mainstream political views with which you disagree constitute mental illness is a classic Stalin-esque tactic. In Soviet Russia, dissidents were diagnosed as clinically insane and stuck in asylums that were actually prisons, where they were subject to a variety of tortures in the name of regaining their mental health.

It turns out that this approach is not limited to a class of political insiders and journalists trying to silence one of Israels most principled and stalwart defenders in Washington, D.C. Instead, the entire psychotherapy profession has determined that supporting Zionismthat is, supporting the idea that Jews have a right to a nation in a land that theyve occupied without interruption for almost 4,000 yearsis a sign of psychopathic mental illness.

Image created using Freepik.

Writing at The Jewish Chronicle, Miri Bar-Halpern and Dean McCay wrote a piece the title and subtitle of which speak volumes: Introducing decolonisation therapy, the pseudoscience that seeks to erase your Zionism: This outrageous new form of therapy harms Jewish mental health and fuels antisemitism.

The practice is called decolonising (or decolonial) therapy, and it aims to address the psychological impact of colonialism, systemic oppression and historical trauma. It emphasises reclaiming cultural identity, dismantling internalised oppression and healing from colonial violence. While this framework uses a social-justice framework, it labels Zionism  a key component of the Jewish identity  as a root cause of mental illness, despite its conspicuous absence in the DSM. [snip] Psychological therapy can have, broadly speaking, two goals: a reduction of behaviour or emotion or an increase in a skill or behaviour. Decolonial therapists aim to increase activism in their clients, and one aspect of this activism involves seeking retribution against innocent targets, sometimes resulting in guilty emotional reactions in a client. Not only is this approach to therapy not evidence-based, but it is causing harm to clients. This approach forces Jewish clients into an impossible position: Either reject their historical and cultural connection to Israel or risk being cast as oppressors in the therapeutic setting. For Jewish clients experiencing trauma related to antisemitism, forced displacement or intergenerational Holocaust trauma, such an approach is retraumatising rather than healing.

What theyre describing isnt psychotherapy. This is political activism and indoctrination being used against vulnerable people. It is precisely the same as the old Soviet Union using psychiatric diagnoses as an excuse to institutionalize and brainwash (often Jewish) dissidents, and its what were saying played out on a national scale against Sen. Fetterman.

Nor is this a fringe activity. Its a broad-based movement within the psychotherapist community:

For example, at a professional meeting in November 2024, a presenter delivered a talk on decolonial approaches for a serious psychological disorder to an audience of some 900 mental-health practitioners. In that talk, the presenter included slides for the colonised mind that equated Zionism with genocidal tendencies, misogynoir (hatred toward black women), rape culture, genocidal tendencies and fascism. When confronted with the extensive and offensive inaccuracies in the presentation, this speaker recorded a response in which she portrayed herself as the victim. [snip] Unfortunately, antisemitism has become a central theme in the mental-health community, and it may get worse before it gets better.

The problem reaches all the way to the top of the profession. Bar-Halpern and McKay inform us that the former president of the American Psychological Association (APA) demanded that this approach to Zionismi.e., its the sign of someone who has a psychopathic mental illnessbecome codified in its new ethics code, a proposal that is hidden behind a portal available only to members of the APA.

In fact, that the APA would move in this direction was predictable. In 2021, it issued a formal apology to people of color for its complicity in promoting, perpetuating, and failing to challenge racism, racial discrimination, and human hierarchy in the U.S.

The apology is explicitly extended to American Arab, Middle Eastern/North African (AMENA) individuals and expresses remorse for its Eurocentric research standards. It also flagellates the profession for having been rooted in oppressive psychological science to protect Whiteness, White people, and White epistemologies... In other words, the APA has been colonized by cultural Marxism to an extreme degree.

Given that attitude, it was only a matter of time before the Marxists in charge turned their attention to antisemitism.

One of the sayings Im seeing among Democrat Jews is enough is enough. Im sure they all voted for Biden, but maybe, just maybe, some are finally figuring out that its their ideology, not the MAGA movement, that is their enemy.

And just a friendly note to Jews seeking therapy: Before you head for the couch, youd better find out in advance if your therapist is Zionism friendly. Otherwise, you could find yourself labeled a psychopath and headed for the insane asylum to be deprogrammed.
Because mine is a mixed household, we attend both conservative synagogue and church services. Worship is quite different despite the common denominator of the Torah/Old Testament. However, in both places, an attitude of gratitude permeates the services. Each faith expresses profound gratitude that God has created our world, us, the blessings that surround us, and, in the case of Christianity, ultimate salvation. No matter our personal situations, we are cradled in a world of divine wonders and miracles. (Job 5:9.)

Its different when youre a leftist. In that case, God, if you even believe in him, is the servant, not the master. Leftists make the choices that serve their needs and then cherry-pick their way through the Bible to find emanations and penumbras suggesting Gods imprimatur for those choices. Abortion? God approves, never mind the Bibles reverence for life. Homosexuality? God approves, never mind the Bibles manifest rejection of homosexual acts. Transgenderism? God approves if you just ignore the whole Adam and Eve thing. Frankly, at days end, He should express gratitude to us.

YouTube screen grab.

And that gets us to Michelle Obama, a woman who is decompensating before our eyes. Its weird to think about because Michelle has had life handed to her on a silver platter. She grew up in a stable, two-parent home in a nice neighborhood. She attended the best local schools before attending Princeton and Harvard Law School (although her Princeton thesis suggests that she was in over her head).

When she left Harvard Law School, Michelle was instantly accepted at Sidley & Austin, a very prestigious law firm. From there, she quickly moved to city government and then into activist non-profit work.

In 1996, coincidentally, when Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois Senate, Michelle became the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago, ultimately working for the U of C Hospitals. By 2006, she was earning $273,618 a year, which was a good salary for the Midwest. Add in Obamas Senate salary and royalties from his books, and the Obamas were bringing in almost a million a year. Since leaving the White House, Michelle has become fantastically wealthy, the owner of multiple fabulous homes, and someone who parties with the beautiful people (most of whom are also unhappy).

Along the way, Michelle had two healthy, beautiful young girls. (And am I the only one whos noticed how unhappy those girls seem, too?)

So, here we have a woman who has had a better education and job opportunities than most Americans, and was and is married to a man who was a rising young star, eventually becoming both the United States President and a singularly admired figure. There should be a whole lot of gratitude going on there. But there wasnt and isnt.

Michelle grudgingly stated that, with Obamas elevation to the White House, for the first time in her life, she was proud of her country...a country that had treated her so well. And she complained, Lord, how she complained.

Michelle complained that short people asked her, a tall woman, to get products down from grocery store shelves; that that her legal work was boring; that, even in the White House, a mansion in which she lived rent-free and with servants, she had to pay for her own food, as all other Americans do; that Barack was an unhelpful father whom she hated; and that it was awful to be First Lady a victim of racism (including from adulatory media outlets).

Now, Michelle has an entire podcast that seems to be dedicated to complaining about the horrors of being a black woman. Heres just a recent example:

Michelle Obama: "As black women, we don't articulate our pain" pic.twitter.com/UHoI7ZryTy  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 23, 2025

Things are so bad for Michelle that shes entered therapy to deal with her issues:

At this phase of my life, Im in therapy right now because Im transitioning, you know? Im 60 years old, Ive finished a really hard thing in my life with my family intact, Im an empty nester, my girls are inyou know, theyve been launched, she said. Michelle said that shes got other voices to talk to and a new person thats getting to know me as she works through things. Being out of public service, she now finds herself in a situation where every choice that Im making is completely mine. I now dont have the excuse of, Well, my kids need this or My husband needs that or The country needs that.

(And did Michelle just obliquely acknowledge that shes moving on from Barack?)

This is a woman who has led a charmed lifemore charmed than she deserved, perhapsand still feels like shes a victim.

In a way, I understand Michelle, because I used to be a leftist feminist, too. My problems at work werent because I didnt work hard enough; they were because the firm was a mens club. My difficulties, such as they were, with raising young children werent because I was disorganized or lacked emotional generosity; it was because their father didnt do enough. Nothing was good, and nothing was my responsibility. For me, though, everything changed when I learned gratitude.

What I reflected before learning to count my blessings was the leftist creed that Churchill articulated so well on two separate occasions in 1948. In one speech, he said, Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. And in another, he explained, I do not at all wonder that British youth is in revolt against the morbid doctrine that nothing matters but the equal sharing of miseries, that what used to be called the submerged tenth can only be rescued by bringing the other nine-tenths down to their level

At the heart of this socialist misery is an absence of gratitude. Socialists never appreciate what they have; they only resent what they do not have. Thats not just a material problem (e.g., my neighbor has a fancy car, and I dont). It is a profound spiritual problem, which gets me back to where I started.

For people of faith, the baseline for gratitude isnt the materialism that characterizes leftists (something ironic given that leftists hate the capitalism that made the material things in their lives possible). Instead, for religious people, the baseline for gratitude is that they live in a world that God created for them and, if they are Christian, that they inherited a salvation that Jesus Christ sacrificed to give them.

Thus, for the faithful, their gratitude baseline is intertwined with the very core of their beings. This is why religious people are happier, while leftists, especially leftist women, are so unhappy, leading to therapy or sucking up prescription pharmaceuticals.

More than just being a leftist, Michelle Obama belongs to a cohort of womenblack womenwho are repeatedly told that they are goddesses and queens. Being your own personal divinity, though, isnt a recipe for happiness. It is, instead, a recipe for the embittered despair that characterizes one of the worlds luckiest women.

UPDATE: I also wanted to share with you two of my favorite songs, both about gratitude. The first is from Benny Friedman, singing Thank You to God. (The song is in both English and Hebrew, but here is a full translation of the Hebrew lyrics.)

The other is from Itzhak Shamli, who took a catchy, but sleazy song, about sex, and turned it into a meditation on gratitude to God:

(You can see the English translation in the song notes here. Also, for a fantastic a cappella version, check out the cover the Maccabeats did.)
The Pulitzer prizes were broadcast live from the journalism forum's website, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that the picture of the year was ... passed over.

I know the winner is enormously deserving, but I still find it hard to believe that this photo did *not* win the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography. pic.twitter.com/HvBp0uFqrm  Byron York (@ByronYork) May 5, 2025

Anyone want to take a gander of a guess as to why that was so?

Oh, they chose a winner, on the same topic, no less, Doug Mills of the New York Times, whose pictures were good, but epicly good, not photos for the ages.

NEWS: The photographer (Doug Mills) who took the image on the left just received a Pulitzer, not the one (Evan Vucci) who captured the most iconic shot on the right. pic.twitter.com/r08mforOro  The Gas Stove  (@TheGasStovee) May 5, 2025

But the really good one, by Evan Vucci of the Associated Press, didn't even make an honorable mention, or the final cut, let alone the winner's laurels.

Do you think the NYT photos of this event match the Vucci AP photo? The AP photo is just one of those amazing, go-down-in-history compositions. https://t.co/odDla5hn9W  Byron York (@ByronYork) May 5, 2025

Yet it was the iconic photo for the event, and the one that will be viewed for the ages.

The photo was so powerful there are artistic analyses about it on the internet, with talk about the rule of thirds and the golden mean, trying to parse out why that image seemed so eternal, so classical, so permanent.

Here's one from The Conversation:

In this photograph, Vucci is looking up with his camera. He makes Trump appear elevated as the central figure surrounded by suited Secret Service agents who shield his body. The agents form a triangular composition that places Trump at the vertex, slightly to the left of a raised American flag in the sky. On the immediate right of Trump, an agent looks directly at Vuccis lens with eyes concealed by dark glasses. The agent draws us into the image, he looks back at us, he sees the photographer and therefore, he seems to see us: he mirrors our gaze at the photograph. This figure is central, he leads our gaze to Trumps raised fist. Another point of note is that there are strong colour elements in this image that deceptively serve to pull it together as a photograph. Set against a blue sky, everything else in the image is red, white and navy blue. The trickles of blood falling down Trumps face are echoed in the red stripes of the American flag which aligns with the republican red of the podium in the lower left quadrant of the image.

But it wasn't good enough for the Pulitzer committee, which picked the work of someone else.

Might that be for this reason, noted by The Conversation at the bottom?

In Vuccis photograph, we are given the illusion that this photograph captures the moment or a shot. Yet it doesnt capture the moment of the shooting, but its immediate aftermath. The photograph captures Trumps media acuity and swift, responsive performance to the attempted assassination, standing to rise with his fist in the air. In a post-truth world, there has been a pervasive concern about knowing the truth. While that extends beyond photographic representation, photography and visual representation play a considerable part.

It made Trump look like the hero we know him to be, the decisive, swift-acting, self-sacrificing leader that voters had been looking for. The picture turned up on tshirts, coffee mugs, stickers and posters, signaling how much the public was moved by it. Of course he won the election.

Some must have blamed this photo for it. But it was hardly propaganda -- it was the work of an experienced photographer able to act with split-second instincts in a dangerous situation with events still unfolding. What's more Vucci was hardly buddies with Trump. In March, he testified against the White House exclusion of AP from the photo press pool over the 'Gulf of Mexico' being renamed the 'Gulf of America.'

Given Vucci's photos, it seems kind of counterintuitive for the White House to exclude Vucci over a dispute like that, but the Pulitzer board didn't notice.

I have no inside line on why this photo didn't win the Pulitzer, despite being so deserving of it. Did the AP not promote it, or did the Pulitzer board shun it, on what could only be political grounds. Either way, it's a disgrace. The photo had Pulitzer written all over it, and the judges could only view the thing through wokester-impaired eyes.

Image: X screen shot // fair use
I always appreciate the work of Remix News, because the outlet and its reporters do a really fantastic job of covering whats going on across Europe, specifically in relation to the migrants, and all the problems theyve foisted upon the very heart of Western civilization and its people. Its never pleasant reading, but the data is invaluable.

For exampleThomas Brooke reported today that theres been an alarming increase in rapes across Spain, a figure that has tripled in just six years, bringing the number to a record high. Heres what Brooke writes:

Spain has seen an alarming rise in sexual violence over recent years, culminating in a record-high number of rapes, which reached 5,206 incidents in 2024, according to new official statistics from the Ministry of the Interior. With an average of 14 rapes per day across the country, the figure nearly triples the 1,878 cases reported in 2019 when five daily incidents were reported. The upward trend has remained consistent year-over-year since 2018, aside from a brief dip during 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

At the same time, Spain, though always a destination for migrants given its geographical location just north of Africa, maintains one of the highest rates of illegal migrants in the EUbut according to the government, the reported rise in rape is simply because more women are coming forward, and it has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the importation of hundreds of thousands of third world foreigners who are wholly accustomed to rape as a normal part of daily life. Who knew that the no-no square dance and the only yes means yes law didnt really do much to force tribal rapists into Western assimilation?

As Remix News also reported roughly seven months ago, 91% of convicted rapists in the region of Catalonia are foreigners, and foreigners make up just 17% of Catalonias populationergo, foreigners are seriously overrepresented when it comes to violent crimes of sexual assault.

Yet, the progressive Spanish government is on track to legalize more than 300,000 undocumented migrants through 2027 for economic purposes. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Spaniards:

Spains socialist prime minister intends to grant an amnesty to half a million illegals, which will allow them to become residents.



Its no wonder Spain is now overtaking Greece & Italy for illegal boat arrivals. @rubnpulido has been sounding the alarm on this issue for several pic.twitter.com/eQTW8Y1PXY  Steve Laws (@Steve_Laws_) October 26, 2024

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
In light of the blizzard of recent federal court injunctions issued by federal judges nationwide to thwart President Trumps efforts to restore measures of sanity to the federal government, Im taken back to 2012. The occasion was Chief Justice John Robertss deciding vote upholding Obamacare.

From a (UK) Guardian piece at the time:

Roberts, 57, framed his affirmation of the healthcare law Thursday in part as a rejection of pressure for the highest court in the land to get involved in politics. In his decision he wrote of a general reticence to invalidate the acts of the nations elected leaders. It is not our job, Roberts wrote, to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices. It is a fine sentiment, if somewhat coy about the influence of the court, and the implications of the decision as Roberts crafted it. In March, the Obama administration argued that the individual mandate fitted within federal powers to intervene in markets as established by the constitutions commerce clause. The argument addressed criticism from the right that the federal government cannot dictate what people should buy or sell, whether the product in question is insurance or broccoli. In the finest tradition of high court side-stepping, Roberts breezily dismissed the governments finely crafted legal work and came pounding down with what he asserted was the real matter at hand: the governments power to tax. Roberts took up the healthcare law provision that fines citizens who fail to obtain healthcare. The fine is a tax, he wrote: In this case, however, it is reasonable to construe what Congress has done as increasing taxes on those who have a certain amount of income, but choose to go without health insurance. Such legislation is within Congresss power to tax. Roberts had struck down the argument and upheld the law.

To say Roberts sometimes appears to perform backwards cartwheels through flaming hoops to thread the needle to achieve a desired political end, as astutely demonstrated in this case, may be understatement.

Nevertheless, with many of these cases headed to the Supreme Court, I can only hope Chief Justice Roberts retains the same general reticence to invalidate the acts of the nations elected leaders sentiment he espoused here.

Image: Public domain.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) knows exactly what it wants Google to do in order to restore competition in the ad tech space. Based on a new filing, the DOJ wants Google to divest its ad exchange product AdX, along with a phased sale of DoubleClick for Publishers. Thats an ad server for website publishers, essentially.

This all comes after Google lost a trial against the DOJ quite recently. The company lost that trial in mid-April, while the remedies trial has been set for this Fall. So well have to wait a bit longer to see what will happen.

The DOJ has a fix for Googles ad tech monopoly, or it thinks it does

In any case, the DOJ said that Google had ensured that publishers would lose significant revenue if they did not use AdX. Google is accused of creating a monopoly by integrating AdX and DFP, which essentially forces websites to use Googles publisher products, it is alleged.

The DOJ also wants Google to open up its ad buying tools, including AdWords. It would be ideal if AdWords would work with third-party ad tech products with respect to bidding, matching, placement of ads, or provision of information, except at the express instruction of an advertiser.

The Department of Justice says that the divestiture of Googles unlawfully obtained monopolies and the products that were the principal instruments of Googles illegal scheme is necessary to terminate Googles monopolies.

Those moves are expected to reintroduce competition into the ad exchange and publisher ad server markets, and guard against reoccurrence in the future, the DOJs filing says.

Google did make a quite response to this, while pointing to its remedies suggestions

Google did respond to this. The companys VP of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, said that such moves would only harm publishers and advertisers. The DOJ conceded Googles proposed ad tech remedy fully addresses the Courts decision on liability. 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.

Google even proposed its set of remedies in a separate filing. Those include making AdX real-time bids available to all third-party ad servers. Google also proposed that its action be kept under an independent compliance observer for three years.

Well see what will happen during the remedies case this Fall. Google will file in a complaint following that, that much is for sure. As a reminder, Google is currently in the middle of the remedies case for its Search dominance.
Samsungs Galaxy Tab Active5 now comes in a Tactical Edition, built for military personnel, and designed to both withstand potentially more rigorous terrain while also protecting the data inside. Samsung says the new Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is its first-ever mission-ready tablet in the tactical line. It was specifically designed with mission-ready software to meet the demands of military personnel. The tablet comes equipped with an Exynos 1380 octa-core processor, as well as a 13MP camera for taking and sharing images. It also comes with an S Pen for more precise annotation.

With the Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition, we are introducing our most powerful purpose-built tactical solution yet  in a larger format to enhance precision Situational Awareness capabilities in the field, said GM and Head of B2B at Samsung Electronics, Tyler Gipson.

Samsung worked with the US Department of Defense to get this tablet up and running. In fact, the entire Tactical Edition line is actually part of a longstanding partnership between Samsung and the DOD. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition has a more rugged and sturdy design than the regular Galaxy Tab Active5, making it the perfect solution for active duty military who need a tablet for operations. Samsung says that it will be deployed across all branches of the US military, but the tablet also works well for first responders.

The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical connects with a range of different equipment

One of the biggest strengths of this tablet might be its connectivity capabilities. When youre out in the field, youre likely going to be interacting with tons of different equipment. During this time you might need your devices to have as much interoperability with them as possible. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical is designed to work with these devices. Specifically, with tons of different hardware that military personnel might use on a daily basis.

As the tablet is built for seamless integration, Samsung says, it has the capability to connect to most tactical radios, drone systems, laser range finders, external GPS, and many more devices that might be used in operations. It supports all conventional cellular capabilities as well.

The tablet is packed with mission-secure features

Samsung didnt just beef up the outside of this device to make it more rugged. It also beefed up the inside and all of its functions. While using Samsung Knox to secure all the information kept on it. Samsung Knox is bolstered by several different security features, like a 5G band-locking mode. This allows the user to connect exclusively to certified 5G networks. At the same time, other connections that could be a possible security threat are prevented.

The tablet can also enter a stealth mode that stops it from emitting an RF signature. Now, as for the rugged design, Samsung says it can be dropped from up to 1.5 meters and still be ok. It also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and it has the MIL-STD-810H certification for durability. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is not available to consumers. But if you like the design, the Galaxy Tab Active5 looks pretty similar.
Samsung has a plethora of high-profile audio brands under its belt these days, and it seems the company might be adding a few more to its repertoire with the buyout of Bowers & Wilkins. Bowers & Wilkins, which is under the parent company Masimo Corporation, specializes in high-end audio equipment and makes a range of different audio products, such as loudspeakers and headphones.

The company also has a motto that says the pursuit of perfection never stops, and it firmly believes that good enough is not enough. Those two beliefs are something that Bowers & Wilkins has held steadfast to for several decades. Theyre also two driving factors that have pushed the company to the peak of audio excellence. Its no wonder that Samsung wants to acquire them. Bowers & Wilkins is reportedly not the only audio brand that Samsung wants to buy, however. At least according to the rumor.

Samsung to acquire Bowers & Wilkins alongside other Masimo Corp. audio brands

According to a recent report from Korean news site The JoonAng, Samsung is looking to buy a few different audio brands from Masimo Corporation. Bowers & Wilkins is only one of those brands, though it might just be the most prestigious one.

Its worth noting that the original report from The JoongAng has already been pulled. So there isnt any information on what other brands may be part of the acquisition. However, as SamMobile points out, Masimos audio brands include several well-known companies, such as Denon, Definitive Technology, HEOS, Boston Acoustics, and Polk Audio. Its entirely possible that Samsungs acquisition may include some or all of these.

The acquisition is through Harman International

Samsung itself is reportedly not buying these companies, but rather, its doing so through its Harman subsidiary. Harman is another well-known audio brand that Samsung purchased several years ago. Since then, its added Harman audio to several of its products, including headphones, soundbars, and more.

If the acquisition is happening, its still not clear when it will finalize. Though that may be information given up if theres an official announcement made soon. Its also unclear where Samsung and Harman may choose to incorporate audio technology from these brands. Both companies make quite a few different products in the audio space. So, perhaps we could end up seeing future Samsung phones utilizing audio from Bowers & Wilkins and some of those other brands down the line.
Poor Sandwich. The cat is only 3 years old and yet people at the Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe in Los Angeles, California still want nothing to do with her. Its so upsetting! The cat watches as kittens around her get attention left and right. And yet no one has scooped this sweet girl up, which is just not right.

The cafe where the cat is staying is up in arms about this. How could someone deny this adorable girl! Shes absolutely pur-fect. Someone needs to see Sandwichs story and bring her home  ASAP.

Its truly impossible to believe that Sandwich is getting ignored. Not only is this girl an absolute cutie, but she has such a good personality too. Who would say no?

When everyone in the cafe only wants to play with the small kittens and doesnt want to meet our 3-year-old sweetheart Sandwich, the videos text overlay reads.

Related: Longest Resident at Cat Cafe Sits Every Day & Hopes Someone Will Give Her a Chance

The cat watches as guests fawn over the little ones, wondering if anyone will see the calm, loyal, affectionate girl sitting right beside them, the cafe explained in the caption.

She may not be a baby, but shes everything you could want in a catgentle, playful, and full of heart, they added.

Shes not just a loaf shes a whole Sandwich, they quipped.

No one in the comments section could understand why the cat was getting ignored either.

I would snuggle a 3-year-old cat over a kitten any day of the week, wrote one person.

Stop. She is perfect. She looks so soft, added one person.

I would totally play with and snuggle Sandwich, someone else commented.

Not to be dramatic, but I would literally die for her, joked one person.

Adopting From Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe

You can make Sandwichs day by heading over to the Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe and spending some time with her. Even better, you can apply to adopt her! Just head to the Crumbs & Whiskers Cafe website and fill out an application. The cafe has partnered with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles, who will officially be handling Sandwichs adoption.

Sandwich needs lots of love and attention  shes too cute to be ignored!



Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
For the past eight years, elementary students at Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania, have looked forward to the annual duck parade. CBS 21 News covered this year's parade, and it's total cuteness overload to watch!

A staff member at the school explained that every year, a duck lays her eggs in the school's enclosed courtyard. The students then get to study the duck's behavior as she cares for her eggs, count how many eggs there are and how many ducklings are born, do research about the ducks, and then (quietly!) cheer them on as they make their trip through the halls and to the pond.

What a fun tradition for staff and students alike! Commenters agreed and shared other thoughts about CBS 21's video. @Scott Hermsman shared, "That is so awesome. What a learning experience for the kids." @Snowcrash added, "What a nice way for kids to experience compassion for animals." @Libby had the same thought, "Not only are they helping the ducks, but they are teaching the kids empathy for animals which is so important."

Commenter @Ohiomom3444 said, "My kids' elementary has to do the same thing with a goose and her babies!" This one made me do a double take because geese can get very mama bear-ish when it comes to their broods!

@Jonesing for Crafts had my favorite comment: "The students are so respectful, even though they're so excited. I love it!" The mama duck was also calm and relaxed, trusting the humans around her ducklings, which surprised me.

Related: Farmer Rates the 'Tippy Taps' of Ducklings and People Can't Get Enough

Do Ducks Imprint on Humans?

Commenter @Karito Riki pointed out, "Cardboard to keep them from imprinting on anyone or getting separated is smart!"

Imprinting happens when a newborn animal forms a bond with its caregiver. It's most common in birds that hatch from eggs like ducks, chickens, eagles, turkeys, geese, and even vultures, though it's also seen in some mammals like sheep, goats, monkeys, and even giant pandas. Not all baby animals imprint; it just depends on the species.

Interestingly, adult animals do not imprint on humans; it has to happen when they are babies. Enviro Literacy explains, "Imprinting occurs during a specific critical period early in life. Once this period passes, imprinting is no longer possible, though other types of bonds can form." If you have a pet at home, you know those bonds can be very strong, too!
Gerry Adams has said he would not speculate on who was in the IRA during a defamation case he has taken against the BBC.

The former Sinn Fein leader said an attempt is being made to smother the jury in history as he was questioned over past statements and events during The Troubles.

Mr Adams faced cross-examination over his knowledge of who was in the IRA and the organisations rules, on which he repeatedly said he would not speculate in court.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but did not have many dealings with him.

Beginning his cross-examination on Friday afternoon, Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams if he remembered how many people were killed in various atrocities during The Troubles.

Mr Adams told the hearing he did not remember how many people were killed in incidents such as Bloody Friday or the Claudy bombings, and asked what it had to do with Mr Donaldson.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams entered the witness box for a fifth day.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with figures such as Peter McMullan, who said he was a former IRA member who worked with Mr Adams in the Belfast brigade.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said several times he would not speculate in court and had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother them (the jury) in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Mr Adams said he could not comment on why people including informers were disappeared during the Troubles, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for West Belfast and represented the Louth constituency in the Dail parliament until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.
Author Sir Salman Rushdie has joined the Hay Festival line-up to speak about his recent work and the power of storytelling.

The Indian-born British author will speak at the long-standing literary and arts festival in June  joining figures including actor and comedian Sir Stephen Fry, musician Billy Ocean and artist Sir Grayson Perry  to discuss his recent books, Knife and Victory City.

It comes after the 77-year old writer announced the release of a new book, his first fiction since he was stabbed by Hadi Matar at an event in New York.

Sir Salman said: Im delighted to be returning to Hay Festival after too long and greatly looking forward to talking with Erica Wagner (author and editor).

Lets hope the weather gods are kind.

Matar was found guilty of attempted murder in February after he ran on stage at the Chautauqua Institution where Sir Salman was about to speak in August 2022.

He stabbed the author more than a dozen times before a live audience, leaving the author blind in one eye. Matar will be sentenced later this month.

In April 2024, award-winning author Sir Salman released the autobiographical book Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder, in which he recounted the attack.

The festival event will take place on Sunday June 1 and Sir Salman will speak to Wagner about some of his recent works.

Julie Finch, chief executive of Hay Festival Global, said: We are honoured to welcome Salman Rushdie back in person to our Town of Books this spring.

Where great minds meet. Your full Hay Festival 2025 programme is here. Book now! https://t.co/ZDwG5O1r6w pic.twitter.com/Kubn152uSB  Hay Festival (@hayfestival) March 11, 2025

In a very special event, well explore his recent work and the power of storytelling to change the world. We know how much this appearance will mean to readers here; a chance to speak with one of our greatest living writers.

Sir Salman has released 16 novels and won the Booker Prize for Midnights Children, and was shortlisted for The Satanic Verses and Quichotte.

His 1988 book The Satanic Verses was accused of being blasphemous by hardline Muslims and prompted then Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to issue a fatwa calling for Sir Salmans death in 1989.

Sir Salman spent years in hiding, but after Iran announced it would not enforce the decree, he has travelled freely over the past quarter of a century.

The author announced earlier this year that he will publish The Eleventh Hour in November, which features a collection of stories set in Bombay neighbourhoods and English universities.

The Hay Festival will include more than 600 events from May 22 to June 1 and will feature musicians Paloma Faith and Brian Eno, childrens author Jacqueline Wilson, Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, Conclave writer Robert Harris and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
The Duke of Sussex spoke to BBC News on Friday after losing a Court of Appeal challenge over his UK security arrangements

The BBC has admitted to a lapse in our usual high editorial standards over an interview discussing the Duke of Sussex.

Richard Aitch, a former close protection officer, told the Today programme the decision to downgrade the Dukes security arrangements was retributive justice for Megxit and an act of spite from the Royal Household.

Mr Aitch made his comments on Radio 4s flagship news programme after the Duke lost a Court of Appeal legal challenge.

He agreed with the Dukes assessment that the court defeat was a good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up. Dharshini David, the presenter of Saturdays edition, failed to challenge Mr Aitchs views.

The decision to downgrade the Dukes security was an act of spite from the Royal Household, an interviewee told the Today programme - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

In a statement on the corrections and clarifications section of its website, the BBC said: The programme covered the latest developments in the story of Prince Harry and his legal case around protection for him and his family in the UK, and interviewed former close protection officer Richard Aitch to get a broader understanding of security considerations.

Claims were repeated that the process had been an Establishment stitch-up and we failed to properly challenge this and other allegations.

This case is ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office and we should have reflected their statement. The Home Office had described the Governments protective security system as rigorous and proportionate.

The BBC acknowledged that it should also have given the view of Buckingham Palace, which had previously stated: All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.

The corporation said: This was a lapse in our usual high editorial standards.

Spite from the Royal Household

Mr Aitch, who now works in private protection, said the Duke was right to feel aggrieved at his reduced security arrangements.

I think Prince Harry has nailed it it is an Establishment stitch-up. Its clear that the entire process had been caught up in emotion and appears to be nothing other than spite from the Royal Household.

Its retributive justice for Megxit, not any balanced, formalised approach to assessment of threats and risks, he said.

Threats against a person who has protection afforded to them due to their status within a specific family are not diminished when they leave the duties of that family. They will always remain a member of that family.

Richard Aitch, a former close protection officer, said the Dukes reduced security arrangements were retributive justice for Megxit - Karwai Tang/WireImage

Posting on X after the BBC clarification, Mr Aitch said: There should not be any need to apologise @BBCNews for opinion based interviews.

Absence of a threat and risk assessment on Prince Harry where the focus is on legal process influenced by the recommendations of a committee that is not independent, it defines stitch up.

Harry also claimed to BBC News that he can only come to the UK safely if he is invited, and the King could help resolve the situation not by intervening, but by stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary.

The Duke expressed hopes of a reconciliation with his family during the interview, which was conducted in California, and alleged that the King will not speak to him due to the security issue.
A Call The Midwife film and prequel TV series set during the Second World War are being made, the BBC has announced.

It comes as the hit drama about a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London begins filming for its 15th series.

The prequel series will be set in Poplar, east London, amid the backdrop of the Blitz, while the film will be set overseas in 1972 and feature characters from the existing TV show.

Cast members of Call The Midwife attending the National Television Awards in 2017 (Matt Crossick/PA)

The next series of Call The Midwife will kick off with a two-part Christmas special that sees senior members of the Nonnatus House staff head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission.

The two-parter will be followed by eight new hour-long episodes, transmitting from January 2026 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

The series will kick off in 1971 with several of the ladies embracing the Womens Liberation Movement and burning their bras outside Nonnatus House.

Viewers will also see the team handle cases including premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery.

Regular cast members returning for the new series, which is now filming, include Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan, Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, Helen George as Trixie Aylward, Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle and Stephen McGann as Dr Turner.

The new projects will be written, created and produced by showrunner Heidi Thomas and executive producers Dame Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank, who also produces.

The trio will also helm series 16 together.

Thomas said: The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right.

I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will.

But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.

The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary  filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.

There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger) faces.

As the classic Call The Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape.

The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters.

Whilst the location of the film remains top secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen.

Dame Pippa said: We have all been delighted by the way in which audiences have continued to embrace Heidis imaginative and moving stories from Nonnatus House.

In an increasingly competitive viewing environment, not only have our loyal fans stayed with us for 14 years, but theyve been joined by a new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face.

Emboldened by this warmth and enthusiasm, now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives on to the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: Call The Midwife has been a jewel in the BBCs crown for well over a decade, and this feels like the perfect time to further expand on the glorious, perfectly realised world that Heidi, Pippa, Annie and the team have created for the shows millions of passionate and dedicated viewers.

The first series of Call The Midwife was originally inspired by Jennifer Worths books of the same name.

The hit TV series won the best family drama gong for a 10th consecutive year at the TV Choice Awards earlier in the year.

Further details about the prequel TV series and film will be released later this year.
Donald Trump touches the knee of Mark Carney during a meeting at the Oval Office - Evan Vucci

The tension was visible in Mark Carney, Canadas newly elected prime minister, as his left leg took on a life of its own during his first Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump.

It shuffled one way and then the other as the US president laid out just why making Canada the 51st state of America would be a wonderful marriage.

He tried and failed twice to interject, Mr Trump almost touching his knee in an apparent effort to hold him back, before he got his chance.

Credit: Reuters

If I may, he began gingerly, raising his hand to deftly interrupt Mr Trump. As you know, from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Were sitting in one right now.

He raised his arms, gesturing around the Oval Office.

Buckingham Palace, you visited as well... and having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign last several months, its not for sale... wont be for sale ever.

He perhaps couldnt match Keir Starmer and his invitation from the King for a second state visit. But comparing the White House, complete with Mr Trumps golden makeover, with Buckingham Palace was a smart way to curry favour with a president who is fascinated by the Royal family.

Crisis averted, if only for now.

Mr Carney poured on the praise during the meeting, calling his host a transformational president - Evan Vucci

Mr Carney was elected as Canadian prime minister on April 28 in a campaign turned upside down by Mr Trumps attacks on Canada. His Conservative opponent was submerged by a wave of Canadian nationalism that powered the Liberal Party, bruised by Justin Truedaus failure to stand up to Mr Trump, to victory.

The US president couldnt resist a dig on moments before Mr Carney arrived at the White House on Tuesday morning, with the giant red and white maple leaf flag just unfurled in the guest house used by visiting dignitaries.

He posted what he said was the only issue of consequence on his Truth Social account: I very much want to work with him [Carney], but cannot understand one simple truth  Why is America subsidising Canada by $200 billion dollars a year, in addition to giving them free military protection, and many other things?

It left Mr Carney in an awkward position: How best to handle a famously unpredictable leader without being shown the door before lunch, as happened to Volodymr Zelensky in February when he pushed back just a little too hard.

Mr Carney showed that he was better prepared than the famously prickly Ukrainian. He poured on the praise, calling his host a transformational president and thanking him for helping secure the world.

US president posted a dig on Truth Social moments before Mr Carney arrived at White House - JIM WATSON

There were signs of trickier times to come, however.

Mr Trump said that negotiations over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement may be renegotiated. It was one of the big set-piece agreements of his first term but is due to expire next year.

And Mr Trump returned to one of his favourite talking points.

Why are we subsidising Canada $200 billion a year, or whatever the number might be? Its a very substantial number, and its hard for the American taxpayer to say, gee whiz. We love doing that.

All Mr Carney could do was politely smile, shuffling once more and brushing at some lint on his leg.

And was that a wry smile playing on the Canadian prime ministers lips when Mr Trump admitted his unflattering nickname for his predecessor, Governor Trudeau, probably didnt help his re-election chances?

Then, somewhat abruptly, the meeting in front of the cameras was over as Mr Trump said: Thank you very much.

Mr Carney gave a wave, perhaps a slight sigh. It was over, and a lunch of candied walnuts and wild mushroom fricasee awaited. Which is more than Mr Zelensky got.

Speaking during a press conference after the lunch, Mr Carney joked: Im glad that you couldnt tell what was going through my mind [during the meeting].
An image taken from video of police and emergency vehicles in Coonabarabran, where two boys were found dead on Monday. Their grandmother has been taken to a mental health facility. Photograph: ABC News/AAP

A woman whose two grandsons died in a regional town in New South Wales is in a mental health facility after what police are treating as a confronting alleged double murder.

The boys, aged six and seven, were found dead by police after officers forced entry to a property at Coonabarabran, in the states north-west, during a welfare check about 2pm on Monday.

Their 66-year-old maternal grandmother, who was the boys sole carer after they were removed from their parents, was found with self-inflicted injuries and was arrested at the scene.

No weapons were involved in the boys deaths, police said at a press conference on Tuesday.

A welfare call made to the communities and justice department triggered the police response but the force would not confirm reports that it had come from the woman.

An assistant police commissioner, Andrew Holland, told reporters on Tuesday afternoon: There was concerns enough for the young children involved to be placed into the care of their grandmother. That person was deemed suitable by the law to  manage those young people.

She was initially taken to hospital to be treated for injuries and to undertake a mental health assessment before being transferred to a mental health facility, where she remained on Tuesday afternoon, Holland said.

A determination will be made by them when shes released  that could be days, weeks, were not sure, he said.

The parents and the other set of grandparents had been informed of the deaths, Holland said. Asked how they were faring, he replied: Not well.

Its a confronting tragedy that shouldnt have occurred, Holland said. These things shock small country towns  the death of one child is bad enough. The death of two is just incomprehensible.

The town needs to band together now and understand that this has happened.

Holland said one of the officers who had entered the home had returned to work, but a second young officer was not doing as well and was being supported by the force.

The actions of the young police officers involved has been above heroic, he said.

Theyve done a fantastic job. They need to be commended for what they did. They need to be supported in the future, and I think that comes from the community.

What people need to understand is that if people are dealing with mental health issues, they need to make contact, they need to get support, they need to get the proper counselling that they require.

The circumstances of the boys deaths would be determined by pathologists on Thursday, Holland said.

The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said the education department was working closely with the boys school to support other students.

I can imagine that community is going through hell right now, he said. Well provide all of the resources and help that we can, either through the school or the local community, but Im heartbroken for them, and I realise this will leave and cast a long shadow.

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.

The state MP for the NSW electorate of Barwon, Roy Butler, said his heart went out to the small, close community.

The agricultural town, a six-hour drive north-west of Sydney, has a population of about 3,500 people, including the surrounding area.

The death of any child is always devastating, Butler wrote on social media. In a small, close community, where everyone is connected in some way, it hits the community even harder.

The Warrumbungle shire councillor Kodi Brady said his heart was broken alongside the whole community, describing the boys as little firecracker kids.

They were amongst it all, 100 miles an hour ... wild as march hares and cute as buttons! he wrote. So devastating for all.

Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from the states homicide squad, is investigating.

 with AAP
Ian Wilkinson arrives at the Latrobe Valley magistrates court in Victoria. 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 2023. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

The only surviving guest of the beef wellington lunch at Erin Pattersons house has told her triple murder trial he was happy and excited about being invited for the meal.

Ian Wilkinson, the pastor at the Korumburra Baptist church, is the sixth witness in the supreme court trial at the Latrobe Valley law courts in Morwell.

Wilkinson told the court on Tuesday that Patterson was at a church service when she invited his wife, Heather, to lunch less than a fortnight before the meal in July 2023.

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.

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.

Wilkinson said that his relationship with Patterson was friendly, amicable, [but] it didnt have much depth.

I think we were more like acquaintances, we didnt see a great deal of each other, he said.

His wifes relationship was very similar, he said.

Heather would have seen Erin more than me, talked to her more than me, but we didnt consider that the relationship was close.

When asked by Jane Warren, for the prosecution, to describe Patterson, Wilkinson said she just seemed like a normal person to me.

As I say, when we met, things were friendly. We never had arguments or disputes.

She just seemed like an ordinary person, I dont know how to describe it.

Wilkinson said that he and Simon had discussed relationship issues the estranged couple were having, but he never discussed these with Patterson.

Wilkinson had never been for a meal at Pattersons house, nor been inside any house she lived in, he said, and no reason was given for the invitation.

But he said he and Heather were very happy to be invited.

It seemed like maybe our relationship with Erin was going to improve, he said.

The Pattersons collected the Wilkinsons about 30 minutes before they were due at Pattersons home, Wilkinson told the court.

Heather noticed when they arrived at Pattersons house that Simons car wasnt there, and one of his parents confirmed he would not be attending lunch.

Wilkinson said Patterson met them outside, and they continued into the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room of the newly built house.

Heather and Gail went to inspect the pantry, but Wilkinson felt Patterson was reluctant for them to see it, so he stayed speaking with Don near the dining table.

(July 29, 2023)

Erin Patterson hosts lunch for estranged husband Simons parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt and uncle Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Patterson serves beef wellington.

(July 30, 2023)

All four lunch guests are admitted to hospital with gastro-like symptoms.

(August 4, 2023)

Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson die in hospital.

(August 5, 2023)

Don Patterson dies in hospital. Victoria police search Erin Pattersons home and interview her.

(September 23, 2023)

Ian Wilkinson is discharged from hospital after weeks in intensive care.

(November 2, 2023)

Police again search Erin Pattersons home, and she is arrested and interviewed. She is charged with three counts of murder relating to the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson.

(April 28, 2025)

Jury is sworn in.

(April 29, 2025)

Murder trial begins. Jury hears that charges of attempting to murder her estranged husband Simon are dropped.

He said they went outside soon after, before heading back inside for lunch.

Patterson was asked by Heather and Gail if she needed help plating up, but she said she didnt, Wilkinson said.

He noticed that there were four large grey plates and a smaller plate that was orangey, tan colour.

Each plate had a beef wellington, which he said look like a pastie, green beans and mashed potato.

He sat at the head of the table, with Don next to Gail, to his right, and Erin opposite Don to his left.

After lunch, Wilkinson said, Patterson announced that she had cancer.

Related: Erin Patterson concocted cancer diagnosis to ensure children missed fatal mushroom lunch, murder trial hears

She said that she was very concerned, because she believed it was very serious, life threatening, she was anxious about telling the kids, she was asking our advice about that, should I tell the kids or should I not tell the kids about this threat.

At that moment, I thought, this is the reason weve been invited to the lunch.

The conversation ended when someone noticed one of Pattersons children and a friend were returning home.

Wilkinson noticed they had not prayed for Patterson, so he suggested they did so.

He asked Gods blessing on Erin, that she would get the treatment that she needed, that the kids would be OK, that she would have wisdom about how she told the kids, Wilkinson told the court.

Later that evening, Wilkinson said, Heather left bed to vomit. He felt alright at this point, but vomited for the first time soon after.

He was taken to hospital by Simon the following morning. Simon came to their house, and insisted that they go to hospital, as Wilkinson told the court he and Heather initially resisted.

They thought it was a case of gastro, a few hours well be right, Wilkinson told the court.

The morning after that he was abruptly woken up and told there were fears he and Heather were suffering mushroom poisoning.

Ambulances arrived during this conversation, and the Wilkinsons were taken to Dandenong hospital. Wilkinson was given a charcoal substance to drink, and agreed he had no memory from this point regarding his treatment.

The court heard he was sedated and intubated, taken to the Austin hospital, and was treated in the intensive care unit there until 21 August 2023, before he was moved to a ward, discharged to a rehabilitation ward, and then eventually discharged home about a month later.

Under cross-examination from Colin Mandy SC, for Patterson, Wilkinson agreed that once Gail and Heather placed the four grey plates on the table, the guests were free to sit where they liked. Patterson took her own plate of food to the table.

Mandy suggested to Wilkinson that Patterson did not, in fact, have a set of four grey plates, and told the court no grey or stone plates had been found at her house.

Wilkinson insisted the plates were grey, and larger than the plate Patterson had served her own food on.

Mandy also asked Wilkinson about why he described Patterson as announcing suspected cancer in a statement he made to police in September 2023, when he told the court on Tuesday that she announced she had been diagnosed with cancer.

That was the truth, as far as you were concerned at that time [of the police statement], wasnt it? Mandy asked.

I think I was probably understating things at that point, Wilkinson responded.

Wilkinson disagreed with Mandy that Patterson said at the lunch that it was a suspected diagnosis.

Related: Deliberate poisoning or a tragic accident? The question at the heart of Australias mushroom murders trial

But he said he could accept he also did not mention a diagnostic test in his police statement, despite giving evidence on Tuesday that Patterson said at the lunch she had undergone a test of this kind.

Mandy asked Wilkinson if anything unusual occurred at the lunch, other than the discussion about Pattersons medical condition.

Thered been nothing out of the ordinary, apart from that discussion, that had happened on that day. That fair? Mandy said.

Thats fair, Wilkinson said.

Just a normal lunch? Mandy continued.

Yes, Wilkinson said.

Medical witnesses who treated the lunch guests also provided evidence on Tuesday.

One of those witnesses, Dr Beth Morgan, told the court that about 10.30pm on the day after the lunch was when she first suspected the guests were not just suffering serious food poisoning.

I was concerned that this wasnt just gastroenteritis caused by food poisoning, she said.

There was a discussion about the presentation and how it was quite severe, but the onset of symptoms was quite delayed.

This would be more indicative of a serious toxin syndrome as opposed to a food poisoning.

Another witness, the owner and manager of the business where Patterson bought a food dehydrator, was the first witness of the day.

An invoice shown to the court detailed that Patterson bought the Sunbeam Food Lab Electronic Dehydrator for $229 on 28 April 2023.

The court has previously heard Patterson excitedly shared with friends that she had used the dehydrator for mushrooms.

The trial continues.

 The graphic within this article was amended on 8 May 2025 to clarify some of the Patterson family relationships.
Yahoo UK's poll of the week lets you vote and indicate your strength of feeling on one of the week's hot topics. After the poll closes, we'll publish and analyse the results each Friday, giving readers the chance to see how polarising a topic has become and if their view chimes with other Yahoo UK readers.

Reform UK celebrated historic local election victories on 2 May. (Getty) (Lia Toby via Getty Images)

As Reform UK celebrates its latest successes in the local elections, speculation is rife about what its growth in popularity could mean for the party and its political fortunes.

Both the Labour and Conservative parties were left bruised by the 1 May elections, with Labour losing the previously safe Runcorn and Helsby constituency in a byelection and almost 200 councillors, while the Tories lost more than 600 councillors along with control of all 15 local authorities.

Many of those losses came at the hands of Reform UK, which won more than 600 council seats and took control of 10 local authorities.

Nigel Farage hailed Reform UK's gains as "unprecedented" and said it was "the end of two-party politics".

In the wake of the results, health secretary Wes Streeting said Reform is a real threat to Labour and is being treated as a serious opposition force, although the government's decision to cut winter fuel payments has also been cited as putting off voters.

Some are predicting that Reform UK could win at the next general election, or at least become the opposition. (Getty) (JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch previously said the Tories would come out fighting to try to regain public support, but also that they would not rush policy proposals.

She also ruled out resurrecting former prime minister Rishi Sunaks proposal to reintroduce national service, following reports that some MPs had suggested the move.

With speculation rife about what last week's local election results mean for politics, and specifically Reform UK, Yahoo News UK is asking what you think.

For some, the result is indicative that Reform could win the next general election, or at least become the opposition party.

However, others think the party's support will decline, and historically some have described Reform as a protest vote for those who are unhappy with the other major parties. Indeed, while people may vote a certain way in local elections, it does not mean they will do the same in a general election.

Or perhaps you have an entirely different view on Reform's local elections success and want to share it.

Pick the choice that is closest to your view in our poll below.

Scottish parliament next?

Reform UK's victories are being seen by some as a sign of what could happen in next year's Scottish election. Scotland will go to the polls in May next year for the Scottish parliament elections.

Polling expert Sir John Curtice said the party's gains in last weeks local elections are probably bad news for Scottish Labour and the Conservatives, because Nigel Farages party is primarily taking votes from the first ministers opponents.

Speaking to the BBCs Good Morning Scotland radio programme on Monday, Curtice said the results from last Thursday show there is no reason to disbelieve the message from opinion polls about Reforms level of support.

In the wake of Reform's gains, Scottish first minister John Swinney said there is a very real possibility that Nigel Farage could be the UKs next prime minister, adding: It makes me very fearful of what lies ahead.

Come back on Friday to read the results via the link below.

Read more of Yahoo UK's Poll of the Week articles
Trump admin to pay 1,000 USD "stipend" for illegal immigrants' "self-deportation"

Xinhua) 08:42, May 06, 2025

WASHINGTON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced on Monday that it will pay illegal immigrants in the United States 1,000 dollars plus their travel expenses if they leave voluntarily, in an effort to step up its mass deportation.

"Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP (Customs &Border Protection) Home App," the department said in a statement.

"Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of 1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app," the statement read.

The department noted that even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that self-deportation using the app will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 percent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is 17,121 dollars.

"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 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a recent rally speech in Michigan, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed his first 100 days in office were the most successful of any U.S. administration in history, citing policies like increased deportations of illegal immigrants as key achievements.

Despite Trump claiming victory, mass deportations remain below targets due to logistical, legal, and diplomatic constraints.

"One area where the administration appears to be failing to meet its enforcement goals is in the number of deportations," according to a recent analysis published by the Brookings Institution.

"The numbers of deportations remain modest, but the chilling effects are potentially severe," the analysis said.

Meanwhile, many experts expressed concerns about the implications of the administration's immigration policies.

"Americans worry about immigrants crossing the border illegally, so that has been a good issue for (Trump) politically. But polls show that people don't like his approach and feel he has been deporting people without any due process," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Pemier Jacinta Allan says Mike Bush made the community safer in New Zealand and he will do the same here in Victoria. Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

The former head of the New Zealand police force, Mike Bush, has been appointed Victorias next chief commissioner, pledging to prioritise crime prevention and increase police visibility across the state.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, and police minister, Anthony Carbines, on Tuesday announced Bush had been awarded a five-year contract to run the states police force, beginning 27 June.

Bush joined the New Zealand police force in 1978 and was chief commissioner from 2014 until April 2020, when he retired. During his time with the force, he led their response to the 2019 Christchurch massacre and the White Island volcano eruption.

He said he was lured out of retirement after the Victorian government approached him to apply for the role, due to his real passion for police thats in my blood.

Ive been doing it my entire adult life and most of my life has been committed to public safety. Its just so important that people in communities are safe and feel safe, and police services are at the forefront of that, Bush told reporters.

Thats two very good reasons and the third one is that the state of Victoria is a brilliant place. Kiwis love Victoria  Im no different, and Im very honoured to be part of your community and to serve you.

Bush joins the Victoria police at a difficult time. Data released in March showed a 13.2% rise in the states crime rate in 2024  the highest since 2016.

Offences committed by children aged between 10 and 17 rose to their highest levels since electronic records began in 1993, prompting the government to tighten its bail laws.

The police leadership has also faced upheaval, with the commissioner, Shane Patton, forced to resigned after a no confidence vote by rank and file police officers in February.

Former emergency management commissioner, Rick Nugent, was then appointed as acting commissioner but blindsided the government in April when he ruled out applying for the permanent post.

Related: Six graphs reveal the true state of crime in Victoria and whos behind it

Nugent will leave the force on Thursday, with the deputy commissioner for regional operations, Bob Hill, to serve as acting chief commissioner until Bush starts.

Allan said Bush would bring new leadership to Victoria police.

Bush made the community safer in New Zealand and he will do the same here in Victoria, she said.

His 2020 Queens Birthday Honour cited his crime prevention model, which helped reduce offending in the country by 20% between 2010 and 2014.

Bush said he was aware of the crime issues within Victoria but they were not unique.

These crime issues are actually global, quite similar wherever you go, but its not good enough just to turn up after the act, he said.

You have to get in front of these things and having a prevention mindset and a prevention focus at the front is really, really important.

Bush said his approach would be guided by the principal of Sir Robert Peel that police exist to prevent crime and harm.

Therell definitely be more visibility but well also be quite sophisticated about how we bring in the intelligence and deploy people to get in front of crime issues, he said.

Bush said he had worked closely with Maori, Pasifika and multicultural and multi-faith communities to build trust. He said New Zealand remained one of the few countries where police did not routinely carry firearms, with long-arm weapons kept in squad cars for emergency use.

It is the first time someone who has not worked at Victoria Police has been appointed to the top job since 2001, when New South Wales police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon was given the job.

Bush acknowledged his outsider status and said he was honoured to be appointed.

The oppositions police spokesperson, David Southwick, said Bush would need to be supported in the role with greater funding and independence from government.

We cant have this job become a poisoned chalice, he said.

Southwick likened the recent turnover in the position to a game of musical chairs and said he hoped this one lasts.

The Police Association of Victorias secretary, Wayne Gatt, said the appointment would bring an end to a period of instability for the force.
The German parliament has formally elected Friedrich Merz as the countrys 10th chancellor since the second world war, after a humiliating loss in the first round of voting that raised troubling doubts about the stability of the next coalition government.

Merz secured 325 votes in the second round, just above the necessary 316. Earlier in the day 18 unnamed rebels from the newly formed alliance between his conservatives and the Social Democrats had voted to deprive him of the required majority in the secret ballot.

Madam speaker, thank you for the trust, a visibly relieved Merz told the Bundestag president, Julia Klockner, after she announced the result. I accept the election.

Commentators had called the earlier shock act of political sabotage a complete catastrophe for Merz and a punch to the stomach. The 69-year-old leads the centre-right CDU/CSU bloc, which won Februarys snap election with a disappointing 28.6%.

The Social Democrats (SPD), now junior partners in government, turned in their worst performance in more than a century in the election, with just over 16%.

Together they have only a slim majority to pass a reform agenda in the Bundestag, where the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party now forms the biggest opposition bloc.

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A failure by Merz to win in the second round would have plunged Europes top economy into political turmoil, triggering an open-ended leadership battle or new elections in which the anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin AfD would have been expected to do well, or even win outright.

Nevertheless, the shaky start to Merzs four-year term points to potential divisions in the coalitions ranks just as he is facing an already staggering in-tray of domestic and foreign policy challenges unseen since national reunification 35 years ago.

The incoming government will have to revive the flatlining economy and fend off the far right while maintaining support for Ukraine against the backdrop of fresh uncertainty in the transatlantic relationship under Donald Trump.

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, congratulated Merz on X, saying that Kyiv hopes Germany will grow even stronger and that well see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs.

This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake  and it will depend on our unity, he said.

Merz, a corporate lawyer who made a fortune in the private sector but has never led a state government or a ministry, promised strong, well-planned and dependable governance  in times of profound change, of profound upheaval as he signed the coalition pact on Monday.

That is why we know that it is our historic obligation to lead this coalition to success, he said, noting that partners keenly awaited a return of German engagement with Europe.

The AfD co-leader Alice Weidel gleefully welcomed the earlier debacle, posting on X that his failure to win a majority in the first round shows what a weak foundation the small coalition is built on.

After his swearing-in before parliament about seven hours behind schedule, Merz presented his cabinet to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace in central Berlin. He will later go to the chancellery for the official handover from his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.

Merz will travel to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday, signalling a return to German engagement with the EU after six months of political limbo since Scholzs government collapsed in acrimony.

On Thursday, Merz is due to preside over ceremonies in Berlin marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe before heading to Brussels on Friday to meet EU and Nato leaders.

The European Commissions president, Ursula von der Leyen, a member of Merzs CDU, called him a proven friend and expert on Europe on Tuesday, promising to work together for a strong and more competitive Europe.

Despite leading his party to victory in February, Merz has a deep popularity deficit among Germans, who dislike his often brash style and mercurial temperament.

A poll last week for the public broadcaster ZDF showed that only 38% supported him as chancellor while 56% said he was the wrong person for the job. Merz is particularly disliked by Social Democrats, with 62% rejecting him, in a gloomy foreshadowing of Tuesdays disaster.

The black-red coalition, named for the parties colours, had stronger backing than Merz himself at 48%, while 37% oppose the alliance. Yet nearly one in two Germans do not think the team has what it takes to solve the countrys most pressing problems.

The outgoing government slashed its economic growth forecast to zero for this year, citing the impact of Trumps erratic trade policies after two years of recession.

Before even taking office, Merz in March engineered a reform of the debt brake which curbs public spending to unleash a bazooka package of investment in Germanys creaking infrastructure and the military, amid fears about Trumps commitment to Nato and Ukraines defence against the Russian onslaught.

Germany is the second biggest national supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US.

However, the bold budget move proved highly unpopular with fiscal hawks in the CDU/CSU  possibly a source of the dissent on display in Tuesdays vote.

Ursula Munch, director of the Academy for Political Education thinktank, called Merzs unfortunate start only a mid-level catastrophe, saying it could serve to focus minds within the coalition that its success is truly up to each of them.

But she warned that if the teams fail to pull themselves together, mistrust could spread in both parliamentary groups with Merz left to doubt before every important vote whether he actually has a majority. The AfD will of course try to exploit that by sowing discord, she said.

Merz had for decades harboured an ambition to become chancellor but was long thwarted by his bitter rival Angela Merkel, who watched the days drama from the VIP gallery of the Bundestag.

Since assuming the leadership of their CDU in 2022, he has steered the party to the right of her more moderate course, particularly on border policy.

Meanwhile the AfD has capitalised on a public backlash against migration, coming second in the February election. Two recent polls have shown it overtaking Merzs CDU/CSU in support as it profits from the power vacuum in Berlin.

Last week, the BfV domestic intelligence agency designated it a confirmed rightwing extremist force, stoking long-running calls for an initiative to ban the party outright. Merzs bid to claw back support from the AfD is seen as one of the biggest challenges facing him this term.

Although he ground out a win, Merz will now engage in the battle in a weaker position than initially presumed, while Germany seeks to restore its vaunted reputation for predictability.

Germany is always seen as a source of super-stability in Europe, even worldwide, the political scientist Wolfgang Schroder told the rolling news channel n-tv. This bumpy patch on the way to forming a government clearly shows thats not necessarily the case. You could call it Germany becoming normal.
Gerry Adams has said IRA membership was not a path I took as he was quizzed about his past comments and republican links during a libel trial.

The 76-year-old said an attempt was being made to smother the jury in history as he was asked to recall events during The Troubles and the peace process.

The former Sinn Fein leader said he would not speculate on IRA members or its rules while in the witness box as part of his defamation case against the BBC.

Asked if there was no official record of IRA membership, and Mr Adams said he supposed there was not.

It wasnt a path that I took, he said, adding that he instead joined Sinn Fein.

He also told the court that Sinn Fein was not the political wing of any organisation and said the claim that the party takes orders from someone in Connolly House is ridiculous.

Mr Adams gave evidence for a fifth day as part of his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams engaged in tense exchanges with barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC on his knowledge of the IRA and about quotes attributed to him in media interviews.

He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said he had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

During tense exchanges, Mr Gallagher asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams was asked about an IRA demand that a senior officer of Belfast brigade be released from Long Kesh as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire in 1972.

Mr Gallagher put it to Mr Adams that this referred to him.

There may have been a senior officer of the Belfast Brigade released, it wasnt me, Mr Adams said.

Mr Gallagher asked if any senior officer of Belfast Brigade was released, and Mr Adams replied that he was not prepared to speculate about the status of IRA members released or otherwise.

When Mr Gallagher said he took his answer to mean you are not aware, Mr Adams said: No, dont take that as my answer.

Im saying Im not willing to speculate.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother the jury in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson? Mr Adams said.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with several figures, including Sean Mac Stiofain, Billy McKee and Des Long.

Mr Adams said that Mr Mac Stiofain, the self-professed chief of staff of the IRA, was mistaken to claim that he was in the IRA during a media clip shown to the jury.

Mr Adams accused the defence of seeking to smother the jury in a back-to-back, very selective montage of elements and who were in most cases interviewing people who were entirely hostile to the project which I was engaged in.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Mr Adams said it was wrong to describe his political efforts as being totally and absolutely related to the IRA and said it was not the sole work that I was about.

He added that he supported the IRAs right to an armed struggle but said he was not uncritical of the IRAs individual actions.

Mr Adams said he was not aware of the practice of disappearing people until the peace process began and said he could not comment on why it happened, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA, with the exception of Robert Nairac.

Mr Adams was also asked about the book Say Nothing, to which he said he had not read it and that it was based on completely discredited tapes.

He was also asked about an interview with former Northern Ireland editor Ed Moloney, who the court heard reported on comments by Mr Adams in relation to the 1983 kidnapping of businessman Don Tidey.

The court heard he was quoted as saying that Mr Adams regretted the deaths of an Irish soldier and Garda during the rescue operation, but claimed that the Provisional IRA gunmen were doing their duty.

He said he had no recollection of those comments and said he made it very very clear that he and Sinn Fein were opposed to what had happened.

The position I took up at the time was what had happened was wrong, Mr Adams told the court.

He was asked about a clip from him at a rally at Belfast City Hall in August 1995 where he said they havent gone away, you know.

Mr Adams told the court he was responding to a heckler in the crowd who had said bring back the IRA.

He said it wasnt rehearsed and wasnt a bad response at keeping the people at the rally on board.

When shown a photo of Mr Adams wearing a black beret at the funeral of Jimmy Steele in Belfast, Mr Adams rejected Mr Gallaghers assertion that it was the garb worn by members of the IRA at IRA funerals.

At one point, Mr Adams said to the BBCs barrister Mr Gallagher, I am not on trial here today, to which Mr Gallagher said that his reputation was part of the hearing.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues on Wednesday.
Peruvian president Dina Boluarte in Lima, Peru, in January 2025. Photograph: Guadalupe Pardo/AP

Perus president, Dina Boluarte, has suspended gold mining and announced a 12-hour curfew in Pataz, in the northern region, after criminals kidnapped and killed 13 gold mine workers.

A Peruvian gold mining company Poderosa said on Sunday that the bodies of 13 contract workers from a local firm had been found by police inside one of the mines tunnels.

Boluarte told journalists on Monday that the armed forces will take control of the area where La Poderosa operates, but did not give further details about how the 30-day mining pause would be enforced.

The government response, which critics have called tardy and ineffective, comes amid outrage over the murder of the 13 men who had been held captive for more than a week by criminals believed linked to illegal mining. Police said the hostages were tortured and that video footage  allegedly recorded by the captors themselves  showed the miners were shot dead at point-blank range.

Illegal gold mining has surged in Peru, Latin Americas biggest producer of the precious metal, just as the international price peaked once more at around $3,500 per ounce. Meanwhile a crime wave has swept the country with unprecedented rises in racketeering and killing-for-hire. 2024 saw a record increase murder rates  a 35.9% increase in homicides compared with 2023.

Related: Teacher murdered in front of schoolchildren as Lima gripped by crime wave

Illegal mining is the most lucrative criminal activity in the country, said Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer. Illegal gold mining accounted for $9bn , or 60% of Perus total laundered assets between January 2014 and October 2024, according to the countrys Financial Intelligence Unit, dwarfing the next biggest sources of laundered assets.

Once confined to certain zones illegal gold mining has spread throughout the country since the Covid-19 pandemic. The gold-rich area where the mine is located in La Libertad region has been under a state of emergency for more than two years due to ongoing violence and unrest.

This massacre brings to 39 the number of artisanal miners and workers killed by criminal gangs in Pataz, the company Poderosa Mining confirmed in a statement.

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, the statement added.

In December, thousands of gold miners camped out in the downtown Lima and blocked the main highway to insist that the government maintain a registry of informal and illegal miners known as REINFO which protects them from prosecution.
Palestinians wait for food from aid groups in Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza. Humanitarian officials say the territory is on the brink of catastrophe as food and fuel runs out. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty

An Israeli government minister has vowed that Gaza will be entirely destroyed as a result of an Israeli military victory, and that its Palestinian population will leave in great numbers to third countries, raising fears of ethnic cleansing in the occupied territory.

The declaration on Tuesday by the finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, came a day after Israels security cabinet approved a plan for Operation Gideons Chariots, which an Israeli official said would entail the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories.

The Israeli threats to seize control of the territory permanently has stirred global outrage.

We strongly oppose the expansion of Israels operations, the UKs Middle East minister, Hamish Falconer, said. Any attempt to annex land in Gaza would be unacceptable.

After the intensified offensive was announced, Hamas said it was no longer interested in truce talks with Israel and urged the international community to halt Israels hunger war against Gaza, a reference to the total blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza, which has been in place for more than two months.

There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip, Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told AFP.

Related: There is no life here: Palestinians fear Israel is imposing its Gaza endgame

Effie Defrin, Israels chief military spokesperson, said the planned offensive would include moving most of the population of the Gaza Strip  to protect them.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said the population will be moved, for its own protection in a video posted on social media, but gave no further details.

Smotrich, speaking to a conference on Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, went further, making clear that many Palestinians would be driven out of the territory altogether, as part of a scorched earth offensive.

Gaza will be entirely destroyed, civilians will be sent to  the south to a humanitarian zone without Hamas or terrorism, and from there they will start to leave in great numbers to third countries, the minister said.

Israels neighbours Egypt and Jordan have said they will refuse to allow an exodus of refugees on their territory, arguing that would make them party to the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

The international court of justice is assessing allegations of genocide against Israel for its military campaign in Gaza, and last year issued a series of provisional measures that included orders for Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide being committed or incited, and to allow the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance across the territorys southern border with Egypt.

The international criminal court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and the ICC prosecutor is reported to be preparing more warrant requests.

Smotrich has been saying similar things for some time now, but obviously this is very serious in the context of the call for more troops by the government, Victor Kattan, assistant professor in public international law at the University of Nottingham, said.

Deportation and forcible transfer of civilians is a crime against humanity under the Rome statute [the ICCs founding treaty], and thats a clear call for that. If thats occurring in the context of his ministerial position or as a result of deliberations in the cabinet, that could be very serious.

Late on Tuesday, at least 29 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, medics said.

Dozens more were wounded in the attack on Bureij camp in the centre of the territory, civil defence media officer Ahmad Radwan told AFP.

The call for an intensification of Israels war in Gaza came as it carried out a second day of airstrikes aimed at Houthi forces in Yemen, severely damaging the countrys international airport in the capital, Sanaa.

The strikes came after Israel launched similar attacks on Monday in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike the previous day on Israels international airport.

Nearly all of Gazas population of 2.3 million has been displaced, often repeatedly, since the start of the war triggered by Hamass 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250.

More than 52,000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza that followed. A two-month ceasefire collapsed in mid-March when Israel reneged on a promise to implement a second phase.

Faltering indirect talks have continued since, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, but with little sign of any significant progress. Any breakthrough appears unlikely as long as Israel remains committed to forcing Hamas to disarm, and Hamas refuses to release hostages without a ceasefire leading to a permanent end to hostilities as well as a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Some analysts suggest Israels threats of the new offensive, occupation of territory and massive displacement are designed to force concessions from Hamas, as well as shore up rightwing support for Netanyahus ruling coalition.

Hamas on Monday described the new Israeli framework for aid delivery in Gaza as political blackmail and blamed Israel for the war-ravaged territorys humanitarian catastrophe.

A UN spokesperson said on Monday that Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, was alarmed by the Israeli plan that will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza.

Humanitarian officials say the territory is on the brink of catastrophe as food and fuel runs out due to a total Israeli blockade imposed on 2 March.

Military officials in Israel have given different versions of a plan reportedly agreed by ministers to allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza, which would be distributed from a small number of newly constructed hubs in the south of the territory staffed by private contractors but protected by Israeli troops.

Humanitarian officials have dismissed the scheme as unworkable, dangerous and potentially unlawful.

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, a joint statement by UN and other aid agencies said this week.

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 militarised zones to collect rations, threatening lives, including those of humanitarian workers, while further entrenching forced displacement.

Stephen Cutts, the interim head of Medical Aid for Palestinians, said: Israels proposed military-controlled aid mechanism is a dangerous attempt to weaponise humanitarian aid, entrench further control over Gaza, and continue its ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

Related: The Guardian view on Israels aid blockade of Gaza: hunger as a weapon of war | Editorial

US officials have not reacted directly to Israels threat of a new offensive, but Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration would help get food to starving Palestinians. He blamed Hamas for making it impossible by diverting humanitarian assistance for its fighters.

Were going to help the people of Gaza get some food. People are starving, and were going to help them get some food, Trump told reporters during an event at the White House.

Israeli officials have said the new operation will not be launched before Trump concludes his visit next week to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar.
More than a thousand beacons and several hundred lamp lights of peace are expected to be lit across the UK to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Communities throughout the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are encouraged to take part in the commemoration to recreate the jubilant scenes of May 8, 1945, when people up and down the country lit hundreds of bonfires and beacons as the celebrations following the news of the German surrender went on into the night.

A gold-plated lamp light made especially for the 80th anniversary of VE Day will be carried into St Pauls Cathedral and blessed by the Dean, before being taken to Tower Bridge where its flame will be used to illuminate the central London landmark.

Bruno Peek lighting a beacon on the tower of St Jamess Church in Clerkenwell Green, London (PA)

Bruno Peek, pageant master of the commemoration, said the flames from the beacons and lights symbolise peace and remember the millions of lives lost to war.

In my personal view, we need to use every opportunity possible to promote peace with the way the world is going at the moment, he told the PA news agency.

People from all walks of life who are unable to light beacons can take part by lighting a lamp light of peace, with the flames from the lamp lights and the beacons representing the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war.

Beacons were one of the earliest forms of communication and were mainly used to spread warnings of danger, but people started to use them to celebrate historical events during the reign of Queen Victoria, Mr Peek said.

He added: The other reason for the lamp light of peace is because, once theyve been used for this occasion, they can then be used to commemorate the end of war.

So, they can also be relit on the 11th of November at 11am for many years to come, again in remembrance of those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, lit the first of more than 200 beacons to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day at Windsor Castle (PA)

The beacons and lights will not only be lit to commemorate human lives that were lost, but also to remember the millions of animals taken from family homes and farms to aid Allied forces during the Second World War.

Mr Peek said: Animals played a special part in the war.

It is important that we remember, of course, human beings, but animals that played their part as well.

Mr Peek designed the special lamp light which he will carry into St Pauls Cathedral, accompanied by two of the Kings Watermen and Lightermen, for the VE Day anniversary service at 5pm on May 8.

The lamp light made by Ottewill Silversmiths consists of a central gold-plated brass lantern, sat on a specially made cushion of red velvet with gold braiding and tassels.

The lamp is also surrounded by two rings of sterling silver barbed wire to represent the two world wars, and a sterling silver and part gold-plated crown.

Mr Peek said: I wanted the crown to represent King and country, because thats what it was in World War Two  it was King.

Its quite ironic that we have a King for the 80th anniversary.

At the end of the service, the lamp will be blessed on the Great West Steps of St Pauls Cathedral by the Dean of St Pauls Andrew Tremlett.

The lamp will then be taken up the Thames to Tower Bridge, where it will be used to light the principal beacon.

Mr Peek said: When the fuse is lit from the flame, it will then trigger off the whole lighting of Tower Bridge.

Its going to be an amazing sight.
The UKs free trade deal with India will have no impact on the immigration system, the Trade Secretary has said.

Jonathan Reynolds said the agreement announced on Tuesday involved no changes to immigration rules, but modest changes to business mobility.

The deal will see Indian chefs, yoga teachers and musicians able to access the contractual services suppliers route, which had previously been closed to India, but with their numbers capped at 1,800.

In its own statement announcing the deal, the Indian government said the agreement eases mobility for professionals, including intra-company transfers and business visitors.

New Delhi also said the deal would provide immense opportunities for talented and skilled Indian youth in the UK, particularly in financial and professional services.

Mr Reynolds said: I want to be clear, there is no impact on the immigration system of the deal that we have agreed, theres no changes or even the guarantee of existing provision on things like student visas, which I know there has been a lot of speculation about.

He later added: I know theres been a lot of speculation on post-study work visas, on youth mobility, on specific visas for healthcare workers: just to confirm, that is not changing at all as part of this deal.

Former Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman criticised the deal, saying she had blocked an agreement with India while in office because I was not willing to grant concessions on visas.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she accused the Government of having caved and opened our labour market to more Indian workers who will be cheaper to hire than Brits.

This is not the way to cut migration or support British workers. Havent you learnt anything from the last few days?

Indian nationals already account for the highest proportion of work visas and the second highest proportion of study visas issued to people applying to come to the UK.

In 2024, some 81,463 work visas were issued to Indian nationals, 22% of the total number of work visas, including 30,301 health and care worker visas.

However, last year also saw the number of work visas issued to Indian nationals fall by 50%, most likely due to changes to immigration rules banning overseas care workers from bringing family dependents and increasing the salary threshold for skilled workers.

The number of study visas issued to Indians also fell last year, from 159,371 in 2023 to 92,355 in 2024.
The Piprahwa gems of the historical Buddha, Mauryan Empire, Ashokan era, circa 240-200BC. Photograph: Sotheby's

The Indian government has issued a legal notice to halt the unethical auction of ancient gem relics, which it said should be treated as the sacred body of the Buddha.

Its Ministry of Culture said the auction of the Piprahwa gems in Hong Kong this week violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions, and demanded their repatriation to India for preservation and religious veneration.

The legal notice has been served on Sothebys Hong Kong and Chris Peppe, one of three heirs of William Claxton Peppe, a British colonial landowner who in 1898 excavated the gems on his estate in northern India, who are selling the relics.

The auction, which has prompted an outcry from scholars and monastic leaders, is scheduled for 7 May, and the gems are expected to sell for about HK$100m (9.7m).

A letter, posted on the Ministry of Cultures Instagram account, said Peppe, a Los Angeles-based TV director and film editor, lacked the authority to sell the relics. Sothebys, by holding the auction, was participating in continued colonial exploitation, it added.

The ministry insisted on the immediate cessation of the auction, saying the gem relics constitute inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.

It also called on Sothebys and Chris Peppe to issue a public apology to the Indian government and Buddhists worldwide, and for the full disclosure of all provenance documents and any other relics in the possession of William Peppes heirs or transferred by them to any other entity or individual.

Failure to comply would result in legal proceedings in Indian and Hong Kong courts and through international bodies for violations of cultural heritage laws, the letter warned.

The ministry added that it would launch a public campaign highlighting Sothebys role in perpetuating colonial injustice and becoming a party to [the] unethical sale of religious relics.

The gems include amethysts, coral, garnets, pearls, rock crystals, shells and gold, either worked into pendants, beads and other ornaments, or in their natural form.

They were originally buried in a dome-shaped funerary monument, called a stupa, in Piprahwa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, between 240BC and 200BC, when they were mixed with some of the cremated remains of the Buddha, who died about 480BC.

The British crown claimed Peppes find under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and the bones and ash were given to the Buddhist monarch King Chulalongkorn of Siam.

Most of the 1,800 gems went to what is now the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Peppe was permitted to retain approximately a fifth of them, which were described as duplicates of some of the others.

On the matter of the gems provenance and ownership, the ministrys letter noted that under the Buddhist religion, materials in sacred funerary mounds are sacred grave goods  inseparable from the sacred relics and cannot be commodified.

We beg to note that the relics of the Buddha cannot be treated as specimens but as the sacred body and originally interred offerings to the sacred body of the Buddha.

The ministry added that the sellers, who describe themselves as custodians of the gems, had no right to alienate or misappropriate the asset  an extraordinary heritage of humanity where custodianship would include not just safe upkeep but also an unflinching sentiment of veneration towards these relics.

Its letter said the proposed auction offends the sentiments of over 500 million Buddhists worldwide, violated ethics and disrupted sacred tradition.

Peppe, who wrote a piece for Sothebys about his familys custodianship of the gems, said: In light of the Indian governments sudden interest in the gems, 25% of auction proceeds will be donated to the displaying of the main Kolkata collection of the Piprahwa gems for Buddhists and the larger public to enjoy. Another 25% will be donated to Buddhist institutions.

With regards to his and his two relatives right to sell the gems, he added: Legally, the ownership is unchallenged.

Sothebys said the auction would proceed as planned. The auction house previously told the Guardian that it had conducted requisite due diligence, including in relation to provenance and legality.
A mobile artillery unit fires towards Gaza - Amir Cohen/REUTERS

It is easy to lose count of the number of times Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened an escalation of the war in Gaza in the 19 months since it started.

Mondays announcement, however, was different.

By promising to seize and hold territory, Mr Netanyahu and his military chiefs are adopting a significant shift in strategy that sets both the inhabitants of the embattled Strip, and Israel itself, on an uncertain course.

Despite the colossal destruction it has wrought in its mission to defeat Hamas, Israel did not set out to occupy the enclave.

This was for two reasons. Firstly, the practical necessity of keeping troops available for the war against Hezbollah in the north.

Secondly, Israels interest was in annihilating Hamas, not in gaining land for its own sake, which would then have to be policed, as in the West Bank.

Therefore, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took the approach of pulverising the area from the air and with artillery, before moving in ground troops and killing any Hamas fighters that they could see. They would then dismantle what they could of the groups infrastructure and tunnels before moving on to the next zone.

The problem was, this did not work  at least not in the comprehensive way that Mr Netanyahus bellicose language appeared to promise.

Although significantly degraded, Hamas fought on, regrouping and popping up in neighbourhoods that had been declared cleansed.

The orderly and disciplined sight of their neatly dressed fighters at the weekly hostage handover ceremonies in January and February was a stinging rebuke to that strategy, and one we know Mr Netanyahu felt personally.

However, the authors of that initial playbook, Yoav Gallant, the former defence minister, and Herzi Halevi, the former IDF chief of staff, have now gone; the threat from Lebanon has been neutered; and a new administration in Washington has more or less given Israel the green light to proceed however it wants.

Named Gideons Chariots, the new operation will use four or five armoured and infantry divisions to seize and then occupy territory in Gaza.

All civilians will be sent south, to a so-called humanitarian zone near what is left of the city of Rafah, which the IDF currently controls.

They will receive aid in, it is hoped, a controlled manner that prevents Hamas profiting from it, although there are significant questions over how this can be achieved.

Meanwhile, the army will use bulldozers and explosives to flatten any building it considers linked to Hamas, or posing a threat to advancing troops from booby traps or snipers.

On the evidence of Rafah, these are broad definitions and the destruction will be extensive.

The operation will not start immediately. Officials have let it be known that they will wait until after Donald Trump has finished his visit to the Gulf at the end of next week.

It is hoped that Hamas will offer up a palatable hostage deal in the meantime; although Israel also needs at least that long to prepare for the new offensive.

Can it work?

Amir Avivi, a retired IDF brigadier general and the now chair of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, said he believed that the operation could technically be achieved in two or three months, but that the military would likely go at a slower pace to give Hamas the chance to request a ceasefire in return for hostage releases.

He said: You cant defeat Hamas unless you control the ground. You have to separate the terrorists from the population.

The operation can work and it has to work.

Others are far less certain, not least the Israeli public.

Poll after poll shows that citizens value securing the release of the hostages above the defeat of Hamas in the short term, and that 60 to 70 per cent oppose a major operation to occupy Gaza.

The main hostage families group believes that the strategy is a disaster for the hope of returning their loved-ones. Eyal Zamir, the new IDF chief of staff, reportedly warned his political masters on Sunday that Israel could lose the detainees as a result.

Reliance on reservists

Moreover, by promising to hold the territory, Gideons Chariots threatens to become an open-ended commitment. The IDF, with its structural reliance on reservists who need to get back to their families and jobs, is at its best in quick, kinetic wars.

Of the roughly 70,000 reservists who will be required for the mission, most have already served 300 or more days since Oct 7, which has battered morale and, to an extent, Israels economy.

IDF chiefs are reportedly concerned that as many as 50 per cent will not turn up for duty.

Then there are the civilians, the ordinary Gazans, hundreds of thousands of whom have lived through one of the most intense bombing campaigns of anywhere in the world this century.

A boy wounded during an Israeli army strike is carried into the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City - Jehad Alshrafi/AP

By ordering them into the new southern zone, Israel will, in the eyes of the world, be responsible for every detail of their welfare in a way that it has not been until now. This comes just as the lack of aid, which was cut off in early March, really begins to bite.

France and China have led the chorus of concern about the wider operation, whose endgame is, as yet, unclear.

The suspicion among the Israeli commentariat is that the army, and most of the security cabinet, would much rather not go ahead with the operation and are hoping for a deal.

Hunger war scenario

But on Tuesday the terror group said it would not negotiate while Israel touted its hunger war scenario.

The ultra-nationalist members of the governing coalition, such as Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, believe that the military presence should be permanent.

He said: We wont stop even for the hostages.

Mr Smotrich also urged Israelis to embrace the word occupation.

For those of his way of thinking, the clearing of the population from the bulk of Gaza and the destruction of much of the property there sets the scene perfectly for the mass displacement of civilians envisaged in Donald Trumps Middle East Riviera vision.

Other voices have suggested that by comprehensively clearing neighbourhoods of Hamas, Israel can then set about rebuilding safe neighbourhoods of the kind that US forces had some success with in Iraq following their surge.

As ever in contemporary Israel, all eyes are now on Mr Trump for a solution.
John Swinney has said scrapping peak-time fares will save Scots money while pumping less CO2 into our skies - @ScotGovFM/X

Peak-time train fares are to be scrapped in Scotland, John Swinney has announced as he attempted to woo voters ahead of next years Holyrood election.

The First Minister said the practice of charging much higher fares at the busiest commuter times would end on the nationalised ScotRail network on Sept 1.

Unveiling his Programme for Government (PfG) covering the 12 months preceding the May 2026 election, he argued the move would encourage train travel and put more money in peoples pockets.

Among the other plans unveiled in the PfG, the speech used to open the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, was the publication of a further paper setting out the economic benefits that independence can bring for Scotland.

Mr Swinney also announced that a ban on drinking alcohol on ScotRail services would be scrapped, saying it was counterproductive and ineffective, despite the SNP having maintained it since the pandemic.

Trade unions and the Scottish Greens welcomed the move. Peak-time fares cover tickets bought before 9.15am on weekdays and certain services between 4.42pm and 6.30pm.

An anytime day return between Glasgow and Edinburgh currently costs 32.60, while an off-peak ticket costs 16.60.

Scots not switching to rail

Mr Swinneys announcement came only months after a trial allowing customers to travel all day on off-peak fares failed to encourage Scots to swap their cars for rail.

Peak fares were temporarily scrapped in October 2023 but SNP ministers chose not to continue the scheme after an official analysis found only a limited increase in the number of passengers.

It concluded the pilot did not achieve its aims of encouraging a significant modal shift from car to rail and peak fares were reintroduced last September.

The policy was estimated to cost the taxpayer between 25 million and 40 million per year, while reducing Scotlands greenhouse gas emissions from cars by less than 0.1 per cent.

In a statement in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Swinney said that his Government had taken the difficult decision to axe the pilot scheme in the face of severe budget pressures.

But now, given the work we have done to get Scotlands finances in a stronger position, and hearing also the calls from commuters, from climate activists and from the business community, I can confirm that from Sept 1 this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good, he said.

A better deal for people

Mr Swinney said the decision will put more money in peoples pockets and will mean less CO2 is pumped into our skies.

Once again, tens of thousands of Scots saving money. Once again, a better deal for people because they live in Scotland, he continued.

An accompanying document said that the alcohol ban on trains, described as the last legacy of Covid restrictions, would be scrapped.

It said the ban would be replaced by new regulations that focus restrictions more effectively on particular times and locations.

Mr Swinney, Russell Findlay, the leader of the Scottish Tories, Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, will all give keynote speeches on Wednesday to mark a year until the Holyrood election on May 7 next year.

Mr Findlay said: This flimsy Programme for Government is just more of the same from the SNP and will do little to restore public trust. No wonder that so many of their MSPs couldnt be bothered to turn up to hear it.

John Swinney is the politician who has failed to deliver for the past 18 years, the politician who has wasted more public money than anyone else, the politician who is now desperately trying to clear up his own mess.

The PfG also included a pledge not to introduce any more hikes to income tax in Scotland for the remaining year of this Parliament. However, Mr Findlay noted that the SNP had broken a 2021 manifesto pledge to freeze the levys rates and bands.

He also attacked Mr Swinneys decision to use even more taxpayers money to try to find an economic case for independence.

Hes not going to find one  because there isnt one.

Mr Sarwar said: After nearly two decades in power, if the SNP had any ideas they would have delivered them by now. The party and the man who created this mess cant be the ones to fix it.
The King has welcomed the first lady of Ecuador, who once said her style was inspired by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, to Buckingham Palace.

Social media influencer Angela Lavinia Valbonesi Acosta joined her husband, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, at a royal audience with the monarch on Tuesday.

Charles welcomes Angela Lavinia Valbonesi Acosta and Daniel Noboa (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The 27-year-old businesswoman and nutritionist, who is known for her glamorous outfits, once told an Italian newspaper: I am inspired by Lady Diana.

She was pictured on Tuesday, dressed in a navy fitted dress and with her hair in a bun, shaking hands with the King.

Mr Noboa became the youngest person to be elected president of Ecuador in 2023 when he was 35.
An exterior view of the the London School of Science & Technology campus in Elephant & Castle, London

The vice-chancellors of the UKs worst-performing universities will be named and shamed for their salaries while failing to provide opportunities for graduates.

League tables are to be published of institutions where students are not going on to good jobs or further education, under plans from the Department for Education.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, will aim to stop blase universities letting down graduates, The Times has reported.

The department has concerns that the universities have become unaccountable ivory towers in which vice-chancellors are rewarded with increasing salaries despite poor results for students.

The DfE is also planning to call for more evidence to show how students job prospects are being improved with better value for money, for universities to retain their licence to operate.

The list of 20 worst-performing universities, which used data showing the percentage of students who progress into graduate jobs or higher education, was topped by the London School of Science & Technology (LSST).

Only 40 per cent of those attending went on to graduate jobs or further education, according to the Office for Students, but Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSSTs head, was paid 248,500 last year.

On average, the top 20 worst-performing universities paid their vice-chancellors 280,000, with one receiving as much as 361,000.

A Whitehall source told The Times: A hard rain is going to fall on universities that continue to be so blase about executive pay increases while letting down students.

This Government is determined to deliver greater value for money and better prospects for graduates as part of its Plan for Change.

The days of the unaccountable ivory tower are over. Funding for universities will only come with the promise of major reform.

Were going to ensure degrees deliver good jobs and opportunities, that teaching is high-quality, that universities offer good opportunities for people and help to drive up economic growth.

Elsewhere, Prof Michael Harkin, the vice-chancellor and principal of University College Birmingham  where 49 per cent of pupils went on to graduate jobs or further education  was paid 310,000.

The highest paid was Prof Jean-Noel Ezingeard, the vice-chancellor of the University of Roehampton, who was paid 361,000 last year, despite the university being rated seventh worst for graduate progression.

University College Birmingham, whose Prof Michael Harkin, the vice-chancellor and principal, was one of the highest-paid on the list with a salary of 310,000 - Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

The Government is looking at increasing the conditions of registration in what would also strengthen requirements to improve the quality of teaching.

However, Prof David Maguire, the vice-chancellor of the University of East Anglia, said that the correlation between the salary of bosses and student outcomes was pretty tenuous.

Prof Maguire, who has overseen a 75 per cent progression rating, added: These depend on many things, not least the quality of the students coming and the subjects they study and their interest in obtaining jobs.

Is that really the way we want to run the sector, with crude metrics? Its reducing and simplifying complexities to a single soundbite and trying to bully people in an argument doesnt seem a satisfactory way of doing it.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated Ali Jafa Zaidi, Head of Provider of the London School of Science and Technology, was paid 338,757 in 2024. In fact his remuneration was 248,500 in that year. We are happy to correct the record.
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak over Australia on the night of Wednesday 7 May. Heres when, where, how and what time to see the meteors. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Stargazers and early risers are in for a stellar show this week, with one of the biggest meteor showers in the southern hemisphere due to light up the skies.

The meteors  called the Eta Aquariids  pass through the atmosphere every year, but 2025 is due to be particularly luminous as the moon wont be visible when they arrive.

Heres how to catch a view of the celestial delight.

What is the best time to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower?

The good thing is this particular meteor shower not only happens every year, but spans multiple days.

McElroy said Wednesday 7 May would be the best day for stargazers, with around two dozen meteors expected to pass per hour.

But if it happens to be cloudy that day, you wont blink and miss it. The shower will continue to have a strong showing on the days preceding and following 7 May, before tapering off at the end of the month.

Often these things are quite short-lived  itll peak this week but it will continue, McElroy said.

Unfortunately, though, the best viewing window is between 3am and 5am  not for the faint-hearted or those who feel the cold.

If you happen to find yourself awake in the early dawn, though, youre in luck.

Where can I watch the Eta Aquarrids?

The Eta Aquariids can be viewed anywhere in the world, but they are best seen from the southern hemisphere where the shower will rise in the pre-dawn, darkened sky.

In Australia, every state and territory will be able to witness the display. But McElroy said areas with the lowest light pollution would have the greatest visibility  such as Uluru and remote parts of the Northern Territory.

These things arent enormously bright, so you want to get away from as much light pollution as you can, McElroy said. If youre in the city, get into the suburbs and away from bright lights.

Australia is lucky. McElroy said the best skies she has seen have been in Australia and in Chile because they look towards the centre of the Milky Way.

In the northern hemisphere, you spend most of the year looking to the outskirts, but our winter happens to have the Milky Ways centre up in sky, and parts of Australia are very dark with a lot of protected [areas], like national parks, she said.

What are the best stargazing tips for how to watch?

After heading outside, McElroy said you should first check the weather  Thats the most important part. If its cloudy youre not going to see anything, which is the curse of astronomy.

Then, turn off any porch or external lights and look away from bright street lights or your phone  which resets our daytime vision.

Our eyes have a high dynamic range, and it takes 10 to 20 minutes to adjust to the night sky, McElroy said. Grab a blanket, have a lie down and stay out there for an hour.

The constellation of Aquarius, where the meteors will appear, are in the north-east of the sky. Apps such as Star Mapper or Stellarium can help display the correct spot  but make sure you keep your brightness down.

Why does the meteor shower occur?

The Eta Aquariids are caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Halleys Comet hundreds of years ago.

Dr Rebecca McElroy, an astrophysicist from the University of Southern Queensland, said Earth passes through the debris field every year.

As the bits of rock and dust hit the atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up and create bright streaks  creating what we call meteors.

Meteors tend to look like a bright streak going by, like a shooting star, but more, McElroy said. Occasionally they happen just randomly  when something of a high density is in our path.

It is known as Eta Aquariids because of the part of the sky in which the meteors appear  which is near the star Eta Aquarii in the constellation of Aquarius.

What else can star enthusiasts look forward to?

There are four meteor showers similar to Eta Aquariids which occur throughout the year  most notably, the Orionids meteor shower, which is also caused by the Halleys Comet debris trail and happens in October.

But McElroy said meteor showers can also be a great gateway to look at the rest of the sky.

A meteor shower is great, but we are blessed with fantastic skies in Australia, especially in the winter, she said.

We will be able to see whole band of Milky Way, and if you stay outside for longer, youll see more and more fainter stars light up. You can look for the Southern Cross, spot some star clusters or the Emu constellation.

Come for the meteors, stay for the Milky Way.
Residents of Mount Florida in Glasgow form a human chain of 120 people around the bowling green - Mount Florida Community Trust/SWNS

Residents near a bowling green have formed a 120-person chain hugging the space as they fight plans to build a block of flats on it.

Scores of residents in Mount Florida, Glasgow, are opposing proposals to replace it with 32 apartments.

The developer is attempting to turn what it claims is brownfield land into housing.

But residents say the grass pitch is the only greenery accessible to them.

On Saturday, they formed a chain around the green in a protest aimed at showing they were clinging on to it.

We are clinging on to this green space, desperately trying, said Nicola Smith, chairman of the Mount Florida Community Trust, who is leading the local resistance to the proposals.

Its right in the heart of our community, right in front of our eyes, Ms Smith said. Its just very, very sad that its not available to the community.

Are you out of your mind to build on that space? Its our only green area. There are other places that could be built on, even within the boundaries of Mount Florida.

We want access to this. The argument that we didnt have access to it before because it was privately owned, frankly, does not hold water, as it doesnt mean that we cant be entitled to having access to it now.

If its lost, its lost forever

The green was formerly used by a bowling club which closed because of a shortage of members.

In 2020, plans for 40 homes on the site were rejected by planning officials.

However, Noah Management and Developments has made a new application for a block of flats which has been recommended for approval by Glasgow city council planning officers.

The application, which received 125 letters of support, includes a publicly accessible community space, spanning over half the existing site, as well as a community facility.

The local authority received 249 objections to the application.

Locals insist the grass pitch is the only accessible green space they have left in the neighbourhood - Mount Florida Community Trust/SWNS

If its lost, its lost forever, Ms Smith said. Nobody pulls down buildings to reinstate a park, so we are desperately trying to keep this space green.

When word started to get out that the club was in difficulties, we asked if we could negotiate with them to look into ways to purchase the site.

But all of those applications were denied. The developer went ahead and bought the site. They knew that there was a strong community wish to keep that space.

But they pressed ahead and bought it anyway. It was essentially a hostile act against the community because we had demonstrated our need and enthusiasm to keep this space.

Noah Management and Developments was approached for comment.

The firm has previously said the apartments would provide much-needed housing which will enable the funding and the creation of a significant community open space and community hub occupying 50 per cent of the site, to be gifted at no cost to the local community.

The firm added: The former club grounds and clubhouse have now been vacant for over five years and present a risk of continued deterioration and vandalism whilst also encouraging anti-social behaviour on the site.
Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor and Dan Tehan are vying to lead the Liberal party after Peter Duttons election loss. Composite: The Guardian/AAP

Liberal MPs will meet in coming days to elect a replacement for the defeated opposition leader Peter Dutton after the partys historic drubbing in the federal election.

The deputy leader, Sussan Ley, the shadow treasurer, Angus Taylor, and the shadow immigration minister, Dan Tehan, are among the leading contenders for the role. The shadow defence minister, Andrew Hastie, ruled himself out of the race on Monday afternoon.

The ballot winner will have to help the Liberals rebuild after their landslide loss to Anthony Albanese. Labors increased majority means the Coalition could have at least two terms more in the political wilderness.

Who are the frontrunners and where would they take the Liberal party?

Sussan Ley

Ley is the longest-serving female MP left in the Coalition, having entered parliament in 2001 representing the seat of Farrer. The 63-year-old is now the most senior member of the moderate faction.

She was the minister for health, sport and aged care under Tony Abbott.

In January 2017 she resigned from Malcolm Turnbulls frontbench after it was revealed she had used taxpayer funds to travel to New Years Eve events hosted by a Queensland businesswoman and party donor.

She rejoined the ministry in 2018, becoming environment minister in 2019, before taking the deputy Liberal leadership in 2022 after Scott Morrisons loss.

Ley has by far the most interesting backstory of the frontrunners. She was born in Nigeria and grew up in the Middle East. A grandmother, she flies planes and has worked as a public servant and a shearers cook.

She was born Susan but changed her name to Sussan in her 20s, revealing in 2015 that the decision had been guided by numerology. Ley said she read that the move would make her life incredibly exciting and that nothing would ever be boring.

As a shadow minister under Dutton, she held the small business, industry and skills portfolios and was the shadow minister for women.

The outgoing Liberal senator and former defence minister Linda Reynolds and the retiring MP Warren Entsch have publicly supported Ley for her tilt at the leadership.

Angus Taylor

A key member of Duttons inner circle, the shadow treasurer and prominent conservative was elected to parliament in 2013, representing the seat of Hume.

The 58-year-old Oxford-educated Rhodes scholar worked as a management consultant at McKinsey and Co and at Port Jackson Partners. He was the energy minister under Morrison and minister for law enforcement and cybersecurity under Turnbull and has held the cities and industry portfolios.

Taylor came in for criticism during the election campaign. Privately, Liberal MPs questioned his contribution to policy development, blaming him for scant economic plans for voters.

The outgoing Liberal senator Hollie Hughes said on Monday she would not vote for Taylor, citing concerns about his capabilities.

Taylor grew up on a sheep and cattle property at Nimmitabel in southern New South Wales. He and his wife have four children. Taylor competes in triathlons and running events.

Dan Tehan

Tehan entered parliament in 2010, in the safe Liberal seat of Wannon in regional Victoria.

The 57-year-old belongs to the Morrison-aligned centre-right faction. He served in Morrisons cabinet, holding the social services, education and trade portfolios.

In 2022, after the Coalitions loss, Tehan wouldnt rule out a run against Dutton. He went on to hold the shadow immigration portfolio.

He faced a significant challenge in his seat from Climate 200-backed Alex Dyson, who took three runs at Tehan for Wannon, getting closer each election. Tehans new margin in the seat looks to be 3.6%.

During the campaign, Tehan struggled to explain the oppositions policy to dramatically cut international migration into Australia, including where cuts to the permanent and temporary intake would hit. As a shadow minister, he hasnt cut through as much in the media as much as Ley and Taylor.

As an in-between option, party members say Tehan would have to pull votes from the moderate faction over Taylors hard-right supporters.

There was speculation Taylor and Tehan could stand on a joint ticket but some party members believe a senior woman needs to be included in the leadership team.

When will a decision be made?

No timing has been set for the leadership ballot. Ley said this week the party would wait for some close races to be determined, nominating the acting party whip, Melissa Price, to run the process.
Maria Corina Machado was banned from standing against the dictator Nicolas Maduro in last years presidential election - Pedro Mattey/AFP

Neither the plain white wall in the background nor her confident performance gave any clue that Maria Corina Machado was passing her 250th day in hiding.

As the Venezuelan opposition leader addressed a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Ms Machado voiced optimism about the regime that vilified her as a terrorist being closer to collapse than ever before.

Now was the moment, she said, for Britain to join America and other allies in maximising the pressure on the dictator Nicolas Maduro.

The regime is in the weakest position ever and this is a historic opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. We want the UK to be a part of it, said Ms Machado.

First of all, we need a sense of urgency. We have a window of opportunity and we need to act now. Maduro is in his weakest position ever: all he has left is repression and arms. When you cut the flows, these will fall away.

Ms Machado was referring to the financial flows that allow Mr Maduro to maintain his stranglehold on a country with the worlds largest oil reserves.

Nicolas Maduros regime governs Venezuela in alliance with drug traffickers and other criminal gangs - PEDRO MATTEY/AFP

Since he became president in 2013 after Hugo Chavezs death, Mr Maduro has been leading Venezuela to catastrophe. Corruption and mismanagement have wiped out 80 per cent of the countrys GDP, causing nearly 8 million Venezuelans to flee.

Aware of its unpopularity, the regime banned Ms Machado from standing against Mr Maduro in the presidential election last July.

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a relatively unknown opposition candidate, won about 70 per cent of the vote but Mr Maduro instantly announced a fake result and stayed in power amid escalating repression. Mr Gonzalez fled into exile in Spain, while Ms Machado went into hiding in Venezuela.

2007 Venezuela elections

Since then, she has only left her refuge on five occasions. The last time was in January when she addressed a rally in Caracas, the capital, only to be abducted by state agents who fractured one of her ribs before she was released.

Ms Machado, 57, spoke frankly of her guilt over her enforced separation from her three children. But I know what I have to do, she added. I can only dream of a Venezuela that is free.

Mr Maduros regime governs Venezuela in alliance with drug traffickers and other criminal gangs. Maduro is not a dictator: hes the head of a criminal structure that has networks that have expanded from Chile to Canada, said Ms Machado.

We need to dismantle these groups and build a security shield in alliance with other countries, not just the US but the UK as well because these networks reach Europe.

A figure with images including Donald Trump and Maria Corina Machado was set on fire during the traditional burning of Judas, as part of the Holy Week celebrations in Caracas - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/REUTERS

Last year, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, condemned Mr Maduros fraudulent re-election and imposed sanctions on 15 regime figures. Venezuelas gold reserves remain frozen in the Bank of England.

Ms Machado urged the British government to impose more sanctions and identify any regime funds in the UK financial system. We need all this information about corruption and the finances that end up in England to be made public, she said.

International pressure and widening fractures within the regime are loosening Mr Maduros grip on power, she said. Donald Trumps administration has imposed sanctions designed to choke Venezuelas oil exports and sever the regimes last lifeline.

Who is going to come and save Maduro right now? asked Ms Machado. I believe he is in a difficult situation as never before. I believe that, for the first time, all vectors are aligned.

Ms Machado concluded that Venezuelas transition to democracy should now be the number one priority in the western hemisphere.
The Roman Catholic church has a new leader, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV. Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed from St Peters Square, what issues must the new pope grapple with?

Church unity

A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the world and different views and expectations in the church. Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI and the liberal/progressive Francis.

Prevost is seen as a moderate. But will he be a unifying figure, reaching out to both traditionalists and progressives, and steering the church through the choppy waters of the 21st century? Or will he be identified with one wing of the church, thereby alienating another wing?

A key area of unity and healing will be the American Catholic church, where Pope Francis was a divisive figure. Some US bishops are avid supporters of Donald Trump, while others are dismayed by the presidents policies and statements. An early visit to the US may be high on the new popes agenda.

International diplomacy

The pope has an important role to play on the international stage, particularly to ensure that religion does not become a faultline. He will face conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan plus the politically divisive issues of migration, the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights.

Christine Allen, the chief executive of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), has said the incoming pope will be one of only a few people in the world who can cross political divides and use his moral influence to help all of us look beyond our narrow self-interests and work together to overcome our collective challenges.

In common with other world leaders, Prevost will have to navigate Trumps second term in the White House. Pope Francis openly rebuked the first and second Trump administrations on issues such as migration.

Sexual abuse

The legacy of sexual abuse cast a long shadow over Franciss papacy. He was slow to grasp the scale and systemic nature of the problem, and at first did not understand the pain and anger of survivors. That pain has not gone away, and the new popes approach will inevitably come under intense scrutiny.

Protecting children and vulnerable adults, especially in places where the implementation of safeguarding procedures is challenging, is a key issue in the papal in-tray.

Governance

Pope Leo XIV will need to take decisions on governance within the church, including the pace of change and levels of inclusion regarding laity and women. He will need to make key appointments within days to get the new papacy up and running.

There has been a trend towards appointing qualified, professional laypeople to Vatican jobs rather than clerics. Under Francis, some key roles went to women for the first time, but some say the process of change could be quicker and more far-reaching.

Sister Nathalie Becquart, who served as undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops for four years, said there was no way to go back but a change of mindset and a change of culture was still in progress. The next step is to encourage the involvement of women at all levels of the church, she told BBC Radio 4s Sunday programme.

Vatican finances

There are two aspects to this for the new popes attention: general oversight and transparency, on which there was significant progress under Pope Francis but still more to do; and the unsustainable levels of deficit in the Vatican finances, which deteriorated during Franciss papacy.

In 2022, the Vatican budget accounts were about $94m (70m) in the red, and the Vatican pension fund reportedly had a shortfall of more than $700m.

One senior cardinal, Angelo Becciu, withdrew from the conclave because of convictions in 2022 of financial crimes (he is appealing). Francis had forced Becciu to quit his post after allegations of financial mismanagement came to light, but Becciu only withdrew from the conclave after being presented with letters written by Francis before he died saying Becciu should not take part in the process to elect the next pope.

Sexuality and identity

Francis shifted the churchs dial on issues relating to sexuality and identity, condemning discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, meeting trans men and women and authorising the blessings of same-sex couples.

LGBTQ+ Catholics welcomed his compassion and affirmation while acknowledging he did not change church teaching. Franciss standpoint prompted a backlash among traditionalists.

He will also need to consider the issue of celibacy for priests. Francis ultimately ducked the issue of whether to allow married priests in parts of the world, such as the Amazon, where there is a dire shortage. Will the new pope push it through?
The NPA survey found 79% of pharmacists are having to refuse requests for antibiotics from patients at least once a day. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

Pharmacists are facing inappropriate demands for antibiotics every day, with some patients stockpiling them for holidays despite the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, a report says.

Staff receive requests for the drugs to treat minor ailments such as coughs and colds even if they are not needed, according to the National Pharmacy Association, which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies in England. Its survey found 79% of pharmacists were having to refuse requests for antibiotics from patients at least once a day.

A quarter of pharmacists said patients frequently returned partially used antibiotics, while 37% were aware of patients regularly hoarding them for a later date. Half-used courses of antibiotics were being posted on local social media groups, the NPA said.

Other issues include patients requesting antibiotics from their pharmacy before going on holiday just in case of illness, and people returning from abroad with huge quantities of antibiotics for conditions not treated by them in the UK.

Olivier Picard, the chair of the NPA, said: These are concerning findings and shows there are widespread misconceptions about the role that antibiotics can play among some patients.

Although antibiotics may be an appropriate course of treatment for some conditions, for other ailments like viral coughs and sore throats, they may not be effective. This could also mean antibiotics may not be effective for treating more serious conditions, posing a risk to patient safety.

Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who see nearly 2 million patients a day and provide medication advice. They can supply antimicrobials in some circumstances, but only when they are clinically needed.

Diane Ashiru-Oredope, the lead pharmacist for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the UKHSA, said addressing public misconceptions about taking antibiotics was an important part of tackling AMR.

Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country. Not being able to effectively prevent and treat infections is one of the biggest threats to our health, she said.

Overcoming that threat was still possible if everyone worked together to help keep antibiotics working, she said. For example, only taking them when prescribed and as directed by a healthcare professional, not taking antibiotics for colds and flu and not saving antibiotics for future use  unused antibiotics can be returned to pharmacies.

Taking action not only protects our own individual health, it also protects everyone in our communities and future generations.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said AMR represented one of the most significant threats to public health, with potentially devastating consequences if we dont act now.

Our pharmacists, along with other healthcare professionals, play a crucial role and were grateful for their vigilance in ensuring these vital medicines are only provided when clinically appropriate, they said.
Nokopo, a rare Matschie tree kangaroo species and animal ambassador for the Kansas City Zoo, is taking part in the 2025 crunch-a-thon.

Her goal, outside of raising awareness for her species, is to win the title of crunch queen, by getting the most likes for her adorable snack time video on social media.

If you ask us, we dont think its possible to resist this adorable creatures wonderful, snacktime, munching, and crunching sounds.

But as soothing as it is to listen to her adorable, munching, and crunching, we dont think anyone can possibly get as much pleasure out of listening to her eat as she gets out of munching on all of her favorite tasty snacks!

Related: Kansas City Zoo's Penguin Parade Is Heartwarming

According to this video, Nokopo is competing to get the most likes, comments, or a judges' choice award to win this years crunch-a thon competition.

Will tell you one thing, we have certainly watched and re-watched this video enough times to give her a good boost in the standings.

More on the Matschie Tree Kangaroo

The species most recently made waves last July when a Matschie's Tree Kangaroo Joey was born at the Bronx Zoo.

Native to Papua New Guinea, this beautiful tree kangaroo species is currently endangered, with only around 2,500 of them left in the wild.

Hopefully, Nokopos adorable, crunch-a-thon competition video will help her work as an animal ambassador and raise awareness about what is happening to her species.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Rebekah Vardy must pay Coleen Rooney at least 1.4 million in legal costs following their high-profile Wagatha Christie libel battle, a judge has said.

The pair have been in dispute over costs since Mrs Vardy unsuccessfully sued Mrs Rooney at the High Court in 2022.

A specialist costs court was told earlier on Tuesday that Mrs Vardy had agreed to pay 1,190,000 of Mrs Rooneys legal bill, and that Mrs Rooney was asking for a further 315,000 in assessment costs.

Costs Judge Mark Whalan said that it was reasonable and proportionate for Mrs Vardy to pay 212,266.20 of Mrs Rooneys assessment costs, inclusive of VAT but before interest, on top of the 1.19m settlement, totalling at least 1,402,266.20.

Mrs Rooney must also pay Mrs Vardy a total of 135,097.50 in costs under the terms of court orders from 2024, which will be set off against the 1.4m figure.

The judge said that he was generally happy that the outcome was a commercially satisfactory conclusion for both sides, but that there had been extraordinary expenditure of costs by the parties.

He said: I do mean it when I say that I hope that this is the end of a long and unhappy road.

Neither Mrs Vardy nor Mrs Rooney, the wife of former England striker Wayne Rooney, attended the remote hearing, with Judge Whalan stating that the two can both part to put this matter behind them.

Mrs Vardys barrister Juliet Wells told the hearing earlier on Tuesday that Mrs Vardy had agreed to pay 1.19m of Mrs Rooneys legal bill, including VAT, which comprised around 1.12m in costs and around 65,000 in interest.

The court previously heard that Mrs Rooney had originally claimed a legal bill of 1,833,906.89, which Ms Wells said in written submissions was substandard.

Ms Wells added that the further 315,000 claimed was grossly disproportionate and should be capped at 100,000, telling the court that Mrs Rooney had taken a kitchen sink approach to costs.

Robin Dunne, for Mrs Rooney, told the court that it sits slightly ill in the mouth for Mrs Vardy to make criticisms of Mrs Rooney.

In written submissions, he said that the 315,000 figure is higher than would have been the case had Mrs Vardy approached these costs proceedings reasonably.

He continued: If Mrs Vardy now wishes that the sum claimed were lower, she need only reflect upon her approach and conduct throughout.

Judge Whalan said that he was pleased that both sides could come to a commercial accommodation following a difficult and high-profile case, but that it had come after enormous time, expenditure and grief.

He said some of the assessment costs claimed by Mrs Rooney were a little eyebrow-raising and unreasonably high and disproportionate.

He continued that the parties had been stuck in a rut of being a few percentage points apart on the final settlement sum since last November, adding: This is the definition of bad litigation over the past six months as far as the claimant (Mrs Vardy) is concerned.

In the viral social media post in October 2019 at the heart of the libel claim, Mrs Rooney said she had carried out a months-long sting operation and accused Mrs Vardy of leaking information about her private life to the press.

Mrs Rooney publicly claimed Mrs Vardys account was the source behind three stories in The Sun newspaper featuring fake details she had posted on her private Instagram profile  her travelling to Mexico for a gender selection procedure, her planning to return to TV and the basement flooding at her home.

After the high-profile trial, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in Mrs Rooneys favour, finding it was likely that Mrs Vardys agent, Caroline Watt, had passed information to The Sun and that Mrs Vardy knew of and condoned this behaviour and had actively engaged.
The letter by senior Tory figures was written in late March soon after Israel broke its peace agreement with Hamas. Photograph: Haitham Imad/EPA

More than a dozen senior Conservative MPs and peers have written to the prime minister calling for the UK to immediately recognise Palestine as a state, breaking ranks with their own party to do so.

Seven MPs and six members of the House of Lords have signed the letter to Keir Starmer urging him to defy the Israeli government and give formal recognition to Palestine in advance of key UN talks next month.

The letter, which has been seen by the Guardian, was written in late March soon after Israel broke its ceasefire with Hamas, diminishing hopes of an eventual two-state solution. On Monday, the Israeli cabinet went one step further, approving a plan to conquer the Gaza Strip and occupy most if not all of it.

In the letter, which was organised by the former minister Kit Malthouse, the group writes: For decades, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement and systemic restrictions on their basic freedoms.

Recognising Palestine would affirm our nations commitment to upholding the principles of justice, self-determination and equal rights. It would send a clear message that Britain stands against indefinite occupation and supports the Palestinian peoples legitimate aspirations.

The letter continues: Recognition should not be treated as a distant bargaining chip but as a necessary step to reinforce international law and diplomacy. Prime minister, we stand ready to offer our public support for this decision.

This is an opportunity for Britain to show leadership, to be on the right side of history and to uphold the principles we claim to champion. More than 140 UN member states have already recognised Palestine  it is time for the United Kingdom to do the same.

The letter was signed by several on the moderate wing of the party such as Malthouse himself, the father of the house, Edward Leigh, and Simon Hoare.

But it was also signed by several associated more with the right, including John Hayes and Desmond Swayne. Members of the Lords including Hugo Swire, Nicholas Soames and Patricia Morris, the partys deputy speaker in the upper chamber, also signed.

Related: There is no life here: Palestinians say Israel is imposing its Gaza endgame

The prime minister is understood not to have replied.

Most UN countries formally recognise a Palestinian state, but the US and most European countries do not. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a conference next month designed to boost support for a two-state solution, at which the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has suggested France may grant formal recognition for the first time.

David Cameron, the former prime minister and foreign secretary, made a key concession last year when he said he wanted to see Palestine recognised as part of peace negotiations with Israel, rather than at the end of them.

A Conservative spokesperson said: Our longstanding position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian state at a time that is most conducive to the peace process. We are not at that point now and we are clear that recognition cannot be the start of the process.

Starmer has used similar language, with the British government keen not to get too far ahead of the US. But David Lammy, the foreign secretary, said last week the government was in talks with France about its plans for next month.

We have always said recognition is not the end in itself, two states is the end in itself, he said. We would prefer recognition as part of that process towards two states so we will continue to talk to partners about that.

A Downing Street spokesperson said the government remained committed to a two-state solution, as highlighted by the recent meeting between Starmer and Mohammad Mustafa, the head of the Palestinian Authority.

 This article was amended on 9 May 2025. An earlier version used peace agreement when ceasefire was meant.
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of imposing a "two-tier tax system that will inflict pain on British taxpayers after it emerged that Indian workers and businesses will be exempt from paying National Insurance.

As part of the Prime Minister's landmark trade deal with Narendra Modi, Indian workers migrating to Britain and UK citizens moving to India will not have to pay NI contributions in both countries for the first three years.

This is despite the Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently hiking NIC for British workers and companies to plug a 22 billion black hole in the public finances left by the previous Tory government.

The change is understood to have been a key demand made by Dehli who hailed the three-years exemption in a press release as a huge win that will make Indian service providers significantly more competitive in the UK.

The Ingian Government press release hailed the national insurance exemption as a huge win

Ministers say the long-coveted agreement will add 4.8 billion a year to the economy by 2040, with dramatic reductions to levies on scotch whisky, car and other exports from Britain.

Britain has 17 similar reciprocal agreements with countries including the US, EU and Japan, but political opponents have been quick to attack the new arrangement following the rise in employer national insurance this year.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, a former Business and Trade Secretary, said: This is two-tier taxes from two-tier Keir.I refused to sign this deal because: Tax refunds for Indians not available to us Visa requests too high Ceramics and Aluminium industries would be screwed... When Labour negotiates Britain loses."

This is two-tier taxes from two-tier Keir.

I refused to sign this deal because:



1 Tax refunds for Indians not available to us



2 Visa requests too high



3 Ceramics and Aluminium industries would be screwed.



Andrew is 100% correct.

When Labour negotiates Britain loses. https://t.co/TiC3gOc21o  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) May 6, 2025

Meanwhile, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick claimed the treaty would leave UK workers coming last.

He said: This trade deal means Indian workers here for less than three years will not pay National Insurance in the UK.

Starmer has hiked National Insurance on Brits while giving an exemption to Indian migrants. British workers come last in Starmers Britain.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the deal as "truly appalling", adding: "This Government doesn't give a damn about working people. The Labour Party has this time in a big, big way betrayed working Britain."

Two-tier Keir betrays British workers. pic.twitter.com/4Aiw7W8lBf  Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) May 6, 2025

It is unclear at present how many Indians and businesses will benefit from the deal, which was signed after three years of post-Brexit negotiations.

Ministers have defended the convention by arguing it will also benefit UK workers in India and pointing out it will only cover a limited group of Indian workers.The agreement does not apply to all Indian workers in the UK.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the arrangement would apply to inter-company transfers between the UK and India, ensuring that workers moved to and from either country do not simultaneously pay into both social security systems.

When British workers move to India they will continue to pay into the UK system, and when Indian workers come to Britain they will pay into their system and not the UK's.

"I think some people are getting a little bit carried away as to what this actually means," he said.

"It's very specific as to who this applies to and obviously people were in the UK they would still be paying income tax, they would still be paying, for instance, the health surcharge and they wouldn't be eligible for benefits from the national insurance system."

Our landmark agreement with India is the largest ever trade deal secured by the UK.



This deal will help deliver our Plan for Change, putting more money in working people's pockets, boosting our economy and bolstering British business. pic.twitter.com/FvrstC0oR7  Jonathan Reynolds (@jreynoldsMP) May 6, 2025

But Shadow business minister Dame Harriett Baldwin told MPs the arrangement would be "subsidising Indian labour while undercutting British workers".

"A double contribution convention will come at a significant cost to the British taxpayer and to British businesses," she told the Commons on Tuesday.

Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the UK's trade deal with India was a "beacon of hope amidst the spectre of protectionism".

"In its mission for growth, it is right that the Government seeks to strengthen and expand the UK's trading relationships with partners around the world," she said.

Mr Starmer said: "We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK's economy, putting more money in working people's pockets."

He added: "Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India - one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business."

Indian Prime Minister Modi described it as a "historic milestone" and an "ambitious and mutually beneficial" trade agreement that will "catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies".

"I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon," he added.

Sir Keir Starmer attended a bilateral meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November last year (via REUTERS)

More than a dozen rounds of talks involving successive governments have taken place since 2022 with the aim of securing a trade pact with India, which is forecast to become the world's third largest economy.

Key sticking points had included high tariffs on Scotch whisky in India and visa rules for Indian students and professionals.

Mr Reynolds and Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal held final talks in London last week after relaunching negotiations two months ago.

The deal means the UK will do significantly more business with the fast-growing economy of 1.4 billion people.

It is estimated to add 4.8 billion to gross domestic product, 2.2 billion to wages and 25.5 billion to bilateral trade each year from 2040, the Government said.

The Government said the deal means tariff reductions on 90% of exports that currently have levies, while 85% will be fully tariff-free within a decade.

Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by the 10th year of the deal, while automotive tariffs will fall from over 100% to 10%.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds held final talks on the deal last week (PA Wire)

It provides a boost to the two sectors which look set to be hit especially hard by Donald Trump's tariffs, which sent shockwaves through the global trading system last month.

India has also agreed to reduce tariffs on medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb.

Based on 2022 trade, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth more than 400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around 900 million after 10 years.

On the other side, as part of the negotiations Britain has agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on Indian imports, including textiles, apparel, and footwear, and some food products like frozen prawns.

This is expected to increase competition between suppliers and result in lower prices in shops for British consumers.

Meanwhile, a new cap on the number of Indian professionals who can come to the UK - musicians, chefs, and yogis - was agreed as part of the negotiations.

The changes are expected to make it more straightforward for such professionals to apply for a visa.

The Business Secretary said he expected the free trade agreement with India to come into effect in around a year's time.

"In times of global uncertainty, a pragmatic approach to global trade that provides businesses and consumers with stability is more important than ever," he said.
Moorgate Street, East Belfast

Stormont has voted in support of Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland having the right to vote for the republics president.

The Northern Ireland Assembly backed a Sinn Fein motion in favour of the move, which can only be granted by the Republic of Ireland.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, people in Northern Ireland can choose their citizenship between being British, Irish or both.

Ireland is an outlier in Europe because Irish citizens living abroad cannot cast votes in Irish elections from abroad, including in Northern Ireland.

Michelle ONeill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland and vice-president of Sinn Fein, which wants a united Ireland, said she would urge Dublin to press ahead with legislation.

Micheal Martin, the taoiseach, leads Irelands centre-Right coalition government. In Dublin, Left-wing Sinn Fein are in opposition to the alliance of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

After the motion was passed on Tuesday, Ms ONeill posted on X: This is about equality, inclusion, and respect for Irish citizens in the north.

I will raise this vote with An Taoiseach, and urge the Irish government to fulfil their outstanding commitment to progress these voting rights.

Michelle ONeill, Northern Irelands First Minister and Sinn Feins deputy leader, wants the Republic of Ireland to allow those north of the border the vote - Getty Images/Charles McQuillan

More than a million Irish people living in Northern Ireland are not eligible to vote in this Octobers presidential election.

Changing the criteria would need an amendment to the Irish constitution and that needs a referendum. The decision on whether to hold a referendum lies with the government in Dublin.

In April, Aontu, an Irish political party, launched a new Bill to amend the Irish constitution to allow Irish citizens abroad including in Northern Ireland to vote.

People from Northern Ireland can stand to be president. Mary McAleese, who served from 1997 to 2011 was the first Irish president to come from the UK region.

In September, Simon Coveney, the former Fine Gael deputy prime minister, said some Irish politicians feared allowing citizens in Northern Ireland the vote because it could lead to a Sinn Fein president.

Sinn Fein won Assembly elections for the first time in 2022 and followed that with victories in local and the UK general election, making it the regions largest party.

That led to calls from the nationalist party for a referendum on both sides of the border on Irish unification.

The cause was given fresh impetus by Brexit, which most people in Northern Ireland opposed.

But those wanting a united Ireland are still not in a majority, which is a pre-condition for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to call the border poll.
A succession of drone and missile attacks have hit Port Sudan since Monday. Photograph: AP

Sudans security and defence council has declared that it will break diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates over its alleged backing of the paramilitary Sudanese Rapid Support Forces.

During a televised speech on Tuesday, Sudans defence minister, Yassin Ibrahim, said Sudan was severing diplomatic relations with the UAE and recalling its ambassador, claiming the Gulf nation had breached Sudans sovereignty through its RSF proxy, which has been fighting the army in a bloody civil war since April 2023.

The UAE insists it does not provide arms to the RSF, and on Monday fended off an attempt to persuade the international court of justice in The Hague to examine Sudans claims the UAE was complicit in a genocide in Darfur. The ICJ said it could not examine the claim because the UAE, a party to the genocide convention, had put in a reservation that prevented the ICJ adjudicating on claims that the UAE had breached the convention.

Related: Smoking gun evidence points to UAE involvement in Sudan civil war

Sudans diplomatic move came as alliance of aid agencies working in Sudan expressed deep concern about what it described as the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure in Port Sudan, the main artery for aid into the north African country.

A succession of drone and missile attacks, starting on 4 May, have hit Port Sudan international airport, fuel storage facilities, the maritime port and at least one hotel, as well as water and power facilities, in direct violation of the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law, the NGOs said.

They said: These assaults have caused widespread fires, heavy smoke over residential areas, and flight cancellations, further endangering the lives and wellbeing of thousands of innocent civilians.

Since the conflicts outset, aid agencies have depended on Port Sudan  and particularly its airport and seaport  as the main conduit for international assistance. It has also become the home to many internationally displaced people relocated from different states.

The United Nations has been forced to suspend humanitarian flights to Port Sudan after these strikes, a step that will inevitably limit the delivery of lifesaving aid.

The agencies said damage to power stations was also forcing them to rely on generator power, raising concerns about looming fuel shortages.

They said: Further bombardment of energy and water infrastructure will deepen the risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and protection crises among the most vulnerable, including women, children, and the elderly. It will also severely constrain aid agencies ability to respond to the growing needs in Sudan.

We urge all parties to the conflict to fully respect their obligations under the Geneva conventions, to differentiate between military objectives and civilian objects, and to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas in need.

A British-led effort to set up a contact group among the external states both in the region and in the west to help take the first steps to create a broad roadmap for peace foundered at a London conference, partly due to differences between the UAE and Egypt.
Port Sudan had become the main entry point for aid agencies - The Associated Press

A drone barrage against Sudans main port city and aid hub has struck cargo facilities, blown up fuel storage tanks, and damaged the airport, in a significant escalation of the two-year-long civil war.

Witnesses reported explosions and fires around Port Sudan after waves of drone strikes began at the weekend and intensified overnight.

Sudans army blamed its Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary rivals for the attack, which analysts said marked a shocking new escalation of the war.

Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said: This is a fundamentally new war. Sudan is now Ukraine. A full-blown drone war on the Red Sea with no corner of Sudan safe from UAE-backed RSF terror attacks.

No returns, no rebuilding, no reconciliation can possibly occur with drone threats ever-present.

The war began in April 2023 between rival generals and was triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule - Khalid Abdelaziz/Reuters

Port Sudan, on the coast of the Red Sea, had until now escaped the violence that has engulfed the country and had become the de facto seat of the government after the RSF captured Khartoum at the start of the war.

The port has also become the main entry point for aid agencies trying to stem what has been described as the worlds largest humanitarian crisis.

The RSF was recently forced back in central areas including Khartoum, but the new tactic of using long-range drones to hit infrastructure had put all army-controlled territory at risk, said Mr Hudson.

He added: The escalation of this war continues completely unchecked and ignored. Shocking.

RSF drone strikes in Port Sudan on the port, airport, fuel depots, power station and hotel feels like a very strategic target list, to both erode [the] militarys tactical needs, impede port usage for humanitarian flows, and even threaten leadership.

Sudans military has also been hitting targets in RSF territory.

Port Sudan became the de facto seat of the government after the RSF captured Khartoum at the start of the war - AFP

Sudan accuses the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF, which the UAE strongly denies. The International Court of Justice on Monday said it could not rule in a case in which the government accused the UAE of fuelling genocide.

Ambrey, the British maritime security firm, said the drone attack had targeted Port Sudans container terminal and left the city without power.

The war began in April 2023 between rival generals and was triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule.

Much of the country of 50 million people has since become a battlefield, as Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhans Sudanese armed forces and the RSF militia, led by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, have fought for territory.

Some 13 million people have since fled their homes, and several of the countrys states have been pushed into famine conditions.
The first minister of Scotland, John Swinney, details his programme for government to the Scottish parliament at Holyrood. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

John Swinney has pledged that Scotland will be the only part of the UK guaranteeing to tackle the cost of living crisis as he heaped pressure on his Labour rivals.

The first minister said his government had repeatedly boosted the incomes of the worst off and was successfully tackling child poverty, as he unveiled new policies designed to boost the Scottish National partys (SNP) re-election hopes next year.

He said peak rail fares will again be abolished on all domestic Scottish rail travel from September this year  a policy his government had scrapped eight months ago, claiming it failed to boost train journeys.

Swinney also pledged to increase the number of GP appointments for high risk diseases by 100,000 this year. That is a fraction of the total number each year, but he claimed it added to a suite of measures that would cut soaring waiting lists.

He said that along with the Scottish governments free tuition fees and free prescriptions, the UKs lowest council tax and water bills, free bus travel for young and elderly people, and the Scottish child payments and free school meals, the SNP had made Scotland the fairest place to live in the UK.

This is my cost-of-living guarantee. A package that year-on-year delivers savings for the people of Scotland, a package that exists nowhere else in the UK, he said.

However, opposition leaders, trade union leaders and campaign groups such as Oxfam attacked his programme for government statement for being very light on new policies.

He only announced five new pieces of legislation, three of which were minor, and spent much of his speech summarising longstanding policies, many of which the SNP is promoting in its campaign for next months Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Scottish parliament byelection.

Jamie Livingston, the head of Oxfam Scotland, said it was too quiet on inequality, too soft on polluters and too slow on change: Scottish ministers are once again treading water while the storms of poverty, inequality and the climate crisis rage.

The political focus of his statement became clear when Swinney clashed with Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, who is struggling to reverse a steep slump in his partys fortunes since it seized 37 Westminster seats in the general election.

Sarwar complimented Swinney on stealing several Labour proposals but said overall his statement failed to meet the challenges of falling school attainment, of government waste, record child homelessness and record waiting lists.

The truth is they have no plan, because after nearly two decades in government, if the SNP had a good idea, they would have delivered it by now, Sarwar said. John Swinney has been at the heart of government for nearly two decades. So how can the man who broke it now be the one to pretend he can fix it?

Related: Scottish ministers drop plans to outlaw misogyny and conversion practices

Swinney said Sarwar had ignored Scotlands far better record on council housebuilding than the UK, improved attainment in literacy and numeracy and record health spending this year.

He contrasted Sarwars muted criticisms of Keir Starmers tough spending decisions and welfare cuts for pensioners with the open criticism of Starmers policies by Eluned Morgan, the Labour first minister of Wales, on Tuesday.

The people of Scotland will be able to look at the contrast between an SNP government that is delivering for the people of Scotland and a Labour government that is selling out the poor and the disadvantaged and penalising pensioners. I think they will choose the SNP, Swinney said.
7 May 2025 at 1:09 am

Supreme Court gives green light to Trump's trans military ban

Donald Trump can enforce a ban on transgender people serving in the military, the Supreme Court has ruled.

The high court on Tuesday approved an emergency petition from the administration to stop an injunction that blocked the ban from taking effect while a challenge to the order plays out in the courts.

It means the US can begin implementing the executive order signed by the president in January, which discharges service members who identify as transgender.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, hailed the Supreme Courts order as a massive victory saying Mr Trump and Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, are restoring a military that is focused on readiness and lethality  not DEI or woke gender ideology.

Seven transgender military service members and one aspiring service member sued the administration over the latest ban.

They argued that it was a violation of the 14th Amendments equal protection guarantee.

In March, Seattle US District Judge Benjamin Settle issued a preliminary injunction blocking the ban from taking effect, describing it as unsupported, dramatic and facially unfair.

A panel of the San Francisco-based US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit allowed the injunction to remain in effect, meaning the Trump administration had to appeal to the supreme court as a last resort .

The federal appeals court in San Francisco will hear the administrations appeal in a process that will play out over several months.

The US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016, during Barack Obamas second term as president.

Under that policy, trans troops already serving were permitted to do so openly and transgender recruits were set to start being accepted by July 1 2017.

But the first Trump administration postponed that date to 2018 before deciding to reverse the policy entirely.
Palestinians inspect the rubble of their destroyed homes following an Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis, on 3 May. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The Israeli plan to occupy and depopulate Gaza may not be identical to Donald Trumps vision of a new riviera, but his inspiration and the USs walkaway diplomacy have ushered Benjamin Netanyahu to the precipice of a dire new chapter in the Israel-Gaza war.

The common perception in both Washington and Israel is that Trump has largely moved on, leaving an emboldened Netanyahu to his own devices, while his offhand proposals for turning Gaza into a Riviera of the Middle East have provided cover for rightwing Israeli politicians to enthusiastically support the forced resettlement of the Palestinian population.

Part of the tragedy is that the only one who can actually save us, Trump, is not even seriously interested in that, said Amos Harel, a prominent military and defense correspondent for the Haaretz newspaper. Our only hope to get out of this crazy situation is that Trump would force Netanyahu to reach a hostage deal. But [Trump] seems disinterested. He was enthusiastic when the Riviera [idea] was proposed, but now he has moved on to Greenland, Canada and Mexico instead.

Trumps interventions  specifically envoy Steve Witkoffs threats to Netanyahu during a tense Shabbat meeting  were instrumental in achieving a temporary ceasefire to the conflict in January. His influence on Netanyahu appeared to be greater than that of previous US presidents, including his rival Joe Biden.

Related: There is no life here: Palestinians say Israel is imposing its Gaza endgame

But since then the ceasefire has broken down, a two-month Israeli blockade on aid has sparked an even worse humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and, with few opportunities for a quick peace, the White House now appears uninterested and overstretched as Israel signals an offensive and occupation that critics have said will amount to a state policy of ethnic cleansing.

It is a trend that has repeated with this White House: broad designs for a grand deal followed by frustration when diplomacy fails to yield instant results. Recently, the White House announced that it was also ready to walk away from negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine conflict if a quick deal was not achieved. That has incentivized Russia to wait out the Trump administration, observers have said, and bank on a policy of US non-engagement in the longer term. Netanyahu similarly appears to have been unleashed by the White Houses growing disinterest.

The Israeli ultimatum comes as Trump is scheduled to tour the Middle East next week, with Israeli officials briefing that they will begin the operation only after he returns from a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Trumps talks there are expected to focus on investment and a likely quixotic quest to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, but not on achieving a resolution to the war. On Tuesday, Maariv, an Israeli newspaper, reported that a Trump visit to Israel was not out of the question, but White House officials have not yet signaled that Trump is ready to go meet Netanyahu.

Witkoff, the Trump envoy, still appears personally invested in a resolution to the conflict, but he is overstretched by attempting to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, and also negotiate an Iran nuclear deal simultaneously. The US has continued negotiations with Israel over an aid delivery scheme that would create a new mechanism for aid distribution to avoid Hamas, they have said. But the UN and all aid organizations working in Gaza have condemned the plan as an Israeli takeover. 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, the heads of all UN agencies and NGOs that operate in Gaza said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The Trump administrations budget and personnel cuts have also signaled a retreat from diplomacy. The state department was reportedly ready to cut the role of the security coordinator role for the West Bank and Gaza, a three-star general who was tasked with managing security crises between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, particularly with regards to growing tensions between settlers and local Palestinian communities.

More importantly, Trump has given cover to Israeli officials who had sought more aggressive action in Gaza, including forced depopulations. Rightwingers in government have been particularly aggressive, with finance minister Bezalel Smotrich saying that within months Gaza would be totally destroyed and the Gazan population would be concentrated in a small strip of land. The rest of the strip will be empty, he said.

But other ministers have also become more radical using Trumps rhetoric for cover, said Harel.

Once Trump said that, you could see how not only the radicals, but also Likud ministers and so on, have an excuse, said Harel. Its not us. Its the world, the free worlds leader is saying that, so we have to play along.
Keir Starmer and Indias Narendra Modi late last year. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Britain and India have agreed a long-desired trade deal that ministers said would cut tariffs and add 4.8bn a year to the UK economy by 2040.

The agreement, which was finalised on Tuesday after more than three years of negotiations under successive governments, has long been touted as one of the biggest prizes of Brexit.

Keir Starmer said the landmark deal with India would grow the economy and deliver for British people and business after a call with the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi.

The deal promises a boon for the UKs car and alcohol industries, which have suffered from the impact of Donald Trumps tariffs in the US.

However, it has caused a row over a decision to exempt Indian workers who have been temporarily seconded to the UK and their employers from national insurance contributions (NICs) for three years.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, called it a system of two-tier taxes. The decision has also been criticised privately by some Labour MPs, given that NICs for UK employers have just been raised.

The agreement, which is reciprocal and will apply to British workers temporarily seconded to India by companies with offices in both countries, was one of Delhis key asks in the deal and one of the longest-running sticking points up until last week. The Indian government described it as a huge win and an unprecedented achievement for its side.

Yvette Cooper was not informed about the governments plans to make it cheaper for Indian workers to come to the UK as part of the free trade agreement, the Guardian has learned.

The home secretary was left in the dark over controversial elements of the agreement which will mean Indian workers and companies avoiding national insurance, even as those on British employers are being hiked.

Home Office officials are said to have been confused by the process of agreeing the deal, having expected to be informed about anything which could increase migration to the UK.

Jonathan Reynolds, the business and trade secretary, defended the move and told reporters that some people were getting a little bit carried away as to what this actually means.

We have 17 of these agreements with the EU, with South Korea, with the US and a whole range of partners, and what it is about is making sure when people are inter-company transfers between the UK and India  so for our people in India and Indian people in the UK  they dont simultaneously pay into both social security systems, he said.

A Labour spokesperson also said Badenoch was desperately seeking to distract from her failure with a made-up row about a standard tax agreement that will benefit British workers abroad.

This deal will provide an annual 4.8bn boost for British businesses, create more jobs, raise wages by more than 2bn a year and bring down prices for hard-pressed consumers, they added.

Badenochs criticisms were also contradicted by several senior Tories who praised the deal. Oliver Dowden, who was deputy prime minister under Rishi Sunak and is still an MP, welcomed the news, writing on X that it builds on significant progress made by [the] previous Conservative government.

Steve Baker, who dealt with trade as a Brexit minister under Theresa May, wrote: This deal is great news. It further cements the path which I and others worked so hard to secure  the tax issue will likely turn out to be a red herring.

We should be celebrating that a Labour government has furthered free trade in the national interest outside the EU.

Related: Starmer beats Trump to the line in race for trade deal with India

The deal is focused on tariff reductions for British and Indian goods across almost all sectors. Indias tariffs on British whisky and gin will be halved from 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by the 10th year of the deal.

Tariffs on British cars will be reduced from about 110% to 10%, with quotas set on the number of British cars that can be exported to India and vice versa.

India will cut tariffs across 90% of British product lines, including cosmetics, lamb, salmon, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits, as well as medical devices, aircraft parts and electrical machinery. Based on 2022 figures, the tariff cuts will be worth 400m from the day the deal is implemented.

The UK will lower tariffs on Indian clothes, footwear and food products. Ministers said this would give consumers access to cheaper products and more choice.

Parallel talks to agree a bilateral investment treaty, which would establish legal protections for investments between the UK and India, have not yet reached resolution. As a result, the deal does not include the financial services or legal services sectors. The Law Society called it a missed opportunity.

The deal does open up access for service firms to some Indian markets, including government procurement. It also involves reforms to customs procedures and rules of origin, allowing goods assembled in Britain to benefit from lower tariffs.

Modi and Starmer are expected to meet in the coming months to sign off the deal before it is ratified by the two countries respective parliaments.

Modi tweeted on Tuesday that India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement and that he was looking forward to welcoming Starmer to India soon.

Officials said that by 2040 the deal would increase bilateral trade between the UK and India by 25.5bn, the UKs GDP by 4.8bn and wages by 2.2bn each year. British negotiators said it was the most ambitious deal ever agreed by India.

Officials said the deal involved no change to immigration policy but would facilitate visa routes for Indian professionals in certain sectors, and allow up to 1,800 visas for Indian chefs, musicians and yogis a year.

There will be no exemption from the UKs forthcoming carbon tax, although talks on this continue. There will be chapters on anti-corruption, gender equality, and environmental and labour standards.

Reynolds held talks with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, in London on Tuesday last week, where the majority of outstanding issues were agreed.

After a brief trip to Norway, Goyal returned to London and met Reynolds before returning to India. The pair agreed the final elements while walking in Hyde Park together on Friday. Negotiators have worked round the clock over the weekend to finalise the agreement.

Reynolds relaunched the negotiations with India on a trip in March to Delhi, where the two sides agreed not to reopen the chapters agreed under the Conservatives.

Related: Nigerians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans face UK student visa crackdown

A Home Office spokesperson said: The business secretary has led on negotiating this important trade deal. As you would expect, on a trade deal of such breadth and complexity, wide ranging discussions to have taken place right across government, with many departments, including the Home Office, involved.

The deal, which is the biggest and most economically significant trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU, was pursued by a succession of Conservative prime ministers.

Boris Johnson and Liz Truss both set Diwali deadlines to reach agreements but failed to get them over the line. Under Rishi Sunak, negotiators got close to finalising a deal but this was put on ice when the UK election was called.

Reynolds said: By striking a new trade deal with the fastest-growing economy in the world, we are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year and unlocking growth in every corner of the country.

Mark Kent, the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said it was a once-in-a-generation deal and a landmark moment for scotch whisky exports to the worlds largest whisky market.

He said it could increase scotch whisky exports to India by 1bn over the next five years and create 1,200 UK jobs.

Keshav R Murugesh, the chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry UK Business Forum, said the deal was particularly important in a world where trade tensions are on the rise and would help shield the British and Indian economies from external shocks.
The UK Government strongly opposes Israels plans to expand its military operations in Gaza, a Foreign Office minister has said, as he warned it would lead to the deaths of more innocent civilians.

Hamish Falconer also told the Commons the hostages will be put at greater risk, as he urged the warring parties to urgently return to negotiations.

Two Israeli officials revealed earlier this week that Benjamin Netanyahus government has approved plans to seize Gaza and remain in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time.

Details of the plan have not been formally announced, with its approval coming hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.

In a statement on the Middle East, Mr Falconer said: These announcements from the Israeli government have rightly sparked grave concern that this conflict, which has already wrought so much bloodshed and suffering, may enter a dangerous new phase. I know that concern will be felt right across the House.

Let me make the Government position crystal clear, we strongly oppose the expansion of Israels operations. Any attempt to annex land in Gaza would be unacceptable. Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.

We want this war to end. We want an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid, and a pathway to a political solution.

He added: An expansion of military operations will result in the deaths of more innocent civilians and put the hostages at yet greater risk. The fighting must stop.

The Government has said since day one in office that the only way to ensure a path towards long term peace and stability is an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, better protection of civilians, and significantly more aid entering Gaza.

Diplomacy is how we ensure security for Israelis and Palestinians, not more bloodshed. All the people of this region deserve to live in peace, prosperity and security. We urge all parties to return urgently to talks, implement the ceasefire agreement in full, and work towards a permanent peace.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He continued: Essential supplies of food and medicine are either no longer available or quickly running out. As the United Nations has already said, it is hard to see how, if implemented, the new Israeli plan to deliver aid through private companies will be consistent with humanitarian principles and meet the scale of the need.

We need urgent clarity from the Israeli government on their intentions.

He repeated calls for a rapid and unhindered resurgence of the flow of aid into Gaza, and for Israel to conclude its investigation into the attack on the World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid workers, who were killed last year.

Israel must do far more to protect the civilian population and humanitarian workers and hold to account those are those who are responsible, he said.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March after a lull in fighting, and hundreds of people in Gaza have since been killed.

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 renewed conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking hundreds of people hostage.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: Fifty-nine innocent hostages continue to be held in cruel captivity by Hamas and those who are still alive have no access to aid or communication with their families.

So does the minister agree that Iran and Hamas are to blame for the events that have happened since October 7 and that the immediate return of hostages would aid efforts to secure the ceasefire?

Dame Priti asked for details on the UKs efforts to work with those nations who have brokered previous agreements to release hostages.

Mr Falconer, in his reply, said: We are in regular contact with those pressing for a ceasefire in the region, most obviously of course the special envoy of the United States President, Mr Witkoff, who I believe is in the region now, and of course the Foreign Secretary (David Lammy) has been in touch with his counterpart in Israel as well as indeed many others, he has been in both Oman and Qatar recently.

Mr Falconer said he has been in regular contact with all of those with an interest.

He had earlier told MPs: It is negotiations which offer the best hope of ending the agony of those waiting for loved ones held captive, alleviating the suffering of civilians, and ending Hamas control of Gaza.
Ukraine has launched drones at Moscow for the second night in a row, forcing closure of the capitals three major airports, Russian officials said early on Wednesday. The mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said 19 Ukrainian drones approached Moscow and what he claimed was debris from an intercepted drone fell over one of the key highways leading into the city. An apartment building was also reportedly struck. Russias aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said it halted flights at airports serving Moscow including Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky.

Ukrainian forces attacked a power substation at the town of Rylsk in Russias western Kursk region, the regional governor said early on Tuesday, after Russian war bloggers reported Ukrainian forces firing missiles had smashed through the border in Kursk, crossing minefields with armoured vehicles. The Kursk governor, Alexander Khinshtein, said two people were injured in the substation attack, while two transformers were damaged and power cut.
Demonstrators in favor of student loan debt forgiveness outside the US supreme court in Washington in June 2023. Photograph: Anna Rose Layden/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The federal government resumed collecting on defaulted student loans on Monday, ending a five-year pause that began during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Department of Education says federal student loan borrowers who fail to pay on time could damage their credit scores and even have their wages garnished, their tax refunds seized, and even see reductions in social security benefits beginning on 5 May.

Who is affected?

Nearly 43 million Americans have federal student loan debt. More than one in five borrowers are at risk of defaulting on their loans, a big uptick from pre-pandemic numbers, according to a new report from TransUnion.

The report found that 20.5% of federal student loan borrowers with a payment due are 90 days or more past due as reported by their servicer through February 2025; that number is up from 11.5% in February 2020, which was the start of the pandemic and subsequent student loan pause. The current rate of delinquency represents the highest figure ever recorded, the report states.

How much money is involved?

Recent student loan debt data notes that the outstanding federal student loan balance is about $1.693tn. Federal student loan debt represents 92% of all student loan debt, reported the Education Data Initiative. The average federal student loan debt balance is $38,375 per borrower.

What has changed from the Biden administration?

During his time in office, Joe Biden implemented a series of measures aimed at alleviating the burden of student debt. While the supreme court struck down his initial broad loan forgiveness plan in June 2023, the Biden administration still managed to cancel more than $183bn in student loans, benefiting more than 5 million borrowers.

The Trump administration has targeted the perceived unfairness of student loan forgiveness and announced the decision to resume payments late last month.

American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies, the education secretary, Linda McMahon, said in a statement. The Biden Administration misled borrowers: the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear.

How has access to loan forgiveness been affected?

The Trump administrations moves have resulted in limited access to loan forgiveness programs, including proposing the elimination of subsidized undergraduate loans and capping graduate and Parent Plus loans.

Trump signed an executive order in March barring government and non-profit employees from a student loan forgiveness program if they engage in improper activities.

The order accuses the previous administration of abusing the PSLF Program (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) and says that the program misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations that not only fail to serve the public interest, but actually harm our national security and American values.

How have loan repayment options been affected?

Earlier this year, the administration had taken down the online application form for several popular student debt repayment plans, causing confusion among borrowers and complications for millions of Americans with outstanding loans.

Those seeking payment plans were unable to access the applications for income-driven repayment plans (IDR), which cap what borrowers must pay each month at a percentage of their earnings, as well as the online application to consolidate their loans on the US Department of Education website. The applications were restored a month later after heavy criticism.

Hundreds of firings inside the federal governments student aid department earlier this year sparked concern among workers and student loan advocates, with many worried about the risks to the student loan system.

Last week, Republicans on the House education committee revealed plans to remake the federal student loan system, replacing previous income-contingent loan repayment options with a single Repayment Assistance Plan. The plan envisions a new system where colleges and universities would be forced to reimburse the federal government for a share of the debt when their students do not repay their loans.

Is the Department of Education still around?

Though Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education back in March, the department is still operational. Complete elimination would require approval by Congress.

The agency has been undergoing a significant reduction in workforce and reorganization, prompting concerns about available services within the department  including casting uncertainty over the future of student loans. Some borrowers are already seeing the impacts of the continuing federal layoffs when trying to communicate about loans.

The press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters that the Department of Education will be much smaller than it is today.

She added: When it comes to student loans and Pell grants those will still be run out of the Department of Education  any critical functions of the department will remain.

Are there still options for student loan forgiveness?

Though some programs have been narrowed and cut, there are still ways to pursue student loan forgiveness.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) continues to offer forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments for borrowers working full-time in government or non-profit roles, but recent changes have limited eligibility, including the order excluding certain advocacy groups. Teacher Loan Forgiveness is also still in place, granting up to $17,500 for educators who work five consecutive years in low-income schools.

Income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness is once again an option after being restored, forgiving remaining balances after 20 or 25 years of payments under plans like Save, Paye or IBR. The Biden administrations Save plan is still operational, though its future may be uncertain under Trump.

Other special programs, like the Total and Permanent Disability discharge, which provides forgiveness for borrowers with certified disabilities, have so far remained largely unaffected.
A US military uniform. Photograph: DanielBendjy/Getty Images

The Trump administration can begin to enforce a ban on transgender troops serving in the military while a challenge to the policy plays out in the courts, the supreme court ruled on Tuesday, a significant decision that could lead to the discharge of thousands of military members.

The courts order was unsigned and gave no explanation for its reasoning, which is typical of decisions the justices reach on an emergency basis. The courts three liberal members  Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  all noted their dissent from the decision.

Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which represented challengers in the case, called the decision a devastating blow to transgender servicemembers.

By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the Court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice, the groups said in a statement. Transgender individuals meet the same standards and demonstrate the same values as all who serve. We remain steadfast in our belief that this ban violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection and will ultimately be struck down.

Immediately after coming into office, Donald Trump rescinded an executive order from the Biden administration that allowed transgender people to serve openly in the military. On 27 January, the president issued a second executive order that said transgender people could not serve in the military.

It is the policy of the United States Government to establish high standards for troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity, the order said. This policy is inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria. This policy is also inconsistent with shifting pronoun usage or use of pronouns that inaccurately reflect an individuals sex. The defense department began implementing the ban at the end of February.

A defense department estimate from earlier this year said there were 4,240 people in the military with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria  roughly 0.2 % of the 2 million people currently serving.

Seven transgender servicemembers and one transgender person who would like to join the military challenged the ban. Lawyers for the lead platiniff, navy pilot Emily Shilling, said the military had spent $20m on her training, according to SCOTUSBlog.

Several lower courts had halted the ban. The case before the supreme court involved a ruling from US district court judge Benjamin Settle, who blocked the ban in March.

The governments arguments are not persuasive, and it is not an especially close question on this record, Settle, an appointee of George W Bush, wrote at the time. The governments unrelenting reliance on deference to military judgment is unjustified in the absence of any evidence supporting the militarys new judgment reflected in the Military Ban.

Another judge, Ana Reyes, of the US district court in Washington DC, also blocked the ban, saying it was soaked with animus and dripping with pretext.

The Trump administration asked the supreme court to intervene last month. The district court issued a universal injunction usurping the Executive Branchs authority to determine who may serve in the Nations armed forces, John Sauer, the US solicitor general, wrote in a brief to the court.

Trumps ban is broader than a similar policy enacted during his first term. The previous policy allowed those who had come out before the ban to continue to serve in the military. The more recent policy affects nearly all active serving transgender members.

Pausing the order, Shillings lawyers said, would upend the status quo by allowing the government to immediately begin discharging thousands of transgender servicemembers  thereby ending distinguished careers and gouging holes in military units.

A majority of Americans support allowing transgender people to serve in the military, according to a February Gallup poll. However, there is a sharp partisan split. While 84% of Democrats favor such a policy, only 23% of Republicans do.
The Wagatha Christie libel battle between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney appeared to come to an end on Tuesday, more than five years since the viral social media post at the heart of the dispute.

Mrs Vardy sued Mrs Rooney at the High Court over alleged very serious harm to her reputation as a result of the latters October 2019 post, which claimed Mrs Vardys Instagram account was responsible for leaking information about her to The Sun newspaper.

After a seven-day trial, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled in Mrs Rooneys favour in July 2022, finding it was likely that Mrs Vardys agent, Caroline Watt, had passed information to The Sun and that Mrs Vardy knew of and condoned this behaviour and had actively engaged.

The pair were then engaged in a battle over legal costs for almost three years, potentially culminating on Tuesday when a specialist costs court was told that Mrs Vardy had agreed to pay almost 1.2 million of Mrs Rooneys legal costs, with a judge also ruling she must pay an additional 212,000.

Mrs Rooney must also pay Mrs Vardy a total of 135,097.50 in costs under the terms of court orders from 2024, which will be set off against what Mrs Vardy must pay.

The case began in October 2019, when Mrs Rooney publicly claimed Mrs Vardys account was the source behind three stories featuring fake details she had posted on her private Instagram profile  her travelling to Mexico for a gender selection procedure, her planning to return to TV, and the basement flooding at her home.

Mrs Rooney wrote: I have saved and screenshotted all the original stories which clearly show just one person has viewed them.

Its  Rebekah Vardys account.

The case first went to court in November 2020, with a judge finding that Mrs Rooneys post clearly identified Mrs Vardy as being guilty of the serious and consistent breach of trust.

On the first day of the trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in May 2022, Hugh Tomlinson KC, for Mrs Vardy, said the TV personality had to bring the libel claim to vindicate her reputation.

In written submissions, David Sherborne, for Mrs Rooney, said: In short, the claimant is someone who has secretly provided, or sought to provide, to the press private information which she has been privy to in relation to a number of individuals in the footballing world or other celebrities, and not just the defendant, without their consent.

Coleen Rooney (left) and Rebekah Vardy during the Wagatha Christie libel trial (Yui Mok/PA)

Both women gave evidence in the trial, as well as Mrs Rooneys husband, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

In July that year, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled it was likely that Mrs Vardys agent at the time, Ms Watt, undertook the direct act of passing the information to The Sun.

But she added: Nonetheless, the evidence  clearly shows, in my view, that Mrs Vardy knew of and condoned this behaviour, actively engaging in it by directing Ms Watt to the private Instagram account, sending her screenshots of Mrs Rooneys posts, drawing attention to items of potential interest to the press, and answering additional queries raised by the press via Ms Watt.

In October that year, the same judge ruled that Mrs Vardy should pay 90% of Mrs Rooneys costs, including an initial payment of 800,000.

At a hearing in October 2024, a specialist costs court was told Mrs Rooneys legal bill totalled more than 1.8 million, although a previous court hearing had been told it was around 1.6 million.

Jamie Carpenter KC, for Mrs Vardy, criticised the size of the bill, claiming it had a kitchen sink approach.

He also said Mrs Rooneys lawyers had committed serious misconduct by deliberately understating some of her costs, which meant Mrs Vardy should pay less.

Robin Dunne, for Mrs Rooney, said there had been no misconduct and that Mrs Vardy had shown deplorable conduct in the case.

Senior Costs Judge Andrew Gordon-Saker found that Mrs Rooneys lawyers had not committed misconduct, and also ordered Mrs Vardy to pay a further 100,000 to Mrs Rooney.

Mrs Vardy then appealed against that finding, but High Court judge Mr Justice Cavanagh rejected the challenge in April.

The full assessment of the total amount Mrs Vardy was due to pay Mrs Rooney began on Tuesday, and was initially expected to last up to 10 days.

But, at the start of the hearing, the court was told the pair have agreed to settle the bill.

Rebekah Vardy arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice in London during the trial (Yui Mok/PA)

Barrister Juliet Wells told the hearing that Mrs Vardy has agreed to pay 1.19 million of Mrs Rooneys legal bill, including VAT, which comprises around 1.12 million in costs and around 65,000 in interest.

But she said Mrs Rooney is also claiming 315,000 in assessment costs  the costs of assessing the full legal bill  which she said is grossly disproportionate.

Mr Dunne, again appearing for Mrs Rooney, said the figure is higher than would have been the case had Mrs Vardy approached these costs proceedings reasonably.

Costs Judge Mark Whalan ruled it was reasonable and proportionate for Mrs Vardy to pay 212,266.20 of Mrs Rooneys assessment costs, inclusive of VAT but before interest, on top of the 1.19 million settlement, totalling at least 1,402,266.20.

Concluding the hearing, he said he was generally happy that the outcome was a commercially satisfactory conclusion for both sides, but that there had been extraordinary expenditure of costs by the parties.

He added: I do mean it when I say that I hope that this is the end of a long and unhappy road.
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Dividend stocks can be a great way to generate passive income as an investor, and what better way to find dividend stock ideas than by sifting through the holdings of arguably the worlds greatest investor, Warren Buffett?

Berkshire Hathaways portfolio is filled with dividend stocks, which should come as no surprise to Buffett followers. Buffett invests in companies with strong profitability, sensible capital allocation and competitive advantages, all of which often translate into stocks with solid dividends.

(A financial advisor can also help you generate ideas and steer you in the right direction for your individual situation and portfolio.)

These 10 dividend stocks were included in Berkshires portfolio as of Dec. 31, 2024, and were selected by either Buffett himself or one of his two investment managers, Todd Combs and Ted Weschler.

10 Warren Buffett dividend stocks

*Dividend data as of May 5, 2025.

1. The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC)

The Kraft Heinz Company was formed after a 2015 merger between Kraft Foods and Heinz. The company owns a variety of food and beverage brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Ore-Ida, Maxwell House, Jell-O and more. Kraft Heinz generated about $26 billion in sales during 2024. Berkshire owns nearly 28 percent of the companys stock.

Annual dividend: $1.60

Dividend yield: 5.59 percent

2. Chevron Corp. (CVX)

Chevron is an integrated energy and chemicals company with both upstream and downstream operations. The company generated nearly $203 billion in total revenue during 2024 and nearly $18 billion in net income. Chevron is considered a Dividend Aristocrat because it has paid and raised its annual dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. Berkshire owns about 7 percent of the companys stock.

Annual dividend: $6.60

Dividend yield: 4.77 percent

3. Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI)

Sirius XM Holdings includes the Sirius XM satellite radio business as well as the music streaming company Pandora. The company believes it reaches a combined monthly audience of about 160 million listeners. Berkshire holds more than 35 percent of the companys shares as of Feb. 3, 2025.

Annual dividend: $1.07

Dividend yield: 5.24 percent

4. Diageo plc (DEO)

Diageo owns a variety of alcohol brands, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Guinness and more. Its products are sold in nearly 180 countries, and the company generated more than $20 billion in sales during its fiscal 2024. The position is one of Berkshires smallest holdings and was valued at about $26 million at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: 79 cents

Dividend yield: 3.71 percent

5. Ally Financial (ALLY)

Ally Financial is a financial services company that had $191.8 billion in assets at the end of 2024. Its business includes the largest all-digital bank in the U.S. and an automotive financing and insurance business. Berkshire held 29 million shares worth nearly $970 million at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $1.20

Dividend yield: 3.61 percent

6. The Coca-Cola Co. (KO)

Coca-Cola is one of the most well-known brands in the world and its beverages account for 2.2 billion of the estimated 64 billion servings of all beverages consumed worldwide every day. Coca-Cola qualifies as a Dividend King because it has paid and raised its annual dividend for at least 50 consecutive years. The company is one of the longest-held Berkshire positions, dating back to the late 1980s, when Buffett started buying the stock. Its 400 million shares were worth almost $28.7 billion at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $1.97

Dividend yield: 2.74 percent

7. Citigroup (C)

Citigroup is a global financial services company whose businesses include consumer banking, investment banking, brokerage, wealth management and more. The company generated about $12.7 billion in net income in 2024. Berkshire has held Citigroup shares since the first quarter of 2022, and its stake was worth about $1 billion at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $2.21

Dividend yield: 3.13 percent

8. Bank of America (BAC)

Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the U.S. and offers a variety of financial services to individuals, businesses, governments and institutional investors. The company generated about $27.1 billion in net income in 2024. Bank of America is one of Berkshires largest holdings, with a stake worth about $28 billion at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $1.02

Dividend yield: 2.48 percent

9. The Kroger Co. (KR)

Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the country, with stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The company operated more than 2,700 supermarkets as of May 2025, the majority of which also have pharmacies and fuel centers. Kroger generated about $147 billion in sales during fiscal 2024. Berkshires stake in the company was worth about $3.6 billion at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $1.25

Dividend yield: 1.74 percent

10. Chubb (CB)

Chubb is a global insurance and reinsurance company with assets of $246.5 billion at the end of 2024. The company is considered a Dividend Aristocrat because it has raised its annual dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. Berkshires stake in Chubb was worth about $7.8 billion at the end of December 2024.

Annual dividend: $3.64

Dividend yield: 1.27 percent

Bottom line

Dividend stocks are a great way to generate passive income from your portfolio, and they make for great long-term investments. However, keep in mind that dividends are not guaranteed and can be cut or eliminated altogether if the companys financial performance deteriorates. Be sure to thoroughly research any company before investing in its stock and consult a financial advisor if you have questions.

Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.
ALCATRAZ  Visitors to the prison here had mixed reactions Monday to President Donald Trumps expressed desire to once again house hardened criminals in the notorious former federal prison.

Some of the tourists were willing to entertain the notion while others found it impractical at best and ridiculous at worst.

The mans a moron, said Chris Smith, on a swing through the American West with his wife Clair from their hometown of Lincolnshire, England.

Nearly all interviewed, including travelers from Brazil, Germany, the U.K., Argentina, France, the Netherlands, Taiwan and Canada, agreed it would be very expensive to restore the historic facility on a 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay, built from 1909-1911 and showing its age.

It was also clear many would miss the popular attraction, which draws up to 1.6 million visitors and generates some $60 million per year, according to the National Park Service. On a sparkling day that stood in contrast to The Rocks reputation for cold and damp conditions, the old penitentiary was teeming with tourists eager to absorb its checkered history.

A place to keep 'the worst of the worst'

Should it be brought back at the expense of whats now a profitable park and museum?

Rob and Kari Kraemer, residents of the Twin Cities area in Minnesota who describe themselves as conservative, said they would be open to the idea.

Rob Kraemer said the U.S. has a number of incorrigible offenders, the worst of the worst, and you need a place for them in an effort to protect people. This might be an opportunity to solve that problem.

The Alcatraz prison was shut down in 1963  it reopened as a park 10 years later  largely because its isolated location made it too expensive to run, nearly three times costlier than any other federal penitentiary.

Rob Kraemer suggested technological advancements may mitigate that issue, and he and Kari said tourism jobs lost to the transition could be made up by construction and prison jobs.

It would have to be examined, evaluated, he said. The idea itself seems good. Do the cost analysis and draw conclusions then.

Tourists walk through the main cellblock at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013, in San Francisco on the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Alcatraz federal penitentiary.

There's a lot of land to build more prisons

Emily Lin, who hails from Taiwan and is attending college in San Diego, noted that Alcatraz  surrounded by frigid waters and strong currents  was famously difficult to escape from. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says no one officially succeeded in doing so during its 29 years in operation, but five men who attempted escape were never found and are presumed to have drowned.

If theres not a better spot, yeah, they should open it (as a prison), said Lin, 28. The purpose of the jail is to hold the criminals. Its not for the tourists. They can open another museum and introduce the history of the jail.

The choice of location puzzled the Smith couple from Britain, who noted the Alcatraz buildings are in disrepair and in no shape to serve as living quarters even for the dregs of society, the term Trump used in his social media post Sunday. Trump announced hes directing federal officials to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ.

The island, 1 miles north of San Francisco, has no sewer system or running water and only partial electrical service, requiring all supplies and equipment to be brought in by boat.

With this much land in America, surely theres a bunch of other places to build more prisons, Chris Smith said.

A cell in the Alcatraz prison, which held such notorious criminals as Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, James "Whitey" Bulger and Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz).

'He can't be serious about that'

Bruno Tavares, in town from Brazil, lived through the presidency of a far-right leader in Jair Bolsonaro who, like Trump, contested his election defeat, throwing his nation into turmoil.

Tavares considers himself a political moderate, and he finds Trumps Alcatraz plan not so much far right as far out there.

He cant be serious about that. Its a joke, said Tavares, 40. With all that happened here, these are different times now. You cant treat people like that. The American citizens wont allow it.

Tolu Ogundele, a college student at Kennesaw State University north of Atlanta, learned about Trumps idea from an Uber driver on the way to Mondays tour. The visit convinced her it would be better for Alcatraz to remain a museum, especially in light of Trumps drive to cut federal spending.

They shut it down because it was too expensive to run, and I just think with the state of the economy now it probably would be financially irresponsible to turn it back into a prison, said Ogundele, 22. And from touring it and seeing how it is, I feel like its not a very humane place to keep people.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alcatraz visitors react to Trump: From 'moron' to 'idea seems good'
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., at a news conference on Capitol Hill on May 24, 2023.

WASHINGTON  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday night that she wont seek the top Democratic post on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the panel that would be in the strongest position to investigate the Trump administration if Democrats were to win back the chamber next year.

Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, ran for the coveted position in December but was defeated by a more senior member of the committee, Gerry Connolly, of Virginia. Last week, though, Connolly said that because his esophageal cancer had returned, he wouldnt seek re-election to Congress and would step back from his day-to-day responsibilities on the Oversight panel.

After having spoken to colleagues, Ocasio-Cortez said Monday that she believed another bid for the post would be an uphill climb against another more senior member.

Its actually clear to me that the underlying dynamics in the caucus have not shifted with respect to seniority as much as I think would be necessary, and so I believe Ill be staying put at Energy and Commerce, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters, referring to a separate committee.

She had no comment on whom she might support in the Oversight race.

Theres no vacancy. Theres no official race yet, so I wont comment on that, and I want to be respectful of ranking member Connolly, she said.

Follow live politics coverage here

It's a surprising turn given that Ocasio-Cortez, who has been attracting thousands of supporters at speeches around the country and has been floated as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, said just days ago that she was weighing a bid to secure the post.

If Democrats retake the House in 2026, the Oversight chair's gavel could have provided her with an enormous platform and authority to investigate the Trump administration.

Because she left the Oversight panel to take a seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ocasio-Cortez would have needed a waiver from the Democratic Caucus to return to Oversight. But several colleagues said they believed she would have been the prohibitive favorite for the job had she decided to run.

In December, Connolly beat back a challenge from Ocasio-Cortez in a 131-84 vote by House Democrats. She said Monday that she doesn't believe the result would be much different if she squared off against a different member with more seniority.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., is the third most senior member on the panel and is filling in for Connolly on an interim basis. Lynch announced last week that he will run for the Oversight job and that Connolly has endorsed him.

In addition to Lynch, other Democrats have been reaching out to colleagues about possibly running for the position, including Kweisi Mfume, of Maryland; Maxwell Frost, of Florida; and Jasmine Crockett, of Texas.
An American climber died Sunday on Mount Makalu in Nepal during a climb to raise money for a children's cancer program.

Alexander Pancoe, 39, died while settling into his sleeping bag at the mountain's second high camp after returning from an acclimatization trip at the higher camp three, according to Reuters and the company that organized the expedition, Madison Mountaineering.

Madison Mountaineering directed USA TODAY to social media posts from Monday and a tribute from on Instagram from Pancoe's wife, Nina Laski Pancoe.

"We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our teammate and dear friend, Alex Pancoe, who passed away unexpectedly on the evening of May 4th at Camp 2 on Makalu," the company said in a Facebook post on May 5. "Alex was sharing a tent with our expedition leader and guide, Terray Sylvester. The two had just finished dinner and were settling into their sleeping bags, chatting casually, when Alex suddenly became unresponsive. Despite hours of resuscitation efforts by Terray and our team of climbers and Sherpa at Camp 2, they were unable to revive him," the company said on social media.

The company noted that earlier that day, Alex "had been in high spirits, full of energy, and was considered one of the strongest members of the team."

Pancoe's wife, Nina, wrote in her post that she and her husband shared two children together, Zephyr and Venice, and that Pancoe "died doing something you loved in a place that you loved."

According to Reuters, Nepal's tourism department said it was arranging to bring Pancoe's body to Kathmandu, the country's capital.

Nepal's Mountaineering Association did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment.

Climber battled a brain tumor and leukemia

Reuters reported that Pancoe survived a brain tumor when he was younger and had been battling chronic myeloid leukemia. His wife also wrote about his "battles of having a brain tumor and leukemia" writing "you never let that stop you."

"You lived each day to the fullest making an impact on the world around you," she wrote.

Pancoe was attempting to climb Makalu to raise funds for the pediatric blood cancer program at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, expedition leader Garrett Madison told Reuters. Madison added that Pancoe had already raised $1 million to help fund clinical trials and other programs at the hospital.

Makalu is the world's fifth-highest mountain, peaking at 28,000 feet. Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, peaks at about 29,032 feet.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American climber dies while scaling Mount Makalu in Nepal
Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

As an Italian-American, I find myself making tomato-based dishes every week. From minestrone to penne alla vodka and ragu, all of these meals share one key ingredient: tomato paste. I wanted to find a tomato paste with rich, bold tomato flavor. After consulting with three culinary experts, I discovered the best tomato paste on the market.

The Tomato Paste Experts

Meryl Feinstein: Founder of Pasta Social Club and author of Pasta Every Day: Make It, Shape It, Sauce It, Eat It

Rich and Jack Giacalone: Brothers Cucina on Instagram

Laura Cerruti Quara: Creator of Italian Kitchen Confessions



The Best Tomato Paste, According to Experts

Out of all the brands of tomato paste, the conclusion was unanimousMutti! This family-owned Italian company has been in operation for 120 years, with a sole focus on producing high-quality tomato products.

I've been a fan of Mutti products for a long time (particularly their tomato passata/puree), and their tomato paste is of the same high quality: bold and fresh tomato flavor, beautiful red color, and made with 100% Italian tomatoes, Feinstein shared.

The Giacalone brothers agreed. When it comes to tomato paste, our go-to brand is Muttia true staple in our kitchen.

Simply Recipes / Mutti S.P.A.

How To Pick the Best Tomato Paste

When searching for the highest quality product in the aisle, these experts share what to look for.

Check the ingredients list: For me, it is important for the list to be short and simple without additives or preservatives. I love Mutti not only because it reminds me of my dad, who was a great cook, but also because it is made just with two ingredients: tomatoes and Mediterranean Sea Salt, Cerruti Quara shared.

Made in Italy: Whenever youre shopping for tomato paste, we always recommend choosing an Italian-imported brand over an American one. Tomatoes grown in Italy tend to be less acidic, naturally sweeter, and richer in flavormaking a noticeable difference in any dish, the Giacalone brothers shared.

Opt for the tube: Because of the way canned goods must be processed and preserved, canned tomato pastes are often darker in color, more acidic, and less intensely tomatoey; the pastes in tubes, on the other hand, can be simply preserved with salt and thus the flavor is fresher and, well, more seasoned, Feinstein shared. Its also easier to use a tablespoon or two and store the rest in the fridge when using a tube.

How To Cook With Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is incredibly versatile, and these experts shared their favorite ways to use it.

I use tomato paste often in my pasta sauces, particularly in the colder months to add depth to ragus, in the summer for tomato compound butters, and year-round if I want to intensify a tomato sauce with even more tomato flavor, especially when tomatoes are out of season. I'll also add it to braises (like brisket and other large cuts of meat, beans, broths, soups, and stews, Feinstein shared.

Our absolute favorite dish to use tomato paste in is Pasta Bologneseit helps bring a rich depth of flavor to the dish, that really makes the dish special, the Giacalone brothers shared.

Next time you're in the pasta section, be sure to grab a tube or two of Mutti tomato paste.

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump on Tuesday during a meeting at the White House that Canada would never be for sale.

Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the United States' 51st state, responded by saying: "Never say never."

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Jeff Mason)
An Ohio father who fatally struck a deputy with his car after his son was shot and killed by police was denied bond during a chaotic hearing on Tuesday.

A judge ordered Rodney L. Hinton to be remanded with no bond in connection with the death of Hamilton County special deputy Larry Henderson. Hinton, who is charged with aggravated murder, pleaded not guilty.

Before entering a plea, a commotion erupted in the courtroom's gallery when Hinton's brother started yelling, "That's my brother, that's my brother." More than 50 police officers and at least three dozen family members and protesters were seated in the gallery.

Deputies immediately escorted Hinton out of the room.

Rodney Hinton Jr. in court in Cincinnati on Tuesday. (Phil Didion / The Enquirer / USA Today Network)

"Everybody, be calm. Were going to get through this," Judge Tyrone Yates said as Hinton was led back inside the room.

Authorities accused Hinton of intentionally hitting Henderson on Friday afternoon as he was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation. The deputy was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Officials said Henderson retired about five months ago and worked as a special deputy that day. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said Henderson was "so well-liked and so well-known."

"We are so deeply saddened," McGuffey said at a Friday news conference.

A makeshift memorial for fallen Hamilton County Sheriff Deputy Larry Henderson. (Liz Dufour / The Enquirer / USA Today Network)

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge told reporters on Friday that there was a definite connection between the collision and Thursday's fatal police shooting of Hinton's 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton.

Ryan Hinton was killed by a Cincinnati police officer who responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex, authorities said. Theetge said that four people in the alleged stolen car ran, some in different directions, after police approached them. Two officers pursued the teen and another person, authorities said.

Theetge said the teen was armed.

Carl Beebe, a Cincinnati police officer, said at the Tuesday bond hearing that Rodney Hinton had viewed body camera footage of the shooting shortly before the collision. Video released by police showed an officer exit his vehicle and point his gun at the teen, who appeared to be running away.

The officer fired at least four times, Theetge said Friday. She said she believes the 18-year-old was hit by two bullets, one in the chest and one in the arm. In another video, an officer could be heard yelling, "Hes got a gun!" The entire incident lasted only 6 seconds, she said at a news conference.

Body camera footage from the police shooting of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton. (Cincinnati Police Department)

Authorities said the gun was recovered at the scene. Theetge on Friday defended the officers actions, saying that they often have to make "split-second decisions to protect others and themselves when faced with immediate threats." Theetge said that the officer who shot the teen had said Ryan Hinton pointed the gun at him.

"Let me be very direct: We cannot allow individuals to flee from officers with a loaded firearm aimed at them," Theetge said. "When this happens, the outcome is almost always tragic. No one wins, and everyone involved is affected."

The officer who shot Ryan Hinton has not been named.

Family members said the older Hinton was "upset" and "agitated" after viewing the video, and they had concerns about him driving, Officer Beebe said during the Tuesday bond hearing.

Because of their concerns, relatives drove Hinton from the station, but he later returned to pick up his vehicle from the parking lot, Beebe said.

"He actually left the parking lot, followed by some family members and another car, and then a few minutes later returned to the parking lot ... drove through the parking lot and left the parking lot again," he said.

From there, Hinton drove toward the university and appeared to stop before he allegedly "accelerated quickly ... through the intersection where deputy Henderson was standing," Beebe said. The vehicle struck the deputy and a utility pole, according to Beebe, who said there was no indication that Hinton tried to stop.

Henderson was "launched several feet through the air," the officer said.

"He came to rest in a turn lane several feet from where the collision occurred," Beebe said.

The older Hinton appeared to fidget during the bond hearing. His attorney, Clyde Bennett, rubbed Hintons shoulders and whispered to him to "calm down."

In its argument for no bond, the state said Hinton was a "giant mental health question mark" and a danger to law enforcement and the public, and cited past run-ins with the law, including a domestic violence incident and assault convictions.

Bennett said at the hearing he wanted to make sure that his client was "treated as a mentally ill person and not as a cop killer."

"I don't think he was a cop killer, I think he was not in his right mind and I think he should be treated like any other mentally ill person that commits a crime," he said.

Theresa Larkin, Ryan Hinton's aunt, said she knew something was different about Rodney Hinton that Friday morning.

"Ive known Rodney since I was 15 years old. That wasnt the Rodney that I knew. It was like his soul wasnt even in his body," she told NBC News after the bond hearing.

"And I can only imagine what he felt when he saw that video," she said emotionally. "Because when I finally seen it, and I watched that video from the beginning to the end and watched my nephew drop, it was like my soul left my body. So I can only imagine how his father felt."

Larkin said she was at the hearing to support Rodney and to ensure "my nephews name dont get swept underneath the rug because of this."

"Because were gonna get justice for Ryan because what they did to him was not right," she said.
The move to cut over 100 members of staff was announced in a letter from top Columbia officials.

Columbia University announced Tuesday that it laid off 180 staff members working on federal grants impacted by the Trump administration's decision to revoke the university's funding.

The administration cut $400 million in federal funding from Columbia in March, accusing it of "inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students." It then issued a list of demands to the university, which it mostly acceded to, to start negotiations on restoring the funding.

The demands included banning students from wearing masks at protests, hiring campus security officers who can arrest students, and appointing a new senior vice provost to oversee the department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies.

The move to cut over 100 staff members was announced in a Tuesday letter from top Columbia officials, including Acting President Claire Shipman and Provost Angela V. Olinto. In the letter, the officials said the university is "engaged in a two-pronged effort related to grants terminated by the federal government," which includes restoring partnerships with government agencies and adjusting or reducing spending in the meantime.

"Columbias leadership continues discussions with the federal government in support of resuming activity on these research awards and additional other awards that have remained active, but unpaid," the letter read. "We are working on and planning for every eventuality, but the strain in the meantime, financially and on our research mission, is intense."

University officials said that, as a result of the financial strain, 180 staff members "who have been working, in whole or in part, on impacted federal grants" received notices of termination or non-renewal on Tuesday. According to officials, they represent 20% of the staff funded by the grants that the Trump administration funded.

Also, due to financial strain, some schools and departments will wind down activity, and research infrastructure "will be running lighter footprints," according to the officials.

"We do not make these decisions lightly," the top officials said. "We are deeply committed, at Columbia, to the critical work of invention, innovation and discovery."

Last week, hundreds of Columbia University students, faculty, staff and alumni launched a 25-hour "speak out" to criticize school leaders for bowing to the Trump administrations demands after it pulled the millions in federal funding.

Student David Guirgis, who was at the rally, called the administration's cuts "an all-out attack on science and academic freedom."

"We are pioneers in biomedical research, legal research, and environmental science research, and all of that got cut simply because the Trump administration had a vendetta against universities," he told NBC News.

Columbia "will continue to make prudent budget decisions," even in areas not impacted by federally funded research, to ensure the university's long-term financial stability," the officials said in the letter. This includes setting parameters across the university that ensure most salaries will not increase for the next fiscal year, programs to continue streamlining the university's workforce through attrition, and launching "a voluntary retirement incentive program."

"In the coming weeks and months, we will need to continue to take actions that preserve our financial flexibility and allow us to invest in areas that drive us forward," officials said. "This is a deeply challenging time across all higher education, and we are attempting to navigate through tremendous ambiguity with precision, which will be imperfect at times."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
FBI officials say they are growing increasingly concerned about a loose network of violent predators who befriend teenagers through popular online platforms and then coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior -- pushing victims to create graphic pornography, harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or even die by suicide.

The online predators, part of the network known as "764," demand victims send them photos and videos of it all, so the shocking content can be shared with fellow 764 followers or used to extort victims for more. Some of the predators even host "watch parties" for others to watch them torment victims live online, according to authorities.

"We see a lot of bad things, but this is one of the most disturbing things we're seeing," said FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the head of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, which is now leading many of the U.S. government's investigations tied to 764.

MORE: Experts say more needs to be done to help protect children from online predators

The FBI has more than 250 such investigations currently underway, with every single one of its 55 field offices across the country handling a 764-related case, Scott told ABC News in an exclusive interview.

He said the FBI has seen some victims as young as nine, and federal authorities have indicated there could be thousands of victims around the world.

'Nihilistic violent extremists'

"[It's] very scary and frightening," the Connecticut mother of a teen girl caught up in 764 told ABC News.

"It was very difficult to process, because we didn't raise her to engage in that kind of activity," said the mother, speaking on the condition that ABC News not name her or her daughter.

PHOTO: A sign is seen on the outskirts of Vernon, Connecticut, May 1, 2025. (ABC News)

Last year, in classic New England town of Vernon, Connecticut, local police arrested the girl -- a former honor roll student -- for conspiring with a 764 devotee overseas to direct bomb threats at her own community. When police searched her devices, they found pornographic photos of her, photos depicting self-mutilation, and photos of her paying homage to 764.

As Scott described it, one of the main goals of 764 and similar networks is to "sow chaos" and "bring down society."

That's why the FBI's Counterterrorism Division and the Justice Department's National Security Division are now looking at 764 and its offshoots as a potential form of domestic terrorism, even coining a new term to characterize the most heinous actors: "nihilistic violent extremists."

"The more gore, the more violence ... that raises their stature within the groups," Scott said. "So it's sort of a badge of honor within some of these groups to actually do the most harm to victims."

According to an ABC News review of cases across the country, over the past few years, state and federal authorities have arrested at least 15 people on child pornography or weapons-related charges, and accused them in court of being associated with 764.

In one of those federal cases, a 24-year-old Arkansas man, Jairo Tinajero, plotted to murder a 14-year-old girl who started resisting his demands. When he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and child pornography charges three months ago, Tinajero said he believed the murder would raise his stature within the 764 network. His sentencing is set for August.

MORE: Video FBI warns of uptick in financial 'sextortion' among teen boys

In another federal case, 19-year-old Jack Rocker of Tampa amassed a collection of more than 8,300 videos and images that the Justice Department called "some of the most horrific, evil content available on the Internet." He pleaded guilty in January to possessing child sexual abuse material and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

While amassing his collection, Rocker organized his digital content into folders with titles such as "764" and "kkk-racist." Another folder, called "trophies," contained photos of victims who carved his online monikers into their bodies -- a form of self-mutilation known as "fan signing." He also had a folder titled "ISIS," referring to the international terrorist organization that produced barbaric beheading videos.

Followers of the 764 network share all sorts of violent content with their victims, while some also glorify past mass-casualty attacks such as the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, or introduce victims to other extreme ideologies like neo-Nazism or Satanism, according to authorities.

"They want to desensitize these young people so that nothing really disturbs them anymore," Scott said.

Just two weeks ago, the Justice Department announced the arrest of a 20-year-old North Carolina man, Prasan Nepal, for allegedly operating an elite online club dedicated to promoting 764, extorting young victims, and producing horrific content. He has yet to be arraigned.

PHOTO: An undated photo shows Bradley Cadenhead, the founder of the initial '764' group, who is serving an 80-year prison sentence in Texas after pleading guilty to several child pornography-related charges. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

In charging documents, the Justice Department said Nepal helped launch 764 with its Texas-based founder more than four years ago.

Though charging documents don't identify the founder by name, federal law enforcement sources identified him to ABC News as Bradley Cadenhead, who is serving an 80-year-prison sentence in Texas after pleading guilty to several child pornography-related charges in 2023.

According to court documents, Cadenhead launched his new online community on the social platform Discord and called it "764" because at the time -- when he was 15 -- he lived in Stephenville, Texas, where the ZIP code begins with the numbers 764.

'It's everywhere'

Since the launch of the initial 764 group, which garnered a couple of hundred Discord followers, 764 has become a global movement, with an array of offshoots and subgroups that often rebrand and change their names to help keep social media companies and law enforcement from tracking them.

The original 764 was itself an offshoot of previous extremist and gore-focused groups online.

"Think of this less as a group, and think of it more as an ideology," Vernon police detective Tommy Van Tasel said of 764 and similar networks. "It doesn't matter what they're called. There are a lot of actors out there ... encouraging this type of behavior. So it's everywhere. It's in every community."

Indeed, the young Connecticut girl that Van Tasel would eventually investigate was sucked into 764 by a man overseas.

Reflecting what her family described as a typical 764-related encounter, the girl met him on the popular online gaming platform Roblox, and then they began communicating more regularly online, including on Discord, which caters to gamers.

The man convinced her he was her boyfriend, and she sent him sexual photos of herself -- the types of images that 764 adherents threaten to share widely if victims don't comply with their escalating demands.

PHOTO: An undated photo found by Vernon, Connecticut, police on the devices of a 17-year-old girl associated with the online network 764 shows a Barbie Doll marked with '764.' (Vernon Police Department)

According to police, she had produced an assortment of 764-related content, including a photo of a nude Barbie doll marked with "764" on its forehead; photos depicting her cutting herself; and a note, written in her blood, calling her supposed boyfriend "a god."

"They felt like they owned her," the girl's mother said.

And, fearing even further extortion, the girl began participating in some of the same threatening behavior that she had endured herself, according to Van Tasel.

Scott said it's common to "have victims who then become subjects" by perpetrating acts "on behalf of the individual who victimized them."

According to her family, the Connecticut girl was trained to hack into Roblox accounts and lock them -- which allowed her to make demands of account owners if they wanted their accounts back. And she allegedly helped direct a series of threats that rattled Vernon-area schools for three months in late 2023 and early last year.

"I have placed two explosives in front of Rockville High School, and if they fail to detonate, I'm going to walk into there and I'm just going to shoot every kid I see," a male with a British accent claimed during a call to Vernon police in late January 2024.

PHOTO: Rockville High School in Vernon, Connecticut, is seen on May 1, 2025. (ABC News)

Those threats led Van Tasel to the girl whose mother spoke with ABC News. The girl was arrested on conspiracy-related charges and referred to juvenile court.

But even before her arrest, she had started to resist some of the demands that were being directed at her. As a result, her family's home was bombarded by incidents of so-called "swatting," when false reports of crimes or violence try to induce SWAT teams to respond to a location in an effort to intimidate targets there.

"One time ... they had surrounded our whole house," the girl's mother said. "And then that kept going on and on."

Scott said swatting is a common tactic used by adherents of 764 and similar networks when they don't get compliance.

The man at the heart of the Connecticut girl's ordeal is still under investigation by authorities, according to Van Tasel.

'Be on the lookout'

Van Tasel and Scott offered several tips to parents worried about whether their children could fall victim to 764. In particular, they said parents should watch what their children are doing on applications and online games.

A spokesperson for Roblox agreed, saying in a statement to ABC News that parents should "engage in open conversations about online safety," especially because 764 is "known for using a variety of online platforms" to evade online safeguards.

A Discord spokesperson, meanwhile, said that 764 is "an industry-wide issue," and that the "horrific actions of 764 have no place on Discord or in society."

Both spokespeople said each of their companies is "committed" to providing a safe and secure online environment for users, with both noting that each company uses technology to remove harmful content and, by policy, prohibits behavior endangering children.

Discord added that "behind the scenes" it made "proactive disclosures of information to law enforcement" and, "where possible," assisted authorities in building the case against Nepal, who allegedly helped launch 764.

PHOTO: Vernon Police Department detective Tommy Van Tasel is seen in his office, May 5, 2025 (Courtesy Tommy Van Tasel)

Van Tasel and Scott said parents should also look out for changes in their children's activities or personality, and watch for questionable injuries to family pets or evidence of self-harm.

Scott said that if a child is wearing long-sleeved clothing or trying to cover up their body on hot days, that could be a sign of self-harm.

"Just be on the lookout for any of those things that are alarming, and just have in the back of your mind that this may all be a result of what is happening online," Van Tasel said, urging parents to call law enforcement if they have concerns.

As for the Connecticut girl caught up in 764, her mother told ABC News that she cooperated with authorities, the case against her is "almost resolved," and she's now "back on track" after getting help.

"Back to having friends, back to attending activities," her mother said. "Not quite back to where she was when it all began, but she's getting there."

FBI has opened 250 investigations tied to violent online network '764' that preys on teens, top official says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told House lawmakers Tuesday that the Trump administration could announce trade deals with some of America's largest trading partners as soon as "this week," but he noted that negotiations have not started with China.

I would think that perhaps as early as this week, we will be announcing trade deals with some of our largest trading partners, Bessent told a panel at the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and Government.

The secretary said the US was in talks with 17 trading partners out of the 18 the US considers "very important."

"China, we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet," he said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies Tuesday before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

He said he would be surprised if the US hasnt completed more than 80% or 90% of trade deals with its major trading partners by the end of the year and maybe much sooner.

Bessent says many trading partners have approached the US with good offers and he expects substantial reduction in the tariffs and nontariff barriers, as well as changes to currency manipulation and the subsidies of both labor and capital investment.

Across town at the White House, when asked about Bessents comments, President Trump said of China that they want to meet."

They want to negotiate and they want to have a meeting, the president said, but noted that he has not met with China.

Trump also said of India and tariffs, "They have agreed to drop it to nothing."

President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

One Democratic congressman, Mark Pocan, took Bessent to task on tariffs Tuesday, repeatedly asking Bessent who pays for the presidents tariffs.

The tariffs are on again, off again, some on again, some off again, somewhat chaotic," Pocan said.

"I believe your term is like crazy Ivan style; I compare them to how a monkey throws dung. You're not exactly sure where they're gonna land, and that's the concern I have as a small business owner, he said.

The secretary added during his appearance on Capitol Hill that he does not believe that the US is in recession now, noting that first quarter GDP, which contracted for the first time in three years, will be revised upward.

Nothing in the data shows were in a recession," he said, and noted a jobs report from last Friday that "surprised to the upside."

When it comes to the so-called X date, or the date when the US will run out of cash to pay its bills, Bessent warned that the US is on the warning track, which means we arent far away.

He said he will be able to give a more precise date when the Treasury is finished tallying incoming tax payments that came in for the April 15 tax filing deadline.

Bessent stressed that "the US will never default. We will raise the debt ceiling and Treasury will not use gimmicks. We'll make sure the debt ceiling is raised.

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Credit Suisse Services AG struck a deal with U.S. regulators that will see it pay a total of $511 million, including forfeitures, after it pleaded guilty to conspiring to hide billions in offshore accounts held by wealthy U.S. tax evaders. This is the second deal in 11 years for Credit Suisse, after it pleaded guilty in 2014 for helping high-net-worth U.S. clients hide money from the IRS. The bank merged with UBS Group AG in May 2024.

A services unit of Credit Suisse pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Monday in a long-running scheme that hid wealthy U.S. accounts from authorities, according to the Department of Justice.

Between 2010 and July 2021 Credit Suisse AG plotted with its employees and ultra-rich U.S. account holders to conceal the money and assets they held at the Swiss bank, authorities said. In turn, this allowed the banks U.S. clients to allegedly avoid paying taxes while Credit Suisse helped the scheme along by providing private banking services, according to the plea agreement.

Among other fraudulent acts, bankers at Credit Suisse falsified records, processed fictitious donation paperwork, and serviced more than $1 billion in accounts without documentation of tax compliance, DOJ said in a statement.

The plea harkens to the Swiss banks 2014 deal with authorities, which saw Credit Suisse penalized to the tune of $2.6 billion for aiding and assisting U.S. taxpayers in filing false returns. That agreement required Credit Suisse to implement programs to ensure it was complying with U.S. laws. Authorities on Monday said in the intervening years since, Credit Suisse had committed new crimes and breached its May 2014 plea agreement with the United States.

Between 2014 and June 2023, Credit Suisse AG Singapore held undeclared accounts for wealthy Americans, with cash and assets valued at more than $2 billion, authorities said. In 2023, after Credit Suisse and UBS began the process of merging, UBS discovered the accounts with Credit Suisse AG Singapore. UBS froze them, undertook an investigation, and disclosed information to the DOJ. In a statement, UBS said it expects to get a financial credit for its cooperation.

The Swiss banking giant celebrated the resolution of what it called another of Credit Suisses legacy issues on Monday.

UBS was not involved in the underlying conduct and has zero tolerance for tax evasion, the bank said in a statement. UBS, itself, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with U.S. regulators in 2009 on charges of conspiring to defraud the U.S. by impeding IRS collection. The bank agreed to pay $780 million in fines, penalties, interest, and restitution.

According to the Securities & Exchange Commission, UBS has about $6.2 trillion in assets globally, and $2 trillion were managed in the U.S. as of Sept. 30, 2024. In its annual report this year, UBS Group management concluded there was a material weakness in internal controls over its financial reporting at the end of 2024 due to issues with Credit Suisse.

UBS said that even though Credit Suisse was no longer a separate legal entity, many of its booking, accounting, and risk management systems were still in use. Given that in 2024, migration efforts were still ongoing, management has concluded that there is a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting at 31 December 2024, UBS said in its annual report.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
An online fundraiser purported to be for a woman in Minnesota who admitted in a viral video to calling a child the N-word at a public park has garnered more than $675,000 in donations, many of which came with comments espousing white supremacist views.

Many of the racist comments were posted by anonymous users or those using racist handles, and some even seemed to refer to Nazi symbolism. Among those donating money were White Unity Will Unite, Black excellence fatigue, Aunt Jemima, Whitestandstrong and White rise. The comments and the commenting function were later removed from the page.

These young generations of whites are sick of the bullying, intimidation and being made to shut up about race issues, WhiteTexasMommy wrote on the fundraising page while contributing $50. NBC News captured the comment in a screenshot before it was removed.

They call us racist because we are white. Nothing will ever make them happy. Theyve been given trillions of dollars. Theyve been allowed into our schools and neighborhoods, forced upon us at every turn, and they still arent happy, donor Heywildrich wrote on another since-removed post before contributing $88.





Jacob Wells, a co-founder of the Christian crowd-funding platform GiveSendGo, said on social media that comments on the fundraiser had been disabled due to the unacceptable volume of racist and derogatory remarks.

We remain committed to ensuring all funds raised are delivered to the campaign recipients as intended, he wrote. We unequivocally condemn the hateful comments that sought to fuel division and harmful narratives.

Prohibited fundraising campaigns on GiveSendGo include those for abortions, gender reassignment surgery and illegal activities, as well as those impersonating people or organizations.

The fundraising page, related to an incident that took place April 28 in Rochester, Minnesota, appears to have been set up by a person with the same name as a woman who was recorded on video hurling racist slurs at a child of Somali heritage at a public park. She accused the child of stealing from her son's diaper bag.

A post on the fundraising site says that the woman's family had been threatened and that personal information about her, such as her Social Security number, her phone number and her address, were leaked.

NBC News hasnt verified whether the woman was the person in the video, nor whether she created the fundraising page. Attempts to reach her Monday werent successful.

Heather Wilson, a co-founder of GiveSendGo, told NBC News on Sunday that the fundraiser hasnt cleared the company's full verification process. No funds will be disbursed until that process is completed, which includes verifying the identity of the campaign organizer and their connection to the intended recipient, she said.

The Rochester branch of the NAACP also held a fundraiser to benefit the family of the child in the incident. Together, we raised $341,484. Love wins! it said in a statement. In response to the familys wishes, we have now closed the GoFundMe page.

We stand in full solidarity with the child and his familyand with all those who believe in building a community where dignity, justice, and love prevail, the statement added.

On Monday, the Rochester Police Department said it had completed its investigation into the altercation and submitted its findings to the city attorneys office for review.

The video, shot by Sharmake Omar, 30, and verified by NBC News, quickly gained traction online last week.

Omar said that he intervened when he saw the woman berating the child and that she began using the slur repeatedly, which was captured in the video.

In the video, the woman, apparently carrying her child away, answers, Yeah, when she is asked whether she called the youth the slur. He took my sons stuff, she says.

Donations and comments poured in for the woman, who, according to the page, wants to use the money to relocate.

Do not apologize. Do not be afraid. These people are cowards and we will show them their time is up, an anonymous donor wrote in sending $10. Thank you for making a stand.

Other donors, whose posts have also been taken down, took aim at Black people.

Everyone who truly loves and cares for our people are supporting you every step of the way. Any race traitor will be sent back with the blacks, wrote someone who donated $10 under the handle Snipa.
An Israeli army tank maneuvers in the Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel on May 4. - Ariel Schalit/AP

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Amy Sussman/WireImage

A man has been detained after he allegedly rammed his car into Jennifer Aniston's home.

Officers received a call regarding a crash in Bel Air at about 12:20 p.m. on Monday, May 5, a public information officer with the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE.

They added that a male suspect, "approximately 70 years of age, rammed his vehicle through the gate to the residence and gained access to the property."

Related: Jennifer Aniston Jokes About Her 2003 PEOPLE Magazine Cover Surviving the Apocalypse on The Last of Us

David Livingston/WireImage Jennifer Aniston attends the PaleyFest LA 2024 screening of "The Morning Show" at Dolby Theatre on April 12, 2024 in Hollywood, California.

"There was a security guard on premises who was able to detain that suspect until officers arrived, at which time they took him into custody without incident," they said. "The resident was home at the time."

The suspect sustained minor injuries, and no one else was hurt, the police spokesperson continued. The suspect was arrested and is currently being booked. Charges are still pending, however, he's expected to be charged with felony vandalism.



Related: Jennifer Aniston Opens Up About Her Extreme Fear of Flying and How She Uses Hypnosis to Help

Jesse Grant/Getty Jennifer Aniston attends the AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

While the LAPD representative could not confirm the resident's identity, property records reviewed by PEOPLE show that the home belongs to Aniston.

ABC News reported, citing police sources, that "the incident does not appear to have been an accident, though there is also nothing to indicate yet that the driver was targeting Aniston."

"The suspect, who has a minor criminal history, was not actively being investigated for anything involving Aniston before the incident," the sources added, per ABC News.

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.

Aniston's representatives declined to comment on the incident when reached out by ABC News. PEOPLE has reached out to Aniston's representatives for comment.



Read the original article on People
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, right, turns around and looks at the audience during jury selection at Manhattan federal court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  A jury in the sex trafficking trial of Sean Diddy Combs is expected to be in place sometime Wednesday, lawyers told a federal judge after dozens of prospective jurors were questioned over two days to see if they can judge the music mogul fairly.

The lawyers measured the progress made over two days after Judge Arun Subramanian completed questioning dozens of prospective jurors to weed out any biases.

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday, when prosecutors will cast Combs as the head of a criminal organization who exploited his fame and fortune to sexually abuse women and destroy young lives. Defense attorneys plan to counter by saying Combs was not committing crimes when he engaged in sexual activity with consenting adults.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment charging him with leading a racketeering conspiracy from 2004 to 2024 that resulted in various crimes, including kidnapping, arson, bribery and sex trafficking.

The Bad Boy Records founder has been held without bail since his arrest at a Manhattan hotel last September.

On Monday and Tuesday, the judge assembled a pool of 35 potential jurors, 10 individuals short of the group of 45 would-be jurors that are one step from sitting on the jury for a trial projected to last up to two months.

The last step in the process will occur when lawyers on both sides strike a limited number of individuals off the jury for reasons they usually are not required to disclose.

Numerous possible jurors were disqualified on Tuesday after answering questions in ways that left lawyers and the judge to believe they could not be fair and unbiased. One man was dismissed after expressing doubt that he could follow an order by the judge not to smoke marijuana for the duration of the trial.

He was honest, Subramanian quipped, eliciting laughter throughout the courtroom where he interviewed prospective jurors one at a time.

Throughout the day, Combs seemed engaged with the process. Sometimes he was the first to rise from his chair at the defense table each time a potential juror entered or left the courtroom. Near the end of the day, he stretched several times in his cushioned chair.

Several who were eliminated from the jury pool had seen or heard media reports related to the case, including some who said they saw a video in which Combs was hitting and kicking one of his accusers in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.

But one man who had written on a questionnaire that the video left him with the impression of an angry hostile person who is entitled was not dismissed from the jury pool.

After the video aired on CNN last year, Combs apologized, saying, I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. Im disgusted now.

In a court filing Tuesday, prosecutors complained that a prominent attorney  the father of one of the lawyers on Combs' legal team  had a long-standing relationship with Combs and seemed to be acting as an adviser to Combs and the defense team even as he spoke out about the case repeatedly on his podcast.

Prosecutors urged the judge to require the attorney to obey rules that require lawyers working on the case to limit their public comments.
Brand Influential Kelly Mi Li celebrates daughter Mi Li turning two

Bling Empire star Kelly Mi Li celebrated her daughter's second birthday with a family trip to Singapore

Mi Li, 39, welcomed daughter Milli in April 2023 with boyfriend William Ma

Kelly exclusively told PEOPLE that, "Travel memories last far longer than cake and balloons"



Kelly Mi Li's daughter is 2!

The Bling Empire star, 39, celebrated her daughter Mili's second birthday with a trip to Singapore, sharing a few photos with PEOPLE. In one photo, Mi Li stands with her daughter in front of an Elmo-themed cake, which features the number two and a smiling graphic of Elmo.

Another photo shows the Stir the Pot host and her daughter in a pool, enjoying the view as the toddler smiles and laughs. A third photo shows the reality TV star, her partner William Ma and her mother enjoying dinner together, posing alongside little Mili.

"We skipped the big birthday party this year and took my daughter on an adventure to Singapore instead!" Mi Li tells PEOPLE. "Travel memories last far longer than cake and balloons, and watching her discover one of my favorite places  from the hawker stalls to swimming above the skyline at Marina Bay Sands  made this a birthday none of us will ever forget."

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Brand Influential Kelly Mi Li with daughter Mi Li

Related: Kelly Mi Li Says Baby Daughter Has 'Such an Attitude': 'Her Favorite Word Is Still No' (Exclusive)

Earlier this year, Mi Li spoke with PEOPLE at the Unforgettable: The 22nd Annual Asian American Awards and gave an update on how her daughter Mili was doing.

She's learning new words now, but her favorite word is still no. So everything is, No, no, no, no,  said the reality television star on the red carpet. Such an attitude. I love it.

When asked whether she hopes to add any more little ones to the family, Kelly shared she's not quite sure yet. Because I'm a single child, I always feel like I want to give her siblings, she said. I want her to experience what I didn't experience, so maybe in the future.

However, she did note that she was surprised by how much guilt she had for attending the awards ceremony.

Mom guilt is so real, Kelly told PEOPLE. She probably doesn't even care that I'm gone, to be honest. Probably having the best time with the grandmas, but I just feel guilty."

Brand Influential Kelly Mi Li celebrates daughter Mi Li turning two

Back in November 2022, Mi Li shared the exciting news that she was expecting her first baby with boyfriend William Ma. Though she and Ma were planning to have a child, the news was still kind of shocking, she told PEOPLE at the time.

I'm really, really happy and so grateful that I have such a strong support system, said Kelly. My boyfriend is amazing. I literally cannot ask for a better partner in this. And obviously, I've got to show off about him any chance I get. But he's honestly so supportive, so amazing and honestly, he's going to be such a great dad.

In April 2023, the Hot Jiang founder revealed that she had given birth to her daughter Mili Ma. "Welcome to the world Mili! She's finally here after being fashionably late to her own due date!" Kelly told PEOPLE after her daughter was born.

Read the original article on People
The Coronation State Portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla - Chris Jackson

Thirty-four years after the late Queen Elizabeth II opened the National Gallerys Sainsbury Wing, her son, King Charles III has returned to reopen it, with Queen Camilla, following extensive refurbishment. To mark the occasion, their Majesties recently completed coronation state portraits were unveiled in the gallerys central hall.

Spare a thought for Peter Kuhfeld (b. 1952) and the self-taught Paul S Benney (b. 1959), the British artists who executed them, who are not quite of the calibre, shall we say, of the greats responsible for the full-length portraits on the surrounding walls. To one side, for instance, there is The Red Boy (1825) by Thomas Lawrence, who is renowned for his painterly flair. And, a few rooms away, there is the colossal equestrian portrait of Charles I by Anthony van Dyck: a defining image of British sovereignty. Tough competition.

The Royal Collection, of which the portraits will form a part, defines state portraits as carefully constructed, definitive images of the monarch (usually dressed in robes and accompanied by a crown, orb, and sceptre) as the embodiment of Royal rule. The earliest known example in the collection is Paul van Somers c. 1620 likeness of James VI & I; another image by Van Dyck, at Windsor Castle, was likely conceived as Charles Is official state portrait. Since the coronation of King Edward VII, in 1902, coronation portrait photographs have also been released  the Kings, by Hugo Burnand, appeared in 2023  in advance of the painted portraits.

Somewhat diminished: Peter Kuhfelds portrait of King Charles III - His Majesty King Charles III 2025/Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd

Selected by the King, Kuhfeld plays it very safe, adhering to the conventions of a typical state portrait  with, for instance, the imperial state crown positioned prominently to the monarchs side (on a table that, surreally and unfortunately, appears to sprout like a golden fungus from a crimson curtain). Sunlight streams in from a palace window to the pictures left, imbuing the composition with a late-afternoon quality, commensurate with the fact that Charles acceded the throne when he was already in his seventies. Sadly, though, this air of end-of-day decline is exacerbated by Kuhfelds doddery touch.

Dressed, beneath his robe, in military uniform (just like his great-grandfather, George V, in his state portrait), the King appears kindly but uncertain, with piercing yet close-set cornflower-blue eyes, and lips that seem to tremble. His anatomy, too, is somewhat squashed, providing an unintentionally bathetic note, as if a potentially great man had been diminished. Overall, he comes across as diffident, and  a fatal flaw, this, in a state portrait  does not command his stage.

Regal: Paul S Benneys portrait of Queen Camilla - His Majesty King Charles III 2025/Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd

Benneys sleek portrait of the Queen  who stands further forward in the space of the picture, which makes her appear more self-confident, as well as soignee  is far more satisfying (and reproducible, which is important in our digital age). By representing that eye-catching cascade of her purple robe, the picture also nods explicitly to the state portrait of Elizabeth II. (The women, in both pictures, wear white.) As an image, it has greater clarity and coherence than Kuhfelds wobbly effort. I relish the fact that, for instance, the colour of the background picks up tiny details in Camillas costume, such as the hue of a setting in her bracelet on her right wrist, or the fan she holds.

Is it deliberate that the red palette of the Kings portrait finds its complement in this green tonality of the Queens? Id like to think so  but, if all you had to go on was the respective strengths of these two pictures, youd assume that Camilla was the regnant monarch, and Charles her consort.

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Cleophus Cooksey Jr., left, who is accused of killing eight people over a three-week span in late 2017, listens during his trial in Maricopa County Superior Court, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Phoenix. (Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.
The Columbia University student and green card holder who was detained in Vermont by Immigration and Customs Enforcement told ABC News that he was about to sign a document saying he was willing to take the Pledge of Allegiance, one of the final steps in the process to become a U.S. citizen, when masked agents suddenly arrested him.

In an interview nearly a week after a federal judge ordered him released from detention while his case proceeds, Mohsen Mahdawi recounted his arrest and detainment, saying that he feared his citizenship interview was a "trap" and that he's concerned that democracy in the U.S. is under attack.

"It was a moment of like, should I be happy or should I be cautious when I received the notice?" Mahdawi told ABC News about receiving the notice for his citizenship interview. "And I sense that this might be a trap. And for sure, indeed, it was an alarm bell where I directly reached out to my legal team in order to navigate, you know, the pros and cons and this risk that I think that I may lose my freedom."

MORE: 'I am not afraid of you,' Columbia student says of Trump after release from ICE

Mahdawi said that, as he was completing his interview, "at that moment, [I had] very strong feelings of, 'Oh my god, things are working out. And then they came into the office ... and you can imagine the feeling between, I am being excited to receive the citizenship, and then feeling of betraying disappointment."

A Department of Homeland Security official pushed back on concerns that the interview may have been a trap staged to detain Mahdawi.

"The Department does not 'stage' interviews or any other type of adjudication," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "If an alien is seeking a benefit, they will almost assuredly be interviewed. If the alien is subject to detention, that alien will almost assuredly be detained. One has no bearing on the other."

"Illegal aliens do not have a right to roam freely in our country, nor do they have a right to elude federal authorities," McLaughlin said.

PHOTO: Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released the Palestinian student activist, April 30, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (Amanda Swinhart/AP)

Mahdawi, who co-founded a university organization called the Palestinian Student Union with detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, was born in a refugee camp in the West Bank before moving in 2014 to the U.S. where he has been a legal resident for 10 years.

His lawyers believe that, like Khalil, he is being targeted by the Trump administration under Immigration and Nationality Act section 237(a)(4)(C)(i), which asserts that the secretary of state can deem a person deportable if they have reasonable ground to believe that the person's presence or activities in the U.S. could have adverse foreign policy consequences.

In response to the government's allegations against him, Mahdawi and his lawyers have firmly refuted allegations that he ever threatened Israelis or those of the Jewish faith. He told ABC News he has been advocating for peace and protesting against the war in Gaza.

"So for them to accuse me of this is not going to work, because I am a person who actually has condemned antisemitism," Mahdawi said. "And I believe that the fight against antisemitism and the fight to free Palestine go hand in hand, because, as Martin Luther King said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

After his arrest at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vermont, where he was undergoing his citizenship interview, Mahdawi said he was quickly put in handcuffs, but was not given a reason for why he was being detained.

"The first thing they've done is they isolated me from my lawyer, separated me from my lawyer," Mahdawi said of his arrest. "They did not show us any paperwork they had on them. I told them, 'I am a peaceful man and I will collaborate.'"

MORE: Columbia University associate of Mahmoud Khalil arrested by DHS

Mahdawi claims ICE officials were planning to send him to Louisiana where Khalil is detained, but missed the flight by a few minutes. His lawyers, who crafted several habeas petitions in anticipation that he could be detained, filed an emergency request for a temporary restraining order, which a federal judge granted.

"They were preparing to send me to Louisiana," Mahdawi said. "They had my flight tickets really printed, and two agents came to take me ... to ship me on a commercial flight from Burlington Airport to New York and from New York to Louisiana."

At his bail hearing last week, the Department of Justice argued against Mahdawi's release, saying that during a 2015 FBI investigation, a gun shop owner alleged that Mahdawi had claimed to have built machine guns in the West Bank to kill Jews, proving that he was a threat. According to a police report obtained by ABC News from Windsor Police in Vermont, a "concerned citizen" alleged that Mahdawi "seemed to have knowledge about gun design and function."

But that investigation was closed and Mahdawi was never charged with any crime, a point that Judge Geoffrey Crawford highlighted when he ordered Mahdawi's release last week.

During the hearing, the federal judge said that while the allegations were "shocking," he noted that because the FBI at the time decided to close the case, he understood that to mean that the FBI came to the conclusion that the allegations made by the gun shop owner and the other individual were unfounded claims.

MORE: Columbia students naturalization interview before ICE arrest was last step to citizenship, his lawyer says

Judge Crawford noted during last week's hearing that Mahdawi had received letters of support from over 90 community members, including from members of the Jewish community, adding that "people who have in a consistent pattern described him as peaceful."

The judge also said Mahdawi had "made substantial claims that his detention was in retaliation for his protected speech."

Mahdawi told ABC News that his Buddhist faith has kept him grounded as his immigration and federal cases continue to play out in court and the threat of deportation still lingers.

He said he believes "everybody should be alert and alarmed" that the Trump administration targeted him for his advocacy.

"We are at a very critical time," Mahdawi said. "What is happening in America is going to affect the rest of the world. The attack on democracy that guarantees many rights for people, democracy that has established international order and human rights, is a very dangerous phenomenon."

During the interview, Mahdawi said he first experienced true freedom when he moved to the United States -- a feeling he claims to still have despite his legal battle.

"They can put me in prison, but my spirit is free, and the free spirit is a spirit that does not give up on the idea of justice," he said. "The free spirit is a spirit that empathizes with everyone, including its oppressor, so I do feel free."

Mohsen Mahdawi, Columbia student freed by ICE, feared citizenship interview was a 'trap' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Young people dance the Victory Waltz in Moscow ahead of the Victory Day celebrations - Yuri Kochetov/Shutterstock

Russia set up large screens and a stage at a border crossing with Estonia to blast its Victory Day commemorations to Kremlin sympathisers on the other side.

Footage showed the installations pointing directly at Estonia from the Russian end of the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Narva River and links the Estonian city of Narva with Ivangorod.

A giant stage is decorated with a picture of a Red Army soldier along with the phrases We Remember! and 1945-2025.

The screens are adorned with the ribbon of St George  a Russian military symbol commonly used to show support for the invasion of Ukraine.

Narva is a Russian-speaking city with a majority ethnic Russian population, and Vladimir Putin has a history of sending propaganda over the border.

Russia is preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany on Friday with celebrations that officials in Moscow have promised to be the grandest ever.

Xi Jinping will be among 20 world leaders attending the main parade in Moscows Red Square  designed to show off Moscows military might  despite security concerns and the cancellations of events elsewhere in Russia. His three-day visit will be used to discuss the development of the two countries strategic partnership, the Kremlin says.

The Russian capital was forced to close all of its airports after Moscow was targeted by a swarm of Ukrainian drones for the second night in a row.

Credit: X / nexta_tv

At least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow from different directions, causing no major destruction or injuries, said Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of the city.

Flights were halted at all four of Moscows airports for several hours and a number of regional airports were closed, Russias aviation watchdog said.

At least 105 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed over 11 regions, according to Russias defence ministry. Ukrainian drone attacks on Monday had also disrupted flights to the city.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has said that his country cannot guarantee the safety of foreign delegations joining the celebrations in Moscow.

Our position is very simple for all countries travelling to Russia on May 9. We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation, because we dont know what Russia will do these days, he said.

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety for 20 world leaders attending Victory Day parades in the Russian capital - Eva Korinkova

Putin last week declared a three-day ceasefire between May 8 and 10 to coincide with the event.

But Mr Zelensky has dismissed the 72-hour truce offer as a theatrical performance designed to protect Moscow during the parade. Instead, he called on Russia to commit to a US-proposed immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Xi will be joined by Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, and several of Putins European allies, including Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president.

Robert Fico, the Slovakian prime minister, said he would also be in Moscow for the occasion, despite Kaja Kallas, the EUs top diplomat, warning the unions member states against attending.

But uncertainty still surrounds Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian president, who had pledged to attend but has suddenly fallen ill. Brussels had warned Mr Vucic that his presence would violate EU membership criteria and could risk hurting Serbias accession process to the 27-member bloc.

Indias Narendra Modi will not attend the parade because of the growing tensions with Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir last month.

A Russian army convoy made up of tanks and other military vehicles travel through central Moscow during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade - ALEXANDER NEMENOV

Victory Day is one of the most important dates in Russias calendar, acting as a tribute to the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany, in which 27 million Soviet citizens died.

During Putins 25 years in power, he has helped turn May 9 into a grandiose nationwide event celebrating patriotism, statehood and the military, which has swelled in size since the start of the war in Ukraine.

A large military parade will take place on Moscows Red Square, where Putin addresses the nation. Smaller regional parades will take place across the country.

But the deployment of most of Russias military hardware and personnel has limited the scale of the parade and festivities in the past three years.

Air threats every night

Moscow has also not ruled out that North Korean troops  thousands of which helped Russia oust Ukrainian forces from its Kursk region  will take part in the Red Square parade for the first time.

The Kremlin has also been forced to cancel the Victory Day parade on the occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea for the third year in a row, citing security concerns.

The southern Russian region of Krasnador has also called off the celebrations. An air threat is announced almost every night. Of course, we cannot risk the residents of Krasnodar, those who come to the parade, the participants in the parade, said Mikhail Razvozhaev, Krasnadors regional governor .

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Omar Khan in "Retrograde." (National Geographic Documentary Films)

The widow of an Afghan man  whose lawyer says was tortured and killed by the Taliban after his identity was revealed in an Emmy-winning National Geographic documentary  has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the filmmakers in Los Angeles.

Omar Khan  whose good looks earned him the nickname Justin Bieber  was among a group of Afghan mine-clearers who appeared in the film, Retrograde. The documentary, which chronicled the final chaotic months of Americas 20-year war in Afghanistan, debuted on National Geographic channel and Hulu in December 2022.

Soon after, a TikTok video circulated in Afghanistan showing scenes from the film and then Khan was seized by the Taliban and tortured for over two weeks, according to the widow's lawyer, John Uustal, and two former Green Berets who remain in touch with other Afghans who were close to Khan.

He died of his injuries in April 2023 at the age of 25. His ordeal was detailed at a congressional hearing on the threat of Taliban reprisals in 2024, as well as in a Washington Post story that was published months later.

The lawsuit names as defendants several companies behind the film, including Disney, National Geographic and Hulu.

The film showed close-up images of Khan and other mine-clearers even though its director and producer had been warned that doing so would jeopardize their lives, according to the lawsuit and the two former Green Berets who spoke to NBC News.

Military personnel warned defendants about safety concerns regarding the identities of individuals who had assisted U.S. operations appearing in the film, says the suit, which was filed last month in Superior Court in Los Angeles.

Despite these warnings, defendants did not take appropriate measures to protect the identities of individuals appearing in the film.

Representatives for Disney, Nat Geo and Hulu did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The director, Matthew Heineman, and producer, Caitlin McNally, also did not respond to requests for comment.

National Geographic had previously said in a statement to The Washington Post that it took down the film in "an abundance of caution."

We were devastated to learn of the death of one of those brave Afghans and our heart goes out not only to his family but to all those still in danger as they fight against a brutal terrorist organization," it added.

Heineman and McNally told The Washington Post in a statement that they have no recollection of receiving specific warnings about the showing the Afghan bomb-clearers in the film. They called Khan's death "a heartbreaking tragedy."

The film won three Emmy awards in 2023, as well as an Edward R. Murrow Award for feature documentary. But it was pulled from its platforms last year after The Washington Post began inquiring about whether certain scenes may have placed some of the subjects in danger of retaliation.

This man was a hero, said the lawyer representing Khans family, Uustal of the Kelley | Uustal Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He trusted that those documenting his bravery would take the most basic steps to protect his safety. But they didnt even blur his face.

Khan was part of a specially trained unit, known as the National Mine Reduction Group, tasked with identifying and disabling the insurgents weapon of choice against American soldiers: improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.

It was an exceptionally dangerous job that put the Afghans in harms way on a daily basis, said Dave Elliott, a former Green Beret.

Special operations soldiers are often referred to as the tip of the spear, Elliott said. These guys were the tip of the tip.

I dont know how many lives can be attributed to them, added Elliott, but its gotta be in the thousands, and thats just U.S. forces.

Elliott is now the deputy director of the nonprofit 1208 Foundation, which provides assistance to Afghans who worked with U.S. Special Forces.

The groups executive director, Thomas Kasza, said there are still several Afghans whose faces were shown in the film and remain in danger in Afghanistan due to bureaucratic delays in a special visa program designed to help Afghans who worked with the U.S. military.

Kasza testified at a congressional hearing on the dangers of Taliban reprisals in January 2024. He urged lawmakers not to turn their backs on the Afghans who risked their lives for the U.S.

As Retrograde became a hit in Hollywood, it became a hit list in Afghanistan, Kasza told a subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A hit list which the Taliban used to identify, abduct, torture and kill one who my organization pledged to protect: a [25]-year-old father named Omar.

Kasza told the lawmakers that an Afghan member of his foundation spoke to Khan while the man was on his deathbed and recorded his account.

When the Taliban had me, they showed me the 'Retrograde' movie and said you have worked with foreign forces and also worked in the movie, Khan said, according to Kasza. They found me through the 'Retrograde' movie and are still asking villagers and my family members about me."
Any baptized man can become pope, but traditionally he (and it is always a he) is elected from the college of Cardinals. This year, possible contenders range from Francis liberal-leaning secretary of state, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, an ultra-conservative and outspoken critic of Francis. We could also see, for the first time, an American pope, a pope from Sub-Saharan Africa, or an Asian pope.

With campaigning frowned upon, consultations secretive, and coalitions in constant flux, it is impossible to predict an outcome or even a list of top contenders. The trash heaps of church history are littered with the carcasses of journalists who have tried to predict the next pope, wrote long-time Vatican analyst John L. Allen in the National Catholic Reporter in a prelude to a list of potential candidates to replace Pope John Paul II in 2005. As if to prove his point, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who greeted the world from the St. Peters balcony as Pope Benedict XVI a few days later, didnt even make Allens list. Argentinas Jorge Mario Bergoglio didbut it took another round before he was named Pope Francis in 2013, upon Benedicts resignation.

Read More: Who Leads the Catholic Church Between Popes?

Several names have emerged from this weeks consultations in the Vatican as papabile, or pope-material, but at this point, they are more likely to represent characteristics the cardinals would like to see in the churchs next leader than any definitive choice. We list a few here.

Matteo Zuppi: An Insider

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrives for a mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary in Moscow on June 29, 2023. Olesya KurpyayevaAFP/Getty Images

Roman-born Zuppi, 69, is considered to be the most likely continuity candidatesomeone close to Francis, who is best equipped to cement his legacy. In 2015, Francis appointed Zuppi as Archbishop of Bologna, one of the most influential posts in Italy, and then made him president of an important bishops conference in 2022. In 2023, Francis tapped Zuppi to be his peace envoy for Ukrainian affairs. Short of pointing a finger and publicly shouting, This is my beloved son, upon whom my favor rests, its difficult to think of anything else a pontiff might do to signal that someone has his trust, wrote Allen in a recent profile. Zuppi is closely tied to SantEgidio, a powerful group of lay Catholics dedicated to social services that could give him an edge.

Read More: 10 Surprising Facts About Papal Conclaves

Cardinal Pietro Parolin: A Diplomat

Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivers his blessing to the faithful after leading a prayer for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Feb. 24, 2025. Riccardo De LucaAnadolu/Getty Images

The Vaticans secretary of state since 2013, Parolin, 70, has been described by the Italian press as the natural heir to Pope Francis legacy. A seasoned diplomat for the Holy See who served in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Mexico, he is seen by Vatican insiders as a prudent moderate who, like Francis, has consistently focused on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian outreach. Parolin oversaw the implementation of 2018s controversial agreement with Chinas leadership that granted the Chinese Communist Party a role in naming new bishops in the country.

That agreement was put to the test in late April, when Chinas state-sanctioned Catholic leadership unilaterally appointed two new bishops during the interregnum between Francis death and the election of a new pope. The Chinese appointmentsone of which was to replace a bishop already recognized by the Vaticanwill be among the new popes first diplomatic challenges and will underscore the need for a candidate who can handle the geopolitical challenges of our era. Theres a short list of cardinals one can seriously imagine sitting across a table from Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, or Vladimir Putin and holding his own, says Allen, who is now the editor of Crux, an online newspaper focused on the Catholic Church. Parolin, he adds, is one of them.

AP (Turkson: Malte Ossowski); Getty Images (Prevost: Franco Origlia; Zuppi: Stefano Spaziani; Parolin: Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu; Pizzaballa:Menahem Kahana); Reuters (Erdo: Alessandro Bianchi; Tagle: Eric Vandeville)

Robert Francis Prevost: An Outside Insider

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost leads rosary prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St Peter's Square on March 3, 2025 in Vatican City. Christopher FurlongGetty Images

An American has never been pope, and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Nonetheless, Prevost, 69, who served as head of Franciss main advisory group on picking new Bishops, benefits from broad name recognition that could give him an edge in a large group of electors with little common ground. Born in Chicago to a family with Italian, French, and Spanish roots, Prevost was dubbed The least American of the Americans by Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi in the influential Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Prevost served as a missionary in Peru for the early part of his career, before moving on to leadership positions in the Vatican, a range of experiences that solidify his credentials as a teacher, statesman, and governor.

Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle: Following in Francis' footsteps

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle attends a mass held for the late Pope Francis in St. Peters Basilica, on April 30, 2025 in Rome. Antonio MasielloGetty Images

The former archbishop of Manila, Tagle, 67, has been seen as a rising star in the church ever since his 1997 appointment to a select group of Catholic theologians who provide guidance to church leadership on key theological questions. Born in Manila, Tagle would be the Vaticans first Asian pope in the modern era (a handful of first-millennium Syrian popes could technically count as Asian), a strategic choice for a church whose growth is strongest in Asia and Africa.

But it is his charisma, his defense of the poor, his call to action against climate change, and his stance that the church has been too harsh on homosexuality, divorced couples, and unwed mothers that have many comparing him to Francis. He prefers to go by his nickname, Chito, instead of his clerical title, and stories abound of his lunches with beggars and his penchant for taking public transit to work. He is something of a Cardinal-influencer with an active presence and dedicated following on social media.

Read More: Meet Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, a Top Contender to Succeed Pope Francis

Peter Turkson: A Progressive

Cardinal Peter Turkson pays his respects to the body of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025. Riccardo De LucaAnadolu/Getty Images

Like Tagle, Turkson, 76, from Ghana, answers the growing demand for a leader who represents the Catholic Churchs new center of gravity in Africa and Asia. A close advisor to Francis on his seminal Laudato Si encyclical, which exhorted Catholics (and the world) to protect the planet from climate change, Turkson represents a continuation of Francis progressive environmental and social justice legacy, says Richard Lennan, a professor of Theology at Boston College. Turkson would be an absolutely intriguing choice. You don't want a showman, but you do want someone who's going to inspire people. He has a rock-solid commitment to social justice and gets his feet dirty. He ticks all of those Francis boxes.

Franciss progressive take on several areas of church doctrine, such as the blessing of same sex couples, and the ordination of women deacons has provoked criticism from other leaders of the African church, and their names Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Robert Sarah from Guinea, have also been raised as potential African successors in a more conservative vein.

Electing a non-Western Pope is not just about geographic representation, notes Brett C. Hoover, a Theology professor at Loyola Marymount University in California, but the fact that these candidates are more aware of bigger issues affecting the global church than the stuff that comes up in Western countries. [They are saying] Weve got poverty. Weve got our people moving around the world. Weve got environmental degradation. A pope from the peripheries, Like Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, is more likely to reflect those concerns, says Hoover.

Peter Erdo: A Traditionalist

Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo arrives at a meeting at the Synod Hall in the Vatican March 7, 2013. Alessandro BianchiReuters

Many in the church were unsettled by Francis progressive stance on key issues, such as his restrictions on the Latin mass, his willingness to open key positions to non-ordained priests, and his focus on listening to the catholic community as much as leading it. They will be looking for a candidate who embraces the more traditional leanings of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Erdo, 72, the archbishop of Budapest, fits that mold. He is opposed to granting communion to divorced or remarried Catholics, against giving blessings to gay couples, and he once said welcoming migrants could encourage human trafficking. He is diplomatic, cautious, and speaks or reads English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish, which gives him a linguistic edge in a polylingual contest. His elevation, however, could be interpreted as a flat rejection of Francis legacy, which might give many of the cardinals in the conclave pause, even if they agree in principle with his conservative stance.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa: A Compromise Candidate

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, gestures during an interview at the patriarchate headquarters in Jerusalem on April 22, 2025. Menahem KahanaAFP/Getty Images

Pizzaballa, from Italy, is the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, serving the Catholic Church in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Cyprus. He has earned recognition and trust for his ability to forge connections and understanding across the regions deep divides. That might be a selling point for electors seeking to bridge the churchs deepening divisions in the wake of the Francis era. Unlike many of the other candidates, he has steered clear of doctrinal debates, which could make him attractive to enough blocks within the college of cardinals to win the necessary two-thirds majority.

His astute management of a financial crisis in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem will be appealing to those concerned about the Vaticans own parlous financial state. His age, however, could work against him: at 60, he would be embarking on what could be a decades-long papacy, something that few cardinals are willing to risk on a relative unknown.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
By Arriana McLymore

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Shein and Temu, fast-fashion e-commerce platforms that ship merchandise from China, boosted their spending on digital ads in Europe in April, data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower showed, a shift away from the U.S. where the companies face crushing tariffs.

Shein and Temu's ad spending rose the most in France and the UK compared to other European countries. Shein boosted spending 35% in France and the UK, while PDD Group's Temu increased by 40% and 20% month-over-month, respectively, according to Sensor Tower data provided exclusively to Reuters.

The boost in advertising in Europe, which includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, comes as the retailers grapple with U.S. President Donald Trump's ban on de minimis, a trade exemption that previously allowed for packages valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free. The exemption was a key factor in Shein and Temu's rapid growth in selling $12 dresses and $5 accessories in the U.S., where both companies get a majority of their sales.

The two companies, which ship merchandise from China, slashed digital ads in the U.S. last month ahead of the May 2 ban on de minimis. Both companies are hiking prices as Trump's trade policies crack down on cheap imports and the moves are expected to pinch their margins.

Singapore-based Shein and Temu became known in the U.S. for selling cheap apparel and accessories, often undercutting competitors including Gap's Old Navy, Inditex's Zara, H&M and some dollar stores on price. The e-retailers also drove up the prices of digital ad bids during the most recent holiday shopping season.

Kimber Maderazzo, marketing professor at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, said Shein and Temu "probably won't be able to gain as many customers as they were" in the United States. She said the two companies are now focusing on retaining the American shoppers they already have, a counter to their new international digital advertising strategies.

Advertising in the UK is helping Shein and Temu secure more app downloads, Sensor Tower said, with Shein downloads increasing 25% month-over-month and Temu more than doubling. Despite the increase in advertising and app downloads, daily active users of the apps have increased only marginally month-over-month. Shein's UK daily active users increased 5% and Temu's increased 10%.

On a year-to-year basis, Temu increased its ad spending in the UK by 20% and in France by 115%. Shein increased it by 45% in France and 100% in the UK from last year in April.

Temu's daily average U.S. ad spending on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snap, X and YouTube declined a collective average of 31% in the two weeks from March 31 to April 13 compared with the previous 30 days, Sensor Tower estimated. Shein's daily average U.S. ad spending on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest fell a collective average of 19% over the same period.

Shein and Temu are also shifting some digital advertising to Brazil. Shein, which manufactures goods in Brazil for its Latin American markets, increased its digital ad spending 140% in April from a year earlier in an effort to compete with Temu's entry into the market, Sensor Tower brand and digital analyst Kara Lee said.

Temu's ad spending in April was 800 times larger in Brazil this year than last year, when the company was ramping up advertising there ahead of its June 2024 launch.

Shein did the same thing when Temu entered the U.S. market in September 2022, Lee said. "My guess is that they're probably utilizing a similar strategy in Brazil as well."

(Reporting by Arriana McLymore in New York City; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh, David Gregorio and Chris Reese)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Police in New York said a town official was arrested over the weekend for shooting a DoorDash delivery driver who was lost and trying to find the right address.

State police said John Reilly, the highway superintendent for the Town of Chester, was arrested Saturday, the day after allegedly shooting the delivery driver in front of his home. The 48-year-old is accused of felony assault and weapons possession.

The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Friday. According to police, the DoorDash driver had become lost and could not locate the correct delivery address.

The DoorDash worker went door-to-door, asking for directions in hopes of tracking down the correct home, police said. He eventually made it to Reillys home, where the 48-year-old instructed the man to get off his property.

After turning to leave, police allege that Reilly fired multiple shots at the delivery man. One of the bullets struck him in the back, causing seriously physical injuries.

DoorDash shared a statement with The New York Times, saying the company would work with law enforcement following this tragic incident.

Were devastated by this senseless act of violence, and were wishing the Dasher a full and speedy recovery, the statement read.
OhioStatehouse.org

(The Center Square)  A little more than a month after becoming law, Ohios higher education overhaul is under fire.

Organizers have moved into the signature-gathering phase to allow voters to decide on a constitutional amendment that would amend Senate Bill 1, a bill opponents believe will destroy the states higher education and legalize state-sponsored discrimination and censorship.

Proponents, though, say it requires diverse thought in the higher education system.

Attorney General Dave Yost approved the title and summary of the proposed amendment, which would repeal SB1, a law that eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion programs through the states colleges and universities.

My certification of the title and summary  should not be construed as an affirmation of the enforceability and constitutionality of the referendum petition, Yost said in a letter to Youngstown State sociology professor Amanda Fehlbaum, who submitted the proposal.

The group must now get signatures from registered voters in at least 44 of the states 88 counties. The valid signatures must equal at least 3% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election.

Statewide, the total number of valid signatures must be at least 6% of the that election vote total.

If the signature requirement is met, the Ohio Ballot Board must certify the proposed amendment contains only one question before it can be placed on the ballot.

Despite thousands of in-person protesters and thousands of people testifying against the bill, SB1 passed the Legislature in late March and was signed into law in early April.

It bans courses, training, litmus tests, required statements, and spending for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or programs.

It sets parameters around discussions about what it calls controversial topics. Named are climate polices; electoral politics; foreign policy; ban diversity, equity and inclusion; immigrant policy; and marriage and abortion.

It also bans faculty members from striking.

Gov. DeWine failed the people of Ohio by signing SB 1 into law, said House Minority Leader Allison Russo, R-Upper Arlington, said after DeWine signed the bill into law. "The governor now has to live with the consequences that will haunt his legacy because signing SB1 into law begins the inevitable destruction of Ohios cherished higher education system by legalizing state-sponsored censorship and discrimination, it will damage our economy and future by making Ohio an extremely undesirable place to learn and work, and it radically undermines the collective bargaining rights of workers."
Customers enter a Rite Aid store in California. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Rite Aid on Monday announced it is filing for bankruptcy for a second time, barely just seven months after the chain exited Chapter 11 and emerged as a private company.

The financially strapped drug store chain said it is looking for a buyer, and re-filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection will help facilitate that process. The company said it would keep its stores open throughout its bankruptcy.

While we have continued to face financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes in which we operate, we are encouraged by meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors, said Matt Schroeder, Rite Aids CEO, in a statement. As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.

Rite Aid first filed for bankruptcy in October 2023, becoming a casualty of a miserable environment for drug stores, exacerbated by its runner-up status to bigger chains and expensive legal battles for allegedly filling unlawful opioid prescriptions that pushed its debt to nearly $4 billion.

It took about a year to navigate the Chapter 11 process, finally emerging in September 2024 by slashing $2 billion in debt, securing $2.5 billion in funds to keep operating and the closure of about 500 locations.

On Monday, Rite Aid said it secured nearly $2 billion in new financing to keep it operational during its bankruptcy.

Rite Aid is a distant third-largest nationwide standalone pharmacy chain in the United States  and the seventh largest pharmacy overall, when taking into account big box chains. It has about 1,250 stores remaining  roughly half of the number it had just two years ago.

It was offered a $17 billion lifeline in 2015 when Walgreens offered to buy the chain. But the deal was met with stiff scrutiny from US regulators who feared the combination would violate federal antitrust laws and reduce competition in the drug store market.

Ultimately, in 2017, the companies agreed to a smaller, $4.4 billion deal, in which Walgreens bought just under 2,000 Rite Aid locations, leaving Rite Aid diminished in stature and unable to compete at the scale of its bigger rivals.

Neil Saunders, the managing director of GlobalData, a data analytics company, said he was not surprised by Rite Aids second bankruptcy, since the drug store chain hasnt been able to secure enough inventory to keep shelves stocked.

The first bankruptcy did little to resolve the chains issues, and it has been teetering on the edge of survival for quite some time, Saunders said.

With Walgreens no longer in a position to buy Rite Aid outright, the most likely outcome is that other drug store and retail chains will cherry pick individual Rite Aid stores to purchase and keep open, Saunders said.

Pharmacy ills

Rite Aids bankruptcy comes amid struggles for its rivals, too.

Walgreens Boots Alliance announced in March that its being taken private in a deal valued up to $24 billion, following a largely disastrous run on the public markets where its market cap has lost billions and more than 1,200 of its locations have closed or plan to close. The transaction is expected to be finalized later this year.

At CVS, the chain has closed more than 1,000 stores and undergone thousands of layoffs over the past several months. The company is experimenting with a new, smaller-format store that only focuses on the pharmacy rather than the retail part.

All three chains have struggled with declining prescription reimbursements in recent years, sending its value plummeting to just around $9.5 billion from $100 billion a decade ago.

They have also all become ubiquitous and over-expanded, with the chains becoming synonymous with convenience stores, giving people the option to pick-up their medication and perhaps grab something else, too. However, theyve struggled to keep up with Amazon, Target and other retailers and have also had issues with theft, which has chipped away their profitability.

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SAN DIEGO  Federal prosecutors have charged five people in connection with a fatal human smuggling incident, in which a panga-style boat overturned near San Diego and killed at least three people.

In two complaints filed May 6 in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California said five people were charged with participating in a "human smuggling event" that resulted in the deaths of three migrants, including a 14-year-old boy from India. The boy's 10-year-old sister was missing at sea and is presumed dead, according to prosecutors.

The children's parents were among the four people rescued and taken to nearby hospitals on May 5 after the U.S. Coast Guard received a report of an overturned vessel on a beach at about 6:30 a.m. local time. The children's father was in a coma while their mother remained hospitalized, prosecutors said.

Two other people found on the beach were detained by authorities, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Prosecutors said May 6 that the two have now been charged with human smuggling resulting in death and human smuggling for financial gain. The first charge carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

Border Patrol agents later arrested three others and charged them with unlawfully transporting migrants, according to prosecutors.

"The drowning deaths of these children are a heartbreaking reminder of how little human traffickers care about the costs of their deadly business," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. "We are committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims, and to holding accountable any traffickers responsible for their deaths."

Earlier on May 6, the Coast Guard said it had suspended its operations searching for people who were believed to still be missing, "pending further developments." Nine people were initially reported missing.

Prosecutors later said authorities were able to locate eight of the nine migrants missing from the boat, with the exception of the 10-year-old girl.

Here's what we know so far about the investigation:

What happened to the boat?

The boat washed ashore near Torrey Pines State Beach, about 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said. Hikers saw the boat capsize and people injured, Lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriffs Department told The Associated Press.

Photos of the boat after it was dragged onto the beach show it had chipped blue paint and wooden planks for seats. It was found with life preservers and shoes inside.

Conditions in the water were choppy at the time, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Levi Read said.

Who was on board?

Authorities said they believe the boat was carrying 16 people when it capsized. Prosecutors said bystanders and San Diego lifeguards participated in rescue efforts, in which authorities recovered three bodies, including the 14-year-old boy from India.

Earlier in the investigation, the Coast Guard said a survivor reported that 18 people were on board, but that number was revised after more information was gathered from injured passengers. At least some of the boat's occupants are from India, officials believe, because of Indian passports found on the beach, Read said.

Shawn Gibson, a special agent in charge of the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agency, said the incident was a "stark reminder of the dangers posed by maritime smuggling."

"The ruthless smuggling of undocumented individuals is not only illegal, its deadly," Gibson said.

Schnabel said he could not confirm whether the four people hospitalized are migrants or whether the people missing are believed to be migrants.

Who was charged in connection with the boat incident?

All five people arrested and charged were identified as Mexican citizens. The two people who were arrested at the beach were identified as Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna, 30, and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leyva, 36, according to prosecutors.

Following their arrests, Border Patrol agents conducted operations in Chula Vista, California, a city in San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border, and later identified a vehicle that was seen at the beach. Prosecutors said the driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the boat overturned.

Agents then identified two other vehicles that were also allegedly involved in the human smuggling incident and arrested the drivers of those "load vehicles," according to prosecutors. Eight of the nine migrants who had been missing were located during the investigation.

The drivers were identified as Melissa Jenelle Cota, 33, Gustavo Lara, 32, and Sergio Rojas-Fregosa, 31, prosecutors said, adding that Rojas-Fregoso had previously been deported from the U.S. in December 2023.

What is a panga boat?

A panga boat is an open, versatile outboard-powered boat, typically 18 to 30 feet long. It can be used for fishing, small boat rides, or hauling cargo, according to Panga Sports.

The boats are used for human smuggling and typically carry migrants into the United States from Latin America, authorities have said. They have also been used to smuggle marijuana in the country, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Since October, the Coast Guard has tracked 277 vessels, including pangas entering U.S. waters near San Diego, leading to 983 people apprehended, Read said.

Contributing: Terry Collins, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boat capsized near San Diego: 5 charged in connection to incident
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., at the Capitol on March 14. (Ben Curtis / AP file)

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on Tuesday dismissed concerns a former top staffer raised about his mental health as he managed depression and recovered from a stroke he suffered during his 2022 Senate campaign.

In a letter obtained by NBC News, dated May 2024 and addressed to Dr. David Williamson, Fettermans neuropsychiatrist at Walter Reed Medical Center, Adam Jentleson, the senators former chief of staff, wrote that he was worried his boss was on a bad trajectory.

John frequently exhibits the kind of alarming behavior you told us to look out for when he was discharged (and has continued to do so since we last talked in December), Jentleson wrote. But the main thing I want to raise with you is that John appears to be off his recovery plan  at least mostly off it, and possibly entirely off it.

New York magazine last week was first to report on the letter from Jentleson, who served as Fettermans chief of staff from January 2023 to April 2024, and then until June 2024 as a senior adviser.

Fetterman dismissed Jentlesons letter and the New York magazine article, which also included concerns about the senators well-being from other anonymous current and former staffers.

Its a one-source story, with a couple anonymous sources, hit piece from a very left publication. Theres really nothing more to say about it, Fetterman told NBC News on Tuesday.

Fetterman was hospitalized for depression in February 2023 for six weeks. One of the main concerns raised by Jentleson in his letter was whether Fetterman was properly following his recovery plan after being discharged from Walter Reed.

We do not know if he is taking his meds and his behavior frequently suggests he is not, Jentleson wrote to Williamson, who oversaw Fettermans care during his hospitalization. (Its not clear what medication Jentleson was referring to.)

We often see the kind of warning signs we discussed: conspiratorial thinking; megalomania (for example, he claims to be the most knowledgeable source on Israel and Gaza around but his sources are just what he reads in the news  he declines most briefings and never reads memos); high highs and low lows; long, rambling, repetitive and self-centered monologues; lying in ways that are painfully, awkwardly obvious to everyone in the room, such as swearing up and down that he didnt say something everyone heard him say a few minutes prior, Jentleson continued.

Asked about his message to people who express concerns about his condition, Fetterman told reporters on Tuesday, Theyre not, theyre actually not concerned, its a hit piece.

Asked about the question Jentleton raised about taking medication, Fetterman declined to answer, but said, Again, hit piece, anonymous sources, disgruntled staffers.

I stand by what I said and hope he gets the help he needs, Jentleson said Tuesday.

Fetterman has been open about his struggles with depression after his stroke, telling NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker in a 2023 interview, People hear all their lives about I cant get out of bed, and you really cant understand what that really means. You cant get out of bed until it happens to you. And it did.

And I was scaring my children, and they were confused, he added. And, of course, my wife was concerned, and I think she understands better than the kids did.

Fettermans Democratic colleagues have stood by him.

Hes doing a good job, and hes a good legislator, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told NBC News when asked if he had concerns about Fetterman.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said he had dinner with Fetterman and Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., two weeks ago. He said Fetterman was doing pretty well, describing him as a special talent in our party who has a way of speaking to everyday folks that really connects.

Now, he went through an incredible health event, and it takes ongoing care, Welch told NBC News. I have no knowledge of it, but you dont have to know much to know that thats an ongoing challenge, and I want to be there to support him as much as I possibly can.
Scientists are working on developing a urine test to detect prostate cancer. Anchalee Phanmaha/Getty Images

This article originally appeared on Medical News Today

Early detection of prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge due to the lack of reliable biomarkers, despite the disease being highly treatable when caught in its early stages.

Now, researchers have identified a new set of urine-based biomarkers that can accurately detect both the presence and severity of prostate cancer.

The study combines artificial intelligence with detailed genetic analysis and could potentially offer an alternative to current PSA testing.

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men yet is often highly treatable when detected early. It originates in the prostate gland, located between the bladder and the penis.

While the exact cause remains unknown, the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age.

One reason early detection is challenging is the absence of reliable biomarkers that can accurately indicate the onset of the disease.

This new research, published in the journal Cancer Research, suggests that early-stage prostate cancer can be detected using a simple urine test.

Using AI, gene activity to identify cancer biomarkers

Researchers created digital models of prostate cancer by analysing mRNA activity across all human genes in thousands of individual tumour cells, each classified by cancer grade and location.

They used artificial intelligence to examine these models and identify proteins that could act as potential biomarkers.

These biomarkers were then tested in blood, prostate tissue and urine samples from nearly 2,000 patients.

First author Martin Smelik explained the key findings to Medical News Today.

The key finding of this article is that prostate cancer can be effectively identified by analyzing the expression of candidate biomarkers in urine, Smelik explained.

This approach [via a urine sample] outperforms the current blood tests based on PSA but at the same time keeps the advantages of being non-invasive, painless, and relatively cheap.

 Martin Smelik

Potential alternative to PSA testing

A specific set of urine-based biomarkers showed strong potential in detecting both the presence and severity of prostate cancer with greater accuracy than PSA, the current standard blood-based marker.

A PSA test is a simple blood test that checks the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen, which is made by the prostate.

High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions like an enlarged or inflamed prostate.

Large scale clinical trials needed to confirm findings

Plans are now in place to conduct large-scale clinical trials to further validate the findings.

In addition, discussions are underway to include the novel biomarkers in a UK-wide prostate cancer study to speed up testing and implementation.

This publication brings hope for more efficient screening programs within next few years, which might ultimately help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. While this study was focused specifically on prostate cancer, we believe that some of the methods could be generalized to other cancers as well, which we would like to try in our future studies.

 Martin Smelik

These improvements may also help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies in men who do not have the disease.

Milan Sheth, MD, quadruple board certified in internal medicine, hematology, oncology, and palliative care, at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, who was not involved in the study, said that this is an impressive study utilising artificial intelligence to find alternative methods and bio markers for diagnosing prostate cancer.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing such complications. However, current methods for diagnosing prostate cancer utilize uncomfortable, and invasive approaches that can only be performed by a urologist.

 Milan Sheth

The findings from the current paper showed that specific biomarkers which are dynamic and more sensitive than PSA can actually be found in the urine, Sheth told MNT. Remarkably, the urinary bio markers demonstrated exceptional diagnostic precision, and were capable of distinguishing not only cancerous from non-cancer states but also indicating disease severity.

Test may aid prostate cancer screening

This discovery could potentially change the ways in which prostate cancer is not only diagnosed but can also be used as a more accurate screening mechanism, which we desperately need. And all this simply through a urine test, Sheth said.

Ramkishen Narayanan, MD, board certified urologist and urologic oncologist and Director of the Center for Urologic Health at The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, CA, agreed, saying that this paper presents an exciting area of research.

With respect to prostate cancer, serum PSA has remained the only reliable biomarker for nearly 50 years at this point. We are long overdue for additional biomarkers that can both detect prostate cancer and monitor prostate cancer progression.

 Ramkishen Narayanan

Narayanan pointed out that the study authors make note that urine may be an excellent modality for finding a reliable biomarker due to the local fluids near cancer concept.

Urine is intimately associated with the prostate and a urinary biomarker for prostate cancer is an ongoing area of research worldwide, he said.

Spatial transcriptomics is unfortunately very expensive; therefore, a globally collaborative approach (such as the cancer genome atlas program) would be the most beneficial to the public, Narayanan added.

View the original article on Medical News Today
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to implement his ban on transgender people serving in the military.

The justices granted an emergency request from the Trump administration to lift a nationwide injunction blocking the policy while litigation continues.

The court's brief order noted that the three liberal justices dissented.

Follow live politics coverage here

"No more trans @ DoD," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on X. In a separate Defense Department post earlier Tuesday, before the decision was issued, Hegseth said in a video: "No more dudes in dresses. We are done with that s---."

Just over 4,000 transgender people currently serve in the military, according to Defense Department data, though some activists put the figure much higher. There are around 2.1 million active service members in total.

Among those affected with be the seven individual transgender service members, led by lead plaintiff Emily Shilling, a Navy commander, who had sued to block it.

"Transgender service members have served this nation with courage, skill, and selflessness for years," Shilling said in a statement Tuesday. "Weve flown combat missions, led sailors, commanded troops, and stood watch. We are not a theory. We are not a policy debate. We are real people, doing real jobs, in defense of a nation we still believe in, even when it struggles to believe in us."

"I know this decision will cause fear and doubt in the ranks. To those feeling shaken, I say this: stand tall. You are not alone. You are part of a community that will fight for you, stand beside you, and never stop pushing forward," she added.

Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, two groups representing the plaintiffs, said in a joint statement that the Supreme Court decision was a "devastating blow" to transgender service members.

The policy has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice, they added.

In a separate case, a judge in Washington, D.C., also blocked the policy nationwide, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit put that ruling on hold temporarily while it heard arguments on whether to block it more permanently. The court has yet to rule.

The policy, announced in February, is much more comprehensive ban than a similar proposal implemented during the first Trump term. It "generally disqualifies from military service individuals who have gender dysphoria or have undergone medical interventions for gender dysphoria," Solicitor General D. John Sauer said in court papers.

In asking the Supreme Court to intervene, Sauer said that judges are required to show "substantial deference" to the Defense Department's judgment on military issues.

In implementing the policy, the government relied on a Pentagon report from the first Trump term that said people with gender dysphoria are a threat to "military effectiveness and lethality."

The challengers argued in court that the ban violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment, which requires that laws apply equally to everybody, as well as other constitutional provisions.

Transgender service members have shown in recent years that they can serve just as well as anyone else, their lawyers said in court papers. Then-President Joe Biden had rolled back Trump's earlier restrictions.

"An unprecedented degree of animus towards transgender people animates and permeates the ban: it is based on the shocking proposition that transgender people do not exist," the lawyers wrote.

A federal judge in Washington state blocked the policy March 27, saying it is not an especially close question. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to put the ruling on hold, prompting the Trump administration to turn to the Supreme Court.
May 6, 2025 at 8:42 AM

In a scene ripped from the video game franchise Grand Theft Auto, a suspected car thief tossed a live grenade at cops during a wild car chase Friday, causing panic in a residential California neighborhood.

California Highway Patrol officers narrowly avoided catastrophe Friday when the suspect, Carlos Kuceja, 28, hurled the explosive device at them in an effort to avoid capture while driving through Berkeley.

The live grenade that a suspect hurled at police during a chase in Oakland. California Highway Patrol

The nearly disastrous incident began when CHP officers tried to pull over Kuceja in Oakland at approximately 3:30 p.m. after he was seen allegedly driving in a stolen car, cops said in a press release.

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.

Kuceja threw a bag from the drivers side window during the pursuit, officers said. Another cop not involved in the chase probed the bag only to make the explosive discovery.

Upon looking inside, the officer observed what appeared to be a grenade with the safety pin partially removed, police said in a statement.

CHP notified the Berkeley Police Department of the grenade and requested assistance while telling local residents to evacuate their homes. The University of California, Berkeley, Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded to the area, secured the grenade and cleared the area by 5 p.m., police said.

California Highway Patrol officers narrowly avoided catastrophe when a suspect hurled a grenade at them during a chase Friday. Sundry Photography  stock.adobe.com

Meanwhile, the chase for the suspect continued. Kuceja abandoned the stolen vehicle and tried to make his getaway on foot, police said.

Officers chased after him and cornered him on a dead-end street.

The UCPD Bomb Team also searched the abandoned car and determined there were no additional explosives in the vehicle.

Police take suspect Carlos Kuceja, 28, into custody after a harrowing car chase in which he allegedly hurled a grenade at pursuing officers. KTVU

After acquiring a search warrant, officers also scoured Kucejas residence  a multi-home dwelling where police say he was living illegally  for other explosives, but none were found, police said.

Residents at the location were temporarily evacuated while police conducted their search.

They were allowed back into their homes by 10:30 p.m., police said.

Kuceja was arrested on felony charges of possession and transportation of a destructive device, possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing police and resisting arrest, police said.
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Certain destinations warrant booking a window seat because the scene that unfolds below looks like a postcard that's come to life.

Some of my personal favorite approaches include descending into Kauai, where you can peer out the window to see the emerald-hued cliffs of the Napali Coast plunge into the Pacific. Another unforgettable one is a wintertime landing in Jackson, Wyoming at the small airport thats located inside Grand Teton National Park, where the snow-covered peaks jut into the sky. In the Caribbean, on St Maarten, flights landing at Princess Juliana International Airport look as though theyre going to skim the water, and beach-goers on Maho Beach hang out to watch the inbound planes make their approach.

But what airports around the world have especially gorgeous landings?

AllClear, a travel insurance company, took a crack at quantifying the most beautiful landings in a recent ranking. To do so, analysts started with a short list of 32 airports around the globe that are known for stunning aerial views. Then, 100 participants were shown a series of images of the airport runways and their visual engagement was measured with eye-tracking technology.

The most scenic runway approach in the world, according to the ranking, is the one at Lord Howe Airport in Australia. The runway is tucked between lush mountains and turquoise waters and its a fairly exclusive landing considering that Lord Howe Island caps the number of visitors to 400 a day so that the destination never feels too crowded. The islands population is less than that, numbering 350.

For those unfamiliar with the destination, Lord Howe Island (a part of New South Wales) was formed by volcanic activity and visitors are stunned by the diversity of colorful fish, as well as coral, that can be seen by snorkeling close to the beach. The island is also a popular spot for diving and glass-bottom kayak tours.

The list of breathtaking flight descents spans the globe, offering everything from sun-drenched beaches and dramatic mountain ranges to bustling city skylines.

What makes these landings so memorable isnt just the natural beautyits the rare chance to see iconic places from an entirely different vantage point. Aerial approaches offer a kind of preview, a first impression that often sets the tone for the whole trip. Flying over the dramatic fjords of Norway or the glowing, geometric expanse of Dubai at night can be just as stirring as the final descent into a beach-lined paradise. Even seasoned travelers find themselves reaching for their phone or camera when the views outside the window are this good.

Queenstown ranks No. 2 for most beautiful airport landings (ai_yoshi via Getty Images)

And sometimes its not just what you see, but how you feel. Approaching an airport nestled deep within mountain ranges, like Paro Airport in Bhutan, brings a sense of awe and anticipation, especially knowing the landing requires special pilot training. These moments remind us why we travelto be moved, surprised, and even a little humbled by the worlds beauty.

Some of the standouts include soaring over Madeiras rugged, earthy cliffs as they tumble into the Atlantic, descending into Aspen with wide views of Colorados snow-capped Rocky Mountains, and flying into London where youll get aerial postcard-like snapshots of the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

If you're flying to Hawaii (especially Honolulu) request a window seat at booking. (redtea via Getty Images)

Heres the full list of the top-ranked landings, according to AllClear:

No. 1: Lord Howe Island Airport

No. 2: Queenstown Airport in New Zealand

No. 3, tie: Madeira Airport in Funchal, Madeira in Portugal

No. 3, tie: Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, Colorado

No. 5, tie: Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

No. 5, tie: London City Airport in London, United Kingdom

No. 7: Innsbruck Airport in Austria

No. 8: Paro Airport in Bhutan

No. 9: Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba

No. 10, tie: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii

No. 10, tie: Lukla Airport in Nepal

No. 12 tie: Seychelles International Airport in Mahe

No. 12, tie: Telluride Regional Airport in Telluride, Colorado

No. 12, tie: Nice Cote d'Azur Airport in Nice, France

No. 15, tie: Wellington International Airport in New Zealand

No. 15, tie: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Toronto, Canada
WASHINGTON  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Trump administration's economic policies during his first public appearance on Capitol Hill since President Donald Trump's tariffs upended the U.S. economy.

In a May 6 hearing with the House subcommittee responsible for turning the Treasury Department's budget proposal into law, Bessent suggested the Republican administration could announce tariff deals with U.S. trading partners as early as this week. The Trump Cabinet member said that even as he acknowledged the U.S. had not yet begun negotiating with China, the other largest economy in the world.

Here are six takeaways from his testimony.

Tariff deals could be announced this week

Rep. David Joyce, R-Pennsylvania, asked Bessent what Americans can expect to see on tariffs a year from now.

Bessent said that will depend on our "trading partners," the 17 other countries the administration is negotiating with.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before a House Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee oversight hearing on "The United States Air Force and Space Force," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Those countries have brought "very good offers" to the table with the United States, he said, and the negotiations are "proceeding very well."

Deals could be announced as early as this week, he added.

"I would be surprised if we don't have more than 80 or 90% of those (trade deals) wrapped up by the end of the year," Bessent said.

No negotiations with China

China's President Xi Jinping (L) and Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man pose for photos prior to their meeting in Hanoi on April 14, 2025. Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned that protectionism "leads nowhere" and that a trade war would have "no winners", state media said, as he arrived in Vietnam on April 14 on the first leg of a Southeast Asia tour.

However, Bessent said that Trump is not talking with one of the country's 18 largest trading partners: China.

That contradicted previous claims from Trump that the U.S. is engaging with Beijing about tariffs.

More: 'Two dolls instead of 30': Trump acknowledges prices will force consumers to cut back

Earlier this year, Trump administration imposed tariffs totaling 145% on imports from China, prompting Beijing to slap 125% tariffs on U.S. exports.

Bessent has said it's up to China to de-escalate the trade tensions because they sell more goods to the U.S. than the U.S. does to China. Trump has signaled multiple times in recent weeks that trade talks with China are underway.

Cuts ahead at the IRS

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: People use IRS Direct File at the Internal Revenue Service Building on April 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project)

Bessent told the House panel that the Internal Revenue Service spent around $450 million on paper processing with 6,500 full-time staff members dedicated to the task last year.

Through "policy changes and automation," the administration aims to reduce that expense to under $20 million, he said.

More: Donald Trump names fifth person to lead IRS this year

He touted $2 billion in cuts already levied on the IRS' information technology budget "without any operational disruptions."

"The IRS still needs significant reforms to deliver efficient and cost-friendly results for the American people," he said.

'X-date' still unclear

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Rep. Steve Womack, R-Arkansas, asked Bessent when the "x-date" is, the date by which the U.S. would default on its debt if the debt ceiling is not raised.

Bessent said his agency is still tallying total revenues from tax day in mid-April.

"We are on the warning track," he said. "And when you're on the warning track, it means the wall's not far away."

However, he assured members that the U.S. government will "never default" and that they will raise the debt ceiling.

Raising the debt ceiling is included in the massive party-line bill Republicans in Congress are working on to implement Trump's agenda. Lawmakers hope to pass it by July 4.

No recession

Ranking Member Steny Hoyer (D-MD) speaks with Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, before he testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2025.

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. asked Bessent whether he believes that the U.S. is currently in a recession.

"I believe in data, and there is nothing in the data that shows that we are in a recession," Bessent responded. "As a matter of fact, the jobs report has surprised to the upside."

More: Will there be a recession in 2025? Forecasters are split - see reasons why.

An economic report released last week indicated that U.S. GDP contracted at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first quarter. That's because imported goods swelled an eye-popping 50% annualized as companies raced to order foreign merchandise before tariffs kicked in. Imports are subtracted from U.S. GDP because theyre produced in other countries.

Bessent argued that the numbers could be revised and that he expects they will be changed after looking at a detailed analysis.

'Scary' national debt must be mitigated

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (L) shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) (R) after testifying before the House Appropriations Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on May 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Bessent testified during an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-North Carolina, asked Bessent when the U.S. debt levels would no longer be sustainable. At the beginning of April, the national debt was $36.2 trillion.

Bessent said it is "difficult to pinpoint" the exact moment, but said it "would look like a sudden stop in the economy as the credit would disappear as markets would lose confidence."

"I'm committed to that not happening," he said.

The debt is "scary," he said, but the key will be reducing spending while growing GDP.

GDP contracted during the first quarter of the year, and Republicans in Congress are currently working on a bill that non-partisan experts estimate could add around $5.8 trillion to the deficit.

Edwards asked: When is the tipping point?

"What the market is more concerned about is a trajectory. Are you on a trajectory that is unsustainable or are you bending the curve?" Bessent said, adding that the goal is to use both growth and spending restraint to solve the problem.

Joey Garrison contributed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trade deals imminent but no China talks; Bessent testimony takeaways
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.

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)

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.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump's Department of Justice urged a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging access to the abortion drug mifepristone, a move that aligns with the Biden administrations defense of the drug.

In a court brief filed April 5, the Trump administration did not debate the legality of the pill or defend its use in almost two-thirds of pregnancy terminations in the U.S.

Rather, the Justice Department contended that the suit should be dismissed, or at least filed in a different district court, for procedural reasons.

The Supreme Court last summer threw out an attempt by anti-abortion doctors to reverse the FDA's loosening of rules around mifepristone prescriptions. The high court determined the plaintiffs lacked a legitimate basis to sue.

The group of doctors then dropped their challenge, but attorneys general in Missouri, Kansas and Idaho stepped in to continue the case. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee who has been friendly to abortion-related challenges, allowed the states to intervene and is considering their case in North Texas.

Lawyers for the government argued in the latest filing that Kacsmaryks court is not the proper venue for the states challenge.

"(The) States do not dispute that their claims have no connection to the Northern District of Texas," they wrote.

"The States are free to pursue their claims in a District where venue is proper," lawyers added, "but the States claims before this Court must be dismissed or transferred."

The Justice Department also pushed back on Missouri, Kansas and Idaho's claims that they are being harmed by the federal regulations.

Luz Camcho, system manager, places Misoprostol on the shelf at Parker Road Drug Store in Greenville, S.C., on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Misoprostol is used alongside Mifespristone, also known as the "abortion pill."

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 Republican-led states have argued they have a legitimate basis to sue because their Medicaid health insurance programs will likely have to pay to treat patients who suffer complications from using mifepristone.

They have also said their suit should 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.

First approved in 2000, mifepristone has helped fuel an increase in abortions in recent years, despite the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Use of the drug rose after the FDA said the pill could be safely prescribed in a telehealth consultation, allowing women in states where abortion is legal and where it is not to access mifepristone.

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Under former President Joe Biden, the Department of Justice first moved to dismiss Missouri, Kansas and Idaho's challenge.

Trump, who has touted his role in appointing conservative justices who overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, said during his 2024 campaign he did not plan to ban or restrict access to mifepristone.

Contributing: Daniel Wiessner, Reuters; Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump administration wants case against abortion pill dismissed
The program is the latest target of the Trump administration as it seeks to accelerate deportations and dismantle legal programs that support immigrants. (John Moore / Getty Images file)

The Trump administration has pulled the plug on a program that provides legal help to immigrants who are determined mentally incompetent, according to a lawsuit filed by immigration legal groups.

The groups, which filed the lawsuit in District of Columbia federal district court late Monday, said about 200 people were getting services through the terminated program known as the National Qualified Representative Program.

Attorneys said the end of the representation leaves some of the most vulnerable immigrants  those with mental health issues, cognitive disabilities, traumatic brain injuries  in danger. The program ended in every state except for Arizona, California and Washington, where it was originally established as part of a legal settlement.

People who suffer from mental illness in a lot of countries around the world are at grave risk of torture and death, and without counsel, deportation could subject them to those conditions, David Faherty, supervising attorney for adult detention with the National Immigrant Justice Center, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, told NBC News.

NBC News has reached out to the White House and Justice Department for comment. The Department of Homeland Security deferred to the Justice Department on comment.

The program is the latest target of the Trump administration as it seeks to accelerate deportations and dismantle legal programs that support immigrants. The administration also has been trying to choke off money that pays for immigration attorneys who assist unaccompanied immigrant children. It ended orientation programs for detainees that informed them of their rights, and it plans to replace lawyers representing children and parents or guardians separated at the border under the previous Trump administration with the administrations own lawyers.

In a March memo, President Donald Trump took issue with immigration lawyers, and directed the attorney general to take action against them in certain circumstances.

The April 25 termination of a contract with Acacia Center for Justice, the contractor that subcontracts with several of the legal groups that sued, had immediate impact, Faherty said.

Faherty had informed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an immigration court that a man held in ICE custody had mental illness, which he learned from a call by a family member to the National Immigrant Justice Centers hotline. An immigrant judge determined that the immigrant was not competent and needed a lawyer. That same day, the Trump administration pulled the plug on the program that would have provided one.

Faherty said usually once an attorney is mandated, the National Immigrant Justice Center would hear from the court to provide legal counsel. But it has not been contacted.

Along with assistance going through the process, the legal groups help set up forensic, medical and psychological evaluations; ensure there is access to treatment; or sometimes help immigrants get in touch with a lost family member, attorneys said.

The immigrants' circumstances run the gamut, with some who are homeless, others whose mental illness has only begun to emerge, some who suffered traumatic brain injuries, and elder immigrants experiencing dementia. There are also those who have been diagnosed with mental illness and were undergoing treatment before ending up in ICE custody.

The program is popular with immigration judges because it makes their job easier, since they can leave the work of getting evaluations to attorneys, Faherty said.

Having counsel in this situation, its more efficient. It moves much more smoothly through the immigration process than if you dont have counsel, he said.

The program the administration ended stems from a 2013 lawsuit in which the main plaintiff, Jose Antonio Franco-Gonzalez, a Mexican immigrant with a cognitive disability, was detained for almost five years without a hearing or a lawyer.

The settlement of the 2010 suit applied only to immigrants in the states of Arizona, California and Washington. But the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security under the Obama administration adopted a policy to extend the enhanced protections for immigrants to those in all other states.

The governments action in cutting funding for court-appointed counsel for people not competent to represent themselves in immigration court is not just heartless and cruel, but also discriminatory against people with disabilities, Laura Lunn, director of advocacy and litigation at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, another plaintiff, stated in a news release.

Veronica Barba, a California attorney who handles cases covered by the terminated program, said the difference since the settlement is like night and day.

People were languishing in the courts and detention centers for years and years, Barba said. The way I look at it, it could be any one of us who falls ill one day.

The lawsuits plaintiffs include American Gateways, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, Estrella del Paso, Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, National Immigrant Justice Center, Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, and Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network.
Men alleged to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the Salvadoran gang MS-13 have been sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (El Salvador's Presidency press office via AFP - Getty Images)

A declassified memo drafted by U.S. intelligence agencies contradicts President Donald Trump's claims that Venezuela's government controls the Tren de Aragua gang, an argument he has used to deport immigrants to an El Salvador prison.

The National Intelligence Council memo states that the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro allows criminal gangs to operate in its territory but that it is not orchestrating Tren de Araguas operations in the United States.

While Venezuelas permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States, according to the April 7 memo.

The National Intelligence Director's Office released the memo in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation provided a copy to NBC News. Titled "Venezuela: Examining regime ties to Tren de Aragua," the declassified version of the five-page memo included some blacked out-words and passages.

The New York Times first reported on the memo Monday.

Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act after declaring Tren de Aragua an invading force. The law had only been used in wartime.

He and administration officials have said that the Tren de Aragua gang is operating under the guidance and direction of the Venezuelan regime.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (Cristian Hernandez / AP file)

TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela, Trump wrote in his proclamation invoking the act.

The law has been used to summarily deport Venezuelans and other immigrants to a prison in El Salvador. The prison is notorious for its brutal and abusive conditions.

The intelligence community said it based its judgment about Tren de Aragua on Venezuelan law enforcement actions demonstrating the regime treats TDA as a threat; an uneasy mix of cooperation and confrontation, rather than top down directives characterizing the regimes ties to other armed groups; and the decentralized makeup of TDA that would make such a relationship logistically challenging.

The memo noted that FBI analysts took a slightly different view even though they agreed broadly with the assessment of the other intelligence agencies. FBI analysts assess some Venezuelan government officials facilitate TDA members migration from Venezuela to the United States and use members as proxies in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States to advance what they see as the Maduro regimes goal of destabilizing governments and undermining public safety in these countries, the memo said.

Peruvian police transfer a man alleged to be a member of Tren de Aragua in Lima in 2023. (Cris Bouroncle / AFP via Getty Images file)

The Washington Post first reported on the existence of the memo, and before that the Times reported that intelligence called into question assertions about the cartel and its ties to the Venezuelan government.

The Trump administration has sharply criticized media coverage of the issue as misleading and announced leak investigations related to the Post and Times reporting. The Justice Department cited the media reporting as an impetus to roll back limits on leak investigations.

Lauren Harper of the Freedom of the Press Foundation said the memo undermines the administrations claims that the information in the document could pose a danger to public safety.

The Trump administration claimed that the leak of this memo was so dangerous that it necessitated opening criminal investigations and creating new, stricter rules around leaks to the media, Harper said in an email. We wanted to see if that was true  or if the Justice Department was weakening journalists protections to help hide a document that the public has an obvious right to see.

The declassified memo not only shows that the Maduro regime does not direct Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, it shows the DOJs new media rules are an excuse to target journalists, she said.

But the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said that the news media is twisting and manipulating intelligence assessments about foreign criminal gangs operating in the U.S. to undermine the President's agenda to keep the American people safe.

Illegal immigrant criminals have raped, tortured, and murdered Americans, and still, the propaganda media continues to operate as apologists for them, she said in an email relayed by a spokesperson.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence later issued a statement saying it fully supports the assessment that the foreign terrorist organization, Tren De Aragua, is acting with the support of the Maduro Regime, and thus subject to arrest, detention, and removal as alien enemies of the United States.

At a House Intelligence Committee hearing in March, Gabbard told lawmakers that there were conflicting findings on the ties between the gang and the regime. There are varied assessments that came from different intelligence community elements, she said.

The ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, and Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, also a member of the committee, welcomed the memos release and said they had written a letter last month to Gabbard asking her to declassify it.

The lawmakers argued that the declassified assessment reinforced the finding of a federal judge last week that the administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act related to the Tren de Aragua gang was illegal.

The Democratic congressmen also wrote that Director Gabbard should explain why her public descriptions of this intelligence failed to correspond with the ICs findings.

They added: The most basic responsibility of the Director of National Intelligence is to speak truth to power and, where possible, the American people.

Asked about the declassified memo, the Republican chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, said in an email that he fully supports President Trumps tireless efforts to protect Americans from brutal thugs who seek to invade our homeland and terrorize the American people.

Cotton added that he looks forward to journalists' "questioning his Democrat friends as to why they continue to defend foreigners who seek to do harm to their constituents."

Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the memo showed that the Maduro regime is not a sponsor of Tren de Aragua.

Its extremely concerning to see the DNI misrepresent nonpartisan Intelligence Community assessments, he said in a statement. Its even more alarming to see this happening as part of an effort to give legs to Donald Trumps unconstitutional attempts to expulse migrants without due process.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in an op-ed on Fox News website that it was irrelevant if Tren de Aragua was acting on the orders of the Maduro regime, arguing the regime had fostered its growth.

Whether TdA exclusively murders, smuggles drugs, and traffics illegal immigrants over our borders on the orders of Venezuelan leaders, or freelances for self-enrichment is beside the point, he wrote. It has killed on behalf of a hostile foreign government, that government has fostered its growth, and that government has encouraged it to invade the United States to advance its interests.
By Lucia Mutikani

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. trade deficit widened to a record high in March as businesses boosted imports of goods ahead of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, which dragged gross domestic product into negative territory in the first quarter for the first time in three years.

The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday showed the nation imported a record amount of goods from 10 countries, including Mexico and Vietnam. Imports from China were, however, the lowest in five years and could drop further as Trump has hiked duties on Chinese goods to a staggering 145%.

While reciprocal tariffs with most of the United States' trade partners were suspended for 90 days, duties on Chinese goods came into effect in early April, triggering a trade war with Beijing.

"Businesses are clearly scrambling as they try to find a way through this time of unprecedented change, but the worst is undoubtedly yet to come because the import tariff collections did not start to roll in earnest until after the White House Liberation Day announcement on April 2," said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at FWDBONDS. "There are still no trade deals announced in Trump 2.0."

The trade gap jumped 14.0%, or $17.3 billion, to a record $140.5 billion, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) said on Tuesday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade deficit rising to $137.0 billion.

Imports vaulted 4.4% to an all-time high $419.0 billion in March. Goods imports soared 5.4% to a record $346.8 billion. They were boosted by a $22.5 billion jump in consumer goods to an all-time high, mostly pharmaceutical preparations.

Capital goods imports increased $3.7 billion to a record high, reflecting a solid rise in computer accessories. Imports of automotive vehicles, parts and engines increased $2.6 billion, driven by passenger cars.

But imports of industrial supplies declined $10.7 billion amid decreases in finished metal shapes and nonmonetary gold, which had accounted for the surge in the prior two months. Crude oil imports fell $1.2 billion.

EXPORTS RISE MARGINALLY

Exports climbed 0.2% to $278.5 billion, also a record high. Exports of goods increased 0.7% to $183.2 billion, the highest since July 2022, lifted by industrial supplies and materials, which advanced $2.2 billion amid rises in natural gas and nonmonetary gold.

Automotive vehicles, parts and engines exports increased $1.2 billion. But exports of capital goods decreased $1.5 billion, weighed down by a $1.8 billion decline in shipments of civilian aircraft. The goods trade deficit ballooned 11.2% to a record $163.5 billion in March.

The government reported last week that the trade deficit cut a record 4.83 percentage points from GDP last quarter, resulting in the economy contracting at a 0.3% annualized rate, the first decline since the first quarter of 2022.

Trump sees the tariffs as a tool to raise revenue to offset his promised tax cuts and to revive a long-declining U.S. industrial base. Economists expect the flood of imports to ebb by May, which could help GDP to rebound in the second quarter.

They, however, caution that the lift from subsiding imports could be offset by a drop in exports as other nations boycott American goods and travel. There has been a decrease in visitors to the U.S., especially from Canada, in protest over the punitive tariffs as well as an immigration crackdown and Trump's musings about annexing Canada and Greenland.

Indeed, exports of services fell $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March, pulled down by a $1.3 billion drop in travel.

The rush to beat tariffs saw imports from Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, India and Vietnam hitting all-time highs. But imports from China were the lowest since March 2020, when the world was grappling with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The seasonally adjusted goods trade deficit with China narrowed to $24.8 billion from $26.6 billion in February. The trade deficit with Canada also declined to $4.9 billion from $7.4 billion in February. The trade gap with Mexico was little changed, while the surplus with the United Kingdom narrowed.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Andrea Ricci)
Doug Collins testifies before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)

The head of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday defended the agencys slashing of thousands of jobs and said its goal is to cut an additional 15% of its workforce, as he testified for the first time since taking the helm.

In testy exchanges with multiple members of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Secretary Doug Collins said that his agency was looking into potentially cutting another 70,500 nonessential positions in a move that would make the agency more efficient.

The departments history shows that adding more employees to the system doesnt automatically equal better results, said Collins, a Navy veteran and former U.S. representative, who was sworn in in February.

The VA announced this year that it had fired more than 2,400 employees and planned to end 585 contracts. Many committee members peppered Collins with questions about the consequences of those reductions. When asked to elaborate on which positions and contracts were terminated, he said he would provide them with the information later.

He said the agency would keep front-line health care workers, such as doctors and nurses, but would phase out nonessential roles, like interior designers and those who work in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Collins has said that the personnel changes would not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries, and that mission-critical positions were exempt from the reductions.

The cuts, he said, would increase productivity and eliminate waste.

On Tuesday, Collins said that by getting rid of DEI initiatives, the VA saved $14 million, which he said was redirected to veterans with disabilities who need prosthetics.

In scathing remarks, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., criticized Collins for failing to sufficiently address the dozens of requests for information and letters of inquiry that he and his colleagues sent to the Trump administration.

Blumenthal said accountability "has been totally lacking, as he warned that taking a chainsaw to an agency that has about 470,000 employees and serves about 9.1 million people would be disastrous.

Make no mistake, it is a disaster that is on the horizon, approaching us as surely as a thunderstorm in the nations capital, he said.

Collins said money and staffing were not always the solution. For example, he said, the VA has been spending $588 million a year to research veteran suicide  its top clinical priority. Yet, he said there has not been a significant decrease in veteran suicide rates since 2008.

There were more than 6,400 veteran suicides in 2022, the latest year with available data, which was slightly more than in 2021, according to the VAs most recent report.

Collins also slammed the VAs human resources department for taking nearly two weeks to provide him with a list of all the agencys employees. He also said some VA doctors and nurses are not seeing patients.

"Year after year, the calls for VA reform come from every corner," he said. "This year, we have finally embarked on a historic effort to reform the VA. We have been emphatic that we will not be cutting benefits and health care, only improving them, and I think the budget shows that."

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Major delays and cancellations that have been plaguing travelers coming in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey in the past week could continue well into the next week and beyond if multiple issues, including staffing shortages and equipment malfunctions, aren't solved.

The main issue that kick-started a chain of delays came after a number of system outages, including when controllers' screens essentially went dark for up to 90 seconds  causing them to lose the ability to track aircraft at a key facility handling traffic in and out of Newark.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued several ground delays and ground stops at the airport, which is located just outside New York City and is among the busiest airports in the country. At one point, arriving flights were delayed as long as six hours, while departures faced nearly four-hour delays, CBS New York reported.

"Our antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce," the FAA said in a statement.

The FAA has blamed equipment outages and staffing levels in Philadelphia, where the air traffic control center that oversees Newark's airspace is based, as well as runway construction.

Here's what travelers should know about the issues at the 12th busiest airport in the U.S.

Air traffic control staffing shortage

One of the reasons Newark airport has been dealing with disruptions and long wait times for more than a week is due to air traffic control staffing shortage, according to the FAA.

The staffing shortages at a terminal air traffic control facility in Philadelphia, officially known as Terminal Radar Approach Control or TRACON, reduced the facility's ability to provide approach control services to aircraft arriving, departing, or transiting the airspace.

The FAA said it instituted a "flow constrained area"  a line in space that is drawn across a specific area that air traffic controllers are monitoring after traffic had reached a point where it is considered to be a potential issue  in Newark due to the Philadelphia TRACON staffing. It means traffic managers have to look at possible ways of metering the air traffic across the area to ensure that it does not exceed what controllers can actually handle, the National Business Aviation Association explained.

When the staffing gets low, the FAA runs what's called an Airspace Flow Program, which is a traffic management program that consists of delaying flights to spread out the traffic so that available staffing can safely handle the demand.

"I think our industry is all about mitigating safety risk," Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci told CBS News' chief transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave. "So what you do is you slow things down, you slow things down so you can operate safely. But those delays are just too long."

The Philadelphia TRACON has been guiding some air traffic at Newark after the agency relocated a group of controllers there from New York last year in an effort to help staffing overall. It is part of a nationwide problem with more than 90% of country's airport towers are staffed below FAA standards, according to a CBS News analysis earlier this year.

Equipment issues, "lost radar," staff on trauma leave

Late last week, 20% of air traffic controllers in Philadelphia called out of work, citing trauma due to equipment outages and frustration with the ongoing issues, a source familiar with the situation told CBS News.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a union representing air traffic controllers and other aviation workers nationwide, said in a statement that Philadelphia TRACON workers "did not 'walk off the job' as it has been reported by the media."

Around the major time delays began last week, the air traffic controllers on April 28 "temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them," the union said in the statement on May 5.

"Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job," the union said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the outage lasted about 30 seconds, but according to the FAA, it took another 30 to 60 seconds for aircraft to reappear on radarscopes.

"Frequent equipment and telecommunications outages can be stressful for controllers," the FAA said in a statement. "Some controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON who work Newark arrivals and departures have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages."

The controllers who are out in trauma leave can take up to 45 days off, if a medical professional signs off, but they don't have to take the full time.

On May 2, Duffy traveled to the Philadelphia TRACON facility following a visit by FAA officials earlier in the week to try to get a better direct understanding of the situation. There are concerns the issues may linger beyond a week.

"When we talk about Newark, specifically in the outage or the interruption, we want to make sure that equipment is solid for the controllers that are coming to work every day, so that they can depend on that they depend on that equipment and making sure they're properly trained," acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau said at a news conference.

Asked about the Newark outage, Minicucci, the Alaska Airlines CEO, said, "I believe our industry is safe." But he continued, "The area we have to focus on is air traffic control."

"You know, we have old equipment and infrastructure, a lot of towers that need to be updated and modernized. And I think there's a huge opportunity with technology," he said, including the use of artificial intelligence to help reduce delays and increase efficiency and safety.

"I think Secretary Duffy has the priorities very well established, you know: staffing, infrastructure, technology. Those are three things that really need immediate emphasis and action until we get fixed," Minicucci said.

Runway construction at Newark airport

Beginning April 15, Newark airport said it fully closed one of its three runways for rehabilitation work as part of a $121 million project.

"This work is designed to maintain the runway in a state of good repair, improve its infrastructure, meet the latest FAA standards, and ensure its continued safe operation," the airport said on its website.

Runway 4L-22R is the busiest at Newark for departing flights, according to the airport, and the FAA is redirecting flight traffic to the airport's other runways, contributing to more congestion.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees Newark airport as well as New York City's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport, said that the first three months of 2025 were the second busiest in agency's history in terms of passenger volumes.

The 11,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway was last rehabilitated in 2014, according to the airport. The current project will include a new paved surface and upgraded lighting and signage, and the construction is expected to last until mid-June, Newark airport said.

The FAA partially blamed the runway construction for the delays, but the construction project has been long running and airlines have factored that in. It was expected to cause delays, according to the airport, but not a meltdown.

Fallout from the delays

Due to the equipment issues and staffing problems, United Airlines canceled 35 flights per day from its Newark schedule starting the first weekend of May. United CEO Scott Kirby said in a letter that the "long-simmering FAA challenges" had "boiled over."

"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," he wrote.

American Airlines statement Tuesday: "The challenges in Newark have led to delays and disruptions for airlines and their customers  including American  and demonstrate the urgent need to staff up and modernize our air traffic control system. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Duffy and the FAA's efforts to prioritize this issue and take action to increase staffing and invest in a state-of-the-art air traffic control system."

As the delays continued into the second week, lawmakers including Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, called for an investigation into the FAA and the ongoing issues.

"To say that there is just minor turbulence at Newark Airport and the FAA would be the understatement of the year. We're here because the FAA is really a mess. This mess needs a real forensic look, a deep look into it," Schumer said as he called on the inspector general for the Department of Transportation to investigate and blamed the outage partially on a burnt copper wire.

Secretary Duffy has said he will soon release the details of a new plan to revamp the decades-old air traffic control system.

"The disruption, canceled flights or delayed flights. People get angry, they get annoyed, they get frustrated, and rightfully so," Duffy told reporters at an event announcing efforts to improve air traffic control hiring on May 1. "But what I think you're seeing is, you're starting to see cracks in the system, and you can see them in different locations, and it's our job, all of us, working together, to not wait until there's a disaster."

Sneak peek: The Depraved Heart Murder

Why Hegseth is calling for cuts to senior ranks across U.S. military

Analyzing Trump's announcement of ceasefire with Houthi rebels in Yemen
Ranking member Maxine Waters and Chairman French Hill at a House Financial Services Committee hearing in February 2025. Credit - Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc--Getty Images)

Just a few months ago, the crypto industry seemed unstoppable in Washington. It had the support of a pro-crypto president in Donald Trump, a slew of new pro-crypto legislators in both parties, and newly elevated regulators who pledged to not impede the industrys growth. Many assumed the speedy passage of pro-crypto legislation as a foregone conclusion after Trump asked Congress to send him a stablecoin bill to sign by August.

That momentum hit a major snag over the last few days, as Trumps expanding investment in the industry coincides with a revolt from Democrats who had previously supported the leading crypto legislation.

On Tuesday, California Rep. Maxine Waters, the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, objected to a hearing on crypto, effectively blocking it from taking place, and called for legislation that would ban Presidents and members of Congress from owning crypto assets and firms. Trumps family owns and operates World Liberty Financial, which debuted a stablecoin this week that immediately shot into the top ten stablecoins by market capitalization.

In the Senate, a group of nine Democrats announced they would not support a stablecoin bill, called the GENIUS Act, without major changes, significantly narrowing its pathway to 60 votes. Meanwhile, Senate Banking Committee staff and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking Democrat on the committee, circulated a memo to her fellow Senate Democrats urging them to demand amendments that might address the bills national security concerns.

If Congress is going to supercharge the use of stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, it must include safeguards that make it harder for criminals, terrorists, and foreign adversaries to exploit the financial system and put our national security at risk, read the memo, which was obtained by TIME.

The GENIUS Act is still headed for a vote in the Senate on Thursday, Politico reported. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was open to making changes to reach a compromise that addresses Democrats concerns. Here are some of the major objections to the bill, and how the fight may play out this week.

Conflict of interest concerns

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to hold the value of a U.S. dollar. For many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, passing a stablecoin bill seemed more feasible this year than tackling a larger crypto market structure bill, especially because stablecoins are less volatile and their value is usually tied to actual money sitting in a bank.

Read More: What Are Stablecoins?

But in March, Trumps World Liberty Financial announced a new stablecoin, leading to concerns that the new legislation would essentially give Trump even more oversight over his own financial product. (In February, Trump issued an executive order placing independent financial regulators like the FTC, FCC and SEC under his own control.)

Trump has only escalated his crypto dealings. Last week, World Liberty Financial announced that an Emirati company planned to use the firms new stablecoin for a $2 billion investment in Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange. Trump also announced that he would host an exclusive dinner for top investors of his $TRUMP meme coinwhich Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, a staunch Trump supporter and cryptocurrency advocate, admitted gave [her] pause.

Waters had been working on stablecoin legislation for years. But last month, she reversed course, saying that she opposed any bill that would allow Trump to own a stablecoin. On Tuesday, she walked out of a joint House hearing on crypto, later saying: I'm deeply concerned that Republicans aren't just ignoring Trump's corruption. They are legitimatizing Trump's and his family's efforts to enrich themselves on the backs of average Americans.

Waters then staged her own hearing on stablecoins. Notably, however, several Democrats remained at the original hearing, including Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, the ranking member on a subcommittee focused on digital assets, and Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota. "This is a really important conversation. I'm here because I think we need to be engaged, and part of the discussion," Craig said.

Craig, however, agreed that Waters was raising important issues. It's important and it's legitimate to call out the self-dealing from the Trump administration related to hawking meme coins from the White House, she said. It's corrupt, it's wrong, and it makes this process of coming together to regulate crypto more partisan."

National Security Concerns

While some Democrats are focused on stopping Trump from owning a stablecoin while hes in office, others are concerned that the current stablecoin bills in Congress could have unintended consequences. Warren, who has long been a crypto skeptic, has particularly honed in on the ripple effects on national security, arguing that the bill would make it easier for terrorists and malicious state actors to steal and cash out illicit funds.

In February, hackers backed by the North Korean government stole $1.5 billion in cryptocurrencies from the crypto exchange Bybit, as part of a larger continuing effort to steal crypto funds from around the world. The Bybit hack was the largest in crypto historyand foreign policy experts believe that the stolen funds are being used to fund the development of missile and nuclear weapons technology.

So Warren and Banking Committee staffers circulated a memo on Monday, which calls for changes to the GENIUS Act, including the implementation of strict anti-money laundering requirements on exchanges handling digital assets. It argues that the bill should extend U.S. sanctions laws to stablecoins, and that stablecoin issuers should be required to monitor blockchains and report criminal activity.

The nine Democrats who revoked their support of the GENIUS Act now hold significant leverage over the bill. It is not clear what changes to the bill would be enough to regain their support. We've been very clear to our Republican colleagues for weeks about the changes that we need, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, one of those nine Democrats, told TIME on Tuesday.

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, who led the Democrats statement opposing the bill, told TIME that his priorities were beefing up consumer protections and national security issues. We can tighten up the who can issue, what country can issue question, he says. Its incredibly important when it comes to closing some of the Tether loopholes.

Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, a co-sponsor of the bill, told TIME she believes that the bill should require crypto companies dealing with stablecoins to adopt anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFL) rules. We still have a little time, but everybody's motivated, and we're all working together to try to get to the best place we can, she says. We want to make sure that all of the concerns around national security are addressed.

Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, one of the bills authors, appeared unfazed by the challenges. Im beyond optimistic. Im confident it will pass, he told TIME.

Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders announced that he would host a livestream with other critics of the GENIUS Act on Wednesday to discuss how it threatens the stability of our financial system.

The crypto industry is continuing to push for the bills passage. Dante Disparte, a leader at the stablecoin issuer Circle, tells TIME that more harms come from the absence of legislation. "Past failures to pass bipartisan stablecoin legislation have harmed U.S. consumers, markets, national security, and dollar competitiveness, he wrote in an email, citing the failure of the foreign stablecoin project Terra-Luna in 2022.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Software Combined has acquired online reputation management company Removify to support growth and innovation.

This marks the tenth acquisition for Software Combined since the software aggregator was established in 2020 and it reflects the companys strategic approach to support its growth and portfolio diversity.

Based in Melbourne, with operations in the US and Europe, Removify helps manage companies online reputation, using custom-developed Online Reputation Management (ORM) software.

Joining the Software Combined group, Removify will be set up for further growth and will be able to take advantage of Software Combineds support and strategic advice.

Removify provides reputation management including illegitimate review removal. The company also provides a service to collect positive reviews through automated feedback requests. Its systems draw partly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and have successfully delivered reputational improvement outcomes for thousands of companies globally on commonly accessed, global online platforms.

We see significant opportunities for Removify to accelerate their growth and cement their global leadership position. Removify is a global leader in solving a very real and worsening problem for many companies and we look forward to driving further success together, Software Combined CEO Evert den Hollander.
by Steve Suwannarat

The leader of the Nation Power Party was one of the few critical voices still free, opposed to the Hun clan, which has ruled Cambodia of 40 years. The court found him guilty of "incitement". His "crime" was that of defending peasants from land grabs and of criticising government policies.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews)  Rong Chhun, one of the few dissidents still in the country willing to oppose the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) led by Hun Manet, was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison for "incitement".

His "offence" was that he met with residents of villages negatively impacted by mega development projects, including the new international airport of the capital Phnom Penh.

His Nation Power Party (NPP) is the only political movement with a certain strength and appeal left to counter the power of the ruling PPC and, for this reason, its members are regularly victims of legal harassment and acts of intimidation.

Any hope raised two years ago by the arrival of Hun Manet, son of long-term strongman Hun Sen, have so far proved illusory. The younger Hun replaced his father, who had been at the helm of the country for nearly 40 years.

But while the new prime minister has shown greater openness at the international level, compared to his fathers cosy partnership with China, domestically he has been as intransigent as his paterfamilias.

In fact, Cambodian authorities continue to enforce strict censorship on mass media, crack down on political dissidents and social critics, and manage natural and human resources largely in favour of the countrys elites.

Meanwhile, corruption remains rampant, transnational crime prospers with lucrative trafficking, starting with various forms of cybercrime.

Like others who tried to stand up against the absolute power of the Hun clan and its acolytes, Rong Chhun has been also a victim of the instrumental use of the judiciary.

When his sentence was read, the 56-year-old former union leader and now senior councillor of his party denied all charges, saying that his crime was posting online images taken during meetings with representatives of rural communities forced out of their lands and adding some commentary.

His fate highlights the regimes bullying of him, but also his own and his party's need not to give up on demanding greater democracy and justice.

For Rong, this is his second conviction in four years, after a two-year prison sentence in 2021.

In addition, like Rong Chhun, NPP President Sun Chanthy, was convicted on similar grounds in 2023. The NPP replaced the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was banned in 2017 after its founders and leaders were jailed or forced into exile.
The archbishop of Osaka-Takamatsu, 76, is one of two Japanese cardinals at the conclave. His great-grandfather, who personally lived the experience of the "hidden Christians", told him stories that sparked his priestly vocation. A master of poetry, he is also a passionate fisherman. The son of a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bomb, he strongly condemns nuclear rearmament and deterrence.

Rome (AsiaNews)  Card Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda, 76, Metropolitan Archbishop of Osaka-Takamatsu, began his life consecrated to God in the Goto Islands in a family of fisherfolk.

Members of the community of kakure kirishitan, Christians who "hid" for centuries, they held on to the faith during the brutal persecution under the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan's last feudal regime, until tolerance came at the end of the 19th century.

When Pope Francis created him a cardinal in the consistory of June 2018, it came as a surprise. I don't think I'm the most suitable person to be a cardinal, and I still find it hard to believe," he said upon hearing the news.

Maeda is one of the 133 cardinal electors who will isolate themselves from the world tomorrow in the Sistine Chapel to vote for the new pontiff. He is one of two cardinals from Japan; the other is Archbishop Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo.

Card Maeda was born on 3 March 1949, in Tsuwasaki, Kami-Goto, Nagasaki Prefecture. Growing up, he listened to the stories of his great-grandfather, one of the Christians who came out of the cold following the abolition of the laws against Christianity in Japan.

Family stories played a key role in his priestly vocation, making him the heir to those Christians who hid, keeping the faith alive in their hearts. This led him to conduct extensive studies on the "hidden Christians," especially among exiles in Tsuwano, in present-day Shimane Prefecture.

After completing his early education, he entered the Saint Sulpitius Major Seminary in Fukuoka. Ordained a priest in 1975, he was incardinated in the Diocese of Nagasaki. As a priest he played numerous roles: parish vicar, parish priest (often going fishing on his boat), and secretary general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan (CBCJ) from 2006 to 2011.

Benedict XVI appointed him bishop of Hiroshima in 2011, while Francis moved him three years later to the Archdiocese of Osaka. From 2016 to 2022, he also served as CBCJ vice president. In 2023, Francis expanded his archdiocese and renamed it Osaka-Takamatsu. The area is home to 19 million people, with just over 51,000 Catholics or 0.27 per cent.

Card Maeda has been concerned about people with disabilities, while at the CBCJ he was a member of the committees for education and ecumenism. He is also a master of haiku, a short form of poetry that originated in Japan (with three phrases composed of 17 morae), and his poems often appear in his homilies and articles.

A staunch foe of nuclear weapons, he oversaw Pope Franciss 2019 visit to Hiroshima, a city devastated by the atomic bomb in 1945. At the memorial park, Pope Francis said, The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral.

Recently, the archbishop said that at the conclave he intends to support a candidate for the papacy with convinced positions against war and nuclear power. His family history also underscores this since his mother is a survivor of the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

He hopes to see the election of a pontiff who will continue in Pope Franciss path, a pontiff who will have the courage to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and ask for peace," he said a few days before his departure for Italy to take part in the conclave to elect the 267th pope.

Card Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda is firmly convinced of the importance of "disarmament", citing Pope Franciss final words entrusted to the world on Easter Day, shortly before his death.

The 76-year-old cardinal represents yet another periphery of Christianity, which counts more than ever in this College of Cardinals.

Although the Catholic community in Japan is small (about 0.3 per cent of the population), the history of the Catholic Church in the East Asian country goes back quite a while, a troubled but very poignant history, the product of the seed sown by Francis Xavier in 1549.
by Giorgio Bernardelli

From Bergamo, 60-year-old Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa brings the Mother Church back among the electors of a Pope for the first time in centuries. Living in Jerusalem for the past 35 years, the Franciscan friar has long been engaged in dialogue with both Judaism and Islam. He served for 12 years as Custos of the Holy Land. Throughout the many tragic episodes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflictincluding the past two yearshe has called for cultivating the freedom of peace, refusing to be crushed by hatred, and making the Gospel resound once again in the land of Jesus.

Milan (AsiaNews)  A Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem participating in a papal conclave is something that hasnt happened in centuries. The last time dates back to when the title was held by an archbishop living far from the Holy Land, before 1847, when Pius IX restored the position as a true residential seat in Jerusalem.

Beyond all the commentary currently circulating in global media about him, this fact alone highlights the significance of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballas presence among the electors who are now gathering in the Sistine Chapel.

A representative of the Mother Church of Jerusalem among those choosing the successor of Peter. But also a bishop who, with personal authority and spiritual depth, has consistently reminded the world that Jerusalem is, first and foremost, the place of Pentecostthe launching point of the Gospels proclamation to all nations.

Cardinal Pizzaballa was born in 1965 in Cologno al Serio, in the Diocese of Bergamo, the same diocese that gave the Church Pope John XXIII. He entered the seminaries of the Conventual Franciscans at a young age, professed solemn vows in 1989, and was ordained a priest in Bologna the following year by Cardinal Giacomo Biffi.

But it was Jerusalem and the Holy Landwhere he has now lived for 35 yearsthat marked his life. He arrived in the Holy City in 1990 as a student at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, where he specialized in theology and Scripturesubjects he taught as a biblical scholar and that remain foundational to his preaching.

He also studied at the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus, where he deepened his understanding of modern Hebrew, Jewish culture, and Semitic languages.

His service within the Vicariate of St. Jamesthe small Hebrew-speaking Catholic community within the Latin Patriarchatewas his first major pastoral role, beginning in the mid-1990s. A key moment was the opening of the Simeon and Anna House in the heart of Jerusalems modern Jewish neighborhood, near Jaffa Road, during the 2000 Jubilee, initiated by then-Patriarch Michel Sabbah.

His ministry also involved cultural outreach to help the Church rediscover its Jewish rootstranslating liturgical texts into modern Hebrew and publishing books about Jesus for audiences unfamiliar with Him. In doing this, he said at the time, we experience the same struggle as St. Paul: we realize that certain Gospel words require entirely new categories to be translated into Hebrew.

During the deadly Second Intifada, as suicide bombings shook the Jaffa Road area, he personally encountered the violence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He and his community strove to remain custodians of the freedom of the Gospel, bearing witness to peace and reconciliation from both sides of the divide.

In 2004, his fellow Franciscans elected him Custos of the Holy Land, head of the Franciscan province that, in the spirit of St. Francis, serves in Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus, and Egypt.

The friars are custodians of the holy sites, but as Pizzaballa often emphasized, they are above all guardians of the living stonesthe local Christian communities that suffer under conflict but remain fertile ground for the Gospel to take root again in daily life. As Custos, he welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to Jerusalem in 2009 and Pope Francis in 2014.

He also witnessed the changing face of Catholic pilgrims to the Holy Landno longer predominantly European or North American, but increasingly from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

When his term as Custos ended in 2016, he was preparing to return to Italy. But to his surprise, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, at a time of financial crisis. His response was to turn the crisis into an opportunity: Lets stop feeling sorry for ourselves, he said, and try to discern what the Lord is asking of us in this situation. Its not just about raising funds to cover debts but about focusing on what matters most: service to our people.

As always, he returned to the Word of Godhe has published a Gospel reflection every Sunday for years on the Patriarchates website. Thanks to his restored trust and leadership, Pope Francis appointed him full Patriarch in 2020a significant choice after two Arab predecessors, signaling the local communitys respect and affection for him. That same community rejoiced with him at his historic elevation to cardinal in the September 2023 consistory.

Just days later, the Middle East once again descended into chaos with Hamass October 7 attacks and Israels harsh response in Gaza. Over the past two years, AsiaNews has chronicled his steadfast message of peace, his concrete closeness to the small Christian community of Gazas Holy Family Parishwhich he physically visited during one of the wars darkest momentsand his repeated calls to view events through the lens of faith.

On Christmas 2023, he bitterly noted that the rejection once experienced by Mary and Josephwhen there was no room for them in Bethlehemnow seems to apply to the entire Palestinian people. And just days ago, on Easter, he said: Todays world has a poor, even offensive idea of peace: too many promises have been betrayed. Against human logic of power, violence, and war, our Church must oppose the logic of life, justice, and forgiveness.

Still, Cardinal Pizzaballa is not one to be boxed into the role of pastor from a land of conflict. You journalists always ask me about Israelis and Palestinians, the occupation, the wall, he said in an interview a few years ago.

But the real question we should ask is: why does the Church still care about Jerusalem? It seems to me were paying the price for a lack of serious reflection on this. The Church must rediscover Jerusalem as a topos, a real placenot just a spiritual symbol. In this time of reevaluating who we are as a community and the kind of witness we must offer, we should all return to Jerusalem. What does it mean for Christians? In what sense do we call it the Mother Church? Why do we keep coming here? There must be a reason beyond a certain kind of refined devotionalism.
Francis picked the archbishop emeritus of Manila as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. The 67-year-old Philippine cardinal has been one of the foremost figures of Asian Catholicism for more than 20 years. A brilliant preacher for years, he has commented on the Gospel every week in a very popular TV programme. For him, The Church is renewed in her identity when she is missionary, that is, when she bears witness to the Kingdom of God in dialogue with cultures, religions.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Philippine cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is a theologian valued by three different pontiffs, who assigned him positions of great responsibility. Despite his 67 years, he has been a leading figure in the Church in Asia for at least 20 years. As a former president of Caritas Internationalis and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, he has met Catholic communities in every corner of the world.

All this should be enough to end the (rather animated) chatter on social media that has surrounded the cardinal in the past few days. Like with all the other profiles published over the past few days, AsiaNews is not interested in guessing if Tagle will be the next successor of Peter.

Instead, it is more important to help people understand who the prelate is. Millions of Filipinos around the world are already very familiar with him, preaching the Gospel for years in his very popular weekly television broadcast The Word Exposed. With a smile, he invites them to be acknowledged as Easter people bearing Christian witness.

Bishop "Chito," as he is popularly known in the Philippines, was born in 1957 in Imus, Metro Manila, into a Catholic family with an immigrant Chinese grandmother.

The future cardinal was 13 when Paul VI visited Manila in November 1970. I stretched my neck and focused my eyes in order to see him as the car in which he was riding passed in front of us, Card Tagle writes in the preface to a book dedicated to Paul VIs travels. And finally, a man dressed in white arrived, a face that radiated peace, joy and serenity."

At the time, that kid could not imagine how much the magisterium of Paul VI would profoundly mark his theological studies.

Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Imus in 1982, his bishop sent him three years later to the Catholic University of America in Washington where he dedicated his doctoral dissertation precisely to the theme of episcopal collegiality in the magisterium and action of Pope Paul VI.

In 1997 Pope John Paul II appointed him at the age of only 40 to the International Theological Commission, chaired by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. The following year, he participated as an expert in the Special Assembly of the Synod for Asia, the first of many synods in which he was one of the players.

In October 2001, John Paul II appointed him as bishop of Imus, his ordination personally presided over by Cardinal Jaime Sin. In 2009 during his first episcopal ministry, he hosted in his diocese Asian Youth Day, which periodically brings together young Catholics from all over the continent.

Benedict XVI  who knew him well, having worked with him in the International Theological Commission  chose him in 2011 to serve as archbishop of Manila, and made him a cardinal in his last consistory in November 2012.

An engaging preacher, Tagle is a man who also knows how to speak through gestures; in 2016, for example, he celebrated Epiphany in the shantytown of Tondo, which Paul VI had visited in his historic 1970 visit.

A few months later, on the eve of the election that would see Rodrigo Duterte win, he washed the feet of the president of the Commission on Elections on Holy Thursday to raise awareness of the problem of election fraud.

In 2015 he welcomed Pope Francis to Manila on a visit marked by the huge crowds gathered for Mass at Luneta Park.

Elected that same year by the Assembly of Caritas Internationalis as its president, he led the federation of more than 160 Catholic charities until November 2022, when Pope Francis named a temporary administrator to revise the statutes and the regulations, and so the assembly elect Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi.

In the meantime, Francis had already called Tagle to Rome in 2019 for the crucial role of prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, the Vatican dicastery that oversees the dioceses in the so-called mission territories, in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania.

He is the first to say that the mission, today, goes far beyond any geographical location. The peoples are no longer in distant places. They can be our family members, work colleagues, digital followers, he said just a few weeks ago, speaking at PIME.

He noted that his own experience in Asia shows that, The Church is renewed in her identity when she is missionary, that is, when she bears witness to the Kingdom of God in dialogue with cultures, religions and the poor of the world. When she is a small flock among the great religions and religious traditions and in a young and poor people, the Church seeks the renewal that Jesus offers.
Todays News: Japan, China, South Korea, and ASEAN nations launch a new emergency loan agreement to safeguard regional financial stability. Former South Korean PM Han backs the PPP candidate for a united conservative front ahead of the June 3 vote. The UN urges maximum restraint between India and Pakistan, while the OIC expresses concern.

YEMEN - ISRAEL - GAZA

In Yemen, there are at least 4.8 million internally displaced people (out of a population of approximately 39 million), many of whom have been forced to flee multiple times due to worsening housing shortages and the growing risk of eviction. These figures were released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is renewing its appeal for humanitarian aid to support this vulnerable population. Meanwhile, Israel has struck Houthi targets in the port city of Hodeida, killing at least one person and injuring 35, in response to the May 4 missile that brushed past Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

ASIA

Japan, China, South Korea, and the 10 ASEAN countries (known as ASEAN Plus Three) have agreed to strengthen the regional financial safety net by launching a new emergency loan facility designed to respond quickly to crises caused by pandemics and natural disasters. The goal is to create this new mechanism within the framework of their currency swap agreement known as the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM). Originally established after the 199798 Asian financial crisis, the initiative aims to uphold regional financial stability. The new structure will allow access to emergency funding without conditions in the event of sudden shocks.

SOUTH KOREA

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said today that he sees no alternative but to collaborate with the ruling People Power Party (PPP)s presidential candidate ahead of the upcoming June 3 snap elections. This indicates a united conservative front in support of former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo. His opponent, Lee Jae-myung of the opposition Democratic Party, remains the favorite in pre-election polls.

UN - INDIA - PAKISTAN

India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, must exercise maximum restraint and take a step back to avoid plunging into a bloody war. This is the appeal made yesterday by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, amid rising tensions between Delhi and Islamabad following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Yesterday, Pakistan conducted a second missile test, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed deep concern over the situation in South Asia.

CHINA

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has launched its nationwide one-hour delivery service, Taobao Flash, intensifying its push in Chinas rapidly growing on-demand retail sector. The upgraded service is supported by Ele.me, Alibabas food delivery arm, and offers aggressive consumer incentives, including free drinks, cash vouchers, and discounted meals. The launch comes as competitors such as JD.com and Meituan increase investments in instant delivery, aiming to dominate a market expected to surpass 2 trillion yuan (about 5 billion) by 2030, driven by consumers demanding faster service and deeper discounts.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Starting next school year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will introduce artificial intelligence classes for students of all agesincluding preschoolersin a bid to stay at the forefront of technological education and usage. The UAE established the worlds first Ministry of AI in 2017 and operates a dedicated AI university in Abu Dhabi. In February, the countrys leadership pledged up to 50 billion to build a massive AI data center in France.

NORTH KOREA - RUSSIA

In addition to sending soldiers to the Kursk regionwhere over 600 are already reported deadNorth Korea has dispatched around 15,000 labor migrants to Russia, more than 12 times the number from the previous year. These workers are mainly stationed in the Far East regions, but hopes are high theyll soon be deployed in larger cities across the country, as they accept much lower wages than others and work 12-hour days.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS - AZERBAIJAN

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow visited Baku, where he presided over a solemn liturgy at the cathedral dedicated to the Myrrh-bearing Women, attended by many local authorities. He read the Gospel in both Church Slavonic and Azerbaijani. The Patriarch later met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, delivering an invitation from President Putin to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow.
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6 May 2025 15:10 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The criminal trial of Armenian national Ruben Vardanyan, accused under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on May 6.

According to Azernews, during the court session, victim testimonies were heard. Sadiq Bakhshiyev, recognized as a victim in the case, gave his testimony, stating that he sustained serious injuries from a sniper bullet fired by remnants of the Armenian Armed Forces in the Aghdara district. Medical forensic examination confirmed that the injuries inflicted caused significant harm to his health.

The court also reviewed and announced the findings of the medical examination related to the victim's injuries.

Ruben Vardanyan faces an extensive list of charges under Azerbaijan's Criminal Code, including:

Articles 100.1, 100.2  Planning and conducting aggressive war;

Article 107  Deportation and forced displacement of civilians;

Article 109110  Persecution and enforced disappearances;

Articles 112114.1  Unlawful imprisonment, torture, and mercenarism;

Article 115.2  Violating the laws and customs of war;

Articles 116.0.1116.0.18  Violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict;

Articles 120.2.1120.2.12 and 29,120  Premeditated murder and attempted murder;

Article 192.3.1  Illegal entrepreneurship;

Articles 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 and 214-1  Acts of terrorism and financing terrorism;

Articles 218.1, 218.2  Creating a criminal organization;

Article 228.3  Illegal possession and trafficking of firearms and explosives;

Articles 270-1.2, 270-1.4  Acts threatening aviation security;

Article 278.1  Seizing power by force and attempting to change the constitutional order by violence;

Articles 279.1279.3  Forming and participating in unauthorized armed groups;

Article 318.2  Illegal crossing of Azerbaijan's state border.

The trial is part of Azerbaijans broader efforts to bring individuals to justice for crimes committed during and after the conflict over its formerly occupied territories.
6 May 2025 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Direct flights between Tehran, Tabriz, and Baku are planned for the near future.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Amin Tarafo, Advisor to the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Director of the Ministrys Center for International Affairs, in a statement to local media.

According to him, Tehran-Baku flights will operate four days a week, while Tabriz-Baku flights will run two days a week.

Tarafo added that Iran's Civil Aviation Organization is currently in discussions with Azerbaijani counterparts, and experts are working to launch the flights as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that Iran has 54 active civilian airports, 14 of which are international. Around 30 million passengers pass through Iranian airports annually.
6 May 2025 11:46 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan recorded a 41.9% increase in pomegranate exports in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.

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6 May 2025 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

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Turkiye's exports of electrical equipment to Azerbaijan in April 2025 increased by 2.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $15,237,010, Azernews reports, citing Turkic World.

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6 May 2025 16:03 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus is poised for significant growth in the industrial sector, Azernews reports, this was stated by Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO).

Speaking to journalists, Abdullayev highlighted the untapped potential for deeper collaboration between the two countries.

The industrial capacities of both Azerbaijan and Belarus create a solid foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation, he stated.

Trade figures reinforce the momentum: in the first quarter of 2025, trade turnover between the two nations exceeded $101 million. Notably, Azerbaijans exports to Belarus surged by 82 percent, reaching $17 million.

We are optimistic that this positive trend will continue, particularly in investment and trade, Abdullayev added, expressing confidence in future economic engagement.
6 May 2025 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company delegation has successfully completed its working visit to Brazil, Azernews reports.

At the invitation of the COP30 team, the visit aimed to strengthen organizational cooperation between the COP presidencies and facilitate the exchange of relevant experiences.

The delegation held coordination meetings with representatives from the COP30 Secretariat (SECOP) under the Presidency of Brazil at the Palacio do Planalto in Brasilia.

During the visit, Narmin Carchalova, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and COO of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, and other delegation members shared insights into key organizational aspects of the COP, including project management, event infrastructure, volunteer management, hospitality, media operations, broadcasting infrastructure, sustainability, and accessibility.

The delegation also visited the COP30 venue in Belem, Para. These discussions emphasize the importance both countries place on effective planning and an inclusive approach to climate summits. In Belem, the COP29 team met with government officials from Para, the COP30 Secretariat, and local authorities, further improving the local coordination of the event.

This exchange reflects a shared vision for institutionalizing cooperation between host countries. The COP29 Presidency reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and sustainability for the global climate process.
Robust performance of listed firms highlights vitality, resilience of Chinese economy

Xinhua) 08:43, May 06, 2025

This photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows robot IRON of Xiaopeng at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
6 May 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00)

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In January and February of this year, Azerbaijan imported 2,000 tons of bituminous coal from Russia, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistical Committee.

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6 May 2025 17:59 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

With its intricate craftsmanship and deep folkloric roots, Czech marionette theater never thrills to amaze both children and adults alike.

Aydin Sadikhov, a renown photographer and cultural enthusiast from Azerbaijan has been inspired by this enchanting art form since childhood.

Through his photo project "Puppet-Theatrical Art of the Czech Republic", the photographer strives to explore the magic of Czech puppet museums and the legends they bring to life. The project has been recently presented at Khatai Arts Center with the organization of the Czech Embassy in Azerbaijan.

In his interview with Azernews, Aydin Sadikhov sheds light on his latest work, "Puppet-Theatrical Art of the Czech Republic.

The photographer offers a fascinating glimpse into the world behind the lens.

Q: How did the idea of creating a project dedicated to Czech Puppetry come about? What historical aspects of Czech puppet theater particularly impressed you?

A: Czech culture and the theatrical art of marionette puppetry are closely and inseparably connected. Czech marionette theater is a significant cultural phenomenon that gained widespread popularity in the mid-19th century. However, the art of puppetry itself originated in various regions of what is now the Czech Republic as early as the mid-18th century. Traveling performers would roam the streets of Czech towns, staging shows featuring marionettes of their own creation. These artists not only operated the puppets but also played musical instruments, while the marionettes danced in rhythm with the music, bowed, and approached the audience to collect rewards for their performances.

Over time, these artists had to continually refine and improve their puppets and hire additional helpthus the first puppet theaters began to emerge. There are numerous factors behind the high level of development in Czech puppetry, and it is still a highly beloved and valued form of art today, with strong traditions preserved throughout the country. A clear testament to this is the inclusion of Czech puppetry in UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Professional workshops, family-run puppet-making homes, specialized puppet shops, as well as puppet museums and theaters can be found in virtually every Czech city. This centuries-old art continues to thrive and is held in high esteemsomething truly admirable.

I fell in love with puppetry from an early age, during visits to my favorite Puppet Theater in Baku. I tried never to miss a single performance and was always fascinated not only by how the puppets were made but also by the skill involved in operating them on stage. Of course, the element of fantasy and fairytalesone of my favorite genres in theatrical productionsalso played a big role. As is likely evident from many of my past cultural projects, Ive always been inspired by urban legends, myths, and fairytales, which the Czech Republic has in abundance. Ive often delivered presentations and lectures devoted to Czech legends and folklore.

The Czech Republic is home to a multitude of vivid, educational, and imaginative puppet theater performances based on these themes. The convergence of these elements led me to the idea of creating a project centered around them.

Q: Why were the museums in Plzen and Cesky Krumlov chosen for this project?

A: Puppet theater is so deeply rooted in Czech culture that almost every city in the country has its own Puppet Theater Museum and Puppet Theater. However, during the preparation for this cultural project, I specifically chose to focus on the Puppet Museum in Plzen and not by chance. The history of this city is deeply intertwined with the development of puppetry, and it was here that legendary masters such as Josef Skupa, Jiri Trnka, and Gustav Nosek made their mark.

The Puppet Museum of Plzen is a cultural and historical landmark that preserves the city's rich puppet heritage dating back to the early 19th century. Historically, traveling puppet artists visited Plzen with their wagons, known as "abstekrs," bringing their puppet shows to different corners of the region. Families such as the Kopeckys, Meisners, and Dubskys were among the early pioneers of this tradition.

Located in the heart of the city, on Republic Square, the Puppet Museum offers visitors a chance to dive into the world of puppet and theatrical history, get to know the great masters of the craft, and admire authentic masterpiecesfamous Czech marionettes. Visitors enter a magical world of fairytales, legends, and humorous as well as educational stories, even having the opportunity to bring the wooden actors to life. The museum is housed in a medieval burgher house, known for its Renaissance-era facade. Around 200 marionettes reside in this museum, from characters dating back to the Austro-Hungarian period to newer figures like the brave soldier Svejk and the famous Spejbl and Hurvinek.

My second museum of choice is the Puppet Museum in Cesky Krumlov. The main exhibition there focuses largely on magical and mystical characters from Czech fairytales. Considering that the town itself resembles a fairytale setting, it became the perfect complement to this project.

The photographs in the exhibition look like live scenes from theatrical performances. Was it your intention to convey the theatrical atmosphere through the lens?

Absolutely. The concept of this exhibition was to bring the viewer as close as possible to the real and magical world unfolding on the stages of Czech puppet theaters. There's an interesting detail I am happy to share: in several museums, certain marionettes were purposefully arranged within specific sets and compositions to authentically recreate the atmosphere of the theatrical productions they were originally part of.

However, some of the photographs presented in the exhibition reflect my own creative staging. In these cases, the theatrical mood was crafted through the positioning of the marionettes, their expressions, and the surrounding decor. This kind of setup requires a great deal of creativity, familiarity with the original theatrical scenes, knowledge of marionette manipulation techniques, and most importantlyteamwork. It was thanks to the support of my wife and son during the museum photo sessions that we were able to achieve such a powerful final result.

Q: The exhibition features marionettes from different eras. Are there any particularly special or historically unique ones among them?

A: Each marionette featured in the photographs is unique in its own wayand many are one-of-a-kind. However, I would like to highlight two in particular.

The first is the diorama "The Wedding of the Beetles", a recently restored masterpiece dating back to the early 20th century. It was created by the world-renowned puppetry animator and Pilsen native Jiri Trnka, who designed it at the age of 27 for the 1939 Worlds Fair in New York. Trnka was inspired by the book "The Beetles" by Jan Karafiat, which he also illustrated due to his deep affection for the story. Although the diorama is titled "The Wedding of the Beetles," it actually depicts the wedding of ladybugs, brought to life by 57 puppet characters, including not only ladybugs, but also snails, grasshoppers, and various plants. Remarkably, some original materials used in the diorama, like dried plants and grass from 1939, have been preserved in their original condition.

The second legendary marionette Id like to mention is Spejbl. Interestingly, this character appears twice in our exhibition: once as a historical replica displayed in the museum and once as a modern, hand-carved version created by Czech puppet-making artisans. With his bald head, large ears, formal tailcoat, and wooden shoes, Spejbl originally performed in cabaret shows. Over time, however, his character evolved when he became the father of the mischievous Hurvinek.

The original puppet had a clever mechanism built into its head that allowed it to amusingly roll its eyes. Spejbl first appeared on stage between 1919 and 1920, created by the legendary Josef Skupa. Around six years later, the well-known woodcarver Gustav Nosek independently carved the character of Hurvinek, intended to be Spejbl's son. This gave birth to the now world-famous puppet duo-Spejbl and Hurvinek.

When Josef Skupa opened his own puppet theater around 1930, the duo became its central characters and gained recognition even abroad. After the war, Skupa moved to Prague and founded the Spejbl and Hurvinek Theater, which continues to operate today. As their performances grew in popularity, other characters were introduced to complement the Spejbl-Hurvinek universe such as Manicka and Katerina Hovorkova, Manicka's grandmother.

Manicka, another iconic marionette created collaboratively by Skupa and Nosek in 1930, is one of the most beloved characters in Czech puppetry and a staple of the Spejbl and Hurvinek ensemble. She is portrayed as Hurvinek's best friend, a bright, knowledgeable girl who often helps guide both Hurvinek and Spejbl. Visitors to our exhibition can also see this character in the form of a beautifully carved marionette made in one of Prague's top puppet workshops.

Q: The exhibition also featured an interactive component: real marionettes from Prague. How did this idea come about?

A: This idea came to me after visiting the remarkable Museum of Puppet Theater in the city of Plzen. The museum's concept is truly unique: it offers visitors the rare opportunity to feel like performers themselves, controlling marionette puppets on a real stage constructed inside the museum. Guests can even improvise a story and act it out on the spot, it's a fascinating, hands-on experience that leaves vivid and joyful impressions on people of all ages.

The renowned ALFA Theater, which has preserved the tradition of puppet theater for decades, contributes significantly to the museum's collection. Many of its productions, inspired by the work of Josef Skupa and Jiri Trnka, are on display. Visitors can explore a variety of unusual puppets from the ALFA Theater's repertoire and even stage short scenes with them. During my time at the museum, I was also fortunate to discover a unique collection of works by Ivan Nesveda, where visitors could animate the puppets using special mechanisms that brought entire scenes to life.

After witnessing all of this, I immediately knew that including real Czech marionettes in my own project was essential. All of the puppets featured in the exhibition come from my personal collection. I'd like to note that each marionette was handcrafted by one of the leading family-run puppet workshops in the Czech Republic.

Q: Can we expect the project to continue or expand to other countries with rich puppet traditions?

A: Absolutely, yes. From the very beginning, my intention was to create a cultural project that would present a series of individual events, each dedicated to the puppet theater traditions of different countries around the world. Eventually, the project will also include exhibitions of our own national puppets, as well as theatrical puppets abroad.

As part of the Czech Puppetry Art project, we also included a small, separate stand displaying puppets from various other countries. And with that, I'll give a little hint about the next installment in this series: the next country I plan to feature is one whose puppet was already represented at our exhibition stand.
6 May 2025 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Ganja State Philharmonic Hall has hosted an evening of the author's work dedicated to Honored Artist, Professor, composer Mammadagha Umudov under the symbolic title "Garabagh is Azerbaijan", Azernews reports.

The event took place with the assistance of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

The evening united music lovers and admirers of the master's work, creating an atmosphere of high spirituality and patriotic upsurge.

The author of the idea of the event, Honored Educator, senior lecturer and leading accompanist of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory Svetlana Ahmadova and Doctor of Philosophy in Art Criticism, Head of the Department of Ethnomusicology, Professor Zhala Gulamova made speeches, highly appreciating the composer's contribution to the development of national musical art and the ideological power of his works.

Mammadagha Umudov, answering questions from guests and participants of the evening, shared memories of his creative path, spoke about the creation of his iconic works "Qarabag Azrbaycandr", "Incinin arzular", "Qlby dogru" srlrindn, "Preludlr", opening the curtain of his inspiration to the listeners.

The composer's works were performed that evening by laureates of republican and international competitions, accompanists of the Department of Folk Instruments of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory - Rena Imanova (piano), Aysel Shahbazli, magister Samir Asadli (tar), as well as a student of the Republican Arts Gymnasium under the Azerbaijan National Conservatory Jalala Ismayilzade (cello).

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.
6 May 2025 11:01 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

An academic event organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Cuba was held at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev's birth.

Azernews reports that the event was attended by the leadership of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, representatives of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Committee, members of academic circles, as well as Cuban alumni who studied in Azerbaijan.

Noemi Rabaza, First Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, delivered a speech highlighting the history of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba, the friendly ties between the two countries, and their successful efforts and cooperation to further strengthen those relations. She emphasized Azerbaijans consistent support for Cuba in the UN General Assemblys annual votes on lifting the economic embargo against Cuba, a stance highly appreciated by the Cuban government and people. Rabaza also noted that the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev is held in high regard in Cuba, recalling his warm sentiments toward the country and his good relations with Cubas Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro.

Subsequently, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Cuba, Ruslan Rzayev, addressed the participants, providing a detailed account of Heydar Aliyevs invaluable services to Azerbaijan during both the Soviet era and the country's independence period. The ambassador spoke about Heydar Aliyev's leadership in independent Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it was thanks to his efforts that Azerbaijan emerged as a powerful state on the international stage. He noted that this political path is being successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev.

Professor Oscar Julian Villar Barroso of the University of Havana also gave a speech, discussing Heydar Aliyevs political legacy, his contributions during the Soviet period, and later, his work for an independent Azerbaijan. He elaborated on the major economic initiatives undertaken during the challenging early years of independence, when the country faced the Karabakh war and serious socio-economic difficulties. The speaker underlined that it was Heydar Aliyevs wise oil strategy that ensured the trade of Azerbaijans energy resources on international markets, establishing the country's current leadership role in the energy sector.

At the end of the event, a video about Heydar Aliyevs life and legacytranslated into Spanish with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Cubawas shown to the participants.
6 May 2025 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

The Belarusian PM also honored the memory of the prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva by placing flowers at her grave.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin visited Tuesday the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, founder and architect of the modern and independent Azerbaijani state, and laid a wreath at his tomb, Azernews reports.

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6 May 2025 12:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

As part of Azerbaijans landmark Great Return program, the first phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The plan aims to resettle 140,000 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the liberated territories of Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service for Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, significant progress has already been made. To date, 85 familiescomprising 341 individualshave returned to the city of Khojaly. An additional 172 families, or 811 people, have settled in the village of Ballija, also in the Khojaly district. In total, 1,152 residents have been resettled in Khojaly.

The repatriation process is also actively underway in Aghdara. In Hasanriz village, 70 families totaling 238 people have been relocated. In the village of Sugovushan, 180 familiesor 592 individualshave been resettled. Meanwhile, 20 families comprising 91 people have moved to Talish village. Altogether, 921 residents now live in Aghdaras villages, with the process continuing in phases.

Ensuring sustainable employment and social protection for the returning population remains a central priority. Authorities stress that the current phase of the Great Return program is being successfully implemented.

Looking ahead, the second phase of the initiative is set to unfold in three stages, spanning from 2026 to 2040. This long-term effort will culminate in the full restoration of communities and services across the returned territories by the end of 2040.
6 May 2025 12:43 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, visited Victory Park in Baku on Tuesday, Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Belarusian Prime Minister in the park.

Prime Minister Alexander Turchin laid a wreath at the Victory Monument.

The Belarusian PM was briefed on Victory Park, which was built to honor the unparalleled valor of the Azerbaijani people during the Patriotic War, commemorate the historic Victory, and pay tribute to the sacred memory of Azerbaijani martyrs.

It was noted that the Victory Arch, symbolizing the 44-day Patriotic War, stands 44 meters high, 22 meters wide, and is adorned with 44 columns at the parks entrance.

On November 8, 2024, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration of Victory Park in Baku.
6 May 2025 12:49 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, has arrived in the Fuzuli district, liberated from Armenian occupation, Azernews reports.

At the Fuzuli International Airport, Prime Minister Alexander Turchin was welcomed by Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.

The Belarusian PM was informed about the Fuzuli International Airport. Fuzuli International Airport, which was commissioned in 2021, was built in approximately 9 months.
6 May 2025 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Belarus has gifted a special-purpose vehicle to support municipal services in the city of Aghdam, Azernews reports.

The vehicle was officially handed over during a visit to Aghdam by Prime Minister of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin, who was accompanied by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

During their tour of the Aghdam Industrial Park, Prime Minister Turchin presented the vehicle to the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service operating in the liberated districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend.

This visit forms part of the broader official trip by the Belarusian Prime Minister to Azerbaijans territories that were recently liberated from occupation.
6 May 2025 15:05 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin visited the Aghdam Industrial Park as part of his official trip to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The prime minister was shown the ropes at the different production facilities nestled within the park.

In addition, the visit itinerary included an overview of the agro-town project planned for the village of Sarijali and the Gizil Kangarli village in Aghdam.
6 May 2025 16:19 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan and the Customs Service (Federal Board of Revenue) of Pakistan on the Establishment of Preliminary Electronic Data Exchange, Azernews reports.

According to the decree, the memorandumsigned on February 24, 2025, in Bakuhas been officially approved.

Upon the activation of the Memorandum of Understanding, it is imperative that the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan facilitate the operationalization of its stipulations.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan is tasked with notifying the Government of Pakistan that all requisite internal protocols for the activation of the memorandum have been finalized.
6 May 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

On Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, arguing that foreign governments are undermining the American film industry by luring filmmakers abroad with generous incentives, Azernews reports.

Speaking on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the situation as a coordinated effort by other countries that poses a threat to national security. This isnt just about economicsits also about propaganda, he said, without specifying which films or countries he had in mind.

Trump said he had directed federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin preparations for implementing the tariff. We want movies made in America again! he declared, according to Reuters.

While the specifics of the policy remain unclearsuch as whether it would apply to films released via streaming platforms or only those shown in theaters, or whether the duty would be based on production costs or gross revenuethe announcement has already triggered international concern.

In response, officials from Australia and New Zealand expressed strong opposition, pledging to defend their local film industries. Both countries have become key players in global film production: New Zealand famously served as the backdrop for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, while Australia has hosted several high-profile Marvel films. These productions have not only boosted their economies but also turned them into global tourism destinations.

Trumps move is part of a broader effort to revive domestic filmmaking. In January, he appointed Hollywood veterans Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as "special envoys" tasked with making American cinema bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.

Over the past two decades, Hollywood has seen a steady exodus of film and television production. Studios increasingly favor international locations where tax credits, lower labor costs, and government-backed subsidies make projects more affordable. According to Ampere Analysis, global content spending is expected to reach $248 billion by 2025, and foreign governments are eager to claim a larger piece of that pie.

Major studios like Disney, Netflix, and Universal Pictures often choose to film in Canada, the UK, and other countries with competitive incentives. A 2023 report by ProdPro found that nearly 50% of U.S. film and TV production budgets over $40 million were spent overseas. Meanwhile, FilmLA, a nonprofit that tracks filming activity in Los Angeles, reported that local production has fallen by nearly 40% over the past decade.

Critics argue that the proposed tariff may lead to retaliatory trade measures, strain international co-productions, and potentially increase costs for American distributors and audiences. Others question whether the plan is enforceable in the age of digital streaming, where content flows freely across borders.

Still, Trumps announcement has thrust the long-running debate about the globalization of Hollywood back into the spotlightraising difficult questions about cultural influence, economic competition, and the future of American storytelling on the world stage.
6 May 2025 21:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The New Zealand government has introduced a landmark bill to Parliament that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, marking a bold move in the global debate over youth and digital safety, Azernews reports.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the initiative in a post on his official social media account.

"We want to protect our children from the harmful effects of social media. To that end, we have submitted a bill to Parliament that would ban social media use for individuals under the age of 16," Luxon stated.

According to the Prime Minister, the bill is intended to shield children and teenagers from exposure to online violence, harmful content, taboo topics, and drug-related material. The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young peoples mental health, attention span, and social development.

Under the bill, the responsibility for verifying users ages would fall on the social media companies themselves. Platforms that fail to implement effective age-verification mechanisms could face significant fines and potential legal action. This sets a precedent in placing the onus on tech giants rather than users or parents.

The move aligns New Zealand with a global trend of increasing scrutiny over tech companies and their role in protecting younger users. Similar debates are unfolding in the European Union and parts of the United States, where lawmakers are also grappling with how best to regulate children's access to digital content.

Critics argue that the bill could be difficult to enforce and might raise questions about privacy and digital rights, but supporters praise it as a necessary step to protect vulnerable age groups in an increasingly online world.

If passed, New Zealand would become one of the first countries in the world to impose a nationwide age restriction on social media access, potentially influencing similar measures in other jurisdictions.
The swing to the right continues in Europe, this time with Romania's presidential election. The only major candidate running officially on a party ticket, George Simion, leader of the populist nationalist anti-immigration and Euro-sceptic Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) won the top slot in the runoff with 41% of the vote, 20 points ahead of his nearest rival. Simion is a sovereigntist opposed to the EU taking powers away from nations, and has called for a Ministry for the Investigation of the European Project in the cabinet.

This is a re-run of the first round of the election. The first time around, a populist nationalist anti-immigration independent, Calin Georgescu, came in first place with 23%. Simion was also a candidate in that election and ran fourth with 14% of the vote. The Constitutional Court, dominated by appointees of the Social Democrat Party annulled that election on unproven conspiracy theories against Georgescu, urged on by the EU globalist elite and by the Biden regime, called a new election and disqualified Georgescu from running in the new election.

The three other major candidates all ran as independents, but had major roles in other parties. Running second was Nicusor Dan, Mayor of Bucharest, who has been a founder and leader of the center-right Union to Save Romania, at 21%, closely followed by Crin Antonescu, former president of the traditional right National Liberal Party at 20%. Bringing up the rear among the major candidates was former Social Democrat Prime Minister Victor Ponta at 14%

Smion will now face Dan in a runoff. Romania's prime minsiter, who had endorsed Antonescu resigned after Antonescu failed to advance to the final round, and that may lead to new parliamentary elections..

Playing off all of the political manipulation in the earlier election, Simion's campaign slogan was simply "democracy".

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/nationalists-double-votes-in-romanias-do-over-election/

https://rmx.news/romania/romania-right-wing-candidate-wins-first-round-of-presidential-election-after-entire-election-canceled-and-top-candidate-banned/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/romanian-presidential-elections-maga-inspired-george-simion-wins/

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/from-england-to-romania-they-cant-stop-the-peoples-revolt/
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) is withholding support for President Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. Attorney for D.C., a move that could result in MAGA villain Judge Jeb Boasberg choosing who would fill the role  potentially even former Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Trump, who announced in December 2024 that Ed Martin would serve as Chief of Staff at the Office of Management and Budget, installed Martin as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia on January 20, 2025, later formally nominating him to take over long-term.

But Martins interim tag expires May 19, 2025. And due to D.C.s unusual status within the federal government, the choice of who would fill the position could fall to U.S. District Judge Jeb Boasberg, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Charlie Kirk, and other prominent conservatives supporting Martins nomination have warned.

Martins defeat would deal a blow to critical components of Trumps agenda.

The powerful U.S. Attorneys Office in D.C. has two roles, which make it one of the most powerful perches in the American legal system  a seat from which much of the lawfare directed at Trump and his supporters originated during the Biden presidency.

Due to D.C.s special status, the office serves in a role similar to a local district attorney. After taking over, Martin wasted no time turning the offices resources towards prosecuting violent crime after a period of lawlessness under President Joe Biden, which saw crime soar.

But the offices second role is the reason Martin has instilled fear in the Washington establishment.

Martin has shifted the focus of the office  the most powerful U.S. Attorneys office  to corruption within the federal government itself.

Instead of spending millions targeting everyday Americans like pro-life advocates, practicing Catholics, and school board parents, Martin is pursuing criminals who have enriched themselves off of taxpayers, committed voter fraud, and other serious crimes. And he is doing so not just in Washington but across the globe.

With the clock ticking on Martins interim status, the Deep State is fighting back, and Tillis has emerged as a roadblock to Martins nomination on the Senate Judiciary Committee, through which Martins nomination must pass.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/05/05/thom-tillis-could-tank-trump-nominee-ed-martin-judge-boasberg-choose-attorney-dc/
Regarding the recent Israel /Iran Conflict (the "12 Day War"), culminating in the United States Air Force employing seven B2 Bombers to complete a 33 hour flight, dropping 14 fifteen ton bunker busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities buried deep under mountain rock, which destroyed Iran's nuclear ambitions against Israel and the United States: Should President Trump have unilaterally made the decision to make such a bold decision to conduct this operation, without first running this prospective operation before the US Congress for their approval?

14.29% No, The War Powers Act prohibitions, which requires NO presidential military action without congressional approval.85.71% Yes, the President has Article 2 Constitutional authority to take unilateral military action to protect the American People, providing he does not break congressional codes, which he did not.0% Don't care, never have.
A distillery in north Belfast has said its preparing to host its first wedding after drawing 20,000 visitors in the first year after opening.

McConnells Distillery opened in Crumlin Road Gaol last year, a process which the company said had returned whiskey distilling "to a city that was once at the heart of the global industry.

But as well as distilling enough new make spirit for 1.6 million bottles, the business said it had also become a major tourist destination as McConnells Distillery Brand Home, drawing 20,000 visitors in the process.

As a tourist destination, the distillery said it had combined immersive whiskey tours with cultural events, gigs, creative showcases and collaborations, and was also getting ready to host its first wedding.

McConnells Irish Whisky is exported to over 45 markets worldwide, according to chief executive John Kelly.

But he said the sites purpose had gone even further than distilling. This is a story about transformation, bringing new life and energy to a part of the city that holds deep historical significance  and creating something truly future-facing.

"The McConnells Distillery is not just where we make whiskey, its a genuinely welcoming brand home where we make connections: between the past and the future, between our city and the world.

Gary Quate, tourism manager for food and drink at Tourism NI, added: Its really exciting to see Belfast reclaim its whiskey heritage in such an impactful way.

"The transformation of this historic building into a vibrant cultural and tourism destination is exactly the kind of experience todays visitors are seeking  and McConnells is delivering that with style.

Thanks to attractions like this, Belfast is becoming a more competitive and compelling destination. Not just for international visitors, but for people from across the island who are looking for rich, authentic experiences close to home. Congratulations to the McConnells team on a phenomenal first year.
How daughter of Armagh egg farmer launched quirky Belfast hotel after Malone Road 'buy of the century'

Melanie Harrison tells Business Telegraph how she turned her 212k office block on the citys Malone Road into a luxury bolthole for discerning guests

Melanie Harrison

James McNaney Tue 6 May 2025 at 08:00

She styles herself as proprietress of The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, upmarket guest accommodation on Belfasts Malone Road.
Police dealt with unrest in Rotherham and elsewhere last summer (Danny Lawson/PA)

Police chiefs have hit out at a watchdog report that called on forces to work faster to counter misleading social media posts such as those that fuelled last summers riots.
Groups lose base with Connswater closure: It makes us angry... its a real kick in the teeth for east Belfast

Call for council to help five creative charities who lost their base with closure of Connswater Shopping Centre in March

Three service users at the Open Arts Gameplan. The initiative has been saved thanks to generosity of another arts organisation in Belfast

Amy Cochrane Tue 6 May 2025 at 07:12

Belfast City Council has not yet provided funding to arts organisations impacted by the closure of Connswater Shopping Centre.
Young Businessperson of the Year sponsored by Queens University Belfast: Hammy Obikoya Highly Commended: Ellen Yates & Yasmin Forsythe

Hammy Obikoya receives the award for Young Businessperson of the Year from Francesca Morelli of Queen's University, Belfast

At the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025, the award for Young Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by Queens University Belfast, was given to Hammy Obikoya.

The entrepreneur is the founder of Mama Bobo Africa, a business that includes Belfasts first Nigerian restaurant and a shop recognised as one of Northern Irelands leading African grocery stores.

Originally arriving in Northern Ireland as an asylum seeker, Mr Obikoya has since launched two ventures aimed at providing African food products and cuisine to local and international communities in Belfast.

The businessman runs the Mama Bobo Grocery store on the Lisburn Road in Belfast and a restaurant of the same name on the Ormeau Road.

His mother started the venture, before Mr Obikoya helped to give it more a business focus during the pandemic.

Mama Bobo Africa supplies a range of African grocery items, including ingredients and pantry staples, catering to residents from African and Caribbean backgrounds as well as others interested in international foods.

In addition, the business operates a Nigerian restaurant, which offers traditional West African dishes and contributes to Belfasts growing food diversity.

A business management graduate from the University of Glasgow, Hammy was this year included in the Belfast Telegraphs 30 Under 30 list.

Read more Rural company named NIs outstanding business while chief gets lifetime gong at BelTel Business Awards

He launched his business following job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since expanded his operations to employ others. He recently won the Young Businessperson of the Year award from the Minority Recognition Awards in 2024.

Speaking after the awards, he said he hopes the recognition will encourage other young people to pursue their interests and show that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.

Hammy said: Its great to receive this award. Recognition like this motivates me to keep working toward my goals and continuing to grow the business.

"The more awards I receive, the more they mean to me. Initially, I didnt put much thought into awards  they used to intimidate me.

"But acknowledgments like this are a reassurance that Im on the right track, and it encourages me to keep pushing forward in my journey.

I hope other younger people can feel inspired by this award, especially those from African backgrounds, and see that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

He also shared some advice for others considering starting a business adding that he is always learning on the job:

Dont let anyone tell you that you cant do something. Even if no one else is doing it, theres no reason you cant if you put your mind to it. Many top entrepreneurs havent figured it all out  and as a young entrepreneur, Im learning every day.

"I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You dont need all the answers; you just need to start and figure it out. If I can do it, anyone can.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has congratulated the winners of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank for their achievements.

It was the first time that the Sinn Fein East Derry MLA had attended and addressed the prestigious event, which was marking its 25th anniversary this year with a glittering event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in south Belfast.

Ms Archibald was appointed Economy Minister in February, after serving as Finance Minister for a year in the Executive.

Read more Rural company named NIs outstanding business while chief gets lifetime gong at BelTel Business Awards

Speaking at the awards, she said: It is great to be part of this celebration of the achievements of our business community.

These achievements are all the more remarkable given the economic challenges faced over recent years.

I congratulate all the winners and nominees for helping to showcase the ambition, innovation and resilience that our local business community demonstrates each day.

The awards were last year attended by her predecessor, Conor Murphy.

There were winners announced at 19 categories at the Business Awards, with Almac Group chief executive and executive chairman Alan Armstrong OBE receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Co Fermanagh glass company Encirc was named Outstanding Business of the Year after it was earlier named as Best Large Company of the Year.
Outstanding Commitment to ESG Award sponsored by Almac: Telefonica Tech Highly Commended: Belfast Metropolitan College and Encirc

Telefonica Techs Ellen Dickson and Janice Phayre accept the Outstanding Commitment to ESG award from Niall Harkin, executive director at Almac

Telefonica Tech has been awarded the Outstanding Commitment to ESG Award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards.

Telefonica Tech provides tech support for firms across the world, and in Northern Ireland it employs around 300 people, with many based in their headquarters at Catalyst in Belfasts Titanic Quarter.

Their clients include the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, where they provide the back-end IT infrastructure to manage the newly-implemented Encompass records software.

The companys entry to the awards noted: Telefonica Tech leads with a robust ESG strategy, focusing on sustainability, digital inclusion, and social impact.

With a commitment to Net Zero by 2040, Telefonica Tech fosters community engagement through partnerships supporting disadvantaged youth, STEM education, and local charities.

The company is a recognised leader in integrating ESG in Northern Ireland.

The companys website notes that it raised or donated more than 40,000 in 2024 to charities.

Read more Rural company named NIs outstanding business while chief gets lifetime gong at BelTel Business Awards

Ellen Dickson, vice-president of the Enterprise Health service at Telefonica Tech, and Janice Phayre, the ESG Manager at the company, went up to receive the award together and afterwards, spoke to the Belfast Telegraph.

Mrs Dickson said that ESG was vitally important in order to build relationships in our communities, give something back, create a network where we can really reciprocate.

Were very lucky, especially in our business and industry, so this is our chance to actually give more back.

Mrs Phayre said that the companys approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance is embedded in so many different things, like all departments.

Were reaching out to our communities, but were also thinking about the staff wellbeing as well, and also then we have to think about the charities that we want to support.

As an ESG manager, Im so lucky. I get to meet all the best people in the company, because theres people with big hearts that want to contribute to this.

Thats what I get out of it. I meet all these great people.

ESG has been under attack from some corners of the business world, as firms respond to political headwinds that downplay its importance to a companys overall business.

Mrs Dickson says that Telefonica Tech is not following this trend, and that ESG absolutely remains and important part of their business.

This is not a short-term thing. Theres long-term gains. Its win-win. Its good for the staff, its good for the business, its good for the communities.

We wont let any political or geographical opinions change that for us.
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
The Education Minister has been accused of a disappointing response after he rejected a councils call to reconsider the eligibility criteria for a 20m programme for schools.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Councils active and healthy communities committee voted in December to lobby Paul Givan to reconsider the use of the Raise formula for education amid fears deprived children will not benefit from the cash injection.

Raise was supposed to help address educational underachievement and tackle educational disadvantage.

However, it has been criticised after the eligibility criteria controversially moved from free school meal entitlement levels to include other indicators, meaning many better off grammar schools and a prep school, where parents usually pay fees, could benefit.

The council sent a letter to the Department of Education in March raising concerns about more affluent schools benefiting over the less well-off.

A response from Mr Givan provided last week said: I decided that the programme should be a regional programme, which will invest in disadvantage across all local government districts in Northern Ireland, including Newry, Mourne and Down.

This will embed collaborative working in a high number of localities that can be a long lasting legacy after funding ends.

I appreciate we have not been able to include all areas of educational disadvantage within NI and that there will always be areas that would wish to be included.

The Raise scheme, partially funded by the Irish Governments Shared Island Fund, was launched last October.

However, major concerns were highlighted after the departments website identified almost 40 grammar schools and a prep school charging up to 5,000 a year as potentially eligible for funding.

Mr Givan said he would have liked to stretch the programme further, but the funding available is finite and therefore an approach to prioritisation has been necessary.

I have prioritised investment in those areas with the lowest levels of educational attainment so that all children and young people can reach their potential. Ultimately the success of the programme will be determined on how well it improves educational outcomes, so it is right that I am investing in areas with the lowest levels of attainment, he said.

I am delighted that the programme will have a significant presence in Newry, Mourne and Down. This is a very important programme with significant potential to do things differently, to facilitate greater collaboration across government, local government and in partnerships with the voluntary and community sector and many others including schools.

I welcome the ongoing engagement with the Raise programme team towards the development of a strategic plan for Newry.

Sinn Fein councillor Kate Murphy said: This is a very disappointing response.

It fails to address the many concerns that educationalists and wider society have about the Raise programme, the methodology selected and how it has been applied.

The first principle of education is that it should be child centred. Many schools are already chronically underfunded and running on deficit budgets.

The Raise programme recognises neither of these facts and uses a flawed formula to select who will be funded and who, yet again, will not.
Police launch their annual anti-drink driving campaign at Shaws Bridge in Belfast on December 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The PSNI made 11 arrests for drink-driving over the bank holiday weekend in Belfast, including one man who was also arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and other offences.

So far 10 of those arrested have been charged to court.

Road Safety Lead for Belfast Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham said: Worryingly, we are continuing to detect drivers drink/drug driving, which is alarming, as this places so many other road users in danger.

"We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Thats why we are appealing to drivers to remember the Fatal Five and how to avoid them. Dont drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; dont be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.

Police launch their annual anti-drink driving campaign at Shaws Bridge in Belfast on December 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Watch: PSNI launch their Operation Lifesaver Campaign

One man was arrested in south Belfast on suspicion of kidnapping and other offences following reports of attempted car theft.

Chief Inspector Cunningham said: Following a report of an attempted car theft in the University Avenue area shortly before 7.45pm yesterday evening, Monday 5th May, a 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit, kidnapping, taking motor vehicle without authority, and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

He remains in police custody this afternoon, assisting with enquiries.

In a second report, a 69-year-old man was arrested in the Cumberland Road area of Dundonald shortly after 4.50pm yesterday.

He has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath, and is expected to appear before Newtownards Magistrate Court on 3rd June.

In a third report, a 32-year-old man was arrested in the Divis Street area of west Belfast shortly after 9.05pm yesterday evening.

He has been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath, and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on 3rd June.

Chief Inspector Cunningham added that a 33-year-old man was arrested in the North Queen Street area of north Belfast shortly before 11:50pm yesterday evening.

He has been charged with excess alcohol in breath and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on 7th May, he said.

Finally, a 19-year-old man arrested by officers on patrol in Bruce Street area of south Belfast shortly before 1.30am today, Tuesday 6th May, has been charged to court with excess alcohol in breath.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on June 2nd.

As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Chief Inspector Cunningham said that a further six people were also charged to court following reports of drink-driving offences at the weekend.

He added: I would like my message to be clear; drink driving is a crime, and Police are continuing to be proactive in detecting those people who commit this offence.

Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for us, and every single person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, after drinking or taking drugs are putting other road users and themselves at serious risk.

"Just one drink can impair decision making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill.
Passengers have praised Belfast International Airports new look after it underwent a 25m makeover.

The revamp includes an improved security hall with the latest technology so that passengers can leave their liquids and laptops in their hand luggage while they go through the scanners.

There is also a new walk-through duty-free experience, which was launched by the First and Deputy First Minister this morning, and a new arrivals hall.

Belfast couple Catherine and Peter OReilly were heading to Rhodes this afternoon and travelled through the airport for the first time in almost six years.

Peter & Catherine O'Reilly at the new Duty Free at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

This is the first time Ive been in the airport since 2019 and its absolutely brilliant the way its all been done up, said Catherine.

The duty free layout is really great, far better than it was before I personally think, because theres far more of a flow to it. It is very good.

She added that her previous memories of the old airport are mixed because there was a lot of queuing and a lot of smaller spaces.

This is far more expanded and it feels more bright, and more like an international airport, Catherine continued.

Far better than when you would go into some airports you would say wow and then you would come in here beforehand, and wish theyd sort of modernise it a bit more, so this is looking really great. Im glad theyve decided to come into the 21st century.

They [tourists] have come in and seen all our beautiful country and then they would have come to the airport and been like ugh, but now its a good end to their trip.

The waiting time [going through security] was bad, but its far better and quicker, and the staff are always pleasant anyway. Today, I found it really good; a lot quicker.

Frequent flyers John and Linda Rankin from Antrim, agreed with that sentiment, before jetting off to Marmaris in Turkey.

Linda says its better laid out this time and looks bigger.

Linda & John Rankin, passengers enjoying the new Duty Free at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

Security was brilliant. I thought the security was fantastic getting through there  not a problem having to take this out of your bag and that out of your bag, or taking your shoes off all the time. Its definitely an improvement.

Sisters Hessie Calder and Vivienne Greenlee  from Carrickfergus and Larne  are set for an 11-day getaway in Tunisia. They think everything about the airport is perfect now.

Hessie said that previously, she had waited over an hour to get through security at times, but today took around three minutes.

Its a lot easier; no queues, no nothing. Duty free is lovely, its well set out and massive and well advertised.

Sisters Hessie Calder & Vivienne Greenlee at the new Duty Free at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

While Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly were at the airport, they left before the designated media slot, avoiding questions.

The airport plays a critical role for aviation, tourism and the local economy employing over 4,000 people across the site.

The new duty-free is also now home to a lot more homegrown Northern Irish brands, including local favourites McConnells, Bushmills, and Boatyard Distillery, as well as Born and Bred, a Belfast-based store that showcases locally designed gifts and products.

In previous surveys during recent years, Belfast International Airport has been ranked as one of the UKs worst airports.

Elizabeth McKee, Brand Ambassador for Co Tyrone-based Wild Atlantic Distillery & Tours - now at the New Duty Free at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

One 2023 survey, conducted annually by consumer group Which?, put the airport in its bottom five, largely due to security waiting times and check-in queues.

The new terminal extension aims to challenge that, with one spokesperson stating that the average waiting times in security are now around four minutes per passenger.

Dan Owens, chief executive of the airport, said: Were really trying to drive that customer experience.

With the new security hall, weve got six new lanes and the latest tech and equipment. Everything weve done is about enhancing capacity and the passenger experience as well.

Its the first complete investment, part of a 100m five-year plan that the airport announced 18 months ago.

New Duty Free at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

It also includes a partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, involving initiatives like the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, highlighting the regions rich distilling heritage.

One thing that wont be included in the investment plan is the return of the departure lounge smoking area, which closed amidst some public criticism in January.

It was the last airport in Northern Ireland to have a smoking area within the terminal, with no facilities available at Belfast City Airport or City of Derry Airport.

New Terminal Extension at Belfast International Airport on the 6th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

Mr Owens reiterated to The Belfast Telegraph that the smoking area was unfortunately vandalised which meant they had to remove it.

Were now consistent with the majority of airports in the UK which have external smoking areas, he concluded.
Darren Prenter failed to attend Belfast Magistrates Court today as a prosecuting lawyer outlined how his pack of four lurchers attacked a cat in an entry between the Alliance Road and Ballysillan Playing Fields on September 9, last year.
Flying high: VE celebrations come to Stormont with Belfast Telegraph Spitfire replica

A total of 17 fighter planes were funded by generous readers of the newspaper during the Second World War

Watch: Belfast Telegraph Spitfire outside Stormont for VE Day

Kurtis Reid Tue 6 May 2025 at 22:05

Visitors to Stormont were met with a striking sight on Tuesday afternoon as a full-scale replica of a Second World War Spitfire took pride of place to commemorate Victory in Europe.
First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with Nicolas Notebaert, chief executive of concessions at Vinci and president of Vinci Airports, Dan Owens, Belfast International Airports chief executive, and Pierre Anjolras, chief executive of Vinci (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye)

Northern Irelands First Minister and deputy First Minister have officially opened an upgraded terminal at Belfast International Airport.

The airport is undergoing a 100 million five-year investment programme with a new terminal extension which includes a state-of-the-art security hall, a new duty free experience and enhancements to the arrivals experience.

Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly took a tour of the facility on Tuesday, along with Pierre Anjolras, chief executive of Vinci, and Nicolas Notebaert, chief executive of Concessions at Vinci and president of Vinci Airports.

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The first 25 million investment phase, which is now complete, features a 1,600 square metre duty free store which combines duty free, food and beverages and travel essentials all under one roof.

Meanwhile, the new security hall features state-of-the-art next generation security equipment, meaning passengers no longer have to move liquids or electronics from hand luggage.

Externally a new forecourt area has been created, with the building design taking inspiration from the design of the original terminal completed in 1963.

The most notable feature of this building was the angular roof construction and this is still prevalent today, both externally and internally.

Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new terminal extension.

Ms ONeill described an impressive transformation and hailed the airports commitment to improving its facilities and operational efficiency in order to enhance passenger experience.

Improving our air connectivity with Europe and the rest of the world is key for growing business and tourism, she said.

This first part of the 100 million investment plays a key role in our goal of delivering wider economic growth and creating jobs. I look forward to seeing the next phases of the programme come to fruition in the years ahead.

Ms Little-Pengelly added: Belfast International Airport is very much part of the fabric of Northern Ireland and a key gateway for domestic and international travel.

It plays a pivotal role in connectivity, tourism and economic growth and the opening of this new, modern terminal extension will bring a range of benefits.

I want to commend the airports management and its owners for their commitment to making such a significant investment in transforming and modernising the facility.

I have no doubt that this airport will continue to grow as a regional asset and as a symbol of our global aspirations, and I wish everyone well for the next phases of this project.

Belfast International Airports chief executive Dan Owens hailed significant progress.

When we started this process around two years ago we were focused on our goal to transform the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport, he said.

Today we can say we have made significant progress in achieving that goal.

We provide employment for over 4,000 people, connecting almost seven million passengers across our airline network.

As the economic driver for this region in terms of economic development and tourism growth we are committed to further enhancing the passenger experience while also working with our airline partners to develop our network of routes.
The officer is currently receiving attention for his injuries

A police officer has been left with a broken foot following antisocial disorder involving youths in south Belfast.

Officers responded to the incident on Monday in the Roden Street area of the city at approximately 8.15pm after reports of young people engaging in disorder.

A large piece of metal was thrown at a police car which narrowly missed the vehicle during the incident.

After police attempted to detain the suspect, an officer suffered a broken foot which left him unable to carry out his duties further.

The neighbourhood officer is currently receiving support for the injury.

A 16-year-old boy was apprehended at the scene and is facing criminal charges.

Neighbourhood Inspector for South Belfast, Roisin Brown said: At approximately 8.15pm, officers deployed to the Roden Street area in response to reports of young people engaged in disorder and anti-social behaviour.

During the incident, a large piece of metal was thrown at a marked police vehicle, narrowly missing the windscreen. The police vehicle was being driven at the time.

When police attempted to apprehend a suspect, one neighbourhood officer sustained a broken foot. He is receiving support but will be unable to carry out duties for a considerable amount of time whilst he recovers.

At a time when the police service is already stretched, this means that there is one less neighbourhood officer available to the community in South Belfast.

A 16-year-old male was detained at the scene and police will be pursuing a criminal justice outcome in relation to this incident.

Assaults on our officers are completely unacceptable, and have lasting impacts physically and psychologically. Protecting the community we serve is important to us and injuries like this are not just part of the job.

I am once again asking parents and guardians to also speak to their young people. Know where they are, and help us by preventing them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record.

The officer is currently receiving attention for his injuries

News Catchup - Monday 5th May

We ask anyone who sees any anti-social behaviour in the area, to contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.

"Assaults on police pose a serious threat to the vital service police provide, and we will continue work with the Police Federation for Northern Ireland to support our officers.
Undated handout photo issued by the Glider Pilot Regiment Society of a vehicle being loaded into a WW2 Horsa glider (Glider Pilot Regiment Society/PA)

A set of never-before-seen documents of discussions between spies has revealed the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) role in the announcement of VE Day.

The documents, released 80 years after VE Day, showcase the intelligence agencys role and the excitement felt by those in the organisation tasked with sharing the news that fighting in Europe would soon end.

The document cache includes a letter from then-Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, Dwight D Eisenhower, to the Deputy Director Naval Section via the Admiralty.

The messages relay that the German high command had signed an unconditional surrender.

Intelligence agency shares spy chatter to celebrate VE Day (GCHQ/PA)

The document, timestamped 8.30am on May 7, 1945, instructs Allied expeditionary forces to cease all offensive operations but states that troops should remain in their present positions.

The document states: Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops, so full defensive precautions would be taken.

The bottom of the document includes the instruction that no repeat, no release is to be made to the press.

The document also features annotations by the officer who had transcribed the message. At the bottom of the letter, a note reads: and u can jollu well RD TT plse.

Director Sir Edward Travis to his staff (GCHQ/PA)

RD TT likely stands for read top-to-toe, with the addition showing the excitement felt by the operator who had the privilege of passing on the news.The voices of intelligence officials, charged with holding vital top-secret information and working under secrecy, rarely feature in historical accounts.

GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said: We know that intelligence had a significant part to play in VE Day and bringing World War Two to a close, and Im proud that our predecessors at GCHQ were part of that.

She added: It is also a powerful reminder of how those who worked so diligently and selflessly in the past paved the way for our future, and the world we live in today.

It is with great pride that we pay homage to them today.

(PA Graphics)

The second document in the cache is a letter written and signed by then-GC&CS (GCHQ) director Sir Edward Travis to his staff, stating that no congratulatory, greetings or other Victory telegrams will be sent from GC&CS on VE Day or subsequently without the Directors prior approval.

The letter is dated May 4 1945, four days before VE Day.

It shows us that intelligence heads and the staff working at GCHQ were some of the first to know that the end of the war would soon be announced.
Holocaust survivors, refugees and descendants attended a special celebration with the Association of Jewish Refugees at RAF Museum, north west London (Yui Mok/PA)

A Holocaust survivor has paid tribute to the high risks people took to help Jews during the Second World War.

Jacques Weisser, 83, was born in Antwerp during the war and subsequently hidden when his parents were taken to Auschwitz concentration camp.

He was one of 22 Holocaust survivors and Second World War refugees who attended a VE Day tea party organised by the Association of Jewish Refugees at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in north London on Tuesday.

Survivors and their descendants were given a tour of wartime RAF fighter planes and listened to a swing band perform.

Mr Weisser said: My father survived Auschwitz. My mother did not.

Its all luck. We are the lucky ones. We have a lot to be thankful for.

People took such high risks with their own lives and their families. We owe them so much. Sadly, there werent enough of them.

Henny Franks, aged 101, escaped to the UK in February 1939 (Yui Mok/PA)

Mr Weissers father Jacob was initially sent as a slave labourer to build the Atlantic Wall during the war before being sent to several camps.

His mother Martha was sent to Mechelen, Antwerp and from there to Auschwitz.

Before he was even a year old, Mr Weisser was brought to a childrens home in 1942 after his mothers deportation and was later hidden in Sint Erasmus hospital.

The RAF hosted the special event ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Yui Mok/PA)

His father was eventually reunited with Jacques in the Ardennes forest, his latest hiding place, at the end of the war.

Henny Franks, 101, escaped to the UK in 1939 via a Kindertransport with her younger sister.

She said: Ive lived a happy life. I was lucky enough that when I came to England, my fathers first cousin from Poland took me in.

Ive been brought up to be happy. I am in contact with some others (refugees) but Im about one of the oldest.

Holocaust survivors, refugees and descendants took part in the special event (Yui Mok/PA)

Mrs Franks, who trained in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the British Army when she was 19, added: I love England very much. I felt so proud to be in the army. I did my bit.

I met all these lovely, lovely people. And in the army I met all my Jewish friends.

Mrs Franks was awarded the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-45 and the HM Armed Forces Veteran Badge in 2023 when she turned 100, and said she was surprised because I didnt know I was eligible.

Maurice Peltz was four years old when his family escaped Poland.

He said he was a keen dancer growing up and danced with the Princess of Wales at a survivors ceremony at the Guildhall in January.

The 98-year-old said: Shes a charming person. I said: I shall dance with you, and she said: That would be nice.
Sir Keir Starmer is coming under increasing pressure from his own party (Henry Nicholls/PA)

A senior Labour figure called for a rethink in the decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance as ministers acknowledged stripping the payments from millions of pensioners contributed to Labours hammering at the ballot box.

Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan said the decision to axe the universal benefit was something that comes up time and again as she called for a U-turn.

Cabinet minister Wes Streeting acknowledged peoples anger at the policy but said there was no formal review taking place, amid speculation that changes were being considered to restore the payments to some who lost the handouts worth up to 300.

First Minister and Labour leader in Wales Baroness Eluned Morgan called for a rethink in the winter fuel policy (Ben Birchall/PA)

Labour lost the previously safe Runcorn and Helsby constituency in a by-election and almost 200 councillors as Nigel Farages Reform UK made sweeping gains in last weeks vote.

Baroness Morgan also fears Reform making significant gains in Wales at next years Senedd election.

In a speech in Cardiff she called on Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the means-testing of winter fuel payments.

She said there were two Labour Governments working together in Cardiff Bay and Westminster but she insisted she would challenge Sir Keir where they disagreed.

She said: To be honest, though, it hasnt all been popular.

The cut in winter fuel allowance is something that comes up time and again, and I hope the UK Government will rethink this policy.

She also said the UK Governments welfare reform proposals are causing serious concern here, where we have a higher number of people dependent on disability benefits than elsewhere.

The First Minister added: We know that splits and spats make for easy news, but this isnt drama. This is honesty, this is responsibility. This is what leadership looks like.

(PA Graphics)

The Guardian reported that, while a full restoration of the universal winter fuel payment was unlikely, No 10 sources said the Government was considering whether to increase the 11,500 threshold over which pensioners are no longer eligible for the allowance.

Mr Streeting told Radio 4s Today: There isnt a formal review or anything like that going on. I do know that.

But look, we are reflecting on what the voters told us last Thursday at the ballot box.

He said at this stage, ahead of a spending review or budget where these sorts of decisions are normally taken, I wouldnt be close to those sorts of discussions.

But he told BBC Breakfast: I know that people arent happy about winter fuel allowance, in lots of cases. We did protect it for the poorest pensioners but there are lots of people saying they disagree with it regardless.

The decision last July to restrict the winter fuel payment to the poorest pensioners was intended to save around 1.5 billion a year, with more than nine million people who would have previously been eligible losing out.

Mr Streeting defended the decision and other unpopular measures such as the hike in employers national insurance contributions, arguing they were necessary to raise cash to address the various crises across public services including the NHS and prisons.

In response to the electoral backlash, he told LBC: We have to take that on the chin, and we are. In Government, were genuinely impatient for change. We are going hard at the challenges that the public has set for us.

And were under no illusion  and I think the voters have sent us a fundamental message we voted for change with Labour last year, if you dont deliver change, if were not feeling it, well vote for change elsewhere.

So weve got that message loud and clear. We take the results on the chin.

Were back in Parliament today, picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves down, and with things like the GP announcement today showing the country weve got the message, when the Prime Minister said go further and faster, were on the case.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan (Andy Buchanan/PA)

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said: Looks like Labour are having a rethink about their winter fuel payment cut.

Shame they didnt listen to us before they made millions of pensioners struggle through the winter. But at least theres time to fix it before next winter.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper said: The Governments cuts to winter fuel payments have caused untold misery, with countless pensioners forced to choose between heating and eating.

It beggars belief that the Government is only now waking up to the public fury and damage they have caused.
UK politicians have urged restraint after India fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least six locations, killing at least eight people, according to Pakistani security officials.

Scotlands First Minister John Swinney and Labour MP Stella Creasy said they were deeply concerned by the escalation in violence while former Tory minister Lord Ahmad warned the potential for war tonight is real.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its travel advice for the region, warning against all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles of the Line of Control and the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

A statement said: On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

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In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control. On the night of 6 May (UK Time) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flights being diverted. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. British nationals should stay up to date with our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.

India said three civilians were killed in shelling by Pakistani troops in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The Indian army said in a statement the Pakistani army resorted to arbitrary firing, including gunfire and artillery shelling, across the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries, and their international border.

The statement said the army was responding in a proportionate manner.

Tensions have mounted between the nuclear-armed neighbours over last months militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

India blamed Pakistan for backing the attack, which Islamabad has denied.

Mr Swinney said on Tuesday evening: I am deeply concerned by the events in Kashmir tonight and urge calm and dialogue to avoid further conflict.

Ms Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, warned the world cannot stand by as the conflict spirals and the risk of harm to civilians in the region increases.

Deeply concerning to see military air strikes in Jammu Kashmir tonight by the Indian Government, she said.

Restraint by all concerned must be sought and secured.

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Lord Ahmad, who served as South Asia minister under the previous Conservative administration, said the missile strikes were an alarming escalation.

The potential of a war tonight is real  we need urgent international engagement to prevent a widening of this conflict which carries serious implications not just for the region but for the wider world, he said.

MP for Coventry South Zarah Sultana, who sits as an Independent following her suspension from Labour after she voted to back scrapping the two-child benefit cap, accused New Delhi of violating international law.

She said in a post on social media: I condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam  but no conclusive evidence has been presented linking Pakistan.

Indias unprovoked strike on Pakistan is a violation of international law. With both being nuclear powers, this is reckless & a grave threat to regional peace.

The missiles early on Wednesday struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the countrys eastern Punjab province, according to officials.

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Pakistans military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said India launched attacks on six different locations, killing eight people and injuring 38 others.

A mosque was hit in the city of Bahawalpur, where a child was killed and a woman and a man were injured, an official said.

State-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials, said the countrys air force shot down two Indian jets in retaliation but provided no additional detail.

Pakistans Foreign Affairs Ministry said Indian forces had launched the strikes while staying in Indian airspace. Other locations hit were near Muridke in Punjab and Kotli in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

Indias Defence Ministry said in a statement that at least nine sites were targeted where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.

Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.

We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.

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The Indian army wrote on X: Justice is served.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the deceitful enemy has carried out cowardly attacks at five locations in Pakistan and that his country would retaliate.

Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given, he said.

He added that his country and its forces know very well how to deal with the enemy. We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.

Waqar Noor, the interior minister in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said at least one child was killed in the Indian attack and that several missiles landed at two locations, with the civilian population targeted.
Rescue workers extinguish a fire in a building which was heavily damaged by a Russian strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Russian forces intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones fired at almost a dozen regions of Russia in an attack that forced all four airports around Moscow to temporarily suspend flights, the Defence Ministry in Moscow has said.

Nine other regional Russian airports also temporarily stopped operating as drones struck areas along the border with Ukraine and deeper inside Russia, according to Russias civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, and the Defence Ministry on Tuesday.

It was the second straight night that the Moscow region reportedly was targeted.

A paramedic gives first aid to a wounded soldier at the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine (Andriy Andriyenko/AP)

Two people were injured in the Kursk region, according to local governor Alexander Khinshtein, and some damage was reported in the Voronezh region.

The Russian reports could not be independently verified.

The drone assault comes two days ahead of a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in the more than three-year war announced by President Vladimir Putin to coincide with celebrations in Moscow marking Victory Day in the Second World War.

The day celebrating Moscows defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 is Russias biggest secular holiday when foreign dignitaries will gather in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, Russian forces overnight fired at least 20 Shahed drones at Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city near the border with Russia, injuring four people, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.

The drones started a fire at the biggest market in Kharkiv, Barabashovo, destroying and damaging around 100 market stalls, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin looks at the paper as he listens to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin during their meeting at the Kremlin (Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AP)

Seven more civilians were injured elsewhere in the Kharkiv region by Russian glide bombs and drones, Mr Syniehubov said.

Mr Putin last week declared a brief unilateral truce on humanitarian grounds from May 8.

Ukraine has called for a longer ceasefire.

Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by insisting on far-reaching conditions.

Ukraine has accepted it the proposal, President Volodymyr Zelensky says.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday at the White House that the brief truce doesnt sound like much, but its a lot if you knew where we started from.

Foreign leaders who have confirmed their attendance at the Victory Day festivities in Moscow include Chinas President Xi Jinping, described by Mr Putin as our main guest.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, another top ally whom Mr Putin has courted, had been expected in Moscow but he cancelled his trip amid tensions with Pakistan.

Other guests include Slovakias populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly challenged the European Unions policies over Ukraine.

Serbias President Aleksandar Vucic also has accepted an invitation, his first trip to Russia since the invasion, but his attendance was uncertain after he became ill.
The Kremlin has announced that Russian president Vladimir Putin will travel to China at the end of August, reciprocating Chinese leader Xi Jinpings visit to Russia this week.

Mr Putins foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the visit will be part of a good tradition, in which Mr Xi visits Moscow to attend celebrations of Russias defeat over Nazi Germany in May 1945, and Mr Putin travels to China to attend events marking the Allied defeat of Japan.

This was the case 10 years ago, in 2015, and this will be the case this year, Mr Ushakov said.

On September 3, Beijing is set to host an event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which China refers to as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

In 2015, China marked the 70th anniversary of its role in the defeat of Japan with a massive military parade involving more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military equipment and 200 military aircraft.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Fazry Ismail/Pool Photo via AP)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier this year announced that China and Russia would jointly mark this years anniversary.

Mr Putin last visited China a year ago, in his first foreign trip after being sworn in for his fifth term in office. He also went in October 2023 and in February 2022, weeks before the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Mr Xis visit to Russia will be his third since then. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlins contentions that Russias action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China because of Western sanctions.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Kazan (Maxim Shipenkov, Pool Photo via AP)

Chinas increased trade with Russia has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.

Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

Mr Xi last visited Russia in September 2024 for a summit of the Brics bloc of developing economies. He paid a state visit to Russia in March 2023. The two leaders also met in Kazakhstan in July 2024.
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germanys chancellor  hours after he failed to win the first round in parliament in a historic defeat.

Mr Merz, 69, who succeeds Olaf Scholz, has vowed to prioritise European unity and the continents security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russias war on Ukraine.

Mr Merzs two-party Union bloc emerged as the strongest force from Germanys election on February 23.

He then turned to the Social Democrats, Mr Scholzs centre-left party, to put together a coalition with a parliamentary majority.

He has already pushed through plans to enable higher defence spending, and faced more pressure to finish the deal after US president Donald Trumps announcement of sweeping tariffs created significant market disruption.

Friedrich Merz is congratulated by outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

On Tuesday, Mr Merz needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in parliament but only got 310 in the first round. Because it was a secret ballot, it was not immediately clear  and might never be known  who defected from Mr Merzs camp.

In the second round he received 325 votes.

As chancellor, Mr Merz will face the challenge of helping to fill a leadership vacuum and craft a united response to recent US policy shifts that have strained the trans-Atlantic alliance.

The top job has been late in coming for Mr Merz, a trained lawyer who saw his ascent derailed by former chancellor Angela Merkel in the early 2000s and who even turned his back on active politics for several years.

Despite his political experience, he will take over the chancellery without previously having served in government.

Ms Merkel has described Mr Merz as a brilliant speaker and complimented his desire for leadership, though she acknowledged this was a problem in their relationship.

We are almost the same age.  We grew up completely differently, which was more of an opportunity than an obstacle, she wrote in her memoir Freedom.

But there was one problem, right from the start: We both wanted to be the boss, she said.

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Ms Merkel moved to consolidate her grip on Germanys centre-right after the Union narrowly lost a national election in 2002.

She pushed Mr Merz aside as leader of its parliamentary group, taking the job herself in addition to the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union party she already held. She went on to lead Germany from 2005 to 2021.

Mr Merz turned his back on active politics for several years after leaving parliament in 2009.

He practised law and headed the supervisory board of investment manager BlackRocks German branch. During that break, he often travelled for business to the United States and China, though he never lived outside Germany.

Volker Resing, who wrote the recent biography Friedrich Merz: His Path To Power, says that Mr Merz would possibly be the most international chancellor Germany has had since 1945.

Mr Merz launched his political comeback after Ms Merkel stepped down as CDU leader in 2018 and announced that she would not seek a fifth term as chancellor.

However, he was narrowly defeated by centrist candidates in party leadership votes in 2018 and early 2021.

But he persisted and was finally elected party leader at the third attempt, after the centre-rights defeat by Mr Scholz in Germanys 2021 election.

Mr Merz cemented his power by also becoming the leader of the Unions parliamentary group.

According to Mr Resing, Mr Merz does not believe in avoiding confrontation at all costs, but believes that a certain amount of provocation can set off a real debate and perhaps a real development in motion.

During the election campaign, Mr Merz vowed to make Germanys ailing economy strong again and curb irregular migration.

With Mr Trump back in the White House and tensions rising over how to resolve the war in Ukraine, Mr Merz, who has long supported a strong trans-Atlantic relationship, said after his victory that his top priority is to unify Europe in the face of challenges coming from the United States and Russia.

Mr Merz put toughening Germanys immigration laws at the forefront of the election campaign after a migrant killed two people in a knife attack in the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg earlier this year.

Leader of the Christian Democrats Friedrich Merz (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

He brought a nonbinding motion before the parliament, calling for many more migrants to be turned back at Germanys borders. The motion was narrowly approved thanks to votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party.

That prompted his opponents to accuse Mr Merz of breaking a taboo in allegedly working with the AfD, and a public rebuke from Ms Merkel.

Critics pointed to the episode as an illustration of what they say is Mr Merzs tendency to impulsiveness.

Hundreds of thousands of Germans took to the streets to protest against both Mr Merzs motion and also the rise of the far right.

Mr Merz has insisted he did nothing wrong and never worked with AfD, and also repeatedly vowed to never work with the party as chancellor.

Mr Merz represents his rural region in Germanys parliament  an area where people are rather down-to-earth, perhaps a little reserved, Mr Resing said.

Thats what shaped him: rural life.

As a politician, Mr Merz has always championed conservative values and stressed the importance of family.

He met his wife Charlotte, who is now a judge, while he was studying law, and they have three grown children.

Mr Merz joined the CDU in 1972 and was elected to the European Parliament in 1989. He first joined the German parliament in 1994.

A pilot who is openly passionate about his hobby, Mr Merz sometimes would fly his own small plane from his home in the Sauerland region in western Germany to Berlin on Monday mornings.

He has stuck to flying, despite the long hours imposed by his job as opposition leader and occasional criticism that he is indulging in a rich mans hobby.

When you talk to him about flying, his eyes light up, Mr Resing said. He says that when youre above the clouds, thats freedom.
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POWNAL  The American Revolution may have begun in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, but less than two weeks later the rebellions epicenter passed through Pownal, Bennington and other local towns along what is now the Route 7 corridor.

Events marking the 250th anniversary of early May 1775 events began on Saturday morning with commemoration of the march of the Green Mountain Boys and volunteers from Connecticut and Massachusetts to northern Vermont.

From Hands Cove, they crossed Lake Champlain by boat and surprised and captured Fort Ticonderoga on the New York side of the lake.

The expedition had begun in Connecticut with the idea of taking the lightly defended British fort and particularly its cannon. The hope was that the cannon could help drive an occupying British army from Boston, which is what occurred in early 1776.

Pownals role

Standing near the site of the first Pownal meetinghouse on Center Street, re-enactors listened to a plea from Josiah Dunning (Josh Boucher) to join Ethan Allen and his men to strike a blow against the tyranny of King George III.

Dunning was one of several members of the Green Mountain Boys then living in Pownal.

We need to rally together with Ethan Allen and his forces, and we need to go and take Fort Ticonderoga, now! he declared.

A debate then ensued among the re-enactors as to whether it was wise to join such a venture  essentially to take on a world superpower, Great Britain.

The arrival of the expedition volunteers from Connecticut and Massachusetts Saturday prompted cheers and seemed to convinced the townspeople to take that risk.

The 1775 expedition had come up through Sheffield, Pittsfield, Williamstown and other Berkshire County towns, sometimes gathering volunteers along the way, before reaching Pownal and Bennington to join up with Ethan Allens Green Mountain Boys.

Following the 1775 route, there were activities in Bennington Saturday, including re-enactor musket drills and demonstrations, information tables, and 250th related merchandise.

This was followed in the afternoon by re-enactor events and educational demonstrations in Shaftsbury.

On Sunday, there were events marking the 250th anniversaries in Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester and Dorset.

While the rain largely spared the community events in Pownal, it became steadier in Shaftsbury during the afternoon at the historic Jonas Galusha House.

Still, there was a colonial-era military encampment display and a series of battlefield maneuvers by militia re-enactors, followed by multiple booming musket volleys.

Pownal Select Board Chair Mike Gardner said he was pleased with events there marking the first stop in Vermont of the expedition to take Fort Ticonderoga.

This is amazing, he said. I think Pownal  this is where it started  and to have it on the same day as it was originally is amazing. I think we set the bar for the rest of the towns on the way up.

He thanked the town historical society, town Administrative Assistant Tara Parks and the volunteers who planned and staged the events Saturday. Those included a video and information on the revolutionary era, shown in the town office building, and displays of other historical information.

Gardner also thanked participants representing Connecticut  where the expedition originated  and nearby Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Its just a huge sense of community to me, he said.

Rich Ryder, vice president of the Historical Society, said the town and the society have been working on this for about a year, as to what do you do and how do you present this? And the ideas started coming up and flowing. What you witnessed today in the town of Pownal was amazing.

I think it was a great success for the town of Pownal, Parks said.

It was great, said Deb Burns, who portrayed a military fife player during the raising of a newly designed peace and unity flag.

It was so exciting to come over the hill and see this group of people, all ready to march and passionately discuss the issues, Burns said. And everybody looked so good.

Tom Zolper of the Historical Society read a joint proclamation from the Vermont House and Senate commemorating the historic events surrounding the Ticonderoga expedition and events that occurred in what is now Bennington County.

He and Parks raised the newly designed flag on the town green, celebrating 250 years of peace and unity.

Back in 1775, there were only an estimated 350 settlers living in Pownal and 12,000 in lands granted to settlers in what later became the Republic of Vermont in 1777, and later still part of the United States in 1790 -- entering as the 14th state.

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Customers look at washers and dryers on display at a Lowe's Home Improvement store in 2022. Appliances are among the things Americans may want to invest in soon in order to get a jump on tariffs, according to columnist Bill Schmick.
DALTON  The 277 registered voters and 17 guests who attended Mondays annual Town Meeting had plenty to discuss.

So much so that after nearly four hours of debating and only 19 of the 31 articles voted on, the meeting held at Wahconah Regional High School was suspended. The Town Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday where the remaining articles will be voted on.

Two of the 19 articles voted on did not pass, as residents rejected the police budget and the use of the former Dalton High School for any purpose other than housing. The high school parcel was being considered as a possible location for a new town police station.

Around 10:40 p.m., a motion was made and passed to suspend the meeting until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The night began with the public voicing its frustration with Article 3, which would appropriate $11,048,759 for the towns operating budget. The conversation lasted over an hour, with an eventual motion to separate the police budget from the towns operating budget.

The motion to vote on the items separately passed 161-104. Residents eventually passed the rest of the towns operating budget.

The residents in attendance went after the police department, commenting on the number of calls they get, the number of arrests they make and the budget of $1,664,924, up $129,668 from the current year.

Residents initially voted with their cards, and the result was decided by one vote. The town decided to do a special vote because Dalton Town Clerk Heather Hunt said that they did not think it was fair.

They held a secret ballot vote where residents ripped one side of a sheet of paper that had yes or no on it and dropped it in a bucket.

One resident said, Ive never had to do this before.

After being pulled from the operating budget, the police budget failed to pass, 162-117, and was tabled. Select Board Chair Robert Bishop made a motion to hold a special town meeting to decide the police budget, which was approved.

The town will have until July 1 to decide a budget for the police department.

Residents also voiced their concerns regarding Article 13 of the warrant, which called for rescinding the vote taken during the 2017 annual Town Meeting that authorized the demolition of the old Dalton High School and sale of the property for redevelopment for houses in accordance with zoning by-laws.

On April 30, the Select Board voted 3-2 against using 120 First St., the old Dalton High School, as the new police site, so they could specifically wait for the result of the Article 13 vote at Town Meeting.

The voters ultimately rejected Article 13, leading to a large roar from members. The town can no longer use the site for a municipal building, including the police station, and it will remain zoned for housing redevelopment only at this time.

Free cash was another popular topic, with the towns accountant, Sandra Albano, making a motion to add an additional $100,000 to the General Stabilization Fund, Capital Stabilization Fund and Sewer Stabilization Fund.

Article 11 called for $100,000 to be transferred from free cash to those funds, but Albano said that it used to be $200,000 and she wanted to keep it how it used to be.

The motion was passed by residents.

[We should] keep our consistent transfer of free cash to those funds, Albano said.

The town also approved an allocation of $9,216,038 for the Central Berkshire Regional School Districts budget, an increase of 3.5 percent from the current fiscal year.

The final 12 articles will be voted on when the meeting continues on Wednesday at Wahconah. The town election will be held at the Dalton Senior Center on May 12.
Hancock's new tanker didn't come a moment too soon. That's because, a year into the department's three-year wait for a new one, it had to retire its predecessor, leaving the 20-mile long town with only a single tanker.
In a contest to fill three seats on the Lenox School Committee, Oren Cass came in fourth behind Rebecca Miller, who had withdrawn before the town election. Now, following a unanimous vote at a joint meeting of the Select Board and the committee, he is filling the vacancy until the annual election next May.
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Dramatic cuts in federal rental aid proposed by the Trump administration would be devastating in the Berkshires, where many already are struggling to access stable and affordable housing, advocates say.

In its request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Trump administration on Friday proposed essentially terminating Section 8 and other rental assistance programs, which it says are dysfunctional.

The plan would cut funding to those programs by $26.7 billion, or about 40 percent, and redirect it to states to design their own rental assistance programs based on their unique needs and preferences."

It would also institute a two-year cap on rental assistance for able-bodied adults, which it said would ensure an even greater majority of funding would go to seniors and people with disabilities. The budget does include $25 million in housing grants for youth aging out of foster care.

If the administrations budget ever sees the light of day, the impact would be disastrous, said Brad Gordon, executive director of Upside413, formerly the Berkshire Regional Housing Authority. These are really important programs that promote both short- and long-term housing stability and those programs are already struggling because theyre under-resourced.

Congress rejected similar proposals during Trump's first term, but housing advocates say it is yet unclear whether members will again push back against efforts to eliminate federal rental assistance, or sway to political pressure.

What Congress decides could have drastic consequences for the Berkshires, where more than 1,600 households rely on federal housing choice vouchers, otherwise known as Section 8. Additional households living in apartments that are funded through federal project-based vouchers also are vulnerable to the proposed cuts.

Affordable housing is in short supply in the Berkshires. Inventory remains at historic lows and housing costs are rising across the region, outpacing local salaries and exacerbating economic inequities.

With more people turning to Section 8 to afford housing, waitlists for vouchers now number in the hundreds. People often wait years before they receive one since federal funding lags far behind need for the program, housing advocates said.

"HUD-funded housing programs, along with state-funded housing programs, are already severely underfunded and facing billions of backlogged capital improvement needs," said Jennifer Hohn, executive director at North Adams Housing Authority, in an email. "Millions of people depend on housing subsidies to merely survive."

In the intervening time, many people double up with family or friends, couch surf or seek a bed at a local shelter. But in the Berkshires, shelters also are at capacity, and beds fill within the day they come available, said Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet.

The White Houses fiscal 2026 budget blueprint threatens to exacerbate this gap, Gordon said. It proposes cutting funding for homelessness programs by $532 million, or about 12 percent, and restricting the remaining money from being used for long-term housing programs, which housing advocates say are critically important for building lasting housing stability.

The proposal would also abolish two programs that support long-term housing  the Continuum of Care Program and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS  and consolidate them into the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, which finances short-term shelters and housing limited to two years.

Combined, the cuts to rental assistance and homelessness programs could seriously worsen what many already term a housing crisis in the Berkshires and across the country.

Just imagine how dramatically homelessness will increase, Gordon said. Shelters may not be readily available because under the proposed cuts, shelters and other homelessness programs would be cut as well.

Trumps proposed cuts wouldnt only affect renters and people experiencing homelessness, Gordon said.

About 782 landlords rent to people with Section 8 vouchers across Berkshire County. Pittsfield Housing Authority, which administers 510 Section 8 vouchers, pays an average $473,000 a month to 260 landlords.

Its hundreds of thousands of dollars that are coming into our community, Gordon said. Thats a huge economic stimulus, beyond just benefiting those tenants directly.

Three of the four local administrators of federal housing vouchers  Pittsfield Housing Authority, Hearthway and Stockbridge Housing Authority  declined requests for comment.

Other housing-related cuts in the budget blueprint include eliminating the Community Development Block Grant Program, ending funding for fair housing programs and cutting housing assistance for Native Americans and Native Hawaiians.

During his first term, Trump repeatedly proposed cuts to rental assistance and policy changes such as rent increases and work requirements for those who receive assistance, all of which Congress rejected.

But Gordon wonders whether Congress will follow the precedent set in previous years.

As its currently proposed, I don't think it will see the light of day, but will we have the outcome that we did when he proposed similar reductions in [Trumps] previous term? Im not convinced of that either, Gordon said. I think theres a lot of pressure to have reductions in domestic spending.

Hohn echoed Gordon's concerns.

"I am deeply concerned with President Trump's proposed budget with the current Republican majority," Hohn said. "Although severe cuts have been proposed in the past and didn't come to fruition, it is obvious  the struggling and poor in our own nation are not a priority for President Trump."

But constituents also have leverage on Congress members, who have a responsibility to prioritize the needs of the communities they represent, Gordon said.

There is some level for concern, but we have control over that in terms of reaching out to members of Congress and letting them know we are against these kinds of cuts because they are going to hurt our neighbors, our communities, our friends, he said.
Elon Musk spent at least $277 million last fall supporting President Donald Trumps election campaign. Musk essentially bought his way into overseeing large portions of our federal government. The resulting havoc has been enormous. But in truth, the pernicious effect of private money in our elections has been with us for generations.

At this stage, it is not nearly enough to call for a legislative fix or constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, which drastically tilted political influence toward wealthy donors and corporations. Our campaign financing system is completely broken and needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

'Hands off everything.' Thousands attend Berkshire rallies rebuking President Donald Trump Organizers estimate over 1,000 people attended Pittsfield's "Hands Off!" rally on Saturday, the largest of a series of protests that mobilized hundreds across Berkshire County and the state.

Meanwhile, great violence is being done to the structural fabric of our government and society. The prescient John Adams, the second U.S. president and a Massachusetts native, noted that we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality.  Avarice, ambition, revenge or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net.

Unbridled by morality, as Adams put it, and with a profound disdain and disregard for the historic functioning of how our democracy operates, President Trump is leading what in truth is a revolution from within. His administration attacks federal judges, calling for their impeachment when faced with adverse judicial decisions. He has forced Republican legislators, now a majority in both the U.S. House and Senate, into almost complete subservience. Our country acts as if we have only two branches of government, executive and judicial, with the legislative branch placed completely on the sidelines.

The extraordinary politicization of the U.S. Attorney Generals Office and other steps taken by President Trump also make clear his vindictive nature. Through directives to Attorney General Pam Bondi and cabinet members to take steps such as withholding federal funding from our universities and stripping prominent law firms of government contracts and security clearances, President Trump is acting out another of Adams fears: revenge as a factor leading to the demise of our political system and society.

Quote Of critical importance now is how we will respond once President Trumps radicalism subsides. Fixing how our federal elections are financed is the essential first step.

The whirlwind of damage being inflicted by President Trump and by the unelected Musk will likely run its course. But our democracy, already deeply troubled, will be left with serious, significant issues on its hands  perhaps intractable issues. Of critical importance now is how we will respond once President Trumps radicalism subsides. Fixing how our federal elections are financed is the essential first step.

Given the Republican Partys track record of overt hostility toward our own government  starting with the Reagan administration and advancing through Newt Gingrichs mid-1990s Contract with America and George W. Bushs two terms as president  it will fall upon the Democratic Party to advance, at least within the party, an election financing system that helps restore faith in our democracy.

A recent Politico article reported on a forum held by the Democratic National Committee, during which Democratic Party backers beseeched it to change radically or resign itself to being in the minority forever. The header for the article, though, pointed out that For all the talk about the partys need for change, few seem actually willing to make the leap.

Just three months into the new congressional term, the Democratic Partys fundraising frenzy for the November 2026 elections has started already. Emails and texts bombard those who are even slightly politically active with semi-hysterical, inauthentic messages. Tackling the disease of our addiction to a private financing system for federal elections must be addressed now. Transformative change is needed.

As one of the Democratic Partys senior members, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, the Berkshires Congressman, should devote his next two years to working hard within the party  with the DNC, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other leaders  to create such change. He should start by calling for the campaign kitties of incumbent Democrats to be turned over to the DNC for use in a transparent, quasi-public national process run by the national committee. It would be responsible for establishing criteria under which candidates, and especially legitimate young primary candidates, receive campaign funding support.

Rep. Neal needs to realize that regaining his important House committee chairmanship, assuming the 2026 midterm elections go to the Democrats, wont cut it. His being a consummate congressional insider is meaningless now and will be in the future. Given the Trump revolution on hand, much larger, bolder and more visible leadership is needed from him immediately. He should start by actively and energetically looking to cure the disease plaguing our democracys campaign financing system.

Arguably the most powerful and chilling observation of John Adams is found in a letter to his wife Abigail: A Constitution of Government, once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. The time has come for the citizens of this great country of ours, and even more so for Democratic Party leaders like Richard Neal, to understand the importance of these words, the danger before us and the need for urgent action.
My mother enjoyed talking to people and had a knack for throwing parties. Yet, she did not often invite people into our home because she was worried it was not presentable enough. Toys were usually scattered across the floor, and even on a good day, when my mother would rush through to clean and rearrange, our house still seemed, well, cluttered. Our small house struggled to contain five people and their possessions. Despite all of this, though, my mother modeled hospitality because she made herself available to others.

Anyone could fall into this way of thinking. Hospitality is typically presented as something that housewives do by maintaining a spotless home and preparing scrumptious meals from scratch. Men often feel confused as to how they can be hospitable, since welcoming others is usually ascribed to certain roles and activities. Single individuals who have limited living space may also struggle to know how to show hospitality.

Yet, as my mother showed, hospitality is not only something a person does, it is a position of the heart. Anyone can host a party, but it takes a hospitable person to truly welcome others, loving them as oneself.

Such an act and attitude stems from a keen awareness of Gods character. He cares about hospitality and calls His followers to display the same type of concern and love that He has shown us. The following passages show us what it looks like to be hospitable, and why it matters as a follower of Christ.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Aaron Burden
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The co-CEO of Element Films, Ed Guiney, has expressed concern and confusion over US President Donald Trumps comments about imposing a 100 per cent tariff on films not made in the USA.

Honestly, we're all scratching our heads. I mean, it was very disconcerting to wake up to that bombshell yesterday morning. And actually, I suppose since then, as with, as is often the case with Trump, things have moderated and changed. And now the White House are making more, I won't say positive, but they're kind of qualifying the statement, I suppose, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

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But it's really hard to understand how a tariff would be imposed because so much of the activity that happens in the world is actually owned by American studios. These things are services, they're not products in the way that you know you traditionally imagine tariffs being imposed on a product.

So there is an awful lot of head-scratching. I think behind it, there is definitely an anxiety in the States in that there is a lot of what they call runaway production. In other words, American film and television production that shoots all around the world. And actually, we benefit from it hugely here in Ireland.

As is well known, we have an amazing crew base here and we've very decent incentives and a very buoyant industry. And same with the UK and Canada. But I think there is a feeling that a lot of American stuff should be shooting in the US, but actually that's largely down to the cost base in the States, which is very high, and also the incentives. And there are incentives in some of the states of America.

"So I think the other thing that's emerging in this is a conversation around whether there should be a federal tax incentive in America to keep American production at home.

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Mr Guiney said that if such a tariff was imposed it would be very, very damaging for the Irish film industry.

There was also an issue of how such a tariff could be gauged and how it could be implemented when many productions were internationally funded.

The uncertainty over the issue would not be good for business, he said. The uncertainty that this engenders is not good for business, it really isn't. And that's coming on the back of Covid.

"The SAG strike, the fires in L.A., you know, kind of a tough old time for the industry. So it just isn't helpful.

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Panic

Award-winning producer David Puttnam has warned that the worst thing anyone in the film industry can do is panic about US President Donald Trumps warning about a 100 per cent tariff on non-US films.

I think the problem is we're giving an extraordinary amount of credibility to an entirely ignorant tweet, he told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne show.

Mr Puttnam said that in four out of five, five out of six of the major policy statements he's made, he's retreated from.

The biggest issue was the uncertainty caused by President Trumps comments. At the moment of uncertainty, the worst thing anyone can do is panic. And I'd like to think that the people I know, certainly at Screen Island for example, are very smart people, that they don't panic, that they rethink, reorientate, and remember the most important thing, that America makes a huge amount of money out of the industry the way it is right now.

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Mr Puttnam described the Presidents threat as incredibly ignorant because it's a very, very, very complicated business.

You've got to remember that, first of all, only 28 per cent of revenues are generated back in America. So it's 72 per cent of all the money that movies make is made outside the United States. But that's the first, I think, probably most important thing.

Secondly, the way the film ecosystem works is immensely complex. So for example, a lot of the revenues you get are from streaming, from any kind of means of distribution, how you track those, how you decide, do they qualify as this, do you qualify as that, is almost impossible.

In 1988, I was one of two negotiators for the EU when we went through all this before with Clinton. And in the end, Clinton made all sorts of promises to the Americans, but we ended up with the status quo. And I suspect we wouldn't end up a million miles away from that this time. But what it will do is generate incredible insecurity in terms of people's investment plans

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Mr Puttnam pointed out that there was a reason why some tv series were made outside the US because audiences wanted to see such locations.

I'm not pretending anything simple about this. What I would say is in the end, filmmaking's about stories. And for us in Ireland, it's about our own stories. We happen to be very good storytellers.

"It will be about economics to a degree. But I'm going to be advising my own students, young film students that this is an opportunity more than a threat. And it's an opportunity to start telling their own stories at an economically viable price and to audiences who hopefully will reward them because they're interested in their own stories.

The tragedy was that President Trump was getting advice from people like Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone. It was a very sophisticated business with good systems already in place for evaluating the nationality of a film, he added.

This is a stupid move. It will undoubtedly, I think, blow up in his face, pretty well everything blows up in his face, but he's gonna cause far more chaos than he'll solve.

"He'll bring a few jobs back to the United States, but I promise you, every American involved in making and distributing movies today is very, very worried. They're not sitting there thinking, oh great, this is a bonanza for America. It ain't.

We may start to have to go back to making films for relatively inexpensive sums of money but that's a creative challenge and it's also a creative opportunity. You'll be interviewing people two or three, four years from now who have made very good films as a direct result of Donald Trump's plundering.

Uncertainty about investment could impact confidence and mean that people will look at their spreadsheets and cause them to relook at how they do things.

But the key message here, because I really want to be encouraging, is from a creative point of view, this could emerge as maybe a very, very good thing. It will have to be, it'll be a reshaped industry, it'll make us look at what we're good at, and also look at the inflated costs of movies which have become increasingly unjustified.
Gerry Adams has said IRA membership was not a path I took as he was quizzed about his past comments and republican links during a libel trial.

The 76-year-old said an attempt was being made to smother the jury in history as he was asked to recall events during The Troubles and the peace process.

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The former Sinn Fein leader said he would not speculate on IRA members or its rules while in the witness box as part of his defamation case against the BBC.

Asked if there was no official record of IRA membership, and Mr Adams said he supposed there was not.

It wasnt a path that I took, he said, adding that he instead joined Sinn Fein.

He also told the court that Sinn Fein was not the political wing of any organisation and said the claim that the party takes orders from someone in Connolly House is ridiculous.

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Mr Adams gave evidence for a fifth day as part of his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

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In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams engaged in tense exchanges with barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC on his knowledge of the IRA and about quotes attributed to him in media interviews.

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He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said he had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

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During tense exchanges, Mr Gallagher asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams was asked about an IRA demand that a senior officer of Belfast brigade be released from Long Kesh as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire in 1972.

Mr Gallagher put it to Mr Adams that this referred to him.

There may have been a senior officer of the Belfast Brigade released, it wasnt me, Mr Adams said.

Mr Gallagher asked if any senior officer of Belfast Brigade was released, and Mr Adams replied that he was not prepared to speculate about the status of IRA members released or otherwise.

When Mr Gallagher said he took his answer to mean you are not aware, Mr Adams said: No, dont take that as my answer.

Im saying Im not willing to speculate.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother the jury in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson? Mr Adams said.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with several figures, including Sean Mac Stiofain, Billy McKee and Des Long.

Mr Adams said that Mr Mac Stiofain, the self-professed chief of staff of the IRA, was mistaken to claim that he was in the IRA during a media clip shown to the jury.

Mr Adams accused the defence of seeking to smother the jury in a back-to-back, very selective montage of elements and who were in most cases interviewing people who were entirely hostile to the project which I was engaged in.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Mr Adams said it was wrong to describe his political efforts as being totally and absolutely related to the IRA and said it was not the sole work that I was about.

He added that he supported the IRAs right to an armed struggle but said he was not uncritical of the IRAs individual actions.

Mr Adams said he was not aware of the practice of disappearing people until the peace process began and said he could not comment on why it happened, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA, with the exception of Robert Nairac.

Mr Adams was also asked about the book Say Nothing, to which he said he had not read it and that it was based on completely discredited tapes.

He was also asked about an interview with former Northern Ireland editor Ed Moloney, who the court heard reported on comments by Mr Adams in relation to the 1983 kidnapping of businessman Don Tidey.

The court heard he was quoted as saying that Mr Adams regretted the deaths of an Irish soldier and Garda during the rescue operation, but claimed that the Provisional IRA gunmen were doing their duty.

He said he had no recollection of those comments and said he made it very very clear that he and Sinn Fein were opposed to what had happened.

The position I took up at the time was what had happened was wrong, Mr Adams told the court.

He was asked about a clip from him at a rally at Belfast City Hall in August 1995 where he said they havent gone away, you know.

Mr Adams told the court he was responding to a heckler in the crowd who had said bring back the IRA.

He said it wasnt rehearsed and wasnt a bad response at keeping the people at the rally on board.

When shown a photo of Mr Adams wearing a black beret at the funeral of Jimmy Steele in Belfast, Mr Adams rejected Mr Gallaghers assertion that it was the garb worn by members of the IRA at IRA funerals.

At one point, Mr Adams said to the BBCs barrister Mr Gallagher, I am not on trial here today, to which Mr Gallagher said that his reputation was part of the hearing.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues on Wednesday.
A detective conducted a gold standard interview with a husband accused of murdering his wife, a court has heard.

The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in Co Cork between March 19th and March 20th in 2017, was told that he took part in an enhanced cognitive interview more than four years after that date.

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The 58-year-old, from Grattan Street in Youghal, denies murdering his wife.

Her remains were found buried in a shallow grave beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in their family home in October 2023.

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, formally reported his wife missing on May 11th, 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home.

He has repeatedly said he believed his wife left because she needed some time on her own.

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The jury in his trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin is hearing from a transcript of an advanced interview gardai held with Satchwell on June 20th, 2021.

The full transcript, being read out by prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small, runs to more than 120 pages.

Richard Satchwell is accused of murdering his wife Tina (Brian Lawless/PA)

Detective Sergeant David Noonan, who held the rank of Detective Garda at the time, told the court that he had met Satchwell at an interview suite by appointment on that date.

He explained that there was a relaxed environment in the room and Satchwell was told the interview was being recorded by cameras and microphones while also being monitored by another garda outside the suite.

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Satchwell was told that the interview would be transcribed from the recordings and they would come back to sign an agreed version at a later date, which was completed on January 23rd, 2022.

He said this was different from how a witness statement would be taken generally where it is written down at the time of the interview.

Det Sgt Noonan, who assists with training other gardai on advanced interviewing techniques, said this process was witness-led.

He described the technique as the gold standard of taking a witness or victim statement.

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While the detective present can ask questions for clarification or elaboration, Det Sgt Noonan told Satchwell he would be handing over control of the interview to him.

Satchwell was told it was a safe place and he could take a break if needed.

The detective said the information that is received through the process is ultimately forensic and gets a lot more detail.

Satchwell also gave a declaration during the process that he was giving information that was true to the best of his knowledge, and that if he was providing information that he knew was not true that it would leave him open to prosecution.

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He was told that detail was very important and not to leave out any information that he thought may be insignificant or already known by the interviewing garda.

Satchwell was also told it was important not to fill any gaps or assume anything he did not know, and to be comfortable to say he did not know something.

The process of reading the transcript is due to continue after 2pm.
Landlord turned screenwriter Christian Carter has backed off from using anti-stalking laws to stop an RTE reporter writing stories about him, but has been hit with a 5,000 legal bill.

Dublin man Carter had secured interim restraining orders on April 9th, temporarily stopping Amy Molloy, the Irish Independent's Social Affairs Correspondent, and Maura Fay, a Today with Claire Byrne reporter on RTE Radio 1, from publishing stories about him.

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Both of the journalists resisted his attempts to extend the interim order for five-years.

However, last month at Dublin District Court, Judge Anthony Halpin threw out Carter's bid to "silence" Amy Molloy before lifting reporting restrictions and landing him with an order to pay 10,000 to cover expenses incurred by Mediahuis, the publishers of the Irish Independent, in fighting the case.

On Tuesday, Carter's case against Ms Fay was listed again for hearing. However, during the call-over of the day's cases, his barrister, Stephen Wilson, instructed by solicitor Alex Rafter, said he was instructed to withdraw the matter.

Judge Halpin noted two similar previous attempts against Ms Fay had failed. Following an application by Rebecca Tierney BL for Ms Fay, he ordered Carter to pay her legal costs of 5,000.

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Furthermore, he again lifted the in-camera rule, allowing the parties to be named.

The businessman's U-turn follows a resounding courtroom defeat on April 16th in his action against the Irish Independent journalist.

In that case, Judge Halpin criticised Carter's use of the process, saying it was not the purpose of the civil restraining orders introduced last year.

The judge had heard that Amy Molloy had broken stories and covered court cases about Carter's days as a landlord and his tax affairs.

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"I was just doing my job," the journalist emphasised when she testified at the hearing.

Judge Halpin dismissed that case: "I never envisaged that this forum would be used to dilute journalistic freedom or restrict publication of certain matters."

He held that Carter endeavoured to use this legal remedy to "suppress" the legitimate publication of facts he did not want in the public domain.

Ronan Lupton SC for the newspaper described that civil restraining order application as a collateral attack that tramples on the right of freedom of expression.

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In evidence, the journalist rejected suggestions from the applicant's solicitor that she had stepped over the line, telling Judge Halpin she was simply seeking a comment, offering Carter the right to reply, which was a fundamental part of journalism, and "I was just doing my job".

Carter claimed that she had written 50 articles and had rehashed stories about him since 2017.

In response to his claims, Ms Molloy said since 2017, she had written 17 or 18 articles concerning properties Carter rented out and when he appeared on the tax defaulters list last year.

One of the properties featured in her work was a Cabinteely property, which she alleged had 70 tenants, while Carter claimed it was a 6,000 sq ft 25-roomed mansion with 40 tenants. The Circuit Court had ordered him to pay 20,000 to some of his tenants.

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The court heard he was also featured in a 2017 RTE Investigates broadcast called Nightmare to Let.

Ms Molloy explained she had written about his issues with the Residential Tenancies Board, a council and the Revenue Commissioners.

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The journalist said that a source informed her that Carter had recently travelled to various destinations, including South America, Canada, and Hawaii.

Ms Molloy asserted that in light of that, she attempted to reach out to him for a comment on whether he had paid up following his settlement of nearly one million euro with the Revenue Commissioners after under-declaring income tax.

She stated, "If Mr Carter had paid his taxes and had not dangerously overcrowded houses, I would never have had to write about him".

Breaching a civil restraining order can result in a 4,000 fine, a criminal conviction and a 12-month prison sentence.
A young man feared for his life when he drove the alleged perpetrators of a serious assault from Blanchardstown in Dublin to an isolated area where the alleged victim would later be found having died from his injuries, a barrister has told the Central Criminal Court.

In his closing speech on Tuesday, Michael Lynn SC told the jury that his client, Lorenzo Cantaragiu (21), acted reasonably given the "intimidating and terrifying" circumstances in which he found himself.

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Mr Lynn said Mr Cantaragiu was terrified, believed he was at risk, and froze. He reminded the jury that Mr Cantaragiu told gardai that his two co-accused, who are charged with murder, threatened to kill him and he saw no way to escape.

Mr Lynn added: "At his age, in the circumstances in which he found himself, he acted reasonably. What else could he have done?"

Mr Cantaragiu, of Castlegrange Park, Blanchardstown, faces four charges of impeding the prosecution or apprehension of Viorel Doroscan (23) and Otniel Richardo Clejan (24), while knowing or believing them to have committed the offence of causing serious harm to Mahamud Ilyas. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan fatally assaulted Mr Ilyas following a row over a stolen bag of cannabis on December 9th, 2022 at an apartment at Verdemont in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

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Mr Doroscan, of Bay Meadows Square, Hollystown, West Dublin, and Mr Clejan, with a former address at Verdemont, have pleaded not guilty to Mr Ilyas's murder.

Mr Ilyas died from blunt force trauma to the head. Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that the deceased sustained depressed fractures to his head, which were "typical of hammer blows". Lawyers for Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan told the jury that their clients acted in self-defence after Mr Ilyas attacked them.

It is alleged that Mr Cantaragiu impeded the prosecution by driving Mr Clejan and Mr Doroscan to Belgree Lane in Co Meath, where Mr Ilyas's body was found in a field the following day. It is further alleged that Mr Cantaragiu cleaned his car to impede the prosecution.

Mr Lynn urged the jury to accept that his client told the truth when he described to gardai that he was terrified and shaking when Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan approached him.

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He had told gardai that Mr Doroscan "jumped" him, kicked him a few times and broke his tooth. He said he was afraid of Mr Doroscan because Mr Doroscan had beaten him up in the past.

Mr Lynn further reminded the jury that during the drive to Belgree Lane, Mr Cantragiu recalled Mr Clejan telling him that he would kill him if he tried to run away.

Mr Cantaragiu added: "I was stuck. Nothing was coming into my head at that point. I was just doing what they were saying. I couldn't judge right, I still can't judge right now. My head is all over the place."

The defendant also told gardai that he feared that "bigger criminals" or drug dealers would come after him and he was worried for his family.

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Mr Lynn said the jury could also be satisfied that when he began driving, Mr Ilyas was still alive and Mr Cantaragiu believed he was taking him to his mother's house. He had not gone with the intention to impede any prosecution, Mr Lynn said.

During the drive, it became apparent they were not bringing Mr Ilyas to his mother's house, Mr Lynn said, and Mr Cantaragiu "fled" the scene after seeing Mr Ilyas being taken from the car.

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Mr Lynn added: "If he had intended to impede their arrest or prosecution, he would have remained with them and driven them to whatever destination they wanted to go to, but he didn't do that; he left them high and dry."

Mr Lynn said the evidence showed that Mr Cantaragiu had previously arranged to sell his car and decided to go through with the sale. He cleaned the car ahead of the sale, not to destroy evidence, Mr Lynn said.

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Mr Lynn said his client had cooperated with gardai and provided information that was of real assistance to the investigation. He added: "I urge you to accept his account at interview as reliable and truthful, and I suggest to you that he had no intention whatsoever of impeding any arrest or prosecution."

Mr Justice Tony Hunt will deliver his charge to the jury of five women and seven men on Wednesday before they begin their deliberations.
A man who assisted a Brazilian drug cartel in smuggling a massive shipment of cocaine into Ireland has been jailed for 10 years.

Nikola Penchev (34), of Veliki, Preslav, Bulgaria, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cocaine worth over 21.6 million, for sale or supply, at Foynes Port, Co Limerick, on December 19th, 2023.

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Penchev, a maritime engineer, was arrested after Revenue officials and gardai, acting on a tip off that the drugs were onboard the MV Verila, searched the vessel and found the cocaine haul tied together in several bales attached to a transmitter.

The ship initially set sail from Hamilton in Canada to Santos in Brazil, before reverting to Hamilton and eventually onto Foynes in Co Limerick.

Penchev, who joined the ship on its second voyage out of Hamilton, had initially been unaware it was carrying cocaine.

While on route to Foynes Port, Penchev was recruited by another of the ships crew, his friend and fellow Bulgarian national, Kamen Petkov (37), to help him dump the cocaine in parcels at Glin, a few kilometres out from Foynes.

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Detective Garda Adrian Cahill gave evidence in court that unidentified parties used small boats to ferry the cocaine bales to Petkov at Santos Port while the rest of the ships crew were asleep.

Petkov, who was previously jailed for 10 years after he also pleaded guilty to having the cocaine haul for sale or supply, was responsible for loading the drugs on board, tying the drug parcels together with life jackets and attaching a transmitter. He kept in regular contact with the cartel via a satellite phone and a navigation app OsmAnd.

Petkov and Penchev ended up not dumping the drugs overboard at Glin as nobody appeared to be there to collect the packages when the ship arrived at the drop-off point.

Gardai said Petkov told them that he was to be paid 150,000 for helping the gang, but they he ended up not receiving any payment.

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Penchev told gardai Petkov told him he would pay him 10,000 for helping him, but he too did not receive any of the money.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL said Petkov told Penchev that if they lost the drugs, their lives would be under threat from dangerous people.

Penchev, who is married with two children, told gardai he only helped Petkov because he was afraid of what the consequences would be for him and his family had he not helped.

During the sailing, Penchev and Petkov took photos of the drug bales and sent the mobile phone snaps to the gang to prove the drugs were still onboard the ship.

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Penchevs barrister told the court that he was not the instigator, that he was remorseful and that he was a good, loving father and husband.

Judge Daly said: Cocaine is a very serious and highly addictive drug, and the accused allowed himself to become involved in the international carrying of a serious amount of drugs.

The judge said he was satisfied that a headline prison sentence of 13 years was appropriate... this being a high-level commercial drug dealing operation.

Ireland Gardai seize cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and stolen... Read More

Judge Daly said Penchevs early guilty plea and his cooperation with the Garda investigation allowed it to proceed with greater speed and efficiency.

However, the judge said that because Penchev involved himself in trafficking such a large volume of drugs half way around the world, the principle of deterrents generally, prevents me considering sentencing below the presumptive minimum in the case, and so I reduce the sentence to one of ten years.

The sentence was backdated to December 24th, 2023, when Penchev first entered into custody following his arrest.

The court heard the Garda investigation into the cocaine seizure remains ongoing.
A man with an address in the midwest region has been remanded in custody after gardai extradited him to Ireland from Greece on sex offences involving a female child.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.

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The man, who was returned for trial on 31 separate charges including sexual assault on a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and possessing child pornography, pleaded guilty to six sample counts, including three counts of sexually assaulting a girl, two counts of sexual exploitation of the girl, and one count of child pornography.

The mans barrister, senior counsel Mark Nicholas, told the court that the man was in custody for the purposes of him appearing in court after he was brought to Limerick.

Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan BL told the court the man had been extradited back from Greece.

The offences occurred on dates between January and December 2014, the court heard.

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Mr OSullivan said the mans six guilty pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis in respect of the 31 offences brought against him on the indictment.

Mr OSullivan said the victim was entitled to her right to anonymity, and that the issue of publicity in respect of the defendants identify could be finalised at his sentencing hearing, but he said that, at this juncture, the man should not be identified.

The mans barrister asked the court to extend legal aid to cover the cost of a written report by the mans psychological counsellor, as well as a report by an independent forensic psychologist.

Judge Colin Daly granted the application and he ordered that the defendant be placed on a national sex offenders register.

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The duration of the mans placement on the register will be determined at his sentencing hearing, the judge said.

The judge imposed a ban on any details that might identify the victim or the accused.

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Judge Daly also directed that any lay persons who were present in the court were also subject to the court order, meaning they must not identity any of the parties.

The mans barrister told the court that the defendant wished to offer an apology to the victim.

The victim, who was accompanied in court by members of her family, did not speak during the brief hearing.

Judge Daly remanded the defendant in custody for sentencing before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on July 21st.
A Limerick man who fell and struck his head while working out in a gym has settled a High Court action for 925,000.

Chemical analyst Alan Hogan had been doing dead lifts with weights in the gym at St Michaels Rowing Club, Limerick city, when he felt light headed, Mr Justice Paul Coffey was told.

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Mr Hogan was walking away from the area and down a step when he got a leg cramp, lost balance and fell down onto a concrete floor, the court head.

He lost consciousness and had suffered a bleed to the brain. Mr Hogan had to spend 12 days in hospital, his counsel Moira Flahive SC told the court. She said Mr Hogan, who was aged 24 at the time of the accident in 2014, had a degree in chemical and forensic science but in the last eight years has only been able to work in part-time jobs and suffers from fatigue.

Alan Hogan (35), of North Circular Road, Limerick city, had through his mother, Una Hogan, sued the committee of St Michaels Sporting Club, known as St Michaels Rowing Club, with a clubhouse and registered address at OCallaghan Strand, Limerick city, over the accident on January 31st, 2014.

Ms Flahive told the court the mats which would normally have been on the floor had been removed because the River Shannon had been expected to flood.

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The settlement is without an admission of liability.

Ms Flahive said it was their case that the step near the weight lifting area was a danger and Mr Hogan had fallen onto an unprotected concrete floor. She told the judge there was a number of difficulties in the case, including a claim that it was statute barred.

The rowing club also contended that while Mr Hogan had been a member of the gym, at the time of the accident his membership had allegedly lapsed and he had been allowed in by somebody who knew him.

In the proceedings against St Michaels Rowing Club, it was claimed there was a failure to design the gym and in particular the weights area with any reasonable care and there was a failure to maintain the premises with any reasonable care.

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It was further contended there was a failure to maintain a safe floor surface and in particular to provide a floor that was soft footed or padded.

There was, it was further claimed, a failure to give any adequate warning that the floor was a danger.

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The claims were denied.

After he fell on the floor, Mr Hogan was brought to hospital where a CT scan showed a brain bleed and he was drifting in and out of consciousness and complaining of severe headaches.

He was in hospital until February 12th. He recovered physically but had a number of difficulties, including ongoing fatigue.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said he was satisfied there were very stark issues in the case and in relation to liability. In the circumstances, the judge said the settlement was fair and reasonable. He wished Mr Hogan man all the best for the future.
The premier of Canadas oil-rich province of Alberta said she will hold a referendum on separation from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition reaches the required number of signatures.

Speaking on a livestream address, Danielle Smith said she does not support the province leaving Canada and expressed hope for a path forward for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

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Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade, ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide, she said. I will accept their judgement.

Her announcement comes just one week after Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive federal government.





It also comes as US President Donald Trump continues to threaten Canada with tariffs and talk of the country becoming the 51st state.

Mr Carney and Mr Trump are scheduled to meet in the White House on Tuesday.

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Ms Smiths United Conservative government recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would reduce the bar petitioners need to meet to trigger a provincial referendum.

The bill would change citizen-initiated referendum rules to require a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters in a previous general election, down from 20% of total registered voters. Applicants would also get 120 days, rather than 90, to collect the required 177,000 signatures.

Ms Smith accused previous federal Liberal governments of introducing different legislations that hamstrung Albertas ability to produce and export oil, which she said has cost the province billions of dollars.

She also said she does not want the federal government meddling in provincial issues.

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We dont ask for special treatment or handouts, she said. We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have.

Freedom to choose how we provide health care, education and other needed social services to our people, even if its done differently than what Ottawa has in mind.

After meeting with Mr Carney, she said he had some promising things to say about changing the direction of his governments anti-resources policies.

Ms Smith said her government will appoint a negotiation team to try to bring an end to federal policies that have long irritated the province.

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She will also chair an Alberta Next panel hosting a series of town halls to hear ideas and grievances.

The largely French-speaking province of Quebec held referendums in 1980 and 1995 over separation. Both failed.
Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney, won the job with a promise to confront increased aggression shown by President Donald Trump  and he will have the opportunity to do that in a face-to-face Oval Office meeting.

Mr Trump has shattered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st US state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

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The outrage provoked by Mr Trump enabled Mr Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the ongoing trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.



Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney disembarks a government plane as he arrives in Washington DC (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Republican president has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state.

He said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press that aired on Sunday that the border is an artificial line that prevents the two territories from forming a beautiful country.

Mr Trumps openly adversarial approach has raised questions for Mr Carney and other world leaders on how to manage relations with the US.

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Some world leaders, such as the UKs prime minister, Keir Starmer, engaged in a charm offensive.

Others, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were met by Mr Trump with anger for not being sufficiently deferential.

Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Mr Carney should not meet with Mr Trump.

Weve seen what he does. We saw what he did with Zelensky, Mr Bothwell said.

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And he would sure as hell try to do the same with Carney. Its not in Carneys interest. Its not in Canadas interest.



US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

Mr Trump and Mr Carney will meet in the Oval Office and have lunch.

Mr Carney has stressed that he was elected to specifically stand up to the US president and that Canada is in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.

Mr Carney said he expects difficult but constructive conversations with his US counterpart.

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Mr Trump told reporters on Monday that he was not quite sure why Mr Carney was visiting.

Im not sure what he wants to see me about, Mr Trump said.

But I guess he wants to make a deal.

US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick further stoked doubts about their interest in repairing the relationship with Canada in a Monday interview on Fox Business Networks Kudlow show.

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Asked if the US could make a deal with Canada, Mr Lutnick called the country a socialist regime that has been basically feeding off America.

Mr Lutnick said Tuesdays meeting would be fascinating.



Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by Canadian ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman, US acting chief of protocol Abby Jones, and US Colonel Randall Heusser (AP)

Mr Carney, at a Friday news conference ahead of his trip, said the talks would focus on immediate trade pressures and the broader economic and national security relationships.

He said his government would fight to get the best deal for Canada and take all the time necessary to do so, even as Canada pursues a parallel set of talks to deepen relations with other allies and lessen its commitments with the US.

Mr Trump has maintained that the US does not need anything from Canada.

He is actively going after a Canadian auto sector built largely by US companies, saying: Theyre stopping work in Mexico, and theyre stopping work in Canada, and theyre all moving here.

He also said the US does not need Canadas energy  though nearly one-fourth of the oil that the US consumes daily comes from the province of Alberta.

The president has also disparaged Canadas military commitments despite a partnership that ranges from the beaches of Normandy in the Second World War to remote stretches of Afghanistan.

Mr Trump has said that Canada spends less money on military than practically any nation in the world.

They pay Nato less than any nation, he said. They think we are subsidising. They think we are going to protect them, and, really, we are.





But the truth is, they dont carry their full share, and its unfair to the United States and our taxpayers.

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University, said Mr Carney needed the quickly scheduled meeting with Mr Trump to address the trade war started by the US.

Mr Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium and tariffs on other products outside the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, in some cases ostensibly to address relatively low volumes of fentanyl intercepted at the border between the two countries.

Carney wants to show that hes doing everything he can, including taking political risks to protect Canadian jobs in areas such as the auto industry, Mr Beland said.

If he had postponed his first meeting with President Trump for months and months, opposition parties and commentators could have accused him of being overly shy and doing a disservice to Canada because of that.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states.

Nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

About 60% of US crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of US electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium to the US and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.

Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canadas exports go to the US.
Cardinals have wrapped up their pre-conclave meetings, trying to identify a possible new pope who could follow Pope Francis and make the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church credible and relevant today, especially to young people.

Although they come from 70 different countries, the 133 cardinal electors seem fundamentally united in insisting that the question before them is not so much whether the church gets its first Asian or African pontiff, or a conservative or progressive.

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Rather, they say the primary task facing them when the conclave opens on Wednesday is to find a pope who can be both a pastor and a teacher, a bridge who can unite the church and preach peace.

Cardinals leave at the end of a Mass on the eighth of nine days of mourning for Pope Francis in St Peters Basilica at the Vatican (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

We need a superman! said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore.

It is indeed a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financials scandals that have harmed the churchs reputation and the secularising trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organised religion.

Add to that the Holy Sees dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible.

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Francis named 108 of the 133 electors and selected cardinals in his image.

But there is an element of uncertainty about the election since many of them did not know one another before last week, meaning they have not had much time to suss out who among them is best suited to lead the 1.4-billion-strong church.

The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings on Tuesday morning, during which Francis fishermans ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.

The cardinals will begin trying to find the new pope on Wednesday afternoon, when those princes of the church walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel to the meditative chant of the Litany of the Saints.

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They will take their oaths of secrecy under the daunting vision of heaven and hell in Michelangelos Last Judgment, hear a meditation from a senior cardinal, and then cast their first ballot.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu arrives to celebrate Mass at his titular church, San Gabriele Arcangelo allAcqua Traversa, three days before the conclave (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Assuming no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the cardinals will retire for the day and return on Thursday.

They will have two ballots in the morning and then two in the afternoon, until a winner is found.

Asked what the priorities of the cardinal electors were, Cardinal Goh told reporters this week that the number one issue was that the new pope must be able to spread the Catholic faith and make the church relevant in todays time. How to reach out to young people, how to show a face of love, joy and hope.

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 A pope for the future

But beyond that, there are some real-world geopolitical concerns to take into consideration.

The Catholic Church is growing in Africa and Asia, both in numbers of baptised faithful and vocations to the priesthood and womens religious orders.

It is shrinking in traditionally Catholic bastions of Europe, with empty churches and the faithful formally leaving the church in places like Germany, many citing the abuse scandals.

Asia is ripe for evangelisation and the harvest of vocations, said the Reverend Robert Reyes, who studied in the seminary with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino prelate considered a contender to be the first Asian pope.

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Vatican employees sign the oath of secrecy for all those assigned to the conclave during a ceremony in the Pauline Chapel (Vatican Media/AP)

But should the pope necessarily reflect the new face of the Catholic Church, and inspire the faithful especially in the parts of the world where the momentum of growth is already under way?

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the region still counts the majority of the worlds Catholics.

Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the retired archbishop of Mumbai, said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually.

The centre of gravity of the world is shifting toward Asia, he said. The Asian church has much to give to the world.

At 80, Gracias will not be participating in the conclave, but India has four cardinal-electors, and overall Asia counts 23, making it the second-biggest voting bloc after Europe, which has 53 (or likely 52, given that one is not expected to participate for health reasons).

One of the big geopolitical issues facing the cardinals is China and the plight of the estimated 12 million Chinese Catholics there.

Under Francis, the Vatican in 2018 inked a controversial agreement with Beijing governing the appointment of bishops, which many conservatives decried as a sellout of the underground Chinese Catholics who had remained loyal to Rome during decades of communist persecution.

Cardinals Ruben Salazar Gomez, left is flanked by Cardinal Luis Jose Rueda Aparicio as they arrive in the New Hall of the Synod at the Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The Vatican has defended the accord as the best deal it could get, but it remains to be seen if Francis successor will keep the policy.

 The church in Africa

According to Vatican statistics, Catholics represent 3.3% of the population in Asia, but their numbers are growing, especially in terms of seminarians, as they are in Africa, where Catholics represent about 20% of the population.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, said he is in Rome to elect a pope for all the worlds Catholics.

I am not here for the Congo, I am not here for Africa, I am here for the universal church. That is our concern, the universal church, he told reporters.

When we are done, I will return to Kinshasa and I will put back on my archbishop of Kinshasa hat and the struggle continues.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the chatty French-born archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, lamented last week that there had not been enough time for the cardinals to get to know one another, since many of them had never met before and hail from 70 countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history.

Every day, I say to myself, Ah! Oh my God! There we have it! he said.

 The role of the Holy Spirit

For the cardinals, there is also the belief that they are guided by the Holy Spirit.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, centre, takes part in the procession carrying the body of Pope Francis to St Peters Basilica at the Vatican (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station.

The future Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy Spirit acted like a good educator in a conclave, allowing cardinals to freely choose a pope without dictating the precise candidate.

Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined, Cardinal Ratzinger reportedly said.

There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit would obviously not have picked.
German legislators are set to vote on the countrys next chancellor again, hours after conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to win the first round in parliament in a historic defeat.

Mr Merz, the conservative leader, had been expected to smoothly win the vote to become Germanys 10th chancellor since the Second World War.

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A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot in post-war Germany.





Mr Merz needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot but only got 310 votes in the first round of voting  six votes short of the 328 seats held by his coalition, which is also one of the slimmest post-war majorities.

Because the vote was held by secret ballot, it was not immediately clear  and might never be known  who had defected from Mr Merzs camp.

Mr Merzs coalition is led by his centre-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union.

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They are joined by the centre-left Social Democrats, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholzs party.

The parties were now to regroup to discuss the next step but it was also unclear how long the process could take.

Mr Merz still is likely to take the helm of the 27-nation European Union s most populous member after Mr Scholzs government collapsed last year and a national election was held in February.

Mr Scholz, despite his official farewell on Monday, remained in a caretaker role until a new chancellor takes over.

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Germany has the continents biggest economy and serves as a diplomatic heavyweight.

The new chancellors portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the Trump administrations trade policy on top of domestic issues, such as the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party.

The world is in turmoil. Europe needs a strong Germany, Carsten Linnemann, the secretary-general of the Christian Democrats, told reporters after Mr Merzs loss.



Friedrich Merz reacts after he was not elected the new German chancellor in the first voting process at the parliament Bundestag in Berlin (AP)

He said a second vote should come soon.

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We cant wait for days now, we need clarity quickly.

 Whats next?

In theory, the lower house of parliament  called the Bundestag  has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority.

Mr Merz can run repeatedly but other legislators can also throw their hat in the ring.

There is no limit to the number of votes that can be held within the two-week period.

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If Mr Merz or any other candidate fails to get that majority within those 14 days, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins the most votes as chancellor, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new national election.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was confident Mr Merz would ultimately prevail.

It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for, he told reporters.

Volker Resing, who wrote the recent biography Friedrich Merz: His Path to Power, said that if Merz gets elected in the second round, then everything will be fine and people may soon forget about the first-round hiccup.



Friedrich Merz, right, talks to outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag in Berlin (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, slammed Mr Merzs failure proof that his coalition has a weak foundation.

She called for Mr Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germanys new parliament after it placed second in national elections in February.

Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called firewall that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

 80th anniversary of the Second World War

Tuesdays voting came on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germanys unconditional surrender in the Second World War.

The ballots are cast in the restored Reichstag, where graffiti left by Soviet troops has been preserved at several locations in the building.

The shadow of the war in Ukraine also loomed over Tuesdays vote.

Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, after the US.

Overall, Germany is the fourth largest defence spender in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies trends in global military expenditures.



Friedrich Merz casts his vote during the election of a new chancellor at the Bundestag in Berlin (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Only the US, China and Russia are ahead.

Germany rose to that rank thanks to an investment of 100 billion euros (84.7 billion) for its armed forces, a measure passed by legislators in 2022.

The countrys defence spending rose again earlier this year, when parliament loosened the nations strict debt rules.

It is a move that has been closely watched by the rest of Europe as the Trump administration has threatened to pull back from its security support on the continent.

Besides ramping up defence spending, Mr Merzs coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

 Germany and the Trump administration

The US administration has bashed Germany repeatedly since US President Donald Trumps inauguration in January.

Mr Trump, who has German roots, had often expressed his dislike of former chancellor Angela Merkel during his first term in office.



The Bundestag waits for the beginning of a session were Friedrich Merz is supposed to be elected new chancellor (Markus Schreiber/AP)

This time around, Mr Trumps lieutenants are at the forefront  tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has supported AfD for months.

He hosted a chat with Ms Weidel that he livestreamed on X earlier this year to amplify her partys message.

Vice president JD Vance, during the Munich Security Conference in February, assailed the firewall and later met with Ms Weidel, a move that German officials heavily criticised.

Last week, the German domestic intelligence service said it has classified AfD as a right-wing extremist organisation, making it subject to greater and broader surveillance.

The decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution prompted blowback from US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Mr Vance over the weekend.

Germanys Foreign Ministry hit back at Mr Rubio after he called on the country to undo the classification.

The domestic intelligence services measure does not amount to a ban of the party, which can only take place through a request by either of parliaments two chambers or the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court.

Mr Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence services decision.

 Germanys economy

A stagnant Germany economy shrank for the past two years and is forecast by the outgoing government to see zero growth this year.

The stock market slid following the vote: the Dax, the index of major German companies, was down 1.8% at one point.

The next government is expected to end months of paralysis and squabbling over government spending and economic policy that plagued Mr Scholzs coalition, and also add new impetus for growth with tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
German legislators are set to vote on whether conservative leader Friedrich Merz will become the countrys tenth chancellor since the Second World War.

Mr Merz seeks to take the helm of the 27-nation European Union s most populous member after outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholzs government collapsed last year.

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The country has the continents biggest economy and serves as a diplomatic heavyweight.



Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), left, and Friedrich Merz, right, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in Berlin (AP)

Mr Merzs portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the Trump administrations trade policy on top of domestic issues such as the stagnant economy and the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party.

If Mr Merz fails to win a majority, the lower house of parliament  called the Bundestag  has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority.

If that also fails, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins the most votes as chancellor, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new national election.

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 80th anniversary of the Second World War

Mr Merz needs to win over at least 316 of 630 legislators in the Bundestag.

The vote comes on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germanys unconditional surrender.

The secret ballots will be cast in the restored Reichstag, where graffiti left by Soviet troops has been preserved at several places in the building.

If he is elected, Mr Merz will face questions about the future of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, also known as AfD.

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German politicians brief the media after reaching an agreement between their parties on a coalition for a new German government at a news conference in Berlin (AP)

Mainstream German political parties refuse to work with it, citing the so-called firewall they have upheld against co-operating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

 AfDs rise

Last week, the German domestic intelligence service said it has classified AfD  which placed second in national elections in February  as a right-wing extremist organisation, making it subject to greater and broader surveillance.

Germanys Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the party as a threat to the countrys democratic order, saying it disregards human dignity  in particular by what it called ongoing agitation against refugees and migrants.

The federal offices decision prompted blowback from US secretary of state Marco Rubio and US vice president JD Vance over the weekend.

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Germanys Foreign Ministry hit back at Mr Rubio after he called on the country to undo the classification.

The domestic intelligence services measure does not amount to a ban of the party, which can only take place through a request by either of parliaments two chambers or the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court.

Mr Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence services decision.

 The new coalition

The new coalition is led by Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, and joined by the centre-left Social Democrats, Mr Scholzs party.

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All three parties previously approved the coalition deal.

The coalition has a relatively modest majority, with 328 of the Bundestags 630 seats, and aims to spur economic growth, ramp up defence spending, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

The Union and Social Democrats have governed Germany together before, in the 1960s, and then in three of the four terms of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who led the country from 2005 to 2021.

Mr Merzs party last month announced its proposed government team, including senior legislator Johann Wadephul as foreign minister  a position the CDU last held in the 1960s.
The Kremlin has announced that Russian president Vladimir Putin will travel to China at the end of August, reciprocating Chinese leader Xi Jinpings visit to Russia this week.

Mr Putins foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the visit will be part of a good tradition, in which Mr Xi visits Moscow to attend celebrations of Russias defeat over Nazi Germany in May 1945, and Mr Putin travels to China to attend events marking the Allied defeat of Japan.

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This was the case 10 years ago, in 2015, and this will be the case this year, Mr Ushakov said.

On September 3, Beijing is set to host an event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which China refers to as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

In 2015, China marked the 70th anniversary of its role in the defeat of Japan with a massive military parade involving more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military equipment and 200 military aircraft.



Chinese President Xi Jinping (Fazry Ismail/Pool Photo via AP)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier this year announced that China and Russia would jointly mark this years anniversary.

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Mr Putin last visited China a year ago, in his first foreign trip after being sworn in for his fifth term in office. He also went in October 2023 and in February 2022, weeks before the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Mr Xis visit to Russia will be his third since then. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlins contentions that Russias action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China because of Western sanctions.



Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Kazan (Maxim Shipenkov, Pool Photo via AP)

Chinas increased trade with Russia has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.

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Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

Mr Xi last visited Russia in September 2024 for a summit of the Brics bloc of developing economies. He paid a state visit to Russia in March 2023. The two leaders also met in Kazakhstan in July 2024.
President Donald Trump welcomed Canadas new prime minister Mark Carney with a bit of menace on social media, only to then turn on the charm and hospitality once the two leaders were sitting together in the Oval Office.

I just want to congratulate you, Mr Trump told Mr Carney on his election win as they met in front of reporters.

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Ran a really great race. I watched the debate. I thought you were excellent.

As the two countries struggle over a trade war sparked by Mr Trumps tariff hikes, the US president gave a full display of his unique mix of graciousness and aggression.



President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office (Evan Vucci/AP)

Shortly before Mr Carneys arrival, Mr Trump said on social media that the United States didnt need anything from its northern neighbour, a contrast to his public warmth in the Oval Office.

I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidising Canada by 200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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We dont need their Cars, we dont need their Energy, we dont need their Lumber, we dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.

Mr Trumps claim defies the underlying economic data as the United States depends on oil produced in Canada, in addition to an array of other goods that cross border trade have helped to make more affordable in ways that benefit growth.

The United States also runs a trade deficit in goods with Canada of 63 billion dollars, much lower than the figure cited by Mr Trump.

But once in the Oval Office, Mr Trump showered his counterpart with compliments and radiated warmth, saying that Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person.

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Mr Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Mr Trump, even as he has preserved the calm demeanour of an economist who has led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

Mr Trump has splintered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st US state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

The outrage provoked by Mr Trump enabled Mr Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the ongoing trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

The Republican president has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state.

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He said in an interview with NBCs Meet The Press that aired on Sunday that the border is an artificial line that prevents the two territories from forming a beautiful country.
Flagship Minerals managing director Paul Lock said: Pantanillo presents a compelling opportunity, the project is de-risked on a number of levels, including geology, geography, jurisdiction, metallurgy and permitting precedents.

Management is looking at a reduced cut-off grade from 0.3g/t gold to between 0.15 to 0.3g/t to increase the mineral resource. Additionally, it says several stunning drill hits at site were not included in the 2010 pit shell.

Thick intersections that graded more than 1g/t gold include 161m at 1.23g/t from 60m, 142m going 1.13g/t from 310m and an 82m hit of 1.13g/t.

A further interval stretching 116m at 0.85g/t from 312m added to the impressive series of hits.

Flagship revealed last week that previous metallurgical testwork undertaken on oxide material at Pantanillo identified a potential low-cost operation with significant recoveries of up to 85.5 per cent gold.

Management says previous column leach testwork on the oxide material, using cyanide on crushed material, recovered up to 85.5 per cent gold, with 80 per cent recoveries after 25 days.

It says the rapid and elevated level of recoveries on Pantanillos oxide material is highly promising, as the average oxide recoveries among its peers typically range from 50 to 70 per cent.

Encouragingly, the company says about 98 per cent of the resource at Pantanillo is amenable to heap leach processing.

The company believes the metallurgical results warrant further testing of coarser particle size material before it begins a pilot testwork program. The program will oversee confirmatory heap leach testwork for input into the projects future financial modelling and ongoing optimisation testing.

It will also focus on assessing particle size against gold recovery and leaching time as well as the cost benefits of dump-leaching.

The testwork will provide vital information to conduct trade-off studies.

The companys processing options include a low-capital, low-cost heap leaching operation that removes the need for crushing equipment and the resulting crushing and processing operations. The simpler process places ore on a heap leach pad and irrigates it with a leaching solution to dissolve the gold for recovery.

Heap leaching is considered more cost-effective from a capital investment basis than a traditional crushing and milling process, as it does not require a tailings dam and benefits from lower energy and water consumption. However, the process usually results in a lower gold recovery rate.

Due to the difference in initial and ongoing costs, Flagship needs to assess the trade-off between the two different pathways before deciding on the best option.

Many of the worlds largest gold players operate heap leach operations due to their simplicity and high margins, even when the grade of gold is between 0.51 per cent and, in some instances, below 0.5g/t gold.

Barrick Golds Veladero operation, with a 0.68g/t gold-equivalent grade, Kinross Golds Fort Knox deposit at 0.34g/t gold-equivalent and Newmont Corporations Cripple Creek grading 0.45g/t gold-equivalent utilise heap leaching to extract gold.

Flagship recently inked a final five-year option over Pantanillo with a local Chilean entity. It paid a US$100,000 (A$155,000) deposit during the due diligence period. After satisfying itself of the projects merits, Flagship paid an additional US$100,000 to the vendor, which will be followed by four further annual payments totalling US$1.4M.

Flagship can buy Pantanillo outright for a final US$11M payment on the fifth anniversary of the deal. There are no minimum spend or drill requirements.

The Maricunga region hosts more than 65M ounces of gold and is home to several mammoth gold deposits. Pantanillo, itself, is near a series of monster gold plays, each with more than 10M-ounce resources.

If its drilling program proves successful, Flagship may be on a path to unveiling its own little monster in the future.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
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.
A single burger at Paul Allams new US-inspired passion project at Bondi Junction costs only $7.90, and includes quality ingredients such as potato buns and Vics Meat.

Bourke Street Bakery co-founder Paul Allam put seven intensive years of research into smash burgers in the US. The fruits of that investment will be unveiled today when his latest passion project, Hi Hi Burger, opens at Bondi Junction.

Theres a lot to get excited about at Hi Hi, where they use Vics Meat and a single smash burger is an affordable $7.90. (Thats less than a Maccas Big Mac or Quarter Pounder at some locations, whose price can vary but cost $8 or more at some outlets.) Allam also backed his Bourke Street Bakery experience to update the potato bun, ubiquitous in US smash burgers: I thought we could improve it, he said.

Hi Hi Burger uses Vics Meat and potato buns. Alan Benson

Allam moved to the US to launch Bourke Street Bakery NYC, with its four stateside outlets now established enough for him to relocate to Sydney. The experience taught him some lessons about the US market: while Bourke Streets sausage rolls have been a hit, pies remain a hard sell because consumers in New York associate pies with sweet over savoury. It also taught him plenty about US street food.

Returning to Australia, he missed some of the staples of his life living in Brooklyn, although he points out Sydney has some good smash burgers. While Allam cant accurately count the number of burgers he consumed on his US smash burger hunt, what made a great burger of the smash genre became evident.
Queensland Rails Doomben line will run on Sundays and public holidays from June 1, as part of more than 100 new weekly train services to be added to the commuter railway network in the coming weeks.

The new weekday services are contra-peak, which means they run outbound from the CBD in the morning, and inbound in the afternoon.

More than 100 new weekly services will be added to south-east Queenslands commuter railway network. Credit: Tammy Law

More than 45 contra-peak services will be added to the Cleveland line that runs through Brisbanes south-eastern suburbs, and more than 40 will be added to the Ferny Grove line servicing suburbs in Brisbanes north-west.

The Cleveland and Ferny Grove changes will take effect from Monday, May 19.

Were always looking to make it easier and more accessible to catch public transport and were pleased to be delivering these improvements for customers, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said in a statement.
A coroner is likely to recommend systemic changes after an overworked police force failed to connect a mass killer to the mental health system before his unprovoked attack.

Joel Cauchi, 40, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and was experiencing psychotic symptoms when he killed six people and injured 10 at Sydneys Westfield Bondi Junction in April 2024.

An inquest has been told Queensland Police had several chances to reconnect him with mental health treatment and medication ahead of the tragedy.

During a police call-out to the family home in Toowoomba, Joel Cauchi (right) accused father Andrew (left) of stealing his knife collection.

Cauchi had been homeless and living apart from his family in Toowoomba, near Brisbane, when he travelled to Sydney and was shot dead by police during his stabbing rampage.
The Bullwinkel electoral rollercoaster continues with Liberal Matt Moran retaking the lead by a razor-thin 48 votes.

Labors Trish Cook had been narrowly leading the count all morning, but postal votes are breaking ever so slightly in Morans favour giving him the edge as of 3pm.

The race is not over yet with about 2120 postal votes and more than 4500 absentee votes still to be counted.

Neither party is sure what trends the absentee votes will throw up.

So far, Moran has posted a 3.4 per cent swing toward the Liberals.

Meanwhile, in Fremantle an electoral commission count of preference flows has Josh Wilson ahead by 277 votes.

The ABC election tracker website is showing a combination of the preference count with the more advanced first count, predicting Wilson was ahead by more than 1800 votes.

A final result in both seats is unlikely to occur today.
Anthony Albanese is a fan of quiet diplomacy, regularly reminding reporters that he does not believe foreign relations should be conducted with a megaphone. Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto is not so discreet.

When Albanese spoke to Prabowo following his election victory, Albanese informed the media that they had enjoyed a friendly conversation and that he would make Jakarta his first overseas destination for his second term.

Prabowos team, meanwhile, released a minute-long video of their conversation. This follows a similar move in November when Prabowo released a video of his congratulatory phone call with Donald Trump in which he lavished praise on the US president-elect and expressed his desire to travel to Washington as soon as possible.

Its a departure from the convention followed by most world leaders, who prefer to keep their conversations private. A sanitised summary (also known as a read out) of the conversation will sometimes later be released, but thats usually as far as it goes.
Liberal leader Peter Dutton embraced nuclear power in August 2022 after calls from Nationals leader David Littleproud to adopt the policy, but the plan set off a political firestorm over the $331 billion forecast to build and own the power stations. While the Liberals expect to launch an election review to consider their defeat, Kovacic said the nuclear policy needed to be dumped immediately. I think the result on Saturday is a pretty clear election review of what Australians think. We will not be electable for Gen Z and millennial voters who thought, you know, we were having them on with this policy. If we are going to go to our Liberal roots  and be the party that Robert Menzies founded  then we need to recognise that he would say this nuclear policy has to go.

The idea that the party of free markets and small government would nationalise a major portion of the energy system is completely at odds with what we stand for. The remarks comes as Liberals see a glimmer of hope in the latest election count, seeing a chance to defeat teal candidates in three tight contests in Melbourne and Sydney, but the party is on track to shrink to a small size that could keep it out of power for at least two terms. The latest count showed that Labor had 86 seats and the Coalition had 39 seats, with at least 14 seats to be decided. Littleproud has backed the nuclear policy since the election, while Queensland Nationals Colin Boyce and Michelle Landry have also said it should remain opposition policy and Nationals senate leader Bridget McKenzie said Labor had weaponised the issue. That doesnt mean you should actually throw out a solution to our energy sovereignty, McKenzie told Sky News.

Kovacic warned against allowing the Nationals to set the policy when the Liberals faced a major challenge in winning back seats in the cities. We have to find a way to deal with that, she said of the differences with the Nationals.The pathway back to government lies in regaining metropolitan and suburban seats. We can never govern again if we only have regional seats. Frontbenchers Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor and Dan Tehan are all interested in the party leadership. But Tehan could be kingmaker. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Liberal Dan Tehan looms as a potential kingmaker in the race between Angus Taylor and Sussan Ley to take on the leadership of the weakened opposition, as MPs lash the partys pollster for giving Peter Dutton false confidence about the election result. The leak of internal documents published in this masthead on Tuesday, which revealed that Duttons popularity numbers were dire and that strategists urged him to lighten up, triggered public criticism of the partys contracted pollster, Mike Turner of Freshwater Strategy.

Loading We had bad pollsters giving us bad numbers, Tasmanian senator Jonathon Duniam said on Sky News. We were let down by pollsters and strategists which frankly gave us a bum steer of the worst order. Two Liberal sources said the party secretariat was threatening legal action against Turner. A spokesman for the Liberal Party federal secretariat decline to comment. Freshwater Strategy was contacted for comment. As the party comes to terms with its worst loss since its founding in 1944, both Taylor, the shadow treasurer backed by the right faction, and Ley, the deputy leader backed by the moderates, have asked Tehan to run as their deputy, according to several MPs not authorised to speak publicly about the leadership contest. Tehan secured a convincing victory against Climate 200-backed independent Alex Dyson in his Victorian seat of Wannon and has spent days phoning colleagues to test if he had support to run as leader himself.
Islamabad: India and Pakistan agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a fourth day of strikes and counterstrikes against each others military installations, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday.

But within hours of the announcement, Pakistan accused India of breaching the ceasefire along their border.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Indian armed forces were responding to ceasefire violations.

People light fireworks to celebrate Pakistan and India reaching a ceasefire deal. Credit: AP

The armed forces have been given instructions to deal strongly with the violations, Misri said.
Interview: U.S. policies exacerbate unrest in Mideast, says Egyptian expert

Xinhua) 08:46, May 06, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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 The house is at the end of the road, nestled behind a playground in Loughrea, an ancient town in County Galway, Ireland. Built of white stone with grey trim, it has lace curtains, a statue of the Virgin Mary and two small bedrooms, one pink, the other blue. In the living room, a small, fragile woman in a plaid skirt sits in an overstuffed orange chair. She is 93 but lives alone, with an overweight mutt named Rex. Day after day, she busies herself with small tasks  praying the rosary, hanging the washing, letting the dog into the yard  while she waits for the return of the son she never got to hold. She has been waiting for 76 years. A home of shame and secrets As a teenager, Chrissie Tully fell in love with a man in her neighbourhood, and in 1949, she became pregnant. What happened next would follow a grim, common script in mid-century Ireland, where the Catholic Church and its rigid doctrine dominated nearly every aspect of daily life. Tullys family disowned her; the town, Loughrea, spurned her. A priest took her to St Marys Mother and Baby Home, a facility for unwed mothers in Tuam, about 48 kilometres north. Such institutions remain one of Irelands enduring moral stains. Independent panels have excoriated them, religious institutions have apologised for them, and the Irish government has bumbled through a redress scheme, seeking to financially compensate tens of thousands of mothers and children who were banished to them.

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The site of the former St Marys Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Ireland. Credit: NYT St Marys was particularly notorious: an austere, gated structure that was once a military barracks and workhouse. Run by sisters from a French religious order known as Bon Secours, its grim reputation was so well known that locals avoided it and the fatherless children it housed. Few spoke of the conditions within: forced labour for young mothers, high infant mortality rates, pervasive shame and emotional abuse. Still, for some like Tully, there was nowhere else to go. On December 13 of the year she arrived, Tully was rushed to the Galway Central Hospital with labour complications. She delivered a boy, born breech at 3.4 kilograms. She wanted to name him Michael, but he was taken away before she had the chance. She never held him or saw his face. It nearly killed me, she said. Soon, the doctor returned. Babys dead, Tully recalled him saying. They werent very nice about it.

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She had no way of knowing whether to believe him. The system was awash in shame and secrets. Some babies were adopted out to Catholic families as near as the same town, or as far as America. Others died in infancy and were buried in unmarked graves, disappearing into the collective silence that shrouded the facility in Tuam, and others like it. Tully could not accept that her little boy never made it out of the hospital, that his story began and ended in 1949. Perhaps it was irrational. But a few years ago, she got a new reason to hope. We found your mother After losing Michael, Tully left the Tuam home and returned to her prior life. She also resumed her relationship with her partner, and four years later, she became pregnant again. But the father  who Tully said was not the marrying type  left her and moved to the United Kingdom. For the rest of her life, she has carried a torch. She never married. With no alternative, she returned to the Tuam home. She gave birth to a second boy in 1954, naming him Christopher.

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Trekking daily to the childrens ward at the home to feed and bathe him, Tully had a deep conviction: She had lost Michael, but she would not lose Christopher. She would find a job, take him from the Tuam home and build a life, mother and son together, in Loughrea. The birth certificate for Chrissies firstborn son, whom she hoped to name Michael. Credit: NYT But Tully arrived one day at the boys bed and faced a squinty-eyed nun, who picked up the child and walked away, telling Tully she would never see him again. Left with nothing  she and her family never fully reconciled  Tully stayed in Galway, working odd jobs in a cafe and later as a live-in housekeeper for a group of priests. She searched for her sons, but was stymied by byzantine adoption bureaucracies, much of them designed to keep those like Tully from answers. Over time, Tully realised she might never live to find her lost children. She settled for leaving a letter with a confidant in Portumna, a Galway town on the Tipperary border, meant for her boys if they ever surfaced. In it, she had tucked IR3000 (about $6000) and an explanation for their separation, revealing that she had never given either of the children up willingly. Then, in 2013, a professional-looking woman arrived at Tullys Loughrea home and asked if she could come in for a cup of tea. Slowly, the stranger revealed her purpose: She was from an adoption agency that had been approached by a man from London in his 60s who was searching for his birth mother.

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The man had no idea, but he was the boy Tully had named Christopher. He was eager to reconnect, the woman said, but the decision would be up to Tully: Did she want to meet her second son, now known as Patrick Naughton? I loved it, Tully said of the revelation. Hes all I have. On a summer day that year, Tully arrived at a small hotel outside Galway city. Naughton flew in from London, stopping at a supermarket on his way to pick up a bouquet of flowers. When he walked in, the small woman before him was so overwhelmed she could hardly meet his eye. After his parents died, Patrick Naughton was driven to seek answers about his origins in Ireland. Credit: NYT Chrissie, he recalled saying. Im not that bad lookin, am I? Since childhood, Naughton, 70, had known that he was adopted, but he had never felt compelled to find his birth mother. He had spent his early childhood in Galway until his family moved to London.

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His family was forced to flee Hungary with just the clothes on their backs after invading Soviet troops burned down their family home in 1956. He has maintained a quiet, rigorous stewardship of the Hungarian church  largely untouched by Vatican scandal or headlines. Canon law, the body of laws and regulations governing the Catholic Church, plays a central role in Erdos work. Loading He is, as one Vatican observer put it, Francis opposite in almost every way. In his dual role as pastor and academic, Erdo has earned respect across ideological lines. Yet, his conservative credentials are clear. He has publicly opposed Communion for remarried divorcees, refused to blur doctrinal lines on sexuality, and views the concept of synodality  a way of governing the church that emphasises listening and active participation by all members of the faithful  with a cautious legal eye.

If faith is the most important thing in life, then serving the faith of others, passing on the faith, teaching the faith, and especially ministering at the liturgy, are the greatest things in life, the most important things one can do, and most useful, also for the salvation of others, he said in an interview last year. For the bloc of cardinals disillusioned with Franciss papacy  and alarmed by what they view as doctrinal experimentation  Erdo is the antidote. His candidacy, which was once whispered on the margins, is now said to be discussed in the frescoed halls of the Apostolic Palace. Many Catholics feel that the church needs to be brought back from a sense of ecclesiastical lawlessness that evolved under Francis, said Vatican analyst Edward Pentin, one of Romes most respected Vatican observers. Erdo would be a safe pair of hands. Dreher believes the fact that a man of Pells stature and conviction has backed him was a powerful endorsement.

Not a populist, not a revolutionary, he would be, for many conservatives, a living answer to the Italian adage: Papa grasso, papa magro  fat pope, thin pope  the pendulum swing that suggests a progressive pope is often followed by a conservative one. Dr Paul Collins, a church historian and former priest, says Erdo will be the candidate of those who want to move away from Pope Francis agenda completely. Loading Some of those cardinals, he says, are sceptical of Catholics embracing causes like environmentalism or gay rights as spiritual equivalents to church doctrine. They feel this leads to the loss of a specifically Christian and Catholic identity, Collins says, and they want to reassert what is distinctively Catholic. Pells support, he says, tells you everything. He also notes that with Francis having appointed eight in 10 of the 133 cardinals entering the conclave, it seems unlikely that the conservative bloc supporting Erdo will have enough influence to elect him pope.

I am not quite sure the conservatives are that powerful and organised any more either, he says. And Georges advocacy didnt always work the way he thought it would. Having been described as the favoured candidate of Hungarys right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also likely dented Erdos chances. Loading The conclave, which begins on May 7, will be a reckoning. The general congregations held last week saw fierce debate behind closed doors. While some cardinals praised Francis, others  including Beniamino Stella, once thought to be in his inner circle  openly criticised his reforms, especially the decision to give top Vatican posts to laypeople, including women. Conservative stalwart Cardinal Joseph Zen used his address to decry the synodal process itself, calling it a dilution of episcopal authority  the power and responsibility bishops hold over the Churchs governance, doctrine, and pastoral care.

For many in this camp, Erdo has emerged not only as their voice but as their hope  a potential unifier for traditionalists across regions. Loading But he is not alone and starts, according to many, a long way back. Pietro Parolin remains a front-runner, particularly for those who value diplomatic experience. Matteo Zuppi, a Francis ally, is admired for his work on peace negotiations but may be viewed as too progressive. Luis Antonio Tagle retains support among global South cardinals, though his 2019 rendition of Imagine - which has been shared on social media, continues to haunt him in conservative circles. They dont like the thought of a world with no religion. Another rising name is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He has been praised for his steady leadership in the Middle East and deep knowledge of Scripture. Pentin believes he may have a real shot, but notes: At 60, maybe he is a bit young. Cardinals may be hesitant to elect someone who could quite conceivably be around a long time. But maybe they will, if they value stability.
When does it start? The conclave begins on May 7, with the cardinals expected to proceed into the Sistine Chapel about 4.45pm (12.45am AEST on May 8). Cardinals leave a meeting in Rome on Monday. Credit: Getty Images How does the conclave work? The day begins with Mass celebrated in the morning by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

In the afternoon, the cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel and take their seats. A priest delivers a meditation and the cardinals take an oath. After the extra omnes declaration, the conclave begins. Unless there are any outstanding questions or problems, cardinals take a single vote that first afternoon, seeking a two-thirds majority. If they dont find a winner on the first ballot, they retire for the evening and return to the Sistine Chapel the following morning. Black smoke emerges from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel during the 2013 conclave that eventually elected Pope Francis. Credit: AP They can take up to two votes each morning, and two each afternoon until they have a winner. If, after three days, there is still no winner, the cardinals can take a one-day break to pray and talk among themselves. Cardinals cast their votes on papers printed with the Latin words Eligo in Summum Pontificem (I choose as Supreme Pontiff). The ballots are gathered and burnt at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions, with smoke pouring from a makeshift chimney above the Sistine Chapel.

Black smoke indicates inconclusive votes, while white smoke tells the outside world that a pope has been chosen. The great bell of St Peters Basilica will ring out as an additional sign that a new pope has been elected. The smoke signals are expected about noon (8pm AEST) and 7pm (3am AEST) each voting day. However, smoke could emerge earlier if the new pontiff is elected in the first ballot of one of the sessions. Journalists work at St Peters Square on Monday. Credit: AP Who gets to be part of the conclave? Only cardinals under age 80 are eligible to vote. Current regulations notionally limit the number of electors to 120, but popes often exceeded that ceiling and today there are 135 who are eligible, although two have said they will not attend.

The cardinals come from 71 countries. Pope Francis appointed 108 of them, while Benedict XVI appointed 22, and St John Paul II appointed five. Loading Those cardinals who are aged over 80 and cannot vote can still participate in pre-conclave meetings, known as general congregations, in which church problems are discussed. It was in these meetings in 2013 that then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio spoke about the need for the church to go to the existential peripheries to find those who suffer  an off-the-cuff speech that helped his election. Are there major differences between this conclave and previous ones? St John Paul II rewrote the regulations on papal elections in a 1996 document that remains largely in force today, though Pope Benedict XVI amended it twice before he resigned.

Francis didnt introduce any changes into the conclave itself, though his influence will surely be felt given he named more than three-quarters of the cardinal-electors who are eligible to vote. Loading Benedicts most notable change to the original 1996 document was to exclude the possibility that a pope could be elected by a simple majority if voting was stalemated. Benedict decreed that a two-thirds majority is always needed, no matter how long it takes. He did so to prevent cardinals from holding out for the 12 days foreseen by John Paul and then pushing through a candidate with a slim majority. If the conclave lasts that long, the top two vote-getters go to a run-off, with a two-thirds majority required to win. Neither of the top two candidates casts a ballot in the run-off. So, the voting process is a secret?

Benedict tightened the oath of secrecy in the conclave, making clear that anyone who reveals what went on inside faces automatic excommunication. In John Pauls rules, excommunication was always a possibility, but Benedict revised the oath that liturgical assistants and secretaries take to make it explicit, saying they must observe absolute and perpetual secrecy and explicitly refrain from using any audio or video recording devices. Pope Francis greets Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, considered a favourite to be the next pope, in 2017. Credit: AP They now declare: I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will incur the penalty of automatic excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See. So help me God and these Holy Gospels, which I touch with my hand. How will we know when a new pope is chosen?

After the ballots are pierced, they are burned in a cylindrical stove at the end of the voting session. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means no decision; white smoke signals the cardinals have chosen a pope and that he has accepted, meaning the conclave is over. Chemical cartridges are added to ensure there is no confusion over the colour. To produce black smoke, a cartridge containing potassium perchlorate, anthracene  the component of coal tar  and sulfur is burned with the ballots. For white smoke, a cartridge of potassium chlorate, lactose and chloroform resin is burned with the ballots. Loading Bells also are rung to signal the election of a pope, for further clarity. The new pope is introduced from the loggia overlooking St Peters Square with the words, habemus papam! (We have a pope!) and his chosen papal name. The new pope then emerges and gives his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world).
Washington: When US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in early April, a reporter reminded Trump that his 2024 campaign promise to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza remained unfulfilled.

Israel had recently broken a tenuous ceasefire in its 18-month war with Hamas and renewed its bombardment of Gaza. But Trump professed optimism.

Palestinians walk among destroyed buildings in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Credit: Bloomberg

Id like to see the war stop, he replied. And I think the war will stop at some point that wont be in the too-distant future.

One month later, prospects for peace in Gaza have dimmed even further.
A lapproche de lelection presidentielle doctobre 2025, les prises de parole de Maurice Kamto, president du Mouvement pour la Renaissance du Cameroun (MRC) et candidat commun de lAlliance pour le Progres et le Changement (APC), se font de plus en plus incisives, empreintes dune profondeur qui interroge autant quelle mobilise.

Dans une recente declaration largement relayee sur les reseaux sociaux, lopposant historique na pas mache ses mots :



 Il ne sert a rien de chercher a convaincre des esprits corrompus par la jalousie ou la haine gratuite... Battez-vous de toutes vos forces, celles de vos convictions, avec pour seul guide la justesse de la cause et votre conscience droite. 



Ces mots, lourds de sens, resonnent dans un contexte politique particulierement tendu, ou lespace democratique semble de plus en plus restreint, et ou toute voix dissidente se heurte a une resistance systemique et souvent brutale.

Un appel a la resilience et a la constance

Kamto ne se voile pas la face. Il sait que dans le combat pour lalternance, il y a ceux qui critiquent en silence et ceux qui agissent dans le tumulte. Il y a aussi, dit-il,  ces esprits corrompus par la jalousie ou la haine gratuite , qui preferent saboter que construire, qui trouvent toujours une excuse pour rester spectateurs, mais jamais le courage de s'engager.



Lhomme politique, juriste emerite et ancien ministre, invite ses compatriotes a ne pas tomber dans le piege de la diversion emotionnelle ou des debats steriles. Sa pensee sadresse a ceux qui aspirent au changement, mais qui se retrouvent paralyses par les critiques, les menaces ou les manipulations de lopinion publique.

Quand la loi ne suffit plus

Ce passage est particulierement troublant :



 Quand la loi parle pour vous, ils se refugient dans lopinion et nhesitent pas a appeler au secours lillegalite et meme la violence dEtat. 



Faut-il y lire une allusion directe aux episodes de repression, aux arrestations arbitraires, ou a linstrumentalisation des institutions ? Chacun se fera son idee. Mais ce qui est certain, cest que Kamto connait bien les rouages de lEtat et les perils de la politique dans un systeme ou l'opposition est souvent traitee comme une menace.

Vers octobre 2025, le cap est clair

Lecheance doctobre 2025 se rapproche a grands pas. Maurice Kamto sait que cette election pourrait marquer un tournant. En salliant a lAPC, il elargit sa base politique tout en consolidant son image de rassembleur. Mais le chemin est seme dembuches.



Cest pourquoi ce message nest pas seulement une declaration. Cest un mot dordre. Une exhortation a la resistance pacifique mais determinee. Une injonction a rester debout, meme lorsque tout pousse a courber lechine.

Conclusion : une parole qui derange, mais qui eclaire

Dans un pays ou la parole politique est souvent videe de son sens, les propos de Kamto sonnent comme une mise en garde, mais aussi comme une promesse : celle que le combat pour la justice, la democratie et la verite nest pas vain, tant quil est guide par une conscience droite.



Ne vous laissez pas distraire, dit-il. Et au vu des realites du Cameroun daujourdhui, il ny a sans doute pas de meilleur conseil.

Maurice Kamto: "Do Not Be Distracted!"  A Call to Stay the Course Amid Hostility

As Cameroon gears up for the pivotal presidential election of October 2025, Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and joint candidate of the Alliance for Progress and Change (APC), has issued a powerful message that cuts through the noise of political theatre and social media frenzy.



In a statement that has sparked reflection across the political spectrum, Kamto declared:



It is useless to try to convince minds corrupted by jealousy or blind hatred... Fight with all your strength, with your convictions as your only weapons, guided by the righteousness of your cause and your upright conscience.



These words, layered with meaning, come at a time when political expression in Cameroon faces mounting restrictions, and dissent is often met with silencing tactics and even brute force.

A Call for Resilience and Moral Clarity

Kamto pulls no punches. He is keenly aware of the challenges facing any genuine attempt at political change. He points to a toxic culture where those who stay silent are criticized, and those who act are predicted to fail  and even sabotaged in the process. A culture where cynicism is passed off as wisdom, and destruction is easier than creation.



This message is not aimed at his adversaries alone. It speaks to Cameroonians of all walks of life who dream of change but feel cornered by the weight of public judgment, systemic inertia, or the fear of reprisal.

When the Law No Longer Protects

Kamtos warning is particularly striking in this line:



When the law speaks for you, they hide behind public opinion and are quick to call on illegality and even State violence.



The message resonates deeply with those who remember past crackdowns on peaceful protesters, politically motivated arrests, or the weaponization of state institutions. As a seasoned lawyer and former Minister Delegate of Justice, Kamto knows the law  and he knows how often it is ignored when power feels threatened.

October 2025: A Defining Moment

The stakes for the upcoming presidential election are high. Kamtos alignment with the APC is seen as a strategic move to build a stronger front for the opposition. But in a system resistant to change, alliances alone are not enough.



That is why his words go beyond politics  they serve as a moral compass. A reminder that the fight for democracy, dignity, and accountability will always provoke resistance, but it must be pursued with unwavering resolve.

Conclusion: A Voice That Challenges and Inspires

In a country where political speech is often emptied of substance, Kamtos declaration strikes a rare chord  bold, uncompromising, and rooted in principle. It is both a warning against distraction and a call to higher ground.



Do not be distracted, he urges. And in the Cameroon of today, there may be no advice more urgent  or more necessary.

Ange NGO
This is it. The excise tax exemption on pickup trucks is now gone thanks to the effectivity of the Capital Market Efficiency Promotions Act ...
A TULLOW family have insisted that an inquest into the death of their beloved son last week is not the end for us and have spoken of their determination to go further in their search for answers.

We feel let down and I suppose totally surprised at what the hospital came up with, heartbroken mother Deirdre Gorman told The Nationalist, following last Tuesdays inquest into the death of her 14-year-old son Cillian at Childrens Health Ireland at Crumlin.

We have many, many questions that we havent received answers for  questions that just havent even been addressed, she added.

How could it go from a doctor telling us that he has a little bit of colitis active in the bowel and after a few days of steroids hell be a new boy to him dying that night? asked Deirdre.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard doctors at Childrens Health Ireland at Crumlin admit they remain baffled how Cillian Gorman from Hawthorn Drive, Tullow acquired what was described as a vanishingly rare blood clotting condition in a sudden and catastrophic manner.

Cillian was admitted to the hospital on 14 March 2021 and underwent an endoscopy on his upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and a liver biopsy the same day. Last Tuesdays inquest heard Cillians condition deteriorated and he became unresponsive a few hours later while recovering from the surgery, before he was confirmed to have suffered brain stem death on 20 March 2021.

At the inquest Cillians parents Declan and Deirdre, the eldest of Cillians three brothers Fionn and a number of his extended family sat through the harrowing account of Cillians final hours. The Gorman family say many of the answers they were looking for failed to be addressed, while for the first time since their sons death, Declan and Deirdre heard the medics finding that Cillian had thrombotic microangiopathy.

This was described as a rare but serious disease, otherwise known as TMA, which damages small blood vessels resulting in clots. The inquest heard that Cillians case was one they had never come across in Dublin before.

That was the first time we heard that  yes, at the inquest, said Deirdre.

She confirmed that that in a meeting with the hospital into Cillians death in June 2021, the hospitals conclusion that he had thrombotic microangiopathy was not discussed.

Recalling the day Cillian was admitted to hospital, Deidre said: I have a very, very good recollection of absolutely everything that happened that day, from the minute we walked into Crumlin. Its not a day Ill ever forget  I relive it every single day.

I never left Cillians side, not even to go to the toilet or even for a bite to eat, and Declan was with him the night before. He had a parent with him all the time.

Deirdre recalled how Cillian was delayed coming out of recovery following the procedures, a delay which has never been explained, while a number of key medical staff, central to Cillians care on the day were not present at the inquest to answer questions.

Cillian had all the signs there was something seriously wrong. I addressed the nurses four times with concerns  Cillian had vomited blood, he had headache and neck ache, low blood pressure, diarrhoea and was so lethargic, said Deirdre.

This is not the end for us, we are going further. Even from the hospitals point of view, if this is so rare, wouldnt they want answers, too? I wouldnt want to see any other parents or family to go through this.

Our family is very close and Cillian was absolutely loved by everyone. People were drawn to him  such a funny, smiley and intelligent chap. Its a gap in our family that cannot be filled. This isnt good enough. Our son had the start of Crohns, he wasnt meant to die, said Deirdre.

The loss of Cillian still aches for the Gorman family every single day, and not just for his parents and siblings but his relatives, cousins and many friends.

His loss has affected our whole family. We have changed because of this  no matter where we are or what we are doing, there is always sadness attached to it. Every time you come home, hes not there. You couldnt let this go, we just couldnt, said Deirdre.
Vivienne Clarke

The co-CEO of Element Films, Ed Guiney, has expressed concern and confusion over US President Donald Trumps comments about imposing a 100 per cent tariff on films not made in the USA.

Honestly, we're all scratching our heads. I mean, it was very disconcerting to wake up to that bombshell yesterday morning. And actually, I suppose since then, as with, as is often the case with Trump, things have moderated and changed. And now the White House are making more, I won't say positive, but they're kind of qualifying the statement, I suppose, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

But it's really hard to understand how a tariff would be imposed because so much of the activity that happens in the world is actually owned by American studios. These things are services, they're not products in the way that you know you traditionally imagine tariffs being imposed on a product.

So there is an awful lot of head-scratching. I think behind it, there is definitely an anxiety in the States in that there is a lot of what they call runaway production. In other words, American film and television production that shoots all around the world. And actually, we benefit from it hugely here in Ireland.

As is well known, we have an amazing crew base here and we've very decent incentives and a very buoyant industry. And same with the UK and Canada. But I think there is a feeling that a lot of American stuff should be shooting in the US, but actually that's largely down to the cost base in the States, which is very high, and also the incentives. And there are incentives in some of the states of America.

"So I think the other thing that's emerging in this is a conversation around whether there should be a federal tax incentive in America to keep American production at home.

Mr Guiney said that if such a tariff was imposed it would be very, very damaging for the Irish film industry.

There was also an issue of how such a tariff could be gauged and how it could be implemented when many productions were internationally funded.

The uncertainty over the issue would not be good for business, he said. The uncertainty that this engenders is not good for business, it really isn't. And that's coming on the back of Covid.

"The SAG strike, the fires in L.A., you know, kind of a tough old time for the industry. So it just isn't helpful.

Panic

Award-winning producer David Puttnam has warned that the worst thing anyone in the film industry can do is panic about US President Donald Trumps warning about a 100 per cent tariff on non-US films.

I think the problem is we're giving an extraordinary amount of credibility to an entirely ignorant tweet, he told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne show.

Mr Puttnam said that in four out of five, five out of six of the major policy statements he's made, he's retreated from.

The biggest issue was the uncertainty caused by President Trumps comments. At the moment of uncertainty, the worst thing anyone can do is panic. And I'd like to think that the people I know, certainly at Screen Island for example, are very smart people, that they don't panic, that they rethink, reorientate, and remember the most important thing, that America makes a huge amount of money out of the industry the way it is right now.

Mr Puttnam described the Presidents threat as incredibly ignorant because it's a very, very, very complicated business.

You've got to remember that, first of all, only 28 per cent of revenues are generated back in America. So it's 72 per cent of all the money that movies make is made outside the United States. But that's the first, I think, probably most important thing.

Secondly, the way the film ecosystem works is immensely complex. So for example, a lot of the revenues you get are from streaming, from any kind of means of distribution, how you track those, how you decide, do they qualify as this, do you qualify as that, is almost impossible.

In 1988, I was one of two negotiators for the EU when we went through all this before with Clinton. And in the end, Clinton made all sorts of promises to the Americans, but we ended up with the status quo. And I suspect we wouldn't end up a million miles away from that this time. But what it will do is generate incredible insecurity in terms of people's investment plans

Mr Puttnam pointed out that there was a reason why some tv series were made outside the US because audiences wanted to see such locations.

I'm not pretending anything simple about this. What I would say is in the end, filmmaking's about stories. And for us in Ireland, it's about our own stories. We happen to be very good storytellers.

"It will be about economics to a degree. But I'm going to be advising my own students, young film students that this is an opportunity more than a threat. And it's an opportunity to start telling their own stories at an economically viable price and to audiences who hopefully will reward them because they're interested in their own stories.

The tragedy was that President Trump was getting advice from people like Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone. It was a very sophisticated business with good systems already in place for evaluating the nationality of a film, he added.

This is a stupid move. It will undoubtedly, I think, blow up in his face, pretty well everything blows up in his face, but he's gonna cause far more chaos than he'll solve.

"He'll bring a few jobs back to the United States, but I promise you, every American involved in making and distributing movies today is very, very worried. They're not sitting there thinking, oh great, this is a bonanza for America. It ain't.

We may start to have to go back to making films for relatively inexpensive sums of money but that's a creative challenge and it's also a creative opportunity. You'll be interviewing people two or three, four years from now who have made very good films as a direct result of Donald Trump's plundering.

Uncertainty about investment could impact confidence and mean that people will look at their spreadsheets and cause them to relook at how they do things.

But the key message here, because I really want to be encouraging, is from a creative point of view, this could emerge as maybe a very, very good thing. It will have to be, it'll be a reshaped industry, it'll make us look at what we're good at, and also look at the inflated costs of movies which have become increasingly unjustified.
Tom Tuite

Former lord mayor of Dublin Nial Ring and his business partner have been spared criminal records after gardai found them and three other men intoxicated in an office during the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Independent councillor Ring (65), from St Laurence Road, Clontarf, and former pub owner Liam McGrattan (70), of Clontarf Road, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 4 of the Health Act, prohibiting people from leaving their residences without a reasonable excuse.

They were caught on April 17th, 2020, within weeks of new restrictions to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Gardai, patrolling Ballybough in Dublin at 11pm, saw the shutters come up on the Ref pub and three men left in separate directions.

Outlining the evidence, Garda Sergeant Farrah Fox told Dublin District Court that it took 45 minutes for someone to let gardai in.

They went to an office over, and separate to, the pub and found Ring and McGrattan and three others, and they had "a lot of different stories about what they were doing".

There were 37 glasses in the dishwasher and they appeared to be intoxicated, the court heard. Gardai also noticed a sign saying "Plug in camera".

The prosecution proceeded on Tueday after the failure of their High Court challenge to the constitutionality of laws brought in during the pandemic.

Defence barrister Peter Maguire said that as a councillor, Ring had done substantial work for his marginalised area and, at the time, was using the office to distribute leaflets about the coronavirus and how it could be controlled or at least restricted.

The barrister said Ring was regarded as an essential worker, but he clarified that Ring was admitting a technical breach of the law and was apologetic, embarrassed and remorseful.

Mr Maguire said the local politician had already been acutely in the public eye because this case garnered press attention. Counsel submitted that the councillor had received a significant penalty indirectly due to the adverse publicity.

McGrattan had the pub for 20 years without any problems, and it changed hands about six months ago.

Counsel said that McGrattan was trying to order personal protective equipment (PPE) for Covid-19 from Canada. He was in the office that late because of the time difference.

The judge heard he apologised profoundly to the court.

Counsel said McGrattan lived 1.8km from the office when the law stated people could not go more than 2km from their homes. Mr Maguire described his offence as a technical breach, too.

Counsel stressed that both men worked as business partners in the office, which was separate from the pub. It was also available to gardai on duty for events at Croke Park, who had a key to go there and make tea or use the toilets.

Two others arrested that night were given the benefit of the Probation Act previously and were spared court convictions.

Mr Maguire said his clients were "throwing themselves at the mercy of the court" and added that they were excellent members of society. Neither man addressed the court or were required to give evidence.

Judge Jones ordered them to each donate 1,500 to the Pieta House suicide prevention charity. The two men paid the money within minutes, and the judge struck out their cases, sparing them criminal records.
James Cox

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".

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.

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.
Tom Tuite

Landlord turned screenwriter Christian Carter has backed off from using anti-stalking laws to stop an RTE reporter writing stories about him, but has been hit with a 5,000 legal bill.

Dublin man Carter had secured interim restraining orders on April 9th, temporarily stopping Amy Molloy, the Irish Independent's Social Affairs Correspondent, and Maura Fay, a Today with Claire Byrne reporter on RTE Radio 1, from publishing stories about him.

Both of the journalists resisted his attempts to extend the interim order for five-years.

However, last month at Dublin District Court, Judge Anthony Halpin threw out Carter's bid to "silence" Amy Molloy before lifting reporting restrictions and landing him with an order to pay 10,000 to cover expenses incurred by Mediahuis, the publishers of the Irish Independent, in fighting the case.

On Tuesday, Carter's case against Ms Fay was listed again for hearing. However, during the call-over of the day's cases, his barrister, Stephen Wilson, instructed by solicitor Alex Rafter, said he was instructed to withdraw the matter.

Judge Halpin noted two similar previous attempts against Ms Fay had failed. Following an application by Rebecca Tierney BL for Ms Fay, he ordered Carter to pay her legal costs of 5,000.

Furthermore, he again lifted the in-camera rule, allowing the parties to be named.

The businessman's U-turn follows a resounding courtroom defeat on April 16th in his action against the Irish Independent journalist.

In that case, Judge Halpin criticised Carter's use of the process, saying it was not the purpose of the civil restraining orders introduced last year.

The judge had heard that Amy Molloy had broken stories and covered court cases about Carter's days as a landlord and his tax affairs.

"I was just doing my job," the journalist emphasised when she testified at the hearing.

Judge Halpin dismissed that case: "I never envisaged that this forum would be used to dilute journalistic freedom or restrict publication of certain matters."

He held that Carter endeavoured to use this legal remedy to "suppress" the legitimate publication of facts he did not want in the public domain.

Ronan Lupton SC for the newspaper described that civil restraining order application as a collateral attack that tramples on the right of freedom of expression.

In evidence, the journalist rejected suggestions from the applicant's solicitor that she had stepped over the line, telling Judge Halpin she was simply seeking a comment, offering Carter the right to reply, which was a fundamental part of journalism, and "I was just doing my job".

Carter claimed that she had written 50 articles and had rehashed stories about him since 2017.

In response to his claims, Ms Molloy said since 2017, she had written 17 or 18 articles concerning properties Carter rented out and when he appeared on the tax defaulters list last year.

One of the properties featured in her work was a Cabinteely property, which she alleged had 70 tenants, while Carter claimed it was a 6,000 sq ft 25-roomed mansion with 40 tenants. The Circuit Court had ordered him to pay 20,000 to some of his tenants.

The court heard he was also featured in a 2017 RTE Investigates broadcast called Nightmare to Let.

Ms Molloy explained she had written about his issues with the Residential Tenancies Board, a council and the Revenue Commissioners.

The journalist said that a source informed her that Carter had recently travelled to various destinations, including South America, Canada, and Hawaii.

Ms Molloy asserted that in light of that, she attempted to reach out to him for a comment on whether he had paid up following his settlement of nearly one million euro with the Revenue Commissioners after under-declaring income tax.

She stated, "If Mr Carter had paid his taxes and had not dangerously overcrowded houses, I would never have had to write about him".

Breaching a civil restraining order can result in a 4,000 fine, a criminal conviction and a 12-month prison sentence.
David Raleigh

More than 30 people were arrested by gardai on Tuesday as part of a major multi-agency crackdown on outstanding warrants in Askeaton, Co Limerick.

Those arrested for various alleged offences were bailed and remanded to appear in court at later dates.

The day of action involved many arms of the States authorities, including local gardai, armed Garda units, Garda Roads Policing Unit. Revenue Customs Officers, Road Safety Authority, Limerick City and County Council Dog Warden Service, and the Department of Social Protection.

Firearms checks, road traffic checkpoints, as well as strategic patrols, were conducted in the west Co Limerick town throughout the day.

Gardai attended at a number of residential homes in the town as part of the operation, in what was the fifth successive day of action across the Limerick County Garda Community Engagement Area, following similar operations in Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West, Rathkeale, and Kilmallock over the last few months.

Gardai said their goal was to respond to the needs of communities in tackling varying issues such as anti-social behaviour, road safety, and compliance with various legislation.

The days of action are well-planned in advance and require plentiful resources and logistics, as well as the cooperation of the Courts Services to deal specifically with a large number of warrants at short notice.
Stephen Maguire

Two men were hospitalised following two separate attacks in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, in recent days.

They are the latest incidents in a number of assaults in the county's biggest town.

A man had to receive treatment at Letterkenny University Hospital after he was attacked at the town's Lower Main Street at 1am on Wednesday morning last.

On Saturday last, a man was badly beaten at 4pm in the afternoon when three men jumped out of a car and attacked him.

The three men, traveling in a silver Volkswagen car, attacked the man at Ramelton Road before fleeing the scene.

They fled in the direction of the local shopping centre.

The victim was rushed to hospital where he too received treatment for non life-threatening injuries.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to both incidents to come forward with any information they may have.

They are the latest in a number of attacks in the town in recent weeks.

A Garda spokesperson said "We wish to hear from anyone who was in the area and who may have observed these incidents.

"If anyone was in that area with a dash-cam between those times, we ask them to make the footage available to us. Gardai may be contacted on 074-9167100 in relation to the matter."
Tributes paid to the 13-year-old girl who died at the Cork motor racing event, and Brendan McDongagh set to keep his salary, make the front pages of Tuesday's papers.

The Irish Times reveals Uisce Eireann told the government that 1 billion given to it in last years budget does not provide additional funding for the utility.

The Irish Examiner leads with an interview with the family of Fran, one of the children placed in the foster home at the heart of the Grace case.

The Echo leads with tributes paid to Lauren OBrien, who died at a motorsport event in Cork, and calls for electronic tags to tackle prison overcrowding in Cork.

The Irish Independent reports that thousands of farm families are set to face Fair Deal 'time bomb'.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with outgoing Nama CEO Brendan McDonagh is set to keep his 430,000 salary.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with tributes paid to Lauren OBrien, who died at a motorsport event in Cork.

The Irish Daily Star leads with gangs in Dublin using drones to send pipe bombs to attack each other.
RESIDENTS across Co Carlow were treated to an unusual sight last week as a small herd of Old Irish Goats took on the role of eco-friendly landscapers in an innovative biodiversity initiative.

The rare-breed goats began their tour of duty on Monday 28 April in Leighlinbridge before moving to Carlow towns Brooklawns, Burrindale and Sherwood green spaces. Last weekend, the four-legged conservation team finally arrived at Hackettstown Fire Station, where they continued their work.

Service users of the Leighlinbridge Day Care Centre join Melissa, Carlow County Council's biodiversity officer Shane Casey and Diarmuid, an Old Irish Goat

Dermot the billy goat and his team, playfully dubbed Munch-chester United by senator Malcolm Noonan during his visit to Leighlinbridge, are demonstrating sustainable alternatives to traditional mowing and herbicide use while supporting urban pollinators.

Posing for a picture with Shane and the goats, which he posted on social media, the senator went on to humorously praise the goats for proving themselves to be the GOAT at managing meadows for nature and real contenders for the Chomp-ions League this season.

Children from Mary's Preschool in Bagenalstown with Melissa and the goats

The initiative is part of Carlow County Councils Green Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to ensure no pollinator in Co Carlows towns and villages will have to travel more than 200 metres in order to find a food source, according to biodiversity officer Shane Casey, who organised the project.

Shane, who studied this subject for his undergraduate thesis, explained that the goats serve as a catalyst for change in management rather than a complete solution. The programme builds on previous work mapping over 60 acres of community-managed open spaces across Carlows eight largest towns and villages.

The goal is to move away from regular mowing  saving time, labour and reducing carbon footprints  and towards long-flowering meadows that significantly improve conditions for biodiversity.

Melissa speaks to the pupils from Askea Boys NS about the Old Irish Goat breed

Shepherd Melissa has been accompanying the goats throughout their tour, along with Mr Casey, delivering educational talks on pollinators, land management practices and information about the rare breed itself.

Carlow Fire Service also joined the initiative, delivering fire safety awareness presentations as wildfire season approaches.
A MEETING is being organised by activists and political parties to urge local TDs to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in support of Palestine.

MEP Kathleen Funchion will be joined by activists from Carlow IPSC, while the meeting, which takes place on Monday 12 May at 7.30pm in the Seven Oaks Hotel, will be chaired by cllr Adrienne Wallace.

While the genocide in Gaza escalates, it is only being met by louder platitudes from the taoiseach, which do nothing to aid the plight of the Palestinians. We need tangible action and the best way to deliver that is to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, said cllr Wallace.

Cllr Wallace added If enacted, the OTB will prohibit the importation into Ireland of goods and services from settlements illegally established on occupied territories. This includes Israels ever-expanding settlements in the illegally occupied Palestinian territory. Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael made pre-election promises to pass the Occupied Territories Bill  we must hold them to account on this.

Cllr Wallace continued: For ordinary people, it is so easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless when we see these war crimes continue on the world stage. However, the local government TDs in Carlow and Kilkenny have the power to do something about it and we must ensure they feel the pressure from the people to do so. I would urge everyone to join the meeting and follow in the footsteps of the ordinary Dunnes Stores workers, who helped end apartheid in South Africa.
Mary Robinson (center), former president of Ireland, shares her views on human rights at a Carter Center event in March. From the Center, CEO Paige Alexander (right) participated in the discussion, and Nicole Kruse, VP, Development, moderated.

Human rights pioneer Mary Robinson shares life lessons at Carter Center event

When Mary Robinson began her term in 1990 as the first female president of Ireland, she didnt let her gender take a back seat to the office. She wanted to convince people that I would actually do a better job because I was a woman, she told an audience at The Carter Center in March.

Robinson went on to blaze trails not only in politics but human rights, womens rights, and climate advocacy. She offered insight on her remarkable life during a public conversation and Q&A with the Carter Centers Paige Alexander, CEO, and Nicole Kruse, vice president of development, following a screening at the Center of Mrs. Robinson, a new biographical documentary.

Robinson has several ties with the Center, including a long friendship with co-founders President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. She also helped lead the Carter Centers election observation mission to Myanmar in 2015.

But perhaps her strongest connection to the Center is a shared commitment to bolstering human rights around the world. The universal values of human rights are indispensable, Robinson said. They are as valid today as they ever were, and they are more relevant today than they ever were.

During her tenure as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002, she traveled to many dangerous places  Chechnya, Kosovo, and Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I always came back energized because I was meeting people on the ground, Robinson said.

The world celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights last year and its 50th anniversary while Robinson was high commissioner. The document is as relevant today as it was in 1948, she said. We have learned so much about how, hopefully, to do better in creating more understanding but also embedding it in the cultures of people.

Despite her belief that countries go up and countries slide in their commitment to human rights, she remains optimistic about the future and the young people who will be inheriting the world older generations created.

As a member of the Elders, a group of former world leaders to which President Carter also belonged, Robinson said she has been involved in conversations about climate and energy that span several age groups. Younger people are insisting at being at the table, she said. Ive had incredible conversations with 13-, 14-, and 15-year-old climate activists.

The motivation of younger generations will lead to sea change soon, Robinson believes, because they want the world to move faster. Were on the cusp of this much healthier clean energy, renewable energy, no-waste circular economy, she said. Robinson marveled at the difference such innovations will make for people in Africa who have never had electricity.

Although Robinson has spent her career addressing societal ills across the globe, she believes joy and hope can be found anywhere and are essential components for a well-lived life. She once heard her mentor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, describe himself as a prisoner of hope. It made an impression on Robinson. She thought, what hes saying is the glass may not be half full. There may be only a tiny bit in the glass. But hope is action. You work with that.
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Grey cement dispatches in Colombia increased 13.7 per cent to 1.068Mt in March 2025 when compared with March 2024, when 0.94Mt was delivered, according to the country's statistics office, DANE.

Bagged cement sales advanced by 117.7 per cent YoY while bulk sales were up by 5.9 per cent. This reflects a 22 per cent YoY increase in the retail/wholesale sector while ready-mix concrete companies saw a moderate pick-up in sales of 2.3 per cent. Construction companies and contractors increased their off-take by 6.2 per cent YoY.

Production by Colombian cement plants increased 6.3 per cent YoY to 1.184Mt in March 2025 from 1.114Mt.

January-March 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, domestic deliveries edged up 1.5 per cent YoY to 2.911Mt from 2.869Mt. Bagged cement deliveries were up five per cent YoY but bulk dispatches fell 5.5 per cent YoY.

Dispatches to the retail/wholesale segment improved by 8.1 per cent, but sales to ready-mix companies were down by 6.3 per cent YoY. In addition, dispatches to construction companies and contractors fell 4.5 per cent YoY.

In terms of regional sales, dispatches to the Bogota market increased by 11.1 per cent YoY while in Antioquia sales edged up by two per cent YoY. Valle del Cauca saw a 3.1 per cent pick-up but sales growth in Cundinamarca was more modest at 0.3 per cent. Dispatches contracted in Atlantico and Santander by five and 0.6 per cent, respectively. However, in the Bolivar market there was a 13.4 per cent YoY expansion.

Meanwhile, on the supply side, output slipped one per cent to 3.18Mt in the 1Q25 from 3.212Mt in the 1Q24.
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Concreat Holdings Philippines, the company formed by Consunji Group (DMCI Holdings) after its acquisition of the ailing Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc, has commenced operations at its new production line in Antipolo, Philippines.

In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Concreat said the new production line at its Solid Cement plant became operational last month. The new facility brings Concreats overall plant capacity to 7.2Mta, a 26 per cent increase, with Solid Cements capacity jumping from 1.9Mta to 3.4Mta.

Herbert M Consunji, Concreat president and CEO, describes the expansion as a pivotal step in the companys turnaround. With higher capacity, a more efficient kiln, and the use of Semirara coal, we are rebuilding momentum and lowering production costs  laying the groundwork for long-term recovery, he said.

The new line is expected to boost direct and indirect employment in the area and was awarded fiscal incentives from the Philippine Board of Investments. It is equipped with energy-efficient technology, reckoned to deliver significant energy savings, as well as reducing emissions.

Concreat is 51 per cent-owned by DMCI Holdings and operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries APO Cement Corp and Solid Cement Corp.
CBL Properties announced results for the first quarter ended March 31. During Q1 2025, CBL closed on dispositions representing more than $73.3 million of gross proceeds at CBL's share, including the $34.0 million sale of Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, Pa., and the $38.1 million sale of Imperial Valley Mall in El Centro, Ca.

Consistent with its previously issued guidance range, same-center NOI for Q1 2025 declined 2.3 percent compared with the prior-year period, and FFO, as adjusted, per share was $1.50, flat with the prior-year period.

Portfolio occupancy was 90.4 percent as of March 31, a 100-basis-point-increase compared with portfolio occupancy of 89.4 percent as of March 31, 2024. Same-center occupancy for malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers was 88.7 percent as of March 31, a 40-basis-point increase from 88.3 percent as of March 31, 2024. Bankruptcy related store closures, including the anticipated first quarter closures of three Forever21 locations and one Party City location, representing over 284,000-square-feet, negatively impacted mall occupancy by 182 basis points compared with the prior-year quarter.

Nearly 575,000-square-feet of leases were executed in first quarter 2025, including comparable leases of approximately 473,000 square feet signed at a 2.4 percent decline in average rents versus the prior rents. New comparable leases were signed at an increase of more than 21 percent in average rents versus the prior rents.

Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the first quarter 2025 declined approximately 1.6 percent as compared with the prior-year period. Same-center tenant sales per square foot for the 12-months ended March 31, of $423, were essentially flat as compared with the prior period.

As of March 31, the company had $276.1 million of unrestricted cash and marketable securities.

CBL's Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.40 per common share for the quarter ending June 30.

On April 30, CBL announced that it had successfully met the extension test for its non-recourse term loan to secure a one-year extension to November 2026. Based on current projections, CBL also anticipates meeting the second extension test later in 2026, to secure the final one-year extension to November 2027.

On May 1, CBL announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the company to buy up to $25 million of its common stock.

"CBL is off to a solid start in 2025 with first quarter results in-line with expectations and previously issued guidance," said CBL's chief executive officer, Stephen D. Lebovitz. "Financial results reflected the anticipated decline in same-center NOI as we faced a difficult comparable period in the prior year that included one-time tax savings and lower operating expense related to timing of maintenance and repairs.

"While absolute leasing volumes in the first quarter moderated from the record volumes signed during the prior-year period, the resilience of our portfolio was demonstrated with the signing of a number of new in-demand tenants. These additions included Fabletics, LEGO, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, Hey Dude, Miss A, and nostalgic restaurant concept, Ford's Garage. New comparable shop leases were signed at positive lease spreads of more than 21% while renewal leases were signed at a 6.5 percent decline. The strong prior-year new leasing volumes contributed to a 100-basis point increase in portfolio occupancy compared with the prior-year period, including a 40-basis point increase in same-center malls, outlet and lifestyle centers. This new leasing activity more than offset the negative impact of several first quarter Forever21 and Party City closures. We anticipate additional Forever21 closures to occur in the second quarter but have already made significant progress in lining up strong backfills for the impacted locations to minimize downtime and bring new higher rents online.

"We continue to focus on actively pursuing opportunities to return capital to shareholders, which was demonstrated with the Board's authorization of a new $25 million stock repurchase program as well as the regular quarterly cash dividend and the special cash dividend paid in March. The stock repurchase program provides us with a powerful tool to allocate capital to capture significant discounts in our stock's valuation.

"We have actively worked to improve the strength and flexibility of our balance sheet over the past several years. As a result, today we enjoy a balance sheet comprised almost exclusively of non-recourse mortgage debt, with significant amortization reducing leverage further. Additionally, our maturity schedule continues to improve with the recent achievement of the extension test to extend our term loan maturity as well as the recent extensions of four property-specific loans.

"Last quarter, we noted that uncertainty would be a factor impacting 2025, and this has proven to be even more prescient than we expected. While it is difficult to project the impact the changes in tariffs will have on our tenants and customers, the majority of our leases are long-term and are diversified across higher credit tenants, which serves to mitigate the short-term impact. As such, we are maintaining our current guidance range and will keep our focus on the areas we can influence, including operating the portfolio efficiently, driving occupancy and revenues and allocating capital prudently."

On May 1, BL announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.40 per common share for the quarter ending June 30. The dividend is payable on June 30, to shareholders of record as of June, 13. The regular dividend equates to an annual dividend payment of $1.60 per common share. CBL also paid a special dividend of $0.80 per share on March 31.

In February 2025, CBL and its joint venture partner exercised the one-year extension option on the loan secured by the Pavilion at Port Orange in Port Orange, Fl., which extends the maturity date through February 2026.

In March, CBL and its joint venture partner closed on a modification of the $28.8 million loan (at 100 percent) secured by York Town Center in York, Pa., to extend the maturity to September. Additionally, the loan secured by Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville, NC, was modified for an extended maturity date of August.

Additionally in March, the conveyance of Alamance Crossing East, in Burlington, NC, was completed in satisfaction of the outstanding $41.1 million non-recourse loan.

In April 2025, CBL exercised the one-year extension option on the loan secured by Fayette Mall in Lexington, Ky.

On April 30, 2025, CBL announced that the principal balance of CBL's non-recourse term loan has been reduced to $668.3 million, successfully meeting the extension test to secure a one-year extension. The loans maturity will automatically extend from November 2025 to November 2026.

Additionally, based on current projections, CBL anticipates meeting the second required extension test, which requires a principal balance of $615 million, in 2026 through natural amortization, enabling another one-year extension to November 2027.

During Q1 2025, CBL closed on dispositions generating more than $73.3 million of gross proceeds including the sale of Monroeville Mall and Annex in Monroeville Pa., for $34.0 million in January and the $38.1 million sale of Imperial Valley Mall in El Centro, Ca., in February. CBL also completed the sale of one outparcel, generating aggregate proceeds at CBL's share of $1.2 million.

On May 1,CBL announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the company to buy up to $25 million of its common stock.

The company plans to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions and all in compliance with the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements.

The size and timing of any purchases will depend on a number of factors, including share price, general business and market conditions, and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the company to acquire any particular amount of shares, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the companys discretion. Purchases may be made through the program by May 1, 2026.

Detailed project information is available in CBLs Financial Supplement for Q1 2025, which can be found in the Invest  Financial Reports section of CBLs website at cblproperties.com.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga celebrated its 265th commencement on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with three McKenzie Arena ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025.



Over the two days, the Universitys four degree-granting colleges presented 1,565 candidates for degrees.



The 1,257 candidates for bachelors degrees consisted of:

553 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Sciences

178 from the College of Engineering and Computer Science

232 from the Gary W.

294 from the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

57 masters degree candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences

44 from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business

19 from the College of Engineering and Computer Science

98 from the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

18 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

1 Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

7 Doctor of Philosophy: Learning and Leadership (Ph.D.)

2 Doctor of Philosophy: Computational Science (Ph.D.)

21 Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

33 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

8 Educational Specialist

The Graduate School presented 308 candidates for postgraduate certificates, masters and doctoral degrees, including:
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Stephanie Cepak, an award-winning journalist and strategic communications professional, to the role of press secretary.

Ms. Cepak has lived in Chattanooga with her family since 2020.

Mayor Kelly said, "Like many people who migrated to the area during the COVID-19 pandemic, she took advantage of EPBs worlds fastest internet to work remotely. This included roles at two creative agencies specializing in strategic communications planning and tactical execution for issue advocacy and candidate campaigns.

Cepak oversaw media relations for multiple state and local ballot initiatives and clients across sectors. Shes also worked as a freelance communications consultant and writer.

Chattanooga has a tremendous talent bank and were excited to welcome someone with the level of strategic communications experience that Stephanie possesses. She will build on the citys continued efforts to communicate clearly and consistently with residents, business owners, and everyone who contributes to making the Scenic City a great place to live, work, and play.

Ms. Cepak previously lived in Michigan, where she oversaw communications for the Honors College at Michigan State University. In that role, she led a research-based rebranding initiative and helped raise a historic amount of money for the Honors College during the universitys capital campaign.

Her husband, Anthony, is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Together, they are raising two children who attend Hamilton County Schools.

Ms. Cepak loves exploring Chattanooga and meeting people who call this place home, including lending her professional skills to local organizations such as the League of Women Voters and Forward Tennessee, along with co-leading her daughters Girl Scout Troop.

She holds a bachelors degree in journalism from Michigan State University, and cut her teeth as a newspaper reporter covering local government and business news in Frankfort, In. That is where she met her future husband. When the two moved to Michigan, Ms. Cepak worked as a staff writer covering state politics and policy for an online news organization. During that time, she won multiple awards from Capitolbeat, and was named one of the best state-based political reporters by readers of The Washington Post.

Ms. Cepak will join the citys communications team, led by Senior Advisor Eric Holl.

Were very excited to have secured a candidate of Stephanies talent and experience, and we know shell be an asset to the city as our press secretary, Mr. Holl said. Her experience reporting and providing commentary for print, digital, radio, and broadcast news outlets, and working in public relations for two decades will bring just what we need to the team.

I want to thank the mayor for appointing me to serve as press secretary for the great city of Chattanooga, Ms. Cepak said. I love the power of stories and how they communicate so many things - our wants and needs, how we seek to change the world around us, and how we are successful at making an impact. I look forward to helping tell the next chapter of Chattanoogas story as we implement Mayor Kellys One Chattanooga vision.
East Ridge Police said Monday afternoon shots were fired at a targeted individual at Parkridge Hospital East Ridge. The targeted individual retreated into the hospital.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., East Ridge Police received a dispatch call to the hospital at 941 Spring Creek Road on reports of shots fired. Officers arrived within minutes and immediately began securing the scene, searching for suspects, and locating any potential victims.

Police said, "It was determined that three yet unknown suspects arrived in a black Dodge Durango with black wheels. The suspects, dressed in all black, fired upon a person in the parking area in an apparent targeted event. The victim was not struck but retreated into the hospital building.

"Police were able to locate him and confirmed that he was not injured. The building was struck with gunfire. No injuries to any party were found."

East Ridge Police officers and detectives began processing physical and electronic evidence at the scene.

Hospital officials said, "The safety and security of our patients, visitors, employees, medical staff and other medical professionals is of utmost importance.

"We are grateful that no injuries resulted from this senseless incident. Our security team responded immediately and provided law enforcement with footage from our security cameras to aid in the investigation.

"The hospital is fully operational, safe and open to meet the healthcare needs of our community. Parkridge East will continue assisting fully with the investigation by the East Ridge Police Department."




Activate Hamilton, the conservative grassroots group that has taken control of the Hamilton County Republican Party and unseated a leading state legislator, is now taking aim at the issue of county school funding.The group has issued a "CALL TO ACTION!"In a Facebook post, Activate Hamilton said cuts need to be made to the central office instead of classroom roles.The post says, "Hamilton County, TN Parents, Teachers, and Community Members: ACT NOW to Protect Our Childrens Education!"The Central Office at Hamilton County Schools is proposing a 2025 budget that puts our kids LAST by cutting essential student services - nurses, special education assistants, and counselorsto protect their own bloated payroll.This is unacceptable! Hamilton County childrens needs must come FIRST! ??"Heres what you need to know:1. Central Office is targeting student-facing roles instead of trimming their own staff. Theyre proposing cuts to critical positions like school nurses, special education assistants, and counselors, which directly impact our kids health, learning, and well-being.2. Central Office is top heavy and growing fatteronly proposing a 10% cut to their staff despite community demands for more. Research from the Beacon Center shows Tennessees administrative spending has skyrocketed over 40% since 2020, and Hamilton Countys Central Office is part of this trend. Why are they protecting their jobs over our students?3. Central Office is pushing for their own pay raises while denying teachers their STEP increases. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson is set for a 13% raise, and other administrators are getting increases, but teachers get nothing! This prioritizes bureaucracy over classrooms.4. County commissioners are discussing a sales tax increase to address the school budget crisis. Theyre suggesting a county-wide referendum to let voters decide on raising the sales tax to fund schools and avoid cuts. Share your thoughts with commissioners! Read5. Central Office plans a $90,000 back-to-school event while cutting student services. Teachers are outraged, questioning why this lavish spending is prioritized over nurses, counselors, and special ed staff.'If this doesnt sit right with you, heres how to Activate and engage with your elected officials and community members:* Email your school board member, superintendent, and deputy superintendent to demand a budget that prioritizes students.* Attend the May 8, 2025, school board meeting after the 4:30 PM work session to voice your opposition before the board votes on the budget. Your presence matters!* Put up signs around our community or bring one to the May 8th School Board Meeting that say, Our childrens needs come first. Not Central Offices payroll! Lets show the board were united for our kids.* Contact county commissioners to share your views on the sales tax referendum to fund schools.* Ask Central Office to justify the $90,000 event and their ballooning administrative costs when student services are at risk."Our students deserve nurses for their health, exceptional ed assistants for their learning, and counselors for their emotional support. Lets stand together and tell the Central Office: STOP protecting your payroll, STOP wasteful spending, and START protecting our kids! ??"Join our united effort! Share this post, contact officials, attend the meeting, and spread the word. Together, we can ensure more funding for classroom-facing positions and save our schools!"
As a lifelong Republican, a dad, and a taxpayer here in Hamilton County, Im writing to say something simple: our Republican-led school board needs to act like leaders. Not pass the buck to the voters in the form of a tax referendum.

Lets be honest. The Hamilton County School System is asking for more money  again. The proposed FY2026 budget is nearly $692 million, a sharp increase over previous years. This is happening even though student enrollment has stayed flat. If were paying more each year but not seeing better results in the classroom, where is all that money going?

Worse, part of our education spending is going toward students who are in this country illegally, while the real needs of Tennessean students may not even be fully met. The Tennessee Constitution does not require us to fund education for non-citizens, and yet taxpayers are footing that bill while struggling with rising costs in their own lives. Shouldnt we at least know how many non-citizen students are in our schools and what its costing?

This brings us to the real issue: responsibility. The state constitution encourages education but it does not mandate ever-growing local budgets or tax hikes. We expect our elected officials  especially Republicans  to use conservative judgement, prioritize wisely, and hold bureaucracies accountable. That means voting no when the system grows too large and unsustainably.

The so-called budget shortfall didnt happen because the public underfunded education. It happened because the school system used temporary COVID dollars like they were permanent revenue. Now, those funds are gone, and they want taxpayers to fill the gap. Thats not how responsible budgeting works, and it shouldnt be how public education operates either.

No other school model gets to operate like this. Homeschool families, charter schools, parochial schools, and private academies  all have to live within their means. Many of these families pay tuition and taxes. Why should the public system be exempt from the kind of discipline every other school lives by?

Education today is not one-size-fits-all. Tennessee values educational choice through vouchers that help families choose whats best for their children. Public schools are one part of a larger education ecosystem and should be funded fairly, not excessively.

If the school board passes this $692 million budget, it heads to the County Commission. And some commissioners are already talking about putting a sales tax hike on the ballot. Thats not leadership. Thats sidestepping responsibility. And worse, it would subject voters to a politicized, emotionally charged campaign by special interests that will divide our community. We elected Republicans to lead, not to push off tough decisions.

Heres my message: School Board, do not pass the blame. Do not kick the can. Tighten your belt like every other school model has to.

Greg Campbell

Signal Mountain
Have you ever seen the film, Schindlers List? I had viewed it when it was first released in 1993, but several weeks ago decided to watch it again. Once more I was struck by its powerful message, in one sense differently from what the filmmakers intended.

Based on the non-fiction novel by Thomas Keneally, its about Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and war profiteer. In the beginning of the movie, we see Schindler (portrayed by Liam Neeson) welcoming World War II for its potential for enabling him to make a lot of money. Hes portrayed as an opportunist, an unapologetic materialist, and a hedonist. Although a member of the Nazi Party, Schindlers only focus is making money.

As time passes, however, he starts becoming aware of the atrocities of the Holocaust and this drastically shifts his perspective. He then sets out to do everything he can to undermine the Nazi madness. Since many of the workers in Schindlers Krakow, Poland factories are Jews, he realizes theyre in grave jeopardy, not only as employees but also as human beings. He sets off on a plan to shield them from being assigned to the Nazi concentration camps, even arranging for many of them to be transported to safer parts of Europe.

Schindler starts compiling the list that the title of the book and movie refers to  names of people who have been delivered from Nazi clutches through his intervention. By the end of the film, Schindler is a broken man, repentant of his self-absorbed lifestyle with only one wish: That he could have done more.

Even though he helped more than 1,000 men, women and children escape extermination in the death camps, in the final scenes Schindler despairs, I could have got more. One more person. I didnt do enough.

What a poignant, heartbreaking scene when he looks at the few material possessions he has retained  a ring, a car  and thinks of how he might have sold them to generate money to save even more Jews from the gas chambers.

It struck me that Schindlers passion was to save people from Nazi terror, even though they were individuals who would die one day of other causes  100 percent of them. They were protected from genocide, but inevitably would all see an end to their temporal existence.

What would happen if we, as followers of Jesus, shared a similar passion and sense of urgency for people who need to hear the transforming message of Christ, which can rescue them not from earthly death but from eternal death and separation from God? Sadly, unlike Schindler who had a list of folks hed been able to save from becoming victims of the Holocaust, too many of us are list-less  content with our everyday lives but exhibiting a listlessness when it comes to matters of eternal consequence.

Jesus spoke of this often, including His command to Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), and His Great Commission, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nationsteaching them to follow all that I commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).

Today we hear much said about God is love (1 John 4:8), which is true, but its also true that at the same time, He demands justice. Apart from His greatest gesture of love, Christs atoning death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection, people remain dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).

Were clearly told in the Scriptures that the Lords promise of redemption and eternal life comes with one condition. As John 1:12 states, Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. The gift of eternal life Jesus described in John 3:16 must be received, just as a gift of any kind is of no value unless its accepted by the intended recipient.

Which brings us to our role as followers of Christ. The apostle Paul wrote about this to believers in ancient Rome, explaining many have not received this divine gift because they havent heard the Good News  at least not in a way that they understood:

How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are not sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Romans 10:14-15).

This is not an admonishment for us to invite people to church to hear our pastors sermon. For many people with whom we work, interact with every day, even live near, we are Christs ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christs behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Were to take the Gospel message to them.

We can applaud and admire the selfless commitment of someone like Oskar Schindler, who upon seeing the light set out to save as many as he could from an unspeakable death. But in terms of eternity, this life we have is nothing more than a blink of an eye. As a child wisely observed, Eternity is a really long time.

Should we not feel an even greater urgency to tell those around us about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Dont we want our loved ones, friends, coworkers and neighbors to have life, and to have it abundantly, as Jesus promised in John 10:10? Starting as soon as possible?

* * *



Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor, and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 20 books. These include Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He writes and edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into nearly 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for Bob's blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
25-004714  3200 BLK Ringgold Road  Traffic Stop / Vehicle Pursuit / Foot Pursuit East Ridge Police observed a black Dodge Ram traveling on Ringgold Road that matched a shooting suspect vehicle from I-24 Westbound in Chattanooga (reference CPD 25-037554).Police got behind the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect driver threw two small bags out the passenger window and took off at a high rate of speed. The truck eventually came to a stop at 3100 Dodds Avenue and the driver took off on foot. East Ridge Police Officers caught up with the suspect and took him into custody. CPD Investigators responded to the location and took custody of the Dodge Ram. The driver was identified and transported to the CPD Service Center for questioning. CPD is working to determine if he and the truck were involved in the shooting. Day Shift May 2: A Team

25-004651  4222 Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity Staff reported three juvenile females climbing on the roof of their building. The girls were instructed to stop the behavior, and extra patrol was conducted at Pioneer Park.

25-004655  1300 BLK Pleasant Street  Backup EMS Police assisted EMS by watching three small children after their mother began experiencing a pregnancy emergency.

25-004649 - 1517 Tombras Avenue - Warrant Services/ Unknown Medical Officers were informed that a subject at East Ridge City Court had an outstanding warrant for Violation of an Order of Protection. Upon receiving the news of his warrant, he started to have an unknown medical emergency. Emergency Medical Services transported him for further evaluation. Police stood by as he was cleared for incarceration and he was taken to jail.

25-004644-5500 BLK Oakdale Ave- Alarm Police responded to this address on reports of an alarm but found the residence to be secure.

25-004639  900 BLK Spring Creek Road  Burglar Alarm Police responded to a front glass motion. The doors were secure and no indication a disturbance occurred was observed.

25-004641  900 BLK Mockingbird Drive  Broke Down Auto Police responded to a White Jeep Cherokee abandoned near the middle of the street on Mockingbird Drive. ERPD contacted the owner who lived in the area who stated the vehicle wouldnt start and they returned home to call a tow truck. Police left the scene when the owners arrived to wait for the tow.

25-004654  6500 BLK Ringgold Road  Unconscious Person Police responded after a concerned passerby noticed a person lying on the sidewalk, possibly unconscious. Police & ERFD arrived to meet the man, who was resting. He denied needing medical attention, gathered his belongings and departed the area.

25-004656  300 BLK Camp Jordan Parkway  Property Damage Police responded to the parking lot North of the arena where a tent being set up blew across the parking lot and struck another vendors Range Rover. Damage to the vehicle was observed and the tent was destroyed. A property damage report will be completed.

Night Shift May 2: C Team Road Closures due to Flooding: - 3700 block of Swope Drive (Dead End) - Key West Avenue near Springvale Road - Camp Jordan Parkway (main park closed)

25-004667  4214 Ringgold Road  Extreme Weather Response The City of East Ridge experienced significant flash flooding during the evening hours of May 2. Fire and Police personnel closed several areas affected by the flooding to include the Camp Jordan Parkway, Scruggs Road, Springvale Road, Key West Avenue, and Clemons Road. In addition, several pools of standing water were observed throughout the City of East Ridge on roadways, parking lots, and open fields. Due to flooding and poor weather conditions, Camp Jordan Park was also closed, and the majority of Taco Festival activities were cancelled for May 3. Police, Fire, and Street Department personnel also responded to several complaints of fallen tree limbs, standing water, and debris in the roadway. As of May 3, Scruggs Road, Springvale Road, and Clemons Road were open for normal traffic. At the same time, Camp Jordan Parkway and the Camp Jordan Park were closed to the public. The opening of the park will be opened based on the input of the ERPD Patrol Supervisor, ERFD Battalion Chief, and the Parks and Recreation Director.

25-004663 400 BLK Scruggs Road  Check Hazard / Broken Down Automobile A man reported his Dodge Charger was submerged in water on Scruggs Road. East Ridge Police and Catoosa County Deputies both responded and found the vehicle had stalled out in approximately a foot and a half of fastmoving water. A wrecker recovered the vehicle, and the road was temporally shut down until the water levels returned to normal.

25-004665  I-24 Westbound, On-Ramp 183  Crash with Injuries / Arrest Police responded to a crash with unknown injuries at the I-24 On Ramp. Officers determined that a white Ford Ranger was backing down the on-ramp for an unknown reason and went off roadway. The truck then traveled several feet down a steep embankment. During the recovery operation, Police observed the man had multiple symptoms of intoxication. He was taken into custody and charged with Driving Under the Influence.

25-004671  400 BLK Camp Jordan Drive  Disorder The Camp Jordan ER staff reported man was refusing to leave after he had been treated at the facility. Police spoke with the subject and determined he was homeless with possible mental health issues. The 82-year-old man agreed to seek further treatment, and he was transported to another facility.

Day Shift May 3: A Team

25-004683- 4300 BLK Ringgold Rd- Property Damage The caller reported a shopping cart absconded from a male that was loading groceries into a vehicle striking his 2011 red Cadillac CTS.

25-004677  900 BLK Hummingbird Lane  Abandoned Auto While on patrol an abandoned auto was observed at the intersection of Hummingbird Lane and Flinn Drive. The Gray Mitsubishi Mirage was found to be a rental. The company was contacted and would dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle.

25-004678  1400 BLK St Thomas Street  Theft Police met a woman on a report that her laundry was taken from the dryer sometime during the night or early morning today. The room adjacent to her mistakenly removed the clothes after they dried their own load. The clothing was returned.

25-004676  4300 BLK Ringgold Road Disorder/Criminal Trespass A man was trespassed from the gym following a verbal disorder with staff.

25-004680  700 BLK S. Seminole Drive  Police Assist Citizen A woman reported her son left his iPhone in the backseat of an Uber, and she tracked the phone to this address. The phone was recovered and given back.

25-004674-4300 BLK Ringgold Rd.- Property - Police spoke with a party who advised he lost his car keys at the restaurant on April 28. He stated he put the keys in his boss company truck and noticed them gone on May 2. He later called back and advised he found his key.

25-004675-1500 BLK Mcbrien Rd.- Well Being Check Police were called to check on a female who was stumbling into the street on Mcbrien Road. The party advised she was attempting to get back to her nephews home in Georgia. The officer did not observe any signs of her being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. She was given a courtesy ride to her nephews home in Georgia. FI# 25-000070.

25-004679-4300 BLK Ringgold Rd.- Deceptive Practice Police spoke with a party who advised she was the victim of a scam. An individual contacted her stating they were a representative of a banks fraud department. The individual had her transfer $2250 into a bank account via Apple. Warrants pending further identification of the individual.

25-004684- 4214 Ringgold Rd.-Civil Matter Police spoke with a man who advised the mother of his child was refusing to transfer custody of their daughter. The court order stated he has parental time with his child starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday. He provided a digital copy of the court order to police. He was advised he needed to bring the issue up with his lawyer and the judge overseeing the custody agreement.

25-004681  1000 BLK Wynnwood Road - Theft of a Vehicle Police spoke with the complainant who reported that he had allowed his stepfather to borrow his 1991 light blue Chevrolet van for work purposes between 2200 and 0300 hours. However, by morning, neither the vehicle nor the driver had returned to the residence as expected. Police searched the last known location of the vehicle, Rossville Blvd, and located it parked at a grocery store in Rossville. With assistance from Rossville Police, the man was found inside the store. It was discovered that he had outstanding warrants out of Atlanta, Ga., for escaping from prison. Additional charges for vehicle theft are being pursued by East Ridge Police. The vehicle was recovered by the owner.

25-004673  300 BLK Alice Drive- Suspicious Activity The complainant reported being followed home by a white SUV after leaving a gas station on APD 40 in Cleveland. Around the same time, her estranged husband called and indicated he knew she was no longer at work. After arriving home safely, she discovered a GPS tracker hidden near her vehicles windshield. The device was collected as evidence. There is currently not enough evidence to confirm where the man placed the tracker or that it was installed within East Ridge city limits.

Night Shift May 3: C Team

25-004666  601 Justice Way  Warrant Service While in custody at the Hamilton County Jail, a man was served with a Probation Capias through the City of East Ridge. The original charge for the capias warrant was Criminal Impersonation.

25-004689  1500 BLK Springvale Road  Traffic Stop / DUI Arrest Police observed a sedan driving erratically on Ringgold Road and conducted a traffic stop after it turned onto Springvale Road. Police then determined the driver was intoxicated and he was taken into custody. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence and was transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

25-004690  900 BLK S. Seminole Drive Well-Being Check A concerned friend believed a woman was harming herself and requested a well-being check. Police located the woman at her residence and discussed the situation. The officer found no evidence of recent self-harm and she denied any suicidal ideations.

25-004696  5300 BLK Lazard Street Well-being Check An anonymous caller requested a well-being check on a party due to recent changes in her behavior. Police determined that she was intoxicated in her residence with a male companion. She declined any assistance and stated she was okay. Police also spoke with neighbors who expressed similar concerns about her behavior and noted an increase in vehicle traffic at her residence.

25-004703  5400 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity / Arrest Police observed a man spreading garbage in the parking lot of the car wash. It was determined he had three active warrants through the City of East Ridge. The charges on the warrants were Theft over $1000, Fraudulent use of a Debit Card, and Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person. He was taken into custody and transported to Hamilton County Jail.

25-004706  4200 BLK Ringgold Road  Public Intoxication / Arrest An officer observed a man attempting to purchase two 24 packs of beer at the gas station. He was unsteady on his feet and appeared lethargic. Police approached the man and immediately determined he was heavily intoxicated. He was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

25-004707  500 BLK Cedar Glenn Circle  Disorder Police responded to a verbal disorder at this address and found that two people had a heated argument over a lost piece of cake. Both agreed to separate for the night.

25-004712  1300 BLK S. Seminole Drive  MVC Uknown Injuries / Property Damage Police responded to an unknown injury crash on S Seminole Drive. On scene, it was found that an unknown vehicle struck a block wall near a culvert, then fled the scene. No suspect or vehicle information was available, and no vehicle parts were located.

25-004713  601 Justice Way  Warrant Service While in custody at the Hamilton County Jail, a man was served with a Forfeiture Capias through the City of East Ridge. The original charge for the capias warrant was Driving on a Revoked License.

Day Shift May 4: A Team

25-004731  4214 Ringgold Road  Warrant Service The driver from the pursuit was served with four East Ridge warrants while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail. The warrants were for the following offenses: Selling Controlled Substance x2, Felony Evading, and Tampering with Evidence.

25-004716  4300 BLK Ringgold Road  Disorder / Indecent Exposure Police were called on a complaint that a man on the walkway near the entrance was urinating into the potted flowers. The man identified told police he was not urinating but instead said he washow to say this delicately manually stimulating himself into the flowers. Police observed in fact that he was true to his word and observed the flowers had been fertilized. He was taken into custody for indecent exposure and vandalism and transported to Hamilton County Jail without further incident. The business obviously requested he be trespassed from the property. Proximity Restriction #25-000087.

25-004724  6500 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Person / Theft of Service Police responded after a customer left without paying. This was after patrons at an adjacent table alleged, he took photos of their families. The family confronted the man who showed them his phone and allowed them to delete the photos. The man, only identified as Bill, called after the incident to say he would return tomorrow to settle his tab. The business did not wish to pursue charges at this time, pending he returns to the restaurant as agreed. They, however, do want Bill to be trespassed and will follow up with ERPD when hes on scene.

25-004726  5300 BLK Ringgold Road - LPR Stolen Plate Hit / Recovery Police received an LPR hit for stolen TN Tag on the South Moore camera. Officers located the vehicle parked off McBrien. The plate was recovered, and the driver was issued a misdemeanor citation for possession of stolen property. The plate was removed from NCIC.

25-004717-1500 BLK Karwill Ln- Unknown Trouble Police responded to this address on reports of unknown trouble. Officers spoke with the residents of the home who advised they were speaking loudly about the cars parked across the street. Police did not observe a disorder or any other disturbance.

25-004722-1500 BLK McDonald Rd.- Traffic stop/Arrest An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration. While conducting the traffic stop, police were advised the driver did not have a valid license or insurance on the vehicle. Police asked the passenger if he had a valid driver license to operate the vehicle. The man advised he did and handed over his I.D. to be verified for police. While verifying the ID he was found to have a warrant for DUI through East Ridge. The man was taken into custody and transported to the jail without incident.

25-004732  3600 BLK Ringgold Road - Theft A woman was misdemeanor cited in lieu of arrest for theft of property(merchandise). She had been caught stealing two items using a mis-scanning scheme. She was seen placing a pack of Kool-Aid under a higher ticket-priced item and mis-scanning the item. She had stolen a total of 10.98 dollars on 04/13/2025 and 22.99 on 04/06/2025. She was also informed she had been trespassed from the property and given her trespass warnings.

25-004728  6300 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder with a Weapon Police were informed by dispatch of a male in a green Dodge Charger who threatened to shoot the employees of carwash. Upon arrival, officers were informed he had gone through the car wash and was about to exit. Police stopped the subject and detained him for further investigation. He gave police consent to search the vehicle for any weapons. No weapons were found on his person or vehicle. According to the staff, the man had exited his vehicle and approached them, saying he was going to shoot up the place. The staff requested he be trespassed from the business.

Night Shift May 4: C Team

25-004736  800 BLK S. Germantown Road  Well Being Check A concerned friend requested a well-being check after seeing a Facebook post from the subject in East Ridge. The friend had not seen the man in two months and was concerned about his well-being as a homeless person. Police checked the area but did not locate the party or anyone who knew of him.

25-004742  1100 BLK Chippewah Drive  Backup EMS Unit Police responded to Chippewah Drive after receiving a call stating a man had fallen and needed medical care. The exact address was not provided. Police officers checked several residences before locating the male in his home. EMS Personnel took over the scene and provided treatment for the individual.

25-004744  1600 BLK Prigmore Road  Domestic Assault / Arrest Police responded to a Domestic Disorder and determined that a man assaulted his girlfriend while visiting a friends house. Police also found that he intentionally damaged the front door of the home. ERPD arrested him and charged him with Domestic Assault and Vandalism. He was transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

25-004747  300 BLK Camp Jordan Parkway  Well Being Check While on patrol, Police located two juveniles running through the Camp Jordan Park after midnight. The juveniles admitted to sneaking out of their residence without permission. Officers transported the juveniles back to their home where they were released into the custody of their parents.

Day Shift May 5: B Team

25-004753- 4214 Ringgold Road- Lost Property The reporting party from a previous lost property case came back in and stated the lost property report was meant to be for his wifes passport. Officers made a new case number to file for the wifes passport.

25-004756- 5000 BLK Fike Drive- Back EMS Police were dispatched to assist EMS with an unknown medical call. Police located a man on the couch, bleeding and unconscious. Officers observed the couch to have a large opening in which multiple bodily fluids were collected. Police also observed an overwhelming presence of assorted alcoholic beverages throughout the residence. He was transported to a hospital.

25-004757- 1000 BLK Yale Street- Suspicious person/ arrest Police were told that there possibly might be two parties at this address, as they saw two bikes parked at the back of the building. Officers cleared the building but were unable to locate anything. When police went to search the shed, they found a male and female party. The man attempted to pull a pellet gun out of his waistband when officers confronted him. Police detained both parties, and they were both taken into custody for criminal trespass and transported to the Hamilton Jail without incident.

25-004764- 1100 BLK Tamarack Trail-Suicide Threats Police responded to the listed address at the request of Behavioral Health to check the well-being of a hospice patient, who had allegedly made suicidal comments over the phone. Police arrived on scene along with her case worker from Behavioral Health. Upon talking to the individual, it was found to be a miscommunication about upping her medication dose for pain management; she had no intention of harming herself.

25-004770  900 BLK Spring Creek Rd  Shots Fired A black Durango with 3-4 passengers was seen shooting at another male in the parking lot of the hospital. There was property damage to the hospital and a vehicle. The suspects in the Durango fled the scene. The other involved person who was at the hospital, and the target of the shooting, was taken into custody for firearms related charges. The hospital was secured and deemed safe for normal operations after police completed the on-scene investigation.

Night Shift May 5: D Team

25-004775  3200 BLK Navajo Drive  Burglar Alarm A burglar alarm at the church indicated a motion front entry door alarm. Police discovered that a side entry door on the lower level was unlocked. The door was locked after officers cleared the building. No signs of intrusion were observed. Dispatched attempted to contact the responsible party multiple times without success.

25-004778- 500 BLK Wando Dr.-Mentally Disturbed A caller reported her mother was very irate and throwing things. On arrival, the police spoke with the patient. She remained calm while speaking with the officers. She said she was having a hard time and wanted someone to talk to. EMS responded to the scene and determined the patient was alert and cognitive.

25-004785-900 BLK Spring Creek Road - Alarm A front glass motion sensor set off the alarm at the store. Police did not find any signs of entry nor signs of any disturbance that would set off the alarm. The store appeared to be secure.
The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Tuesday that 98 schools across its Southeast region will reduce their power bills and have healthier air thanks to over $2.3 million in funding for energy and classroom upgrades. This funding is part of TVAs nationally recognized School Uplift program  which has saved participating schools an average of 10 percent on their energy bills annually through behavioral changes alone. This years participants will save an estimated 5.5 GWh of energy.

TVA and local power company partners are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through School Uplift, said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA Energy Services and Programs. By reducing energy costs, were making more funds available for education and creating a better learning environment for students and teachers that helps give every child the opportunity to succeed.

Tuesdays live online announcement was attended by thousands of students and administrators who were eager to learn their schools funding amount. Funding ranged from $10,000 to $200,000 and was awarded based on the score each school achieved by cutting their energy waste and engaging their school community, and a needs-based assessment that determined which facilities could achieve the greatest energy savings.

In 2021, TVA launched the School Uplift program to invest in students futures by offering energy efficiency training and funding to reduce energy costs and improve a schools learning environment. To date, TVA has invested about $8.2 million to help 323 schools save on their energy bills.

TVA is looking to enroll up to 120 new schools in the 2025-2026 School Uplift program. Public and private schools in TVA's seven-state service area are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about TVAs School Uplift program here.

This years award winners are listed below:





School Amount City State Local Power Company DAR School $210,000 Grant AL North Alabama Electric Cooperative Buckhorn High $10,000 New Market AL Huntsville Utilities Guntersville Elementary $10,000 Guntersville AL Electric Board of Guntersville Hazlewood Elementary $10,000 Town Creek AL Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation Mount Hope Elementary $10,000 Mt Hope AL Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation Vinemont High $25,000 Vinemont AL Cullman Electric Cooperative Stone Creek Elementary $25,000 Rossville GA Electric Power Board (EPB) Dawnville Elementary $10,000 Dalton GA North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation Adairville School $25,000 Adairville KY Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation South Marshall Elementary $25,000 Benton KY West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation Bowling Green High $10,000 Bowling Green KY Bowling Green Municipal Utilities Calloway County High $10,000 Murray KY Murray Electric System Dishman-McGinnis Elementary $10,000 Bowling Green KY Bowling Green Municipal Utilities Edmonson County 5th/6th Center $10,000 Brownsville KY Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation Edmonson County Middle $10,000 Brownsville KY Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation North Warren Elementary $10,000 Smiths Grove KY Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation Itawamba Agricultural High $210,000 Fulton MS Tombigbee Electric Power Association Byhalia Middle $10,000 Byhalia MS Northcentral Electric Cooperative Lafayette Upper Elementary $10,000 Oxford MS North East Mississippi Electric Power Association Mantachie Elementary $10,000 Mantachie MS Tombigbee Electric Power Association Tremont Attendance Center $10,000 Tremont MS Tombigbee Electric Power Association Freedom Trail Elementary $210,000 Elk Park NC Mountain Electric Cooperative Cranberry Middle $10,000 Elk Park NC Mountain Electric Cooperative Laurel Elementary $210,000 Laurel Bloomery TN Mountain Electric Cooperative Perea Elementary $210,000 Memphis TN Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) South Haven Elementary $210,000 Lexington TN Lexington Electric System Wartburg Central Elementary $25,000 Wartburg TN Plateau Electric Cooperative Arlington Elementary $25,000 Jackson TN Jackson Energy Authority Bulls Gap School $25,000 Bulls Gap TN Holston Electric Cooperative Carthage Elementary $25,000 Carthage TN Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Towne Acres Elementary $25,000 Johnson City TN BrightRidge W. A. Wright Elementary $25,000 Mt Juliet TN Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) White County High $25,000 Sparta TN Sparta Electric & Public Works Central Elementary and High $10,000 Bruceton TN Carroll County Electric Department A. H. Roberts Elementary $10,000 Livingston TN Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation Austin Peay Elementary $10,000 Covington TN Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation Avery Trace Middle $10,000 Cookeville TN Cookeville Electric Department Battle Academy $10,000 Chattanooga TN Electric Power Board (EPB) Beacon College Prep $10,000 Memphis TN Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) Bellevue Middle $10,000 Nashville TN Nashville Electric Services (NES) Bethel Springs Elementary $10,000 Bethel Springs TN Pickwick Electric Cooperative Big Sandy Elementary $10,000 Big Sandy TN Benton County Electric System Bobby Ray Elementary $10,000 McMinnville TN McMinnville Electric Service Cascade Middle $10,000 Wartrace TN




State prosecutors have hit a veto by Governor Bill Lee of a bill expanding the authority of the Parole Board.

The Tennessee District Attorneys said, "On Monday, Governor Bill Lee issued his first and only veto from his time as governor  HB 527 / SB 455. Tennessees District Attorneys General denounce this decision and strongly urge the Tennessee General Assembly to vote to override the Governors action.

"HB 527 / SB 455 expands the Board of Paroles authority to deny early release when the severity of the offense demands it or where it sends a critical message that serious crimes carry serious consequences. These are not abstract concepts  they are the bedrock of public safety, justice for victims, and confidence in the rule of law.

"To ignore the gravity and specific facts of an offenders crime when determining early release eligibility is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous. It disregards the suffering of victims, erodes trust in the criminal justice system, and places our communities at greater risk.

"Every individual sentenced to prison will eventually be released once they serve their sentence. Tennessee District Attorneys support this legislation because we believe there are crimes where the facts are so egregious the defendant should not be let out early. We believe the Board of Parole should have the authority to deny early release for someone who nearly strangles another individual to death.

"We believe there are times when someone who trafficked enough fentanyl into a community to kill over 75,000 people should in fact serve every day they are sentenced as should someone convicted of the continuous sexual abuse of a child.

"We support HB 527 / SB 455 because we believe someone who burglarizes a home disqualified themselves from getting out early the day they chose to rob a family of their entire sense of safety.

"This legislation strikes the right balance. It supports rehabilitation while affirming the seriousness of crime. It protects victims. It promotes public safety. We are disappointed Governor Lee has chosen to stand in opposition to these goals. His veto sends the wrong message to victims, to law enforcement, and to the citizens of this state. We implore the legislature to override his decision."
River City Company announced a new program for community artists in August 2023 to assist with the redesign of the downtown banners across their districts, and since then, over 100 artists have applied to be a part of the program. Started in 2009, River City Company has operated the downtown banner program with the goal of "welcoming downtown residents and visitors to the unique districts along with serving as an effective tool to accentuate city streetscapes."It is beautiful to see the refreshed banners across all of our districts in downtown.Each one is unique, highlighting the iconic features, places and experiences that can be found within the blocks, said Emily Mack, president and CEO of River City Company. From places of play, cultural institutions and tributes to history, each artist created a banner that is reflective of that area.The City Center District was completed with a refresh in April. My inspiration for the banner came from spending time in the City Center, grabbing bites at Pickle Barrel and Tupelo Honey with friends, summer movie nights at Miller Park and walking under the iconic green street lamps, said Artist Angie Vasquez. I wanted to capture the charm and vibrant energy that make this part of downtown Chattanooga so special. Seeing the banners up around the city felt surreal, just knowing I got to play a small part in shaping the look and feel of City Center.The City Center artist $1,500 stipend was supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission. Additionally, many hours were contributed by the senior director, Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy with the City of Chattanooga, along with staff from EPB, Downtown Chattanooga Library, Tivoli Theatre and Chattanooga Tourism Company, in reviewing the responses to the RFQ and the design submissions."The River City Downtown Banner Program creates opportunities for local artists to be seen, celebrated and connected to daily life in our city. These banners transform the streets of downtown into a dynamic gallery, reinforcing the fact that creativity is the driving force of Chattanooga, said Carmen Davis, senior director of the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for the City of Chattanooga.The banners are expected to remain in each district for at least three years, with replacement starting first in the Southside district in 2027. More information about the banner program can be found at https://www.rivercitycompany.com/downtown-banner-program.
Kenny Eliason/ Unsplash

North Dakota has enacted a new law aimed at strengthening parental rights and maintaining safety and privacy standards for women and girls in schools.

The legislation, known as House Bill 1144, was signed into law by Republican Governor Kelly Armstrong on Thursday after passing through both chambers of the state legislature with strong bipartisan support. The Republican-controlled North Dakota House of Representatives voted 7514 in favor, and the Senate approved it with a 407 vote.

The bill prohibits school districts from establishing policies regarding a student's gender identity without prior consent from the student's parents or legal guardian. It also states that school officials are not allowed to withhold or conceal information about a student's transgender status from the student's parent or legal guardian, effectively ensuring parental access to such information.

House Bill 1144 amended state law regarding restroom and shower room use within schools. It mandates that a restroom or shower room on school grounds, which is accessible by multiple individuals at one time, must be designated for use exclusively for males or exclusively for females and may be used only by members of the designated sex. It specifies that multi-stall gender neutral restrooms and shower rooms are prohibited.

Additional changes to state law made in the measure enable schools to change the designation of a restroom or shower room from one designated sex to the other designated sex to accommodate a school-sponsored event.

The legislation authorizes parents to submit a complaint to the school district if officials attempt to withhold or conceal information about a student's transgender status from the student's parent or legal guardian, reinforcing the rights of parents to be informed about their childrens gender status.

This law builds upon legislation enacted two years earlier that restricted transgender students from using restrooms and other sex-segregated spaces that do not align with their biological sex. North Dakota is among 19 states that require trans-identified individuals to use restrooms matching their biological sex in some or all cases.

States like Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and West Virginia enforce similar restrictions for trans-identified people in K-12 schools and government buildings, while Florida, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming prohibit trans-identified males from using womens restrooms across all government-owned facilities, including educational institutions. Other states such as Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have laws specific to K-12 schools, limiting trans-identified students access to sex-segregated facilities within school premises.

Last week, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller stated that the U.S. Department of Justice would consider it child abuse if public school officials assist students in gender transitions at school without their parents knowledge or involvement.
Home News Billboard Chris hails Trump admin. support in Australia free speech case: A bit surreal

Canadian activist Chris Elston, better known as Billboard Chris, praised the Trump administration after the U.S. State Department condemned Australia for ordering the takedown of one of his X posts. Elston called the highlevel backing a bit surreal as he awaits a tribunal ruling in Melbourne on the notice that targeted his words.

The State Departments Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor wrote on X that it is deeply concerned about efforts by governments to coerce American tech companies into targeting individuals for censorship.

Elston told The Telegraph that the U.S. backing felt phenomenal and a bit surreal.

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As an example, the bureau pointed to Australias instruction that X remove Elstons February 2024 post about trans-identified campaigner Teddy Cook, saying such pressure undermines democracy.

The posting also cited EU commissioner Thierry Breton for threatening X and Turkish regulators for fining Meta, describing all three incidents as part of a global push to silence dissent.

The bureau warned that forced takedowns suppress political opponents and degrade public safety and pledged that American diplomacy will keep defending fundamental freedoms.

Elstons disputed tweet linked to a Daily Mail headline, Kinky secrets of UN trans expert revealed, and added: This woman (yes, shes female) is part of a panel of 20 experts hired by the @WHO to draft their policy on caring for trans people. People who belong in psychiatric wards are writing the guidelines for people who belong in psychiatric wards.

In April 2024, Australias eSafety Commissioner issued a removal notice under the Online Safety Act, saying the message was likely  intended to have an effect of causing serious harm.

X left the post visible worldwide but blocked it inside Australia.

Both Elston and the platform challenged the order last month before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

ADF International and the Australian Human Rights Law Alliance are funding Elstons case; a decision is expected later this year.

Its tremendous to have the State Department support what we all know is true: free speech is a fundamental right, critical to a democratic society, Elston told the tribunal, according to a statement by ADF International. If our free speech cant be protected when we speak out against the greatest childabuse scandal in the world right now, when can it be?

Robert Clarke, advocacy director at ADF International, said the government action prevent[s] Australian citizens from hearing and evaluating information about gender ideology and shows the global nature of the free speech crisis.

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders banning puberty blockers for minors and restoring a federal definition of gender based on sex.

Elston, 49, credited the Trump administration for moving faster on fighting gender ideology than previous U.S. administrations. He began his campaign in 2020, standing in public places with sandwich boards reading children cannot consent to puberty blockers.

He has more than 500,000 followers on X and says he has been assaulted about 40 times, including an attack in Montreal that broke his arm.

While leafleting in Brisbane last year, he was fined more than 800 Australian dollars and threatened with arrest for allegedly obstructing pedestrians.

At the Melbourne hearing last month, Elston testified that the first line of his tweet addressed Cook, while the second criticized ideological bias in global health policy.

Its damaging to teach children they are born in the wrong body  children are beautiful just as they are, he said, adding that the World Health Organizations reach demands evidencebased debate.

The eSafety Commissioner defended the notice by labeling the post cyber abuse capable of provoking severe psychological harm.

Freedom of political communication is an implied right under Australias Constitution, yet the Online Safety Act allows regulators to order removals when content is deemed harmful.

Cook, who describes himself as a queer man of trans experience, has advocated taxpayerfunded genderaffirming surgery. The Daily Mail has referred to socialmedia pictures  now private  showing bondage events, public nudity and drug use.

Victoria MP David Limbrick wrote that the regulator is keeping you safe from opinions the government doesnt like, calling the office a threat to open debate.
Home News Vanderbilt professor claims some pro-lifers use Bible to distract from climate change

An assistant professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, recently maintained that some adherents of the pro-life movement use the Bible in an effort to distract from issues such as climate change while consolidating white political power.



Vanderbilt University assistant professor Sophie Bjork-James made her claim during an event titled (Mis)using the Bible: White Evangelicalism and Christian Nationalism in America, which was hosted by the University of California Los Angeles last Monday, according to The College Fix.



Bjork-James, who was joined by two other scholars during the symposium, is an assistant professor of anthropology with an emphasis on race and racism, evangelicalism and reproductive politics, according to her bio.



The UCLA event explored how Evangelicalism and Christian Nationalism use and misuse biblical and historical material to bolster their narratives, according to the event description, which also claimed January 6 and the second Trump presidency have highlighted the entanglement of politics and religious belief that is central to Christian Nationalism.



Bjork-James contribution to the event was titled To Be Pro-life in an Age of Extinction: Abortion, Christian Nationalism, and Ecological Denial, during which she claimed that while many pro-life people cite Scripture to explain their point of view, many biblical scholars say abortion is actually not even really referenced in the Bible, and many argue that it is not a central ethical theme.



She cited Bruce Waltke of Dallas Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary, who wrote in a 1968 op-ed for Christianity Today that God does not regard the fetus as a soul, no matter how far gestation has progressed.



She also referred to Jennifer Holland, a historian who Bjork-Jones said described the anti-abortion movement as the civil rights movement for white people.



By equating abortion with historical injustices such as slavery or the Holocaust, pro-lifers leave no room for nuance regarding their stance on "fetuses," which have almost like a public good that must be protected," Bjork-James argued.



She further suggested this approach subtly consolidates "white political power."



And we can also see in this movement, really a way to help consolidate white political power without having to say, talk about whiteness, she said.



The assistant professor further claimed that for some, an emphasis on abortion is an attempt to pivot away from other issues" such as climate change, claiming there is a long history of organized opposition to environmentalism within evangelicalism."

Other parts of the UCLA symposium included insights from Brooklyn Walker, an instructor of political science at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, who will join the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as assistant professor of political science in the fall.



Walker accused Christian nationalists of using Scripture "in misleading ways  to link Americas founding documents and principles to the Bible." She suggested so-called Christian nationalists attempt to use the Bible to justify voter suppression, oppose same-sex marriage and endorse political violence such as the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.



"So instead of holding space in the public square for those they disagree with, Christian nationalists show an openness to using force and power to intimidate or silence others," she said.



Walker blamed the Jan. 6 riot on Christian nationalists, claiming they "were at the center of the January 6 insurrection, the first transition of presidential power to be steeped in violence."



Ohio State University assistant professor Michael Fisher also spoke, condemning Christian nationalism and associating it with white supremacy in a talk titled "Race, Politics, and Christian Nationalism in the Second Era of Trump."

He accused President Donald Trump of advancing a Christian nationalist agenda, and also questioned whether black Christian nationalism exists, arguing that the faith of many black Christians fundamentally differs from the Christian nationalism allegedly practiced by some white Americans.

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Israel Sets Deadline For Gaza Offensive, More Churches Embracing AI, Presbyterian Church In America Sees Growth

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:53 07:53

Top headlines for Tuesday, May 6, 2025

In todays episode, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his critical visit to the Middle East, Israel offers Hamas a final chance for a hostage deal, potentially altering regional dynamics. Meanwhile, a groundbreaking study reveals an increasing number of churches embracing AI in ministry, though pastors continue to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance for their sermons. Plus, we delve into the Presbyterian Church in America's remarkable growth, marked by significant increases in membership and spiritual commitments in 2024.

00:11 Israel sets deadline for large offensive in Gaza

01:06 More churches embrace AI in ministry

02:08 Presbyterian Church in America sees increase in baptisms, giving

03:10 Justin Biebers pastor Judah Smith asked if Churchome is a cult

04:11 Maryland pastor charged with stealing $135K from church

04:59 Evangelist slain after leading Muslims to faith in Christ

05:53 Nathan Gamble reflects on Hollywood burnout, journey back to God
Home Opinion We risk becoming the last generation of Christians in Nigeria

Christians in my country are being massacred daily, and our government isnt doing anything about it.



Nigeria has become the most difficult place to live as a Christian. According to an April 2023 report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, at least 52,250 persecuted Christians have been killed in the past 14 years, simply for the crime of being Christian. In the past five years, violence has spread southwards to the middle belt of Nigeria, with radicalized Fulani herdsmen killing Christians in order to steal their land.

Between January and the close of April this year, International Christian Concern (ICC) says that it had documented a dramatic rise in attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria. In the span of a little over three months, ICC soberly reported that over 300 Christians were killed. Dozens more were abducted while thousands were displaced as Islamic jihadi violence continues to escalate in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigerian authorities still largely fail to address the raging violence or help the victims.

A close look at what is happening in Nigeria shows that the killings in Nigeria are underreported. Afri-Mission and Evangelism Network Nigeria team, which I lead, just returned from the southeastern part of Nigeria after a two-week mission trip. The information that we received from villagers in Eha-Amufu and Ogurugu was devastating. The villagers related their ordeals and cried out for help as their people were either kidnapped or massacred on a daily basis. Apart from these two areas, killings and kidnapping are happening in almost every community in Enugu state, which largely go unreported, especially those that happen in remote farmlands.

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The government is not defending us, and when we defend ourselves, we die by hanging. What can we do?

I strongly believe that the only antidote to terrorism, Insurgency, and banditry is the Gospel. This might sound foolish, but God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). Apostle Paul was the greatest terrorist in the New Testament but when he had an encounter with Christ on his way to Damascus, he was transformed and became an instrument in the hands of God. How are we sure that these people cannot repent if we continue to pray for them and reach them with the Gospel and love of Christ? The risk is enormous, but cannot be compared to the risk of leaving them unevangelized.

Global Christians should help Nigerian Christians by praying for God, who converted Paul, to also do the same to those who are terrorizing Nigerian Christians. We are also asking that missionaries be sent urgently to Nigeria by churches and mission agencies to complement the efforts of indigenous missionaries who are working very hard to reach the unreached with the Gospel and love of Christ.



We cant underestimate how the lack of logistics and funds has hindered the work of missions by indigenous missionaries. We badly need the support. Both spiritually and financially.

We risk becoming the last generation of Christians in Nigeria if nothing is urgently done. We are looking for men and women who will boldly step out of their comfort zones to take the Gospel to areas and places where it is forbidden to mention the name of Christ in Nigeria. We are hopeful that our efforts will not be in vain because we have seen them come to Christ before.



The Lord is at work in Nigeria, even when things look dire and hopeless. He has not forgotten us. My fellow Christians, please dont forget us either.
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.

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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 'Opportunity to exercise their right': Christian groups cheer Texas' new school choice law

Catholics and Evangelicals across Texas are rejoicing after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a historic school choice bill into law Saturday, which he says will be the "largest day-one" school choice program launch in the country.

Supporters say the landmark Senate Bill 2 legislation, which establishes a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program, is set to empower families by allowing tax dollars to follow students to the school of their parents' choice, a move celebrated by both communities as a step toward greater educational freedom.

The program is designed to serve up to 90,000 students initially and offer up to $10,000 per student to cover private school tuition and related expenses.

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"When I ran for re-election in 2022, I promised Texans that we will bring education freedom to every Texas family," Abbott said Saturday upon signing SB 2.

"Today, Texas delivers on that promise. I am signing this law that will ensure Texas families, whose children can no longer be served by the public school assigned to them, have the choice to take their money and find the school that is right for them."

Introduced in January and passed by the Senate in February, SB 2 creates an ESA program that gives "additional educational options to assist families in this state in exercising the right to direct the educational needs of their children." Among other things, the bill empowers the state comptroller's office to "establish a program to provide funding for approved education-related expenses of children" participating in the ESA program and "confers a state benefit to program participants in addition to a free public education."

With roughly 66 Catholic high schools serving approximately 24,000 students in Texas, the ESA program could give a boost to families struggling with the average Catholic school tuition, which runs about $14,000, according to Private School Review.

Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth said he believes the passage of SB2 could lead to Catholic schools in Texas filling to capacity.

"[SB2] offers parents an opportunity to exercise their right as parents to see to the education of their children," Bishop Olson told a local NBC affiliate. "Education really is one of the most primary human rights we have because without education, we can't really form a sound community."

Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America, called the signing "a historic victory for Texas families and the future of our nation."

"Revitalizing the Republic starts in the classroom," said Roberts. "Texas has created the largest day-one school choice program in the nation, putting the state on a pathway to becoming the best in America for educating our kids."

Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said he was "absolutely thrilled" to have students from Prestonwood Christian Academy present for the bill's signing.

"Parents and their families deserve the best opportunities for education," Graham wrote on social media. "Abbott signed and were celebrating."

While Abbott and his supporters have praised SB2, others like Pastors For Texas Children have vocally opposed the bill, warning it could mean public funding for families who are least likely to need it.

"The people who have shown up here represent thousands of people who don't want our tax dollars subsidizing affluent private schools," said Rev. Charles Johnson, the founder of Pastors for Texas Children, at an April event in Fort Worth.

Last month, Democratic lawmaker Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Travis County, told a Fox affiliate in Austin she believes the "only reason" Abbott is championing vouchers is due to a substantial campaign contribution he reportedly received from a billionaire named Jeff Yass.

"It's not about students. It's not about achievement. It's not about Texas taxpayers. It is about making his number one donor happy," she claimed.
Home News Duffy hangs replica of controversial USMMA Jesus painting in DOT office: 'It looks beautiful'

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Tuesday that he hung a replica of a controversial Jesus painting from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy behind his desk at the U.S. Department of Transportation office in Washington.

"What I found fascinating when I was at the academy was that this was a personal affront to the midshipmen at the academy," Duffy said in a video shared with The Christian Post before being posted on social media. "That [the painting] was taken from a place of prominence and put in the basement of the chapel actually had them outraged."

The @USMMAO Christ on the Water painting is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith when we need it most.



While we work on getting the piece out of the academys basement and back in a place of prominence, I figured there was no better place to hang a copy than right here at pic.twitter.com/zrhtS6JRmw 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 7, 2025

Duffy's announcement comes a month after he went viral on social media when midshipmen at the federal service academy in Kings Point, New York, erupted in applause when he called for the school's historic "Christ on the Water" painting to be restored to a prominent place after being removed to a flood-prone basement during the Biden administration.

The 10-foot by 19-foot painting, which was painted by the late merchant mariner Hunter A. Wood in 1944, depicts Jesus saving sailors lost at sea and hung in the USMMA's Wiley Hall for 76 years until a 2023 letter from Military Religious Freedom Foundation founder Mikey Weinstein demanded its removal.

The USMMA administration, under Vice Adm. Joanna M. Nunan, first covered the painting with a curtain during official events before placing it in the basement of the school's chapel.

In his video posted Tuesday, Duffy noted how touched he was by the raucous applause he received from midshipmen during the academy's annual Battle Standard Dinner last month when he asked to "bring Jesus up from the basement."

Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy erupted in applause when @SecDuffy demanded a painting of Jesus saving merchant mariners be restored.



The Biden admin put a curtain over the painting before putting it in a flood-prone basement.



"Let's bring Him up!" pic.twitter.com/qQvLKXKE5r  Jon Brown (@JonBrownDC) April 9, 2025

"And so, when I talked about taking Jesus out of the basement and putting this historic picture back in the place of prominence, the young midshipmen lost their minds; they were delighted that Jesus would be put back," he said, adding that their enthusiastic response to the painting moved him to get his own copy.

"Jesus out of the basement at DOT office here! It looks beautiful," he said.

A spokesperson for Duffy's office told CP that they are unsure of a timeline for when the original painting at the USMMA might be brought up from the chapel basement or where it will go, but said they are tracking the issue closely.

A petition from the school's Kings Point Christian Fellowship Club, which explained why the image of Christ saving merchant mariners lost at sea is especially meaningful to their generation, is calling for it to be moved to an auditorium.

Weinstein, who argues that the Jesus painting being displayed prominently in a government building violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, has threatened "World War 8" if the USMMA intends to restore "Christ on the Water" back to its original location in Wiley Hall.

One midshipman who spoke to CP on condition of anonymity last month said the painting of Christ ministering to desperate merchant mariners "is a big deal to me personally" because he came to see it as a symbol of God's faithfulness to him as he feared sinking academically and losing all he had worked for.

The midshipman recalled praying under the image when he was afraid he would fail.

"I remember many times when I used to pray underneath that painting when I was on the verge of failing a class, or I had big tests or I was worried about something," he said. "I've prayed underneath that painting when it used to be in Wiley Hall. So, to me, it's a very significant, important painting, and I think it's an important part of the school's history."
Home News Jesse Duplantis' claim that Christians have same DNA as God is 'heresy,' 'satanic,' pastor says Televangelist says Christians can create their own worlds

A pastor who regularly calls out false teachers on his popular YouTube channel says televangelist Jesse Duplantis teachings that Christians can create their own worlds and possess the same DNA as God is flat out heresy and satanic.

Chris Rosebrough, the pastor of Kongsvinger Lutheran Church in Oslo, Minnesota, and host of the Christian apologetics podcast "Fighting for the Faith," dissected Duplantis Jan. 5 sermon titled Create Your World and Walk In It, arguing that it lacks biblical grounding and promotes a dangerous, Gnostic-inspired theology rooted in the New Thought movement rather than Christianity.

Rosebrough began by highlighting Duplantis assertion that his prosperity and health stem from creating his own world, a claim he says originated in a conversation with his daughter, Jodie, when she was 10 or 11. Duplantis recounted, She said, How come everything you touch prospers? [] I say, Well, thats very easy, Jodie, I create my world and I walk in it.

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According to Rosebrough, nowhere does the Bible teach divine authority for people to create their own worlds. In order for this to be a biblical teaching, there has to be clear biblical texts that say Christians have divine authority to create their own worlds and walk in them, he said. No biblical text says this.

Duplantis further claimed that creating ones own world prevents Satan from interfering. When you create your own world, Satan cant walk in your world. Rosebrough debunked this claim by pointing to Genesis 1. God created the Heavens and the Earth, and in the book of Genesis, Satan walked in the creation that God made. How do you explain that?

Rosebrough also challenged Duplantis interpretation of Philippians 4:10-13, where Duplantis suggested the Apostle Paul was creating his world by being content in all circumstances.

Reading the passage, Rosebrough emphasized, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly  not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. He asserted, Do you see anything in here, verses 10 through 13, about creating your own world? I sure dont. I see the Apostle Paul talking about being content.

But perhaps the most contentious claim came when Duplantis asserted, I have the same DNA as God Almighty, and so do you. You were created by God; you have His DNA.

Calling such claims blasphemy, Rosebrough pointed to Isaiah 43:10, where God declares, Before me no God was formed, nor shall there be any after me. He added, Youre not a deity, youre a human being. [] God created vegetables, does that mean theyre divine and have the ability to create their own worlds?

Rosebrough warned that Duplantis teachings echo Satans deception in Isaiah 14, where the devil aspired to make myself like the Most High. He urged viewers to mark and avoid Duplantis, calling his ministry demonic to the core and encouraging prayer over decreeing or declaring ones own world. Prayer is petitioning God, not my will be done but your will be done, Rosebrough said, referencing the Lords Prayer.

He concluded the episode by saying, Jesse Duplantis is a heretic who teaches that you are divine and youre not. You are a creature, a sinful fallen one. Repent and put away this nonsense that youre a deity that can create with your words.

Thats just false, he added.

Duplantis, who has an estimated net worth of around $20 million, has called poverty a "curse" and says his wealth  which includes a private jet and a 40,000-square-foot mansion in Louisiana  comes from being "blessed" by God.

"Let me give you a prime example of why I don't care what people think about me, about what I have. Now look at me. Look at me. I am a very blessed man," Duplantis said in an online "Boardroom Chat" session with his wife, Cathy, in April 2024.

"Me and Cathy are very blessed. I'm spiritually, physically, and financially [blessed]. I've had more people criticize me over that jet. They still can't get over it. Criticize me over my house. They didn't pay for it. I paid for it. Do you understand what I say?" he asked.

In 2018, Duplantis faced widespread criticism for trying to raise money from his followers to purchase a $54 million jet.
Home News Montana bans local governments from targeting pro-life pregnancy centers

Montana will prohibit local governments from targeting pro-life pregnancy centers as such organizations have faced the ire of vandals and Democratic politicians increasing regulatory pressure in other states.

Montana's Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 388 into law Thursday. The legislation prohibits state and local governments from adopting laws that require pro-life pregnancy resource centers to "offer or perform abortions" or offer, provide, distribute, refer for and promote abortion-inducing drugs or contraception.

The measure passed the Republican-controlled Montana House of Representatives in a 57-41 vote and cleared the Republican-controlled Montana Senate in a 31-19 vote.

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Local governments will also be prohibited from forbidding pro-life pregnancy centers from offering abortion pill reversals and other services because of their opposition to abortion.

HB 388 lists "pregnancy tests, peer counseling, 24-hour telephone hotlines, childbirth and parenting classes, referrals to community health care, [and] adoption referrals" as examples of the "free, confidential, and compassionate services" provided by pro-life pregnancy centers.

A 2023 report compiled by the Charlotte Lozer Institute, the research arm of the pro-life advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, found that pro-life pregnancy centers provided more than $350 million worth of free goods and services nationwide in 2022.

Under the new law, local governments also will not be allowed to require pro-life pregnancy centers to "interview, hire, or continue to employ a person who does not affirm the center's mission statement or agree to comply with the center's pro-life ethic and operating procedures."

Pregnancy centers that feel their rights under the law have been violated have the opportunity to seek redress in court in the form of damages of up to $50,000 and attorney's fees.

The passage of HB 388 comes as pregnancy centers have experienced what the bill calls "unprecedented attacks" since the United States Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson's Women's Health Organization."

The ruling determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, angering pro-abortion activists who targeted pro-life pregnancy centers and churches with violence and vandalism beginning in May 2022, when Politico published a leaked draft of the decision.

"Many women seeking abortions say they'd prefer to choose life if they had more support," said Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Denise Burke in a statement reacting to Gianforte's approval of HB 388. "While pregnancy centers can fulfill that need, they face real and growing threats."

Burke said the law "ensures that pregnancy centers can continue to provide meaningful, life-affirming care to women, families, and the communities they serve."

"[B]y protecting pregnancy centers, we affirm the dignity of women and prioritize the physical, emotional health, and well-being of the woman, her baby, and the family," Burke said.

The bill was opposed by abortion rights activists, including the Quinn Leighton of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana, who believe that these centers need government regulation as some are not subject to HIPAA patient privacy laws.

Unregulated pregnancy centers could tell a patient anything, whether it's true or not, Leighton told KTVQ. And they could also treat a patient based on their own opinions rather than the medical options that are available to them.

In addition to the violence and vandalism directed at pro-life pregnancy centers, such centers have also been the subject of harsh rhetoric from Democratic lawmakers at both the state and federal levels.

For example, Massachusetts launched a $1 million ad campaign against pro-life pregnancy centers while Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has called for them to be shut down because they "fool people who are looking for pregnancy termination help."

The partisan divide on pro-life pregnancy centers was reflected in the votes on HB 388. All support for the measure came from Republicans, while nearly all opposition came from Democrats. One Senate Republican broke from his party to join Democrats in opposing the legislation.
Home News Samaritan's Purse gifts new cars to victims of Hurricane Helene: 'I'm not alone'

A woman who lost nearly all her belongings due to Hurricane Helene is thanking the Evangelical Christian charity Samaritan's Purse for gifting her with a new camper home and car.

Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of the North Carolina-based charity and son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, shared a video on his X account Friday featuring testimony from one of the beneficiaries of the group's efforts to help North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The storm ravaged western North Carolina last September.

At the beginning of the video, Sherri Hughes declared, "I don't even know how I got so blessed."

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"My son passed away five years ago. COVID hit right after. They shut the churches down and so by myself, I was having to deal with the death of a child," she recalled.

Hughes said she began drinking "heavily" and continued for three years until Hurricane Helene caused her to lose nearly everything.

"When you think death is at your door, you just become human and I was like, 'I don't want to die.' I opened the front door, and there's nothing; you can see nothing but water, and my car was floating down the river. When I lost the car because I got it right after my son passed away, I felt like losing a part of [him] and me again," she explained.

"I would stay at family members', and then I was staying at the homeless shelter some  and then before I knew it, you all started showing up," she said, referring to Samaritan's Purse.

She thanked the charity for giving her a camper that she will "never have to move out of" and a "brand new car."

Video footage shows an emotional Hughes hugging a Samaritan's Purse volunteer after she received the car. Hughes credited the experience with helping her to regain an appreciation for God's love.

"I just reminded myself, 'Sherri, He sees you, and He doesn't see your past, He only sees the blood. He sees me for who I am, not what the sin makes me feel like.'"

"I don't know why He puts me through stuff, but God, look what He did," she added.

How can you not praise Him! Watch as @SamaritansPurse distributed replacement vehicles to victims of Hurricane Helene like Sherri Hughes who had lost theirs in the storm. pic.twitter.com/xdtI84r3AY  Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 2, 2025

Hughes broke out into song, reciting the lyrics to "Look What You've Done for Me" before asking, "How can you not praise Him?"

Hughes maintained that she is not alone. She thanked Samaritan's Purse for enabling her to see "God's people again."

"I never doubted my salvation, but I did doubt that this world would ever be anything but horrible," she proclaimed. She thanked Samaritan's Purse for helping her to gain the ability to "breathe again" after the tragedies she experienced.

The video also featured comments from Samaritan's Purse volunteer Leslie Klein, who said that she had lost everything but is "answering through the Church and through people who wanted her to know that she wasn't alone."

"It seems so big, but it's so small in comparison to the no-strings-attached love that God has for us," she said.

"Every time they get in their car, it's a reminder that although the world works with 'if something is too good to be true then it probably is,' that's not God."

Klein said Hughes is one of eight Hurricane Helene victims the organization gave a car to on one particular day.

Making landfall as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Helene left more than 100 people dead and left a trail of destruction in its path even after it was downgraded to a tropical storm that hit western North Carolina particularly hard.

In the storm's immediate aftermath, Samaritan's Purse deployed food, water and medical kits to the area.

In an interview with The Christian Post that took place immediately after the storm, Graham insisted: "We all are going to have storms in life, whether it's this storm  or it could be a financial storm, it could be a health storm  but we have storms in life, and the Bible tells us that if we put our faith and trust in Christ, that not only will He get us through this life, He will take us all the way to Heaven to be with Him one day."

"We'll be safe and secure in His arms, for those that put their faith and trust in Him," Graham continued. "That's the hope we have. ... I just want our team to be able to share God's love with everyone we meet and everybody we help."
Home Opinion Why the label 'gay Christian' is terribly unwise

Daren Mehl's recent CP op-ed astutely exposed the dangers associated with "Side B" Christianity, which he defined this way: "People attracted to the same sex, though remaining celibate in obedience to the Bible, still can call themselves 'gay Christians' and see their attraction as part of their identity which should be acknowledged like one's race or nationality."

Applying the same rationale across the board, we could easily invent the following terms: gossip-oriented Christian, adultery-inclined Christian, jealousy-minded Christian, etc. This careless approach, however, would run counter to New Testament theology and would only create spiritual confusion.

Prior to receiving Christ, (see John 1:12) unbelievers pursue various sins. But after being justified, born again, forgiven, redeemed, and saved through faith in Christ alone, (see Ephesians 2:8-9) believers are given a new identity and the supernatural power necessary to live for Jesus rather than for sin (see 2 Peter 1:3).

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It is terribly unwise to proudly wear a Christian label that includes your strongest sinful inclination. Imagine being invited to join one of the following groups at church: "Quick-Tempered Christians," "Gay Christians," "Anxious Christians," "Judgmental Christians." These incongruent labels would create subgroups of believers, causing division within the body of Christ.

God created and wired every "male and female" (Genesis 1:27) to experience opposite-sex attraction. So, what is the source of this unexpected same-sex attraction?

Unfortunately, our sinful nature often interferes with our thoughts, attractions, desires, and emotions. Your sinful nature is essentially the basement of your soul, from which come all manner of evil thoughts and desires. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature" (Romans 7:18).

Your sinful nature is not your heart or your mind. But there are many times when sinful desires from the basement surge upward into the kitchen, living room and bedrooms of our soul, affecting our thoughts and feelings. Human beings experience a myriad of wicked inclinations and evil desires. (see Romans 7:14-25) But be assured that God is never the author of sinful tendencies or temptation (see James 1:13-15).

Sadly, same-sex attraction may often stem from childhood trauma. A study at Vanderbilt University several years ago "found that 83% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer (LGBQ) individuals reported going through adverse childhood experiences such as sexual and emotional abuse." The last thing most victims of sexual abuse would ever want to have spawned within them is same-sex attraction.

Additionally, there are no "gay genes" in anyone's DNA, but only unsolicited desires that mysteriously simmer in the basement before making their way upstairs. Rather than trying to "pray the gay away," believers in Jesus are instructed to "be alert and self-controlled," (1 Thessalonians 5:6) and to stay out of the basement (see Titus 2:11-12).

Thankfully, you can always confess your sins to God and reject sinful thoughts that creep into your heart and mind. "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).

The identifying labels the Apostle Paul was inspired to use in his epistles are extremely revealing. Perhaps the best example is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

The labels on that list identify people who plan to continue stealing, or slandering others, or engaging in sexual immorality, etc. Notice how these labels are not affixed to believers, but are reserved in Scripture for unconverted individuals who have yet to "repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15). And even when followers of Christ find themselves struggling in various areas of the Christian life, God will never highlight your biggest weakness and pin it on you like a scarlet letter.

The text (1 Cor. 6:9-11) also reveals that homosexual behavior is every bit as sinful as fornication and adultery, regardless of which way the cultural wind happens to be blowing from one generation to the next (see Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Jude 1:7).

The "gay Christian" misnomer obscures the spiritual danger posed by same-sex attraction. Even when a Christian with a history of same-sex attraction is determined to remain celibate, the label nevertheless attaches a basement desire ("gay") to a holy descriptor ("Christian"). This unholy coupling is foreign to the New Testament. So why identify yourself with a label that announces your strongest temptation? It is ill-advised to say the least.

Filling your mind with Scripture and "praying continually" (1 Thess. 5:17) will keep you "strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Dormant desires and sinful inclinations in the basement cannot dominate you, or even distract you, when you "live by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) moment by moment. Believers in Jesus have been set free in Christ to think straight! (see Romans 6:18; Philippians 4:8)

It is true my friend! The grace of God can literally renew your mind, which leads to godly behavior. As evidence of this beautiful spiritual dynamic, check out these testimonies from "a community of friends who once identified as LGBTQ+."
Todays airlines are fierce competitors, each trying to outdo the others with faster, more personalized options and services. But unlike other businesses, airlines are starting the race from behind, running on systems that need major revamping. Thats because much of their current technology consists of aging, cobbled-together solutions from disparate and siloed vendors.

The obvious solution is to move to the cloud, where companies can leverage modern tools like microservices, connected APIs, and artificial intelligence (AI) to gain the insights and agility they need to thrive.

But thats easier said than done. Successful transition requires partners with deep experience in legacy modernization, cloud technologies and specialized airline processesareas where few have domain knowledge. While many companies are struggling, those who can find the right expertise are pulling ahead of the pack, redesigning age-old processes to make them more efficient, more transparent, and more appealing to customers.

Here are some real-life examples of innovative capabilities created by major airlines in partnership with Infosysa company with deep roots in the airline businessand Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Streamlining modernization

In one example, an airline had been trying to upgrade its systems, but a lack of visibility impeded decision-making. Infosys analyzed which applications would profit most from moving to AWS and the Infosys Cobalt Airline Cloud, where airline teams can use prebuilt reference architecture and services that speed development and operations.

Upon migration, Infosys created a standardized cloud framework and patterns for the airline, which was used by subsequent teams. Previously, data silos had prevented collaboration between operational and IT teams. Now they can work together without any friction. They soon began creating time-saving automations across the enterprise, including the baggage handling system.

One feature thats been a big hit with customersespecially those with connecting flightsis automated, personalized baggage tracking notifications. It may sound simple, but providing these messages requires integrating information from many disparate sources, including custom software platforms and cargo updates. Airlines can now send targeted IATA 753-conformant notifications to passengers about the journey of their bags.

Infosys also addressed the industrys problem of increasing cyberattacks and data breaches. The airlines applications now contain built-in threat protections and internal governance standards compliance, which are deployed before testing and release. Infosys implemented CICD best practices to ensure accelerated deployments, secure coding standards, and faster value delivery of feature life cycle on the cloud. All of this helped improve customer satisfaction.

Upgrading the customer experience

The airline in the second example was determined to improve the passenger and agent experience at every airport touchpoint, from check-in counters to security checkpoints, gates, and baggage areas. Infosys modernized the systems that passengers use at the curb, kiosk, and bag-drop facility. It also made a completely modern UX for frontline and customer service desk agents to help them provide passengers with better information and a smoother experience.

The legacy systems were completely reimagined using design thinking principles and AWS Well-Architected Frameworks to ensure that they are future proof and ready. Infosys also collaborated with the airline and specific airports to design Flight Info Display Systems (FIDS) using advanced technology. Airline teams can now provide better real-time information to passengers transiting large airports, where the backbone is entirely cloud based.

These are just a few of the exciting possibilities cloud-native technology offers airlines. It all starts with the Infosys Cobalt Airline Cloud on AWS. Click here to learn more.
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept has become increasingly popular with the rise of hybrid work. It provides enhanced flexibility for employees and greater accessibility for work-related applications. However, managing security on disparate and unmanaged devices is an uphill battle. The browser has become the common tool for accessing web and software-as-a-service (SaaS applications) across all devices.

This challenging new reality requires companies to rethink their security architectures that have not traditionally focused on the browser. Thats because the browser has become a major target for malicious actors. In fact, a report commissioned by Palo Alto Networks and conducted by Omdia found that the majority of companies surveyed said theyd experienced browser-based attacks across all devices in the past 12 months.

What can resolve this dilemma? Companies can ensure applications and sensitive data remain protected on employee-owned devices by using a secure browser and secure access service edge (SASE).

The shifting workplace landscape

Todays work environment has seen substantial change, highlighted by three massive shifts. The first is the uptick in hybrid and remote work, even though many companies are calling employees back to the office. The second shift is the adoption by many companies of a mix of managed and unmanaged devices, such as BYOD, within their ecosystem  making security compliance harder.

Last is the massive rise in consumption of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and, more recently, generative (genAI) AI apps. Some enterprises are using thousands or tens of thousands of applications. A major aspect of SaaS and genAI app use is that they are typically accessed through a browser. In the above-mentioned report, respondents said that sometimes more than 80% of daily work is done using a browser.

There are challenges facing security visibility and controls, too. Standard security controls arent deployed evenly; only a fraction of enterprises report widespread coverage across their IT estates. This can lead to protection and visibility gaps. Security teams face ongoing pressure to implement security controls without impeding employee productivity. Even with such controls widely implemented, security incidents remain prevalent. More than 90% of Omdias report participants experienced phishing, ransomware and browser-based attacks.

Addressing the challenges

Two technologies worth considering when looking at possible ways to move forward are SASE and secure browsers.

SASE unites software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and other security functions via its cloud-native architecture. This SASE architecture converges security as a service and networking functions into one service delivered by the cloud at the network edge.

Companies are then able to automatically support a distributed workforce by linking them to nearby cloud gateways rather than redirecting traffic to the company data centers. This also offers reliable and consistent secure access to all applications, yet at the same time, sustains total visibility and inspection of all traffic.

This approach significantly streamlines management and lowers complexity. The perimeter is transformed into a dependable group of cloud-based capabilities; security teams can deploy them when and where needed.

A secure browser is the companion technology for SASE. Because the browser has become the primary workspace, SASE needs to be extended to new areas. A secure browser aids in extending the principles of zero trust to all devices that access the companys resources on any web application. Secure browsers, unlike standard commercial browsers, are created with management and security features baked in.

They provide unmatched control and visibility into all web traffic. That includes the ability to administer granular security policies and defend against threats  as well as a better user experience. Secure browsers have centralized management capabilities that make operations easier by giving security teams a holistic view of web activities throughout the company. Essentially, a secure browser extends SASE protection seamlessly to every device, bringing unmatched agility, security, and control to the business. No wonder that Gartner forecasts enterprise browser management adoption to become widespread by 2030.

Four benefits of using SASE and a secure browser

Together, these two technologies help organizations achieve benefits that include:

Real-time detection and prevention  These combined technologies detect and prevent highly evasive threats faster. A network security platform uses AI-powered, real-time network trac analysis to detect threats in-line. It assists security teams with staying on top of emerging cyber threats so they can confidently halt unknown, known, and zero-day threats.

 These combined technologies detect and prevent highly evasive threats faster. A network security platform uses AI-powered, real-time network trac analysis to detect threats in-line. It assists security teams with staying on top of emerging cyber threats so they can confidently halt unknown, known, and zero-day threats. End-to-end network protection  Gain expanded network real-time security utilizing all aspects of SASE SSE, SD-WAN, and secure browser, covering cloud and on-premises infrastructures, branch locations, industrial sites and remote users.

 Gain expanded network real-time security utilizing all aspects of SASE SSE, SD-WAN, and secure browser, covering cloud and on-premises infrastructures, branch locations, industrial sites and remote users. Easier operations and management  SASE and a secure browser empower security teams to manage the whole network security environment from one location. This enables enhanced visibility and control over each environment, device, app, and user.

 SASE and a secure browser empower security teams to manage the whole network security environment from one location. This enables enhanced visibility and control over each environment, device, app, and user. Secure AI adoption  Limit organizational risk by giving employees the opportunity to access public genAI apps while blocking the ability to expose sensitive company data.

Enabling productivity and security

As hybrid and remote work options persist, companies must find ways to enable work while keeping their networks and everyone on them safe. After all, BYOD employees work, on average, two additional hours per day and send 20 more emails. Modern businesses can reap the benefits of BYOD by implementing SASE and a secure web browser.

With centralized management, Prisma Access Browser simplifies operations and provides comprehensive oversight of all traffic. As the only SASE solution with a natively integrated secure browser, Prisma SASE 3.0 sets a new standard for security, enhancing user experience and reducing costs and complexity. The missing piece of SASE is now generally available.

Dont stay behind the threats in your browser. Book a demo today.
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The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. This is having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives, including our investments. Evelyn Partners charity investment managers Emma Moffat and Luke Hunter discuss some of the key trends and risks that are shaping the world today and how investors can position themselves to benefit from these movements.

How do we define rapidly changing world?

Just a few years ago, the idea of self-driving cars was unimaginable. Robots were something from a science fiction film. Today, they are a reality. This rapid pace of change is being driven by several factors, including advances in technology, globalisation, market shifts and climate change. Two recent examples are the wildfires in California, which were arguably made worse by climate change, and the rapid developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with the release of an innovative model by Chinese company DeepSeek.

To ensure that investments keep pace with this rapidly changing world, we need to be able to adapt to new trends and technologies. Something that would have been a core holding in your portfolio five years ago might be viewed differently today. We have experienced seismic changes in AI, significant developments in geopolitical tensions, and lived through a pandemic. These events, among many others, have a profound impact on the way businesses may operate moving forwards.

What are some of the investment concerns?

Looking specifically at the devastating California wildfires, it seems appropriate to focus on insurance. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change are fundamentally reshaping the industry and creating significant investment concerns. Insurers face greater financial risk from natural disasters such as higher claims payouts whereas the insured face potential premium hikes, and more worryingly, reduced availability of insurance.

So, how does one adapt to this change? Opportunities exist in companies that are proactively adapting to climate change, such as those investing in renewable energy or offering innovative climate-risk solutions. Insurers, for example, can mitigate risks by diversifying their investment portfolios, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and developing innovative products that incentivise risk reduction.

Insurance companies aside, the wildfires were a clear reminder that there are increasing risks to business and the economy from climate change-driven environmental impacts, not least excessive heat, storms and flooding. These types of events will likely continue, and worsen. Therefore, evaluating the risks of environmental factors into your investments is becoming increasingly crucial.

What is the relationship between AI and climate change?

The unpleasant reality for technophiles is that AI uses loads of energy. Worldwide cloud data centre electricity consumption is expected to exceed 1,000 terawatt hours next year (International Energy Agency), over three times the entire UK electricity consumption in 2023 (gov.uk). It is impossible to know how much is directly attributable to artificial intelligence, but Goldman Sachs estimates AI will be 19% of demand by 2030, plus energy used for AI outside of data centres. This usage is meaningful in a world already struggling to achieve its renewable energy goals.

Additionally, a colossal volume of water is needed to cool the AI systems. This will exacerbate water crises.

Recent developments offer hope. The new kid on the block DeepSeek claims that its latest AI model is 50- 75% more energy efficient than leading US models. Chip designers and manufacturers, such as Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor, are constantly battling to improve their products energy efficiency. Helpfully, reducing energy usage and increasing profits are closely aligned.

The benefits of AI shouldnt be overlooked. It can manage energy grids, predict and respond to disasters such as wildfires, and tackle challenges such as nuclear fusion. AI energy usage is concerning at first glance, but the overall impact could go either way. Hopefully, these factors are weighted to ensure the benefits outweigh the environmental cost.

How can investors navigate these changes/concerns?

Regardless of responsible investment beliefs, information and opinions change quickly, so portfolios need to be able to respond. Investments should be structured to be flexible and nimble enough to meet the aims of their owners as they develop. For example, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine made some investors reassess their approach to investing in the defence sector in line with supporting the defence of Ukraine. Investors in the sector were largely rewarded.

Despite short-term factors, investors must think long term. For example, choosing to exclude rather than engage with high-emitting companies might have the unintended consequence of failing to support the corporate behaviour responsible investors wish to encourage. While some charity investors need to draw red lines under areas they believe should always be avoided, they can extensively engage with companies on other areas of concern before risking divestment.

In a rapidly changing world, you never know what might happen next. However, like a well-crafted boat, portfolios should be built to endure a long voyage but be adaptable enough to benefit from changing winds.

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Active members of the Investor Forum, Climate Action 100+, Find it Fix it Prevent it and Corporate Mental Health Benchmark

Charity reporting including UN SDG and Carbon Emission Metrics

What we do

We help your charity to figure out what comes next.

We know that no two charities are the same  not in mission or in financial requirements. At Evelyn Partners, our investment managers work directly with their clients. This gives us the knowledge to create a portfolio designed around your charitys specific investment needs. More information on our charity services can be found at www.evelyn.com/ charities or by contacting [email protected].

With investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested.

Evelyn Partners Investment Management LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. More information on our services can be found here .

Charity Finance is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Find more information here and subscribe today! is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money.
Emma Prissick, director of finance and corporate services at Applied Microbiology International Emma Prissick

Applied Microbiology International (AMI) is the UKs oldest microbiology society. Established by Robert Stenhouse Williams  a figure in the field of dairy research  as the Society for Agricultural Bacteriologists, the society held its first general meeting in September 1931.

During the meeting, six papers concerning the bacteriology of raw, pasteurised and sterilised milk were read. It was also agreed that members would be charged a subscription of 10/- per year to cover the cost of reproducing, in one volume, papers read to the society and to meet other expenses.
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On 28 March 2025, the update to the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Charities was released for consultation by the SORP Committee. What I found most illuminating was at the beginning of the trustees report module  1.28  there was emphasis on the following: The trustees are required to answer the question  in what way has the charitys work made a difference to the circumstances of its beneficiaries? and have we provided any wider benefits to society as a whole?.

It is easy to treat the statutory accounts as a compliance document and to tick the boxes; however, more funders are using them to inform decisions. The reasons for this are:

For commissioners of services such as local authorities, the statutory accounts come with evidence that they are accurate and can be relied upon. Local authorities are looking at more than just price and are interested in ensuring a cultural fit. Increased competition and the recent Procurement Act mean that it is more difficult for charities to secure and retain contracts leading to the need for innovation in messaging.

Foundations and trusts are seeing numbers of applications for funding well in excess of the available resources. Nervousness over the markets also leads to reduced budgets and increased competition for funding. Charities are needing to diversify their income and where that includes looking to foundations and trusts for funding, reputation is key. Promoting the impact of the work of the charity becomes a way to win the hearts and minds of future donors.

The public create loyalties to charities but these loyalties are built up through engagement and a following through social media and newsfeeds. Information comes from a variety of sources and this includes statutory reporting that is much more widely available.

Three tiers

The new SORP is looking to see enhancement to disclosures in a tiered way with smaller charities (under 500,000 of income) having relatively few changes, but tier three (income over 15m) having more enhanced disclosures of impact and sustainability. The SORP makes it clear that while the reporting tiers guide compliance requirements, all charities are encouraged to go beyond the minimum disclosures. The intended audience for the statutory accounts should also drive the content and presentation of the trustees report. Engagement with this group (be it donors, commissioners, beneficiaries, local community or regulators) will help to define what impact, inclusivity and sustainability means to them, and therefore to you.

The SORP takes effect for accounting periods beginning 1 January 2026, therefore this financial year is the perfect time to set priorities for 2026-27 and determine how to capture the necessary data. It is also time to consider how best to use your key communication channels to report on progress throughout the year. Although most of the required disclosures for tier three charities will already be in the accounts for those charities who have income over 36m, charities with income between 15m and 36m are now going to be encouraged to report more thoroughly on sustainability. Some examples of what might be useful to report on might include:

Environmental sustainability

 Energy-efficiency rating for housing stock.

 Head-office carbon footprint.

 Wider environmental considerations such as travel, supply chain, staff initiatives.

Social and governance

 Engagement with the community (meetings with local groups, local government and other key stakeholders).

 Board diversity (defining what this means for you).

 Staff welfare.

 Compliance and business ethics.

It is very interesting that the SORP is challenging trustees to report openly and transparently on how the charity does business and not just what is the business of the charity. Although the SORP suggests and encourages the additional disclosures, I do believe that they are intended to represent best practice. In reality, funders and other stakeholders increasingly expect to see this information presented proactively and informatively (ie through comparisons, objectives and charts). I am a strong believer that the content required for the existing and additional statutory accounts disclosures already exists or is easily derived from your existing systems. The trustees challenge is to determine what to report on, and how to report it to enable the key stakeholders to conclude that the charity is the one they want to support.

Adam Halsey is a partner and head of care, community and housing at HaysMac

Charity Finance is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Find more information here and subscribe today! is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money.
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What is CCLAs approach to sustainable investment?

Our primary goal is to deliver strong financial returns for our clients. Since 1958, weve managed investments for not-for-profits and, more recently, for individual investors. Our aim is to deliver consistent, risk-adjusted returns to our clients in a way that aligns with their values and furthers their mission. We seek to achieve this through our Act, Assess, Align approach.

We believe that markets thrive only when the environment and communities that support them are healthy. Thats why we focus our engagement on climate change, nature and biodiversity, human rights and good work practices, health, and corporate governance. Through engagement with companies and policymakers, we push for better practices and collaborate with other investors to amplify our impact.

How do you approach engagement on climate change?

Climate change is a long-term challenge that threatens both our environment and the stability of financial markets. The science is clear: we need action now.

The best way to address the risks associated with climate change is not only to manage climate risk in portfolios but also to work towards stopping climate change itself. We engage at both the policy level and with individual companies. For the latter, we use clear metrics to measure progress.

In policy engagement, we are working for effective regulation, stronger disclosure standards, and the setting of clear transition pathway,s especially for high-impact sectors.

Where we engage with companies on climate, we aim to push them to disclose and develop credible transition plans. This includes setting measurable emissions reduction targets and reporting progress against these. We also prioritise areas such as corporate lobbying and alignment with a companys own public climate commitments.

What are the biggest policy challenges for climate action today?

Many countries have yet to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement  commitments essential for reducing emissions. Without stronger commitments, the world risks falling further behind on necessary emissions reductions to limit climate change.

At the same time, there are headwinds from regulatory rollbacks, notably in the US, where deregulation is gathering pace, and in Europe, where recent legislative changes such as the omnibus package, have weakened the momentum behind implementing climate transition plans.

Where regulations have been pared back, such as the removal of sector-specific transition standards in the EU, we have continued to work with others to provide appropriate guidance for companies. For example, we have contributed to the principles set out by the Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change for developing sector decarbonisation roadmaps. This type of guidance helps ensure that investors perspectives are considered by policymakers.

We are also actively involved with the GFANZ (Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero) Policy Workstream, which is tackling these broader policy challenges, most recently focusing on how financial institutions can help make NDCs more credible and investable.

Constantly changing climate regulations creates uncertainty, slows progress and complicates future planning for companies. As investors, we can push back against policy setbacks and advocate for stronger frameworks that support both economic resilience and long-term value creation.

What progress have you seen in your engagement?

We have seen progress in the form of stronger climate transition plans, more detailed disclosure on capital allocation to low or zero-carbon technologies, and more transparency on the monitoring and governance around climate lobbying.

To give some examples in practice, we encourage companies to provide a visual representation of their climate transition plans, as this helps investors understand the levers for change, and the emission reductions expected from them. The European reporting standards give helpful guidance on this. At our most recent meeting with Siemens, they cited our engagement as a direct reason for producing such a representation.

We also ask companies to detail how they plan to allocate capital to transition-related projects or technology related to their transition plans. Companies that use the EU taxonomy provide the most useful insights, and again, Siemens provides a good example of this.

Finally, we work extensively with companies to ensure clarity on their own climate lobbying policies and to assess the positions of their trade associations. We have seen cases where companies publicly support strong climate regulation while their trade associations actively oppose it. To address this, we encourage companies to disclose their trade association memberships, the lobbying positions of these associations, and any misalignments.

We have had notable success with Nestle and Unilever, both of which have issued climate policy engagement reviews. InfluenceMap, an independent NGO that rates these reviews, gave Unilever a perfect score of 100%.

What will you focus on in 2025?

With growing pushback on climate action and to some degree on engagement, we remain firm in our stance that climate risk is a long-term financial risk. In 2025, we will continue pushing for real-world decarbonisation through both corporate and policy engagement.

Asset owners require clear frameworks to align their investments with climate goals, and we will actively support them in this process.

Addressing climate change as the greatest long-term systemic risk is more crucial than ever. We will advocate for robust corporate disclosure and science-based target setting, using our influence as investors to shape corporate strategies both independently and in collaboration with other investors. We will push for greater transparency in how companies allocate capital related to decarbonisation goals, ensuring that company investments lead to meaningful emissions reductions. We will challenge companies to integrate climate risk into their business strategies, ensuring their transition plans are credible and measurable. At the policy level, we will push for stronger climate regulation, reinforcing the link between climate policy and financial stability.

Fast facts

No. 1 investment manager of UK charities*

15.3bn in assets under management**

60+ years of Good Investment

22.3tn of assets supporting CCLA initiatives in mental health and modern slavery**

189 team of staff**

Early signatory (2007) to Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)**

5 rated by PRI for listed equities**

*By number of charities. Charity Finance Fund Management Survey 2024

**CCLA: Internal as at December 2024

What we do

Firmly believing that healthy financial markets depend on healthy communities, CCLA has a long track record of instigating change for a better world with its pioneering work on climate, modern slavery and mental health.

Founded in 1958, CCLA is independently owned by its clients and staff. CCLA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Charity Finance is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Find more information here and subscribe today! is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money.
A month ago, police forced entry to Westminster Quaker Meeting House, searched the building and arrested six young at a meeting of the protest group Youth Demand. One moment, they were sitting in a circle eating breadsticks and hummus while discussing how to protest the climate crisis and the war in Gaza. The next, they were taken to a distant police station and held overnight on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. All six were released, as yet without charge.

Since then, Quakers have had an outpouring of support, including from other faith groups nationally and internationally, climate and peace organisations, charities, members of the public, and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum. It has been very clear to us that this police action crossed a line, and it has rung alarm bells for many about the policing of protest in this country.

Recent protesting restrictions

Quakers have our own long history of persecution for our faith and activism. Whilst the Youth Demand protesters arrested in Westminster were not Quakers, these were people following their conscience, trying to hold to account a system which they felt was ignoring their concerns.

If you talk to activists in the environmental movement, this kind of policing has been going on for some time, to the extent that a recent Network for Police Monitoring report described it as repression.

In doing so, it echoes CIVICUS Monitors assessment of British civil society as obstructed. This classification is the result of two recent pieces of legislation: the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023 which, between them, place draconian restrictions on British citizens right to gather, organise, protest, and express their views to those in positions of power.

They criminalise all but the most polite forms of protest, give the police and the home secretary sweeping powers to decide what constitutes serious disruption and have led directly to the sorts of arrests made at Westminster Quaker Meeting House in March. They also criminalise encampments, affecting not only protest camps but also undermining the traditional way of life of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, who already experience considerable persecution.

Mechanisms for holding the powerful to account

Satisfyingly, the Court of Appeal last week upheld a High Court judgment that former home secretary Suella Bravermans decision to label any more than minor disruption as serious for the purposes of anti-protest policing was unlawful. This was an appeal which the new government could have dropped, but regrettably chose not to.

These issues may sound like things which only affect the more extreme, activist constituency in British civil society. But the truth is that they are part of a pattern which has been emerging over several years and affects all of us who represent civil society in the public square.

This picture includes the Transparency of Lobbying Act 2014 (which limits civil society campaigning whilst leaving professional lobbyists largely untouched); the Elections Act 2022 (which for the first time requires voters to carry photographic ID); moves to limit access to judicial review and unjustly portray it as a means for lawyers to delay planning or asylum processes; the routine use of anti-advocacy clauses in government contracts and grant agreements (meaning charities which take government funding cant speak up about flawed policies); and many attempts to use the charitable regulators to investigate often spurious claims about charities alleged misdeeds; among other things.

What all these things have in common is that they peel away long-established mechanisms for holding the powerful to account. Accountability takes many forms, from the formal mechanisms of the law and free, fair elections, to the legitimate criticisms that influence public opinion and apply political pressure, right through to the protests and nonviolent direct action which highlight to the public when something truly unacceptable is happening.

A narrow window of opportunity

If one looks at many of the big social changes we think of as progress  from the abolition of slavery to womens suffrage and from same-sex marriage to the Paris climate agreement  all these forms of accountability have been essential in bringing about those changes. They can be uncomfortable for those in power, and for those who end up on the wrong side of history. Without dissent, there is only submission.

A society which suppresses dissent misses out on new thinking, innovative solutions, and the diverse range of views which support good policymaking. And it risks missing out on the insights it most needs to hear, from the people most affected by inequalities and injustices in how our world is arranged, whose voices just cant cut through.

We have a narrow window of opportunity to reverse this alarming trend. No government will want to open itself to more criticism and protest just before a general election and risk looking soft. So next years Kings Speech opens up a narrow path to change  an opportunity to signal an openness to dissenting voices, alternative points of view and public pressure by committing parliament to the repeal of anti-protest laws.

This years Civil Society Covenant provides an opportunity for Whitehall to open up to partnership with, and legitimise criticism from, civil society. And a strong government would recognise that dissent is both an essential part of a healthy democracy and a necessary antidote to groupthink and siloed decision-making.

As a Quaker, I hope the raid on our meeting house serves as a wake-up call, a catalyst for the conversations we need to have about the country we want to be. We are at a fork in the road. One way leads to greater intolerance of dissent, repression and ultimately authoritarianism. The other leads to a lively, tolerant and open democratic society. That, surely, is the path our country must take now.

Paul Parker is recording clerk of Quakers in Britain

Civil Society Voices is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Find out more about contributing and how to get in touch. is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say.
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Back in March, pro-Palestine protesters staged a sit-in at Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University, just across the street. Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate and lead negotiator at last years encampment, was there, among others, including a few student journalists, who reported as Barnard officials made it known that police had received a bomb threat and said they had to clear the area. Soon, nine people were arrested. (Anyone who refuses to leave the location is subject to arrest, officers said.) As it turned out, the bomb threat was fake. Three days later, Khalil was arrested by federal immigration authorities. In early April, Georgia Dillane, a Barnard senior who works at WKCR, Columbias radio station, got a fact-finding email from Barnards Community Accountability, Response, and Emergency Services (CARES) that would eventually place her graduation under threat.

Dillane, who is twenty-two, was not at the protest that day in March. She was at the WKCR studio, anchoring the broadcast. On the scene was her colleague Celeste Gamble, a twenty-year-old sophomore at Barnard, who had been wearing a press ID, and who left when Barnard officials told the crowd of the bomb threat. Gamble received the same email. Gary Maroni, the director of CARES, had written to each of them requesting a meeting to provide any information you would like to share, including information that refutes any suggestion that you were involved, are a witness, or have information about this incident. (The emails were shared with CJR.) Dillane and Gamble were told that they would not be permitted to bring anyone along with them for the meeting. Failure to engage, Maroni wrote, could be viewed as a violation of Barnards student code of conduct.

Dillane, Gamble, and the rest of the WKCR team were taken aback. There would potentially be questions about what I knew as a journalist having an ear to what was going on, and they would try to extract that from me, Dillane said. She didnt want to violate journalistic ethics, or her sources trust. I owe it to those that I report for, WKCR and its listeners, to be honest, truthful, and objective, she said. To pander to the calls of the administration to extract information to then target students is not something that I feel morally aligned with.

WKCR was particularly concerned about the audible presence of Khalils voice in its report. By now, he was in federal custody. The team drafted a response to Barnard, shared with CJR, explaining the circumstances of Dillane and Gambles reporting. It is critical for student journalists to be independent in their coverage, they wrote. They referred to New York States highly protective shield lawwhich, they noted, recognizes the importance of keeping journalists outside of the investigative and judicial process as much as possible.

Maroni didnt respond to that message, but he did follow up with Dillane and Gamble, giving them an April 14 deadline to meet. WKCRs legal counsel sent a message to Barnard. (These emails were shared with CJR.) Three weeks passed. Then Dillane received another emailthis time from Ange Concepcion, Barnards director of Student Intervention and Success, alleging that she had violated the student code of conduct on the day of the protest, charging her with disorderly conduct, disruptive behavior, failure to comply, unauthorized entry, threatening behavior, and theft, vandalism or damage to property. Concepcion added, In order to participate in Commencement, you must participate in this conduct meeting. (CJR has reviewed this email, too; the emphasis is as it appeared.)

Gamble didnt receive that notewhich led the WKCR team to suspect that Dillane had been singled out because she was about to graduate. That first fact-finding meeting email positioned me as a witness, Dillane said. The new email had seemingly cast her as a perpetrator. WKCRs legal counsel replied to the message, describing the hazards of investigators trying to turn journalists into witnesses. Considering Dillane wasnt even there, the lawyer added, the inference if this conduct meeting goes forward must be that Barnard College is considering punishing one of its students for engaging in journalism. (This email was shared with CJR.)

The meeting was set for May 5, Dillanes last day of classes. I spent the last academic weekend of my undergraduate career at Barnard preparing for this meeting, to be ready to be interrogated, she said. She was filled with anxiety. Then, a couple of hours before she was meant to appear, she received another email from Barnard: You do not appear to have been present in the Milstein Center on March 5, 2025 during an unauthorized protest because you were in an in-studio broadcast from WKCR, you are no longer required to attend this meeting. This matter is now closed.

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In response to this reporting, Barnard provided a statement: While we made every effort to identify and exclude students who were working as journalists from the conduct process, a small number were inadvertently included. As those students have been identified and their roles as journalists confirmed, we have notified them that they will not need to engage in this process. We will continue to make notifications as necessary. (In the afternoon, Gamble received a notification that the matter was resolved, as far as shes concerned.)

Dillane was stunned. It was a relief that she didnt have to attend the meeting. Even so, there is a lack of respect for conducting journalism on campus if you are devolved to the role of an accused student, she said. She remained uneasy about the experienceand what it could still mean for others, including Gamble, who continued to worry about Barnard pressuring her to share information about the protest, or other stories she intended to cover. Until today, Gamble had received no assurance about her own status on campus or updates about the fact-finding investigation, and feared disciplinary action. That did not dissuade her from reporting, though: It doesnt make me want to do journalism less, she said. If anything, it kind of makes me want to do it more.

Editors Note: This story has been updated to include a post-publication comment and action from Barnard.
The anticipated opening of the French bakery Tous les Jours Cafe in Lyndhurst will take place Friday. A soft opening is scheduled for Thursday. Jeff Piorkowski

LYNDHURST, Ohio -- In French, Tous les Jours translates to all the days.

And area residents who have been passing through Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst have been counting down the days until the bakery by that name finally opens.
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters holds Ohio's 2024 Democratic National Convention sign after Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the party's presidential nomination at Chicago's United Center on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, OhioLiz Walters is stepping down as chair of the Ohio Democratic Party after more than four years at the helm, she announced Tuesday on social media.

Walters, a Summit County councilwoman, is leaving to become CEO of TargetSmart, a Washington, D.C.-based Democratic political data analysis firm, according to state party spokeswoman Katie Seewer.
Photo exhibition held to mark 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic ties

Xinhua) 09:08, May 06, 2025

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)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
While some early afternoon sun is possible on Election Day, showers could move into Northeast Ohio in the afternoon and evening of May 6, 2025. cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  If youre heading out Tuesday afternoon to vote on Election Day, you might want to take an umbrella with you.

Northeast Ohio could see one last day of showers as a stubborn area of low pressure that has been parked over Kentucky and Indiana finally moves off to the east.

That cut-off low, which is when an area of low pressure becomes isolated from the jet stream, will meander over Ohio Tuesday and bring showers to a large portion of the state. Steady rain over Northwest Ohio will curl east-southeast through the afternoon and evening, eventually bringing the chance for showers to Northeast Ohio.

Showers will continue as low pressure meanders across the region today. The most widespread showers and highest rain chances are expected across the western half of the area. Highs will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s. pic.twitter.com/NdgQz3i4eO  NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) May 6, 2025

Before the rain moves into the region, sunshine could heat temperatures up into the lower-60s. While that sunshine may create some atmospheric instability, the National Weather Service in Cleveland isnt expecting any severe weather if storms develop, according to a morning forecast discussion.

Rain chances will gradually dissipate Tuesday night, leaving behind cloud cover that will stick around until at least Wednesday morning before high pressure builds in overhead and makes for a pleasant day. Temperatures Wednesday are expected to be in the 60s for lakeshore communities and 70s everywhere else.

Less rain but cooler later this week

The five-day forecast for Cleveland, Ohio, covering May 6 to May 10, 2025. cleveland.com

A cold front will drop south across the region Wednesday night into Thursday morning, which could bring a slight chance of showers mainly after 2 a.m.

The more noticeable weather feature for mid-to-late week will be the cooler temperatures. Wednesday nights lows will fall into the 40s with highs rising into the mid- to upper-50s on Thursday.

Friday will be slightly warmer in the low- to mid-60s, but then temperatures in the 40s are expected again overnight into Saturday. Some of Northeast Ohios inland areas, at higher terrains, could see temperatures in the mid-30s, forecasters noted.

Pleasant Mothers Day weekend

High pressure will influence the weather in Northeast Ohio for the weekend, making for a warm and pleasant Mothers Day weekend.

After the chilly end to the week, high temperatures will rebound into the 60s and 70s throughout the weekend.
 
watch now

Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:

1. Off cloud nine

2. Tariffs for Tinseltown?

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

Shares of Hollywood studios and streaming services dropped Monday morning after Trump proposed a 100% tariff on movies made overseas. The president's announcement  which did not specify how the duty would be implemented  came after he met with actor Jon Voight and Voight's manager. The two men said they proposed a plan to "increase domestic film production" to Trump, part of which included imposing tariffs on films produced outside the U.S. But Trump dialed back his language Monday after uproar from the film industry, saying he'd "meet with the industry" to "make sure they're happy" with the proposed tariff policy. Many studio stocks pared their losses by the end of the trading day, but Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery still closed down 2%.

3. Never mind, still nonprofit

Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on Dec. 4, 2024. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images

ChatGPT developer OpenAI will continue to be controlled by a nonprofit even as it restructures into a public benefit corporation, the artificial intelligence firm said Monday. The announcement follows pressure from ex-employees, researchers, civic leaders and, most notably, Elon Musk on the company amid its attempt to become a for-profit organization. OpenAI is currently engaged in a bitter legal battle with Musk, who cofounded the company as a nonprofit research lab in 2015 and is now trying to prevent the company from transitioning to a for-profit entity. The AI startup said in a blog post Monday that it made the decision to remain controlled by a nonprofit after discussions with the attorneys general of California and Delaware.

4. Suspension

The Ford display is seen at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. Danielle DeVries | CNBC

Ford Motor suspended its 2025 financial guidance Monday, citing "near-term risks, especially the potential for industrywide supply chain disruption impacting production" and the potential for more tariffs as reasons it pulled its outlook. The automaker expects a $2.5 billion impact from President Trump's tariffs this year, but the company said it believes it can offset $1 billion of those costs, bringing the total impact down to $1.5 billion. Without the tariffs, Ford said it was "tracking" toward its initial guidance that it issued in February. Ford beat Wall Street's top- and bottom-line expectations for the first quarter.

5. Shopping cart strain

Miami, Hialeah Gardens, Florida, Walmart Supercenter, checkout line cashier, customers paying. Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
Many analysts on Wall Street are still not sold on Palantir even after the company posted first-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance. The firm reported in-line earnings and topped revenue estimates in the first quarter and upped its full-year outlook. CEO Alex Karp told investors on the company's earnings call that Palantir is in the "middle of a tectonic shift in the adoption" for its software, especially in its government segment. But while a few analysts raised their price targets on the stock following the results, many maintained hold or sell-equivalent ratings as concerns remain that Palantir may be overvalued. Among these are Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Goldman sees more than 27% downside, while Morgan Stanley calls for a nearly 21% decline. Shares were down 8% in the premarket. They are up more than 63% year to date. PLTR YTD mountain Palantir stock in 2025. Some shops, such as Loop Capital and Wedbush, had a more constructive outlook on the stock following the report. They reiterated their buy-equivalent ratings and bumped higher their price targets. Here's a look at some of the takeaways from Wall Street analysts. Goldman Sachs: maintains neutral rating, raises price target to $90 from $80 Analyst Gabriela Borges' new price target still signals downside of 27%. "We continue to view Palantir as well positioned to continue to deliver best-in-class growth given the secular trend towards enterprise AI adoption; the continued push for efficiency and technology adoption in the US government; and adoption of Operation Warp Speed among new defense entrants, traditional defense companies, and the broader manufacturing industry." Cantor Fitzgerald: raises price target to $110 from $98 but keeps neutral rating Cantor's new target calls for roughly 11% downside from Monday's $123.77 close. "Palantir's strong results indicate continued strong investment from global organizations in leveraging AI to improve both business outcomes and operational efficiencies," analyst Thomas Blakey wrote on Tuesday. "The company is well positioned to benefit from these trends, in our view, supporting continued dynamic growth." Morgan Stanley: raises price target to $98 from $90, maintains equal weight rating Analyst Sanjit Singh's forecast implies nearly 21% downside for Palantir stock. The analyst said his fundamental view on Palantir remained unchanged following first-quarter results. "[We're] raising target to $98 but valuation [is] too expensive to underwrite a reasonable return at ~95x CY27 FCF keeping us EW as we await a better entry point," he said. Mizuho: underperform rating, increases price target to $94 from $80 Analyst Gregg Moskowitz's outlook implies more than 24% downside for Palantir. "We remain quite impressed by PLTR's recent execution, and given its strong positioning and execution, there's no denying that it is deserving of a premium valuation," Moskowitz said. "However, valuation cannot and should not be irrelevant, and we find it very difficult to justify PLTR's very high multiple - 60x CY2026E revenue - that in our view already discounts material acceleration and upside versus consensus expectations." Deutsche Bank: reiterates sell rating, raises price target to $80 from $50 Analyst Brad Zelnick's forecast equates to more than 35% downside. "Our FY26 estimates increase 6% on revenue and 13% on operating income but with the stock trading at 57x our CY26E revenue in [after hours] trading, our main concern continues to be valuation," Zelnick said. RBC: reiterates underperform rating and $40 price target Analyst Rishi Jaluria's price target signals nearly 70% downside from Monday's close. "Overall, Government results were better than expectations, but our concerns about the runway for growth and product differentiation remain. Commercial came in slightly below consensus. While 2025 numbers move higher on guidance ahead of consensus, we question conservatism and if estimate revisions are priced in from here." Jefferies: keeps underperform rating and $60 price target Analyst Brent Thill's price target points to a decline of more than 50%. "Fundamentals are clearly alive, but we think irrational valuation at 56x CY26 rev skews risk/reward negatively." Loop Capital: reiterates buy rating, raises price target to $130 from $125 The firm's new price target signals upside of 5% ahead. "In terms of the stock, you can gripe about valuation, and that's legitimate, but it's difficult to find fault with the fundamentals. Bottom line, the market for enterprise AI is enormous, is at a tipping point as small-scale pilot programs move into production and AI use cases grow exponentially across all industries, and we believe PLTR is uniquely positioned as one of the category leaders in the space," analyst Mark Schappel wrote. Wedbush: maintains outperform rating, raises price target to $140 from $120 Analyst Dan Ives' new target signals upside of 13%. "We view Palantir as a generational tech name that we see as a trillion market cap over the next three years with PLTR being a core name in the AI Revolution theme over the coming years."
Top 10 things to watch Tuesday, May 6  Jeff Marks wrote today's Top 10 1. Wall Street is on pace for a lower open this morning. The S & P 500 broke its nine-session win streak yesterday. The market, however, is still dealing with severe overbought conditions, according to the S & P Short Range Oscillator , our trusted momentum indicator. 2. Palantir reported better than expected revenues  up 39% year over year  and in line earnings per share. U.S. government revenue was up 45% year over year. The company raised its full-year revenue outlook to 36% year-over-year growth. Wedbush's Dan Ives raised his price target to $140. The stock fell 8% to around $114 early this morning. 3. Ford Motor reported a better-than-expected first quarter. The automaker would be tracking toward its initial guidance, but it pulled its outlook due to tariff uncertainty. Ford expects a net EBIT impact of $1.5 billion from tariffs. The stock dropped 2%. 4. Club name Coterra Energy delivered better-than-expected free cash flow in the first quarter. The company is reallocating capital and leaning into natural gas over oil to address changing macro conditions. It's reducing capital expenditure and activity in the Permian and slightly increasing capital investment in the Marcellus. The stock dropped 4%. 5. Club stock Dover dipped into its large cash pile, announcing it will buy German-based Sikora for 550 million euros  about $624 million  in cash. Sikora is a leading provider of measuring and control technologies. The business has grown at a double-digit organic growth rate over the last three years, thanks in part to strong growth in data center. 6. ServiceNow's Bill McDermott and Club name Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will speak later today at ServiceNow's annual Knowledge conference. Artificial intelligence figures to be the main theme. McDermott and Huang will be interviewed on CNBC during "Power Lunch" at 2:30 p.m. ET. 7. Clorox reported a double miss and lowered the high end of its full-year sales outlook. The company now sees 4% to 5% growth this year, down from 4% to 7%. The stock fell nearly 3%. 8. DoorDash missed on revenue, but it announced two separate agreements to buy London-based Deliveroo and technology company SevenRooms. The stock dropped 5%. 9. Marriott lowered its worldwide revenue per available room outlook due to softer expectations in the U.S. and Canada. 10. Sweetgreen was downgraded to neutral from buy at JPMorgan, with analysts seeing a continued softening in underlying demand trends. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
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Miami, Hialeah Gardens, Florida, Walmart Supercenter, checkout line cashier, customers paying. Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images

Hispanic consumers are cutting back their grocery spending on everything from beer to cooking spray, executives said during recent earnings calls. Coca-Cola , Constellation Brands and Colgate-Palmolive are among the companies that have reported a slowdown in North American sales from Hispanic shoppers. A fifth of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Hispanics are now the second-largest demographic in the U.S. and the second-fastest growing ethnic group, agency data shows. As the population of Hispanic consumers grows, so does their purchasing power  and their contribution to companies' bottom lines. According to the latest data from economic think tank Latino Donor Collaborative, the U.S. Latino economy grew to $3.6 trillion in 2022, up from $3.2 trillion the prior year. And when it comes to shopping, Hispanic Americans overall spend more on consumer packaged goods and outpace non-Hispanic consumers, according to market research firm Circana. But the White House's hard-line immigration stance and broader economic concerns have led some Hispanic consumers to pull back their spending. Hispanic consumers drove a sharp decline in consumer net purchase intent in January, although the trend moderated in February, according to a research note from Goldman Sachs, citing HundredX data. The metric refers to the ratio of customers who intend to buy more from a brand subtracted from those who plan to buy less. A contributing factor to the dip, some experts say, is fear around stricter immigration policy. While the Trump administration has deported fewer people than President Joe Biden's administration during the year-ago period, reports from Immigration and Customs Enforcement show it is holding 10% more detainees than it was under Biden.

Fewer occasions to spend

Hispanic consumers helped Constellation Brands' Modelo Especial overtake Bud Light as the nation's top-selling beer. More than 50% of Modelo drinkers are Hispanic, according to CEO Bill Newlands. But Constellation provided a weaker-than-expected outlook for its fiscal 2026, citing both tariffs and diminished spending from Hispanic consumers. "The fact is, a lot of consumers in the Hispanic community are concerned right now.  Over half are concerned relative to immigration issues and how those impact [them]. A number of them are concerned about job losses in industries that have a high Latino employment base," Newlands said on the company's conference call in early April. The Latino unemployment rate ticked up to a seasonally adjusted 5.2% in April, from 4.8% a year earlier and 5.1% in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Things like social gatherings, an area where the Hispanic consumer often consumes beer, are declining today," Newlands added.

Corona and Modelo beers from Mexico are displayed for sale at a Whole Foods store on Feb. 3, 2025 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Constellation, which also owns Corona, has repeatedly self-reported that Hispanic Americans make up roughly half of the company's overall beer business. Hispanic- and Latino-identifying customers accounted for 32.5% of Constellation Brands' sales in 2023, according to data from consumer research firm Numerator and investment bank Jefferies. And Constellation isn't the only brewer seeing a downturn. Sam Adams' owner Boston Beer referred to a similar decline in its quarterly report. "The macroeconomic winds are obviously the consumer confidence, the fear of inflation; there is also some pullback from the Hispanic consumers that they're just not going out as much," said Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane. Hispanic consumers are also pulling back on their non-alcoholic beverage purchases. Spending by Hispanic consumers has softened over the last couple of months, Keurig Dr Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said on the company's conference call in late April. "When you dig into that, you see that manifesting both in terms of fewer trips and lower spend per trip," he told analysts. Hispanic consumers make up "a meaningful percentage" of Keurig Dr Pepper's business and broader consumer packaged goods category, according to Cofer. The company owns brands popular with Hispanic consumers like Squirt soda, Penafiel mineral water and Clamato, which can be mixed with beer to make micheladas. Still, the slowdown was not enough to cause Keurig Dr Pepper to lower its full-year outlook. Rival Coca-Cola also didn't trim its forecast, but it is prioritizing winning back Hispanic consumers next quarter. For years, the company has targeted Latinos through advertising and acquisitions, like the 2017 purchase of Mexico's Topo Chico. Mexico is also a top market for its namesake beverage. But this quarter, executives said weaker traffic from Hispanic shoppers weighed on its North American volume, fueled in part by a boycott. In February, rumors spread on social media that Coke had reported undocumented workers to U.S. immigration authorities. Coke denied the accusations, but CEO James Quincey said last week that the "completely false" videos hurt traffic, particularly in Southern states. And Coke is seeing additional fallout south of the border from the tensions around the Trump administration's policies. "Some of the geopolitical tension and Hispanic pullback also affected the Mexican [market], particularly the border region, which is very connected to the U.S.," Quincey told analysts on the company's conference call.

Beyond the beverage aisle
The U.S. has become a leading exporter of one popular cooking and heating gas: propane.

However, America's position could be in jeopardy as the trade war with China rages on. China, Japan and Mexico are frequent docking destinations for VLGCs, or very large gas carriers, filled with propane.

The country's shores and pipelines saw 57 million barrels of propane leave in January of this year, according to the Energy Information Administration. China accounts for 12 million, or just more than one-fifth of U.S. exports in January.

"China is very dependent on the United States for its propane, and because it wants to make certain sectors of its economy, particularly the chemical sector, more competitive," said Centre for Economic Security CEO Rebecca Harding. "It's going to need U.S. propane in order to be able to do that."

Several U.S. companies are expanding capacity to support the country's growing export demand. One of those is Enterprise Products Partners, and it suggests tariffs may not wipe away business.

"They're all asking for more. So our docks are chockablock full, and I think they will stay that way," said Enterprise Products Partners co-CEO Jim Teague.

Watch the video above to learn how propane is extracted, what Enterprise Products Partners' operational facilities look like and what's next for America's position as a leading exporter of propane.
Dover , an American industrial company founded more than 70 years ago, is strengthening its foothold in a fast-growing market shaping the future of computing. The news Illinois-based Dover on Monday announced an agreement to pay more than $622 million in cash to acquire Sikora  a German firm whose technology supports the build-out of data centers. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter, gives Club name Dover a business that has experienced a double-digit organic growth rate over the last three years. Essentially, Sikora makes specialized systems that measure different parameters in the cables that go into energy-intensive data centers, which have become increasingly important as more companies adopt artificial intelligence and need ever-increasing computing power to run these heavy workloads. Sikora will soon become a part of Dover's pumps and process solutions segment, which includes Dover's thermal connectors for the liquid cooling of data centers. Big picture The announcement follows promising signs about continued data center spending. Eaton , a maker of power management solutions for AI data centers, posted a solid quarter on Friday. During the post-earnings conference call, incoming CEO Paulo Ruiz held Eaton's growth rate steady for its data center business despite macroeconomic uncertainty from President Donald Trump 's tariffs. Ruiz referred to the big tech companies that reported earnings in late April, which included portfolio names Meta Platforms , Amazon , and Microsoft, saying, "all the calls we have had this week, all the hyperscalers have confirmed the level of [capital expenditures]. So, we believe that this 15% [compound annual growth rate] for data centers is still intact." The data center market accounts for 17% of Eaton's overall revenue, which was $6.38 billion in the first quarter. Before that, Dover also had upbeat things to say about its data center exposed business when it reported first-quarter earnings last month. Management forecasted that 20% of Dover's portfolio will grow double digits in aggregate for 2025, in part, citing "strong demand" for its liquid cooling applications in AI data centers. Dover's Q1 revenue totaled $1.87 billion. Unlike Eaton, Dover does not break out its sales based on end market. Bottom line The Sikora deal is a small one for Dover, which has a $23.48 billion market capitalization, but we're happy to see it. "It's not a sexy or fancy business, but that's what Dover is. It's a collection of these niche businesses that are driving better margins and growth," Jeff Marks, the Investing Club's director of portfolio analysis, said Tuesday. "That's what they look to acquire." Sikora did nearly $114 million in sales last year. Even after the Sikora purchase, Dover will still have plenty of cash, which Jeff and Jim Cramer touted as a reason to favor Dover. Case in point: Dover ended Q1 with $2.8 billion of liquid assets  over 50% of that was excess cash. The Club sees two options: "They still have a lot of dry power and excess cash available to either look for more deal-making or maybe we see a step up in the buyback," said Jeff. DOV YTD mountain Dover YTD We continue to own this stock because of its industrial turnaround story with exposure to key mega trends. Not only the data center buildout to support AI computing, but also electrification more broadly. Dover's business in the biopharma industry is also another attractive area. We last added to our Dover position on April 9 at around $150 per share in an extremely oversold market. it was a discipline buy. The trade was shortly before President Trump froze "reciprocal" tariffs at 10% on U.S. trading partners, excluding China. On that news, the overall market surged higher, and Dover jumped 9.7% to roughly $166 apiece that day. Shares of Dover slipped Tuesday but still traded above $171 each. For the Club, we have Dover stock at a buy-equivalent 1 rating and a $210 per share price target. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long DOV, ETN, META, MSFT, AMZN. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on Tuesday that China's artificial intelligence market will likely reach about $50 billion in the next two to three years, and that missing out on it would be a "tremendous loss."

Huang said being able to sell into China would bring back revenue, taxes, and "create lots of jobs here in the United States."

"We just have to stay agile," Huang told CNBC's Jon Fortt, in an interview alongside ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott. The tech execs were in Las Vegas for ServiceNow's Knowledge 2025 conference. "Whatever the policies are of the government, whatever is in the best interest of our country, we'll support," Huang said.

Nvidia is the leading provider of graphics processing units (GPUs), which have powered the AI boom and lifted the company's market cap to almost $3 trillion. Last month, the Trump administration restricted the shipment of Nvidia's H20 chips to China without a license. That technology, which is related to the Hopper chips used in the rest of the world, was developed to comply with previous U.S. export restrictions.

Nvidia said it would take a $5.5 billion quarterly charge due to the restriction, the strongest sign so far that the company's historic growth could be slowed because of U.S.-China trade tensions. Later in April, Huang said at a tech conference in Washington, D.C., that China is "not behind" in AI, and that Huawei is "one of the most formidable technology companies in the world."

Shares of Nvidia are down about 15% so far this year after almost tripling in 2023. The company is set to report earnings on May 28. Analysts expect to see revenue growth of 65% from a year earlier to $43.1 billion, according to LSEG. While Nvidia is still expanding much faster than its megacap peers, growth is slowing, as the company reported a revenue increase of more than 260% a year ago.

"The world is right now hungry, anxious to engage AI," Huang said on Tuesday. "Let us get the American AI out in front of everybody right now."

WATCH: CNBC's full interview with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
The stock market's surge off the April lows did little to impress traders in the options market, according to Amy Wu Silverman of Royal Bank of Canada. After a sharp sell-off sparked by steep U.S. tariffs on imports, the S & P 500 ripped higher to recover all its losses from the April 2 announcement. From the bottom at the April 8 close through April 30, the S & P 500 surged 11.8%. Still, positioning in the derivatives market shows skepticism this rally will last, Silverman said. "The market may have roundtripped, but the derivatives market remains pretty angsty," Silverman, the bank's head of equity derivatives strategy, told CNBC's " Squawk Box " in an interview. "If you actually just look from April 2 to now, even with the S & P roughly returning most of those losses  that demand for hedging, that concern has still wafted higher." "That just speaks to the sentiment that we have about the uncertainty for the next few months, maybe even years," she added. Part of that skittishness may stem from investors who have yet to hear news of concrete trade agreements resulting from talks among the U.S. and leading trading partners. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Monday the U.S. is "very close to some deals." Billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones also raised concern about the state of the market, telling "Squawk Box" that stocks will " probably go down to new lows , even when Trump dials back China [tariffs] to 50%." President Donald Trump has implemented levies amounting to 145% on China, which has retaliated with levies of its own. Bottom line, stocks may not be out of the woods just yet. Elsewhere Tuesday on Wall Street, BMO initiated Shopify with an outperform rating, noting the stock can withstand tariff pressures better than rivals. "While tariffs create near-term risk, we believe SHOP's core strength is the agility that its platform provides to merchants," analyst Thanos Moschopoulos wrote in a note. "In our view, tariff-related disruption will make this competitive differentiator all the more relevant, driving accelerated share gains."
The Super Heavy booster returns to its launch pad after the SpaceX Starship continued to space after it was launched on its eighth test at the company's Boca Chica launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., March 6, 2025.

SpaceX has been granted permission by the Federal Aviation Administration to launch and land its massive Starship rockets and Super Heavy boosters up to 25 times per year from the company's Starbase spaceport in Texas.

The aerospace and defense contractor run by Elon Musk was previously restricted to five Starship launches per year from the site. While SpaceX submitted the proposal to increase its launch cadence on the Texas Gulf Coast during the Biden administration, a final environmental assessment was just announced on Tuesday, more than three months into President Donald Trump's term.

Musk has been a central figure in President Trump's second administration, leading an effort to shrink the federal government and regulatory agencies, including those that oversee his companies.

The decision that the FAA announced on Tuesday is one piece of the agency's license review process for launches.

"There are other licensing requirements still to be completed," the FAA said in an emailed statement, with ongoing reviews that pertain to "policy, payload, safety, financial responsibility and environmental impacts."

"Once the evaluation process is complete, the FAA will make a determination to approve or deny the license application," the agency said.

In its final environmental assessment, the FAA decided that SpaceX's proposal for more launches from Boca Chica, Texas, would have "no significant impact" to the environment in the vicinity. The determination follows a string of SpaceX Starship test flights and explosions, and legal clashes between the company, environmental groups and the FAA.
Workers at a wet market count and return New Taiwan Dollar notes to customers, as Taiwan is expected to show positive GDP and economic growth, amid the covid-19 pandemic, in Taipei, Taiwan, 15 Aug 2021.

Taiwanese dollar pulled back Tuesday after a historic surge that saw it clock multi-decade gains amid speculation about pressure from Washington on strengthening the local currency.

It weakened over 3% against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, after a meteoric 9% rally over the previous two trading days to hit three-year highs, and logging its sharpest daily gains Monday since at least 1981 according to LSEG data.

Despite Tuesday's weakness, the Taiwanese dollar is still up over 8% this year against the greenback, while the U.S. dollar index is down by the same year to date.

"We're seeing currency moves more [volatile] than what we saw during the Asian financial crisis era," said David Chao, global market strategist at Invesco.

The recent dramatic upward swings in the currency were largely driven by exporters' rush to convert U.S. dollar reserves to the local currency as the U.S. dollar faltered, and life insurers' intensified hedging for their U.S. dollar debt holdings, experts said.

Taiwanese life insurers are among Asia's largest holders of U.S. bonds and have been sitting on huge, underhedged U.S. dollar exposures, according to market analysts.

Investors are closely monitoring the Taiwanese central bank as its "notable absence" has fanned speculation that the authorities were tolerating a stronger currency to win trade concessions from U.S., said Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Market Economics at Moody's Analytics. "The central bank has been unusually hands-off amid soaring forex volumes."

Governor Yang Chin-long said at a press conference Monday that Taiwan's central bank had stepped in to curb what it deemed as "excessive" inflows while refuting claims that exchange rates were part of the U.S. trade negotiation. He did not elaborate on the nature of intervention.

Despite official denial, foreign exchange rates might "quietly be on the table in broader U.S.-Taiwan trade conversation," Angrick said. President Donald Trump has advocated for a weaker greenback to boost U.S. export competitiveness.

Analysts are also largely skeptical of any meaningful intervention from the central bank so far. The Taiwanese dollar has already reached the upper bound of the central bank's monitoring range, Invesco's Chao said, "If the central bank continues to step back, that may be the market's cue that a quiet currency realignment is underway."

Tuesday's pullback was mostly due to the returning dollar demand by importers, according to Michael Wan, FX strategist at MUFG Bank, who believes the central bank has not intervened "very aggressively."
As the shock of Warren Buffett's exit settles in, one question about the succession has become the elephant in the room  Who will handle Berkshire Hathaway's $275 billion portfolio of stocks? The legendary, 94-year-old investor is stepping down as chief executive officer at the end of 2025 after an epic 60-year run, but will stay on as chairman of the board. Greg Abel, 62, is poised to take over the reins and have the final word on Berkshire's sprawling operations and where the conglomerate will deploy its arsenal of cash. It's unclear if Berkshire's equity portfolio will be managed entirely or partly by Abel, currently the vice chairman of non-insurance operations. The question left many at Berkshire's weekend shareholder meeting feeling anxious as the Canadian executive, known for his deal-making and operational capabilities, hasn't proven to be an exceptionally strong stock picker. "As CEO, Greg's primary role will be to allocate capital. He will be deciding on the acquisition of entire companies, but I do not believe he will be picking stocks," said David Kass, a Berkshire shareholder and a finance professor at the University of Maryland, who once held private lunches for his students with Buffett. Weschler and Combs Buffett's two investment lieutenants, Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, have independently managed about $15 billion each for Berkshire over the past decade. Buffett hasn't disclosed their track record in recent years, but part of their compensation has been tied to performance, based on 10% of the excess return over the S & P 500 on a rolling three-year basis. Some are speculating that the two former hedge fund managers would have a bigger role in managing Berkshire's stock portfolio, perhaps with the help of others. The pair have also been helping Berkshire close deals. Combs is also the CEO of Geico, the crown jewel of Berkshire's insurance business. "I believe Ted and Todd will have more responsibility and Greg may hire one or more additional portfolio managers as well," Kass said. Chief investment officer Catherine Seifert, an analyst at CFRA who covers Berkshire, thinks that Berkshire could establish a role of chief investment officer to oversee its investments, with Weschler potentially filling the position. Weschler joined Berkshire in 2012 to run a portion of its portfolio after winning the top bid for Buffett's charity lunch two years in a row. The Wharton business school grad founded hedge fund Peninsula Capital Advisors in 1999. The fund returned a total of 1236% before it closed in 2011. "Our view of Abel is of someone with a solid operational background, but not the investment experience or expertise to replace a renowned investor like Warren Buffett," Seifert said. "We think a lack of clarity on this issue could weigh on the shares." Weschler famously generated astronomical returns for his personal retirement account, growing it from $70,000 to more than $260 million in less than 30 years. Still, Combs and Weschler's track record at Berkshire has been opaque in recent years, with a Financial Times analysis showing them lagging Buffett, as well as the broader U.S. stock market. Big shoes to fill Abel said over the weekend that he will carry on Buffett's patient value investing style and stands ready to deploy Berkshire's enormous $347 billion in cash whenever a good opportunity presents itself. Buffett first hinted at Abel's increased responsibility at 2024's annual meeting, when he told an arena full of shareholders that he would leave capital allocation entirely to Abel. "He understands businesses extremely well," Buffett said. "If you understand businesses, you'll understand common stocks."
Coterra Energy is cutting back on its oil drilling in response to sagging crude prices and spending more on natural gas production  but that move, announced alongside first-quarter results, is being overshadowed by some operational concerns and leading to a stock sell-off Tuesday. Revenue in the first quarter increased 33% year over year to $1.9 billion, short of the $1.97 billion consensus estimate, according to LSEG. Adjusted earnings per share of 80 cents in the three months ended March 31 matched expectations, LSEG data showed. On an annual basis, adjusted EPS increased 56.9%. Free cash flow of $663 million topped estimates of $596 million, according to FactSet. Bottom line We have long coveted Coterra's mix of oil and natural gas assets because it gives the company flexibility to respond to inherently volatile commodity prices. Our biggest takeaway from Coterra's late Monday release and Tuesday morning conference call: That flexibility is being put to serious use in the current unfavorable oil market. But even if we support that move in principle, some operational issues in a certain part of the company's Texas acreage are getting a lot of attention and are likely among the biggest drivers of the steep 8.5% stock decline. CTRA YTD mountain Coterra YTD While executives did a good job explaining their plan to fix the issue on Tuesday's earnings call  and making it clear that they do not believe it is a structural problem with the quality of inventory  we're not in a hurry to step in and take advantage of this sell-off. Coterra is still worth owning as our only oil-and-gas play, providing a solid dividend payout, acting as a geopolitical hedge and offering some exposure to long-term trends that could drive increased natural gas demand such as artificial intelligence computing and growing U.S. exports of liquified natural gas. But in the near term, the stock may struggle to gain traction. We're reiterating our hold-equivalent 2 rating , but lowering our price target to $28. Commentary There are three main themes from Coterra's earnings report  and none of them really have to do with the actual first-quarter results, which, as the chart above shows, were mixed. Not that bad, but also not exceptional. 1. Macro landscape The first area of discussion is around the macro landscape and Coterra's decision to spend less on oil. Coterra and its American oil-producing brethren are confronting a difficult setup, thanks to a steep decline in crude prices over the past month that has brought West Texas Intermediate crude , the U.S. oil benchmark, to four-year lows below $58 a barrel . At the start of April, WTI traded above $71 a barrel. There are two main reasons for the pullback: President Donald Trump 's intensified trade war has fueled concerns about a global economic slowdown  a bad thing for oil demand if it comes to fruition. At the same time, the group of eight oil-producing nations known as OPEC+ has announced a series of surprisingly aggressive moves to bring more supply to the market in the coming months. The most recent of those decisions was announced over the weekend. While Saudi Arabia-led OPEC+ might typically be expected to curtail output in the face of potential demand destruction, the opposite is happening. A variety of factors could be motivating OPEC+'s counterinitiative actions, including internal politics within the oil cartel, analysts say. But for our purposes here, what matters most is that anything that materially weakens the outlook for crude prices  whether it's trade-related recession fears, OPEC+ or both  makes Coterra's job of profitably drilling for oil harder to do. Not impossible, but the company and its peers make a whole lot more money when WTI is $75 a barrel than they do at $55. And so, the new set of facts requires them to reconsider what the best use of money is and adjust accordingly if something else is better for their investors. Coterra's new plan to reduce oil-focused spending is a sensible one in the near term, and it is made possible by its presence in both the oil-rich Permian Basin in western Texas and Southeastern New Mexico and the natural gas-heavy Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and other parts of the Appalachian region. Coterra also has wells in the Anadarko Basin that spans the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma, but its planned activity there this year is not changing. In the Permian, though, Coterra now plans to average just seven rigs in the second half of 2025, down from the 10-rig plan announced in late February. Rigs are the machinery used to drill a well. As such, its planned Permian capital investments this year are coming down by $150 million. Meanwhile, Coterra restarted activity in the Marcellus in April with two rigs, as previously projected. But the company said it now expects to keep both rigs running into the second half of the year, lifting its capital spending in the region by an additional $50 million. Another $50 million could be added to those plans if Coterra decides to keep its second rig running through year-end, though executives said that decision will be made in the third quarter. On Tuesday's earnings call, CEO Tom Jorden said he's hopeful that the tariff situation is resolved and the "threat of recession is lifted," but he stressed that "we can't run our program on hope." "Right now, we're relaxing slightly [on oil spending] because we're concerned that oil prices could further weaken. I hope we're wrong on that," Jorden said. "But our experience tells us that when you see these events  and you see the possibility  be prepared for the worst-case scenario." The net effect of these changes is Coterra's total capital expenditure projections for 2025 came down by $100 million at the midpoint of its new guidance range  and yet the company's total production guidance was actually nudged higher for the year, driven entirely by more natural gas output. Expecting more total production on less spending is a reflection of Coterra's ability to be a capital-efficient operator. That is a positive in the short run. However, investors might be questioning what these changes mean to Coterra's production levels in 2026 and 2027, analysts at Mizuho Securities wrote before Tuesday's earnings call, considering last quarter the company provided three-year outlook that included annual average oil growth of at least 5%. Executives fielded a number of questions on the three-year plans, but they repeatedly said it remained intact. "We're holding to our three-year plan as outlined with the changes that we've discussed in this call. We want to be really clear with everybody on that," Jorden said. 2. Free cash flow Another big theme: Coterra's free cash flow outlook for this year was cut by 22% to $2.1 billion  and while lower commodity price assumptions outside its control is a big driver of the revision, investors might be worried this will limit the amount of share repurchases this year, particularly if oil prices get even weaker. The company's commitment has been to return at least half of its free cash flow to shareholders via dividend payouts and stock buybacks. But in 2025, in particular, executives have prioritized paying down debt  tied to its two Permian-focused acquisitions that closed earlier this year  over buybacks. "We still have the ability to do it all, so to speak, but to be really clear, in 2025, our priority is going to be debt repayment. We're not going to compromise that," CFO Shane Young said on the call. "That doesn't mean that there's not going to be repurchases. ... But if you look at 2024, we returned 90% of cash flow to shareholders. [In 2023], we returned 76% of cash flow to shareholders. Why were we able to do that? Because we had low leverage. And we believe that having low leverage is an enabler, and we're dead-set focused on protecting our long-term shareholder return objectives, and we think the best way to do that is to reduce debt." 3. Operational issues The final major theme  and likely a major culprit for the stock reaction  is operational issues plaguing some of Coterra's operations in Culberson County, Texas, which is part of the Permian. At the highest level, some of the wells in an area called Harkey were producing higher-than-normal water volumes, so the company paused development there to work through the issue. At this time, Jorden said Coterra is "pretty optimistic that this is a mechanical operation that is solvable with a combination of revised pipe design and cementing program," rather than something strategically wrong with the land that threatens the quality of inventory. "As we currently see it, we think we'll be back to completing and drilling these Harkey wells in months, not years," Jorden said. 2025 guidance Here's where Coterra's full-year guidance stands after the numerous aforementioned revisions: Estimated discretionary cash flow of $4.3 billion based on WTI crude prices of $63 a barrel and natural gas prices of $3.70 per metric million British thermal unit, or mmbtu. That's below Wall Street expectations of $4.62, according to FactSet, and previous guidance of $5 billion, which factored in higher prices for both commodities. Estimated free cash flow of $2.1 billion based on the commodity price assumptions used in the discretionary cash flow guide. That is down from $2.7 billion previously. Estimated capital expenditure budget of $2 billion to $2.3 billion, down by $100 million on both ends of the range. That results in a new midpoint of $2.15 billion compared with the prior guide of $2.25 billion. Seven rigs in operation in the Permian in the second half of the year, lower than the previous plan to operate 10 rigs. Expected 2025 total equivalent production of 720 to 770 Mboe/d. The 745 midpoint of the range  up from 740 in its previous guidance  is slightly below the FactSet consensus forecast of 757 Mboe/d, which stands for total oil equivalent of a thousand barrels per day. Expected oil production in the range of 155 to 165 Mbo/d, which stands for a thousand of barrels of oil per day. The midpoint of the range is unchanged at 160 Mbo/d, despite modestly lowering the top end of the range and slightly increasing the bottom end. The FactSet consensus is for 163.6 Mbo/d. Expected natural gas production in the range of 2,725 to 2,875 MMcf/d, resulting in a new midpoint of 2,800, up from 2,775. That is below the consensus of 2,837 MMcf/d, according to FactSet. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long CTRA. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
The U.S. Department of Education informed Harvard University on Monday that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the nation's oldest and wealthiest college concedes to a number of demands from the Trump administration, a senior department official said.

The move represents the latest salvo from a Trump administration willing to use the power of the federal purse to force institutions, from law firms to universities, to make sweeping policy changes or lose billions of dollars in federal grants and contracts.

In a letter to Harvard, U.S. Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon said the university must address concerns about antisemitism on campus, school policies that consider a student's race, and complaints from the administration that the university has abandoned its pursuit of "academic excellence" while employing relatively few conservative faculty members.

"This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided," McMahon wrote.

Harvard said the McMahon letter doubles down on demands that would impose "unprecedented and improper control" over the university and makes new threats to "illegally" withhold funding for lifesaving research.

"Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure," a university spokesperson said.

The freeze of future funding represents a slightly altered tactic by the Trump administration, whose attempts to freeze top schools of existing funds raised legal eyebrows.

Trump has targeted Harvard over allegations of antisemitism on campus during pro-Palestinian protests. The protests were sparked by U.S. ally Israel's military assault on Gaza after the October 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants.

Trump has alleged that pro-Palestinian protesters are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the government wrongly conflated their criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with antisemitism and their advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism.

In recent weeks, the administration began a formal review into nearly $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard, demanded the university ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, and crack down on some pro-Palestinian groups and masks in protests.

Harvard rejected numerous Trump demands last month, calling them an attack on free speech and academic freedom. It sued the Trump administration after it suspended about $2.3 billion in federal funding for the educational institution, while also pledging to tackle discrimination on campus.

In its lawsuit against the Trump administration, Harvard said the government's funding cuts will have stark "real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, (and) researchers" while putting in jeopardy crucial medical and scientific research.

Harvard has a $53 billion endowment, the largest of any U.S. university, but the funds are often restricted and used for things like financial aid and scholarships.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump on Tuesday that his country will never be for sale, shutting down the U.S. president's repeated calls to make Canada the 51st state. "There are some places that are never for sale," Carney said in the Oval Office. Canada is "not for sale" and "won't be for sale ever," the prime minister said. Trump replied: "Never say never." The exchange showed the newly elected prime minister refusing to budge on an issue that has created a swell of Canadian pride and fueled anger against the United States. Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, was a frequent target of Trump's ire. Trump also expressed impatience with those asking him about the status of trade deals that his administration says are taking shape in private with numerous countries. "Everyone says, 'When, when, when are you going to sign deals?' We don't have to sign deals," Trump said. "They have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market. We don't want a piece of their market."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attends a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images

Asked if Carney's rejection of his statehood idea made trade talks between the U.S. and Canada more difficult, Trump said that it did not. But "time will tell," Trump added. "It's only time. But I say, never say never." Carney later made his stance even clearer. "Respectfully, Canadians' view on this is not going to change on the 51st state," he said. The back-and-forth followed mostly cordial remarks between Trump and Carney, and both leaders kept a polite disposition while reiterating their positions on Canadian statehood. Shortly before Carney's arrival at the White House, however, Trump sharply questioned the United States' trade relationship with Canada. Trump said on Truth Social that he was looking forward to meeting and working with Carney, but that he "cannot understand" why the U.S. is "subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?" Trump has long complained about U.S. trade deficits with its trading partners, and he has previously lobbed similar claims against Canada. A Trump official told CNN in January that Trump's $200 billion claim was mostly based on U.S. defense spending that Canada benefits from, with the remainder coming from the trade deficit with Canada. America's trade deficit with Canada was $63.3 billion last year, with more than $400 billion worth of Canadian goods imported to the U.S., according to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. "We don't need their Cars, we don't need their Energy, we don't need their Lumber, we don't need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain," Trump wrote in the post. "They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence," Trump wrote.

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The unfriendly welcome for Carney came one day after Trump downplayed expectations for the meeting. "He's coming to see me. I'm not sure what he wants to see me about, but I guess he wants to make a deal. Everybody does," Trump said Monday in response to a question about Carney's visit. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick painted Canada as little more than an economic leech on the United States. "They have been basically feeding off of us for decades upon decades upon decades," Lutnick said in a Fox Business interview, the day before Carney's visit. "They have their socialist regime, and it's basically feeding off of America." Last year, Canada traded with the United States more than any other country except Mexico, with total goods trade totaling roughly $762 billion, according to USTR. But the trade relationship has faltered as Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods.
About 764,000 wallets that purchased President Donald Trump's $TRUMP meme coin have lost money on the investment, according to fresh data shared with CNBC by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

Most of the wallets that lost money held smaller amounts of the token, according to the firm's on-chain analysis. Crypto wallets are accounts that store the keys you need to access and use your cryptocurrency holdings.

Chainalysis said that while around 2 million wallets have bought into the token, 58 wallets made more than $10 million apiece, totaling roughly $1.1 billion in gains.

The $TRUMP token, which surged in popularity after being tied to the start of Trump's second term, has seen sharp price swings and highly uneven returns for investors. Fight Fight Fight LLC. and CIC Digital LLC., control the bulk of the token's supply.

CNBC has reached out to Fight Fight Fight LLC. for comment on the Chainalysis numbers.

Interest in the coin spiked more than 50% after the project's website promised the top 220 holders a seat at a black-tie-optional dinner with the president.

The $TRUMP event, set for May 22 at the president's Trump National Golf Club, Washington, D.C., includes a reception for the 25 wallets with the largest coin balance, along with a White House tour.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks to reporters as he leaves the Senate floor in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

A key Republican senator on Tuesday said he would not support the controversial nomination of Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's pick to be the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, dealing a potentially fatal blow to Martin's chances of winning Senate confirmation.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said, "I've indicated to the White House I wouldn't support his nomination."

Tillis cited Martin's support for criminal defendants in Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot cases.

That riot began after Trump urged a crowd of his supporters to march to the Capitol that day and oppose the confirmation of Joe Biden's election as president.

The Jan. 6 cases were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C. before Trump issued blanket pardons to defendants in the cases on his first day back in the White House in January.

Tillis' decision is likely to doom Martin's hope of his nomination even being reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Tillis is a member.

With Tillis as a "no" vote, the best that Martin could hope for from that committee is a tie vote of 11-11, with Republicans and Democrats evenly split. A tie vote would fail to report Martin out of the committee and onward to a confirmation vote in the full Senate.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Monday night did not add Martin's nomination to the panel's business meeting agenda, which signaled his chance of being approved was in peril.

"I want to put people on the agenda that I can help the president be successful in his nominees and that's all I can say at this point," Grassley told reporters Tuesday.

"I want the president's nominees to be successful, and that means we put on people that have the votes." Grassley said.

Martin currently is serving as interim U.S. attorney for D.C., but his term will expire on May 20.

Tillis told reporters that he met with Martin on Monday evening and that it went well.
An empty container ship of COSCO Shipping sails to a container terminal in Qingdao in east China's Shandong province Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Feature China | Future Publishing | Getty Images

What began as a rapid drop in U.S. imports as shippers cut orders from manufacturing partners around the world has now extended into a nationwide export slump, with the U.S. agricultural sector and top farm products including soybeans, corn and beef taking the hardest hit. The latest trade data shows that a slide in U.S. exports to the world, and China in particular, that began in January now extends to most U.S. ports, according to trade tracker Vizion, which analyzed U.S. export container bookings for the five-week period before President Donald Trump's tariffs began and the five weeks after the tariffs took effect. The farming sector has been warning of a "crisis" and ports data is showing more evidence of lack of ability to move product out to global markets. The Port of Portland, Oregon, tops the list with a 51% decrease in exports, while the Port of Tacoma, Washington, a large agricultural export port, has seen a 28% decrease. Tacoma's top destinations for corn, soybeans and other ag exports include Japan, China and South Korea. Some ports have only seen a small exports decrease to date, such as the Port of Houston and the Port of Seattle, at 3% and 3.5%, respectively. But what is clear, according to Ben Tracy, vice president of strategic business development at Vizion, "is that nearly all of U.S. exports have taken a hit."

The trade data shows declines of more than 17% at the Port of Los Angeles, while the Port of Savannah, Georgia  the top U.S. port for exporting containerized agricultural goods in 2025  is down 13%, and the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, is down 12%, according to Vizion. The Port of Oakland, California, also plays a significant role in exports as the leading port for international refrigerated goods. U.S. agricultural exports also leave Los Angeles, Long Beach, California, New York/New Jersey, Houston and Seattle/Tacoma. The slide in exports is linked to the decline in containerships coming to the U.S., as businesses across the economy cancel manufacturing orders, sending Chinese factories and freight ships into retreat, as well as changes in global demand linked to U.S. trade policy. U.S. imports continue to decline, with port data tracked by Vizion showing a 43% week-over-week drop in containers from the week of April 21 to the week of April 28. "We haven't seen anything like this since the disruptions of summer 2020," said Kyle Henderson, CEO of Vizion. "That means goods expected to arrive in the next six to eight weeks simply won't. With tariffs driving costs higher, small businesses are pausing orders. Products that once moved reliably are now twice as expensive, forcing importers into tough decisions," he said. 'Lean' retail inventories ahead Retailers have been urging consumers to buy sooner rather than later, and data from Bank of America Global Research suggests why that may be the right move. Its latest forecast shows that the number of inbound container ships to the Port of Los Angeles will see a sharp drop in May, with escalating trade disruptions leading to a 15%-20% decrease in U.S. container imports from Asia in the coming weeks. In a note to clients, Bank of America warned that the ratio of retail inventories to monthly sales was not especially high, while at the same time, consumers have been buying ahead on expectations of higher prices and lack of product choice. Based on data Bank of America reviewed on retail payments to transportation and shipping companies, there has been no big ramp in inventories after the front-loading that occurred earlier this year, and supply disruptions may be looming. "We think it is possible retail inventories may actually look 'lean' in coming months," the Bank of America report stated. Many retailers only have one to two months of sales in inventory, it found, and any unforeseen demand or supply disruptions can quickly impact what goods retailers can offer and the prices charged, it concluded.

It is a pivotal time of the year for the holiday shopping season, when orders are typically being placed. The supply chain's tipping point  where holiday success is either locked in or left to chance  is June. "Retailers that lock capacity now, especially in fastmoving sectors like toys, consumer electronics, and fashion, give themselves the runway to finetune assortments later without racing the clock," said Tim Robertson, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding. "It isn't about pushing extra volume; it's about sequencing the flow  balancing ocean, air and intermodal options, building buffers for labor or weatherrelated surprises, and using realtime data to pivot if demand shifts," he said. "The brands that treat June as a strategic deadline, rather than a lastminute scramble, will be the ones filling shelves, not chasing them when consumers start shopping in November," he added. Capt. Kipling Louttit, executive director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California, warned in a recent statement that the decrease in vessel arrivals and lighter container volumes coming to the U.S. will translate into excess capacity of labor, trucks, trains and others in supply chain who "will be out of work because of the decline in cargo arrivals." Only 14 ships arrived in the most recent three-day period tracked, Louttit noted, and only 10 are scheduled to arrive over the next three days. A "normal" level of activity in a three-day period would be 17 ships.

Hawaii-based freight liner operator and shipowner Matson lowered its 2025 outlook on Monday, citing tariffs, global trade regulatory measures, the trajectory of the U.S. economy and other geopolitical issues. Matson, which offers an expedited service from China to Long Beach, California, reported that since the tariffs were implemented in April, container volume for the company has declined approximately 30% year over year. "Coupled with limited visibility to our container demand, we expect container volume and average rates in the second quarter to be lower year over year," said Matt Cox, Matson CEO, on its earnings call. "At the moment, it's difficult to know if these lower volume levels are transitory or will persist for a longer time in 2025 and the duration of this lower demand period will likely depend on active negotiations taking place across the supply chain, and the timing of potential amendments to the tariffs," he said. Cox said the company is working with Asia transshipment partners as its customers look at options to diversify and grow their manufacturing locations. "Many of our customers moved to a 'China plus one' strategy a few years ago to diversify their operations, and we expect this trend to continue," he said. "We will continue to follow our customers as they reposition and expand their manufacturing footprint in response to changing tariffs as part of our 'catchment basin' strategy in Asia," Cox added.
"The Art of the Deal" author President Donald Trump said in a surprising comment Tuesday that the United States does not need to "sign deals" with trade partners, despite top White House officials claiming for weeks that such deals are the administration's top priority.

"Everyone says, 'When, when, when are you going to sign deals?'" Trump grumbled during a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

"We don't have to sign deals, they have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market. We don't want a piece of their market," Trump said.

After weeks of saying that countries were asking for bilateral trade talks with the United States, the president and his team have yet to announce any formal agreements or frameworks.

"I wish they'd ... stop asking, how many deals are you signing this week?" said Trump, clearly frustrated at the mounting pressure on the White House to show progress on trade talks. "Because one day we'll come and we'll give you 100 deals," he said.
Here are Tuesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Goldman Sachs reiterates Tesla as neutral Goldman Sachs said China remains Tesla's largest market and that it is bullish on the company's full self-driving capabilities but that it is sticking with its neutral rating right now. "We believe that Tesla's ability to leverage its Full Self Driving software in China will be important for the stock going forward given the size of the China market for vehicles, the increasingly competitive landscape for ADAS [advanced driver assistance systems] software and robotaxi offerings in the region and the role that future profits from AI enabled products like FSD have for Tesla's valuation." BMO initiates Shopify as outperform BMO said in its initiation of the e-commerce platform company that helps businesses that it sees a "substantial runway for growth on several fronts." "We've initiated coverage of Shopify at Outperform with a US$120 target price." JPMorgan downgrades Sweetgreen to neutral from overweight The Wall Street firm said demand is softening and that the value proposition needs improving. "We are downgrading Sweetgreen to Neutral with a $25 Dec-26 price target for several reasons. We see underlying demand trends continue to soften with further impact moving into higher income demographics." Goldman Sachs reiterates ServiceNow as buy Goldman Sachs said the company has "durable" long-term growth potential. "We reiterate our Buy rating and $1,150 price target on ServiceNow after attending the company's Analyst Day (5/5) in conjunction with Knowledge 2025. It is clear that ServiceNow's transition from IT-centric workflows to those cutting across multiple applications is well underway." Susquehanna upgrades Canadian National to positive from neutral Susquehanna said shares of the railway company are attractive at current levels. "We see value in CNI on our view of modest cyclical risk to guidance vs. shares trading near the low end of their historic absolute and rail-relative valuation." Wells Fargo reiterates Walmart as overweight Wells Fargo said the stock remains a "winner no matter what" ahead of earnings next week. "We expect a solid, in-line Q1. The bigger question is how macro/tariff uncertainty impacts guidance; we expect a reiteration and more talk of share capture opportunity. Rich valuation, but WMT's ability to win regardless of the backdrop keeps us OW." TD Cowen downgrades Church & Dwight to hold from buy TD Cowen downgraded the consumer products company, citing slowing growth. "Given the lack of a positive catalyst for U.S. inflection, low exposure to higher growth international markets, and CHD's valuation premium to peers, we believe a Hold rating is warranted." Monness, Crespi, Hardt downgrades Coinbase to neutral from buy The firm said it was making a tactical downgrade of Coinbase ahead of earnings later this week. "We downgrade to Neutral (fr. Buy), cut estimates, and remove our price target on concern 1Q25 likely to be light along with tepid QTD txn [transaction] rev results/2Q25 guide." Northcoast downgrades McDonald's to neutral from buy Northcoast said in its downgrade of the stock that it sees margin pressures. "We are lowering our rating on McDonald's to NEUTRAL, concerned that converting topline sales to earnings will stall as consumers seek value while costs remain a headwind." Loop reiterates Palantir as buy Loop said it is standing by the stock following earnings on Monday and that investors should buy the dip. "Bottom line, the market for enterprise AI is enormous, is at a tipping point as small-scale pilot programs move into production and AI use cases grow exponentially across all industries, and we believe PLTR is uniquely positioned as one of the category leaders in the space." Morgan Stanley reiterates AT & T as a top pick Morgan Stanley said AT & T remains a top idea at the firm. "We believe AT & T and Verizon are best-positioned to benefit from domestic tax policy, which would accelerate FCF and capital return to shareholders." Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as buy Bank of America said Nvidia remains one of the most highly owned names in semiconductors but that it is still "relatively underweight." "Notably, despite confidence in NVDA's l-t [long term] growth prospects, the stock's weighting still remains relatively low at 1.05x, up slightly from the 1.01x level cited in the last update." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight The firm said concerns about Apple's lawsuit with Epic Games is overdone. "While last week's Apple v. Epic injunction bears watching, we think the fundamental EPS and multiple impact is low." Needham initiates Broadridge Financial as buy Needham said the fintech financial solutions company is a core holding. "We are initiating coverage of Broadridge ( BR) with a Buy rating and a $300 price target. BR is a provider of critical technology operations and communications services."
The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed that Google sell its AdX digital ad marketplace and DFP platform for managing and delivering ads on websites, after a federal judge found the company illegally dominated two online ad-tech markets.

The proposed remedies, including divestitures, are necessary to end the Alphabet -owned tech giant's monopolies and restore competition in the ad-exchange and publisher ad-server markets, the DOJ said in a court filing late on Monday.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia last month found Google liable for "willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power" in those two markets. The ruling was another blow for Google after a separate judge found last year that Google held an illegal monopoly in online search.

Brinkema set a September trial date on Friday, after hearing from Google and the DOJ on potential remedies for the company's dominance in ad tools used by online publishers.

Google has said the company supported behavioural remedies such as making real-time bids available to competitors, but that prosecutors cannot legally pursue a bid to force it to sell parts of its business.

"The DOJ's additional proposals to force a divestiture of our ad tech tools go well beyond the Court's findings, have no basis in law, and would harm publishers and advertisers," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of Regulatory Affairs, said in a statement to Reuters.

Shares of Alphabet were down nearly 1.1% in premarket trading on Tuesday.

AdX, or Ad Exchange, is a marketplace where publishers can make their unsold ad space available to advertisers for purchase on a real-time basis. Publisher ad servers are platforms used by websites to store and manage their digital ad inventory.

Along with ad exchanges, the technology lets news publishers and other online content providers make money by selling ads.

Last year, Google took a major step to end an EU antitrust investigation with an offer to sell AdX but European publishers rejected the proposal as insufficient.
Warren Buffett announced his impending retirement on Saturday, amid a roughly 75-year career as one of the world's most successful investors  accumulating a net worth currently estimated at $169 billion, according to Bloomberg.

How does he do it? Buffett, the 94-year-old CEO and chairman of holding company Berkshire Hathaway, likes to think about his potential investments like a "castle" when deciding which companies to back financially, according to his longtime friend and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

"Warren likes to say that a good business is like a castle and you've got to think every day: Is the management growing the size of the moat? Or is the moat shrinking?" Gates wrote for the Harvard Business Review in 1996.

In this scenario, the castle's moat equates to the basic fundamentals of a business  its "intrinsic value," as Buffett has previously said. To determine intrinsic value, Buffett looks past a public company's recent stock performance and evaluates factors like the consistency of its earnings, the state of its cash flow and the amount of debt it carries.

Buffett "likes to read all of its annual reports going back as far as he can," wrote Gates. "He looks at how the company has progressed and what its strategy is," and aims to determine whether the business can stand up to "the rigors of competition."

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A business with little-to-no debt and consistently positive cash flow, for example, is usually music to Buffett's ears. "If you attempt to assess intrinsic value, it all relates to cash flows," he said at Berkshire Hathaway's 1997 annual meeting. "The only reason for putting cash into any kind of an investment now is because you expect to take cash out."

Once he's satisfied with his research, Buffett "acts deliberately  and infrequently," Gates wrote.

Buffett's style of "value investing" involves thinking far ahead and holding onto assets for lengthy periods of time, regardless of any short-term market swings. He prefers business models that he believes are fundamentally sound, Gates noted, referencing a Buffett aphorism: "You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will."

Determining whether a business is foolproof is tricky. Buffett has said he's drawn to companies that have cornered their particular market, or that "have a monopoly" on their specific business, like a newspaper in a town with no competitor publications, he told the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission in 2010.

He also keeps an eye out for fundamentally sound businesses that he believes are managed in subpar ways  seeing them as opportunities to back the company and install stronger leadership, in the hopes of helping it reach its full potential.

"We are trying to figure out: Why is that castle still standing? And what's going to keep it standing or cause it not to be standing five, 10, 20 years from now?" Buffett said during a Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting in 1995. "What are the key factors? And how permanent are they? How much do they depend on the genius of the lord in the castle?"

In the ensuing decades, Buffett has consistently espoused the same philosophy. In his most recent annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, published on February 22, he wrote about his 2019 decision to invest in five large Japanese companies he believed to be undervalued  and his subsequent decision to increase his stake in those firms.

"We simply looked at their financial records and were amazed at the low prices of their stocks," wrote Buffett. "As the years have passed, our admiration for these companies has consistently grown."

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Keith Shaw: In the world of cybersecurity, teams often focus on external threatshackers or nation-states trying to breach systems. Whats often overlooked, however, are insider threats, which can range from corporate spies to disgruntled employees or other bad actors.

On this episode of Today in Tech, we're checking in on the latest trends and tactics for identifying the bad applesand learning how the bad guys are recruiting new help. Hi, everybody, welcome to Today in Tech. I'm Keith Shaw.

Joining me on the show today is Ryan LaSalle, CEO of Nisos. Welcome to the show, Ryan. Ryan LaSalle: Keith, great to be here. Keith: All right. So you're one of those cybersecurity peopleyoure probably paranoid all the time.

Is that the case, or are you able to sleep at night?
Health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, is increasingly covering fewer medications or has more restrictions.

Medicare patients are even left with less medication coverage and more restrictions compared with commercial health insurance.

Fewer medications are being covered largely because companies that negotiate drug prices are driven to cover medications that make them the most money.

Health insurance is covering fewer medications than years ago or forcing more patients to jump through hoops.

Medicare covered 56% of medications and had restrictions, such as getting prior authorization, on 49% of medications in 2025, compared with 61% and 39% respectively in 2015, according to a report from prescription-drug website GoodRx.

Still, there is a bit of good news: Medicare covered around 2% more medications and restricted 1% fewer medications in 2025 compared with 2024.

"While the pinch let up some this year, it certainly isnt gone," GoodRx said.

Medicare patients are often dealing with even more challenges.

Medicare didn't cover 44% of medications, compared with commercial health insurance not covering 21%, GoodRx said.

For restrictions, which are extra steps such as getting prior authorization, Medicare also fared worse with restrictions on 49% of medications, compared with 35% for commercial health insurance.

And even though Medicaid covered 97% of medications, 63% of those medications had restrictions

When a medication isn't covered or has restrictions, the first course of action is usually trying to find a cheaper alternative.

If that doesn't work, patients can try to get an exception from their health insurer, apply for a patient assistance program or find a new health plan when enrollment opens up.

"For many Americans, the real hurdle to treatment isnt just medication prices  its navigating the complex policies embedded in their health plan that dictate the cost they pay at the pharmacy counter," GoodRx said.

Why are fewer medications being covered?

Drug formularies, the list of covered medications, are largely determined by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are companies that decide drug coverage on behalf of health insurers, Medicare Part D plans, employers and other health care payers, The Lever reports.

PBMs negotiate with drug manufacturers on what health insurance will cover and how much the medications will cost, but they are incentivized to cover drugs that will make them the most money and have increasingly excluded less-profitable medications from formularies.

From 2014 to 2022, there was a 961% increase in prescription medications excluded by PBMs Express Scripts, CVS Caremark or OptumRx, according to a report from consultancy Xcenda for drug manufacturer AmerisourceBergen.

As a result, health insurance companies can change their list of covered medications throughout the year, leaving many patients unable to afford vital medications even after paying expensive insurance premiums.

In my experience as a practicing physician, one of the greatest administrative burdens Im facing is sudden, arbitrary changes to a patients medication coverage by their health plan, Steven Furr, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told The Lever. A patient can be doing well on a specific medication for years, and one day the plan no longer covers it or has a preferred alternative.

Despite the issue, there are few regulations limiting the exclusion of medications from coverage.

Plans can pretty much do what they please, within some broad parameters, Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy, told The Lever.
Monty Python has been in the news a lot lately, partly thanks to the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but mostly because the surviving members of the iconic comedy troupe just cant stop publicly berating one another.

Eric Idle and John Cleese obviously have their long-running social media feud, which led to Cleese claiming that the Pythons always loathed and despised each other in a 2024 post (although he later walked this statement back, claiming that it was merely a joke).

Cleese also randomly dunked on the boring Michael Palin in an interview, prompting his A Fish Called Wanda co-star to later defend himself during a talk show appearance. And when one interviewer asked Palin whether or not he can rely on the Pythons for emotional support, he offered a pretty dispiriting response. No, I dont anymore. Whether I ever did, I dont know, Palin stated. Similarly, Idle once claimed that the Pythons were never friends, only colleagues who worked together very well.

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All of which makes it pretty surprising that Palin has bucked this trend and opted to publicly share a heartwarming story about his Monty Python pseudo-friends.

Speaking with Radio Times, per The Daily Express, Palin underscored that the group isnt really in touch anymore. "No, we dont speak to each other very often. Theres no ex-Pythons WhatsApp group or anything, Palin joked.

But Palin also revealed that the Pythons were all there for him when his wife of 57 years, Helen Gibbons, passed away from kidney failure in 2023. We are in touch, and their reactions to Helens death, from all of them, were very touching, very immediate and very sincere. I really appreciated that."

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While the Pythons have obviously had their ups and downs over the years, the one situation where they all seem to come together is in response to tragedy. Prior to offering their support to Palin, the surviving Pythons paid their collective respects when Terry Jones passed away in 2020. And the only project that theyve all agreed on in recent years was the campaign to raise funds for a statue of Jones in his hometown of Colwyn Bay, Wales.

Making Idles claim that the Pythons were never friends even more questionable is Palins heartbreaking account of Graham Chapmans passing in 1989. As documented in his published diaries, Palin joined Cleese at the hospital when Chapman was in his final hours. And Palin happened to be the only one in the room when Chapman drew his last breath. He held his hand and told Chapman quite loudly, that we all love him.

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If the Pythons are still there for each other during these crucial moments, but they continue to bicker and snipe at each other the rest of the time, instead of friends or colleagues maybe the best descriptor we can use for them is family.
Todays installment of MADtv is brought to you by the letter U for Uncomfortably Prescient.

Donald Trumps ascent from billionaire real estate heir and reality TV star to despotic president has been such a bizarre saga that efforts to satirize Trump through sketch comedy usually land embarrassingly flat. For every one Saturday Night Live sketch that capitalizes on James Austin Johnsons impression of our POTUS to make a funny, original and biting parody of the real Trump, there are thousands upon thousands of failed attempts to ridicule and impersonate that which has no shame that litter YouTube, TikTok and other episodes of Saturday Night Live.

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But while the medium of sketch comedy has shown itself to be mostly ineffective at mocking the absurd inhumanity of the Trump administration, almost 20 years ago, MADtv proved itself to be powerfully predictive when it accidentally called President Trumps ongoing war with the woke terror known as Sesame Street:

Last month, the White House publicly announced its intention to ask congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding from federally subsidized informational and educational media outlets like the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio over what the Executive Branch considers to be radical, woke propaganda disguised as news. Along with the announcement, the White House published a record of transgressions committed by properties belonging to both institutions, with Sesame Street finding itself on the McCarthy list.

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According to the Trump administration, Sesame Street deserves to be shut down for its participation in the 2020 CNN townhall special Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd. The White House accused Sesame Street of presenting children with a one-sided narrative when it spread the dangerously DEI message of be nice to people of different races and Black kids deserve education, but as MADtv knew in 2006, Trumps war on Sesame Street is all about that cold, hard cash.

When Trump signed the executive order to stop federal funding to PBS and NPR on Friday, he was simply destabilizing an iconic stretch of property in Manhattan so that he could expand his extensive real estate holdings in the Big Apple. Now that Sesame Street will no longer be propped up by federal funding, Gordon Robinson wont be able to afford what must be a massive property tax burden for a full city block, and Trump will swoop in to do what his family has always done best  kick a Black person out of their home.
A lot of people only know about the prison thanks to Ranger Vicky

Possibly because he fell asleep watching The Rock on Max, President Donald Trump recently unveiled a bold new plan to reopen Alcatraz, the notorious San Francisco prison thats been inactive for longer than Nicolas Cage has been alive.

This deeply unserious plan faces a number of major logistical challenges, from the avalanche of lawsuits it would invite, to the fact that the National Park Service has already spent millions preserving the historic site as a tourist destination, to the staggering costs involved with turning it back into a working prison, which have been estimated at somewhere between $235 million and $370 million.

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Also, the islands watery surroundings may not be quite as intimidating as they once were, considering that hundreds of people every year participate in a 1.5-mile swim out to the island.

It seems pretty clear that this wacky idea isnt ever going to happen. But on the off chance that it does, the least the government could do is find some way to pay tribute to the late Phil Hartman.

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The one silver lining to this whiplash-inducing headline is that people on social media have been responding with a flood of references to So I Married an Axe Murderer, the underrated 1993 Mike Myers comedy about a coffee-house beat poet who suspects that his new bride might be a serial killer.

In one particularly memorable scene, Myers character goes on a tour of Alcatraz with his cop buddy played by Anthony LaPaglia. Their stern, unnecessarily colorful guide, played by Hartman, is Ranger John Johnson, although he quickly points out that everyone here calls me Vicky.

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For a lot of people, this one scene from a 32-year-old movie is their go-to touchstone for Alcatraz. Following reports of Trumps plan, a number of them took to social media to share clips and images of Hartman/Vicky.

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In fact, one fan claimed that this news soils the memory of the great Phil Hartman.

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While another suggested that if Alcatraz 2.0 does somehow open, they should find a way to rename it after Hartman, in honor of his fictional service.

Again, Alcatraz will likely never reopen as a prison. But that doesnt mean that the Trump administration couldnt find another way to pay tribute to one of Phil Hartmans characters. The Gulf of Troy McClure has a nice ring to it.
Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia isnt the kind of show to nickel-and-dime its guest stars, but the residual checks still arent exactly move out of your moms house money.

Of all the supporting actors who have only appeared in a couple episodes of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Kyle Davis, better known by his street name Lil Kev, has embraced the show and his role more enthusiastically than anyone else. Davis made his It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia debut in the classic Season Three episode Sweet Dees Dating a (Redacted) Person playing a possibly (but probably not) mentally disabled rapper whom the titular bird briefly had in her beak, and ever since, Davis has been as passionate about the series and his character as are the many Always Sunny stans who make the online fandom so vibrant.

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Davis periodically makes videos about his time on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and its impact on his career, and during a recent post for his followers, he revealed the exact dollar amount of his quarterly residual check from the show. And, before any Always Sunny fans ask, no, FX isnt just paying Lil Kev in Paddys Dollars:

In addition to his debut in Sweet Dees Dating a (Redacted) Person, Davis also appeared in the Always Sunny Season Six episode Dee Gives Birth when the rest of the Gang tried to identify the father of her child, running through her list of past flames before realizing that Dee finally pulled off the surrogacy scheme on poor Carmen and her husband. Since then, Davis has continued to emulate Lil Kev on his YouTube channel and on Cameo, where Davis is, as expected, a certified five-star man.

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Considering how Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day shot the original pilot of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on a total budget of $100, Lil Kev pulling in just shy of twice that after taxes per residuals check is certainly nothing to scoff at. Nearly 15 years after Davis last appeared on Always Sunny, two episodes worth of work is still pulling in about $800 per year for him, and that amount should cover his total yearly popcorn budget, even after considering how many kernels Lil Kev wastes because they barely make it into his mouth.
There are so many reasons why a British version of Saturday Night Live is an awful idea, John Oliver told Seth Meyers this week. But the biggest reason SNL should stay on this side of the Atlantic, he says? SNL is like a cult.

Saturday Night Live is such a unique group. Its a cult, Oliver claimed. Im trying not to say the word, but its a cult. And so I dont know how you can impose that cult onto the U.K.

Hang on a second  did Oliver forget who he was talking to? Meyers isnt only a former cast member of SNL but its head writer for a spell as well. The Late Night host was curious about Olivers perspective as an outsider: What exactly was cult-ish about his old show?

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For starters, Oliver pointed to the SNL ritual of staying up all night on Tuesdays to write sketches. Thats ridiculous, he argued. Thats the kind of thing a cult leader would make you do: We stay up all night on Tuesdays, by the way.

Meyers conceded that plenty of great sketch comedy has been written, in both the United States and the U.K., without doing it at four in the morning.

I think its been proven that SNL is the outlier, Oliver laughed. It doesnt have to be dictated to the day, that you must not sleep on that day, or the great leader will be irritated.

Why create a U.K. version of Saturday Night Live in the first place, Oliver wondered aloud. It sounds like a terrible idea, he said, pointing out that his home country has managed to create sketch comedy in the past.

Really excellent sketch comedy, conceded Meyers, without mentioning the obvious names: Monty Pythons Flying Circus, The League of Gentlemen, A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Little Britain, French and Saunders and Not the Nine OClock News, to name a few.

While Oliver wouldnt endorse a U.K. SNL, he did express delight at getting to recreate a cut-at-dress-rehearsal Saturday Night Live sketch with Will Ferrell. The two funny guys, along with Bowen Yang and Rachel Dratch, performed the bit on Meyers Second Chance Theatre a year earlier.

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Ferrell played Doug, an office wonk who has groomed his appearance to look exactly like Gabe Kaplan from Welcome Back, Kotter. The original sketch died with Will Ferrell at dress rehearsal, noted Meyers, and then died here.

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Kind of died again, Oliver agreed.

No one likes to be in a flailing comedy scene, but at least Oliver got to see up close the magic of Will Ferrell in a sketch that wasnt working, said Meyers.

You had told me that he has this kind of sociopathic thing where he will never break, Oliver said. And it was really great to see his eyes, almost like his pupils dilate, as it started bombing again. There was a twinkle of happiness, but a sense of Im going to go all the way to the end of this.

Fascinating, said Meyers. Truly daredevil-type stuff.

Or maybe Ferrell was exhibiting the psychotic behavior that one learns in the cult of SNL.
CISOs at retailers around the world should be tightening their defenses after several recent cyber attacks crippled shopping and supermarket chains in the UK. Those included successful attacks on retail chain Marks & Spencer and supermarket chain Co-op, and the attempted hack of high-end retailer Harrods.

Over the weekend, the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) urged retailers to follow best cybersecurity practices to minimize the chances of being victimized, as well as to help them recover if an attack gets through defenses. A ransomware gang called DragonForce claims responsibility for all three incidents, according to the BBC.

In a letter to members, Co-op CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq wrote that hackers accessed data relating to a significant number of our current and past members. And the BBC reported that Co-op has now told staff holding online meetings to keep computer cameras on, and to verify all attendees so they could detect lurking hackers, after the attackers showed the BBC screenshots of a confidential internal Teams call.
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Will the scales ever fall from Sir Keir Starmers eyes? Might our profoundly Europhile Prime Minister one day wake up to the reality that the European Union is a doctrinaire, protectionist and bureaucratic organisation with a skewed sense of priorities?

May 19 is supposed to be a red letter day when EU and British leaders will gather in London to agree the reset in relations on which Sir Keir has set his heart. But negotiations havent been going as swimmingly as he had hoped.

The latest setback is the EUs rejection of British access to crime and illegal migration databases. According to the Times, which has spoken to several Whitehall sources, Brussels is refusing to countenance any sharing of such information.

EU negotiators reportedly made clear last week that there could be no access to the Schengen Information System or to the EU fingerprinting scheme, Eurodac, which has a record of all illegal migrants caught trying to enter the European Union.

If the EU were prepared to share its database, the Home Office could find out where an illegal immigrant arriving in Britain had previously applied for asylum and been rejected. Such people could be fast-tracked, and quickly removed.

According to one unidentified senior government negotiator who spoke to the Times, European Commission counterparts have been intransigent and dogmatic during discussions on data. Why should there be any surprise?

The European Commission doesnt say to itself: We live in dangerous times with criminals and illegal immigrants crossing borders in their thousands. It wont reason that the citizens of the EU and the UK would be safer in their beds if information of this sort were freely shared by both sides.

No, the Commission is as rigid in its thinking as a committee of Catholic bishops laying down the law on the finer points of Purgatory in 12th century Europe. Britain is neither part of the EU nor of the Schengen agreement on open borders. Of course it cant be allowed to share Brussels precious data!

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their meeting at the Elysee in Paris on Monday

Sir Keir Starmer arrives to meet with Ms von der Leyen inside No 10, where an EU flag features

In fact, the Government was somewhat naive in imagining that such a deal might be possible, since even when Britain was an EU member we had only limited access to the database because we werent signed up to Schengen.

Why should hard-boiled negotiators in Brussels  people who put every jot and tittle of European law above consideration of our collective security  suddenly open their minds to rationality and common sense?

This is only the most recent example of the EU failing to embrace the besotted pro-European Sir Keir Starmer in the fraternal way he dreams of. It demonstrates a kind of institutional pettiness.

In March the European Commission announced that it would borrow up to 150 billion euros to lend to EU governments under a rearmament plan necessitated by the threat from Russia, combined with concerns that Europe can no longer be sure of US protection now that the maverick President Trump is in charge.

We are living in the most momentous and dangerous of times, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared. We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending.

Wise words. But almost as soon as Mrs von der Leyen had spoken, President Emmanuel Macron said that the UK should be excluded from a defence and security pact, and British manufacturers barred from bidding for weapon contracts, unless European (and particularly French) vessels were given access to our fishing waters.

Continental Europe is threatened  actually even more so than Britain, as an island. UK companies such as British Aerospace have unparalleled expertise in many areas of defence. The EU needs us. And yet all that the ridiculous Macron could think about at this moment of crisis was pillaging more British fish.

According to some reports, more reasonable counsels have prevailed in Europe, and the French president has been put back in his box so far as this issue is concerned. We may learn at the May 19 summit that our defence companies will be involved in European rearmament.

Yet it remains incredible that the Commission could have ever made the defence of the European continent partly contingent on a deal over fish. This is the face of decadence. How the Russians and Chinese and all our enemies must hold us in contempt.

Nor should we imagine that fish has disappeared as an issue, even if it is no longer linked to a defence and security pact. The Government has been negotiating for an animal and food safety deal, which would obviate the time-consuming and obstructive paperwork that the EU likes to load on hapless British exporters.

Brussels is demanding that Britain signs up to EU food standards  which would mean submitting to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice  even though it has previously accepted New Zealands food standards as being equally good as its own.

It doesnt end there. Because the EU has long hankered after permanent access to Britains fishing waters, it has seen an opportunity to link the Governments desire for a food deal to the question of fishing rights.

If the EU were prepared to share its database, the Home Office could find out where an illegal immigrant arriving in Britain had previously applied for asylum and been rejected, writes Stephen Glover

There will doubtless be a tremendous jamboree on May 19, and the Prime Minister will herald a new dawn in our relations with the EU. But when the fine print is studied, itll be clear that the EU has got more out of the reset than the UK. Brussels wont easily vary its strict rules and regulations. It will only relax them in return for significant concessions.

Any agreement probably wont prevent Donald Trump from interpreting the summit as Britain throwing in its lot with the European Union. We may not escape the higher tariffs coming Brussels way.

The truth is that Starmer idealises the EU, as diehard Remainers do. Hed like to rejoin what he mistakenly regards as an enlightened institution but realises that this is politically impossible, at any rate for the time being. So he plots a series of backdoor deals.

But the European Union has a limited appetite for such agreements. It would cheerfully have us back as a fully-fledged member, though on far meaner terms than we enjoyed before we left.

But until or unless that happens, only the occasional morsel will be tossed in our direction.

We mustnt send a feast back. The EU has been pressing for a youth mobility scheme, which would enable 18-30-year-olds to work in Britain for a limited period. Despite having publicly vetoed this idea, the Government has in fact been discussing it with the EU.

It would be unconscionable for it to give the green light to the EUs pet scheme after being denied access to a database that would help it control criminality and illegal immigration.

Here is the Prime Minister, struggling to contain the soaring numbers of people crossing the Channel in boats, having foolishly jettisoned the previous governments Rwanda plan, which might have served as a deterrent. He is in an increasingly desperate situation.

But it seems  if reports are correct  that Brussels wont help its greatest British fan and most ardent suitor.

Will Sir Keir Starmer ever become even dimly aware that the European Union, far from being a beacon of light, is a blinkered and intransigent institution?
China's push for a shared future with its neighbors

09:17, May 06, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

On April 19, China's domestically developed C909 passenger jet began commercial operation in Vietnam, with tickets selling out quickly on the first day.

On April 15, Malaysian mobile data service company U Mobile signed a 5G cooperation agreement with Chinese tech companies to bolster Malaysia's digital economy.

Crowds are attracted by Malaysian products at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan province, April 13, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Mao)

On April 17, China and Cambodia agreed to jointly build a secure and stable industrial and supply chain, helping transform Cambodia into a modern industrial hub.

These vivid examples reflect a broader trend: China is steadily expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with its neighboring countries, fostering a closer pattern of coordinated development. To build a better future with its neighbors, China remains committed to fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, guided by the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy, advocating for the building of a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

As a member of the big Asian family and a responsible major country, China has long attached importance to its relations with its neighboring countries. It consistently follows the policy of developing friendship and partnership with its neighbors, and works to foster an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity - securing historic achievements and transformations in neighborhood work.

China's approach to neighborhood diplomacy is rooted in ancient wisdom, which holds that "amity and good neighborliness are invaluable to a country" and that "good neighbors wish each other well." In the modern context, that translates into the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, which emphasize treating neighbors with sincerity and good faith, pursuing common development, expanding cooperation, and sharing the benefits of growth.

Researchers from Shanghai Ocean University assist local staff with seed cultivation at a hatchery for giant freshwater prawns in Kandal province, Cambodia. (Photo/Chen Leilei)

This philosophy, deeply embedded in China's diplomatic tradition, also aligns with broader global trends and regional dynamics, demonstrating the cultural depth and distinctive character of Chinese diplomacy. Over the past decade, China has enriched and deepened these principles through practice, expanding friendly cooperation with neighboring countries and forging stronger bonds.

To date, China has reached a common understanding on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, forming "two clusters" in the Indochina Peninsula and Central Asia respectively.

From accelerating the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, to building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future, and to building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Southeast Asia yielded over 100 cooperation outcomes, charting a new blueprint for China's neighborhood diplomacy and opening a new chapter in building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

The art of good-neighborliness lies in building trust and fostering mutual understanding. Guided by head-of-state diplomacy, China has prioritized mutual respect for each nation's development paths, support for each other's core interests, and cultivation of strategic mutual trust. China and its neighbors have stood together through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism, and jointly responded to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, forging enduring stories of solidarity and mutual support.

The foundation of regional peace lies in shared security and collective responsibility. China upholds the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. As the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the country has worked closely with regional countries to establish multi-level security dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. It has resolved historical boundary issues with 12 neighboring countries through negotiations and signed treaties of good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation with nine.

In the consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, China has been properly managing and settling differences through friendly negotiations, working with its neighbors to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. It also plays an active role in bringing regional hotspot issues under control, contributing wisdom and strength to the political settlement.

The path to prosperity lies in shared opportunities and mutual benefit. By deepening development integration with its neighbors, building a high-level connectivity network, and intensifying mutually beneficial cooperation on trade and investment, China is advancing integrated development with neighboring countries.

A crane lifts a container at a cargo station in Shapingba district, southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (People's Daily Online/Sun Kaifang)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has become the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographical scale and population. The China-Central Asia Mechanism has become an important platform for deepening cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism has played a key role in invigorating the development of the Lancang-Mekong Economic Development Belt.

Freight trains now crisscross Eurasia more efficiently via new China-Europe freight train routes. The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is well underway, while the annual train volume on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor has surpassed 10,000. Additionally, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has further boosted regional economic integration. Through these projects, China has consistently propelled regional cooperation to deeper and more concrete levels.

China was, is, and will always be a good neighbor, good friend, and good partner to countries in the region. It will continue to cherish good-neighborly relations, working with its neighbors to create an even brighter future in line with the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Despite Reform UKs spectacular success in the local elections, this wasnt exactly VE (Victory in England) Day. Not yet, anyway.

To deploy another wartime metaphor, it was more like the Battle of Britain, where against the odds a plucky, determined Few defeated a formidable enemy.

When the RAF saw off the Luftwaffe in 1940, the war in Europe still had more than four years to run, almost as long as todays hopelessly incompetent and vindictive Labour Government has left to dig in until it must face a General Election. But it was a significant milestone on the long, hard road to eventual victory.

So too, may Reforms triumph over Labour and the Conservatives last Thursday prove to be a lasting political turning point. Yet if that was the Battle of Britain, the Battle for Britain is only just beginning and promises to be ugly and bitterly fought.

Many mistakenly hoped the Leave vote in the referendum nine years ago was a VE (Victory in Europe) moment. But the entrenched political Establishment fought furiously to overturn the result, using every weapon at their disposal.

Yes, we did eventually break free, up to a point, thanks to Nigel Farages magnanimous decision to stand down his candidates at the 2019 General Election so that Boris could Get Brexit Done, however imperfectly  a legacy the Tories squandered shamefully.

Today, a Labour Government, under Remainer-in-Chief Surkeir Starmer and elected by just 20 per cent of those eligible to vote, is hell-bent in dragging us back into the EU by stealth  negotiating a reset which will surrender our fishing waters to the French, bring back freedom of movement for youths under 30 and restore the jurisdiction of the European courts in key areas.

There is now, though, a glimmer of hope this disgraceful betrayal is merely the long-overdue death rattle of a cynical political hegemony which has repeatedly ignored the views of ordinary voters.

Reform, led by Nigel Farage, is celebrating winning an historic by-election, a couple of mayoralties and preparing to take control of a swathe of councils

Reform is celebrating winning an historic by-election, a couple of mayoralties and preparing to take control of a swathe of councils.

The scale of victory could have been even greater had

Deputy PM Ginge Rayner not conveniently cancelled elections in nine other counties because of yet another costly and utterly pointless reorganisation of local government.

Reform would have been nailed on to take at least four, building on the four million votes it secured at the last election.

There are already excited predictions that Reform could form a government next time around, with Farage as PM. Still, he will be under no illusion as to the ferocity of the resistance he will face in trying to implement his partys policies, from cutting waste to tackling immigration, legal and illegal.

Reform may have momentum and the support of millions of voters, but will come up against the Government, His Majestys Official Opposition, the Westminster Bubble, the Whitehall Blob, the Law, the unions, the broadcast media, the charity sector, the quangocracy and the EU. All will move heaven and earth to crush the Faragistas.

Hundreds of newbie Reform councillors will report for duty this week, determined to deliver value for money for local taxpayers. For decades, councils have been run for the benefit of those who work for them, not the people who pay their wages.

With their pretentious Cabinets and bloated departments devoted to everything from climate change to diversity and nuclear disarmament, they are ripe for Elon Musk-style cost-cutting.

But Reform councillors who attempt to find savings will inevitably be obstructed at every turn by vested interests. Moves to end the WFH culture and make DEI staff redundant will be resisted by strikes and legal challenges.

So will any plans to reintroduce weekly rubbish collections, scrap deserted cycle lanes and hated Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. Reform councillors will be told there is no money to fill in potholes or repair pavements.

Reforms chairman Zia Yusef has promised the party will seize every instrument of power available _ including judicial reviews and planning laws  to prevent asylum seekers being billeted in hotels against the wishes of local residents.

That will be welcome news to those communities which have been used as dumping grounds for thousands of young, foreign men. Yet such moves will be met with injunctions from the Home Office, the unions and asylum charities. The police will probably get involved, too, arresting councillors for hate crimes.

Attempts to prevent Milibands Net Zero madness littering our green and pleasant with hideous windmills, pylons and solar farms will either be overruled in Parliament or the courts.

Look, Im not trying to rain on Farages parade. Far from it. The election results were a magnificent cry of: Were mad as hell and were not going to take it any more.

Hundreds of newbie Reform councillors will report for duty this week, determined to deliver value for money for local taxpayers (Pictured: Farage celebrating his party winning the Runcorn by-election by six votes)

As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, Id have voted Reform if there had been elections in London. Im just trying to point out the magnitude of the task ahead if the cosy, contemptuous Labour/Tory  and to a lesser extent Monster Raving Liberal Party  cartel is to be smashed once and for all.

If theres one man who wont be daunted by the task its Farage, who has proved his mettle time and again over the 25 years Ive known him, from facing down attempts to debank him to taking on  single-handed in the beginning  the tyranny of the EU.

In the words of the late, great Tom Petty: You can stand him up at the Gates of Hell but he wont back down.

Time will tell if he succeeds. But to paraphrase another wartime quote: This may not be the end. But it is, with any luck, the beginning of the end for the arrogant, entitled political class who have created the mess were in today.
Social media star Sophie Rain has been swept up in pregnancy rumors - despite claiming to be a virgin.

Speculation has been rife all over TikTok that the 20-year-old, who claims to have made $50 million on OnlyFans without having sex, is expecting her first child.

Her eye-watering earnings led the internet to dub her the 'MVP' of OnlyFans after it was reported that she was making more money than some of the NBA's biggest players.

'I wouldn't be surprised if she was [pregnant],' wrote one fan on social media.

'Bro, I would not even be surprised. Her fanbase is just 50, 60, 80-year-old creeps,' added another.

Setting the record straight exclusively to DailyMail.com, Sophie has insisted that the rumors were untrue.

'No, I am not pregnant. How could I get pregnant if I'm a virgin?' she asked.

Social media star Sophie Rain has been swept up in pregnancy rumors - despite claiming to be a virgin

'I don't know who came up with that rumor, but it's interesting to me how one person on social media can comment something on a video I make and everyone else will run with it,' she continued.

The influencer even said that she was receiving nasty messages from trolls over the rumors.

'I get thousands of DMs a day with really cruel messages about this,' she said.

'At the end of the day I know haters will comment whatever they feel like will get them attention, but sometimes it's like leave me alone,' she continued.

She added, 'I am not looking to get pregnant anytime soon, I'm too young!'

Sophie previously claimed to have hit $50 million in net earnings on OnlyFans since joining the site in 2023.

Her astronomical income is even more impressive given that she's shied away from X-rated content.

'No, I am not pregnant. How could I get pregnant if I'm a virgin?' she told DailyMail.com

'I post some explicit stuff, but not as explicit as people may think,' she explained to DailyMail.com earlier this year.

'I am still a virgin and don't fit in the regular "porn star" category. I see myself more of the girl next door who happens to have an OnlyFans, but one that has so much more to offer than just my own body.'

Sophie's bank balance has raised some eyebrows among other adult content creators, including podcaster Adam22, who accused her of fabricating the figures for clout.

'They're welcome to question and think I'm lying because it just solidifies in my brain that what I'm doing with my career is next level and that I'm insanely successful,' she boasted.

'I'm so lucky to be where I am and I know this is not normal to be earning $50 million dollars.'

The young model has already bought a house with her earnings, along with a Porsche GT3RS worth $450,000.

The influencer famously earned $50 million on OnlyFans without selling explicit content

'I never ever expected to be making this much money,' Sophie gushed.

'I went from living on food stamps and serving tables to this new lifestyle in quite literally less than two years,' she continued.

'I now only fly private and can barely go out in public anymore unless I want to be recognized every minute.

'My family has officially retired because of my funds. They are living off of my income and I couldn't be more proud to be saying that.'

She's also invested a chunk of her cash into a Miami mansion called the Bop House.

The content hub, which houses Sophie and seven other OnlyFans models, has been called Gen Z's answer to the Playboy Mansion.

According to Sophie, her OnlyFans income doubled in December after she launched the Bop House and continued to grow in the months since.
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Believe it or not, I used to be entirely negligent about my hair. Im still not much of a styler, but hair care? Its essential. Post-50, tresses change texture, meaning low-key equals straw. These days I put the work into conditioning my locks. This is an investment that will immediately have an impact so follow my seven rules for a magnificent midlife mane.

1. Be unfaithful

to your regular hairdresser, every now and then, even if youre extremely happy with them. I recently played away with the brilliant Eugene Smith at John Frieda Mayfair (from 115, johnfriedamayfair.com) for a fresh eye. As Dame Helen Mirren, 79, once told me, its vital to keep hair evolving. Worst case scenario, it grows back. Eugene lightened thus lifted my layers, accommodating my latent curl. He also gave cracking advice on the precise position for my parting: in my right-hand recession - recessions being the areas on either side where ones hair is slightly set back, anything further being a dread comb over).

2. Get clever about colour

Colour  technology and artistry - has moved on by leaps and bounds. If youre still doing a blanket, one-bottle-of-permanent-colour job, time to think again. John Friedas Arron Taylor is an expert at a nuanced, nourishing, multidimensional zhush (from 185, johnfriedamayfair.com). I dont have much silver, so he covered miniscule micro-sections at the roots with multiple depths of permanent colour, weaving this with a rich ash gloss. Further down the length, he added a clear glaze. Fiddly, but fantastically shiny and face-flattering. For a DIY equivalent, use Josh Wood Colour Permanent Hair Dye (14, Boots.com) with Josh Wood Hair Gloss (now 14, amazon.co.uk), and Glaze Super Color Conditioning Gloss in Sheer Glow (15.99, Superdrug.com).

3. Oil up

Inde Wild Champi Hair Oil (from 29, sephora.co.uk) is superb, infused with Ayurvedic ingredients, and based on founder Diipa Buller-Khoslas mothers recipe for strong locks. It smells divine. I work it through with my (gentle, yet scalp-stimulating) Tangle Teezer Wet Detangler Fine & Fragile Hairbrush (14, Boots.com), steam it under a plastic bonnet while I take a bath, sleep in it, then shampoo it out come morning. The upshot: fairy-tale tresses.

4. Mask on

For scalp health, I love Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum (now 40.50, livingproof.com), a cocktail of pea-sprout extract and amaranth peptides which not only spurs growth, but allays grey. Mask-wise, JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Mask (from 14, cultbeauty.co.uk) contains hydrating vegan keratin, smoothing amino acids, and conditioning squalane for serious, yet super-light nourishment. I also admire Arkive The Future Youth Treatment Mask (from 6, Boots.com): ultra-restorative, while being weightless, making bounce guaranteed.

5. Shine away

Necessaires Rosemary Shampoo (28, sephora.co.uk) and Conditioner (28) boast rosemary oil, plant proteins and ceramides for stupendous shimmer. For still more brilliance, seek out LOreal Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment (16.99, Boots.com), which combats frizz, split ends, breakage and colour fade for glassy gleam.

6. Air dry

...as much as possible. Apply Olaplex No.5 Leave-in Moisturise & Mend Leave-in Conditioner (now 25.50, johnlewis.com) while damp - a sort of day cream for your hair. Or shape, once dry, with Living Proof Air-dry Styler (now 20.25, livingproof.com), the first natural-dry styling product Ive ever rated.

7. Power products

Ive fallen hook line and sinker for Sisleys Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo (58.65, johnlewis.com) and Regenerating Hair Care Mask (66), both lavish in fortifying vitamins, minerals, oils and proteins. Costly, but, boy, does hair look fantastic after use  supple, lustrous, altogether amazing, as if each strand has been hand-plumped and perfected.

For budget brilliance, I still wield LOreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid 8 Second Wonder Water (11.99, superdrug.com) for instant condition. LOreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Overnight Hydrating Cream (now 6.49, Boots.com) ensures polished tresses by breakfast. While Charles Worthington MenoPlex Volumising Shampoo & Repairing Conditioner (9.99 each, Boots.com) bestow impressively high-end results.

Spring Skin Salves

Race You To It

LAs luxury eco brand Uni has just arrived in THE UK at Space NK, where already the Uni Microalgae Body Oil (48, spacenk.com) is causing a stir. Fast-absorbing, rich in elasticity-improving fruit oils, fans are sold on its visibly firming and contouring abilities, and addicted to its subtle bergamot, jasmine and cashmere musk aroma.

Cosmetic Craving

Sweed Beauty was founded in Sweden in 2015 by make-up artist Gabriella Elio, aiming to offer the worlds best false lashes. Next, she turned her attention to boosting real ones with the award-winning Sweed Lash Lift Mascara (22, cultbeauty.com). Most mascara brushes leave the first third of your lashes bare. Sweeds skinny version coats each lash from the root to create maximum definition, separation, lift, curl and volume. Gabriella, 37, tests all her products on 50something women, believing that - if they work well on us - they will work well on everyone. Lashes look thick, emphatic and swooping rather than senselessly long and spindly - and it lasts. I am seriously impressed.
A woman has reached out to the internet for advice on how to deal with her 'overbearing' mother - who has claimed she is being 'kept from her grandson'.

Taking to Reddit, the parent, thought to be from the US, recounted how she invited her newborn son's grandmother to the hospital to meet him soon after the delivery; but the special moment was not enough for her.

Instead, she took the opportunity to state that she would be visiting their home less than 24 hours after mother and baby were discharged to 'help out and hold her grandson'.

Understandably, the wife and husband both felt that they would rather have some time alone so soon after the birth - and so suggested that she visit the newborn the following weekend.

The grandmother was not pleased with the offer, claiming they were 'banning' her from seeing her grandchild and adding that it was 'mean' not to allow visit when her love language is acts of service'.

'We caved and allowed her to come over the day after getting home from the hospital,' the woman's post read.

'During her visit, she proceeded to point out everything she believed we were doing wrong as parents (give him the pacifier, put him in the sun, etc.) and refused to listen when we told her that we did not want unsolicited advice.'

Two days after the incident, the grandmother was yearning for more time with her grandson yet again and messaged the new parents saying 'my grandson misses me'.

Internet users have been left in shock after a new mother revealed her mother-in-law's 'overbearing' behaviour weeks after giving birth

After previously giving into her mother's demands, the woman decided to stand her ground and said she and her husband 'are limiting guests until the baby gets his first vaccines'. She instead suggested that the grandmother visit in two weeks time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly she was not pleased with the suggestion and after ignoring the message for two days asked for a call with her daughter.

During this, the grandmother accused the couple of 'keeping her from her grandson' and added that she knows what is best for the new baby.

'I told her that we are her parents and she has no say in what we do with our child or when we would like to have guests over,' the post continued.

'She has now begun to complain to other family members that my husband and I are being overly cautious about our child's health and we don't know what we're doing as parents.'

She feels 'conflicted' about the issue - as she wants 'her to feel like a part of his life but feels like she is overstepping'.

Reddit users were quick to rally against the grandmother with several people labelling her as 'unhinged', 'an overbearing nightmare', and 'toxic.'

One commenter wrote: 'What she's doing is unhinged. Get a doorbell camera. Keep your doors locked, if she has a key just change your locks and don't tell her.

'If she wants to throw a fit like a toddler on social media or send family after you to harass you, count it as a blessing because she's going to give you all the evidence you need for a restraining order.'

Others thought that the new mother was being far too kind and needed to be firmer in the way she addressed the situation.

One person wrote: 'Your mother sounds like an overbearing nightmare. If shes going to accuse you of being mean? Be mean. Well maybe not mean, but brutally honest.

'Next time she says she wants to come over say, No. I dont need another afternoon of your criticism. Youre not helpful and I dont like having you here. If she trash talks you to other family or friends tell her to stop dragging you or youll go no contact.'

Another person said: 'She sounds like a pretty toxic personality to have around an impressionable child.'

Others gave suggestions on how the family can meet in the middle so that everyone's boundaries are respected and their expectations are met.

One comment read: 'In the meantime, make an occasional video call to her so she can see your child.

'Don't make it a regular thing, just once in a while when you have energy and baby is awake and in a good mood.'

A second users gave a different option, they wrote: 'Take the baby to her house or a public location for visits.

'This way there isn't that awkward moment when you have to throw your mother out of your house. Instead, if you go somewhere for the visit you can get up and leave.'

A final person hilariously said: 'Tell her that her grandson is still brand new to the world. The only thing he misses at this point is still being in the womb. It was nice and dark and warm and so soothing.

'Now he's out in the world and all he can hear is his grandma's squawking.'
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour has suffered from multiple production problems since launching in Los Angeles last week.

Fans on TikTok have pointed out multiple errors from the extravagant concert, while one of the show's backup dancers was injured and has had to pull out of the tour.

DailyMail.com can also confirm that there were audio issues at the second night of Beyonce's SoFi Stadium stint, with her vocals blown out and distorted for concertgoers in a number of the lower sections.

One of the biggest blunders on the tour so far has been a major malfunction with a pair of large gold frames which are held up and moved by two robotic arms.

In a TikTok video posted by user @makanaaaaaaa, Bey nervously looks down to see where she's supposed to be standing so that she can safely pose and perform her hit Cozy between the two frames.

At one point, she steps back and awkwardly puts her hand up to protect herself.

Bey's placing is important, as one wrong step could see her hit by the frames - which at best would be embarrassing and at worse could cause injury .

'She was so scared to get hit by the arms omg. But there were so many malfunctions tonight,' the fan wrote.

Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour has suffered from multiple production problems since launching in Los Angeles last week

Another added, 'The crew not marking Beyonce's starting position for Cozy is p**sing me off. That was so, so dangerous, plus if y'all are slipping up with small things like that, I would prefer if she's not swinging in the air on a horse shoe because we cannot trust you!'

The Cozy debacle is far from the only issue that's plagued the Cowboy Carter tour.

The gigantic screens used to broadcast the show glitched multiple times, sometimes freezing completely.

Given the huge scope of SoFi Stadium, fans in the back would be unable to see the concert properly without the screens.

TikTok user @igorxtt also pointed out that one of Bey's elaborate Renaissance costumes malfunctioned and that the diva was left standing on a large golden horse for too long after the crew seemingly forgot to bring over some stairs for her to use to step down.

A different clip also seems to show some of Bey's backup dancers forgetting to do their costume change, and another section shows a dancer racing on stage because they missed their cue.

Meanwhile, another dancer named Morgan Bullock injured her achilles during the second night of the tour and can no longer continue performing.

'Yes, I sustained an injury on stage last night but I will be okay! God always has a plan y'all and he didn't bring me this far to leave me here. This isn't the end,' she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

One of the biggest blunders on the tour so far has been a major malfunction with a pair of large gold frames which are held up and moved by two robotic arms

One of Bey's backup dancers suffered an injury on stage and has been unable to continue on the tour

There was also a shocking brawl on the opening night of the tour which saw several fans physically fighting in the VIP area.

In jaw-dropping footage, a group of women, all dressed in denim and cowboy attire, were seen brawling with each other.

Fans have weighed in on the tour issues in the comments, with one writing, 'I honestly just think this tour was rushed.'

Another wrote, 'Her videographer was there all night so we're probably going to get footage of her absolutely howling at the production team.'

A third fan added, 'I honestly didn't notice any of these flaws in the show... She's such an amazing performer that she kept the show moving right along.'

Despite the issues, the Cowboy Carter tour has so far drawn rave reviews from most critics and fans.

Fans have weighed in on the tour issues in the comments, with one writing, 'I honestly just think this tour was rushed'

Other fans have praised Bey's professionalism while most critics have given the tour rave reviews so far

The tour was the critics' pick in The New York Times, with the publication calling it a 'joyful extravaganza.'

'I cannot overstate how insane the level of production is on Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour. I kept saying "holy s**t!" over and over again all night. Not a slow moment the entire three hours. Absolutely bonkers, and so much damn fun,' wrote one fan.

'This tour is the best thing I've ever seen in my life and the fact that she topped the renaissance tour,' gushed another.

Beyonce has so far performed three out of her five shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

From there, she will hit up the Midwest for three shows in Chicago.

Then, she will be taking her tour to major cities including her native Houston as well as New York City and London.

Her tour will continue through late July before she wraps up the tour with two performances in Las Vegas.
Prince Louis is well-known for his cheeky antics and leaving royal fans in stiches

As the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Louis is fourth-in-line to the throne and unlikely to ever become King.

However, thanks to his cheeky personality and dramatic flair, the seven-year-old royal holds a crown all of his own - master entertainer.

The young Prince, who lives with his parents, sister Princess Charlotte and brother Prince George at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, has won over royal fans with his hilarious public appearances over the years.

Stepping out alongside his poised, regal family, Louis is known for bringing his playful nature and exceptional comic timing to otherwise formal events.

And the VE Day festivities at Buckingham Palace on Bank Holiday were no exception as the prince, who celebrated his seventh birthday last month, playfully tugged on his father William's military uniform, rolled his eyes at his family members and appeared animated as ever on the balcony of the royal residence where he watched the flypast.

It was a continuation of the lovable antics that have put Prince Louis on front pages around the world - and which have seen him scolded by his older sister Charlotte and mother Kate.

Among the occasions on which he has delighted royal fans are the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022 when he left fans in stitches by protecting his ears from the noise of the flypast while standing next to his great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.

Since then, at royal events, all eyes have been on Louis as he entertains the world with his cheeky facial expressions and animates gestures.

Louis ducks and swerves energetically as he tracks the war planes with his eyes

Trooping the Colour, 2019

Kate and William's youngest son first appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony when he was just 13 months old for Trooping the Colour.

Little did royal fans know that he was entering the stage he would soon command at royal events for years to come.

Held in his mother Kate's arms, Louis was already a scene-stealer as he pointed at the fighter jets as they flew above him and even joining in with the National Anthem as he clapped along.

The wriggly toddler prince spent most of the time in Kate and William's arms as he pointed up to the sky at the military flypast.

Louis was a natural on the balcony in front of the crowds, evening joining in with clapping when the national anthem played

Royal fans commented on how adorably grumpy the one-year-old looked, as he frowned while looking into the distance

Kate and William's youngest son first appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony when he was just 13 months old for Trooping the Colour

Hilarious pictures of the youngest Wales child show him scrunching up his face and looking rather unimpressed as his Prince William, attempted to humour his son.

Royal fans commented on how adorably grumpy the one-year-old looked, as he frowned while looking into the distance.

At one point, Louis was snapped sucking his thumb, while Princess Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, smiled lovingly at her youngest child.

Louis managed to get a smile out of many of the royals, with Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, beaming at his playful grandson as the young prince gave him a wave.

Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, 2022

Prince Louis' high-energy facial expressions caught the attention of many media outlets and it is often thought of as one of his most iconic moment in front of the cameras during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022

With VE Day and Trooping the Colour cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the public had a two-year break from Louis' mischievous antics.

But four-year-old Louis made up for lost time when he joined the Firm on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, where he was dubbed a 'rock star' and 'the star of the show' by royal fans.

His high-energy facial expressions caught the attention of many media outlets and the young royal made headlines around the world as the standout star of the festivities.

When the flypast approached Buckingham Palace balcony, Louis was seen screaming and covering his hands over his ears to shield them from the noisy fighter jets.

Louis was standing next directly next to his great-grandmother during the 2022 celebrations

When the noisy flypast approached Buckingham Palace balcony, Louis was seen screaming and covering his hands over his ears to shield them from the noisy fighter jets

The then-four-year-old hailed a 'rock star' by lovers of The Firm, who said the young royal truly was 'the star of the show'

Royal fans found the contrast between Louis' animated body language and Queen Elizabeth's graceful manner hilarious

Prince Louis pulled a number of adorable faces as he took in the action from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2022

It appears the sound of the roaring plane engines became too much, with some fans commenting that he seemed 'like a handful,' however, others were left in fits of laughter after watching the rather relatable young Prince.

Others found the contrast between Louis' animated body language and Queen Elizabeth's graceful manner hilarious.

Louis was standing next directly next to his great-grandmother when he began yelling, which made for a very amusing picture.

The late Queen was affectionately known as 'Gan Gan' by the Wales children - after Prince George created the adorable nickname for his great-grandmother aged two.

It wasn't long before these images went viral, with some predicting that the young prince keeps his parents Prince William and Princess Catherine on their toes.

King Charles's Coronation, 2023

The Princess of Wales was left chuckling as her youngest son let out a shout while watching the Red Arrows at the King's Coronation in 2023

Having too much fun! The little royal closed his eyes and drummed his hands onto the balcony topping during his outing in 2023

Despite it being an historic day for King Charles, his limelight on Coronation day was was stolen by his grandson Prince Louis whose playful antics were front and centre yet again.

While Charles and Camilla put on a display dressed in all of their regalia, all eyes turned to Louis who was pretending to play the keyboard and pointing up at the flypast, speaking about the event with his parents, Kate and William.

At one point, Prince George is seen chatting to his friends, who were pageboys at the Coronation, and Louis looks over, appearing to want to be included in the conversation about the impressive planes.

At one point, he gestured wildly out into the crowd as he spoke to the Prince and Princess of Wales, pointing and commenting: 'Look over there!'

But his father William appeared to quickly bring his youngest son back to reality, reminding him of the informal rules when it comes to a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance, telling the little boy to wave at well wishers.

The Wales family joined Charles, Camilla the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne for the flypast, who are no strangers to Louis mischievous behaviour.

The Wales' appeared to be amused by Prince Louis' antics on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2023 (pictured)

Earlier in the day, Louis also melted hearts again at Westminster Abbey during the King's Coronation ceremony.

The youngster was spotted cheering for his grandfather from the royal carriage, exclaiming: 'Yaaaay Say king. Yaaaay king,' lip reading expert Jacqui Press told Femail.

The fourth in line to the throne, who looked regal in a bespoke outfit by a Savile Row tailor, appeared more disinterested earlier in the day, as he yawned throughout the ceremony.

The cheeky prince looked around the Abbey and pointed at items as he sat next to his older sister Princess Charlotte during the opening moments of the historic service.

Trooping the Colour, 2023

By 2023, Prince Louis had cemented his reputation as the Royal Family's most watchable character  and Trooping the Colour was no exception.

The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales delivered yet another scene-stealing performance during the King's official birthday celebrations two years ago.

He delighted royal fans with a string of animated expressions and unfiltered reactions.

As the royal carriage made its way from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, eagle-eyed viewers caught Louis holding his nose and pulling a face  apparently overwhelmed by the pong of the horses leading the procession.

Prince Louis, five at the time, broke into a passionate dance on the Buckingham Palace balcony

Prince Louis (centre, between his siblings) made a point of holding his nose during Tropping the Colour in 2023

In another image, the Prince can be seen grimacing animatedly as he looks out of the carriage

The cheeky young royal was snapped covering his ears against the noise during the flypast

At one point during the 2023 flypast, the young prince (pictured) posed while pulling off a military-style salute

The young royal grinned and laughed during the ceremony, as he watched the flypast with members of his family

The moment, captured in hilarious photos, quickly went viral online, with many parents sympathising with the candid reaction.

Once safely on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF flypast, Louis was back to his usual tricks.

Clapping, saluting, pretending to fly an imaginary plane and covering his ears during the roar of the jets, the young royal was clearly in his element.

Dressed in a smart navy blazer, Louis proved that while the occasion is steeped in tradition and pageantry, the candid moments resonate the most with the nation.

Trooping the Colour, 2024

As the royal family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour in 2024, Louis was seen tugging on the curtain cords, yawning and pulling funny faces.

His antics contrasted with the more composed appearances of his older siblings.

One of the most memorable moments came when Louis began dancing to the Scots Guards' performance of 'Highland Laddie.'

His spontaneous jig brought smiles to the faces of those around him, including his mother, Kate.

Prince Louis itches his face during 2024's Trooping the Colour as the flypast commenced

The young prince yawned and sniffed, with little patience for the ceremonious festivities

Louis pulls funny faces as his mother, Kate, looks down fondly at him in the 2024 ceremony

However, his older sister Charlotte seemed less impressed, gently telling him to 'stop' as he continued his impromptu dance.

It was a particularly poignant time for the Wales family as it was the Princess of Wales' first appearance since announcing that she was battling cancer at the end of March 2024 and has since revealed that she is in remission from the disease.

Dressed in his signature navy blazer, shorts, and knee-high socks, Louis's expressive face and energetic movements captivated both the crowd and photographers.

VE Day, 2025

Prince Louis was back to his scene-stealing best during Monday's VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations in London.

The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales thrilled royal watchers as he joined his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the flypast, marking eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

While the rest of the royal family stood in composed reverence, Louis added some cheekiness to the occasion with his exuberant gestures.

Louis was seen mimicking the planes as they thundered overhead and gazing at the sky.

According to lip-reader Nicola Hickling, he recreated the 'chatter chatter chatter' sound made by the planes as he took in the festivities yesterday afternoon.

Cheeky Prince Louis was snapped pulling one of his funny facial expressions which made his mother laugh

Moments earlier the seven-year-old royal observed his older brother George, 11, brushing his hair aside

Prince Louis appeared to copy his older brother George at the VE Day celebration at Buckingham Palace this afternoon as the pair sat next to each other

The seven-year-old shrugged and talks to his brother George on the 80th anniversary of VE Day yesterday

The expert also said that Louis made his verdict on the celebrations clear when chatting with his family - and revealed his 'favourite' plane.

She claimed that at one point, the Prince of Wales asked: 'Do you know what it is' while looking up at the sky.

His eldest son, George, is thought to have replied: 'No but I do know it's got two way four engines.'

Earlier on during an event at Buckingham Palace, Louis caused royal fans to laugh yet again when he started mimicking his older brother, Prince George.

While the pair sat next to each other, Louis was spotted catching a glimpse of his brother gently brushing the hair from in front of 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 while pulling an over exaggerated facial expression.

And later in the ceremony, Louis appeared to roll his eyes at his older brother.

Sitting on the other side of George was his younger sister Princess Charlotte, who recently celebrated her 10th birthday.

She often tells her little brother to behave during royal events, and appears to be a stickler for the rules when it comes to official events, much like her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
A royal expert explained why ex monarch Queen Margrethe is in the main palace

Over summer, the Danish royals stay in the eastern wing, Chancellery House

King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark are on the move, shifting their family to the Danish monarch's summer residence on the shore of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg.

Former monarch Queen Margrethe also forms a surprising and integral part of their relocation plans.

The Danish royal family moved residences on Monday 5 May to Fredensborg Palace, where they will be taking up residence in the eastern wing, known as Chancellery House, for the summer.

The King and Queen along with their three youngest children Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, moved into Fredensborg Palace alongside Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, who had already taken up residence in the main palace.

The expansive property on Zealand island in Denmark has plenty of room to accommodate the whole royal family.

It is something of a homecoming for the royal couple, who lived full-time in the Chancellery from 2004-10 when he was still the Crown Prince and Amelienborg Palace in Copenhagen was being refurbished.

But royal watchers are intrigued by the fact that former monarch Queen Margrethe is staying in the main palace, while the current King and Queen's family have moved into the secondary accommodation in Chancellery House.

Royal expert and historian Lars Hovbakke Srensen explained to Danish publication B.T. that it was 'completely unproblematic' for the current King and his family to be living in the palace's secondary residence.

Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark waved to crowds welcoming them as they relocated to Fredensborg Palace on 5 May 2025

Queen Mary and King Frederik were warmly greeted outside the palace by locals who'd gathered to welcome them to their traditional summer residence

Queen Mary and King Frederik appeared happy and smiling on 5 May 2025 as they prepared to settle their family into their new abode, located on the shore of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg

The royal couple were almost upstaged at the welcome event by their two Border Collie dogs, Grace and Coco, who are also relocating to Fredensborg Palace

The expert explained that although it might seem unusual, Lars said it was an 'obvious' result of Queen Margrethe opting to abdicate the throne in 2024, rather than it passing to her son following her death.

'[W]e have a completely different situation than ever before, where we have a living, former regent,' explained Lars.

As the northern hemisphere summer approaches, the Danish royal family traditionally move their residence to Fredensborg Palace.

For most of the year, Frederik and Mary live at Amalienborg with their four children  Crown Prince Christian, 19, Princess Isabella, 18, and 14-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

However, Prince Christian will not be joining the royal family at Chancellery House this summer as he remains stationed in the town of Slagelse as part of his compulsory military service.

On Monday 5 May, King Frederik and Queen Mary received a warm welcome to their summer residence from the Mayor of Fredensborg and local residents.

The King and Queen shook hands and greeted crowds of Fredensborg citizens, who had gathered to welcome the royals' arrival at their summer home.

But the royal couple were almost upstaged by the surprise appearance of their two Border Collie dogs, Grace and Coco, who have also relocated to the palace for the warmer months.

The monarchs' arrival was also marked with musical performances from the Palace Chapel Girls' Choir and the Fredensborg Brass Ensemble.

Royal watchers were surprised to learn that former monarch Queen Margrethe is staying in the main residence of Fredensborg Palace (left), while King Frederik and Queen Mary along with their children have moved into the palace's eastern wing, Chancellery House (right).

King Frederik delivered a speech thanking the crowd and musicians for the warm and welcoming reception.

As the family reacquaint themselves with Chancellery House, they continue with renovations that royal expert Lars said would undoubtedly make the place feel like 'their home'.

The royal expert noted that Mary and Frederik have previously established a similar tradition at their main residence at Amalienborg Palace by not being bound to staying in a 'specific building for the regent', but rather opting to stay in the area within the palace where they have 'always lived'.

Chancellery House was erected in 1731 during the reign of Christian VI for the king's ministers and government officials.

It previously served as the home of Queen Margrethe's late mother, Queen Ingrid, until her death in 2000.

The Chancellery has had many purposes over the years, such as being used for royal court employees, public housing and even as a war time hospital.
Former US vice president Kamala Harris stunned spectators when she made her debut at the 2025 Met Gala, where prices run up to $75,000 a ticket.

The 60-year-old presidential hopeful attended her first ever Met Gala on Monday alongside husband Doug Emhoff.

The annual fashion extravaganza, which takes place outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, saw several A-list stars descend upon the Met museum steps.

The theme for the evening was 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' which explores black dandyism from the 18th century to its revival during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on fashion today.

For the occasion, Harris wore a custom look from Off-White, designed by creative director IB Kamara, according to Vogue. The black and white silk dress features a long scarf, a white sweeping statement sleeve and a pleated skirt.

Meanwhile, Emhoff wore a tuxedo designed by Brunello Cucinelli.

But some X users weren't as dazzled by Harris's Met Gala appearance as others - going so far as to describe her pricey attendance as tone deaf and 'out of touch'.

'You really never ever read the room,' one person wrote in response to Harris's Met Gala look.

'Democrat party is so out of touch lmao,' another user shared.

Someone else sarcastically commented, 'Continuing to demonstrate how in touch with the average American y'all are.'

'Totally the party of the working class,' echoed a fourth user.

According to multiple reports, the cost of entry to the Met Gala for an individual is $75,000. Tables for multiple guests start at $350,000.

The impromptu appearance didn't come as a surprise to some, considering Harris and her husband were protected by a phalanx of two dozen Secret Service agents and cops as they dined at Polo Bar, one of New York's priciest bars on Sunday night.

Harris emerged from the renowned celebrity hotspot with Emhoff about 9:30pm and stepped straight into a waiting bulletproof car outside.

The couple were happy to mingle with other diners, many of whom booked their tables a month in advance, and took photos with some of the diners.

Several Secret Service agents accompanied the couple as they dined for about two hours, with many more waiting outside to secure the entrance.

X users were outraged when former vice president Kamala Harris attended the $75,000-a-ticket Met Gala on Monday evening

All together, there were at least 25 Secret Service bodyguards plus NYPD officers, and a motorcade of four bulletproof cars as well as three additional SUVs.

The Polo Bar is not only exclusive but frighteningly expensive, with a menu of $20 salads, $36 crab cakes, and wine bottles costing a month's salary.

The ultra-expensive establishment appears to be a favorite spot for the former second couple when they are in NYC, as they also dined there on February 15.

Harris is scheduled to extend her visit to the Big Apple until Tuesday, where she will attend a fundraising event for the Democratic National Committee.

The upcoming DNC appearance may signal a career shift for Harris, as some reports have speculated Harris is aiming for a 2026 run for California governor or a presidential run in 2028.

A recent report from Puck News speculated that Harris may be running for governor of her home state, where she previously served as attorney general from 2011 to 2017.

Meanwhile, The Hill has reported that Senate Democrats 'aren't ruling out the possibility' that Harris could snag the party nomination in 2028.

The 2025 Met Gala saw the arrival of some of Harris's biggest A-list supporters, including rapper Cardi B and Gayle King.

Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were spotted at The Polo Bar in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday night

The 2025 Met Gala, which took place on Monday evening in New York City, marked Harris's first time at the annual fashion event

A view inside the venue for the 2025 Met Gala celebrating 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style'

Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour all served as co-chairs for this year's event.

As part of the opening of the Met's Costume Institute exhibit, guests were instructed to follow the dress code 'Tailored For You'. The dress code tasked attendees to embrace looks reflective of their own personal style.

In a statement to Vogue, Harris praised the Met museum's Costume Institute for highlighting the importance of black dandyism in fashion and American history.

'Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture, but also our policies and politics,' she said.

'Artistic expression - whether its dance, music, visual arts, or fashion - has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.'
Journalist Gayle King attended the 2025 Met Gala tonight, but may still be suffering from a 'confidence drain' after her highly criticized Blue Origin flight, according to a body language expert.

King appeared on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday as she joined other famous attendees for fashion's big night.

The 70-year-old CBS News host wore a custom purple gown by Chuk Collins, complete with a plaid peplum top in the style of a suit jacket.

This year's theme for the gala was 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', which is said to exlpore 'the importance of style to the formation of black identities'.

But as King braved the carpet, fans noticed that she didn't exactly ooze confidence... and it might all be to do with the recent merciless mockery she's weathered after taking a space flight with Jeff Bezos's fiancee Lauren Sanchez and singer Katy Perry.

'Gayle's poses suggested she might still be suffering from a confidence drain following the backlash after her space trip,' body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail exclusively.

'The peplum dress looks rather bulky and the way she holds her bag hand in front of her torso suggests a desire to use it as a barrier,' James continued.

'Bringing an arm around in front of the body like this hints at a subliminal urge to self-protect.'

Journalist Gayle King attended the 2025 Met Gala Monday night but may still be suffering from a 'confidence drain' after her Blue Origin flight, according to a body language expert

She wore a custom purple gown by Chuk Collins, complete with a plaid, peplum top and suit jacket trim

'Gayle King's poses suggested she might still be suffering from a confidence drain following the backlash after her space trip,' James told DailyMail.com exclusively

James also pointed out that King's awkward smile told a lot about how she may have been feeling on the highly scrutinized carpet.

'Her smile lacks the assured symmetry to suggest the kind of all-out confidence and arrogance most of the other celebrities were sporting on the staircase, but it's the raised brows that really hint at a less assured approach,' she said.

'It's a friendly gesture that suggests a desire to be liked or approved of. Gayle's body language looks slightly shy here.'

King's appearance at the event marks one of her first since she launched into space by Blue Origin (Bezos's space company) for an 11-minute mission on April 15.

King - who was joined by Perry, Sanchez, filmmaker Kieranne Flynn, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyne - enjoyed roughly three minutes of weightlessness before heading back down to Earth.

The flight and the subsequent emotional reactions of the all-female crew - who declared it to be a 'feminist triumph' - were widly criticized and mocked.

Model Emily Ratajkowski went so far as to say she was 'disgusted' by the profligacy.

King's appearance at the event marks one of her first since she launched into space for an 11-minute mission on April 15

The women crossed the Karman Line, often used as the boundary of space, and were treated to roughly three minutes of weightlessness before they headed back down to the ground

'They call it a ride, which I find very irritating because they never say men went for a ride,' she said on CBS Mornings

'This is beyond parody,' Ratajkowski said. 'That you care about Mother Earth and it's about Mother Earth, and you're going up in a spaceship that is built and paid for by a company that's singlehandedly destroying the planet?'

For her part, King has insisted the backlash was 'sexist.'

'They call it a ride, which I find very irritating because they never say men went for a ride,' she said on CBS Mornings.

She has also claimed that the trip wasn't 'frivolous' or 'lighthearted.'
Barry Keoghan has been brutally mocked over his 2025 Met Gala look, with some claiming he was looked like he was dressed for the conclave rather than the fashion event.

The actor, 32, donned a Valentino black suit with dramatic red sash and bejeweled sleeves and collar as he walked the red carpet at the ball in New York City on Monday evening.

But many X users were quick to poke fun at his ensemble, with some comparing it to the Pope's outfit or something the 'Karate Kid' might wear.

Others said it didn't fit this year's theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which is based on Monica L. Miller's 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

It is meant to pay homage to black dandyism - a style with European roots which started post-Emancipation and came out in full force during the Harlem Renaissance.

'Bro meant to show up to the conclave instead,' one user wrote.

'Is he going to the conclave?' asked another.

'Why is he dressed like a samurai in training?' someone else joked.

Barry Keoghan has been brutally mocked over his 2025 Met Gala look, with some claiming he was looked like he was dressed for the conclave rather than the fashion event

The actor, 32, donned a Valentino black suit with dramatic red sash and bejeweled sleeves and collar as he walked the red carpet at the ball on Monday evening

A fifth said, 'Karate Kid vibes.'

'Why is he dressed as a Spanish conqueror from the 15th and 16th century?' questioned a different user.

'He should have stayed home,' announced someone else.

Another person penned, 'Oh he looks a mess.'

'The way the e-mail containing the theme went straight to his junk mail,' one person joked.

'Not on theme,' agreed someone else.

Barry had an awkward run-in with his ex Sabrina Carpenter at the Met Gala - one year after they first confirmed their romance at the same event.

But many X users were quick to poke fun at his ensemble, with some comparing it to the Pope's outfit or something the 'Karate Kid' might wear

Others said it didn't fit this year's theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which is meant to pay homage to black dandyism

Barry had an awkward run-in with his ex Sabrina Carpenter at the Met Gala - one year after they first confirmed their romance at the same event

The Espresso hitmaker, 25, showed her 32-year-old actor ex what he was missing as she ditched her trousers to wow in a custom Louis Vuitton bodysuit.

The star flashed her legs in the burgundy tuxedo-inspired bodysuit with a sweeping train, while sporting her signature bouffant locks and heavy contour.

Their solo appearances were in stark contrast to the 2024 Met Gala, where they happily posed together amid their budding new romance.

Barry was hit by claims he cheated on the hitmaker after it was reported that the pair had split after a year of dating last year.

However, a source told Us Weekly at the time that the two stars being 'at different places in their lives' caused the split.

The insider further divulged that it's been 'challenging for their relationship since she started going on tour and has been gone a lot' and that 'their schedules were not aligning.'

'All the time spent apart it was hard to maintain a relationship amid her career exploding,' they said.

The source added that Sabrina was being 'pulled in so many directions' and simply did not have time to 'commit to a relationship.'
Every now and again a new piece of information will emerge about a topic so familiar that it sends the internet into a spin.

The subject of the day is sweets - specifically, Haribo Tangfastics, and the revelation that has stopped fans in their tracks is the true identity of one of the sugar-coated shapes contained in the packet.

When a Reddit user took to the platform to reveal that he and his wife of five years referred to a Haribo sweet as two different things, he triggered an intense debate about what the fizzy treat really represented.

The person wrote: 'After five years of marriage, we've just discovered that my wife and I refer to this particular Haribo sweet as something different to each other. What do you call this Haribo?'

Having posted a picture of the sweet in question - which features a circle with a hole in it attached to a straight piece - the man found that the responses started rolling in.

While a number of people agreed that it resembled a key, others were quite certain that the sour sweet was actually cut in the shape of a child's dummy.

Others, however, were conflicted, with one person writing: 'It was a key to me but I know theyre apparently dummies. But theyre clearly not dummies'.

Amongst more than 70 responses, another person volunteered that they thought it was 'a magnifying glass'.

A debate emerged online when a man admitted that he and his wife disagreed on the identity of one of the sweets contained within a bag of Haribo Tangfastics (stock image)

A Reddit user posted a picture of the sweet in question and asked others to weigh in

Remarkably, someone else agreed with them, adding that they believed it to be a 'magnifying/looking glass'.

Another person, however, was left stumped, explaining: 'I call it the thing with the bit at the end'.

For those looking for a definitive answer, their best bet may be to turn to the Haribo packaging.

Indeed, on the German-born brand's website, the matter is resolved once and for all thanks to the product description, which reads: 'Containing our popular fizzy cola bottles, sour cherries, dummies and crocodiles.'

But Haribo isn't the only big confectionery brand that has made shoppers think again in recent months.

Kinder Buenos have been around for more than three decades - but many fans of the sweet treat have had no idea what the name of the bars meant.

The two-fingered snack, which was created by Ferrero, launched in Italy and Germany in 1990.

In the following years, it was rolled out to more places, including the UK, where it is a firm favourite for many.

The Italian confectioner's creation features a wafer-style shell, filled with a hazelnut cream-style filling, covered in milk chocolate.

Two fingers are separately wrapped, with each divided into segments, making it easy to break apart and share.

Kinder Bueno bars are part of a larger range, including Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Surprise Eggs, and Kinder Joy.

In some markets, alternative versions of the bar are available, including the white chocolate Kinder Bueno and other flavours.

But while many have enjoyed eating the treat, most do not know what the name Kinder Bueno actually means, according to the Daily Record.

A post in Reddit's Candy forum saw one curious confectionary fan musing over the bar's moniker.

They noted that many people think it is a German product, as the word 'kinder' is German for child.

However, they added, it is actually an Italian product, which prompted them to question why it would have a German word in its name.

'Is it because the owner was German in origin but lived in italy ? Or was it because Italy had closer ties with Germany back then?' they mused.

Their post continued: 'But then when I read Bueno is Spanish and means good . That made me think maybe they had multiple share holders from Spain at one point? .

'Or maybe the owner did a lot of travelling and just enjoyed different cultures and languages? What are your thoughts?'

One commentator revealed that they were also baffled by the name, writing: 'Ive thought about this all the time.'

Another comment, from a now deleted account, shed more light on it, writing: 'Pietro Ferrero created the Nutella, Kinder, Mon Cheri, Tic Tac, Ferroer Rocher, Pocket Coffee. He was an Italian guy from the region of Piedmont...He wanted to have products that were able to conquer the international markets. So he chose names that had words in different languages.'

According to Kinders official website, the name was picked to directly reflect that the bar is delicious.

It says: 'Bueno means "tasty" or "good" in Spanish and we think it captures the chocolate bar's exceptional taste.

Kinder Bueno bars were launched 35 years ago - and the treat's unusual moniker has baffled some chocolate lovers for years (stock image)

One Reddit user said they have 'thought all the time' about what the chocolate bar's name actually means

'Kinder Bueno is a unique chocolate bar with a taste experience that defies expectation.

'Michele Ferrero created Kinder Bueno in 1990. He wanted to create a chocolate bar that was more refined and sophisticated than anything else that existed in the marketplace.

'So, he created Kinder Bueno, an extraordinary chocolate bar that has a unique combination of textures and flavours and a delicate dark chocolate drizzle to top it off. We carefully select all ingredients according to our high standards of excellence in quality, freshness, and we are committed to their environmental sustainability.

'Kinder Bueno is sold in packs containing two individually wrapped bars; we recommend eating one individually wrapped bar as a serving of Kinder Bueno!'
Prince Louis was hilariously caught rolling his eyes at his older brother Prince George yesterday as they joined members of the Royal Family to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London.

The seven-year-old royal couldn't help but tease his eleven-year-old sibling as they sat next to one another to watch the military procession.

Louis - known for his animated antics - appeared to roll his eyes when George looked towards him during the event at Buckingham Palace.

He also mimicked his big brother by brushing his fringe off his face in the same way George had done - but added a little of his trademark cheeky flair to the movement as he swished his hair to the side while pulling an over exaggerated facial expression.

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.

Sitting on the other side of George was his younger sister Princess Charlotte, who recently celebrated her 10th birthday.

The three children joined their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the King and Queen at the occasion in the British capital.

After the parade, Their Majesties stood alongside Kate and William and their youngsters as they waved to thousands of people from the Buckingham Palace balcony as the flypast continued the commemorations.

Prince Louis was hilariously caught rolling his eyes at his older brother Prince George yesterday as they joined members of the Royal Family to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London

They were joined by the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent.

But royal fans were left most thrilled that Louis continued to show his cheeky personality as he grows older.

One wrote on social media: 'Louis was very impressed by the royal flypast, pulling a series of awed facial expressions.

'We can always count on Prince Louis to be his cheeky self on the Buckingham Palace balcony!'

Another fan noted that there is 'no dull moment with Prince Louis', while a third commented: 'Please don't ever change Prince Louis.'

According to lip-reader Nicola Hickling, in the excitement of the day, Louis recreated the 'chatter chatter chatter' sound made by the planes as he took in the VE Day festivities.

Prince Louis appeared to copy his older brother George at the VE Day celebration at Buckingham Palace as the pair sat next to each other

Moments earlier the seven-year-old royal observed his older brother George, 11, brushing his hair aside

Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London

Louis couldn't help but pull a series of cheeky facial expressions as they watched the planes go by

Prince Louis, seven, looked to be in high spirits as he joined his parents on the balcony yesterday

Louis was seen moving to the right to get a better view of the planes - and even began to imitate them at one point

The Princess of Wales and her youngest son Prince Louis proved they're Britain's greatest double act with a sweet display on the Buckingham Palace balcony

The expert also said that Louis made his verdict on the celebrations clear when chatting with his family - and revealed his 'favourite' plane.

She claimed that at one point, the Prince of Wales asked: 'Do you know what it is' while looking up at the sky.

His eldest son, George, is thought to have replied: 'No but I do know it's got two way four engines.'

To this, William reportedly said 'exactly', and later, seemingly pointing out another plane, added: 'That must be Britannia.' At this point young Louis chimed in to say: 'That's my favourite.'

The display involving the Red Arrows and a score of historic and current military aircraft was the culmination of the military procession through London as the four-day VE celebrations began.

Earlier in the day, Prince Louis shared an adorable moment with his father Prince William and kept him looking sharp as he brushed down his uniform at Buckingham Palace.

The young royal took his seat next to the future king, 43, at the palace ahead of a celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

As he sat down next to his father, who donned his military uniform, cheeky Louis turned to William and began to brush down the shoulder of his military jacket.

Animated Louis has continued to delight royal well-wishers with his antics as he enjoyed looking at the fly-past

Louis looked to be very excited as he joined his family for the celebrations on the balcony

An animated Louis looked to hold his hand out as he and his family viewed the fly past yesterday

The Princess of Wales and Prince Louis watch the flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 05, 2025 in London

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, George, Charlotte and Louis at Buckingham Palace

The military fly past passes over The Mall and Buckingham Palace at the end of the procession for VE Day 80

The young royal sat alongside his parents and his older siblings Charlotte and George ahead of the parade held on Bank Holiday Monday.

As the youngest Wales child, known for his cheeky antics at public events, helped to sharpen up his father, he was also pictured tugging on part of the uniform.

And in typical Louis fashion, he also playfully stuck out his tongue while waiting for the action to begin.

When Prince William, who was sat next to his youngest, pointed something out to Louis, the youngest Wales family member was quick to recreate his father's gesture.
The Met Gala is without a doubt the biggest night in fashion, and with that, plenty of drama constantly unfolds around the iconic event.

From guest list predictions to full fashion analyses, fans love hearing all about the exclusive event, and all that it entails.

But you shouldn't believe everything you hear online in the run-up to the big night, according to an Italian model - who claimed he was fired from last year's festivities for upstaging Kylie Jenner.

Eugenio Casnighi, who was also a greeter, previously worked the Gala in 2022 and 2023, but went viral last year after he was seen in the background of photos of Kylie posing on the red carpet.

He claimed that he was let go by his agency, which he did not name, for taking attention away from celebrities because of his looks.

And this year, Eugenio shared an insider tip about people who make predictions on who will grace the style-savvy red carpet.

In a TikTok video shared ahead of the event on Monday night, Eugenio addressed those who claimed to know exactly which celebrities would be on the red carpet.

He told fans, plainly, not to believe them because 'nobody knows'.

Italian model Eugenio Casnighi, who worked the Met Gala in 2022 and 2023, told fans not to believe everything they hear about the biggest night in fashion online

The 27-year-old model went viral in 2023 when he appeared in photographs alongside Kylie Jenner, with fans obsessing over his looks instead of the TV star's outfit

'It's not real,' the model said. 'Nobody knows, not even the people working there.

'I remember when I was working there, asking like, 'So who's coming?' I don't know!

'Nobody knows unless you're one of the people working for Vogue that obviously is in charge of the list.

'If you're not that person, you do not know. The people that said "these people are going", don't believe them because they don't know either.'

Eugenio also shared a video last year revealing which celebrities he had a good impression of after meeting them at the Met Gala - and which ones left him disappointed.

Since he was tasked to accompany Kylie on the red carpet in 2022, he was able to get to know the Kardashians star a little bit better.

Kylie, 27, wore a custom Ferragamo gown at this year's Met Gala,which was themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

Kim Kardashian, who Eugenio described as 'nice', also attended the Met Gala and wore a crocodile-like leather gown by Chrome Hearts with a matching black leather hat

Eugenio also praised Blake Lively and Emma Stone - some of those who did not attend this year's Met Gala - for treating him well when he came across them

However, fans who were eager to hear whether Kylie was mean were disappointed when Eugenio revealed she was actually 'nothing but nice'.

'I'm so sorry to disappoint you all, because I received so many comments and messages about her - I have to disappoint you and say that she is nice,' he said.

'She's been nothing but nice to me. We talked a little bit because I was with her the whole night, she asked me where I was from, like small chat.

'It's not like we know each other, but she was nice, I can't say anything bad about her, she was nice and also looked very beautiful in real life.'

Another Kardashian sister also received glowing praise from Eugenio. Kim was also described as 'nice', with the model adding that she wasn't even 'in front of the camera when she was talking to me'.

Other celebrities who impressed Eugenio with their manners were Gigi Hadid, Billie Eilish, Blake Lively, and Emma Stone.

Speaking of Blake - who is currently facing a long list of bullying accusations following her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni - Eugenio said the actress was 'so nice and sweet', even more so in real life.

He added that Emma even asked him which town in Italy he was from and told him she had visited there before.

Eugenio said in his video that Doja Cat and Bad Bunny didn't quite leave the same glowing impression as others at the Met Gala

'It was like, "What? You care about me?" It was crazy. She is amazing,' Eugenio said of the Poor Things star.

Eugenio also recalled an embarrassing red carpet incident involving model and actress Kaia Gerber.

'I remember that when she arrived, from the back, everybody thought she was Zendaya, so everybody went crazy.

'But when they realised it wasn't [Zendaya], they were not that excited anymore.'

Finally, Eugenio revealed the two celebrities that left a bad taste in his mouth when he came across them at the Met Gala.

'And I'm a big fan! But that's why sometimes it sucks,' he added.

The first star to disappoint Eugenio was Doja Cat, who he came across during the 2023 Met Gala.

At the time, the theme was Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty and it honoured the late designer's legacy.

Doja Cat paid tribute to the iconic German designer's beloved cat, Choupette. She wore a glittering silver dress by Oscar de la Renta, with a hood featuring cat ears and facial prosthetics to complete the feline look.

But it seemed she took the catty character a little too far when interacting with others on the red carpet.

'It's not that she was rude, she probably was in the character of the cat, but everybody was trying to approach her and she was very like-' here, Eugenio gestured the motion of a hand pushing away.

He was also disappointed in Bad Bunny, who he said he is a big fan of.

'I don't know if it was the language situation, I don't speak Spanish, but unfortunately Bad Bunny didn't make a very good impression and I'm not the only one that said that.

'Even though I love him, I love his music, I love him as an artist. But when you meet someone you really like that is not too nice, it feels weird, because you've been loving this person but apparently this person is not very lovely. But that's OK.'

In separate videos explaining his work at the Met Gala, Eugenio claimed his agency had initially confirmed he would be working it last year but later informed him that he was no longer welcome.

It came after he went viral on social media for appearing in the background of Kylie's red carpet photos, with fans praising his looks.

But the model said he was 'blamed' for taking attention away from the stars.

'They blamed me. They said, "You made it about yourself, so we don't want to work with you anymore".

'It's funny because the Met Gala and the company that I'm not going to mention want models to work the red carpet.

'They want people to get noticed. They literally told me, "We picked you because we like you more than other people".

'But when people took pictures of the actual celebrity, like Kylie Jenner, and I was next to her, of course I ended up in the picture.'

This year's Met Gala theme was centred around the Metropolitan Museum of Art's spring exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

The dress code was 'Tailored for You', and stars turned out in fine suiting and menswear, as well as focusing on Black dandyism.
True crime fans have been left horrified over a Hulu docuseries about a serial killer who has been dubbed 'worse than Jeffrey Dahmer.'

The four part-series, titled The Fox Hollow Murders from ABC News Studios, explores the case of Herb Baumeister, who is thought to have killed around 25 young men during his murderous rampage in the early 1990s.

The married father-of-three would meet his victims at gay bars in downtown Indianapolis and lure them back to his 18-acre suburban estate, called Fox Hollow Farm, where he enticed them into acts of erotic asphyxiation before killing them.

He would then burn their remains before scattering their bones around the family property before his wife and kids returned home.

Once the authorities caught wind of his sick crimes, Baumeister fled to Canada and killed himself, leaving multiple unanswered questions - including whether or not he had an accomplice.

Viewers of The Fox Hollow Murders have been left incredibly disturbed by series, which revealed that 10,000 human remains were discovered buried around the property.

It is the largest number of unidentified human remains second only to the World Trade Center after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

True crime fans have been left horrified over Hulu's The Fox Hollow Murders, which explores the sickening case of serial killer Herb Baumeister

At one point, before Baumeister was caught, his young son even found a human skull in the woods behind the house.

'The Fox Hollow Murders should've knocked Bundy, Dahmer, and Gacy off the front pages. This is crazy!' wrote one viewer on X (formerly Twitter).

'Did y'all see the documentary about the Fox Hollow murders??? Over 10,000 bones found in the backyard,' wrote another.

A third added, 'Okay the Fox Hollow Murders may be the craziest doc I've seen in a while and I'm still on episode one,' while a fourth wrote, 'The Fox Hollow Murders is a WILD story. One of the craziest serial killers you've never heard of.'

Another terrifying detail from the series is the fact that the lower level of Baumeister's Fox Hollow Farm was filled with mannequins.

'Mannequins forever ominous after watching The Fox Hollow Murders doc,' wrote one viewer.

Another commented, 'I have watched many true crime documentaries, including serial killer series. I have never heard of these murders. This docuseries was one of the most chilling I've seen.'

Viewers of The Fox Hollow Murders have been left incredibly disturbed by series, which revealed that 10,000 human remains were discovered buried around Baumeister's property

Baumeister also kept creepy mannequins throughout the lower level of his farmhouse

Baumeister's murders remain a mystery as the only person who lived to tell the tale as a victim, a man named Mark Goodyear (pictured), has changed his story multiple times

Baumeister's murders remain a mystery as the only person who lived to tell the tale as a victim, a man named Mark Goodyear, has changed his story multiple times.

He previously admitted lying about his relationship with the serial killer but denied ever being involved in the murders.

Baumeister's crimes came to light when Goodyear came forward to claim he survived an attack by a man he met in a bar in August 1994, who took him out to a huge farm in the suburbs and tried to strangle him.

That man was later identified as Herb Baumeister.

Investigators have long believed that Baumeister filmed his victims, before, during or after their murders with a secret camera hidden in an air vent in the basement of his home.

The father-of-three is believed to have taken this crucial evidence with him when he fled to Canada.

His wife said his large tape collection had gone missing from their home and Canadian police spotted a box of tapes inside his vehicle in the days before his death.

To this day, the whereabouts of these suspected 'snuff films' remains unknown.

Baumeister is pictured in his police mugshot

Viewers have flooded social media with their thoughts about the 'crazy' docuseries

It is unclear what the tapes may reveal about Baumeister's killing spree. It is also unclear if Baumeister disposed of the tapes in Canada or if he had help in hiding them before he killed himself.

Decades after the murders, Baumeister's victims are still being identified.

Just last week, Daniel Thomas Halloran was identified as the 10th known victim of the man now believed to be one of America's worst ever serial killers.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison, who has been leading a new push to identify all the Fox Hollow Farm victims once and for all, announced that Halloran had been identified using investigative genetic genealogy.

Halloran marks the second victim identified since Jellison launched a new investigation in 2022 to identify all the remains and name all of Baumeister's victims.
She may be a future queen, but today Princess Leonor looked every inch the poised naval cadet as she stood proudly aboard the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the Royal Spanish Navy's training ship, as it neared the historic Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.

The 19-year-old Crown Princess of Spain, who began her military training two summers ago, cut a striking figure in her crisp white uniform complete with black insignia.

With her long blonde hair neatly tucked back and a beaming smile on her face, Leonor blended seamlessly with her fellow midshipmen - though her royal poise was unmistakable.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cadets aboard the four-masted schooner, Leonor appeared relaxed and confident, clearly embracing the demands of military life.

The stop in Panama marks one of several international legs of the Elcano's voyage - a rite of passage for Spain's naval trainees and a nod to centuries of maritime tradition.

Royal watchers have praised the princess's commitment to duty, noting how she's thrown herself into the rigours of the forces.

After completing her stint at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, Leonor is now gaining naval experience before moving on to air force training later this year.

It's a far cry from tiaras and ballrooms - but for Spain's future queen, service and discipline are clearly part of the crown.

Spain's Crown Princess Leonor, centre right, stands with her fellow Navy cadets on the Juan Sebastian de Elcano training ship

Leonor, right, was snapped on the ship as it approached the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City

The 19-year-old heir to the Spanish throne began her military training two summers ago, and is set to begin air force training later this year

It follows heartwarming footage from earlier this week that shows the Princess embracing her mother, Queen Letizia, after four months apart.

The Spanish royals were reunited at the Port of Fuerte Amador in Panama City, after Letizia flew more than 8,000 miles across the globe to see her beloved daughter.

Princess Leonor and her mother Letizia had not seen each other since January, when the young royal set sail aboard the Juan Sebastian.

Moving video 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.

The training ship of the Spanish navy is the third largest of its kind in the world, and has sailed more than two million nautical miles

Spain's Queen Letizia (L) embracing her daughter Leonor during a navy stopover, for which the Queen travelled more than 8,000 miles to attend

Letizia and Leonor beamed gleefully as they posed for an image during their heartwarming reunion after four months apart

Letizia's visit to Panama was an unofficial trip, sources at Zarzuela Palace told Spain's Hola! Magazine.

And their moving reunion was made all the more special - as this weekend Mother's Day was 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.

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.

Leonor is following in the footsteps of her father King Felipe as well as her grandfather Juan Carlos, who all attended military training with every of the three armed services in the country.

Navy Captain Pedro Cardona Suanzes, director-commandant of the Naval Military School in Marin, previously described the daily routine of the midshipmen to the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

He said that their life is 'non-stop' adding that there are constant tasks for them to do, from the minute they wake up until they go to bed in the evening.

The captain said the day starts at 6.45am. They then shower, make their beds and go and get breakfast all before 7.30am - when their white uniforms are inspected to be 'spotless'.

During the week, all students must be in bed before 10.45pm to ensure they get their full eight hours of sleep.

On weekends, pupils are allowed to wake up two hours later than usual, at 8.45am and first-years are allowed to stay up until 1.30am in the morning.

Before she started her three-year training, Leonor revealed her enthusiasm for becoming a cadet at the Princesa de Girona Foundation award ceremony in Girona last year.

She said at the time: 'I have just finished high school and I am about to start a new stage with a period of military training.

'I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our armed forces... it is an important moment in my life and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and giving my best effort.'
Queen Mary of Denmark was the image of effortless elegance as she stepped out for an evening at the Royal Danish Academy of Music tonight.

The wife of King Frederik X, 53, showed off her summer style in an all-white ensemble topped with a dusky pink blazer, perfect for the sun.

She donned a sophisticated vest, cinched at the waist with a belt, and high waisted culottes for the outing.

Adding a pop of colour with her accessories, the mother-of-four carried a pastel leather clutch and painted her nails a crimson red.

Elsewhere, she added a fun flair with snake-print high heels. Mary wore her chestnut tresses in relaxed waves, opting for a glowy yet glam make-up look.

The Academy, initially founded by composer Niels W Gade in 1867, is 'the eldest professional institution of musical education in Denmark and the largest with focus on classical music, with approximately 400 students'. Queen Mary is a 'Protector' of the institution.

The Queen beamed and shook hands with attendees as she we was welcomed to the venue in Frederiksberg.

It comes as earlier this week, Mary and Frederik beamed in the sun as they made the annual move into their summer residence at Fredensborg Castle.

Queen Mary of Denmark was the image of effortless elegance as she stepped out for an evening at the Royal Danish Academy of Music tonight

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, 56, and his wife Mary were both delighted as they received a warm welcome to the palace's Chancellery House.

The Queen was effortlessly elegant in navy trousers and a breezy blue button-down, teamed with a light white coat.

She wore her hair down and opted for a smokey eye 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 wife of King Frederik X, 53, showed off her summer style in an all-white ensemble topped with a dusky pink blazer, perfect for the sun

She donned a sophisticated vest, cinched at the waist with a belt, and high waisted culottes for the outing

Adding a pop of colour with her accessories, the mother-of-four carried a pastel leather clutch and painted her nails a crimson red

Elsewhere, she added a fun flair with snake-print high heels. Mary wore her chestnut tresses in relaxed waves, opting for a glowy yet glam make-up look

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 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 Queen beamed and shook hands with attendees as she we was welcomed to the venue in Frederiksberg

'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.

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.
The Mark Hotel has become the go-to for celebrities attending the Met Gala who splash out big bucks on luxury suites and fly in glam squads to prep them for the first Monday in May.

The Upper East Side hotel is a celebrity hot spot, as stars like Kendall Jenner, Bad Bunny, Doechii, and Charli XCX make sure to pose for pictures while leaving the premises and heading to the star-studded gala.

However, it's not just about staying at the luxurious hotel itself, it's also about how the staff goes above and beyond to deliver for their all-star guests.

Some celebrities have excessive riders, where they request everything from volcanic water to fried chicken from KFC delivered hourly.

The Mark revealed some of the intel to Conde Nast Traveler, explaining how they go all out to guarantee their A-listers are ready for the gala.

The Mark Hotel staff has provided volcanic water from Hawaii, which is said to offer better hydration, a smoother taste, and potential skin benefits.

Most surprisingly, the team at the hotel has replenished KFC every hour on the hour regardless of whether it was eaten or not.

They were also sent on a wild goose chase cross country when they had a brand who only wanted one specific type of tea in their suites. Only one cafe in San Francisco had the brand of tea, so they had to overnight it to make the brand's dream come true.

Some celebrities have excessive riders, where they request everything from volcanic water to fried chicken from KFC delivered hourly

The Mark Hotel staff has provided volcanic water from Hawaii , which is said to offer better hydration, a smoother taste, and potential skin benefits

Some people were shocked by the demands, with one person saying, 'Watching this in our current political climate feels criminal,' and another agreeing, 'I fully think celebs who have obscene unethical riders should be outed. The audacity to waste so much food, just because you can, is shameful.'

While the requests might seem over-the-top, these stars are paying thousands for the privileges of snoozing in the swanky hotel's famous suites.

While the least expensive room at the five star boutique hotel in May goes for a cool $1,400 a night, celebrities opt for much roomier suites, so they can host their helpers and glam squads.

The Mark Penthouse is the most exclusive option and costs a mindboggling $100,000 a night.

It's the largest hotel penthouse suite in the United States, coming in at more than 10,000 square feet, including a 2,500 square foot rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park, and conveniently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The lavish penthouse takes up two whole floors and boasts five bedrooms, four fireplaces, six bathrooms, two powder rooms perfect for getting ready for the big night, and two wet bars.

Of course, when one stays at The Mark, they're opting for the whole experience, not just the opulent guest room.

Visitors can enjoy in-room dining by celebrity chef Jean-Georges, wellness experiences like IV drips to perk them up pre-gala, and visits to the Frederic Fekkai hair salon to prep.

The Mark Penthouse is the most exclusive option and costs a mindboggling $100,000 a night.

It's the largest hotel penthouse suite in the United States, coming in at more than 10,000 square feet, including a 2,500 square foot rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park, and conveniently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art

If for some reason an aspect of their ensemble is missing, The Mark has a relationship with Bergdorf Goodman, which will happily open its doors for guests providing, who gain access to personal shoppers.

The luxurious add-ons haven't gone unnoticed, and have helped make the hotel the go-to for celebrities in town from London or Los Angeles for the big event.

In fact, there's even a livestream that showcases the stars leaving their lodgings and heading to the museum.

Many stars have taken to covering up their outfits with oversized coats to make sure they don't give anything away before they hit the red carpet.
Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed how she ditched her first Goop CEO after his mother was diagnosed with cancer in a shocking tell-all interview.

The 52-year-old detailed her pivot from acting to business in a sit down chat with fellow entrepreneur Emma Grede on her new podcast, Aspire with Emma Grede.

At the start of the discussion, the Iron Man actress discussed her first CEO, Seb Bishop.

'He came on board and he helped me start to think my way around how to do this and how to build a team,' Paltrow said about Bishop.

'He was running Project Red at the time for Bono and he was ready to kind of go back into e-commerce. We started to build a team and started to do collaborations and started to develop a supply chain and build an e-commerce engine on the site.

'It was a slow process of us thinking through how we were going to offer this curation and offer special products to people.

'That was kind of like phase one. It was when I was in London - very early stages of Goop.'

She continued: 'I had another CEO and then I was going to move to LA and, unfortunately, his mother became ill with leukemia, so he couldn't come and that's when I moved and I really started trying to run this thing kind of by myself.'

Gwyneth Paltrow revealed in a tell-all interview that she ditched her first CEO after his mother was diagnosed with cancer

The Goop founder, 52, detailed her pivot from acting to learning how to curate a business with fellow entrepreneur Emma Grede on her new podcast, Aspire with Emma Grede

Grede chimed in, clarifying: 'So it wasn't like a conscious decision "I'm going to get rid of this guy and become the CEO." That just kind of happened to you.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Paltrow's representative for further comment.

Despite ultimately parting ways with Bishop professionally, the actress said the pair are 'still really close' and she had just hosted his birthday party at her home the week before.

Paltrow's wellness and lifestyle brand launched as a weekly email in September 2008.

It later expanded into e-commerce and now collaborates with fashion brands, launches pop-up shops, and even has a podcast and Netflix docuseries, The Goop Lab.

In recent months, the actress has been in the throes of a comparison game between Meghan Markle's Netflix show With Love, Meghan and lifestyle brand As Ever and Paltrow's Goop empire - sparking rumors of a clash.

Speaking on a new episode of The World's First Podcast With Erin & Sara Foster, Paltrow was asked about a rumor that 'you and Meghan Markle hate each other'.

She said: 'You know what I won't be at this point in my life? Like, I won't be a pawn in some drummed up, you know, triangulation of women feud in order for your f***ing clickbait.

Despite ultimately parting ways with Bishop professionally, the actress said the pair are 'still really close' and she had just hosted his birthday party at her home the week before

'Leave us out of it, leave us out it. Like, don't do that. I will not stand for that.

'I wish Meghan nothing but the best. Like, like, it's so great what she's doing. I'm proud of her.

'Every woman deserves to go into anything that they want to do, like, people need to just check themselves.'

Paltrow added: 'She lives in Montecito so I've seen her, I've hung out with her a few times. She seems really lovely. I don't know her super well, but she seems really, really lovely.'

It comes a month after Paltrow addressed the speculation during an Instagram Q&A on March 25 after one of her 8.7 million followers asked if she was 'comprehending the Meghan Markle beef that social media says you two have?'
King Charles caught up with his good friend Sir David Attenborough in London

King Charles appeared to be in very high spirits as he attended the world premiere of Sir David Attenborough's new documentary - Ocean - this evening.

The royal, 76, was suited and booted for the special event and looked dapper in his black tux as he stepped out at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Charles is known for his love of nature and passion for bringing about conversations about climate change, first speaking about the dangerous effects of plastic pollution on the environment when he was 21 years old in 1970.

In 2023, he famously said that the 'world does not belong to us' at Cop28 in Dubai, adding that his grandchildren, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie would be living with the effects of our warming planet.

On Tuesday night, Charles was seen greeting people and waving at wellwishers as he made his way down the blue carpet.

The monarch also beamed as he spoke with Sir David while the pair posed for pictures together.

The legendary environmental broadcaster, 98, has his latest documentary which releases on his 99th birthday on Thursday.

The King and Sir David are thought to have a close relationship, as the presenter was also good friends with his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

The monarch beamed as he spoke with Sir David Attenborough while the pair posed for pictures together

The royal, 76, was suited and booted for the special event and looked dapper in his black tux as he stepped out at the Royal Festival Hall in London

During the event on Tuesday evening, Charles also shook hands with those who played a part in the documentary, including filmmaker Alice Aedy and marine ecologist Enric Sala

Sir David first met Charles when he was nine years old when he came down to the BBC studios to meet his cockatoo.

David, then in his twenties, was worried that his pet would bite Charles' finger off but he told BBC's The Eve of The Coronation show in 2023: 'All was well and it was a very happy occasion.'

The biologist added: 'He saw very clearly the importance of the natural world right from a small child,' and now the duo are thought to be close pals as they share many common interests.

During tonight's event, Charles also shook hands with those who played a part in the documentary, including filmmaker Alice Aedy and marine ecologist Enric Sala.

The film will delve into how the world's oceans have changed over the course of 100 years, with Sir David noting that there has been a catastrophic decline in life, warning that we are 'almost out of time'.

Speaking about his documentary, Sir David told the BBC: 'After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.'

The King and Sir David are thought to have a close relationship, as the presenter was also good friends with his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth

Charles is known for his love of nature and passion for bringing about conversations about climate change

Charles was seen greeting people and waving at wellwishers as he made his way down the blue carpet

King Charles looked smart as he dressed in a black tux with a bow-tie and donned highly polished black shoes

Sir David first met Charles when he was nine years old when he came down to the BBC studios to meet his pet cockatoo

King Charles joined the long list of glamorous A-listers to attend the event, including Cara and Poppy Delevingne, Penny Lancaster, James Blunt and Geri Halliwell Horner.

The new film is the 'greatest message [Sir David] has ever told', says its producer.

Ocean: With David Attenborough will see David delve further than ever before into the 'most important place on earth' - its waters.

After being significantly damaged by fishing and pollution, the film argues the sea is 'at a crossroads', but 'it can bounce back'.

Toby Nowlan, the movie's producer, said: 'This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. This is the greatest message he's ever told.'

Never-seen-before graphic footage of the damage that bottom trawling - a common fishing practice around the world - has done to the seabed is said to feature in the film.

The pictures will display how the chain that trawlers drag behind them scours the seafloor, forcing the creatures it disturbs into the net behind.

The process also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the sea, something which contributes to global warming.

The King and Queen - pictured - pose with their official Coronation state portraits at the National Gallery

Sir David will examine inspirational stories of ocean recovery in areas where destructive fishing is banned - such as the Isle of Arran, Scotland and Hawaii.

This comes as King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla had their official Coronation state portraits unveiled at the National Gallery on Tuesday.

Dressed in a castle-themed patterned tie and a smart navy pinstriped suit, Charles made his way up the stairs with trepidation, accompanied by his wife Camilla who wore a scarlet crepe dress by Fiona Clare.

The artwork, by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney, was revealed this morning to mark the second anniversary of the crowning of His Majesty at Westminster Abbey on May 6 2023.

In the paintings themselves, Camilla cuts an elegant figure as she wears her Coronation dress by Bruce Oldfield, draped with her robe of state, alongside 'Queen Camilla's crown' - formerly known as Queen Mary's Crown.

Charles, who is royal patron of the National Gallery, is depicted in uniform with the Imperial State Crown and his robe of state.

Mr Kuhfeld said he wanted to paint the King as 'both human and regal' while Mr Benney, who painted the Queen, said he hoped to capture her 'humanity and empathy'.

Now part of The Royal Collection, the portraits were revealed in the Central Hall, followed by the reopening of the refurbished Sainsbury Wing.

Their Majesties fortunately appreciated the artwork, with Camilla, 77, saying 'I just love it' while the King praised the 'wonderful composition' of Peter Kuhfeld's effort.
Cadbury's Marvellous Creations are now in B&M in two rare flavours

It's not everyday an Aussie treat makes headlines overseas - but one Cadbury creation has Brits buzzing.

A pair of uniquely Australian chocolate bars have landed on UK shelves, and local shoppers are scrambling to try the 'rare' chocolate that many Down Under grew up with.

British bargain chain B&M has begun stocking two varieties of Cadbury's Marvellous Creations - Dream Raspberry and Cola Fizz - which are usually only found in Australia.

The sweet news has sparked a frenzy among UK foodies keen to get a taste of the quirky chocolate combinations.

A B&M worker had to caution Brits that not all stores will receive the bars at the same time, and smaller locations might not stock them at all.

Inside the Cola Fizz bar are cola-flavoured jellies, fizzy candy chips and popping candy.

The Dream bar features raspberry-flavoured candy chips, raspberry jellies and popping candy, all wrapped in creamy white chocolate.

While UK supermarkets already offer the original Jelly Popping Candy Marvellous Creations, these two Aussie flavours are a rare sight - and the excitement online proves just how curious the world is about Australian confectionery.

Marvellous Creations chocolate bars are available in a few UK supermarkets in its original Jelly Popping Candy variety however the cola and raspberry flavours are a rarity

'That's my fave chocolate bar and I love cola-flavoured things so I bet I'd love that,' one woman gushed online.

'I might do a taste test between the UK version vs the Australian version,' another added.

'That Dream bar with raspberry chunks sounds naughty,' a third said.

Some even suggested the bars felt nostalgic - a taste of Aussie childhoods now being discovered abroad.

Still, not everyone was convinced.

'Ok this needs to be tried! Because cola and chocolate I'm not suuurree,' one skeptical shopper wrote.

'Might get stick for this but Marvellous Creations is probably the worst thing Dairy Milk have ever come out with,' said another.

'Sweepings off the floor. Terrible idea,' one critic added.

But for Australians, the sudden overseas interest is a reminder that some of our strangest sweets - the more chaotic, the better - may just be our most iconic.
A Melbourne woman has ignited a fierce debate about declining customer service in Australian retail, claiming that not a single staff member acknowledged her during a recent shopping trip.

Tasha Strachan, who has experience in both retail and hospitality, filmed the short clip after walking through three different stores and receiving what she described as 'zero interaction'.

'Does no one care about customer service these days?' she asked.

'Because I have walked into three separate shops and not one person asked, 'Can I help you with anything today?' Not one person.

'And twice I felt like saying, 'I'm surprised you didn't ask me if I needed any assistance,' because I wanted them to think I'm a mystery shopper.'

Tasha told FEMAIL she wasn't expecting over-the-top attention - just basic courtesy.

'I just want to start by saying that when I walked into these shops, I'm not expecting the workers to drop what they're doing and greet me.

'But at some point, you want to be acknowledged for walking into the store. To me, that's customer service,' she said.

Tasha Strachan, who has experience in both retail and hospitality, has ignited a fierce debate about declining customer service in Australian retail

Having worked in both retail and hospitality herself, Tasha said the shift in standards was hard to ignore.

'That's probably why I'm so shocked when I go into these stores and don't get what I would give if I was still working in those roles. But I guess things have changed,' she added.

'Sadly, I don't think customer service will ever return to how it used to be before COVID.

'Either people don't want to be approached, or staff believe they don't get paid enough to greet a customer or ask how they are - which to me is wild, as that's what customer service is.'

Her video clearly struck a chord, amassing thousands of views and triggering passionate comments from both shoppers and retail workers alike.

One retail worker bluntly wrote: 'I'm paid to do my job, not paid to care. My job is to be respectful and compassionate and put things on shelves. If you don't look like you need help, I'm not going to offer it. I have a job to do.'

Another agreed: 'I don't get paid enough to care about how your day is going. Are you going to buy anything? This is a clothing store, not therapy.'

But not all customers want help either.

The debate continues to rage online, with many divided on whether the onus is on the worker to engage or the customer to speak up

'I hate being asked! Just leave me to shop in peace. And as someone who works in retail, I hate having to ask! If you need help, approach a worker,' one commenter said.

However, others pointed out the difference between offering help and simple politeness.

'I don't like them asking me if I need help - I just want them to acknowledge me. Say 'Hi, how are you?' If I go into a shop and don't even get acknowledged, I walk out,' one user explained.

Another echoed the sentiment: 'That's what a majority of these commenters don't understand. You don't need to pounce on a customer and follow them around the store offering help, but you do need to greet them.'

Several users also highlighted how inconsistent customer service expectations can be, depending on the store.

'It depends on store policy. One place I worked, you had to do laps and greet every customer even if you'd greeted them five minutes ago.

'Another store said 'talking' to customers would result in discipline - even at the register. So no 'Hi, how are you?' No offering help. If customers need help, they have to ask.'

The debate continues to rage online, with many divided on whether the onus is on the worker to engage or the customer to speak up.

One thing's for certain - for Aussies like Tasha, even a simple 'hello' can go a long way.
Lacey Shadrick, 42, was obsessed with having pretty feet and has done DIY pedicures, clipping and painting her nails, once a week since she was a young girl.

But when her left big toe became infected due to an ingrown toenail, she couldn't have imagined the devastating chain of events that would follow.

She first noticed her toe looked swollen during a visit to see a family member in hospital last September.

A doctor on site examined it and diagnosed a soft tissue infection. Because Shadrick is diabetic, which increases the risk of infections, they cut into the toe to relieve pressure and put her on antibiotics.

Just days later, the mother-of-three from Sumter, South Carolina, was stunned to be told her toe had turned gangrenous and required immediate amputation  a procedure doctors have said likely saved her life.

But the infection continued to spread rapidly. Within weeks, she underwent three more surgeries, including a transmetatarsal amputation, where all toes and part of the foot are removed.

Nearly two weeks on, she is now in a wheelchair and will require a prosthetic foot if she has any chance of walking again.

Shadrick is now warning others about the dangers of pedicures and the importance of sterilizing tools to prevent infections.

Taking foot care seriously is especially important for those with diabetes.

When Lacey Shadrick gave herself weekly pedicures, her aim was to make her feet look prettier but the consequences were devastating

The disease occurs when the body stops producing the hormone insulin or doesnt use it properly. As a result, glucose levels build up in the blood.

This can cause severe damage to the nerves and blood vessels leading to a loss of feeling and slow wound healing, particularly in lower limbs, which can lead to foot ulcers, chronic wounds and injuries, and even amputation if these become badly infected.

Shadrick has dealt with many ingrown toenails herself over the years.

'It's just the way they grow, under instead of across,' she said. 'I've always managed them at home and never needed to see a doctor.'

She never imagined it could escalate into something life-threatening.

'I was visiting a family member in hospital and noticed what looked like a blister with pus around the toenail. A nurse looked at it and said, "You're diabetic, let's get it checked out".

'They said it was a soft tissue infection only, which is typical of an ingrown toenail.'

After her left big toe got infected due to an ingrown toenail, Shadrick couldn't have imagined the chain of events that followed

An orthopedist cut the toe in several places and inserted packing but left it uncovered.

By Monday, the pain had worsened. By Wednesday, the packing had come out from walking. Her doctor saw her again and warned Shadrick it looked infected.

An MRI confirmed the worst: she had gangrene, a condition in which tissue dies due to infection or lack of blood flow, and the toe would need to be removed. Gangrene can be fatal if untreated, with dead tissue spreading by the hour.

Recalling her feelings when she got the diagnosis, Lacey said, 'I didn't even know gangrene was still a thing.

Just days later, the mother-of-three from Sumter, South Carolina, was 'shocked' to discover she needed her toe amputated after it became gangrenous - leaving her 'close to losing her life'

As her infection continued to worsen, she was forced to have three more surgeries including a transmetatarsal amputation, where all her toes and part of her foot were removed

'I was septic and I was really close to losing my life. The infection was in my bone marrow. I was laying there thinking "what are my kids going to do if I die?"

'It was a massive shock.'

She returned to hospital for three further surgeries. In the end, she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis  a serious bone infection  and was told the bones in all four of her remaining toes were crushed from walking, a result of the undiagnosed infection.

'My toes looked weird, and I couldn't move them,' she said. 'Everyone thought they were just broken, but something more was going on.'

A follow-up MRI confirmed her fears. 'My foot was a mangled mess. The doctor had to cut into my calf and reattach the muscle to my Achilles tendon because my foot was turning inward. That's when we made the call to do the transmetatarsal amputation. I still can't believe it.'

Now using a wheelchair, she is unable to bear weight on the foot for six weeks and doctors say she will need a prosthesis to walk again.

But Shadrick doesn't have medical insurance, and the cost of a prosthetic foot  around $1,700  is beyond her reach.

'This was so unexpected,' said Shadrick. 'Youre never financially ready for something like this.'

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The former emergency medical dispatcher had her left big toe amputated on 4 October 2024

The stay-at-home mom, pictured with her husband Jeremy, wants to share her story to urge others to 'be careful with their feet' and 'trust their bodies' if they think something is wrong

'I was extremely angry with what had happened,' Shadrick continued. 'I'm trying to let go of that anger but it's really hard. This should never have happened.

'I can't do anything at this point because I'm not allowed to put any weight on it in six weeks. I can't even begin to see what it's going to be like just yet. It's scary because I know it's going to be a big adjustment because I have no balance.'

She believes her best chance of walking is with a prosthetic that fits inside a shoe. Without it, she fears she may never walk again.

Now, Shadrick is determined to use her experience to warn others.

'Trust your body,' she said. 'If you feel something isnt right, speak up. Dont let anyone dismiss your concerns.'

'And be cautious about where you get your pedicures. We take our feet for granted, but Ive seen what can happen if you dont take care of them. This is something women never really think about, but they should.'
Anne Shaw and her husband Louis like to travel. In the past three years, they have treated themselves to a couple of Caribbean cruises, as well as trips to their holiday home in Crete.

But this isnt an everyday tale of retired folk relaxing into their post-work years because Anne, 69, a former workplace trainer from Leeds, is in a race against time. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2021, when doctors revealed there was nothing they could do to stop the spread of the disease in her bowel.

I just felt numb when they told me, says Anne. Louis and I looked at each other and could not take it in. Initially, they told me I might have only three months to live, which was terrifying.

Thankfully, that prognosis has improved with the arrival of immunotherapy drugs, which have kept the cancer in check.

But Anne discovered something almost more troubling than her cancer fate. After breaking the news about her life-changing diagnosis, the consultant at St Jamess University Hospital in Leeds revealed that doctors had failed to identify a 5p-sized tumour on one of her ovaries that was clearly visible on scans two years earlier.

This cancer had since spread to her bowel and was now untreatable. Had it been picked up at the time, Anne was told, it would have been treatable with surgery and chemotherapy  likely avoiding the cancer spreading and becoming terminal.

We were so angry. More than three years later, Louis and I are still having counselling to help us cope with the impact of it, she told Good Health.

Its a shocking tale but a disturbingly common one, according to a new report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which investigates complaints against the NHS.

Louis and I looked at each other and could not take it in. Initially, they told me I might have only three months to live, which was terrifying, says Anne

The report said repeated failings in the way NHS scans are read were leading to delays in diagnosis and avoidable deaths.

In the past four years, the PHSO has upheld, or partly upheld, 40 complaints against the NHS involving scans not being done or delayed, and failures to follow up on results.

Cases in the report included an 82-year-old grandfather who was diagnosed with aggressive bowel cancer only after his fifth visit to A&E in three months, complaining of severe pain.

It transpired that doctors failed to identify the tumour on multiple scans, which meant by the time it was diagnosed, the cancer had spread and was terminal.

The patient took his own life before treatment could begin, leaving a note to say he could no longer bear the pain.

The Ombudsman Rebecca Hilsenrath said after the reports findings: Its vital that action is taken to improve the digital infrastructure of the NHS and make sure people are correctly diagnosed and swiftly treated.

NHS leaders need to address this as the important patient safety issue that it is.

Its not the first time alarm has been raised over cancers being missed on scans.

In 2022, researchers at the University of Birmingham examined scans of pancreatic cancer patients from two NHS trusts, and concluded that thousands of patients across the country may have died prematurely because of failure to spot the disease.

Almost one in 12 cases they investigated were categorised as PIPC  or post-imaging pancreatic cancer  meaning they were diagnosed late and only as a result of other factors, such as unexplained pain, after their cancers were not spotted on CT and MRI scans.

So why are tumours being missed? NHS England carries out 43.3 million imaging tests every year, for everything from broken bones and pregnancies to heart disease and suspected cancer.

The vast majority are standard X-rays, where radiation is used to create images of bones and tissues inside the body.

The rest are ultrasound tests (soundwaves are fired into the body to produce pictures of internal organs); CT scans (X-rays with computer technology to produce a much more detailed image) and MRI scans, which use strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to peer inside the body.

While X-rays are usually interpreted by technicians called radiographers, the other more complex scans (including breast X-rays called mammograms) that are used to diagnose cancers fall to radiologists. These are trained doctors who would have spent up to seven years specialising in radiology after a traditional five-year medical degree.

Theres a lot of interpretation involved  its not like radiologists get an image that says red for cancer, green for the all-clear, says Dr Katharine Halliday

Yet even for the most highly skilled clinicians, pinpointing problems can be complex and difficult, says Dr Katharine Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists. The first thing you have to learn is what normal is, and that can vary from one person to another, she told Good Health.

Then you have to be able to recognise things that may look abnormal on an image but are not necessarily sinister.

And when it comes to cancer, remember tumours start from just a few cells, so if youre going to catch it early youre looking for something really, really small.

Theres a lot of interpretation involved  its not like radiologists get an image that says red for cancer, green for the all-clear.

And looking for that detail doesnt only require expert knowledge, but is also time-consuming.

For example, if a patient undergoes a neck-to-pelvis CT scan (commonly offered on the NHS to anyone with a suspected tumour, injury or infection affecting the torso), this can generate hundreds of separate images and each one is looked at in detail, says Dr Halliday.

And its not necessarily sloppy workmanship that is to blame when things are missed, the Royal College of Radiologists claims. For years, it has been warning that its members are unable to cope with their burgeoning workload because there are too few qualified consultant radiologists.

It estimates there is a 30 per cent shortfall in the number needed and that, without urgent action to boost funding and recruitment, this will extend to 40 per cent by 2028. The upshot, it claims, is that the existing workforce is under pressure to process more and more scans and as quickly as possible  making mistakes more likely.

Indeed a 2018 study in the British Journal of Radiology looked at the working patterns of 86 neuroradiologists (who specialise in brain conditions) and found many were routinely working 12-hour days and taking breaks of 15 minutes or less because of their workload.

The researchers warned the situation was potentially dangerous and that patients were being put at risk. More recent data suggests they still are.

NHS figures from November 2024 revealed that, in the first half of last year, it took more than a month for the results of 420,000 scans, including MRIs and CTs, carried out in England to be reported back to the patients.

This is despite the fact that a year earlier, the NHS set a target for all scan results to be fed back to patients in 28 days  in order to ensure treatment begins promptly and patients have a better chance of making a full recovery.

Anne, who had already survived both breast and ovarian cancer, underwent a routine CT scan in 2019 for another health condition, lupus (an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues and organs).

The scan, it later transpired, had also picked up a 5p-sized tumour on one of her ovaries  but it went unnoticed, largely because it was not a cancer specialist who inspected the image but a medic looking at the effects of lupus.

The following year, in 2020, Anne developed frequent abdominal pains and returned to St Jamess Hospital for a check, only to be reassured by a doctor that everything was fine.

Anne adds: I knew I was at risk of getting cancer again and the lupus had all but wiped out my immune system [which meant her body was less able to fight off another tumour]. But when I raised this, the doctor made me feel like I was being silly and worrying over nothing.

However, the pain worsened and when Anne returned to hospital for further checks in 2021, a CT scan showed extensive tumours on her bowel.

She underwent prompt surgery to remove part of her stomach and bowel and was fitted with a stoma bag.

Although given a bleak prognosis of just three to 12 months when diagnosed, she has since been told she could live another ten years  if she keeps responding well to immunotherapy. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which operates St Jamess, apologised to Anne and paid an undisclosed sum in compensation.

But since her ordeal, Anne has been campaigning for a new rule for two doctors to vet all NHS scans in a bid to stop patients lives being shortened by missed or delayed diagnoses  particularly in cases like hers where she had a history of cancer that put her at higher risk.

This already happens with mammograms, whether or not a woman has had breast cancer, as part of the NHS breast cancer screening programme. But there is no requirement elsewhere for X-rays, CT or MRI scans to be routinely inspected by more than one radiologist. Sometimes we do use two people, says Dr Halliday, who specialises in paediatric radiology at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. But if every scan needed to be checked by two specialists, that would slow things down more  and people already wait long enough for results.

It would also put doctors under additional pressure.

One of the pitfalls of patients slipping through the net is that they often undergo more scans to detect whats behind their symptoms (if their tumour had been spotted first time, they might not have needed these extra scans).

This means being exposed to greater levels of radiation, particularly in the case of X-rays or CT scans. This is important because there have been persistent concerns that, for some people, this in itself increases the risk of cancer. US research published last month in The Lancet Oncology claimed CT scans (which deliver a radiation dose 70 times higher than conventional X-rays) are responsible for up to one in 20 cancers, especially in young children.

Researchers, from the University of California, warned the risk of getting cancer from CT scans was on a par with drinking too much alcohol or gaining excess weight.

However, the US has one of the highest rates of CT scan use in the world  around 250 scans a year per 1,000 people. In the UK its fewer than 100 scans per 1,000 people. Dr Halliday says: Whenever we get a request for a CT scan, we always ask whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

I work with children and they are more sensitive to the DNA abnormalities that any radiation can cause, so we are especially careful when it comes to scans.

She says modern CT scanners deliver much lower doses of radiation, although many NHS hospitals do still have older models.

Similarly, other studies have suggested repeated exposure to dental X-rays may increase the risk of thyroid cancer by up to 80 per cent.

But Dr Halliday says: Anyone undergoing two or three dental X-rays in a year, for example, has nothing to worry about  the dose used in these is extremely low.

However, she cautions against unnecessary use of whole-body CT scans, for which private clinics can charge up to 1,500, to otherwise healthy people who want peace of mind.

Its not just unnecessary exposure to radiation  these scans can throw up all kinds of things that might look abnormal but do no harm, leading to further unnecessary tests.

Meanwhile, scan-related mistakes are not always about failing to spot something suspicious  sometimes doctors fail to act quickly, with devastating consequences.

In November 2023, 70-year-old Jim Johnson, from Gateshead, died from a lung tumour that had spread to his spine.

Jim Johnson, from Gateshead, died aged 70 from a lung tumour that had spread to his spine

His wife, Eva, said: We thought wed have many more years together  we were married for 50 years  and its difficult not to think weve been robbed of those years'

The cancer had shown up on a chest X-ray a year earlier (in April 2022), when he was admitted to hospital after a fall at home.

A radiographer had identified the suspicious shadow on the scan and recommended that Jim be referred to a chest specialist as soon as possible. But the recommendation went unnoticed.

Just over a year later, Jim was admitted to hospital with severe breathing difficulties. Checks showed the lung cancer had spread to his spine and at that point was untreatable. Jim died six months later.

His wife, Eva, 71, said: We thought wed have many more years together  we were married for 50 years  and its difficult not to think weve been robbed of those years.

A Patient Safety Incident Case Review by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust found there was a lack of ownership for the test results of patients who transferred from the emergency department to speciality care areas.

Jims X-ray was missed, it found, because, as he moved through the system, staff simply failed to study his file properly.

Anne, meanwhile, is understandably angry about what happened to her. Yes, I got a payout, but nothing can compensate for the damage thats been done, she says.

Could AI stop human errors?

Human error is one of the biggest risk factors in the correct interpretation of X-rays and scans.

So could artificial intelligence do a better job? The technology works by using algorithms that learn to identify patterns within the images that signify a problem.

The most recent advances are:

SKIN CANCER: AI that can spot deadly melanoma skin cancer in its earliest stages was last week given the go-ahead for use on the NHS. Staff use a smartphone with a high-tech magnifying lens installed to take an image of the suspicious mole, which is then analysed by the software, called DERM. Tests suggest it is so accurate at picking out early malignant melanomas that it could dramatically cut the number of urgent referrals to dermatologists for lesions that turn out to be benign.

FRACTURED BONES: Earlier this year, NICE announced the rollout of four AI programs to help doctors catch hard-to-spot fractures  studies suggest AI increases the accuracy of fracture detection by about 15 per cent. More than 1 million a year is currently spent on compensation for patients whose fractures were missed, often in A&E.

BREAST CANCER: Doctors in Grampian, north-east Scotland, have been testing an AI tool called Mia to see if it can pick up breast tumours on 10,000 mammograms. They found it not only picked up every cancer case that medics did, but also spotted another 11 cases that they had missed.

PROSTATE CANCER: A Dutch study in Lancet Oncology in 2024 found AI trained to detect prostate cancer on CT scans did a better job than doctors  spotting that some tumours were at a more advanced stage than the medics had said.

BRAIN TUMOURS: Scientists at the National Cancer Institute in the US have developed an AI system, DEPLOY, which makes it easier to find brain tumours and identify their genetic profile with 95 per cent accuracy, it reported last year. This could speed up decisions on what drugs should be used to treat the tumour  potentially improving recovery.
A federal court has ordered the Chinese Government to pay $24billion to Missouri over the country's 'hoarding' of life-saving medical equipment during the Covid pandemic  that cost more than 1.19million American lives.

The state sued the Chinese Government in 2020, arguing China had undertaken an 'aggressive campaign to hoard and monopolize' personal protective equipment (PPE) in the early days of the pandemic.

It presented evidence China had 'nationalized' US factories producing PPE in China and imported face masks from the US in autumn 2019, before the alarm was raised over the virus.

The lawsuit claims this left Missourians vulnerable to the virus, and led the state to have to pay much more to obtain PPE for its own healthcare services than it otherwise would have.

China did not send representatives to court or respond to summons, allowing Missouri to win a default judgement from federal judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr.

State attorney general Andrew Bailey, a Republican, called the judgement from March a 'landmark victory' for both Missouri and the US.

He has threatened to seize Chinese-owned assets in the country, including farmland, to recoup the amount owed.

China did not immediately respond, but in a statement its embassy said it would not recognize the judgement and would 'firmly take reciprocal countermeasures according to international law'.

Pictured above is a man wearing a face mask. China has been ordered to pay $24billion to Missouri for hoarding PPE

Chinese President Xi Jinping is best by a wave of economic, foreign policy and domestic political challenges just months after clearing his way to rule as long as he wants (file photo)

More than 1.19million Americans died during the Covid pandemic, data shows  after the virus emerged in China and spread around the world.

In Missouri, the toll is 24,024 Covid-linked fatalities.

At the start of the Covid pandemic, many governments were left empty-handed in their race to secure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  like face masks, gowns and gloves.

Missouri spent $18million in March 2020 alone to purchase more than four million face masks  believed to have come from China.

But evidence presented in the case suggests that China was stockpiling PPE months earlier, even as it did not admit to the rest of the world that there was an outbreak and then said that there was no evidence that the virus could spread from person-to-person.

China was the world's largest exporter of PPE before the Covid pandemic began, and the lawsuit says had US-owned factories that were producing the equipment.

In response to the judgement, Bailey said: 'This is a landmark victory for Missouri and the United States in the fight to hold China accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world.

'China refused to show up to court, but that doesnt mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation.

'We intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland.'

Xi Jinping's China has refused to recognize the ruling (Jinping is pictured above in 2018 at a ceremony)

The above shows provisional Covid deaths per week in Missouri according to the CDC

And this shows the proportion of deaths in the state linked to Covid during the pandemic

In the case, Missouri said that China's stockpiling led the state to spend an extra $122million to secure PPE supplies. It also said it had suffered $8.4billion in lost revenues due to the Covid pandemic.

The court trebled this figure to calculated damages, which were then put to China in a default judgement.

The lawsuit did not claim any specific origin of the virus, although several agencies have concluded it likely came from a lab leak in China.

Instead, it focused on accusations that China's leadership was aware of Covid and human-to-human transmission months before other nations.

Prosecutors submitted evidence to prove this including a purported statement from a Chinese professor at Wuhan University who said he knew someone infected with Covid as early as September 2019.

And reports from the US State Department saying it had 'reason to believe' several researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology became sick with Covid-like symptoms in Autumn 2019.

It also cited trade data that showed how, in January and February 2020, China had imported 16 times as many medical masks as usual from the US alone.

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Judge Limbaugh wrote: 'According to frontline doctors, by November 2019 the rate of illness in Wuhan was so high that government officials were canceling classes in some high schools.

'In other words, by November 2019 (and certainly December 2019), local Chinese officials recognized the dangers of human-to-human transmission of the Covid virus to a sufficient degree that they were taking affirmative steps to limit gatherings of people.'

The ruling said the evidence submitted by Missouri's attorney general was deemed 'satisfactory to prove its point' since China did not appear or defend itself in court.

Concerns over the Covid outbreak in China began to surface in late December 2019, but it took until January 14, 2020, for the World Health Organization's technical lead to admit that it was possible that Covid was spreading between people.

The case was filed with four claims against China: Public nuisance, abnormally dangerous activity, breach of duty by allowing transmission of Covid and breach of duty by hoarding PPE.

A district court initially held that the claims were barred, but the Eighth circuit then reversed this on the hoarding claim.

The lawsuit named nine organizations in China, including the Government, the Chinese Communist Party, the nation's National Health Commission and the People's Government of Hubei Province, where Wuhan was located.

It is unclear what may happen next, but China could set the judgement aside for improper service. It is also possible that Missouri will start seizing Chinese assets or that similar lawsuits follow in other states.
Florida's air is turning toxic, with more than 50,000 residents warned to hunker down indoors as dangerous pollution levels soar.

Forecasts suggest air quality in Tampa is set to plunge into the 'orange' zone  or a level where federal guidance suggests sensitive groups, like older adults, should take precautions.

They warn it could cause coughing, breathing problems and exacerbate any chronic heart or lung conditions in sensitive groups, with older adults at risk because their bodies are less able to compensate for environmental hazards.

For healthy adults, however, they say individuals are less likely to be affected by the shift in air quality.

More than 403,000 people live in Tampa, of which 50,000 are aged 65 years and older  a group that officials say is at higher risk from poor air quality.

Making things more dangerous is that the shift won't be visible to residents, with no smog or wildfire smoke filling the air to warn of more pollution.

Instead, it is a chemical soup of ozone and particulate pollution that infiltrates the lungs, weakens immune systems, and worsens chronic conditions.

According to the EPA, the orange AQI level (101150) marks the point at which outdoor air becomes a threat to anyone with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory illnesses.

Officials say for the more than 13 percent of Tampa's population aged 65 and over, they should not step outside on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary because of the poor air quality

An urgent public health warning has been issued for tens of thousands of Florida residents with federal officials anticipating dangerous air quality levels descending on Tampa on Tuesday. Pictured, Apollo Beach in Tampa

Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain can appear or intensify - and for some, may require emergency medical intervention.

On its website, the Environmental Protection Agency  which tracks air quality  says that when air quality sinks to the orange zone people in sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

It says: 'It's OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.'

It also says those with asthma should keep their medication handy and those with heart conditions should take precautions, and be aware that symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue may indicate a 'serious problem'.

The orange air quality was initially forecast to hit the Tampa area later today.

'The Air Quality Index's health advisory messages for sensitive groups can only be effective if people recognize themselves as part of a sensitive group and take appropriate precautions,' Katherine Pruitt, Senior Director of Nationwide Clean Air Policy at the American Lung Association, told Newsweek. 'Research has shown that is not necessarily the case.'

Such a warning looms large in Tampa, where census data show that more than 50,000 residents are over the age of 65, and an untold number more suffer from asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung and heart conditions.

While the Tampa area is the only region in the US currently forecast to hit such hazardous air levels on Tuesday, the threat reflects a broader, disturbing trend.

The American Lung Association's 'State of the Air 2025' report reveals that over 156 million Americans, nearly half the country, now live in areas with failing grades for ozone or particulate pollution. A jump of 25 million in just one year.

Tampa may just be the latest warning shot in what health experts say is a climate-driven public health crisis.

Despite the EPA's forecast, no formal air quality alert has been issued yet because orange-level conditions don't automatically trigger emergency warnings. However, medical experts say the absence of an alert doesn't mean the risk isn't real.

Under these conditions, the EPA urges that 'children and adults with lung disease and older adults should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.'

Making things more dangerous is that it is not smog that can be seen in the air or like a wildfire that can be smelled on the breeze. Pictured, the smokestacks of the Tampa Electric company

For asthma sufferers, this could mean increased use of inhalers, emergency room visits, or worse.

'Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't deadly,' one Tampa pulmonologist said on condition of anonymity. 'People over 65 need to treat these warnings as seriously as they would a heatwave or hurricane.'

The EPA recommends the following precautions for residents in affected zones:

Stay indoors, especially between 10am and 6pm, when ozone levels peak.

Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning with clean filters.

Avoid strenuous activity outdoors, even if you feel fine.

Monitor symptoms: any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulty should prompt immediate medical attention.
Officials have unveiled huge changes to children's vaccination schedules amid low uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.

Health chiefs sounded the alarm earlier this year over a spike in measles cases in the UK, and encouraged parents to take millions of children for their jabs.

European health leaders also warned rates on the continent have doubled in the last year alone.

Now, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses have brought forward the age at which children receive their second dose of the MMR vaccinefrom three years old to just 18 months, in a bid to 'improve uptake and provide earlier protection'.

Two doses offer up to 99 per cent protection against measles, mumps and rubella, which can lead to deadly meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

There are four other changes to the jab programme which will 'optimise the overall protection of children in the UK', they added.

These tweaks include a new fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine that contains the bacteria Hib alongside diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and hepatitis B.

Health chiefs already sounded the alarm earlier this year over a spike in measles cases in the UK encouraging parents to take millions of children for their jabs

In England, 89.3 per cent of two-year-olds received their first dose of the MMR vaccine in the year to March 2023 (blue line), up from 89.2 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 88.7 per cent of two-year-olds had both doses, down from 89 per cent a year earlier

Known medically as haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, hib is a bacteria that can lead to life-threatening triggering infections including meningitis and sepsis.

From January 2026, 18-month-year-oldschildren turning one on or after July 1will be offered the new vaccine.

This is because the Mentorix Hib/Men C vaccine that until now has been offered in children turning a year old, is being discontinued due to supply issues, UKHSA officials said.

Once the changes are in place, the one-year appointment will still offer vaccination for the first MMR dose and meningitis B and pneumococcal booster jabs.

Other changes include giving a second meningitis B vaccine dose at 12 weeks instead of 16 weeks after a recent clinical study showed the benefits of earlier protection against the infection.

To avoid an increase in injections given at the 12-week appointment, the first dose of pneumococcal vaccine will be moved to 16 weeks

The earlier MMR jab will also come into force for children turning 18 months on or after 1 January 2026.

Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles. A few days later, some people develop small white spots on the inside of their cheeks and the back of their lips

Children aged 18 months to 3 years 4 months on 1 January 2026 will remain on the current MMR 2nd dose schedule and be offered their 2nd MMR dose at 3 years 4 months.

At least 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated against measles to prevent outbreaks, under public health guidance.

By comparison, the figure stands around just under 90 per cent among children in the UK.

Latest NHS Digital shows that up to three in ten children in parts of England haven't had both MMR jabs by the time they turn five.

Measles, which mostly produces flu like symptoms and a rash, can cause very serious and even fatal health complications if it spreads to the lungs or the brain.

One in five children who catch measles will need to go to hospital, with one in 15 developing serious complications like meningitis or sepsis.

It is is transmitted through direct contact with airborne droplets that spread when a person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

If one person has measles, up to 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

One in five children who catch measles will need to go to hospital, with one in 15 developing serious complications like meningitis or sepsis. It is is transmitted through direct contact with airborne droplets that spread when a person breathes, coughs, or sneezes

The average measles patient would infect up to 18 others if they were also not vaccinated.

People who had the original Covid strain, by comparison, infected on average just two people, however this number rose considerably with new variants.

Uptake of the MMR jab collapsed in the wake of study by the now discredited medic Andrew Wakefield which falsely linked the jabs to autism.

MMR uptake in England was about 91 per cent prior to Wakefield's study being published but plummeted to 80 per cent in the aftermath.

Dr Julie Yates, deputy director immunisation programmes, implementation and clinical guidance at UKHSA, said: Following a review of the latest evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a number of changes to optimise the Childhood Immunisation programme and increase overall protection of children in the UK.

With the UK close to seeing an end to Meningitis C circulating, JCVI advised that a vaccination is no longer required for infants due to the excellent population protection provided by the adolescent Meningitis ACWY programme.

Other changes, such as the bringing forward of the Meningitis B vaccine are based on evidence that will save the lives of more very young babies.'
Every day, research published in highly respected medical journals informs life-changing health decisions  from which vaccines to give our children, to ways to reduce our dementia risk.

And we trust that medical advice is based on good evidence. But could that trust be under threat?

The worrying truth, as Good Health can reveal, is that some top journals are refusing to retract influential research thats since been proven wrong.

Such fundamental flaws are often discovered by fellow scientists who seek to repeat the study experiments, only to find that the data simply doesnt stand up.

A retraction can be simply done, by declaring in print and online that the research has been withdrawn, yet journal editors may be reluctant to retract discredited studies because they fear it may lower their publications prestige. Sometimes the authors of misleading research threaten the journals with expensive legal action.

Even when journals do eventually retract bad science, this can often be a year or more after publication  with a fraction of the impact that the original research had.

At best, this leads to countless people receiving baseless treatments or advice  at worst, it could prove lethal. Indeed MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee have warned of the serious harm, including loss of life, highlighting papers that proclaim quack cures for infections such as Covid-19.

In a 2023 report, they urged journal editors to retract faulty research within two months of problems being identified.

In a 2023 report, MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee urged journal editors to retract faulty evidence within two months of the problem being identified

One major danger is that when discredited results are not retracted, they get cited by other studies in other journals, which in turn get cited by further studies, and so on, poisoning the body of modern medicine.

One example is the now commonly held belief that people who develop hearing loss and dont wear hearing aids raise their risk of dementia.

An internet search of hearing aids and dementia brings up a plethora of results confirming the dangers. High up is this statement from the Alzheimers Society: Studies have shown that people who use hearing aids to manage their hearing loss are less likely to develop dementia.

This was based on a 2023 study in The Lancet Public Health, which concluded wearing hearing aids when needed could cut dementia risk by nearly 10 per cent.

Understandably, the study made international headlines  and was subsequently cited in more than 70 further studies.

But what very few people appear to have noticed is that The Lancet retracted the original study in December 2023.

This was after Jure Mur, a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Edinburgh, tried to repeat the study  but found the numbers would not add up. In fact, he found that, among people with hearing loss, the dementia rate was higher for those using hearing aids.

Jure Mur emailed the studys authors in China several times but received no reply. He then contacted the journals editors, who issued a retraction  albeit eight months after publication.

After discovering that figures in a paper which concluded wearing hearing aids could cut the risk of dementia did not add up, Jure Mur got the study retracted

One of the most controversial current cases over retraction concerns four studies published in the early 2000s, which concluded that women who have abortions raise their risk of mental health problems, such as depression.

Despite leading academics repeatedly critiquing the methods and results  and other research showing otherwise  these studies are being used in US legal cases to limit womens access to abortion.

The studies were all authored by Priscilla Coleman, who retired recently as a professor of human development and family studies at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

Her research was used in the 2022 US Supreme Court judgment that ended American womens constitutional right to abortion.

One of her controversial studies was published in the BMJ in 2002, another in the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2011.

In February last year Julia Littell, a research professor at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, along with 14 fellow professors, wrote an analysis  also published in the BMJ  highlighting flaws in the interpretation of the data, arguing that after correction of these errors abortion was not associated with increased risk of subsequent maternal depression.

Professor Littell told Good Health that although the BMJ published criticism of the original article and partial corrections, serious methodological problems remain uncorrected.

A spokesman for the BMJ told Good Health: This matter is still under review.

Professor Littell also said: In 2022, the British Journal of Psychiatrys owner, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, overturned the recommendations of an independent panel that the article should be retracted after the author and her lawyers threatened legal action.

Few people appear to have noticed that The Lancet retracted the hearing aids and dementia study in December 2023

Two members of the journals editorial board, as well as independent panel members, resigned in protest at the decision, a BBC Newsnight investigation reported in 2023.

In response to the Newsnight claims, Professor Coleman told the programme she had published 63 peer-reviewed journal articles, with the majority related to the psychology of abortion. She pointed out that her career had spanned three decades with publications in highly reputable academic journals and that criticism of her work was driven by the political nature of the topic.

The editors of the British Journal of Psychiatry told Good Health: After careful consideration, given the time since the original article was published, the widely available public debate on the paper, including the letters of complaint available alongside the article online, and the fact that the article has been subject to a full investigation, it has been decided to reject the request for the article to be retracted. We regard this matter closed.

According to Nature, more than 10,000 research papers from medical and science journals were retracted in 2023  a record figure.

But Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch, told Good Health: We think that there are ten times as many articles that should be retracted.

A major problem is that people who work in medical journals are rushing to publish  as there is tremendous commercial pressure on them, so they may not have adequate resources to check crucial things properly.

Yet they are often in no hurry to retract them.

Julia Littell, a research professor at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, wrote an analysis of the 'serious methodological problems' of a study linking abortion and depression

Take research published by two journals early in the pandemic that claimed the anti-parasite drug ivermectin could treat Covid-19.

It was hailed as a miracle drug, mainly by anti-vaxxers. However, the studies supporting these claims were later shown to be unreliable.

The journal Toxicology Reports published one such paper in March 2021  it took 14 months to retract it. The Journal of Antibiotics published similar research in June 2021, retracting it eight months later.

Such delays, though, pale by comparison with the 12 years it took for The Lancet to retract the debunked and dishonest research that the gastroenterologist Dr Andrew Wakefield published in 1998, claiming a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and an increased risk of autism.

Research published last year found that a quarter of US adults still believe that the MMR vaccine causes autism.

And its not only the general public. A 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology found 127 examples of discredited studies that had been included in clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews (which compile previous research to produce best of results).

Even when debunked research is retracted, the process may actually strengthen the influence of bad research  this is partly because we prefer to believe information once were told it, rather than go through the mental effort of reversing our beliefs, suggested psychologists at Bristol University in 2017.

They recommended that when editors publish retractions they avoid repeating what the faulty study originally said.
Parents who frequently use their phone or tablet around their children may be damaging their offspring's brains and sowing the seeds of mental health problems, data has suggested.

Australian researchers analysed data from 15,000 children under five and found those whose parents had used technology in front of them performed poorly on planning, organising and attention tasks.

These children were also found to have more problems with sharing as well as regulating their emotions.

While parents have long been warned to limit their children's use of screens, the new data suggests parental usage may have a similarly negative effect.

The researchers said the harmful impact on children seemed to occur regardless of whether or not the screen was distracting a parent from interacting with their child.

Writing about their findings in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, the scientists, from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales, said screen use among parents leads to 'fewer opportunities for children to engage in activities that foster the development of cognitive skills'.

They added feeling ignored likely fuels frustration and other negative emotions in children, as well as selfishness.

Previous studies have suggested up to 70 per cent of parents report using technology while playing or eating with their children, often multiple times a day.

Parents who frequently use their phone or tablet around their children may be damaging their offspring's brains and sowing the seeds of mental health issues. Stock image

For the report, scientists examined data from 21 studies on parental technology use.

One striking finding was these children had increased risk of experiencing negative emotions, such as those associated with depression and anxiety such as sadness, fear and worry.

'When parents frequently engage with screen-based devices in the presence of their children, the childrens efforts to interact or seek attention may be met with delayed, dismissive, shallow, or absent responses,' the authors wrote.

Other data also showed the children were also more prone to external outbursts of anger, impulsivity and rule-breaking.

'Parents are childrens first and most important teachers, and child frustration can arise from inconsistent responses,' the authors added.

The researchers said their review was the first of its kind, and there are still unanswered questions on the impact of parental technology use on child development.

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The authors said further studies should examine time periods of parental technology use that are particularly harmful as well as the type of digital activity that proves most distracting.

'Regulating and controlling device use around children may help mitigate potential negative effects,' they wrote.

The World Health Organisation recommends children under two should have no zero dedicated screen time.

Children aged two-to-four should only have one hour of screen time per day, the UN-backed body adds.

Youngsters who spend too much time using screens are known to be at increased risk of a host of health and behavioural problems, from poor eye sight to regulating emotions.
Charlamagne Tha God has issued a blistering message to the Americans who have helped to raise more than $680,000 for a woman who directed a racial slur at a five-year-old child.

Minnesota woman Shiloh Hendrix was confronted by a man at Soldiers Field Memorial Park who accused her of calling a young black boy the 'N-word.'

When questioned, the woman does not deny the accusation and responds, 'If that's what he's gonna act like,' before repeating the slur toward the man filming and making an obscene gesture.

As the video went viral, Hendrix started a crowdsourcing page to raise money for her family, complaining they may have to uproot their lives and move due to the backlash she had received.

Within just days, the initial target of $50,000 was achieved, and has continued to soar, reaching $685,000 as of Monday night. By comparison, $341,594 has been raised for the family of the boy who was targeted.

In an extraordinary takedown on Monday on his radio show, Charlamagne Tha God said it was no wonder 'some people spell America with three Ks,' - referring to the Ku Klux Klan - an extremist, white supremacist, hate group.

While Hendrix complained she was being villainized and attacked for her comments, she also refused to backtrack, instead writing on her fundraising page: 'I called the kid out for what he was.'

In his takedown, Charlamagne Tha God told the mom: 'You aren't being attacked, Shiloh.

Charlamagne Tha God has issued a blistering message to the Americans who have helped to raise more than $650,000 for a woman who directed a racial slur at a five-year-old child

'You're being called out and held accountable because you called a little five-year-old boy the N-word; and accountability feels like an attack when you're not ready to acknowledge your toxic behavior.

'Shiloh concluded her message by asking for funds to ''assist in protecting my family'' and potentially relocate.

'Yet another example that free speech ain't free. Why are you using words that you can't afford to use, Shiloh?'

On the fundraiser page, Hendrix claimed she is being doxed since the video went viral.

'My name is Shiloh and I have been put into a very dire situation. I recently had a kid steal from my 18 month old son's diaper bag at a park. I called the kid out for what he was,' the fundraiser stated.

'My family members are being attacked. My eldest child may not be going back to school. Even where I exercise has been exposed.'

She claimed her Social Security Number has been leaked along with her address and phone number.

'I fear that we must relocate. I have two small children who do not deserve this. We have been threatened to the extreme by people online. Anything will help! We cannot, and will not live in fear!' she said.

The confrontation reportedly began after she claimed the child took a toy from her son's diaper bag

Shiloh Hendrix was recorded at Soldiers Field Memorial Park directing a racial slur at a five-year-old black child

An anonymous donor gave $10,000 to her appeal, with thousands of others giving a sum of $678,937. Her goal is $1million

While the video has sparked mass backlash online, Hendrix' appeal has clearly struck a nerve within the community, who have rallied behind her.

An anonymous donor gave $10,000 to her appeal, with thousands of others giving a sum of $678,937. Her goal is $1million.

Charlamagne Tha God said he went through GiveSendGo's terms and conditions and determined that she had not breached any policy with her campaign.

But in a direct criticism of the platform, he said: 'You are complicit in rewarding racism.

'Only in America can you call a five year old boy the N-word, get called out on it, and then play victim and raise almost $700,000.'

The confrontation reportedly began after she claimed the child took a toy from her son's diaper bag.

'So that gives you the right to call the child, 5-years-old, a n*****, the 'N-word?' the man filming the exchange asks her.
Billionaire Barry Diller has come out as gay - but insists he enjoyed a full sexual relationship with fashion designer wife Diane Von Furstenberg.

Diller, a renowned media exec who previously served as CEO for both Fox and Paramount, opened up about his homosexuality in a soul-baring article penned for New York magazine Tuesday.

The 83-year-old credited with creating the Fox channel wrote of Von Furstenberg: 'While there have been a good many men in my life, there has only ever been one woman.

'And she didnt come into my life until I was 33 years old.'

Diller and Von Furstenberg enjoyed a jewel-encrusted existence after meeting in 1974, with the jet-setting pair splitting their time between ritzy New York, Connecticut, Los Angeles and Aspen.

They split during the early days of the disco era in the late 1970s, with Von Furstenberg subsequently hooking up with actor Richard Gere, whose movie American Gigolo was being produced by Diller at the time.

Diller told of how he bought Von Furstenberg with 29 diamonds for her 29th birthday - and ended up giving them to her in a Band-Aid box.

The pair enjoyed an on-off relationship and finally wed in 2001 - a union some dismissed as attempt to put to bed rumors of his homosexuality.

Diller has now confirmed that he is indeed gay and has always been attracted to men.

Barry Diller, pictured with wife Diane Von Furstenberg in 2000, has come out as gay. He previously held leadership positions at Paramount, ABC, and Twentieth Century Fox, and is credited with creating the Fox network

Diller, a renowned media exec who previously served as CEO for both Fox and Paramount, opened up about his homosexuality in an article penned for New York magazine. Despite being married, speculation has swirled surrounding his sexuality for decades

But he also insists that his romance with Von Furstenberg, 78, is genuine.

The pair's early passion was so intense they were once caught having sex by billionaire music mogul David Geffen while visiting his house, he writes.

Like Diller, 82-year-old Geffen spent his formative years dating a steady stable of women that included Cher before coming out as gay in 1992.

Diller first, though, wrote how he initially met Von Furstenberg in 1974 - an encounter 'that began with indifference' at a high-profile gathering at the famed Dakota apartment building on the Upper West Side.

At the time, Diller was the CEO and chairman of Paramount and Von Furstenberg, now 78, was wed to her first husband Austrian Prince Egon von Furstenberg.

Both were present at the party, and it saw the noble criticize Diller's outfit (rightfully, he admitted).

A quick interaction with his wife offered no hint of the romance that would eventually come, Diller recalled.

'She looked through me like cellophane, and I left that night thinking that after her casual obliviousness and Egons put-down, nothing could ever induce me to see either of them again,' the mogul remembered.

Portrait of of fashion designer von Furstenberg and her first husband, Austrian prince Egon von Furstenberg in New York City in the early 70s

Nine months later, while returning from his first vacation as boss of Paramount, he arrived home to an invitation for a dinner being held by Von Furstenberg for mutual friend Sue Mengers.

The late, well-known Hollywood agent ended up coaxing Diller to come after he had initially declined.

When he did, he recalled hitting it off with the statuesque dress designer, who had already separated from her her first husband by that point. The two would divorce in 1983.

During the party, he and Von Furstenberg made their way to a sofa - 'far away from the rest - where they spoke, flirted, and exchanged information.

On his way to the elevator, Diller - despite already coming to terms with being gay - said he realized had been seduced.

He called Von Furstenberg - creator of the wrap dress - the next day, and they enjoyed an authentic Chinese dinner Diller noted was 'served by her Chinese butler and cooked by his wife.'

Afterward, 'on the same sofa as the night before,' he notes - the two made out at length 'like teenagers.'

'[It was] something I hadnt done with a female since I was 16 years old.'

In his op-ed, Diller described the pair's on-and-off relationship over the years, and how it culminated in marriage in 2001. The two are seen together four years after Von Furstenberg split with the noble in 1972

The two would continue their whirlwind relationship until the early days of Studio 54, until a fling between Von Furstenberg and Richard Gere brought it to an abrupt end.

Diller blamed the blowup to his 'overreaction' to the romance, which took place when Gere had been filming for American Gigolo. Diller was one of the film's producers.

Over the course of the next decade, 'without plot or plan,' the two reconnected, eventually growing closer and closer, before rekindling their 'first ferocious love,' Diller said.

On February 2, 2001, the two finally tied the knot, 26 years after that first, fateful meeting.

By this point, Diller had held successful stints at not only Paramount, but Fox and QVC as well.

He would go on to join the board of Coca-Cola the following year - a position he retains today.

At the time, Diller was heading the technology company Expedia. Now worth a reported $4billion, he still works there today.

Diller, pictured with Von Furstenberg in 1993, suggested that he has always known that he's gay, but that he has only been able to speak openly about his sexuality after decades in the closet

Diller - a prominent Democratic donor who voiced support for Kamala Harris last year - also revealed how years before the two met, he was secretly cruising for men in West Hollywood as a teen.

This was before his professional stock would rise, starting in the 1960s and 1970s.

He also detailed a trip to gay haven Fire Island Pines during this time, where he says he was so overwhelmed by the free and open homosexuality on display that he fled the barrier island solo on a boat.

Over the course of the piece, Diller further admitted his fears that his preference for men would derail his burgeoning career, recalling how he 'would never bring a man as a date to a heterosexual event' but would never bring 'a woman as a beard, either.'

Describing his behavior at the time, Diller added: 'I wouldnt do a single thing to make anyone believe I was living a heterosexual life.'

He recalled how he'd regularly 'dart in and out' of the side doors of gay bars while putting his sexuality 'in a distant box'.

As for why he didn't come out during the midst of his success, Diller said he was simply 'too scared to do so,' and said that coming of age in a less tolerant era had made him the way he is.

Diller also wrote rather movingly of how he enjoyed the material fruits of his labor while living an 'arid' existence because of his repressed sexuality.

Von Furstenberg - whose wrap dress served as a symbol of women's liberation in the 70s - has yet to issue a statement on her husband's piece.
Famed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has addressed an op-ed penned by her husband Barry Diller that saw him finally come out as gay - but first paid tribute to another man who was honored at Monday's Met Gala.

The show had honored late Vogue editor-at-large Andre Talley, as well as several other black men who made advancements in the fashion industry.

Talley, who died in 2022 at 73, had been a 'close friend' of von Furstenberg, 78, for more than a half-century - roughly the same amount of time she's known Diller, a well-known exec who worked his way from the William Morris mail room to the top of his own media empire.

On Tuesday, New York magazine published a sprawling op-ed penned by Diller that discussed his relationship with von Furstenberg, whom he wed in 2001.

Diller, 83, put to bed speculation the union was a ruse to keep up appearances in the process, revealing his real love for a designer credited with inventing the wrap dress.

The former Fox exec also revealed he was, in fact, gay - something many believed but was never confirmed until Tuesday.

Von Furstenberg went on to address the story in an interview with The New York Times, after first taking the time to remember and pay tribute to her old friend Talley, who inspired this year's 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme and exhibit.

Famed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has addressed an op-ed penned by her husband Barry Diller that saw him finally come out as gay

She did pay tribute to another man who was honored at Monday's Met Gala, late fashion journalist - and longtime friend - Andre Talley

'Many decades ago I met @andreltalley, a young black man who personified style and lived to inspire it!' the Belgian fashionista wrote over a series of photos of the late fashion journalist.

'Last night when the Met Gala celebrated their show "Superfine: tailoring Black Style I know that Andre was looking down from Heaven and thanking Anna Wintour, Vogue, Andrew Bolton, the Met for honoring black style!!!'

She added how Talley - who was also gay - once worked at the same museum where his exhibit was held when he interned for former editor-in-chief of Vogue Diana Vreeland.

'I am sorry to have missed the ball being in Venice for my project at the Bienale[sic],' she added. 'But I cant wait to see the show.'

She capped the post with a heart and prayer emoji, before sharing two other vintage photos of the two together.

When reached by the Times, the designer said she did not see the story as Diller coming out, but rather him merely telling the truth.

'All I can tell you is Barry and I have had an incredible life, love for 50 years,' she said, days before her husband is set to publish a memoir.

'We have been lovers, friends, married, everything,' she went on, echoing Diller's piece.

The two had been friends for more than a half-century before his death in 2023, leading her to honor the ex-Vogue editor after missing the Met Gala

'Many decades ago I met @andreltalley, a young black man who personified style and lived to inspire it!' the Belgian fashionista wrote over a series of photos of the late fashion journalist, who inspired this year's 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme and exhibit

'I am sorry to have missed the ball being in Venice for my project at the Bienale[sic],' she added of the ceremony, which was attended by Talley's old boss Anna Wintour. 'But I cant wait to see the show,' von Furstenberg added

'And, you know, for me, the secret to honor life, and to honor love, is never to lie.

'Today, he opened to the world,' she added. 'To me, he opened 50 years ago.'

Hours before, her husband of almost 25 years poured his heart out to thousands of New York magazine readers, offering a moving glimpse into his and von Furstenberg's relationship for the first time.

It discussed how the pair's early passion was so intense they were once caught having sex by billionaire music mogul David Geffen during a visit his house in the 70s, after he found himself 'seduced' by von Furstenberg at a swanky party in Manhattan.

The rest, as they say, is history, with the two enjoying an on-and-off relationship for the next several decades.

During this span, many speculated as to whether Diller was gay - something he himself said he accepted early on in his life, during childhood.

Still, he kept it close to his chest during his rise as a media executive, helped by successful stints at Paramount, ABC, and Twentieth Century Fox.

Diller also wrote how the two continued their whirlwind relationship until the early days of Studio 54, until a fling between Von Furstenberg and Richard Gere brought it to an abrupt end.

Diller blamed the blowup to his 'overreaction' to the romance, which took place when Gere had been filming for American Gigolo. Diller was one of the film's producers.

Hours before, her husband of almost 25 years poured his heart out to thousands of New York magazine readers, offering a moving glimpse into his and von Furstenberg's relationship for the first time

It discussed how the pair's early passion was so intense and their attraction for each other real. The pair initially enjoyed an on-and-off relationship for nearly 30 years until getting married. They are seen together at party in New York in 1977, when Diller headed Paramount

Palley is seen posing next to a signed photo of his friend - who was wed to an Austrian prince before Diller - before his death at age 73. He was considered a trailblazer in his field

Over the course of the next decade, 'without plot or plan,' the two reconnected, eventually growing closer and closer, before rekindling their 'first ferocious love,' Diller said.

On February 2, 2001, the two finally tied the knot.

Diller would go on to join the board of Coca-Cola the following year - a position he retains today.

Diller, at the time, was fresh off being named the chairman of Expedia. Now worth a reported $4billion and a prominent Democratic donor, he still works there today.

In his piece, he further revealed how, in the years before he and Von Furstenberg met, he had been secretly cruising for men in West Hollywood as a teen.

This was before his professional stock would rise - a dynamic he said led him to hide his sexuality in certain circles.

Von Furstenberg further told the Times of her years with Diller: 'We never had to talk about our relationship, we lived our relationship.

'Hes been private all his life, but not with me,' she concluded. 'So for me, it doesnt feel strange.'
An MSNBC host floated the outlandish possibility that the US could be fighting a military war with Canada in a matter of days.

Katy Tur was speaking on Tuesday with Canadian journalist Stephen Marche - whose article in The Atlantic evokes the chance of an armed conflict with the US's neighbor to the North.

'Stephen, let me ask you about the article you wrote for The Atlantic - and I sent this around to my friends,' Tur began.

'Just the very fact that it was published, I think is surprising - that we can have a conversation that is serious about what a war with Canada would look like. Explain why it's no longer unthinkable,' she pressed the journalist on her show, Katy Tur Reports.

Marche replied by blaming the rhetoric of President Trump for egging on a potential military battle between the longstanding allies.

'Well, because Donald Trump makes us think it, right?' he said.

'I mean, he talks about annexing us on a regular basis. I mean somewhere around two percent of the American population actually wants to do this, but you know at this point in history, you know, the American people can obviously be convinced of anything right?' he argued.

'And already, you see numbers of Republicans who consider Canada an enemy to be growing...

'And you know, I think when countries are in constitutional crisis and when their legal systems start to fall apart, violence against neighboring countries is a very common - to me, it's very intimately tied with this talk about being a third-term president,' Marche said.

'That's exactly, that's out of the playbook of authoritarian governments around the world.

MSNBC host Katy Tur floated the idea that the United States could go to war with Canada on her show Tuesday

The discussion came as Trump met with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, inside the White House

'And so Canada really does need to think about protecting ourselves from the United States and making sure that we're not just a snack,' he argued.

Marche made similar arguments in his piece for The Atlantic, which was published over the weekend - just ahead of Trump's meeting with the new Canadian Prime Minister.

'Donald Trump's pointless and malicious trade war has been, by his own account, a prelude to softening up Canada economically so that it can be appropriated as the 51st state,' the journalist wrote. 'He has brought up his plans for incorporating Canada into the union with Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney in private calls.

'Canada could no longer comfortably sit within the American military sphere,' Marche declared. 'In this stark moment, our nation has abruptly become an adversary of the most powerful country in the world.'

He goes on to argue that Canada would not be seized easily, and weighs the possibility of an armed conflict.

Ultimately, Marche concludes: 'If Trump decides to run again, a manufactured emergency over Canada would be a convenient excuse for overturning the constitutional barriers.

'Nobody wants to believe that a continental conflict could happen,' he continues, noting, 'Very few Ukrainians, right up to the point of Russia's 2022 invasion, believed their malignant neighbor would invade.

'Canada cannot afford complacency,' Marche wrote.

She asked Canadian journalist Stephen Marche about his article arguing that an armed conflict with the US's northern neighbor may be coming

He argued in the piece that Trump's rhetoric is egging Canada on to go to war

The discussion came as Trump met with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, inside the White House on Tuesday.

During their conversation, Trump once again brought up his idea to make the northern nation the United States' '51st state.'

He claimed that the U.S.-Canada border was an 'artificially drawn line' and if they joined together it would be a 'wonderful marriage.' He added: 'But it takes two to tango, right?'

Carney appeared to squirm in his seat and fired back that Canada was 'not for sale.'
A dripping tap in the kitchen need cost no more than a couple of pence to fix  the price of a new washer.

But 72-year-old widow Linda Gresham was charged more than 200 by British Gas HomeCare to get her tap repaired.

It was the kind of job her engineer husband Norman, who died of cancer 12 years ago at the age of 64, would have done in a few moments.

But Linda, who lives in Renfrew, five miles west of Glasgow, did not feel comfortable tackling the tap herself and relied on her HomeCare agreement with British Gas for help.

HomeCare is the largest home emergency insurer in the UK with around three million customers.

The monthly fee varies depending on the level of cover, which can include everything from boiler breakdowns to plumbing, drains, home electrics and kitchen appliances.

Small job: 72-year-old widow Linda Gresham was charged more than 200 by British Gas HomeCare to get her tap repaired

Linda says: I was paying 360 a year for insurance that included plumbing issues like this, so was pleased that after 25 years of having the cover I was finally able to use it.

'Last August an engineer came and put in a new tap as part of my plan. I was delighted.

The following month British Gas increased the cost of her cover by 50 per cent  an extra 180 a year for the same service.

Struggling on a basic state pension, Linda opted to downgrade to a more basic essential package that would only cover her boiler and not plumbing  but it still cost more than before at a higher rate of 425 a year.

Then this February  six months after the new tap was put in  it started to come loose from the sink.

When Linda called British Gas HomeCare about the problem, she says the company told her it would reintroduce her plumbing cover if she was willing to hand over a further 15 a month  180 a year.

Linda took out the additional plumbing option half-way through the contract term so this cost her 90.

How to fix a dripping tap... for 2p Turn off the water supply to the tap. There may be a shut-off valve under the sink that you must turn clockwise or a main stopcock that cuts off the home water supply.

Remove the tap handle. The screws for the handles are often hidden underneath the hot and cold tap caps and may need to be prised off with a flat-head screwdriver.

Take off the valve unit that sits beneath the tap handle. It may be held in place by a nut that requires an adjustable spanner to loosen. There should be a washer beneath it.

Remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Washers can become worn or clogged with hard water particles over time. You can buy new washers from a DIY store such as B&Q, where an assorted pack of 224 O-ring tap washers can cost 5. Put the tap back together again and turn on the water. For further guidance there are helpful videos on how to repair taps on YouTube.

Linda agreed to pay the extra price from March. For the engineer to sort out the problem, however, Linda was told she had to hand over an additional 150, but that she would be able to claim this back if it was found that the problem was related to the tap installation.

Linda says: The engineer was perfectly pleasant but was only inside my home seven minutes just tightening the old fitting.

He confirmed that the problem would not have happened if it had been tightened up properly in the first place. But when I later called to get my money back, I was rudely told that I would not get a refund. I was left in tears.

She adds: I was frightened the kitchen might flood if I didnt fix the problem and feel I was panicked into paying all this extra money. But I now feel that I have been exploited just because I am vulnerable and unable to simply repair the tap myself.

Plumbing experts believe paying to get a tap fixed should cost no more than 70 and if a repeat visit is needed within 12 months for the same job any further work should be done for free.

Billy Gunn, director of Imperial Heating Services, says: This really takes the biscuit  charging double the cost of what you might expect to pay in addition to a service plan that is only good if you never have to use it.

He adds: The washers to fix taps cost peanuts and if a tap later becomes loose then it is clearly a case of a defect under workmanship  the job was not initially done to a satisfactory level and should be fixed for free as part of a basic level of service to be expected from a qualified plumber.

Pointless: Linda Gresham was pleased that after 25 years of paying for HomeCare cover she was finally able to use it - until she was handed an additional 200 bill

HomeCare plans start from 19 a month for an essential package that includes an annual boiler service and a check of the central heating system. A complete package costs from 28.20 and includes plumbing and electrics.

British Gas says all the plans include a boiler service that is worth 119 and unlimited callouts.

Prices can vary depending on location and heating system used. The service offers peace of mind that you wont face an unexpected, high bill if something goes wrong.

It can work out cheaper  and better value  paying a one-off price for repairs to a local plumber that you trust. For boiler jobs you must ensure they are a qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer.

Word of mouth recommendations are best but a comparison website such as TrustATrader and Checkatrade can help with reviews from former customers.

A spokesman for British Gas said: We have reviewed Ms Greshams case and agree the extra 150 she was asked to pay was an error and we have refunded that amount.

We are reviewing the concerns she raised regarding her customer service experience.

The utility giant subsequently also sent a 50 goodwill gesture for Lindas customer service experience and added a 15 per cent discount to her HomeCare plan.
Ford Motor Company said on Monday that it expects to take a $1.5billion (1.1bn) hit to operating profit from tariffs this year.

The motoring giant followed in the tyre tracks of other automakers by withdrawing its full-year financial guidance due to the uncertainty created by the Trump administration's evolving trade policy.

The company had previously projected earnings before interest and taxes of $7billion (5.3billion) to $8.5billion (6.4billion) for 2025.

However, this forecast did not account for the impact of tariffs, it said.

Speaking on Monday, CEO Jim Farley, provided an optimistic outlook when speaking to analysts: 'Its too early to gauge the related market dynamics, including the potential industrywide supply chain disruptions.

'Automakers with the largest US footprint will have a big advantage, and, boy, that is that true for Ford. It puts us in the pole position.'

Ford became the latest automotive giant to pull profit guidance as the chaos unleashed by Trump made financial forecasting impossible. Pictured: Ford President and CEO Jim Farley

Ford became the latest automotive giant to pull profit guidance as the chaos unleashed by Trump made financial forecasting impossible.

Shares in the carmaker fell approximately 2.3 per cent in after-hours trading following the announcement.

On Monday, the US brand said its net income fell by about two-thirds in the first quarter to $473million (354million) from $1.33billion (999m).

Revenue also dropped 5 per cent to $40.66billion (30.40bn).

The company said the risks associated with tariffs had made updating full year guidance 'challenging'.

It said in its statement: 'Given material near-term risks, especially the potential for industry-wide supply chain disruption impacting production, the potential for future or increased tariffs in the US, changes in the implementation of tariffs including tariff offsets, retaliatory tariffs and other restrictions by other governments and the potential related market impacts, and finally policy uncertainties associated with tax and emissions policy, the company is suspending guidance.

'These are substantial industry risks, which could have significant impacts on financial results, and that make updating full year guidance challenging right now given the potential range of outcomes.'

It said it will provide a further update during its second-quarter earnings announcement.

Ford's statement came just days after Stellantis - which owns the likes of Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, Vauxhall and a host of other popular brands - and Mercedes-Benz also pulled their profit guidance on uncertainty caused by Trump's tariffs.

German car maker Volkswagen said profits had tumbled 40 per cent in the first three months of the year as it warned over the impact of the global trade war.

Swedish car giant Volvo announced last week that it will cut jobs as part of a 1.4billion cost-saving drive as Trump's tariffs and a slump in EV sales had weighed heavy - and also saw it pull its full-year profit forecast.

And Aston Martin boss Adrian Hallmark last week said the luxury car maker would limit sales to the US, one of its biggest markets.

The company reported a 13 per cent fall in first quarter revenues to 233.9million and a loss of 79.6million, although that was improvement on the 138.8million loss a year earlier.

The flurry of updates  which highlight the repercussions of Trumps tariffs on the car industry  came after Coventry-headquartered Jaguar Land Rover last month paused shipments to America in response to the White Houses policy.

The car industry was rocked when the President announced a 25 per cent charge on vehicle and part imports to the US in a bid to ramp up domestic manufacturing.

The White House last week was forced to climb down after a backlash from industry leaders who warned of higher prices and lower sales.

In a speech in Michigan - America's car making capital - to mark his first 100 days in office, Trump said manufacturers with factories in the US will be able to reduce the amount they pay in import taxes, depending on how many cars they sell and at what price.

The climbdown came after motor industry groups including General Motors, Toyota and VW wrote to the White House urging Trump to reverse course.

But geopolitical uncertainty continue to affect the industry, adding to existing problems including the transition to EVs and depressed consumer demand.
When directors put their own money on the line, should you follow suit?

For private investors looking to sharpen their edge, tracking insider activity - the share dealings of company executives and board members - can be a powerful tool.

After all, who better to judge a companys true prospects than those running it from the inside?

But while insider trades are disclosed to the market, not all carry the same weight. The real challenge lies in distinguishing meaningful signals from mere background noise.

The logic behind tracking insider dealings lies in the unique information advantage that directors and senior executives hold.

They sit at the heart of strategic decision-making and have a far clearer view of a companys current health and prospects than external investors.

While regulations enforce the fair disclosure of price-sensitive information, insiders inevitably operate with a deeper understanding of the business  its challenges, opportunities and future catalysts.

A growing body of academic research shows that these so-called smart money signals  including insider buying  can often predict future share price performance.

Here, Stockopedia looks at analysis of over 105,000 UK director trades from 2014 to 2024 to identify the sweet spots in insider buying activity that most reliably point to future outperformance.

City rules enforce the fair disclosure of price-sensitive information, but insiders inevitably operate with a deeper understanding of the business

Rule 1: Buy signals outweigh sell signals

A fundamental principle in interpreting insider activity is understanding the disparity between buying and selling.

Many investors may feel uneasy when a director sells shares, but research shows buy signals are far more informative.

Insiders sell for a variety of reasons unrelated to a companys outlook, such as diversifying wealth or fulfilling tax obligations.

Sales often stem from personal financial needs or exercising stock options, which dont necessarily reflect on the companys prospects.

Consequently, the correlation between director sales and poor future returns is weak, except in cases of extremely high stock valuations or deteriorating fundamentals.

On the other hand, insider purchases typically signal belief in the companys undervaluation and potential for growth.

As veteran investor Peter Lynch observed: Insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise.

Directors often also act contrarian  buying when the market undervalues their stock and selling when its overvalued.

For example, stocks typically see a 2.5 per cent gain in the first month following a director purchase, with larger trades pushing that to 5 per cent, and even more significant gains over the next 100 days when the trade is made by a CEO or CFO.

Insider purchases typically signal belief in the companys undervaluation and potential for growth.

Rule 2: Cluster buying  Multiple directors make a stronger case

Cluster buying is where several directors purchase stock within a short time period. When more than three directors buy shares in the preceding three months, the average monthly returns are typically 2 per cent higher than the markets.

This conviction trade signals a stronger consensus among the leadership about the companys prospects, making it a powerful indicator of future share price outperformance.

Cluster buying also reduces the risk of misinterpreting isolated purchases that might stem from personal reasons rather than a genuine belief in the companys future.

A great example of this dynamic comes from Rolls-Royce in 2022. As the company faced pandemic-related challenges as well as a multi-year turnaround strategy, multiple directors began buying shares.

At the time, the stock was priced at about 100p. By the start of 2025, after a transformative shift under a new CEO, the stock surged to over 630p. Directors who bought in 2022  and investors who followed their lead  saw a more than fivefold return in just two and a half years, far outperforming the FTSE All-Shares roughly 15 per cent return during the same period.

Rolls Royce directors who bought shares in 2022 were rewarded with strong gains

Rule 3: Follow the top executives

Within a companys leadership, the flow of critical information is not equal. Board meetings, where sensitive operational and financial details are discussed, are the primary information hubs.

Executive director buying  particularly by the CEO and CFO  carries more weight than purchases made by other officer, and are considered clearer signals of future gains.

On average, stocks see a 3 per cent increase over 50 days and a 3.5 per cent gain over 100 days following a CEO or CFO purchase.

This highlights the markets strong belief in top executives buying decisions as a vote of confidence in the companys trajectory.

Insiders buys are a better indicator than insider sells

Rule 4: Larger trades in undervalued, small-cap stocks

The context of insider buying is key to understanding its predictive power.

Director purchases hold more significance when the companys stock appears undervalued, particularly in small- and micro-cap companies.

In less-followed market segments, large institutions like hedge funds may struggle to trade in size, allowing insider purchases to have a more noticeable impact.

Research by Lakonishok and Lee, which analysed insider trades from 1975 to 2005, found that director buying was especially predictive in small-cap value stocks.

It showed that substantial purchases by multiple insiders resulted in the highest returns, aligning with Stockopedias research, which shows that stocks typically rise by around 5 per cent within the first month following a significant director purchase.

Combining insider buys in undervalued small-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, such as value, quality, and momentum, can further enhance the probability of success. In some cases, this approach has resulted in success rates exceeding 95 per cent.

> Ready to put this strategy to the test? Try Stockopedia free for 14 days and get 25% off your first subscription as a This Is Money reader

Beyond the buy: Context matters

While focusing on these insider buying sweet spots improves the odds of identifying promising investments, insider buys should not be viewed in isolation.

To make the most of these signals, they should be integrated into a broader investment framework. Insider buying signals are most potent when used alongside other analyses, such as fundamental strength, market sentiment, and macroeconomic conditions.

Stockopedias StockRanks system, which evaluates stocks based on value, quality, and momentum, can help investors combine insider buying signals with these critical factors. By identifying stocks that score highly across these areas and also exhibit positive insider trading activity, investors can pinpoint stocks with significant upside potential.

Stockopedias StockRanks system evaluates stocks based on value, quality, and momentum

Unlocking the power of informed decisions

Understanding the motivations and actions of those with the most intimate knowledge of a company can provide a valuable edge.

By focusing on buy signals over sell signals, identifying cluster buying, prioritising purchases by top executives, and seeking large trades in undervalued small stocks, investors can better identify the sweet spots of insider buying that truly matter.

However, even the most compelling insider buys should be part of a more comprehensive investment approach.

Combining insider signals with a deep understanding of company fundamentals and market dynamics, alongside tools to track and contextualise insider activity, can significantly enhance the likelihood of long-term success.

This article is part of Stockopedias The Smart Money Playbook series. As a special offer This is Money readers can get 25 per cent off a Stockopedia membership.
In November last year I was phoned by a man who said his name was Jonathan, purportedly from my home services provider Utility Warehouse (UW).

He said he had seen some unusual activity on my account.

It turns out he was a fraudster who managed to convince me to pass over my account details.

This allowed him to transfer money from my Santander bank account to my UW Cashback Card, which he used to go on a 6,498 spending spree with my money.

Santander told me it would not reimburse me as I had authorised four top-ups to the card. This does not seem fair.

A.G., Cheshire.

Denied: A reader was scammed out of 6,500 by a man posing as someone from their energy supplier Utility Warehouse - but their bank wont refund the cash

Sally Hamilton replies: Utility Warehouse is a provider of household utilities whose customers pay for a range of services via a single bill.

Customers are offered greater discounts the more services they take. You told me you use it for energy, broadband, mobile and home insurance.

The company also offers a cashback debit card, which customers top up and use in various retailers with any cashback earned used towards their monthly bill.

One of the ways UW builds its business is through partners who are typically existing customers it pays for introducing new ones.

The fraudster who called you caught you off guard because he gave the name of the partner who originally introduced you and your daughter, who is also a customer, to UW. He also appeared to be calling from the official UW number. You felt reassured.

It is unclear how he got these details and your contact number in the first place. But together these allowed him to glean enough information to go on and request top-ups from your Santander account, raise the cards spending limit and then use it in retailers including a luxury mens outfitter and two wine stores.

You complained to UW about your experience, believing it should have done more to stop the fraud in its tracks. You wrote a letter to its chief executive in December but got no response.

I contacted UW on your behalf, asking it to explain what went wrong. On investigating, it said it had taken steps to secure your account at the time of the incident but did not explain how the fraudster managed to spend such large sums in quick succession before the card was blocked.

A spokesman says: Were very sorry for the stress our customer has been through after her cashback card was fraudulently topped up.

We understand that an unauthorised person was able to socially engineer a situation where they were able to get access to one-time passcodes and carry out transactions on the card via her bank card.

It says it issues warnings to its customers about giving out one-time passcodes and account details to people who request them.

However, it acknowledges it let you down by failing to act on your letter of complaint and has offered you 250 as an apology.

Since it was clearly a fraud involving your bank account, and the series of top-ups had not been flagged as suspicious at the time, I asked Santander to reconsider reimbursing you.

After a few days, and following a call with you, it came back in agreement. A Santander spokesman says: We have every sympathy for those who become victims of fraud.

'After having an additional conversation with our customer, we were able to confirm that she had been a victim of an unauthorised card fraud. We can confirm we will be refunding the full amount stolen, 6,498.

Why am I paying so much for life insurance?

I have tried to get information about my portfolio of Phoenix Life whole-of-life insurance policies since February 2023.

The policies were first taken out by my late husband and me in 1998, with a payout on second death so that our only child will benefit. Monthly payments have been made regularly since then.

For the past few years, I have been paying a direct debit totalling 100 a month. I have contacted Phoenix multiple times as I have noticed that since 2020, it has quoted a direct debit of 38 and, on one occasion, it said for that sum the payout on death would be nil.

I want to understand what is going on and what my total 100 a month to Phoenix is paying for. Please help.

D.E., Carmarthen.

Sally Hamilton replies: This is a lamentable way to treat a customer of 27 years. I asked Phoenix to get an answer to you pronto.

Scam Watch Households should beware a scam email impersonating payments operator PayPal, consumer website Which? warns. Tricksters claim unauthorised transactions have been taken from your account and you must call a helpline if you havent made the purchase. It says the refund will be made in Bitcoin. But beware the phone number is not legitimate, Which? says, and you will be put through to a scammer trying to get your personal and financial information. Do not call the number. Instead, forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.

This prompted it to rise from its ashes of non-communication, with a member of the groups executive complaints team sending you an email in which he cleared things up.

He explained that you currently have two portfolios with a total of eight policies.

Seven of them are covered by a 38 a month direct debit which provides a sum assured of nearly 81,000  not nil as one of your past statements from Phoenix had asserted.

The premium for the remaining policy is 62 a month, for the sum assured of 133,371  meaning your 100 a month total direct debit currently gives you cover of 214,118.

You are aware an important decision probably awaits you next year. Your premiums are reviewable rather than fixed, and the next review is in March 2026.

Chances are your premiums will rise  potentially sharply  leaving you to decide whether to accept the higher premiums, reducing or ending cover.

Your decision will depend on what happens to your premiums and you tell me you plan to seek independent advice shortly.

A Phoenix spokesman said: We recognise that we have fallen short with the service weve provided. We should have been able to provide the information requested much earlier and we are very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused.

Straight to the point Im an expat living in Australia but I visited the UK in September and hired a rental car. One night I drove over the Dartford Crossing and back, paying 5 in toll fees. But now, in Australia, Ive received two charges for non-payment of toll fees so the car rental company has taken 70 from my account. Ive now realised I made a one-digit mistake in the licence plate. I need an acknowledgement of the mistake from Dart Charge so I can reclaim the 70 from the car hire company. S.B., Australia. National Highways says that the original charges were issued correctly  but it has now cancelled them because it recognised it was an honest mistake. You can now reclaim 70 from the car hire company. *** I run a small business making vitamin supplements for horses. In February, I lost 5,608 to a scammer pretending to be from my e-money app. They said they had detected fraud on my account and I provided a code sent to my mobile phone, thinking it would block the purchase. But it enabled the payment to go through. H.S., Sussex. The e-money app apologises and you have now been reimbursed the full amount. *** I have recently received two letters from a company called Klarna demanding 90 for outstanding debt. I have never used this firm before  so Im very concerned to have received two letters threatening court and bailiff action. G.E., via email. Klarna says this was as a result of a fraudulent purchase that should never have been approved. The order has now been cancelled. You have been offered 150 as a goodwill gesture.
Britain risks sending a signal that it 'doesn't want the wealthy', a Canadian multimillionaire entrepreneur and reality TV star has warned - after packing her bags and fleeing the UK following the abolition of the non-dom status.

Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland - who has a purported net worth of 500million - has attacked 'Reckless' Rachel Reeves over the 'astronomical error' of trying to extract more tax from the ultra-wealthy who are domiciled abroad for tax purposes.

Instead of remaining in Britain and being forced to pay UK tax on their foreign income under a new tax regime, millionaires and billionaires are thought to be fleeing abroad, taking their spending and investing power with them after Labour pushed ahead with a proposal first tabled by Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Real Housewives star Ann and her husband Stephen, a former plastic surgeon, claimed non-dom status for three years, during which they bought a medieval castle and invested a purported 25m to transform it into a luxury wedding venue.

They intend to keep Lympne Castle in Kent, where around 100 people are employed, but plans for future British ventures including a new credit finance business have gone up in smoke along with their tax exemptions.

Speaking to MailOnline from her Las Vegas penthouse, Ann said the decision to leave the UK had been motivated 'purely' by the end of the regime alongside changes to inheritance tax (IHT) that would have sapped millions from her children's fortune.

She said of the change: 'It doesn't make any sense. It's not that we're not willing to pay taxes: we do pay taxes in the UK, we employ over 100 people.

'We bring clean capital to the UK, we've invested in businesses in the UK, we pay tax in the UK. But it's like they don't really want the wealthy in the UK, which I think is a big error.

'There's an opportunity for 'Reckless' Reeves, as I call her, to try to save this.'

Entrepreneur Ann Kaplan Mulholland has quit the UK after Rachel Reeves ditched the non-dom status offered to wealthy foreigners (pictured at Lympne Castle, which she owns)

She and husband Stephen, a plastic surgeon, had planned to settle in Britain in the long-term but have had to leave for fear of being taxed in the UK for their foreign income

Dr Kaplan Mulholland, who holds a doctorate in finance, says she employs around 100 people - including at Lympne Castle and its restaurant, the Naughty Dog (pictured)

She estimates her estate would have been liable for a bill running into hundreds of millions of pounds if she had remained in the UK for more than half of the next 20-years - the point at which non-doms have to pay IHT.

And the requirement after a short amnesty period to pay tax on all earnings would have 'demolished' her other interests abroad.

Stephen also owns a manufacturing plant employing 3,000 people overseas - the tax bill on which would have been substantive.

'We have businesses we've built from scratch that we pay tax on in other countries, we own multiple properties,' she said.

'Our children wouldn't be protected by trusts and they would be subject to exorbitant inheritance tax It makes no sense to give the Government all of that money.'

Late last year, she mulled over writing to King Charles III seeking permission to create her own nation state in the grounds of the castle, so she could escape the non-dom clampdown. She ditched it when she realised it was an impossible ask.

Instead, she and Stephen plan to move to Italy's swanky fashion capital Milan by next year - following in the footsteps of Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris, who left London earlier this year.

The European country has an attractive non-dom regime where the super-wealthy are charged a flat annual rate of 200,000 EUR (171,500) plus 25,000 EUR (21,400) per family member in order to shield their foreign assets.

In the UK, 74,000 people claimed non-dom status as of 2022-23, and were liable for 8.9bn of income tax and national insurance.

Another 6,800 were 'deemed domiciled', having spent 15 of the 20 previous years living in the UK - making them liable to pay tax on foreign income.

Ann says she would support the introduction of a scheme akin to that in Italy, where non-doms are charged 200,000 EUR to shield their foreign earnings from tax

The entrepreneur lashed out at Rachel Reeves (pictured) as 'reckless' - and suggested the Chancellor does not want the wealthy in Britain

The medieval Lympne Castle in Kent, which Ann and Stephen acquired for 5.5million and have since sunk millions into to reopen it as a wedding venue and hotel

Your browser does not support iframes.

The OBR estimates that the number of non-doms could fall by 12 per cent this year, and the number of 'deemed doms' will fall by a quarter. And there are already signs Britain is hemorrhaging its wealthy population.

A report from New World Wealth suggested some 11,300 dollar millionaires left London in the last year - joining Moscow as one of only two top 50 cities beloved by the rich to have recorded a net dip in wealthy residents in the last decade.

Ann argues that if the UK brought in an Italy-style regime, those 74,000 non-doms would bring in a hypothetical 14bn a year in flat taxes.

What does the end of the non-dom regime mean?

The non-dom regime has its roots in the laws that created income tax in 1799 - first drafted to fund Britain's fight in the Napoleonic Wars. Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger taxed UK properties and land, as well as income from British trading - but exempted wealthy aristocrats from being taxed on their properties elsewhere in the British Empire. Since then, the scheme has evolved to give attractive tax status to the super wealthy that want to live in Britain while protecting their assets abroad. Under the old non-dom regime, non-UK-domiciled residents would pay 30,000 a year to shield foreign income from HMRC. This applied to those living in the UK for seven out of the previous nine years, after which the charge doubled to 60,000 for those living in the UK for 12 of the previous 14 years. The rules were then changed in 2017 to create 'deemed domiciled' status for those who had lived in the UK for 15 of the previous 20 years - forcing them to pay UK tax on their global earnings. Labour has scrapped these statuses, and instead introduced a residency-based scheme that gives the wealthy three years to bring foreign income into the UK at a low tax rate. There will be a four year period in which they do not pay any tax on overseas earnings - after which all earnings will be taxed. Estates will also be liable for inheritance tax, including any wealth held in offshore trusts. Advertisement

'I don't know why the Government hasn't chosen a path like that,' Ann says.

'But for us, it's easy. We'll leave.

'We're not here to save the country. My concern is that this is an astronomical error for the UK Government to make.

'I would love to hear from Rachel Reeves where she expects to make that 13billion, because we're all leaving. They don't want us.

'They just say, you know: 'Goodbye, don't slam the door on the way out.''

The Treasury estimates that the changes to the non-dom regime will bring in 12.7bn in the next five years - a figure the Office of Budget Responsibility has warned is 'very' uncertain and could be shaken by the mass exodus of the rich and powerful.

Others have thrown out bigger, scarier numbers: neoliberal think tank the Adam Smith Institute has suggested the abolition of non-dom status will cost Britain 111bn by 2035. The Treasury has rejected this suggestion as 'incorrect'.

Among those reported to have left the UK ahead of the new tax year are steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal - net worth, 14.9bn, per the Sunday Times Rich List - and Frederic de Mevius, a member of the founding families of brewery giant AB InBev.

'The projections Rachel Reeves has are probably based on not expecting non-doms to leave - I don't think she expected that exodus,' Ann added.

'She expected us to stay and pay tax on our worldwide income but there is a reason why, for over 200 years, people have come to the UK: it has a preferable tax structure for very wealthy people to live here, invest here and pay taxes here.

'But their businesses, while they're still operating their businesses, are not subject to a double tax (in the UK as well as the country they are based in).

'There are many countries that recognise this and they want to attract wealthy people. Countries that really want to prosper should attract the wealthy.

'We could go to Switzerland, we could go to Dubai... Italy rolled out the red carpet.'

Ann and her husband attracted widespread media attention when they snapped up crumbling Lympne Castle in Kent for a steal at 5.5million in 2023 after the last of their children flew the nest.

The price tag was snipped amid concerns over the huge amount of investment needed to bring it up to scratch - a brief on which she was more than able to deliver.

She has since invested around 25million in revitalising the castle and opening a restaurant, the Naughty Dog, on site.

She says she now employs around 100 people on the site, and has filmed a new reality series currently airing in the US that follows the renovation journey, entitled Queen of the Castle.

Stephen Mulholland pictured at Lympne Castle. The building's renovation is the subject of a new reality show

Ann owns 11 homes including a penthouse in Las Vegas, a pile in Hawaii, and at least six others in Britain

She and Stephen threw caution to the wind after the youngest of their children flew the nest and decided to buy a bolthole in Britain

'I felt so at home in the UK: I joined the church, joined the community, I play Scrabble with people - we love living here,' Ann continued.

With wealth comes spending and Ann spends in the UK: she invests in charities, invests in businesses, and splashes out on luxury goods and top restaurants, all of which incur taxes.

The one thing she hasn't bought, however, is a flash car - because she can't bear the idea of driving on the left.

'This is money that we have spent, that we have paid taxes on,' she says. 'We're not dodging anything.

'But many people that live in England do not have manufacturing plants that many of us millionaires and billionaires have worldwide. They don't have the assets to be concerned about because they are from here.

'If they built a company in another country they would likely do the same thing and take measures to protect themselves being double-taxed.

'We do pay our fair share of taxes. But why pay it on worldwide income? That does not make sense, and we do pay our fair share of taxes, and, I'm suggesting, have us do what the other countries are doing, pay 200,000 a year plus invest in infrastructure.'

And while she's a reality TV star, there is a business brain behind her success: she started loan firm iFinance in 1996 and sold it in 2022 after growing it into one of the country's biggest lenders.

She boasts a doctorate in finance as well as an MBA and other industry qualifications.

That hasn't stopped her from being targeted with hate online: recent interviews have blasted her looks, calling her a 'ghoul' and 'plastic'.

The attacks don't bother her. What does bother her is having to leave the UK to avoid 'demolishing' her businesses - as she has grown fond of her new home.

'I would do anything to stay but not demolish my businesses globally at the same time. I love it here, and I'm part of a community.

'I love my life in England. It's a beautiful country - who wouldn't love it there?

'It was a big decision to move to the UK. We could have gone anywhere but we chose the UK, and we chose to invest in it and make it our home, and part of that choice was because of the non-dom regime.

'But the government is not listening, or are not recognising the impact this is going to have on the economy.'

The Treasury insists the end of the non-dom scheme will not send the super-rich packing.

'Our tax system is fair and progressive, and keeps the UK an attractive place to live while ensuring everyone who is a long-term resident in the UK pays their taxes here,' a spokesperson said.

'The UK's main capital gains tax rate is lower than any other G7 European country  including Italy, France and Germany  and our new residence-based regime is simpler and more attractive to new arrivals than the non-dom regime it replaces.'
Stuffing fistfuls of jewelry into his pockets and brandishing a knife, this is the outrageous moment a thief was seen menacing a celebrity-loved designer during a heist at his store in crime-plagued New York.

In the clip, designer Jonathan Meizler, 61, can be seen grappling with the light-fingered goon in a fruitless bid to stop him making off with gem-studded silver necklaces worth $3,000.

A police report obtained by DailyMail.com shows the heist took place in broad daylight on April 18 at Meizler's Title of Work boutique in New York's swanky SoHo neighborhood.

It also includes an account of the incident that reads: '[Unknown] male perp entered the above location and began removing listed items and placing it into his pocket.

'[Crime victim 2] is an employee of the location and approached perp. Perp then pulled out a knife and pointed it at CV [crime victim].

'Perp then fled N/B [northbound] on Orchard Street. No injuries sustained.'

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Meizler  whose high-end accessories have been worn by Tom Cruise, Pedro Pascal, Robert Pattinson, and Nick Jonas among many others  said cops are still yet to catch the crook and recover his property.

But he did manage to grab the robber's phone during the scuffle  which he then turned over to the NYPD - but couldn't prevent the villain from running off.

Video footage provided to DailyMail.com shows the thief casually entering Title of Work boutique in New York's swanky SoHo on April 18 before brazenly snatching necklaces and chains on display

Within moments, designer Jonathan Meizler frantically rushes in to try to stop the intruder to no avail

'There was a moment when I saw the thief look at the jewelry and make the decision to keep it and leave his phone,' he explained.

'It actually made me sad that he was doing this, and his life had come to this in order to survive.'

Meizler told DailyMail.com that the incident had left him furious at New York's notoriously liberal no-bail policy which has led to a flood of stories about crooks cut loose who then go on to commit further crimes.

He said: 'We live in a very divided country and world, crime is on the rise massively, people are angry, and the country is suffering with bad news every day.

'It's just going to get worse. It is extremely frustrating that many criminals are let go immediately after their crimes, having been convicted, and then go out on the streets and repeat the crimes.

'Even the helpful police officers expressed their frustration that the court system seems to be very lax on crime.'

The no-bail policy has also drawn the ire of the city's Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch who said last month that the law  which was introduced in 2020 during the defund the police push that followed the death of George Floyd  is 'demoralizing'.

Speaking at a breakfast for the Association for a Better New York, Tisch said: 'New York state law enacted in 2020 rendered our criminal justice system a high-speed revolving door, putting violent offenders back on our streets over and over again.

The light-fingered goon was ultimately able to make off with chain necklaces (pictured) worth from $450 to $900 each

Pictured above are two mixed metal necklaces, including one with an 18 karat bar worth $900 (right) that were stolen in the heist

Police are still yet to catch the crook (pictured) and recover the stolen property, which was worth a total of $3,000

'As the mayor and I have said, your cops are out there doing their jobs, and in 2024, they made the most felony arrests in 26 years.

'But before they can even finish that paperwork, they are immediately returned to the neighborhood and the people that they just victimized.

'It's demoralizing. It's unsustainable, and it defies common sense.'

Recent cases cited by Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams include that of career crook Tyreke Martin who racked up 70 arrests, including one for clobbering a two-year-old girl with a suitcase, before finally being locked up following an attempted rape in March.

Other cases include menace Frank Abrokwa, 37, who had a history of run-ins with cops before being dragged to court over a revolting incident that saw him smear a subway passenger with feces and Bryant Kenyatta, 50, who has clocked up 12 arrests and was last collared for attacking a stranger with a nunchuck.

Also among the perps released to reoffend are Amira Hunter, 23, who was arrested and released eight times only to go on to brutally assault a cellist on the subway by smashing them over the head with a metal water bottle.

The trendy jewelry boutique, owned by designer Jonathan Meizler (pictured), is located in New York City's SoHo neighborhood

Title of Work specializes in jewelry as well as high-end accessories that have been worn by celebrities including Post Malone (pictured) Tom Cruise, Robert Pattinson, and Nick Jonas among many others

Actors Mahershala Ali and Pedro Pascal are pictured wearing Title of Work

Tragically, another repeatedly released crook was Jordan Neely who died in May 2023 while being restrained by former Marine Daniel Penny who had stepped in to stop the 30-year-old from menacing a subway car packed with strangers.

Despite the theft, Meizler says it won't stop him from selling his high-end accessories in New York, telling DailyMail.com: 'I will never leave.'

He added: 'I live New York and will never leave. I want to bring art and beauty and contribute to my city.'
So much of Tiahleigh Palmer's life was filled with pain.

In spite of this, the 12-year-old who loved dancing, animals and horse riding was described as 'a delightful girl' and 'a child people immediately fell in love with'.

She remained gentle in the face of a world that all too often was not gentle with her until, in a moment of unspeakable evil, her foster father Rick Thorburn murdered her in October 2015, dumping her body near a Gold Coast river, where her body was found six days later by fishermen.

Thorburn, who a 2021 inquest found showed no remorse, was found dead in his cell at Woodford Correctional Centre, in regional Queensland, last month.

His death nearly a decade on from Tiahleigh's murder has brought about renewed public interest into the horrific case which fuelled sweeping changes to the state's child protection system.

But how much has really changed? A recent report shows 70 children known to child protection in Queensland died between 2023 and 2024. The question is once again being asked: have the reforms since Tiahleigh's murder been enough?

Betrayed by the people meant to protect her

By the time Tiahleigh Palmer came to live under the Thorburns' roof, she had been moved between households 15 different times.

Tiahleigh Palmer was failed again and again throughout her short life

Tiahleigh was only 12 years old when she was murdered by her foster father

It was January 2015, and having experienced abandonment after abandonment, sometimes spending as little as 24 hours in one placement before being moved on, Tiahleigh seemed on the outside to have hit the jackpot with the Thorburns.

Their rural property with sweeping lawns and a swimming pool was also home to a family daycare centre, and after starting school at the local Marsden High, Tiahleigh had no trouble making friends and was 'well-liked'.

But inside the idyllic-looking property south of Brisbane, things were anything but.

Eighteen-year-old Trent Thorburn, the Thorburns' biological son, had been preying upon the 12-year-old.

After hearing Tiahleigh complain of stomach pains, Trent sent a Facebook message to a family member confessing his worry that she had become pregnant.

He wrote:

'i just want the kid gone and out of my life but i know she is also a sauce [sic] of income for mum and dad as well and i cant risk us loosing [sic] money because she is gone. also if tia did say something to children services and she is pregnant then it all gets investigated and i could go to jail because a court isn't going to believe me over her.'

After the family member relayed this message to Trent's mother, Julene Thorburn, a series of unfathomable events was set in motion.

Rick Thorburn (pictured) was convicted of murdering his foster daughter Tiahleigh in 2015. He took his own life in his prison cell last month

Julene Thorburn, the foster mother of murdered schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer, is pictured

That evening, after leaving Rick Thorburn at home alone with Tiahleigh, the rest of the Thorburn family returned at about 9.30pm to find Rick on the couch, insisting on a 'family meeting'.

He told them it was 'all taken care of' and 'Tiahleigh is no longer with us'.

While her absence was noted by a caseworker visiting Tiahleigh's high school the following morning, it would be six days before police would officially declare her missing.

A few hours later, her mostly naked body was discovered face down and badly decomposed on the banks of the Pimpama River in the Northern Gold Coast.

While Tiahleigh's precise cause of death was never revealed, Rick Thorburn was later convicted of her murder and jailed in May 2018.

In 2020, he was also convicted of more than a dozen child sex offences, including the rape of a young girl at the daycare centre his wife Julene operated.

In July 2017, Joshua Thorburn, the couple's other biological son, was sentenced to three months in jail for lying to police and hiding information about Tiahleigh's death, while Trent Thorburn was sentenced to four years in jail for incest, perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice in September 2017. He was released on 19 January 2018 after spending just 16 months in custody.

In November 2017, Julene Thorburn was sentenced to 18 months in jail for perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Tiahleigh's foster brother Trent Thorburn confessed he'd had sex with the schoolgirl and feared her stomach pains were a sign she was pregnant

Trent Thorburn was sentenced to four years' jail in 2017

Changes to the Queensland child protection protocols

In the wake of Tiahleigh's murder, Queensland's child protection laws, as well as protocols within the foster care system, were under scrutiny.

Failures by the system to protect the most vulnerable were highlighted, particularly the delays in sharing information between agencies and authorities' assumption that Tiahleigh had simply 'run away' for several days before her body was discovered.

One of the most immediate failures highlighted by Tiahleigh's disappearance was the sluggish response and poor communication when she went missing.

New procedures were put in place to treat any report of a missing child in care with the highest priority. The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC)'s When a Child is Missing  Remembering Tiahleigh review made 29 recommendations to improve whole-of-government responses for children missing from out-of-home care

Reforms brought about by the case updated Queensland law to tighten screening of carers, mandate better data-sharing, and formalise oversight mechanisms.

These legislative measures were designed to ensure that people entrusted with children in care are thoroughly vetted and that critical safety information flows quickly to prevent potential abusers from 'falling through the cracks'.

A decade on: We are still failing vulnerable children

Yet in the 10 years since Tiahleigh Palmer's murder, a further 511 children known to the child protection system have died. Of that number, 39 were the result of fatal assault or neglect.

It should be pointed out that because a child was 'known to child protection' in the lead-up to their death, it does not mean they were in state care.

Of the 511 children, 64 were on a child protection order (in foster, kinship or residential care), which includes 43 who died from natural causes (diseases and morbid conditions), 20 from preventable causes (transport incidents, drownings, suicide, non-intentional injury, and fatal assault and neglect), and one death is unexplained (SIDS and undetermined causes).

The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) manages Queensland's Child Death Register, which records details about the deaths of all children in the state since 2004/2005.

The QFCC also hosts the Child Death Review Board, which considers the deaths of children known to the child protection system in the 12 months before they died, and it makes recommendations to government to strengthen system responses.

'The death of any child is a tragedy, and we owe it to every one of them to learn all we can from their lives and take action to better protect children,' says QFCC Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford.

'The board looks at the systems that interact with children and families - including child safety, health, housing, education and family support - and develops clear stories about their lives that highlight the missed opportunities for intervention and support needed to prevent harm.'

Each year, the Child Death Review Board makes recommendations to the government based on the findings of its annual report, and the Queensland Government then uses these to inform long-term goals and targets to improve the safety of children known to child protection.

October this year will mark a decade since Tiahleigh's murder. While the man responsible for her death was convicted and brought to justice, the scaffolding of support that was supposed to have kept her safe was flimsy to the core.

The question is - does it remain so today?

From the abuse she suffered at the hands of her foster brother, to the lies upheld by others in the family and the breakdowns in communication that prolonged her being reported missing, Tiahleigh's murder was a perfect storm of betrayals.

To make any small meaning of this horror, there needs to be a tangible change in the numbers. One child's death from violence or neglect is unacceptable. Thirty-nine deaths of children known to the system meant to protect them is an indictment.
Senator John Fetterman's wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, has not been seen on Capitol Hill for months despite having serious concerns over her husband's health.

Her absence comes after a bombshell report blew the lid off of the closely guarded health history of her 55-year-old Pennsylvania senator husband.

Fetterman had a stroke while running for Senate in May 2022, and has since used an iPhone to translate incoming questions while at work as he continues to suffer from audio-visual impairment.

A New York Magazine report last week, citing former and current Fetterman staffers, detailed how the Democrat has recently appeared despondent at times, while acting 'manic' and 'unhinged' at others. Staffers 'no longer recognize the man they once knew', the report said.

It also revealed that, after a March 2023 stint at the Walter Reed hospital near Washington for depression, Fetterman's doctors raised serious concerns over his lifestyle. 'He eats fast food multiple times a day', 'we do not know if he is taking his meds', the medical director of the traumatic brain injury and neuropsychiatry unit wrote in an urgent letter.

For her part, Gisele, 43, has historically been known for having a high profile around her husband's office, especially after he won the 2022 Senate election and was recovering from his stroke. The couple have been married since 2008 and have three children.

But now sources tell the Daily Mail that Gisele hasn't been seen with the senator at all this year.

'I haven't seen her once,' one Senate staffer said of Gisele's recent absence on Capitol Hill.

A recent NY Mag article detailed the health struggles Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has been enduring. It also shed light on several fights between the senator and his wife, Gisele

John Fetterman and Wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman. Sources tell Daily Mail that Gisele has not been spotted around the senator's office as reports of his health have been circulating

Gisele was often spotted around Capitol Hill when her husband was first elected. When interviewed last January by the Daily Mail, Fetterman said his wife was in his office at the time

In an interview with the Daily Mail in January 2024, Fetterman batted off 'outrageous' rumors that he and Gisele were separating, insisting they were still closer than ever.

However, this report last week from NY Mag includes details of alleged spats between Fetterman and his wife.

In particular, it seems Gisele - a formerly undocumented immigrant from Brazil, and a vocal progressive - dislikes her husband's staunch public defense of Isreal.

'They [Israel] are bombing refugee camps. How can you support this?' Gisele reportedly asked her husband shortly after Hamas's October 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, one staffer recalled.

Gisele's concerns over her husband's health are also on clear display in the NY Mag profile.

In one bizarre instance, after a Fetterman staffer sent Gisele a text message saying 'everyone here is feeling alarmed' over his behavior, she replied: '[The doctor had also] said that [Fetterman] was fighting to get access of the Twitter account... Please promise me that he'll never have access.'

'I told him I don't want to talk to him until his blood is tested,' she added.

In another instance, a former staffer recalled overhearing Gisele on speakerphone in December last year saying to Fetterman, 'Who did I marry? Where is the man I married?'

The NY Mag article sheds light on a car crash Fetterman got into with his wife last year. He allegedly admitted to falling asleep at the wheel after taking a red-eye flight the night before

Another recent blow up between the couple came after Fetterman took a last-minute trip to Connecticut in March without telling anyone, staffers say.

'I took a weekend trip in March to visit the grave site of my friend from grad school who died in 1993  a trip my staff and family knew about,' Fetterman insisted to the NY Mag.

But, according to the report, Gisele and senate staffers had no idea where Fetterman was or what he was up to.

Aides were reportedly at a loss for what to tell Gisele when she demanded to know why he was missing one of their kids' birthdays.

Fetterman and his wife have both denied the NY Mag's reporting, with the senator slamming the 'lefty' outlet and calling the article a 'hit piece'. But it certainly all adds to the mystery around Gisele's recent absence from Capitol Hill.

John Fetterman's current and former staffers have lashed out at their boss, claiming the Pennsylvania Senator is not well and has behave erratically since being treated for depression

US Senator John Fetterman (L) and his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman arrive for the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC, on April 27, 2024

The Democrat has been seen by many as a member of his party made for the Trump era and he has even made overtures toward his political enemies since the inauguration

The Fetterman family together at the White House in 2022

A second Senate staffer told the Daily Mail: 'I haven't seen her recently, but I didn't see her a ton before.'

That staffer added that Fetterman has recently been spotted sitting in a courtyard outside of his office during the middle of the workday.

'Not exactly a health thing as much as just an interesting way to spend the workday,' the staffer said. 'Just strange to see a senator chilling in the sunny courtyard during the workday.'

'Usually they are so busy and can barely squeeze [things] in their schedule,' the staffer added.

Fetterman's office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
Women's rights campaigners stormed the male pond at Hampstead Heath shouting 'no goolies in our poolies' in protest over bosses refusing to ban trans women from an adjacent ladies' only pond following the Supreme Court ruling.

Around 30 female protesters wearing false beards, wigs and moustaches descended on the male-only pond on Bank Holiday Monday demanding to be let in because they self-identified as male.

But they were met by security guards and police who locked a gate to prevent them from entering while insisting that protests were not allowed.

The protest was organised after officials from the City of London Corporation which runs the ponds in Hampstead Heath north London ruled that trans women or men who identify as women could continue swimming in a nearby ladies' pond.

Protesters demanded that the Corporation now ban trans women or men identifying as women from using the ladies' only pond following the Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex.

Waving placards declaring 'Let Women Swim' and 'No Peens in our Pond,' the women protesters marched on the male natural bathing pond loudly singing: 'The law says no. Men must go. No goolies in our poolies.'

On a day they dubbed 'Bank Holiday Man-Day', dog walkers and visitors to the Heath looked on bemused as the women then gathered on the edge of the pond singing: 'If the person has a penis, he's a man.'

After being denied entry, the women remonstrated with a police officer standing behind a locked iron gate demanding that they be permitted entry because 'we are men.'

Women's rights campaigners stormed the male pond at Hampstead Heath in protest over bosses refusing to ban trans women from an adjacent ladies' only pond

After being denied entry, the women remonstrated with a police officer standing behind a locked iron gate and other security officers

A bemused male swimmer watches on as one of the protesters breaks into the male-only pond

Amy Desir, a gender-critical campaigner who organised the protest, insisted: 'If you allow trans women or men who identify as women into the ladies only pond then why can't us women, who identify as men, just for today, be allowed into the male only pond?'

Another protester screamed: 'I'm very manly. I have short hair and flat shoes. Let me in.'

A third shouted: 'Let us lads in.'

The police officer smirked and then admitted that he was a bit confused, particularly over which pronoun to use asking them: 'How should I refer to you all?'

The women replied: 'Sir or gentlemen or he or him. Or even your lordships,' leading to widespread laughter amongst those involved in the standoff.

As protesters remonstrated and joked with the officer about their 'manliness', five of them broke away, jumped over a wooden fence and dived into the chilly water of the male-only pond as their supporters cheered and clapped.

Ms Desir, who was wearing a bright, oversized novelty swimsuit was one of the first to breach the pond's defences.

She told MailOnline: 'We are not transphobic, we are pro-women and want to maintain safe spaces for women. The City of London Corporation is in breach of the law because only biological women should be allowed to use the women's only pond.

Protesters argued and joked with police, insisting they were identifying as men and should be allowed in

Amy Desir is pictured jumping into the male pond on a day they dubbed Bank Holiday Man-Day

After swimming for around 20 minutes, the female protesters jumped in the air and waved to their supporters

Protesters managed to get into the male pond and jumped in one by one on Monday

Many of the protesters who were self-identifying as men for the day were wearing fake beards

Women wearing fake moustaches and beards mess around in the male-pond on Monday

The protesters, including Amy Desir (left) and Venice Allen (centre), are seen posing on the jetty

'The Corporations self-identity policy is driving women away from the women's pond. They don't feel safe there anymore because of transwomen or predatory men being let in because they say they're a woman.'

She added: 'The whole situation is ridiculous. People who in the eyes of the law are not women are being allowed to use the women's pond and that is disgraceful.'

Hannah Clarke, who also jumped into the male pond, said: 'The Supreme Court has made the definition of a woman categorically clear and that's somebody who is born a woman. The City of London Corporation should be complying with the law, it's as simple as that.'

After swimming for around 20 minutes, the female protesters jumped in the air and waved to their supporters while standing on a wooden platform that jutted out over the men's pond.

Venice Allen, who shivered after leaving the pond and was drying herself with a towel thar read, 'Let Women Swim,' told MailOnline: 'The water was very cold, but it was worth it. This is a very important protest to fight for women's rights.

There were around 30 protesters who turned up at the male pond on Bank Holiday Monday

Protesters held placards up including this one which said 'No peens in our pond'

The protesters from 'Let Women Swim' did the stunt to protest against bosses refusing to ban trans women from the ladies' pond

Protesters argue with security and police after being denied access to the male-only pond

Hannah Clarke and Amy Desir were among those leading the protest on Monday

A female protester walks alongside a man at the male-only pond at Hampstead Heath

Ms Desir, who was wearing a bright, oversized novelty swimsuit was one of the first to breach the pond's defences. She was joined by Ms Clarke

Venice Allen (pictured), who shivered after leaving the pond and was drying herself with a towel thar read, 'Let Women Swim,' told MailOnline: 'The water was very cold, but it was worth it. This is a very important protest to fight for women's rights.'

Women's rights protesters were seen taking over the male-only pond on Monday afternoon

'We will be returning until the women's pond is once again exclusively for women.'

The UK's sole women-only natural bathing pool became a flashpoint in the trans debate after the City of London Corporation adopted a 'self-ID' policy in 2019, meaning trans women or men identifying as women can use the female changing rooms and swim there.

It has chosen to stick with this policy despite the Equality and Human Rights Commission advising that trans women should not use women's facilities in workplaces or public spaces following the Supreme Court ruling.

The City of London Corporation has said that it is 'carefully considering the judgment' while awaiting statutory guidance from the Commission.

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation told the media: 'These accusations are completely false. The City Corporation is compliant with existing UK law.'
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.'
Megyn Kelly hit out at Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour for what she described as 'hyper-pandering' and 'black tokenism' at this year's Met Gala.

The theme of this year's black-tie event is 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' - inspired by the book 'Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity' written by Monica L. Miller.

It will be the first time the event is entirely dedicated to designers of color, and specifically focuses on the way black men have used fashion as a tool to challenge stereotypes, and command respect.

But on her show Monday, Kelly slammed Wintour for picking the controversial theme, saying she was just trying to turn everyone's attention away from 'being America's biggest snob.'

'Anna Wintour's so white and her partner who's like organizing this whole thing with her, also a white guy, decided that - they realized that they would take a hit if they were to plan this, so they brought in - it very much feels like black tokenism to me - a focus group of black fashion elites, allegedly, and also just well-known black people like Angel Reese, of the WNBA, to like give them the imprint of approval,' she said.

'And some of these folks had, like, meetings at the Apollo Theater, the New York Times wants us to know, they went to the Apollo Theater to plan out tonight's Met Gala... as they tried to pay homage to black fashion,' Kelly continued.

The host of the Megyn Kelly Show then went on to suggest that Wintour chose the theme after receiving years of bad press coverage for 'how disgustingly excessive and over the top this showing of wealth is, where the plates go for over $70,000 a ticket.'

Megyn Kelly slammed Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour on her show Monday

She argued that Wintour is 'pandering' and trying to avoid negative press coverage with this year's Met Gala theme

Kelly then claimed that she has personally witnessed crude acts inside the bathrooms at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which she said is 'making a mockery of this place that is supposed to house some of our greatest works.'

'So now they've decided to try to get over this reputation of Anna Wintour being America's biggest snob, and this thing being the most over-the-top, elitist, evil event by pandering to blacks,' the former Fox News host concluded.

Along with Wintour, co-chairs, including Lewis Hamilton, ASAP Rocky, Colman Domingo and Pharrell Williams and honorary chair LeBron James will be running the event.

It has already received some backlash as Wintour -who controls every aspect of the guest list, ultimately deciding who is 'in' and who is 'out' - decided to snub anyone associated with President Donald Trump.

The president has been disinvited from the star-studded event since 2017, even though he and the First Lady regularly attended the gala in the past - and Trump even proposed to her in April 2004 on their way over there.

First Buddy Elon Musk as well as Trump allies Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have also reportedly been denied a seat at the gala, according to the New York Times.

Meanwhile, there are reports that other more liberal political figures, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be in attendance.

There is even a rumor circulating that former Vice President Kamala Harris might make an appearance as well, an unidentified source told the Times.

The theme of this year's black-tie event is 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' - inspired by the book 'Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity' written by Monica L. Miller. Teyana Taylor is pictured arriving at the star-studded event Monday evening

It will be the first time the event is entirely dedicated to designers of color, and specifically focuses on the way black men have used fashion as a tool to challenge stereotypes and command honor and respect. Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo is pictured with Wintour

Yet Wintour has claimed that the show 'was never about politics - not in conception, not now.'

Instead, she said it is really about 'self-determination, beauty, creativity and holding up a lens to history.'

Still, Wintour claimed that this year's theme has a 'heightened meaning in 2025' because it is 'recognizing and taking seriously the contributions of black designers and the black community in fashion.'

Cultural critic Louis Piscano also said: 'This feels way bigger than just fashion.'

'Putting black style front and center sends a real message,' he stated, adding: 'Its important that we dont sit this one out.'

Piscano said he's 'already bracing for the conservative backlash' the event will get, but that is 'why its especially important that people show up.'
A piece of burnt copper wire sparked a 90-second air traffic control blackout at Newark Liberty International Airport last week, prompting workers to take trauma leave as chaos ensues at the travel hub.

The New Jersey airport has entered its second week of massive hold ups, as the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground delay for the eighth consecutive day.

Flights are being delayed an average of nearly four hours on Monday. There were 339 delays and 153 flight cancellations at Newark by 6:30 pm ET, 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 outdated equipment.

The massive delays come as the Trump administration has worked to overhaul the US aviation industry, while the president has blamed DEI for the recent spate of flight disasters.

On April 28, air traffic controllers in Philadelphia, who are responsible for directing aircrafts in at Newark, experienced a 90-second blackout due to a burnt wire.

'[Controllers] 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 (NATCA) said.

'Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job.'

Newark Liberty International airport has entered its second week of massive hold ups. Pictured: people wait in line for a delayed flight at the New Jersey airport on Monday

On April 28, air traffic controllers in Philadelphia, who are responsible for directing aircrafts in at Newark, experienced a 90-second blackout due to a burnt wire

The busy airport outside NYC experienced disruptions all week (picture: Newark's delays on Monday), which officials blamed on staffing issues and outdated equipment

The FAA last year relocated control of the Newark airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing and congested New York City area traffic.

At least five FAA employees took 45 days of leave as a result of the incident, sources told CNN.

On Monday, the FAA admitted their 'antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce.'

'Frequent equipment and telecommunications outages can be stressful for controllers. Some controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON who work Newark arrivals and departures have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages.

'While we cannot quickly replace them due to this highly specialized profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace.'

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer addressed the blackout at a press conference Monday and called for a probe into a probe into ongoing flight disruptions at Newark airport.

'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?'

'The chaos at Newark could very well be a harbinger if issues like these aren't fixed, and if the FAA can't get real solutions off the ground.'

Sen. Chuck Schumer (pictured) addressed the blackout at a press conference Monday and called for a probe into a probe into ongoing flight disruptions at Newark airport

A woman sleeps during flight delays and cancellations at Newark International Airport on Monday

The April 28 blackout prompted workers to take trauma leave as chaos ensues at the travel hub (pictured: travelers going through security on Monday)

'We're here because the FAA is really a mess. This mess needs a real forensic look, a deep look into it.'

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.

The NATCA rejected the notion that the 'walked off' and defended their decision to take leave.

'The controllers did not walk off the job as it has been reported by the media,' the group said.

'The dedicated, American, hard-working employees who serve as controllers are the foundation of our air traffic control system. These controllers and the thousands of other aviation safety professionals represented by NATCA ensure the safe and efficient movement of millions of passengers and tons of cargo through our dynamic airspace every day.'

Flights at Newark are being delayed an average of nearly four hours on Monday. Pictured: people wait for a delayed flight on Monday

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 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 NATCA 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.
It was a favourite of the Princess of Wales for all three of her pregnancies  but now maternity fashion label Seraphine is embroiled in a right royal row.

Four years after selling the business for 50million, founder Cecile Reinaud has claimed the brand has abandoned its British heritage.

Ms Reinaud, 51, accuses the firm of losing its way with a rebrand that ditched its regal purple for what she described as a Scandinavian look.

She opened Seraphines first store in 2002 in Kensington, west London. It has since expanded into France and the US.

Seraphine sells products ranging from maternity jeans, leggings and dresses to nursing jumpers and breastfeeding covers.

The brand received huge attention worldwide when Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, wore one of its pieces in the first official pictures of Prince George in 2013.

The Jolene fuchsia dress sold out in two hours and she wore Seraphine outfits again in 2015 when pregnant with Charlotte and in 2018 while expecting Louis.

Other fans of the label include Myleene Klass, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Anne Hathaway and Kates sister Pippa Middleton.

It was a favourite of the Princess of Wales (above) for all three of her pregnancies  but now maternity fashion label Seraphine is embroiled in a right royal row

Four years after selling the business for 50million, founder Cecile Reinaud (above) has claimed the brand has abandoned its British heritage

Seraphine sells products ranging from maternity jeans, leggings and dresses to nursing jumpers and breastfeeding covers

In 2021, the business was sold to Mayfair Equity Partners, but it has since struggled with falling sales. Seraphines owners might have been hoping for a boost last week after a modernising rebrand.

Instead, it provoked the backlash from Ms Reinaud, who wrote in a LinkedIn post: My original vision was to create clothes youd want to wear even if you werent pregnant.

That guiding principle seems to have vanished now. Just yesterday, the brand unveiled a new logo that makes it resemble a Scandinavian label.

Why abandon our unique British heritage and signature regal purple? Seraphine was once a proud example of British fashion entrepreneurship, recipient of two Queens Awards: now, it seems to have lost its recognisable identity.

Ms Reinaud also said she was devastated by the ousting of Seraphines creative director Chelsey Westwood, adding: Her immense talent was at the heart of the brands success.

'Her creative vision enabled us to dress some of the worlds most high-profile celebrities: including becoming the maternity brand of choice for the Duchess of Cambridge.

A Mayfair Equity spokesman told the Mail yesterday: Last week was a hugely exciting moment for Seraphine, with the unveiling of its enhanced website and refreshed brand identity that incorporated consumer desire for a modernised look and feel.
A suspected Iranian terrorist accused of plotting a deadly attack in Britain was last night claimed to be very well-connected to the regime in Tehran.

The man, one of five arrested on Saturday during co-ordinated raids, is also connected to prominent businesses in Iran via his family, The Telegraph reported.

The alleged use of Iranian nationals, rather than proxies, to carry out an overseas terror attack suggests a change in tactics by the hostile state.

It may also be indicative of the significance of the purported plot. However, police have refused to say whether the alleged plan to target an unnamed premises was state-sponsored.

Counterterrorism officers also visited Iranian dissidents just days before the two plots were foiled, warning them of the threat posed by Tehran.

Mohamad Khoshbayan - a former Shia cleric who preached in Iran but has been granted asylum in the UK after supporting Tehran's opposition - was told to improve his home security, mix up his daily routine and highlighted the risk of violence.

Travelling to countries near Iran where he kidnapped was also warned against, it was revealed in The Times.

Officers arrested the five suspected terrorist in raids in west London, Rochdale, Manchester, Stockport and Swindon.

A suspected Iranian terrorist accused of plotting a deadly attack in Britain was last night claimed to be very well-connected to the regime in Tehran (pictured: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei)

Undercover police officers swooped on a suspected Iranian terrorist in Swindon after posing as customers in a cafe and ordering coffees and donuts

Iranian dissident Mohamad Khoshbayan was warned of security risks by counterterrorism police just days before the arrests

Witnesses in Swindon yesterday told of their shock at seeing six officers, who had been posing as customers of a town centre Costa cafe in jeans and hoodies, pounce on one of the suspects  moments after they were seen ordering drinks and doughnuts.

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 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.

Police were granted warrants of further detention last night, giving them until Saturday to question four of the men on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. These suspects are understood to be Iranian.

The fifth, the 24-year-old whose nationality has not been established, who was arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, has been released on bail.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said the investigation was highly complex.

He added that one was a terrorist plot to attack a specific premises, while the other was a national security issue.

Police have also been given more time to quiz three other Iranians held in London on suspicion of carrying out spy-related activity but are not treating the two cases as linked.

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)

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

These three suspects, aged 39, 44 and 55, are believed to have worked on behalf of a foreign state - understood to be Iran.

They are the first Iranians arrested under the relatively new National Security Act, established to counter hostile states' activities.

As part of the investigation, officers are searching a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas.

Mr Khoshbayan, 42, published a piece last week criticising the Iranian regime, accusing them of antisemitism and insisting that holocaust victims should be respected.

The next day, he got a visit by counterterrorism police. The month before he had a threatening phone call 'because I am supporting the Iranian opposition and calling for solidarity with Jews'.

The grandson of prominent Iranian cleric said: 'I was one of them [the regime], but I managed to escape and I speak out against them. They do not like it.'

It comes as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Sunday that the cases reflect the biggest counter state threat and counter terrorism operations in recent years.

Asked about possible links to the Iranian state, she said: These are major operations and the ongoing investigation is immensely important, and, of course, it involves Iranian nationals in both investigations. But this reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security we continue to face.

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

Sources said the alleged plot to target a UK premises was a major attack that could have led to an imminent threat to life.

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.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the arrests on Saturday 'reflect some of the biggest counter-state threat and counter-terrorism operations we have seen in recent years'

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter-Terrorism Command, said the investigation was highly complex

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said his operatives have tackled 20 potentially lethal plots backed by Tehran since 2022

'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.'

MI5 chief Ken McCallum disclosed last October that his operatives have tackled 20 potentially lethal plots backed by Tehran since 2022  mostly aimed at dissidents opposing the regime.
Two arsonists are on the run after ramming a ute into the front of a supermarket in Western Sydney and setting the vehicle on fire.

Emergency services were called to the small independent supermarket on Meadows Rd in Mt Pritchard shortly before 1am on Tuesday morning.

Security footage captured the dramatic moment a stolen Nissan Navara crashed through the shopfront.

Just moments later, the ute was deliberately set alight, sparking a fire at the scene.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the cause of the incident has commenced.

This is the second time in two weeks that the supermarket has been targeted - on April 25, petrol was poured through the stores entrance and set on fire.

Residents woke up to a loud bang as the ute struck the supermarket.

Two arsonists are on the run after ramming a ute into the front of a supermarket in Western Sydney and setting the vehicle on fire

DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email cameron.carpenter@dailymail.com
President Donald Trump appeared delighted by a ballerina whom he helped free from a Russian prison in the pair's first meeting.

Video posted online shows the commander-in-chief shaking hands with Ksenia Karelina inside the Oval Office on Monday, just weeks after the 33-year-old returned to American soil.

As she offered her thanks, the president could be heard telling the dancer: 'Congratulations. That's very nice, that's a great honor.'

He then joked with her family and her fiancee, professional boxer Chris van Heerden, that he now understands why they fought so hard for her return.

Turning his attention back to Karelina, Trump asked her how long she was left languishing in the Russian prison - to which she replies 15 months.

'That's a long time,' Trump acknowledges. In another clip, Karelina could be seen thanking the president for securing her release.

The ballerina was arrested while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg in February 2024, when Russian authorities discovered she donated $51 to the Ukrainian aid group Razom - and accused her of supporting the Ukrainian army.

She was sentenced to spend 12 years in a penal colony, but was freed in a prisoner swap last month.

It was negotiated between the intelligence agencies of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Trump, and saw Karelina freed in exchange for Russian national German Arthur Petrov, who was arrested in Cyprus in August 2023 on US charges of smuggling sensitive microelectronics to Russia.

President Donald Trump met with ballerina Ksenia Karelina inside the Oval Office on Monday after she returned to the United States

Karelina is pictured thanking the president for securing her freedom

Karelina and her fiancee, professional boxer Chris van Heerden, took a photo with Trump

Heartwarming photos from her return showed Karelina embracing her fiance at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and walking away with a smile on her face and flowers in her hands.

Petrov, meanwhile, was extradited to the US and was later released in Abu Dhabi.

Following her return, van Heerden praised Trump for his efforts to bring his fiance home.

'The old administration didn't do nothing for her. We're very thankful for President Trump and the new administration,' he told TMZ.

The boxer recounted that there were 'a handful of people in the old administration that were amazing,' but he swiftly realized it would not be enough to bring his partner home.

'About eight months in we knew we were going to struggle with the Biden administration,' van Heerden said, adding that he had 'faith and belief that President Trump would bring her back.'

Karelina also praised the president for his efforts, adding that she was not yet ready to speak publicly about her ordeal.

'I'm just really grateful to President Trump and the government for bringing me back and it just really feels good to be home,' she said.President Donald Trump briefly met with ballerina Ksenia Karelina inside the Oval Office on Monday, weeks after she returned to the United States

Ksenia, 33, was arrested while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg in February 2024,

The FSB security service found a $51 donation to the Ukrainian aid group Razom on her phone and accused her of supporting the Ukrainian army

Trump was sworn in for a second term as POTUS in January, and his administration set to work negotiating the terms of Karelina's release in the months since.

'This young ballerina is out, and we appreciate that,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting immediately following the revelation she'd made it home.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who was reportedly involved in prisoner negotiations with FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, was among those who greeted Karelina at the airport in Abu Dhabi.

He, too, praised Trump for bringing the Los Angeles-based dancer home.

'Today, President Trump brought home another wrongfully detained American from Russia,' Ratcliffe told the Wall Street Journal.

'I'm proud of the CIA officers who worked tirelessly to support this effort, and we appreciate the Government of the United Arab Emirates for enabling the exchange.

Now-ousted national security adviser Mike Waltz added that: 'The United States welcomes the return of American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina.'

'President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families.'

She was seen walking away with a smile on her face and flowers in her hands

Karelina was freed in a prisoner swap last month and was reunited with her fiance Chris van Heerden when she arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland

Karelina was released in exchange for Russian national German Arthur Petrov, who was arrested in Cyprus in August 2023 on US charges of smuggling sensitive microelectronics to Russia

Karelina's release marks the second prisoner swap between the US and Russia since Donald Trump took office in January.

Russia in February freed Marc Fogel, a schoolteacher and former employee of the US embassy in Moscow.

Fogel had served three and a half years of a 14-year sentence for drug smuggling after being caught in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

In exchange, Washington released Alexander Vinnik, a convicted Russian cybercriminal who had pleaded guilty in a US court to conspiring to launder money.

But at least 10 other Americans remain behind bars in Russia on various charges, hoping that their government can secure their release.

They include Stephen Hubbard, a 73-year-old native of Michigan jailed in October for nearly seven years on charges that he served as a mercenary in Ukraine.

Hubbard had been living in the Ukrainian town of Izium and was arrested after Russian forces took control of the city in 2022.

His relatives rejected claims that Hubbard served for Ukraine, pointing to his advanced age. He was designated in January as wrongfully detained.

Russian-American dual citizen Ksenia Karelina boards a private jet after her release at an airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 10

Marc Fogel, an American history teacher who was detained in Russia and Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East reacts during US President Donald Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress

Gordon Black, an active duty US staff sergeant based in South Korea, was also detained last May in Russia's Far East on suspicion of stealing money from his Russian girlfriend.

A court in June found Black guilty of stealing 10,000 roubles ($104) from the woman and threatening to kill her, sentencing him to three years and nine months in prison.

Another American citizen, Joseph Tater, was sentenced to 15 days in jail last August for 'petty hooliganism' after he was alleged to have abused staff at a Moscow hotel, which he denied.

He should have been released after serving the small sentence, but Russian news agencies say he is now being investigated on a more serious charge of assaulting a police officer, which carries up to five years in prison.

A court in September denied his appeal to be released from pre-trial detention and he remains in custody.

And, in one of the most high-profile cases, American citizen Eugene Spector - who was born in Russia and then moved to the US - was charged last August with espionage.

He had served as chairman of the board of Medpolymerprom Group, a company specializing in cancer-curing drugs, state media said.

Spector had pleaded guilty to helping bribe an assistant to an ex-Russian deputy prime minister. It was not clear how he pleaded to the espionage charge.

Now, those prisoners hope Trump's efforts to renew diplomatic ties with Russia will see them freed in the coming months.

'The exchange shows the importance of keeping lines of communication open with Russia, despite the deep challenges in our bilateral relationship,' a CIA spokeswoman told the WSJ following Karelina's release.

'While we are disappointed that other Americans remain wrongfully detained in Russia, we see this exchange as a positive step and will continue to work for their release.'
Only a fifth of puppies in the UK come from licensed breeders, research has found, leading animal welfare experts to warn of the possible scale of illegal breeding and smuggling.

Three-quarters of the 950,000 puppies that find homes in the UK every year  around 700,000  come from unknown sources, a charity has found.

They may have been bred by criminals, smugglers or legitimate small-scale breeders who do not require a licence.

Animal welfare charity the Naturewatch Foundation carried out the research by asking 360 councils about the number of breeders they had issued licences to.

It found that up to 19.5 per cent of puppies come from licensed breeders while 5.8 per cent are from overseas.

No official information was available for the source of the remaining 75 per cent.

Natalie Harney, from Naturewatch, said: 'Dog lovers will be shocked to learn that most UK dogs and puppies still come from unknown sources.

'While some of these unknown sources will include small breeders who do not require a licence and who are well-meaning, we fear a significant proportion of them are from illegal sources such as criminal gangs breeding on an industrial scale and smugglers.'

Only a fifth of puppies in the UK come from licensed breeders, research has found

Three-quarters of the 950,000 puppies that find homes in the UK every year  around 700,000  come from unknown sources

She said despite reforms made in 2018 to the 2006 Animal Welfare Act to clamp down on illegal breeding, loopholes and under-enforcement remained major issues.

'It is clear there is still insufficient oversight of the trade in puppies and dogs in the UK,' Ms Harney added.

The figures showed there were 3,000 licensed breeders, with 23,000 breeding dogs. But just a third of councils knew exactly how many dogs the breeders were allowed to keep.

Ms Harney said: 'If you are getting an animal, it's vital to make sure you know your breeder. Ask: "Are they licensed? How many dogs are they allowed to keep? Are they happy for you to see their premises?"

'These are essential questions any prospective puppy buyer should ask.'

It comes as dog breeders and pet sellers face a tax crackdown amid concerns that cash-in hand work is helping the black economy boom.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believes the industry is 'vulnerable to hidden economic activity', partly because of how many sole traders it involves.

In a consultation document on the proposed changes, HMRC said: 'The measure may have a significant impact cumulatively on the identified sectors.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believes the industry is 'vulnerable to hidden economic activity', partly because of how many sole traders it involves

'External research on the animal welfare sector shows a substantial increase in dog and cat ownership which has generated demand in breeders and pet sellers.

'We expect around 17,000 animal welfare licences will be affected by this measure.

'Businesses will need to use the tax check service to demonstrate whether and how they are registered for tax each time they apply to renew their licence.

'This will typically take place every three years.'
Reform UK is under fire for banning the Ukrainian flag from town halls.

Nigel Farage's party said it would only fly the Union Jack, St George's flag and county flags from the council buildings it controls.

The party stormed to victory in ten local authorities in England at last week's local elections, including Durham, Lancashire and Staffordshire.

Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said its councils 'will move at speed to resolve that the only flags to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and St George's flag'.

Writing on X, he added: 'No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flagpoles, balconies, reception desks or council chamber walls.'

The party later clarified that county flags would also be permitted.

But Labour MP Mike Tapp urged Reform to drop their 'sickening' ban on flying the Ukrainian flag.

'As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants,' the former soldier, now MP for Dover and Deal, said.

Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said its councils 'will move at speed to resolve that the only flags to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and St George's flag'. The party later clarified that county flags would also be permitted.

Labour MP Mike Tapp urged Reform to drop their 'sickening' ban.

'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.'

Mr Farage was criticised last year for suggesting the West 'provoked' Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer has previously accused Reform of 'fawning over Putin'.

Before Reform's clarification, Labour and Tory MPs criticised that county flags would not be allowed to fly.

Chris Webb, Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Reform was off to 'a great start' by 'banning' the Lancashire Rose from flying.

A Reform spokesman said: 'Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's Flag and county flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.'
A century-old tree on the boundary of two multimillion-dollar homes has been chopped down, sparking a feud between homeowners in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The 100-year-old magnolia tree stood between a five-bedroom stately home and a semi-detached house in Waverley.

In a move that has sparked fury in the neighbourhood, the tree was chopped down without approval from the council.

The tree had sat on both properties, with its trunk straddling both sides of the boundary and the dividing boundary fence stopping on either side of it.

David Thompson, the owner of the five-bedroom home, who lives overseas with his family in London, has been left 'devastated' by the tree's removal.

Mr Thompson, who rents out the property to holiday makers via a luxury villa site, told The Sydney Morning Herald the tree provided privacy from his neighbours.

'We're devastated by the sort of brazen nature of the environmental vandalism that has taken place, we're horrified by it,' he said.

But the homeowner behind the felling, Marco Fanuli, said the tree was removed in January due to safety concerns.

David Thompson, the owner of the five-bedroom villa (pictured), has been left 'devastated' by the felling

The homeowner behind the felling, Marco Fanuli (pictured left) said the tree was removed in January due to safety concerns.

The 100-year-old tree was chopped down in January

During the severe storms that battered NSW in the New Year, Mr Fanuli said branches from the 100-year-old tree fell and damaged the roof.

He told Daily Mail Australia: 'The trunk of the magnolia tree was on our property and less than one metre away from our home. It was on a lean and towered over our roof.

'After the intense storm in January that brought down lots of trees across Sydney, a number of branches fell on our house.

'They damaged our roof and caused us to fear for our safety living directly under such a large old tree.

'While we urgently did what was necessary for our family's safety after the storm, I did notify Council of our intention to remove the tree and submitted an official application the day prior.

'I understand it wasn't enough time for formal approval to be given, however we felt the ongoing risk to our home was too high to wait.'

Mr Fanuli was fined the maximum available to the council while the company responsible for the felling were fined $6,000.

Another neighbour, Maxwell Munro, said he was concerned the fine is not enough to deter others from removing trees in the future.

The 100-year-old tree was situated one metre from Mr Fanuli's home (pictured)

He said the 'beautiful tree' was 'vital to the local ecosystem'.

'Since its removal, we've noticed a decrease in birdlife  something that brings real joy to me, my family and no doubt many others in the community.'

Mr Fanuli has put his home up for auction later this month and the listing states the property has had a recently approved development application for a second storey.

Protection of the tree was reportedly a contributing factor in the council's decision to approve the DA after an independent arborist report determined it was healthy.

The felling is the latest example of tree damage to spark fury within the local community following tree poisonings in Tamarama and Ashfield.

A Waverley Council spokesperson said: 'The penalty amounts are legislated by the NSW government and not Council.

'Council considered it unlikely that a more favourable outcome could be obtained in civil enforcement proceedings. If civil proceedings were commenced and found to be unsuccessful, Council would likely be liable for associated costs.'

Greater fines of up to $1million can only be handed out to individuals for culling trees if a council is successful in prosecuting a case in the Land and Environment Court.

Speaking out on tree vandalism, Waverley Mayor Cr Will Nemesh said: 'Enforcement mechanisms currently remain limited. Council at its April meeting considered and endorsed a motion formally calling on the State Government to increase fines for tree vandalism.

'I am committed to pushing for stronger action to deter tree vandalism and protect the local environment for our community.'
A woman who was filmed defecating on the hood of a car during a revolting road rage incident in Pennsylvania has now been revealed to be an adult content creator on OnlyFans, where she caters to foot fetishists for a monthly subscription of $7.99.

Christina Solometo, 44, of Ridley Park, has been charged in connection with the now-viral incident that unfolded around 5pm on April 29 in Prospect Park, a small suburb just outside Philadelphia.

Video footage sees Solometo getting out of her black car during a traffic dispute and walking calmly to another driver's silver sedan before squatting on the hood, and defecating all over it while the driver was still inside the vehicle.

The stomach-turning act, captured by a stunned bystander and shared widely across social media, shows Solometo then returning to her vehicle grinning after the disgusting act.

Authorities say the incident, shocking in its brazenness, is not being treated as a joke.

But now further investigation into Solometo's background has revealed she is also an adult content creator on OnlyFans, operating under the name 'Neen' with the handle @Neens_Toes.

Her page promises subscribers an intimate 'toe-tally' experience, including decorated toenails, toe jewelry, and personalized fetish content.

'Hello Fans! Neen, here and I would love to show you my pretty toes, decorated with your favorite color nail polish. Sometimes decorated in jewelry. Tip toe with me and you'll see. Cum with my feet and toes on a fabulous journey beyond your wildest dreams,' reads her profile.

Christina Solometo, 44, of Ridley Park, has been charged in connection with the now-viral incident that unfolded around 5pm on April 29 in Prospect Park, just outside Philadelphia.

Police say 44-year-old Christina Solometo of Ridley Park is the woman seen in the footage that sees her dropping her pants, squatting on the hood of a silver sedan and defecating

Solometo has now been revealed to be an adult content creator on OnlyFans , where she caters to foot fetishists for a monthly subscription of $7.99

Solometo also notes she is open to 'special requests' - a line that has taken on unsettling new relevance in light of recent events.

When a reporter for Philadelphia Magazine messaged Solometo to ask if her public defecation had any connection to fetish content she offers, her response was vulgar.

'You want me to f***ing s*** on you? I want 5k and I'm bringing a bodyguard!'

Her reply was sent via a Facebook account Solometo operates under the alias 'Christina M. Shythead.'

Solometo now faces indecent exposure, harassment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and depositing waste on a highway, according to court records.

She has not formally pleaded in court, but in her brief comments to reporters, she has claimed her response was measured and that she acted out of restraint rather than rage.

'The other driver called me a bad name,' she said. 'So I dropped a deuce instead of turning violent.'

Police disagree. 'Were there weird exchanges between the two? Yes,' said Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna. 'Was the victim taking an aggressive stance towards the defendant? Not at all.'

The clip ends with the woman casually walking back to her vehicle, grinning away

Police arrested Solometo and she is facing a slew of charges, including indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment, and depositing waste on the highway

Authorities say the incident, shocking in its brazenness, is not being treated as a joke

'No town wants this to happen in their town,' the chief told NBC10.

'The recognition a town gets over this kind of thing - it's really unwelcome. We don't want this.'

Despite the owner of the car choosing not to file a complaint, police have moved ahead with charges anyway, citing the public nature of the act and its impact on the community.

Solometo has shown little remorse. When asked about her actions, court records show she told police: 'It was a clean poop. I didn't even have to wipe.'

As images of the incident exploded across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the reaction ranged from disgust to disbelief.

Solometo was taken into custody shortly after the incident and has been cooperative.

She appears ready to cash in on her internet fame with her Amazon wish list (linked to her OnlyFans) including toe rings, sexy heels, clogs, foot massagers, and a callus remover.
The Pennsylvania man who killed his mother-of-four Uber driver has been sentenced to life behind bars without parole for the brutal murder.

Calvin Crew, 25, was sentenced on Monday to life without parole for the 2022 slaying of Christina Spicuzza.

Harrowing dashboard camera footage showed the 38-year-old mother-of-four begging for her life when Crew put a gun to her head after she picked him up for a ride.

Crew was convicted of first-degree murder in February and faced the death penalty, reported WTAE.

However, Spicuzza's family asked that he be spared and the murderer was sentenced to life, with an additional 13 to 26 years for kidnapping and robbery charges.

'You should have the death penalty but we showed mercy,' said Spicuzza's mother, Cindy Spicuzza. 'You executed her. No mercy, no remorse. It was abhorrent. It was murder.'

Crew was not in the courtroom for sentencing at his own request, and his defense attorney said his client maintains his innocence and plans to appeal, according to KDKA.

'No reason other than a coward. A coward who couldn't be here today to face this,' said Spicuzza's life partner, Brandon Marto.

Calvin Crew (pictured), 25, was sentenced on Monday to life without parole for the 2022 slaying of his Uber driver

Mother-of-four and Uber driver Christina Spicuzza (pictured), 38, was shot dead after picking up Crew for a ride

Harrowing dashboard camera footage showed Spicuzza begging for her life when Crew put a gun to her head

Spicuzza is remembered as a loving mother who was always trying to spread joy, according to her obituary.

'Christi was first and foremost a loving mother. She also enjoyed art, crafting, and her bible study,' her family said.

'Anyone who knew Christi knew her smile could light up every room she was in. No matter what was going on in her life, Christi was always smiling, always positive, and always loving.'

Police said Crew used his girlfriend's phone to order the Uber on February 10, 2022, then held a gun to Spicuzza's head and told her to keep driving.

She reached back four seconds after the gun was raised to her head, felt the weapon, and incredulously said 'you've got to be joking,' according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Crew told her again to keep driving, and she told him that she had a family: 'I'm begging you. I have four kids.'

'I got a family too,' Crew retorted. 'Now drive.'

Repeatedly, he told her to 'complete the trip.' She asked him multiple times to put the gun down, but he kept it pointed at the back of her neck.

Crew was facing the death penalty, but Spicuzza's family (pictured) asked that he be spared and the murderer was sentenced to life

Spicuzza was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the back of her head and a 9mm shell casing near her body in a wooded area

'Please take that off of me,' she said. He reached up into the front seat and grabbed her phone from the dashboard, according to the complaint.

'Do what I say and everything will be all right,' he told her.

The video cuts after Crew grabs Spicuzza's dash cam and turns it off, the complaint alleges. It is unclear what happened next, although the ride ended with the driver's brutal murder.

During the drive, according to the complaint, Crew's girlfriend sent him a message saying, '[I'm] not going to jail if we get caught.'

Spicuzza was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the back of her head and a 9mm shell casing near her body in a wooded area near the 500 block of Rosecrest Drive.

Ultimately, Spicuzza's dashboard camera was recovered one-tenth of a mile from the spot where she picked up Crew, and police viewed the footage from a mini SD card in the camera, which recorded audio and video from the front and back of the car, court documents state.

Crew is an ex-convict who was not allowed to possess a firearm, according to the criminal complaint, due to serious offenses he committed as a juvenile.

Days before the homicide warrant was filed he was arrested by the Northern Regional Police Department for a felony related to the sale and transfer of firearms and a misdemeanor of falsification to authorities.

That case was filed for crimes that authorities allege took place on September 10, 2020.
Pete Hegseth has demanded the active duty military cut 20 percent of its four-star generals in a further move toward Donald Trump's mandate to cut government waste.

Hegseth also told the National Guard to shed 20 percent of its top positions and directed the military to cut an additional 10 percent 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.'

Adding to the turmoil in the Pentagon, Hegseth in recent weeks has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers, tightly narrowing his inner circle.

Pete Hegseth has demanded that the active duty military cut 20 percent of its four-star generals in a further move toward Donald Trump's mandate to cut government waste

The cuts are on top of more than a half-dozen top general officers that President Donald Trump or Hegseth have fired since January

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, 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.

The firings at the Pentagon have included the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown Jr

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

In a memo released Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the transformation to 'build a leaner, more lethal force.' Discussions about the changes have been going on for weeks, including decisions to combine a number of Army commands.

Col. Dave Butler, an Army spokesman, said the potential savings over five years would be nearly $40 billion.

U.S. officials said as many as 40 general officer slots could be cut as a result of the restructuring. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues.

The changes come as the Pentagon is under pressure to slash spending and personnel as part of the broader federal government cuts pushed by President Donald Trump's administration and ally Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

In his memo, Hegseth said the Army must eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize improvements to air and missile defense, long-range fires, cyber, electronic warfare and counter-space capabilities.

Specifically, he said the Army must merge Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command into one entity and merge Forces Command, Army North and Army South into a single headquarters 'focused on homeland defense and partnership with our Western Hemisphere allies.'

In addition, he called for the Army to consolidate units, including Joint Munitions Command and Sustainment Command, as well as operations at various depots and arsenals.

Officials said that while the mergers will result in fewer staff positions, there won't be a decrease in the Army's overall size. Instead, soldiers would be shifted to other posts.

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.
Penny Wong has compared Adam Bandt to Peter Dutton as his political career threatens to go up in smoke.

Bandt is still in danger of losing his Melbourne seat as counting continues, with the Greens leader 1,723 votes ahead of Labor's Sarah Witty on Tuesday morning figures.

Bandt's primary vote drop to 41 per cent, compared to 45 per cent at the 2022 election.

Wong weighed in on The Greens struggles on in an interview with Karl Stefanovic, arguing that the party's 'culture war' messaging was putting off voters.

'Unfortunately, Adam Bandt in some ways is quite like Peter Dutton,' she said.

'It's the same conflict. It's the same. Frankly, sometimes quite aggressive and the same politics of protest and grievance.

'Australians have comprehensively rejected that.'

Much of the Greens' election campaign messaging strayed away from its core concern of the environment and instead focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict, taxing billionaires and energy policy.

Penny Wong accuses Adam Bandt of mirroring Peter Dutton's approach on the Today show

With a sharp swing to Labor, Adam Bandt faces the real threat of losing his seat as Wong says Australians rejected his style of politics

'My suggestion to Adam Bandt is perhaps he should consider what the message (that) Australians sent to all of us in parliament,' she said.

But Stefanovic then challenged Wong, pointing out that she had strayed into 'culture wars' herself by declaring the Voice to Parliament would be revived despite the failed referendum.

'You mentioned The Voice during the campaign as well, Penny. I listened to it and you clearly weren't saying you were going to go back to it, but it was seized upon, as you know.'

Wong dodged the question, and doubled-down on the country's rejection of the 'culture wars'.

'People were concerned about Medicare. People were concerned about cost of living. People were concerned about tax cuts. People were concerned about schools and hospitals and bulk billing and fee-free TAFE,' she said.

'That's what Australians wanted to see.

'They weren't interested in the Peter Dutton Liberal Party culture wars.'
Downing Street is considering reinstating the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners in a move to restore public goodwill, according to reports.

Senior figures in Sir Keir Starmer's circles have allegedly been discussing how to simmer public anger towards the Labour Government in the wake of their local election thumping to Nigel Farage's Reform.

While any moves would not see a full reversal of the cuts made last July, sources at No.10 told The Guardian they are exploring the option of increasing the 11,500 income cap currently set for the payment.

But some Cabinet ministers believe the controversial cuts - one of the government's first major decisions after being elected - have already cost them the next election.

One minister told the newspaper: 'It comes up on the doorstep all the time. Winter fuel will lose us the next election, it was a terrible mistake. But it's probably too late for a U-turn now.'

Many Labour MPs have criticised the decision since it was introduced, saying it was now driving their voters - particularly elders - into the hands of Reform.

And after Labour lost one of their safest seats in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election to Nigel Farage's party, their fears appear to be materialising.

Another source said: 'People are saying we haven't done enough for them on the cost of living, and winter fuel is an example of it going in the wrong direction.'

Senior figures in Keir Starmer's circles are allegedly considering reinstating the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners in a move to restore public goodwill

But some Cabinet ministers believe the controversial cuts - announced by Rachel Reeves last year - have already cost them the next election

The move comes in the wake of Labour's local election thumping to Nigel Farage's Reform

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 that's not the case.'

Insiders are also alleged to believe that any changes to the policy could spell danger for Rachel Reeves, who removed the payment of up to 300 from 10 million pensioners.

Angry MPs furious at the cuts and future plans to trim 5billion worth of benefit payments, are said to be pushing the government for change before a vote on 'stage one' of its welfare plans in early June.

The newspaper reports that the government may come back for 'stage two' this autumn, but there are concerns that any more cuts would spark further in-fighting.

Downing Street figures allegedly acknowledge the growing concern both in the party and among voters and said they were in discussions over the issue.

Insiders are also alleged to believe that any changes to the policy could spell danger for Rachel Reeves, who removed the payment of up to 300 from 10 million pensioners (Stock Image)

But they are said to be insistent that this would not a be a formal review, and no kneejerk response would be made after election results.

They are also alleged to say that any changes made would be officially announced in the a broader financial package.

A Downing Street source told The Telegraph that the report was 'incorrect and the policy would not be reviewed'.

MailOnline has approached the Department for Work and Pensions for comment.
The UK is said to be secretly preparing for a direct military assault by Russia as senior officials warn the country is ill-equipped for a modern conflict on home soil.

The Cabinet Office is reviewing whether to update Britain's 20-year-old 'homeland defence plan' that sets out how the Government responds to a declaration of war, according to The Telegraph.

The move comes after a series of chilling threats from Russia and mounting concerns in Whitehall over the nation's civil and military readiness.

Security officials have warned that Britain would be 'outgunned' by the Kremlin and its allies in a full-scale conflict.

Former Chancellor Philip Hammond recently declared the country is 'massively under-strength' and said more needed to be done to prepare civilians, who he feared were woefully unprepared, for the potential risk of conflict.

Not only would Britain be the weaker side on the battlefield, but it is also vulnerable to an attack on its critical national infrastructure, including gas terminals, undersea cables, nuclear power plants, and transport hubs, experts say.

The updated strategy is expected to detail how the Government would respond to a full-scale attack by a hostile state, including missile strikes, large-scale cyber disruption, and even the use of nuclear weapons.

It will also include contingency plans for safeguarding ministers, evacuating the Royal Family, and coordinating emergency services during a national security crisis.

The UK is secretly preparing for a direct military assault by Russia as senior officials warn the country is ill-equipped for a modern conflict on home soil

The Cabinet Office is reviewing whether to update Britain's 20-year-old 'homeland defence plan' that sets out how the Government responds to a declaration of war, reports The Telegraph. Pictured: Rescue workers conduct a search and rescue operation at a residential building heavily damaged by Russian drone strikes on May 1

The move comes after a series of chilling threats from Russia and mounting concerns in Whitehall over the nation's civil and military readiness. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Security officials have warned that Britain would be 'outgunned' by Russia and its allies in a full-scale conflict. Pictured: Russian soldiers in Moscow on May 3

A senior government source told The Telegraph that the plan would update the dormant War Book to account for the 'new realities of warfare'.

That includes cyber attacks, satellite sabotage, and hypersonic missile strikes that could evade existing defences.

An update to the classified 'homeland defence plan' will set out a strategy for the days immediately after a strike on the UK mainland by a hostile foreign state.

The plan, by the Cabinet Office's Resilience Directorate, will direct the Prime Minister and Cabinet on how to run a wartime government and when they should seek shelter in the Downing Street bunker or outside London.

The war strategies for the rail and road networks, courts, postal system and phone lines are all expected to be reviewed.

A risk assessment published in January warned that a successful attack was 'likely to result in civilian fatalities as well as members of the emergency services,' while also causing serious economic damage and disruption to essential services.

A risk assessment published in January warned that such a successful attack was 'likely to result in civilian fatalities as well as members of the emergency services,' while also causing serious economic damage and disruption to essential services. Pictured: The explosion of a missile lights up the sky over the city during a Russian missile and drone strike in Ukraine

Last month a simulation run in the wake of Vladimir Putin 's full-scale invasion of Ukraine showed Britain could not prevent all strikes getting through. Pictured: Dream Town shopping mall following Russian drone strike on May 4, 2025 in Kyiv

The scenario from 2022 was revealed by Air Commodore Blythe Crawford, former head of the RAF Air and Space Warfare Centre (pictured in 2020)

Last month a simulation run in the wake of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine showed Britain could not prevent all strikes getting through.

The scenario from 2022 was revealed by Air Commodore Blythe Crawford, the former head of the RAF Air and Space Warfare Centre.

The simulation - part of the RAF's 36million Gladiator programme - looked at how 'day one' of the conflict would unfold.

The UK faced 'hundreds of different types of munitions' attacking from various directions.

Air Commodore Crawford said the outcome was 'not a pretty picture', with some missiles making it through.

He stressed that significant work had been done since then to bolster the defences.

'We [loaded] night one of Ukraine into that synthetic environment and played it out against the UK and, as you can imagine, it was not a pretty picture,' he said.

'It reinforced the fact that we really need to get after this.'

The plan, by the Cabinet Office's Resilience Directorate, will direct the Prime Minister and Cabinet on how to run a wartime government and when they should seek shelter in the Downing Street bunker or outside London

An update to the classified 'homeland defence plan' will set out a strategy for the days immediately after a strike on the UK mainland by a hostile foreign state. Pictured: A residential building heavily damaged by Russian drone strikes on May 1, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia

Kremlin officials have repeatedly threatened to attack the UK over its support for Ukraine and last month Putin's propagandists declared British blood 'must be spilled' after they accused Britain of supplying the explosives that killed a top general in a Moscow car bomb.

Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik died in Moscow near his home in the eastern suburb of Balashikha after a Volkswagen Gold filled with explosives was detonated in his presence.

The dead military man was a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff of the Russian army.

While the Kremlin previously blamed Ukraine for the attack, Putin's propagandists have now turned their ire on Britain.

So-called military expert Andrei Klintsevich told Russia 1 that Britain's security service handed explosives to the perpetrators 'by the ton.'

Propagandist Vladimir Solovyov angrily added: 'We do realise that someone is creative a network of planted explosives and [transporting] these explosives.

'When we say that British security services are behind every terrorist attack, it means that the blood of the British who authorised the killings on Russian soil must be spilled.

'They must realise that they will pay personally. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'
The jury has been shown a photograph for the first time of where the deadly meal was served, before Ian Wilkinson told the court what happened prior to the lunch.

The survivor of the fatal mushroom meal, who told the jury what he ate the day before and morning of the lunch, said Don and Gail Patterson collected him and his wife Heather at about 12pm and they arrived at Erin Patterson's home at about 12.30pm.

On arrival, Heather realised Simon Patterson's car wasn't there. Mr Wilkinson said he believed Don or Gail then told them their son Simon, who is Erin Patteron's estranged husband, was not attending.

Erin (court sketch pictured below) met her visitors and took them inside where they entered the dining area.

'There was general conversation, and then we started conversing about the house,' Mr Wilkinson told the jury.

The court heard one of the attendees suggested the group go outside to look at the garden, where they walked before returning to the house.

Mr Wilkinson said he saw potatoes being mashed by Erin but steadfastly maintained he never saw any other food being prepared.

'I saw Erin plating up the food,' he said.

Mr Wilkinson said Erin was on the kitchen side of the bench, Gail and Heather were leaning on the bench and he and Don were standing away while Erin plated the food.

He said there were offers to help Erin plate up, but the 'offer was rejected'.

He said Erin 'plated all of the food'.

Mr Wilkinson recalled the meal consisted of mash potato, green beans and beef Wellington.

He said he didn't see where the beef Wellington came from, but the items were served individually.

'It (the beef Wellington) was very much like a pastie, it was a pastry case and inside was steak and mushrooms, there have been gravy available on the table, he said.

I could see them (the plates) between Heather and Gail, there were four large grey plates, one smaller plate - a different colour, an orangy-tan color.

Gail picked up two of the grey plates and took them to the table, Heather picked up two of the grey plates and took them to the table, Erin picked up the odd plate and put it at her place at the table.'

Mr Wilkinson recalled where everyone sat and marked it down for the jury.

He said Don sat opposite Erin at the end of the table, and he sat at the head of the table with Heather to his left and Gail on the right next to her husband.

He held back tears as he vividly recalled that the three deceased and himself ate from the grey plates while Erin ate from the 'orange plate'.

Mr Wilkinson told the court the group said grace before eating.

Mr Wilkinson recalled that he ate the entire meal as did his wife Heather.

Gail ate half of her beef Wellington and all of her vegetables.

Don ate his beef Wellington and the other half of Gail's.

Heather mentioned 'we shouldve shared' because she thought the meal was too large.

But Mr Wilkinson couldn't say how much of the meal Erin ate.

'I don't remember any comments, like "oh you didn't eat much",' he said.

He said after lunch the group shared cake and a fruit platter.
A former friend of the man accused of murdering his wife during a 2020 kayaking trip has revealed he and his wife had 'suspicions' about the supposed accident from the very beginning.

Graeme Davidson, 55, was arrested at a home in Brisbane on Sunday during a visit to Australia from his current address in Thailand, where he moved after his wife's death.

He has been charged with domestic violence murder, fraud, and attempted fraud, after allegedly killing his 54-year-old wife Jacqueline during a kayaking trip at Lake Samsonvale, north of Brisbane, in November 2020.

Police allege he tried to claim more than $1million in life insurance policies following her death.

Jacqueline's death was initially reported as a tragic kayaking accident where she had fallen into the water and drowned.

But police investigations and a report to the coroner uncovered further evidence and a homicide probe was launched '18 months to two years' after her death.

A source who was previously friends with Davidson told Daily Mail Australia he and his wife had 'huge suspicions' when Jacqueline died.

'We, as couples, became friends from 2010 until Jacqueline's death, when my wife and I had huge suspicions,' he said.

Graeme Davidson, 55, was arrested and charged with the alleged murder of his 54-year-old wife Jacqueline (pictured together above)

Initially, police believed Jacqueline Davidson had drowned in a tragic kayaking accident (pictured, police at the scene)

A source told Daily Mail Australia he and his wife had 'huge suspicions' when Jacqueline died (pictured, Graeme and Jacqueline Davidson)

He described Davidson as someone driven by financial and career success.

'He had a property in Closeburn (27km northwest of Brisbane) and had planning permission for a granny flat but built a full house. The council made him rebuild it,' the source said.

'He was always trying to get one up.'

He said Davidson had served in the British army for 22 years before transferring to the Australian army where he served as a captain at HQ1 Division, Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane from 2010 to 2013.

The former friend added Jacqueline, who worked as a beautician in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside, was a 'beautiful and very friendly' woman.

It is understood the couple had several children.

Prior to Davidson's arrest, detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake's conditions at the time of Jacqueline's death.

'The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious,' Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said.

'Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation.

Queensland police released bodycam footage (pictured) of Davidson's arrest after detectives pieced together evidence over several years proving he allegedly killed his wife

Police allege Davidson tried to claim more than $1million in life insurance policies after his wife's death

Police will allege Davidson was involved in his wife's drowning when they were kayaking at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020 (pictured)

'It wasn't a straight-forward investigation. It involved talking to experts and a number of witnesses and basically putting a lot of small pieces together to form a bigger picture.'

Det Insp Windsor said the married couple were living together but police would allege there was 'some form of breakdown in the relationship' at the time of Jacqueline's death.

He said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife's death, confirming they related to the fraud charges.

'The combined life insurance was in excess of $1million,' Det Insp Windsor said.

'They were quite extensive.'

Windsor said police considered extraditing Davidson from Thailand, where he had been living for 'some years', but ultimately decided against it.

Instead, Davidson was arrested when he returned to visit family in Queensland.

Footage from the arrest showed Davidson appearing startled as officers entered the room where he was sleeping on a fold-out sofa.

He was then seen throwing the blankets off himself as he sat upright while police moved in, before escorting him outside and into a patrol car.

He was refused police bail and made no appearance at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday when his case was briefly mentioned.

Davidson will remain in custody, with the matter to be mentioned again on May 19.
Abbie Chatfield's post-election joy has rapidly turned to fear and loathing as her political hero - Greens leader Adam Bandt - faces losing his seat.

The media personality, 29, was crying tears of joy on Saturday night as it became apparent that not only were the Liberal Party facing a total wipeout, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was going to suffer the indignity of losing his seat.

'This is just so relieving,' she gushed to her followers.

'This is so important for our mental health not living in a country where the majority of people are hateful.'

But that relief has been short-lived as it becomes clear her favourite politician - Adam Bandt - could also suffer the same fate as Dutton.

The most recent figures from the Australian Electoral Commission showed Bandt was trailing in the two-party-preferred race against Labor's Sarah Witty by 1,212 votes with 6,300 postal votes yet to be counted.

So far the postal votes are going to Witty 64 percent to 36 for Bandt.

The ABC's outgoing election analyst Antony Green suggesting he will hang on, while Daily Mail Australia's Political Editor Peter Van Onselen says he's a goner.

Abbie Chatfield, 29, was crying tears of joy on Saturday night as it became apparent that not only were the Liberal Party facing a total wipeout, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was going to suffer the indignity of losing his seat

But that relief has turned sour as it becomes clear her favourite politician - Greens leader Adam Bandt - could also suffer the same fate as Mr Dutton

Joining Bandt in his anxious wait is Chatfield, who took to Instagram to share her fears.

'The Greens... it's not looking good and I feel sick,' she said, as she held her head in her hands.

'if Adam Bandt loses his... ', she added trailing off, apparently unable to countenance the horror of the Greens leader being turfed out of parliament.

She added: 'The high has worn off, guys, The joy has worn off. Now I want to cry out of sadness.

'Adam Bandt cannot lose his seat!'

During the election campaign, the reality TV star turned podcaster visited Bandt in his parliamentary office where she donned bright green slacks to show her support for the party.

Chatfield also performed a DJ set alongside Bandt, where she danced with his big red toothbrush - a prop that the Greens leader used throughout the campaign to promote the party's dental policies.

Footage of Chatfield gyrating behind Bandt was used in official Greens' political advertisements.

The reality TV star turned podcaster is a huge fan of the Greens leader. She visited him in his parliamentary office where she donned bright green slacks to show her support for the party (pictured)

After being deluged by critics who criticised her for their disastrous election result, Chatfield shared a video to explain why it really was a win for the Greens.

'Of course in an ideal world the Greens would have won more seats in the House of Representatives, but it isnt a Greens loss, its a loss from the coalition SO monumental that they handed Labor more power in a historic ment (sic) win,' she said.

'ALSO!! The Greens have 11 seats in the senate which means they hold the sole balance of power, which gives them HEAPS of bargaining power when it comes to legislation.

'Dont be disheartened by these results, be encouraged.

'This is an incredible testament to Australian politics and our refusal to be pushed into a far right ideology based on hate, culture wars and dog whistles.'

The Greens had a national party vote of 11.8 per cent - down 0.4 per cent on their result in 2022.

They also lost their House seats of Brisbane and Griffith.

If Bandt loses his seat of Melbourne, the party could end up with just one MP in the lower house: Elizabeth Watson-Brown who is expected to hold on in Ryan in Brisbane's south west.
Anthony Albanese could scrap Australia's 33 per cent luxury car tax as part of a prospective free trade deal with the European Union, a Labor insider has revealed.

Petrol and diesel cars selling for more than $80,567 are slapped with the tax, while that threshold is higher for fuel-efficient vehicles like hybrids and fully electric cars.

But the re-elected government has signalled it may consider getting rid of the tax altogether.

That could lead to cheaper cars from the European Union - home to luxury car brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Porsche in Germany, and Italian sportscar marques Lamborghini and Ferrari - and Japan.

The luxury car surcharge sees a basic $86,100 BMW X3 draw a $1,826 tax bill.

Professor Tim Harcourt, a chief economist at the University of Technology Sydney who was previously a trade and economics adviser to federal Labor ministers, said the re-elected Albanese Government was likely to scrap the luxury car tax.

Anthony Albanese could scrap Australia's 33 per cent luxury car tax as part of a prospective free trade deal with the European Union , a Labor trade insider says

'We don't produce cars in Australia so, in some ways, the luxury car tax is a bit unusual in the sense that there's no local competition,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The case is different for it now - you're not protecting local industry; it's obviously just a revenue raiser.'

Prof Harcourt, Austrade's former chief economist who keeps in regular contact with Trade Minister Don Farrell, said scrapping the luxury car tax made sense in the context of negotiating a free trade deal with the European Union.

'It might be part of that,' he said. 'I talk to Don Farrell everyday so I help him out.'

Donald Trump's broad-based tariffs, including 10 per cent import duties on Australia, and Chinese President Xi Jinping's since aborted 200 per cent tariffs on Australian wine, had made the traditionally-protectionist Europeans more open-minded about trade deals.

'The Europeans are, by nature, are protectionist and they really don't want to do too much,' Prof Harcourt said.

'But we've now got a world where it's a little bit more uncertain and you don't really want a big China-US trade war so the EU's been reaching out to Canada and to us, to other like-minded countries.

'One good thing about Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is their actions might lead to actually more trade between other nations.

Petrol and diesel cars selling for more than $80,567 are slapped with the 33 per cent luxury car tax (pictured is a Mercedes-Benz GLC)

'Certainly, the European Union is a lot more open since Donald Trump returned to the White House.'

The luxury car tax is expected to raise $1.2billion in 2025-26, which is equal to the wine equalisation tax on the wholesale price of imported alcohol.

Australia stopped manufacturing cars in 2017 when the last Holden Commodore was made in Adelaide, meaning there's no need for a luxury car tax to protect local jobs.

Australia and the EU have been negotiating a free trade agreement since June 2018, when the Coalition was last in power.

Since then, the EU has asked Australia to stop using using names such as feta, gorgonzola and mozzarella on Australian-made cheeses.

'The EU has been pretty protectionist and you could send all the French cows around the world business class for the price of their common agricultural policy,' Prof Harcourt said.

In 2019, it presented the Australian government with a list of 'geographical indications' that also demanded that camembert only be marketed with a small 'c', and that 'Edam' and 'Gouda' be banned from being paired with the name 'Holland'.

Prosciutto, a cured ham term, would be banned from being paired with the terms 'di Parma', 'di San Daniele' and 'Toscano' unless these were Italian imports.

Australian food producers have broadly complied with those requests since then, which could potentially make the EU open-minded about a free-trade deal with Australia if the luxury car tax was scrapped.
A New York highway superintendent and licensed gun dealer allegedly opened fire on a lost food delivery driver striking the man in the back as he attempted to drive away after asking for directions.

The incident happened just before 10pm on Friday night in the suburban neighborhood of Chester, Orange County, a tranquil town about 60 miles north of New York City.

A criminal investigation is now underway involving the elected town official, a DoorDash driver from West Africa, and what police are calling a senseless and violent overreaction.

According to New York State Police, 48-year-old John J. Reilly III - the Town of Chester Highway Superintendent and a federally licensed firearms dealer - faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault.

Reilly allegedly shot a 24-year-old DoorDash driver who had knocked on his door seeking help in finding the right house.

'There's nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions,' said State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek. 'He's just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery.'

The delivery driver who has not yet been publicly named, had just moved to nearby Middletown a month earlier.

Family members say he did not speak English well, was unfamiliar with the area, and was struggling to find his delivery destination after his GPS malfunctioned and his phone battery died.

John J. Reilly III, 48, the Town of Chester Highway Superintendent and a federally licensed firearms dealer - faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault

The delivery driver knocked on his door of Reilly's home when he was allegedly shot at

Reilly allegedly opened fire on a lost food delivery driver working for DoorDash, striking the man in the back as he attempted to drive away after asking for directions (file photo)

Left with no options, the young man began knocking on other doors in the neighborhood, looking for help.

At around 9:50pm he reached Reilly's home. Police say Reilly told the driver to leave his property but as the man turned to comply and get back into his car, Reilly allegedly opened fire, shooting multiple rounds toward the vehicle.

One bullet struck the driver in the back, causing what police describe as serious physical injuries.

Relatives say the wounded driver managed to drive himself home, believing he may have done something wrong.

He was later taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Authorities say the injury is not expected to be fatal, but it might be life-altering.

Reilly was arrested the following day after an investigation by the New York State Police's Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the ATF.

Reilly was arraigned and booked into the Orange County Jail with bail set at $250,000 cash with a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday in Chester Town Court.

'There's nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions,' said State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek. 'He's just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery.'

'He's a good person, so I don't know what happened. It was unfortunate, and we're sorry for the whole situation,' said neighbor Patricia Warmbrand, who lives across the street from Reilly

Reilly is alleged to have fired at the DoorDash driver several times from his front door

He has been charged with first-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.

'He's a good person, so I don't know what happened. It was unfortunate, and we're sorry for the whole situation,' neighbor Patricia Warmbrand, who lives across the street from Reilly said to ABC7.

Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge confirmed that because Reilly is an elected official, the Town of Chester has no authority to remove him from his position as highway superintendent.

The shooting has prompted outrage from DoorDash, the delivery platform the driver had been working for

'We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far,' Holdridge said in a statement. 'We hope the person who was injured in the incident makes a full and healthy recovery.'

The town's police department has recused itself from the case due to Reilly's official position. The investigation is now fully in the hands of state authorities.

The shooting has prompted outrage from DoorDash, the delivery platform the victim had been working for.

The delivery driver got lost on an unlit country road without any GPS after his cellphone died

Reilly was arraigned and booked into the Orange County Jail with bail set at $250,000 cash with a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday in Chester Town Court

'No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood,' a DoorDash spokesman said in a statement.

'We're devastated by this senseless act of violence, and we're wishing the Dasher a full and speedy recovery. We'll continue to work closely with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic incident.'

Reilly, who was appointed to his role as highway superintendent in March 2021 and later won election to a full term, is also a federally licensed firearms dealer, meaning he holds legal authority to sell firearms under federal law.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the New York State Police's Monroe BCI at (845) 344-5300.
A cafe in Sydney's inner-west has closed its doors just weeks after opening, prompting its Trump-supporting owner to issue a fiery farewell message.

Beuno, owned by former Australian Idol contestant Mark Da Costa, first opened on March 19 in St Peters but is now permanently closed six weeks later.

Mr Da Costa is no stranger to controversy.

In 2020, he faced backlash over inflammatory social media posts that sparked a boycott of his previous vegan cafe venture, Hale and Hearty, located in Waterloo.

At the time, he declared the venue a 'Trump safe zone' and used a homophobic slur in a comment, asking a user if they were a 'p**f.'

He also stated that the 'gay community' was not welcome at his cafe, remarks he has since described as 'childish', telling the Sydney Morning Herald they were 'opinions I do not hold today'.

Despite this, his attempt to relaunch a business venture with Beuno was met with swift resistance from the local community in Sydney's progressive inner-west.

Posts in community Facebook groups urged residents to boycott his new venue.

Mark Da Costa (pictured) had a scathing message for critics after closing his cafe Beuno

The Beuno Instagram account was updated to say 'f*** you all'

'Surely this is a wind-up,' one local wrote.

'Newtown of all places,' another added.

Beuno's closure was confirmed via a message posted to its now-deleted Instagram account, the biography of which was updated to say 'f**k you all'.

In his final post, Mr Da Costa didn't hold back as he lashed locals.

'We closed. Yeah, we can't survive in an area where people can't figure out if they are male, female, dogs or cats,' he wrote.

'Unfortunately the owner's views (Mark Da Costa) are simple. You got a dick you're male, you got a m**f you're a female.'

'What you think you are should be respected, but you cannot force that upon others. You must equally have respect for what other people believe to be truth.'

Mr Da Costa ultimately blamed the progressive culture of the area for the cafe's downfall, calling the experience a 'huge lesson in 'business and social studies'.

Mr Da Costa declared a previous venue a 'Trump safe zone' and used a homophobic slur in a comment, asking a user if they were a 'p**f' (he is pictured wearing a Donald Trump t-shirt)

Beuno (pictured) shut down just two months after opening

He also makes a plug for his music, releasing under his stage name of 'Marcus Blackbird', with a song called 'Only a Lie'.

Mr Da Costa ended his post with a final message for the locals: 'Queens are confused and angry, gays are happy and normal'.

His new venture replaced a much-loved Palestinian eatery, the owners of which cited difficulties with their landlord before closing the cafe.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price made headlines on Saturday night when she clashed with Sarah Ferguson after the ABC host asked her if she was the reason the Coalition lost.

The Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians grew so frustrated with the line of questioning after the Opposition's electoral drubbing she even exclaimed at one point: 'Oh, my goodness!'

But it was a little-noticed allegation she made towards the end of the interview which has raised eyebrows.

Senator Price spoke passionately about how in Lingiari in the Northern Territory 'Aboriginal people are going to continue to be marginalised'.

She claimed the gap between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the population would widen under Labor, before she laid down a gauntlet to the ABC about investigating alleged electoral interference.

If you want to take things seriously, perhaps send an investigative journalist out and watch what occurs in remote polling booths,' she said.

The AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) has been alerted to this over and over and do very little to deal with that situation.

I urge the ABC as a taxpayer-funded organisation, to go out to remote communities and see for yourself exactly what occurs because I'm deadly serious about the situation.

Jacinta Price made headlines on Saturday night when she clashed with Sarah Ferguson after the ABC host asked her if she was the reason the Coalition lost

She claimed the gap between Indigenous Australians and the rest of the population would widen under Labor, before she laid down a gauntlet to the ABC about investigating alleged electoral interference (pictured: AEC staff count ballots on Saturday)

A spokeswoman for the AEC said 'no complaint' had been made.

'We cannot speak to allegations without any detail,' the spokeswoman added.

This publication also approached Senator Price's office to ask for more details regarding her claim.

As Crikey pointed out, her comments echo similar claims she made after the Voice to Parliament was defeated in October 2023.

'I think we probably need to look at the way the AEC, the (Northern Territory Electoral Commission), conduct themselves when it comes to remote polling at elections, at referendums,' Senator Price said at the time.

'There is a lot that goes on in remote communities that the rest of Australia doesnt get to see.

'If we had cameras in those remote communities, at those polling booths, Australia would see what goes on within those communities. Theres a lot of manipulation.'

The AEC rejected these claims at the time.

Senator Price's combative interview with the ABC's Sarah Ferguson was the most heated TV clash of election night

'The media can go through your personal Facebook photos, and find a picture that was taken, in jest, at Christmas time, and then smear you with it, that is the problem,' Senator Price said on Saturday night (pictured: the photo in question)

Infamously, claims of election interference were also made by Donald Trump following his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.

That's ironic - as that was what Senator Price was being asked about on Saturday night.

'With your embrace of Donald Trump, Make Australia Great Again, are you part of that loss?', ABC host Sarah Ferguson asked her, rather bluntly.

A seething Senator Price, who was surrounded by four stern-looking men including her husband, Colin Lillie, immediately blamed Labor for capitalising on her mistake.

'If you swing enough mud in an election, it sticks,' she responded.

'We did see a Prime Minister who absolutely mislead the Australian people all the way through and was rarely called out for his conduct. I think it is deceitful.'

Ferguson and Senator Price then proceeded to talk over one another in a heated exchange, before the ABC host pleaded: 'Let's just talk about this sensibly, Jacinta.'

Price insisted Trump did not own the copyright on making things great again.

'Can I just say, in terms of wanting this country to be great: Donald Trump doesn't own those four words,' Price said.

'The media can go through your personal Facebook photos, and find a picture that was taken, in jest, at Christmas time, and then smear you with it, that is the problem.'

She is, of course, referring to a picture of her wearing a MAGA hat alongside a man in a MAGA Santa hat, which emerged after her 'Make Australia Great Again' gaffe.

She made the gaffe at a bowling club in Perth on April 12, just as the Coalition was trying to distance itself from the American leader in the wake of his imposition of tariffs on Australia.
A local council has doubled the parking fine for a very common driving mistake.

The Inner West Council in Sydney has increased the penalty from $330 to $660 for parking a car on a driveway or across part of a driveway.

Fed-up residents have been subjected to visitors and others residents blocking their driveways on thousands of occasions in the suburb.

Many drivers have turned to invading homeowners' driveways after struggling to find parking on the crowed streets in the city's inner west.

In the last year, the council received 4,393 complaints about cars blocking driveways.

Locals have called on the council to take action, who has responded by increasing the fine. Offending vehicles will also be towed if they are found to be fully or partly blocking a driveway.

A Council Spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Fines and having the offending vehicle towed will occur following a complaint from a resident who has been affected by their driveway being blocked.

'Residents parking across their own driveways will not be fined or have their vehicle towed.'

Drivers will be fined $660 if they park on someone else's driveway or across part of a driveway (stock)

The council said the response to the increased penalty has been 'overwhelmingly positive' (stock)

The council said the response to the increased fine has been 'overwhelmingly positive' after the community asked them to step in.

Councillor Chloe Smith said she understood residents' frustration at the problem and welcomed the change.

'There's absolutely a need for tougher measures particularly in the inner west where it's densely populated, we have narrow streets and parking is at a premium,' she said.

'I had a family contact me who relied on their cars to drop kids to childcare who couldn't exit their driveway, and also a person who had a loved one in hospital and needed to use their car to visit them.

'It can be a really frustrating and galling experience for people.'
Moscow closed all four of its main airports for several hours into Tuesday after state media reported the military had shot down 105 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, said that at least 19 drones were destroyed on their way to the capital as it prepares for Victory Day celebrations this week.

Debris fell on a major avenue in the city's south without causing injuries, Sobyanin wrote on Telegram.

Governors in other Russian cities, including Penza and Voronezh, said they had also been targeted by Ukrainian drones.

It was the second night in a row that Russia has reported a Ukrainian drone attack, after the defence ministry claimed it had destroyed 26 overnight on Monday.

Ukraine has continued to apply pressure ahead of Russia's May 9 Moscow parade, presided by President Vladimir Putin and attended by several world leaders as the country marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Saturday that his government could not guarantee the safety of foreign delegations and world leaders travelling to Moscow to attend the parade.

'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 said, adding that Russia could orchestrate provocations including 'arson, bombings and so on only to blame us'.

Emergency services on the scene after Ukraine launched more than 100 drones overnight

A Russian army convoy made up of tanks and other military vehicles travel through central Moscow during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade where Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany, on May 3, 2025

Firefighters work at the site of the Barabashovo market hit by Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine May 6, 2025

Flight restrictions were introduced at more than a dozen airports following the reports of a Ukrainian attack into Tuesday, Russian agencies reported, citing the Federal Air Transport Agency.

Airports were also affected in other cities including Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod.

Ukraine has been stepping up attacks into Russian territory, with Russian sources claiming Kyiv reopened its offensive into Kursk on Monday.

The regional governor said Ukrainian forces had hit a power substation in western Kursk on Monday, and that power was yet to be restored to the town of Rylsk.

'As a result of the attack on the city, two transformers were damaged, and the power was completely cut off,' acting governor Alexander Khinshtein said on Telegram.

Authorities were evacuating residents from areas near the border as drone attacks over the past day became 'more frequent', the administration of the Kursk region said on Telegram early today.

Ukrainian forces were said to have torn back into Kursk on Monday - a stunning reversal after Moscow claimed to have pushed them out last month.

A Ukrainian serviceman from the 24th mechanized brigade prepares a Magura night drone to flight toward the front line in the area of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region late on April 29, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin looks at the paper as he listens to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 5, 2025

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 border region.

Another incursion would not only distract Russian forces from progress made in Ukraine, but be humiliating for Putin as he prepares for its Victory Day celebrations.

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.

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

Russian officials continue to promise that Victory Day commemorations this year will be the 'grandest' to date.

Putin 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.

Russian jets fly over Red Square leaving trails of smoke in the colours of the Russian national flag during the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Russia, on Monday, May 5

A Ukrainian tank crew of the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade fire a round from a Leopard 2A4 tank during a field training exercise at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, on April 30

He has repeatedly accused the West of not recognising Moscow's feat in WWII and argued that the Soviet Union was the war's main victor.

Ahead of celebrations, Putin singled out the Russian nation for praise out of all Soviet peoples in defeating the Nazis.

'All the peoples of the Soviet Union put in a huge input... But, of course, because of its size, the Russian Federation, of course, put in the maximum contribution to this victory,' he told school children in Moscow last week.

Moscow's streets have been decked out with the Russian tricolour, while the vast majority of shops and restaurants have put up posters urging people to 'remember' and show their 'pride' in the Soviet victory.
Passengers on a Qantas flight have found themselves stuck in the Maldives after their flight was forced to land.

The flight, QF9 from Perth to London, was diverted to the nation's capital Male eight hours into its journey on Tuesday after someone on board experienced a medical emergency.

The unexpected landing also meant the operating crew reached their duty limit, which is the time aircraft staff are allowed to work, meaning the flight could not take off again.

'Earlier this morning our Perth to London service diverted to Male in the Maldives due to a medical incident onboard,' a Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'Were working with customers to rebook them on alternate flights out of Male.

The passengers are due to be re-accommodated on other flights out of Male within 24 hours.

The airline apologised to its customers for the disruption and thanked them for their understanding.

Staff from Qantas' London operation team are travelling to Male to provide additional support.
Disgraced former Labour MP Mike Amesbury has admitted he has been forced to sell his family home after losing his 91,000-a-year salary for punching a constituent in the street.

Amesbury stepped down as MP for Runcorn and Helsby on March 17, weeks after admitting to drunkenly assaulting a constituent outside a taxi rank.

The 55-year-old was jailed on February 24 for 10 weeks after he pleaded guilty to assault by beating of 45-year-old Paul Fellows in his hometown of Frodsham, Cheshire.

Shocking CCTV of the October 26 attack, which showed Amesbury launching a sickening attack on his constituent, was first obtained by the Mail.

Amesbury, who spent three nights in a Liverpool jail, later appealed the sentence which was suspended for two years, meaning he will not have to serve it in prison.

But he has spoken today of his horror few months since, revealing he had a spell in hospital, is being treated for depression and was forced to put the family home on the market after losing his 91,000 MP salary.

He also lost his seat to Reform UK after his resignation triggered a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby.

In a wide-ranging interview on BBC Radio 4 Today, he also told of the moment he was hauled to a prison and strip searched, explaining: 'It felt like a living nightmare, it was quite surreal, I felt like I was in an out-of-body experience.'

Amesbury stepped down as MP for Runcorn and Helsby on March 17, weeks after being convicted for punching a constituent

The 55-year-old was filmed on CCTV punching constituent Paul Fellows after the pair had a heated discussion by a taxi rank at 2am in Amesbury's home town of Frodsham, Cheshire

Asked how the last few months had been, Amesbury said: 'It's been challenging but what I will say is I'm not the victim here. I owned it. I pleaded guilty. I've been in prison, out of prison, on appeal.

'I got a suspended two-year sentence. I've been doing community payback work.

'I have a tag on my ankle, I think its for 120 days, that's on 24 hours a day. Every 30 seconds you get a light buzz and that measures alcohol in sweat.'

Amesbury, who said he had had 'six or seven pints', recounted the moment Mr Fellows was confronting him about a swing bridge in Frodsham and winter fuel payments.

'To be honest, Mr Fellows had had a few drinks himself, he was out on a Saturday night,' he said.

'I felt verbally threatened and I reacted rather than walking away. That's what I should have done. My reaction was totally inappropriate. I've owned that many times over now, not only through criminal justice system, but I'd worked very hard, was elected three times and how life changes.'

Amesbury said he was now being treated for depression with medication and support from counselling. He said it was something he should have done before the incident.

He also opened up about a recent spell in hospital to support his mental health so he can start 'rebuilding his life'.

Speaking about his short spell in jail, he said: 'I was shocked and it was surreal. I was taken down to the cells below the magistrates' court and I was in a cell just over six hours and they took my belt off me, personal belongings, I couldn't phone my wife or close friends.

'The only advantage I had... was mine was all over the TV so my wife and others, friend and family, knew I was going to prison. And my son who had asked me 'You're not going to prison? I said "No son".

Amesbury later appealed the sentence which was suspended for two years, meaning he will not have to serve it in prison

Footage of the incident on October 26 last year provoked outrage. It showed Amesbury lashing out and continuing to hit Mr Fellows (pictured) until onlookers held him back

'When I was put in the van, which was a bizarre experience... you are strip searched. It felt like a living nightmare, it was quite surreal I felt like I was in an out-of-body experience.'

Amesbury said he has had to put the family home on the market, adding: 'I can't afford that, My income as an MP is no longer there, that stops the day you resign. I don't know what the future holds. It's been my life.'

Amesbury's resignation as an MP in March triggered a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, which Reform UK won by just six votes, stealing the Labour seat after a dramatic recount on Friday.

Speaking about Reform seizing Runcorn and a swathe of councils, Amesbury said: 'I am really disappointed, obviously it has been a difficult few months myself. It has been like being buried alive. I am in a position through my own fault, my own mistakes.'

'But that was to add to the difficulties of that result [Runcorn], which was reflected unfortunately throughout the country.'

Asked if he felt guilty, he added: 'The constituents of Durham, or up and down the country, didn't vote how they did because of my mistake.

'I live that moment every day of my life and of course I regret that and if I could turn back the clock and change things in that evening and done the right things and walked away.

'But I didn't, so I have paid a price and I learn from those mistakes.

'Politically I want this government to succeed but if they carry on making political mistakes, winter fuel being an obvious one, but coming down the line is the Personal Independence Payments.

'People on the backbenches now is the time to say you are not being disloyal, telling the leadership just think again if we are serious about having two terms of this Labour government and transforming this country for the better.

'We have got to listen the the electorate and do the right thing.'

Amesbury said that he was not 'surprised' by the Runcorn result, adding: 'You look at the results in the months leading up to this by-election and the local election results and the same picture emerged.'

He continued: 'Reform have been the beneficiaries of some big political mistakes from the Labour Government and I sincerely hope Keir, the Labour Prime Minister, and the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, not only listen, but learn and respond.

After Amesbury successfully appealed his 10-week jail sentence - and before he stepped down as an MP - his victim Mr Fellows told The Mail on Sunday: 'It's outrageous. If it was anyone else, you or I, we would have lost our jobs, no question.'

'I was surprised by the quickness of the appeal. I feel a charge of affray should have been brought rather than common assault, which the judge said in the appeal hearing.

'I feel unheard. I don't think justice has been served.

'If I saw Amesbury now, chances are I would ignore him.'
Woolworths has axed a double rewards points benefit offered to Delivery Unlimited customers, in the second blow to loyal shoppers in the past fortnight.

The Delivery Unlimited service will not offer double Everyday Rewards points to subscribers from June 1.

The $15 a month subscription service gave shoppers access to free delivery on same and next day orders of $75 or more.

A spokeswoman confirmed the news after shoppers were sent an email notifying them of the change.

'We are streamlining Delivery Unlimited to focus on the primary benefit for subscribers which is providing timely and convenient delivery,' she said.

'As such we are removing 2x Everyday Rewards points from the program.'

The supermarket giant will offer several months free access to a different service.

'Instead, customers will receive three months complimentary Direct To Boot Now which offers Direct To Boot pick up in less than 60 minutes. Direct To Boot Now normally costs $5 per order,' the spokeswoman said.

Woolworths Delivery Unlimited subscribers will no longer earn double Everyday Rewards points with their monthly subscriptions

'We believe Delivery Unlimited still provides compelling benefits to subscribers, however, if anyone would like to cancel their subscription, they can do so by contacting our customer service team.'

Customers fumed about the changes online.

'My mum is a pensioner and relies on her points so she can save them up to convert to Qantas points for a holiday or to visit her mum's grave in Sydney,' one person wrote on social media.

'This company is becoming a disappointment.'

Another said she used the service for deliveries but had come to rely on the additional points.

'I got this email also and I too am a pensioner. I use it mainly for deliveries, the points are a bonus to me but they certainly do add up,' she said.

A third shopper said he cancelled his subscription because of the change.

Some Woolworths shoppers warned the supermarket would see many more leave on the back of the change.

An email informed subscribers of the change, as a spokeswoman confirmed the news

Customers slammed the changes on social media, saying the supermarket would have to deal with many cancelled subscriptions

'I'm an Everyday Extra member and only got an email saying that the Big W discount is stopping in June. If they do this they will lose most of the subscriptions they have,' one person said.

The Delivery Unlimited change was announced quickly after Woolworths scrapped another popular discount program.

From June 1, Everyday Extra members will no longer be entitled to a 10 per cent discount on one Big W shop per month.

Members can access Woolworths Rewards for free, though Everyday Extra rewards are available at a cost of $7 per month or $70 a year.

A former customer wrote that he would no longer shop at Australia's biggest supermarkets, especially in the wake of the axings.

'Woolworths and Coles, thought I read somewhere that they were the two most profitable supermarkets in the world,' he wrote.

'Since reading that article I have made myself a promise to never buy there again. Instead Im opting for the closest market, which is a fair drive away but i feel a lot better for it.'
Israel will displace Gaza's entire population from their homes unless a deal with Hamas is reached within days, according to a plan approved by the Security Council.

A plan was brought together on Sunday to gradually reoccupy all of the Palestinian enclave and hold it indefinitely unless a deal can be made by May 15.

The plan includes measures to flatten 'all infrastructure' above and below ground and move virtually 2.3 million people to what Israel has termed a 'humanitarian area'.

One official said that the alternative for Palestinians would be to leave their homeland 'voluntarily', moving to countries 'in line with President Trump's vision for Gaza'.

But with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruling out proposals that would end the war entirely, Hamas has conceded there is 'no sense' in pursuing truce talks.

'There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,' senior Hamas official Basem Naim told the AFP news agency on Tuesday.

He said the world must pressure the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the 'crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings' in Gaza.

Gaza has been under total Israeli blockade since March and faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 52,000 people killed since the start of the conflict, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Israeli troops deploy at a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 5, 2025

Displaced Palestinians receive hot meals distributed by aid organizations in Jabalia refugee camp of Jabalia, Gaza on May 5, 2025

Rahaf Iyyad, a 12-year-old Palestinian girl, suffers from malnutrition and undiagnosed diseases amid the Israeli blockade in the region in Gaza City, Gaza on May 2, 2025

Smoke rises from a residential area following an Israeli strike in Sheyma neighborhood, Beit Lahia, the north west of Gaza Strip on May 6, 2025

The plan to reopen a major offensive in the beleaguered Gaza Strip, codenamed 'Gideon's Chariots', has been met with round condemnation.

Polls showed some two thirds of Israelis opposed a major operation to occupy Gaza, and most of the families of hostages believe the operation would endanger their relatives.

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.

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 prioritising military coercive avenues over diplomatic ones  these are the avenues that deliver on Netanyahu's core objective: political survival and appealing to his base.'

For its part, 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.

Others have questioned the legality of such an operation.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a radio interview on Tuesday called the plan 'unacceptable', and said its government was 'in violation of humanitarian law'.

A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the UK does not support an expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza.

But Israel has already started the process of calling up tens of thousands of reservists to 'intensify and expand' its operations in Gaza.

One 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.

Tents of internally displaced Palestinians set up in a garbage dump next to Al Yarmouk stadium in central Gaza City, May 5 2025

Israeli soldiers provide maintenance to an mobile canon at a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 5, 2025

The sun sets behind the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Monday, May 5, 2025

Buildings destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in the Gaza Strip are seen from southern Israel on Sunday, May 4, 2025

The plans for a renewed offensive were aired ahead of Trump's visit to the Middle East next week.

Israeli security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin told Kan that 'there is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious'.

Trump is not playing a mediating role between Hamas and Israel, and Netanyahu faces less pressure than he did from the previous U.S. administration.

But an Arab official told Axios that the 'optics' around a visit to the region, without stopping in Israel, were 'very bad'.

'He made a big splash pushing for a ceasefire before his inauguration and got it done, but three months later the situation in Gaza is worse,' they said.

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 ceasefire agreement 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.

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.

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrike towards Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza Strip on May 4, 2025

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

The Israeli 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 on Sunday '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.

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.

Displaced Palestinians prepare bread in a makeshift oven in Gaza City, Monday, May 5, 2025

Smoke rises from the area following an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis, Gaza on May 5

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.

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.

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.

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike towards Tuffah neighborhood in the Gaza Strip on May 4

A flare fired by the Israeli army over the Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel, May 4, 2025

An Israeli fighter jet flies over southern Israel, Monday, May 5, 2025

Burning fields in front of destroyed houses in northern Gaza on May 4, 2025

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.
Hilaria Baldwin "started to question [her] sanity" after she was accused of faking her Spanish accent.

Hilaria Baldwin has opened up about the controversy

The 41-year-old entrepreneur has admitted to being devastated by the controversy over her accent in 2020, when the public started to question the authenticity of her Spanish origins.

In an excerpt from her new book, 'Manual Not Included' - which has been shared with People - Hilaria explains: "Growing up being neurodivergent, I had to work harder in school than many of the people around me. I never felt like I was smart in the right way.

"I am relieved that now theres less of a stigma around differences in learning and processing. This has given me the freedom to shed some of the shame I felt for so long. Im now aware that my brain just works differently and I can really succeed in the right environments and tasks.

"Its something Ive struggled with my entire life, and even though I tried to ignore it, I marvel at how I settled into certain environments where I thrived, like New York City and teaching yoga. I knew I had to stay active in order to function and think clearly.

"Now I know that its ridiculous that anyone would feel outraged or amused because someone forgot a word. Can you be honest right now, reading this: Have you ever forgotten a word? But back then, I started to really unravel. I was confused. I felt lost. I missed my family. I couldnt eat. I got very thin. I started to question my sanity. I started to question if I was a good person."

Hilaria admitted that her mental health "got worse and worse and worse" as the controversy developed.

The podcaster - who is married to movie star Alec Baldwin - recalled: "I returned to what I used to do as a child, and started to call myself stupid. When I woke up, I wanted to be dead. And I got worse and worse and worse."

Hilaria previously addressed the controversy in a post on social media.

She wrote on Instagram at the time: "I've seen chatter online questioning my identity and culture. This is something I take very seriously, and for those who are asking - I'll reiterate my story, as I've done many times before.

"I was born in Boston and grew up spending time with my family between Massachusetts and Spain. My parents and sibling live in Spain and I chose to live here, in the USA."
The Welsh Labour leader launched a broadside at Keir Starmer today amid a mounting panic over the Reform threat.

Baroness Morgan used a speech marking a year until Senedd elections to insist she 'will not stay silent' when the PM makes 'decisions that we think will harm Welsh communities'.

She demanded a 'rethink' of cuts to winter fuel allowance and benefits, pointing out that many people in Wales were heavily reliant on handouts.

The intervention from the First Minister comes as the main parties try to come up with a response after disastrous local elections. The government are expected to unveil a crackdown on immigration next week.

Tony Blair has waded into the row, cautioning that Labour will be doomed to defeat if they are just the 'managers of the status quo'.

Labour lost the only council it was defending to Reform last week, plus Runcorn & Helsby in a Commons by-election.

Nigel Farage's party won control of 10 councils in England, picking up more than 600 seats across the local elections.

Baroness Morgan used a speech marking a year until Senedd elections to insist she 'will not stay silent' when Keir Starmer makes 'decisions that we think will harm Welsh communities'

Sir Keir and Lady Victoria at VE Day commemorations in London yesterday

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Mr Farage has the Welsh and Scottish parliaments in his sights, as he said on Friday that 'next year we will go for the Welsh and Scottish parliamentary elections, and I believe we can and we will win that next general election'.

Sir Keir has been trying to manage a frantic inquest over the poll drubbing, with winter fuel allowance and welfare reforms among policies criticised by Labour figures.

Wes Streeting refused to rule out a U-turn on the winter fuel allowance this morning.

The Health Secretary admitted axing the payments for millions of pensioners had been an issue with voters on the doorstep.

Touring broadcast studios, he said the government would be 'reflecting on what the voters told us'.

The comments came despite Downing Street trying to pour cold water on the idea of a rethink following the grim polls last week.

In her speech, Lady Morgan vowed she 'will not hesitate to challenge from within' in a message to Sir Keir.

While praising him as a 'serious' leader, she added: 'To be honest, though, it hasn't all been popular.

'The cut in winter fuel allowance is something that comes up time and again, and I hope the UK Government will rethink this policy.'

Lady Morgan said proposed welfare reforms were 'causing serious concern here, where we have a higher number of people dependent on disability benefits than elsewhere'.

Wes Streeting refused to rule out a U-turn on the winter fuel allowance this morning

She said: 'In some of our former coalfield communities, over 40 per cent of working-age adults are in receipt of disability benefits.

'We know that disability cuts are likely to hit Wales more than six times more, proportionally, in some areas in Wales compared to England.'

The peer said: 'We know that splits and spats make for easy news, but this isn't drama. This is honesty, this is responsibility. This is what leadership looks like.

'So when we disagree, we will say it. When we see unfairness, we'll stand up for it.

'When Westminster makes decisions that we think will harm the Welsh communities, we will not stay silent.

'This is not a split. This is grown up, modern government. This is not disloyalty. This is patriotic responsibility.'

The Senedd elections next spring will be Lady Morgan's first as party leader, having assumed the role last summer.

Polling by Survation in April suggested that voters are split three ways when it comes to the Senedd elections, with Labour on 27 per cent, and Reform and Plaid Cymru both on 24 per cent.

Such numbers would mark a significant downturn in the Labour vote, after the party managed to secure 39.9 per cent in the last elections in 2021.

In the same contest, Plaid Cymru got 20.3 per cent of the vote, while Reform got just 1.6 per cent.

Speaking in Cardiff, Lady Morgan will say: 'Where we disagree we'll say it, where we see unfairness we'll stand up to it.

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Nigel Farage (pictured) has the Welsh and Scottish parliaments in his sights

Tony Blair has waded into the row, cautioning that Labour will be doomed to defeat if they are just the 'managers of the status quo'

'And when Westminster makes decisions that we think will harm Welsh communities, we will not stay silent.'

She will add: 'I will not hesitate to challenge from within, even when it means shaking things up and disrupting the comfortable.'

In recent weeks, Baroness Morgan has called for Wales to receive a 'significant share' of a Government clean steel fund in the wake of ministers intervening in Scunthorpe, telling Senedd members that 'we do not want to see this funding going on supporting the Scunthorpe plant at the expense of the situation in Welsh steel'.

According to Politico, ex-PM Sir Tony told a conference in California yesterday: 'If you end up just being the managers of the status quo and the status quo isn't working for people, they're going to put you out.'

A Government source has denied claims that Downing Street is rethinking the winter fuel policy.
Governor Gavin Newsom popped up on the BBC to defend Prince Harry just after his bombshell interview, calling the exiled royal a 'proud' Californian, MailOnline can reveal.

The left-wing politician and Trump bete noire dismissed claims the Sussexes are disaster tourists for turning up at the LA wildfires, insisting they do lots of work away from the glare of publicity.

Harry launched a new volley of transatlantic broadsides at his family and Britain on Friday night after losing yet another court battle in London over his demand for taxpayer-funded armed police bodyguards.

Hours later Governor Newsom, a long time defender of the Sussexes, appeared on British television to praise them.

The American politician admitted he is 'biased' in their favour and having got to know them he believes 'they are proud residents [of California] - and I am proud they are residents of California'.

The Democrat also dismissed the 'noise' around the couple, claiming that helping people is a 'point of pride' for them.

He said the Sussexes have shown up in communities hit by fires and floods in California 'without being asked' on up to a dozen occasions since 2020 - and claimed that Harry has reached out to help many Californians on the proviso there was no media 'attention'.

Gavin Newsom has appeared on BBC in the UK where he defended Meghan and Harry

Meghan and Harry visit LA wildfire victims in January. Critics said at the time they were 'disaster tourists' and 'repulsive' for going. Governor Newsom thinks criticism is unfair

Governor Newsom said he had 'no idea' how Harry and Meghan's security had been dealt with by the British state after the Prince's defeat at the Court of Appeal in London.

But he went on: 'I'm a little biased but I don't know.

'They are proud residents. And I am proud they are residents of California. I've gotten to know them.

'I just want you to know, without any fanfare, one of the first volunteers within hours of the fires was Prince Harry and his wife [Meghan]. That was a point of pride. They wanted to be there and it's not the first time. I've had a dozen experiences [of it]. I'm not exaggerating'.

Harry and Meghan were branded 'disaster tourists' by critics after they were photographed speaking to survivors of the LA wildfires earlier this year.

'They were doing two things. They were showing up for the first responders and also showing up for the community. Without being asked they were there handing out materials and supplies, asking if they could get involved with food banks and the distribution', Governor Newsom said of the visit.

'I saw that with floods down in Santa Barbara and with other fires that got less attention'.

He added: 'I have had the prince reach out to me on other causes asking "how can I get involved" in a way that doesn't generate all the attention. That to me is a character test and that is my direct interactions'.

Returning to the security row in the UK he said: 'All the rest, all that noise, I leave to others. And more objective minds'.

In an emotional interview with the BBC in California , Prince Harry said he has been cut off from his father and doesn't know how long the King had left to live

Prince Harry's BBC interview continues to make waves.

He had claimed says he does not know how long King Charles has left to live in an emotional interview after losing his appeal in court over his security.

The Duke of Sussex said his father is not speaking to him because of his battle over taxpayer-funded police bodyguards.

He said there had been 'so many disagreements, differences between me and some of my family', as he admitted he couldn't see a world in which his family would return to the UK.

But, amid another devastating broadside reopening wounds with the Royal Family, Harry told the BBC in California that he wants 'reconciliation'.

'He won't speak to me because of this security stuff,' the prince said, adding he didn't know how long the King had left to live.

It comes just days after the King described the 'daunting' and 'frightening' experience of being told you have cancer, speaking in his most poignant update on his illness since being diagnosed 15 months ago.

The King, 76, is still undergoing regular treatments as someone 'living with cancer', although aides have previously said his recovery continues in a 'very positive direction, as reflected with the very full national and international diary programme' he is undertaking.

He said: 'There have been so many disagreements, differences between me and some of my family this current situation that has been now ongoing for five years with regards to human life and safety is the sticking point it is the only thing that's left.

'Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book, of course they will never forgive me for lots of things.

'But you know there is, 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.

It comes just days after the King described the 'daunting' and 'frightening' experience of being told you have cancer, speaking in his most poignant update on his illness since being diagnosed 15 months ago

Asked if he had pleaded with the King to intervene, he added: 'I never asked him to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs.' Pictured: Together in 2022

'As I learnt through the First Nations, throughout Canada because of the Invictus games their goal in life was always truth and reconciliation and I turned around to them in many conversations and I said reconciliation can't come without truth.

'I've now found out the truth I've shared some of it with you today, a lot of it exists out there whether people choose to ignore it or not so it would be nice to have that reconciliation part now if they don't want that, that's entirely up to them.'

A Palace Spokesperson responded to the interview, saying: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.'

The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year following routine surgery for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace have not confirmed what form he has, but have ruled out it being connected with his prostate issue.

They have also not disclosed what treatment he is still undertaking.

But there is little doubt that Charles has been more open about his diagnosis and medical treatment than any other monarch in history, using his profile to raise awareness of the disease.

In an emotional interview with the BBC, when asked if the last step to repairing relations with his family was the security issue, he said '100 per cent', adding: 'Whatever noise is being created, whatever stories have been written, this has always been the sticking point.

Harry said he was 'devastated' after sensationally losing his court fight - putting him on the hook for 1.5million in legal costs.

'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.'

The Duke of Sussex at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 8 during his appeal against a High Court ruling preventing him getting automatic taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK

Asked if he had pleaded with the King to intervene, he added: 'I never asked him to intervene - I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs.'

But he added: '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.'

England's second most senior judge, Sir Geoffrey Vos, told the duke his 'grievance' over downgraded security had not 'translated into a legal argument'.

And he ruled the security decision had been a 'predictable' and even 'sensible' reaction to Megxit when Harry stepped back from being a senior royal and quit Britain.

Saying that he felt 'let down' and looking upset, he described his court defeat as a 'good old-fashioned establishment stitch up' and blamed the Royal Household for influencing the decision to reduce his security.
Co-op stores across the country have been left with empty shelves following a devastating cyber attack which stole personal data from 20million customers.

The supermarket said sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access their systems had prompted it to shut down its delivery systems.

They said this meant 'some of our stores might not have all of their usual products available'.

Pictures from a London co-op show rows of empty shelves, with fresh fruit and vegetables unavailable to customers and stocks of sandwiches and milk in short supply.

A note on some of the fridges read: 'Sorry, we're having some availability issues which will be resolved shortly.'

Co-op owns more than 2,000 grocery stores around the country. It has been battling hackers since last week, admitting on Friday that personal data had been stolen from a 'substantial' number of customers.

A number of Co-op stores are now unable to take card payments following the cyber attack.

Customers reported on Tuesday that three stores in Manchester had signs indicating that they were 'cash only' as their card machines were offline.

Shelves were left empty at a Co-op in London, with fresh fruit and vegetables unavailable

Sandwiches and meal deals were in short supply for customers, with suppliers being affected by the hack

Co-op conceded that personal data such as names and contact details had been taken from its membership scheme

It is also understood that contactless payments have also been affected in a small number of stores, with the group working to get normal systems restored.

The vast majority of the retailer's 2,300 shops are still taking usual forms of payment.

Co-op's chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq wrote to members on Monday, where she confirmed that a 'limited amount' of data had been stolen by hackers, The Telegraph reported.

She added: 'This is obviously extremely distressing for our colleagues and members, and I am very sorry this happened.'

It follows cyber attacks on Marks & Spencer and Harrods in the past month.

M&S has now been forced to pause online sales for more than two weeks and is now facing shortages of popular products such as its lunch-time meal deals and its Colin the Caterpillar cake.

The company has also halted ordering systems, which has disrupted deliveries to its shops.

The Hackers operate under the name Dragonforce and said they infiltrated the Co-op's IT network and stolen both customer and employee data, including contact details, in its cyberattack on Wednesday.

The group have claimed that the breach was far more serious than what the company had told the public.

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)

Another image shows notes on the fridges, warning customers about shortages of stock

Co-op had previously claimed that the cyberattack only had a 'small impact' on its operations and insisted there was 'no evidence that customer data was compromised'.

The attacks have also been linked to a criminal gang known as Scattered Spider, made up of British and American teenagers.

The hackers tricked employees into resetting their passwords, according to cyber security website BleepingComputer.

The supermarkets have seeked help from the National Cyber Security Centre and the police's National Crime Agency.

The NCSC, an arm of GCHQ, urged retailers to review their IT helpdesk procedures on Sunday.

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 hackers messaged Co-op's head of cyber security in an internal Microsoft Teams chat on April 25, telling them: 'Hello, we exfiltrated the data from your company', the BBC reported.

The hackers say they also messaged other members of the executive committee as part of their scheme to blackmail the firm.

An expert said the hackers were likely able to bluff their way past staff because their command of the English language gave them authenticity  a crucial asset in convincing targets to unwittingly compromise their own security.

Co-op owns more than 2,000 grocery stores around the country, many of which are now experiencing shortages

Nathaniel Jones, vice president of security and AI strategy at cyber security firm Darktrace, told The Mail on Sunday this made the scam unique.

Most of those sort of cyber crime gangs are sitting in Russia or Belarus, he said.

So the fact that theyre English native speakers, a number of them, thats quite unique. I dont know another group out there like that.

Local stores, such as Winterton Co-op in Lincolnshire have posted messages on social media, warning customers of potential shortages.

A store spokesperson wrote: 'Hi all just a quick update. Our deliveries are not as they should be, hence the empty shelves in store. This is due to the recent attack on co op. We're hoping it is all resolved soon.'

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.

'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.

'We would like to thank our colleagues, members, customers, and suppliers for their understanding during this time.'
Miserable Tory MPs were today warned they are 'deluded' if they think that replacing Kemi Badenoch will help the party, amid rumours of a leadership challenge.

Backbenchers are reportedly to meet this week to discuss Mrs Badenoch's future after the Conservatives lost more than 600 seats in last week's local elections.

The party is currently languishing third in most opinion polls behind Labour and Reform, the latter of which took a massive chunk out of the Tories' council base on Thursday.

Mrs Badenoch has only been in charge for six months, following the party's hammering at the general election last year, which followed a period where it had three leaders in the space of two years.

But some MPs are reportedly unhappy that the part seems to be going 'backwards'.

However, writing in the Express, former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned that 'Conservative voters haven't forgotten' the state of the party when it was in power.

'To those few Conservatives now briefing journalists that another leadership election is the answer I say, if after four leadership elections and utter disarray amongst MP's over the last five years, another leadership election is what they believe the public voted for, then they are deluded,' he added.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith said Tory MPs considering toppling Mrs Badenoch were 'deluuded'

Writing in the Express , former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned that 'Conservative voters haven't forgotten'.

'This election result was frankly the second significant tremor after the first devastating political earthquake last year.

'It underscored the level of anger too many Conservative voters still had for our mistakes and failures.

'Not to mention the terrible behaviour of too many Conservative MPs at times appearing to care more for their careers than the lives of those they were sent to serve.'

The Independent reported that MPs will this week discuss the party leadership.

One told the website: 'We cannot continue as we are and she is just not up to the task.'

Both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are under pressure to reverse their parties fortunes after Reform picked up 10 councils and more than 600 seats in Thursdays poll.

Squeezed between Reform and the Liberal Democrats, the Tories lost more than 600 councillors and all 15 of the councils it controlled going into the election, among the worst results in the partys history.

At the weekend, Mrs Badenoch said she understands why voters are 'angry' with the Conservatives and she must 'come up with a plan that will deliver', adding that it will be a 'slow and steady' effort for her party to regain support.

Conservative co-chairman Nigel Huddleston sought to play down the threat from Reform UK, telling Sky News: 'When they're in a position of delivering things, that's when the shine comes off.'

Both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are under pressure to reverse their parties fortunes after Reform picked up 10 councils and more than 600 seats in Thursdays poll.
Huge crowds have staged anti-migrant protests in Ireland amid growing anger at the government over an increase in arrivals and asylum claims.

More than a thousand are believed to have joined a march in County Donegal's Letterkenny over the weekend, with several hundred having organised a counter-protest.

Ireland has seen anti-migrant anger growing in recent months, over the sheer number of asylum seekers being housed across the nation. Many of them are unable to get accommodation, forcing them to sleep in tents which has further incited anger.

The 'Letterkenny Peaceful Assembly/Protest Against Illegal Immigration' started at the lower end of Port Road, in the town's eastern side, and and concluded at Market Square.

Over in Carrickmacross, a similar protest, this one attended by around 800, was launched on Friday, where speakers criticised the Irish government and landlords profiting from housing asylum seekers.

Local independent councillor Seamus Treanor said people living in his ward did not feel safe in their own homes, given heightened levels of anti-social behaviour.

'I want to get one thing straight - the reason we have a housing problem in this county is because our government opened our borders, and invited the whole third world to come in.

'They came in their tens of thousands, and communities like Carrickmacross are suffering the consequences.

'The so-called opposition are in step with the government, and agree with their policy.'

One little girl was seen holding a large sign that read: 'TRAITORS ARE LIVING AMONGST US'

Over 1,000 are believed to have joined a march in County Donegal's Letterkenny over the weekend

Huge crowds joined protests in Ireland to push back against mass migration

Dublin was previously engulfed in chaos following an spill-over of anti-migrant sentiment

A makeshift camp where homeless asylum seekers sleep rough in tents along the Grand Canal in Dublin

Many were seen waving Irish and Donegal flags in protest against what they believed was a surge of illegal migration to the country.

One little girl was seen holding a large sign that read: 'TRAITORS ARE LIVING AMONGST US.'

But hundreds of counter-protesters were also present at the Letterkenny march, railing against the anti-migrant sentiment seen across the nation in recent months.

The United Against Racism Donegal Group invited speakers, who spoke in favour of inclusion, respect and equality for all, and rejected the incitement to hatred.

Cops reportedly managed to watch over the incident without any confrontations, having erected a physical barrier between the two groups.

In February, Ireland saw a wave of violence, with anti-migrant anger at an all time high - after the number of people applying to come into the country rocketed by nearly 300 per cent in five years.

Shocking videos showed Dublin descending into chaos - with fighting thugs throwing themselves into busses, knife fights on their streets and mass brawls sparking in residential roads.

In others, men patrol the capital to keep the city 'safe' while police can be seen using riot shields and pepper spray as they crack down on protests.

Hundreds of counter-protesters were also present at the Letterkenny march

As many as 150,000 people moved to Ireland in 2023-24, Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures revealed

There are now nearly 33,000 international protection applicants being housed across the nation, up from 7,244 in 2017

Aoife Gallagher, from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, who monitors far right activity, has previously said that there has been an escalation in migrants being targeted in Ireland

Cops reportedly managed to watch over the incident without any confrontations, having erected a physical barrier between the two groups

As many as 150,000 people moved to Ireland in 2023-24, Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures revealed, the highest number in 17 years.

Many of them are being accommodated in poor areas of central Dublin or small provincial towns. Only 30,000 of these were returning Irish citizens.

There are now nearly 33,000 international protection applicants being housed across the nation, up from 7,244 in 2017. Alongside arrivals from Africa and the Middle East, 100,000 refugees flocked to the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Each costs the nation nearly 70 a day, a figure that has increased by a third in two years. At the end of last year the Irish Refugee Council revealed there were a record 3,001 asylum seekers homeless in Ireland.

The budget for housing Ukranian refugees has been slashed from 910million in 2023 to less than 340million this year, with officials saying the reduction is expected to continue.

Once sleepy towns are now homes to hundreds of asylum seekers while tent cities have been set up along Dublin's Grand Canal.

And with hard-right sentiment at fever pitch the country is on a knife edge - with even Ireland's left-wing politicians admitting that the influx of migrants was driving a spike in homelessness.

Aoife Gallagher, from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, who monitors hard-right activity, has previously said that there has been an escalation in migrants being targeted in Ireland.

In other clips, a large group of men can be seen patrolling the roads to keep the city 'safe'

A man holds a bike above his head as he prepares to throw it at a man as a group fight on a residential road

Shocking videos from Dublin show the capital descending into chaos - with fighting thugs throwing themselves into busses

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'We see consistently, a couple of times every week, horrific attacks on migrants,' she told the BBC.

'We see people standing outside IPAS centres waiting for asylum seekers in order to confront them and intimidate them.

'There's a level of political violence that we haven't seen before.'

The Irish Refugee Council say there are now more than 3,000 asylum seekers homeless in Ireland. Since December 2023, 5,671 of 6,407 have been refused accommodation, while only 736 were immediately accommodated after a vulnerability triage.

Irish Refugee Council CEO, Nick Henderson, said: 'We cant continue to normalise homelessness and have the State effectively delegate its duties to volunteers and under resourced charities. It puts both people seeking protection and those helping them at risk of harm.'

Last year UK Government ministers flatly rejected Dublin's demands to take back asylum seekers crossing from Northern Ireland.

The Republic has voiced alarm that large numbers are taking advantage of the invisible border on the island to avoid being deported to Rwanda, with ministers saying more than 80 per cent of the country's asylum seekers arrive this way.

Then-Taoiseach Simon Harris vowed to pass new laws to facilitate returns of migrants, after the country's courts declared the UK cannot be classed as 'safe' due to the pact with the African state.

Gardai clashed with rioters in Dublin after several people were injured in a stabbing outside a school in the Irish capital in November 2023

After setting several police vehicles, a double decker bus and a tram alight, videos circulating on X show that people have began to loot as they broke into several stores, like Foot Locker (pictured above) and took armfuls of items

When MailOnline visited the area last year the contrast in Dublin was stark. As friends and families soaked up the sunshine along the tranquil Grand Canal on Friday, migrants were being quizzed by police in their tents on the footpath

Ugly metal fences were being erected to block others from joining the encampments

Struggles with migration come against a backdrop of a housing shortage crisis, high taxes and a failing healthcare system

The government has previously spoken favourably about migration. Jamie Drummond, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NGO ONE and a friend of U2 star Bono, told the International Development Committee in 2015 that young immigrants were needed to help with Ireland's 'senile' aging population.

She said: 'Just as this country and this continent will be at its most senile demographically speaking, Africa will be the worlds youth and the supply of the worlds energy, creativity and dynamism.

'If we have invested properly in their education, governance and long-term security and the ability and belief that people can make a contribution in their economies and societies.

'If we fail to make those long-term investments because we are lurching in response from crisis to crisis or because we are indifferent, we will significantly regret the missed opportunity of having their engagement in a positive way and we will regret unfolding increased crises at that time.'

Project Ireland 2040 - an initiative unveiled in 2018 - forecasting nearly two million extra people in Ireland in 15 years time who would need an extra 96billion in investment for infrastructure and housing.

This huge figure was intended to be used to expand cities and settle rural areas, although it has quickly been left in the dust as the number of arrivals has reached more than double the initial estimates, The Telegraph reports.

A study by the London School of Economics found that hard-right protests in Ireland had seen structural racism and existing views 'supercharged' by social media.

And they blamed the government for cutting funding to anti-racism initiatives in the wake of the 2008 financial crash for allowing views to spiral.

A bus was torched by rioters who scrawled the word 'out' across its rear as it burned

The string of makeshift accommodation stretching around the International Protection Office and continuing along the road, was dubbed a 'tent city'

Tents housing asylum seekers near to the International Protection Office, in Dublin

They concluded: 'More needs to be done to ensure already woefully neglected communities receive sufficient state resources to facilitate greater community integration of asylum seekers and migrants, allowing these communities to view immigration as beneficial, hence helping to tackle embedded racism.

'It is this issue of distribution which needs to be at the centre of public debate on immigration, rather than the toxic, polarising and racist frames favoured by the far right and, increasingly, some "mainstream" politicians.

The hashtag 'Ireland is full' frequently trends on social media as experts fear sites like X have fanned suspicion within communities.

Researchers from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD) found misinformation by hard-right Irish figures is rising across all social media platforms in analysis of 13million posts from 1,640 accounts over the last three years.

They found that the pandemic had brought together previously fringe groups including those holding right-wing views and anti-vaxx campaigners around Covid conspiracy theories.

And when this passed the links 'didn't disappear', with many moving on to target refugees and the LGBT community, The Irish Times reports.

X is the most common platform for hateful posts, with researchers finding 1,158 accounts that posted 11.7million tweets between January 2020 and April 2023. The creation of these spiked following 2022 immigration protests and Elon Musk taking over the site in 2023.

Kremlin disinformation also sparked a flood of disinformation following the invasion of Ukraine, including claims the war was started by the West and that Zelensky's government was controlled by Nazis.

ISD said: 'These narratives also aim to downplay the severity of the war and fuel animosity towards Ukrainian refugees by suggesting they receive preferential treatment over the local population.'
Migrants will have their visas 'squeezed' in a bid to stop people overstaying and claiming asylum, amid a new 'crackdown' announced by the Home Office.

Under the plans, people from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka are likely to be closely monitored so their application can be screened for abuses of the system, The Times reports.

It comes as ministers have identified a particular problem with claimants coming to the country legally on work or study visas and then making a submission for asylum.

Visas from anyone who fits the profile of a person likely to make the claim, and from countries with high rates of asylum claims in the UK, are likely to be rejected.

Officials are also expected to use bank statements submitted by visa applicants to reject claims they are destitute and require taxpayer-funded accommodation such as hotels.

The measures will fall under the Government's Immigration White Paper, due to be published next week.

They have come about following immigration reforms promised in Labour's general election manifesto last year but have also been spurred by Reform UK's local election wins last week.

Other changes expected from Labour include restrictions that force foreign graduates to leave the UK unless they get a graduate level job, which will be based on skill levels rather than salary.

A new 'crackdown' on migrants likely to overstay and claim asylum in Britain has been announced by the Home Office (file image)

Under the plans, people from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka would have their applications closely monitored to check for an abuse of the system, The Times reports (file image)

Sir Keir has been under increasing pressure to tackle net migration following the revelation the figure stood at 728,000 last year.

Being granted asylum allows people to stay in the UK permanently whereas work and study visas are only temporary.

However, rejected asylum seekers are able to prolong their stay - sometimes indefinitely - by make repeated appeals against their deportation.

The Home Office is also gathering information to enable caseworkers to spot patterns in the profile of people most likely to abuse work and study visas as a loophole to claim asylum.

Migrants from Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka have been earmarked as the most likely to go on to apply for asylum, a source told The Times.

Officials are working with the National Crime Agency (NCA) to build a model that would reject a visa claim by a migrant who seems likely to go on and claim asylum.

Patterns of behaviour - such as low engagement in university courses - will be flagged as being typical of individuals who have used the routes to claim asylum.

Applicants from countries with high rates of asylum claims will also be investigated to check whether they have been in contact with suspected people smugglers or individuals who teach migrants how to play the UK visa system.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: 'This is a desperate response to the thrashing Labour got in last week's elections, but like everything Starmer offers, it is just performative and won't make a difference'

Among the recent examples of foreign students having overstayed their visa before lodging an asylum claim are a Pakistani man who stuck with the process and was eventually granted asylum - despite being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman.

Of the 40,000 asylum claims lodged last year by people holding a UK visa, 16,000 were originally foreign students, 11,500 had a work visa, 9,500 had a visitor visa and the remaining 7 per cent had other forms of leave.

There has been a surge in the number of migrants on study and work visas bringing dependants in the last three years - with Indians and Nigerians the most likely to do so.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, told The Times: 'This is a desperate response to the thrashing Labour got in last week's elections, but like everything Starmer offers, it is just performative and won't make a difference.

'The system already refuses visas for people who fit the profile of asylum claimants, and asylum seekers already have to prove they are destitute to get accommodation.'

However, Professor Jonathan Portes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the system was designed to be about 'reducing asylum claims which are perceived to be abusive' rather than primarily being about 'reducing numbers overall'.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster.

'We keep the visa system under constant review and where we detect trends, which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action.

'Under our plan for change, our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system.'
Germany was thrown into political chaos today as Friedrich Merz's bid to become the country's 10th chancellor shockingly failed in the first round of voting in parliament by just six votes.

Merz, the conservative leader, was expected to win the vote on Tuesday.

But for the first time in the Federal Republic's history, the candidate to become chancellor fell at the first hurdle, sparking calls for him to resign and the country to hold fresh elections just three months after the last.

He needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot, but only received 310, prompting his family to leave the public gallery immediately after the decision.

Before Merz, no chancellor in postwar history had failed to secure parliament's backing at the first attempt.

Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the AfD, was seen smiling in response to the surprising result.

Her hard-right party, which came second in February's election, have sued Germany's domestic inelligence service after being designated as a 'right wing extremist' organisation last week.

Weidel called on him to 'resign immediately', adding: 'Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election.

'This is of course a historic setback. The man is so damaged and this so-called governing coalition has been a mess from the start.'

Bernd Baumann, the AfD's parliamentary group leader, said: 'Merz is damaged, whatever else happens in future.'

Merz has been under pressure in recent weeks, having scrambled to put together a coalition with the centre-left Social Democratic Party, which now holds a slim majority in the Bundestag.

As well as stemming the electoral rise of the AfD, the Christian Democratic Union leader was also facing questions over curbing illegal migration and his approach to backing Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

His party are now neck-and-neck in the polls with the AfD, having held a comfortable lead earlier in the year and won 58 more seats in the election.

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Merz looked shocked following the result, which saw him six votes short of being sworn in

Before Merz, no chancellor in postwar history had failed to secure parliament's backing at the first attempt

Merz has been under pressure in recent weeks, having scrambled to put together a coalition with the centre-left Social Democratic Party

Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the AfD, who came second in February's election, was seen smiling in response to the surprising result

She called on him to 'resign immediately' and for the country to hold a fresh election

Alice Weidel (L) and Tino Chrupalla (R) address reporters after the historic vote

The lower house of parliament - called the Bundestag - now has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority, according to German law.

If that also fails, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins the most votes as chancellor, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new national election.

The result represents a significant blow to the Christian Democrat leader, who won the most seats in Germany's Federal Election in February.

His party signed a coalition deal with the centre-left SPD yesterday, with 328 seats between the two parties indicating that Merz had enough support to win today's vote.

But it appears 18 MPs who had been expected to back him dissented, leading to a humiliating defeat for the conservative leader.

In the end, just 310 backed Merz, with 307 voting against.

Three lawmakers abstained, with one invalid ballot, while nine MPs were absent.

The parliamentary vote is a secret ballot, meaning the votes of individual MPs will never be revealed.

The Bundestag will likely not hold a second vote later today, despite reports that Merz's team was considering pushing for one, but is set to imminently reconvene.

It could, however, take place as early as Friday. Carsten Linnemann, the secretary-general of the Christian Democrats, called for a second vote as soon as possible.

'The world is in turmoil. Europe needs a strong Germany', he said.

'We can't wait for days now, we need clarity quickly.'

Charlotte Merz (2ndR), the wife of designated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and her daughters Carola Cluesener (2ndL) and Constanze Merz (L) watch the session before leaving immediately after the vote results

German Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner announced the results

The lower house of parliament - called the Bundestag - now has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority, according to German law

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz will remain in a caretaker role until the eventual outcome is reached

'The whole of Europe looked to Berlin today in the hope that Germany would reassert itself as an anchor of stability and a pro-European powerhouse,' Jana Puglierin, head of the Berlin office of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank, said.

'That hope has been dashed. With consequences way beyond our borders.'

The parties will now regroup to discuss the next steps but it was not immediately clear how long the process could take. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz will remain in a caretaker role until the eventual outcome is reached.

Party insiders have reportedly said the mood within the CDU is 'hectic and surreal' but that figures are sticking by Merz.

The vote, which came on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II, was largely seen as a formality to confirm Merz as Chancellor.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was still confident that Merz would ultimately prevail.

'It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for,' he told reporters today.

He said the failure to be voted in was an 'obstacle but not a catastrophe'.

The CDU leader was meant to travel to both Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday if he had been successful.

He was already facing questions over the AfD's status as a legal political entity after it was classified as a 'right wing extremist' organisation by the German domestic intelligence service.

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the party as a threat to the country's democratic order, saying it 'disregards human dignity' - in particular by what it called 'ongoing agitation' against refugees and migrants.

Mainstream German political parties refuse to work with it, citing the so-called 'firewall' they've upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was still confident that Merz would ultimately prevail

The CDU signed a coalition deal with the centre-left SPD yesterday, with 328 seats between the two parties indicating that Merz had enough support to win today's vote

The parliamentary vote is a secret ballot, meaning the votes of individual lawmakers will never be revealed

The Bundestag will not hold a second vote later today, despite reports that Merz's team was considering pushing for one

But senior figures in the White House, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, criticised the move and called on them to undo the classification.

Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence service's decision.

The AfD, now subject to broader surveillance, was shaping up to be a political thorn in Merz's side.

Following the elections, the conservative leader said the fact that AfD doubled its vote share in percentage terms is a 'real warning bell, a real alarm bell for the political parties of the centre in Germany to come up with shared solutions'.

The AfD is likely to hold his feet to the fire over major issues affecting German politics, including migration, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and whether Merz gives too much ground to the SPD.

Merz's coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

The CDU have been accused of abandoning their commitment to fiscal conservatism, however, after Merz decided to loosen borrowing limits.
Hungry Jacks has paid out a six-figure fine after the consumer watchdog found children's meal toys did not carry adequate choking hazard warnings.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said Garfield toys, distributed nationwide by the fast food giant last year, did not have the required warnings related to their 'extremely dangerous' button batteries.

The watchdog said 27,850 of the toys were distributed between May 20, 2024, and May 30, 2024.

Hungry Jacks paid $150,240 in fines to the ACCC after it issued eight infringement notices relating to the breaches of consumer law.

The Garfield toys complied with button safety standards, but did not alert customers to the fact they contained button batteries inside them.

Goods containing such batteries must provide warnings about the potentially deadly hazards posed by the batteries and advice on appropriate procedures if a child ingests one.

'Button batteries are extremely dangerous for young children and, tragically, children have been seriously injured or died from swallowing or ingesting them,' ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

'The ACCC continues to see non-compliant products on the market, which pose unacceptable safety risks to vulnerable young children.

A Garfield toy given to children at Hungry Jacks in May last year was deemed dangerous by the ACCC

The chain has promised to establish a compliance program to minimise the chance of future Australian Consumer Law breaches

'We take non-compliance with these important standards seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate.'

The ACCC released a statement saying it had accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from the chain restaurant.

Hungry Jacks admitted the toy was likely to have failed to comply with relevant information standards.

Hungry Jacks recalled the toy shortly after its distribution in June last year in a statement posted to social media.

Customers were told they could return the toy for a free replacement.

The ACCC said Hungry Jacks would establish a compliance program designed to reduce future breaches of consumer law.
A mysterious local has taken matters into their own hands to tear down a town's controversial wall, dubbed 'The Berlin Wall Mk 2', with a rented JCB.

The concrete blocks on Kellands Lane in Okehampton, Devon, had been put up to block a popular walking route which families used to get to school.

It was built between two housing estates which developers said was private land, warning those who passed through were 'trespassing'.

A local erected the wall after Google Maps blunder had begun directing pedestrians to pass through the road as a walking route.

The wall became unpopular with locals and graffiti had appeared on it, calling it 'The Berlin Wall Mk 2'.

Officials at West Devon Borough Council issued a 'Temporary Stop Notice' on April 17 to prevent further works from happening.

An Enforcement Notice was then made on April 25 officials were set to tear the wall down if it was not removed by May 27.

However the wall was destroyed prematurely, when an unknown local rented a JCB to breach the structure.

The wall on Kellands Lane in Okehampton, Devon, had been dubbed 'Berlin Wall Mk 2'

A mysterious local knocked down part of the wall with a rented JCB

George Dexter, West Devon councillor of Okehampton North, stood at the controversial structure

Locals rejoiced at its removal, with the path now open again for pedestrians to pass through.

Dana Green, 40, 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. It's really dangerous.'

Roy Hopkinson lives right next to the hated wall. 'It's been mental', he concedes, 'I don't know why they've 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.'

One local posted on Facebook when the wall went up: ''I thought Trump was only building walls in America!'

'My husband can't get through it as he uses a mobility scooter' said Verity Warren, 'I can't believe they just whacked it up. It used to be a load of dirt but then they made a new path when the school was opened.

Verity Warren said her husband was unable to get through as he is on a mobility scooter

Roy Hopkinson lives right next to the hated wall. 'It's been mental', he concedes, 'I don't know why they've put it there'

A cat seen walking through a hole in the wall in Okehampton, where pedestrians are banned

More graffiti on the unpopular wall with a message reading 'take it down'

Developers say the walking route is on private land, warning walkers that it is trespassing to pass through

Residents rejoiced, saying they were 'grateful to the person that knocked it down'

'Nothing happens for ages and then there's a bloody great wall built.

'Why didn't they just put some bollards down!'

Keith Monnax told MailOnline he had originally made the path through the mud.

He said: 'I saw them putting the wall up and thought it was a bit harsh. But then they came and knocked it down anyway.

'What happens now? It's petty and all about land, but nobody knows where it will go from here.'

Councillor Caroline Mott, Lead Member for Planning and the Built Environment at West Devon Borough Council, told Devon Live: 'The Council has taken action to have the structure removed and hope the inconvenience to the community will be resolved as a matter of urgency.'

Councillor George Dexter said the problem is the land is located on a 'ransom strip' from a nearby stretch of privately owned land.

Therefore any use of the road as a thoroughfare is technically trespassing.

One of the blocks knocked down by the JCB, which was rented by a mysterious loca

Pedestrians began using the road as a walking route following a Google Maps blunder

Keith Monnax told MailOnline he had originally made the path through the mud

A local reportedly knocked down the wall after renting a JCB

He explained: '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.'

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 isn't 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 as Google Maps has started to show a right of way across this private land.

'Our insurance requires us to take reasonable steps to prevent trespass, and Google now showing this as a right of way could invalidate our insurance, unless we can demonstrate that we have taken positive steps to prevent illegal entry onto our land.

'On Thursday 17th April, a member of the public, with a digger, caused criminal damage by driving through this temporary structure. This has been filed with the police who have raised a crime number.

Kellands Lane pictured before the wall was built, a hedge was in its place, with room for pedestrians to bypass

Developers criticised Google saying the website showing the road as a right of way could 'invalidate our insurance'

Developers say they have taken reasonable steps to prevent the public from trespassing

'We would recommend members of the public stay away from this structure as we cannot guarantee its integrity following this attack, and the stop notice served by the Council prevents us from undertaking any remedial work.

'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 6th January 2023 (nearly two and a half years ago) 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 to complete the road connection, but West Devon Borough Council do need to engage with us to enable this to happen.'
If Vladimir Putin gets his way, May 9 will be a beautiful day of pomp, circumstance and patriotism as Russia celebrates the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

But his opposite number in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has begun sowing fears in the Russian capital that Friday's 'Victory Day' proceedings may not end well.

An attack by two drones flying toward Moscow was foiled by Russian air defence systems on Tuesday evening, the city's mayor reported on Telegram, as the capital remains on edge ahead of Friday's celebrations.

Previous Victory Day festivities have seen thousands of military servicemen march through Moscow's Red Square flanked by armoured vehicles, tanks and even nuclear weapons as Russia's President and his inner circle watch on.

This year's procession is expected to be even grander to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of what Russians refer to as 'Great Patriotic War', such was the level of sacrifice required to defeat Hitler.

The effort to defeat the Nazis - in which some 26 million Soviets perished - plays a hugely important role in the Russian collective consciousness and is leveraged by Putin and the Kremlin to maximise support for today's war in Ukraine.

That Victory Day unfolds without a hitch is so vital for the Kremlin that the Russian President even declared a three-day ceasefire in his war on Ukraine from May 8-10 in an attempt to safeguard the celebrations.

All mobile networks and internet data transmissions will also be cut off in central Moscow for several hours on May 9 as an extra security measure.

But Zelensky, whose people have been indiscriminately targeted by Russia's missiles and killer drones for more than three years, has roundly rejected the measly armistice offer and warned that Moscow could be under threat from aerial strikes.

As if to prove his point, Ukraine overnight unleashed a wave of more than 100 drones over Western Russia, forcing closures or flight cancellations at all four Moscow airports even as Russian servicemen and women conduct rehearsal drills ahead of the big day.

'Our position is very simple for all countries travelling to Russia on May 9: We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,' he said, adding Putin was 'playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere' for the parade.

A man rides a scooter in front of a star and inscription reading '1945 Hero City Moscow 2025' installed to mark the upcoming Victory Day in Moscow, Russia

Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM and Mikoyan MiG-29 jet fighters followed by Su-25 fighter bombers fly over Red Square leaving trails of smoke in the colours of the Russian national flag during the Victory Day military parade rehearsal with the Spasskaya Tower in Moscow

A Russian army convoy made up of tanks and other military vehicles travel through central Moscow during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade where Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany, on May 3, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 5, 2025

Ammunition is seen on the ground in Russia's Kursk region in March as Russia's troops pushed back occupying Ukrainian forces

Around 20 leaders are expected to attend the festivities in Moscow on Friday, including China's Xi Jinping, who is set to touch down in the Russian capital tomorrow.

But on the eve of Xi's arrival, 136 drones were sent soaring over the Ukrainian border to rain down on Russian targets, forcing air defences to spring into action and raising speculation over the safety of this week's festivities.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defences shot down 19 drones around the greater metropolitan area and flight restrictions were introduced at more than a dozen airports, including four in Moscow.

Some damage was reported, with Russian media broadcasting images of a cracked supermarket window and a blackened residential building facade in the capital after chunks of debris hailed down on city streets, though no casualties were reported.

The governors of Voronezh and Penza went on to say that 18 and 10 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted in their regions respectively.

Last night's drone assault by Kyiv marked the second successive day that Russian air defences were forced to intervene to prevent significant damage.

Putin last month ordered a three-day truce to coincide with Victory Day while declaring that Kyiv wanted the war to continue.

But Ukraine, which along with the United States has been pushing for a full 30-day ceasefire for peace negotiations, ridiculed the move as a 'trick' and 'cynical' - a sentiment shared by many analysts.

'The Kremlin wants a ceasefire for those days because it can't suitably defend airspace from Ukrainian drones and they want a smooth 80th anniversary victory day parade,' said Dara Massicot, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank focusing on Russian defence.

Zelensky, who said Putin was merely 'playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere' for Victory Day parades with his brief ceasefire, has refused to comply and is pushing for a full month-long pause to hostilities.

Last week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Putin supports the initiative to establish a lasting ceasefire but said the conflict in Ukraine was 'too complicated' to end quickly.

'Before going for (a full ceasefire), a whole series of questions need to be answered and a whole series of nuances need to be resolved,' he said.

The disheartening declaration came days after the Kremlin rejected a seven-point plan to end the war set out by the US that would recognise Moscow's control of Crimea and effectively freeze the frontline in place.

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's veteran Foreign Minister, said in late April that the Kremlin would only accept a ceasefire if various strict terms are met.

These include the removal of Zelensky and what he called Ukraine's 'neo-Nazi' regime, international recognition of Russian sovereignty over the four annexed Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and a restriction on the size of Ukraine's army, among other measures.

While Russian political and military officials make final preparations to defend Moscow for Victory Day, Ukrainian troops are also forging a new incursion into Russia's border region of Kursk.

Emergency services battle a blaze at the site of a drone strike on the Barabashovo market in Kharkiv, Ukraine, 06 May 2025

A Russian soldier raises a red flag over a house in the Kursk region of Russia in March 2025

A Ukrainian serviceman from the 24th mechanized brigade prepares a Magura night drone to flight toward the front line in the area of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region late on April 29, 2025

Firefighters work at the site of the Barabashovo market hit by Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine May 6, 2025

Ukraine's forces launched a lightning offensive on Kursk last summer and occupied it for several months before being all but expelled in March following a months-long counter-effort by Putin's troops.

But yesterday morning, reports emerged of fresh conflict in the embattled territory.

Russian war bloggers said opposing troops had fired missiles, crossed minefields and smashed through border defences in Kursk overnight into Monday.

'The enemy blew up bridges with rockets at night and launched an attack with armoured groups in the morning,' respected war blogging channel 'RVvoenkor' wrote on Telegram.

'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.'

Kursk's acting governor Alexander Khinshtein said an attack was also carried out on an electrical substation in the city of Rylsk late Monday, wounding two teenagers.

'As a result of the attack on the city, two transformers were damaged, and the power was completely cut off,' he wrote on Telegram.

He went on to confirm that three people died in Kursk as a result of Ukraine's new offensive.

'A Ukrainian FPV-drone attacked a Lada Largus car... unfortunately as a result of the hit two women were killed,' the governor said, adding that a 53-year-old man died in a separate incident.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said yesterday that despite being pushed back from Kursk earlier this year, his forces had achieved 'most' of its goals in showing its capabilities and preventing Russia from launching offensives elsewhere.

The original August 2024 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 ascended to the US presidency, and his administration said last week it would no longer mediate in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, urging both sides to swiftly come to terms.

Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM jet fighters, centre, of The Russian Knights aerobatic team and Mikoyan MiG-29 jet fighters of The Swifts aerobatic team fly over the Red Square during the Victory Day parade rehearsal in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 5, 2025

Russian soldiers ride on a self-propelled gun in Russia's Kursk region

A 'No Drone Zone' sign sits just off the Kremlin in central Moscow as it prohibits unmanned aerial vehicles flying over the area

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a press briefing this morning that Russia still intends to observe the three-day ceasefire this week, but cautioned that its forces would respond to any attack initiated by Kyiv.

'Of course, President Putin's initiative for a temporary truce during the holidays is relevant, and the corresponding instructions have been given by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief,' he said.

'But I want to remind you of our position.

'The fire will cease, but if there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime and attempts to strike our positions or our facilities continue, then an adequate response will be given immediately.

'For now, we can add that, unfortunately, we have not yet heard from Kyiv, from representatives of the regime, from the head of the regime, a single statement that would talk about readiness to join this holiday truce.'
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex would think of the same song "every single time" she landed in California.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex would think of the same song 'every single time' she landed in California

The 43-year-old former actress - who tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018 but the pair of them relinquished royal duties two years later and relocated to her native Los Angeles - always knew she was home when she heard the Joni Mitchell classic 'California' when she touched down at LAX.

Speaking on her 'Confessions of a Female Founder' podcast, she said: "When my plane touched down at LAX and I was going back and forth when I was filming ['Suits'] in Toronto for a long time I would always hear Joni Mitchells California, Im coming home every single time in my head, and I would just go, Im home!"

In recent times, Meghan has turned businesswoman with her As Ever and various deals with Netflix and Spotify, but admitted that she relied on those close to her who could "understand" what she was going through as she started up a new career.

She said: "When I think about big milestones for my own business, As everNetflix coming on as my business partner is huge. Just having a global powerhouse that believed in me, and the site selling out in the first 45 minutes of launch  everything, every single piece that we had been working on.

"That told me that customers  people  believed in me and this vision. That's all you really want as a founder. That becomes your proof point that those late nights and the midnight musings are worth it.

"The safety of stream of consciousness with someone who understands itThat is part of that sisterhood and that understanding of, Okay, every day is not going to be the same. Some days are going to be harder to show up as your best and shiniest self.

"Maybe on that day something really painful happened in your real life, but for your team, that is not how you show up. You cant."
A callous conman who faked being terminally ill with a brain tumour to swindle an old classmate out of thousands of pounds has been jailed for a year.

Matthew Howarth, 32, contacted Thomas Lee out of the blue around 16 years after they left secondary school - but then began falsely telling him he only had weeks to live.

During his heartless scam, which stretched over a period of 14 months, jobless Howarth boasted of being a TV producer with private health insurance, but claimed he needed cash to pay an excess on the policy.

In one Facebook post, he wrote: 'An utterly abysmal few weeks in and out of hospital like a proverbial pinball. Never a dull moment when suffering from illness.'

Mr Lee, also 32, who was vulnerable after splitting up with his long-time partner, agreed to take out a loan to pay out 2,700 on the understanding he would be paid back - only to be landed with a second plea for 27,000.

He then started to do his own research into Howarth and discovered a Facebook page involving up to two other people who gave him money.

A neighbour of Howarth is also believed to have handed over 7,300.

Mr Lee, a telecommunications worker, asked Howarth for medical evidence of his illness but went to police when he was fobbed off with a string of excuses.

Matthew Howarth, 32, who faked being terminally ill with a brain tumour to swindle an old classmate out of thousands of pounds has been jailed for a year

Matthew Howarth, 32, contacted Thomas Lee (right) out of the blue around 16 years after they left secondary school - but then began falsely telling him he only had weeks to live

Mr Lee, who was vulnerable after splitting up with his long-time partner, agreed to take out a loan to pay 2,700 on the understanding he would be paid back - only to be landed with a second plea from Howarth for 27,000

Inquiries revealed Howarth - who lives with his housebound mother in Atherton, Greater Manchester - had no terminal illness.

In another Facebook post, Howarth shamelessly referenced the Princess of Wales' cancer treatment, adding ironically: 'Someone I used to know lied about a cancer diagnosis to get benefits and a new property.

'What sort of despicable human being does that? Lowest of the low dregs of society. Shame on you!'

In a victim impact statement, Mr Lee said: 'At the time I was in quite a depressed state having separated with my partner of nine years and when Matt reached out it made me feel good to get back in contact with someone else.

'Everything seemed to be going well until he told me he was weeks away from death. It affected my sleep and mental wellbeing and it also affected my work.

'Initially when I found out none of it was true I was actually relieved my friend was not dying and that I would no longer have to help sort out funeral arrangements after all.

'However when all that died down, I then got to think about what had been done which made me angry and upset. It made me feel quite stupid.

'He was someone I thought was a friend. It really affected my trust in people. I used to do anything for people. Now I second guess things and I cannot trust someone who is not my family.'

Mr Lee, outside Wigan Magistrates Court, said the incident had affected his trust in others

A social media post from Howarth stated that he had been 'battling' his cancer diagnosis

In another post, Howarth shamelessly referenced the Princess of Wales' cancer treatment

At Wigan Magistrates Court, Howarth pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

He was jailed for 12 months and ordered to pay Mr Lee 1,200 in compensation.

Three iPhones were also initially seized by police following Howarth's arrest.

Miss Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, said: 'Thomas Lee is an old school friend of the defendant who contacted him even though they had not been in touch since they had left high school many years ago.

'The defendant told the complainant he had worked in TV and that he has private medical care that covers him up to 10 million for treatment. He then maintained that he said that a 10,000 excess had to be paid on that and said he had already received about 7,300 of that total.

'The complainant at the time was feeling very vulnerable and in his words says the defendant almost groomed him.

'The defendant said he wanted to get treated at a private hospital and said if he did not receive this pending treatment he would die within months.

'The complainant, having heard all this, suffered from sleepless nights as he thought about his old friend apparently dying when he could be in a position to help.

Further social media posts convinced others to get in touch with Howarth, believing he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour

'He told the defendant that he would take out a loan and he would give the loan money to the defendant and the defendant could eventually pay him back.

'As a result, the complainant transferred 2,700 on October 17, 2023, by a bank transfer.

'After the money had been transferred the complainant said that he did not suspect anything untoward until the defendant asked for a further amount of money to be paid.

'He then started to do his own research into the defendant and discovered a Facebook page involving up to two people, who are believed to have contributed money to the defendant in the past.

'One person believed to have contributed 7,300 is a neighbour of the defendant.

'Mr Lee asked for medical evidence from the defendant to prove the illness but was kept being given excuses and he reported the matter to police. The defendant was arrested and and gave full admissions of guilt in the interview.

'He said he apologised for doing it and said he was not in the right headspace. He said he was in a bad mental space and for that reason he lied to the complainant about having a brain tumour and claiming it was causing him to become seriously ill.'

In mitigation for Howarth, defence solicitor Duncan Phillips said: 'My client acknowledges the seriousness of what he has done to Mr Lee.

In addition to his prison sentence Howarth has been banned from contacting Mr Lee for two years under the terms of a restraining order

'But he has suffered multiple traumatic events over a period of time and clearly he is a very vulnerable individual himself.

'This is someone who is remorseful and can only apologise and make things right as he intends to do.'

Speaking from the dock, Howarth said: 'I am sincerely sorry and I am heartbroken to lose my friend. I had been experiencing headaches and I am back under neurology for an urgent referral.'

Howarth was also banned from contacting Mr Lee for two years under the terms of a restraining order.

JPs told him: 'You deliberately targeted a vulnerable victim over a period of time, resulting in a serious detrimental effect on him and a financial gain for yourself. '
The UK's powerhouse services sector has slipped into the red for the first time in 18 months amid Trump's trade war.

Grim figures from the closely-watched PMI survey of businesses showed a score of 49 for April - with anything below 50 representing contraction.

That was down from 52.5 in March and in negative territory for the first time since October 2023.

The US president's tariffs were cited by firms as a factor hammering confidence, with reluctance to invest.

Labour's national insurance raid and increases in the national minimum wage also heaped pressure on costs.

The stalling economy poses a huge headache for Rachel Reeves as she is relying on growth to balance the government's books.

Fears are mounting that she will break her fiscal rules this Autumn unless she increases taxes again or cuts spending.

Grim figures from the closely-watched PMI survey of businesses showed a score of 49 for April - with anything below 50 representing contraction

Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: 'UK service sector output slipped into contraction for the first time in one-and-a-half years as heightened business uncertainty weighed on order books during April.

'Export conditions were particularly weak, with new business from abroad falling to the greatest extent since February 2021.

'Survey respondents often commented on the impact of global financial market turbulence in the wake of US tariff announcements.

'Businesses in the technology and financial service sectors noted rising risk aversion and delayed spending decisions among clients, especially in relation to major investment plans.

'Consumer service providers meanwhile cited subdued domestic economic conditions and challenges with passing on rising payroll costs, especially those in the hospitality and leisure sectors.'

According to the survey of businesses, input prices increased at the steepest pace since the summer of 2023 as higher National Living Wage rates and National Insurance contributions added to payroll costs.

Mr Moore said the research found service providers were trying to pass on costs to clients 'despite fragile demand'.

'Business expectations for the year ahead fell sharply as service sector firms braced for an extended period of global economic turbulence and heightened recession risks,' he said.

'Some 22 per cent of the survey panel predict an outright decline in business activity during the next 12 months, up from 14 per cent in March and well above the post-election low of 6 per cent in July 2024.'
Police in Ireland were reportedly sent to stop a bus after a passenger refused to put away a packet of cheese and onion crisps.

A woman on board the bus in Galway put a call in to the cops to complain about the smell of the crisps, according to the Irish Mirror.

She was reportedly left furious that another passenger was eating the snack on the bus and refused to put them away.

The passenger then bizarrely rang the police before the call taker directed two members of the force to go and investigate.

But the officers refused. 'The garda who took the call was directed to stop the bus and board it, but he refused as he did not believe it was a criminal matter,' a source said, as per Dublin Live.

The incident came during the week of the annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry, of the 11,200-strong Garda Representative Association.

The association, which represents members of the force, heard claims that police are being sent to pointless calls  because of fears there would be complaints if they did not attend.

The conference heard that along with the crisp incident, officers had also recently been sent out to deal with a suicidal dog and a bird's nest.

Police in Ireland were reportedly sent to stop a bus after a passenger refused to put away a packet of cheese and onion crisps (Pictured: Row of Dublin buses in a city centre street in Dublin, Ireland)

A woman on board the bus put a call in to the cops to complain about the smell of the crisps (file image)

Garda Dan Ryan, who represents officers in Carlow, said: 'Currently, there's no triage policy with the Control Room.

'We recently got dispatched to a call where a person rang in believing that her dog was suffering from mental health problems and was going to take his own life.

'Yet this was sent to us to deal with given the current policy that it's a call for service. We have to go to everything'.

He explained that officers had to go and speak to the owner and voiced concerns around members of the police force being taken out of action to deal with calls of this nature.

'You would receive calls like this quite occasionally, not specifically about suicidal dogs, but like kind of silly calls like those.

'There was another one there recently in south Kerry where someone rang in because there was a pheasant hanging around in a pub car park.

'It's a wild bird. What are we supposed to do there?, he asked.'

And Garda Peter Firth, from Waterford, also told the conference that there was a fear of cancelling such calls because personnel in control rooms were worried they would be disciplined.

He said: 'People are very slow to cancel calls because gardai are worried that a member of the public might complain or that someone in management might perceive a call that we didn't attend as one we should have.

'Again it's a fear of discipline'.

Firth said the force are receiving calls around events which are not policing matters such as a birds nest in someone's house.

The Garda Representative Association annual conference heard claims that police are being sent to pointless calls  because of fears there would be complaints if they did not attend

'A couple of lads in the southeast were sent because a neighbour called and said she was concerned about young birds' nest in someone's house and that they might not have been able to get out because the people were on holidays.

'Because we're not declining those calls, the requests become more acceptable over time, it becomes its own monster.

'The members in the control room have to make the decision and they have no faith in the policy that they won't be disciplined.

'There's a knock-on effect to that as well,' he said.

The police said in response to queries about such calls that the force had introduced a new computer-aided dispatch system known as GardaSAFE in 2023.

The force said in a statement: 'This new system enhances and improves our response and allows more efficient use of our resources thereby ensuring that the public receive the best possible response.

'GardaSAFE sees all calls requiring the dispatch of a Garda resource handled by a number of regionally located control centres.

'These control centres are staffed by trained call takers and call dispatchers.

'Community policing is the provision of a policing service to the whole community both urban and rural through a partnership based, proactive, problem solving style of policing.

'It is focused on community engagement, crime prevention and law enforcement and addresses crime and policing quality of life issues affecting communities.'
Eddie Hall, a retired British strongman turned mixed martial arts specialist, attempted to chase down a moving car after becoming involved in a furious row with motorists who allegedly created a disturbance outside his Staffordshire home.

Video footage circulated on social media showed Hall, 37, who won the World's Strongest Man competition in 2017, swearing at the driver of a blue BMW and threatening, 'I'll twist your f***ing head off' as the car pulled away following the altercation.

The film was captured by the driver of a second car waiting nearby, who complained that Hall's angry outburst had scared his daughter.

The footage depicts the final moments of a dispute that began off camera before escalating, with Hall claiming his children had earlier been upset by the honking of car horns outside his property.

As the two cars pulled away, Hall gave chase and a young child was heard crying in the back seat of the second car.

'Hey, get out, get out you f**ing p***k,' Hall is heard screaming. 'I'll f***ing rip your head, I'll twist your f***ng head off. All of you get out, I'll rip your f***ing head off.'

MailOnline has contacted Hall's representatives for comment.

The strongman took to social media following publication of the footage to clarify his version of events.

Retired British strongman Eddie Hall was involved in a furious row with motorists parked outside his Staffordshire home

Hall appeared incensed by something the driver of a blue BMW said to him as it pulled away

Hall was seen sprinting after the car following the clash

'9pm at night and you and 2 other cars pull up beeping there [sic] horns outside the house,' he wrote. 'You woke my young children up and they became very scared!

'You were asked very politely to leave after waiting outside my house for 15 minutes.

'You continued to wait outside my house, scaring my kids to death, so here I am asking you again to leave and you filmed the last 30 seconds of our interaction when you've been outside the property for a total of 25 minutes.

'So I asked you all to leave and the blue BMW driver said, and I quote, (I'll knock you out)... so I got angry!'

Hall, who stands 6ft 2in and is nicknamed 'the Beast', weighed in at almost 24 stone for his professional mixed martial arts debut against Poland's Mariusz Pudzianowski last month, defeating his more experienced opponent inside 30 seconds.

Having narrowly failed to catch up with the cars, the Staffordshire-born strongman, who achieved a 500kg deadlift in 2020 - a world record at the time - turned on his heel and walked back to the house, where he was greeted outside by a woman who appeared to be Alexandra, his wife.

Alexandra later offered her own account of the incident, reiterating her husband's claim that she had politely asked the drivers to leave because they were scaring the couple's children.

'Perspective is a funny thing isnt it,' she mused in a Facebook post. 'Youve shown 30 seconds of an evening whereby you sat outside out gate, for a longggg time, our private home, scaring our children.

Hall, 37, stands 6ft 2in and weighs around 24 stone. He won the World's Strongest Man competition in 2017 and achieved a 500kg deadlift in 2020 - a world record at the time

Hall's YouTube site, which includes training and diet dips as well as footage of his life away from his athletic endeavours, has amassed 3.25 million followers

Hall is seen pulling a bus weighing more than eight tons during a competition in Leeds in 2017

'I came out to you and politely explained this myself. But you refused to leave and I was greeted my a mouthful of profanities of one of your partners?!?!?

'We feel like we live in a goldfish bowl, people knock on our house, drive past, shout, beep, every 30 minutes.

'How do you think that makes our children feel???? No, this isnt the price of fame, its stalking, its scary, its intimidating and its not fair.

'This is a dad protecting his babies and a very small piece of the picture. This doesnt show your behaviour tonight.'

Hall said in his own posts that the drivers not only caused a commotion but also took pictures and video outside the house, with one person 'looking into the driveway'.

He also offered an apology for upsetting the drivers' children, whom he claimed he could not see through the BMW's darkened windows.

'I'm sorry I upset your kids, TBH I didn't there were kids present until you said during the last 30 seconds, as all your windows are blacked out,' he wrote

'I'd had enough of arguing with you, you then told me you were "going to knock me out", and I blew up. I apologise for that!

A grinning Hall effortlessly lifts up Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby during an appearance on the ITV show This Morning in 2018

Hall has apologised after taking issue with two cars causing a disturbance outside his home. 'The one thing I regret instantly, is that there are children in the situation who are upset'

'I massively apologise for upsetting your children and I would love to make that good somehow.

'That's the one thing I regret instantly, is that there are children in the situation who are upset.

'But that includes my own children too, th[r]ough your own behaviour.'

It is not the first time that Hall, who has four children, has been forced to contend with disturbances at his home.

In a video tour of his current home posted on his YouTube channel four years ago, Hall alluded to problems he has experienced with fans seeking selfies and signatures at unsociable hours.

'In my old house I had a lot of problems of people coming on to my property and knocking on the door at stupid hours asking for autographs and pictures, said Hall.

'Ive had it where people have climbed over the fence to knock on.

'As innocent as that may, sound its quite worrying.

'And since Ive lived here, I was in my hot tub a couple of weeks ago, somebody just wondered into my back garden and literally offered me a fight, literally put his fists up and said, "Lets do some boxing training."

'So it just goes to show show, being who I am does draw the wackos, so the security has been the number one feature for me.'
Britain is being 'flooded' with fake versions of popular vinos, according to the 'Sherlock Holmes of wine' who has revealed how to tell the difference.

Organised criminals are manufacturing 'high-end counterfeits' of well-known labels sold in British supermarkets and off-licences such as Yellow Tail, Maureen Downey told The Wine Blast Podcast.

The Australian brand distributes 13.5million cases of wine across the world every year, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is distinguishable by its black glass bottles wrapped in colourful labels with kangaroo art work.

The expert said the bottles are being replicated 'to a professional degree' on an 'unprecedented degree' which has never been seen before.

Ms Downey said: 'An Asian organised crime gang has partnered with a European organised wine gang to flood the market with counterfeit Yellow Tail.'

In order to make such accurate copies, she claimed the gangs are spending half a million dollars to get the same digital printer used by the brands producers.

Wine counterfeiters previously focussed on make replicas of old and rare bottles as they were the most profitable.

However, Ms Downey said they have moved away from this because it requires sourcing period glass, ageing the labels and making sure the cork is ok.

Organised criminals are manufacturing 'high-end counterfeits' of well-known labels sold in British supermarkets and off-licences such as Yellow Tail, Maureen Downey told The Wine Blast Podcast

'Now, they just have it all made to the same specs that the producers use. It's a different game. It's much more money. The average consumer is pretty screwed,' she added.

The wine aficionado said those who drink Yellow Tail regularly would be able to tell the difference in the same way a Coca-Cola fan would know if they had been given Pepsi.

It may be harder for people who are trying it for the first time or only drink it occasionally.

Some other ways of checking include inspecting the bottle for spelling mistakes, poor print quality, watermarks and missing information on labels.

But Ms Downey said it's easier nowadays to 'replicate wines at scale'.

Even distributors do not always know what to look for because many producers keep their anti-fraud measures 'so secret'.

In 2021, KVK supermarket in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, had its alcohol licence removed after a trading standards investigation found 41 fake bottles of Yellow Tail following reports from customers that the bottles of wine did not taste right.

The following year, a 142 bottles of counterfeit Yellow Tail were found in a shop in Leicestershire.

The Australian brand distributes 13.5million cases of wine across the world every year, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is distinguishable by its black glass bottles wrapped in colourful labels with kangaroo art work

Shopkeeper Kannan Vigneswaran was ordered to pay 4,000 after admitting to buying the wine from a man in an unmarked van offering a deal.

Presenter of The Wine Blast podcast, Peter Richards, said: 'It's not just fine and rare wines. You constantly read about producers or merchants being convicted for blending X into Y and calling it Z.'

He revealed a Yellow Tail source had confirmed the scale of the issue and revealed 100,000 cases of fake Yellow Tail had allegedly been produced by a criminal gang in Moldova.

Mr Richards called it 'an industrial level' scale of production and said Yellow Tail have pursued the problem legally but as they 'don't have much hope of any conviction' the best they can do is monitor shipments 'as closely as they can'.
An Australian woman accused of killing three with deadly mushrooms was 'very reluctant' to show her guests her kitchen pantry, the sole survivor told a court today.

Erin Patterson, 50, was loathe to allow the parents and aunt of her estranged husband to rummage around in the pantry before sitting them down to eat, Ian Wilkinson told the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell.

'I thought, maybe the pantry is a mess. Its going to be an embarrassment. So I wont add to the embarrassment by joining,' he said.

He said the accused also rejected offers of help before serving up the dish - a beef Wellington entirely encased in pastry and filled with 'steak and mushrooms', according to Wilkinson.

The accused is alleged to have laced the beef-and-pastry dish with poisonous death cap mushrooms.

'We said grace, we began eating,' Wilkinson told the jury in Morwell, southeast of Melbourne, today. The guests' meals were served on four grey plates, while Patterson's was on a smaller orange plate, Wilkinson told the court.

He said that hours after eating, he and his wife Heather began vomiting, but initially dismissed it as a 'case of gastro'. Heather - the aunt of Patterson's estranged husband Simon - died in the days following the lunch.

Patterson is charged with murdering Heather as well as parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson, who recovered after a lengthy stay in hospital.

She has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Ian Wilkinson arrives at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria, Tuesday, May 6, 2025

A handout sketch received from the Supreme Court of Victoria on April 29, 2025 shows Erin Patterson, an Australian woman accused of murdering three people with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington

The four guests developed diarrhoea and vomiting within 12 hours of the meal and were raced to hospital, where they were diagnosed with poisoning by death cap mushrooms.

Wilkinson said he had little memory of what happened after falling ill, and spent two months recovering in hospital.

Patterson went to the hospital two days after her lunch, telling medical staff she was unwell but initially refusing medical help, the trial heard previously.

She was also allegedly reluctant to let doctors see her children, saying she had scraped the mushrooms off their meals because they were fussy eaters and she did not want them to panic.

Wilkinson told the jury on Tuesday that his interactions with Patterson had always been cordial.

'When we met, things were friendly. We never had arguments or disputes. She just seemed like an ordinary person,' Wilkinson said of Patterson.

'We were more like acquaintances, we didn't see a lot of each other,' he said.

Wilkinson said there were periods when Patterson did not come to church very often, but other times she attended for 'much more frequent periods'.

Heather and Ian Wilkinson in happier times. Mr Wilkinson survived the deadly lunch

'We spoke casually, (as) family, 'how are you going?' That sort of conversation,' he said.

'We didn't consider the relation was close, (she) just seemed like a normal person. When we met things were friendly, we never had arguments or disputes, she just seemed like an ordinary person.'

Wilkinson also said he had only had a meal with Patterson a few times mainly at family and Christmas events.

He added that there was no reason given for the lunch.

His wife was 'fairly excited' and said ''good news', sort of thing', Wilkinson told the court.

Wilkinson himself said he was 'very happy' to be invited.

'It seemed to me our relationship with Erin was going to improve,' he said.

Wilkinson initially thought only he and Heather had been invited but later learned Don Patterson, his wife Gail, and their son Simon, who is Erin's estranged husband, were also invited, he said.

Patterson's estranged husband Simon turned down the invitation.

Heather kept the lunch appointment for 12pm on July 29, 2023, noted in her diary, which was shown to the jury.

Erin Patterson as she appeared outside court just weeks ago

Don and Gail Patterson both died after the lunch

Lead defence barrister Colin Mandy SC today pressed Wilkinson on how the meal was plated up and served.

Wilkinson said he sat after the food was placed at the table and agreed people were able to sit anywhere they want.

There was no direction from Erin for anyone to sit anywhere on the table, Wilkinson told the jury.

Mandy suggested the claim that the four plates used to serve beef Wellington to Patterson's lunch guests were all grey, and all the same, was not correct.

Mandy also suggested there was 'no smaller plate', but Wilkinson disagreed.

The court has heard evidence during the trial that Patterson ate her lunch from a smaller, differently coloured plate to her guests.

Wilkinson said he couldn't remember how much Patterson ate.

The prosecution alleges Patterson deliberately poisoned her lunch guests and took care that she did not consume the deadly mushrooms.

Her defence lawyers said it was the result of 'a terrible accident'.

The trial is expected to last about six weeks.
The arrests of seven Iranians in two major anti-terror operations over the weekend coincide with growing concern about the rogue state's activities on British soil.

A covert war is currently being waged by UK security forces to try to prevent Iran from targeting its enemies on our streets.

The shocking scale of this threat was made clear last year by MI5 director general Ken McCallum, who said spies and police had identified 20 credible Iranian plots to kill or kidnap people in the UK since 2022.

He suggested that Iran was trying to assert its influence further abroad in response to recent events in the Middle East, where Israeli attacks have decimated its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah.

His warning was echoed just weeks ago in Parliament by security minister Dan Jarvis, who said the Islamic Republic had become 'increasingly emboldened' to 'assert itself more aggressively' overseas as well as at home.

The SAS is believed to have joined counter-terror cops and MI5 on Saturday for a string of raids that led to the arrests of eight men, seven of whom were Iranian nationals.

Daniel Khalife, a former British soldier, was jailed for more than 14 years for spying for Iran. He is pictured after his arrest on a canal towpath in London on September 9, 2023

Undercover police officers swooped on a suspected Iranian terrorist in Swindon on Saturday after posing as customers in a cafe

Members of the SAS are suspected to have supported counter terrorism police for a linked raid in Rochdale

Five of the arrests in Rochdale and Swindon were part of a 'pre-planned' probe into an alleged plot to 'target a specific premises', according to the Met Police.

Meanwhile, a separate investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) saw three Iranian men arrested in London on the same day.

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.

Back in his November 2022 annual threat update, Mr McCallum was referring to the IRGC when he described a severe threat from Iran's 'aggressive intelligence services' to kidnap or kill UK-based people.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military personnel are participating in the Ela Beit Al-Moghaddas (Al-Aqsa Mosque) military rally in Tehran in November 2023

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

Just a few months later, in January 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.

It came shortly after 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.

Iran International TV said it had 'reluctantly' decided to close its London studios in response to advice from the Met Police.

Ramin Yektaparast is a German-Iranian central to Iran's international terror operation

Yektaparast was paid handsomely for his criminal activities around the globe. He is pictured with two luxury cars

The Islamic Republic is ideologically geared to oppose the West and to export its Shia Revolution  with the IRGC expected to wage both military and political warfare.

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.

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.

A group of Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers outside a home in Rochdale during a raid on Saturday

Officers are seen detaining one suspect while another officer covers the window of a building

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'.

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.

Police are now 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

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.

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.

Former soldier Daniel Khalife was jailed for spying for Iran and escaping from prison

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'.

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.

Daniel Khalife, pictured on October 21, 2021. He was jailed for more than 14 years for spying and escaping prison

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.

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 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 Iran's core values

The 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.

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.

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said that there was a severe threat from Iran's 'aggressive intelligence services' to kidnap or kill UK-based people

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.'
One of the UK's most dangerous terrorists who was jailed for life over a plot to bomb the Bluewater shopping centre has been deported to Pakistan.

Jawad Akbar, 23, plotted to blow up Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, bomb the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London and set off a radioactive 'dirty' bomb.

The 2004 attacks would have caused huge damage and could have killed hundreds of innocent people.

Akbar, from Crawley, West Sussex, was sentenced to life in April 2007 after being found guilty of conspiracy to cause explosions.

He was given a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years.

In July 2022, the Parole Board deemed him too dangerous to be released. One of the main considerations was that the UK could not be sure that Akbar would be adequately supervised if he was deported.

Akbar's minimum jail term ended in September 2021 and he should have been eligible for a second parole hearing sometime in 2023.

However, MailOnline has discovered this did not happen and he was deported to Pakistan in the last year.

Pakistani national Jawad Akbar plotted to blow up Kent's Bluewater shopping centre

Entrance to the Bluewater shopping centre (pictured)

As well as targeting the shopping centre, he also plotted to bomb the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London and set off a radioactive 'dirty' bomb

The Home Office confirmed that Akbar, now 41, was deported.

It is believed this went ahead under a joint 'returns agreement' scheme signed in 2019 by the Conservative government and Pakistan.

The then Home Secretary Priti Patel said the legislation would be used to return foreign criminals and immigration offenders from the UK to Pakistan.

She said at the time: 'I make no apology for removing dangerous foreign criminals and immigration offenders who have no right to remain in the UK.

'The British public have quite rightly had enough of people abusing our laws and gaming the system so we can't remove them.'

The Home Office refuses to comment on individual cases and declined to elaborate on the reasons why the committed terrorist was allowed to return to Pakistan, where he was born.

In a statement, a Home Office spokesperson said: 'Any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.'

The Home Office had originally tried to deport him to Italy, where his father has citizenship.

Anthony Garcia (pictured) was also a member of the terror cell

Waheed Mahmood, of Crawley, West Sussex, was freed from prison in September

Anthony Garcia (left) and gang member Omar Khyam at the Avari Hotel, Lahore, Pakistan in 2003

It is believed the family first moved to Italy after leaving Pakistan.

Akbar was part of a five strong British born or British resident gang of Pakistani heritage linked to Al-Qaeda in Pakistan.

Waheed Mahmood, 35, Omar Khyam, 25, Anthony Garcia, 24, Salahuddin Amin, 32, were the other defendants in the 2006 trial. All five were handed life sentences.

During the trial it was revealed the gang were poised to attack the shopping centre with a massive device, made for just 100 containing ammonium nitrate and aluminium powder.

The home-made bomb was made from household ingredients, inspired by the Oklahoma City bomber Tim McVeigh, who killed 168 people with an almost identical device in 1995.

At the time, judge Sir Michael Astill QC, said: 'All of you were determined to cause indiscriminate death, injury and suffering of unsuspecting and innocent members of the community.'

'This was demonstrated by the discussions that took place about where improvised devices could be placed, such as the Bluewater retail complex and the Ministry of Sound.

'These are examples of sites where numerous members of the public congregated and became vulnerable targets.

'They demonstrate the scale of horror, which you were prepared to inflict and would have inflicted but for the intervention of the security services and the police.'

Waheed Mahmood and Anthony Garcia were freed on parole in 2024. Salahuddin Amin had a parole request turned down in February 2024.
A senior university lecturer was sacked after he was accused of referring to a student as a 'troublesome trans kid', an employment tribunal heard.

Film and TV academic Russell Cherrington said universities were becoming 'like care homes' for people with disabilities and criticised diversity by claiming people were hired to 'tick boxes' which was stopping 'normal people' from getting work.

He claimed he was protected by new freedom of speech legislation designed to allow university staff to speak their minds.

But after tearful complaints from students at the University of Derby he was fired for his 'misogynistic, transphobic and ableist' comments.

Mr Cherrington has now lost his case for unfair dismissal after the tribunal ruled that he had breached principles of 'equality, dignity and inclusivity' with his remarks.

It also found that the university did not breach freedom of speech laws as they 'did not constitute an academic line of conversation and [were] not part of, or arose from, the teaching material'.

The hearing, held in Nottingham, was told that Mr Cherrington began working for the higher education institution as a senior lecturer in September 2010.

In November 2023, the Film and High End TV course he taught received a very low student satisfaction score in the National Student Survey, around 30 to 35 per cent.

The College of Arts at the University of Derby



As a result, the department held a meeting with students to address concerns raised in the survey at which Mr Cherrington's behaviour was talked about.

The tribunal heard that the students were 'in tears' and 'visibly upset' discussing remarks Mr Cherrington had made and that the Dean for the College of Arts, Professor Alex Molasiotis, was so 'emotionally impacted' he was unable to continue listening to the students.

These comments included showing a Madonna music video to demonstrate the benefits of 'selling her body' and describing an actress in another video as not 'attractive enough', the hearing was told.

When reviewing a script involving a character with autism he said universities were becoming a 'care home' for people with disabilities, the tribunal heard.

And during a discussion about diversity in the industry he was alleged to have said people were hired to 'tick boxes' which was stopping 'normal people' from getting work.

Mr Cherrington also said he would not accommodate a transgender student struggling with their mental health, someone he referred to as a 'troublesome trans kid' and referred to women in the class only as 'females', the hearing was told.

Mr Cherrington was suspended from student-facing duties and was told to work from home whilst an investigation was carried out into his 'inappropriate and unprofessional language'.

Two investigation meetings were held with the senior lecturer, in January and February 2024 after which it was decided that the process would continue to a disciplinary hearing, chaired by Prof Molasiotis.

The Nottingham tribunal heard that the students were 'in tears' and 'visibly upset' discussing remarks Mr Cherrington had made

Mr Cherrington was warned that the allegations against him could amount to gross misconduct.

He objected to Prof Molasiotis chairing the disciplinary hearing on the grounds that he was biased because he had been at the November meeting.

The request for a change in chair was denied by HR and later became one of Mr Cherrington's grounds for believing his dismissal was unfair.

During the hearing in April, a summary of the investigation report was presented and Mr Cherrington gave a response to it, including denying using the phrase 'troublesome trans kid'.

He also alleged that the students had colluded in social media groups about what they had said during the investigation.

The hearing reconvened a few days later and Prof Molasiotis concluded that several of the comments had been made such as referring to women on the course as 'females', questioning the attractiveness of women in a music video, the anecdote about the transgender student and comments about universities becoming care homes.

Prof Molasiotis said these remarks were 'misogynistic, transphobic and ableist' and that he had decided to dismiss Mr Cherrington without notice on the grounds of gross misconduct.

The senior lecturer appealed his sacking on the basis it was 'unduly harsh', he had not been given a chance to address the issues, and it was a breach of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 but the decision was upheld.

The appeal panel found that Mr Cherrington's dismissal did not breach free speech legislation because the comments were not in an 'academic line of conversation' and were considered discriminatory.

Mr Cherrington then took his case to the tribunal, claiming that his sacking was unfair because the witnesses he suggested had not been spoken to, the supposed bias of Prof Molasiotis, and that uncorroborated remarks had been taken into account.

However, the tribunal has now ruled that his dismissal was fair and that the disciplinary process had been carried out correctly.

The tribunal said that although the University had concluded that Mr Cherrington's comments were not malicious his 'contravention' of the principles of 'equality, dignity and inclusivity' meant it was still a fair sanction.

The panel found that the university had taken Mr Cherrington's previously unblemished personal record into account when determining a sanction.

Of the freedom of speech claim it said it accepted the university's position that 'the inappropriate and unprofessional comments did not constitute an academic line of conversation and was not part of, or arose from, the teaching material'.
The Conservatives can only defeat Nigel Farage's Reform UK if it finds a way to bring back Boris Johnson, a new poll suggests amid rumours of a plot to oust Kemi Badenoch.

The former prime minister, who was forced out of No10 in 2022, is the only party leader under whom the Tories poll higher than their opponents on the right.

The survey by More in Common may dampen talk of defenestrating Mrs Badenoch after a dreadful performance in the local elections last week, given that Mr Johnson is no longer even an MP.

Both she and Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary who is seen as her main rival, would lose to Mr Farage.

And Mr Jenrick, who ran for the leadership last year, is even less popular with voters than she is, the numbers suggest.

Almost 60 per cent of Tory voters and half of those who back Reform say a Johnson comeback would be good for the party - as do a third of Labour backers.

Backbenchers are reportedly to meet this week to discuss Mrs Badenoch's future after the Conservatives lost more than 600 seats in last week's local elections.

However rebels were branded 'deluded' by former leader and minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who said swapping leaders so soon would make the party a laughing stock.

Another MP told MailOnline that while some are 'unnerved and concerned' and want to change leader, most backbenchers 'understand our problems are much more deep rooted and know how silly we would look'.

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The survey by More in Common may dampen talk of defenestrating Mrs Badenoch after a dreadful performance in the local elections last week, given that Mr Johnson is no longer even an MP.

The party is currently languishing third in most opinion polls behind Labour and Reform, the latter of which took a massive chunk out of the Tories' council base on Thursday.

Mrs Badenoch said today that she is 'confident' she will still be Conservative leader at the next general election.

She has only been in charge for six months, following the party's hammering at the general election last year, which followed a period where it had three leaders in the space of two years.

But some MPs are reportedly unhappy that the part seems to be going 'backwards'.

One told the Independent: 'We cannot continue as we are and she is just not up to the task.'

However, writing in the Express, former leader Sir Iain warned that 'Conservative voters haven't forgotten' the state of the party when it was in power.

'To those few Conservatives now briefing journalists that another leadership election is the answer I say, if after four leadership elections and utter disarray amongst MP's over the last five years, another leadership election is what they believe the public voted for, then they are deluded,' he added.

'This election result was frankly the second significant tremor after the first devastating political earthquake last year.

'It underscored the level of anger too many Conservative voters still had for our mistakes and failures.

'Not to mention the terrible behaviour of too many Conservative MPs at times appearing to care more for their careers than the lives of those they were sent to serve.'

Mrs Badenoch said today that she is 'confident' she will still be Conservative leader at the next general electio

Sir Iain Duncan Smith said Tory MPs considering toppling Mrs Badenoch were 'deluded'

Writing in the Express , former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned that 'Conservative voters haven't forgotten'.

Both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are under pressure to reverse their parties' fortunes after Reform picked up 10 councils and more than 600 seats in Thursday's poll.

Both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are under pressure to reverse their parties' fortunes after Reform picked up 10 councils and more than 600 seats in Thursday's poll.

Squeezed between Reform and the Liberal Democrats, the Tories lost more than 600 councillors and all 15 of the councils it controlled going into the election, among the worst results in the party's history.

At the weekend, Mrs Badenoch said she understands why voters are 'angry' with the Conservatives and she must 'come up with a plan that will deliver', adding that it will be a 'slow and steady' effort for her party to regain support.

Conservative co-chairman Nigel Huddleston sought to play down the threat from Reform UK, telling Sky News: 'When they're in a position of delivering things, that's when the shine comes off.'
A former stripper who murdered her boyfriend's daughter and then left the body in a bucket on the front lawn of the girl's biological mother has been sentenced to life in prison.

Last week a jury determined that Bunnak "Hannah" Landon, age unknown, was not insane when she strangled 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle at their home in Harahan, Louisiana in April 2023. She then placed the girl's body in a 13-gallon bucket, and left the girl on the front lawn of her mother. The jury deliberated for just 45 minutes before delivering a guilty verdict. On Tuesday she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"There is so much evidence that shows she knew right from wrong," Assistant District Attorney Rachel Africk told jurors last week in closing argument.

"She knew what she did was wrong," Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Truhe told jurors. "She just did not care. She is just evil."

Prosecutors said that Landon performed as a stripper under the name "Valentina" at various establishments on the Gulf Coast.

She eventually met Bella's father at a Baton Rogue strip club. "A lap dance led to a 4-year-long cohabitating romantic relationship in which Landon often looked after Bella and her older sister at his home in Harahan's Imperial Woods subdivision," prosecutors stated.

Bella and her sister alternated between their mother and father's homes according to a custody agreement. Prosecutors said Bella struggled with the arrangement and her teachers noted her growing anxiety, frequent crying, and declining grades. Landon was often cited as the source of the anxiety.

"That little girl would tell anyone who would listen to her that, 'Miss Hannah is mean to me,'" Africk told jurors.

Prosecutors said that on the day of the murder, Landon was again watching the girls while Bella's father was at work. The girls went to school and were dropped off by their grandmother, who left the residence around 7:30 p.m.

"Landon killed Bella soon after her grandmother departed. At about 9:30 p.m., according to video surveillance footage at the Donelon Drive home, Landon emerged pulling a blue canvas wagon holding the bucket in which she forced Bella's 48-pound body," prosecutors stated. "Landon pulled the wagon less than -mile away to Bella's biological mother's home one street over. She placed the bucket on the front lawn at about 9:35 p.m., and returned to the Donelon Drive residence towing the empty wagon. She departed the residence at about 9:45 p.m., never to return."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Prince Harry is the second most popular living member of the Royal Family among Americans - behind only his brother Prince William, a poll has revealed.

Some 56 per cent of US adults have a positive view of the Duke of Sussex while 21 per cent a negative opinion, according to the YouGov study for The Times.

The Prince of Wales meanwhile has a 63 per cent positivity rating in America and 10 per cent negative, which puts him in first place among living royals.

The most popular royal overall is William and Harrys late mother Princess Diana, who died in 1997, with a 79 per cent positive rating and 4 per cent negative.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022, is in second place with a 73 per cent positive and 8 per cent negative ranking. William is in third overall and Harry fourth.

Harry, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020 after stepping down as a senior royal, is more popular among Americans than his sister-in-law Kate.

The Princess of Wales has a 49 per cent positive rating and 6 per cent negative, while his father King Charles IIIs ratings are 48 per cent positive and 27 per cent negative.

Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right) arrive together for the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana at Kensington Palace in London in July 2021

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Kate, William, Harry and Meghan in Windsor in September 2022 after Queen Elizabeth II died

But William, Harry, Kate and Charles are all more popular than Meghan, the only US citizen on the list, whose ratings are 41 per cent positive and 25 per cent negative.

Opinion of US adults towards Royal Family Diana: 79% positive / 4% negative Queen Elizabeth II: 73% / 8% Prince William: 63% / 10% Prince Harry: 56% / 21% Kate: 49% / 6% King Charles: 48% / 27% Meghan: 41% / 25% Princess Anne: 38% / 6% Prince Edward: 37% / 10% Queen Camilla: 26% / 33% Prince Andrew: 26% / 33% Advertisement

Even less popular than Meghan are Princess Anne (38 per cent positive; 6 per cent negative) and Prince Edward (38 per cent positive; 10 per cent negative).

Queen Camilla meanwhile is at joint-bottom in the table with a 26 per cent positive and 33 per cent negative rating.

This is the same rating on both counts as the disgraced Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019.

They were also the only two royals on the list with a net negative polling figure.

The poll of 1,296 US adults was carried out between April 21 and 23, before Harrys bombshell BBC interview last Friday in which he called for reconciliation with his family.

The survey also found that a majority of Americans backed Harry and Meghans move to the US, with 42 per cent saying they approved while 19 per cent disapproved.

Some 61 per cent have not changed their opinion on the couple since their move to the US, but 17 per cent said it was now worse and 10 per cent said it was now better.

Harry said last Friday that his 'devastating' loss in the Court of Appeal, which rejected his bid to reinstate his round-the-clock police bodyguard in the UK, meant his family could never return to Britain.

(From left) Sophie, Edward, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Kate, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the Buckingham Palace balcony in London yesterday for the VE Day 80 flypast

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Time100 Summit in New York City on April 23

He also claimed in a dramatic BBC television interview that Charles will not speak to him and he does not know 'how much longer my father has'.

The Duke described his court defeat as a 'good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up'.

But his decision to speak out appears to have worsened the chances of an end to his estrangement, amid suggestions the King and his brother William will fear more than ever that any conversation with Harry would end up in the public domain.

The rest of the Royal Family put on a united front in London yesterday to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London as they watched a procession and flypast.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public appearance with their parents William and Kate to see the spectacle alongside Charles and Camilla.
JK Rowling has said she can't sack the actor chosen to play Severus Snape in HBO's Harry Potter series after he signed a pro-trans open letter - and she wouldn't, even if she could.

Paapa Essiedu, who this summer will begin filming the show that will make him a multi-millionaire, signed a letter standing 'in solidarity' with members of the LGBT+ community 'impacted' by the Supreme Court gender ruling.

Ms Rowling has been a strident critic of gender issues for years and publicly supported the ruling.

But now the author, 59, has stuck by the actor despite the stark contrast between their views.

Taking to social media, she said: 'I dont have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldnt exercise it if I did.

'I dont believe in taking away peoples jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.'

In a comment, replying to a critic, she added: 'It is indeed incredible that I wouldn't do the thing I've been saying for years nobody should be doing.'

JK Rowling has been celebrating the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of the term 'women' - posting this photo on X, formerly Twitter, from her $150million superyacht

The star of HBO's Harry Potter reboot Paapa Essiedu (pictured) has turned on its author JK Rowling in a letter standing 'in solidarity' with members of the LGBT + community

The author, 59, has stuck by the actor despite the stark contrast between their views

It comes just days after Harry Potter star Emma Watson broke her silence amid Rowling's public support of last month's Supreme Court ruling on gender.

Days prior, Harry Potter star Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood, savaged Rowling on social media, calling her an 'obsessed billionaire' and 'bigoted' for her views on trans rights.

Last month's Supreme Court ruling found that in the 2010 Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates only to biological women.

In a recent essay, Rowling has made cryptic reference to 'back-stabbing colleagues ever ready to report wrongthink', but did not confirm who she was referring to.

She added: 'I wonder if they ever ask themselves how they got here, and I wonder whether any of them will ever feel shame.'

Seemingly referencing the open letter this weekend, Rowling wrote in her essay that 'signatories of these sorts of letters are motivated by fear', after 400 industry professionals including other actors from the franchise also signed.

The author added: 'I often wonder whether the signatories of such letters have to quieten their consciences before publicly boosting a movement intent on removing women's and girls' rights, which bullies gay people who admit openly they don't want opposite sex partners, and campaigns for the continued sterilisation of vulnerable and troubled kids.

'Do they feel any qualms at all while chanting the foundational lie of their religion: Trans Women are Women, Trans Men are Men?'

Paapa will play Severus Snape, previously famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the movie series

Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne , who led the Fantastic Beasts films, is among the stars to sign the letter

Essiedu is set to star as Hogwarts teacher Snape, who was previously played by the late Alan Rickman in the film series, in a TV adaption of Rowling's famous novels, which will reportedly start filming this summer.

The London born actor's appointment sparked criticism from some fans while others defended him against what they called a 'racist backlash'.

Elsewhere, critics of the Harry Potter author criticised her role as an executive producer on the show because of her views on transgender issues. HBO chiefs later defended her role, saying Rowling had a 'right to express her personal views'.

Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, who led the Fantastic Beasts films, Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, and Ghosts actress Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared as a student in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, also signed the letter.

Another signatory was Bridgerton actress Bessie Carter, the daughter of Dame Imelda Staunton, who played Dolores Umbridge in the popular films, and Breeders star Daisy Haggard, who voiced the Ministry Of Magic lift in the Harry Potter films.

Other signatories of the film and TV letter include The Brutalist actor Joe Alwyn, Babygirl star Harris Dickinson, The Last Of Us actor Bella Ramsey, Happy Valley star James Norton, and Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan, who previously said she was 'disgusted' by the ruling.

This week, Harry Potter star Watson broke her silence amid the row over Rowling's views on trans politics with a post on Instagram.

The British actress, 35, who played Hermione Granger in the multi-billion-pound movie franchise, has been among those speaking out in the past in opposition to the writer's opinions on gender.

Harry Potter star Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood, savaged Rowling on social media, calling her an 'obsessed billionaire' and 'bigoted' for her views on trans rights

While she did not refer to the recent judgment, her post came after more than 400 industry professionals signed the open letter.

Last month, Harry Potter star Biggerstaff has savaged Rowling on social media, calling her an 'obsessed billionaire' and 'bigoted' for her views on trans rights.

He starred alongside the trio in first two Harry Potter movies - The Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets - and returned for a brief, uncredited cameo in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Although distancing himself from Rowling herself and forthrightly speaking out against her, Biggerstaff remains involved with the wider Harry Potter universe and often attends fan conventions, doing so as recently as February of this year.
Shocking new surveillance footage captured the moments that led a Kentucky sheriff to shoot his longtime friend and local judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers.

The alleged murder unfolded September 19, 2024, when Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines was seen in the footage entering Mullins' office as he sat with several others.

Stines and Mullins had been out for lunch together and several of the people in Mullins' office shortly before the shooting, and the sheriff appears to order the others out of the room at the start of the footage.

The video, first shared by Fox News, showed Stines confronting Mullins as soon as he enters the room, sitting across from him at the desk and bringing up something on his phone.

At one point, Mullins handed his phone across the desk to Stines, before the sheriff takes the phone and attempts to make a call that does not appear to have been answered.

Stines briefly looked through the phone before tossing it back on the desk, with Mullins still appearing to try and calmly talk the sheriff down from a rage.

The footage then showed Stines stand up and lift his shirt to reveal his gun holstered on his hip, which caused the judge to then take notice and lift his hands up.

Prosecutors have charged Stines with first-degree murder, however his attorneys indicated they are preparing to mount an insanity defense in his upcoming trial.

Shocking new surveillance footage captured the moments that led Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines to shoot his longtime friend and local judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers

The footage showed Stines initially sat across from Mullins for around four minutes before he stood up and shot the judge behind his desk

The motive behind Mullins' (right) shooting death remains unclear, with attorneys for Stines (left) set to mount an insanity defense at his upcoming trial

The footage offers the clearest look yet at the shocking shooting last year that stunned the small town of Whitesburg, Kentucky, where the two men played important roles in the community.

They were known as longtime friends who often ate lunch together, including on the day Mullins was killed.

Their familiarity was evident in the footage from inside Mullins' chambers, as the judge sat smoking a cigarette with his legs crossed as Stines grilled him.

Although the footage was released without sound, body language expert Susan Constantine told Fox News that it was clear the sheriff 'was ready to go the minute he walked in.'

By contrast, Mullins 'is very nonchalant, very carefree', she said, as he sat smoking a cigarette and did not appear to understand the imminent danger he was in.

'The sheriff then leans in, he's obviously got something on his mind because he's in an action stance,' Constantine said.

'I think the fact that [Mullins] is shrugging it off, I think that created more angst towards the judge because he wasn't taking it seriously, whatever was being spoken about, and he's kind of playing it off like it wasn't a big deal... And the more he played it out, this is not a big deal, the more angry Stines became.'

'The judge is kind of going, what are you doing? Put the gun down,' Constantine said. 'Using his hand gestures, kind of flinging him out, like, what are you doing? This doesn't make any sense.'

Mullins sat smoking a cigarette and did not appear to understand the imminent danger he was in for several minutes after Stines confronted him in his chambers

The footage showed Stines stand up and lift his shirt to reveal his gun holstered on his hip, which caused the judge to then take notice

Mullins lifted his hands up to defend himself as Stines walked over to him at gunpoint

In a sudden move, the judge then puts his hands up by his head, in an apparent reaction to something the sheriff said.

The footage ends as Stines allegedly shot Mullins dead as he sat at his desk.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, however Stines' attorneys indicated in court filings in March that they intend to launch an insanity defense.

Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley issued a legal filing saying his client's state of mind at the time of the shooting would be key to his upcoming trial.

He said the case will hinge on testimony that Stines gave at a deposition days before the September 2024 shooting. That saw the sheriff answer questions about one of his deputies allegedly sexually assaulting jail inmates.

An accuser in that case claimed that she was forced by a deputy sheriff to have sex in Mullins' chambers for six months in exchange for staying out of jail.

Bartley said Stines feared that backlash from his deposition testimony caused him to fear that his or his family's lives were in danger.

The attorney said Stines' 'mental health' was affected by the perceived threat.

'Ultimately, he was in fear for the safety of his wife and his daughter, and I think what you see there is the result of that,' the defense attorney said.

Stines, seen in court in October 2024, is readying an insanity defense, with his attorneys saying his case will hinge on testimony that Stines gave at a deposition days before the September 2024 shooting

Stines' attorney Jeremy Bartlet dismissed rumors that the shooting had anything to do with any relationship between Mullins and his daughter, but said the sheriff was increasingly 'paranoid' about the safety of his family

In an interview with Fox News this week, Bartley added that although Stines tried to call his daughter from Mullins' phone, their phone exchange had nothing to do with any relationship between the judge and the sheriff's daughter.

He added that Stines received a call from his aunt during his interaction with Mullins in his chambers, which was one of the times he brought out his phone.

As he denied rumors of any kind of relationship between Mullins and Stines' daughter, Bartley said his client was experiencing increasing paranoia over the safety of his family at the time, particularly due to the deposition he had just given.

'Specifically, in the approximate two-week period prior to the incident in the judge's chambers, pretty much all the witnesses the investigators talked to support what those close to Mickey had said as well,' Bartley said.

'And that's simply this: Mickey had become extremely paranoid. He'd become sleepless, basically wasn't sleeping. [He] slept little, if at all. He had become sort of withdrawn.

'And you know, it was of such a concern that his co-workers urged him to go to the doctor, and he ultimately did the day prior to the shooting.'
Nigel Farage said Reform councillors are refusing to do training on climate change and diversity after the local elections surge.

Mr Farage declared that his troops would ignore instructions to get briefings 'because we believe all people should be treated equally'.

The stance emerged as unions gear up to resist Reform's vow of a DOGE-style cull of council staff engaged on DEI and Net Zero projects, as well as stopping people working from home.

Reform won control of 10 councils in England last week, picking up more than 600 seats across the local elections.

Mr Farage - who hailed the arrival of his new fifth MP at Parliament today - has declared he is braced for some 'very, very big fights, dismantling all the jobs around climate change that the councils have put into place'.

Taxpayer-funded legal bids to stop asylum seekers being housed in council areas have also been mooted.

However, the formal handover of power at the councils will not take place until later in the month. There are claims few council roles are specifically dedicated to DEI, although it is encompassed in other jobs.

Nigel Farage revealed Reform councillors are refusing to do training on climate change and diversity today - as he welcomed the party's new MP Sarah Pochin (pictured) to Parliament

Mr Farage declared that his troops would ignore instructions to get briefings 'because we believe all people should be treated equally'

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Taking to social media this morning Mr Farage said: 'Reform UK councillors are being instructed to take part in DEI and climate change training.

'Our new elected officials will do no such thing because we believe all people should be treated equally.'

Sources suggested Derbyshire was among the councils where the training was being pushed.

Mr Farage was previously among a small group of MPs who refused to undergo 'behaviour' training at the House of Commons.

One senior source acknowledged there will be a delay before changes are implemented at councils.

'It will take a little while but we are doing a ton of work to be read,' they told MailOnline. 'We will do thing very different.'

A veteran council official said: 'You can't just sack unionised, contracted workers, without expecting potentially strikes, employment tribunals and resulting costly exit packages and compensation.'

Mr Farage welcomed new Reform recruit Sarah Pochin to Westminster today after she stunned politics with a by-election win in the former Labour stronghold of Runcorn and Helsby.

In one of the closest parliamentary contests ever, Ms Pochin became the MP for a seat that Labour won with a majority of more than 14,000 last year, by just six votes.

She faced the cameras today alongside Mr Farage and fellow Reform MPs Richard Tice, Lee Anderson and James McMurdoch outside Parliament before heading into the chamber.

She was flanked by party leader Mr Farage and chief whip Mr Anderson as she arrived in the Commons.

She then took an oath of allegiance to the Crown, which all MPs are required to do before they can take their seat in Parliament.

Reform won five seats at the general election but Great Yarmouth's Rupert Lowe has already quit the party amid a blistering row with Mr Farage and his leadership.

Mr Farage said in the aftermath of the local elections that 'every county needs a DOGE, - a reference to Elon Musk's controversial cost-cutting drive in the US.

'We look at the millions a year being spent in many cases on consultants, we look at money being spent on climate change, on areas that county councils frankly shouldn't even be getting involved in,' he said.

'So we want to get the auditors in, look at long-term contracts, ask why they're signed up to, for example, pothole providers that aren't doing the business. And a change of culture, no more work from home, increased productivity from staff,' he said.

Former Tory councillor Ms Pochin stunned politics with a by-election win in the former Labour stronghold of Runcorn last week

Mr Farage and his colleagues welcomed the new Reform recruit to Westminster today

Mr Farage said council staff working on diversity or climate change initiatives in Durham should be 'seeking alternative careers'.

'I would advise anybody who's working for Durham county council on climate change initiatives or diversity, equity and inclusion or ... things that you go on working from home, I think you all better really be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly,' he said.

However, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea has warned that Reform 'have much to learn about local government' and will face a 'robust' response.

'Unions are there to ensure no one can play fast and loose with the law,' she said.

'Any staff working for councils now controlled by Reform, and who aren't yet members, should sign up so they can be protected too.'

Ms McAnea added: 'This is not the US. Thankfully workers in the UK have laws to protect them from bad employers. And soon employees will get even more protection from unscrupulous bosses when the Government's new employment rights come in.'

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf was asked over the weekend how Reform planned to 'resist' asylum seekers being housed in council areas when contracts were drawn up between the Home Office and accommodation providers.

'Judicial reviews, injunctions, there's planning laws,' he told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.

'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.'

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.'

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.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea has warned that Reform 'have much to learn about local government' and will face a 'robust' response

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Reform won 44 of the 70 seats on Lincolnshire County Council to take control from the Conservatives.

Dame Andrea's mayoralty also covers the North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council administrative areas.

She said she wanted to 'root out the waste' at Lincolnshire County Council.

'I think, personally, (we) ought to look at maybe cutting the workforce by up to 10 per cent. We've got to have a lean, mean local government.'

'That's what I personally like to see, but again there's variables there, because we haven't elected a Reform county council leader yet, so there's got to be discussions.'

Dame Andrea said she was 'up for a fight' with the unions.
One of Australia's most wanted men has faced justice 18 months after police dismantled a Sydney-based Lebanese crime syndicate.

Notorious gangster Bilal Haouchar was sentenced last week to eight years in a Lebanese jail over drug supply and money laundering offences, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Haouchar's associate Abdul Baghdadi was also sentenced alongside his boss to seven years in jail.

'You can run but you cannot hide, and that includes across international borders,' NSW Police's acting assistant commissioner Jason Weinstein said.

'This investigation sends an unequivocal message to anyone who thinks they can profit by bringing their illegal activities to the shores of our country or inflict harm on the citizens of NSW.'

The news of the sentence has reportedly shaken members of Sydney's underworld.

'This has rattled a few of those guys over there,' one source told the Daily Telegraph.

Another said the they thought the group would be safe in Lebanon after they fled Sydney.

Notorious Sydney gangster Bilal Haouchar has been sentenced to eight years in jail

Haouchar had been on the run in Lebanon after fleeing Australia in 2018

The news of Haouchar's sentence has reportedly shaken members of Sydney's underworld

Officers are believed to have shared evidence with Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) through the Australian Federal Police.

The long-awaited sentence of Haouchar follows his arrest in November 2023 alongside four of his associates in Beirut.

Haouchar had been on the run in Lebanon after fleeing Australia in 2018 when he was placed on a two-year correction order for pleading guilty to being involved in a fatal shooting.

A massive police raid of a Lebanese crime syndicate across Sydney was carried out at the same time as Haouchar's arrest.

The underworld gang was alleged to be responsible for numerous money-laundering offences and the movement of more than $1billion in drugs, guns and tobacco.

More than 450 NSW Police officers executed 43 warrants across Sydney's west and south, leading to the arrests of 28 people linked to the syndicate.
Liberal megadonor Alex Soros has been ridiculed for appearing in a 'tone-deaf' magazine feature showing off his ritzy high-rise apartment amongst other notable New York City Democrats.

In an article from The New Yorker, named 'Power Houses Inside the living rooms of notable New Yorkers', the 39-year-old appeared alongside his partner Huma Abedin.

Abedin is a former staffer for Hillary Clinton while Soros is the son of the 94-year-old Democratic megadonor George Soros.

Other notable Dems include the likes of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Kamala Harris' stepdaughter Ella Emhoff, all of whom live in the Big Apple.

The pictures of them went viral on social media, with people poking fun at Soros and his recent focus on fighting oligarchy and Trump while inside a plush NoHo apartment with expansive views across the city.

Reverend Al Sharpton meanwhile was lampooned for posing for a photo alongside a painting of himself hanging in his Upper East Side living room.

Republican staffer Steve Guest poked fun at the picture of Sharpton, saying: 'Of course Al Sharpton has a photo of just himself hanging on his wall.'

Democratic congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez,who famously wore a 'Tax the Rich' dress at the 2021 Met Gala, appeared alongside one of the world's richest men in the spread, posing with her French bulldog in her East Elmhurst abode.

Soros is seen here alongside Abedin as they attend the Met Gala on Monday night in New York City

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is seen here attending the Met Gala in 2021 with her famous 'tax the rich' dress

Lades and gentlemen, the Democrat party pic.twitter.com/LyaXAM3NxY  Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) May 5, 2025

Emhoff, described in the article as a textile artist in the article, posed inside her incredibly colorful apartment in the Lower East Side of the city.

The article also featured the con artist Ana Sorokin, who faked being a wealthy heiress in order to access the upper-class of New York and their social circles, wearing an ankle monitor.

But it was Soros who came under the heaviest fire, with contributing editor to The Spectator Stephen L. Miller reacted to the photo of Soros and Abedin, writing: 'Sure, let's have that oligarchy conversation.'

Another commenter added: 'Absolutely incredible. The poses. The 'very serious' facial expressions. Just a continuous scrolling gallery of the worst people possible.

'Babylon Bee couldn't do it better. The crown though is Alex Soros 'investor'. LMAO.'

One other commented: 'These photos have convinced me that there is no uniting the country. Ever.

'The Venn diagram of these people and the people I live/ work around have zero overlap.'

'Hey AOC and Bernie Sanders, here's your Oligarchs. Dystopian weirdos!', another said, referencing a tour of the country by the two politicians to combat Oligarchy.

Sure let's have that oligarchy conversation. https://t.co/R4qebdyK6d  Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) May 5, 2025

Commentators online poked fun at Rev. Al Sharpton, seen here on Monday night at the Met Gala, after he was seen to have a portrait of himself inside his own living room

Ella Emhoff, described in the article as a textile artist in the article, is seen here posing at the Met Gala in 2021

The pictures of them went viral on social media, with social media users criticizing the pictures. Specifically the pic of Soros and his partner

One other added: 'Democrats are so unrelatable. No wonder America loves them so!'

Despite the overwhelming majority of those involved in the piece being liberal, New York City Councilor Vickie Paladino, a staunch conservative, was also featured.

Other notable figures included legendary film director Martin Scorsese, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and actor and model Chloe Sevigny.

Alongside the pictures, writer Noami Fry added that they came about as a throwback to a similar spread the magazine did in 1995.

She added: ' It was to celebrate the magazines centenary, the photographer Gillian Laub was asked to revisit a similar brief, but this time she included the inhabitants.'

Soros last week told the New York Magazine that he considered himself his father's 'loyal parasite'.

With the second Trump administration in full swing, Alex is hoping to use his father's vast fortune to severely limit the president's power.

His vague plan appears to be spending big in the upcoming midterm elections to elect Democrats and erase GOP majorities in the House and Senate.

'Were not subscribed to a strategy, because I think anybody that has a strategy right now is crazy,' Alex said, adding that 'now is the time to play defense.'
President Donald Trump tried to humiliate Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office on Tuesday as he doubled down on his '51st state' plans.

The explosive meeting came as the relationship between the U.S. and its neighbor has been undermined by the president's talk of annexing Canada, and his imposition of massive tariffs.

Trump said the U.S.-Canada border was an 'artificially drawn line' and if they joined together it would be a 'wonderful marriage.' He added: 'But it takes two to tango, right?'

Carney appeared to squirm in his seat and fired back that Canada was 'not for sale.'

Canada's Liberal Party won an April 28 election on the back of promises to stand up to Trump.

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Newly released audio has revealed the chilling final words of a pilot before his plane crashed into two California home, killing himself and one other.

The unidentified pilot could be heard telling air traffic control that 'the plane keeps turning on me' at around 2pm on Saturday before the small aircraft crashed into two Simi Valley homes.

'I need vectors,' the pilot told air traffic control. Vectors are provided by the tower to help with navigation.

'626 Bravo, you're coming in broken and unreadable,' the controller replied. They tried to make contact with the pilot twice, but were unsuccessful, KTLA reported.

The aircraft crashed into the homes with a loud bang and a fire broke out. The people inside the homes were able to evacuate.

The two people on board and an animal died in the crash, the outlet said.

The identities of the pilot and passenger on board have not been publicly released, but the plane is owned by Paul Berkovitz, who rescues dogs with his plane, the outlet reported.

Arnaldo Gonzalez, a resident in the neighborhood, told KTLA that he had noticed 'something was off' with the plane as the aircraft was flying at a low altitude.

The unidentified pilot could be heard telling air traffic control that 'the plane keeps turning on me' around 2pm on Saturday (pictured: the crash)

The aircraft crashed into the homes with a loud bang and a fire broke out. The people inside the homes were able to evacuate

The identities of the pilot and passenger on board have not been released but the plane is owned by Paul Berkovitz (pictured) who rescues dogs with his plane

'He was just hitting the gas on and off and going in circles very, very low,' he told KTLA.

Witnesses said the plane was circling above the neighborhood and appeared to be 'flying on its side' before crashing into one home.

'There was another two minutes of this thing flying around... it was wobbling and just barely made it over the hill,' one witness told ABC 7.

Arman Hovakemian, a local homeowner, described the terrifying moment the plane crashed.

'I came in to the patio door to warn her, and then I heard the bang, then I turned around, she was almost out,' Hovakemian said.

His family's Ring camera captured an explosion and flames from the back of their property.

Hovakemian told ABC7 that he quickly grabbed a hose to try to extinguish the flames.

'I saw the fire on the plane, and then I saw the fire on the house. I kept the hose on the plane and then it just exploded,' he said.

Arnaldo Gonzalez told KTLA that he had noticed 'something was off' with the plane as the aircraft was flying at a low altitude

The NTSB's preliminary report suggested the plane's door may have been improperly secured

'I needed to back away because I could smell a lot of gas and fuel.'

Firefighters had to cut through the Hovakemian's roof to access the flames, noting extensive damage to the back of the Wood Ranch community home.

The home-built plane had departed from Lancaster and headed to the Camarillo Airport, the FAA said.

The crash is still under investigation.

The NTSB's preliminary report suggested the plane's door may have been improperly secured.

A full preliminary report on the Simi Valley crash could take weeks to release, with a final report expected months later.
Kamala Harris' understated appearance at the Met Gala has sparked speculation about who paid for her $75,000 ticket.

The former Vice President was invited to last night's glitzy event by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, a spokesman told CNN.

However, no detail was given about who picked up the tab for the evening.

Harris made an appearance with husband Doug Emhoff, sporting label Off-White for the occasion.

The outing set tongues wagging, with social media users wondering if the couple paid for their own tickets to the high profile event.

'With a $20 million debt from her campaign, she can afford a $75,000 ticket for the Met Gala?? Well, we guess this just proves how budget minded DemUNIST really are,' one person wrote on X.

'I thought Kamala Harris was very worried about the poor and was sorry them, really she attended the met Gala last night, ticket prices started at $75,000 seem she was not that worried,' another added.

While one person accused her of failing to 'read the room'.

Kamala Harris' understated appearance at the Met Gala has sparked speculation over who paid for her $75,000 ticket

The former Vice President attended with husband Doug Emhoff. She sported luxury streetwear brand Off-White for the occasion

'While regular folks are scraping by, shes flaunting a dress that probably cost $75,000,' the individual fumed.

Harris stepped out on Monday in a sleek black and white, long sleeved gown featuring an asymmetrical cape and a flowing scarf.

Her outfit was a nod to this year's theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', curated Monica L. Miller, whose book 'Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity' was the inspiration for the exhibition.

'To me the true core of dandyism is rooted in confidence and strength,' Off-White creative director IB Kamara told CNN.

'There is no person who exemplifies these characteristics more than Kamala D. Harris, someone who has overcome adversity and continues to be a beacon for so many.'

Off-White is a luxury streetwear brand which was founded by the late Virgil Abloh, a trailblazing black designer. Dresses from its off-the-rack section start at around $400.

DailyMail.com has contacted the brand to ask whether it paid for Harris' ticket.

Her husband wore a tuxedo designed by Brunello Cucinelli.

The couple were spotted at the ritzy Polo Bar in New York City prior to last night's event

A heavy secret service presence flanked the couple as they dined out

Harris' impromptu appearance didn't come as a surprise to some, considering she and her husband were protected by a phalanx of two dozen Secret Service agents and cops as they dined at Polo Bar, one of New York's priciest bars on Sunday night.

She emerged from the renowned celebrity hotspot with Emhoff about 9:30pm and stepped straight into a waiting bulletproof car outside.

The couple were happy to mingle with other diners, many of whom booked their tables a month in advance, and took photos with some of the diners.

Several Secret Service agents accompanied the couple as they dined for about two hours, with many more waiting outside to secure the entrance.

Harris is worth about $6 million and Emhoff $8 million, as of last year.

The former Vice President is no stranger to the fashion world, having graced the cover of Vogue twice.

The first came in 2021 when she caused a stir by posing up in a casual outfit and converse sneakers.

Harris, 60, opted for a more formal look when she was a cover star last year and donned a chic chocolate brown Gabriela Hearst suit and Tiffany jewelry.

Harris was invited to the Met Gala by Anna Wintour, a spokesman confirmed

The former VP has kept a relatively low profile since her election loss to Donald Trump in November.

However, she returned to the public political arena on Wednesday, delivering a critical speech berating the president, but also urging Democrats to find inspiration from elephants at the San Diego Zoo.

The failed presidential candidate took the stage at Emerge 20th anniversary gala at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco to deliver the keynote speech that began late in the evening.

'It's good to be home!' Harris laughed as she took the stage.

Harris attacked Trump for leveling 'reckless tariffs' on foreign countries, accusing him of creating 'the biggest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history' asserting that tariffs 'hurt workers and families' and raised costs for Americans.
California's new 'daylighting' law is blindsiding drivers with steep fines for seemingly minor parking violations.

The state-wide law, Assembly Bill 413, which went into effect March 1, bans parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk - marked or unmarked - to improve pedestrian visibility.

But, many curbs aren't painted red up to the full 20 feet, creating confusion and costly tickets of nearly $120 for unsuspecting drivers.

The new rules are so unclear that authorities in San Francisco said they would not fine drivers in violation.

Meanwhile, officials in San Diego have written thousands of tickets to motorists.

'It's all about pedestrian safety,' Erin Longen, Parking Enforcement Supervisor with the San Diego Police Department, told Fox 5. 'It's basically that no one can park within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk on the approach side of the crosswalk.'

To raise awareness ahead of its enforcement, the SDPD began public outreach and issued warnings starting January 1.

'We handed out 1,500 warnings for two months - it was a little blue slip we would leave on cars we saw in violation,' Longen said. 'This helped get the word out ahead of the ticketing and enforcement.'

California 's ultra-petty new 'daylighting' law is blindsiding drivers with steep fines for seemingly minor parking violations

The law, Assembly Bill 413, which went into effect March 1, bans parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk - marked or unmarked - to improve pedestrian visibility. Pictured: San Diego Police Department's Parking Enforcement team measures 20-feet from the crosswalk

Since enforcement began, more than 4,200 tickets have been issued, totaling nearly $500,000 in fines.

'We've written over 4,200 tickets, which sounds like a high number, but it's less than 10 percent of the tickets we're writing as an agency,' Longen added.

In San Diego, most 'daylighting' tickets are being handed out in high-trafficked areas and popular neighborhoods like La Jolla, North Park, Hillcrest, Normal Heights, University Heights, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach.

'We're ticketing it citywide, and, obviously, the more impacted areas are going to be where more people live, right?' Longen said.

Although the law is meant to reduce pedestrian accidents by improving sightlines at intersections, its rollout has been rocky. Drivers continue to be fined even when curbs aren't painted red to clearly mark the 20-foot zone.

Cities like San Francisco have declined to enforce the law due to these challenges, while San Diego has forged ahead.

Officials say over 1,000 intersections have been reviewed, with red curbs added at more than 200 and 97 parking meters removed.

'To make it easier for drivers to follow this new law, [San Diego] City teams have evaluated more than 1,000 of the busiest intersections in the densest areas of San Diego,' City of San Diego spokesperson Anthony Santacroce told SFGate.

To raise awareness ahead of enforcement, the San Diego Police Department began public outreach and issued warnings starting January 1

Many curbs aren't painted red up to the full 20 feet, creating confusion and costly tickets for unsuspecting drivers

'The average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet. To help estimate 20 feet, it may be helpful to envision about one car length and a half's worth of distance,' City of San Diego spokesperson Anthony Santacroce told SFGate

'Nationwide, 43 states already have daylighting laws, and most prohibit parking within 20 feet of an intersection,' Santacroce added.

'The average length of an automobile in the United States is approximately 14 feet. To help estimate 20 feet, it may be helpful to envision about one car length and a half's worth of distance.

Despite these efforts, many curbs remain unmarked, putting drivers at risk of violating the law.

The $117 fine is nearly triple the previous $40 penalty, after a decision by the city of San Diego to raise all ticket prices in a search for revenue to help plug a $258 million shortfall in the next fiscal year, NBCSanDiego reported.

It is projected to generate up to $3 million for the city by year's end.
Property moves to get house in better order

09:30, May 06, 2025 By Wang Ying ( China Daily

In a tone-setting conference, China's policymakers outlined specific property measures focused on risk prevention, stock optimization and supply improvement, which is key to the stable and healthy development of the real estate sector, said industry experts on Sunday.

Being an important pillar of the nation's economy, the property market is closely associated with overall economic performance, including financial policies and capital markets. Therefore, bolstering real estate market stability calls for consistent efforts and further supportive measures, they said.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held a meeting to analyze and study the current economic situation and overall economic work on April 25.

The meeting affirmed the positive changes observed in the real estate sector over the past two quarters. Thanks to a series of supportive housing policies, property sales, prices, and land markets in major cities have shown signs of stabilizing after a period of gradual decline, laying a solid foundation for further recovery.

Two major strategic directions were highlighted  intensifying urban renewal initiatives, including the orderly advancement of urban villages and dilapidated housing renovations, and accelerating the establishment of a new real estate development model.

"The meeting further stressed the significance of urban regeneration, and urged greater efforts to promote the renovation of urban villages and dilapidated houses," said Yan Yuejin, deputy head of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute.

"This is also one of the key tasks for the year, as the renovation of urban villages would not only improve people's living environments, but also activate more market demand," Yan said.

The meeting also highlighted that efforts should be made to establish a new model of property development at an accelerated pace, increase the supply of high-quality housing, optimize the purchase policy of existing commercial housing and continue to consolidate the stability of the market.

"It is evident that the meeting mentioned the positive changes seen in the real estate market in the past two quarters," said Ma Hong, a senior researcher from Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

"Boosted by a series of supportive measures, the downward tendencies in sales, home prices, and land have been checked, laying a solid foundation for market recovery. There will be great demand for high-quality housing as the nation's urbanization continues, which means that there is still room for further growth in the property sector," said Ma.

Chen Wenjing, director of research at the China Index Academy, said she was encouraged by the major meeting's spirit in further consolidating property market stabilization.

"The conference has prioritized the establishment of a new real estate development pattern, which will have a positive impact on the stable and healthy development of the property market over the mid to long-term," Chen said.

"We see a lot more policies to facilitate the creation of the new model and optimize the purchase of existing commercial housing in the pipeline, and tailored policies would be introduced in a timely manner according to the market's status quo," she added.

Since the beginning of the year, quite a few cities have released housing vouchers in relocation projects to stimulate buying sentiment, with more than 20 regions having optimized their housing voucher measures. These efforts are expected to integrate the new home and pre-owned market, as well as reduce market inventories.

Notably, the meeting for the first time called for "increasing the supply of high-quality housing", which is expected to promote the property market's transition from quantity to quality as a new driver for the sector's future development, experts said.

"The real estate market is entering a new phase, where the focus is shifting from rapid construction and volume to improving housing quality and meeting evolving buyer expectations," said Lu Wenxi, a market analyst with Centaline Shanghai.

Lu said consumers are now placing greater emphasis on location, property quality and affordability. Striking a balance between these factors has become essential for developers aiming to stay competitive in a changing market.

"As the market continues to evolve, developers who prioritize quality and tailor their products to meet these shifting demands are expected to find more opportunities," Lu added.

"The policymakers' call for higher-quality homes is already having an impact on consumer expectations, and it will further have an influence on market transactions over the mid to long-term," said Xu Wei, a senior agent with Sinyi Realty in Shanghai.

Xu, a veteran in the realty brokerage business for 16 years, said finding high-quality homes within limited budgets has become a top priority for current homebuyers.

"Currently, the bestsellers in our region are quality school district homes, pre-owned apartments that are comparatively new and high-end residential properties with better quality," Xu added.

It is widely believed that more cities are expected to introduce standards and regulations to support the construction of high-quality residences, leading to a notable increase in the supply of "good housing".

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A Florida man who died after being taken to a hospital following an "incident" in the Duval County jail had not fentanyl in his system, despite police reports that alluded to it.

Charles Faggart, 31, was arrested April 1 on simple domestic assault and criminal mischief in lieu of $8,500 bail, The Florida Times-Union reported. The incident happened on April 7, six days into Faggart's jail stay on misdemeanor charges.

Sheriff T.K. Waters conducted a press conference in the aftermath of the incident in which he announced the suspension of nine. corrections employees. On April 9 Waters asked for the FBI's help in conducting an investigation into what happened and on April 10 Faggart, who had been unresponsive when taken to the hospital three days earlier, was declared dead, the newspaper reported.

The Tributary has now published details of what doctors found when Faggart was brought to the hospital. Doctors did not find fentanyl in his system or any sign of a seizure, but they did remove a stun gun barb from his back. Doctors also found fractures to his face and ribs, numerous bruises all over his body, and damage to his kidneys and liver.

The Tributary notes that heavily redacted police reports state that officers claimed that Faggart said he did "fentanyl." The reports also indicated that police had handcuffed Faggart, determined he was a "threat," and had placed him in a restraint safety chair. The report also claimed that Faggat had a "seizure."

A GoFundMe for Faggart and his family has raised more than $12,000. Faggart, known as "Chop it Charlie" worked as a chef and had a 6-year-old son.

"As the family seeks accountability and answers, we are also trying to ease the immediate burdens they face," the page states. "Charles has always been known for his big heart, his flavorful food, and the joy he brought to others. Now, we are asking the community he gave so much to  to give back."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
This is the first picture of a man accused of stabbing to death a British trainee nurse at their shared flat in Texas in a row over a cat.

Chester Lamar Grant, 40, has been charged with murdering Elizabeth 'Tamilore' Odunsi, 23, and appeared in court on Saturday following her death a week earlier.

Elizabeth, who was also known as Tami, had been due to graduate as a nurse after a three year course from Texas Women's University in Houston the same day he appeared in court.

The court heard that the pair had rowed over Grant's cat and after stabbing her multiple times he then tried to slash his throat and was found with serious injuries.

His police mugshot shows him with a bandage to his neck and he was remanded in custody with a bond of $500,000 (375,000) and he is due to appear in court again later this month.

Relatives of Tami's have set up a GoFundMe page in her memory and an initial target of 40,000 has been smashed with more than 60,000 raised.

In a statement to MailOnline, Texas Women's University said: 'We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Texas Womans University student Elizabeth Tami Odunsi.

'Our campus community mourns her loss, and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Chester Lamar Grant (pictured) has been charged with murder

Elizabeth, who was also known as Tami, (pictured) had been due to graduate as a nurse after a three year course from Texas Women's University in Houston

The court heard that the pair had rowed over Grant's cat and after stabbing her multiple times he then tried to slash his throat and was found with serious injuries

Relatives of Tami's have set up a GoFundMe page in her memory and an initial target of 40,000 has been smashed with more than 60,000 raised

'Tami was majoring in nursing and was set to graduate in spring 2025. Her journey into cardiovascular nursing was inspired by her mothers brave struggle with a cardiac condition.

'Motivated by both love and purpose, Tami was determined to become a source of compassionate care for others, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

'At just 17, Tami moved alone from London to Houston, bravely adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a new academic systemall just months before the pandemic began.

'Despite the many challenges she faced, Tami found a home at Texas Womans University, where her aspirations aligned with our mission, and where she quickly became an inspiration to all who knew her.

'The university is offering counselling and other appropriate services to those most closely impacted by this tragedy.'
New York Catholic Bishops have hit out at Donald Trump after he posted an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope.

US Cardinal Timothy Dolan said on Sunday that President Trump's the posting of the image 'wasn't good' but declined to say whether the White House should apologise to offended Catholics.

Dolan, the archbishop of New York, was asked about the post on the sidelines of a Mass he celebrated at a Rome church ahead of Wednesday's start of a conclave where he and other cardinals under the age of 80 will elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Trump, who is not a Catholic and does not attend church regularly, posted the image on his Truth Social platform late on Friday, less than a week after attending the funeral of Pope Francis, who died aged 88 last month.

The White House then reposted it on its official X account.

'It wasn't good,' Dolan said before the Mass in response to a reporter's question, adding: 'I hope he didn't have anything to do with that.'

When a reporter asked if he was offended, Dolan said: 'Well, you know, it wasn't good.'

Then, switching to Italian, he said it was a 'brutta figura', a colloquial phrase for when someone does something that is embarrassing or makes them look bad.

US Cardinal Timothy Dolan said on Sunday that President Trump's the posting of the image 'wasn't good' but declined to say whether the White House should apologise to offended Catholics

Trump, who is not a Catholic and does not attend church regularly, posted the image on his Truth Social platform late on Friday

The image, which has seen Trump accused of of full-on lunacy, came just one week after he attended Pope Francis's funeral

Asked after the Mass if the post should be taken down and if an apology from Trump or the White House was in order, Dolan said in Italian: 'Who knows?' He declined to say anything more about it.

Trump last week joked with reporters that he would like to be the next pope.

He then suggested that Dolan could be a good pick: 'I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who's very good, so we'll see what happens.'

Dolan, who was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict in 2012, is seen as a conservative and delivered one of the invocations at Trump's inauguration in January.

The AI image posted on Friday shows an unsmiling Trump seated in an ornate chair, dressed in white papal vestments and headdress, with his right forefinger raised.

The irreverent posting drew instant outrage on social media, with the Catholic bishops of New York state expressing their clear displeasure on X.

'There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,' they wrote.

'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 picture made the front pages of many Italian newspapers on Sunday, with most condemning it or expressing outrage. Some newspapers said it should be seen as a joke.

Pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square on Sunday were also divided.

'Did he really post it? He posted that? It's kind of ridiculous but yeah, okay,' said Marcella Peixoto of Brazil.

John Smith, an American from California, said: 'I think he's a funny guy, I think he's trying to be funny and comedy is being lost in the world. I think everyone needs to lighten up and smile like you're smiling right now'.
A criminal who had a relationship with a prison guard and a nurse has been jailed after escaping from a hospital and going on the run for a week.

Harri Pullen had been in a relationship with jail nurse Elyse Hibbs, 27, and engaged in phone sex with prison officer Ruth Shmylo, 26, over a four-year period in HMP Parc, Bridgend, Wales.

The 27-year-old had an illicit affair with Hibbs as he served time behind bars, something that would lead to her being jailed after admitting misconduct in public office.

He then went onto 'manipulate' Shmylo into phone sex after calling her from his cell, with the prison officer being spared prison over the alleged romance after being cleared of the same charge following a trial.

Pullen was later freed from jail, only to return to a life of crime when he was caught dealing drugs on an e-bike just months later.

He was injured while resisting arrest by plain-clothed police officers, with video showing him being wrestled to the ground in front of shoppers.

He was then taken to hospital for checks, at which point he fled officers while still in handcuffs, dramatically running through the car park and hospital bays before jumping into a 'getaway car' to flee.

He then spent a week at large and was eventually discovered hiding in a countryside farmhouse outside Newport, south Wales.

Harri Pullen, 27, had alleged romances with a prison officer and jail nurse during a four-year period

He repeatedly phoned prison officer Ruth Shmylo, 26, pictured, to tell he loved her in a series of calls from his cell

Pullen also had an 'inappropriate relationship' with prison nurse Elyse Hibbs, 27, pictured

Pullen has now been jailed for six years after admitting multiple charges including supplying cocaine, dangerous driving and escaping lawful custody.

Prosecutor Alex Granville told the court Pullen was found with five wraps of crack cocaine, a burner phone, an iPhone and 90 inside a black bum bag.

He said: 'The defendant was conveyed to custody but after complaining of head pain he was transported by police for medical care.'

Mr Granville explained that while the drug dealer was at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Gwent, four women, family members, tried to visit him but were told they were 'unable to stay.'

He added: 'Having been taken out to the van he asked to use the toilet so was taken back inside. Upon having used the toilet and exiting the building the defendant ran off from officers.

'They proceeded to run after the defendant. He ran through the car park and ambulance park, down the ramp and towards the exit of the hospital.

'After about 20 seconds of running, the officers were about 20 metres behind the defendant who was still in handcuffs in a front position.

'At this point a vehicle appeared to reverse up the ramp from the exit of the hospital, the passenger door was opened and the defendant got in and it left at high speed.'

When he was eventually found at a farm, he tried to flee again - this time driving off in a Mercedes but police followed the car to a cul-de-sac.

Pullen was arrested by plain clothes officers after being caught selling drugs on an e-bike

The drug dealer was wrestled to the ground by officers in the street in front of shoppers

He was injured while resisting arrest, before escaping from police while still in handcuffs after making a run for it at the hospital

Shmylo was sacked from her job at HMP Parc in Bridgend, and Pullen was moved to another prison

Ms Shmylo, pictured, described by her barrister as 'very pretty', told the court Pullen 'fixated' on her and forced her to take his calls

Pullen tried to flee on foot but was 'red-dotted' with a taser and 'eventually complied' when a police dog joined the hunt.

Julia Cox, defending, said Pullen was 'immature' and suffered from 'hypochondria', believing that he had had a brain tumour for approximately four years.

She added: 'This was not anything that was pre-planned. It was more opportunistic than that.'

'It was upon his family's attendance at the hospital he in his words 'lost his head'.'

Pullen pleaded guilty to 11 charges, including possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, dangerous driving, and escaping lawful custody.

He appeared via videolink from Cardiff Prison and played with his hair and chatted with prison officers throughout the hearing.

Judge Daniel Williams jailed Pullen, of no fixed abode, for a total of six years

He told him: 'Police saw you on an electric bike with another in the centre of Newport on March 26.

'You were riding the bike and in possession of crack cocaine, some five wraps, as well as a quantity of cash and two phones, one of which was a burner phone.

'In custody, you complained of head pain so you were taken to Grange Hospital, where when you were walking to the police van having left hospital, you made off.

Ruth Shmylo, pictured, was cleared of misconduct in a public office following a trial

Shmylo handed the letters which Pullen wrote in prison to detectives investigating her

'You got into what's best described as a getaway car and spent seven days at large.

'You were ultimately arrested on the 2nd April but not before you involved yourself in a police chase of sorts.'

At the end of the hearing Pullen said: 'Thank you and I apologise.'

During Shmylo's trial in December 2023 the court heard Pullen had been moved to HMP Manchester - also known as Strangeways - and added her to his approved calls list but their conversations were recorded by officials.

The calls, played to the court, included Pullen repeatedly telling her 'I love you.'

She was sacked from her job after other complaints involving 'flirtatious' behaviour with inmates and wearing 'skin-tight trousers' to work.

But the court heard she had previously made corruption reports of her own against other staff who were colluding with inmates to tamper with prisoner's food.

Claire Wilks, defending, said Shmylo should have been treated as a whistleblower but was instead 'hung out to dry' by bosses at the controversial HMP Parc and called 'a grass' by her colleagues and assaulted.

Ms Wilks said it was no surprise that given her previous treatment at the jail she wouldn't report phone calls with Pullen as she feared the consequences.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the court that after being arrested Shmylo admitted she had phone sex with Pullen.

Shmylo told the jury she cried when Pullen tried to initiate phone sex.

Shmylo, of Treforest, Pontypridd was cleared of one charge of misconduct in a public office.

Hibbs, pictured, met the prisoner while giving him medical treatment in her jail, and he contacted her on Instagram

Elyse-May Hibbs, 25, was jailed for six months after admitting misconduct in a public office

Nurse Hibbs claimed she was 'pressurised' into flirting with Pullen - but a judge sent her to prison for six months.

After being released Hibbs was taken to disciplinary hearing by the Nursing Midwifery Council to decide if she was fit to carrying on her career.

The hearing found that her 'fitness to practice' was impaired by her conviction, and she was handed a 12 months suspension order.

This means that she may practice nursing again once the 12 months order is lifted to carry on her career.

Qualified health worker Hibbs met the prisoner while giving him medical treatment in her jail and he contacted her on Instagram.

Hibbs quit her post at HMP Parc in July 2021 and was arrested a week later and admitted exchanging messages with Pullen.

She told police she was scared to end the contact after he had previously threatened her.

Mr Cobbe said: 'She explained that she and the inmate were never in a sexual relationship of any kind at all.

'She accepted she should have reported the matter but that she got in too deep and couldn't get out.'

Hibbs, of Newbridge, Gwent, admitted misconduct in a public office.
Mobile phone footage has captured the moment an inmate at a Sydney jail was set up and bashed and stabbed by fellow detainees.

Prisoners repeatedly punched and stabbed the inmate inside the Parklea Correctional Centre in north-west Sydney on April 27.

NSW Police and prison staff were investigating the incident after footage of the attack was shared.

The vision lasted about one minute and began with a burly internee entering a small cell containing five other prisoners.

He was offered a handshake by one of the five while another man closed the door behind him.

Immediately after he accepted the handshake, the burly prisoner was punched in the face.

Four of the cell occupants then set upon the man, punching and shoving him around the small room while the fifth man filmed.

The large inmate's attempts to fight back were overpowered.

A prisoner, seen shaking hands in a rival's cell, was set up and bashed at the end of April in Parklea Correctional Centre, Sydney

One of the inmates started stabbing him with a small item as he was bundled around the room.

Another inmate appeared to set upon the inmate with a different item before he was warned 'not with that' by the man behind the camera.

The men continued to attack the inmate while he screamed out in pain.

One of the cell gang smacked him twice over the back with a metallic object, spurring laughter from the cameraman while the inmate writhed on the floor.

The video ended as the cameraman called and pulled the men from their rival, telling them: 'He's good like that.'

The man was left bloodied and cowering on the cell floor with his hands over his head.

MTC, the private company that currently operates Parklea, said two inmates had been placed in segregation following the incident.

A spokeswoman said all those involved had been identified.

At one point in the video, inmates could be seen attempting to cut the prisoner with small items

The video ended as the cameraman urged his mates to stop and the inmate could be seen bloodied and cowering on the floor

'On Sunday, April 27 2025 Parklea Correctional Centre staff responded to a group assault of an offender,' the spokeswoman said.

'They have since received intelligence the assault was filmed on an illegal mobile phone and have identified the inmates of interest.

'The assaulted inmate was provided with medical treatment and there were no injuries to Parklea staff.'

Police have yet to lay any charges in relation to the incident.
Australians who are taking nitazenes, a lethal opioid hundreds of times more potent than heroin, have been warned they are gambling with their lives.

Nitazenes are a group of synthetic opioids, similar to fentanyl, that are made up of several different types of drugs including protonitazene and metonitazene.

The drug is usually laced in other substances including MDMA, ketamine, cocaine and methamphetamine, leaving those who consume it unaware they're at risk.

Users can remain mobile but in a warped mental state, giving the so-called 'zombielands' their name.

The drug has ravaged the US and Australian Border Force detected 64 imports of nitazenes between January 2023 and September 2024.

It's believed most of the drugs were brought into the country through international mail from countries including Canada, the UK and Hong Kong.

'If you choose to take it, you are gambling with your life,' Australian Federal Police's (AFP) acting assistant commissioner Paula Hudson told news.com.au on Tuesday.

'Those who consume counterfeit pharmaceuticals have no idea what they are putting in their body and the potential health impacts they could face.'

Nitazenes are a group of synthetic opioids, similar to fentanyl that cause terrible effects

Nitazenes are very addictive and can turn people into zombies

The opioids are thought to be so potent that authorities are concerned for frontline workers, such as nurses, doctors, and law enforcement officers.

Acting assistant commissioner Hudson said those workers could be exposed to dangerous health impacts while handling substances or treating people who consume them.

Variants of the opioid have been traced across the country over the past year, including in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

Victoria's Health Department warned on Saturday about variant 'metonitazene' which two Melbournians had been exposed to when using a powder sold as ketamine.

An international study led by researchers from the University of Queensland revealed in March two highly potent nitazene variants were found in Australian wastewater.

'The levels we found in Australia were significantly higher than those in the United States which is quite concerning,' Dr Richard Bade from the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences said.

He said the Australian results did not correlate with any other data sources which could meant the detected drugs were a result direct disposal, not consumption.

'We are leaning more towards direct disposal, but it still meant nitazenes were in Australia,' he said.

The opioids are so potent authorities are concerned for frontline workers, like law enforcement, who could be exposed to dangerous health impacts while handling the drugs

AFP has warned that nitazenes have been sold in a variety of forms, including powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and vape liquids.

They can also be marketed and sold as non-opioid substances like cocaine, MDMA, GHB, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

If someone shows signs of an opioid overdose, they are advised to call Triple Zero and start CPR immediately.

The medication naloxone is available from registered pharmacies which can reverse an opioid overdose.
An Australian man could spend six months behind bars in Indonesia after allegedly slapping a German mother at a ritzy Balinese resort.

Sydney's Ali Shahrouk, 38, was arrested and charged with assault following an alleged altercation at a pool at the $950 a night Apurva Kempinski resort in south Kuta on January 29.

On Tuesday, Balinese prosecutors revealed they would not pursue the maximum two-year, eight-month prison sentence.

Instead, the prosecutor argued for a six-month term but Mr Shahrouk will fight the assault charge.

Prosecutor Made Hendra Pranata charged Mr Shahrouk for violating article 351, subsection 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code on assault.

The prosecutor said that the defendant acted to 'harm the victim' and 'disturbed the community'.

The altercation allegedly began when German woman Christin Steinrode Tiller confronted Mr Shahrouk's brother-in-law Samer Beckdache, who said 'fucking p****, this is not your business' after his older child pushed her three-year-old down a water slide.

Ms Tiller allegedly pushed him into the pool, as he grabbed by her hair, pulling him in with her.

Ali Shahrouk was arrested and charged with assault following an incident at a pool at a Bali resort in January

Ali Shahrouk shows off his scratch marks after the pool altercation

The Apurva Kempinski resort in south Kuta has rooms for $950 per night

Prosecutors alleged Mr Shahrouk watched the incident and approached Ms Tiller before another argument ensued.

Mr Shahrouk then allegedly slapped and punched the German woman in the face, causing fractures to her nose and jaw.

Both Ms Tiller and Mr Shahrouk reported the incident to police and were urged to resolve it between themselves.

Mr Shahrouk's lawyers will argue he slapped Ms Tiller in self-defence and deny he punched her.

Mr Shahrouk's lawyer said he had been standing up for his children.

Ms Tiller was not present in the court, having flown back to Germany shortly after the alleged incident.

She alleged complications from her injuries cost her time at work, while Mr Antonius argued his client had exhausted all avenues to make amends outside of the courts.

Prosecutors considered Mr Shahrouk's co-operative behaviour and clean criminal history in offering the six-month sentence, reduced by time served in detention.

Mr Shahrouk told the court the time he had already spent behind bars had cost him his home and had left his children without their father.

'My kid will undergo surgery in Australia and I hope that I can accompanied him. I beg to the panel to give me a light sentence,' Mr Shahrouk said.

Mr Shahrouk will be sentenced on May 20.
A Georgia father accused of attempting to abduct a toddler in Walmart has been released on bail after a judge watched bombshell footage that attorneys say exposes his female accuser as a liar.

Mahendra Patel, 57, has languished in jail since he was arrested in March following an interaction with mother-of-two Caroline Miller, 26, in a Walmart store in Acworth, Georgia.

Miller alleged that Patel attempted to kidnap her two-year-old son after he stopped to ask her where the Tylenol was, leading to what she described as a 'tug of war' over the child in the aisles.

However, the release of surveillance footage has led many to cast doubt over Miller's claims, as Patel was seen merely conversing with the mother as she pointed him toward the medication.

Patel insisted that he grabbed the boy as he saw him falling off Miller's motorized shopping cart and attempted to save him, and in court this week, Patel's attorney Ashleigh Merchant said he 'acted like a father' when he reached out to stop the child from falling.

Cameras show Miller apparently unbothered by the interaction in the immediate aftermath. She was seen smiling and chatting with a man, while Patel went about his business. Her claims that Patel fled the store have also been disproven by footage showing him paying for his goods and leaving.

The father has remained in custody since he was arrested three days after his interaction with Miller, and Merchant said he spent his 57th birthday behind bars two weeks before his bond hearing.

Patel has received an outpouring of support from those who feel he was unjustly accused, and a cheer rang out from his family and supporters as he was given bail on Tuesday.

As a judge released Patel, he set a $10,000 bond and remarked on the 'significant' amount of media and social media attention the case has received.

Mahendra Patel, 57, was freed from custody on Tuesday after bombshell footage disputed his accuser's claims that he tried to kidnap her child from Walmart

Patel had remained behind bars for months following his arrest

Caroline Miller, 26, claims Patel tried to snatch her two-year-old son from her lap in the aisle of their local Walmart in Acton, Georgia in March

In footage of their interaction in Walmart, Patel was seen walking up to Miller as she drove her motorized shopping cart with her son and four-year-old daughter.

It is unclear why Miller was using the cart, as she is able to walk.

After pointing him toward the Tylenol, Miller then spoke with another shopper and was seen smiling and laughing with them, moments after she alleged that she fought to save her child from a kidnapping.

The other patron also helped Miller's children as they fell from her mobility scooter - which she mother was using despite not being disabled - just as Patel said he had done.

The footage showed no such struggle that Miller had described, and even showed Patel walking back past her and appearing to show her the Tylenol that he eventually found as he left the store.

Miller reported Patel to a Walmart employee five minutes after the alleged snatching attempt, but did not call the police until later.

In court on Tuesday, Marchant said a Walmart staffer found it strange that Miller did not scream or call for help during the alleged kidnapping attempt, and initially appeared reluctant to call police.

A prosecutor claimed that a Walmart employee told police Patel had tried to touch them and said 'something like he loved them.'

The prosecutor added that Patel had been arrested for a DUI in the past, to which Merchant stood up and countered that while Patel was never convicted of a DUI, she alleged that Miller had been.

After it was brought up that Patel served six months in federal prison for a 2006 arrest for a 'white collar crime' related to a contracts scam, Merchant said he cooperated with investigators to convict another perpetrator and paid back all ill-gotten gains.

On March 18, footage showed Patel approached Miller in the Walmart in Acworth, Georgia, to ask if she knew where the Tylenol was. He briefly stopped her child from falling from a motorized scooter, but it did not show any kind of struggle that Miller described

Patel had gone to the Walmart to buy drugs for his elderly mother, and was seen calmly paying for his items and leaving after the alleged 'kidnapping' attempt

After encountering Patel, Miller spoke with another man in Walmart (above), where she drove into a display on a motorized scooter that she used despite not being disabled

Miller has since done a number of media spots about what she insists was an attempted kidnapping, with Patel's loved ones questioning: 'How many interviews can this person do?'

Patel has remained in the county jail ever since he was arrested three days later, with a family friend previously telling DailyMail.com that the father has been struggling behind bars.

They said they 'automatically' knew there 'had to have been a mistake' when they saw the news of his arrest, and said he has been maligned through no fault of his own.

'There's just like absolutely no way like he would ever do something like that,' they said.

They blasted Miller, who has gone on a media tour to accuse him of child-snatching.

'How many interviews can this person do? She is just making so many assumptions on the person he is just based on her one interaction,' they said.

Patel was looking for a specific kind of Tylenol for his ailing 86-year-old mother.

She takes twice a day, 'and that's probably why he was frantically looking for it.'

They added that Patel's wife is 'distraught' not speaking to anyone since her husband's humiliating arrest.

Patel, meanwhile, is struggling behind bars.

'He's not doing well. It's awful. He's being threatened. I mean, you can imagine, he's in here for child kidnapping. People in jail aren't treated well if they're accused of harming a child,' attorney Ashleigh Merchant tells Daily Mail.

Miller has been accused of fabricating the kidnapping attempt as Patel's lawyers alleged that footage vindicated the father

Patel's lawyer pointed out that Miller has previously been involved in litigation against companies. In 2021 she filed a lawsuit against Lyft saying she had been raped by a driver. The case is ongoing

Mahendra Patel, 56, insists he's been wrongfully accused as his loved ones say they instantly knew there was 'some kind of mistake' when he was arrested

Despite the video footage and his claims, the Acworth Police Department is standing by the arrest, saying the 'video released by the attorney does not show the entire incident.'

'It seems to have been edited... it's not the video we have,' the department said, but declined to share their footage with DailyMail.com.

'I have no idea if they showed the video or not [to the grand jury]. But if you see the entire video, it's very clear what's happening. I mean, there's really no mistaking it,' Patel's lawyer Merchant said.

When asked why Miller would make up such horrific claims against an innocent name, Patel's lawyer pointed out that Miller has previously been involved in litigation against companies.

In 2021 she filed a lawsuit against Lyft saying she had been raped by a driver. The lawsuit is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a change.org petition is shining a light on Patel's version of events, and people are leaving comments expressing support for the father.

One comment read: 'I have left my kids with him many times. He is exactly opposite of what he is accused of and video evidence clearly shows that he was helping the kid who almost fell down.'

Another added: 'This is a horrible case of discrimination. Video shows a humble man who is trying to help. Now people will hesitate to help someone who really needs help.'

A third said: 'The video clearly shows he was not trying to "kidnap" the kid and was not "fleeing" the scene.

'The woman and the police department need to be held accountable. This is disgusting behavior.'
Israel carried out a second wave of airstrikes on the beleaguered capital of Yemen today in an apparent revenge attack for a Houthi assault on an Israeli airport.

The IDF said it had struck multiple Houthi targets including several major power stations, adding that the international airport in Sanaa was at a 'complete standstill'.

'The airport ... is used by the Houthi terrorist organization for the transfer of weapons and operatives, and is continuously operated by the Houthi regime for terrorist purposes,' an IDF spokesperson claimed.

'In addition, several central power stations in the Sana'a area were also attacked, which the Houthi terrorist regime exploits as a significant electricity supply infrastructure for the terrorist regime,' they added, without providing evidence.

Eyewitnesses in the capital reported four strikes on Tuesday, following an attack on the port of Hodeidah on Monday.

Israel noted the attacks followed Sunday's Houthi attack on Ben Gurion Airport, an assault that injured six and caused airlines to cancel flights.

Smoke billows after an Israeli airstrike on Houthi infrastructure, in Sana'a, Yemen May 6, 2025

Israel attacked Sanaa in Yemen after the Houthis launched a weekend attack on Ben Gurion

Video circulating online purportedly showed smoke billowing following Tuesday's airstrikes

Israel vowed a tough response against Iran and the Houthis after Ben Gurion airport was hit

Tensions have escalated between Israel and Yemen's Houthi rebels as the Iran-aligned group continues to launch attacks in response to Israel's operations in Gaza.

Israel vowed a tough response for both the Houthis and Iran after Ben Gurion airport was struck on Sunday, though Tehran said it had nothing to do with the attack.

At least six people were injured in the weekend Houthi attack. The Yemeni outfit said they had attacked the airport with a hypersonic missile.

Israeli hit back with strikes on Monday and Tuesday. Houthi media claimed that the US had joined Israel in the Tuesday assault, though provided no evidence.

Washington did not immediately comment on the strikes.

The Israeli military published a map of the area surrounding Sanaa International Airport, telling residents: 'Not evacuating puts you in danger.'

Casualties from the strikes were not immediately clear.

'The attacks were carried out in a targeted manner, taking precautions to the extent possible to minimize harm to civilians and civilian property,' the IDF spokesperson added.

Strikes in the vicinity of Hodeidah on Monday killed four people and injured 39, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.

In a video published on Telegram, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will 'act in the future' against the Houthi rebels.

'It will not happen in one bang, but there will be many bangs,' he added.

The Houthis 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.

Smoke rises as huge fire erupted at a cement factory in Yemen after the Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes on Monday

Firefighters work as huge fires erupted around Hodeidah Port and its vicinity, on Monday

Strikes in the vicinity of Hodeidah on Monday killed four people and injured 39, according to the Houthi-run health ministry

The Houthis said previously that they would impose an 'aerial blockade' on Israel by targeting its airports after the Israeli Cabinet agreed a 'plan' for Gaza that could see the displacement of its 2.3 million population.

A plan, codenamed 'Gideon's Chariots', was brought together on Sunday to gradually reoccupy all of the Palestinian enclave and hold it indefinitely unless a deal can be made by May 15.

It includes measures to flatten 'all infrastructure' above and below ground and move virtually 2.3 million people to what Israel has termed a 'humanitarian area'.

One official said that the alternative for Palestinians would be to leave their homeland 'voluntarily', moving to countries 'in line with President Trump's vision for Gaza'.

But with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruling out proposals that would end the war entirely, Hamas has conceded there is 'no sense' in pursuing truce talks.

'There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,' senior Hamas official Basem Naim told the AFP news agency on Tuesday.

Mediator Qatar said today it was still pursuing efforts for a Gaza war ceasefire, even after Israel approved expanded operations and Hamas said it wasn't interested in further talks.

Yemen's Houthi rebels said they had attacked the airport with a hypersonic missile on Sunday

Video from the scene showed smoke billowing after the attack. Several were wounded

Iran denied that it had any involvement in the attack on Israel

Qatar remains in 'continuous' contact with all parties, foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said, despite major obstacles to a new accord.

'Our efforts remain ongoing despite the difficulty of the situation and the continuing catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,' Ansari told reporters at a briefing.

'There are continuous contacts between Qatar and the concerned parties,' he added.

Foreign negotiation remains a fragile lifeline for Gaza's population after 18 months of war.

Israeli security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin told Kan that 'there is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East [next week], if Hamas understands we are serious'.

But Trump is not playing a mediating role between Hamas and Israel, and Netanyahu faces less pressure than he did from the previous U.S. administration.
Sir Keir Starmer faced a furious backlash today after it emerged he is handing Indian workers in the UK and their employers a major tax exemption to secure a trade deal.

As part of the UK-India trade deal, Indian nationals on temporary visas and their firms will not have to pay National Insurance contributions in both countries for the first three years.

The change is understood to be a key demand by Indian negotiators who said the agreement, which has been three years in the making, will result in 'significant financial gains' for Indian companies.

The move was also criticised by Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick, who said: 'British workers come last in Starmer's Britain.'

Terms of the trade deal will also see the UK lower tariffs on clothes, shoes and food from the subcontinent, in exchange for reciprocal cuts for products including whisky and cars.

But the tax break - which was omitted from the UK release on the pact - immediately provoked anger.

It comes as UK firms have been hit with a rise in national insurance contributions (NICS) that many warn will force them to slash jobs or even shut down.

Posting to X, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the move was 'two-tier taxes from two-tier Keir'.

She wrote: 'I refused to sign this deal because: 1) Tax refunds for Indians not available to us, 2) Visa requests [are] too high, 3) Ceramics and Aluminium industries would be screwed.'

Sir Keir and Mr Modi met at the G20 last November. More than a dozen rounds of talks involving successive governments have taken place since 2022 with the aim of securing a trade pact with India, which is forecast to become the world's third largest economy.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country had concluded an 'ambitious and mutually beneficial' free trade agreement.

Posting to X, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the move was 'two-tier taxes from two-tier Keir'

Ms Badenoch added: 'When Labour negotiates Britain loses.'

Last month the rate of employer NICS went up by 1.2 percentage points from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, despite calls for a U-turn at a time of poor economic growth.

The tax break was not mentioned by Downing Street in its announcement today. But a statement by the Indian government said it would 'lead to significant financial gains for the Indian service providers and enhance their competitiveness in the UK market that would create new job opportunities as well as benefit large number of Indians working in the UK'.

Questions also remain over what agreement has been made on other visas for Indian nationals wanting to study or work in the UK.

That was a key sticking point that held up talks under the previous Conservative Government and Labour.

Sir Keir said there were 'tough negotiations on both sides' over the issue of visas.

He also promised the trade deal with India included 'the best set of arrangements' to safeguard key British industrial sectors.

Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick said: 'British workers come last in Starmer's Britain.'

The PM will visit India 'at the earliest opportunity', Downing Street said following a call between the him and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Sir Keir said the deal would 'grow the economy and deliver for British people and business', and Mr Modi said it was 'ambitious and mutually beneficial'.

In a post on X, he said: 'Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, along with a double contribution convention.

'These landmark agreements will further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.'

The deal announced this afternoon will mean dramatic tariff reductions on scotch whisky and car exports to India, while levies on aerospace, electricals and other food products will also fall.

However, the issue of the tax break is likely to dominate.

Grim figures showed this morning that the UK's powerhouse services sector has slipped into the red for the first time in 18 months - with the NICs increase blamed alongside Trump's trade war.

The closely-watched PMI survey of businesses showed a score of 49 for April - with anything below 50 representing contraction.

That was down from 52.5 in March and in negative territory for the first time since October 2023.

Firms reported that the NICs raid and increases in the national minimum wage heaped pressure on costs.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to London for trade talks this week to seal the terms.

More than a dozen rounds of talks involving successive governments have taken place since 2022 with the aim of securing a trade pact with India, which is forecast to become the world's third largest economy.

Key sticking points had included high tariffs on Scotch whisky in India and visa rules for Indian students and professionals.

Grim figures from the closely-watched PMI survey of businesses showed a score of 49 for April - with anything below 50 representing contraction

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds welcomed Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal to London for trade talks this week.

Tory shadow trade secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'It's good to see the Government recognise that reducing cost and burdens on businesses in international trade is a good thing, and that thanks to Brexit we can do.

'But it would be even better if they would apply the same reasoning to our domestic economy, where they remain intent on raising taxes, energy costs and regulatory burdens.'

But Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the UK's trade deal with India was a 'beacon of hope amidst the spectre of protectionism'.

She said: 'India is one of the UK's most important and longstanding partners given our significant trading relationship and rich history.

'The CBI has always been highly supportive of efforts to sign a comprehensive trade deal with India, with businesses seeing myriad opportunities in the Indian market.

'In its mission for growth, it is right that the Government seeks to strengthen and expand the UK's trading relationships with partners around the world.

'Today's announcement is a beacon of hope amidst the spectre of protectionism: free and fair trade will always be critical for kickstarting growth and boosting productivity.

'The UK Government should be commended for its commitment to delivering a trade deal which safeguards our national interests, protects high standards, and delivers market access for UK firms.
Brazilian authorities are investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of an 11-year-old child actress after her parents claimed medical officials acted negligently.

Millena Brandao, of Brazil, was declared brain dead on Friday after suffering 13 heart attacks.

The girl's parents filed a police report the day after her death, claiming that an urgent care center, two hospitals and the facilities' staffers were negligent in treating their daughter.

The death of Brandao, who appeared in the Netflix series Sintonia, is being probed by police and has been 'registered as a suspicious death,' the Sao Paulo Department of Public Safety said in a statement provided to Brazilian media.

'Expert reports were requested and are in progress for analysis by the police authorities.'

'For now, we are respecting the family's mourning,' Brandao's family lawyer, Antonio Toninho, told the Brazilian news outlet G1.

'Before making any decision, we are reviewing all the facts and gathering all the documents,' he added.

Brandao's parents said they don't know what led to their daughter's unexpected death.

Authorities in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo are investigating the death 11-year-old child actress Millena Brandao

Doctors performed a CT scan and told to the family of child actress Millena Brandao that she had a brain tumor. A biopsy is pending

'The doctors still haven't said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her,' Brandao's mother, Thays, told the outlet.

'We don't know what killed her.'

A copy of the girl's death certificate obtained by G1 showed that Brandao's 'death [is yet] to be clarified' and that her body 'awaits complementary exams.'

The outlet also reviewed a cadaver referral form in which a Grajau General Hospital doctor indicated that Brandao had a 'sudden death, with no apparent determining cause.'

The document noted that Brandao 'died during a 4-day hospital stay' and was in a 'coma' and 'circulatory shock' when she was admitted.

It also showed that she had an 'expansive process' tied to her central nervous system, according to a scan that was done April 29.

The form showed that it found a 'neoplastic differential diagnosis,' which can be the development of an abnormal tissue that is either benign or malignant.

Brandao initially fell ill April 24 and was treated at the state-run Pedreira General Hospital by a doctor, who treated her for a headache and informed her mother that the girl had 'dengue fever' without performing any tests.

Millena Brandao made her children's soap opera debut on Brazilian television network SBT in October 2023

On April 26, she was unable to attend a modeling event because of pain in her leg and went back to Pedreira General Hospital, where tests were inconclusive and doctors recommended home rest.

Brandao was on her way to church with her family on April 27 when she complained of headaches, drowsiness and a lack of appetite and returned home.

She fainted in her bathroom after having dinner at home on April 28 and was taken to Maria Antonieta Urgent Care Facility.

While tests showed that that she did not have COVID-19, H1N1 or dengue fever, doctors found that she had 'a urinary tract infection' and placed her on medication.

Brandao was transferred to Granjau General Hospital the morning of April 29 and had to be intubated after she suffered her first cardiac arrest.

Doctors performed a CT scan and suggested to the family that she had a brain tumor.

Pedreira General Hospital said in a statement that it has opened an internal investigation.

'She was evaluated by the pediatrician on duty and medicated according to the symptoms reported,' the medical facility said.

Her parent's, Luiz and Thays Brandao, have said that doctors were unable to tell them what led to the death of their 11-year-old daughter Millena

Brandao first fell ill April 24 and suffered 13 heart attacks

Grajau General Hospital said in its own statement that Brandao arrived at the facility and was suspected to be brain-dead.

'The patient arrived at the unit on 04/29/2025 in critical condition, with signs of severe neurological impairment. Although regulation was initially authorized, the medical team assessed that transport represented a high risk to the child's life at that time,' the hospital said.

Brandao made her children's soap opera debut on the Brazilian television network SBT in October 2023.

She appeared as an extra on 'A infancia de Romeu e Julieta' (Romeo and Juliet's Childhood) and 'A Caverna Encantada (The Enchanted Cave).
A Missouri man faces murder charges after executing a pregnant woman in front of five children, all of whom were under the age of 10.

Vanier J. Jones, 28, faces murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing Christina Lynn Rentchler and her unborn child, FirstAlert 4 reported.

The station reported that Jones, who was living at the residence at the time, shot another woman who lived there. That woman played dead and then heard Jones asking some of the children where Rentchler was.

According to police, the children ranged in age from two to 10 years old. Some were Rentchler's children, and some were not, FirstAlert 4 reported. Jones was on parole for second-degree assault at the time of the shooting.

Jones initially told police he was with someone else and not at the home at the time of the shooting, stltoday.com reported. However, when police spoke to Jones' supposed alibi, the witness refuted Jones's version of events and told police that Jones had killed a woman.

Aside from first-degree murder, Jones also faces five counts of first-degree child endangerment and five counts of armed criminal action armed criminal action because of his involvement of the children in the home, FirstAlert 4 reported.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
The former Abercrombie & Fitch boss Michael Jeffries has been ruled unfit to stand trial in a shock ruling in his sex trafficking case.

Jeffries, 80, has been ordered to spend several months in hospital to see if his mental conditions improve.

Jeffries' lawyers sought the ruling last month, writing in a letter that the 80-year-old requires around-the-clock care because he has Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, and the 'residual effects of a traumatic brain injury.'

Jeffries has been free on $10million bond since pleading not guilty in October to federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

Prosecutors say he, his romantic partner, and a third man used the promise of modeling jobs to lure men to drug-fueled sex parties in New York City, the Hamptons and other locations.

In a letter Jeffries' lawyers said at least four medical professionals concluded that their client's cognitive issues are 'progressive and incurable' and that he will not 'regain his competency and cannot be restored to competency in the future.'

The defense and prosecutors requested that Jeffries be placed in federal Bureau of Prisons custody so he can be hospitalized and receive treatment that might allow his criminal case to proceed.

'The court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense,' Judge Nusrat Choudhury wrote in her decision.

Michael Jeffries, 80, was ruled unfit to stand trial in shocking ruling in sex trafficking case

She directed the US attorney's office to place Jeffries in a hospital for up to four months.

Jeffries left Abercrombie in 2014 after more than two decades at the helm. His partner, Matthew Smith, has also pleaded not guilty and remains out on bond, as has their co-defendant, James Jacobson.

A Netflix show in 2022 lifted the lid on Jeffries' fashion empire, his penchant for scantily clad models and near-obsession with a brand image of only 'good-looking people.'

Between 1992 and 2014 Jeffries was CEO of the popular clothing brand, jetting around the world as sales rose thanks to a preppy range and campaigns with sexy, slim, and mostly white models.

Last month, Jeffries' lawyers claimed his illnesses were too much for him to withstand trial.

The court filing cites the conclusions from four doctors, who stated that Jeffries was suffering a major neurocognitive disorder that was incurable.

Doctors Alexander Bradley and Miranda Rosenberg concluded that Jeffries met the criteria for Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury and Lewy Body disease, which is a type of dementia.

'His cognitive deficits significantly impair his ability to understand the nature and consequences of the charges, consult with counsel in a rational manner, and participate in his defense "with a reasonable degree of rational understanding",' the doctors stated in the filing.

Jeffries left Abercrombie in 2014 after more than two decades at the helm. His partner Matthew Smith has also pleaded not guilty and remains out on bond

Matthew C Smith (center) leaves his arraignment with an ankle monitor in Central Islip Federal court in New York in December

James Jacobson is pictured walking into court in Central Islip, Long Island, in October to answer sex trafficking charges

Dr Cheryl Paradis backed up the dementia diagnosis and said that a symptom of the disease is 'erratic behavior,' warning that if Jeffries participated in the trial he could 'blurt out self-incriminating statements' and harm his credibility.

Jeffries was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution in October.

He was taken into custody alongside his longtime partner, Matthew Smith, 61, in West Palm Beach.

Jeffries' associate, Jim Jacobson, was also arrested for the alleged sex crimes in Wisconsin. He was later released on a $500,000 bond.
A young British woman sent a heartbreaking message to her family before taking her own life on a balcony in Greece, an inquest has heard.

Melissa Cross, 23, was staying in the four-star Golden Sun hotel in the resort of Kalamaki on the island of Zakynthos with her boyfriend.

The care worker caused alarm when she sent a message to her family explaining her 'thoughts and intentions'.

An inquest heard Melissa, of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, was found dead 2,000 miles away from home on September 25, 2023.

She had posted a series of holiday photos on social media in the days leading up to her death while visiting sandy beaches and riding quad bikes.

She wrote: 'Most beautiful morning seeing the turtles and visiting the blue caves, absolutely obsessed with how clear the water is out here.'

Coroner Kerrie Burge said: 'There had been no previous indications that Melissa would harm herself but Melissa had sent a goodbye message to her family explaining her thoughts and intentions.

'On the balance of probabilities it is more likely than not that Melissa intended to take her own life by her actions.'

An inquest heard that Melissa Cross, 23, sent a message to her family before she took her own life

Melissa was on holiday, staying on the island of Zakynthos with her boyfriend

Melissa posted a series of holiday pictures in the days leading up to her death

Care worker Melissa was described by her family as being 'kind and caring'

The coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide at the inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales,

Friends and family paid tribute to Melissa following her death.

Her sister said: 'Melissa, my kind caring and amazing baby sister. I miss you every second of every day. My world will never be the same again.

'I've loved you all of your life, and I will love and miss you for the rest of mine.'

Another family member said: 'Melissa, my beautiful gorgeous Auntie Mel. I love and miss you so much more than anything.

'We've made so many amazing memories together over the years. We were so close with each other. Rest in pure paradise Melissa.'
A porn star smashed a 71-year-old man's skull with a hammer 'between 10 and 20 times' before his body was dismembered and stuffed in a suitcase, a court has heard.

Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, is accused of murdering couple Albert Alfonso, 62 and Paul Longworth, 71, on July 8 last year before their remains were found in a freezer in London and in a suitcase on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Jurors earlier saw horrifying footage of Mosquera stabbing Mr Alfonso to death during an extreme sex session at his flat in Scott's Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London.

He is said to have killed Mr Longworth earlier that evening by bludgeoning his head with a hammer.

The 71-year-old's cause of death was described as resulting from blunt force trauma to the head.

Mosquera caved in his skull by striking him between ten and twenty times with the instrument, jurors heard. He then used the power tool to take Mr Longworth's head off.

The Old Bailey trial has heard how the remains of the two men were taken to Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol on July 10.

Police officers opened up the large suitcases to find the victims' body parts.

Mosquera (left) is pictured alongside Albert Alfonso (centre) and Paul Longworth (right)

Mosquera has been charged with two counts of murder after remains of Albert Alfonso (left), 62, and Paul Longworth (right), 71, were found in Bristol and London

A court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Yostin Andres Mosquera (right) in the dock at the Old Bailey

One of the suitcases had a tag on it linking them back to an address on Scott's Road in Shepherds Bush.

Officers arrived at the address and found the heads of both Mr Longworth and Mr Alfonso inside a chest freezer.

Forensic pathologist Dr Deborah Cook was asked today to provide jurors with her conclusions after she performed a post-mortem on Mr Longworth.

The doctor said she put down the cause of his death as 'blunt force trauma to the head'.

She explained: 'Mr Longworth had sustained several blunt force traumas to his head, with nine areas of injury, more towards the back of the head and more towards the top of the head.'

The largest wound 'appeared to represent a number of strikes to the same site', she added.

Jurors heard that the skull fractures suffered by Mr Longworth were 'consistent with the use of a hammer to strike the head.'

Dr Cook said the 71-year-old would have received 'at least ten' blows to the head from the hammer and definitely 'less than 20'.

Yostin Andres Mosquera (pictured) faces trial for the murders of Albert Alfonso, 62, and Paul Longworth, 71, on July 8 last year

The Metropolitan Police released this picture of a suitcase left by Clifton Suspension Bridge

Scotland Yard released images of a taxi arriving at barriers on Clifton Suspension Bridge

A picture of a car travelling along the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the night Mosquera allegedly left body remains there has been shown in court and released by police

Mr Longworth was also found with wounds to the hand that were 'consistent with defence type injuries' from using his hand 'to shield the head to try and ward off the blows.'

Jurors heard that Mr Longworth appeared to have drank alcohol on the night of his death but 'not a sufficient amount to case any kind of incapacitation at the time of the incident.'

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC then asked Dr Cook about how Mosquera managed to decapitate Longworth after the alleged murder.

'In my opinion that involved the use of a sharp knife and use of a tool, or power tool, the nature of the end of the bones is not consistent with the use of a knife', the doctor said.

'What is it consistent with?', asked Ms Heer.

Mosquera is accused of murdering Paul Longworth (left) and Albert Alfonso (right)

Mosquera was arrested days after police were alerted to a man acting suspiciously on Clifton Suspension Bridge (pictured) where police found two suitcases of human remains

'Some sort of tool, or power tool, I don't know.

'It's not a hand knife shall we say, you can't cut through bones in the way bones have been cut through by selecting one of your kitchen knives and doing that.'

Mosquera, of no fixed address, admits one count of manslaughter but denies the murders of both Mr Alfonso and Mr Longworth.

The trial continues.
A besotted mayor who wrote unwanted love letters to a bar worker almost 50 years his junior then sent them to a different woman by mistake has been spared jail.

Graham Roberts, 72, became infatuated with Kate Blacklock, 26, during twice-weekly visits to the Sunny Hill pub in Whitehaven, Cumbria where he was serving as mayor.

Through his role as a town councillor, lovestruck Roberts scoured the electoral roll and found what he thought was her full name and address, a court heard.

He then wrote a string of gushing letters accompanied by small sums of cash addressed to 'darling Kate... my true soul mate' and praising her 'beautiful figure'.

In one the obsessed mayor wrote: 'Love the way you pop to sort the ashtrays, returning a lovely smile to me in doing so.'

He also promised to treat her 'as the princess you are' - and even offered to do her ironing.

However he bunglingly mailed the letters to a second woman, Nina Tomlinson, 27, apparently confused by her similar middle name.

One even contained his business card as Mayor of Whitehaven - enabling him to be unmasked as the stalker after police were informed.

Mayor of Whitehaven Graham Roberts, 72, arrives at court today after pleading guilty to stalking bar worker Kate Blacklock, 26

Mayor of Whitehaven Graham Roberts, 72, posted a series of love letters after becoming infatuated with a local barmaid saying he loved her and that she was his 'soulmate' - only to send them to the wrong woman, leaving her fearful that someone was watching her

Addressing gushing love letters to Kate Blacklock, 26, a bar worker at the Sunny Hill in Whitehaven (pictured), mayor Graham Roberts, 72, wrote: 'Love the way you pop to sort the ashtrays, returning a lovely smile to me in doing so'

After he admitted stalking, Roberts was today given a 12-month community order and fined 294.

He was also banned from contacting Ms Blacklock, and from visiting the Sunny Hill for a year.

One of the letters read: 'Darling Kate I do love you so much. I adore you.

'I need you in my life. Love everything about you.'

When a further envelope arrived, she took it, unopened, to police, Workington Magistrates' Court heard today.

Roberts had written: 'My dearest, darling Kate.

'I know now that I've met my true soul mate.

'Love the way you pop to sort the ashtrays, returning a lovely smile to me in doing so.

'Might I compliment you on your beautiful figure which you carry very well.

'Being a most charming and physically beautiful woman, with a very emotionally attractive personality, that's why my stay was so long on Saturday, in order to admire you and to be near you.

'I just love to be in your presence. You are so smart.'

Roberts continued: 'My darling I wish to love you, pamper you, protect, cherish and cook for you, hold and hug you in my arms, admire, adore you and look after you as the princess you are.

Graham Roberts, 72, said he would be 'stepping back for a short while' from his role as mayor of the Cumbrian maritime port of Whitehaven 'due to health problems' after first being accused of stalking a local woman

Graham Roberts, 72, mayor of the Cumbrian port of Whitehaven (pictured), sent letters to a local barmaid saying he wanted to be with her to 'love and protect' her - but posted them to the wrong woman

Graham Roberts, 72, pictured outside court today, promised to treat bar worker Ms Tomlinson 'as the princess you are' - and even offered to do her ironing

'I will even do your ironing for you.

'You have very good dress code and are so stylish.

'I hope you don't mind me waving to you as you drove up my road from the garage, in my jim-jams and house coat.

'I just had to get another glimpse of you in your lovely car.'

The envelopes bore printed labels with the wrong woman's full name and address.

The final one also contained a business card marked 'Graham Roberts, mayor of Whitehaven' along with details including his house name.

He described her name as 'so refined and romantic', signing off 'I love you so much' with five kisses.

Bemused, Ms Tomlinson contacted police, branding the letters 'bizarre'.

'This is very weird and I would describe the letters and money as obsessive,' she added, the court heard.

'I have no idea who it is.

'I'm not in any fear of violence but I'm fearful of going out and wondering if someone is watching me.

'I find this disturbing.

'I don't know Graham Roberts and I don't know why I'm being targeted in this way,' she added.

Ms Tomlinson contacted Ms Blacklock after realising she was the intended recipient.

The bar worker told police she regarded Roberts as 'a lonely old man and a bit eccentric.

'He was super friendly, however a bit weird,' she said.

'He used to follow me around the pub.'

Ms Blacklock believed Roberts might have heard her chatting with a colleague about going to private school.

'I think this made Graham have some sort of shine for me as I think he thought I was well-educated.

'This led Graham to begin to ask me out all the time.'

She ignored his advances.

On occasions she had spoken of liking Waitrose, prompting Roberts to suggest he would buy her a member card and make four-hour round-trips to a Hexham store for gifts.

Roberts got angry with Ms Blacklock when she referred to him as a 'piece of furniture because he was in the pub so often, the court heard.

She spoke of feeling nervous and no longer wishing to see him at the pub.

'I want Graham to understand that his behaviour is unwanted and frankly odd, and do not wish for him to behave with anybody else in such a way,' she added.

Roberts, of Whitehaven, admitted stalking Ms Blacklock without causing fear, alarm or distress.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said although Ms Tomlinson was not mentioned in the charge, she was also a victim.

The woman mistakenly sent letters by Graham Roberts, 72, mayor of the Cumbrian port of Whitehaven (pictured), saying she was his 'soulmate', stopped going out running at night because she was scared someone was watching or following her, a court heard

Graham Roberts, 72, was today given a 12-month community order and fined 294 at Workington Magistrates Court (pictured) after admitting stalking

Defence solicitor Mike Woolaghan said Roberts' offending covered a two-week period, from August 26 to September 12 last year.

'The nature of the behaviour was not threatening, abusive or aggressive,' he said.

'Arguably it was very loving, albeit accepted to be unwanted.'

Glowing references attested to Roberts being a man of previously impeccable character.

'You have a gentleman who has devoted his life to public service,' the lawyer told magistrates.

'The experience of the process has been salutary for this gentleman.

He has expressed very genuine remorse and regret for his actions. He is ashamed of what he's done.'

In addition to the community order and fine Roberts must complete a 10-day rehabilitation requirement.

Afterwards Rachel Parker, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'Graham Roberts actions have caused two women a lot of anxiety and distress.

'After becoming infatuated with a woman, he abused his position as a councillor to access confidential records to try and find her address.

'He displayed obsessive conduct with the woman in his local pub and his behaviour escalated when he began sending love letters to the wrong address.

'The impact of Roberts behaviour is clear; both women were uncomfortable and anxious, and one woman was forced to change her daily routines, leaving her paranoid and mistrusting of others in her life.'

After the offences came to light, Roberts announced he would be 'stepping back' from his mayoral role.

In October last year he said: 'I will be stepping back for a short while from my role as chairman and mayor of the council due to health problems.'

Roberts is still listed as Mayor on the town council website for the Cumbrian maritime port, which is renowned for its Georgian architecture.

Today Whitehaven Town Council said Roberts remained mayor but that his deputy was now fulfilling his duties.
A top Michigan lawmaker and Donald Trump enemy has revealed that having a miscarriage several years ago propelled her fight for reproductive health rights.

Democrat Jocelyn Benson, 47, is releasing a memoir on Tuesday as she makes a bid to become the swing state's next governor in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Benson is currently Michigan's secretary of state, and she is the sole female candidate in a crowded field seeking to succeed Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Her memoir, titled The Purposeful Warrior, marks the first time she has opened up in public about the miscarriage she suffered eight years ago.

Benson said the horrific experience made her value easy access to reproductive health care, something she wants to deliver for the state if elected.

'It opened my eyes to the need to not just protect reproductive freedom and rights, but actually make sure theyre real,' Benson told the Associated Press.

Benson previously hit the headlines for revealing that then-outgoing President Trump had called for her arrest and execution for treason because she opposed his 2020 election fraud claims.

The situation escalated when dozens of MAGA supporters protested the since-disproven fraud allegations by gathering outside Benson's family home and chanting 'stop the steal' in December 2020.

Top Michigan lawmaker Jocelyn Benson (pictured), 47, has revealed that having a miscarriage catalyzed her fight for reproductive health rights in the Midwestern swing state

Democrat Jocelyn Benson (pictured with Joe Biden in 2023) is releasing a memoir on Tuesday as she makes a bid to become the swing state 's next governor in next year's election

Benson said the Trump loyalists continued 'shouting obscenities and chanting into bullhorns' as she put Christmas decorations on her home with her then-four-year-old son.

In her new memoir, Benson said it was shortly before her son's first birthday, and just before she launched her bid for secretary of state in 2017, that she found out she was pregnant again.

Waves of worry over the timing and elation over becoming a mother of two ensued. But just a day later, she began to miscarry.

Benson details the doctor's appointment during her eighth week of pregnancy where she learned about her options: surgery, medication or stillbirth and what to expect as her miscarriage continued.

By the following morning, she had miscarried on her own.

'The emotional impact of that stays with you for your whole life,' she wrote in a chapter titled 'Grit and Grace'.

Benson said she struggled with shame and guilt - emotions she has since learned many women experience.

'I want to tell my story to say its OK to tell yours as well,' she said.

In the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, women seeking public office have shared personal stories of miscarriages and abortions.

Democrats and Republicans alike have spoken about their pregnancies as reproductive and maternal health care became a central concern for Americans.

In Michigan, voters approved a ballot measure in 2022 to protect abortion access, in an election that also saw Democrats sweep statewide and legislative elections.

But Benson said that protection isnt enough. Step one is to incentivize talented physicians to work in Michigan, she said.

Step two is to bolster reproductive health care in rural Michigan, she said, suggesting mobile clinics that can reach remote areas.

Benson noted the recent closure of three Planned Parenthood locations in Michigan, including its only location in the Upper Peninsula.

Some Planned Parenthood locations provide abortions in addition to services such as birth control, disease screenings and miscarriage management.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan leaders cited financial challenges exacerbated by a freeze of federal dollars for the closures.

Federal law already prohibited taxpayer dollars from paying for most abortions.

Centering reproductive rights in the 2026 primary will be another test of the issues importance to Democratic voters.

Benson's book, titled The Purposeful Warrior, marks the first time she has opened up in public about the miscarriage she suffered eight years ago, which shaped her policies today

Michigan's secretary of state Benson, 47, is releasing a memoir on Tuesday as she makes a bid to become the swing state 's next governor in next year's gubernatorial election

Benson will face Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the gubernatorial primary. Whitmer, who is term limited, has said she does not plan to endorse in the race.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Minority Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox are vying for the nomination and likely also the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

And the twist - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, is pursuing the office as an independent.

The move comes as Democrats lost considerable ground in the 2024 election.

The state swung back to Trump in the 2024 election and Republicans gained a majority in the state House of Representatives, splitting control of the legislature.

Among anecdotes from her memoir that include her tenure as the state's chief election official during the 2020 election and her law career before, Benson took a swing at Duggan over his handling of the 2018 primary election for governor.

She criticized him for not supporting Whitmer early in the race and encouraging other Democrats, who are men, to pursue a run, citing reporting in the New Yorker years later.

'I will never forget the message those efforts sent to women across our state,' Benson wrote.

She noted that her own primary campaign became tied to Whitmers by gender.

'The argument went something like, surely we cant have more than one woman on the ticket at the same time,' Benson wrote.

Benson is currently Michigan's secretary of state, and she is the sole female candidate in a crowded field seeking to succeed Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is pictured above

A spokesperson for Duggans campaign told the publication that the Detroit mayor endorsed Whitmer in the Democratic primary over two men.

Benson also previously locked horns with Trump, when she said he called for her arrest and execution for treason for opposing his 2020 election fraud claims.

Biden won Michigan by 154,188 votes in 2020.

However, the margin of victory did not stop local Republicans alleging fraud.

The Republican-led state Senate Oversight Committee spent months investigating the allegations, but concluded there was no evidence 'to prove either significant acts of fraud or that an organized, wide-scale effort to commit fraudulent activity was perpetrated in order to subvert the will of Michigan voters.'

Instead it recommended that anyone pushing misinformation for publicity or personal gain should be investigated.

As secretary of state, Benson was in charge of the state's election apparatus.
A former British Army Major has been charged with murdering his wife more than four years after she died during a kayaking trip in Australia.

Graeme Davidson, 55, was charged with murder, domestic violence, fraud and attempted fraud, with police alleging he killed his wife and tried to claim more than $1million AUD (483,000) in life insurance policies after she died.

Video showed the moment the officer from Glasgow was arrested at a property in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday, while visiting from his current address in Thailand, where he moved after his wife's death.

Jacqueline Davidson, 54, was reported to have died after falling into the water and drowning 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. She died at the scene.

Police investigations and a report to the coroner have since uncovered further evidence, and a homicide probe was launched '18 months to two years' after her death.

Prior to Davidson's arrest, detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake's conditions at the time of Jacqueline's death.

'The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious,' Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor said.

'Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake,' he added, saying police would argue that the couple of 26 years had 'some form of breakdown in the relationship' around the time of her death.

Davidson left Australia five months after his wife's death to move to the Thai resort of Hua Hin, 200km south of Bangkok, before remarrying young bride Pick Pattraporn at a traditional ceremony in December 2022.

He was arrested earlier this week as he made a flying visit back to Australia to visit family in Queensland.

Graeme Davidson, 54, has been charged with the murder of his wife Jacqueline (pictured together above)

It was reported that Jacqueline Davidson had drowned in a tragic kayaking accident (pictured, police at the scene)

The alleged killer married local woman, Pick Pattraporn, in a traditional Thai ceremony surrounded by her family and friends in December 2022

Queensland police released bodycam footage (pictured) of Davidson's arrest

Footage from the arrest showed Davidson startled as officers entered the room where he was sleeping on a fold-out sofa.

He was then seen throwing the blankets off himself, sitting upright as police moved in before escorting him outside and into a patrol car.

Davidson was refused police bail and made no appearance at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday when his case was briefly mentioned.

He will remain in custody, with the matter to be mentioned again on May 19.

'It wasn't a straight-forward investigation,' DI Windsor said after the arrest.

'It involved talking to experts and a number of witnesses and basically putting a lot of small pieces together to form a bigger picture.

Windsor said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife's death, confirming they related to the fraud charges.

'The combined life insurance was in excess of $1million,' Windsor said. 'They were quite extensive.'

Davidson, 55, was arrested and charged with the alleged murder of his 54-year-old wife Jacqueline (pictured together above)

Jacqueline drowned while kayaking with Davidson at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020

Davidson moved to Thailand in the months after his wife's death

Police allege Davidson tried to claim more than $1million in life insurance policies after his wife's death

Windsor said police considered extraditing Davidson from Thailand, where he had been living for 'some years', but ultimately decided against it.

'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.

A former friend of Davidson told Daily Mail Australia Davidson had served in the British Army for 22 years.

He later transferred to the Australian Army where he served as a captain at HQ1 Division, Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane from 2010 to 2013.

A source told Daily Mail Australia he and his wife had 'huge suspicions' when Jacqueline died (pictured, Graeme and Jacqueline Davidson)

A friend said 'Jacquie was a beautiful woman and very friendly'

One well wisher congratulated the happy couple admitting she was envious of her friend.

Police will allege Davidson was involved in his wife's drowning when they were kayaking at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020 (pictured)

The former friend added Jacqueline, who worked as a beautician in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside, was a 'beautiful and very friendly' woman.

Months after his wife died, Davidson moved to Thailand. There, he was active in Hua HIn's expat community.

He played a key role in the local Veterans Remembrance Day and was interviewed about his own service on the local English-language Surf Radio, when he encouraged new members to join him for a drink.

It's believed his son Hamish has since joined him in Thailand and his daughter Robyn recently visited her father in Asia.
A Florida man won a $3 million lawsuit after his Honda's airbag inflator exploded in a crash - launching shards of metal that sliced through his arm.

Jose Hernandez was severely hurt in a December 2020 vehicle collision that should have only caused minor injuries, his attorneys have claimed.

Hernandez was making a left turn down a Miami road in his 2005 Honda Civic when another vehicle rammed into his.

The impact triggered the Honda's Takata airbag inflator, but it malfunctioned and blew up, sending shrapnel inches deep into Hernandez's right arm.

Hernandez decided to demand justice for himself and sued the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund, which was formed after Takata went bankrupt in the midst of the airbag scandal, in 2022.

He also named the Braman Honda of Miami in the suit, accusing the dealership of selling the car without disclosing it had been recalled.

Miami-Dade jurors ruled in Hernandez's favor in court on Thursday, the Associated Press reported.

'Our Firm represents more than a hundred victims of Takata airbags, and we have seen the damage and chaos these deadly devices cause,' Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and Hernandez's attorney Andrew Parker Felix wrote in a statement.

Jose Hernandez was severely hurt in a December 2020 vehicle collision that should have only caused minor injuries, his attorneys have claimed (pictured: stock image of a Honda Civic, eighth generation, 2005)

Takata airbags have an extensive history of fatal mishaps, with at least 28 deaths and more than 400 injuries in the US being linked to them since 2009 (pictured: stock image of a deployed airbag)

The Japanese manufacturer used ammonium nitrate to make a tiny explosion to inflate the airbag (pictured: Takata headquarters in Michigan)

'This case demonstrated exactly how the Trust Fund was set up to function - protecting the rights of individuals to seek justice in court when the Fund fails to provide adequate compensation.'

The law firm told DailyMail.com Honda is 'responsible for the Trusts legal fees and costs and the entire verdict awarded to the plaintiff.'

Hernandez had opted out of the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund and instead sued for the compensation he believed he deserved, Morgan & Morgan explained.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the fund for comment on the verdict.

Takata airbags have an extensive history of fatal mishaps, with at least 28 deaths and more than 400 injuries in the US being linked to them since 2009.

Stephanie Erdman, a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force, of Florida, was among those whose lives were changed for the worse by the defective devices.

Her eye and neck were pierced by sharp pieces of metal from the Takata airbag inflator in her 2002 Honda Civic when she crashed the car in 2013.

'When the impact occurred, shrapnel from my cars airbag inflator shot through the airbag cloth and embedded in my right eye and neck,' Erdman said at a 2014 US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Hearing.

'I was instantly blind on my right side. And then I felt gushing blood. It was terrifying. I thought I was going to bleed out.

'I should have gotten a few bumps and bruises like the passenger in my car. I should not have been injured in the shocking and terrifying way that I was.'

Across the globe, 36 people have died in connection to the faulty safety devices, sparking wide-scale recalls affecting 19 car companies that began in 2013.

Stephanie Erdman (pictured), a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force, of Florida, was among those whose lives were changed for the worse by the defective devices

CEO Shigehisa Takada (pictured) officially resigned in 2018 and Takata was taken over by American company Key Safety Systems, now known as Joyson Safety Systems

More than 67 million airbags have been called back across the US and more than 100 million have been recalled globally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Japanese manufacturer used ammonium nitrate to make a tiny explosion to inflate the airbag.

But heat and humidity alter the chemical, resulting in the overly forceful explosions that cost people their lives.

In 2017, the Takata Corporation pleaded guilty to wire fraud and agreed to pay $1 billion in penalties for selling the defective devices.

In addition to the hefty sum of cash, Takata established two restitution funds - one worth $125 million for people injured by the airbags and a $850 million fund for auto companies who suffered financial losses because of the recalls.

'Automotive suppliers who sell products that are supposed to protect consumers from injury or death must put safety ahead of profits,' US Attorney Barbara McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan said in a press release at the time.

'If they choose instead to engage in fraud, we will hold accountable the individuals and business entities who are responsible.'

Takata had been falsifying product-safety data for more than a decade, Fraud Section Chief Andrew Weissman claimed.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Takata executives admitted they knew that from at least 2000, the company's inflators were not meeting standards set by automakers.

They were also reportedly aware of the chance of deadly explosions, as ruptures occurred during testing.

Takata opted to ignore the red flags, allegedly submitting fraudulent reports that the inflators were good to go.

In 2017, the Takata Corporation pleaded guilty to wire fraud and agreed to pay $1 billion in penalties for its sale of the defective devices (pictured: a disassembled Takata inflator)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Takata executives admitted they knew that from at least 2000, the company's inflators were not meeting standards set by automakers (pictured: a Takata airbag module)

More than 67 million airbags have been called back across the US and more than 100 million have been recalled globally (pictured: stock image of a deployed airbag)

Three executives who left the company in 2015 were each indicted and charged in connection to the scheme.

Shinichi Tanaka, Hideo Nakajima, and Tsuneo Chikaraishi were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud.

While losing business and being slammed with both class action and individual lawsuits, Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017.

The following year, CEO Shigehisa Takada officially resigned and Takata was taken over by American company Key Safety Systems, now known as Joyson Safety Systems.

More than a decade since the airbags were recalled, roughly six million cars in America still have the hazardous devices.

'Even after a decade of a dedicated and committed effort by the vehicle manufacturers, government, nonprofits and businesses, it's concerning that so many affected vehicles continue to be driven on US roads with these potentially dangerous airbags sitting inside,' Faisal Hasan, Carfax general manager for data said last May.

'It's easy to see recall fatigue settle in for many consumers, but they need to act.

'Getting an airbag replaced is quick, free to them, and could save the life of a loved one  or their own.'
Horrifying dashcam footage captured the final moments of Pennsylvania Uber driver and mother-of-four as she pleaded for her life at gunpoint before being fatally shot by a passenger.

Calvin Crew, 25, was sentenced on Monday to life in prison without parole for the 2022 murder of Christi Spicuzza, 38, outside Pittsburgh.

Footage of the terrifying encounter begins with Spicuzza driving Crew, then 22, who is shown wearing a light-colored hoodie and a black mask covering all but his eyes.

Minutes into the ride, the video shows Crew grabbing Spicuzza's shoulder from the backseat and pressing a black handgun to the back of her head, demanding she 'keep driving.'

'You've got to be joking,' she says in disbelief.

As Crew grips her ponytail and tightens his hold, he says: 'This is a gun. Keep driving.'

'No it's not. Come on, I have a family, what are you doing? Please stop,' Spicuzza begs while flinching.

'Drive. Drive the car, miss,' he says, tugging her hair and pressing the gun to her neck.

Dashcam video captures the horrifying final moments of Pennsylvania Uber driver Christi Spicuzza, 38, as she pleaded for her life before being fatally shot by passenger Calvin Crew

Spicuzza (pictured), a wife and mother of four, is shown in the footage pleading with the passenger with a gun pointed at her head

'Why are you doing this?' she pleads.

'Drive the car,' Crew insists.

When she asks, 'To where?' he replies, 'Complete the trip.'

'I'm begging you,' Spicuzza says. 'I have four kids, what are you doing?'

'Complete it,' he repeats.

Spicuzza, now crying silently, continues driving. Crew then reaches forward, still holding the weapon to her neck, and snatches her phone from the dashboard.

'No,' she pleads as he places it in the backseat.

'Keep driving. If you drive safe everything will be alright,' Crew tells her.

Seconds later, the video abruptly ends as Crew notices and removes the dashboard camera.

Minutes into the ride, Crew is shown grabbing Spicuzza's shoulder and pressing a black handgun to the back of her head, demanding she 'keep driving'

Calvin Crew, 25, was sentenced Monday to life in prison without parole for the murder

Spicuzza's fiance, Brandon Marto, reported her missing and posted a desperate plea on Facebook

What happened next remains unseen, but the ride ended with Spicuzza's brutal execution.

Crew, an ex-con who was released on a firearms charge just days before Spicuzza's murder, used his girlfriend Tanaya Mullen's phone to order the Uber to 139 Brinton Avenue in Pitcairn around 9:14 pm on February 11, 2022.

During the trip, Crew reportedly received a message from Mullen reading, '[I'm] not going to jail if we get caught,' according to court records.

Spicuzza's body was found on February 12, 2022, with a single gunshot wound to the back of her head in a wooded area near the 500 block of Rosecrest Drive and a 9mm casing lay nearby.

Her silver Nissan Sentra was found abandoned on Fourth Street in Pitcairn, her purse still inside and the dashboard camera missing.

Her fiance, Brandon Marto, reported her missing on February 11 and posted a desperate plea on Facebook, saying, 'She NEVER NEVER EVER would leave her purse in the car... She ALWAYS checks in with me every hour.'

The recovered dashcam was found just a tenth of a mile from where she picked up Crew. Police retrieved video and audio from a mini SD in the camera, which recorded audio and video from the front and back of the car, court paperwork says.

He had been convicted in February 2025 of first-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery.

Spicuzza was remembered as a loving mother who was always trying to spread joy, according to her obituary

Although prosecutors sought the death penalty, Spicuzza's family asked that he be spared and the murderer was sentenced to life, with an additional 13 to 26 years for kidnapping and robbery charges. Pictured: Christina Spicuzza (left), 38, is pictured with three of her four children, two other relatives and her fiance, Brandon Marto (right) in a picture from 2015

Although prosecutors sought the death penalty, Spicuzza's family asked that he be spared and the murderer was sentenced to life, with an additional 13 to 26 years for kidnapping and robbery charges.

'You should have the death penalty but we showed mercy,' Spicuzza's mother, Cindy Spicuzza, said. 'You executed her. No mercy, no remorse. It was abhorrent. It was murder.'

Crew was not in the courtroom for sentencing at his own request, and his defense attorney said his client maintains his innocence and plans to appeal, according to KDKA.

'No reason other than a coward. A coward who couldn't be here today to face this,' Marto said.
An elderly man and his dog were brutally killed in a suspected bear attack - in a Florida neighborhood normally known for its dangerous alligator population.

Robert Markel, 89, was found dead alongside his dog at his home near the quiet community of Jerome in Collier County.

Authorities were alerted to the chilling scene shortly after 7am on Monday, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson George Reynaud.

Markel and his dog were found in separate locations, approximately 200 yards apart.

'We are investigating this as a suspected fatal wildlife attack involving a bear,' Reynaud said at a press briefing Monday evening.

The incident occurred in the area of State Road 29 and US 41 just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.

'Preliminary information indicates the incident resulted in the death of a man and a dog,' Reynaud continued.

'We do know it was a bear attack. We don't know if it was the same bear or multiple bears.'

Authorities were alerted to the chilling scene shortly after 7am on Monday, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson George Reynaud

An elderly man and his dog were brutally killed in a suspected bear attack - in a Florida neighborhood known for its dangerous alligator population

'I do want to make clear that these two incidents seem to have occurred some time apart,' he added.

The bear is believed to still be prowling the area with fears rising among local residents.

'The bear involved may still be in the area,' Reynaud warned. 'As our officers continue to secure the perimeter, out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area.'

'Public safety is paramount for us, so we will have officers staged in that area and in that perimeter to ensure public safety at this time,' Reynaud said.

'We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Markel,' Reynaud said.

'At this time we have deployed four live bear traps around the vicinity of where the incident occurred in an attempt to capture this bear.'

The FWC has captured and killed at least two bears who may have been involved in the attack but it won't be confirmed until DNA results come back.

Wildlife experts note that black bears - the only species found in Florida - typically avoid human contact.

The attack was particularly unusual and concerning.

The state is home to approximately 4,050 black bears, according to the FWC.

In January, a wild bear 'aggressively' chased after a man and attacked him in Pennsylvania, leaving him infected with rabies.

The victim, Andrew Nierer, was walking to a store in the town of Jim Thorpe on January 19 when he came face-to-face with the rabid beast.

Markel and his dog were found in separate locations, approximately 200 yards apart

The FWC has captured and killed at least two bears who may have been involved in the attack but it won't be confirmed until DNA results come back

The state is home to approximately 4,050 black bears, according to the FWC (Pictured: stock image of black bear)

Nierer was seen on security footage trying to scurry away from the 100-pound black bear, which continued to follow him.

Before he could escape, the animal pounced - lunging at the him and wrapping its claws around him.

Nierer suffered bites and scratches before a neighbor shot the bear.

'It could've been a lot worse,' the victim told WYOU. 'Luckily, he saved me, he shot it.'

The Pennsylvania Game Commission described the bear's behavior as 'abnormal.'

'An adult male bear aggressively approached a man then proceeded to bite and scratch him, exhibiting abnormal behaviors for a black bear,' the agency said.
Friedrich Merz has been sworn in as Germany's Chancellor after narrowly winning a majority of votes in the Bundestag - but only at the second time of asking.

Germany had been thrown into political chaos earlier today as Merz's bid to become the country's 10th chancellor shockingly failed in the first round of voting in parliament by just six votes this morning.

The conservative leader had been expected to comfortably win the first vote after agreeing a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrat Party (SDP) and theoretically securing a slim parliamentary majority yesterday.

But for the first time in the Federal Republic's history, he failed to secure parliament's backing at the first attempt, sparking calls for him to resign and the country to hold fresh elections just three months after the last.

He needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot, but only received 310 in the morning vote, prompting his family to leave the public gallery immediately after the decision.

But this afternoon, after forcing another vote, he took 325 votes, meaning he is finally confirmed as the German chancellor.

Footage after the vote shows subdued celebrations in the Bundestag, with parliamentarians congratulating a clearly relieved Merz.

He then took the short drive to the Bellevue Palace to see President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, where he was formally appointed as chancellor.

Earlier today, he had faced intense pressure from Germany's main opposition party to stand down and call an election.

AfD figures claimed that even if Merz were to survive, his reputation would be in tatters.

Germany's Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz is congratulated as he is elected chancellor by parliament in second round of voting in the German lower house of parliament Bundestag

Newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) receives his certificate of appontment from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) during the appointment of the Federal Chancellor at the Bellevue Palace

Friedrich Merz takes the oath of office in front of Parliament President Julia Kloeckner after being elected

He needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot, but only received 310 in the morning vote

Before Merz, no chancellor in postwar history had failed to secure parliament's backing at the first attempt

Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the AfD, who came second in February's election, was seen smiling in response to the surprising result of the first vote

AfD figures claimed that even if Merz were to survive and he was sworn in, his reputation would be in tatters

Following the second vote, however, she was seen congratulating Merz on the result

Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the AfD, was seen smiling in response to the surprising result of the first, historic vote.

Her far-right party, which came second in February's election, have sued Germany's domestic intelligence service after being designated as a 'right wing extremist' organisation last week.

Weidel called on Merz to 'resign immediately', adding: 'Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election.

'This is of course a historic setback. The man is so damaged and this so-called governing coalition has been a mess from the start.'

Bernd Baumann, the AfD's parliamentary group leader, said: 'Merz is damaged, whatever else happens in future.'

After falling short this morning, Bundestag President Julia Klockner had originally been planning a follow-up vote for tomorrow, but Christian Democrat General Secretary Carsten Linnemann said it was important to press ahead.

'Europe needs a strong Germany, that's why we can't wait for days,' he said.

Parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn said: 'All of Europe, perhaps the whole world, is watching this ballot.'

Merz has been under pressure in recent weeks, having scrambled to put together a coalition with the SDP, which now holds a slim majority in the Bundestag.

His party are now neck-and-neck in the polls with the AfD, having held a comfortable lead earlier in the year and winning 58 more seats in the election.

After the vote this afternoon, Weidel said: 'Merz is the first chancellor candidate to have failed in the first round.

'It shows you how weak this coalition of conservatives and the SPD is.'

As well as stemming the electoral rise of the AfD, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader was also facing questions over curbing illegal migration and his approach to backing Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first world leaders to congratulate Merz, saying: 'Ukraine is deeply grateful for the support of Germany and its people.

'We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that we'll see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs. Wishing you every success, Mr Chancellor, on the road ahead.'

French President Emmanuel Macron said: 'Congratulations on your inauguration, dear Chancellor - it is up to us to accelerate our European agenda for sovereignty, security and competitiveness.'

Meanwhile, European Commission president praised Merz as 'a proven friend and expert on Europe,' promising to 'work together for a strong and more competitive Europe.'

Merz looks set to visit Warsaw and Paris this week as his first diplomatic ventures as chancellor.

Despite eventually winning, the initial result represents a significant blow to the Christian Democrat leader, who won the most seats in Germany's Federal Election in February.

His party signed a coalition deal with the centre-left SPD yesterday, with 328 seats between the two parties indicating that Merz had enough support to win today's vote.

But it appears 18 MPs who had been expected to back him dissented, leading to a humiliating defeat for the conservative leader. Far less relented from giving Merz their vote this afternoon, leading to his eventual victory.

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Charlotte Merz (2ndR), the wife of designated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and her daughters Carola Cluesener (2ndL) and Constanze Merz (L) watch the session before leaving immediately after the vote results

Charlotte Merz (front), the wife of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is congratulated after the second vote

Merz's CDU party are now neck-and-neck in the polls with the AfD, having held a comfortable lead earlier in the year and winning 58 more seats in the election

Earlier in the day, AfD had called on Merz to resign following the results of the first vote

The parliamentary vote is a secret ballot, meaning the votes of individual MPs will never be revealed.

The vote, which came on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II, was largely seen as a formality to confirm Merz as Chancellor.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said this morning that he was still confident that Merz would ultimately prevail.

'It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for,' he told reporters today.

He said the failure to be voted in was an 'obstacle but not a catastrophe'.

He was already facing questions over the AfD's status as a legal political entity after it was classified as a 'right wing extremist' organisation by the German domestic intelligence service.

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the party as a threat to the country's democratic order, saying it 'disregards human dignity' - in particular by what it called 'ongoing agitation' against refugees and migrants.

Mainstream German political parties refuse to work with it, citing the so-called 'firewall' they've upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was still confident that Merz would ultimately prevail

The CDU signed a coalition deal with the centre-left SPD yesterday, with 328 seats between the two parties indicating that Merz had enough support to win today's vote

The parliamentary vote is a secret ballot, meaning the votes of individual lawmakers will never be revealed

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks in the plenary hall after the second round of voting

But senior figures in the White House, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, criticised the move and called on them to undo the classification.

Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence service's decision.

The AfD, now subject to broader surveillance, was shaping up to be a political thorn in Merz's side.

Following the elections, the conservative leader said the fact that AfD doubled its vote share in percentage terms is a 'real warning bell, a real alarm bell for the political parties of the centre in Germany to come up with shared solutions'.

The AfD is likely to hold his feet to the fire over major issues affecting German politics, including migration, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and whether Merz gives too much ground to the SPD.

Experts have suggested that the far-right party will thrive from today's results.

Pollster Manfred Guellner said: 'Trust in political institutions is being weakened further. The AfD is the winner from this debacle.'

'For the AfD, this sign of internal instability ... provides further opportunities to portray every other party as part of an establishment cartel that can only be swept aside by the far right,' Alex Clarkson, a lecturer at King's College London,added.

'AfD leaders will hope to attract more national conservative-leaning voters frustrated with the compromises the CDU has had to accept.'

Merz's coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

The CDU have been accused of abandoning their commitment to fiscal conservatism, however, after Merz decided to loosen borrowing limits.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his controversial ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.

The high court granted an emergency request from the Trump administration, lifting a nationwide injunction that had previously blocked the policy while lower courts continue to hear challenges.

The Supreme Court's brief order did not provide an explanation but noted that the three liberal justices dissented, indicating a split among the justices on the issue.

This decision marks a setback for seven transgender service members, including Navy Commander Emily Shilling, who is leading the legal fight against the policy. They had argued that the ban is discriminatory and unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.

"An unprecedented degree of animus towards transgender people animates and permeates the ban: it is based on the shocking proposition that transgender people do not exist," their lawyers stated in court documents.

The ban, originally announced in February, targets individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria or those who have undergone medical treatment for the condition. According to Solicitor General D. John Sauer, the policy "generally disqualifies from military service individuals who have gender dysphoria or have undergone medical interventions for gender dysphoria."

Sauer also argued that courts must show "substantial deference" to the Department of Defense in matters of military policy, citing a Pentagon report that claimed transgender individuals could harm "military effectiveness and lethality."

A similar nationwide block on the policy had also been issued by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., but was temporarily lifted by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which is still considering whether to reinstate the injunction.

Meanwhile, another judge in Washington state struck down the policy on March 27, saying "it is not an especially close question."

When the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to stay that ruling, the Trump administration appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

Joe Biden had previously reversed Trump's original transgender military ban upon taking office, but the new case concerns a broader policy adopted during Trump's second term.
A young aspiring teacher was shot and killed by a stranger during a horrific home invasion, police say.

Logan Federico was found dead in her friends' home in Waxhaw, North Carolina on Saturday morning as suspect Alexander Dickey, 30, allegedly carried out a days-long crime spree.

Cops said Dickey first broke into another home on the residential neighborhood street and stole several items including a gun, which prosecutors say he used to shoot Federico in the chest as he broke into her friend's home shortly after.

Dickey then stole her credit cards and fled in a stolen car, which was later found abandoned in Saluda, South Carolina, as he ran across state lines, cops said.

A multi-agency manhunt including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Columbia Police Department and the Lexington County Sheriffs Office was launched to track down the alleged killer.

Dickey was not caught for almost two days after Federico's body was found, until he was caught setting fire to another home in Gaston, North Carolina on Sunday evening.

He allegedly forced his way into the home before a tense standoff with cops outside the home led him to set the property on fire.

Authorities said Dickey is known as a repeat violent offender with past convictions including for assault, and now faces a slew of charges including murder and robbery related to his alleged multi-day spree.

Logan Federico, 22, has been named as the victim who was gunned down in a horror home invasion spree as she visited friends in South Carolina on Saturday night

Alexander Dickey, 30, allegedly carried out a days-long crime spree after breaking into the home and shooting Federico, including setting another home on fire as he was arrested Sunday evening

Dickey was initially hospitalized after the house fire before he was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center, and it is not clear when he will appear in Richland County to face murder charges over Federico's death.

Tributes poured in for Federico as she was identified as the victim of the home invasion shooting, with her father Steven holding a heartbreaking press conference over the weekend.

As he fought back tears, he said: 'I am Logan Federicos father, better known as dad or her hero. Unfortunately that day, I could not be her hero.'

He described his daughter as a hard-working and loving 22-year-old who supported her education by working two jobs.

'She will live on forever, maybe not physically, she will touch people and protect over people,' he said.

'Somehow she will have a huge, huge decision about what kids life and looking over them. She became goal oriented and worked hard.'

Turning his remarks to his daughter's alleged killer, he added: 'You can't kill my spirit.'

Federico's father Steven held an emotional press conference where he said he 'could not be her hero' on the night she was shot dead

Tributes poured in for Federico, an aspiring teacher who worked two jobs to support her education and was described as a hard-working, loving young woman

Authorities said Dickey (seen in a previous mugshot) is known as a repeat violent offender with past convictions including for assault, and now faces a slew of charges including murder and robbery related to his alleged multi-day spree

Officials said Federico was living in North Carolina but travelled to South Carolina to spend time with her friends.

Investigators said they do not believe her murder was targeted and said she is not believed to have known Dickey.

'Logan was a helpless victim, she was not an intendant target,' officials said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Dr. Anthony Fauci of expanding 'gain-of-function' research on bioweapons outside the United States.

Gain-of-function research is focused on making pathogens more transmissible and more deadly for the use of developing bioweapons and developing vaccines.

President Trump's Health and Human Service Secretary claimed in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham that despite Richard Nixon's efforts to shut down bioweapons labs in 1969, Fauci effectively restarted programs overseas.

'Anthony Fauci began essentially restarting the arms race, and the bioweapons arms race, and did it under the pretension of developing vaccines, because of the same science that you develop bioweapons and vaccines,' he said.

Trump signed an executive order on Monday banning gain-of-function research.

Kennedy claimed that 'three of his bugs escaped' out of Fauci's labs in the United States in 2014, prompting 300 scientists to rally and sign a letter urging President Barack Obama to end the experiments.

'President Obama declared a moratorium, but instead of shutting down his experiments, he moved them offshore, mainly to the Wuhan lab,' Kennedy said, referring to Fauci's indirect funding of the Wuhan Institute of Virology from the federal government.

The Wuhan lab is widely considered to be the source of the coronavirus pandemic that came from China.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in the Oval Office

US President Donald Trump (C), flanked by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya (L) and Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (R) signs a series of executive orders related to health care

'The CIA, the FBI, the State Department, the Department of Energy - all say that it is most likely that those experiments resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2019,' Kennedy said.

The HHS secretary praised Trump for signing a ban on gain-of-function research in the Oval Office on Monday.

Kennedy also weighed in on President Joe Biden's eleventh hour pardon of Fauci just hours before he left the presidency.

'I don't know what was going on in Joe Biden's head, but I think that Anthony Fauci probably asked for that pardon, knowing that he had some liabilities here that were more than reputational,' Kennedy said.

Trump signed his executive order banning funding for gain of function research on Monday afternoon in the Oval Office, as Kennedy stood beside him.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and former chief medical adviser to President Biden

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks alonside US President Donald Trump

'It's a big deal, could have been that we wouldn't have had the problem we had if we had this done earlier,' Trump said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kennedy said during the signing event that Fauci's research on viruses and bioweapons created an 'arms race' involving Russia, China, and Iran.

'It's a kind of weapon that always has blowback. There's always bad news and the justification for this kind of weaponry and this kind of research was always that we have to do this to develop vaccines to counter a future pandemic,' he said.

'In all of the history of gain-of-function research we cannot point to a single good thing that's come from it.'
Rebekah Vardy is 'relieved and looking forward' to putting the Wagatha Christie chapter behind her after settling on a seven-figure sum with Coleen Rooney.

The WAG, 42, agreed to pay 1,190,000 of Mrs Rooney's legal bill, plus was ordered to pay a further 212,266 in assessment costs, after sensationally losing their high-profile libel case.

This takes the total Mrs Vardy must pay to at least 1,402,266.20. MailOnline understands she has already paid some of the bill, including 800,000 four years ago and 100,000 last year.

Mrs Rooney must also pay Mrs Vardy a total of 135,097.50 in costs under the terms of court orders from 2024, which will be set off against what Mrs Vardy must pay.

A source close to Mrs Vardy has today told MailOnline: 'It's a huge relief for Rebekah that this long legal battle is now coming to an end.

'She's looking forward to putting the whole ordeal well and truly behind her.

'Now shes just focusing on the future. And there are some big plans coming up for her now that she just wants to get cracking with.'

Mrs Rooney ran up a legal bill of more than 1.8 million while successfully defending herself against Mrs Vardy's High Court claim in 2022.

After losing their High Court showdown, Mrs Vardy was ordered to pay 90 percent of Mrs Rooney's legal costs.

Rebekah Vardy (pictured) has finally agreed to pay Coleen Rooney a huge seven-figure sum after she lost their Wagatha Christie courtroom showdown and is now 'relieved' to put the whole ordeal behind her

Rebekah, 42, was ordered to pay 90 percent of Coleen's (pictured) legal bills after she sensationally lost the libel case which accused her of leaking stories about Wayne Rooney 's wife to the press

In written submissions to a specialist costs court hearing on Tuesday, Mrs Vardy's barrister, Juliet Wells, said Mrs Rooney's total legal bill of 1,833,906.89 'has now been settled at 1,190,000, being [approximately] 1,125,000 plus interest of [approximately] 65,000'.

The court heard that while Mrs Rooney was also asking for a further 315,000 in 'assessment costs', Costs Judge Mark Whalan ordered Mrs Vardy to pay 212,266.20 of Mrs Rooney's assessment costs, inclusive of VAT but before interest, on top of the 1.19 million settlement.

While Mrs Wells previously called for the 'grossly disproportionate' assessment costs to be capped at 'no more than 100,000', Judge Whalan said the amount awarded was 'reasonable and proportionate'.

He added that while there had been 'extraordinary expenditure of costs' on both sides, he was 'generally happy' the outcome was a 'commercially satisfactory conclusion' for the pair.

'I do mean it when I say that I hope that this is the end of a long and unhappy road,' he added.

Mrs Vardy's lawyer previously argued Mrs Rooney's team had used a 'kitchen sink' approach when calculating the total and included 'over 120,000 of costs to which Mrs Rooney has no entitlement'.

It was also claimed the bill included costs for one of the WAG's team to stay at Nobu - a five star luxury hotel - and 'substantial dinner and drinks charges as well as mini bar charges'.

The lawyer said Coleen's 1,833,906.89 legal bill was over three times her 'agreed costs budget of 540,779.07'.

But Coleen's lawyer, Robin Dunne, had argued it was 'frankly outrageous' to accuse them of dishonesty.

Mrs Vardy unsuccessfully sued the I'm A Celeb star in the High Court in 2022 after she was publicly accused of leaking stories about her to the press.

The catalyst for the famous Wagatha Christie case was a dramatic open letter written by Mrs Rooney and posted on social media in October 2019 in which she revealed she had turned detective to figure out who had been leaking the stories.

Rebekah has made many attempts in the past to bring down the sum she is expected to pay for Coleen's legal costs which were set at 1,833,906.89 (Pictured: Rebekah and her husband Jamie Vardy)

The post that started it all: Mrs Rooney accused Mrs Vardy's social media account of leaking stories

Coleen pictured with her husband Wayne Rooney outside the Royal Courts of Justice in May 2022

Mrs Rooney publicly claimed Mrs Vardy's account was the source behind three newspaper stories featuring fake details she had posted on her private Instagram profile - her travelling to Mexico for a 'gender selection' procedure, her planning to return to TV and the basement flooding at her home.

Penning that she had a 'suspicion' of who it could be, Mrs Rooney told her millions of followers that 'to try and prove this' she 'came up with an idea'.

'I blocked everyone from viewing my Instagram stories except ONE account,' she wrote.

For the next five months, she uploaded 'a series of false stories' to see if 'they made their way' into the press.

'And you know what, they did!' she penned 'The story about gender selection in Mexico, the story about returning to TV and then the latest story about the basement flooding in my new house.'

She continued to build suspense, writing: 'It's been tough keeping it to myself and not making any comment at all, especially when the stories have been leaked, however I had to. Now I know for certain which account/individual it's come from.

'I have saved and screenshotted all the original stories which clearly show just one person had viewed them.'

And then, she delivered her final iconic line: 'It's.......... Rebekah Vardy's account.'

What followed was a tearful appearance from Rebekah on ITV's Loose Women in February 2020 in which claimed the stress over the dispute had caused her to have anxiety attacks so severe she 'ended up in hospital three times'.

The emotional display was met by Coleen with a statement to say she did not want to 'engage in further public debate' on the matter.

Four months later, in June 2020, Rebekah began legal proceedings against Coleen for libel with her lawyers alleging she had 'suffered extreme distress, hurt, anxiety and embarrassment as a result of the publication of the post and the events which followed'.

A court artist sketch of Rebekah Vardy wiping away tears as she gave evidence at the Royal Courts Of Justice

Court artist sketch of Coleen and Wayne Rooney (left) and Rebekah Vardy (right) sitting near to each other in the front row at court

At the first preliminary hearing in London's High Court in November the same year, Mr Justice Warby ruled that Coleen's famous letter 'clearly identified' Rebekah as being 'guilty of the serious and consistent breach of trust'.

He concluded the 'natural and ordinary' meaning of the posts was that Rebekah had 'regularly and frequently abused her status as a trusted follower of Mrs Rooney's personal Instagram account' by secretly informing the press of Coleen's 'private posts and stories'.

When the case returned to the courts in February 2022, a series of explosive messages between Rebekah and her agent Caroline Watt were revealed with Coleen's lawyers alleging they were about her.

Rebekah denied that one message calling someone a 'nasty b****' was in reference to Coleen.

When asked by defence lawyers to present Ms Watt's phone so they could further investigate the WhatsApp messages, they were told it had fallen into the North Sea when Ms Watt was on a boat during a holiday.

Coleen was denied permission to bring a High Court claim against Ms Watt for misuse of private information to be heard alongside the libel battle as it was brought too late.

Ms Watt was then dubbed not fit to give oral evidence, revoked permission for her witness statement to be used and withdrew her waiver which would have allowed journalists to say whether she was a source of the leaked stories.

At the first preliminary hearing in London's High Court, Mr Justice Warby ruled that Coleen's famous letter 'clearly identified' Rebekah (pictured) as being 'guilty of the serious and consistent breach of trust'

When the case returned to the courts in February 2022, a series of explosive messages between Rebekah and her agent Caroline Watt were revealed with lawyers for Coleen (pictured) alleging they were about her

Coleen's barrister then told the High Court Rebekah 'appears to accept' her agent was the source of the leaked stories and argued her new statement suggested this but Rebekah claimed she 'did not authorise or condone her'.

In May 2022, the women finally came face-to-face in court to give evidence as the Wagatha Christie trial began in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Coleen secured her victory the next month when Mrs Justice Steyn delivered her verdict, dismissing the claim made by Rebekah and finding Coleen had proved the meaning of her famous accusatory letter was 'substantially true'.

Whilst Coleen said she was 'pleased' the judge had ruled in her favour, Rebekah declared she was 'extremely sad and disappointed' at the decision.

MailOnline has reached out to representatives for Coleen Rooney for comment.
As anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with civil service bureaucracy will know, it can be a complicated endeavour. There is the jargon, the minutes that bleed into hours spent on hold on the phone and, of course, the endless form-filling. But mastering this red tape - particularly in relation to Britain's bloated benefits system - can apparently also present extraordinarily lucrative business opportunities. Just ask Charlie Anderson, a YouTube blogger who says her chronic arthritis and fatigue has rendered her unable to work. Thanks to her lengthy experience with the welfare system, she is extremely proficient at filling out forms used to claim the Personal Independence Payment [PIP] allowance disability benefit. So adept has she become in applying for this taxpayer-funded help that she has taken to explaining the 'tricks of the trade' to any prospective benefits claimant - for a hefty fee, of course.
From the moment the news broke that the body of Virginia Giuffre had been found at her Australian farmhouse home in Neergabby, north of Perth, last Friday, dark theories started spreading online.

Her family announced that the 41-year-old, who famously accused Jeffrey Epstein of trafficking her as a teenager, had died by suicide.

However, officials in New York had said exactly the same when Epstein was found dead in a jail cell in 2019. On that occasion, there was widespread scepticism at the idea that security could have broken down so comprehensively that he was given the opportunity to take his own life  a scepticism that continues to this day.

And once again, many are not swallowing the suicide line. Social media is bursting with speculation that sinister forces  in the form of the rich and powerful men among whom she was passed around like a platter of fruit  could have once again silenced someone who could expose them.

Given the abundance of unanswered questions surrounding the Epstein saga, its hardly surprising that it continues to attract so much fevered speculation.

Insiders tantalisingly claim that what is publicly known about the secretive Epsteins nefarious activities is only the tip of the iceberg. In February, the Trump administration started to release previously classified files relating to the paedophile financier, but there have been no bombshells. Not yet, at least.

Here, Tom Leonard examines the puzzles and mysteries thrown up by the worlds most enduring sex abuse scandal that have yet to be satisfactorily explained  and which are now fuelling claims of a massive, and ruthless, cover-up.

DID SOMEBODY GET TO HER?

Police said the early indication is the death is not suspicious but its increasingly clear that some of those close to Giuffre are not convinced she took her own life.

Just weeks before her death, Giuffre went online to say she was about to die from catastrophic injuries sustained when her car was hit by a school bus, only to later admit she wasnt

Epstein was ruled to have died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. However, many are unconvinced and believe he may have been silenced

Sceptics  including several Republicans in Congress  quickly seized on a 2019 tweet by Giuffre which, with hindsight, is certainly thought-provoking.

Replying to another X user who claimed the FBI would kill her to protect the ultra rich and well connected, Giuffre announced that in no way, shape or form am I suicidal.

She added that if something happens to me  in [sic] the sake of my family do not let this go away too many evil people want to see me quiteted [sic].

Both Virginias father, Sky Roberts, and her Australian lawyer, Karrie Louden, have made clear theyd like to see further investigation into her death.

Roberts said there was no way his daughter killed herself as she had too much to live for. He insisted somebody got to her.

Meanwhile, her Australian lawyer, Karrie Louden, said Giuffre had shown no sign of wanting to harm herself, adding: Weve got big question marks over it.

Family members have spoken of Giuffres fragile mental state in the last few months of her life  especially after her estranged husband, Robert, obtained a restraining order that prevented her from seeing their three teenage children.

Just weeks before her death, Giuffre went online to say she was about to die from catastrophic injuries sustained when her car was hit by a school bus, only to later admit she wasnt.

In 2019 Giuffre wrote on X that in no way, shape or form am I suicidal

But her lawyer insisted there was no evidence shed resort to suicide. When I got the phone call, I was like: Are you joking?, Louden said. Theres suicide and theres misadventure.

She was in a lot of pain but she was looking forward to things in the future. She wanted to renovate the house and all sorts of things like that.

E C HOES OF VIRGINIAS DEATH

Virginia Giuffre is not the only Epstein victim to die tragically and, in the view of some of the people close to them, suspiciously.

Carolyn Andriano, an Epstein accuser whose court testimony proved crucial in convicting Ghislaine Maxwell in 2021, died two years later from a reported accidental drug overdose in a Florida hotel room.

The 36-year-old mother of five said shed had a difficult life in which shed been sexually abused by a relative when she was four and struggled with drug abuse  issues that left her vulnerable to exploitation by Epstein and Maxwell.

Giuffre famously accused Jeffrey Epstein of trafficking her as a teenager

Giuffre, with a photo of herself as a teenager, when she says she was abused by Epstein and Maxwell, among others

Epstein and Maxwell during a pheasant shoot. In June 2022, Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking offences

Some argue its no surprise that damaged women like Giuffre and Andriano might have found it impossible to escape the dark shadow cast by the abuse they suffered. Another alleged Epstein victim, Leigh Patrick, fatally overdosed on heroin in 2017.

But, like Giuffres father, Andrianos family considered her tragic death highly suspicious. They said she had been about to start a new chapter in her life after buying a house in North Carolina with her husband.

Her mother, Dorothy Groenert, said Andriano had been ecstatic and all set up for a whole new lifestyle shortly before she died, and had recently told her she was free of drugs and alcohol. She attacked the polices decision to swiftly close their investigation into her daughters death.

A SUICIDE OR A SILENCING?

The most persistent conspiracy theory about the Epstein scandal is that the man at its centre didnt take his own life but was murdered. Its not hard to see why many still believe this.

The 66-year-old financier was found dead in his tiny cell at the bleak Metropolitan Correctional Centre on August 10, 2019, a month after hed been charged with sex trafficking girls as young as 14. He was in a kneeling position, with a strip of bedsheet around his neck, the other end tied to the top of his bunk.

A few weeks earlier, he had been found on the floor of his cell with bruises to his neck, prompting fears hed tried to kill himself. But after only a few days on suicide watch the jail informed the Justice Department that he would share a cell with another inmate and a guard would look into the cell every 30 minutes.

But his cellmate was transferred the day before Epsteins death and not replaced and the two guards assigned to check his cell overnight fell asleep at their desk for about three hours and later falsified the record of their duties.

Meanwhile, two cameras in front of Epsteins cell also malfunctioned that night, while another camera had footage that was unusable.

The New York coroner ruled Epsteins death a suicide but a renowned forensic pathologist, Cyril Wecht, told the makers of a 2020 Netflix documentary on Epstein that there was no evidence at all to indicate that he had jumped or leaped from his bunk [bed].

WAS BLACKMAIL A MOTIVE?

The FBI reportedly found myriad hidden cameras in Epsteins various homes and were seen removing boxes of CDs and hard drives from his Manhattan mansion.

These details tally with claims by Giuffre and other accusers that he secretly filmed sexual activity to use as blackmail material. Consequently, they said, many people wanted him dead.

Giuffre once said he was watching everyone all the time. This was a blackmail scheme. When he told me, People owe me favours and I will never get caught and I can get away with things, he meant it.

ANOTHER PRISON FATALITY

Epsteins wasnt the only curious prison suicide in this scandal. Jean-Luc Brunel, a sleazy French model agent and close Epstein associate, was accused of grooming girls and then trafficking them through an agency set up with the Americans money.

Virginia Giuffre claimed Epstein once boasted to her that hed slept with over 1,000 of Brunels girls.

The Frenchman almost certainly knew Epsteins deepest secrets. He was arrested in France by police investigating Epstein on suspicion of raping and trafficking underage girls, only to be found dead in his Paris jail in February 2022.

Like Epstein, hed reportedly hanged himself and, despite previous attempts to kill himself, he hadnt been placed on suicide watch.

He died just two months after Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in New York of child sex-trafficking and some say the two events were not unconnected.

Spencer Kuvin, a lawyer for some of Epsteins victims, told the Miami Herald that the timing of Brunels death was a hell of coincidence  its almost like its someone is trying to send a message to Ghislaine to shut up.

Maritza Vasquez, Brunels longtime model agency bookkeeper, said she believed both he and Epstein had been silenced, adding: Ghislaine Maxwell is going to be the next to commit suicide in jail. Theyre going to kill her also because they have to disappear these people to protect the big fish.

MYSTERY OF EPSTEINS MONEY

Follow the money is often cited as the key to solving crimes but, in Epsteins case, that has been painfully hard to do. Epstein went from being a school maths teacher to a money manager for billionaires who, at the time of his death, was estimated in court papers to be worth $560million. He owned four multi-million-dollar homes and two Caribbean islands.

Both Republican and Democrat politicians have called on the government to release a list of all of Epsteins business clients arguing that this may reveal who was also involved in his sex trafficking ring. But some Epstein experts suspect such a list doesnt exist.
An Arizona pastor who was murdered in his home last week was found with his body positioned in a way that resembled a crucifixion.

Bill Schonemann, who preached for 25 years at the New River Bible Chapel, was discovered by police on his bed with his arms spread out and his hands pinned to the wall, multiple law enforcement sources told FOX 10.

The sources said that Schonemann, 76, was found at around 7:30pm on April 28 and appeared to have significant injuries.

His death was declared to be a homicide by the the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has not revealed if there is a suspect, nor has it indicated whether there is an official cause of death or a motive in the pastor's killing.

'There are specific and unique circumstances to this case that we are not at liberty to discuss to ensure we keep the integrity of the investigation,' the sheriff's office told DailyMail.com.

The sheriff's office previously told the approximately 17,000 residents of New River, a town just north of Phoenix, that there was no threat to the community and that Schonemann's murder was an 'isolated incident.'

The lack of details surrounding his death has led to some in the town filling in the blanks of the story while also taking precautions they never thought necessary before.

Bill Schonemann, who preached for 25 years at the New River Bible Chapel, was found murdered in his home. His body, discovered on his bed, was positioned with his arms spread out and his hands pinned to the wall

Mike Anders lived next to Schonemann for 12 years and said that once the police presence at his neighbor's house lasted in excess of 10 hours, he knew 'something bad' had happened

Pictures from the scene showed there were many partially built vehicles and truck parts littered all over Schonemann's properties

Mike Anders lived next to Schonemann for 12 years and said that once the police presence at his neighbor's house lasted in excess of 10 hours he knew 'something bad' had happened.

'We locked our doors last night, which is something that we are not used to doing,' Anders told FOX 10. 'We dont know if it was a family member. We dont know who could do this to him.'

'Honestly, I was shocked because New River is so small. It's quaint. I leave my keys in my vehicles, dont lock my door,' resident Emily Brean also told FOX 10. 'Why are you gonna murder a pastor or a minister. You know, for what?'

Anders said his other neighbors are on edge as well. Those who knew and lived close by described Schonemann as a friendly man who waved at passers by and had a passion for building trucks.

Pictures from the scene showed there were many partially built vehicles and truck parts littered all over Schonemann's properties.

He was known locally as 'Pastor Bill' and his death also shocked his son Randall Schonemann, who declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Randall did tell AZ Central that his father attended the church he preached at for years before becoming the pastor.

Schonemann was also in the US Navy, having served in Vietnam, according to Randall. After coming home from the war, he said his father turned to religion.

Schonemann was married to Randall's mother for 49 years before she died in 2022, after which he began dedicating more time to the church.
A Muslim charity has submitted plans to turn a pub into a mosque only six months after its initial proposals were rejected claiming others are full.

Al-Haqq Academy first sought to change the official use of The Peacock last year, which has been closed since 2020.

It applied for permission to convert the ground floor of the pub in Gravesend, Kent into an academy.

This would offer both religious and community services including a mosque, prayer hall, food bank and youth club.

Although the plans received an overwhelming show of support with 107 letters backing thems and just 23 objections, planning bosses at Gravesend Council threw out the proposals.

However last Monday, the charity submitted another planning application to change the use of the building.

The new scheme looks to convert the ground floor of the pub solely into a mosque, also known as a masjid, for around 65 worshippers.

It also hopes to offer religious instruction, also known as a madrasa, for 30 children.

Al-Haqq Academy first sought to change the official use of The Peacock last year, which has been closed since 2020

It applied for permission to convert the ground floor of the pub in Gravesend, Kent into an academy

When Gravesend Council first rejected the plans, officers raised concerns over the opening hours which they claimed they lacked clarity, which they argued, meant the council could not safeguard the impact on neighbours.

Officers also stated that the plans would see the loss of a public house - which could not be allowed when no evidence had been submitted to show it was 'no longer economically viable' as a pub.

But Al-Haqq Academy says its new application addresses the previous reasons for refusal.

It explained it would hold five prayers a day, including the early morning prayer known as Fajr and the late evening prayer known as Isha, if approved.

In the summer, Fajr would start at 4:30am and Isha would start at 10:50pm, while in winter, Fajr would start at 7am and Isha at 7:30pm.

On weekdays, the madrasa would be held between 5pm and 7pm, and on weekends, it would be held between 9am and 12.30pm.

In its statement, Al-Haqq Academy said that Islamic tradition promotes walking to the mosque - meaning there would be minimal disruption in the area.

It also said that places of worship are not usually 'noisy' - and typically present less issues for residents than pubs.

The new scheme looks to convert the ground floor of the pub solely into a mosque, also known as a masjid. Pictured: Inside the pub

The plans would allow for for around 65 worshippers to use the mosque. Pictured: Stock image

The planning documents argued: 'It is considered that the proposed change of use to the masjid and madrasa and their capacities would result in an impact that is no greater than that of its previous use as a public house.

'Places of worship have less impact on amenity than public house uses, which present a particular set of issues to local residents and the police and emergency services.'

In response to the council officer's concerns on the viability and loss of a pub, the applicant explained that the site had been on the market since 2020 until it was sold to them in 2024.

It said the owners of The Peacock were 'struggling' to sell it as a boozer - and had had no interest from potential operators and as a result were 'forced to look at alternative buyers'.

The applicant also argued that the use change would not cause an under-provision of public houses, as there are nine alternatives less than a 10-minute walk away.

They added: 'The use of the premises as 'a building of social infrastructure' is not being lost.

'Rather, it is being replaced by another building of social infrastructure that serves the local community.'

Al-Haqq Academy, which is based in Gravesend, also explained that there is a 'significant under-provision' of Muslim prayer facilities in the area.

The planning documents argued: 'It is considered that the proposed change of use to the masjid and madrasa and their capacities would result in an impact that is no greater than that of its previous use as a public house'. Pictured: Inside the pub

It said that according to the 2021 census, there are 3,326 Muslims living in the borough, but there are only two mosques: the Central Mosque and Shah Jalal Mosque.

These, the charity said, are both 'operating beyond capacity', causing issues with overcrowding and traffic.

The statement added: 'There is a justified locational and functional requirement to provide a place of worship that meets the needs of the local Muslim community.

'It is a sustainable development which will secure the long-term social and cultural needs of the place of worship in the community and reduce the need for travel elsewhere.'

At the time of writing, four letters of support had been received and no objections had been lodged.

A decision on the new application is expected by June 23.

In September, Al-Haqq Academy submitted a separate application to convert the first and second floors of the former pub into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

These plans were approved by councillors at a planning meeting - after also receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from neighbours.

They will see the existing four-bedroom flat converted into a five-bedroom home - complete with two bathrooms and a kitchen.
Democrat Jasmine Crockett has been accused of pushing in front of elderly and disabled passengers to board a Delta flight first.

The Texas representative was slammed by House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, who shared photos of Crockett apparently at the head of a line.

'SPOTTED: Jasmine Crockett with a taxpayer-funded police escort, cutting everyone in line  even making DISABLED people wait,' McClain wrote on X.

'Nothing to see here, just the next leader of the Democrats, abusing her power!'

McClain was quickly inundated with replies expressing similar outrage.

'This entitlement is embarrassing,' one person wrote.

'Doesn't get more low-class than Crockett,' another added.

'More Democrat TRASH!! Keep it up its working for you. Politicians these days seem to be all about enriching themselves. What a country.,' a third fumed.

Democrat Jasmine Crockett has been accused of pushing in front of elderly and disabled passengers to board a Delta flight first

The Texas representative was slammed by House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, who shared photos of Crockett apparently at the head of a line

However, some pointed out that Crockett may have had to board first for security reasons

However, some pointed out that Crockett may have needed to board first for security reasons.

'That's a cheap shot... she needs to board first so the security team can get back to more important things,' one person wrote. 'There are legitimate things to criticize- this isn't one of them.'

It is believed that Crocket was on her way to Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi when the photos were taken.

The congresswoman was invited to the college to receive an honorary doctorate.

She told graduates to make room for themselves at the table during a commencement address.

'There are going to be people that tell you that you don't belong, and I am here to tell you over and over and over that you absolutely belong,' Crockett said, the Magnolia Tribune reports.

'There are people that are gonna tell you that there is not a table in which there is a seat for you, but I am here to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs.'

The 'folding chairs' aspect was a reference to the Montgomery, Alabama riverfront brawl in 2023, where a black man used a folding chair to hit white boaters as part of the mass fight.

Crockett traveled to Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi to receive an honorary doctorate. Pictured: Crockett with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

'Let me tell you that we know how to use a chair, whether we're pulling it up or we're doing something else with it,' Crockett said.

'Let me be the first one to tell you that I know that y'all are ready to put your boots on the ground.'

Her remarks were strongly condemned by the White House, which branded Crockett, 'another unhinged Democrat inciting violence'.

DailyMail.com has contacted Crockett for comment.
The family of Maryland mom Rachel Morin has filed a lawsuit against the murdered woman's mother claiming she stole money from a fundraiser meant for the orphaned children.

Eldest daughter Faye McMahon, 19, is suing her grandmother Patty Morin, who recently visited the White House and spoke with President Trump over the death of Rachel at the hands of an illegal migrant.

McMahon is also and her aunt Rebekah Morin, alleging that the two took over $50,000 she says was donated to her murdered mom's children.

According to filings seen by The Baltimore Sun, there was tens of thousands of dollars raised on GoFundMe to help Rachel's kids after she was found dead in 2023.

McMahon, along with the fathers of Morin's younger kids Joseph Custer and Jonathan Alderson, filed the suit saying didn't receive any of the money raised in the wake of the brutal rape and murder.

'To date, even after requests for funds for childcare and health reasons, the trustees have refused the immediate needs of the trust requests,' the lawsuit states.

'Defendants, by their actions, have committed fraud by misrepresenting the intended use of the funds raised through the GoFundMe account and other fundraisers.'

It adds that after Morin's remains were found a GoFundMe page was started by aunt Rebekah Morin, who retained control of the trust account linked to the fundraiser.

President Trump is seen here meeting with Patty Morin inside the Oval Office last month, she is now being sued by her grandchildren

Morin was on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air when she was dragged into the woods and savagely brutalized

According to a screenshot of the online fundraiser at the time, it said 'if there are any remaining funds, they will go toward things her five children may need'.

The lawsuit states that just over $54,000 was raised on the site, which then went into a controlled account ran by Rebekah and Patty Morin.

After that, a law firm saw the funds directed into a Interest on Lawyer Trust Account controlled by Rice, Murtha and Psora, LLC - the suit says.

The suit says that the money was then transferred to a bank account titled 'Honor of Rachel Morin Trust', which was set up by Patty and Rebekah.

It adds: 'The In Honor of the Rachel Morin Trust was not designed for the immediate needs and benefits of the children.

'The trustees of [the fund] have the unfettered ability to deplete the trust for trust expenses even though it is for the benefit of the Rachel Morin Children.'

McMahon, Custer and Alderson have asked the courts to order the two to hand over the money and provide a full accounting breakdown.

They are also seeking compensatory and punitive damages in the case, which they hoped to be determined at a trial.

Patty Morin is seen here speaking at a daily press briefing inside the Brady Press Briefing of the White House

Victor Martinez-Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder, first degree rape and kidnapping for the horrific August 2023 attack on the 37-year-old mother in Baltimore

Rachel Morin's illegal immigrant killer Victor Martinez-Hernandez was found guilty last month of first degree murder, first degree rape and kidnapping.

Jurors had heard Morin was on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air when she was dragged into the woods and savagely brutalized.

Her body had been stuffed in a tunnel drain. An autopsy revealed Morin died from a combination of strangulation and blunt-force trauma.

Police say Hernandez had been living in the United States illegally since February 2023 - just months before targeting his victim.

Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler slammed the immigration system which allowed Hernandez to enter the country and stay in the US despite committing other crimes.

He said: 'The failure here, again, is the immigration system that allowed this person to enter our country illegally and remain in our country and commit crimes in Los Angeles and then here in Harford County.

'We all suspected that Rachel was not his first victim. It is my understanding that this suspect, this monster, fled to the United States illegally after committing the brutal murder of a young woman in El Salvador a month earlier in January of 2023.'

Rachel Morin's tragic death inflamed debates about the illegal migrant crisis in the United States

The body of Morin was discovered in a tunnel along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland, seen here

Morin's murder inflamed debates about illegal immigrants after details of his previous alleged crimes emerged.

Trump weighed in on the conviction in a Truth Social post, paying tribute to the 'beautiful mother of five' who was 'heinously murdered.'

Following that, Patty was invited to the White House and even spoke at a press briefing alongside Trump's Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

'Moments ago, the Illegal Criminal, who was allowed into our Country by Crooked Joe Biden, was convicted of the heinous murder of Rachel Morin,' he wrote.

'Rachel was a beautiful mother of five from Maryland, and her life was taken at the hands of a monster who should have NEVER been here in the first place.'

Trump said Hernandez is 'actually an MS-13 Gang Member and Foreign Terrorist from El Salvador.

'We will never forget Rachel Morin, and are committed to protecting women like her across our Country. We will deport Illegal Murderers, Rapists, and Criminals.'

Martinez-Hernandez went on the run after the crime and was ultimately arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June 2024 after his DNA was found at the scene.

A search of his phone showed he had searched for the terms 'Bel Air,' 'Rachel' and an incorrect spelling of her surname after the murder, the court was told.

Martinez-Hernandez is set to be sentenced for the heinous murder in August of this year.

A legal representative for Patty and Rebekah declined to comment further on the suit when approached by DailyMail.com.
President Donald Trump's supporters expressed outrage after an iconic photo from the presidential campaign was not recognized for a coveted Pulitzer Prize award.

The photo of Trump raising his fist and shouting 'Fight! Fight! Fight!' after he was shot in the ear by an attempted assassin, was taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci.

TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk described the photo as 'maybe the single most famous photo of the past decade.'

'But because it made Trump look good, the Pulitzer Prize committee just refused to give it the award for best breaking news photograph of 2024,' he wrote on X. 'Total joke.'

'So telling and tragic,' agreed Sen. Mike Lee of Utah on X.

The photo became a powerful symbol during the presidential campaign as Trump supporters rallied to his cause.

It was so iconic that a photo editor at a major news outlet suggested it was 'dangerous' to keep using it during the campaign.

The 'amount that publications have been using Evan's photo is kind of free P.R. for Trump in a way, and its dangerous for media organizations to keep sharing that photo despite how good it is' an unnamed editor of a major news organization told Axios.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally after the president was shot in the ear

Evan Vucci, staff photographer with AP Associated Press on the campaign trail

A photo from the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania by New York Times photographer Doug Mills won the Pulitzer award instead, as it captured the would-be assassin's bullet before it struck Trump in the ear.

'I know the winner is enormously deserving, but I still find it hard to believe that this photo did *not* win the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography,' Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York wrote on X.

Trump supporters felt the president's fight photo was more iconic and at least deserved consideration.

'Regardless of obvious bias, we all know this is the best photo,' Judy Keister wrote on X.

'That is absolutely one of the best pictures, ever, for an American president,' Sandy Coatney agreed on X.

'That is absolutely ridiculous. Like Trump or not you cannot deny that photo is amazing and absolutely captures Trumps Fight to regain the Whitehouse. It's ludicrous actually,' Albert Connell wrote on X

'This is clearly the #1 most iconic photo of 2024. Possibly the most iconic photo of the last 20 years,' wrote Matt Van Swol on X

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service

Republican candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by secret service agents as he is taken off the stage at a campaign event

'I totally agree with you on this. I have a lot of issues with the Associated Press but AP's Evan Vucci was ROBBED by the Pulitzer committee for not getting their photography award of the Trump assassination attempt. Of the many photos taken that day HIS was the THE iconic one,' wrote social media user 'Wooly Mammoth.'

'Evan Vucci's photo of Trump moments after the 2024 assassination attemptbloodied face, fist raiseddefined the decade. But because it made Trump look strong, the Pulitzer committee snubbed it,' wrote X user Lionel. 'That's not journalism. That's partisan theater.'

Vucci's photo was not even a finalist for the Pulitzer prize, despite the extraordinary risks he took to capture it.

U.S. Secret Service agents respond after Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was shot

Police snipers return fire after shots were fired while Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pa

He later revealed to Poynter that he sprang into action after he heard the sounds of gunfire over his shoulder.

'At the moment I heard the shots being fired,' Vucci explained, 'I knew that this was a moment in American history that had to be documented. It's our job as journalists to do this work.'

Vucci's photo was soon described as the 'definitive' photo from that day, after the president was rushed out of the rally location to the emergency room.

A painting of President Donald Trump hangs in the Cross Hall at the White House

A painting of US President Donald Trump is seen in Cross Hall at the White House ahead of an event

'Without question, Evans photo will become the definitive photo from the (assassination) attempt,' Patrick Witty, a former photo editor at Time, The New York Times and National Geographic told the Associated Press.

'It captures a range of complex details and emotions in one still image  the defiantly raised fist, the blood, the agents clamoring to push Trump off stage and, most importantly, the flag. Thats what elevates the photo.'

President Trump is a fan of the photo and hung up a painted version of the iconic scene at the White House.

Trump's painting replaced the official portrait of former President Barack Obama which was moved to a different location.
An 18-year-old high school athlete was fatally shot by a Virginia homeowner during what friends say was a TikTok prank known as "Ding Dong Ditch," not a break-in attempt.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 27, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress near Mackenzie Lane, according to the Independent.

Upon arrival, they found Michael Bosworth Jr. with a gunshot wound to the torso. He later died from his injuries.

Bosworth, a lacrosse player and senior at Massaponax High School, was with two other teenagers who told police they had been pulling a doorbell-ringing prank meant for TikTok.

According to an affidavit by Detective Earle Swift, the group said they had played the prank at other homes earlier that night and had no intent to break in or steal. While one juvenile suffered a grazing gunshot wound, the third teen was unharmed.

As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed against the homeowner who fired the fatal shot. The Spotsylvania County Commonwealth's Attorney is reviewing the case to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Bosworth's death occurred the same day as his school's prom, which went on as scheduled. The principal offered counseling and support to grieving students.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
President Donald Trump announced that he has called off airstrikes on Yemen after hearing word from the Houthis that they would no longer attack ships.

'They don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings,' he said in the Oval Office during a meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

'They have capitulated,' Trump said of the rebel group.

He said he believed them when they said they'd no longer blow up ships in the Red Sea.

'They will not be blowing up ships anymore, and that's what the purpose of what we were doing. So that's just news. We just found out about that. So I think that's very, very positive they were. They were not a lot of ships going, as you know, sailing beautifully down the various seas,' he said.

He declined to give more details, saying: 'They've said 'please don't bomb us anymore and we're not going to attack your ships.''

Trump said he had the information from a 'very good source.'

President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office

But it's unclear how Trump's announcement came to be. The Houthis denied any deal.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Political Council, told Bloomberg News the Houthi operations in the Red Sea and Israel 'will not stop regardless of the consequences until the end of the aggression on Gaza and blockade on its people.'

Later Tuesday, however, Oman's foreign minister announced a ceasefire.

'Following recent discussions and contacts conducted by the Sultanate of Oman with the United States and the relevant authorities in Sana'a, in the Republic of Yemen, with the aim of de-escalation, efforts have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides,' Badr Albusaidi said.

'In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping.'

Trump also teased another big announcement coming in the next few days, ahead of his trip to the Middle East.

'We're gonna 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 gonna and it's very positive,' he said.

'It is really, really positive. And that announcement will be made either Thursday or Friday or Monday before we leave, but it will be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject,' he said.

He declined to say what the announcement would be about. He leaves for Saudi Arabia on Monday and the heads to the UAE and Qatar.

Trump has been involved in several negotiations, including on trade deals with countries around the world.

His announcement on the Houthis comes as the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on Yemen's main airport in Sanaa on Tuesday, its second attack in two days on Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

The Houthis have been firing at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea since Israel began its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza after the Palestinian militant group's deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Houthis say they are doing so in solidarity with the Palestinians and have pressed on with attacks in response to Israel expanding its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Smoke billows over buildings following Israeli airstrikes in Sana'a, Yemen

It was Trump's attack plans on the Houthis that led to the downfall of his former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

Waltz started a Signal group to discuss the attack plans and accidentally added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

Goldberg wrote about the chat for The Atlantic, claiming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth included classified information on the unsecure app.

The White House denied any classified information was discussed.

Hegseth was later revealed to have used Signal to talk about the attacks with members of his family.
New expert knowledge may mean the conviction of a Scots nurse for the murders of four elderly patients in Leeds was unsafe, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Colin Campbell, formerly known as Colin Norris, was jailed for 30 years in 2008 for the murder of four pensioners and the attempted murder of another at hospitals in Leeds, Yorkshire, by injecting them with insulin.

Prosecutors relied on a 'wholly circumstantial' case, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) said after referring the case to the Court of Appeal in London four years ago.

Michael Mansfield KC, for Campbell, told a Court of Appeal that new developments in medical knowledge mean there is now more evidence to support the argument that the patients may have died from natural causes.

Campbell, who was dubbed the Angel of Death, was convicted of murdering Doris Ludlam, 80, Bridget Bourke, 88, Irene Crookes, 79, and 86-year-old Ethel Hall.

All four were elderly inpatients in 2002 on orthopaedic wards where Campbell worked and each died after developing severe, unexplained hypoglycemia.

Campbell was alleged to have been present when or shortly before each of the patients suffered hypoglycemia and because of the rarity of such a cluster of cases happening within a short space of time prosecutors said the nurse must have been responsible.

A total of 20 experts gave evidence during a five-month trial at Newcastle Crown Court after which Campbell was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years.

Glasgow-born Colin Norris was jailed for 30 years for the murder of four pensioners and the attempted murder of another at hospitals in Leeds

Bridget Bourke, one of four elderly women murdered by Norris

St James's University Hospital where Norris murdered the elderly patients by deliberately injecting them with insulin, causing them to slip into fatal comas

Campbell denied any wrongdoing and said he did nothing to cause hypoglycemia in any of the patients.

He unsuccessfully appealed against his conviction in 2009 and applied to the CCRC in 2011.

Mr Mansfield told the court on Tuesday: 'The nature of the prosecution case was that this appellant, Colin Campbell, was a nurse, recently qualified, who was at two teaching hospitals in Leeds - the General Infirmary and St James's.

'The prosecution case was that he injected the five individuals with insulin and as a result of that injection they all suffered a sudden and severe episode of hypoglycemia, namely, low blood sugar.'

He said there was a consensus among the experts at trial that a sudden and severe onset of hypoglycemia was extremely rare.

But new developments in medical knowledge mean there is now more evidence to support the argument that the patients may have died from natural causes, Mr Mansfield said.

He told the court: 'The approach of the witnesses we intend to call on behalf of the appellant indicates an evolution of understanding, of knowledge, about hypoglycemia and about glucose generally.

'So we say there is now a range of possibilities relating to natural causes.'

Campbell being interviewed by police ahead of a five-month trial at Newcastle Crown Court after which Campbell was sentenced to life imprisonment

He also said that towards the end of Campbell's trial the jury had asked whether there were other cases of patients suffering from 'sudden and profound' hypoglycemia in any of the Leeds teaching hospitals after Campbell stopped working.

Four such cases have since been identified, Mr Mansfield told the court, with the deaths recorded between January 2003 and August 2005, and that 'no-one is suggesting that these cases were anything other than natural causes'.

The barrister also noted the 'remarkably similar' ages in all nine cases with the patients being between 78 and 93 years old but this 'was not discussed' at the trial.

In referring the case, the CCRC said new expert evidence suggests the women may have died from natural causes and so there is a real possibility that the Court of Appeal may find the conviction unsafe.

There have also been other developments in the understanding of hypoglycemia that cast doubt on the expert evidence given at trial, the CCRC said.

James Curtis KC, for the Crown Prosecution Service, which is opposing the appeal, is due to give oral submissions at a later date.

The appeal, before Lady Justice Macur, Sir Stephen Irwin and Mr Justice Picken, is expected to last three weeks.
Nicola Sturgeon has warned that trans lives could become 'unliveable' following the Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman.

The former Scottish first minister said she was concerned about how the landmark ruling has been interpreted.

But she added that it was not 'inevitable' that the court ruling would make trans lives 'impossibly difficult'.

Last month, the UK's highest court ruled the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'.

The case was brought against the Scottish Government by the campaign group For Women Scotland.

Speaking to reporters at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said she would back a further change in the law to improve trans rights, if new guidance put trans people at risk.

The former SNP leader's government had previously attempted to push through the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill in 2023, which was voted through by MSPs.

Nicola Sturgeon has warned that trans lives could become 'unliveable' following the Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman

Susan Smith and Miriam Caulder celebrated outside the Supreme Court following the judgement

The former Scottish first minister said she was concerned about how the landmark ruling has been interpreted

But the legislation was revoked by the then Conservative government, which said it violated the 2010 Equality Act - the law the Supreme Court ruled on in April.

Ms Sturgeon also rejected calls for her to apologise to critics of gender self-ID, saying she 'fundamentally and respectfully disagreed' with such calls.

She said: 'The Supreme Court judgment, by definition, is the law of the land.

'The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country, so there is no gainsaying that.

'The question for me, and I think for a lot of people, is how that is now translated into practice, can that be done in a way that, of course, protects women, but also allows trans people to live their lives with dignity and in a safe and accepted way.

'I think that remains to be seen.'

JK Rowling, 59, has previously hit out at Sturgeon over the ruling, last month she shared a post referring to the former first minister as 'Pontius Pilates', mocking her gym selfie on Easter Monday.

The biblical reference appears to accuse Sturgeon of shirking responsibility, much like Pontius Pilate did when he washed his hands of the decision to crucify Jesus Christ.

The former SNP leader has previously suggested critics of her gender policies used feminism as a 'cloak of acceptability' for misogyny, homophobia and racism.

As well as targeting Sturgeon, Rowling accused Starmer of showing a lack of remorse and posted the Government headshots of 12 'shameless' politicians who have 'sided with the persecutors'.

Ms Sturgeon said it was new guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) that could put trans people at risk.

JK Rowling last night shared a post referring to Nicola Sturgeon as 'Pontius Pilates', a play on words over her gym selfie and accusing her of shirking responsibility as Pontius Pilate did with the crucifixion of Jesus

Following the court ruling, the EHRC published interim guidance that said 'trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in places like hospitals, shops and restaurants.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'I would be very concerned if that interim guidance became the final guidance and I hope that is not the case because I think that potentially makes the lives of trans people almost unliveable.

'The EHRC is a statutory body and I respect the role they've got. I'm not going to comment at this stage on where they might go.

'I'm making a general comment that I don't think it's inevitable that we go from the Supreme Court judgment to a situation where trans lives become impossibly difficult - nor do I believe that's what a majority of people want the situation to be.'

Asked by reporters if she would support a further change to the law to improve trans rights, Ms Sturgeon said she would.

She warned that the court ruling was not a 'moral judgment' and said it was not up to courts to make a statement on what the law could be.

'That's not the role of any court,' she said. 'That's the role of politicians and governments.

'I've spent my life campaigning for the protection and the enhancement of women's rights, and I bow to nobody on that, but I also think it's really important that the tiny, tiny number of people who are trans in this country get to live with dignity and in a way, that they feel safe and accepted in society for who they are.

'I don't believe. I've never believed, and I never will believe, that those two things are inevitably in tension.'

The Glasgow Southside MSP said it appeared to her that 'a lot of the most vocal commentators on this haven't read the judgment, having read it', before adding that there was a 'danger' that certain interpretations could put trans people at risk.

'If that is the case, then yes, it would be, my view that the law as it stands, needs to be looked at,' she said.

Former SNP MSP Joanna Cherry, a critic of gender self-ID, said Ms Sturgeon's claims that trans lives could be 'unliveable' were 'the sort of fatuous hyperbole that she has indulged in in relation to these issues from the outset and it is deeply irresponsible for any politician to so misrepresent the judgment'.

Scottish Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton added: 'Nicola Sturgeon betrayed women and divided Scotland with her reckless gender self-ID policy, yet she still can't bring herself to apologise.

'For years she arrogantly dismissed the concerns of women and girls that their rights and safety were being sacrificed, as she parroted the views of extremist gender activists and ensured they were adopted across Scotland's public sector.

'Gender self-ID was always nonsense - and now the Supreme Court has declared it unlawful too.

'Nicola Sturgeon needs to hold her hands up and say sorry to the women of Scotland. But she and the SNP never admit to their mistakes or accept accountability when they get things badly wrong.'
A notorious criminal organization's alleged head of HR set up her own downfall by posing glamorously with assault rifles and openly taunting police.

Bianca Franco was arrested on criminal organization and drug trafficking charges last Friday by authorities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 24-year-old acted as head of HR for Comando Vermelho, a gang that has operated in the country for decades.

Franco often shared photos and videos of herself posing with weapons on her Instagram account.

One of the shocking videos showed the stunning criminal dancing with a rifle inside a home in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Penha.

In another post, she appeared looking over balcony with a gun tucked into the waist of her pants.

Other pictures showed Franco holding a gun over her shoulder and dangling a rifle from her arm.

For her 24th birthday, she posted a photo of a cake with decorations that spelled out 'AYNA,' her nickname and 'Tropa da 41,' which referenced Leonardo Costa, a high-ranking gang leader who was killed in a gun battle with police in 2023.

Bianca Franco was arrested in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last Friday

Bianca Franco regularly posted photos on her Instagram account showing her with weapons

Bianca Santos stunned police investigators when she confessed to her illegal activities. 'My mother knows that I'm a criminal, she knows that I'm a drug dealer,' she said in one video. 'She knows everything I do. She knows that I carry a gun.'

Investigators were furthered startled by a post in which she confessed to her illegal activities.

'My mother knows that I'm a criminal, she knows that I'm a drug dealer,' Franco confessed.

'She knows everything I do. She knows that I carry a gun.'

When a follower posed a question on her Instagram Stories about authorities in the Brazilian state of Para searching for her, Franco taunted her pursuers.

'The world belongs to the clever ones,' responded.

Franco was among 35 criminal organization members arrested over the past two weeks as part of an investigation known as Operation Parabellum.

She was with two other gang members when they were arrested at a stash house.

The suspects were also arrested on drug trafficking and association with drug trafficking charges.

When a follower reminded Bianca Santos that police in the northeastern Brazilian state of Para were searching for her, the 24-year-old responded, 'The world belongs to the clever ones'

Bianca Franco was arrested last Friday as part of an investigation in multiple criminal organizations in Brazil

Civil Police chief Gustavo Fossati said Franco's job was to check the background of prospective drug dealers.

'She was responsible for collecting all the data, taking photos, checking whether he [the candidate to join the faction] had any complaints from a superior in the criminal organization,' Civil Police chief Gustavo Fossati said.

'And then, if everything was ok, she would take and fill out this form.'
A Russian national stole a 66-foot luxury yacht and fled through Florida waters in a chaotic attempt to evade arrest, police said.

Nikolai Vilka reportedly hijacked a yacht from the Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta on Monday after 5:30pm.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) probed the area, quickly spotting the vessel cruising through the Intracoastal Waterway in the Hobe Sound area.

Law enforcement leaped into action - with the MCSO sharing a video of the moment authorities urgently moved their search efforts into the water and sailed off towards the yacht.

Follow-up footage posted just minutes later showed the stolen vessel surrounded by police boats, staffed with various agencies, ready to catch the culprit.

Police swarmed the yacht, located Vilka, and took him back to shore in handcuffs.

Photos from the bizarre ordeal show the suspect with his head down and legs crossed as he sat on the floor of the patrol boat.

Vilka claimed he cannot speak English, so the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent an interpreter to aid the MCSO's investigation.

Nikolai Vilka (pictured) reportedly hijacked a yacht from the Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta on Monday after 5:30pm

Law enforcement leaped into action - with the MCSO sharing a video of the moment authorities urgently moved their search efforts into the water, sailing off towards the yacht (pictured)

Follow-up footage posted just minutes later showed the stolen vessel surrounded by police boats staffed with various agencies ready to catch the culprit (pictured)

DailyMail.com has reached out to the sheriff's office about what charges Vilka faces. A spokesperson responded, saying more information will be released this afternoon.

It is unclear what prompted Vilka to allegedly attempt the daylight robbery of the large yacht.

'Lol this is so funny to me. What was he thinking?! What did he plan to do with a multi-million dollar stolen luxury yacht,' one Floridian wrote on Facebook.

Another asked: 'He really thought he could get away with that?'

Thousands of other commenters on the MSCO's post shared baffled reactions to Vilka's arrest, many wondering what his exit strategy.

Others praised police efforts to swiftly de-escalate the situation and return the yacht to its rightful owner.

The exact type of boat that was stolen is unclear, but yachts between 50 and 70 feet long tend to go from anywhere from $2 million to $6 million, Galati Yacht Sales reported.

Vilka is not the only man who has gone to great length to escape police in Florida waters.

Last May, a boat-thief disguised himself as a woman in a hilarious wig and dress to evade cops after an alleged boat theft.

The 66-foot yacht stolen from Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta (pictured) was stopped by police in the intracoastal Waterway in the Hobe Sound area

It is unclear what prompted Vilka to allegedly attempt the daylight robbery of the large yacht (pictured: police boats chasing down the yacht)

Police swarmed the yacht, located Vilka, and took him back to shore in handcuffs (pictured)

Photos from the bizarre ordeal show the suspect with his head down and legs crossed as he sat on the floor of the patrol boat (pictured)

Joshua Kolotka, 33, was spotted leaving a house dressed as woman while deputies were investigating a theft in Lakeport last Wednesday, according to the Glade County Sheriff's Office.

The 33-year-old man is seen sporting a white cardigan on top of a blue patterned midi dress, sunglasses, and a hilarious blonde short wig in a photo shared by the sheriff's office.

The investigation stemmed from a recovered stolen boat located at the Old Caloosa Lodge in Lakeport.

But when deputies started canvassing the area in search for the suspect, described as a 33-year-old white male, they stumbled upon a peculiar scene.

'They observed Joshua Kolotka exiting a residence dressed as a woman in an attempt to disguise himself,' the sheriff's office wrote in a release.

He was arrested for two Okeechobee County warrants, along with the theft of a John Deere Gator and the stolen boat.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt ripped a CNN reporter to shreds for sympathetically interviewing a cartel leader about Trump branding the gang a terrorist organization.

The interview between CNN's Isobel Yeung and a masked Sinaloa cartel leader, which aired Saturday, comes as the White House is cracking down on cartel's main forms of income, drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Since Trump took office in January, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already deported over 150,000 illegal aliens and federal forces have stopped over 230,000 pounds of fentanyl from entering the U.S.

The Republican has also signed an executive action to designate the drug cartels terrorist groups and their members as terrorists.

'According to the Trump Administration, you are a terrorist,' Yeung tells the masked narco. 'What do you make of that?'

'Well, the situation is ugly,' the cartel member, whose face is completely covered and voice is seemingly altered, tells the journalist. 'But we have to eat.'

Leavitt skewered the broadcaster for giving a platform to the Sinaloa cartel member on Monday evening.

'I was actually scrolling on Instagram when I came across this interview, and it stopped me in my tracks, not just because they sat down with a member of a Mexican cartel that is now designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States government, but because of the nature of the questions of this notorious foreign terrorist,' she said.

Press Secretary ripped into CNN for giving a 'softball' interview to a terrorist member of the Sinaloa cartel

CNN aired an interview with a member of the Sinaloa cartel over the weekend, prompting outrage from some online

'It was a softball interview giving a platform to a notorious drug cartel that has killed American citizens,' she continued. 'I thought it was quite despicable.'

'But again, this is just another reason why the trust in the legacy media is at an all time low amongst the American public,' the press secretary added.

When asked for what his message to the U.S. president is, the narco responded with a surprising answer.

'My respect,' the gang member responded.

'According to him, hes looking out for his people,' the man said of Trump.

Trump has recently proposed sending U.S. troops to help Mexican authorities wipe out the criminal groups. The CIA, according to reports, is also helping the country spy on the cartels using drones and other advanced American capabilities.

'But the problem is the consumers are in the United States If there werent any consumers we would stop,' the drug dealer explained.

Reacting to the interview online many X users posted their outrage over CNN's coverage.

The narco admitted that the drug trafficking trade is 'ugly,' but so long as there are consumers in America the cartels will keep producing for U.S. markets

Fentanyl users lay passed out in filth while a third sits unconscious in plain sight of the Capitol building in Sacramento, California. The state capitol is not immune from the homeless and drug problems plaguing U.S. cities while solutions seem thin on the ground

Fentanyl, a highly addictive damaging drug has caused a crisis on the streets of Portland, Oregon. The drug readily manufactured in Mexico floods across the porous southern border in pill and powder forms

'So CNN is concerned about hurting the cartels feelings?' one X user wrote. 'This isnt the flex they think it is. Its offensive to Americans.'

'Wow I feel sorry for them,' another user mocked the cartel leader. 'Must be tough to make a living now selling stuff that kills people.'

'I will not give one second of my precious time to CNN when they are trying to generate empathy for our mortal enemies,' another wrote.

'They call this journalism. I call it a psy-op,' the added.

'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.
Two passengers have been arrested after they were caught trying to smuggle baby monkeys out of Colombia in their underwear.

The unnamed couple were intercepted by police while passing through security at Jose Maria Cordova Airport in Rionegro on Saturday.

Officers were shocked to discover six sedated monkeys - two white-faced apes and four cotton-top tamarins - hidden in cloth bags that were concealed between the pair's legs.

Two of the tiny animals were found dead, while the rest were discovered in critical condition, having suffered from severe dehydration, malnutrition and abuse.

Video footage shared by Colombian police shows four baby apes lying helplessly in a cardboard box after they were rescued from the couple's possession.

The duo were planning to smuggle the primates - who are believed to be no older than two months old - out of the country, Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported.

The animals are critically endangered species.

According to a report issued by local environmental agency Cornare, the monkeys 'showed lesions and a marked level of stress'.

A couple have been arrested after they were caught trying to smuggle baby monkeys out of Colombia in their underwear

The discovery was made at the Jose Maria Cordova Airport in Rionegro on Saturday

Cornare director, Javier Valencia Gonzalez, said: 'We emphatically reject this type of wildlife trafficking. Wildlife must remain free. We cannot continue to allow this illegal activity to continue to grow in our country and around the world.'

It is understood that the couple are not from Colombia, although their nationality has not been disclosed.

They have been charged with animal abuse and exploiting natural resources.

This is not the first instance in which police have caught smugglers trying to sneak apes through airports.

Last year, a baby gorilla was rescued after it was discovered inside a small wooden crate at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.

The animal was part of a cargo shipment that was being transported from Nigeria to Bangkok in Thailand.

Customs enforcement teams from the Ministry of Trade inspected the cargo and identified the baby Western lowland gorilla - an endangered species which should be protected.

They had flagged the cargo as part of their efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitat.

Two of the rescued monkeys are said to have died

The monkeys were found suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration

The couple has been charged with animal abuse

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) identifies the species as facing the highest risk of extinction, making its international trade illegal except in rare cases.

After the rescue, officials transferred the baby gorilla to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's care units.

A Ministry spokesperson said: 'The little one is doing well. It was confiscated during customs checks while being illegally transported without proper documentation.

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks personnel are providing rehabilitation and necessary care.'

'The gorilla remains under close observation to ensure its recovery,' they added.

'Rehabilitation experts are working diligently to help the gorilla regain strength and health. Their care aims to provide a safe environment for the animal's well-being.'
An eighth person has died from injuries related to the Philadelphia plane crash in late January.

Dominique Goods-Burke died in the hospital from her burns on April 27, roughly three months after debris from the medical transport plane hit her car.

Goods-Burke, 34, was in the car with her fiance, Steven Dreuitt, and his son. Dreuitt, 37, died after the vehicle was engulfed in flames, while his son survived but suffered severe burns.

The family had been on a shopping trip to Macy's when the tragedy happened, according to FOX 29, the local TV station that first learned of Goods-Burke's death.

Goods-Burke and Dreuitt were the only two people on the ground who died, though 24 others were injured. All six people on board the plane died in the explosion when it crashed along Cottman Avenue on January 31 at around 6:10pm.

Goods-Burke leaves behind two children, aged 15 and six years old, according to a GoFundMe that raised more than $34,000 for her treatment and her family.

She worked as the baking supervisor at the High Point Cafe, which has two locations in northwest Philadelphia.

The cafe's founder, Meg Hagele, hired her 10 years ago and said her leadership and friendship will be sorely missed.

Dominique Goods-Burke, 34, died in hospital last week from injuries caused by the January 31 plane crash in Philadelphia

Goods-Burke was on the ground with her fiance, Steven Dreuitt (pictured), and his son. Fiery debris hit their car, killing Dreuitt and severely burning his son

The plane crash happened on a Friday evening and involved a Learjet 55 air ambulance that had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport

'This place feels really empty and a little haunted. She was an amazing mom, she was an incredible baker, she held this place together,' Hagele told FOX 29.

'She just ran this ship tight. Her daughter would come after school sometimes, and we would be in the lounge area while she finished up. She was just an incredible part of this family that will never be the same.'

'We're still reeling. It's been three months, and we're all still sort of figuring that out,' she said.

Goods-Burke's funeral will be held on May 8, just over two months after the 'celebration of life' ceremony for Dreuitt, her late fiance.

The plane crash happened on a Friday evening and involved a Learjet 55 air ambulance that had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

Among those on board were 11-year-old Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother, 31-year-old Lizeth Murillo.

Valentina had just spent four months at a children's hospital in Philadelphia getting treatment for a serious birth defect that affected her spine.

Valentina Guzman Murillo, 11, and her mother, 31-year-old Lizeth Murillo were on their way back to Tijuana, Mexico, with a brief stop in Missouri

Also on board was pilot Alan Alejandro Montoya Perale, co-pilot Josue Juarez of Veracruz, doctor Raul Meza and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash, said the voice recorder on the plane was not working properly. The recorder was found eight feet underground at the site of impact (pictured)

The plane was bound for Missouri and was then set to head back to Tijuana, Mexico, where Valentina and her mother were from.

Also on board was pilot Alan Alejandro Montoya Perale, co-pilot Josue Juarez of Veracruz, doctor Raul Meza and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, each of whom had dedicated themselves to ensuring the child's safe return.

All six people on the plane were Mexican nationals.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash, said the voice recorder on the plane was not working properly. The recorder was found eight feet underground at the site of impact.

The audio that was recovered in the immediate aftermath demonstrated that the pilot could barely be heard by air traffic controllers, with some speculating that there was 'a moan' just before the plane was declared 'lost.'

The Philadelphia plane crash came just two days after an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter crashed mid-air over the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

All 67 people on board the helicopter and the passenger aircraft died, making it the deadliest plane crash in the United States in the past 24 years.

A recent report in The New York Times claimed that the pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter maintained too high an altitude despite being told to descend by another crew member.
President Donald Trump offered to give former President Barack Obama some help with finishing construction on his presidential library.

Trump was hosting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office on Tuesday when he did one of his trademarks weaves and got on the topic of Obama's Chicago-based library project.

While Obama has been out of office since early 2017, his Obama Presidential Center won't open until sometime next year, after being delayed several times with the cost ballooning from $350 million to $830 in 2021.

'I mean, look, President Obama, if he wanted help I'd give him help, because I'm a really good builder, and I build on time, on budget,' Trump said. 'He's building his library in Chicago. It's a disaster.'

Trump then claimed that Obama said: 'I only want DEI, I only want woke.'

'He wants woke people to build it,' he continued. 'Well, he got woke people, and they have massive cost overruns. The job has stopped. I don't know, it's a disaster. And I don't like that happening because I think it's bad for the presidency.'

In May 2021, the Obama Foundation announced the Obama Presidential Center's Construction Workforce Initiative saying that it will 'create an inclusive construction workforce trained with skills to build the OPC, and create a diverse pipeline of talent that can be funneled to construction projects across the city.'

The initiative hoped that 35 percent of the workforce would come from the South and West Sides of Chicago.

President Donald Trump (right) did one of his trademark weaves while answering questions from reporters Tuesday alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left), suddenly talking about former President Barack Obama's library construction woes

A visual of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park in Chicago in September 2024. It's not expected to open to the public until next year, with Trump blaming the delays on an initiative to hire workers from Chicago's underserved and predominantly black neighborhoods

It also pledged to work with 'diverse subcontractors' and make the bidding process easier for them.

At the time, the Obama Foundation pledged $850,000 to partner with local workforce development organizations to train 400 new apprentices from those underserved areas of the city.

Trump said that Obama was trying to be 'politically correct.'

'And he didn't use good, hard, tough, mean, construction workers that I love, Marco,' Trump said, giving a shout-out to his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was seated nearby.

'He wanted people that, like, never did it before and he's got a disaster on his hands, like millions of dollars, many many, I mean really, many millions of dollars over budget. And I would love to help him with that ...I could recommend professionals,' Trump said.

Trump had been asked by a reporter about when some of the investments the president has touted would show up in economic data.

The president answered that it was 'hitting right now.'

'These are not people that look for financing. That's a good thing,' Trump said.

Former President Barack Obama is captured during President Donald Trump's inauguration in January in the Capitol Rotunda. Trump has been critical of Obama for years, though the two men were seen laughing and chatting at President Jimmy Carter's funeral in January

He then segued into talk about the real estate business.

'You know, in real estate, you get a site, then you have to look for financing, you have to get your zoning, you know, five years later you start building, you get a bank, and the bank's no good,' the president said.

Trump then brought up the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022.

The president claimed that the act allowed for money to be doled out without restrictions, while at the same time claiming it only went to entities that were 'woke.'

'I don't want to be a wise guy, but if you didn't go with DEI, if you didn't go with all of the different things, woke, if you weren't woke, you couldn't even use the money,' the president said.

'You had to have a certain percentage of this and that and that and that,' Trump went on. 'It's impossible, impossible to have the people - and the companies actually complain to me. They say they gave me all this money. But nobody can get these people to do anything.'

And then from there, Trump pivoted to talking about Obama and his library's construction woes.

In the early 2010s, Trump pivoted into politics by pushing the so-called 'birther' theory, a conspiracy theory suggesting that the Hawaiian-born Obama had actually been born in his father's native Kenya.

The president has largely been critical of Obama - though surprisingly the two men were seen chatting and laughing in January at President Jimmy Carter's funeral.
Donald Trump's Justice Department seized 3 million fentanyl pills as part of the largest-ever multi-state drug operation in U.S. history.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that the operation spanned at least four states and was being run by a group of drug traffickers that included half-a-dozen people in the U.S. illegally.

She said that the bust took down major Sinaloa Cartel leader Alberto Salazar Amaya, who was living in Salem, Oregon. But the fentanyl his team peddled was spread throughout New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

'This multi-agency operation  led by DEA with our local, state, tribal and federal partners  targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations in our country,' Bondi said in a press conference on the historic operation.

She added: 'The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including an astounding approximately 3 million fentanyl pills  the largest seizure in our nation's history.'

Bondi said the seizure and arrests are 'the most significant victory in our nation's fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking to date.'

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on May 6, 2025 the largest-ever multi-state drug seizure in U.S. history

'The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including an astounding approximately 3 million fentanyl pills  the largest seizure in our nation's history,' Bondi said at a press conference

On stage with Bondi at the Justice Department building on Tuesday were agents and prosecutors with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.

Alongside the group were posters with images of the drugs seized and the traffickers arrested.

Bondi praised the partners who helped make the historic operation a success.

'They have made the largest fentanyl bust in our nation's history,' she lauded.

Amaya and six of his accomplices were in the U.S. illegally when they were arrested in connection to the drug trafficking ring.

Trump's immigration policies now include deporting to El Salvador's notorious prison any gang members and other migrant criminals found to be in the U.S. without documentation.

Earlier this year, Trump sent hundreds of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members to the Terrorism Confinement Center.

The prison's construction in 2022 came as El Salvador's leaders sought to crack down on a rise in gang activity.

Sinaloa Cartel leader Alberto Salazar Amaya (lower right) was arrested along with at least a half dozen others living in the U.S. illegally. Amaya was living in Salem, Oregon with millions in cash and cars
LE SSERAFIM's Huh Yunjin will not be joining her group for their upcoming concerts in Nagoya, Japan, after experiencing sudden back pain that required medical attention.

The announcement was made by Source Music, the group's management agency, just days before the scheduled performances on May 6 and 7 as part of the "EASY CRAZY HOT" tour.

According to the official statement, Yunjin began having trouble walking during a rehearsal last week due to intense back pain. She was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and has since been under observation as she recovers. Medical professionals have advised that Yunjin needs additional rest and should refrain from participating in physically demanding activities for the time being.

Source Music explained that the decision to have Yunjin sit out the Nagoya concerts was made after careful consideration of her health and in accordance with medical advice. The agency emphasized that the well-being of their artists is their top priority and asked for fans' understanding regarding the sudden change in schedule.

Yunjin's absence from the Nagoya concerts follows her earlier withdrawal from fan signing events on May 1 and 2, which she also missed due to her ongoing recovery. The agency has assured fans that they are fully supporting her treatment and will continue to adjust her schedule as needed to ensure her full recovery.

Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM will continue their "EASY CRAZY HOT" tour, which started in Incheon, South Korea, and includes stops in several Asian cities before heading to North America later this year. The group will perform as a quartet in Nagoya, with hopes that Yunjin will be able to rejoin them once her health improves.

Source Music has promised to provide further updates on Yunjin's condition and thanked fans for their understanding and support during this time.
ICE agents found a child rapist hiding out at a Massachusetts daycare center.

Andre Tiago Lucas was sentenced to nine years in jail in his native Brazil after being found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2016.

But he fled to the US before beginning his sentence and eventually settled in Massachusetts.

Lucas, 36, was picked up by ERO officers in Bourne last October.

Boston 25 News reports that he was living at a daycare in Hyannis owned by Franciele Nunes which has subsequently closed.

Nunes had been licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) for three years, during which time her premises was inspected five times.

However, no trace of Lucas was ever discovered, a fact which raised alarm bells for State Representative Steven Xiarhos.

'You've really got to, I think, go out of your way to make sure each place is as safe as it should be,' he told Boston 25 News.

Child rapist Andre Tiago Lucas was arrested while hiding out at a Massachusetts daycare center

'And that's with proper background checks, looking around when you visit to see if there's any signs of anything wrong.'

The EEC confirmed it only became aware of Lucas' presence at the daycare four months after his arrest.

The agency conducts background checks for anyone aged 15 or above living in or attending home daycares, however they do not include foreign criminal history checked.

Immigration status also does not factor in the checks, meaning Lucas would have slipped through undetected even if EEC had been aware of his presence.

'[It's] terrifying  that someone has been documented, that a Brazilian national fled the country because they were convicted for rape of a 13-year-old and could come to Massachusetts and not only disappear into the fabric of Massachusetts, but actually be living in a home that was a daycare center for young people,' Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis told Boston 25 News.

The daycare center claims to focus on, 'safety, fun, and learning while creating a loving environment that families in Hyannis trust', according to a profile on Daycare.com.

Lucas was convicted by the Sole Court of the District of Serro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, December 6, 2016, of rape of a vulnerable person and sentenced to serve nine years and four months incarceration.

The Hyannis facility was owned by Franciele Nunes (pictured) and has subsequently closed

Lucas was set to serve nine years in jail for raping a teenager in Brazil but instead fled to the US and settled in Massachusetts

Following his arrest in Bourne, he was placed in custody where he is expected to remain during immigration proceedings.

Lucas was listed as an inmate in the Plymouth Correctional Facility as of Tuesday afternoon.

'This Brazilian fugitive has been convicted of a heinous crime in his native country,' said acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde of ERO Boston.

'Rather than face the consequences for his actions, he chose to flee, falsely believing he could evade justice in Massachusetts.'
Ministers must build 53,000 new prison spaces  almost 40,000 more than currently planned  to keep up with demand and ensure criminals are punished, according to a new report.

The study by think-tank Policy Exchange warned that more jail space is required to protect the public.

However, Labours long-awaited sentencing review  due to be published later in the Spring  is expected to recommend sending vastly fewer criminals to jail.

The think-tanks report noted that only 46 per cent of hyper prolific offenders with 45 or more previous convictions who appeared in court during 2023 were sentenced to custody.

It is difficult to conceive of a statistic which more demonstrates the contempt with which the criminal justice system is treating the law-abiding majority, it said.

There should be capacity within the prison system for every single one of the most prolific offenders to be sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment  to be served in full.

We therefore recommend that the Government increase their ambitions substantially.

Vastly more jail space is required to keep up with demand, the Policy Exchange report concluded

Backing the new report, former chief inspector of prisons Peter Clarke said: The reality is that there is no realistic alternative to increasing the capacity of our prisons.

Not to do so would amount to an acceptance that the protection of the public is no longer the highest priority  an obviously untenable position for any Government.

It is essential that more prison spaces are made available as a matter of urgency.

In a foreword to the study he added: Our prisons are not protecting the public as they should.

Peter Clarke, the former chief inspector of prisons, has backed the new report

The report said the Ministry of Justice should deliver 14,600 prison places already promised plus a further 10,900 to meet prisoner forecasts within the next five years.

Additionally 17,500 prison places should be built within the next ten years to guarantee that every violent and prolific offender receives a prison sentence on conviction.

Another 10,000 prison cells are required within the next decade to eliminate jail overcrowding, it added.

The report expressed concern over the wide availability of the illegal drug spice behind bars, which is driving violence, self-harm and debts by inmates.

The synthetic cannabinoid is being hidden inside legally-privileged papers sent into jail from outside  which cannot be scrutinised by guards unless the governor ruled there are reasonable grounds to do so, it said, and one prison officer told researchers a crackdown on spice feels impossible.

Instead of the current system of automatic release which sees most offenders let out after serving just 40 per cent of the sentence handed down by a court, criminals should earn their freedom, the study went on.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has commissioned a sentencing review which is expected to conclude that vastly fewer criminals should be sent to jail

They should only be released early if they demonstrate good behaviour and complete training, work and rehabilitation programmes in jail, it said.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed an interest in a form of good behaviour scheme after visiting jails in Texas which have been running similar programmes for nearly 20 years.

But it remains unclear whether any version adopted by Labour would require all offenders to show good conduct in order to earn a sentence discount, or whether it would offer an additional reduction.

Report author David Spencer, a former Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector and Policy Exchanges head of crime and justice, said: Government plans to increase the prison estate by 14,000 places are welcome.

But the Government must also go much further: we need to build more prisons so every single prolific offender that causes the public such misery is locked up.

Ministers must not allow themselves to be trapped into repeating the failures of the past by the soon to be published sentencing review.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: This Government inherited overcrowded prisons, days from collapse.

We introduced emergency measures last summer but we were always clear that longer term action was required.

We are now committed to the largest prison building plan in over a century, adding 14,000 places by 2031. We will also reform sentencing to ensure no government runs out of cells again.
The daughters of a woman who vanished more than seven years ago have issued an emotional plea for information as they ask their mother to come home.

Stefana Otilia Malinici, 45, has not been seen by family or friends since leaving her home on Beccles Drive, Barking, on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.

The Romanian national, who is known as Otilia, was 37 years old at the time of her disappearance and had been working as a cleaner in London.

She was last seen on CCTV visiting a shop on Green Lane, Ilford, on Monday, September 9, 2017.

Officers also believe Otilia may have boarded the number five bus at 10.14pm from Wood Lane, Dagenham, on Tuesday, September 10, 2017.

Since then, police have not been able to trace Otilia and she has not made any contact with her husband or children.

As detectives appeal for new information on her whereabouts, Otilia's daughters are desperate for their mother, who they have 'grown up without', to 'return home'.

In a statement, they said: 'It has now been more than seven years without our mother. We have grown up without her and miss her every day.

Stefana Otilia Malinici (above) has not been seen by family or friends since leaving her home on Beccles Drive, Barking, on September 6, 2017

'She always brings support and love for anyone who needs it, even strangers and she always tries to cheer people up.

'We appeal to the public for anyone to come forward if they know anything about her or her whereabouts. We also appeal to her directly, please return home to us.'

Otilia was last seen wearing a black top with a large light coloured motif, dark tight jeans or leggings tucked into flat dark, mid-calf length boots, and a dark coloured three-quarter length fitted jacket.

She is said to have had reddish hair in a bob style at the time.

Police also say Otilia is 'vulnerable' and that they cannot rule out the possibility that she has come into physical harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi, from the Met's East Area Public Protection unit, said: 'It is now more than seven years since Otilia was reported missing and we are continuing our work to find out where she is.

The Romanian national (above), who is known as Otilia, was 37-years-old at the time of her disappearance and had been working as a cleaner in London

'While there is no evidence to suggest that Otilia has come to physical harm, we cannot rule this out.

'Her family here in the UK and in Romania are still carrying on their daily lives without knowing where their loved one is. Her daughters have grown up without their mother, so we urge anyone who may know Otilia, or where she is, to come forward without further delay.

'We ask anyone who has provided shelter or support to Otilia to also please contact police. Even if this was not recently, we want to hear from you.'

Officers urged anyone with information on her whereabouts to call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting 01/1106106/24.
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday refused to apologise to the women wronged by her failed gender ideology despite a crushing defeat at the Supreme Court.

The former First Minister caused more outrage by insisting she had always campaigned for the protection and the enhancement of womens rights and recognised different views.

She was branded snide after describing the successful court challenge brought against the SNP Government as purportedly' about protecting women and claimed twice as many women backed her views as opposed them.

The Scottish Conservatives said she had betrayed women and must say sorry.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC, who was ostracised by party colleagues for resisting Ms Sturgeons gender crusade, accused her of trying to rewrite history.

For Women Scotland (FWS), the campaigners who won in Court, said it was laughable for the ex-SNP leader to claim she had listened to views she infamously trashed as not valid.

Giving her first response to last months landmark judgment, Ms Sturgeon said she feared the ruling could make the lives of trans people almost 'unliveable and even hinted existing UK law might have to be changed.

Former lawyer Ms Sturgeon said she accepted the Court ruling was the law of the land but said it remains to be seen if it can be put into practice fairly for trans people.

She said: Ive spent my life campaigning for the protection and the enhancement of womens rights, and I bow to nobody on that. But I also think its really important that the tiny, tiny number of people who are trans in this country get to live with dignity and in a way that they feel safe and accepted in society for who they are.

Asked if she owed FWS and Ms Cherry an apology, given they felt their views were ignored over the GRR Bill, she said: On both of those I fundamentally disagree, fundamentally and respectfully disagree.

Ive always recognised the different views on this. But I think its important that respect runs in both directions.

For any group or any individual, me included, to say that their view is the only view that carries weight, or the only view that has support, I just think is fundamentally [wrong].

Nicola Sturgeon raised eyebrows by claiming she had always campaigned for 'the protection and the enhancement of womens rights'

Talking to the media at Holyrood, she also attacked interim guidance on how public bodies should respond to the ruling issued by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

She would be very concerned if the advice, which says trans women should not use toilets intended for biological women, was confirmed as the final guidance in the summer.

The UKs highest court ruled unanimously that biological sex, not gender choice or a gender certificate, determines a persons rights under the UK Equality Act 2010.

The decision puts women-only spaces off limits to biological males who identify as women.

If followed FWS challenging a 2018 Holyrood law about gender balance on public boards.

SNP ministers argued transgender women should count towards a 50:50 target.

But the Court said this was unworkable and declared sex was binary and a person was either a man or a woman, according to biology.

Critics said the ruling proved the SNPs failed Gender Recognition Bill (GRR), which would have let men legally declare themselves women through self-ID, was deeply reckless.

Campaigners celebrate after the UKs highest court ruled unanimously that biological sex determines a person's rights

Asked about SNP ministers delaying a new law to tackle misogyny following the ruling, she said archly: There would be an irony if a court action [by FWS] that was purportedly - and I use that word deliberately - purportedly about protecting women, ends up seeing a halt to a Misogyny Bill that is actually about protecting women.

FWS co-founder Susan Smith added: Nicola Sturgeon never cared for the women whose lives she upended by allowing any and all men to self-identify their way into womens facilities.

Women in prison, in hospital, in domestic violence shelters said the policies championed by the SNP made their lives unliveable and unsafe while lesbian women were bullied and harassed, including by men feted by Sturgeon and her MSPs.

We arent surprised by her refusal to apologise but its laughable to claim that our views were listened to.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: Nicola Sturgeon betrayed women and divided Scotland with her reckless gender self-ID policy, yet she still cant bring herself to apologise.

Gender self-ID was always nonsense - and now the Supreme Court has declared it unlawful too.

Nicola Sturgeon needs to hold her hands up and say sorry to the women of Scotland.

Ms Cherry said: To say that The Supreme Court judgment means we are at risk of making the lives of trans people almost unliveable is the sort of fatuous hyperbole that she has indulged in in relation to these issues from the outset.

Its a simply not true to say that all opinions were taken account of in this debate.

She branded the views of those of us who pointed out the implications for the rights of women, including lesbians, as not valid and she called us transphobes bigots, racists and homophobes.

Her snide suggestion that the supreme Court judgement has stymied the Misogyny Bill has no basis in fact.

Nicola Sturgeon is trying to rewrite history in relation to these matters, but those of us who fought her every inch of the way in her attack on the rights of women and LGB people will not let her do so.

Former Tory Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, who stopped the GRR Bill becoming law, told ITV Border both Ms Sturgeon and John Swinney should apologise to the women who fought the legal case.
A British man died after falling from a coconut tree in Brazil, an inquest has heard.

Christopher Robert Cavey, from Oxford, plunged to his death on February 25 on Aventurero Beach on Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio De Janeiro.

The 36-year-old suffered from injuries described as brain haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, traumatic haemorrhage, and liver laceration, as reported by Oxford Mail.

An inquest into Mr Cavey's tragic death was held at a coroner's court in Oxford, where coroner Nicholas Graham concluded that his death was an accident.

According to Mr Cavey's LinkedIn profile, he resided in Bristol and had been working as a solutions architect for tech conglomerate Siemens for the last three years.

An online memorial page dedicated to Mr Cavey said: 'He is much loved and will always be remembered'.

He leaves behind his father Maurice, brother Alex and partner Tila.

Mr Cavey's death comes months after a British tourist and his son were found dead on a rainforest nature trail in Brazil.

Christopher Robery Cavey, died after falling from a coconut tree in Brazil

Cavey, from Oxford, was living in Bristol and worked as a solutions architect

The tragic accident happened at Aventurero Beach on Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio De Janeiro

The bodies of the father and son were discovered on June 30 last year on a coastal trail in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo state, between a pair of popular beaches.

Investigators said their corpses sported burns consistent with receiving a powerful electric shock, while the father had one end of a broken mains power cable trapped underneath his leg, local media reported.

In a heartbreaking twist, the worried niece of the father is said to have called his phone as investigators were identifying the bodies in a desperate attempt to locate him.

The father and son were only found when engineers from Elektro power company went to investigate a blackout at Bonete Beach - one of two beaches connected by the coastal trail.

Their car was later discovered in a nearby parking lot.

Police investigating the case registered the deaths as accidental.
The President of Harvard University was left visibly uncomfortable after being confronted with the vast number of his staff who are liberal.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal's editor in chief Emma Tucker, Alan Garber was asked about findings that said the faculty at the school was largely liberal.

Tucker cited a 2023 survey by The Harvard Crimson that found 77 percent of the faculty was liberal in her questioning.

In response, he said: 'One thing I can tell you is it's nothing deliberate about our hiring policies or our tenure policies.

'I think there are certain fields with people with more liberal or left-wing points of view feel more welcome.

'It may be that we don't have as many conservatives as we should have. Part of it also may be that people don't feel comfortable speaking out when they disagree.'

Garber also contended that the school has 'had some real problems that we should address'.

He said that those included 'perceived lack of ideological diversity' among staff and students.

Alan Garber was pressed about findings that said the faculty at the school was liberal

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

The school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has an endowment of $53 billion, the largest in the country

It is the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump Administration and the Ivy League school, with officials saying that they would now be cutting grants.

Trump has been critical of universities that allowed pro-Palestinian demonstrations to run amok.

Administration officials have also taken issue with what they consider to be lack of diversity - with too few conservatives on staff.

A Education Department official said on Monday that the school would not be eligible for new grants.

Research grants would be the ones impacted - not federal student aid, which funnels through universities before providing students with financial relief.

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.

Harvard has refused to meet a series of demands issued by the administration, pushing back on the requests. Garber has previously said he won't bend to the government.

The university sued last month to overturn the funding freeze, pushing back against the government's 'sweeping and intrusive demands.'

The school came under great scrutiny over campus antisemitism in response to Israel's war against Hamas

The demands include that Harvard make broad government leadership changes, change its admissions policy and audit its faculty and student body.

Harvards lawsuit said the funding freeze violated the schools First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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.

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.

Others being pushed to make changes include Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, all of who have had their funds cut.

As the administration continues to wage its war against the school, Kristi Noem also said last month that the school would lost its ability to enroll foreign students should it fail to comply with the demands.

Noem also announced the termination of two DHS grants totaling over $2.7 million to Harvard.

The former governor of South Dakota wrote a letter to Harvard demanding records on what she called the 'illegal and violent activities' of Harvard's foreign student visa holders by April 30.
A British beautician accused of smuggling $6.2m of cocaine into Chicago O' Hare Airport tried to trick Immigration and Customs Enforcement into deporting her so she could evade justice, it is alleged.

Kimberly Hall, 29, is said to have presented herself to ICE officers in February after being freed on an electronic monitoring tag.

Hall was allowed to book a flight and was all set to jet out of Illinois for her native Middlesbrough in England when Cook County Prosecutors heard about the scheme, it is claimed.

But the alleged plot then backfired horribly, with a judge revoking Hall's electronic monitoring and sending her to jail, the Chicago Tribune revealed.

Judge Michael McHale wrote that Hall was 'almost successful in her attempt' to flee the United States and had a flight back to the UK booked before cops realized what was happening.

Prosecutors haven't outlined whether ICE agents were aware of the charges Hall was facing while assisting her in her alleged scheme to flee back to Britain.

Hall was caught carrying 100 pounds (43 kilograms) of cocaine through O'Hare Airport in August 2024 after getting off a flight from Cancun, prosecutors say.

She was about to board a connecting flight home to the UK when she was apprehended.

She is said to have admitted to investigators that she'd been given the bags during a trip to Mexico and asked to take them back to Manchester in England.

Hall's attorney Brandon Hall sought to play down her involvement at the time, saying: 'Kimberly is obviously a very small fish in a grander scheme of things.'

Kimberly Hall is said to have tried to get Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport her to her native Britain after she was allegedly busted with $6.5 million of cocaine at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Hall, pictured shortly after her August 2024 arrest, was on the verge of boarding a flight home to the UK to evade justice, prosecutors allege. She had been released from jail on an ankle tag just before the alleged escape attempt

Hall, pictured in a newer mugshot, says she had been asking about how to get a job when she was taken into ICE custody

But Hall was charged with two class X felonies - controlled substance trafficking and possession with intent to deliver.

She was indicted by a grand jury in September 2024, with prosecutors asking for Hall to remain behind bars over fears she was a flight risk.

A judge refused, instead ordering her to hand over her passport and don an ankle monitor so authorities could keep tabs her whereabouts.

Hall's attorney Carter claims the alleged drug mule had actually been detained by ICE while seeking information about finding a job in the United States.

'The kiosk official saw the electronic monitoring device on Ms. Hall and assumed it was from ICE and instructed her to go to their office in the same building,' Carter's motion said.

'When she spoke to an ICE official she was arrested and placed in custody.'

Carter even suggested the 'wildly unpredictable' Trump administration was to blame for the drama amid an ongoing crackdown on migrants.

He suggested ICE agents had overreacted to an honest enquiry about finding work, which prosecutors have now interpreted as a bid to flee.

Carter wants Hall released from jail again and a hearing to determine whether she should remain behind bars has been scheduled for May 16.

Hall was nabbed after arriving at Chicago O'Hare (pictured) on a connecting flight in August 2024

She claims she was asked to carry a bag containing what she believed to be $250,000 in cash from Cancun in Mexico to Manchester in England

Hall, speaking while on house arrest, says she had been offered a freebie trip to Mexico while on vacation to Portugal and accepted the offer because she needed 'a bit of breathing space'

Hall said last year: 'I am not guilty of what they're saying I am.'

She said she was enjoying a leisure trip to Portugal when she was offered a free trip to Mexico by two men who asked her to bring a case full of cash to the UK.

Hall said she'd accepted the trip because she needed 'a bit of breathing space' and claimed the two men she met 'certainly didn't come across as being criminals.'

Hall was initially freed on house arrest and was only allowed to leave the property where she was staying for two days a week.

Its location has not been disclosed and it is unclear if Hall has to pay for her accommodation.

She faces 60 years behind bars if convicted of the charges she faces.
He's a rabble-rousing populist who offers simplistic solutions to complex problems.

His rhetoric might be all about the need to improve the lives of ordinary people but his actions are those of a nihilist whose instinct is to tear down rather than build up.

And hes currently on course to become one of the most influential politicians in Scotland, despite never standing for election here.

Last week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage saw his party sweep aside both Labour and the Conservatives at local elections in England. And next year, hell also have the SNP in his sights.

Polling suggests Reform could come third in next Mays Holyrood election, winning 15 or more seats.

First Minister John Swinney would like you to believe he is absolutely horrified at the prospect. Last month, in order to demonstrate just how concerned he is, he convened a meeting of political and civic leaders to discuss the dangers of the populist right (shorthand, in this instance, for Mr Farage)

But, though he could never admit as much in public, the First Minister would be perfectly content to see Reform eat into support for his traditional Unionist opponents. More than that, Mr Swinney knows precisely how Mr Farage will do it.

There are more similarities between John Swinney and Nigel Farage than he would like to admit

There is something rather impressive in the way the First Minister sets himself aside from the Reform leader. Mr Swinney would like to be seen as a moral man, a progressive who puts nation before self. And he would like us to view Mr Farage as his polar opposite.

The truth, of course, is that the men are - in many ways - the same. Both are insular, petty nationalists, both are willing to make ludicrous claims on behalf of their movements, and both thrive on the division they create.

And both Mr Farage and Mr Swinney have every reason to hope the other succeeds.

The First Minister said recently there was there a very real possibility of Mr Farage becoming Prime Minister next year and he was fearful of what lies ahead should that happen.

Naturally, that attack on the Reform UK leader saw him lay blame for Mr Farages success on the absolutely spectacular failure of the Labour and Conservative parties. Both parties, he said, had spent years cosying up to the Farage agenda and they have now come a cropper.

I would take Mr Swinneys concerns about the dangers of populism more seriously if I hadnt spent more than a quarter of a century following and writing about the campaigns of the SNP.

It was not members of Mr Farages party who, for example, gathered in their hundreds outside the BBC headquarters to shout abuse at staff during the 2014 independence referendum. And it is not members of Mr Farages party who routinely turn up outside rivals conferences to hurl insults and threats at delegates. This is the SNP way.

Dont get me wrong. Im no admirer of the Reform leader. His politics are cheap and hes utterly reckless when it comes to the consequences of his policies. Mr Farage preys on the fears of the vulnerable and disadvantaged, encouraging them to believe they are victims of a corrupt system and that only he stands as a bulwark against the corruption of the establishment. The Reform leader enjoys the support of people whose interests he does not serve.

Nigel Farage's Reform party is expected to make huge gains in the next Holyrood election

You know, when you start counting them, the similarities between Mr Swinney and Mr Farage really do mount up.

The SNP and Reform leaders exist in a strange co-dependent relationship, each the others bogeyman. For Reform, the prospect of an increasingly powerful SNP creates a potent message for voters in England who, quite understandably I feel, do not much like the prospect of a UK Government in thrall in any way to the Scottish Nationalists.

For the SNP, the prospect of a Farage premiership feeds into the partys long-standing narrative of Scotland being fundamentally different to England. Well have none of that Little Englander nonsense here.

Im not convinced that Mr Farage will achieve his ambition of reaching 10 Downing Street. His previous parties, UKIP and the Brexit Party, did very well in local - and European - elections but could not make a significant breakthrough at Westminster.

That said, I wouldnt rule out Reform winning enough seats at Westminster at the next election to mean they have real influence, potentially even at the level of becoming kingmakers should no party win an overall majority.

The general election is a long way away, however. Before then, we have the Holyrood election of May 2026.

We can, I think, confidently predict that, although the Scottish Labour Party is the SNPs main challenger, the nationalists will focus on Mr Farage.

Only a vote for the SNP, the leaflets will insist, can stop the rise of Reform. Mr Swinney will fight Little England from the heart of Little Scotland, arguing that the only way to spare our country from the insular politics or Reform is to back the insular politics of the SNP.

It is perfectly clear from current polling that the Scottish Conservatives stand to lose most ground to Reform but it would be complacent of the First Minister to think that Reform cannot - indeed, will not - take votes from the Scottish nationalists.

It is perfectly conceivable to me, for example that traditional SNP and Labour voters will stick with their usual parties in the constituency vote next year and back Reform on the regional lists.

The issue of womens rights is one where both self-styled progressive parties are vulnerable to attack from Reform which is unequivocal in its view that biological sex is important and immutable.

There is also the not insignificant question of where does the anger generated during the independence referendum campaign go now that the prospect of a second vote on the constitution is off the table.

When a second independence referendum seemed a real prospect, Mr Swinney and his colleagues had a clear and direct pitch: vote for us and escape this mess. What clear and compelling message will he have next year? Vote for us and well enter into discussions about talks?

The idea that Reform is an England-only affair is well and truly dead. There will be members of Nigel Farages party at Holyrood next year.

And theyll get there using the same divisive and reckless rhetoric that has served John Swinney and the SNP so very well for two decades.
Free trade deals are meant to provide a boon to consumers, enrich the economy  and be fair to both sides.

Keir Starmer's landmark accord with Indian strongman Narendra Modi is none of the above, at least when it comes to the British people.

At the very moment our economy buckles under the weight of Labour's swingeing increase to employers' National Insurance contributions, the PM has agreed that many Indian workers will be welcomed with open arms into Britain, free from the obligation to pay employment taxes for three years.

Predictably, the move has provoked outrage. As senior Tory Robert Jenrick put it: 'Starmer has hiked National Insurance on Brits while giving an exemption to Indian migrants. British workers come last in Starmer's Britain.'

Keir Starmer and Indian PM Narendra Modi in Rio de Janeiro last year

With their expertise in technology and accounting, their fluency in English and their undeniable work ethic, Indian immigrants have long made a valuable contribution in this country.

But exempting them from paying National Insurance, even temporarily, is unconscionable after Rachel Reeves squeezed an extra 40 billion from British taxpayers  killing consumer and business confidence and bringing the economy screeching to a standstill.

Of course, greater access to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets, is useful for the Government after Donald Trump's tariff war wreaked havoc on the global economy.

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have, since the US President's so-called 'Liberation Day' on April 2, repeatedly promised a trade deal with the US. Yet despite Reeves holding talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, nothing has materialised. (Cruelly, the Americans look closer to forging their own trade deal with India than they do with the UK.)

After three years of negotiations, the Government has boasted that the new

deal with India will eventually be worth 4.8 billion in extra trade to Britain over ten years. That is frankly pitiful from an economy the size of India  one to which Britain already has centuries-old ties. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, a former business secretary, has declared she would never have signed the new agreement.

Why? Because, in her view, it breached three red lines.

It allows for tax rebates to Indian residents in the UK not available to people already in the country; it allows too many visas for Indian incomers; and it penalises British industries that are already under pressure, from aluminium to ceramics. Yes, it is

welcome that barriers against UK car exports, whisky and other goods sold into India will fall. Similarly, levies charged on India's exports of shoes and clothing to Britain will be cut, lowering prices in shops here.

But the focus of this trade deal is on physical trade.

The cornerstone of the British economy is services  financial, legal, and business. And these appear to have been given short shrift. The Law Society claimed that the deal's failure to include legal services, a powerhouse of what economists call our 'invisible exports', was a shameful missed opportunity.

Also anxious are British farmers. The Business Department has claimed that the new deal will 'lock in' reductions in agricultural goods, but experts fear that Indian farming practices, including the use of pesticides banned in Britain, will undermine this country's high food standards and pose health risks to customers. It seems extraordinary that Britain should be lowering the barriers to Indian farm products while holding firm against allowing 'chlorinated chicken' and hormone-enhanced beef from the United States.

Starmer's critics  Tesla billionaire Elon Musk among them  like to call him 'two-tier Keir' given his apparent fondness for the unequal treatment of different groups in Britain.

To me, Labour's decision to offer Indian employees a break on National Insurance is only the latest and most brazen example of this unedifying nickname.

It is also explosive in the current political climate, for obvious reasons.

Overall, this deal is a blunder of the first order  and Starmer may yet pay a serious price for it.
A child has died while a woman and two other children are fighting for their lives after a horror house fire in Queensland.

Emergency services rushed to Harristown, a suburb in Toowoomba about 127km west of Brisbane, around 12.30am following reports of a house fire.

Firefighters found the Merritt St home fully engulfed in flames before desperately working to bring the blaze under control.

Six people were able to escape the fire, including a 34-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman and four children.

Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that a fifth child, who was 'unaccounted' for at the time of the fire, had died.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service station manager Neil Goodman said fire crews located the child's body near the front door.

'Once (crews) could bring the fire under control sufficiently, just near the front door, they located one (deceased person),' Mr Goodman told 7News.

The woman and two of the children, including a female toddler and a primary-school-aged girl, were rushed to Toowoomba Hospital in life-threatening condition after suffering significant burns.

Firefighters discovered the body of a missing child near the front door after extinguishing a ferocious blaze in Toowoomba

A child has died and a woman and two other children have been taken to hospital in critical condition after a horror house fire in Toowoomba

The man was also taken to hospital with serious burns to his arm and remains in a potentially life-threatening condition.

A primary-school-aged boy with burns and a teenage boy, with a hand injury, were also taken to hospital but are in a stable condition.

Mr Goodman said firefighters were greeted with a 'wall of flame and heavy smoke' when they arrived at the scene as the fire mostly impacted the front of the home.

'The guys had quite a difficult time making access and getting in to conduct a primary search,' Mr Goodman said.

After speaking with a family member who was 'hysterical', Mr Goodman advised fire and rescue crews on where they might be able to find the missing child.

'We're all fathers, we've all got children, so its always hard, it's a little bit harder when its sort of similar to your own situation,' Mr Goodman said.

It took about 30 minutes for four fire crews to extinguish the fire.

Police have since declared the home a crime scene and have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Anyone who may have information or relevant vision, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is being urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA)-The Sudan on Monday officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, pulling out its diplomatic representatives from Abu Dhabi and declaring the Gulf country an aggression state
India and Pakistan were teetering on the brink of war this morning after Delhi struck what it called 'nine terrorist camps' overnight, inciting stark threats from Islamabad.

Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets as it condemned an 'act of war' from India, vowing to retaliate after missiles hit Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Both sides exchanged heavy artillery along their contested frontier into Wednesday. Pakistan reported 26 killed by Indian shelling, and India reported eight the other way.

The Indian army said 'justice is served', with New Delhi adding that its actions 'have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature'.

But fears of a full-blown conflict between the two nuclear powers have escalated sharply in the last few hours.

India says it was attacking bases used by those it blames for an attack on the Indian-run side of Kashmir last month - the worst massacre of civilians in India since 2008.

It added that 'no Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit' in the missile attacks' - an assertion sharply rebuked by Pakistani officials.

Fighter jets roared through the skies over the Himalayan territory this morning and explosions could be heard near the 'Line of Control' in a strike that lasted 25 minutes.

The FCDO warned Brits against all travel within six miles of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles of the disputed Kashmir border and the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

India fired missiles across the border into nine Pakistani 'terror camps' in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday

No military facilities were targeted in the strikes

A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir

In this photo released by the Inter Services Public Relations, a woman injured in a suspected Indian missile attack, receives treatment at a hospital in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, May 7, 2025

The Indian government said in a statement in the early hours of Wednesday morning that its armed forces had launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting what it called terrorist infrastructure in 'Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir'.

India vowed to strike back after a militant group known as The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for a terror attack targeting civilians in India on April 22.

Hindu-majority India accuses Islamic Pakistan of funding and encouraging militancy in Kashmir, the Himalayan region both nations claim in full but rule in part.

Pakistan denies involvement.

But fears remain that the conflict could blow up into a full-scale war between the two neighbouring countries.

In an post on X overnight, the Indian army wrote that 'Justice is Served' and 'Jai Hind!!', which translates to 'victory to India'.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said today that India had intelligence suggesting that 'further attacks' were 'impending' before they took action.

'Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending,' he said in a briefing on the operation today.

'There was thus a compulsion both to deter and to pre-empt.'

India struck nine 'terror bases' with missiles late on Tuesday night, before both sides exchanged artillery fire.

India then accused Pakistan of 'again violating' a ceasefire agreement by 'firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch- Rajauri area,' on the Indian side.

The army 'is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner,' it added.

India claimed to have destroyed a number of what it called 'terror camps' in Pakistan

India said it had evidence of further 'impending' attacks, and was acting to 'deter' militantism

Debris of an aircraft lies in the compound of a mosque at Pampore in Pulwama district of Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

A girl who lives in a village near the Line of control between India and Pakistan, and got injured during shelling by Pakistan gets treated at a hospital in Uri, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Wednesday's airstrikes and said the 'deceitful enemy has carried out cowardly attacks at five locations in Pakistan' and that his country would retaliate.

'Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,' Sharif said.

The missiles hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country's eastern Punjab province, killing at least 26 people, including women and children, said Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif.

Sharif said the Indian jets also damaged infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, calling it a violation of international norms.

Officials said another 38 people were injured by the strikes, and another five people were killed in Pakistan during exchanges of fire across the border later in the day.

One hit Subhan Mosque in Punjab's Bahawalpur city, killing 13 people including a child, according to Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a nearby hospital. The mosque is near a seminary that was once the central office of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group outlawed in 2002. Officials say the group has had no operational presence at the site since the ban.

Another missile hit a mosque in Muridke, damaging its structure. A sprawling building located nearby served as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba until 2013, when Pakistan banned the group and arrested its founder.

In a briefing this morning Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri blamed last month's attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on 'Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorists', the BBC reports.

He said it was carried out by The Resistance Front, which he claimed was a front for Pakistani Indian-proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba.

He said Indian intelligence suggested further attacks were imminent. He said: 'There was thus compulsion both to deter and to pre-empt [further attacks].'

Indian information ministry officials had planned several civil defence 'mock drills' to take place on Wednesday, ahead of its attacks earlier this morning.

'The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence', Kanchan Gupta, a senior advisor from the information ministry, said in a statement earlier this week.

Gupta said this would involve rehearsing an 'evacuation plan' and the 'training of civilians, students, etc., on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack'.

This handout photograph released by the Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on May 7, 2025 shows paramedics giving treatment to an injured man at a hospital in Bahawalpur, Punjab province, following strikes in Pakistan

Local residents examine a building damaged from a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, in Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Local residents and members of the media examine a building damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, in Wednesday, May 7

Security force officials and media gather outside a damaged building from a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, in Wednesday, May 7, 2025

A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir, May 7, 2025

The strikes came amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month's militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir

Statement issued by India's Ministry of Defence

The strikes came amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month's militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, which killed 26.

India has blamed Pakistan for backing the bloody attack, which Islamabad has denied.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its travel advice for the region, warning against all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles of the Line of Control (the de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries) and the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

A statement said: 'On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

'In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control.

'On the night of 6 May (UK Time) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flights being diverted. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.

'We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. British nationals should stay up to date with our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.'

The missiles struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country's eastern Punjab province early Wednesday.

CNN reported that five locations were struck. Three of those locations  Kotli, Muzaffarabad and Bagh are in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

In Muzaffarabad, the main city of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, resident Abdul Sammad said he heard several explosions as the blast ripped through houses. He saw people running in panic. Authorities immediately cut power to the area.

Later, locals inspected the damage to their homes in the aftermath, rubble and other debris crunching underfoot. People took refuge on the streets and in open areas, fearful of what might happen. 'We were afraid the next missile might hit our house,' said Mohammad Ashraf.

Pakistani officials confirmed that Pakistan had launched retaliatory strikes, without providing any details.

'The Pakistan Air Force has shot down at least five Indian fighter jets in response to India's recent cross-border aggression,' Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo TV.

This is said to include Rafale fighter jets. These are prized assets of the Indian air force and have been involved in combat in in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria.

The reports are yet to be confirmed by Indian officials, although two planes fell onto villages in India-controlled Kashmir. These jets are prized assets of the Indian air force and have been involved in combat in in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria.

Reacting to news of Indian strikes, Information Minister Tarar Attaullah told the BBC: 'They have crossed our limits'.

A general view shows deserted street of the main town of Poonch district, on May 7, 2025

A flare goes up in air over the hill near main town of Poonch district

Security forces officials and members of media gather a building damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, in Wednesday, May 7

Security personnel cordon-off a street as local residents evacuate their homes near the site of a strike in Muzaffarabad

An ambulance arrives near the site of a strike in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Security personnel cordon-off a street near the site of a strike in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Employees watch news on a mobile phone at a fuel station in Islamabad on May 7

People gather near the area after missile strikes by India in Bahawalpur, Pujab province

Security personnel stand guard outside the Government Health and Educational Complex in Muridke, about 30kms from Lahore on May 7, 2025

A family gather after evacuating their home in Muridke, about 30kms from Lahore on May 7, 2025

An ambulance arrives at a hospital bringing people injured by a suspected Indian missile attack

Workers transport a man injured by a suspected Indian missile attack, at a hospital in Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Separately, Pakistani military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif told BBC Pakistani forces are on the ground, but did not specify where.

Multiple explosions were heard in the Pakistani Kashmir area close to of Muzaffarabad on Tuesday night, according to Reuters, with unverified footage on social media showing several loud explosions ringing in the city.

Resident Abdul Sammad said he heard several explosions and that some people were wounded in the attack.

People were seen running in panic and authorities immediately cut the power, leading to a blackout.

Indian fighter jets could be heard flying over Srinagar, the capital of Indian Kashmir, according to unconfirmed reports.

Loud explosions were also reportedly heard in the town of Poonch, only about 10 miles from the dividing line, as New Delhi accused Pakistan of firing shells across the Line of Control.

Sharif has convened a meeting of the National Security Committee for Wednesday morning.

Stephane Dujarric, the United Nations spokesperson, said in a statement late Tuesday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border' and called for maximum military restraint from both countries.

People watch a flag of India burn during a protest after India launched missile strikes in Pakistan, in Hyderabad, Pakistan

People shout anti-India slogans during a protest after India launched missile strikes in Pakistan

People shout anti-India slogans as they stand on top of a portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

'The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,' the statement read.

Commenting on the escalation from the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump told reporters: 'We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval...I guess people knew something was going to happen... They've been fighting for a long time... I just hope it ends very quickly.'

Meanwhile, a US state department spokesperson said that Washington was 'closely monitoring developments'.

In recent days, Washington had urged the nuclear-armed neighbours to work with each other to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a 'responsible solution'.

Indian politicians from different political parties heaped praise on the strikes.

'Victory to Mother India,' India's defense minister, Rajnath Singh, wrote on X.

India's main opposition Congress party called for national unity and said it was 'extremely proud' of the country's army.

'We applaud their resolute resolve and courage,' Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge added.

Indian airline Spice Jet has said that due to the ongoing situation, some airports in parts of northern India have closed. Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan.

People in Pakistan have gathered overnight to protest against India's strikes - with several heard chanting anti-Indian slogans and setting pictures of Indian PM Modi alight.

The attack from the Indian government comes after it vowed to retaliate following the 'barbaric' attack in which dozens of Indians were killed in Kashmir last month.

On April 22, gunmen burst out of forests at a popular tourist spot and opened fire on the crowds of visitors, killing 25 Indian residents and one person residing in Nepal.

The attack from the Indian government comes after it vowed to retaliate following the 'barbaric' attack in which dozens of Indians were killed in Kashmir last month

Tensions have been rising between the two historical rivals since the tragedy, with fears that conflict could break out between the two nuclear-armed nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to 'identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers'

On April 22 gunmen burst out of forests at a popular tourist spot and opened fire on the crowds of visitors

Family members perform Hindu rituals in front of the body of Bharath Bhushan after the deadly attack in Kashmir

The attack took place in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas often described as the 'Switzerland of India'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded furiously to the incident by pledging a 'punishment bigger than they can imagine' for the perpetrators.

Tensions have been escalating massively between the two historical rivals since the tragedy, with fears that conflict could break out between the two nuclear-armed nations who have been bitter rivals since 1947, when the nations were split from British-controlled India.

The partition of the two nations established Pakistan as a Muslim-majority nation, while India was created as a Hindu-majority nation.

Britain's decision, passed by parliament in July 1947, also gave Kashmir, as well as Jammu, the opportunity to decide which nation to join.

Kashmir's monarch, the maharaja, initially decided that his nation should go it alone, claiming that it had been under the yoke of empires for centuries and had been ignored and under-developed.

But ultimately, the then-ruler of Kashmir agreed his nation should join India, in exchange for the former colony providing material support against Pakistan, which later triggered the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48.

Years of conflict led to rebels in Kashmir waging an insurgency that began in 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

New Delhi has regularly blamed Islamabad for backing gunmen in Kashmir, though Pakistan denies this.

The region is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety.
The tradition of royal mothers being photographed on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital began in 1977 with Princess Anne, following the birth of her son, Peter Phillips.

Princess Diana continued the custom after the arrivals of Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984.

While Sarah Ferguson chose the Portland Hospital for both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's births, in 1988 and 1990 respectively, she eagerly introduced her children to the photographers waiting outside.

In later years, Kate Middleton upheld the tradition, appearing outside the Lindo Wing shortly after the arrival of each of her three children: Prince George in 2013; Princess Charlotte in 2015; and Prince Louis in 2018 - just seven hours after labour.

Wearing a blue and white polka-dot Jenny Packham dress and heels, Kate smiled warmly as she introduced newborn George to the public.

In a 2020 episode of the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast with author and host Giovanna Fletcher, Kate reflected on the significance of that moment.

She shared: 'Everyone had been so supportive and both William and I were really conscious that this was something that everyone was excited about and, you know, we're hugely grateful for the support that the public had shown us, and actually for us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I felt was really important.'

In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan chose to keep the birth of their son, Prince Archie, more private.

The tradition of royal mothers being photographed on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital began in 1977 with Princess Anne, following the birth of her son, Peter Phillips

A wave from Princess Anne as she leaves the Lindo Wing with her son, Peter

Princess Diana continued the custom after the arrival of Prince William in 1982

Two years later, Diana introduced Prince Harry to the world in 1984

While Sarah Ferguson chose the Portland Hospital for both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's births, in 1988 and 1990 respectively, she eagerly introduced her children to the photographers waiting outside (pictured with Eugenie)

Kate Middleton upheld the tradition, appearing outside the Lindo Wing shortly after the birth of Prince George in 2013

Kate beamed in a floral Jenny Packham dress as she held newborn Princess Charlotte in 2015

The royal couple appeared with Prince Louis just seven hours after his birth in 2018

Ahead of Archie's arrival in 2019, Buckingham Palace released a statement noting that the Sussexes had 'taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private,' adding that they looked forward to sharing the news after they'd had time to celebrate as a new family.

Meghan was thought to have wanted a home birth after rejecting a stay at the Lindo Wing.

But, more than a week overdue, she was forced to have Archie in hospital, opting for the Portland, where labour suites feature 24-hour room service, Molton Brown toiletries and four-poster cots.

The couple visited the hospital in secret and, within hours of the birth, had returned to Frogmore Cottage without arousing any suspicion.

Archie was introduced to the world two days after his birth in a carefully managed photocall at St George's Hall within Windsor Castle.

Harry, visibly overjoyed, carried his newborn son, while Meghan, glowing in a Grace Wales Bonner tuxedo dress, told the press: 'It's magic. It's pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world, so I'm really happy.'

The couple announced Archie's full name - Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor - on Instagram shortly after, alongside a touching photo of Queen Elizabeth meeting her new great-grandchild.

This week, Meghan revisited that memory during the first episode of her podcast, Confessions Of A Female Founder, in conversation with her friend, Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder.

In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to keep the birth of Prince Archie more private

Archie was introduced to the world two days after his birth in a carefully managed photocall at St George's Hall within Windsor Castle

Harry, visibly overjoyed, carried his newborn son, while Meghan, glowing in a Grace Wales Bonner tuxedo dress, told the press: 'It's magic. It's pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world, so I'm really happy'

Wolfe Herd recalled the moment Meghan presented Archie to the world.

'I'll never forget the image of you after delivering Archie, and the whole world was waiting. I was either just becoming or about to become a new mom, and I thought, 'Oh my God, how is this woman doing this? How is she standing there in heels, introducing her baby to the world in this beautiful outfit?'

She added with a laugh: 'I could barely face a doorbell delivery for takeout food in a robe.'

Both women also discussed their experiences with postpartum preeclampsia - a serious condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine after childbirth - which Wolfe Herd described as 'life or death, truly'.

Meghan did not specify whether she experienced the condition after Archie or Lilibet's birth.

By the time Lilibet Diana was born in 2021, Harry and Meghan had stepped back from royal duties and settled in Montecito, California.

Their daughter was delivered at the private Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Buckingham Palace reportedly learned of her birth only after the couple shared the news publicly on social media, with the Palace issuing a congratulatory message around 90 minutes later.
Prince Harry launched a blistering attack on King Charles during a BBC interview which aired on Friday, saying the monarch 'won't speak to me' and that he doesn't know 'how much longer' there was left for his father, who is battling cancer.

But the King appeared to be 'on really good form' as he steadfastly took the salute for half an hour to honour troops at the Victory in Europe Day Parade in London on Monday.

During a special live episode of Palace Confidential, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said: 'We have actually seen the King for half an hour take the salute for veterans because he believes very strongly that he needs to show them respect. It's not them showing him respect.

'When you consider he is going through weekly cancer treatment at the same time as doing all of this, he's got a full week of engagements coming up, I think it really shows the mark of the man.'

Rebecca was joined in front of Buckingham Palace by the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden and host Jo Elvin, who brought up Harry's 'strange' comment about the King's health.

'I think it's particularly distasteful actually,' Rebecca said. 'I was with the King at Windsor Castle on Thursday night and he was doing a tree planting with the King and Queen of Sweden.

'I have never heard so much animated small talk about trees and planting in my life.

'The King was even mansplaining to his wife Queen Camilla about how to water the tree and I could see her eyes going, "I do know how to water a tree, darling."

In an interview with the BBC, Prince Harry said he didn't know 'how much longer' his father had left

King Charles takes the salute as he commemorates Victory of Europe Day in London

'He was on really good form,' she continued. 'I caught his eye at one point and he waggled his eyebrows and smiled like, "Isn't it fun we're here again?"'

'I remember walking out and thinking, he looks on really good form - how happy he looks, how animated he is. And then for the next day, his son to do that to him, I thought was pretty distasteful.'

Adding his own commentary, Richard said: 'I have had several people contact me to say that Harry should be prosecuted for treason.'

The Treason Act of 1352 made it a crime to 'compass the death of the sovereign' - but Harry is unlikely to be hauled off to the Tower of London as Charles has been relatively transparent about his battle with the disease.

'Even so,' Richard continued. 'The way he sort of put it, "I don't know how long he has left", it really struck the opposite tone to what we have heard from the Palace which is one of positivity about his treatment.

'It did seem deeply unpleasant, I would say.'

Rebecca was also quick to point out the 'irony' of Harry's comments. She said: ' It is not because he is speculating about his health, it is because he has no idea.

'He is so kept out of the loop now because he does things like that and goes on TV and gives interview and talks about very sensitive subjects like that that he can't be trusted with that sort of information.'

Richard Eden (left), Rebecca English (centre) and host Jo Elvin (right) in a live episode of Palace Confidential

The monarch stood for half an hour as the armed forces and veterans' parade passed him by

The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English said: 'We have actually seen the King for half an hour take the salute for veterans because he believes very strongly that he needs to show them respect'

Despite his 'weekly cancer treatment', the King took the salute to show his respect

Jo, who hosts the hit YouTube show went on to question whether the Royal Family were concerned about Harry's bombshell interview overshadowing the true meaning of VE Day.

'I know what the Palace want today is to really focus on what we are trying to commemorate here in the UK which is the end of a very damaging war in Europe that saw a lot of loss of lives and thank the veterans that are still alive and those that have sadly passed away and laid down their lives or died ever since,' Rebecca said.

'It's not amazing timing, is it?' Jo asked. 'To be talking about your personal risk and all that when we are commemorating what people went though in WWII?'

'People are here to remember sacrifice,' Richard said. 'So the idea of more whinging from across the Atlantic will not go down very well at this particular time.'

After taking the salute throughout the procession, King Charles was joined on the Buckingham Palace balcony by his wife Camilla to watch the Red Arrows tear through the grey skies of London.

Working members of the Royal Family and their children also stood by his side including the Princess Royal, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and three of his grandchildren George, Charlotte and Louis.

Describing the scene, Richard said the royals will be keen to show a 'sense of togetherness, defiance almost' in the wake of Prince Harry's revelatory interview.

'They certainly will be keen to show that they're together as a family and that they are carrying on as normal and they wont be pushed off course by various salvos from Montecito,' he said.

Rebecca said the Palace wanted to focus on commemorating veterans rather than Harry's 'distasteful' comments

Richard added that the royals will be keen to show a 'sense of togetherness, defiance almost' in the wake of Prince Harry's revelatory interview

Members of the Royal Family join King Charles on the Buckingham Palace balcony on Monday

King Charles and his wife Camilla wave to the crowds below

The Wales Family watch as the Red Arrows tear through the grey skies of London

From left to right: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Princess Royal and King Charles III

The Royals wave to the crowds before heading inside Buckingham Palace to enjoy a tea party with the veterans

'When Harry and Meghan quit royal duties and left Britain, the idea was that they would come back for events such as this.

'Harry with his military service saw this as integral to who he was so he will be disappointed not to be here, and the same applies to Prince Andrew.'

For more fascinating insights from the Mail's team of unrivalled experts, watch the latest episode of Palace Confidential in full now and subscribe to the Daily Mail Royals YouTube channel.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has closed its last beagle laboratory that allegedly performed inhumane and sometimes lethal experiments on dogs for years.

In recent years, the agency has been chastised by animal welfare groups such as White Coat Waste (WCW), which claims the lab has pumped pneumonia-causing bacteria into more than 2,000 beagles' lungs and forced them into septic shock.

'Then they're allowed to suffer for up to 96 hours, and the ones who don't die during that period are killed at the end of the project,' Justin Goodman, WCW senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, told DailyMail.com

During an on-air Fox News appearance Sunday, NIH director Jay Bhattacharya announced that the agency 'got rid of all the beagle experiments on the NIH campus.'

'I got flowers from PETA  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Normally, I think NIH directors tend to get physical threats, but they sent me flowers,' he said.

The lab closure is part of a new NIH initiative to reduce reliance on animal experiments in biomedical research, and instead prioritize 'human-based research technologies.'

In response to the announcement, Goodman said: 'We are so proud and thrilled that the Trump administration has made cutting this laboratory and getting the NIH out of the dog testing business a top priority.'

The NIH's beagle experiments have been mired in controversy since 2021, when scathing WCW reports launched accusations of animal cruelty and wasteful spending at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The political firestorm (dubbed #BeagleGate) centered around claims that Dr Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID and chief medical advisor to the president at the time, allocated more than $1 million toward cruel beagle experiments

The resulting political firestorm (dubbed #BeagleGate) centered around claims that Dr Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID and chief medical advisor to the president at the time, allocated more than $1 million toward cruel beagle experiments.

This allegedly included $424,000 for experiments in which the dogs were 'bitten to death' by flies; part of a $375,800 grant sent to a lab in Tunisia for more fly-bite experiments; and over $1 million to inject beagles with an experimental drug, cut out their vocal cords and kill them.

The reports prompted 24 House members, led by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina), to send a bipartisan letter to Fauci and the NIAID asking for more information about the agency's funding of experiments using the dogs.

In response to the letter, the NIAID said its standards on animal testing are high, noting that they are peer reviewed and ensured by veterinarians.

'All animals used in NIH-funded research are protected by laws, regulations, and policies to ensure the smallest possible number of subjects and the greatest commitment to their welfare,' The NIAID told Changing America.

'Institutions receiving funds, including those in other countries, must conduct research that involves animals in accordance with the Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.'

What's more, the institute said the NIH did not actually fund the fly-bite study in Tunisia, claiming that the study (and shocking images it contained) falsely attributed financial support to NIAID.

After this came to light, the journal that published the study issued a correction, saying: 'The US National Institutes of Health and the Wellcome Trust did not provide any funding for this research and any such claim was made in error.'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene holds up a photo of the experiments unveiled by the The White Coat Waste Project in 2021 at the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus pandemic in June 2024

NIAID said it did not actually fund the fly-bite research in Tunisia, claiming that the study (and shocking images it contained, such as this one) falsely attributed financial support to NIAID

But the NIAID did admit to funding a separate study in Tunisia that used beagles to test a new vaccine for leishmaniasis.

'In the NIAID-supported study, twelve dogs were immunized with the experimental vaccine at the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, and then let out in an enclosed open space during the day, during high sandfly season in an area of Tunisia considered to be hyper-endemic for canine leishmaniasis,' the institute stated.

'The goal of the research was to determine if the experimental vaccine prevented the dogs from becoming infected in a natural setting.'

As for Fauci's role in sanctioning NIAID's beagle studies, the institute told FactCheck.org that the decision of whether to fund a research grant application is made through a multi-step peer-review process.

White Coat Waste obtained photos through a Freedom of Information Act request that allegedly show beagles in in-house NIH laboratories that had been subjected to fly-bite experiments

'In this experiment conducted in Faucis in-house NIH lab, dogs had capsules full of infected sand flies strapped to their bare skin, causing months of ulcerative skin lesions. The dogs were continually exposed to the flies every two months for 22 months and finally killed and dissected,' WCW representative Justin Goodman told DailyMail.com

'Final funding decisions are made on a group of a few thousand grant applications at a time based on the advice of the Advisory Council and NIAID staff and concurrence by Dr. Fauci.

'Except in very limited circumstances, Dr. Fauci does not approve funding for grant applications on an individual basis. These limited circumstances did not apply to the research recently highlighted by the White Coat Waste Project.'

Fauci also addressed #BeagleGate in his memoir, published last year, calling the scandal 'lies' and 'lunacy' from the 'far-right.'

The closure of this NIH beagle lab marks a major milestone in the eyes of WCW, but Goodman said there is still work to be done.

'This was the last in-house dog lab at the NIH, and it's actually  to our knowledge  the last in house dog lab across the entire federal government,' he said.

'However, there are hundreds of other dog labs being funded by the US government, including the NIH outside of Washington, DC.

'So colleges and universities, private laboratories, even laboratories in China, are currently receiving taxpayer dollars from the NIH and DoD for dog testing.

'We want to take this great homegrown victory inside the NIH and now export it across the entire country.'
Londoners have complained of a mysterious 'pollen bomb' across the city's parks over the bank holiday weekend.

Despite the Met Office forecasting low pollen levels, park-goers said they were left 'choking' on thick clouds of pollen.

On social media, residents complained of tight chests, red eyes, and brain fog as they walked through the parks.

In a video posted to TikTok, one user said: 'I felt like I had literal shards of pollen going into my eyes. Please tell me I'm not the only one because that was scary and I need to know how to prepare for the rest of summer if it's going to be like this.'

Conditions were so bad that even those who normally don't suffer from hay fever were even affected.

One commenter wrote: 'I thought it was just me. Ive never had an issue with hay fever until this weekend.'

Piers Morgan was one of those affected by the pollen bomb, tweeting: 'Anyone else got shocking hay fever in London today?

'Even trusty Fexofenadine barely touching the wheezing, sneezy, fog-brained sides..'

As Londoners took to the parks to enjoy the bank holiday weather, many complained of being caught in a 'pollen storm'

On TikTok, residents complained of struggling to see and having difficulty breathing due to the intense clouds of pollen

Piers Morgan was one of those affected by the pollen bomb, tweeting: 'Anyone else got shocking hay fever in London today?'

@lillian3600 never been hit by hay fever but Holy Ghost I couldnt breathe  growth - Gede Yudis

One TikTok user described the situation in London Fields, a park in Hackney, as a 'pollen tsunami'.

The user said that the pollen levels were so high that they were struggling to see and having difficulty breathing while in the park.

This poster wasn't alone, as social media has been flooded with similar accounts.

In a video posted to TikTok, another Londoner asked: 'What is going on in London with the pollen?

'Every time when you go outside, especially to the park, it feels like you're choking even though you don't have hay fever.'

This user said the clouds of pollen were so thick that they had left a visible residue on their clothing and hair, adding that even their dog was coughing.

However, with the Met Office only forecasting 'low' pollen levels, some residents were left confused as to what was causing their sudden reaction.

One TikTok user said: 'Is there something going on in London air today? Because I don't know what it is but stuff keeps on going into my eyes and I've seen it happening to other people too.'

This came despite the Met Office only forecasting a 'low' pollen count for London and the South East

With the forecast pollen count so low, some users were confused. With one asking: 'Is there something going on in London air today?'

The user added: 'There's stuff in the air today and it's flying about.'

The 'pollen count' literally predicts the amount of pollen grains per cubic metre of air.

The Met Office predicts the upcoming pollen count by combining measurements of pollen in the air with predicted weather patterns to work out how the pollen will spread.

What is considered a high pollen count varies depending on the type of plant, but symptoms typically emerge around 50 particles per cubic metre.

However, the Met Office's forecast doesn't offer the kind of information that would have alerted Londoners to the 'pollen bomb' exploding in the capital's parks.

Yolanda Clewlow, the Met Office's UK Pollen Forecast Manager, told MailOnline: 'Currently, our forecasts are region-specific and thus don't necessarily reflect very local details such as local parks in London.'

Additionally, the 'visible' types of pollen, which many social media users reported seeing falling from trees, don't typically cause allergies and aren't considered in the Met Office forecast.

According to Ms Clewlow, the extreme levels of pollen around certain parks were due to the weather and trees in bloom at this time of year.

@piesiuantsienu if you have a hayfever - Allevia or other antihistamine pills dont help in this case  or even if you dont - you will be coughing and rubbing your eyes full of pollen/dust  St James park was insanely bad on Saturday  #london #pollen #hayfever  original sound - 

One TikTok user said the pollen levels were so high that it had left a visible residue on their hair and clothing

According to the Met Office, the extremely high levels of pollen around London's parks wouldn't have been registered on their regional forecast

She says: 'We are currently in tree pollen season and are at the tail end of both oak and plane pollen seasons.

'However, there are a lot of plane trees in London and these are currently in season and may be contributing to the allergy symptoms that are being experienced in London.'

The Kleenex 'Your Pollen Pal' forecast predicts that pollen counts for birch will reach 250 particles per metre, while oak pollen levels will reach 126 particles per metre.

For reference, the Met Office considers a birch pollen count between 81 and 200 as high.

In 2017, a team of Polish researchers showed that these species can cause particularly high pollen counts when planted in urban parks.

The researchers found that oak and birch trees produced more pollen when they were isolated than when they were planted in groups.

This means London's parks, which are typically dotted with individual trees, could have a much greater pollen potential than rural areas.

Over the weekend, these seasonal factors combined with the weather conditions to create a perfect storm for pollen.

According to the Kleenex 'Your Pollen Pall' forecast, London will be hit by extremely high levels of tree pollen over the coming few days. With levels reaching up to 466 particles per metre cubed of air

While the warm weather has been pleasant for many people, it has also been the perfect conditions for trees to release pollen. When combined with humid air and a lack of rainfall, the Met Office says this is ideal weather for pollen to spread

Ms Clewlow says: 'The weather so far this spring has been ideal for tree pollen being released and in addition, the low rainfall has meant pollen hasnt been washed out of the atmosphere.'

According to the Met Office, humid, windy days allow pollen to spread further.

Likewise, days with high amounts of sunshine typically lead to more pollen being released in the early evening.

In London on Monday, humidity peaked at over 80 per cent while consistent winds of 16 miles per hour helped the pollen spread around the parks.

Likewise, research has shown that warmer temperatures due to climate change are causing more intense peaks of birch pollen season and starting the oak pollen season earlier.

Studies have also shown that city-dwellers experience significantly higher symptom severity and longer symptom duration than people in rural areas when exposed to the same levels of pollen.

Ms Clewlow adds: 'Poor air quality can also exacerbate allergy symptoms.'

Thankfully, Londoners will be glad to know that the UK is now moving out of the pollen season for both oak and birch, so the issue should abate over the coming weeks.
It might be the most viewed photograph of all time.

But people have been heartbroken to discover what the location of the Windows XP desktop background really looks like today.

Labelled in the software as 'Bliss', this iconic image captures the rolling hills and bright blue sky of the Napa Valley, California.

However, social media users claim that the legendary site has been 'ruined' in the 27 years since the photograph was taken.

In a viral post on Instagram, @insidehistory shared images of the Napa field as it appeared in 1998, 2006, 2020, 2024 and 2025.

As these images reveal, the green rolling hills which formed the background for so many people's computers are long gone and have been replaced with a vineyard.

One heartbroken commenter wrote: 'I used to stare at this for minutes and would wish I was there... it's sad now.'

While another bluntly wrote: 'This is what depression looks like.'

It may be the most viewed image in the world, but people have been shocked to discover what the Windows XP desktop background, known as 'Bliss', looks like today

 Slide me  On social media, people have been shocked to find that the green rolling hills have been replaced with a vineyard

In the decades since the photo was taken in 1998, the Napa Valley location of 'Bliss' now looks totally unrecognisable

One commenter complained: 'This is what depression looks like'

One social media user said they used to 'wish I was there' and that the current state of the location was 'sad'

In their original post, @insidehistory wrote: 'Despite widespread belief, the photograph wasnt digitally manipulated; its stunning colors and sharpness were naturally achieved with a medium-format camera.

'Bliss has since become one of the most widely viewed images worldwide'.

However, many social media users were extremely disappointed to find that the green, grassy hills they recognised were no more.

'So, it's ruined. Nice,' wrote one upset commenter.

Another chimed in: 'Well that's hideous.'

One commenter added: 'In ten more years it'll be a parking lot.'

And another disappointed commenter wrote unhappily: 'The "spark" the world used to have is gone, the once vibrant colorful world has turned dull approaching grayscale.'

But not every commenter was so upset to see the dramatic change in appearance.

The current state of the field has come as a shock to many social media users with fond memories of Windows XP

One commenter sadly wrote that the 'spark' of the world was now gone

One social media user wrote: 'I've been there and I assure you it's just as beautiful today. Breathtaking really.'

Another added: 'Beautiful vineyard.'

'Everybody's reacting like it's a grey brick apartment building there now,' wrote another.

Some commenters also pointed out that the striking variation between the pictures could be caused by the changing seasons.

A commenter wrote: 'Every picture from 2006 on is just the same grapevines. Some are just during the dormant season and others during the growing season.'

While one commenter bluntly wrote: 'Different seasons.'

In reality, the real history of the 'Bliss' image shows that the famous green hills are actually the exception to the rule.

The photo was taken by photographer Charles 'Chuck' ORear as he was driving near the Napa-Soma County line in California.

Many commenters said that the area was still just as beautiful and that the modern look of the location was not a bad thing

Another user pointed out that the differences between the later images were likely due to the changing seasons

The original photo was taken by the photographer Charles 'Chuck' ORear in 1998, who sold the image to Bill Gates to use in the $200million advertising campaign for Microsoft XP

He stopped his car to take this legendary photo after noticing that one field among the vineyards was completely clear.

This was because the field had been infested with a species of insect called phylloxera, which devastates grape vines, and had been cleared the previous year.

This is why the 1998 image shows beautiful open plains, while the later images show the vineyard returning after the infestation had passed.

After taking the photo, Mr O'Rear sold the image, which he called 'Bucolic Green Hills', to a stock photography company called WestLight.

WestLight then went on to be bought by Corbis Images, a marketing company owned and founded by Microsoft CEO Bill Gates.

When Microsoft was launching its new operating system, Microsoft XP, in 2001 it chose 'Bucolic Green Hills' as the key image for its $200million advertising campaign.

Although Mr O'Rear has not confirmed how much he was paid for the rights to 'Bliss', he told PC World in 2014 that it was an 'acceptable amount'.

Mr O'Rear has also confirmed that the original image was not digitally altered to enhance the colours of the scene, saying: 'It was all there. The clouds were there, the green grass was there and the blue sky.'
Climate change can kill us by triggering land-ravaging wildfires, energy-sapping heatwaves and violent tropical storms.

But according to a new study, more than half a million Europeans could be killed every year by 2050 just by breathing the air.

Scientists at the University of Leeds warn that greenhouse gas emissions from cars, power plants and more can kill us by making the air toxic.

Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if emissions are drastically reduced, they reveal.

But this reduction can only be made if there is a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gases and the associated air pollutants starting from now.

Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk factor for early deaths leading to an estimated 8 million deaths per year globally, according to recent analysis by the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.

'Europe has quite a high air quality mortality rate because of the density and large degree of urbanisation,' study author Connor Clayton, a PhD student at the University of Leeds, told MailOnline.

'This work was designed to hopefully show policymakers that stringent climate change mitigation can have local benefits.

Up to 250,000 deaths from poor air quality could be prevented annually in central and western Europe by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced, say experts. They focused on two death-causing pollutants including PM2.5 which comes from coal-burning power plants and other industrial sources. Pictured, blast furnaces at British Steel Scunthorpe

Graphs predict the annual change in deaths from ozone (O3) in 2014 (a) and by 2050 under high emissions scenario (b), medium emissions scenario (c) and low emissions scenario (d)

'Europe has a very high density of governments that this may be of interest to.'

The new study focused on two pollutants in the air  invisible fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and surface level ozone (O3).

Ozone forms when heat and sunlight interact with greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds released during the burning of fossil fuels.

Breathing in ozone  which creates a distinctive 'smog' over cities  is known to worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and has been linked to increased mortality rates.

PM2.5, meanwhile, can enter the lungs and then the bloodstream, lodging in the heart, brain and other organs.

It's thought breathed-in PM2.5 can trigger changes linked with different diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease, as well as impacts on reproductive and foetal health.

According to the scientists, PM 2.5 comes from planet-polluting sources such as motor vehicles, coal-burning power plants and other industrial sources.

Ozone (O3) causes a smoggy haze that can damage the lungs. Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Pictured is smog over London

Coal-burning power plants are a major source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution. Pictured, a power plant that produces electricity from coal, Rovinari, southern Romania

Graphs predict the annual change in deaths from PM2.5 in 2014 (a) and by 2050 under high emissions scenario (b), medium emissions scenario (c), and low emissions scenario (d)

The three scenarios Low (SSP1-2.6) lots of climate change and pollutant mitigation

(SSP1-2.6) lots of climate change and pollutant mitigation Intermediate (SSP2-4.5) - medium mitigation, e.g. if we continue mitigating climate change at the same speed as we do now

(SSP2-4.5) - medium mitigation, e.g. if we continue mitigating climate change at the same speed as we do now High (SSP3-7.0) - slower climate change mitigation than the present day Advertisement

'Greenhouse gas emissions do not directly create PM2.5, but they come from the same sources,' said Clayton.

'Thus, mitigation of greenhouse gases is beneficial for particulate air quality (depending on the source of the emissions).'

The team used computer modelling to simulate future air quality and predict the resulting health impacts of ozone and PM2.5.

To predict air quality of the future, they looked at three scenarios (low, medium and high) where various levels of action are taken by policymakers to combat these two pollutants.

In the present day, there are already 444,000 deaths per year from PM2.5 and 23,000 per year from ozone.

Under the low emissions scenario, in Europe there would be 199,000 deaths per year from PM2.5 and 17,000 deaths per year from ozone by 2050.

Under the medium emissions scenario, there would be 455,000 deaths from PM2.5 and 47,000 from ozone per year.

And under the high emissions scenario, there would be a whopping 456,000 deaths from PM2.5 per year and 50,000 deaths from ozone per year  a total of 506,000.

Common pollutants from diesel include unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM)

Using current fatality data and projections under the low emissions scenario, the team estimate that 250,000 deaths per year could be avoided.

'Only high mitigation reduces the absolute number of projected air quality deaths in Europe,' Dr Clayton told MailOnline.

Deprived regions of Europe currently have proportionally higher death rates from air pollution than less deprived regions but that reductions in emissions would reduce that inequity.

For example, PM2.5 was usually higher in central and eastern Europe than in western Europe, with particularly high concentrations in the Po Valley in Italy, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in southern Poland. But that this inequity is reduced following greater climate change mitigation.

The findings, published in the journal Earths Future, show how air pollution is just one way the fatal effects of greenhouse gas emissions can manifest.

Study leader Dr Jim McQuaid, atmospheric scientists at the University of Leeds, said climate warming gases and aerosols are 'very much two sides of the same coin'.

'This work provides evidence that there are direct health benefits from moving towards a low carbon economy,' he said.
Microsoft is killing off a major feature in its Authenticator app that the company is hoping will mean the end of passwords as you know them.

Authenticator, which has been downloaded by more than 75 million people, is a free mobile app that helps keep your online accounts secure and also helps fill out all your hard-to-remember passwords.

It acts like a digital bodyguard by adding an extra layer of protection when you sign in to your Microsoft account, work apps, or other services online.

Authenticator has also allowed its millions of users to save their various passwords for sites all over the internet in one app - but that's about to come to a shocking end.

Microsoft has announced that Authenticator will no longer allow users to save new passwords in the app starting on June 1.

It's part of a major three-stage shift away from the use of traditional passwords, which infamously include letters, phrases, numbers, or special characters, that users often forget frequently or are easily guessed by hackers.

In July, Microsoft will end Authenticator's ability to automatically fill in your login details on pages you've saved your passwords for in the app.

Finally, starting in August 2025, Microsoft warned that 'your saved passwords will no longer be accessible in Authenticator.'

Authenticator has also allowed its millions of users to save their various passwords for sites all over the internet in one app, but that will end on June 1

Microsoft said that the decision was made to streamline all of the tech giant's autofill and password management operations, moving all of it to the company's internet browser Edge.

For those fearing that their saved passwords will disappear forever this summer, Microsoft added that anyone using Authenticator will still have their passwords and addresses synced to their Microsoft account.

'You can continue to access them and enjoy seamless autofill functionality with Microsoft Edge, a secure and user-friendly AI-powered web browser,' the company explained in a statement.

The tech conglomerate's web browser has its own cyber security features, including and anti-phishing and malware tool (Microsoft Defender SmartScreen), a password monitor, and a tool to block tracking cookies and wipe your search history (InPrivate search).

Despite Microsoft claiming that moving all Authenticator app data over to Edge will streamline the security and logging in process, many people are not happy about the change.

Several app users on social media accused Microsoft of forcing them to choose their web browser whether they like it or not.

'Microsoft has decided to kill off its password manager in the Authenticator app, forcing everyone to use Edge instead. Because who needs choices and options when it comes to password management, right?' one person on X wrote Monday.

'So I should just get rid of Microsoft Authenticator app and never dare rely on another Microsoft product. Got it,' another person added.

Meanwhile, other frustrated Authenticator users noted how often the app experiences glitches which can prevent them from verifying their identity.

'Trying login to the Microsoft Authenticator app - but it's asking me to enter the code in the Microsoft Authenticator app which I am trying to get into. Am I in an endless loop here forever?' one person asked.

'All I want in life is to never use Microsoft Authenticator again,' another X user declared.

Microsoft warned that 'your saved passwords will no longer be accessible in Authenticator' by August 2025

As for what Microsoft will be using the app for now, the company's envisioned end of passwords makes way for the widespread use of passkeys.

Passkeys are a passwordless, phishing-resistant technology that uses cryptographic keys stored on a users devices and are authenticated using biometrics - like a fingerprint, face scan, or a PIN number.

Microsoft has noted that the Authenticator app will continue to support passkeys for signing in once the last traces of traditional passwords are wiped off the app in August.

At the same time, Microsoft has become the latest tech giant to seemingly drive millions of customers away from Google's Chrome web browser.

Microsoft's Edge only holds about six percent of the web browser industry's market share, supporting approximately 292 million internet users worldwide.

Conversely, Google Chrome dominates the internet market, reportedly boasting nearly 3.7 billion users and commanding 66 percent of the market share.

In April, Apple also attempted to pry away millions of Chrome customers, claiming that their browser Safari would protect customers from the third-party tracking cookies Google continues to allow.

These cookies let websites and advertisers track Chrome users' online activity in order to show them personalized ads - and also creates a multi-billion-dollar revenue stream for Google.

Microsoft has also retired its Microsoft Autofill Chrome Extension in December, which allowed Authenticator app users to sync passwords with Google Chrome.

Microsoft has not explicitly stated whether the Authenticator app will sync passwords with browsers other than Edge after its password storage and autofill features are discontinued in August 2025.
The most feared gang in the U.S., 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 charges made public in April.

Suspects: Anti-Tren members, left, Wilmer Jesus Colmenares-Gonzalez, 27, and Yean Brayhan Torrealba-Sanabria, 20, were arrested after a SWAT stand off in Irving, Texas

Brutal: Carlos Alberto Martinez-Silva, 34,left, and Manuel Hernandez-Hernandez, 28, accused of a violent home invasion

'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 U.S.-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.

Guns: 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

Attacks: 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.

Shocking: 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 U.S.

It's possible Anti-Tren crossed into the U.S. 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.

Throwback: Venezuelan migrants surrender to authorities early on September 23, 2023, after crossing from Mexico' in Eagle Pass, Texas

Gangs: 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.
I'm standing on a black lava beach besides a huge, natural, rocky volcanic sea-castle, talking to a 70 year old free-diving fisherwoman called Nari about her latest catch of conch, sea-slugs and abalone.

She's telling me that the best place to eat them (in a spicy and delicious sauce) is in the seafood restaurant right behind me, lodged between the Pie Shop (named: 'Pie Shop'), next to the shamanic ritual temple, the inevitable 7/11, not far from the Sex Museum.

And if all that sounds a bit unlikely, then so it should: because I am chatting with one of the haenyeo, the female seafisherfolk of Jeju  an island (population 600,000, pronounced Jay-Joo) off the south coast of Korea, a place which simultaneously manages to be beautiful, ugly, unique, peculiar, and always compelling.

It's like an Iceland paired with a Seychelle half-covered in suburban Los Angeles and  some say, it is the most weirdly Korean place in Korea.

It is also the most popular domestic destination for Koreans, who love its fine subtropical beaches for swimming and surfing, and its historic villages, plush resorts, UNESCO-listed lava tubes, boutique hotels, and its many brilliant hiking trails in undulant forests.

All of which benefit from an accessibly mild climate when the rest of Korea freezes. Jeju is properly hot in summer.

Indeed, such is the appeal of Jeju in these parts, Seoul-Jeju is the single most popular air corridor in the world  making Jeju a brilliant, accessible diversion if you have a few days stopover in Seoul.

That's exactly what I did.

Sean Thomas visited South Korea's Jeju, and island off the south coast of South Korea with population of 600,000, and home to the haenyeo, the female seafisherfolk

Jeju's Haenyeo dive as deep as 10m without oxygen tanks to collect shellfish such as abalone or sea urchins

Two days ago I was wandering Seoul's ginseng alleys, herbal emporiums and epic seafood markets, its futuristic museums and its antique palaces.

I also made sure to enjoy Seoul's frenetic, neon-lit nightlife in places like buzzy, studenty Hongdae, or south of the river around Gangnam (yes, that Gangnam) where uppercrust Koreans flaunt their wealth, while young, beautiful and businesslike Koreans dream up their K-pop.

But now here I am, after just a 50 minute flight, in celebrated Jeju  and with a hire car, because Jeju is not small. On the upside, it is cheap: you can feast with booze for 20.

The history of Jeju explains its unique status. For a long time it was not quite Korean, even as Koreans craved the place. It is also culturally unique: with elements of a matriarchal society.

Hence perhaps the diving women  as Nari says to me, with a mischievous grin, 'all the men disappeared in the 18th century, to go to war - or maybe they are just a bit useless'.

Likewise, the language has a dialect of its own, and those shamanic rituals have sincerely persisted - you might catch one in a rural village.

Look for enigmatic statues of frowning men; known as 'grandfather statues', they date back hundreds of years and they protect each settlement from evil forces (sometimes much needed, the Japanese did bad things here in the 30s and 40s, and the brutal Korean War didn't skip the isle).

The day ends in a suitably atmospheric Jeju spot, in the island's glittering, surf-crashed far west.

By contrast to Jeju, Seoul, South Korea's capital, is known for its neon-lit nightlife. Seoul-Jeju is the single most popular air corridor in the world

Some of the female freedivers that Sean met, such as the one pictured, are world famous for their ability to swim without oxygen tanks

Here, colossal windmills march toward the sea like exercising giants, their arms gyrating in Jeju's frequent gusts (best find sheltered coasts in these conditions).

As the sun sinks low, the warm wind dies away, and an ancient stillness descends over the nearest 7/11.

Then I spy a neon sign of a spider crab above a cozy gastropub, beckoning me in for more excellent shellfish - perhaps caught this morning by a 79-year-old woman in a wetsuit.

Which is totally Jeju.
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA)- The UN on Monday said drone attacks on Sudans sea port and provisional seat for the military government and the main inlet for UN humanitarian assistance serious violations of international humanitarian law
All the seaside towns have received top marks from Which? members

Each of these bargain beach spots have rooms available under 100 per night

Europe's cheapest and best-rated seaside towns have been revealed in a new study from Which? Travel.

Each of these bargain beach spots have rooms available for under 100 per night and they're all just a short flight away from the UK.

And all of the seaside towns have received top marks from Which? members for their beauty, value and attractions.

Find out where to find the best-rated and cheapest seaside towns for a holiday in 2025...

Porto, Portugal

Price: 93 per night

Which? member rating: 88 per cent

It might not be your first thought for a seaside holiday, but Portugal's second city has plenty to offer.

It might not be your first thought for a seaside holiday, but Portugal's second city has plenty to offer

Which? recommends visiting Praia de Miramar beach (above) and describes it as pretty

Which? says: 'Perched on the northern bank of the Douro River, Porto's array of tascas [traditional restaurants], wine bars and pretty Azulego-tiled buildings sits in a maze of cobblestone streets that tumble down the hillside.'

The travel experts recommend climbing the Clerigos Tower, exploring the city's museums and visiting the Museu de Arte Contemporanea, which is described as 'Porto's answer to the Guggenheim'.

But it's not just about culture.

Porto's closest beach is Foz do Douro, which is around 10 minutes from the city by car.

Which adds: 'There are prettier options, though, between 15 and 30 minutes away, such as Praia de Miramar and Praia de Espinho.'

Nerja, Spain

Price: 97 per night

Which? member rating: 83 per cent

Nerja is 'one of the more charming towns' on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol says Which? Travel

Located on the Costa del Sol, Nerja is the best-value and best-rated seaside town in Spain, according to Which?

It says: 'Managing to stay a low-rise resort along the Costa del Sol is no easy feat, but Nerja has kept developers, who have reached the likes of Torremolinos and Fuengirola, at bay.

'The result? It's one of the more charming towns across this sunny stretch of Spain's coastline.'

Holidaymakers can expect 'pretty white buildings teetering along a cliff' and 'postcard-perfect coves', says Which?.

Which? members gave this picturesque resort a four out of five for attractiveness. Its beauty and 10km sandy beach makes Nerja an 'idyllic seaside holiday hotspot', according to Which?.

However, the travel experts warn that tourists will need to get to Playa de Calahonda by 10am if they want to secure a parasol during high season.

Chania Town, Crete

Price: 94 per night

Which? member rating: 85 per cent

Chania's harbour is now 'lined with pastel coloured bars and restaurants' which look out over the Mediterranean sea, says Which?

Chania Town's 'turbulent history' means it 'boasts a fascinating architectural landscape', says Which?

The travel experts say: 'You'll find sculptures and buildings studded with mosaics built by the Romans, a pink multi-domed mosque constructed by the Ottomans and a lighthouse and harbour left by the Venetians.'

Chania's harbour is now 'lined with pastel coloured bars and restaurants' which look out over the Mediterranean sea, says Which?.

Tourists can explore Chania's 'labyrinth of narrow streets studded with cafes, boutique shops and galleries'.

And when it comes to beaches, head to Neo Chora, a 1km long beach that's backed by fish restaurants.

Rhodes, Greece

Price: 87 per night

Which? member rating: 85 per cent

Rhodes is an 'excellent choice for history buffs' with a 'well organised beach', says Which? Travel

The second choice for a cheap seaside break in Greece is Rhodes, which is described as a destination where tourists will 'feel the pulse of European history'.

The travel experts says: 'It's split into two parts. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located within a mighty four-kilometre-long wall built to fortify the city.'

Within the old town, holidaymakers will find restaurants and bars located on medieval streets as well as the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite.

Outside of the citadel is Rhodes' 'newer, more modern town'.

Which? adds: 'It's an excellent choice for history buffs eager to learn more, but equally, you can simply admire the varied architecture and crumbling ruins from the comfort of a hospitable taverna or the town's well organised beach.'

Athens, Greece

Price: 99 per night

Which? member rating: 80 per cent

The last recommended 'seaside town' is the Greek capital, Athens, with its 'wealth of ancient ruins'

Which? recommends heading to one of the beaches on the Athens Riviera outside the city

The last recommended 'seaside town' is the Greek capital, Athens. Which? says: 'It's modern, with a thriving street art scene and diverse nightlife, with everything from relaxed tavernas and buzzy rooftop cocktail bars to super clubs.'

But Athens offers more than buzz.

Which? says: 'Unlike many capitals, Athens is punctuated not only by a beach but also by a wealth of ancient ruins.'

The travel experts recommend ticking the Parthenon off your list and unwinding at an Aegean Sea beach on the Athens Riviera once you've 'tired of cultural sights'.

Athens' closest beach, Edem, can be reached on a tram from the city in just 25 minutes.

However, Which? adds that there are prettier and more peaceful beaches for those willing to venture a 'little further afield'.
The solo holidaymaker said they 'felt really uneasy' in the popular destination

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, some destinations are safer than others for single holidaymakers.

But which cities aren't recommended for solo women travellers?

On a Reddit thread, a keen solo traveller who said she had visited around 30 countries, asked women where they had been 'surprised to feel unsafe'.

'Brooklawyer' wrote: 'I was surprised that I felt really uneasy in Belgium, specifically Brussels. This cute little country known for being an easy solo travel destination had some dimly lit, covered alleyways where throngs of men liked to loiter and catcall.

'And I was the only woman on some streets after 8pm. I felt like something could happen and nobody would be aware.'

Sadly, the traveller wasn't the only solo female adventurer to have felt unsafe in Brussels.

'Giraffodil1' said: 'I just came back from there. I have travelled solo quite a bit and Brussels was the place I felt most uneasy which was so surprising.

'Someone tried to rob me within five minutes of arriving and the catcalling was awful. I've never had men say such disgusting things to me. I didn't feel safe walking alone.'

On a Reddit thread, a keen solo traveller who said they had visited around 30 countries, asked women where they had been 'surprised to feel unsafe'. She said she was very 'uneasy' in Brussels

And sadly, the traveller wasn't the only solo female adventurer to have felt unsafe in Brussels.

Another female tourist said she found Brussels to be 'dirty' and 'dangerous' and revealed she ended up spending most of her trip in the hotel.

She wrote: 'Despite the fact that I had two nights booked there, I walked around for five hours on the first day, checked the main square and the sculpture of the peeing boy (Mannekin Pis) and went back to my hotel and spent the rest of the time there.'

However, Brussels wasn't the only destination to pick up negative reviews for safety.

One traveller wrote that Palermo in Sicily was where they'd felt the most unsafe. They said: 'Without knowing, I had booked my first accommodation in a dodgy neighbourhood.

'During the day it was fine, but once it got dark I was utterly terrified to walk back alone.'

And another solo tourist warned women against travelling to Santorini during the winter.

'Known_Royal4356' said: 'Santorini in the winter. It was empty, especially the beautiful white seaside towns - except for tons of male construction workers.

'Nothing sketchy happened other than some staring, but I was constantly on my guard and wouldn't recommend it as a relaxing destination for a solo girl.'

One traveller wrote that Palermo in Sicily was where they'd felt the most unsafe

A female solo traveller recently took to TikTok to explain which three popular destinations she wouldn't recommend to first-time travellers.

The keen adventurer explained that although she enjoyed her trips to each of the countries, she considered them challenging destinations for first-timers.

And a single mum who travels the world with her three-year-old daughter revealed which countries she's found the most welcoming.

In a chat with MailOnline Travel, the globetrotter explained which two destinations she thinks have 'incredibly kind' people.
Christopher Pitt, of the Royal Westmoreland in Barbados, lifts the lid on villa life

Ever wondered what it's like behind the scenes at a luxury resort?

Or dreamed of scoring an upgrade to a suite?

Here to lift the lid on villa secrets and reveal if it's ever really possible to get a free upgrade is Christopher Pitt, the 56-year-old guest services manager at the Royal Westmoreland, a luxury villa resort in Barbados.

Having worked at the 750-acre property for 19 years, Christopher has dealt with his fair share of holidaymaker requests.

As guest services manager, Christopher explains to MailOnline Travel that there's no such thing as a standard day at work for him with his schedule tending to change 'day by day'.

However the most important part of his day is making sure his staff 'are ready to face the guests with a smile and do an outstanding job'.

But while Christopher explains that he 'loves his job', he admits that his least favourite task is 'dealing with disgruntled guests'.

The guest services manager reveals that his biggest guest 'bugbear' is 'when you spend an hour or two trying to get a booking [for them] and calling all your contacts and then the guest cancels'.

Here to lift the lid on villa secrets and reveal if it's ever really possible to get a free upgrade is Christopher Pitt, the 56-year-old guest services manager at the Royal Westmoreland , a luxury resort in Barbados

Having worked at the 750-acre resort for 19 years, Christopher has dealt with his fair share of holidaymaker requests

'Barbadians are usually very mannerly people,' explains Christopher. 'So when a guest enters an area and doesn't say "good morning/good afternoon/good evening", it sometimes comes over as unmannerly'

Another cheeky guest behaviour, according to Christopher, is when holidaymakers try to depart their villa after the scheduled check-out time and 'pretend that it's normal around the world'.

And the manager also warns that there's one key mistake guests can make in Barbados that's unlikely to impress their staff.

'Barbadians are usually very mannerly people,' explains Christopher. 'So when a guest enters an area and doesn't say "good morning/good afternoon/good evening", it sometimes comes over as unmannerly.'

When it comes to upgrades, Christopher reveals that he has to had turn down requests in the past.

However, he says that guests who 'complain about a maintenance issue or construction' are those most likely to score an elusive room upgrade.

Despite the bugbears, Christopher says he would never want to 'trade' his job for anything else.

He says: '[I love] meeting new people and creating special experiences for guests. No two days are the same and I love chatting with people.'
READ MORE: Flight attendant explains why you should never order a Diet Coke

The Maldives is one of the world's most desirable honeymoon destinations, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning beaches.

But if the beautiful luxury islands are a little too far out of your price range, don't worry.

Another breathtaking island, that's been dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe', is just a four hour flight from the UK.

Fuerteventura's gorgeous sand dunes and clear water have seen it compared to the Maldives but Brits won't have to pay nearly as much to go there.

MailOnline found flights to Fuerteventura for less than 100 on Skyscanner this summer, making it the ideal choice for Britons looking to holiday on a budget.

And - unlike the Maldives - there's no time difference between Fuertventura and the UK so holidaymakers won't lose any beach time to jet lag.

Fuerteventura has over 150km of beaches and coves and its best-rated activity on Tripadvisor is the Parque Natural de Corralejo.

A costal natural park, Corralejo has the 'biggest dune spread in the whole of the Canaries', according to Visit Fuerteventura. The tourist board adds that visitors can enjoy an 'enormous extension of white sands bathed by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean' at the park.

Fuerteventura's gorgeous sand dunes and clear water have seen it compared to the Maldives

A costal natural park, Corralejo has the 'biggest dune spread in the whole of the Canaries', according to Visit Fuerteventura

Another of Fuerteventura's best-rated beaches is Playa de Cofete, a wild and remote spot that's famed for its breathtaking sand

A tourist wrote on Tripadvisor: 'Really worth a visit! What an impressive place! We were there on a stormy day, but that really gave an extra dimension to the visit.'

And another visitor said: 'Impressive nature reserve with spectacular views. The area is immense.'

Another of Fuerteventura's best-rated beaches is Playa de Cofete, a wild and remote spot that's famed for its breathtaking sand. Visitors should be aware that the water is generally rough and not suitable for swimming.

The tourist board recommends adding Costa Calma beach to your list if you're looking to enjoy a 'quiet stroll' on your holiday.

Meanwhile, Sotavento Beach is the 'ideal' spot to give windsurfing a go. The beach's shallow lagoon makes it the perfect place for beginners.

Interested in exploring more of the Canary Islands? An expert recently shared the best places to go with MailOnline Travel and revealed which destination he'd recommend avoiding.

Prices correct at the time of writing.
A 'profoundly emotional' update about the future of Call The Midwife has been shared by the BBC.

Fans hoping to be whisked back into the streets of Poplar will be pleased to learn that filming has commenced for series 15.

The broadcaster has confirmed a two-part Call The Midwife Christmas special is being prepared and will be set in Hong Kong and the East End.

It will be followed by eight new hour-long episodes from January 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The new instalments will launch into 1971 and the nurses will tackle several issues including 'premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery'.

At the start, senior members of the Nonnatus House staff head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission.

A 'profoundly emotional' update about the future of Call The Midwife has been shared by the BBC

Fans hoping to be whisked back into the streets of Poplar will be pleased to learn that filming has commenced for series 15

The broadcaster has confirmed a two-part Call The Midwife Christmas special is being prepared and will be set in Hong Kong and the East End

While they're away, the younger midwives are left to help the local community alone.

Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) experiences a huge change in mindset and the 'energy reverberates throughout series 15'.

What's more, the women's liberation movement is in full swing and several ladies burn their bras outside of the convent.

In another treat for viewers, a Call The Midwife film is also set to be produced and will be based in 1972.

While a prequel series is also in the works for next year and will dive into the streets of Poplar during World War Two.

Heidi Thomas OBE, creator and writer, said: 'The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right.

'I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past.'

She reflected how the East End during the Blitz was 'extraordinary' and 'filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy'.

It will be followed by eight new hour-long episodes from January 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

The new instalments will launch into 1971 and the nurses will tackle several issues including 'premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer , tuberculosis and slavery'

In another treat for viewers, a Call The Midwife film is also set to be produced and will be based in 1972

Heidi added: 'The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going.'

The writer teased what was in store for the prequel and said: 'There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces.

'As the classic Call the Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape.

'The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters.

'Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!'

Beeb boss Lindsay Salt described the show as a 'jewel in the BBC's crown'.

While executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added: 'In an increasingly competitive viewing environment not only have our loyal fans stayed with us for 14 years, but they've been joined by a new, younger generation who have also fallen in love with our characters and the challenges they face.

'Emboldened by this warmth and enthusiasm, now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel!'

While a prequel series is also in the works for next year and will dive into the streets of Poplar during World War Two

Heidi Thomas OBE, creator and writer, said: 'The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right.

More information about the upcoming film and prequel series are set to be released later in the year.

It comes after Call The Midwife became the UK's biggest drama series and this year's series averaged 7.8million views.

While 2024's Christmas special hit 8.9million viewers.

Call The Midwife airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
Ocean with David Attenborough (PG, 95 mins)

Rating:

Sir David Attenborough turns 99 on Thursday and the best birthday present we can collectively give the great man is by going to the cinema to see his powerful new feature-length documentary, Ocean.

The film has its world premiere tonight at the Royal Festival Hall: an apt venue in a week of festivities commemorating VE Day 80 years ago.

But while in every news bulletin his surviving contemporaries are being asked to talk about the past, Attenborough wants only to look ahead. The older he gets, the more invested he seems to be in the future.

In a way, Ocean unfolds like a party political broadcast on behalf of the planet. Attenborough stresses that we can still counter the effects of climate change and diminishing biodiversity  and the key lies below the waves.

Humanitys potential salvation, improbable as it sounds, rests with the vast armies of ocean plankton, the most abundant animal on earth. They absorb about a third of all carbon dioxide emissions and produce more oxygen than all the worlds trees combined.

But as in all the best cinematic thrillers, Ocean dangles a lifeline while threatening to snatch it away. Theres a villain in this film.

Its the deep-sea fishing industry, and in particular those enormous trawlers and dredgers that scrape all living things off the ocean bed. An entire eco-system is then boiled and processed to produce health supplements and pet food. And all on board ship, adds Attenborough, with the nearest he ever gets to a sneer.

As always, his mighty age and experience, combined with that air of almost papal benevolence, imbue his every pronouncement with complete authority.

Sir David Attenborough's latest documentary stresses that we can still counter the effects of climate change and diminishing biodiversity

King Charles attended the premiere of 'Ocean with David Attenborough' at the Royal Festival Hall in London this evening

But as in all the best cinematic thrillers, Ocean dangles a lifeline while threatening to snatch it away (pictured: a still from Ocean with David Attenborough)

When he declares that our understanding of the sub-oceanic world has been transformed in his lifetime, there is supporting black-and-white footage of him scuba-diving off the Great Barrier Reef in 1957, when he was already in his 30s and so taken aback by the spectacle that I forgot, momentarily, to breathe.

Yet this film is not typical of his astonishing TV series, the likes of Planet Earth and the Blue Planet.

Ocean is full of spectacular underwater camerawork (co-directors Toby Nowlan, Colin Butfield and Keith Scholey all deserve a name-check, and Prince Albert of Monaco, eye-catchingly, is among the executive producers), but unlike most Attenborough documentaries it does not linger on pouncing predators or mysterious mating rituals.

Only occasionally, his customary enthusiasm undimmed, does he introduce us to fascinating creatures. For instance to the peacock mantis shrimp, with its fabulously complex eyes that can detect UV light and rotate independently like angle-poise lamps.

Or to boxer crabs, which for self-defence use clumps of venomous anemones as gloves, and look so much like pugilists limbering up for a fight that really there should be a promoter, a crustacean Frank Warren, standing just behind them.

On the whole, however, everything we see is to bolster Attenboroughs passionate message, namely that if the worlds nations, meeting next month at the UN Ocean Conference, can agree to create enough fully protected marine reserves, then humankind might be on to a winner.

What fills him with hope, he explains, is the increasing evidence that our seas and oceans and everything in them can recover more quickly than previously he dared to think.

The few areas where intensive trawler-fishing has been stopped now positively overflow with marine life, and theres a tiny protected zone of the Mediterranean, the most over-fished of all waters, which suggests even that can be reclaimed.

Attenborough declares in his documentary that our understanding of the sub-oceanic world has been transformed in his lifetime

Ocean is full of spectacular underwater camerawork, but unlike most Attenborough documentaries it does not linger on pouncing predators or mysterious mating rituals

None of this, he is keen to point out, imperils the fishing industry. It can continue to thrive, but must be better regulated.

In the meantime, populations of the giant black sea bass, once thought extinct, have rebounded. And nothing feeds Attenboroughs optimism like the fate of the whale.

Hunted virtually to extinction before commercial whaling was banned in 1986  with almost three million killed in the 20th century alone - almost every species has made an astonishing comeback.

He vividly recalls thinking that it was curtains for the blue whale. But the largest animal ever to have existed has bounced back, and its a heck of a bounce.

There are blue whales being born today that will likely live for more than 100 years. Let us all hope that Attenborough matches and exceeds that tally. I fancy he still has plenty more to say.

Ocean with David Attenborough opens in cinemas Thursday
Colourised footage brings the impact of Luftwaffe raids to life

Year: 2025

Certificate: 12

Watch now on Netflix

Colourised footage is a familiar feature of documentary making these days, but it's still remarkable how much more it brings the past to life than black and white. Such is certainly the case with Britain And The Blitz, a feature-length documentary from Ella Wright (JFK: One Day In America) that puts restored and colourised archive footage to creative use, following several real-life figures through the Luftwaffe's bombardment of this country.

Footage takes us onto the streets of London, inside buildings such as the Tate Gallery, around the country following evacuees and other Luftwaffe raids and onto air bases, as Spitfires scramble and RAF staff track them on the ground. The latter include Edith Heap, a plotter at RAF Debden who we hear describing her work, and a romance with a pilot. We also hear from Joan Wyndham, a 17-year-old art student who 'met this really good-looking man called Rupert' - romance and seizing the moment is a running theme, understandably - and from Bernard Kops, then a 13-year-old living in the East End, who remembers Churchill visiting during the Blitz.

There are glimpses of what it was like for the other half, too - we hear Princess Elizabeth's first-ever broadcast, at 14 - but mostly this is a ground-level portrait of what it was like for ordinary people and, by the end, you'll find yourself marvelling at what they endured. (77 minutes)
Danish series exploring a not-too-distant future in which rising water levels mean the country needs to be evacuated

Year: 2024

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

When you think of apocalypse dramas, they generally encompass chilling scenes of mass destruction and death, followed by the aftermath as the human race fights for survival (see every zombie film/show ever). This Danish drama takes a radically different approach, dispensing with the sci-fi fantasy and finding the humanity in an unfolding crisis.

In response to rising water levels, the Danish government - in an act described by one character as 'Good old Danish due diligence' - orders the evacuation of the entire country. We then focus on one extended family, ordinary people of various ages and backgrounds, as they are swept up in the mass exodus.

It doesn't come easily or naturally to anyone and the devil is in the detail - in how life's natural ebb and flow, from parenthood to teen romance, careers to starting over, endures. The practicalities, politics and bureaucracy of organising this mass relocation are also explored, as are questions of national identity - the disappearance of a whole language, for example - as Danes settle in new countries.

Less an apocalypse drama, more a story of human resilience, it shares common ground with wartime sagas, but with climate crisis as the invading enemy and a whole population as reluctant refugees. In other words, it feels grounded in reality, just one that hasn't happened. Yet.

It's a really big idea explored with great insight, intelligence and sensitivity by writer/director Thomas Vinterberg, who was Oscar-nominated for his 2020 black comedy Another Round. (Seven episodes)
She was an aspiring 21-year-old model and he was a divorced 40-year-old hill farmer with two children, so to all appearances Amanda and Clive Owen had little in common the day they first met.

But when she turned up at Ravenseat Farm in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire one day in 1996, with ambitions of becoming a shepherdess, it was the start of a friendship that would turn to love despite the 19-year age gap.

Nine children and a successful television and book career later, the couple are now divorced and fans have been left concerned for Amanda after her erratic behaviour left viewers questioning if she 'was okay' when she appeared on Lorraine this week, as fans remarked on social media that 'something doesn't seem right'.

Indeed it's been a difficult few years for Amanda with her older children fleeing the nest for university and the end of her five-year relationship with her web designer Robert Davies, 71.

Although Amanda was single after secretly separating from Clive, the relationship was news to Robert's wife Yasumi, who found a note from the Yorkshire Shepherdess in his car and a box of Amanda's possessions hidden in her bedroom.

It certainly put a slight dent in Amanda's image, after previously being hailed as the 'most authentic' star on TV, and her beginnings on the farm as a young woman who was more passionate about becoming a hard-working shepherdess than she was about modelling.

She had a bright future ahead of her when she rocked up to her would-be-husband's farm as a bright-eyed 21-year-old model with aspirations to be a shepherdess in 1996 [pictured as a teen]

Despite the 19-year age gap, the couple fell in love and tied the knot in 2000, settling into married life at Ravenseat Farm in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire [pictured on their wedding day]

Amanda sparked concern on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine as fans claim 'something doesn't seem right' during an interview from her farm

Before shooting to fame as the 'Yorkshire Shepherdess', Amanda was an aspiring model, but she soon discovered that the career wasn't as glamorous as she envisioned.

She previously shared a throwback snap from her modelling days during the family's Channel 5 show Our Yorkshire Farm as she reflected upon her expectations and the stark reality she faced.

She said: 'When you think you're gonna be a model, you think you're gonna be [in] Vogue, Cosmopolitan, but then you actually end up doing like knitting catalogues. So it was like cardigans, floral, Princess Diana 1980 that kind of look. No thank you!'

At 6ft 2in, she was initially encouraged to follow the same career path as her model mother, Joyce Livingstone.

However, Amanda soon changed her mind about her desire to grace the covers of glossy magazines and eventually found herself eyeing up a completely different profession after stumbling upon a book called Hill Shepherd: A Photographic Essay at her local library.

Her passion for farming and the outdoors developed as she found herself connecting with the images of the shepherds.

Amanda previously opened up on her modelling days during the family's Channel 5 show Our Yorkshire Farm as she reflected upon her expectations and the stark reality she faced [pictured in 2013]

Nine children and a successful television and book career later, the couple are now divorced and fans fear for Amanda's future following a recent concerning TV interview

She explained: 'I saw pictures of people doing what I'm doing now, surrounded by skyline.

'On the top of a mountain looking out across with their sheepdog and their sheep. It was the pictures, it was the landscape, it was the people - everything in that book just appealed to me.

'It wasn't kind of glossing over the hard side of it, it was very real and very gritty, and atmospheric, but it was just the thought of working in the outdoors and actually doing something.'

She continued: 'Having a physical job whereby we're out there feeling the elements, getting windburn, sunburn, rained on, all the rest of it. It sounded like a good idea back then.'

Her newfound passion led Amanda to the doorstep of her future husband Clive, who at that point was a divorced father-of-two running Ravenseat Farm alone.

The first met when she turned up one night requesting a 'tup' [a male sheep] after leaving her city life behind to work on farms.

And while it wasn't necessarily love at first sight on Amanda's apart, Clive was certainly enamoured when he opened the door to the then 21-year-old.

He shared: 'I do remember this six-foot something woman knocked on the door. I was very taken with her. You couldn't not be.'

After she joined him on the farm as a trainee shepherdess, Amanda told how they started off just as friends before their love of the job brought them closer together.

She said: 'It was a slow burn thing we kind of got to know each other. Made friends first then went out a little bit together.

'With us both coming from non-farming backgrounds we were kind of peas in a pod really but we didn't know that at the time.'

Speaking to Mail+ last year in the wake of their split, Amanda revealed how their shared passion brought them together.

'I saw pictures of people doing what I'm doing now, surrounded by skyline. On the top of a mountain looking out across with their sheepdog and their sheep... everything in that book just appealed to me'

Her newfound passion saw Amanda finding herself on the doorstep of her future husband Clive, who at that point was a divorced father-of-two who was running Ravenseat Farm alone [a younger Clive pictured]

'I met Clive 28 years ago, when I was 21 and he was 40. Even though I grew up in an urban area, I was passionate about rural life and it was my dream to be a shepherdess'

Following their 2000 wedding, the couple went on to welcome nine children - Raven, 23, Reuben, 21, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight

It soon became clear to the couple that they needed other ways to create security and stability for their brood [Amanda with (L-R) Sidney, Annas and Edith in 2013]

She wrote: 'I met Clive 28 years ago, when I was 21 and he was 40. Even though I grew up in an urban area, I was passionate about rural life and it was my dream to be a shepherdess. Clive was a hill farmer, so  unlikely as it sounds  it was sheep that brought us together.'

Following their 2000 wedding, the couple went on to welcome nine children - Raven, 23, Reuben, 21, Miles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 13, Annas, 11, Clemmy, nine, and Nancy, eight - and it soon became clear to the couple that they needed other ways to create security and stability for their brood.

She said: 'Long before the television programmes and the books, I was looking for different ways we could earn money.

'Walkers would pass through the farm on the Coast to Coast trail, so I set up a little sideline selling afternoon teas, and it was one of those passers-by who first floated the idea of showcasing our lives on the farm on television. It was 2011 when the farm was first featured on ITVs The Dales.

'Gradually one opportunity led to another and soon I was writing books and giving talks about life on the farm. Then, in 2018, we had our own farming show on Channel 5  Our Yorkshire Farm.

'In hindsight, maybe I should have limited how many events and appearances I took on, but I was on a mission, determined not to let any opportunities pass me by. I was very focused on putting down roots for the family  on finally owning our own home.'

After gaining recognition through her Twitter feeds amid her regular updates and pictures on farm life, she went on to earn the title of 'The Yorkshire Shepherdess' through a combination of her work on the farm, her television appearance and her books.

'Gradually one opportunity led to another and soon I was writing books and giving talks about life on the farm. Then, in 2018, we had our own farming show on Channel 5  Our Yorkshire Farm' [pictured in 2020]

After gaining recognition through her Twitter feeds amid her regular updates and pictures on farm life, she went on to earn the title of 'The Yorkshire Shepherdess' through a combination of her work on the farm, her television appearance and her books

Her experiences as a shepherdess resulted in her biography The Yorkshire Shepherdess, which was published in 2014, and documented her life as a teen growing up in Huddersfield to being a rural sheep farmer.

The Owen family landed their hugely popular show, Our Yorkshire Farm, in 2018, but it came to an end in 2022, the same year Amanda and Clive announced their separation.

The news left fans of the show dismayed, but according to friends of the Owens they had been living apart for months before the announcement.

And rumours of marital troubles had been circling since late 2021, but they had always been denied by the couple.

Then, it emerged in April 2023 that Amanda had a five-year affair with married businessman Robert Davies, 71, and was living apart from husband Clive.

However, the duo have since returned to Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales where they are bound by 'a joint mission' of successfully running the farm and bringing up their children, aged between nine and 23.

These days, Amanda and Clive are set to feature in the upcoming second season of More4's Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids.

Then, it emerged in April 2023 that Amanda had a five-year affair with married businessman Robert Davies, 71, [pictured] and was living apart from husband Clive

However, the duo have since returned to Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales where they are bound by 'a joint mission' of successfully running the farm and bringing up their children [L-R Violet, Clemmy, Reuben, Sidney, Annas, Edith, Miles, Nancy and Raven]

While promoting her latest show and discussing her family dynamic with her ex and kids, Amanda set tongues wagging from fans who were concerned over her behaviour

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, follows the former couple, who split in 2022 after 22 years of marriage, renovate an abandoned farmhouse into a home with the help from their children.

While promoting the show and discussing her family dynamic with her ex and kids, Amanda set tongues wagging from fans who were concerned over her behaviour.

Some watching at home took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their concerns.

One asked: 'Is Amanda ok? Something doesn't seem right #Lorraine.'

'Wow, Amanda is not looking well at all #lorraine', 'She doesnt look well.'

'She does not look well & yet Lorraine totally oblivious  or ignoring it.'

But others took to the social media platform to praise the TV star for her hard working, with one saying: 'Amanda Owen on #lorraine who has 9 children in the Dales looking incredible. Super woman.'
Shiloh Jolie looked tired as she left dance rehearsals in Los Angeles but her activities and her wardrobe dropped a major hint about her career aspirations.

The young performer, 18, who recently sported a new tattoo on her wrist, seems to following her mother, Angelina Jolie, 49, into the arts and into humanitarian work as well.

Shiloh is also the daughter of Brad Pitt, 61, from whom she is estranged.

The teen, born Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, has dropped Pitt from her last name.

As she exited her rehearsal at the Millennium dance studio in the Studio City area, the dancer was attired in black sneakers, loose fitting cargo pants and a black hoodie covering her blonde hair.

The sweatshirt appeared to be from the non-profit organization The United Way which helps the homeless and less fortunate, an indication she wants to continue her mother's example of helping others.

Shiloh Jolie looked tired as she left dance rehearsals in Los Angeles but her activities and her wardrobe dropped a major hint about her career aspirations

Angelina Jolie is a former United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy, who focused on refugees before stepping down from the organization in 2022.

The teen, who was named for the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia, and was born in the African nation, has accompanied her mom on several humanitarian missions over the years, including trips to Turkey, Lebanon and Cambodia.

During the recent deadly fires that ravaged parts of the Los Angeles area throughout the month of January, Shiloh and her siblings, Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 16, were doing their part to help victims.

'Her kids are volunteering around the state, asking for whats needed and jumping in,' a source told People at the time.

'She knows whats important is to bring supplies and donate and fall in line. She isnt posting or announcing efforts. Just trying to listen and learn.'

The source also said the Maria star opened up her home to friends who had been forced to evacuate theirs.

Shiloh is not the only child of Jolie's who is trying their hand at showbusiness.

Vivienne, 16, was an early enthusiast for the musical The Outsiders, based on the novel by the same name written by S.E. Hinton, and convinced the multi-hyphenate to sign on as a producer, while she worked as an assistant on the Tony winning production.

As she exited the Millennium dance studio, the black hoodie from the non-profit organization The United Way, an indication she wants to learn from mom Angelina Jolie's example of helping others

Shiloh and her siblings have often accompanied mom Angeline Jolie on humanitarian missions; Pictured l-r Maddox, Vivienne, Knox, Shiloh and Zahara in Los Angeles in October 2021

Vivienne, 16, worked as an production assistant on The Outsiders and persuaded her mom to help produce the Tony winning musical; Pictured in New York City in June 2024

Pax, 20, (pictured here) and brother Maddox, 23, worked as assistant directors with their mom on the war drama Without Blood; Pictured in Toronto in September 2024

Older brothers Maddox and Pax have made their forays into show business as well.

Maddox was a producer on the Jolie directed drama First They Killed My Father and he and Pax were assistant directors with her on the war drama Without Blood.

Star Salma Hayek praised their work ethic when the film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.

'They work hard. They are very serious about what they do,' she told People at the time.
Rukhshana, May 5, 2025

A young woman has died after setting herself on fire in Taywara district of Ghor province in an alleged attempt to escape a forced marriage, local sources told Rukhshana Media.

The self-immolation occurred Sunday on the same day that the woman was allegedly to be taken to the brother of local Taliban commander in Ghor, sources said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources said the commander Haji Mohammad Rahmani planned to take a young woman named Abida from Taywaras village of Darzab Nili to his brother, Mohammad Azim.

The commander arrived in the village on Sunday and, with his forces, allegedly detained Abidas father and brother, taking them from the home to the local mosque. Abidas father rejected Haji Rahmanis claim that Abida was promised to his brother when she was two years old, saying he made no such promise and that his daughter was not willing to marry Mohamad Azim.

Abida allegedly set herself on fire inside the house while some of the commanders forces were outside the house, sources said.

In a video obtained by Rukhshana Media, a completely-burned body can be seen, but is unrecognizable.

According to the sources, local Taliban courts in Ghor and Kandahar had previously ruled that the commanders claim to Abida was baseless, but Haji Rahmani continued to threaten Abidas father, saying he would take her to his brother by force if consent was not granted.

No official investigation has been launched, according to sources, with Taliban authorities in Ghor not discussing the incident nor holding the commander and his brother for questioning.

Rukhshana Media has made repeated efforts to contact the young womans family but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Originally published on April 30, 2025
One of Hollywood's biggest stars is reportedly being lined up to play a surprise set at this year's Glastonbury Festival.

Having already proven his singing abilities, this actor's appearance could make the festival for film and music fans alike.

Timothee Chalamet, 29, has already got 2025 off to a very musical start after starring in the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, which was released to acclaim in the UK in January.

A source cited by The Sun said he will likely play a smaller stage at the festival, such as the Acoustic Stage, instead of playing for the 20,000 revellers who will be gathered at the Pyramid Stage.

The actor is reported to be appearing on the Saturday with the Bob Dylan tribute band Not Completely Unknown.

Timothee Chalamet, 29, has already got 2025 off to a very music start after starring in the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, which was released to acclaim in the UK in January

Timothee proved that he was very much an accomplished musician in his own right in A Complete Unknown by performing every song himself

A source cited by The Sun said he will likely play a smaller stage at the festival, such as the Acoustic Stage, instead of playing for the 20,000 revellers who will be gathered at the Pyramid Stage (pictured)

Timothee proved that he was very much an accomplished musician in his own right in A Complete Unknown by performing every song himself.

The film documents Bob Dylan's rise to fame in the 1960s, including his legendary performance at Newport Folk Festival in 1965.

Timothee said: 'It was important for me to sing and play live.

'Because if I can actually do it, why should there be an element of artifice here?

'And Im proud that we took that leap.'

The actor added: 'To watch actors do karaoke really isnt that interesting.'

For the film, which is both BAFTA and Oscar-nominated, the actor played both piano and guitar.

He has shown off his musical skills promoting it too, playing Dylan's Outlaw Blues, Three Angels and Tomorrow Is a Long Time on Saturday Night Live.

Should Timothee play Glastonbury, he will be adding to the wealth vintage music at this festival, with stars such as Neil Young scheduled to play headline sets

Timothee could also well be joined at Glastonbury by his equally famous girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, who has been at his side for a number of recent public appearances

Should Timothee play Glastonbury, he will be adding to the wealth of vintage music at this year's festival, with stars such as Neil Young scheduled to play headline sets.

Timothee could also be joined by his equally famous girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, who has been at his side for a number of recent public appearances.

The couple have been together since 2023, with reports claiming that they began dating in April of that year.

Their first public appearance was musical too, when the couple attended a Beyonce concert that September.

Their relationship came shortly after Kylie split with her former long-term beau and the father of her two children, Travis Scott, who she split with in January 2023.
Sophie Guidolin has claimed she will be out thousands of dollars due to damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred last month.

The fitness influencer, 36, jetted off to Europe with her twin daughters Evie and Aria, nine, before the storm hit landfall and caused damage to her lavish Gold Coast home.

Now, the online personality has claimed on Instagram she will have to pay up to $4,000 a week in rent or $76,000 for three months in an Airbnb while she 'rebuilds'.

'Wow. I am so sorry to anyone trying to find housing recently. I am beyond sorry. Like mind-boggling,' Sophie captioned a video of her searching for an Airbnb.

'What are people doing to afford these rental prices? Our home will be six month min. rebuild so need a short-term lease.

'Either Airbnb at $76k for three months or between $2-$4k a week for us.'

Sophie Guidolin, 36, has claimed she will be out thousands of dollars due to damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred last month

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred heavily impacted Queensland and New South Wales in early March.

While it weakened to a tropical low before making landfall, it still caused widespread damage, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding.

It wreaked havoc in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, which were smashed with severe thunderstorms and 'life-threatening' flooding.

Both Brisbane and the Gold Coast were hammered with a 'rapid ramp-up' of torrential rain late Sunday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

'Basically from the CBD out towards Ipswich, and then right through Kenmore, Mount Cootha, and through the Samford Valley  some of the rainfall totals are getting to pretty phenomenal levels,' Bureau of Meteorology's Matthew Bass told ABC Radio Brisbane at the time.

Many residents across the Gold Coast stranded by major flooding were advised to seek shelter and 'get up as high as you can'.

Sophie teased she will need to start an OnlyFans for her feet just to get by while her home is being fixed after the damage caused by the storm.

She shared screenshots to her Stories of a DM she had with her friend discussing the idea.

The online personality has claimed on Instagram she will have to pay up to $4,000 a week in rent or $76,000 for three months in an Airbnb while she 'rebuilds'

Sophie teased she will need to start an OnlyFans for her feet just to get by while her home is being fixed after the damage caused by the storm

However, it seems she was only joking as she followed it up with another post telling her followers she would never start and adult subscription account

Sophie shares twin daughters Evie and Aria, nine, and sons Ryder, 15, and Kai, 16, with ex-husband Nathan Wallace. Pictured together in 2020

'Reckon if our toes touch people will pay more for an OnlyFans account?' Sophie asked her friend, who replied: 'Tempting.'

She went on to say she has 'ballet big toes', but Sophie's friend claimed she had fans who called her feet 'magnificent'.

'I wonder if anyone would recognise my feet,' Sophie captioned one of the screenshots.

However, it seems she was only joking as she followed it up with another post telling her followers she would never start and adult subscription account.

'Guys, I am getting so many of you DM me about this. I am not actually going to do this. My teenage boys would murder me at the thought,' she wrote.

'Even of my feet. Lol however all the power to the boss women out there with little butter on the stubs secretly under their desk haha.

'I wish I could pull this off. I couldn't pull off a one night stand let alone an OnlyFans or foot account. After the day you have had. I thought this was a joke.'

Sophie shares twin daughters Evie and Aria, and sons Ryder, 15, and Kai, 16, with ex-husband Nathan Wallace.
Sarah Snook looked every inch the regal film and television star as she stepped out at the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday.

The Succession star, 37, flaunted a very structured silhouette with a wide-shouldered silk suit jacket that cinched in at her waist.

Her coat was buttoned tightly over a black bow tie and dramatic cape which dragged along the ground and featured a red velvet lining.

The Australian actress paired the look with black silk slacks and matching pointed heels as she loaded up on silver accessories.

Sarah decorated her collar and bow tie with several brooches encrusted with rubies and diamonds to match her earrings and rings.

The Dressmaker star kept her makeup low-key, opting for a full-coverage base and bold red lip as she pinned her ginger locks back from her face.

Sarah Snook, 37, looked every inch the regal film and TV star as she stepped out at the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday

The Succession star flaunted a very structured silhouette with a wide-shouldered silk suit jacket which cinched in at her waist

The 2025 Met Gala theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

It is based on Monica L. Miller's 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

The theme intends to pay homage to black dandyism, a style with European roots which started post-Emancipation and peaked during the Harlem Renaissance.

Sarah's outing at the fashion event comes amid her latest role on Broadway as she takes on all 26 roles in The Picture of Dorian Gray.

The star recently revealed she decided to take a page out of Taylor Swift's book while preparing for her new role on stage  and it really paid off.

Taking on all 26 roles has been no easy feat, which means Sarah had to prepare both mentally and physically beforehand.

When she was asked about her fitness routine during a recent interview with The New Yorker, Sarah admitted pop star Taylor, 35, was behind some of her regimen.

'No alcohol, no caffeine. Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep. And I do my lines at pace on a treadmill, you know,' she told the outlet.

Her coat was buttoned tightly over a black bowtie and dramatic cape which dragged along the ground and featured a red velvet lining

The Australian actress paired the look with black silk slacks and matching pointed heels as she loaded up on silver accessories

Sarah decorated her collar and bowtie with several brooches encrusted with rubies and diamonds to match her earrings and rings

The interviewer chimed in to point out the treadmill technique was something Taylor did to prepare for The Eras Tour.

'I heard that and thought, "Thats a genius idea. Im gonna do that,"' the Emmy-winning actress shared.

It seems Sarah isn't the only Succession cast member to have now turned to theatre.

Jeremy Strong starred in An Enemy of The People, Brian Cox in A Long Days Journey Into Night, and Kieran Culkin in Glengarry Glen Ross, just to name a few.

'Its quite an amazing coincidence,' Sarah told the outlet about her castmates who have now also turned to the stage.

'But I think that probably comes down to casting in the first place. Kieran was in This Is Our Youth with Michael Cera before Succession; hes great onstage.

'I mean, Brian Cox is, you know, a theatre beast. Going back to the theatre is really just a return to whats fun.'

Sarah will be on Broadway until the show closes on June 15.
Pamela Anderson embraced a more understated style while appearing at the Met Gala 2025 in New York City on Monday.

The former Playboy pinup, 57, looked worlds away from her Baywatch glory days as she showed off a conservative new hairdo paired with a grey Tory Burch gown while arriving at the at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ditching her long platinum blonde tresses, the Last Showgirl star rocked a short bob with blunt bangs for the occasion.

Her floor-length long-sleeve gown, which featured a bateau neckline and exaggerated hips, was covered in sparkling details throughout.

Continuing her recent embrace of a more natural look, the actress showcased her complexion with minimal makeup.

While on the red carpet Pamela revealed her glam 'only took a few minutes' calling it 'very simple.'

Pamela Anderson, 57, embraced a more understated style while appearing at the Met Gala 2025 in New York City on Monday

The former Playboy pinup showed off a conservative new hairdo paired with a long-sleeve grey gown while arriving at the at Metropolitan Museum of Art

She looked worlds away from her Baywatch glory days; seen in a Baywatch still from 1992

Pamela was joined by her son Brandon Thomas Lee, 28, at fashion's biggest night.

The star accessorized with Pandora jewelry for the event.

Meanwhile Brandon, whom she shares with rocker ex Tommy Lee, 62, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo.

Pamela also posed with the designer of her gown, Tory, 58, at the event.

In a red carpet interview, Tory praised Pamela as 'otherworldly' and said she was beautiful 'inside and out.'

Anderson's Met Gala debut last year saw her in a flowing Oscar de la Renta gown, channeling Old Hollywood glamour.

After several decades in the spotlight, the star has shocked fans with bold beauty and fashion changes in recent years, including opting to go makeup-free for red carpet occasions.

She's turned a corner in her career over the last year, gaining critical acclaim for her 2024 starring role in The Last Showgirl.

Ditching her long platinum blonde tresses, Pamela rocked a short bob with blunt bangs for the occasion

Continuing her recent embrace of a more natural look, the star showcased her complexion with minimal makeup

Her floor-length Tory Burch gown, which featured a bateau neckline and exaggerated hips, was covered in sparkling details throughout

While on the red carpet Pamela revealed her glam 'only took a few minutes' calling it 'very simple'

She was joined by her son Brandon Thomas Lee, 28, at fashion's biggest night

Meanwhile Brandon, whom she shares with rocker ex Tommy Lee , looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo

She also posed with the designer of her gown, Tory, 58, at the event

The Canadian-bred beauty earned her first Golden Globe nomination with the release of the Gia Coppola-directed feature, and amassed Oscar buzz.

However, the film did not become a contender when the 2025 Academy Awards nominee list was unveiled in January.

Pamela was a good sport about the snub, telling Elle magazine at the time, 'Oh my gosh, it's not something I ever expected. Doing the work is the win.'

Anderson starred on Baywatch for five seasons, from 1992 to 1997. She played the iconic role of C.J. Parker, a stunning lifeguard.

Other big names at this year's event included Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid and Simone Biles.

Every year on the first Monday of May, a series of A-listers gather in their most extravagant looks for a lavish ball hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

The annual invite-only event has a theme each year, with this year's theme as 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' inspired by Monica Miller's work, which includes her book Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

It is meant to pay homage to black dandyism, a style with European roots which started post-Emancipation and came out in full force during the Harlem Renaissance.

Pamela made her Met Gala debut in 2024, where she modeled an Oscar de la Renta gown with a Noel Stewart headpiece

Monica is the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, as well as a professor at the institute.

According to Monica, black dandyism is 'a strategy and a tool to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context. To really push a boundary - especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even,' via Vogue.

The 2025 gala theme focuses on menswear, 22 years after the 'Men In Skirts' theme - which was the first gala to focus only on menswear.

The Met Gala 2025 will be co-chaired by Wintour, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Pharrell Williams.

NBA icon LeBron James was one of six athletes named to the committee of the 2025 Met Gala. Unfortunately, the Lakers star won't be attending.
Olivia Attwood looked to have the time of her life as she dirty danced with Judi Love at her boozy 34th birthday bash on Saturday night.

The Love Island legend took to Instagram to share a video of her wild night as she pole danced at London strip club Stringfellows.

Ever the party girl, Olivia was seen getting into the swing of things as she drank from a bottle of pink champagne before later spraying it across the room.

The TV presenter, who hosted her party at Bacchanalia before moving to the strip club, showed off her head turning moves as she hit the dance floor with her Loose Women co-star.

As Olivia crouched to the floor, Judi's jaw dropped with excitement as she danced along to the music.

ITV star and comedian Judi, who looked incredible in a black satin minidress, also shimmied on the dancefloor and showed off some daring moves.

Olivia Attwood looked to have the time of her life as she dirty danced at her boozy 34th birthday bash on Saturday night

At the bash, which was held at Bacchanalia before moving to the strip club, Loose Women's Judi Love showed off her wild dance moves

Olivia looked every inch the birthday girl in a glitzy backless red mini dress, which showed off her slender legs and was teamed with a pair of towering heels.

Her blonde locks were worn piled up on her head in a half-up, half-down style, while she added to the look with glamorous make-up and jewellery.

She also packed on the PDA with her husband Bradley Dack, 31, who was wearing a grey zip-up jumper underneath his blazer.

After downing a number of glasses of champagne, Olivia and friends headed to Stringfellows where she was seen running and jumping into the arms of her friends.

She later ditched her shoes as she danced with pals on the stage around the strip club's pole.

Olivia penned: 'One thing about my people - they know how to have a good time'.

Celebrity guests at the party included her close pal Pete Wicks who attended with his friend and podcast co-host Sam Thompson.

The two stars appeared to have brought dates to Olivia's soiree, after Love Islanders Samantha Kenny and Samie Elishi were pictured at the party amid dating rumours.

The Love Island legend took to Instagram to share a video of her wild night as she pole danced at London strip club Stringfellows

ITV star Judi, who looked incredible in a black satin minidress, shimmied on the dancefloor and showed off some daring moves

Ever the party girl, Olivia was seen getting into the swing of things as she drank from a bottle of pink champagne before later spraying it across the room

As Olivia crouched to the floor, Judi's jaw dropped with excitement as she danced along to the music

Olivia put on a leggy display in a racy red sequin minidress

She was seen in the video on her hands and knees flicking her blonde hair while on the stage at the strip club

After downing a number of glasses of champagne, Olivia and friends headed to Stringfellows where she was seen running and jumping into the arms of her friends

She sprayed champagne around the room during the party

Olivia was seen drinking champagne

She also packed on the PDA with her husband Bradley Dack , 31, who was wearing a grey zip-up jumper underneath his blazer

In recent weeks, Pete, 37, has been linked to Samantha, 27, while Sam, 32, is said to have been enjoying dates with Samie, 25.

During the night Sam was photographed holding hands with Samie in a sweet, loved-up moment.

The reality star, 32, and his new love interest, 25, confirmed the romance during the bash as they shared a kiss outside.

Another sweet moment was captured by Samie's fellow Love Island star Gabby Allen as the pair made their way through the bash holding hands.

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.

Other stars in attendance included longtime friend Georgia Harrison, 30, who was showing off her baby bump in a purple dress after recently revealing she was pregnant.

She also was joined by former TOWIE co-star Nicole Bass, who cut a stylish figure in a bow-print vest top with a pair of black micro shorts.

Her and Bradley's pal Ronnie Wood, who acted as best man at their wedding, was also there to celebrate the occasion.

Olivia's guests were all treated to her latest obsession, POP MART toys, namely Labubu's which have become an increasing trend in recent weeks.

The former Love Island star has made no secret of her love of the small cute toys, regularly sharing her new additions on her TikTok page.
Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng's daughter Grace stole the show as she arrived at the Met Gala with her mother in New York on Monday in a very stylish ensemble.

Grace looked a far cry from the cherubic flower girl who walked down the aisle at the wedding of Rupert and model Jerry Hall back in 2016.

She is the 24-year-old daughter of Wendi Deng and her former husband and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. They also share Chloe, 22.

Wendi and Rupert filed for divorce in June 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.

Grace was absolutely stunning in a tailored dress from designer Thom Browne at the annual fashion extravaganza.

The off-white wool crepe and double duchess silk frock featured a smart lapel neckline.

Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng's daughter Grace (right) looked a far cry from the cherubic flower girl who walked down the aisle at the wedding of Rupert and model Jerry Hall back in 2016

Grace stole the show as she arrived at the Met Gala with her mother in New York on Monday in a very stylish ensemble

The eye-catching ensemble also boasted horsehair canvassing which was embroidered with beads as well as external stitch embellishments.

There was also a draped pleated wool panel at the front to complete the dress which finished just below Grace's ankles.

Grace added a diamond floral motif brooch to complete her outfit, along with a pair or ornate earrings.

She finished her look with a light rose shade for her lip, a manicured brow and a subtle application of blush to accentuate her cheekbones.

Adding an air of quirkiness to her look, Grace also carried a cute dog-shaped white leather shoulder bag, also from Thom Browne, which retails for $1299.

Like her fashion forward daughter, Wendi also turned heads in a very eye-catching outfit from Thom Browne.

She looked regal in a cream tailored jacket that featured an ornate and intricate pattern achieved using a variety of embroidery techniques and materials.

The garment featured filigree hand-stitched gold beads, mixed gold Swarovski crystals, and flowers and stems in mixed gold sequins and gold bullion.

Grace, now 24, was absolutely stunning in a tailored dress from designer Thom Browne at the annual fashion extravaganza

The off-white wool crepe and double duchess silk frock featured a smart lapel neckline

Like her fashion forward daughter, Wendi also turned heads in a very eye-catching outfit from Thom Browne

The stunning garment also boasted bead edges, embroidered beard loops and dome buttons.

Wendi, 56, also wore a matching calf-length skirt that featured front button closures, as well as a pair of cream ankle boots.

Finishing her look, Wendi accessorised with a very eye-catching fascinator to adorn her crown and a pair of equally eye-catching earrings.

Wendi added even more intrigue to her look with a smoky eye and a ruby shade on her lip, while tying her raven locks back for the occasion.

She also carried a $7000 white leather Thom Browne handbag to complete her look.

Wendi was Rupert's third wife, having previously been married to Patricia Brooker from 1956 to 1967 and Anna Maria Torv from 1967 to 1999.

Following his 14-year marriage to Wendi, Rupert tied the knot with model Jerry Hall in 2016, before their split in 2022.

He is currently married to fifth wife Elena Zhukova.

Both Wendi and Grace looked chuffed to be on each other's arm as they arrived at the glittering event

Grace is Wendi and former husband Rupert Murdoch's eldest daughter, with the couple also sharing Chloe, 22. Wendi and Rupert filed for divorce in June 2013, citing irreconcilable differences

Wendi has also hit headlines with her romantic life.

In 2014, a love note she had written to Tony Blair was published in Vanity Fair, in which she lusted after his good body and piercing blue eyes.

The former prime minister, who is the godfather to Grace, strongly denied allegations of an affair.

She is known for keeping former flames close, and remains good friends with Rupert whom she memorably defended in 2011 by lunging at a foam pie-throwing protester who attacked him.
A man was arrested after he drove through the gates of Jennifer Aniston's $21million Bel-Air property on Monday.

In a chilling twist, the Friends actress, 56, was home at the time of the terrifying incident.

The suspect, a man believed to be in his 70s, drove into Aniston's luxury compound shortly after noon in Los Angeles.

The possible intruder was apprehended by Aniston's security team, who reportedly held him at gunpoint as they awaited for the Los Angeles Police Department to arrive, according to TMZ.

Aniston's security team are said to have dashed to the car after the crash and remove the driver from the vehicle. They detained him during their wait for police, who subsequently arrested him.

Officer Jeff Lee, who is a spokesperson for the LAPD, said the incident occurred at approximately 12:20PM PT and that police were responding to a call about a 'burglary suspect' at the residence who 'ran his vehicle through the gate to the residence.'

A man was arrested after he drove through the gates of Jennifer Aniston's Bel-Air property while the actress was at home

The possible intruder was apprehended by Aniston's security team, who held him at gunpoint as they awaited for the Los Angeles Police Department to arrive

KTLA5's footage captured what appeared to be the damaged gate left by the car

Aniston, 56, did not come into contact with the suspect, police said, and law enforcement sources said she was not hurt.

Officials said the suspect will be booked for felony damage due to the damage inflicted. It has also been reported that he did not enter the home.

A driver 'approximately 70 years of age, rammed his vehicle through the gate to the residence and gained access to the property,' a public information officer with the LAPD said.

'There was a security guard on premises who was able to detain that suspect until officers arrived, at which time they took him into custody without incident.'

The officer added: 'The resident was home at the time.'

Representatives for Aniston declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.

DailyMail.com has also reached out to the LAPD for comment.

The LAPD told ABC7 the incident may have been an accident.

An investigation into what transpired and the man's potential motives is now underway.

Insiders connected to the investigation also told the site that the suspect's background is currently being examined.

The suspect allegedly has a minor criminal history however there is no indication he was specifically targeting Aniston, the ABC7 sources said.

However, insiders claim the collision into her gate did not look like an accident.

The outlet stressed it remains unclear if the suspect was going after Aniston.

Aniston pictured at her Bel-Air home in a snap shared in 2023

She's previously given glimpses into her luxurious abode online

A private patrol car could be seen in the driveway of Aniston's home

The actress never came into contact with the suspect, police said, and law enforcement sources told NBC News she was not hurt

Aniston purchased the 8,500 square-foot Bel-Air home in 2011

Insiders told TMZ that the driver complained of pain and was inspected by an ambulance.

The police said the man suffered back injuries in the collision and was taken the hospital, according to CBS News.

Sources told ABC News that the case is now in the hands of LAPD's Threat Management Unit, a department that has previously worked on cases that have involved the actress. They are now taking over the incident out of an abundance of caution.

Sources told the outlet that prior to the crash, the man was not being actively investigated for any matters related to The Break-Up star. The suspect is expected to be booked for felony vandalism tonight, ABC News sources said.

In addition to his background, his social media will also be looked at by investigators, sources told ABC.

Aniston purchased the 8,500 square-foot Bel-Air home for $21M in 2011; the mansion was designed by A. Quincy Jones and completed in 1965.

It even served as the venue for Aniston's 2015 wedding to her now ex-husband Justin Theroux.

Her mid-century home features four bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms with a wine cellar, pool, and guesthouse; it also has city and ocean views sitting on almost two acres of land.

It previously had a hillside vineyard but garden designer Marcello Villano and landscape architect Anne Attiger transformed her outdoor space into an oasis consisting of terraces, Asian-inspired pocket gardens and interconnected rooms, according to Architectural Digest story that profiled her home.

Her mid-century home features four bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms with a wine cellar, pool, and guesthouse; it also has city and ocean views sitting on almost two acres of land; pictured 2023

She previously given fans glimpses into her home on social media

In 2020, she showed off her new SAG trophy sitting on her bathtub

Aniston read to her pooches at home in a 2024 video

She put on a glamorous display on her balcony

Aniston and her team gathered in her massive closet as she prepped for the 2020 Golden Globes

Her home has also been featured in various Smart Water ads

The star cosied up on her couch

Aniston trekking through her backyard alongside her dogs

The home also landed on the cover of Architectural Digest for their March 2018 issue

The residence served as the venue for Aniston's 2015 wedding to her now ex-husband Justin Theroux (the former couple pictured 2017)

Jennifer told the magazine during her February 2018 issue that she'd 'want to be a designer' if she wasn't an actress because she loves 'the process.'

The Morning Show star said: 'There's something about picking up fabrics and finishes that feeds my soul.'

The actress said when she originally bought the home, architect Frederick Fisher had done a renovation but it was too minimal and cool for her taste, specifically the massive red-painted door.

She felt a connection with the home and worked with AD100 interior designer Stephen Shadley to help her transform the house into her home.

In addition to Stephen, she also enlisted the help of designers Kathleen and Tommy Clements and Jane Hallworth.
The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood appeared to do her best to steer clear of her former costar Walton Goggins on the Met Gala red carpet  even as she hung out with another of her cast mates.

The 31-year-old English actress was seen looking stunning in a black-and-white deconstructed suit with a long black train draped to her side.

Her complicated feud with Walton, 53, took another turn over the weekend after fans noticed the two were again following each other on Instagram.

Rumors that the two were feuding began to spread after fans speculated that Walton may have blocked Aimee, as the two were at one point no longer following each other, despite him previously posting effusive praise about his White Lotus costar.

Ironically, Aimee and Walton looked as if they could have coordinated their black-and-white ensembles for this year's Met Gala theme, 'Tailored for You,' which is inspired by the Spring 2025 exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Aimee was making her debut at the 2025 edition of the Met Gala, which is held on the first Monday in May, in a striking custom Ahluwalia gown.

The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood, 31, appeared to do her best to steer clear of her former costar Walton Goggins, 53, on the Met Gala red carpet  even as she hung out with another cast mate

The English actress was seen looking stunning in a black-and-white deconstructed suit with a long black train draped to her side

The look featured a cropped tuxedo jacket with short, lustrous lapels and a contrasting white button-up shirt with a slim black necktie.

But the long satin skirt was draped under half the jacket, while still leaving a glimpse of her white shirt visible for contrast.

The brunette beauty showcased her toned legs in black stockings thanks to the skirt's sky-high slit.

Aimee's outfit was the creation of London designer Priya Ahluwalia, according to Vogue.

Her look featured several playful touches, including rumpled white mid-calf socks that contrasted with her pointy-toed black strapped heels, as well as red, white and cream-colored carnations decorating the otherwise reserved shoes.

Aimee reportedly wore Cartier diamonds, and she sparkled with dangling diamond earrings, a jeweled floral brooch and a thick, diamond-covered ring on her left middle finger.

Aimee emphasized the androgynous nature of her gender-bending style by tying back her slicked hair while leaving a few stands draped over her forehead dramatically.

Walton's Thom Brownedesigned ensemble bore a strong resemblance to Aimee's haute couture look.

Aimee was making her debut at the 2025 edition of the Met Gala in a striking custom Ahluwalia gown

Aimee's outfit was the creation of London designer Priya Ahluwalia, according to Vogue. It featured playful touches like rumple white mid-calf socks and Cartier diamonds

She added a splash of color with red, white and cream-colored carnations decorating her black shoes

Walton's Thom Brownedesigned ensemble bore a strong resemblance to Aimee's haute couture look. He wore a black skit with a long coat, a white shirt and a slender black tie

He wore a black skit with a long coat, a white shirt and a slender black tie.

The intriguing deconstructed  or pre-constructed  design gave fans a glimpse into the process of tailoring a bespoke suit, as the suit had what looked like the initial stitches on the skirt and jacket that a tailor would create before removing them for the final fitting.

Walton's jacket had also not been completely sealed up, and the outer layer of the jacket pulled apart from the lining toward the bottom, revealing that layer of canvas that is used inside high-quality tailored suit jackets to help give it shape and structure.

Walton, who was pictured posing on the red carpet with Kerry Washington, has struck up controversy in recent weeks after he and Aimee appeared to have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

It was a shocking change, as he had previously shared several gushing posts complimenting the Sex Education actress for her work with him on the third season of HBO's The White Lotus.

He played a tormented man named Rick vacationing at a luxurious White Lotus resort in Thailand, while Aimee played his much younger girlfriend, Chelsea.

The show later revealed that he had chosen to stay at the fictional resort in hopes of killing a man he believed was responsible for the death of his father.

The characters were among the buzziest members of the latest season's ensemble, but Walton and Aimee puzzlingly kept their distance while promoting the series despite their earlier closeness.

The intriguing deconstructed  or pre-constructed  design gave fans a glimpse into the process of tailoring a bespoke suit, as the suit had what looked like the initial stitches on the skirt and jacket that a tailor would create before removing them for the final fitting

The outer layer of his jacket also appeared to intentionally separate from the inner lining to reveal the canvas layer in between that helps to structure a high-end suit jacket; he's pictured posing with Kerry Washington on the red carpet

Aimee and Walton were rumored to be feuding after they were revealed to be no longer following each other on Instagram, with fan speculating that he may have blocked her; pictured together on The White Lotus

Despite her still mysterious rumored feud with Walton, Aimee made a show of posing with her fellow White Lotus costar Patrick Schwarzenegger on the red carpet

He wore an oversize black Balmain suit with pinstripes and a jacket that appeared to be tucked into his baggy trousers

Rumors spread after they were discovered to not be following each other that Walton may have blocked his costar.

Fans based the theory on the fact that previous comments and likes that she had left on his post  when they were still following each other  had apparently disappeared at some point.

According to the Instagram Help Center, comments and likes from a blocked user are removed from posts, leading fans to think that Walton had opted to distance himself from her for unknown reasons.

However, fans noticed that the two were again following each other days ago, suggesting that they may have worked out their differences.

Despite her still mysterious rumored feud with Walton, Aimee made a show of posing with her fellow White Lotus costar Patrick Schwarzenegger on the red carpet.

He wore an oversize black Balmain suit with pinstripes and a jacket that appeared to be tucked into his baggy trousers.

Patrick wore a ribbed yellow satin shirt and carried a burgundy leather clutch with a large gold buckle that matched his leather belt.
Nicole Kidman went all out for this year's Met Gala in New York City on Monday, debuting a shock hair transformation.

The Australian actress, 57, stepped out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a custom black Balenciaga gown, fitting in with the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme.

But it wasn't the dress that attracted the most attention - onlookers were left stunned when they realised the Hollywood star had cut off all her hair.

Nicole struck her best sultry expression as she flaunted her new look, slicking back her blonde tresses which featured a brunette undercut.

Her backless gown was cinched at her waist and hips with decorative belts, and the Baby Girl star accessorised the look with black gloves.

Nicole finished her glamorous look with silver and diamond leaf motif pieces by Cindy Chao and added a pop of red to her lips.

Nicole Kidman, 57, went all out for the 2025 Met Gala in New York City on Tuesday as she debuted a complete hair transformation

The Australian actress stepped out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a custom black Balenciaga gown, fitting in with the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme

But it wasn't the dress which attracted the most attention, as onlookers were left stunned when they realised the Hollywood star had cut off all her hair

The movie star's new hairstyle comes after she rocked longer tresses on Sunday while attending the Charli XCX concert at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

She pulled her long locks back into a ponytail as she embraced her grungier side.

Kidman donned an all-black ensemble with lace detailing on a singlet which flaunted her cleavage, paired with loose fitting boyfriend jeans.

The Australian superstar looked in her element as she posed with her hands on her hips, sharing an image to her Instagram Stories.

'Great night NYC,' Nicole wrote beside the photo alongside a green apple emoji. She also tagged hitmaker Charli XCX.

It would seem it is the Aussie star's year for transformations after she previously stunned fans earlier this year.

She underwent a dramatic change for the highly anticipated second season of Nine Perfect Strangers.

Nicole donned her best sultry expression as she flaunted her new look, slicking back her blonde tresses which featured a brunette undercut

Her backless gown was cinched at her waist and hips with decorative belts, which the Baby Girl star accessorised with black gloves

Nicole finished her glamorous look with silver and diamond leaf motif pieces by Cindy Chao, adding a pop of red to her lips

The movie star's new hair style comes after she rocked longer tresses on Sunday at the Charli XCX concert at Brooklyn's Barclays Center

The mother-of-four shares adopted children Bella and Connor with her ex-husband Tom Cruise, and teenage daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret with her husband Keith Urban

The Oscar-winning actress, known for her timeless beauty and signature red locks, was barely recognisable in the newly released promotional photos.

Nicole reprises her role as the enigmatic wellness guru Masha - and underwent a striking makeover to get into character.

For the role she said goodbye to her trademark strawberry blonde curls and wore a blonde bob wig for an icy look.

The mother-of-four - consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid actresses - shares two adopted children, Bella and Connor, with her ex-husband Tom Cruise.

She also shares two teenage daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, with her husband Keith Urban.
Lauren Zonfrillo has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she decided to have her late husband buried rather than cremated.

The widow of MasterChef Australia star Jock Zonfrillo recently appeared on The Imperfects podcast and made the painful admission she and her children needed a place to visit Jock.

'Jock and I never talked about death, like, "Do you want to get buried or cremated?" she began. 'So, I decided.

'I know Jock would have said, "Don't make a fuss, just cremate me", but the kids and I needed a place.

'And the ritual of the burial was a very important part of them processing what happened.

Lauren added she and her children found it cathartic to visit Jock's grave.

Lauren Zonfrillo has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she decided to have late husband Jock buried. Both pictured

'We go and visit him, it's a really nice cemetery. We go out there for Jock's birthday, Father's Day, and have a picnic breakfast,' she said.

'We spend time with Jock, and it makes sense to the kids that they know he is there.

'Alfie always lies on Jock's stomach, like where he used to lie. It makes sense to them, they can visualise it is a place where Jock is resting.'

The celebrity chef was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room about 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old.

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.

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.

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.

The widow of MasterChef Australia star appeared on The Imperfects podcast and made the painful admission she and her children needed a place to visit Jock

Lauren added she and her children found it cathartic to visit Jock's grave. Jock 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

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.

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.

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, and he was later interred there.

Among those who attended the service were celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Colin Fassnidge, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett as well as Jock's co-stars Allen and Melissa Leong.

Lauren was among the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy before Jock's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace.

Jock wrote in his 2021 memoir Last Shot about battling a heroin addiction from his teenage years working as a chef in Glasgow.

Before his death, Jock had been preparing for the launch of MasterChef's 15th season, which was set to premiere the night his body was found.

According to his book, Jock kept a raging heroin habit hidden from everyone before going back to the UK in 1997 when his visa ran out.
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Miranda Kerr made a dramatic entrance at the 2025 Met Gala, turning heads in a show-stopping sculptural black gown that fused high fashion with avant-garde elegance.

The Australian supermodel, 42, looked nothing short of sensational as she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for fashion's biggest night of the year on Monday, US time.

Miranda opted for a daring strapless creation that featured exaggerated origami-style folds across the bodice and hip, paired with a wire-mesh veil worn over her face.

The Sydney-born model completed her attention-grabbing get-up with floor-grazing statement sleeves that billowed as she posed for photographers.

The striking ensemble showcased her toned physique and highlighted her statuesque frame.

She accessorised the bold look with long black opera gloves, strappy stilettos and a dazzling diamond choker necklace.

Miranda Kerr made a dramatic entrance at the 2025 Met Gala on Monday night, turning heads in a show-stopping sculptural black gown that fused high fashion with avant-garde elegance

The Australian supermodel looked nothing short of sensational as she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for fashion's biggest night of the year

Miranda opted for a daring strapless creation that featured exaggerated origami-style folds across the bodice and hip, paired with a wire-mesh veil worn over her face

The Sydney-born model paired it with floor-grazing statement sleeves that billowed as she posed for photographers

The striking ensemble showcased her toned physique and highlighted her statuesque frame

She accessorised the bold look with long black opera gloves, strappy stilettos and a dazzling diamond choker necklace

Meanwhile, her brunette hair was elegantly swept back into a sleek braided bun.

A swipe of classic red lipstick completed Miranda's old-Hollywood-inspired glam look.

She was joined by her tech billionaire husband Evan Spiegel, who cut a dashing figure in a tailored suit.

Beaming from ear to ear, Miranda appeared to be in high spirits as she posed confidently for cameras, flashing her signature smile.

She waved to fans and photographers alike, clearly soaking up the electric atmosphere of the star-studded evening.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel radiated joy and confidence as she glided down the blue carpet, pausing to laugh and chat with fellow guests.

The star-studded affair marked another standout appearance for Miranda, who has become a Met Gala regular over the years thanks to her sophisticated fashion choices and runway-ready poise.

Miranda's brunette hair was elegantly swept back into a sleek braided bun

A swipe of classic red lipstick completed the old-Hollywood-inspired glam

Beaming from ear to ear, Miranda appeared to be in high spirits as she posed confidently for cameras, flashing her signature smile

She waved to fans and photographers alike, clearly soaking up the electric atmosphere of the star-studded evening

The annual invite-only event has a theme each year, with this year's theme as 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' inspired by Monica Miller's work, which includes her book Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

Monica is the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, as well as a professor at the institute.

The 2025 gala theme focuses on menswear, 22 years after the 'Men In Skirts' theme - which was the first gala to focus only on menswear.

According to Monica, Black dandyism is 'a strategy and a tool to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context. To really push a boundary - especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even,' via Vogue.

The Met Gala 2025 will be co-chaired by Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour, with Lebron James as the honourary chair.

Miranda joined a glittering lineup of A-listers, including Zendaya, who turned heads in a sharp white suit and wide-brimmed hat by Louis Vuitton, and Gigi Hadid, who dazzled in a custom gold halter gown by Miu Miu.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel radiated joy and confidence as she glided down the blue carpet, pausing to laugh and chat with fellow guests

The star-studded affair marked another standout appearance for Miranda, who has become a Met Gala regular over the years thanks to her sophisticated fashion choices and runway-ready poise
Katy Perry is going viral again just weeks after her 'cringey' Blue Origin space trip sparked incredible online backlash.

However, the Teenage Dream hitmaker can take a sigh of relief as she isn't getting any flack this go around.

Despite being absent from Monday's star-studded Met Gala, Perry was declared 'best dressed' after AI-generated photos of her at the event began circulating on X.

The realistic images show Perry modeling a skintight black latex gown with a cut-out pinstripe blazer bodice on the museum's iconic staircase.

The edgy getup looked incredible on the fake Katy Perry, who many on social media believed was actually the star.

Fans said that Perry's look was the 'outfit of the night'  placing her above actual attendees like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Gigi Hadid.

AI-generated images of Katy Perry at the 2025 Met Gala are going viral after the star failed to attend the star-studded event for the second year in a row

The fake photos of Perry were so convincing that fans believed they were actually of her at the Met Gala

Fans said that Perry's look was the 'outfit of the night'  placing her above actual attendees like Kim Kardashian , Rihanna and Gigi Hadid

Several even began referring to Perry as the 'Queen of the Met Gala' after coming across the AI photos.

While many were fooled, Perry's most devoted fans were quick to identify the images as being AI-generated.

One X user pointed out a 'sloppy' detail on Perry's waist in one shot, which saw the dress become one with her skin, that proved the photos were fake.

Fans also noted that Perry was not on the Met Gala's leaked guest list and that she most likely did not attend because she is preparing to start the North American leg of her Lifetimes Tour this week.

AI images of Perry also went viral online last year when she skipped the 2024 Met Gala.

Fans created stunning fake photos of her at the annual invite-only soiree in a dramatic floral gown that quickly gained traction across X, Instagram and Reddit.

Perry took the AI images in stride, posting two of the fakes of 'her' on Instagram at the time, along with a text from her mom, who was one of the many who were fooled.

'Couldn't make it to the MET, had to work,' Perry said in the caption of the post, sent out to her 207 million followers.

Several even began referring to Perry as the 'Queen of the Met Gala' after coming across the AI photos

AI images of Perry also went viral online last year when she skipped the 2024 Met Gala

The images were so convincing that even Perry's own mom, Mary Hudson, was tricked

Perry took the AI images in stride, posting two of the fakes of 'her' on Instagram at the time

The text from her mom Mary read, 'Ha Feather! Didn't know you went to the Met. What a gorgeous gown. You look like the Rose Parade, you are your own float lol.'

Mary's text also included one of the faked photos, but Perry responded to the text, 'lol mom the AI got you too, BEWARE!'

Perry has not attended the Met Gala, often referred to as fashion's biggest night, since 2022.

Since making her Met Gala debut in 2009, the Grammy Award nominee has attended the invite-only event nine times.

Along with Perry, a slew of A-list guests were also absent from the 2025 event.

Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Blake Lively, Bella Hadid and Beyonce did not attend.

Fashion's biggest night out took place on Monday night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The event has a theme each year, with this year's theme as 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' inspired by Monica Miller's work, which includes her book Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

Monica is the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, as well as a professor at the institute.

Perry has not attended the Met Gala, often referred to as fashion's biggest night, since 2022; seen at the 2022 Met Gala

The Grammy Award nominee has attended the invite-only event nine times; seen at the 2019 Met Gala

According to Monica, Black dandyism is 'a strategy and a tool to rethink identity, to reimagine the self in a different context.

'To really push a boundary - especially during the time of enslavement, to really push a boundary on who and what counts as human, even,' via Vogue.

The accompanying exhibit showcases everything from garments to paintings, photographs, and video, all spotlighting the fashion of Black men.

The 2025 gala theme focused on menswear, 22 years after the 'Men In Skirts' theme - which was the first gala to focus only on menswear.

The Met Gala 2025 was co-chaired by Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams and Anna Wintour, with Lebron James as the honorary chair.

The guest list for the annual soiree was leaked just hours before kick off.
Kim Kardashian was caught scolding a security guard after he caused her to take an awkward tumble as she headed into the Met Gala 2025 with 11-year-old daughter North.

The 44-year-old reality star - who led the glam parade on fashion's biggest night - faced a near-fall when a security guard accidentally stepped on her dress.

After stumbling forward, she angrily turned towards the man and said something to him before she held up her hand with a harsh look on her face.

The awkward moment was caught on camera and shared to TikTok.

Tension seemingly did not end there, as Kim glared back while hopping into a pick-up vehicle before hitting the famous steps at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Kim decided to don some leather in a long bodycon dress with matching large fedora by Chrome Hearts.

Kim Kardashian was caught scolding a security guard after he caused her to take an awkward tumble as she headed to the Met Gala 2025

The 44-year-old reality star was joined by her 11-year-old daughter North

The look was definitely representative of the 'Tailoring Black Style' theme as it took inspiration from the zoot suit outfits worn by black men in the 1930s and 1940s.

Kim accessorized with several diamond necklaces which cascaded down her chest along with matching dangling earrings.

Her raven-colored locks were worn down and though most of her face was covered up by her fashionable headwear, it could be seen that she was wearing plenty of make-up.

Meanwhile, North West teased her debut at the Met Gala 2025 alongside her mother amid a bitter custody drama with Kanye West, which ultimately did not happen.

he two posted a few

together showing off their looks.

North donned a matching cowhide jacket and shorts combination along with black Nike high crew socks and a pair of black leather Rick Owens sneakers which retail for $1,200.

She accessorized with several long silver necklaces as well as turquoise and silver earrings.

North also added a bit of color to her hair with varying shades of blue dye in her long locks, which were pulled into braids that cascaded down to her hip.

North also wore plenty of make-up, including a swipe of nude lip.

The 44-year-old reality star faced a near-fall as a security guard had accidentally stepped on her dress

After stumbling forward, she angrily turned towards the man and said something to him before she held up her hand with a harsh look on her face

Kim did not look pleased as she turned around

Tension seemingly did not end there, as Kim glared back while hopping into a pick-up vehicle before hitting the famous steps at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Their appearance comes just days after Kim's ex, Kanye West, complained about not being able to see his kids in a livestream Wednesday.

The Chicago native, 47, who has publicly clashed ex-wife Kim about her parenting of their daughter.

On Wednesday, West vented about not seeing North, as well as his three younger kids - daughter Chicago, seven; and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five.

'F*** all these f***** n*****,' said West, who was recently banned from Twitch.

'I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids,' he ranted in a room while clad in an all-black ensemble and a mask.

The Stronger artist added, '[DJ] Akademiks put that battery in my back, bro - cause I was in the airport by myself  Imma go get these kids, man!'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Kardashian's reps and West's rep Milo Yiannopoulos for further comment on this story.

In his rant, West said, 'Why you got all these black kids that are just sitting there at school ... trying to jump up and down for McDonald's, n*****.

The SKIMS mogul did eventually hit the famous steps outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Kim went hell for leather in a long bodycon dress with matching large fedora by Chrome Hearts

Kim accessorized with several diamond necklaces which cascaded down her chest along with matching dangling earrings

Kim was later seen returning back to The Ritz-Carlton hotel after the gala

She was accompanied by several guards as BFF La La Anthony followed close behind

West, who previously complained about the lack of public support from Jay-Z and Beyonce, added, 'None of these celebrity n***** give a f*** about anything but their next cheeseburger, n*****!'

West, who recently returned from Japan, has been working on new music and corresponding with his fans on social media about the upcoming slate of releases.

He previously posted a series of tweets on March 19 in which he said that he was put off by a white woman being in control of his black children.

West also rankled Kim a year before their split when he revealed that he and the socialite had once broached the comment of getting an abortion when she was pregnant with North.

The shock reveal came in the middle of 2020, when West ran a presidential campaign, complete with a rally in Charleston, South Carolina. West said he received a 'message from God' after he and Kardashian debated about getting the procedure.

The New Workout Plan artist - who recently said he should have procreated with Kim's pal Paris Hilton instead of her - was slammed by people in the comment thread of a Hollywood Unlocked Instagram post for his frenetic behavior in relation to seeing his kids.

One commenter, referring to content on West's X feed, said that 'maybe swastikas and molestation of family members aren't kid friendly.'

Others said West was hurting his own cause with the public meltdown when the custody case eventually hit court.

North West made her debut at the Met Gala 2025 alongside her proud mom Kim amid bitter custody drama with Kanye West

Before hitting the famous steps leading up to the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the two posted a few TikTok's together showing off their looks

North happily showed off her look with her newly dyed hair

Kim decided to don some leather in a long bodycon dress with matching large fedora by Chrome Hearts

North shared a quick video of the two before getting their glam on

'Kim don't even have to bring the evidence to court,' one user said. 'The judge can just look on her phone on a calm Wednesday morning.'

West's comments directed at his ex-wife came in reaction to a planned collaboration between his daughter North and rapper Playboi Carti, 28, which he opposes.

'So Kim got the name and likeness over my black children,' the Bound 2 artist said on X/Twitter morning.

The 24-time Grammy winner continued: 'So a white women has control over the name and likeness of my black children and then speaks to carti about putting my daughter on a song with him.'

West added that 'these [dumb a**] celebrities be trying to play with me in my face.'

The Runaway artist explained in an earlier tweet that he wasn't comfortable letting North work with Playboi Carti, even though he is not directly involved with the project.

'I decided North wont be doing any songs with Carti,' West said. 'How it look for me to get left off the album and then he ask Kim to have vocals from my daughter.'

The Paranoid vocalist added, 'I dont a f*** about none of this industry s*** and how its a skims line in the first place and I dont give a f*** what no comments.'

Meanwhile, Kanye West complained about not seeing his kids in a livestream Wednesday

The Chicago native, 47, who has publicly clashed with ex-wife Kim Kardashian 44, about the co-parenting of their 11-year-old daughter, North.

On Wednesday, West vented about not seeing her, as well as his three younger kids - daughter Chicago, seven; and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five as he ranted in a room while clad in an all-black ensemble and a mask

The comments directed at his ex-wife came in reaction to a planned musical collaboration between his daughter North, 11, and rapper Playboi Carti, 28, which he opposes. Kim and North pictured at a Lakers game last April in LA

West made clear he was displeased about Kim having control of how his kids are marketed

West was critical of Playboy Carti for not collaborating with him amid recent controversies

West said Playboy Carti was out of line in going behind his back to seal the collab with North

West was seen embracing North after she took part in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at Hollywood Bowl last May

North, 11, appears to be honing a career as an entertainer, following in her father's footsteps

West cited his beliefs in terms of how gender relates to co-parenting, saying that 'the man has the first and final say over his kids'

West cited his beliefs in terms of how gender relates to co-parenting, saying that 'the man has the first and final say over his kids.'

The Gold Digger artist previously said that 'the man makes the final decision.'

West was critical of Playboy Carti for not collaborating with him amid recent controversies, citing how he included him on his 2024 hit single CARNIVAL.

'Hey North your dad gave me my biggest song and co sign and I left him off of my album because of his tweets ... oh but north you my niece I gotta use your vocals.'

The Through the Wire vocalist said Playboy Carti was out of line in going behind his back to seal the collab with North: 'I held my tongue about [not] being on carti album. Him going to my ex to ask my daughter to be on a song 2 days later was too far ... nobody finna play with me.'

West was seen embracing North on Hulu's The Kardashians last month after she took part in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at Hollywood Bowl last May.

Other relatives on hand to support the eldest child of West and Kardashian last year included her grandmother Kris Jenner and aunt Kourtney Kardashian, who attended with her husband Travis Barker, also an accomplished entertainer.

West last month declared himself as a voice for the voiceless amid the sensitivities of contemporary cancel culture.
Anne Hathaway got fans talking at the 2025 Met Gala - and not necessarily just for her outfit.

The star, 42, continued fueling plastic surgery rumors as she displayed her smooth visage while working her magic at Monday night's fashion extravaganza.

Netizens took note of her youthful complexion in the comments section of an interview Hathaway did with Vogue on the blue carpet.

Hathaway - who was rocking a look by Wes Gordon and Carolina Herrera - opened up about how the late Andre Leon Talley influenced her look and her latest favorite meal with the fashion bible.

But several zeroed in on her complexion: 'Whoa she really got some obvious work done on her upper face. Maybe brow lift. She's trying to distract/cover up with pulled back hair,' one posted in the comments section of the Instagram post.

Others agreed: 'Jaw, ponytail lift, and brow lift it seems!' one account said in response.

Anne Hathaway got fans talking at the Met Gala and not necessarily just for her outfit

The star, 42, who has been at the center of plastic surgery rumors as of late, displayed her smooth visage as she attended fashion's biggest night

'All I know is the eyebrows move!' another quipped.

When one noted that the Princess Diaries star appeared 'young,' another account responded she 'must have had some work done....'

'Her plastic surgeon is top tier,' a third user posted.

Others praised Hathaway's appearance, but still suspected she may have had something done.

'When is he gonna ask "who is your surgeon?"' one fan asked, referencing the reporter's line of questioning. 'I'd like to know how much $$ I need to rob for an appointment.'

'Did she have anything done to her face? She looks younger. Absolutely gorgeous,' another posted.

The actress became to talk of social media last month after she appeared at New York fashion week looking especially youthful.

It was the latest in a series of stunning appearances that have left some fans saying The Devil Wears Prada actor now looks younger than she did in her 20s.

Hathaway's noticeably smooth complexion at the event  even compared to just six months ago  has sparked frenzied speculation she may have had work done.

Even when letting out a big laugh, the Havoc star's forehead did not reveal even one wrinkle or crinkle.

Fans weighed in on Hathaway's look after watching her interview with Vogue at the Met Gala

After one Instagram user noted Anne looked young, another said the actress 'must have had some work done'

Another was hoping her own questions would be answered during the interview

Hathaway worked a look by Wes Gordon and Carolina Herrera

The dress consisted of a white button down top and a floor length beaded skirt

Hathaway's apparent continued de-ageing also left some fans joking: 'Annie's on track to be a baby by 2045.'

The actress has faced speculation she's had work done before.

In 2023, plastic surgeon Dr Gary Motykie told DailyMail.com that he had 'no doubt she had surgery on her nose' as it appears the former child star refined her tip with a finesse rhinoplasty.

'You see it go from a slightly more plunging bulbous tip with a wide bridge to having a much more defined contour and thinner bridge and thinner tip and more tip projection. That's the leading sign of having a rhinoplasty,' he speculated.

'We also see that natural sign of thinning and baby fat going away on her face, but it does appear to be more maintained. So, again, I am suspicious of things like fillers, Botox, maintenance with micro-needling and skin tightening, things to just maintain the skin.

'I also noticed her jawline is a bit narrower, again that could be the normal loss of body fat or it could be some slight contouring to the jawline to bring in that lower face with things like Botox to narrow that lower part of the face.'

Back in 2008, Hathaway denied ever going under the knife but confessed: 'When I was growing up, I wanted a nose job, because I didn't think my nose was good.'

'Your face needs to have character if you're going to be an actor, or you're just kind of a face,' she added.

The actress herself has shown dedication to her skincare regime.

She walked the iconic staircase alongside Wes Gordon, one of the brains behind her look

Hathaway seen departing The Carlyle Hotel ahead of the Met Gala

Only two months ago, Hathaway shared a makeup free snap with Hollywood bestie Jessica Chastain.

The friends, who starred alongside each other in 2024 thriller Mothers' Instinct, both sported sheet face masks as they kept their skin hydrated while relaxing on a plane.

Hathaway's long-term facialist, the renowned Su-Man, has also previously given an insight into the star's strict daily skincare routine.

Su-Man told Net-a-Porter that Anne massages her face, puts on a face mask and applies SPF 30 every day.

Her hair was slicked up into an incredibly high ponytail adorned with a black bow

During her interview with the fashion bible, Hathaway opened up about how the late Andre Leon Talley influenced her look and her latest favorite meal

The star herself has also spoken in the past about how she has always prioritised protecting her skin from sun damage, with her mother encouraging her to wear sunscreen daily from a young age.

'I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine and use spray tan if I need to look as if I've been sunbathing,' she previously told the Sun in 2012.

Dr Asha Chhaya, an aesthetic doctor and medical lead at WY Skin Clinic, also told MailOnline some of the ways Hathaway likely maintains her flawless features.

'She likely follows a consistent skincare routine, with sun protection as a top priority, using SPF daily,' she shared in 2024.

'Her regimen probably includes gentle cleansing, moisturising, and regular face masks to keep her skin hydrated and radiant.

Hathaway dressed up her look with an elegant silver bejeweled necklace

Hathaway was in top spirits during the fashion extravaganza Monday night

She posed alongside Gordon on the so-called blue carpet

'It's also likely that she incorporates antioxidant serums to shield her skin from environmental damage, and no anti-ageing routine would be complete without retinol - known for its ability to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.'

'It's possible she benefits from regular facials and subtle cosmetic enhancements to further bring out her natural beauty.'

Another factor that might be helping is the fact she gave up alcohol back in 2019.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin and disrupts sleep, both factors that can lead to a dull, tired complexion.
The Cronulla mansion at the centre of Roxy Jacenko's ill-fated $10 million house giveaway has sold for $7.3 million, one year after the promotion led to legal battles.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which offers ample space with 468 square metres of land and two parking spaces, is billed as a 'contemporary masterpiece'.

The luxury property was at the heart of controversy last year when Jacenko, alongside businessmen Youssef Tleis and Kassim Alaouie, launched a promotion offering it as a grand prize for customers of her boot camp course.

The giveaway promised a $10 million waterfront home, a Birkin bag and a Rolex watch, with just one lucky participant set to win the grand prize.

However the promotion faced immediate backlash when Jacenko abruptly pulled out, citing a 'shortfall' in the prize money pool.

This decision led to contested court proceedings and a string of refunds issued to disappointed entrants.

The Cronulla mansion at the centre of Roxy Jacenko 's ill-fated $10 million house giveaway has sold for $7.3 million, one year after the promotion led to legal battles

But most participants were left out of pocket after a narrow refund window, sparking outrage.

The failed giveaway resulted in the winding up of Jacenko's Bootcamp business, with the NSW Supreme Court calling in liquidators.

Jacenko has since expressed regret over the venture while also asserting she had not been legally obligated to issue the refunds.

Despite the controversy, Jacenko's legal battle with her former business partners continued to unfold throughout the year.

In the wake of the giveaways collapse, the property had initially been listed for sale in 2023 at an estimated $10 million, but failed to find a buyer at that price.

Now, after months of negotiations, the property has sold for $7.3m to a company directed by Andrew McVeigh, founder of Remara Investment Management.

Co-owners Mr Tleis and Mr Alaouie initially listed the four-bedroom property for auction in 2023, later withdrawing the listing when they failed to find a buyer.

After the controversial failed lottery venture, Jacenko was said to have paid out $76,000 in refunds to disgruntled entrants.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which offers ample space with 468 square metres of land and two parking spaces, is billed as a 'contemporary masterpiece'

The luxury property was at the heart of controversy last year when Jacenko, alongside businessmen Youssef Tleis and Kassim Alaouie, launched a promotion offering it as a grand prize for customers of her boot camp course

Jacenko had earlier taken to Instagram to claim she was leaving the joint business after discovering a 'shortfall' in the prize money pool and insisted she would offer customers' refunds out of her own pocket.

'I stand by my offer to refund customers and as a result of this, $684,000 of my own personal funds remain in my solicitor's trust account,' she told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

She then issued $76,019 in refunds to entrants of the aborted giveaway, just over 10 per cent of the money she claimed to have set aside for the repayments, The Daily Telegraph reported in June.

A total of 7,489 people had paid between $29 and $499 to sign up for the boot camp, but it was estimated that some 90 per cent of participants remained out of pocket after the refunds.

Only participants who lodged a refund request within a seven-day window from June 9 until June 15 were eligible to receive a refund.

The giveaway promised a $10 million waterfront home, a Birkin bag, and a Rolex watch, with one lucky participant set to win the grand prize

However, the promotion faced immediate backlash when Jacenko abruptly pulled out, citing a 'shortfall' in the prize money pool

After she came under fire for the brief refund window, Jacenko clapped back at critics on social media, claiming she wasn't even required to offer it.

'I'm now processing refunds from my personal bank account. As you know, I entered into a partnership with two others, which was a dismal f**king failure,' she began.

'If you're an honourable person, you put your hand in your pocket and refund people, which is what I am doing commencing this week. Refunds remain open until today.'

'One thing about the refund window, you don't go to Woolworths and buy Nutri-Grain and then in three months time suggest they should take it back and swap it or give you a full refund,' she added.
Halle Berry left Met Gala 2025 fans horrified as she went underwear-free on the red carpet in her most risque look ever.

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actress modeled a plunging, beaded black and sheer striped LaQuan Smith gown - but risked a major wardrobe malfunction every time she moved due to her lack of lingerie.

Parts of her midriff and crotch were exposed in the daring ensemble, which she teamed with a cropped black blazer with shoulder pads.

The actress wasn't the only star daring to bare: White Lotus star Lisa exposed her underwear, Kim Kardashian showed off her curves, and Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega opted for no-pant ensembles.

Halle gave guests and viewers at home a further eyeful as she put her ample cleavage on display.

The dress boasted a train, and her look was accented with a small fascinator hat and flashy statement jewelry.

Social media fans branded the star 'disgraceful' for flashing her pubic area while others said she looked 'great' but urgently needed to cover up.

Halle Berry left Met Gala 2025 fans horrified as she went underwear-free on the red carpet in her most risque look ever

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actress modeled a plunging, beaded black and sheer striped LaQuan Smith gown - but risked a major wardrobe malfunction every time she moved due to her lack of lingerie

One person wrote, 'Halle... my girl. I expected more from you. We get it. The body is bodying and you have aged like a fine, fine wine. But this is not the move.'

Someone else added, 'Halle Berry is still hot but doesn't need to dress like that.'

Another disappointed fan zoomed in on a photo of her hip area and accused her of 'dropping the ball.'

An angry spectator weighed in, 'Halle Berry's outfit was disgraceful. You could see her pubic area,' with a red-faced emoji.

'This needs a warning,' someone else complained while another person simply asked, 'Where are her undies?'

This year's Met Gala theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style - based on Monica L. Miller's 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity - and the dress code was Tailored for You.

The theme was meant to pay homage to Black dandyism, a style with European roots that started post-Emancipation and came out in full force during the Harlem Renaissance.

Smith told Vogue about his creation, 'It captures the themes message of self-expression and being bold in the way that you look and dress.'

He further noted, 'The dresss details showcase the ethos of the theme: exaggerated lines, luxurious fabrics, and sheer boldness.'

Blackpink singer Lisa raises eyebrows with her black Louis Vuitton ensemble at the 2025 Met Gala

The actress wasn't the only star daring to bare: Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega opted for no-pant ensembles

Kim accessorized with several diamond necklaces which cascaded down her chest along with matching dangling earrings

Parts of her midriff and crotch were exposed in the daring ensemble, which she teamed with a cropped black blazer with shoulder pads

Social media fans branded the star 'disgraceful' for flashing her pubic area while others said she looked 'great' but needed to cover up

LaQuan described the overall look as 'a mix of sexy-Bond-girl meets Harlem Renaissance.'

He highlighted collaborating with Halle as he shared with Vogue, 'She knows exactly who she is and has such a clear sense of style, but shes also incredibly collaborative. During the fittings, she wasnt just stepping into a garmentshe was shaping it with me.'

He recalled, 'She pushed for certain cuts that enhanced her movement, and we played with sheer panels to strike that perfect balance between elegance and edge. Her input was always intentional, always rooted in how she wanted to feel in the piecenot just how it looked.'

The designer, who also dressed Ciara for the occasion, told People, 'I've always been inspired by the essence of Harlem Renaissance and this jazzy era.

'For me, sharp tailoring and an exaggerated shoulder is what I've always been incorporating in my collections. I love the '80s as well, and the fearlessness of Josephine Baker, so I think that you're going to be able to get some of the essence of all of those notes through the design.'

The star posed up with partner Van Hunt

One person asked, 'Where are her undies?'

Halle teamed her attention-grabbing dress with a shrunken, cropped black blazer with shoulder pads

The star confidently posed in the extremely racy look

The concept of this year's gala came from the Costume Institute's spring exhibition highlighting Black dandyism.

The co-chairs, who hosted the swanky affair, included actor Colman Domingo, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky and musician and Louis Vuitton men's creative director Pharrell Williams. LeBron James will also join, acting as honorary chair.

Around 600 were expected, with athletes Simone Biles and ShaCarri Richardson among them.

The official guest list is customarily kept under wraps, but the A-list lineup leaked on Monday, hours before stars started arriving.

The evening was full of unexpected and noteworthy moments.

Diana Ross had a grand arrival as she wore a dramatically long white cape, upstaging Zendaya at one point.

Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner walked the red carpet alone while boyfriend Timothee Chalamet skipped out on the event for a boys night.

And Rihanna revealed a baby bump as she announced she is expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky.
Kim Kardashian is ready to 'confront' the gang who are accused of tying her up in a 8.5million jewellery heist.

Kardashian, 44, was alone in the penthouse of a 13,500-a-night Paris hotel in October 2016 when two men disguised as policemen burst in and put a gun to her head, spending 49 minutes stealing millions of pounds worth of jewellery.

The traumatised reality TV star was bound and gagged during the ordeal and later fled the country by private jet after speaking to French detectives, telling in recent years how she thought she would be killed by the robbers.

There have been delays in the case being brought to court, with blame being placed on the priority of high-profile terrorist trials, but she is now finally set to give evidence.

The trial began on April 28 and, ahead of Kardashian giving testimony on May 13, her lawyers have told how she is ready to 'confront' those accused of attacking her.

'She is committed to attending in person the trial and to confronting those who attacked her,' her French lawyers Leonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout told AFP.

Kim Kardashian (pictured in October 2024) is ready to 'confront' the gang who are accused of tying her up in a 8.5million jewellery heist

The trial began on April 28 and, ahead of Kardashian's testimony on May 13, her lawyers have told how she is ready to give evidence in person (pictured: Defendant Yunice Abbas)

'She will do so with dignity and courage.'

The lawyers, who are representing Kardashian alongside her American counsel Michael Rhodes, declined to comment on the content of her upcoming testimony.

'We want to give everyone the opportunity to hear her testimony in her own words so we won't be commenting on the substance of what she will say,' they added.

They also said that Kardashian 'is genuinely grateful for the way in which the French authorities conducted the investigation that led to the discovery of the persons facing charges in this trial'.

'Throughout the process, the utmost respect and consideration has been given for Ms. Kardashian,' they said.

The raid took place at the height of Paris Fashion Week while Kardashian was still married to rapper Kanye West, and 8.5million worth of jewellery was stolen, including her 18.88 carat diamond engagement ring.

As they fled, one robber dropped a platinum cross adorned with diamonds that was found the next morning.

A career criminal known as 'Old Omar' is accused of masterminding the heist that was France's highest value robbery in a decade and threatened the city's reputation as the ultimate high-class tourism destination.

Kardashian, 44, was alone in the penthouse of a 13,500-a-night Paris hotel in October 2016 (pictured that month) when two men disguised as policemen burst in and put a gun to her head

Kardashian was bound, gagged and locked in a bathroom, before the robbers made off with her lavish jewellery collection, including a engagement ring from Kanye West (pictured above)

The advanced age of Omar - real name Aomar Ait Khedache, at 68 - and his right-hand man Yunice Abbas, at 72, has led the gang to be known as the 'Grandpa Robbers'.

Omar's 79-year-old mistress Christiane 'Cathy' Glotin is also accused of helping them launder the gem haul after she was tracked travelling to Europe's diamond capital Antwerp.

Both men have admitted taking part in the robbery as their DNA was found on the ties used to bind Kardashian's hands and feet 'like a saucisson', as it is known in French slang.

While Khedache has admitted to tying up Kardashian, he has disputed claims that he was the mastermind behind the robbery.

In fact, Abbas has even written a book about his involvement, unambiguously entitled: 'I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian.'

However, it is the extent of their involvement  and the part eight others accused played in the organisation of the multi-million-pound heist  that will be determined during the four-week trial.

Gary Madar, the brother of Kardashian's Paris driver, is accused of providing the tip-off that the star would be alone on the night of the robbery as her bodyguard was accompanying her sister Kourtney to a nightclub.

Madar, a celebrity fixer, is alleged to have bragged to Florian 'Flo' Heroui, the owner of a Paris bar frequented by underworld figures, that he could provide details about a 'very rich American' who was coming for Paris Fashion Week.

Abbas has written a book about his involvement, unambiguously entitled: 'I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian' (pictured in February 2021 with the book)

Francois 'Big Guy' Delaporte (left) and Pierre 'Big Pierrot' Bouianere (right)

Marceau 'Rough Nose' Baumgertner (left) and Didier 'Blue Eyes' Dubreucq (right)

But in court, Madar's lawyer retorted with: 'The whole world knew sir. She has 350million followers.'

Abbas has admitted he did not know who Kim Kardashian was before the robbery, simply telling the terrified concierge of the Hotel de Pourtales to take him to 'the American rapper's wife'.

Old Omar's son Harminy Ait Khedache, known as 'La Boule' [the ball], is accused of tailing the reality TV star's limousine as she was driven around the city.

Didier Dubreucq, whose nickname is 'Blue Eyes', is accused of being one of the two men who entered Kim's penthouse and put a gun to her head.

Marc-Alexandre Boyer, Marc Boyer and Francois Delaporte are all accused of taking part in the robbery by procuring weapons, vehicles and false identity documents.

However, two men arrested for their part in the heist will not stand trial.

Pierre 'Big Pierrot' Bouianere, 72 - believed to be the robber who dropped the diamond encrusted platinum cross outside the hotel - has been ruled 'unfit' to stand trial as he is suffering from Alzheimer's.

And Marceau Baum-Gertner, a notorious Parisian fence of stolen goods who was originally charged with the 'concealment of gold, jewels and watches' after he was tracked to Antwerp, has died.

A six-member jury will assist three judges to determine the role each defendant played in possibly Paris' most high-profile heist in modern times.

With sentences of up to 20 years in jail expected, many of the 'Grandpa Robbers' are likely to die behind bars if convicted.
Anne Hathaway did little to quell plastic surgery rumours as she made her latest public appearance at a star-studded Met Gala after-party on Monday evening.

The actress was in attendance as British fashion designer Stella McCartney and beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury hosted a late night soiree at New York City venue Zero Bond.

Other guests in attendance at the event included James Corden, his glamorous wife Julia Carey and controversial comic Chris Rock.

But it was Hollywood star Anne who claimed the spotlight after recently fuelling cosmetic surgery rumours with her remarkably smooth complexion.

The celebrated actress cut a stylish figure for the event in a white open shirt which she tucked into a black and silver bejewelled skirt.

Anne Hathaway was in attendance as British fashion designer Stella McCartney (pictured) and beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury hosted a late night soiree at New York City venue Zero Bond

(L-R): Anne Hathaway, Stella McCartney, James Corden and Charlotte Tilbury pose for a group shot at the exclusive event

She added height to her frame with a pair of heels and styled her brunette locks into a sleek ponytail.

The Princess Diaries star beamed from ear to ear as she left the afterparty in the early hours of the morning.

Fans took note of Anne's youthful complexion in the comments section of an interview she did with Vogue on the blue carpet.

'Whoa she really got some obvious work done on her upper face. Maybe brow lift. She's trying to distract/cover up with pulled back hair,' one posted in the comments section of the Instagram post.

Others agreed: 'Jaw, ponytail lift, and brow lift it seems!' one account said in response.

'All I know is the eyebrows move!' another quipped.

When one noted that the Princess Diaries star appeared 'young,' another account responded she 'must have had some work done....'

'Her plastic surgeon is top tier,' a third user posted.

Anne was in the mood to party as she joined hosts Charlotte (L) and Stella (R) at the star-studded bash

(L-R) Wes Gordon, Paul Arnhold, Anne Hathaway and Derek Blasberg pose for a group shot at the event

Other guests in attendance at the event included controversial comic Chris Rock (left, with James Corden)

Anne did little to quell plastic surgery rumours as she made her latest public appearance at a star-studded Met Gala after-party on Monday evening

Others praised Anne's appearance, but still suspected she may have had something done.

'When is he gonna ask "who is your surgeon?"' one fan asked, referencing the reporter's line of questioning. 'I'd like to know how much $$ I need to rob for an appointment.'

'Did she have anything done to her face? She looks younger. Absolutely gorgeous,' another posted.

Monday's event featured custom Stella McCartney and Charlotte Tilbury neons, while guests sipped on signature Bombay Sapphire Sparkling Lemon cocktails, as well as Bombay Sapphire Martinis and Grapefruit Gin & Tonics throughout the night.

A mix of next-generation trailblazers and friends of the Stella McCartney house and Charlotte Tilbury attended, including Achilleas of Greece, Adrien Brody, Amy Griffin, Baz Luhrman, Bebe Rexha, Bella Tilbury and Darren Aronofsky.

Destry Spielberg, Dylan Mulvaney, Georgia Fowler, Heidi Klum, Ivy Getty, Jony Ive, Josephine Skriver, Leni Klum, Lauryn Hill, Stella Maxwell and Toni Garrn were also in attendance.

Supermodel Toni Garrn was also seen partying at the event on Monday evening

Jon Batiste was seen getting a warm welcome from Anne at the celebratory event

(L-R) Derek Blasberg, Stella McCartney and Nikolai von Bismarck rub shoulders

Model Josephine Skriver beamed as she raised a glass with friends on Monday evening

(L-R) Baz Luhrmann, Stella McCartney and Richard E. Grant pose for another memorable photo

Former Fugees star Lauryn Hill with co-host Charlotte Tilbury at the New York City bash

Chris Rock ensured the party slapped as he stepped out in a cream suit on Monday evening

Hollywood star Anne became to talk of social media last month after she appeared at New York fashion week looking especially youthful.

It was the latest in a series of stunning appearances that have left some fans saying The Devil Wears Prada actor now looks younger than she did in her 20s.

Hathaway's noticeably smooth complexion at the event  even compared to just six months ago  has sparked frenzied speculation she may have had work done.

Even when letting out a big laugh, the Havoc star's forehead did not reveal even one wrinkle or crinkle.

Anne's apparent continued de-ageing also left some fans joking: 'Annie's on track to be a baby by 2045.'

The actress has faced speculation she's had work done before.

In 2023, plastic surgeon Dr Gary Motykie told DailyMail.com that he had 'no doubt she had surgery on her nose' as it appears the former child star refined her tip with a finesse rhinoplasty.

(L-R) Anne Hathaway, Guram Gvasalia, Stella Maxwell outside Zero Bond in New York City

(L-R) Andrew Saffir, Baz Luhrmann and Daniel Benedict moved in for a group shot at the venue

Heidi Klum, daughter Leni Klum and Thomas Hayo were also in attendance at the event

Co-host Charlotte Tilbury was evidently in the mood to party on Monday evening

The beauty mogul joined Hollywood star Anne and co-host Stella for a handful of fun photos

(L-R): Paul Arnhold, Ivy Getty and Wes Gordon got together for another group shot

Lauryn Hill with Stella McCartney shortly after arriving at the New York City venue on Monday

'You see it go from a slightly more plunging bulbous tip with a wide bridge to having a much more defined contour and thinner bridge and thinner tip and more tip projection. That's the leading sign of having a rhinoplasty,' he speculated.

'We also see that natural sign of thinning and baby fat going away on her face, but it does appear to be more maintained. So, again, I am suspicious of things like fillers, Botox, maintenance with micro-needling and skin tightening, things to just maintain the skin.

'I also noticed her jawline is a bit narrower, again that could be the normal loss of body fat or it could be some slight contouring to the jawline to bring in that lower face with things like Botox to narrow that lower part of the face.'

Back in 2008, Hathaway denied ever going under the knife but confessed: 'When I was growing up, I wanted a nose job, because I didn't think my nose was good.'

Bebe Rexha was seen making her way into the party in a cleavage-baring black basque

Supermodel Heidi Klum was hand-in-hand with daughter Leni outside the venue

Amelia Gray Hamlin wore black fishnets and trainers to the star-studded event on Monday

'Your face needs to have character if you're going to be an actor, or you're just kind of a face,' she added.

The actress herself has shown dedication to her skincare regime.

Only two months ago, Hathaway shared a makeup free snap with Hollywood bestie Jessica Chastain.

The friends, who starred alongside each other in 2024 thriller Mothers' Instinct, both sported sheet face masks as they kept their skin hydrated while relaxing on a plane.

Hathaway's long-term facialist, the renowned Su-Man, has also previously given an insight into the star's strict daily skincare routine.

Su-Man told Net-a-Porter that Anne massages her face, puts on a face mask and applies SPF 30 every day.

Anne opted for a white open shirt which she tucked into a black and silver bejewelled skirt

She added height to her frame with a pair of heels and styled her brunette locks into a sleek ponytail

Anne looked in good spirits as she departed the star-studded afterparty

Fans weighed in on Anne's look after watching her interview with Vogue at the Met Gala

After one Instagram user noted Anne looked young, another said the actress 'must have had some work done'

Another was hoping her own questions would be answered during the interview

Anne ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived at the event

The dress consisted of a white button down top and a floor length beaded skirt

She walked the iconic staircase alongside Wes Gordon, one of the brains behind her look

Hathaway seen departing The Carlyle Hotel ahead of the Met Gala

The star herself has also spoken in the past about how she has always prioritised protecting her skin from sun damage, with her mother encouraging her to wear sunscreen daily from a young age.

'I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine and use spray tan if I need to look as if I've been sunbathing,' she previously told the Sun in 2012.

Dr Asha Chhaya, an aesthetic doctor and medical lead at WY Skin Clinic, also told MailOnline some of the ways Hathaway likely maintains her flawless features.

'She likely follows a consistent skincare routine, with sun protection as a top priority, using SPF daily,' she shared in 2024.

'Her regimen probably includes gentle cleansing, moisturising, and regular face masks to keep her skin hydrated and radiant.

Hathaway dressed up her look with an elegant silver bejeweled necklace

Hathaway was in top spirits during the fashion extravaganza Monday night

She posed alongside Gordon on the so-called blue carpet

'It's also likely that she incorporates antioxidant serums to shield her skin from environmental damage, and no anti-ageing routine would be complete without retinol - known for its ability to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.'

'It's possible she benefits from regular facials and subtle cosmetic enhancements to further bring out her natural beauty.'

Another factor that might be helping is the fact she gave up alcohol back in 2019.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin and disrupts sleep, both factors that can lead to a dull, tired complexion.
Sir David Attenborough's new film is the 'greatest message he's ever told', says its producer.

Ocean: With David Attenborough will see the legendary environmentalist, 98, delve further than ever before into the 'most important place on earth' - its oceans.

After being significantly damaged by fishing and pollution, the film argues the sea is 'at a crossroads', but 'it can bounce back'.

Ocean will be released on Sir David's 99th birthday this Thursday, and has been described as a step away from his usual style of film.

Toby Nowlan, the movie's producer, said: 'This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours.

Sir David Attenborough's new film is set to be different to his previous documentaries and has been described as the 'greatest message he's ever told'. Pictured July 2024

Ocean: With David Attenborough is set to be released on Thursday after a premiere tonight at Royal Festival Hall

The environmentalist reveals in the new movie that 'the oceans can recover faster than we ever imagined'

'This is the greatest message he's ever told.'

The film's premiere will be held tonight with a blue carpet set to be rolled out at London's Royal Festival Hall.

A host of celebrities are expected to be in attendance including Chris Martin and Coldplay, Benedict Cumberbatch, astronaut Tim Peake, Geri Halliwell-Horner and Simon LeBon.

Never-seen-before graphic footage of the damage that bottom trawling - a common fishing practice around the world - has done to the seabed is said to feature in the film.

The pictures will display how the chain that trawlers drag behind them scours the seafloor, forcing the creatures it disturbs into the net behind.

The process also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the sea, something which contributes to global warming.

Sir David will examine inspirational stories of ocean recovery in areas where destructive fishing is banned - such as the Isle of Arran, Scotland and Hawaii.

The broadcasting icon contends that 'the ocean can recover faster than we can ever imagine'.

In the film's trailer, Sir David made the heartbreaking admission that he is 'nearing the end of his life'

Sir David opened up about his health as he shared his fears over the damage to the seas and the world's ecosystems, noting that it's not too late to change things

But 'we are running out of time', says Attenborough, who candidly admitted he may not be around to see our oceans saved as he 'nears the end of his life'.

During the heartbreaking admission in the film's trailer, he said: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity.

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.'

He added: 'Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.'

'If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I'm sure nothing is more important.'

Sir David further made a reference to his years on this earth as he opened up about the extraordinary ocean discoveries over the decades and how important it is to preserve the health of the oceans.

He said: 'My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man.

Sir David is hugely popular for narrating the successful Planet Earth series [pictured, an image from Planet Earth III] as well as a host of other documentaries

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea' [pictured in 1965]

The much loved TV personality has been on screens for over 70 years, with his first appearance being back in 1954, having started at the BBC in 1952 [pictured right in 1954]

'In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. This could be the moment of change.

'Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed, on paper, to achieve this bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean.

'Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.'

The Discovery+ series also features historical footage, including scenes from back in 1957 when the animal lover first attempted scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

The much loved TV personality has been on screens for over 70 years, with his first appearance being back in 1954, having started at the BBC in 1952.

He was brought in to front wildlife series Zoo Quest after the intended presenter fell ill on location. The series, which was broadcast until 1963, took British viewers into far-flung countries - and supercharged the young naturalist's career.

His groundbreaking Life On Earth series, which began in 1979, really put him on the map.

In the decades since, Sir David has been behind some of the most successful documentary series in British television, including The Living Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.

As well as his passion for work, David's other big love was his wife Jane Oriel, whom he was married to for 47 years [David (L) pictured with Jane and brother Richard on their wedding day in 1950]

Jane died from a brain haemorrhage in 1997 aged 70. When she slipped into a coma, he was in New Zealand making The Life Of Birds yet managed to get to her bedside before she died [pictured in 1991]

The couple shared two children, son Robert and daughter Susan, who are now both in their 50s [the family pictured in 1955]

His work has inspired dozens of other TV presenters.

As well as his passion for work, David's other big love was his wife Jane Oriel, whom he was married to for 47 years.

The couple shared two children, son Robert and daughter Susan, who are now both in their 50s.

Jane from a brain haemorrhage in 1997 aged 70.

When she slipped into a coma, he was in New Zealand making The Life Of Birds yet managed to get to her bedside before she died.

In his memoir, Life On Air, David recalled the moment Jane passed away, noting how 'lost' he felt at that point.

He shared: 'She did and gave my hand a squeeze. the focus of my life, the anchor had gonenow I was lost.

In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, the naturalist praised his wife as he opened up about his regrets at being away from his family for long stretches of time while filming all over the world.

He shared: 'I was away for three months at a time. If you have a child of six or eight and you miss three months of his or her life, it's irreplaceable; you miss something. And I did. My dear wife was very understanding about it.'
Molly-Mae Hague clashes with sister Zoe over her decision to get back with ex-boyfriend Tommy Fury, as the siblings' strained relationship is seen for the first time.

Zoe, 28, says she feels 'hated' by Molly, 25, after she voiced concerns about her younger sister's reconciliation with the boxer, as she predicts it will only end in tears.

In a first look at Molly's Prime Video series Behind It All, Zoe fears their bond will be ruined if the former Love Island stars agree to rekindle, admitting: 'I do worry about my relationship with her if they were to get back together, definitely.'

But Molly, who's three years Zoe's junior, insists she is making the right choice, and tells her sister that she should be able to tell her 'the good, bad, and the ugly.'

During the heated exchange, where Zoe says, 'Nothing I do or say to you is going to change what you do or your opinion, or how you feel towards him', Molly snaps back: 'Correct, and do you know what Zoe, that's the wisest thing I think you've ever said.'

The YouTuber even sarcastically snipes, 'What a lovely life if that is your only worry' after Zoe says, 'Your relationship and how you feel and how you are with Tommy is my only concern.'

Molly-Mae Hague clashes with sister Zoe over her decision to get back with ex-boyfriend Tommy Fury, as the siblings' strained relationship is seen for the first time

Zoe says she feels 'hated' by Molly after she voiced concerns about her younger sister's reconciliation with the boxer, as she predicts it will only end in tears

In a first look at Molly's Prime Video series Behind It All, Zoe fears their bond will be ruined if the former Love Island stars agree to rekindle

Zoe, who married husband Danny Rae last July, tells Molly she believes getting back with Tommy is a mistake because she will only end up hurt again.

And she predicts their relationship will fail within the year, saying that she knows the risks involved are high.

She explains: 'I know at some point Mol, in the next year, however long it is, there will be a time where unfortunately, and I hate to say it, you probably will be upset again.'

Speaking to camera Zoe adds: 'I will always, always, always 100 per cent be there for her but yeah, I do worry about my relationship with her if they were to get back together, definitely.'

Tensions are high between the sisters as Zoe struggles to get her point of view across while Molly says she believes the animosity stems from years of arguments.

Zoe says: 'I actually don't hate you in the slightest, like, I feel like you actually hate me.'

Molly replies: 'No, I don't hate you. Sometimes I feel that anger from you, towards me, from like years and tears of like, us sometimes having arguments'

Despite Zoe wanting Molly to share the truth about her romance with Tommy, she also faces the dilemma of her sister not listening to her advice.

Molly and Tommy, who met on Love Island in 2019, share two-year-old daughter Bambi together

Molly hits out at Zoe for expressing her concerns, telling her sister she should be able to hear 'the good, bad, and the ugly'

Zoe, who married husband Danny Rae last July, tells Molly she believes getting back with Tommy is a mistake because she will only end up hurt again

In a trailer for Molly's show, which was released last week, the star admits she lives in fear of her romance with Tommy being 'destroyed' after agreeing to give the boxer a second chance

The clip from Behind It All gives fans a glimpse into the final three episodes of season one, which is available to watch on Friday.

Molly and sister Zoe's fallout becomes the focal point as the two clash over the influencer getting back with Tommy.

Despite announcing her split from fiance Tommy in August, Molly and the boxer rekindled their five-year relationship on New Year's Eve, sharing a passionate kiss at midnight.

Since January, as well as continuing to co-parent two-year-old daughter Bambi, the couple spent Valentine's Day together at luxury Estelle Manor in Oxford and have enjoyed a holiday in Dubai.

During the first instalment of Behind It All, viewers saw Molly reflect on the impact of the couple's split, as she rewatched footage of their romantic engagement.

She discussed with her mother Debbie the reasons for their separation, including Tommy's struggles with alcohol, which led to him partying and facing accusations of cheating.

Tommy has admitted that he let alcohol ruin his relationship and he went out to 'drink and drink and drink.'

In a trailer for Molly's show, which was released last week, the star admits she lives in fear of their romance being 'destroyed' after agreeing to give Tommy a second chance.
Adrien Brody and his girlfriend Georgina Chapman put on a loved-up display as they arrived at A$AP Rocky's Met Gala afterparty in New York on Monday.

The actor, 52, and the fashion designer, 48, looked in good spirits as they arrived at the bash while braving a downpour.

Georgina changed out of her earlier red carpet look and donned a silver sheer mini dress with a bejewelled embellishment.

She added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and cinched her waist with a matching silk belt.

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, the star completed her look wih a black clutch bag.

The couple are believed to have been dating since 2019 after spending time together at an event at the Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico in April that year.

Adrien Brody and his girlfriend Georgina Chapman put on a loved-up display as they arrived at A$AP Rocky's Met Gala afterparty in New York on Monday

The actor, 52, and the fashion designer, 48, looked in good spirits as they arrived at the bash while braving a downpour

According to the New York Post, Georgina was in a 'really dark, awful place' before attending the event for Helena Christensen's swimwear line, due to the breakdown of her marriage to disgraced music mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Georgina announced that she was divorcing Weinstein, 72, in October 2017 after more than 100 women made accusations of rape, assault, or sexual harassment against him.

'George's close friends told her "you need to get out of the house," she was in a really dark, awful place, she had isolated herself at home, a friend of Chapman's told The Post.

Referring to her and Brody's romance, the source continued: 'They have absolutely been there for each other through highs and lows.

'Their relationship is much more different than the one George had with Harvey, she and Adrien feel more like partners.'

A source also revealed to Page Six that the couple are living together upstate, and during his Oscars speech, Brody appeared to hint that Georgina's two children call him 'popsie.'

Chapman is mother to daughter India, 14, and son Dashiell, 11, from her marriage to Weinstein - who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2020.

It's been reported that Chapman's brand Marchesa suffered following Weinstein's downfall, and she even cancelled the label's Fall 2018 collection.

Georgina changed out of her earlier red carpet look and donned a silver sheer mini dress with a bejewelled embellishment

She added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and cinched her waist with a matching silk belt (pictured with Stella McCartney)

Georgina donned a figure-hugging black gown as she attended the Met Gala

'Georgina was always the epitome of grace, brilliance, and warmth  even in the most impossible of circumstances,' the insider added to Page Six.

'Anyone who knew her back then could see she was focused on her work, her children, and maintaining a level of dignity that frankly, many wouldn't have been able to manage given the firestorm she was caught in.

'Georgina's career has had its fair share of troubles too, but they try to champion each other personally, they fill each other with love and try to raise each other up,' they added, referring to her and Brody as a couple.

Prior to his romance with Chapman, the King Kong actor was in a relationship with model Elsa Pataky until 2009 and then Russian model Lara Leito for six years.

Fashion designer Georgina was previously married to Harvey Weinstein, who is currently in prison. The former couple are seen here in 2014

But nowadays, Brody only has eyes for Chapman and posed on the Oscars red carpet alongside her, and was also joined by his parents Sylvia Plachy and Elliot Brody.

The actor was later slammed for throwing a piece of chewing gum to Chapman as he made his way up onto the stage to accept his Best Actor award.

Despite repulsing audiences with the move, Adrien has since defended his actions as he spoke on Live With Kelly and Mark moments after his win.

'I could've swallowed it, but I didn't think about that,' he said. 'I had to get rid of it somehow.'
Megan Thee Stallion was spotted making a glamorous arrival at A$AP Rocky's Met Gala after-party breaking a major rule at the fashion event on Monday.

The American rapper, 30, looked incredible in a busty gem-encrusted dress, which she wore with a faux fur stole around her arms.

She boosted her frame with black heels and added further glitzy with a pair of chic earrings and flashed a very sparkly manicure.

Megan wore her dark locks in a sleek bouncy style and finished the glamorous ensemble with a full face of make-up.

Earlier in the evening, Megan arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in another low-cut gown which was completely covered in gems.

The dress featured a racy thigh-slit and it was styled with a huge white faux fur coat and a pair of strappy heels.

Megan Thee Stallion was spotted making a glamorous arrival at A$AP Rocky's Met Gala after-party breaking a major rule at the fashion event earlier in the night

The American rapper, 30, looked incredible in a busty gem-encrusted dress, which she wore with a faux fur stole around her arms

Earlier in the evening, Megan arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in another low-cut gown which was completely covered in gems

During the event, Megan risked facing the wrath of Anna Wintour as she broke a major Met Gala rule at this year's star-studded soiree.

The Vogue editor-in-chief oversees the annual event at the famed venue and has a famously strict no-phone and no-social media policy.

But that didn't stop Megan Thee Stallion, Halle Bailey and record producer Questlove from taking out iPhones to capture moments from fashion's biggest night.

In a video posted to her Instagram, Megan acknowledged that Met Gala attendees are 'not supposed to have our phones,' before adding: 'But we are doin' it.'

Earlier, big names including Kim Kardashian, Sydney Sweeney, Rihanna and Gigi Hadid flocked to New York City to attend the invite-only gala.

However, other A-list fixtures like Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry were noticeably absent from the red carpet.

While this year's Met Gala theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' presented an opportunity for 'boundary-pushing' looks, celebrities in drab black and gray outfits dominated the event.

Fans slammed the 2025 event as 'boring' as they watched a sea of dreary looks make their way up the museum's iconic staircase during Vogue's livestream.

She boosted her frame with black heels and added further glitzy with a pair of chic earrings and flashed a very sparkly manicure

Megan wore her dark locks in a sleek bouncy style and finished the glamorous ensemble with a full face of make-up

Many even compared the soiree to a 'funeral' as they flocked to social media to voice their disappointment  with some even speculating that the Met Gala is 'dead.'

Inside the event, Grammy-winning star Megan Thee Stallion, 30, filmed herself eating hors d'oeuvre inside the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art with fellow rapper Doechii and WNBA superstar Angel Reese.

'Hottie Cam in thee MET GALA,' captioned the Texas-born bombshell, who wore custom Michael Kors gown to the red carpet event.

After chowing down on lobster rolls and other decadent treats, Megan recorded herself walking around the venue with Tracee Ellis Ross, Doja Cat and Sha'Carri Richardson.

Next to appear alongside the WAP hitmaker in her Instagram video was Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who blew kisses at Megan before walking out of frame.

Megan then captured herself with Angela Bassett, who she called 'beautiful' while recording with her in selfie-mode.

She then captured Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o's 'stunning' rhinestone eyebrows before moving across the room to catch up with her pal Serena Williams.

Before sticking out her tongue at the camera, Megan gloated: 'I snuck my phone in.'

Other stars to make cameos in Megan's forbidden footage Met Gala footage were Michael Kors, Ciara and Tessa Thompson.

Fans of the rapper flocked to the comment section of her IG post to warn her that she may get in trouble for her video.

'Here before Anna make you delete this,' wrote one commenter in reference to Wintour.

Megan broke Anna Wintor's golden rule by posting images from inside the Met Gala all over her Instagram on Monday night

Megan broke Wintour's no cellphone policy to capture moments from fashion's biggest night; Megan seen with Angela Bassett

A slew of A-list stars  including Megan Thee Stallion  risked facing the wrath of Anna Wintour as they broke a major Met Gala rule at this year's star-studded soiree in New York City

Others feared that Megan could get 'uninvited' from future Met Galas but thanked her for giving them an inside look at the event.

'This is the content we want and neeeed! Thank you,' wrote one fan who received over 200 'likes.'

Questlove also defied Wintour's orders by sneaking his phone into the 2025 Met Gala.

However, the six-time Grammy winner, 54, played it a bit more coy than Megan by capturing footage out of the sight of event staff.

Questlove gathered a large group of his superstar pals  including Met Gala 2025 co-chairs Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton  to snap an epic group selfie in the bathroom.

Questlove, Domingo, Hamilton, Tracee Ellis Ross, Evan Ross, Cynthia Erivo, Severance star Tramell Tillman, Quinta Brunson, Sarah Snook and more posed for the photo.

Sabrina Carpenter and James Corden were also seen in the background of Questlove's footage, which he posted to Instagram, as he and the group filed out of the restroom.
Ready Or Not, this nineties hip-hop legend was gonna find a photo op and take... it... quickly while attending one of the numerous Met Gala after-parties to be held in New York City on Monday evening.

Famed for her husky vocal delivery, she was among celebrity guests at Manhattan venue Zero Bond as British fashion designer Stella McCartney and beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury hosted a late night party in partnership with gin brand Bombay Sapphire.

While many of her fellow guests knew The Score, she still looked vastly different from her pioneering musical heyday as she enjoyed a rare public appearance following Mondy evening's Met Gala extravaganza.

Posing for photos alongside party hosts Stella and Charlotte, she proved she still has The Ex-Factor despite a notable step away from the mainstream music industry following the release of her Grammy-Award winning debut album in 1997.

These days it is her children, rising stars Selah and YG Marley, who are claiming plaudits as they attempt to forge their own paths in the music industry.

And if the surname sounds familiar, that's because their father is Rohan Marley - son of legendary late reggae artist Bob Marley.

But can you guess who she is?

Ready Or Not, this nineties hip-hop legend was gonna find a photo opportunity and take it quickly while attending one of numerous Met Gala after-parties in New York City on Monday

Famed for her husky vocal delivery, she was among celebrity guests as British fashion designer Stella McCartney and beauty mogul Charlotte Tilbury hosted a late night party

That's right - it's Lauryn Hill!

The hugely talented star commanded attention in a burgundy trouser suit and matching leather coat while enjoying her latest night out on Monday evening.

Alongside former bandmates Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, Hill became a household name with New Jersey based hip hop act Fugees after initially starting her career as an actress.

The band released debut album Blunted On Reality to critical acclaim in 1994, but it was sophomore album The Score that turned them into global stars following its release three years later.

Containing hit singles Ready Or Not and Killing Me Softly with His Song - the latter a cover of the 1972 single from Lori Lieberman - the album subsequently earned the band two Grammys, making her the first woman to win the award for a Best Rap album.

Hill would win further critical acclaim with the release of her conceptual debut solo album, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, in 1998.

It's enormous success, chartingh at number one in the United States, made her the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100.

The following year, she set another record by becoming the first female rapper to feature on the cover of Time magazine.

Lauryn Hill commanded attention in a burgundy trouser suit and matching leather coat while enjoying her latest night out on Monday evening (Right in 1996)

The enigmatic star looked vastly different from her pioneering musical past as she enjoyed a rare public appearance following Mondy evening's Met Gala extravaganza

To date, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is still regarded as one of the defining urban albums of the 1990s and helped boost the artist's Grammy haul to an impressive eight in total.

Her two children with reggae artist Rohan Marley - from whom she separated in 2009 - are now developing their own careers in the music and fashion industries.

In 2024, Hill and her Fugees bandmates disappointed fans by cancelling the US leg of their tour just three days before the first show that August.

In a following statement, Hill wrote: 'With difficulty the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates,' she wrote, clarifying that 'The shows in the UK and Europe ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned.'

In 2024, Hill and her Fugees bandmates disappointed fans by cancelling the US leg of their tour just three days before the first show that August

Although the artist has developed a reputation over the years for canceling performances and having tardy start times, she attributed a recent spate of cancellations to a medical issue.

Demand for UK and European shows may have been greater due to scarcity, as Hill reminded her fans that people in those regions 'not only havent seen the Miseducation Anniversary performance yet, they also havent seen the Fugees perform together in over 25 years!'

Hill emphasized that 'no one' was 'more disappointed about not being able to perform' than her as she praised the experience of performing as a 'profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time.'

'Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love for music,' she added.
Pip Edwards put her best fashion foot forward on Tuesday.

The P.E Nation founder was part of the glamorous posse who stepped out at a Women's Health Magazine event in Sydney.

Also along for the night out was her bestie Jackie 'O Henderson who was likewise dressed to the nines.

Pip stunned in a double denim ensemble consisting of a long cowboy inspired shirt with studded details.

She added to the look with matching bell bottom trousers with a split along the ankle, which was also lined with silver studs.

Pip accentuated her look with a blue fur sash slung over one shoulder and a leather bolo tie.

Pip Edwards (pictured) put her best fashion foot forward on Tuesday

The P.E Nation founder was part of the glamorous posse who stepped out at a Women's Health Magazine event in Sydney

Pip stunned in a double denim ensemble consisting of a long cowboy inspired shirt with studded details

Pip completed her look with a pair of white boots and tote bag in a cream tone as well as a number of rings.

For makeup, the blonde beauty chose a warm toned look and a light pink lipstick while wearing her blonde locks down around her face.

Jackie also looked stunning in a safari shirt dress from YSL valued at $2667, that was pulled in at the waist with a burgundy belt.

She carried a YSL clutch that matched her belt as well as a pair of brown patent leather boots.

Jackie accentuated the look with gold hoop earrings and a bracelet in the same tone, as well as sunglasses.

For makeup, Jackie chose a peachy look with a pink lipstick and wore her blonde hair down in waves.

Amy Castano was also turning heads in revealing burgundy ensemble that bared her midriff.

It sat off her shoulders and featured long sleeves as well as a cutout at the belly that showcased her taut abs.

Also along for the night out was her bestie Jackie 'O Henderson (pictured) who was likewise dressed to the nines

Jackie looked stunning in a safari shirt dress from YSL valued at $2667, that was pulled in at the waist with a burgundy belt

Jackie accentuated the look with gold hoop earrings and a bracelet in the same tone, as well as sunglasses

She carried a YSL clutch that matched her belt as well as a pair of brown patent leather boots

Amy Castano (pictured) was also turning heads in revealing burgundy ensemble that bared her midriff

It sat off her shoulders and featured long sleeves as well as a cutout at the belly that showcased her taut abs

She carried a YSL purse that matched her ensemble and chose a warm and rosy makeup look while wearing her brunette locks down

She carried a YSL purse that matched her ensemble and chose a warm and rosy makeup look while wearing her brunette locks down.

Making an appearance was Zoe Marshall who got the earth toned memo and chose an oversized brown blazer and trousers in the same tone.

Mingling at the event with their bond going strong, Pip and Jackie have long been firm friends.

The fashion designer shared a sweet tribute to bestie in January as the radio Queen marked her 50th birthday milestone.

Pip took to Instagram to share two photos commemorating her friendship with the KIIS FM star.

The first image showed the pair huddling close as they happily enjoyed a drink.

The pair looked to be having a great time at what appeared to be Bondi hotspot Icebergs.

The pair appeared to be having a great time in each other's company as Pip rested her head on Jackie's shoulder.

Making a glam appearance was Zoe Marshall (pictured)

She got the earth toned memo and chose an oversized brown blazer and trousers in the same tone

Pip added to the look with matching bell bottom trousers with a split along the ankle, which was also lined with silver studs

For makeup, Jackie chose a peachy look with a pink lipstick and wore her blonde hair down in waves

Pip accentuated her look with a blue fur sash slung over one shoulder and a leather bolo tie

Pip and Jackie have long been firm friends

The fashion designer shared a sweet tribute to bestie in January as the radio Queen marked her 50th birthday milestonefmarlks

Captioning the sweet photo, Pip praised her pal for being a 'Wonder Woman.'

'Wishing this Wonder Woman a very, very happy birthday,' Pip wrote. '50 has never looked soooo good!'

'A true inspiration, the best supportive friend, and someone I love exploring and living life with! Happy birthday @jackieo_official.'

Pip followed up the sweet post with a second celebratory image showing the pair together.

Captioning the photo, Pip offered another round of best wishes with: 'happy birthday Jackie,' augmenting the sentiment with a red love heart emoji.
Romeo Beckham and Maya Wigram posed for a striking Vogue France shoot on Tuesday.

Victoria and David Beckham's son modelled for the iconic fashion magazine alongside designer Phoebe Philo's daughter.

In one shot, Romeo sat on a thrown like chair, while dressed in a casual blue T-shirt and matching baggy trousers.

Meanwhile, Maya - who looked incredible in a silver mini dress - put her legs over Romeo's knee while sitting on a matching thrown.

In another shot, the pair looked cosy as they posed in matching leather jackets outside of the picturesque house.

It comes after the Beckhams enjoyed a week's worth of celebrations for David's milestone birthday, which culminated with a star-studded bash at London's esteemed restaurant Core in London on Saturday.

Romeo Beckham and Maya Wigram posed for a striking Vogue France shoot on Tuesday

In another shot, the pair looked cosy as they posed in matching leather jackets outside of the picturesque house

The party was attended by A-list stars including Tom Cruise while David and Victoria's children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, all attended, though their eldest son Brooklyn, 26, was notably absent.

Their doting kids made sweet gestures for their parents at the party, with Romeo and Harper both making speeches, while Cruz sang with his girlfriend Jackie, 29.

Romeo reportedly told guests: 'Good evening everyone. I would like to start by thanking you all for being here tonight.

'I know without many of you in here tonight he wouldn't be half of the man he is today. But to the man of the moment...'

'But Brooklyn is really upset that blame for the rift has been levelled at Nicola.

Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were no-shows at any of David's birthday events last week despite claims they pulled out of the Met Gala to attend, with sources claiming he felt his wife was being blamed for a rift with his family.

It was claimed Brooklyn and Nicola pulled out of attending the Met Gala with the intention of attending David's birthday party, but were no shows at both events.

A source told The Sun, Brooklyn was planning to attending David's 50th birthday party, but felt too uncomfortable to come after he felt Nicola was being blamed for the rift with his family.

Victoria and David Beckham's son modelled for the iconic fashion magazine alongside designer Phoebe Philo's daughter

David and Victoria's children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, all joined them for the week's worth of celebrations (pictured on Wednesday in the Costwolds), though their eldest son Brooklyn, 26, was notably absent

Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were no-shows at any of David's birthday events last week despite allegedly pulling out of the Met Gala to attend (pictured at the gala in 2022)

Romeo's girlfriend Kim Turnbull is being made the 'scapegoat' in the feud between Brooklyn and David - with Nicola 'at the centre' of the rift

An insider claimed: 'They cancelled plans to attend the Met because they really intended to be at David's party on Saturday.

'But Brooklyn is really upset that blame for the rift has been levelled at Nicola.

'She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive  she's a loyal wife.'

Claims that Brooklyn and Nicola were rebuffed when they asked David and Victoria to celebrate David's birthday privately were also said to be untrue.

Sources close to Nicola told US website TMZ they wanted 'to get together privately' to avoid Romeo's girlfriend Kim Turnbull as the couple are said to 'have a problem' with her.

Brooklyn missed out on David's early celebrations in Miami last month as well as parties in the Cotswolds, France and London this week.

Following the birthday party snub, it was revealed Brooklyn also declined an invitation by his father to join him and his brothers on a 'boys' fishing trip to celebrate his 50th.

It has also been revealed that Brooklyn declined an invitation by his father to join him and his brothers on a 'boys' fishing trip to celebrate his 50th

The Mail revealed David invited Brooklyn on the break six months ago when he began planning, yet his son failed to go despite arriving in the UK the day he went with Romeo and Cruz

The Mail revealed David invited Brooklyn on a short break six months ago when he began planning, yet his son failed to go despite arriving in the UK the day he went with Romeo and Cruz.

Sources have suggested that Brooklyn's decision was influenced by his American actress wife Nicola, 30.

'Brooklyn was asked to join them ages ago,' one claimed.

'Then he came to London in time but he didn't go. Once again David made the best of things and had a great time with Cruz and Romeo.'

David still offered an olive branch to his son as he shared snaps from the trip, as he captioned one of his posts: 'You were missed @brooklynbeckham.'
Georgia Harrison revealed she has a 'whole new drive' to change the world for the better - just weeks after announcing she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jack Stacey.

The former Love Island star, 30, explained in a new interview that she wants to make the world a better environment for her unborn baby to grow up in by continuing her campaigning on the issue of revenge porn.

Georgia told OK! Magazine: 'I initially thought of my little sisters and brother when I was campaigning  hoping to make things different for them.

'Now, I have this whole new drive  I want the world to be a better place because I'm bringing my own child into it.'

The reality TV star met Jack, 33, on a dating app last summer and described her pregnancy as a 'beautiful surprise'.

Georgia said: 'We both definitely wanted children, but we didn't quite plan on it this soon, we might've tried to have a fun summer beforehand! But once we'd taken it in, we realised this was the right time.

Georgia Harrison revealed she has a 'whole new drive' to change the world for the better - just weeks after announcing she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jack Stacey (pictured this month)

The former Love Island star, 30, explained in a new interview that she wants to make the world a better environment for her unborn baby to grow up in by continuing her campaigning on the issue of revenge porn (pictured with boyfriend Jack)

The star added that It's 'amazing to have the gift of being pregnant', as so many people struggle for a long time and for some, the dream never comes true.

Georgia also explained to the publication that she was hesitant before starting her relationship with City worker Jack after her former partner Stephen Bear, 35, shared a private video of them on the internet without her consent.

The Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins star explained that she was quite 'pessimistic' about love in general after the ordeal. However, she wanted to make an effort to meet someone.

Now, she has her partner Jack who treats her well and the pair are expecting their first child together.

Elsewhere in the interview, Georgia was particularly emotional about telling her mother, Nicola, that she was expecting.

The star said that her mum has watched her 'go through everything' and has always reassured her that everything will be okay and that she would finally meet someone and get her 'happy ending'.

So, Georgia added that her mother seeing her at this happy stage in life is 'such a relief for her'.

The stunner announced her happy news via Instagram last month after a whirlwind ten-month romance with Jack.

Georgia told OK! Magazine: 'I initially thought of my little sisters and brother when I was campaigning  hoping to make things different for them. Now, I have this whole new drive  I want the world to be a better place because I'm bringing my own child into it'

She told followers: 'We've been keeping a secret! Me and Jack are having a baby! Due November 2025, we can't wait to welcome this little one into the world and embrace all the joy and love he or she will bring.

'I still can't believe I've finally got everything I ever wanted and I couldn't be more gratefulAnd just like that 2 are about to become 3.'

Georgia opened up about the pregnancy in an interview with Ok! Magazine and The Daily Mirror.

She told the publication: 'When you know, you know. I know its cringey but thats definitely how we feel. Anyone who knows us knows how strong we are, and how happy we make each other.

'We both definitely wanted children, and while some may say it feels too soon, we know that this is amazing news and we couldnt be happier.'

Georgia added: 'If were lucky enough to be able to have kids, why not have them sooner rather than later?'

She explained that the couple have 'lived' and 'partied' so much, that they're ready to settle down and start their family.

Georgia and Jack met on a dating app ten months ago and are now living together in Essex as they prepare to become parents.

In the interview, she revealed that it was the first time she had ever used a dating app, and Jack had never seen any of her shows prior to their first date.

In January, Georgia revealed her hunky boyfriend on Instagram for the first time, sharing a gallery of loved-up snaps of the pair on holiday in Columbia.

The reality TV star revealed in October that she had sparked up a relationship with someone who is not in the public eye.

Last month, the stunner announced her happy news via Instagram, saying: 'We've been keeping a secret! Me and Jack are having a baby! Due November 2025'

Previously Georgia, who found love again eight months after dating Anton Danyluk on Love Island All Stars, had kept her new man's identity covered as she posed for photos hiding his face.

Discussing her new man, she previously told The Sun that he is 'out of the public eye', explaining: 'It's really refreshing and he's very grounded.'

'It's not something I've been shouting from the rooftops yet but it's going really, really well, and I'm really enjoying my time with him.'

Adding that she feels she can be 'completely and utterly myself' when she's around him, Georgia concluded: 'For the first time in a while, I've met someone that I do think is a really good person and I enjoy being around.'

The reality star previously dated Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear, but was left devastated after he secretly filmed them during an intimate moment and shared the video online.

After being found guilty of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private, sexual photos and films, Georgia's ex Bear was sentenced to 21 months in prison in March 2023. He was released in January.
Known for her ruthlessness in deciding who is and who is not included on the guest list, Anna Wintour has ensured that, over the years, each Met Gala has become more lavish and more exhibitionist than the last.

Yet as the last of the celebrities filtered up through the famed cultural institution's doors last night, one was left wondering what remained of what began in 1948 as New York's society's 'party of the year.'

Amidst the tulle, the taffeta, the sequins, the feathers, the fur and the leather, the occasion felt bereft not only of style but of substance  not to mention George and Amal.

Amidst the bevy of faces missing in action were former event-stalwarts Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Beyonce and Naomi Campbell, all of whom had a 'conflict' in the calendar.

And three decades after the Vogue editor first hosted the bash, it's hard not to wonder whether this fashion phenomenon's star and influence is starting to wane.

It's ironic given that that the night was celebrating by far the most ambitious exhibition tackled by the museum's Costume Institute, for which the gala is a fundraiser, in years.

Known for her ruthlessness in deciding who is and who is not included on the guest list, Anna Wintour has ensured that, over the years, each Met Gala has become more lavish and more exhibitionist than the last.

Yet as the last of the celebrities filtered up through the famed cultural institutions front doors last night, one was left wondering what remained of what began in 1948 as New York's society's 'party of the year.' (Pictured: Madonna).

Inspired by guest curator Monica L. Miller's 2009 academic text Slaves to Fashion, 'Superfine: Tailoring and Black Style,' explores how clothing shaped the black male identity in the United States and Europe.

For an industry with its own fraught history around race (there was not a single person of color amongst the fifteen appointments made at top fashion brands in the last year) and a museum department that has yet to appoint a black curator, this is a complicated proposition.

It has taken five years to plot the path to present a story that not only tells the sartorial ingenuity centered on the black male body but explores how fashion can be used as a means of self-liberation. Debuting in a political moment that has declared war on DEI not to mention federal funding for the arts, surely this was an opportunity to send a message that the world according to Wintour is standing strong on a progressive cultural perspective.

Yet just as Wintour struggled to articulate the night's purpose, garbling a response on the carpet when asked about the evening's import, the fashion world failed to find meaning in the moment and instead gathered force to celebrate nothing more consequential than itself.

Whatever the political climate, it was all far too clear - the 'first Monday in May' has morphed into nothing more than the world's only couture costume party.

That's not to say that there weren't some beautiful clothes. Dressing to a theme, this year dubbed 'Tailored For You,' some of the attendees made the most of a remit open to a wide interpretation.

Anne Hathaway appeared on the red carpet wearing a Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera black and white striped crystal embroidered column skirt that was paired with an oversized white cotton button down shirt. It somehow managed to offer an homage to the exhibition while still screaming sartorial chic.

Inspired by the legendary Vogue fashion editor Andre Leon Talley, the design was a riff on his often-quoted remark, 'Whatever your budget you can wear a white shirt and be well dressed.'

A hallmark of Herrera's own style, the pared-down chic still allowed Hathaway to indulge in an eye-whopping sapphire and diamond Bulgari choker which peeked out from her upturned lapels.

Monica Barbaro, who made her Met debut as brand ambassador for Dior, did so in a modern reinterpretation of the iconic cream 'Bar' jacket and skirt debuted by Monsieur Dior himself in his revolutionizing New Look collection of 1947.

Anne Hathaway appeared on the red carpet wearing a Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera black and white striped crystal embroidered column skirt that was paired with an oversized white cotton button down shirt.

Monica Barbaro, who made her Met Gala debut as brand ambassador for Dior, did so in a modern reinterpretation of the iconic cream 'Bar' jacket and skirt debuted by Monsieur Dior himself in his revolutionizing New Look collection of 1947.

The ivory silk faille jacket which was paired with a black pleated tulle skirt (the original was wool), Barbaro upped the wit factor of her archival dive by adding both shirt and tie  topping the ensemble off, quite literally, with a statement boater hat.

Perhaps deciding that wrapping one's body in thorny brown twigs and shimmering veil made for an uncomfortable evening at last year's party, Lana Del Ray embraced sweeping elegance with a gown designed by Valentino's new creative director Alessandro Michelle.

Composed of a black velvet bodice and voluminous brown satin skirt, Del Ray turned to reveal a sumptuous black lace panel on her back with giant feathers suspended from the satin bow over her shoulder.

With a hint of the whimsical that did not overburden a gown, the look embodied the craftsmanship of tailored custom couture.

It was proof positive that dressing to a theme does not have to mean embracing sartorial parody.

This was certainly the message that Nicole Kidman, dressed in a black silk satin recreation of a 1952 gown by Cristobel Balenciaga, was keen to promote.

'From the hips to the bows around the waist, to the corsetthis dress,' Nicole Kidman said, 'was tailored to perfection.' The same gown was once photographed by Richard Avedon for the cover of Harpers Bazaar, and by wearing it Kidman sent a bold message that the timelessness of mid twentieth design, rather than contemporary trend, can create fashion headlines.

Composed of a black velvet bodice and voluminous brown satin skirt, Lana Del Ray turned to reveal a sumptuous black lace panel on her back with giant feathers suspended from the satin bow over her shoulder.

'From the hips to the bows around the waist, to the corsetthis dress,' Nicole Kidman said, 'was tailored to perfection.'

Gigi Hadid agreed. A vision in gold sequined custom Miu Miu, she adopted full 1940s pizzaz with a look that was inspired by the designs of Zelda Wynn Valdes best known for designing the Playboy Bunny uniform.

Yet the impact of a few well-dressed women, who actually tried to adhere to the night's style code whilst still looking good, was almost lost amidst a group that instead preferred exaggerated silhouettes and unwearable one-offs.

With the exception of Diana Ross, whose over-the-top train, feathers and gilt seemed entirely in proportion to the magnitude of her fame, most doubled down on the costume theme that parodied rather than celebrated the skill behind the craftsmanship that has embodied black male style over the last three centuries.

And if the spectacle told us anything it is that, while Wintour's power as a magnet for global celebrity is clearly still in play, her centrality as an arbiter not just of style but cultural significance, is open for debate.

Even her usually pristine appearance was marred but an unsightly stain on the skirt of her embellished satin gown.

One of the Democratic party's most powerful celebrity fundraisers, Wintour has prided herself on the influence she can wield through the portal of her Conde Nast corner office.

Though, having failed to shift the political ground for the last two women she endorsed for president, it remains to be seen whether either her party or her politics still matter in this very different ideological moment.

She did convince Kamala Harris to break California cover and ditch her usual boring pantsuit for a dramatic asymmetric black silk gown by Off-White designer Ib Kamara, slipping into the gala through a side door, it is unclear of what  if any  importance that will be.

Gigi Hadid agreed. A vision in gold sequined custom Miu Miu, she adopted full 1940s pizzaz with a look that was inspired by the designs of Zelda Wynn Valdes best known for designing the Playboy Bunny uniform.

With the exception of Diana Ross, whose over-the-top train, feathers and gilt seemed entirely in proportion to the magnitude of her fame, most doubled down on the costume theme that parodied rather than celebrated the craftsmanship that has embodied black male style.

Wintour did convince Kamala Harris to break California cover and ditch her usual boring pantsuit for a dramatic asymmetric black silk gown by Off-White designer Ib Kamara, slipping into the gala through a side door, it is unclear of what, if any, importance that will be.

In fact, Harris's appearance only added to the impression that Wintour has fallen out of step with the moment, backward looking where once she was trendsetting.

Meanwhile many powerful Hollywood, cultural and philanthropic names were simply missing last night.

Known to dictate not just the seating chart but what everyone is wearing to her party, here was a chance for something that reflected not just a sobering political moment but the identity crisis that is gripping the political party that Wintour has helped front.

Yet this event was conceived in a truly different moment in time and instead of self-reflection last night we saw, in its full flourish, only self-reference and irrelevance.
Kim Kardashian and her eldest child North West shared no less than four TikTok videos of themselves getting glam before Monday's Met Gala, but only one of them actually attended the fashion festivities.

The 44-year-old SKIMS CEO and her 11-year-old nepo-baby emerged from the Ritz-Carlton in Midtown Manhattan together.

Kim even allowed little North to ride inside the sprinter van with her en route to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute benefit.

However, Met Gala lead chairperson Anna Wintour created a policy in 2018 that all guests must be 18 or older to attend.

But before the age restriction, Elle Fanning famously attended the 2011 Met Gala, at age 13, alongside her then 17-year-old sister Dakota Fanning as VIP guests of Valentino.

Kardashian bared her back in a black leather Chrome Hearts gown and matching fedora selected by stylist Jahleel Weaver.

Kim Kardashian and her eldest child North West shared no less than four TikTok videos of themselves getting glam before Monday's Met Gala, but only one of them actually attended the fashion festivities

Hairstylist Chris Appleton coiffed the Calabasas socialite's wavy raven mane and make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic fully contoured her (mostly obscured) complexion.

Meanwhile, the sixth grader danced by herself in the hotel room while rocking blue-braided pigtails, a cow-print oversized jacket, matching long shorts, Nike socks, and $1,200 Rick Owens sneakers.

Kim later Instastoried a video of her nanny watching her on TV while exclaiming: 'That's your mommy, Chi! Yes, that's Mommy! Woooo! Oh wow, look at the back, you guys! Wow!'

Kardashian is also mother to three younger children - son Saint, 9; daughter Chicago, 7; and son Psalm, 5 - from her six-year marriage to third ex-husband Kanye 'Ye' West, which ended in 2021.

The disgraced 47-year-old vented last Wednesday via livestream: 'I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids.'

Ye pays Kardashian $200K/month in child support as part of their 20/80 custody arrangement - according to TMZ.

In January, West unveiled what appeared to be hand-drawn album cover art by North for her upcoming debut studio album, Elementary School Dropout, which he's overseeing as a producer.

The 24-time Grammy winner - who used to be offended by his mini-me being on TikTok - prominently featured his precocious pre-teen on his songs Lonely Roads Still Go To Sunshine (featuring Diddy), Bomb, and Talking/Once Again.

Earlier this year, Grammy nominee FKA twigs featured North rapping in Japanese on her track Childlike Things off her third studio album, Eusexua.

The 44-year-old SKIMS CEO and her 11-year-old nepo-baby emerged from the Ritz-Carlton in Midtown Manhattan together

Kim even allowed little North to ride inside the sprinter van with her en route to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute benefit

However, Met Gala lead chairperson Anna Wintour created a policy in 2018 that all guests must be 18 or older to attend

But before the age restriction, Elle Fanning (2-R) famously attended the 2011 Met Gala, at age 13, alongside her then 17-year-old sister Dakota Fanning (2-L) as VIP guests of Valentino

Kardashian bared her back in a black leather Chrome Hearts gown and matching fedora selected by stylist Jahleel Weaver

Hairstylist Chris Appleton coiffed the Calabasas socialite's wavy raven mane and make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic fully contoured her (mostly obscured) complexion

Meanwhile, the sixth grader danced by herself in the hotel room while rocking blue-braided pigtails, a cow-print oversized jacket, matching long shorts, Nike socks, and $1,200 Rick Owens sneakers

Kim later Instastoried a video of her nanny watching her on TV while exclaiming: 'That's your mommy, Chi! Yes, that's Mommy! Woooo! Oh wow, look at the back, you guys! Wow!'

Kardashian is also mother to three younger children - son Psalm, 5; son Saint, 9; and daughter Chicago, 7 - from her six-year marriage to third ex-husband Kanye 'Ye' West, which ended in 2021 (pictured April 20)

The disgraced 47-year-old vented last Wednesday via livestream: 'I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids'

In January, Ye unveiled what appeared to be hand-drawn album cover art by North for her upcoming debut studio album, Elementary School Dropout, which he's overseeing as a producer

West - who used to be offended by his mini-me being on TikTok - prominently featured his precocious pre-teen on his songs Lonely Roads Still Go To Sunshine (featuring Diddy), Bomb (pictured), and Talking/Once Again

Earlier this year, Grammy nominee FKA twigs (L) featured North rapping in Japanese on her track Childlike Things off her third studio album, Eusexua

So West was likely disappointed to not be able to reconnect with the British 37-year-old songstress on the red carpet Monday

The Kardashians producer-star will soon fly to Paris where she's expected to testify on May 13 as part of the jewelry heist trial

So West was likely disappointed to not be able to reconnect with the British 37-year-old songstress on the red carpet Monday.

The Kardashians producer-star will soon fly to Paris where she's expected to testify on May 13 as part of the jewelry heist trial.

10 defendants - nicknamed the 'Grandpa Robbers' - face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery, organized gang, and unauthorized possession of weapons.

It's been nine years since Kim was robbed of $10M worth of jewelry (including a $4M diamond engagement ring) at gunpoint while staying at Hotel de Pourtales during Paris Fashion Week, and none of it was recovered.

Kardashian - who passed the 'baby bar' exam in 2021 after failing three times - originally aimed to pass the California State Bar in 2023 without attending college or law school.

But rather than becoming an attorney, the AHS: Delicate actress will pretend to be LA's 'most successful divorce lawyer' leading 'an all-female law firm' in Ryan Murphy's legal drama All's Fair premiering this year on Hulu.

Kim also executive produces the upcoming show starring acting heavyweights Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, and Ed O'Neill as well as Teyana Taylor and Matthew Noszka.

Kardashian also executive produces and stars with her famous family in reality series The Kardashians, which Hulu officially renewed for a seventh season last July.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mikayla Matthews revealed that she was sexually abused as a child 'for about four or five years.'

The TikTok star, 25, opened up about her past trauma on the upcoming second season of her hit reality show, which follows a group of Mormon mom influencers that got caught in the midst of a swinging sex scandal.

Matthews, who is currently expecting her fourth child, noted that the years-long sexual abuse ended after she turned 15.

The topic came up on Halloween as she recalled gathering the courage to tell her mother about the abuse back in 2015.

After telling her mom, Matthews said in the episode that she felt like her story wasn't believed.

This led her to feel 'silenced' and has continued to affect her ability to share what happened to her to others, including her own husband, Jace Terry.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mikayla Matthews revealed that she was sexually abused as a child 'for about four or five years'

Matthews told People that speaking to her siblings about the abuse while cameras were rolling was a 'nerve-wracking' experience.

'It was the first conversation I had ever had with them since everything happened,' she explained.

Navigating her relationship with her mother has been tricky as Matthews claims she still doesn't believe her story.

'I still have a lot of empathy for her and what she's been through, even though she was not that person for me growing up and during the whole situation when I came out about sexual abuse,' Matthews said.

She has chosen not the publicly identity her abuser or disclose their relationship to her, at this time.

On this season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, she shares a therapy session of hers, which involves her role-playing a scenario where she tells off her abuser.

'I think I'm definitely a little nervous [for viewers to see that]. I think it's the most vulnerable I've ever been, having to film a therapy session  especially talking about topics that are really triggering and heavy for me,' Matthews said.

Although she has not told many people about the abuse, she said she has confided in her longtime friend, Mayci Neeley.

The TikTok star, 25, opened up about the years-long sexual abuse that ended after she turned 15 (Matthews pictured in a childhood photo)

On this season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, she shares a therapy session of hers, which involves her role-playing a scenario where she tells off her abuser

Mikayla Matthews, who suffers from chronic eczema, credited her husband for being 'the most amazing support' system

Mikayla Matthews, who suffers from chronic eczema, explained that confronting her trauma and focusing on her mental health has helped her see 'the most healing on the outside.'

She also credited her husband for being 'the most amazing support' system.

'Focusing on going to therapy and my marriage and healing my inner child, honestly, has helped the most,' Matthews insisted. 'I have good days and bad days, but yeah, I'm trying to focus on the good because there is a lot of good [changes], even from season 1.'

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns to Hulu on May 15.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
Just hours after he was among the star-studded guest list at David Beckham's 50th birthday bash, Tom Cruise has jetted across the globe to attend the Japanese premiere of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.

The Hollywood favourite, 62, was joined by co-stars Hayley Atwell and Simon Pegg for the red carpet at Tokyo's Metropolitan Government Building, ahead of the film's Cannes premiere on May 14.

Tom's appearance came after he was pictured attending his longtime pal David's birthday alongside his new girlfriend Ana De Armas, following weeks of speculation over their romance.

But it was business as usual for Tom as he graced the red carpet for the premiere, proudly posing for snaps in a sharp black suit.

Meanwhile Hayley, who stars as Ethan Hunt's ally Grace in the films, opted for a glamorous black off-the-shoulder gown with a flowing train.

The British star's dress was adorned with silver brooches as she posed for snap at the Japanese premiere.

Tom Cruise was in high spirits as he attended the Japanese premiere of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning in Tokyo on Tuesday, amid his new romance with Ana De Armas

The actor was joined by his co-star Hayley Atwell as they graced the red carpet in the Japanese capital

Tom's appearance came after he was pictured attending his longtime pal David Beckham's birthday alongside his new girlfriend Ana De Armas (pictured)

Simon Pegg also shwoed off his snazzy sense of style in a sharp blue checked suit as he joined his co-stars at the first premiere for the upcoming Mission Impossible sequel.

Reprising his role as the titular hero Ethan Hunt, Tom takes on his biggest mission yet, after a tense cliffhanger saw the spy determined to track down cyber weapon The Entity and learning that his team was betrayed and his 'secrets compromised.'

The film, which has faced multiple delays, is finally due to hit cinemas on May 23 2025.

The following day, Tom was joined by his co-stars once again at the Japan press conference at Toho Cinemas.

The actor looked sharp in an all grey ensemble as he took to the stage with his cast, which included Tarzan Davis, Hayley, Christopher McQuarrie, Simon and Pom Klementieff.

On Saturday, Tom was joined by his new girlfriend Ana for David's star-studded 50th birthday bash, with the star later spotted in a background of a snap shared from the party on Instagram.

While Tom had seemingly arrived on his own at the swanky celebrations at Notting Hill's Core restaurant on Saturday, hours later the facade dropped as he was spotted leaving in a car with the actress.

The couple made an effort to hide their relationship as they left the venue in the early hours shielded by umbrellas, before ducking behind the seats as they sat together in the back of the vehicle.

Fans caught a glimpse of Tom's girlfriend as he bundled her into a taxi on Saturday following the star-studded bush at Notting Hill's Core restaurant

Tom joined his co-stars for the premiere at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, ahead of the film's Cannes launch on May 14

Meanwhile Hayley, who stars as Ethan Hunt's ally Grace in the films, opted for a glamorous black off-the-shoulder gown with a flowing train

She and Tom were seen chatting as they made their way onto the red carpet to speak about their roles in the upcoming sequel

Tom was also seen posing for snaps alongside Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, as Hollywood descended on the Japanese capital for the event

Hayley cut an elegant figure in her form-fitting black gown with thin-strapped heels as she headed into the premiere

Pom Klementieff also left little to the imagination in a daring PVC dress with a red and black lace overlay

The Canadian actress accessorised her look with white satin pointed-toe heels

Simon Pegg also showed off his snazzy sense of style in a sharp blue checked suit as he joined his co-stars at the first premiere for the upcoming Mission Impossible sequel

The Shaun Of The Dead star added a pop of colour to proceedings as he arrived for the event

Greg Tarzan Davis also cut a suave figure in a sharp black tuxedo

The film, which has faced multiple delays, is finally due to hit cinemas on May 23 2025

Reprising his role as the titular hero Ethan Hunt, Tom takes on his biggest mission yet, after a tense cliffhanger saw the spy determined to track down cyber weapon The Entity

As he arrived for the premiere, Tom braved Tokyo's rainy weather to be interviewed on the wet red carpet

He and director Christopher McQuarrie were also gifted with a commemorative artpiece by artist Oz Yamaguchi Keisuke

Christopher made the evening a family affair as he attended the red carpet alongside his wife Heather and daughter Wilhelmina

While they were trying to conceal their appearance together, bleary-eyed Tom appeared to find the whole thing quite amusing as he was spotted laughing and smiling as their sneaky moment was caught on camera.

Ana, who was wearing an elegant strappy black dress, meanwhile kept her head down as she avoided being photographed with Tom, following their best efforts to keep their joint attendance quiet.

Earlier in the evening, Tom made a low-key arrival at the celebration, following a series of reports that his girlfriend was also invited to the star-studded event.

Tom appeared to enter the venue solo, spotted sitting in the back of a black cab as he pulled up to the exclusive spot.

Ana had joined her new beau in London earlier last week as they both jetted into the capital ahead of her own birthday on April 30.

Tom and Ana have been linked together since Valentine's Day this year.

They appeared to confirm their love affair is real as they flew into London together last week, just days before her birthday.

In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Hollywood icon Tom looked giddy as he piloted a helicopter into the UK capital with the brunette actress by his side.

If the secret wasn't out already, Ana provided fans with a further clue as to her new romance on Monday when she added a telling photo to her latest Instagram post.

The brunette beauty was wishing her adorable gray-and-white dog Salsita a happy 5th birthday and sitting on a rug with her pooch in a living room with a kitchen behind her in what appeared to be her sprawling 5.2m ($7m) Vermont home.

The cast were out in force for the premiere ahead of the film's release later this month

As Tokyo's government building was surrounded by fire, it made for a dramatic sight

The following day, Tom was joined by his co-stars once again at the Japan press conference at Toho Cinemas

The actor looked sharp in an all grey ensemble for the occasion

Meanwhile Hayley flashed a glimpse of her toned abs in a sizzling leather two-piece

The duo took to the stage with their cast, which included Tarzan Davis, Christopher McQuarrie, Simon and Pom Klementieff

The Mission Impossible cast all appeared in high spirits

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 750 ($1,000) on flowers for Katie Holmes on Mother's Day. She even mentioned in 2010 that Tom would give her red roses frequently, according to People.

In 2023 the Top Gun vet had a bouquet delivered to Shakira.

And Ana 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.

'My beautiful girl, mi Salsita, happy 5th birthday! I love you so much!' wrote the ex-girlfriend of Ben Affleck.
China doesn't fear trade war, urges equal, respectful talks, envoy says

09:32, May 06, 2025 By Zhao Huanxin ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivers a speech "China: A Steady Presence in a World of Uncertainty" at an open house event at the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, on Saturday. The embassy hosted the event, to showcase Gansu's culture, drawing in Chinese officials, foreign envoys and over 10,000 local people. (Zhao Huanxin/China Daily)

China doesn't want or fear a trade war, and talks should be conducted in an equal, respectful and reciprocal manner, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said, as the US-China Business Council cautioned that hefty duties, if they take hold, would significantly reduce the United States' exports.

Speaking at an embassy open house event on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng said tariff hikes benefit no one, but instead disrupt business, raise costs, rattle financial markets and slow global growth.

During the first 100 days since US President Donald Trump took office on Jan 20, Washington has announced sweeping tariffs, starting with a 10 percent blanket duty on all foreign-made imports.

Dozens of countries received a 90-day pause until July, but tariffs were raised to 145 percent on products from China, which has retaliated by imposing 125 percent levies on US goods.

"China does not want a trade war but is not intimidated by it. We are defending not only our own legitimate rights and interests, but also the order of international trade," Xie said.

"If the US wants to talk, it should act in the spirit of equality, respect and reciprocity," he added.

The envoy noted that trade is not a zero-sum game, and building barriers only blocks the flow of shared growth.

Saturday's embassy event, which was part of this year's Around the World Embassy Tour, featured Gansu province in Northwest China, once a front line in China's fight against poverty.

Gansu, by lifting more than 5.5 million people out of poverty and covering over 99 percent of its land with a 4G network, tells a story of resilience and self-reliance, Xie said.

To illustrate how the US has long benefited from global trade, Xie said that in 2022 alone, the revenue of US-owned enterprises in China significantly exceeded those of Chinese-owned enterprises in the US, by more than $400 billion.

"The China-US economic relationship is overall balanced and mutually beneficial," he said.

China remained the US' third-largest goods export market in 2024 and sixth-largest services export market in 2023. Trade with China in areas like agriculture, education, travel, aerospace and semiconductors supports 862,467 US jobs, according to the "US Exports to China" 2025 report from the US-China Business Council.

Total goods exports to China, which hit a high of $151.5 billion in 2022, contracted slightly in 2024, but had surged 23.4 percent from a decade ago, according to the business council's report.

The data does not reflect US and Chinese tariff increases implemented so far this year, which are expected to significantly reduce US exports if they remain in place, the council said in a news release on April 29.

Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said, "If these tariffs remain in place, trade between the two countries will fall precipitously, sacrificing billions of dollars of exports and hundreds of thousands of American jobs, potentially destabilizing the US economy and significantly weakening America's global competitiveness."

The US administration's trade policies are already having an impact on household budgets and causing frustration among Americans who have noticed higher prices for goods, according to US media reports.

The US-imposed tariffs and the threatened and imposed retaliatory tariffs are expected to reduce the US' GDP by 1 percent, and they amount to an average tax increase of nearly $1,300 per US household in 2025, according to a study by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation that was updated on April 18.

For California, whose economy is the largest among US states, the direct and indirect economic costs of tariffs are "in the billions and billions of dollars", according to Governor Gavin Newsom.

"It has an outsized impact on tourism, on trade, small businesses, large businesses ... and the reputation (damage) is incalculable," Newsom, a Democrat, said in an online interview with Nikkei Asia on Friday.

California exported goods valued at nearly $15 billion to China last year, a drop of 9.5 percent year-on-year, but its exports of services, including those related to tourism and education, grew 6.3 percent year-on-year to $8.8 billion in 2023, according to the US-China Business Council report.

The governor, who visited Beijing last year, said the state will remain open to trade with China, as the current US administration's tariff policy has threatened California's economy. He said the state is a "stable partner" and has "extended an open hand" to China and other trading partners.

Global trade is not a zero-sum game, Newsom said.

Performers stage a dance inspired by the Dunhuang Grottoes in Northwest China's Gansu province during an open house event at the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, on Saturday. The embassy hosted the event to showcase Gansu's culture, drawing in Chinese officials, foreign envoys and over 10,000 local people. (Zhao Huanxin/China Daily)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
After making a glamorous arrival at the Met Gala with her sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian celebrated at an afterparty without them.

The reality TV personality, 44, was seen hanging out with an iconic pop star and a close pal, who is an actress and MTV alum.

Kardashian was with pals Ciara, 39, and La La Anthony, 45.

They hit up Pharrell Williams' After Hours Uno Tournament.

hey were also seen at Teyana Taylor's bash inside the Times Square EDITION hotel in midtown Manhattan.

The trio were seen laughing and smiling as they enjoyed each other's company after changing out of their Met Gala looks.

Kim Kardashian hung out with Ciara and La La Anthony as well as Kai Cenat at Pharrell Williams' After Hours Uno Tournament

Kylie and Kendall at the Met Gala

Earlier in the night, she turned heads as she made a show-stopping arrival at the Met Gala in a Chrome Hearts, crocodile-embossed leather dress that hugged her hourglass figure paired with a chic hat covering her eyes.

For this year's Met Gala, which had the theme of 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' Kardashian attended the event alongside her half-sisters Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner.

Their other siblings and the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch were notably absent from this year's star-studded soiree.

Their sister Khloe Kardashian supported them from home and shared social media posts of herself watching her sisters on the livestream.

Kourtney Kardashian also did not attend this year as she opted to stay home with her husband Travis Barker and their one-year-old baby son Rocky.

The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner also skipped this year's Met Gala.

Before walking the red carpet, however, she was seen scolding a security guard after she took an awkward tumble in her dress.

In her post-Met Gala clip, the SKIMS founder was no longer wearing her oversize hat and had changed into what appeared to be a black blazer.

Underneath the chic outerwear, which had embroidered details on her sleeves, she wore a very low-cut top.

She seemingly kept her hair and makeup the same but had taken off the heavy diamond choker necklaces that she was wearing for her red carpet walk up the Met steps.

Ciara also wore a similar garment with a plunging, low-cut neckline. And La La Anthony wore a strapless, black top paired with a large, diamond-encrusted cross necklace.

The reality TV personality, 44, was seen hanging out with an iconic pop star and a close pal, who is an actress and MTV alum, after leading the glam parade on fashion's biggest night

Kardashian took to her Instagram Story to share a clip of herself in a dimly-lit venue with flashing lights and loud music

In the video, she was posing with a pout beside her friends

The trio were seen laughing and smiling as they enjoyed each other's company after changing out of their Met Gala looks

Earlier, Kardashian was heading to the museum alongside her 11-year-old daughter North when she had a stumbling mishap.

Kardashian faced a near-fall when a security guard accidentally stepped on her dress.

After stumbling forward, she angrily turned towards the man and said something to him before she held up her hand with a harsh look on her face.

The awkward moment was caught on camera and shared to TikTok.

Tension seemingly did not end there, as Kardashian glared back while hopping into a pick-up vehicle before hitting the famous steps at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Kardashian decided to don some leather in a long bodycon dress with matching large fedora by Chrome Hearts.

The look was definitely representative of the 'Tailoring Black Style' theme as it took inspiration from the zoot suit outfits worn by black men in the 1930s and 1940s.

She accessorized with several diamond necklaces which cascaded down her chest along with matching dangling earrings.

Her raven-colored locks were worn down and though most of her face was covered up by her fashionable headwear, it could be seen that she was wearing plenty of make-up.

After making a glamorous arrival at the Met Gala with her sisters, Kim celebrated at an afterparty without her sisters

She was caught scolding a security guard after he caused her to take an awkward tumble as she headed to the Met Gala 2025

Meanwhile, North West teased her debut at the Met Gala 2025 alongside her mother amid a bitter custody drama with Kanye West, which ultimately did not happen.

The nepo baby showcased her wild style as she two posted a few TikTok videos together showing off their respective looks.

North donned a matching cowhide jacket and shorts combination along with black Nike high crew socks and a pair of black leather Rick Owens sneakers which retail for $1,200.

She accessorized with several long silver necklaces as well as turquoise and silver earrings.

North also added a bit of color to her hair with varying shades of blue dye in her long locks, which were pulled into braids that cascaded down to her hip.

North also wore plenty of make-up, including a swipe of nude lip.

Their appearance comes just days after Kim's ex, Kanye West, complained about not being able to see his kids in a livestream Wednesday.

The Chicago native, 47, who has publicly clashed ex-wife Kim about her parenting of their daughter.

On Wednesday, West vented about not seeing North, as well as his three younger kids - daughter Chicago, seven; and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five. 'F*** all these f***** n*****,' said West, who was recently banned from Twitch.

'I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids,' he ranted in a room while clad in an all-black ensemble and a mask.

The Stronger artist added, '[DJ] Akademiks put that battery in my back, bro - cause I was in the airport by myself  I'mma go get these kids, man!'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Kardashian's reps and West's rep Milo Yiannopoulos for further comment on this story.

In his rant, West said, 'Why you got all these black kids that are just sitting there at school ... trying to jump up and down for McDonald's, n*****.

West, who previously complained about the lack of public support from Jay-Z and Beyonce, added, 'None of these celebrity n***** give a f*** about anything but their next cheeseburger, n*****!'

West, who recently returned from Japan, has been working on new music and corresponding with his fans on social media about the upcoming slate of releases.

He previously posted a series of tweets on March 19 in which he said that he was put off by a white woman being in control of his black children.

West also rankled Kim a year before their split when he revealed that he and the socialite had once broached the comment of getting an abortion when she was pregnant with North.

The shock reveal came in the middle of 2020, when West ran a presidential campaign, complete with a rally in Charleston, South Carolina.

West said he received a 'message from God' after he and Kardashian debated about getting the procedure.

The New Workout Plan artist  who recently said he should have procreated with Kim's pal Paris Hilton instead of her  was slammed by people in the comment thread of a Hollywood Unlocked Instagram post for his frenetic behavior in relation to seeing his kids.

One commenter, referring to content on West's X feed, said that 'maybe swastikas and molestation of family members aren't kid friendly.'

Others said West was hurting his own cause with the public meltdown when the custody case eventually hit court.

'Kim don't even have to bring the evidence to court,' one user said. 'The judge can just look on her phone on a calm Wednesday morning.'

West's comments directed at his ex-wife came in reaction to a planned collaboration between his daughter North and rapper Playboi Carti, 28, which he opposes.

North West made her debut at the Met Gala 2025 alongside her proud mom Kim amid bitter custody drama with Kanye West

North shared a quick video of the two before getting their glam on

'So Kim got the name and likeness over my black children,' the Bound 2 artist said on X, formerly Twitter.

The 24-time Grammy winner continued: 'So a white women has control over the name and likeness of my black children and then speaks to carti about putting my daughter on a song with him.'

West added that 'these [dumb a**] celebrities be trying to play with me in my face.'

The Runaway artist explained in an earlier tweet that he wasn't comfortable letting North work with Playboi Carti, even though he is not directly involved with the project.

'I decided North wont be doing any songs with Carti,' West said. 'How it look for me to get left off the album and then he ask Kim to have vocals from my daughter.'

The Paranoid vocalist added, 'I dont a f*** about none of this industry s*** and how its a skims line in the first place and I dont give a f*** what no comments.'

West cited his beliefs in terms of how gender relates to co-parenting, saying that 'the man has the first and final say over his kids.'

The Gold Digger artist previously said that 'the man makes the final decision.'

Meanwhile, Kanye West complained about not seeing his kids in a livestream Wednesday

West was seen embracing North after she took part in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at Hollywood Bowl last May

West was critical of Playboy Carti for not collaborating with him amid recent controversies, citing how he included him on his 2024 hit single CARNIVAL.

'Hey North your dad gave me my biggest song and co sign and I left him off of my album because of his tweets ... oh but north you my niece I gotta use your vocals.'

The Through the Wire vocalist said Playboy Carti was out of line in going behind his back to seal the collab with North: 'I held my tongue about [not] being on carti album. Him going to my ex to ask my daughter to be on a song 2 days later was too far ... nobody finna play with me.'

West was seen embracing North on Hulu's The Kardashians last month after she took part in The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert at Hollywood Bowl last May.

Other relatives on hand to support the eldest child of West and Kardashian last year included her grandmother Kris Jenner and aunt Kourtney Kardashian, who attended with her husband Travis Barker, also an accomplished entertainer.

West last month declared himself as a voice for the voiceless amid the sensitivities of contemporary cancel culture.
Kanye West stormed out of a dramatic interview with Piers Morgan after just two minutes of questioning, with the broadcaster branding the rapper 'a big baby' over his behaviour.

After making headlines with a string of social media tirades, Kanye sat down to speak with Piers for his YouTube show Uncensored, but Piers confirmed on X that the interview 'did not go well.'

Sharing a snap from the interview, Piers wrote: 'So, I interviewed Kanye West again today. As I expected, given what I've said about him recently, it didn't last long or go well. This was him right before he stomped off like a big baby.'

During the interview, Kanye first took umbrage at Piers using the surname West in his opening scene-setting intro, correcting the broadcaster - who clearly addressed him as 'Ye' in his first question - he said: 'I don't use the term West, you know, the whole drop the slave name idea?'

'Ok, so we just call you Ye, yeah?' Piers replied, and he responded: 'Yes sir.'

Piers then asked Kanye, who was joined by social media star Sneako, how his life had been recently, with Kanye noting the background, and where he was record the interview.

Kanye West stormed out of a dramatic interview with Piers Morgan after just two minutes of questioning, with the broadcaster branding the rapper 'a big baby' over his behaviour

He said: 'You see that view?... Judge it on the view on the answer how my life is, judge me by the view.'

Piers responded: 'The view is Majorca, I've been there. It's a beautiful place, and for all intents and purposes, you seem very relaxed and happy.

'That is in direct contrast to your public image at the moment, over the last couple of years, led by your ferocious [he begins to interrupt] Well, hang on. Let me finish the question'

Ye hit back: 'But I already disagree, it's not in contrast, there's so many people and artists that are championing the idea of someone being able to just express who they really are, and have been able to go through the war of being attacked by the banks, being attacked, you know, by the banks - that's the best way to put it!

'Being attacked by the banks, and to still be here with this view is, you know, that's the win. So I think that's, I'm in contrast to your contrast.'

Piers then attempted to finish his question, saying: 'OK, but the point I was gonna make is that, I watch what you put out on X - you've got 32 million followers, so you're one of the most followed people'

A bristling Ye retorted: 'Now, look, right now you're not going to take inches off my dick, bro. Like, how many followers do I have?'

When Piers asked how many the correct number was, Ye said the journalist had a staff of people who could look up the figure. Piers replied: 'I'm told it's 33 million now. So congratulations, you're slightly bigger following than I thought'

Last week, the rapper shocked fans when he appeared to come out as gay during a two-minute video rant, while referring to his ongoing custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian

But the irritated rapper, who has four children by Kim Kardashian, began comparing himself to former music legends, saying the Piers Morgan Uncensored host was trying to undermine him.

He said: 'Your information is correctI'm a gift, bro. I mean, why do all you people in media act like you haven't played my songs at your weddings or graduations or at funerals, and when your child was born, you know, you take somebody that's living like a [John] Lennon, a Michael Jackson, and you just take all this time to, like that nuance right there, it's idiotic.

'It just shows the hate that you put out for people that put love. There's so much love in the art I put out.'

A baffled Piers added: '...What are you talking about? I haven't said anything?'

Ye concluded: 'Now you are not taking accountability or responsibility No sir, this is what you get for now we can, we can circle back when you can count.'

Taking off his mic, he then stormed off the set, leaving the interview in little more than two minutes.

A baffled Sneako, who has recently faced bans on certain platforms, said: 'That's it for Ye. Nice to meet you, Piers.'

But he stayed to field some tough questions on behalf of the embattled rap star, with Piers asking if he ever intended to do a proper interview.

Sneako said: 'You know what you are doing? I think you were trying to patronise very intentionally by getting those two things under his skin.'

Piers said: 'We called him Ye!' And he went on to say that the pair had kept the crew waiting for almost 22 hours before eventually turning up for the interview.

Sneako said it 'was funny' and he also refused to answer queries about Ye's antisemitism and comments glorifying Hitler and bashing Jewish people.

The influencer said he was out working with the star to help him 'fulfil his vision', adding he refused to 'speak on his [Ye's] art or his vision'.

Defending having him on the show, Piers said: 'The reason I wanted to get him on was because I don't think anyone holds him to account for anything he does on X, and in fact, he deliberately breaches all of X's rules, and yet he does it with impunity and is allowed to do it, whereas millions of other accounts get suspended for far less offences.

'So I was going to ask him directly, why I mentioned his X following, I was going to ask him about what he puts on X and why he does this? Why he continually attacks Jewish people, why he continually celebrates Adolf Hitler?'

On his antisemitic comments, and referencing 'whipping Jews', Sneako added: 'I'm pretty sure it's a joke because I've been here for a couple weeks [in Spain] and he hasn't whipped any Jews.'

Piers concluded: 'Tell him from me he's a snivelling, little coward, and he's an antisemite and a Hitler worshipper. That's what I would have asked him if he'd had the balls to sit there and take the questions.'

Last week, Kanye appeared to come out as gay during a manic rant concerning his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and their ongoing custody dispute.

Adorned in an all-black outfit and face mask, the Grammy winner had been talking about not seeing his four kids that he shares with Kim, 44.

As he concluded the two-minute diatribe, he said: 'I ain't got no motherf****** legacy n****, why the f*** you think I am s****ing out.'

He then appeared to say: 'I'm gay. [inaudible] in charge of my legacy and I'm gay. I'm in charge of my legacy.'

Social media users have debated over whether he actually said 'I'm gay', or was speaking about himself and repeating 'I'm Ye'.

It comes after a separate post to Kanye's X account just last week in which he made remarks concerning him and his male cousin having a incestuous relationship.

While teasing a new song, titled 'COUSINS', he said: 'This song is called COUSINS about my cousin that's locked in jail for life for killing a pregnant lady a few years after I told him we wouldn't 'look at dirty magazines together' anymore.

'Perhaps in my self centered mess I felt it was my fault that I showed him those dirty magazines when he was 6 and then we acted out what we saw.

'My dad had playboy magazines but the magazines I found in the top of my moms closet were different. My name is Ye and I sucked my cousins d*** till I was 14.'

Following a series of posts, he then shared the rainbow emoji to X, writing: 'This is my new logo', before adding that he wasn't actually gay.

In his latest statement, West also said: ''I'mma go get these kids, bro. I'm talking to the lawyers - it gets to the point where I don't lose my f***in' mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids.'

The Stronger artist added, '[DJ] Akademiks put that battery in my back, bro - cause I was in the airport by myself  I'mma go get these kids, man!'

West, who recently returned from Japan, has been working on new music as of late and corresponding with fans on social media about the upcoming slate of releases.

He previously shared a series of X posts on March 19 in which he said that he was put off by a white woman being in control of his black children.

West also shockingly said that he wished he had children with Paris Hilton instead of Kardashian.

Kanye had referenced how Kardashian had got her start in the limelight by acting as Paris' assistant.

'Kim was Paris Hilton's assistant. I should've had babies with Paris Hilton over Kim Kardashian!' he said in the widely panned remarks.

Kanye and Kim share four children together: North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5.

'Could you imagine if I had kids with Paris Hilton? How many hotels I would have right now? Think about that. The Hilton. The Hilton s***', he said.

He was swiftly banned from Twitch after making the remarks, with his channel going down 10 minutes after he started streaming.

West has remained in the crosshairs of controversy for much of the year amid a torrent of posts propagating antisemitism.

On February 11, the shop on West's Yeezy Website - which he advertised with an expensive ad during the Super Bowl - was taken offline by Shopify after he was selling a white shirt with a black swastika in the center. He has also frequently made posts praising Adolf Hitler.

West spoke more about the controversy in a series of posts on February 20 - promising to wear the swastika shirt onstage at the Super Bowl.

'Next year I'm performing at the superbowl wearing my wittle T shirt,' he said. 'People with money bought my wittle t shirt.'

He added that Shopify 'gave [him his] account back' after taking down his store after controversy erupted over the shirts, but that he was 'not going to use it.'

The Anti-Defamation League said in a post on X: 'As if we needed further proof of Kanye's antisemitism, he chose to put a single item for sale on his website  a t-shirt emblazoned with a swastika.

'If that wasn't enough, the t-shirt is labeled on Kanye's website as 'HH-01,'which is code for 'Heil Hitler.'

'Kanye was tweeting vile antisemitism nonstop since last week. There's no excuse for this kind of behavior.'

West has remained in the crosshairs of controversy for much of the year amid a torrent of posts propagating antisemitism (pictured in February)

The organization added: 'Even worse, Kanye advertised his website during the Super Bowl, amplifying it beyond his already massive social media audience.'

Sources close to Kardashian have told DailyMail.com that she is now taking extra precautions and has hired guards to be with her 24/7 amid his erratic behavior.

The reality star has also told relatives to be careful sharing anything about her children online, the source revealed.

She has instructed her closest allies not to post about their locations or upload photos or messages that could identify where they might be.

'She's absolutely horrified,' the source told the Daily Mail. 'Like every time things get bad with Kanye, somehow they get worse.'

They finalized their divorce in 2022 and agreed to joint custody of their children, but the conflict between them has continued.

'I HAVENT SEEN SAINT THIS YEAR,' he wrote, despite the fact that they were pictured together in January.

Although West has accused Kardashian of not allowing him to see his children, the Daily Mail can confirm that he saw Saint, Chicago and Psalm at the time.
Geri Halliwell-Horner exuded glamour in a white shirt dress as she attended David Attenborough's world premiere of Ocean on Tuesday.

The Spice Girls star, 52, stuck to her trademark all-white look as she stepped out to celebrate the icon.

Geri added a touch of colour with a bright red handbag and elevated her frame with silver strappy heels.

A host of celebrities gathered at The Pelican in Notting Hill before heading to London's Royal Festival Hall for the main event, sponsored by Peoples Postcode Lottery.

A-lists got together to celebrate the legendary environmentalist, 98, and his latest documentary which releases on his 99th birthday on Thursday.

Sir David's new film is the 'greatest message he's ever told', says its producer.

Geri Halliwell-Horner, 52, exuded glamour in a white shirt dress as she attended David Attenborough's world premiere of Ocean on Tuesday

The Spice Girls star stuck to her trademark all-white look as she stepped out to celebrate the icon

Ocean: With David Attenborough will see David delve further than ever before into the 'most important place on earth' - its oceans.

After being significantly damaged by fishing and pollution, the film argues the sea is 'at a crossroads', but 'it can bounce back'.

Toby Nowlan, the movie's producer, said: 'This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. This is the greatest message he's ever told.'

Never-seen-before graphic footage of the damage that bottom trawling - a common fishing practice around the world - has done to the seabed is said to feature in the film.

The pictures will display how the chain that trawlers drag behind them scours the seafloor, forcing the creatures it disturbs into the net behind.

The process also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the sea, something which contributes to global warming.

Sir David will examine inspirational stories of ocean recovery in areas where destructive fishing is banned - such as the Isle of Arran, Scotland and Hawaii.

The broadcasting icon contends that 'the ocean can recover faster than we can ever imagine'.

Geri added a touch of colour with a bright red handbag

A-lists got together to celebrate the legendary environmentalist, 98, and his latest documentary which releases on his 99th birthday on Thursday - pictured with King Charles II

A host of celebrities gathered at The Pelican in Notting Hill before heading to London's Royal Festival Hall for the main event, sponsored by Peoples Postcode Lottery

Geri showcased her age-defying beauty with a natural swipe of makeup

In the film's trailer, Sir David made the heartbreaking admission that he is 'nearing the end of his life'

The environmentalist reveals in the new movie that 'the oceans can recover faster than we ever imagined'

But 'we are running out of time', says Attenborough, who candidly admitted he may not be around to see our oceans saved as he 'nears the end of his life'.

During the heartbreaking admission in the film's trailer, he said: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity.

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.

'After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.'

He added: 'Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.'

'If we save the sea, we save our world.

'After a lifetime of filming our planet, I'm sure nothing is more important.'

Sir David further made a reference to his years on this earth as he opened up about the extraordinary ocean discoveries over the decades and how important it is to preserve the health of the oceans.

Sir David is hugely popular for narrating the successful Planet Earth series [pictured, an image from Planet Earth III] as well as a host of other documentaries

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea' [pictured in 1965]

The much loved TV personality has been on screens for over 70 years, with his first appearance being back in 1954, having started at the BBC in 1952 [pictured right in 1954]

He said: 'My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man.

'In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. This could be the moment of change.

'Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed, on paper, to achieve this bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean.

'Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.'
Made In Chelsea star Victoria Baker-Harber has welcomed a second daughter, just a year after she hastily tied the knot with her husband following his release from prison.

The reality star joined the E4 show in 2011, where she became known for her sassy, no-nonsense attitude and close friendship with Mark-Francis Vandelli.

Taking to Instagram to share the happy news, Victoria revealed she'd given birth to a baby girl named Astra.

It comes just a year after Victoria married her husband Inigo Philbrick in a quickie ceremony, two months after he was released from prison having been found guilty of 80m art fraud.

Announcing the birth of her baby on Instagram, Victoria gushed: 'Welcome to the world our beautiful little angel girl! Astra August Philbrick, May 5th 2025, 7Ilbs 5oz. You have already made us the happiest people on this planet.'

Congratulations quickly flowed in for the former reality star, and her latest family addition.

Made In Chelsea star Victoria Baker-Harber has welcomed a second daughter, just a year after she hastily tied the knot with her husband following his release from prison

It came just a year after Victoria married her husband Inigo Philbrick in a quickie ceremony, two months after he was released from prison having been found guilty of 80m art fraud

Victoria wed Inigo in a 'quickie ceremony without guests' last Monday, which came after he served two years of a seven-year sentence for defrauding wealthy clients, forging documents and faking an investor.

After officially tying the knot, the couple, who share daughter Gaia, three, said at the time they planned to celebrate with family and friends when Inigo's electronic tag was taken off.

Their marriage is to help secure an American visa for Victoria, who is half British, half Australian, with the former E4 reality star admitting in a recent interview, 'Not the wedding that I've pictured since I was nine'

Inigo was arrested in 2020 when Victoria was five and a half months pregnant with their daughter and sentenced two years later, his release last month to home detention in New York where he reunited with his young family.

In an interview with the Sunday Times Magazine last year, Inigo admitted he didn't feel any guilt about breaking the law, saying he was merely overambitious and 'greedy', and his crimes didn't lead to anyone's death.

He said: 'There are a lot of people who look at it and say, Look, I didn't kill anyone; I didn't do anything violent in any sort of way.

'Beyond that, the people who are involved in my case... no one missed a meal; nobody didn't send their children to university. I don't think that anyone in this whole story is guilty of much more than greed and ambition.

'I don't think any good business happens without ambition, and I think greed is a natural human state. I'd feel a lot more guilt if I had been drink-driving or if I'd been selling drugs and someone had died.'

Taking to Instagram to share the happy news, Victoria revealed she'd given birth to a baby girl named Astra

Victoria announced the arrival of her daughter just weeks after sharing she was pregnant with her second child, posting a sweet snap of her daughter Gaia holding her ultrasound

Victoria joined Made In Chelsea in 2011 and was known for her close friendship with Mark-Francis Vandelli (pictured)

The former gallery owner added he would have no problem being transparent about his crimes with three-year-old Gaia because 'a lot can be learned' from his experience.

Victoria met Inigo in 2016 on a friend's yacht in the Mediterranean when the father-of-two was still with his ex-girlfriend, with whom he shares another daughter.

She vowed to stand by him throughout his prison sentence, calling Inigo the 'love of her life' and insisting, 'There's no way I was going to get up and let him go through whatever s*** was going to come his way on his own.'

And Inigo says being inside only strengthened his feelings for Victoria, even having a V tattoo on his chest, which was done for him by one of his fellow inmates.

Victoria, who was raised in Belgravia, London, found fame on E4's Made In Chelsea in 2011, where she became known for her sassy, no-nonsense attitude and close friendship with Mark-Francis Vandelli.

She and Inigo then went onto star in a BBC documentary discussing his fraudulent crimes and prison experience, which she says was her husband's idea.

Speaking to the Mail last year, she said: 'I'm doing a documentary. It's about my fiance and his time in prison. It's wild... He's all for it. It was his idea.'

She added: 'He didn't murder anyone. He put his hands up and admitted what he did do, and takes full responsibility and accountability, but everyone makes mistakes.'
Ellen DeGeneres looked unrecognizable as she unveiled a new hairstyle while giving a glimpse of her new abode in the British countryside.

The former talk show host, 67 - who moved to the U.K. following Donald Trump's presidential win late last year in November - jumped to her main Instagram page over the past weekend while taking on the task of mowing the grass.

The TV personality and wife Portia de Rossi recently relocated to a different property near Oxfordshire after their Cotswolds home suffered severe flooding shortly after moving in.

In the clip, DeGeneres sat on top of a yellow mower and revealed that she has ditched her signature blonde locks for a brunette shade.

The star could be seen steering the mower through a large field as a layer of gray clouds filled the sky.

Text was added towards the bottom of the reel which read, 'How it started.' The video then cut to Ellen being assisted by an individual after the machine seemingly broke down on a steep hill.

Ellen DeGeneres, 67, looked unrecognizable as she unveiled a new hairstyle while giving a glimpse of her new abode in the British countryside; seen in 2021

The former talk show host jumped to her main Instagram page over the past weekend while taking on the task of mowing the grass

The clip concluded as more text popped up onto the screen which said, 'How it ended.'

The comedian also penned in the caption: 'Portia thought it would be fun to film my first time on the mower. She was right.'

Before opting for darker locks, Ellen had sported the blonde shade for years throughout her career.

DeGeneres has previously given a rare look at her new life in England to her 136 million followers.

Last month in April, she snapped a photo while standing behind Portia as they looked out at the scenic view of the countryside and a double rainbow following a rainfall.

'3 things that make me happy: My Wife A Rainbow And my wife taking a photograph of a Rainbow,' she wrote.

Back in 2020, Ellen was embroiled in controversy after being accused of creating a toxic work environment - and later issued an apology.

After nearly two decades of being on the air, The Ellen Degeneres Show also came to an end just two years later in 2022.

She had to call in help after the vehicle seemingly broke down on a steep hill

Before opting for darker locks, Ellen has sported the blonde shade for years throughout her career; seen in 1994 in NYC

Last month in April, she snapped a photo while standing behind Portia as they looked out at the scenic view of the countryside and a double rainbow following a rainfall

She previously told The Hollywood Reporter, 'I have to just trust that whatever happened during that time, which was obviously very, very difficult, happened for a reason.

'I think that I learned a lot, and there were some things that came up that I was shocked and surprised by. It was eye-opening, but I just trust that that had to happen.'

She stepped in front of the camera once again for her 2024 Netflix special titled Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.

However upon its release, the project garnered mainly mixed to negative reviews and garnered a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes.

A few months earlier in March of this year, Ellen took the big step of listing her Montecito property for $4,995,000.

Less than two weeks later, the star's home sold for over the asking price at $5.2 million.

People reported at the time that the two-bedroom, two-bathroom abode quickly went into escrow after receiving 'multiple offers within two days of hitting the market.'

And back in January, Ellen and Portia had put an additional Montecito property on the market for $29.9 million.

'I think that I learned a lot, and there were some things that came up that I was shocked and surprised by. It was eye-opening, but I just trust that that had to happen,' Ellen said; seen in 2023

The couple - who tied the knot in 2008 - opted to move into an $18 million house in the Cotswolds area in the U.K. late last year

The couple - who tied the knot in 2008 - opted to move into an $18 million house in the Cotswolds area in the U.K. late last year.

The reason the pair chose to relocate to the British countryside rather than Portia's home country of Australia was soon revealed.

A source explained to New Idea, 'Ellen wants to continue with her comedy work, and there is a huge scene in Britain.

'Sitting back and chilling on a beach in Australia is for when she's ready to retire and Ellen's not there yet.'

But after the move, their six-bedroom Cotswolds home was met with severe flooding due to Storm Bert.

An insider informed MailOnline, 'Ellen and Portia have had several issues with the place they initially moved into.

'First there was the flooding, of course, then there was an issue with some locals complaining about some building work carried out at the property.'

DeGeneres and Portia have since moved to a different property which is only a 30 minute drive from the original home that they had bought.

A source explained to New Idea, 'Ellen wants to continue with her comedy work, and there is a huge scene in Britain'; seen in 2021 in Santa Monica

A source recently told DailyMail.com: 'The house is a real Grand Designs number - and it's plain that Ellen and Portia are loving it.'

They added, 'Everything has been done very discreetly so it's not clear what the terms of the deal was but it seems that it has recently changed hands for not much less than they paid for their previous place.

'To buy two properties for eight figure sums in the space of a few months really is unusual, even given the many multi-millionaires around here.'

The source continued, 'And at even a conservative estimate it must have cost Ellen hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees and costs to change her mind so dramatically - perhaps millions.'
Katie Holmes debuted a sexy new hairstyle that included highlights and wavy locks in images shared to Instagram on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old actress looked younger than usual as she also displayed a fresh tan with flattering nude toned makeup.

The Dawson's Creek veteran was styled in a chic blue and ivory floral-print pant suit with a black tank top and heels.

In her caption she thanked her glam team for making her look great as she celebrated her new role on the hit series Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne.

'Thank you @nlyonne for having me for season 2! Thank you @briesarawelch for styling this look! Thank u @djquintero and @genevieveherr for getting me ready,' said the mother to Suri Noel.

This comes after her ex-husband Tom Cruise, 62, has started romancing Ballerina actress Ana de Armas, 37, in recent weeks.

Katie was married to Top Gun star Tom from 2006 until 2012.

Katie Holmes debuted a sexy new hairstyle that included highlights and wavy locks in images shared to Instagram on Tuesday. The 46-year-old looked younger than usual as she also displayed a fresh tan with flattering nude toned makeup

The Dawson's Creek veteran was styled in a chic blue and ivory floral-print pant suit with a black tank top and heels. In her caption she thanked her glam team for making her look great as she celebrated her new role on the hit series Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne

This comes after her ex-husband Tom Cruise , 62, has started romancing Ana de Armas, 37, in recent weeks. Katie was married to Top Gun star Tom from 2006 until 2012. Tom seen on Tuesday in Tokyo

Tom and Ana were recently seen together in London at pal David Beckham's birthday party with wife Victoria.

And last week Tom and Ana were spotted flying into London together before her 37th birthday.

Before that, they spent Valentine's Day together.

In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Cruise 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.

Daily Mail has learned that one of his A-list exes has granted approval for the unlikely romance.

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.

Ana was first seen with Tom on Valentine's Day

They were also together in London at pal David Beckham's birthday party with wife Victoria. Here Cruise is seen alone

'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.'

Penelope Cruz, who dated Tom from 2001 until 2004 after they co-starred in Vanilla Sky, is 'happy' that the Oscar nominee is romancing her pal de Armas (pictured in 2001)

Penelope and Ana costarred in the film WASP Network

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.

This comes a month after Katie looked stunning as she joined Kieran Culkin at the opening night of Glengarry Glen Ross at Palace Theatre on Broadway.

The actress went bra-free in a very sheer black, fitted gown that featured a high neck and cut-out panels at the sides by AFLALO.

She teamed the fine knit number with a pair of black heels, accessorized with a Metiers Parallel 22 in Glossy Calfskin Classic Red clutch purse and styled her hair into a chic updo.

Holmes looked stunning as she was bra-free in a sheer dress at the opening night of Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway in NYC

The play, which made its first Broadway debut in 1984, follows foul-mouthed real-estate salesmen flogging duff plots of land in Florida.

It comes following Kieran's recent Oscar's win where he won best supporting actor for the comedy-drama A Real Pain, written and directed by his co-star Jesse Eisenberg.

His bleeped remarks during his speech have bow been revealed, after his X-rated remarks were censored during the broadcast.

One of the nominees he beat out was his old Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, who was up for his role as Roy Cohn in the Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice.
Georgia May Jagger looked effortlessly chic in a satin black dress as she attended David Attenborough's world premiere of Ocean on Tuesday.

The daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, 33, slipped into a stylish lace gown featuring a glitzy shoulder detailing.

The model was joined by her skateboarder boyfriend Cambryan Sedlick, 25, at the event.

The couple, who welcomed their first child Dean Lee Jagger Sedlick last year, looked smitten as they enjoyed a night out together.

A host of celebrities gathered at The Pelican in Notting Hill before heading to London's Royal Festival Hall for the main event, sponsored by Peoples Postcode Lottery.

A-lists got together to celebrate the legendary environmentalist, 98, and his latest documentary which releases on his 99th birthday on Thursday.

Georgia May Jagger, 33, looked effortlessly chic in a satin black dress as she attended David Attenborough's world premiere of Ocean on Tuesday

The daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall slipped into a stylish lace gown featuring a glitzy shoulder detailing

Sir David's new film is the 'greatest message he's ever told', says its producer.

Ocean: With David Attenborough will see David delve further than ever before into the 'most important place on earth' - its oceans.

After being significantly damaged by fishing and pollution, the film argues the sea is 'at a crossroads', but 'it can bounce back'.

Toby Nowlan, the movie's producer, said: 'This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. This is the greatest message he's ever told.'

Never-seen-before graphic footage of the damage that bottom trawling - a common fishing practice around the world - has done to the seabed is said to feature in the film.

The pictures will display how the chain that trawlers drag behind them scours the seafloor, forcing the creatures it disturbs into the net behind.

The process also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the sea, something which contributes to global warming.

Sir David will examine inspirational stories of ocean recovery in areas where destructive fishing is banned - such as the Isle of Arran, Scotland and Hawaii.

A-lists got together to celebrate the legendary environmentalist, 98, and his latest documentary which releases on his 99th birthday on Thursday - pictured with King Charles II

The model was joined by her skateboarder boyfriend Cambryan Sedlick, 25, at the event

Georgia joined Poppy Delevingne, Cara Delevingne, Isla Fisher and Chloe Delevingne L-R at a pre-drinks reception party

They gathered at The Pelican in Notting Hill before heading to London's Royal Festival Hall for the main event, sponsored by Peoples Postcode Lottery

Georgia showcased her postpartum figure in the tightly-fitted gown

Georgia joined heavily pregnant Poppy Delevingne

In the film's trailer, Sir David made the heartbreaking admission that he is 'nearing the end of his life'

The environmentalist reveals in the new movie that 'the oceans can recover faster than we ever imagined'

The broadcasting icon contends that 'the ocean can recover faster than we can ever imagine'.

But 'we are running out of time', says Attenborough, who candidly admitted he may not be around to see our oceans saved as he 'nears the end of his life'.

During the heartbreaking admission in the film's trailer, he said: 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity.

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.

'After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.'

He added: 'Today, it is in such poor health I would find it hard not to lose hope were it not for the most remarkable discovery of all.'

'If we save the sea, we save our world.

'After a lifetime of filming our planet, I'm sure nothing is more important.'

Sir David is hugely popular for narrating the successful Planet Earth series [pictured, an image from Planet Earth III] as well as a host of other documentaries

'Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true. After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea' [pictured in 1965]

The much loved TV personality has been on screens for over 70 years, with his first appearance being back in 1954, having started at the BBC in 1952 [pictured right in 1954]

Sir David further made a reference to his years on this earth as he opened up about the extraordinary ocean discoveries over the decades and how important it is to preserve the health of the oceans.

He said: 'My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man.

'In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. This could be the moment of change.

'Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed, on paper, to achieve this bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean.

'Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.'
City officials are increasingly using technology to cash in on motorists who break the rules.

Starting Wednesday, drivers in Philadelphia will be monitored by cameras mounted to almost 200 public buses driving around the city.

The cameras scan streets for vehicles illegally parked in bus stops and no-parking zones. If one is spotted, the system snaps a photo and sends it to law enforcement, where an officer decides whether to issue the citys $76 parking fine.

Philadelphia joins cities like New York and Los Angeles in using automated camera enforcement.

While the technology is widespread in Europe  especially in the UK, where speed cameras blanket major roads  its still relatively rare in the US.

'Gone are the days we're gonna tolerate people going through here with an attitude that, "I'll take my chances because I'll never get caught,"' said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. 'You will get caught.'

Philadelphia Parking Authority executive director Rich Lazer said the initiative is a collaboration among three city agencies, aimed at improving safety and easing traffic.

He added that the cameras will help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Philadelphia's mayor praised the bus-mounted cameras as an 'innovative step'

Officials praised the tech, saying it will aid a police agency that has reported record low staffing and record high department vacancies.

They're also saying it will free up areas in bus stops where wheelchair users board, plus also speed up first responder times.

'It is another innovative step forward to keep Philadelphians safe and traffic moving smoothly,' Jim Kenney, the city's mayor, said.

'Thanks to these cameras, we are increasing efficiency in our streets to make our city even more accessible.'

The city says 152 SEPTA buses and 38 trolleys will get the ticketing tech.

On April 15, the city started sending warning tickets to drivers caught by the buses. They will replace the warnings with full-blown tickets starting May 7.

The $76 fines are for drivers caught near the Center City, while car owners illegally parked in other neighborhoods will face $51 fines.

New York City's MTA launched the automated camera enforcement (ACE) program that also mounted cameras onto hundreds of buses that monitor parking infractions.

Philadelphia is mounting AI-driven cameras, hoping to catch illegally parked cars

Philadelphia is the latest large US city to announce similar ticketing cameras

The city will send tickets up to $76 to car owners starting May 7

Los Angeles also popped the cameras onto public buses last year. Officials announced the tech generated $1.6 million in payments from around 10,000 citations.

But as rule enforcement agencies are turning toward more technology to aid their enforcement, drivers are responding with other illegal tricks.

New York officials launched a crackdown on drivers removing their license plates from the back of their vehicles.

Without the plates, New York's buses  and its controversial Congestion Pricing tolls in Manhattan  are not able to assign fees to car owners.
One of America's biggest burger chains has to answer to its beefed-up ad campaign, a judge said.

A federal judge in Miami has ruled that Burger King must face a lawsuit alleging its ads seriously exaggerated the size of the Whopper, its signature sandwich.

The suit, brought by 19 customers across 13 states, claims Burger King's marketing makes the Whopper look far more substantial than it actually is.

The ads showed sandwiches with condiments and veggies that 'overflow' the buns, and contained more than double the amount of beef found in standard Burger King fare.

In court filings, the restaurant chain admitted that photographers had 'styled sandwiches more beautifully' than their products, but argued the harm to consumers was limited.

The chain said reasonable customers understand that imagery used in advertising campaigns will make products look larger.

But Altman ultimately found the ads 'go beyond mere exaggeration or puffery.'

Burger King is hardly the first fast-food restaurant to go to court over the size of its sandwiches. McDonald's and Wendy's both faced similar class-action lawsuits in 2023.

Burger King is facing a lawsuit over the size of its signature Whopper sandwiches

Those lawsuits were dismissed that year in a Brooklyn, New York court.

Altman said that Burger King's advertisement campaigns, including commercials that aired back in 2017, were potentially dishonest about the product size 'to a much greater degree' than the previous McDonald's and Wendy's suits.

Subway is also facing a similar lawsuit that claims customers receive fewer sandwich fillings than the company's advertisements suggest.

The Subway lawsuit states that ads for the steak and cheese sandwich are 'grossly misleading,' because they show steak overflowing from the sub's bread.

The chain  which has faced other similar lawsuits dating back to 2017  has denied the claims in court.

Burger King fought back against the Whopper suit in a statement to The New York Post.

'The plaintiffs claims are false,' the company said.

'The flame-grilled beef patties portrayed in our advertising are the same patties used in the millions of burgers we serve to guests across the US.'

Burger King had exceeded 'exaggeration or puffery' in its ads, a judge said

Burger King said photographers made the Whopper 'more beautiful' than its employees

Anthony Russo, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, told Reuters he was pleased by the decision.

'Consumers have the right to know what they are getting when they order food,' Russo said in an interview with CNN in 2023 about the court case.

'Burger King is taking advantage of its customers by falsely advertising the size of its food.'

Russo  who has sued major brands like Arby's, Taco Bell, Amazon, and Reese's  has said he is helping consumers file class action lawsuits and 'holding corporate America accountable.'

The lawyer, who has garnered massive headlines while taking some of America's biggest chains to court, says that consumers are an important regulatory cog in the American judicial system.
Fans are having a hard time believing Cheez-It's new pizza with cracker-flavored crust isn't a late April Fool's prank.

The popular snack brand confirmed the release of three Original Cheez-It pizzas yesterday in an Instagram post.

The pizza is available in pepperoni, Italian four cheese, and cheddar jack supreme.

Shoppers say they have already spotted the pizza in stores, while others are still questioning the timing.

'I had to double check that it wasn't April 1st. Still not over that extra salty prank from a few years ago,' a commenter wrote.

'These releases are so crazy no wonder people think it's an April Fools joke,' another fan responded.

Food blogger Markie Devo was the first to leak the food news on March 31 and claimed it wasn't a prank after receiving a string of April Fool's Day comments.

Customers interested in trying the pizza can do so by purchasing it at a select retailer for prices ranging from $6.99 to $9.99.

Social media users are struggling to believe Cheez-Its new frozen pizza is a real product

The frozen pizza features a Cheez-It flavored crust that described as a 'crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped' Cheez-It cracker

The snack was created in collaboration with the frozen pizza giant Palermo Villa Inc.

Palermo's chief innovation officer Nick Fallucca described the crust as a 'crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped' Cheez-It cracker with fan-favorite toppings that complement it.

Chains offering the product now include Kroger, Wegmans, and Winn-Dixie.

Other retailers will begin selling it after the brand issues a wider pizza product rollout this summer.

Fans who believed the first-of-its-kind product is real couldn't help but notice the similarities between the pizza and Taco Bell's limited-time tostada, along with Pizza Hut's Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza.

The similarities didn't stop them from admitting that the new frozen pizza felt like a 'dream come true.'

'This just confirms that I will eat cheez-its in all possible ways,' a person wrote, adding they thought the pizza looked 'very good.'

'Just when I thought cheez-it couldn't get any better,' another shopper wrote.
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 jail 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.

aThis is not a law enforcement issue,a Rong Chhun told reporters after the verdict. aItas about politics.a

He remains free for a month with the opportunity to file an appeal during that time and said he would do so.

Incitement allegations are frequently used by authorities in Cambodia against opponents, and Rong Chhun was already sentenced to two years in prison for incitement in 2021 on accusations he spread false information about Cambodiaas border with Vietnam after meeting with farmers in the area. He was released later the same year by an appeals court. Cambodiaas government has long been accused of using the judicial system to persecute critics and political opponents. The government insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian Peopleas Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed.

Under autocratic former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who held power for almost four decades, Cambodia was widely criticised 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 liberalisation.
World War II veterans watched military aircraft fly over a central Dutch town on Monday as the Netherlands marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation by Allied troops from Nazi German 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.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans used the occasion to call for renewed efforts to nurture peace.

aWar and aggression are back in Europe and it is up to us to protect peace,a he said.

Brekelmansa speech was briefly disturbed by a small group of protesters who shouted aFree free Palestine!a Police detained five people as 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 in Wageningenas central May 5 Square. Some 50 veterans from around the world were expected to attend Mondayas celebrations.

Polish President Donald Tusk, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, was scheduled to give a speech later Monday. Polish troops were among Allied forces who helped liberate the Netherlands.

The countryas 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 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.

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.

aOn 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 a our peace and freedom,a PM Schoof said.
Christ on a nuclear pogo stick, the Kings country is losing its collective mind again. Behind Whitehalls solemn stone mask and beneath the Kings empty throne, some very twitchy men in very expensive suits are dusting off Cold War manuals and scribbling paranoid notes in the margins.

The War Book  that dusty relic of Reagan-era hysteria  has been pried open like a crypt, and inside? A blueprint for the apocalypse. Theyre calling it a homeland defence plan. Lets face it, its a fucking suicide note with a smudged royal letterhead.

Sources  nervous functionaries with trembling hands and darting eyes  whisper of a classified dossier thicker than a Friday night blonde on a pub crawl up north somewhere.

Missiles, nukes, supersonic fucking missiles, cyber hell storms, undersea cable severing, radio blackouts, and enough bureaucratic chaos to choke a Ministry.

The callous bastards are updating plans drawn up when Tony Blair still had George W. Bush up his bottom  because the Kremlins gone full Bond villain and started snarling threats at London like a stray rabid dog with a nuke in its throat.

Theyre talking bunkers, people. Real ones. For the Cabinet. For the Royals. For the BBCs last sad voice to mutter, Keep calm as mushroom clouds bloom like satanic roses over Westminster. Sizewell, Hinckley, Heysham  ticking radioactive love letters to the motherland. One bad morning and theyll be glowing like disco balls.

Meanwhile, Whitehall has cold feet and hot pants. Defence chiefs are whining that Russias hypersonic freak-rockets would roast the UK like a stuck piggy at a biker rally. They want their own Iron Dome  maybe call it the Iron Teacup. But its too late. The war games already rigged, and the players are drunk on 21st-century paranoia.

Lets be real: cyberwarfare is the new blitz. No air raid sirens this time, just blinking cursors and blackout screens. MI5s top dog, Ken the Quiet Knife McCallum, says hostile states are sniffing around like wolves at a butcher shop. Gas terminals? Nuclear stations? All wide open. In our current pathetic state, we couldnt protect a chip shop on Friday night, let alone the national fucking grid.

If Mad Vlad the Tiny in Moscow gets twitchy, the BBC will be airing public service announcements between reruns of EastEnders, telling the public how to duck under dining tables while Parliament smoulders and Westminster Abbey becomes a charcoal sketch.

A risk assessment, published in January, found a successful attack was likely to result in millions of civilian fatalities as well as members of the emergency services, cause serious economic damage and disrupt essential services. No fucking shit! Its as if they realise that were all sitting ducks on this tiny island waiting to be made into roasted radioactive glow-in-the-dark meat sandwiches.

This isnt a drill. Its apocalyptic kabuki theatre, and the actors are running out of cue cards. There are murmurs of rationing, roadblocks, judges with emergency powers, and Cabinet ministers handed the keys to regional fiefdoms. The whole goddamn UK carved up like medieval England  except now with Wi-Fi.

And just when you think it couldnt get worse, they remind us: this time, theres no Royal Yacht to spirit the Windsors away. Just some souped-up Range Rovers and an underground hidey-hole in the Cotswolds. God save the King? God help us all.

The question hanging in the smoky air like nerve gas: Is Britain prepared for war? Ha! You might as well ask if a pigeon is prepared for a chess match. Britain is truly fuckified.

Keep Calm, and Simply Die!
"A clear message rejecting BT Group's proposal to close its Derry office and wipeout 140 jobs has been sent by workers, the CWU, Derry City and Strabane District Council, political representatives and many others", according to Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit).

Cllr Harkin added: "BT corporate management has faced a wall of criticism and anger since they announced the consultation on these proposals, and rightly so. Moving almost 100 jobs overseas simply to maximise profits is reprehensible.

"BT Group profits are in the hundreds of millions every year, it's just wrong for BT bosses to use weaker labour protections elsewhere to pay workers a pittance. They are pitting workers against each other to drive down conditions for both.

"Moving almost 50 jobs to Belfast from Derry flies in the face of efforts to undo decades of corporate and government disinvestment in Derry. Company bosses haven't given any of this or the impact on communities here a single moment of thought. BT Group has been handed millions in taxpayer money by the Stormont Executive over many years and this is how they are repaying that support.

"The proposal is a slap in the face to BT workers and to Derry and the North West. The Economy Minister, the Executive Office, Invest NI and all those with the ability to intervene should make it clear to BT bosses that a decision to move ahead with this proposal will have serious repercussions for the company. Workers lives and their families are more important than BT bosses further enriching themselves," said Cllr Harkin, who added: "The Derry facility should remain open with as many jobs there as possible, and the company should make a clear committment to invest in developing the site further into the future."
Derry journalist and lifelong political activist Eamonn McCann will be one of the headline speakers at a major environmental event in the North West, to launch a movement to recognise and implement rights of nature for the Foyle catchment.

Mr McCann will be joined by environmental group, Zero Waste North West (ZWNW) - a local initiative which advocates for and promotes the principles of zero waste.

ZWNW aims to reduce waste by encouraging the community, schools, and businesses to adopt sustainable practices; it emphasises the idea discarded materials should be designed to become resources for others to use, promoting a circular economy where resources are continuously reused and recovered.

Together they are taking part in the 20th Gathering, the theme of which is From Colonisation to Community through the Rights of Nature.

The event is taking place in St Eugenes Hall in Moville, in Inishowen, on Saturday, May 17, from 10am to 5pm and the organisers have extended an open invitation to anyone who is interested in taking part; while registration is preferable it is not essential.

Speaking to The Derry News, The Gathering co-organiser Mary McGuigan, who hails originally from Bellaghy but now lives in Eglinton, said it would be an uplifting and informative day.

Community members, environmental non governmental organisations, activists, and artists will come together to strengthen environmental action across the North and beyond, she added.

Local governments throughout the northwest of Ireland have issued rights of nature declarations but have failed to integrate a rights of nature approach into government practice or policies.

At the Moville Gathering, attendees will be launching a movement to recognize and implement rights of nature for the Foyle catchment.

The event will begin with the Meeting of the Waters, a ceremony at which water protectors from across the island will represent their water bodies as ambassadors. Participants are encouraged to bring water from their local water bodies, from streams, to loughs, to holy wells, and to commit themselves as ambassadors who will speak up for the health of our waters and ecosystems.

The event will also feature a presentation from the Atrato River Guardians of Colombia who have been appointed as advocates and caretakers of their waterway. They began advancing the rights of nature due to the devastating impacts of gold mining within their communities and watershed. Guardians Bernadino Mosquera and Alexander Rodriguez Mena will speak of their experiences, including the challenges, of bringing a rights of nature approach into practice, said Ms McGuigan.

Representatives from the County Tyrone Save our Sperrins will also be present at The Gathering, along with Save Inishowen from Mining, the Rivers Trust, and local fishermen.

According to co-organiser Rose Kelly from Moville music and poetry will also be integrated into the programme, including a performance from the Inishowen Harp Ensemble and the Henry Girls. A light lunch will also be served.

The day will end with a discussion on pathways for advancing the rights of nature for the Foyle system, said Ms Kelly.

A full schedule can be viewed at eventbrite: The 20th Gathering - From Colonisation to Community through Rights of Nature.

The Gathering is a grassroots collective of campaigns and individuals who take a citizen-led approach to environmental action.

In addition to regular monthly discussion groups on a variety of topics, The Gathering hosts a day-long, in-person event in a different community on at least an annual basis.

This will be the 20th convening of The Gathering. The main organisers of the Moville Gathering are the Donegal rights of nature group, Friends of the Earth NI, and Zero Waste North West.
An incident, that was posted on Facebook and has had 120,000 views showing a man waving a machete and chasing two other men, has resulted in a court appearance.

Andrew Carlin (28) of Knockdara Park in Derry appeared charged with possessing a machete in a public place namely in Clon Dara on May 3.

He was also charged with affray, disorderly behavior, possessing class C drugs and a series of driving offences on the same date.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

The court was told that the defendant had only been released from prison a matter of weeks ago and steps were being taken to revoke his licence.

A police officer told the court that they had been made aware of a post on Facebook which showed a man 'brandishing a large machete' chasing two males around a black vehicle.

The two males were said to have been 'shouting in fear'.

The officer said that the defendant had been identified by people on the post but the two males had yet to be identified.

The vehicle was linked to the defendant's partner and a search of the address had uncovered a large machete.

Bail was opposed because Carlin, who has 68 previous convictions, was deemed to be a danger to the public.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the main evidence appeared to be 'grainy CCTV footage' and no one had come forward to identify the defendant.

He said that as such this was not evidence against Carlin and it would require a police controlled viewing to be done.

Deputy District Judge Conor Heaney said that he was satisfied no conditions would suffice and refused bail.

Carlin was remanded in custody to appear again on May 29.
The City of Song certainly lived up to its name at the weekend as tens of thousands soaked up the sunshine and the sounds at the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.

It was the 24th year of the renowned festival and it did not disappoint, with early indicators that numbers this year are expected to exceed the 100,000 mark.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Revellers soak up some sun and jazz vibes across the city

The festival ended on a high note on Bank Holiday Monday, with the sunshine keeping the al fresco party going all weekend. On Saturday and Sunday night headliner Billy Ocean brought some A-list magic to the Millennium Forum and had the crowds on their feet for an extravaganza of iconic hits. Waterloo Street was bouncing to the sound of the Mr Wilsons Second Liners on Sunday evening, while the Craft Village and Guildhall Square were filled all weekend with fair weather jazz fans.

Looking back on the events, Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it had been a fabulous celebration from start to finish. What a weekend  the city was absolutely swinging from when the first note sounded on Thursday until the curtain closed this evening. We welcomed music lovers from all over the world and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together out on the streets.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Fans enjoy al fresco performances in Derry's Craft Village

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Council team for all their work on the festival which really excelled all expectations this year. And I want to thank everyone in the business community for getting on board and making it such a success from start to finish. Next year is the 25th anniversary of the jazz festival and Im really looking forward to marking the milestone of this fabulous event in style.

This year the festival saw over 400 performances delivered by over 190 acts in pubs, hotels, outdoor stages, jazz hubs, cafes and even street corners. The atmosphere was electric and the good weather brought people of all ages out in the sunshine to enjoy outdoor performances, and soak up the festival vibes.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Ska fans swing to Doghouse Belfast at The Cosh

With over 100,000 attending over the weekend, the jazz festival always provides a significant boost to the local economy and heralds the start of the summer tourist season. The additional footfall and trade generated and high hotel occupancy rates, highlight the festival's crucial role in showcasing the city's renowned hospitality.

Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, praised the collective effort behind the hugely successful event.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Fans gets into the swing with the Bentley Group

"I am absolutely delighted with the overwhelming success of this year's City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. To see tens of thousands of people out enjoying themselves in our city was truly wonderful and the great weather was an added bonus. Its a testament to the exceptional local talent we have here in the city, and each year our international artists return again and again because of the unbelievable atmosphere and the hospitality that sets this place apart.

"I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising, from our festivals team to the streetscape crew who were out on the ground keeping the city clean for visitors all weekend. My sincere gratitude goes out to all the local businesses  the venues, hotels, restaurants, retailers and of course our sponsors  whose partnership and support are absolutely vital. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the event brings visitors back year after year.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Dan Ferguson Trio perform to crowds at Embankment

As the dust now settles after a wonderful weekend, planning will soon begin for next year's 25th anniversary edition, building on the success of 2025 and 24 years of jazz.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.

READ NEXT: City of Derry Jazz Festival: Ardnashee School shine on stage at Guildhall

For more information on all the events at this years festival, go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com
PICTURED ABOVE: At the Puffin Rock Premiere (left to right): Lorraine Lordan, Assistant Director; Jeremy Purcell, Director; Beth McCafferty who plays Oona; Eva Whittaker who plays Isabelle; John McDaid, Producer; Nora Twomey, Producer; and Fionnuala Deane, Executive Producer.

Puffin Rock and the New Friends, the movie from Derry studio Dog Ears and Kilkennys Cartoon Saloon has been nominated in four categories at the Irish Animation Awards, including Best Feature/Special and Best Script.

The film has been released theatrically already in Ireland, the UK, and a number of international territories and was released in cinemas last week in Japan during their Golden Week, their major spring holiday.

The movie is the first animated feature film ever produced in Northern Ireland and has gone on to rave reviews, described by the Guardian as one of the few cartoons that parents of pre-school kids can enjoy too a gorgeous wholesome delight.

John McDaid, Creative Director of Dog Ears said: Its an honour to have this recognition from the industry here in Ireland, and were in some amazing company. Puffin Rock has been at the heart of our work in Dog Ears since we began, and the care we take in creating Puffin Rock stories shines through in the movie. Along with our friends and partners in Cartoon Saloon, were hugely proud of making a movie for our pre-school fans, which touches on themes which have emotional resonance for them and their families.

READ NEXT: Sunshine brings out the crowds for the City of Derry Jazz Festival

"The nominations for our film are a testament to the long-term working relationship between both studios, one big Puffin family, and the support we have received from Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland along the way.

Irelands globally renowned animation sector will gather together to celebrate creativity and innovation at the 2025 Irish Animation Awards in Galway on Saturday May 24th. The nominees were announced by Animation Ireland, the representative trade body for animation studios across the island of Ireland.

Oona has been making appearances this week in Tokyo with Jeremy Purcell, Lorraine Lordam, and Enora Le Luherne from the Irish production teams who are in Japan for pre-release publicity work. Puffin Rock and the New Friends was funded with support from Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.

Its a big year for the Puffin Rock team. W5, the Belfast-based discovery and science centre, has recently announced a new creative partnership with Puffin Rock, which also made its debut on the BBC in February, with Seasons 1 and 2 now available on iPlayer as well as being available on RTEjr, the RTE Player and on Netflix.

Dog Ears and Cartoon Saloon have worked together seamlessly on Puffin Rock since development in 2012, creating a team working cross-border which has retained many key members over that time, including Jeremy Purcell, the Director of the movie. Film production handled in Dog Ears included Script, Music, Post-Production and many of the Voice Cast.

Derry schoolgirls Kate McCafferty and Sally McDaid played Oona and Baba in the first 2 seasons of Puffin Rock and were replaced by their younger sisters Beth McCafferty and Jo McDaid for the movie.

Beth McCafferty, Derry Voice Over Artist

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, from Dublin to Galway, Derry to Cork.

Irish animated films and series are enjoyed by children and adults in 182 countries worldwide, with Irish animation studios and their workforces in huge demand internationally, valued for their creativity, craft, professionalism and commitment.

The movie crew of Puffin Rock.

The Irish Animation Awards 2025 are made possible with the support of Primary Sponsor Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, and RTEjr. With thanks to Coimisiun na Mean, Enterprise Ireland, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Corpay, Northern Ireland Screen, TG4, Aon, Brophy Gillespie, Creative Europe Ireland Media, ERA, Gorilla Post Production, Nickelodeon, Milkshake, Menagerie Media Group, National Talent Academy Animation, Toon Boom Animation and Tyrell.
Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is set to challenge the basis for prosecuting him for taking part in an unnotified parade in Northern Ireland, a court has heard.

The Foyle MP was in court in Derry on Tuesday facing a charge connected with a pro-Palestinian rally that took place in the city last February.

The event in protest against Israels military offensive on Gaza was held at Derrys War Memorial in the Diamond area of the city centre. After speeches, participants walked to Derrys Guildhall.

Under Northern Irelands legislation governing parades and processions, the organisers of such events must apply in advance to the Parades Commission adjudication body for permission to march.

Eastwood, 42, is one of five people facing prosecution in relation to the event on February 14 last year.

The court was told that he and two of the other defendants are to ask Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to review the basis for pursuing the case.

The two other defendants requesting the review are university lecturer Goretti Horgan, 69, from Westland Avenue in Derry, and fellow pro-Palestinian activist Davina Pulis, 36, from Knoxhill Avenue in the city.

All three were at court on Tuesday as the case was mentioned before district judge Conor Heaney.

The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised last Februarys rally.

Members of the group protested outside court as the proceedings were heard on Tuesday morning.

Eastwoods solicitor Ciaran Shiels told the judge that his client was ultimately prepared to challenge the prosecution decision by way of a High Court judicial review.

Mr Shiels told the court: Were at a loss to understand how this short procession from the Diamond to the Guildhall, which was totally peaceful and caused no obstruction to the public, and we are not aware of any complaint from the public, and in respect of 50,000 civilians being bombed to pieces, including 20,000 children, we are at a loss why the PPS believe its in the interests of justice to prosecute any of these individuals.

Judge Heaney agreed to adjourn the case until June 3 to allow the defendants to make the review submission to the PPS.

Outside court, the SDLP MP said he would not be deterred from standing up for the people of Gaza.

The people who are standing here today as defendants respect the law, we respect this court, he told reporters.

But, actually, we were marching and protesting, and have been for years now, against a bigger, a more important law being broken, and we are seeing the Israeli government in the dock in the highest courts in the world because they are committing genocide in Gaza.

They are right now deliberately starving children. There are trucks of aid lined up at the border of Gaza that cant get in.

They have just announced that theyre going to, as weve always known they were going to do, fully occupy the Gaza Strip and try to rid it of the Palestinian people.

That is the crime that we and many other people in this city were protesting on that evening, and it is, frankly, bizarre to anybody with any basic understanding of the justice system why the PPS would be deciding that this was the thing that they should be focused on.

I, frankly, given the amount of work Ive done with victims over the years and other people, cant understand how this seems to be a priority for them.

Others can speak for themselves, but I dont think anybody whos a defendant in this case will ever be put off standing up for the people of Gaza and standing up for the rule of law around protecting people from a genocide, one that is being committed live on our TV screens, and global powers are doing nothing other than (enabling) it by providing the Israeli government with weapons.

Eastwood insisted the parading laws in Northern Ireland had not been designed for events such as the one he had participated in last February.

Its not for me to determine how this law is adjudicated upon, but it was set up because certain Orange Order bands were determined to march past nationalist estates and end up creating mayhem on the streets, he said.

This law was not written and was not brought into law to stop people protesting genocide. Thats not what this was for.

Nobody was put out on Shipquay Street (in Derry) on that day. In fact, people were beeping their horns in support of us because I know  and people standing here do a lot of door-knocking and talking to people in this city  people are absolutely opposed to whats happening in Gaza and will stand with whoever has to stand up against that.

In a similar case in 2023, when Eastwood joined families of those killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972 in an impromptu walk from the Diamond area to Derrys courthouse, the PPS decided against prosecuting those involved after determining it would not be in the public interest.

The former SDLP leader drew a comparison with that decision as he criticised the PPS move to prosecute in relation to the Gaza event.

The PPS have some bizarre mechanism it seems for deciding when a previous case, just like this one, was deemed not to be in the interest of justice to prosecute, now this is for some reason, he said.

Thats a question that theyre going to have to answer, but I think the court will have a view on that, and it strikes me as a very bizarre decision-making process.

Mickey McKinney, whose brother William was killed on Bloody Sunday, accompanied Eastwood into court on Tuesday in a show of solidarity.

Co-accused Goretti Horgan told reporters that it was her duty to protest against what was happening in Gaza.

Theres a genocide happening at the minute in Gaza, its actually our duty to protest against that, its not something that we done for fun, she said.

International law has been broken, we are trying to ensure that actually there is something happening to try to stop the genocide there. Thats all we were doing.

Mr Shiels said the defendants in the case should be proud to be before the court.

If there was ever a case in which one should be proud to be a defendant before a court facing a criminal charge, this is a case where you should be proud to be a defendant, he told reporters.

A PPS spokeswoman said the decision to prosecute was taken after careful consideration of the evidence in the case.

After receipt of a file from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in relation to its investigation into a rally which turned into a procession on February 14 2024, the PPS gave careful consideration to all evidence submitted and concluded that the Test for Prosecution was met in relation to five individuals reported, she said.

Each of the five are being prosecuted for the offence of taking part in an unnotified procession contrary to section 6(7)(a) Public Processions (NI) Act 1998. This legislation requires public processions to be notified to police in advance, irrespective of the reason for the procession.

All PPS decision-making in this case was undertaken impartially, independently and fully in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors.

The public interest factors for and against prosecution were carefully weighed before the decision was taken. We understand that some of the defendants are intending to make representations and these will be considered and a response issued in due course.

These proceedings are live and we would urge that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way cause prejudice.
Eleven people were arrested in Northern Ireland for suspected drink-driving during the Bank Holiday weekend.

By Tuesday afternoon 10 of the 11 had been charged and are due to appear before courts across the region.

Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham described the continuing detection of those driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs as alarming.

He said those arrested included a 19-year-old man who was arrested in south Belfast on Monday evening on suspicion of driving while unfit, kidnapping, taking motor vehicle without authority, and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

Officers make arrests in relation to drink driving offences.#MoreThanAStatistichttps://t.co/CiIa0CPhKl pic.twitter.com/MSdaTh7UvB  Police Belfast City Centre (@PSNIBelfast) May 6, 2025

While he remained in police custody on Tuesday afternoon, others have been charged with offences.

These include a 69-year-old man arrested in Dundonald, a 32-year-old arrested in west Belfast, a 33-year-old man arrested in north Belfast and a 19-year-old man arrested in south Belfast.

Ch Insp Cunningham said a further six people were also charged to court following reports of drink-driving offences at the weekend.

I would like my message to be clear; drink-driving is a crime, and police are continuing to be proactive in detecting those people who commit this offence, he said.

Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for us, and every single person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, after drinking or taking drugs is putting other road users and themselves at serious risk.

Just one drink can impair decision-making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill.
A worrying picture has been described around the apparently worsening condition of listed buildings in Northern Ireland.

New research has found that just over 61% of listed buildings are in a very good, good or average condition, a 15.6% reduction from a similar survey in 2014/15 (76.9%).

The figure also represents a further 8.8% reduction to the equivalent figure of a 2004/05 survey (85.7%), although this is described as not an exact statistical comparison.

It follows the publication of new research which examined a statistically reliable sample of 1,504 of the around 9,000 listed buildings in the region over an 11-month period.

It was found that 61.3% were rated as being in very good, good or average condition, while 36% were found to be poor or very poor.

Buildings grade A and B+ were found to generally be in better condition than those graded B1, B2 and B, while a higher proportion of church-owned buildings were rated very good/good (39.1%) compared with private buildings (21.7%) and public buildings (23.1%).

Meanwhile, the results also show that a third of listed buildings are currently vacant, and the proportion of vacant buildings was higher by 11% in the 2023/24 survey (33.3%) compared with the 2014/15 baseline survey (22.3%).

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons expressed concern around the findings.

This research, commissioned by my department, paints a very worrying picture of the state of our listed buildings, he said.

This is a finite resource of just over 9,000 structures that is important, not just as a tangible representation of our history but because of the character it brings and the economic and social potential it holds for our region.

Heritage is a key driver of tourism to Northern Ireland and a source of civic pride and identity. Once lost, it and the potential that it holds are gone forever.

Mr Lyons added: I have asked my Department to consider this within the Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme.

The new programme will deliver policies for arts, museums, public libraries and the historic environment.

These are due to go to public consultation this year and my hope is that the Historic Environment Policy will provide the step change that we need and help kickstart a proper appreciation of our built heritage  what we have and how it can be utilised creatively, for public benefit.
It is only by the grace of God that lives have not been lost due to wildfires in Northern Ireland, Environment Minister Andrew Muir has said.

Mr Muir told MLAs that the overwhelming majority of recent rural fires in the region had been started deliberately.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland dealt with almost 300 wildfires in a single week during April.

These included a blaze in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down which sparked a major incident and saw people evacuated from their homes.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it received 2,014 emergency calls from April 3-10. Of these, the service attended 1,112 incidents, including 296 wildfires.

Mr Muir was asked about the fires during ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday.

He said: The recent spate of wildfire incidents was very concerning as wildfires not only have the potential to have devastating impacts on the environment but they are also a risk to life, homes and farms.

He described the fires as deliberate acts of rural arson.

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone asked the minister if he knew what proportion of the recent fires had been started deliberately.

Mr Muir said: My engagement with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been that the overwhelming majority of these have been deliberately set.

It is only by the grace of God that no-one has been killed here in Northern Ireland as a result of these fires and I would urge anyone who has any information to pass that on to the police.

He added: We have to be very clear around our attitudes to these fires. They are not something we should see as headlines that come and go, they are something we need to have a different attitude towards.

We need to have an attitude that if we know anyone who was lighting these fires, we have to contact the police and we have to be prepared to give evidence to take it to court.

The minister described scenes of damage caused to rural areas by fire as very distressing.

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan asked what more could be done to educate people about the dangers of rural fires.

Mr Muir said: We all have a role as elected representatives to profile those communications and to encourage people with any information to bring it to the police because we need prosecutions around this, we need to see people in court.

But that requires people who are prepared to give evidence.

We also need to be conscious that what people may see as a localised fire can very quickly spread and can have devastating consequences.

People need to be very conscious of their behaviour in the countryside because we have seen other parts of the world where people have lost their lives.

That is my concern around this.
May 6, 2025: Russian leader Vladimir Putin is seeking to shut down protests and silence those who oppose his war in Ukraine. Russian legal reforms in the early 1990s gave Russia its first modern legal system complete with competent judges and abundant courts throughout the country. As Putins war in Ukraine stumbled from one mishap to another disaster, the Russian leader sought a solution.

Putin came up with a long list of remedies for opponents to his war and their compelling reasons why the Ukraine operations were illegal and unjust. Putin is doing this by turning the Russian legal system into a tool for suppressing public protests and silencing notable individual dissenters. He also managed to isolate Russian judges who opposed Putins efforts to silence opponents.

Putin has succeeded in making it nearly impossible for Russians to obtain trial by jury. Putin also has protestors and dissenters tried in courts far from their home. This prevents anyone from showing up at the trial to support the defendant.

Putin has managed to get many cases moved from courts to military tribunals, where the defendants are regularly convicted. Putin has restricted legal appeals and limited lawyers from obtaining evidence needed to appeal a sentence. Putin has arranged for more trials to take place in secret, where the accused are nearly always convicted and sent off to a labor camp. Putin used many of these new laws and methods to thwart the tendency of Russian courts to free men accused of avoiding military service.

Vladimir Putin is known to be resourceful and ruthless. He has been running Russia since 1999 via a series of appointments he received, and then elections he won or controlled because he maintained or increased the standard of living for most Russians. That came to an end in 2014 when Russia seized Ukrainian Crimea and parts of two provinces. Western nations responded to this aggression by imposing economic sanctions on Russia. This caused a reduction in living standards for many Russians. The only exceptions were the oligarchs. These were the hundred or so men and women who emerged when the Soviet Union collapsed and were resourceful enough to gain control of many of the former state-owned companies. This made those entrepreneurs fabulously rich and they became known as oligarchs. Anyone seeking to rule Russia needed the support of the oligarchs. At the same time, the oligarchs needed the support of senior government officials to keep their wealth safe and themselves out of legal or political trouble. These efforts ran into trouble back in 2016 when government efforts to control what appears on the Internet inside Russia, and in domestic mass media, were not sufficient to keep out damaging evidence of corruption among the Russian leadership.

This happened with the April 2016 release of eleven million documents stolen by hackers from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based international law firm. Data from these documents showed many prominent Russian officials did business with Mossack Fonseca, a firm that assists wealthy people who want to set up overseas bank accounts and corporations whose owners are very difficult for most people, or even other governments to identify. The Mossack Fonseca records provided details of enormous wealth owned by Russian officials who could not explain where it came from. In the state-controlled media these revelations dont exist and are referred to as more Western lies not worth repeating. Despite that attitude, these details got into Russia via the Internet and eventually reached just about everyone. The damage done was considerable because it made Russians realize that, since 2014, Russia has been making a lot of headlines but not much else. The economy was a mess, Russia had fewer allies and the future looked dim.

Invading Ukraine and sending Russian mercenaries to the Syrian civil war did not help any of these fundamental problems. What passes for good news are things like foreign economists agreeing that the Russian economy is shrinking less than expected. What the government describes as victories in Syria and Ukraine didnt pay the rent or put food on the table. By 2024 more and more Russians are merely getting by and the appeal of the new nationalism is fading. The oligarchs still prosper because they can, at the request of a government official who protects them, move money around to where the government needs it for bribes or illegal investments.

What went wrong? Russia entered the 21st century with a new elected government dominated by former secret police KGB officers like Vladimir Putin who promised to restore economic and civil order. They did so but in the process turned Russia into a police state with less political and economic freedom. A growing number of Russians opposed this and the government responded by appealing to nationalism. Russia has returned to police state ways and its traditional threatening attitude towards neighbors. Rather than being run by corrupt communist bureaucrats, the country is now dominated by corrupt oligarchs, gangsters and self-serving government officials. The semi-free economy was more productive than the centrally controlled communist one but that just provides more money to steal.

A rebellion against the new dictatorship was derailed by astute propaganda depicting Russia as under siege by the West. Yet opinion polls that show wide popular support for this paranoid fantasy left some Russians with democratic impulses who continue demanding better government and needed reforms. But for now most Russians wanted economic and personal security and were willing to tolerate a police state to get it. That atmosphere, plus the anxiety generated by the Ukraine invasion, scared away a lot of foreign investors and many Russian ones as well. Russia could downplay this in state-controlled media but without all that foreign and Russian capital the economy cannot grow. The only major economic power Russia can still do business with is China, which recognizes Russias pervasive corruption and economic weakness and refuses to get too involved.
TESCAN stakes its claim in advanced packaging with AI-fueled failure analysis breakthrough

Czech-based electron microscope manufacturer TESCAN is undergoing a strategic shift, expanding into advanced semiconductor packaging through its growing expertise in failure analysis (FA) technology. With Taiwan emerging as a global center for advanced packaging R&D, TESCAN plans to establish a local subsidiary in 2025 to meet rising demand from semiconductor clients across the Asia-Pacific region.

In a market crowded with established semiconductor equipment giants, how will TESCAN carve out its niche with its flagship FA solutions? And what sets its offering apart when it comes to meeting the highly customized needs of Taiwan's top chipmakers?

TESCAN enters advanced packaging race with full-stack semiconductor diagnostics

Founded in Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, TESCAN built its reputation over three decades in fields like materials science and geoscience. In recent years, however, the company has pivoted toward the semiconductor industry, with a particular focus on the rapidly expanding advanced packaging segment.

TESCAN's advanced packaging FA solution is built around a hybrid workflow that integrates scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), and other inspection tools into a seamless, cross-platform system. The setup aims to reduce testing time, cut labor requirements, and speed up R&D while improving yield outcomes.

Described as a "full-body checkup" for chips, the solution uses a suite of diagnostic toolsmuch like a team of medical specialiststo identify failure points across materials and structures. This approach has proven essential for OSAT providers, foundries, and IC design houses alike.

According to TESCAN Taiwan Country Manager Robert Feng, FA begins with non-destructive testing to locate potential defects without damaging the sample. The next phase involves destructive analysis using laser cutting for speed, followed by dual-beam systems to isolate and expose the faulty regions.

The process continues with SEM imaging via the dual-beam system to analyze interfaces and defect signatures. To address the rising need for structural stress and material composition analysis, TESCAN also provides a 4D STEM-enabled platform that measures internal stress fields and compositional shifts, supporting both process refinement and next-gen packaging evolution.

AI-powered FA boosts speed and precision as TESCAN courts customized equipment market

TESCAN's semiconductor strategycentered on failure analysis and advanced packagingis gaining momentum thanks to integrated technologies and region-specific applications. According to APAC Managing Director Sean Lee, the semiconductor business in Asia-Pacific contributed nearly 50% of the company's global revenue in 2024. "There's still plenty of room to grow," he said.

For 2025, Lee projects a 40% revenue surge in APAC, fueled largely by Chinese demand, with semiconductor-related sales expected to account for about half of that growth.

As a challenger in the semiconductor equipment space, TESCAN is still trailing global leaders in market share. To gain ground, the company is leaning into product flexibility and differentiation.

Lee highlights technologies such as CoWoS, 2.5D/3D, and heterogeneous integration as major drivers of increased FA complexity. TESCAN's strategy focuses on large-format and customized inspection demands, delivering broader and deeper coverage tailored to client-specific requirements.

TESCAN's edge, Lee says, lies in its singular focus: "We only do electron microscopes." Unlike competitors with sprawling product portfolios, the company offers more streamlined and responsive collaboration.

Most equipment vendors favor standardized models to maximize cost and production efficiency. TESCAN, however, starts with the unmet needs of leading customers and gradually scales into more price-sensitive segmentsa strategy built on flexibility and differentiation.

Across the region, Lee says, packaging customers want FA tools that are faster, more precise, and competitively priced. TESCAN has targeted sample preparation, the bottleneck in the testing workflow, and introduced AI and machine learning to streamline it. The result: faster output, fewer manual errors, and relief for an industry plagued by skilled labor shortages.

Feng notes that training an operator in sample preparation and analysis typically takes six to twelve months. But with product lifecycles shrinking, delays are no longer acceptable. TESCAN's solution reduces prep time from four hours to under one, even for first-time users.

TESCAN bets on APAC expansion to stay close to advanced packaging clients

Lee points out that Taiwan and China together account for over 70% of the global advanced packaging market. Many Chinese customers are Taiwan-owned or managed by Taiwanese executives, making Greater China the most critical hub for packaging technology and a core driver of TESCAN's APAC expansion.

Although Lee concedes that launching the Taiwan office in 2025 is "a beat late" and would have been better timed two years earlier, he believes conditions remain favorable. As client technologies mature and US-China chip tensions intensify, China's localization drive makes this an opportune moment.

Following the acquisitions of TESCAN Korea and anti-vibration system maker Daeil Microanalysis Laboratory (DML), the company will open new subsidiaries in Taiwan and Singapore in 2025. Moving away from agent-based distribution marks a major step in strengthening brand visibility and service capabilities across the APAC semiconductor market.

In the past, Taiwan clients relied on local agents for sales and service, which created delays in communicating feedback to TESCAN's R&D hub in the Czech Republic, slowing development and impeding local adaptation.

To avoid missing out on co-innovation opportunities, TESCAN opted to establish its subsidiaries, enabling technical teams to work directly with clients. This move shortens communication loops, accelerates market responsiveness, and enhances local support across key APAC marketsincluding Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Malaysiawhile deepening regional collaboration.

Article edited by Jack Wu
BYD scores big in European PHEV market

The EU's anti-dumping duties on battery electric vehicles (BEV) imported from China are reshaping the European car market, accelerating the penetration of Chinese plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

Such changes were already anticipated when the EU decided to impose anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese BEV imports last year.

BYD's Seal U, which has only been on the European market for less than a year, was number one in PHEV sales in Europe in March 2025. In terms of overall PHEV sales in the first quarter of 2025, BYD, China's leading new energy vehicle vendor, was in fourth place in Europe.

BYD's core strength has been its PHEVs, which have seen better sales than its BEVs over the years.

Supply chain sources said that if such a trend continues, Chinese cars will quickly penetrate the European PHEV market, with other types of car imports from China also standing a good chance of gaining momentum in Europe.

Tricky tariffs policy

If Chinese PHEVs grow too fast in the European market, the EU may impose anti-dumping tariffs on them. After all, China's home-grown PHEV and BEV vendors have received long-term financial support from the Chinese government. For instance, BYD has been a major recipient of subsidies from the Chinese government.

But if the EU imposes tariffs on PHEVs from China, it may further undermine the sales of European cars in the Chinese market. The EU is taking action to protect Europe's automobile industry and market, but Germany's automaking giants Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have all increased their investments in China to show their commitments to the Chinese market.

German carmakers are facing a dilemma: the more they invest in China, the more they risk losing. Lying ahead is a long and bumpy road.

European cars lagging in vehicle electrification

Chinese carmakers are outracing their European competitors in vehicle electrification.

The automotive industry is heading towards electrical/electrification (E/E) architectures -- an irreversible trend that all carmakers are embracing regardless of the power systems they are adopting for their cars, be it BEVs, PHEVs, or fuel vehicles.

BYD's strong sales not only demonstrate the strength of China's new energy vehicles but also highlight a key selling point of cars from homegrown Chinese vendors -- the new tech experience of their smart cockpits. Mainstream automakers in other countries have been lagging in smart cockpit development.

Media reports have quoted Dataforce statistics as showing that in Europe's PHEV market, BYD's Seal U DM-i sales exceeded 6,000 units in March, surpassing Geely's Volvo XC60. BYD, riding on its growing popularity, reportedly is planning to accelerate the launch of new PHEV models in Europe.

Article edited by Jack Wu
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A man accused of murdering his wife told Irish police he had been injured by her multiple times throughout their marriage, a court has heard.

The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in Co Cork between March 19 and 20 2017, was told that he outlined the injuries during an enhanced cognitive interview more than four years later.

The 58-year-old, from Grattan Street in Youghal, denies murder.

Ms Satchwells remains were found in a shallow grave beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in their home in October 2023.

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, initially told police he had finished working on the stairs before she went missing.

He formally reported his wife missing on May 11 2017, weeks after the date he told police she had left their home.

On Tuesday, the jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard from a transcript of an interview with gardai on June 20 2021.

The court heard that Satchwell told gardai that his wife had threatened to leave hundreds of times over a period of 15 years, most recently within six months of her disappearance.

He said she told him she would leave to get her own back for him leaving to spend a year in England in 2002.

However, he said he didnt just up and disappear to England and that he sent her money.

The interview was conducted by Detective Sergeant David Noonan, who held the rank of detective garda at the time.

Det Sgt Noonan told the court the witness-led interview process was the gold standard of taking a witness or victim statement.

The full transcript, which was read out over several hours by prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small, ran to more than 120 pages.

During his conversation with Det Sgt Noonan, Satchwell outlined details of his relationship with his wife as well as his movements on the last days he said he saw her.

He told the investigator that Ms Satchwell could be nasty, mean and angry.

He said she could lose her temper easily and could hit you.

He said he had a lot of injuries over the years and had to hide some of them from other people.

Satchwell told the detective he had never hit her back and he had been brought up to respect women.

He said he went to see a doctor in 1994 after his face was destroyed by scratches.

He added that in 1995 he had taken a box of sleeping tablets as Tina was in one of her bad spells and I couldnt take it any more.

Satchwell told the detective that others had mentioned black eyes and swollen limbs.

He also said he had had bite marks, cuts to his forehead and head, a scrawled back and scrawled belly.

He said this was not as frequent as it sounds as it was spread over 28 years.

He said that if Ms Satchwell became violent, 10 minutes later it was like it had never happened and she would be apologising.

Asked about their relationship, Satchwell said everything tended to alter in the year before her disappearance, including her mobile phone going missing, and things she had previously not wanted in his name being put in his name.

He also told the detective he had been through a lot and the last four years have not been easy.

He later added: If she turned up tomorrow, short of being in a coma for four years, I dont see much of a future.

Satchwell told Det Sgt Noonan he did not know where his wife was.

He said he never kept tabs on her and didnt keep a dog lead on her.

He outlined a belief that she would go knocking at someones door, probably with another fella, I dont know, or that she would send him a registered letter demanding the sale of the house.

Satchwell told the detective he had finished working on the stairs in their house before she went missing, adding that they were virtually still the same as when she had disappeared.

He later told police that two days after she died, he had put Ms Satchwells body into a chest freezer in the shed before moving her to a shallow grave beneath the stairs.

He said she died after he protected himself with a belt which was around her neck after she flew at him with a chisel.

In the 2021 interview with Det Sgt Noonan, Satchwell described the day he noticed his wife was missing  after returning from a trip to Dungarvan on Monday morning.

Satchwell said he noticed two suitcases were missing and a box of cash with the best part of 26,000 grand was empty.

He said the missing money did not bother him as Ms Satchwell did not trust him with the money and he would have spent it on her.

He added that he never said no to the woman and would dote on her.

He said he did not sleep that evening and was crying on a chair while one of their dogs licked his tears.

Satchwell said he was convinced she was at a relatives house.

He also said his doctor had told him during an appointment that it seemed planned and that she had gone off with somebody.

He went to gardai after the doctors appointment.

He told Det Sgt Noonan he 100% believed Ms Satchwell had gone to Fermoy, where she had relatives, before going anywhere else.

He said he did not believe rumours that she had gone away with someone else.

He also told the detective about their last night together with their usual nightly ritual of Ms Satchwell taking a bath, before he applied baby oil or lotion on to her body before giving her a foot rub.

He said she had spent a lot of time crying before she went but on what he said was their last night together, there was no tears and it was one of her better days.

He said he attributed the crying to either depression or because she had plans to leave her life behind.

He said the crying came after a relative of hers committed suicide.

The transcript also contained exchanges of Satchwell referring to his wifes belief that she may have been abused as a child.

When he was invited back to sign the transcript on January 23 2022, he added that he believed Ms Satchwell was first planning to leave four years before she did.

He said he had found letters from Littlewoods which said he was being added as a third party to her account which he believed was to get her own back for his time in England.

He added: I personally think she is still out there somewhere.

The trial continues.
May 6, 2025: Russia has a mystery on its hands. Its oil tankers visiting ports in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas have been subject to explosions on the hulls of their ships. The explosions have taken place in tankers that were empty. The explosions were not large, so the ships did not take on a lot of water and the damage could easily be repaired. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. It is not known where or when the explosives were placed on the hulls of the ships. It is a mystery how the explosions were set off. Was it with timers or some other unknown method? So far these mysterious events are unexplained.

Russia has had problems with its oil exports via tankers two years ago. These problems were related to the fact that Russia has few shipping routes that it can use. Tankers are used in the Baltic and Black Seas as well as the north Atlantic.

The Danish Straits are the only exit from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Russia uses this route to move two million barrels of oil exports a day. That requires about three Aframax class tankers. The Afra stands for Average Freight Rate Assessment. This is about insurance for the ship and its cargo of oil and is popular with ships that transport about 600,000 barrels of oil. This is a popular capacity because tankers that size can use most ports to unload the oil after docking and connecting to a local oil pipeline system. Larger tankers require a deep water oil discharge point farther out to sea where the water is deep enough to handle the deep draft of tankers that carry two million or more barrels of oil.

Russia has a problem with its oil exports because of Western economic sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. The sanctions sought to put limits on how much money Russia could make with its oil exports. The sanctions limited how much oil Russia could export and how much they could charge for it. This led to less oil entering world markets and that drove up the average oil price. That was another incentive for Russia to smuggle oil and thats what was going on in the Danish Straits, where unidentified, and possibly uninsured, Aframax tankers were believed to be carrying Russian oil to international customers. These buyers were willing to accept smuggled oil, especially at a slightly lower price to reflect the risks of dealing with illegal goods. Much of the smuggled oil went out via the Danish Straits because the Danes only had a few small 280-ton Diana-class Patrol Vessels to police this traffic and these boats were not enough. Their armament consists of two 12.7mm machine-guns per boat and a crew of nine. Thats not enough firepower to intimidate a much larger tanker and not enough sailors for boarding parties to inspect the tankers.

Once in the North Sea and then the Atlantic Ocean, the unidentified, unregistered and possibly uninsured tankers carrying embargoed Russian oil head for distant ports where cargoes of petroleum lacking the proper paperwork are purchased at a discount. The sanctions limit the price Russia can receive for its oil to 60 dollars a barrel. If Russia can effectively conceal the origins of its oil exports, they can get a higher price. The smaller Aframax type tankers are the perfect size for oil smugglers because Aframax class ships are able to dock and unload cargo in just about any commercial port.
A Louth cardiac tech company has announced it is to create 20 jobs over the next three years, while targeting an additional 3m in revenue, as it expands overseas. The Ardee based business will also be rebranding as Heart Rhythm International will initially target the UK, where they expect to add 30 additional hospitals and approximately 50,000 additional patients to their network before 2029.

They will also be looking to bring their innovative cardiac care solution to Australia/ New Zealand and the US health markets in the coming years.

Previously known as Heart Rhythm Ireland, the company operates a cloud-based cardiac rhythm management platform that supports patients as well as hospitals, clinicians and cardiac device manufacturers. Their system makes patient cardiac device information available in real time, delivering accurate, accessible and actionable data to patients and their medical teams. This improves patient outcomes by making device data more accessible, enabling timely clinical decisions and more coordinated care.

HRIs system also provides patients with secure access to their information anytime and anywhere, making it easier to share critical data with healthcare providers in emergencies. The company is currently developing AI and predictive analytics capabilities, which are expected to further enhance the platform by supporting earlier insights and more personalised cardiac care in the future.

Heart Rhythm International already supports over 65,000 patients across Ireland, with its platform in use at more than 50 cardiac hospitals nationwide. The company provides national coverage, working with leading institutions such as the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Bon Secours Health System, Beaumont Hospital, Mater Private Network, University Hospital Galway, Blackrock Health, and Cork University Hospital.

HRI expects to grow its team to 30 personnel in the coming years. For more than 15 years, HRI has served as Irelands national electronic health record for cardiac devices, maintaining a registry of over 100,000 implant procedures and nearly one million clinical follow-up records.

Alongside its commercial expansion, HRI is actively contributing to international research and innovation projects. It is a partner in Project CARAMEL, a 12 million initiative funded under the EU Horizon Europe programme, helping to develop AI-powered predictive models for cardiovascular risk in women aged 40 to 60. HRI is also an industry partner in the new Health Frontiers Technology Innovation Centre (HF-TIC), led by Ulster University and supported by 9.1 million in PEACEPLUS funding. Both initiatives reinforce HRIs leadership in AI-driven digital health innovation on an international scale.

Every 20 seconds someone receives a cardiac implant, but the systems supporting their care havent kept pace, said Robert Kelly, CEO of HRI. HRI was set up to change that, by operating at the centre of a unique eco-system, supporting patients, hospitals and clinicians and cardiac device manufacturers. Through our system, patients receive greater peace of mind and better health outcomes, while medical personnel can make better informed and more efficient decisions. Ultimately that improves patient care and helps save lives.

Read Next: Man (40s) arrested in connection with Louth hit-and-run that left garda seriously injured

Weve already demonstrated how we can enhance cardiac care in Ireland by supporting over 65,000 patients and working with more than 50 hospitals nationwide. Now, were bringing that capability overseas. A key strength of our system is that it was built on scalable, cloud-based infrastructure in partnership with IBM, allowing it to be rapidly deployed by healthcare providers anywhere in the world.

Were managing our expansion step by step, focusing initially on the UK market. However we are already discussing partnerships and opportunities with healthcare providers in the US and Australia/ New Zealand. We believe there is real opportunity for HRI to grow, to support more patients and doctors overseas, while helping advance cardiac care internationally in the years ahead, Mr. Kelly concluded.
Gerry Adams has said he would not speculate on who was in the IRA during a defamation case he has taken against the BBC.

The former Sinn Fein leader and Louth TD said an attempt is being made to smother the jury in history as he was questioned over past statements and events during The Troubles.

Mr Adams faced cross-examination over his knowledge of who was in the IRA and the organisations rules, on which he repeatedly said he would not speculate in court.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but did not have many dealings with him.

Beginning his cross-examination on Friday afternoon, Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams if he remembered how many people were killed in various atrocities during The Troubles.

Mr Adams told the hearing he did not remember how many people were killed in incidents such as Bloody Friday or the Claudy bombings, and asked what it had to do with Mr Donaldson.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams entered the witness box for a fifth day.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with figures such as Peter McMullan, who said he was a former IRA member who worked with Mr Adams in the Belfast brigade.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said several times he would not speculate in court and had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother them (the jury) in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Read Next: Louth cardiac tech company to create 20 jobs

Mr Adams said he could not comment on why people including informers were disappeared during the Troubles, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for West Belfast and represented the Louth constituency in the Dail until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently welcomed students from across the North Leinster and South Ulster region to take part in the SciFest@DkIT 2025 which took place on campus. Over 300 students from 26 schools across North Leinster and South Ulster were put through their paces by the judging panel to determine who would become the prize winners. Categories included the Dawn Meats Agricultural Science Award, SciFest Maths in Science Award and Business Excellence Institute Award. 145 innovative projects were on display throughout the competition.

SciFest is a national event which aims to encourage a love of science and provide an opportunity for students to display their scientific discoveries. The event includes an exhibition and competition of projects produced by second-level students. DkIT has been delighted to host the North Leinster/South Ulster regional finals for the past ten years with the high calibre of entries growing continuously each year. Students competing in the event can complete projects from a broad span of areas including physical sciences, computer science, social sciences, technology/engineering and health sciences.

Atish Anandan Srinivasan from St Olivers Community College, Drogheda was announced as the winner of the SciFest Best Project Award for his project entitled EEG based BCI. Athish was also winner of the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award. His project explored whether its possible to create a more affordable EEG (electroencephalogram) kit that can still be used effectively for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications and hardware control and investigated how the performance of his kit compared to scientific and professional EEG devices.

As the winner of this award, Atish will participate in the SciFest National Final Competition in November in Dublin to compete for the SciFest STEM Champion 2025 Award. The winner of the STEM Champion Award will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in America in May 2026.

Second Prize for the Runner-up Best Project Award was presented to Krysztof Kazimierczak from Colaiste Dun an Ri, Co. Cavan for his project Hydrelesis. Krystof was also awarded the SciFest Physics Award. His project addressed the critical lack of clean and safe drinking water in sub-Saharan and tropical regions, aiming to develop a solution that targets the root of the problem and delivers clean, drinkable water to millions in need.

The Business Excellence Institute Award was presented to students Alex Albrecht, Dylan Loughran and Ronan Kenny from St Marys College, Dundalk for their project Are natural cleaning products effective at removing stains compared to branded products?

Two Dundalk schools were also winners in the DkIT Awards category. The Runner-up Intermediate Life Sciences Project Award was presented to Dundalk Grammar School students Eoin Larkin & Jack Wang for the Project Green Means Go! - A front of package traffic light labelling system designed to help consumers make sustainable choices. St Vincents Secondary School student Dearbhla Leavy was presented with the Runner-up Junior Physical Sciences or Technology Project for her entry An Investigation into the effect of Arm Strength and Core Strength on the ability to perform a Handstand successfully.

SciFest@DkIT co-ordinator Dr Moira Maguire, Head of School of Health & Science, DkIT said:

SciFest is always one of our calendar highlights at DkIT and the scope of student innovation each year never ceases to amaze us. It is fantastic to see the numbers growing year on year and the increasing interest our second level students have across all areas of the sciences. A huge congratulations to all who took part, and to the teachers and mentors for all of their support and encouragement throughout the competition process. 

Read Next: New enhanced Dundalk town bus service

The event was made possible by sponsors and supporters from industry and academia including; Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid, Mallinckrodt, The Department of Education, Dawn Meats, Regeneron Life Sciences, Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA), ESERO Ireland and the Business Excellence Institute.

Presenters of the SciFest awards included; George Porter, CFO of SciFest; Ciara OShea, member of DkITs Executive Board; Darragh OConnor, Dawn Meats; Ronan Keane, Regeneron; Grainne Duffy, EirGrid and Yann Ni Yee, Boston Scientific.

To find out more about SciFest visit: SciFest
The cases of two men who suffered in the school system in the 1970s were raised in Leinster House last week by Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu who revealed how one of the men contacted him after the controversy over the unnecessary hip operations at Temple Street.

The Louth man, who is now in his sixties, spoke to Deputy O Murchu after the TD did an interview on LMFM, about Childrens Health Ireland and the scandal at Temple Street.

Deputy O Murchu told the Dail: The man's mother died when he was six months old. He had meningitis at 16 months old and as a result, began having problems with his hip. He had osteomyelitis, which is an infection that affects the bone, and needed treatment.

He was placed in a hospital setting and was there for years, probably between 1970 and 1973. He attended school while he was in hospital. He also spoke about what I will just refer to as treatment, although everyone can imagine what happened within this setting.

Read also: Man (40s) arrested in connection with Louth hit-and-run that left garda seriously injured

The doctors tell him now that they find the details of the operations which he has undergone, and which have impacted his life, to be incredibly strange. I will be looking for Government engagement at an official level on this case.

Another man spoke to the TD about historic abuse, both physical and sexual, within a school setting. Deputy O Murchu said: He brought the matter to the attention of An Garda Siochana but it has not been progressed. He is not even sure whether the inquiry that is to happen in respect of sexual abuse in schools will relate to him. But he wants answers.

I ask the Minister and her Government colleagues to ensure that there is communication with the people involved in these two cases. I will pass on the details in order that matters might be progressed.
Dromiskin Tidy Towns says it is delighted have brought the Siul na Manach Greenway project to a successful conclusion with the official opening on Saturday 3 May. This community-led initiative has transformed a disused public space in the Louth village, into a vibrant, accessible and environmentally rich greenway for all to enjoy.

The official opening ceremony was a moment of celebration and gratitude, with special thanks extended to the local community, Louth County Council and all volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the project.

Chairman of Dromiskin Tidy Town Pat Mulligan highlighted the collaborative approach that brought this project to a successful conclusion including landowners, the Hand Family and through Fr. Gerry Campbell PP, the Diocese of Armagh.

The project was awarded a grant of 113,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), and thanks was extended to Louth County Council who were represented by the Vice Chairman Cllr John Reilly, Cllr Sean Kelly, Chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District, and Chief Executive David Conway. Also among the large attendance were a number of local Councillors as well as Oireachtas members.

In his address to the large attendance Cllr John Reilly was fulsome in is praise for the work carried out by Dromiskin Tidy Towns to increase the amenity value of the village, while respecting its rich and varied heritage. He was delighted that Louth County Council was able to support the funding application that allowed the project be implemented.

Below: The Dromiskin Siul na Manach which was offically opened last Saturday

Local resident Kevin Halpenny who designed and project managed Siul na Manach, was able to highlight for guests the benefits of such an amenity including for recreational value, safe walking to school and pollinator value through the planting of native hedging and a variety of fruit trees along the route.

Kevin also referenced the fact that this new section of Greenway provides safe connectivity between two public parks, also developed and managed by Dromiskin Tidy Towns, that make Dromiskin the only village in Ireland to have two Global Community Green Flags for the development and maintenance of public spaces entirely by volunteers.

The committee were especially honoured to welcome Mairead McGuinness, former EU Commissioner and proud daughter of County Louth, as Guest of Honour. Maireads presence added great significance to the occasion, and she is thanked sincerely by Dromiskin Tidy Towns, for her time, her words of encouragement, and her continued support for rural and community development.

Read also: Dundalk goes back to the 90s and noughties with the launch of Freedom FM

Mairead is no stranger to Dromiskin and was able to note the significant improvements since her last visit including the development of Ginnetys Pond Nature Park, which she noted combined with its linked amenities, contributed to increased wellbeing for all in the area.

Mairead also emphasised that the sharing, supportive and collaborative approach to the delivery of the Tidy Towns programme in Dromiskin could serve as an example for all to follow in political and community life.

The Siul na Manach Greenway - named to reflect the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the area represents a coming together of people, nature, and history. It is a space for walking, reflection, and recreation so it was fitting that Fr. Gerry Campbell should confirm how pleased he was to work with the community to assist its development and to bless the new amenity as it opens for use by the public.

Partnership is key to delivery of the Tidy Towns programme in Dromiskin, which is delivered on an age friendly basis so the relatively new partnership between the Tidy Towns and Darver / Dromiskin Foroige Club is seen as extremely important to the success of both organisations.

A number of the young members of the Foroige group were in attendance and took the opportunity to recite a poem celebrating the completion of the project.

They were also delighted to be able to showcase a mosaic that they had worked on over the last number of months and which will be installed on permanent display in Ginnetys Pond Nature Park given its design incorporates ducks who reside in the Nature Park.

As Mairead cut the ribbon, in the presence of invited guests, the community looks ahead with pride and optimism, confident that the Siul na Manach Greenway will shine as a beacon of sustainability, wellness and community spirit.

Photos to follow
As the cost-of-living still looms large in our everyday lives, we all try to cut our cloth to our measure with budgeting and cut-backs.

That's not always doable sometimes however, especially with a young family and school-age children.

Luckily, the social welfare will be opening it's applications for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) next month to help with all the extra expenses that come with it.

School kids have not broken up for their summer break just yet, but this is a great help for parents and guardians all over Ireland to get ahead of the incoming school year and to prepare everything they'll need, especially if there's more than one child heading to school in September.

READ NEXT: One appliance in your house costs 3 an hour to run - it's not your tumble dryer

Eligibility

To qualify for the BSCFA, you must adhere to the following criteria:

You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme

Your household is within the BSCFA income limits

You and each child you are claiming the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland

The child must be aged between 4 and 17 by September 30 in the year you apply

The child must be aged between 18 and 22 and returning to full-time second level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you apply

Household Income

The BSCFA is means tested which means all of your income and any income from anyone else living in the house will be assessed.

This includes:

Wages

Savings

Property owned

Shares

Weekly income limits are based on how many children are your dependent, see below:

Income limit for one child is 695

756 for two children

818 for three children

The income limit is increased by 62 for every additional child.

Rate of Pay

160 for children aged 4 to 11

285 for children ages 18 to 22

How to Apply

The quickest way to apply is through MyWelfare.ie with the application opened from June until September.

You may receive the payment automatically if you have applied in previous years but if you have not received a notification of the awarded allowance you may need to reapply.

You can find more information here
A Wexford couple's dream trip to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami took an unexpected turn when their baby, a boy named Oscar, arrived 13 weeks early, despite being reassured it was safe to fly early in the pregnancy.

Now stuck in an unfamiliar country with mounting medical bills on the rise, the new parents have set up a GoFundMe.

Edel and Thomas Dunphy's long-awaited holiday was supposed to be a "a precious escape" for the pair before their journey into parenthood. However, just hours after landing in Miami, they were rushed to hospital following sudden complications with Edel's pregnancy.

This resulted in baby Oscar being born via an emergency c-section just over three months before his due date.

Taking to the GoFundMe page, Mr Dunphy shared insight into the tough times ahead: "Our beautiful son was born 13 weeks premature. Tiny, but fiercely fighting. He is now in the NICU where he will need to stay for the next 10 to 12 weeks. The first few days are critical as he undergoes constant monitoring and care."

READ MORE: 'Confiscate the car!' Gardai catch driver using their phone and also tested for cocaine

Despite being overjoyed that their son arrived safely and is in good hands with the medical team, the couple are now faced with the reality of arranging nearby accommodation, navigating documentation for Oscar and eventually securing a safe route back home to Ireland, along with the potentially mounting hospital bills.

Continuing, Mr Dunphy said, "We are reaching out with humble hearts to ask for your support during this challenging time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us cover the overwhelming costs ahead: accommodation, transport, baby care essentials and the complex process of repatriation.

"We are holding onto hope and with your help, we can focus on what matters mostbringing Oscar safely home," he concluded.

The couple have already received 12, 475 in donations out of their 30,000 goal.

To donate to Edel, Thomas and baby Oscar, you can click here.
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II intercepts a Russian Tu-95 Bear strategic bomber over the Bering Sea, April 14, 2025. Multiple F-35s were launched to intercept and monitor Russian aircraft, which remained in international airspace roughly 250 nautical miles from Shemya Island in the western Aleutians. NORAD noted that while this type of Russian activity within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone is routine and not viewed as a threat, it is continuously monitored to safeguard the security of North America. (U.S. Department of Defense photo)

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Its an unassuming warehouse on a Little Island industrial estate, but its alive with activity, forklifts, and people in high-vis carrying clipboards. Inside is rack upon rack of food destined for charities that run food banks and community outreach projects.

This is a FoodCloud Food Hub, one of three in the country.

From here, every week 10-15 tonnes of food are redistributed across Munster, equivalent to 30,000 meals for people in need.

Across all three hubs, 40 tonnes of surplus food is redistributed, or 85,000 meals.

By 2030, FoodCloud hopes to have rescued enough food to have provided a billion meals.

FoodCloud was established in 2013 by friends Iseult Ward and Aoibheann OBrien, a social enterprise aiming to reduce food waste while raising awareness of the food waste problem.

Ensuring no good food goes to waste, FoodCloud connects charities and service providers with retailers and food producers who have surplus food.

Retailers and producers benefit from less food going to landfill, less emissions, and less resource waste all along the food chain.

Charities win because access to heavily subsidised surplus food means funds can be channelled into offering other services that support people in poverty, homelessness and womens refuges.

Inside the food hub in Cork - one of three FoodCloud hubs in Ireland. Picture: Kate Ryan

Helping people in need is always a worthy pursuit, doing it by redistributing surplus food begs the question: Why is there so much food waste to begin with?

I met Rosie Fuller, FoodCloud Account Manager, to find out how FoodCloud squares the circle.

Everything is tightly controlled [by retailers] and still we have all this surplus. Weve never had better technology and a more skilled workforce, but the supply chain is just broken, says Rosie.

Seasonality, economics, and weather all play a part in what is surplus. Its a very dynamic situation. You could nearly guess what time of year it is when you come in here.

Marketing, product diversification and consumerism all fuel the problem, all of which means there is no one definitive baddie thats the root cause of surplus food.

Being a hub for redistributing food is just the tip of the iceberg of work FoodCloud does.

We have a Community Development Team who provide support that goes beyond just the provision of food, says Rosie. We offer food safety guidance to service providers, support in terms of growing their operations, and how to innovate.

One such innovation that FoodCloud has supported is the establishment of a social supermarket by Feed Cork.

A Cork hub member for nearly eight years, their work supports 110 families each week with food sourced from FoodCloud, equivalent to 1,000 meals per week.

Social supermarkets enable those who would like to pay something towards their groceries. 7 will provide a person with three to four bags of goods, and 10 will provide enough food for a family. Supporting those who can contribute provides a sense of dignity; removing the stigma, as a Feed Cork volunteer put it, felt by those relying on food banks to eat.

FoodCloud is there to support innovation and ideas in providing a safe space to give their food out to service users, or find ways to make food go further and last longer - whether thats food parcels, providing meals, or teaching people how to cook. Theres lots of ways we can support charities to grow with purpose.

Where does the surplus food come from?

FoodCloud has 186 food donors supplying surplus food across the three hubs, explains Rosie.

In Cork, key donors are BWG, Musgraves, Barry Group, Tesco, Dunnes and Keepak Meats.

You dont have to be a huge operator to be a donor. Midleton-based Green Saffron recently joined the donor network, and twice a year West Cork Eggs donates small pullet eggs from young hens that supermarkets wont accept.

FoodCloud carries several larder essentials.

We have a good range of chilled, frozen, fruit, veg, and ambient products (soft drinks, sauces, tea, coffee). Our most in demand product would be meat and fish.

We get a lot of frozen fish, and we have an important partnership with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). They run a fish filleting course, and we send our van to Ballycotton to collect fresh mackerel, salmon, hake. They might be cut a little wonky, but otherwise its perfect. We freeze it and offer it to our charities. Were very proud of that partnership, to be able to offer fresh Irish fish.

One challenge in food redistribution is sourcing good, nutritious foods such as vegetables. There are only 33 vegetable producers left in Ireland registered with Bord Bia, and it is widely accepted that the figure will keep decreasing.

What will be the impact on FoodClouds service if access to Irish-grown produce dwindles?

The big challenge for us is providing an array of nutritious food of high quality thats sustainable, meaning we can provide it over a long period of time to a lot of people, says Rosie.

FoodCloud receives food from both bigger and smaller producers.

We rely on a lot of different stakeholders. We try and have as many donors as we can of one product because that spreads our risk. But thats not possible, especially for veg.

A lot of the veg we get from retail is imported, and that depends on seasonality. Well accept all we can get with open arms, but how can we support Irish-grown first? Thats the challenge.

FoodClouds Growers Project was piloted in 2022 with support from the government and Tesco, with 30 tonnes of fresh produce redistributed that year.

The Growers Project is beneficial in supporting farmers in horticulture growing a range of nutritious food. Veg has a very short turn- around which is tricky, but charities are unbelievably good at using veg in loads of different ways. Theyre getting small amounts, dont know what its going to be, and FoodCloud is their provider. Chances are theyll be able to work with anything. Theyre more dynamic than a chef used to ordering from a large food-service provider.

As well as supporting their charities to innovate their service, FoodCloud has also invested in their own innovation.

FoodCloud Academy is the educational pillar open to everyone from home cooks to charities to professional chefs. Some training is delivered via online tutorials, while some professional chefs use the academy to train or workshop food waste reduction ideas.

Its a huge support for charities in terms of getting accreditations, says Rosie. They can hold workshops where they have their own voice, do practical training, or problem solve as a team. Everyone works in their own silo, so its good to get heads together. The Academy gives space to do that.

Just because FoodCloud is in the business of food waste doesnt mean they dont face the same food waste challenges as their donors. Gluts of one kind of product can be problematic, especially when its fresh food. The solution is FoodCloud Kitchen, the catering arm of the organisation, sponsored by AIB and supported with a corporate volunteer programme.

Chefs use surplus food from redistribution hubs to create dishes and menus for event catering and their food truck. It also provides prepared and ready-to-eat foods for charities and community projects who may not have resources, skills or time to create nutritious meals for their service users.

FoodCloud Kitchen was an innovation brought about by need, explains Rosie. Charities were taking food from us but then had to produce meals themselves. We wanted to make that easier for them, so we created meals out of our own surplus. That reduces our waste and gives a product they can use much faster.

FoodClouds Academy and Kitchen, while building on doing more with waste, doesnt yet seem to square the circle of what happens to FoodCloud if food waste decreases over time, as with surplus vegetables.

The level of food waste is decreasing, just not fast enough; not even hitting government-led targets. The innovations are still required but the amount of food wasted hopefully will decrease in tandem with the more innovation we do.

In short, FoodCloud needs surplus to make the Hubs, Academy and Kitchen all happen, but they also need to manage and decrease the amount of food wasted.

Into this puzzle comes a FoodCloud innovation with the potential to create an enduring legacy: Foodiverse.

Foodiverse is an app designed to cut out the middle-man and directly connect those who have surplus food with those who need it. Foodiverse gives people data they can use to reduce their food waste and drives decision making, says Rosie.

What makes it particularly transformative is its potential to be used in any country in the world.

We have a lot of support from the government and FoodCloud is a key player in terms of reaching our national climate targets. We work with the Departments of Social Protection, Agriculture, Circular Economy and Foreign Affairs.

The latter has been running The Kenya Project, which uses Foodiverse.

The app is being used in Nairobi, Kenya, mostly to redistribute beans and peas for growers. Any surplus is sent to two charities they work with, and its growing, says Rosie.

Food banking came first so in theory Foodiverse can be used by every food bank in the world. It connects food businesses all along the supply chain with community groups and supports food banks to be more efficient in traceability and provides strong metrics in real time.

Foodiverse is free to use by charities and those looking to access surplus food. FoodCloud creates a profile for users based on where they are, what they need, and when food can be collected. For example, a charity in Carrigaline can collect surplus food from their local Lidl as many times as there is availability.

Its based on where charities are, and its FoodClouds job to manage the schedule for retailers who pay us to use Foodiverse. The technology layers timetables of what food is available when, and which charities are available to collect, and works out scheduling and notifications.

Other functions include sweeping which allows for uncollected food assigned to one collector to be redistributed to other service users in the same area.

The app is an important legacy innovation for FoodCloud because it creates revenue and ultimately a pathway for a sustainable, viable future for the organisation; squaring that circle.

Although FoodClouds own research shows the rate of waste is declining, vast amounts of surplus food remain unclaimed.

FoodCloud is drowning in yogurt yet struggles to source fresh milk.

When we ask how to engage donors, the biggest challenge is risk to reputation. Even though its a good thing to give [milk] to charity as opposed to wasting it, they tell us its not great for their reputation to have a relationship with a food redistribution company, says Rosie.

Is this a general position co-ops hold? If we were able to ask each farmer, would they rather their food go in the bin or go to somebody in a community so they can have a cup of tea in the evening like they do, they might be minded to say yes to working with us.

If the food system remains as is, food waste will be a problem that needs a solution. Welcome to the Foodiverse!

Retailers or producers with surplus needing a home, or interested in volunteering at a hub can contact food@foodcloud.ie or visit www.food.cloud. www.foodiverse.net.
An academic, political commentator and author has been announced as the April Cork Person of the Month.

Gary Murphy, a professor of politics at Dublin City Universitys (DCU) School of Law and Government, has been honoured for his work as a contributor to RTEs election coverage and his writings, which include Haughey, an acclaimed biography of former Taoiseach Charles J Haughey.

Professor of Journalism at DCU John Horgan described Haughey as a superbly balanced exploration of the life and politics of one of the most fascinating figures in twentieth-century Ireland, with RTEs David McCullagh adding that it is an indispensable read for anyone with an interest in modern Irish history.

Throughout his career, Mr Murphy, a Cork city native, has acted as a distinguished visiting professor at various universities across the US and currently serves as an elected member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA).

He is also a weekly columnist in the Sunday Times and is the author of eight books including Regulating Lobbying: a Global Comparison, which is considered the definitive work in this sector.

Expert

He is widely regarded as an expert on the topic and was an advisor to the Irish Government on the introduction of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

Cork Person of the Month organiser, Manus OCallaghan, said Professor Murphy is one of our great Dublin-based Cork men, and the Cork Person of the Month awards marks the excellence of his work studying the politics of modern Ireland.

We also honour his authorship of Haughey, which was widely regarded as one of the books of the year by national newspapers and historians.

It is certainly time that we honour Gary in his home place.

Speaking at the awards presentation, Mr Murphy said that he has never received an accolade which means as much to him as being recognised as the Cork Person of the Month.

I grew up in Evergreen Buildings, just off Barrack Street, and a stones throw from the Beamish & Crawford brewery, said Mr Murphy.

Hurling

I went to Sullivans Quay primary school  its where I learned my love of reading and writing, and perhaps most importantly of all, hurling. My childhood was the Cork of the Lee Baths, Fitzgerald Park, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Flower Lodge, the city library, and holidays in Crosshaven and Garryvoe.

To this day I retain that love of Cork sport, outdoor swimming, and the joy of libraries, he added.

My adulthood was shaped by the quintessential Cork values of hard work and humility that my parents, from Fair Hill and Blackpool, instilled in me and my brothers and sisters, and which has stood us all in good stead.

Those values saw me through UCC and into the world of academia where I have been lucky enough to interact with so many gifted students and colleagues over the years.

Although I have been out of Cork some 32 years, I wear it with me every day  I have had many academic awards over the years, but never one which means as much to me as this.

Mr Murphys name will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the annual gala awards lunch on January 23 at The Metropole Hotel.
Mater Private Network Cork has today announced the official opening of its Cork Heart Centre, a 12m investment which includes the expansion and extended opening hours of urgent cardiac care services.

Also part of the development is a new cardiothoracic surgery service which offers advanced procedures, supported by a multidisciplinary team and a new intensive care unit.

Mater Private Network Group CEO John Hurley said the launch of the new centre was a landmark moment, adding: Our investment in this facility ensures that patients have access to the highest standard of cardiac diagnostics and treatment, delivered by an expert multidisciplinary team in a centre of excellence.

For over 40 years, Mater Private Network has led the way in delivering complex cardiac care in Dublin.

We are confident that patients treated at the Heart Centre in Cork will benefit from the same clinical excellence, patient-focused care, and outcomes.

In addition to expanding the scale of cardiac-focused facilities, the Heart Centre brings together an expert team of cardiologists and surgeons with subspecialty expertise under one roof.

The Heart Centre is led by Dr John P Foran, with cardiothoracic surgery directed by Dr Niamh Keenan. Dr Foran explained that the new centre will make a big difference to people throughout Munster.

The opening of the Cork Heart Centre is a major step forward for cardiac care in the region, he said.

Having these facilities available locally means that patients in Munster can now access the highest level of cardiac diagnostics and treatment without the need to travel further afield.

This investment will allow us to treat more patients, more quickly, and deliver life-saving interventions closer to home.

The launch of the centre is being marked with a panel discussion at Mater Private Network Cork.

Experts from the heart and vascular team, the first patient to undergo cardiothoracic surgery at MPC John Daly, and special guest Sonia OSullivan will discuss the importance of lifelong health and cardiac awareness.
A call to implement electronic tagging to tackle prison overcrowding in Cork has been made by a local TD following a Prison Officers Association (POA) conference.

Justice minister Jim OCallaghan delivered a speech at the event in Galway, where he highlighted the Governments commitment to reducing prison overcrowding.

Mr OCallaghan said that the current Programme for Government commits to implement electronic tagging for appropriate offenders by the end of 2025.

Electronic tagging, which would see a certain cohort of offenders issued an ankle monitor, was first enacted by government in 2007 as part of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

However, it was later abandoned following a cost of more than 1m spent on tagging 151 offenders between 2014 and 2021.

Mr OCallaghan said that the Government intends to bring back the use of electronic tagging. He said: I have asked my officials to complete the necessary procurement requirements with urgency, so an initial rollout of electronic tagging can be expected by the end of the year at the very latest.

There are a number of scenarios currently covered by legislation which allow for electronic tagging.

The Programme for Government commits to implementing electronic tagging for appropriate categories of offender, [and] provisions which allow for tagging of people on temporary release and, in some cases, people on bail have the potential to tackle overcrowding.

As reported by The Echo in March, figures provided to Fianna Fail TD for Cork North-Central Padraig OSullivan showed that the population of Cork Prison has risen by nearly 39% in the last five years.

The data showed that in 2024 and 2023, the facility was above its 296 person capacity.

During the first three months of 2025, the average figure for the year stood at 354  representing a 6% increase on last years average.

Cork North Central TD Ken OFlynn said the justice minister, Jim OCallaghan, must urgently introduce electronic tagging as Irish prisons are dangerously overcrowded.

Electronic tagging is not a radical idea  it is already being used effectively in jurisdictions across Europe, said the Independent Ireland TD.

It provides a cost-effective, secure, and humane alternative for low-risk individuals awaiting trial.

Our prisons are dangerously overcrowded.

The minister must explain what has gone wrong within the department, why the rollout of tagging has failed, and what his long-term strategy is to bring our prison system into the 21st century.

This is not just about prison capacity  it is about human dignity, he added.
Concern has been expressed over the potential development of a new gaming and amusement arcade in Bandon, with a public meeting to discuss this due to take place this evening.

Leeside Leisure Centre Ltd is seeking planning permission for the development at the site of the former Stables Bar on 1 Oliver Plunkett St, Cloghmacsimon, Bandon.

The proposed development consists of the change of use of the public house at ground floor level to a gaming and amusement arcade complex. A decision on the application is due on June 11.

Former Fianna Fail county councillor Sean ODonovan has secured over 1,360 signatures in an online petition entitled: Stop gambling arcade in Bandon.

What I would say is that I welcome any new business coming into Bandon. But unfortunately ... gambling is a huge problem between young and old in the country, he said.

Independent councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale municipal district Alan Coleman also expressed concern.

Bandon needs more retail, and this isnt really the type of retail that we require. I and my colleagues have been contacted by people from the public who are unhappy about it, he said.

Independent Ireland councillor John Collins said: Personally, I wouldnt be supporting it.

A planning statement on behalf of Leeside Leisure Centre Ltd, which was submitted with the planning application, contended that the proposed development would add diversity to the town centre, adding: The proposed gaming/amusement arcade complex is designed to provide an engaging, accessible and secure environment for patrons.

A public meeting to discuss the application, hosted by Bandon Connects  a collaboration of Bandons voluntary groups  is due to take place this evening from 6-8pm in Bandon Town Hall. The Echo attempted contacting Leeside Leisure Ltd for comment.
Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon has published a bill aimed at reforming the assault leave scheme for teachers and education staff.

The Education (Leave for Personal Injuries) Bill 2025 would establish standards for a scheme of leave for teachers and special needs assistants who are assaulted at work.

The bill, which has been drafted in consultation with the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Forsa trade union, aims to provide clarity about time off for recovery, income, and job security.

It follows Cork teacher Sophie Cole speaking out about her experience.

As a teacher who suffered a life-altering injury from an assault in the classroom, I was entitled to just three months of assault leave pay, said Ms Cole.

She called for appropriate measures to be put in place to further support teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) who have been assaulted in the classroom.

They should not be in a position where they cant pay their mortgage or rent, their medical bills, and struggle to put food on the table, Ms Cole said

Ms Harmon, the Labour Partys further and higher education and disability spokesperson, said Ms Cole has complex regional pain syndrome  a debilitating condition that has turned her life upside down  as a result of her injuries.

Sophies experience is, sadly, far from unique, Ms Harmon said. A staggering 60% of teachers reported experiencing physical aggression in the classroom, according to a recent INTO survey. These incidents include scratching, punching, and biting.

Many teachers told the INTO they felt a moral obligation to stay in work, despite injury or fear, and that stigma, fear of professional consequences, and a lack of awareness prevented them from reporting incidents.

Ms Harmon said that the current assault leave scheme is not fit for purpose, and that her bill would provide for time extensions and ensure renumeration for medical expenses.

We know that children are not to blame for many of these incidents, but the State has a duty to ensure that teachers are adequately supported to manage complex situations in a safe, professional, and compassionate way, Ms Harmon said.

If the support schemes are not working properly, we will lose good, experienced teachers and worsen the recruitment and retention crisis facing our schools.

A Department of Education and Skills spokesperson explained that the leave of absence following assault scheme provides for special leave, with pay, to a teacher who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault during school.

The leave is three months at full pay. In exceptional cases, where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or when there is a second or subsequent assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding three months.

Samantha OFlanagan, Forsas equality and campaigns officer, said the circular fails to reflect and support the complexity of the issues faced by SNAs and teachers in schools.

The department has a duty of care to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of school staff, said Ms OFlanagan. This should never be compromised by budget constraints. SNAs and teachers must be paid for the full duration of any medically certified leave.

We dedicate our lives to supporting children  we need the department to show the same dedication to supporting staff.
The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell has heard that gardai employed enhanced interviewing techniques when questioning the accused about his wife's disappearance.

A detective sergeant told the Central Criminal Court jury today that the "enhanced cognitive interview" used by gardai is recognised as "one of the gold standards" in statement-taking, as it is witness-led.

The trial has heard that on March 24, 2017, Mr Satchwell told gardai that his wife Tina Satchwell had left their home four days earlier but that he had no concerns over her welfare, feeling she had left due to a deterioration in their relationship.

The accused formally reported Ms Satchwell missing the following May but her body was not discovered for over six years, when gardai in October 2023 found her decomposed remains in a grave that had been dug underneath the stairs of her home.

In her opening address, Gerardine Small SC, prosecuting, told the jury that after the body was recovered, Mr Satchwell told gardai that he lost his footing and fell to the ground when his wife tried to stab him with a chisel. He told detectives that he held her weight off with a belt but that in a matter of seconds, she was dead in his arms.

Mr Satchwell, aged 58, with an address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell - nee Dingivan - at that address between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive.

Detective Sergeant David Noonan today told Ms Small that he met Mr Satchwell by appointment on June 20, 2021 at an interview suite in Blackpool in Cork to take a statement from him. The witness said this was different to a traditional statement, where a garda sits down with the person and the statement is written out. He said an enhanced cognitive interview takes place away from a garda station and it is witness led.

The detective said a relaxed environment was created and he [the detective sgt] did a lot of the talking at first before control was handed over to the witness Mr Satchwell.

He added: "The enhanced cognitive interview is recognised as one of the gold standards of taking a witness statement as it is witness led and everything is based on what they are saying".

The detective said the enhanced cognitive interview is "forensic" and gardai get a lot more detail when going down this route. He said at the conclusion of the interview it is read back to Mr Satchwell so he can make corrections and alterations before signing it.

At the outset of the interview on June 20, Det Sgt Noonan told Mr Satchwell that he could take a break at any time and asked him to switch off his mobile phone.

The detective thanked Mr Satchwell for coming to make the statement and outlined to him that it could take some time. He told the accused it was "a safe place" and the only people present were themselves and the door was locked so no one could come in.

Mr Satchwell agreed with the officer that this statement was different to other statements he had made to gardai. Det Sgt Noonan told the accused he would be handing over control to him in the interview whereby he would be "doing all the talking".

Det Sgt Noonan told the accused that detail was very important and to take it that he [the det sgt] knew nothing. He asked Mr Satchwell to tell him things that he might consider insignificant and to tell him everything "in as much detail as possible".

Det Sgt Noonan said he would hand the interview over to Mr Satchwell and asked him to tell him everything about Tina Satchwell in as much detail as possible.

The trial continues this afternoon before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of five men and seven women.
The trial of a 31-year-old father accused of cruelty to his own baby daughter and counts of assault causing harm and causing serious harm to the infant commenced today.

Opening the case, prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland said the anticipated evidence included answers allegedly given by the accused man when asked questions by social workers.

He told relevant social workers he had dropped (babys name) at home. Subsequent to that at a further meeting he told the relevant social worker that in fact he had shaken her on two separate occasions in December 2019 and again on the morning of January 4, 2020.

That is the states case. It is a case that is very difficult for people but you (the jury) must try and approach it as dispassionately as you can.

You may have an overwhelming sympathy for the child. We are not expecting you to be machines. In the alternative you may have sympathy for the accused person. I would ask you to listen as carefully as you can to what could be distressing evidence, Ms Hyland said.

The accused man cannot be named in coverage of the case. This is because of protections for the child in the case under the Childrens Act.

The 31-year-old from county Cork pleaded not guilty when arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, to three separate charges.

He denied assault causing harm, assault causing serious harm and cruelty to the child  on various dates from November 25, 2020, to January 2021 when is daughter was around six months old.

Outlining the anticipated evidence to be given over the next two weeks, Ms Hyland said creche workers encountering the infant would give evidence of bruising and marks to her face, and steps taken by these staff in relation to their concerns at that time.

Other injuries allegedly observed included blood in the babys eyes.

A social worker attending the familys home found that the baby was distressed and lethargic and she was transferred to hospital following an initial visit to SouthDoc.

On admission to hospital a consultant paediatrician and consultant ophthalmologist examined the infant and they were immediately concerned for her, Ms Hyland said, adding that they found bruising to her face, abdomen and buttocks, a fractured collarbone, and in scans they found blood on the surface of the brain and tearing of the brains connective fibres.

It was the kind of injury usually seen in a high impact motor vehicle accident, Ms Hyland said.

Consultant Opthamologist, Dr Sarah Moran, testified she found extensive haemorrage in the retina of both eyes, highly suggestive of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, and she did not believe it could have occurred in an accidental fall.

Cross-examined by defence counsel, Ray Boland SC Dr Moran agreed that her concerns about long term damage to eyesight were not borne out yet.

Judge Dermot Sheehan asked the seven women and five men of the jury to return to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on May 7 for the case which is expected to take at least until May 16.
Thirty withdrawals were made from bank accounts of a man who died in December 2018 in the months following his death until almost all of the money was gone and today the dead mans brother was jailed for 18 months for the crime.

Detective Garda Andrew OConnell said Kevin Connolly of Ballincurrig Court, South Douglas Road, Cork, made unauthorised withdrawals of cash from two bank accounts of his brother following Joseph Connollys death.

The total amount of money withdrawn was 136,398 which effectively was all of the money available in the two accounts.

Det. Garda OConnell said Kevin Connolly presented false identification at the AIB and PTSB banks being his late brothers ID in order to make the withdrawals.

In the course of eleven transactions he withdrew 34,000 from the AIB and he withdrew more than 102,000 in 19 transactions involving PTSB. He pleaded guilty to five counts of forgery arising out of the investigation.

The money was used for lifestyle spending, including holidays and for sharing with others, the detective said, adding that none of the cash was recovered.

Seamus Roche defence senior counsel said admissions were made at an early stage by the 52-year-old and that he had experienced a lot of difficulties over the years.

However, he said that he was gentlemanly in all of his dealings with gardai. The detective said the deceased was a single man with no dependents but that he was also survived by his mother and other siblings.

Judge Helen Boyle said that she did not think that specific deterrence was needed in terms of the accused ever coming before the courts again. However, she said that she had to be cognisant of the need for a general deterrent effect of any sentence in this case.

For that reason, she said that a fully suspended sentence could not be given. She imposed a two-year sentence with the last six months suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
As dawn breaks over Cork next Saturday morning, people across Cork will be taking part in the annual Darkness into Light fundraiser at various locations across the city and county.

The annual event, which will get underway at 4.15am raises vital funds for Pieta, the charity that offers free and confidential advice to people in suicidal distress or self harm, and those bereaved by suicide.

The first Darkness into Light was held in 2009 in Dublin's Pheonix Park, with 400 people taking part in the 5km walk.

The initiative has grown significantly over the intervening years, with more than 150,000 participants taking part each year.

Pieta is 85% funded by fundraising events such as Darkness into Light.

Services

Since its establishment, Darkness into Light has helped Pieta raise over 36 million, allowing the charity to continue offering its lifesaving services.

Last year alone, the money raised through Darkness into Light helped fund 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 51,489 counselling hours and 6,919 unique therapy journeys.

Speaking to The Echo, former lord mayor Mick Finn said that in addition to being a great event to take part in, Darkness into Light is also a very important fundraiser for Pieta "so they can keep counselling services free for those that need them."

The more funding Pieta gets, the better it can increase its service provision across Cork and across Ireland," said Mr Finn.

Cork city Labour party councillor John Maher, one of the organisers of the Cork northside Darkness into Light walk, encouraged people to sign up for the initiative.

"This is a really important fundraiser for Pieta. It creates awareness around suicide and supports those affected by it.

Pieta does incredible work throughout Cork. A positive thing we can do is support Pieta and Darkness into Light in whatever way we can.

We are here to support, create awareness and give a bit of hope."

In Cork this year, there are Darkness into Light events and walks taking place in Ballincollig, Ballyvourney, Bandon, Bantry, Blarney, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Cobh, Cork Northside, Crosshaven, Drinagh, Dunmanway, Farran, Fermoy, Glanmire, Inchigeelagh, Kanturk, Kinsale, Macroom , Mallow, Midleton, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Schull, Skibbereen, St Marys GAA Club Ballineen/Enniskeane, UCC Cork, Watergrasshill and Youghal.

To register for a Darkness into Light walk and for more information visit https://www.darknessintolight.ie.

To find out more about the services which are provided by Pieta visit https://www.darknessintolight.ie/about/about-pieta-other-services.
By David Young, PA

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is set to challenge the basis for prosecuting him for taking part in an unnotified parade, a court has heard.

The Foyle MP was in court in Derry on Tuesday facing a charge connected with a pro-Palestinian rally that took place in the city last February.

The event in protest against Israels military offensive on Gaza was held at the War Memorial in the Diamond area of the city centre. After speeches, participants walked to Derrys Guildhall.

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood (left) with co-accused Goretti Horgan (centre) and Davina Pulis outside Derry Magistrates Court. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

Under the Norths legislation governing parades and processions, the organisers of such events must apply in advance to the Parades Commission adjudication body for permission to march.

Eastwood (42) is one of several people facing prosecution in relation to the event on February 14th last year.

The court was told that he and two of the other defendants are to ask Northern Irelands Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to review the basis for pursuing the case.

The two other defendants requesting the review are university lecturer Goretti Horgan (69), from Westland Avenue in Derry, and fellow pro-Palestinian activist Davina Pulis (36), from Knoxhill Avenue in the city.

All three were at court on Tuesday as the case was mentioned before district judge Conor Heaney.

The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised last Februarys rally.

Members of the group protested outside court as the proceedings were heard on Tuesday morning.

Dr Sandra McDermott carries a Palestinian flag as she walks past Derry Magistrates Court in support of former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and other defendants. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

Eastwoods solicitor Ciaran Shiels told the judge that his client was ultimately prepared to challenge the prosecution decision by way of a High Court judicial review.

Mr Shiels told the court: Were at a loss to understand how this short procession from the Diamond to the Guildhall, which was totally peaceful and caused no obstruction to the public, and we are not aware of any complaint from the public, and in respect of 50,000 civilians being bombed to pieces, including 20,000 children, we are at a loss why the PPS believe its in the interests of justice to prosecute any of these individuals.

Judge Heaney agreed to adjourn the case until June 3 to allow the defendants to make the review submission to the PPS.

Outside court, the SDLP MP said he would not be deterred from standing up for the people of Gaza.

The people who are standing here today as defendants respect the law, we respect this court, he told reporters.

But, actually, we were marching and protesting, and have been for years now, against a bigger, a more important law being broken, and we are seeing the Israeli government in the dock in the highest courts in the world because they are committing genocide in Gaza.

They are right now deliberately starving children. There are trucks of aid lined up at the border of Gaza that cant get in.

They have just announced that theyre going to, as weve always known they were going to do, fully occupy the Gaza Strip and try to rid it of the Palestinian people.

That is the crime that we and many other people in this city were protesting on that evening, and it is, frankly, bizarre to anybody with any basic understanding of the justice system why the PPS would be deciding that this was the thing that they should be focused on.

I, frankly, given the amount of work Ive done with victims over the years and other people, cant understand how this seems to be a priority for them.

Others can speak for themselves, but I dont think anybody whos a defendant in this case will ever be put off standing up for the people of Gaza and standing up for the rule of law around protecting people from a genocide, one that is being committed live on our TV screens, and global powers are doing nothing other than (enabling) it by providing the Israeli government with weapons.

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood speaks to the media outside court. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

Eastwood insisted the parading laws in the North had not been designed for events such as the one he had participated in last February.

Its not for me to determine how this law is adjudicated upon, but it was set up because certain Orange Order bands were determined to march past nationalist estates and end up creating mayhem on the streets, he said.

This law was not written and was not brought into law to stop people protesting genocide. Thats not what this was for.

Nobody was put out on Shipquay Street [in Derry] on that day. In fact, people were beeping their horns in support of us because I know  and people standing here do a lot of door-knocking and talking to people in this city  people are absolutely opposed to whats happening in Gaza and will stand with whoever has to stand up against that.

In a similar case in 2023, when Eastwood joined families of those killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972 in an impromptu walk from the Diamond area to Derrys courthouse, the PPS decided against prosecuting those involved after determining it would not be in the public interest.

The former SDLP leader drew a comparison with that decision as he criticised the PPS move to prosecute in relation to the Gaza event.

The PPS have some bizarre mechanism it seems for deciding when a previous case, just like this one, was deemed not to be in the interest of justice to prosecute, now this is for some reason, he said.

Thats a question that theyre going to have to answer, but I think the court will have a view on that, and it strikes me as a very bizarre decision-making process.

Mickey McKinney, whose brother William was killed on Bloody Sunday, accompanied Eastwood into court on Tuesday in a show of solidarity.

Co-accused Goretti Horgan told reporters that it was her duty to protest against what was happening in Gaza.

Theres a genocide happening at the minute in Gaza, its actually our duty to protest against that, its not something that we done for fun, she said.

International law has been broken, we are trying to ensure that actually there is something happening to try to stop the genocide there. Thats all we were doing.

Mr Shiels said the defendants in the case should be proud to be before the court.

If there was ever a case in which one should be proud to be a defendant before a court facing a criminal charge, this is a case where you should be proud to be a defendant, he told reporters.
High Court reporters

The civil case of former banker Michael Fingleton, who is alleged to have negligently mismanaged the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) for decades and which collapsed after failed financial and property "gambles", has opened at the High Court.

Mr Fingleton (87), who is in ill health after a stroke, ran the building lender from 1971 to 2009, as managing director and chief executive. At its height in 2007 it had reported assets of 16 billion but was a high-profile casualty of the financial crisis of 2008.

The losses had been estimated by the Irish Banking Resolution Corporation (IBRC) at 6 billion, relating to property loans but only 250 million in damages is now being pursued by IBRC relating to five loans made by INBS, allegedly approved by Mr Fingleton.

Liquidators for IBRC have taken the case against Mr Fingleton who denies the allegation of negligent mismanagement.

Mr Fingleton, acting through his wife, Eileen Fingleton and son Michael Fingleton jnr, under their powers of attorney, have made several attempts through court challenges and appeals to halt the case, originally taken in 2012, but ultimately failed and the case finally opened this morning at the High Court.

On Thursday Lyndon MacCann SC, for IBRC's liquidators, in opening the case, said INBS operated on a speculation that property could only "go up, and up, and up, and up" and that a "blase" attitude had been taken to warning letters from auditors and the financial regulator.

Mr MacCann said there had been several delays in the case and 1.6 million documents had to be reviewed during the discovery process.

Counsel said the claim against Mr Fingleton was for damages for alleged "profound mismanagement" of INBS for whom he was the equivalent of the chief executive and director for 38 years until his exit in 2009, "or, the boss".

Counsel said the claim against Mr Fingleton was "enormous" and that compensation was sought for "huge losses" for the alleged "negligent mismanagement in the stewardship of the society over decades".

The five loans "approved" by Mr Fingleton relate to property development projects between 2006 and 2008, counsel said.

"The culpability of [Mr Fingleton's] stewardship regarding these five loans are emblematic of these shortcomings," claimed Mr MacCann.

The loans relate to three from INBS's Belfast office and two from its Dublin office that had "myriad" problems regarding safeguards and corporate structures, counsel said.

Mr MacCann said Mr Fingelton "gambled" with the society's money when he himself allegedly approved "speculative, risky" commercial loans, which sometimes had already been greenlit by him before they were taken before the board of directors, on which he also sat.

Counsel said that the company would, for a small circle of "high-value" individuals, provide 100 per cent of the purchase prices for land that sometmems may or may not have planning permission, or even zoning.

The return on the loans and interest from INBS was that if the properties could get planning permission they then were to be "flipped" for a profit, making it a "joint-venture" for INBS in profit agreements. INBS dealt in short-term loans no longer than an initial three years and as short as six months, sometimes without personal guarantee or security in place regarding these types of commercial loans.

Mr MacCann alleged Mr Fingleton "singularly" failed to live up his duties of stewardship towards INBS and the five loans "reasonably" should not have been made.

Counsel said that some loan issue instructions would be done orally by Mr Fingleton, while others would be dealt with by a handwritten note at the top corner of an application or letter.

Mr MacCann claimed that in Mr Fingelton's time at INBS the defendant never operated a computer, did not send or receive emails and "rarely" wrote letters which led to an "imprudence" in loan issues that had little or no day-to-day notes, progress assessments, independent valuations or income verification records.

Mr MacCann said the level of power delegated to Mr Fingletion was "extraordinary" and that an expert witness on behalf of the plaintiff will say it was "hideously flawed".

Mr MacCann said that INBS had been warned by the financial regulator about its "dramatic" move into commercial property away from residential loans as it carries a higher risk.

By 2006, the commercial lending at INBS was 75 per cent, when it had been less than 50 per cent in 2001.

Mr MacCann said that Mr Fingleton had approved the loans before the court and that a handwriting expert will be called in support of the plaintiff's allegations.

The case before Mr Justice Michael Quinn continues tomorrow and is expected to last up to eight weeks.

The State-run National Asset Management Agency (Nama) took over INBS' commercial property loans in 2010. The following year, the government merged it with Anglo Irish Bank and established IBRC to take on the finances of both lenders.

Mr Fingleton was a prominent presence in Irish business during the Celtic Tiger and was reported to have been worth around 75 million in 2006. However his son has told the courts that his father is reduced to 25,000 in two personal bank accounts and has outstanding judgment debts of more than 10.7 million.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

An abandoned oil well, more than 100 years old and across the street from homes, was leaking oil and methane, in Bradford, Pennsylvania on Sept. 28, 2021. Jim West / UCG / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have for the first time compiled a map of groundwater variables to understand which aquifers in the United States are most vulnerable to being contaminated by orphan wells  gas and oil wells that have no active owner and are no longer producing, but have not yet been plugged.

The study, A geospatial analysis of water-quality threats from orphan wells in principal and secondary aquifers of the United States, was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Throughout the history of oil and gas production in the United States, millions of wells have been drilled for exploration and energy production. Hundreds of thousands of unplugged wells are no longer actively producing and are currently under orphan status, with no responsible party obligated for plugging, the authors wrote in the findings. Orphan wells can pose threats to water resources by providing pathways for contaminants such as hydrocarbons and brines to migrate into water-supply aquifers.

Plugging the orphan wells seals off potential pathways for the contaminants, reported Inside Climate News.

USGS scientists Joshua Woda, Nicholas Gianoutsos, Kalle Jahn, Kristina Gutchess and Karl Haase found that large concentrations of older orphan wells, along with other factors, make aquifers in California, Appalachia and the Gulf Coast susceptible to contamination.

The researchers examined 117,672 documented orphan wells across the U.S. and found that 54 percent of them are located within aquifers that provide 94 percent of the countrys groundwater.

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, Gianoutsos said, as Inside Climate News reported.

The research team used datasets from Geographic Information Systems to map the orphan wells locations over both principal and secondary aquifers. Their analysis of the aquifers was based on factors  like average age of the wells  that could contribute to how vulnerable to contamination the groundwater was.

Older wells are more failure-prone and less regulated. The maximum confluence of risk factors was found in Pennsylvanian aquifers, which span multiple states in Appalachia, including Pennsylvania, where the first of the countrys oil wells were drilled.

Orphan wells can be more than a century old and found near coal seams as well as residential water wells.

The team found that aquifers along the Gulf Coast, including the aquifer system known as Coastal Lowlands, were susceptible partially because the wells are found in areas such as open water and wetlands, which are more contamination-prone.

In Coastal California and the Central Valley, there is a high density of abandoned orphan wells that overlaps with areas that have been urbanized and rely heavily on groundwater for agriculture. In these areas, the researchers considered pumping rates from each aquifer in their analysis.

They discovered that central Oklahomas Ada-Vamoosa aquifer had the highest orphan well concentration per square mile of all the aquifers in the U.S.

A map of locations with vulnerability to groundwater contamination due to orphaned wells. Science of the Total Environment

The authors of the paper suggested that researchers and policymakers could use the findings as a basis for targeting aquifers for further investigation.

This could be a good starting point if someone wanted to do a local investigation, Woda noted.

Gianoutsos said the national list of orphan wells has added approximately 40,000 orphan wells since their new dataset was created. An additional roughly 10,000 orphan wells have also been plugged.

The threats are still there, Gianoutsos said. Just as we discover more wells, we discover additional threats.

Orphan wells have been associated with groundwater contamination in Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania and other states. A Ground Water Protection Council study from 2011 found that 41 incidents of contaminated groundwater were caused by Ohio orphan wells between 1983 and 2007. The study also discovered that orphan wells and surrounding sites caused 30 incidents in Texas from 1993 to 2008.

John Stolz, a Duquesne University professor of environmental microbiology, said some Pennsylvania orphan wells are so old that they are cased with metal or wood rather than cement, as has been the standard for decades, reported Inside Climate News. He said the wood casings have often completely deteriorated.

Stolz said recent fracking and conventional drilling have left much of Pennsylvanias lands looking like Swiss cheese.

Its good to see a study that focuses on the water resources, Stolz said. We are going to have greater periods of drought, and these water resources are going to become far more valuable.
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.

North American bird populations are plummeting, especially in drylands, grasslands and the Arctic where they have historically been most abundant, new research has found.

The analysis of almost 500 species of North American birds indicates that three out of four species are suffering declines across their ranges, with two in three shrinking significantly.

Were not just seeing small shifts happening  were documenting populations declining where they were once really abundant, said lead author of the paper Alison Johnston, an ecological statistician who was formerly with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and is now director of the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling at Scotlands University of St. Andrews, as the Cornell Chronicle reported. Locations that once provided ideal habitat and climate for these species are no longer suitable. I think this is indicative of more major shifts happening for the nature thats around us.

Of the species the researchers examined, 83 percent were losing more of their populations in places they were most plentiful.

The team at the Lab of Ornithology analyzed birdwatchers observations of 36 million birds shared in the labs eBird program, as well as environmental variables derived from satellite images of 495 North American bird species from 2007 to 2021.

Weve known for several years that a lot of bird species in North America have been declining. With this study, we were aiming to understand in much finer spatial resolution where birds were declining and where they might be increasing. Rather than having a range-wide trend to see if a species is going up or down, we want to know where it is going up and down, Johnston said, as reported by The Guardian.

The stark findings followed the recent United States State of the Birds 2025 report, which found declines in bird species across nearly every biome in the country, the Cornell Chronicle reported.

The research team said additional studies would be necessary to explain the causes of the declines, with populations falling by over 10 percent annually in some areas. Habitat changes and global heating were posited as the main theoretical causes, but the researchers ultimately didnt know, Johnston said.

The research featured recent trends in bird populations at scales of 16.78 square miles  the smallest ever attempted for a study covering such a big geographic area.

This is the first time weve had fine scale information on population changes across such broad spatial extents and across entire ranges of species. And that provides us a better lens to understand the changes that are happening with bird populations, said Amanda Rodewald, a professor in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell, as well as the faculty director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, as reported by the Cornell Chronicle.

Earlier continental and national monitoring programs could only estimate population trends across entire regions, provinces, states or ranges. However, with the accumulation of large amounts of data and advances in machine learning, researchers are now able to examine how well species are faring in areas roughly the size of New York City.

Results revealed high and previously undetected spatial heterogeneity in trends; although 75% of species were declining, 97% of species showed separate areas of significantly increasing and decreasing populations, the authors wrote in the findings. These high-resolution trends improve our ability to understand population dynamics, prioritize recovery efforts, and guide conservation at a time when action is urgently needed.

Some bird species appeared to be doing well within a region or across their range, but were struggling in specific locations.

The super interesting thing is, for almost all species, we found areas of population increases and decreases. This spatial variation in population trends has been previously invisible when looking at broader regional summaries, Johnston said. Areas where species are increasing where theyre at low abundance may be places where conservation has been successful and populations are recovering, or they may point to locations where there may be potential for recovery.

The detailed mapping of population shifts will assist policymakers and conservation organizations in better targeting efforts to safeguard declining bird species, which the authors said is desperately needed to help reverse falling population trends.

A black-capped chickadee. Jay McGowan / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Its this small-scale information across broad geographies that has been lacking, and its exactly what we need to make smart conservation decisions, Rodewald said, as the Cornell Chronicle reported. These data products give us a new lens to detect and diagnose population declines and to respond to them in a way thats strategic, precise and flexible. Thats a game changer for conservation.

The research also demonstrated the importance of citizen scientists.

Because of the volunteers that engage in programs like eBird, because of their enthusiasm and engagement, and generosity of time, we now know more about bird populations and more about the environment than we ever have before, Rodewald added.

The study, North American bird declines are greatest where species are most abundant, was published in the journal Science.

Without the massive amount of data available from eBird, we would not have been able to complete this study, said Daniel Fink, a statistician and senior research associate with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Google I/O, the search giant's annual developer conference, kicks off on Tuesday, May 20. The event is arguably the most important on the company's annual calendar, offering the opportunity for the company to share a glimpse at everything it has been working on over the past year  and contextualize its biggest priorities for the next twelve months.

The dance card for Google I/O was apparently so packed that the company spun off a dedicated Android showcase a whole week earlier. (See everything that was announced at the Android Show or go to our liveblog to get a feel for how things played out.) With that event now behind us, Google can stay focused on its most important core competency: AI.

Google's presentation will come on the heels of announcements from three big rivals in recent days. Further up the Pacific coast, Microsoft is hosting its Build developer conference, where it's already unveiled an updated Copilot AI app. Meanwhile, at the Computex show in Taiwan, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted a partnership with Foxconn to develop an "AI factory supercomputer" powered by 10,000 Blackwell AI chips. And Meta held its debut LlamaCon AI conference last month, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg's plans for AI dominance have reportedly since hit some snags. (Apple will share its updated AI roadmap on June 9 when its WWDC developers conference kicks off.)

If you'd like to tune in from home and follow along as Google makes its announcements, check out our article on how to watch the Google I/O 2025 keynote. We'll also be liveblogging the event, so you can just come to Engadget for the breaking news.

Android 16

The presentation featured Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat, who took over for Burke in 2024. We saw Samat and his colleagues show off years, Android hasn't had much of a spotlight at Google's annual developer conference. Thankfully, last week's Android Show breakout let Google's mobile operating system take the spotlight for at least a day.

The presentation featured Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat, who took over for Burke in 2024. We saw Samat and his colleagues show off the new Material 3 Expressive design, and what we learned confirmed some of the features that were previously leaked, like the "Ongoing notifications" bar. Material 3 Expressive is also coming to Wear OS 6, and the company is expanding the reach of Gemini by bringing it to its smartwatch platform, Android Auto and Google TV. Android is also amping up its scam-detection features and a refined Find Hub that will see support for satellite connectivity later in the year.

Speaking of timing, Google has already confirmed the new operating system will arrive sometime before the second half of the year. Though it did not release a stable build of Android 16 today, Samat shared during the show that Android 16 (or at least part of it) is coming next month to Pixel devices. And though the company did cover some new features coming to Android XR, senior director for Android Product and UX Guemmy Kim said during the presentation that "we'll share more on Android XR at I/O next week."

It clearly seems like more is still to come, and not just for Android XR. We didn't get confirmation on the Android Authority report that Google could add a more robust photo picker, with support for cloud storage solutions. That doesn't mean it won't be in Android 16, it might just be something the company didn't get to mention in its 30-minute showcase. Plus, Google has been releasing new Android features in a quarterly cadence lately, rather than wait till an annual update window to make updates available. It's possible we see more added to Android 16 as the year progresses.

One of the best places to get an idea for what's to come in Android 16 is in its beta version, which has already been available to developers and is currently in its fourth iteration. For example, we learned in March that Android 16 will bring Auracast support, which could make it easier to listen to and switch between multiple Bluetooth devices. This could also enable people to receive Bluetooth audio on hearing aids they have paired with their phones or tablets.

Android XR

Remember Google Glass? No? How about Daydream? Maybe Cardboard? After sending (at least) three XR projects to the graveyard, you would think even Google would say enough is enough. Instead, the company is preparing to release Android XR after previewing the platform at the end of last year. This time around, the company says the power of its Gemini AI models will make things different. We know Google is working with Samsung on a headset codenamed Project Moohan. Last fall, Samsung hinted that the device could arrive sometime this year.

Whether Google and Samsung demo Project Moohan at I/O, I imagine the search giant will have more to say about Android XR and the ecosystem partners it has worked to bring to its side for the initiative. This falls in line with what Kim said about more on Android XR being shared at I/O.

AI, AI and more AI

If Google felt the need to split off Android into its own showcase, we're likely to get more AI-related announcements at I/O than ever before. The company hasn't provided many hints about what we can expect on that front, but if I had to guess, features like AI Overviews and AI Mode are likely to get substantive updates. I suspect Google will also have something to say about Project Mariner, the web-surfing agent it demoed at I/O 2024. Either way, Google is an AI company now, and every I/O moving forward will reflect that.

Project Astra

Speaking of AI, Project Astra was one of the more impressive demos Google showed off at I/O 2024. The technology made the most of the latest multi-modal capabilities of Google's Gemini models to offer something we hadn't seen before from the company. It's a voice assistant with advanced image recognition features that allows it to converse about the things it sees. Google envisions Project Astra one day providing a truly useful artificial assistant.

However, after seeing an in-person demo of Astra, the Engadget crew felt the tech needed a lot more work. Given the splash Project Astra made last year, there's a good chance we could get an update on it at I/O 2025.

A Pinterest competitor

According to a report from The Information, Google might be planning to unveil its own take on Pinterest at I/O. That characterization is courtesy ofThe Information, but based on the features described in the article, Engadget team members found it more reminiscent of Cosmos instead. Cosmos is a pared-down version of Pinterest, letting people save and curate anything they see on the internet. It also allows you to share your saved pages with others.

Google's version, meanwhile, will reportedly show image results based on your queries, and you can save the pictures in different folders based on your own preferences. So say you're putting together a lookbook based on Jennie from Blackpink. You can search for her outfits and save your favorites in a folder you can title "Lewks," perhaps.

Whether this is simply built into Search or exists as a standalone product is unclear, and we'll have to wait till I/O to see whether the report was accurate and what the feature really is like.

Wear OS

Last year, Wear OS didn't get a mention during the company's main keynote, but Google did preview Wear OS 5 during the developer sessions that followed. The company only began rolling out Wear OS 5.1 to Pixel devices in March. This year, we've already learned at the Android Show that Wear OS 6 is coming, with Material 3 Expressive gracing its interface. Will we learn more at I/O? It's unclear, but it wouldn't be a shock if that was all the air time Wear OS gets this year.

NotebookLM

Google has jumped the gun and already launched a standalone NotebookLM app ahead of I/O. The machine-learning note-taking app, available in desktop browsers since 2023, can summarize documents and even synthesize full-on NPR-style podcast summaries to boot.

Everything else

Google has a terrible track record when it comes to preventing leaks within its internal ranks, so the likelihood the company could surprise us is low. Still, Google could announce something we don't expect. As always, your best bet is to visit Engadget on May 20 and 21. We'll have all the latest from Google then along with our liveblog and analysis.

Update, May 5 2025, 7:08PM ET: This story has been updated to include details on a leaked blog post discussing "Material 3 Expressive." Expand Update, May 6 2025, 5:29PM ET: This story has been updated to include details on the Android 16 beta, as well as Auracast support. Update, May 8 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated to include details on how to watch the Android Show and the Google I/O keynote, as well as tweak the intro for freshness. Update, May 13 2025, 3:22PM ET: This story has been updated to include all the announcements from the Android Show and a new report from The Information about a possible image search feature debuting at I/O. The intro was also edited to accurately reflect what has happened since the last time this article was updated. Update, May 14 2025, 4:32PM ET: This story has been updated to include details about other events happening at the same time as Google I/O, including Microsoft Build 2025 and Computex 2025. Update, May 19 2025, 5:13PM ET: Updated competing AI news from Microsoft, Meta and NVIDIA, and contextualized final rumors and reports ahead of I/O.

Google's annual I/O developer conference kicked off on Tuesday, May 20. See everything Google has announced at I/O 2025 so far, including an AI-powered movie creation tool called Flow, real-time translation in Google Meet, virtual clothing try-ons based on uploaded photos, AI enhancements to Project Astra computer vision and more. Follow Engadget's Google I/O liveblog for recap of the event as it unfolded in real-time. Google previewed some key pre-I/O Android 16 news during its Android Show video stream last week.

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OpenAI has abandoned its controversial restructuring plan. In a dramatic reversal, the company said Monday it would no longer try to separate control of its for-profit arm from the non-profit board that currently oversees operations. "We made the decision for the nonprofit to retain control of OpenAI after hearing from civic leaders and engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices of the Attorney General of Delaware and the Attorney General of California," said Bret Taylor, the chairman of OpenAI.

OpenAI had originally argued its existing structure would not allow its nonprofit to "easily do more than control the for-profit." It also said it needed more money, a mere two months after securing $6.6 billion in new investment. "We once again need to raise more capital than we'd imagined," the company wrote in December. "Investors want to back us but, at this scale of capital, need conventional equity and less structural bespokeness."

OpenAI's previous plan called for the nonprofit to cede absolute control of the for-profit, in return for whatever degree of control came with the amount of stock it was granted through the reorganization process.

This was the controversial part of OpenAI's plan, with many, including former employees, labor and nonprofit groups and even Elon Musk, voicing opposition to the proposal. Now, the company says its nonprofit will retain control and become a "big shareholder in the PBC."

"How is the nonprofit going to maintain control? How will that purpose be advanced?" asks Jill Horwitz, a visiting professor of law at Northwestern University. "We know from the press that OpenAI plans to appoint all the board members of the operating entity. Will that happen forever? Who will they be? Will it be self-perpetuating? Will the for-profit investors have a say in who those board members are?"

Put another way, OpenAI hasn't said the exact structure that it intends to implement. According to Professor Michael Dorff, executive director of the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy at UCLA, the company could adopt one of a few different options.

"If you had one class of stock, one vote per share, they would elect a board. You could just give the nonprofit the majority of the shares, and then they would then elect a majority of the board. They would therefore be in charge, at least for a while," he says.

"More stable governance arrangements could be done by having dual class shares, where the nonprofit would have a class of stock and they would be the only owners of that class of the stock that is either super voting shares, again, giving it a majority, or even better, you can define a class of stock and say it has the right to elect a majority of the board."

In short, the company hasn't said how it plans to ensure its nonprofit maintains control. The nonprofit may have a "big" stake to start, but there are a few different ways that stake could be diluted. Even if you set aside the idea of an IPO for now, the company could still issue new shares or carry out a stock split. In those scenarios, if OpenAI's non-profit doesn't own special shares, its control of the company would be weakened.

According to Bloomberg, Microsoft has yet to sign off on OpenAI's proposal. The company has invested nearly $14 billion into OpenAI. Under the terms of its October funding round, OpenAI had two years to transform itself into a for-profit business. If it failed to do so, the $6.6 billion it secured would turn into debt. We don't know for sure, but the question of control is likely front and center in the negotiations between Microsoft and OpenAI, with the company's financial future at stake. Complicating matters is that whatever arrangement the two come to, it needs to be rubber stamped by the state attorneys general of California and Delaware.

"We look forward to advancing the details of this plan in continued conversation with [the state AGs], Microsoft, and our newly appointed nonprofit commissioners," Altman wrote in his letter.

Parts of OpenAI's previous plan remain unchanged. As before, the company will reorganize its for-profit subsidiary into a public benefit corporation. In doing so, OpenAI still plans to eliminate the current capped profit structure that limits investor returns to 100x, with excess profits reserved for the nonprofit. OpenAI has yet to record a profit; as of last year, the company recorded around $5 billion in losses.

"This is not a sale, but a change of structure to something simpler," wrote OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a letter to employees shared by the company. "Instead of our current complex capped-profit structurewhich made sense when it looked like there might be one dominant AGI effort but doesn't in a world of many great AGI companieswe are moving to a normal capital structure where everyone has stock."
DoorDash has agreed to purchase British food and grocery delivery service Deliveroo for $3.9 billion, the companies have revealed in a filing with the London Stock Exchange. The acquisition will "strengthen DoorDash's position as a leading global platform," the filing said. Deliveroo operates in nine regions, namely Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. All those regions are new for DoorDash and will give the combined companies access to a total population that exceeds 1 billion people.

It doesn't sound like DoorDash is erasing Deliveroo's brand after it takes over. Instead, they'll both be part of an "Enlarged Group" operating in multiple regions around the world, giving DoorDash an expanded presence in Europe and giving it an entry into the Middle Eastern market. "Both companies are highly complementary, whether in their geographic footprints or their missions, and I am confident that being part of the Enlarged Group will accelerate the realisation of Deliveroo's full potential," Deliveroo chair Claudia Arney said in a statement.

The acquisition is still subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals. As CNBC noted, though, this marks the end of Deliveroo's problems as a public company. It has faced a lot of competition and legal challenges after a period of abundance for food delivery services during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and its share prices have plummeted since it went public in 2021. Before the company went public, Amazon took on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority to become a major investor in Deliveroo. The e-commerce company was the leading investor in a funding round worth $575 million and owned a 16 percent stake in the food delivery service.

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The Trump administration has announced plans to eliminate the Energy Star program, as originally reported by The Washington Post. This announcement occurred during an all-hands meeting of the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Atmospheric Protection, in which the department was shuttered.

As for Energy Star, this program started all the way back in 1992 under the first Bush administration. This is the department thats responsible for the iconic yellow stickers on home appliances. The long-standing public-private partnership certifies energy efficient appliances and helps consumers find tax credits for these fixtures.

Data indicates that the program has helped Americans save more than $500 billion in energy costs in the past 33 years. The organization states that the average American saves about $450 per year on energy bills by choosing appliances that have been Energy Star-certified.

The EPA hasnt said when this would go into effect and when consumers would stop seeing Energy Star certifications on home appliances. Its technically illegal for a presidential administration to end this program without Congress, but the same goes for many of Trumps pronouncements and executive orders.

"Eliminating the Energy Star program would directly contradict this administrations promise to reduce household energy costs," Paula Glover, president of the nonprofit coalition Alliance to Save Energy, told CNN. "For just $32 million a year, Energy Star helps American families save over $40 billion in annual energy costs. Thats a return of $350 for every federal dollar invested."
A jury has ruled that the company behind the infamous Pegasus spyware must pay Meta more than $167 million in damages for spreading malware via WhatsApp. The ruling is a major victory for Meta after a years-long legal battle with NSO Group.

Meta sued the NSO Group in 2019 over its Pegasus spyware. Meta said at the time that more than 1,400 people in 20 countries had been targeted, including journalists and human rights activists. The company said that the highly sophisticated cyber attack spread malware via video calls even when the calls went unanswered. Last year, a judge sided with Meta and found the Israeli company had violated the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Tuesdays verdict followed a week-long jury trial to determine just how much NSO should pay in damages to Meta.

The jury ultimately awarded Meta $444,719 in compensatory damages and $167,254,000 in punitive damages. In a statement, WhatsApps VP of Global Communications Carl Woog called the verdict a critical deterrent to this malicious industry against their illegal acts aimed at American companies and the privacy and security of the people we serve.

NSO Group, which describes itself as a cyber intelligence" firm, has said that its not possible to use Pegasus on US phone numbers. In court, lawyers for the firm argued that WhatsApp wasnt harmed in any way by Pegasus, according to Courthouse News Service.

In a statement, NSOs Gil Lainer said the verdict was another step in a lengthy judicial process and said it would pursue further proceedings or an appeal. We firmly believe that our technology plays a critical role in preventing serious crime and terrorism and is deployed responsibly by authorized government agencies, Lainer said. This perspective, validated by extensive real-world evidence and numerous security operations that have saved many lives, including American lives, was excluded from the jury's consideration in this case.

WhatsApps Woog said Meta knows it has a long road ahead to collect damages from NSO. Ultimately, we would like to make a donation to digital rights organizations that are working to defend people against such attacks around the world, he said. He added that Meta plans to pursue a court order to prevent NSO from targeting WhatsApp in the future.
Samsungs Tap to Transfer payment feature will come to the US this month , following a preview of the feature in January when it launched the Galaxy S25 series. This will allow you to make payments to friends and family via the Samsung Wallet app on Galaxy smartphones by tapping your devices together, bypassing the need to manually transfer funds from your online banking app. Samsung says payments will land in the bank account of the recipient within minutes.

Samsungs partnership with Visa and Mastercard means that as long as you have a debit card stored in your Samsung Wallet, you can use Tap to Transfer without needing to download a separate app. Like when you make payments in a store, Samsung Wallet uses NFC to connect the respective debit card chips of the users making or receiving a payment, and if one party would rather use a physical debit card to make the transfer, it works just the same provided the card itself has tap-to-pay functionality.
Jury selection began Monday in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, just days after he rejected a final plea deal offer from prosecutors.

Two superseding indictments were filed in March and April, adding charges related to forced labor and additional trafficking allegations, according to the Independent. Despite mounting legal pressure, Combs has maintained his innocence and turned down a plea agreement offered late last week.

The jury selection process, which could take several days, will determine who will hear what is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal trials in recent memory.

The 55-year-old hip-hop artist was first arrested in September 2024 following a sweeping federal investigation. Authorities accused Combs and his associates of orchestrating a years-long scheme involving sex trafficking, coercion, and abuse.

Prosecutors claim Combs arranged what he called "Freak Offs"sex performances that victims were allegedly forced to participate in and which were sometimes filmed.

Combs faces a five-count indictment in Manhattan federal court, including charges of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. His Miami and Los Angeles properties were raided in March, where authorities say they found narcotics, surveillance devices, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant and baby oilitems prosecutors argue support the allegations of orchestrated sexual exploitation.

If convicted, Combs could face decades in prison. In addition to the criminal trial, he remains entangled in numerous civil suits alleging sexual assault and abuse dating back to the 1990s.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
European film producers have criticized President Donald Trump's plan to enforce 100% tariffs on foreign-produced films after he claimed the U.S. was "making very few movies now."

Trump announced his intention to enforce tariffs on foreign made films through his social media app, Truth Social, over the weekend.

"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," wrote the 47th President.

"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," Trump continued. "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"

"This makes no sense," one UK producer told Variety. "It implies that a U.S. film is meant to shoot in the U.S. But the 'Harry Potter' films, 'Lord Of The Rings,' 'Schindler's List,' 'Mission Impossible,' 'Gladiator,' 'Avatar' and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons. Do these films have to shoot in the U.S. from now on? It's an absurd announcement with no meaning nor understanding of storytelling or creative impulses."

Reporter: What about the movie tariffs?



Trump: Other nations have been stealing the movies the movie making capabilities from the US. Ive done some very strong research over the past week and were making very few movies now.

pic.twitter.com/oKCf0wnV6c  Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025

"Other nations have been stealing the movies the movie making capabilities from the U.S. I've done some very strong research over the past week and we're making very few movies now," Trump told reporters Sunday.

Many who work within the film industry have voiced concerns that these tariffs could destroy a global film business that capitalizes off of an international market and foreign filming locations. However, how the tariffs will be implemented upon foreign film production is yet to be determined.

Originally published on Latin Times
Bad Bunny didn't just make a fashion statement at the 2025 Met Galahe delivered a whole cultural moment. Draped in a rich brown Prada suit inspired by his Puerto Rican roots, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio showed up solo, looking every bit the icon he's become. No Kendall Jenner by his side. No distractions. Just Benito, his heritage, and one hell of a message.

"I hope people think I look good," he told Vogue with a grin. "We worked for several months on this. Some of the pieces are inspired by Puerto Rican culture. The sombrero, the tie is made from the same fabricwe did something special."

And special it was.

The looktailored, rich in color, and full of texturenodded to jibaro traditions while elevating them through the lens of high fashion. From the oversized straw-style hat to the caramel shirt and oversized suitcase (from Prada's Fall 2025 collection), every detail whispered both home and global takeover. Bad Bunny didn't just dress for the theme (Superfine: Tailoring Black Style)he told a story. And then he dropped a bomb.

"This is a special and unique show," he said on the red carpet. "My world tour was announced today."

Yup. The Debi Tirar Mas Fotos World Tour kicks off this November in Santo Domingo and stretches across Latin America, Australia, Japan, and Europe before wrapping up in Brussels next July. But before all that?

He's going home.

From July to mid-September, Bad Bunny will host a 30-date residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan. The show is called "No Me Quiero Ir de Aqui" (I Don't Want to Leave Here)and Benito promises it's unlike anything fans have ever seen. "The Puerto Rico show is 100% different," he told press. "It's not going to happen ever again."

This year's Met Gala appearance also marked a shift for the reggaeton king. In 2023, he co-hosted the gala and wore a backless Jacquemus suit with Kendall Jenner on his arm. In 2024, they showed up again, all eyes on them. But 2025? Benito came soloand stole the night.

He wore his heart and homeland on his sleeve (literally), walked alone, and made it all about the music, the message, and the moment. No more whispers of tabloid romance. Just a global superstar reconnecting with where it all beganand bringing it to the world stage.

Between his tribute to Puerto Rican identity, his seamless blend of street style and luxury tailoring, and a tour that's already generating buzz as the year's hottest ticket, Bad Bunny is rewriting the rules of celebrity.

And he's doing it en espanol, in Prada, with perreo in his veins.

Originally published on Latin Times
Finding dignity and peace at the end of life

09:36, May 06, 2025 By Cai Hong, Li Yi ( China Daily

A medical worker provides singing bowl healing for a relative of a deceased patient at Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. (Li Yi/China Daily)

On May 15, 2024, a family gathered at the palliative care ward of Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing to take a cherished family photo. The moment was for 87-year-old Yang Nushi, who had suffered a stroke four years ago and had been admitted to the ward just days earlier.

The hospital staff, upon learning of Yang's lifelong love for Peking Opera, decorated her room with photos from her younger days, including images of her performing in elaborate costumes. They added a touch of spring, with blooming pink peach blossoms and lush greenery.

Yang's husband, Li Xiansheng, held a bouquet of pink flowers as he gazed tenderly into her eyes. The couple, both originally from Suzhou in Jiangsu province, shared a love spanning more than six decades. The two married in 1962.

"We were classmates in high school and later attended Peking University together," Li said. "After graduation, we even worked at the same place."

Three of Yang's nieces traveled from Suzhou to participate in the photo session, creating a moment of shared gratitude and connection. Though her speech was labored, Yang expressed her thanks in her own way. The medical team, a social worker, and a volunteer also joined in for the photos, marking a poignant moment of unity and care.

The family photo was one of many efforts to honor Yang's final chapter, supported by the medical professionals at the hospital's hospice care ward.

New approach

Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine is among Beijing's first pilot institutions offering hospice care.

"We integrate traditional Chinese medicine techniques, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy, to alleviate pain and symptoms like abdominal bloating and constipation," explained Han Danyang, director of oncology at the hospital.

"Our multidisciplinary approach aims to help patients feel comfortable, peaceful, and dignified in their final days," Han said.

The palliative care ward provides holistic support for terminally ill patients and their families, addressing medical, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.

"The goal is to help people facing the end of life to do so with comfort, peace, and dignity," Han added.

Hospice care emphasizes quality of life and dignity. It operates on the philosophy that death is a natural part of life and that people should live fully and comfortably for as long as they can, surrounded by loved ones.

"We cannot control when life begins, but we can choose how we think about death," said Lu Guijun, director of the pain management department at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital.

With 27 years of experience in palliative care, Lu has witnessed countless unique and meaningful farewells. "Some patients held personal photography exhibitions, others hosted farewell dance parties. Some wanted to spend their final moments with their pets, or chose specific music for their funerals. Others simply asked for one last sip of cola or coffee," Lu recounted.

For Lu, death is not taboo. "Hospitals are places of healing, but they are also places of farewell. If we don't understand death, we cannot truly appreciate the boundaries of saving lives," he said.

Since launching its palliative care ward in 2019, Lu's hospital has cared for over 300 patients, most of whom were in the late stages of solid tumors. The average survival time in the ward is about one month.

"People at the end of life need more than just medication. They need a life that is calm, authentic, and filled with love," Lu emphasized. "Relieving physical pain is the foundation of palliative care, but it is equally important to ease the emotional suffering of patients and their families."

Palliative care, Lu noted, is about respecting the wishes of patients and their families while minimizing pain and maximizing comfort.

Challenges and promises

The hospice care movement traces its origins to Cicely Saunders, who founded St. Christopher's Hospice in the United Kingdom in 1967. It emerged in response to the limitations of modern medical technology, which, while capable of extending life, often prolonged the suffering of terminally ill patients. Hospice care offered an alternative, prioritizing comfort and dignity over curative treatments.

China began to explore the concept of hospice care in the late 1980s. In 1988, Tianjin Medical College established the country's first hospice care research center. However, progress remained minimal until the last decade. In 2016, hospice care was included in a national health policy document for the first time. The following year, the National Health Commission issued guidelines for its implementation, spurring rapid growth. The number of medical institutions with hospice care departments expanded from 276 in 2018 to 4,259 by the end of 2022.

Despite these strides, the need for palliative care far outweighs its availability. According to a 2024 report by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, China officially entered the "deep aging" stage in 2023, with over 14 percent of its population aged 65 and above. By 2035, the country is projected to become a super-aged society.

China faces further hurdles in medication access. Of the country's 1 million registered medical institutions, only about 36,000 are authorized to prescribe painkillers, and fewer than 18,000 have intravenous pain medications. Fewer than 5,000 institutions nationwide have dedicated palliative care departments. These limitations severely constrain the development of home-based palliative care, which forms the backbone of services in countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, where over 70 percent of palliative care is delivered at home.

"Palliative care is not about giving up on patients; it's about balancing the length and quality of life," said Chen Yan, a physician in the Palliative Care Department at Fuzhou First Hospital. "It's about focusing on the patient, considering their wishes, and addressing their needs."

Fuzhou First Hospital's Palliative Care Department is the only one of its kind in a tertiary hospital in Fujian province. The multidisciplinary team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, volunteers, and nutritionists. They offer therapies such as aromatherapy, music therapy, and lymphatic care to provide patients with comprehensive support.

Yet even as the number of hospice facilities increases, the gap between need and availability remains vast. According to Lu Guijun of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, more than 10 million people die annually in China, with approximately 3 million deaths from cancer. "Two-thirds of these individuals require palliative care services, but the actual coverage rate is extremely low," Lu said.

Although precise statistics are unavailable, industry experts estimate that less than 10 percent of terminally ill patients in China access palliative care each year. Even those fortunate enough to access such services often face significant hurdles, including long waitlists and limited resources.

Overwhelmed system

At Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, the palliative care ward consists of just eight beds: four single rooms and two double rooms, the latter often used for day patients requiring short-term pain management. The limited capacity underscores the severe shortage of hospice care services across the country.

Traditional beliefs also play a role. Many Chinese families prioritize prolonging life at any cost, reflecting the sentiment captured in the saying: "It's better to live a wretched existence than to experience a good death."

This cultural mindset often leads to aggressive medical interventions, even in the face of terminal diagnoses.

"Pain can range from mild to severe," explained Li Zhigang, an attending physician in the Pain Management Department at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. "Severe pain usually requires advanced treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation, nerve blocks, or intrathecal pain pump implantation."

Cancer-related pain is a significant challenge. In 2022, China reported 4.8 million new cancer cases, the highest number in the world. Among late-stage cancer patients, 60 to 80 percent experience pain, with one-third suffering from severe symptoms.

"Late-stage cancer patients often have complex needs. Beyond pain, they may experience shortness of breath, nausea, bowel obstruction, or edema," said Li Yaling, head nurse of the hospital's palliative care ward.

"Only with specialized care can we provide the comfort these patients deserve."

A path forward

As China grapples with an aging population and a rising demand for end-of-life care, the country must continue to expand hospice services while addressing systemic and cultural barriers.

Han Qide, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has long championed the development of palliative care in China. He identifies a significant cognitive barrier: the prevailing mindset that insists, "Even with a one-in-ten-thousand chance, we must try to save the patient in the ICU."

Gao Huatian, a professor at Sichuan University's West China Hospital, highlighted a common scenario: terminally ill patients sent to ICUs, their bodies connected to tubes and machines in a desperate bid to prolong life. While intended to fulfill filial duties or uphold a doctor's mission, such measures often cause immense suffering.

Globally, 136 countries and regions have established palliative care institutions, with 20 incorporating palliative care into their social health insurance systems. Foundational and continuing medical education, as well as team development, have steadily advanced in these nations.

In recent years, China has shown increasing support for palliative care. The Healthy China 2030 blueprint promotes integrated health and eldercare services, including inpatient treatment, rehabilitation, daily living assistance, and palliative care. In 2020, palliative care was formally included in the Basic Healthcare and Health Promotion Law.

In 2022, Shenzhen became the first city in China to pass legislation allowing terminally ill patients to decline excessive lifesaving treatments, safeguarding their right to a dignified death. The city's revised medical regulation stipulates that medical agencies must respect a patient's living will regarding traumatic rescues, life-supporting machines, or primary disease treatments at the end of life.

For some, the journey into hospice care begins with small, personal steps. Zhang Xuemei first encountered the concept of hospice care during a charity walk in 2019. Inspired, the then-thirtysomething volunteered at institutions providing end-of-life services.

By 2021, Zhang had become a full-time social worker at a hospice ward in Beijing's Tongzhou district affiliated with Luhe Hospital. Her day begins with morning meetings, where doctors and nurses exchange updates on patients and plan their care. Zhang has built close relationships with each patient in the ward.

"We're here to help patients live as well as possible until they die  and to ensure they die with dignity," Zhang said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Megan Fox is reportedly focused on their co-parenting relationship following a public situation in Las Vegas where Machine Gun Kelly got close to actress Sydney Sweeney.

The actress is trying to get used to her new normal after calling it quits with MGK  and she still reportedly hopes he will step up as a father, a source close to Fox shared.

The "Transformers" actress, who gave birth to their daughter in March, is concentrating on the future of their family dynamic, the insider explained.

"She was excited about becoming a parent with him, but things fell apart," the insider told Daily Mail. "She still believes that deep down, he is a great father, especially to his older daughter, and hopes he will prioritize his family moving forward."

Despite their complicated relationship, Fox remains optimistic about co-parenting. The source emphasized that Fox "expects him to make this work, even if their romantic relationship hasn't."

Flirty Las Vegas Moment with Sydney Sweeney

Machine Gun Kelly's latest flirtation with the "Euphoria" actress at a Las Vegas event only complicates that relationship with Fox even further.

The couple looked cozy and relaxed as they were pictured laughing and hugging up a storm for the cameras at the event. Fellow partygoer Patrick Schwarzenegger was also spotted socializing with the pair.

This is after Sweeney's high-profile split with her then-fiance, Jonathan Davino, with whom she was scheduled to marry this spring.

Newly-single Sydney Sweeney shares intimate moment with MGK in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/ikGOApeRmH  Pop Tales (@Pop_Tales) May 5, 2025

Fox's Desire for Stability

Despite the public flirtation, the source close to Fox reiterated that her primary concern remains the well-being of their daughter. "She wants him to focus on being a good dad," the insider added. "It's all about what is best for their child."

Fox and MGK's relationship has been rocky, breaking up and getting back together multiple times since they began dating in 2020. The two became engaged in January 2022, with Kelly proposing with a custom-designed, $340,000 ring. But their relationship came crashing down later that year after Kelly was accused of cheating.

Fox dropped a bombshell for fans in November of 2022, posing nude for a photo shoot to reveal her pregnancy with MGK. The pair had their daughter in March, after a trying time for Fox, who endured a miscarriage in 2023.

Amid their up-and-down relationship, sources say Fox has no plan to date Machine Gun Kelly romantically. Fox is dedicated to co-parenting, but "that's it," a source told People magazine.

"The relationship is still complicated," another source told Us Weekly. "It's a mix of healing and hard conversations that they have had."
Hollywood, CAKevin Schewe's Bad Love Strikes, screenplaybased on the first of four novels in the Bad Love Gang book series, has now added another layer of new achievements to its repertoire. In April, the film adaptation of 'Bad Love Strikes' won Best Historical Screenplay at the prestigious UK-based Cambridge Script Festival. There were 19 winners out of 594 scripts submitted. In March of 2025, it won Best Script, Best Unproduced Script, Best Fantasy Script, Best TV Pilot Script, and Best Web Series Pilot Script from the IMDB-Qualifying FilmNest International Film Festival. This renowned festival highlights the best of indie films on a worldwide scale.

The historically accurate and action-packed time-travel Bad Love Series has set the international screenplay circuit ablaze with hundreds of screenplay awards since its debut in 2023. Dr. Schewe expressed his gratitude, saying, "The Bad Love Gang and I are beyond ecstatic and grateful for this amazing recognition. 2025 is the 'year to come alive' for this global tentpole movie franchise."

Bad Love Strikes Official Book Trailer





The Bad Love series has taken the world by storm with well-over 400 international screenplay awards. It has won awards at Cannes World Film Festival, Madrid Arthouse Film Festival, Rome International Movie Awards, New York International Film Awards, and The Los Angeles Movie Awards, to name a few. In the first months of 2025, it has added victories at The Redwood Film Festival, The Author Script Awards, The Cine Fern Film Festival, and Hollywood Hype International Film Festival for its groundbreaking script and screenplay. Dr. Schewe's ever-growing list of awards is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion.

"These stories have come to life in such an organic way," says Schewe. "They combine my lifetime of friendships and memories with my love of pop culture, 60's-80's music, WWII history and military aviation, science fiction and time travel. Whether you're a history aficionado, a time-travel buff, a sci-fi lover, or are just in need of a fun book series to cheer you up, the Bad Love Gang series is the adventure you've been waiting for."

"Skillful writing (both historical and fantastical), a zesty sense of humor, an appreciation for pop culture, and the ability to create memorably entertaining characters combine to make this an immensely impressive noveland experience! Very highly recommended." Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Reviewer, 5-Stars

Bad Love Tigers at https://bit.ly/BadLoveTigers_Trailer ;





Bad Love Beyond at https://bit.ly/BadLoveBeyondTrailer





Bad Love Medicine at https://youtu.be/2Ena5OY7ybc?si=vqksJ8Mp62O_EBsy





About Kevin L. Schewe, MD, FACRO: Dr. Kevin Schewe is a board-certified cancer specialist who has been in the private practice of radiation oncology for over 38 years. Join over 82K followers of Schewe on Instagram @realkevinschewe and discover all of his books at KevinSchewe.com.
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Sudan's army-aligned government on Tuesday severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of supplying weapons used by the rival paramilitaries to strike its de facto capital.

A series of drones struck positions across Port Sudan Tuesday -- including the war-torn country's main port and only functioning international civilian airport -- official sources said, marking the third consecutive day the government's seat of power has come under attack.

Appearing in a televised address in front of the port, where plumes of smoke billowed from targeted fuel depots, Sudan's army chief and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Tuesday vowed to "defeat this militia and those who support it".

"The hour of retribution will come," Burhan said in the brief speech broadcast by state media, which described him as standing at "the site of Emirati aggression".

The army has blamed the attacks on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which it has called a "proxy" of Abu Dhabi.

Sudan declared the UAE an "aggressor state" on Tuesday, severing diplomatic relations and shutting its embassy and consulate in the Gulf country, defence minister Yassin Ibrahim said in a televised address.

The UAE has long denied supporting the RSF, despite reports from UN experts, US politicians and international organisations.

Until Sunday, Port Sudan was considered a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of people displaced in the two-year war between the army and the RSF.

The strikes, which also targeted a military base, came a day after Sudan's main fuel depot was hit, causing a massive blaze just south of the eastern city.

- 'Lifeline' -

An AFP correspondent reported loud explosions at dawn and plumes of smoke over the Red Sea coastal city, one from the direction of the port and another from a fuel depot just south.

One drone hit "the civilian section of the Port Sudan airport", grounding all flights, an airport official said, two days after the facility's army air base came under drone strikes blamed on the RSF.

The RSF has not commented on the attacks on Port Sudan, about 650 kilometres (400 miles) from its nearest known positions on the outskirts of the capital Khartoum.

The UN's top official in Port Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said the airport is "a lifeline for humanitarian operations" as it serves as the main gateway for "aid personnel, medical supplies and other life-saving relief".

The United Nations has warned that damage to civilian infrastructure could "further exacerbate human suffering in what is already the world's largest humanitarian crisis".

Nearly all humanitarian aid into Sudan, where famine has been declared in some areas, arrives through Port Sudan.

An army source said a second drone attack on Tuesday hit the city's main army base, with witnesses reporting a nearby hotel was struck.

Both sites in the city centre are near Burhan's residence.

Drones also struck a fuel depot, the army source said, and more hit Port Sudan's main power substation, causing a city-wide blackout, the national electricity company said.

- 'War will follow us' -

AFP images showed thick black smoke billowing over the city.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

"Yesterday and today just confirm to us that this war will follow us no matter where we go," said Hussein Ibrahim, 64, who has fled RSF attacks on his hometown in Al-Jazira state, about 1,000 kilometres away.

At petrol stations across Port Sudan, queues of cars stretched for more than a kilometre as drivers scrambled to fill their tanks.

Nearly 600 kilometres south, witnesses told AFP on Tuesday that a separate drone strike targeted the airport in the eastern city of Kassala, adding that it was intercepted by army anti-aircraft fire.

The RSF has increasingly relied on drones since losing territory, including nearly all of Khartoum in March.

Sudan's war has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted 13 million and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.

On Tuesday, paramilitary shelling on Abu Shouk displacement camp near North Darfur's besieged state capital of El-Fasher killed at least six people and wounded over 20 others, according to volunteer rescuers.

The conflict has effectively split Sudan in two, with the army controlling the centre, north and east while the RSF holds nearly all of Darfur and parts of the south.

The RSF has used both makeshift and highly advanced drones, which Sudan's army has accused the UAE of supplying.

The International Court of Justice on Monday threw out a case brought by Sudan against the UAE, accusing it of complicity in genocide by supporting the RSF.

The army-aligned foreign ministry said it "respected" the ruling based on the ICJ's lack of jurisdiction, adding that it "cannot legally be interpreted as a denial of the violations".

bur-bha/maf/jsa
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped clashes between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan end "very quickly," after New Delhi's forces launched strikes and Islamabad vowed retaliation.

"It's a shame, we just heard about it," Trump said at the White House, after the Indian government said it had hit "terrorist camps" on its western neighbor's territory following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

"I guess people knew something was going to happen based on the past. They've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it," he added.

India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since gaining independence from the British in 1947. Both claim Kashmir in full but administer separate portions of the disputed region.

"I just hope it ends very quickly," said Trump.

India had been widely expected to respond militarily since gunmen shot dead 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir, mostly Hindus.

New Delhi has blamed militants that it has said were from Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organization.

Pakistan's army said the Indian strikes targeted three sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and two in Punjab province, the country's most populous.

Islamabad said that three civilians, including a child, had been killed in Indian strikes.

The Indian strikes came just hours after the US State Department issued a fresh call for calm.

"We continue to urge Pakistan and India to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.

Her statement came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of stopping water from flowing across borders following the Kashmir attack.

dk/aha
The door to the old Supreme Court Chamber at the Montana Capitol. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

In the final hours of Montanas 2025 Legislative session, a long, drawn-out war over whether to allow the states highest elected judges to run with partisan affiliation had its final battle.

Judicial reform was a stated priority for the GOP-dominated Legislature this session, an idea backed by Gov. Greg Gianforte. In particular, he sought to have state Supreme Court justices elected on a partisan basis, instead of the current, nonpartisan elections.

Many Republicans said a party affiliation would offer voters transparency to better understand the candidates on the ballot, while opponents of the idea said politicizing the court system would lead hurt a justices impartiality.

Even recently elected Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson, a more conservative member of the states highest bench, warned lawmakers against making the judiciary partisan.

Lawmakers seemed to take Swansons words to heart, killing a half-dozen bills that proposed different ways to bring about the partisan change to the judiciary branch. But during the last two weeks of the session, Gianforte remained optimistic, telling the press repeatedly that there was still time.

On the morning of April 30, the last day of the session, during a round of votes on a few final pieces of legislation, House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, received a text. And then another.

The governors office, a lobbyist told her, was planning to attach an amendment to House Bill 710, a bill titled Generally Revise Laws Related to the Judiciary, that would have made Supreme Court races partisan.

The governors office did not respond to requests for comment on this story. However, in Montana, a governor can make a suggestion to a bill with an amendatory veto, meaning its a suggestion until its approved by the state House and Senate.

Sullivan said she never saw the specific amendment  though a previously published gubernatorial amendment to another bill would have allowed Supreme Court candidates run with a partisan affiliation  but she confirmed the governors office was working on a similar amendment.

The amendatory veto would have dropped the drastic and much debated issue in the closing moments of a long Legislature that had been in session nearly constantly since Jan. 2.

And she wasnt going to have it.

I was going to leave, she told the Daily Montanan.

Using her own legislative power, Sullivan sent word back that if the governor proposed the change, she was ready to stand up and make the motion to sine die, adjourning the Legislature on the spot. If the Legislature adjourned right then and there, it would have ended the process of reforming the judiciary  and halted several other key bills Republicans supported.

One of the few bills left for the chamber to vote on included final approval of one of the major property tax bills, which gave Sullivan additional leverage in her threat to leave. With 42 Democrats, she only needed nine Republicans who wanted to end the session, and 39 had opposed the property tax bill. She could tank that bill to keep partisan elections at bay.

There still would have been a property tax relief bill  another one had already passed  but the bills were linked and Sullivan said it would have created difficulties in the implementation.

It was the last thing I wanted to do, she told the Daily Montanan. But something as explosive as that issue was all session why do it in a governors amendment at the end unless youre trying to play games and cause chaos?

Ultimately, through discussions with other legislators including Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, the architect behind the property tax bill and close legislative ally of Gianforte, the governors amendment never materialized.

The Legislature adjourned hours later, and in 2026, an open seat for the Montana Supreme Court will be decided in a nonpartisan election  even though some politicians question that.

We have nonpartisan races in Montana in name only, Gianforte said during an April 17 press conference. We should call a spade a spade, and attribute them to the party from which they come.

The last-minute attempt to implement changes to the judicial system was super irritating to Sullivan.

How many times do we have to vote on the same bill? she said. It was a fitting end for a session of playing whack-a-mole with partisan judges and it was my last whack-a-mole moment that was about to come in at the last minute.

During the interim, the Senate Special Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform requested nearly 30 bill drafts related to changing the judicial branch, including one, Senate Bill 42, which would have required judges at every level to run with partisan affiliation.

During the sessions 85 days, an additional four bills hit the floor with various versions of partisan elections, along with adjacent bills allowing political parties to fund judicial candidates and allow candidates to take part in political events.

But among the 150 lawmakers, the appetite for injecting additional politics into the court system wasnt there  at least not for a majority of legislators.

Lawmakers voted against all five bills directly changing how judges are elected  some voted down in the House, others by the Senate.

In fact, from the original 27 bills that came from the interim committee, only a handful were sent to the governors desk.

Ill say this, what we do have is a great foundation for reform, Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, who served on the committee, told reporters after the session adjourned. I think that judicial reform is critical, continuously. Its important for our judges to have accountability. Its important for preventative transparency, and what we did this session helps start that process.

Among the bills that passed was Senate Bill 40, which requires that any closed meetings involving judicial deliberations be recorded and made public once a case is finalized; Senate Bill 41, which ensures that when a district court judge is substituted from a case, the process for replacing them is randomized; and Senate Bill 45, which establishes a judicial performance commission that will evaluate justices and give the public more insight into their effectiveness.

You all know, when it comes to voting for judges, it is very difficult to know who they are, what their track record is, and how they rule on the bench. This bill will give greater transparency to that, McGillvray said.

Another win for the GOP majority was passage of House Bill 39, which allows political parties to donate to judicial candidates, offering at least a little bit of partisanship into elections.

I think we had a good session on judicial reform, McGillvray said. Were undaunted in our efforts to continue that, and we will do so next session.
According to that proclamation, indigenous women are 10 times more likely to be murdered than the national average
U.S. President Donald Trump has levied tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, foreign cars and auto parts as well as Chinese goods and now foreign films.

Trump also has 10% Liberation Day tariffs on scores of other countries after he rolled back higher planned levies last month and 25% levies against imports from Canada and Mexico not governed under a 2019 trade deal,

One country that has not seen tariffs is Russia, which Trump did not include in his trade upheavals as he tries to forge a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine faces a 10% tariff.

Montanas four Republican lawmakers have written to Trump asking for appropriate actions related to Russian imports of rare earths and precious metals.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy and U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, all Republicans, wrote Trump on April 29 asking for the White House to address the market impacts of Russian imports of platinum, palladium and other rare earths.

Russian mining imports have not been included in U.S. sanctions against Moscow since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 during the Biden administration.

Montana is the only U.S. state where platinum and palladium are mined. Two mines in the state have seen worker layoffs with the operator (Sibanye-Stillwater) and GOP lawmakers blaming lower metals prices due to Russian imports during the war.

These mines are vital to the local economy, providing over a thousand high paying jobs while strengthening Americas national security interests. Unfortunately, the prior administration refused to take action on Russias illegal dumping of palladium that has resulted in the price of palladium to plummet and continued to allow the unrestricted import of these critical minerals from Russia. As a result, over 600 Montana miners mining and metals processing workers were laid off at the Stillwater mine and the U.S. is now more dependent of foreign sources of platinum and palladium, the Montana lawmakers wrote Trump.

The GOP quartet have introduced a bill in Congress to restrict Russian precious metals imports into the U.S. until the war is over.

There are other lawmakers, who also back more sanctions against Russia.

On Friday, Reuters reported that the U.S. administration has prepared a slate of potential sanctions for Trump to consider against Russia if President Vladimir Putin persists with the Ukraine war.

Trump has taken a friendly approach toward Putin and Russian since returning to power in January. But Trump has recently voiced frustrations over Russias continued attacks against Ukraine and his inability to forge a truce in the war, which he promised on or before day one of his second term.

The Montana lawmakers also want Trump to look at more immediate actions related to Russian metals imports.

To help address this we introduced the bipartisan bill, S. 808 Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act, to ban the import of critical minerals from Russia including platinum, palladium, and copper to ensure that our American mines are put first, the lawmakers wrote. However, we believe that you can take action now to support jobs and domestic mining and refining. To strengthen our domestic supply chain, protect our national security, support American markets, and put our mining and processing workers back to work, we respectfully urge you to address unfair Russian trade practices and illegal dumping by taking any necessary and appropriate actions.

The White House has not yet responded to a request for comment.
SALEM, Ohio  Federal agencies continue to slog upstream through the murky legal and regulatory deluge surrounding a key component of the Clean Water Act as they work to clarify language used in the law governing water pollution once and for all.

Just what is Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, referring to, anyway?

Speaking before industry and agricultural-specific stakeholders during a listening session held May 1, senior EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials highlighted legal milestones, the unanswered questions remaining around federal waterways and what they hope to achieve with a renewed push for stakeholder engagement in future rulemaking.

EPA Deputy Director Stacy Jensen emphasized the need for a clear, simple and enduring definition of Waters of the United States, urging a focus on practical implementation.

We need to define this once and for all, standing the test of time, she said, stressing that regulatory clarity must be matched by real-world applicability, and that rules are only effective if they can be carried out reliably in the field.

Background

The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers have proposed several new definitions of WOTUS since the 1970s, with significant implications for farmers, industry and the environment. Their evolving interpretations over time have influenced regulation enforcement across a variety of fields, from pollutant discharge permitting and wetlands preservation to oil spill cleanup, all of which are governed by the Clean Water Act.

A major turning point came in 2023, when the Supreme Court sharply narrowed the scope of federal authority under the Clean Water Act. In Sackett v. EPA, the court held that federal protection extends to wetlands only if they possess an uninterrupted surface connection with other water bodies that are already considered waters of the United States, significantly narrowing the laws reach and reducing federal oversight of many isolated or intermittently connected wetlands.

As for where things stand now, its a bit of a toss up. In the aftermath of the Sackett decision, the EPA and Army Corps issued a new WOTUS rule that eliminated the significant nexus standard for determining whether wetlands were Waters of the United States. That new rule is in effect in roughly half the states, D.C. and territories while the pre-2015 definition  encompassing a broader range of water bodies  is still on the books everywhere else because of ongoing litigation.

A functional system

Participants in the listening session included farm bureau representatives, ranchers, real estate experts, tourism industry professionals and field scientists on the front lines of environmental permitting. They urged the EPA to simplify WOTUS standards, explicitly omit features such as ditches and intermittent streams, and trust landowners to manage their water. Many criticized the existing regulatory culture as burdensome and unpredictable, with others pushing agency officials to see firsthand how WOTUS requirements affect working lands across the country.

Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, called for clear, enforceable exemptions in the WOTUS rule and the removal of all ditches from federal jurisdiction, including upland cut ditches used to manage field runoff.

Farm fields are made up of complex networks of ditches and water conveyances and control features that are necessary in order to support growing crops and raising animals, she explained.

Environmental scientist Mallory Tatum emphasized the gap between legal definitions and practical application, noting that ambiguous terms like relatively permanent dont translate well in the field.

The current definition of Waters of the United States and how its being implemented is not working in the real world, she said. Regulation, when done right, benefits everyone But when the rules are unpredictable or differ depending on who you ask or where you are, the system collapses.

Representing the livestock industry, Idaho cattle producer and National Cattlemens Beef Association Vice President Kim Brackett urged agencies to develop a rule that landowners can understand and apply without technical experts.

A practical WOTUS definition will allow the average landowner  not an engineer, not an attorney, not a wetland specialist  to walk out on their property, see a water feature and make at minimum a preliminary determination about whether a feature is federally jurisdictional, she said. She warned that regulating ephemeral or isolated water bodies stretches the agencies beyond its means with little benefit to water quality.

For his part, Vincent Messerly, president of the Ohio-based Stream and Wetlands Foundation, emphasized the need for an efficient rulemaking process that aligns with Supreme Court decisions and provides clear guidance on terms like continuous surface connection. But he urged further action, saying clearer benchmarks could help resolve ongoing confusion.

The Stream and Wetlands Foundation helps developers follow environmental laws by restoring wetlands and streams through mitigation banking, a process that repairs damaged ecosystems in one area and sells credits to developers who impact nature elsewhere.

Some stakeholders argue that using clear, measurable standards like flow rate or watershed size rather than complex flow duration tests could bring more clarity to WOTUS regulations while still safeguarding vital water resources. In a follow-up conversation, Messerly highlighted the burden of using flow duration as a regulatory standard, noting that classifying streams as ephemeral, intermittent or perennial sounds simple, but documenting flow is a Gordian knot. Requiring landowners to monitor flow over extended periods, he said, is costly and impractical.

Who has the time, the luxury, to stand back and wait six months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months to get the data to confirm what type it is? he asked.

Messerly pointed to a 180-page Army Corps of Engineers manual on flow regime determination as proof of the systems complexity.

Its not something the average person is going to pick up and say, Oh, yeah, I understand this.

That complexity often forces landowners to hire experts, driving up costs and causing delays, especially for individuals and small businesses. They often dont realize theyre building on or near wetlands and have no idea they need special permits to do so. The process, Messerly estimated, could cost them at least $100,000 in fees, consultants and environmental offsets. For many, its a heartbreaking surprise.

Despite these challenges, Messerly expressed optimism, saying there is potential certainly out there for consensus. He encouraged stakeholders to consider tradeoffs in pursuit of a more functional system.

Everybody wants to have clean air, clean water, he said, but warned that the current process has everyone caught in a riptide of onerous regulations.

Were wasting a lot of time and energy arguing about things that really arent getting us any benefits to the environment. All its doing is paying attorneys and consultants a lot of fees, and causing a lot of time delays, he said. Reallocating those resources, he believes, could lead to a better quality environment than what were getting right now.

A listening session to elicit additional feedback on vital components of the definition of WOTUS for local governments was held after press time from 3-5 p.m. on May 6, followed by additional public listening sessions to be announced soon. For more information about stakeholder engagement, visit online.
After nearly 180 years, Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, will close at the end of the spring 2025 semester. The Board of Trustees voted on April 29, 2025, to discontinue all on-campus and online degree programs due to a $6 million budget shortfall. Founded in 1845 as Limestone College, the first women's college in South Carolina, the institution evolved into a coeducational university serving about 1,600 students. It was a cornerstone of Cherokee County, contributing an estimated $150 million annually to the local economy and supporting many first-generation college students.

The financial crisis became public in mid-April when President Nathan Copeland and Board Chair Randall Richardson announced the shortfall, warning of potential closure or a shift to online-only operations. On April 24, Limestone launched the "Together for Limestone" campaign to raise unrestricted funds. The effort raised $2.143 million from nearly 200 donors, including two $1 million pledges. "We want to thank the almost 200 recent supporters in the last two weeks who committed a collective $2.143 million," Richardson said. "We had hoped that would be enough to sustain our institution. But in the final analysis, we could not continue operations on-campus or online without a greater amount of funding." Despite a brief hope on April 22 when the board delayed its decision due to a "possible funding source," the funds fell short, leading to the closure vote.

The decision impacts approximately 1,600 students and over 300 employees, with 478 faculty and staff receiving layoff notices on April 17. Students expressed devastation, with Giselle, a Brazilian student who arrived in spring 2025, feeling "betrayed," and Courtney, a transfer student, voicing frustration. Limestone hosted a transfer fair on April 28, attended by over 1,700 students, with institutions like Newberry College offering transfer options. The closure also affects Gaffney, where businesses like Boston Annie's, which drew half its revenue from Limestone, face uncertainty.

Limestone's struggles mirror those of other small, private colleges with limited endowments, like Eastern Nazarene College, which also announced its 2025 closure. Declining enrollment, rising costs, and reduced funding have strained liberal arts institutions. The "Together for Limestone" campaign emphasized the university's role for first-generation students. "This campaign is not just about preserving Limestone's campus  it's about fighting for the future of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college," Copeland said.

Despite the closure, Limestone will hold its final commencement ceremonies on May 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., celebrating its graduates. "Our Limestone spirit will endure through the lives of our students and alumni who carry it forward into the world," Richardson said.

For more details on the closure, visit Limestone University's announcement. Information on the commencement ceremonies is available here.
Sheep farmers are being encouraged to consult their vets before deciding to vaccinate their flocks following the approval of bluetongue virus vaccines in Scotland.

The Scottish region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) welcomed the approval, calling it a "reassuring" development for the sheep sector.

However, it also warned that farmers need to be aware of key considerations surrounding vaccine supply, effectiveness and reporting requirements.

It was inevitable that Scotland would fall in line with England and approve BTV vaccines," said Peter Myles, chair of the NSA Scottish region.

"It is reassuring that the option to vaccinate is now in the toolbox. However, understanding the challenges around bluetongue vaccine supply and the vaccine claims is important.

"Vaccinating will not protect livestock totally, but it should suppress symptoms and prevent death and major financial impacts.

Mr Myles also noted the unpredictability of the diseases spread, as the midges that carry bluetongue are heavily influenced by weather conditions.

It is remarkably difficult to predict disease progress as the Culicoides midge is so weather dependent," he said.

"Regardless of how our summer is affected we now know the Royal Highland Show has already taken the decision to deny animals access to the event from the restricted zone."

As part of its guidance for farmers, the NSA strongly recommends that any decision to vaccinate be made in close consultation with a veterinary professional.

A vet can help assess flock risk, explore the suitability of available vaccines and clarify the implications of either vaccinating or not.

The use of BTV vaccines remains voluntary in Scotland, and the responsibility lies with individual farming businesses.

The NSA notes that the three currently permitted vaccinesSyzavul BTV3, BLUEVAC-3, and Bultavo-3offer varying levels of protection.

While they can reduce clinical signs and mortality, they do not fully prevent infection or transmission. Reported costs for the vaccines range from 2.40 to 5 per dose.

The sheep sector group also warns that supply chain limitations may lead to several weeks delay between ordering and delivery.

Farmers are advised to place orders promptly. Early orders will help demonstrate national demand and may influence manufacturers to allocate more supply to the UK market, it says.

The NSA recommends that farmers make use of available tools, such as AHDBs return-on-investment calculator and the Ruminant Health and Welfare decision support tool.

These can help evaluate factors like stock density, breeding status, farm location, and potential financial impact.

The NSA also stresses the importance of compliance with reporting requirements. In Scotland, all livestock vaccinated with any of the approved vaccines must be recorded through the ScotEID system.
The government is under new pressure to rule out chlorinated chicken and hormone-injected beef in any UK-US trade deal, after it failed to address the issue in parliament.

Seamus Logan, SNP rural affairs spokesperson, submitted a written question to the Defra Secretary asking whether Labour planned to allow US meat imports.

The response did not address the question directly, nor did it reference food safety standardsoffering only a general statement on trade objectives.

A follow-up question by Mr Logan, asking if any assessment or analysis had been conducted on the impact such a deal might have on UK agriculture, received the same vague reply.

Currently, UK law prohibits the sale of chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef, which are permitted in the United States.

There are growing concerns that these standards could be weakened in future trade agreements, particularly in light of the UKs post-Brexit realignment.

US President Donald Trump has previously insisted that any trade deal with the UK must allow for the import of these products.

Mr Logan, who is also MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, said the governments lack of clarity was concerning.

He called for Defra Secretary Steve Reed to confirm the UKs commitment to maintaining its high food safety regulations.

Mr Logan also expressed dismay that the government could not even confirm whether it had examined the possible consequences of a deal with the US for British farmers.

He warned that accepting such products into the market could damage Scotlands food producers, lower food standards and pose a threat to farming and crofting livelihoods.

"Scotlands food sector is a huge success in Scotland's economy; so the government should firmly take the threat of chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-injected beef off the table," Mr Logan said.

"The government must commit unequivocally in its trade talks to maintaining the high standards in place and reject granting harmful concessions, including over hormone-treated beef.

He stressed that the government must remove any ambiguity by making a firm commitment to uphold current food standards and rule out the import of chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-injected beef.

Failure to do so, the MP said, would risk undermining consumer confidence and the international reputation of Scottish produce.

A post-Brexit trade deal with Donald Trump would be a huge threat to Scotland's food safety and economy, Mr Logan warned.
Nature-friendly farmers and conservationists are urging the government to increase investment and expand the Countryside Stewardship (CS) Higher Tier scheme.

Organisations including the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) warn that many farmers are being blocked by tight caps on the number of successful Higher Tier applications.

With the next application window due to open this summer, the bodies are calling for greater accessibility and a larger share of the farming budget to be allocated to this scheme.

The NFFN, along with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), are calling for it to be expanded significantly, arguing this is needed to meet legally-binding targets to halt nature decline by 2030.

The most ambitious tier of the CS programme - the Higher Tier scheme - provides support for multi-year projects that restore habitats while also improving soil health, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable food production.

To demonstrate the schemes value, NFFN and RSPB have launched a series of videos highlighting the work of participating farmers.

Among them is Sussex farmer Martin Hole, whose farm includes wetlands, reedbeds and marshes that support a wide range of species.

The CS scheme has been a fundamental part of how we have been able to manage these internationally-important wetlands and increase vegetation and bird numbers, Mr Hole said.

We now have more than 20 dragonfly species and over 100 types of aquatic plant. There is still a lot more we can do for nature conservation, but we need the long-term investment from the scheme to continue this process.

It comes as the sector remains unsettled following the government's unexpected closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) in March.

In response, the NFFN is urging the government to rebalance the Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs), ensuring that all three tiers  SFI, CS Higher Tier and Landscape Recovery  are properly funded.

Jenna Hegarty, head of policy at the body, stressed the importance of the Higher Tier scheme, as getting it right "is crucial for the scale of change we need".

The government must protect the farming budget through the end of this parliament," she added.

"At the same time, farming ministers must ensure that public money delivers environmental improvements, and that high-level schemes remain accessible to the farmers who want to go further for nature.

The RSPB echoes the call for reform, pointing out that with 70% of Englands land used for agriculture, empowering farmers is key to addressing biodiversity decline and climate pressures.

CS Higher Tier is a vital lifeline for nature-friendly farming in our most treasured landscapes," said Alice Groom, head of sustainable land use policy at the charity.

"But in recent years, too many farmers have struggled to access it, as funding and focus shifted to entry-level schemes.

"If we're serious about hitting nature and climate targets, government must commit more of the farming budget to this scheme when it reopens this summer."
A farming contractor is encouraging others in the community to prioritise their health and seek medical advice early, after publicly sharing his own cancer diagnosis.

John Davies, 54, from Denbighshire, recorded a candid video on the land where he works, opening up about being diagnosed with bowel cancer a year and a half ago.

Currently undergoing chemotherapy and other treatment, his message forms part of the #NipItInTheBud campaign, by the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of cancer risks and symptoms within the farming and rural communities, where early diagnosis can often be delayed.

I wasnt feeling too well, I felt a bit down," John said, "I was going to the toilet more often, and felt that things were pulling on the stomach.

Like many men and people from the countryside, its in our nature to be a little hard-headed. After six months my partner decided to take me to the doctor for an examination.

"After doing a stool test, the doctor came back on the phone and told me that there was quite a bit of blood in the stools.

"I then got an appointment to go to Glan Clwyd Hospital to see an oncologist, who did a few further tests.

"They discovered a tumour in my intestine and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Johns story was shared in the same week as a special reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating the work of community-based cancer support organisations.

Representatives from FCN attended the event, underlining the specific barriers people in agriculture often face when accessing healthcare and cancer services.

John added: It is important that we as men, as farmers, look after our own health  that your families, especially your children, know that there is a future for you if you are treated early enough.

FCN offers confidential support to those in the farming community who are dealing with illness, stress, or hardship.

Volunteers  many with farming backgrounds  are available to listen and connect people with additional help.

Anyone in need of support can contact FCN confidentially on 03000 111 999 or by email at help@fcn.org.uk.
Indonesias Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) is lobbying the US National Cotton Council (NCC), hoping to help the formers garment product exports enjoy the lowest US import tariff possible.

The chamber is considering a deal with NCC in which the former purchases US-made processed cotton and exports the final garment product back to the United States. It expects a lower tariff, zero per cent if possible, through this scheme, according to KADIN chief Anindya Bakrie.

Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry is lobbying the US National Cotton Council (NCC), hoping to help the former's garment exports enjoy the lowest US import tariff possible. It is considering a deal with NCC in which the former purchases US-made processed cotton and exports the final garment product back to the US. It also requested NCC to help lobby the US government through the USTR.

Bakrie discussed the proposal while meeting NCC vice president Robbie Minch in Washington D.C. recently.

He also requested NCC to help lobby the US government through the US trade representatives (USTR).

Bakrie is optimistic for open cooperation opportunities with NCC though US-made cotton is facing stiff competition against China and Brazil, an Indonesian news agency reported.

A balanced trade will enhance export opportunities for Indonesia-made garments, footwear and electronics to the United States, he said.

This will not only support business growth but also benefit entrepreneurs and factory workers across the country, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Brazils cotton sector has achieved a milestone, now accounting for 14 per cent of global production and a record 30.5 per cent of world exports in the 2024-25 season, according to April data from the USDA. This surpasses the US share of 25.8 per cent and places Brazil as the top global cotton exporter, as per the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).

Between August 2024 and April 2025, Brazil exported 2.35 million tons of cottonjust 12 per cent below the previous season's level, per the Secretariat of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy (Secex).

Brazil has emerged as the top global cotton exporter for the 202425 season, contributing 14 per cent to global output and a record 30.5 per cent to world exports, surpassing the US. Between August 2024 and April 2025, Brazil shipped 2.35 million tons of cotton. Despite a dip in April exports year-on-year, domestic prices rose 4 per cent, driven by firm seller positioning on premium-quality stocks.

In the 17 production days of April, Brazil exported 210.1 thousand tons of cotton to the international market12.1 per cent less than in March 2025 and 13 per cent below the volume recorded in April 2024, according to Secex data. Nevertheless, the volume exported in April 2025 so far is already the second highest on record for the month, only behind April 2024 (241.4 thousand tons). With a current daily average of 12.36 thousand tons, total exports for April may reach 247 thousand tons, CEPEA said in its latest fortnightly report on the Brazilian cotton market.

In the domestic market, strong seller positioning on remaining 2023-24 crop stocks has kept prices firm, especially for premium-quality cotton. The CEPEA/ESALQ Index rose by 4 per cent from March 31 to April 30, reaching BRL 4.3871 (~$0.77) per pound.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, along with a Double Contribution Convention, and spoke to his British counterpart Keir Starmer over telephone.

"Delighted to speak with my friend PM Kier Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon," Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Both the leaders agreed during the conversation that the landmark agreements will open new opportunities for businesses, strengthen economic linkages and deepen people-to-people ties, a release from the Indian Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

Indian PM Narendra Modi today announced the conclusion of an FTA with the UK, along with a Double Contribution Convention, and spoke to his British counterpart Keir Starmer over telephone. Both the leaders agreed during the conversation that the landmark agreements will open new opportunities for businesses, strengthen economic linkages and deepen people-to-people ties.

The leaders noted that the deal is the biggest the United Kingdom has signed since leaving the European Union, and the most ambitious India has ever done, an official UK government release said.

We estimate that it will increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion (~$35.06 billion), add 4.8 billion (~$6.41 billion) a year to our economy and boost wages by 2.2 billion (~$2.94 billion) every year in the long run. This is the best deal India has ever agreed to, UKs Department of Business and Trade said in a statement.

The conclusion of a balanced, equitable and ambitious FTA, covering trade in goods and services, is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, generate new avenues for employment, raise living standards and improve the overall well-being of citizens in both countries, the PMO release said.

It will also unlock new potential for the two nations to jointly develop products and services for global markets, it added.

The landmark trade agreement, concluded under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a major milestone that is expected to significantly benefit Indias textile and apparel sector while strengthening economic ties between India and the UK.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Brown University sophomore Alex Shieh has ignited controversy and faces disciplinary action after sending a mass email to 3,805 non-faculty employees on March 18, 2025, asking them to describe their job duties. Inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, Shieh's inquiry aimed to uncover why Brown's tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is set to reach $95,984, a significant increase from $78,706 in 2019-2020. The email, part of Shieh's investigation into administrative costs, has led to charges of misrepresentation and violation of IT policies, raising questions about free speech and accountability in higher education.

Shieh, a 20-year-old computer science and economics major, identified himself as a journalist for The Brown Spectator, a dormant libertarian journal he and other students are working to relaunch. His email asked staff to "describe what tasks you performed in the past week" and was accompanied by a website, Bloat@Brown, which used AI to rank non-faculty roles based on perceived utility, categorizing them as "DEI jobs, redundant jobs, and bulls--t jobs." Shieh's motivation stemmed from Brown's $46 million budget deficit and what he sees as excessive administrative growth, noting that the university employs 3,805 non-faculty staffmore than double the 1,691 faculty membersresulting in roughly one administrator per two undergraduates.

My disciplinary hearing at @BrownUniversity has been scheduled for Friday. For emailing >3000 administrators asking about their job duties, I was charged with misrepresentation and violating the IT policy. Does this sound fair?



Misrepresentation

For identifying myself as a...  Alex Shieh (@alexkshieh) April 29, 2025

"Brown is charging me for misrepresentation  for saying I am affiliated with the Brown Spectator, which I am, because the Brown Spectator is an independent non-profit and not a registered student group," Shieh told Fox News Digital. "Brown is also charging me for violating their IT policies for publishing Brown employee data, without specifying which provisions of the IT policy were violated," he added. Shieh argues that his actions were journalistic, aimed at exposing bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in light of federal scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which could cost Brown significant funding.

The university's response was swift. On March 20, Brown launched a preliminary review, initially citing "emotional harm" to employees, invasion of privacy, and misrepresentation. While the emotional harm charge was later dropped, the university maintains that Shieh's actions may have involved improper use of non-public data. "In spite of what has been reported publicly framing this as a free speech issue, it absolutely is not," said Brian Clark, vice president for news and strategic campus communications. "At the center of Brown's review are questions focused on whether improper use of non-public Brown data, non-public data systems and/or targeting of individual employees violated law or policy."

Shieh's earlier actions provide context for his current controversy. On March 18, he sent emails to approximately 3,800 staff members, mirroring DOGE's federal employee inquiries, and published the Bloat@Brown database, which rated administrators' roles using AI. The site, taken down after reported hacks, drew attention from conservative figures like Elon Musk, who tweeted "Wow" in response to Shieh's work, and Bill Ackman, who called it "impressive." Only 20 of the 3,805 employees responded, some with hostility, prompting Brown to advise staff not to engage.

The incident has sparked debate on campus and beyond. Shieh, supported by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), claims the investigation threatens student journalism and free expression. Critics argue that his approach was invasive, targeting individual employees without clear evidence of wrongdoing. Brown's administration insists it is following due process, with Shieh scheduled for a disciplinary hearing on May 2, 2025, to address the charges.

As tuition costs soar and universities face scrutiny over administrative spending, Shieh's case highlights tensions between student activism, institutional transparency, and the boundaries of free speech. The outcome of his hearing could set a precedent for how universities handle similar inquiries in an era of increasing financial and political pressures.
Chinas Commerce Ministry recently said it had noted senior US officials repeatedly expressing their willingness to talk to Beijing about tariffs, and reiterated that if Washington wants to talk, it should show its sincerity and be prepared to correct its wrong practices and cancel the unilateral tariffs.

The US has recently sent messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China, the ministry spokesperson said responding to a reporters query. China is currently evaluating this, he said.

China's Commerce Ministry has said it had noted senior US officials repeatedly expressing their willingness to talk to Beijing about tariffs, and reiterated that if Washington wants talks, it should show its sincerity and be prepared to correct its wrong practices and cancel the unilateral tariffs. The US has sent messages to China hoping to start talks, and China is evaluating this, it said.

China's position is consistent. If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is open, the spokesperson said.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said President Xi Jinping needs to contact him to start tariff talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said it was up to Beijing to take the first step to de-escalate the dispute.

We have noticed that the United States has been leaking information about adjusting tariff measures recently. What China wants to emphasise is that in any possible dialogue or talks, if the United States does not correct its wrong unilateral tariff measures, it means that the United States has no sincerity at all and will further damage the mutual trust between the two sides," the spokesperson said.

"Saying one thing and doing another, or even trying to coerce and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not work with China, the spokesperson concluded.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Today, on 5 May 2025, an Extraordinary General Meeting in Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) ("Enviro" or the "Company") was held. The general meeting resolved on subsequent approval of the board of directors' resolution to issue units consisting of new shares and warrants. A summary of the resolution follows below. The general meeting was held at Hotel Riverton in Gothenburg and by way of postal voting. All resolutions were passed in accordance with the board of directors' proposals as presented in the notice convening the Extraordinary General Meeting.

The general meeting resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, on a subsequent approval of the board of directors' resolution on 14 April 2025 on a new issue of not more than 358,495,816 shares with preferential rights for existing shareholders, whereby the share capital may increase by not more than SEK 14,339,832.64. The resolution was unanimous. The subscription price amounts to SEK 3.32 for each unit, corresponding to 0.83 SEK per share, which at full subscription provides the Company with issue proceeds of approximately SEK 298 million before deduction of issue costs. The record date for receipt of unit rights is 16 May 2025. Subscription of units with unit rights shall be made by cash payment during the subscription period from and including 20 May up to and including 3 June 2025. Application for subscription of units without unit rights shall be made during the same period. For more information on the board of directors' resolution, see the Company's press release published on 14 April 2025.

The general meeting resolved, in accordance with the board of directors' proposal, to authorize the CEO of the Company to make minor formal adjustments of the above resolution, to the extent necessary for the registration of the resolution.

For further information, please contact:

Fredrik Emilson, CEO Enviro, +46 (0) 706-05 67 83, fredrik.emilson@envirosystems.se

Fredrik Aaben, CFO Enviro, +46 (0) 729 70 78 91, fredrik.aaben@envirosystems.se

N.B. The English text is an in-house translation of the original Swedish text. Should there be any disparities between the Swedish and the English text, the Swedish text shall prevail.

Scandinavian Enviro Systems contributes to enhanced environmental and economic sustainability using a patented technology for the recovery of valuable raw materials from scrapped and end-of-life products, including tires. The production of new tires using carbon black recovered with Enviro's technology reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 93 percent compared to virgin carbon black. Enviro has its head office in Gothenburg and a plant for the recycling of end-of-life tires in Asensbruk. The largest owner is the French tire manufacturer Michelin. Enviro was founded in 2001 and is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market with FNCA Sweden AB, +46 8-528 00 399, info@fnca.se, as its Certified Advisor. www.envirosystems.se
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - 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

SOURCE: Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTC PINK: MEDAF) (FSE: 1ZY) ("Medaro" or the "Company") announces the consolidation of its common shares ("Common Shares") on the basis of five (5) pre-consolidation Common Shares for one (1) post-consolidation Common Share (the "Consolidation").

The Company anticipates its Common Shares will commence trading on a post-Consolidation basis on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") at market open on May 9, 2025. The new CUSIP number for the post-Consolidation Common Shares will be 58404N307 and the new ISIN number will be CA58404N3076. The name of the Company and trading symbol will remain the same after the Consolidation.

The Company currently has 18,239,295 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Following the Consolidation, the Company expects to have 3,647,861 Common Shares issued and outstanding, subject to any rounding variance. No fractional Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Consolidation. As a result of the Consolidation, if a shareholder of the Company ("Shareholder") becomes entitled to receive a fraction of a Common Share, each fractional Common Share that is less than one-half (1/2) of a Common Share will be cancelled and each fractional Common Share that is at least one-half (1/2) of a Common Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole number and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of cancelled fractional Common Shares.

The exercise price and number of Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of any outstanding securities convertible into Common Shares will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the Consolidation.

As no Common Shares are presently held in certificate format, a Letter of Transmittal will not be provided to Shareholders and no action need be taken by Shareholders. Registered Shareholders holding Direct Registration System ("DRS") statements will receive new DRS statements representing post-Consolidation Common Shares directly from the transfer agent of the Company. Common Shares held by Shareholders through a broker or other intermediary will also be consolidated with no action required by the Shareholder.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Articles of the Company and in accordance with the policies of the CSE, the Consolidation was initially approved by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held April 23, 2025, and, subsequently, by way of resolutions passed by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Consolidation and the date the post-Consolidation Common Shares commence trading on the CSE remain subject to the approval of the CSE and a bulletin will be issued by the CSE upon acceptance.

About Medaro Mining Corp.

Medaro Mining Corp. is a lithium exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, and holds options over the Darlin, Rapide, Lac La Motte and CYR South lithium properties in Quebec. The Company owns the James Bay Pontax Project in Quebec.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations or activities of Medaro, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Consolidation, including the ratio, timing, and CSE approval thereof, and issuance of a bulletin by the CSE. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to complete the Consolidation on the terms detailed herein and that the Canadian Securities Exchange may object to the Consolidation and use its discretion to prohibit the Consolidation. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Medaro does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250920

SOURCE: Medaro Mining Corp.
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.



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Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - FendX Technologies Inc. (CSE: FNDX) (OTCQB: FDXTF) (FSE: E8D) (the "Company" or "FendX"), a nanotechnology company developing surface protection coatings to reduce the spread of pathogens, announces it has completed the issuance of common shares as consideration under the exclusive intellectual property license agreement (the "License Agreement") entered into with Scott Smith and US BioSolutions LLC previously announced on April 24, 2025, pursuant to which FendX issued 1,000,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per share to Mr. Smith. The shares issued are subject to a Canadian hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance as well as a United States hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company acquired an exclusive license to three patent applications from Mr. Smith related to the use of a sponge made from Open-Cell foam to be supplied from US BioSolutions in cleaning surfaces and for use of the sponge as a future wound care drug delivery device, as well as the licensed trademark, BioFoam from US BioSolutions. In addition, the Company also entered a supply agreement (the "Supply Agreement") with US BioSolutions where US BioSolutions would supply the Company with bulk rolls of Open-Cell foam, manufactured using their proprietary manufacturing trade-secrets and know-how, which FendX can exclusively use to create a line of eco-friendly sponge products for sale and distribution in consumer, retail and other commercial cleaning markets.

About FendX Technologies Inc.

FendX is a Canada-based nanotechnology company focused on developing products to make people's lives safer by reducing the spread of pathogens. The Company is developing both film and spray products to protect surfaces from contamination. The lead product under development, REPELWRAP film, is a protective surface coating film that, due to its repelling properties, prevents the adhesion of pathogens and reduces their transmission on surfaces prone to contamination. The spray nanotechnology is a bifunctional spray coating being developed to reduce contamination on surfaces by repelling and killing pathogens. The Company is conducting research and development activities using its nanotechnology in collaboration with industry-leading partners, including McMaster University. The Company has exclusive worldwide licenses to technology and an IP portfolio from McMaster, which encompass both film and spray coating nanotechnology formulations. The Company has also entered into a supply agreement which provides FendX with a supply of bulk rolls of proprietary manufactured Open-Cell foam which FendX intends to use further process into a line of eco-friendly sponge products as well as a license agreement for IP related to the use of the sponge in cleaning surfaces and for use of the sponge as a future wound care drug delivery device.

For more information, please visit https://fendxtech.com/ and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including with respect to: the plans of the Company; the Company's intention to create a differentiated finished line of eco-friendly sponge products for sale and distribution in consumer, retail and other commercial target markets worldwide, including wound care; and products under development and any pathogen reduction benefits related thereto. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including: risks that the License Agreement or Supply Agreement may not receive regulatory approval, if required; adverse market conditions; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's ability to raise additional capital to complete all of its planned activities including launching any proposed eco-friendly sponge products; risks related to the supply of bulk foam sponge rolls and securing a manufacturer to finish end sponge products; risks related to the size of the potential market for the Company's future sponge products; risks related to research and development activities for each of the film, spray formulation and catheter coating, including successful completion of real world performance testing and scale-up initiatives; risks that the Company may not expand its product pipeline or execute its business development and growth plans; risks that the Company's products, including the eco-friendly sponge, may not be commercialized, and if they are commercialized, that they may not be accepted and adopted by the public; the risk that the Company will not obtain necessary approvals and/or clearances as anticipated or at all; the effects of government regulation on the Company's business; risks associated with the Company's ability to obtain and protect rights to its IP; product candidates only being in formulation/reformulation stages; limited operating history; dependence on collaborative partners, licensors and others; effect of general economic and political conditions; and other factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of such factors on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure outlined in the Company's filings with the British Columbia Securities Commission on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250918

SOURCE: FendX Technologies Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Mineral Road Discovery Inc. (CSE: ROAD) (the "Company" or "ROAD") has received a termination notice from NewPeak Metals in respect of NewPeak's proposed acquisition of AusVan Battery Metals Pty Ltd, as originally announced on December 5, 2024.

About Mineral Road Discovery

Mineral Road Discovery is an investor in exploration. By focusing on a combination of top-down thematics and significant technical and financial expertise, we can manage risks better to provide exceptional shareholder value.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250922

SOURCE: Mineral Road Discovery Inc.
UOB Kay Hian and FNZ have joined forces to launch a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform, making Unit Trust investing simpler and more accessible for retail and private clients in Singapore.

direct-to-consumer The platform enhances the Unit Trust investment experience through an intuitive client portal, seamless order management, market-leading banking solutions, advanced reporting, and a dedicated client servicing module.

This launch reaffirms UOB Kay Hian and FNZ's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, accessible investment tools and trading solutions that empower investors.

The partnership further strengthens UOB Kay Hian's leadership in securities brokerage while reinforcing FNZ's position as a trusted global wealth management platform, partnering with over 650 global financial institutions.

SINGAPORE, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UOB Kay Hian, one of Asia's largest securities brokerage firms, has partnered with FNZ, a global leader in wealth management technology, to launch a new digital platform that is set to transform Unit Trust investing in Singapore.

The innovative platform streamlines the investment journey, providing retail and private clients with a powerful and intuitive digital experience. Through advanced digital capabilities and seamless access via a direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel, investors can now navigate their Unit Trust investments with greater confidence and ease.

The newly launched platform offers a comprehensive suite of Unit Trust investment solutions, including customer servicing, an intuitive client portal, order management, cash management, Central Provident Fund (CPF) administration, and advanced reporting tools. By streamlining operations and enhancing client centricity, UOB Kay Hian simplifies Unit Trust investment, empowering all investors to grow their wealth more effectively.

"Partnering with FNZ has allowed us to develop a Unit Trust Platform that redefines the investment experience by combining innovative digital tools and intuitive investment solutions," said Oh Whee Mian, Senior Executive Director, UOB Kay Hian. "Our collaboration with FNZ reflects our dedication to pair innovative technology with personalised services by our highly experienced Trading Representatives, to make investing more accessible and rewarding to our clients."

FNZ's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region is central to this partnership, bringing together its global technology expertise with deep local market knowledge to enhance wealth management solutions in Singapore. The company continues to invest in the region's financial ecosystem, underscored by the recent appointment of Anthony Habis as Group Head of APAC, reinforcing FNZ's long-term commitment to delivering transformative solutions for investors across the region.

"This partnership is a testament to FNZ's dedication to delivering world-class digital wealth management solutions," said Anthony Habis, Group Head of APAC. "By working closely with UOB Kay Hian, we have developed a platform that simplifies investing and enhances accessibility, ensuring clients enjoy a seamless and high-quality experience."

The launch marks an important milestone in Singapore's wealth management sector, as UOB Kay Hian and FNZ continue to drive digital transformation, equipping investors with the tools they need to navigate today's markets with confidence.

UOB Kay Hian, headquartered in Singapore, is one of the region's most prominent securities brokerage firms. With a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to innovation, the firm continues to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge investment solutions for its clients.

FNZ has built long-standing, trusted partnerships with many of the region's leading financial institutions, including Centrepoint Alliance, Colonial First State, Consilium, Jarden, National Australia Bank, Principal Asset Management, and UOB Asset Management. By leveraging FNZ's technology-driven solutions, these institutions enhance client engagement, improve efficiencies, and drive long-term success.

About UOB Kay Hian

UOB Kay Hian is a leading Financial Services firm with a strong presence across Asia, renowned for delivering personalized investment solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, UOB Kay Hian's global footprint spans regional financial centres in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, London, New York and Toronto.

One of Asia's largest securities brokerage firms, UOB Kay Hian serves a prestigious client base of institutions, large corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and retail investors. The firm offers a wide range of services, including equities, derivatives, and wealth management solutions, to empower investors to make informed decisions and grow their wealth.

For more information, please visit www.utrade.com.sg and follow us on LinkedIn (@UOB Kay Hian).

About FNZ

FNZ is a leader in global, end-to-end wealth management platforms, partnering with over 650 of the world's leading financial institutions and over 12,000 wealth management firms.

With 6,000+ employees in 30+ global locations, FNZ's mission is to open up wealth, helping everyone, everywhere to invest in their future. FNZ removes friction from wealth management, freeing its partners to create hyper-personalized and differentiated experiences for their advisors and end-investors.

To date, FNZ administers more than US$1.7 trillion in client assets and enables over 24 million people, from all wealth segments, to invest in a simple and transparent way.

For more information, please visit www.FNZ.com and follow us on LinkedIn (@FNZ).

Contact: Alasdair Munro, Alasdair.munro@fnz.com, +44 (0)7841456347

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uob-kay-hian-and-fnz-launch-next-generation-platform-to-transform-unit-trust-investing-in-singapore-302446090.html
RSA, the security-first identity leader, today announced groundbreaking cybersecurity innovations at the European Identity and Cloud (EIC) Conference 2025 that defend organizations against the next wave of AI powered identity attacks, including IT Help Desk bypasses, malware, social engineering, and other threats. These advancements are especially critical for organizations implementing passwordless strategies and further solidify RSA's position as the only provider of true, enterprise-ready passwordless identity solutions.

Among the highlights is the new RSA Help Desk Live Verify (patent pending), a first-of-its-kind feature that prevents social engineering and technical support scams. With bi-directional identity verification, RSA Help Desk Live Verify ensures that both users and IT staff are who they say they are, protecting against attackers impersonating users or help desk agents.

"Passwordless approaches offer tantalizing business benefits like improved user experience and cost savings, but as with any new technology passwordless also introduces new risks into the environment. RSA's platform offers the only enterprise worthy passwordless solution that has security and resilience designed in to address those risks," said RSA CEO Rohit Ghai. "Off-the-rack passwordless isn't good enough for government agencies, financial services, and other security-first leaders."

A New Enterprise Ready Passwordless Platform

RSA is approaching passwordless as a broader platform capability and not simply a convenient new form of authentication. While many vendors offer surface-level point products, RSA delivers comprehensive protection, unmatched resilience, and complete governance-addressing the full lifecycle and all users, from cloud to on-premises.

"Only RSA can provide a complete passwordless solution that accounts for every user, use case, and environment," said Jim Taylor, Chief Product and Technology Officer at RSA. "Organizations need comprehensive, enterprise-grade capabilities that are ready for social engineering, fraud, outages, and deepfakes-and RSA is delivering exactly that."

"RSA provides high-security organizations across Germany with the market's only hybrid authentication and access capabilities they need to operate securely, build resilience, and meet NIS2 and DORA requirements," said Alaa Abdulnabi, RSA SVP and General Manager, International.

For a passwordless solution to work for enterprises, it must work for every user, in every environment, against every threat, and in every situation. Unlike cloud-first or hardware-only providers, RSA offers passwordless capability across cloud, on-premises, hybrid, and legacy systems-ensuring every user and use case is covered.

RSA also ensures that passwordless access remains available even during internet outages with offline and secure fallback capabilities. RSA complements the widest breadth of supported passwordless protocols and form factors with the greatest security depth against threats like malware, brute force, phishing, and AiTM attacks with RSA Mobile Lock, RSA Risk AI, and now, RSA Help Desk Live Verify.

RSA Continues Passwordless Innovations

In addition to RSA Help Desk Live Verify, RSA is introducing deep security innovations to strengthen its passwordless offerings:

New RSA Mobile Lock enhancements protect against app tampering, spyware, sideloading, jailbreaking, and AiTM attacks, helping secure passkeys and all authentication methods on both BYOD and managed devices.

Windows Desktop Logon enables new passwordless methods, like QR code scanning and mobile FIDO logon for Windows desktops.

Secure onboarding with ID Verification uses government ID, liveness detection, and Mobile Match to prevent deepfake-based fraud and ensure the person enrolling owns the phone being used.

These solutions are built into RSA ID Plus, the industry's most secure hybrid identity security platform. EIC attendees can meet RSA at Booth 7 to preview these new innovations. They are also invited to join RSA Field CTO International Ingo Schubert at the following presentations:

Clear Skies: What If Suddenly There Is No Cloud? Join Ingo on May 8 at 12:25 pm CEST in B 09 to learn how organizations can build resilience, prevent threats, and meet DORA and NIS2 requirements even if cloud-based multi-factor authentication goes offline.

How to Secure Data in the Cloud Is Encryption Enough? Join Ingo for a panel conversation on May 8 at 12:45 pm CEST in B 09 to learn how encryption, Zero Trust architecture, and AI-driven threat detection can secure data in the cloud.

Resources:

Start your free, 45-day trial of RSA ID Plus today

Download the 2025 RSA ID IQ Report

Download the RSA iShield Key 2 series data sheet for enterprise or government

Download the RSA Risk AI data sheet

Download the RSA Mobile Lock data sheet

Download the RSA My Page ID Verification and Secure enrollment solution brief

About RSA

RSA provides mission-critical cybersecurity solutions that protect the world's most security-sensitive organizations. The RSA Unified Identity Platform provides true passwordless identity security, risk-based access, automated identity intelligence, and comprehensive identity governance across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. More than 9,000 high-security organizations trust RSA to manage more than 60 million identities, detect threats, secure access, and enable compliance. For additional information, visit our website to contact sales, find a partner, or learn more about RSA.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250505380413/en/

Contacts:

teamrsa@axicom.com
Innocan's first fully-granted patent in Mexico

Covers Innocan's proprietary cannabis-based pain relief topical

Indication of Innocan's growing intellectual property portfolio

HERZLIYA, Israel and CALGARY, AB, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTCQB: INNPF) ("Innocan" or the "Company"), a pioneer in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, is pleased to announce that the Mexican patent office has issued a notice of allowance for the Company's patent application covering its proprietary topical pain-relief technology.

This patent covers a groundbreaking formulation comprising the unique blending of cannabidiol with minerals to deliver fast-acting, targeted pain relief. Clinical studies have demonstrated noticeable pain reduction within 20 minutes of application. The approval of this patent represents a major milestone in Innocan's mission to advance next-generation topical therapeutic solutions.

The Mexican allowance adds to previously granted counterpart patents in the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, and complements a growing portfolio of pending applications across various global jurisdictions. This development positions Innocan for early and strategic access to Latin American markets.

"We are very excited about the patent approval of our topical pain relief technology in Mexico," said Iris Bincovich, Chief Executive Officer of Innocan Pharma. Innocan Pharma intends to continue expanding its intellectual property portfolio in other key territories worldwide, reinforcing its leadership in cannabidiol-based wellness innovation.

About Innocan Pharma:

Innocan is an innovator in the pharmaceuticals and wellness sectors. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Innocan developed a CBD-loaded liposome drug delivery platform with exact dosing, prolonged and controlled release of synthetic CBD for non-opioid pain management. In the wellness sector, Innocan develops and markets a wide portfolio of high-performance self-care and beauty products to promote a healthier lifestyle. Under this segment, Innocan focuses on advanced, targeted online sales, through its BI Sky Global Ltd. subsidiary.

www.innocanpharma.com

Contact Information:

For Innocan Pharma Corporation:

Iris Bincovich, CEO

+1 5162104025

+972-54-3012842

+442037699377

info@innocanpharma.com

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information set forth in this news release including, without limitation, the Company's plans to enter into the Latin American market, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions concerning its products, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and satisfactory completion of production and distribution arrangements.

Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: global and local (national) economic, political, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and potential disruption of relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. The Company cannot assure that any patent will issue as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will issue in a form that will be advantageous to the Company. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import/export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner). The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can be found in Innocan's public reports and filings which are available under Innocan's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/innocan-pharma-first-granted-patent-in-mexico-for-its-topical-pain-relief-302446581.html
Mars introduces a global portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital health tools to help pet parents monitor their pets' wellbeing.

Available now, GREENIES Canine Dental Check - the first AI-powered tool that helps pet parents monitor their dog's dental health with just a smartphone photo.

- the first AI-powered tool that helps pet parents monitor their dog's dental health with just a smartphone photo. This portfolio of tools is part of Mars' $1 billion digital investment, driving innovation to transform the pet parent experience and create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

LONDON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, announces the launch of AI- powered tools, enabling pet parents to easily monitor their pets' health. This launch is part of Mars' $1 billion investment in its Pet Nutrition business driving digital innovation, aimed at transforming the pet parent experience.

GREENIES Canine Dental Check, the first of the suite of tools, is available now in the US. This new digital AI tool makes monitoring the appearance of dog's teeth and gums simple - all from a smartphone photo. The tools brings together Mars' iconic and trusted brands and 90 years of science-backed innovation to give pet parents more insights into their pets' health.

Digital-first dental health

80% of dogs suffer from gum disease but most pet parents remain unaware. With 38% of dog parents considering their pets the most important part of their lives and 32% identifying their dog's illness as their greatest source of stress1, empowering pet parents to manage their dog's dental health becomes even more critical. GREENIES Canine Dental Check bridges this gap, making it easy to detect signs of tartar buildup and gum irritation early, helping dogs stay happy and healthy.





Snap a Photo - Take a quick picture of your dog's teeth and gums using your phone.

AI Analysis - The tool scans for signs of tartar buildup and gum irritation in seconds, using an AI model trained on over 53,000 images of dog mouths.

Instant Insights - Pet parents receive easy-to-understand results, along with recommendations on next steps.

Vet-Connected Support - For further guidance, users can consult a Licensed Veterinary Technician via Mars' PETconnect by GREENIES service.

Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition, comments: "For 90 years and counting, Mars has been making pet parenting better and now we're making it easier than ever to monitor and support their pet's health. GREENIESCanine Dental Check is just the beginning. By bringing together our iconic brands, and expertise across our science, diagnostics, veterinary and digital teams, we're providing pet parents with the tools they need to better understand and care for their pets every day.

With the pet care market anticipated to expand by 45% through to 20301 and pet parents expecting more digital experiences, today's launch signals an important step to ensuring Mars is not only meeting the current expectations of pet parents but also anticipating future needs. Mars plans to expand its digital health portfolio throughout 2025 to offer tools that provide real time insights into overall wellbeing, all at the click of a button including IAMS Poopscan, an AI-powered tool designed to analyze a dog's feces and monitor stool consistency, which may provide insights into their digestion and health.

Mars is a global leader in pet care, spanning comprehensive veterinary care (including: AniCura, BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, Linnaeus and VCA), nutrition (including PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, and WHISKAS), breakthrough programs in veterinary diagnostics?(ANTECH), wearable health monitoring and pet parent platforms. With over 100,000 Associates helping pets, their owners and pet professionals in more than 130 countries.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M's, SNICKERS and BEN'S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business?ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles-Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom-inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.?

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.?

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mars-puts-pet-health-in-pet-parents-hands-with-new-artificial-intelligence-powered-tools-302445084.html
Boditech Med and SphingoTec announce the launch of the AFIAS sphingotest penKid assay, a diagnostic tool designed to aid in kidney function assessment for critically ill patients.

The IVDR-marked assay provides quantitative measurements of Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), supporting clinical decision-making in acute and critical care.

This launch follows a licensing agreement granting Boditech the rights to develop and commercialize penKid-based assays, as well as a market development agreement between the two companies.

Boditech Med Inc. ("Boditech") and SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec") today announced the commercial launch of the AFIAS sphingotest penKid assay. The assay is designed to provide clinicians with a tool for assessing kidney function in critically ill patients by measuring Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker that reflects real-time kidney function independently of inflammation or comorbidities.

The AFIAS sphingotest penKid assay is IVDR-marked for its intended use as an automated fluorescence immunoassay for the in vitro diagnostic quantitative determination of Proenkephalin A 119-159 in human whole blood/plasma, serving as an aid in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in adult patients with sepsis or septic shock. It provides additional information to support clinical decision-making in managing critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This launch is the result of a strategic collaboration between Boditech and SphingoTec, including a licensing agreement granting Boditech the rights to develop and commercialize penKid-based assays on its diagnostic platforms, as well as a market development agreement aimed at accelerating global commercialization efforts.

Eui-Yul Choi, CEO of Boditech Med, commented: "We are proud to introduce the AFIAS sphingotest penKid assay to clinicians worldwide. This launch reflects our commitment to delivering innovative diagnostic solutions that address critical needs in healthcare. Our collaboration with SphingoTec has been instrumental in bringing this important tool to market."

Deborah Bergmann, CEO of SphingoTec, added: "The launch of AFIAS sphingotest penKid demonstrates how partnerships can drive innovation and improve access to advanced diagnostics. By combining our biomarker expertise with Boditech's diagnostic capabilities, we are reaching a new chapter in our collaboration. We are streamlining our processes to support the business of our license partners and further expand our global reach. This enables us to provide clinicians with essential tools to enhance patient care."

Scientific insights on penKid

PenKid is a biomarker that enables real-time assessment of kidney function (1). Unlike traditional markers such as serum creatinine, penKid levels are not influenced by inflammation or other confounding factors like age or sex (1,2,3). Studies have shown that penKid allows earlier detection of acute kidney injury (AKI), predicting changes in serum creatinine up to 48 hours before conventional diagnostic criteria are met (1,3). This early detection capability is particularly valuable in critically ill patients, including those with sepsis or septic shock (1,3,4). Additionally, penKid has shown potential for monitoring renal recovery under dialysis and could help predict successful weaning from renal replacement therapy (5,6).

##

References

Hollinger A, et.al. Proenkephalin A 119-159 (Penkid) Is an Early Biomarker of Septic Acute Kidney Injury: The Kidney in Sepsis and Septic Shock (Kid-SSS) Study . Kidney Int Rep. 2018 Aug 22;3(6):1424-1433. doi: 10.1016/j.ekir.2018.08.006. Beunders et al. Assessing GFR With Proenkephalin, Kidney International Reports, 2023, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2023.08.006 Caironi et al., Circulating proenkephalin, acute kidney injury, and its improvement in patients with severe sepsis or shock. Clin Chem (2018) DOI:10.1373/clinchem.2018.288068 Moledina DG. Penkid: A Novel Biomarker of Reduced GFR in Sepsis . Kidney Int Rep. 2018 Nov 15;4(1):17-19. doi: 10.1016/j.ekir.2018.11.002. von Groote T et al. Proenkephalin A 119-159 predicts early and successful liberation from renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a post hoc analysis of the ELAIN trial . Crit Care 26, 333 (2022). doi.org/10.1186/s13054-022-04217-4 von Groote T, et al. Evaluation of Proenkephalin A 119-159 for liberation from renal replacement therapy: an external, multicenter pilot study in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Crit Care. 2023 Jul 10;27(1):276. doi: 10.1186/s13054-023-04556-w.

About Boditech

Boditech Med (based in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea) is a leading company in the field of point-of-care diagnostics, which has accumulated 25 years of business expertise in the field. The company has more than 80 types of in vitro diagnostic products that detect biomarkers related to infectious diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and hormone-related diseases with its immunofluorescence lateral flow technology, quantitative immunofluorescence technology and spectrophotometric technology. And the list continues to grow with new high-value-added products. With its instrument platform installed in more than 120 countries, the company also has a stable revenue model. The company is currently strengthening its value as a global company by expanding its manufacturing bases in the US, China, India, and Indonesia.

About SphingoTec

SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec" Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) is a diagnostic company focusing on the out-licensing of innovative critical care biomarkers for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring acute medical conditions. SphingoTec develops its biomarkers to the commercial stage and partners with IVD companies to make them available on different IVD platforms. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid), a biomarker for the assessment of kidney function in critical diseases, commercially available on diagnostic platforms AFIAS and Nexus IB10 and bioactive Adrenomedullin 1-52 (bio-ADM), a biomarker for the assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis. Discover more on www.sphingotec.com

Contact:

Ruxandra Lenz

Head of Marketing and Communication

SphingoTec GmbH

Phone +49-3302-20565-0

Email: press@sphingotec.com

SOURCE: SphingoTec GmbH

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/boditech-med-and-sphingotec-announce-launch-of-afias-penkidr-assay-fo-1023959
Operational expansion accelerates global distribution capability to increase regional access and technical support

Multiple partnerships establish direct distribution channels in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Israel

Nuclera, the biotechnology company accelerating protein expression and optimization through its benchtop eProtein Discovery System, today announced that it has established a distribution network across APAC and the Middle East. Marking a key milestone in the Company's global commercial strategy, the expansion establishes new regional distribution networks, providing localized technical support for customers in these key markets.

In response to the rapidly growing demand for its innovative eProtein Discovery System, Nuclera has formed partnerships with seven channel partners: MineBio Life Sciences Ltd (China), Kiko Tech Co.,Ltd (Japan), CHAYON Laboratories, Inc. (South Korea), Sciencewerke Pte Ltd (Singapore), Cold Spring Biotech (Taiwan) and Yair Or Technologies Ltd (Israel). These new partnerships follow the recent expansion of the eProtein Discovery System, which now enables discovery of both membrane and soluble proteins1

Proteins represent 95% of drug targets designed to combat disease2 therefore developing reliable and efficient methods to identify how to express soluble and active proteins of interest is a crucial aspect of the drug discovery process. Researchers are realizing the value of systems, such as eProtein Discovery, that streamline protein production and enable rapid, scalable access to high-quality proteins, across cell-free and cell-based expression methods.

"Expanding into APAC and the Middle East, in response to growing global demand, demonstrates the potential of eProtein Discovery to revolutionize the way proteins are made," Said Dr Michael Chen, CEO and co-founder, Nuclera. "Testament to the growing demand are installations of eProtein Discovery at leading pharma and academic institutions and the first installation of our System within a CRO. We have partnered with established partners across key markets to enable specialized local support for our customers, enabling them to make proteins for drug discovery more efficiently and effectively."

Joseph Bertelsen, CCO, Nuclera, commented: "We are excited to have extended our reach to the Middle East and Asia through partnering with key distributors Yair Or Technologies, Minebio, Chayon Laboratories, Kiko-Tech, ScienceWerke, and Cold Spring Biotech. Establishing these distribution channels supports our goal of global expansion and comes at a pivotal time for the Company as we are focused on ramping-up commercially following the successful close of our series C fundraising round."

Nuclera Expands eProtein Discovery with New Membrane Protein Workflow A comprehensive map of molecular drug targets

For more information about Nuclera's eProtein Discovery System, please visit: https://www.nuclera.com/system/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506151467/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Dr Ben Rutter

Zyme Communications

Tel: +44(0)7920 770 935

Email: ben.rutter@zymecommunications.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MemryX Inc., a leading provider of AI accelerators for edge devices, has joined the National Semiconductor Hub (NSH) of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership brings increased development and customer support within Saudi Arabia, expanding MemryX development engineering and customer reach across the Middle East.

The NSH was launched less than one year ago to bring in fabless semiconductor development to support the ambitious Vision 2030 project. The Kingdom is currently driving innovation on mass scale prioritizing innovation, technology, and sustainability. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a critical pillar for this modernization, providing residents improved safety, security, convenience, and real-time information.

"We are excited to welcome MemryX to the National Semiconductor Hub and recognize their unique value in empowering the next generation of AI developers," said Dr. Naveed Sherwani, Chairman of the NSH. "Their commitment to accelerating the deployment of Edge AI using a very accessible and scalable platform aligns closely with our vision of fostering a vibrant, innovation-driven talent ecosystem in the Kingdom."

MemryX's growth in the Kingdom is also supported by strategic investors including NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), whose backing enables the development of frontier technologies critical to powering NEOM's next-generation digital infrastructure.

"Our investment in MemryX marks another pivotal step toward realizing NEOM's vision of an AI-native, energy-efficient future. It also reflects our commitment to backing transformative, next-generation technologies that will define the next era of intelligent digital infrastructure. Through our partnership with MemryX, a stellar fabless innovator - we're accelerating the deployment of advanced computing at scale while laying the groundwork for a new digital economy," said Majid Mufti, CEO of NIF.

"Saudi Arabia is making unprecedented investment on an unprecedented scale and brings immense opportunity for the development and proliferation of Edge AI. We are excited to play a key role in the ambitious plans for Vision 2030. As a key partner of the NSH, we look forward to growing our development teams and product scale in the Kingdom," said Keith Kressin, CEO of MemryX.

MemryX employees based in Riyadh will be key contributors to developing leading AI technologies. They will also support MemryX intention to be a key supplier of AI semiconductors and software for the Kingdom's technology growth. MemryX is currently hiring critical talent for multiple open positions in Riyadh including chip designers, software developers, and customer support.

MemryX is committed to accelerating the mass adoption of Edge AI by delivering scalable, high-performance solutions enhancing everyday life across multiple industries. As it deepens its engagement with Saudi Arabia's growing tech ecosystem, MemryX will enable local partners to develop competitive AI applications while fostering talent development and technology advancements. With the launch of its new Riyadh office, MemryX is taking a pivotal step toward helping create an exciting future in the Kingdom powered by advanced AI technology.

About MemryX Inc.

MemryX Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company that designs edge AI processing solutions powered by a proprietary compute-at-memory technology and dataflow architecture. By combining high performance and accuracy with low system power, MemryX solutions cater to various industries, including transportation, IoT, and a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

Media Contact:

Roger Peene

Email: roger.peene@memryx.com

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Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

Notification of transactions by directors, persons discharging managerial

responsibilities and persons closely associated with them

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

*****

Guernsey, 2 May 2025

Pursuant to the announcements made on 5 April 2019 and 26 June 2020 relating to changes to the payment of directors fees, Volta Finance Limited (the "Company" or "Volta") has purchased 3,307 ordinary shares of no par value in the Company ("Ordinary Shares") at an average price of 6.18 per share.

Each director receives 30% of their Director's fees for any year in the form of shares, which they are required to retain for a period of no less than one year from their respective date of issue.

The shares will be issued to the Directors, who for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on Market Abuse ("MAR") are "persons discharging managerial responsibilities" (a "PDMR").

Dagmar Kershaw, Chairman and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 1,018 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Ms Kershaw will have an interest in 34,903 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.09% of the issued shares of the Company;





Stephen Le Page, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR, acquired 712 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mr Le Page will have an interest in 52,707 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.14% of the issued shares of the Company;





Yedau Ogoundele, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 712 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Ogoundele will have an interest in 9,007 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.02% of the issued shares of the Company; and





Joanne Peacegood, Director and a PDMR for the purposes of MAR acquired 865 additional Ordinary Shares in the Company. Following the settlement of this transaction, Mrs Peacegood will have an interest in 6,110 Ordinary Shares, representing 0.01% of the issued shares of the Company;





The notifications below, made in accordance with the requirements of MAR, provide further detail in relation to the above transactions:

Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Dagmar Kershaw

CHAIRMAN & DIRECTOR b) Stephen Le Page

DIRECTOR c) Yedau Ogoundele

DIRECTOR d) Joanne Peacegood

DIRECTOR Reason for the notification a. Position/status Director b. Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a. Name Volta Finance Limited b. LEI 2138004N6QDNAZ2V3W80 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a. Description of financial instrument, type of instrument Ordinary Shares





b. Identification code GG00B1GHHH78 c. Nature of the transaction





Purchase and allocation of Ordinary Shares relation to the part-payment of Directors' fees for the quarter ended 30 April 2025. d. Price(s) 6.18 per share e. Volume(s) Total: 3,307 f. Date of transaction 2 May 2025 g. Place of transaction On-market - London Aggregate Purchase Information a)

Dagmar Kershaw

Chairman and Director b)

Stephen Le Page

Director

c)

Yedau Ogoundele

Director d)

Joanne Peacegood

Director Aggr. Volume:

1,018









Price:

6.18 per share Aggr. Volume:

712









Price:

6.18per share

Aggr. Volume:

712









Price:

6.18 per share Aggr. Volume:

865









Price:

6.18 per share







CONTACTS

For the Investment Manager

AXA Investment Managers Paris

Francois Touati

francois.touati@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

Olivier Pons

Olivier.pons@axa-im.com

+33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

Company Secretary and Administrator

BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch

guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com

+44 (0) 1481 750 853

Corporate Broker

Cavendish Securities plc

Andrew Worne

Daniel Balabanoff

+44 (0) 20 7397 8900

*****

ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange's Main Market for listed securities. Volta's home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

Volta's Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO's and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

*****

ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS

AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,800 professionals and 859 billion in assets under management as of the end of June 2024.

*****

This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris ("AXA IM"), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the "AIFM Directive") of Volta Finance Limited (the "Volta Finance") whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are "U.S. persons" for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

*****

This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

*****

This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "anticipated", "expects", "intends", "is/are expected", "may", "will" or "should". They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance's investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance's actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM's belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide - 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorite des Marches Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

*****
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated September 6, 2024, Riverside's wholly-owned subsidiary, RRM Exploracion, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. (the "Vendor") has entered into a definitive option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Questcorp Mining Inc. ("Questcorp") dated May 5, 2025, for the 2,520.2 hectare La Union carbonate replacement gold- polymetallic project (the "Project" or "La Union") located in Sonora, Mexico (the "Transaction").

"We are thrilled to finalize this agreement for the La Union Project, which is a strong asset in Riverside's portfolio. Securing up to C$5,500,000 in exploration funding from Questcorp is an excellent step forward in advancing this larger Carbonate Replacement Deposit ("CRD") project," said John-Mark Staude, CEO of Riverside Resources. "Riverside is pleased to have the updated NI 43-101 Technical Report completed and we see an active exploration program launching in the coming weeks with Riverside as the Operator of the exploration program. Riverside is expected to become a shareholder of Questcorp with an initial 9.9% equity interest, subject to final approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange or confirmation that such approval is not required. The first-year work program of C$1,000,000 in exploration expenditures will launch the first round of exploration at the project."

The La Union Project

The Project is summarized on the Riverside website and is a project that Riverside acquired and further consolidated additional inlier mineral claims. The Project initially identified from Riverside's work in the western Sonora gold belt through work with AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Centerra Gold Inc., and Hochshild Mining Plc, among others as partners and funding relationships for gold exploration. Initial work by members of the Riverside team, drawing on more than two decades of geological compilation and analysis, identified this region as highly prospective. At the Project, historical mining by the Penoles Mining Company focused on chimney and manto replacement bodies within the upper oxide zones. As a result, the underlying sulfide zones present immediate drill targets for further exploration.

Riverside has spent the past five years consolidating this highly prospective land package, which totals over 22 square kilometers. The Project features favorable limestone host rocks, an extensive alteration footprint, and multiple small-scale historical workings, providing more than eight drill-ready target areas. Key immediate targets include the central Union Mine and the nearby Famosa Mine. With drive-up access, private ranch surface rights, and strong geologic similarities to other major CRDs in Arizona and eastern Mexico, La Union is well positioned for near-term exploration success targeting both oxide and deeper sulfide mineralization.

The Option Agreement

In accordance with the terms of the Transaction, Questcorp can acquire a one-hundred percent (100%) interest in the Project in consideration for completion of a series of cash payments totaling $100,000 CAD, making staged issuances of common shares of Questcorp totaling 19.9%, and incurring $5,500,000 CAD of exploration expenditures on the Project as outlined immediately below:

Deadline Cash Payment Share Issuance Exploration Expenditures Within two (2) business days of the date of the Option Agreement $25,000 N/A N/A On the Effective Date(1) N/A 9.9%(2) N/A On or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date N/A 14.9%(2)(3) $1,000,000 On or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,250,000 On or before the third anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,500,000 On or before the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,750,000 Total $100,000 19.9%(2)(3) $5,500,000 Notes: "Effective Date" means the date on which Questcorp delivers to the Vendor a copy of the written approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement. Issuable within the fifth business day after the applicable date. Expressed as a cumulative total percentage of the undiluted issued and outstanding common shares of Questcorp as of the applicable payment date, and assuming Riverside has not previously disposed of any common shares.

During the term of the Option Agreement, Riverside, through the Vendor, will remain the program operator for the Project using its local team based in Hermosillo, Sonora. Following exercise of the option under the Option Agreement, Questcorp will grant Riverside a two-and-one half percent (2.5%) net smelter return royalty on commercial production from the Project.

Figure 1. Geologic map with the tenure of the Union internal concession shown in pink. Manto and chimney type CRD targets are shown as red polygons. Riverside now controls all mineral tenures on this map.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/250896_df59d6431499eba6_002full.jpg

Figure 2. Cross section looking west with proposed drill sites and drillhole traces. Assays from Riverside's sampling of rock dump materials from the two mine areas are labeled in black. Red areas are interpreted as manto and chimney target bodies that are now well defined and drill ready. Assays shown on figures 1 and 2 have been previously released and disclosed as summarized below the geochemical QA/QC.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/250896_df59d6431499eba6_003full.jpg

Qualified Person & QA/QC:

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Project was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, VP Exploration, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources Inc., who is responsible for ensuring that the information provided in this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Rock samples from previous exploration programs discussed above at the Project were taken to the Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for fire assaying for gold. The rejects remained with Bureau Veritas in Mexico while the pulps were transported to Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada for 45 element ICP/ES-MS analysis using 4-acid digestion methods. A QA/QC program was implemented as part of the sampling procedures for the exploration program. Standards were randomly inserted into the sample stream prior to being sent to the laboratory.

About Riverside Resources Inc.:

Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $4M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com.

ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.

"John-Mark Staude"



Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO

For additional information contact:

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplates, or at all, availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250896

SOURCE: Riverside Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated September 6, 2024, it has entered into a definitive option agreement (the "Option Agreement") for the 2,520.2 hectare La Union carbonate replacement project located in Sonora, Mexico (the "Project" or "La Union") with Riverside Resources Inc. ("Riverside") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, RRM Exploracion, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. (the "Vendor") dated May 5, 2025 (the "Transaction"). The Company has also completed and filed on SEDAR+ the La Union Technical Report (the "Report") in support of the Transaction (as defined below).

"Having entered into the Option Agreement and completed this 43-101 Technical Report is an important accomplishment towards our goal of advancing the Project and working our way to earning up to 100% of this drill-ready property in a highly active region with multiple known deposits, major players and mines in production!" commented Questcorp President & CEO, Saf Dhillon. "John-Mark Staude and the Riverside technical team have been doing an exceptional job in consolidating the group of claims that now make up the Project and we look forward to working with them in completing the conditions for 100% ownership of the Project," he continued.

President & CEO of Riverside, John-Mark Staude, stated, "We are excited to work with Questcorp to carry out further exploration work on La Union's multiple targets we have worked up through extensive field activity. Riverside has consolidated the mineral tenure into an aggregated district play and worked with surface owners to obtain access and set up the project for immediate advancement."

The La Union Project

La Union is a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") project hosted by Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane. The structural setting features high-angle normal faults and low-to-medium-angle thrust faults that sometimes served as mineralization conduits. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides, consistent with a CRD model (see the Report available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile). These targets also demonstrate intriguing potential for large gold discoveries potentially above an even larger porphyry Cu district potential as the Company's target concept at this time.

Questcorp cautions investors, grab samples are selective by nature and not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the property.

Julian Manco, P.Geo. (BC), the author of the Report (the "QP"), concluded exploration work carried out by Riverside on the Project identified five zones with gold and base metals mineralization at Union, La Union Norte, El Cobre, El Creston, and La Famosa. He noted these zones define three main target areas: Union, North Famosa, and Famosa, where replacement and manto and chimney structures in the limestones exhibit polymetallic chemical signatures consistent with carbonate replacement deposits. Further he noted, although gold grades are usually low in CRD systems, the high grades of gold observed in the Project area may be interpreted in part as remobilization or interaction with gold-bearing structures that are common in this area and in general are the main target for the Orogenic Gold systems exploited in the Caborca region.

Mr. Manco concluded these target zones have the potential for the discovery of bulk mineable gold and polymetallic deposits and further exploration by drilling is warranted to test their economic potential. In addition, further reconnaissance exploration is required to carry out reconnaissance exploration and follow up on other copper, and gold anomalies that occur between these two targets. He also noted the possibility La Union mineralization may be related to Laramide-age magmatism suggesting a potential for a porphyry copper deposit potential.

The QP recommends a phase I exploration program of detailed structural mapping and sampling, ground magnetics, 3D inversion modeling of magnetic data, geochemical sampling and UV lamp surveys, followed by a phase II drilling program.

The Option Agreement

In accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company may acquire a one-hundred percent (100%) interest in the Project by completing a series of cash payments totaling $100,000 CAD, making staged issuances of common shares of the Company totaling 19.9%, and incurring $5,500,000 CAD of exploration expenditures on the Project as outlined immediately below (the "Option Conditions"):

Deadline Cash Payment

(CAD) Share

Issuance Exploration

Expenditures

(CAD) Within two (2) business days of the date of the Option Agreement $25,000 N/A N/A On the Effective Date(1) N/A 9.9%(2) N/A On or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date N/A 14.9%(2)(3) $1,000,000 On or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,250,000 On or before the third anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,500,000 On or before the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,750,000 Total $100,000 19.9%(2)(3) $5,500,000

Notes:

"Effective Date" means the date on which the Company delivers to the Vendor a copy of the written approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement. Issuable within the fifth business day after the applicable date. Expressed as a cumulative total percentage of the undiluted issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the applicable payment date, and assuming Riverside has not previously disposed of any common shares.

During the term of the Option Agreement, the Vendor will remain the program operator for the Project using its local team based in Hermosillo, Sonora. Following exercise of the option under the Option Agreement, the Company will grant the Vendor a two-and-one half percent (2.5%) net smelter returns royalty on commercial production from the Project.

No finders' fees or commissions are payable in connection with the Transaction. No changes to the board or management of the Company are contemplated in connection with the Transaction.

Readers are cautioned that the Option Agreement does not bind the Company to complete the Transaction. Completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of any required regulatory, shareholder and third-party consents, approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, satisfaction of the Option Conditions, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained and the foregoing conditions, including the Option Conditions, are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. For further information concerning the Transaction, including the Option Agreement, readers are encouraged to review the Report and the Option Agreement which have been filed under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), a Director of Questcorp and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company's secondary objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metals properties of merit.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the terms and conditions of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to complete the Transaction as contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to satisfy the Option Conditions as contemplated or at all, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed on the terms contemplated above or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250901

SOURCE: Questcorp Mining Inc.
Key Highlights

Bunker Hill winter drilling program concluded : Drilled combined total of 5,067 metres of diamond and reverse circulation ("RC") drilling completed.

: Drilled combined total of 5,067 metres of diamond and reverse circulation ("RC") drilling completed. RC drill program completed 147 holes: Shallow drill holes drilled at Bunker Hill to collect base-of-till ("BOT") and bottom-of-hole ("BOH") samples to detect gold in basement. BOT results are pending.

Shallow drill holes drilled at Bunker Hill to collect base-of-till ("BOT") and bottom-of-hole ("BOH") samples to detect gold in basement. BOT results are pending. Bedrock gold discovered on a major structure: RC drill hole CRC0284 reported an average of 417 ppb gold over six metres with a peak gold value of 893 ppb gold, silver value of 3.7 g/t and lead of 0.92% on the Branch Fault, a major structure splaying off the Cape Ray Shear Zone ("CRSZ"), and five kilometres along strike from a historic 18 g/t gold outcropping sample.

RC drill hole CRC0284 reported an average of 417 ppb gold over six metres with a peak gold value of 893 ppb gold, silver value of 3.7 g/t and lead of 0.92% on the Branch Fault, a major structure splaying off the Cape Ray Shear Zone ("CRSZ"), and five kilometres along strike from a historic 18 g/t gold outcropping sample. Proven BOH drilling methodology: Widely used in Australia and Scandinavia, this approach has been instrumental in the discovery of several major gold deposits, with early-stage results typically ranging from 10 ppb to 2,000 ppb gold (see Table 1).

Widely used in Australia and Scandinavia, this approach has been instrumental in the discovery of several major gold deposits, with early-stage results typically ranging from 10 ppb to 2,000 ppb gold (see Table 1). Multiple bedrock samples received: Three additional RC holes returned bedrock anomalism of 219 ppb (CRC0216), 160 ppb (CRC0273) and 129 ppb (CRC0215) gold.

Three additional RC holes returned bedrock anomalism of 219 ppb (CRC0216), 160 ppb (CRC0273) and 129 ppb (CRC0215) gold. Diamond drilling resumes in June: Planning 5,000 metres of drilling at the Cape Ray Project beginning in June 2025 and an additional 5,000 metres planned for Bunker Hill beginning in mid-year.

Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) ("AuMEGA" or "the Company") is pleased to report assay results from the BOH phase of its winter RC and diamond drill program at the Bunker Hill Project, located along the CRSZ in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ("Newfoundland").

A total of 147 RC holes were drilled across a key area between the Nitty Gritty and Bunker Hill West targets (refer Figure 1). Assays for BOT samples and diamond drilling from the winter campaign remain pending.

AuMEGA Metal's Managing Director and CEO, Sam Pazuki commented

"We are highly encouraged by the results from our winter RC program. While bottom-of-hole and basal-till drilling are rarely applied in Canada, they are proven exploration methods in major mining jurisdictions like Australia and Finland, where they've led to significant gold discoveries beneath cover.

Our standout result came from hole CRC284, drilled directly into the Branch Fault, a major structure off the Cape Ray-Valentine Lake Shear Zone. This shallow hole intersected several metres of finely disseminated galena, a key pathfinder for gold at both Cape Ray and Bunker Hill West. Notably, this structure is also the site of a historic 18.7 g/t gold outcrop, reinforcing its prospectivity. The assays confirm that gold is associated with the galena in CRC284, making it the strongest BOH result the Company has drilled to date.

Following visual inspection, we mobilised a diamond rig and completed two follow-up holes, including one that intersected the Branch Fault at depth. We are awaiting assay results on these two holes as well as the other diamond drill holes and base-of-till samples.

Looking ahead, we plan to resume fieldwork in mid-May at Cape Ray, followed by a 5,000-metre diamond drill program starting in June. This campaign will include step-out drilling from existing resources and testing new targets several kilometres from known deposits. In mid-July, we'll return to Bunker Hill for Heli-supported diamond drilling at Bunker Hill West, along with follow-up work at Nitty Gritty and other high-priority targets."

Figure 1: AuMEGA Metals Bunker Hill Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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RC BOH and BOT Exploration Methodology

Reconnaissance-style BOH and BOT RC drilling is a highly effective exploration technique for rapidly screening large, overburden-covered areas. Shallow, grid-pattern drilling targets till and top-of-bedrock samples to pinpoint gold and pathfinder anomalies. While rarely used in Canada, this method mirrors successful Australian rotary air blast ("RAB") and Aircore BOH programs, as well as Scandinavian BOT campaigns - techniques that have driven major discoveries globally (see Table 1).

Table 1: Examples of discoveries made through BOH and BOT programs

PROJECT OWNER TYPE OF BOH / BOT DRILLING INITIAL RESULTS DEPOSIT SIZE Ikkari Rupert Resources

RC Drilling 0.2 ppm gold + 4 Moz gold Gruyere Gold Road / Gold Fields RAB & Aircore Drilling 10 to 100 ppb gold 8 - 10 Moz gold Hemi De Grey Mining Aircore Drilling 2000 ppb gold 10 Moz gold Tropicana Anglo Ashanti

Aircore / RC Drilling 200 to 2000 ppb gold 8 - 10 Moz gold Invincible Gold Fields

Aircore / RC Drilling 10 ppb gold >5 Moz gold

Bunker Hill Winter Drill Program Overview

During the 2025 winter program at Bunker Hill, AuMEGA completed 147 RC holes totaling 1,390 metres. The program focused on drilling through glacial cover to sample both the lowermost till and uppermost bedrock. Drillholes were spaced 50 metres apart along 1,200-metre-spaced lines, with an average hole depth of 10 metres and the deepest hole reaching 32 metres. The average till thickness is approximately three metres.

Drilling targeted the central corridor of the Bunker Hill Project, between the Nitty Gritty and Bunker Hill West targets (refer Figure 2), an area underlain by several high-potential structures identified in geophysics and near historic base metal anomalies in overburden samples1.

Figure 2: Bunker Hill Drill Program Overview

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RC Drilling Returns Strong Gold and Base Metal Anomalies at Bunker Hill

The RC BOH program at Bunker Hill returned multiple anomalous gold intervals, considered significant for this early-stage style of exploration. All BOH assay results have been received, with results from the BOT samples pending.

A standout result came from hole CRC0284, which returned a weighted average of 417 ppb gold over six metres from two metres downhole, with mineralisation starting at the overburden-bedrock interface (refer Figure 3). The drill hole was consistently mineralised with fine disseminated galena, considered a key pathfinder for gold on the CRSZ.

Notable intervals from CRC0284 include:

2 to 3 metres: 789 ppb Au, 0.72 g/t Ag, 0.27% Pb, 0.23% Zn

3 to 4 metres: 246 ppb Au, 1.23 g/t Ag, 0.18% Pb

4 to 5 metres: 374 ppb Au, 2.43 g/t Ag, 0.51% Pb, 0.49% Zn

5 to 6 metres: 49 ppb Au, 1.21 g/t Ag, 0.46% Pb, 0.41% Zn

6 to7 metres: 191 ppb Au, 0.84 g/t Ag, 0.30% Pb, 0.28% Zn

7 to 8 metres: 853 ppb Au, 3.71 g/t Ag, 0.93% Pb, 0.31% Zn

Comparing these results to the initial results illustrated in Table 1, demonstrates the significance of the BOH results from the Company's winter BOH RC drill program.

Figure 3: CRC0284 RC Chip Samples

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CRC0284 was drilled into the Branch Fault and is located just five kilometres from a historic outcrop sample grading 18.7 g/t gold, also associated with galena. Visual inspection of RC chips confirmed quartz veining and base metal sulphides hosted in felsic granite2, consistent with previous discoveries at Bunker Hill West (see Figure 4).

Following these results, the Company mobilized a diamond drill rig to test the structure at depth, completing two follow-up diamond holes below CRC284 (see Figure 4). Assay results from these diamond holes are pending.

Figure 4: Cross Section of CRC284 and Diamond Drill traces (Assays Pending)

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Other Anomalous Samples

In addition to CRC0284, three other RC holes returned significant gold anomalism. Notably, CRC0215, CRC0216, and CRC0273 intersected 219ppb, 129ppb, and 160ppb gold respectively in bedrock along a splay structure off the CRSZ, located between a gabbroic unit to the north and the Billard's sedimentary formation to the south (refer Figure 5). This setting is a strong rheological structure that is conducive for hosting mineralised systems. An example of this is on the CRSZ at the Company's high-grade Isle aux Morts deposit where it is hosted in similar sediments on the contact with a gabbro3.

Figure 5: RC Results Overview and Bunker Hill West Target Area

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Diamond Drilling Update

AuMEGA completed 14 diamond drill holes totalling 3,670 metres as part of its winter program (refer Figure 2). Five drill holes targeted the Nitty Gritty area, while other holes were drilled along the corridor between Nitty Gritty and Bunker Hill West, including follow-ups to encouraging RC rock chip visuals - most notably, CRC0284, which returned a significant BOH gold anomaly.

To date, samples for five diamond drill holes have been received by the laboratory for assay, including CRD397, which tested the Branch Fault directly beneath CRC0284. Remaining diamond drill holes are being logged and processed and samples submittal to the laboratory is ongoing.

Assay results for all submitted diamond drill holes are pending.

Next Steps

While AuMEGA is finalising delivery of remaining core samples and awaiting final results, exploration field work is set to resume at the Cape Ray Project in mid-May 2025. The Company will also be completing an airborne electromagnetic survey over the Cape Ray Project from the Isle Aux Morts zone to Cape Ray West. In June, the Company expects to begin a 5,000-metre diamond drill program at Cape Ray.

The Company will continue to evaluate results from the winter drill program to refine targets for the next phase of exploration at Bunker Hill, which is expected to resume in mid-July. Initial drilling focus will be on Bunker Hill West, with additional drilling and ground-based exploration planned across the broader project area.

With C$13.1 million in cash reported at the end of the first quarter of 20254, the Company is fully funded to complete its planned, major 2025 exploration program.

< END >

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Company's Board of Directors.

This release aligns with the requirements of the National Instrument 43-101. A JORC Table 1 is not required under National Instrument 43-101. The Company has included a JORC Table 1 in the ASX version of the news release which can be found on the ASX website at www.asx.com.au or AuMEGA Metal's website at www.aumegametals.com.

About the Company

AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) is utilising best-in-class exploration to explore on its district scale land package that spans 110 kilometers along the Cape Ray Shear Zone, a significant under-explored geological feature recognised as Newfoundland, Canada's largest identified gold structure. This zone currently hosts Calibre Mining's Valentine Gold Project, which is the region's largest gold deposit (+5 million ounces), along with AuMEGA's expanding Mineral Resource.

The Company is supported by a diverse shareholder registry of prominent global institutional investors, and strategic investment from B2Gold Corp, a leading, multi-million-ounce a year gold producer.

Additionally, AuMEGA holds a 27-kilometre stretch of the highly prospective Hermitage Flexure and has also secured an Option Agreement for the Blue Cove Copper Project in southeastern Newfoundland, which exhibits strong potential for copper and other base metals.

AuMEGA's Cape Ray Shear Zone hosts several dozen high potential targets along with its existing defined gold Mineral Resource of 6.1 million tonnes of ore grading an average of 2.25 g/t, totaling 450,000 ounces of Indicated Resources, and 3.4 million tonnes of ore grading an average of 1.44 g/t, totaling 160,000 ounces in Inferred Resources5.

AuMEGA acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Reference to Previous Announcements

In relation to this news release, all data used to assess targets have been previously disclosed by the Company and referenced in previous JORC Table 1 releases. Please see announcements dated: Mineral Resource estimate announced on 30 May 2023, Bunker Hill announcements on 28 April 2025, 10 April 2025, 25 February 2025, 22 January 2025, 25 November 2024, 15 October 2024, 24 September 2024, 6 April 2023, 22 March 2023,14 April 2021 and 29 October 2020.

In relation to the Mineral Resource estimate announced on 30 May 2023, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

Competent Person's Statements

The information contained in this announcement that relates to exploration results is based upon information reviewed by Mr. Rick Greenwood, P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration for AuMEGA Metals. Mr. Greenwood is a Member of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012. Mr. Greenwood consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based upon the information in the form and context in which it appears. to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based upon the information in the form and context in which it appears.

1 Refer to news release dated 22 January 2025

2 Refer to news release dated 22 March 2023

3 Refer to ASX release 30 May 2023

4 News release dated 28 April 2025

5 ASX Announcement 30 May 2023

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250945

SOURCE: AuMEGA Metals Ltd.
James Keith Brown, Kris Haber, and Carsten Stendevad join Vertical's Board of Directors

New directors bring business development expertise, a deep understanding of capital markets, and experience scaling growth-stage companies

Appointments build on recent steps to strengthen Vertical's Board as the company seeks to capitalise on its recent progress and accelerates towards certification and commercialisation

Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announce the appointment of three highly-accomplished executives to its Board. The new Board members will support driving Vertical's financial and commercial strategy, as Vertical targets cash break-even in 2030 with a clear path to profitability thereafter.

The new Board members are James Keith (JK) Brown, Kris Haber, and Carsten Stendevad. These appointments are effective as of 30 April 2025 in the case of Mr. Haber, and 14 May 2025 in the case of Mr. Brown and Mr. Stendevad.

Domhnal Slattery, Chairman at Vertical Aerospace, said: "I am delighted to welcome JK, Kris, and Carsten to Vertical's Board. Combined, they bring decades of deep capital markets expertise, business development experience and proven track records scaling growth-stage companies. 2025 is on track to be a pivotal year for Vertical as we complete our piloted test flight program and move closer to certifying and producing the safest, most comfortable eVTOL on the market."

James Keith (JK) Brown is a seasoned investment executive with a proven track record of supporting growth-stage firms scale and reach market readiness. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at Thrive Capital. Mr. Brown was a founding partner at Och-Ziff Capital Management, where he played a central role in taking the firm public in 2007, expanding assets under management from $32bn at the time of the IPO to a peak of $50bn, and overseeing global investor relations and fund strategy. He was also Senior Managing Partner and Head of Operating Committee at Coatue Management, growing assets there from $10bn to over $50bn and previously Managing Director and Head of U.S. Institutional Sales and Relationship Management at Goldman Sachs. He serves as President of the Board of Trustees at the New Museum of Contemporary Art and holds leadership roles across several cultural and educational institutions, including the Lincoln Center Theater and the University of North Carolina.

Kris Haber has more than 33 years' experience in corporate finance, business development and strategic buildups. He is currently Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Vega Partners, an investment firm that's led in excess of $3bn in transaction value for a variety of early and growth stage investments and merchant banking opportunities. He holds multiple board seats across the clean energy landscape, including at Standard Carbon, EnergyX, MAG IA and EV Match. Mr. Haber has previously held executive positions at leading investment firms, including as Partner and COO of Investcorp Strategic Capital Group, a division of Investcorp, a $50bn AUM alternative asset management firm and COO of Advent Capital. He also served as President and Global Head of Absolute Return Strategies of Threadneedle, North America, now a division of Columbia Management, a $650bn asset manager and Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Safanad. Prior to this Mr. Haber was at Lazard for approximately 14 years, within the $250bn asset management division.

Carsten Stendevad is an experienced global finance leader who brings expertise in developing and executing on corporate and financial strategies. He currently serves as Partner and Co-Chief Investment Officer for Sustainable Investing at Bridgewater Associates, as a board advisor to GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund and chairs the Board of Directors of the Danish Refugee Committee. Mr. Stendevad was previously CEO of ATP, Denmark's national pension plan with 5 million members and more than $110bn in assets, where he oversaw all investment and operational functions and chaired the investment committee. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Citi, McKinsey, and the Central Bank of Denmark and has served on the boards of Novo Holdings, NOW Pensions, and UNICEF Denmark.

These Board appointments follow the announcement on March 7, 2025 that Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of Eurocontrol, has joined Vertical as an adviser to its Board.

In connection with these appointments, Gur Kimchi stepped down from the Board on 30 April 2025, and Kathy Cassidy will be stepping down from the Board on 14 May 2025, and Vertical's Board will expand to seven directors.

Mr. Slattery concluded:"I'd also like to thank Gur and Kathy for their service and contributions to Vertical since our 2021 listing. Their leadership, insights, and expertise have played an essential role in helping us build a strong platform for growth and innovation."

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL.

Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated Board changes and the new board members' impact on Vertical and its fundraising efforts, the design and manufacture of the VX4, certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, Vertical's cash break-even target date, the features and capabilities of the VX4, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation: our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; our potential inability to raise additional funds when we need or want them, or at all, to fund our operations; our limited cash and cash equivalents and recurring losses from our operations raise significant doubt (or raise substantial doubt as contemplated by PCAOB standards) regarding our ability to continue as a going concern; our potential inability to produce or launch aircraft in the volumes or timelines projected; the potential inability to obtain the necessary certifications for production and operation within any projected timeline, or at all; the inability for our aircraft to perform at the level we expect and may have potential defects; our history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm our business; our dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in our aircraft and for operational needs; the potential that certain strategic partnerships may not materialize into long-term partnership arrangements; all of the pre-orders received are conditional and may be terminated at any time and any predelivery payments may be fully refundable upon certain specified dates; any circumstances; any potential failure to effectively manage our growth; our inability to recruit and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel; we have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting which if we fail to properly remediate, could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ordinary shares; as a foreign private issuer we follow certain home country corporate governance rules, are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506643735/en/

Contacts:

For more information:

Justin Bates, Head of Communications justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7878 357 463



Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +447816 459 904
Company also reaffirms 2025 revenue targeted at $40M-$50M

ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Phoenix Motor Inc. (OTC:PEVM), a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses and electrification solutions provider for medium-duty vehicles, today announced an upward revision to its 2024 revenue guidance, reflecting stronger-than-anticipated customer demand and increased production capacity.

The company now expects full-year 2024 revenue to be in the range of $30.7 million to $31.2 million, an increase from its previous guidance issued in March. This revenue guidance range represents a more than tenfold increase over 2023 revenue of $3 million. The company also reaffirms its expectation to achieve positive net income for the year.

"We are seeing robust traction across both our transit bus and electrification segments, with a growing backlog and expanded customer base," said Denton Peng, CEO of Phoenix Motor. "This revised guidance underscores the strength of our operations and the accelerating shift toward zero-emission commercial vehicles. We remain focused on execution as we scale production and deliver sustainable value to our customers and shareholders."

The company reiterated its 2025 revenue outlook of $40 million to $50 million, driven by new product introductions, geographic expansion, and growing market adoption.

With the commercial EV market projected to reach $55.9 billion by 2029, Phoenix Motor is well-positioned to capitalize on industry tailwinds as an early mover with proven solutions tailored for municipalities, transit agencies, and corporate fleets nationwide.

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 EVs. Phoenix endeavors to be a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and electric vehicle technologies. To learn more, please visit: phoenixev.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements

This 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: IR@phoenixev.ai

Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies, Inc.1-407-644-4256 PEVM@redchip.com

SOURCE: Phoenix Motor Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/phoenix-motor-raises-2024-revenue-guidance-to-30.7m-31.2m-1023903
Press Release

dsm-firmenich shareholders approve all resolutions at Annual General Meeting 2025

Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), May 6, 2025

dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, announces that its shareholders approved all proposals of the Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting today, including the Management Report, the consolidated financial statements as well as the Sustainability Report 2024.

Key highlights include:

Thomas Leysen was re-elected and confirmed as Chairman of the Board.

Patrick Firmenich, Sze Cotte-Tan, Antoine Firmenich, Erica Mann, Carla Mahieu, Frits van Paasschen, Andre Pometta, John Ramsay, Richard Ridinger, and Corien Wortmann were re-elected to the board.

Shareholders approved the dividend of 2.50 per share. The dividend will be paid as of May 16, 2025, and the last trading day with entitlement to receive the payment is May 7, 2025.

Shareholders approved a maximum total amount of remuneration of 3,682,582 for the Board of Directors for the year through the 2026 AGM.

Shareholders approved a maximum total amount of remuneration of 43,982,072 for the Executive Committee for the financial year 2026.

Shareholders also endorsed the 2024 Compensation Report in a consultative vote.

Carla Mahieu, Thomas Leysen, Frits van Paasschen, and Andre Pometta were re-elected to the Compensation Committee. The Board intends to appoint Carla Mahieu as Chair of the committee.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG was elected as auditor.

Christian Hochstrasser was re-elected as the independent proxy.

An amendment to the capital band provision in the Articles of Association allowing the Board of Directors to decrease the share capital one or several times within the limit of 90% of the current share capital. This authorization will be used to reduce the capital following the implementation of dsm-firmenich's share buyback program announced on February 13, 2025.

The shareholders in attendance, together with the votes represented by independent proxy, represented 72.72% of shares.

PDF version of this press release can be found here.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world's growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than 12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com

For more information

Media relations

Robin Roothans

tel. +41

Investor relations

Dave Huizing

tel. +31

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich's future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.

Attachment
Syngenta forges strategic collaboration with Al Dahra, a global agricultural player with operations in 20 countries

Enhanced connectivity in agriculture is predicted to add more than $500 billion to global gross domestic product by the end of the decade, according to the consultancy McKinsey. Sophisticated digital tools such as sensors, drones and data analytics are enabling new levels of precision agriculture, optimized resource use and improved decision-making, empowering farmers and transforming the sustainability of agriculture. Farm operations at the leading edge of this technology transformation are positioning themselves to thrive in this connectivity-driven future.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506032128/en/

Syngenta forges strategic collaboration with Al Dahra, a global agricultural player with operations in 20 countries

Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and Al Dahra, a multinational agribusiness stewarding 400,000 acres of sustainable irrigated farmland with active operations across six continents, have announced a strategic partnership to implement Syngenta's digital farm management solutions across more than 220,000 acres of Al Dahra farms in Romania, Serbia, Egypt and Morocco. This collaboration aims to advance sustainable agriculture at scale and enhance productivity across key regions.

By implementing Syngenta's Cropwise Operations, Al Dahra will be able to centralize farm data across its operations in multiple countries and production sites and optimize its farm management decisions from the individual field level to across its entire operations. Through the collaboration, Al Dahra aims to improve the sustainability of its agricultural operations, ensure long-term productivity and secure its feed supply.

Syngenta's Cropwise Operations is an all-in-one platform integrating modules for agronomic, financial, and administrative farm management, which will be integrated with Al Dahra's existing digital tools. Real-time data will enable Al Dahra's farm managers to quickly respond to emerging pest or disease situations, better manage water usage and irrigation efficiency, and to optimize and target their seed, fertilizer and agricultural input use.

Cropwise Operations has been fully integrated into Al-Dahra's complex IT solutions landscape, enabling the implementation of unified corporate standards across the entire agro-holiding. As a result, all business units now use the same templates, classifiers and metrics, allowing for consistent and compatible managerial reporting.

Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group, said: "Our Cropwise Operations platform represents a significant leap forward in digital agriculture. By partnering with Al Dahra, we're demonstrating how data-driven insights can transform large-scale farming operations across diverse geographies. This partnership not only revolutionizes farm management and optimizes yields but also sets a new global standard for sustainable, data-driven farming." Cropwisedigitally connects 70 million hectares of farmland at present.

Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO at Al Dahra, said: "At Al Dahra, we're always looking for ways to push the industry forward through innovation. Our vision for the future is clear: a smart, digital infrastructure that works for us, cutting down on manual data entry and giving our employees more time to focus on what really matters. One of our biggest goals is to automate reporting as much as possible, ensuring real-time insights into everything happening on our farms. To make that vision a reality we needed the right partner, and Cropwise Operations stood out as the perfect fit for taking our farm management to the next level."

Syngenta's Cropwise Operations is being utilized for:

Field Monitoring and Analysis

Real-time satellite monitoring of plant health and crop conditions.

Multiple vegetation indices analysis (NDVI, NDMI, NDWI).

Early problem detection through advanced scouting functionalities.

Private weather station networks providing hyperlocal forecasting.

Comprehensive soil data collection and analysis.

Farm Operations Management

Comprehensive data integration from satellites, machinery, weather, irrigation stations, and sensors.

Complex data analysis to interpret patterns and predict crop yields.

Decision support tools for optimizing pesticide and fertilizer applications.

Seasonal planning and detailed record-keeping of all agricultural operations.

Trial management system for monitoring and analyzing field experiments.

Resource Optimization

Tracking of fuel consumption and maintenance schedules.

Variable Rate Application support.

Streamlined and digitalized documentation processes.

Inventory management and production costs tracking.

Fleet management including maintenance activities, machinery repairs, and routine check-ups.

Advanced Equipment Integration

Seamless integration with John Deere Operations Center.

Compatible with Trimble, Claas, and Safe Fleet systems.

Automated data transfer from field equipment to central management platform.

Real-time equipment status monitoring and performance optimization.

Sustainability Initiatives

Implementation of Best Management Practices.

Monitoring of soil health indicators.

Water management through precision irrigation techniques.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world's population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram X.

About Al Dahra

Al Dahra is a prominent multinational leader in agribusiness, with over 400 thousand acres of agricultural land in Egypt, Romania, Serbia, USA, and other countries, specialized in cultivation, production and trading of nearly 3 million tons of essential food commodities and up to 3 million tons of animal feed. Serving a large customer base from Commercial enterprises to Government agencies, Al Dahra has a widespread geographic footprint, operating in over 20 countries and catering to more than 40 markets with a leading position in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.aldahra.com.

Syngenta's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

2025 Syngenta. Rosentalstrasse 67, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.

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General Atlantic and UBS Group AG (NYSE: UBS) announce today a strategic partnership focused on private credit opportunities. The collaboration between UBS and General Atlantic Credit (GA Credit) aims to enhance investing clients' and borrowers' access to a broader set of direct lending and other credit products.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506296938/en/

The partnership formalizes and expands a history of collaboration, bringing together two leading global platforms to create a compelling private credit offering by combining UBS's advisory and investment banking origination capabilities with General Atlantic's extensive global network, sourcing reach across industries and geographies, and recognized leadership as a private credit investor.

Bill Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic, commented: "We are excited to bring together General Atlantic's deep expertise in private credit investing with UBS's strengths in origination, global client relationships, and advisory services. Our complementary cultures position us well to scale a market-leading private credit platform, and we look forward to capturing the most compelling opportunities for our investing clients."

Sergio P. Ermotti, Group Chief Executive Officer of UBS, said: "We're pleased to enter this strategic partnership with General Atlantic, leveraging our two firms' individual strengths to jointly deliver a broader range of innovative private credit solutions. This collaboration is rooted in a shared dedication to client centricity, enabling us to bring to bear the best of both our firms' market leading capabilities across private credit investing, capital markets, and asset management."

Additional information:

This collaboration advances the GA Credit platform by unlocking differentiated access to proprietary deal flow, delivering customized solutions across the capital structure and business lifecycle, and adding a complementary strategy to Atlantic Park, which will benefit from expanded origination opportunities through the partnership. It also marks a significant step in UBS's growth ambitions for its Global Banking capital markets platform, enhancing its scale and capabilities.

GA Credit will be responsible for leading the investment activities, leveraging UBS's origination capabilities, and managing a dedicated private credit team formed through the integration of professionals from both GA Credit and UBS Asset Management's Credit Investments Group (CIG). Through this collaboration, CIG will have the ability to source incremental private credit assets for its multi-credit strategies.

The strategic partnership will focus on providing senior secured direct lending financing to companies in North America and Western Europe. It will strengthen UBS's Investment Bank private markets capabilities, particularly in the Americas, by providing private credit solutions across mid- and large-cap structures, including both corporate and sponsor-backed assets in a capital efficient way.

Advisors

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to General Atlantic. Latham Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to UBS.

About UBS

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. UBS manages $6.2 trillion of invested assets as per the first quarter of 2025. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions, and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm operates in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global investor with more than four and a half decades of experience providing capital and strategic support to over 830 companies throughout its history. Established in 1980, General Atlantic continues to be a dedicated partner to visionary founders and investors seeking to build dynamic businesses and create long-term value. The firm leverages its patient capital, operational expertise, and global platform to support a diversified investment platform spanning Growth Equity, Credit, Climate, and Sustainable Infrastructure strategies. General Atlantic manages approximately $108 billion in assets under management, inclusive of all strategies, as of March 31, 2025, with more than 900 professionals in 20 countries across five regions. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com.

About General Atlantic Credit

General Atlantic Credit ("GA Credit") is the dedicated credit investment platform within General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor. GA Credit leverages a demonstrated track record of strategic credit partnerships across market cycles and capital structures alongside General Atlantic's more than 45 years of domain expertise and company-building capabilities. GA Credit's Atlantic Park strategy provides flexible capital to high-quality companies seeking a strategic partner at various stages of the corporate and economic lifecycle. This partnership approach enables Atlantic Park to create customized capital solutions tailored to a company's specific capital needs.

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Contacts:

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General Atlantic

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Top Emerging Markets Credit Investment Professional Adept in Legal Restructurings Will Advance Legally Driven Strategies and Private Credit Opportunities for Sandglass Clients

Sandglass Capital, an investment firm specializing in emerging market credit, has announced Charles-Antoine Wauters as a Director on the firm's Investment Team. Based in London, Wauters brings more than 20 years of experience in distressed debt, legally driven strategies, and private credit. Wauters boasts extensive experience in managing in-court and out-of-court restructurings and financings, which include multi-jurisdictional legal complexities, bespoke instruments and complex capital structures. His expertise spans sovereign, quasi-sovereign and corporate issuers across a range of markets. Wauters reinforces Sandglass as a leading player in emerging markets credit opportunities.

Prior to joining Sandglass, Wauters served as a member of the investment team at Emso Asset Management, a $7 billion emerging markets asset manager, where he focused on distressed investments. Previously, Wauters was an associate at the law firm Cleary Gottlieb in New York between 2007 and 2013 and in Brussels in 2006, where he focused on debt restructurings, financings, M&A and special situations.

Wauters completed a Master of Law in corporate law at New York University for which he was offered a Fulbright Fellowship and a Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellow. He also holds a Masters in Financial Management from the Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School and a Master of Laws from the Universite Catholique de Louvain and the Facultes Universitaires Notre Dame de la Paix of Namur.

"Charles is an extremely experienced EM credit specialist, and his legal background complements our already exceptional team," said Genna Lozovsky, CIO and co-founder of Sandglass. "His decision to join us reflects our reputation in the market of delivering strong long-term performance and signals the incredible growth we're experiencing."

Wauters added, "I am excited to join Sandglass, which is recognized as one of the best asset managers in the EM credit space. Genna and his co-founder Michelle Kelner have built a first-rate team that consistently executes on strategy. I look forward to building upon the success in sovereign distressed credit markets with new opportunities in the corporate sector."

About Sandglass Capital

Sandglass Capital is a global investment management firm that specializes in emerging market distressed and stressed credit. It concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit, particularly restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations. Founded in 2013, Sandglass manages a suite of funds investing in public and private securities and in companies and countries facing special situations, focusing on Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Sandglass has offices in New York, London and Dubai.

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Contacts:

Kelsey Thompson

+1 412-855-5332
Pipedrive, the easy and effective sales CRM for small businesses, is accelerating its strategic expansion in the DACH market with a high-profile presence at OMR Festival 2025, taking place May 6-7 in Hamburg, Germany. At one of Europe's premier gatherings for digital innovation, marketing, and technology, the company will showcase its commitment to the DACH region and connect directly with German SMBs, bringing targeted brand awareness to a vibrant community of forward-thinking professionals.

Germany is one of Pipedrive's largest and fastest-growing markets, home to a strong community of digitally-minded small businesses that value both simplicity and smart technology. The company continues to invest in the region through local partnerships and increased brand presence, with a clear mission: to help sales teams work more efficiently while ensuring full GDPR compliance. Pipedrive's participation in the OMR Festival reflects its ambition to strengthen growth plans in Germany and build even closer relationships with local customers and partners.

"Pipedrive is trusted by thousands of small businesses across Germany, from tech startups to more traditional businesses. It's a priority market for us not only because of its size but also because of its appetite for innovation and digital solutions. We've seen German users increasingly embracing AI features for smarter sales management and it's exciting to see how customers find new growth opportunities due to simple steps adopted in the workflow," said Gabriel Fugli, Senior Channel Sales Manager DACH at Pipedrive.

"We're excited to take part in OMR, an event that captures the pulse of where marketing, sales, and technology are headed. It's a great opportunity to connect with local businesses, share ideas, and demonstrate how AI-powered tools can simplify sales and marketing professionals' work, improve their collaboration, and drive meaningful growth."

At the festival, Pipedrive will have a booth showcasing its latest product innovations. The event will also give attendees a chance to engage directly with the Pipedrive team and explore the platform's evolving capabilities. Additionally, Gabriel Fugli will host a masterclass focused on how sales and marketing teams can collaborate more effectively, reducing internal friction and ensuring that every captured lead truly counts.

About OMR Festival

The OMR Festival is one of Europe's premier gatherings for online marketing and digital innovation, bringing together around 70,000 participants each year. Held May 6-7, 2025 in Hamburg, Germany, the event spans conferences, masterclasses, side events and exhibitions. Attendees range from global experts and designers to rising "hidden champions" across the digital economy, pop culture, banking, sport and politics all convening on multiple stages to explore the latest trends and challenges. In 2025, the festival's agenda will encompass artificial intelligence, e-commerce, customer relationship management, finance, human resources, sport, sustainability and diversity, offering a comprehensive look at the forces shaping tomorrow's digital landscape.

About Pipedrive

Founded in 2010, Pipedrive is the easy and effective sales CRM that drives small business growth. Today, Pipedrive is used by revenue teams at more than 100,000 companies worldwide. Pipedrive is headquartered in New York and has offices across Europe and the US. The company is backed by majority holder Vista Equity Partners, and Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Atomico and DTCP. Learn more at www.pipedrive.com.

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Contacts:

Press contact:

press@pipedrive.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) ("Maritime" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update for the Hammerdown Gold Project, located in the Baie Verte mining district of Newfoundland and Labrador ("Hammerdown"), near the towns of King's Point and Springdale, including its Pine Cove milling facility located near the town of Baie Verte.

Highlights:

$20 million equity financing closed

First gold recovered from stockpile processing at the Pine Cove mill

All major permitting completed for Hammerdown

Targeting second half of 2025 for Hammerdown development, ramp up and cash flow

Grade control program completed, confirming high grades at surface including 12.0 grams per tonne gold over 28.0 metres (press release dated March 4, 2025)

Garett Macdonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime, stated, "Maritime has hit the ground running in 2025 with the start of mineral processing operations at our Pine Cove mill and initial gold production from the existing mineralized stockpiles. The recent $20 million equity financing has set the stage for development and cash flow during 2025, at a time of record high gold prices.

"During 2025, we have advanced the fully permitted Hammerdown Gold Project by completing a grade control drill program over the first year of proposed open pit mining with very positive results. At the Pine Cove Mill, the operations and maintenance teams have done a tremendous job returning the mill to operations. Over the coming months, investments are expected to be made in Pine Cove's material handling system and grinding circuit to ensure the safe and efficient processing of Hammerdown feed in the coming months.

"Maritime is fortunate to have a robust asset base of development and exploration projects and mineral processing assets in Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier jurisdiction for mineral production. Ultimately this supports low-risk sustainable growth and long term value for shareholders."

Pine Cove Mill

After a two year period of care and maintenance, the Pine Cove mill is being re-commissioned with the processing of low-grade mineralized stockpile material collected from several sources around the Point Rousse Project including historic ore pads at the former Stog'er Tight and Argyle open pit mines, existing mill stockpiles and tailings material excavated from TSF2. Since the end of February, over 45,000 tonnes of low-grade stockpile feed has been processed, refilling the completely cleaned and emptied process circuit and recovering over 350 ounces of contained gold in dore from the first pour in the refinery. Re-commissioning has reached the stage where mill crews are focused on improving plant reliability and optimization over the next few months in preparation for feed from Hammerdown.





Figure 1. Pine Cove Mill - First Gold Bars, April 2025



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To support the optimization of the mill for Hammerdown feed, the Company has purchased a complete regrind mill equipment package, including 2 x Metso 185 kilowatt ("kW") SMD regrind mills, to replace the existing 112 kW regrind mill that is nearing the end of its useful life. This equipment will provide the necessary power to achieve the fine grinding sizes necessary for Hammerdown feed, achieving the high leaching recoveries while also enabling additional capacity for any future expansion. Installation is expected by mid summer 2025. An investment into the mill's material handling system is planned to ensure safe and efficient storage and transfer of -12mm crushed feed received from Hammerdown into the Pine Cove grinding circuit. The Pine Cove in-pit tailings storage facility contains over 3.5 million cubic meters of total capacity, more than three times enough capacity to store the mineral reserves at Hammerdown.

Hammerdown Gold Project

Several de-risking programs have been completed in preparation for mine development, including 8,460 m of grade control drilling with 273 new diamond drill holes drilled on a 10 m x 10 m staggered pattern in the shallow high grade core of the deposit. The program was successful in identifying the high grade vein system and confirming the location of historic underground mine workings. Notable intercepts included:

41.6 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold ("Au") over 6.3 metres ("m") in drill hole HDGC-24-038 ( press release dated January 27, 2025 )

12.0 gpt Au over 28.0 m in drill hole HDGC-25-122 ( press release dated March 4, 2025 )

19.9 gpt Au over 17.0 m in drill hole HDGC-25-124 ( press release dated March 14, 2025 )

5.5 gpt Au over 29.8 m in drill hole HDGC-25-177 (press release dated April 17, 2025)

The Hammerdown closure and development plan, approved by the Province, permits for 700 tonnes of ore per day to be shipped offsite for mineral processing. Hammerdown's current Proven and Probable mineral reserves stand at 1.9 million tonnes grading 4.46 gpt Au for 272,000 ounces of gold contained(1).

Metallurgical testing of Hammerdown mineralization through the Pine Cove mill circuit has been completed at BaseMet Labs in Kamloops, British Columbia, under the guidance of Canenco Consulting. Overall gold recoveries of 93-95% were achieved on a series of representative Hammerdown composites using a 75-micron primary grind, flotation of sulphide material with a 10-15% mass pull followed by regrinding of the flotation concentrate to 15-30 microns prior to leaching and the production of gold dore through the Merrill Crowe circuit. Hammerdown mineralization is considered medium-hard with a ball mill bond work index of 17.3 kilowatt hour per tonne ("kWh/t"). This compares to 14.0 kWh/t from the historic material processed at Pine Cove by previous operators.

Construction elements planned for the Hammerdown mine site include stripping of the organic and overburden materials within the open pit footprint; water management system including a lined settling pond; open pit mine pre-stripping; widening of existing roads; and installation of a three stage crushing plant; a 500 m x 15 kilovolt (kV) power line extension from the existing Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro grid and site wide communications. With major project permitting completed, the remaining provincial Certificate of Approval for Construction and Operation is anticipated to be received early June, marking the final approval to begin site development. The approval of the Pine Cove Development Plan and Closure Plan will be required to begin processing Hammerdown feed and is anticipated to be received in June. Mineralized stockpiles are planned to be processed at the Pine Cove mill until mid 2025. Hammerdown production is expected to ramp up over the second half of 2025 as the open pit mine is developed.

Since the 2022 feasibility study, Maritime has realized opportunities to de-risk, reduce capital project startup cost, and accelerate cashflow through:

Closing the acquisition of the Point Rousse project for C$4 million;

Refurbishing and restarting mineral processing operations the Pine Cove mill with existing mineralized stockpile feed in Q1 2025;

Completing 8,460 m of additional drilling in Q1 2025 with 273 new diamond drill holes on a close spaced 10 m x 10 m grade control program within the core of the Hammerdown deposit;

Completion of all major project permitting at Hammerdown;

Purchasing of a 500 hp regrind mill package to replace the existing 150 hp mill at Pine Cove in Q1 2025;

Deferral of ore sorting from initial project development;

Completion of metallurgical test work on the Pine Cove mill flowsheet, confirming recoveries and reagent consumption; as well as,

The increased price of gold, rising more than 80% since 2022 to over US$3,300 per ounce.

An updated technical report will be prepared in the second half of 2025 to capture these important project enhancements.

Maritime has signed a community agreement with the Town of King's Point to support local employment and business opportunities, infrastructure and emergency services. King's Point is located 5 kilometre ("km") from the Hammerdown Gold Project site with a population of 650 residents.





Figure 2. Hammerdown Gold Project, Trialing Excavation Control Technology - May 2025



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Long Term Vision - Exploration Upside

Maritime has tremendous growth potential throughout the Baie Verte mining district with a 439 km2 land package covering several major fault structures with orogenic gold and copper-gold VMS prospects. Near mine, drill ready exploration targets exist adjacent to the Hammerdown deposit including:

Orion Gold Zone: 26.2 gpt Au over 4.0 m in drill hole BB-20-116 ( press release November 3, 2020 ) 4.8 gpt Au over 13.6 m, incl. 7.0 gpt Au over 8.1 m in drill hole BB-21-133 ( press release January 19, 2021 )

Area 22 Zone: 4.5 gpt Au over 2.85 m, incl. 37.2 gpt Au over 0.3 m in drill hole MP-22-227 ( press release February 6, 2023 ) 0.76 gpt Au over 30.2 m, incl. 1.74 gpt Au over 8.9 m in drill hole DC-22-02 ( press release June 22, 2022 )

Golden Anchor, Lochinvar VMS Zone: 12.9 gpt Au over 6.0 m GA-20-35 Golden Anchor ( press release February 1, 2021 ) 548.0 gpt silver equivalent over 11.6 m in GA-20-25 Lochinvar ( press release November 3, 2020 )

Hammerdown West: An unexplored area immediately west of Hammerdown, adjacent to the large Green Bay Fault, with a 1 km long geophysical magnetic low signature similar to Hammerdown.

Halfway between Hammerdown and the Pine Cove mill, the Whisker Valley and El Strato gold prospects offer further exploration upside with an extensive area of gold and copper mineralization that has not been explored since 2020. The El Strato project, specifically, is one of the largest high grade gold in soils and bedrock anomalies in the province, covering an area of 1 x 3 km. Lastly, the exploration potential at the Point Rousse project remains wide open with the advanced stage Stog'er Tight gold project, the Deer Cove gold zone and the potential extension of the Pine Cove gold zone below the former open pit mine.

Maritime's two gold processing assets, Pine Cove and Nugget Pond, provide the foundation for a dual hub and spoke business model in the district. The replacement value of the infrastructure is estimated to be over $150 million and would require several years of engineering and permitting. Maritime's long term vision is to utilize both gold plants targeting annual gold production of over 100,000 ounces from its pipeline of projects and potential feed from third parties.(2)





Figure 3. Hammerdown Project - Near Mine Exploration Targets



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Notes

(1) This information is based on available public sources and in a report prepared for the Company dated October 6, 2022, with an effective date of August 15, 2022, entitled "Feasibility Study Technical Report: Hammerdown Gold Project", prepared by Carolyn Anstey-Moore, P.Geo.; Joannes Arisz, M.Sc.E., P.Eng., FCSCE; Robert Bowell, CChem, CGeol, FIMMM; Carly Church, P. Eng.; Gord Doerksen, P. Eng.; Dorota El Rassi, M. Sc., P. Eng.; Michael Franceschini, P. Eng.; Stacy Freudigmann, P.Eng., F.Aus.IMM.; Tysen Hantelmann, P. Eng.; Pierre Landry, P. Geo.; Michael Levy, P.Eng.; Shawn Russell, P.Eng.; Ivana Sabaj Abumohor, P.Eng.; and Leanne Stein, P.Eng., and available under Maritime's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

(2) This is forward-looking information and is based on a number of assumptions. See "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements".

Qualified Person

Exploration activities at the Hammerdown Gold Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Manager, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. Exploration Manager, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this press release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects.

Analytical Procedures

All samples assayed and pertaining to this press release were completed by Eastern Analytical Limited (EAL) located at Springdale, Newfoundland and Labrador. EAL is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited laboratory for a defined scope of procedures. EAL has no relationship to Maritime. Drill core samples are collected from NQ sized diamond drill core and sawn in half. The half core samples are delivered in sealed plastic bags to EAL by Maritime field crews where they are dried, crushed, and pulped. Samples are crushed to approximately 80% passing a minus 10 mesh and split using a riffle splitter to approximately 250 grams. A ring mill is used to pulverize the sample split to 95% passing a minus 150 mesh. Sample rejects are securely stored at the EAL site for future reference. A 30-gram representative sample is selected for analysis from the 250 grams after which EAL applies a fire assay fusion followed by acid digestion and analysis by atomic absorption for gold analysis. Other metals were analyzed by applying an acid digestion and 34 element ICP analysis finish. EAL runs a comprehensive QA/QC program of standards, duplicates and blanks within each sample stream.

About Maritime Resources Corp.

Maritime (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) is a gold exploration and development company focused on advancing the Hammerdown Gold Project in the Baie Verte District of Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier global mining jurisdiction. Maritime holds a 100% interest directly and subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership in the Green Bay Property which includes the former Hammerdown gold mine and the Orion gold project. Maritime controls over 439 km2 of exploration land including the Green Bay, Whisker Valley, Gull Ridge and Point Rousse projects. Mineral processing assets owned by Maritime in the Baie Verte mining district include the Pine Cove mill and the Nugget Pond gold circuit.

On Behalf of the Board:

MARITIME RESOURCES CORP.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "intends", "indicates" "plans" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Hammerdown mineralization, its' metallurgical response, precious metal extraction based on the ongoing metallurgical testwork, sampling programs, the grade control drilling program, location and grade of underground workings and backfill material, construction elements planned for Hammerdown, production ramp up at Hammerdown, preparation of an updated technical report for Hammerdown, investments to be made to and plans for the Pine Cove mill, growth of the Company and the creation of long-term value for shareholders, exploration plans at the Company's properties, amongst other things, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. All forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company in good faith as at the date of such information. Such assumptions include, without limitation, the price of and anticipated costs of recovery of, base metal concentrates, gold and silver, the presence of and continuity of such minerals at modeled grades and values, the capacities of various machinery and equipment, the use of ore sorting technology will produce positive results, the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices, mineral recovery rates, and others. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to continue to be able to access the capital markets for the funding necessary to acquire, maintain and advance exploration properties or business opportunities; global financial conditions, including competition within the industry to acquire properties of merit or new business opportunities, and competition from other companies possessing greater technical and financial resources; difficulties in advancing towards a development decision and executing exploration programs on the Company's proposed schedules and within its cost estimates, whether due to weather conditions, availability or interruption of power supply, mechanical equipment performance problems, natural disasters or pandemics in the areas where it operates; increasingly stringent environmental regulations and other permitting restrictions or maintaining title or other factors related to exploring of its properties, such as the availability of essential supplies and services; factors beyond the capacity of the Company to anticipate and control, such as the marketability of mineral products produced from the Company's properties; uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves once economic considerations are applied; uncertainty as to whether inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied; government regulations relating to health, safety and the environment, and the scale and scope of royalties and taxes on production; and the availability of experienced contractors and professional staff to perform work in a competitive environment and the resulting adverse impact on costs and performance and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in each MD&A of financial condition and results of operations. In addition, forward-looking information is based on various assumptions including, without limitation, assumptions associated with exploration results and costs and the availability of materials and skilled labour. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Maritime undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250891

SOURCE: Maritime Resources Corp.
CLEVELAND, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG), a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components, today reported results for the second quarter ended March 29, 2025.

Second quarter highlights include:

Net sales of $2,150 million, up 12% from $1,919 million in the prior year's quarter;

Net income of $479 million, up 19% from the prior year's quarter;

Earnings per share of $8.24, up 18% from the prior year's quarter;

EBITDA As Defined of $1,162 million, up 14% from $1,021 million in the prior year's quarter;

EBITDA As Defined margin of 54.0%;

Adjusted earnings per share of $9.11, up 14% from $7.99 in the prior year's quarter; and

Reaffirming our previously stated fiscal 2025 financial guidance.

Quarter-to-Date Results

Net sales for the quarter increased 12.0%, or $231 million, to $2,150 million from $1,919 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. Organic sales growth as a percentage of net sales was 6.9%.

Net income for the quarter increased $75 million, or 18.6%, to $479 million from $404 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. The increase in net income primarily reflects the increase in net sales described above, the application of our value-driven operating strategy, lower one-time refinancing costs and lower non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense. The increase was partially offset by higher interest expense and income tax expense.

Adjusted net income for the quarter increased 14.5% to $529 million, or $9.11 per share, from $462 million, or $7.99 per share, in the comparable quarter a year ago.

EBITDA for the quarter increased 18.5% to $1,089 million from $919 million for the comparable quarter a year ago. EBITDA As Defined for the quarter increased 13.8% to $1,162 million compared with $1,021 million in the comparable quarter a year ago. EBITDA As Defined as a percentage of net sales for the quarter was 54.0% compared with 53.2% in the comparable quarter a year ago.

"I am very pleased with the operating results for the second quarter. We continued to see strong performance as we closed out the first half of our fiscal year," stated Kevin Stein, TransDigm Group's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The consolidated business performed well in the second quarter with revenue growth driven by the commercial aftermarket and defense market. Additionally, we had a robust EBITDA As Defined margin for the quarter - our margin improved to 54.0%, up approximately 80 basis points from the comparable prior year period.

During the quarter, we returned approximately $53 million of capital to shareholders via open market repurchases of our common stock. Subsequent to the quarter-end, we repurchased an additional $131 million of our common stock. We view these repurchases like any other capital investment, and we expect this investment will meet or exceed our long-term return objectives.

We remain deeply committed to our operating strategy with dedicated efforts across our teams to consistently focus on our value drivers and management of our cost structure. We look forward to the second half of our fiscal 2025 and the opportunity to continue driving value for our shareholders."

Share Repurchase Activity

During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, TransDigm repurchased 42,669 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $1,249.52 for a total amount of approximately $53 million. For the twenty-six week period ended March 29, 2025, TransDigm repurchased 295,469 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $1,248.78 for a total amount of approximately $369 million.

Subsequent to the quarter-end, in April 2025, TransDigm repurchased 105,567 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $1,240.91 for a total amount of approximately $131 million.

Year-to-Date Results

Net sales for the twenty-six week period ended March 29, 2025 increased 12.1%, or $448 million, to $4,156 million from $3,708 million in the comparable period a year ago. Organic sales growth as a percentage of net sales was 6.8%.

Net income for the twenty-six week period ended March 29, 2025 increased $186 million, or 23.7%, to $972 million from $786 million in the comparable period a year ago. The increase in net income primarily reflects the increase in net sales described above, the application of our value-driven operating strategy, lower non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense and lower one-time refinancing costs. The increase was partially offset by higher interest expense and income tax expense.

GAAP earnings per share were reduced for the twenty-six week periods ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 by $0.83 per share and $1.75 per share, respectively, as a result of dividend equivalent payments made during each period. As a reminder, GAAP earnings per share are reduced when TransDigm makes dividend equivalent payments pursuant to its stock option plans. These dividend equivalent payments are made during TransDigm's first fiscal quarter each year and also upon payment of any special dividends.

Adjusted net income for the twenty-six week period ended March 29, 2025 increased 12.7% to $986 million, or $16.94 per share, from $875 million, or $15.15 per share, in the comparable period a year ago.

EBITDA for the twenty-six week period ended March 29, 2025 increased 22.5% to $2,176 million from $1,777 million for the comparable period a year ago. EBITDA As Defined for the period increased 15.1% to $2,224 million compared with $1,933 million in the comparable period a year ago. EBITDA As Defined as a percentage of net sales for the period was 53.5% compared with 52.1% in the comparable period a year ago.

Please see the attached tables for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, EBITDA As Defined, and adjusted net income; a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to EBITDA and EBITDA As Defined; and a reconciliation of earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share for the periods discussed in this press release.

Fiscal 2025 Outlook

Mr. Stein stated, "We are maintaining our previously issued fiscal 2025 financial guidance at this time. Additionally, we are maintaining the full year market channel growth assumption for the commercial aftermarket end market as underlying market fundamentals have not meaningfully changed. Our commercial OEM market and Defense market growth assumptions have been revised to reflect second quarter results and current expectations for the remainder of fiscal 2025.

The guidance incorporates the impact of recently enacted U.S. and non-U.S. tariffs. Based upon what we know today, we do not anticipate a material headwind from tariffs that we are unable to mitigate. The full-year guidance assumes no significant macroeconomic impacts or other factors, such as an economic recession, that could affect our business.

As the current environment is very dynamic, we will continue to evaluate our guidance and closely monitor our primary end markets as the year progresses."

TransDigm expects fiscal 2025 financial guidance to be as follows:

Net sales are anticipated to be in the range of $8,750 million to $8,950 million compared with $7,940 million in fiscal 2024, an increase of 11.5% at the midpoint;

Net income is anticipated to be in the range of $1,925 million to $2,037 million compared with $1,715 million in fiscal 2024, an increase of 15.5% at the midpoint;

Earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $32.27 to $34.19 per share based upon weighted average shares outstanding of 58.15 million shares, compared with $25.62 per share in fiscal 2024, which is an increase of 29.7% at the midpoint;

EBITDA As Defined is anticipated to be in the range of $4,615 million to $4,755 million compared with $4,173 million in fiscal 2024, an increase of 12.3% at the midpoint (corresponding to an EBITDA As Defined margin guide of approximately 52.9% for fiscal 2025);

Adjusted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $35.51 to $37.43 per share compared with $33.99 per share in fiscal 2024, an increase of 7.3% at the midpoint; and

Fiscal 2025 outlook is based on the following market growth assumptions:

Commercial OEM revenue growth in the low single-digit to mid single-digit percentage range; Commercial aftermarket revenue growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range; and Defense revenue growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range.



Please see the attached Table 6 for a reconciliation of EBITDA, EBITDA As Defined to net income and reported earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share guidance midpoint estimated for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Additionally, please see attached Table 7 for comparison of the current fiscal year 2025 guidance versus the previously issued fiscal year 2025 guidance.

Earnings Conference Call

TransDigm Group will host a conference call for investors and security analysts on May 6, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time. To join the call telephonically, please register for the call at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI1f1d402287494bed81594cfe098ee373 . Once registered, participants will receive the dial-in information and a unique pin to access the call. The dial-in information and unique pin will be sent to the email used to register for the call. The unique pin is exclusive to the registrant and can only be used by one person at a time. A live audio webcast of the call can also be accessed online at https://www.transdigm.com. A slide presentation will also be available for reference during the conference call; go to the investor relations page of our website and click on "Presentations."

The call will be archived on the website and available for replay at approximately 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

About TransDigm Group

TransDigm Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components for use on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today. Major product offerings, substantially all of which are ultimately provided to end-users in the aerospace industry, include mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, engineered latching and locking devices, engineered rods, engineered connectors and elastomer sealing solutions, databus and power controls, cockpit security components and systems, specialized and advanced cockpit displays, engineered audio, radio and antenna systems, specialized lavatory components, seat belts and safety restraints, engineered and customized interior surfaces and related components, advanced sensor products, switches and relay panels, thermal protection and insulation, lighting and control technology, parachutes, high performance hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading, handling and delivery systems, specialized flight, wind tunnel and jet engine testing services and equipment, electronic components used in the generation, amplification, transmission and reception of microwave signals, and complex testing and instrumentation solutions.

Non-GAAP Supplemental Information

EBITDA, EBITDA As Defined, EBITDA As Defined margin, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release as supplemental disclosures to net income and reported results. TransDigm Group defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and defines EBITDA As Defined as EBITDA plus certain non-operating items recorded as corporate expenses, including non-cash compensation charges incurred in connection with TransDigm Group's stock option or deferred compensation plans, foreign currency gains and losses, acquisition-integration costs, acquisition transaction-related expenses, and refinancing costs. Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses represent costs incurred to integrate acquired businesses into TD Group's operations; facility relocation costs and other acquisition-related costs; transaction and valuation-related costs for acquisitions comprising deal fees, legal, financial and tax due diligence expenses; and amortization expense of inventory step-up recorded in connection with the purchase accounting of acquired businesses. TransDigm Group defines adjusted net income as net income plus purchase accounting backlog amortization expense, effects from the sale on businesses, non-cash compensation charges incurred in connection with TransDigm Group's stock option or deferred compensation plans, foreign currency gains and losses, acquisition-integration costs, acquisition transaction-related expenses, and refinancing costs. EBITDA As Defined margin represents EBITDA As Defined as a percentage of net sales. TransDigm Group defines adjusted diluted earnings per share as adjusted net income divided by the total outstanding shares for basic and diluted earnings per share. For more information regarding the computation of EBITDA, EBITDA As Defined, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share, please see the attached financial tables.

TransDigm Group presents these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes that they are useful indicators of its operating performance. TransDigm Group believes that EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to measure operating performance among companies with different capital structures, effective tax rates and tax attributes, capitalized asset values and employee compensation structures, all of which can vary substantially from company to company. In addition, analysts, rating agencies and others use EBITDA to evaluate a company's ability to incur and service debt. EBITDA As Defined is used to measure TransDigm Inc.'s compliance with the financial covenant contained in its credit facility. TransDigm Group's management also uses EBITDA As Defined to review and assess its operating performance, to prepare its annual budget and financial projections and to review and evaluate its management team in connection with employee incentive programs. Moreover, TransDigm Group's management uses EBITDA As Defined to evaluate acquisitions and as a liquidity measure. In addition, TransDigm Group's management uses adjusted net income as a measure of comparable operating performance between time periods and among companies as it is reflective of changes in pricing decisions, cost controls and other factors that affect operating performance.

None of EBITDA, EBITDA As Defined, EBITDA As Defined margin, adjusted net income or adjusted earnings per share is a measurement of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and such financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, earnings per share, cash flows from operating activities or other measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, TransDigm Group's calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to the calculation of similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Although we use EBITDA and EBITDA As Defined as measures to assess the performance of our business and for the other purposes set forth above, the use of these non-GAAP financial measures as analytical tools has limitations, and you should not consider any of them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results of operations as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

neither EBITDA nor EBITDA As Defined reflects the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements, necessary to service interest payments on our indebtedness;

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and neither EBITDA nor EBITDA As Defined reflects any cash requirements for such replacements;

the omission of the substantial amortization expense associated with our intangible assets further limits the usefulness of EBITDA and EBITDA As Defined;

neither EBITDA nor EBITDA As Defined includes the payment of taxes, which is a necessary element of our operations; and

EBITDA As Defined excludes the cash expense we have incurred to integrate acquired businesses into our operations, which is a necessary element of certain of our acquisitions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements under the heading "Fiscal 2025 Outlook," are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "may," "will," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "predict," "anticipate," "estimate," or "continue" and other words and terms of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause TransDigm Group's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, TransDigm Group. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the sensitivity of our business to the number of flight hours that our customers' planes spend aloft and our customers' profitability, both of which are affected by general economic conditions; supply chain constraints; increases in raw material costs, taxes and labor costs that cannot be recovered in product pricing; failure to complete or successfully integrate acquisitions; our indebtedness; current and future geopolitical or other worldwide events, including, without limitation, wars or conflicts and public health crises; cybersecurity threats; risks related to the transition or physical impacts of climate change and other natural disasters or meeting sustainability-related voluntary goals or regulatory requirements; our reliance on certain customers; the United States ("U.S.") defense budget and risks associated with being a government supplier including government audits and investigations; failure to maintain government or industry approvals; risks related to changes in laws and regulations, including increases in compliance costs and potential changes in trade policies and tariffs; potential environmental liabilities; liabilities arising in connection with litigation; risks and costs associated with our international sales and operations; and other factors. Further information regarding the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results can be found in TransDigm Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports that TransDigm Group or its subsidiaries have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, TransDigm Group undertakes no obligation to revise or update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact:

Investor Relations



216-706-2945



ir@transdigm.com







TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



FOR THE THIRTEEN AND TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS ENDED

Table 1 MARCH 29, 2025 AND MARCH 30, 2024

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)



(Unaudited)



















Thirteen Week Periods Ended

Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended



March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024 NET SALES

$ 2,150

$ 1,919

$ 4,156

$ 3,708 COST OF SALES

876

767

1,647

1,515 GROSS PROFIT

1,274

1,152

2,509

2,193 SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

236

248

447

467 AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS

47

37

97

72 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

991

867

1,965

1,654 INTEREST EXPENSE-NET

378

326

756

626 REFINANCING COSTS

-

28

-

28 OTHER INCOME

(9)

(6)

(32)

(8) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

622

519

1,241

1,008 INCOME TAX PROVISION

143

115

269

222 NET INCOME

479

404

972

786 LESS: NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

-

(1)

-

(1) NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO TD GROUP

$ 479

$ 403

$ 972

$ 785 NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO TD GROUP COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

$ 479

$ 403

$ 923

$ 684

















Earnings per share attributable to TD Group common stockholders:















Earnings per share-Basic and diluted

$ 8.24

$ 6.97

$ 15.86

$ 11.83 Cash dividends declared per common share

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ 35.00

















Weighted-average shares outstanding:















Basic and diluted

58.1

57.8

58.2

57.8

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF



EBITDA, EBITDA AS DEFINED TO NET INCOME



FOR THE THIRTEEN AND TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS ENDED

Table 2 MARCH 29, 2025 AND MARCH 30, 2024

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)



(Unaudited)



















Thirteen Week Periods Ended

Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended



March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024 Net Income

$ 479

$ 404

$ 972

$ 786 Adjustments:















Depreciation and amortization expense

89

74

179

143 Interest expense-net

378

326

756

626 Income tax provision

143

115

269

222 EBITDA

1,089

919

2,176

1,777 Adjustments:















Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses (1)

9

14

22

16 Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense (2)

48

60

73

111 Refinancing costs (3)

-

28

-

28 Other, net (4)

16

-

(47)

1 Gross Adjustments to EBITDA

73

102

48

156 EBITDA As Defined

$ 1,162

$ 1,021

$ 2,224

$ 1,933 EBITDA As Defined Margin (5)

54.0 %

53.2 %

53.5 %

52.1 %

_____________________ (1)

Represents costs incurred to integrate acquired businesses into TD Group's operations; facility relocation costs and other acquisition-related costs; transaction and valuation-related costs for acquisitions comprising deal fees, legal, financial and tax due diligence expenses; and amortization expense of inventory step-up recorded in connection with the purchase accounting of acquired businesses.





(2)

Represents the compensation expense recognized by TD Group under our stock option plans and deferred compensation plans.





(3)

Represents costs expensed related to debt financing activities, including new issuances, extinguishments, refinancings and amendments to existing agreements.





(4)

Primarily represents foreign currency transaction (gains) or losses, payroll withholding taxes related to dividend equivalent payments and stock option exercises, non-service related pension costs, deferred compensation payments and other miscellaneous (income) expense, such as gain on sale of business.





(5)

The EBITDA As Defined Margin represents the amount of EBITDA As Defined as a percentage of net sales.

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED



EARNINGS PER SHARE TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE



FOR THE THIRTEEN AND TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS ENDED

Table 3 MARCH 29, 2025 AND MARCH 30, 2024

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)



(Unaudited)



















Thirteen Week Periods Ended

Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended



March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024

March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024 Reported Earnings Per Share















Net income

$ 479

$ 404

$ 972

$ 786 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

-

(1)

-

(1) Net income attributable to TD Group

479

403

972

785 Less: Dividends paid on participating securities

-

-

(49)

(101) Net income applicable to TD Group common stockholders-basic and diluted

$ 479

$ 403

$ 923

$ 684 Weighted-average shares outstanding under the two-class method















Weighted-average common shares outstanding

56.1

55.7

56.2

55.6 Vested options deemed participating securities

2.0

2.1

2.0

2.2 Total shares for basic and diluted earnings per share

58.1

57.8

58.2

57.8 Earnings per share-basic and diluted

$ 8.24

$ 6.97

$ 15.86

$ 11.83 Adjusted Earnings Per Share















Net income

$ 479

$ 404

$ 972

$ 786 Gross Adjustments to EBITDA

73

102

48

156 Purchase Accounting Backlog Amortization

2

3

8

3 Tax adjustment (1)

(25)

(47)

(42)

(70) Adjusted net income

$ 529

$ 462

$ 986

$ 875 Adjusted diluted earnings per share under the two-class method

$ 9.11

$ 7.99

$ 16.94

$ 15.15 Diluted Earnings Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share















Diluted earnings per share from net income attributable to TD Group

$ 8.24

$ 6.97

$ 15.86

$ 11.83 Adjustments to diluted earnings per share:















Inclusion of the dividend equivalent payments

-

-

0.83

1.75 Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses

0.14

0.21

0.40

0.25 Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense

0.62

0.77

0.95

1.44 Refinancing costs

-

0.37

-

0.37 Tax adjustment on income from continuing operations before taxes (1)

(0.11)

(0.33)

(0.48)

(0.52) Other, net

0.22

-

(0.62)

0.03 Adjusted earnings per share

$ 9.11

$ 7.99

$ 16.94

$ 15.15

_____________________ (1)

For the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the Tax adjustment represents the tax effect of the adjustments at the applicable effective tax rate, as well as the impact on the effective tax rate when excluding the excess tax benefits on stock option exercises. Stock compensation expense is excluded from adjusted net income and therefore we have excluded the impact that the excess tax benefits on stock option exercises have on the effective tax rate for determining adjusted net income.

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH



PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO EBITDA, EBITDA AS DEFINED



FOR THE TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS ENDED

Table 4 MARCH 29, 2025 AND MARCH 30, 2024

(Amounts in millions)



(Unaudited)











Twenty-Six Week Periods Ended



March 29, 2025

March 30, 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 900

$ 865 Adjustments:







Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and sales of businesses

289

215 Interest expense-net (1)

737

604 Income tax provision-current

271

223 Amortization of inventory step-up

(7)

(3) Loss contract amortization

30

17 Refinancing costs (2)

-

(28) Gain on sale of businesses, net

19

- Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense (3)

(73)

(111) Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)

10

(5) EBITDA

2,176

1,777 Adjustments:







Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses (4)

22

16 Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense (3)

73

111 Refinancing costs (2)

-

28 Other, net (5)

(47)

1 EBITDA As Defined

$ 2,224

$ 1,933

_____________________ (1)

Represents interest expense, net of interest income, excluding the amortization of debt issuance costs and discount on debt.





(2)

Represents costs expensed related to debt financing activities, including new issuances, extinguishments, refinancings and amendments to existing agreements.





(3)

Represents the compensation expense recognized by TD Group under our stock option plans and deferred compensation plans.





(4)

Represents costs incurred to integrate acquired businesses into TD Group's operations; facility relocation costs and other acquisition-related costs; transaction and valuation-related costs for acquisitions comprising deal fees, legal, financial and tax due diligence expenses; and amortization expense of inventory step-up recorded in connection with the purchase accounting of acquired businesses.





(5)

Primarily represents foreign currency transaction (gains) or losses, payroll withholding taxes related to dividend equivalent payments and stock option exercises, non-service related pension costs, deferred compensation payments and other miscellaneous (income) expense, such as gain on sale of business.

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - BALANCE SHEET DATA

Table 5 (Amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)











March 29, 2025

September 30, 2024 Cash and cash equivalents

$ 2,426

$ 6,261 Trade accounts receivable-Net

1,442

1,381 Inventories-Net

2,010

1,876 Current portion of long-term debt

94

98 Short-term borrowings-trade receivable securitization facility

649

486 Accounts payable

319

323 Dividends payable

-

4,216 Accrued and other current liabilities

1,012

1,216 Long-term debt

24,306

24,296 Total TD Group stockholders' deficit

(5,671)

(6,290)

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA, EBITDA AS DEFINED TO NET INCOME AND REPORTED EARNINGS PER SHARE TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE GUIDANCE MIDPOINT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 Table 6 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)







GUIDANCE MIDPOINT



Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2025 Net Income

$ 1,981 Adjustments:



Depreciation and amortization expense

380 Interest expense-net

1,540 Income tax provision

625 EBITDA

4,526 Adjustments:



Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses (1)

30 Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense (1)

180 Other, net (1)

(51) Gross Adjustments to EBITDA

159 EBITDA As Defined

$ 4,685 EBITDA As Defined Margin (1)

52.9 %





Earnings per share

$ 33.23 Adjustments to earnings per share:



Inclusion of the dividend equivalent payments

0.83 Acquisition transaction and integration-related expenses

0.76 Non-cash stock and deferred compensation expense

2.35 Other, net

(0.70) Adjusted earnings per share

$ 36.47





Weighted-average shares outstanding

58.15

_____________________ (1)

Refer to Table 2 above for definitions of Non-GAAP measurement adjustments.

TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE VERSUS PRIOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE

Table 7 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)















Current

Fiscal Year 2025

Guidance Issued

May 6, 2025

Prior

Fiscal Year 2025

Guidance Issued

February 4, 2025

Change at

Midpoint













Net Sales

$8,750 to $8,950

$8,750 to $8,950

$-













GAAP Net Income

$1,925 to $2,037

$1,925 to $2,037

$-













GAAP Earnings Per Share

$32.27 to $34.19

$32.27 to $34.19

$-













EBITDA As Defined

$4,615 to $4,755

$4,615 to $4,755

$-













Adjusted Earnings Per Share

$35.51 to $37.43

$35.51 to $37.43

$-













Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding

58.15

58.15 -















Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/835315/5301316/TransDigm_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/transdigm-group-reports-fiscal-2025-second-quarter-results-302447099.html
WISTON, England, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Artemis Aerospace has been honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Artemis is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King's Award for Enterprise. Announced today (Tuesday 6th May), Artemis has been recognised for its excellence in international trade. A total of 199 awards have been announced with two companies being recognised with two awards.

Employing 14 people, Artemis Aerospace was founded in 1999 and is a leading aviation component supplies and support service. Based in West Sussex, the company operates globally and has international hubs covering the US and Asia.

Jim Scott, co-founder and Managing Director of Artemis Aerospace, said:

"This is a defining moment in the history of Artemis Aerospace. Having started the business with Deborah Scott [Finance Director of Artemis Aerospace] more than 25 years ago from our spare bedroom, we have worked tirelessly to shape the business into the global success it is today. This prestigious award recognises everything we and our much-valued staff have done to create a business that competes on the world stage at every level. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised and rewarded by the King's Award for Enterprise for international trade and look forward to continuing to provide and expand on the high-quality expertise and components solutions we deliver to the aviation industry."

The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King's desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King's Awards Emblem for the next five years.

Applications for King's Awards for Enterprise 2026 open on 6th May 2025.

Notes to Editor:

Artemis Aerospace offers an innovative approach to component solutions for the aviation sector. Established in 1999, the company has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service by solving problems and providing a range of realistic options that offer customers the flexibility and freedom to choose a solution that suits their timescale and budget. Its services include component supplies, component repairs, lessor support, flight simulation hardware support, consignment stock management and global aircraft logistics.

With decades of expertise in global aviation logistics, the expert team works with trusted MROs, OEMs, and aftermarket suppliers around the world to offer 24/7 support to its global customer base.

Artemis' headquarters are based near to Gatwick in London, UK with hubs operating in Los Angeles, Miami and Asia.



Website: www.artemisaerospace.com

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce the results of five drill holes from its Phase III drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek"). Four holes were drilled in the American Eagle area and one in the Rum area. The Company is also pleased to provide an update on project activities and next steps at Copper Creek.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented, "These drill results continue to expand the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area, including the discovery of the blind Winchester breccia, which does not outcrop at surface. These results, together with previous Phase III drilling, continue to fill the gap between Mammoth and the American Eagle area and demonstrate that copper mineralization occurs in broad zones outside the high-grade breccias in the American Eagle area."

"Our Phase III drill program was completed in mid-April 2025, with a few pending drill hole assays, and we expect to deliver an updated technical study and mineral resource estimate near the end of the third quarter of this year. We envision the potential for a significant step change in metal output through enhanced project scale, while maintaining low initial capital, long mine life and robust margins. We look forward to providing updates as we advance the project."

Highlights

The discovery of the Winchester breccia supports the potential for identifying additional breccias, which do not outcrop at surface, across the property. This drill hole was intended to test a gap in drilling between known breccias. It intersected 154.29 metres ("m") at 0.26% copper and 1.07 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver from 302.54 m, including 22.23 m at 0.42% copper and 1.82 g/t silver from 333.20 m in drill hole FCD-25-102.



Intersected near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area. At the Jailhouse breccia, intersected 57.87 m at 0.37% copper and 0.94 g/t silver from 38.71 m, including 18.58 m at 0.66% copper and 1.59 g/t silver from 78.00 m in drill hole FCD-25-099. At the Courthouse breccia, intersected 40.70 m at 0.34% copper and 0.96 g/t silver from 62.62 m, including 28.21 m at 0.42% copper and 1.17 g/t silver from 62.62 m in drill hole FCD-25-100.

Awarded scopes of work to independent consultants to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment near the end of the third quarter of 2025.

(For true width information see Table 2)

Copper Creek Technical Study Update

The Company has awarded scopes of work to independent consultants to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") and Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") near the end of the third quarter of 2025 (Table 1).

The updated MRE will incorporate drill results from the Phase II and Phase III drill programs, including approximately 40,000 m of additional drilling compared to the current MRE.

All existing data is being integrated into a technical framework to inform the updated MRE and PEA.

Zach Allwright, VP Projects & Evaluations, commented, "The updated PEA will be a key milestone for the Company. Since the 2023 PEA1, the Company has enhanced the technical datasets across all critical areas, most notably the positive metallurgical results that confirmed high copper recovery through coarse grind and flotation. These results, in conjunction with the additional drilling focused on near-surface resource growth, support the proposed strategy of increasing the scale of the asset, while maintaining a low capital cost profile. The Ausenco, SRK and Call & Nicholas teams continue as the Company's preferred technical specialists due to their quality of work and to maintain continuity of knowledge in the delivery of a technically robust study. We are excited to demonstrate the projects' potential as one of the largest future sources of copper within the United States."

Drill Results Details

Phase III drilling was completed in mid-April 2025 with 79 drill holes and 30,069 metres of drilling. In total, 63 holes have been released. Remaining assay results are expected from the American Eagle area and district exploration targets and will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

The American Eagle area, as mapped on surface, covers approximately 800 m by 1,000 m and is host to numerous prospective breccias and porphyries which have strong copper geochemical signatures (Figures 1 to 3). These surface expressions are located above the large underground porphyry mineral resource1. Historically, the near-surface mineralization was not adequately tested as previous drilling was vertical to steeply inclined. Mapped geology, isolated historical drill intercepts and historical small-scale mining highlighted the potential for near-surface mineralization. The discovery of the Winchester breccia, together with the neighbouring Mammoth breccia, highlights the potential for significant copper mineralization in breccias, which do not outcrop at surface, to be identified. The Company has reported assay results for 27 drill holes from this area as part of the Phase III program (for drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases on the Company's website and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). These results provide a broad framework of the geology, structure and alteration and confirm the potential for significant near-surface copper mineralization.

Drill hole FCD-25-099 was collared south of the Jailhouse breccia and drilled to the north. After 8 m of granodiorite, the hole entered hydrothermal breccia to 102 m. Breccia was also intersected from 177 m to 237 m whereas the remainder of the hole drilled granodiorite. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite and chlorite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite as breccia cement.

Drill hole FCD-25-100 was collared at the same location as drill hole FCD-25-099 and drilled to the southwest, targeting the Courthouse breccia. It intersected alternating granodiorite, porphyry, igneous cemented breccia and localized hydrothermal breccia to 54 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates to 132 m, followed by granodiorite to 167 m. The hole entered hydrothermal breccia thereafter to 224 m and porphyry to the end of the hole. Alteration in breccia and the porphyry at the end of the hole is dominantly sericite-kaolinite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite with pyrite in breccia cement and in porphyry-style veins hosted in the porphyry below 224 m downhole.

Drill hole FCD-25-101 was collared at the same location as holes FCD-25-099 and FCD-25-100 and drilled to the northwest. It intersected hydrothermal breccia from surface to 111 m and granodiorite to the end of the hole. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite and chlorite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite in breccia cement. Porphyry-style veins containing chalcopyrite and pyrite crosscutting granodiorite are also observed.

Drill hole FCD-24-102 was collared 100 m northeast of the American Eagle breccia and drilled to the northwest. It intersected granodiorite to 127 m followed by hydrothermal breccia to 142 m and porphyry to 176 m. Hydrothermal breccia was intersected to 200 m, followed by granodiorite to 321 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates thereafter to 438 m with a porphyry interval from 412 m to 427 m. The hole ends in granodiorite. Hydrothermal breccia in the upper 200 m of the hole correlate with surface exposures of the North Ridge breccia 150 m north of American Eagle breccia, whereas the lower interval, approximately 200 m below surface, corresponds to the Winchester breccia which is a blind breccia discovery, not outcropping at surface. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite in breccia cement as well as porphyry-style veining crosscutting granodiorite. Minor chalcocite occurs with pyrite and chalcopyrite in veinlets from 27 m to 50 m.

The Rum area is located approximately 700 m northwest of the resource area (Figure 1). It features several breccias and porphyries intruding Glory Hole volcanics over an area of approximately 250 m by 400 m. Copper oxide and secondary sulphide mineralization is observed near-surface in breccias and surrounding wall rock.

Drill hole FCD-24-089 was collared approximately 180 m southwest of the Rum breccia and drilled to the southeast, targeting a vein zone cross-cutting a porphyry and the Rum South breccia. The hole intersected volcanics to 74 m, porphyry to 157 m and volcanics to 190 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates from 190 m to 220 m and the hole terminates in volcanics. Hydrothermal breccia is affected by sericite-kaolinite alteration whereas zones of biotite-hornfels are observed in the volcanics. Pyrite is the dominant sulphide in the breccia cement. The breccia contains elevated silver and pathfinder elements suggesting copper mineralization potential at depth that will be further tested in future drilling.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of the Drill Holes

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1.

Figure 2: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1.

Figure 3: Isometric View Showing Phase III Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The open pit shell and underground footprint are based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1. For drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 1: Summary of Selected External Consultants and Related Scope

Deliverable Consultant Location Scope MRE SRK Denver Delivery of an updated MRE. PEA Ausenco Vancouver/ Tucson Technical lead for the optimization of processing plant, dry stack tailings facilities and associated infrastructure design, including economic modelling. SRK Vancouver Mining assessment for open pit and underground, including mine design, sequencing and schedule optimization, mine capital and operating cost estimates. Call & Nicholas Tucson Delivery of geotechnical analysis and mine design parameters for open pit and underground mining.

Table 2: Selected Drill Results

Drill Hole ID From To Length True Width Cu Au Ag Mo (m) (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) FCD-25-099 38.71 96.58 57.87 22 0.37 N/A 0.94 0.0003 Including 78.00 96.58 18.58 7 0.66 N/A 1.59 0.0006 and 173.00 189.00 16.00 6 0.22 N/A 0.68 0.0005 and 225.05 236.57 11.52 4 0.26 N/A 1.15 0.0003 FCD-25-100 62.62 103.32 40.70 17 0.34 N/A 0.96 0.0007 Including 62.62 90.83 28.21 12 0.42 N/A 1.17 0.0003 and 174.32 204.73 30.41 13 0.22 N/A 0.66 0.0004 and 319.20 420.01 100.81 100 0.22 N/A 0.60 0.0006 Including 382.00 392.08 10.08 10 0.49 N/A 1.07 0.0004 FCD-25-101 50.90 77.00 26.10 18 0.32 N/A 1.09 0.0001 FCD-25-102 27.21 50.23 23.02 23 0.18 N/A 0.48 0.0004 and 110.50 140.83 30.33 30 0.30 N/A 0.94 0.0006 and 176.17 209.78 33.61 24 0.44 N/A 0.95 0.0004 Including 191.20 201.84 10.64 8 0.82 N/A 1.74 0.0004 and 302.54 456.83 154.29 109 0.26 0.01 1.07 0.0009 Including 333.20 355.43 22.23 16 0.42 0.01 1.82 0.0007 and including 366.27 390.00 23.73 17 0.40 0.01 1.47 0.0007 FCD-24-089 No significant results

Note: All intercepts are reported as downhole drill widths. Mineralization includes bulk porphyry-style and breccia mineralization. True widths are approximate due to the irregular shape of mineralized domains. N/A: Not analyzed.

Table 3: Collar Locations from the Drill Holes Reported Herein

Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Target Depth Depth (m) () () (ft) (m) FCD-25-099 548901 3623672 1,219 005 68 Jailhouse breccia 1,286.7 422.15 FCD-25-100 548907 3623670 1,219 245 65 Courthouse breccia 1,280.2 420.01 FCD-25-101 548904 3623675 1,219 340 45 Jailhouse breccia 1,223.5 401.42 FCD-25-102 549098 3623422 1,307 318 45 Winchester breccia 1,446.0 474.42 FCD-24-089 547144 3625676 1,414 106 45 Rum South 682.3 223.85

Note: Coordinates are given as World Geodetic System 84, Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 12 north (WGS84, UTM12N).

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from Copper Creek to the independent sample preparation facility, ALS Laboratories in Tucson, AZ, was continuously monitored. The samples were taken as  core, over 2 m core length. Samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard analytical methods including a 4-Acid ICP-MS multielement package and an ICP-AES method for high-grade copper samples. Gold was analyzed on a 30 g aliquot by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish. A certified reference sample was inserted every 20th sample. Coarse and fine blanks were inserted every 20th sample. Approximately 5% of the core samples were cut into  core and submitted as field duplicates. On top of internal QA-QC protocol, additional blanks, reference materials and duplicates were inserted by the analytical laboratory according to their procedure. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Notes

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate is presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023, available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is an exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property and the timing of the MRE and PEA.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/faraday-copper-discovers-blind-winchester-breccia-expands-near-surface-mineraliza-1023788
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") and Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova") are pleased to announce the completion of the 2025 Winter drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario.

2025 Winter Drill Program

The maiden drill program consisted of 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,363 metres, testing the Papaonga target over an 8km by 3km area, within the large gold-in-till and heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) gold grain anomalies, underlain by bedrock mineralisation consisting of quartz-sulphide veins and disseminated sulphide (see press release dated September 11, 2024). Widely spaced drill fences, roughly 500 metres to greater than 1 kilometre apart were designed to test interpreted structural corridors concealed by deep overburden and Papaonga Lake. Complete assay results are expected to be reported in late Q2 or early Q3 2025.

Figure 1. Plan map showing geology and drill hole locations in the Papaonga target area

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Papaonga Target

This program marks the first-ever drilling at the Papaonga target, following four years of systematic exploration. Prior to this work, no historical drilling or documented gold occurrences had been recorded within the target area. Drilling targeted three principal areas: the sheared margin of the Papaonga diorite, northeast-trending shear zones transecting folded clastic sedimentary rocks with interbedded iron formation, and folded volcanic stratigraphy beneath Papaonga Lake cut by northeast to east-west trending shear zones. Within the diorite, variably developed quartz stockwork to sheeted vein systems were encountered, associated with silica-chlorite alteration, pyrite and trace chalcopyrite mineralisation. The folded clastic sedimentary, iron formation, volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic stratigraphy contain multi-stage veining including widespread early quartz-carbonate veins that are strongly folded and boudinaged associated with pyrite and pyrrhotite mineralisation. Northeast to east-west trending structural corridors, defined by shear zones with strong strain development, host early quartz-carbonate and smoky quartz veins, which are deformed and crosscut by later-stage milky white quartz veins. Alteration consists of moderate silica-sericite-biotite-chlorite assemblages, associated with sulphide mineralisation including arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and trace chalcopyrite, both within veins and disseminated in the wall rock. Trace, localised visible gold was also observed in association with quartz veining. The multiple vein and sulphide generations are indicative of the long-lived nature of fluid flow and deformation across the Papaonga target area. Although mineralisation is present within the completed holes, it does not necessarily indicate economically significant gold grades.

Next Steps

Following the completion of the 2025 Winter drill program at the Project, Kenorland will maintain the camp and infrastructure at Papaonga for an additional three months in preparation for a potential subsequent summer drill program.

Figure 2. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location

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1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) - Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo., John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023

About South Uchi Project

The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince.

Kenorland announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Auranova, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA"). Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70% interest in the Project, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed.

Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project (see press release dated September 16, 2024).

Qualified Persons

Mr. Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824), a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

William Yeomans, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Yeomans is a gold exploration professional with over 40 years of experience in all stages of gold exploration throughout the Americas, including the Superior Province throughout Quebec and Ontario. He gained extensive exploration management experience across the entire Guiana Shield with BHP and has generated projects which resulted with significant NI 43-101 gold resources. He has worked as a consultant to IAMGOLD and Dundee Precious Metals Inc., identifying acquisition opportunities across Canada, the USA and South America. He is currently the President of Yeomans Geological Inc. as well as 1127637 B.C. Ltd. and has many years of experience as a board member for several junior mining companies.

About Kenorland Minerals

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com.

About Auranova Resources

The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young and William Rand.

Further information about Auranova can be found on www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kenorland Minerals Ltd.,

Zach Flood

President, CEO & Director

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance 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 times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, 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.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250912

SOURCE: Kenorland Minerals Ltd.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic exploration contract with Q Precious & Battery Metals Corp. (QMET). This contract encompasses comprehensive district-wide exploration targeting natural hydrogen (H2) and helium along the geologically significant Cobequid and Chedabucto fault systems in Nova Scotia. Under this strategic agreement, QMET has committed to providing direct financial compensation to QIMC in recognition of QIMC's specialized expertise and high-value exploration services.

This agreement marks a significant advancement in QIMC's strategic expansion in natural hydrogen exploration," stated John Karagiannidis, CEO and Chairman of QIMC. "Our collaboration with QMET, bolstered by the expert guidance from our partners at INRS, positions us strongly to validate and further expand our unique exploration model. We expect this initiative to significantly enhance our understanding of hydrogen potential within the region, thereby driving sustainable growth and value for our shareholders."

Under the terms of the agreement, QIMC will implement its proprietary exploration methodologies, including advanced soil gas surveys optimized for detecting hydrogen and helium. These surveys will be supplemented with state-of-the-art Audio Magnetotelluric (AMT) and Gamma Radiometric geophysical surveys. This initiative leverages QIMC's proven expertise and builds upon the successful identification of high-potential hydrogen zones at its flagship St-Bruno-de-Guigues property in Quebec.

The Cobequid and Chedabucto fault areas share critical geological characteristics with QIMC's Quebec-based properties, notably elevated geothermal gradients and heightened concentrations of elements, such as potassium, thorium, and uranium. These elements are known catalysts for radiolytic hydrogen generation. Furthermore, the region features sedimentary sequences exceeding 8,000 meters in thickness, composed of alternating porous and impermeable rock layers, as well as anticline structures associated with saline diapirs-geological features ideal for hydrogen and helium accumulation, confirmed by previous soil sampling conducted in 2024.

Richard Penn, President of QMET, commented: "We are excited to partner with QIMC in this strategic exploration initiative. QIMC's advanced methodologies and successful track record in natural hydrogen exploration align with our goal to thoroughly evaluate and capitalize on Nova Scotia's hydrogen resource potential. We anticipate this project will lead to meaningful discoveries and opportunities for future development."

QIMC will collaborate closely with the Institute National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), whose expertise was instrumental in developing QIMC's successful hydrogen exploration model.

The Company intends to replicate its successful exploration model across additional jurisdictions and anticipates further announcements regarding future projects and collaborations.

Further updates and exploration results will be communicated as they become available.

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC)

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Quebec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits. QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit www.qimaterials.com.

QUEBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quebec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although Quebec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. This press release contains forward-looking statements, including the anticipated success and timing of drilling permits and exploration activities. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could materially affect actual results. Investors are advised to consult the detailed disclosures available on SEDAR+.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250935

SOURCE: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Universal Digital Inc. (CSE: LFG) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Christian Kaczmarczyk has joined the board of directors. Mr. Kaczmarczyk is currently a Principal at Third Prime, a venture capital firm that supports early-stage companies in the digital asset, industrial tech, and fintech sectors. At Third Prime, he leads investments into crypto and digital asset companies. He previously held roles at BlockFi, FalconX, and Bison Trails (acquired by Coinbase), and has advised numerous crypto ventures. He also serves on the board of the Wisconsin School of Business. Mr. Kaczmarczyk holds a BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mr. Kaczmarczyk has also been appointed to the Company's Audit Committee and Investment Committee.

The Company also announces that Mr. Jon Bey and Mr. Blair Jordan have resigned from the board of directors, effective immediately. The Company extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Bey and Mr. Jordan for their contributions and leadership during their tenure and wishes them success in their future endeavors.

RSU Grants

The Company also announces the grant of 200,000 RSUs to Mr. Kaczmarczyk pursuant to the Company's long-term incentive plan. The RSUs will vest in eight equal quarterly installments over a two-year period from the date of grant.

"We are thrilled to welcome Christian to the board of Universal Digital," said Tim Chan, Chief Executive Officer. "His deep experience in venture capital and digital assets, combined with his global network and strategic insight, will be instrumental as we scale our investment platform and pursue opportunities across the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem."

About Universal Digital Inc.

Universal Digital Inc. is a Canadian investment company focused on digital assets, businesses and private and publicly listed entities that are involved in high-growth industries, with a particular focus on blockchain, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency technologies. The Company aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth through a diversified investment approach, and to participate in the transformation of global finance through the integration of digital asset strategies.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the impact of the new management on the Company's business and operations, the Company's plans to complete the change of business, regulatory approval of the change of business, the expected impacts of the change of business on the Company's business and operations, and the Company's plans following the proposed change of business.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: that the new officer appointments may not impact the Company's operations or business as anticipated; the Company may decide not to proceed with the change of business; the Company may not receive regulatory approval for the change of business; the Company may not receive the anticipated results on its business or operations following completion of the change of business; the Company's plans following the change of business may vary; the volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency markets; the impact of governmental or regulatory orders or decisions on the digital asset and cryptocurrency sectors; and market volatility for the Company's securities.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Company will proceed with the change of business; the Company will receive regulatory approval for the change of business; the change of business will benefit the Company's business and operations; and the digital asset and cryptocurrency sectors will continue to see growth.

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. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250969

SOURCE: Universal Digital Inc.
UK's eighth largest building society is working with Deloitte and 10x Banking to accelerate its digital transformation through a platform that will deliver enhanced capability to benefit from ongoing advances in customer focused technologies

West Brom Building Society, the UK's eighth largest building society is embarking on its digital transformation journey working with the technology team at Deloitte, the professional services firm and10x Banking, the cloud-native meta core banking platform.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506323445/en/

West Brom Building Society announces major digital transformation with Deloitte and 10x Banking

West Brom Building Society is pleased to be working with Deloitte and 10x to deliver the next stage of its digital transformation, putting the right technology in place to continue providing excellent service to its customers in a digital world. The transformation programme will ensure the business continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers, around choice, flexibility and the ability to access services in the way that suits them best.

The news comes as the building society sector prepares to mark its 250th anniversary at the 2025 Building Societies Annual Conference, highlighting the pressing need for mutuals to innovate through modernising their technology and delivering on their purpose, in a world increasingly driven by digital customer experience and AI enhanced business processes.

Jonathan Westhoff, Chief Executive Officer, West Brom Building Society said: "We chose to work with Deloitte and 10x because they understand what matters to us as a mutual our customers. Working on this together is an exciting step forward in building the digital service and technology we want for the future. It's based on the simple premise of helping our customers in the way that suits them best. As expectations grow and technology evolves, we want to make sure we're right there with them, responsive and ready for what's next in their financial lives whether that's buying their home or growing their savings for a more secure future."

West Brom Building Society is the eighth largest building society in the UK and has been supporting its customers for over 175 years since it was founded in 1849. The adoption of Converge by Deloitte, fully integrated to 10x Banking's platform, will enable West Brom to unify its systems on a cloud-native architecture designed for mutuals. It will enable rapid product launches and allow customers to transact as they prefer without incurring outsized complexity, cost and risk. Converge by Deloitte is a modern composable accelerator designed to help banks and building societies deliver new digital capabilities at pace.

The relationship between West Brom, Deloitte and 10x Banking, encompasses a multi-phase transformation strategy, enhancing West Brom's digital savings products, migrating existing accounts to Converge and the 10x platform, and unlocking greater value across its mortgage portfolio.

Jonathan Gray, UK Head of Banking Technology and Transformation at Deloitte said: "Building societies play a prominent role in the UK savings and mortgage sector, combining financial stewardship with social purpose. We're proud to be working with West Brom Building Society and 10x Banking to facilitate the modernisation of the society's digital capability and core systems, so that they can continue to deliver value for their 400,000+ members."

Unlike traditional all-in-one systems, 10x's platform lets mutuals tailor their products using a wide range of ready-made modules, which take away all of the unnecessary complexity, ideal for institutions balancing lean IT resources with the need to differentiate and innovate at scale and speed.

Antony Jenkins, Founder and CEO of 10x Banking, said: "The West Brom's transformation is a milestone for the sector. Our meta core platform lets mutuals futureproof their operations while staying true to their purpose. As we approach the sector's 250th anniversary, this partnership exemplifies how with the right cloud-native core technology in place heritage, social purpose and innovation can coexist and deliver world-class financial solutions."

West Brom Building Society, Deloitte and 10x Banking will be attending the 2025 Building Societies Annual Conference, hosted in Birmingham between 7and 8 May.

https://www.bsa.org.uk/events/upcoming-events/building-societies-annual-conference-2025

Notes to editors

About the West Brom

The West Brom is the UK's eighth largest building society and is a leading provider of financial services. Proudly independent, West Brom Building Society is owned by and run for the benefit of its customers. Since its foundation in 1849, the Society's fundamental principles have been, and remain, to offer people the opportunity to buy their own homes and save for the future.

About 10x Banking

10x Banking is a cloud-native core banking platform for financial institutions and their partners. Founded by former banking executives and built by technologists, the 10x Banking platform empowers its customers with best-in-class security, scalability and speed.

Proven across transformational deployments including Westpac, Chase and Old Mutual, 10x Banking offers banks the fastest, most cost-effective and derisked path to full cloud-native transformation through its unique 'meta core' approach. Its scalable, resilient, and flexible technology is built to empower financial institutions to better serve their customers and communities. 10x Banking is a B-Corp certified business with local presence in London, UK, Sydney, Australia and Singapore and is funded by a portfolio of world-class investors including BlackRock and J.P. Morgan.

For more information, visit https://www.10xbanking.com and follow us on LinkedIn

About Deloitte

In this press release references to "Deloitte" are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ("DTTL") a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NSE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506323445/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications Manager, West Brom Building Society:

Becky.Hume@westbrom.co.uk

07484 515676
Issuer: Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o. / Key word(s): Conference

Visegrad 4 Business conference this year also with the participation of European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic



06.05.2025 / 13:40 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.







Bratislava, May 6, 2025 - Trade relations with the USA, the declining competitiveness of European companies, the automotive industry and global trade partnerships with emerging markets are the main topics of the fourth edition of the international conference Visegrad 4 Business, which will take place in Bratislava on 10th June 2025. The conference is traditionally co-organised by four business associations from the Visegrad Four under the leadership of the Council of Slovak Exporters. In addition to representatives of companies and industry leaders, the event is traditionally attended by representatives of V4 governments. Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, has also confirmed his participation.

"By organising the Visegrad 4 Business conference this year, we are responding to the dynamic changes in international trade. This is reflected not only by the topics of the event, but also by the high interest and participation of domestic industry and partners from abroad. By discussing the most pressing economic topics, we will strive to unite the demand from business towards the public sector in order to achieve positive changes and probusiness policies." said Lukas Parizek, founder of the conference.

This key regional business forum has been successfully organised in Bratislava, Prague and Budapest in recent years with the participation of nearly a thousand guests from the private and public sector, including diplomatic missions. Experts from various sectors discussed topics such as post-pandemic recovery, energy security, logistics and connectivity, Ukraine's reconstruction, cyber security, artificial intelligence, space industry and family business challenges. By finding common solutions in an open and informal discussion, entrepreneurs from the V4 region can not only present themselves, but also find new business partners and thus promote cross-border cooperation between neighbouring countries.

Visegrad 4 Business conference is jointly organised since 2022 by four business organisations from the V4 region: Council of Slovak Exporters, Czech Association of Exporters, Hungarian business association MAPI Klub and Polish Economic Forum. The conference is organised with the support of the International Visegrad Fund, individual V4 governments and private sponsors.

For more information visit www.visegrad4business.eu .

About the Council of Slovak Exporters

The Council of Slovak Exporters was established in 2020 as a response to COVID-19's impact on local businesses. With over 130 supporting companies, this business platform connects exporters and facilitates dialogue with state institutions, international organizations, and financial institutions. The Council publicly communicates in support of Slovak exporters, provides export-related assistance, organizes networking events, and connects relevant entities in international trade. The organization holds BRONZE "European Cluster Excellence Initiative" certification, operating at the European level.

Contact

Council of Slovak Exporters

Visegrad 4 Business

0914 201 101

info@visegrad4business.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


MARION, NC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Greene Concepts Inc. (OTC PINK:INKW) proudly announces the Company's flagship brand BE WATER was recently selected as a brand to launch on Temu's expansion into the Food and Beverage categories. Temu is a rapidly growing global e-commerce platform. This move significantly broadens BE WATER's visibility and access to millions of new customers across the United States and beyond.

Temu, launched in 2022, is an online marketplace that connects consumers directly with manufacturers and brands, eliminating middlemen to offer lower prices. With over 100 million active U.S. users and 470 million monthly website visits, Temu has quickly risen to become one of the top shopping apps, particularly among Gen Z and millennial consumers who prioritize health, wellness, and sustainability (see: Temu statistics webpage).

"Temu was founded in the U.S. and is now operated by a leading Chinese e-commerce conglomerate," said Lenny Greene, CEO of Greene Concepts. "Since launching, Temu has expanded across Europe, Asia, and Latin America and is evolving into a comprehensive marketplace comparable to Amazon. Their platform presents a tremendous opportunity for wellness-focused brands like BE WATER to reach a wider, health-conscious audience."

Temu is actively expanding into the food and beverage category and supports its sellers with robust marketing tools, optimized logistics, and influencer engagement support. The platform's high-profile campaigns-including Super Bowl advertisements-have fueled its growth, especially with younger, digital-first consumers.

"Being listed on Temu enables BE WATER to tap into a high-demand demographic while reinforcing our commitment to clean-label hydration and sustainable wellness," added Mr. Greene. "This strategic alignment not only boosts our market presence via Temu's BE WATER promotional actions, it also supports our continued sales momentum as we tap into Temu's 100+ million active U.S. user base."

Follow Greene Concepts, Inc. on Social Media (X) at: @GreeneConcepts

About Greene Concepts, Inc.

Greene Concepts, Inc. (https://www.greeneconcepts.com) is a publicly traded company whose purpose is to provide the world with high-quality, healthy and enhanced beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of its consumers while refreshing their mind, body and spirit. The Company's flagship product, BE WATER, is a premium artesian bottled water that supports total body health and wellness. Greene Concepts' beverage and bottling plant is located in Marion, North Carolina, and their water is ethically sourced from spring and artesian wells that are fed from a natural aquifer located deep beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greene Concepts continues to develop and market premium beverage brands designed to enhance the daily lives of consumers.

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Greene Concepts, Inc.

Investor Relations

IR@greeneconcepts.com

SOURCE: Greene Concepts Inc.

Be Fresh_6-pack

Be Mindful_BeWater

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/greene-concepts-be-watertm-selected-for-temus-food-and-beverage-1023867
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Participating in 2025 Online Collective Reception Day for Investors of Listed Companies in Qingdao and 2024 Performance Briefing



06.05.2025 / 13:53 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Announcement on Participating in 2025 Online Collective Reception Day for Investors of Listed Companies in Qingdao and 2024 Performance Briefing

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 6 May 2025 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to Participating in 2025 Online Collective Reception Day for Investors of Listed Companies in Qingdao and 2024 Performance Briefing.

The full announcement is available at:

https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020250506660740986183.pdf?appdesc=Announcement%20on%20Participating%20in%202025%20Online%20Collective%20Reception%20Day%20for%20Investors%20of%20Listed%20Companies%20in%20Qingdao%20and%202024%20Performance%20Briefing

IR Contact:

Haier Smart Home Hong Kong

T: +852 2169 0000

Email: ir@haier.hk

Press Contact:

CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH

Sara Pinto

pi@crossalliance.de

T: +49 89 1250903 35

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud in the Chinese market, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

06.05.2025 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


CorFlow Therapeutics AG (CorFlow) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris O'Connell as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Rick Geoffrion who remains as a Director on the Board. Chris is a highly regarded senior executive, board member and advisor across the medical devices, life sciences and global healthcare industries. Chris built his career over 21 years at Medtronic (MDT) serving in multiple business areas and functions during an era of rapid expansion. This included senior leadership roles in the Cardiovascular and Diabetes business units, before becoming Executive Vice President and President of the Restorative Therapies Group. Chris was a member of the Medtronic Executive Committee for nine years. Chris later became CEO and President of the Waters Corporation (WAT) which he led to robust business and share price growth for over five years. He currently serves as an Independent Director of innovative growth companies in medical devices, life sciences and diagnostics, as well as several non-profit organizations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506197436/en/

Chris O'Connell, Chairman, Board of Directors, CorFlow

Paul Mead, CEO of CorFlow, said "Chris brings exceptional strategic and operational acumen to CorFlow at a pivotal growth phase, where the company can benefit tremendously from his experience. Chris knows exactly how high the bar is set for excellence across all functions in MedTech, both from his corporate and board experiences, and from having been on the buy side of many M&A transactions. On behalf of our board, shareholders, and employees, we're thrilled to have him on board."

Paul added, "I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude for the personal support and commitment from Rick Geoffrion over the past few years, who I am glad will remain on our Board in an independent capacity."

Chris joins CorFlow as the company embarks on achieving ambitious Series B objectives, which include two parallel clinical trials, an FDA IDE trial to obtain marketing authorization in the United States, and a landmark randomized therapy trial in Europe. CorFlow's technology aims to be the first to both diagnose and deliver therapy for heart attack patients suffering from microvascular obstruction, with a precise system that fits into the existing workflow for interventional cardiologists. The company's first in human MOCA I study results have been presented at the recent TCT and EuroPCR scientific congresses, and preclinical findings at the European Society of Cardiology meeting. CorFlow closed a 44M Series B in late 2024 with an international venture capital syndicate, and recently added further capital for expanded clinical, R&D, and capability advancement.

Chris commented, "I am honored to join the CorFlow team, and highly motivated by the opportunity to help address a major unmet medical need for patients suffering from microvascular obstruction. CorFlow is poised for breakthrough success with such a transformative technology set, talented CEO and team, and experienced investor group. We have all the ingredients to achieve something special."

About CorFlow Therapeutics: Headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. CorFlow aspires to be the leader in diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for restoring healthy microvascular blood flow anywhere in the human body where a critical need exists. Working in close partnership with scientists from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich, in a collaboration funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse), CorFlow continues to explore applications in and beyond the heart.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506197436/en/

Contacts:

Media and Scientific Contact

CorFlow Therapeutics AG

hello@corflow.ch
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQB: CYFRF) (formerly, Cypherpunk Holdings Inc, "Sol Strategies" or the "Company"), a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to investing in and providing infrastructure for the Solana blockchain ecosystem, announces the purchase of SOL from its recent closed convertible note facility.

Recent SOL Purchases Update

Following the announced successful initial USD $20 million closing of its USD $500 million convertible note facility with ATW Partners on May 1, 2025, SOL Strategies has executed on its commitment to deploy proceeds into SOL token acquisitions. As of the date hereof, the Company has invested the entire first tranche and acquired 122,524 SOL for USD $18,250,730, reflecting an average price of USD $148.96 per SOL.

"With the closing of our initial $20 million tranche from the ATW facility, we're executing exactly as promised - strategically acquiring SOL to expand our validator operations and ecosystem position," said Leah Wald, Chief Executive Officer of SOL Strategies. "These purchases directly strengthen our three-pillar strategy of enterprise grade validators, strategic SOL holdings, and solana technology innovation."

About SOL Strategies

SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTCQB: CYFRF) is a Canadian investment company that operates at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Specializing in the Solana ecosystem, the company provides strategic investments and infrastructure solutions to enable the next generation of decentralized applications.

To learn more about SOL Strategies, please visit www.solstrategies.io. A copy of this news release and all the Company's related material documents regarding the Company may be obtained under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's or the Company's management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, and expectations regarding the characteristics, value drivers, and anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans and operations related thereto. Forward-looking information can also be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved".

There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates, and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates, and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Disclaimer:

SOL Strategies is an independent organization in the Solana ecosystem. SOL Strategies is not affiliated with, owned by, or under common control with Solana Foundation (the "Foundation"), and the Foundation has not entered into any association, partnership, joint venture, employee, or agency relationship with SOL Strategies.

None of the Foundation or its council members, officers, agents or make any representations or warranties, recommendations, endorsements or promises with respect to the accuracy of any statements made, information provided, or action taken by SOL Strategies and expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from or related to any such statements, information or action.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250972

SOURCE: Sol Strategies Inc.
Optimizing charge and discharge of rechargeable batteries in remote controls, IoT sensors, Bluetooth trackers, etc.

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has developed the AP4413, a new series of ultra-low current power management ICs (PMICs) ideal for battery charging systems used in energy harvesting1 applications. The AP4413 series enables efficient battery charging while consuming an extremely low current of 52 nA and features four variants with voltage threshold characteristics matching several common rechargeable battery types. The AP4413 comes in a tiny 3.0 3.0 0.37 mm HXQFN package and has been in mass production since February of 2025.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506303011/en/

Fig. 1 AP4413 series of PMICs for energy harvesting

Equipped with AKM's proprietary ultra-low current voltage monitoring system, the AP4413 series enables autonomous charging of a small rechargeable battery via energy harvesting, which is becoming increasingly common across a wide range of applications such as remote controls, Bluetooth trackers, and IoT sensors, which have traditionally used disposable batteries. This is particularly relevant in Europe, where the transition to rechargeable batteries is being promoted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out disposable batteries.2

AKM has accumulated wide-ranging expertise in product technology and applications through the development and mass production of PMICs for energy harvesting. These devices allow system designers to utilize small amounts of ambient environmental energy, such as indoor light and body heat, to operate a variety of electronic devices, many of which are battery-operated. This is especially beneficial for IoT environmental sensors such as CO2 monitors that are installed in locations where line power is not easily accessible, and where battery replacement would be difficult.

Using energy harvesting to charge batteries is challenging, because the harvested voltage and current tend to be small and often unstable. It is therefore essential to minimize the PMIC's power consumption and prevent excessive charging and discharging. The AP4413 series' ultra-low 52 nA current consumption has minimal impact on a system's power budget, and its voltage monitoring system prevents rechargeable batteries from becoming completely discharged, allowing for quick startup and/or recovery. Furthermore, the addition of an inline capacitor (see figure 2) allows the AP4413 series PMICs to support system operation even when the battery is completely discharged, while recharging it at the same time.

For more information on the AP4413 series PMICs, visit https://www.akm.com/global/en/products/energy-harvesting/lineup-energy-harvesting/pmic/

About Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)

AKM, a Japan-based company, operates an electronic components business as a member of the Asahi Kasei Group's Material sector. AKM provides customers with unique products by combining the compound semiconductor technology used in magnetic sensors with the ASIC/analog circuit technology used in silicon semiconductors. AKM's unique products and solutions are featured across a wide range of markets, including mobile communication devices and consumer products, as well as automotive electronics devices, household equipment, and industrial equipment.

Additional information is available on https://www.akm.com/global/en/.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Healthcare. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

1 Technology to convert small amounts of ambient energy into power, utilizing various forms of energy such as light, vibration, heat, and radio waves.

2 Regulation 2023/1542 EN EUR-Lex

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506303011/en/

Contacts:

North America Contact:

Asahi Kasei America Inc.

Christian OKeefe

christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Europe Contact:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSX-V:TTG)(OTCQB-TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has now completed another month of steady oil production for the month of April 2025, with trucking and oil sales to Altex. The Lloydminster multilateral well shipped 3,919 barrels (bbl) for the month of April and produced at an average daily rate of 150 bbl/d gross (25 bbl/d net) to the Company since being placed on production, representing its 18.75% working interest ownership in the well. Daily production and shipping sales were slightly impaired due to two factors, limited access to railcars which resulted in six lost shipping days via rail, and the decision to sell to its working interest partners, it's 18.75% interest in the recently drilled, non-performing 8-23-049-1 W4M General Petroleum (GP) zone well including all surface and downhole equipment, and GP Petroleum rights within the Area of Mutual Interest (AMI) for $100,000 CDN. Production shipping and sales commenced on the first newly drilled Multilateral well, a year ago on October 6th, 2023, and the new well was brought on production in mid-September 2024. Croverro Energy Ltd. is the Operator.

DRILLING TO COMMENCE MID - JULY

The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture in mid-July subject to final permitting. The newly proposed 5-23 multilateral well will be situated adjacent to the Company's successful 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This second multi-lateral horizontal well, targeting the Sparky Zone is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 88,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer, subject to final permitting by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The company has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest now contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky zone only. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is based on similar wells drilled in the Sparky Oil Formation using surrounding well control and recently processed seismic lines. Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator.

Drilling, completion and equipping costs are expected to be $1.9 million ($350,000 net to Trans Canada). The well costs are fully funded out of production cash flow thereby preventing any share dilution.

Commented Tim Coupland, "We continue to focus on continued multilateral drilling success in the Sparky Zone, while navigating the increased market volatility and price swings expected with lower energy prices in the oil and gas energy sector. The Company remains extremely mindful of the current uncertainty within energy sector including tariff pressures and the Canadian election results, which may influence energy policy direction. We are expecting increased oil production for 2025 with our upcoming drill programs, and we are exploring additional exploration drilling and acquisition opportunities in both central Canada and the United States. The Company will continue with its newly adopted multilateral well drilling strategy for 2025-2026", using new state of the art multilateral well drilling techniques in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to create growth".

DRILLING TO COMMENCE SUMMER 2025 MULTILATERAL WELL-TARGETING SPARKY FORMATION

The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 well will be situated adjacent to the Company's 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky well has now produced over 85,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The new 5-23 well is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled this summer/ third quarter of 2025, subject to final permitting by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The company now has an 18.75% working interest in the Joint Venture with Croverro. The Area of Mutual Interest now contains 1040 acres with potential in the Sparky Zone only. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is based on similar wells drilled in the Sparky Oil Formation using surrounding well control and recently processed seismic lines. Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator.

ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS

The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tim Coupland, President and CEO

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3131

astar@telus.com

www.transcanadagold.com

or

Christian Timmins, Director

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (403) 597-3410

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/trans-canada-gold-corp.-ships-3-919-barrels-for-the-month-of-april-2025-from-its-1023644
New Initiative Signals GPOX's Scalable Growth and Commitment to Shareholder Transparency.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / GPO Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: GPOX ), an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model, has officially launched a new investor relations initiative designed to enhance transparency and strengthen relationships with its growing shareholder base. To lead this effort, the company has engaged Strategic Innovations First, a next-generation investor communications firm.

This initiative reflects a pivotal milestone in GPOX's evolution from a developmental-stage, refining a new AI-driven distribution model, to a scalable national growth execution. With operations maturing, margins increasing, and revenues growing, GPOX is entering a new phase - one where consistent, transparent communication with investors becomes a strategic priority.

Key components of the new IR initiative include:

Ambassador Network : A new grassroots program activating long-time GPOX shareholders to become brand advocates and company insiders.

AI-Driven Investor Tools : Interactive communication agents that deliver real-time insights, updates, and FAQs directly to shareholders.

Social Storytelling Strategy : Scalable, daily content strategies to increase brand visibility and improve investor engagement across all platforms.

Monthly CEO Video Briefings: Direct-from-leadership communication, offering shareholders insight into company progress and priorities.

"We're committed to building a transparent and forward-facing investor experience that gives our shareholders the information and engagement they deserve," said Brett H. Pojunis , CEO of GPOX. "Our goal with GPOX is to create one of the most engaged investor communities in the small-cap space, using smart tools and clear communication. We have a fantastic story, and I'm confident that when investors learn about us, they will want to become long-term shareholders and ultimately GPOX Ambassadors!"

To learn more, visit GPOPlus.com .

Connect with us on social media to view live video updates, content, and general information about GPOX: https://gpoplus.com/social .

About GPOPlus+ (GPOX)

GPOX is an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing the future of distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model. Our goal is clear and ambitious: "to build the largest nationwide DSD distribution company servicing gas stations, convenience stores, and beyond." Our technology-driven AI network, featuring strategically placed Regional Hubs and Mini Hubs, is designed to optimize efficiency and maximize reach. Central to our operations is our in-house AI technology platform, PRISM+. Designed to streamline the distribution process, PRISM+ supports efficient delivery, inventory management, data analytics, and overall operational excellence, enabling us to reliably and effectively meet the dynamic needs of our partners. Our mission is to consolidate the fragmented market segment managed by numerous regional vendors. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our product selection process, where we align offerings with consumer demand and partner with top-tier vendors and brands, ensuring our portfolio remains diverse and highly profitable. For more information, please visit www.GPOPlus.com .

About Strategic Innovations First

Strategic Innovations First is a modern investor relations and communications consultancy serving public companies with high-impact messaging, technology integration, and shareholder engagement strategies. The firm is a respected voice in small-cap markets and IR innovation.

For more information, please visit www.SolutionsNow.info .

Information about Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that include statements regarding expected financial performance and growth information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the control of the Company and its officers and managers, and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to; inability to gain or maintain licenses, reliance on unaudited statements, the Company's need for additional funding, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the demand for the Company's products, and other risks that are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can typically identify these forward-looking statements through use of words such as "may," "will," "can" "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "seek," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "predict," "could," "intend," "target," "potential," and other similar words and expressions of the future. The Company expresses its expectations, beliefs and projections in good faith and believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, there is no assurance that these expectations, beliefs and projections will prove to have been correct. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to its operations and future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its proposed operations, including the risk factors set forth herein. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary significantly from those intended, anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or planned. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any favorable forward-looking events discussed herein might not be realized and occur. The Company has no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting GPO Plus, Inc. GPOX, please refer to the Company's recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Company Contacts:

GPOX Shareholder Success Team:

Brett H. Pojunis, CEO

Email: ir@gpoplus.com

Shareholder's Line: 855.935.GPOX (4769)

Strategic Innovations Team:

Brad Listermann, Managing Director

Email: brad@solutionsnow.info

###

SOURCE: GPO Plus, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/gpoplus-engages-strategic-innovations-to-launch-next-gen-ir-prog-1023963
FDA approves Medtronic adaptive deep brain stimulation system for Parkinson's Disease

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Liza Bobrow didn't think it was a big deal when her handwriting suddenly went haywire.

"It was just so bizarre," she remembers. "My handwriting was getting teeny-tiny. I couldn't even sign a check. I had just turned 50 so I thought 'I'm getting old. I must have arthritis, or a pinched nerve or writer's cramp.' So, when the doctors told me it was Parkinson's Disease, I was terrified."

Medication helped at first.

Her handwriting returned to near normal. But Parkinson's is a progressive disease-it usually worsens over time.

Two years after her diagnosis, the medication began triggering bouts of dystonia. She suffered painful muscle spasms in her feet that made walking difficult. Her right arm would suddenly shoot out and she would have to cradle it back in with her left arm.

"The pain was so bad that I didn't want to take the medication," she said. "But without the medicine I struggled with motor skills. It was a terrible time."

Neurologists eventually suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in specific spots in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation to help control tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Bobrow and her husband spent six months researching DBS and consulting her doctors before deciding to proceed.

"I had never had surgery in my life, so the idea of brain surgery was pretty scary," she said. "But I had an incredible experience, and the results are profound. My motor skill fluctuation is less and in general it's just a feeling of relaxation and comfort in my body that I just didn't have before DBS."

Revolutionary leap in DBS therapy

DBS has been around for decades. A pacemaker-like device is implanted in the upper chest and thin wires lead to precise locations in the brain, where electrodes deliver electrical stimulation that can help control some of the symptoms from Parkinson's.

Even though traditional DBS is proven as a safe and effective treatment for Parkinson's, the level of stimulation is constant/pre-programmed. But it has limitations. The human body and brain are constantly changing and adjusting, as the various symptoms of Parkinson's disease and medication levels can fluctuate in intensity throughout the day. So, the amount of electrical stimulation needed to optimally treat Parkinson's may also change.

"I went through a lot of programming sessions to refine the device settings," Bobrow said. "You can't just set it and forget about it."

For many patients, that's about to change.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Medtronic Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS) system for use in the U.S. for patients with Parkinson's disease. With aDBS, the electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation can also sense the patient's brain signals and automatically adjust the level of stimulation to meet the patient's needs.1 A few programming adjustment visits may be needed in the first few months after turning on Adaptive Therapy. Patients programmed with Adaptive Therapy may require more programming adjustment visits if they experience stimulation-related side effects or need to further personalize programming settings.

"The aDBS system listens to these brain waves and then algorithms adjust the stimulation in real time according to what the brain waves tell us about their symptoms. It's a very exciting development," said Dr. Simon Little, a neurologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

Living the dream

Liza Bobrow received her DBS device before the FDA approval of aDBS; however, a software upgrade to aDBS does not require surgery. Her device already includes the brain sensing technology; if her doctors decide she is a candidate for aDBS, it would be a matter of activating this technology in her current device.

"Adaptability is obviously the next frontier. I can tell that my body has ebbs and flows and clearly real-time stimulation adjustment is something that interests me," Liza said.

"There's been a dream in our field for years that a device would be developed that could understand brain signals well enough to auto-deliver stimulation," added Dr. Philip Starr, professor of neurological surgery at UCSF. "Now the dream is real. This field of neuromodulation is sort of like turning back the clock. It can take people with a chronic disease like Parkinson's and give them a better quality of life. The rejuvenation that people experience is dramatic and as a clinician it's a wonderful thing to participate in."

Learn more about Medtronic.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/specialties/neurology/therapies-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/conditions/parkinsons-disease.html

DBS Therapy requires brain surgery. Risks may include: surgical complications, infection, failure to deliver therapy as needed and/or worsening of some symptoms.

Product usage represented may not be approved or cleared in all markets.

 The sensing feature of the Percept PC and Percept RC system is intended for use in patients receiving DBS where chronically recorded bioelectric data may provide useful, objective information regarding patient clinical status.

L001-03112025

References:

Stanslaski S, Summers RLS, Tonder L, et al. Sensing data and methodology from the Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson's Disease (ADAPT-PD) clinical trial. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2024;10(1):174.

Liza Bobrow, Deep Brain Stimulation patient

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Medtronic on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Medtronic

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/medtronic

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Medtronic

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/reading-your-brain-waves-to-treat-a-debilitating-disease-1024010
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) a premier North American franchisor of renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce a new franchise agreement with Mithra Saunders, further strengthening its market position in the Greater Toronto Area. Located in Scarborough, this new territory will complement Stardust Solar's robust presence in nearby North York, enhancing the company's ability to meet rising regional demand for solar energy solutions.

Saunders brings an impressive background in sales and business development to Stardust Solar, positioning him to effectively drive local sales growth and customer acquisition. His extensive experience and deep familiarity with the Greater Toronto Area market will be instrumental in expanding Stardust Solar's residential and commercial renewable energy installations.

"We're thrilled to welcome Mithra Saunders to our growing Stardust Solar family," said Mark Tadros, CEO of Stardust Solar. "His proven sales expertise and enthusiasm for renewable energy align perfectly with our strategic goal of accelerating clean energy adoption across Ontario. Scarborough is a key market with tremendous potential, and Mithra's leadership will undoubtedly help capitalize on these opportunities."

The addition of this franchise is part of Stardust Solar's ongoing expansion strategy, which has seen significant recent growth in 2025. Stardust Solar now operates an extensive network of franchise territories across Canada and the U.S., driven by strong market demand for solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle supply equipment.

"Joining Stardust Solar is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community by promoting sustainable energy solutions," Saunders said. "I look forward to contributing to the company's growth and success by providing Scarborough residents and businesses with reliable, cost-effective renewable energy options."

About Stardust Solar:

Stardust Solar is a North American franchisor of renewable energy installation services, specializing in solar panels (PV), energy storage systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Company equips entrepreneurs with branded business management services, cutting-edge equipment, and comprehensive support, including marketing, sales, engineering, and project management. With franchises across Canada and the United States, Stardust Solar drives the adoption of clean energy solutions that boost economic development and create a more sustainable future.

Media and Investor Contacts:

Disclaimer:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements, including statements relating to the Company's business plans and expected future growth, expected franchise expansions, the outlook of future operations, revenue growth, new opportunities and the demand for the Company's products. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention. It assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250928

SOURCE: Stardust Solar Energy Inc.
LEWISVILLE, Ark., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture ("JV") between Standard Lithium Ltd. ("Standard Lithium" or the "Company") (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI) and Equinor, announced that SWA Lithium LLC has submitted an application to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission ("AOGC") to establish a fair and equitable lithium royalty for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas ("SWA") Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties, Arkansas. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at 9:00 am CDT and is to be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center Grand Hall at South Arkansas University (100 East University) in Magnolia, Arkansas.

The application proposes a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% that will be based on the total amount of lithium produced and the average FastMarkets North American Index Price for technical grade lithium carbonate, which is higher than comparable projects globally on a lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE") basis. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the "in lieu bromine royalty," of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices.

"Working with landowners and the AOGC to establish a fair and equitable royalty is key to the SWA Project's success," said Standard Lithium's CEO, David Park, "The proposed royalty generously compensates brine owners, is fair for industry, and encourages development of the Smackover resource. The royalty is only the beginning of the economic impact this project will have for South Arkansas and the rest of the state."

"Establishing a royalty for the SWA Project allows us to continue the path towards a final investment decision," said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP for US Lithium at Equinor. "The proposed royalty rate enables capital investment, infrastructure improvements, jobs, tax revenue and brings tremendous benefits to the Smackover region."

For more information about the SWA Project and Smackover Lithium, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com

About Standard Lithium Ltd.

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") and purification process. The Company's flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol "SLI". Please visit the Company's website at www.standardlithium.com.

About Equinor

Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor's portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Equinor's partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US - Equinor

Investor and Media Inquiries

Chris Lang

Standard Lithium Ltd.

+1 604 409 8154

investors@standardlithium.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, including approval of the royalty application submitted to the AOGC, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Monica Cramer Manhem and Yoshihiro Uotani also appointed Non-Executive Directors to the Board of Directors

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced the appointment of Nicholas Walsh as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sompo International Holdings Ltd. ("SIH")

Mr Walsh, who has been an Independent Non-Executive Director of SIH since June 2022, succeeds James Shea who last month was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sompo P&C, in addition to his role as CEO and Executive Director, SIH.

Mr Shea said: "We are delighted that Nicholas Walsh has become our new SIH Board Chairman. Nic is a highly respected leader with more than 50 years of experience in insurance and his expertise has been invaluable to us since he first joined our Board three years ago. Nic's new appointment comes at an exciting time for Sompo as we continue to expand our business around the world. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his guidance and insights, helping us put our customers and trading partners even more at the center of everything we do."

Mr Walsh spent 42 years with AIG, holding numerous leadership positions. He retired in 2014 as Vice Chairman of AIG Property and Casualty Inc. and previously served as Executive Vice President of AIG Inc., CEO of AIG's international general insurance business and chair of several AIG regional companies.

Mr Walsh has extensive experience on international boards and international societies. Since 2020, he has been an independent director of McGill Global Solutions LLC, and from 2020-2024 McGill & Partners Ltd. From 2014 to 2019, Mr Walsh was an independent director of Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) PLC, a London-based multinational insurance broker, and JLT's US subsidiaries. Mr Walsh also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Endurance Worldwide Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIH.

In addition to Mr Walsh's appointment, Monica Cramer Manhem has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Yoshihiro Uotani, Sompo Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of Directors of SIH.

Monica Cramer Manhem has served as Independent Non-Executive Director SI Insurance (Europe), SA ("SIIE"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIH, since 2023. Prior to this, she was CEO at SiriusPoint International, the largest reinsurance company in Scandinavia. With nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Monica is a seasoned industry executive. She joined Sirius International in 1985 and was a board director between 2014-2022.

Yoshihiro Uotani was appointed Senior Executive Vice President of Sompo Holdings in April 2025. He has served as Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Executive Officer of Sompo Holdings, Inc. since April 2021. Mr Uotani leads the company's global risk teams and has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked across multiple international locations including Germany, the UK, the US and Japan.

Mr Shea said: "The appointments of Monica and Uotani-san will strengthen even further the depth of expertise within our SIH Board. Monica brings with her broad expertise across underwriting, communications, analytics, strategic and regulatory topics and is a respected industry leader. As Group CRO, Uotani-san's extensive knowledge will help us to navigate a complex and rapidly moving global risk landscape as we continue to take our business from strength to strength."



About Sompo

We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise.

"Sompo" refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualtyor visit sompo-intl.com.

Sompo Contact

Mike Jones

Global Head of Media Relations

M: +44 7765 901899

E: mijones@sompo-intl.com
Recognition highlights Exterro's innovation and leadership among Oregon-based enterprise-level technology companies

PORTLAND, Ore., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exterro, Inc., the leading provider of data risk management software solutions for e-discovery, digital forensics, and data privacy, security, and governance professionals, today announced it was named Enterprise Tech Company of the Year at the 2025 Oregon Tech Awards. The annual awards program presented by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) recognizes excellence and achievement in the region's technology industry across multiple categories.

Recognition for Innovation and Impact

The Enterprise Tech Company of the Year award honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership in building impactful technology for enterprise customers. Exterro stood out for its unified approach to solving the most pressing data challenges enterprises face today-including data sprawl, regulatory complexity, legal risk, and cybersecurity threats.

Exterro's Data Risk Management Platform powers e-discovery, digital forensics, privacy, cybersecurity, and governance solutions in a single, unified, AI-driven platform. It enables organizations to reduce risk, streamline operations, and respond with speed and precision to the ever-increasing risks associated with the impact of cyber breaches, mounting litigation and growing governance challenges and requirements.

"This award validates the vision we've been building toward for years: enabling organizations to take control of their data risks-not just react to them," said Bobby Balachandran, Founder and CEO of Exterro. "We're proud to be recognized alongside some of the most innovative tech companies in Oregon, and we're even prouder of the role Exterro plays in helping enterprises safeguard their digital world."

Trusted by the World's Leading Enterprises

More than 3,000 organizations worldwide, including over 40 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Exterro's platform to simplify complexity, eliminate silos, and gain visibility across their data ecosystems. With FedRAMP, HITRUST, and SOC 2 certifications, Exterro meets the highest standards for enterprise-grade security and compliance.

The company's focus on product innovation, scalability, and operational efficiency has made it a go-to partner for legal, compliance, privacy, and security teams seeking to modernize and unify their data risk management practices.

Oregon's Premier Technology Celebration

The Oregon Tech Awards are the flagship event of TAO and represent the state's most prestigious recognition of technology innovation. Winners are selected based on a combination of growth metrics, product differentiation, customer impact, and industry leadership. This year's awards ceremony brought together hundreds of executives, entrepreneurs, and technologists to celebrate Oregon's thriving tech ecosystem.

About Exterro

Exterro empowers organizations to manage data risks with a complete platform for e-discovery, data privacy, cybersecurity and governance, and digital forensics. Unlike any other software provider, Exterro makes it easy for organizations to understand their data and take swift action. Exterro's AI-driven solutions provide accurate, actionable insights, enabling businesses to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and streamline operations while lowering costs. With Exterro, organizations gain the clarity and confidence needed to address their most critical data challenges. For more information, visit www.exterro.com .

Press Contact:

For Exterro

Hazel Ramirez

hazel@plat4orm.com

570-975-9261
Collaboration underscores leading procurement software company's regional commitment and expertise

JAGGAER, a leading global provider of procurement and spend management solutions, is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deliver enhanced procurement services across Kuwait and the broader Middle East region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506765207/en/

JAGGAER expands reach in Kuwait and the Middle East through collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

This new collaboration marks a significant expansion of JAGGAER's offerings in the region, introducing the powerful JAGGAER One platform to local markets with huge potential to benefit businesses throughout the Middle East.

JAGGAER One, a comprehensive digital source-to-pay platform, integrates with AWS's robust cloud infrastructure to offer scalable, secure and future-ready Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) procurement solutions tailored to the needs of both government bodies and large enterprises in Kuwait and further afield, across the region.

Designed to streamline and optimise the entire procurement process for businesses, it integrates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to provide end-to-end solutions for sourcing, supplier management, contract management, procurement and invoicing. The platform is highly scalable and customisable, allowing organisations to gain full visibility and control over their spending, improve compliance, reduce costs and enhance supplier relationships, all within a secure, user-friendly environment.

The collaboration now allows JAGGAER to leverage AWS Outposts, providing state-of-the-art SaaS services that are not only scalable but also highly adaptable to the evolving demands of the region's business environment.

JAGGAER is one of the first companies to sign an agreement with Amazon Web Services to introduce public cloud services to the whole country.

AWS Outposts is a fully managed service that extends Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, services and tools to virtually any on-premises or co-location facility, providing a consistent hybrid cloud experience.

Hany Mosbeh, Senior Vice President MEAPAC at JAGGAER, commented on the collaboration: "Integrating JAGGAER's procurement and spend management solutions with AWS cloud infrastructure offers significant advantages to businesses in Kuwait. This collaboration enhances scalability, security and cost efficiency, supporting a more efficient and innovative approach to procurement."

"It aligns with the growth ambitions of businesses in the Middle East and Africa, reinforcing our commitment to being the trusted advisor in the e-Procurement space across the region. This exciting new collaboration also serves as clear commitment to our customers and partners in the MEA region for better alignment, better service and ensuring JAGGAER remains the main trusted advisor for them in the whole e-Procurement space."

Integrating JAGGAER's procurement and spend management solutions with AWS cloud infrastructure can offer significant advantages to businesses in Kuwait. This combination will benefit organisations in the region through enhanced scalability and flexibility by leveraging AWS's robust cloud infrastructure, businesses can easily scale their procurement operations to meet changing demands, ensuring their systems grow seamlessly as their needs evolve.

It also delivers innovation and future readiness integrating with AWS allows organisations to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling them to more readily adopt cutting-edge solutions and remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.

The collaboration underscores JAGGAER's dedication to driving innovation and delivering high-performance solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses in the Middle East. By combining JAGGAER's industry-leading procurement technology with AWS's secure and scalable cloud services, organisations in Kuwait and beyond will benefit from a robust and reliable platform that supports their long-term success.

For more information about JAGGAER and its solutions, please visit JAGGAER Solutions.

About JAGGAER:

JAGGAER is a global leader in enterprise procurement and supplier collaboration, and the catalyst for enhancing human decision-making to accelerate business outcomes. We help organizations to manage and automate complex processes while enabling their highly resilient, accountable, and integrated supplier base. Backed by 30 years of expertise, our proven AI-powered industry-specific solutions, services, and partnerships form JAGGAER One, serving direct and indirect, upstream and downstream, in settings demanding an intelligent and comprehensive source-to-pay solution. Our 1,200 global employees are obsessed with helping customers create value, transform their businesses, and accelerate their journey to Autonomous Commerce. For more information, visit www.jaggaer.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506765207/en/

Contacts:

Media contacts

Josephine Ornago

Email: josephine@outspokenpr.com

Cell: +39 3662250305
BrightHeart, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for obstetrics and pediatric cardiology, announced today the 510(k) clearance for updates to the BrightHeart platform, adds the capability for clinicians to access the BrightHeart analysis in real-time through a cart-side tablet.

BrightHeart's innovative AI technology addresses a critical unmet clinical need, targeting the significant challenge of screening for congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common type of birth defect. Currently, up to 70% of CHDs cases go undetected during routine prenatal ultrasounds due to the complexity of these exams. BrightHeart offers a first of its kind digital screening tool, which applies AI to flag findings on structural markers that may be suggestive of CHDs. This first offering supports the company's broader vision to deliver expert level ultrasound care, regardless of resources, setting, or expertise.

"Our product expansion builds upon the success of our initial pilot experience, bringing real-time feedback directly to the clinicians to streamline the workflow and enhance accuracy," said Cecile Dupont, BrightHeart CEO and Partner at Sofinnova Partners. "Our team rapidly executed from concept to pilot implementation of the BrightHeart tablet in clinics, and we were thrilled to achieve clearance through our first Special 510(k) submission within just a few months."

"The clinician reception to the BrightHeart tablet has been very positive during our pilot experience," said Dr. Jennifer Lam-Rachlin, Maternal Fetal Medicine Assistant Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital/Mount Sinai West Hospital, Director of Fetal Echocardiography at Carnegie Imaging for Women. "With real-time alerts on structural markers, BrightHeart supports efficiency in the fetal heart evaluation by bolstering the analysis and documentation for both normal and abnormal scans ultimately boosting confidence and consistency in the exam room."

"Heart defects are so hard to detect, and so devastating if missed," said Dr. Sara Garmel, Perinatologist and Founding Partner at Michigan Perinatal Associates, PC. "By surfacing the alerts directly during the scan, BrightHeart helps bring greater structure and efficiency to fetal heart exams to support earlier and more accurate detection."

With multiple clearances achieved in record time, BrightHeart is preparing for the limited market release to deploy BrightHeart in an exclusive set of clinics. BrightHeart invites clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders to join us and collaborate in advancing maternal-fetal health. Together, we can reshape the future of prenatal care.

About BrightHeart

BrightHeart SAS is a Paris-based, privately held, medical device company and part of Sofinnova MD Start, Sofinnova Partners' medical device accelerator. The company's software uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to analyze fetal heart ultrasound exams and support clinicians and sonographers with tools to improve fetal heart evaluations.

BrightHeart builds on more than a decade of foundational excellence and innovation in fetal cardiology training established by co-founders Dr. Marilyne Levy and Dr. Bertrand Stos, two leading fetal cardiologists based in Paris, France.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical, and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 4 billion under management. For more information, please visit: www.sofinnovapartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506926510/en/

Contacts:

For further information:

Cecile Dupont

Chief Executive Officer, BrightHeart

press@brightheart.fr
Andersen Consulting adds coverage in Thailand and Indonesia with its newest member, Sertis, a leading consultancy delivering data-driven, enterprise AI solutions to clients through Southeast Asia and beyond. This strategic move bolsters Andersen Consulting's presence in the region and strengthens the organization's capabilities in the AI space.

Founded in 2014 by Tee Vachiramon, Sertis specializes in AI and technology transformation consulting services, including AI strategy development, custom AI solutions, data analytics, and digital transformation. The firm works with clients in various sectors, such as finance, retail, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, enabling them to optimize operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experience.

"Becoming a member of Andersen Consulting is a milestone for our firm as it allows us to tap into an unparalleled platform of best-in-class solutions for our clients," Tee said. "With the support of Andersen, we are now positioned to offer our services to an even broader global audience, continuing to drive digital transformation and business growth based on data and AI. We are thrilled to join the Andersen family and look forward to collaborating closely with our colleagues across the globe."

Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen Mark L. Vorsatz added, "Expanding our consulting presence in Indonesia and Thailand is crucial for unlocking the potential of emerging technologies in the Asia Pacific, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of AI and technology transformation while fostering innovation and economic growth in these rapidly evolving markets. Sertis' exceptional reputation for delivering cutting-edge, data-driven solutions adds complementary capabilities to our global consulting platform."

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member and collaborating firms around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506823059/en/

Contacts:

mediainquiries@Andersen.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Gildan is pleased to announce that its Canadian and U.S. operations have been certified at the Silver level by Women in Governance for their gender parity efforts. With this, Gildan joins 70 other recognized organizations, highlighting the Company's advancements in creating an inclusive environment with an equitable representation of women to men.

"This certification is a testament to Gildan's persistent and dedicated efforts to achieve gender parity at all levels of the organization; of notable mention, is Gildan's Next Generation ESG strategy goal of achieving gender parity at the Director-level and above positions by 2027," says Esther Hackett, Vice-President of Human Resources at Gildan. "Additionally, both the Canadian and U.S. certifications provide us with an opportunity to learn about the strengths uniquely possessed by our operations in each region, as well as identify relevant pathways towards improvement."

Over the years, Gildan has implemented programs to empower women from different regions and at different levels of the organization. One of its most successful programs in Canada and the U.S. has been Women in Leadership - Ignite Your Impact, which brings together women from the manager-level and above for development and networking opportunities. The Company has also been enhancing its succession planning to build more equitable pipelines of future leaders, making gender parity a priority right from the hiring stage.

Created in 2017, the Women in Governance Parity Certification evaluates organizations on over 75 quantitative and qualitative criteria in alignment with country-specific regulations, taking into account the multiple impacts of diversity in women's career advancement. The Certification consists of a thorough diagnostic of an organization's position on the gender parity spectrum as it pertains to its strategies (culture and commitments), actions (communications, policy and programs), and the results they yield.

For more information about the Women in Governance Parity Certification, click here.



To learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Gildan, click here.

Gildan's North American Operations Achieve Silver Level in the Women in Governance Parity Certification

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gildan Activewear on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gildan Activewear

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gildan

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Gildan Activewear

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/gildan%e2%80%99s-north-american-operations-achieve-silver-level-in-the-women-i-1024023
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Canuc Resources Corporation (TSXV: CDA) (OTCQB: CNUCF) ("Canuc") and Macdonald Mines Exploration Inc. (TSXV: BMK) (OTC Pink: MCDMF) ("Macdonald Mines") announce a delay in the previously announced transaction whereby Canuc will acquire all of the shares of Macdonald Mines (the "Transaction").

The anticipated trading halt in respect of the Macdonald Mines shares on May 5, 2025 has not occurred. As a result, the closing date of the Transaction has been adjusted. In order to accommodate the closing and procedures thereof, the TSXV has requested that Macdonald Mines delist from the TSXV prior to the closing of the Transaction. As a result, Macdonald Mines will be delisted from the TSXV as of market close on May 6th and the definitive record date to determine the shareholders of Macdonald Mines that will receive shares in Canuc will be May 7th. Transaction is expected to close post-market closing on or around May 7th.

About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.

Founded in 1935, MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is a mineral exploration company focused on the evaluation, acquisition, and development of precious and critical metals properties in Ontario. The company's flagship project, the 100% owned SPJ Project, spans 19,710 hectares and is situated approximately 40 kilometers northeast of the prolific Sudbury Mining Camp. and near to the extensive infrastructure of the adjacent Sudbury Mining District.

The SPJ Project encompasses several centers of critical and precious metal mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form IOCG and affiliated critical and precious mineral deposits. Included within the Project is the historical Scadding Gold Mine and associated gold mineralized system and gold bearing tailings. Minerals of interest on SPJ include copper (Cu), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and rare earth elements (REE). MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. is committed to responsible and sustainable operations, prioritizing environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement.

About Canuc Resources Corporation

Founded in 1952, Canuc Resources Corporation is a junior resource company focusing on the San Javier Silver-Gold Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The San Javier Silver-Gold Project evidences silver, gold and copper mineralization interpreted to be related to a mineral system that can form silver dominant IOCG and affiliated deposits. The Company also generates cash flow from natural gas production at its MidTex Energy Project located in Central West Texas, USA where Canuc has an interest in eight (8) producing natural gas wells and has rights for further in field developments.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that each of Canuc and/or MacDonald Mines (collectively, the "Corporations") believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporations respective strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, and including statements regarding the completion of or the benefits of the Transaction and the Arrangement.

When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on current expectations and applies only as of the date on which they were made. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking information include. Factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in the Corporations respective annual financial statements, MD&A and other publicly filed documents.

The Corporations caution that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. There is Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Corporations do not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250977

SOURCE: Canuc Resources Corporation
NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 1st, the global blockchain industry event Token2049 concluded successfully, marking a significant moment for Web3 and fintech innovations. Interlace, a leading Web3 fintech company, made its debut at the event, capturing widespread attention with its cutting-edge Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution. The company showcased its deep industry insights and strategic expansion plans for the Middle East market, positioning itself as a key player in the region's Web3 ecosystem. Interlace's presence attracted a diverse range of stakeholders, including Web3 enterprises, industry pioneers, developers, institutional investors, and ecosystem partners.

Redefining what is possible in Web3 with Cards as a Service

As a global leader in financial infrastructure services, Interlace has consistently driven the integration of Web2 and Web3 ecosystems through technological innovation. At Token2049, the company highlighted its industry-leading CaaS solution, a comprehensive platform that simplifies the entire process from wallet management to card issuance.

Key features of the CaaS offering include:

30+ BIN Configurations : Enhancing flexibility for global financial compatibility.

: Enhancing flexibility for global financial compatibility. Wallet Deposit Address Generation : Providing seamless management of funds.

: Providing seamless management of funds. KYT (Know Your Transaction) Compliance : Ensuring secure, compliant crypto deposits.

: Ensuring secure, compliant crypto deposits. Cardholder KYC Verification : Available via API or custodial mode to validate user identity.

: Available via API or custodial mode to validate user identity. Built-in Risk Control and Anti-Fraud Systems : Protecting users and businesses from fraud.

: Protecting users and businesses from fraud. Regulatory-Compliant Custodial Infrastructure: Ensuring full transparency and security of fund flows.

These features come together to provide a robust solution that seamlessly bridges the gap between the Web3 world and traditional financial systems, enabling more secure, transparent, and accessible financial services.

White-Label Customization: Empowering Clients with Brand Differentiation

Interlace also offers a flexible white-label card solution that allows businesses and institutions to fully customize card designs, enabling them to build distinctive brand identities. With the Interlace CaaS solution, clients can issue both physical and virtual cards in as soon as two weeks, accelerating time-to-market for crypto-based financial products.

The cards are fully compatible with popular digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet, facilitating seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions and empowering users to spend both crypto and fiat currencies effortlessly-anytime, anywhere. This functionality unlocks the true potential of on-chain assets, offering users a level of "spending freedom" previously unavailable.

Real-Time Experience with the Infinity Card

During Token2049, Interlace offered a hands-on demonstration of its flagship product, the Infinity Card, which provided attendees with a limited-time gift card. This allowed users to experience the seamless transition from on-chain asset management to off-chain spending. As one Web3 participant noted, "Interlace has simplified the complexities of on-chain asset liquidity and conversion into a globally accepted payment card. This is a pivotal step toward turning blockchain technology into a practical, mainstream financial tool."

Currently, the Interlace CaaS solution has been widely adopted by crypto exchanges, wallets, OTA platforms, AI companies, gaming firms, advertising platforms, and online subscription services. Notably, for Token2049, Interlace partnered with Web3 travel and lifestyle platform Umy, offering users exclusive discounts when booking flights and hotels in Dubai through Umy. Users could also pay with the Infinity Card using cryptocurrency, further demonstrating the compatibility of CaaS with traditional consumer scenarios.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Strengthening the Ecosystem

Interlace's presence at Token2049 was not limited to the main event. The company actively engaged in key side events such as 1001 Crypto Nights and Hack Seasons Conference, where it networked with Web3 professionals, thought leaders, and potential collaborators. As part of its strategic efforts, Interlace also partnered with Umy, a Web3 travel and lifestyle platform. Through this collaboration, Interlace users were offered exclusive discounts on flights and hotel bookings, with the added benefit of paying with the Infinity Card using cryptocurrency. This partnership further demonstrates the compatibility of CaaS with traditional consumer scenarios, expanding the utility of crypto assets in everyday life.

Building a Middle East Strategy: Compliance as the Cornerstone of Growth

The Middle East has rapidly emerged as a strategic hub for global Web3 enterprises, driven by Dubai's open regulatory environment and concentration of high-net-worth capital. Interlace's debut at Token2049 marks a key milestone in its global expansion strategy, with a particular focus on the Middle East market. As CEO Michael Wu noted, "The Middle East is a core node in Interlace's mission to build a global Web3 financial network. By combining our extensive compliance technology expertise with localized market needs, we are accelerating the integration of blockchain and traditional finance."

At Token2049, Interlace was able to demonstrate its technical expertise and regulatory-compliant operational capabilities. As its expansion into the Middle East continues, Interlace aims to become a benchmark for the "Compliance + Technology" innovation model, driving the large-scale adoption of crypto payment services across industries such as consumer goods, trade, and travel.

Impressive Milestones and Future Outlook

Founded in 2019, Interlace has achieved PCI-DSS Level 1 certification, the highest security standard for card payments, and holds key international licenses, including Hong Kong TCSP, U.S. MSB, and Lithuania VASP. To date, Interlace has issued over 6 million cards, serving more than 7,500 enterprises, and processing over 60 million transactions annually. The company's continuous growth and expansion highlight its dedication to building secure, compliant, and scalable solutions for the global Web3 financial ecosystem.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680174/Interlace_Breaks_New_Ground_Web3_Finance_CaaS_Token2049.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/interlace-breaks-new-ground-in-web3-finance-with-caas-at-token2049-302446708.html
SINGAPORE, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JuCoin, a global leader in cryptocurrency trading and Web3 ecosystem development, recently hosted a series of landmark strategic initiatives during TOKEN2049 Dubai (April 30 - May 1, 2025), one of the world's premier Web3 summits. The event brought together over 15,000 industry leaders and 4,000 enterprise representatives from more than 150 countries, with over 70% in C-level positions-cementing its status as a barometer of global Web3 development.

As a Platinum Sponsor, JuCoin showcased its rapidly expanding ecosystem through three core pillars: keynote speeches, tech showcases, and elite networking. These efforts not only highlighted JuCoin's growing influence but also propelled the global exposure and adoption of its high-performance Layer 1 blockchain JuChain and its first native protocol, Butterfly-connecting key developers, investors, and strategic partners worldwide.

Booth Experience: Immersive Engagement with JuCoin's "Peak Moments" Philosophy

At the main venue of TOKEN2049, JuCoin's immersive brand booth became a standout hub for deep engagement. Centered around the core concept of "Designed for Peak Moments," the booth integrated interactive experiences, limited-edition merchandise, and in-depth insights into the JuCoin ecosystem. This transformed JuCoin's pursuit of exceptional user experience from an abstract idea into tangible brand interaction, effectively conveying its commitment to enhancing both the usability and emotional value of Web3.

CEO Insights: Drawing Inspiration from Luxury to Drive Web3 Adoption Through Peak Experiences

On April 30, JuCoin CEO Sammi Li delivered a strategic keynote titled "From Luxury to Crypto - Designing Peak Moments in User Experience" on the main stage. She highlighted that while most crypto products today focus heavily on technical metrics, they often overlook users' deep need for trust and positive emotional resonance during high-value interactions-an area where the luxury industry excels by crafting unforgettable "peak moments" to foster loyalty.

Sammi emphasized that for Web3 to achieve mass adoption, the industry must shift from "tech for tech's sake" to a "user experience first" mindset. This includes infusing empathy and refined detail across critical user touchpoints-from onboarding and user flows to customer support, documentation, and community engagement. She explained that JuCoin is implementing this philosophy by systematically optimizing its full product suite-including JuChain, JuChat (a social platform), and JuGame (a gaming platform)-to significantly lower the barrier to entry while boosting user delight and trust. Her speech not only outlined JuCoin's product vision but also served as a rallying call to the broader Web3 community: invest in the experience ecosystem, put users at the center, and drive the next wave of Web3 growth together.

"The Great Gatsby" Afterparty: A High-Impact Social Arena for Web3 Elites and Capital Synergy

Beyond the packed schedule of TOKEN2049, JuCoin curated an elegant and efficient platform for deep networking among global Web3 elites. On the evening of April 30, JuCoin hosted a themed afterparty titled "The Great Gatsby - JuFusion DJ Party" at the iconic Gatsby Dubai. Inspired by the vintage luxury aesthetic of the classic novel, the event attracted nearly 3,000 registrants, including top-tier project teams, investment institutions, and key opinion leaders (KOLs), quickly becoming one of the most high-profile and valuable social hubs of Dubai Web3 Week.

This meticulously crafted party offered not just a unique social atmosphere-with an AR interactive check-in area, thematic art installations, and a cross-genre performance by internationally renowned electronic music group JuFusion-but also played a catalytic role in connecting innovation with venture capital. Exciting activities such as BTC price prediction games, Golden Key NFT raffles, and the grand prize "Ultimate Treasure" backed by JuCoin Launchpad's end-to-end incubation support, effectively energized the crowd and sparked potential collaborations. Notably, JuCoin Labs announced a priority investment pathway for the hackathon's winning team during the event and held in-depth strategic discussions with over a dozen promising startups, actively leveraging its resources to accelerate the commercialization and globalization of high-quality Web3 innovations.

JuChain Hackathon Demo Day: Showcasing Technical Power and Unleashing On-Chain Innovation

Technical innovation remains the driving force behind the JuCoin ecosystem. On May 1, JuChain-the high-performance public chain under JuCoin-successfully hosted the final Demo Day of its second global hackathon at The H Dubai Hotel. The event focused on two cutting-edge themes: On-Chain Traffic Hubs and Decentralized Edge Computing, attracting nearly 100 top developer teams globally to compete across six tracks, including Core Tech Innovation, ZK-Rollup Integration, Traffic Scenario Breakthroughs, Cross-Chain Interoperability, and Decentralized Content Platforms.

JuChain's robust infrastructure-featuring ~2-second finality enabled by its JPoSA consensus mechanism, full EVM compatibility (reducing migration costs by up to 70%), and ultra-low base transfer fees of under 0.001 JU (about 90% lower than solutions like Base)-provides a solid foundation for developers building the next generation of Web3 applications.

This Demo Day was not only a public stress test for JuChain's performance and stability but also a key platform connecting top-tier developer talent with leading venture capital. A jury composed of elite VCs, renowned industry KOLs, and JuCoin's core technical experts rigorously evaluated the finalists. Winning teams shared a prize pool of up to $500,000 and gained priority access to investment evaluations and deep incubation opportunities from JuCoin Labs.

Several standout projects demonstrated the strength and diversity of the JuChain ecosystem:

CancerDAO (@CancerDAOxyz): A DeSci data DAO powered by blockchain and AI, dedicated to connecting global cancer patients, researchers, and clinicians through a decentralized, secure, and trusted data-sharing platform. It aims to break institutional and geographic silos, accelerating cancer treatment innovations by solving critical issues such as data isolation and low collaboration efficiency in traditional research.

BUNANA (@bunana_ai): An AI-powered intelligent trading tool that leverages advanced machine learning models and quantitative strategies to provide Binance users with real-time market analysis, smart position management advice, and one-click execution-boosting trading efficiency and accuracy.

Didotxyz_ (@Didotxyz_): Focused on building a decentralized AI ecosystem, this project introduces an innovative "staking token model" to incentivize global sharing of computing and storage resources, offering users more cost-effective and efficient access to AI tools-driving forward the democratization of AI.

ubinetworkdepin (@ubinetworkdepin): A DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) aggregator platform that simplifies participation in over 40 DePIN mining projects through a one-stop application portal, significantly lowering the entry barrier for mainstream users in the DePIN space.

Particularly noteworthy is the launch of Butterfly (BF)-the inaugural ecosystem protocol released alongside JuChain's mainnet (Chain ID: 210000). Targeting the promising decentralized AI edge computing sector, its native token $BF received an enthusiastic market response, with initial price surging over 20%. This not only validates the sector's appeal but also marks early market confidence in JuChain's technical strength and ecosystem growth potential.

Conclusion: Technology-Driven Ecosystem Evolution - JuCoin Leads the Future of Web3

In summarizing JuCoin's journey at TOKEN2049 Dubai, CEO Sammi Li emphasized:

"Dubai Blockchain Week and TOKEN2049 represented a strategic milestone for JuCoin. Through our keynote speech, we articulated a product philosophy and industry vision centered on user experience. Through the Hackathon Demo Day, we demonstrated JuChain's robust technical strength and its compelling value proposition for developers. Through the Gatsby Afterparty, we successfully built a high-efficiency bridge between capital and innovative projects. JuCoin and JuChain are accelerating the development of a full-stack Web3 ecosystem-from infrastructure and middleware protocols to application layers-anchored by a high-performance public chain and powered by cutting-edge protocols like Butterfly, all while keeping user experience at the heart of everything we build."

Through its deep involvement and strategic presence at TOKEN2049 Dubai, JuCoin not only strengthened its engagement with the global Web3 community but also vividly showcased the vitality of its ecosystem. The event further solidified JuCoin's position as an industry pioneer and powerful ecosystem builder. With the continued stable operation of the JuChain mainnet and the ongoing growth of native protocols such as Butterfly, the JuCoin ecosystem is poised to attract more diverse and high-quality applications-contributing key momentum toward bringing Web3 technologies into mainstream adoption and shaping a broader, more dynamic future.

About JuCoin

Founded in 2013, JuCoin is one of the earliest established cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It has consistently focused on providing secure, professional, and innovative digital asset trading and management services to a global user base. The JuCoin ecosystem spans multiple verticals, including the high-performance public chain JuChain, decentralized social platform JuChat, gaming aggregation platform JuGame, and Web3 smart device JuOne, all designed to deliver a seamless, secure, and engaging next-generation internet experience. JuCoin has established deep collaborations with over 300 partners across AI, DeFi, RWA, and other cutting-edge sectors, serving millions of users across 100+ countries and regions worldwide.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jucoin-made-a-global-impact-at-token2049-dubai-advancing-its-ecosystem-with-the-peak-experience-vision-and-juchains-robust-tech-302447271.html
Die Finanzwelt ist im Umbruch! Nach Jahren der Dominanz erschuttert Donald Trumps erratische Wirtschaftspolitik das Fundament des amerikanischen Kapitalismus. Handelskriege, Rekordzolle und politische Isolation haben eine Kapitalflucht historischen Ausmaes ausgelost.



Milliarden stromen aus den USA  und suchen neue, lukrative Ziele. Und genau hier kommt China ins Spiel. Trotz aller Spannungen wachst die chinesische Wirtschaft dynamisch weiter, Innovation und Digitalisierung treiben die Markte an.



Im kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir Ihnen 5 Aktien aus China vor, die vom US-Niedergang profitieren und das Potenzial haben, den Markt regelrecht zu uberflugeln. Wer jetzt klug investiert, sichert sich den Zugang zu den neuen Wachstums-Champions von morgen.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche 5 Aktien die Konkurrenz aus den USA outperformen durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



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DZ Bank AG - Pre-Stabilisation Notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 06

DZ BANK AG Frankfurt am Main - Pre-Stabilisation

RNS Number: residue number system

Frankfurt am Main, 06 May 2025

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Bundesrepublik Deutschland (DBR)

DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Bundesrepublik Deutschland Aggregate nominal amount: Tap EUR benchmark Description: fixed rate,due 15 August 2056 /ISIN DE000BU2D012 Offer price: xx.xxx% Other offer terms: Payment 13 May 2025 demons 1k/1k, soft bullet Stabilisation: DZ BANK AG Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilising Managers:







DZ BANK AG

Barclays

Citibank

Credit Agricole

Goldman Sachs

JP Morgan Stabilisation period expected to start on: 06th of May 2025 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange (Regulated Market)

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Inspiration Energy Corp. (CSE: ISP) (WKN: A40GPX) (OTC Pink: ISPNF) ("Inspiration" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated April 25, 2025, it has closed the fully subscribed non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of $975,000 from the sale of up to 9,750,000 units of the Company at $0.10 per unit (each, a "Unit"). Inspiration has obtained CSE price protection for the securities issued under the Offering.

Each Unit will comprise one common share (each, a "Unit Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the subscriber to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") for a 36-month period after the closing date of the Offering at an exercise price of $0.16 per common share.

Charles Desjardins, President and CEO of the Company commented, "We are very encouraged by the response for the private placement. We plan on moving ahead with the drill program at the Rottenstone North Gold Project having recently applied for drill permits. This will also support Inspiration's strategic marketing initiatives. We look forward to a very exciting 2025 drill season."

Proceeds raised will be used to advance the Company's Rottenstone North Gold Project in Saskatchewan and for general working capital purposes.

Finders' fees of $48,000 in cash and 444,000 finders warrants was paid to arm's length parties.

There were Ten (10) Pro Group participation for 1,390,000 units

Shares issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period according to applicable securities laws of Canada.

About Inspiration Energy Corp.

Inspiration Energy Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada. Its objective is to locate and develop properties of merit and to conduct exploration on the Company's properties. For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca).

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250983

SOURCE: Inspiration Energy Corp.
Temple Bar Investment Trust Plc - Result of AGM

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 06

TEMPLE BAR INVESTMENT TRUST PLC

Results of the Annual General Meeting

The following resolutions were passed by shareholders on a poll at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

The level of votes received is shown below.

Resolutions Votes For % Votes Against % Total Votes Cast Votes Withheld**

Ordinary Resolutions To approve the Company's Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 (together with the reports of the Directors and Auditor therein). 72,688,881 99.86 98,266 0.14 72,787,147 19,733 To approve the Report on Directors' Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2024. 71,933,441 99.00 730,224 1.00 72,663,665 143,215 To re-elect Mrs Carolyn Sims as a Director of the Company. 72,461,560 99.65 256,985 0.35 72,718,545 88,335 To re-elect Mr Charles Cade as a Director of the Company. 72,536,305 99.76 171,902 0.24 72,708,207 98,673 To re-elect Mr Richard Wyatt as a Director of the Company. 72,519,954 99.76 176,105 0.24 72,696,059 110,821 To re-elect Dr Shefaly Yogendra as a Director of the Company. 72,413,506 99.62 279,419 0.38 72,692,925 113,955 To re-appoint BDO LLP as Auditor to the Company, to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next meeting at which financial statements are laid before the Company. 72,513,055 99.65 257,062 0.35 72,770,117 36,763 To authorise the Audit and Risk Committee to determine the remuneration of the Auditor. 72,585,866 99.78 160,522 0.22 72,746,388 60,492 To approve the Company's dividend policy, authorising the Directors of the Company to declare and pay all dividends of the Company as interim dividends, and for the last dividend referable to a financial year not to be categorised as a final dividend that is subject to shareholder approval. 72,508,252 99.63 272,815 0.37 72,781,067 25,813 To authorise the directors to allot ordinary shares. 72,363,868 99.59 298,993 0.41 72,662,861 144,019 Special Resolutions 11. To authorise the Directors to allot equity securities for cash pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the companies act 2006 otherwise that in accordance with statutory pre-emption rights basis. 72,025,225 99.16 606,824 0.84 72,632,049 174,820 12. To authorise the Company to make market purchases of the Company's own shares. 70,121,942 96.39 2,626,462 3.61 72,748,404 58,476 13. To approve that any general meeting of the Company other than the Annual General Meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice. 72,071,164 99.07 677,238 0.93 72,748,402 58,477

**Please note that 'Vote withheld' is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes 'For' and 'Against 'a resolution.

Any proxy votes which are at the discretion of the Chair of the Meeting have been included in the "for" total. A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculations of votes cast by proxy.

At the date of the AGM the total number of Ordinary shares of 5p each in issue was 334,363,825 (with 49,759,447 shares held in treasury). The total number of voting rights was 284,604,378.

The voting figures will shortly also be available on the Company's website at https://www.templebarinvestments.co.uk/

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.2, the full text of the special resolutions passed has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism . The special resolutions will additionally be filed at Companies House.

6 May 2025

For further information please contact:

Mark Pope Frostrow Capital LLP - Company Secretary 020 3 008 4913

LEI:213800O8EAP4SG5JD323
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / May 6, 2025 /3BL/ - In March at?NVIDIA GTC, a global AI conference that concluded on March 21 in San Jose, Cali., Lenovo hosted a broad range of industry experts who shared how they're using Lenovo hybrid AI solutions with NVIDIA to drive innovation in customer service,?hospitality, retail,?automotive,?healthcare, manufacturing and more.

AI is revolutionizing industries, with AI spending expected to nearly triple in 2025 compared with last year, and organizations have a tremendous opportunity to scale its benefits for even greater impact. While this spike in investment showcases AI potential, it will also bring heightened expectations for real-world returns on these commitments. CIOs face challenges in maximizing ROI, simplifying AI complexities, and deploying solutions across hybrid environments.

As CIOs and?business leaders seek tangible return on AI investment, Lenovo is collaborating to bring Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA to enterprise workflows everywhere and unveiling new solutions that unleash and customize agentic AI at every scale. The new solutions deliver faster impact by turning enterprise data into AI reasoning, which equips businesses with tools that improve efficiency and reduce costs within weeks.

Scalability and growing technical debt are common hurdles in the way of maximizing the AI capabilities. Lenovo's new use-case solutions are built with a new Lenovo agentic AI platform, powered by NVIDIA. This agentic AI platform is an industry first, serving as the most complete solution of hardware, software and services to help with deploying and maintaining AI workloads. Lenovo is also partnering with NVIDIA to build standardized and validated Hybrid AI factories that solve operational efficiency issues and help lower business costs.

Powering the AI revolution with NVIDIA Blackwell

AI is rapidly integrating into a wide range of applications, from content creation, customer service, and data management to 3D design, video editing, visualization, and end-user productivity tools. Organizations can increasingly rely on AI-powered tools to accelerate their workflows; however, the growing complexity of AI models and the need for real-time performance are pushing the limits of existing data centers. Enterprises need increased computing power and versatile computing capabilities to realize the full benefit of AI reasoning.

With Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA solutions powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, enterprises can unlock the full potential of AI in their data center infrastructure, from accelerating simulations and data analysis to enabling real-time generative design and visualization. Lenovo is bringing the NVIDIA Blackwell platform to businesses everywhere, supercharging AI training, data processing, engineering design and simulation.

Lenovo and NVIDIA are working with leading institutions and enterprises to unlock AI's potential. In Germany, Lenovo secured the first NVIDIA GB200 project with the Technical University of Darmstadt to advance scientific discoveries. The project will feature the new energy-efficient Lenovo ThinkSystem SC777 V4 Neptune systems, advanced high-performance servers powered by Lenovo's 6th generation Neptune direct water-cooling platform and services. This collaboration builds on the strong partnership between Lenovo?and Technical University of Darmstadt, further enhancing the sustainable and high-performance 'Lichtenberg NHR-Stage 1' Supercomputer with a pioneering next-gen Grace-Blackwell partition.

Showcased at GTC, the ThinkSystem SC777 V4 Neptune server enables trillion-parameter AI models in a compact design that is liquid cooled. Using the innovation, organizations can build and run accelerated computing for generative AI while reducing data center power consumption by up to 40%1.??The revolutionary technology uses a reimagined vertical liquid cooling chassis to deliver accelerated computing with advanced efficiency in a compact system that is 100% liquid cooled, eliminating the need for power-consuming fans.?The innovation is pivotal in advancing new data center designs that support more dense iron and repurpose power for cooling in the age of AI.??

Enhancing patient care with AI-driven insights

In healthcare, Lenovo is helping customers innovate to use AI for good through the deployment of validated hybrid AI solutions that help improve patient service. To optimize the patient experience and improve medical evaluations in preventive health check-ups, the healthcare software development company, Artificial Intelligence System for Human Analysis (AISHA) trained an AI model to analyze MRI scans using a Lenovo and NVIDIA hybrid AI solution.

As a healthcare software development company created as a spinoff from the largest network of private hospitals in Mexico. With 27 hospitals and counting, AISHA needed a solution that would provide its doctors with faster insights into the health of their patients. Using a Lenovo and NVIDIA solution, AISHA successfully trained an AI model powered by Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and NVIDIA GPUs, for rapid analysis of MRI scans. The AI model enables AISHA to complete a full-body volumetric analysis in just 30 minutes - over 99% faster than the time it takes to complete the process manually. This empowers AISHA's doctors with the faster results needed to provide quality care to numerous patients.

Bringing Automated Defect Detection to Manufacturing

At GTC, Lenovo also showcased the use of AI vision for defect identification with a new, fully validated, integrated and complete design for manufacturing. Product quality inspections are an especially significant pain point in the manufacturing industry. Trifork, a leading Vision AI company premiered a Lenovo-validated AI solution leveraging Lenovo infrastructure and deep ML capabilities to automate the defect analytics process.

Trifork and Lenovo are delivering AI-powered defect identification with the hardware deployment, model training, MLOps and analytics offered in a complete solution. The solution uses vision AI to identify defects, such as broken or chipped candy, as well as different groupings, like color, in an interactive dashboard to automate inspection and give manufacturers immediate insights into any product quality, drastically reducing inspection costs.

Together, the companies are addressing key challenges such as operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and quality control across key manufacturing use cases, including:

Vision-Based?Quality and Performance: Utilizing Vision AI and IoT to monitor asset conditions and detect product quality issues in real-time, ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction.

High-Performance Analytics: Converting extensive operational data into actionable insights via robust platform and data engineering, facilitating smooth system operations and swift decision-making.

IT-OT Integration: Deploying innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), accelerating time to market and enhancing operational efficiency.

Accelerating Data Management with AI

Lenovo, NVIDIA and partners are transforming data management by integrating AI across enterprise and private data to drive innovation and accelerate deployments. Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA delivers factory-like industrialization and reliability to the AI use case solutions and prepares organizations for the new era of agentic AI with minimal complexity. At GTC, Lenovo showcased the new AI Data Foundry in collaboration with Centific. Powered by Lenovo's Hybrid AI factory, the solution streamlines data processing at scale to help enterprises accelerate small and large-scale AI deployments.

Centific's expertise in end-to-end AI model development-spanning data preparation, model training, fine-tuning, benchmarking, and deployment-ensures enterprises can rapidly build, optimize, and scale AI solutions. Combined with Lenovo's hybrid AI factory with NVIDIA and NVIDIA's AI reference Architecture, customers can accelerate AI adoption across multiple domains. The solution addresses:

The need to manage large-scale AI deployments, such as video processing from 100+ cameras and real-time data processing

Data Complexity: Handling diverse data types, including structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data.

Real-Time Insights: Providing real-time video analytics, object detection, behavior analysis, and transcription for decision-making in industries like retail and public safety.

The joint solution is based on Lenovo Validated Design and features Lenovo ThinkSystem SR675 V3

GPU-rich servers, SR635 V3 control nodes, advanced NVIDIA networking and NVIDIA's accelerated computing technology to ensure seamless scalability that is tailored for customers across different sizing models (small, medium, large, custom). Typical use cases include multimodal AI (LLMs, VLMs, ASR), computer vision for retail, public safety, and hospitality applications.

Through the Lenovo AI Innovators program, Lenovo and NVIDIA empower Centific customers to seamlessly adopt AI-driven user experiences at scale, providing a combined software and hardware system that is easy to implement on existing infrastructure and support across a broad range of retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries.

Demonstrating the potential of validated AI solutions for the future of hospitality, Lenovo and Centific also showcased the use of an avatar-driven concierge that can provide personalized services to enhance guest interactions and engagement during GTC. Attendees could interact with the avatar showcasing real-time synchronization of delays, preferences, and updates. Additionally, in hotel operations, crowd velocity visualization uses a live heatmap dashboard to showcase guest movements and optimize crowd flow while maintenance insights and energy efficiency insights identify cost-saving opportunities in real time.

A Defining Moment for Operationalizing the Next Wave Hybrid AI

As AI adoption accelerates, enterprises need smarter, more efficient ways to harness its power for real-world impact while also delivering operational value. From improving customer experiences to boosting operational efficiency,?Lenovo and NVIDIA are helping organizations around the globe overcome barriers to ROI and achieve AI goals faster through the power of cutting edge, co-engineered hybrid AI solutions that seamlessly harness data across personal, enterprise and public environment.

Explore how Lenovo is powering the future of AI and delivering transformative solutions at https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/servers-storage/solutions/ai.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Lenovo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Lenovo

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/how-lenovo-hybrid-ai-solutions-with-nvidia-are-supercharging-ai-workfl-1024066
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Originally published by Drake State Community and Technical College

Drake State Community and Technical College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex. The event featured remarks from Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims, Leidos CEO Tom Bell, elected officials, and community leaders.

The ceremony marked the grand opening of the 50,000-square-foot facility on Drake State's campus, which will support education and training for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The training complex houses in-demand training programs, including precision machining and welding. It also features dedicated space for additive manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical technology, engineering design, and more, as well as lab spaces, classrooms, and offices for instructors and administration. Additionally, the complex will serve as home to a new cohort of Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) students, an apprenticeship-style program that Drake State started in 2024.

"The Leidos Advanced Training Complex represents a transformative investment in workforce education and regional economic growth," said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. "This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand training opportunities in high-demand industries such as precision machining and welding, preparing our students for the careers of tomorrow while strengthening the talent pipeline for our local and national partners. I want to thank our state elected officials, the Alabama Community College System, and Leidos for supporting this transformative project."

The Leidos Advanced Training Complex was identified as a key initiative through the Alabama Community College System's ASPIRE 2030 plan, which stands for "Achieving Systemwide Potential through Increased Resources and Engagement." The initiative was made possible by a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 to support facility upgrades and new construction across Alabama's education system.

"The facility here will effectively serve Drake State students and North Alabama for a long time," said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. "We are in the business of making life better for everyone. It's our job and mission to make sure every area of this state has the resources needed to provide training and support economic development. The innovation and talent that will be produced at this training complex will be among the best in the state."

In November 2024, Leidos announced a $1.75 million donation to Drake State. The gift helps fund Drake State's advanced manufacturing and IT programs, student apprenticeships, campus technical and infrastructure upgrades, a new scholarship endowment, and faculty development opportunities. In recognition of the donation, Drake State named the new building the Leidos Advanced Training Complex.

"Huntsville has been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense talent since the industry's earliest days," said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. "This partnership with Drake State will grow the pipeline of talented people who will solve our nation's most vexing challenges in smarter and more efficient ways."

Drake State broke ground on the facility on June 9, 2023. The complex features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, multiple offices, a multipurpose room, specialized tool and storage areas, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a break room, and modern restrooms. Additional features include glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners, as well as digital displays providing key information for students and visitors.

The new training complex will equip students with skills to help them earn high wages and gain nationally recognized certifications at a low cost.

Goodwyn Mills Cawood provided architectural, interior design, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services for the complex, which was constructed by Fite Building Co.

For more information about programs available in the new facility, visit drakestate.edu.

###

About Drake State Community & Technical College

Established in 1961, Drake State Community and Technical College is a historically black community college located in Huntsville, home to the fast-growing, highly technical aerospace and defense industry, including the NASA Marshall Flight Center, US Army Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Parks. Drake State offers flexible, affordable university-transfer 2-year and technical degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education, and customized technical skills training for Huntsville/Madison County employers. Visit www.drakestate.edu for more information.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 48,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Leidos on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Leidos

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/leidos

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Leidos

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/drake-state-community-and-technical-college-hosts-ribbon-cutting-1024067
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (FSE: BC2) (WKN: A3DEJG) ("Magma" or the "Company"), announces that, pursuant to an agreement dated May 6, 2025, subject to regulatory approval, it has engaged Independent Trading Group (ITG), Inc. ("ITG") to provide market-making services with the objective of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of the Company's common shares, in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies.

Under the agreement, the Company will pay ITG compensation of CAD $5,500 per month, payable monthly in advance. The agreement is for an initial term of one month and will be renewed for subsequent additional one-month terms until terminated. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and ITG will not receive shares, options or any other securities of the Company as compensation. ITG and the Company are at arm's length and are unrelated and unaffiliated entities, and at the time of the agreement, neither ITG nor its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company.

Stock Options

The Company also announces the grant of 1,000,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, consultants, and employees pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years at a price of CAD$ 0.155.

About Magma Silver Corp.

Magma Silver Corp. is a natural resource company with a focus on the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of precious metal mining exploration projects. The Company's primary focus will be on exploring and developing the advanced Ninobamba silver gold project in the mining supportive country of Peru.

For further information, please contact Magma Silver Corp.:

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Magma anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Such information may involve, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the market making services provided by ITG, the duration of the engagement of ITG, and ITG and/or its clients holding shares of Magma. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Magma to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to Magma, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs regarding future growth, results of operations, future capital (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof) and expenditures. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Trading in the securities of Magma should be considered highly speculative.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250988

SOURCE: Magma Silver Corp.
Infios's continued innovation and market leadership in warehouse management drives growth

Infios, a global leader in adaptable supply chain execution, today announced that it has been positioned as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for the seventh consecutive year. Infios was recognized for its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision in the warehouse management space. Infios rebranded in March 2025 and is noted as Infios (Korber) in this report.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506287889/en/

The Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS evaluates "the WMS products across a range of criteria, including technology, functionality and usability. We consider the depth and flexibility of core capabilities such as receiving, put-away, picking, shipping, replenishment, quality assurance and cycle counting." Leaders in the WMS market are present in a high percentage of new WMS deals, win a significant number of them and have a large and growing customer base.

"Our team's unwavering commitment to innovation and customer success are driving the future of supply chain execution at Infios," said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. "We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible, helping our clients navigate increasingly complex global supply chain challenges. Our rise to one of the highest positions on the Ability to Execute axis reflects our mission to deliver solutions that not only meet today's needs but anticipate tomorrow's opportunities."

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today's complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities.

"Infios's software has a no-limit technology to the kind of creativity we can express in driving efficiency and adding clientele. We look forward to creating things together here through the combination of what we love doing and Infios enables us to do," said Julian Van Erlach, SVP Global Supply Chain at FabFitFun. "I would, without reservation, recommend Infios."

View a complimentary copy of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) report here.

*Source: Gartner, "2025 Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems," Simon Tunstall, Dwight Klappich, Rishabh Narang, Federica Stufano 1 May 2025.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

*Infios (Korber), formally known as HighJump, was recognized as a Leader in the 2019 Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Tools.

About Infios

Infios is a global leader in supply chain execution, relentlessly making supply chains better every single day. With a portfolio of adaptable solutions, we empower businesses of all sizes to simplify operations, optimize efficiency, and drive measurable impact. Infios serves more than 5,000 customers across 70 countries, delivering adaptable and innovative technologies that evolve with changing business needs. Our deep expertise and commitment to purposeful innovation help businesses turn supply chains into a competitive advantage, building resilience and shaping a more sustainable future. Infios is a joint venture of international technology provider Korber and global investment firm KKR.

Learn more at Infios.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506287889/en/

Contacts:

Kathleen Fischer

Director, Corporate Communications

Infios

kathleen.fischer@infios.com

330.289.3342
This year, Pipedrive is stepping into the lively atmosphere of the OMR Festival in Hamburg, Germany a place where digital marketers, tech innovators and business leaders collide in the best possible way. Events like OMR aren't just a place to showcase what different companies are doing; they're an opportunity to learn, test ideas, meet brilliant people and get a pulse on where the industry is heading. Gabriel Fugli, Sr Channel Sales Manager DACH at Pipedrive, a CRM for small businesses, shares advice on how small businesses can win big at industry events like OMR.

For small businesses, attending a major event like this can feel like entering a world built for the big players. But based on Pipedrive's years of working with thousands of SMBs globally, industry events are exactly the kind of place smaller teams should be showing up. Not just to be seen but to grow.

These gatherings offer concentrated access to trends, tools and expertise that would otherwise be tricky to find. Walking the event, you quickly notice what topics are hot, what solutions are gaining traction and which companies are making waves. It stands as an opportunity to hear directly from experts who've solved challenges you may just be starting to face. And the energy, while sometimes also hectic, is the kind that fuels ideas and sharpens strategy.

Most importantly, events are full of people. The kind you want to partner with, learn from or maybe even hire one day. For all the noise and neon, industry events still run on good conversations and those are just as open to small businesses as anyone else.

Five tips to help you make the most of major industry events

1. Be clear on what success looks like for you. Before arriving, think about what would make the event valuable for your business. Are you looking for a new CRM or marketing tool? Hoping to find agency partners, resellers or collaborators? Want inspiration for your next campaign, product launch or growth strategy? Defining this in advance will help you filter the chaos and stay focused. Treat these goals as your event-specific OKRs and KPIs clear benchmarks that guide your efforts and let you measure success.

2. Plan your must-sees, but stay open to surprises. Scan the agenda and expo list in advance. Flag speakers or booths you don't want to miss but leave space for detours. Some of the most valuable moments come from accidental discoveries or unplanned conversations.

3. Polish your elevator pitch. Whether you're talking to a speaker, a booth rep or someone you meet in the lunch queue, have a short and engaging way to explain who you are and what your business does. The simpler and more relatable, the better.

4. Make real connections, not just LinkedIn ones. Don't just collect business cards or QR codes. Take time for short but meaningful conversations. Ask questions that go beyond the usual pitch. It's better to make three strong connections than 30 forgettable ones. After all, you're far more memorable if you've swapped dog stories or bonded over your latest baking experiment than if you've only recited your elevator pitch.

5. Follow up while it's still fresh. Reach out to people you connected with within a few days of the event. A quick message referencing your chat will go a long way and it's an easy way to keep the momentum going.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, events like OMR can offer outsized returns if you walk in with curiosity, clarity and a willingness to engage. At Pipedrive, we've seen first-hand how much these gatherings can spark when approached with purpose.

About OMR Festival

The OMR Festival is one of Europe's premier gatherings for online marketing and digital innovation, bringing together around 70,000 participants each year. Held May 6-7, 2025 in Hamburg, Germany, the event spans conferences, masterclasses, side events and exhibitions. Attendees range from global experts and designers to rising "hidden champions" across the digital economy, pop culture, banking, sport and politics all convening on multiple stages to explore the latest trends and challenges. In 2025, the festival's agenda will encompass artificial intelligence, e-commerce, customer relationship management, finance, human resources, sport, sustainability and diversity, offering a comprehensive look at the forces shaping tomorrow's digital landscape.

About Pipedrive

Founded in 2010, Pipedrive is the easy and effective sales CRM that drives small business growth. Today, Pipedrive is used by revenue teams at more than 100,000 companies worldwide. Pipedrive is headquartered in New York and has offices across Europe and the US. The company is backed by majority holder Vista Equity Partners, and Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Atomico and DTCP. Learn more at www.pipedrive.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506688533/en/

Contacts:

Press contact:

press@pipedrive.com
Regulatory News:

Valerio Therapeutics S.A. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALVIO) (the "Company") announces the postponement of the publication of its 2024 annual financial report, initially scheduled for April 30, 2025, as well as the finalization and approval of its statutory and consolidated financial statements for 2024.

The Company is facing significant difficulties in accessing the accounting records of its U.S. subsidiary, Valerio Therapeutics Inc. Although the assets related to this subsidiary have been impaired in the Company's statutory accounts and the subsidiary ceased all activities at the end of 2024, this delay in the accounting treatment of Valerio Therapeutics Inc. currently prevents the Company from finalizing its statutory and, consequently, its consolidated financial statements. In 2024, the re-invoicing to the Company of costs from Valerio Therapeutics Inc. (including employee and R&D expenses) remained substantial and therefore has a significant impact on the Company's annual accounts.

As a result, the finalization of the Company's 2024 statutory and consolidated financial statements and the publication of the 2024 annual financial report will not occur before the end of July 2025. The approval of the 2024 annual financial statements will take place in September 2025.

The Company's cash position remains low. The Company's main shareholder intends to provide funding for Valerio Therapeutics' ongoing operations through June 2025. In the meantime, the Company is continuing discussions with its stakeholders and is seeking to reach an agreement necessary to secure its financial and cash position through the end of 2025.

For more information, visit www.valeriotx.com.

VALERIO THERAPEUTICS

49 boulevard du General Martial Valin

75015 Paris70.38.33.99

Societe Anonyme Conseil d'Administration au capital de 21 610 998,20 euros

Siege social: 49 boulevard du General Martial Valin, 75015 Paris

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506772034/en/

Contacts:

Valerio Therapeutics

Relations avec les investisseurs

ir@valeriotx.com +33 (0) 1 70 38 33 99
EQS-News: Aroundtown SA / Key word(s): Bond/Tender Offer

Aroundtown SA proactively manages debt maturity schedule through successful 750 million bond issuance and launch of buy back tender for bonds



06.05.2025 / 17:24 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS OR REGULATIONS



AROUNDTOWN PROACTIVELY MANAGES DEBT MATURITY SCHEDULE THROUGH SUCCESSFUL 750 MILLION BOND ISSUANCE AND LAUNCH OF BUY BACK TENDER FOR BONDS

6 May 2025.

Aroundtown ('the Company' or 'AT') successfully issued today a 750 million 5-year senior unsecured bond (the "Issuance") and in parallel launched a tender offer to buyback certain bond series targeting over 2bn nominal amount (the "Tender"). AT is pro-actively managing its debt structure by extending its maturity profile and supporting its costs of debt.

The new Series 41 Straight Bond will carry a coupon of 3.5% significantly lower to the coupon of 4.8% at the last issuance in July 2024 and marks the successful reduction of the marginal cost of debt. The issuance today attracted very strong investor demand, with a book that was 3x times oversubscribed during the day. The bond is expected to be rated BBB by S&P.

In parallel, the Company has launched a tender offer to holders of certain series of its outstanding bonds as part of a liability management exercise. The Tender targets over 2 billion nominal amount of outstanding bonds and is mainly aimed at bond series with shorter term maturities, within the next 18 months, with the goal of proactively managing the Company's debt maturity profile, as well as bond series with a relatively higher coupon to support its costs of debt. The Tender was launched on 6 May 2025 and is expected to expire on 13 May 2025.

The Company expects to use its liquidity position, together with the proceeds of the Issuance, to repay debt as part of the Tender, as well as to repay short-term debt at maturity in the upcoming periods. Year-to-date the Company has already repaid ca. 660 million of bonds and is expecting to further reduce gross debt in the coming period. These proactive measures help the Company to extend its debt maturity profile further.

About the Company

Aroundtown SA (symbol: AT1), trading on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is the largest listed German commercial real estate company. Aroundtown invests in income generating quality properties with value-add potential in central locations in top tier European cities primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and London.

Aroundtown SA (ISIN: LU1673108939) is a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) established under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commerce et des Societes, Luxembourg) under number B217868, having its registered office at 37, Boulevard Joseph II, L-1840 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Contact

Timothy Wright

T: +352 288 313

E: info@aroundtown.de

www.aroundtown.de

DISCLAIMER

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES.

THE SECURITIES MENTIONED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DIRECTED AT AND IS ONLY BEING DISTRIBUTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO (I) PERSONS WHO HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (THE ORDER), (II) HIGH NET WORTH ENTITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49 OF THE ORDER, AND (III) PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS RELEVANT PERSONS). THIS COMMUNICATION MUST NOT BE READ, ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS.

IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANY OFFER IF MADE SUBSEQUENTLY IS DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHO ARE "QUALIFIED INVESTORS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129, AS AMENDED (THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION) (QUALIFIED INVESTORS). ANY PERSON IN THE EEA OR THE UNITED KINGDOM WHO ACQUIRES THE SECURITIES IN ANY OFFER (AN INVESTOR) OR TO WHOM ANY OFFER OF THE SECURITIES IS MADE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT IT IS A QUALIFIED INVESTOR. ANY INVESTOR WILL ALSO BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT ANY SECURITIES ACQUIRED BY IT IN THE OFFER HAVE NOT BEEN ACQUIRED ON BEHALF OF PERSONS IN THE EEA OR THE UNITED KINGDOM OTHER THAN QUALIFIED INVESTORS, NOR HAVE THE SECURITIES BEEN ACQUIRED WITH A VIEW TO THEIR OFFER OR RESALE IN THE EEA OR THE UNITED KINGDOM TO PERSONS WHERE THIS WOULD RESULT IN A REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLICATION BY AROUNDTOWN OR ANY OF THE MANAGERS OF A PROSPECTUS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 3 OF THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CONTAIN PROJECTIONS OR ESTIMATES RELATING TO PLANS AND OBJECTIVES RELATING TO OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES, FUTURE FINANCIAL RESULTS, OR ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING OR RELATING TO ANY SUCH STATEMENTS, EACH OF WHICH CONSTITUTES A FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF AROUNDTOWN SA. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY, DEPENDING ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS.

06.05.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


Campus Hearing Acoustics promotes international exchange of hearing health expertise

LUBECK, Germany and AMMAN, Jordan, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A Lubeck Campus Hearing Acoustics team of experts took part in the 11th Arab Hearing Health Conference (AHH 2025) organized by the Advanced Arab Academy of Audiovestibular, held in Amman, Jordan, from April 24 to 26, 2025.

With more than 25 member countries, the AHH expert conference is one of the most important meetings for hearing aid professionals, audiologists and ENT specialists in the Middle East and North Africa. As the world's biggest center of training and expertise in the hearing acoustic trade, the Lubeck Campus Hearing Acoustics has been an active partner in the exchange of hearing health expertise for years. Once again, a committed and experienced team of lecturers from the Lubeck campus offered workshops during this year's AHH in Amman about practical aspects of taking ear molds and cerumen management. These topics and the practice-relevant hands-on training by the Lubeck experts were met with great interest by the expert audience, which had travelled to the conference mainly from Arab and North African countries.

The Advanced Arab Academy of Audiovestibular (4A), organizer of the AHH, unites medical and audiological interests from the entire middle Eastern region in the field of hearing impairment rehabilitation. The five partners of 4A include the Jordanian Al-Ahliyya Amman University, the British Academy of Audiology, the Egyptian Audio-Vestibular Medicine Association Group, the American Salus University as well as the Academy of Hearing Acoustics on the Lubeck Campus. For years the Lubeck experts have been in a professional exchange with the 4A audiologists on training-relevant aspects and topics like clinical care, adjustment of cochlea implants (CI) and technical hearing system customization.

"The Arab Hearing Health Congress offers an indispensable platform for the global exchange of knowledge in hearing care. The expertise and high standards of the partners, including the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians and the Academy of Hearing Acoustics in Germany, can provide valuable impetus for the further development of hearing care in the Arab region and lead to a sustainable improvement in the quality of life of many people," says Dr. Khalid A. Hadi, President of 4A and Chairman AHH.

"Networking and exchange of knowledge beyond national borders and continents, are crucial for us as WHO partners, in order to continue to improve the care for people with hearing defects world-wide," says Jakob Stephan Baschab, General Manager, German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (biha) and Director of Academy of Hearing Acoustics (afh). "The qualification of skilled workers is a deciding factor. Our concept of dual vocational training in hearing acoustics is internationally renowned. Through the Campus Hearing Acoustics, we share our expertise in Germany and other countries."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5 percent of the world population, i.e., approx. 430 million people, suffer from a hearing loss, among them 34 million children. Based on estimates, this means that by 2050, more than 700 million people, every 10th person [1] will be impacted.

In Germany the Hearing Acoustic craft (with approx. 19,500 hearing aid acousticians), provides professional care for roughly 3.5 million hearing impaired people and provides them with high-quality, fully digital hearing systems and hence improves their quality of life. Apprentices in the hearing acoustic craft from all over Germany attend the vocational school and the industry-wide training classes, during their dual-system of apprenticeship, on the Lubeck Hearing Acoustics Campus.

[1] WHO, Deafness and hearing loss, key facts, 26.02.2025:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss

Background information on Campus Hearing Acoustics

The Campus Hearing Acoustics is the central training and continued education center of the Hearing Acoustic trade in Germany. Within an internationally unique inter-campus cooperation of the Federal Vocational school (LBS) and the Academy (afh), which exists since 1971, young hearing aid professionals from all over Germany receive their practical and theoretical training on campus. Intermediate and journeyman/woman exams, as well as Master Craftsman/woman classes and examinations are held there, too. The Campus Hearing Acoustics and the dual system of apprenticeship are exemplary worldwide.

Further information on Campus Hearing Acoustics:

https://www.afh-luebeck.de/en/academy-international/

Information on the vocational training in the hearing acoustic craft:

https://www.afh-luebeck.de/en/beruf/

- Picture is available at AP -

Press contact: Nadine Roser, German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (biha), roeser@biha.de

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lubeck-experts-attend-arab-hearing-health-conference-2025-in-jordan-302447419.html
In April 2025, Icelandair transported 381 thousand passengers, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, Icelandair has transported more than 1.2 million passengers. During the month, 29% of passengers were traveling to Iceland, 19% from Iceland, 47% were via passengers, and 5% were traveling within Iceland.

Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers, increased by 25% from April last year and passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, increased by 25%. Load factor was 81% and on-time performance was 91%, increasing by 3.0 ppt from the already strong performance in April 2024.

Sold block hours in charter flights increased by 82%. Freight measured in Freight Ton Kilometers increased by 12% compared to April last year.?CO2 emissions per Operational Ton Kilometer (OTK) decreased by 3%.

Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair:

"April marked another strong month for Icelandair, with passenger traffic increasing by 25% compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by a 25% increase in capacity due to an earlier start of the second connection bank in Keflavik, which is part of our strategy to grow outside the peak season, evening out seasonality and utilizing our infrastructure better throughout the year. The timing of the Easter holiday further contributed to strong demand across our international route network. Notably, we saw a 37% increase in the number of passengers traveling from Iceland, reinforcing our role as the preferred airline among Icelandic travelers. Additionally, the number of passengers on the market to Iceland grew by 30%, while the number of via passengers increased by 21%. This growth was achieved at flat yields year over year resulting in strong revenue generation for the month.

The operation of our route network was strong in April, highlighted by impressive on-time performance during the month. This achievement is especially significant given that we operated our largest-ever April schedule and had the Easter period fall within the month. This performance is a clear reflection of the dedication of our entire Icelandair team and our continued focus on operational efficiency."

Contact information

Investors: Kristofer Hlynsson, Investor Relations Manager. E-mail:?kristoferh@icelandair.is

Media: Asdis Petursdottir, Director Communications. E-mail:?asdis@icelandair.is


Over 75 physicians attended educational presentations about the breakthrough impact of needle-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy and AI on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cystic lesions

The event was co-sponsored by several leading players in the Medtech and Pharma industries, confirming its status as a major event at DDW

Regulatory News:

Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT), inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, today announced completion of the largest annual pancreatic cyst consortium held at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Conference in San Diego, California, on Monday May 5, 2025. The detailed program is available on the Mauna Kea Technologies website at the following link:

https://www.landing.maunakeatech.com/hubfs/ddw/DDW_2025_Consortium_Agenda.pdf

The consortium brought together more than 75 physicians from across the United States with a focus on cutting-edge advancements in the diagnosis, classification, risk stratification, and treatment of pancreatic cystic lesions and pancreatic cancer. Attendance tripled compared to the 2024 meeting, reflecting the growing interest among the medical community in this field. Central to the discussions was the growing impact of endoscopic ultrasound with Cellvizio needle-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (EUS-nCLE) in enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses and clinical decisions before any therapy begins, with the goal of increasing non-surgical treatment options.

The consortium was led by Dr. Somashekar (Som) Krishna, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Director of Advanced Endoscopy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and principal investigator of the CLIMB1 study. It was co-sponsored by 9 leading medical device and pharmaceutical products companies, demonstrating strong cross-industry commitment to advancing care for the millions of patients affected by pancreatic cystic lesions worldwide.

"This year's consortium marks a turning point in how the medical community and the industry approach pancreatic cyst management and treatment," said Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies. "Bringing together more than 75 top physicians and 9 committed industry partners shows that the ecosystem around EUS-nCLE, RFA2, and AI is maturing rapidly and with it, our ability to change the standard of care for patients facing pancreatic lesions. A clear momentum is building around this application, driven by the recent endorsement of nCLE in European clinical guidelines and the surge of interest we're now seeing in the United States at DDW. We're proud to help lead this transformation and deeply grateful to our collaborators and clinical pioneers who are making it possible. With Cellvizio, we are targeting one of the largest unmet clinical issues in gastroenterology and changing the trajectory for many patients at risk of pancreatic cancer."

About Pancreatic Cysts

The prevalence of pancreatic cystic lesions in the adult asymptomatic population ranges from 2.4% to 24.3%. The large majority of pancreatic cystic lesions are discovered through incidental imaging, and it is estimated that 40% of cysts with no risk of carcinogenesis are operated on unnecessarily. More accurate classification methods, including risk stratification, are therefore needed earlier in the patient's diagnostic workup. Conventional diagnostic testing involves performing an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and then collecting and testing the cyst fluid through fine needle aspiration (FNA). In some advanced facilities, next generation sequencing (NGS) of cellular DNA may be performed to provide additional data. Although most facilities employ a combination of a range of conventional diagnostic methods, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy remain insufficient, potentially exposing patients to misclassified cysts and unneeded surgical procedures.

About Digestive Disease Week

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW was an in-person and online meeting from May 3-6, 2025. The meeting showcases more than 5,600 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at www.ddw.org.

About Mauna Kea Technologies

Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Mauna Kea Technologies and its business. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Mauna Kea Technologies' financial condition, business, strategies, plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 2 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2024 Annual Report filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 30, 2025, which is available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as the risks associated with changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for, shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be restricted in certain jurisdictions by local law. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to comply with all local regulations applicable to this document.

_________________________________

1 ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03492151

2 Radiofrequency Ablation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506182903/en/

Contacts:

Mauna Kea Technologies

investors@maunakeatech.com

NewCap Investor Relations

Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

maunakea@newcap.eu
Regulatory News:

Aelis Farma (ISIN: FR0014007ZB4 Ticker: AELIS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of treatments for brain and peripheral diseases involving the CB1 receptor, informs its shareholders and the financial community that the Company's Combined General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 2 p.m., at 1 rue Lafaurie de Monbadon, 33000 Bordeaux

The notice of the meeting, including the agenda and draft resolutions as well as the terms and conditions of participation and voting at the meeting, was posted on the website of the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires "BALO" on April 18, 2025 (bulletin number 47).

Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting in person, may exercise their voting rights remotely, before the general meeting:

either by sending a proxy to the Company,

or by voting by mail,

At this purpose, shareholders shall use the form available on www.aelisfarma.com in accordance with the procedures indicated in the notice of meeting published on April 18, 2025, in the BALO.

All documents relating to this General Meeting are available on request from the Company or can be consulted on the Company's website under the heading Investors General Meetings.

In accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions:

any registered shareholder may, up to and including the fifth day before the general meeting, request that the Company send him the documents provided for in Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the Commercial Code. In the event of an express request, such documents may be sent by electronic means. For holders of bearer shares, the exercise of this right is subject to the provision by their authorized intermediary of a certificate of account registration;

any shareholder may consult the documents referred to in Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the Commercial Code at the company's registered office.

Shareholders wishing to follow the meeting but unable to attend in person are invited to connect via the following link: click here.

This live webcast will only be in French and will not allow remote voting or questions.

A recording of the Meeting will be available on the Company's website (www.aelisfarma.com) no later than seven (7) business days after the date of the Meeting.

About AELIS FARMA

Founded in Bordeaux in 2013, Aelis Farma is a biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of drugs, the Signaling Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system (CB1-SSi). CB1-SSi have been developed by Aelis Farma based on the discovery of a natural regulatory mechanism of CB1 hyperactivity made by the team led by Dr Pier Vincenzo Piazza, the Company's CEO, when he was the director of the Neurocentre Magendie of INSERM in Bordeaux. By mimicking this natural mechanism, CB1-SSi appear to selectively inhibit the disease-related activity of the CB1 receptor without disrupting its normal physiological activity. CB1-SSi have consequently the potential to provide new safe treatments for several brain and peripheral organ diseases.

Aelis Farma currently has two first-in-class clinical-stage drug candidates. AEF0117 for the treatment of cannabis use disorders (CUD), that has shown to be able to decrease cannabis use across two studies. AEF0217 for cognitive disorders, which has shown in a Phase 1/2 to be safe and able to improve adaptive behaviour in young adults with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). The clinical results obtained with these 2 molecules have confirmed the pharmacological activity of CB1-SSi in humans. The Company also has a portfolio of new innovative CB1-SSi for the treatment of other disorders associated with a dysregulation of the activity of the CB1 receptor, including diseases involving peripheral organs, such as obesity and related metabolic conditions. The different drugs developed by the company belong to the same general pharmacological class, the CB1-SSi, but have distinct functional effects allowing to target different types of dysregulations of the CB1 receptor and guaranteeing that the different compounds are not substitutable one with the others.

Aelis Farma draws on the talents of more than 25 highly qualified employees.

For more information, visit www.aelisfarma.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

ISIN: FR0014007ZB4

Ticker: AELIS

B Compartment of Euronext Paris

Disclaimer

Forward-looking statements

Some information contained in this press release is forward-looking statements, not historical data. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions about Aelis Farma's current and future strategy and the environment in which Aelis Farma operates. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results or other events, to differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those set out and described in detail in Chapter 3 "Risk Factors" of Aelis Farma's Universal Registration Document approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers on April 28, 2025, under number D.25-0314.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and Aelis Farma expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or corrections to the forward-looking statements included in this press release to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statement is based. Forward-looking information and statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond Aelis Farma's control. Actual results could differ materially from those described in, or implied or projected by, forward-looking information and statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506520517/en/

Contacts:

AELIS FARMA

Pier Vincenzo Piazza

Chief Executive Officer

contact@aelisfarma.com

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky Aurelie Manavarere

Investor Relations

aelis@newcap.eu

+33 1 44 71 94 92

NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Media Relations

aelis@newcap.eu

+33 1 44 71 00 15
Roche Bobois, the global leader in the high-end furniture market and the epitome of the French Art de Vivre, publishes its latest news every month.

APRIL 2025

LATEST NEWS

MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025



Milan Design Week 2025 was the perfect opportunity for Roche Bobois to unveil several unique artistic collaborations:

At the heart of the event was an exceptional partnership with Pedro Almodovar, featuring a collection that pays tribute to the Spanish filmmaker, a master of color and visual storytelling.

Among the standout pieces: a limited-edition reissue of the iconic Lounge sofa, transformed into a graphic canvas reflecting Almodovar's aesthetic universe, and a reimagined technicolor Bubble sofa celebrating the 10th anniversary of this design icon.

The creative journey continues with Rossy de Palma, the filmmaker's muse and long-time collaborator, who brings her distinctive energy to an exclusive capsule collection.

These collections were previewed at Roche Bobois' Milan showroom in the heart of the Durini Design District, ahead of their official launch.

OTHER NEWS

ART PARIS 2025

Roche Bobois was delighted to renew its partnership with Art Paris, a key springtime event dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

For its 27th edition, the fair returned to the prestigious setting of the Grand Palais, drawing a record-breaking crowd of nearly 90,000 visitors. This collaboration allowed Roche Bobois to offer its clients unique experiences while strengthening its visibility among a qualified international audience.

About ROCHE BOBOIS SA

ROCHE BOBOIS SA is a French family business founded in 1960. The Group operates in 54 countries and has a network of 339 directly operated stores and franchises (at 31 December 2024) marketing its two brands: Roche Bobois, a high-end furniture brand with a strong international presence, and Cuir Center, positioned in the mid-range market segment with an essentially French customer base. Through its Roche Bobois brand, the Group embodies the French Art de Vivre whose presence can now be felt on the world stage, with original and bold creations from talented designers (Joana Vasconcelos, Bruno Moinard, Ora Ito, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, Stephen Burks, Patrick Norguet, Kenzo Takada and Bina Baitel and Jiang Qiong Er,..) and partnerships with fashion and haute couture houses. Roche Bobois is also a committed partner in the world of culture and the arts. Including franchises, these two brands posted 2024 retail sales of 589 million excluding VAT, to which Roche Bobois contributed 499 million and Cuir Center 90 million. Roche Bobois SA's consolidated revenue in 2024 amounted to 414 million.

For more information, please visit www.finance-roche-bobois.com

Actus Finance & Communication

Investor relations

Anne-Pauline Petureaux

apetureaux@actus.fr / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72

Press relations

Serena BONI

sboni@actus.fr / +33 (0)6 19 37 55 31

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BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, May 06

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

06 May 2025

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 06 May 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 64,898 Lowest price per share (pence) 395.00 Highest price per share (pence) 397.00 Trading venue London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 64,898 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 395.9465

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 335,599,394 Sterling Shares 40,406,277 Sterling Shares 26,799,560 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 06 May 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 514,050,454.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
The "Norway Data Center Market Investment Analysis Growth Opportunities 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Norway's Data Center Market was valued at USD 1.55 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 2.79 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.29%.

The Norwegian data center market has the presence of several global support infrastructure providers that will increase its competitiveness in the market. Some of the support infrastructure vendors present in the Norway data center market include ABB, Caterpillar, Cummins, Delta Electronics, Eaton, Legrand, Piller Power Systems, Rittal, Rolls-Royce, Schneider Electric, STULZ, Vertiv, and others.

Some of the key colocation data center investors in the Norway data center market include Green Mountain, STACK Infrastructure, Bulk Infrastructure, AQ Compute, Orange Business, Lefdal Mine Data Centers, Telia, and others.

Norway's data center market has several local and global construction contractors operating in the market including AECOM, Arup, Coromatic AB, COWI, Designer Group, Elecnor Group, HDR Architecture, Keysource, Mercury, Mecwide, RED Engineering Design, Rider Levett Bucknall RLB, Skanska, Sweco, Turner Townsend, YIT and others that have been offering their construction, engineering and installation services in the data center market in the country.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Operators in the Norway data center market, such as Green Mountain and Bulk Infrastructure Group AS, are adopting advanced liquid cooling technologies for efficient thermal management; furthermore, they are implementing heat recovery systems to channel the excess heat generated in their facilities to nearby locations to enhance sustainability efforts across the country.

Sustainability in the Norway data center market is supported by growing investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, with operators increasingly adopting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The data center companies are focusing on innovative construction techniques to reduce their carbon impact by replacing materials, including steel and concrete, with timber wood; furthermore, operators are also installing solar roofs in their facilities.

The government is regulating data centers under electronic communication laws to enhance digital security and protect national interests. This approach also encourages leveraging Norway's renewable energy resources to drive sustainable growth within the industry.

Global cloud operators, such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud, are driving significant data center investments in Norway due to the growing demand for cloud services. Colocation providers, such as STACK Infrastructure, Lefdal Mine Datacenter, and Bulk Infrastructure Group AS, are actively expanding their operations to address the increasing demand for reliable data center infrastructure across the country. In 2024, the Norway data center market witnessed new entrants such as Keysource and Namsos DataSenter, and Google.

Norway's focus on utilizing waste heat to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility aligns with the global sustainability trends, attracting the attention of eco-conscious investors and businesses.

Norway's naturally cold climate enables efficient free cooling for data centers, significantly reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems and lowering operational costs and energy consumption.

REPORT SCOPE

Market size available in the investment area, power capacity, and the Norway colocation market revenue.

An assessment of the data center investment in Norway by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

Data center investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country.

A detailed study of the existing Norway data center market landscape, an in-depth market analysis, and insightful predictions about the Norway data center market size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Norway Facilities Covered (Existing): 33 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 09 Coverage: 9+ Cities Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in Norway Colocation Market Revenue Forecast (2021-2030) Retail vs Wholesale Colocation Market Revenue Forecast (2021-2030) Retail Wholesale Colocation Pricing

The Norway data center landscape market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast.

A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the market.

Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the market.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the market.

EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Oslo Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Oslo Other Cities



IT Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hitachi Vantara

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

NetApp

NetNordic Group AS

Oracle

Pure Storage

Super Micro Computer

Data Center Construction Contractors Sub-Contractors

AECOM

Arup

Coromatic AB

COWI

CTS Group

Designer Group

Elecnor Group

HDR Architecture

Keysource

Kirby Group Engineering

Marsh

Mecwide

Mercury

Olaris AS

Ramboll

RED Engineering Design

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)

Skanska

Sweco

Turner Townsend

YIT

Support Infrastructure Providers

ABB

Alfa Laval

Austin Hughes Electronics

Carrier

Caterpillar

Comsys

Condair Group

Cummins

DEIF

Delta Electronics

Eaton

FlaktGroup

GE Vernova

HITEC Power Protection

Johnson Controls

Rehlko

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Perkins Engine

Piller Power Systems

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

Siemens

Socomec Group

STULZ

Swegon

Trane Technologies

Vertiv

Data Center Investors

AQ Compute

Orange Business

Bulk Infrastructure

Green Mountain

Lefdal Mine Data Centers

STACK Infrastructure

STORESPEED

Telia

New Entrants

Keysource Namsos DataSenter

Google

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 123 Forecast Period 2024 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.55 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.79 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.2% Regions Covered Norway

The report includes the investment in the following areas:

IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems CRAC CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers Dry Coolers Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Core Shell Development

Installation Commissioning Services

Engineering Building Design

Fire Detection Suppression Systems

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Tier Standard Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8f0p5n

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506675380/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

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For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
BTCC Exchange united top crypto influencers like Sheldon The Sniper from Crypto Banter, Conor Kenny, and Crypto Cobra at TOKEN2049 Dubai, fostering market insights and community engagement through livestreams.

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / BTCC, a pioneer in the crypto space since 2011, stole the spotlight on Day 2 of TOKEN2049 Dubai by hosting a powerhouse lineup of top crypto influencers and media figures at its vibrant booth.

The day was highlighted by a series of engaging livestreams featuring some of the most influential voices in the cryptocurrency space. These content creators sat down to talk with Erik Gjergji, Head of Business Development at BTCC Exchange, on topics ranging from the current market trends and trading strategies to the future of cryptocurrencies, drawing substantial attention from attendees and followers on BTCC's X and YouTube channel.

Content Creator Showcase

The BTCC booth buzzed with energy as leading crypto voices shared their expertise in exclusive sessions hosted by Erik Gjergji. Prominent influencers including Sheldon The Sniper from Crypto Banter (1.16M subscribers), Conor Kenny (290K subscribers), and Crypto Cobra attracted both live and online audiences eager for real-time market insights.

Shelton (left) shared with Erik (right) his views on the upcoming market trends.

Conor Kenny particularly impressed attendees with his nuanced understanding of market dynamics. At the same time, Crypto Cobra stood out for his refreshingly authentic and unfiltered views on current market conditions and his trading insights. This candid perspective has increasingly resonated with traders seeking honest insights beyond typical market commentary.

Crypto Cobra (left) shared with Erik (right) his honest views on the market trends.

The combined reach of these influencers extends to millions of cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide. These high-profile conversations positioned BTCC as a hub for meaningful dialogue on cryptocurrency's future and demonstrated the exchange's commitment to engaging with thought leaders in the space.

"Meeting creators and community leaders face-to-face was a major highlight for us," said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC. "This event helped strengthen our ties with the crypto community, and we're excited to keep growing with them."

Interested parties can view these conversations by visiting BTCC's official X account and YouTube channel.

Exclusive VIP Yacht Party

Following the success of TOKEN2049 Dubai, BTCC Exchange will host an exclusive VIP yacht party as an after-event celebration on May 2, 2025. Set aboard a luxurious yacht cruising the Arabian Sea, this event will gather top Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in the cryptocurrency space. The yacht party provides a relaxed setting for leading content creators to network and discuss the future of cryptocurrency in a more intimate environment.

About BTCC Exchange

Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the world's longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges, providing secure and user-friendly trading services to millions of users globally. With a commitment to security, transparency, and exceptional customer service, BTCC continues to be a trusted platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide.

Official website: https://www.btcc.com/en-US

X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

Contact: press@btcc.com

SOURCE: BTCC Exchange

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/btcc-exchange-unites-top-crypto-influencers-at-token2049-dubai-showca-1024075
Feature: Chinese solar products enhance everyday living in Myanmar

Xinhua) 09:59, May 06, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Personal injury attorney Michael Francis, a recognized leader in car and truck accident litigation, has announced a strategic rebrand of his law firm from Francis Injury Firm to Francis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers. The name change marks a renewed commitment to serving accident victims with a laser focus on auto-related personal injury claims. Along with the rebrand, the firm has opened a new office in the heart of Fort Worth's legal and business district at: 640 Taylor St, Suite 1200B, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

"Over the years, we've helped thousands of Texans recover after devastating car and truck crashes," said Michael Francis, founding attorney of the firm. "This new name more clearly reflects who we are, what we do best, and how we serve the Fort Worth community."

Rebrand Reflects a Focused Mission

The decision to rebrand comes as the firm continues to see exponential growth in motor vehicle-related personal injury claims across Texas. While Francis Injury has long represented victims in a wide range of injury cases, the overwhelming majority of recent cases involve auto collisions - including many involving commercial trucking companies and multi-vehicle pileups.

"Our caseload has evolved," Francis added. "Today, 90% of our client base comes to us after a car wreck or trucking accident. We want to make it clear: this is our specialty, and no one fights harder for these clients than we do."

Fort Worth Office Expands Local Presence

The newly launched Fort Worth office will serve as a key hub for client meetings, consultations, and litigation support - especially for those seeking a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth after serious wrecks. The location was selected for its accessibility, proximity to courthouses, and growing demand for legal representation following motor vehicle crashes in the DFW area.

Since opening the office, Francis Injury has already seen a notable increase in truck accident and car accident inquiries - a trend that reflects both the firm's reputation and the rising number of serious collisions in North Texas.

Committed to Client Advocacy and Legal Excellence

With the rebrand, Francis Injury is also rolling out an updated website, an improved client intake system, and enhanced resources designed to make legal help more accessible to accident victims in Texas. From faster response times to clear communication at every step, the firm is focused on delivering a modern, client-first experience.

"We're not just changing our name. We're evolving the way clients experience legal support after an accident," said Francis. "We want people to know that if they need a Fort Worth car accident lawyer , we're local, we're experienced, and we're ready to fight for the compensation they deserve."

About Francis Injury

Francis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm based in Texas, with a specialization in car wrecks, commercial trucking accidents, motorcycle crashes and catastrophic injury cases. Founded by trial attorney Michael Francis, the firm has recovered millions for victims across the state and remains a fierce advocate for the injured in Fort Worth and beyond.

Media Contact:

Todd Stager

(844) 452-9736

SEO for Lawyers, LLC

https://lawseo.com

contact@toddstager.com

SOURCE: Todd Stager, SEO for Lawyers, LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/francis-injury-firm-rebrands-as-francis-injury-car-and-truck-acc-1024231
CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / CannaPharmaRX, Inc. (OTC PINK:CPMD), a future leader in cannabis cultivation, is pleased to share recent updates, including its latest cultivation activities and sales achievements.

Successful Shipments to Israel and Germany

To date, the Company has successfully completed four shipments to Israel and one to Germany. Customer satisfaction with our proprietary strains remains high, and we are seeing strong demand for continued shipments in 2025.

Below is a summary of shipment volumes and average pricing:

- First Shipment to Israel (2024) - 150 Kg - Avg. price: 1.20 CAD/gram

- Second Shipment to Israel (2024) - 150 Kg - Avg. price: 1.57 CAD/gram

- Third Shipment to Israel (Jan 2025) - 245.7 Kg - Avg. price: 1.83 CAD/gram

- Fourth Shipment to Israel (April 2025) - 118.667 Kg - Avg. price: 1.90 CAD/gram

- First Shipment to Germany (March 2025) - 227.5 Kg - Avg. price: 1.94 CAD/gram

Additionally, the Company acted as an intermediary for other Canadian growers, facilitating deliveries to Israeli clients. This included 54.26 Kg in the third shipment and 73.17 Kg in the fourth. This new revenue stream reinforces the Company's role as a key international hub, offering access to the German market for producers who may not have direct entry themselves.

Upcoming Shipments to Germany

The Company plans to make a second shipment to Germany in June, estimated at approximately 241 Kg. The anticipated pricing is 1.82 CAD/gram for product with less than 21% THC and 2.04 CAD/gram for product with more than 21% THC.

Ongoing Cannabis Cultivation

The Company is currently cultivating only 5 out of the existing 10 rooms. Additional capital expenditures are planned for 2025 to turn on the remaining 5 rooms and to add a new drying room to accommodate.

The Company also notes that, following changes to the growing method and post-harvest process to produce higher-quality products, it expects each grow room to yield approximately 60-80 Kg per month, with an average monthly forecast of 150 Kg and estimated sales in excess of CAD$300,000 per month.

Contact:

Company: CannapharmaRx

Name: Constanitne Nkafu

Website: https://cannapharmarx.com

Phone: 403-637-0420

Mail: info@cannapharmarx.com

SOURCE: CannaPharmaRX, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/cannapharmarx-continues-into-new-european-market-with-first-shipment-1022915
MALVERN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Sustainable Construction Barometer 2025: While progress is being made, Canada is still lagging behind rest of world.

Saint-Gobain, global leader in light and sustainable construction, reveals the results of the third edition of its Sustainable Construction Barometer, a worldwide survey conducted in 27 countries amongst 4,000 stakeholders of the industry and 27,000 citizens to track progress of this priority topic.

While we might see ourselves in Canada as the avant-garde by being more environment-friendly and eco-conscious, this year's Barometer paints a different story as it appears that we still have a blind spot when it comes to sustainable construction.

As Canada is facing both a housing crisis and experiences an increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, it appears more important than ever to tackle those challenges together and think about building more resilient and sustainable housing solutions.

You can also find more details of this year's Sustainable Construction Barometer in the official press release below.

At the crossroads of demographic, social, energy, and climate challenges faced by societies, the construction sector must accelerate its transformation towards a more sustainable model. This involves designing a built environment that positively contributes to the health and well-being of individuals, is resilient to climate hazards, has low carbon emissions, and provides accessible housing for all-without compromising on quality or performance.

This transition cannot happen without the collective commitment of all industry stakeholders. It is with this goal in mind that Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory in 2023. As part of this initiative, the 3rd edition of the Sustainable Construction Barometer, a global study conducted with Occurrence-IFOP, is presented today. It measures the progress made on this essential topic.

This study is structured around 24 questions, asked to 4,000 stakeholders representative of the sector, along with an additional 27,000 citizens who responded to four specific questions. The responses helped identify key levers to accelerate sustainable construction in Canada

Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain: "The conclusion is simple: we must act now. For sustainable construction to become the norm, it must be better understood and fully integrated into the expectations of both citizens and professionals. Beyond its environmental impact, its tangible benefits in terms of comfort, health, and well-being are still too often unknown or underestimated. To scale up, a global approach adapted to local realities is essential, taking into account uses, territories, and on-the-ground realities."

Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO of Saint-Gobain in Canada: "Both the housing and environmental challenges Canada face today are key topics that need to be tackled together to build a better future for all Canadians. This year's Barometer results clearly show that there is a need for the construction industry to foster collaboration amongst all key players to raise awareness around sustainable construction's environmental, societal and monetary benefits. Building more resiliently and sustainably is not only an aspiration, it is a necessity."

A global analysis to accelerate sustainable construction all around the world

Launched in 2023 on a scope of 10 countries, the Sustainable Construction Barometer now covers 27 countries1,with a broad spectrum of stakeholders: professionals, students, elected local officials / local government representatives and members of associations. New this year, the survey also surveyed 27,000 regular citizens, giving them a voice in the debate on sustainable construction.

Four key learnings

Greater awareness, a shared sense of urgency, and strong public support.

A general, shared desire to go further. Across the board, private actors are seen as the most legitimate driving force , though regional priorities differ.

A notion still centered on the environment, but resilience is gaining ground , while residents' well-being remains secondary.

Well-informed but insufficiently trained stakeholders, which hinders concrete commitments.

A greater awareness of sustainable construction

67% of stakeholders claim to have a good grasp of the concept of sustainable construction. This figure has risen by 6 points over the past year.

The perceived urgency to act on the subject remains high: 69% of stakeholders consider the implementation of more sustainable construction a priority. This stable result is backed up by a perception shared by citizens, who are on board with the issue: 60% consider it a priority, and 95% consider it important. The challenge now lies in converting this high level of stakeholder and public awareness into concrete actions, while taking local specificities into account.

In Canada, the proportion of stakeholders claiming to have a good understanding of sustainable construction rose by 20 points year over year to stand at 71%. But the country faces a challenge when it comes to its general citizen population where only 22% of Canadians say they have heard about sustainable construction and know exactly what it is. Also, Canadians are less likely (52%) than in the rest of the world to believe implementing more sustainable construction solutions is a priority.

Beyond the consensus to accelerate the sector's transition, the role of private players is praised

87% of stakeholders believe that we need to "go further" in sustainable construction. Those involved in the design phase, positioned upstream in the value chain, appear as essential drivers: 56% of stakeholders consider architects and engineering firms to be the most legitimate players to advance this transition, followed by private companies in the sector at 44%.

However, priorities vary widely from region to region:

In Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, the adaptability of buildings appears to be a recurring concern;

In Latin America, the use of eco-friendly materials is emerging as a key issue;

Europe stands out for its strong interest in building renovation;

In North America, the issue of affordability is more to the fore.

This diversity of regional challenges underlines the importance of tailoring sustainable construction strategies to local specificities, while preserving a strong global dynamic.

A definition still largely associated with the environment, but resilience is gaining ground, while well-being remains in the background

While stakeholders claim to better understand the concept, they still associate sustainable construction primarily with environmental issues. The energy efficiency of buildings (35%) and the use of ecofriendly materials (31%) remain the main criteria for defining the concept.

Resilience in the face of climatic hazards is becoming an increasingly important issue. This topic has seen the strongest growth since the previous edition, reaching 21% (+8 points compared to 2024). Its importance varies by region, topping concerns in Africa (35%) and Asia-Pacific (32%), regions particularly exposed.

The "human" dimension of sustainable construction is still struggling to gain acceptance and remains relegated to the background. Only 15% of stakeholders and 15% of citizens associate sustainable construction with improved occupant well-being, even though this aspect could play a key role in its acceptance and deployment.

Stakeholder awareness still insufficiently translated into concrete commitments

Although stakeholders claim to be familiar with sustainable construction, only 28% say they are fully informed on the subject, and 35% of professionals have taken dedicated training. This still partial mastery of the subject may explain a certain limit to concrete commitments.

78% of students consider training in sustainable construction to be differentiating for employment, but only 40% would refuse an offer from a non-committed company.

67% of professionals say they assess the carbon footprint of their projects, but only 30% do so systematically.

51% of elected representatives say they would like to exclude non-committed projects from public procurement contracts, but only 37% have taken this step, a result (+26 points compared to 2024) which is nevertheless an encouraging sign.

51% of associations plan to call for a boycott of companies deemed to be under-invested, but only 24% have taken action.

The challenge for all value chain actors is therefore to transform this collective awareness into concrete actions. This challenge is a tremendous opportunity for mobilization.

Focus on sustainable construction in Canada

With Canada being part of the global survey for a second year, it appears that industry stakeholders remain engaged towards sustainable construction and see it as a priority.

But there is a clear need for more awareness and education within the Canadian population as only 22% have heard and know what sustainable construction is.

Top 3 actions that need to be put in place to accelerate the development of sustainable construction: Stakeholders Raise awareness among all stakeholders and strengthen their collaboration (40%) Train professionals more (30%) Make sustainable material, products and solutions more competitive (29%) - it was 39% in 2024, an improvement in understanding the cost of sustainable solutions Canadians (general population) Make sustainable material, products and solutions more competitive (38%) Prioritize the use of bio-materials over conventional materials (26%) & Raise public awareness of the challenges of sustainable construction (26%) & Make sustainable performance of constructions more visible and transparent (26%)



Beyond the Barometer, the Sustainable Construction Observatory

The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, is also structured around Sustainable Construction Talks - meetings held internationally, alongside major multilateral events, but also at national level - and an online media Constructing a Sustainable Future, which today publishes its third special edition in paper and flipbook formats on the theme: "Sustainable Construction: How to keep innovating?". Through the eyes of experts and inspiring projects, this edition explores the levers needed to accelerate the sector's transformation towards more sustainable construction.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

46.6 billion in sales in 2024

More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries

Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

1Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Saint-Gobain on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Saint-Gobain

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/saint-gobain-north-america

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Saint-Gobain

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/sustainable-construction-canada-and-global-trends-decrypted-by-the-3rd-1024279
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / In celebration of National Nurses Week, Blue Sky Scrubs, the Austin-based designer medical apparel brand, is proud to announce a special promotion honoring nurses and healthcare professionals everywhere. From May 6-12, all customers will receive 20% off all Blue Sky Scrubs products-no exclusions, no minimum purchase required. This exclusive offer is a heartfelt thank you to the medical heroes who work tirelessly to keep communities safe, healthy, and cared for.

The week-long promotion offers customers 20% off all Blue Sky Scrubs products with no exclusions or minimum purchase. The discount is automatically applied at checkout and available to all customers shopping on www.blueskyscrubs.com. The initiative aims to show appreciation for nurses and healthcare workers who make daily sacrifices in hospitals, clinics, and care centers across the country and abroad.

"This campaign represents both a gesture of gratitude and a reinforcement of Blue Sky Scrubs' long-standing commitment to healthcare professionals," said Shelby Marquardt, founder and chief designer. "We are proud to honor those who give so much to their patients, especially during National Nurses Week."

In addition to the promotional discount, Blue Sky Scrubs is expanding its philanthropic efforts throughout the week by donating scrubs and scrub caps to nonprofit medical missions, nursing school programs, and community health clinics. The company is actively inviting nominations from healthcare organizations and individuals seeking support for their teams.

This effort builds on the company's history of giving, which has included apparel donations to teams serving in Honduras, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, and other underserved regions. Blue Sky Scrubs has also partnered with domestic nursing programs to help equip students entering the healthcare workforce.

Founded over two decades ago, Blue Sky Scrubs designs, manufactures, and distributes high-end medical apparel, including handmade scrub caps and performance stretch scrubs, all from its headquarters in Austin, Texas. The company is widely recognized for combining style and function in its products while maintaining a focus on quality craftsmanship, sustainability, and community impact.

In parallel with the National Nurses Week promotion, Blue Sky Scrubs will spotlight personal stories from nurses and healthcare workers through its social media platforms. Followers are encouraged to engage with the campaign by tagging a nurse or sharing their own experiences using the hashtag ThankYouNurses. Selected participants will receive giveaways including designer scrub caps and Blue Sky gift cards.

The company has stated that its mission during Nurses Week is to elevate the work of healthcare providers while fostering connection and gratitude throughout the medical community.

For more information about Blue Sky Scrubs' Nurses Week campaign, visit www.blueskyscrubs.com or follow @blueskyscrubs on Instagram and TikTok.

About Blue Sky Scrubs

Blue Sky Scrubs is a luxury medical apparel company based in Austin, Texas. For more than two decades, the company has designed and handcrafted high-quality scrubs, scrub caps, lab coats, and accessories for medical professionals across the U.S. and abroad. With a mission to combine comfort, performance, and style, Blue Sky Scrubs has become a trusted name in the healthcare industry. Every item is handmade with care, designed to last, and created to support the heroes who wear them.

Media Contact

Organization: Blue Sky Scrubs

Contact Person Name: Azu Aguilera

Website: https://blueskyscrubs.com/

Email: info@blueskyscrubs.com

Contact Number: +18883025837

Address: 2209 Donley Dr.

City: Austin

State: TX

Country: United States

SOURCE: Blue Sky Scrubs

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/blue-sky-scrubs-celebrates-international-nurses-week-in-may-1024285
WHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNRF) ("Athena Gold" or the "Company") announces that its common shares have resumed trading on the OTCQB in the United States under the new symbol "AHNRF" effective at the opening of trading on May 6, 2025.

The change in the trading symbol is due to the recent completion on April 15, 2025, of Athena Gold's redomicile from Delaware to British Columbia and merger with its British Columbia subsidiary, Nova Athena Gold Corp., with the Company retaining the name Athena Gold Corporation. The Company's trading symbol on the Canadian Securities Exchange remained unchanged at "ATHA". Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, the Company qualified as a Foreign Private Issuer effective April 15, 2025.

No action is required by current shareholders relative to the ticker symbol change on the OTCQB.

About Athena Gold Corporation

Athena Gold is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena Gold's Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. Excelsior Springs spans 1,675 hectares and covers at least three historic mines along the Palmetto Mountain trend, where the Company is following up on a recent shallow oxide gold discovery, with drill results including 5.35 g/t Au over 33.5 m. Meanwhile, the Company's new Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering 4,158 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project.

For further information about Athena Gold Corporation, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Koby Kushner

President and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold Corporation

For further information, please contact:

Athena Gold Corporation

Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 416-846-6164

Email: kobykushner@athenagoldcorp.com

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251

Email:cathy@chfir.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", 'plans", "may", "should", 'potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors as disclosed in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated August 31, 2021.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise stated.

SOURCE: Athena Gold Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/athena-gold-announces-resumption-of-trading-and-new-ticker-symbol-on-otcqb-1024296
LUXEMBOURG / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX) announced that its annual general meeting of shareholders and its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on May 6, 2025 approved all resolutions on their agendas.

Among other resolutions adopted, the shareholders approved the consolidated financial statements and unconsolidated annual accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the proposed annual dividend of $ 0.27 per share ($ 2.70 per ADS). The annual dividend includes the interim dividend of $ 0.09 per share ($ 0.90 per ADS) paid in November 2024. A net dividend of $ 0.18 per share ($ 1.80 per ADS) will be paid on May 14, 2025, to all shareholders of record as of May 9, 2025.

The annual general meeting resolved to maintain the number of directors at eight, approved the re-election of Messrs. Roberto Bonatti, Vincent Robert Gilles Decalf, Gianfelice Mario Rocca, Paolo Rocca, Daniel Agustin Novegil and Mmes. Gioia Maria Ghezzi and Lorenza Martinez Trigueros to the Board of Directors and approved to appoint Ms. Alicia Lucia Mondolo as new member of the Board of Directors. All board members will hold office until the meeting that will be convened to decide on the 2025 accounts. The meeting also re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers, Societe cooperative, Cabinet de revision agree, as Ternium's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

The board of directors subsequently re-appointed Mr. Paolo Rocca as its chairman, Mr. Daniel Agustin Novegil as vice-chairman and Mr. Maximo Vedoya as Ternium's chief executive officer. The board of directors also confirmed and re-appointed Mr. Vincent Robert Gilles Decalf, Ms. Gioia Ghezzi and Ms. Lorenza Martinez Trigueros as members of Ternium's audit committee, with Mr. Decalf to continue to chair the committee. All three members of the audit committee qualify as independent directors under the Company's articles of association.

The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders resolved to renew the validity period of Ternium's authorized share capital, granted related authorizations, waivers and exceptions, and approved the corresponding amendments to Ternium's articles of association to reflect such resolutions.

For a summary of the resolutions adopted at the meetings, please see the report on Form 6-K submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to gross domestic product, related market demand, global production capacity, tariffs, cyclicality in the industries that purchase steel products and other factors beyond Ternium's control.

About Ternium

Ternium is a leading steel producer in the Americas, providing advanced steel products to a wide range of manufacturing industries and the construction sector. We invest in low carbon emissions steelmaking technologies to support the energy transition and the mobility of the future. We also support the development of our communities, specially through educational programs in Latin America. More information about Ternium is available at www.ternium.com.

Contact:

Sebastian Marti

Ternium - Investor Relations

+1 (866) 890 0443

+54 (11) 4018 8389

www.ternium.com

SOURCE: Ternium S.A.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/shareholders-approve-all-resolutions-on-the-agenda-of-terniums-annual-1024293
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / CNH brand, Case IH, has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, a grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.

As part of the initiative, $50 from the sale of every new Case IH tractor in New Zealand will be donated to Meet the Need, helping provide meals to families in need through local food banks and community groups.

Founded by farmers, for communities, Meet the Need offers a practical way for the primary sector to give back-donating livestock, milk, or funds to deliver nutritious, protein-rich meals where they are needed most. Since launching in 2020, Meet the Need has already provided over 2.3 million meals to more than 130 food banks and community groups nationwide.

Meet the Need General Manager, Zellara Holden, said the partnership highlights a shared commitment to community support and helping those in need.

"Case IH is a brand we are proud to be associated with," Zellara said.

"This sponsorship directly supports our mission-getting quality food onto Kiwi tables. When businesses like Case IH stand behind us, it helps create real, lasting change.

"Together, we can help build a better tomorrow for families across Aotearoa."

Case IH Business Director - Agriculture ANZ, Aaron Bett, said the partnership was a natural extension of the brand's longstanding commitment to rural New Zealand.

"As a brand deeply rooted in New Zealand's rural communities, we believe in showing up for the people who support us," Aaron said.

"Farmers are already doing so much to support their communities, and this is one more way we can stand alongside them-supporting a practical, farmer-led solution that's making a real difference."

With the partnership now underway, every new Case IH tractor sold in New Zealand will help nourish a Kiwi family-while the wider Case IH team continues to fundraise and advocate for a more food-secure future.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CNH

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CNH

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/case-ih-partners-with-meet-the-need-to-support-aotearoa-communities-1024333
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Suncor Energy (TSX: SU) (NYSE: SU) held its Annual General Meeting in Calgary today. A total of 868,548,152 shares (approximately 70.29% of outstanding common shares) were represented in person or by proxy.

Shareholders voted as follows on the matters before the meeting:

Shareholders elected the following eleven board members (ten of whom are independent), with shares represented at the meeting voting in favour of individual directors as follows: Ian R. Ashby 98.77% Patricia M. Bedient 98.54% Russell Girling 97.06% Jean Paul (JP) Gladu 98.17% Richard M. Kruger 99.19% Brian P. MacDonald 98.59% Lorraine Mitchelmore 94.68% Jane L. Peverett 98.43% Daniel Romasko 98.55% Christopher R. Seasons 98.65% M. Jacqueline Sheppard 98.26%



Shareholders appointed KPMG LLP as Suncor's auditors. Management's approach to executive compensation (say on pay) disclosed in Suncor's management proxy circular dated February 26, 2025 was approved with 97.06% of shares represented at the meeting voting in favour. The resolution requesting Suncor commission and issue a report to itemize the impacts and quantify the costs of its commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050 was denied with 98.50% of shares represented at the meeting voting against the proposal, in line with management's recommendation.

Note: the biographies of Board members and further details about Suncor's corporate governance practices are available at suncor.com.

An archive of the webcast of the meeting will be available for the next 90 days at suncor.com/webcasts.

Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil production; petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S.; and the company's Petro-CanadaTM retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada's Electric HighwayTM, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investments in power and renewable fuels. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused primarily on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

For more information about Suncor, visit our website at suncor.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251038

SOURCE: Suncor Energy Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - IAMGOLD Corporation (NYSE: IAG) (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") announces the voting results from the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A summary of the results are as follows:

1. Election of Directors

The nominees listed on the Management Information Circular filed April 9, 2025, were elected as directors of the Corporation to hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are elected or appointed. The Corporation received the following votes with respect to the election of the eight nominees:

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Against % Against Renaud Adams 359,696,517 99.86% 498,685 0.14% Christiane Bergevin 358,356,327 99.49% 1,838,872 0.51% Ann K. Masse 358,472,083 99.52% 1,723,116 0.48% Lawrence Peter O'Hagan 357,256,575 99.18% 2,938,627 0.82% Kevin P. O'Kane 359,198,857 99.72% 996,346 0.28% David S. Smith 359,402,022 99.78% 793,182 0.22% Murray P. Suey 358,879,483 99.63% 1,315,718 0.37% Anne Marie Toutant 359,543,415 99.82% 651,784 0.18% Audra Walsh 359,489,730 99.80% 705,469 0.20%

2. Appointment of Auditors

KPMG LLP were appointed auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are appointed, and the directors of the Corporation were authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditors. The Corporation received the following votes with respect to the election of the auditor:



Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld KPMG LLP 360,790,553 91.81% 32,202,912 8.19%

3. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

The shareholders approved an advisory resolution on IAMGOLD's approach to executive compensation. The Corporation received the following votes with respect to executive compensation:



Votes For % For Votes Against % Against Executive Compensation 353,619,954 98.17% 6,575,246 1.83%

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada with operating mines in North America and West Africa, including Cote Gold (Canada), Westwood (Canada) and Essakane (Burkina Faso). On March 31, 2024, the Company commenced production at Cote Gold, in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., a mine that has the potential to be among the largest gold mines in Canada. In addition, the Company has an established portfolio of early stage and advanced exploration projects within high potential mining districts. IAMGOLD employs approximately 3,700 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance practices. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251035

SOURCE: IAMGOLD Corporation
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Global Education Communities Corp. ("GECC" or the "Company") (TSX:GEC)(OTCQB:GECSF) today announced that its subsidiary, GEC Education Mega Center Limited Partnership, has entered into various agreements with Pure Group of Companies ("Pure Group") to develop the flagship GEC Education Mega Centre ("EMC") project in Surrey, British Columbia. The construction budget for EMC is $330 million. The transaction completed effective May 1, 2025.

The agreements entered into establish the framework for a collaborative relationship between GECC and Pure Group by outlining their respective roles and responsibilities in the development, construction and operations management of EMC. Pure Group and GECC will be co-GP of the EMC project. Pure Group will be responsible for the development, financing, construction and asset management. Upon completion, GECC will manage the EMC under the GEC brand, making available rental accommodations to 1,380 occupants, including educational staff and Canadian and international students who are working and studying at nearby schools such as Simon Fraser University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Douglas College, Sprott Shaw College, and the upcoming UBC Surrey Campus.

About EMC:

EMC is strategically located at the heart of Surrey's education hub, within:

100 metres of the Surrey Central SkyTrain station and the future Simon Fraser University Medical School

150 metres of Simon Fraser University (Surrey Campus) and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Surrey Central Campus)

Less than 2 kilometres from Douglas College (Surrey), Sprott Shaw College (Surrey), and the future University of British Columbia (Surrey) campus

7.6 kilometres from Douglas College (New Westminster) and 7.7 kilometres from the Justice Institute of BC

There are at least 14 public and private colleges and universities within the City of Surrey, B.C. and none of these schools provide housing for their students or staff.

The Development Permit with the City of Surrey allows a 49-storey mixed-use tower, featuring one floor of retail space, two floors of commercial space (preleased to GECC's subsidiary schools ), 43 floors of market rental residential units accommodating 1,380 occupants, and three amenity and mechanical floors. Aligned with GECC's established business model, the market rental units will be student-centric, fully furnished, and offer regular housekeeping, enhanced security, and comprehensive amenity spaces. Amenities will include an electronic library, video conferencing facilities, a fitness center, a quiet lounge, a coffee shop, a games room and computer labs. Notably, EMC will also allocate market rental units to faculty and staff of GECC's educational partners, providing a convenient and secure living environment adjacent to their workplaces.

"We are pleased to partner with Pure Group on this significant project, which aims to improve the lives of students coming to Metro Vancouver from across Canada and abroad," stated Toby Chu, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of GECC. "The housing crisis in Metro Vancouver, with rental vacancy rates at 0.8% according to the CMHC's Fall 2024 report*1, presents a severe challenge for local rental tenants. The impact on students is likely even more pronounced. GEC's Education Mega Center represents a meaningful step towards addressing this critical issue. Partnering with experienced financial and investment partners like Pure Group will enable us to accelerate the development of additional GEC student rental properties throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond."

"We are excited to bring our extensive development and financing expertise to the GEC Education Mega Centre project", added Steven Evans, President & CEO of Pure Group of Companies. "Our team will ensure this landmark development is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. We are big believers in the importance of Central Surrey's position in Metro Vancouver, and the timing aligns well with the Surrey-Langley Skytrain expansion, new Cloverdale Hospital, and the expansions of SFU and UBC. We look forward to collaborating with GECC to deliver much needed student-centric housing and contribute to the remarkable development of Surrey's City Centre."

About Pure Group of Companies:

Pure Group is a Canadian-based real estate investment and development firm. Over the last 20 years, Pure Group has achieved success across North America through the Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust (PIRET), Sunstone Opportunity Funds, and Pure Multi-Family REIT. These platforms monetized $6.4B of properties, including over 9,000 residential units, more than 20 million square feet of industrial space and 50 retail assets. Since 2020, Pure Group has refocused on targeting multi-family development opportunities in British Columbia. Pure's seasoned team of Principals has many decades of experience across all real estate segments including development, finance, appraisal, leasing, construction, accounting, and property management.

About GECC, a Leader in Education and Student Housing:

Since 1994, GECC has established itself as a leading player in the Canadian education and student housing sector, serving both domestic and international markets. GECC offers a comprehensive range of services, encompassing business and language colleges, student-centric rental apartments, recruitment services for educational opportunities, and a network of campuses and offices across 40 locations.

Through its subsidiaries, GECC provides a holistic educational experience for over 10,000 students annually. These subsidiaries include established institutions like Sprott Shaw College (founded in 1903), Sprott Shaw Language College, Vancouver International College, and CIBT. These subsidiaries offer programs covering healthcare, business, and technology.

GECC also addresses student housing needs through its subsidiary, Global Education City Holdings Inc. ("GEC"). GEC focuses on developing and managing student-centric rental apartments and education super- centres in Metro Vancouver, boasting a portfolio exceeding $1.3 billion, including operational properties and projects under development.

GECC also owns Global Education Alliance Inc. ("GEA"), a subsidiary that specializes in placing students in elite North American schools and universities, and Irix Design, a leading design and media communication company based in Vancouver, Canada.

Visit GECC online at www.GEChq.com and www.GECliving.com to explore our services and watch our corporate video.

Toby Chu

Chairman, President & CEO

Global Education Communities Corp.

Investor Relations Contact: 1-604-871-9909 extension 319 or | Email: info@GEChq.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (the "forward-looking statements") about the Company and its plans. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, that partnering with experienced financial and investment parties like Pure Group will enable the Company to accelerate the development of additional GEC student rental properties throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors (collectively, the "Risks") that could cause GECC's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. The Risks include, without limitation, economic factors and monetary policy and the risk factors identified in the MD&A forming part of the 2025 Q2Financial Report. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of GECC's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances should change, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Global Education Communities Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/gecc-subsidiary-partners-with-pure-group-on-gec-education-mega-centr-1024359
All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated

Capstone Copper Corp. ("Capstone" or the "Company") (TSX:CS) (ASX; CSC) is pleased to announce that it has amended its existing revolving credit facility (the "Amended Credit Facility") and extended the maturity from September 2027 to May 2029. The Amended Credit Facility will bear interest on a sliding scale of adjusted term SOFR plus a margin of 1.75% to 2.75%.

The amendment of the existing revolving credit facility increases the aggregate commitments from $700 million to $1 billion, with a $200 million accordion. Increased availability of the revolving credit facility is subject to refinancing of the Company's Mantoverde Development Project Facility. As part of the balance sheet optimization, Capstone intends to repay its 70%-attributable share of project financing debt at the Mantoverde S.A. subsidiary using proceeds from the previously announced $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.750% senior unsecured notes due 2033.

"This represents a further step towards enhancing our balance sheet strength and flexibility. We are pleased to have achieved competitive terms and an extended maturity to 2029 on our revolving credit facility. When combined with the new senior unsecured notes announced in March, in addition to the anticipated repayment of our share of the Mantoverde Development Project Facility, we have a simplified debt capital structure with our only material debt maturities in 2029 and 2033," stated Raman Randhawa, Chief Financial Officer.

The Amended Credit Facility includes standard and customary terms and conditions with respect to fees, representations, warranties, and financial covenants. CIBC acted as Administrative Agent, Joint Bookrunner, and Co-Lead Arranger. The Bank of Nova Scotia acted as Syndication Agent, Joint Bookrunner, and Co-Lead Arranger. ING Capital LLC acted as the Joint Bookrunner and Co-Lead Arranger.

A copy of the Amended Credit Facility agreement will be filed on SEDAR+.

About Capstone Copper Corp.

Capstone Copper Corp. is an Americas-focused copper mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. We own and operate the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, USA, the Cozamin copper-silver mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico, the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region, Chile, and 70% of the Mantoverde copper-gold mine, located in the Atacama region, Chile. In addition, we own the fully permitted Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, located approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Mantoverde in the Atacama region, Chile, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties in the Americas.

Capstone Copper's strategy is to unlock transformational copper production growth while executing on cost and operational improvements through innovation, optimization and safe and responsible production throughout our portfolio of assets. We focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation to surface stakeholder value. We are committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our people and local communities, while delivering compelling returns to investors by sustainably producing copper to meet the world's growing needs.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements").

In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "approximately", "believes", "budget", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "guidance", "intends", "plans", "scheduled", "target", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "be achieved", "could", "may", "might", "occur", "should", "will be taken" or "would" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's intention to offer the Notes, subject to market and other conditions, the intended use of proceeds from the offering and the Company's business strategy. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, market and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include the timing and success of the Notes offering. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation, the risks included in our continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company cautions that the foregoing lists of important assumptions and factors are not exhaustive. Other events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506230301/en/

Contacts:

Daniel Sampieri, Vice President, Investor Relations

437-788-1767

dsampieri@capstonecopper.com

Michael Slifirski, Director, Investor Relations, APAC Region

61-412-251-818

mslifirski@capstonecopper.com

Claire Stirling, Manager, Investor Relations

416-831-8908

cstirling@capstonecopper.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company"), a pre-production gold and silver company advancing its flagship Montauban Project in Quebec, announces it has approved the issuance of restricted share units ("RSUs") and provides an update on ongoing construction activities.

In connection with his recent appointment to the Company's Board of Directors, ESGold has issued 500,000 RSUs to Mr. Peter Espig, a seasoned capital markets and mining executive with an extensive track record in project finance, restructuring, and transitioning juniors into cash-flow positive producers. The RSU grants are part of the Company's strategy to attract, retain, and reward high-performing individuals while aligning their interests with those of shareholders.

The RSUs were issued pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan and will vest in accordance with the terms of the plan. These securities are subject to a statutory hold period expiring in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

Construction Advancing at Montauban

The Company is also pleased to report that construction at the Montauban processing site is advancing on schedule. Delivery of the Humphrey Spirals-a key component of the gravity recovery circuit-is expected next week. These units represent a critical milestone in the buildout of the gold-silver recovery system.

Further equipment deliveries and commissioning updates will be provided as ESGold progresses toward production, expected by year-end 2025. The Company remains committed to executing its phased construction plan while maintaining cost disciplined and targeting near-term cash flow generation.

About ESGold Corp.

ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production resource company at the forefront of clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its projects toward production and feasibility while delivering long-term value through sustainable resource recovery and exploration. ESGold's flagship Montauban property, located 80 kilometers west of Quebec City, serves as a model for responsible mining practices, combining near-term production with district-scale discovery potential.

For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.

Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on assumptions and expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the expected use of proceeds, the development and construction timelines of the Montauban Project, future production, and anticipated project milestones. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/251057

SOURCE: ESGold Corp.
ACHIEVED ANOTHER RECORD IN QUARTERLY REVENUES OF $62 MILLION AND ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $22 MILLION.

(All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated)

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Andean Precious Metals Corp. (TSX: APM) (OTCQX: ANPMF) ("Andean" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. This news release should be read together with Andean's management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (the "Financial Statements") which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

Consolidated revenue of $62.0 million from sales at an average realized gold price of $2,694/oz and an average realized silver price of $31.91/oz for Q1 2025 versus consolidated revenue of $43.1 million from sales at an average realized gold price of $2,074/oz and an average realized silver price of $23.64/oz for Q1 2024.

Consolidated Q1 2025 production of 21,361 gold equivalent ounces versus consolidated Q1 2024 production of 21,031 gold equivalent ounces.

Gross operating income of $23.1 million for Q1 2025 versus $0.3 million for Q1 2024, mainly due to higher average realized gold and silver prices, higher sales volume, and lower operating costs at San Bartolome and Golden Queen.

Income from operations of $18.9 million for Q1 2025 versus a net loss from operations of $1.6 million for Q1 2024, mainly due to higher gross operating income partially off-set by higher exploration and evaluation expenditures.

Adjusted EBITDA of $21.9 million for Q1 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million for Q1 2024.

Net income and net income per share of $14.6 million and $0.10 (diluted basis), respectively for Q1 2025, net loss and net loss per share of $0.1 million and $0.00 (diluted basis) for Q1 2024.

The Company ended Q1 2025 with $75.7 million in liquid assets as compared to $61.4 million in liquid assets at the end of Q1 2024.

The Company strengthened its balance sheet with $320.0 million in total assets as compared to $315.1 million in total assets at the end of Q4 2024, and $155.1 million in total liabilities at the end of Q1 2025 as compared to $164.1 million at the end of Q4 2024.

Golden Queen Results:

Golden Queen produced 11,189 gold equivalent ounces in Q1 2025 versus 11,490 gold equivalent ounces in Q1 2024.

Golden Queen OCC of $1,459/oz and AISC of $2,213/oz for Q1 2025 versus OCC of $1,762/oz and AISC of $1,936/oz for Q1 2024.

San Bartolome Results:

San Bartolome produced 10,172 gold equivalent ounces in Q1 2025 versus 9,541 gold equivalent ounces in Q1 2024.

CGOM of $11.86 per silver equivalent ounce sold and a GMR of 42.11% for Q1 2025, versus a CGOM of $(0.73) per silver equivalent ounce sold and a GMR of (1.12) % for Q1 2024.

Corporate Updates:

On May 1, 2025 the Company reported the results of the 2024 exploration program and outlined plans for its 2025 exploration program objectives and targets at Golden Queen.

Effective January 9, 2025, the Company's shares began trading on the TSX under the ticker symbol APM.

On January 12, 2025, the Company announced it entered an automatic share purchase plan in conjunction with its normal course issuer bid and renewed the program on January 2, 2025.

On January 16, 2025, the Company released the initial drill results from the 2024 exploration program at Golden Queen.

On February 24, 2025, the Company announced the appointment of Yohann Bouchard as President of the Company. Mr. Bouchard will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company as a non-independent director.

Alberto Morales, Executive Chairman and CEO, stated, "We delivered a strong financial performance in the first quarter, highlighted by significant growth in revenue, operating income, and net income compared to the same period last year. These results reflect the benefit of higher realized metal prices, disciplined cost management at both San Bartolome and Golden Queen, and our ongoing focus on generating strong cash flow. Operationally, production of 21,361 gold equivalent ounces in line with expectations and we anticipate stronger production over the balance of the year, keeping us well positioned to meet our 2025 guidance.

"At San Bartolome, we achieved a meaningful improvement in margins, primarily driven by higher average realized silver prices, better recoveries, larger ore purchases and favorable movements in the Boliviano foreign exchange rate. At Golden Queen, operating costs decreased compared to the same period last year, benefiting from a cash inventory adjustment, the reallocation of deferred stripping costs to sustaining capital expenditures, and the capitalization of earthworks related to the construction of a new, more efficient haulage road. This road is expected to be completed early in the second quarter and is designed to reduce cycle times and haulage costs."

Mr. Morales continued, "Beyond our financial results, we are encouraged by the momentum building at Golden Queen. The recently announced results from our 2024 exploration program highlight the strong potential to expand the existing resource base and enhance the long-term value of the operation. Our 2025 exploration objectives at Golden Queen are focused on targeting near-mine extensions and testing new zones that could support future growth and mine life extension. Exploration remains a core pillar of our growth strategy, and we are energized by the opportunities we see ahead.

"We have a solid balance sheet, a seasoned leadership team, a well-defined growth strategy, and are well positioned to advance with our objective to create substantial and lasting value for our shareholders."

Summary of Financial and Operating Results

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Q1 2025



Q1 2024

Gold ounces (Au, Oz)











Produced

11,078



10,433

Sold

10,824



10,291

Average realized gold price ($/oz) 1

2,694



2,074











Silver ounces (Ag, K-Oz)







Produced

925



917

Sold

1,028



919











Average realized silver price ($/oz) 1

31.91



23.64

Gold equivalent ounces (Au Eq, Oz) 2







Produced

21,361



21,031

Sold

22,251



20,868











Golden Queen







OCC ($ / Gold Ounces Sold)1,3

1,459



1,762

AISC ($ / Gold Ounces Sold) 1

2,213



1,936











San Bartolome







CGOM ($ / Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold)1

11.86



(0.73 ) GMR / Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold (%)1,3

42.11



(1.12 )

1 Average realized gold price, average realized silver price, OCC, AISC, CGOM, and GMR are measures of financial performance with no prescribed definition under IFRS. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures" section of the news release for further detail, including a reconciliation of these metrics to the financial statements.

2 Beginning in 2025, gold equivalent ounces of silver produced or sold in a quarter are computed using a consistent ratio of silver price to the gold price and multiplying this ratio by silver ounces produced or sold during that quarter. The Company is using a conversion factor of 90 using a price assumption of $2,500 per ounce of gold and $27.78 per ounce of silver.

3 Beginning in 2025 with impact on prior-year comparative periods, the Company reclassed mine-site general and administrative expenses to cost of sales which has a corresponding impact on OCC, GMR, and gross operating income.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Q1 2025



Q1 2024

(In thousands of US dollars, except for net income per share metrics)





Revenue

61,978



43,070

Gross operating income1

23,032



312











Income from operations

18,922



(1,619 ) Net income

14,608



(76 ) Net income per share







-Basic

0.10



(0.00 ) -Diluted

0.10



(0.00 ) Adjusted EBITDA2

21,944



1,011

Capital expenditures

9,397



3,828

Free cash flow2

(1,538 )

(8,091 ) Cash and cash equivalents

53,133



41,495

Liquid assets1

75,684



61,348



1 Beginning in 2025 with impact on prior-year comparative periods, the Company reclassed mine-site general and administrative expenses to cost of sales which has a corresponding impact on OCC, GMR, and gross operating income.

2 Free cash flow, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Liquid Assets are measures of financial performance with no prescribed definition under IFRS. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures" section of the news release for further detail, including a reconciliation of these metrics to the financial statements.

Q1 2025 Conference Call and Webcast

Wednesday, May 7 th , at 9:00 AM ET





, at 9:00 AM ET Participants may listen to the webcast by registering via the following link https://www.gowebcasting.com/14022.





Participants may also listen to the conference call by calling North American toll free 1-833-821-0164, or 1-647-846-2305 outside the U.S. or Canada.





An archived reply of the webcast will be available for 90 days at: https://www.gowebcasting.com/14022 or the Company website at www.andeanpm.com.

About Andean Precious Metals

Andean is a growing precious metals producer focused on expanding into top-tier jurisdictions in the Americas. The Company owns and operates the San Bartolome processing facility in Potosi, Bolivia and the Golden Queen mine in Kern County, California, and is well-funded to act on future growth opportunities. Andean's leadership team is committed to creating value; fostering safe, sustainable and responsible operations; and achieving our ambition to be a multi-asset, mid-tier precious metals producer.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Donald J. Birak, Independent Consulting Geologist to the Company, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Registered Member, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), Fellow, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding the Company's production and expectations for. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property and option agreements and other material agreements; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; that there is no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that contracted parties provide goods or services in a timely manner; that no unusual geological or technical problems occur; that plant and equipment function as anticipated and that there is no material adverse change in the price of silver, price of gold, costs associated with production or recovery. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this release include, but are not limited to: risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits and conclusions of economic evaluations; results of initial feasibility, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks relating to possible variations in reserves, resources, grade, planned mining dilution and ore loss, or recovery rates and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; mining and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes (including work stoppages and strikes) or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks related to commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; the uncertainty of profitability based upon the cyclical nature of the industry in which the Company operates; risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or delays in obtaining governmental or local community approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the uncertain global economic environment; and other factors contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, RATIOS, AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL MEASURES

This news release includes "specified financial measures" within the meaning of National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"), specifically the non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios and supplementary financial measures described below. Management believes that the use of these measures assists analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company in understanding the costs associated with producing silver and gold, understanding the economics of silver and gold mining, assessing operating performance, the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from current operations, and for planning and forecasting of future periods.

The specified financial measures used in this news release do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers, even as compared to other issuers who may be applying the World Gold Council ("WGC") guidelines. Accordingly, these measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Operating Cash Costs

OCC includes total production cash costs incurred at the Company's mining operations, which form the basis of the Company's cash costs, less by-product revenue.

Beginning in 2025 with impact on prior-year comparative periods, the Company reclassed mine-site general and administrative expenses to cost of sales which has a corresponding impact on the calculation of OCC.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the OCC per ounce sold on a by-product basis to the Financial Statements:

Golden Queen Three months ended March 31, (in thousands of US dollars)

2025



2024 Costs of sales, as reported $ 17,078

$ 20,366 Less: by-product silver credits

(2,448 )

(2,534 ) Total OCC $ 14,630

$ 17,832 Divided by Au ounces sold

10,029



10,121 OCC ($ / Au ounces sold) $ 1,459

$ 1,762

All-in Sustaining Costs

AISC on a by-product basis per ounce is a non-GAAP ratio calculated as AISC on a by-product basis divided by ounces of gold sold. AISC on a by-product basis is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as the aggregate of production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss), refining and transport costs, cash component of sustaining capital expenditures, lease payments related to sustaining assets, corporate general and administrative expenses and accretion expenses. When calculating AISC on a by-product basis, all revenue received from the sale silver at Golden Queen are treated as a reduction of costs incurred. The Company believes that AISC represents the total costs of producing gold from current operations and provides the Company and other stakeholders of the Company with additional information relating to the Company's operational performance and ability to generate cash flow.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the AISC per ounce sold on a by-product basis to the Financial Statements:

(in thousands of US dollars) Three months ended March 31,

Golden Queen

2025



2024

OCC, net of by-product credits $ 14,630

$ 17,832

General and administration-site and corporate allocation

1,455



544

Sustaining capital expenditures

5,997



1,109

Accretion for decommissioning liability

107



111

Total all in sustaining cost $ 22,190

$ 19,596

Divided by Au ounces sold

10,029



10,121

AISC ($ / Au ounces sold) $ 2,213

$ 1,936



Cash Gross Operating Margin

CGOM per silver equivalent ounce sold is calculated by subtracting the average cash cost of sale (cost of sales, allocated corporate administrative costs and business unit general and administration cost) per equivalent ounce sold from the average selling price per equivalent ounce. It is a measure of financial performance with no prescribed definition under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the CGOM per ounce to the Financial Statements and the most directly comparable IFRS measure:

San Bartolome

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands of US dollars)

2025 2024 Costs of sales, as reported $ 18,902

$ 19,762

General and administration-site and corporate allocation

1,617



385

Total gross operating costs $ 20,519

$ 20,147

Divided by AgEq ounces sold (koz)

1,023



826

Gross operating cost per AgEq ounce sold $ 20.05

$ 24.39

Average realized silver price per oz $ 31.91

$ 23.66

CGOM ($ / Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold) $ 11.86

$ (0.73 )

Gross Margin Ratio

GMR is calculated by subtracting the cost of sale as reported in the income statement from the revenue of equivalent ounces divided by revenue from sales of equivalent ounces. GMR is a measure of financial performance with no prescribed definition under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers.

Beginning in 2025 with impact on prior-year comparative periods, the Company reclassed mine-site general and administrative expenses to cost of sales which has a corresponding impact on the calculation of GMR.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the GMR per ounce to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:

San Bartolome Three months ended March 31,

(in thousands of US dollars)

2025



2024

Costs of sales, as reported $ 18,902

$ 19,762

Divided by AgEq ounces sold (koz)

1,023



826

Costs of sales per AgEq oz sold $ 18.47

$ 23.92

Average realized silver price per oz $ 31.91

$ 23.66

GM per AgEq oz sold $ 13.44

$ (0.27 ) GMR per Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold (%)

42.11



(1.12 )

Free Cash Flow

The Company has included free cash flow as a non-GAAP financial measure in this news release. The Company considers net cash provided from operating activities, less capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment, to be a measure that allows the Company and investors to evaluate the ability of the Company to generate cash flow. Accordingly, free cash flow is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following table provides a reconciliation of free cash flow to the Financial Statements:

(in thousands of US dollars) Three months ended March 31,

2025

2024

Net cash provided from operating activities $ 7,015

$ (4,669 ) Less: Capital Expenditures on property, plant and equipment (8,554 ) (3,392 ) Free cash flow $ (1,538 ) $ (8,091 )

Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adjusting net income (loss) as recorded in the condensed interim consolidated statements of income (loss) for items not associated with ongoing operations. The Company believes that this generally accepted industry measure allows the evaluation of the results of income-generating capabilities and is useful in making comparisons between periods. This measure adjusts for the impact of items not associated with ongoing operations. Management uses this measure to monitor and plan for the operating performance of the Company in conjunction with other data prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to the Financial Statements:

(in thousands of US dollars) Three months ended March 31,





2025



2024

Net income $ 14,608

$ (76 ) Add:







Income taxes

2,149



(603 ) Finance costs

1,687



1,650

Depreciation and depletion

2,975



2,630

EBITDA $ 21,419

$ 3,601

Corporate development expenses

47



-

Other gains

(4,883 )

(295 ) Foreign Exchange loss (gain)

5,361



(2,295 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 21,944

$ 1,011



Average Realized Gold and Silver Prices Per Ounce

The Company has included average realized prices as a supplementary non-GAAP financial measure in this news release. The Company quantifies average realized price per ounce as revenue per the Statement of Income (loss), bifurcated by gold or silver revenue and divided by ounces of gold or silver sold, respectively. Management uses this measure to monitor sales of silver and gold ounces against the average market silver and gold prices.

The following table provides a reconciliation of average realized prices to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:

(in thousands of US dollars) Three months ended March 31,





2025



2024

Silver revenue $ 32,816

$ 21,724

Divided by silver sold (k oz)

1,028



919

Average realized silver price per oz $ 31.91

$ 23.64











Gold revenue $ 29,162

$ 21,347

Divided by gold sold (oz) 10,824

10,291

Average realized gold price per oz $ 2,694

$ 2,074



Liquid Assets

The Company believes this non-GAAP financial performance measure provides further transparency and assists analysts, investors, and other stakeholders of the Company in assessing the Company's financial position.

The following table provides a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial metric to the Financial Statements:

(in thousands of US dollars) As at





March 31,

2025



March 31,

2024

Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,133

$ 41,495

Add: Marketable securities and other investments

45,142



29,853

Less: Revolving line of credit

22,591



10,000

Liquid assets $ 75,684

$ 61,348



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251033

SOURCE: Andean Precious Metals Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Star Copper Corp. ("Star Copper" or the "Company") (CSE:STCU) is pleased to announce that shareholders of Star Copper (the "Shareholders") have approved the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to which the Company's 100% interest in the Okeover copper-molybdenum project located immediately north of the coastal City of Powell River, British Columbia (the "Okeover Project"), along with related assets and liabilities, will be spun out to the Shareholders (the "Spin-Out") through the Shareholders receiving common shares in Alpha Copper Corp. ("Spinco"), currently a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

At the Company's annual general and special meeting held on April 30, 2025, Shareholders representing 41.75% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares voted, and the special resolution approving the Arrangement was approved by 99.99% of the votes cast. All of the other matters considered at the meeting, including the Company's omnibus equity incentive plan and Spinco's stock option plan, were also approved in accordance with management's recommendations.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that on May 5, 2025 Star Copper obtained a final order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia ("Court") in respect of the Arrangement which was a condition to closing of the Arrangement.

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions, Star Copper expects that the Arrangement will become effective on May 9, 2025 or shortly thereafter. The Company will issue a subsequent news release confirming the effective date of the Arrangement and relevant date for which Shareholders of record will receive, for each Star Copper common share held immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement: (i) one identical replacement common share of Star Copper (each, a "New Star Copper Share"); and (ii) one-third of one Spinco common share (each, a "Spinco Share"). Outstanding options to purchase common shares in the Company will also be adjusted pursuant to the Arrangement, such that the holders of options will receive new options to purchase New Star Copper Shares and Spinco Shares, as described in more detail in the Company's information circular dated April 1, 2025 (the "Information Circular"). The Company's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., will act as depositary in connection with the Arrangement.

After the Arrangement is completed, it is expected the New Star Copper Shares will continue to be listed for trading on: (i) the Canadian Securities Exchange in Canada under the symbol "STCU" (ii) the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany under the symbol "PPOO" and (iii) on the OTC Market in the United States of America under the symbol "STCUF". The Spinco Shares will not be listed on any stock exchange upon completion of the Arrangement, but Spinco will operate as a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and will comply with its continuous disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws. More detailed information regarding the Spinco Shares and post-Arrangement Spinco is available in the Information Circular.

As announced previously, the Spin-Out will provide investors with an ownership stake in two separate specialized companies. Star Copper will continue to focus on the advancement the Star copper-gold porphyry project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia (the "Star Project"), while Spinco will focus on advancing the Okoever Project.

Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement, including a summary of the terms and conditions of the arrangement agreement, is set out in the Information Circular, which is filed under Star Copper's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Darryl Jones, President and CEO of Star Copper, stated: "We are pleased the Shareholders and the Court have approved the Arrangement, which we believe will create value in two primary ways for our Shareholders. First, we believe the Okeover Project has significant unrealized value that is lost in the current structure. Separately we believe Spinco can advance the Okeover Project, and create considerable value that is not being seen as investors correctly focus on our exciting Star Project. Star Copper is having a great start to 2025, and we thank our Shareholders for their support throughout the years."

About Star Copper Corp. (CSE:STCU)(OTC PINK:STCUF)(FWB:PP00)

Star Copper is focused on contributing to the green economy by finding and developing copper resource assets in stable jurisdictions. The Company is positioned to earn a 60-per-cent interest in the Indata copper-gold project located in north-central British Columbia. After the acquisition of Cavu Energy Metals, the Company has acquired 100% of the Star copper-gold porphyry project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, as well as the 100% owned Quesnel project in the middle of the Quesnel Trough, host to a number of alkalic copper-gold porphyry deposits running northwest across western British Columbia. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Copper-Molybdenum Okeover project north of Powell River.

For more information visit https://starcopper.com/

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Star Copper Corp.

~Darryl Jones~

Darryl Jones, CEO, President & Director

Star Copper Corp.

Contact Star Copper

Invictus Investor Relations

+1 (604) 788-9533

walter@invictusir.com

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, including: the completion of the Spin-Out or the Arrangement, including the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions in a timely fashion or on terms satisfactory to Star Copper or Spinco; the anticipated effective date of the Arrangement; the anticipated benefits of the proposed Arrangement, including the unlocking of value for the Company's shareholders; the advancement of the Star Project or the Okeover Project by Star Copper and Spinco, respectively; the trading of New Star Copper Shares on the CSE, FSE or the OTC Market; and, the listing status of the Spinco Shares, are all forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward- looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Star Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to satisfy all closing conditions of the Arrangement and the receipt of all regulatory approvals required therefore, the ability of the Company to complete proposed exploration work on its mineral properties, the results of exploration, the continued availability of capital on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Company, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Star Copper does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Star Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/star-copper-announces-shareholder-and-court-approvals-of-spin-out-of-okeover-proj-1024393
San Francisco, United States, May 6th, 2025, FinanceWire

Fintech Startup Enters Next Phase to Build the Future of Contracts: Sign, Send, and Get Paid in a Single Platform

Agree, the all-in-one invoicing and payments platform, today announced it has raised a $7.2 million seed round led by Tyler Hogge at Pelion Venture Partners, with significant participation from Blank Ventures and notable angel investor Gokul Rajaram. The funding follows a $3 million pre-seed round led by Sheel Mohnot at Better Tomorrow Ventures (BTV), with continued participation from existing investors including BTV, 8-Bit Capital, Sophia Amorusos Trust Fund, Hustle Fund, Everywhere Ventures, Singh Capital Partners, and Firsthand VC.

With a team of veteran fintech founders, Agree is redefining e-signature  what was once just a digital handshake is now a true fintech product. Unlike legacy e-signature players, Agree is the first platform to integrate payments directly into the signing process, eliminating friction and accelerating transactions from contract to cash.

For years, e-signature has been dominated by slow-moving, bloated companies that prioritize legacy systems over customer experience. As a result, businesses have been forced to navigate outdated, disjointed workflows where signing a contract and processing a payment are entirely separate steps. Agree is entering its next phase of growth to change that. After scaling from 0 to 30,000 users in six months, Agree is rapidly adding customers beyond founders and entrepreneurs to serve mid-market and enterprise teams.

At the end of every deal is a transaction. Agree ensures it happens instantly.

Agree launched less than a year ago with the goal of modernizing the contract-to-payment process, and its growth has been explosive. The company onboarded 1,000 users in its first 30 days, reached 10,000 users within three months, and surpassed 30,000 users within six months. It was voted as Product Hunts Product of the Month in November.

Agrees business model disrupts the industry by commoditizing e-signature  offering it for free  and instead monetizing invoicing and billing logic. Theyre solving a huge pain point for us, our portfolio companies, and just about any business that moves the majority of its revenue through contracts. We believe that everything is fintech, including e-signature, said Sheel Mohnot of Better Tomorrow Ventures.

With this new capital, Agree will expand its engineering team and continue investing in growth and product development, focusing on:

More robust accounts receivable automation

Enhanced multiplayer functionality

Expanded AI-powered workflows

Deeper integrations with accounting and CRM software

What Divvy did for accounts payable, Agree is doing for accounts receivable. While at Bill.com, I saw firsthand the enormous opportunity ahead for streamlining AR automation, said lead investor Tyler Hogge, who previously led Product at Divvy before its $2.5 billion acquisition by Bill.com.

CEO Marty Ringlein attributes the companys rapid success to AI. With a team of only seven leveraging the latest AI tools, were able to compete head-to-head with DocuSigns 7,000 employees to deliver a better, faster, and cheaper experience. The next version of DocuSign wont look anything like DocuSign.

About Agree

Agree is a modern agreement platform that unifies e-signature, invoicing, and secure payment processing into one seamless workflow. Designed for businesses that move revenue through contracts, Agree eliminates the friction between signing and getting paid  automating everything from signature blocks to dynamic invoice creation using AI and OCR. Unlike legacy tools, Agree makes contracts fully editable, collaborative, and integrated into accounts receivable automation. Agree brings fintech speed and sophistication to slow-moving professional services workflows, transforming contracts from static PDFs into living, monetizable assets. Agree is backed by $10.2M in funding from leading investors including Pelion and Better Tomorrow Ventures. To learn more about Agree, visit Agree.com.

Contact

Marketing

Katie Perry

Agree, Inc.

[email protected]
Lovelace AI, a Pittsburgh, PA-based artificial intelligence company providing real-time data fusion, raised an undisclosed amount in Seed funding.

The round was led by RRE Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its product development, talent acquisition, and deployment of its core technology across both defense and commercial applications.

Founded by Andrew Moore, Lovelace AI builds software and machine learning capabilities designed to operate in highly complex, multimodal data environments. Its solutions process vast amounts of data with low latency, empowering customers to make better decisions, anticipate threats, and optimize operations. From defense and intelligence missions to commercial industries, it turns fragmented information into actionable insights.

FinSMEs

06/05/2025
Parloa Co-Founders Stefan Ostwald and Malte Kosub

Parloa, a Berlin, Germany-based company which specializes in Agentic AI for customer experience, raised $120M in Series C funding, at $1 Billion valuation.

The round was led by Durable Capital Partners, Altimeter Capital, and General Catalyst with participation from EQT Ventures, RPT Capital, Senovo, and Mosaic Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the expansion of its operations across North America and Europe.

Founded in 2018 by Stefan Ostwald and Malte Kosub, Parloa provides an AI Agent Management Platform that empowers enterprises to safely build, test, and deploy millions of highly-skilled AI agents that engage in natural and personal conversations with every customer.

It is used by organizations including multiple Fortune 200 companies and today employs about 300 people in Berlin, Munich, and New York.

FinSMEs

06/05/2025
Friedrich Merz needed 316 votes in Germanys 630-member parliament to be elected the next chancellor. The leader of Germanys Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was widely thought to be a shoo-in for the post. However, in the secret ballot in Germanys Lower House of Parliament, also known as the Bundestag, Merz got just 310 votes. So what happened? How did Merz stumble at the final hurdle? And what happens next? read more

Friedrich Merz, 69, the leader of Germanys conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), in a shocking development became just the first candidate since World War II who failed to be elected chancellor in the first round. Reuters

On Tuesday, Friedrich Merz failed to become chancellor.

The conservative leader needed 316 votes in Germanys 630-member parliament to be elected the next chancellor.

Though Merz was widely thought to be a shoo-in, he fell six short  getting just 310 votes in the Bundestag.

Merz was vying to become the 10th Chancellor of Germany.

But what happened? How did Merz fail? And what happens next?

What happened?

First, lets take a brief look at Merz.

Merz, 69, is the leader of Germanys conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

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Though he has a strong business background, he has no experience leading government.

Merz, who joined the CDU while he was still in school, was a rival of ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel.

While Merkel ascended to the top job in Germany, Merz went into private business.

Merz was widely expected to be elected as the successor to Olaf Scholz  whose coalition government collapsed last year.

As per CNBC, Merzs CDU and its sister party the Christian Social Union won the largest vote share (28.5 per cent) in the February election.

The parties were slated to form a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party (SDP)  which won a 16.4 per cent vote share.

Germany is known for its coalition governments. It is extremely rare for any single outfit to get over 50 per cent of the vote share, as per the outlet.

A general view of the German lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin. Reuters

As per Al Jazeera, the CDU and SDP have previously worked together during the governments of Merkel.

As per The Times of India, the parties in Merz coalition have 328 seats in Germanys Lower House of Parliament.

Which means that some coalition lawmakers defected during the vote to elect Merz.

As per DW, three lawmakers abstained from voting, one ballot was invalidated and nine others were absent.

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In all, 307 lawmakers ultimately voted against Merz in the secret ballot.

What happens next?

Merzs swearing-in as German chancellor has obviously been delayed.

Bundestag president Julia Kloeckner said she was interrupting the parliamentary session so that the parliamentary groups could consult on how to proceed.

As per CNBC, the German constitution mandates that a second vote be held within two weeks.

Merz or another candidate will yet again need an absolute majority to prevail.

As per Al Jazeera, the next vote could take place next Tuesday.

However, German publication Der Spiegel reported that a second round of voting can only happen if all parliamentary groups set aside deadlines.

Speigel reported that a Friday vote was being talked about.

As per The Times of India, if no candidate wins, yet another round of voting will be held.

This time, the candidate would need a simple majority to become chancellor.

As per DW, in the third phase, the person who receives the most votes will become chancellor.

If this fails too, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier can simply appoint the candidate with the most support.

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Alternatively, Steinmeier can dissolve parliament and order new elections.

This vote was held on the eve of Germanys surrender to the Allies in World War II.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Reuters

It is the first time since World War II that a candidate has failed to become chancellor of Germany in the first round, as per the newspaper.

It also comes just days after the parties signed off on their coalition agreement entitled Responsibility for Germany.

DW quoted SDP leader Lars Klingbeil, who was set to be vice-chancellor under Merz, as saying that his party is not to blame.

The 85% members vote is a mandate for the parliamentary party and it fulfilled this, Klingbeil told DPA. We are reliable.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)  which came second in the February elections with 20 per cent of the vote  has called on Merz to step down.

The AfD has also demanded fresh elections.

This shows the weak foundation on which the small coalition of the CDU/CSU and the SPD, which was voted out by the citizens, is built," party leader Alice Weidel wrote on X.

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Weidel said Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election.

Experts say Merz need not panic yet.

But DW chief international correspondent Richard Walker said if the process drags on this, there will be question marks.

With inputs from agencies
The Narendra Modi government has ordered for civil defence mock drills across the country on May 7, as tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating after the Pahalgam terror attack. This exercise, which has not been carried out since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, will test air raid warnings, blackout protocols, and civilian evacuation procedure read more

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers stand guard at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post on the outskirts of Amritsar. Tensions are running high between India and Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. AFP

For many, the memories of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War will come alive tomorrow on May 7 as the Narendra Modi government in India directed northern and western states and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills. The communication from the Centre came on May 5 amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the dastardly Pahalgam attack in which terrorists gunned down 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times, the letter from the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said.

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The move is significant for India  it hasnt carried out such drills even during the Kargil War of 1999.

But what do these mock drills entail? What can we expect from them tomorrow? Why do they matter?

Centres order for mock drill

On Tuesday (May 5), the Ministry of Home Affairs directed several states, namely in the north and west to conduct civil defence mock drills.

The civil defence exercise and rehearsal are scheduled to take place across categorised civil defence districts in the country with the aim of assessing and enhancing the readiness of civil defence mechanisms across all states and Union territories.

The letter ordering the mock drills also stated that civil defence is considered an integral component of nations passive defence strategy.

For the purposes of the mock drills, the Modi administration has called for the participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students.

What the mock drills will entail

So, what can one expect from the mock drills, which will be held across different parts of the country on May 7?

First and foremost, the mock drills will test the operationalisation of air raid warnings. This means that all designated urban centres and vulnerable installations will test and activate air raid sirens  loud emergency alarms designed to alert civilians of an incoming aerial threat.

This measure will check the immediate public response during any aerial incursion, such as missile attacks or drone raids. The sirens serve as a critical first-line alert system, allowing people to quickly seek shelter.

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The mock drills will also implement crash blackout measures; this entails turning off all visible lights at short notice to avoid becoming targets during night-time aerial surveillance or strikes.

Tomorrows rehearsal will also include camouflaging of vital installations. Industrial plants, government buildings, military outposts, power stations, and communication hubs will undergo camouflage exercises. This may involve using netting, paint, or foliage to disguise structures from satellite and aerial reconnaissance.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with the three Indian defence chiefs, Army General Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Force Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, in New Delhi. PTI

Students and civilians will also be trained on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. For this, educational institutions, work places and community centres will hold workshops and quick-response training sessions. The workshops are expected to focus on activities such as duck-and-cover, finding the nearest shelter, protecting vital body parts and providing first aid.

The mock drill order has also asked for the updating and rehearsal of evacuation plans. In addition to these measures, the mock drill will also test the operationalisation of hotline/radio communication links with the Indian Air Force. Moreover, it will test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms and verify the activation and response of Civil Defence services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.

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Significance of the mock drills

The Centres direction to hold these mock drills in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack comes three days after the Indian Army carried out black out drills at the Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab.

Such drills have not been carried out in India since the early 1970s during the lead-up to the Indo-Pakistani War  the Bangladesh Liberation War. At that time, India had carried out siren raids in which a siren would go off at a certain time following which people had to turn the lights off.

A Kashmiri man sits on a bench at a marketplace as an Indian soldier keeps guard along a street in Srinagar. AFP

Some those who have memories of the 1971 mock drills recount how they had to cover the glass panes of their homes with paper and if you were outside and heard the siren, you were supposed to lie down on the floor and shut your ears.

Many experts note that the mock drills now have quickened the drumbeat of war between India and Pakistan  tensions have been escalating between the two neighbouring countries since April 22s Pahalgam terror attack.

Many analysts observe that the mock drills signal a deeper, more concerning shift. They represent a stark reminder of the likelihood of conflict, marking a further downturn in the already strained ties between the two countries. They further added that the decision to revive this pre-war practice is not without implications.

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At a time when the world is already concerned about regional instability, Indias move to conduct such drills indicates that it is bracing for a potential escalation in the ongoing standoff with Pakistan. While mock drills are routinely conducted to prepare for natural disasters like earthquakes or building collapses, the inclusion of measures aimed at defending against external threats is telling. The drills aim to prepare civilians for a worst-case scenario. This is no longer about hypothetical threats; its a preparation for the very real possibility of war.

Indian soldiers trek during a search operation around Baisaran meadow in the aftermath of an attack in Pahalgam. AFP

Prepping for the big day

Following the directive for the mock drill, senior officials of the Delhi Police have asked all DCPs to prepare detailed plans for the preparations, according to news agency PTI. The deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have started holding meetings with senior police officers to strengthen patrolling in the national capital.

We have already increased day and night patrolling in the city. We have deployed paramilitary forces, along with police personnel, at Delhis borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Security has already been beefed up in the city. The DCPs are personally monitoring the arrangements in their districts. They are holding meetings with assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs), a source said.

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While India is taking steps to increase its preparedness, it is also stifling Pakistan financially and strategically after the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi has already announced that it is holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and cancelled all bilateral trade to send a strong message to Pakistan. It is also considering to choke the countrys terror financing by approaching world institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force.

Its anybodys guess what happens next, but dark clouds continue to hover over the region with everyone asking  is a war coming and if yes, when.

With inputs from agencies
The Centre has announced pan-India security drills on Wednesday amid heightening tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. As all states and Union Territories get ready for the security exercise, heres a guide on dos and donts for the common man read more

India is set to hold a nationwide security drill on Wednesday (May 7) as tensions with Pakistan mount in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to carry out mock drills, citing the new and complex threats after the April 22 massacre in Jammu and Kashmir that took 26 lives.

Such elaborate drills were last conducted in India in 1971 when India and Pakistan went to war on two fronts. Along with the police, paramilitary and defence forces, authorities will engage students, government and private employees, hospital staff, railway and metro officials in the security exercise.

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Heres your complete guide to the mock drill on May 7.

What will happen in the mock drill?

The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to conduct mock security drills across 244 Civil Defence Districts. However, more than 300 such districts with vital installations like nuclear plants, military bases, refineries, and hydroelectric dams will be carrying out the exercise, sources told PTI.

Civil Defence Districts are those areas that the government selects for implementing civil defence programmes. These regions are demarcated on the basis of the location of towns or districts, such as those near borders; the site of vital installations, including nuclear plants and important government buildings; and critical infrastructure like key highways or ports.

During the mock drill, air raid warning sirens will be heard. The MHAs direction also mentions provision for crash blackout measures in selected areas and training civilians on safety protocols in the event of an aerial or ground assault.

Other measures include assessing the readiness of control rooms, organising rehearsals of evacuation plans and camouflaging sensitive installations such as power plants. It will also entail cleaning of existing bunkers and trenches, activating Civil Defence Services like warden services, firefighting, and rescue service, as well as operationalising hotline/radio communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Civil Defence Act of 1968 empowers the government to control peoples movement, impose curfews, close roads, ports, and transport services in case of emergencies.

How will it affect the public?

The crash blackout measures are expected to lead to sudden power cuts for a brief period. Blackouts are implemented during conflicts to protect people and vital infrastructure against the enemys line of fire.

According to a 2003 document titled General Principles of Civil Defence in India, no light shall be visible at a height of 5,000 ft above ground level under normal visibility conditions.

The darkness will make it difficult for advanced high-speed aircraft to attack their target. The anxiety level of the enemy pilot in the cockpit would be more if the area is dark, it says.

Power cuts are to be done gradually, with curbs applying to street lights, factories and lights from vehicles. Illuminated advertisements in vulnerable areas are also to be shut down when civil defence measures are implemented.

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Lights in buildings are allowed to be switched on only if they are covered with opaque material. The mock drill advisory states that people should put up blackout curtains or blinds on all windows. Outdoor lights must be turned off during drills, and no light should be visible from outside.

People are also advised not to step out unnecessarily during the drills.

ALSO READ: When India hid the Taj Mahal from Pakistani air forces during 1971 war

After an air raid warning, all vehicles in a particular area will be stopped and people will be expected to take shelter and other precautionary measures. Those living in vulnerable villages and towns could be evacuated and shifted to shelters, bunkers or trenches.

Identify the nearest shelter locations, such as basements, underground car parks, or designated safe zones, the mock drill advisory states. After hearing the siren, people should immediately take cover in the nearest shelter.

Civilians should pay attention to only official announcements and not panic when they hear air raid warning sirens.

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Army personnel and students perform a mock drill in Army school premises in Mathura in 2016. File Photo/PTI

The public may also experience communication disruptions during the pan-India mock drill. The advisory says that non-essential use of mobile phones should be avoided to keep communication lines free for emergencies.

People should also prepare a basic kit with water, non-perishable food items, a flashlight, and basic medical supplies. Sources told India Today, there will be instructions to keep cash handy to be ready for situations if mobile devices and digital transactions fail.

Those who live near critical installations are advised not to share sensitive information about the facility. They should also report any unfamiliar activity and not interfere with camouflaging activities.

A senior official who is in charge of civil defence told CNN-News18 that the Geneva Convention requires the protection of civilians in times of war. So, we must empower them, train them to protect themselves. The last such training was in 1999 and before that in 1971. Most young people of this generation are unaware of such a situation. Hence the necessity of the drill," the official added.

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With inputs from agencies
As India plans to conduct mock drills for civilians across the country amid tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, a little-known chapter from 1971 Indo-Pak war is worth visiting. During the conflict, India, fearing Pakistan air forces strike in Agra, quite literally tried to make the Taj Mahal disappear. Heres how read more

During 1971 India Pakistan war, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook a mission to camouflage the Taj Mahal as Pak air forced carried out air strikes near Agra. Image courtesy: X/ @archeaohistories

As tensions between India and Pakistan run high after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the mood across the country is one of heightened alert. Military movements have intensified, border towns are being watched like hawks, and security drills are being planned across multiple states in the country.

But this isnt uncharted territory for India.

Back in 1971, as war with Pakistan became almost inevitable, the country swung into action, preparing not just soldiers but millions of everyday citizens, schoolchildren, and entire city systems for the possibility of full-scale conflict.

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Buried in the frantic period is a little-known chapter from Indias wartime history. At the heart of it is the Taj Mahal. Yes, during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, India quite literally tried to make one of worlds most famous monuments disappear.

As the two nations find themselves dangerously close to military confrontation, we take a look back at the interesting episode of how India protected its most iconic mausoleum during the war.

When Taj Mahal was made to vanish

On December 3, 1971, war came knocking once again as Pakistan launched a surprise aerial attack on Indian military installations. Dubbed Operation Chengiz Khan, the offensive struck several Indian Air Force (IAF) bases across the Western frontJammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Among the targets was the Kheria Airbase in Agra, dangerously close to the Taj Mahal. Two Pakistani jets bombed the airbase, leaving only minor damage, including a large crater on the runway. But the incident raised alarm bells.

It triggered fears that Pakistans air force might not only target cultural landmarks in India, including the Taj Mahal, to shake the public morale during the war, but also because the towering structure could help enemy pilots visually locate the Kheria Airbase for another attack.

The government wasnt going to take chances.

The very next day, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook a mission to camouflage the monument.

The gleaming white marble of the mausoleum, visible for miles and even more so from the air, was concealed under massive jute tarps dyed green to blend in with the nearby jungles.

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It took two days to wrap the Taj with the tarpaulin that weighed over 18,700 lbs (8,482 kg), said Nathi Lal, a monument worker who was part of the effort, in an interview with The Irish Times.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Taj Mahal was covered in jute. pic.twitter.com/rz9NXjhuG3  Dr. M.F. Khan (@Dr_TheHistories) March 4, 2024

More than 598 kilograms of nails and 63 thick sewing needles were used to hold the cover in place, he added.

Crews also brought in foliagebranches and brushto cover the minarets. Sand was spread over the marble floor to dull its reflective surface. In the evenings, the lights surrounding the Taj were switched off, security was beefed up, and tourists were kept away.

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The cover stayed in place for over two weeks.

Mig21 pair during 1971 India-Pakistan War. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

This wasnt a one-off strategy either. Similar protections were reportedly installed at other heritage sites like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and the Jaisalmer Fort. Dummy replicas were built nearby to throw enemy aircraft off course and prevent radar detection.

Interestingly, India wasnt the first to try this. Back in 1942, during World War II, the British feared German and Japanese bombers might target the Taj Mahal. So they built bamboo scaffolding around the dome, making it look like a bamboo stockpile from above.

World War II :: Taj Mahal Covered With Bamboo Scaffolding to Protect It From Bombers pic.twitter.com/z6g6cljoXO  indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) February 25, 2022

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Without modern satellite imaging or GPS-guided weaponry, these old-school techniques worked. And in 1971, they played a small but vital role in protecting the iconic monument.

What wartime drills looked like in 1971

Covering up the Taj Mahal was just one part of Indias war preparations in 1971. The country also ran massive civil defence drills to get everyday people ready for the worst. These drills included blackout exercises, where cities would turn off lights to make targeting difficult for enemy aircraft.

Madhurendra Prasad Sinha, now a journalist, was a teenager back then. He lived in Dumka, then part of Bihar (now in Jharkhand), and remembers the atmosphere vividly.

There was never a situation of panic, he told Times Now. We were asked to put off lights and run underneath any table or chowki whenever the sound of sirens reverberated.

By 6:30 pm, most people were indoors. The drills had already started a few days before Pakistans air raids on December 3 and continued until the end of the war on December 16, when Pakistani troops surrendered in Dhaka.

The iconic image of Lt Gen Niazi and Lt Gen Arora that sealed the end of the war. Image courtesy: Indian Navy

Sinha also recalled similar drills during the 1965 war in Kishanganj, near the border of then East Pakistan. The city was taken over by the army for a long duration, he said. There were not many cars with sirens. So whenever we heard one, we knew it was time for drills. When lights went off, we used lanterns.

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The drills werent just about blackouts. RK Sharma, a retired government official, recalled the very specific rules taught to citizens. You had to cover the glasses with paper, and if you were outside and heard the siren, you were supposed to lie down on the floor and shut your ears, he told Times Now.

Offices would shut early to allow people to get home before sunset. Schools usually stayed open, but students were also trained on how to respond during an air raid.

Fast forward to today, and India is once again preparing for civil defence drillsthis time, the biggest since 1971.

India will carry out mock drills across 259 locations in 33 states and union territories. These will include evacuation exercises, bunker safety protocols, and air raid simulations. Image for Representation. PTI

Scheduled for Wednesday, the country will carry out mock drills across 259 locations in 33 states and union territories. These will include evacuation exercises, bunker safety protocols, and air raid simulations, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) on the ground to guide people.

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But Sinha says things are different now.

There are so many servers, so many ways of communication now, he said. The most we will do for mock drills is to use stairs or get out of a big building, like a mall.

With input from agencies
Israel has approved a sweeping plan to capture and occupy Gaza. The new policy involves a prolonged military presence, population displacement and restricted humanitarian aid. With a major offensive looming and hostage negotiations faltering, Israels strategy marks a significant shift read more

An Israeli army tank maneuvers in the Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel, Sunday, May 4, 2025. File Image/AP

Israel has formally approved a sweeping military and political plan that would amount to the most significant expansion of its presence in the Palestinian enclave since its withdrawal in 2005.

The move, aimed at reshaping the landscape of the conflict and possibly the regions political future, includes the prolonged occupation of Gaza, the displacement of its population and the imposition of new systems of control.

The plan, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet, entails a prolonged military campaign followed by a sustained Israeli military presence in Gaza.

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Though the timeline for implementation remains unclear, Israeli officials have signalled that the plan is ready to be activated, most likely after US President Donald Trumps upcoming visit to West Asia.

Inside Israels op to capture Gaza

At the core of the newly approved policy is what Israeli leadership views as a decisive move to subdue Hamas and maintain control over captured areas.

Netanyahu stated in a video message posted to X that there will be no in-and-out, stating: 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.

He added, There will be a movement of the population to protect them, in reference to plans to displace Gazas residents further south.

The operation has been named Gideons Chariots, and according to a senior Israeli security official, it was unanimously endorsed by the cabinet, reported CNN.

The official added that the plans full implementation will come only after Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar  a timeframe that Israel hopes may offer a final chance to reach a hostage agreement before full-scale operations resume.

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 official said, quoted by CNN.

As part of the military posture, tens of thousands of reservists have already been called up, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly preparing for deeper incursions.

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Netanyahu stated: We are on the eve of a major entry into Gaza based on the recommendation of the General Staff, suggesting that the Israeli military considers it time to start the final moves.

Population displacement to southern Gaza

The cabinet plan calls for the displacement of Gazas population to the southern parts of the enclave. Israeli officials argue this is necessary to protect civilians, but such actions have drawn international condemnation, with humanitarian groups warning of large-scale forced displacement.

The Israeli proposal of so-called voluntary emigration has also stirred controversy. Rights organisations and legal experts argue that it could amount to a war crime under international law.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly said, We are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip, and indicated that once captured, Gaza could be subjected to discussions of sovereignty.

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 said. Once the maneuver begins  there will be no withdrawal from the territories weve captured, not even in exchange for hostages.

What about the hostages?

The issue of Israeli hostages remains one of the most politically sensitive aspects of the conflict. Hamas-led fighters took around 250 hostages during their October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel.

Israel estimates that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, although approximately 35 are believed to be dead.

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, the IDFs top spokesman, stated: 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.

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His remarks appeared to contradict earlier declarations by Netanyahu, who had previously said the supreme goal of the war was the destruction of Hamas.

The mixed messaging has caused friction both within the government and in Israeli society. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticised Defrin, accusing him of being confused into thinking that the army is above the political echelon.

The governments handling of the hostage crisis has also triggered backlash from families of those held captive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the cabinets decision to escalate operations, urging leaders to prioritise hostage negotiations.

At a Knesset committee meeting, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the captives, made a direct appeal to soldiers: Do not report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons. Some reservists have reportedly said they will refuse to serve in what they increasingly view as a politically driven war, reported AP.

Blocking aid and a new delivery framework

Israels military campaign has been accompanied by a complete blockade of humanitarian aid since mid-March. That blockade  now in its ninth week  halted food, fuel, water and medical supplies, contributing to what observers describe as the most severe humanitarian crisis since the start of the war.

Israel claims the aid was suspended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. However, critics argue this tactic constitutes collective punishment and may amount to a war crime.

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The United Nations has described the Israeli blockade as alarming, with Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq saying, The Secretary General is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza.

An alternative framework for aid delivery was approved by the Israeli cabinet but has yet to be implemented. According to US and Israeli officials, the proposed mechanism would bypass Hamas entirely, using an unnamed private foundation to coordinate humanitarian deliveries with safeguards against diversion.

The US State Department said international organisations and the United Nations are expected to work within the mechanism to ensure that supplies reach only Palestinian civilians.

However, this plan has also been met with rejection. Hamas accused Israel and its allies of using aid as a tool for political blackmail.

Aid groups working in the occupied territories criticised the arrangement, calling it an attempt to reinforce control over life-sustaining items.

A joint statement by humanitarian organisations insisted that we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.

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According to Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, the current system already has measures in place to prevent aid diversion. We employ a solid system to monitor and prevent such incidents, he stated, pushing back against Israeli claims that Hamas misappropriates aid.

What Gaza looks like today

Since the end of the previous ceasefire in mid-March, Israel has stepped up its air and ground assault on Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since mid-March alone, and over 52,000 have died since the war began  many of them women and children. The statistics do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.

More than 90 per cent of Gazas population has now been displaced. The Israeli military reportedly controls around half of the territory. At least 42 people were killed by Israeli strikes between Sunday and Monday, according to hospital sources and Gazas health ministry.

The most recent military actions extended beyond Gaza. On Monday, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemens port city of Hodeida, in response to a missile strike launched by the Iranian-backed group that hit Israels main airport the previous day.

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The Houthis reported that at least six strikes targeted the Hodeida port, with others hitting a cement factory.

While Israel continues its push to dismantle Hamas militarily, many within and outside the country are raising questions about the long-term consequences of the strategy.

The absence of a clearly defined plan for governance in post-conflict Gaza, the potential violation of international legal standards, and the humanitarian toll all contribute to growing pressure on Israel from international allies and rights organisations alike.

With inputs from agencies
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House today. The meeting comes as the US president continues his trade war and talks of annexation. Meanwhile, in Germany, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is set to be elected chancellor today. He will need support from a majority of all members of the house to become the countrys 10th chancellor since World War II, taking over from Olaf Scholz read more

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting comes as the Republican leader continues to push his trade war and threats of annexation.

What else is happening today?

In Germany, Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative CDU party, is set to be chosen as the countrys new chancellor.

In Punjab, a protest has been planned against the state government. The protest is over claims that it used forceful methods to remove farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points in March.

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Shifting to sports, Inter Milan and Barcelona will face off in what is expected to be a thrilling clash in the 2025 UEFA Champions League.

Now, lets take a look at these events in detail:

Canadian PM Mark Carney to meet Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House today. The high-stakes meeting takes place as Trump continues his trade war and threats of annexation.

Our old relationship, based on steadily increasing integration, is over. The questions now are how our nations will cooperate in the future and where we in Canada will move on, he said at a press conference.

This will be Carneys first meeting with Trump since entering Canadian politics in January. Reuters/File Photo

Carneys Liberal Party made a strong comeback in a vote widely viewed as a rejection of Trump. The US Presidents trade actions and remarks on Canadian sovereignty angered many voters.

Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian products and has even spoken about annexing Canada. Carney has often described the US moves as a betrayal and says Canada must reduce its heavy dependence on its neighbour, which buys 75% of its exports.

Speaking for the first time since the election, Carney said Canadians voted for a government that will challenge Trump and focus on building a stronger economy.

This will be Carneys first meeting with Trump since entering Canadian politics in January.

Merz set to be elected German chancellor

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germanys conservative CDU party, is set to be elected chancellor today.

To assume office as Germanys 10th chancellor since World War II and succeed Olaf Scholz, Merz will need support from a majority of all members of the house.

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Last week, the Social Democrats supported a coalition deal with the CDU/CSU, clearing the final step to forming a new government in Europes biggest economy.

The planned coalition is expected to focus on boosting the economy, increasing defence spending, tightening migration rules, and modernising the country. These changes are aimed at addressing challenges across the 27-nation European Unions most populous member.

Friedrich Merz at the congress of the European Peoples Party (EPP) in Valencia. Reuters/File Photo

With fears that Trumps tariff policy may harm exports, reviving the economy is a top concern for Germanys next government.

Merz, a trained lawyer, was first elected to the European Parliament in 1989 and later to the Bundestag. He left politics in 2009 and spent over a decade in the private sector, working as a corporate lawyer and holding top roles, including at US investment firm BlackRock.

In 2018, Merz surprised many by returning to the CDU.

Farmers protest in Punjab

A protest has been called today against the Punjab government over claims that it used force to evict farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points in March.

Protesters are also demanding action against those who allegedly stole their belongings during the eviction.

However, farmer leaders have said that ahead of todays protest outside the Shambhu police station, several Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were placed under house arrest by the Punjab government on Monday.

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According to them, Punjab Police arrived at their homes early in the morning to detain them, to stop them from gathering support for the protest.

In the past, farmer leaders have repeatedly said that protesters suffered major losses as their trolleys and other items were taken from the protest sites during the police crackdown. Many of these belongings have not been returned.

Farmers stage a protest over the arrest of farmer leaders in Amritsar. PTI/File Photo

The police action took place on March 19, when Punjab Police detained farmer leaders in Mohali as they were returning from a meeting with a central delegation led by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh.

UEFA Champions League 2025: Inter Milan v Barcelona

Turning to sports, Inter Milan and Barcelona will face off today in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

After the 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Estadi Olimpic, Hansi Flicks team will travel to Milan for a match that will decide who moves on to the final.

Both clubs are aiming for a spot in the final at Munichs Allianz Arena, making this a crucial clash. With the away goals rule no longer in place, its now a straight fight as the winner goes through.

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The first leg was packed with goals and twists, leaving everything open as the action shifts to the San Siro.

The second leg is expected to be just as intense, with both teams knowing that only a win will take them to the final.

With inputs from agencies
Mia Schem, a French-Israeli national freed from Hamas captivity in November 2023, has accused a well-known fitness trainer in Tel Aviv of drugging and raping her at her home. The trainer, a familiar face on social media, is known for working with celebrities, including a former prime minister. Schem became a known face across the world after Hamas released a video of her in captivity just days after she was taken read more

Mia Schem became known around the world when Hamas released a video showing her in captivity just days after she was taken. AFP/File Photo

Freed from Hamas captivity in November 2023, a young Israeli woman has accused a popular fitness trainer in Tel Aviv of drugging and raping her.

Mia Schem, 22, said the man persuaded her to host a meeting at her home by claiming a Hollywood producer would be there. She said the assault took place during that meeting.

The trainer is said to be a familiar face on social media, known for working with celebrities, including a former prime minister.

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Mia, a French-Israeli national, became widely recognised after a video was released showing her with a bandaged arm during her time in captivity in Gaza. She said the attack happened after she returned home.

In this explainer, we look at what the Israeli woman has accused the trainer of, how the incident took place, who the suspect is, the developments in the case, and a short background on Mia.

What happened?

Schem shared her experience in a recent interview with Israels Channel 12.

This was my biggest fear in life. Before captivity, during captivity, and it happened after the captivity, at my home, in the place meant to be safest for me, she told the channel.

The case had been reported earlier, but many details, including the names of those involved, were under a gag order.

Schem said she had unexplained marks on her body following the alleged incident. X

She said the incident took place last month and that she has been left deeply affected, struggling to cope since then.

Ive decided to tell the truth. Im not the one who needs to hide, Schem said at the start of what was her first interview since identifying herself as the complainant.

She alleged that the man, who had given her three training sessions in the past, said he wanted to connect her with a Hollywood producer interested in making a film based on her survival in Gaza.

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According to her, when the producer did not turn up at the hotel lobby, the trainer arranged to meet again - this time at her home.

Schem recalled that on the day of the meeting, the man arrived two hours late. When he got there, he asked her closest friend, who was also at the flat, to leave, saying the meeting was sensitive.

She said her memory from that point became unclear. My body remembers; it feels everything, she said in the interview. But I dont know what happened.

It took me three days to connect the physical sensations to consciousness, she added.

In the days that followed, her friend and family noticed she was not herself and became concerned.

Since then, Schem said she has started to remember glimpses of what took place: the trainer coming into her room while she was not dressed and another person in the apartment.

One of her friends suggested she might have been drugged. Schem said she went to the police, who then sent her to a support centre for survivors of sexual assault.

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A medical check-up, according to reports, showed signs of sexual activity. Schem also said she had unexplained marks on her body following the alleged incident.

What do we know about the suspect? What happened in the investigation?

After the complaint Schem made to the police, the fitness trainer was arrested in late March. Around the same time, word began to spread on social media about a freed hostage being sexually assaulted, with speculation over the identities of both the woman and the suspect.

Security camera footage from Schems building, aired by Channel 12, showed the trainer arriving at 4:00 pm, followed by another man at 6:30 pm. Notably, the second man was not the Hollywood producer she had been told about.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, the man is believed to live in the US, but his identity has not been confirmed.

The trainer was later released but is still considered a suspect as the investigation continues.

He has strongly denied having any sexual contact with Schem. However, police said his version of events has changed more than once, and a polygraph test reportedly showed that he was not honest when answering questions about sexual contact.

During questioning, the trainer is said to have claimed that Schem destroyed his life. He was repeatedly quoted by Ynet as saying, Im a good person.

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Messages he sent to Schem after their meeting have also drawn attention. One message read, What a night, wow, followed by another saying, Yoel was really impressed by you. Hes checking into it, according to Haaretz.

Schem was released from Hamas captivity on November 30, 2023, during a weeklong ceasefire. Reuters/File Photo

What happened to Schem during captivity?

The 21-year-old, who holds both Israeli and French citizenship, was attending a music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants crossed the border and attacked the site.

She was released on November 30 that year during a weeklong ceasefire.

Speaking to Israels Channel 13 TV after her release, Schem said she was taken after escaping her friends car, which had caught fire.

She recalled that her captor began touching her upper body inappropriately, but stopped when she screamed and he saw she had been shot in the arm and was seriously injured.

Schem became known around the world when Hamas released a video showing her in captivity just days after she was taken.

In the video, she is seen lying in bed with someone bandaging her right arm. She says she wants to go home. At the time, it was the first public sign that the hostages were still alive.

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With inputs from agencies
A pro-Khalistani and anti-Hindu parade in Toronto just a week after Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party won Canadas federal election has aroused the ire of the Indian government. Many had hoped for better ties between the two countries under Carney, compared to Justin Trudeau. The early indication, however, is disappointing read more

Many had hoped that Mark Carney's victory at the polls would result in better ties with India. AP

A pro-Khalistani and anti-Hindu parade in Toronto has aroused the ire of the Indian government.

The development comes just a week after Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party won Canadas federal election  which many had hoped would result in better ties between the nations compared to under the previous prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The Indian government on Monday conveyed to the Canadian High Commission in the strongest terms its concerns about the about the parade.

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But what do we know about the parade? And will it be the same old Khalistani story under Carney?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

As per The Federal, Khalistani supporters organised the parade in the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday.

The Khalistani supporters and their sympathisers waved flags and shouted pro-Khalistani and anti-Hindu slogans outside Canadas Malton Gurdwara in Toronto, as per Outlook.

They demanded that 8 lakh Hindus be deported to India.

As per The Hindu, terms like kill India were bandied about.

Hindustan Times reported that people were heard calling for the deportation of eight lakh Bharti to Hindustan.

Firstpost has not independently confirmed this report.

The rally also featured a large struck with a mock jail with the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

As per The Print, the parade also contained pro-Pakistan and pro-Sikh separatist propaganda.

A number of Canadian groups have condemned the parade.

The rally also featured a large struck with a mock jail with the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Firstpost

Outlook quoted the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce as saying, History teaches us that calls for mass expulsion leads to unthinkable acts. This dangerous rhetoric must be denounced by all leaders.

Canadian Hindu Volunteers added, These are not the actions of activists. These are the tactics of radicalised ideologues, many of whom have exploited Canadas asylum and immigration systems, presenting false claims of persecution to enter the country and build networks that fund, promote, and glorify violence.

The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) wrote on X that the silence of many political leaders in response to the remarks must be recognised as implicit consent.

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It is the duty of all MPs and MPPs, across party lines, to take a stand against this divisiveness and reaffirm Canadas commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity. A civilised society cannot tolerate hate-mongering and attempts to fracture our diverse communities, the HCF said.

The Federal quoted the Coalition of Hindus of North America as calling it a shameful day.

The world has seen this template before and needs to be alarmed. Will city, provincial and national institutions take note? Will human rights groups or the media cover it?

This isnt a protest against Indias government. Its blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group, notorious for Canadas deadliest attack, Hindu community leader Shawn Binda wrote on X.

Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman wrote, 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.

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Will Carneys Canada be any different from Trudeaus?

The parade comes on the heels of a Sikh gurudwara and a Hindu temple being vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti.

Past instances and Trudeaus support

Canada has previously seen such pro- Khalistani parades being held under Trudeau.

In May 2024, the very same town of Malton in the Greater Toronto Area witnessed a Khalsa Day parade, as per Hindustan Times.

The parade saw separatist slogans being chanted and an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains and in a cage on prominent displayed.

The display was put up by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Trudeau had at the time said Canada was a rule-of-law country with a strong and independent justice system, as well as a fundamental commitment to protecting all its citizens.

In April 2024, pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at a rally attended by the then prime minister  leading India to summon the Canadian deputy high commissioner.

Canada has previously seen such pro-Khalistani parades being held under Justin Trudeau. Reuters

To the nearly 800,000 Canadians of Sikh heritage across this country, we will always be there to protect your rights and your freedoms, and we will always defend your community against hatred and discrimination, Trudeau said.

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Trudeau was accompanied at the event by four cabinet ministers.

As he arrived on the podium, he was greeted with shouts of Khalistan Zindabad, PTI reported.

The parade also featured wanted posters of Modi and Shah, as per The Tribune.

In June 2023, a parade was organised in Brampton, Ontario ahead of the anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

The parade saw a float celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi  a female figure was shown in a blood-stained white saree, with the hands up, as turbaned men pointed guns at her.

A poster behind the scene read Revenge for the attack on Darbar Sahib.

Other tableaux at the event had featured posters of Sikh preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Trudeau, attending the G20 in India, had defended Canada.

Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us, he said.

At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada, Trudeau added.

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Relations with Canada had nosedived under Trudeau, who had claimed in parliament that there was credible information connecting Indian government agents to the assassination of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India had denied Trudeaus allegations calling all absurd and motivated.

What is India saying?

The Indian government has registered an objection with the Carney government.

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, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The MEA further stated, We once again call on Canadian authorities to take action against anti-India elements who promote hatred, extremism and a separatist agenda.

As per The Times of India, New Delhi has said it is willing to work with the new Carney govt based on respect for each others concerns and interests.

The Print reported that India is likely to appoint a new High Commissioner to Canada soon.

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These developments come as Carney is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in a high-stakes meeting.
Russia has invited BJD chief Naveen Patnaik for a special reception in honour of his father  Biju Patnaik  on Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, in New Delhi. The late Odisha chief minister was an ace pilot who played a key role during the Second World War, including the Battle of Stalingrad read more

Russia will honour former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on Victory Day. The Russian embassy in New Delhi has invited Naveen Patnaik, the late Odia leaders son and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, to attend a special reception in recognition of his fathers bravery on the Eastern Front during World War II.

The event will be held on Victory Day, which is annually celebrated on May 9. This year will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War, which is known as the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union.

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But what is Biju Patnaiks connection to the Great Patriotic War? We will explain.

Russia to honour Biju Patnaik

The Russian embassy is hosting a reception to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in New Delhi on Friday (May 9).

It has also sent an invitation to former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to attend the event. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be the chief guest.

In this solemn moment of pride, grief, and unwavering remembrance, we honour those who stood together against Nazism in the anti-Hitler coalition and commemorate the heroic deeds of the people of the former Soviet Union and its allies who bore the brunt of the most brutal conflict in human history, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov wrote in the invitation.

Among the heroes we pay tribute to is your late father, Biju Patnaik ji, a towering personality and a valiant pilot of the Indian National Airways who participated in the Stalingrad Operation, supplying weapons to the besieged Red Army, he added.

In 1995, Russia decorated Biju Patnaik with the jubilee medal  50th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945  for his feat of bravery and courage, Alipov mentioned in the letter.

Russia will pay tributes to towering leader Biju Patnaik for his valiant role in aiding Soviet Red Army in the Battle of Stalingrad against Nazi Germany during the Second World War



To commemorate Biju Babu's contributions to Stalingrad operation, Russian Ambassador in India pic.twitter.com/q4dv55plH6  Soumyajit Pattnaik (@soumyajitt) May 5, 2025

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Biju Patnaiks valour in Second World War

Biju Patnaik is remembered as a daredevil pilot. He started training at the Delhi Flying Club in 1930, and went on to join the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936.

Patnaik was a pilot with Indian National Airways in the early 1940s. During the Second World War, he flew to deliver crucial supplies to Soviet troops without being deterred by the Nazi forces, as per the Odia daily Pragativadi.

His efforts helped the Soviets to persevere during the siege of Stalingrad.

In July 1942, the Nazi Army bombed the Soviet city of Stalingrad, triggering one of the bloodiest conflicts. As the German Sixth Army tried to capture the city, the Soviet Red Army launched a counteroffensive to halt the Nazi troops.

They eventually defeated the German soldiers, who were forced to surrender after being completely cut off from their supplies. The Battle of Stalingrad became a turning point in the war between the Soviet Union and Germany.

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According to Odisha Review, during World War II, Patnaik partook in several risky operations, including aiding Chinese revolutionaries. He also evacuated British families from Rangoon, or Yangon, when the Japanese invaded Burma, now known as Myanmar.

Describing Patnaiks heroics, an obituary published in The Independent on May 1, 1997 read, As an officer in the Royal Indian Air Force in the early 1940s, Patnaik flew innumerable sorties to rescue British families fleeing the Japanese advance on Rangoon, the capital of Burma. He also dropped arms and supplies to Chinese troops fighting the Japanese and later to the Soviet army struggling against Hitlers onslaught near Stalingrad.

While rescuing the British in Yangon, Patnaik, who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, used to drop leaflets from his plane on the Quit India Movement for Indian soldiers fighting against Myanmar.

Indonesias Bhoomi Putra

Biju Patnaik is hailed as a hero in Indonesia for his role in the countrys freedom struggle.

Indonesia gained freedom from Dutch rule in 1945, leading to the formation of a government led by President Sukarno.

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However, in 1946, the Dutch began invading Indonesia again. They launched an all-out attack in July 1947 and put Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir under house arrest in Jakarta.

Jawaharlal Nehru, who was friends with Biju Patnaik, requested him to fly Sjahrir and then Vice President Mohammad Hatta out of Indonesia, as per ThePrint report. Patnaik agreed to fly one of his Dakota planes into the Southeast Asian country.

Legendary leader Biju Patnaiks Dakota aircraft after it was unveiled for public viewing at the Biju Patnaik Airport, in Bhubaneswar, March 5, 2023. File Photo/PTI

Despite the Dutch threatening to shoot down his aircraft, Patnaik flew out Sjahrir and Hatta to Singapore and then to India.

In 1950, the Indonesian government conferred the title of Bhoomi Putra on Patnaik and gave him an honorary citizenship for his courage.

With inputs from agencies
A Soviet-era spacecraft launched in the 1970s, originally intended to land on Venus, is now expected to crash back to Earth. Nasa said that the Kosmos 482 spacecraft could reenter Earths atmosphere between May 7 and May 13. Built to withstand Venus extreme conditions, parts of the spacecraft may survive reentry without burning up. Notably, Kosmos 482 was one of a series of Venus missions launched by the Soviet Union in 1972 read more

The spacecraft could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude. Image: AI-Generated/News18

A Soviet-era spacecraft launched in the 1970s, which was originally meant to land on Venus, is now expected to crash back to Earth sometime this month.

The Russian spacecraft, Kosmos 482, was launched nearly 53 years ago. It never reached its destination.

ALSO READ | What is Axiom-4 Mission that Indias Sudhanshu Shukla will pilot to space?

Recent satellite data shows that its parachutes may already have been deployed as the spacecraft continues to tumble in low Earth orbit.

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Should you be concerned?

We explain when the spacecraft might crash, what the impact could be, and some details about the Kosmos 482 mission.

When is the crash expected? Which regions could be affected?

Nasa has said that Kosmos 482 is expected to reenter Earths atmosphere sometime between May 7 and May 13.

The space agency said that the probe was built to survive Venus harsh atmosphere, so parts of it may make it through reentry without burning up.

Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek believes that the spacecraft could fall around May 10. If the main section stays intact, he says it may hit the ground at a speed of about 150 mph (242 kph).

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian, told NPR that the probe is now in its final death plunge.

Theres a not-trivial chance that it could hit somewhere where it damages property, and theres a small chance  but its like one in thousands  that it could hurt someone, he said.

It is still uncertain which part of the spacecraft will fall back to Earth, but researchers believe it may be the entry capsule - the section built to withstand the intense heat and pressure of Venus atmosphere, which is 90 times denser than Earths, according to CNN.

The spacecraft could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude. That includes areas as far north as London and Edmonton in Canada, down to Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.

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Still, the exact point of impact would not be known until just before it happens.

Since most of Earths surface is water, chances are good it will indeed end up in some ocean, Langbroek told Associated Press.

ALSO READ | Space junk: Why Nasa is offering $3 million to recycle astronaut waste in space

Should you be worried?

While not without risk, we should not be too worried, Langbroek said.

The spacecraft is quite small and, even if it stays in one piece, the risk is similar to that of a random meteorite fall, several of which happen each year. You run a bigger risk of getting hit by lightning in your lifetime, he said.

He added that the chance of the spacecraft actually striking someone or something is low. But it cannot be completely excluded.

The Russian spacecraft, Kosmos 482, was launched nearly 53 years ago. Image: Nasa

Jonathan McDowell told NPR, Theres a not trivial chance that it could hit somewhere where it damages property. And theres a small chance  but its like one in thousands  that it could hurt somebody.

The Aerospace Corporation, a research group supported by the US government, has estimated the odds of the spacecraft causing serious harm to be about 1 in 25,000, according to space debris expert Marlon Sorge.

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What should people do if Kosmos 482 hits dry land?

Sorge told CNN that if Kosmos 482 ends up hitting dry land, people should stay away from any debris.

The old spacecraft may still contain harmful fuel or other hazards that could be unsafe for both people and property.

Contact the authorities, Sorge said. Please dont mess with it.

Parker Wishik, a spokesperson for the Aerospace Corporation, told CNN that under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which still acts as the key agreement on space law, Russia would still own any parts of the spacecraft that survive. The country might try to retrieve the wreckage after it lands.

Wishik further said that while space agencies have worked to reduce the number of uncontrolled reentries in recent years, Kosmos 482 shows why such efforts need to continue.

ALSO READ | What does a typical day on International Space Station look like?

The mission to Venus

Starting in 1962, the Soviet Union used the name Cosmos (or Kosmos) for spacecraft that stayed in Earth orbit, even if they were meant to go further.

Kosmos 482 was one of a series of Venus missions launched by the Soviet Union in 1972.

The probe was built to survive Venus harsh atmosphere. Image: Nasa

After reaching parking orbit around Earth, the spacecraft tried to head towards Venus. But due to a rocket failure, it never left Earth orbit.

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The spacecraft broke into four parts, two of them fell back and burned up within 48 hours. The other two stayed in orbit.

Most of the debris returned to Earth within about ten years. However, experts, including Langbroek, believe that the landing capsule, a round object about 3 feet (1 metre) wide, has remained in a long, looping orbit for the past 53 years, slowly losing height over time.

With inputs from agencies
The Kohinoor diamond continues to evoke an emotive response in India. Many call for its return from the United Kingdom, arguing that it was stolen by the British. Now, a UK minister has once again put the spotlight on the fabled gemstone by highlighting talks between London and New Delhi about shared access to historical artefacts like the Kohinoor read more

The 'Koh-I-Noor' diamond on display with other famous diamonds at an exhibition intitled '100 World Famous Diamonds' in Bangalore 19 May 2002. File Photo/AFP

The fabled Kohinoor diamond is once again in the spotlight. A British minister recently said the United Kingdom is in talks with India about sharing historical artefacts like the Kohinoor.

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 to make sure that people both in the UK and in India can benefit from and have access to many of the cultural artefacts that stem back to the very different era. This is something that Ive discussed with my counterpart, Lisa Nandy, Britains Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, told the news agency ANI.

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The possession of the Kohinoor diamond remains a topic of debate. A section of Indians want the diamond back, but the UK has resisted such calls.

Amid the demand to bring the 105-carat gemstone back to India, lets delve into the Kohinoors history, how it reached the British and Indias efforts to retrieve it.

Origin of Kohinoor diamond

It is unclear when or where the Kohinoor diamond was found. However, it is believed to have come from the Golconda mines in present-day Telangana.

Some claim the Kohinoor is ancient and is actually the legendary Syamantaka gem from the Bhagavata Purana, which describes tales of Lord Krishna.

In the late 1840s, Theo Metcalfe, a junior assistant magistrate in Delhi, was tasked by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie to carry out research on the gem. As per a BBC article, Metcalfe wrote in his report, this diamond was extracted during the lifetime of Krishna.

There are accounts that the Kohinoor was mined in the Kollur Mine in present-day Andhra Pradeshs Guntur district during the Kakatiya Dynasty in the 13th Century. However, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, who wrote the book Kohinoor: The Story Of The Worlds Most Infamous Diamond disagree.

They mentioned in their book that the diamond was not mined but unearthed from a dry river bed, likely in south India, BBC reported.

The journey of Kohinoor

Turco-Mongol leader Zahir-ud-din Babur invaded India multiple times before his success in 1526 at the First Battle of Panipat. He then established the Mughal dynasty in India.

While it is uncertain how the Mughals got the Kohinoor diamond, some reports say it was given to Baburs son by the ruler of Gwalior after the battle of Panipat.

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The Mughals fascination with gemstones is well-known. It is believed that in 1544, Mughal emperor Humayun gifted Baburs diamond  most probably the Kohinoor  to Shah Tahmasp of Persia when he was in exile.

The diamond made its way back to the Deccan, but details are fuzzy about how it returned to the Mughals.

In the 1600s, the Kohinoor became part of Mughal ruler Shah Jahans Peacock Throne. As per Anand and Dalrymples book, the precious gemstone was placed on the roof of the magnificent throne.

Shah Jahans Peacock Throne was adorned by the Kohinoor diamond. Wikimedia Commons

Besides the Kohinoor, its sister diamond, Darya-i-Noor, and the Great Mughal diamond were also looted from India.

In 1739, Iranian ruler Nader Shah invaded Delhi, killed thousands and depleted the Mughal treasury. He looted the Peacock Throne, removed the Timur Ruby and the Kohinoor diamond from the royal seat to wear on an armband, as per a Smithsonian Magazine article.

Ahmad Shah Abdali, a commander of Nadir Shah, got the diamond in 1747. Also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani, he went on to create the modern state of Afghanistan.

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The Kohinoor remained out of India in a country that is present-day Afghanistan for 70 years.

By the time the diamond passed from the Afghans to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the diamond had been with the Afghans of the Durrani empire for two to three generations. It kept getting transferred peaceably through each generation and finally came into the possession of Shah Shujah. Shah Shujah in his autobiography mentions that his son was tortured and that he was starved for days by Ranjit Singh in order to get the diamond, Dalrymple told Indian Express.

It is when the Kohinoor came to be possessed by Sikh rulers that it gained its symbolic value, which drew the British to the diamond.

The Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh came to own the Kohinoor in 1813.

It was not just that Ranjit Singh liked diamonds and respected the stones vast monetary value; the gem seems to have held a far greater symbolism for him. He had won back from the Afghan Durrani dynasty almost all the Indian lands they had seized since the time of Ahmad Shah [who plundered Delhi in 1761],Anand and Dalrymple wrote in their book.

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It was during his reign that the Koh-i-Noor first began to achieve real fame and gained the singular status it has retained ever sinceNow the Koh-i-Noor was worn alone, quickly becoming a symbol of all Ranjit Singh had strived for and the independence he had fought so hard to achieve, the duo noted.

How Kohinoor fell into British hands

After Ranjit Singhs death in 1839, four different rulers ascended the Punjabi throne over four years.

As the violent period ended, Duleep Singh, Ranjit Singhs youngest boy, and his mother, Rani Jindan, were the only ones left in line for the throne, as per the Smithsonian Magazine.

In 1849, the British forced Duleep to sign a legal document amending the Treaty of Lahore, which included surrendering the Kohinoor and any sovereignty claims.

The diamond, which weighed 190.3 metric carats, then became a special possession of Queen Victoria. It was exhibited at the 1851 Great Exposition in London. Later, Prince Albert, Queen Victorias husband, had the diamond re-cut as it had yellow flecks at its centre that prevented it from refracting light.

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Victoria wore the diamond as a brooch. The Kohinoor, which is also known as the Koh-i-Noor, eventually became a part of the British Crown Jewels.

The precious diamond is currently on display at the Tower of London.

Indias efforts to bring Kohinoor back

The Kohinoor diamond keeps stirring a public debate, with many favouring its return to India. The demand for bringing back the gemstone reached its peak during the coronation of British King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023. The diamond had also come to the spotlight after Queen Elizabeth IIs death in September 2022.

There were speculations that Camilla would wear the Kohinoor on her Queen Consorts crown during the coronation. However, she decided to go for alternative diamonds.

Around the time of Charles coronation, reports in British media claimed that India is rallying diplomatic efforts to bring back the Kohinoor diamond and other artefacts, including idols, from the United Kingdom. However, that was not the case.

India did not mobilise ministerial and diplomatic resources to ensure the retrieval of thousands of artefacts from the UK. Instead, New Delhi was focusing on getting back antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, while adhering to existing international arrangements, sources told NDTV.

In October 2022, India signalled it is exploring ways to bring back the Kohinoor. Referring to the governments response on the issue in Parliament, the then Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, My understanding is that the government of India responded to it in Parliament a few years ago. We have said that we have been raising this matter from time to time with the UK government and we will continue to explore ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution of the matter.

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In 2016, the Indian government had told the Supreme Court that it cannot force the UK to return the diamond as it was gifted and not forcefully snatched by the British. At the time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it would make efforts to retrieve the diamond from the UK, accusing the Congress of not making any similar attempts during its regime.

However, Dalrymple says that if India could lay claim to the Kohinoor, so could Iran and Afghanistan. There are multiple lawsuits in Pakistan seeking to reclaim the diamond.

Then, why is the diamond such an emotive issue for Indians? The historian told Indian Express that its part of historical memory. It becomes a symbol of the British looting of India. However, it is the wrong object to focus upon due to its complicated history.

With inputs from agencies
India has advanced the start date of four under-construction hydropower projects in the Kashmir region after the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. We take a look at progress so far on each project read more

A view of Baglihar Dam, also known as Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, on the Chenab river which flows from Kashmir into Pakistan, at Chanderkote in Jammu region on Tuesday. Reuters

India has advanced the start date of four under-construction hydropower projects in the Kashmir region after the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, according to a Reuters report, citing government document and an industry source.

The updated schedule for the projects, whose construction Pakistan generally opposes because it fears it would lead to less water downstream, is another sign of how India is trying to take advantage of its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 following a deadly attack in Pahalgam last month, which claimed 26 lives, added the report.

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Indias decision to suspend the treaty and expedite these projects signals a significant policy shift aimed at asserting greater control over its water resources in response to cross-border terrorism.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reaffirmed governments stance, saying that the decision to put a freeze on the Indus Water Treaty will not be reversed and that Indias water will flow for Indias benefit.

Speaking at an ABP Network event on Tuesday evening, PM Modi said, These days, there is a lot of discussion in the media about water Earlier, even the water that was Indias right was flowing out of the country. Now, Indias water will flow for Indias benefit, it will be conserved for Indias benefit, and it will be used for Indias progress.

According to Reuters, citing the document, Modi government has asked authorities to clear hurdles to speedy construction of four hydro projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 megawatts.

The four projects are: Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW) and Kirthai Stage-1 (930 MW). All of them are on the Chenab River, whose waters are mainly meant for Pakistan but India is allowed to build run-of-water hydro projects without any significant storage.

We take a look at progress so far on each project as India accelerates strategic hydropower development following treaty withdrawal:

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1. Pakal Dul HE Project (1,000 MW)

Features the highest concrete-faced rock-fill dam in India at 167m; 72m of dam height already constructed with 24.78 lakh cubic meters filled

Head Race Tunnel excavation underway at a fast pace  critical to project completion

Spiral casing for Unit-1 and Unit-2 completed in February 2024

Government has approved setting up transmission lines to expedite power evacuation

Consents for power supply received from Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka

2. Kiru HE Project (624 MW)

Dam concreting works are vital; 3.5 lakh cubic meters completed out of a total 13.95 lakh cubic meters

Project is progressing in line with scheduled timelines

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 543 MW signed with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL)

Consents for power purchase received from Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka

3. Kwar HE Project (540 MW)

Achieved major milestone in January 2024 with diversion of River Chenab  paving the way for dam construction

Main dam works now actively underway

PPAs signed with CSPDCL and GUVNL

Power purchase consents received from Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka

4. Kirthai Stage-1 (930 MW)

A run-of-river project located 25 km upstream of Kiru in Kishtwar district, J&K

Designed to generate 3,329.52 million units annually (90% dependable year)

Includes 121m high concrete gravity dam

Project launch cleared after India suspended IWT  previous requirement for treaty clearance no longer applicable

With inputs from agencies
Nine sites from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed were struck, the Ministry of Defence said. A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is expected later in the day read more

India has struck terro infrastructure within Pakistan. Image used for representational purpose. X/@rajnathsingh

The Indian Armed Forces launched a series of precision strikes under targeting terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7).

Nine sites from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed were struck, the Ministry said.

The action comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national were killed on April 22. The government had vowed accountability for the perpetrators, and appears to be the first kinetic step in that direction.

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In the statement issued after the operation, MoD emphasised that Indias actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.

More from India Time to make Pakistan pay the price for its proxy war in Kashmir

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution, the statement read.

The Ministry of Defence also said that this operation underscores Indias resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation.

A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is expected later in the day, where military and government officials are likely to provide operational specifics.

Following the MoDs statement, the Indian Army took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to declare, Justice is served.

Meanwhile, Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has reportedly claimed that India carried out the attack using missiles from within the Indian territory. According to Dawn newspaper, Director General ISPR (DG-ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said three Pakistanis were killed and 12 were injured in the missile attacks.

News agency ANI, citing defence officials, reported that all air defence units along the India-Pakistan border have been activated to tackle any eventuality arising in the aftermath of the strikes.

With inputs from agencies
The new 3,900-tonne frigate, which will be commissioned as INS Tamal, is expected to be handed over to the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad after completing all critical testing, including weapon fire, in about a month read more

India will soon get its second formidable warship built in Russia, a multi-role stealth frigate armed with guns and sensors that will succeed her sister ship, INS Tushil, which was commissioned in December of last year.

With India flexing its naval muscles in the Arabian Sea amid rising tensions with Pakistan, the Navy and DRDO successfully fired indigenously developed underwater  multi-influence ground mines designed to destroy enemy submarines and stealth warships on Monday, albeit with reduced explosives.

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The system will further enhance the undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated.

The new 3,900-tonne frigate, which will be commissioned as INS Tamal, is expected to be handed over to the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad after completing all critical testing, including weapon fire, in about a month.

The frigate will then be commissioned and set sail for India, an officer announced on Monday.

In October 2016, India signed an umbrella deal with Russia for four improved Krivak-III class frigates, with the first two to be purchased for roughly Rs 8,000 crore. The other two, Triput and Tavasya, are being built at the Goa Shipyard with technology transfer at a total cost of around Rs 13,000 crore.

These frigates are equipped with a wide range of sophisticated armament systems and are designed for blue sea operations throughout the four dimensions of naval warfare: air, surface, subsurface, and electromagnetic.

The weaponry includes the Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, whose attack range has been increased from 290 to 450 kilometres, the vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles with longer ranges, and anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets, among others.

The frigates can reach speeds of over 30 knots and carry updated anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31, which are force multipliers in their own right. High degree of automation and stealth features, across radio, infrared, and acoustic spectrums, further enhance their combat capability and survivability, the officer stated.

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The MEA on Tuesday dismissed the OICs statement on the Pahalgam terror attack as absurd, accusing Pakistan of misguiding and manipulating OIC member states into issuing a statement that serves its own agenda read more

A day after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York claimed that Indias unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were fueling tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday rejected the statement as absurd and accused Pakistan of manipulating and misguiding the OIC member states.

The MEA said the OIC statement, which appears to question Indias narrative on April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, has been issued at the behest of Pakistan.

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Our response to media queries on the statement issued by OIC Group in New York

 https://t.co/YR2uXe6tXH pic.twitter.com/BuzLLBA1Pd  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2025

The OIC statement, issued at the behest of Pakistan, is absurd in refusing to recognise the facts of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages. This is yet another attempt by Pakistan, a country that has long engaged in cross-border terrorism, to manipulate and misguide the OIC Group to issue a self-serving statement. We reject the OICs interference in matters that are internal to India," the MEA said in a statement.

On Monday, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York issued a statement expressing deep concern over the worsening security situation in South Asia.

As reported by Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency, a member of the OIC since its inception, the statement attributed escalating tensions between India and Pakistan to Indias unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The OIC further said that Indias accusations could exacerbate an already volatile situation, reaffirming its principled position against, and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever.

The group also rejected all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists.

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In response to the attack, India has taken decisive actions against Pakistan for its role in cross-border terrorism.

India has decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan permanently and credibly ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

With inputs from agencies
India-Pakistan Tensions LIVE Updates: A BSF trooper was killed and seven others were injured as Pakistan violated ceasefire along the International Border in Jammu. India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing that the directors general of military operations of both countries had decided to stop all firings and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday. read more

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri speaks during a press briefing in New Delhi on May 10, 2025. AFP Photo

Pakistan violated the bilateral understanding to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea just hours after it was announced on Saturday afternoon, government sources said late in the evening. The breach came amid efforts to de-escalate tensions following four days of intense drone and missile exchanges between the two neighbours that brought them close to a full-scale war. According to the sources cited by PTI, firing was reported from the Pakistani side in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, while drone activity was also detected in the Pir Panjal region. The decision to stop military action by India and Pakistan was first made public by US President Donald Trump in a surprise announcement in a social media post while claiming that the talks between the two sides were "mediated" by the United States after which "India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE." Top government sources, however, clearly said that the outcome was the result of a direct engagement between the Indian and Pakistani sides and that Islamabad agreed to it with "no pre conditions, no postconditions and no links to other issues." In a short announcement after Trump's remarks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan agreed on the understanding during a call this afternoon. "The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hours IST earlier today," Misri told the media at around 6 pm. "It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time today," he said.

Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!

There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place.

The Pak DGMO initiated the call this afternoon after which discussions took place and understanding reached.

The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries, said the source.

Sources in Indias Ministry of External Affairs say the ceasefire announced by Trump a few minutes ago was worked out directly between the two nations.

Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.

Over the past 48 hours, Vice President JD Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Saturday evening confirmed that India had agreed to a ceasefire after Pakistan reached out to India.

Pakistans DGMO called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air & sea with effect from 1700 hours IST. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. They will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours.

Pakistans DGMO called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air & sea with effect from 1700 hours IST. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. They will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours.

India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.

Pakistans airspace has been fully reopened for all types of flights, said a PAA statement after US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire.

AFP is reporting that Pakistan has reopened its airspace after a ceasefire with India.

7. Global message sent  Showed the world that India will not wait for permission to defend its people.  Terror will be punished  anytime, anywhere.  It also showed that terrorists and their masterminds have no place to hide.

5. Elimination of key terror operatives  Several dreaded terrorists eliminated, including those on Indias most wanted list.  Leadership of multiple terror modules wiped out in a single night.

4. Precision Without Escalation  No military or civilian infrastructure targeted  only terror assets.  India followed its Zero Tolerance doctrine while avoiding broader escalation.

3. Exposed Pakistans fragile air defence  Indian forces successfully bypassed or jammed Pakistans air defence grid.  The swift and precise nature of the strikes, conducted within a 23-minute window, highlighted gaps in Pakistans air defence systems.  Indian Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs executed the mission without any reported losses, demonstrating technological and strategic superiority.

2. Deep strikes into Pakistans mainland  Strikes extended hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan, not just PoK.  India struck targets even in Punjab province, considered a strategic stronghold of Pakistans military.  India struck at sensitive terror hubs such as Bahawalpur, places which even the USA had not dared to send its drones.

1. Nine terror camps destroyed  India neutralised 9 high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and PoK.  Targets belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The locations were identified as key training and operational centres for planning attacks against India.

India launched a massive strike deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir to avenge the brutal killing of its civilians. The operation was an absolute success. Here is what India achieved:

Commodore Raghu R Nair, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi are now holding a press conference after the India-Pak ceasefire agreement.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi says, Pakistan claimed that it damaged our S400 and Brahmos missile base with its JF 17, which is completely wrong. Secondly, it also ran a misinformation campaign that our airfields in Sirsa, Jammu, Pathankot, Bhatinda, Nalia and Bhuj were damaged, and its misinformation is also completely wrong. Thirdly, according to Pakistans misinformation campaign, our ammunition depot in Chandigarh and Vyas was damaged, which is also completely wrong. Pakistan made false allegations that Indian Army damaged mosques. I want to make it very clear that India is a secular nation and our army is a very beautiful reflection of the constitutional value of India

We are monitoring but we welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, told PTI here.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday welcomed all efforts to de-escalate the conflict, as India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire.

The Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance, sources from the Ministry of External Affairs told news agency ANI.

Hoshiarpur DC Aashika Jain said all restriction orders stand suspended and normalcy would be restored.

As the ceasefire comes into effect, several border cities in India are now lifting blackouts and restrictive orders.

The massacre in the meadows of Jammu and Kashmir evoked a strong burst of anger among Indians and drew global condemnation in uncertain terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the very next day at an event in Bihars Madhubani, said India would identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.

Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to Indias resolve, blending military might with non-military pressure to deliver a clear message to Pakistan and the world. In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, including honeymooners and a young naval officer-India acted not just with force, but with purpose and restraint.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a highlevel meeting Saturday evening with top government functionaries, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, following the announcement that India and Pakistan have reached an understanding to stop military actions.

#WATCH | J&K | Red streaks seen and explosions can be heard as India's air defence intercepts Pakistani drones amid blackout in Udhampur (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/oQO8RwhBfm

Explosions echoed through Udhampur and red streaks lit up the night sky late Friday as Indias air defence systems engaged Pakistani drones amid a sudden blackout across the region.

This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up. pic.twitter.com/HjRh2V3iNW

This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing that the directors general of military operations of both countries had decided to stop all firings and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday.

The BSF is tasked with guarding a more than 2,000-kilometre-long frontline between India and Pakistan.

A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the BSFs Jammu frontier headquarters in Paloura on Sunday to honour Imteyaz, the officer said.

It added that the BSF director general and all ranks offered their deepest condolences to his family.

We salute the supreme sacrifice made by BSF braveheart sub-inspector Md Imteyaz in service of the nation on May 10, 2025, during cross-border firing along the International Boundary in R S Pura area, district Jammu, the forces Jammu frontier said in a post on X.

He, along with seven others, were injured in cross-border firing initiated by Pakistan. While Imteyaz succumbed to his injuries, the other personnel were admitted to a hospital, the officer said.

A senior Border Security Force (BSF) officer said sub-inspector Mohammed Imteyaz made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly leading from the front.

The incident took place in the R S Pura sector, they said.

A BSF trooper was killed and seven others were injured in Pakistani firing along the International Border in Jammu on Saturday, officials said.

#WATCH | Punjab: A complete blackout has been enforced in Pathankot (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/z8ovHXi0sT

A series of complete blackouts were enforced late Friday night in several border districts across Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The affected areas include Jammu city, Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan. The measures were taken as part of heightened security protocols amid rising cross-border threats and drone attack.

Owaisi expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring much-needed respite to people living in border areas.

He paid homage to Army jawan, M Murali Naik, ADDC Raj Kumar Thapa and prayed for all the civilians who were killed or injured during the conflict.

The AIMIM chief thanked the armed forces for their bravery and commendable skill.

Owaisi said he always stood by the government and the armed forces against external aggression and this will continue.

#Ceasefire or no ceasefire we must pursue the terrorists responsible for #Pahalgam attack, he said adding as long as Pakistan uses its territory for terrorism against India, there can be no permanent peace.

In a post on X, the Hyderabad MP said he wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the ceasefire rather than the President of a foreign country (US).

With India and Pakistan agreeing to an immediate ceasefire, Owaisi said, truce or not, India must continue to pursue those behind the Pahalgam terror attack.

What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!! he added.

This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up, he posted on X.

The chief minister took to social media, saying there was no ceasefire in place.

Drone sightings were also reported from Verinag in Anantnag district and Bandipora and Safapora, the officials said, adding further details were awaited.

A drone was brought down at Anantnag high ground, near an army installation.

They said the drone was destroyed by the anti-drone system.

A drone was detected flying over Baramulla town in north Kashmir around 8.20 pm, the officials said.

Blasts could be heard after an interval of 15 minutes as the flares lit up the night sky in the city.

As a series of blasts rocked the city after sundown, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the ceasefire announcement.

Pakistan has violated the bilateral understanding reached this afternoon to immediately stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, central government sources said on Saturday night.

This comes barely hours after India announced on Saturday evening that the two countries have reached an understanding to end all firing and military action.

A series of blasts took place in Srinagar city as the security agencies brought down a drone that was seen hovering over Batwara area of the city, close to an army installation, officials said.

In a violation of a bilateral understanding by Pakistan to end military action, drones were observed flying in multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday night, prompting swift action by the armed forces which shot them down with the air defence mechanism.

He reaffirmed that China, as Pakistans All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and iron-clad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence, the Foreign Office said.

The Chinese foreign minister made these comments during a telephonic conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.

Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday said that his country would continue to stand by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence.

The drill had been planned in view of the India-Pakistan military conflict.

The mock drill took place between 8.25 pm and 8.45 pm and was aimed at testing the airports preparedness and response to potential power outages or other emergencies, he said.

A planned emergency blackout drill was conducted at the Pune airport on Saturday evening amid heightened security concerns in the country, a senior official said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Pakistan violating the understanding to cease all firing and military action, Defence Expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retired) says, "This shows that Pakistan is a country that cannot be trusted at all. It shows that there are rogue elements in the Pakistani army. pic.twitter.com/9IUvB9veIQ

On Pakistans violation of the ceasefire understanding, Defence Expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd) said the breach reflects the presence of rogue elements within the Pakistani army and highlights why the country cannot be trusted at all. He added, India should now retaliate and destroy Pakistans military assets so that they realise who they are dealing with.

We have to keep the system normal and be ready for any situation. Everything is normal on our part and we have ensured that the departments are ready and alert, she told reporters.

The chief minister after the meeting said Delhi is ready for any emergency.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with heads of different departments during which she took stock of the preparations.

State officials on Friday confirmed that several drones were detected in Gujarats Kutch district along the international border, prompting authorities to impose a fresh blackout in the area as a precautionary measure.

#WATCH | Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding is being violated by Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/BNGnyvTnUH

The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it. We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday said Pakistan has violated the ceasefire understanding reached earlier in the day between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.

The blasts, which came about every 15 minutes and were preceded by flares illuminating the dark sky, caused instantaneous alarm and confusion.

In Srinagar, citizens reported several blasts after dusk, with air defence forces engaging a drone flying over the Batwara neighborhood, close to a strategic Army facility. Officials confirmed that the drone was downed.

The episodes in Kashmir as well as Jammu province evoked severe concerns of possible violation by Pakistan of the freshly announced truce, officials said.

Barely hours after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to end military action on Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir was shaken by a series of drone sightings followed by explosions, prompting security personnel to engage air defence systems to bring them down.

Firing from the Pakistani side was reported in some areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

The video conference came after Pakistan violated the bilateral understanding reached on Saturday to immediately stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea.

During the meeting, the home secretary asked the chief secretaries to remain alert and activate civil defence mechanism in their respective states in case of any firing or attack from across the border, sources said.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Saturday night held a video conference with chief secretaries of the states sharing border with Pakistan, sources said.

Wang Yi said that China condemns the Pahalgam terrorist attack and opposes all forms of terrorism. The current international situation is turbulent and intertwined. Peace and stability in the Asian region are hard-won and deserve to be cherished. India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved away, and both are neighbours of China, he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a phone conversation in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed several Indian personnel. According to Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doval conveyed that India needed to take counter-terrorism actions but added that war was not Indias choice.

The White Knight Corps said the search operations are underway to track the intruder(s).

On noticing suspicious movement near the perimeter, alert sentry at Nagrota Military Station issued a challenge, leading to a brief exchange of fire with the suspect. Sentry sustained a minor injury, the armys Jammu-based White Knight Corps said.

The incident took place in the high-security Nagrota area late Saturday evening, the official said.

An army trooper was injured in a brief exchange of fire with a suspected terrorist outside a camp here on Saturday, an official said, as a massive search operation is on to secure the area.

The Ludhiana district administration said, In view of the change in circumstances, all members of the public are requested to stay indoors and must go for voluntary blackout wherever is possible. There is no major cause of concern but voluntary blackout must be ensured as a matter of abundant precaution, said the Ludhiana deputy commissioner.

An official in Fazilka said the blackout was enforced at 9:30 pm, while it has been clamped in Rupnagar from 9:30 pm to 5:30 am.

In Ferozepur, the district authorities clamped the blackout at 8:40 pm, urging citizens to switch off lights. Do not need to panic, said a message shared by the administration. The blackout continued till 10:30 pm.

Lights off as a measure of abundant precaution. Please cooperate, said a message shared by the district authorities.

We will observe a blackout if and when needed. I advise all kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home. Please do not indulge in bursting of firecrackers. We have done this drill several times, so please do not panic. This is by way of abundant caution. The Hoshiarpur district administration said that blackout was imposed at 8:50 pm and an air raid siren was sounded.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahwney said, Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today.

The district authorities in Punjab earlier withdrew blackout measures and restrictive orders after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of full scale war.

The development came after Pakistan violated the bilateral understanding reached this afternoon to immediately stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea.

Blackout measures have been imposed in many districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar districts.

Punjab reimposed blackout measures in several districts as a precautionary measure after withdrawing it earlier on Saturday.

Residents of Jammu city and other major towns of the division woke up to air raid sirens and deafening sounds of explosions around 5 am while border residents spent a sleepless night amid intense cross-border shelling.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected residential localities and announced a Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of each person killed in the cross-border shelling while police issued helpline numbers and asked people to stay away from debris of fallen UAVs.

The casualties were reported hours before India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities, which soared after the Indian Armed Forces hit terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this week in response to the Pahalgam attack.

A senior Jammu and Kashmir government official and two security officers were among seven killed while more than 25 people were injured amid intense mortar shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan in the Jammu region on Saturday, officials said.

Despite suffering significant losses and facing precise Indian strikes deep inside its territory, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday declared victory in a televised address, repeating a series of claims already debunked by the Indian Armed Forces and the Ministry of External Affairs with satellite imagery and operational data.

The solider was on duty at the Udhampur air base, which came under Pakistani drone attack earlier during the day.

The incident took place before the announcement of a ceasefire by India and Pakistan to end their combat activities, which have intensified after the Indian armed forces carried out a missile strike on nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, they said.

A soldier was killed when he was hit by a fragment of a Pakistani drone, which was successfully intercepted by the Army Air Defence at an air base in Jammu and Kashmirs Udhampur district on Saturday, officials said.

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On Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed Indias agreement to a ceasefire following outreach from Pakistan. Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that both nations had committed to a full and immediate ceasefire. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Minutes after his post, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said: Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!

India launched a series of precision strikes under Operation Sindoor early Wednesday (May 6), targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in retaliation for a deadly attack last month in the northern region of Kashmir.

According to a statement issued by Indias Ministry of Defence, the operation struck nine sites from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. The strikes, the statement said, were focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature, deliberately avoiding any Pakistani military installations.

The cross-border operation follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national were killed. Indian authorities had vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable, and Wednesdays strikes appear to mark the first military response.

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution, the ministry said. This operation underscores Indias resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation.

A formal briefing by Indian defense and military officials is expected later in the day, where further details on strikes are anticipated to be shared.

In a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Army said: Justice is served.

Meanwhile, Pakistans military confirmed that the strikes occurred and claimed that they happened using missiles fired from within Indian territory. According to Dawn newspaper, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said that three Pakistani citizens were killed and 12 injured in the attacks.

Following the strikes, India has placed its air defence units along the border on high alert, according to Indian news agency ANI. The move appears aimed at ensuring readiness in case of further escalation.

The operation comes amid escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, both of whom have a long history of conflict over Kashmir. The strikes are reminiscent of previous Indian military actions across the Line of Control such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

By targeting terrorist facilities while deliberately avoiding Pakistani military assets, India has signalled a calibrated response designed to impose costs without provoking wider conflict.
With the induction of the stealth frigate INS Tamal, India deepens its maritime edge widening the technological and strategic gap over Pakistans surface fleet read more

India is set to receive its second formidable warship built in Russia: a multi-role stealth frigate equipped with advanced weaponry, sensors and automation that will significantly enhance the Indian Navys combat capabilities in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, INS Tamal, will team up with INS Tushil, which was commissioned in December 2024, highlighting the navys modernisation efforts to upgrade its surface fleet in response to evolving regional security dynamics.

Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan and a shifting maritime security environment, India continues to strengthen its naval forces. With improved surface and undersea capabilities, India is reinforcing its status as a dominant maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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Notably, the recent successful test of indigenously developed multi-influence ground minesdesigned to target enemy submarines and stealth vesselsmarks a leap in Indias undersea warfare capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted these systems will further enhance the undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy, highlighting Indias growing dominance in both surface and subsurface domains.

INS Tamal: A new addition to Indias fleet

The new 3,900-tonne frigate, INS Tamal, is scheduled for handover to the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad, Russia, in a month or so. Following the completion of critical testing, including weapons firing, the ship will be commissioned and sail to India. It is the second in a series of improved Krivak-III class frigates designed for multi-role operations encompassing air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

INS Tamal is part of a broader IndiaRussia agreement signed in October 2016 for the acquisition of four improved Krivak-III class frigates. The first two frigates were acquired for approximately 8,000 crore, while the remaining twoTriput and Tavasyaare being built at Goa Shipyard under a technology transfer agreement, with a total cost of around Rs13,000 crore. This initiative reflects Indias focus on acquiring cutting-edge warships with multi-domain operational capabilities.

Designed for blue-water operations, the Krivak-III class frigatesincluding INS Tamalcan conduct long-range missions in open seas. They come equipped with state-of-the-art armament systems and advanced sensors making them highly effective in modern naval combat. Their multi-role design aligns with the Indian Navys goals to project power and ensure maritime dominance in the region.

Sophisticated weaponry for enhanced combat capability

Like INS Tushil, INS Tamal is armed with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, whose strike range has been extended from 290 km to 450 km. The BrahMos, among the worlds fastest and most lethal cruise missiles, travels at Mach 2.8 to 3.0 and follows a sea-skimming flight path, making it extremely difficult to intercept.

In addition to BrahMos, the ship is equipped with Shtil vertical launch surface-to-air missiles for defending against airborne threats. The vessel will also deploy anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets ensuring robust offensive and defensive capabilities across air, surface and subsurface threats.

The frigate is designed to operate with advanced helicopters like the Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 for anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning, extending its sensor reach and threat response range. These aircraft serve as force multipliers, significantly boosting the ships combat readiness.

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Advanced stealth features minimise the ships radar, acoustic and infrared signatures, enhancing survivability in contested waters. High automation reduces crew workload and enables faster decision-making in high-stakes environments contributing further to the ships operational efficiency.

Enhancing Indias undersea warfare capabilities

Complementing the induction of INS Tamal, the Indian Navy recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing indigenously developed multi-influence ground mines. Though tested with reduced explosives, these minesdesigned to destroy enemy submarines and stealth shipsrepresent a major step in enhancing Indias undersea defence posture.

Utilising magnetic, acoustic and pressure sensors, the mines create a versatile system capable of detecting and engaging submerged threats more effectively. Their development marks Indias growing technological sophistication in naval warfare and adds strategic depth to its undersea deterrence.

Defence Minister Singh says these systems will enable the navy to operate confidently in contested underwater spaces, enhancing deterrence and mission assurance. Together with advanced warships like the INS Tamal, these undersea capabilities support a holistic approach to naval dominance.

Power projection and regional deterrence

The expansion of Indias naval capabilities through advanced frigates and indigenous underwater systems illustrates a deliberate strategic shift. As tensions rise in the Arabian Sea, particularly with Pakistan, India is focussed on projecting naval power while building a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

Indias frigate fleetincluding Talwar-class, Shivalik-class and now Krivak-III-class vesselsis central to this approach, enabling full-spectrum operations ranging from surface combat to undersea warfare. Equipped with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge sensors, these ships are pivotal to Indias blue-water naval strategy.

INS Tamal and its sister ships enhance Indias ability to secure critical sea lanes, respond rapidly to threats and counterbalance regional competitors like China, whose naval presence in the IOR is expanding. These capabilities are critical to maintaining strategic equilibrium and safeguarding national interests.

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The development and operationalisation of indigenous systems such as the multi-influence mines also reflect Indias intent to build a self-reliant, advanced and layered maritime force. By integrating foreign acquisitions with homegrown innovation, India is creating a sustainable and potent naval posture.

The Russian connection: Continued naval collaboration

India-Russia defence cooperation remains a cornerstone of Indias naval modernisation. The induction of INS Tamal and INS Tushil underscores the durability of this partnership. India has a long-standing relationship with Russia in warship procurement, dating back to the Cold War.

The current collaboration under the Krivak-III programme not only delivers advanced platforms but also facilitates technology transfer to domestic shipyards, such as Goa Shipyard. At the same time, India continues to strengthen its indigenous shipbuilding with projects like the Nilgiri-class frigates (Project 17A), adopting a dual strategy that blends foreign technology with domestic capability development.

This balanced approach ensures resilience and long-term sustainability in naval force modernisation.

Edge over Pakistans naval frigates

A comparative assessment of regional navies reveals a distinct advantage for India, particularly in terms of frigate numbers and capabilities. As of 2025, India operates 19 active frigates, while Pakistan has only eight. Indias fleet is not only larger but also technologically superior and built for sustained blue-water operations.

Pakistans newest additionsthe Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) frigates from Chinaare a significant upgrade, featuring CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, LY-80N surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine systems. Additionally, India has a stronger platform than these in Talwar- and Shivalik-class ships in terms of versatility, firepower and integration.

Indias BrahMos system outpaces the CM-302 in both speed and operational versatility, while Indias Barak-8 air defence missiles offer more effective protection than the LY-80N. Pakistans fleet, though improving, remains focussed on regional sea denial rather than power projection.

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Furthermore, India is closing the gap on indigenous ship production. While Pakistan continues to depend on Chinese shipbuilding, Indias ongoing construction of the Nilgiri-class and the upcoming Project 17B frigates further widens the qualitative and technological gap.

Indias major frigatesTalwar, Shivalik and Nilgiri classesintegrate seamlessly with submarines, aircraft carriers and strategic assets, giving the navy a decisive edge. These ships are true force multipliers, capable of high-end combat operations across vast oceanic theatres.

As Samran Ali, a research officer at the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research in Pakistan, noted in October 2020: The balance of power remains in Indias favour and will tip even more in the future when India gets more ships like the Nilgiri and Talwar classes of frigates.

Strengthening Indias maritime dominance

The commissioning of INS Tamal and the testing of indigenous multi-influence ground mines signal significant progress in Indias quest for maritime supremacy. These developments reflect a deliberate, layered strategy combining foreign partnerships, indigenous innovation and strategic foresight.

With BrahMos-armed stealth frigates like the INS Tamal and advanced undersea warfare technologies entering service, the Indian Navy is poised to ensure maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region. These platforms enhance Indias deterrence posture, provide strategic depth and solidify the navys status as a formidable regional force.

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(File) NDRF, SDRF and Fire Brigade personnel take part in a mock drill, organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in preparation of the annual Char Dham Yatra, in Dehradun, on April 24, 2025. PTI

Amid escalating border tensions and in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered a nationwide civil defence mock drill to be conducted on May 7, 2025. According to official sources, 244 districts across India will participate in the drill, which is intended to evaluate the countrys preparedness for potential wartime emergencies.

The Pahalgam incident has catalysed a renewed urgency within the Indian government to examine the efficacy of existing civil defence protocols.

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While officials have emphasised that this drill is not an indication of imminent conflict, it represents a proactive approach to safeguarding the population amid security concerns. The exercise will involve coordinated simulations that include air raid sirens, blackout rehearsals, evacuation plans and community training sessions, all falling under the purview of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to enhance the readiness of both the state apparatus and civilians.

Understanding the purpose and nature of a civil defence mock drill

A civil defence mock drill is a crucial preparedness exercise that simulates emergency scenarios such as missile attacks, air raids and other war-like situations. Its primary goal is to assess how civilians and emergency services react in real-time, under pressure, with the aim of minimising panic and enhancing overall coordination. During the May 7 drill, civilians may witness sudden blackouts, the sounding of air raid sirens, restricted movement in public areas and even brief disruptions in communication networks.

Authorities have stressed the importance of public cooperation. It is imperative for citizens to remain calm, follow official instructions, avoid sharing unverified information on social media and keep basic emergency supplies such as water, medicines and flashlights ready. Local governments will also be providing updates through radio and public address systems to ensure a well-coordinated experience.

Challenges in deploying warning systems across India

Implementing a nationwide siren and civil defence alert system is a complex task, especially in a country as diverse as India. Micah Reedy, a marketing specialist at SIRcom, has detailed the multifaceted challenges involved in siren deployment across urban and rural scenarios. In urban areas, high population density, ambient noise pollution and intricate infrastructure pose significant obstacles.

Urban sirens must be strategically placed to avoid redundancy and excessive noise pollution, while still ensuring adequate coverage. The dense layout of cities, with their skyscrapers and narrow lanes, can obstruct sound propagation, creating signal gaps. Additionally, the ever-present noise from traffic and commercial activity can drown out sirens unless they are precisely calibrated.

Conversely, rural areas present their own unique set of challenges. Geographic terrain, such as mountains, valleys and forests, can limit the reach of siren signals. Limited infrastructure in these areas complicates the installation of traditional siren systems.

Moreover, sparse populations mean that each siren must cover larger areas, raising concerns about timely alerts. Environmental factors like severe weather or wildlife interference also pose maintenance issues.

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This logistical complexity highlights why the May 7 drill is not only about public awareness but also about testing the practical deployment and efficiency of Indias warning infrastructure in a variety of settings.

MHAs operational blueprint for May 7

The MHA has laid out an elaborate plan for the mock drill. According to a directive issued on May 2, 2025, the key components of the drill will include the activation of air raid warning sirens, the training of civilians and students in basic civil defence techniques, the provision of crash blackout measures, camouflaging of critical infrastructure and the updating and rehearsal of evacuation plans. These measures are designed to mirror wartime protocols and evaluate the readiness of urban and rural areas alike.

The exercise will involve participants from a wide spectrum of organisations including Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members and students from various educational institutions.

Temporary blackouts and traffic diversions will be part of the drill in selected areas. However, officials have reassured the public that all disruptions will be short-lived and that no actual threat is involved.

Historical parallels: Legacy of air raid preparedness

The roots of air raid preparedness run deep into military history, extending back to the earliest forms of aerial warfare. As Zuzana Janockova of Telegrafia recounts, aerial attacks date as far back as the Middle Ages when flammable flying kites were used. However, it was in the 20th century that air raids became a standardised component of military tactics, particularly with the evolution of aviation.

The first modern air raid was carried out by Italian pilot Giulio Gavotti during the 1911 conflict between Italy and Turkey, where he dropped bombs on Turkish targets in Libya. During World War I, air raids began to target densely populated urban centres.

The German military launched extensive bombing campaigns using Zeppelin airships and later bombers, attacking cities like Liege, Antwerp, Paris, and London between 1915 and 1917. Germany executed over 50 such raids using 115 airships.

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Interestingly, early warning methods were primitive; for example, German soldiers avoided triggering mass panic by using police officers on bicycles to whistle warnings. The absence of modern sirens made population preparedness difficult and inconsistent.

By World War II, air raid sirens had become an integral part of civil defence. Invented in 1799 by Scottish physicist John Robison, sirens gained widespread use only during the Second World War. In London, the first electric air raid sirens sounded in September 1939, emitting a waxing and waning signal to alert people to take shelter and a steady tone to indicate safety.

These sirens were later deployed globally, especially during the Cold War, in both NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. In US, they were repurposed in the 1970s for tornado warnings. More recently, air raid sirens have been heard during Nato bombings in Bosnia (1995) and Kosovo (1999) and during Russias bombing of Grozny in the 1990s. Today, sirens are a chilling reminder of past devastations and an enduring symbol of emergency preparedness.

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Bunkers and blackouts

Another crucial aspect of civil defence is the availability of physical shelters. As of recent reports, the Indian government has completed 7,923 bunkers in the Jammu division, including 6,964 individual and 959 community bunkers. An additional 9,905 bunkers are under various stages of construction. The sanctioned plan includes 13,029 individual bunkers, each capable of sheltering eight people, and 1,431 community bunkers, designed for forty people each.

Blackout measures, too, have historical significance. During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, cities across India participated in crash blackouts to avoid being targeted by aerial bombings. The concept is simple but effective: by cutting off visible light sources, cities reduce their visibility to enemy aircraft, especially during night raids. These blackout procedures will be simulated during the May 7 drill, reviving an era-specific yet contextually relevant tactic.

Civilian engagement

The success of any civil defence initiative hinges on civilian participation. On May 7, thousands of volunteers from various government-backed organisations like the NCC, NSS, NYKS and local educational institutions will be engaged in the drills. Their role is not only to assist in logistical operations but also to help disseminate accurate information, manage crowds and demonstrate emergency protocols.

Training civilians and students in self-protection methods is another core component of the MHAs directive. From basic first aid and shelter-seeking techniques to understanding air raid signals, public education is a powerful tool in building community resilience. Moreover, public cooperation during the drill can offer invaluable insights to authorities regarding what works and what needs to be improved.

However, this initiative is not without its risks. The potential for misinformation, especially via social media, remains a significant concern. Authorities are urging citizens to rely solely on verified government sources for updates. In the event of signal suspensions or internet blackouts during the simulation, traditional media like radio will serve as a crucial communication channel.

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Sirens and the soul of a nation

Indias upcoming nationwide civil defence mock drill is far more than a bureaucratic exercise. It is a deeply symbolic and practical response to both historical precedent and current geopolitical realities. From the ancient use of aerial projectiles to Cold War blackout rehearsals and modern-day siren systems, the legacy of civil defence is one of constant adaptation and vigilance.

As May 7 approaches, the sound of air raid sirens may send a chill down the spine, but it also serves as a collective call to awareness, preparation, and unity. These measures may seem archaic to some, but they are rooted in a legacy that has saved countless lives. In a time of uncertainty, they offer a sense of control, a framework for action and most importantly, a testament to the resilience of a nation determined never to be caught unprepared.
As India prepares to respond to the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which it links to cross-border elements, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (6 May) to discuss the security situation. read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed about the Pahalgam terrorist attack upon his arrival in Delhi from Saudi Arabia by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. (Photo: ANI)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (6 May) to discuss security situation as India steps up preparations for a possible military response following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which New Delhi has alleged has cross-border links.

This development comes a day before border states sharing a frontier with Pakistan are set to conduct nationwide security drills.

This is the second time in 24 hours that a meeting has been held between PM Modi and his NSA.

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The meeting took place at the Prime Ministers residence and lasted for 40 minutes, official sources confirmed to India Today.

A series of key meetings with PM Modi

Just a day before, Doval and Home Secretary Govind Mohan had joined the Prime Minister for a high-level security review at his office.

On Monday, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh updated PM Modi on the latest developments, a day after Air Chief Marshal A P Singh met him to assess the security situation. Whereas, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi briefed Modi on Saturday regarding maritime security in the Arabian Sea.

Earlier, after meetings with top armed forces brass, Modi gave the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide when, how, and where to strike back, emphasising the countrys determination to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.

High-level meeting for mock drill

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting is currently underway at the Home Ministry in North Block ahead of the mock drill scheduled for tomorrow (7 May). The meeting is being chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and includes civil defence officials from 244 districts.

The main objective of the meeting is to ensure thorough planning and coordination for tomorrows exercise.

Senior officials from the NDRF, civil defence, fire services, air defence, NDMA, and various state governments are also in attendance.

The drill will simulate emergency scenarios such as rocket, missile, and aerial attacks. The meeting is also reviewing arrangements for sirens and blackout protocols.

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The recently finalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a historic milestone for both the countries. We break down the deal significance and what it proposes in just ten points read more

The newly concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a key milestone in bilateral economic relations and is being hailed as the United Kingdoms most significant trade pact since Brexit. Signed after years of negotiations, the deal aims to deepen ties between the worlds fifth and sixth largest economies, streamline tariffs, and unlock billions in trade potential.

From whisky to automobiles and digital services to social security, the agreement touches a broad range of sectors  while also making history in several ways.

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Here are ten key numbers that define this landmark trade deal:

1: India-UK free trade agreement is UKs biggest trade deal since Brexit

3: India and UK reached the landmark agreement after three years of talks starting 2022.

5: Since 2014, India has signed five such agreements with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, EFTA and the UK.

5+6: The agreement between India and Britain is expected to boost bilateral trade between the worlds fifth and sixth largest economies by 25.5 billion pounds a year from 2040, Britain said.

10 per cent: India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10 per cent under a quota from over 100% currently.

11:

India was Britains 11th largest trading partner in 2024. Trade between the two countries totalled 42.6 billion pounds in that year.

14: As many as 14 rounds of negotiations had taken place between India and the UK for the FTA.

16: This is Indias 16th free trade agreement. India has inked trade deals with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, the 10-nation bloc ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and four European nations bloc EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). In addition, India is negotiating trade agreements at present with a number of its trading partners. The negotiations are underway with the US, Oman, the European Union (EU), Peru, and Israel. Talks with Canada for a similar pact were put on hold due to certain political issues.

75 per cent: India will bring down whisky and gin tariffs from 150% to 75%, and further to 40% by the tenth year of the deal making the beverage cheaper in the worlds largest whisky market.

0: The deal does not include any change in immigration policy, including towards Indian students studying in the UK, the British government said.

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Anti-India and anti-Indian agendas are pervasive in the Canadian establishment, and they often find expression in the Trudeau-aligned Toady media. Replete with bias and double standards as they are, their real purpose is to shape local opinion in favour of a larger agenda read more

The Liberal Partys victory in the Canadian elections holds some promise for India-Canada ties, driven though it would be by cold pragmatism rather than cordiality. Given Indias decision to treat the diplomatic fracas between the two countries as a Trudeau problem  and therefore unrelated to economic ties  and Canadas massive falling-out with the United States, circumstances might favour reengagement.

The electoral decimation of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and its pro-Khalistan leader, Jagmeet Singh, also bodes well. However, India cannot ignore the fact that the incoming Carney administration will include antagonistic people, constituencies, networks, and indeed policies from the earlier administration. It is important for long-term outcomes to ensure that dangerous undercurrents are not left unchallenged in the interest of attractive shorter-term deals.

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Very recently, on Sunday, during the Khalsa Day parade in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Khalistanis called for the Hindu Canadian community to be expelled from the country, along with pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan posters and banners targeting Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Anti-India and anti-Indian agendas are pervasive in the Canadian establishment, and they often find expression in the Trudeau-aligned Toady media. Replete with bias and double standards as they are, their real purpose is to shape local opinion in favour of a larger agenda. As an illustration, I discuss here three separate articles on the Canadian news site Global News. All three mention visas and foreign interference, but in very different ways. Read together, they tell a story of their own. Ill begin with summaries of the primary stories the articles tell.

Story 1

Published in February 2025, it tells of an Indian national, Ankit Srivastava, being denied a permanent residency visa in Canada. The reason: a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report claimed that Indias Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) had tasked Srivastava with influencing Canadian government officials and agencies. Srivastava denies this, saying he met Indian intelligence officials in his capacity as a journalist and that they had requested him to lobby Canadian politicians to look upon Indian policies favourably and offered to compensate him for itan offer he says he flatly refused.

A subsequent CSIS report added that Srivastavas companies were accused of passing off fake websites as news portals [some of them Canadian] and that their objective was to push pro-India rhetoric and publish content that is critical of Pakistan. This seems to be a reference to an investigation by Brussels-based organisation EU DisinfoLab. This so alarmed Canadian immigration authorities that they concluded that these websites could be used to conduct operations in Canada to influence public opinion and information available to voters (which cannot be allowed in a democracy, of course), deemed Srivastava a serious threat to Canada, and barred him from the country. Immigration authorities also mentioned a CBC report mentioning an allegedly Srivastava-Group-linked non-governmental organisation (NGO) arranging the visit of two Members of the European Parliament to Kashmir. Srivastava has appealed and has had two wins in Canadian federal courts, but the process is still ongoing.

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One could reasonably concludewithout making any claim for or against Srivastava and his companiesthat Canadian authorities are within their rights to exercise caution about whom they admit. It is also clear that the Canadian establishment (through diplomatic engagement with India) or the Canadian legal system will decide the matter. The Indian government, people, or diaspora dont get to decide it, and nor should they.

Global News takes the view that Canada is facing an unprecedented Indian government foreign interference offensive that has allegedly included disinformation, political meddling and violence and that Canadian officials have taken the fight against Indian foreign interference and disinformation to a new front: the immigration system.

Story 2

Published in December 2024, this is primarily the story of Bikramjit Singh Sandhar being denied an Indian visa in 2016 for making pro-Khalistan statements. Broadcaster and founder of Friends of Canada and India, Maninder Singh Gill, and an immigration service provider are portrayed as Indian government fixers offering Sandhar and other prominent Sikhs a favourable review in return for signing a letter. The objectionable letter contained statements like I have never ever supported Khalistan or any other movement against India and [t]hough I live in Canada, I still love India.

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That India was tracking his activities and the prospect of signing the letter sent Sandhar into a tizzy worthy of a dysfunctional adolescent: Theyre trying to just disrupt somebodys life and trying to shame their mindset. You cant do that. Youre playing with peoples lives. One Moninder Singh of the Sikh Federation of Canada elaborated on why this was despicable: Those visas are a way for people to get back home, to tend to their families or businesses, and just basically be able to see places of worship in the land that they left to come to Canada.

Given that Canadians with Khalistani notions are often involved with hostile intelligence agencies and organisations designated as terrorist in India and have the stated aim of dismantling Indian territorial integrity, one would expect _Global New_s, with its profound concern about foreign interference, to conclude that India was well within its rights to take these precautions. Surprisingly, it writes: Visas have become a key tool of Indias foreign interference campaign.

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Ultimately, Sandhar didnt sign the letter; rather, he explained the family reasons for his travel to consulate officials, and they issued him a visa. Diabolical stuff. That must explain why Global News didnt challenge Sandhar when he insisted that it was absolutely foreign interference.

Story 3

Written a few days after Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing, this article deals with Nijjars arrival in Canada, amongst other things. As is well known now, Nijjar arrived in Toronto in 1997 on a fake passport and claimed asylum on the grounds of belonging to a particular social group, namely, individuals associated with Sikh militants. He seemed assured this association spoke in his favour. He narrated a tale of arrest, torture, and mortal danger in Punjab, but Canadian immigration officials distrusted both his story and his physicians note confirming electrocution of his intesticles. Describing him as unreliable and untrustworthy, they rejected his application.

Eleven days later, Nijjar reapplied, having married a B.C. woman who sponsored him to immigrate as her spouse. In this application, however, he denied association with any group that advocated armed struggle or violence, which a Globe and Mail report states ended up working against him as he didnt have a well-founded fear of persecution in India given hed said he wasnt involved in the militancy. Nijjars militancy credentials apparently didnt meet Canadian immigrations high bar. Immigration officials also thought his was a marriage of convenience, noting that the woman had arrived in Canada in 1997, sponsored by a different husband. Nijjars appeal to the courts failed in 2001, but later he identified himself as a Canadian citizen. Immigration authorities declined to comment, stating privacy legislation.

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The number of immigration-related frauds Nijjar committed is mind-boggling, yet he was mysteriously rewarded with permanent residency and citizenship. Before his death, he had known ties to the underworld and terror networks and was on a Canadian no-fly list, yet the Canadian parliament paid tribute to him. Global News may be justified in asking questions about Indias visa policies, but what explains the selective mutism of Canadian immigration authorities enabling Khalistani terrorists and welcoming violent people into the country?

The Bias Serves An Agenda

I point out these contradictions not to whine about biasbecause countries like India can now hold their ownbut to point to the ultimate aim of the bias: make the bias against India and the Indian diaspora structural through transnational repression and foreign interference legislations.

The Srivastava storywhere Canada has a right to have its concerns addressedis still a good example of this discourse playing out. Negative media or NGO reports target an individual or entityoften through official leaksthese are endorsed by ideological allies, amplified, quoted almost as facts, and made the basis for policy. This is how things played out in the Pannun Plot as well. What then becomes unnecessary in between media reporting and policy is a legal finding of wrongdoing.

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Observe, for instance, that Srivastava, apart from claiming the CSIS report mischaracterised his statements, has stated that the EU DisinfoLab report had produced no evidence connecting his companies to those NGOs. He added that EU DisinfoLab faced legal sanction and criticism for its work. EU DisinfoLab has dismissed Srivastavas statement, and transnational repression law champion and disinformation expert, Marcus Kolga declared EU DisinfoLab and the report to be credible. An endorsement from a fellow Western activist like Kolga (himself the founder of DisinfoWatch) isnt one to win over a sceptic, and EU DisinfoLabs websiteoddly for a transparency organisation  contains little information about its own funding or connections. This is important because credibility now demands more than a Western address: it demands balance regardless of the brand of the NGO or media organisation.

Consider, for instance, that Srivastava has questioned how criticism of human rights violations by Pakistan was disinformation and how disseminating it made him a danger to the security of Canada. That Khalistan is a Pakistan-promoted project is widely accepted in academic and journalistic literature, so why not dispel any impression that Canada and its media are shielding their ally, Pakistan, and its own terrible record with handling Khalistani terrorismperhaps at the behest of Khalistani elements? Why tiptoe guiltily around it?

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Still on the matter of balance, it couldnt be lost on Global News that by the logic that drives Sandhars story, Canada rejecting Srivastavas visa application amounts to foreign interference in India. If the standard is that India must allow Khalistan activists to visit families, run businesses, and make pilgrimages in India while openly working to dismember it, then by what yardstick can it justify judging Srivastava?

The sensationalism about Indias middlemen  people who can recommend visas or NGOs with political access  is equally disingenuous. No one whos lived in a nations capital city has escaped a journalist, academic, activist, or businessperson who claimed connections to local politicians or diplomats. Such alternative-track interactions are common, used to smooth relations informally, and rarely weaponised as foreign interference. Maninder Singh Gillerratic character though he seems to bemakes this pertinent point: Why do consulates even exist in Canada? If everybody or anybody having good relations with them is branded as a foreign agent?

Global News knows its disingenuous, but then why does it feign ignorance? To justify Justin Trudeau conducting foreign policy through tantrums? Or, more importantly, so anti-Khalistan diaspora members can be labelled Indian proxies and politically neutralised in the name of foreign interference?

The fuss over the letter that offended Sandhars delicate sensibilities is much in the same vein. Sandhars fake shock notwithstanding, India makes no bones about monitoring pro-Khalistan elements through open sources, and Sandhar was president of a gurdwara in a Khalistani-activity hotbed (Nijjar was his successor). And, as the Indian government has asserted, it is Indias prerogative to insist that those seeking visas reject calls to harm its territorial integrity.

It is also worth noting that the Indian media reports Canadian foreign interference claims widely, but Canadian media doesnt give Indian objections much coverage. These objections include PM Trudeau and other politicians trying to influence Indian domestic matters like the farmers protests, Canada not acting on Indian extradition and provisional arrest requests, issuing visas to wanted criminals (many with false documentation), and Canadian visa authorities targeting, profiling, and denying visas to members of Indian security services. Perhaps Canadas position is symbolically best represented by the Canadian Border Service Authority promoting a man on Indias wanted terror list to the rank of superintendent. And this list of objections excludes all the Khalistani activities that Canada shelters.

Why does the Toady mediaranked 14th in the World Press Freedom Indexpass off patronage of Sikh extremism as minority protection? Let me venture a guess: to serve political interests. In the recently concluded elections, the Sikh Federation of Canada (mentioned in the Sandhar story) flexed its political muscle in 30 ridings (seats). It demanded that candidates answer a questionnaire on issues including foreign interference and transnational repression and made particular references to India. Former CSIS official Daniel Stanton reliably turned up to cheerlead all things Khalistani. The tail wagged the dog and placed its interests above everyone elses even at a time of national crisis.

Whatever the domestic factors, internationally the Khalistan movement was and remains a product of colonial Britains cynicism, Pakistans scheming patronage, the Wests Cold War exigencies, and now the Wests political compulsions. Ironically, elements of the Khalistan movement are tied to narcotics and gun running, terrorism, gangland activity, money laundering, and human traffickingall at crisis levels in the West nowyet, by using weaknesses in the electoral system and lobbying, this parasitic movement wields disproportionate power.

And whats playing out now is a blatant attempt to create policy and governance structures that formalise its agenda and biases. The results are already showing: in the name of minority protection, attacks on other minorities like Hindus are downplayed, diaspora-destructive policies are advanced in the name of foreign interference and transnational repression, and minority hate is fanned.

As Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, addressing Sikh organisations, writes: The best way to ensure civil rights and communal safety is not to deny terror and silence valid discussion, but rather to stigmatise militancy and ostracise those who twist religion to justify terror. This should apply equally to Western politicians and media.

A true sign of a shift in Canadian intent towards India would be to see some of these glaring biases in discourse disowned. A good place for the Canadian media to start might be to hold public interest above a deceased terror and underworld figures privacy and investigate the approval of Nijjars visa.

Note: This is the concluding part of a four-article series on the Khalistan movement in North America. The first dealt with Canadas record of embrace of Sikh extremism and failure to protect its opponents (including moderate Sikhs); the second dealt with how the Trudeau government and Canadian (Toady) medias moral posturing was an exercise in self-deception; the third examined the whole Pannun Plot as a narrative offensive; and this last piece looks at Toady media coverage as groundwork for structuralising a pro-Khalistan agenda in Canada (and perhaps the US). These four articles together provide a broad overview of the Khalistan issue in North America from the 1980s to the present time. The impact of the leadership change in the United States and Canada and the progress of these foreign interference and transnational repression legislations will constitute the next article.

The writer is the published author of two novels (Penguin, India and Westland, India) based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Even though there is no consensus on the proposed 2026 elections with the Ethnic Armed Organisations ready to boycott it, the military junta seems to have direction read more

The elections will not just extend limited legitimacy to the regime but also provide an honourable exit to Senior General Hlaing from a situation where the international pressure and push for democracy have only increased. File image/ Reuters

The launch of Myanmar Narrative, the official think tank under the State Administration Council (SAC), Ministry of Information, saw non-governmental representation from five countries. India, Russia, Thailand, China and Japan, apart from top officials from the SAC, Tatmadaw and distinguished guests. The quiet city of Naypyidaw came alive with a grand dinner with performances representing the ethnic diversity of Myanmar, followed by a full-day event of panel discussions around the topic Challenges and Opportunities for Myanmar, 2025. With talks of elections taking place early next year even while Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) control vast territory, the most anticipated aspect of the event was Senior General Hlaings inaugural address.

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I had the opportunity to travel across the country recently. On my field trip, having met all stakeholders, including those aligned with the SAC and the Tatmadaw and those opposing it, the one aspect that was common was that no side believed that the outside world understood the situation in Myanmar. Though, it has to be said that the EAOs and other resistance groups have  media in exile, like the Irrawaddy in the English language; the SAC has barely any information that is disseminated to a wider audience. The launch of Myanmar Narrative was a special insight into the aspirations for the future of Myanmar, the politics between the EAOs and the SAC and the much-anticipated elections.

Myanmar since the coup in 2021 has been in a state of chaos. There has been immense interest in the conflict that has ensued. For the West, the interest has been based on restoring democracy, and so has their tacit support for the EAOs; for India, it has been the impact of the conflict on its northeastern borders and its Act East policy, and for China, it has been the safeguarding of its assets in Myanmar, such as the Kyaukphyu port.

Apart from the obvious, there is also the illegal drug production and trafficking, the cyberscam industry , critical earth mining, amongst other illegal activities. Though the interests of the international community in Myanmar may be different, the one aspect of the chaos that is common for all is the importance of the elections and restoration of democracy. Even for the Tatmadaw, contrary to public perception, the election is a necessary next step.

For India, a disintegrated Myanmar would spell disaster, with multiple EAOs controlling territory, highways and key trade routes; negotiating would be a hard task and a diplomatic nightmare with the SAC. The disintegration would also mean further migration and the spillover of the conflict in our northeastern borders.

In the case of China, Beijing has been advocating for the restoration of democracy in order to primarily limit Western influence. Additionally, the Chinese realise that by pushing for early elections, the current regimes legitimacy will increase internationally, resulting in some stability. Chinas border trade and infrastructure projects are heavily reliant on a stable Myanmar. Most importantly, it also showcases to the world the increasing influence of China in Myanmar.

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The US perhaps is inconsiderate of the unity of Myanmar and prioritises the removal of the current regime. The relationship between the junta and the US has been strained at the very least. Furthermore, the US wants to counter China, maybe even India, by gaining favour with the EAOs on the plank of restoring real democracy and separating the junta from politics. A nearly impossible task in the near future, considering the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar guarantees 25 per cent of the parliamentary seats to the military junta.

Even though there is no consensus on the proposed elections with the EAOs ready to boycott it, the military junta seems to have direction. Senior General Hlaing, at the launch of Myanmar Narrative, spoke extensively on his proposed plan for the country. Abandoning his written speech, he spoke extempore, highlighting time and again for over forty minutes of his speech the importance of elections for Myanmar. He spoke about increased contact with the global community and the opportunities it would provide for Myanmar, improving the image of the country.

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However, the senior general also stressed the ongoing conflict within the country. He repeated that  without unity, we cannot have a peaceful nation, and with external interference, it had been difficult to achieve the ideal situation. While he stated that he accepts that a multi-party democratic system would be best suited for Myanmar, based on democracy and federalism, it would not be possible without peace.

In his speech , he envisioned an independent foreign policy in an emerging new world order. He suggested that countries like India, Russia and China were challenging the domination of superblocks, and in the future it would be the regional blocks that would be important for Myanmar. Senior Gen Hlaing spoke of his plan for the economy and technology and for education, emphasising the fact that an abysmal 30 per cent of students pass examinations for industrialised agriculture, amongst other areas, but he stressed the importance of stability for any achievement in the future. The caveat that was repeated throughout the speech was peace.

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For the SAC and the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Narrative is a big step forward. Known to be highly secretive, they seemed to have somewhat relented to the idea that in a world where information is key to perception building, outreach is important. However, with the possibility of elections being fought only in 110 townships out of 330 townships, the elections are already being criticised by the EAOs as well as the National Unity Government (NUG) as a sham.

Before the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the Southeast Asian nation on March 28, 2025, there were expectations that the Tatmadaw would push to bring more territory under its control. However, after the earthquake it seems unlikely even though the offensive against the EAOs continues. Any further action that affects civilians on the ground could jeopardise the SACs future ambitions as well as further alienate the international community.

The elections which are slated for early 2026 will in all likelihood take place irrespective of the protests by EAOs and the NUG. It will not just extend limited legitimacy to the SAC but also provide an honourable exit to Senior General Hlaing from a situation where the international pressure and push for democracy have only increased.

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Additionally, the chances are that the nationalist, Tatmadaw-backed United Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) will come to power. The USDP was founded by former Prime Minister Thein Sein to fight the 2010 general elections and has been one of the two major political parties in Myanmar, the other being Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD).

However, the NLD refused to comply with the party registration laws. Tun Myint, the secretary of the Yangon region executive committee, had said that NLD would not register with any election authorities as they had been established by the illegitimate military council. This has left the NLD out of the impending elections.

Myanmar is in the middle of a major churn. The elections will be a turning point. Bringing some stakeholders closer and alienating some even further. While Senior General Hlaing hopes for stability and peace, the chances are that he will have to go ahead with the elections irrespective of the situation. Having met various EAOs on my field trip, what is certain is that they are ready to continue the fight and wont relent until the 2008 constitution is dissolved.

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Stability and peace are not going to be easily achievable under the circumstances; the chaos will continue. In the conflict where both sides claim to be fighting for the people, the civilians will continue to suffer, and like all conflicts today, expect no decisive winners.

Rami Niranjan Desai is an anthropologist and a scholar of the northeast region of India. She is a columnist and author and presently Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
Until Integrated Theatre Commands are announced, Central Command should be given the responsibility to manage the LAC from Ladakh to Nepal, freeing Northern Command to concentrate on the LoC and counter-insurgency read more

The much-awaited strategic re-structuring of Indian forces into Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) remains in limbo. Post the first Joint Commanders Conference in Lucknow, in September last year, a press release mentioned that the three services had agreed to structures of upcoming ITCs, and these had been presented to the defence minister. It added that they would now be forwarded to the government for consideration. Since then, there has been silence.

On January 1 this year, a press release by the Ministry of Defence quoted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declaring 2025 as the Year of Reforms. It mentioned that the aim was transforming the Armed Forces into technologically advanced, combat-ready forces capable of multi-domain integrated operations. The first subject on the reforms list was bolster Jointness and Integration initiatives and facilitate establishment of the ITCs. We are nearing the middle of the year and have heard nothing. This implies that the process of establishing ITCs is proceeding slower than expected.

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Further, transforming from current service structures to theatre commands will take time, even after the decision is made. These would need to be established and made operational, and also requisite staff appointed. The roles and tasks would need to be approved by the government and possibly war games. Current organisations earmarked to be part of them would then be absorbed. In some cases, certain headquarters (HQs) may have to be sidestepped.

China began establishing its theatre commands in 2016 and is still re-structuring its support organisations. An autocracy can adopt a top-down approach, whereas a democracy would need to consider a consensus policy in forming structures. Restructuring and relocating, as well as establishing new organisations, imply funds and time and hence must be deliberate.

Till theatre commands are established and operational, the current service commands, under service chiefs, would remain in place. The way things are moving, it is likely that current structures will remain the norm for some time. Hence, their shortcomings must be addressed as a priority.

The Pahalgam attack highlighted gaps in the responsibility and tasking of the existing armys Northern Command. The Command is responsible for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, less the Jammu belt, which comprises the International Border, which is the responsibility of Western Command. Thus, it manages not only the LoC with Pakistan and counterinsurgency operations in the hinterland but also the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Ladakh sector.

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The terrain, nature of threats, pattern of operations and managing the adversary are vastly different in both cases. While there are standoffs with prolonged negotiations along the LAC, largely led by the MEA, it is responding with force against Pakistans breaching the ceasefire as well as its supported terrorism. Talks are a rarity with Pakistan. The governments approach to both adversaries is also different, impacting the armys strategy and operational plans.

There were reasons why this complicated structure was created and stood untouched for all these years. J and K became a part of India on October 26, 1947, and was immediately embroiled in a war with Pakistan, during which a single command was made responsible for the conduct of operations. There was a single road axis through the region, linking Ladakh to the rest of the country via the valley, as were central depots and other common administrative facilities, including hospitals. Reserves were also largely located within the region.

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While India concentrated against the Pakistan threat, the Line of Actual Control, since 1962, was generally peaceful, experiencing standoffs sans violence, until Galwan crisis. Since 2020, there has been growing distrust with China, while it has always existed with Pakistan.

During the Galwan standoff, troops deployed in counter-insurgency south of Pir Panjal, in an area which had largely been contained and cleared of terrorists, were rushed to Ladakh to meet the immediate requirement of additional forces. This resulted in gaps in deployment leading to the insurgency regaining ground in the region, which led to a few undesired and embarrassing incidents. These forces are now being relocated with the raising of an additional division for HQ 14 Corps in Ladakh.

There has been vast improvement in infrastructure, air power, airlift, and also artillery firepower over a period of time. During the Galwan crisis, India rapidly moved additional troops into Ladakh from different parts of the country, employing its expanded airlift capabilities. With emphasis on infrastructure continuing unabated, Ladakh is being connected with all-weather connectivity through the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road, in addition to the two already existing routes, via Manali and Srinagar. Hence, there are multiple arteries for moving forces into Ladakh from other than the traditional route.

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Thus, this changed scenario, including the increased Chinese threat, necessitates segregating the LAC portion of Ladakh from Northern Command, thereby enabling it to focus on Pakistan and counter-insurgency. No other army command is responsible for simultaneous threats from two major nuclear-powered adversaries, possibly even working in collusion. The proposed Northern Theatre Command, expected to be established in Lucknow, once approved, is earmarked to take over responsibility of the Chinese frontier from Ladakh to Arunachal.

Currently, HQ Central Command, based in Lucknow, remains responsible for the LAC, south of J and K up to Nepal, implying Himachal and Uttarakhand. By giving it control of the LAC in Ladakh, it would be responsible for the LAC stretching from Ladakh to Nepal. The armys Eastern Command could continue with its current role of managing the same from Sikkim to Arunachal.

There would be multiple benefits emerging from such a restructuring. Firstly, only two commands, Central and Eastern, would handle the Chinese threat as against three currently and four previously. For both the commands, the LAC would remain their primary focus. This would also enable better coordination. Secondly, Northern and Central Commands would have specific fronts and natures of threats to manage.

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Thirdly, any Chinese intrusions in one sector could be offset by a counteraction in another. Fourthly, the Northern Theatre Command, once created, would absorb the current Central and Eastern Commands, making its operational control easier. Finally, there would be no cost, as it would only imply shifting responsibility.

Another aspect which Indian defence planners could consider is that Indias geo-strategic environment has changed in the past couple of years, necessitating a realignment of its proposed ITCs. Myanmar is in internal turmoil, while Bangladesh is no longer an Indian ally as it previously was. Its internal dynamics would only grow worse in the future.

Both could be exploited by China, willingly or unwillingly, during hostilities. Nepal, which splits the LAC, has governments which alternate between pro- and anti-India. China could utilise its airspace to target India without taking their approval. All three nations are members of the Chinese BRI and could soon be beholden to it, akin to Pakistan or Sri Lanka, and forced to surrender strategic assets detrimental to India.

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Currently, Indian borders with Myanmar are the responsibility of the Assam Rifles, which the Home Ministry seeks to replace with the BSF. Bangladesh borders are under the BSF, while those with Nepal are under the SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal). There is currently no need to change existing structures. However, the emerging scenario implies that armed forces must closely monitor these frontiers to prevent them from becoming a threat and also prevent their exploitation by China.

Therefore, while creating theatre commands, it may be prudent to consider two theatre commands facing the northern adversary on the proposed lines of the Central and Eastern Commands suggested above. The Eastern Command must also monitor Myanmar and Bangladesh, while the Central monitors Nepal. It is unknown when Indian armed forces may need to be employed against other neighbours to safeguard our national interests. It is better to be prepared than be caught off guard.

Simultaneously, in the current construct, until ITCs are announced, Central Command should be given the responsibility to manage the LAC from Ladakh to Nepal, freeing Northern Command to concentrate on the LoC and counter-insurgency.

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The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The new rapid financing facility will enable members to access emergency financing without conditions in case of financial crises arising from sudden shocks read more

A man walks next to the ASEAN logo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia. File image/ 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).

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.

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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.

The CMIMs 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.
The attack follows a series of recent incidents in the mineral-rich southwestern province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, where militants have intensified their campaign against security forces read more

Five Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in the restive province of Balochistan, the military said Tuesday (May 6), amid a surge in violence by separatist insurgents.

The improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as a security convoy was passing through an area frequently targeted by Baloch separatist groups. The military did not immediately disclose the exact location of the attack, but operations are underway to trace the perpetrators, officials said.

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The attack follows a series of recent incidents in the mineral-rich southwestern province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, where militants have intensified their campaign against security forces. Earlier this month, Baloch rebels abducted five soldiers during a raid, while last week, armed men believed to be insurgents stopped a prison van on a major highway, taking five police officers hostage.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of the most active separatist groups in the region, has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks targeting Pakistani forces and infrastructure linked to foreign investment particularly Chinese-backed projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In March, the group launched a dramatic assault on a passenger train, seizing hundreds of hostages and killing several off-duty personnel during a three-day standoff.

Baloch insurgents have long accused Islamabad of exploiting local resources without fair compensation or representation for the provinces ethnic Baloch population. Pakistan denies the allegations and has vowed to continue counterinsurgency efforts in the region.

With inputs from agencies
After receiving a legal notice from Indias Ministry of Culture, international auction house Sothebys has assured the government it will take steps to halt the auction of sacred Buddhist relics originally scheduled for 7 May. read more

The Indian gems linked to the Buddha are being auctioned. Image Courtesy: Sotheby's

After receiving a legal notice from the Ministry of Culture on Monday evening, international auction house Sothebys has assured the Indian government that it will take the necessary steps to halt the auction of sacred Buddhist relics, The Indian Express reported.

The auction was set to take place on May 7, as per the auction houses website.

The Ministry of Culture urged Sothebys Hong Kong to withdraw the relics from the auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to ensure their return to their rightful place.

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These relics were discovered at the Piprahwa Stupa, believed to be the site of the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. They are also said to be of immense historical and spiritual significance.

Earlier, the auction faced fierce backlash, with Buddhist groups calling for action to prevent the sale.

This prompted the ministry to gather information and send a formal letter to the auction house, an official told The Indian Express.

The Piprahwa relics were discovered by William Claxton Peppe in 1898. They include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone box, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones. A Brahmi inscription on one of the caskets identifies them as relics of the Buddha, placed there by the Sakya clan.

The upcoming auction drew attention after the relics were listed on Sothebys website.

The listing stated: Sothebys is honoured to present the Piprahwa gems, appearing for the first time in Hong Kong. The 1898 discovery of these gems by William Claxton Peppe at Piprahwa in northern India, where they were found buried together in reliquaries with the corporeal relics of the Historical Buddha, ranks among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.

Although the listing remains on the website, officials from the Culture Ministry told The Indian Express that the auction house has assured them of prompt action.

The Piprahwa Stupa is an ancient Buddhist site located near the IndiaNepal border in the Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the earliest Buddhist stupas and is closely associated with the relics of the Buddha.

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One of the caskets bears a Brahmi inscription confirming the relics belonged to Gautama Buddha and were donated by the Sakya clan, his own family.

Most of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and are legally protected as AA antiquities under Indian law, which prohibits their sale or export.

On Sothebys website, Chris Peppe wrote: The Piprahwa gem relics were passed down from my great uncle to his son, and in 2013, they came to me and my two cousins. Thats when I began deeply researching the discovery made by my great-grandfather, William Claxton Peppe.

While some of the bone relics were gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppes descendants has now been listed for auction. Upon learning of this, the Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice to Sothebys in Hong Kong to immediately halt the sale, according to an official. The ministry has also served a notice to Chris Peppe, asking him to withdraw the relics from the auction and return them to India.

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The bilateral meeting in Washington is expected to cover trade disputes and broader economic cooperation, but political analysts warn that Trumps confrontational stance may limit progress read more

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 6), in a high-stakes diplomatic engagement that comes just over a week after leading his Liberal Party to a surprise electoral victory.

Carney, a former central bank governor who campaigned on standing up to Washington, now faces the challenge of navigating strained cross-border relations and growing discontent at home, particularly from Canadas western provinces.

US-Canada trade tensions

Trade tensions have loomed large over the run-up to Carneys meeting with Trump. The US president, who made Canada a frequent target during the Canadian election campaign, has continued to voice grievances over timber, energy, and automotive trade. In an interview with NBC on Sunday (May 4), Trump again floated the idea of annexing Canada and described the US as bearing the brunt of a lopsided trading relationship.

We do very little business with Canada. They do all of their business practically with us. They need us. We dont need them, Trump said.

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Canadas economy tells a different story. The C$1.3 trillion (US$940 billion) annual trade relationship with the United States is critical for Canadian businesses, and Carney has pledged to stabilise ties while seeking new alliances to reduce dependency.

Carneys certainly going into the lions den, Financial Times quoted Dimitry Anastakis, a professor at the University of Torontos Rotman School of Management, as saying. During the campaign he said some very strident things about Trump and the US It is a delicate operation.

The bilateral meeting in Washington is expected to cover trade disputes and broader economic cooperation, but political analysts warn that Trumps confrontational stance may limit progress.

A diplomatic test

While Carney has attempted to distance himself from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus environmental policies pledging instead to make Canada an energy superpower resentment in Alberta remains high. Smith, after meeting Carney last week, said on social media that repairing the damage from anti-resource legislation would require tremendous effort and cooperation.

Still, Carneys visit to Washington presents an immediate diplomatic test. His campaign rhetoric promised resilience in the face of Trumps provocations, but many expect the tone of Tuesdays talks to be carefully calibrated.

Trump has repeated exaggerated claims about trade deficits, calling them a form of subsidy, said Semra Sevi, a political science professor at the University of Toronto. Carney faces a difficult conversation. The last thing he wants is a repeat of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyys tense visit to the White House.

Challenges at home

Meanwhile, Carney is also grappling with growing unrest in Alberta. Premier Danielle Smith, who visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in January, has revived the prospect of provincial separation by tabling electoral reforms to ease the path to an independence referendum. The proposed legislation would lower the threshold for petitions to just 10 per cent of eligible voters.

The vast majority of these individuals are not fringe voices to be marginalised or vilified . . . They are, quite literally, our friends and neighbours whove just had enough, Smith said Monday, referencing frustration over federal environmental and resource policies.

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A poll by Angus Reid in April found that three in ten voters in Alberta and neighbouring Saskatchewan supported the idea of leaving Canada if the Liberals returned to power.
Parolin was the lead negotiator in the 2018 deal between the Holy See and the Chinese Communist Party. The pact ended up in a compromise that gave China a say in the appointment of Catholic Bishops in the country read more

Cardinal Pietro Parolin leads the Holy Mass to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican April 2, 2025. Reuters file

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the top contender for pope, has brought focus to China, a country that has little to no connection with the upcoming conclave, especially as it recognises Buddhism as its religion.

Parolin, the late Pope Franciss right hand, who is poised to take over the top Catholic post, was the engineer of a Vatican pact with China aimed at diminishing the differences between the underground churches that are loyal to the pope and the official church that owes allegiance to Beijing.

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What was Parolins role in the deal?

Parolin was the lead negotiator in the 2018 deal between the Holy See and the Chinese Communist Party. The pact ended up in a compromise that gave China a say in the appointment of Catholic Bishops in the country.

Throughout his career, Chinahome to an estimated 6 to 12 million Catholicsremained a consistent concern. During the violent years of Maoist rule and the Cultural Revolution, many Chinese Catholics were forced to practice their faith in secret.

Chinese Catholics not on board

Parolines decision on the China-Vatican deal was not welcomed by Catholics in the country, who have said it was a miscalculated call.

John Allen Jr, editor of Crux, a Catholic news website, said, Generations of Chinese Catholics have been martyred for their refusal to accept Communist control of the Catholic church. Others have been imprisoned, tortured, harassed and persecuted and some of them regard this deal as a betrayal of their suffering.

Who is Paroline?

Parolin has been the Vaticans secretary of state for the last 12 years, effectively the number two position in the Church. He is also the Vaticans top diplomat.

The two roles mean Parolin - a 70-year-old from a small town in Italys 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.

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 popes remarks.

With inputs from agencies
In a high-level meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Donald Trump said that Canada joining the United States as its 51st state would be a wonderful marriage. read more

US President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025. AFP Photo

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected US President Donald Trumps renewed suggestion of making Canada the 51st state, saying on Monday that some places are never for sale.

Carneys remarks came after Trump doubled down on his earlier comments, stating he still stands by the idea. Speaking to reporters, Carney dismissed the notion outright, but Trump responded by downplaying the impact of the Canadian leaders stance on their ongoing discussions.

Only time will tell, Trump said, adding, Never say never. Well see, over time, what happens.

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Just before Canadian PM arrives at White House, Trump says US doesnt need Canada

Just before meeting Carney, Trump posted on social media that the U.S. doesnt need autos, energy, lumber or ANYTHING from the United States northern neighbor.

I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Trump posted on Truth Social.

While Trump said he still welcomes Canadas friendship and hopes to maintain it, hes indicating despite economic data to the contrary that the United States would be fine without Canada.

The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence, Trump posted.

Just before Canadian PM arrives at White House, Trump says US doesnt need Canada

Just before meeting Carney, Trump posted on social media that the U.S. doesnt need autos, energy, lumber or ANYTHING from the United States northern neighbor.

I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Trump posted on Truth Social.

While Trump said he still welcomes Canadas friendship and hopes to maintain it, hes indicating despite economic data to the contrary that the United States would be fine without Canada.

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The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence, Trump posted.

Trump has shattered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

The outrage provoked by Trump enabled Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the ongoing trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

The Republican president has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state. He said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press that aired Sunday that the border is an artificial line that prevents the two territories from forming a beautiful country.

Trumps openly adversarial approach has raised questions for Carney and other world leaders on how to manage relations with the U.S. Some world leaders, such as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmerengaged in a charm offensive. Others, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were met by Trump with anger for not being sufficiently deferential.

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Beijing on Tuesday said the United States used various despicable methods to steal secrets of other countries, interfere in other countries internal affairs and undermine other countries political power read more

China on Tuesday condemned recruitment adverts by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) asking disillusioned Chinese officials to share state secrets as a naked political provocation.

The United States not only maliciously smears and attacks China, but also openly deceives and lures Chinese personnel to surrender, even directly targeting Chinese government officials, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

The US intelligence agency last week released a number of videos it said were aimed at recruiting Chinese officials to help the US.

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CIA director John Ratcliffe said the cinematic videos were just one of many ways that were adjusting our tradecraft at the CIA.

Beijing on Tuesday said the United States used various despicable methods to steal secrets of other countries, interfere in other countries internal affairs and undermine other countries political power.

The videos released by the US Central Intelligence Agency on social media are another self-confession with solid evidence of this, Lin said.

China strongly condemns this, he added.

The United States and China have long traded accusations of espionage.

Last month, security officials said they had implicated three US secret agents in cyberattacks during Februarys Asian Winter Games in the northeastern city of Harbin.

And in March, Chinas ministry of state security said it had sentenced to death a former engineer for leaking state secrets to an unnamed foreign power.

Beijing on Tuesday vowed to take necessary measures to resolutely crack down on the infiltration and sabotage activities of foreign anti-China forces.

China will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, development and security interests, Lin said.
While speaking at the launch of the GATI Foundation, External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar emphasised the need to nurture, expand, deploy and upgrade the talent in India read more

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said India has entered a cycle of sustainable talent creation, emphasising the need to pay attention to the opportunities beyond borders. On Tuesday, Jaishankar gave a keynote address at the launch ceremony of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation. The non-profit foundation is dedicated to building structured, ethical, and circular pathways for global talent mobility.

At the start of his address, the external affairs minister noted that India is currently facing two realities. Let us start with our current state of development, there are two realities that stand up. One, is that in the past, we have not developed and therefore not leveraged our human resources to the extent we could and should, and the other is that it is not feasible for India to develop rapidly by emulating the pathway of other successful Asian economies, the drivers of our good are different, as is indeed the landscape, he said.

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Jaishankar emphasised that India will now focus on nurturing the talent, expanding, deploying, and upgrading talent." He mentioned that currently, 34 million Indians are working abroad and third of them are in Gulf countries.

Indians have also developed, by now, a strong history of employment and exploration abroad. As a result, there are techies, entrepreneurs and professionals in the United States, the blue-collar and the self-employed and the agreed sector in Europe and North America, as well as the scientists and researchers in so many other countries, many global professionals like seafaring airlines and the hospitality sector have already tapped into our human resources in civil society, he explained.

Caption L - R: Ashish Dhawan (Founder-CEO, The

There is demand in the world and availability in India: Jaishankar

In his speech, Jaishankar said that India is looking to amend the Emigration Act of 1983 to meet the growing demand in the international arena. There is demand in the world and there is availability. We need to be more promotional and aware of new possibilities, even while taking care of the vulnerable. This issue is currently being examined by the government, he said.

The EAM also described different economies as different colours. With Orange being the creator economy, Green and Brown - the renewable and agriculture sector, White and Silver - the healthcare sector. He also spoke about the need to stay away from the black economy, insisting that legal mobility discourages illegal mobility.

Inauguration of the GATI Foundation. Image Source: Firstpost

Jaishankar emphasised that in the last decade, the world has seen the need for quick evacuation from conflict zones. Our citizens expect a quick resolution, he said. However, he ended his address in an optimistic way. The magnitude and opportunities are so large. India moves up to third third-largest economy, much of it will be people-centric, he concluded.

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Jaishankar was the chief guest at the launch event of the GATI foundation. The event was also attended by Shri. Jayant Chaudhary, Honble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, attended as the Guest of Honour. The foundation is incubated by the Convergence Foundation, Manish Sabharwal, and the Godrej Foundation.

This mission gains urgency amid projections that high-income economies will face a labour shortage of 4550 million skilled and semi-skilled workers by 2030. With a vision to position India as a global hub for skilled talent, GATI Foundation aims to foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and non-profits to unlock opportunities for Indian workers in international labour markets, the foundation said in its press release.
US President Donald Trump urged India and Pakistan to ease tensions and expressed hope that the situation would end very quickly. He called the ongoing the ongoing tensions a shame. read more

In his first reaction to Indias Operation Sindoor targeting terror outfits in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the situation between India and Pakistan a shame following Indian military strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

He also urged both sides to de-escalate and expressed hope that the situation ends very quickly.

Its a shame. We just heard about it. Theyve been fighting for a long time  many, many decades and centuries, actually. I just hope it ends very quickly, Trump said.

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In response to the Pahalgam massacre, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 people, the Indian armed forces launched missile strikes early on Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group.

   !  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 6, 2025

The strikes were part of Operation Sindoor, the Defence Ministry said in a statement issued at 1:44 am, adding that the action was focused, measured, and non-escalatory.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Indian missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province as an act of war, stating that his country has every right to give a befitting reply.

The Indian statement said: A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.

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No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution, the Defence Ministry added.

In a post on X in Hindi shortly after the strikes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: Long live Mother India! (Bharat Mata Ki Jai).

Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that missile strikes were carried out by India at Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Bahawalpur in Punjab.

Some time ago, India launched air strikes in Bahawalpurs Ahmed East area, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad at three locations from the air, he told ARY News channel.

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All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within Indias airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan, he said.

Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered, he added.

With inputs from PTI.
The Israeli military has issued an unprecedented evacuation warning for Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, marking the first time the IDF has issued such a notice at a site over 1,000 miles from its borders, according to a report read more

Smoke billows after an Israeli airstrike on Houthi infrastructure, in Sana'a, Yemen, on Tuesday. Reuters

The Israeli military has issued an unprecedented evacuation warning for Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, marking the first time the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued such a notice at a site over 1,000 miles from its borders, according to a CNN report.

Failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives," CNN quoted Avichay Adraee, the IDF spokesperson in Arabic, as saying on social media.

The evacuation warning follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Yemens Hodeidah port and a nearby cement factory in Bajil, east of the city.

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According to the Houthi-run Ministry of Health, at least one person was killed and 35 others were injured in the factory strike.

These strikes came in response to a Houthi-launched ballistic missile that breached Israels air defences and landed near Tel Avivs international airport on Sunday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported multiple failed attempts to intercept the missile.

In a prior incident last December, Israel targeted Sanaa International Airport, resulting in at least three deaths and 30 injuries, according to the Houthi-run al-Masirah satellite network.

With inputs from agencies
Macron had first invited Syrias new interim leader to visit France in February after Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year read more

French President Emmanuel Macron will host Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday for the former Islamist rebels first European visit, the French presidency told AFP.

Macron will reiterate Frances support for the construction of a new Syria, a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society, the presidency said Tuesday.

This meeting is part of Frances historic commitment to the Syrian people who aspire to peace and democracy, it added.

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During the meeting, Macron will emphasise his demands on the Syrian government, primarily the stabilisation of the region, including Lebanon, and the fight against terrorism, the presidency said.

Macron had first invited Syrias new interim leader to visit France in February after Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year.

In March, he repeated the invitation but made it conditional on the formation of an inclusive Syrian government representing all components of civil society, describing his initial negotiations with the interim leaders as positive.

Syrias new Islamist authorities, who have roots in the Al-Qaeda jihadist network, have vowed inclusive rule in the multi-confessional, multi-ethnic country.

They have repeatedly pledged to protect all religious groups and include all of Syrian society in the transition, with many countries saying they will monitor the new authorities conduct before fully lifting sanctions.

But sectarian clashes in March in which more than 1,700 people, mostly Alawites, were killed in coastal areas sparked widespread condemnation.

More recent clashes involving Druze fighters, as well as reports of abuses from NGOs, have also raised doubts about the interim governments ability to control extremists in its ranks.

Since Assads overthrow, Israel has also launched hundreds of strikes on Syria, including one near the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday.

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Israel has repeatedly said its forces stand ready to protect the Druze minority and said the strike near the presidential palace was intended to send a clear message to Syrias new rulers.

But the interim government described the strike as a dangerous escalation, while the United Nations on Saturday urged Israel to halt its attacks on Syria at once.
In an unprecedented setback, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has failed to win the majority vote in the German parliament to become the chancellor read more

Friedrich Merz on Tuesday failed to win the majority vote in the German parliament to become the countrys chancellor.

It has happened for the first time in Germanys history that a leader of the victorious coalition has failed to win majority to become chancellor in the first attempt.

Merz, the leader of Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had entered into an alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to stake claim to chancellorship. Between them, the two parties have 328 of the parliaments 630 seats  above the majority mark of 316.

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Despite the coalition having the majority, only 310 votes were cast in favour of Merz, which means that 18 members of the coalition broke ranks. The junior partner SDP has said the fault did not lie with it as all of its members voted with the party line.

What happens now?

The parliamentary vote will now go into a second vote. Merz is likely stand again as the CDU-SDP coalitions chancellor candidate. The parliament has 14 days to hold a second vote. Media reports have said that the second round of voting is unlikely to be held today.

If the second round also fails to produce a winner, the vote goes into the third round in which whoever receives most votes irrespective of whether they have attained parliamentary majority will be elected chancellor, according to the German chancellerys website.

Alternatively, after the third round of the vote, the German president will also have the option of dissolving the parliament and calling for fresh elections.

However, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is unlikely to call for fresh elections. He belongs to Merzs coalition partner SDP and is unlikely to call elections that could prop far-right, neo-Nazi Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the single-largest party  surveys have shown that AfD has made gains since the elections at the cost of CDU-SDP bloc.

A shot in the arm for AfD

Merzs failure is set to be a shot in the arm for AfD. The party does not just have considerable support in Germany but also has the endorsement of the Donald Trump administration of the United States, which has gone to the length of sparring with the German government to champion the cause of AfD.

AfD leader Alice Weidel has said that Merz should now step aside and has called for fresh elections.

As the AfD, we set out to turn this country from its head back onto its feet. We are ready to take on government responsibility. And we call for reason to prevail. Mr Merz should resign immediately. The path should be opened for new elections in our country! said Weidel.

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After a historic setback in the first round of parliamentary vote, CDU leader Friedrich Merz won the vote in the second round to become the German chancellor read more

Friedrich Merz on Tuesday won the majority vote in the German parliament in the second round to become the countrys chancellor.

A total of 326 members cast votes in his favour in the second round  well beyond the majority mark of 316.

Earlier in the day, Merz suffered an unprecedented setback after he failed to win the majority in the first round of vote in the parliament. He received 310 votes in the first round.

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Merz, the leader of Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had entered into an alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to stake claim to chancellorship. Between them, the two parties have 328 of the parliaments 630 seats. This means that two lawmakers from the coalition still broke ranks.

If Merz would have lost the second round as well, he would have been under immense measure to quit and make way for another candidate. If he would have lost, the vote would have gone into the third round in which whoever received the most votes  irrespective of whether they attained majority would be elected chancellor.

Merzs failure in the first round was a shot in the arm for far-right, neo-Nazi Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party has made considerable gains since the elections at the cost of CDU-SDP coalition and Merz.

Following Merzs loss in the first round, AfD leader Alice Weidel said he should step aside and called for fresh elections.

As the AfD, we set out to turn this country from its head back onto its feet. We are ready to take on government responsibility. And we call for reason to prevail. Mr Merz should resign immediately. The path should be opened for new elections in our country! said Weidel.

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The AfD does not just have considerable support in Germany but also has the endorsement of the Donald Trump administration of the United States, which has gone to the length of sparring with the German government to champion the cause of AfD.
There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip, Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamass political bureau and former Gaza health minister, said 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

Hamas has announced it is no longer willing to engage in ceasefire negotiations with Israel, citing the intensifying humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and what it described as a deliberate campaign of mass starvation.

There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip, Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamass political bureau and former Gaza health minister, said on Tuesday (May 6).

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His remarks come as Israel prepares for an expanded military campaign across Gaza, including plans for the displacement of large sections of the population. An Israeli security official said Monday that the strategy would involve the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, in what amounts to the most sweeping operation since the war began.

Israeli offensive in Gaza resumes

The Israeli military resumed its offensive on 18 March, ending a two-month truce. According to Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, 2,459 Palestinians have been killed since operations resumed, bringing the total death toll to 52,567. In the latest wave of attacks, Gazas civil defence agency reported that three people, including a young girl, were killed in Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly. Gaza has been under a complete Israeli blockade since 2 March, with aid agencies and the United Nations warning of looming famine, water shortages and a collapse of basic services. Nearly the entire population of the territory has been displaced, many of them multiple times.

UN alarmed by Gazas plans

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is alarmed by Israels latest plans. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state, his spokesman Farhan Haq said. He added that the planned offensive would inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza.

Military spokesperson Effie Defrin said the offensive would include moving most of the population of the Gaza Strip to protect them. However, the notion of protection has been met with widespread scepticism given the scale of civilian casualties and destruction.

The French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, condemned the Israeli plan in a radio interview on Tuesday, calling it unacceptable and a violation of humanitarian law.

Memories of Nakba

Palestinians view the proposed evacuations as a deeply traumatic echo of the Nakba, or catastrophe, when more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced during the war surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948.

As the death toll rises and displacement deepens, the prospects for a ceasefire appear more remote than ever. Hamas, facing mounting pressure from its civilian base and watching its territory increasingly fragmented, says international pressure must be directed at Israel.

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The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,218 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants also abducted 251 people, of whom 58 remain in captivity in Gaza. The Israeli military believes 34 of them are no longer alive. The world must stop the crimes of hunger, thirst and killings, Naim said.

With inputs from AFP
During the Congressional briefing at Capitol Hill Speaker Mike Johnson was asked to deliver a message for India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, to which he said the Trump administration will help India in its fight against terrorism read more

The US House of Representatives Speaker, Mike Johnson, has said that Washington will support India in its defence against terrorism as tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad simmer over the Pahalgam attack.

India has to stand against terrorism. We will do everything possible to support those efforts. Trump administration will help India with energy and resources to fight terrorism, Johnson said at the Congressional briefing at Capitol Hill on Monday.

Very pertinent question from @surinderkauldr to the speaker of the house Mike Johnson

What is your message for India who has been at the receiving end of cross border terrorism for last several decades

Today,May 5th at Congressional briefing at The Capitol Hill, Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/qoPlItUgfN  Global KP Diaspora (GKPD) (@kp_global) May 5, 2025

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Johnsons comments came after US State Secretary Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the phone last week and encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia.

During his conversation with Rubio, Jaishankar informed that the perpetrators behind the tragic Pahalgam terror attack must be held accountable and brought to justice.

The US State Department said Secretary Rubio expressed support for India in its fight against extremism and urged Pakistan to cooperate in the investigation into the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.

India conducts mock drills

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has asked all states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday in view of new and complex threats that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to a home ministry communication, the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches.

The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union territories said.

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With inputs from agencies
These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies, PM Modi said read more

India and the United Kingdom finalised a landmark bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) on Tuesday (May 6).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the completion of the deal in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies.

Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2025

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UK PM Starmer made a similar announcement on X.

Today Britain has agreed a landmark trade deal with India.



Fantastic news for British business, British workers, and British shoppers, delivering on our Plan for Change.



Good to speak to Prime Minister @NarendraModi as we mark this historic moment. pic.twitter.com/mr0wfatBcH  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 6, 2025

What gets cheaper with the FTA?

An FTA is an arrangement where countries agree either to completely remove or significantly lower customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. It also leads to shedding of non-trade barriers on a substantial value of imports from partner countries.

The India-UK FTA lowers tariffs on products like whisky, cosmetics, advanced manufacturing parts, and food items such as lamb, salmon, chocolates, and biscuits, making them cheaper. Tariffs on medical devices will also be slashed. The deal also mentions to quotas on both sides for autos imports.

Easing norms to promote services exports and bilateral investments also comes under the purview of FTA.

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Double Contribution Convention and what it means

The deal also includes a Double Contribution Convention (DCC). This is a bilateral arrangement between two countries designed to protect the social security rights of workers who move between them.

When a DCC is not in place, Indian professionals working in the UK (and vice versa) might be required to pay certain taxes in both countries. With the convention, contributions made in one country can count toward eligibility for benefits (such as pensions) in the other country. This ensures that workers dont lose out on their retirement benefits just because theyve moved.

Long road to the FTA

The deal between the worlds fifth and sixth largest economies has been finalised after three years of intermittent negotiations. It aims to boost bilateral trade by an additional 25.5 billion ($34 billion) by 2040, with the intention of liberalising market access and reducing trade restrictions.

Discussions regarding a free trade agreement between India and Britain began in January 2022. This deal became a representation of Britains aspirations for an independent trade policy following its departure from the European Union.

However, the negotiations have faced interruptions, as Britain has had four different prime ministers since those talks started, and both countries held elections last year.

With inputs from agencies
Araghchis statements came following the suspension of the latest session of nuclear negotiations with the US, which had been scheduled for Saturday, with mediator Oman citing logistical reasons' read more

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday of attempting to draw the US into a disaster in the Middle East and warned against any strike on Iran.

Netanyahu is directly MEDDLING within the US Government to DRAG it into another DISASTER in our region, Araghchi wrote on X, warning against ANY mistake against Iran.

Araghchi further accused Netanyahu of attempting to brazenly DICTATE what President (Donald) Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran.

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Irans top envoy highlighted US support for Israels battle in Gaza against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. He also referenced the US retaliation strikes on Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking Israel and Red Sea ships throughout the Gaza conflict.

LETHAL support for Netanyahus Genocide in Gaza and waging WAR on behalf of Netanyahu in Yemen have achieved NOTHING for the American people, he tweeted.

On Sunday, Netanyahu accused Iran and pledged reprisal after the Houthis launched a missile near Israels Ben Gurion International Airport. Iran denies any involvement in the incident.

Araghchis statements came following the suspension of the latest session of nuclear negotiations with the US, which had been scheduled for Saturday, with mediator Oman citing logistical reasons.

Since 12 April, the two countries have held three rounds of talks, the highest level of contact since Washington pulled out of a historic agreement with Tehran in 2018, during Trumps first term as president.

Netanyahu has called for dismantling Irans nuclear programme, claiming that a viable agreement must remove Irans capacity to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons and prevent the development of ballistic missiles.

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On Sunday, Trump stated that he would only accept the total dismantlement of Irans nuclear programme but indicated he was open to discussing one for civilian use.

Now, theres a new theory going out there that Iran would be allowed to have civilian  meaning to make electricity, he told NBC News, adding that he would be open to hearing the argument.

In order to establish an agreement, Araghchi on Monday called on the United States to abandon its unrealistic and illogical stances.

In a phone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Araghchi stated that Tehran is capable of resolving concerns related to the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and that reaching an agreement is fully within reach.

The Iranian foreign minister also said Tehran is eager to begin diplomatic negotiations with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, all of whom were parties to the failed 2015 nuclear agreement.

Western nations have accused Iran of attempting to develop a nuclear bomb, but Tehran has consistently denied the allegations.

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Earlier on Monday, Araghchi said that if the goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, a deal is achievable, and there is only ONE PATH to achieve it: DIPLOMACY based on MUTUAL RESPECT and MUTUAL INTERESTS.
In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli condemned the Pahalgam attack and noted how the terror incident interrupted developments and interests of Kashmir. read more

Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli (L) condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. (Right) Security ramped up following the massacre of tourists in Kashmir. (Image: X / AP)

The terror attack in Pahalgam last month, killing 26 people, interrupted development and interests of Jammu and Kashmir, said Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli on Tuesday in New Delhi. Expressing Italys solidarity with India, Bartoli condemned the devastating Pahalgam terror attack.

In an exclusive conversation with Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta, Ambassador Bartoli said Italy is against all forms of terrorism and recalled how the European nation itself has faced the horrors of terrorism.

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We are against any form of terrorism because we experienced in our scheme terrorism, the cruelty of terrorism, and so we actually support, first of all, we are close to the families and the Government of India for this attack, the Italian envoy told Firstpost.

Ambassador Bartoli mentioned that Italy is working closely with the Indian government and has proposed a common session to discuss how to fight terrorism. We have proposed to have a common session with Italy on terrorism, he said.

On April 22, terrorists infiltrated a tourist destination in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam and killed 26 tourists, sending shockwaves across India. The attack led to a major diplomatic row between India and Pakistan after it was found that some of the terrorists involved in the attack were Pakistani nationals.

During the conversation with Firstpost, the Italian envoy noted how the latest attack has interrupted the development interests of both Kashmir and India. This dynamic (attack) that is done to counter the interests of India in its development and the interests of Kashmir itself, which was experiencing normalisation in terms of elections, tourism and job opportunities, etc, has been interrupted, the Italian ambassador told Firstpost. We think that we all should avoid encountering terrorism, avoid triggering spirals that then can go out of control, he furthered.

Concrete results on concrete focus: Ambassador Bartoli on India-Italy ties

When asked about the evolution of the India-Italy relationship over the years, Ambassador Bartoli noted that both nations have a concrete focus on concrete results. The India relationship is very good because we have a strategic partnership, and we are about concrete focus on concrete results. Thats why the two prime ministers met last November, the Italian envoy told Firstpost.

Bartoli pointed out that the talks in November were the fifth direct meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the span of two years. They signed a plan of action, so homework for the two governments with precise objectives and precise areas where to develop our collaboration, he added.

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When asked further about the key areas of collaboration, Ambassador Bartoli said: The areas are trade and investments. We want to raise the trade and investment relationship in both directions. The other areas of collaboration are in mobility, in space and defence as a priority sector, Bartoli told Firstpost.

We are also focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), where Italy is one of the key terminals, like India. We are focusing on collaboration in science and technology. We just had a business in the Science and Technology forum to increase the relationship between our universal research and IT innovation, he added.

The Italian envoy noted that the country is planning to create an innovation sector in India to foster the dialogue between the innovation ecosystem. We are translating all these programs into concrete actions, he concluded.

The conversation took place on the sidelines of the launch of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation in New Delhi. It is a non-profit Foundation dedicated to building structured, ethical, and circular pathways for global talent mobility.

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Security forces have arrested two terror associates in Jammu and Kashmirs Budgam district during a routine checkpoint operation. They seized weapons, including a pistol, a grenade, and 15 live rounds. read more

An Indian paramilitary trooper stands guard as commuters walk along a street in Srinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the military "operational freedom" to respond to a deadly attack in Kashmir that New Delhi has blamed on arch-rival Pakistan. AFP

Security forces have arrested two associates of terrorists during a routine checkpoint operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Budgam district and recovered live ammunition, India Today reported.

A pistol, a grenade, and 15 live rounds were also recovered from the suspects. A case has been registered, and an investigation is currently underway.

Security has been tightened across the region following the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 peoplemostly touristswere killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

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This development comes as Indian forces responded strongly after the Pakistani Army fired across the border for the 12th consecutive night along the Line of Control. Tensions have been rising between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

UNSC discusses India-Pakistan

The UN Security Council has begun closed-door discussions at Pakistans request due to the worsening situation.

The 15-member Council met for around an hour and a half on Monday but did not issue any official statement following the meeting.

Pakistan, which currently holds a non-permanent seat on the Council, had requested the meeting to address the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Tensions escalates at LoC

The Indian Army responded to small-arms fire from across the border in areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor.

The United Nations Security Council held a closed-door meeting where envoys urged calm and dialogue between the two countries.

Meanwhile, India is urgently preparing the Baglihar and Salal hydropower plants on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir to store and manage water flow to Pakistan during the winter. This includes limited flushing and desilting of the reservoirs.

Similar procedures will soon be carried out on other dams to enhance water storage within India. The move is part of a broader strategy to control the flow of the western riversIndus, Jhelum, and Chenabto Pakistan, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after last months terror attack in Pahalgam.

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Japan walks a diplomatic tightrope amid China-US trade war over Trumps tariffs. Tokyo strengthens trade ties with Washington while reopening dialogue with Beijing. Read on for more details read more

US President Donald Trump meets with Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House in Washington, US, earlier in February, 2025. Image: REUTERS

Just as Japans top trade negotiator travelled to Washington for another round of tariff talks last week, a bipartisan delegation bearing the name of Japan-China Friendship wrapped up a visit to Beijing.

A week earlier, the head of the junior party in Japans ruling coalition was in Beijing delivering a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Details of the letter are unknown, but the two sides discussed US tariffs in addition to bilateral issues.

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Among all US allies being wooed by Beijing in its tariff stare-down with Washington, Japan stands out.

It is a peculiar case not only for its staunch commitment to its alliance with the United States but also for its complicated and uneasy history with the neighbouring Asian giant  particularly the war history from the 20th century that still casts a shadow over the politics of today.

On one hand, they are neighbours and they are important economic partners. Theres a lot that connects Japan and China, said Matthew Goodman, director of the Greenberg Centre for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations. But on the other hand, I think there are limits to how far theyre going to lean into China. While Japan wont walk away from its alliance with the United States, the linchpin of the Asian countrys diplomacy and security policies, its also true that the tariffs and uncertainty that Trump has created for Japan is really shaking things up in Tokyo, Goodman said.

Last month, President Donald Trump announced a 24% tariff on Japanese goods in a sweeping plan to levy duties on about 90 countries. The White House has since paused the tariffs but a 10% baseline duty on all countries except China, allowing time for negotiations. Still, Trumps 25% tax on aluminum, steel and auto exports have gone into effect for Japan.

The tariff moves, as well as Trumps America First agenda, have cast doubts among the Japanese if the United States is still a dependable ally, while China is rallying support from tariff-threatened countries  including Japan.

In Beijing, Japan sees positive signs When Tetsuo Saito led Japans Komeito Party delegation to Beijing in late April, China hinted at difficulty in its tariff dispute with the United States, signaling its willingness to improve ties with Tokyo. An unnamed senior Chinese official said his country was in trouble when discussing Trumps 145% tariff on Chinese products, according to Japanese reports.

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Saitos visit was soon followed by that of the bipartisan delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians Union. Zhao Leji, Beijings top legislator, told the delegation that Chinas National Peoples Congress would be willing to carry out various forms of dialogue and exchanges. Beijing did not lift a ban on Japans seafood imports as the Japanese delegates hoped, but it signaled positive signs on its assessment of the safety of the discharges of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Beijing banned Japans seafood products in 2023, citing those concerns.

Ties between Tokyo and Beijing have long been rocky. In the past several years, they squabbled not only over the seafood ban but also long-standing territorial disputes over the Senkaku, or Diaoyu, islands in the East China Sea, Beijings growing military assertiveness and violence against Japanese nationals in China  an issue complicated by the nations uneasy history.

Tokyos closer ties with Washington during Joe Bidens presidency also upset Beijing, which saw it as part of the US strategy to contain China and has lectured Tokyo to face squarely and reflect on the history of aggression. An imperial power in Asia for centuries, China fell behind Japan in the 19th century when Japan began to embrace Western industrialization and grew into a formidable economic and military power. It invaded China in the 1930s and controlled the northeastern territory known as Manchuria. War atrocities, including the Nanking Massacre and the use of chemical and biological weapons and human medical experiments in Manchuria, have left deep scars in China. They have yet to be healed, though Japans conservative politicians today still attempt to deny the aggression.

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Ishiba, elected Japans prime minister in October, has a more neutral view on his countrys wartime history than the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his two successors. Weeks after taking office, Ishiba held talks with Xi on the sidelines of a leaders summit.

Chinese scholars, however, see Tokyos recent engagements with Beijing as a pragmatic move to hedge against US protectionism and not a long-term strategy for stability with China.

The odds are low for Japan to move into Chinas orbit, Goodman said. They have for a long time had to manage an important but challenging relationship with China," he said. And that is, again, a long-standing problem for Japan, going back centuries or millennia. Seeking tariff deals and stable ties in the US While Japan might welcome the friendlier tone from Beijing, it is trying to stabilize Japan-US relations under Trumps America First agenda, and it is hoping to settle the tariff dispute without confronting Washington, with an eye on preventing Beijing from exploiting any fallout in Japan-US relations.

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Japan was among the first countries to hold tariff talks with Washington. During the first round in mid-April, Trump inserted himself into the discussions, a sign of the high stakes for the United States to reach a deal with Japan. The Trump administration reportedly pushed for Japan to buy more US-made cars and open its market to US beef, rice and potatoes.

After the second round of negotiation in Washington last week, Ryosei Akazawa, the countrys chief tariff negotiator, said he pushed Japans request that the US drop tariffs and was continuing efforts toward an agreement acceptable to both sides. He said Japans auto industry was already hurting from the 25% tariff and that he needed to be thorough but fast. Asked about China, Akazawa said only that his country keeps watching the US-China tariff development with great interest." He noted Japans deep trade ties with China.

Competing in Southeast Asia While China and Japan are working to mend ties, the two are also competing in the Southeast Asia region, where Trump has threatened high tariffs as well. The region is deeply integrated into Chinas supply chain but under pressure from the West to diversify and reduce its reliance on China. With younger and growing populations as compared to East Asia, the region is considered an important growth centre.

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Japan, as a major postwar development aid contributor, has gradually regained trust in the region, which also was scarred by Japans World War II past.

On Wednesday, Ishiba returned from Vietnam and the Philippines after agreeing with their leaders to further strengthen security and economic ties. During the visit, Ishiba stressed Japans commitment to maintaining and strengthening a multilateral free-trade system in each country. Ishiba also had telephone talks with his Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts earlier this month about US tariffs.

Just weeks earlier, Xi was in Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, also stressing free trade and seeking stronger supply chains.

At a recent discussion at the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute, Itsunori Onodera, Japans governing party policy chief, warned of very unstable feelings among many Asian countries faced with high tariffs from the United States.

Theres a danger they might become more distant and become closer to China, Onodera said. This is not something that Japan wants, either.

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(Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff)
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon introduced proposed legislation that would require social media sites to verify that users were at least 16 years old, or face fines of up to NZ$2 million read more

On Tuesday, New Zealands prime minister recommended banning children under the age of 16 from social media, emphasising the need to protect them from the dangers of giant internet platforms.

With violent and offensive content flooding social media platforms, policymakers and regulators in several countries are debating how to ensure physical and mental safety of children

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon introduced proposed legislation that would require social media sites to verify that users were at least 16 years old, or face fines of up to NZ$2 million.

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Australia, a leader in international attempts to control social media, recently approved stringent regulations that served as the foundation for the proposed ban.

Its time that New Zealand acknowledged that, for all the good things that come from social media, its not always a safe place for our young people to be, Luxon told reporters.

Its time we put the onus on these platforms to protect vulnerable children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.

It was not clear when the legislation would be introduced to parliament, but Luxon said he was hopeful of garnering support across the chamber.

The laws were drafted by Luxons centre-right National Party, the biggest member in New Zealands three-way governing coalition.

To be passed they would need the support of Luxons two other coalition partners.

Parents are constantly telling us that they are really worried about the impact that social media is having on their children, Luxon said.

And they say they are really struggling to manage access to social media.

Online exposure

National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd, who drafted the bill, said it would hold social media companies to account.

As a mother of four children I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their childrens online exposure, she said.

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The proposed laws do not specify which social media companies would be covered in New Zealand.

Last year, New Zealand banned children from using mobile phones while at school  a policy designed to turn around the countrys plummeting literacy rates.

Australia passed landmark laws in November restricting under-16s from social media  one of the worlds toughest crackdowns on popular sites such as Facebook, Instagram and X.

But video-sharing website YouTube will likely be exempt from Australias ban so children can use it for their school work.

Officials are yet to solve basic questions surrounding the laws, such as how the ban will be policed.

The move sparked a fierce backlash from big tech companies who variously described the laws as rushed, vague, and problematic.

Australias ban is set to come into effect by December.
The AM3505 is capable of tracking enemy movements at distances of up to 350 kilometers and detecting aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet, according to a report read more

Pakistan's national flag at the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, Pakistan on August 14, 2022. Reuters File

Pakistan has unveiled its first long-range ground surveillance radar, the AM3505, designed to monitor Indian military activity across both land and air.

According to a News 18 report, the AM3505 - co-developed by the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and Blue Surge - is capable of tracking enemy movements at distances of up to 350 kilometers and detecting aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet.

The radar system can also identify friend or foe equipment  including artillery, tanks, and aircraft  at ranges of up to 450 kilometers, added the report.

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The radar is equipped with advanced anti-jamming technology, enabling reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions such as fog, rain, and storms.

It can be fully operational within 30 minutes and operates on just 400 watts of power.

Featuring a portable design, the system can be quickly deployed and relocated, enhancing Pakistans overall defensive flexibility.

The AM3505 reflects the dedication and innovation of Pakistani scientists and engineers in advancing the nations technological self-reliance.

With inputs from agencies
Two weeks have elapsed since the Pahalgam massacre of tourists and its now becoming clear that Pakistan had wargamed the response to the terror attack well in advance. Now, amid rising tensions with India, Pakistan is counting on China to save the day but it depends on whether Beijing sanctioned the attack or not. read more

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif react after unveiling a plaque to mark the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport, during a ceremony at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad, Pakistan October 14, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Since the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has conducted missile tests, naval and aerial drills, emptied terrorist facilities in bordering areas, ramped up nuclear weapons rhetoric, and mounted a disinformation campaign.

The missile tests and naval drills kept any Indian naval operation at bay. The constant rhetoric of an imminent attack ensured that no Indian attack took place  India would not attack in the time chosen by Pakistan.

Pakistans actions suggest that the military-intelligence establishment had wargamed the response to the Pahalgam attack well in advance and preparations for the response must have started right after the India-Pakistan confrontation in 2019 after the Pulwama attack, says Yusuf Unjhawala, a scholar of geopolitics at the Takshashila Institution.

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ALSO READ: As India vows response to Pahalgam, why is Pakistan itching for war?

While drivers for the Pahalgam attack, which could not have taken place without the go-ahead from Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir, are entirely domestic, such as restoring the primacy of the Pakistani military, there is an external element that could be the decisive factor in any India-Pakistan confrontation. That factor is China.

Pakistan wargamed response to Pahalgam attack well in advance

Everything that Pakistan has done so far after the Pahalgam attack is part of a calculated, pre-decided plan.

For instance, daily cross-border firing is not merely military aggression that is a result of Pakistans decision to up the ante with India, but it is an effort to prevent any cross-border action from India, such as the one in 2016 in response to the Uri attack.

If the entire border is lit up, as it is since the Pahalgam attack, a cross-border action would be highly unlikely. Similarly, Pakistans military drills that extended almost to the edge of Indias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) put a check on Indian naval activities, says Unjhawala.

Moreover, Indian intelligence has assessed that Pakistan has emptied camps and launchpads in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) in an apparent effort to prevent India from carrying out any targeted strikes.

While it is natural for countries to hold military drills and weapons demonstrations in times of tensions, the kind of drills that Pakistan is holding are intended to deter an attack from India and convey preparedness for any confrontation.

The Hatf-II missile has a range of 450 kilometres and the test-launch was conducted in the east-west direction, telling India that the mainland is within reach. The Fatah missile has a range of 120 kms. Pakistan has also unveiled the long-range ground surveillance radar AM-3505, which is supposed to monitor Indian military activity on land and in the air. It is aimed at monitoring Indian military activity across land and air up to 350 kms away on ground and 60,000 feet in the sky.

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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

Unjhawala tells Firstpost, Everything that we have seen so far suggests that, after the Pulwama-Balakot episode, Pakistan had wargamed how it would respond the next time a major terrorist attack would be carried out inside India. Pakistan is now following that plan to deter or at least delay an Indian response and internationalise the issue in an attempt to blunt any Indian response.

Will China come to Pakistans aid?

For years, India has been preparing for what has been called a two-front situation in which India faces confrontations with Pakistan and China at the same time.

Pakistan would want China to get involved in the conflict, but that is not certain despite the two countries being iron brothers.

Pakistan would want China to get involved, but Chinas involvement would depend on the fact whether it approved or sanctioned the Pahalgam attack, says Unjhawala.

It is understood that India does not wish to enter into a full-scale war with Pakistan because of the possibility of China indirectly entering the war on Pakistans side. While military planners have long been concerned about scenarios in which Indias borders with both Pakistan and China might see simultaneous battles, China may not need to open a second front at all. China may rather fight India via Pakistan.

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China would fight India to the last Pakistani. Nothing would suit China more than an India-Pakistan war. China would bankroll Pakistans war on India if it concludes that the war would harm India substantially  and it will harm India substantially. Chinas principal aim with India is to bog down the country and subdue it. China wants to prevent India from emerging as a power in the region. The India-Pakistan war would provide the best opportunity. Thats why India has to avoid a full-scale war, says Unjhawala.

ALSO READ: How Modi govt avoided Chinas strategic ambush by delaying kinetic action against Pakistan

For China, the stakes are much higher than Pakistan. For years, India and others had been chipping away at manufacturing concentrated in China. Indias production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes have ramped up manufacturing in some sectors like mobile phones.

Recently, plans of Apple to shift manufacturing of iPhones for the United States to India from China had surfaced. Along with like-minded countries, India had also been tackling Chinese hegemonic designs in the Indo-Pacific and checking its influence in the Global South.

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With a war-ravaged economy, however, India would neither be able to attract investments for manufacturing nor check Chinese advances in the world. For China, an India-Pakistan war would be a chance it would not want to miss.

But Pakistan didnt wargame one thing

While Pakistan appears to have planned how to manage India after the Pahalgam attack, it appears that the wargame skipped one element: the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the world in an extremely rare speech in English that India would pursue terrorists and their backers to the ends of the Earth, Pakistans rhetoric barely mentioned it. What really rattled Pakistan was the suspension of the Indus treaty  Pakistan called it an act of war.

Pakistan has valid reasons to be rattled. Around four-fifths of the nations agriculture and one-third of its hydropower depend on the Indus river system. Moreover, agriculture accounts for one-fourths of its economy.

While India cannot stop the Indus river systems waters from flowing into Pakistan, it can tamper with the flow that can affect the availability of water for agriculture, hydropower generation, and other purposes at times of high requirement, such as in summers, according to Prof Medha Bisht, a scholar of water governance and transboundary issues in the subcontinent at the South Asia University, Delhi.

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The Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban after India cut the flow of water through the dam on the Chenab river following suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. PTI

Now that the Indus treaty is in abeyance, India is no longer obliged to share information related to the release or restriction of waters and that gives India the ability to induce water-scarcity or floods in Pakistan with sudden release of water or reduction in the flow without notice, as per Bisht.

ALSO READ: With Indus Waters Treatys suspension, India is playing long game to corner Pakistan

The effect is already being felt. India has started to maximise the retention of waters in Chenab, one of the Indus systems rivers. Pakistans Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has said that the kharif crop season could face a 21 per cent water shortage if India continues to withhold Chenabs waters.

What are Indias options?

As the India-Pakistan border is hot almost consistently, a cross-border ground operation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is unlikely. It would not make much sense anyway as most of the terrorists have been withdrawn from the area.

India has to strike decisively enough to enforce deterrence, but has to plan escalation in a way that does not lead to a full-scale war. The strikes would also have to set a new normal in the India-Pakistan relationship  the kind of new normal that the response to the Pulwama attack established.

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Unjhawala, the geopolitical expert at Takshashila, says that India should go for some demonstrable hits like strikes at headquarters of terrorist organisations, such as the Lashkar-e-Taibas in Punjabs Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammeds in Punjabs Bahawalpur.

Even if these headquarters and other seminaries have been emptied, India should hit them with missiles, perhaps with a dozen Brahmos missiles. That would demonstrate the ability to strike inside Pakistan as well as leave room for de-escalation as that would allow Pakistan to claim that no damage was done and seek an off-ramp if it would desire so, says Unjhawala.

However, Unjhawala does not expect any imminent Indian attack despite whatever Pakistani leaders might say.

It is understood that Indian military action would take place before the election cycle kicks in later this year. First, the government has committed to an action so it would face backlash if nothing happens.

Second, the government would want to avoid criticism by timing the attack, and possibly a long-drawn conflict, around the time of elections that could potentially derail the exercise. A lot also depends on how Pakistans domestic situation evolves  particularly in the wake of the Indus treatys suspension.

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The best case for India would be a pre-emptive Pakistani attack that would allow India more justification and liberty to respond and make it harder for China to come to Pakistans side strongly, says Unjhawala.

Pakistan may be forced into launching a pre-emptive attack if summer crops die from the water crisis caused by the Indus Waters Treatys suspension. After Imran Khans campaign, the Armys reputation is already in tatters. There is already unrest in Sindh. Dead crops in Punjab and Sindh may be the last straw for these two areas. If these two areas rise up, Pakistan may be forced into making a pre-emptive strike," says Unjhawala.
Security forces have arrested another Pakistani intruder near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch sector. This is the 3rd such arrest in 3 days, as vigilance remains high following the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam. read more

A Pakistani national was arrested along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch sector on Tuesday, as security remains tight in the border areas with Pakistan following the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

This is the third such incident in which an intruder has been apprehended by security forces since the attack. Among those arrested is also a Pakistani Ranger.

On the night of 34 May, the Border Security Force (BSF) detained another Pakistani civilian attempting to cross into India in Gurdaspur, Punjab. The previously arrested Pakistani intruder, identified as Muhammad Hussain, was handed over to the Punjab Police and remains in their custody.

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Indian forces also captured a Pakistani ranger in Rajasthan on Saturday. This occurred days after a BSF constable accidentally crossed the border and was detained by Pakistani forces.

The BSF constable, Purnam Kumar Shaw, has been in Pakistani custody for over a week, sources said on Saturday (May 3). He crossed the border by mistake while on patrol.

Sources stated that several rounds of talks have taken place between Indian and Pakistani officials to secure his release, but Pakistan has so far refused, citing heightened tensions following a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people.

Effective civil defence mock drills across the nation

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered 244 districts to take part in effective civil defence drills on 7 May due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

A nationwide civil defence drill is planned for 7 May in states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, the central government announced on Monday.

This comes amid increased tensions between India and Pakistan following the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
The India-UK FTA, which covers goods and services, is central to the UKs Plan for Change and is expected to unlock new economic opportunities for both countries read more

PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with his UK counterpart PM Keir Starmer at the G20 Summit that took place in Brazil. Image courtesy: X.com/@narendramodi

India and the United Kingdom have officially concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a Double Contribution Convention, marking a major leap in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a phone call on Tuesday (May 6), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a historic milestone that will boost trade, investment, innovation, and job creation. The agreement, which covers goods and services, is central to the UKs Plan for Change and is expected to unlock new economic opportunities for both countries.

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Heres the full statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on the same:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom H.E. Sir Keir Starmer had a telephone conversation today. The two leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of an ambitious and mutually beneficial IndiaUK Free Trade Agreement along with the Double Contribution Convention. The Leaders described it a historic milestone in the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that would foster trade, investment, innovation and job creation in both the economies. Both agreed that the landmark agreements between the two big and open market economies of the world will open new opportunities for businesses, strengthen economic linkages, and deepen people-to-people ties. PM Starmer said that strengthening alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of their Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy. The two leaders agreed that expanding economic and commercial ties between India and the UK remain a cornerstone of the increasingly robust and multifaceted partnership. The conclusion of a balanced, equitable and ambitious FTA, covering trade in goods and services, is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, generate new avenues for employment, raise living standards, and improve the overall well-being of citizens in both countries. It will also unlock new potential for the two nations to jointly develop products and services for global markets. This agreement cements the strong foundations of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and paves the way for a new era of collaboration and prosperity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Starmer to visit India. The leaders agreed to remain in touch.
Polands government has long viewed itself as a frontline state in Europes response to Russian aggression, particularly given its role as a central hub for delivering military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia on Sunday. Reuters

Polands digital affairs minister has warned that the country is facing an unprecedented attempt by Russia to interfere in its upcoming presidential election, as the campaign enters its final stretch ahead of the first round of voting on May 18.

Speaking at a defence conference on Tuesday (May 6), Krzysztof Gawkowski said the Kremlin was stepping up its hybrid warfare against Poland, combining disinformation campaigns with cyberattacks aimed at paralysing critical infrastructure and disrupting democratic processes.

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During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt to interfere in the electoral process from the Russian side, Gawkowski said.

This is being done (by) spreading disinformation in combination with hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure in order to paralyse the normal functioning of the state, he added.

Gawkowski detailed a surge in cyber intrusions targeting water and sewage systems, power plants, heating facilities, and various state administration bodies. He claimed the level of Russian cyber activity in Poland had more than doubled compared to last year.

Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded, he said.

Polands government has long viewed itself as a frontline state in Europes response to Russiaa moves, particularly given its role as a central hub for delivering military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Officials have repeatedly sounded the alarm over Moscows efforts to destabilise Polish institutions through digital means.

Warsaw said in March that the Polish space agency was hit by a cyberattack, and last year, the state news agency was also likely targeted in a separate incident linked to Russian actors.

Allegations of Russian involvement in subversive activities have not been confined to Poland. cancelled its presidential election in December amid similar concerns over Russian meddling. Moscow, for its part, has consistently denied involvement in foreign electoral interference and criticised Romanias decision to suspend the vote.

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The Russian embassy in Warsaw did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Poland and its allies have also accused Russia of being behind a wider campaign of sabotage across Europe, including suspected acts of arson. The Kremlin has dismissed those claims as unfounded.

With less than two weeks until Poles head to the polls, officials in Warsaw remain on high alert, bracing for further attempts to destabilise the election process.

With inputs from Reuters
When Pope Francis took over the Vaticans leadership in 2013, the church was marred by an unsettled sex abuse crisis that played a role in destroying its reputation and forced many believers to question the church read more

Cardinals stand during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. AP

The incidents of past sexual abuse cases will be one of the many battles the next pope has to fight, as victims urge the next leadership to engage in those discussions ahead of the papal conclave.

Pope Franciss death has caused a gaping hole in the handling of sexual harassment cases that were once dealt with by him to some extent. Survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of cardinals across the world have gathered in Rome ahead of the papal conclave slated for tomorrow.

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Ending Clergy Abuse, an advocacy group for survivors from 20 countries, said, I think its very important to remind them that we will not go away.

Last week, Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, revealed that during pre-conclave meetings earlier in the week, cardinals addressed the issue of sexual abuse within the Church. They regarded it as a wound to be kept open to ensure the problem remains acknowledged and to identify tangible ways for healing.

How has Pope Francis dealt with sex abuse crisis?

When Pope Francis took over the Vaticans leadership in 2013, the church was marred by an unsettled sex abuse crisis that played a role in destroying its reputation and forced many believers to question the church.

Francis is recognised for taking measures that were notably more decisive than those of his two predecessors, who faced the initial wave of outrage when the clergy abuse scandal erupted. However, Francis also faltered at times, and clerical abuse continues to be a deeply damaging issue that his successor will have to confront.

In 2019, Francis took one of the first steps to respond to the crisis by ordering cardinals from across the world to make the protection of children a global priority. The most significant step was when he personally met some of the survivors.

He also introduced, and later expanded, the Churchs most extensive law to address the crisis, holding clericsranging from seminarians to cardinalsaccountable for sexually abusing children, minors, or vulnerable adults, as well as for covering up such abuse.

Sexual abuse still a Western problem

Marie Collins, a former member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, told the New York Times, In many countries in the non-Western world, abuse is still looked on as the Western problem.

There are very strong forces in the church, not just in the Vatican, that are still of the traditional view that cant confront this issue because it destroys the reputation of the church. Its clericalism at its worst," she added.

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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, argues that the cardinals should also consider how each papal candidate has responded to abuse allegations. Last month, the organization launched Conclave Watch, an initiative focused on examining how certain cardinals have handled abuse cases.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday discussed the progress talks between Iran and the United States with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow supports achieving a fair nuclear deal between the United States and Iran. The Kremlin said that Russia is prepared to assist in advancing the negotiations.

The Kremlins summary of the call between Putin and Pezeshkian indicated Russias commitment to fostering dialogue aimed at reaching an equitable agreement based on international law principles.

Putin expressed Russias willingness to facilitate discussions between Iran and the US to secure a fair deal.

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Additionally, the leaders addressed bilateral relations, including the development of significant energy projects, according to the Kremlin.
Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured full support to Indias all actions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives read more

Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured full support to Indias all actions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Strongly condemning the attack, the Qatari leader conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the people of India in their fight against terrorism.

In a telephonic conversation with PM @narendramodi today, the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani @TamimBinHamad conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people of India at the loss of lives in the cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2025

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In a telephonic conversation with PM@narendramodi today, the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani @TamimBinHamad conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people of India at the loss of lives in the cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He expressed full support in Indias fight against terrorism and all its actions to bring the perpetrators to justice, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The statement said that PM Modi thanked Sheikh Tamim for his clear message of support and solidarity.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to deepen India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and to implement the decisions taken during the State Visit of the Amir earlier this year, the statement added.

According to News 18, this marks a notable shift from Qatars earlier balanced stance on the issue.

The call from the Emir is seen as especially important at a time when some Muslim-majority countries are aligning themselves with Pakistan.

While the Emir also spoke with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, it was Dar who initiated the call and provided a briefing, in contrast to India, which received a direct call from the Emir himself  highlighting the strength of the newly established India-Qatar strategic partnership, reported News 18.

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The Emirs message of support for India comes shortly after both nations elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic level during the Qatari leaders state visit earlier this year.

With inputs from agencies
Just three days before the Red Square parade, Kyiv launched a barrage of drone attacks targeting Moscow, forcing the closure of four major airports in the capital city for several hours read more

Participants take part in a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade on Dvortsovaya Square in Saint Petersburg on April 30, 2025. Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. AFP Photo

Russia on Tuesday said that while the Victory Day ceasefire will go ahead as planned, but added that it will respond to attacks from Ukraine, if any. The halt in fire will be practised from May 8 to 10.

President (Vladimir) Putins initiative for a temporary ceasefire remains in force, the Kremlins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, but added that an adequate response will be given immediately if Ukraine does not also halt combat operations.

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Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he does not believe Russia would adhere to a three-day truce and called for a longer ceasefire.

This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire, Zelenskyy 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.

Just three days before the Red Square parade, Kyiv launched a barrage of drone attacks targeting Moscow, forcing the closure of four major airports in the capital city for several hours.

The mayor of the capital city, Sergei Sobyanin, claimed that Russia had downed 19 Ukrainian drones before they reached Moscow from different directions. He added that some of the debris had fallen on key highways across the city, however, there were no casualties.

Putin has used WWII narratives to justify sending troops to Ukraine, vowing in 2022 to de-Nazify the country and has since compared the current conflict to the Soviet war effort.

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He has repeatedly accused the West of not recognising Moscows feats in WWII and has argued that the Soviet Union was the wars main victor.

With inputs from agencies
Russia and Ukraine swapped 205 prisoners of war each in an exchange mediated by the United Arab Emirates, both sides said on Tuesday. read more

A man stands as a Ukrainian fireman finishes to put out a fire at the "Barabashovo" market following a drone strike in Kharkiv on May 6, 2025 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Image- AFP

Russia and Ukraine swapped 205 prisoners of war each in an exchange mediated by the United Arab Emirates, both sides said on Tuesday.

Today, Ukraine has brought back 205 warriors, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram app, thanking the UAE for their help.

Russias human rights ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova thanked Russias defence ministry and other agencies involved.

For many families, today has become a celebration of reunification  anxiety and uncertainty have given way to the joy of a loved one returning home, she said.

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Ukraines prisoners of war affairs organisation said the returned prisoners consisted of 202 enlisted men and three officers from various parts of the military and national guard.

It said todays swap was the fifth this year and the 64th of the entire war, which has run for more than 38 months.

Meanwhile, a barrage of Ukrainian drones forced Russian airports, including in Moscow, to restrict flights on Tuesday, three days before the Kremlin holds its grand military parade on Red Square to mark victory over Nazi Germany.

Hours later, the Kremlin said it still planned to stick to a three-day truce it proposed starting Thursday  which Ukraine has said is just for the parade on May 9.

Kyiv has denounced the proposal as theatrical and a manipulation  instead demanding a longer, immediate ceasefire as a step towards ending three years of conflict, which began with the launch of Russias full-scale offensive in 2022.

President (Vladimir) Putins initiative for a temporary ceasefire during the holidays is relevant, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.

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But he added that an adequate response will be given immediately if Ukraine does not also halt fire.

Speculation has swirled over the safety of Moscows May 9 parade  which Russia has vowed will be its grandest ever, to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

It will take place in the shadow of the conflict and as the United States pushes for both sides to end the fighting, so far to no avail.

Around 20 leaders are expected to attend the Red Square parade  including Chinas Xi Jinping, due to arrive Wednesday.
Sudans government has consistently accused the UAE of arming the RSF. Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim alleged that the UAE escalated its involvement by supplying the paramilitary with strategic advanced weapons read more

A leaked UN experts report had earlier turned the heat on UAE due to speculation of its role in the Sudan war. Reuters

Sudans army-aligned government has announced a dramatic severing of diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of being an aggressor state. Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim delivered the startling announcement in a televised speech on Tuesday (May 6), stating that Sudan would withdraw its ambassador and shut its embassy and consulate in the UAE.

Ibrahim levelled serious accusations against the UAE, claiming it violated Sudans sovereignty through its alleged support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These forces have been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023.

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The entire world has witnessed, for more than two years, the crime of aggression against Sudans sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens by the UAE, acting through its local proxy, the terrorist RSF militia, Ibrahim declared. He further alleged that the UAE escalated its involvement by supplying the RSF with strategic advanced weapons following the armys reclaiming of Khartoum in March.

Sudans government has consistently accused the UAE of arming the RSF, accusations that Abu Dhabi has vigorously denied. Despite these denials, Ibrahim stated that Sudan would respond to the aggression by all means necessary to preserve the countrys sovereignty and ensure the protection of its civilians.

This governments decision came on the heels of a series of drone strikes on Port Sudan, the countrys de facto capital, which had until recently been largely spared from the violence. These strikes marked the third consecutive day of attacks, heightening tensions in the already war-torn nation.

The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing 13 million people. It has also spurred one of the worlds largest displacement and hunger crises. The war has effectively split the nation in two, with the army controlling the north, east, and centre, while the RSF holds sway over much of the western Darfur region and parts of the south.

With inputs from AFP
Military sources told Reuters that the RSF used a drone at dawn to bomb the fuel storage facilities that they described as civilian infrastructure read more

A general view shows large plume of smoke and fire rising from fuel depot after what military sources told Reuters is a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone attack in Port Sudan targetting fuel storage facilities in Port Sudan, Sudan. Reuters

Sudans 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.

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, Sudans energy and petroleum minister Mohiedienn Naiem Mohamed Saied said.

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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.

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 countrys main seaport, airport and the armys 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.
The ministry said the main purpose of the trip was to promote Taiwan President Lai Ching-tes roadmap to deepen Taiwan-U.S. ties and facilitate Taiwanese investment in the country read more

Taiwans foreign minister will visit the U.S. state of Texas to speak at a forum on artificial intelligence (AI) and promote business and trade ties, his office said on Tuesday, as Taipei seeks to bolster investment and see off the threat of tariffs.

Goods from tech powerhouse Taiwan had been due to face U.S. import tariffs of 32% until U.S. President Donald Trump paused the plan last month for 90 days.

Taiwan has since begun tariff talks with the United States, and promised to purchase more U.S. goods and invest more in the country as a way to seek more balanced trade.

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Taiwans foreign ministry said that its minister, Lin Chia-lung, would speak at a Taiwan-Texas AI summit in the state on Friday, and be accompanied by an industry delegation, including from the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association.

The ministry said the main purpose of the trip was to promote Taiwan President Lai Ching-tes roadmap to deepen Taiwan-U.S. ties and facilitate Taiwanese investment in the country.

The ministry said it looked forward to Lins visit to Texas with the delegation to deepen our mutually beneficial partnership with the United States and Texas in a number of economic and trade areas.

Last month, Taiwanese contract electronics manufacturer Inventec agreed to invest up to $85 million to build manufacturing facilities in Texas.

Chinese-claimed Taiwan does not have formal diplomatic ties with the United States, but the country is Taiwans most important international backer and arms supplier.

Despite the lack of formal relations, Taiwanese foreign ministers and other senior officials do on occasion visit the United States.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House on Tuesday for his first talks with Donald Trump and bluntly told the US president that Canada would never be for sale. read more

In their first face-to-face meeting, US President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney exchanged pleasantries and pointed disagreements, clashing on trade tariffs, the future of Canada-US relations and the controversial idea of Canada joining the US as its 51st state.

The Oval Office talks which began on a friendly note grew tense as Trump refused to lift tariffs and Carney firmly rejected any suggestion of Canadian statehood. Here are the key takeaways from their meeting:

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Trump doubles down on tariffs, Carney stands firm on sovereignty

The meeting between Donald Trump and Mark Carney ended on a tense note as the US president refused to lift tariffs on Canadian imports, insisting the US doesnt need cars or steel from its northern neighbour. Carney, in turn, reiterated Canadas sovereignty, saying that Canada is not for salea stance that reportedly helped him win his recent election. Trump playfully responded, never say never, while Carney mouthed never to reporters.

Trump revives 51st state idea, Carney pushes back

Despite the light tone at times, Trump revisited his controversial suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. He called it a potential wonderful marriage but acknowledged it would take two sides to agree. Carney firmly rejected the notion both publicly and privately, stating, It wont be for sale ever. Trump responded that Canada loves us and we love Canada, hinting that anything could happen over time.

Uncertainty looms over USMCA as Trump questions its future

Trump cast doubt on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), suggesting the trade pact may no longer be necessary. He described it as a transitional deal that may soon be up for renegotiation. While Carney acknowledged that some elements of USMCA might need updating, he emphasised the agreement as a foundation for further dialogue.

Houthis ceasefire prompts Trump to halt airstrikes

During the meeting, Trump made a significant foreign policy announcement unrelated to Canada: the US would immediately halt its bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen. He said the Houthis had signalled they no longer wanted to fight and had promised to stop targeting ships. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trumps remarks, calling it a positive development for global shipping security.

A more conciliatory tone toward Carney

While Trump held firm on trade issues, his tone toward Carney marked a shift from past interactions with Canadian leaders. He praised the new prime minister as a very talented person and jokingly claimed some credit for Carneys electoral win. In contrast to the contentious relationship he had with former PM Justin Trudeau, Trumps approach this time was noticeably more diplomatic, if still punctuated by provocative remarks.
The UK on Tuesday agreed a free trade agreement with India, its biggest such deal since leaving the European Union, after negotiations relaunched in February following US tariff threats. read more

Britain and India announced Tuesday that they have agreed on a long-stalled free trade agreement that will slash tariffs on Scotch whisky and scores of other products. The deal comes more than three years after negotiations started and stalled under a previous British government.

Britain has sought to bolster trade ties across the world since it left the EU at the start of the decade, a need that strengthened after the United States unleashed tariffs that risk weaker economic growth.

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Following is the chronology of the developments that led to the conclusion of the India-UK free trade agreement.

May 4, 2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (the then) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) to unleash the trade potential between the two economies. As part of the ETP, they agreed on a roadmap to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA.

Jan 13, 2022: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the United Kingdom, along with the then UK Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan in New Delhi.

Both parties agreed to start the first round of negotiations on 17-28 January and hold future rounds of negotiations approximately every five weeks.

Jan 2022 - Jan 2025: A total of 14 rounds of negotiations were held between officials of the two countries.

March 2024: Negotiations were paused due to Indian general elections; both sides agreed to resume discussions post-election.

February 2025: Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds announced the resumption of negotiations. It was resumed after a gap of over eight months because of elections in Britain.

Apr 28, 2025: Goyal visited London for the FTA talks with his UK counterpart, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

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May 2, 2025: Goyal again held discussions with Reynolds.

May 6, 2025: India and the UK announced the conclusion of negotiations for FTA, along with the Double Contribution Convention pact.

Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India  one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

His Labour government added it is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the deal as ambitious and mutually beneficial.

The pact will help catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies, Modi said in a post on social media platform X.

His office said in a statement the deal will unlock new potential for the two nations to jointly develop products and services for global markets.

It added that Modi had invited Starmer to visit India at an unspecified date.

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With inputs from agencies
The administrations action marked an expansion of the Republican presidents 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 read more

Asylum seeking migrants, mostly from Venezuela and Cuba, wait to be transported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents after crossing the Rio Grande river into the U.S. from Mexico at Eagle Pass, Texas, US. File image/ Reuters

A federal appeals court rejected on Monday a request by U.S. President Donald Trumps 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 judges order halting the Department of Homeland Securitys move to cut short a two-year parole granted to the migrants under Trumps Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.

The administrations action marked an expansion of the Republican presidents 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.

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The administration argued Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had discretion to categorically end the migrants status and that the judges 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 courts decision. She called the administrations 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.

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U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, on April 25 halted the agencys 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 departments 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 departments ability to legally expedite their deportations.
After Trump made the announcement, Oman said it had mediated a ceasefire deal between the Houthis and the US read more

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the US will stop bombing the Houthis in Yemen, saying that the Iran-aligned group had agreed to stop interrupting important shipping lanes in the Middle East.

After Trump made the announcement, Oman said it had mediated a ceasefire deal between the Houthis and the US, marking a major shift in the Iran-aligned groups policy since the start of Israels war in Gaza in October 2023.

Under the agreement, neither the US nor the Houthis would target the other, including US vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, Oman said in a statement. The statement from Oman did not mention whether the Houthis had agreed to stop attacks on Israel.

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They said please dont bomb us any more and were not going to attack your ships, Trump said of the Houthis during an Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

And I will accept their word, and we are going to stop the bombing of the Houthis effective immediately.

The US intensified strikes on Yemens Iran-backed Houthis this year, to stop attacks on Red Sea shipping. Rights activists have raised concerns over civilian casualties.

Houthi officials did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment

The Houthis have been firing at Israel and at shipping in the Red Sea since Israel began its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza after the Palestinian militant groups deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Trump said Washington will take the Houthis word that they would not be blowing up ships any longer.

The U.S. military has said it has struck more than 1,000 targets since its current operation in Yemen, known as Operation Rough Rider, started on March 15. The strikes, the US military said, have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders.

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Tensions have been high since the Gaza war began, but have risen further since a Houthi missile landed near Israels Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Yemens Hodeidah port on Monday.

The Israeli military carried out an airstrike on Yemens main airport in Sanaa on Tuesday, its second attack in two days on Iran-aligned Houthi rebels after a surge in tensions between the group and Israel.

Under former President Joe Bidens administration, the US and Britain retaliated with air strikes against Houthi targets in an effort to keep open the crucial Red Sea trading route - the path for about 15% of global shipping traffic.

Trump did not say whether Britain had agreed also to the ceasefire.

After Trump became US president in January, he decided to significantly intensify air strikes against the Houthis. The campaign came after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

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On April 28, a suspected US airstrike hit a migrant center in Yemen, and Houthi TV says 68 people were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in six weeks of intensified US strikes.
Moscows mayor Sergei Sobyanin, claimed that Russia had downed 19 Ukrainian drones before they reached Moscow from different directions. He added that some of the debris had fallen on key highways across the city, however, there were no casualties read more

Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets and MiG-29 fighter jets fly over Ivan the Great Bell Tower of the Kremlin during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 5, 2025. AFP

Overnight Ukrainian strikes in the Russian capital of Moscow forced the closure of all four major airports in the city for several hours. The attack, targeting Moscow, was the second strike in a row.

Russias aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia announced on Telegram that the main airports of Moscow were shut down for several hours in response to the drone attacks before they were reopened on Tuesday.

The mayor of the capital city, Sergei Sobyanin, claimed that Russia had downed 19 Ukrainian drones before they reached Moscow from different directions. He added that some of the debris had fallen on key highways across the city, however, there were no casualties.

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Three major Telegram news channels that have links to Russian security services  Bazaar, Mash and Shot  said a drone struck an apartment building near a major road in the south of Moscow, smashing windows.

The consecutive attacks came ahead of Moscow marking this week the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared last week a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to mark the anniversary.

In the Kursk region, acting governor Alexander Khinshtein said an attack was carried out on an electrical substation in the city of Rylsk late Monday, injuring two teenagers.

As a result of the attack on the city, two transformers were damaged, and the power was completely cut off, he said on Telegram.

Victory Day ceasefire

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he does not believe Russia would adhere to a three-day truce to coincide with Moscows Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

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.

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With inputs from agencies
Amid Pakistans escalatory actions, United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres spoke to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the second time in a week and warned against any military aggression read more

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan Asim Munir, reviews the parade at the passing out ceremony of 151st Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, Abbottabad, Pakistan, April 26, 2025. Press Information Department of Pakistan via Reuters

For the second time in a week, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday and warned him against any military aggression amid ongoing tensions with India.

Following the Pahalgam attack, which India has blamed on Pakistan, the tensions between the two countries is at its highest in years. Pakistan has taken several escalatory steps, such as conducting frequent missile tests and moving troops to the border.

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In the call with Shehbaz, Guterres further said that the platform of the UN was open to India and Pakistan for mediation in the conflict.

On his part, Shehbaz appreciated Guterres engagement with both the countries and welcomed his call for de-escalation, according to Pakistani state media.

Pakistan sticks to lies

Even though Guterres asked Pakistan to get off the escalatory, the country stuck to its lies.

In the call with Guterres, Shehbaz said that India had not yet provided any evidence regarding the Pahalgam attack and continued to resort to provocative actions, according to state media.

Shehbaz was further reported as telling Guterres that Pakistan remained seriously concerned at Indias attempts to politicise international financial institutions in an attempt to harm Pakistans economic interests.

Despite Pakistans lies, the UN Security Council (UNSC) put Pakistan under scrutiny at a closed-door meeting on Monday. UNSC members flagged Pakistan for making escalatory moves amid tensions with multiple missile tests and threats of nuclear attacks threats against India. They also rejected the Pakistans claim that the Pahalgam attack, which was claimed by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taibas front organisation The Resistance Front (TRF), was a false flag operation.

Now is the time to step back from the brink

In a separate press briefing, Guterres said that tensions between India and Pakistan remained at the highest levels in many years and it was time to step back from the brink. He also said there was risk of military confrontation spiralling out of control.

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, said Guterres.

Last week, Guterres had also spoken with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the Pahalgam attack. He said that they agreed on the importance of accountability. In his remarks on Monday as well, Guterres further backed Indias resolve to bring those involved in the attack to justice.

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Guterres said, Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.

Guterres, however, said that a military solution is no solution and offered his good offices to India and Pakistan to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy.
The 15-nation Security Council held deliberations for nearly an hour and a half on Monday afternoon, but no statement was published by the Council following the meeting read more

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council convened closed-door meetings in which envoys urged calm and negotiation.

The 15-nation Security Council held deliberations for nearly an hour and a half on Monday afternoon, but no statement was published by the Council following the meeting.

Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the influential Council, has requested closed consultations on the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistans Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, informed media following the meeting.

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He said the objectives from the closed consultations included enabling the Council members to have a discussion on the deteriorating security environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan and to have an exchange of views on how to address the situation, including avoiding confrontation that could have serious consequences.

Greece, President of the Council for the month of May, had scheduled the meeting for Monday afternoon. The closed-door meeting did not take place in the UNSC Chamber where Council members sit at the horse-shoe table but in a consultations room next to the chamber.

Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Khaled Mohamed Khiari of Tunisia briefed the Council on behalf of both departments (DPPA and DPO).

Coming out of the meeting, he said there was a call for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Khiari noted that the situation is volatile.

Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of May Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris described the meeting as productive meeting, helpful.

Sekeris said the Security Council is always helpful in such efforts, in response to questions on the Councils role in de-escalating tensions.

Last week, Sekeris had said that a meeting of the Council on the situation would be an opportunity to have views expressed and this might help to diffuse a bit tensions.

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A Russian diplomat, coming out of the meeting, said, We hope for de-escalation. Just hours before the closed consultations, Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at their highest in years, saying it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point.

Guterres made remarks to the press from the UNSC stake-out Monday morning amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen.

Guterres said he understands the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of that attack.

Targeting civilians is unacceptable  and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means, he said.

Guterres stressed that it is 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. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution, the UN Chief said.

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Before the UNSC meeting, Indias former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told PTI that no consequential outcome" can be expected from a discussion where a party to the conflict seeks to shape perceptions by using its membership of the Council. India will parry such Pakistani efforts.

Following the meeting, he said Pakistans grandstanding has flopped again today as in the past. As was expected there was no meaningful response by the Council. Indian diplomacy has yet again successfully parried Pakistani efforts to seek the Security Councils intervention.

Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members  China, France, Russia, 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.
Pakistan faced sharp criticism at the UNSC after requesting private talks about rising tensions with India. The UNSC condemned Pakistan for escalating the situation through missile tests and nuclear threats, while rejecting its false flag narrative. read more

Pakistan was scrutinised at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) after it convened a meeting seeking private talks regarding tensions with India. UNSC members slammed Islamabad for escalating tensions with New Delhi through multiple missile tests and nuclear attack threats against India, and rejects its false flag narrative.

The tensions followed the Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.

UNSC members also questioned Pakistans involvement in the April 22 terror attack, particularly the role of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based, US-designated terror group.

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The council condemned the attack and emphasised the need for accountability, rejecting Pakistans false flag narrative.

Pak is one of non-permanent member

Pakistan, one of the 10 non-permanent members of the Council, had requested closed consultations due to the heightened tensions.

There was broad condemnation of the attack, and the members particularly emphasised on the target killing of tourists based on their religious faith.

Paks missile tests, Nuclear rhetoric escalating tensions: UNSC members

Many members expressed concern that Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were contributing to escalating tensions.

The Council advised Pakistan to address the matters bilaterally with India, according to sources from the UNSCs closed-door session on Kashmir.

The meeting, requested by Pakistan, ended without a statement, resolution, or official outcome. It took place just hours after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the situation had become the most volatile in years.

Pakistan tests missile, warns of nuclear threat

Earlier, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Pakistan would resort to using nuclear weapons in the event of a direct threat to its existence.

Pakistan has test-fired two surface-to-surface missiles since last week, following increased tensions with India.

After testing the Abdali Weapon System, Islamabad announced on Monday (May 5) that it had carried out a training launch of the Fatah Series missile.

In response to Indias claims of cross-border links to the attack, the government has taken strong actions. After downgrading ties with Islamabad, New Delhi expelled Pakistani military attaches, suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and closed the Attari land transit post.

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The Pakistan-based group, Lashkar-e-Tayyabas proxy, The Resistance Front, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

India chokes Chenab

India is taking urgent steps to prepare the reservoirs of two hydropower plants on the Chenab River in Jammu and KashmirBaglihar and Salalto control water flow to Pakistan during the winter months. This includes limited flushing and desilting of the reservoirs.

In the coming days, other dams will undergo similar procedures to improve storage within India.

This is part of Indias plan to control and stop the flow of water from the western rivers, the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, into Pakistan, following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) after last months terror attack in Pahalgam.
Britain will make it harder for people from Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka to obtain work and study visas as the Home Office cracks down on the abuse of the system read more

The United Kingdoms Home Office is planning to restrict visa applications to some foreign nationals in anticipation of their overstaying and seeking asylum.

According to a report by The Times, Britain will make it harder for people from Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka to obtain work and study visas as the Home Office cracks down on the abuse of the system.

The measures are expected to be unveiled as part of a broader strategy to stop work and study visas from serving as an indirect route into the UKs asylum system. They will be included in the governments upcoming Immigration White Paper, set for release next week, which will outline Prime Minister Keir Starmers approach to cutting net migrationa figure that reached 728,000 last year.

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How will the new system work?

Under the new system, officials will be instructed to use the bank statements of applicants as a means to reject their claims that they are destitute and need to be accommodated in hotels that are paid for by taxpayers.

The plan also includes reforms like forcing foreign graduates to leave the UK, barring students who pursue graduate-level jobs that will be guaged by skills rather than salaries.

The restrictions are expected to trigger opposition from the affected countries, which may view them as discriminatory. Legal experts have indicated that the measure could face legal challenges in court due to its perceived unfairness.

How is immigration a problem in UK?

In 2024, the UK lodged 40,000 asylum claims from people who held the countrys visa, while 35,000 asylum applications were from migrants who arrived in boats.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper intends to implement measures that would prevent migrants who arrived in the UK on work or study visas from accessing taxpayer-funded accommodation.

Asylum seekers are eligible for accommodation and other financial support if they are destitute or at risk of becoming so. However, those on work and study visas are required to demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

Earlier this year, Britains Labour government said it had removed 16,400 illegal migrants since coming to power in July, marking the highest rate of such removals since 2018.

With inputs from agencies
Samsung has announced the expansion of its Tactical Edition lineup with the introduction of the new Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition for the US market. This device represents an evolution in Samsungs tactical mobile technology, offering military-grade security and compatibility with specialized software applications utilized by special operations teams.

Samsungs Tactical Edition mobile solutions are developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense and are currently in use across all branches of the U.S. military. These solutions are also presented as suitable for first responders.

The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition maintains features from previous Tactical Edition models, including tactical radio interoperability and mission-ready software support. It incorporates new hardware enhancements designed to support the secure transmission of classified information.

The tablet is built for integration with various tactical equipment, such as tactical radios, drone systems, laser range finders, and external GPS, aiming to support communication in multi-domain environments and provide situational awareness. It supports conventional cellular capabilities, including 5G, LTE, CBRS, Wi-Fi 6E, and is listed as AT&T FirstNet Ready.

A 5G band-locking mode allows the tablet to connect exclusively to certified 5G networks. For off-grid communications, military personnel can utilize Stealth Mode, which disables LTE and e-911 and mutes radio frequency broadcasting. Covert Lock provides an additional layer of security by de-energizing baseband communications modems and GPS, aiming to prevent the device from emitting an RF signature.

The tablet features tools intended to enhance situational awareness. Night Vision mode is included to support viewing through night vision optic devices. The device is optimized for applications such as Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit (BATDOK).

Security for the Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is provided by Samsung Knox security, described as a defense-grade security platform integrated into Samsung devices. The tablet is stated to meet industry regulations, including NSAs Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Components List, which is presented as enabling military personnel to securely access classified information. Knox Dual Data at Rest (DualDAR) is included to protect classified data with two layers of encryption. Hypervisor Device Manager (HDM) is utilized as a defense mechanism, enforcing restrictions on LTE and GPS connectivity.

Designed for use in demanding environments, the Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is rated to endure drops up to 1.5 meters and is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. It is also MIL-STD-810H compliant for resistance to extreme altitudes, temperatures, vibration, and humidity. The device includes a replaceable battery and a touchscreen designed for use when wet, with gloves, or with the included rugged S-Pen.

The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is described as supporting a variety of use cases for military personnel. It features an Exynos 1380, 5nm Octa-core processor and an 8-inch display. An S Pen is included for screen annotation, and the tablet is equipped with a 5 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera.

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is available through select IT channel partners.
Ahead of I/O, Google accidentally shared a blog post about Material 3 Expressive, its upcoming design update for the Android operating system  9to5Google reported it before it was taken down and archived by the Wayback Machine.

Material 3 Expressive

The update, described by Google as a bold new direction for design and its most-researched update yet, is officially called Material 3 Expressive, also known as M3 Expressive or simply expressive design.

Rooted in Research, Not Just Aesthetics

Material 3 Expressive emerged from a broader internal inquiry in 2022, when Googles Material Design team questioned why apps were beginning to look too similar and uninspired. The company asked: Why were all these apps looking so similar? So boring? Wasnt there room to dial up the feeling?

This led to a multi-year design and research process. A total of 46 research sessions were carried out, with input gathered from more than 18,000 people across various regions. These included:

Eye tracking to observe where users focus

Surveys and focus groups to assess emotional reactions

Usability tests for speed and ease of use

Experiments to gauge preferences and sentiment

The goal was to build a design system that is both emotionally engaging and functionally intuitive. Google said the key elements of expressive design include color, shape, size, motion, and containment, all aimed at making interfaces more effective and emotionally resonant.

Making Key Actions More Visible

A major part of expressive design is to ensure users can quickly find and act on key interface elements. Google noted that expressive interfaces led users to spot main actions up to 4x faster, and reduced the time it took to tap important controls.

One concept, for example, shows a floating toolbar  a pill-shaped control bar at the bottom that doesnt span the entire screen, leaving visible edges of the background. A similar design already appears in Google Chat.

In a redesigned email app example, the Send button was made larger, placed just above the keyboard, and given a secondary color to stand out. In contrast, the older design kept a smaller Send button in the top bar, next to other icons. Testing showed users were able to identify the expressive version much more quickly.

Concept Designs and Perception Metrics

Other experimental designs include apps for clocks, photo editing, voice input, payments, and wallets. While none of these are final product versions, a Google Clock redesign was also leaked over the weekend.

Google said user testing consistently showed that expressive designs were preferred across age groups over those based on Apples Human Interface Guidelines. Participants also viewed expressive design as more modern and culturally relevant:

Participants perceived a 32% rise in how culturally aware and trend-conscious a product appeared

34% increase in how modern the product felt

30% increase in perceptions of boldness and willingness to break convention

According to Google, expressive design contributed to a stronger sense of brand relevance and creativity.

Set for Launch at Google I/O 2025

While the blog post has been removed, Google is set to officially present Material 3 Expressive at I/O 2025 during a session titled Build next-level UX with Material 3 Expressive.

The company plans to show developers how to apply new emotional design patterns to improve usability and engagement. It will also share early design files and alpha code, enabling experimentation ahead of a broader public release.

The event will stream online, with registration open for keynotes and sessions. The conference is scheduled for May 2021 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.

Source (Cache) | Via
Vodafone Idea (Vi) recently launched International Roaming (IR) packs for the Gulf region, offering unlimited incoming calls for prepaid and postpaid customers. With Indias Hajj pilgrimage quota increased to over 1,75,000 this year, Vi noted a timely need for these packs as travel to Saudi Arabia is set to rise next week.

The packs include unlimited incoming calls, data, outgoing minutes for local and India calls, and SMS benefits, available in 20-day and 40-day validity options. Pricing and details are:

Prepaid

Rs. 1,199 (20 days): Unlimited incoming calls, 2GB data, 150 outgoing minutes, Rs. 15/SMS

Rs. 2,388 (40 days): Unlimited incoming calls, 4GB data, 300 outgoing minutes, Rs. 15/SMS

Postpaid

Rs. 2,500 (20 days): Unlimited incoming calls, 4GB data, 500 outgoing minutes, incoming SMS free, 20 outgoing SMS

Rs. 4,500 (40 days): Unlimited incoming calls, 8GB data, 1,000 outgoing minutes, incoming SMS free, 30 outgoing SMS

For short trips, Vi offers a 3-day pack at Rs. 495 with limited benefits and a 1-day pack at Rs. 749 with unlimited benefits.

Vi stated that these packs are designed to help travelers, especially pilgrims, stay connected with family and friends without high roaming costs, catering to varied travel durations and needs.

Availability

Subscribers can access these packs through the Vi App or the Vi website.
U.S. indigenous people raise awareness about missing, murdered Persons: AP

Xinhua) 10:08, May 06, 2025

NEW YORK, May 5 (Xinhua) -- 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, reported The Associated Press (AP) on Monday.

"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," noted the report.

Some parents say they will use Monday's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day to make sure children understand what's 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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A former postal worker accused of stealing ballots as part of a voter fraud scheme pleaded guilty to identity theft and forgery Monday.

Vicki Lyn Stuart was charged with 34 counts in the scheme, including identity theft, forgery and attempt to influence a public servant. Thirty two of those counts will be dropped as part of the plea agreement. Both charges Stuart pleaded guilty to are felonies.

I feel like I am guilty for the part that I played in it, Stuart told Judge Brian Flynn.

Stuart is accused of stealing at least 16 ballots and delivering them to Sally Jane Maxedon (a.k.a. Smith), who is also charged in the case.

The incident was reported to the 21st Judicial District Attorney investigators by elections staff on Oct. 21, 2024. In Colorado, the District Attorneys Office is tasked with investigating crimes related to elections, and DA investigators launched a criminal investigation with the assistance and coordination of other local, state and federal agencies  including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser  according to a news release.

According to court documents, the impacted voters resided in the same subdivision, and two different locked mailboxes.

Smith, the party accused of filling out the ballots, is set to appear in court for a review hearing Thursday.

Sally explained that she and Stuart began conversations in October 2024 wherein Sally and Stuart conspired a plan to test the voting signature system for ballots utilized at Elections, the arrest affidavit stated. This plan included obtaining ballots, forging voter signatures, and then turning the ballots into Mesa County Elections Department. The stated desired outcome was for Sally and Stuart to determine if the signature verification process would detect if the forged signatures were not those of the known voter signatures on file with Elections.

At least one of the ballots made it through the human review to be counted in the official election, according to the arrest affidavit.

Sentencing for Stuart is scheduled for June 25.
ODNI Releases 12th Annual Intelligence Community Transparency Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ODNI News Release No. 10-25

May 5, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released the Annual Statistical Transparency Report Regarding the Intelligence Community's (IC) Use of National Security Surveillance Authorities for Calendar Year 2024 (hereafter the ASTR). The ASTR provides the public statistics and contextual information regarding the scope of the government's use of FISA authorities, National Security Letters, and other national security authorities. The report also provides insights into the multi-layered oversight framework that governs the IC and which is designed to protect the civil liberties and privacy of persons whose information is acquired pursuant to these national security authorities. By providing statistics along with explanatory narratives, the IC endeavors to enhance public understanding of intelligence activities.

During the period covered by this report, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA) (Pub. L. No. 118-49) was signed into law. RISAA reauthorized the government's use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Title VII authorities for two additional years, codified additional compliance measures for conducting U.S. person queries, added new reporting and accountability measures, and prohibited (subject to limited exceptions) the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from conducting Evidence of a Crime Only queries into Section 702 data. This report provides updated statistics and provides insight into fluctuations in statistical reporting compared to prior year reporting.

Because of changes reflected in RISAA, the number of U.S. person queries reported by the FBI decreased significantly in large part because of the increased focus on technical and policy controls, as well as individual caution related to accurately implementing the reforms.

There was an increase in the number of U.S. person query terms used by the National Security Agency (NSA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to address cybersecurity threats and international terrorist threats to the Homeland. More specifically, the higher query numbers were driven in part by a range of cyber threats to U.S. infrastructure, the Israel-HAMAS conflict, and ISIS threats to the Homeland from eight foreign nationals from Tajikistan, an Afghan national in Oklahoma, and more than 400 Central Asian migrants with links to an ISIS network.

This report covers the timeframe under the Biden administration. DNI Gabbard looks forward to refining next year's ASTR to reflect additional transparency requirements in RISAA.

To advance transparency and public accountability, DNI Gabbard declassified for public release the statistics contained in the report. DNI Gabbard further declassified that, in 2024, the government submitted applications for FISA Section 702 renewal certifications and a new FISA Section 702 certification for counternarcotics and that the FISC approved those certifications in March and April 2025, respectively.

The release of this report is consistent with the requirement in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, as amended (codified in 50 U.S.C.  1873(b)), and the IC's commitment to the Principles of Intelligence Transparency.

The document is posted in full-text searchable format on intel.gov.

This report, along with prior year ASTRs and additional public information on national security authorities, are available on www.dni.gov and intel.gov.

###

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General Langley Engages with Leaders in Cote d'Ivoire

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Cote d'Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Cote d'Ivoire May 05, 2025

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Cote d'Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.

At the opening ceremony, General Langley highlighted the importance of joint exercises like Flintlock in enhancing the readiness and lethality of participating forces. He emphasized that this increased capability is crucial for deterring terror organizations and other malign actors operating from Africa.

Later, Langley and U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba met with Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of Defence Tene Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia. The leaders discussed security cooperation opportunities to counter transnational threats and emphasized Cote d'Ivoire's role as a security leader in the region.

AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

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May 5, 2025

Release

Software Fast Track Initiative

On April 24, Ms. Katie Arrington, performing the duties of the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), signed a memo titled "Accelerating Secure Software," which establishes the Software Fast Track (SWFT) Initiative for the Department. This effort is aligned with Secretary Hegseth's guidance (Directing Modern Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality, March 6, 2025) and will reform the way the Department acquires, tests, and authorizes secure software.

Current systems for software procurement were developed for a different environment and using processes that are outdated and slow, with little to no supply chain visibility. This guidance directs the office of the CIO (OCIO) to work with the Under Secretaries of Acquisition and Sustainment, Research and Engineering, and Intelligence and Security to address these critical areas. Improving our ability to bring high quality secure software to the Warfighter rapidly will greatly increase the lethality and resilience of the Joint Force.

This action directs the OCIO to undertake a 90-day sprint to develop a framework and implementation plan to define clear, specific: (1) cybersecurity and SCRM requirements; (2) rigorous software security verification processes; (3) secure information sharing mechanisms; and (4) Federal Government-led risk determinations to expedite the cybersecurity authorizations for secure, rapid software adoption.

Today, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced three Requests for Information (RFI) to gather market information and capabilities in accelerating secure software delivery to the federal government. This is an important step forward in transforming how the U.S. government verifies software security and informs risk-based decisions when introducing new capabilities to the DoD. This puts the nation on a path to rebuild military capabilities.

It is absolutely mission one that we arm our warfighters with the best cutting-edge weapons available, but we don't need duplicative and wasteful processes to do that. This is just one example of how we are going to deliver on the President's promise to rebuild the military and restore the Warrior Ethos throughout the Department.

To read the memo on Accelerating Secure Software, please click here: https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library/Memo-AcceleratingSecureSoftware.pdf

To read the Request for Information (RFI) - Software Fast Track (SWFT) Tools please click here: https://sam.gov/opp/753c9598b7904657b528e9de39efdee8/view

To read the RFI - Software Fast Track (SWFT) External Assessment Methodologies please click here: https://sam.gov/opp/4a79c3e777c24d14a69d6c090950a755/view

To read the RFI - Software Fast Track (SWFT) Automation & Artificial Intelligence (AI) please click here: https://sam.gov/opp/7ca9ff30bad5407db7de079f7bf397c0/view

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4174350/

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May 5, 2025

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Greets Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmer Schialer

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Just a few remarks off the top. To both the defense minister and foreign minister, welcome. It's great to see you both and your entire team here from the wonderful country of Peru. Welcome to the Pentagon. We also want to thank your ambassador for being here also. Mr. Ambassador, thank you very much sir for your work here.

Under President Trump's leadership, we're working hard across the world to achieve peace through strength, and we're very grateful for Peru's partnership in that regard. As we have said, putting America first also means we're putting the Americas first considering what we're up against. We share a lot of the same challenges and common threats that require a very serious response.

We're making progress on things like trafficking and migration and violent criminal enterprises. Folks that are threatening and brutalizing our communities. We also recognize with very clear eyes the threat that China poses to our countries, to our people and to peace in the region. Beijing is investing and operating in the region for unfair economic gain and together, in order to prevent conflict, we need to robustly deter China's potential threats in the hemisphere. So, we look forward to being partners with you in that regard.

We also understand that Peru is committed to hosting the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas next year. And when the dates are finalized, we hope to be able to attend. So, we look forward to a more peaceful and prosperous region and to a fruitful discussion this morning. Over to you. Thank you for being here.

MINISTER OF DEFENSE WALTER ASTUDILLO: Thank you very much. Thank you.

MINISTER ASTUDILLO (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): So, thank you very much, Mr. Secretary Hegseth, for your invitation to the Pentagon. We are very excited to be participants in this very important dialog with you. You said in Latin America, all of the countries here face serious problems, and these problems are things such as migration. Our country also is a victim of this type of problem.

This leads to organized crime, trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, and we additionally also have a problem of illegal money. This really affects our security and development, and this is a common problem to all the countries in Latin America as well. That is why we need all of the countries of the hemisphere to come together and define a strategy to effectively respond to these transnational problems.

That is the main reason for our visit here. We want to be partners, and we believe that we are a country that is seeking peace so that we can in turn, turn this into development and security for the countries of the region.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ELMER SCHIALER: Yes, thank you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you very much for having us this morning here at the Pentagon. Let me start by stating that this in a year, this month's time, in May next year, we will celebrate 200 years of bilateral diplomatic relationships and we do have, right now, a so-called strategic relationship which I'd like - I aspire to upgrade it to a comprehensive or integral strategic relationship with the United States.

We do have a historic, longstanding relationship which has been in a very positive way for both of our countries. I have to underscore that the Peruvian foreign policy is such that, one, we are absolutely aware that we do belong to the Western Hemisphere, that our values are from the Western world I would say, and we are friends to every single nation in the world.

But we will not be part of or a cause of unduly damage or injustice to any of our friends. And the United States of America is one of a very, very important friend of ours, a very good ally also, a historic ally in many things, not only in things that are concerning development and progress of the peoples and the wealth and welfare of the people, something that, of course, we all long for the American people and of course, for Peruvians.

But also in matters regarding defense and security. You just mentioned, Mr. Secretary of Defense, the two or three things that unite us. We are also, let's say, a target of illegal immigration, of illegal mining, illegal, also felling of trees. All those things that are also important for the United States of America are important for Peru. Our strategic and defense cooperation, we look forward to strengthening that. And that's, like the Minister of Defense said, the reason why we're here. Thank you very much for having us today, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Very good. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4175044/

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May 5, 2025

By David Vergun, DOD News

Hegseth Says Deterring China Important for Hemispheric Security

China poses a threat to people and peace in the region, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who hosted an enhanced honor cordon and meeting, welcoming Peruvian Defense Minister Walter Astudillo and Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer to the Pentagon today.

"Beijing is investing and operating in the region for unfair economic gain, and together, in order to prevent conflict, we need to robustly deter China's potential threats in the hemisphere. So we look forward to being partners with you in that regard," Hegseth said.

The United States is grateful for Peru's partnership in working to achieve peace through strength, the secretary said.

"Putting America first also means we're putting the Americas first," he said.

The U.S. and Peru share a lot of the same challenges and common threats that require a very serious response, he said.

"We're making progress on things like trafficking and migration, violent criminal enterprises, folks that are threatening and brutalizing our communities," Hegseth said.

The secretary said he's hoping to attend the Conference of Defense Ministers in the Americas next year, which Peru is hosting.

Astudillo said Peru and other Latin American nations, like the U.S., face problems that affect security and development such as migration, drug trafficking and other crimes.

That is why all the countries of the hemisphere need to come together to effectively respond to these transnational problems, he said.

Schialer said that while Peru and the U.S. have a strategic relationship, Peru would like to upgrade it to a comprehensive or integral strategic relationship.

"The United States of America is one of a very, very important friend of ours, a very good ally, also a historic ally in many things," he said.

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May 5, 2025

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Defense Secretary's First 100 Days of Delivering on Promises

Even before arriving at the Pentagon, Jan. 27, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made clear his vision for reshaping the U.S. military.

Just a day after being confirmed by the Senate, the new secretary released a message to the force outlining his plans. Charged by President Donald J. Trump to deliver "peace through strength," Hegseth said he'd accomplish that by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence.

Over the last 100 days, the Defense Department, under Hegseth's direction, has engaged in a substantial number of engagements, visits and policy changes to build a military capable of deterring conflict, defending the nation and, if needed, fighting and winning wars.

At the top of Hegseth's message to the force was a promise to restore the warrior ethos and trust in the military.

"We are American warriors," he wrote. "We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose."

In mid-March, Hegseth ordered a rapid force-wide review of military standards related to physical fitness, body composition and grooming.

"High standards are what made the United States military the greatest fighting force on the planet," Hegseth said. "We are made stronger and more disciplined with high, uncompromising and clear standards."

The secretary directed the military departments to compile their current standards and evaluate how they had changed over the last decade, including their impact.

"We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world's most lethal and effective fighting force," Hegseth said. "This review will illuminate how the department has maintained the level of standards required over the recent past and the trajectory of any change in those standards."

The department also instructed the military services to identify combat arms and noncombat arms occupations and develop mission-focused, sex-neutral physical fitness standards for combat roles.

"As the nature of warfare evolves and the demands on our service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality," Hegseth said. "All entry-level and sustained physical fitness requirements within combat arms positions must be sex-neutral, based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary."

Restoring Trust in the Force

To build trust, the department addressed the effects of the since-rescinded 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate, following direction from the president.

Over 500 days, nearly 8,000 active-duty and reserve service members were involuntarily separated for refusing to meet the mandate while others voluntarily left.

Under Hegseth, those troops are being invited back to service.

"We're doing everything we can, as quickly as we can, to reinstate those who were affected by that policy," Hegseth said. "We want anyone impacted by that vaccine mandate back into the military  people of conscience, warriors of conscience  back in our formations."

Some previously discharged service members will be offered back pay and reinstated rank. The department will also remove adverse actions taken solely due to vaccine refusal.

Hegseth also announced a shift away from what he called divisive initiatives, such as official commemorations of immutable characteristics. Instead, he urged a renewed focus on shared values.

"Installations, units and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos," he said. "We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.

To support this, the secretary established the "Restoring America's Fighting Force" task force, aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion policies and replacing them with merit-based, colorblind initiatives. Led by Jules W. Hurst III, performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, the task force began visiting installations and service academies in February.

"This is about the Department of Defense getting back to merit-based, colorblind policies," Hurst said. "Our responsibility is to make sure that we take the best people and put them in positions of responsibility to lead America's sons and daughters."

Recruitment and Retention Surge

The changes have also impacted recruitment and retention. In February 2025, all five military services met their recruiting goals  which were higher than a year ago  and four exceeded them beyond 2024 performance.

During an April 30, 2025, Cabinet meeting, Hegseth described the growth as a "recruiting renaissance."

"It's been decades since we've seen this kind of recruiting in the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Air Force," he said. "We can barely absorb the volume and retention [is also up]  men and women in the military don't want to get out."

Among the notable returnees was 2009 Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, who rejoined the Marine Corps Reserve in April after being out of the military for 15 years. Hegseth personally administered Meyer's oath of enlistment.

"[We're doing] this as big as we can because I want the American people, I want your fellow Marines [and] I want other service members to look at [your] example and [know] you're never too old, you're never too experienced [and] you've never done too much to contribute; and I salute you," Hegseth told Meyer.

Strengthening Alliances and Strategic Posture

Since January, Hegseth has worked to establish deterrence by engaging more than a dozen international counterparts, reaffirming U.S. alliances and setting new expectations.

Shortly after taking office, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and authorized the release of 2,000-pound bombs  previously withheld  to Israel. The two met in person 10 days later at the Pentagon.

In the following weeks, Hegseth held bilateral meetings with defense leaders from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, El Salvador and France.

During a February visit to Brussels, the secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO while encouraging European allies to shoulder more of their defense.

In Belgium, Hegseth said NATO's European partners should take primary responsibility for the defense of the continent, which means security ownership by all allies, guided by an understanding of the strategic realities.

"Our expectation of our friends  and we say this in solidarity  is you have to spend more on your defense," he said, adding that the American military and the American people stand beside them as it has with NATO.

Following joint encouragement from Hegseth and Trump, the United Kingdom announced the most significant increase in U.K. defense spending since the end of the Cold War. Also in February, the U.K., not the U.S., led the Ukraine Defense Contact Group for the first time  part of a broader shift toward European defense ownership.

In April, Hegseth traveled to Panama to expand cooperation on canal security. The U.S. and Panama agreed to bolster training and grant "first and free" military canal passage to U.S. forces. The two nations also discussed expanding their existing partnership to secure the Panama Canal in order to counter China's influence in the region.

"[China's] growing and adversarial control of strategic land and critical infrastructure in this hemisphere cannot and will not stand," Hegseth said. "The Panama Canal is key terrain that must be secured by Panama, with America, and not China."

Efficiency and Reform

The secretary also promised to reform how the department is organized and how it spends taxpayer dollars. The Department of Government Efficiency was a big part of that early on, and it found nearly $6 billion in potential savings for reinvestment within DOD.

In early March, DOGE found $80 million wasted on non-core programs, including those related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and climate studies. Later in the month, Hegseth terminated $580 million in unnecessary contracts. In April, he ordered another $5.1 billion in cuts from consulting and information technology services.

"We need this money to spend on better health care for our warfighters and their families, instead of $500 an hour business process consultant," Hegseth said. "That's a lot of consulting."

Operations at Home and Abroad

The department's mission to protect the nation continues, with visible efforts on the southern border and in the Middle East. Since January, about 11,900 service members have been assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border. In March, a Stryker brigade combat team and a general support aviation battalion were sent to support border security operations. By April 18, 2025, the Army took jurisdiction over 109,651 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border, designating it the New Mexico National Defense Area, part of Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Military personnel now have expanded authority, including the ability to detain trespassers until law enforcement arrives. The secretary noted that border crossings are down 99.99% compared to four years ago.

"For too long, our southern border was poorly equipped and understaffed, and our warfighters were restricted from doing their jobs," Hegseth said. "We will secure our southern border and have 100% operational control."

In the Middle East, U.S. troops are protecting American and global-shared interests with Operation Rough Rider to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist group.

In March, the department announced it had conducted a series of precision strikes in Yemen in response to ongoing Houthi attacks on U.S. military and commercial shipping vessels in the region. Operations have since escalated, with DOD increasing its military presence in the Middle East and deploying of additional air assets and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, augmenting existing fighter aircraft and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

Defense Department figures show since then, strikes by U.S. Central Command have hit over 1,000 targets  killing Houthi fighters and leaders, as well as destroying underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars and a helicopter  degrading their capabilities.

"Freedom of navigation is basic; it's a core national interest," Hegseth said. "The minute the Houthis say, 'We'll stop shooting at your ships [and] we'll stop shooting at your drones,' this campaign will end, but until then, it will be unrelenting."

When he was sworn in nearly four months ago, Hegseth said his new role as the 29th defense secretary would be "the most important deployment" of his life. He set goals of restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence. The Minnesota native has been on the job for 100 days and has made progress in each of the areas outlined in his initial message to the force.

"When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense," Hegseth said during his Jan. 14, 2025, confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. "He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, warfighting, accountability and readiness."

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Czech Republic - Communications Equipment

NEWS | May 5, 2025

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-23

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Czech Republic of Communications Equipment and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $181 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Czech Republic has requested to buy AN/PYQ-10A(C) simple key loaders; AN/PRC-160, AN/PRC-163, and AN/PRC-167 radios; RF-300M-DL(C) small secure data links and support equipment; spare parts; U.S. Government and contractor technical engineering, logistics, and personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $181 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will support the ongoing transformation of the Czech Armed Forces into a modern military that is properly trained, well equipped, and interoperable with U.S. and other NATO forces. The procurement would facilitate U.S. security goals by improving the Czech Republic's ability to contribute to NATO efforts to secure the eastern flank of the Alliance and deter aggression in the region. It would also enhance the capabilities the Czech Republic could provide to NATO and coalition expeditionary operations.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be L3Harris Global Communications, Inc., located in Rochester, NY. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Czech Republic.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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EU Statement - Third Preparatory Committee for the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Cluster II regional issues (Middle East)

European External Action Service (EEAS)

05.05.2025

New York

Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York

5 May 2025, New York - European Union Statement on Cluster II regional issues - including with respect to the Middle East and implementation of the 1995 Middle East resolution at the Third Preparatory Committee for the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 28 April-9 May 2025

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina* and Georgia, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

Supporting peace and stability in the entire Middle East remains a strategic priority of the EU. The EU reaffirms its full support for the establishment of a zone free of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems in the Middle East. We consider the 1995 NPT Resolution valid until its goals and objectives are achieved and strongly support the outcome of the 2010 NPT Review Conference on the Middle East.

The EU notes the five sessions of the "UN Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction" and their outcomes. As stated in the 2010 Action Plan, the EU recalls that such zones can only be established on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at among States of the region concerned. We strongly encourage all stakeholders, and especially the States of the region, to engage in meaningful consultations in order to build an inclusive and consensus-based process towards the implementation of the 1995 NPT Resolution.

The EU reiterates its firm support for the universalisation and full, complete, and effective implementation of the NPT and its three pillars. We continue to call on all States who have not yet done so, to accede to and abide by the NPT and all relevant WMD related Treaties. We especially call on all States of the region to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay nor precondition. We call on all States of the region to bring into force Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols and, as applicable, to amend or rescind their Small Quantities Protocols. Universal subscription to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation would also contribute to regional confidence building necessary for progress towards WMD free zone in the Middle East.

The establishment of such a zone is not only a matter of regional security but also a crucial step towards global peace and security. It would alleviate tensions, build trust among neighbouring states, and contribute to the broader goals of disarmament and arms control.

The EU will continue to support this process and to help create a conducive atmosphere. Since 2019, the EU has allocated a total 5 million euros to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) for this purpose. An EU side event focusing on the role of extra-regional States in the zone has been organised in the margins of this NPT PrepCom in the context of this UNIDIR project.

The EU Centres of Excellence established in Jordan, Algeria, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates also assist the Middle East region to mitigate CBRN risks and contribute to enhanced capacity building in the region and cooperation between these States.

Thank you, Chair.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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The Largest Estonian Military Exercise in 2025 Begins Today

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

5. May 2025, 10:12

Today, on 5 May, the Estonian Defense Forces launch Exercise Hedgehog 25, the largest international military exercise in Estonia this year, where more than 16,000 Estonian and allied troops are expected to participate.

Throughout the exercise, the movement of allied, Estonian Defense Forces, and Defense League units will be visible across the country.

The primary combat training activities will take place in northeastern Estonia at the Central Training Area, and in southeastern Estonia at the Nursipalu training area, including surrounding regions.

In western, northern, and central Estonia, participating units will support divisional operations and secure rear-area zones. As a result, various weapon systems and military vehicles may be visible across the country.

Participating Estonian units include the Joint Headquarters of Estonian Defence Forces, Estonian Division's Headquarters and Division's subordinate units, also Cyber Command, Support Command, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Intelligence Centre, Military Police, Estonian Military Academy, and the Estonian Defense League. NATO Battlegroup in Estonia and the NATO's Forward Integration Unit are also taking part.

In addition to Estonian armed forces personnel, units from more than ten countries are involved in the exercise, including forces from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal. Observers and instructors will also be present from Japan, Israel, and Ukraine.

United Kingdom's 4th Brigade, and the French units that support it, will fully integrate into the Estonian division. Exercise Hedgehog 25 marks the first major training event in which the 4th Brigade participates as part of the Estonian Division's structure at this scale.

Exercise Timeline:

5-7 May: Unit formation and deployment across various locations in Estonia

8-12 May: Integration and interoperability training across the country

13-16 May: Field training in a 24/7 rhythm, primarily in northeast and southeast Estonia, with limited activity in other regions

17-18 May: Preparations for units' redeployment and live-fire exercises

19-23 May: Live-fire exercises at the Central Training Area and movement of units back to their designated locations.

On 14 May, as part of the exercise, the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Rescue Board will jointly test the national emergency alert system, including public warning sirens, for the first time. Sirens will sound in over 20 settlements across Estonia, reaching approximately 65% of the population.

This will be a system test intended to evaluate functionality and inter-agency cooperation. The Estonian Defence Forces encourage the public to inform family members, especially children and the elderly. Upon hearing the sirens, the public may continue their normal activitiesthere is no real threat during the test.

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Iran rejects accusations of involvement in Houthi attacks after Israel vows to retaliate: report

Global Times

By Li Yawei Published: May 05, 2025 11:14 PM

Iran on Monday rejected accusations by US and Israeli officials of its involvement in attacks on Israel by the Houthis in Yemen, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to retaliate against Houthi forces in Yemen and their ally, Iran, after a missile launched by the group struck Israel's international airport.

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 in Tel Aviv, according to Xinhua News Agency on Monday.

Following the airport attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to retaliate against Houthi forces in Yemen and their ally, Iran, said Xinhua.

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, according to Xinhua.

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, per Xinhua.

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."

The Israeli military said initial findings indicated the likely reason why the missile was not stopped was a technical issue with the interceptor, the Associated Press reported.

Israel may believe that Tehran's support to the Houthis has substantially enhanced their capacity to strike, thereby perceiving stronger threat to its security. Liu Zhongmin, a professor from the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday, adding that it is one of the motivators for Israel's vows to retaliate against both the Houthis and Iran.

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, responded to the attack by saying: "Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger," the BBC reported on Sunday.

From a strategic deterrence perspective, Israel's latest threat of revenge reflected its effort to demonstrate superiority over the Iran-aligned resistance factions, according to Liu.

He noted that as Hamas and Hezbollah have suffered varying degrees of blows, the Houthi armed group has become the main force confronting Israel on the front lines.

Israel's retaliation against the Houthis and Iran remains ambiguous in terms of targets and intensity, contingent on multiple variables, he said, adding that whether the conflict spirals into uncontrollable escalation hinges critically on whether either side crosses perceived red lines.

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-,May 5, 2025

IDF Press Release

May 5, 2025

05.05.25

IDF

I am here near the Gaza Strip border.

Today marks forty-nine days since the launch of renewed operations, whose purpose is to increase pressure on Hamas in order to bring them to negotiations for the release of hostages.

The operation has achieved many accomplishments: the elimination

of senior terrorists, the opening of the 'Morag' corridor, significant dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, the dismantling of the Hamas' Rafah Brigade, and achieving full operational control over the area between the Philadelphi Corridor and the Morag Corridor.



Despite all the achievements - Hamas remains stubborn in its position.

We have a structured plan, we are making progress, and we are moving on to a new and more intensified phase of the operation in Gaza.

The objective of the operation is the return of our hostages, the dismantling and decisive defeat of the Hamas regime.



These are two goals that are intertwined.



The operation will include a wide-scale operation involving the movement of the majority of the Gaza Strip's population - in order to protect them in a Hamas-free zone. The operation will include continued airstrikes, elimination of terrorists, and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.



We will replicate the model implemented in Rafah in other areas of the Strip as well.

A large-scale reserve mobilization has been carried out for the operation, we have issued call-up orders to tens of thousands of reservists.



The reserve mobilization was carried out after a thorough analysis of our needs, and with a deep understanding of the strain on our personnel.

We are working to provide greater clarity for our reservists, along with a tailored support system for them and their families.

The reservists are the backbone of the IDF, and we honor and appreciate their contribution. We will continue to support them.

The reserve mobilization at this time is difficult and complex, but it is being carried out in order to bring back our hostages, achieve a decisive outcome, and end the war.



Hamas misjudged - and continues to misjudge - our determination.



Hamas is the one who initiated the vicious attack against us, Hamas is the one harming the Gazan population, Hamas is the one bringing destruction and devastation.



Just this week, we saw Hamas looting stores and stealing food from the population. Hamas is the one starving them.



The IDF will continue to act with determination to achieve the objectives of the war.



We are in a war like no other, a multi-front war with seven open fronts.



We will be wherever there is an enemy, continuing to act to protect the residents and serve as a barrier between the enemy and our citizens.

For this, we need the mobilization of everyone.



I would like to add something before the questions.



I will continue to speak, directly and matter-of-factly, to answer, to explain, and to reflect.



I will speak to you when necessary, not when possible!



We have set a principle - our actions will speak. So let our actions speak.

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Hamas condemns Israel's Gaza aid plan as extension of 'starvation policy'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has rejected an Israeli plan to sidestep international aid organizations and deliver supplies directly inside Gaza's "militarized zones."

Hamas said on Monday that humanitarian assistance for Gaza must be managed by authorized international organizations or local authorities rather than being exploited as "a tool of political blackmail."

The Palestinian group condemned the proposed Israeli mechanism as a breach of international law and "an extension of the policy of starvation and distraction," accusing Israel of using it to buy time to "commit crimes of genocide."

Hamas called on the international community not to be "deceived by false occupation narratives" and to demand an immediate end to the blockade, ensuring that food and medical aid reach Gaza under United Nations supervision without military or political interference.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies criticized Israel's "dangerous scheme" after the regime said it would distribute limited supplies in "militarized zones."

The proposal follows Israel's nine-week blockade on all food shipments to Gaza.

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Iran rejects 'baseless' allegations of involvement in Yemen's retaliatory operations

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Foreign Ministry has firmly denounced as "baseless and misleading" the repeated claims attributing Yemen's actions in self-defense and in support of the Palestinian people to Iran.

"Undoubtedly, the Yemenis' actions are an independent decision, rooted in their humanitarian principle and solidarity with Palestinians," the ministry said in a statement on Monday, adding that linking them to the Islamic Republic is aimed at covering up Israeli crimes in occupied Palestine and seeking excuses to destabilize the West Asian region.

"It is the U.S. military that, in support of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, has initiated the war against the Yemeni people and committed crimes by attacking infrastructure and civilian targets across Yemen," the statement added.

The ministry called for an immediate end to the Gaza genocide, describing the Israeli massacre of Palestinians as the main cause of insecurity in the region.

While deploring U.S. attacks on Yemen as a gross violation of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, the ministry reaffirmed Iran's respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.

The Foreign Ministry also condemned the recent American and Israeli threats against Iran, warning that both the U.S. and the Israeli regime would be responsible for consequences of their mischief. "Iranians are firmly determined to defend themselves comprehensively against any malicious and illegal action against the national security and interests," it emphasized.

Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of Gazans, striking targets throughout occupied Palestine and targeting Israeli ships heading toward ports in the occupied territories.

Over the past couple of months, the U.S. has launched near-daily airstrikes on Yemen in an effort to halt the Yemeni military's strikes on Israeli interests.

Washington, Tel Aviv, and their backers have repeatedly accused Iran of involvement in Yemeni operations, which Tehran has repeatedly denied.

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Yemen army announces complete aerial blockade on Israel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

According to the Al-Masirah TV network, the Yemeni Armed Forces have issued a statement announcing the aerial blockade. The Yemeni army has urged all international airlines to halt flights to Israeli airports, warning that failure to comply could jeopardize the safety of passengers and the security of their aircraft.

The statement also said that Yemen will not permit the Israeli enemy to continue its aggression against Arab countries, including Lebanon and Syria.

On Sunday, Israel's main travel hub, Ben Gurion International Airport, was struck by a missile that evaded both Israeli defense systems. Aviation monitoring sources reported nearly 80 flight cancellations to the airport within the next 24 hours, along with unprecedented delays in flight arrivals.

Air Europa, Spain's third-largest airline, announced Sunday night that all flights from Madrid to Tel Aviv have been canceled. Swiss, Australian, and German airlines also decided to suspend or cancel their flights to Tel Aviv.

Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement, welcomed Yemen's actions, describing them as a courageous step in defending the Palestinian nation and combating Israeli aggression in Gaza.

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Iran condemns attacks on civilian targets in Sudan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the continued attacks on civilian positions in Sudan.

Baqaei expressed concern about the continued attacks on civilian urban facilities such as power plants, hospitals, water treatment plants, and civilian airports, and called for an end to attacks on civilians.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned Sunday's drone attack on the airport and civilian facilities in the city of Port Sudan.

Baqaei called on the international community and international organizations and institutions to fulfill their duty to stop the conflicts and send humanitarian aid to the people of Suda

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NATO releases strategy to use data for enhancing collective defence

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

30 Apr. 2025

Last updated: 05 May. 2025 17:29

On Wednesday 30 April 2025, NATO published a public version of its first Data Strategy. Agreed by Allies in February 2025, the strategy aims to accelerate how the Alliance uses data to help achieve interoperability and integration across all operational domains.

Leveraging digital technology helps NATO work more effectively, including through the use of data as a strategic asset. The strategy outlines how to better collect, store, and distribute information across the Alliance with common standards. The requirements will create a secure and impactful data-sharing ecosystem, where the Alliance, industry, and academia will be able to securely access and collaborate - including on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models - while ensuring Allies retain control over their data.

In the 2022 Strategic Concept, Allies affirmed the need to enhance NATO's technological edge to further strengthen deterrence and defence, and bolster the Alliance's commitment for collective defence. At the 2023 Vilnius Summit, Allies endorsed the Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy, which aims to enhance multi-domain operations, drive interoperability across all domains, and strengthen situational awareness and political consultation.

Read a summary of the Data Strategy.

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Defence Force receives operating funding boost

Royal New Zealand Navy

Minister of Defence Judith Collins has announced a large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of Budget 2025.

05 May, 2025

The New Zealand Defence Force will receive a $957 million increase over the next four years to fund essential operational activity.

Defence Minister Judith Collins made the announcement at RNZAF Base Auckland yesterday.

She also announced the replacement of the Defence Force's maritime helicopters, the Seasprite SH2-G(I), estimated at $2 billion. The replacement of the maritime helicopters is one of the projects contained in the recently released Defence Capability Plan.

The $957 million will target Defence Force missions, people, estate maintenance and international engagement, equating to $239 million a year, she says.

"Our personnel are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand's part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that."

Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies says there is no doubt the global security environment is changing and the Defence Force needs to step up in contributing to global security.

"Annually this will include $150 million for Navy, Air Force and Army for direct operating and logistics costs, and some increases in our military personnel numbers," he said.

"This funding will enable the NZDF to sail, fly, patrol and train more often.

"It will assist with rebuilding combat capability through additional field exercises, increasing military personnel numbers, and will mean mission critical systems and capabilities are maintained and available to respond to security threats and other operational tasks as needed."

Other activities include funding for international deployments ($20 million), a refreshed system of military allowances ($30 million) and funding for civilian staff pay increases ($8 million).

An annual investment of $26 million is earmarked for critical estate maintenance to improve accommodation, working and training conditions for Defence Force personnel.

"$957 million over four years is a welcome uplift in operational funding which reflects the value that the Government sees in the NZDF and its people and enables us to increasingly step up both domestically and internationally."

Budget 2025 also recognises the Defence Force's $30 million saving being proposed through the Workplace Savings Programme.

Read the official release from the Beehive here.

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OIC Condemns the Attacks on Vital Facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

05-05-2025

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) firmly denounces the recent assaults on critical infrastructure in Port Sudan and Kassala, Republic of Sudan. These acts are in clear contravention of international law and humanitarian principles, undermining regional security and stability.

The OIC General Secretariat reiterates its condemnation of these violations and emphasizes the imperative of adhering to the obligations for civilian protection in Sudan as outlined in the Jeddah Declaration of May 11, 2023. It calls for the cessation of hostilities and advocates for a comprehensive Sudanese-led dialogue aimed at achieving a durable resolution that upholds Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such measures are essential for resolving the ongoing crisis, alleviating the humanitarian plight of the Sudanese population, and fulfilling their aspirations for lasting security, peace, and stability.

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Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania's presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

BUCHAREST 5 May 2025

BUCHAREST, 5 May 2025 -- The first round of Romania's repeat presidential election was efficiently run and the rights to freedom of assembly and association were respected. However, widespread inauthentic behaviour online by candidates, the fragmented approach of the authorities to overseeing the online space, and a lack of transparency in decision-making had a negative impact on the election process, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) found that while the legal framework forms an adequate basis to hold democratic elections, it is overly complex, with gaps and inconsistencies. The legislation is unmodified since the last election except for changes introduced by the government less than four months before election day without public consultation. These included rules concerning online campaign violations, but did not effectively deal with key concerns such as the oversight of online political advertising or campaign finance. At the same time, the campaign finance oversight body took some positive steps close to election day that contributed to transparency.

"Voters' rights were respected and the election was efficiently run, but greater transparency and legal certainty is needed for both voters and candidates," said Lucie Potuckova, Special Co-ordinator, OSCE, and Head of the OSCE PA delegation. "We also noted that the complexity of campaign regulations reduced traditional campaign activities, driving them almost entirely online and beyond effective oversight."

Yesterday's vote followed the annulment of the 2024 presidential election by the Constitutional Court due to coordinated manipulation on social networks and financial violations related to one candidate's campaign. The election was efficiently run, although the transparency of both the work and decision making of the election administration was limited, in particular in the handling of election disputes. The use of eligibility requirements based on court rulings rather than on clear legal provisions detracted from the inclusivity of candidate registration. Election day was well organized and generally calm.

"The campaign mostly took place online, and inauthentic behaviour by candidates was a challenge that neither the authorities nor the online platforms themselves did enough to address, despite recent, notable attempts to tackle such problems more effectively," said Eoghan Murphy, head of ODIHR's observation mission. "With limited information on the approach of the authorities to the online sphere, an opportunity to keep the public informed about state efforts to improve electoral integrity was missed."

Romania's media landscape is diverse, with a large range of public and private broadcasters as well as online news portals. However, the pluralism of the media is undermined by extensive and untransparent funding by political parties, leading to self-censorship and clientelism between politicians and the media. The observation mission's media monitoring found the public broadcaster was generally in line with its legal obligation to ensure balanced and impartial campaign coverage and provide equal and free airtime to all presidential candidates. At the same time, news coverage of the campaign both in public and private media was limited, while ambiguous rules meant that the difference between free and paid airtime became blurred.

The international election observation to the first round of the presidential election in Romania totalled 46 observers from 20 countries, composed of 39 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, and 7 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA.

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OIC-IPHRC Condemns Rising Islamophobia and Reprisal Attacks in India and IOJK

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) has expressed grave concern over the alarming surge in Islamophobic rhetoric, hate-fueled violence, and targeted attacks against Muslim communities in India and Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), particularly in the wake of the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam.

Condemning the scapegoating of Muslims and the far-right nationalist incitement of communal violence, the Commission underscored that such actions constitute serious violations of international human rights law. It urged the Government of India to ensure accountability, uphold the rights of over 200 million Muslims, and end the cycle of hate and impunity.

The Commission called on the United Nations and the international community to monitor the situation closely, push for independent investigations, and protect the fundamental freedoms of Muslims in India and IOJK. Reaffirming its stance on Kashmir, the IPHRC also reiterated the need for a UN-led fact-finding mission and emphasized the Kashmiris' right to self-determination in line with relevant UN and OIC resolutions.



05 May, 2025

Islamabad

122/2025





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14 injured in pre-dawn U.S. airstrikes on Yemeni capital: medics

People's Daily Online

(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.

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Yemen appoints finance minister as new PM

People's Daily Online

(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.

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At least 20 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza: civil defense

People's Daily Online

(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.

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Navy: Decommissioned BRP Miguel Malvar sinks due to rough seas

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

May 5, 2025, 3:57 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that the target vessel for this year's maritime strike (MARSTRIKE) as part of the Balikatan exercises sunk due to rough sea conditions hours before the start of the live-fire exercise off the coast of Zambales Monday.

The decommissioned World War II corvette BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) was supposed to be targeted by the Philippine and US military equipped with advanced weapon systems that include anti-ship missiles, bombs and automatic cannons.

"The decommissioned vessel BRP Miguel Malvar took on water while being positioned approximately 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio, Zambales before sinking at 7:20 a.m. at its intended location for the maritime strike," PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said in a press briefing held at Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

He said the old warship sunk just four nautical miles from its intended position.

Alcos said the ship was towed from its final harbor in Sangley Point, Cavite City at a speed of two to five knots.

"No personnel were injured. Prior to the towing of the target vessel to the operational area, BRP Miguel Malvar underwent environmental cleaning and preparation for the MARSTRIKE," he added.

Alcos said the BRP Miguel Malvar was initially selected as the target ship for the MARSTRIKE as it has already exceeded its service life and is no longer suitable for normal maritime operations.

At the time of its sinking, the ex-BRP Miguel Malvar was in service for 81 years, having been launched and commissioned in 1944. It served the US Navy as the USS Brattleboro (PCE(R)-852) until Nov. 1, 1965 before it was transferred to the then Republic of Vietnam Navy on July 11, 1966.

It served Vietnam until April 1975 after which it was transferred to the PN in April of the following year. The BRP Miguel Malvar served the PN until it was decommissioned in December 2021.

Alcos said the MARSTRIKE remains "unchanged as part of Balikatan 25 Command Post Exercises" where the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US joint task forces will rehearse virtual and constructive fire missions.

"The training will integrate ground, maritime, and air-based sensors and in a combined joint fire network as the Philippines and US joint task forces exercise command-and-control while exercising combined warfighting capabilities," he added.

Alcos said elements of the scheduled maritime live-fire events will occur and the combined forces will still achieve its training objectives.

"The Notice to Mariners and Notice to Airmen surrounding the MARSTRIKE location remains in effect. We thank those that have honored the restricted areas to ensure safety, and allowed this training to continue," he added.

BRP Miguel Malvar not damaged

As this developed, Alcos clarified that the old naval vessel was not damaged in any way while being towed to Zambales.

"However, 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," he said.

He added the sinking of the PN was officially informed of the ship's sinking around 10 a.m. Monday.

Alcos said they have yet to determine the depth of the water where the ship sank. (PNA)

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Large scale amphibious landing exercise held in Palawan

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

May 5, 2025, 1:44 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MDBE) conducted a "large-scale amphibious landing exercise" in Balabac, Palawan on Sunday, as part of this year's "Balikatan" drills.

"The training simulated the retaking of a strategic island, focusing on joint forcible entry operations, beachhead establishment, and inland objective securing," it said.

The AFP said this activity is part of the so-called Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO).

However, it did not give the specific number of participating personnel and assets used in the activity for security reasons.

"Conducted alongside the United States Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force with observers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and UK Royal Marines it showcased the growing interoperability and cohesion among partner nations in maintaining regional security," it added. (PNA)

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PH Fleet Submarine Group joins Turkish sub search, rescue drills

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

May 5, 2025, 11:08 am

MANILA -- The Philippine Fleet (PF) Submarine Group participated for the first time in a search-and-rescue drill hosted by the Turkish government.

Dubbed "Exercise INVITEX 2025", the activity took place in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea near Aksaz Naval Base, Turkiye from April 24 to 30, the Philippine Fleet (PF) said in a Facebook post Sunday night.

"During the exercise, participating navies engaged in a series of coordinated operations, planning and executing live drills aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving rescue capabilities, and strengthening international cooperation in submarine search and rescue operations," it added.

Some of the drills include locating and identifying the distressed submarine (DISSUB), search exercise (SEARCHEX), escape exercise (ESCAPEX), submarine parachute assistance group exercise (SPAGEX), rescue exercise (RESCUEX), ventilation exercise (VENTEX), personnel transfer under pressure exercise (PODEX), medical exercise (MEDEX), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations.

The Philippines was represented by PF Submarine Group commander, Capt. Angelito Diaz, and Director of Submarine Operations Center, Lt. Commander Benjamin Magura.

The two officials took part in the hands-on drills and direct observation of critical submarine search and rescue operations which validated the participants' theoretical knowledge.

"The Fleet's first-ever participation in this high-level training for search and rescue teams and planners, based on a generic scenario and supported by various submarine search and rescue assets, was made possible by its recent membership with the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO)," the PF said.

It also said that the real submarine search and rescue experience during the "INVITEX KURTARAN 2025" has provided a valuable reference for the PF in developing the Philippine Navy's submarine search and rescue manual which is vital in advancing its submarine capability. (PNA)

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Resistance groups condemn US, Israel aggression in Yemen

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 10:44 PM

Islamic resistance groups and factions have condemned the US and Israel attacks against the people of Yemen as acts of war crimes.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on Monday labeled the airstrikes as state terrorism and a war crime, accusing Israel of targeting Yemen for its solidarity with Gaza.

The group added that the strikes were an attempt to salvage Tel Aviv's damaged reputation after failing to intercept a Yemeni missile.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement also described the US-Israeli attack as a sign of Tel Aviv's frustration over the Yemeni blockade.

Islamic Jihad called the strikes a desperate act of revenge to mask strategic losses of the US and Israel, expressing confidence in Yemen's continued military support for Palestine.

Lebanon's Islamic resistance movement, Hezbollah, also slammed the aggression on Yemen as a violation of international law and hailed Yemen's resilience.

The group warned that the aggression would only strengthen Yemen's resolve to escalate pressure on Israel through its blockade.

Hezbollah also urged resistance forces worldwide to confront what it called Zionist-American arrogance.

Hezbollah urged all free nations and forces of resistance to condemn the attack and act decisively against Zionist-American arrogance.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also condemned the Israeli aggression, stating that it "reflects the extent of the Zionist-American impotence in undermining the determination of the Yemeni people, breaking their free will, and subjugating them."

The Popular Front saluted the Yemeni people and their leadership, in addition to their messages of fire with blessed missiles that "embody the unity of Palestinian-Yemeni blood and the shared destiny of the nation."

On Monday night, dozens of Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on targets in Yemen.

Local Yemeni media reports said more than 30 Israeli jets were involved in targeting the port city of Hudaydah.

Israel launched 50 airstrikes on Yemen's Hudaydah region and a cement factory to the east.

A senior US official confirmed that the aerial raids were being carried out in close coordination with the US, Israel's biggest benefactor and a complicit in the ongoing brutal military campaign in Gaza.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel reported the US had launched 35 strikes since May 4 and targeted several Yemeni provinces, including al-Jawf and Marib.

Since March, the US, along with Britain and Israel, 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.

The latest Israeli-US aggression comes following a ballistic missile strike from Yemen that hit the perimeter of Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Yemeni military said it carried out a fresh retaliatory operation against Israel in support of the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

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US-Israeli airstrikes target Yemen's Hudaydah port as Tel Aviv reeling from missile attack

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 6:38 PM

Dozens of Israeli warplanes have carried out airstrikes on targets in Yemen as the Arab nation's military forces escalate operations in response to foreign aggression and Israeli atrocities.

Local Yemeni media reports said more than 30 Israeli jets were involved in targeting the port city of Hudaydah on Monday night.

A senior US official confirmed that the aerial raids were being carried out in close coordination with the US, Israel's biggest benefactor and a complicit in the ongoing brutal military campaign in Gaza.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel reported the US had launched 35 strikes since May 4 and targeted several Yemeni provinces, including al-Jawf and Marib.

Since March, the US along with Britain and Israel have 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.

The latest Israeli-US aggression comes following a ballistic missile strike from Yemen that hit the perimeter of Ben Gurion International Airport.

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 on Sunday 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 has said the Yemeni military will continue to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of the American aggression against the Arab nation.

Hazam al-Assad, a senior member of Ansarullah's political bureau, said on Monday retaliatory strikes by Yemeni armed forces and their planned comprehensive aerial blockade on Israel will soon trigger reverse Israeli migration of from the occupied territories.

'Relentless systematic crime'

Meanwhile, Palestinian resistance movements in a joint statement strongly denounced the latest Israeli aggression against Yemen.

"The raids carried out by the occupying regime's air force in Yemen this evening on several civilian sites are nothing but a relentless systematic crime against our both nations," the statement read.

"The latest aggression perpetrated by the usurping entity against the brotherly Yemeni people expresses the degree of pain and humiliation this entity is enduring at the hands of the heroes of the Yemeni Armed Forces."

The barbaric Zionist aggression on the port of Hudaydah will not change the crushing defeat that the Zionist entity suffered on Sunday, after its failure to intercept the Yemeni missiles, which struck Ben Gurion Airport in the occupied territories, the resistance groups said.

The Palestinian resistance groups also hailed Yemeni armed forces and their planned comprehensive aerial blockade against Israel which has led several foreign airlines have suspended flights to the Israeli-occupied territories.

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Israel to launch 'intensive' Gaza offensive to relocate Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 5:58 PM

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel plans to seize the entire besieged Gaza Strip.

In a video posted on X, Netanyahu said the Gaza population will be moved as part of an "intensive" operation.

He said Israeli soldiers won't go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. "The intention is the opposite of that."

The scheme would involve the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza.

Hebrew-language Maariv daily recently said Netanyahu was expected to order an expansion of the ongoing onslaught on the besieged Palestinian region.

Israel has already expanded its ground aggression in Gaza, seeking to seize a large portion of the Palestinian territory amid the genocidal war.

The regime intensified its onslaught in April.

Critics say the Israeli regime "is sending more soldiers into Gaza to fight in the same areas where battles have already taken place repeatedly."

In recent weeks, thousands of Israeli reservists have signed letters demanding that Netanyahu's regime stop the war in Gaza.

Hawkish minister Bezalel Smotrich has said Israel will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip even if there is another hostage deal. He called on Israelis to embrace the word "occupation."

"We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word 'occupation,'" Smotrich was quoted as saying by Israel's Channel 12.

An Israeli campaign group said the plan would mean "sacrificing" captives held in the blockaded Palestinian territory.

"The plan approved by the cabinet deserves to be called the 'Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan' for sacrificing the captives," the Captives' Families Forum said in a statement.

Israeli authorities suppressed a protest by the families of captives who had gathered outside the Knesset on Monday. The protesters accuse Netanyahu of abandoning the captives in favor of prolonging the war for his political survival.

Former Israeli minister for military affairs Avigdor Lieberman has also weighed in, criticizing Netanyahu's cabinet for what he calls a politically motivated war.

He says the current conflict is not about security but about maintaining Netanyahu's political power.

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Yemen: Aerial blockade on Israel will trigger 'reverse migration' from occupied territories

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 2:44 PM

A senior member of Ansarullah's political bureau says retaliatory strikes by Yemeni armed forces and their planned comprehensive aerial blockade on Israel will soon trigger reverse migration of thousands of settlers from the occupied territories.

In an interview with the Palestinian Shehab News Agency, Hazam al-Assad said "the surprises coming from Yemen will astonish everyone, both near and far."

He said the strikes by the Yemeni forces were "capable of reversing the tide of migration from the occupied territories."

"Upcoming events, God willing, will set the wheel of migration back from the occupied Palestinian territories unless the US-backed Zionist entity halts its aggression and lifts its siege on our people in Gaza," Assad was quoted as saying.

Tens of thousands of Israeli settlers have already left the occupied Palestinian territories since the onset of intense retaliatory strikes by regional resistance groups in response to the Israeli regime's multi-pronged wars across the West Asia region.

The settlers broke the record of reverse migration in 2024, with an unprecedented 82,700 of them fleeing the territories.

Assad said the decision to impose an air blockade on Israel "was not a joke or a media stunt," calling on skeptics to monitor the fate of the port of Eilat following the naval blockade imposed by the Yemeni forces on ports across the occupied territories.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Assad said "Ben Gurion Airport and other Israeli airports will be like Umm al-Rashrash Port," known by the Israeli occupying regime as "Eilat."

The official made it clear that Israeli threats against Yemen will not deter it from continuing its role in supporting and assisting Palestinians in Gaza.

The Yemeni forces said late on Sunday they would impose a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports, in response to Israel expanding its brutal military campaign in Gaza.

They also claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Sunday that hit near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, the latest in a string of attacks, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Yemen's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center in a statement called "upon all international airlines to take this announcement into serious consideration ... and to cancel all their flights to the airports of the criminal Israeli enemy, in order to safeguard the safety of their aircraft and passengers," the statement read.

The Yemeni forces have increasingly targeted Israel and its ships in the Red Sea, stating that their actions are acts of solidarity with Palestinians as Israel continues its atrocities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Israel has killed more than 52,500 people in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Gaza health ministry.

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Wider Gaza aggression 'will cost us blood', warns Israeli reserve general

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 9:44 AM

A major general of Israel's military reserve has warned that the recent decision to expand the ongoing genocidal war on the Gaza Strip will claim the lives of more Israelis for the sake of the political survival of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yair Golan made the remarks in an X post on Monday, a day after Israel's so-called security cabinet unanimously approved a new plan to expand attacks in Gaza and occupy additional areas throughout the besieged Palestinian territory.

He said the decision to expand the offensive was made "not to maintain Israel's security, but to save Netanyahu" and his extremist cabinet.

The occupation army's only role is to protect Israelis, not serve political goals, added Golan, who also heads the opposition Democrats party.

The actual occupation of the Strip in the name of survival "will cost us blood - in the lives of the captives, in the lives of male and female soldiers, in exhaustion, and most importantly: in losing our way."

The criticism came after Israel's so-called security cabinet approved the phased plan for the brutal Israeli onslaught that involves conducting "powerful strikes" across Gaza, occupying more areas, and forcibly displacing Palestinians to the territory's south.

The forum representing the families of Israeli captives said in a statement that the plan is the acknowledgement by the regime that it is choosing to occupy more territory over releasing captives.

The cabinet also approved, in principle, a framework for the future distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip via private foreign firms.

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the resumption of aid deliveries into Gaza, claiming that "there's enough food" there.

However, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement that bakeries and community kitchens are no longer operating, while food warehouses have been emptied as a result of Israel's total siege on Gaza.

The new framework for the distribution of Gaza aid " 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," it emphasized.

Israel launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, which has so far killed at least 52,535 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 118,491 others.

The Tel Aviv regime accepted longstanding negotiation terms by the Hamas resistance group under a Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19.

However, Israel unilaterally abandoned the truce on March 2, cutting off humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. It also resumed its deadly bombing campaign and redeployed troops to the blockaded territory.

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'Dangerous scheme': UN, aid groups say Israeli-US aid plan aims to reinforce Gaza control

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 7:46 AM

The United Nations and aid organizations operating in Gaza say they will not cooperate with Israel and the US to establish a new "mechanism" for aid delivery, arguing the plan is aimed at reinforcing control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic against Palestinians.

Aid organizations have reported that Israel has proposed a plan, according to which, the warehousing and distributing of aid in Gaza would be given to US private security contractors.

Israeli and Arab officials familiar with the matter have said that if the plan is implemented, the Israeli forces would not be directly involved in the distribution of aid.

But instead, the regime's forces would allegedly provide an outer layer of security for the private contractors and international organizations that deliver aid.

On Sunday, the UN Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a statement formally rejecting the idea.

OCHA says the plan would allow the regime's military and political aims to impede humanitarian objectives, put restrictions on who is eligible to give and receive aid and force large numbers of Palestinians to move, which would violate international law.

'Into militarized zones'

"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," OCHA said.

"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," OCHA continued.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, have dismissed the plan as a new scheme by the Israeli regime to further tighten its stranglehold on the besieged territory.

This is not the first time that the Israeli regime has tried to change the aid delivery in Gaza to put pressure and control Palestinians.

Back in February 2024, in what has become known as the "flour massacre," the Israeli forces who were overseeing the distribution of aid to Palestinians, opened fire on hundreds of desperate people of the territory who were waiting for aid-delivery trucks southwest of Gaza City.

At least 112 Palestinians were killed and more than 750 wounded.

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Dozens injured in West Bank as Israeli raids, settler violence rage on

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 6:19 AM

Dozens of Palestinians, including a child, sustained injuries and several abducted in the latest wave of Israeli military and settler violence in the West Bank.

Three Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were shot by Israeli forces during a military incursion into Nablus in the northern West Bank on Sunday.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported the child sustained a thigh wound from live ammunition, while two young men were hit by rubber-coated bullets.

Clashes erupted between Israeli forces and local youths, leaving at least 40 civilians suffering from tear gas inhalation. Meanwhile, soldiers forcibly shuttered shops and abducted one of the store owners.

Settler violence soars

Israeli settlers, backed by the regime forces, assaulted residents in Einabus village's Khala area in Nablus, violently attacking several Palestiniansincluding the local council headwhile firing live rounds and tear gas, the Einabus Village Council said.

The council also reported that the regime's forces abducted two sanitation workers during their waste collection duties in the village.

In Ramallah, settlers launched fresh attacks in the Sahl Sa'i agricultural plain between al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah villages, setting fire to farm structures belonging to residents, the head of the village council told WAFA, adding that the settlers persistently assault the plains, setting fires and damaging citizens' lands and properties.

In al-Khalil, a group of extremist Israeli settlers invaded Khirbet al-Rakeez, a small Palestinian community in Masafer Yatta, and uprooted and damaged about 30 olive and almond trees belonging to local residents, according to local activist Osama Makhamra.

In a separate act of sabotage, the illegal settlers released their livestock onto cultivated fields belonging to another resident, causing widespread destruction to crops.

Since a ceasefire in Gaza was announced in January, Israel has intensified its attacks across the West Bank. In March, the regime broke the ceasefire, and it proceeded with its large-scale military raids in the West Bank.

Since January, Israeli forces have killed 13 Palestinians, including two women and a child, and injured dozens others in Tulkarem and its camps. Nearly 400 homes were completely destroyed and over 2,570 others were partially demolished in the camps of Nur Shams and Tulkarem.

That's while more than 956 Palestinians have been killed and about 7,000 others injured since Israel has launched an aggression on the West Bank and East al-Quds in October 2023, in conjunction with the regime's genocidal war on Gaza. Some 16,400 others were arrested.

In total, 52,314 Palestinians have been killed and 117,792 others injured since October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

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US carries out more aggression against Yemen

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 3:17 AM

The United States carries out more airstrikes in different areas in Yemen, as Washington presses ahead with its aggression against the Arab country.

The capital Sana'a was the main focus of fresh American strikes on Monday morning.

Several US air raids targeted the Bani Matar and Bani Hushaysh districts of Sana'a.

The Bani Al-Harith district was another target of US strikes.

American airstrikes on a commercial area in Sana'a's Shu'ab District damaged a number of shops.

According to Yemen's Health Ministry, fourteen citizens were injured as a result of the American aggression against the commercial district.

The northwestern city of Sa'ada was also targeted with three US air raids.

More American airstrikes hit two districts in Yemen's Ma'rib and al-Jawf governorates.

US National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt said the United States military has launched "over 1,000 strikes" on Yemen, and will continue the attacks in coordination with Israel.

The strikes followed a successful Yemeni missile strike on the occupied territories, which hit Israel's Ben Gurion airport, causing the facility's activities to come to a standstill.

Eight people were injured, according to paramedics.

The Israeli military confirmed its defense system failed to shoot down the hypersonic ballistic missile on Sunday despite several attempts to intercept it.

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 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.

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Vietnam enters fray at disputed South China Sea sandbank

Hanoi formally protested recent actions by Beijing and Manila in Sandy Cay.

By Alan Lu for RFA

2025.05.05

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Vietnam protested China and the Philippines over their competing activities at Sandy Cay in the disputed South China Sea, highlighting the country's increasingly assertive voice in regional maritime disputes.

China and the Philippines last week staged rival flag-raising displays on Sandy Cay, a key site for Manila to monitor Chinese activity in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Hanoi, which also considers the sandbank part of its territory, said on Saturday that it had sent diplomatic notes to both China and the Philippines protesting their recent activities at the disputed site.

"Vietnam calls on the relevant parties to respect Vietnam's sovereignty, comply with international law, and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea," Pham Thu Hang, Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson, said in a statement.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on April 26 that China's coast guard had landed at Sandy Cay as part of a maritime operation to assert Beijing's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands.

The Philippines, a day later, sent its own coast guards and police officers to the sandbars and found no one there, with both nations raising their flags over the disputed reef.

Vietnam has employed a mixed strategy of balancing, bandwagoning, and neutrality when dealing with the controversies between China and the Philippines in the region.

In April, coast guards from China and Vietnam completed their first joint patrol of 2025 in the Gulf of Tonkin, marking the 29th such joint patrol since 2006.

During the operation, vessels conducted joint maritime search and rescue exercises and monitored fishing activities along established maritime boundaries, which China characterized as "a model for maritime law enforcement cooperation in the South China Sea."

However, Vietnam has also been enhancing security cooperation with the Philippines.

In August 2024, the Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards conducted their first joint firefighting and search-and-rescue exercises off Manila, focusing on humanitarian aspects of maritime operations.

At the time, Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang also held talks with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila, where they signed letters of intent to enhance disaster response and military medicine engagements.

Both defense leaders expressed their commitment to deepening defense and military cooperation through "continued interaction and engagements at all levels." They agreed to resolve disagreements peacefully within the framework of international law.

Apart from that, Vietnam has taken steps to strengthen its legal position regarding maritime claims. In February 2025, the Southeast Asian country announced a new baseline defining its territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin.

China responded to this announcement by launching live-fire military exercises in the Gulf of Tonkin, signaling Beijing's disagreement with Hanoi's sovereignty claims.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Stephen Wright.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Lao troops killed in attack tied to drug crackdown: report

Unidentified gunmen launched an assault on Lao military posts in Bokeo province on Saturday.

By Pimuk Rakkanam and Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.05.05

BANGKOK and TAIPEI -- Gunmen attacked Lao military positions in Bokeo province near the northern Thai border, sources told Radio Free Asia on Monday. A news report said at least five Lao soldiers were killed in the ongoing violence that may be retaliation for a drug trafficking crackdown.

The attack began on Saturday evening, when the fighters stormed and seized three out of four Lao military outposts in Phu Pha Mon and Ban Chiang Tong, located in Pak Tha district, according to Thai-language media outlet Transborder News, which cited unnamed sources.

Supoj Langkawira, chief of the Thai border district of Wiang Kaen, confirmed the assault to RFA. He said the fighting peaked on Sunday and had since subsided.

"There were heavy clashes inside Laos, about 2 kilometers deep, but I don't have many details. Thai soldiers and officials spread along the border to keep peace," said Supoj. He didn't have information on casualties.

Supoj said that his office contacted Lao authorities, but they have yet to receive a response.

A diplomatic source in the Lao capital Vientiane told RFA they had confirmed the assault with "reliable sources."

A document circulated on social media and reviewed by RFA shows that the district chief of Boten in Laos's Xayaburi province issued an urgent directive instructing local authorities to remain on alert for potential armed conflict at all hours. The notice, however, provided no further details about the situation.

At least five Lao soldiers were killed, with several more wounded or trapped as fighting entered its third day on Monday, Transborder News said. Lao forces attempting to evacuate the wounded have come under fire, the report said.

A senior officer was allegedly ambushed and killed while trying to reach the conflict zone. A 7-year-old girl is said to be trapped inside one of the besieged bases, according to the news service.

Communities beyond Pak Tha have been cut off from supplies, Transborder News reported.

RFA has not independently verified the details of the Transborder News report.

A Thai paramilitary unit has been deployed along the border. Stray bullets have reportedly struck village rooftops, prompting heightened security and 24-hour patrols across high-risk areas such as Pha Bong and Phu Chi Dao, Transborder News said. Thai naval patrols have also been increased along the Mekong River to prevent cross-border violence.

The Lao government has not commented.

The motive behind the attack is believed to be connected to a major drug enforcement operation in the same region, Transborder News reported.

On April 21, Lao authorities seized more than 20 million methamphetamine pills in Bokeo Province after an abandoned truck loaded with narcotics was discovered in Ton Pheung district. The case is considered one of the largest drug hauls in Laos' history.

Sources told Transborder News the assault may be an act of retaliation by transnational drug syndicates with ties to armed ethnic militias.

A Thai official, who didn't want to be named because he's not authorized to speak to the media, told RFA that the perpetrators could be from Myanmar's Wa minority who produce and traffic drugs around the Golden Triangle where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet.

Laos has ramped up its anti-drug efforts in recent years, especially in the Golden Triangle region, a notorious hub for narcotics production and trafficking. In 2024 alone, Lao authorities handled 3,395 drug-related cases and arrested 5,168 individuals, including nearly 200 foreign nationals.

News of the border assault has triggered a wave of grief and outrage on Lao social media, where users are demanding answers and criticizing the government's silence.

Hashtags related to Bokeo Province and Wiang Kaen have surged on Facebook and TikTok, with users posting unverified images from the conflict zone and mourning the loss of Lao soldiers.

Edited by Mike Firn and Stephen Wright.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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4 year sentence and lifetime ban from politics: Cambodia throws book at Rong Chhun

Prominent labor leader and opposition figure is convicted of incitement; he says charge is politically motivated.

By Brach Chev for RFA Khmer 2025.05.05 -- A Cambodian court convicted prominent opposition figure Rong Chhun on an incitement charge Monday and sentenced him to four years in prison and permanently barred him from voting or running for office in the latest ruling to target a critic of the government.

Rong Chhun, who was also fined 4 million riel ($1,000), said the verdict was politically motivated. He attended Monday's hearing at the Phnom Penh Court but was not taken into custody as the court has yet to issue an order for his arrest.

"When we look at it, it's not a matter of law enforcement at all - it's more political. Both national and international opinions evaluate it as politically motivated," Rong Chhun told Radio Free Asia.

"I believe that if we continue down this path, it will only harm national interests and the people's benefit. It's not beneficial at all. We should all focus more on democratic principles and compete through elections. That's the better path," he said.

Longtime authoritarian ruler Hun Sen handed power to his son, Hun Manet, who became prime minister in 2023, but pressure has not eased up on critics of the government. Rights groups say opposition party members have been subject to unjustified prosecutions, and a once-thriving independent media have been all but demolished.

The Phnom Penh Court convicted Rong Chhun, who rose to prominence as a labor leader, on a charge of "incitement causing serious unrest to social security" due to comments he made about the demarcation of the Cambodia-Vietnam border - a deeply sensitive topic in Cambodia.

The prosecution presented as evidence an interview he gave with RFA Khmer which mentioned Hun Manet's inspection of border markers in August 2024; Rong Chhun's visits to communities facing land disputes including over a new international airport; and his role in launching an office for the opposition National Power Party.

His lawyer Chuong Chou Ngy said the court had stripped Rong Chhun of his civil rights to run for election or vote for the rest of his life, and he was considering an appeal.

"The court has not issued a decision related to an arrest. He (Rong Chhun) can still act normally and retain his right to appeal," he said.

Rong Chhun has served prison time before.

In 2021, he was sentenced to two years for accusing the government of conceding land to Vietnam and served 15 months. He was also ordered to pay 400 million riel ($100,000) compensation to the Joint Border Affairs Committee. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court last month ordered Rong Chhun to sell his house to pay it.

Yi Soksan, a senior official with the Cambodian human rights group Adhoc that monitored the court proceedings, said that forcing Rong Chhun to sell his home and banning him from politics for life was inhumane. He added that this situation will further erode international perceptions of Cambodia's commitment to democracy and freedom.

"We've seen in the past how the arrest of political figures and civil society workers affected international relations," he said, referencing actions by the European Union and the United States to withdraw trade benefits from Cambodia.

"That's why the government should reconsider its actions," he said.

Despite repeated legal actions against him, Rong Chhun has urged supporters of the opposition National Power Party, which he advises, not to lose hope and to remain strong in preparation for national elections in 2027 and 2028.

Edited by Mat Pennington.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Israeli Gov't Approves Plan to Expand Gaza Operation, Including Seizing Land

Sputnik News

20250505

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - The Israeli military-political cabinet has approved a plan to expand the ground operation in the Gaza Strip that provides for seizing and holding territory, displacing populations and powerful strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adviser Dmitri Gendelman said on Monday.

"The military-political cabinet unanimously approved the operational plan presented by the Chief of the General Staff for the complete liquidation of Hamas in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages from captivity," Gendelman wrote on Telegram.

The plan includes capturing and holding territory in Gaza, moving civilians south for their safety, denying Hamas access to humanitarian aid, and carrying out massive strikes on terrorist infrastructure and command posts.

Earlier in the day, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported, citing sources, that Israel's Security Cabinet had unanimously approved plans by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, which will take place after US President Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Opposition Leader Simion Leads in Romanian Presidential Election With 40.96%

Sputnik News

20250505

The first round of the presidential election took place in Romania on November 24, 2024.

Leader of the opposition Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party, George Simion, is leading in the presidential election in Romania with 40.96% of the votes as 100% of the ballots from the polling stations in the country are counted, the Central Electoral Bureau said on Monday.

Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan ranks second with 20.99%, followed by the ruling coalition Liberal Party's candidate, Crin Antonescu.

The first round of the presidential election took place in Romania on November 24, 2024. Independent right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu and pro-Western politician Elena Lasconi advanced to the second round, but the Constitutional Court annulled the results, alleging that a Russian influence operation had impacted the vote. Moscow has denied the allegations of interference in the Romanian election. Georgescu was barred from running in the repeat election.

 Sputnik

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Yemeni Houthis Impose Complete Air Blockade of Israel

Sputnik News

20250505

Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, said that it was launching a complete air blockade of Israel with constant shelling of airports, calling on all airlines to suspend flights to Israel for their own safety.

"The Yemeni armed forces announce a comprehensive air blockade against the Israeli enemy in response to its expanding aggression against Gaza. We will take action to enforce the blockade by repeatedly striking airports, in particular Lod Airport, which Israel calls Ben Gurion Airport," the statement read.

The Houthis called on all international airlines to take notice of this statement and cancel all flights to Israel for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, major airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, Air India have already suspended their flights to Tel Aviv.

 Sputnik

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World News in Brief: Deadly attacks in South Sudan and Ukraine, World Court rejects Sudan case, lifesaving aid in Yemen

5 May 2025 - According to the UN relief coordination office (OCHA), the hospital in Old Fangak was struck early Saturday, killing seven civilians and injuring at least 20 more. The attack also destroyed vital supplies and forced the withdrawal of aid workers, leaving the town's population without access to critical care.

"People in these areas are already battling flooding, food shortages and disease," said Marie-Helene Verney, the UN's acting Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.

Too many lives at risk

"The destruction of critical health infrastructure and continued fighting puts innocent South Sudanese lives at risk."

The bombing follows a wave of similar attacks in Upper Nile state, where health facilities in Ulang and Nasir have been targeted in recent months. The latest strike has heightened fears of renewed conflict as political and ethnic tensions rise nationwide.

The UN is now airlifting essential supplies to the area, but access remains limited. The violence has displaced over 130,000 people in the past two months, and aid agencies warn that South Sudan's broader $1.7 billion humanitarian plan remains only 16 per cent funded.

Large scale attacks on densely populated cities across Ukraine

The UN's top humanitarian official in Ukraine on Monday condemned a series of Russian strikes this weekend on densely populated towns and cities.

Between Friday and Monday, at least 12 people were killed and more than 100 others injured in attacks thar targeted Kharkiv, Kyiv and Cherkasy, and other regions in Ukraine.

These attacks also damaged homes, schools, a hospital and other civilian infrastructure, according to local authorities and partners, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York.

In the aftermath of the strikes, "humanitarian organizations provided first aid, psychosocial support, emergency shelter kits, repair materials, meals and drinks," Mr. Haq said.

In the Kharkiv region, a fire triggered by a strike near the city of Izium on Sunday, burned 85 hectares of land and damaged over a dozen buildings. There were no casualties reported, Mr. Haq added.

Meanwhile, UN agencies alongside partners reached 600,000 people so far this year with first aid, medical transport, primary care and mental health support, including at transit centres for displaced people.

Yemen: UN delivers lifesaving medical supplies

The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday delivered critical medical supplies to seven health facilities in Yemen, where a collapsing health system and chronic shortages continue to endanger millions.

With support from the Government of the United Kingdom, IOM shipments are reaching hospitals and clinics in Aden, Lahj, Shabwah, Al Bayda and Sana'a - facilities serving both migrants and local communities.

"Every day, our teams see the impact of empty medicine shelves and overwhelmed clinics, on families and entire communities," said Abdusattor Esoev, head of IOM in Yemen.

"By delivering essential supplies and supporting frontline staff, we are not just responding to urgent needs - we are keeping health services running for those who have nowhere else to turn."

Crisis on crisis

The intervention comes amid an alarming health crisis.

Nearly 20 million people in Yemen require medical assistance in 2025, but over half of the country's health facilities are only partially functioning or have shut down altogether. Funding gaps have left 382 facilities unsupported, forcing many to close or drastically cut services.

IOM's assistance includes essential medicines, surgical equipment and infection prevention tools, as well as infrastructure repairs and support for health workers.

For many in the strife-torn country, IOM-supported clinics remain the only source of free medical care.

ICJ rejects Sudan's genocide case against UAE

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Sudan's case accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of complicity in genocide in Darfur, citing a lack of jurisdiction.

In the decision, the UN's top judicial body ruled on Monday by a vote of 14 to two that it could not proceed with the case brought by Sudan under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention) and declined to impose any provisional measures, as Sudan had requested.

The Court also removed the case from its general list by a vote of nine to seven.

"Having come to the conclusion that it manifestly lacks jurisdiction, the Court is precluded from taking any position on the merits of the claims made by Sudan," the ruling stated.

Complicity charge

Sudan had accused the UAE of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alleging its support amounted to complicity in genocidal acts against the non-Arab Masalit population in West Darfur.

The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over 12.7 million people since April 2023.

The Court noted that while it could not hear the case, all States remain bound by their obligations under the Genocide Convention.





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Exercise Obangame Express holds Opening Ceremony in Cabo Verde

US Navy

05 May 2025

From U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

PRAIA, Cabo Verde -- Obangame Express 2025 (OE 25), sponsored by United States Africa Command and conducted by U.S. Sixth Fleet, held the opening ceremony for the exercise May 5th, 2025 in host nation Cabo Verde.

Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.

"Obangame Express is a cornerstone of our commitment to maritime security in West Africa. This exercise isn't just about training; it's about strengthening the enduring partnerships with our African and international allies and collectively addressing the complex challenges to regional stability and prosperity," said Vice Admiral J.T. Anderson, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. "The participation of 30 nations speaks volumes about the dedication to a secure and thriving maritime environment."

This year is the 14th iteration of OE25. During the exercise, U.S. forces will work alongside 27 nations to improve combined maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security in West Africa, and increase interoperability between the U.S., African, and multinational partners. Strong U.S.-African partnerships are crucial for peace and stability in the region and for defense of the homeland. The U.S. routinely exercises with our partners in Africa to build lethal and enduring relationships to ensure the safety and security of the regional maritime environment.

These U.S. forces, operating alongside Allies and partners, demonstrate joint and multinational military cooperation and shared commitment to global stability, peace and prosperity, with agile forces ready and postured to respond to today's dynamic security challenges.

"This exercise brings maritime forces from across the continent and beyond, enhancing our collective capabilities and fostering cooperation in the region," said U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde Jennifer Adams. "For Cabo Verde, hosting this event provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen its maritime forces and gain experience in leading multinational operations."

Participating nations in OE25 include: Angola, Benin, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, United Kingdom and the United States.

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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The United States Honors Egyptian Admiral and Celebrates Maritime Partnership During USS Truxtun Visit to Alexandria

US Navy

05 May 2025

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command , 5th Fleet Public Affairs - NAVCENT

Alexandria, Egypt -- U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, presented Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy Vice Adm. Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed with a personal military decoration from U.S. Central Command during a reception aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) in Alexandria, Egypt, May 1.

Wikoff recognized Atwa for his leadership and contributions to maritime security.

Held at Ras El Tin Naval Headquarters, the ship visit and reception followed high-level discussions between U.S. and Egyptian naval officials on regional maritime security, with a focus on ensuring freedom of navigation in critical waterways such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.

Ambassador Mustafa Garg praised Egypt's role in promoting regional stability and emphasized the importance of continued naval collaboration between the two countries.

"It is a great honor to recognize the service and dedication of our Egyptian naval partners," Garg said. "Egypt, the region, and the entire world are safer and more prosperous because of our commitment to protecting freedom of navigation. Together, the United States and Egypt are working to build a safer and more prosperous future for both our great nations and the world."

In turn, U.S. Army Col. David Kobs, Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy, affirmed, "The U.S.-Egypt military partnership is essential for regional stability and the free flow of commerce. Our navies work together daily to make our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous."

The event underscored Egypt's leadership in regional maritime coalitions, including its recent command of Combined Task Force 153, and reaffirmed over four decades of U.S.-Egypt defense cooperation through initiatives like BRIGHT STAR, joint training exercises, and military exchanges. The celebration served as a reminder of both nations' commitment to strengthening security, peace, and prosperity in the region.

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Blue Ridge Arrives in Suva, Fiji

US Navy

05 May 2025

From Lt. Victor Murkowski, U.S. 7th Fleet

SUVA, Fiji -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Suva, Fiji for a scheduled port visit May 5, 2025, marking the ship's first return to the city since 1998.

U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge, commands the world's largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.

This port visit underscores the continuation of 7th Fleet's deepening security relationship with Fiji to advance a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

"The U.S. 7th Fleet routinely works together with the Fiji Navy to provide maritime domain awareness and maritime security," said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. "Our port visit to Suva underscores our longstanding friendship with the people of Fiji that is rooted in our shared values and commitment to regional stability in the Pacific."

During the port visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership will engage with senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Navy and local government leaders. The visit will include opportunities for professional exchanges and collaborative activities, further solidifying the strong ties between the two nations.

In addition, sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet are scheduled to participate in a series of in-port activities to include band performances, community relation events, ship tours and touristic sightseeing.

"Our friendship with Fiji reflects our shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific," said Capt. Nicholas C. DeLeo, commanding officer, USS Blue Ridge. "We're thankful for the warm welcome and look forward to the Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet teams working alongside Fijian Naval leaders, building relationships within the community, and experiencing the richness of Fijian culture. This visit will strengthen the foundation of our partnership and future collaboration."

The Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities.

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India, Pakistan troops exchange fire on Kashmir LoC

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:03, May 06, 2025

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.

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Thai rice faces tough times amid levies

People's Daily Online

By Yang Wanli (China Daily) 09:33, May 06, 2025

Thailand needs to further develop high-quality rice varieties and boost production to meet the market demand and maintain the kingdom's competitiveness in the global rice trade amid emerging challenges partly due to steep US trade tariffs, experts say.

"Thai jasmine rice has a high quality and reputation in the international market, which will not be shaken by the US tariff hike," said Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, or TREA. "However, the added tariff may lead to a surge in rice prices and make Thai rice prices less competitive."

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian countries hit by the US tariff measures. It faces a 36 percent tariff on goods unless negotiations are successful before the moratorium on the tariffs ends in July.

Last year, Thailand's exported 9.95 million tons of rice, a 13 percent increase year-on-year and the highest since 2018, according to TREA. Of the total exports, it sold 848,449 tons of rice to the US, making it the third-largest market for Thai rice after Indonesia and Iraq.

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has set a target of 7.5 million tons of rice exports for this year. However, according to TREA statistics, rice exports declined by 30 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year.

Charoen attributed the decline to several reasons, including steep tariffs from the US, a stronger baht, and higher rice prices compared with Thailand's competitors India and Vietnam.

"Specifically, India's rice is priced $40 cheaper per ton than Thailand's, prompting several countries of our main international rice consumers, including South Africa, Malaysia, and the Philippines, to turn to India instead of Thailand," Charoen said.

Declining demand, combined with increased production in both exporting and importing countries as drought conditions ease, will make Thai rice exports more challenging this year, deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak said at a recent news conference.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the TREA, said that rice from Vietnam is cheaper because production costs are lower, and farmers grow different crop varieties and bring in multiple harvests.

"Thai rice is more expensive as Thai farmers incur higher production costs while the yield is low. Authorities should focus on improving the production efficiency of Thai farmers so they can compete in the long term, particularly by managing production costs, improving the investment, and developing strains that yield higher output."

In a recent interview with Thai media, Banjong Tangchitwattanakul, president of the Thai Rice Millers Association, said the concessions Thailand is proposing to counter US moves, including bringing tariffs on US corn down from 73 percent to zero, would further hurt Thai farmers.

Cheap imports

"Those cheap imported corn could further depress prices of broken rice and rice bran, which are extracted during rice milling and used in animal feed," he said.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that the US requested a postponement of bilateral trade talks regarding tariffs, citing dissatisfaction with Thailand's initial proposals. The US wanted Thailand to review and revise certain measures before negotiations could proceed, she said.

The confirmation came a day after Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced on April 21 that Thailand would not buy a new fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Thailand's major exports to the US, including electronics, electrical appliances, machinery, automobiles and parts, agriculture and processed agriculture, will be the most affected by the tariffs, said Kirida Bhaopichitr, director of the Thailand Development Research Institute's Economic Intelligence Service.

"Thailand should remain neutral and promote trade with and investments from all countries. Free trade agreements with more trading partners should be drawn up soon." Countries and businesses must diversify to survive in a fragmented global trading and investment system, she said.

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Israeli PM warns of "intensive" Gaza offensive, with senior official saying window still open for deal

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:10, May 06, 2025

JERUSALEM/GAZA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that the country's new offensive in the Gaza Strip would be "intensive," referring to a plan approved by his security cabinet on escalating the ongoing campaign in Gaza.

The security cabinet voted overnight in favor of the plan, under which Israel would expand the offensive to seize Gaza, control aid, and relocate the population to the south of the enclave.

"We are on the eve of an intensified incursion into Gaza," Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media platform X, adding that the goals of the operation are to "defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages."

He noted that under the plan, Israel would shift its current strategy, moving from withdrawal after destroying Hamas' military capabilities to retaining control over seized Gaza territory.

However, the new offensive plan has sparked controversy among the senior ranks of the Israeli military.

Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir told ministers during a security cabinet meeting early on Monday that, according to the army's assessment, the new operation "would endanger the lives of the hostages," Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported.

Nitzan Alon, the military's hostage affairs coordinator, echoed the concern. According to Israel's Channel 12 News, Alon also told ministers that the offensive "puts the hostages at risk."

The stronger the military strikes, "the more violent the militants become, taking out their frustration on the hostages," he said.

Earlier in the day, a senior Israeli security official told Xinhua that Israel has given Hamas a "window of opportunity" until mid-May to reach a hostage deal before implementing the newly approved operation plan.

"There is a window of opportunity to reach a hostage deal ... before the conclusion of U.S. President (Donald) Trump's visit to the region," he said. Trump is expected to tour the Middle East from May 13 to 16, with planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

The Israeli official added that Israel insists on the deal presented by Netanyahu in early March, which includes the release of additional Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and a promise to discuss a long-term truce.

"If no hostage deal is reached, the expanded operation will begin with full intensity and will not end until all its objectives are achieved," he cautioned. "Unlike in the past, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will remain in every area it seizes to prevent the return of terror activity," the official noted.

He said Israel would lift the blockade on humanitarian aid only after launching the expanded operation, and a "mass evacuation" of civilians toward southern Gaza would be conducted. Meanwhile, the aid distribution, he said, would be carried out by "civilian contractors" in "secured zones under IDF's control," including "a sterile area" to be established in Rafah, southern Gaza.

"Under any temporary or permanent arrangements, Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza," he said.

On Monday, Hamas denounced Israel's new aid distribution plan as "political blackmail." In a press statement, Hamas argued that the plan would convert humanitarian aid into a political tool, violate international law, and contribute to "starvation and forced displacement" in the coastal enclave. Notably, the faction has yet to make a response to the Israeli threat to expand its military campaign.

Israel has prevented goods and supplies from entering Gaza since March 2, after the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas expired. It argued that the aid blockade aims to prevent Hamas from seizing control of supplies and to pressure the faction into accepting its offer for extending the first phase of the truce deal.

On March 18, Israel resumed military assaults in Gaza, effectively ending the phased truce. According to an update by the health authorities in Gaza on Monday, the renewed Israeli strikes have killed 2,459 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 52,567.

Several rounds of mediated talks have been held recently, but all have failed to restore the Gaza ceasefire due to differences between the parties.

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100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again

Release Date: May 5, 2025

"I will continue fighting every day alongside President Donald Trump to secure our border and keep American communities safe. This is just the beginning of the Golden Age of America." - Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON - In her first 100 days on the job, Secretary Kristi Noem returned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to its core mission of securing the homeland.

Under Secretary Noem's strong leadership, DHS is hard at work securing our borders, arresting and removing criminal aliens, safeguarding the U.S. cyber infrastructure, protecting America's leaders, deterring terrorism, and keeping America safe.

Below are just some of Secretary Noem's accomplishments from her 100 Days:

Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history.

Daily border encounters have plunged 95% since President Trump and Secretary Noem took office.

since President Trump and Secretary Noem took office. Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border migration through Panama's Darien Gap is down 99.99%.

before they even reach our border migration through Panama's Darien Gap is down 99.99%. Secretary Noem launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide and international ad campaign , urging illegal aliens to leave the U.S. voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return and warning criminals to stay out. The data shows the world is hearing our message.

urging illegal aliens to leave the U.S. voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return and warning criminals to stay out. The data shows the world is hearing our message. Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have reunited nearly 5,000 unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian.

with a safe relative or guardian. Secretary Noem is finishing the border wall . DHS already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction.

. DHS already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction. United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugsstopping them from ever reaching American communities.

Secretary Noem is fulfilling President Trump's promise to carry out mass deportationsstarting with the worst of the worst.

Secretary Noem unleashed the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to target the worst of the worst, 75% of their arrests are criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges. Secretary Noem rode with ICE agents on an operation in New York City that resulted in the arrest of a Tren de Aragua ringleader . The Secretary went on a successful operation in Northern Virginia that got MS-13 gang members, 18th Street gang members, and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets. Additionally, Secretary Noem went on an ICE operation in Phoenix that resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, drug smugglers, and 18th Street gang members .

with convictions or pending charges. DHS has secured 598 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g). Last week, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcementOperation Tidal Wave resulted in 1,120 arrests across Florida.

resulted in 1,120 arrests across Florida. Secretary Noem deputized the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help with immigration operations.

the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help with immigration operations. Under Secretary Noem's leadership, DHS has arrested over 168,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone, including more than 600 members of Tren de Aragua .

in 2025 alone, including . To fulfill President Trump's promise to carry out mass deportations, DHS and Department of Defense (DOD) are detaining some of the most dangerous illegal aliens, including violent criminals and members of terrorist gangs, at Guantanamo Bay. Secretary Noem was the first Cabinet Secretary to visit Guantanamo Bay and see the facilities where the worst of the worst are being held.

and see the facilities where the worst of the worst are being held. At President Trump's direction, DHS deported nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people.

in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people. While in El Salvador, Secretary Noem signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to update the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) between the U.S. and El Salvador. This agreement ensures fugitives' criminal records are shared between America and El Salvador, so that criminals are not inadvertently released into American communities.

between the U.S. and El Salvador. This agreement ensures fugitives' criminal records are shared between America and El Salvador, so that criminals are not inadvertently released into American communities. While in Colombia, Secretary Noem signed a Statement of Intent for Biometric Cooperation . This agreement facilitates the sharing of biometric data between our nations to better identify and prevent criminals and terrorists from our crossing borders. Biometric data sharing has already led to over 1,700 deportations and 1,000 arrests.

. This agreement facilitates the sharing of biometric data between our nations to better identify and prevent criminals and terrorists from our crossing borders. Biometric data sharing has already led to over 1,700 deportations and 1,000 arrests. President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U.S. Secretary Noem replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country. So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport.

that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U.S. Secretary Noem replaced this disastrous program with the for aliens illegally in the country. So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport. The Trump Administration is enforcing the Alien Registration Act which requires aliens to register with the federal government. If illegal aliens fail to comply, they face fines and imprisonment.

Deportations have already exceeded 152,000 this is just the beginning.

this is just the beginning. Under Secretary Noem's leadership, DHS partnered with the Government of Uzbekistan to successfully deport over 100 illegal aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. This operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of their own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between our nations and sets a standard for U.S. alliances.

President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting the safety of Americans first and delivering justice for victims of illegal aliens and drug cartels.

Under the Secretary's leadership, DHS is enforcing President Trump's first major piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act . This law mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

. This law mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury. President Trump designated international drug cartels and other criminal gangs, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations . This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations. The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over.

. This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations. The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over. Following the Secretary's meeting with the Honduran Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Trump Administration extradited Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien arrested for killing 21-year-old Sarah Root in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras.

Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras. President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration. President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve.

which was shuttered by the Biden Administration. President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve. Secretary Noem has met with Angel familiesincluding Alexis Nungaray, Sabine Durden-Coulter, Tammy Nobles, Maureen Maloney, and Agnes Gibboneyto hear their tragic stories and offer support from the Trump Administration.

President Trump and Secretary Noem are restoring integrity and common sense to our legal immigration system.

DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary. No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens. Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration's extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS.

immigration program to its original status: temporary. No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens. Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration's extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS. President Trump is returning common sense to our legal immigration system and national security by revoking visas of terrorist sympathizers. Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U.S. Some examples include: ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led activities aligned with Hamas and passed out pro-Hamas propaganda flyers. Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported after she admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah and was responsible for killing hundreds of Americans. ICE arrested Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown foreign exchange student whose father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas.

Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U.S. Some examples include: To keep America safe, DHS is now conducting enhanced vetting of visa applicants, including monitoring foreign aliens' social media accounts to identify any support for terrorist organizations.

Under President Trump, Secretary Noem refocused DHS to its core mission of protecting the American homeland and eliminating government waste.

Secretary Noem has empowered our brave men and women in ICE, Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard to use common sense to do their jobs effectively.

to do their jobs effectively. DHS ensured a safe and secure Super Bowl for the more than 100,000 fans celebrating in New Orleans.

for the more than 100,000 fans celebrating in New Orleans. Secretary Noem is embracing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts to make sweeping cuts that eliminate government waste, return DHS to its core mission of protecting the homeland, and fulfill the Founders vision of returning power to the states. The USCG eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million , and is now focusing resources where they're most needed to protect our homeland. The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits . Secretary Noem stopped the construction of a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency headquarters building that was going to cost American taxpayers more than half a billion dollars.

efforts to make sweeping cuts that eliminate government waste, return DHS to its core mission of protecting the homeland, and fulfill the Founders vision of returning power to the states. Secretary Noem ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA grant program that was wasteful and ineffective. This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund.

that was wasteful and ineffective. This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund. To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens .

that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to . Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA's chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe.

Bottom Line: Secretary Noem will continue fighting alongside President Trump every day to secure our border and keep American communities safe. This is just the beginning of a new Golden Age of America.

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British Police Detain 7 Iranians In Two Separate Counterterrorism Operations

By RFE/RL May 05, 2025

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 we've 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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/london-britain-iran- terrorism-arrrests/33404531.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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EU Statement at the sixty-fourth session of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 5 May 2025

European External Action Service (EEAS)

05.05.2025

Vienna

Press and information team of the Delegation to UN and OSCE in Vienna

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Albania and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

Chair,

I would like to assure you of our full support and cooperation, and thank the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for its excellent work and its Director Aarti Holla-Maini for her able leadership.

We commend UNOOSA for the organisation of the Space Law and Policy Conference last November. It fostered an inclusive dialogue and highlighted numerous aspects of global governance, principles of international space law, and mechanisms for cooperation and collaboration on space activities.

The Pact for the Future reaffirms the importance of the widest possible adherence to and full compliance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the cornerstone of the international legal regime governing outer space activities, and the need to establish new frameworks for space traffic, space debris and space resources through the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). It also underscores the critical role of a safe and sustainable use of space in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. In this context we look forward to an early agreement on the objectives, venue, organisation and funding of the UNISPACE IV Conference in 2027 and expect UNOOSA to have the necessary resources to properly implement its mandate.

As responsible space actors, the EU and its Member States are committed to promoting the universalisation and implementation of international instruments on outer space, in particular the Outer Space Treaty. We encourage all States to accede to or ratify and fully implement the UN Treaties on outer space.

The COPUOS Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five UN Treaties on Outer Space is an important forum to review the status of the treaties, their implementation and obstacles to their universal acceptance, as well as to promote space law. We welcome that the Working Group agreed on a work plan on the implementation of Article XI of the Outer Space Treaty and will start the preparation of a template or a model submission form that could be offered to States and international intergovernmental organizations as a voluntary tool.

We also welcome the progress made within the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities and the upcoming Space Resources Week hosted by Luxembourg, as well as the 8th Space Resources Conference in Krakow, Poland on the theme "The Path to Lunar Sustainability", in May 2025. Both events will provide valuable inputs to the work of the Working Group and should facilitate consensus building on outstanding issues, in particular the drafting of a set of initial recommended principles for space resources activities.

Likewise, the EU and its Member States acknowledge the positive discussions within the Working Group on Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (WG-LTS) and encourage continued work on the implementation of the 21 LTS Guidelines, capacity building and emerging challenges, and the adoption of recommendations that could be included in its final report in 2026.

Chair,

Work is ongoing at European level to advance Space Traffic Management (STM) as set out in the Joint Communication on Space Traffic Management and affirmed by the EU Member States.

We are currently developing capabilities and frameworks, and developed bilateral and multilateral partnerships with international partners. Since 2023, as part of EU Space Surveillance & Tracking (SST), also non-European users benefit from the collision avoidance services, and since 2024 from the re-entry and fragmentation services. The European Commission was pleased to contribute to the first-ever UN Space Sustainability Days in January 2025. This was an important initiative from UNOOSA to build capacities on space surveillance and tracking and space traffic coordination. In this regard, we take note of the proposals for the Establishment of an Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness at the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) and of a Study Group on Legal and Policy Aspects of Space Traffic at the Legal Subcommittee (LSC).

Chair

The EU reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of space security, advancing the development of norms, rules and principles that promote responsible behaviour in outer space, and supporting the efforts of the international community in preventing an arms race in all its aspects in outer space. In this context, we supported the establishment of the new Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the prevention of arms race in outer space in all its aspects by the General Assembly last year and we will continue to participate in its work in an active and constructive manner in a hope that the process would result in a substantive outcome to strengthen space security.

Chair,

We underline the utmost importance of the UN Charter and other provisions of international law in exploration and use of outer space. In this context, we continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the DPRK's illegal actions in violation of multiple Security Council Resolutions, including its satellite launches using ballistic missile technology.

Thank you

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Soldiers ready for real-world challenges

By Lieutenant Emily Tinker

5 May 2025

Australian Army soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Philippine and United States marines to dig in at the beachfront at Rizal, preparing to turn back a notional invasion on Philippine territory.

This display of tri-nation integration and interoperability was part of a counter-landing live-fire exercise in Palawan for Exercise Balikatan 2025.

Commanding Officer Battle Group Tiger and 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (5/7RAR), Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Grogan, said Balikatan helped multinational forces develop shared tactics, techniques and procedures to enhance readiness and response capabilities for real-world challenges.

"Working with the US and the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Balikatan 25 has been exceptional," Lieutenant Colonel Grogan said.

"It's demonstrated the professionalism across our forces and our capacity to integrate and work effectively at all levels of command, showcasing the means in which we can work together in the lead-up to high-level warfighting activities."

Over a number of days, the multinational battlegroup planned and rehearsed tactical and medical drills to hone interoperability while enduring the intense jungle heat.

Captain Carter Collins, Echo Company Commander, US Marines, said working and training alongside Australian and Philippine forces was a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and cross-train to deploy effectively as a joint force.

"The counter-landing live fire allows the US, Australian Defence Force and Philippine Marine Corps to get on a live-fire range and work through our defence and how we would notionally protect a beachhead, and exchange tactics and procedures as we go through that process," Captain Collins said.

"It's been fantastic to work with both ADF and the Philippine Marine Corps. They have both jumped straight into subject-matter expert exchanges ... trying to understand how we do things, and also teaching us things we didn't know."

The well-rehearsed forces successfully executed the coastal defence mission.

The main event began with a maritime interdiction, which involved Philippine naval assets, shore-based heavy weapons systems, crew-served weapons and guided weapons systems, engaging with approaching notional adversary vessels.

A defensive battle followed involving small arms operated by 5/7RAR soldiers, Philippine and US marines, fighting from fortified locations across the beach.

Philippine Marine Corps' Commanding General of 3rd Marine Brigade, Brigadier General Mangoroban, said the tri-nation integration demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting regional security.

"Today we have witnessed some of the powers of our partner nations. We are very grateful for their participation. This is a community of like-minded nations pursuing a rules-based international order here on Exercise Balikatan," Brigadier General Mangoroban said.

The exercise concluded with Battle Group Tiger using long-range precision fires of the US Army's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) firing ripper shots at grids in the ocean.

Australia's contribution to Balikatan 2025 included more than 260 ADF conventional and special forces from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, exercising tactical air components, coastal defence and security, sustainment, medical support, multinational coordination and humanitarian civic assistance.

With more than 14,000 troops, Exercise Balikatan is the largest annual bilateral training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military, with 2025 marking the 40th iteration of the exercise.

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International debut for Talisman Sabre

By Corporal Michael Rogers

5 May 2025

Australia's largest military exercise will be making its international debut, with Papua New Guinea hosting elements of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones made the announcement during a visit to Igam Barracks in Lae, PNG, on April 23.

It will be the first time in 11 iterations and 22 years that part of the exercise will take place overseas.

"It's indicative of the relationship we have with Papua New Guinea, and in this year of the 50th anniversary of independence for Papua New Guinea," Vice Admiral Jones said.

Joint activities between PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), Australian Defence Force and United States forces will take place between Wewak, Madang and Lae, including the official closing ceremony at Igam Barracks.

While in PNG, Vice Admiral Jones met with Chief of the PNGDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.

Vice Admiral Jones also helped unveil the newly refurbished National Surveillance Coordination Centre (NSCC) at HMPNGS Basilisk.

"The bedrock of maritime security is knowing and understanding what's going on in your sovereign waters and the surrounding regions," he said.

"I congratulate Papua New Guinea on instituting this national surveillance centre that will allow it to do that and make the decisions that count to safeguard economic prosperity."

Renovations were completed as part of the Australia-PNG Defence Cooperation Program.

The NSCC provides a venue for PNGDF, PNG fisheries, customs, police and other agencies to work together in maritime-domain awareness.

On the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, Vice Admiral Jones represented the ADF at the memorial service at Bomana War Cemetery on Anzac Day.

While Australian forces fought across the globe during World War 2, their most important battle was one closest to home.

Soldiers, sailors and aviators stood as the last line of defence against the Japanese advance in the jungles, oceans and skies of New Guinea. However, they did not stand alone.

More than 3300 Australians are buried in the Port Moresby cemetery, alongside 40 fallen soldiers of the Papuan Infantry Battalion.

"When you look at the history of the Kokoda trail campaign and then wander the neat rows of graves at the war cemetery, you realise what a privilege the experience is. It's very evocative," Vice Admiral Jones said.

"We also remember the Papuan civilians who carried supplies to the front lines and evacuated wounded soldiers back through the mountains.

"Their kindness, bravery and compassion were pivotal to the survival of many Australians. They too are part of the Anzac story."

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China stands ready to work with new Australian government: FM Spokesperson

Global Times

(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.

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Australian PM wins 2nd consecutive term

People's Daily Online

By Xin Xin (China Daily) 08:22, May 06, 2025

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged national unity on Sunday following a resounding victory in the federal election to secure his second term.

Spending Sunday in his Sydney electorate of Grayndler, Albanese said he would lead a unified government.

"The Australian people voted for unity rather than division," he said. "We will be a disciplined, orderly government in our second term, just like we have been in our first."

His Labor Party claimed victory on Saturday night, with projections that gave it a comfortable lead in getting at least 76 seats in the House of Representatives needed to form government.

By Sunday evening, the Labor Party was leading with 82 seats in the lower house of the parliament against 38 seats under opposition leader Peter Dutton's coalition of the Liberal and National parties, according to the Australian Electoral Commission.

More than 18 million Australians were enrolled to vote in the federal election, the commission said.

With his latest victory following the 2022 win, Albanese is the country's first prime minister to clinch two consecutive elections since John Howard in 2004.

Responding to a media query about the Australian election results, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that China has noted the reports and congratulates the Labor Party and Albanese.

"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", a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

Main priorities

Following the election, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said one of the government's main priorities would be managing the risk of global economic uncertainty.

Chalmers pointed to "a huge downside risk in the global economy" amid the worldwide tariffs imposed by the United States.

"I think what's happening particularly between the US and China does cast a dark shadow over the global economy and we're not uniquely impacted by that," Chalmers said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"Global economic uncertainty really is the big influence on my thinking and my work on day one of a second term," he said.

"We need to have the ability and we will have the ability to manage that uncertainty at the same time as we roll out our domestic agenda."

An opinion poll released by Australia's Lowy Institute two weeks before the election showed 36 percent of more than 2,000 respondents from across the country expressing any level of trust in the US to act responsibly, marking a 20-year low.

Eight in 10 respondents disapproved of Washington's use of tariffs to pressure other countries into complying with the administration's objectives, with other US policies related to the international community, such as its withdrawal from the World Health Organization and climate change agreements, receiving similar disapproval.

Saturday's polls saw Albanese's Labor Party increasing its majority through significant swings across the country, taking marginal seats and those that were formerly strongholds of the opposition coalition.

One of those was Dutton's electorate of Dickson in suburban Brisbane, capital of Queensland state  making him the first opposition leader to lose his seat in an election.

Dutton conceded defeat to Albanese and congratulated him on Saturday night.

"We didn't do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility for that," Dutton told supporters in Brisbane.

"It's a historic occasion for the Labor Party and we recognize that."

Alexis Hooi in Sydney and agencies contributed to this story.

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

May 5, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.

The prime ministers congratulated each other on their respective election and re-election. Prime Minister Carney underscored the many areas of close co-operation between Canada and Australia, particularly in trade, defence, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The leaders looked forward to building a stronger relationship between their two nations and agreed to remain in close contact.

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China, Egypt wrap up first joint air force training, practice air superiority combat, suppressive air defense

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun, Liang Rui and Guo Yuandan Published: May 05, 2025 12:30 PM

The air forces of China and Egypt have recently wrapped up their first joint air force training, featuring exercises on air superiority combat and suppressive air defense, as well as low-altitude flyovers of the Pyramids. An expert said on Monday that the training courses showed a high level of collaboration among the two countries' warplanes in drills that were close to real combat.

The China-Egypt "Eagles of Civilization 2025" joint air force training concluded at an Egyptian air force base on Sunday, the Global Times learned from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Monday.

This joint training marked the first time the PLA Air Force has deployed a systematic force to Africa for such exercises, according to the PLA Air Force.

Upon arrival, the PLA Air Force swiftly completed preparations including equipment setup, theoretical instruction, mission planning, and command coordination, and successfully conducted the first flight, which demonstrated the PLA Air Force's capabilities in long-range deployment, agile operations, and integrated combat systems, the PLA Air Force said in a press release.

During the 18-day training, the two sides engaged in discussions and exchanges on training methodologies, air combat tactics, aerial refueling, and other areas. They also successfully carried out exercises such as air superiority combat, suppressive air defense, battlefield search and rescue, and mixed formation drills, according to the release.

Long Yifei from the PLA Air Force said that during the joint drill, the Y-20 transport aircraft and YU-20 aerial tanker played a crucial role in systematic rapid force projection and supporting the agile deployment of aerial combat systems, providing valuable experience for deepening future combat-oriented training.

Videos and photos released by the PLA Air Force show the deployment of equipment such as the KJ-500 early warning aircraft, the J-10C fighter jet, the Z-20 helicopter and the YU-20 tanker aircraft.

During a training session, the PLA Air Force's YU-20 tanker aircraft conducted an in-flight refueling operation for the Egyptian Air Force's MiG-29 fighter jets, one of the photos shows.

Another photo shows that some of the main warplanes participating in the exercise formed formation and flew over the Pyramids at very low altitudes in Cairo.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, noted two highlights in the PLA Air Force release. First is the PLA Air Force's heavy equipment transport capability. He told the Global Times that the drill demonstrated the Y-20 transport aircraft's ability to rapidly transport equipment like the Z-20 helicopter over thousands of kilometers. Similarly, the Y-20 can also transport other heavy equipment, such as tanks and armored vehicles.

Another highlight is the drill's training courses. Air superiority combat and suppressive air defense are some of the main ways to fight contemporary air combat, Wang said, explaining that the seizure of air superiority is a basis for all air and ground operations, while employing air power to suppress hostile systems creates favorable conditions to establish and maintain air superiority.

The exercises demonstrated a high level of collaboration between the two countries' air forces. These training courses would require a comprehensive system of equipment, including early warning aircraft and tanker aircraft in addition to fighter jets, Wang said.

The PLA Air Force said that the joint training represents a new starting point and significant milestone in the military cooperation between the two countries.

This marked the first joint training organized by the Chinese and Egyptian air forces, which served not only as a practical platform to enhance tactical and technical skills but also as a valuable opportunity to deepen friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for strengthening the bond between the two militaries and advancing practical collaboration and exchanges, according to the PLA Air Force release.

Wang said that the first joint air force training between the two countries has established a foundation for various potential cooperation between the two countries' militaries at a time when Egypt is looking to upgrade its combat equipment.

PLA Air Force's Li Bokuan said that "During this joint training, our pilots and those of the Egyptian Air Force learned from each other and honed our skills, fully showing the PLA Air Force's exceptional combat readiness and formidable operational capabilities. This is not only a friendly military cooperation but also an in-depth exchange between the air forces of the two ancient civilizations. As we fly in formation over the Pyramids, our friendship will continue to flow long and strong like the Nile River."

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US Army's dispersed new units targeting China in conflict to face logistics, comms, air defense problems: expert

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun, Liang Rui and Guo Yuandan Published: May 05, 2025 07:12 PM

The US' new Pacific Army commander recently claimed that the US Army has created agile new units to operate on the frontline, to disperse and hit Chinese targets from land in a conflict, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

However, a Chinese military affairs expert noted that these forces could encounter logistical, communication, and air defense challenges, hindering their potential functions.

In the interview, General Ronald Clark, who took charge of the US Army in the Pacific in November last year and oversees 106,000 personnel whose area of operations stretches from Hollywood to Bollywood and polar bears to penguins, hyped China's national defense development.

Clark then claimed that in response to this, the US Army has created agile new units to operate on front-line territories including the first island chain. In a conflict, the idea would be for these forces to disperse, hit Chinese targets from land, collect valuable battlespace information and create openings for US air and naval forces to maneuver. Two such units, called Multi-Domain Task Forces, have been constituted for the Indo-Pacific. A third is in the works, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that since the end of the Cold War, the US has maintained a certain number of ground forces in the Pacific region, primarily deployed in South Korea, Japan, and Hawaii. In recent years, as the US has shifted its strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region, the US Army has begun to prepare to participate in great power competition and potential conflicts with major powers in the Asia-Pacific region, Zhang said.

He suggested that the US Army's creation of new units may be an attempt to avoid US Army being marginalized, secure funding and political relevance, as defense budgets increasingly favor the Air Force and Navy.

Fu Qianshao, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday that that the concept of dispersing troops along island chains is not new. The US military has recognized that, given China's defense advancements, attempts to contain China militarily via these chains are faltering. Major military bases and airfields along the first and second island chains are now believed to be under the coverage of Chinese weapons. The expert said that, under these circumstances, the newly established US Army units are trying to scatter, so to avoid putting all eggs in the same basket.

However, this concept also faces many problems. Fu noted that it is difficult to sustain logistics support in dispersed deployments. It is also challenging to maintain command and communications under such situations that are vulnerable to electromagnetic jamming. In addition, this kind of dispersed, agile deployment cannot get a complete system of air defense. Their deployment on scattered islands also limits their ability to maneuver and evade attacks.

The Wall Street Journal article reported that, to help the newly established Multi-Domain Task Forces do their jobs, the US Army is deploying new missile systems. That includes the Typhon, which can "go after enemy ships, aircraft and land targets" as far as the Chinese mainland. The US Army sent the platform last year to the Philippines and remains there, said the report.

Fu said that the US Army's maneuver poses a threat to peace and stability in the region, which affects not only China but also other countries. He emphasized that as an external power, the US deploying forces near China demonstrates clear hegemonic intentions.

China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to US deployment of mid-range missile system in the Philippines.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press conference in November last year that the mid-range missile system is an offensive weapon. Accepting US deployment of the system by the Philippine side has intensified geopolitical confrontation and escalated tensions in the region. It is by no means a matter of the Philippine side itself, but hinges on the common security of regional countries. History and reality have repeatedly proven that where there are US weapons deployed, there will be higher risk of conflicts, inflicting underserved sufferings on the local people.

"The Asia-Pacific is a grand stage for peace and development, not a wrestling ground for geopolitical rivalry. We urge the relevant parties to withdraw the Typhon mid-range missile system immediately. If the US and the Philippines insist on heading down the wrong path, the Chinese side will take resolute countermeasures," Wu said.

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China doesn't fear trade war, urges equal, respectful talks, envoy says

Global Times

By Zhao Huanxin (Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:32, May 06, 2025

China doesn't want or fear a trade war, and talks should be conducted in an equal, respectful and reciprocal manner, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said, as the US-China Business Council cautioned that hefty duties, if they take hold, would significantly reduce the United States' exports.

Speaking at an embassy open house event on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng said tariff hikes benefit no one, but instead disrupt business, raise costs, rattle financial markets and slow global growth.

During the first 100 days since US President Donald Trump took office on Jan 20, Washington has announced sweeping tariffs, starting with a 10 percent blanket duty on all foreign-made imports.

Dozens of countries received a 90-day pause until July, but tariffs were raised to 145 percent on products from China, which has retaliated by imposing 125 percent levies on US goods.

"China does not want a trade war but is not intimidated by it. We are defending not only our own legitimate rights and interests, but also the order of international trade," Xie said.

"If the US wants to talk, it should act in the spirit of equality, respect and reciprocity," he added.

The envoy noted that trade is not a zero-sum game, and building barriers only blocks the flow of shared growth.

Saturday's embassy event, which was part of this year's Around the World Embassy Tour, featured Gansu province in Northwest China, once a front line in China's fight against poverty.

Gansu, by lifting more than 5.5 million people out of poverty and covering over 99 percent of its land with a 4G network, tells a story of resilience and self-reliance, Xie said.

To illustrate how the US has long benefited from global trade, Xie said that in 2022 alone, the revenue of US-owned enterprises in China significantly exceeded those of Chinese-owned enterprises in the US, by more than $400 billion.

"The China-US economic relationship is overall balanced and mutually beneficial," he said.

China remained the US' third-largest goods export market in 2024 and sixth-largest services export market in 2023. Trade with China in areas like agriculture, education, travel, aerospace and semiconductors supports 862,467 US jobs, according to the "US Exports to China" 2025 report from the US-China Business Council.

Total goods exports to China, which hit a high of $151.5 billion in 2022, contracted slightly in 2024, but had surged 23.4 percent from a decade ago, according to the business council's report.

The data does not reflect US and Chinese tariff increases implemented so far this year, which are expected to significantly reduce US exports if they remain in place, the council said in a news release on April 29.

Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said, "If these tariffs remain in place, trade between the two countries will fall precipitously, sacrificing billions of dollars of exports and hundreds of thousands of American jobs, potentially destabilizing the US economy and significantly weakening America's global competitiveness."

The US administration's trade policies are already having an impact on household budgets and causing frustration among Americans who have noticed higher prices for goods, according to US media reports.

The US-imposed tariffs and the threatened and imposed retaliatory tariffs are expected to reduce the US' GDP by 1 percent, and they amount to an average tax increase of nearly $1,300 per US household in 2025, according to a study by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation that was updated on April 18.

For California, whose economy is the largest among US states, the direct and indirect economic costs of tariffs are "in the billions and billions of dollars", according to Governor Gavin Newsom.

"It has an outsized impact on tourism, on trade, small businesses, large businesses ... and the reputation (damage) is incalculable," Newsom, a Democrat, said in an online interview with Nikkei Asia on Friday.

California exported goods valued at nearly $15 billion to China last year, a drop of 9.5 percent year-on-year, but its exports of services, including those related to tourism and education, grew 6.3 percent year-on-year to $8.8 billion in 2023, according to the US-China Business Council report.

The governor, who visited Beijing last year, said the state will remain open to trade with China, as the current US administration's tariff policy has threatened California's economy. He said the state is a "stable partner" and has "extended an open hand" to China and other trading partners.

Global trade is not a zero-sum game, Newsom said.

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Germany's CDU/CSU and SPD Sign Coalition Agreement to Form New Cabinet of Ministers

Sputnik News

20250505

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Germany's Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have signed a coalition agreement to form a new cabinet of ministers, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday.

"This country needs a government that will get to work energetically and systematically from day one. And that is our idea. We have this plan in the coalition agreement that we are signing together today," Merz said ahead of signing.

 Sputnik

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DRDO & Indian Navy conduct combat firing (with reduced explosive) of indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 8:19PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). 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 floating object in the waterDescription automatically generated

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.

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.

*****

SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2127155)

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Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Calls for a unified stand against terrorism & state-sponsored actions that perpetuate it

Japan offers full support to India in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack

RM outlines Indian defence industry's potential to collaborate with Japan on new areas including Tank engines & Aero Engines

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Defense of Japan Mr Gen Nakatani at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi on May 05, 2025. During the meeting, both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the need for global cooperation in this regard.

Raksha Mantri condemned Pakistan's state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through state and non-state actors. He stated that such attacks destabilise regional peace and security. Shri Rajnath Singh 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 terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025 and offered full support to India.

Both the Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening the bilateral relations and contributing towards regional peace. The Ministers welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises & exchanges between the two countries, and concurred to enhance the scope & complexity of these engagements. Both leaders agreed to add new dimensions to the robust maritime cooperation between India and Japan.

Shri Rajnath Singh outlined the capability of Indian defence industry particularly its potential to collaborate with the Japanese side on new areas including Tank engines and Aero Engines. He highlighted the capabilities in the areas of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations. Both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation and Artificial Intelligence. The two Ministers also decided to take forward the cooperation in emerging areas like 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 strong commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral defence cooperation.

Earlier, the Japanese Defense Minister laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2127087)

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Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

May 5, 2025

12:55

The President of Russia has once again expressed his sincere condolences over the death of Indian citizens killed in a barbaric terrorist attack committed on April 20 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Both leaders emphasised the need to uncompromisingly fight terrorism in all its forms.

During the conversation, an emphasis was made on the strategic nature of the Russian-Indian relations based on the special and privileged partnership. Resistant to any external influence, they continue to develop rapidly across all areas.

Narendra Modi congratulated Vladimir Putin and the entire people of Russia on the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. It was pointed out that Victory Day is a holiday for everyone. A representative of India will take part in the anniversary celebrations to be held in Moscow.

The Indian leader has confirmed his invitation for the President of Russia to visit India to hold the traditional annual bilateral summit. Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation.

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Iran: Any U.S. or Israeli military adventurism will be met with a swift and proportionate response

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeed Iravani in a letter to the U.N. Security Council said that any military adventurism by the United States or its proxy, the Israeli regime, whether it is an action against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national and vital interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be met with a swift, proportionate, and legitimate response.

The full text of the by Ambassador Iravani to the UN is as follows:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Excellency,

Upon instructions from my Government, I wish to draw your attention, and that of the members of the Security Council, to yet another flagrant violation of international law committed by the Israeli regime.

On Sunday, 4 May 2025, in a public statement, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, Benjamin Netanyahu, repeated baseless allegations by falsely attributing to the Islamic Republic of Iran the actions of the Yemeni people in response to the atrocities committed in occupied Palestine.

In the same statement, the Prime Minister of Israel explicitly threatened the Islamic Republic of Iran, declaring that Israel would retaliate not only against Yemen but also against what he referred to as "Iranian terror masters."

Regrettably, this reckless threat was also made by the United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who, on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, similarly stated that Iran would "face consequences" for allegedly supporting Yemen's Ansarullah actions, also known as the Houthis.

In this regard, I wish to emphasize the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran as follows:

The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects and strongly condemns these accusations and threats as unfounded, provocative, and politically motivated.

Such inflammatory and belligerent rhetoric, openly threatening the use of force against a sovereign Member State of the United Nations, constitutes a clear and grave violation of the basic principle of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Article 2(4), and represents a direct threat to international peace and security.

As has been repeatedly said, the actions of the Yemeni people are independent decisions undertaken in the exercise of their sovereign right to resist aggressions against violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen as well as to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are enduring relentless and unlawful assault.

Any attempt to attribute these legitimate actions to the Islamic Republic of Iran is a deliberate misrepresentation and desperate effort intended to deviate the attention of the international community from the root causes of the situation in the region, namely the ongoing grave crimes being perpetrated by the Israeli regime in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the relentless acts of aggression committed by the U.S. against Yemen.

Recalling the dangerous consequences and implications of the continued military aggressions against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen for the security and stability of the Red Sea and the whole region, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently called for an end to the genocide and war crime in occupied Palestine as the root cause of ongoing insecurity and instability throughout the region.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, while reaffirming its principled position on the necessity of respecting the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of countries, condemns the U.S. military attacks on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.

It is not Iran, but rather the United States and its allies, who have militarized the Red Sea and widened the regional conflict by launching unlawful military operations against Yemen.

These attacks and acts of aggression, which have targeted civilian infrastructure, are in egregious violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and endanger the peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

In light of these grave violations and their dangerous implications, the Islamic Republic of Iran calls upon the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its primary responsibility under the Charter to maintain international peace and security. The

Security Council must not remain silent and, rather, it must unequivocally condemn the threatening and warmongering statements made by the officials of the Israeli regime and the United States and demand they cease their unlawful threats and fully respect their international obligations.

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains steadfast in its commitment to regional peace, stability. It does not seek confrontation or escalation. Nevertheless, Iran underscores its inherent right, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests against any unlawful threat or use of force. Any act of military adventurism by the United States or its proxy, the Israeli regime, whether targeting Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, or its national and vital interests, will be met with a swift, proportionate, and lawful response. The United States and the Israeli regime will bear full and unequivocal responsibility for all consequences arising from any such unlawful and reckless aggression.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

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Iran develops 20-year strategic plan for nuclear industry, says AEOI chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has announced the development of a 20-year strategic plan for the country's nuclear industry, asserting that the uranium enrichment program is a symbol of both national independence and strength.

During a ceremony on Monday, Eslami said that nuclear energy plays a strategic role in national development, with the potential to address many of the country's challenges across various sectors.

Eslami added, "The nuclear industry strengthens the Islamic Republic, an achievement that the hegemonic powers seek to undermine. They do not want a country like Iran, with its talented population, exceptional human resources, abundant natural reserves, and strategic position on the world stage, to possess the tools of power."

The AEOI chief said, "Today, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has reached an industrial phase, which marks a significant milestone in response to national needs and a strategic vision."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has faced the most rigorous inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite this, we have cooperated with complete transparency to address political accusations against our country and to facilitate the development of our nuclear industry," he said.

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Iran and Pakistan strongly condemn ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Islamabad, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad, where the two officials discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and jointly condemned ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

According to a statement from the Pakistani presidential office, Zardari and Araqchi discussed the expansion of relations between Iran and Pakistan, as well as security developments in the region.

During the meeting, President Zardari highlighted the historical and brotherly ties between the two nations.

Araqchi arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following last month's deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement.

Zardari voiced concerns over what he described as India's aggressive stance and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

Araqchi, in turn, urged restraint among regional actors and advocated for reducing tensions in South Asia.

The two officials also discussed the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning the atrocities and human rights violations committed by Israeli forces in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran's commitment to its relationship with Pakistan, saying Tehran was eager to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit. He also stressed the need for expanding trade between the two countries to its fullest potential.

Araqchi and Zardari further discussed the situation in Afghanistan, with the Iranian diplomat stressing the need for continued cooperation between Iran and Pakistan on regional matters.

Araqchi wrapped up his one-day visit to Islamabad and left for Tehran later in the day, according to the statement.

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Diplomacy based on 'mutual respect' is the only way to reach a deal: Araqchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasized that diplomacy rooted in "mutual respect and mutual interest" is the only viable path to securing a deal in the ongoing indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Araqchi criticized U.S. foreign policy decisions regarding Iran and the broader Middle East and warned against Israeli influence on American diplomatic efforts.

He warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was attempting to dictate terms to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding negotiations with Iran, saying Netanyahu was meddling in American policymaking and pushing the U.S. into further regional conflicts.

"LETHAL support for Netanyahu's Genocide in Gaza and waging WAR on behalf of Netanyahu in Yemen have achieved NOTHING for the American people," the foreign minister wrote.

He added, "Netanyahu is attempting to brazenly DICTATE what President Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran. The world has also learned how Netanyahu is directly MEDDLING within the U.S. Government to DRAG it into another DISASTER in our region."

"Netanyahu CONNED the Failed Biden Team into handing over UNPRECEDENTED 23 BILLION American Taxpayer Dollars. That is a FRACTION of the cost of ANY mistake against Iran," he continued.

The foreign minister argued that a diplomatic resolution would be within reach if Trump were sincere in his assertion that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is the primary goal of any deal with Tehran, which has repeatedly stated that it does not seek a nuclear bomb.

"If the goal is 'The only thing they can't have is a nuclear weapon', as President Trump just said, a deal is achievable and there is only ONE PATH to achieve it: DIPLOMACY based on MUTUAL RESPECT and MUTUAL INTERESTS," he wrote.

"The Netanyahu-First minority, terrified of diplomacy, has already divulged its real agenda. The world should pay attention as it reveals its true priority," Araqchi concluded.

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Iran's peaceful nuclear program is consistent with international law, says Foreign Ministry spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has reiterated Iran's right to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with international law.

During his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baqaei said that Iran, as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.), has been pursuing its peaceful nuclear program since the 1970s.

"Iran's principled position on the use of nuclear energy is based on logic and international law", he noted.

Deploring anti-Iran rhetoric

Baqaei once again refuted the recent claims made by the French foreign minister on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions.

He said that the issues raised by France were strange and perhaps "the purpose was a kind of bargaining outside the negotiating room, which is unacceptable to Iran."

Jean-Noel Barrot has been repeatedly criticized after he openly "threatened Iran with sanctions" claiming that Tehran is on the "cusp of developing" nukes.

In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Ministry then called France's warning "absurd" and "politically irresponsible."

In response to a question about the U.S. president's remarks that Iran does not need to use nuclear energy, Baqaei clarified the Islamic Republic's principled position. "We do not negotiate the issue in the public space and the media," he said.

He noted that Iran had enormous fossil resources but there's imbalance in the energy sector today in terms of need. "The talk about the existence of huge fossil resources and the lack of need for nuclear energy really has no scientific or factual basis," he added.

Next round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that both Iran and the U.S. are awaiting announcement by Oman for the next round of talks.

"Changing the time or postponing the talks was based on the proposal from the mediator, namely the Foreign Minister of Oman, and by mutual understanding," he said, adding, "We will await Oman's announcement regarding the future of the talks."

Baqaei also affirmed Iran's commitment to continuing the path of dialogue and diplomacy, saying that Iranian delegations "participated in these several rounds of talks with full readiness."

"For us, the criterion and basis for taking a position and making a decision regarding the negotiations is what raised by the competent American officials," he added, warning that "conflicting and contradictory messages by some American officials will not be helpful."

Nuclear issue and lifting of sanctions focus of talks

Reacting to French foreign minister's call for the inclusion of non-nuclear issues in a possible agreement with the U.S., Baqaei clarified that the subject of the negotiations is exclusive to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions.

"We are ready to continue a diplomatic and dialogue-based path to resolve issues," he said.

He also said that Iran's meeting with the European Troika - France, Britain and Germany - that was supposed to be held last week alongside the indirect talks with the U.S. was postponed for logistical reasons.

Araqchi to discuss regional issues in Pakistan

Responding to a question about Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's visit to Pakistan, the spokesperson said that the trip is in line with continuous and close consultations with neighboring countries.

"Bilateral issues as regional developments, especially those related to occupied Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, are to appear in Araqchi's meeting with top Pakistani officials," Baqaei emphasized.

The spokesperson also said that the top diplomat is set to visit India on Thursday where he will patriciate in the Joint Economic Commission.

Iran to keep supporting the Palestinian people

The Foreign Ministry spokesman talked about Iran's presence at the International Court of Justice (I.C.J.) hearing on the Israeli regime's obligation to unconditionally transfer aid to Gaza. "This action was not unprecedented as Iran had participated and expressed its stance during the hearing of another advisory session on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination last year," he said.

He emphasized that the address by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi at the I.C.J. was in line with Iran's policy to use every opportunity to support the Palestinian people.

Referring to the Israeli defiance to repeated court orders, Baqaei said that the Israeli regime does not pay any attention to international norms and rules.

Iran to decisively respond to any aggression

Baqaei also spoke about the Israeli regime's repeated threats, warning that any adventurism or wrongful action against Iran would be met with a crushing response.

"Our armed forces will definitely respond with all their might and with complete vigilance to any aggression and any adventurism in the most severe way possible," he said.

Denouncing Israeli plot against Syria

Reacting tp Israel's repeated attacks on Syria, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "The Zionist regime considers all of Syria's civilian, research, and defense facilities as legitimate targets and has not stopped any evil action to destroy Syria."

On the question that the Israeli regime is carrying out attacks under the pretext of supporting minorities, Baqaei explained that "the goal is definitely to cause division and advance the plan to divide Syria."

Baqaei said, "The main supporters of Israel, specifically the United States, and certain European nations, must be forced to prevent the regime from destabilizing the region."

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Meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, met with Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, today in Islamabad.

Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed cordial greetings from the Iranian leadership and reaffirmed Tehran's desire to further deepen bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation and highlighted the historical, cultural, and religious bonds that unite the two neighbouring nations. He expressed appreciation for the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations and emphasized the need to expand cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity.

The two dignitaries exchanged views on major regional and international developments. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar shared Pakistan's serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of India's provocative behavior since the Pahalgam incident. He firmly rejected unsubstantiated attempts to implicate Pakistan in the incident, reiterating Islamabad's call for an international, transparent, and impartial investigation to establish the facts. He further noted that such allegations appear to be a tactic to divert global attention from the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Emphasizing that Pakistan has consistently denounced terrorism in all its forms, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister underscored the country's frontline role in the fight against terror and the significant sacrifices it had made in this struggle.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. Deputy Prime Minister Dar appreciated the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister at this critical juncture.

Both sides agreed to continue working closely to enhance mutual understanding and build a strong foundation for economic and strategic cooperation in the region.

05 May, 2025

Islamabad.

124/2025

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Araghchi: Iran ready for 'constructive, unbiased' talks with EU troika

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 7:03 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is ready to hold "constructive and unbiased" talks with the European troika - France, Germany and Britain - on its nuclear program.

In a phone conversation with EU's high representative for foreign and security policy, Kaja Kallas on Monday, Araghchi informed her on the latest developments regarding indirect talks between Iran and the United States.

He said Iran is ready to continue interactions with European parties, both within the framework of the European Union and the three European countries.

He expressed hope that Iran and the E3 would resume talks based on a constructive approach free from political spite.

The top Iranian negotiator said the country has chosen a responsible approach in following the path of diplomacy to address the artificial concerns surrounding its peaceful nuclear program, stressing the need to pursue the path through serious will and realism.

If it is claimed that the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons is the sole concern of the sides in the negotiations, "this concern can be eased", Araghchi stated.

"It is quite possible to reach an agreement in this regard but it requires avoidance of unrealistic and irrational positions," he said.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Araghchi said the sole way to achieve a deal with the United States is through diplomacy based on mutual respect and mutual interests.

Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in the Omani capital of Muscat and Italian capital of Rome on April 12, 19, and 26 with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

Both parties have so far expressed satisfaction with the way the negotiations are moving on, praising the talks as "positive" and "moving forward."

A fourth round of the talks was scheduled to be held on May 3 in Muscat but was postponed for "logistical and technical reasons" as cited by the Iranian foreign minister.

Kallas, for her part, stressed EU support for diplomacy on the nuclear issue.

She expressed Europe's readiness to engage in political negotiations with Iran and expressed hope that both sides would make the necessary arrangements in this regard.

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Iran: Diplomacy based on mutual respect, interests 'sole path' to achieve deal

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 4:23 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserts that the only way to achieve a deal with the United States is through diplomacy based on mutual respect and mutual interests.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Araghchi said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to influence US President Donald Trump's approach toward Iran, referring to Netanyahu's direct interference in US politics to push Washington toward another regional disaster.

Netanyahu is attempting to brazenly dictate what US President Donald Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran, he said, adding that the world "has also learned how Netanyahu is directly meddling within the US Government to drag it into another disaster in our region."

"Netanyahu conned the failed Biden team into handing over unprecedented 23 billion American Taxpayer Dollars. That is a fraction of the cost of any mistake against Iran," he continued.

According to Araghchi, "If the goal is "The only thing they can't have is a nuclear weapon" as President Trump just said, a deal is achievable and there is only one path to achieve it: diplomacy based on mutual respect and mutual interests."

The "Netanyahu-First minority, terrified of diplomacy, has already divulged its real agenda. The world should pay attention as it reveals its true priority," he added.

Araghchi added that, "Lethal support for Netanyahu's genocide in Gaza and waging war on behalf of Netanyahu in Yemen have achieved nothing for the American people."

Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of indirect talks in Muscat and Rome with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the negotiations process, praising the talks as "positive" and "moving forward."

The fourth round of the indirect talks, scheduled to be held on May 3, was postponed on the suggestion of Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi due to "logistical reasons."

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Iran, Pakistan say 'committed' to strong ties, urge diplomacy during Araghchi's visit

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 2:08 PM

The top Iranian and Pakistani diplomats have agreed to build a strong foundation for "economic and strategic" cooperation in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, on an official day-long visit to Islamabad, met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Monday, according to a press release by Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It added that Araghchi and Dar placed a premium on the need to continue working closely to enhance mutual understanding.

They exchanged views on major regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region, it noted.

According to the ministry, Araghchi said Iran is keen to further deepen relations with Pakistan.

Heading a delegation, the Iranian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to hold talks with high-ranking Pakistani officials. His trip is taking place in line with Iran's policy to promote relations with its neighboring countries.

Speaking upon his arrival, Araghchi said Tehran and Islamabad are working to put bilateral cooperation on a "better path."

He added that Iran attaches importance to ties with Pakistan and other countries in the region, noting that during his stay in Islamabad, he would raise mutual relations and regional issues with senior Pakistani officials.

The Pakistani foreign minister, for his part, said Tehran and Islamabad are fostering unity given their historical, cultural and religious bonds.

Pointing to the positive momentum in relations between the two neighboring countries, he emphasized the need to expand cooperation in key areas including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity.

The top Pakistani diplomat expressed his country's serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of "India's provocative behavior".

He firmly rejected unsubstantiated attempts to implicate Pakistan in a terrorist incident in the town of Pahalgam, saying Islamabad calls for an international, transparent, and impartial investigation to establish the facts regarding the incident.

He further noted that such allegations appear to be a tactic to divert global attention from the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The Pakistani foreign minister emphasized that his country has consistently denounced terrorism in all its forms.

He underscored Pakistan's frontline role in the fight against terrorism and the significant sacrifices it had made in this regard.

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries have increased over the April 22 terrorist attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, but Pakistan has rejected the accusations.

In a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 26, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attack and stressed the need for a joint fight against terrorism.

In a separate phone call with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the same day, Pezeshkian expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the attack.

'Regional peace'

In a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is resolved to boost close cooperation with Tehran to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

He added that Pakistan attaches great importance to brotherly and deep-rooted relations with Iran.

For his part, Araghchi reiterated Iran's commitment to expand relations with Pakistan and play a role in establishing peace and stability in South Asia.

Pakistan pres., Iran FM condemn Israel's genocide in Gaza

In a separate meeting, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and the Iranian foreign minister strongly condemned the continuation of Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Zardari and Araghchi also discussed ways to boost mutual relations and the latest security issues in the region.

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'Non-negotiable': Iran reaffirms its 'legal right' to use peaceful nuclear energy

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 11:43 AM

Iran has once again reiterated its "unchangeable" stance on the topics of discussions in the indirect talks with the United States, saying Tehran reserves a legal right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

"Our position and the principled framework under which we entered the negotiations [with the US] are unchangeable," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday.

"What is clear is that Iran's principled positions regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy are a legal right; one cannot be a party to a treaty to only accept its obligations," he added, indicating that Iran needs to reap the benefits of a deal as well.

He rejected certain "fallacious" arguments about Iran's nuclear energy which he said lack any scientific or factual basis, emphasizing that Iran reserves the right to be able to enrich uranium as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in the Omani capital of Muscat and Italian capital of Rome on April 12, 19, and 26 with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

Both parties have so far expressed satisfaction with the way the negotiations are moving on, praising the talks as "positive" and "moving forward."

A fourth round of the talks was scheduled to be held on May 3 in Muscat but was postponed for "logistical and technical reasons" as cited by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"Together with Omani and US interlocutors, we have decided to postpone the 4th round of talks for logistical and technical reasons," Araghchi wrote on X on Thursday.

Iran ready to hold meeting with E3

Baghaei said Iran has expressed its readiness to meet with the European troika - France, Germany and Britain - since long time ago.

The sides were supposed to hold a meeting at the level of political directors in Rome but it was cancelled following the postponement of the high-level talks between Iran and the US, he added.

"We are ready to hold such a meeting and we should reach a consensus on the timing," the Iranian spokesman emphasized.

In response to a question about the recent actions and remarks against Iran by French officials, Baghaei said, "We invite France and other European countries to play a constructive role in any negotiation process."

He added that some of the positions taken by France have no basis in international law and are against its principles, emphasizing, "They are not logically acceptable."

The spokesperson once again reiterated that Iran's indirect talks with the US only cover the nuclear issues and the removal of sanctions and warned that certain irrelevant demands would not be helpful at all.

Asked about certain speculation on differences between Iran and the US, Baghaei said the Islamic Republic has proved its commitment to the continuation of the path of negotiations in practice.

He noted that the fourth round of Tehran-Washington was postponed upon a proposal by Oman which was agreed by the sides for the reasons which were announced by the Iranian foreign minister.

"We are waiting for Oman's view regarding the future and the continuation of the negotiations," the Iranian diplomat explained.

In response to a question about the cancellation of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned trip to Azerbaijan, Baghaei said any visit by the Israeli regime's officials to any country is "ominous and unfortunate."

He added that the Israeli officials have perpetrated the most heinous crimes against the people of Palestine, saying, "The entire world must act to prevent the normalization of these crimes."

According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, his planned visit to Azerbaijan was canceled due to a "tight political schedule". However, Israeli media have linked the cancellation to Turkey's refusal to grant overflight permission for the prime minister's official aircraft.

If attacked, Iran regards third country 'legitimate target'

Baghaei further gave explanations about remarks made by Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh on Sunday night about targeting American bases in the region in case of any attack against the country.

He said the defense minister has placed emphasis on Iran's brotherly ties with regional countries and that Tehran's foreign policy is based on good neighborliness and friendship with all the countries in the region.

"All countries are duty-bound to prevent a third party's action against another country. If a move is taken from the territory of a country against Iran's territory, that point will constitute a legitimate target for [Iran to]", Baghaei pointed out.

Speaking during a ceremony to unveil Iran's latest ballistic missile, named Qassem Basir, Nasirzadeh said 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.

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Iran warns enemies: Air Force 'at forefront', will respond to any threat in the 'quickest possible time'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 9:16 AM

Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi says that the Air Force is the front line for rapid response to any threat against the country.

"The Air Force is not merely a combat unit in national defense strategyit is the front line of rapid response to any threat," Vahedi said while speaking at the 25th elite conscript training course among university students.

"Controlling and dominating the skies means dominating the battlefield and preserving territorial integrity," he said, adding that in today's military equations a nation incapable of defending its airspace will remain vulnerable on land and at sea.

Vahedi highlighted the advancements of Iran's Army Air Force over the recent decades, stating that "Today, the Air Force can detect threats from the most distant locations and respond decisively in the shortest possible time."

He noted that smart drones, phased-array radars, electronic warfare (EW), multi-layered air defense systems are all tools that Iran's Air Force employs to maintain superiority.

Foreign dependence 'flawed strategy'

Elsewhere in his remarks, Brigadier General Vahedi addressed the significance of defense self-sufficiency, stating that sanctions and restrictions have proven that reliance on foreign sources is a flawed strategy.

"Today, [Iran's] Air Forcethrough the development of attack drones, aircraft maintenance and upgrades, indigenous missile production, and radar systemshas demonstrated to the world that national will can overcome any obstacle," he added.

Iran has been depending on domestic endeavors and know-how to make significant advances in the direction of enhancing the forces' self-sufficiency.

Heeding the directives of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country would not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defensive purposes and are, therefore, never subject to negotiation.

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Chinese EV brands attract visitors at e-mobility conference in Kenya

Xinhua) 10:42, May 06, 2025

NAIROBI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of the annual E-Mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo kicked off on Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) drawing considerable attention from attendees.

Lawrence Maringa, a 41-year-old car enthusiast, told Xinhua on Monday that he had seen electric vehicles on television, but had never sat or ridden inside green modes of transportation before.

"The Chinese models look very advanced, and I am surprised at how spacious and quiet they are," Maringa said as he admired the Chinese automotive brand Neta, which is distributed by Moja EV Kenya, a motor dealer.

Josephine Wanja, marketing manager at Moja EV, told Xinhua that visitors are especially impressed by the comfort, performance, and technology packed into the Chinese e-vehicle models, which retail at prices that make sense for the local market.

Wanja noted that increased fuel prices and environmental awareness are pushing more Kenyans to consider electric vehicle options.

The two-day event brought together more than 200 stakeholders from government, development agencies, and private sector innovators to explore opportunities for scaling up EVs, charging infrastructure, and policy frameworks.

Terry Nderitu, head of business at e-PureRides, a company that imports the Chinese motor brand Dongfeng, said many visitors, including motorcycle taxi operators, fleet managers, and city dwellers, came to the expo looking for practical solutions to daily transport needs.

Nderitu noted that Chinese EVs represent not just innovation but accessibility, and are a practical step toward sustainable mobility.

Samuel Odindo, a ride-hailing driver, said he was considering switching to an electric vehicle because of its lower operational costs.

Winnie Njenga, who is a sales executive at Loxea Kenya, a motor dealer that distributes the Chinese vehicle brand BYD, noted that for many visitors at the exhibition, it was their first direct interaction with EVs.

Njenga revealed that Chinese brands stand out not only for their modern aesthetics but also for their affordability, suitability to local conditions, and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hezbon Mose, president of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, said Chinese electric vehicles are helping bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility in Africa's emerging EV market.

Brian Waema, sales and information officer at Autopax, which imports the Chinese brand TailG electric motorbike, noted that potential clients are always amazed at the quietness and power of electric motorcycles.

Claire Njoki, a lawyer, remained optimistic that electric cars will become common on Kenyan roads, given the speed at which Chinese EV manufacturers are engineering automobiles in terms of reliability, spare parts, and after-sales service.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Araghchi in Islamabad: Relations with Pakistan, India of 'utmost significance' for Iran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 6:00 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is in Islamabad, says Tehran and Islamabad are working to put bilateral cooperation on a "better path."

Araghchi made the remark upon his arrival in the Pakistani capital on Sunday night as he started a day-long visit to the neighboring country for high-level talks.

He said Iran attaches importance to ties with Pakistan and other countries in the region, adding that during his stay in Islamabad, he would raise mutual relations and regional issues with senior Pakistani officials.

He noted that ties between Tehran and Islamabad are very important, adding that Iran's relations with other regional countries, including India, are also of significance.

"The situation in the region is very important for Iran, and we emphasize [on the importance of] easing tensions while calling on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent the escalation of the situation," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

Araghchi noted that he is scheduled to hold important meetings with Pakistani president, prime minister and foreign minister to exchange views about mutual relations and regional developments.

"We will try to deescalate tensions in the region," he said.

Tensions are running high between Pakistan and India 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.

According to a Sunday report by Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi will discuss mutual relations, including promotion of economic, trade and border security cooperation, in addition to the latest regional and international developments with senior Pakistani officials.

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.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said Araghchi's high-level official visit to Islamabad reflects the "deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran."

"The visit of Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to further strengthen the existing ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries," the ministry said.

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Trump Seeks Iran Nuclear Dismantling, Hints At Flexibility

By RFE/RL May 05, 2025

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 discussionssince 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-nuclear- dismantlement/33405111.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Tests Missile It Claims Can Reach Israel, Get Past US Defenses

By RFE/RL May 05, 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.

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 seekers, replacing the short-range ballistic missile Zolfaghar Basir.

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-missile- israel-thaad/33405238.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Japanese PM expresses "strong disappointment" over U.S. auto parts tariff

People's Daily Online

(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.

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Myanmar's Ta'ang army says it won't give up territory despite junta, Chinese pressure

Rebel officials met junta representatives in the latest China-brokered peace talk.

By RFA Burmese 2025.05.05 -- An ethnic army that has been fighting a 10-year battle against Myanmar's military in Shan state said it refused a request from the junta to hand back captured territory despite joint pressure from the military regime and China.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA has captured 12 towns in the eastern state and others in Mandalay region, including the ruby-rich town of Mogok.

The TNLA, the armed branch of the Palaung State Liberation Front, said its representatives were invited to several rounds of China-brokered talks in the southwest city of Kunming where junta officials demanded the return of land captured by rebel forces.

At the talks on April 28 and 29, a delegation led by PSLF Lt. Gen. Ta Joke Ja and another led by junta Lt. Gen. Ko Ko Oo, were joined by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs special envoy Deng Xijun.

The PSLF/TNLA requested a cessation of airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks on its territory, free movement for the population in areas it controls and the reopening of border trade with China.

Junta officials asked the TNLA to withdraw from territory captured since the coup, including Nawnghkio, Hsipaw, Kyaukme and Mogok, the army said in a statement published on Friday but the ethnic army refused.

"From our side, we just can't agree to the junta's demand of surrendering Mogok and other towns. We can't surrender yet," TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo told reporters at the online press conference on Sunday. "We're carrying out the same actions as before."

RFA contacted the Chinese embassy in Yangon for more information on the discussions, but it did not respond by the time of publication.

The next peace talks will be in August.

China has long maintained an interest in settling Myanmar's more than-four year civil war peacefully. However, officials in the border town of Ruili sent threats to armed groups when conflict began to spill over the border in August.

"I have to say that there have been threats. I think everyone will remember the letter that the Ruili government sent," Lt. Gen. Ta Pan La said. "Not only that, they regularly use pressure, both verbally and through other means, rather than direct threats."

The junta has continued to bomb TNLA-controlled territory, including Mogok, Nawnghkio and Kyaukme, the TNLA said in a statement published on Monday, adding that the civilian population had fled, with further details to come.

RFA contacted junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for more information on the attacks and negotiations, but he did not answer the phone.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content May not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Treasury Sanctions Burma Warlord and Militia Tied to Cyber Scam Operations

U.S. Department of the Treasury

May 5, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Karen National Army (KNA), a militia group in Burma, as a transnational criminal organization, along with the group's leader Saw Chit Thu, and his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, for their role in facilitating cyber scams that harm U.S. citizens, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling. The KNA-controlled region, located on the Thai-Burmese border, is home to multiple cyber scam syndicates, and the KNA has benefitted from its connection to Burma's military in its criminal operations. Although statistics vary, American victims of cyber scams like the ones emanating from Burma have collectively lost billions of dollars over the last three years.

"Cyber scam operations, such as those run by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates, while depriving victims of their hard-earned savings and sense of security," said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender. "Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those who seek to profit from these criminal schemes."

Today's action is taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13581, as amended by E.O. 13863, which targets transnational criminal organizations and their supporters, as well as E.O. 14014, which targets persons who threaten the peace, security, and stability of Burma.

SOPHISTICATED CYBER SCAMS TARGETING AMERICANS

A significant portion of cyber scam operations targeting Americans and others around the globe emanate from Southeast Asia. This action follows FinCEN's May 1, 2025 identification of Huione Group, a Cambodian financial institution, as a primary money laundering concern pursuant to Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Huione Group has served as a critical node for laundering proceeds of cyber heists carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and for transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in Southeast Asia perpetrating convertible virtual currency (CVC) investment scams, commonly known as "pig butchering" scams, as well as other types of CVC-related scams. In September 2024, OFAC sanctioned Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat, his conglomerate L.Y.P. Group, and four of his hotels and resorts for their role in serious human rights abuse related to the mistreatment of trafficked workers in Cambodia-based scam centers. In September 2023, the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) also published an alert about these virtual currency investment scams.

In these operations, scammers, who are often themselves lured or trafficked into prison-like call centers or retrofitted hotels and casinos, are forcedwith threats of physical violence and humiliationinto scamming strangers online. The scams are elaborate. They often play out over the course of months while scammers build rapport with their victims. Initially, scammers exploit victims' vulnerabilities like recent breakups, bereavement, or financial hardship and, in some cases, employ attractive models to assuage victims' apprehension with the occasional videochat. Scammers present victims with hints of a wealthy, glamorous lifestyle and induce them to "invest" in bogus cryptocurrency and trading platforms controlled by the scammers themselves. Victims are shown fake "returns" on their investments and duped into investing greater and greater sums until the scammers go silent after stealing everything they can from their victims. Estimates indicate Americans are suffering increasing financial losses as a result of these sophisticated cyber scams emanating from Burma and other Southeast Asian countries, amounting to over $2 billion in 2022 and $3.5 billion in 2023.

A MILITIA-CONTROLLED HAVEN FOR CYBER SCAM OPERATIONS

The KNA is headquartered in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy Township in Burma's southeast Karen State along the border with Thailand. The KNA has leveraged its former role as a Border Guard Force (BGF) with Burma's military to facilitate a transborder criminal empire; the majority of cyber scam syndicates in Karen State operate in the KNA-controlled border region. While the KNA (formerly known as the Karen Border Guard Force) changed its name in March 2024 in an effort to distance itself from Burma's military regime, it has continued its cooperation with the Burmese military as recently as September 2024.

The KNA profits from cyber scam schemes on an industrial scale by leasing land it controls to other organized crime groups, and providing support for human trafficking, smuggling, and the sale of utilities used to provide energy to scam operations. The KNA also provides security at scam compounds in Karen State. Survivors from KK Parkan infamous scam sitewho were coerced into forced criminality to commit cyber scams have reported that the uniforms of soldiers guarding the compound bore the insignia of the KNA.

As the leader of the KNA, Saw Chit Thu has emerged as one of the central figures in Burma's scam economy, facilitating transnational crimes in a KNA-controlled zone along the border with Thailand. Under Saw Chit Thu's leadership, the KNA has become a key enabler of scam operations in the region, providing security at compounds and leasing land to criminal organizations while profiting handsomely at the expense of scam victims and of the otherwise innocent people forced to carry out these crimes. Saw Chit Thu was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in 2023 and the European Union in 2024 for his involvement in scam compounds and with Burma's military regime.

Saw Chit Thu appointed his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, as officers in the KNA. Both have served in key roles in the KNA criminal enterprise. Saw Htoo Eh Moo has an interest in KNA-affiliated business ventures, including cyber scam centers. Saw Chit Chit is active in military operations alongside the military regime and has commanded KNA battalions fighting against anti-regime rebel groups. He also holds shares and directorships in several KNA-linked businesses.

OFAC is designating the Karen National Army pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization. OFAC is also designating the Karen National Army pursuant to E.O. 14014 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Burma.

OFAC is designating Saw Chit Thu and his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Karen National Army, and pursuant to E.O. 14014 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Karen National Army. Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit are also being designated pursuant to E.O. 14014 for being the adult children of Saw Chit Thu.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals and entities designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions or subject to an enforcement action. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here.

For more information on the individuals designated today, click here.

###

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Prime Minister's Telephone Call with the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan

May 04, 2025

Lahore : 4 May 2025

Prime Minister's Telephone Call with the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, earlier today.

During the call, the Prime Minister shared Pakistan's serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of India's provocative behavior since the Pahalgam incident. He categorically rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence and reiterated Pakistan's offer for an international, transparent, credible and neutral investigation to be carried out to ascertain the facts behind this incident. He said Pakistan would welcome Malaysia's participation in this investigation.

While stressing that Pakistan had always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan's role as a front line state in the war against terror and its tremendous sacrifices in this effort. India's actions were distracting Pakistan from its counterterrorism efforts on its western border, he added.

He emphasized that it was unthinkable for Pakistan to get involved in such a controversy particularly at a time when the country had just emerged out of a serious economic crisis and was back on the path towards economic stability.

The two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on Pakistan-Malaysia relations, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. In this context, the Prime Minister conveyed that he looked forward to paying an official visit to Malaysia later this year.

The telephone call underscored the close friendship and mutual understanding between Pakistan and Malaysia, and both leaders agreed to remain in touch on regional and international developments.

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Pakistan is determined to work with Iran to advance regional peace, says prime minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

May 5, 2025

Islamabad, IRNA -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Islamabad is committed to strengthening cooperation with Iran in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

Sharif met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his accompanying delegation on Monday in Islamabad, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

He underscored the historical and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also present during the meeting.

Sharif extended his condolences to the Iranian government and people over the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port. He also conveyed his warm greetings to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The prime minister stressed that Pakistan places great importance on its deep-rooted historical and fraternal relations with Iran. He reiterated Pakistan's determination to work closely with Tehran to advance peace and stability in the region.

Araqchi arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following last month's deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement.

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said Araqchi, in his meetings with senior Pakistani officials, would discuss "ways of reducing tension in the subcontinent" due to Iran's close ties with both India and Pakistan.

During the meeting on Monday, Sharif expressed Pakistan's serious concerns over the ongoing tensions in South Asia following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

He firmly rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident without concrete evidence, calling such allegations baseless.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan has proposed an international investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for a transparent, impartial, and credible probe to uncover the truth.

According to the Prime Minister's Office statement, Araghchi conveyed President Pezeshkian's warm greetings to Sharif and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan.

The foreign minister also highlighted Iran's role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia.

Araqchi renewed President Pezeshkian's invitation for Sharif to pay an official visit to Tehran later this year.

4353

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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.

Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan

Rawalpindi - May 05, 2025

No PR-144/2025-ISPR

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.

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 accuracy.

The training launch was witnessed by senior officers of Pakistan Army, as well as officers, scientists and engineers from Pakistan's strategic organizations.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Chief of Army Staff extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers. They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan.

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Pakistan test-fires 2nd missile amid escalated tensions with India

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 3:10 PM

Pakistan has test launched a second ballistic missile amid mounting tensions with India.

The missile test on Monday was the second missile test in three days as Pakistan makes preparation for a possible attack by India following a deadly attack in April on tourists in the resort town of Pahalgam in the disputed Kashmir region.

New Delhi blames Pakistan for the attack; however, Islamabad denies any involvement in it.

Meanwhile, according to the Pakistani military, the army successfully test-fired a Fatah series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 km after Saturday's successful testing of another missile with a range of 450 kilometers.

The missiles were launched as part of military exercises "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 military said.

Pakistani missiles, it added, were capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the scientists, engineers and all those behind Pakistan's successful missiles' program.

Meanwhile, Moody's credit rating agency warned the two neighboring nuclear rivals that the standoff between them could have economic repercussions.

It said the standoff would hurt Pakistan's $350 billion economy, which is on a path to recovery after securing a $7 billion bailout program from the International Monetary Fund last year and staving off a default threat.

"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 said.

"A persistent increase in tensions could also impair Pakistan's access to external financing and pressure its foreign-exchange reserves," it added.

In regard to India's economy, Moody's warned that higher military spending could have a negative impact on New Delhi's economic robustness, and slow down the country's fiscal consolidation.

Monday's missile tests came as Iran's foreign minister said Tehran was ready to help India and Pakistan "forge greater understanding" after the escalation of tensions.

Iran deems its ties with Pakistan and India as highly important, Abbas Araghchi told reporters upon his arrival at Islamabad on Sunday night. Araghchi will head to India on Thursday.

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Meeting with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

The President held a working meeting with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to discuss the economy, industry, construction, and the modernisation of the capital's social infrastructure.

May 5, 2025

13:40

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.

Mr Sobyanin, Moscow has traditionally shown strong performance across nearly all sectors, including investment. What is your assessment?

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin: Mr President, despite all the objective challenges - and we always face them - even in the current difficult circumstances, perhaps it is precisely such challenges that we sometimes need in order to achieve and showcase such strong results.

Over the past year, the economy has grown by 5.5 percent, and over the last six years, despite the pandemic, sanctions, and other pressures, Moscow's economy has expanded by a quarter. That is a good growth trajectory.

Vladimir Putin: That is strong growth - up 25 percent.

Sergei Sobyanin: And we have seen growth every year.

There is also strong momentum in investment: over the past six years, investment has doubled in comparable prices across nearly all sectors.

Vladimir Putin: Moscow's contribution to the national economy is also substantial, over 21 percent.

Sergei Sobyanin: That is right, 21 percent, and that is without even factoring in the financial sector. As the country's financial centre, we have about 600,000 people working in finance. Yet, this sector is not included when calculating gross regional product. Even so, Moscow's share remains quite significant.

Which, of course, is encouraging. We have discussed this before, and you have seen it firsthand during your visits to our enterprises. Manufacturing and industrial production are on the rise. In recent years, we have witnessed a new and modern wave of industrialisation in Moscow. You may recall a time when factories were relocating to other regions. Today, we are seeing the reverse: high-tech industries are returning, driven by the need for qualified personnel that the capital can provide.

As a result, we are now seeing a reverse trend. High-tech production, which accounts for roughly a third of the country's overall industrial output, has seen its turnover triple. This includes sectors such as electronics, computer manufacturing, and sophisticated technology.

Last year, we posted explosive growth, thanks to the cumulative effect of earlier investments. We have launched a number of high-tech production facilities that are now replacing imported equipment. You can see the leap we made last year - it is certainly impressive.

Vladimir Putin: 221.5 percent.

Sergei Sobyanin: Yes.

This is the result of the combined efforts of the Russian Government, the goals you have set, and the current situation we are in. The first major surge came during the COVID period - in the IT sector - and today, growth is happening in leaps and bounds, almost like arithmetic progression. We have seen a fourfold increase in recent years. Just look at the rate of growth.

That initial leap happened when COVID began, as demand for information systems skyrocketed. But now, growth is even stronger, and it is building on a solid foundation. It is being driven by large-scale replacement of imported software with domestic alternatives.

Vladimir Putin: It was 222 percent in 2023 and 316.5 percent in 2024.

Sergei Sobyanin: That is a fourfold increase.

Mr President, the point I would also like to make is that not all cities are moving forward at this pace. You once set the goal for Moscow to be among the top five cities globally in terms of the economy, in terms of purchasing power parity. We were in fifth place in 2020, and by 2023, we had risen to second place worldwide. And we are alongside some very serious cities. Of course, I think it will be hard to hold that position, especially given how rapidly China and its cities are developing.

Vladimir Putin: There is a lot of momentum.

Sergei Sobyanin: We are not standing still either. With the groundwork we have laid in investment, human capital, the revival of industry and high-tech manufacturing, I believe we will manage to maintain our position. At the very least, we hope to stay in the top three.

Vladimir Putin: The potential is good.

Sergei Sobyanin: Beyond the economy, Mr President, what is also critically important for residents is social support and infrastructure. As part of the national education development project, we made the decision to invest in building and modernising schools. We have developed a comprehensive programme and set the goal of renovating every school in Moscow that needs it.

Previously, we built 40 to 50 schools a year. Now, in addition to building 60 new school buildings annually, we will also be renovating about 100 schools each year. It is a major, ambitious task, but I am confident we will succeed. Our aim is that within a few years, every school in Moscow will meet modern standards.

You visited one of our colleges and centres; we are continuing to advance this work. Last year, college admissions surpassed 100,000 across municipal, federal, and private institutions. This is a significant figure, especially considering that we started with just 60,000. Our goal is to reach 150,000 in the coming years. Students are engaged and enthusiastic, as colleges are becoming modern and relevant. Impressively, 95 percent of graduates find employment in their chosen fields, and the salaries are quite competitive.

We are implementing an even more ambitious programme in the healthcare sector. The outpatient clinic modernisation initiative is nearing completion. Of the 350 clinics that were previously in poor condition, only a few remain as of 2024, and we expect to complete the programme this year. Every outpatient clinic in the city will either be newly built or fully renovated, which is a major step forward in healthcare infrastructure.

A similar effort is underway with hospitals, although the scale and complexity are greater. We need to construct approximately one million square metres of new hospital space and renovate an equal amount. That programme is already in progress. The situation has improved significantly: only about 30 buildings remain. I believe we will complete this work within the next three to four years.

The newly renovated clinics now match private clinics in terms of design, interior quality, and overall branding. The new, modern medical facilities are truly world-class.

Vladimir Putin: We have visited some of them together.

Sergei Sobyanin: Yes, we visited the Morozov Hospital, and since then, a whole series of similar facilities have been opened.

You may recall your visit to our centre for processing X-ray and MRI images, where you tasked us with expanding the use of the AI-powered imaging technologies developed in Moscow to other regions. We have successfully carried out that assignment: 70 regions are now connected, and we are currently processing three times more medical images from across the country each month than from Moscow itself.

Vladimir Putin: It is a very convenient service for the regions.

Sergei Sobyanin: Absolutely. And there is no need to replicate it in every region, because AI systems improve with larger datasets, so centralising this service makes the most sense. We have signed a corresponding agreement with the Healthcare Ministry and have already begun implementation. It is a very promising initiative.

As a result, we are seeing progress in the economy, healthcare, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Last year, life expectancy in Moscow approached 80 years - specifically, 79.5.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, that is the 2024 figure, I believe.

Sergey Sobyanin: Yes, that is the 2024 result, just shy of 80. That is a strong European-level indicator, a globally competitive result, especially considering our quite different climate.

Vladimir Putin: Indeed.

Sergey Sobyanin: As per your instructions, allow me to report that we are continuing our infrastructure support and development programme for our twin cities Donetsk and Lugansk. We have already reconstructed more than 2,000 facilities, restored over 1,000 kilometres of utility networks and resurfaced millions of square metres of roads.

This year, we are continuing the programme actively. While in previous years we focused mainly on engineering infrastructure, we are now moving towards improving public spaces: parks, roads, streets and so on. So, it is no longer just infrastructure in the technical sense, but also infrastructure for daily life and public spaces.

Vladimir Putin: This is very important - people need to feel that their everyday lives are improving.

Sergey Sobyanin: When you are immersed in it, the changes can be hard to notice. But when you go outside into the courtyards, parks and public squares, the difference is clear - it has a real positive impact.

Vladimir Putin: All of this becomes possible as a result of economic growth. The fact that Moscow now ranks second among the world's major cities in terms of purchasing power parity - just behind New York, and not by much - is what underpins our ability to address social issues: building schools, clinics, hospitals, and other facilities. It is a great achievement. Well done.

Sergey Sobyanin: Thank you for your support, Mr President.

<...>

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Russian Journalist Secretly Flees To France After Being Charged For War Criticism

By RFE/RL May 05, 2025

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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-journalist-charged- war-criticism-flees-france/33405350.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran, Saudi Arabia stress 'strong support' for Syria's territorial integrity amid Israeli aggression

Iran Press TV

Monday, 05 May 2025 6:38 AM

Iranian and Saudi officials have jointly affirmed their commitment to Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemned the Israeli military aggression against the Arab nation as "destabilizing and unlawful".

The remarks were made during a Sunday meeting in Riyadh between Mohammad-Reza Raouf Sheibani, Iran's special envoy for Syria, and Saud al-Sati, Saudi Arabia's deputy foreign minister for political affairs as they addressed the evolving situation in Syria and the broader implications of Israeli airstrikes in the region.

'Destructive and destabilizing'

Sheibani reiterated Iran's steadfast support for Syria's unity and sovereignty, denouncing the Israeli regime's attacks as destructive and destabilizing. He emphasized that such actions undermined regional stability and violated the international norms.

For his part, al-Sati echoed the sentiments, affirming Saudi Arabia's consistent stance in supporting Syria's territorial integrity, peace, and stability.

He condemned the regime's attacks on the Syrian territory, highlighting the need for adherence to the international law and respect for national sovereignty worldwide.

The both sides agreed on the importance of continued consultations regarding regional developments, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address ongoing challenges.

The meeting was part of Sheibani's ongoing regional consultations, which have included discussions with officials from Russia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

It followed Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman's recent trip to Iran for enhancing the countries' consultations regarding regional affairs.

Iran's affirmation of support for Syria's sovereignty, which had already been announced through many official statements, came amid escalating Israeli atrocities across the West Asia region, including in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria.

On Friday, Iran condemned the regime's airstrikes on Syria, stating that the attacks aimed to destroy the defensive, economic, and infrastructural capabilities of an independent country.

The condemnation, delivered by Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, noted that the atrocities were, therefore, being carried out in line with Tel Aviv's pursuing its malicious interests in the region.

UN blasts Israel

The United Nations has also expressed concern over the aggression.

On Sunday, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned the regime's escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty, calling for an immediate cessation of the airstrikes and urging respect for the international law and Syria's territorial integrity.

The Israeli regime began to markedly step up its acts of deadly aggression against Syria late last month amid a wholesale attempt by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group to take over the Arab country.

The HTS, which had already been leading a ferocious armed campaign against the nation, managed to overrun the country last December.

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Reshuffle to create 'fighting-style' Cabinet 'pure speculation': Lee

ROC Central News Agency

05/05/2025 04:24 PM

Taipei, May 5 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Monday denied reports that it plans to form a "fighting-style Cabinet" after May 20 in response to the ongoing recall election campaign that has dominated news headlines in recent months.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee () said in a press release that the claim was "false information" and "pure speculation."

Lee said the government is focused on addressing U.S. tariffs and broader international developments, noting that a NT$410 billion (US$12.6 billion) special act to strengthen Taiwan's economic, social and homeland security resilience was proposed on April 24.

According to Lee, the draft legislation is centered on four priorities: supporting industry, protecting livelihoods, stabilizing employment and enhancing resilience.

Lee called on legislative caucuses in Taiwan's Legislature to endorse the act and provide the strongest support for Taiwanese industry.

The opposition has questioned elements of the proposal, however, arguing that some provisions go well beyond the bill's original intent to keep Taiwan's economy stable should the United States impose steep tariffs on imports from Taiwan.

(By Kao Hua-chien and James Thompson)

Enditem/ls

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/05/05

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Date:

6 a.m. May. 4 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. May. 5 (Mon.) (UTC+8)

2. PLA activities:

6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 out of 6 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.

1140505_PLA activities [Open a new window]

1140505_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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May 5, 2025

Release

2025 U.S.-Turkiye High Level Defense Group Meeting

On April 28, 2025, the Department of Defense and the Turkish Ministry of National Defense held a High Level Defense Group (HLDG) in Ankara, Turkiye.

Katherine Thompson, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, led the U.S. delegation with the participation of Maj. Gen. Sean Salene, Director of Plans, Policy, and Strategy at U.S. Central Command and Brig. Gen. Quaid Quadri, Deputy Director for Plans, Strategy, and Capabilities at U.S. European Command. Maj. Gen. Ilkay Altindag, Director General for Defense and Security in the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, led the Turkish delegation and hosted the dialogue. Ms. Thompson also visited Incirlik Air Base.

The dialogue advanced key agenda items for President Trump including on defense spending goals for the NATO alliance, greater European leadership on defense, and commitment to strengthening ties with Turkiye. In line with the Administration's priorities, the delegations also discussed a wide range of functional and regional issues, including Syria, Ukraine, and defense industrial cooperation.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4174240/

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PM call with President Macron of France: 5 May 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to France's President Emmanuel Macron this evening.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

5 May 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to France's President Emmanuel Macron this evening.

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.

The leaders also looked ahead to the UK-France summit taking place later this year and agreed to step up ambition between the two countries across all areas, including defence and security and irregular migration. Both leaders underscored that more 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.

Discussing the situation in Gaza, both expressed their deep concern at recent developments and agreed a renewed peace process was required.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

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EU Assistance to Ukraine (in U.S. Dollars)

European External Action Service (EEAS)

05.05.2025

Washington, D.C.

Administration Team of the EU Delegation to the United States

The European Union (EU) and our 27 Member States remain united and determined in our unprecedented support for Ukraine. Since the start of the war, the EU and our Member States have made available over $158 billion * in financial, military, humanitarian, and refugee assistance, of which 65% have been provided as grants or in-kind support and 35% in the form of highly concessional loans.



Since the start of the war, the EU and our Member States have made available over * in financial, military, humanitarian, and refugee assistance, of which have been provided as or support and in the form of highly concessional loans. In addition, in February 2024, European leaders agreed to commit up to $54 billion until 2027 for the Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernization, as well as its reform efforts as part of its accession path to the EU. Furthermore, in October 2024, the EU and G7 partners agreed to collectively provide loans of $50 billion to support Ukraine's budgetary, military and reconstruction needs, financed by extraordinary revenues from immobilized Russian sovereign assets. The EU will contribute $20 billion , the first $5.4 billion of which was disbursed in 2025. This will bring our commitments to date to close to $199 billion.



for the to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernization, as well as its reform efforts as part of its accession path to the EU. Furthermore, in October 2024, the agreed to collectively provide loans of to support Ukraine's budgetary, military and reconstruction needs, financed by extraordinary revenues from immobilized Russian sovereign assets. The EU will contribute , the first $5.4 billion of which was disbursed in 2025. This will bring our commitments to date to In April 2025, the EU made available an additional $2.3 billion generated from immobilized Russian assets , $3.9 billion in total; $3.5 billion for military support via the EPF, and $400 million through the Ukraine Facility.



generated from , in total; for military support via the EPF, and through the Ukraine Facility. In December 2023, European leaders endorsed opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. Ukraine has shown remarkable determination and progress on reforms, including anti-corruption, while defending its country and its people against Russia's aggression. Ukraine is already a member of the European family and we will continue supporting Ukraine every step of the way on its path to EU membership.



with Ukraine. including anti-corruption, while defending its country and its people against Russia's aggression. Ukraine is already a and we will continue supporting Ukraine every step of the way on its path to EU membership. Since the start of Russia's illegal war, we have worked in lockstep with the United States and other partners to impose massive sanctions on Russia, its military, and its economy, as well as to isolate Russia internationally, in spite of their negative effects on Europe's economy.



on Russia, its military, and its economy, as well as to isolate Russia internationally, The EU also moved at lightning speed to diversify our energy supplies and decouple from Russian fossil fuels, banning Russian coal and oil imports and drastically reducing gas imports. The U.S. commitment to support Europe in substituting U.S. LNG for the majority of imported Russian gas has been instrumental in derailing Putin's plans.

Collective EU and EU Member State support to Ukraine includes:

Close to $82 billion in financial and budgetary support and in humanitarian and emergency assistance. This support is as essential as military assistance to ensure Ukraine's success on the battlefield. It allows Ukraine to keep paying wages and pensions and maintain essential public services, such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people. It also ensures macroeconomic stability, and helps restore critical infrastructure destroyed. It includes: $31.5 billion of financial assistance to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023 and $4.2 billion in 2025 $27.3 billion of financial assistance mobilized from the Ukraine Facility $13.2 billion of financial assistance directly from EU Member States in grants, loans, and guarantees $3 billion in loans from the EIB and EBRD guaranteed by the EU budget $4.8 billion in humanitarian aid, emergency assistance, budget support and crisis response and $122 million to rebuild Ukrainian schools Over 154,000 tonnes of in-kind assistance, including medical supplies, mobile hospitals, shelters, school buses, ambulances, and close to 8,900 power generators , with an estimated value of over $1 billion , have been provided via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by 35 participating countries, coordinated by the EU The EU has coordinated 4,000 medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients to provide them with specialized healthcare in hospitals across Europe



in and in This support is as essential as military assistance to ensure Ukraine's success on the battlefield. It allows Ukraine to keep paying wages and pensions and maintain essential public services, such as hospitals, schools, and housing for relocated people. It also ensures macroeconomic stability, and helps restore critical infrastructure destroyed. It includes: Over $54 billion in military assistance - ranging from ammunition to air-defense systems, Leopard tanks, and fighter jets. This includes an unprecedented $6.6 billion from the "European Peace Facility," in addition to bilateral contributions by our Member States. On top of that, in March 2024, the Council established a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund worth $5.4 billion. EU support also includes $2.2 billion for the joint procurement and delivery of up to an additional one million rounds of artillery ammunition, and an additional $535 million to boost EU defense industry capacities in ammunition production. The EU is today the largest military training provider to the Ukrainian armed forces - over 73,000 Ukrainian military personnel were trained under the EU's $390 million Military Assistance Mission. An additional $27 million have been provided for humanitarian de-mining of liberated territories.



in - ranging from ammunition to air-defense systems, Leopard tanks, and fighter jets. This includes an unprecedented from the "European Peace Facility," in addition to bilateral contributions by our Member States. On top of that, in March 2024, the Council established a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund worth EU support also includes for the joint procurement and delivery of up to an additional of artillery ammunition, and an additional to boost EU defense industry capacities in ammunition production. The EU is today the - over were trained under the EU's Military Assistance Mission. An additional have been provided for humanitarian de-mining of liberated territories. Up to $18 billion from the EU budget to support Ukrainian refugees who have fled to EU Member States since February 2022. Close to 8 million refugees have been recorded in the EU, mainly women, children, and older persons, and more than 4 million Ukrainians have registered for temporary protection in the EU, which means they are entitled to work, accommodation, healthcare, as well as schooling for their children.



from the EU budget to support who have fled to EU Member States since February 2022. Close to 8 million refugees have been recorded in the EU, mainly women, children, and older persons, and more than have registered for temporary protection in the EU, which means they are entitled to work, accommodation, healthcare, as well as schooling for their children. Over $2.2 billion to boost "EU Solidarity Lanes" to transport Ukrainian food to the world and address the food security crisis caused by Russia's war. These lanes have already helped Ukraine export over 174 million tonnes of goods, including 85 million tonnes of grains and related products, and generated much-needed revenue for Ukraine's economy.



to boost to transport to the world and address the food security crisis caused by Russia's war. These lanes have already helped Ukraine export over tonnes of goods, including of grains and related products, and generated much-needed revenue for Ukraine's economy. We have temporarily suspended EU import duties for exports from Ukraine and figures show Ukraine's exports are exceeding pre-war levels.

By bringing war back to Europe, Putin plans not only to destroy Ukraine and destabilize Europe, but tear up international law and the UN Charter and undermine peace and security in the entire world, with dire consequences for vital American and European global security interests.

We are grateful to the United States for its unwavering bipartisan support to Ukraine, and for standing with the European Union as we jointly work to ensure Ukraine's victory in its ongoing fight for survival as an independent country and a sovereign nation. This is not the moment to weaken our support to Ukraine. Ukraine can only defeat Putin's aggression if it stands firmly on two legs of American and European support.

Standing together against Putin's brutality will be even more crucial in the months to come as we continue to address Ukraine's needs and hold Russia accountable for its criminal actions.

* EUR values converted into USD at the 12-month average ECB reference exchange rate as of 5 May. The total figure includes $27.4 billion already mobilized under the Ukraine Facility and $5.4 billion already disbursed as part of the G7 loan.

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Over 600,000 craters from shells and missiles: Scientists study de-occupied territories of Mykolaiv and Kherson regions

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, posted 05 May 2025 16:00

Over 600,000 craters from shells and other explosive ordnance, alongside thousands of hectares of arable land affected by war, have been documented in a study by the Ukrainian Researchers Society in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. The researchers employed a comprehensive approach, combining analysis of high-precision satellite data with on-site soil sampling and surveys. The study was commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO UN) to support efforts by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food in clearing land of mines and other explosive remnants. The project was financially supported by the governments of Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

In Mykolaiv region, the Ukrainian Researchers Society surveyed 980,440 hectares of the most heavily damaged territories, excluding land within a 40-kilometre frontline buffer zone, which constitutes a small portion in the south of the region. The researchers identified over 306,000 craters from shells and missiles, ranging from 0.5 to 50 metres in diameter, with a total volume of displaced soil exceeding 612,000 cubic metres. Due to explosions, over 2,334 hectares of soil were subjected to bombturbation (disruption caused by explosions), and more than 6,000 hectares were compacted by the movement of heavy military equipment. Potentially contaminated land may cover 18,800 hectares. During on-site surveys, 138 samples were collected to assess heavy metal content and the agrochemical properties of the soil.

In Kherson region, researchers focused on the de-occupied right-bank areas, covering Beryslav and Kherson districts, and surveyed 263,860 hectares of land. Compared to Mykolaiv region, a significantly higher density of craters was recorded, with greater areas affected by bombturbation and soil compaction. In Kherson, 311,700 craters ranging from 0.5 to 22.4 metres in diameter were identified, with displaced soil amounting to 1.6 million cubic metres. Over 3,400 hectares of land were subjected to bombturbation, and 7,300 hectares were compacted. Nearly 27,000 hectares of soil may be contaminated due to explosions. Researchers collected 90 samples to analyse heavy metal content and agrochemical soil parameters.

In June, the Ukrainian Researchers Society plans to present a monetary assessment of the damage caused to the agricultural sector due to soil loss in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.

The findings will form the basis for determining the ecological potential of the territories, as calculated by the Ministry of Economy and the Centre for Humanitarian Demining, to prioritise areas for humanitarian demining.

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Czechs Say Initiative Delivered 500,000 Artillery Shells To Ukraine This Year

By RFE/RL May 05, 2025

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 Russia's 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/czech-ukraine-zelenskyy-fiala- artillery-war/33405299.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Justice is important for Ukraine's recovery and for people's desire to live in Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Czechia

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 21:42

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the Ukrainian community in Prague.

The Head of State emphasized that unity within Europe and among all of Ukraine's key partners is crucial for achieving a just end to the war.

"First, we need to reach an unconditional ceasefire. Then, using that time, we must find steps that lead to a durable and just peace for Ukraine. Justice is important for Ukraine's recovery and for people's desire to live in Ukraine, to return to Ukraine," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President thanked Czechia for its ongoing defense support - particularly for the artillery initiative, the decision to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, and cooperation with Czech defense companies.

He also noted the development of bilateral economic cooperation and the steps being taken to increase trade between the two countries.

The President stressed that it is already time to think about Ukraine's postwar reconstruction so that the state and businesses can work together with partners to rebuild in the future.

Other key topics of discussion included advocacy for Ukraine's EU membership and attracting foreign investment.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Holds a Phone Conversation with Olaf Scholz

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 21:03

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Olaf Scholz, who is concluding his term as Federal Chancellor of Germany.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for Germany's pivotal role in supporting Ukraine throughout all the years of war, and specifically thanked Olaf Scholz for his personal commitment.

The President highlighted the Chancellor's speech in the Bundestag on February 27, 2022, the historic coffee break that helped open the way for Ukraine's EU accession negotiations, as well as the three Patriot batteries and other air defense supplies that have helped save thousands of Ukrainian lives.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Olaf Scholz for his continued readiness to support Ukraine in every possible way.

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Postwar Development and the Need for Sustained Support for Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with Charles University Students

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 20:14

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with students of Charles University in Prague.

The Head of State thanked the President, government, and people of the Czech Republic for their warm treatment of Ukrainian citizens and added that he always enjoys engaging with young people.

"Our children are much stronger than all of us. I am absolutely confident in this generation. I'm sure they will defend the true values of our countries, Europe and the world. And they will bring only progress," he emphasized.

The meeting focused in particular on motivation for Ukrainians to return home after the war ends. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that such a decision is ultimately a personal choice. However, he added, this can be encouraged by creating the right conditions, which could emerge, for example, during Ukraine's postwar reconstruction.

There was also discussion about adapting conditions for business development in Ukraine, especially in frontline regions - including bringing back relocated enterprises and creating new ones. Ukraine's future EU membership will also serve as a major incentive for making large-scale investment decisions.

"What's most important is that businesses and companies have remained in Ukraine. They made it possible to strengthen the army, pay salaries and taxes. Without small and medium-sized businesses, there is no state, no economy. And without that, there is no army - an army that needs to be supported on a daily basis," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President emphasized that everyone in Europe must understand the need to support Ukraine, because the stronger Ukraine is, the safer life will be for all Europeans.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with the Leadership of the Czech Senate

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 18:34

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Milos Vystrcil, his deputies, and committee chairs.

The Head of State thanked the Senate for adopting nine resolutions in support of Ukraine and for its contribution to advancing the International Crimea Platform.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine consistently demonstrates its readiness to establish a full and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days as a first step toward achieving a just and durable peace. At the same time, Russia refuses to support either this U.S. proposal or even a halt to attacks on civilian targets.

The President stressed the importance of increasing pressure on the Russian Federation, including the imposition of additional sanctions targeting the energy and banking sectors. Ukraine counts on support from Czechia.

The discussion also touched on Ukraine's path toward EU membership. Ukraine is ready to open the first negotiation clusters and needs a more determined position from European Union member states.

On the Czech side, the meeting was attended by First Vice-President of the Senate Jiri Drahos; Vice-Presidents Jitka Seitlova, Ladislav Vaclavec, and Jiri Oberfalzer; Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Pavel Fischer; and Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science, Culture, Human Rights and Petitions Jiri Ruzicka.

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Further Development of Defense, Economic, and Humanitarian Cooperation: President of Ukraine Meets with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 17:38

The expansion of defense cooperation, the development of bilateral economic cooperation, and joint humanitarian projects were the key topics of the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala in Prague.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for supporting Ukraine and for concrete joint work, especially in the area of defense cooperation. The President noted that the Czech artillery initiative is working very effectively and could yield even greater results this year. Ukraine also appreciates Czechia's willingness to assist in the development of Ukrainian combat aviation.

"I am confident that we will continue to create jobs and ensure economic growth for both our countries through defense cooperation. And this is a significant contribution by the Czech Republic to the security of all of Europe - we have at least five years' worth of joint initiatives to implement. Many different projects, many areas of development. Czech companies are aware of all the relevant opportunities," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President briefed on Ukraine's actions on the battlefield. The discussion also touched upon diplomacy and Russia's rejection of proposals for a lasting ceasefire. In particular, they discussed the need for continued pressure on Russia, primarily through strengthened sanctions.

Among other important topics of the meeting were interaction at the level of European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, cooperation in the energy sector - including the development of nuclear generation - and joint infrastructure projects. The Head of State emphasized that it is fully possible to eliminate energy dependence on Russia, and Czechia has proven it.

"We also have joint potential in the healthcare sector. We are grateful for the Czech medical mission in Ukraine, and especially for the support provided to our Ukrainian veterans. We deeply appreciate Czechia's help in restoring our medical facilities - in Dnipro, Lviv, Rivne, Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, and Lutsk," the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also acknowledged the efforts of Czech government officials in supporting the Ukrainian community in Czechia, their sincere assistance, and respect toward Ukrainians. In particular, a Unity Hub for Ukrainian citizens is being prepared for launch.

Petr Fiala reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine and emphasized the development of bilateral cooperation in economic, defense, and humanitarian fields. Czech companies are ready to take an active role in rebuilding Ukraine's key infrastructure. Those who are already preparing for such projects today will have an advantage in the future.

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted military cooperation: training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and Gripens, the artillery initiative, and mediation in supplying heavy equipment.

"We are actively participating in the Coalition of the Willing, which is ready to support Ukraine and will also assist in peacetime. This planning must begin now, and together with the Coalition of the Willing, we are convinced that the most important thing for Europe will be a strong Ukrainian army. Ukraine can always count on us," emphasized Petr Fiala.

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Ukraine to Open a Unity Hub in Czechia: Joint Declaration Signed Between the Two Governments

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 15:48

In the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, a Joint Declaration was signed to establish a Unity Hub of Ukraine in Czechia.

The document was signed by Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov and Czechia's First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of the Interior Vit Rakusan.

The center is being created to support Ukrainians living in Czechia and to assist in the return of Ukrainian citizens home. The facility will offer information and consultation services on temporary protection, return, and reintegration, as well as educational and cultural services. Additionally, the Unity Hub will serve as a platform for professional development, including job search assistance for Ukrainian citizens.

Currently, about 600,000 Ukrainians live in Czechia, with 390,000 under temporary protection status.

Joint declarations to establish Unity Hubs have already been signed with Spain, Germany, and France.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Representatives of Leading Czech Defense Companies

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 14:26

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the CEOs of leading Czech defense companies.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the trust in Ukraine and for the implementation of joint projects. The President specifically highlighted the participation of Czech companies in the initiative to supply 155 mm ammunition.

"Close cooperation has created opportunities for a productive dialogue between our defense agencies and companies. Ukraine's security is Europe's security. By strengthening Ukraine, you are ensuring future peace and stability across our entire Europe," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, the consolidation of European countries' defense industrial potential is a significant contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace.

In particular, the meeting focused on cooperation in the defense industry, where Ukrainian-Czech collaboration and joint production can guarantee security and prevent a recurrence of aggression on the European continent.

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The President Discusses Continued Support for Ukraine with Representatives of the Czech Parliament's Chamber of Deputies

President of Ukraine

5 May 2025 - 13:33

In Prague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Marketa Pekarova Adamova, and the Deputy Speakers of the Chamber of Deputies, representing all political parties: Vera Kovarova, Jan Bartosek, Jan Skopecek, Olga Richterova, Karel Havlicek, Ales Juchelka, and Pavel Zacek.

The Head of State emphasized Marketa Pekarova Adamova's participation in last year's Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform and the adoption by the Chamber of Deputies of five resolutions in support of Ukraine.

"We are grateful to have such friends and partners. I would like to thank the Parliament of the Czech Republic, all the parties, for standing with our state from the very first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, and for the resolutions supporting Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President highlighted that our country has shown its readiness to achieve a just and lasting peace through diplomatic means. However, the Russian Federation refuses to accept the proposal of a full and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days.

The meeting also addressed the maintenance of sanctions against Russia while its aggression persists. Ukraine looks forward to the swift adoption of the 17th EU sanctions package, particularly targeting the Russian Federation's energy and banking sectors.

Additionally, our country expects support for the practical and effective continuation of EU accession negotiations.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Marketa Pekarova Adamova's personal involvement in the implementation of humanitarian projects in Ukrainian hospitals, including the provision of necessary equipment, and the participation of Czech medical professionals in the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian warriors.

Marketa Pekarova Adamova stressed that the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament will continue to support Ukraine at all levels.

"This meeting took place with all of my colleagues, all of the Deputy Speakers of Parliament, including colleagues from the opposition, which is also very important, as it demonstrates our unity and condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine," she concluded.

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Patience Wears Thin In Washington As Ukraine Peace Deal Eludes Trump

By Nathan Hodge May 06, 2025

In his first 100 days in office, one key foreign policy goal has eluded US President Donald Trump: ending the war on Ukraine.

Trump ran for president on a promise to end the war quickly. In an interview with NBC News that aired on May 4, he expressed hope a peace deal could still be reached while also suggesting his patience with both Ukraine and Russia was limited.

"There will be a time when I will say, 'Okay, keep going. Keep being stupid and keep fighting,'" he said.

Trump also said the US was "closer with one party, and maybe not as close with the other," though he did not say which party he believed was closer to a deal.

But in recent days, the US president has voiced particular frustration with the Kremlin, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal."

Republican lawmakers have moved in lock step with the US president.

South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham, a key ally of Trump, has said he has broad support for a new package of sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Putin fails to engage seriously in peace negotiations.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy complained to Fox News that the Kremlin leader "has jacked around President Trump at every turn."

"He has disrespected our president. I don't think it's gonna get any better until we make it clear to Mr. Putin that we are willing to turn him and his country into fish food," Kennedy said.

Kennedy quickly clarified that he was referring to measures to shut down Russia's sale of oil, not nuclear war. But the remarks echoed Trump's recent impatience with the Kremlin.

Against that rhetorical backdrop, however, diplomatic efforts have continued. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, traveled to Moscow to meet with Putin.

A top Kremlin aide described the talks as "productive," and some commentators saw Witfkoff's arrival without the usual entourage as an indication that the American emissary may be out of his diplomatic depth.

Steven Pifer, a retired career diplomat and former US ambassador to Ukraine, questioned the wisdom of Witkoff appearing to take the meeting alone, saying that the US emissary, who is a wealthy real estate developer and confidant of Trump, was facing off against "75+ years" of diplomatic experience.

"Little wonder Russia has received 10 weeks of US concessions and gifts while giving nothing in return," Pifer said on X.

Regardless of the seating arrangements in the Kremlin, Witkoff's meeting was a contrast with the signing event in Washington for the creation of the United-States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, a deal that will give the US access to Ukraine's valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for what Kyiv hopes will be enduring US support.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used strong language to describe the agreement, saying it "signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term."

So have the tides shifted subtly in favor of Ukraine when it comes to dealing with the Trump administration?

As always, it may be too early to tell.

After all, the signing comes only about two months after a rancorous meeting in the Oval Office between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.

That meeting was perhaps one of the more cinematic moments since Trump took office in January. But the nascent peace process has not reached the punctuation mark that will allow Trump to chalk off another achievement.

And in the interim, Trump has been consistent in his narrative: The war on Ukraine is "Biden's war," and never would have happened if he had been in office.

Put otherwise, if talks fail, the blame for a foreign policy failure can be shifted away from the Trump administration.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/patience-washington-ukraine- peace-deal-trump-zelenskyy-putin/33405520.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Fires Scores Of Drones At Moscow And Other Russian Regions; Airports Closed

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 06, 2025

Ukraine launched more than 100 drones at targets in 11 regions across Russia, including Moscow, causing major disruptions at airports in the Russian capital, military officials said.

Russia, meanwhile, targeted Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, with nearly 20 drones overnight on May 6, injuring at least four people, local prosecutors said.

The back-and-forth drone attacks come as both Moscow and Kyiv gear up for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany during World War II.

As usual, the Red Square military parade on May 9 is the centerpiece of the Kremlin's commemorations. President Vladimir Putin is expected to give a major speech extolling Moscow's role in the WWII victory, as well as Russia's all-out ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

Despite Putin's call for a three-day cease-fire in the Ukraine war, beginning May 8, there are no signs of any let up in the violence, either on the battlefield or in the daily exchange of drone barrages between Kyiv and Moscow.

Putin is expected to host 20 world leaders for the Victory Day events, and officials have announced increased security measures in Moscow ahead of the day.

Moscow authorities warned residents against firing off fireworks this week, and also warned of Internet disruptions in the region, possibly as a way to thwart drone or other potential attacks.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Ukraine launched more than 100 drones at targets in 11 regions overnight, including capital. The ministry claimed air defenses intercepted or downed 105 drones.

In Moscow, at least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to the capital, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram.

There was no "serious damage or injuries" where debris fell near one of the main highways leading into the city, he said.

Flights were suspended at all four airports that serve Moscow, Russia's aviation regulator said. Flights resumed several hours later.'

In the Kursk border region, where Russian troops recently pushed out the remnants of a Ukrainian force that had invaded last summer, Ukrainian forces attacked a power substation, according to Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein.

The attack injured two teenagers and damaged two transformers, he said. The damage cut power to the area.

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv about the attack, but Ukrainian officials have previously said such assaults are aimed at hitting military targets and infrastructure used to support Moscow's war efforts.

In Kharkiv, Russian drones sparked fires in four districts of the city, injuring at least four people, local prosecutors said.

Authorities in Ukraine's Sumy region, to the northwest, urged residents to evacuate homes in two cities near the border after Russian forces fired artillery into two settlements, killing three people and injuring four.

"The Sumy region. Since morning, Russia has been striking border settlements," the Interior Ministry said on Telegram.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters and Agence-France Presse

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war-drones- moscow-kursk-sumy/33405522.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Vancouver, May 6, 2025 - Graphano Energy Ltd. (TSXV: GEL) (OTC Pink: GELEF) (FSE: 97G0) ("Graphano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Mercator Geological Services Limited ("Mercator"), an independent geological consulting firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to prepare a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant mineral resource estimate. Concurrently, the Company has initiated an exploration program focused on the Black Pearl graphite property in Quebec, Canada.

Engagement of Mercator Geological Services

The engagement of Mercator marks a significant milestone for Graphano as the Company advances toward development of its several mineral projects. The resource estimate will incorporate both recent and historical exploration data, including Graphano drilling programs conducted between 2021 and 2024. It will cover three of the eight mineralized zones at the Lac Aux Bouleaux project - Zone 1, Zone 3, and the Historical Pit - as well as the Standard Mine project. The resulting NI 43-101 resource estimates will serve as the foundation for upcoming technical and economic studies and planning for a producing future.

"We are pleased to work with Mercator, a firm with deep experience in NI 43-101 resource reporting," said Dr. Luisa Moreno, President and CEO of Graphano. "This step is critical in demonstrating the value of our assets and positioning the Company for the next phase of growth. Coupled with our new exploration efforts at Black Pearl, we are laying the groundwork for long-term resource expansion and shareholder value."

Black Pearl Exploration Program Underway

In parallel with the resource estimation work, Graphano has commenced an exploration program, which targets a new graphite discovery made by Graphano in 2024 on the Black Pearl graphite property. As reported by Graphano on July 16, 2024, the new graphite discovery returned surface channel sample results including 15.1% Cg over 14 metres (m) and 17.9% Cg over 9 m. This discovery of important grades and thicknesses of graphite mineralization within geological units, similar to the major graphite deposits of the Lac des Iles region, confirm the excellent potential of this previously unexplored area.

The current program, carried out by St-Pierre Exploration of Amos, Quebec, is focused on delineating the extent of the kilometre-long mineralized trend, with the objective of advancing the zone to drill-ready status.

"Black Pearl is an exciting grassroots discovery with potential to host a large and high-grade graphite system," added Dr. Moreno. "We're acting quickly to define its scale and incorporate it into our broader development strategy."

Black Pearl Discovery Highlights (News Release July 16, 2024)

Discovered through prospecting by St-Pierre Exploration of Amos, Quebec.

42 channel samples collected within an approximate 1,200 m 2 stripped bedrock area averaged 13.2% graphitic carbon (Cg). Channel sample results include 15.1% Cg over 14 m and 17.9% Cg over 9 m.

stripped bedrock area averaged 13.2% graphitic carbon (Cg). Channel sample results include 15.1% Cg over 14 m and 17.9% Cg over 9 m. Grab samples of mineralized bedrock from hand dug trenches 700 malong trend to the northeast of the discovery stripping area returned grades of 20.1% Cg and 15.6% Cg.

The Black Pearl graphite trend has been outlined by prospecting and limited ground geophysical surveys for an approximate strike length of 1,000 m and remains open.

The geophysical surveys indicate a wide conductive corridor (75 to 150 m in width) hosting multiple anomalies associated with graphite mineralization.

The immediate extensions of this recently discovered prospective trend, as well as the remainder of the claim group remain unexplored to date.

(Note: All channel sample results reported are based on bedrock surface widths, true widths of mineralization will be determined with drilling programs).

About Mercator Geological Services

Mercator is a Canadian consulting firm specializing in geological modeling, mineral exploration, and preparation of NI 43-101 compliant technical reports across a broad range of commodities.

About St-Pierre Exploration

St-Pierre Exploration is a Quebec-based geological services firm headquartered in Amos. The company provides field support, project design, and technical expertise for mineral exploration programs across the province.

About Graphano Energy

Graphano Energy Ltd. is an exploration and development company that is focused on evaluating, acquiring, and developing energy metals resources from exploration to production.

Graphite is one of the most in-demand technology minerals that is required for a green and sustainable world. The Company's Lac Aux Bouleaux property, situated adjacent to Canada's only producing graphite mine, in Quebec, Canada, has historically been an active area for natural graphite. With the demand for graphite growing in some of the most prominent and cutting-edge industries, such as lithium batteries in electric cars and other energy storage technologies, the Company is developing its project to meet the demands of the future.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the preparation and timing of the NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate; the use of such estimate for future technical and economic studies; the advancement of the Black Pearl property to a drill-ready status; the potential of the Black Pearl graphite trend; expectations regarding resource expansion and shareholder value; and the Company's development plans and market outlook for graphite. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Graphano, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, the Canadian Securities Administrators' national system that all market participants use for filings and disclosure, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Graphano does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250926
Toronto, May 6, 2025 - Global Tactical Metals Corp. (CSE: MONI) (FSE: A7F) ("Global Tactical Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce encouraging results from its second round of sampling at the past-producing Green Mine in Nevada. Of the 10 samples collected, 7 returned over-limit values for antimony (Sb), reaffirming the high-grade nature of this critical mineral occurrence. Select samples also returned over-limit values for silver (Ag) and lead (Pb). At the Green Mine, mineralized veins host jamesonite (Pb 4 FeSb 6 S 14 ), secondary bindheimite (Pb 2 Sb 2 O 6 (O,OH), pyrite, arsenopyrite, and possibly boulangerite (Pb 5 Sb 4 S 11 ).

This second round of sampling confirms the presence of polymetallic mineralization both at surface and within historic underground workings, supporting the Company's view that Green Mine holds strong potential for further development.

Sampling

Samples were collected from surface dumps adjacent to historic mine workings, exposed outcrops, and within the underground adits. Notably, 70% of the samples exceeded the upper detection limit of 10,000 ppm for antimony. Additional elevated results were recorded for silver and lead.

Sample Number Sample Description Ag

(ppm) Pb

(ppm) Sb

(ppm) GM-2 18 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-3 chip (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-4 grab (surface dump) 18.2 5440 2560 GM-5 grab (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-6 63 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-7 61 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-8 76 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-10 grab (subcrop) 29.6 2700 >10000 GM-11 48 cm channel (surface) 58.7 3860 5040

Samples that returned over-limit assays are being further analyzed to determine their actual metal values.

These early-stage assay results support further detailed mapping and systematic sampling across the property.

Quality Assurance

All samples were delivered by the company's consulting geologist to the Paragon Geochemical facility in Sparks, NV. All samples were analyzed for 48 elements. All of the elements were determined by Paragon Geochemical's method 48MA-MS, which is a multi-acid digestion finished by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Global Tactical Metals is reliant on Paragon Geochemical's laboratory in Sparks, NV. for its QA/QC protocol as these are preliminary samples and limited in number.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for Global Tactical Metals Corp. included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smyk P.Geo. Mr. Smyk is a Technical Advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Other Business

In addition, the Company announces, subject to CSE approval, the grant of 1,000,000 RSUs to strategic consultants to the Company. These RSUs will vest four months and one day from the day of grant.

The Company has entered into a Consulting Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with Capitaliz, dated effective March 1st, 2025, for an initial term of 12 months with a marketing budget of $5,000 per month, whereby the services to be provided by Capitaliz will include assisting GTM to develop a corporate marketing strategy and provide marketing and public relations advisory services, help coordinate marketing, news flow and events, making introductions to Capitaliz's network of media contacts, internet and social media marketers and other such providers, as well as to assist with various other public relations efforts.

www.capitalizonit.com

778-237-1431

Vancouver, B.C

About Global Tactical Metals Corp.

Global Tactical Metals Corp. is focused on acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a highly prospective mineral asset in Newfoundland, Canada, positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential.

The company has also significantly expanded its exploration portfolio with a substantial land package staked in Darling Township, southeastern Ontario-approximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This property, now exceeding 1,400 hectares, targets critical mineral exploration with a primary focus on antimony, a vital element for renewable energy, defense, and electronics industries.

In addition, Global Tactical Metals Corp. has extended its strategic footprint into the United States by staking the Green Mine, a past-producing antimony deposit in Nevada, further strengthening its commitment to securing critical mineral resources.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: The exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, including the St. Anthony Property, the Ontario claims, and the newly staked Green Mine; The potential value and economic viability of these mineral assets; The growing demand for antimony and its impact on the Company's strategic initiatives; and The Company's ability to execute exploration programs, conduct geological assessments, and advance its assets towards potential resource development.

Forward-Looking information in this press release is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully conduct exploration and development activities, access to funding and infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions for critical minerals.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: Challenges in obtaining permits, regulatory approvals, or financing; Geological or technical difficulties in mineral exploration and extraction; Changes in market demand or commodity prices; and Unforeseen environmental or operational risks.

Readers are cautioned that the above list is not exhaustive. Forward-Looking statements in this press release reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to change. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250942
Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated September 6, 2024, it has entered into a definitive option agreement (the "Option Agreement") for the 2,520.2 hectare La Union carbonate replacement project located in Sonora, Mexico (the "Project" or "La Union") with Riverside Resources Inc. ("Riverside") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, RRM Exploracion, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. (the "Vendor") dated May 5, 2025 (the "Transaction"). The Company has also completed and filed on SEDAR+ the La Union Technical Report (the "Report") in support of the Transaction (as defined below).

"Having entered into the Option Agreement and completed this 43-101 Technical Report is an important accomplishment towards our goal of advancing the Project and working our way to earning up to 100% of this drill-ready property in a highly active region with multiple known deposits, major players and mines in production!" commented Questcorp President & CEO, Saf Dhillon. "John-Mark Staude and the Riverside technical team have been doing an exceptional job in consolidating the group of claims that now make up the Project and we look forward to working with them in completing the conditions for 100% ownership of the Project," he continued.

President & CEO of Riverside, John-Mark Staude, stated, "We are excited to work with Questcorp to carry out further exploration work on La Union's multiple targets we have worked up through extensive field activity. Riverside has consolidated the mineral tenure into an aggregated district play and worked with surface owners to obtain access and set up the project for immediate advancement."

The La Union Project

La Union is a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") project hosted by Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane. The structural setting features high-angle normal faults and low-to-medium-angle thrust faults that sometimes served as mineralization conduits. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides, consistent with a CRD model (see the Report available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile). These targets also demonstrate intriguing potential for large gold discoveries potentially above an even larger porphyry Cu district potential as the Company's target concept at this time.

Questcorp cautions investors, grab samples are selective by nature and not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the property.

Julian Manco, P.Geo. (BC), the author of the Report (the "QP"), concluded exploration work carried out by Riverside on the Project identified five zones with gold and base metals mineralization at Union, La Union Norte, El Cobre, El Creston, and La Famosa. He noted these zones define three main target areas: Union, North Famosa, and Famosa, where replacement and manto and chimney structures in the limestones exhibit polymetallic chemical signatures consistent with carbonate replacement deposits. Further he noted, although gold grades are usually low in CRD systems, the high grades of gold observed in the Project area may be interpreted in part as remobilization or interaction with gold-bearing structures that are common in this area and in general are the main target for the Orogenic Gold systems exploited in the Caborca region.

Mr. Manco concluded these target zones have the potential for the discovery of bulk mineable gold and polymetallic deposits and further exploration by drilling is warranted to test their economic potential. In addition, further reconnaissance exploration is required to carry out reconnaissance exploration and follow up on other copper, and gold anomalies that occur between these two targets. He also noted the possibility La Union mineralization may be related to Laramide-age magmatism suggesting a potential for a porphyry copper deposit potential.

The QP recommends a phase I exploration program of detailed structural mapping and sampling, ground magnetics, 3D inversion modeling of magnetic data, geochemical sampling and UV lamp surveys, followed by a phase II drilling program.

The Option Agreement

In accordance with the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company may acquire a one-hundred percent (100%) interest in the Project by completing a series of cash payments totaling $100,000 CAD, making staged issuances of common shares of the Company totaling 19.9%, and incurring $5,500,000 CAD of exploration expenditures on the Project as outlined immediately below (the "Option Conditions"):

Deadline Cash Payment

(CAD) Share

Issuance Exploration

Expenditures

(CAD) Within two (2) business days of the date of the Option Agreement $25,000 N/A N/A On the Effective Date(1) N/A 9.9%(2) N/A On or before the first anniversary of the Effective Date N/A 14.9%(2)(3) $1,000,000 On or before the second anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,250,000 On or before the third anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,500,000 On or before the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date $25,000 19.9%(2)(3) $1,750,000 Total $100,000 19.9%(2)(3) $5,500,000

Notes:

"Effective Date" means the date on which the Company delivers to the Vendor a copy of the written approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement. Issuable within the fifth business day after the applicable date. Expressed as a cumulative total percentage of the undiluted issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the applicable payment date, and assuming Riverside has not previously disposed of any common shares.

During the term of the Option Agreement, the Vendor will remain the program operator for the Project using its local team based in Hermosillo, Sonora. Following exercise of the option under the Option Agreement, the Company will grant the Vendor a two-and-one half percent (2.5%) net smelter returns royalty on commercial production from the Project.

No finders' fees or commissions are payable in connection with the Transaction. No changes to the board or management of the Company are contemplated in connection with the Transaction.

Readers are cautioned that the Option Agreement does not bind the Company to complete the Transaction. Completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of any required regulatory, shareholder and third-party consents, approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, satisfaction of the Option Conditions, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained and the foregoing conditions, including the Option Conditions, are satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. For further information concerning the Transaction, including the Option Agreement, readers are encouraged to review the Report and the Option Agreement which have been filed under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), a Director of Questcorp and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company's secondary objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metals properties of merit.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the terms and conditions of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to complete the Transaction as contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to satisfy the Option Conditions as contemplated or at all, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed on the terms contemplated above or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company 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.


Harvest Gold Corp. (TSXV: HVG) ("Harvest Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has added 25 additional claims adjacent to the Mosseau property located in the Urban Barry Belt in Quebec under its option agreement with Vior Inc. ("Vior") (figure 1 and 2)

Rick Mark, President and CEO, stated: "We would like to thank the new Vior Exploration Team for its ongoing commitment to the Mosseau project. As our team of geologists reviews the final exploration results in the central area of Mosseau we see the potential value of these additional claims, immediately."

On March 17th, 2025, Vior staked an additional 25 claims, totaling 1,250.27 ha adjacent to the Mosseau project. This brings the total to 48 staked claims since Harvest Gold optioned the Mosseau project from Vior (Figure 1). A previous group of 23 claims were added to the Mosseau project on January 14th, as reported in the Harvest Gold's press release dated February 2, 2025.

According to a provision in the Mineral Property Option Agreement between Harvest Gold and Vior executed on December 18, 2023, if "either Party stakes, applies for, and obtains or otherwise acquires, directly or indirectly, additional property, such Party shall promptly give written notice (the "Acquisition Notice") to the other Party (the "Other Party") of such Acquisition". Harvest Gold is pleased to announce that it has accepted these additional mining claims, increasing the size of the Mosseau Project. The newly acquired claims expand the Company's exploration footprint and provide further potential for discovery, particularly along the Kiask River Fault Zone to the NW and SE.

The increased size of the Mosseau property now includes 21 km of favourable strike along the Kiask River Deformation Zone. The Mosseau project, under option from Vior, now totals 195 mineral claims covering 9743.5 ha.

About Harvest Gold Corporation

Harvest Gold is focused on exploring for near surface gold deposits and copper-gold porphyry deposits in politically stable mining jurisdictions. Harvest Gold's board of directors, management team and technical advisors have collective geological and financing experience exceeding 400 years.

Harvest Gold has three active gold projects focused in the Urban Barry area, totalling 377 claims covering 20,016.87 ha, located approximately 45-70 km west of Gold Fields - Windfall Deposit (Figure 2).

Harvest Gold acknowledges that the Mosseau Gold Project straddles the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay and Abitibi territories. Harvest Gold is committed to developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships based on respect and transparency with local Indigenous communities.

Harvest Gold's three properties, Mosseau, Urban-Barry and LaBelle, together cover over 50 km of favorable strike along mineralized shear zones.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: Mosseau Project - Recently Staked Claims



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: Urban-Barry Greenstone Belt - Recently Staked Claims (red)

Qualified Person Statement

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo., Technical Advisor to the Company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rick Mark

President and CEO

Harvest Gold Corporation

For more information please contact:

Rick Mark or Jan Urata

@ 604.737.2303 or info@harvestgoldcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Harvest Gold 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.

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, exploitation and exploration successes, and 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 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.


All's well at Ferrari amid chaos, says Marc Gene

All is well with the personal and professional relationships inside Ferrari, ambassador and former test driver Marc Gene insists.

Lewis Hamilton, Miami GP 2025

 Ferrari

Amid ongoing performance issues, Lewis Hamilton's troubled acclimatisation to the Maranello based team hit a new low on Sunday when he expressed repeated anger with his engineer and team on the radio.

The 40-year-old scolded engineer Riccardo Adami for talking to him under braking and whilst battling, and sarcastically asked if Adami would like a tea break while they discussed a request to be shuffled ahead of Charles Leclerc.

This is not good teamwork, that's all I'm going to say, Hamilton added, among a slew of other complaints and words including Jeez and fricking .

Leclerc restrained his own complaints to the car's sluggish performance, declaring about the other internal issues: "I don't know what I can say and what I can't say, but we have to talk.

"We shouldn't try to do better, we have to do better. But I have to talk more with the team than with Lewis, because I'm not angry with him - there was no bad intention. He wanted to maximise, like me.

"I don't know what Lewis was saying, but I don't hold it against him at all in any case. Unfortunately, I'll go with the boring answer - I won't comment too much. And there are no hard feelings towards Lewis, absolutely none.

We just need to be better as a team.

Hamilton also insisted that he had calmed down after the chequered flag waved.

It's frustrating in those moments, said the seven time world champion. "What's our objective? Do we compete against each other or try to overtake the others?

But let's talk internally. I was frustrated at the time, but not anymore. People will take it out of context and say worse things than I did. I was only being sarcastic.

Hamilton continued: Fred (Vasseur) came into my room. I put my hand on his shoulder and said 'Mate, calm down. Don't take it so personally'.

Indeed, there are rumours that Hamilton is already losing support - both in the Italian media and among top management - amid his struggles and his increasingly vocal criticisms.

I'm sure there are some sensitivities, but I'm not feeling sensitive, said the Briton. We're not where we want to be.

As usual, team boss Frederic Vasseur played down the controversy. I can understand the frustration on both sides because it's never easy to swap places, he said.

We asked them twice and they did it twice, the feedback is another matter. But they did the job we asked them to do.

Also dismissing the controversy, and rumours of internal discord, was former F1 driver and continuing Ferrari ambassador, Marc Gene.

The relationship between the engineers and the drivers is good, as is the relationship between Charles and Lewis, the Spaniard insisted on Sky Italia.

Well-known Dutch racing personality Tom Coronel, however, admitted he doesn't like the 'new' Hamilton.

Do you really want to know what I think? he started. "I don't like listening to him anymore. He's not the driver I knew from before.

He's always looking around in interviews, chewing his gum, and doesn't seem to be very interested.

(GMM)
Alonso not tired of Aston Martin's struggle

Fernando Alonso insists he is not "tired" of struggling around in uncompetitive Formula 1 cars.

Fernando Alono, Miami GP 2025

 Aston Martin Racing

Since becoming F1's youngest-ever back-to-back world champion in 2006, the Spaniard has struggled for consistent success - and he's now at the wheel of what he admits is either the slowest or second-slowest car on the grid.

In fact, the 43-year-old, under contract only to the end of next year - when he will race Adrian Newey's first Aston Martin - is yet to score even a single point in 2025.

Hopefully for Imola we can take a step forward, which is necessary now, Alonso told DAZN.

When will there be improvements? I don't know, he added. "Because if new parts will arrive, they'll also arrive for the other teams. We can't talk about Aston Martin's improvements as if the others were resting and sleeping.

Everyone will bring aerodynamic packages to Imola, so we'll try to make ours the biggest. But hey, it is what it is, Alonso continued.

The Spanish broadcaster then asked Alonso if he is tired of racing around in Formula 1 machinery that is clearly beneath his undoubted talent and record.

No, it doesn't make me tired, Alonso insisted. If I was tired, I wouldn't have made it into Q3 (on Friday).

The reporter then rephrased the question, asking if the string of uncompetitive races this season was affecting him in any way at all.

I don't get tired, he reiterated, "because at the beginning of the year I already know that there are 24 races in which the normal thing is not to score points and that the normal thing is to stay out of Q1.

"So when I get a P11 in Japan and I come here to the press and say that it was one of my best races, it was really special, and it gets misinterpreted by you guys, the message is 'How is 11th a super special race?'

The answer is that I know that an 11th, a Q3, is an outstanding performance, in my opinion. And then, these little goals you set for yourself every weekend to do something more than what's logical, they really keep me pretty motivated.

(GMM)
No rush to sign a driver like Perez says Towriss

Dan Towriss, one of the most influential figures in the new-for-2026 Cadillac F1 team, insists the outfit is in "no rush" to sign up Sergio Perez.

Sergio Perez, Azerbaijan GP 2024

 Red Bull

Axed Red Bull driver Perez, who was in Miami at the weekend along with his billionaire Mexican sponsor Carlos Slim and Towriss, was at the centre of speculation that he has been signed on a three-year contract.

That proved wide of the mark.

We're in no rush, Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, which stepped in as a co-owner following the stepping-back late last year of Michael Andretti, told Le Journal de Montreal.

Names including Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, as well as American Indycar talent Colton Herta, are all doing the rounds, but team boss Graeme Lowdon explained that many others are also still in the running.

We're taking our time, Towriss insisted. Several names currently circulating are indeed on our list.

(GMM)
AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields pause plans to merge Ghanaian gold mines

Kweku Zurek Business News May - 06 - 2025 , 08:19

AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields have announced a decision to suspend discussions on their proposed joint venture to merge the Iduapriem and Tarkwa gold mines in Ghana, a move that was expected to create Africas largest gold-producing operation.

The companies first disclosed plans for the merger in March 2023 and have since engaged in what they describe as constructive dialogue with the Government of Ghana to secure the necessary approvals. However, both firms have now agreed to put the talks on hold to focus on their individual operations.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the companies said, AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields have agreed to pause discussions about a proposed joint venture to combine their Iduapriem and Tarkwa gold mines in Ghana.

According to AngloGold Ashanti, recent developments at its Iduapriem mine have shifted the companys priorities. Over that time, AngloGold Ashanti has identified changes in its standalone mine plan for Iduapriem which have the potential to unlock significant additional value, the statement explained.

As a result, both companies believe that refocusing on optimising their current operations is the most prudent course of action. The companies have decided to pause discussions around the joint venture to allow them to focus on improving the current, standalone performance at their respective sites, while also allowing AngloGold Ashanti to consolidate the improvements to its long-term mining plan, which currently shows the highest value of its options, the release added.

The Iduapriem mine, located in Ghanas Western Region about 70 kilometres north of Takoradi, began operations in 1992 and was acquired by AngloGold Ashanti in 2002 through its merger with Ashanti Goldfields. In 2024, the mine produced 237,000 ounces of gold at a total cash cost of $1,118 per ounce.

Its close proximity to Gold Fields Tarkwa mine made the merger a strategic fit, with industry observers widely expecting the union to enhance efficiency and boost output. The suspension of the merger, however, suggests both companies are placing more immediate value on their existing mine plans and operational independence.

Though the talks have been paused, neither company has completely ruled out the possibility of revisiting the merger in the future. The announcement did not specify any timeline for a potential resumption of the discussions.
How financial institutions can drive sustainable food systems in Ghana

Samuel Okang-Boye Business News May - 06 - 2025 , 04:47

Sustainable agriculture is fundamentally about ensuring that future generations can meet their needs while addressing the pressing food and nutritional demands of today.

In Ghana, where the population is projected to rise from 33 million to over 50 million in the next two decades, the need for action is urgent.

Stakeholders must move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps to secure the nation's food future  without sacrificing the health of our soils, water resources and biodiversity.

At its heart, sustainability means using resources  whether fertile fields or flowing rivers  in ways that leave them better than we found them, or at the very least, intact. In agriculture, this translates into practices that restore soil health, conserve water and minimise environmental harm.

Sustainable agriculture is, therefore, not merely an environmental aspiration; it is an economic and social imperative, deeply entwined with the future prosperity and resilience of our nation.

Sustainable food systems

The role of financial institutions in Ghanas agricultural transformation cannot be overstated. Banks and financial services occupy a crucial spot in enabling businesses to grow, innovate and survive. In the context of agriculture, particularly food production, this role is even more significant because food is a primary human need.

If Ghana cannot meet its growing food and nutrition demands sustainably, we face not just economic setbacks but threats to national security and public health. Thus, financial institutions have a duty beyond profit-making.

Therefore, at Stanbic Bank, we believe in touching lives and leaving society better than we found it. Investing in sustainable agriculture is not only commercially viable but a meaningful contribution to ensuring food security for generations to come.

Global bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) predict that food production needs to grow by at least 70 per cent over the next decade to meet global needs. Locally, with our rapidly expanding population, we must intensify agricultural production  but in ways that do not deplete our finite natural resources.

By prioritising funding for sustainable food initiatives, banks are anchoring themselves firmly within the broader conversation of national and global sustainability, not only addressing ESG expectations but also building long-term resilience into their own portfolios.

Investment

One of the greatest challenges in agricultural financing remains the perceived high risk of the sector. Traditionally, agriculture has been seen as a game of chance, highly dependent on erratic weather patterns.

In recent years, prolonged dry spells have devastated harvests, especially for staple crops like maize, rice and soya. To address this, financial institutions must champion investments in more reliable systems such as irrigation schemes.

Ghana currently irrigates only about 1.7 per cent of its arable land, significantly trailing its regional counterparts. Increasing irrigation  even through simple interventions like boreholes  can make a transformative difference.

However, building sustainable irrigation requires patient capital and private sector-led models to ensure ownership, maintenance and long-term viability.

Beyond irrigation, de-risking must involve developing robust crop and livestock insurance schemes and innovative financial products, such as inventory financing, that allow farmers to pledge stored harvests as collateral. Through these innovations, we can shift agriculture from a high-risk venture to an investable, predictable business  paving the way for expanded financing.

Financial innovation

At Stanbic Bank Ghana, we recognise that traditional financial solutions do not fit the nuanced needs of the agriculture sector.

That is why we have built sector expertise within the bank, hiring agricultural specialists who understand the dynamics and cycles of agribusiness.

Our approach goes beyond offering plain vanilla products; instead, we provide tailored financial solutions that respond directly to the realities on the ground.

Through initiatives like our Africa-China banking proposition, we connect agricultural businesses with partners and suppliers in China, facilitating access to essential technologies such as farm machinery and processing equipment.

We have also forged partnerships with development finance institutions like the World Bank, IFC, AfDB and the Mastercard Foundation, enabling us to offer concessional lending and de-risk the agricultural sector.

Moreover, recognising the shift towards digitalisation, Stanbic Bank has invested heavily in digital platforms, ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses can access financial services conveniently without wasting productive time in banking halls.

These interventions signal a deliberate, comprehensive strategy to support and grow Ghanas sustainable food systems.

Empowerment

Achieving sustainable food systems will not happen overnight. Some gaps must be addressed. Financial institutions must deepen their understanding of agriculture, which calls for a rethink of how we train and develop human capital in agricultural finance. More specialised education and skills development are needed to close knowledge gaps that stifle innovation in agricultural financing.

On the policy front, we must invest in the development of sector-specific financial products. Robust crop insurance, structured trade finance for inventory and more tailored credit schemes for agribusinesses are not luxuries but necessities.

Farmers themselves must also be empowered with the tools for adaptation and mitigation. They need access to improved seed varieties that mature faster and withstand climate extremes, as well as knowledge about regenerative practices like cover cropping, multi-cropping and reduced chemical use.

By embracing these innovations, farmers can both improve yields and protect the ecosystems they depend on.

Promoting sustainable food systems in Ghana is a shared responsibility. Financial institutions have a critical role to play, not just as funders, but as true partners in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural economy.

By doing so, we are not only ensuring our business success but safeguarding the future prosperity of our nation.

The writer is the Head of AgriBusiness, Business & Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana
Petroleum hub requires unified action  Petroleum Hub CEO

Kweku Zurek Business News May - 06 - 2025 , 10:09

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has called for sustained and meaningful collaboration among regulatory and government agencies to ensure the successful delivery of Ghanas ambitious Petroleum Hub project.

Speaking at the corporations first ever Inter-Agency Dialogue on April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn said the hubs realisation depends not on isolated efforts but on coordinated action across both public and private institutions.

We are here because we recognise that the success of Ghanas petroleum hub vision is interlinkednot with one agency, one ministry or one entitybut with the harmonised efforts of many institutions, Dr Aubynn said in his keynote address.

The summit, themed Building the Energy Hub of Choice: Unlocking Synergies for a Globally Competitive Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub, brought together sector ministers, heads of regulatory authorities and industry leaders to explore how improved coordination can enhance investor confidence and eliminate bottlenecks.

Investment opportunities

According to Dr Aubynn, fragmented efforts have already cost the country valuable investment opportunities. He said duplication, delayed approvals and inconsistent communication contributed to perceptions of bureaucracy that deter potential investors. He urged all institutions involved in the hub project to adopt a culture of timely and transparent inter-agency coordination.

Too often, our efforts have been siloed. We have had good intentions but fragmented actions. The result? Delays in policy execution, missed investment opportunities and a general perception of bureaucracy that deters the very partners we are trying to attract, he stated.

He added that the PHDCs vision for the hub goes beyond physical infrastructure, aiming to position Ghana as the heartbeat of West Africas energy transformation through job creation, innovation and industrialisation.

We envision a hub that becomes the beating heart of energy transformation in West Africaa hub that creates jobs, drives innovation, builds local capacity, and strengthens Ghanas economic sovereignty, Dr Aubynn said.

Petroleum assets

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, also addressed the forum, highlighting Ghanas geographic advantage and petroleum assets as key to becoming a regional energy leader.

He acknowledged the Petroleum Hub project as central to government policy and urged stakeholders to break down institutional silos for faster and more effective results.

Ghanas vision is bold, to create a fully integrated petroleum and petrochemical hub that not only meets domestic demand but also positions the country as a leading export destination in West Africa and beyond, the Deputy Minister said.

Similarly, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the project as a cornerstone of Ghanas trade strategy, stressing that it has the potential to position the country as a regional trading powerhouse.

By aligning our national ambitions with global energy dynamics, we can position Ghana as a trading powerhouse on the African continent, she noted.

The panel discussion featured the acting CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency, Professor Nana Ama Klutse; the acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo; the acting CEO of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono and the acting CEO of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Dr Kwadwo Yeboah, all of whom pledged their commitment to streamlining licensing and permitting processes for the hub.

The event ended with a collective pledge from participating agencies to improve coordination and execution.
Prof Quist-Aphetsi calls for tech-driven agricultural revolution at Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Forum

Kweku Zurek Business News May - 06 - 2025 , 09:30

The Chairman of the National Cyber Intelligence and Cyber Defense Research Project, Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi, has called for the urgent integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and data analytics, to future-proof Ghanas agricultural sector.

Speaking at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra, which was themed Future of Food: The Critical Place of Sustainable Practices, Professor Quist-Aphetsi argued that sustainable agriculture must be driven by technology and data-informed decisions to address the twin pressures of rising population and dwindling arable land.

Our land resources are reducing every single day. Population is increasing. Everybody wants to build, and farmlands are being lost to real estate. Climate change poses a lot of challenges, but we have to learn to survive within this space, he said.

He predicted a future  possibly 100 years ahead  where precision agriculture and medicine will be so advanced that sensors embedded in human bodies could advise individuals on what quantities and types of food to consume for optimal health. In the future, there will be sensors that will communicate with other external systems in terms of, if you eat this particular amount, what will happen to you, he said, adding that this level of predictability will extend to agriculture and food storage.

According to Professor Quist-Aphetsi, Ghanas future food security will depend on innovations like urban farming, drip irrigation, and the use of AI-enabled systems to regulate environmental conditions for plant growth. He cited examples from Israel, a leader in agri-tech, where harsh climates have been overcome through technology-led farming.

Technology must come in to guide us to achieve these results. That is where we engage sensors and other computing approaches to help us understand what we do on the farm, he noted. He also shared how he and his students had used computer-guided systems to grow crops within controlled environments such as inside bank vaults.

Professor Quist-Aphetsi called for greater investment in local technology solutions tailored to Ghanas environment, rather than relying entirely on imported systems. We can develop these technologies locally Our conditions are different from theirs, and we have to understand our environment and develop the technologies to preserve our food.

In a strong appeal to policymakers, he advised the government to think beyond agriculture itself and focus on building systems that support it  such as creating comprehensive soil databases and using geolocation and mobile data to predict food production and inform infrastructure planning.

For example, based on how food is produced in a region, this data should inform the Ministry of Transport about what kind of road infrastructure is required to support food transport. Its not just about planting; its about connecting the dots, he explained.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of data  both active and passive  in shaping Ghanas agricultural strategy and ensuring sustainable development. Regardless of the time, data itself is very useful all can come together to support this goal.

The event, organised by Graphic Communications Group in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Ghana, is part of a quarterly thought leadership series aimed at addressing key national issues, especially those affecting the macro and microeconomic landscape.
Youth and traditional leaders key to Ghanas agricultural sustainability  Agrihouse Foundation Boss

Kweku Zurek Business News May - 06 - 2025 , 09:51

The Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has underscored the pivotal role of youth and traditional leaders in advancing Ghanas agricultural sustainability agenda, calling for structural investments to harness their potential.

Delivering a presentation at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, Madam Akosa said Ghanas food security can only be secured through decentralised, locally informed, and inclusive approaches that leverage the energy of young people and the authority of traditional leaders.

We see the youth who keep demonstrating beyond reasonable doubts that if given the platform, mentored, and if they have the right mindset and education on agriculture and its opportunities, they should be able to contribute to the future of food, she stated.

The breakfast meeting, themed Future of Food: The Critical Place of Sustainable Practices, brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to explore actionable paths to agricultural resilience in Ghana.

According to Madam Akosa, the presence of traditional rulers at the forum was crucial, given their control over communal lands and their influence at the grassroots level.

Our traditional leaders are also part of governance. They are basically the heads or leaders within the community. How are governments or partners working with them to ensure there is some level of sustainability? she asked.

Highlighting the challenge of under-utilised regional potential, she called for a regional value chain development strategy where each area focuses on what it can produce best.

If we look at each region and what can be produced, then we can look at how we can industrialise it and create jobs, she said.

She further pointed to education as a missing link in the food security value chain, stressing the need for practical agricultural training and innovation hubs in schools.

Most schools are not having any demonstration centres even the land meant for laboratories have been turned into dormitories, she lamented.

Madam Akosa warned of the dangers of short-term thinking, especially in the context of illegal mining. All of our farmers are even trading their lands for galamsey because it gives them immediate returns, she said, describing it as a major threat to long-term food production.

She criticised the inconsistency in implementing agricultural policies, noting that many programmes collapse with changes in government.

A government comes with a sound policy the minute they go, another one comes to abolish it. So theres no continuity, she said.

Madam Akosa concluded by urging stronger advocacy, mindset transformation, and leadership discipline to drive lasting solutions in agriculture.

The issue of sustainability and the future of food is safe in our hands, but what practices, what approaches, what are we doing now, and how can we really advance it? she asked.

The event, organised by Graphic Communications Group Ltd in partnership with Stanbic Bank Ghana, is part of a quarterly platform to examine pressing issues affecting the economy, particularly in agriculture, finance and development.
Next article: Govt to construct 24-Hour new market in Winneba to boost tourism and trade

Ghana launches The Black Star Experience: What you need to know

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News May - 06 - 2025 , 11:50 4 minutes read

Ghana officially launched The Black Star Experience on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at a high-profile event held in Accra, marking a transformative new chapter in the countrys cultural and economic development.

The initiative is designed to position Ghana as Africas cultural and creative epicenter through an ambitious year-round showcase of festivals, art, music, fashion, cuisine, film, and heritage.

The ceremony, graced by a cross-section of dignitaries, creatives, and international media, had His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, delivering a keynote address to officially inaugurate the initiative.

Today marks a historic moment in our nations journey. We boldly step into a future where our culture, arts, and tourism do not just tell our story, but sell our story to the world. The Black Star Experience is more than a project, it is a movement to reclaim our identity, celebrate our heritage, and unlock the boundless potential of our tourism, culture, and creative economy," President Mahama said. ( Read Mahama calls for ceremony to celebrate Agya Koo Nimo)

A Strategic Vision for Cultural and Economic Impact

The Black Star Experience aims to rebrand Ghana globally by leveraging its cultural capital to drive economic growth, job creation, and foreign investment. Rooted in Ghanas rich and diverse history, from the ancient Ashanti and Dagbon empires to the pioneering Pan-African legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, the initiative promises to reintroduce Ghana as a premier global destination for cultural tourism and creativity.

Ghana is not just a country; we are a legacy, President Mahama emphasized. Yet, for too long, we have underinvested in the very sectors that define us. The Black Star Experience changes that.

Not a Moment, But a Movement

Unlike traditional festivals or campaigns, The Black Star Experience is envisioned as a 365-day celebration of Ghanaian creativity. Events will span the entire year and extend across all regionsfrom the Chale Wote Festival in Accras Jamestown to the Hogbetsotso Festival in the Volta Region and Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast.

The initiative will also actively promote lesser-known gems of Ghanaian culture such as Kente weaving in Bonwire, storytelling traditions in the Northern regions, and the evolving cinematic output of Kumawood and Ghallywood.

We will partner with global icons, investors, and cultural institutions to elevate Ghanas soft power, President Mahama added. Imagine international artistes recording albums in our studios, Hollywood filming blockbusters in our castles, and tourists not just visiting but immersing in our way of life.

A Pledge Fulfilled in 120 Days

During the 2024 campaign, President Mahama pledged to launch The Black Star Experience within the first 120 days of his administration.

As part of the initiatives rollout, the government will pursue major infrastructure upgrades at key cultural and tourism sites, increase investment in the creative industries, and introduce global marketing strategies to position Ghana on both digital and physical platforms.

This is just the beginning, said President Mahama. Through our BIG PUSH policy, we will develop new tourism infrastructure, strengthen our cultural exports, and build the capacities of our practitioners.

Voices from the Creative Sector

Coordinator, Rex Omar, praised the initiative as a game-changer for Ghanas creative economy.

The Black Star Experience is the platform weve long needed, said Rex Omar during a panel after the launch. It sends a strong message that Ghana is ready to take itself seriously on the global cultural stage. It is a call for creatives to step forward, and for government and private sector players to walk the talk with investment and policy backing.

He emphasised the critical need for strategic partnerships and institutional frameworks that would allow creatives to thrive not just artistically, but economically.

This initiative must ensure that creators benefit from their works, both at home and internationally. If done right, it will build a legacy of empowerment, equity, and global recognition for Ghanaian culture.

A Call to Artists, Investors, and the World

A major theme of the launch was the emphasis on collaboration and ownership. President Mahama called on all stakeholdersartists, entrepreneurs, investors, diaspora communities, and international partnersto take part in what he described as a collective mission.

To our musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, chefs, and storytellersthis is your time, he declared. To investors, Ghana is open for business. To the world, come and experience the magic of The Black Star.

As Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said, We face neither East nor West; we face forward. The Black Star Experience is our forward. It is our pride. It is our future.

About The Black Star Experience

The Black Star Experience is a flagship initiative of the Government of Ghana, designed to drive cultural rebranding, economic transformation, and creative empowerment through a nationwide calendar of festivals, exhibitions, performances, training, and infrastructure development. It aims to reposition Ghana as the creative and cultural heartbeat of Africa.
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My father's selfless journey to save his brother  Lawyer J.B. Limann's story

Junaid Limann Opinion May - 06 - 2025 , 20:35 4 minutes read

A Tribute to the Man Above All Others: The Unbreakable Bond

My Father's Selfless Journey to Save His Brother  Lawyer J.B. Limann's Story

Written by Junaid Limann

So of course, I am a film addict.

Some of the most powerful stories ever told are not just about good versus evil  they are about family.

Think of Supernatural, a TV series I have been a fan of, where Sam and Dean Winchester face death, demons, and destiny side by side, always choosing each other over everything else.

Or The Vampire Diaries, where the Salvatore brothers, despite lifetimes of conflict and sacrifice, always find their way back to one another.

These stories are memorable not because of the supernatural elements, but because of the fierce, unbreakable bond between two brothers.

That same kind of bond existed between my father, J.B. Limann, and his older brother, Dr. Hilla Limann, the President of Ghana.

Their relationship wasnt crafted by Hollywood writers  it was forged in the fires of real-world adversity, political upheaval, and personal sacrifice.

And like those iconic fictional brothers, they stood together when it mattered most.

In 1979, Ghana was in turmoil, marked by political upheaval, shifting allegiances, and a longing for a brighter future.

Amidst this chaos, my father, J.B. Limann, a determined law student in the UK, was preparing to pursue his master's in law at Lincolnshire College.

Having recently earned his Bachelor of Laws degree and been called to the Bar in the UK, he was poised for greatness.

Meanwhile, his older brother, Dr. Hilla Limann, had taken office as the President of Ghana. Dr. Limann inherited a nation in shambles, reeling from economic collapse, two recent coups, and deep-seated mistrust in government.

Despite these challenges, he remained committed to restoring Ghana's dignity and independence.

In late 1981, Dr. Limann made a surprise visit to the UK purposely to attend the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, seeking refuge with my father.

With a heavy heart, he confided in my father about the looming threats, untrustworthy allies, and whispered plans for a potential overthrow.

He asked my father to make a monumental sacrifice: abandon his studies and return to Ghana as an integral part of his government. My father, with unwavering loyalty, agreed to his brother's request.

However, fate had other plans. On December 31, 1981, news broke that Dr. Limann had been overthrown by Jerry Rawlings, the same man who had previously handed him power. Rawlings' return to power thrust Ghana back under military rule.

My father was left stunned, angry, and stranded in the UK. He soon learned that his brother had been imprisoned on charges of causing financial loss to the state.

Determined to act, my father traveled to Nigeria, where he joined forces with Dr. Limann's allies to devise a plan to free his brother.

Disguised and using a counterfeit passport, my father bravely crossed the border into Ghana. Although he managed to meet with a high-ranking general, their efforts to rescue Dr. Limann were ultimately thwarted.

It wasn't until President Shehu Shagari of Nigeria intervened that Jerry Rawlings agreed to release Dr. Limann, albeit under house arrest hence the stoppage of sale from Nigeria to Ghana and the force able return to Ghana of all illegal Ghanaian immigrants in Nigeria.

My father remained in Nigeria, granted asylum to live and work there. He went on to pass the Nigerian Bar exams and establish a successful law practice.

In 1998, following Dr. Limann's death, my father returned to Ghana, assuming the chieftaincy as the Paramount Chief of Gwollu.

He later served as a Council of State member and served Ghana under various capacities.

My father's life was a testament to duty, sacrifice, and resilience. He passed away on May 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and profound love for Ghana.

Daddy, continue to rest in peace
133 Cardinals arrive in Rome to elect new pope

Reuters International News May - 06 - 2025 , 14:05 2 minutes read

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 yesterday, 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 in choosing a successor to Francis, who died last month.

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 number 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. 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 yesterday was "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.

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.  REUTERS
Rwanda confirms talks with US to receive deportees

bbc.com International News May - 06 - 2025 , 13:43 2 minutes read

Rwanda is in the "early stage" of talks with the Trump administration to accept migrants deported by the US, the East African country's Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has said.

His comments come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington was "actively searching" for countries that would take in "some of the most despicable human beings".

Nduhungirehe said the talks were "not new to us" as Rwanda had previously agreed to accept migrants deported by the UK.

However, the UK abandoned the scheme, which faced numerous legal challenges, after Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government took office last July.

Speaking to Rwandan TV on Sunday, Nduhungirehe said the government was in the "spirit" of giving "another chance to migrants who have problems across the world".

Nduhungirehe added that the talks with the US were continuing, and it was too early to predict their outcome.

Since coming to office in January, US President Donald Trump has focused on speeding up the removal of undocumented migrants, with the promise of "mass deportations".

In February, El Salvador offered to take in criminals deported from the US, including those with US citizenship, and house them in its mega-jail.

Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele said his government would do so "in exchange for a fee".

Panama and Costa Rica have also taken in migrants deported from the US.

Last week an unnamed Rwandan official told the Washington Post that the country was "open" to taking in more migrants expelled from the US, after having accepted an Iraqi in March.

The official added that talks with the US started shortly after Trump's inauguration in January.

Rwanda has previously been criticised for its human rights record, including the risk that those sent to the East African nation could be deported again to countries where they may face danger.

However, Rwanda says it is a safe place for refugees.
State of Education in Ghana: System in crisis?

Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah Education May - 06 - 2025 , 07:37 3 minutes read

The recent shooting incident at Adventist Senior High School, Bantama-Kumasi, is a stark reminder of the deep-seated problems plaguing Ghana's education system.

As the National Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools, I am compelled to speak out against the alarming trends that are turning our schools into breeding grounds for crime and violence.

The Rotten Apples

The incident involving Bernard Amoabeng, a student who took a gun to school and threatened his colleagues, is a symptom of a larger problem.

It highlights the failure of our education system to nurture moral values, discipline, and skills development in our children.

The fact that this student was able to bring a gun to school undetected raises serious questions about the safety and security measures in place.

Causes of the Problem

The lack of moral education is a significant contributor to the problems facing our education system. The emphasis on academic achievement has led to a neglect of moral values and character building.

Our children are not being taught the importance of respect, empathy, and responsibility, which are essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

In addition, inadequate safety and security measures in schools have made it easy for students to bring prohibited items to school.

The absence of metal detectors, CCTV cameras, and trained security personnel has created an environment where students feel vulnerable and insecure.

Poor parental involvement is another factor contributing to the problems facing our education system. Parents are not actively involved in their children's education, leading to a lack of guidance and supervision.

This lack of involvement can lead to a sense of disconnection and disillusionment among students, which can manifest in negative behaviours.

Solutions to the Problem

To address the problems facing our education system, we need to look at the way we approach education.

This includes prioritising holistic development, including moral values, character building and skills development.

We need to create a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes social-emotional learning and provides students with the skills they need to succeed in life.

Improving safety and security measures in schools is also crucial.

This includes installing metal detectors, and CCTV cameras, and hiring trained security personnel.

We need to create a safe and secure environment where students can focus on their studies without fear of violence or harm.

Enhancing parental involvement is also essential.

We need to encourage parents to take an active role in their children's education through regular parent-teacher association meetings and other engaging activities.

This will help to create a sense of community and shared responsibility for student success.

Cause for concern

The state of education in Ghana is a cause for concern. The recent shooting incident at Adventist Senior High School, Bantama-Kumasi, is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take immediate action to address the deep-seated problems plaguing our education system.

We need to work together to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes holistic development and prepares our children for the challenges of the 21st century.

 The writer is the Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools
Charles Bissue, Andy Owusu plead not guilty, granted GH400,000 bail

Justice Agbenorsi May - 06 - 2025 , 12:17 4 minutes read

Former presidential staffer Charles Bissue and one other, currently standing trial for corruption-related offences, have pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The Criminal Division of the High Court admitted the two accused persons to bail in the sum of GH200,000 each, with two sureties, one of whom must be justified.

As part of the bail conditions, the passports of both accused are to be deposited with the Registry of the Court.

They have also been ordered to report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor once every month.

Charges

According to the charge sheet filed at the Accra High Court, the OSP alleges that Bissue used his position as Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) for private gain by receiving a bribe of GH35,000 from one Benjamin Adjapong. The payment was allegedly in return for assisting with the renewal of an expired mining licence for a supposed company known as ORR Resources Limited.

The OSP claims the renewal was carried out by circumventing established requirements of the IMCIM in respect of verification of documents, acquisition of relevant permits, demarcation and mapping of concessions and vetting, and thereby unlawfully securing a fast-track renewal of an expired mining licence.

The criminal case stems from an expose on corruption in the fight against illegal mining by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his investigative outfit, Tiger Eye P.I.

The second accused, Andy Thomas Owusualso a former presidential stafferis accused of facilitating the payment of the alleged bribe money to Bissue.

Owusu faces various counts, including corruption of a public officer and accepting a bribe to influence a public officer. He is accused of pocketing GH15,000 from the alleged bribery scheme.

Facts of the case

According to the OSP, the IMCIM was established by then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in March 2017 to tackle the menace of illegal mining.

Among other responsibilities, the IMCIM was tasked with coordinating the activities of the fight against illegal mining. As part of this initiative, all artisanal and small-scale mining operations were suspended for six months in April 2017a ban that was later extended for an additional nine months.

To resume operations, the facts explained, small-scale mining companies were required to undergo a vetting and verification process in accordance with procedures established by the IMCIM.

The OSP contends that Bissue oversaw the said verification and vetting process, which he allegedly exploited for personal gain.

The evidence would establish that the First Accused, with the collaboration and facilitation of the Second Accused, received for personal profit and benefit a sum of Thirty-Five Thousand cedis (GH35,000) from one Benjamin Adjapong, the OSP stated.

The evidence would further establish that the Second Accused received the sum of Fifteen Thousand cedis (GH15,000) from one Benjamin Adjapong for the purpose of unduly influencing the First Accused, in respect of the discharge of his duties as the Secretary of the IMCIM, to circumvent established requirements of the IMCIM under its Road Map for the Lifting of the Ban on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (The Way Forward), 2018, the OSP added.

The anti-graft body further noted that Benjamin Adjapong posed as an officer of ORR Resources Enterprise, which was seeking to renew its mining licence as part of an undercover operation by Tiger Eye P.I. into corruption within the IMCIM.

According to the OSP, Owusu initially demanded GH100,000 from Adjapong, claiming he could influence Bissue and assist in the verification and renewal process.

The fee was negotiated down to Forty Thousand cedis (GH40,000) apiece. The First Accused received a total of Thirty-Five Thousand cedis (GH35,000.00), while the Second Accused took a total of Fifteen Thousand cedis (GH15,000), the OSP stated.

As a result of the money paid by Benjamin Adjapong to the First and Second Accused under the criminal enterprise, the First Accused unlawfully secured for and issued ORR Resources Enterprise with a sticker and necessary permits signifying that ORR Resources Enterprise had complied with all lawful requirements to commence mining activities, the OSP concluded.
Supreme Court throws out CJ impeachment injunction application

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson May - 06 - 2025 , 13:10 3 minutes read

The Supreme Court has dismissed an injunction application which was seeking to halt the suspension of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, by President John Dramani Mahama.

In a 3-2 majority decision, a five-member panel of the court, presided over by the acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, dismissed the application filed by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, a legislator.

Justices Baffoe-Bonnie, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi and Tanko Amadu were on the majority, while Justices Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Ernest Gaewu dissented.

The court did not give full reasoning behind the decision which it said will be ready by May 21.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court overruled an objection which was seeking the recusal of the acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, from the panel hearing an injunction against the suspension of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

In a unanimous decision, the five-member panel of the court held that the objection had no merit.

The objection was raised by a former A-G, Godfred Yeboah Dame, lawyer for the applicant, who argued that Justice Baffoe -Bonnie had a personal interest in the application for injunction as it could affect his status as Acting Chief Justice.

However, the court held that the position of Acting Chief Justice was created under Article 144 (6) of the Constitution and whoever occupied it could not be said to have a personal interest.

The objection is unmeritorious and consequently overruled, the court held.

Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame had objected to the acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, presiding over the case seeking to halt the suspension of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

Mr Dame who is lawyer for Vincent Assafuah, the legislator challenging the suspension of the Chief Justice, argued in court today that Justice Baffoe -Bonnie had an interest in the case and therefore should recuse himself from the five -member panel.

According to counsel, the outcome of the case had the potential to affect the status of the suspended Chief Justice and the Acting Chief Justice and therefore it was in the interest of justice for Justice Baffoe -Bonnie not to be part of the panel.

Mr Dame added that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had assumed all the powers of the Chief Justice and therefore ought not to be on panel.

It important that justice must not be seen to be done but must be manifestly seen to be done, he added

He cited three cases involving the status of the Chief Justice, and stated that in all those cases the Chief Justice, although had the power to empanel did not include himself to the panel.

Response

In his response, the Deputy A-G, Dr Justice Srem-Sai described the objection as misconceived and urged the court to overrule it.

It was his submission that the position of Acting Chief Justice came with duties and not any personal interest.

Again, he argued that it was the position of the law that in any constitutional matter as is currently the case, neither the parties or the judges were deemed to have any personal interest.

The Deputy A-G further argued the objection was also misconceived because the case involved the substantive Chief Justice and not the Acting Chief Justice.

It is not the Acting Chief Justice who is the subject matter of removal proceedings , it is the substantive Chief Justice who is still Chief Justice. The objection has no basis in law, the Deputy A-G argued.

As at the time of filing this report, the five -member panel, presided over Justice Baffoe -Bonnie, has gone into chambers to rule on the objection.
Next article: May Day declared a public holiday in Ghana for Thursday, May 1

Explore Geological Agriculture to address galamsey, youth unemployment  Prof. Nsowah-Nuamah

Beatrice Laryea Apr - 25 - 2025 , 16:27 4 minutes read

President of Dominion University College, Professor Nicholas N N Nsowah-Nuamah, is calling on the government and stakeholders to explore Geological Agriculture as an innovative solution to Ghanas twin challenges of illegal mining (galamsey) and youth unemployment.

Speaking during a global virtual conference on Geological Agriculture hosted by Dominion University College on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Prof. Nsowah-Nuamah highlighted the transformative potential of this emerging practice.

Geological Agriculture involves growing crops directly in crushed rocks and mineral-rich geological materialscompletely eliminating the need for traditional soil or synthetic fertilizers.

"The reason I see this as a game-changer is because of the pressing issues we facegalamsey and youth unemployment, Prof. Nsowah-Nuamah said. Yes, its commendable that government is training 100 coders, but this is another equally important path. It not only offers employment but also yields tangible results while training is still ongoing.

Impact

According to him, the model offers immediate impact: As individuals learn, they also produce. By the time the training ends, there is outputcrops bearing fruit. Thats why I believe the government should invest in training young people to grow food using rocks.

He emphasized that Geological Agriculture is low-cost and accessible, requiring minimal resources to start. You dont need land, you dont need capitalonly training. Rocks are everywhere. Just collect some, place them in recycled plastic containers, and apply the training to grow vegetables. Its what I call Operation Feed Your Familyand it can be done both indoors and outdoors.

Prof. Nsowah-Nuamah also stressed the environmental importance of this method, especially given the damage inflicted on Ghanas farmlands by overuse and galamsey activities.

Our soil has been degraded over time through excessive farming, fertilizer use, and illegal mining, he noted. Much of the land is now contaminated and unfit for cultivation. Geological Agriculture gives us a chance to rest the land while still growing food safely and sustainably.

He urged the government and private sector to view this as a viable alternative that can both restore environmental balance and create employment opportunities.

Event

The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, researchers, and agricultural innovators from across the globe to explore how rock-based farming techniques can transform modern agriculture.

It served as a platform for global collaboration, enabling participants to engage directly with leading experts in agriculture, geology, and environmental science.

A key focus of the event was to foster strategic partnerships and encourage the widespread adoption of geological agriculture as a sustainable solution for food security amid growing climate and environmental challenges.

Highlights included expert panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions on topics such as soil regeneration, sustainable indoor and outdoor cultivation, and the integration of technology to boost agricultural productivity.

Embracing innovation

In his welcome address at the Geological Agriculture Conference, Executive Chairman of Dominion University College, Professor Felix Nikoi Hammond, emphasized the institution's commitment to innovation and global relevance through the exploration of emerging technologies.

At Dominion University, we are constantly seeking out new technologies and ideas from around the world, he stated. One of our core pillars is experiencewe believe in practical, hands-on learning that exposes students to real-world innovations.

He added that the university is equally grounded in authority, striving not just to participate in new fields but to lead in them. Whatever we engage in, we aim to leadnot just scratch the surface. This conference presents a significant opportunity for us to advance our vision and collaborate with partners to help Africa embrace and implement this new agricultural technology.

Alternatives to traditional farming

Prof. Hammond criticized the long-standing conventional approaches to agriculture, describing them as increasingly unsustainable in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Soil degradation is occurring at alarming rates across the continent, he noted. The continued use of chemical fertilizers and outdated methods like bush burning and fallowing are not only ineffective but harmful in the long term.

He also highlighted one of the key barriers to agricultural progress in Ghana and much of Africathe issue of land tenure. Access to land is a major constraint due to widespread litigation and ownership disputes, leaving many farmers unable to cultivate.

Prof. Hammond concluded by urging a shift in mindset: We must move beyond traditional thinking and seriously consider alternatives like Geological Agriculture. The time has come to adopt sustainable, accessible, and innovative solutions to feed our people and protect our environment.

Related Article: Geo Agriculture: A sure way to lessen impact of climate change




Communications Minister visits ShaQ Express, commends local innovation

Daily Graphic May - 06 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

In a significant endorsement of Ghana's growing tech ecosystem, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has conducted an extensive familiarisation visit to the headquarters of ShaQ Express in Accra.

The Ghanaian-founded logistics company, which launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased its operations, including electric delivery motorcycles and proprietary logistics software that support both Ghana's digital economy and green mobility initiatives.

"It's inspiring to see young people who, during a global pandemic, chose to be solution-driven rather than contributors to the problem," the minister said while touring the facility.

He encouraged staff to embrace digital tools and pursue technology training opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer of ShaQ Express, Mr Anthony Owusu-Ansah emphasised the company's commitment to local development.

"We are proud to be building from Ghana, for Ghana.

This visit reinforces our belief that local innovationwhen backed by grit, technology, and purposecan become national infrastructure," he said.

ShaQ Express represents a classic Ghanaian success story, having launched during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What began as a grassroots initiative rapidly evolved into a nationally recognised logistics technology brand with operations in both Accra and Kumasi.

Tour

During the tour, the minister gained firsthand insights into the company's technological infrastructure, its growing network of delivery riders, and its pioneering fleet of electric delivery vehicles that align perfectly with government initiatives promoting green mobility and a 24-hour economy.

Mr George expressed admiration for the company's vision and impact, particularly highlighting the youth-driven nature of the enterprise.

In a moment of candid motivation, he shared his personal journey with the operations team, urging the youth to invest in self-education.

"I have no formal qualification in communication, but through self-education and continuous learning, I've been able to lead a ministry in this sector.

That same path is open to every young person willing to learn," he said.

The minister encouraged staff members to look beyond their day-to-day logistics responsibilities and embrace digital tools and technology training opportunities that could enhance their career trajectories and personal growth.

Mr Owusu-Ansah highlighted the company's commitment to national development through innovation.

He said the company has been making significant investments in sustainable transportation, deploying electric delivery motorcycles across its service areas while developing proprietary logistics software that optimises delivery routes and improves customer experience.

He added that a cornerstone of ShaQ Express's business model is its focus on youth empowerment, providing on-the-job experience and digital skills development for young Ghanaians entering the workforce.

This approach aligns with the government's broader vision for digital transformation and economic opportunity, making the minister's visit not just a ceremonial occasion but a meaningful recognition of how private sector innovation can support national development goals.
Failure to meet asset declaration deadline: Govt appointees to lose 3 months salaries

Kester Aburam Korankye May - 06 - 2025 , 04:26 3 minutes read

Government appointees who missed the March 31, 2025 deadline to file their asset declaration forms as set by President John Dramani Mahama are to forfeit three months salary to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund also known as MahamaCares.

The punitive directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama is in addition to a mandatory one-month salary donation required of all appointees of the President.

If by close of day Wednesday, May 7, 2025, any appointee still fails to declare their assets, they should consider themselves automatically dismissed, the President warned on Monday.

He further cautioned against misuse of office, stating that any appointee found purchasing state assets, whether land, vehicles, or shares, would face immediate termination of their appointment.

Code of conduct

President Mahama pronounced the punishments as he launched a stringent Code of Conduct for all political appointees, warning that violations would attract severe sanctions, including dismissal and forfeiture of salaries.

Speaking at the launch at the Presidency in Accra yesterday, the President emphasised that the code was not merely symbolic but an enforceable framework aimed at restoring discipline, integrity and accountability in governance.

President Mahama said the Code of Conduct applied broadly to ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executive officers, Council of State members, the Vice-President and even himself.

This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows, he said, adding that we are here to serve the people of Ghana, not to wield power.

The President outlined key provisions of the code, including strict conflict-of-interest rules, a ban on purchasing state assets, restrictions on gifts and hampers and mandatory asset declarations.

Accountability

President Mahama announced that a public portal would be created for citizens to report suspected breaches, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Accountability does not end in this room, he said. Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honour.

The President concluded with a firm appeal for compliance, stating that strict adherence to the code would restore public confidence in governance.

Let us walk this path together with discipline, humility and an unyielding commitment to the people of Ghana, he said.

Chief of Staffs warning

Earlier, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, likened governance to running a boarding school where rules must be strictly followed.

He warned appointees against complacency, dismissing claims of personal connections to the President as no shield against sanctions.

The only time you will not be able to read the President is when we are about removing you, Mr Debrah said.

Even if you reach him through his driver or aide de camp, he will refer you back to me, Mr Debrah added.

He urged all appointees to study the code thoroughly, saying ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct.


New cocoa pricing could curb smuggling by 80 per cent - COCOBOD Supreme Consultative Council

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse May - 06 - 2025 , 07:07 3 minutes read

The highest decision-making body of unionised workers in the cocoa sector, the Supreme Consultative Council of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has expressed confidence that cocoa smuggling could be reduced by as much as 80 per cent if a new pricing arrangement proposed by COCOBOD takes effect.

Currently, the producer price is set at GH3,100 per 64kg bag, marking a marginal increase of 0.03 per cent compared to the previous rate announced in September for the 2024/2025 crop season.

The adjustment, which equates to GH49,600 per tonne, aims to align cocoa prices with prevailing market conditions and provide much-needed support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

The Chairperson of the council, Isaac Ansah, said this was because the planned price adjustment, potentially higher than what was currently offered in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire, would drastically curb the incentive for illegal cross-border trade.

"If the price goes high, maybe even more than what Cote d'Ivoire is offering, the issue of smuggling, if not taken away, will reduce by more than 80 per cent, he said.

Mr Ansah was speaking on the sidelines of the Workers Day (May Day) celebrations last Thursday at the Black Star Square in Accra.

It was on the theme: Resetting pay and working conditions: the role of stakeholders, and brought workers and unions from all four corners of the country to press home their demands colourfully and festively.

Galamsey

Touching on galamsey (illegal mining) that has been a headache for cocoa farmers, Mr Ansah described it as a complex, nationwide problem deeply rooted in poverty, lack of opportunity and politicisation.

He emphasised that simply banning galamsey without providing alternative livelihoods, such as jobs or factories, was ineffective and unjust, especially for rural communities dependent on it for survival.

We cannot say stop galamsey when we are not opening avenues for them to go and work when we are not opening the factories, when we are not allowing them to create businesses.

These guys are not willing to go to the bush. Its poverty that has pushed them there, he said.

Workers Day

The Chairman of the Supreme Consultative Council of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) described May Day as a powerful celebration of the countrys workforce, calling it a party that symbolises the strength, unity, and renewed hope among workers across the country.

He said that the enthusiasm and joy reflected on the faces of workers showed a clear resurgence of energy and a collective sense of purpose.

He further stated that it was more than just a commemoration - a moment of national reflection and motivation, where the working class comes together in solidarity, inspired by the belief that the country was destined for greater heights.

He urged all workers to remain united, speak with one voice, and keep pushing forward with a strong belief in their potential to contribute meaningfully to the countrys development.

NSS

Mr Ansah also expressed deep concern over the plight of National Service Persons (NSS), describing their situation as dire and unacceptable.

He criticised the current GH 700.00 allowances given to them as inadequate and demeaning, especially considering that many of them worked just as hard as permanent staff.

Ansah warned that this financial neglect was not only demoralising young graduates but also contributing to a broader societal crisis where desperation drove some into immoral or illegal activities just to survive.

He argued that the country was inadvertently producing harlots and criminals by failing to empower these future leaders, whose confidence was being eroded due to poor treatment.

Mr Ansah, therefore, called on the government to urgently revisit and improve the remuneration and welfare of service persons, insisting that investing in them now would nurture a more confident, responsible, and visionary generation that would lead the country into a better future.
Protesters want Chief Justices suspension reversed

Joshua Bediako Koomson May - 06 - 2025 , 06:06 3 minutes read

Thousands of protesters clad in red and black yesterday poured onto the streets of Accra in a massive demonstration dubbed: #SaveTheJudiciary Demo, to oppose the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo and other actions by President John Dramani Mahama, which they believe threaten the countrys constitutional democracy.

The protest, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with support from other political parties, including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Peoples National Party (PNP), began at the Supreme Court, where a petition was presented to the Judicial Council.

The protest

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as Justice cannot be suspended, Protect our democracy now, and Our courts are not puppets, as they marched through the principal streets of Accra.

The demonstration moved from the Supreme Court to Parliament House, where another petition was presented to the Clerk of Parliament, and finally to the Jubilee House to deliver a petition to the presidency.

Notable figures in attendance included the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, and some Members of Parliament, such as the former Education Minister and MP for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and the Okaikwei Central MP, Patrick Yaw Boamah.

Leaders of other political parties also showed up, including Percival Kofi Akpaloo of the LPG.

Assault on country's democracy

Leading the charge was the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who accused the current administration of orchestrating a coordinated assault on the country's democratic institutions, citing the controversial suspension of the Chief Justice, mass dismissals of public servants.

Ghana is under siege, and theres a call on us to rise, resist and defend the Constitution; the 1992 Constitution is under brazen assault, Afenyo-Markin declared.

Today, the Chief Justice is under siege.

The head of the judiciary is being dragged through a sham process of removal from office, engineered by a desperate president, he said.

He also accused the government of proposing politically motivated appointments to the Supreme Court and systematically targeting institutions such as the EC to rig future elections in its favour.

This is not politics as usual. This is a dangerous, coordinated attack on Ghanas constitutional democracy and that is why we march today  to resist the rise of a new oppressor.

One who wears a cloak of democracy but governs with the spirit of dictatorship.

We march not as partisans but as patriots.

We march because our Constitution demands it, Afenyo-Markin stated.

He said the neutrality of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) was also under direct threat from the NDC administration.

The government has captured the Ghana Armed Forces, stripping them of their professionalism and hard-won neutrality.

Our military, once revered for its apolitical stance, is now being painted in NDC colours.

This is a dangerous betrayal of the republic, he said.

He added that hundreds of diligent, professional Ghanaians who had served governments of all political stripes with skill and integrity had been dismissed or forced to resign due to their refusal to bend to the will of the government.

This is a direct assault on the principle of neutrality in public service.

It is a betrayal of the values enshrined in our Constitution, the Minority Leader stated.

He, therefore, urged every citizen who cherished freedom to be loud, bold and fearless and must organise, mobilise and strategise until the agenda by the current administration was brought to its knees.

To the judiciary, your foremost duty is to the Constitution, not to this government, not to any President and not to any political party.

Your oath of allegiance is to the Republic and its people.

In these trying times, we do not ask you to take sides, we ask you to be fair.

Stand for justice and stand for Ghana, Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
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'Side chick' Deborah Seyram Adablah jailed 45 days in prison for contempt of court

Enoch Darfah Frimpong May - 06 - 2025 , 18:34 5 minutes read

The High Court in Accra has sentenced Deborah Seyram Adablah, a former National Service Personnel who sued her sugar daddy for breach of promise, to 45 days in prison after finding her guilty of contempt.

Deborah Seyram Adablah was convicted of defaming the court.

She had recorded two separate videos and posted them on social media, defaming the court in her 2023 court case with the sugar daddy.

She had sued the sugar daddy for breach of promise, and while the case was ongoing, the court ordered that a Honda Civic vehicle, which was at the centre of the issues in court, be impounded and taken away from her until the final determination of the case.

While court bailiffs were enforcing that order when the case was pending, Deborah Seyram Adablah challenged the bailiffs and objected to the car being taken away from her.

Her argument was that the bailiffs needed more days from the day the order was issued before they could enforce that court order.

She eventually lost the case following a determination by the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice John Bosco Nabarese.

The court held that although the relationship between the two was immoral and was not in conformity to acceptance of society, there was no reasonable cause of action arising from the writ filed by Deborah Seyram Adablah.

Deborah Seyram Adablah's video

Later in one of the videos shared on social media, Deborah Seyram Adablah accused the High Court judge who presided over the case of bias.

She went back to the argument that the bailiffs who took the vehicle away from her did the wrong thing. This was where she also verbally attacked the presiding judge in the video.

Adablah released two videos on social media in which she launched scathing attacks on the judiciary, particularly targeting the presiding judge, Justice John Bosco Nabarese.

In the videos, she accused the judge of favouritism and unprofessional conduct.

Adablah further warned the judge to be fair in his rulings or face her wrath, ... "be ready to dance to this drum you are beating. You cannot be sitting there, chopping salaries that are coming from my menstruation and still sideline me."

Bench warrant

A bench warrant for her arrest was issued when the court's attention was drawn to the first video.

Upon hearing about the bench warrant, Deborah Seyram Adablah posted another video online, claiming she was going to hand herself over to the court.

She also questioned the integrity of Ghanas judiciary and dismissed the contempt proceedings as meaningless.

"That contempt case is dead on arrival. I try to advise others not to go to court because I know the system but always remember: the judiciary is an arm on its own, but one full of spirits. So, we shall see."

She vowed to appeal the judgment, adding, "as an old man, you should be retiring in peace, not carrying young spirits with you but since you've chosen that path, you will carry them."

Conviction

In another video shared LIVE online on Tuesday [May 6, 2025], and reportedly shared moments after the court convicted her, Deborah Seyram Adablah claimed that she was being prepared to go to the Nsawam Prison after the conviction.

She had placed the mobile phone, which was streaming LIVE on her lap, capturing the conversation between her and the security officer at the High Court complex, who was preparing her for prison.

Background

In January 2023, Deborah Seyram Adablah, a young woman who had just completed her national service, sued a Chief Finance Officer of a bank claiming sexual harassment and breach of promise.

She said the man was her "sugar daddy" and had reneged on a promise to financially take care of her, hence the court suit.

The court case detailed Deborah Seyram Adablah's claims against her sugar daddy for alleged financial and other benefits promised during their relationship, ultimately leading to a court ruling against her.

The case was thrown out of court after the court ruled that the relationship was based on an immoral and illegal act.

Deborah Seyram Adablah accused the "sugar daddy" of failing to fulfill promises made during their relationship, including lump sum working capital, rent payment for 3 years, a car, monthly allowances, a ring, and financial support for medical bills and family planning.

Court's decision

The court dismissed the case, stating that the relationship was based on an immoral and illegal act, specifically fornication for financial gain.

The court found that no cause of action could arise from an immoral act.

The court ruled against Deborah Seyram Adablah, awarding costs and ordering her to return the disputed vehicle. The court also removed the bank's name from the suit and slapped her with GH6,000 in costs.

The case saw multiple court hearings, including a period where the court directed both parties to file written submissions. There was also a period where the court was yet to deal with the substantive matter.

Read full details of that case in the links below

In the ruling on November 28, 2023, the Court explained that The accommodation or the rent for 2 years for the respondent, the purchase of a car for the Respondent, to pay the respondent a monthly allowance and other things that were allegedly promised the Respondent, were done for the purpose of enabling her to receive the visits of the Applicant whose mistress she was and to commit fornication with him.

Writer's email: [email protected]

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
Assault at #SaveTheJudiciary demo: Police invite Afenyo-Markin and policeman as part of investigations

Gertrude Ankah Politics May - 06 - 2025 , 07:38 3 minutes read

Following the video showing the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin and a policeman in an altercation at the Monday #SaveTheJudiciary street protest, the police administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

While the police in a statement issued Monday night [May 5, 2025] said it had extended an invitation to Mr Afenyo-Markin as part of investigations, Mr Afenyo-Markin on his part in a press statement indicated he has lodged a formal complaint and petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigation and institute disciplinary action against the said policeman.

Mr Afenyo-Markin named the policeman as Constable Forson, in his petition to the IGP and described him as a "tall, fair and heavily built officer".

Mr Afenyo-Markin in his explanation has said it was an unprovoked act of violence against him by a uniformed police officer when the Save the Judiciary street protest got Parliament House.

Police statement

"The Ghana Police Service has reviewed several video footages on an alleged assault on a Police officer by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the just ended demonstration," the police statement posted on social media on Monday night indicated.

"Following the review, the Service has written to the Right Hon. Speaker of Parliament requesting the release of Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin to assist ongoing investigation into the alleged incident."

"The officer in question will also be assisting the investigation," the police statement added.

Video

In the video, Mr Afenyo-Markin was captured appearing visibly agitated while attempting to hit an officer behind a barricade during the protest.

In his press statement dated May 5, 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin recounted the incident, and named the police man at the centre of the incident as Constable Forson.

He claimed Constable Forson struck him forcefully on the chest near his heart as he approached the barricade to present a petition.

The impact of the hit dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath, he stated.

He described the alleged assault as a shameful attack that undermines the professionalism of the police.

He said the incident occurred at the entrance of Parliament House while he was leading demonstrators to submit a petition on behalf of protest organisers.

He further alleged that despite being warned by superior officers, Constable Forson ignored concerns about his conduct and acted without provocation.

The Minority Leader announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Inspector-General of Police. He, however, praised other officers deployed at different protest locations for their professionalism and restraint.

The demonstration followed a prima facie determination by the President on three separate petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice. President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Justice Torkornoo and constituted a five-member committee to investigate the claims.

The committee is chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court, who was appointed in 2015. Other members include Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu (appointed in 2022), former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Prof. James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

Meanwhile, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court, has been appointed acting Chief Justice in accordance with Article 144(6) of the 1992 Constitution. He has served on the bench since 2008.

Attached below is a copy of Afenyo-Markin's statement.

Related articles:

Touch one, touch all  Afenyo-Markin rallies Judiciary as NPP, others protest Chief Justices suspension

Protesters want Chief Justices suspension reversed

Mahama does not engage in retaliatory politics  Stan Dogbe to protesters
Former NUGS President eyes NPP Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser role

GraphicOnline Politics May - 06 - 2025 , 17:50 2 minutes read

A former President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Yiadom Boakye Emmanuel, popularly known as YB, has declared his intention to contest for the position of Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Yiadom, in an interview, confirmed his readiness to file for nominations when the process opens, saying he is heeding calls from party faithful who believe he is best suited to serve the partys youth front in the region.

There have been calls thus far. It's a call to serve, and I won't turn down the party's request at any moment. When nominations are ready, I will surely I will contest," he stated.

The aspirant noted that his involvement in the partys activities over the years, coupled with mentorship under experienced leaders, has prepared him for the role. He said these experiences have equipped him with the needed skills to lead and mobilise the youth effectively.

I have worked assiduously over the years as a committed and dedicated Member of the New Patriotic Party by persistently and consistently contributing my quota to the positive preservation of the political fortunes or image of the New Patriotic Party, he explained.

Mr Yiadom believes his strong interpersonal skills, humility, and active participation in youth programmes position him as the ideal candidate to energise the partys grassroots support base.

He further stressed the importance of attracting floating voters as the NPP looks ahead to the 2028 general elections, suggesting that youthful engagement would be pivotal to the partys long-term electoral success.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the NPP, Mr Yiadom pledged unwavering dedication to the party's mission and values if given the nod to serve.

The contest for regional executive positions is expected to intensify in the coming months, with several aspirants likely to enter the race as the NPP prepares to reorganise its base ahead of the next national election.
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Chief Justices suspension protest: Coalition of political parties expresses gratitude for turnout

Daily Graphic Politics May - 06 - 2025 , 06:57 2 minutes read

The Coalition of political parties has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for participating in overwhelming numbers in yesterdays protest against 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, affectionately called Nana B expressed the gratitude on behalf of the coalition in a Facebook post after the demonstration.

The massive turnout reflects widespread discontent with the Presidents actions, seen as an assault on democracy and the judiciary, he said.

We commend the solidarity and commitment demonstrated by the people. Following this successful demonstration, we will outline our next steps in the coming days. Nana B said.

Mr Boakye who spoke to the Daily Graphic ahead of yesterdays demonstration said it was the first of a series of nationwide protests in response to the unlawful suspension of the Chief Justice.

Three petitions were presented during the demonstration, the first at the Supreme Court, the second to Parliament and the third to the presidency.

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.
Samsung announced the rugged Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet in early 2024, followed by a Pro version three weeks ago. Today, a new device joined the family  Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition.

It is a purpose-made tablet, offering compatibility with specialized software, used by special operations teams. The device was developed jointly with the US Department of Defense to meet the demands of military personnel, operating in high-stakes environments,.



Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition

The Tactical Edition is based on the Exynos 1380-powered tablet from 2024, but brings some improvements, used on the battlefield. There is a 5G band-locking mode, allowing the tablet to connect to certified networks.

There is also Stealth Mode for off-grid communications  it disables cellular connectivity and mutes radio frequency broadcasting. There is also a Covert Lock mode that turns off the modem and GPS to prevent the device from emitting radio frequencies.



Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition

The display offers a Night Vision mode, which supports viewing on the screen through NV goggles. The device is optimized for apps such as ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) and BATDOK (Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit). This software enables medics to wirelessly monitor multiple patients' vitals simultaneously on the device.

Samsung Knox is further enhanced to protect data with dual-layer encryption, and this Tab Active5 is certified by the NSA (National Security Agency) to access classified information securely.



Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition

Samsung kept the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and MIL-STD-810H resistance to extreme altitudes, temperatures, vibration, and humidity. The Tab Active5 brings a replaceable battery and a screen that works with wet fingers, gloves, and the included rugged S Pen.

The big question is whether Samsung offers this device to consumers, and the answer is  kind of. You must contact Samsung through a special form, and a sales representative will reply. The official press release did not mention any price tag.

Source
The attorney arguing on behalf of the government in the case against Michael Marasigan, Jose Arthur "Art" D. Chan and Christine Chan will have her final say in the case Wednesday morning in the District Court of Guam.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marivic P. David will have an hour to rebut the closing arguments for the defense attorneys who spent all of Tuesday giving reasons why the jury should return verdicts of not guilty.

David's rebuttal is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The trio of defendants face multiple counts related to proceeds from Hafa Adai Bingo operations from March 2015 to December 2021, when it operated under a permit from the nonprofit organization Guam Shrine Club.

The trio is accused of conspiracies to operate an illegal gambling operation, commit money laundering and commit wire fraud - 61 counts total.

Following David's final argument, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood will read instructions to the jury. She said despite all of the instructions and direction offered by the attorneys in their closing arguments, it would be her jury instructions that would matter, and should guide jury deliberations.

Attorney Joseph Razzano, representing Art Chan, told the jury on Tuesday that making money is not illegal. He told the jury that although four former co-defendants - Alfredo Leon Guerrero, Juanita Capulong, Won Sun Min and Minda San Nicolas - all signed plea agreements, the jury needed to see their testimony through their biases.

Leon Guerrero, he said, was an angry man and just wanted the trial over and done with. Razzano said to imagine what home conversation might be like considering that his wife Capulong didn't sign a plea agreement until 18 months later. Both were angry that Leon Guerrero's presidency of the Shriners ended, with Art Chan installed as a replacement.

Razzano said Min didn't disclose all of her assets to the government, nor did the federal government punish her for moving on to work with another bingo operation.

"And Minda San Nicolas? She had no idea what she pled guilty to - none," said Razzano, who added that the government used San Nicolas to further their prosecution.

"The feds are allowed to lie...So remember who took advantage of who," he said.

Attorney Michael Phillips, who, along with attorney David Lujan represented Marasigan, went through each of the charges, telling the jury what the government had to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" for them to find the defendants guilty as charged.

"You must not surrender your reasonable doubt on any element of any charge," said Phillips. "And remember that there is a presumption of innocence until or if a verdict is reached. Don't allow yourself to be influenced by likes or dislikes."

Motions to acquit the defendants on all the counts were denied on Monday. There is still a pending motion to disqualify Tydingco-Gatewood from the case. The judge said a decision on that would be released later this week.
Day-old chicks from Hawaii are allowed into Guam once again, according to the Guam Department of Agriculture which on Tuesday partially lifted the import ban related to avian influenza or bird flu.

Guam still bans live chickens and other poultry from Hawaii and the mainland U.S. over bird flu risks.

The U.S. has been grappling with the highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI.

Effective immediately, the importation of day-old chicks from Hawaii is now permitted under strict health and biosecurity requirements, Guams agriculture agency said on Tuesday in a release.

But all shipments of day-old chicks from Hawaii must meet the following conditions:

Inspection certification: Shipments must be accompanied by a valid inspection certification form for the flock of origin signed by the state inspector.

NPIP certification: Chicks must originate from a National Poultry Improvement Plan, NPIP, certified hatchery that actively participates in avian influenza surveillance programs.

Inspection on arrival: All shipments will be inspected by designated officials before being cleared for entry.

Day-old chicks present a much lower risk for HPAIs transmission compared to older birds based on scientific evidence, Guams agriculture agency said.

These chicks are typically hatched in sanitized, controlled environments, minimizing the chance of viral contamination, it added.

Guam Agriculture said Hawaiis unique status as an isolated island region also makes it less susceptible to visits from migratory birds that can carry avian influenza viruses.

While Hawaii did report a few positive cases of HPAI in domesticated backyard flocks in November 2024, no new cases have been reported since that time, indicating that the outbreak was contained and has not persisted, the Guam agency said.

Egg surcharge

This comes several weeks after the local agriculture department partially lifted the bird flu-linked import ban by allowing the importation of hatching eggs at a time of soaring egg prices.

Since February, multiple Guam restaurants have been charging extra 50 cents to a few dollars for meals that include eggs over nationwide shortage linked to bird flu.

Guam Agriculture said the importation of hatching eggs from the mainland U.S. is still permitted, provided that strict biosecurity measures are followed:

Hatching eggs, unlike live adult birds, pose a much lower risk of HPAI transmission because the virus does not pass from hen to embryo inside the egg.

Approved shipments must include inspection certifications, undergo sanitation processes, and meet all established Guam importation protocols.

This ongoing allowance supports the islands poultry development needs while maintaining a strong barrier against HPAI introduction, the local agriculture department said.

Why still ban live poultry from the mainland?

In contrast to Hawaii, the mainland United States remains a high-risk region for HPAI transmission, Guam Agriculture said.

Positive cases of avian influenza have been confirmed across all four major migratory bird flyways  the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific flyways  that span the continental U.S.

Migratory birds are known reservoirs of HPAI and contribute to the spread of the virus across wide geographic areas.

Because of the persistent and widespread nature of HPAI across the mainland, importation of live birds from the continental United States presents an unacceptably high risk to Guams poultry and bird populations and will remain prohibited until further notice, Guam Agriculture said.

Report sick or dead birds

Residents are reminded to report unusual deaths or signs of illness in poultry or wild birds.

A single dead bird is not a concern, but clusters of five or more dead birds should be reported immediately to the Animal Health Division at (671) 300-7966 or by sending an email to territorial veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner at mariana.turner@doag.guam.gov.

Additional resources for protecting backyard flocks are available at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services Guam Community Health Center, which has the northern and southern clinics, received over $6 million in grants to expand access to health care by underserved communities.

GCHC, in a release, said it has been named the sole recipient of the Health Resources and Services Administration Service Area Competition grant for Guam, securing $6,081,849 in critical funding from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.

The exclusive award designates GCHC as the only federally qualified health center on Guam to receive this federal support, underscoring its essential role in providing comprehensive healthcare to the islands underserved communities, the center said.

The grant will support several initiatives aimed at enhancing access to care, including expanding primary care services, increasing behavioral health integration, and improving preventive health efforts.

As the single grantee, GCHC said it assumes full responsibility for stewarding these resources to address Guams most pressing health needs, including primary care, behavioral health integration, and preventive services.

The award reflects HRSAs confidence in GCHCs 15-year track record of delivering equitable, high-quality care and its capacity to innovate in response to community needs, GCHC said.

We are thrilled to receive this continued funding from HRSA, GCHC board chair Melissa Savares said in a statement. This grant is a vital source of support that allows us to sustain and grow our services, ensuring that we can provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to those who need it most.

Savares said for more than 15 years, GCHC has been fortunate to have HRSA funding, and with this new grant award, we are excited to continue our mission of improving health outcomes in our community.

Key benefits of grant

Expanding access to primary care and preventive services for underserved populations.

Integrating behavioral health services into primary care to improve overall health outcomes.

Providing targeted programs for individuals with chronic conditions to ensure better health management.

Strengthening community outreach and education efforts to ensure care reaches the most vulnerable groups.

Enhancing partnerships with local organizations and community stakeholders to maximize impact.

Public Health Director Theresa C. Arriola, in a statement, said this award is a testament to the teams dedication to health equity.

As the only HRSA-funded FQHC on Guam, we have a unique obligation and opportunity to ensure no one is left behind. We thank our GCHC Grants Team for their tireless work. Together, we invite our community to join us in building a healthier future, she said. Guam Community Health Center is a primary provider that accepts all insurances. All are welcomed.

For more information, call the Northern Clinic at (671) 635-7456, or the Southern Clinic at (671) 828-7600.
Two Guam Police Department officers on Tuesday testified on behalf of the government in the trial of Eithen James Franklin Aquiningoc Mendiola, who's accused of murder.

Special Assistant Attorney General Curtis Van de veld called the witnesses as he continued to build a murder case against Mendiola.

Mendiola is on trial for the Sept. 9, 2024 murder of Ryan Chaco in Yigo.

Chaco's charred remains were found by the Guam Fire Department, which was responding to a structure fire on Chalan Kareta in Yigo. They called the Guam Police Department, which assumed control of the investigation.

A medical examiner's report stated that Chaco was stabbed 14 times, and that seven of those were superficial wounds.

Mendiola told police that he acted in self defense. He told police, as well as a 911 dispatcher, that Chaco had tried to rape him, and held him from behind in a choke. He was only able to break loose when he found Chaco's knife and stabbed him, he said. He continued to stab him when Chaco was still aggressive to him, he told police.

Van de veld told jurors in his opening statement that Chaco was murdered for money.

On the witness stand on Tuesday, Police Officer Jon Derek San Nicolas, who responded to the scene and also questioned Mendiola at the police station, testified that Mendiola had changed his statements made to police.

Van de veld also showed photographs of Mendiola, and asked to describe any injuries he may have spotted. San Nicolas pointed at bruises on the shoulder and collarbone and an abrasion near an elbow. He also testified that he saw no visible injuries on Mendiola's neck.

San Nicolas, at Van de veld's request, also demonstrated for the jury how a rear-naked choke works.

Defense attorney William Bischoff asked how long after the alleged incident were the photographs taken. About 48 hours was the reply.

Trial continues at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in front of Superior Court Judge John C. Terlaje.
A multinational team of scientists aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus will set sail Monday for a 22-day mission to explore the volcanically active seafloor in the Marianas, where they aim to map over 60 underwater volcanoes, study hydrothermal vents, and collect deep-sea biological and geological samples.

Nautilus is currently docked at the Port Authority of Guam in Piti.

The expedition is the first of five planned this season.

It will probe the depths of the Mariana Trenchthe deepest oceanic trench on Earthusing remotely operated and autonomous vehicles to reach depths up to 6,000 meters.

Researchers will investigate ecosystems that rely on chemical energy, not sunlight, to survive.

This is called Atalanta, Derek Sowers, expedition leader and Ocean Exploration Trust mapping operations manager, told the Pacific Daily News on Tuesday while showing remotely operated vehicles aboard the Nautilus. Atalanta is connected to the ship with this big steel cable. This has high voltage power to the vehicles. So we can have lights. Pretty much all the systems that are powered require that high voltage.

Sowers said Hercules, a remotely operated vehicle, rated to 6,000 meters and can reach some of the deeper parts of the waters.

And then ultimately, the goal is to design these to reach up to 12,000 so they can go full ocean depth thats to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, he said.

The autonomous vehicle Orpheus will collect sediment, water, and biological samples from rarely seen deep-sea environments.

Live sessions during dives

Live footage from the ocean floor will stream 24/7 at NautilusLive.org through September.

Live video from the seafloor while were exploringwere streaming that live video over the internet so anyone can see what were seeing within a few seconds of what when everyone on board is able to see it, Sowers said.

Viewers can submit questions during active dives.

We dont really open for questions from the public, unless were diving...but if the robots are in the water, we can answer chat questions, said Jamie Zaccaria, communications lead and Ocean Exploration Trust outreach and media coordinator. The live stream will be constant from now until we are done with our season in September.

Interactive education is a central component of the mission. The ships studio hosts free live sessions for classrooms globally.

Anyone can schedule these interactions for free. You go to NautilusLive.org/education...Our science communicators and a guest from the ship, maybe a scientist or an intern...will sit here and connect one on one, live via Zoom or Google Meet, Zaccaria said. But also, most importantly, answer their questions about careers at sea, about the expedition, but also for a lot of these kids, about whats great in their backyard.

Inside the control van, pilots operate the remotely operated vehicles, scientists lead investigations, and communicators facilitate live engagement.

This is where the pilots for the ROVs would be located, sitting in the front row. And up on those screens is wed have the video from the two ROV vehicles that you just saw, Sowers said. In the back row here, we have scientists that are leading the investigation...theyre really representing a much bigger team of scientists than those that are just on the ship.

Collected samples will support long-term biological and geological research. Data will be archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Harvard University.

We can take biological samples. We can pick up rocks from the seafloor to understand the geology of the areas offshore, and then underneath, we actually have sampling boxes that come out, and we can put the biological samples in rocks in there, and then bring them up, Sowers said.

Discoveries may include previously unknown species, although confirmation can take years.

We find new species all the time, which is an exciting stat, but the less exciting part of that is that we cant just announce it as a new species, Zaccaria said. We either, if we take a sample or we use the video, whatever it is that were using to study it with the scientists around the world, its gonna take years for them to come to a conclusion that its a new species.

To aid future studies, the team employs a tagging system that catalogs observed marine life and seafloor features.

We have a system that allows us to tag things. So when were diving, when we see certain critters, certain features that we want to create a highlight video of for our YouTube, we, as the communicators, will tag it with the system, Zaccaria said. So its easy to find. We can theoretically go back and find anything that has been backlogged in all of them. We have a very intensive data system run by our very brilliant data engineers that collects all that, sends it to space, sends it back to Rhode Island and to our other data engineers.

In a recent interview, deep-sea biologist Christopher Ma said six or seven previously undocumented sea star species were found.

It is estimated at least 2 million species exist in the deep sea, but a vast majority of those have gone are not identified, Zaccaria said. So its hard to put a number on it, but there is so much left.

Marianas Trench National Monument

The mission also explores the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

We will be operating on this expedition both inside the National Monument and outside as well, exploring a variety of places, said scientist Sean MacDuff, whos also the permit monitor and superintendent for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument

Local involvement includes scientists and students from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Macduff, originally from Saipan, said the mission helps implement the monuments 200-page management plan and 11 listed action items.

He emphasized regional safety and education efforts.

Submarine volcanoes

Lead scientist Bill Chadwick of Oregon State University is returning to sites of known eruptions.

Were going to be going back to submarine volcanoes that we know have been active in recent years to look for what changes might have happened. So thats part of the mission of the cruise, Chadwick said.

Chadwick and marine geologist Jeff Beeson will focus on changes since the last surveys.

One seamount in particular, named Ie, in the northern part of the volcanic arc, has been active the last few years, since 2022, mostly the first year after that, and its been tailing off. So wereand it erupted in 2014 also. So we saw big changes after that eruption. So were looking forward to getting back there and seeing what happened, Chadwick said.

The team will investigate unstable volcanic cones and past landslides.

If theres an eruption, itll pile a bunch of material onto the cone, but then it gets too steep, so it gets unstable. And its mostly fragmental material. So then often theres a big landslide that happens underwater, Chadwick said. In the deeper part of the back arc, where theres sea floor spreading, thats more eruptions like you might see in Hawaiihundreds of feet thick.

Hydrothermal vent zones, home to dense animal communities, are key targets.

These hydrothermal vents are like oases in the deep sea. Because, in the deep sea theres some fish and animals, but not a lot. But where these hydrothermal vents are, theres just lots of energy and food, and so theres big communities that build up around those, Chadwick said. The microbes are the base of the food chain down there, and then theres all the animals that depend on them. Its really unique and different. And, you know, makes the deep sea reallyits almost like visiting another planet.

Rare earth elements

The team is also exploring new regions of the abyssal plain, potentially uncovering rare earth elements.

This is an interesting expedition because its sort of a community project. So a lot of what were doing is collecting samples for other specialists around the world, Chadwick said. Im mostly interested in the changes at these volcanic sitesbiological colleagues are going to be looking at collecting specimens of the animals and so forth.

In a past expedition, the team encountered a continuously erupting volcano near Rota.

It was about a 500 meter depth. So it was deep enough that the pressure kind of subdued the activity. So its kind of mildly explosive, but mild enough that these remotely operated vehicles could go right up to the vent and just, you know, watch the activities, Chadwick said.

Most eruptions are small and deep, posing limited risk.

Most of what weve seen are pretty small, so pretty small impacts, Id say. But volcanoes have a range of activity, so theyre capable of big things, but fortunately, not verynot as frequently as the small ones, Chadwick said.

Chadwick added that ocean warming is not linked to volcanic activity.

Sowers credited sonar and live-streaming technology for enabling unprecedented access.

Just using these remotely operated vehicles areIm constantly amazed and in awe of what we can do and what we can see, Chadwick said. Theres a few ships in the world that can do this, and this is one of themso its pretty special to be able to share it with everybody. And anybody whos interested can tune in and see whats from our small island, right?

The Ocean Exploration Trust, founded by Dr. Robert Ballard in 2007, leads the effort. Partners include NOAA, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Office of Naval Research, QPS, and the Phillip Stephenson Foundation.

Additional expeditions are planned through 2025 across the Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and Wake Atoll.
The Supreme Court of the United States has declined to hear Attorney General Douglas Moylans arguments in a dispute between himself and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero over the AGs powers to prosecute government corruption.

Moylans petition for a writ of certiorari on the matter was denied on May 5, according to a docket for the nations high court.

Adelup on Tuesday trumpeted the U.S. Supreme Court denial as a victory, while Moylan brushed off the rejection.

The denial comes nearly a year after a disputed May 31, 2024 Supreme Court of Guam ruling that found the AG could not use confidential information from government agencies to turn around and prosecute those same agencies.

Guam justices also ruled that the governor could appoint her own attorneys to represent the government, if Moylan could not or would not.

At the time of the ruling, GovGuam was plunged into what Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio called a legal crisis when the AG temporarily withdrew from representing 22 government agencies and departmentsincluding Adelupthat Moylans office was actively prosecuting or investigating.

Moylan unsuccessfully argued to the Supreme Court of Guam that his offices duty to prosecute government corruption trumped any duty of confidentiality to specific government officials.

The AG wanted the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that the local court erred in its decision, and that his office had the sole authority to appoint special assistant attorneys general.

Notably, the denial by the nations high court comes as the governor seeks appointment of a special prosecutor to probe Moylans office for millions in alleged contract violations and over 80 hiring and promotion violations involving the AGs brother and fiancee, among others.

Leon Guerreros authority to appoint a special prosecutor in the matters rests upon the May 2024 ruling that Moylan has disputed.

Series of disputes

The AGs office and Adelup have entangled in a series of legal disputes, with both sides alleging the other had violated Guam law in various ways.

Moylan is suing Leon Guerrero and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority over alleged illegalities in the Mangilao hospital project.

A press release from Adelup on Tuesday called the U.S. Supreme Court decision the latest blow against the Attorney General in a week of losses, including the issuance of a restraining order in the Superior Court, dismissal of an appeal in the Ninth Circuit.

The attorney general is not the authority on the law that he claims to be, as this past week demonstrates, Leon Guerrero said in a statement.

He is, however, very good at wasting our precious taxpayer dollars on expensive lawyers, dead-end lawsuits, and political games, while his prosecutors are forced to dismiss criminal cases because they dont have enough support, she said.

Adelups release noted that the AGs office paid off-island conservative firm Consovoy McCarthy $1 million to represent his office in the abortion ban lawsuit but the high court last week rejected that petition.

AG: Noble causes

Moylan on Tuesday said it was common knowledge among attorneys that most petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court are denied.

The court rejects about 99% of all petitions sent to it each year.

As long as I am the attorney for the people of this small island, we will continue to champion noble causes that protect our residents and improve our quality of life, Moylan stated.

The AG said he sees a problem with the governor who keeps saying she won with nothing to show in improving our quality of life after six years in office.

Health care and education continue to deteriorate under her administration, Moylan said. We continue to do something versus nothing to help our peoples welfare.
With its strategic location in the Western Pacific, breathtaking natural beauty, and rich CHamoru culture, Guam has immense potential to become a leading hub in the region.

To unlock this potential, a comprehensive approach is required to enhance its tourism sector, modernize its infrastructure, and elevate its education system. Working in concert with these three pillars can drive Guams economy forward and establish it as a premier destination for business, leisure, and cultural exchange.

Tourism is the cornerstone of Guams economy. The island attracts many visitors, primarily from Japan and South Korea, but diversifying its tourism offerings is essential for sustainable growth.

Moving beyond the traditional sun, sand, and shopping paradigm necessitates investment in niche tourism sectors. Eco-tourism, which highlights Guams unique biodiversity and marine life, can draw environmentally conscious travelers who seek to experience and preserve natural habitats.

Developing cultural tourism experiences showcasing CHamoru traditions, arts, and history can give visitors a deeper, more authentic understanding of the islands heritage.

Promoting Guam as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, MICE, tourism, leveraging its strategic location, and developing world-class conference facilities can generate significant revenue and attract high-spending business travelers.

Aggressive marketing campaigns targeting diverse markets and simplified visa processes for select countries can significantly broaden Guams tourism base, ensuring a steady influx of visitors from various regions.

Infrastructure development is intrinsically linked to Guams economic progress. Modernizing the islands airport to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing passenger capacity is crucial for boosting tourism and trade. Expanding port facilities to handle more cargo and improve logistics can enhance Guams role as a transshipment hub.

Improving inter-island transportation, including roads and public transit systems, is essential for facilitating the movement of residents and tourists alike. Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and aligns with the global focus on sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious businesses and tourists.

Enhancing telecommunications infrastructure, including expanding broadband access and 5G networks, is vital for attracting tech companies and fostering a digital economy.

Addressing Guams aging water and sewage systems is critical for public health and supporting the growing demands of the tourism industry.

Strategic urban planning and development, prioritizing green spaces and sustainable building practices, can enhance the islands appeal and improve the quality of life for residents.

Education is the foundation of a thriving economy. Strengthening Guams education system is essential for developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern, diversified economy. Investing in early childhood education programs can provide a strong foundation for future learning, ensuring that children are well-prepared for academic success.

Revamping the curriculum to emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, fields, language skills, and cultural competency will equip students with the skills needed to compete in the global marketplace.

Partnering with international universities and vocational training institutions can provide access to advanced training and certification programs, enabling students to gain specialized knowledge and skills.

Attracting and retaining qualified teachers through competitive salaries and professional development opportunities is crucial for raising educational standards and ensuring students receive high-quality instruction.

Fostering a culture of lifelong learning and promoting vocational training programs can address skills gaps and empower the workforce to adapt to evolving industry needs, ensuring that Guam remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

By strategically focusing on these three interconnected pillars, Guam can achieve its ambition of becoming a prominent Pacific hub. A diversified and vibrant tourism sector, robust infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce will attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and elevate Guams standing on the world stage.

This holistic approach will enhance the islands economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for all its residents, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
(These are excerpts from Archbishop Ryan Jimenezs May 6, 2025 message requesting prayers for cardinals and the conclave).

As 133 cardinal electors gather in Rome for the start of the conclave to elect a new pope on May 7, I ask Guam Catholics to join their prayers with those of multitudes of faithful worldwide.

Though most are still mourning the loss of beloved Pope Francis, excitement coexists with grief.

We anticipate the joyful moment when white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signaling the selection of the new successor of St. Peter.

Holy Spirit, enlighten the Church at this time, especially all the cardinals you call to take part in the conclave. Grant them wisdom and holiness so that all may cooperate with your inspiration and guidance to elect the next Vicar of Christ, your chosen servant. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This prayer shared by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word and the Eternal Word Television Network, EWTN, is simple yet meaningful.

In invoking the Holy Spirit at the very start, the prayer reminds us that our Divine Creator, not man, is at the heart of our accomplishments, successes and triumphs. We cooperate through our pleas of faith, humility and prayers.

Most importantly, too, we must trust in the Lord. Whomever the Holy Spirit chooses, he shall be the right shepherd to lead our Church.

Surround this yet unnamed holy man and the College of Cardinals then, with a relentless stream of prayers. May God bless and guide them.




Haiti - Security : The PNH in action...





About twenty bandits killed in Kenscoff

During a recent violent operation in the commune of Kenscoff by the Haitian National Police (PNH), more than twenty bandits, active members of the "Viv Ansanm" gang coalition, were killed. Among them were several members of the close team of gang leader "Krisla," based in Tibwa. Other gang members were also injured during these armed clashes.



Number 2 of the "Chien mechant" gang fatally injured

The Haitian National Police (PNH), through operations led by the Motorized Intervention Brigade (CBIM) and the Departmental Law Enforcement Unit (UDMO / West-2), conducted an operation in the commune of Tabarre, specifically in Clercine. Several bandits were fatally injured, including "Lougans" as he is known, the number 2 of the "Chien mechant" gang, during the clashes.



In addition, several members who came as reinforcements were also injured. Among them were "Chale," leader of the gang operating in "Tokyo," and "Supo," originally from Drouillard, who was preparing to be installed as leader in the Clercine area.



Mirebalais, several bandits neutralized

During an operation conducted on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, by the National Police in Mirebalais, Centre Department, several bandits were killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcement. An assault rifle and ammunition were recovered by the police.



Two murderers arrested

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, during a police operation in the commune of Les Cayes, two individuals : Boduy Lataillade and Morpeau Eril, were arrested by the South Police in the murder of businessman Gerson Borgat, who was assassinated on April 2nd in the town of Les Cayes while driving his vehicle.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : New minimum wage scale proposed by the CSS





In accordance with the law of October 6, 2009, which mandates compliance with the legal minimum wage, the Superior Wage Council (CSS) submitted to the Government, via the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, its report on applicable wage increases ** starting in April 2025, for the various activity segments, three years after the last increases. https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/arrete_fixant_le_salaire_minimum_21-02-2022.pdf



CSS Recommendations :

Segment A + 29.87%: 1,000 Gourdes (770 Gourdes in 2022)

Proposed minimum wage: 1,000 Gourdes per 8-hour workday in : private electricity production; financial institutions (banks, money transfer houses, insurance companies); telecommunications; Import-export trade; supermarkets; jewelry stores; art galleries; furniture, furnishings, and appliance stores; doctors' offices, polyclinics, and 4 hibiscus hotels.



Segment B + 46.34%: 900 Gourdes (615 Gourdes in 2022) :

Proposed minimum wage : 900 Gourdes per 8-hour workday in the following sectors : construction and public works (BTP); truck and heavy equipment rental companies; construction material rental companies; construction material transportation companies; hardware stores; Other financial institutions (cooperatives, credit unions, etc..) 3 Hibiscus Hotel, manufacturing industries focused on the local market [...]



Segment C +40.74% : 760 Gourdes (540 Gourdes in 2022) :

Proposed minimum wage : 760 Gourdes per 8-hour day in : Restaurants; agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fishing; agricultural product processing industry; retail trade, except supermarkets, jewelry stores, cosmetics stores, and clothing stores [...]



Segment E +42.85%: 500 Gourdes (350 Gourdes in 2022) :

Proposed minimum wage : 500 Gourdes for 8 hours of work as : home service staff (domestic staff).



Segment F +38.68% : 950 Gourdes (685 Gourdes in 2022) :

Proposed minimum wage : 950 Gourdes per 8-hour workday in export-oriented assembly industries and other export-oriented manufacturing industries. The production wage is set at 1,300 Gourdes (textile workers were demanding 2,500 Gourdes).



Segment G +46.34% : 900 Gourdes (615 Gourdes in 2022) :

Proposed minimum wage : 900 Gourdes per 8-hour workday in private security agencies and petroleum product distribution companies.



Segment H +46.34% : 900 Gourdes (615 Gourdes in 2019) :

Proposed minimum wage : 900 Gourdes per 8-hour workday in private vocational schools and private healthcare institutions employing more than 10 people and providing hospitalization services.



** Please note that until the Government publishes the decree setting the new minimum wages, these figures are still subject to change.



See also :

2022 minimum wage before the Government's revision : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35994-haiti-flash-new-minimum-wages-proposed-by-the-superior-council-of-wages.html

2022 Government Revision : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36009-haiti-flash-minimum-wages-the-government-readjusts-upwards-final-version-official.html

Download the Government Decree (for 2022) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/arrete_fixant_le_salaire_minimum_21-02-2022.pdf

Minimum Wage 2019 : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29201-haiti-flash-increase-of-minimum-wage-all-the-details.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





The Mayor of Kenscoff Escapes Death

On Saturday morning, Jean Massillon, the Mayor of Kenscoff, was attacked while attempting to provide assistance to displaced people in need. The convoy, composed of the mayor, the town hall administrator, and three police officers, was targeted by bandits. Despite the intensity of the gunfire, no casualties were reported.



Arrest for Rape and Abduction of a Minor

A patrol from the Southeast Departmental Law Enforcement Unit arrested Jean William (21) on Boulevard du Bord de Mer, located in the lower town of Jacmel, for his involvement in the rape and abduction of a 15-year-old girl. Jean William confessed to having had sexual intercourse with the underage victim on several occasions.



Terrorism : Arms Smuggling, More Severe Sanctions

Following the State Department's designation of the coalition of 27 gangs, "Viv Ansanm," and the "Gran Grif" gang, as foreign terrorist organizations and global terrorists, U.S. Ambassador Dennis B. Hanskins made it clear that, with this designation, the illegal export of weapons and ammunition to Haiti will no longer be treated as a simple violation of export regulations, but as "support for a terrorist group," the consequences and penalties of which are infinitely more severe.



A 6-year-old girl dies following rape

A 6-year-old girl tragically lost her life on the night of May 3, 2025, at Fontaine Hospital, near Cite Soleil. She was the victim of a brutal sexual assault in a displaced persons camp. According to initial reports, the alleged perpetrator also resided in the camp. Sadly, the child did not survive the attack.



Petite Riviere : 13,000 people have fled their homes

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 13,000 people have fled their homes in Petite Riviere, Artibonite, due to the rise in gang violence. Most have found refuge with families already facing severe hardship. Despite limited access, the humanitarian community is attempting to assess needs. IOM is calling for an urgent response to support the affected populations.



The United States will not intervene militarily in Haiti

On Monday, May 5, 2025, the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis B. Hankins, stated during a limited press briefing that the United States was not considering military intervention in Haiti. "The United States prioritizes strengthening the PNH and the Multinational Mission," he stated.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















In the next 12 to 18 months, Meta will have the majority of its program code written by AI. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made this prediction in an interview with the American podcaster Dwarkesh Patel. To this end, the company is developing special AI agents for the research and development of its own Llama language models, explained the Meta boss.

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There are already good applications that complete existing code blocks. However, in future it will be possible to give the AI agents a target for which they then create program code. The tool also carries out independent tests to find errors and then fix them. "The AI will produce higher quality code than the average, very good developer in the team," Zuckerberg expects.

Microsoft: 30 percent of code is AI-generated

In a conversation with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at Llama Com, Zuckerberg estimated the current proportion of AI-written code at around 50 percent. However, he did not know any specific figures, as some statistics on the use of AI in programming would also include tools for automatic completion. At Microsoft, on the other hand, the proportion is currently around 20 to 30 percent, said Nadella.

Furthermore, his company includes between 30 and 40 percent of code suggestions from AI chatbots in repositories, explained the Microsoft CEO. This proportion is constantly increasing. Although AI support is particularly helpful when writing new program code, the technology is also used to revise the existing code base.

Both CEOs left open whether jobs will be lost in the future due to the use of AI during the discussion at Llama Con. In Germany, however, three quarters of companies can imagine using AI agents as a digital workforce.

(sfe)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The scam is as old as it is familiar  and still successful: a message appears on the smartphone, supposedly from DHL for a parcel, for example. In order to pick it up, you first have to pay a fee. Clicking on the link in the message takes you to a deceptively genuine-looking website of the company in question, where you are asked to enter your credit card details. Anyone who does this is trapped: it is neither a package nor the small amount requested, but only the credit or debit card details. Criminals use this information to go shopping at their victims' expense.

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As an international investigation by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), the Norwegian television station NRK and the French daily newspaper Le Monde has now uncovered, a network of cyber criminals organized according to a division of labor is behind this. This was preceded by an analysis of the network and its software by the Norwegian security company Mnemonic. The security researchers themselves initially received a fake message from the Norwegian postal service.

In the fraudsters' network

Even the link in the message was somewhat protected from investigation: It could only be accessed via mobile phone connections and from a smartphone's browser. This is easy to clone, and the security researchers used the target website to navigate through the fraudsters' network. According to NRK, they ultimately had access to the phishers' internal chats and a Telegram group for seven months. They work with a tool called "Magic Cat," which allows websites to be faked  even with the help of AI. The security researchers passed on their findings to the aforementioned media, which followed up on the matter.

At the end of the research, the traces led to a 24-year-old man named Yucheng C., alias "Darcula", who is believed to be from China. Other security researchers had already given this name to the entire network. Darcula is not said to have handled credit card data himself, but is only the developer of Magic Cat. This tool is reportedly rented out to the actual fraudsters as software-as-a-service for a few hundred US dollars a week. The phishing attempts then take place via their device farms, photos of which were also found in the Telegram group. Some members there boast that they can send tens of thousands of messages a day. These can be sent via SMS, iMessage or RCS.

13 million clicks in seven months

According to NRK, the network is active in around 130 countries and 600 people are said to be involved. In the seven months of the observation period from the end of 2023 to mid-2024, one of the links in the messages was clicked 13 million times and 884,000 people entered their card details. With a 1:14 chance of a successful scam, the criminals evidently find it worthwhile to invest a lot of time and technical effort.

The Norwegian broadcaster also reports that you don't have to go to much trouble with Magic Cat: The tool offers fakes of the websites of around 300 companies. NRK has also published them as an Excel table. For Germany, this includes DHL, Telekom, Hermes and the website for the broadcasting license fee. In other regions, it is also possible to fake the websites of banks and numerous logistics companies as well as Amazon. Chinese companies and websites are not on the list.

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BKA observes, but has not yet investigated

When asked by BR , the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) said that the network has been known since October 2024 and is being monitored. However, there are no concrete investigations because: "The challenges in investigations against internationally active phishing groups lie in international, possibly non-contractual police cooperation." According to the reports, the main players are mainly based in Asia and operate from there. DHL, which is probably one of the most attractive targets in Germany due to thousands of complaints about phishing text messages to the Federal Network Agency, did not want to comment to BR "on cyber security issues" in general.

(nie)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The White House has presented its proposal for NASA's budget for the coming year. It provides for massive cuts to scientific and other notable projects. For example, the Space Launch System (SLS), NASA's giant rocket, and the associated Orion space capsule are to be phased out and the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) restricted. NASA would therefore have almost 25 percent less funding available for 2026 and the workforce is to be reduced. At the same time, the Trump administration is demanding that NASA focus on missions to the moon and Mars.

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Around three weeks ago, it was reported that NASA was facing massive budget cuts from the Trump administration, with initial talk of cuts of 20 percent. However, the proposal now published by the new US administration for NASA's 2026 budget only provides for 18.8 billion US dollars for the US space agency. NASA still has 24.9 billion dollars at its disposal for the current year, meaning that the cut for the coming year would be as much as 24.5 percent if the US Congress approves the budget proposal.

Moon and Mars as top priorities

The budget proposal published by NASA for 2026 emphasizes beating China in the race to the moon and being the first nation to send humans to Mars as top goals. To this end, the NASA workforce, IT services, NASA Center operations, facility maintenance, construction and environmental sustainability activities are to be streamlined. In addition, unaffordable missions are to be scheduled and low-priority research reduced.

This is likely to affect the Artemis missions in particular, which got out of hand financially with the SLS giant rocket and the Orion capsule. However, savings are also to be made on the ISS, where only 2.5 billion dollars instead of the previous 3 billion dollars have been earmarked for operation and transportation to the station. The ISS crew is therefore to be reduced and focus primarily on supporting future missions to the moon and Mars. At the same time, preparations are to be made for the planned end of the ISS in 2030 and the switch to commercial space stations.

Space station in lunar orbit canceled

The designated new NASA director Jared Isaacman backed the Artemis missions at the beginning of April, but also supported alternative plans, according to Spacenews. "The commercial launch market is more capable than ever, with numerous U.S. providers investing in heavy-lift capabilities", Isaacman said last month. "NASA should capitalize on this competition and finally focus its world-class talent and infrastructure on what no one else is doing: developing the next generation of exploration technologies."

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The reduced budget proposal also includes the discontinuation of the Gateway International Space Station, which was to orbit the moon as part of subsequent Artemis missions. This also affects cooperation with other space agencies in Europe, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, as they had agreed to collaborate on Gateway. In return, astronauts from these countries would take part in future moon missions. Isaacman had previously stated that he was not aware of any plans to cancel Gateway.

(fds)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
Meta Platforms does not agree with Apple's App Store policy and anti-tracking measures; this has been known for years. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly complained about App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which requires users to be asked before being tracked by iOS applications. In addition, Apple's App Store opening measures are only a sham solution and Apple never acts as altruistically as the iPhone company claims. Zuckerberg is now once again criticizing Apple  and speaks of feelings of bitterness, among other things.

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Platform attempts fended off by Apple

The interview with the US IT blog Stratechery, which took place at Meta Platforms' headquarters, mainly focused on the AI strategy and the development of Facebook and other social networks. Nevertheless, Apple was also discussed. Zuckerberg even recalled early conflicts with the company when Facebook tried to become a platform for developers  with games and other apps directly on Facebook, for example.

The original Facebook platform was intended for the web. "When usage moved from desktop to mobile, Apple simply said: you can't have a platform within a platform and you can't have apps that use your stuff." The distribution of apps on the Facebook platform in 2012, when the IPO took place, amounted to a good 20 percent  "for games and apps". Because of Apple, however, this then "no longer had much of a future". The plan was to become a kind of super app, like WeChat in China, for example.

Interfaces instead of a super app

Facebook then focused on integrating its technology into other apps  via the Connect and "Sign In" interfaces, i.e. the option of logging into other apps with your Facebook account. The developers wanted this at the time to increase their app installations. However, it was ultimately "just an artifact of Apple's rules and regulations" that led to this adjustment. "I think that led to a deep bitterness," Zuckerberg still remembers today.

This concerns not only the issue of the platform app, but also the fact that Apple told Meta that it couldn't do things "that we thought had value". As a result, a "certain dynamic" developed between Meta and Facebook. He had wished for a more open mobile platform. Apple is said to have frequently informed Meta that it was unable to incorporate "different experiences" into its apps. This did not help Meta customers.

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(bsc)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
The ranking, compiled by Hanken School of Economics, is based on responses from over 4,300 consumers and more than 12,000 evaluations. The index reflects how Finnish consumers perceive innovation across a broad spectrum of industries.

IKEA has been named the most innovative company in Finland in the 2025 Finnish Innovation Index, maintaining its position among the top-ranked firms for five consecutive years.

IKEA leads a top 10 dominated by global and domestic names, including Apple, BMW Group, Uber, Marimekko, Fiskars Group, Normal, Samsung, Airbnb and Lumene.

Innovation at IKEA is about making everyday life better through smart design, with sustainability and affordability always in mind, said Timo Hulmi, CEO of IKEA Finland. Were proud to lead with purpose, offering real value while caring for people and the planet.

The index underscores a shift in public perception: innovation alone is not enough. Consumers increasingly assess the motive behind a company's actions.

Consumers are sceptical of firms that seem to innovate only for self-gain, said Professor Kristina Heinonen, project leader for the index at Hanken. Purpose-driven innovation, especially when tied to wellbeing or environmental goals, is seen as more genuine and more innovative.

In addition to overall innovation, the index also ranks companies by their social innovation performance, measuring how consumers perceive their societal and environmental contributions. IKEA features in this categorys top group as well, joined by companies such as BMW Group, Toyota, Mercedes, Lumene, VR, Fiskars Group, Kia, Sokos Hotels and K Group retailers.

The 2025 index marks the fifth anniversary of the Finnish Innovation Index, which uses a methodology applied in several other countries. It is designed to offer a consumer-centric view of how innovation is received in the market and how it contributes to a companys broader reputation and performance.

HT
Kastehelmi reports visible progress in military construction and logistics, based on satellite imagery and public data. The developments follow Russias recent reorganisation of its armed forces in the northwest, including the re-establishment of the Leningrad Military District.

Russia is strengthening its military infrastructure near the Finnish border and other parts of NATOs northern flank, according to Finnish defence analyst Emil Kastehelmi .

Two brigades stationed near St Petersburg have been expanded into full divisions, increasing personnel and equipment. This has prompted an associated expansion of support facilities.

One key location is Kamyanka, where a tent camp has appeared at a military base. Satellite images show ongoing work on warehouses used by the 44th Army Corps near Petrozavodsk. New construction activity is also underway at the base of the 80th Motorized Rifle Brigade.

Along parts of the Finnish border, there are signs of trench systems under construction. Kastehelmi believes these are inspired by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where static defences have played a major role.

These changes are seen as part of a broader military shift in northwest Russia. Kastehelmi said further upgrades to airfields and logistics hubs are underway but not yet fully documented. He plans to publish more findings on those developments in future reports.

The activity around Finland marks a gradual but visible adjustment in Russias defence posture following NATOs enlargement. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, sharing a 1,340-kilometre land border with Russia.

Kastehelmi said current changes are still limited in scale but are expected to continue and intensify in the coming years.

HT
Led by the Kainuu Brigade, the exercises will include Northern Strike 125, a live-fire drill, and Northern Star 25, a combat exercise involving simulator-supported operations. The aim is to improve joint operational capability in northern conditions.

Finland will host joint exercises with Sweden and the United Kingdom involving 6,500 military personnel at the Rovajarvi training area between 12 and 31 May.

The Finnish Defence Forces confirmed the participation of approximately 900 Swedish and 350 British troops. British units will include an infantry company, an MLRS battery, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The Swedish forces will be drawn from the 19th Brigade based in Boden.

Lieutenant Colonel Jukka Vuorisalmi, who is directing the exercise, said the joint drills will continue earlier multilateral training efforts and focus on developing command, joint fires, intelligence, and situational awareness.

This exercise entity is on a logical continuum of exercises held over the past years for the purpose of capability development jointly with our allies, he said.

The live-fire phase, Northern Strike 125, will include indirect fire drills by multinational teams. Close air support operations will combine Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and British Apache helicopters. Infantry fire exercises by the Jaeger Brigade will also take place.

The Finnish Air Force will support air activity during the combat phase of the exercise, scheduled from 16 to 30 May. Drones will supplement air operations throughout this period. Helicopters from Finland, Sweden, and the UK will also operate together.

Northern Star 25 will involve a two-sided, simulator-assisted combat exercise. This will test coordination across land and air domains in real-time training scenarios.

Movement in and around the Rovajarvi range will be restricted during the combat phase from 26 to 31 May to ensure operational safety. The Finnish Defence Forces have set up a duty telephone line for local coordination.

Military officials described the exercise as part of wider defence cooperation with NATO allies. It comes amid increased regional concern following Russias military posture in the Baltic area. Defence planners have expressed concern over the potential redeployment of Russian forces in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The UK will contribute attack helicopters and long-range artillery to the joint fires training. Finnish and Swedish units will operate together under integrated command structures. Joint planning and execution will be practised in simulated combat settings.

Allied forces will focus on terrain familiarisation, coordination of artillery and air assets, and use of surveillance systems. The drills are designed to improve response capabilities and logistical integration across partner forces.

The exercise will also develop joint responses to simulated threats in arctic and sub-arctic conditions, with troops rotating through live and simulated operational roles.

Support elements from the Border Guard and other Finnish Defence Forces units will take part alongside primary combat units. The exercise is one of the largest multinational military drills held in Finland in recent years.

HT
The changes, effective from 6 May, aim to strengthen national security and accelerate removals of foreign nationals residing illegally in the country. The Finnish Immigration Service confirmed there is no transitional period for the new rules.

One of the key revisions links the right to reside in Finland directly to the enforcement timeline of a removal decision. A person who no longer holds a valid residence permit, visa, or other legal basis for staying in the country is considered to be residing illegally once the removal order becomes enforceable. This occurs either when the voluntary departure deadline begins or when authorities could carry out the removal.

A person who applies for a residence permit or an extension and receives a negative decision will be considered to be staying illegally immediately after the decision, unless they have other valid grounds for residence. Submitting a new residence permit application after legal residence has ended will no longer restore legal status. Permits may only be granted in such cases under narrowly defined exceptions.

Johanna Waal, Director of the Legal and Specialist Services Unit at the Finnish Immigration Service, said that late applications must be supported by compelling reasons, such as serious illness. Each application will be considered individually, she stated, adding that all applications will now undergo a closer assessment regarding the applicants legal status.

Persons facing removal must cooperate with authorities throughout the process. Refusal to cooperate may result in an entry ban. An entry ban may also be imposed without a hearing if the person is outside Finland, or if they are found to have submitted false information or concealed relevant facts.

The maximum length for a fixed-term entry ban has been tripled from 5 to 15 years. Indefinite bans remain possible. Bans typically apply to the entire Schengen Area.

The amendments also extend the maximum detention period for foreign nationals. A person subject to a removal order can now be held for up to 18 months, an increase from the previous 12-month limit. In cases where national security or public order is at risk, the initial detention before a removal decision can also last up to 12 months, up from 6.

The Finnish Immigration Service now has authority to impose residence or reporting obligations on adult asylum seekers living in reception centres. Detention decisions remain under the authority of the police or border officials, while the Immigration Service oversees the operation of detention units.

Under the revised law, an individual may remain in Finland until the removal decision becomes enforceable, even after losing legal residence status. They may file a new application on different grounds during this period, but such an application will not halt enforcement.

Appeals are still permitted, but lodging an appeal does not make the individuals residence legal during the process. Applicants for international protection do not need to be legally resident when applying, but if a repeat asylum application is submitted after a negative decision, the Immigration Service decides whether it will be processed. In such cases, continued residence is not guaranteed.

HT
In Tuesdays vote, Merz received 310 votes in the Bundestag, six short of the absolute majority of 316 needed. The result marked the first time in the post-war Federal Republics history that a chancellor-designate did not pass the initial parliamentary ballot.

Friedrich Merz has failed to secure the required majority to become Germanys next chancellor, in a surprising defeat that has triggered calls for new elections by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Out of 630 members of parliament, 621 cast valid votes. Merz, the leader of the centre-right CDU-CSU bloc, faced 307 votes against his candidacy.

The outcome was expected to be a formality. The CDU-CSU bloc, having won Februarys national election with 28.5 percent of the vote, had already formed a coalition agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which won just 16.4 percent in its worst post-war result. Together they hold 328 seats in the Bundestag.

Merzs failure to convert that majority into a successful confirmation raised questions about discipline within the coalition. Some members of the alliance are believed to have abstained or voted against their own candidate.

This is an embarrassing beginning, wrote Heikki Aittokoski, political commentator for Helsingin Sanomat. A majority government failed to deliver a majority.

The far-right AfD, which placed third in Februarys vote, responded by calling for snap elections. Merz must step aside, said Alice Weidel, the partys co-leader. AfD deputies celebrated openly in the parliamentary chamber following the vote.

The Bundestag now has up to two weeks to elect a chancellor with an absolute majority. If a third round is needed, a simple majority will suffice. The next vote will not take place immediately, German media reported on Tuesday evening.

A second vote could be held later this week or early next week. If no candidate is confirmed after three rounds, the president of Germany can either appoint the candidate who received the most votes or call a new election.

The failed vote complicates the formation of a stable government in Berlin at a time when European partners are looking for renewed leadership from Germany. The delay also casts uncertainty over key policy areas, including military funding and support for Ukraine, which Merz had pledged to increase.

We must be capable of defending ourselves, so we dont have to defend ourselves, Merz said in a campaign speech earlier this year.

The 69-year-old Merz previously led the CDU parliamentary group before being pushed aside by Angela Merkel in the early 2000s. After a long stint in the private sector, including work for US investment firm BlackRock, he returned to frontline politics in 2021.

In 2022, he became CDU party leader and has served as opposition leader since. His political platform has included major infrastructure reform, a strengthening of the Bundeswehr, and firm backing for NATO and Ukraine.

Despite his narrow loss, Merz remains the frontrunner to become chancellor. But the failed vote raises doubts about his coalition's unity and its ability to govern effectively.

HT
At least 19 drones targeted Moscow on Monday night, Russian authorities said. Flights were suspended at four airports in the capital as debris from intercepted drones fell onto roadways.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted air traffic in Moscow and forced the cancellation of key military parades in occupied Crimea, dealing a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the May 9 Victory Day celebrations.

Russias Ministry of Defence claimed it had destroyed 105 drones across the country overnight.

The attacks follow a weekend strike in which a Ukrainian sea drone destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near Novorossiysk, marking the first time Ukraine has downed a military aircraft using naval drones.

In response to escalating strikes, local officials in Sevastopol and Krasnodar cancelled their regional Victory Day events citing security risks. The Russian defence ministry mandated the cancellations. We cannot risk the lives of residents or participants, said Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of Krasnodar.

Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany, is central to Putins political narrative. This years celebration marks the 80th anniversary of that victory, and is expected to include a military parade in Moscows Red Square with international guests, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Wednesday and attend the main ceremony on Friday. According to the Kremlin, the two leaders will also sign bilateral agreements.

However, the heightened security situation is dampening plans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned international leaders of potential dangers, stating Ukraine cannot ensure their safety on Russian territory. He dismissed Putins recent declaration of a three-day ceasefire as political theatre and called instead for a month-long truce.

Ukraine will not play along just to help Putin emerge from isolation, Zelensky said in a national address.

Reports indicate that some leaders may be reconsidering attendance. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was expected but later cited illness. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has not confirmed his participation.

The decision to call off the parade in Sevastopol, the symbolic heart of Russias Black Sea Fleet, has been seen as a significant loss of face for the Kremlin. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian military assets in Crimea, undermining Moscows control over the annexed region.

The cancellation also underscores growing concerns over Russias ability to secure even its most fortified areas. Ukrainian military sources said Kyiv continues to maintain a presence in the Russian border region of Kursk.

Despite the disruptions, Putin remains scheduled to lead the Red Square parade. Foreign dignitaries have been invited, but attendance lists remain fluid due to the security climate.

The Kremlin has yet to comment officially on the parade cancellations or recent drone attacks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces appear intent on challenging the symbolism and staging of Russias Victory Day through targeted disruptions, both militarily and diplomatically.

The war, now in its third year, shows little sign of abating. Russia continues to carry out missile strikes in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported at least three civilian deaths from attacks on Monday.

Putins attempts to frame Russias actions in Ukraine within the legacy of the Second World War have become a key ideological component of the war narrative. But the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes and the visible impact on traditional state events suggest a fragile hold on both territory and public image.

HT
China is a steadfast actor in promoting global green development

10:49, May 06, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Photo shows the first Phase of the Mafeteng Solar Power Plant Project built by a Chinese company in Lesotho. (Photo by Dai Kairan/People's Daily)

On April 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech via video link at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition. He called on countries to adhere to multilateralism, deepen international cooperation, accelerate the just transition, and strengthen results-oriented actions - charting the course for enhancing solidarity and cooperation in global endeavors for climate governance.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). In today's world, global climate governance is facing multiple challenges. Some major country's persistent pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously impacted global climate governance.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2024 was the warmest year on record, accompanied by devastating and extreme weather. The UN has repeatedly warned that global warming is accelerating, leaving no room for setbacks in climate governance, and meeting long-term temperature targets will require urgent and intensified efforts.

Multilateralism remains the most effective solution to the global challenge of climate change, with solidarity and cooperation the only viable path forward.

As the international situation becomes more volatile and turbulent, there is an even greater need for all countries to firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and firmly safeguard international fairness and justice.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement are the fundamental legal basis for international cooperation on addressing climate change. Although unilateralism and protectionism has seriously impacted international rules and the international order, history will, as always, move forward through twists and turns.

It is essential for all countries to uphold the spirit of solidarity and cooperation. They should rise above estrangement and conflict with openness and inclusiveness, boost technological innovation and industrial transformation through cooperation, and facilitate the free flow of quality green technologies and products, so that they can be accessible, affordable and beneficial for all countries, especially the developing ones.

China will continue to support other developing countries, particularly Small Island Developing States, least developed countries, and African nations, through South-South cooperation on climate change, contributing positive energy and creating favorable conditions for multilateral climate governance.

Effective climate action must be rooted in the realities of each country. Respect for different starting points, development stages, and national conditions and capacities is critical to ensuring a just transition - one that unfolds within the framework of sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Green transformation is not only an essential response to climate change, but a new engine for economic and social development. Such transformation must be people-centered and pursued in a way that advances the well-being of people and climate governance in tandem, and strike a balance between multiple goals including environmental protection, economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

All parties should earnestly honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries are obliged to extend assistance and support to developing countries, help drive the global shift toward green and low-carbon development, and contribute to the common and long-term well-being of people of all countries.

Photo shows wind turbines to be shipped abroad at a terminal in east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo by Xu Congjun/People's Daily Online)

Harmony between man and nature is a defining feature of Chinese modernization, and China is a steadfast actor and major contributor in promoting global green development.

China is one of the initial parties to the UNFCCC and among the first signatories and ratifiers of the Paris Agreement. It is home to 70 percent of the photovoltaic components and 60 percent of wind power equipment worldwide, and contributes a quarter of the world's newly-added area of afforestation.

The country has ramped up its green and low-carbon transition, leading the world in the speed and scale of "greening." It has built the world's largest and most complete new energy industrial chain, providing strong momentum for international cooperation on climate change and driving the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

China will announce its 2035 nationally determined contributions covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases before the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that this newly announced commitment to cutting emissions goals is "extremely important" for global climate action.

Climate change is a common challenge of all humanity, and addressing it demands a collective response. However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

China is ready to work with all parties, keeping in mind the progress of humanity and the well-being of all people, to earnestly honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, do the utmost respectively and collectively, and build a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world together.

New energy vehicles (NEVs) are assembled in a workshop of a smart factory of Chinese NEV maker Leapmotor in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo by Hu Xiaofei/People's Daily Online)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Du Mingming)
U.S. footwear giant Skechers to be sold under shadow of Trump's tariffs

Xinhua) 11:06, May 06, 2025

LOS ANGELES, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Skechers, the third-largest footwear firm by sales in the United States, announced Monday it would be sold in a deal valued at 9.4 billion U.S. dollars, days after the company signed a letter warning the country's footwear industry could be totally damaged by the huge tariffs imposed by the White House.

According to a joint statement by Skechers and the private equity firm 3G Capital, the latter would pay 63 U.S. dollars per outstanding share for Skechers in a deal both companies expect to close later this year, valuing the footwear brand at 9.4 billion dollars.

They said Skechers would become a privately held company once the deal closes, as Skechers' chief executive Robert Greenberg would remain in the role and continue overseeing the company's strategy.

In Monday's press release announcing the deal, the companies did not mention the potential impacts of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on its business. However, all news outlets linked the deal to the tariffs since almost all the company's sales last year came from shoes made in Asia and about two-thirds of the revenue came from sales outside the United States.

This deal occurred amid tumult in the industry. Skechers signed a letter issued on April 29 with Nike and Adidas and others, warning the president that his tariffs policy posed an "existential threat" to the U.S. footwear industry.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, along with more than 80 leading U.S. footwear firms, on last Tuesday sent a letter to Trump urging him to exempt footwear from his administration's so-called "reciprocal tariff" plan.

"We are hit particularly hard by the tariff actions, because the U.S. government already places a significant tariff burden on our industry before any new tariffs are added," the letter read.

The letter cited children's shoes as example, saying which had "rates of 20 percent, 37.5 percent, and higher, before accounting for the reciprocal tariffs" and the new tariffs forced the companies to pay tariffs ranging from "more than 150 percent to nearly 220 percent."

The letter noted that Trump's tariffs "would not drive shoe manufacturing back to the U.S." On the contrary, the new tariffs would remove the "business certainty" that the industry needs in order to take on significant capital investment in the machinery and materials to produce shoes in the United States.

These companies, including Nike, Adidas, Skechers, among others, warned that they were "deeply concerned about imminent U.S. footwear job losses, added costs for consumers, and reduced consumer spending that will fundamentally hamper our industry and harm the entire U.S. economy."

Skechers has about 5,300 retail stores worldwide, about 1,800 company-owned. The company reported a record 9 billion dollars in revenue in 2024 with net earnings of 640 million dollars.

The Southern California-based company's stock tumbled in recent months amid tariff concerns. The company's first-quarter results missed Wall Street's expectations.

In April, Skechers also pulled its full-year outlook while citing "macroeconomic uncertainty stemming from global trade policies," as CFO John Vandemore likened the economic environment to the pandemic, suggesting the company was mitigating the impact of Trump's tariffs by sharing costs with vendors and adjusting prices.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
In a highly-anticipated meeting at the Oval Office with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Donald Trump doubled down on his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state, calling it a "wonderful marriage" that would provide Canadians with tax cuts and military protection but acknowledging that it is not solely his decision to make.

"It takes two to tango," said Trump when asked about his past comments. "But we're not going to be discussing that unless someone wants to discuss it." The president has encouraged Canada to become "our Cherished 51st State" in several occasions in the past, going as far as to refer to the ex Primer Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor Trudeau."

REPORTER: You have said Canada should becoming the 51st state



TRUMP: I still believe that. But it takes two to tango. pic.twitter.com/rWbvq2bhPK  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 6, 2025

Primer Minister Carney, however, was quick to offer his response to Trump's comments just moments later, making his government's position clear:

"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. We're sitting in one now... Having met with the owners of Canada during that last several months. It's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever"

Carney added that there are opportunities for a good partnership between both goverments and that he's looking forward to what they can build together.

Carney to Trump: "There are some places that are never for sale ... having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever." pic.twitter.com/B9zVjwGPa7  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 6, 2025

Just minutes before the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social that he looked forward to meeting Carney but claimed the U.S. gives Canada "too much support" and receives "nothing" in returnexcept "friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain."

Carney, on his end, approached the meeting with cautious resolve, as The Washington Post pointed out. Ahead of the visit, Carney stated that both countries' relationship "based on steadily increasing integration, is over and that his government would fight to get the best deal for Canada.

"In parallel, we will strengthen our relationships with reliable trading partners and allies," implying that Washington no longer fit that description. "I am not pretending those discussions will be easy," Carney before the meeting with Trump.

Originally published on Latin Times
Thousands of students and workers demonstrated in Panama on Tuesday over a planned increase in the US military presence around the country's vital interoceanic shipping canal and other government policies.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to "take back" control of the Panama Canal that the United States built and controlled until 1999.

To deflect the pressure, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino agreed last month to allow US military personnel to deploy to Panamanian-controlled bases along the canal for training, exercises and "other activities."

The deal, which was seen as a major concession to Trump, has met with pushback from Panamanians, who oppose any perceived infringement of their country's sovereignty after a 1989 US invasion to depose then-leader General Manuel Noriega.

Tuesday's demonstration in Panama City, the biggest in three weeks of strikes and protests, was also called to protest Mulino's bid to reopen a huge open-pit copper mine as well as social security reforms.

"Since Mulino took office (in July 2024), everything has gone to hell," 27-year-old student Isaac Alba, who took part in the demonstration, told AFP.
Inbound trip orders to China up 130% during Labor Day holiday: platform

Global Times) 14:24, May 06, 2025

Data from travel platforms have shown that inbound tourism orders to China increased by 130 percent during the five-day Labor Day holiday. Foreign tourists are not only targeting China's major metropolises but also choosing smaller cities to seek diversified experiences. Many travelers have also made purchases in the country, taking advantage of its newly released tax refund policies.

Experts said that as well as boosting the country's consumption and tourism sectors, the influx of international tourists to China also enables foreigners to gain first-hand experience of the real China, thereby enhancing the country's international image.

The number of inbound tourism orders surged by 130 percent year-on-year during the five-day Labor Day holiday starting Thursday, with many foreign travelers immersing themselves in agricultural experiences and "shopping in China", which has become a new trend, Trip.com Group, a global travel service provider, told the Global Times on Monday.

The 240-hour visa-free policy and the refund-upon-purchase policy for tax-free shopping have comprehensively boosted inbound tourism for the holiday, according to a news release sent to the Global Times by Chinese travel platform Qunar.

In terms of the countries of origin for inbound tourism, tourists from the US, South Korea, and Japan account for the highest proportion. Among them, tourists from Australia saw the highest year-on-year growth rate, reaching 1.5 times; the growth rates of tourists from Vietnam and Canada also exceeded 80 percent, according to Qunar.

Judging by the booking of domestic flights on the Qunar platform during the holiday with non-Chinese passports, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou still rank among the top five destinations for inbound tourism. However, cities such as Chengdu, Xiamen, Nanjing, Chongqing, and Haikou have witnessed an increase of inbound tourists.

From May 1 to 3, Beijing saw 27,000 inbound trips, up 80.8 percent from last year, while Guangzhou saw 154,000 inbound trips, up 23 percent, according to border authorities. The Shanghai Border Inspection Station projected 594,000 passenger trips at the city's various ports between May 1 and 5, a year-on-year rise of 30.7 percent.

In addition to first-tier cities, foreign travelers are also beginning to deeply explore more places in China. Cities such as Zhuhai, Suzhou, and Foshan witnessed an increase of foreign travelers during the holiday.

A Norwegian traveler named Vebj rn told the Global Times that he was impressed by his experience in Chongqing. "How do you capture the essence of a place like this?... the land of skyscrapers stacked up against the mountain walls. Extremely spicy and delicious hotpot to rattle your senses and torture your belly. Wandering in the neon night and creating a thousand memories. I truly love this city."

"One of the first things that impressed me the most was how efficient everything is in China. Anything can be ordered and delivered incredibly fast no matter where you are. Transportation is also very punctual. And I was very impressed by how many enormous cities there are, each with their own unique charm," said Vebj rn.

During the holiday, a video of a foreign traveler who went down to the fields to till the land with local famers in the Longji Rice Terraces in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region went viral on China's social media. Netizens joked that the holiday is indeed the International Workers' Day, and the tourist has fully embraced the spirit of the holiday.

Sunny, a person in charge of marketing at the farm in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan scenic area that is famed for its towering quartz sandstone pillars, revealed that since April, overseas orders from countries including the US, Italy, and Spain have significantly increased. In addition to the landscape scenery of Zhangjiajie, tourists are showing growing keenness to participate in farming activities such as catching fish in the paddy fields and catching loaches, financial magazine Caijing reported.

In addition, topics with hashtags such as "shopping spree in Shanghai" and "foreigners going to Yiwu for purchases with suitcases" went viral on social media during the Labor Day holiday. The visa-free policy plus refund-upon-purchase policy for tax-free shopping and other measures have incentivized foreign travelers to place more purchases during their trips in China.

According to data from Trip.com Group, during the holiday, inbound tourism orders in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Yiwu, all shopping-friendly cities, increased by 138 percent, 188 percent, and 60 percent respectively year-on-year.

To welcome more international travelers, China has expanded visa-free policies to allow longer stays and wider travel within the country, simplified visa procedures, and introduced new conveniences such as instant tax refunds for departing visitors.

China was expected to see an average of 2.15 million daily border crossings during the five-day May Day holiday, representing a 27 percent increase from last year, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on April 28.

First-hand experience

The influx of foreign travelers can be attributed to China's openness, its world-class infrastructure designed to handle the surge in visitors, and the impact of numerous travel influencers. For example, US influencer IShowSpeed's livestreams have offered a glimpse into the real China, Tian Yun, an economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times.

"I've been dreaming of visiting China for so long, and I finally made it! Shanghai is everything I hoped for and more  modern, vibrant, and full of surprises. The people are incredibly kind, the food is amazing, and everything is so convenient," said Andres Reis, a Portuguese who came to China for the first time at the end of April.

As the government is now cultivating tourism consumption as a new economic growth point, the influx of inbound tourists and the enthusiasm for domestic consumption during the Labor Day holiday are likely to play a positive role in giving the economic data for May a good start, Tian said.

He noted that, especially against the backdrop of US tariffs against China, this tourism and consumption spree could serve as an effective hedge.

"China's inbound consumption holds great growth potential," said Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping at a press conference in April, noting that in 2024, spending by overseas visitors accounted for about 0.5 percent of the country's GDP, compared with one to three percent in major economies.

Moreover, amid the current complicated international background, more foreigners visiting China to gain first-hand experience of what China really is and the achievements the country has made in the past years is of vital importance for our international image, said Tian.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, opens Kimpton Main Frankfurt, the brand's first hotel in Germany and a vibrant new addition to Kimpton's growing global portfolio. Located in the heart of Frankfurt's financial district, within the iconic new FOUR Frankfurt development, Kimpton Main Frankfurt seamlessly blends the brand's bold, design-forward identity with the dynamic energy, rich history, and culture of one of Germany's most cosmopolitan cities.

The hotel features 155 thoughtfully curated guest rooms and suites, drawing inspiration from the 20th-century Bauhaus design movement and the building's former life as the headquarters of Deutsche Bank. Blurring the lines between art, craft, and design, Bauhaus championed functionality, simplicity, and mass production  characterised by geometric shapes, minimal ornamentation, and modern materials such as steel and glass.

At Kimpton Main Frankfurt, this aesthetic is reimagined through a contemporary lens. Cool, minimalist touches like chrome and crystal are balanced by rich, tactile elements including velvet, deep green and red marble, and dark mahogany wood  creating an environment that feels both refined and welcoming.

Food and drink have always been a cornerstone of the brand, so in true Kimpton style, Kimpton Main Frankfurt features standout destination dining and social spaces, quickly set to become locally loved favourites:

MAY - Where America meets Frankfurt in a celebration of craft cocktails - from a classic dry Martini to signature gin or whiskey drinks like the Ernst May or the Moriarty. MAY serves as the living room of the neighbourhood a space to work, relax, and connect.

- Where America meets Frankfurt in a celebration of craft cocktails - from a classic dry Martini to signature gin or whiskey drinks like the Ernst May or the Moriarty. MAY serves as the living room of the neighbourhood a space to work, relax, and connect. ANNI - A modern European brasserie with a distinctly Germanic accent is a go-to for locals and visitors seeking a playful take on classic brasserie dining. Menu options range from French onion soup and beef or tuna tartar, to Moules Frites and Wiener Schnitzel.

- A modern European brasserie with a distinctly Germanic accent is a go-to for locals and visitors seeking a playful take on classic brasserie dining. Menu options range from French onion soup and beef or tuna tartar, to Moules Frites and Wiener Schnitzel. LAZULI - A rooftop escape above the city offering panoramic skyline views. Sophisticated yet laid-back, LAZULI serves Mediterranean-inspired sharing dishes and innovative cocktailsperfect for sunset socialising or weekend celebrations.

As with all Kimpton hotels, guests at Kimpton Main Frankfurt can enjoy unexpected perks and signature touches including in-room yoga mats, complimentary bikes for urban exploration as well as the beloved Kimpton Kickstart and Social hour - inviting guests to gather and connect over drinks and conversation. For those travelling with their furry, feathery, or scaly family members, at Kimpton Main Frankfurt, pets are always welcome no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. The Kimpton "Forgot It? We've Got It!" programme offers guests access to a selection of curated items they may have left behind, from lint rollers to static spray, hair straighteners or personal care items.

Kimpton was founded in 1981 by entrepreneur and frequent traveler Bill Kimpton, who was on a mission to break the mould of conventional, impersonal hospitality. Inspired by his travels to Europe, Bill saw an opportunity in the United States for a hotel experience that was more than a place to stay, but rather a place to experience, feel a sense of belonging and explore the destination.

Kimpton Main Frankfurt is the latest addition to Kimpton's growing portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels across Europe. It joins Kimpton Fitzroy London, Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, and Kimpton St. Honore Paris, alongside exciting new openings including Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella and Kimpton Atlantico Algarve.

For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel's website here or follow on Instagram. IHG One Rewards members can also book directly using the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

Hotel website
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island announces the promotion of Budi Widodo to General Manager. With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Budi brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service excellence to his new role. He joined Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island in September 2023, and has taken the island to new levels with his management.

Budi's journey in hospitality began as a teenager working as a bartender and wine bar assistant. His career trajectory saw him take on various roles, including cruise ship butler and service captain, before transitioning into luxury hotels. In 2001, he became assistant restaurant manager at Park Lane Hotel in Jakarta, quickly advancing to head bar Manager. He further honed his skills at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta and Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, before joining Four Seasons in 2010 as Food and Beverage Director at Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta.

His tenure with Four Seasons continued with significant positions at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and the former Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai. In 2017, he was appointed Hotel Manager in Shanghai, a role that showcased his leadership and operational expertise, and then made a brief return to Ritz-Carlton as hotel manager in Sanya, China.

Under his leadership, the resort has garnered acclaim, including being named the top resort in the Seychelles by Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers' Choice Awards 2024. Budi attributes this success to the dedication of his team and their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Most recently, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island won the Four Seasons Guest Loyalty Property Pinnacle Award for Europe, Middle East and Africa, showcasing the outstanding contribution day in day out by all the staff led by Budi. Other new beginnings saw the opening of AHI, the resort's Japanese venue, where sensory East meets West dining experience in late 2024. Budi and the team currently have other exciting projects in the pipeline for the coming year that include areas in recreation, food and beverage.

Beyond is his passion about mentoring emerging talent in the hospitality industry and is deeply involved in the local community. In his personal time, Budi enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, attending music festivals, and indulging in his love for Formula 1 racing, jogging, cooking, and fishing.
Hotel Hero

n is pleased to announce the appointment of its new General Manager, Matt Karow, to lead the property team at the hotel.

As General Manager, he'll be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of Hotel Heron, including guest services, team leadership, strategic planning, and brand development. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel as it continues to position itself as a premier destination in Alexandria's vibrant hospitality scene.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Karow brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role and the Hotel Heron team. Karow's career began with Hyatt Regency and included management roles in Milwaukee, Rochester NY, and St. Louis. He then joined Highgate in 2013, where he held executive positions at Hyatt Arlington and Hyatt Regency Bethesda, as well as special assignments at Boston Park Plaza and Inn of Chicago. In 2019, Karow returned to the Washington D.C. area as Opening General Manager of Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria. Prior to returning to Alexandria, he most recently held General Manager positions in Florida at The Daytona Hotel, Autograph Collection and the Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection in Sarasota.
Core Hospitality has restructured and rebranded 14 of its hotels, resulting in new executive roles for key leaders Birgitte Nrgaard and Jytte Vestergaard. Formerly jointly responsible for operations, they now take on specialized director roles to drive growth and operational excellence across 20 Nordic hotels.

New roles with sharpened focus

Jytte Vestergaard  Operations Director, Four Points Flex by Sheraton and Kirk Suites

As the operational leader for the 14 Four Points Flex by Sheraton hotels in Denmark and Kirk Suites, Jytte Vestergaard will be responsible for implementing new brand standards, ensuring operational efficiency, and creating a strong guest experience within the midscale segment.

It is an honor to lead this new phase for our hotels. Four Points Flex became a key piece of our overall portfolio almost overnight  and with the shift from the economy segment to the midscale segment, we have a solid foundation for future growth. With another hotel opening next year in Glostrup, I look forward to taking on this challenge. Jytte Vestergaard

Birgitte Nrgaard  Cluster General Manager and Operations Director, Upper Midscale Brands

Birgitte will take on a dual role as Cluster General Manager for Fairfield and Residence Inn by Marriott in Copenhagen and Operations Director for Core Hospitalitys other upper midscale hotels: Moxy Hotels in Troms and Bergen, and A Place To Hotel in Esbjerg, which will soon be rebranded to an Element by Westin hotel.

With this new structure, we can be more agile and place a stronger focus on operational quality. I particularly look forward to developing and strengthening our upper midscale hotels in collaboration with our teams in both Denmark and Norway. Our guests demand quality and authenticity, and we are ready to deliver exactly that. Birgitte Nrgaard

Strengthened leadership structure to ensure growth and differentiation

With this new structure, each segment  midscale and upper midscale  will have dedicated leadership anchored in local and international Marriott brand standards. This makes Core Hospitality even better equipped to achieve scalable growth, improved guest satisfaction, and strong partnerships.

Focusing on operations and segmentation, Peter Haaber, CEO of Core Hospitality, adds: As our portfolio grows, it is essential that our leadership evolves. By appointing Jytte Vestergaard and Birgitte Nrgaard to these new roles, we are committing to higher operational quality and ensuring dedicated strategic focus on our various brands. This strengthens both the guest experience and our partnerships.

About Core Hospitality

Core Hospitality is a Danish hotel operator that is independent of brands and flexible to operate under any type of contract. The company can implement and operate whichever brand best suits the property and location of a hotel. Core Hospitality was established by Zleep Hotels and has since established a strong, independent portfolio of hotels; 14 Zleep Hotels in Denmark (due to be rebranded to Four Points Flex by Sheraton), two Moxy Hotels in Norway, a Fairfield by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott in Copenhagen, and the Kirk Suites in Vejle. Its confirmed pipeline includes Element by Westin

Esbjerg, Moxy Aarhus and Four Points Flex by Sheraton Glostrup. Read more at corehospitality.dk or follow us on LinkedIn.

Peter Haaber

CEO, Core Hospitality A/S

+45 51 57 87 00

Core Hospitality
First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, recognized its 2024 Inner Circle winners during a weeklong trip to Panama from March 15  21, 2025. Each year, First Hospitalitys Inner Circle Award recognizes the top-performing general managers across the companys portfolio.

The Inner Circle Award is presented to 10 general managers who demonstrate outstanding performance across a comprehensive range of hotel metrics. Selection criteria includes room and total revenue versus budget, RevPAR index and rank, gross operating profit margins, flex and flow, guest service scores, brand quality assurance results, associate satisfaction, and turnover rates.

Winners of the Inner Circle Award are treated to a weeklong international trip, with Panama serving as this years destination. Each winner was invited to bring a guest, for an all-expenses-paid experience that included accommodations at the Waldorf Astoria Panama, roundtrip airfare, meals, beverages, and a range of curated activities. Highlights of the itinerary included a visit to the Biomuseo and Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, an Embera cultural immersion, a beach day on Mogo Mogo Island, and more. First Hospitalitys President and CEO, David Duncan, and Executive Chairman Sam Schwartz joined the group during the late-March trip.

The Inner Circle trip is our way of recognizing the outstanding general managers who lead with excellence across every facet of hotel performance. It was an honor to celebrate their achievements in Panama. The trip has become a standout moment on the company calendar - a meaningful way to recognize top performers while deepening connections across the First Hospitality team. David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality

Demonstrating its commitment to a People First culture, First Hospitality promoted over 150 team members in 2024. The company also saw a 9-point increase in employee retention compared to industry peers, along with a 16-point lead in Great Place to Work ratings - clear reflections of First Hospitalitys continued focus on associate satisfaction and development.

Additional marquee awards honoring associates include First Hospitalitys Live Free Drive Free Award, honoring associates who achieve perfect attendance for an entire calendar year. More than 1,000 associates qualified for this award in 2024, representing nearly 30% of all associates, a new record for the company. Winners receive the choice of a new car and auto insurance for one year, or have their rent or mortgage paid for one year, up to $1,500/month. This years winner selected Live Free. The Pace Setter Award honored five sales leaders who not only exceed their annual team booking goals, but also significantly grew BT and Group RevPAR share.

Our talented associates are the backbone of First Hospitality. Their dedication and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences are what drive our success. Our marquee awards spotlight their hard work and reflect the strong culture we've built together. David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality

For more information about First Hospitality and its portfolio of hotels, please visit: firsthospitality.com.

About First Hospitality

First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded, lifestyle and independent properties along with a portfolio of restaurants & bars located throughout the United States. Founded 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality's success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Conde Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com.

Bridget Fairless

First Hospitality
A bold new hotel brand - Edit Hotels & Resorts  officially launches today with four properties across New Zealand. Designed for value-conscious travellers, Edit celebrates the simple pleasures of travel, offering a fresh, fuss-free way to stay well without compromise.

Created by the team behind luxury hospitality group Fable Hotels & Resorts, the Edit Hotels & Resorts collection features a portfolio of recently refurbished properties, including Edit Auckland Central (formerly President Hotel), Edit Auckland Greenlane (formerly Greenlane Suites), Edit Picton (formerly Picton Yacht Club Hotel), and Edit Hanmer Springs (formerly Hanmer Springs Hotel).

Edit is for the savvy traveller from families looking for value, business travellers needing seamless connectivity, or travel hackers who know how to make the most of every trip. We designed Edit Hotels & Resorts to be affordable without ever feeling cheap. Its smart, comfortable, and uncluttered - ideal for guests who would rather spend more on experiencing the destination, than the room they sleep in. Lisa Breckon, Director of Sales and Marketing

Each Edit property offers a mid-scale accommodation experience that blends comfort and convenience without the unnecessary extras. Think reliable Wi-Fi, restful beds, and seamless service, all in well-located properties that keep things simple yet stylish at an affordable price.

Edit Hanmer Springs and Edit Picton also feature dedicated conference and event spaces  catering for up to 250 guests in Hanmer and 100 in Picton  offering smart, flexible venues ideal for meetings, retreats, and special occasions in two of New Zealands most scenic locations.

Edit is embracing a digital-first approach to deliver a more seamless and connected guest experience. Digital compendiums, interactive activity booklets, and digital business cards are already available across all properties, with Chromecast streaming and paperless check-in currently in development to further enhance the journey.

Edit Hotels & Resorts are committed to making a meaningful difference beyond the in-house guest experience, proudly working alongside local schools to support tamariki and whanau in need. These initiatives include:

In Auckland, Edit partners with Bailey Road School in Mt Wellington, supplying students with school bags, stationery, and drink bottles to ease the financial pressure on families, in addition to sponsoring a leadership programme for Year 7 and 8 students. A summer work experience initiative is also in the planning to give students the chance to build confidence and capability outside the classroom.

In Picton, Edit provides termly financial contributions to support Picton School students experiencing challenges such as low attendance and financial hardship. Funding covers access to sports, extracurricular activities, household essentials, and school stationery to remove barriers to learning and participation.

In Hanmer Springs, Edit sponsors weekly school lunches at Hanmer Springs School ensuring students in need receive at least one nourishing meal a week to help them stay focused and ready to learn.

Being part of a community means more than just operating in it; its about lending a hand and building meaningful, long-term relationships, continues Lisa. Were proud that each Edit property gives back to local school children and families who need a little extra support in a way thats personal, tangible, and truly makes a difference.

Edit Hotels & Resorts is all about simple pleasures and creating space for what truly matters: rest, connection, and the joy of travel without excess. With a design ethos rooted in minimalism and warmth, Edit welcomes business and leisure travellers seeking to stay smart, sleep well, and spend less, without sacrificing style.

For more, visit www.edithotelsandresorts.com

Wanderlust. That thirst to escape the mundane, to find somewhere and something truly unique. A tale to tell that is ours alone. Fable is borne of this yearning  yours, and ours. We wanted to create something unforgettable; something we would treasure, and each of our guests would treasure too.

New Zealand owned, our team are locals and the Kiwi spirit of warmth and ingenuity is woven into our DNA.

When CPG created Fable, we dreamt of elevating boutique hotels to another place, with bespoke experiences that offer more than simply a luxurious place to lay ones head (though, that is part of what we do, too). But rather, a curated experience bringing the best of contemporary world-class hospitality, combined with artful details to enjoy, and twists of local wisdom and flavour.

Each Fable property has a unique character utterly its own. Inherently local, consistently different, our promise is that any Fable location a guest visits will invoke the sort of unique experience that imprints deeply, calls to be relived, and leaves one longing to return to a place and moment again and again.

With an eye for the remarkable locations, talented people and unique touches that set an experience apart, CPG has established a collection of 13 properties in 6 locations across New Zealand (and growing). Bringing the Fable experience to life in many of these properties is the next step on our journey.

Fables first locations, newly refurbished and each full of rare character, will open their doors from mid-2020. Starting with an exclusive 11-room boutique hotel in Ponsonby Auckland, and the historic Wains Hotel in Dunedin, we will soon after turn our sights towards transforming several iconic Auckland destinations for a new era, soon to be announced. Stay tuned for our next chapters...

Ginni Post

Fable Hotels & Resorts
Knowing what makes the industry tick and how it should deal with challenges: as the world's leading tourism trade show kicks off, interested parties can look forward to the publication of the ITB Travel & Tourism Report 2025/2026. Totalling 32 pages, it offers far-reaching insights into how the tourism industry views digitalisation and disruption and provides 20 takeaways with specific recommendations for action on the future role of marketing in tourism. The report was based on a three-part survey by the global travel community carried out between summer 2024 and the beginning of 2025, in collaboration with Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and a number of industry experts.

It can be purchased in digital form at the following link.

Key topics of the report

In view of the dynamic nature of our times, the report focuses on three key questions:

 How marketing in tourism is currently changing

 The role that sustainability and the digital transformation play

 How AI is currently changing the industry

The report also sheds light on the impact of politics and social influences, the challenges they pose and why crisis management and resilience are more important than ever before.

Tourism industry on course for success - but challenges remain

The authors of the report note that the international tourism industry is on course for success again after the end of the coronavirus pandemic. As the ITB Berlin Convention opens, most companies can look back on a financial year with high booking figures and dynamic growth. Nevertheless, the industry faces numerous tasks and challenges, and the pressure to innovate and adapt is growing steadily. The ongoing digital transformation, new opportunities and uncertainties in the field of AI as well as changing customer markets and habits require considerable investment in IT infrastructure, marketing and expertise.

What is more, many traditional tour operators, hotels and distributors as well as numerous tourist destination companies have so far resisted tackling these tasks. Medium-sized companies in particular are currently not sufficiently prepared to meet the complex challenges. As a result, there is a risk they will lag behind large platform providers and technology companies in an increasingly competitive environment. The business world of the future will be characterised more than ever by the availability of data.

Investing in data and collaboration is key to success

The report reveals that targeted investment in data infrastructure, analysis and management is essential for digital visibility and successful customer communications. In addition to technological aspects, the authors of the report highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the tourism industry. Traditional core competencies remain key to positioning and personnel management, while sustainability and resilience require transformative skills. Furthermore, technological expertise and the targeted use of AI are crucial to achieving a successful digital transformation.

For more Details please visit itb.com/reports.
Studio Suite at Kimpton Main Frankfurt Hotel - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG's Kimpton brand opens its first hotel in Germany, in Frankfurt's financial district, as part of the new FOUR Frankfurt development.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its Kimpton brand to Germany with the opening of the Kimpton Main Frankfurt Hotel. It is located in the heart of Frankfurt's financial district, within the new FOUR Frankfurt development.

Kimpton Main Frankfurt features 155 guest rooms and suites, drawing design inspiration from the 20th-century Bauhaus movement and the building's previous function as the Deutsche Bank headquarters. The hotel's aesthetic combines minimalist elements with rich, tactile touches, creating a refined and inviting atmosphere.

The hotel offers various dining options and social spaces, including: - MAY, a lounge serving craft cocktails - ANNI, a European brasserie with Germanic influences - LAZULI, a rooftop venue providing skyline views, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and innovative cocktails.

Guests at Kimpton Main Frankfurt can enjoy in-room yoga mats, complimentary bikes for urban exploration, and the Kimpton Kickstart and Social hour. The hotel also welcomes pets of all sizes, weights, or breeds at no extra charge.

The Frankfurt venue joins existing Kimpton hotels in London, Barcelona, and Paris and upcoming openings in Marbella and Algarve. It is the latest addition to Kimpton's expanding portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels across Europe.
The Radical Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina - Image Credit Hilton

The Radical Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina - Image Credit Hilton

The Radical Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina - Image Credit Hilton

The Radical Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina - Image Credit Hilton



The Radical Hotel, a boutique hotel in Asheville's River Arts District, has joined the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which hosts nearly 160 independent hotels globally.

The Radical Hotel, a boutique hotel and living art installation in Asheville's River Arts District, has recently become part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This move allows the hotel to maintain its distinctive character while gaining the backing of a globally recognized brand.

The Radical Hotel, recognized for its unique design, is housed in a repurposed 1920s cereal factory. The hotel, which opened in October 2023, features 70 distinctive guest rooms and suites. Its unique design and ambiance reflect the creative spirit of the River Arts District, making it a popular destination for travelers and locals alike.

Following its recovery from Hurricane Helene, The Radical Hotel decided to collaborate with the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, aligning the boutique hotel with nearly 160 other independent properties worldwide. Despite the partnership with Hilton, the hotel remains independently owned and continues to offer a unique, locally inspired experience.

This year, the hotel received recognition from USA TODAY 10Best, securing second in the 2025 Readers' Choice Award for Best New Hotel.

The partnership with Hilton also brings added benefits to Hilton Honors members. These guests can now earn points through their stays at The Radical Hotel. Furthermore, those who book directly through Hilton's preferred channels can enjoy instant benefits such as a flexible payment slider, exclusive member discounts, and free standard Wi-Fi.

The Radical Hotel demonstrates the growing trend of boutique hotels seeking partnerships with global brands to enhance their reach and offer added benefits to their guests.
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Dalton town meeting votes to separate the police budget from the operating budget at Monday's annual town meeting.

Dalton Nixes Police Budget, High School Site Change; Suspends Town Meeting

DALTON, Mass.  With another dozen articles still left, voters elected just before 11 p.m. to suspend the annual town meeting and reconvene on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Some 277 registered voters got through 19 of 31 articles on the warrant over four hours of debate, rejecting both the police budget and a proposal to rescind a housing stipulation at the old high school site.

Voters spent more than an hour on Article 3, to raise and appropriate $11,048,759 for the fiscal 2026 operating budget.

Their main concerns stemmed from the Police Department budget of $1,665 million , up $129,668 over this year.

That line was pulled from the operating budget on a secret ballot and then failed to pass 162-117; a motion to level fund the police budget also failed.

A motion to hold a special town meeting on the police budget was approved after Town Moderator Anthony Doyle explained that the department would need a budget by July 1 to function.

Select Board Chair Robert Bishop said he did not feel comfortable throwing out a budget number on Monday without looking at the details. It was a sentiment voters seemed to agree with, given the approval for a special town meeting, a date of which has not yet been set.

Police Chief Deanna Strout previously emphasized that the increases within the budget are mostly contractual, as it is the first year of a three-year contract. Wages account for $1.4 million of the budget.

The chief said increases over the last few years are caused by the police reform law which has put a financial burden on the department in terms of hiring and training.

The department has 13 officers including herself and receives 15,000 calls and makes between 100 to 150 arrests per year.

Voter Christopher Furlong, a former Dalton police officer, argued that the number of calls is closer to 7,500 and the rest are night building checks or calls for vehicle maintenance activities, and that the majority of arrests are citations.

The operating budget, excluding the police budget, was passed following discussions surrounding the costs for health insurance and vocational education.

Group health insurance is $1,136,168, a $265,529 or 19 percent increase, and Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson said rates are going up substantially statewide. Dalton is at the high end, compared to other municipalities, he said, because of "several relatively large claims."

Finance Committee Chair William Drosehn suggested exploring more cost-effective insurance options, given the increase.

The vocational education budget was made up of $810,599, an increase of $237,359. The amount is calculated on enrollment but has to be projected because the actual number of student isn't known until fall.

If the number of students drops, the town may be able to reduce the budget during a special town meeting in September, before the tax rate is set in November or December, Drosehn said.

Over the last two years, the number of students opting for vocational education has increased substantially, Finance Committee member Thomas Irwin said.

Voters approved the appropriation of $347,869 for road repairs, to be reimbursed by state Chapter 90 road funds.

Following some clarification on this article, the discussion shifted to the dire conditions of town roads, with some residents requesting to utilize these funds to pave their roads.

Town meeting agreed to double the amounts of free cash being transferred into the general, capital, and sewer stabilization funds, raising the amounts from $100,000 each to $200,000.

Sandra Albano, the town accountant, motioned to amend the amounts, citing the town's "healthy free cash."

"For the past years, we've been at least putting $200,000 in those reserve funds," said Albano. "I wanted to make it be consistent as to what we've been doing."

She said the transfers had been reduced because of the anticipation for bonding for several purchases on the warrant that are now being paid out of free cash.

Drosehn agreed that "we were unclear where we were going to end up with the other articles that are further down this list. ...

"We're of the opinion now that we can beef up or build up our stabilizations."

There is currently $1,0075,436 in the general stabilization, $1,081,426 in the capital stabilization and $895,820 in the sewer stabilization. There is also $494,165 in the litigation stabilization account.

After a lengthy discussion, voters failed Article 13, which would have rescinded the vote taken on May 1, 2017, designating the old Dalton High School lot for housing.

The approval of this item would have allowed the town to use the lot for something other than housing, including considering the property for a municipal facility, including a new police facility.

After taking input from residents during a joint Select Board and Public Safety Facility Committee meeting , Bishop amended the article to include that if the town fails to include the lot for municipal use, the property remains reserved for housing redevelopment.

The discussion included Hutcheson cautioning that mitigating upstream flooding from Walker Brook could mean installing a new culvert at an estimated cost of $5 million. The town is looking into cleaning out some obstructions in the current culvert and evaluating its condition.

Another resident said there are complicated sewer connection challenges on the site.

A motion by Joseph Diver to amend the article that if the proposed police facility fails, the lot reverts to the 2017 purpose failed.

"We voted for this 2017. It's been eight years. Now we're saying we haven't sold any properties because there's an issue with the sewer in the water, but now we are OK with putting a municipal building on the site. I don't get it," said Kathleen Wronski, which resulted in applause from the audience.

Using the lot for municipal use would lose both the sale revenue a lots and a future potential tax income, another resident said.

Public Safety Facility Committee member Tony Pagliarulo gave the voters a snapshot of the committee's work and cautioned that the exploration for alternative sites would cost more money. He also advocated for tabling the article until further community outreach could be done.

Some residents expressed concerns about the impact a police station would have on the neighborhood.

Select Board member Robert Collins said he has spoken to many residents on First Street, Field Street, and the surrounding area about the proposed police station, and many emphasized that they do not want one near them.

"I cannot sit here in all good conscience when we are in a housing crisis in Berkshire County and not talk about the housing crisis, that's not an imaginary thing," said Carolyn Valli, a voter and the CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

"It's reported every day. More than 50 percent of the people living in Berkshire County right now cannot afford a place to live, and we're talking about a police station where houses were promised to this community. ...

"I didn't live here back then, but I can tell you  I will work diligently to help make that happen, but we need to do the right thing by the people you already promised."

All other articles  up to Article 19  passed.
martedi 6 maggio 2025, 00:49 - Last updated: 11:22

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated

He comes from Asia but cares about the future of the West and its Christian roots, considered fundamental for the Church. "Secularization in the West has brought with it a strong division between those who take refuge in mysticism, forgetting life, and those who trivialize the liturgy, depriving it of its function as a mediator towards the afterlife." The Asian cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don has a very long and almost unpronounceable name and shows that he has very clear ideas. Perhaps because he has worked in the Curia for a long time, repeatedly, under John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Known more simply as Malcolm Ranjith, 77 years old, the metropolitan archbishop of Colombo in Sri Lanka, in some ways combines the characteristics of the three previous popes: he is scrupulous in doctrine, capable of courageous gestures, and is quite open with people. He comes from a country where Catholics are a small minority, the population is predominantly Buddhist, but this has not prevented him from carrying out a program of deep evangelization alongside various humanitarian projects in many complicated areas of the country. He has operated in the midst of a frightening economic crisis, the aftermath of the civil war between the government army and the Tamil separatists (1983-2009), and also the consequences of the devastating tsunami that in 2004 caused 30,000 victims, bringing Sri Lanka to the brink of default. Ranjith's attention to the social doctrine of the Church is a constant in his pastoral work. A very clear and transparent path, so much so that in these days his profile has also been examined. He would certainly be a candidate appreciated by those hoping for the Church's attention towards Asia, issues related to charity, migration, and the theme of peace. At the same time, however, Ranjith would offer guarantees to the more conservative fringes as he has shown over the years as head of the Dicastery for Divine Worship a rigorous attention to the liturgy, even towards the Latin Mass. He was one of the few cardinals to have continued to celebrate in Latin on some occasions despite the ban imposed by Francis with the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, canceling that work of mending with the traditionalist world that had been done by Benedict XVI. A wound still open in the ecclesial fabric. Ranjith is a veteran. He has already participated in a conclave, that of 2013, and has worked a lot in Rome, even learning to know firsthand the misconduct of some cardinals (which then cost him the transfer to Sri Lanka when he was at Propaganda Fide). He was ordained a priest by Paul VI in 1975; he welcomed Saint John Paul II on his trip to his country in 1995 and was made a cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2010. Born in 1947 in Polgahawela, a Sri Lankan city of 200,000 inhabitants, Malcolm Ranjith is the eldest of 14 children. He comes from a rather poor but devout family and is part of that very cohesive Catholic minority in Sri Lanka. For him, it was almost natural as a child to attend the parish, serve as an altar boy during functions. He continued his studies with the Brothers of Christian Schools (Lasallians). During this period, he matured his religious vocation and chose to become a priest, attending the Oblate missionaries. At this point, he was sent to the major seminary in Kandy, and later to Rome at the College of Propaganda Fide. He obtained a license in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, studying under two great biblical scholars, the Jesuits Carlo Maria Martini and Albert Vanhoye, with whom he always remained in contact. During his training at the Biblical Institute, he also attended courses at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ranjith is a polyglot, speaks several languages, easily switching from Tamil to Latin, from French to Italian, which he speaks fluently. After his studies, he worked in the parish and gained experience in a very poor area of Sri Lanka, on the coast, inhabited by Catholic fishermen. In 1983 he became national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, a position he held for ten years, even after his episcopal appointment. In 1991 he was elected titular bishop of Cabarsussi and auxiliary of Colombo. In the last period in this office, he coordinated the preparation of Saint John Paul II's trip to Sri Lanka. It was 1995. At the end of that year, he was transferred to the new residential see of Ratnapura, located in the interior of the country and mostly populated by tea plantation growers. In 2001, he was called to Rome to work as an assistant secretary at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Propaganda Fide), where he clashed with the corruption that reigned there at the time. The continuous disagreements with Cardinal Sepe led to his dismissal, so he was sent back to Southeast Asia as apostolic nuncio in Indonesia and East Timor, even though he did not come from the ranks of diplomacy. Even in that situation, however, he managed to do very well, strong in the fact that he knew many Indonesian bishops personally, and they proved to be valuable in bringing aid to the country through Caritas. In 2004, he fully experienced the tragedy of the devastating tsunami. With the election of Joseph Ratzinger, of whom he had always been a friend, in 2005, things changed, and he was called back to Rome as secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship. He held this position until 2009, then returned to his homeland as a cardinal and archbishop of Colombo. The website collegeofcardinalsreport emphasizes how his line represents the continuity of a missionary Church, committed to defending the faith, promoting human dignity, and social reconciliation. However, he is against women deacons, blessings for gay couples, and generally does not oppose the theme of synodality.
martedi 6 maggio 2025, 00:29 - Last updated: 11:58

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The seclusion of the cardinals has begun. Silent and smiling, this is how the prelates appear as they participate in the ancient and unique rite of the Conclave. Laconic, focused, inspired, yet under special surveillance. The risk of security breaches that could undermine the secrecy of the vote is significant. So much so that the Sistine Chapel was 'sanitized' in advance to make it completely off-limits to images, videos, and interceptions. This is thanks to a sophisticated technological system that, in theory, has completely shielded both the Chapel and Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals stay, ensuring that all electronic equipment is down. The rule allows no exceptions: absolute isolation, the cardinals must not communicate with the outside world in any way. But it is not just about preventing leaks, but also cyber attacks. For this reason, the Sistine Chapel and Domus Sanctae Marthae have been thoroughly examined with anti-bug scanners. Strict controls, no electronic devices allowed, jammers (devices that disrupt electromagnetic frequencies and affect cellular communications) are deployed to detect and disable bugs. Previously used by the Vatican for past conclaves, frequency jammers are also used by our soldiers in Afghanistan against attacks on armored vehicles, and this type of technology has been considered by the government to shield prisons to address the issue of cell phones being smuggled in for inmates. But the fear of gaps in the security plan remains. The risk of hackers, as well as interference and pressure from foreign governments during a Conclave taking place in a critical and conflict-laden historical moment, undermines the secrecy of the vote like never before. Every move of the cardinals is under scrutiny. Transfers by bus from Casa Santa Marta (the cardinals will be transported daily to the Sistine Chapel on a completely isolated route), as well as walking paths, are monitored. Called to absolute silence, unable to use smartphones (in any case, they will have to hand over all electronic devices before entering the Chapel). Not coincidentally, from 3 PM tomorrow, 'all mobile radio telecommunication signal transmission facilities within the territory of the Vatican City State will be deactivated,' the office of the presidency of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State announced. 'The signal will be restored following the announcement of the election of the Supreme Pontiff.' In the Sistine Chapel bunker, the so-called 'Faraday cage' will be active, but the cardinals are still called to silence, under penalty of 'latae sententiae' excommunication as established by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which imposes the absolute prohibition of communicating the voting outcome, as well as speaking with the outside, reading newspapers, listening to the radio, or watching TV. Any attempt at influence or campaigning is forbidden. The rooms where the cardinals will gather will be sealed, every window darkened with a special film: 86 lead seals have been affixed to doors and windows. In recent days, an American cardinal recounted that in 2013, when Bergoglio was elected, the first thing he asked was to call Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo. It was not possible because the phones were completely blocked: the Sistine Chapel was entirely shielded. Also in 2013, a mystery quickly cleared up the day after the election of Pope Francis: some seals were found already removed. It was discovered that at 8 PM on March 13, Monsignor Angelo Becciu, then Substitute of the Secretariat of State, had ordered all openings of the areas of the Vatican Apostolic Palace reserved for the Conclave to be reopened. Written and verbal notes followed. No film can capture it. The allure of the Conclave, from the Latin cum clave, 'locked with a key,' is strong. After official and convivial meetings, the time has come: the prelates will gather tomorrow in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new Pope, the 267th in the history of the Church. And where it is hoped spies do not reach, it is hoped that the Holy Spirit will descend illuminatingly. Listening to its 'signs,' the cardinals will choose the successor of Peter.
martedi 6 maggio 2025, 00:21 - Last updated: 7 maggio, 01:34

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Probably not even the reassuring profile of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, is enough for those who dream of a Francis II. And so, the Vatican Secretary of State has been undermined in recent days by what could be considered 'friendly' fire, spreading speeches of cardinals critical of his work or position. And probably not even the profile of the 'Pope Francis' of Asia, the Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, outgoing pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who is described, yes, as the cardinal who knows how to walk the path of 'todos, todos, todos' of Pope Francis, but is also reduced to a caricature, described as the 'karaoke cardinal' for a video in which he sings the controversial 'Imagine' by John Lennon, and even accused of not being fluent in Chinese as is commonly told. Here too, friendly fire, media and journalists considered staunch Bergoglians, with sources from the same environment who, however, do not hesitate to point the finger at the strong candidate of the post-Bergoglio world and the one who could be the surprise, voted by Asian cardinals and supported by strong personalities of the continent such as the Cardinal Archbishop of Singapore Goh or the Archbishop of Jakarta Suharyo. How should Francis II be? He must first of all carry forward synodality, support the so-called inclusive radicalism, and also dare where Pope Francis has not dared, perhaps looking at the female diaconate and all the moral issues that even under Pope Francis have remained somewhat taboo. More than a Francis II, a Francis 2.0. In the liquid magma of the conclave participants, unknown to each other, it is difficult to fully understand who is for such a platform. Sources speak of a great axis ranging from American cardinals Cupich and McElroy to German Cardinal Marx, passing through Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, a friend of Pope Francis, who is not yet known if he will ever be able to publish documents on slavery, Mariology, and the role of women in the Church. Documents announced and in preparation when he was prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and which could be canceled or redefined with a new pontificate that does not share the approach of the same cardinal friend of Pope Francis. To this platform, sources say, Cardinal Parolin would appear as a candidate too mediating and not necessarily fully committed to Pope Francis' reforms. And it was indicative that the intervention of Cardinal Beniamino Stella, a diplomat who was prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy of Pope Francis until the age of eighty, was disseminated and presented as that of a supporter of Cardinal Parolin who, however, criticized one of Pope Francis' major decisions in the reform of the Roman Curia. The decision, to be understood, was not to tie the power to make decisions to the order, i.e., to the priesthood and episcopate, but rather to the 'canonical mission', that is, to the personal appointment of the pope himself. Tagle, on the other hand, is considered 'too soft', to the point that he could hear the reasons and be influenced by those who, instead, have doubts about Pope Francis' reforms. Perhaps he would be called Francis II, but he would not be a second Francis. And while the strong candidates of the first and second rounds are attacked by friendly fire, a candidacy emerges that suddenly finds cross-interest: the Frenchman Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, the engine of the Mediterranean Days, a man with great capacity for interreligious dialogue and extraordinary political intelligence. It was said that one of his limitations was not speaking Italian, but La Nacion, the most widespread Argentine newspaper, comes to our aid to say that at the Sunday Mass in Santa Maria dei Monti Aveline demonstrated to 'have better Italian than was thought'. And so, between Tagle who would not speak Chinese and Aveline who instead speaks Italian, the profile of the Second Francis begins to take shape. Will he win?
Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced the launch of the Built on Commitment Campaign in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This initiative highlights Kingstons unwavering focus on Performance, Quality, Reliability and Service, reinforcing its dedication to customers, partners, and communities. At its core is the "Commitment Squad", embodying Kingstons values and empowering users to create, game, and innovate with confidence. Kingston is also rolling out exclusive promotions across all markets, bringing added value to customers.

The "Commitment Squad" represents Kingstons four commitments, bringing the companys legacy to life and unlocking infinite possibilities for users. Whether creating, gaming, or pushing boundaries in the digital world, the Commitment Squad makes sure users have the best tools to succeed.

Kingston Commitment Squad  Read the Infinite You

Performance: The Squads fearless trailblazer, always pushing the limits. Just like her, Kingston is all about speed and power, delivering high-performance solutions designed to handle even the most demanding tasks. Whether gaming at max settings, editing 4K videos, or leveraging AI tools, Kingston is committed to powering systems for peak performance, helping users achieve more. With Kingston, speed pioneers can break barriers, take on new challenges, and stay ahead without missing a beat.

The Squads fearless trailblazer, always pushing the limits. Just like her, Kingston is all about speed and power, delivering high-performance solutions designed to handle even the most demanding tasks. Whether gaming at max settings, editing 4K videos, or leveraging AI tools, Kingston is committed to powering systems for peak performance, helping users achieve more. With Kingston, speed pioneers can break barriers, take on new challenges, and stay ahead without missing a beat. Quality: The Squads perfectionist, precise and detail oriented. Her unwavering pursuit of excellence reflects Kingstons dedication to crafting top-tier products with precision and care. Designed for creators who demand nothing but the best, Kingstons solutions guarantee seamless workflows, allowing users to focus on bringing their creative visions to life.

The Squads perfectionist, precise and detail oriented. Her unwavering pursuit of excellence reflects Kingstons dedication to crafting top-tier products with precision and care. Designed for creators who demand nothing but the best, Kingstons solutions guarantee seamless workflows, allowing users to focus on bringing their creative visions to life. Reliability: She is the Squads captain, the steady and dependable leader that everyone can depend on. Like the captain, Kingston is committed to fostering reliability, with products that undergo 100% testing to ensure zero downtime and consistent performance. Whether tackling critical business tasks or enjoying uninterrupted gaming, Kingstons solutions provide the rock-solid support users need.

She is the Squads captain, the steady and dependable leader that everyone can depend on. Like the captain, Kingston is committed to fostering reliability, with products that undergo 100% testing to ensure zero downtime and consistent performance. Whether tackling critical business tasks or enjoying uninterrupted gaming, Kingstons solutions provide the rock-solid support users need. Service: The heart of the Squad, warm, approachable, and always ready to help. Just as Kingstons customer service is dedicated to providing fast, proactive support, making sure users are never alone in your digital journey. Because great technology comes with great care, Kingston is always there, like a trusted friend you can count on whenever you need assistance.

Commitment is more than a word at Kingston, it defines who we are and drives everything we do, from innovation to customer experience, said Kevin Wu, Sales/Marketing and Business Development Vice President of APAC region. With the launch of the Built on Commitment campaign and the introduction of the Commitment Squad, we are reinforcing our core values and empowering users to push boundaries and unlock new possibilities.

Kingston is rolling out a 360-degree campaign across APAC, spotlighting the Commitment Squad. Stay tuned to the Kingston Facebook page for upcoming promotions and social media activities as the Built on Commitment campaign unfolds across the region.

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In every Filipino family, a mother stands as the quiet force that holds everything together. She is the early morning wake-up call, the late-night listener, the tireless provider, and the unshakable source of strength. While her love often goes unspoken and her sacrifices unseen, her impact is immeasurable.

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Chinas Peoples Liberation Army is set to participate in Russia and Belaruss Victory Day parades to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany on Friday, the ministry of defence in Beijing said.

The parades are being held in the Russian and Belarusian capital cities of Moscow and Minsk to commemorate the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany at the hands of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in World War Two but pushed Nazi forces back to Berlin, where Hitler committed suicide and the red Soviet Victory Banner was raised over the Reichstag in 1945.

At the invitation of the defence ministries of Russia and Belarus, the Guard of Honour of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will dispatch contingents to respectively participate in the military parades held in Moscow of Russia and Minsk of Belarus on 9 May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Chinas ministry of defence said in a statement.

Videos shared on Chinese social media have shown PLAs troops rehearsing in Minsk and Moscow in the past week.

Chinas participation alongside Russia and Belarus comes days after the US said it would no longer mediate between Russia and Ukraine, leaving the two countries to work out how to end the war. The US is also engaged in a trade war with Beijing.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine around the 9 May celebration  one of the most important days in the Russian calendar. The 72-hour ceasefire is the second announced by Moscow in recent weeks, after it declared a 30-hour Easter Sunday truce - which Kyiv and its European allies accused it of breaching.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is also expected to visit Moscow and appear alongside Mr Putin at Red Square later this week. Beijing said the two leaders are set to engage in strategic communication during his official visit.

"During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda will be discussed," a statement from the Kremlin said.

Several other national leaders are expected at the celebrations, including the presidents of Brazil and Serbia, and the prime minister of Slovakia.

This is not the first time China has sent an honour guard to Russia. However, this will be the first such participation by Chinas honour guard in Belarus. Earlier, Chinas honour guard had participated in Belaruss annual Independence Day parade in 2018.

Beijing, a close diplomatic ally of Moscow, has not condemned the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese men fighting for Russia in the east, potentially threatening a fragile peace effort in the three-year-old war.

The case was the first publicly announced instance of Chinese nationals captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine. China's foreign ministry objected to Zelenskys remarks that more Chinese citizens were at the frontline alongside Russians, calling them "groundless".

The involvement of Chinese troops appears to be the most significant participation of foreign fighters in Moscows war effort since 12,000 North Koreans assisted Russian troops in Kursk  where they recently reclaimed large areas of land from Ukraine.

A major reason for the high-profile celebration this year was that some countries have tried to distort the post-war history and order through unilateral sanctions and tariff wars, Zhao Long, deputy director of the Institute for International Strategic and Security Studies at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies told the South China Morning Post.

On Sunday, the Russian state news agency RIA cited Mr Putin, in a documentary film aired to mark 25 years since his first inauguration as Russian president, as saying that Russia's relations with China were: "truly strategic in nature, deep-seated".

"Our national interests coincide," it quoted him as saying.
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India has demanded the immediate suspension of an auction in Hong Kong featuring a portion of Buddhist relics excavated over a century ago, calling the sale illegal and unethical.

The relics, listed for auction by Sothebys Hong Kong on 7 May, include gemstones and ritual items associated with Buddha.

The Ministry of Culture announced on Monday that it had served a legal notice to Sothebys and to Chris Peppe, a descendant of William Claxton Peppe, the British colonial officer who unearthed the relics at Piprahwa in 1898.

The government is seeking their repatriation to India, describing them as an inseparable part of the countrys religious and cultural heritage.

These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa  widely recognised as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha  hold immense historical and spiritual significance, the ministry said in its statement.

The auction, titled The Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, circa 240200 BC, features bone fragments, crystal and soapstone reliquaries, gold ornaments and precious stones such as garnets, pearls, and amethysts.

They were originally buried in a stupa, a sacred Buddhist funerary mound in Piprahwa, believed to be in present day Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and included offerings said to have been made during the reinterment of the Buddhas remains more than 200 years after his death around 480 BC.

An inscription in Brahmi script found on one of the reliquaries links the items to the Sakya clan, the Buddhas family.

The majority of the relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and have since been designated AA antiquities under Indian law, making their sale or export prohibited. A portion of the bone relics was gifted to the Buddhist monarch, King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand), while some of the remaining artefacts stayed with the Peppe family.

The ministry has accused the auction house of participating in continued colonial exploitation and stated that these relics must not be treated as archaeological specimens but rather as the sacred body of the Buddha, deserving of religious veneration.

"These relics  referred to as 'duplicate jewels'  constitute inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community. the notice read. Their sale violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions.

A post on the ministrys official X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed that Sothebys had responded with the assurance that full attention is being given to the matter. However, the auction listing remained active at the time of writing.

Richard Prince's 'Man Crazy Nurse' on display during the press preview on 2 May 2025 at Sotheby's New York ( AFP via Getty Images )

During a bilateral meeting on 2 May, culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat raised the issue with the UKs secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Lisa Nandy. Mr Shekhawat reportedly urged swift intervention to stop the sale and ensure the relics are returned to India.

Indias culture secretary also chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday to coordinate further action. The Ministry of External Affairs has been asked to engage through diplomatic channels in both Hong Kong and the UK, while the Financial Intelligence Unit is coordinating with its Hong Kong counterpart to underline the illegality of the auction.

The Independent has reached out to Sothebys for comments.

In a post on Sothebys website, Mr Peppe, who is now based in Los Angeles, stated that he and two cousins inherited the relics in 2013 and began research into their historical context. He maintains that the relics are not corporeal remains of the Buddha but rather offerings from a later period.

I have not found any Buddhists who claim the gems are corporeal remains, he previously told The Guardian, adding: Legally, the ownership is unchallenged.

However, the Indian government has rejected that interpretation. In its legal notice, it argued that relics placed in stupas are sacred grave goods that cannot be commodified.

It called upon Sothebys and Mr Peppe to issue a public apology and disclose any additional relics still in their possession or previously transferred to other individuals or institutions.

The ministry also threatened legal action in Indian and Hong Kong courts and through international bodies, and pledged to launch a public campaign against what it called Sothebys role in perpetuating colonial injustice.

We call upon Sothebys Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artefacts to their rightful place, the statement concluded.
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The Indian government will on Wednesday conduct a nationwide civil defence drill to test preparation for an attack on its territory as military tension soared at its border with Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror strike in Kashmir.

It would be the largest civil defence drill in India since 1971, the year India and Pakistan went to war that led to the formation of Bangladesh.

The home ministry has ordered several states and federal territories to conduct mock drills to test air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans, implement crash blackout measures, and training people to respond in case of any attacks.

A source in the home ministry who requested anonymity told Reuters that the drills are to ensure civil preparedness, but did not mention Pakistan or the Kashmir attack.

It comes after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 people on 22 April in one of the worst attacks in the region on tourists. New Delhi has called it an act of terrorism and blamed Pakistan, which has denied involvement, downgrading diplomatic and bilateral ties with Islamabad since then.

The attack has raised fears of an armed conflict between the two rival countries, with allies and the UN calling for restraint from both sides.

open image in gallery Supporters of All Parties Hurriyat Conference chant slogans during an anti India rally, in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan's controlled Kashmir ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and information minister Attaullah Tarar have raised the alarm over imminent attack from India, warning that any action would be met with a strong response.

The announcement of the drills came after prime minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with top defence officials, including national security advisor Ajit Doval, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said the relationship between India and Pakistan has reached a boiling point with tensions reaching the "highest in years".

It is also essential  especially at this critical hour  to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control, he said.

Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink, he added.

open image in gallery Local residents walk through the main bazaar of Chakothi, near Line of Control, the de facto border dividing Pakistan and Indian Kashmir, some 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Muzaffarabad ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

On Monday, Pakistan carried out its second missile test in just three days since the Kashmir attack, testing a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120km (75 miles).

The Fateh series missile was tested two days after it claimed a successful launch of the Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450km.

Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said the successful test launch "made it clear that Pakistan's defence is in strong hands".

The order for the drills in India and a string of diplomatic actions have caused alarm among a section of people, with some calling it a disastrous situation amid rolling coverage of India-Pakistan tensions on TV channels. People posted videos on social media showing schools and places of work conducting the drills after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on citizens to participate in these exercises.

Many users shared posters of a nationwide war mock drill.

However, some users on Indian social media also criticised the mock drills announcement as an effort to divert the attention of the people.

It comes as the situation remains volatile at the Line of Actual Control, the 740km frontier separating the Indian and Pakistani-administered parts of Kashmir. Cross-border firing has continued from both sides for the 11th straight night since the ceasefire reached in February 2021 broke down amid the tensions.

A week after the latest attack, Delhi responded swiftly with a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan. India shut down the main border crossing with Pakistan, suspended a crucial water-sharing agreement, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and halted most visa services for Pakistani nationals  who were given only a few days to leave the country.

open image in gallery Indian security officers inspect the site a day after where militants indiscriminately opened fire at tourists in Pahalgam, Indian administered Kashmir, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

India also banned all Pakistani aircraft  both commercial and military  from its airspace, mirroring a similar move by Islamabad.

In response, Pakistan suspended its own visa services and suspended a key 1972 peace agreement with India. The Himalayan region of Kashmir is at the heart of decades of hostilities between India and Pakistan which both claim the Muslim majority region in whole but control it only in part. The two countries have fought two of the three full-scale wars over the region.

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.

Russian president Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Mr Modi on Monday, "strongly condemned" the Kashmir attack and offered full support to India in its fight against terrorism, the Indian foreign ministry said.

open image in gallery Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, second left, talks to three Indian defense chiefs, Army General Upendra Dwivedi, third right, Naval Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, second right, and Air Force Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, right, as Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, left, watches as they wait for the arrival of Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in New Delhi, India, Monday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Both sides underscored the need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations, the Russian embassy in New Delhi said on X.

The UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting to discuss the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan.

The meeting was called by Pakistan to "formally apprise" the UNSC of the situation and call upon it "to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security by taking appropriate measures".
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In the moment when shots rang out and tourists were being gunned down in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Rayees Ahmad ran uphill  not away from the gunfire but towards it.

Ahmad, 35, head of the local association of pony handlers, was at his office when news of the terror attack at the Baisaran meadow, a picturesque remote clearing, crackled through on a poorly connected phone call. It was around 2.35pm.

There has been an attack here and the tourists are being fired upon. That was all he could hear before the line went out.

The attack at the popular tourist site on 22 April claimed 26 lives, most of them Hindu visitors, shocking the region and sending relations between India and Pakistan spiralling.

Among those killed that day was 28-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony guide who was shot while reportedly trying to snatch a gun from one of the attackers.

Theres no network in the area, Ahmad, who at the time did not know about the nature of the attack, tells The Independent. I couldnt get through to anyone. So, with six others, I ran towards Baisaran.

What awaited them there was a scene of chaos. Crying tourists, wounded hikers, and sounds of panic ringing out through the isolated valley.

We didnt stop to think about our safety, he says. All we knew was that people needed to be saved.

The Himalayan territory of Kashmir has been at the centre of two full-scale wars and many border conflagrations between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which both claim the Muslim majority region in whole but control it only in part.

The attack has put India and Pakistan on edge. New Delhi has accused the neighbouring country of harbouring and backing insurgent groups in the region. Islamabad has rejected the allegations and called for an independent investigation.

open image in gallery Sajjad Ahmad Bhatt, Waheed Ahmad and Rayees Ahmad (right) were among the first responders after the Pahalgam attack on 22 April 2025 ( Supplied by Rayees Ahmad )

The attackers had vanished by the time Ahmad reached. We first stopped the tourists heading towards the meadows and sent them back to safety, he says, adding that he and his associates helped nearly a hundred people, preventing them from walking into the ambush.

The site of the attack at Baisaran, is inaccessible to road vehicles, and the first trained medical responders reached it by army helicopter. That was after Ahmad and a small group of rescuers used their ponies to guide injured tourists to safety over the rugged terrain.

We cleaned wounds, gave water, carried people down. There was no time to think about our lives, he recalls. We just kept going.

Ahmad says what happened on 22 April will be remembered forever. That day was terrifying, a black day for all of us, he says. Weve never seen such horror in Pahalgam.

The attack has spawned a flood of Islamophobic rhetoric across India, from family and neighbourhood Whatsapp groups to major TV channels. Ahmad rejects any sectarian reading of the tragedy. I did not see anyones religion that day. I saw humans. We were all human beings trying to save other human beings.

And his message to the country is clear: We will go backwards as a country if we keep fighting within ourselves.

open image in gallery Kashmiri traders hold a candlelight vigil to denounce the Pahalgam attack in Srinagar on 23 April 2025 ( Getty )

In the aftermath of the massacre there have been multiple reports of attacks and harassment towards Kashmiri Muslims living across India. One of the most serious incidents took place at the Universal Group of Institutions in Dera Bassi, in Punjab, where Kashmiri students were assaulted inside their hostel on 23 April.

According to distressing videos circulated online, a group of students and local residents entered the hostel carrying sharp weapons.

They carry knives. We are not safe here. We fear we might be attacked, a student is heard in a video, showing visible injuries and torn clothes. Nearly 100 Kashmiri students are enrolled at the college.

Punjabs police chief, Gaurav Yadav, later said they had taken note of the incident and instructed local authorities to pursue legal action.

Any attempt to incite hatred, disturb communal harmony will not be tolerated. We appeal to all citizens to act responsibly on social media. Please refrain from sharing or amplifying content that spreads misinformation or fuels discord, Mr Yadav said in a statement reported by The Wire.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said at the time his administration was coordinating with states where such violence was being reported. Im also in touch with my counterpart chief ministers in these states & have requested they take extra care, he posted on X.

open image in gallery Armed security personnel in Srinagar, Kashmir, on 4 May 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

Urging unity, Ahmad says the hate and violence now being directed at Kashmiri Muslims across India only deepens the pain of people who risked their lives to save the tourists.

When I reached the site of the terror attack, I didnt go there to be a hero. We saved whoever we could. No one was asked their religion, he says.

The pain for Ahmad and other pony operators has not stopped. Business has evaporated. We used to earn around Rs 4,000 (35.70) a day. Now, we barely make Rs 10. We cant survive like this for more than two weeks, he says. The entire neighbourhood is in mourning. The market, once bustling, is deserted.

Ahmad has been in the tourism industry for 20 years. When I started out, I was a daily wage labourer. Things changed after 2002. And after the Modi government came to power in 2014, tourist numbers grew to millions. But now everythings gone.

open image in gallery Indian security personnel inspect the site of the Pahalgam attack ( AP )

Still, he pleads with potential visitors: dont stop coming. If tourists stop coming, then the terrorists have succeeded. But if they return, the terrorists will have failed, he says. Thousands of Kashmiri youth like me are ready to give our lives to protect them.

In the absence of tourism, he warns, young men dependent on the industry for their livelihoods may go down dangerous paths. This is what the attackers want, to rob the youth of a future, he says. Tourism is our hope.

He condemns the attack unequivocally. There is no forgiveness for such an act in our religion, he says. In Islam, the killing of innocent people is the murder of humanity itself.
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Former prime minister Khaleda Zia has returned to Bangladesh after nearly four months of medical treatment in London, intensifying calls for the interim government to announce elections.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took power after Sheikh Hasina was ousted by a mass agitation last August.

The return of Ms Zia, 79, reportedly arranged with help from Qatars emir, is seen by her Bangladesh Nationalist Party as a step toward restoring democracy in the South Asian country.

She had gone to London in early January on a special air ambulance arranged by the Qatari ruler.

Ms Zia landed to a heros welcome in Dhaka as thousands of party supporters lined the streets, waving flags and chanting.

The former prime ministers return, observers say, is set to boost her partys push for elections to be held by the end of the year.

Mr Yunus has hinted that elections may be delayed until 2026.

open image in gallery Supporters of Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia march on a road as they welcome her arrival in Dhaka on 6 May 2025 ( AP )

Ms Zias presence also revives her decades-long political rivalry with Ms Hasina and the deposed prime ministers Awami League party, dubbed the Battle of the Begums.

Ms Hasina, who fled to neighbouring India after her rule collapsed last year, remains in exile. She is wanted in more than a hundred cases related to the killings of protesters by security forces during last years agitation.

Ms Zia, who suffers from multiple health issues, was jailed by Ms Hasinas government in corruption cases that her party called politically motivated.

In the 15 years that Ms Hasina ruled Bangladesh with an iron first, opposition parties like Ms Zias often boycotted elections or alleged vote rigging. Ms Hasinas ouster was initially seen as a chance to restore real democracy in the country but doubts quickly emerged about the interim governments sincerity in holding timely elections, now promised for either December or June next year.

Ms Zias party has been pushing for early elections.

open image in gallery Khaleda Zia leaves the Dhaka airport after arriving from London on 6 May 2025 ( AP )

The partys secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, argued on Tuesday that Ms Zias return would aid in restoring democracy.

This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zias return will facilitate the path to democratic transition, he said.

She went abroad for treatment after years of suffering under fascist oppression. After the departure of fascism, she was able to seek medical care. After nearly four months of treatment, she is returning home today.

open image in gallery Supporters of Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia wave their party flags as they await her arrival from London at the airport in Dhaka on 6 May 2025 ( AP )

In February, Mr Alamgir had said the party expected Mr Yunus to announce a roadmap for general elections soon. We have once again pressed them on this matter, he said at the time. He told us they are working to hold the election by December.

Speaking in a national broadcast last December to mark 53rd anniversary of Bangladeshs independence, Mr Yunus had said election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026.

Pressure has been mounting on Mr Yunus to set an election date for the country of nearly 170 million people. The interim leader has earlier called the task of restoring democracy in the country extremely tough.
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Donald Trump pledged to increase trade substantially with India and Pakistan and find a solution to the long-running Kashmir dispute after the South Asian nuclear powers reached a ceasefire on Saturday afternoon.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president also took credit for the ceasefire that was agreed with support from his administration.

India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire for four straight days in their worst conflict in more than a quarter century, launching missiles and drones at each others military bases and leaving dozens of people dead.

But just as the situation appeared to be spiralling, Mr Trump announced that a ceasefire had been agreed following diplomatic intervention and pressure from the US.

New Delhi and Islamabad soon confirmed that a truce was in place.

Barely hours later, shelling resumed in Kashmir, the restive Himalayan territory at the heart of the hostilities, and the two sides accused each other of breaching the truce.

By Sunday morning, however, calm had largely returned to both sides of the border, according to local reports. Power was restored in most Indian towns near the frontier following a nightlong blackout.

President Donald Trump with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in February ( AFP via Getty )

While not even discussed, Im going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir, Mr Trump said on Truth Social.

God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!

India and Pakistan have been locked in a dispute over Kashmir since independence from British colonial rule in 1947. They both claim the territory in full but control it only in part.

The neighbours have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.

India has long accused Pakistan of fuelling an armed separatist movement in its part of Kashmir which started in 1980 and has killed tens of thousands so far. It also blames Pakistani Islamist groups for attacks elsewhere in the country.

Pakistan rejects the accusations. It claims to only provide moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists.

Mr Trump praised the leaders of the two nations for displaying strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions, he said. I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision.

Mr Trump earlier announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after the US mediated the talks.

While Pakistan expressed gratitude for the US involvement, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said the two countries worked directly to reach the deal.

Just a few hours later, New Delhi and Islamabad accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement after explosions were heard over two cities in India-administered Kashmir.
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A bus crash in Indonesias West Sumatra province has claimed the lives of at least 12 people, including two children, and injured 23 others.

The inter-province bus, carrying 34 passengers, was en route to Jakarta from Medan in North Sumatra when the tragedy occurred on Tuesday.

According to Reza Chairul Akbar Sidiq, the director of West Sumatra traffic police, the bus apparently experienced brake failure while navigating a downhill road near a bus terminal in Padang city.

Survivors recounted the driver's struggle to control the vehicle as it sped down a series of steep hills after the brakes malfunctioned.

The bus ultimately overturned, trapping many of the victims underneath.

Emergency services transported the deceased and injured to two nearby hospitals.

Police are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Thirteen of the injured were treated for serious injuries, Mr Sidiq said. The driver was among those in critical condition.

Local television footage showed the mangled bus on its side, surrounded by rescuers from the National Search and Rescue Agency, police and passersby as ambulances evacuated the injured victims and the dead.

Road crashes are common in Indonesia because of poor safety standards and infrastructure.

In 2024, a bus carrying 61 students and teachers returning from an outing to a high school in Depok, just outside Jakarta, slammed into cars and motorbikes after its brakes failed, killing 11 students and injuring dozens of others.

In 2023, a tourist bus with an apparently drowsy driver slammed into a billboard on a highway in East Java, killing at least 14 people and injuring 19 others.
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The family members of a man who survived a near-fatal cardiac arrest at an airport are looking to meet the awesome woman who performed CPR to save his life.

A young woman rushed to the rescue of a 55-year-old man, identified only as Mr Law, after he collapsed at the domestic arrival hall at Kuching International Airport in Malaysia last Wednesday.

The woman immediately started performing CPR and continued doing so for 30 minutes while the airport staff used the automated external defibrillator and applied two shocks.

Cardiologist Dr Tang Sie Hing, who treated the patient, said in a Facebook post his family hoped to meet the "awesome young lady".

He said the patient, who is from Sibu, complained of chest pain and stomach ache for three days after his trip to China. The man was travelling alone from Sibu to Kuching when he suddenly collapsed after exiting the domestic arrival hall.

The woman walking behind him immediately started performing CPR while assisting in the use of the automated external defibrillator, he added.

Mr Law was taken to the Sarawak General Hospital, about 8km from the airport, where a CT scan ruled out a brain haemorrhage. At the familys request, the patient was transferred to a private hospital in Kuching.

Dr Tang said the patient suffered "a near-fatal cardiac event". "A coronary angiogram showed two of his vessels were 100 per cent blocked and an ad hoc coronary angioplasty was done," he said, adding that the patient's heart has now been stabilised.

The man has regained full consciousness and did not suffer any neurological deficit, he added.

Dr Tang said the patient's family and friends expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the woman for her timely effort, as "without her intervention, the outcome would be unimaginable".

In another post, Dr Tang said the patient will be discharged on Tuesday and his heart function and heart rhythm was normal. "... most grateful is the complete absence of any brain defects or paralysis", he added.
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Deliveroo, the UK-based food delivery giant, is set to be acquired by its US rival, DoorDash, in a deal valued at approximately 2.9 billion.

The acquisition, which will see DoorDash pay 180p per share in cash for the London-listed company, will create a global powerhouse in the food delivery sector.

The combined entity will operate in 40 countries and process an estimated 67.7 billion (US$90 billion) worth of orders annually.

Both companies expressed optimism about the merger, stating that the combination "will strengthen DoorDashs position as a leading global platform in local commerce, enabling the combined entity to better serve businesses, consumers and couriers.

Founded in 2013 by CEO Will Shu, Deliveroo currently operates in nine countries and collaborates with over 130,000 riders worldwide.

It made sales of around 2 billion in 2024.

open image in gallery Deliveroo currently operates in nine countries

Mr Shu said: We are now at the beginning of a transformative new chapter.

DoorDash and Deliveroo are like-minded organisations with a shared strategic vision and aligned values.

Together, we will be even better positioned to serve consumers, merchants, riders and local communities.

The enlarged group will have the scale to invest in product, technology and the overall consumer value proposition.

DoorDash was also set up in 2013, co-founded by chief executive Tony Xu, who has led the company ever since.

open image in gallery A DoorDash rider in Colorado ( AP )

It operates in more than 30 countries and delivers more than 2.5 billion orders a year, helping it notch up revenues of US$10.7 billion (8 billion) in 2024.

Mr Xu said: I could not be more excited by the prospect of what DoorDash and Deliveroo will be able to accomplish together.

Well cover more than 40 countries with a combined population of more than one billion people, enabling us to provide more local businesses with the tools and technology they need to thrive.

The deal is expected to complete in the final three months of 2025 but will need to be approved by Deliveroos shareholders.
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A government crackdown on visas for overseas workers could put overstretched care homes under threat of closure, with tens of thousands fewer staff coming to the UK, The Independent can reveal.

Applications for Britains health and care worker visa are at a record low after care workers were prevented from bringing children and other dependants with them in a bid to curb climbing migration numbers.

Between April 2023 to March 2024, when the new rules came in, there were 129,000 applicants, but that plummeted to just 26,000 in the year to March 2025, according to government figures.

The revelation comes as care homes struggle to retain staff, with more than 100,000 vacancies across England last year - a rate of 8 per cent and three times the national average.

Age UK warned that overseas recruits were keeping many services afloat and some care homes could be forced to shut if they could not find alternatives, piling more pressure on NHS hospitals.

And the crisis looks set to get even worse as new rules, brought in by the Labour government in March 2025, mean overseas workers will only get a visa if they earn over 25,000 a year. This will impact healthcare assistants, who support nurses by carrying out clinical tasks such as blood tests, 13 per cent of whom are from overseas.

open image in gallery Applications for Britains health and care worker visa are at a record low after care workers were prevented from bringing children and other dependants with them to the UK ( PA Wire )

Vicky Haines, managing director of home care provider Kingsway Care, accused the government of making recruitment decisions they are unqualified to do and warned that without major reforms, the sector will continue to buckle under pressure.

And she said international displaced workers, who were already in the UK but had had their employee sponsorship revoked, were not the only answer.

To suggest the pool of displaced workers already in the UK is the ultimate solution for all care providers is extremely short-sighted, she told The Independent. The care sector is being punished for governmental failings.

The Home Office should be held accountable for a poorly considered visa application process, with an outright lack of necessary checks and balances at the point of entry, resulting in the high number of displaced workers.

Care providers remain committed to delivering safe, dignified, and compassionate care, but we cannot do it alone.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: "It is widely agreed that social care staff coming here from abroad have kept many services afloat over the last few years, when otherwise they would have struggled because of too many vacancies.

If it proves impossible to recruit and retain enough staff, services sometimes even have to close, causing huge disruption and distress to existing clients... All this spells bad news for the NHS, our hospitals especially, which will often end up picking up the pieces if social care services are inadequate in a local area, since if older people don't get the care and support they need, their health is put at risk."

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Independent that curbs on visas make it harder for care services to recruit staff when demand is only growing.

open image in gallery Age UK warned that overseas recruits were keeping many services afloat and some care homes could be forced to shut if they could not find alternatives, piling more pressure on NHS hospitals ( PA Wire )

"After years of severe staff shortages and more than 100,000 vacancies today across trusts in England, measures that put off qualified people from overseas coming to the NHS are a worry, she said.

A report from Skills for Care, which collects employment data for social care providers, said that in April to June last year an estimated 8,000 international recruits were joining the independent sector in England - down from an average of 26,000 per quarter the year before.

And Nuffield Trust researcher Nina Hemmings told The Independent that March 2025 saw the lowest number of monthly applicants to UKs health and care worker scheme since the data was first published and had decreased by 70 per cent since March 2024.

The social care sector relies on skilled overseas workers to fill posts, stabilise services, and deliver care and support to the people who need it. There has not been a proper assessment by the government of how sudden changes to immigration rules will impact services and people who draw on care, she said.

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, told The Independent: "During our inquiry [into the sector], we have heard that amongst the many problems plaguing the care system and providers are the workforce issues of recruitment and retention, which we learned have led to a very high vacancy rate of over 8 per cent, three times the national average.

"Against this context, news that the number of applicants for skilled worker and health and care visas to the UK has dropped is a cause for serious concern."

And Martin Green, chief executive for Care England, which represents care home across the UK said the governments changes were having a significant impact on overseas recruitment but they have not got a strategic and coherent approach to developing the UK workforce.

A government spokesperson for the Home Office said it recognised the contribution care workers from overseas make to the NHS and social care services, but insisted net migration must come down.

This month, new rules requiring care providers to prioritise international care workers who are already in England came into force, which will get people back to work, reduce our reliance on further overseas recruitment, and make sure our social care sector has the care professionals it needs, they said.

This article was updated on 6 May to clarify that Kingsway Care is a home care provider.
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A killer fungus is set to spread through new parts of Europe due to rising temperatures, according to new climate change research.

Aspergillus, a type of mould which can cause lung and breathing problems if it infects a human, may infect millions of people a year as it spreads to more northerly countries in Europe, Asia and America due to rising temperatures, the study shows.

Norman van Rhijn, the Wellcome Trust research fellow at Manchester University who co-authored the study, said the world is nearing a tipping point regarding the rise of fungal pathogens, which thrive in a large variety of environments including inside houses.

Fungal infections will be a factor in millions of deaths worldwide each year, Mr Rhijn said.

open image in gallery The fungus thrives in humans because it can survive in warm temperatures ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Wikimedia )

Aspergillosis, the lung disease caused by spores of Aspergillus which can spread to other human organs, is one such disease.

Speaking to the FT, Mr Van Rhijn said: Were talking about hundreds of thousands of lives, and continental shifts in species distributions. In 50 years, where things grow and what you get infected by is going to be completely different.

Aspergillus can have positive benefits and is used in industrial and food production, including the fermentation of soy sauce and sake.

Inhaling its spores does not make everyone ill, but the deadly fungus can be particularly threatening to those with conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or a weakened immune system.

But fungal research shows Aspergillus fumigatus could spread across an additional 77 per cent of territory by the year 2100 as a result of the worlds heavy use of fossil fuels, potentially exposing nine million people in Europe to the infection, according to the FT.

The species can grow quickly in high temperatures in compost, explaining why it thrives in the 37C internal temperature of the human body.

open image in gallery Aspergillus mould can cause lung illness ( Getty )

Its lifestyle in the natural environment may have provided Aspergillus fumigatus with the fitness advantage needed to colonise human lungs, said professor Elaine Bignell, co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter University.

Another species, aspergillus flavus, lives on crops and could spread to an added 16 per cent of territory in north China, Russia, Scandinavia, and Alaska by 2100, researchers added. Some existing areas in African countries and Brazil may also be made inhospitable - which could be damaging to local ecosystems.

Darius Armstrong-James, professor of infectious diseases and medical mycology at Imperial College London, told the FT: There are serious threats from this organism both in terms of human health and food security.
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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
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A teenage boy has died after being pulled from a canal in Exeter.

Emergency services were called at around 4.35pm on bank holiday Monday after a 13-year-old boy failed to surface after jumping into the canal at Clapperbrook Lane East.

The boy, who has not been named, was pulled from the water, reportedly near Salmonpool Swingbridge over the Exeter Ship Canal, where he received first aid. He was then taken to hospital in a serious condition, where he died.

Devon and Cornwall Polices acting superintendent Chris Conway described the incident as awful and tragic as the boys family is supported by specialist officers.

He said: This is an awful and tragic incident, and we offer our condolences to the family who are being supported by specialist officers.

We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected as they come to terms with their devastating loss.

The boys death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Ship Canal leads from - and beside - the River Exe to Exeter Quay. Constructed in the 1560s, it is one of the oldest artificial waterways in the UK.

Last year, Exeter City Council issued a warning about the dangers swimming in the canal because of the risk from underwater obstacles and propellers of boats. The council said that around the Double Locks area  or anywhere beside canal lock gates - was a particularly dangerous spot.

The gates have sluices that are well below the waterline, that create a strong underwater current that can easily drag people under.

There are signs around the canal to deter people from swimming there.

Councillr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management said: The Canal is not a safe place to be swimming in or jumping into.

Often people cant see what they are jumping into and there are considerable risks from the propellers of boats and invisible underwater currents. As well as the risk from cold water shock, taking in water may be harmful and there is a threat to wildlife, especially nesting birds, she added.
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Declassified documents offer a glimpse into the pivotal role of Britain's GCHQ in the VE Day announcement, revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts and palpable excitement surrounding the momentous occasion.

Released 80 years after the end of WWII fighting in Europe, these papers showcase the intelligence agency's involvement in disseminating the news. Among the collection is a letter from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, communicating through naval channels to the GCHQ's Deputy Director.

The messages relay that the German high command had signed an unconditional surrender.

The document, timestamped 8.30am on May 7, 1945, instructs Allied expeditionary forces to cease all offensive operations but states that troops should remain in their present positions.

The document states: Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops, so full defensive precautions would be taken.

open image in gallery A document dated 4/5/1945 from former GCHQ Director Sir Edward Travis that talks of impending Victory in Europe Day

The bottom of the document includes the instruction that no repeat, no release is to be made to the press.

The document also features annotations by the officer who had transcribed the message. At the bottom of the letter, a note reads: and u can jollu well RD TT plse.

RD TT likely stands for read top-to-toe, with the addition showing the excitement felt by the operator who had the privilege of passing on the news.

The voices of intelligence officials, charged with holding vital top-secret information and working under secrecy, rarely feature in historical accounts.

open image in gallery ( GCHQ/PA Wire )

GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said: We know that intelligence had a significant part to play in VE Day and bringing World War Two to a close, and Im proud that our predecessors at GCHQ were part of that.

She added: It is also a powerful reminder of how those who worked so diligently and selflessly in the past paved the way for our future, and the world we live in today.

It is with great pride that we pay homage to them today.

The second document in the cache is a letter written and signed by then-GC&CS (GCHQ) director Sir Edward Travis to his staff, stating that no congratulatory, greetings or other Victory telegrams will be sent from GC&CS on VE Day or subsequently without the Directors prior approval.

The letter is dated May 4 1945, four days before VE Day.

It shows us that intelligence heads and the staff working at GCHQ were some of the first to know that the end of the war would soon be announced.
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Despite issuing approximately 41,000 tickets daily in Britain, private parking companies dont want to issue parking charges, according to an industry leader.

Will Hurley, chief executive of the International Parking Community (IPC), said that operators want drivers to park legally and conveniently.

He said: "Any business is there to make money. But the reality is, the vast majority of money that comes in in the parking industry comes from people paying for parking."

This comes amid accusations against private parking firms of employing misleading signage, aggressive debt collection tactics, and excessive fees.

These companies pursue vehicle owners for alleged violations in private car parks, such as those at shopping centres, leisure facilities, and motorway service areas.

They issue parking charge notices (PCNs)  which are invoices or demands for money  when they claim someone has breached the land owners rules, for example not entering their registration correctly into a machine, overstaying or not parking within a bay.

open image in gallery Each PCN can cost drivers up to 100 ( PA Archive )

Each ticket can be up to 100, with a minimum discount of 40 per cent if paid within 14 days.

The latest published accounts for ParkingEye, the UKs biggest private parking company, show it made a pre-tax profit of 16.1 million in 2023, up from 10.9 million a year earlier.

It is easy to beat the system for anyone who believes parking operators may attempt to profit by sending them a PCN, Mr Hurley said.

He went on: If youre thinking about it, just dont park in a way that gets a parking charge.

If youre really that upset by it, just follow the signs. If the signs are unclear, go and park somewhere else.

He added: Parking operators dont want to issue charges. They want people to park where they need to, when they need to.

In the six months to the end of September 2024, car park management companies made 7.2 million requests to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for vehicle keeper records, which they use to send PCNs.

That is up 12 per cent from the same period a year earlier and represents an average of 41,000 requests per day.

In the six months to the end of September 2019, the average daily rate was 24,000.

open image in gallery Parking companies issue about 41,000 PCNs every day ( Getty/iStock )

The figures are indicative of the number of PCNs being issued by private companies.

The IPC insists the jump in tickets is directly linked to the number of UK locations being managed by parking companies being more than five times higher than in 2012, and a 21 per cent increase in the number of registered vehicles over the same period.

It emerged last month that many drivers are being sent tickets they claim are unfair because of how some payment machines operate, with one campaigner claiming the devices are set up to trap people.

Some machines which require users to input their vehicle registration accept payment after only one letter being entered.

This has led to multiple cases of drivers paying the required parking fee but still being sent a PCN when their vehicle was detected by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Mr Hurley said I dont think thats helpful and revealed he wants to see the issue eradicated as part of payment machine minimum standards being developed by the IPC.

He continued: I believe that the minimum thing that should happen if youre required to put a registration number in, is you should be required to confirm your registration number before you go on to the payment bit.

How quickly can that be implicated across 50,000 locations in the country?

Not overnight, but weve got to take steps in that direction.

open image in gallery Parking companies dont want to issue charges, an industry head says ( PA Archive )

A Bill to enable the introduction of a Government-backed code for private parking companies received royal assent under the Conservative government in March 2019.

The code was withdrawn in June 2022 after a legal challenge by parking companies.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has said it will set out further details on re-introducing the code as soon as possible.

Mr Hurley insisted theres nobody thats supported the Government more than us in terms of introducing a single code of practice.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: If private companies really dont want to issue tickets, they should make their signs clearer and easier to understand.

Avoiding a charge is the opposite of easy in some locations.

Weve heard stories of machines that arent working, as well as ones that skip ahead to payment after entering one or two numbers or letters, or ones that record different letters to those keyed in.

The fact remains the Governments code of practice needs to be brought in as soon as possible.

Mr Williams also called for the parking industry to be transparent about the number of complaints it receives from drivers who believe theyve been treated unfairly.

Parliament will host a Westminster Hall debate on the sector on Tuesday.
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A wild beaver has been filmed on a river in Wales after the species became extinct in Britain about 400 years ago.

The semiaquatic rodent was previously hunted to extinction, but has made a comeback over the past two decades. There are four managed enclosures for beavers in Wales, but it remains unknown how many live in the wild at the moment.

Naturalist Iolo Williams encountered the wild beaver on the River Dyfi, near Machynlleth. He told the BBC: Ive seen some incredible wildlife in Wales, some amazing things, but this ranks up there, not just with the best, but as the very, very best.

The last people to see wild beavers in Wales would have been the Welsh princes, who would have hunted them. So they've been absent for hundreds of years. It's hugely significant.

Mr Williams first saw the beaver while he was filming his BBC series Iolo's River Valleys. He said the animal didnt pay us any attention at all.

The semiaquatic rodent was previously hunted to extinction but has been reintroduced to the UK ( BBC News )

"It was very chill," he said. We were on the opposite bank, and we thought we better be quiet, don't move around. And the beaver just saw us and it just carried on feeding and swam.

Mr Williams said the beaver "didn't pay us any attention at all".

Locals say they have spotted beavers along that same stretch of the River Dyfi in recent years, but where they come from has remained a mystery after a nearby beaver enclosure ruled out any escapes.

The North Wales Wildlife Trust has been working on its Welsh Beaver Project since 2005 in a mission to return the animal back to the wild. While once widespread across Wales, beavers were hunted for their fur, meat and scent glands.

The trust said beavers are very special because they play a vital role in enriching biodiversity by restoring and managing river and wetland ecosystems.

They are known as a keystone species because their activities can benefit a wide range of other animals and plants that live in rivers and wetlands, it added.

It is an offence in Wales to release beavers into open rivers without a licence, and Natural Resources Wales told the BBC that no licences of this type have been issued currently.

England recently approved the reintroduction of beavers into the wild, and there are said to be about 500 of them in the wilderness and in enclosures. Meanwhile, there are thought to be more than 1,500 beavers in Scotland after they were reintroduced to the wild several years ago.
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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 European Union countrys critical presidential election rerun.

The coalitions candidate, Crin Antonescu, finished third in Sundays first round vote, putting him narrowly behind Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, and far behind hard-right nationalist George Simion  who decisively took first place.

Rather than let the future president replace me, I decided to resign myself, Ciolacu, who came third in last years annulled presidential election, told reporters after a meeting at the headquarters of his Social Democratic Party, or PSD.

Before the meeting Monday, Ciolacu stated that one of the conditions of forming the coalition last December was to field a common candidate to win the presidency.
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Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out a U-turn on his governments decision to strip the winter fuel payment from millions of pensioners.

Labour faced a backlash to the move at last weeks disastrous local elections, with backbenchers complaining that it had played a decisive role in the party losing one of its safest parliamentary seats as well as 187 councillors.

But the prime ministers official spokesperson said: There will not be a change to the governments policy.

They added that the decision was one that we had to take to ensure economic stability and repair the public finances following the 22bn black hole left by the previous government.

open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting has defended the cut to the fuel allowance ( PA )

Earlier, Wes Streeting had failed to rule out a reversal of the policy, while admitting it was a factor in Labours dismal local election results.

However, the health secretary stood by the prime ministers original decision to push through the cut, arguing that the money saved had been invested in the NHS and in improving Britains state schools.

Mr Streeting told Sky News that he was not aware of those discussions if theyre taking place and refused to speculate on future policy changes. However, he underlined that the government is always listening and always looking at how the policies that were enacting make a difference.

The issue came up on the doorstep for Labour during the campaign for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election  which was won by Reform, overturning a Labour majority of 14,000  as well as the council elections, where Labour lost two-thirds of its seats, only returning 99 councillors.

Mr Streeting claimed that as health secretary he wouldnt be close to those sorts of discussions [about adjusting the income threshold for the winter fuel allowance] at this stage, ahead of the spending review and the Budget later this year as well.

He added: But what I do want to reassure people [about] is that, in terms of last Thursdays local election results, we have noticed  we have got the message.

But defending the policy, he said that Labour has had to do a lot of heavy lifting to get the country out of the hole it was left in.

And, accusing the Conservatives of leaving the NHS in chaos, prisons crumbling and a lack of police on the streets, he said that even if people disagree with some of the individual decisions we have taken, I dont think anyone would disagree that we are dealing with a lot.

Labours decision to means-test the payment, which affected around 10 million pensioners, was seen as one of the biggest factors in a bruising set of local elections.

It was announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves shortly after the 2024 election, when she claimed she had found a 22bn black hole in the UK finances. The policy is expected to save the government around 1.5bn a year, but will push more than 100,000 pensioners into poverty.

The change is more widely known about than any of Labours other policies, while around two-thirds of voters dislike the policy.

Luke Tryl, executive director of polling organisation More In Common, has described it as Labours original sin and said it had a major impact on the partys disastrous performance last week.

open image in gallery More In Common polling shows the winter fuel cuts are Labours most damaging policy ( More In Common )

And on Monday, the director of the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank warned that Sir Keir had become known around the world for the winter fuel cut.

Paul Johnson told Times Radio: I was talking to the head of an international insurance company recently, who said that the one thing everyone around the world knows about this government is that its taking money away from helping [with] the cost of fuel for pensioners.

So its one of those things that actually, from a sort of fiscal point of view, is pretty small, but has turned out, I think, to be much bigger from a political and reputational point of view than the government expected.

Reports overnight suggested that Downing Street was rethinking the cut amid fears that it could cost Labour the next general election, with officials considering raising the threshold over which pensioners are no longer eligible for the allowance.

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 Guardian.

It comes after a slew of Labour backbenchers publicly called for a reversal of the cut as the local election results came in on Friday.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has been urged to reverse the measure ( PA )

One of Labours re-elected mayors hit out at Sir Keir, while a group of left-wing MPs demanded a change of course from the PM.

Ros Jones, who was narrowly re-elected as mayor of Doncaster, beating the Reform candidate by just under 700 votes, told the BBC: I wrote as soon as the winter fuel allowance was actually mooted, and I said it was wrong, and therefore I stepped in immediately and used our household support fund to ensure no one in Doncaster went cold during the winter.

Left-wing Labour MP Kim Johnson was among a group of backbenchers who warned that Sir Keirs current approach is leaving the door open to Reform UK and the far right.

Voters want change  and if we dont offer it with bold, hopeful policies that rebuild trust, the far right will, she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Sir Keir has defended the tough decisions he has taken in power, including the winter fuel cut, arguing that Labour inherited a broken economy.

He added: Maybe other prime ministers would have walked past that, pretended it wasnt there ... I took the choice to make sure our economy was stable.
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A wave of cyber attacks should be a wake-up call for every business in the country, a senior minister will say.

Harrods became the latest high-profile UK retailer to fall victim to hacking in recent days, after a serious ransomware attack on Marks & Spencer forced the company to suspend online orders and halt recruitment.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden will use a keynote speech to urge companies to treat cyber security as an absolute priority.

Speaking at the CyberUK conference in Manchester next week, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Mr McFadden will say: These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every business in the UK.

In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit  with attempts being made every hour of every day  companies must treat cybersecurity as an absolute priority.

Weve watched in real time the disruption these attacks have caused, including to working families going about their everyday lives.

It serves as a powerful reminder that just as you would never leave your car or your house unlocked on your way to work, we have to treat our digital shop fronts the same way.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with affected organisations to fully understand the nature of the attacks, the Government said.

M&S confirmed on Thursday it had taken down all job adverts from its careers website while it dealt with the fallout.

A message on the site told prospective applicants: Sorry you cant search or apply for roles right now, were working hard to be back online as soon as possible.

The London-based retailer employs about 65,000 people and has seen its operations disrupted since the Easter weekend.

Contactless payments were affected, and click-and-collect services halted, though contactless has since been restored.

Meanwhile, the Co-op Group has also been affected by an attempted hack, prompting it to shut down parts of its IT infrastructure.

While its shops and funeral services continue to trade, staff have reportedly been instructed to keep cameras on and verify identities during all remote meetings.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the attack on M&S.

Mr McFadden, who led a briefing with national security officials and the NCSC on Friday, will set out the action the Government is taking to boost the countrys cyber protections in his speech.

He will say: Were modernising the way the state approaches cyber, through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. That legislation will bolster our national defences.

It will grant new powers for the Technology Secretary to direct regulated organisations to reinforce their cyber defences. It will require over 1,000 private IT providers to improve their data and network security.

It will require companies to report a wider array of cyber incidents to the NCSC in the future  to help us build a clearer picture of who, and what, hostile actors are targeting.
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A newly elected councillor has quit Reform UK after she was suspended over a social media post just days after being elected.

Donna Edmunds, who was elected in Hodnet in Shropshire, was suspended for writing on X, formerly Twitter, that she was planning to defect from the party after the local elections.

Ms Edmunds on Sunday had written on the platform that she had been suspended from the party pending an investigation.

She had previously posted about waiting for the partys ousted MP Rupert Lowe to set up a challenger party and then I will defect.

The row marked a chaotic start to life as a party of government for Reform

When trying to quit the party, Ms Edmund found that her only option was to cancel the auto-renewal of her payment, so she technically will remain a member until the year is up.

But she launched a tirade against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, declaring that he must never be prime minister and is a terrible leader.

She said: A good leader knows that you bring your team with you, that you champion their successes as the teams successes.

A bad leader claims personal credit for every win and stabs people in the back.

Ms Edmunds also said she no longer has to watch what I say and so called for the jailed far right activist Tommy Robinson to be freed from jail, describing him as a political prisoner.

Her suspension and decision to quit the party just days after the local elections marks a chaotic start to Reforms life as a party of government, having won control of ten councils as well as the mayoralties of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.

The party also came under fire on Monday for vowing to ban all flags from council buildings except the Union Jack and St Georges flag, meaning Ukraine and pride flags would be barred from being flown by public authorities. Reform was later forced to clarify that county flags would also be allowed.

It also came as The Independent revealed Reform mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns vow to get rid of council diversity officers as one of her first acts in Lincolnshire has fallen flat as the county council doesnt employ any.

And it emerged the party offers home working despite having vowed to put an end to working from home in local authorities it controls.

A Reform UK spokesman said: "The reason for her suspension is that she posted on social media that she intended to defect to another party. We will not comment further until the completion of the investigation."

Mr Farage hailed the results as the end of two-party politics and the death of the Conservative Party as Reform picked up 10 councils and more than 600 seats in Thursdays poll.

As the Tories faced a Reform surge in the North and parts of the Midlands, the Lib Dems put the squeeze on their vote further south, gaining more than 100 councillors.

Labour also suffered a devastating set of results, losing a by-election in one of its safest seats as well as 187 councillors.

Responding to The Independent, Ms Edmunds described Reform as a cult at war with its own grassroots. She said: Reform HQ is at war with its own grassroots. How else to explain Farage's completely unwarranted attack, yet again, on those of us who have been calling for more democracy within the party, made during the VE Day celebrations coverage?

I thought I was joining a party. It turned out I had joined a cult. Because I remain loyal to the grassroots party members, whom I hope to see thrive, I cannot stand silently by as the cult's leader wages war against them.
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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.
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Voters do not believe Keir Starmer or Kemi Badenoch will lead their parties at the next general election, following disastrous council results.

Research by pollsters More in Common found that nearly 6 in 10 people think Sir Keir will not be in charge of Labour, while almost half think the same of the Conservative leader.

But those who want to replace her with Robert Jenrick face a shock, as the group found that he would fail to put the Tories ahead of Nigel Farages Reform - although replacing her with disgraced former prime minister Boris Johnson would.

open image in gallery Voters do not expect Sir Keir Starmer to lead Labour into the next election after last weeks disastrous results (Henry Nicholls/PA) ( PA Wire )

Tory MPs are set to hold meetings this week to discuss how to remove their leader, as panic grows over the partys future following Reforms success in the local elections.

The Tories lost 15 councils and 674 seats last week in devastating results, which saw Mr Farage declare his party was now the main opposition to Labour, after it won 676 seats and overall control of 10 councils.

Labour also had a terrible night, losing 187 council seats, far more than had been expected, as well as a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform overturned a 14,700 majority to win by just six votes.

More in Common said Labour could try to win back voters by reforming the controversial Winter Fuel Allowance.

Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan has called for a rethink on the decision to means-test the allowance, saying the decision to axe the universal benefit for around 10 million of pensioners was "something that comes up time and again".

open image in gallery Tory MPs are meeting this week to discuss the future of their leader Kemi Badenoch ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

More in Commons executive director Luke Tryl said actions on the cost of living, immigration and the NHS were all top tests for the government.

But he said when it came to the cost of living, the constant refrain was Im living to work, not working to live.

Comments about the NHS that are coming up in focus groups are generally better than the have been, he said, adding it could be that the NHS ends up being the bright spot for Labour.

But he warned the party faces big challenges next year, with elections in Scotland and Wales, as well as more Labour-facing councils up for grabs in the local elections. It is going to be a challenging electoral cycle, he said.

open image in gallery Re-installing Boris Johnson as leader could put the Tories ahead of Reform, the research found ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

However, there was some hope for the two largest parties.

More in Common found that nearly half of Reform voters, 46 per cent, said that they wanted to send a signal on who they would vote for at the national level with these elections.

That figure was much higher than for other parties, where voters were more inclined to say they were casting their ballots on local issues.
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The ex-Labour MP who drunkenly punched a constituent has blamed Sir Keir Starmers winter fuel cuts for the partys loss of the once safe seat he held.

Mike Amesbury, who quit parliament after being convicted of assault, said Labours loss in Runcorn and Helsby last week was due to some big political mistakes from the government.

I sincerely hope Keir Starmer, the Labour prime minister, and the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, not only listen, but learn and respond, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Asked whether he felt responsible for having sparked the by-election by attacking 45-year-old constituent Paul Fellows, he pointed to Labours losses elsewhere in what was a disastrous set of local election results.

As well as losing Runcorn to Reform by just six votes, Labour lost 187 councillors across England.

Mr Amesbury said: The constituents of Durham or up and down the country did not vote how they did because of my mistake.

But the ex-MP expressed regret for the incident, saying: I live that moment every day of my life. Of course I regret that, and if I could turn back the clock and change things that evening I would have done the right thing and walked away.

He added: Ive paid a price and I will learn from those mistakes. And politically I want this government to succeed.

And he warned the government must not continue making political mistakes, citing Sir Keirs winter fuel cuts and cuts to disability benefits.

In a plea to his former colleagues, Mr Amesbury added: People on those benches, now is the time to say, you are not being disloyal, but say come on now to the leadership, just think again on this.

If we are serious about having two terms of a Labour government transforming this country for the better, we have got to listen to the electorate and do the right thing.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage celebrated his partys victory in Runcorn ( AFP/Getty )

Labours decision to means test winter fuel payments payment, which affected around 10 million pensioners, was seen as one of the biggest factors in its dire local election performance.

More of the public are aware of the change than any of Labours other policies, while around two-thirds of voters dislike the policy.

More in Common director Luke Tryl has described it as Labours original sin and said it had a major impact on the partys disastrous performance last week.

And on Monday the director of the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank warned Sir Keir has become known around the world for the winter fuel cuts.

Paul Johnson told Times Radio: I was talking to the head of an international insurance company recently who said that the one thing everyone around the world knows about this government is that it's taking money away from helping the cost of fuel for pensioners.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire over the winter fuel cuts in the wake of the local election results ( PA )

So it's one of those things which actually from a sort of fiscal point of view is pretty small but has turned out, I think, to be much bigger from a political and reputational point of view than the government expected.

But on Tuesday health secretary Wes Streeting defended the cuts, arguing the money saved is being invested in the NHS and improving Britains state schools.

He said Labour has had to do a lot of heavy lifting to get the country out of the hole it was left in.

Discussing the fallout of the drunken incident last October, Mr Amesbury said what has occurred since has been like being buried alive I am in the position through my own fault and own mistakes.
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Keir Starmer has been warned that he must prioritise saving the UKs billion pound film industry from Donald Trumps tariffs or risk it being wiped out.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Commons select committee for culture, has said MPs will be putting pressure on ministers over UK-US trade talks to rescue an industry that is worth billions to the British economy.

The prime minister is already under pressure from the US to accept lowering food standards to allow chlorinated chicken as well as repeal hate laws in the name of free speech over getting a deal.

But with blockbusters including the recent Disney Snow White live action movie, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and James Bond franchises, as well as streaming success stories such as Game of Thrones filmed in the UK, the 100 per cent tariffs threatened by Trump could serious harm the industry.

open image in gallery Dame Caroline Dinenage (Dominic Lipinski) ( PA Archive )

Dame Caroline, a former Tory minister for the film industry, 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 interest 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.

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.

She vowed to use her committee to keep up pressure on ministers and is in touch with culture minister Sir Christopher Bryant on the issue.

Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the The Film and TV charity told The Independent: Trumps tariffs could wipe out the UK industry because we are so dependent on foreign direct investment for films being made here.

Mr Ryder said dozens of people had contacted him since Mr Trumps announcement with existential dread about the future of the industry.

People are worried and their anxiety levels are off the scale, he said. The tariffs are already having an impact before they have even been introduced.

It would cut off production houses and strangle the entire ecosystem, including the TV industry. But nobody has any idea what the tariffs could mean. There is a lot of uncertainty.

President Trump announced the tariffs on national security grounds claiming that foreign films pose a danger to the US.

But the disaster it poses for the UK economy was underlined with British Film Industry (BFI) figures published in February.

BFIs research and statistics unit revealed that film and high-end TV production spend in the UK was 5.6 billion in 2024, a 31 per cent increase from 2023.

Of this, 3.4 bn (62 per cent) was spent on high end television and streaming; with feature film production contributing 2.1 billion (38 per cent) of the total spend.

A BFI spokesperson said: "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.

open image in gallery Donald Trum plans 100 per cent tariffs on foreign films (Niall Carson/PA) ( PA Wire )

But unions are warning the tariffs would be a knock out blow to the industry.

Head of Bectu union, Philippa Childs, said: 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 governments industrial strategy.

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.

Former culture secretary Nicky Morgan told The Independent: The Presidents announcement just confirms the great success of the UK film industry, achieved not by protectionism but by consistent incentives for growth and phenomenal UK creativity.

It also shows why a separate Culture Department is a wise investment for any Government searching for economic growth.

Former culture secretary John Whittingdale denounced the tariffs as unworkable, impossible to implement and would do real damage to the film industry.

The prime minister's official spokesman described the threat of tariffs as disappointing.

He said: "As we have said across the board, any introduction of tariffs will be disappointing but we will always take a calm and steady approach to our discussions with the US to put British interests first."

He went on to describe the British film industry as "a world-class industry" and "a beacon of talent" that "showcases the best of our creativity and culture", adding that "talks are ongoing with the US on an economic deal, so we are not going to get into a running commentary of the details on that.
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Sir Keir Starmer has struck Britains biggest post-Brexit trade deal, hailing a landmark agreement with India that will boost trade with the country by 25.5bn.

In what the prime minister is billing as a major coup, he said the agreement, which focuses on whisky, gin, cars and cosmetics, will boost the economy and cut prices for consumers.

The opening up of international trade with one of the worlds biggest and fastest-growing economies comes as the prime minister attempts to deal with Donald Trumps latest moves in the battle over tariffs on imports to the US.

The most recent row came after the US president announced his intention to impose 100 per cent tariffs on films from outside the US  a policy that, if implemented, threatens to destroy the British film industry.

open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer hosts a meeting of Indian investors last year ( PA )

Labour made much of Sir Keir securing a deal with India, which successive Tory governments have failed to land following Brexit.

A major sticking point in the talks was believed to be Indias demand for looser visa restrictions for its citizens coming to the UK, but the Department for Business and Trade said this would have no impact on Britains points-based migration system.

Criticism of the governments achievement was led by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who was trade secretary in the last Conservative government and claimed to have refused to sign an almost identical deal.

She said on X (formerly Twitter): I refused to sign this deal because: 1. Tax refunds for Indians not available to us; 2. Visa requests too high; 3. Ceramics and Aluminium industries would be screwed. When Labour negotiates Britain loses.

Ms Badenoch signed the other big post-Brexit free-trade deals, with Australia and New Zealand, which have been seen as bad news for UK farmers.

open image in gallery Indian PM Narendra Modi says he will welcome Starmer to India soon ( AP )

Securing a post-Brexit deal with India, one of the worlds fastest-growing economies, has been a holy grail for successive prime ministers, with Boris Johnson famously promising to strike an agreement by Diwali in October 2022.

India said that as part of the agreement  which it described as a big win  its temporary workers in Britain, along with their employers, will be exempt from making national insurance payments in the UK for three years.

This reform comes under what is known as the double contribution convention, which is designed to stop workers and employers paying twice, once in each country.

The deal is also expected to make it easier for Indian chefs, musicians and yogis to come to the UK, after a new cap on the number of professionals who can enter was agreed.

As Labour reels from the shock of its local election drubbing, Sir Keir hopes the announcement, which sent the pound to a three-year high against the US dollar, will help get his Labour government back on track.

The prime minister said: Through this governments stable and pragmatic leadership, the UK has become an attractive place to do business. Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India  one of the fastest-growing economies in the world  which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.

Strengthening our alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of our Plan for Change, to deliver a stronger and more secure economy here at home.

open image in gallery Boris Johnson promised but failed to strike a trade deal with India in 2022 ( AP )

The deal will immediately halve tariffs on whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, followed by a cut to 40 per cent in 2035. It will also cut automotive tariffs from over 100 per cent to just 10 per cent, opening up the Indian market to British carmakers as they are grappling with the impact of Mr Trumps tariffs on the sector.

The government said British shoppers would see lower prices for clothes, footwear and foods, including frozen prawns, as the UK reduces barriers to imports from India. The deal also includes new commitments to protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent, the government said.

It will boost bilateral trade by 25.5bn, the Department for Business and Trade said, adding 4.8bn to UK GDP each year.

It was struck after long-running negotiations between British and Indian officials, with business secretary Jonathan Reynolds undergoing a final round of discussions with the countrys commerce minister Piyush Goyal last week.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said: These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.

Critics said Britain would have been able to agree a better deal with India as part of the EU, which is also holding talks with the country. The European Movement UK welcomed the deal but said the bloc has more clout and that the UK would be better off as part of it.

Meanwhile, Best for Britain, which campaigns for closer EU-UK ties, said a customs deal with the EU could boost UK GDP by 2.2 per cent, more than 20 times the impact of the agreement with India.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer pictured during a bilateral meeting with Indias prime minister Narendra Modi ( PA Wire )

As well as whisky and gin, the UK-India agreement will cover a number of high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing  incorporating the aerospace and automotive industries  along with clean energy, life sciences, and the creative and services sectors.

It was welcomed as a once-in-a-generation boost by exporters, with the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, Mark Kent, saying: The reduction of the current 150 per cent tariff on Scotch whisky will be transformational for the industry, and has the potential to increase Scotch whisky exports to India by 1bn over the next five years, creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

And the boss of the Premier League said the market is incredibly important to the competition and its clubs. Richard Masters added: The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy, and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.

Karan Bilimoria, a crossbench peer who is chair of the International Chamber of Commerce UK and the founder of Cobra Beer, said: This is the biggest and most important free trade agreement that the UK has signed since Brexit. India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and the fourth-largest economy in the world, and yet is only Britains 11th-largest trade partner, with 42bn of bilateral trade in goods and services.

Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, added: With UK industries, such as automotive, currently feeling the challenges of the US tariffs, this deal comes at an opportune moment for a range of industries.
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The fallout from last weeks bruising local elections has ignited fierce debate over Labours decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners  a move many insiders believe played a decisive role in the partys poor showing at the polls.

Labour lost nearly two-thirds of its councillors and even surrendered one of its safest parliamentary seats in Runcorn and Helsby to Reform UK.

On doorsteps across the country, the means-testing of winter fuel payments surfaced repeatedly as a key issue.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced the cuts shortly after Labour came to power, arguing they were necessary to help plug a 22bn black hole in the public finances.

The government says the savings are being redirected to the NHS and schools, but critics warn the policy risks pushing over 100,000 pensioners into poverty.

Now, pressure is mounting on Sir Keir Starmer to rethink the cuts, with Wes Streeting hinting at a U-turn. Other senior Labour figures, backbench MPs and local leaders have previously called for a reversal of the cuts, warning the party risks alienating core voters.

So were asking: what should happen next with the winter fuel payments?

Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Rescue teams in Texas are searching for a 10-year-old girl who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters.

Teams of people have been scouring the city of Brenham, 70 miles north-west of Houston, for the child as more thunderstorms are forecast for the region.

Police officials say the girl was washed away by a sudden flood of water after crossing a bridge near Firemans Park on Monday at around 4pm.

Several people nearby attempted to rescue her, with one person reportedly leaping into the water and managing to latch onto the child, before losing her in the powerful current, according to ABC.

A Brenham police officer also attempted to rescue her but was swept away before being rescued downstream.

open image in gallery The creek where authorities searched for the girl after she was swept away by the flooding ( Brenham Fire Department )

Land-based search teams using drones equipped with thermal imaging and specially trained dogs continued to scale the creek banks for the missing girl on Monday night, said Brenham Fire Department.

Please continue to keep this precious child, her family, and all the dedicated first responders in your thoughts and prayers. We will share updates as soon as we are able, the fire department said in a statement.

Burleson Street and Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, roughly half a mile from where the incident began, remained closed Monday night, according to KBTX.

open image in gallery Over a dozen law enforcement officials attended the scene to try and save the missing girl ( ABC News )

The young girl has not been named by officials.

Rescue efforts were expected to resume on Tuesday morning - but there is concern over another bout of heavy storms expected to bring up to 6 inches of rain Tuesday to parts of south-eastern Texas, according to the National Weather Service in Houston.

A series of strong rip currents and flooding along Gulf-facing beaches, especially during high tides, is also anticipated.

open image in gallery A local resident and a police officer dived in to save the child but were unsuccessful as the water was too powerful ( ABC News )

The dangerous weather is expected to continue into Wednesday. It comes after storms impacted much of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas last week.

Local boat owners offered their support on social media, saying they could provide law enforcement with additional boat support if needed.

Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura offered prayers to the 10-year-olds family, stating, The response has been phenomenal, but its such swift water. Its just going to be difficult now with the light conditions going away. Hearts go out to them. This is something that shouldnt happen.
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Ford Motor Co. announced it is withdrawing its financial guidance for the year, citing uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration's trade policies.

The company expects to lose $1.5 billion in operating profit due to tariffs in 2025.

Ford said Monday that its net income fell by about two-thirds in the first quarter to $473 million, or 12 cents per share, from $1.33 billion, or 33 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue dropped 5 per cent to $40.66 billion.

The results topped the expectations of analysts surveyed by FactSet, who forecast earnings per share for the quarter would be flat. Revenue was forecast to be $38.02 billion. Still, the stock fell more than 2 per cent in after-hours trading.

General Motors previously said the company is bracing for a potential impact from auto tariffs as high as $5 billion in 2025. Ford and Tesla are expected to see a smaller impact from tariffs than GM and other automakers because they assemble more of their cars in the US.

However, what impact they do see won't be insignificant. Ford originally forecast 2025 earnings before interest and taxes in a range of $7 billion to $8.5 billion, but on Monday the company said the risks associated with tariffs "make updating full year guidance challenging right now given the potential range of outcomes."

open image in gallery Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, speaks at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. ( AP )

Ford CEO Jim Farley has been touting the advantage that higher domestic production gives his company and he did so again Monday, while acknowledging that the shake-up to the industry from tariffs is still in its early stages.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has been touting the advantage that higher domestic production gives his company and he did so again Monday, while acknowledging that the shake-up to the industry from tariffs is still in its early stages.

Its too early to gauge the related market dynamics, including the potential industrywide supply chain disruptions, said Farley said on an earnings call with analysts. Automakers with the largest U.S. footprint will have a big advantage, and, boy, that is that true for Ford. It puts us in the pole position.

President Donald Trump says one goal of his trade policy is to move more manufacturing of products such as autos back to the U.S. Last week Trump signed executive orders to relax some of his 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts in a move the president said would allow automakers more time to transition their manufacturing operations.

Automakers and independent analyses have indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make U.S. production less competitive worldwide.

The potential impact of tariffs dominated Ford's earnings calls, with one executive noting how just a little trouble with a few parts could have a dramatic effect.

The rare earth materials from China, for example, how they are imported, not just for us, but for the entire industry, has become rather complicated over the last few weeks, said Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra. It would take only a few parts to potentially cause some disruption into our production.
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For the first four years of his life, William Asfour lived in Gaza, near the Israeli border in Khan Younis, a region his family has called home for generations. Surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, his childhood was filled with sun-drenched days at the beach, lively market strolls, and hours spent outdoors with neighbors and relatives. His earliest memories are set within the walls of his grandfathers house  a place that still feels like home in his heart, even after two decades in America.

Asfours parents moved the family to the U.S. following the unrest of the second intifada in 2000, when he was kindergarten age. After the uprising, everything had changed. I couldnt go outside. I couldnt play, he recalls. We had to be locked in our houses all day, every day. There [were] tanks literally outside of our homes. You would hear gunshots, you would see the missiles in the sky. He spent the rest of his childhood in Chicago, and he dreamed of visiting his grandfathers house again as an adult.

In September 2023, it seemed like the optimum time to realize that dream. Things had been stable in Gaza for a while, and Asfour  who was by then 26 years old  began working out the logistics of crossing the border in Egypt en route to Khan Younis. He imagined either September or December would be the best time to take the trip. He started making tentative plans.

He was still working on those plans when October 7th happened.

open image in gallery People walking surrounded by buildings destroyed during the Israeli air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip are seen from southern Israel on March 20, 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Now, Khan Younis lies in ruins. All the houses of Asfours early memories are gone, reduced to rubble in a town that lost more than 90 percent of its buildings to Israeli bombardment. Asfour will never get to visit the houses he ran through as a toddler, will never wander through the streets he played games in with his cousins. And there are numerous members of his family he will never get to meet again, either. His uncle  a father of five, who was working as a doctor during the war  was killed in an airstrike. His mothers cousin lost six of his children, as well as his wife and his father. That cousin has just one child left, a daughter who was gravely injured by shrapnel. Its like: How do you go on from this? says Asfour. You see this constant cycle of pain and pain and pain.

Rebuilding Gaza, Asfour knows, will take many years. But hes adamant that the strips residents are better off living amid a building site for a decade than never being allowed to return.

The infrastructure situation in Gaza, however, is grave. According to Yale Environment360, the official publication of Yales School of the Environment, the war in Gaza has resulted in water supplies contaminated, raw sewage pouring into the Mediterranean, once-fertile soils ruined, and the land stripped of trees. Destroyed buildings replete with asbestos and other chemical contaminants, and likely mixed in rubble with unexploded bombs, have wreaked havoc on the ecosystem and contaminated groundwater. Soil that was once fertile is now at risk of permanent desertification. The Wadi River  which before the war had just been recognized as Palestines only nature reserve and where the U.N. was working to restore its ecology and reduce pollution  is now a dumping ground and an open sewer. Without refuse collection, huge piles of trash are being burned in the streets.

The amount of trees that have disappeared is particularly concerning to environmental experts. At least 80 percent of Gazas trees were lost during the 15 months of war, according to satellite imagery  most destroyed in bombings, but more now being chopped down and used for firewood as people struggle to survive through cold nights. Without trees, air and water quality continues to decline, and the land could struggle to ever recover. Meanwhile, the shells of buildings that are left are unstable and littered with debris  just under 90 percent of schools have been destroyed, and more than 90 percent of residential units. This is an unrecognizable landscape.

When John*, a senior U.N. diplomat in New York, heard what Donald Trump had said about Gaza in mid-February, he put his head in his hands. After a short meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump had gone in front of the press to tell them that the U.S. would now own Gaza, displace all its citizens, and turn it into a Middle East Riviera. Over the next couple weeks, he would reiterate that claim numerous times.

The outcry from many sections of the world was swift; the United Nations campus in Manhattan was stunned into a bemused silence. The first thing John felt, however, was not anger or shock. It was the sting of personal failure.

John  who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he is not officially authorized to speak on the issue  has worked in a number of conflict zones across the world. He has attended numerous meetings between states that are sworn enemies, most of which are held in small rooms with a handful of people rather than in the showy, large arenas that some might expect. Sometimes, those states come to resolutions that stick. Each time anyone got close to a resolution on Gaza, however, a veto would come, or an argument would break out.

open image in gallery Laila ElHaddads daughter on the promenade in Gaza. The sign is now destroyed ( Laila ElHaddad )

As an institution, I thought we should have been able to work this out, says John. But as he watched deals get stymied again and again, he realized that everything hed believed about the United Nations when he first joined was wrong.

What happened? Though John is not a fan of Donald Trump, he says Trump had a point when he talked about the U.S. paying much more into the United Nations fund than others. So long as the U.S. is the biggest financial contributor, issues will always lean in their favor. And that means little to no progress on issues like Gaza, for two main reasons.

open image in gallery Laila ElHaddad visiting Roman ruins in Old Gaza City ( Laila ElHaddad )

Firstly, the U.S. holds a unilateral veto in the U.N., meaning they can kibosh any deal, even if numerous other member states sign on to it (Palestine is a non-member observer state, with the same status as the Vatican.) The same is true of the other countries who comprise the Permanent Five  China, France, Russia and the U.K.  all of whom have played their part in preventing progress over the years, John adds.

Secondly, the American and Israeli governments have both shifted toward far-right populism, meaning that the diplomats they send are often concerned more with grandstanding and speechifying than they are with the nuanced back-and-forth of diplomatic debate behind the scenes. To solve an issue after war, you have to sit down at a table with someone you really, really dont like. You have to break bread with people youd rather kill, says John. In 2025, there is less willingness to do that over Gaza than ever before  at least among the states that can actually do something about it.

John told me in February that he believed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Russia had all decided amongst themselves about what they want the future of the Gaza Strip to look like. The US has already played its hand, he adds. They want Mar-Gaza-Lago. Russia or the Arab states will be next, he predicted.

In early March, thats exactly what happened. Arab states led by Egypt released a plan that agreed with figures from a joint UN-EU-World Bank report stating it will cost $53 billion to rebuild Gaza. The 100-page plan detailed how Gaza could be built back up by 2030, if a six-month period of rubble removal is started immediately, followed by two years of building up basic housing and facilities, and then another two-and-a-half years of adding to those. It envisions Palestinian Authority control of the strip at the end of this ambitious process, and doesnt go into detail about who will provide this huge amount of funding, though its presumed richer Gulf states like Saudi Arabia will step in. The plan has already been rejected by the White House.

John was unsurprised by these developments. Hes not even entirely sure that the plan was meant to be enacted, as opposed to simply being a gesture of goodwill. Because so many countries are now focused on short-term political victories at home, its actually in several of the actors best interests not to allow any progress, John says. A costly rebuild that will probably take generations to complete  2030 is simply not a realistic timeline, he adds  isnt going to tempt that many states, even if they feel compelled to publicly express that they want to see a future for Gaza.

open image in gallery A famous falafel and hummus shop, now destroyed, in Old Gaza City ( Laila ElHaddad )

The U.N. has been working in the background in response to a number of Trumps claims. Whether the president can actually displace Palestinians, decide that the U.S. owns Gaza, and build his promised Riviera is still up in the air. Because the U.S. is just one of a handful of countries that pays large sums of money into the U.N. fund  which goes directly to U.N. staffers salaries and U.N. aid distribution after natural disasters, among other things  most diplomats are likely to turn a blind eye. Effectively, its either work out a way to agree to what Trump says with minimal damage to the international order, or risk the financial destruction of the U.N. and ultimately cease to exist as an organization at all.

The toolkit weve had [at the U.N.] since World War Two hasnt been updated, says John. Utopian-ideal systems that imagined fascism was gone forever and believed in global dialogue are still in place, and they are woefully inadequate for todays world, where the far right is so emboldened. When that war ended, nobody was really thinking countries would be the bad actors any more. The tools that were designed off the back of that assumption guarantee inertia in the modern world, adds John, and thats exactly what theyre doing now.

By the way, he adds, even if the entire world agreed on Trumps plan for a Middle East Riviera, the logistics of rebuilding that area are so complex that if they got to work tomorrow, theyd be cutting the ribbon in a couple of decades.

Mikhail Chester, a professor at Arizona State University, urban geography specialist and director of the Metis Center for Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering, agrees that the timeline on rebuilding Gaza is much longer than the public might think.

Gaza still is to some extent an active war zone, he says. Youve got military conflict, youve got different foreign nations vying for authority in the region that you have to negotiate between. You obviously have local governance, so to speak, right? So multiple layers of governance that have to interact and build consensus Putting a pipe in the ground is one thing  that generally is the easy part. Building that consensus to put the pipe in the ground is going to be the wicked and complex part of this problem.

open image in gallery From Abed Ajramis summer 2022 trip to Gaza ( Abed Ajrami )

But even the pipes in the ground part is tricky. Engineers and architects working on rebuilding Gaza will first have to assess what state the existing infrastructure is in, which might mean doing more demolition, not less: You cant turn on the water treatment plant if it isnt functional, and let the water vent open into bombed-out pipes in the road, says Chester. And even if the water system and all the pipes were fully functioning and could simply be turned back on, that still wouldnt solve a lot of problems, because energy systems are interdependent: So its not as simple as which would you bring online first? My answer might be electricity, because electricity gives you access to lots of different human capabilities  air conditioning, refrigeration, machinery, things like that to build stuff But in many ways, you dont have electricity without water. You dont have water without electricity. You dont have transportation fuel without electricity You actually have to bring these systems online in a somewhat concurrent manner in order to make sure that you can bring any of them online in the first place.

Sometimes, looking at a much less complex example helps to convey the magnitude of the problem. Cities like Tuscaloosa in Alabama, Greenburg in Kansas or San Francisco in California have all seen sudden destruction due to natural disasters and had to put together plans to quickly rebuild. Tuscaloosa saw 12.5 percent of its buildings destroyed and thousands of people displaced in just six minutes during a tornado in 2011. Rebuilding took years, and required a complex process of community planning, rubble clearance and red-tape navigation. Federal funds were applied for and then delayed; meetings were held where tens of thousands of people wanted to have their say. Construction  on a recreation ground and replacement residential buildings  didnt begin for over a year.

In Gaza, so much more needs to be rebuilt, and so much more consensus needs to be worked towards. People on the ground have to be committed to working together and, ideally, familiar with each other and the environment theyre building in. It cant just be that somebody is like: All right, youve got the job of bringing the power system back online. Go do it, and let me know when youre done, says Chester. Thats not going to work. That group is going to have to be in coordination with the teams that are bringing the other services back online. Because if I cant get a pipe out to the water treatment plant because the road is destroyed, well, Ive got to repair that road first. Various countries might want to try and dictate where roads are built, while engineers from the region will have the best idea of where they should go logistically. Those conversations are unlikely to be easy, and could easily stretch out for years.

open image in gallery From Abed Ajramis summer 2022 trip to Gaza ( Abed Ajrami )

Locals wont wait for all of that to be worked out over multiple years by many engineers, either, Chester points out: Youre going to see locals who have more intimate knowledge of the system start hacking things to bring themselves services sooner rather than later. Chester was on the ground in Puerto Rico shortly after the destruction of Hurricane Maria, and recalls remote communities that were at the end of the list for the power company or transportation company to get them back online [who] basically hacked together services. One group set up an informal water infrastructure to bring water down from a mountain stream into the community of, like, 50 people. They rebuilt a bridge, not to any engineering standard whatsoever, but it was the one bridge that they needed to get in and out of their community. Nobody was coming in to help, and they said: Were going to do it ourselves. And they happened to have something like four solar panels, so they put those solar panels up on a community building, and that was enough to, for example, charge phones and run a couple of refrigerators, which they could then share for communications, food storage, medicine storage.

These innovative, temporary solutions to a permanent problem are inevitable and necessary  some water pipes have already been constructed in Gaza City by enterprising individuals. But they can also pose an extra issue for people seeking to rebuild permanent infrastructure in their place.

In a region that is likely to see continuing instability, its also important to give infrastructure experts the time and space to think creatively about how to rebuild, Chester adds: When you have a system where its likely to experience serious hazards and threats  it could be Gaza and warfare, it could be hurricanes in Florida  it becomes really important to ask how you would do things differently when, not if, when the next disaster plays out. In the U.S., there is an excessive focus on efficiency, efficiency, efficiency, he adds. But the infrastructure plans that most Americans adhere to were drawn up in a much less chaotic world. Against the backdrop of an increasingly chaotic planet  whether its climate change, warfare, cyber-security [issues], cyber warfare, asymmetric warfare, even infrastructure disrepair, the current accepted model is out-of-date and doesnt necessarily speak to how we need to govern our infrastructure to be able to respond to these challenges.

open image in gallery Abed Ajramis trip to Gaza in the summer of 2022 ( Abed Ajrami )

John, the diplomat, believes that the U.N. has a role to play in all this  but it can only contribute meaningfully if it changes its structure, which is just as outdated as the infrastructure model Chester describes. The best solution for the U.N. would be to get rid of veto and re-evaluate the mandates of the U.N. to be more responsive to the people of the world, not the member states, John believes. If the United Nations is to be a force for good, it cant rely on politicians or diplomats having the best interests of their populations in mind. It now has to develop a new heuristic for how to address the needs of actual groups of people on the ground.

Thats especially pertinent to bear in mind when considering the example of Grozny in Chechnya. In 2005, the capital city of the separatist state was flattened by Russian bombardment  and subsequently described by the U.N. as the most destroyed city on earth. It was then reconstructed, over the following two years, by a Putin loyalist president. By 2007, the airport had reopened  with daily flights to Moscow  and an NPR journalist who visited in 2009 noted that there were hardly any destroyed buildings left. It was a stunning achievement. By 2012, the BBC described a city of sushi bars, beauty parlors, skyscrapers and a new mosque which was said to be the largest in Europe.

The political cost paid by the residents of Grozny for this rebuild, however, was grave. As many here say, Grozny looks better than most Russian cities. But it feels like Big Brother is watching you, wrote NPR reporter Gregory Feifer, who went on to interview people who professed their unwavering support for the president in public before saying in private: Putin launched his war saying he'd kill us in our outhouses. Tens of thousands of us have been abducted, killed and have disappeared. And now were forced to say things we dont believe.

open image in gallery From Abed Ajramis trip to Gaza in summer 2022 ( Abed Ajrami )

Few know the urgency of the situation on the ground in Gaza better than Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency medicine physician based in Chicago who has spent over 15 years traveling back and forth to the region in order to provide humanitarian relief. During his first assignment, in 2009, he says he was mainly concerned with gravely ill people who needed to be transported outside of the Gaza Strip for specialist care unavailable in the region  pediatric oncology, advanced heart disease, urology and ophthalmology were top of the list. Applying to transfer those patients outside of Gaza and into East Jerusalem or the West Bank was a long and arduous process, as was applying to bring in medical supplies like spare parts for CT scanners and oxygen delivery systems. The spare parts had about a 70 percent denial rate by Israeli authorities, Ahmad estimates, while he says 68 percent of patients asking to be transferred out would be approved. But children and elderly patients with little mobility also needed to apply for a companion to travel with them  and the companions only had a 50 percent success rate, meaning that the patient many times wouldnt end up traveling at all.

It was clear that hospitals and services needed to be built to a good standard inside Gaza in order to stop this situation from worsening. And Ahmad says that was happening. A multi-use interventional suite was built in Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, by the Palestinian American Medical Association in August 2023, and the idea was that you could do all sorts of these really specialized procedures there, like for strokes or heart attacks. The expensive suite was given state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. Less than six months later, Ahmad says, it was burned to a crisp.

The corridors that doctors were relying on to transport out the most needy patients have all but disappeared. And now, physicians like Ahmad are trying to assess the damage to the remaining hospitals and medical centers from afar. Now what were seeing is images of the ultrasound scanners, of the medical equipment, and theyre just riddled with bullets, he says. And for me, I know how hard it is to get those ultrasound machines in there, and youre just like: Holy s**t, what are we supposed to do now? How are we supposed to get this back in? And then how many pregnant women are not going to be able to get ultrasounds during their pregnancy to see if the baby is healthy or that theyre in the right position when theyre close to delivery?

open image in gallery Abed Ajrami in Gaza ( Abed Ajrami )

Even if the machinery left is functional, Ahmad adds, it is under enormous strain: In the north of Gaza, there is only one CT scanner, and right now it is doing 80 scans per day. And I work at one of the busiest hospitals in the United States, in Chicago, and we dont do 80 scans per day. And the concern is the more that youre using it, the more that youll need a repair or a spare part or software update, and one of the main concerns here is that thats one of the most difficult things to be able to do, is to bring in a spare part for a CT scanner or an MRI machine. Frankly, he says, this is a recipe for disaster.

The real-time treatment of wartime injuries obviously became harder as hospitals were destroyed during the war. But Ahmad now worries for those people who were able to access care but are living with amputations or other injuries that require regular physical therapy to be functional.

And then there are the fundamental health needs that have nothing to do with the war. There are about 1,000 people in Gaza who have kidney failure, and they need dialysis three times a week, Ahmad says. And we know that if you look at all of Gaza in terms of dialysis machines, were not able to necessarily accommodate that. Humanitarian organizations have been working round the clock to try and bring back dialysis machines, and theyve just passed the 100-person mark. That fact alone tells you that this [urgent but routine care] is a really tough thing to bring back. And thats just kidney failure patients. Ahmad pauses. The reason I use that example is because if people dont get the appropriate dialysis, they die. The toxins build up in their bloodstream and they die. According to the National Kidney Foundation, a person with kidney failure who does not receive daily dialysis can only survive for a few days.

Even if all the equipment was returned tomorrow and the hospitals were rebuilt, Ahmad worries for the future of medical infrastructure in Gaza. The universities and centers for training have been destroyed, with hundreds of doctors killed in the line of duty and many others displaced. Are we going to be able to graduate medical students? he says. Are they going to do some sort of telemedicine for the years that theyll need to before they get into clinical experience? Are telecommunications going to be reliable? I mean, I really dont know, but the task is so massive.

open image in gallery ( Abed Ajrami )

Laila ElHaddad lives in Maryland with her four children: three daughters and a son. She grew up in Kuwait, spending summers and winters in Gaza as her Palestinian mother took them back and forth from the territory. I hated those trips as a child, she remembers, because we were strip-searched at the border. It was horrible. Her earliest memories are of the First Intifada and its effects on Gaza: the curfews, the fact that nobody was allowed to raise a Palestinian flag or wear Palestinian colors, her brother hiding in the chicken coop from IDF soldiers arresting boys for throwing rocks at tanks.

These days, ElHaddad says she understands why her mother worked so hard to keep them connected to their heritage. Over the past 10 years, she has taken her children back to Gaza regularly, too  even though she is required to fly into Cairo, take an arduous journey across Egypt to the border, and then wait, sometimes for days, to be processed. Although she is an American citizen, ElHaddad is not allowed to use the easier border with Israel because she holds an Israeli-issued Palestinian ID card. And her husband  a talented Palestinian American eye surgeon at Johns Hopkins who grew up in the Wavel Palestinian refugee camp in Baalbeck, Lebanon  was never given the requisite ID card while living in the camp, so he cant visit Gaza at all.

ElHaddad is pragmatic and straightforward, and she speaks with passion about her familys Palestinian roots that, like Asfours, go back generations. She was thinking of moving to Gaza permanently in 2023, buoyed by reports from family that things were looking up. She didnt end up going. Her last visit was in 2019, and her photos from that trip are bursting with color and joy: in them, she drinks shots of fresh olive oil, samples falafel, strolls along the beach promenade with her daughter, poses in front of date palms, and sits on a Roman pillar outside the historic Omari Mosque in the Old City of Gaza.

There is, of course, a poignancy to these photos. The mosque and the Roman ruins were destroyed early in the war. The flagship falafel and hummus restaurant is now rubble. The big, red I Love Gaza sign on the promenade that her toddler daughter grins in front of was smashed to pieces by bombs, as were most of the palm trees. Many cultural relics of historical significance are also gone  museums with thousand-year artefacts, Turkish baths, sites of religious worship and of community gathering.

open image in gallery A mosque in Gaza in 2022, as taken by Sami Malfouh, who is in the same Whatsapp group for Gazan Americans as Leila ElHaddad and Abed Ajrami ( Sami Malfouh )

During the 15 months of war, it seemed like bad news about people and places ElHaddad cared about would come in every day. But then, all of a sudden, some good news: as the first stage of the ceasefire got underway, she heard that her favorite ice cream store was somehow still standing. Not only that, but it was fully operational.

Its a little place on the corner of the street, she says. And even though a lot of modern, fancy ice cream places opened, everybody likes to go to that one It only has, like, three flavors, and these yellow slushies that are very popular in Gaza. And then in the winter, they serve what theyre serving now, which is kind of a milky pudding, thickened with the root of a flower, with some nuts and cinnamon on top.

ElHaddad is still reckoning with the loss of so many of her favorite places  in a group conversation, she tells her friend Abed Ajrami that shes jealous he managed to visit them in the summer of 2022. Ajrami and ElHaddad met in a Whatsapp group for Gazan Americans that grew throughout the war between Israel and Hamas, connecting people across the US who were desperate for news about their friends, their relatives and their towns during an information blackout. Ajrami  a beaming, positive force of a person who is charismatic, thoughtful and quick to laugh  often goes by Abe these days. He has a beautiful house on a lake in the US, he says. His children are born-and-bred Americans. When he visited Gaza in 2022, he was surprised: The supermarkets looked great, the beaches and the buildings  everything was alive and bustling. He was so taken aback by the modernity of the grocery stores that he FaceTimed a European friend to show him. It was a memorable trip: Ajrami shared large meals with family and friends on the beach while children in inflatables played on the shoreline and watched live music on the grass around swimming pools, surrounded by greenery, on nice evenings.

A year and a half later, Ajrami received photographs of the remains of his multi-storey family home, which had been leveled in an airstrike. In Gaza, buildings go upwards, he says, because the area is so densely populated. Thats why entire generations of families were wiped out [during the war]  the usual thing is when you get married, you build upwards and have another floor on top of your parents house, and so on. His family had one of these such buildings. When his Gaza-based nephew returned to their home to see the pile of rubble for himself, his reaction was extreme, says Ajrami. He was totally disoriented and simply stood in shock, staring at the destruction. Seeing it on a photograph was one thing; experiencing the complete annihilation of his home was another.

open image in gallery A Palestinian doctor inspects the damage inside Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, which was targeted by an Israeli airstrike in March 2025 ( EPA )

Like Mikhail Chester, Dr. Thaer Ahmad underlines the need for the rebuilding to be done by local people. It needs to be led by Palestinians on the ground, he says, ... Im sorry, but I dont have a lot of confidence in a bunch of international NGOs showing up, each trying to carve out their own piece, put their branding on it and expect them to be there for the long haul and not understand that ultimately, that is sort of meaningless. The second you lose funding, or the second you get distracted with something else, the people there will suffer.

Theres been a lot of talk of thinking outside the box when it comes to Gaza, Ahmad adds. Its a phrase that sounds flippant, especially when deployed by politicians, but, he says: All right, hold that thought for a second. Think outside the box. The way [politicians are] thinking right now is pretty stupid, but theres a chance now to move away from all of the mistakes of the past.

I think the responsibility for us as Americans here is: this is one of the worst things that weve seen since World War Two, with respect to the human suffering thats taken place, he says. Theres a chance now for us to at least do something different and not try to repeat the same mistakes that weve done in the past. And I think theres a small opportunity  Im not optimistic, but for me, as somebody who is very much pragmatic, and many Palestinians are  I want to use this as a chance to bring some good out of it.

Sahar Abuimara, who spent most of her life in Gaza and recently moved to the U.S., tells me that she couldnt face going back to see the rubble of the school where her mother spent her career teaching. Sahars sister wanted to see what had happened for herself. She says she told her sister that shed rather avert her eyes. For many who are still processing what theyve lost, trying to imagine how to rebuild from the ruins will take its own psychological toll.

Abed Ajrami knows that, despite their firm attachment to the land, some Gazans will end up leaving in order to live more normal lives. But that shouldnt be seen as them leaving voluntarily, he says. You cannot bomb people, destroy their homes, destroy the infrastructure, prevent the food supplies and rebuilding supplies from coming in, and then you say: Well, what do you think, we can get you a ticket and a visa to Europe to Oman or to Cairo? Gazans are not superhumans, he adds. They are just as likely as anyone else to flee in pursuit of a better life for their families.

Ajrami and Thaer Ahmad agree on one thing: the rebuilding may be complex, but the needs of the Palestinian people can be understood simply. Everybody wants a chance at life, Ahmad continues. Everybody wants their kids to grow old. Everybody wants them to be able to graduate from high school and college, and watch them do so, and not have to worry about fighter jets or bombs or abductions. To me, the quicker that you can realize that is the quicker that youre going to have real peace. And real peace is only through coexistence.

Ajrami hopes to see Gaza rebuilt to a standard even better than it was before  and he believes it can be done, because of the level of expertise of Palestinians, so long as theyre not sidelined during the redevelopment of the land. After all, he says, its the Palestinian construction worker who built the high-rises of Tel Aviv. A combination of cheap and abundant labor and specialized technical knowledge means that many construction workers who helped build up modern Israel came from the Palestinian territories. Ajrami compares it to the huge number of Hispanic construction workers who construct the buildings in the U.S., adding that it was just the same when he commissioned his beautiful American house on the lake.

The point is that we have the expertise, Ajrami adds. We built Tel Aviv and we built Haifa and other places. We rebuilt Gaza multiple times. We can do it again  if were given the chance and the materials to do it.
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Mattel, the toy giant behind iconic brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, announced on Monday that it will be raising prices on some of its U.S. products to counter the impact of President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods.

The company cited rising costs associated with Trumps tariffs as the primary driver behind the price hikes.

This move comes despite Mattel accelerating its efforts to shift production away from China.

Currently, 40% of Mattel's global production takes place in China, a figure the company is actively working to reduce. Executives revealed in a conference call with analysts that Mattel plans to relocate the manufacturing of approximately 500 products from China to other countries this year, a significant increase from the 280 products moved last year.

The Trump administration has imposed a 145% tariff on a wide range of Chinese-made goods, impacting businesses like Mattel that rely on Chinese manufacturing.

For some highly sought after toys, Mattel said it would enlist factories in more than one country. To prevent possible shortages, the company said it was focusing on getting products to stores without interruptions.

open image in gallery Barbie Dream Besties, from Mattel, are displayed at the TTPM 2024 Holiday Showcase event in New York, Sept. 17, 2024. ( AP )

The company said that even with price increases it expects 40% to 50% of its toys will cost customers $20 or less.

The diversified and flexible supply chain in global commercial organizations are clear advantages to Mattel in this period of uncertainty, CEO and Chairman Ynon Kreiz told analysts.

Citing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the presidents trade policies, however, Mattel withdrew its annual earnings forecast on Monday. The company said it would be difficult to predict consumer spending and the companys U.S. sales for the remainder of the year without more information.

Mattel reported larger-than expected first-quarter sales but also a wider loss. Mattel said sales rose 2% to $827 million for the quarter that ended March 31.

The company's loss expanded to $40.3 million, or 12 cents per share, in the quarter. That compares with a loss of $28.3 million, or 8 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Analysts expected a loss of 10 cents on sales of $786.1 million for the first quarter, according to FactSet.

Mattels shares were down less than 1% in after markets trading.
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National Weather Service workers are on alert and have been advised to use a buddy system after threats to the agency's radars were made by a violent militia group that believes they are weather weapons.

According to emails from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the threats were allegedly made by Veterans on Patrol, a group that the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated as an anti-government militia organization.

The groups bizarre views on the Doppler radars were highlighted in an internal NOAA email sent to staff on Monday. CNN reporters have confirmed viewing the letter and reported its contents.

The NWS was also warned on May 1 of a non-specific threat, but the most recent email contains details about specific potential targets. The NOAA's security office reportedly is aware of "several encounters"  either in-person or virtually  with members of the militia group.

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 said.

Doppler radars detect all manner of precipitation and can help meteorologists understand the rotation of thunderstorm clouds, airborne tornado debris, and wind strength and direction, according to the National Science Foundation.

A Doppler radar tower outside a National Weather Service facility in Sullivan, Wisconsin. A militia group called Veterans on Patrol has allegedly made threats against the radars, claiming they are weather weapons, according to the NOAA ( The Janesville Gazette )

The radar bounces short pulses of radio waves off of precipitation, which reflect back to the radar, and provide data to meteorologists that they can use to help inform the public about storms and other weather systems.

The militia, however, believes  erroneously  that the radars are weapons.

The group referred to the NEXRAD system towers as weather weapons, and claimed no laws were preventing American citizens from destroying the weapons, the email says.

It's unclear what the group thinks the radars are actually doing. The NEXRAD radars have been in use since the 1990s, and are used not just by the NWS, but also the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force.

To promote safety at NWS sites, NOAA's security office suggested that workers travel in pairs  a buddy system  if they're working at remote sites. They were also advised to remain vigilant during their work.

Do not engage with anyone suspicious; instead, notify local law enforcement, the email said.

The NWS is already dealing with staffing issues due to the Department of Government Efficiency, under Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, cutting hundreds of its staff.

One NWS employee, who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity, said the threats of violence were "demoralizing" to the remaining federal workers following the Trump administration's cuts.

Another NWS staffer said threats to facilities were generally rare, but found the latest threats "especially concerning" when taking into account the political divide in the U.S.
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Chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport has left fliers and staff on edge as air traffic control problems worsen and officials warn about the growing problem.

Newark airport in New Jersey has been plagued with equipment failures and staff shortages that have triggered severe delays and cancellations this month. On Tuesday alone, 33 flights leaving the airport have already been canceled and another 11 delayed. Another 36 flights scheduled to land at the New Jersey airport have been called off.

In one particularly troubling incident, air traffic controllers briefly lost communication with an aircraft last week, which led to some staff going on trauma leave for 45 days.

One staffer who handles air traffic at Newark told the Wall Street Journal that it was one of the most stressful situations of their career. Our staffing is in dire straitsits awfulnot safe or efficient in any way, the controller told the outlet. Its a crisis and the public doesnt know about itIts happening here at Newark and nobody wants to pay attention until lives are lost.

The incident and staffing shortages that followed resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations last week, spilling over into this week.

open image in gallery Newark Liberty International Airport has been plagued with equipment failures and staff shortages that triggered severe delays and cancellations this month. The delays from last weeks incident have spilled over into this week. ( Getty Images )

The primary communication line went down, the backup line didn't fire, and so for 30 seconds we lost contact with air traffic, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said of the incident in a Fox News interview Monday. Now were planes going to crash? No, he said. They have communication devicesBut it's a sign that we have a frail system in place, and it has to be fixed.

Passengers caught up in the delays said they were anxious about staff shortages and equipment failure. As concerning as the manpower issue is, according to news reports, the equipment that theyre using out of Philadelphia is antiquated, passenger Mark Wallace told CNN.

A former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, Peter Goelz, told the network that the concern was justified.

We have a very safe system, but anytime its stressed like this, where you have controllers who are feeling under maximum pressure, it impacts safety  and people have a right to be concerned, Goelz said.

open image in gallery Some air traffic controllers took trauma leave after an equipment failure incident last week. Controllers handling traffic at Newark lost communication with an aircraft for approximately 30 seconds. ( REUTERS )

United Airlines slashed 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule last weekend and slammed the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to tackle long-standing air traffic control system challenges.

CEO Scott Kirby said that Newarks air traffic control has been chronically understaffed for years in a statement last week.

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 said.

Scrutiny has mounted on Americas air traffic control systems following the deadly midair crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January, where 67 people were killed.

Duffy is expected to unveil a plan Thursday that will overhaul the antiquated air traffic control system.
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An aspiring teacher visiting friends at the University of South Carolina became the unintentional victim of a fatal shooting after a robber on a multi-day crime spree shot her dead during a home invasion, cops say.

Logan Federico, 22, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, died from a fatal gunshot wound to the chest after returning home from a night out with friends on May 3, the Columbia Police Department said on Monday.

Federico encountered 30-year-old Alexander Dickey while he was breaking into homes near the university  including the one where she was staying with friends  and shot her, authorities said.

Logan was a true victim. She was a helpless victim. She was not an intended target, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said during a press conference.

The 22-year-old had no other obvious signs of trauma, authorities added.

open image in gallery Logan Federico, 22, was fatally shot after returning home from a night out with friends in South Carolina, police said. ( Columbia Police Department )

Her father, Stephen Federico, described his daughter as a strong, fun-loving individual who loved Taylor Swift and was studying to become a teacher.

The message I want to send to Dickey, who took my daughters life. This is from her: You cant kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body, but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me, he said.

After shooting Federico, Dickey fled the scene in a car he stole from a neighboring home, police said.

Dickey, who has an extensive criminal history, had gone on a multi-day crime spree, using credit and debit cards stolen from nearby homes to go on a shopping spree, Holbrook said.

Eventually, his getaway car broke down and Dickey had it towed to a friends home in Gaston, South Carolina, where police later found him breaking into a home.

open image in gallery Alexander Dickey, 30, was arrested and charged with murder, police said. ( Lexington County Detention Center )

He was arrested after breaking into the home and allegedly setting it on fire.

Dickey faces a slew of charges related to the crimes, including murder, burglary and grand larceny. He was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center following his arrest and was denied bond.

Hes a true convict and he deserves to be in jail for the rest of his life, Holbrook said.
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A church school bus driver whose vehicle got stuck in the mud with 38 students on board was found to have blood alcohol content (BAC) almost three times above the legal limit, according to local sheriffs deputies.

Steven W Truelove, 55, was behind the wheel when the incident happened just after 9am on Monday morning at the intersection of Highway 50 and County Road 300 West in Indiana, roughly a mile west of the city of Washington, a town of of 12,500 citizens that lies southwest of Indianapolis, WISH TV reported.

The students were setting out on a Washington Catholic Schools field trip at the time and all 38 of their group, plus four adults accompanying them, were removed from the vehicle without injury.

open image in gallery Steven Truelove, who was arrested and charged with drink driving over Indiana school bus crash on Monday May 5 2025 ( Daviess County Sheriff's Office )

Officers from the Daviess County Sheriffs Office, the Washington City Police Department and staff from Craneys Body Shop, a local business, arrived at the scene.

Truelove was taken to Daviess Community Hospital for the BAC test, which registered as 0.221 when the legal limit in Indiana is 0.08, according to local sheriffs deputies.

He was subsequently charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and is currently being held at Daviess County Jail with no bond set, the Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

The bus in question, a yellow 2007 Freightliner, is owned by the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Church, which expressed its relief that no one was harmed in 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 church organization said in a statement.

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.

There will be no further comment.
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A pioneering Nebraska business owner fears her livelihood is at risk due to proposed legislation threatening to outlaw the very products that built her success.

Andrea Watkins, founder and co-owner of Kind Life Dispensary, has spent the last seven years cultivating a thriving business selling cannabinoid products, ranging from gummies and tinctures to ointments and even canned beverages.

With three locations in Lincoln and eight employees, Watkins has witnessed firsthand the positive impact these products have had on her customers, who use them to address various ailments, from chronic pain to anxiety and PTSD.

However, a bill currently under consideration in the Nebraska Legislature could drastically alter the landscape of the hemp-derived cannabinoid market in the state.

The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize the sale and possession of numerous products containing hemp-based tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

The bill sets a strict limit, outlawing any product containing more than 0.3 per cent THC by weight or exceeding a total of 10 milligrams per package.

open image in gallery Andrea Watkins, left, and Dr. Andrea Holmes, right, co-owners of Kind Life Dispensary that sells an array of products containing hemp-based THC in their shop in Lincoln, Nebraska. ( The Associated Press )

This poses a significant threat to businesses like Kind Life Dispensary, where many products would fall outside these parameters. Watkins, who has built her business from the ground up, now faces the daunting prospect of losing everything if the bill passes.

If that bill becomes law? We would have to close, Watkins said recently at her flagship store that looks like a cross between a pharmacy and a spa.

She suspects many of the more than 300 businesses across the state offering similar products since hemp was legalized under the 2018 federal farm bill could face the same fate. That farm bill created a legal loophole that allows manufacturers to synthesize THC from hemp plants and sell it in products where marijuana isn't legal to sell.

As the bill is currently written, it would even ban topical products like THC-containing lotions and creams intended to dull joint and muscle pains, leading opponents to accuse the bill's sponsors of making criminals of grandparents seeking a treatment for arthritis.

What happens to all the grannies who have some kind of CBD with delta-8 in the back of their medicine cabinet? Omaha Sen. Wendy DeBoer asked during recent debate on the Nebraska bill, adding that the bill would make felons of all the grannies using products with hemp-based THC for aching joints.

The Nebraska bill includes a grace period through the end of 2025 to allow people who have such products to dispose of them.

The debate over cannabinoid products

open image in gallery A selection of beverages containing hemp-based THC is on display at Kind Life Dispensary in Lincoln, Nebraska ( The Associated Press )

Republican lawmakers behind Nebraska's bill say it's needed to protect people  especially children  from dangerous products that use synthetic cannabinoids masquerading as hemp and are infused into food and drink with candy and fruit flavors. Several lawmakers relayed accounts of children and others suffering ill effects and even hospitalization after consuming products containing synthesized THC.

But those amount to scare tactics that mischaracterize the benefits of the products, said Dr. Andrea Holmes, an expert in organic chemistry with an emphasis in cannabis. Holmes is a co-owner of Kind Life Dispensaries and has traveled the country promoting regulated cannabis and cannabinoid products.

What they leave out in these cases they talk about is that the person has also taken some other substance or has some underlying problem that leads to their condition, Holmes said. Our products aren't dangerous.

Opponents of the bill say it is part of a yearslong effort by state Republicans  including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers  to criminalize hemp products and thwart growing efforts to legalize marijuana both in Nebraska and across the country. Dozens of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. In November, voters in Nebraska overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana use.

We need to look at that fact. Most people want these types of products, Holmes said.

A proposal for regulation in place of a ban

So far, Nebraska lawmakers have rejected efforts by Omaha state Sen. John Cavanaugh, a Democrat, to supplant the ban bill with a measure that would require strict regulation of hemp-based consumables, as several other states have done. The Nebraska Hemp Industries Association supports Cavanaugh's effort to regulate the industry.

Cavanaugh and supporters of his measure say banning hemp products at a time when the state is suffering dramatic revenue shortfalls would just hit state coffers harder.

Hemp-derived cannabinoid businesses employ more than 1,600 people in Nebraska and provide a tax revenue potential of nearly $8 million to the state, Cavanaugh said, citing figures from the 2023 U.S. National Cannabinoid Report.

Nebraska attorney general homes in on cannabinoid product sellers

Despite the decriminalization of hemp and voters' approval of some marijuana use, Hilgers has been crisscrossing the state targeting businesses that sell hemp-based cannabinoid products. Many shops have received cease-and-desist letters. Some have been subject to raids by law enforcement. Hilgers insists he's protecting the public from dangerous products and unscrupulous dealers trading in plain sight.

With our new complaints, we are ramping up our efforts to clean up Nebraska, Hilgers said in September, when he sued four businesses in Norfolk selling hemp-based consumables. These stores are misleading Nebraskans. Not one of the products we tested were accurately labeled, and many contained controlled substances.

Nebraska is far from alone in the push to restrict access to consumable hemp and other THC products. It joins a slew of other states where similar efforts to regulate, criminalize or ban such products, including Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Texas.

But Democratic-led states also have led efforts to restrict hemp-derived products. In California, where recreational marijuana use is legal and heavily regulated and taxed, regulators issued a ban last year on food and beverage products with hemp-derived THC, citing health concerns.
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Columbia University is laying off nearly 180 staffers who are working at the university on federal funding that has been pulled by President Donald Trump.

The university on Tuesday cited the Trump administration's cuts, saying the elimination of the funding has put "intense" strain on its research goals.

Earlier this year, Trump ordered $400 million in funding cuts at the school. Columbia is still trying to restore its funding through the courts.

Approximately 20 percent of those let go on Tuesday are funded in some way by the eliminated grants, according to the university.

In response to the strain caused by the cuts, Columbia has established a "Research Stabilization Fund" to help shield it from "future funding risks."

A pro-Palestine demonstration just outside Columbia Universitys campus. The university had to cut nearly 180 people in the wake of Donald Trumps administration pulling $400 million in federal funding from the school ( AP )

"This is a deeply challenging time across all higher education, and we are attempting to navigate through tremendous ambiguity with precision, which will be imperfect at times," the university said in its statement.

The US draws scientists from all over the world in part because the federal government consistently has made funding research a serious priority.

Trump's cuts to higher education have ostensibly been focused on universities where alleged acts of antisemitism occurred. The Trump administration has conflated student support for Palestinians, who are currently the target of a genocide by the Israeli government, with antisemitism.

In 2023, the Republican controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution that equates antizionism with antisemitism, a move that was criticized at the time as an effort to chill speech critical of Israel.

Ninety-two Democrats abstained their voting on the resolution by voting "present."

Since Trump took office, he has threatened to revoke federal funds for campuses that allow "illegal protests," though he was vague as to what qualifies as a legal protest.

Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement on March 7.

Columbia acknowledged concerns about antisemitism on its campus: A university task force said last summer that Jews and Israelis at the school were allegedly ostracized from student groups, humiliated in classrooms and subjected to verbal abuse amid the spring demonstrations.

As a precondition for restoring funding, federal officials demanded that the university place its Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies Department under academic receivership for a minimum of five years.

They also told the university to ban masks on campus, adopt a new definition of antisemitism, abolish its current process for disciplining students and deliver a plan to reform undergraduate admissions, international recruiting, and graduate admissions practices.

The university ultimately buckled to the Trump administration, agreeing to some of its demands in March. The university agreed it would hire new campus police officers and that it would force protesters wearing masks to present a university ID when questioned.

In addition to pulling the universitys funding, the Trump administration also arrested a Columbia student who acted as an advocate for Palestinian rights.

The administration claimed in April that Mahmoud Khalil, the student, poses adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S. A judge ruled in April that Trump has the authority to deport Khalil for his pro-Palestinian advocacy.

The near future may require more belt-tightening at Columbia. The university said in its statement that in the "coming weeks and months," it will have to take further action to "preserve our financial flexibility and allow us to invest in areas that drive us forward."

That, according to the university, means "running lighter footprints of research infrastructure in some areas and, in others, maintaining a level of research continuity as we pursue alternate funding."
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With Israel on the verge of implementing plans to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip in what Benjamin Netanyahu has described as the final military assault of the war, Democrats are no closer to a unified message on the issue.

Party leaders were silent after news broke late last week of the Netanyahu governments approval of an operation for the total seizure of the territory and the displacement of all remaining civilians to an area south of the Strip.

An Israeli military spokesman confirmed in a televised statement on Monday that the operation would amount to a wide attack, involving moving most of Gazas population, adding: This is for their protection in an area clean of Hamas.

The Trump administration has not commented on the Israeli governments threat, which officials say will be carried out if a ceasefire agreement is not reached during the US presidents visit to the Middle East next week. But a spokesperson for the National Security Council said on Monday: Hamas bears sole responsibility for this conflict and for the resumption of hostilities.

With the GOP in apparent lockstep with the Netanyahu government and in some cases willing to openly cheer on the idea of total extermination of the Palestinian people, Democrats remain bitterly divided and consumed by infighting.

As more of the Biden administrations critics become increasingly emboldened by a combination of Kamala Harriss defeat in November and the continued dismal approval ratings for congressional Democratic leadership, a sort of post-op primary is taking place within the Democratic Party.

Joe Biden refused to publicly break from Benjamin Netanyahu even as his counterpart publicly supported Donald Trump ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

It escalated on Thursday of last week when the hosts of Pod Save America, a liberal podcast run by former Obama staffers, tore into the Biden/Harris White House. Capping off their disgust at the Biden administrations handling of the war was a report from an Israeli news channel which quoted the countrys former ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, as saying that Biden officials never demanded that Israel make genuine attempts at reaching a ceasefire with Hamas.

Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security adviser, and speechwriter Tommy Vietor unloaded on their counterparts in Bidenworld.

It is an immoral abomination that will be a stain on this country and on Israel for the rest of our lives, Rhodes said.

Vietor would go on to call the Biden White Houses policy on Israel a total f***ing disgrace and said Bidens unrequited, obsessive loyalty to Netanyahu had blinded the US president to the carnage, and the, like, total immorality of the policy [of Israel] and the US complicity in that policy.

Of the planned Israeli assault, Rhodes added: Theres no military necessity to continue this war.

They were saying at the time, they were working, like, relentlessly  they were not! They were not, an exasperated Rhodes exclaimed.

The resulting firestorm on the left over the Israeli news report reopened wounds that were barely beginning to heal. Every Democratic politician who parroted the Biden White House line about the US tirelessly working for a ceasefire  from Kamala Harris to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  now faces a simple question: were they intentionally misleading voters, or being taken for chumps?

Ship carrying aid to Gaza 'attacked by drones' off Mediterranean island

Many on the left also remain furious over the former presidents support for law enforcement action taken to end pro-Palestinian protests and disperse encampments on college campuses around the country. That action, they say, paved the way for the Trump administrations efforts to imprison and revoke visas of foreign students who participated.

Bidens defenders, meanwhile, have continued to train fire on a familiar accusation: the argument that left-leaning voters swung the 2024 election to Donald Trump by staying home in November. The Uncommitted campaign led a months-long effort to rebuke then-President Joe Biden during the largely ceremonial Democratic primary contests nationwide, but endorsed Kamala Harris ahead of the election.

The Bulwarks managing editor Sam Stein took that position on Sunday as he wondered on Twitter/X: I've been routinely curious if the pro-Palestinian activists that urged voters to abstain from voting or even back Trump would being to feel regret as they watch what's happening in Gaza.

A corresponding article, penned by reporter Lauren Egan, accused pro-Palestinian voters including the Uncommitted movement of giving Trump a boost during the 2024 election in the headline. The piece quoted pro-Israel Democratic operatives blaming them for bad choices even as it robbed Harris of all responsibility for winning over disaffected Democratic voters and declined to acknowledge the months-long deception regarding efforts to reach a ceasefire.

The outlets combined coverage kicked off an avalanche of rebukes from progressives, as it seems neither camp is budging.

I understand theres a narrative to push and a strong reluctance within Team Biden/Harris to self-reflect (no mention here of Times of Israel massive expose last week), wrote former Justice Democrats spokesman Waleed Shahid in a tweet responding to Stein. But headline, photo, and story just dont reflect reality or approach of Uncommitted.

Just as the party was divided when the issue of the Laken Riley Act came up for a vote in January, it seems as if the nations only opposition party is too hopelessly divided to present a unified front as Trump and Netanyahu attempt to force a future on Gaza on their terms. The winner? Donald Trump, who will likely continue to benefit from his enemies division as midterms approach and some Democrats remain more eager to fight their own voters than the president.
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A former Proud Boys leader and convicted seditionist pardoned by Donald Trump has claimed that he received personal thanks and praise from the president in a meeting at Mar-a-Lago.

At one point Enrique Tarrio told The New York Times that Trump told his table: Love you guys.

Tarrio, who chaired the far-right militant group from 2018 to 2021, was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2023 for conspiring to violently usurp the peaceful transfer of power by storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6, 2021  the longest sentence received by any Capitol rioter.

But in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Tarrio claimed to have enjoyed a glowing welcome from Trump at the president's private club and personal residence in Florida.

He said he was sorry for what Joe Biden did to all J6ers," Tarrio said. "He knew the hardships me and my family faced for three long years ... and he said he is working on making things right.

Tarrio added: "I thanked him for giving me my life back. He replied with: 'I love you guys.'

To the J6ers, he wanted me to send 'yall a message. He said: 'Thank you, Tarrio wrote.

Tarrio told the Times he wasnt certain about Trumps vow to make things right.

The Times corroborated Tarrios meeting with Trump, citing interviews with Tarrio and his mother, Zuny Duarte, who was also at the dinner, as well as with an anonymous senior White House official.

The official said that Tarrio and Duarte were invited to dinner at Mar-a-Lago by a club member and introduced to the president while he was passing by their table.

The Independent has asked the White House for comment.

Tarrio and Duarte told the Times that they spoke with Trump at Mar-a-Lago for around 10 minutes, and that he had told them he believed Jan 6 defendants had been wrongly treated.

Duarte further said that Trump had immediately recognized Tarrio's name, saying: "Oh, you're that guy.

Tarrio was pardoned this January on Trump's first day back in office. The president also pardoned more than 1,500 supporters who had been charged with or convicted of crimes connected with the Capitol riot, including serious assaults on police officers protecting the building and lawmakers inside. Some of the rioters chanted hang Mike Pence because they didnt want the then-vice president to certify a legitimate presidential election.

Fourteen militant group leaders had their sentences commuted, but Tarrio received a full pardon and was immediately released from prison.

Within a month he was arrested again for simple assault after being accused of whacking a phone out of a protester's hand during a rally outside the Capitol.

Although Tarrio himself was not in Washington, D.C. during the Jan 6 attack due to a court order, prosecutors charged that he had helped coordinate the action and encouraged Proud Boys remotely from a hotel room in Baltimore.

In a post-pardon interview with far-right broadcaster Alex Jones, Tarrio said: "Im happy that the presidents focusing not on retribution and focusing on success, but I will tell you that Im not gonna play by those rules.

The people who did this, they need to feel the heat. They need to be put behind bars, and they need to be prosecuted!" he emphasized.
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Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman called a New York Magazine report regarding his health a hit piece, but wouldnt say if hes taking his medications, one of the claims made against him in the article.

It's a one-source story, with a couple of anonymous sources, hit piece from a very left publication. There's really nothing more to say about that, he told NBC News.

Asked if he was taking his medications, Fetterman said, Again, a hit piece, anonymous sources.

The senator has rejected allegations that health issues make him unfit to serve in the upper chamber, telling CNN that he would serve out his term in office.

Speaking to the network from his Senate office, Fetterman talked about his depression treatment, saying that hes adhering to a strict program put together by his doctors.

He dismissed claims from the New York Magazine report that he has been reckless and erratic. In comments to CNN, he said, Its a one-source hit piece, and it involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things.

Fetterman has previously been open about being treated for clinical depression and how his 2022 Senate race negatively impacted his mental health.

New York Magazine reported that former Fetterman Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson and ex-staffers said the senator has become almost impossible to work for.

open image in gallery John Fetterman speaks to reporters on February 12. He has rejected allegations of erratic and reckless behavior following a bombshell report in New York Magazine ( Getty Images )

In May 2024, Jentleson sent a 1,600-word email to the medical director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center who had overseen Fettermans care after he was admitted in 2023.

I think John is on a bad trajectory and Im really worried about him, he wrote, according to the magazine. He added that if there was no change, he was worried Fetterman wont be with us for much longer.

We do not know if he is taking his meds and his behavior frequently suggests he is not, Jentleson went on.

We often see the kind of warning signs we discussed, he told the medical director. Conspiratorial thinking; megalomania (for example, he claims to be the most knowledgeable source on Israel and Gaza around but his sources are just what he reads in the news  he declines most briefings and never reads memos); high highs and low lows; long, rambling, repetitive and self centered monologues; lying in ways that are painfully, awkwardly obvious to everyone in the room.

Jentleson said Fetterman was avoiding regular check-ins advised by his physicians.

Fetterman grew catatonic during a meeting with former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown before he was admitted to Walter Reed in 2023, according to the magazine.

He could barely string two sentences together, talking so quietly that everyone in the room had to strain to hear him. Fetterman then stood up and began walking around the office in tight loops, New York Magazine Washington correspondent Ben Terris writes.

This comes amid significant interest in challenging the centrist senator in a primary, and with some Democrats advocating for increased medical transparency following former President Joe Bidens departure from the 2024 presidential race amid questions about his fitness to serve.

open image in gallery Fetterman said a senior former staffer had a weird grudge against him ( AFP via Getty Images )

Some political commentators have called on the senator to resign.

Fetterman said he has no other mental health problems other than those he has previously shared publicly, saying that its outrageous to suggest that he does.

My doctors have confirmed that that is not the case, he told CNN.

Ive been very front and center about my  depression, absolutely none of these other things, and its like so someone that was trying to accumulate my medical records and leak those things thats part of this weird grudge for this hit piece, he added.

Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed in 2023 to be treated for clinical depression. The year before, he suffered a stroke while running for Senate.

The New York Magazine report outlined allegations, both on the record and anonymous, that Fetterman may not be taking his medications, claims he has rejected.

The senator said his doctors believe hes great, adding that hes been attending regular check-ins and adhering to his wellness program.

open image in gallery Fetterman and his wife Gisele ( AFP via Getty Images )

Its incredibly invasive. And why are people talking about anyones personal medical things? Its that, you know, I think most people would agree thats really, really invasive, said Fetterman.

Jentleson told New York Magazine that he was taking his concerns public out of fear for Fettermans health and for his staff. On Tuesday, Fetterman told CNN that Jentleson has a weird grudge.

If youre really concerned about someone, you could say, Hey, lets sit down. Can we talk? Its not  like going to the media, he told the network.

I stand by what I said, and I hope he gets the help he needs, Jentleson told CNN.

The Independent has reached out to Fettermans office for comment.
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The extent of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths use of Signal at the Pentagon has been laid bare in a new report that claims he prefers the app to the departments official communication channels.

Hegseths use of Signal to discuss sensitive military plans in Yemen first came to light in March but now the Wall Street Journal reports that he also used the app to liaise with aides daily about official Pentagon business and was participating in at least a dozen chats.

Among the most sensitive messages Hegseth reportedly sent on the app was to instruct aides to inform U.S. allies overseas about an unfolding military operation, according to the newspaper, citing two people familiar with his management.

The former Fox News host reportedly sent the messages from an unsecured line in his Pentagon office from his personal phone.

open image in gallery Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been using the Signal app extensively at the Pentagon, according to a report. Hegseth used the app to discuss daily operations at the Defense Department because he preferred it to the Pentagons official communication channels. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The newspaper also reported that Hegseths military aide, Marine Col. Ricky Buria, was given access to his phone and communicated the messages about Marchs attack on Houthis in Yemen with Hegseths wife, brother and personal attorney.

The Independent has contacted the Pentagon for comment.

The extent of Hegseths use of the app follows President Donald Trumps ousting of national security adviser Mike Waltz after the Signalgate scandal. Waltz created the infamous group chat, where Hegseth shared sensitive military plans, and inadvertently added The Atlantics editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. Waltz has been shifted from his post and named Trumps nominee to serve as United Nations ambassador.

Trump has continued to stand by Hegseth and said in an interview Sunday with NBCs Meet the Press that his job is totally safe.

Intelligence experts said the use of the app, particularly on personal phones, is risky.

Signal is considered unclassified by the government for a reason, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior U.S. intelligence officer, told the Journal. Its clear that U.S. government systems are having a hard time keeping up with the required pace of business.

The Pentagon warned against the use of nongovernmental apps for official business in a 2023 memo.

open image in gallery In one instance, Hegseth used Signal to instruct aides to inform foreign governments about unfolding military operations, according to the Journal . President Donald Trump has continued to stand by Hegseth. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Unmanaged 'messaging apps,' including any app with a chat feature, regardless of the primary function, are NOT authorized to access, transmit, process non-public DoD information, the memo said. This includes but is not limited to messaging, gaming, and social media apps. (i.e., iMessage, WhatsApps, Signal). It noted that an exception must be submitted for use only if the app is critical to fulfilling mission operations.

The Defense Departments acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, is currently investigating whether Hegseth broke any rules regarding the sharing of classified information on the app. Hegseth has repeatedly denied sharing classified information.

The messages Hegseth sent to the group that included the journalist were sent on March 15 and contained a detailed timeline of when U.S. forces would strike Houthi targets. Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME, one of the messages Hegseth wrote that day said.

At 2:10 p.m., more F-18s were to launch, Hegseth wrote. 1415: Strike Drones on Target (THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier Trigger Based targets), Hegseth wrote in another update.

The latest revelations about Hegseths use of the app follows reports that he had it installed on his office computer because of the Pentagons patchy cell phone service.

Hegseth directed the installation of the encrypted app on a desktop Pentagon computer as a work-around that enabled him to use Signal in a classified space, the Washington Post reported last month. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied the claim in a statement to The Independent at the time.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly blocked military aid flights to Ukraine within days after Donald Trump entered office without the administration knowing.

An order from the U.S. military told freight airlines at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and a U.S. base in Qatar to halt 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weapons bound for Ukraine, according to Reuters.

That verbal order reportedly came from Hegseths office, according to U.S. Transportation Command records reviewed by Reuters, sparking mass confusion across Washington, D.C. and in Kyiv, underscoring what officials and critics have warned is a Pentagon in disarray and driven by haphazard decision-making .

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered a pause of 11 flights with Ukraine aid shortly after Trump taking office, to the surprise of administration officials ( REUTERS )

The pause in aid was previously reported, but Hegseths apparent direct role in making the call to halt the flights was not. The flights resumed several days later after then-national security adviser Mike Waltz intervened, according to Reuters.

Hegseths decision reportedly followed an Oval Office meeting on January 30, though Trump did not explicitly direct Hegseth to freeze any aid. A formal order halting aid that was authorized under Joe Bidens administration went into effect roughly one month later, on March 4.

But the White House told Reuters that Hegseth was following Trumps directive, despite the apparent chaos and confusion among top national security officials who had no idea why the flights were grounded, and who ordered them.

Negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine War has been a complex and fluid situation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Reuters. We are not going to detail every conversation among top administration officials throughout the process  The bottom line is the war is much closer to an end today than it was when President Trump took office.

The pause in shipments also raised alarms in Ukraine, where officials had difficulties getting any answers from Trump administration officials through multiple channels, according to Reuters.

open image in gallery Ammunition, weapons and other equipment bound for Ukraine is loaded on military aircraft at Dover Air Force Base on Delaware on January 24 ( VIA REUTERS )

The administration is standing firm behind Hegseth following widespread calls for his resignation and reports suggesting that the White House was considering other candidates for the job.

Following a month of total chaos at the Pentagon, from mass firings to leaked Signal chats featuring top Trump administration officials discussing bombing campaigns in Yemen, there are very likely more shoes to drop in short order, according to John Ullyot, who resigned last month as a top Pentagon spokesperson.

The White House has denied reports suggesting that Hegseth could be replaced, but pressure from members of Congress and a firestorm of criticism have only accelerated since his appointment.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, has repeatedly blamed the press for any suggestion theres disorder inside the Pentagon while casting allegations from his own top aides as the work of disgruntled former employees.

What a big surprise that a bunch of a few leakers get fired and suddenly a bunch of hit pieces come out from the same media that peddled the Russia hoax [and] wont give back their Pulitzers  they got Pulitzers for a bunch of lies, Hegseth said from outside the White House on April 21.

This is what the media does, he said. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations.
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Former and current employees at an agency meant to keep elderly people and people with disabilities in their communities fear that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration are weakening the organization.

In March, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Administration for Community Living will be integrated into other HHS agencies, including the Administration for Children and Families, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also known as CMS.

Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants, Kennedy said in a statement in March. This came the same day that Kennedy announced a dramatic reduction in the HHS workforce of 10,000 employees.

Kennedy later walked back the announcement and said that HHS would need to rehire as many as 20 percent of people fired as a result of the cuts.

HHS director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ( Getty )

But former employees fear this will hurt people with disabilities.

It looks like it's being broken up for spare parts, Daniel Davis, a career employee at ACL, told The Independent. Davis said that none of the career managers at the ACL spoke with the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musks organization tasked with slashing government spending and that the political appointee working in the administration said she did not know any more than what had been said in the press release.

In 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services under the Obama administration brought Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities together under Administration for Community Living.

Last month, The Washington Post reported on a leaked budget document called a passback that states what the Trump administration would request to fund various organizations within the department. The passback document showed that the ACL was zeroed out, which is to say eliminated.

You have to actually go to those pages to see what they are proposing to eliminate, Alison Barkoff, who ran the ACL during the Biden administration, told The Independent. We do not have any transparency at all, and there have been many, many oversight letters.

Barkoff cautioned that cutting ACL comes at a time when more than 10,000 people turn 65 every day, according to the AARP, and one quarter of Americans have a disability.

Cuts to ACL programs are just going to mean increases to other programs like Medicare, like Medicaid, and this is the one agency that helps people stay in their own homes and communities, instead of more expensive institutional care, she said.

The passback document appears to show that HHS would want to eliminate programs such as the falls prevention program, which seeks to reduce the numbers of falls by elderly people, and the long-term care ombudsman program, which works to resolve problems related to residents of long-term care facilities.

In addition, the passback suggests eliminating money for protection and advocacy (P&A) programs for people with developmental disabilities and for state councils for people with developmental disabilities.

Of the big disability programs that ACL administers, the only ones that would not be wiped out if the budget looks like it takes the recommendations from the passback would be Independent Living Programs, one official within the organization who was granted anonymity to speak candidly told The Independent.

The staffer said that they were brought back in the rehiring. But ACL has slowed down significantly and in addition, the administration needs to justify every single payment and how it aligns with the Trump administrations priorities.

The ACL is just one of many organizations that has been slashed significantly by DOGE and the Trump administration. In addition, the Trump administration has sought to eliminate or weaken the Department of Education, the US Administration for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Independent has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services.

At the same time, on Monday, the department released a statement announced the release of $1.1 billion in funding new grant opportuntities for older people, people with disabilities and caregivers.

We stand with our elders and individuals with disabilities  we dont abandon them, Kennedy said in the press release. This funding directly invests in dignity, protects independence, and affirms every Americans right to age with respect and community. Restoring humanity to our health system is not optional  its the foundation of how we Make America Healthy Again.
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A Minnesota woman who called a five-year-old Black child the n-word, and then repeated that racial slur multiple times in a viral video while defending her actions, has raised over $700,000 as she has become a cultural folk-hero to much of the American far-right.

The crowdfunding campaign for Shiloh Hendrix, which she initially posted after she shot to infamy over her confrontation with a Somali-American man in a playground, has taken off after the online right viewed it as a form of backlash over the funds raised in support of Karmelo Anthony.

Anthony, a Black high school student, has been charged with first-degree murder over the stabbing death of white teenager Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Texas. The case has drawn attention in conservative circles, especially after Anthonys legal defense raised over $500,000 on the crowdfunding app GiveSendGo.

Besides using the Hendrix incident as a way to exhibit their own form of vice signaling over the Anthony case, a large portion of the MAGA crowd has also seen their support of her as part of their fight against anti-white racism and the cancel culture mob.

Im glad she raised half a million dollars. I hope she raises half a million more, Daily Wire podcaster Matt Walsh tweeted this week, sharing a video that featured a 20-minute monologue on why he backs Hendrix.

open image in gallery MAGA provocateur Matt Walsh is calling for Shiloh Hendrix to receive another half-million dollars from her crowdfunding campaign. ( Gage Skidmore/X )

MAGA influencer Matt Walsh says n-word is no different to other curses

In the video, which was filmed by 30-year-old Sharmake Omar in a Minnesota public park, Hendrix admits that she called a young Somali boy the n-word because he took my sons stuff. She then goes on to repeat the slur multiple times before seemingly justifying her actions during the filmed confrontation with Omar.

If that's what he's going to act like, Hendrix says when asked by Omar why she used the n-word to describe the child. Omar told NBC News that the child is on the autism spectrum and that the parents, whom he knows, have expressed support in filing charges against Hendrix, and a local chapter of the NAACP has raised more than $300,000 for the family since the video went viral. Local police, meanwhile, have said they completed an investigation of the incident.

I called the kid out for what he was, Hendrix wrote in her fundraising plea, adding that shes been doxxed. I am asking for your help to assist in protecting my family. I fear that we must relocate.

Like other viral-video incidents, a lot of the facts arent clear. The man who shot the video claimed the child Hendrix allegedly accosted is autistic. Some of Hendrixs supporters, meanwhile, have suggested the child is actually quite older, comparing the childs height with the height of some playground equipment, The Bulwarks Will Sommer wrote. They argue that the child is roughly 10, which apparently would be a far more defensible age to call the boy a racial slur.

Media critic Parker Molloy argued in her The Present Age newsletter that the right-wing wagon-circling around Hendrix was the most grotesque example I've seen recently of what some people call vice signaling  the conservative movement's twisted mirror image of virtue signaling, where people donate money specifically to show support for reprehensible behavior.

We saw similar dynamics with Kyle Rittenhouse, Daniel Penny and others who've become right-wing causes celebre, she added. The playbook is simple: do or say something awful, get rightfully called out for it, claim victimhood, and watch the money roll in from people who want to show their support for what you did while pretending it's about free speech or fighting cancel culture.

open image in gallery A number of prominent far-right personalities have voiced their support for Shiloh Hendrix, claiming that backing her fundraising campaign sends a message to those worried about anti-white racism. ( X )

Some of the most notorious voices on the right, such as white supremacist and Donald Trump dinner guest Nick Fuentes, have explicitly invoked the Anthony fundraiser while voicing their support for Hendrix. Black people just raised $500,000 for a cold-blooded killer who stabbed a white teenager to death, he posted. So I dont want to hear ONE WORD about the Shiloh Hendrix fundraiser. Either everybody gets to be tribal or nobody does.

MAGA podcaster Tim Pool said that while calling children racial slurs is crass and crude, the support for Hendrix shows white guilt is over. Shes making money, he added. This sends a message to other white people: Stop taking racial abuse.

While other social media provocateurs sounded off and said they backed Hendrix on principle to fight gay race communism, Walsh  the creative voice and star behind the hit right-wing documentary Am I Racist?  provided Hendrixs campaign a massive boost while delivering his audience a justification for supporting her.

The latest race-baiting story followed the cancel culture script right up until the twist ending. Shiloh Hendrix didnt apologize, Walsh wrote on Facebook, celebrating the amount of money she raised.

Yes, Shiloh said something offensive. No ones excusing it. But she didnt deserve to be treated like a domestic terrorist, he continued. And thats what her supporters understood. Thats why they gave. Because they werent just donating to a person  they were drawing a line in the sand. They saw the pitchforks coming out again and decided it was time to start swinging back.

In his podcast episode about Hendrix and the positive reaction shes received from the right, Walsh repeatedly said this was all about destroying the cancel culture mob once and for all. Yet, while repeatedly downplaying the racial slur she used, Walsh himself wouldnt actually bring himself to say the word out loud  and tried to explain his reasoning.

If Black people want white people to not say the word, then they need to not say it. If you say it, then everyone else can say it. Point blank, its that simple. Thats how life works. Deal with it, he exclaimed.

Its just a word. Its a vulgar word, Walsh added. Its a rude word. Its a word that Black people shouldnt say for the same reason they shouldnt use any other vulgarity. Im using n-word right now instead of using the actual word, for the same reason I would use f-word or c-word instead of those actual words.

Still, the rise of Hendrix as a MAGA folk hero has made some conservative pundits a bit uneasy. Former college swimmer turned anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, for instance, asked if the massive fundraising haul was a joke before noting that the right didnt need a white Karmelo Anthony. She also wondered whats the goal in rewarding Hendrix.

Others, such as The Babylon Bees Seth Dillon, expressed concern about the motivations behind many of those amplifying Walshs support for Hendrix. For them, it's not about the end of cancel culture, but the success of tribal whiteness that this case represents and which they're pretending Matt has endorsed, Dillon noted.

open image in gallery Much of the support for Shiloh Hendrix has revolved around conservative vice signaling over the legal defense funds raised by Texas stabbing suspect Karmelo Anthony, a Black teenager who has been charged with murdering a white 17-year-old at a track meet. ( Frisco Police Department )

GiveSendGo, a so-called Christian platform that has become the go-to page for Trumpist rage, finally decided to step in after both the Anthony and Hendrix donation pages received a flood of offensive posts in recent days.

At GiveSendGo, we recently disabled comments on the fundraising campaigns for Karmelo Anthony and Shiloh Hendrix due to the unacceptable volume of racist and derogatory remarks, the platforms co-founder Jacob Wells tweeted on Friday. At the time comments were turned off, both campaigns had raised approximately $500,000 with around 15,000 donors each.

Stating that the comments posted dont represent values of hope, compassion, and fairness, he said that the company would allow both campaigns to collect funds and ensure they are delivered to the recipients.

We took action to stop the spread of divisive rhetoric while ensuring the campaigns continue to serve their intended purpose, he concluded. We call for respectful dialogue and understanding, even in challenging situations.
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Last month, Clay Jackson was at a gas station near his home in Dallas when an attendant asked if he could offer up some legal advice to an immigrant family in the neighborhood.

A father was caught up in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid, and the mixed-status family with a U.S. citizen child wasnt sure what to do next.

Jackson agreed to give them informal pro bono support in his personal capacity, not as an in-house lawyer for Fidelity National Financial, a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 title insurance company.

My goal was to try to find somebody just to be a conduit for them, to alleviate their immediate concerns and fear, give them just some basic understanding of what this is and how this may play out, and then try to find them with a good lawyer, he told The Independent.

Then two people he says appeared to be federal law enforcement agents visited Jackson himself.

Two plain-clothed agents appeared at his home and accused Jackson of obstructing an investigation, he said.

Jackson talked to formerWashington Post columnist Radley Balko about the people he believed were ICE agents arriving at his door. That article, which did not mention where Jackson worked, was published April 23.

That same day, Jackson was fired.

The incident follows a series of actions from Donald Trumps administration targeting individual lawyers and firms that provided work for his perceived political enemies. Jackson fears ICEs threats and his abrupt termination could send a chilling effect preventing lawyers from pro bono work or even informal advice.

open image in gallery ICE agents appeared at the home of a Texas insurance attorney after he gave informal legal advice to an undocumented family, he tells The Independent ( AP )

In one executive order last month, Trump accused pro bono immigration attorneys of working with their clients to conceal their past or lie about their circumstances when asserting their asylum claims in an attempt to circumvent immigration policies enacted to protect our national security and deceive the immigration authorities and courts into granting them undeserved relief.

That order also presses the attorney general to investigate immigration attorneys.

Last month, Michigan attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration officers in an airport while returning from a family vacation. Boston attorney Bachir Atallah and his wife were detained at the Canadian border earlier this month.

A statement from Fidelity National Financial to The Independent noted that that the company does not discuss personal employment matters.

This is to protect employee privacy and confidentiality. However, I will note that Mr. Jackson is no longer with the company, the statement said.

Fidelitys chief legal officer Peter Sadowski told Bloomberg that Jackson was not terminated for speaking to a reporter or for giving advice to an immigration family. I cant comment further, given that this is an ongoing employment matter at the company, Sadowski told the outlet.

open image in gallery Clay Jackson was terminated following the publication of a story about ICE agents questioning him at his home after he spoke with an immigrant family ( Clay Jackson )

On March 23, Jackson alerted his bosses that he was planning to speak with a journalist about ICE appearing at his home. He felt an obligation to speak out, he said, but he claims his boss appeared dismissive of his concerns.

Theyre sending people to El Salvador without a court hearing. Every lawyer has to agree that every human being is entitled to due process. Thats the foundation of our profession, Jackson told The Independent.

If something were to happen to him, or to the family he spoke with, and he never alerted a reporter about what happened, it would devastate me, he said.

It was in good faith to be like, you know, heads up, this is happening, Im doing this because I feel like I need to do this for my conscience, and Im going to regret if I dont talk to this reporter, because this is an important thing, he said. Im not spray painting a federal building or something, Im just helping people in my community.

Jackson began to fear for his safety and sought a transfer from the Texas office, where he started working in 2023, to a branch in Chicago, where he has family.

He said that request was denied, and said his employers warned him against providing legal advice outside the scope of supporting a client. He was warned that his messages about the incident and his communications with his boss suggested that he intended to resign  which he flatly denied.

Several more days passed, and the article was published. He sent an email to other litigators at his office with a copy of the article, telling them, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

open image in gallery Trump has signed several executive orders targeting law firms and attorneys who represented clients and positions against the president and his agenda ( AP )

Roughly 90 minutes later, his access to work equipment and communications was cut off, he said. A courier knocked on his door that afternoon handing him a letter, telling him he was terminated for his unsatisfactory performance in violation of company policy.

Bill Foley, Fidelitys billionaire chair, donated at least $500,000 to Trumps campaign fundraising arms in 2020 and has supported each of the presidents campaigns. He supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary but donated $500,000 to Trumps campaign when he emerged as the nominee.

Jackson  a former litigator with Tennessee-based firm Bass, Berry & Sims, who had previously worked with clients entangled in byzantine, often years-long immigration proceedings  says he viscerally understands how complicated, and terrifying, the countrys immigration system can be for people suddenly thrust into it.

Ive seen that fear. Ive seen that I dont know if my kids are going to be safe fear, he told The Independent.

You have to make a choice. The choice is to be humane or not, and thats why I do it, he said. And it wasn't because Im some raging liberal that hates immigration enforcement. I get it. Its been really messed up for decades. But what weve never had is people being sent to a gulag without a court hearing.

ICE did not return The Independents request for comment.
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The Trump administration is reportedly hard at work looking for ways to incentivize people to have more children, with the president calling one such proposal, a $5,000 baby bonus for recent parents, a good idea last month.

The White House has also reportedly fielded proposals about bestowing a National Medal of Motherhood to mothers with six or more children.

Democrats, for their part, say theyre supportive of ways to support new parents, but that Trump and his allies have the wrong approach.

If you want to encourage families to have children and be serious about it, then you would work to lower costs, build economic security for families, Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut told NBC News.

Theres a little incongruity here between talking about encouraging women to have more children and families to have more children and at the same time, really putting up enormous obstacles, she added, pointing to Republican discussions to cut as much as $880 billion from Medicaid as part of budget negotiations.

Last week, the House Democratic Womens Caucus wrote to Trump, calling his potential baby boom ideas out of step with reality, and at odds with the administrations moves cutting maternal health and child initiatives, firing maternal health and fertility researchers at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and proposing to defund the Head Start early education program.

Trump administration interest in increasing births comes as White House looks to cut health and early childhood spending ( Getty )

Youve thrown our economy into chaos, making everyday essentials more expensive and making family budgeting nearly impossible, the letter reads. This is not a pro-family agenda.

In early April, a group of Senate Democrats introduced a proposal to permanently increase the Child Tax Credit for middle- and low-income families, which was temporarily expanded during the pandemic.

The expanded Child Tax Credit benefited 61 million American kids, helped cut childhood poverty nearly in half, and cut hunger by a quarter for families, Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado wrote in a statement accompanying the proposal. Parents across Colorado told me it reduced their stress and made it easier for them to afford child care, rent, and school supplies. It was the best thing weve done for kids and families in generations.

Experts say longer-term investments in healthcare, child care, and family leave will do more to support new families than a one-time payment, while bringing the U.S. in line with wealthy peer nations that typically offer far more social support for new parents.

I had a baby a few months ago, and a one-time payment of $5,000 wouldnt do much if I didnt also have paid leave that let me keep my job, good health insurance, family support, incredible childcare and the kind of job that allows me to both provide for my family and be there for pickup, Lily Roberts, managing director for inclusive growth at the Center for American Progress, toldThe Guardian. Every mom in America deserves that, and every dad does too.
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President Donald Trump is continuing to suggest that Canada could divest itself of its own sovereignty and join the United States as the 51st American state over the continued objections of Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney.

Carney, whose Liberal Party cruised to a victory over the rival Conservatives in last months parliamentary elections in part thanks to widespread disgust at Trumps suggestion that Canada could be annexed, as well as the trade war the U.S. president started against the longtime American ally, visited the Oval Office on Tuesday for his first-ever meeting with his U.S. counterpart.

Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Trump, he called the American leader transformational and praised his relentless focus on the American worker and efforts at securing your borders ... ending the scourge of fentanyl and other opioids and and securing the world.

But when Trump was pressed on whether he still would like Canada to become part of the U.S., he refused to drop the line.

Mark Carney tells Trump Canada is 'not for sale' ( AFP/Getty )

I do feel it's much better for Canada, but we're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it, he said.

Trump added that Canada becoming part of the United States would really be a wonderful marriage.

Carney, responding to Trump invoking his own background as a real estate developer while discussing why he would like to erase the longstanding U.S.-Canada border, told him that there are some places that are not for sale and said Canada remains one of those places.

Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign over the last several months, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever, but the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together, he said.

Carney added that Trump had played a role in having revitalized NATO and pushing his country to playing our full weight in the 32-member bloc, at which point the American leader acknowledged that Ottawa had been stepping up the military participation by spending enough on defense as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product and called the increased spending a very important thing.

But Trump refused to concede Carneys point on his country not being up for sale, adding: But never say never.

Carney, sitting silently as the American president spoke, mouthed the word never to the television cameras trained on him.

The sit-down between the Canadian head of government and the American head of state comes after a whirlwind first 100 days of Trumps second administration, during which he has inflamed once-cordial relations between the longtime allies by imposing successive waves of tariffs on Canadian goods and making a show of disrespect for Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

Trump took to calling the former Liberal Party leader governor as if he were already the head of an American state shortly after he won the 2024 presidential election and began proposing that Canada become the 51 state as a way of avoiding the tariffs he has touted as a solution for everything from trade imbalances to fentanyl trafficking across the largely unguarded frontier between the two countries.

Trudeau, in an effort to be conciliatory, rushed to the presidents Florida home to meet with him shortly after the election in hopes of quelling the discontent, but to no avail. Instead, he and his party grew more and more unpopular as Trumps attacks on him increased.

Trump takes credit for Mark Carney's election win

But Trudeau, who had spent nearly a decade in office, upended the table by announcing his resignation shortly before Trump was inaugurated. Carney was chosen as his successor pending last months parliamentary elections, and the prospect of new leadership  combined with a rally-around-the-flag effect in response to Trumps annexation talk and trade wars  caused the Liberal Party to reverse months of dismal polling and retain control of government in Ottawa.

And even though the trade war he started has spooked financial markets and caused confidence in the U.S. to sink in an incredibly short period of time, Trump looks to be sticking to his guns on the value of taxing his own people.

He said Carneys refusal to consider surrendering his countrys sovereignty would not be a hindrance to trade talks as he inexplicably claimed that other governments would pay tariffs  which are taxes borne by American importers and passed on to consumers as higher prices  as a price paid to access American markets.

For the most part, we're just going to put down a number and say, This is what you're going to pay to shop. And it's going to be a very fair number. It'll be a low number. We're not looking to hurt countries. We want to help countries. We want to be friendly with countries ... We're going to say, in some cases, we want you to open up your country. In some cases we want you to drop your tariffs, he said.

So we're going to put down some numbers, and we're going to say our country is open for business, and they're going to come in and they're going to pay for the privilege of being able to shop in the United States of America. It's very simple.

The Canadian leaders visit to the White House evoked for some observers the possibility of a blow-up along the lines of what had happened earlier this year when Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky sat down with Trump and left following an Oval Office shouting match with Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

But nothing of the sort transpired.

In a press conference at the Canadian embassy following the bilateral talks, Carney thanked Trump and his team for welcoming him to the White House for what he described as very constructive discussions.

I conveyed to the President today what our countries have long proven to be true, that Canada and the United States are stronger when we work together. We can get a better deal for our workers. We can create more opportunities for our businesses. We can build stronger economies across North America when we work together, he said.

And really, today marked the end of the beginning of a process of the United States and Canada redefining that relationship of working together. The question is: How we will cooperate in the future, how we can build an economic and security relationship built on mutual respect, built on common interests, and that delivers transformational benefits to our economies?

Carney said the talks between him and Trump had been wide-ranging and stressed that they would continue when he hosts Trump and the other Group of Seven heads of government for their annual summit in Kananaskis, Alberta next month.
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Watch as Donald Trump welcomes Mark Carney to the White House on Tuesday, 6 May, for the first time since the newly elected Canadian prime minister won the federal election.

The meeting came days after the former Bank of England governor secured the victory following a campaign that focused on the US president.

It also follows after Mr Trump's repeated threats to annex Canada and make it the "51st state," and the imposition of sweeping 25 per cent tariffs.

Mr Carney pushed back on Mr Trump's repeated threats, telling the US president that Canada is not for sale, reiterating that Canadians will never change their mind about joining the US.

The Republican responded Never say never, repeating his threats to make Canada a US state.

Mr Trump claimed the US doesnt need anything from Canada except friendship, but Canada needs everything from the US.
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Watch as Mark Carney spoke to the media after meeting Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, 6 May, for the first time since the newly elected Canadian prime minister won the federal election.

The meeting came days after the former Bank of England governor secured the victory following a campaign that focused on the US president.

It also follows Mr Trump's repeated threats to annex Canada and make it the "51st state," and the imposition of sweeping 25 per cent tariffs.

Mr Carney pushed back on Mr Trump's repeated threats, telling the US president that Canada is not for sale, reiterating that Canadians will never change their mind about joining the US.

The Republican responded Never say never, repeating his threats to make Canada a US state.

Mr Trump also took credit for Mr Carneys election win, saying: He won a very big election... I think I was probably the greatest thing that happened to him.

One of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics, maybe even greater than mine, Mr Trump added.
 Close Mark Carney tells Trump Canada is 'not for sale'

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President Donald Trump and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney came face-to-face at the White House on Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting.

Just days after winning an election campaign with an aggressive focus on Trump, Carney said he would make a bid for a comprehensive deal on trade and national security, while hoping to reset frayed U.S.-Canada relations.

Trump, meanwhile, played the upper hand, claiming the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada except friendship, but Canada needs everything from the U.S.

The high-stakes meeting between the two leaders is set against the backdrop of Trumps repeated threats to annex Canada and the imposition of sweeping 25 percent tariffs.

During their Oval Office meeting, Trump once again said he would like to see Canada become the 51st state.

But, Carney pushed back, saying Canada is not for sale and wont be for sale, ever. He reiterated that Canadians will never change their mind about joining the U.S.

Never say never, Trump responded.

Carney mouthed the words never to the press.
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The White House is already walking back Donald Trumps Sunday night Truth Social proposal to put a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films. Hollywood, meanwhile, is likely hoping he changes course completely, despite agreeing with the presidents overall goal of shoring up shrinking U.S. film production.

After Trump announced his plan, which officials later said had not been finalized, many in the U.S. film industry and beyond condemned the idea, arguing it could be difficult to enforce given the international nature of modern film and TV business models. In addition, the extra levies could deliver a knock-out blow to an industry just recovering from the Covid pandemic.

Film and TV heavyweights accused the president of misunderstanding the business. Succession star Brian Cox told Times Radio that Trump is not really understanding the point of view of how films are made, and what films cost, [how] the cost of films [has] gone up and that the cost of films in America went up considerably.

Instead, many in the business are hoping Trump pursues the kind of generous federal tax incentives seen in other film hubs like the UK and Canada, whose prime minister Mark Carney was visiting the White House on Tuesday.

I actually agree with the goal here, as I think many U.S. film execs would, a film financier told Deadline after the tariff proposal dropped. 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 a historic low.

The United States needs a balanced federal response to return film and television jobs, Matthew D. Loeb, the president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents much of Hollywoods behind-the-scenes talent, said in a statement. IATSE recommended that the Trump administration implement a federal film production tax incentive and other domestic tax provisions to level the playing field for American workers.

President Trump on his plan to tariff foreign films and TV shows

Actor Jon Voight, one of Trumps three special ambassadors to Hollywood, reportedly met with the president over the weekend to discuss the film industry.

The actor submitted a comprehensive plan, including 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, according to his manager Steven Paul.

The proposal also includes a focus on job training, and tariffs in certain limited circumstances, Pauls company SP Global Media said in a statement to CNBC.

A smaller contingent, including the Teamsters union, celebrated the tariff idea, calling it a strong step toward reining in the studios un-American addiction to outsourcing our members work.

Solutions will be sorely needed to revive the golden days of Hollywood.

Los Angeles-area film, TV, and commercial on-location production days fell by 22.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared with 2024, according to FilmLA.
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President Donald Trump has announced two national holidays for Americans to commemorate U.S. victories in the First and Second World Wars - but has made clear they wont be days off for Americans.

The Republican made the announcement on his Truth Social platform on Monday, declaring that May 8 and November 11 would be marked as public holidays to honor the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 and the signing of the armistice that brought an end to the First World War in 1918 respectively.

We won two world wars, but we never took credit for it  Everyone else does! All over the world, the allies are celebrating the victory we had in World War II, Trump wrote.

open image in gallery Donald Trump announced the two holidays, but added in a post on social media that he would not be closing the country for the dates ( Reuters )

The only country that doesnt celebrate is the United States of America, and the victory was only accomplished because of us. Without the United States, the war would have been won by other countries, and what a different world it would be.

However, there was a catch.

We will not be closing the country for these two very important holidays because we already have too many holidays in America, he added.

There are not enough days left in the year. We were workers then, and we are workers now!

That indicates both events will be largely symbolic in nature and will have no practical bearing on businesses or government operations, with employees expected to turn up and clock on as usual.

November 11 is already observed as Veterans Day in the United States and was previously known as Armistice Day between 1938 and 1954, when it was changed to honor all of Americas combat veterans, not just those who participated in the Great War.

We are not renaming Veterans Day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told ABC News, by way of clarification.

It will just be an additional proclamation that goes out on that day.

open image in gallery U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raise the Stars and Stripes atop Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Japan, on February 23 1945, one of the most iconic images of the Second World War ( Joe Rosenthal/AP )

May 8, meanwhile, recognizes the historic moment Germany announced its official surrender and is celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (or VE Day) on that continent, with huge celebrations underway this week to mark the 80th anniversary of that date.

However, American involvement in the Second World War actually continued for another three months, until August 15 1945, when Imperial Japan likewise surrendered, finally bringing a close to the war in the Pacific in which many U.S. soldiers fought bravely and, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice.

The latter point was not lost on political commentators, with former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann writing on X: We won World War II on August 15, 1945 when the Japanese surrendered. Trump is a complete moron.

Trump is reportedly planning a spectacular parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14 when the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army happens to coincide with his own 79th birthday.
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President Donald Trump has dismissed criticism surrounding AI-generated images of himself, including one depicting him as the Pope, that were posted on social media.

Trump characterized the images as harmless jokes, but communications experts disagree.

The AI-generated images, which surfaced over the weekend, show Trump in papal vestments and wielding a red lightsaber reminiscent of Star Wars villains.

These posts appear consistent with Trump's provocative style, often used to energize supporters and antagonize critics.

Since his return to office on January 20, Trump has consistently commanded media attention. During a relatively quiet weekend, these images ensured his continued prominence in online discussions and beyond.

Trump's political career has been marked by striking visuals, from posing with a garbage truck to standing outside a church during protests against police brutality.

open image in gallery Donald Trump appears as a pope in an AI generated image of himself he posted on his Truth Social account ( Donald J. Trump/Truth Social )

However, experts argue that unlike these real-life images, AI-generated pictures blur the lines between reality and fiction, potentially creating misleading narratives.

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.

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.

Trump pretends to drive a truck as healthcare bill struggles to pass

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."

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.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has shared a fake Time magazine cover image of himself as royalty ( White House X )

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.

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 per cent with 53 per cent of respondents disapproving of him and showed concerns mounting among Americans over his economic and immigration policies. He peaked at 47 per cent 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.
May Day holiday consumption mirrors China's economy vitality

Xinhua) 15:57, May 06, 2025

Tourists visit an ecological park in Loudi City, central China's Hunan Province, May 3, 2025. (Photo by Wu Yonghua/Xinhua)

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- During the five-day May Day holiday, Chinese travelers took an estimated 314 million domestic trips, marking a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Tourist spending also saw a notable rise, reaching 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars), an 8 percent year-on-year jump that highlights the sustained vitality of consumer activity.

The May Day holiday, running from May 1 to 5, is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year. During this time, millions of Chinese travelers hit the road to visit family, explore domestic destinations, or venture abroad. This surge in travel provides a boost to the transportation, tourism and retail sectors.

Passengers prepare to board a train at Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 1, 2025. The transportation network of the country witnessed a travel peak on the first day of the May Day holiday. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows three cruise ships berthing at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China's Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Tourists visit Fuzimiao, or the Confucius Temple, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua)

Tourists watch a music fountain show in Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Li Heng/Xinhua)

Tourists watch a fireworks show in Jurong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Zhong Xueman/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows tourists enjoying themselves on a boat in Rongcheng City, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo by Li Xinjun/Xinhua)

Vloggers shoot a video at a historical cultural area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Shu/Xinhua)

Tourists watch a robot show at Taizhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Jiang Youqing/Xinhua)

This drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Huangguoshu Scenic Area in Anshun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo by Chen Xi/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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Even President Donald Trumps congressional allies doubt the administration has the authority to send U.S. citizens who commit crimes to prisons overseas.

Last month, the president floated the idea of sending homegrowns to foreign prisons, such as El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, where the administration has placed undocumented immigrants, and even those with legal status,

But that suggestion amounts to deporting U.S. citizens, which is illegal.

Even Trumps allies in the Senate agree that the president probably could not carry out that agenda.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump suggested last month that he would send homegrowns who commit crimes to foreign prisons ( REUTERS )

Im not sure that would be constitutional. Youre talking about American citizens? I doubt that would hold up as something constitutional, Senator Ron Johnson told The Hill.

Constitutional experts previously told The Independent that there was no constitutional or statutory authority to send citizens to foreign prisons. If anything, sending citizens to foreign jails would violate the Constitutions human rights protections.

Senator Rand Paul similarly told The Hill, I cant imagine you can deport a citizen. I dont think you can incarcerate a citizen in another country, either.

Senator Chuck Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Trump either has the authority to do it, or it isnt going to happen.

But it sounds to me like you cant deport citizens, Grassley said.

Paul implied that Trumps statement was just another one of the presidents exaggerated remarks to grab the medias attention.

open image in gallery Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said he did not believe Trump could incarcerate US citizens in other countries ( REUTERS )

There are a lot of things that are said, over-the-top, for effect that arent serious proposals. But I dont know in this case. I cant imagine you can deport a citizen and/or incarcerate a citizen outside of the U.S., Paul told The Hill.

Trumps remarks were made last month during a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has happily taken Salvadoran nationals deported from the U.S. and thrown them in CECOT.

The homegrowns are next, the homegrowns. Youve got to build about five more places, Trump said.

Bukele responded, Yeah, we got space.
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A divided Supreme Court will allow Donald Trumps administration to continue banning transgender service members while legal challenges against the policy continue.

An order from the nations highest court on Tuesday freezes a lower courts injunction that blocked the administration from removing trans service members across all branches of the U.S. military.

All three liberals on the court dissent.

The ruling is a devastating blow to transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation's defense, according to a statement from Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which sued to block the policy on behalf of a group of trans service members.

open image in gallery The Supreme Court will allow, for now, a directive from Trump and Hegseth barring trans service members from the U.S. military while legal challenges play out ( AP )

By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the Court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice, the groups added. Transgender individuals meet the same standards and demonstrate the same values as all who serve. We remain steadfast in our belief that this ban violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection and will ultimately be struck down.

The presidents January directive claims the adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individuals sex conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon leadership subsequently ordered military officials to identify all trans troops, which must be completed no later than June 25, according to a Pentagon memo. The order also immediately bans access to gender-affirming care for all trans service members.

Pentagon guidance claims that the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.

In March, George W. Bush-appointed District Judge Benjamin Settle said the policy plainly discriminates and is not backed by any evidence to support the claims behind it.

The government provided no evidence supporting the conclusion that military readiness, unit cohesion, lethality, or any of the other touchstone phrases long used to exclude various groups from service have in fact been adversely impacted by open transgender service, he wrote. The Court can only find that there is none.

Settles decision marked the second nationwide injunction targeting the policy following lawsuits from actively serving trans service members and LGBT+ civil rights groups.

During a federal court hearing in February, Washington, D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes condemned the presidents demeaning, biologically inaccurate and frankly ridiculous language in an executive order that revoked federal recognition of trans, nonbinary and intersex people  an order that has formed the basis for a flood of other actions from the administration targeting trans Americans.

Judge Reyes suggested that, taken together, Trumps executive orders against trans people scream animus, or are motivated by prejudice.

open image in gallery U.S Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Nicolas Talbott, center, is the lead plaintiff in one of two lawsuits from transgender service members seeking to overturn Trumps executive order that effectively removes them from the military ( AFP/Getty )

Her injunction  which followed a lawsuit from more than 20 trans service members  is intended to maintain the status quo of military policy regarding transgender service that existed immediately before Trump issued his executive order, Reyes wrote.

Judge Reyes argues that a categorical ban on trans service members in the nations military discriminates based on transgender status and sex  and because it is soaked in animus.

During an appeals court hearing last month, judges did not appear convinced by the governments arguments that the Pentagons policy doesnt ban trans service members per se but gender dysphoria diagnosis and healthcare.

Earlier this month, trans service members suing to overturn ban argued that they have served in our military for years with honor and distinction, they told the Supreme Court.

The Trump administration doesnt have any evidence that such service has negatively impacted military readiness or unit cohesion, nor can they identify any harm that would occur during the short time the preliminary injunction is in effect while their appeal is resolved, they added.

In a separate filing, a group of trans service members in a parallel case wrote to the court to warn that blocking those lower court orders would immediately trigger a harsh process of removal for thousands of transgender service members, causing reputational, professional, and constitutional harm that can never be undone.

Once initiated, the shame and opprobrium of being forced into that process (even if later reversed) causes irreparable harm, they wrote.

Shannon Minter, legal director with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which represents plaintiffs in the first of lawsuits aimed at stopping Trumps policy, said the Supreme Courts decision has upended the lives of thousands of servicemembers without even the decency of explaining why.

As a result of this decision, reached without benefit of full briefing or argument, brave troops who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country will be targeted and forced into harsh administrative separation process usually reserved for misconduct, Minter said in a statement. They have proven themselves time and time again and met the same standards as every other soldier, deploying in critical positions around the globe. This is a deeply sad day for our country.
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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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

Trump has taken it a step further, even saying that pollsters should be investigated for election fraud.

Trump claims Catholics 'loved' AI image of him as the Pope

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.
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President Donald Trumps administration has asked the Ukrainian government to take in an unspecified number of people who are being deported from the U.S. but arent Ukrainian citizens, a new report claims.

Trumps team asked Ukraine to take in the group in late January, despite the country not having a functional airport due to ongoing air strikes from Russia, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Post. Its unclear how exactly Ukrainian officials responded, but Ukraine has not accepted any third-party nationals from the U.S.

Theres also no indication Kyiv seriously considered the proposal, the Post reports. Two Ukrainian officials even told the Post that the proposal never reached the highest levels of government.

The proposal came amid Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Since then, Congress has passed five bills providing aid to Ukraine, supplying the country with an estimated total of $175 billion, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

President Donald Trump speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Trump administration reportedly asked Ukraine to take in deported migrants despite the countrys ongoing war with Russia ( Ukraine Foreign Affair Ministry )

The Trump administration has proposed similar deals involving migrants to several other countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador.

El Salvador has taken the U.S. up on the offer, with Trump even spending millions to have the country house deported Venezuelans accused of being gang members inside a notorious megaprison. This came after Trump administration used the Alien Enemies Act in March to justify their deportation of the alleged Tren de Aragua gang members without hearings.

Since then, questions have surfaced about how much evidence the Trump administration had behind their claims. Even El Salvadors president reportedly questioned Trump on whether the men deported to his countrys prison were actually gang members.

Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have been on the rise since Trump took office. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a chaotic Oval Office argument in February, but tensions have appeared to calm slightly after Ukraine granted the U.S. access to critical minerals.

Trump accuses 'disrespectful' Zelensky of gambling with WW3

However, a new report from Reuters also claims Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked military aid flights to Ukraine days after Trump took office without the administration knowing.

A verbal order halted 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weapons bound for Ukraine earlier this year. That order came from Hegseths office, sparking mass confusion in both Kyiv and Washington, D.C., according to Reuters. The flights resumed several days later after then-national security adviser Mike Waltz reportedly intervened.

The Independent has contacted the State Department and Department of Homeland Security for comment.
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Major U.S. employers are leaving more jobs unfilled and cutting back on hiring as economic worries amid President Donald Trumps global trade war cause them to hit pause.

Several major employers, including T. Rowe Price, JetBlue, Polaris, Harvard University and more, have paused hiring as they weather a turbulent economy, The Wall Street Journal reports. Others, including Union Pacific Railroad and insurance broker Marsh McLennan, have warned they could cut back on hiring as concerns grow.

Robert Mack, chief financial officer of Polaris, even told investors last week the company is instituting its recessionary playbook.

This comes even after the latest job report defied expectations and showed hiring remains steady despite concerns over Trumps tariffs. Data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate remains at 4.2 percent.

Economist Brad Hershbein tells the Journal that people entering or re-entering the job market are having a harder time finding work, which may signal deterioration. Companies often pull back on hiring first when theyre feeling concerned about the future, he added.

Thats one place where they pull back first, Hershbein said. People are increasingly saying theyre nervous.

Major employers are leaving more jobs empty and pausing hiring as economic concerns rise amid President Donald Trumps global trade war ( REUTERS )

While Trump has rebuked any claims his global trade war could spark a recession, concerns about an economic downturn as a result of his tariffs remain.

Trump imposed 10 percent tariffs on goods from nearly every country earlier last month, and added extra levies depending on other nations trade relationships with the U.S. Days later, Trump issued a 90-day pause on the tariffs, though he continued his across-the-board 10 percent tariffs.

Days later, Trump issued a 90-day pause on the tariffs, though he continued his across-the-board 10 percent tariffs. He also continued all tariffs on imported cars and car parts, steel and aluminum, and raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent. China hit back, imposing a 125 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods.

Trump and his top trade negotiators later said they want to reach trade deals with 90 countries in as many days  but experts say theres no way thats possible.

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released last week showed Americans arent happy with his tariffs. Just 39 percent of respondents approved of his handling of the economy, which is his worst score ever. Nearly two-thirds also thought that grocery prices will increase, with nearly 60 percent saying that putting tariffs on imported goods hurts the economy.

That comes after a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll last month found just 34 percent of Americans say they support Trumps efforts to raise tariffs. Meanwhile, 64 percent of Americans told pollsters they disapprove of the tariffs, making it one of the least popular policy moves Trump has made in office.
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Utah's ban on fluoride in public drinking water is set to begin on Wednesday, sparking concern among dentists who anticipate a rise in tooth decay, particularly among children and low-income individuals.

The move makes Utah the first state in the US to enact such a measure.

Despite recommendations from numerous dental professionals and national health experts, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed the bill into law. Experts warn that removing fluoride, a mineral known to strengthen tooth enamel, will negatively impact tooth development, especially for young people who lack regular access to dental care.

The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Stephanie Gricius, acknowledges the potential benefits of fluoride but argues against government-mandated administration without explicit consent. This stance prioritizes individual autonomy over public health measures endorsed by major health organizations. The consequences of this decision remain to be seen, but dental professionals are preparing for a potential surge in cavities and other dental issues in vulnerable populations.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. applauded Utah for being the first state to enact a ban and said he plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation nationwide.

Florida could soon become the second state to ban fluoride under a bill awaiting Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signature. The Ohio and South Carolina legislatures are considering similar measures.

open image in gallery Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the Rx and Illicit drug Summit, April 24, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A majority of Utah water systems already did not add fluoride. The state ranked 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents receiving fluoridated water, with about 2 in 5 receiving it in 2022, according to CDC data. The law will impact about 1.6 million people in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in northern Utah who are losing fluoridation, state officials say.

Dentists in Salt Lake City over the past week said many patients were unaware of the upcoming ban, and most did not realize the city had been adding fluoride to their drinking water for nearly two decades.

I did not know about a ban, said Noe Figueroa, a patient at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, a clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income residents. Well, thats not good. I dont think thats good at all.

At Donated Dental, providers expect their monthslong waitlist for children's procedures to grow significantly and their need for volunteer dentists to skyrocket. The effects of the ban in childrens teeth will likely be visible within the next year, said Sasha Harvey, the clinics executive director.

Right now, were scheduling into August and September for some 2-, 3-, 4-year-olds that are in so much pain that they cant eat properly, and theres nothing we can do but tell parents, Youre gonna have to wait. Its heartbreaking, Harvey said, adding that it's likely to get much worse.

open image in gallery Dentist James Bekker points to his model of dissected human teeth while explaining the effects of removing fluoride from public drinking water, April 30, 2025, at his office in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The fluoridation process involves supplementing the low levels of naturally occurring fluoride in most water to reach the 0.7 milligrams per liter recommended by the CDC for cavity prevention. Water treatment plants dump fluoride into the water in liquid or powder form and often use dosing pumps to adjust the levels.

Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population receives fluoridated drinking water, according to health officials. It was long considered among the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

Fluoride fortifies teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC. Its especially important to children whose teeth are still developing. For some low-income families, public drinking water containing fluoride may be their only source of preventative dental care.

Some supporters of the Utah law pointed to studies linking high levels of fluoride exposure to illness and low IQ in kids. The National Institutes of Health says its virtually impossible to get a toxic dose from fluoride added to water or toothpaste at standard levels.

The governor said that, like many people in Utah, he grew up and raised his children in a community without fluoridated water. Before signing the bill, Cox said there is no difference in health outcomes between communities with and without fluoride  a statement Utah dentists say is false.

Any dentist can look in someones mouth in Utah and tell exactly where they grew up. Did you grow up in a fluoridated area or a non-fluoridated area? We can tell by the level of decay, said Dr. James Bekker, a pediatric dentist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

open image in gallery Sasha Harvey, executive director of Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, stands in her clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income patients, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The law shifts responsibility to individuals, meaning all Utah residents will need to be proactive about their oral health, Harvey said. Most patients at her clinic only come in when a toothache becomes unbearable, and many cannot spare the few dollars a month needed to buy fluoride supplements to add to their drinking water at home.

Figueroa, the free dental clinic patient, said other expenses take priority.

Fluoride toothpaste alone is insufficient for children because it doesn't penetrate the tooth's outer layer, Bekker said. When a person regularly ingests fluoridated water, their saliva bathes the teeth in fluoride throughout the day and makes them stronger.

Bekker said he recommends Utah parents add fluoride supplements to their childrens drinking water. But for families who dont visit doctors regularly, that may prove difficult.

Fluoride tablets require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. Utah providers are working to make the supplement accessible over the counter, but Bekker said that change may be months or years away.
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The only surviving member of the fatal mushroom lunch that Erin Pattersonserved in July 2023 told the court that the accused was very reluctant for her guests to see the pantry.

Ian Wilkinson told the court that when the guests arrived at Ms Pattersons home, they were led into the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area.

There was general conversation. How are you, and that sort of thing, he said. Then we started conversing about the house.

During the conversation, Ms Patterson mentioned there was a pantry behind the wall in the kitchen area.

open image in gallery A handout sketch of Erin Patterson during her ongoing trial ( Supreme Court of Victoria )

Heather was very interested in pantries at that time, because wed just built one at home, Mr Wilkinson told the court on Tuesday.

Whenever we went to somebodys house where they said we have a pantry, she wanted to look at it because she wanted to get ideas for setting up her pantry.

So on hearing about the pantry, she just immediately started walking towards it, calling out: Can I have a look at your pantry?

Id noticed that Erin was very reluctant about the visit to the pantry, and had not yet started following [Heather and Gail], Mr Wilkinson said.

And so I thought, maybe the pantry is a mess. Its going to be an embarrassment. So I wont add to the embarrassment by joining the party.

open image in gallery Simon Patterson, Erin Pattersons estranged husband, and Jessica O'Donnell departing from the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell last Thursday ( EPA )

Mr Wilkinson became seriously ill after the meal in July 2023, which claimed the lives of his wife, Heather, and two other family members, Don and Gail.

Ms Patterson is on trial for allegedly serving a meal laced with deadly mushrooms that killed the relatives of her former husband and left Mr Wilkinson critically ill.

Prosecutors allege that she fabricated a cancer diagnosis to lure her estranged husband Simon Pattersons parents, as well as 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.

open image in gallery Erin Patterson pictured in Melbourne, Australia, in April ( AAP )

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.

Mr Wilkinson said he and his wife were close with Don and Gail Patterson, seeing them around three times a week. He described his relationship with Ms Patterson as friendly and amicable.

He said Ms Patterson seemed like a normal person.

When we met, things were friendly, he said, adding that they never had any arguments or disputes.

She just seemed like an ordinary person. I dont know how to describe it, he said.

Mr Wilkinson told the court he wasnt at church when Ms Patterson invited his wife Heather to lunch on 29 July 2023, but that Heather was excited about it.

They werent given a reason for the invitation and wondered why it had come about, he said: There was no reason given for the lunch, and I remember talking to Heather, wondering why suddenly [there had been an] invitation.

open image in gallery An exterior view of the Leongatha home where Erin Patterson allegedly served the death cap mushroom-laced food ( EPA )

They hoped the lunch might help improve their relationship with Ms Patterson. Mr Wilkinson also said they later learned Don Patterson and Gail Patterson, and her former husband Simon, had been invited too.

I think Heather had some conversation with either Don or Gail, and we became aware that they had also been invited. And that Simon, too, was invited, he says.

At the lunch, Mr Wilkinson said that Ms Patterson revealed that she had some medical news. She believed it was very serious, life-threatening, Mr Wilkinson said.

She was anxious about telling the kids. She was asking our advice about that.

That moment I thought: This is the reason were being invited to the lunch.

The conversation ended, the jury heard, when the guests saw Ms Pattersons son and his friend arriving at the house through a window.

open image in gallery Simon Patterson, Erin Patterson's estranged husband, departs from the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court last Thursday ( EPA )

I suggested that we pray, and I prayed a prayer, asking Gods blessing on Erin that shell get the treatment that she needed, that the kids would be OK, but shed have wisdom in how she told the kids. Then the prayer concluded as the boys arrived in the room, Mr Wilkinson told the court.

On Monday, three of Ms Pattersons online friends from a true crime Facebook group told the jury she had a reputation as a super sleuth.

They also said she spoke about her love of mushrooms, her excitement over buying a dehydrator, and had sought advice on preparing a beef Wellington in the weeks leading up to the lunch.
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New Zealands prime minister has proposed banning social media for children under 16 years of age, a move similar to Australia which first led efforts to crack down on childrens exposure to cyberbullying and violent content.

Christopher Luxon of the governing National Party endorsed the members' bill, saying it is about protecting our children and seeking greater accountability from social media companies.

Mr Luxon, who leads a coalition government, said the law would force social media companies to verify users age and only allow people above 16 years of age or face fines up to NZ$2m (901,984).

"It's time that New Zealand acknowledged that, for all the good things that come from social media, it's not always a safe place for our young people to be," Mr Luxon told reporters.

This is about protecting our children. Its about making sure social media companies are playing their role in keeping our kids safe, he added.

The members bill has been put forward on Tuesday by National parliamentarian Catherine Wedd, the author of the bill, modelled off the Australian legislation.

Luxon says it is about making sure social media companies are playing their role in keeping our kids safe ( AP )

"Currently, there are no legally enforceable age verification measures for social media platforms in New Zealand.

"My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill is about protecting young people from bullying, inappropriate content and social media addiction by restricting access for under 16-year-olds.

The bill puts the onus on social media companies to verify that someone is over the age of 16 before they access social media platforms, Ms Wedd said.

The bill has to be selected from a ballot to be formally introduced into the parliament and would require support from the members of the Nationals coalition parties and the opposition parties to be made into a law.

Mr Luxons National Party is the biggest member of the three-way governing coalition which includes ACT and New Zealand First.

ACT has said that it will not support the bill with its leader David Seymour saying a ban would be a hasty decision.

Just slapping on a ban hastily drafted wont solve the real problem. The real problem has to involve parents, the solution proposed by National doesnt, Mr Seymour said.

What Id like to see is the people worried about this, the educational psychologists, the social media companies themselves, everybody come before a select committee, really thrash it out, and get a solution that is technologically feasible.

He said it would be appropriate to wait to see the effects of Australias ban on social media for children. However, opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was open to the idea.

This is a conversation we need to have as a country. The Australians have been courageous and tackled it. I think New Zealand needs to do the same, he told Radio New Zealand.

NZ First leader Winston Peters also supported the bill but said there is should be a select committee inquiry to form a law.

Its not just about the coalition, its about whether enough parties in Parliament have the clarity and clear-eyed sense of whats needed right now for people who are at that age.

Last year in November, Australia cleared the Social Media Minimum Age Bill to keep children off social media until they turn 16.

The law which will take a year to come into effect will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33m) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.

The move, one of the worlds first toughest crackdown on social media platforms, sparked a backlash from tech giants who said the law was rushed, vague and problematic.

The National-led government has already prohibited the use of mobile phones in schools. The policy was designed to turn around the country's plummeting literacy rates.
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Pope Leo XIV has appealed to world leaders to pursue peace, not war, in his first Sunday address to crowds in St Peters Square, Vatican City.

The new pope, formally Cardinal Robert Prevost, called for an authentic and lasting peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all Israeli hostages.

The Chicago-born pontiff also welcomed fragile ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan on Saturday.

No more war, the pope said, delivering his speech in Italian.

Wearing a simple white papal cassock and his silver pectoral cross, he repeated a frequent call of the late Pope Francis and noted the recent 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Pope Leo said todays world was living through the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal, again repeating a phrase coined by his predecessor.

open image in gallery No more war! the pope said, delivering his speech in Italian ( AP )

Nearly 100,000 people gathered in St Peters Square and on the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican to hear the new pontiffs first Sunday address.

They broke into applause at the call for peace on what was a joyous occasion despite his solemn message.

It was the first time that Leo had returned to the loggia since he appeared to the world on Thursday evening following his election as Pope  the first ever from the United States.

The new pope said he carried in his heart the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine, and he appealed for negotiations to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace.

open image in gallery Nearly 100,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square and on the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican ( AP )

Leo also said he was profoundly saddened by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and the release of the remaining hostages held by the Hamas militant group in the besieged strip.

He added, however: There are so many other conflicts in the world.

Leo also noted that Sunday was Mothers Day in many countries and wished all mothers, including those in heaven, a Happy Mothers Day.

The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee (Holy Year) weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St Peters Basilica tolled.

On Saturday evening, the Pope made his first trip outside the Vatican to visit a Catholic shrine and pay respects at the tomb of his predecessor, Francis, who lies in nearby Santa Maria Maggiore.

At the end of the visit there, the Pope told those in the shrine that he wanted to come to pray for guidance in the first days of his papacy, according to a Vatican statement.

The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected 267th pope on Thursday following the death of Francis on 21 April.
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Germanys Friedrich Merz on Tuesday became the first chancellor-in-waiting to fail to form a coalition government at the first attempt.

The conservative leader needed 316 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag to form a majority in parliament but unexpectedly fell six seats short just over two months after winning the snap election.

A visibly shocked Mr Merz later recovered in a second round of voting in Berlin that secured him the chancellorship, however the debacle has rattled the beginning of a leadership that was supposed to signal a new era of stability.

open image in gallery Friedrich Merz initially failed to form a German coalition government in a shock outcome ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

How did we get here?

Mr Merz was expected to be Germanys next chancellor upon his party, the Christian Democrat Union (CDU) winning Februarys snap election, prompted by the collapse of incumbent chancellor Olaf Scholzs SPD coalition in November.

The SPD came third in Februarys election, with 120 seats, behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on 152 seats, and Mr Merzs CDU with 208.

After the CDU signed a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrat Party (SPD) on Monday following months of negotiations, Tuesdays vote was expected to be a formality.

open image in gallery Olaf Scholzs coalition collapsed in November, plunging the government into crisis ( AP )

The SPDs poor performance in Februarys election, its worst in post-war history, means the coalition holds one of the slimmest majorities in decades, holding just 52 per cent of the vote.

The SPD and the CDU had spent months making concessions to one another in order to form a viable coalition, but party insiders had on Monday expressed confidence that Mr Merz would be successful in forming a government.

Together, the CDU and SPD should command 328 votes, meaning 18 members of Mr Merzs intended governing majority failed to vote for him in Tuesdays initial round.

After the results were read out, the CDU leader immediately began discussions with colleagues in the Bundestag to expedite a second vote. He managed to secure 325 votes during a vote at 3.15pm local time.

Does this damage his plan for European stability and strength?

It is the first time in Germanys post-Second World War history that a prospective chancellor has failed to secure a majority government at the first round of voting.

While Mr Merz was later able to gather the votes to form a government, this historic failure has already signalled the fragility of his coalition.

open image in gallery Mr Merz during a meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is defending his country against Russian invasion ( AP )

After the collapse of the previous SPD-led coalition late last year, Mr Merz had hoped to start his own government from a position of strength.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, US President Donald Trumps tariff action against Europe, a struggling economy and the rise of the far-right in Germany had brought into sharp relief the need for a stable government.

In March, Mr Merz promised to do whatever it takes on defence spending as he led calls for Europe to ween itself off Americas military strength.

In view of the increasing threat situation, it is clear to us that Europe  and with Europe, the Federal Republic of Germany  must now very quickly make very big efforts, very quickly, to strengthen the defence capability of our country and the European continent, he said.

Far-right emboldened

Alternative candidates to Mr Merz can be proposed but only the CDU and the SPD have enough seats to command a majority without the AfD.

Mr Merz has ruled out working with the AfD, in keeping with the Germany policy of Brandmaeur that bars establishment parties from working with the far right. The policy has been in place since the end of World War II.

open image in gallery AfD leader Alice Weidel ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Last week, Germanys domestic intelligence agencies classified the AfD as an extremist organisation, allowing the agency to step up monitoring of the political party, including by recruiting informants and intercepting party communications.

On Monday, the AfD filed a lawsuit against the intelligence agency regarding the ruling.

Following Tuesdays initial vote, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel slammed Mr Merz's failure as proof that his coalition has a "weak foundation." She called for Mr Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

Merz failed to secure a majority because he had to abandon large parts of his own campaign platform in order to buy the SPDs support. In doing so, he disappointed parts of his own party while still not conceding enough to satisfy the SPD, AfD spokesperson Torben Braga told The Independent.
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Germanys Friedrich Merz failed to secure enough parliamentary votes to become chancellor  failing by just six votes in a humiliating setback on his path to power.

The ballot was the first time in Germanys postwar history that a candidate has lost in the first round, derailing what had expected to be a smooth process for the 69-year-old to become Germany's 10th chancellor just two and a half months after winning nationwide elections.

Mr Merz, who leads the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) bloc needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot but only received 310. That is well short of the 328 seats held by his coalition, which includes the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

It was not immediately clear whether rebels among Mr Merzs conservatives were responsible, or if members of the SPD had withheld their support. Not everyone in the SPD was happy with the coalition deal, and disaffected members may have derailed the vote. But party officials were adamant their party was fully committed to it.

The lower house of parliament  called the Bundestag  now has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority. Mr Merz can run again, but other legislators can also throw their hat in the ring. There is no limit to the number of votes that can be held within the two-week period.

If that also fails, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins a simple majority of votes, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new general election.

open image in gallery Friedrich Merz reacts after he was not elected as chancellor ( AP )

Germany has the EU's biggest economy and serves as a diplomatic heavyweight. The new chancellor's portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the trade policy of Donald Trumps US administration, on top of domestic issues, such as Germany's stagnant economy and the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

"The world is in turmoil. Europe needs a strong Germany," Carsten Linnemann, the secretary-general of the CDU, said after Mr Merz's loss. He said a second vote should come soon. "We can't wait for days now, we need clarity quickly."

The lower house of parliament later reconvened at 3pm local time (2pm GMT) on Tuesday for a second vote at 3.15pm.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was confident Mr Merz would ultimately prevail."It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for," he said.

open image in gallery The co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party Alice Weidel smiles in reaction to the result of the first round of voting at the Bundestag ( AFP/Getty )

The AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germany's new parliament after it placed second in February. Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called "firewall" that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war. The AfD was classified as a right-wing extremist effort by the countrys domestic intelligence agency last week.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, slammed Merz's failure proof that his coalition has a "weak foundation." She called for Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

Merz failed to secure a majority because he had to abandon large parts of his own campaign platform in order to buy the SPDs support. In doing so, he disappointed parts of his own party while still not conceding enough to satisfy the SPD, AfD spokesperson Torben Braga told The Independent.

Mr Merz is due to travel to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday to discuss European defence strategy.

Before the vote, Mr Merz said he was committed to strong leadership in turbulent times alongside Jens Spahn.

We are confident that he will give our group a leading voice in Parliament that will inspire trust. I look forward to working with him! He wrote on X on Monday.

Ahead of the shock vote result, Mr Scholz wished Mr Merz success in governing Germany.

A change of government is a democratic normality. At the same time, it's by no means normal that it can take place in such a civilised, collegial, and decent manner. This is precious and must be protected, he wrote on X on Monday evening.
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Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the new chancellor of Germany after a second vote in the countrys parliament, hours after falling six votes short at the first attempt in an unprecedented and humiliating defeat.

The 69-year-old had been expected to smoothly win the vote to become Germany's 10th chancellor since the Second World War. But no other post-war candidate for chancellor has failed to win on the first of the secret ballots  a significant blow to Mr Merzs prestige.

Mr Merz, who led his conservatives to a federal election victory in February and signed a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), won just 310 votes in the Bundestag in the first vote in the morning, six short of an absolute majority. At least 18 coalition legislators failed to back him, although the secret nature of the ballot means it may never be known whether it was members of his centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), or members of the SPD that voted against him.

The SPDs poor performance in Februarys election, the worst in its post-war history, means the coalition is one of the slimmest majorities in decades, holding just 52 per cent of the vote. The SPD and the CDU had spent months making concessions to one another to form a viable coalition. The SPD had come under fire from some of its younger ranks for agreeing to the CDUs tougher migration rules and cuts to employment benefits.

Mr Merz received 325 votes in the second ballot in the afternoon, still short of the 328 members contained in the coalition. Madam Speaker, thank you for the trust, a visibly relieved Mr Merz said to the Bundestag president Julia Klockner after she announced the result. I accept the election.

The rare second vote was held just six hours after the first, following conversations with four factions, including the Left and the Greens, who agreed to bypass standard procedural delays. Upon announcing the second vote, the head of the CDU bloc in parliament, Jens Spahn, said: "The whole of Europe, perhaps even the whole world, is watching this second round of elections."

Germany has the EU's biggest economy and is a diplomatic heavyweight. The new chancellor's portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the trade policy of Donald Trumps US administration, on top of domestic problems such as Germany's stagnant economy and the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

open image in gallery Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right AfD ( AP )

The AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germany's new parliament after it came second in February. Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called "firewall" that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the Second World War. The AfD was classified as a right-wing extremist effort by the countrys domestic intelligence agency last week.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, had tried to take advantage of the parliamentary vote debacle by slamming Mr Merz's failure in the first ballot as proof that his coalition has a "weak foundation". She called for Mr Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

Merz failed to secure a majority because he had to abandon large parts of his own campaign platform in order to buy the SPDs support. In doing so, he disappointed parts of his own party while still not conceding enough to satisfy the SPD, AfD spokesperson Torben Braga told The Independent.

Mr Merz is due to travel to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday to discuss European defence strategy. He is also due to preside over ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on Thursday, before heading to Brussels on Friday to meet EU and Nato leaders.

The shadow of the war in Ukraine also loomed over Tuesday's vote. Germany is the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, after the United States. Overall, Germany is the fourth-largest defence spender in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies trends in global military expenditure. Only the US, China and Russia are ahead of them.

Germany rose to that rank thanks to an investment of 100bn (85bn) in its armed forces, a measure passed by legislators in 2022. Defence spending rose again earlier this year, when parliament loosened the nation's strict debt rules. It's a move that has been closely watched by the rest of Europe as the Trump administration has threatened to pull back from its security support on the continent.

Aside from ramping up defence spending, Mr Merz's coalition has pledged to spur economic growth and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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The first hint of the new pope's direction has come with the name he picked.

USA Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was elected the new pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV a senior cardinal announced to crowds in St. Peter's Square.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican's powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

After the traditional announcement of "Habemus Papam"  "We have a pope"  from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new pontiff's baptismal name was revealed, followed by the all-important papal name, laden with symbolic meaning.

Read more: First American pontiff Robert Prevost takes Catholic Church helm amid increasing global turmoil

Peace be with all you," Pope Leo XIV said from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, in his first public words.

Papal name historically signifies strength during crisis, Catholic commentator says

The election of American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has come as a surprise, Catholic priest and blogger Ed Tomlinson said.

It seems likely to be a continuation of Franciss liberalisation, he told The Independent.

open image in gallery New Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, stands for a portrait at the end of the consistory where Pope Francis elevated 21 new cardinals in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, File) ( AP )

As for his choice of Papal name, Tomlinson said it had a long history.

The papal name Leo unsurprisingly shows a Pope who is going to be strong during a time of crisis, historically, he said.

The last pope to choose the name Leo was more than 100 years ago. Pope Leo XIII led the Church from 1878 to 1903. The first pope of the name, Pope Leo the Great, led the church from 440-461.

Pope Leo XI had one of the shortest pontificates in history, lasting less than a month - from 1 April 1605 until his death on 27 April 1605.

Whats in a name?

A Pope Francis II would have singalled a continuation of the late pontiff's focus on pastoral care and the marginalised. Interestingly, Francis himself jokingly suggested his successor might be John XXIV, referencing the progressive pope of the Second Vatican Council era.

Conversely, selecting Pius, the most frequently used papal name of the 20th century, would clearly indicate a traditionalist taking the helm.

As Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan College, noted, "In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head."

The chosen name will offer a crucial first glimpse into the new pope's vision for the Catholic Church.

History of papal names

open image in gallery Pope Francis speaks during a news conference aboard the papal flight on its way back from Brazil in 2013

For most of the Catholic Church's first millennium, popes used their given names. The first exception was the 6th century Roman Mercurius, who had been named for a pagan god and chose the more appropriate name of John II.

The practice of adopting a new name became ingrained during the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose names of early church bishops out of a desire to signify continuity," said the Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University.

For many centuries, new popes tended to choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to cardinal. John was the most popular, chosen by 23 popes, followed by Benedict and Gregory, each with 16.

Only starting in the mid-20th century did new popes begin to choose names signaling the aim of their papacy, Regoli said.

Even now, as we are waiting for the new pope, the name with which he will present himself will help us to understand the horizon towards which he wants to proceed," Regoli said.

Some names have been out of use for centuries, like Urban or Innocent.

I dont think anyone will pick Innocent, Imperatori-Lee said, given the abuse and other scandals that have rocked the church. I dont think that would be the right choice."

Recent names of Popes

open image in gallery Pope Francis waves to onlookers from his popemobile as his motorcade passes by on the way to another "Meeting With Families" at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines ( The Associated Press )

FRANCIS

Pope Francis, elected in 2013, took the name of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility, life of poverty and love of all creatures.

With it, Francis signaled a papacy focused on those who are often seen as outsiders, including the poor, prisoners and the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting peace, brotherhood and care of the environment.

BENEDICT

Last chosen by German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, elected in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted to pay homage to Benedict XV, who led the church during World War I and dedicated himself to healing the rifts of war, and to the 6th century St. Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, who helped spread Christianity throughout Europe.

One of Benedict XVIs priorities was trying to revive the faith in Europe. If we get a Benedict, then we will know that the cardinals chose to see Francis as an anomaly," Imperatori-Lee said.

JOHN PAUL

The papacy's first composite name was chosen by Cardinal Albino Luciani in 1978 to honor Pope John XXIII, who opened the Vatican Council II process that reformed the Catholic Church, and Paul VI, who closed it.

The name signaled a commitment to reforms, including sidelining the Latin Mass in favor of local languages and opening to other faiths, most significantly Judaism. John Paul Is papacy lasted just 33 days. Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who succeeded him, chose the name John Paul II.

JOHN

Chosen 23 times by popes, most recently in 1958 by Pope John XXIII. John can refer to St. John the Apostle, one of Jesus' 12 apostles and the author of one of the Gospels, or St. John the Baptist, the prophet who baptized Jesus.

John the XXIII was a pope that no one expected a lot from, but had a colossal impact on the church," Imperatori-Lee said. So that could be a sign of what they want their pontificate to be like."

PAUL

Chosen six times, most recently in 1963 by Paul VI. St. Paul the Apostle spread the teachings of Jesus in the 1st century.

PIUS

It is associated with popes known for their traditionalist, anti-reform bent. Pius IX ordered the kidnapping of the Jewish boy Edgardo Mortara in 1858 and raised him Catholic in the Vatican after learning he had been secretly baptized by a housekeeper.

Pius X was the early 20th century anti-modernist who inspired the anti-Vatican II schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X. Pius XII was the World War II-era pope criticized for not speaking out sufficiently about the Holocaust.

"It is now a name that is hostage to some Catholic groups that can be considered traditionalists," Regoli said.

New directions for a Pope

A new pope is free to choose a name never used before, as Francis did.

This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program," Regoli said.

Imperatori-Lee suggested another name that might signal a continuation of Francis' legacy: Ignatius, for the founder of Francis' Jesuit order.

It would be interesting," she said. "We've never had one of those."
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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.
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The 133 cardinals from 70 different countries face a monumental task: choosing a pope who can restore credibility and relevance to the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church, particularly among young people.

While the prospect of electing the first Asian or African pontiff, or deciding between a conservative and progressive leader, looms large, the cardinals appear united in their desire for a leader who can address this challenge.

Its a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financial scandals that have harmed the churchs reputation and the secularising trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organised religion.

Add to that the Holy Sees dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible.

We need a superman, said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore.

open image in gallery The 133 cardinals come from 70 different countries ( AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File )

The cardinals will begin trying to find him on Wednesday afternoon, when those princes of the church walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel to the meditative chant of the Litany of the Saints. Theyll take their oaths of secrecy under the daunting vision of heaven and hell in Michelangelos Last Judgement, hear a meditation from a senior cardinal, and then cast their first ballot.

Assuming no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the cardinals will retire for the day and return on Thursday. They will have two ballots in the morning and then two in the afternoon, until a winner is found.

Asked what the priorities of the cardinal electors were, Goh told reporters this week that the No. 1 issue was that the new pope must be able to spread the Catholic faith and make the church relevant in todays time. How to reach out to young people, how to show a face of love, joy and hope.

A pope for the future

But beyond that, there are some real-world geopolitical concerns to take into consideration. The Catholic Church is growing in Africa and Asia, both in the number of baptised faithful and vocations to the priesthood and womens religious orders. It is shrinking in traditionally Catholic bastions of Europe, with empty churches and the faithful formally leaving the church in places like Germany, many citing the abuse scandals.

Asia is ripe for evangelisation and the harvest of vocations, said the Rev. Robert Reyes, who studied in the seminary with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino prelate considered a contender to be the first Asian pope.

But should the pope necessarily reflect the new face of the Catholic Church, and inspire the faithful, especially in the parts of the world where the momentum of growth is already underway? Does it even matter?

open image in gallery Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually ( AFP/Getty Images )

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the region still counts the majority of the world's Catholics.

Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the retired archbishop of Mumbai, said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually.

The centre of gravity of the world is shifting toward Asia, he said. The Asian church has much to give to the world.

At 80, Gracias wont be participating in the conclave, but India has four cardinal-electors, and overall Asia counts 23, making it the second-biggest voting bloc after Europe, which has 53 (or likely 52, given that one is not expected to participate for health reasons).

One of the big geopolitical issues facing the cardinals is China and the plight of the estimated 12 million Chinese Catholics there.

Under Francis, the Vatican in 2018 inked a controversial agreement with Beijing governing the appointment of bishops, which many conservatives decried as a sellout of the underground Chinese Catholics who had remained loyal to Rome during decades of communist persecution.

The Vatican has defended the accord as the best deal it could get, but it remains to be seen if Francis' successor will keep the policy.

The church in Africa

According to Vatican statistics, Catholics represent 3.3 per cent of the population in Asia, but their numbers are growing, especially in terms of seminarians, as they are in Africa, where Catholics represent about 20 per cent of the population.

Catholics are 64 per cent of the population in the Americas, 40 per cent of Europes population and 26 per cent of Oceanias population, according to Vatican statistics from 2023, the last available year.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo, said he is in Rome to elect a pope for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

open image in gallery Firefighters place the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel ( AP Photo/Bernat Armangue )

I am not here for the Congo, I am not here for Africa, I am here for the universal church. That is our concern, the universal church, he told reporters. When we are done, I will return to Kinshasa and I will put back on my archbishop of Kinshasa hat and the struggle continues.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the chatty French-born archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, lamented last week that there hadn't been enough time for the cardinals to get to know one another, since many of them had never met before and hail from 70 countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history.

By this week, however, he said that any number of candidates were possible.

It is what I call an artichoke heart, he said. Every day, I say to myself, Ah! Oh my God! There we have it!

The role of the Holy Spirit

For the cardinals, there is also the belief that they are guided by the Holy Spirit.

There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station.

The future Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy Spirit acted like a good educator in a conclave, allowing cardinals to freely choose a pope without dictating the precise candidate.

Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined, Ratzinger reportedly said. There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit would obviously not have picked.
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Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State for the last 12 years and its top diplomat, has emerged on nearly every shortlist as an obvious papal contender.

White smoke has billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signalling that a new Pope has been elected.

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

As the Vatican's number two, he 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.

Parolin - a 70-year-old from a small town in Italy's deeply Catholic northern Veneto region - is said to be a steady administrator who could bring some calm after three consecutive papacies that were at times tempestuous.

Parolin's personality is 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.

His role has brought him into contact with cardinals worldwide, both in Rome and during visits to their home countries - a familiarity that could prove crucial in the secretive world of the conclave.

Two cardinals from two African countries, for example, probably know Parolin just as well or even better than they know each other.

Under Pope Francis, who died on April 21, the number of occasions all the world's cardinals could meet altogether in Rome was limited.

open image in gallery Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin ( AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file )

"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 rather 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.

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 the 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.

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.

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.

open image in gallery Parolin welcomes US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican ( Vatican Media )

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, favoured it.

Another criticism is that under Parolin's watch, the Secretariat of State lost some U$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 testified at the trial but was not among those accused. Becciu denies wrongdoing and is appealing the verdict.
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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.)
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The Spanish government has taken a significant step towards enhancing work-life balance for its citizens by reducing the working week.

A bill approved on Tuesday aims to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 37.5, impacting an estimated 12.5 million workers in the private sector.

This move builds upon existing practices within the civil service and select industries.

The Ministry of Labor anticipates this reduction will yield positive outcomes, boosting productivity and curbing absenteeism.

Vice President and Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz hailed the decision, stating, "Today we are modernizing the world of labor and helping people to be a little happier."

Key sectors expected to be affected include retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction. The move signifies a broader effort by the Spanish government to prioritise worker well-being and potentially reshape the landscape of employment within the country.

The parliament, where the left-wing coalition government doesnt have enough votes, will have to approve the bill for it to come into effect.

open image in gallery A worker welds a section of the F-111 class frigate's fuselage at a workshop in the Navantia shipyard in Ferrol, northwest Spain, ( The Associated Press )

The main trade unions support the proposal, unlike the business association.

Sumar, the leftist minority partner of President Pedro Sanchezs Socialist Party, proposed the bill.

The Catalan nationalist party Junts, an occasional ally of Sanchezs coalition, expressed concern over what they said were the bill's negative consequences for small companies and the self-employed.

Spain has had a 40-hour workweek since 1983, when it was reduced from 48 hours.
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Two border guard officers have been detained by Ukrainian officals after a gang reportedly charged men $15,000 dollars each to get them out of the country to dodge the military draft.

National Police of Ukraine shared in a Telegram post that the group helped about 30 people leave Ukraine, which has imposed a ban on most men aged between 18 and 60 leaving the country following Russia's invasion.

The group allegedly did this by listing them as disabled.

The prosecutor general's office said in a separate Telegram post how the scheme was started by a border guard officer and a businessman in Ukraine's western Zakarpattia region, who then recruited a second border guard and other accomplices.

Law enforcement agencies published photos of the detention of some of the suspects at their homes, showing large quantities of euro banknotes, multiple mobile phones, and luxury SUVs.

Many Ukrainians have volunteered to fight in the more than three-year-old war but hundreds of thousands of men have been compulsorily drafted into the military.

Ukrainian officials say they are now facing widespread attempts to avoid the draft.

Under Ukraines mobilisation law, which came into effect in May 2024, Ukrainian men must join the military effort and and face the possibility of being sent to the frontlines. If they try to evade conscription, men risk penalties and condemnation.
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Moscows four airports were forced to close temporarily as Ukraine launched a second night of drone attacks on the Russian capital just days ahead of a major military parade marking the end of the Second World War.

Russias defence ministry said it had been forced to down 19 drones over Moscow, out of more than 100 fired at targets across Russia overnight on Monday.

Flights were halted for several hours overnight at all four airports serving Moscow to ensure air safety, Russias aviation watchdog said, while airports in a number of regional cities were also closed. No major destruction or injuries were reported, Moscows mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

But just hours later, two of the airports were again forced to halt flights on Tuesday evening, according to local reports, as Mr Sobyanin claimed that three further drones heading towards Moscow had been shot down.

Chinas president Xi Jinping is among those expected to travel to Moscow for the parade on 9 May. Kyiv has urged against such a move  warning that any such participation would go against countries declared neutrality in the war.

Despite this, the Kremlin claimed on Tuesday that it expected 29 foreign leaders to be present at the parade, many of them neighbours with necessary and historic ties to Moscow, as well as countries such as Brazil, Egypt, Serbia, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and Venezuela. Military units from 13 countries will also attend, the Kremlin said.

Several US veterans of the Second World War are expected to attend, said Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, but it is unclear whether any US officials intend to. Moscow has sent an invitation to the US ambassador.

open image in gallery Russian service members march in columns on the day of a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade ( Reuters )

Despite launching almost daily aerial assaults against cities across Ukraine, Mr Putin has claimed to be seeking a three-day ceasefire from Thursday to mark the Russian commemorations  with the Kremlin trying to claim that the drone attacks showed Kyiv wanted to continue the war. Ukraine has repeatedly called for a full ceasefire, and has dismissed Russias proposed 72-hour truce as not a serious offer.

A number of Ukrainian casualties  including two fatalities  were reported overnight in wide-ranging drone strikes on Odesa, Donetsk and Kharkiv, where a large fire was sparked at the citys largest market.

More than 100 commercial units were either damaged or burned to the ground in the attack on the Barabashovo market, said Kharkivs mayor Oleg Synegubov, who reported that at least 11 people had been wounded in overnight attacks across the region, four of them in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city.

The Russian army shelled the largest market in the city, where many people come to shop. There are no military facilities or any potential military targets nearby, said Mr Synegubov.

With Ukraines military reporting that Russia fired more than 130 drones in total, including some decoys, one person in the Donetsk city of Kramatorsk was killed and two others injured in attacks on residential and industrial areas, the citys mayor said. Another person was killed in strikes on similar targets in Odesa, its regional governor said.

open image in gallery Emergency services battle a blaze at the site of a drone strike on the Barabashovo market in Kharkiv ( EPA )

While heavy fighting continued along the front line in Ukraine, Kyivs military said on Tuesday that its forces had also been engaged in combat operations in Russias Kursk region  despite Moscow saying it had defeated a Ukrainian incursion there.

Although both sides continued to exchange heavy fire, Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine and Russia had each exchanged 205 prisoners of war, in one of the largest such exchanges of the war and the fifth so far of 2025.

It comes just a fortnight after the two sides carried out their largest prisoner swap of the war so far, reportedly exchanging more than 500 prisoners. A month earlier, both sides each returned a further 175 prisoners.

Our people are free. Our people are home, said the Ukrainian president. Today, Ukraine has brought back 205 warriors. Young and older men from almost all types and branches of the armed forces. Defenders of Mariupol and the entire front line.

They have been scattered across many Russian regions, imprisoned within a system whose only purpose was to torment them and destroy their humanity ... Every day, we fight for our people. We will do everything to bring each and every one of them home.
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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.
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Gaza will soon be completely destroyed and emptied of the millions of Palestinians still living there, a far right Israeli minister has vowed, a day after Israels cabinet approved a plan to capture the enclave and occupy it indefinitely.

Israeli security minister Bezalel Smotrich, speaking at the settlements conference in the illegal West Bank settlement of Ofra, said Israel is within months of declaring victory in the Strip, which is suffering from a two-month blockade of aid.

Gaza will be totally destroyed, he said. In another six months Hamas wont exist as a functioning entity.

He added that the population of Gaza will be sent to a small humanitarian zone in the south, from where they will be forced to look at relocating to third countries.

They will be totally despairing, understanding that there is no hope and nothing to look for in Gaza, and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places, he said.

open image in gallery Bezalel Smotrich with Benjamin Netanyahu in January 2024 ( AFP/Getty )

The far right minister, leading a key element of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government, has blocked attempts at ending the war in Gaza and promotes illegal settlements in the West Bank. He expressed his hope that the territory would be formally annexed during the current governments term.

He has previously opposed Israels withdrawal from Gaza even if there is a new hostage deal to release the remaining Israeli captives.

On Monday, Mr Netanyahus cabinet approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip and station troops there indefinitely and in a video message he said 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.

open image in gallery Displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, May 2025 ( AP )

He added that the Israeli military would operate in additional areas and destroy all of [Hamass] infrastructure above and below ground.

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.

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.

The military expansion in Gaza is expected to 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.
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A recent government survey found that foreign visitors to Japan ranked the scarcity of public bins, especially in places like train stations, as the most frustrating thing about their trips to the country.

The Japan Tourism Agency reported that 21.9 per cent of over 4,000 tourists surveyed at five major airports listed this as their top complaint.

The survey was conducted between December and January at five major airports  New Chitose, Narita and Haneda near Tokyo, Kansai, and Fukuoka  as travellers prepared to depart Japan.

Although the number of such complaints was about eight percentage points lower than in the previous year, many visitors said they often had no choice but to carry their rubbish back to their accommodation.

Public litter bins were once common in the country, but many were reportedly removed in recent years due to safety concerns sparked by terror attacks like the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack and the 2004 Madrid train bombings.

Littering is strictly prohibited in Japan and can result in fines or even harsher punishments depending on the offence. Japanese people routinely carry bin bags and take their rubbish home with them if they are planning to eat outdoors, such as at a picnic or sporting event.

Japan welcomed a record 36 million tourists in 2024, according to figures released in January. The Japan National Tourism Organisation estimated that more than 36.8 million people visited the country for business or leisure in 2024, surpassing a previous high of 31.88 million in 2019.

According to the survey, reported by Kyodo News, other common complaints included communication barriers  reported by 15.2 per cent of visitors  mainly due to staff at restaurants and other venues not speaking English and overcrowding at tourist sites, noted by 13.1 per cent.

The recent surge in tourists to Japan has been attributed in part to a weaker yen, which has made the country more affordable for international visitors.

The soaring numbers, however, have sparked concerns about overtourism at popular destinations, posing challenges in managing visitor flow and preserving local environments.

In January, it was reported that the popular travel destination of Kyoto was significantly raising accommodation tax  a fixed fee paid to the government by non-residents which is collected by hotels and guesthouses  in an attempt to make tourism more sustainable.

In November last year, several Japanese cities were said to be increasing the bathing tax for overnight visitors to hot spring resorts.

Japan has also hiked the entry fees and restricted the number of visitors to tackle overcrowding on the iconic Mount Fuji.

The Japanese government has been urging foreign visitors to travel during off-peak times, explore lesser-known destinations, and adhere to local customs.
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Due to ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, concerns over the safety of travel to and from countries surrounding Israel and Iran are heightened, including to popular tourist hotspots in Jordan.

Although the Foreign Office considers most of Jordan generally safe to travel to  bar the area up to 3km from its northern border with Syria  travel guidance has been updated to reflect ongoing events.

The country reopened its airspace following a temporary closure; however, normal flight schedules are struggling to recover, with Jordans main airport still experiencing a high number of cancellations.

After Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on 13 June, the two countries have continued to attack one another, while the US got involved over the weekend, after Donald Trump launched strikes on Tehrans nuclear facilities.

Jordan, a popular winter sun destination for tourists, shares its northern border with both Israel and Syria, and travellers with trips booked may be questioning whether to holiday there.

Heres the latest travel advice for Jordan, plus all the key questions and answers.

What does the Foreign Office say?

As of 23 June, the UKs Foreign Office (FCDO) advice for Jordan states: FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.

It also addresses the ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran, which have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning, including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June.

Iran-aligned militia groups are also likely to continue to conduct attacks, it said. The current situation has disrupted air links and may disrupt road links and border crossings. Demonstrations and protest activity may take place.

The FCDO encourages travellers to read its advice, monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities, avoiding all but essential travel to military bases. It also advises travellers to check with relevant airlines for the latest updates.

The advice says to take shelter and stay away from windows if you hear air sirens. In the event of injuries or damage, call 911 immediately.

There are three land border crossings from Jordan to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, the Northern (Sheikh Hussein/Bet Shean) crossing, and the Southern (Wadi Araba) crossing. They are open most days from 8 or 8.30am. Closures may occur without notice, including over the weekend.

Are flights going to Jordan?

After a recent closure, Jordanian airspace is open, but airports and airspace may close at short notice. Before you travel out of Jordan, the FCDO says contact your airline and follow the advice of the local authorities, and if you are not yet in the country, check with your airline.

Flights in and out of Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), located near Zizya, south of Amman, have seen a large number of cancellations over the weekend, including to and from Ankara, Istanbul, Jeddah, London, Abu Dhabi and Baghdad, to name a few.

The high volume of cancellations is also continuing into Monday.

The main airlines that fly from the UK to Jordan include British Airways and Wizz Air out of London Heathrow and London Luton respectively. Royal Jordanian also departs from London Stansted and Manchester for Amman.

Are cruises stopping in Jordan?

Aqaba, Jordans only seaport, sits on the Gulf of Aqaba at the tip of the Red Sea. Cruise holidays due to dock in Jordan were diverted or cancelled due to the Red Sea crisis and neighbouring conflict in January 2024.

Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, says that the disappearance of cruises from the Jordanian port of Aqaba has crushed the tourist industry that depends on frequent arrivals of thousands of holidaymakers keen to visit the marvels of Petra and Wadi Rum.

So far in 2025, the only calls at Aqaba are occasional visits by Aroya, the Saudi cruise ship based at the Red Sea port of Jeddah.

There is a long gap between 9 June, the last such call, and the arrival of MSC Euribia on 29 October  on a voyage from Southampton via the Suez Canal to Dubai.

MSC Opera will call at Aqaba on 7 November on a voyage from Venice to Durban in South Africa.

The Greek-based cruise line, Celestyal, will make a couple of calls at Aqaba on 7 November and 3 December.

The next major arrivals will be in March 2026, when Tuis German cruise line starts calling at Aqaba. The Egyptian cities of Port Said and Alexandria are also likely to benefit from the relaunch of Suez Canal voyages.

What if I have booked a package holiday to Jordan?

Outside of the 3km radius between Jordans northern border and Syria, the conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so its best to contact them if youre looking to postpone. However, the main tourist spots  Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum  are a fair distance from here anyway. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on travel insurance due to safety concerns unless FCDO advice changes.

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Passengers on a Qantas flight from Australia to London were forced to divert to the Maldives after a medical incident on board.

Flight QF9 from Perth to Heathrow Airport touched down in Male, the capital city of the Maldives, following the mid-air scare on Monday (5 May).

According to FlightAware data, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departed Perth at 6.37pm local time, landing in the Maldives almost eight hours later at around 11.30pm.

Pilots chose to land the flight in the popular Indian Ocean archipelago following a medical emergency.

The Qantas ultra-long-haul flight between Western Australia and London usually takes around 17 and a half hours non-stop.

As the operating crew had reached their duty limit, the flight could not continue.

The airline confirmed that Qantas rebooked passengers on alternative flights out of Male, with all customers expected to depart within 24 hours.

London staff members also travelled to Male to provide additional support.

Details of the passengers medical condition have not been released.

A spokesperson for Qantas said in a statement: Earlier this morning, our Perth to London service diverted to Male in the Maldives due to a medical incident on board. Were working with customers to rebook them on alternate flights out of Male.

Qantas apologised for the disruption to passengers journeys.

Its not the first time a medical emergency has forced a flight to divert.

In November, a Ryanair flight to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in London after a passenger suffered a medical emergency mid-air and later died onboard.

Flight RK8293 from Tirana, Albania, to Manchester touched down at Stansted Airport on 10 November after chaos erupted in the cabin.

A fellow passenger told the Manchester Evening News that a man started having convulsions before passengers trained in first aid performed CPR in the aisle.

Two members of the cabin crew reportedly used the defibrillator on the man for 25 minutes before the flight made an emergency landing at London Stansted.

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A surge in solo travellers, particularly those flocking to affordable hostels in Asia, is reshaping the travel industry, according to Hostelworld's CEO Gary Morrison.

The industry has historically focused on couples, often overlooking the needs and desires of individual adventurers, he said.

The shift is fuelled by a rise in "solo by circumstance" travel, where individuals find themselves alone due to life changes like relocation or relationship breakups, rather than a deliberate choice to travel solo, he said.

To a large extent, the travel industry has been kind of closed off to solo travellers and it doesnt really cater to them, Mr Morrison said.

Every single hotel room is for two people.

I think, in the longer term, other parts of the travel industry will start catering to solo travellers  which is, to stop charging them for two-person rooms.

Every single hotel room is for two people, Hostelworld CEO says ( Getty Images )

Hostelworld, which is a platform for hostels around the world, has been involved in the social side of travel through its chat room app which launched after the Covid pandemic.

It works by connecting people who have booked into hostels in a particular destination, allowing them to co-ordinate plans or find like-minded people staying in the same place.

Bookings data from the platform show the proportion of solo travellers had risen from 57 per cent in 2021 to 63 per cent in 2024.

Furthermore, young female backpackers have become the fastest-growing group, spurred on by increasing opportunities to group up with others or enhanced safety measures including the availability of female-only hostel dormitories.

Mr Morrison said the vast majority of European travellers were going to Asia, particularly Thailand, because of the appeal of cheaper hostel rooms and living expenses.

He admitted that the shift obviously hurts revenues for Hostelworld, which last month said its average booking values had dropped from 14.36 (12.26) in 2023 to 13.21 (11.28) in 2024.

Mr Morrison said the company had set its sights on creating the worlds largest travel network.

It does not make money from people using the chat function, but the engagement is seen as driving bookings as people recommend hostel stays, or even make cheap bookings in order to access the feature.
David Beckham sent a message to his eldest son Brooklyn while celebrating his 50th birthday with a fishing trip to Scotland.

The former England captain took a trip to the Scottish Highlands where he was joined by his sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20. The trip comes amid rumours of an ongoing feud with Brooklyn, who did not attend his fathers 50th birthday celebrations this weekend.

Beckham shared a series of photographs and videos on Instagram on Sunday (5 May), documenting the trip, which sees his sons preparing freshly caught scallops .

In another post, featuring a picture of himself with Romeo and Cruz, Beckham tagged Brooklyn and said: You were missed Brooklyn.
Prince Louis was caught on camera impersonating his older brother, Prince George, during the VE Day anniversary commemorations on Monday, 5 May.

While watching the parade outside Buckingham Palace in central London, the seven-year-old, who was sitting next to Prince William, was filmed mimicking Georges hair flick.

The youngsters cheeky behaviour has often gone viral online during his public appearances over the last few years.

Louis was also caught trying to lend his father a helping hand as he tried to brush something off Williams jacket while watching the VE Day parade.
The Prince of Wales has told of Prince Georges interest in learning about the Second World War, as veterans attended a Buckingham Palace tea party.

Prince George, 11, can be seen joining William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the royal family, to meet veterans.

The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester that George is interested in learning about those who served.

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.
Russia has built a life-sized replica of the Reichstag building for its Victory Day re-enactment of the country's capture by Soviet forces in the Second World War.

The life-sized replica has been built at an amusement park in Moscow for the re-enactment showing the moment the Soviet flag was hoisted above Germanys parliament building in the final days of World War Two.

The replica features bullet holes, rubbles and historical military vehicles.

The play, entitled Victory! will take place twice a day in May, alongside Moscows annual victory parade.
A Labour MP accused Reform of sucking up to Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a heated clash on live television.

Jeevun Sandher, Labour MP for Loughborough appeared alongside Reforms head of press Gawain Towler on BBC Politics Live on Tuesday (6 May) to discuss results of the recent local elections.

Mr Towler accused the Labour government of not liking farmers and pensioners, with Mr Sandher explaining the importance of doing huge amounts for veterans and armed forces.

Mr Sandher then said: The difference between us and you is that we stand up to Putin and your leader(Farage) sucks up to Putin.

Mr Towler responded: Absolute rubbish... we don't suck up to foreign dictators.
Donald Trump called airstrikes India said it launched in Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday (7 May) a shame.

The US president added that he hopes fighting between India and Pakistan ends very quickly and people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past.

Indian armed forces launched "Operation Sindoor," saying they had attacked "terrorist infrastructure" in nine sites. Pakistan vowed to respond to the attacks.

It comes amid heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours following an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month.
The Vatican support staff for the cardinals who will elect the successor to Pope Francis, from doctors to elevator operators, took an oath of secrecy on Monday ahead of the conclave on Wednesday.

The oaths of about 100 people were taken in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican for all those assigned to the conclave, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said. The punishment for breaking the oath? Automatic excommunication.

The cardinals will take their oaths in the Sistine Chapel before they cast their first ballots to elect the next head of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Tadhg J Deverey left his years of working in construction behind to entertain audiences with his set of relatable rural characters

Deverey (40) from Ferbane, Co. Offaly, pivoted from over 20 years in construction to play a ten-venue comedy tour across Ireland.

A Day in the Country comedy tour features the comic playing a host of different characters inspired by rural Ireland. From a dodgy construction worker to the farmer based on Devereys own background in farming, he hopes for his comedy to strike at the heart of the Irish countryside.

While working in Australia he attended the Sydney Drama School. When the Offaly man returned to Ireland in 2015 he took on comedy roles in short films, music videos and radio plays.

He said: I always had an interest in acting, I was a big fan of Liam Neeson and wanted to get into those types of performances. Then I did a few auditions when I returned to Ireland and ended up being offered all of these comedy roles.

Then Covid hit and film projects he was set to be a part of were cancelled.

I said to myself, Im not waiting around any longer. I can definitely do this myself. So I ordered wigs from a party shop in Dublin and used my phone to edit videos for social media. The more I stayed at it the better I got.

Then a father and son sketch that he later posted online went viral. Soon thereafter Tadhg posted a similar sketch that also went viral. Things were beginning to take off.

I was getting emails from people telling me how much my content was helping their mental health. There were so many different kinds of stories. I had one lady who was a carer for her mother with dementia email me. She told me how she would look forward to a new video of mine each week and that it got her through her day-to-day.

After requests for live performances from fans, Tadhg organised three performances for himself. His first performance was in Portlaoise, his first live show ever, to a sold-out audience of 280 people.

I thought thats as much as Ill ever do. I never imagined that I would go on to tour the country. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the unbelievable audiences that have come to see me.

The comic is now halfway through his tour with dates coming up in Cork, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Galway and Tipperary.

Every venue has been so different, the crowds have been great. Tullamore is probably one of my favourite performances so far. The TF Royal Theatre in Mayo was another good one. There was an energy in the room that was just insane. The audience had no problem getting up on stage for crowd work, they were up for the craic.
Director Ella Wright uses techniques pioneered by Peter Jackson to create an immersive, deeply moving experience

Londoners observing dogfights in the skies above the city in Netflix's 'Britain and the Blitz'. Photo: Netflix

The image of a London firefighter atop a long ladder, spraying water at the towering flames licking the night sky, has become the best-known symbol of the Blitz, the eight-month period from 1940 to 1941 when Adolf Hitlers Luftwaffe conducted a virtually non-stop bombing campaign against British cities.

It shows up in adverts for British ancestry websites and for the commemorative mail-order tat thats peddled on the satellite channels whenever a major WWII anniversary rolls around.

At this stage its been so overused, not least in television documentaries about the war, that its in danger of losing its meaning and impact.

It inevitably appears again in the new documentary Britain and the Blitz (Netflix, streaming from Monday, May 5). So does other familiar, perhaps even over familiar, footage.

A policeman runs down a London street frantically blowing his whistle as a wailing air raid siren announces incoming German bombers.

A mother in an apron herds her young children off the street and into a makeshift air raid shelter.

St Pauls Cathedral, which became a symbol of Londoners resistance, wreathed in smoke.

Buildings collapse like theyre made of nothing more durable than matchsticks and cardboard. The citizens of London huddle in the Underground. A nurse tends to an injured child.

Winston Churchill visiting areas devastated by air raids. Photo: Netflix

But theres less common footage, too. Artworks in the Tate Gallery being moved into storage. The animals in London Zoo being transported to safety.

In a clip as upsetting as anything Ive ever seen in a war documentary, a little girl of no more than six is trapped up to the waist in rubble, unable to move and crying out for her mother.

Given the sheer number of WWII documentaries on the various history channels virtually every day of the week, its easy to become numbed to such pictures.

Black-and-white footage drawn from a staggering array of sources has been restored and expertly colourised

But what makes Ella Wrights film so fresh and powerful lies in how images are married to sound effects and snatches of speech.

Using techniques pioneered by Peter Jackson in his superb 2018 WWI documentary They Shall Not Grow Old, black-and-white footage drawn from a staggering array of sources has been restored and expertly colourised.

As in Jacksons film, here and there, actors lip-synching to the people on screen brings the voices of the long dead back to a sort of fleeting life. Taken together, it all makes for an immersive, deeply moving experience.

The testimonies of those who lived through the Blitz, some of them still with us, are riveting and give a frequently surprising insight into life during wartime.

As the bombs dropped, levelling cities; life, love and sex went on

Eric Brady was five when he and his big sister Kitty were evacuated from their East End home and sent to live in Wales. Girls and boys were separated on arrival, and foster parents got to pick which children they wanted.

Nobody wanted Eric. He was the last one left. Eventually and reluctantly, he was taken in by a woman who would have preferred a girl.

As the bombs dropped, levelling cities; life, love and sex went on. An actor reads extracts from the remarkably frank diary of Joan Wyndham, a 17-year-old art student who went on to become a celebrated writer late in life.

A local smoothie called Rupert tried to persuade her to lose her virginity. I cant help feeling that each moment may be my last, she wrote. As the opposite of death is life, I think I may get seduced by Rupert tomorrow.

Edith Heap was 21 when she became an RAF plotter. Young men and women working alongside another was a perfect setting for romance.

I dont think I really expected to meet Mr Gorgeous, she says. But she did: an RAF pilot called Dennis. They became engaged, but his plane was shot down and he was never found. I do wish wed married, she says. I wouldnt have cared if it was 24 hours, or two days, or five months.

The documentary both celebrates Britains defiance and grounds the Blitz experience in a reality thats often played down or carefully ignored.

Not everyone, says Liverpudlian Marie Price, who was 17, shared Winston Churchills indomitable no-surrender spirit. We would have surrendered overnight, she admits. We were just people waiting there to be killed.
Wellness gains, shareholder pains: Glanbias structure under fire

Investor frustrations boil over at AGM as activist fund Clearway Capital renewed its call for a breakup of the Irish nutrition giant

Investor pressure is mounting on Glanbia to consider breaking up the company, with calls to spin off its Optimum Nutrition brand  a global leader in protein supplements  amid rising demand in the wellness market. Image: Getty

Chloe Meley and Donal O'Donovan Bloomberg Tue 6 May 2025 at 03:30

Glanbia may be well positioned to ride the global wellness wave, but a growing number of its shareholders are questioning whether the companys current structure is the right vehicle to capitalise on it.
Why making a will is one of the most important jobs you will ever do
Companies could be at risk of legal action if they fail to make their websites, apps and digital services user friendly for those with disabilities.

Irish tech company UX Design Institute said if companies dont comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) by the June 28 deadline, they could become vulnerable legally.

Rachael Joyce, head of product and research at the UX Design Institute, said: Complying with the Act means designing digital products that work for a wide range of physical and cognitive needs.

"Websites should support screen readers for users who are visually impaired, offer keyboard navigation for people who cannot use a mouse due to mobility issues and include text alternatives to describe images for users who cannot see them.

The Act aims to improve the functioning of the internal market for accessible products and services, by removing barriers created by divergent rules in member states, the EU Commission stated.

It added: Businesses will benefit from common rules on accessibility in the EU, leading to cost reduction, easier cross-border trading and more market opportunities for the accessible products and services.

UX Design Institute is preparing businesses with its new Designing for Accessibility course.

The Act aims to ensure digital equality across the EU. According to the Central Statistics Office, (CSO) 22pc of the Irish population is living with a long lasting condition, difficulty or disability

The requirements are not just technical featurestheyre essential for enabling independent access to digital services, Ms Joyce said.

In Ireland, enforcement is particularly robust: not only can users initiate legal proceedings, but groups who advocate for accessibility can also back these cases."

A recent survey by Mason Hayes and Curran found that 58pc of Irish businesses are not confident they understand the Acts requirements, and 42pc lack the expertise to make the necessary changes.

Ms Joyce said: Accessibility isnt about ticking boxes to avoid fines - its about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate the digital world without barriers. Its something that will affect all of us at some point in our lives, whether due to disability, temporary injury, or age-related changes.

However, a lack of understanding around accessibility is overwhelming some businesses.

The company has launched a Professional Certificate in Designing for Accessibility. The 12-hour online paid-for course provides training for product teams, developers, and business leaders who need to comply with accessibility standards.
Appearing in the dock of Armagh Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, the 30-year-old was charged with four offences, all alleged to have been committed against a single complainant on 17 November last year.
Diabetic truck driver who collided with cars and a packed bus at Dublin Airport sparked terror alert, court hears

Ian Mooney was banned from the road for two years and given an indefinite truck driving ban over the incident

Ian Mooney (35) collided with 11 vehicles, including a bus carrying 32 passengers, after he forgot to take his blood glucose monitor with him, the court heard.

Andrew Phelan Press Association Tue 6 May 2025 at 16:58

A truck driver was having a diabetic episode when he caused a series of crashes at Dublin Airport, in what gardai initially feared was an act of terrorism.
Writer Graham Linehan is perhaps best known for co-creating Father Ted (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan and other campaigners claiming discrimination against a Belfast pub are set to rely on a landmark ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

The comedy writer is among a group of 23 plaintiffs suing the owners of Robinsons Bar over disputed allegations they were unlawfully refused service because of gender critical beliefs.
Gerry Adams has claimed under oath that a chief of staff of the Provisional IRA was mistaken when he stated the former Sinn Fein leader had been a member of the paramilitary organisation.
Man who rammed Leinster House, Custom House and Aras An Uachtarain gates spared jail

The judge told David O'Callaghan: Any repeat and you will end up in prison

David O'Callaghan

Eimear Dodd Tue 6 May 2025 at 15:49

A judge has warned a man who was suffering from a paranoid delusion when he rammed gates at Leinster House and Aras An Uachtarain last year that he will end up in prison if he repeats his offending.
Salesforce remote worker who relocated to west of Ireland only to be ordered back to office wins 1,000 compensation

Mr Farrell said he needed to work remotely because of "the unsustainability of a 550km daily round-trip commute"His case marks the first-ever award of compensation under the work-life balance legislation

Stock image

Stephen Bourke Tue 6 May 2025 at 15:50

A recruiter at Salesforce who moved to the west of Ireland with his family under a remote work arrangement -- only to be ordered back to an office 275km away after less than a year  is the first person to win compensation for a breach of legislation which came into force last year.
You used to be able to spot the thieves, but you cant now  retailers in Dublin city report rise in middle-class shoplifters

Its seven months since the Dublin City Taskforce pledged to revitalise OConnell Street, but anti-social behaviour remains a problem

Shop owners say that they are now seeing well-off thieves targeting high-end goods. Stock photo: Getty

Laura Lynott Tue 6 May 2025 at 03:30

Middle-class shoplifters are now contributing to the blight of crime across Dublin city centre, according to retailers in the capital.
The Department of Health is working on putting together a clinical review group to determine whether evidence exists to expand the range of conditions covered by the medical cannabis access programme but some doctors say they remain concerned at the move.

For the last eight years people in Ireland with three qualifying medical conditions: spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and severe, refractory epilepsy have qualified for access to the prescription medicinal cannabis under strict conditions.

Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th May 2025

GP Dr Ray Walley, who practices in north city Dublin, said he supports access to medicinal cannabis for those conditions but said there is no evidence that it is useful in the treatment of pain.

He said; We are concerned by evidence of major adverse effects for people who are prescribed these products. United States (US) research indicates that half of the young people on 'medical cannabis' now have a dependence on it.

He was among a number of doctors who put forward a motion at the annual general meeting of the Irish Medical Organisation calling on the HSE to roll out a public information on cannabis use, including the risk of psychosis.

Asked what stage the examination of the wider use of medicinal cannabis is at, a spokesman for the Department of Health said it is working on assembling a clinical review group to determine whether evidence exists to expand the range of conditions covered by the medical cannabis access programme.

Dr Walley also said he has questions about a report by the Health Research Board (HRB) commissioned by the Department of Health to look at the clinical efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis in a range of conditions.

It found evidence to support the use of prescribed medicinal cannabis for certain conditions for which it is currently approved in Ireland, such as nausea and vomiting in cancer and spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

There was also evidence of a significant benefit for neuropathic or nerve pain, which can occur with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or spinal cord injury.

For most other conditions, including anxiety and pain in conditions such as cancer, rheumatic diseases and fibromyalgia, there is no conclusive evidence.

Dr Walley asked why pro medicinal cannabis supporters were approached by HRB researchers as part of the review.

A spokeswoman for the HRB said it has four peer reviewers after the work was completed.

Given the wide variety of views on the potential risks and benefits of medicinal cannabis and the most appropriate methods to study it, it was important to recruit a range of qualified peer reviewers who would rigorously scrutinise the work from multiple perspectives.

For this reason, we sought to include at least one peer reviewer who supports the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis as well as reviewers with different views and research expertise. This was done deliberately to ensure a balanced and rigorous assessment of our work.

Meanwhile, the HSE said a new Drugs Strategy will be launched in 2025 which will include a strong emphasis on prevention initiatives.

Campaigns on specific substances will be considered through this mechanism.
Its not about the money, its just having to do it all again  home that had 600,000 Room to Improve makeover is damaged in blaze
Declan Walsh from Mayo and Cork-born photographer Ivor Prickett among winners

An Irish journalist has won a prestigious Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the ongoing war in Sudan.

Declan Walsh, who is based in Kenya and is from Ballina, Co Mayo, won the prize for his reporting on the Sudan civil war, along with the staff of the New York Times, where he is chief Africa correspondent. Among the team was Cork-born photographer Ivor Prickett.

Mr Walsh, who attended UCD and DCU, previously reported from the Middle East, and was expelled from Pakistan in 2013 because of his work, which he continued while based in London.

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 US military and last summers assassination attempt on US 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 honoured 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 honoured 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.

The Pulitzers honoured the best in journalism from 2024 in 15 categories, along with eight arts categories including books, music and theatre. The public service winner receives a gold medal. All other winners receive $15,000.

The New York Times showed its breadth with awards honouring 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 US policy failures in Afghanistan. Declan Walsh and the Times staff won for an investigation into the Sudan conflict, which revealed the role of the United Arab Emirates in the conflict.

A large plume of smoke rising from fuel depot in Port Sudan, Sudan. Photo: Reuters

The Times was also part of a collaboration with The Baltimore Banner, whose reporters Alissa Zhu, Nick Thieme and Jessica Gallagher won in local reporting for stories on that city's fentanyl crisis and its disproportionate effect on Black men. The Banner was created three years ago, with several staffers who had left the Baltimore Sun.

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.

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.

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 Raj Mankad, Sharon Steinmann, Lisa Falkenberg and Leah Binkovitz won the Pulitzer in editorial writing for its series on dangerous train crossings.
Up to one in 20 students have been propositioned with a sex-for-rent scenario. Image posed. Photo: Getty

Long-awaited laws banning sex for rent will go to the Cabinet today.

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan will ask the Government to draft, as a matter of priority, laws which he argues would address highly exploitative behaviour.

The move will come as part of a new Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which aims to respond to a range of pressing challenges for the criminal justice system.

With regard to sex-for-rent arrangements, the new bill will introduce two new criminal offences: offering accommodation in exchange of sex; and the advertising of accommodation in exchange of sex.

The main benefits of these provisions, the Cabinet will be told, include increased protections for vulnerable individuals and the potential to act as a deterrent to landlords or property owners currently engaging in such behaviour.

Up to one in 20 students have been propositioned with a sex-for-rent scenario. Image posed. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th May 2025

Ministers will be told the proposal supports the Governments broader efforts to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and offers positive potential impacts for gender equality.

The laws aim to encompass both tenancies and licence arrangements. The proposed initial penalty is a class A fine, which is up to 5,000.

Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan drafted legislation to tackle the practice in March 2022, but it was rejected after pre-legislative scrutiny.

A National Womens Council (NWC)report has found students and migrant women were particularly vulnerable to this form of exploitation. Up to one in 20 students have been propositioned with a sex-for-rent scenario.

Recent research into Irelands rental market found it creates the perfect environment for the exploitation of tenants, with some landlords offering discounted or free accommodation in return for sex. Some women are being forced to accept such arrangements to avoid becoming homeless, the report from the NWC found.

The NWC said practice of sex for rent has become a common occurrence.

An Irish Council for International Students survey earlier this year found one in seven people had been offered rentals where they share a room  and sleep in the same bed  with people they do not know.

All the respondents who received sex-for-rent offers were non-native English speakers and 68pc were female.
RTE correspondent Emma OKelly, who is also chair of NUJ's Dublin broadcasting branch, said they do not believe that Israel should be allowed to participate in the Eurovision

RTE workers have demanded that director general Kevin Bakhurst and its board publicly oppose Israels participation in the Eurovision.

The Dublin Broadcasting Branch of the National Union of Journalists wrote to the board today asking it to take a similar stance to other European public service broadcasters.

This followed a separate letter from the branch to director general Kevin Bakhurst seeking his opposition to Israel taking part in the song contest. It asked that he write to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) outlining the broadcasters clear opposition to Israels participation.

RTE correspondent Emma OKelly, who is also chair of NUJ's Dublin broadcasting branch, said they do not believe that Israel should be allowed to participate in the Eurovision

Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th May 2025

The letter requested that he call on the EBU to suspend Israels appearance at the Eurovision.

The NUJ branch said Icelands public broadcaster, RUV, last week joined national broadcasters in Slovenia and Spain in publicly opposing Israel's participation.

It said it had stated its failure to uphold international humanitarian obligations in Gaza.

The position of our members is clear,  said the chair of the Dublin Broadcasting Branch, Emma OKelly, following a lunchtime meeting today.

She said they do not believe that Israel should be allowed to participate in the Eurovision, and hope RTE will adopt the same view.

As journalists, we note Israels targeting and killing of Palestinian media workers, who provide photographic, video and online content to newsrooms across the EBU in the absence of international journalists gaining access to Gaza, she said.

As well as the loss of life we are deeply concerned at the impact of this on media freedom and the EBUs stated values.

Considering all of the above, we are requesting that RTE, in line with other state broadcasters which have already done so, publicly and as a matter of urgency call on the EBU to suspend Israels appearance at Eurovision.

Chair of the RTE sub-branch Trevor Keegan said what was pressing last week is even more pressing this week, given Israels most recent pronouncement as to its intentions in Gaza.

The formal stance of the Irish state is reflected in strong public sentiment across Ireland, which abhors Israels actions, he said.

Journalists have also written to the director general of the European Broadcasting Union, Noel Curran, a former director general of RTE.

The letter to Mr Bakhurst said Icelands public broadcaster RUV had joined broadcasters in Slovenia and Spain in publicly opposing Israels participation in the song contest.

This week (April 30th), during an open UN Security Council debate, Fergal Mythen, Ireland's permanent representative to the UN, described what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank as indicative of a complete disregard for international law, the UN Security Council and the integrity of the United Nations as an institution.

It said he described the severe malnutrition of Gazan children as deeply disturbing, and Israeli strikes on humanitarian personnel and premises as outrageous and as having "crossed new thresholds.

In a weekend interview, Emmy, who will represent Ireland at this years contest, cited a new European Broadcasting Union code of conduct when asked what she makes of Israels participation in the contest.

Im not sure Im allowed to talk about it too much. But what I can say is that I feel like my most important job as an artist and as a songwriter is to bring comfort and happiness, as much as I can, through songs  especially in hard times, she said..

An RTE spokesperson said Mr Bakhurst will take time to review the NUJ correspondence when he returns from annual leave tomorrow.
Sean Crowley (left) after his epic Atlantic row in 1988 from Halifax to Mannin Bay, Connemara, in Clifden with Garda Tom Connelly (in uniform), Garda Tom Naughton, publican and businessman Terry Sweeney and fisherman Malachy Glynn. Photo: Peter Vine

When Sean Crowley was trying to scramble aboard his rowing boat after his eighth or ninth capsize in the Atlantic, his life had flashed before him many times.

Little did he know then that it would not be the relentless September gales that would take him, but a hit-and-run incident many years later.

Mr Crowley had survived cancer and had undertaken two Atlantic crossings when a driver struck him in Sheffield on August 22, 2021, and fled the scene. The rower died from his injuries a month later at the age of 58.

Motorist Mohammed Abdullah was jailed for six years and three months in 2023, after pleading guilty to causing Mr Crowleys death by dangerous driving.

In a statement to the court at the time, Mr Crowleys sister said: In his life he had done some amazing things, like coming through the loss of our mother at age 11, surviving cancer at 21 and, perhaps most amazingly, rowing across the Atlantic single-handedly in a boat he built himself.

This Saturday, Mr Crowleys achievements will be remembered when a plaque dedicated to him is unveiled in Mannin Bay in Connemara by members of the Clifden community. His voyage ended at Mannin in September 1988, after it began in Halifax, Nova Scotia in June.

His parents were from Naas, Co Kildare, and moved to England. Mr Crowley based himself in Croydon.

Sean Crowley (left) after his epic Atlantic row in 1988 from Halifax to Mannin Bay, Connemara, in Clifden with Garda Tom Connelly (in uniform), Garda Tom Naughton, publican and businessman Terry Sweeney and fisherman Malachy Glynn. Photo: Peter Vine

Aged 25, he was the youngest person to row across the Atlantic, and he was also the second person, after Don Allum, to row the Atlantic both ways.

Among those present at the Mannin ceremony will be Mike Nestor, who rowed with him across the southern Atlantic route in 1986, two years before Crowleys solo row. Fianna Fail councillor Gerry King, who will unveil the plaque, was on the pier when Crowley took his first tentative steps ashore on September 21, 1988, after his 96-day crossing.

Crowley had come through Hodgkins disease when he undertook his voyage from the Canaries to South America with Nestor in a boat they called Finnegans Wake. His craft for the 1988 solo attempt was named Finn Again.

Crowley made some serious alterations to it at sea when he discovered it wouldnt self-right after many capsizes. He had no GPS and none of the communications that a voyage now would have  but did have a transistor that picked up the BBC World Service. Alongside his food and water supplies, he had Earl Grey tea and a copy of Prousts Remembrance of Things Past: Volume Two.

He set out from Halifax on June 17 after some delays, bitterly regretting that decision when hit by Septembers gales. By day 60, he had realised he couldnt afford to sleep at all during bad weather. But there were also some good moments.

The plaque in Clifden for rower Sean Crowley. Photo: Barry Ryan

He wrote in his log: After dinner some whales swim under the boat. They are outlined by phosphorescence and leave a trail of sparkling plankton in their wake. I can hear them breathing around the boat and their mournful whistling to one another faintly coming from under the boat as the wind increases.

He expressed guilt about how his relatives must be worrying about him, but at one point he had a premonition of good weather and felt that his mother  who died of cancer  was very close.

Sean Crowley after his epic Atlantic row in 1988 from Halifax to Mannin Bay, Connemara. Photo: Peter Vine

Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th May 2025

After he caught the beam of Connemaras Slyne Head Lighthouse, he knew he was close to the Irish coast, and was escorted in by local fisherman Malachy Glynn and Garda Tom Naughton.

After a pint in Terry Sweeneys pub in Clifden, he was taken home by scientist, author and film producer Peter Vine and wife Paula for a hot meal and shower. He appeared on RTEs Late Late Show, and gave permission for Mr Vine to use his logs for a documentary, which he is now making with Barry Ryan.

Mr Vine is also arranging for his library of ocean adventure books to be curated by Atlantic Technological University in Letterfrack. The plaque unveiling takes place at Curhownagh pier, Errislannan, Co Galway, this Saturday at 2pm.
Up to 10,000 women and babies may have been deported from Britain to Ireland between 1931 and 1977 in a forced adoption scandal, according to a new ITV report.

ITV News carried out a year-long investigation into the story, which the broadcaster said shows women and babies were deported from Britain and incarcerated in state institutions because the mothers were unmarried.

The mothers then had their children forcibly adopted.

The investigation also found evidence of falsified birth certificates and allegations of "people trafficking.

The children, now adults, often only found out they were British citizens decades later.

Survivors are now campaigning for compensation from both the Irish and British governments.

One mother, Terri Harrison, experienced a "day of horror" when she came home to find a priest and two nuns waiting for her in London.

They told her she had "committed a crime" because she was pregnant outside of marriage.

I was no match for this man and he just threw me into the car and pushed me down into the back seat, she said. I started to become invisible from the minute he got me."

Ms Harrison was flown from Heathrow to Cork and was one of thousands of women "imprisoned" in Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork. Once there she was "processed" and given a new name and number.

She said: "I became Tracey 1735; we werent human any more. I was abducted from one country and brought back to this one, and my son was sleeping peacefully in his cot and a stranger in a black habit stripped him and walked out of that institution.

"Thats kidnapping. Thats what happened to me. We must speak the truth."

ITV News said documentation from the time shows a religious organisation called the Crusade of Rescue, now known as the Catholic Childrens Society, based in London, was involved in the adoption and repatriation of Irish women and children from Britain from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Paul Cullen was four months old when he made the journey by boat from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin.

He had always known that he had been born in London and adopted in Dublin, but only recently found out the truth about his birth and his early years.

Mr Cullen (62) told ITV News: I went half a century without knowing. When the law was changed in 2021, I was eventually allowed access to my files. I began to realise that I was part of something much bigger and the moment the penny dropped and I saw the acronym 'PFI', pregnant from Ireland.

Mr Cullen, the former health editor of The Irish Times, was born at Whittington Hospital in north London in 1963, and then spent a month at St Pelagias home for unmarried mothers in Highgate, north London, which was run by Catholic nuns.

He contacted ITV News after seeing the publications investigation into the home.

His mother, who was in her 20s and working as a nurse in London, was unmarried and pressured to return to Ireland, where he was placed for adoption, a journey organised through the Crusade of Rescue.

He was issued a second Irish birth certificate which falsely states that he was born in Dublin, when in fact he is a British citizen.

The retired journalist has now reunited with his birth mother but the man he thought was his father died just weeks before they were due to meet.

Fiona Cahills mother Maria was born in a Red Cross mother and baby home in London in 1954, but as a newborn, she was sent to an Irish institution with her mother Philomena, who was unmarried.

Philomena had moved from Ireland to London for work as a teenager and later met Maria's father. Like thousands of others, she was labelled as a PFI.

Ms Cahill, (50), an artist and carer, said her mother had PTSD symptoms and that trauma has been passed down the generations.

Maria, who lived in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and passed away in 2023 aged 69, only found out she was adopted when she was 21 when she applied for a passport.

It wasnt until she was 40 that she discovered she was a British citizen after finding out that she had two birth certificates, a UK one and a falsified Irish one.

A spokesperson for the Catholic Childrens Society  formerly known as the Crusade of Rescue  said: "We recognise that many young mothers in the past felt they had no choice but to place their child for adoption due to the stigma of being unmarried and the lack of support available to them from the government, their families and wider society at the time.

"This is deeply regrettable and a tragedy for all involved. Our agency supported mothers to place their child for adoption when requested. Our records also show cases where the Crusade of Rescue offered support to unmarried mothers to help them keep their child.

"Today we offer a post-adoption service to support all those who were adopted through us, and their families... We take this responsibility very seriously and work hard to provide an open and transparent service."
Broadcaster and author Marty Morrissey has urged people to have their blood pressure checked, having lost his father and grandfather to heart attacks.

The GAA commentator said their deaths had fuelled his acute awareness of cardiac health, so he is backing the Irish Heart Foundation's Before Damage is Done campaign.

Morrissey (66), from Quilty, Co Clare, said: Sometimes we're a bit careless about it, Ah, we'll 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 don't dismiss it  because your body is telling you something, and sometimes we ignore it or don't 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 it's high, that's your chance to take the warning and do something about it. Sometimes people don't get any warning.

Once you're over 50 you need to be getting everything checked.

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.

A quarter of people having strokes are under age 65 and are still of working age

Last month's online survey of 1,000 people, by Core Research, revealed just 49pc had their blood pressure checked in the last six months, compared to 57pc in November 2023.

Only 67pc believed untreated blood pressure creates a high risk of stroke  down from 78pc in 2023  while 64pc believed there is a high risk of heart disease, down from 72pc 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, 29pc 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.

That's 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 someone's health, but also on their quality of life and financial independence if they are forced to stop working.

For more information, visit irishheart.ie
Organ Donor Awareness Week begins on Saturday, May 10

Heart transplant recipient Nick Hines with his mother Annie, wife Tracey and daughter Molly (14) at the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week. Photo: Conor McCabe

Double lung transplant recipient Adrian Flynn from Athy, Co Kildare, with his wife Denise. Photo: Conor McCabe

Organ transplant recipients have urged people to talk with their loved ones about donation, as they told of how life-changing such a gift can be.

They were helping to promote Organ Donor Awareness Week, which begins on Saturday.

More than 260 organ transplants were carried out in Ireland last year from 84 deceased donors, while 30 living donors gave their second kidney to someone desperately in need.

Adrian Flynn, who was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in 2016, received a double lung transplant nearly two years ago that changed his life.

Double lung transplant recipient Adrian Flynn from Athy, Co Kildare, with his wife Denise. Photo: Conor McCabe

He spent three years on the transplant list, with the final 11 months in hospital  one of the longest periods anyone has spent as an inpatient in Dublins Mater Hospital for a lung transplant.

I remember vividly the day I left my home in early 2023, uncertain if Id ever return, except perhaps in a coffin, Mr Flynn said. I had accepted that death was a very real possibility.

Other patients with lung conditions in the hospital at the time didnt make it, and Im deeply aware of just how lucky I was to survive.

His family helped him find the strength he needed during that time, when he received five false-alarm calls for a transplant.

Mr Flynn said the transplant had been nothing short of miraculous, and this year he was even able to take his first holiday in nearly a decade, travelling to Spain with his wife, Denise.

Without the donor, there is no transplant, but without the doctors and staff, theres no survival either. Organ donation didnt just keep me alive  it gave me a life again, he said.

Their selfless decision to donate organs in the midst of grief is something I will carry with me forever

Secondary school teacher Nick Hines, who is originally from Minnesota, but met his wife Tracey while studying in Ireland 22 years ago, had a heart transplant last year. The father of three had a mild stroke five years ago, with tests revealing heart failure.

He lived for three years knowing that the rug could be pulled at a moments notice before he learned a heart transplant was his only hope.

Mr Hines said his donor and their familys selfless act had given him the liberation of time.

Im now a year with my transplant. Im not just alive, Im living, he said.

Mother-of-one Alceina OBrien, who received a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant last year, told how her type 1 diabetes led to renal failure at the age of 45.

She said she was given a second chance through her double transplant, and her life has changed for the better.

She was overwhelmed with mixed emotions when she received the call that organs were available.

While I felt hope and relief that my life might be transformed, I was also deeply aware of the profound loss another family had just endured, she said. Their selfless decision to donate life-saving organs in the midst of such grief is something I will carry with me forever.

I dont know their name, but I carry their spirit with me. I live my life now in honour of them

Avril Whitty received a liver transplant almost two years ago when her daughters were aged 17 and eight.

Watching your children grow and wondering if youll be around to see the next year of their lives, thats a pain I wouldnt wish on anyone, but they gave me strength, she said.

There isnt a day goes by that I dont think about my donor and their family. I dont know their name, but I carry their spirit with me. I live my life now in honour of them, with more gratitude, more purpose and more love.

Dublin primary school teacher Keelyn Murphy, who undergoes dialysis three times a week and is currently on the transplant list, said receiving a kidney would give her family a chance at normality.

A chance to finally step out of the waiting room and back into life, she said, and urged others to talk with their loved ones about organ donation.

Olivia Farrell, whose daughter Lauren died following a heart attack at the age of 24 in 2022, said the decision to donate her organs means Laurens final act, her incredible gift, has saved and transformed lives.

To know that another person lives on, that other families have been spared this heartbreak because of her selfless act, is a testament to her loving, giving nature. The pride I feel is indescribable, she said.
Donald Trump reposted this AI image of himself as the Pope on Truth Social

As Catholic cardinals prepare to choose a successor to Pope Francis at the conclave in Rome tomorrow, church leaders, politicians and pundits blasted US president Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated image of himself on a throne in the cassock and mitre of the pontiff.
People watch the flypast following the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and in honour of those who served during World War II in central London yesterday. Photo: Carl Court/PA Wire

It seemed shockingly egregious for Israel to announce its intention to seize the entire Gaza Strip as the 80th anniversary of the guns of World War II falling silent was marked with VE Day commemorations.

To make such a declaration when the deaths of millions were being solemnly remembered signalled either a disconnection with, or total indifference to, the international community.

It will undoubtedly result in more mass killing and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians whose lives are already a living hell.

To deliberately decide to go down a path which can only make an already-dire humanitarian crisis worse seems unconscionable. Tel Aviv has drawn widespread condemnation, even from its allies. Rights groups have warned it could be a war crime under international law. The UN said it would leave large parts of the population, including the most vulnerable, without supplies. As the war dead were mourned around the world, Israel was calling up thousands more reservists to expand and intensify its offensive.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the anniversary of the end of the 1939-45 conflagration was causing leaders to think seriously about new threats to their security today.

Recognition that traditional friendly links with the US can no longer be guaranteed poses key defence challenges. President Donald Trumps trade war, and his administrations overtly expressed contempt for the bloc, have emboldened Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He has doubled down in his defiance of the international order. Putin, a revanchist leader, has expressed a clear intent to take back some of the territory lost after 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Tens of thousands of young Russian soldiers are once again being killed in the war he declared on Ukraine. The appalling loss of life is all the more indefensible given that the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Despite Mr Trump reaching out to him and offering practically everything he could ask for in terms of ending the Ukraine war, the Russian president still shows no interest in coming to the table.

Russia will mark its own Victory Day this Friday.

People watch the flypast following the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and in honour of those who served during World War II in central London yesterday. Photo: Carl Court/PA Wire

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill more than 90 people in 48 hours, say Palestinians

Moscow will use the moment to put on display its massive military might. Polands prime minister Donald Tusk seized the moment in a visit to issue an appeal 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 mobilisation around our fundamental values and our security, he warned. The experience gained 80 years ago tells us that only when [we] stand together can we overcome, he said. Or as D-day veteran Bernard Morgan (101) said in London: Its so important that we make the most of these opportunities to remember what happened, not just to celebrate the achievement, but also to ensure such horrors never happen again. That is a responsibility that must be met.
Suzanne Crowes deeply empathetic article (People are the beating heart of the health system  any reform must recognise this, Irish Independent, May 5), deserves to echo far beyond the wards and waiting rooms.

She reminds us that while healthcare may be organised in systems, its success or failure is always experienced in human terms  by patients, families and staff alike.

I recognise the importance of targets and data in improving services. But if targets become the sole measure of success, we risk creating a system that meets benchmarks while quietly breaking the people inside it.

When we stop caring about people, we stop healing altogether. As Maya Angelou said: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

If Ireland leads with empathy, it could quietly become a global leader  not just in outcomes, but in the culture of care.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Armagh

Australias speedy election count is a thing of wonder  Ireland should take note

On Saturday, May 3, Australian polling stations opened between 8am and 6pm. Three hours later, the unofficial result was accepted by the main party leaders.

How is this possible where each and every vote is on paper, and there are no computers involved in the voting process? At 6.01pm every polling station becomes a count centre. The count is solely for the lower house  as the Senate polling paper is usually about three-feet wide, this is the second order of the night.

Election candidates are permitted two registered scrutineers to observe the count. The scrutineers compare figures, ensuring accuracy on the ground. Between 7pm and 8pm, the polling station results begin to flow into the Electoral Commission and party headquarters in each state.

Prior to election day, there is pre-polling for two weeks, as well as postal voting. These votes are counted after polling day, but rarely change the number of seats claimed by any candidate. On Monday all ballot papers are moved to Canberra, where there are further recounts, before the official figure is made public.

With a similar system to the Irelands proportional representation, a nation that is a continent, with different time zones, can complete a mammoth task in record time.

Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia

Compulsory voting can help our young people make their voices heard

As polling predicted, the Australian prime ministers left-leaning Labour Party comfortably won re-election against the backdrop of an anti-Trump backlash. And just like in the Canadian federal elections, the opposition conservative party not only lost but their party leader forfeited their seat as well (Election win gives Anthony Albanese a strong hand to deal with Trump, Irish Independent, May 5).

It is also worth pointing out that Australia has mandatory voting in federal elections for over a century now with 90pc-plus turnout being the norm. Every eligible voter gets a say, including its young people.

Contrast that with Ireland, where many young people believe they dont have a voice and that their optional participation at the ballot box wont make an iota of a difference.

With plans afoot in the UK and possibly here as well to lower the voting age for young people, it would make much more sense to bring in mandatory voting.

This would change the whole narrative of parliamentary elections. Not only would politicians have to then properly listen to young peoples concerns (housing being the most pressing), but the media and the press would be forced to follow through as well. At present it is just lip service and nothing really changes.

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry

Higgins deserves respect for representing the Irish publics views on Gaza

I believe we should commend President Michael D Higgins for his continuing comments on the situation in Gaza. During the recent funeral of the Pope, only President Higgins mentioned Gaza and the plight of the Palestinians. All other leaders of the so-called free and democratic world, including our Taoiseach and Tanaiste, remained silent.

I suggest the Government is doing what politicians do best  speaking out of both sides of their mouths at the same time. Expressing concern for the people of Gaza. Calling for a ceasefire. But failing/refusing to take any direct action against the government of Israel. This, despite the continuing Israeli government and settler actions against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The people of Ireland have clearly shown support for the Palestinian people. Yet our Government refuses to act. I hope the electorate will remember this in the next election.

Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Cork

Camogie players should be free to wear shorts if thats what they want

There should be no rule in any rulebook that discriminates against girls or women wearing shorts in sport  that is the long and short of it.

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

People may not choose addiction, but decisions have consequences

Theres an ad currently on the radio where the presenter Jennifer Zamparelli says nobody chooses addiction. This suggests that we dont have free will.

For sure, some peoples background and the environment in which they live may leave them more disposed to addictive behaviour, yet one still chooses to open that bottle, snort that cocaine, gamble on that race, etc. Its ones choices over time that lead to addiction.

This isnt to say that its easy to overcome once one has gone down such a path. However, individual willpower is key in overcoming the habit.

Brendan Corrigan, San Martin de los Llanos, Colombia

Government should steer clear of pop culture and focus on serious matters

The Taoiseach says Kneecap must urgently clarify their stance on Hezbollah. The Tanaiste says Adolescence should be compulsory viewing in schools. Whats next, a cabinet statement on Mickey Rourkes expulsion from the Big Brother house?

Nobody outside of the media bubble cares about this trivia. The Government should stop chasing headlines and do their jobs.

Aidan Harte, Naas, Co Kildare
The planned large-scale residential development on St Josephs Road will comprise of 469 residential units, consisting of a selection of detached and semi-detached homes, townhouses, bungalows, and apartments, as well as a 122-space childcare facility and an interpretive centre/cafe.

The development will include 305 residential units comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bed detached, semi-detached, townhouse/terraced and bungalow units, as well as 164 apartment/duplex units, comprising of a mix of one and two-beds.

The application, which was granted planning permission by Cork County Council on Wednesday, April 23, is subject to 76 conditions.

Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny said the new housing developments should act as a precursor for the Mallow Relief Road.

The Mallow based TD has called on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to provide the people of Mallow and north Cork with a firm commitment to build the Mallow Relief Road, following the granting of conditional planning permission for 469 houses on St Josephs Road. I welcome the fact that housing developments of this nature are being built in Mallow. I do firmly believe that these new housing developments should act as a precursor for the building of the Mallow Relief Road.

Deputy Kenny said residents have expressed genuine concerns over the infrastructure and amenities required to cater for the growing population in Mallow. There are genuine concerns being raised by residents within the general locality, where we are seeing large residential developments, that the infrastructure will not cope with the amount of cars and pedestrians in the area.

I am of the firm belief that Cork County Council should now be putting the pressure on central government to have the building of the Mallow Relief Road in parallel with these housing developments, he added.

The Cork TD reiterated that the correct infrastructure must be put in place. As a Mallow man and a Castlepark resident, I welcome any new developments. As a politician I welcome new homes coming to area, but I also understand the need for adequate infrastructure and amenities. We are lucky to have developers like Reside Castlepark Limited beginning developments of this nature. They along with residents need the local authority and central government to back it up with putting the correct infrastructure in place.
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council said he is deeply shocked and disappointed by recent reports indicating the planned closure of Cashel Courthouse this autumn

Concerns are growing in Tipperary over the planned closure of two courthouses in the south of the county, with their court sittings being transferred to Clonmel later this year.

District Judge Brian OShea, assigned to District 21 covering east Cork, south Tipperary and west Waterford, wrote to the head of Circuit and District Court operations in March indicating that he is transferring District Court sittings from Youghal to Dungarvan and from Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel.

The directions for the transfer were issued pursuant to Section 27 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act and Order 2, Rule 1 (2) of the District Court Rules with effect from November 1 next.

Additionally, with effect from June 1 there will be an extra sitting in District 21 on the second Friday of each month where cases from Youghal will be heard in Dungarvan.

It is planned that this additional sitting will be for Child and Family Agency matters. Details of these changes among others, which are set out in Statutory Instrument Number 77 of 2025, can be found on the Courts Service website.

The Courts Service has now commenced engaging with the various stakeholders such as legal practitioners, gardai, state solicitors, the Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service, local family law user representative groups, unions representing court staff and others, to explore any possible impacts and unintended consequences of the proposed transfers, said a courts spokesperson.

Upon completion of this work the Courts Service will report on its findings to the relevant District Judge and make operational plans accordingly. The Courts Service has no record of having received communications about this matter from Cork County Council, but of course will engage with them, as with others with an interest in this matter.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Declan Burgess said he is deeply shocked and disappointed by recent reports indicating the planned closure of Cashel Courthouse this autumn.

I am firmly opposed to the removal of services from this facility and their relocation to Clonmel, he said. "This decision is a serious mistake. It represents a short-sighted move to centralise services without considering the negative impact on Cashel and its surrounding communities.

"I have urgently contacted the Court Services and have also made formal representations to the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan. Rather than closing the courthouse, a small investment  such as upgrading the public toilet facilities  would be far more constructive and cost-effective.

I totally oppose this approach and will do my best to ensure we keep our historic courthouse open and operational for the people it serves, added Cllr Burgess.

"This is a worrying situation if decisions like this can be made without any process. I have been informed that the Courts Service will now engage in consultation with all stakeholders. This would include legal practitioners, victim groups, and elected representatives. This must happen before anything escalates.

"I will support this process and ensure steps are taken to keep Cashel Courthouse operational for the people it serves. Justice must be made accessible to all citizens. Centralising the services would be a mistake.

Its understood Judge OShea has taken the decision after four years of consideration of the condition of the court buildings.

Judge OShea said that the courthouses are gravely inadequate in terms of infrastructure and the business conducted therein. The situation is no longer defensible. It results in inefficient use of resources, undermines the safety and dignity of those who appear before the court and stands in stark contrast to the basic requirements of a functioning, modern judicial system.

Specifically referring to Cashel Courthouse Judge OShea said: the public toilets are disgustingly unhygienic, the interior suffers from chronic damp and the waiting spaces are cramped and unable to hold more than a small number of people.

In his submission, he said that Carrick-on-Suir courthouse lacks a public toilet, is cold and damp, attracting mould and vermin, while a stairway is rotting due to a leak. Youghal Courthouse is also cold and not fit for purpose, resulting in solicitors having to wear jackets and coats indoors.

Judge OShea has said he believes that any inconvenience is compensated for by the benefits of attending a court in warm conditions with proper facilities, with improved security.

Independent Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has strongly condemned any plans to close the courthouses in Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir, describing the proposed move as a betrayal of rural communities and a clear failure by the State to invest in and maintain its own essential infrastructure.

Deputy McGrath said he acknowledged the concerns raised by Judge OShea but argued that the correct response is not closure, but proper investment.

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If there are deficiencies in these buildings, then fix them, he said. Dont abandon them. The State has a responsibility to maintain and protect historic public infrastructure - not to walk away from it. Were constantly told there is no shortage of funds, so what excuse can there possibly be for letting two landmark buildings fall into dereliction?

Deputy McGrath highlighted the wider impact on the local economy and civic life. Removing court services from Cashel will damage local business and further hollow out the town centre. The Post Office in Hogan Square is already gone. If the courthouse goes too, were looking at more dereliction and fewer reasons for people to come into the town.

The same applies to Carrick-on-Suir. These closures would be another step in the steady erosion of rural Ireland. Deputy McGrath called for an immediate halt to the closure plans and a full review of the funding required to upgrade and retain both courthouses as functioning parts of the judicial system.

It is not appropriate that a District Court judge should decide the future of these courthouses and full efforts should be put into upgrading these courthouses where necessary rather than abandon them.

This is a test of whether the State values balanced regional development, or whether rural communities are to be permanently downgraded in favour of centralisation and convenience.

I have called on the Minister for Justice to intervene and ensure whatever upgrade works are required are carried out to protect the future of these courthouses, added Deputy McGrath.

Independent Cashel Cllr Liam Browne noted that all of this comes after significant amounts of money were spent on the courthouse.

If the courthouse closes, there will be a loss of business in town, and it will be left derelict, which is also facing the now empty post office in Hogan Square. Were constantly told were not short money in Ireland, so weve no excuse for not maintaining protected and historic structures like the courthouse, said Cllr Browne.
Professor Gary Murphy has been announced as the April Cork Person of the Month to mark his work over recent years. At the presentation were: Tina Quinn, AM OSullivan PR; Manus OCallaghan, awards organiser; Gary Murphy; Mandy and Jack Murphy, and Ian ODriscoll, Masterkabin. Pic: Vitaliy Makhanov.

Professor Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at DCUs School of Law and Government, has been honoured as the April Cork Person of the Month.

Mr Murphy has been selected due to the excellency of his work as a contributor to RTEs election coverage and his writings, which include Haughey, his acclaimed biography of former Taoiseach Charles J Haughey.

Professor Murphy who is a city native, was educated by the Christian Brothers at Sullivans Quay and UCC.

Later in his career he acted as a Distinguished Visitor Professor in various universities in the US and serves as a current elected member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA).

Members of the RIA are chosen for their distinguished contributions to scholarship and research and is considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

Mr Murphy is the author of eight books including Regulating Lobbying; a global comparison which is considered the definitive work in this sector.

He is widely regarded as an expert on the topic and was an advisor to the Irish Government on the introduction of their Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

He also has a weekly column in The Sunday Times.

Cork Person of the Month organiser Manus OCallaghan paid tribute to Mr Murphy. Gary is one of our great Dublin-based Cork men and receives this award to mark the excellency of his work studying the politics of modern Ireland. We also honour his authorship of Haughey, which was widely regarded as one of the books of the year by national newspapers and historians. It is certainly time that we honour Gary in his home place.

At the Cork Person of the Year presentation Mr Murphy said: I have had many academic awards over the years, but never one which means as much to me as this. My Cork is the Cork of the city. I grew up in Evergreen Buildings, just off Barrack Street, and a stone's throw from Beamish & Crawford's brewery.

I went to Sullivan's Quay primary school, said Professor Murphy. It was a teeming metropolis in the 1970s full of the children of Cork's working classes. It's where I learned my love of reading and writing, and perhaps most importantly of all, hurling. My childhood was the Cork of the Lee Baths, Fitzgerald Park, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Flower Lodge, the city library, and holidays in Crosshaven and Garryvoe.

Professor Murphy said he still retains that love of Cork sport, outdoor swimming, and the joy of libraries. My adulthood was shaped by the quintessential Cork values of hard work and humility that my parents, from Fair Hill and Blackpool on the northside of the city instilled in me and my brothers and sisters and which has stood us all in good stead.

Those values saw me through UCC and into the world of academia where I have been lucky enough to interact with so many gifted students and colleagues over the years. Although I have been out of Cork some 32 years I wear it with me every day, he added.

Mr Murphys name will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the annual gala awards lunch on January 23 at The Metropole Hotel.
Oscar Despard, captain of Cambridge, going up against fellow Dubliner Kevin Flanagan, captain of Bristol, in the University Challenge semi-final

Oscar Despard with Minister Helen McEntee in 2018 at an all-island Brexit event where they discussed the post-Brexit future. Pic: Steve Humphreys

Dubliner Oscar Despard will live out a childhood dream when he captains Christs College Cambridge in the final of TV quiz show University Challenge.

I watched the show a lot growing up, with my mother in particular, the 22-year-old from Portobello said. So when I ended up at the University of Cambridge, it was a natural thing to try because I thought it would be quite interesting.

I went about setting up a quiz society at Christs College to administer the colleges participation. We ran a two-round selection process, starting with an online quiz that people could complete in their own time.

Then we invited the 10 best scorers to take part in an in-person round on the buzzer.

Mr Despard earned nine H1s in his Leaving Cert from Sandford Park School in Ranelagh, and was awarded the best individual prize at the BT Young Scientist exhibition in 2020.

He is studying molecular biology at Cambridge and has begun a PhD focusing on proteostasis  how cells maintain a balance of making and breaking down proteins  using cryo-electron tomography.

His mother, Professor Niamh Moran, is a scientist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and he fondly recalls watching the quiz show with her on TV over the years.

Back home in Portobello, he says his mother has been rallying the fanbase.

Oscar Despard with Minister Helen McEntee in 2018 at an all-island Brexit event where they discussed the post-Brexit future. Pic: Steve Humphreys

My family was very excited to see me competing in University Challenge, and I think my mother gets more texts of support about it than I do, he said.

My sister and my father were also both quite excited about seeing it.

Everybody from my team is still in Cambridge, so weve actually been watching it as a team together. Theres a lot of interest from the college as well.

Weve been watching it in the college bar, so weve had a decent crowd watching on TV, he added.

Oscar Despard on screen on University Challenge. Pic: Lifted Entertainment/ITV Studios

Today's News in 90 seconds - 6th May 2025

To prepare for the show, Mr Despard and the team shared a spreadsheet of more than 200 knowledge areas to revise.

I got to read all of Shakespeare, which I probably wouldnt have done otherwise, he said. And we did a surprising amount of video game revision  theyve broadened the question topics in recent years.

In the quarter-finals of the show, there was a question where the answer was GeoGuessr  an online game where youre dropped into a random Google Street View location and have to figure out where you are.

Mr Despard said it was a surprise to see it featured in the show, but that University Challenge has been making an effort to bring a slightly wider range of questions in recent years.

Theyve included more video game-related questions, so luckily we had people doing revision specifically for that, he said.

Oscar Despard, captain of Cambridge, going up against fellow Dubliner Kevin Flanagan, captain of Bristol, in the University Challenge semi-final

In a delightful twist on University Challenge, the semi-finals featured not one but two Dublin-born captains, with Mr Despard going up against Kevin Flanagan, captain of Bristol University.

Ultimately, Cambridge triumphed with a score of 220 to 50, earning a place in the final.

Mr Flanagan said he was happy to know there would be at least one Irish captain in the final.

I met Kevin very briefly before the show, because there are other quizzes at universities in the UK where people often end up crossing over, Mr Despard said.

But yeah, we subsequently met up. Afterwards, we went to Belfast to meet the Queens team as a kind of get-together after we had all met in production over the summer.

Christs College Cambridge will take on the University of Warwick in the University Challenge final to be broadcast on BBC2 at 8.30pm next Monday, May 12
Survivor calls on Dubliners to support 24-hour event in Corkagh Park on May 31

Hollie Maxwell with her daughter Phoebe, Irish Cancer Society Relay for Life ambassador Shane Filan, and Cork cancer survivor Rose Finn

A cancer survivor from Ballyfermot is calling on Dubliners to get involved in a special 24-hour event to highlight there is hope after a cancer diagnosis.

Hollie Maxwell (28) was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was just six years old, and finished chemotherapy just before her First Communion.

She is urging others to join the Relay for Life in Corkagh Park on May 31, as it is a great way for us to support each other  theres a great sense of community.

Participants team up and take it in turns to walk through the day and night, with someone always on the move during the 24-hour period.

A key feature of every Relay for Life is the survivors lap, where cancer survivors who have lived or are living with cancer are invited to open the event.

Ms Maxwell is sharing her cancer experience to encourage others to take part and to show there is hope after a cancer diagnosis.

Most people have been affected by cancer, and I think Relay for Life is a great way for us to support each other  theres a great sense of community, she said.

I went to my first Relay for Life in 2016. It felt really amazing, and it was very emotional.

It was really nice to meet other survivors and hear their stories. Especially other young people, I dont really meet other young cancer survivors in my day-to-day life.

The money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Societys services, which supports people affected by cancer and their families.

It also helps to fund groundbreaking cancer research. It makes such a big difference to so many people.

Ballyfermot cancer survivor Hollie Maxwell with her daughter Phoebe

One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, so its so important to get behind fundraisers like Relay for Life so these vital services can continue.

Id encourage everyone to get involved in their local Relay for Life, or to consider setting one up in their own area if they dont already have one.

Its a deeply meaningful event for both cancer survivors and people who have lost loved ones to cancer, which brings communities across Ireland together, all for an amazing cause that truly makes a difference.

One of the main highlights of the Relay for Life event is the Candle of Hope ceremony.

Thousands of candle bags, personalised with messages of hope and remembrance, are lit in celebration of cancer survivorship and to honour loved ones lost to cancer.

The funds raised are essential to enable the Irish Cancer Society to provide free, vital support services to people affected by cancer across Ireland and to fund groundbreaking cancer research.

Sinead Gillespie, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society, said: People across the country have always enthusiastically supported Relay For Life.

In doing so they generously support the vital services provided by the Irish Cancer Society to ensure that no one in Ireland has to face cancer alone.

Were delighted that Relay for Life has returned to South County Dublin this year, giving people in the area the opportunity to remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.

Registration for the 24-hour event is now open. You can register a team or buy a candle bag to be displayed as part of the Candle of Hope ceremony here.
Minister labelled out of touch for comments claiming Dublin is not a dirty, filthy city

A Dublin city councillor has claimed recent remarks by a government minister shows how out of touch he is with the reality on the ground in the capital.

Green Party councillor Feljin Jose, who represents the Cabra-Glasnevin area, was responding to comments made by Media Minister Patrick ODonovan, who said he does not recognise the dirty, filthy city described by others.

If a cabinet minister says, I come to Dublin three days a week and I dont see any issues here, then we have a serious problem, Cllr Jose said.

Mr ODonovan made his remarks during an interview on RTE Radio 1s Today with Claire Byrne, where he argued against introducing a so-called tourist tax on hotel stays in Dublin.

The last thing we need to do is add costs, to be quite honest, Mr ODonovan said.

As someone who goes to Dublin three or four times a week, I dont see the dirty, filthy city thats being talking about.

Thats not the city I stay in. I see a very welcoming and well-presented city.

Cllr Jose disagrees, saying a tourism levy could help fund essential services.

We have huge issues around waste, litter, public spaces, green areas and amenities, he said.

Dublin City Council doesnt have tax-raising powers.

We desperately need more funding to invest in those amenities. Dublin City Council across all parties have been in support of a tourism tax and have been proposing it for a while.

We dont have the power to bring it in and we need the central Government to give us the power to do that.

Its a local issue for Dublin city where theres a huge pressure on the number of tourists that come to the city and it puts a huge pressure on services.

Every city in Europe has a tourism tax, its two or three euro, and it just means we have more funding to deal with those issues to provide better services, cleaner cities, more trees, more investment, he added.

A 1pc hotel room tax was proposed by Dublin City Councils finance committee last year.

It was estimated the levy could raise up to 12m annually, but it was not implemented due to a lack of Government support.

Cllr Jose said a carefully targeted levy could still work, and would bring Dublin in line with other major European cities.

Id be looking to exclude small B&Bs and hostels, he said. But for three- or four-star hotels, 2 or 3 per night is reasonable.

If youre staying in a five-star hotel, you should pay even more.

Every city in Europe has a tourism tax. Its not radical.

We want to use that money to make the city cleaner, greener and more liveable for tourists and for locals.

Speaking to the Irish Independent during a walkabout in his constituency  an invitation extended to, but declined by Mr ODonovan  Cllr Jose highlighted areas such as Dorset Street, Broadstone and Blessington Street, where pressure on infrastructure is clearly visible.

There are a lot of kids here, but not many playgrounds, he said.

We did get a small public square built recently  its tucked down a laneway. But thats the kind of win were talking about.

People were fighting for 20 years just to get a few trees, he added.

Cllr Jose said residents within the area are calling for more facilities, a dog park, skate park, more playgrounds, better cleaning of the streets and more.

Despite the challenges, Cllr Jose said there remains pride and resilience in the neighbourhoods he represents.

I think Mr ODonovan would see a very strong community here, but a community that needs help, and that needs funding, he said.

Theres been talk about investment in the city centre, about the Dublin City Taskforce and all of that, but if Cabinet Ministers hold those viewpoints, its not going to get better.

The problem is we cant raise our own funds.

We complain about not getting enough from central Government, yet were not allowed to introduce things like a hotel tax to fund ourselves. That has to change.

In response to the invitation to walk the area with the Irish Independent and a local councillor, Mr ODonovan said: The Government has not received any formal proposals in relation to a proposed tourist levy.

It is important to note local authorities already have the power to raise funds for investment in the public realm through the Local Property Tax.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, is working on developing a new national Tourism Policy whish is expected to be published in the coming months, he added.
Actor Brendan Gleeson will take on one of the leading roles in The Weir. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Brendan Gleeson will be returning to the stage after 10 years as he is set to star in a new production of The Weir in Dublin.

The show will run from Friday, August 8, to Saturday, September 6, this year at the Olympia Theatre.

Gleeson will also make his West End debut when the play hits the stage at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London from September 12 to December 6.

The Dublin actor began his career in the late 70s with the Passion Machine in Dublins Project Arts Centre.

He has gone on to star in numerous movies, including The Banshees of Inisherin, the Harry Potter series, Paddington 2, and Braveheart.

Conor McPhersons The Weir is one of the rarest plays around, the 70-year-old said.

The last time I appeared on stage was ten years ago, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, where I started my career.

I cant wait to be back there, and then to play in the West End for the first time, at the beautiful Pinter Theatre  and to work with Conor on his profoundly moving, inspiring and ultimately hopeful play.

Conor McPherson added: I can hardly believe its thirty years since I wrote The Weir  and about thirty years since I first met the wonderful Brendan Gleeson.

Its an absolute honour to bring this play to life again with one of the great titans of Irish acting.

Im hugely looking forward to directing my play for the very first time and sharing this production with audiences in Dublin and in London very soon.

Brendan Gleeson will be returning to the stage in Dublin after 10 years

The Weir centres around the stories shared by four local men who meet a woman in an isolated pub in rural Ireland on a stormy night.

It won an Olivier Award when it premiered at the Royal Court in London and has been performed all over the world, including at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2022.

Along with a multitude of theatregoers, I was spellbound by The Weir when it first premiered at the Royal Court, Theatrical producer, Kate Horton said.

Ive since been granted three wishes; to have Conor agree to direct his own masterpiece for the first time, for the magnificent Brendan Gleeson to agree to lead the cast, and for the brilliant Anne Clarke to join me as co-producer.

The Weir is a beautiful play about human connection, the endurance of hope and the essential power of storytelling. It will be a joy to share this production with audiences.

Anne Clarke added: I remember where I was when Kate called to tell me she had been working with Conor McPherson on a new production of The Weir, and that Brendan Gleeson had agreed to play Jack.

I had been lucky enough to work with Brendan before, when he played Dinny in The Walworth Farce at the 3Olympia Theatre alongside his sons Brian and Domhnall, and the thought of working with him on Conors sublime play was a thrill.

It promises to be hugely special, and I cant wait for audiences in both Dublin and London to see it.
Comedian and Hollywood actress Rosie ODonnell will make her comedy debut on stage in Dublin this week.

Ms ODonnell has been in films such as Sleepless in Seattle, A League of Their Own and The Flintstones.

She has also had her own talk show, The Rosie ODonnell Show, and has appeared in the likes of HBOs Curb Your Enthusiasm and Netflixs Russian Doll.

Now, the 62-year-old is performing at a number of Dublin venues this week including the Craic Den Comedy Club in Workmans, The Comedy Cellar at the International Bar, and In Stitches Comedy in Peadar Kearneys pub.

She is preparing material ahead of her performance at Edinburgh Fringe Festival later this summer.

According to the Craic Den Comedy Club, Rosie is a rockstar comedian with a stand-up career spanning four decades.

Ms ODonnell took to Instagram to say: Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week, I will be trying out some new stand up as I prepare for Edinburgh Fringe Festival - come by and say hello.

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Ms ODonnell moved to Dublin from the US with her 12-year-old child, Clay, who has autism. She is in the process of getting Irish citizenship as she has Irish grandparents.

Last month, they took part in AsIAms Same Chance Walk for autism in Malahide Castle.

She told the events official ambassador, TikTok star Eric Roberts, how Clay was diagnosed as autistic at two years old.

We need a lot of help and attention, but were getting there. I think that AsIAm is a wonderful organisation, and Im proud to be associated with it, she said.

She also told Mr Roberts that she wants to spend the rest of her notoriety helping families who have a loved one with autism.

Ms ODonnell has also attracted headlines since moving to Ireland, largely due to comments from US President Donald Trump. She has been a long-time critic of the US President.

When Taoiseach Micheal Martin visited Mr Trump ahead of St Patricks Day, a reporter asked about Ms ODonnells move to Ireland in the Oval Office.

Mr Trump responded: Do you know who she is? Youre better off not knowing.
Proceeds from Taste of Dublin: The Recipes will go towards Dublin Simon Community

To celebrate two decades of the Taste of Dublin food festival, a limited-edition cookbook is being released to raise money for a homeless charity in the capital.

Taste of Dublin: The Recipes, will have a mix of exclusive recipes from some of Irelands favourite chefs, including Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen, Donal Skehan, and Trisha Lewis.

A percentage of the proceeds from each sale will go directly to the Dublin Simon Community.

Chef Donal Skehan at a previous edition of Taste of Dublin

Were honoured and grateful to the Taste of Dublin team for choosing us as their charity partner for this special cookbook, Emma Kilkenny, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Dublin Simon Community, said.

It is such an achievement to have garnered a fantastic legacy of 20 years of inspiring food lovers all over Ireland and showcasing the best of our culinary talent.

The funds raised from the book will help us provide vital housing and healthcare services for people experiencing homelessness.

Every year, we offer over 300,000 meals to people living in our services, providing nourishment and a sense of community.

We encourage everyone to buy Taste of Dublin: The Recipes, and get inspired, she added.

The book will include 20 former festival demo dishes that reflect the contemporary Irish food scene and its evolution over the past two decades.

It contains the fusion of international and Irish culinary traditions from Dublin Bay Prawns to the coast of West Africa, renowned for its traditional Jollof rice, before a quick hop stateside to enjoy fish tacos, California style.

Proceeds from Taste of Dublin: The Recipes will go towards Dublin Simon Community

We are delighted to be launching our 20th anniversary programme of celebrations with this unique cookbook, Taste of Dublin, CEO, Equinox Events, Jo Mathews, said.

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable labour of love to produce, and I want to sincerely thank all those who kindly contributed their time and immense talent to create this exceptional collection of recipes.

The cookbook is complemented by mouth-watering photography as well as insightful anecdotes from our stellar line-up of chefs, some of whom have been with us at the festival from year one.

We are proud to be partnering with Dublin Simon Community with a portion of each book sale going towards their vital work.

We look forward to the festival in June and celebrating this milestone occasion with all involved.

Taste of Dublin: The Recipes will be available for 17.50 to pre-order for click and collect at the festival, taking place at Merrion Square on June 12 to 15
Kerry County Council said the project proposed for a site in Listowel would result in a substandard residential development

Permission has been refused for the construction of 12 houses in Listowel on the basis that it would be contrary to the proper planning of the area.

Kerry County Council refused an application for the semi-detached three-bedroom homes to be built at Dun Alainn, Clieveragh, on Monday, April 28.

The planning authority denied permission for the housing development, including associated services and site development works, for two reasons.

The authority said it was not satisfied that surface water could be adequately managed within the curtilage of the site, based on the detail submitted in relation to surface/storm water drainage.

It said the proposed project would result in a substandard residential development which would seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity due to a lack of provision of adequate public open space and inadequate provision of off-street car parking.

The refused application was submitted by Dublin-based company Homeland DAL Ltd in October last year. Its proposed development would have been built on a site to the rear of Cashen Court in Dun Alainn, located on the Clieveragh Road to Ballydonoghue.

The planning application was subject to several letters from local residents after it was submitted to the county council.

The residents voiced serious concerns about the potential for a new housing development at Dun Alainn to worsen existing issues in the area.

One resident claimed the stream proposed for water overflow from the development is not sufficient. A second resident said the proposed development would increase the likelihood of serious flooding, like which occurred in June 2023, and damage their property.

They said foul water and sewage from an existing development has entered the water course running along their land and continues to do so in normal conditions. Another resident said sewerage problems have remained unresolved for several houses at Dun Alainn, suggesting underlying issues with the sewerage infrastructure.

The same resident said there is a street lighting issue at Cashen Court which has yet to be resolved despite attempted repair attempt, making the nearby T-junction particularly unsafe.

Clieveragh & Bedford and Estates Residents Association called for infrastructural improvements to be put in place before the occupation of any new houses in the area.

The association claimed that there has been many near misses on the section of the R552 approaching the junction to Dun Alain and called for road safety infrastructure to be urgently installed.

It said 60 new homes were occupied in Dun Alainn last year without any provision for pedestrian safety and noted that a new development would increase risks.
A team from Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine won the Mixed/Large Group Environmental Prize at the recent 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. Photographed L-R: Patricia Holbein (teacher), Kate McGann, Sadhbh Sheehy, Laura Patotzki, Colleen Galvin, Fionan O'Sullivan and John O'Sullivan (teacher).

Kenmare students secured a large cash prize for their school when they were awarded for the positive impact they have made on their locality.

A team of students from Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine won the Mixed/Large Group Environmental Prize at the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, winning 2,000 for their school.

The winning team was recognised for the positive impact it made on the local community through a project focused on the problem of unsustainable pair trawling in Kenmare Bay.

The students were announced as award winners at the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards ceremony at Croke Park on April 29.

Patricia Holbein, teacher at Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine, said it was great for the students hard work over the last two years to be recognised.

Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine teacher John OSullivan said the project really inspired and empowered students, giving them the self-confidence and belief in their own abilities.

The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards celebrate schools making a positive impact on their community, centred on three key pillars of activity: Environmental, Social, and Financial.

These pillars encompass a wide range of activities that contribute to the betterment of communities, including volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns, mentoring, peer education, skills-sharing, and environmental conservation.

Orlaith Ryan, chief customer officer at AIB, congratulated the winning Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine students and other award winners, selected from 124 submissions.

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by schools and young people across Ireland through the AIB Future Sparks School Impact programme, Ms Ryan said,

These awards not only offer students a chance to engage in a new form of learning outside of the regular syllabus, but also inspire students to continue to make a positive impact on their local communities.
FDC Accountants and Tax Consultants Limited announced its recent merger with Brendan Fitzgerald Accountants. The FDC Group employs more than 550 employees across 49 offices in Ireland.

This homegrown Irish business is described as a trusted advisor for local communities across the country, closely connected to the concerns, demands and future of its clients.

FDC specialises in the services of Accounting, Tax and Legal, Financial Services, Agri Consultancy, Management Accounting, Advisory, Banking, Audit, Training and Client Business IT Solutions.

Operating out of its established base in Castle Street, Tralee, Brendan Fitzgerald founded the practice in 1990. Driven by a dedicated and professional staff, and by continuously putting professional and personalised client service to the fore, the business grew over the following three decades to now offer a broad range of taxation and accounting services across a diverse number of industries.

Regarding the recent acquisition, Brendan said after over 30 years in practice, he is delighted to have secured the continuation of a personalised and professional service to clients through this acquisition by FDC Group.

It gives me great comfort to know that my clients will continue to receive a dedicated and excellent service from FDC, while also allowing them to avail of the additional suite of services that FDC has to offer, he said.

Additionally, I am pleased to share that my dedicated team will transfer to FDC, ensuring continuity and familiarity for my valued clients. Reflecting on over three decades in practice in Tralee, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my client base for their trust, support and valued business. I wish them every success in the future with FDC, he added.

Regional Manager of FDC Group, Claire Hanrahan, said she is looking to the future with great confidence saying.

Through our financial services and tax planning teams, we are excited to offer an expanded range of services. Under the guidance of Mike Rohan and Shane OCallaghan, we are confident that the clients of this esteemed practice will receive exceptional care and expertise into the future, she said.

Mike Rohan Area Manager of the office in Tralee stated the merger enables them to offer our extensive range of services to an expanded client base, while Shane OCallaghan said building on Brendan Fitzgerald's trusted reputation, clients will receive the same dedication to excellence.

As FDC expands its geographical network to better serve business clients across Ireland, it remains committed to delivering the same high standard of personalised service while continuously growing its workforce and enhancing knowledge and expertise.
As Ireland's rental accommodation crisis deepens, hundreds of pet owners are being forced to surrender their beloved animals when they can't find pet-friendly homes

Leading charity Dogs Trust Ireland says too many renters are being forced to choose between keeping their dog and finding a new home. They have recently launched a petition to urge the government to change the law and stop allowing blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements. Dogs Trust believes Ireland's current rental laws do not provide enough protection for tenants who are dog owners and want the law to change to introduce fairer rules for renters with pets, while making sure landlords and their properties are also protected.
The starting point for the Thurles event is The Dome, Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, (E41 V656), at 4.15am

The starting point for the Thurles event is The Dome, Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, (E41 V656), at 4.15am

A picture from last year's Darkness into Light walk in aid of mental health awareness, shared by Denise O'Connor

Denise O'Connor from Tipperary was inspired to take part in the Darkness into Light walk after she helped save the life of a friend in a self-harming incident in Dublin

A Tipperary woman has opened up about her experience with suicide, as she prepares to join thousands taking part in this weekends Darkness Into Light walks.

Denise OConnor was inspired to take part in the Thurles walk after she helped save the life of a friend who attempted to take their own life.

I used to live with an owner occupier and he went through a really, really, dark time at one point, she explained. Unfortunately, he did attempt, and we were lucky enough to save him.

"So it is very close to my heart because I did live with this experience during my years in Dublin. Were so lucky that we got there in time.

Denise had to phone 999 after they found him. The ambulance came just in time to save him.

It was kind of heartbreaking that he wanted to leave the world. I think its really important to make people aware that there are people you can talk to. You have the Samaritans, you have counselling. Its not the only way out.

The starting point for the Thurles event is The Dome, Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, (E41 V656), at 4.14am

People are there to help. Help is a very important word. Its a four letter word. Once you say it, it can just be a release.

Denise, who is from Cashel, took part in last years walk too, and she can see how it helps survivors, and families who are impacted.

I think when you see a massive community coming together, and people getting up - taking time out of their weekend, most people are socialising on a Friday night  but these people are getting up at 3am, 4am in the morning to go out and walk, to acknowledge people who seem to think theres no other way out.

They say the darkest hour is the one just before the dawn, and for those who take part, the walk can become a spiritual experience.

Its just so, so amazing, how many people come out. I did it last year and it was amazing. It felt great. You are heading towards the sunlight and the light. You start off and its pitch dark out.

When you see the sunrise, at the end of it you realise theres a new day ahead and new possibilities. Now I was absolutely wrecked after it. Theres always brightness and the sun will rise again. Its just so important to not let the dark times get you down which can be the case for so many people in the world, said Denise.

Supporters can help keep Pieta's essential services free and available to anyone who needs them by donating now to help them reach their fundraising goals.

Every euro counts. A small donation can make a big impact, added Denise. Together, we can light up the darkness and create a brighter future for everyone. Thank you so much for your support.

A sunrise of last year's Darkness into Light walk, shared by Denise O'Connor

Darkness Into Light 2025 in Thurles on Saturday, May 10 will raise vital funds for Pieta and people affected by suicide and self-harm.

The starting point for the Thurles event is The Dome, Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows, Thurles, (E41 V656), at 4.15am. Donations can be made to darknessintolight.ie.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; or call Pieta on Freephone 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
Daa say it is investing in Cork airport, not the Governement

Waterford Airport needs just 12m to bring it back into full commercial use, but so far the Government hasn't signed off on the deal, while last week 200m was announced for Cork Airport

Waterford representatives have reacted furiously to the news that 200m has been announced towards Cork Airport but not one penny towards the 12m needed to upgrade Waterford Airport.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has added insult to injury this week by announcing a 200 million capital investment for Cork Airport while still refusing to commit just 12 million to complete the runway extension at Waterford Airport, said SF TD Conor McGuinness.

However, the daa (Dublin Airport Authority) have clarified to the Irish Independent that the 200 million will be invested by the daa Group itself, and is not formed of government investment.

Daa spokesperson Kevin Cullinane said, Some TDs and former TDs in Waterford have incorrectly attributed the funding to the Government given the Taoiseach launched the plan at Cork Airport last Friday afternoon. However, the funds are coming entirely from daas own reserves with the exception of the planned solar farm which may be eligible for grant support.

The funding announcement, coming just days after Government unveiled a 2 billion Luas light rail plan for Cork, has caused deep frustration across Waterford and the south east, according to Deputy McGuinness. The decision to fund the runway extension at Waterford Airport was made in 2019 by former Transport Minister Shane Ross.

I was present at a meeting when he made the announcement, said Deputy David Cullinane. The funding never came. Instead we have seen excuse after excuse and hurdle after hurdle put in the way. For Micheal Martin to say well take one project at a time as 200m is approved for Cork and Waterford left waiting is nauseating.

Once again, the region has been left behind, without a single cent of capital funding for the airport, without funding for long-overdue safety works on the N25, and with absolutely no investment for the N24 corridor, continued Deputy McGuinness, who said the contrast in investment was stark and shameful.

This Government has the money when it suits - but only if youre in Micheal Martins backyard. The 200 million announced for Cork Airport dwarfs the 12 million needed to complete the Waterford runway extension, which has planning permission in place and regional funding secured. Theres no excuse for this delay. Its a clear political decision to neglect Waterford.

All we need is for the Government to listen and act. Instead, theyve committed billions to Cork, while Waterford Airport is ignored, the N25 remains dangerous and underfunded, the N24 is left behind, and regional roads such as the R671 are passed over for funding. Its not just unfair - its a strategic failure that undermines the entire south east.

Political and economic travesty

Former independent TD Matt Shanahan said the Waterford Airport project review was completed last August. The Department unsurprisingly made no recommendation to support other than to suggest a deeper review process was needed for them to re-evaluate value for money and ongoing risk trajectory, said Mr Shanahan.

This expert assessment coming from the same Department who have spent 40m extra to deliver a less capable national search and rescue service opting for helicopters with less operational capability, and two 20-year-old planes that cannot take a stretchered patient to UK hospitals - this service is now being met by a private multimillion additional contract every year.

What is happening in Waterford is a political and economic travesty. We have had to fight for decades for any semblance of appropriate healthcare. Our third level ambitions have been crushed with an amalgamation that is starved of any meaningful funding required to solve our regional brain drain, said Mr Shanahan.

Our port and airport aspirations are being deliberately torpedoed and our regional connectivity is restricted to N24/N25 routes which have not seen any investment in over 20 years.

Our region lags the national economy by half in FDI job creation, 25pc less in jobs value, 20pc less in disposable income than the east coast region and we underperform significantly in income tax and corporation tax receipts.

Nothing is being offered to Waterford Airport to help develop or spur tourism or jobs development in the county and south east region, said former TD Matt Shanahan

In aviation the last Government programme approved 180m in emergency aviation supports, but Waterford did not receive a penny from this funding.

Between 2020 and 2023, 124m was paid specifically to support regional airports - Waterford Airport received 375,000 - this a payment overhang from a 2019 funding agreement. Nothing was awarded from the programme 2020-2024, said Mr Shanahan.

In the past three weeks Government announced over 400m for the Ringaskiddy bypass while withdrawing 8m in project finance for N24 bend upgrades - this Cork roads investment coming with a further promise to begin activity for a 1 billion light rail track to Cork metropolitan area.

Some 200m is now being advanced to Cork Airport to support regional enterprise and development, yet nothing is being offered to Waterford airport to help develop or spur tourism or jobs development in our county and region, said Mr Shanahan.

The south east gets on average less than one third of what it should receive in Government managed annual capital investment - this 30pc figure is embedded in state spending to Waterford and the south east since 2009.

Slowly starved

In the last programme of Government this amounted to 3 billion of capital investment deferred to other parts of the country - imagine what this money could have delivered?

For anyone not paying attention, we pay exactly the same taxes and state charges but 30pc of a fair return is all that is deemed appropriate by consecutive spending programmes within departments. Waterford is the population centre and regional economic driver of the south east - it is being slowly starved. This is affecting families, businesses, our public services and our futures.

It is denying equal opportunity to our kids. By this denial, greater opportunity elsewhere is promoted at our childrens expense. Waterford needs to find its voice. It is not the voice of political grandstanders who stand outside the system, highlighting deficits and happy to score political points but in reality not pushing in support to any successful conclusion.

Nor is it the voice of the anaemic soundbites emanating from those inside the system, publicly straining whenever questioned but ultimately devoid or unable to exert any key influence, continued Mr Shanahan.

Waterfords voice must be heard. We cannot remain silent and think that others will deliver the change we seek. We can lay blame on our politicians, but we should blame ourselves - we picked them. We can lay blame on the system but the system doesnt need to care and it refuses to hear us.

We need a coming together in a new way to meet our present challenges and those that are building as we speak. We need a voice that is representative of all our people, that is apolitical but that includes our business and civic leadership.

We must build capacity to carry our message not alone to Government, but to department officials also who for too long have remained out of sight and unaccountable for their policy agendas. We cannot go quietly into the night, concluded Mr Shanahan.
Saura, Willy and Eabha Murphy at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Margaret Mary Byrne and Rosaleen Mullen at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Adele Hogan, Rev Natasha Quinn-Thomas and Maura Mowatt at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Maureen Murphy and Celine McCabe at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Rita Byrne, Olive Harte and Beth Holmes at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Sisters Daphne Fox and Joan Hill at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Ann Broekhoeven, Tracey Byrne and Ann Connolly at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Organisers Susan Speidel, Tracey Kerr, Margart Hill and Liz Wilson at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Cllr Orla Finn with Delgany ICA president Margaret Ryan at the coffee morning for Alzheimers at St Kilian's House in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Ciara and Jake Carroll, Emma and James Chandler, Susan and Peter Speidel and Siobhan Brassington at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Jean McArdle, Susan and Tom Naughton, Mary Sheerin, Sarah and Johnny Carroll and Susan Speidel at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Lagor Mantinenco, Joanne Kearney, Aisling Kelly, Oisin Kelly, Natasha Kelly, Mary Harmon and Sheila Whelan. at the coffee morning in S. John's Caring Centre, Hacketstown in aid of Alzheimer's. Photo: Joe Byrne

Joyce Boland, Suzanne and Sean Tobin and Meg Elliott at the tea party for Alzheimers at Christ Church in Delgany. Photo: Leigh Anderson

While it was officially a Tea Day for the Alzheimers Society of Ireland, whether you opted for a coffee morning or tea party didnt really matter, as the community came out in their droves across Wicklow to partake in the annual fundraiser and social event for the society on Friday, May 2.

As always, St Killian House Family Resource Centre was the venue for the event in Greystones once more, as the towns Tea Day kicked off nice and early at 10am.

Over in Christ Church, in Delgany, there was a great turnout for the charity fundraiser, which began at 10.30am where all present indulged in some sweet treats, tea and coffee, and enjoyed the positive vibes, which is what the event is all about  taking a pause and enjoying the company.

Meanwhile, clients, volunteers and community members enjoyed a fantastic day at St Johns Caring Centre in Hacketstown, when it hosted a coffee morning that raised nearly 500 for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

With people coming and going throughout the morning, the joyous event saw attendees enjoy a range of cakes baked by centre volunteers to go with their teas and coffees.

Centre manager Sheila Whelan, who oversees St Johns care for the elderly, providing meals three days a week and a colossal number of meals on wheels to people in Hacketstown and its surrounding areas, said she was delighted with the funds raised.

We raised nearly 500, which was brilliant for one morning, she said.

We just advertised it locally, and the local community came out in force, and it wasnt necessarily just clients at the centre  anyone and everyone was welcome. The coffee, tea and cakes were done by the volunteers here at the centre, and we had a beautiful day for it. Just a great morning altogether.

The funds raised from Tea Day go towards the many services The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides to those living with dementia.
Wicklow TD Edward Timmins has spoken up about why he has agreed to be an advocate for the thousands of heart disease and stroke patients in his constituency.

Ten thousand lives a year are claimed by CVD, Irelands biggest killer, accounting for almost 30pc of all mortality. In Wicklow, 18,000 people live with the disease, which causes a wide range of heart conditions.

Nationally, 80,000 CVD patients are discharged home every year  or one every seven minutes. However, despite the enormous toll of death and infirmity, Ireland has not had a CVD disease policy for over five years.

A new Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group has recently been set up to build consensus across the political spectrum to support these abandoned patients  and thereby deliver huge reductions in preventable death and disability.

Deputy Timmins has joined this group and spoke about the inspiration behind that decision.

There was a presentation in Leinster House and I know of a lot of cases, of men in particular, but also women, where people developed heart issues which could lead to heart attacks, particularly in the 50s age bracket.

I believe these situations are preventable with the proper screening in place. Also a lot of people are developing strokes, which could be prevented through a greater level of awareness out there about issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

People need to be more proactive in getting screened and seeing their doctor. People with chest pains should attend A&E, where you will be treated immediately. Its so important to attend A&E and if you are suffering from chest pain they will see you straight away.

People often put it down to something like a stretched muscle, but it is vitally important that you dont ignore signs such as chest pain, and take the required measures to ensure your health is in check.

Ireland has the lowest number of cardiologists per capita in the EU and there is a critical need for investment in cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI.

Director of advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation Chris Macey said: The absence of a policy framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of CVD, along with services that maximise patients health and wellbeing in the community, is preventing the development of lifesaving services.

In addition, for those discharged from hospital, access to cardiac and stroke rehabilitation remains inadequate, they are also struggling due to the high costs associated with having a CVD condition and the widespread absence of psychological support to deal with the trauma of having a stroke, heart attack or other heart disease diagnosis.

The Irish Heart Foundation is also asking the Oireachtas heart and stroke group to support action to increase awareness, treatment and control of high blood pressure which affects 1.5 million people in Ireland and is the biggest risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The charity is also calling for the implementation of the National Stroke Strategy to ensure stroke survivors are admitted to dedicated stroke units, which reduce death and severe disability.

Greater investment in cardiac rehabilitation programmes is also needed, which can reduce deaths from heart disease by at least a fifth, but which are understaffed and under-resourced nationwide.

Mr Macey said that for the first time in several years, the Irish Heart Foundation is optimistic about the future prospects of heart patients and stroke survivors.

The sector is united. It has a vision that can address current deficits and futureproof services for the rapid upsurge in heart disease and stroke due to our expanding and ageing population, he said.

This can deliver big reductions in preventable death and disability, through more cost- effective services, but it can only be achieved if policymakers make CVD a national health priority in the midst of so many crucial competing needs across our health services and our population.
Kneecap have great integrity, I am so proud of them  presenter Doireann Ni Ghlacain on the Irish language, culture and her new RTE show

TV presenter Doireann Ni Ghlacain talks about the Irish language, supporting Kneecap, the challenges for young people in Ireland today and her new RTE show, Tracks and Trails

Doireann Ni Ghlacain presents RTE's 'Tracks and Trails'. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Kirsty Blake Knox Tue 6 May 2025 at 03:30

Growing up, Doireann Ni Ghlacain (31) had a feeling that she and her family were different.
The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey has said it is important to have gendered award categories in order to recognise women in the film and TV industry.

The 21-year-old shot to fame playing Lyanna Mormont in hit HBO series Game Of Thrones, and now stars as Ellie alongside Pedro Pascal in the TV adaptation of popular video game The Last Of Us.

Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary, said they did not take offence to being nominated for an Emmy award in the female category adding they dont really care about their pronouns and that it is important to have male and female award categories to preserve recognition for women in the industry.

Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ramsey said: I think its so important that thats preserved as well, recognition for women in the industry is preserved.

I think the gendered categories conversation is a really interesting one and I dont have the answer, and I wish that there was something that was an easy way around it, but I think that it is really important that we have a female category and a male category.

But then where do non-binary or gender non-conforming people fit into that? I dont know. Ive thought about, Ive literally sat and tried to think my way to the answer and havent got there.

The actor also said they used to reject the term non-binary to avoid being seen as trendy.

Ramsey added: My thing at the moment is call me how you see me. Im so aware that I get into a taxi and the taxi guys gonna call me she. Its just a natural thing that happens in your brain which I completely get.

Ive never been strict about they/them because I think I just dont really care. Also, Im very comfortable in who I am. I know how important it is for other people, but for me its not as important right now.

Bella Ramsey (Ian West/PA)

Theres been a lot of times Im 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 didnt want it to be trendy. Its been very obvious since I was young.

I always called myself a tomboy, but it wasnt that I was a boyish girl, I was always like a bit of an in-between. Leaning most to 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 dont feel like I have access to femininity. I think when Im trying to avoid being perceived as a woman in my everyday life, the idea of me exploring femininity in any way feels like, that doesnt serve my purpose. You know what I mean? I feel a bit like sad about that sometimes, but I think its also a journey.

The second series of The Last Of Us was released in April and stars Ramsey and Pascal in a post-apocalyptic world.

Ramsey won the best young performer Bafta award in 2019 for their role in The Worst Witch, a CBBC drama about a school for witches, and received an Emmy nomination in 2023 for their role in The Last Of Us, but lost out to Successions Sarah Snook.

The Louis Theroux Podcast is available on Spotify and all podcast platforms.
Netanyahu says new attack will be intensive and Palestinians will be moved south

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday an expanded offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas would be intensive after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.

However, an Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US president Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.
Call Her Alex OTT Release Date: From a self-conscious kid to the queen of unfiltered conversations, Alex Cooper bares it all in her upcoming documentary. The much-awaited series titled Call Her Alex is all set to premiere on Hulu (JioHotstar in India) on June 10, 2025. Before hitting the streaming world, the series will have its big moment at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8.

For international fans, the docuseries will also be available to stream on Disney+, making sure Alex Coopers journey reaches her global Daddy Gang.

What is Call Her Alex all about?

Youve heard her spill the rawest, most unfiltered truths about dating, relationships, and mental health on Call Her Daddy. But now, its time to flip the mic. Call Her Alex is a two-part docuseries that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into Alex Coopers real life - the vulnerable parts, the career-defining decisions, and the personal struggles that shaped one of the most powerful voices in podcasting today.

From growing up a self-conscious girl in Pennsylvania to becoming the CEO of a media empire in just six years, Alex opens up like never before. Speaking about the series, Cooper shared, Its a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that shaped me  the raw, the messy, the personal stuff Ive never felt comfortable sharing until now. I hope that by bringing people along for this part of my journey, theyll feel both more connected to my life and more empowered in their own.

Whos behind the camera?

The series is directed by Ry Russo-Young, the filmmaker known for HBOs Nuclear Family. And in true boss-woman style, Alexs own production company, Unwell Productions, is backing the project. Its executive produced by Russo-Young, Braden Bochner, Christopher Foss, and features Holly Siegel as the producer. Hulu locked in the docuseries deal in partnership with Lionsgate on behalf of Unwell.

In case youve been living under a podcast-free rock, Alex launched Call Her Daddy in 2018 under Barstool Sports. The show skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its unfiltered, no-holds-barred takes on sex, relationships, and modern dating.

By 2021, she struck a major deal with Spotify. And in 2024, Alex inked a $125 million multiyear agreement with SiriusXM, making her one of the highest-paid podcasters ever. Apart from the docuseries, Cooper is now also venturing into reality TV. Shell soon be seen producing Overboard for Love, a dating show for Hulu, which is bound to carry her signature spicy-yet-empowering tone.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2 OTT Release Date: Get ready for another emotional rollercoaster as Netflix's teen drama, My Life with the Walter Boys, is officially returning with Season 2. According to Whats on Netflix, the streaming date is fixed to be August 21, 2025. And if you thought Jackies story ended with a heartfelt goodbye in Season 1, think again. Theres a whole new chapter of love triangles, messy emotions, and small-town drama waiting to unfold.

What happened in My Life with the Walter Boys Season 1?

Jackie Howard (played by Nikki Rodriguez) was a New York City girl living her best, organised life until tragedy struck. She loses her entire immediate family in a car accident and is forced to move to Colorado to live with her mothers best friend, Katherine Walter. But the Walter household isnt your average cosy home - its packed with 12 kids, 7 of whom are rowdy teenage boys.

As Jackie tries to adjust to this whirlwind environment, she finds herself caught between two very different Walter brothers: sweet and sensitive Alex (Ashby Gentry) and the brooding, unpredictable Cole (Noah LaLonde). The 10-episode season ends on an emotional note, with Jackie walking away from both brothers and returning to New York, leaving just a letter behind.

What to expect from My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2?

My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off. Jackie is back in New York, but for how long? And whats next for her tangled relationship with Cole and Alex?

Heres what we know so far:

The emotional stakes are higher. Jackie will be forced to face her feelings, not run from them.

Expect more growth, not just from Jackie, but from the Walter brothers, too.

Creator Melanie Halsall has teased that Season 2 will dive deeper into the core characters, giving us more of the drama, love, and chaos fans fell in love with.

One of the most talked-about moments? Actor Ashby Gentry (Alex) has even admitted he might be switching sides, hinting in interviews that hes Team Cole this time around. That alone has fans buzzing.

This season, youll see your favourites again, including Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie, Noah LaLonde as Cole Walter, Ashby Gentry as Alex Walter, Sarah Rafferty as Katherine Walter, plus the rest of the lovable (and sometimes frustrating) Walter siblings. Excited about My Life with the Walter Boys Season 2? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires OTT Release Date - The wait is finally over, Zeddison fans! Get ready to dive back into the magical town of Seabrook, because Disneys much-loved franchise Zombies is back with its fourth and possibly most thrilling chapter yet, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. The film will first air on Disney Channel on July 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM (ET/PT). A day later, itll be available to stream on Disney+ (JioHotstar in India) starting July 11, 2025.

Whats the plot of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires?

Zed (played by Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly) are back, but not as students this time. In Zombies 4, our favourite couple heads to a summer camp as counsellors, looking forward to a chill break. But peace is the last thing theyll get.

The camp turns out to be the new hotspot for supernatural drama, as they discover two new groups hiding in the woods: the Vampires, led by the mysterious and charming Victor (played by Malachi Barton), and the Daywalkers, led by the fierce and fearless Nova (played by newcomer Freya Skye).

These groups arent exactly on good terms; theyve got centuries of tension and secrets between them. And guess who gets caught in the middle of all that? Yep, Zed and Addison. Once again, theyll have to work together to bring unity and understanding to the world of monsters while dealing with their own relationship, responsibilities, and wild twists.

Zombies 4 will feature nine brand-new original tracks, with a mix of pop, EDM, and rock, totally in sync with the vampire vibe. The film also brings back fan-favourite tunes like Someday and Aint No Doubt About It with a fresh twist. The first song to drop from the movie, titled The Place to Be, is already live on streaming platforms.

Unlike previous Zombie movies shot in Canada, this time, the movie was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand. Apart from the iconic duo Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires also stars Malachi Barton as Victor (the vampire leader), Freya Skye as Nova (the daywalker queen), Chandler Kinney, Kylee Russell and Trevor Tordjman, among others.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Delhi schools' summer holidays date announced: Summer holidays are always an exciting time, especially for students. Its that time of year when children finally get a break from their school routine and can enjoy time with family, travel, hobbies, or simply rest at home. The summer vacation 2025 for Delhi school students has now been officially announced, and here is everything you need to know about the schedule.

Why Summer Holidays Matter for Students

Summer holidays play a vital role in every students life. Its not just a break from school, but a chance for children to relax, recharge, and enjoy their favourite activities. Since summer is the hottest season in India, schools remain closed for a long stretch to protect students from the harsh heat.

During summer vacation in Delhi, kids love eating mangoes and ice cream, going on family trips, playing games, and spending quality time at home. It is a joyful time where they dont have to worry about studies, exams, or early morning routines.

Benefits of Summer Vacation 2025

The Delhi school summer vacation 2025 is a welcome break for both students and teachers. After a year full of exams, classes, and homework, students often feel mentally and physically tired. Summer holidays help them regain their energy and return to school with a fresh mind and positive attitude.

This time off also allows children to explore new interests like drawing, dancing, reading, or sports. Some students join summer camps or take part in fun learning activities.

Delhi Government Announces Summer Vacation 2025 Dates

The Delhi Government has officially declared the schedule for summer vacation 2025 in all government and government-aided schools. According to the notification, the summer break will begin on May 11, 2025 and end on June 30, 2025, making it a total of 51 days. Regular classes in Delhi schools will resume on July 1, 2025.

However, teachers will be required to attend school for important tasks from June 28 to June 30, 2025. This gives them time to prepare for the new academic session.

Other Holidays for Delhi Schools in 2025

Apart from summer vacation 2025, the Delhi school calendar includes several other holidays:

Autumn Break: September 29 to October 1, 2025

September 29 to October 1, 2025 Winter Vacation: January 1 to January 15, 2025

Students will also get preparatory breaks before exams and additional holidays depending on their school's academic calendar.

List of Gazetted Holidays for Delhi Schools in 2025

Here are some of the key gazetted holidays for Delhi schools in 2025:

S.No. Holiday Date Day 1. Republic Day January 26 Sunday 2. Maha Shivaratri February 26 Wednesday 3. Holi March 14 Friday 4. Id-ul-Fitr March 31 Monday 5. Mahavir Jayanti April 10 Thursday 6. Good Friday April 18 Friday 7. Buddha Purnima May 12 Monday 8. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) June 7 Saturday 9. Muharram July 6 Sunday 10. Independence Day August 15 Friday 11. Janmashtami August 16 Saturday 12. Milad-un-Nabi September 5 Friday 13. Gandhi Jayanti October 2 Thursday 14. Dussehra October 2 Thursday 15. Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti October 7 Tuesday 16. Diwali October 20 Monday 17. Guru Nanak Jayanti November 5 Wednesday 18. Christmas December 25 Thursday

Important Guidelines for Delhi Schools in 2025

The Delhi school calendar also comes with guidelines to maintain academic standards during the year:

1. An in-house meeting of all the Assistant teachers (Nursery & Primary) should be organised every month

2. OPAC meeting and implementation of OPAC in the concerned schools.

3. Subject-wise timetable should be implemented in all the classes.

4. Assessment of students should be done in the last week of each month and entered in the CPT module by

last working day of each month.

5. Art should be integrated in regular classroom teaching, and the data should be entered by the teachers

and verified by HoS by the last working day of each month.

6. Classroom games should be introduced in the Pre-Primary and Primary classes, and there should be

regular classes for classroom games.

7. Report of Monthly activities should be sent to the Nursery Primary Branch at pryblog2019@gmail.com

with good-quality photograph

The summer vacation 2025 for Delhi schools is not just a break from classes, but a valuable opportunity for children to grow, relax, and enjoy life beyond textbooks. Parents can also use this time to bond with their children, plan trips, or involve them in creative learning experiences.

Whether you plan to travel, stay indoors, or try something new, make the most of this year's summer holidays!

Note: Dates may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
India and Japan reaffirmed their growing defence cooperation during a high-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, in New Delhi. The discussions, which took place just six months after their last meeting in Laos, focused on joint efforts in defence production, emerging technologies, and regional security.

Ceremonial welcome for Japanese defence chief

General Nakatani was welcomed with full military honours in the national capital. A ceremonial Tri-Services Guard of Honour was accorded to him, and he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in tribute to Indias fallen heroes. This marked the beginning of his official visit ahead of the bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment.

Solidarity over Pahalgam terror attack

Rajnath Singh began the meeting by thanking the Japanese government for its strong expression of solidarity after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. He recalled his earlier meeting with Nakatani in Laos in November 2024 and expressed confidence that the growing relationship would reach new heights.

Praise for strengthening defence partnership

Rajnath Singh commended Nakatani for his critical role in deepening Indo-Japan defence relations. He noted the significance of key agreements signed during Nakatanis earlier tenure, including the Defence Equipment and Technical Cooperation Agreement and the Protection of Military Information Agreement. Singh added that with Nakatani back in charge, cooperation is expected to scale up further.

India eyes Japanese tech for engine co-production

A major takeaway from the meeting was the discussion on co-producing next-generation engines for fighter jets and tanks. India is looking to tap into Japans long-standing experience in building tanks and aero-engines, which dates back nearly a century. Rajnath Singh highlighted the capabilities of Indias defence industry and pitched for collaboration in these high-technology sectors.

Push for emerging technologies and industrial cooperation

The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in new-age domains like Artificial Intelligence, automation, and defence technology innovation. Rajnath Singh cited examples such as Indias defence shipyards maintaining US warships as proof of Indias growing strength in maintenance and overhaul services. Industrial collaboration is now set to extend into niche and futuristic areas.

Focus on cyber and space as strategic frontiers

Both ministers decided to work closely in the fields of cyber security and outer spacetwo increasingly critical areas in modern warfare. These new frontiers of cooperation aim to strengthen the technological edge of both countries in ensuring national and regional security.

Maritime security in the Indo-pacific

Maritime security featured as a key component of the talks. Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani reaffirmed the need to bolster joint efforts in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to add new dimensions to their already strong maritime cooperation, reflecting the shared strategic vision of both countries.

Strengthening a long-term strategic bond

A press release from Indias Ministry of Defence reiterated that the India-Japan friendship gained fresh energy after being elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security have since become crucial pillars of the bilateral relationship. The growing convergence in outlook, especially on regional peace and security, is driving the expanding defence partnership.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Civil mock drills May 7, 2025: India will conduct its first nationwide civil defence mock drill since 1971 on May 7, 2025. The exercise will cover 244 districts across all states and union territories. It is ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs; this drill plans to improve emergency preparedness. This has been planned because of rising India-Pakistan tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

What is the May 7, 2025, civil defence mock drill?

The civil defence mock drill on May 7 is a major preparedness exercise. It will imitate war-like emergency situations. These include blackouts, air raid sirens, evacuations, and public safety training. The goal is to ensure readiness for such critical scenarios.

Local authorities, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers, and civilians will participate in this. This historic mock drill marks a revival of Cold War-era preparedness.

 List of 244 districts where the Civil Defence Mock drills will be conducted tomorrow (May 7).  pic.twitter.com/asmQe7RucD  Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) May 6, 2025

Why is India conducting this nationwide blackout drill?

The civil drill comes after rising tensions with Pakistan. This follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians. Officials stress that the exercise does not signal an imminent conflict. But, it is a strategic move. The goal is to plan civil defence readiness against new and complex geopolitical threats.

How are the 244 districts categorized for the civil mock drills?

India has 244 civil defence districts. These will take part in nationwide civil mock drills on May 7, 2025. The districts are divided into three groups. The grouping is based on strategic importance, threat perception, and how vulnerable the areas are. This helps in planning better.

Category 1: 13 districts considered highest risk due to proximity to international borders and critical infrastructure.

13 districts considered highest risk due to proximity to international borders and critical infrastructure. Category 2: 201 districts with moderate threat levels.

201 districts with moderate threat levels. Category 3: 45 districts with relatively lower threat but included for inclusive coverage.

States like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat get special attention. The drills will test important civil defence measures. These include air raid sirens, blackout procedures etc.

Key activities in the civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025

Below are key activities in the Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 7, 2025 listed:

Air Raid Sirens Activation : Test air raid sirens to warn civilians of aerial threats.

: Test air raid sirens to warn civilians of aerial threats. Crash Blackouts : Imitate blackouts by turning off city lights to reduce vulnerability to night-time airstrikes.

: Imitate blackouts by turning off city lights to reduce vulnerability to night-time airstrikes. Evacuation Drills : Practice civilian evacuation to ensure efficient emergency response.

: Practice civilian evacuation to ensure efficient emergency response. Camouflage Exercises : Conceal major installations like power plants and communication hubs for protection.

: Conceal major installations like power plants and communication hubs for protection. Control Room Readiness: Test communication links and control room operations for coordination.

These activities will involve coordination with state and district authorities and extend to vulnerable border states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.

What to expect during the civil drill?

Citizens in the affected districts may face temporary disruptions. These could include power cuts, mobile network suspensions, and traffic diversions. Police and paramilitary forces will imitate war-like scenarios. This will help test coordination and response efficiency.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
iQOO Neo 10 teased to launch in India: For Indian iQOO enthusiasts, the wait is almost over. There is a noticeable buzz when the company confirms the release of its newest smartphone, the iQOO Neo 10. We have a sneak peek at the phone's clean and contemporary appearance thanks to the company's recent design teasers.

Both smartphone users and tech enthusiasts are getting more excited as the debut approaches. What can we anticipate from this novel gadget? In the cutthroat Indian smartphone market, how can it differentiate itself?

We'll go over the most recent information on the iQOO Neo 10 debut in India in this post, along with what to expect.

iQOO Neo 10 teased in India

 iQOO India (@IqooInd) May 5, 2025

With a photograph that displays a dual-tone appearance and a striking combination of brilliant orange and white colors, iQOO has hinted at the smartphone's design. It is anticipated that the device will have two rear cameras in addition to a light ring.

The company hasn't yet disclosed the smartphone's official debut date, though. Since the Neo 7 was the last model in this category and was released in 2023, it appears like iQOO is bringing back its base Neo lineup.

Also Read: IQOO 12 price drop alert: Get it at 39,000 on Amazon  here is how to grab the deal

iQOO Neo 10 expected specifications

iQOO Neo 10 expected to come with dual rear camera, dual tone colour, and more | Credit: X

According to the official teaser that iQOO posted on the social media site X, the iQOO Neo 10 will have a dual-tone design that combines white and brilliant orange. Dual back cameras and the company's classic light ring in a square camera module are also reported to be included.

According to a recent listing of the iQOO Neo 10 on Geekbench, the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset will power it. Additionally, it comes pre-installed with Android 15 OS and 12GB of RAM.

The smartphone is most likely a rebranded version of the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro, which was introduced in China last week, based on these features. A 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED 144Hz display, a 50MP + 8MP dual-camera configuration, a 16MP front camera, and a 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging capabilities are all anticipated features of the Neo 10. It is anticipated to launch later this month and will be offered for sale on Amazon and iQOO's website.

iQOO Neo 10 expected price in India

In India, the iQOO Neo 10 is anticipated to cost less than Rs 35,000.

For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.
The Met Gala red carpet has barely warmed up, but Jennie Kim, more popularly known by her stage name Jennie, may have already claimed the crown for best-dressed of the evening. Making her much-anticipated return to fashions biggest night, the BLACKPINK star delivered a jaw-dropping entrance that had cameras flashing and fans in awe, and for good reason.

After charming audiences last year in a soft blue vintage Chanel number, Jennie has come back with a look thats bolder, sharper, and dripping with old Hollywood glamour. This time, she stepped onto the Met steps in a custom Chanel tuxedo dress that redefined power dressing with elegance. And yes, she nailed the theme.

Jennie stuns at Met Gala 2025 in a Chanel tuxedo dress

Jennie, a global brand ambassador for Chanel since 2018, rocked another dress from the brand. She stepped onto the Met steps in a custom Chanel tuxedo dress inspired by a Fall/Winter 1987 design by Karl Lagerfeld, originally worn by his muse, Ines de La Fressange.

JENNIE in a custom Chanel, inspired by Fall/Winter 1987 look by Karl Lagerfeld on his muse, Ines de La Fressange. pic.twitter.com/VQAGYPKYBD  La Mode Unknown (@LaModeUnknown) May 5, 2025

With a structured bodice, crisp pleats, and a voluminous skirt that flowed like liquid satin, the look struck the perfect balance between menswear and couture grace. The front of the skirt was open from the bottom, revealing sleek, tailored black pants underneath and classic black heels.

Jennie at Met Gala| Credit: X

Topping off the look was a wide-brimmed black hat with a clean white band, adding a touch of theatrical flair that felt like a wink to vintage French fashion and the silver screen. From the signature white camellia flower at her neckline to the strands of pearls cascading down her torso, the details on her outfit were nods to Chanels heritage.

Jennie at Met Gala| Credit: X

Fans swoon over Jennie's show-stopping look

Social media was quick to declare her a standout of the night, with fans praising the sleek styling and bold statement. They dont like Jennie because they can never be Jennie, one tweet read, referencing her recent song Like Jennie off her solo album Ruby.

Another fan wrote, "It's giving Breakfast at Tiffany's."

It's giving Breakfast at Tiffany's  jen (@labirrnth) May 5, 2025

A third fan commented, "She pulled up like the plot twist in a noir film."

she pulled up like the plot twist in a noir film  Ava Vava (@AvaTlovenotes) May 5, 2025

"She didn't come to play, this empress," mentioned another user.

She didn't come to play, this empress   (@ecentrixx) May 5, 2025

After the Met Gala, Jennie will be gearing up for her upcoming comeback with her girl group. Fans are eagerly awaiting whats next as she continues to focus on her solo and group activities. Meanwhile, her fellow members, Rose and Lisa, are also expected to attend the charity event, making it a memorable moment for BLACKPINK fans around the world.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
You would think when the literal King of Bollywood walks into the Met Gala, the world would stop for a second. But nope, when Shah Rukh Khan arrived at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom Sabyasachi fit, the foreign press greeted him with mics... and confusion. Yes, confusion.

it genuinely worries me that there are ppl out there who dont know who shah rukh khan is like pls seek help   (@tttopontop) May 6, 2025

Who is Shah Rukh Khan, asks foreign media

SRK, the man with over 30 years of superstardom and billions of fans across continents, had to introduce himself like it was an audition. I am Shah Rukh, he said, calmly and politely, like an absolute legend  even as the paparazzi scrambled cluelessly. Not one question about his legacy, just awkward nods and hurried glances.

Are you also Disappointed by Vogues Biased Coverage at the Met Gala  Our Celebrities Deserved Better#ShahRukhKhan and #KiaraAdvani didnt even get a proper camera pan at all.



Vogue continually center only a certain type of celebrity or aestheticespecially when the pic.twitter.com/C3Z7KWUURE  Redditbollywood (@redditbollywood) May 5, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan made history by making his debut at the MET Gala

He looked stunning, by the way. Clad in a regal black suit accessorised with layers of necklaces and a tiger-topped cane (because why not?), the Sabyasachi-designed ensemble screamed royalty. The designer, standing beside Shah Rukh in a red carpet chat with Vogue, even revealed how chaotic the hotel scene got when SRK stepped out  almost a stampede. But clearly, none of that mattered to the organisers.

These hosts were so unprepared, they didnt even know #ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/Umbggf3Squ  Redditbollywood (@redditbollywood) May 6, 2025

Even Vogue, the supposed champion of Met coverage, handed Shah Rukh a grand total of three seconds of screen time. Three. Seconds. Kiara Advani, who also made a striking appearance at the event, received none. Not a single frame. If you blinked, you missed the King. If you sneezed, you missed Kiara completely.

Social media, especially X and Reddit, are now in meltdown mode. One user fumed, Why are we still treated like this? Its 2025. Another called it humiliating and a third didnt hold back: The hosts had no clue who the King is. This is embarrassing for them, not us.

Lets be real, if Harry Styles or Timothee Chalamet blinked on the carpet, they would have gotten a slow-mo montage and a deep-dive analysis. But Shah Rukh Khan? The man who practically redefined global stardom? Ignored. Disrespected. Undervalued.

The Met Gala 2025 might have tailored its theme to honour Black Style, but the tailoring of respect clearly did not extend to global stars of colour. And fans are not having it. At all.
The Met Gala 2025 was already packed with drama, chaos, couture, and then Shah Rukh Khan walked in, casually dropping jaws like it was just another Tuesday. Yes, besties, King Khan finally graced the blue carpet, and not in just any outfit. The man came dressed like fashion royalty, head-to-toe in a smouldering black Sabyasachi look that screamed "global icon, but make it understated luxe."

Shah Rukh Khan at the 2025 met gala. #MetGala pic.twitter.com/FVWWtFmYVF  CountessViktoria (@CountessViktora) May 5, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan FINALLY spotted for his MET Gala 2025 debut

Forget flashy fits and over-the-top theatrics. SRK chose quiet power. His tailored black ensemble was a masterclass in less-is-more elegance, but do not be fooled, there was nothing subtle about the energy he brought. The man owned the carpet, not by doing too much, but by doing it just right.

The internet reacts to SRKs K necklace

But let us get to the moment that sent fashion Twitter (and honestly, the entire Desi internet) into a full meltdown: the necklace. Layered gold chains, yes. Drama, yes. But smack in the centre of it all was a sparkling pendant shaped like the letter K. No, it was not for Karan Johar or Koffee, it was a mic-drop tribute to his iconic title: King Khan. Period. Internet = broken.

Shah Rukh Khan with Manish Malhotra

SRK was not alone in this fashion domination. He rolled deep with Manish Malhotra, who also turned heads in a futuristic desi fusion fit, mixing metallic vibes with intricate Indian craftsmanship. The duo was basically the fashion Avengers. Fans and fashion critics alike were gagged, in the best way.

Beyond the glitz, Shah Rukhs debut was more than just a celebrity walk. It was a cultural reset. The first Indian male actor to ever attend the Met Gala? Historic. The fact that he did it while dripping in Sabyasachi gold and desi elegance? Iconic. This was not just a moment for him, it was a win for Indian fashion and global representation.

While many came to serve, only one walked in like he owned the palace, and wore his crown in gold. King things only.
SEVENTEENs leader S.Coups, whose real name is Choi Seungcheol, made waves at the 2025 Met Gala, not just as a first-time attendee but as a symbol of pride for South Korea. Fresh off his recent announcement as a global ambassador for BOSS, the rapper arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City dressed in a bold, hanbok-inspired outfit that instantly captured attention. His presence marked another proud moment for K-pop and Korean fashion influence on one of the worlds biggest style stages.

More details of S. Coups' outfit at Met Gala 2025

S.Coups wore a layered, hanbok-inspired ensemble featuring a light grey, satin-like top with a draped neckline, paired with a darker grey, structured vest. Over it, he layered a flowing dark coat in deep grey or black, adding dramatic movement. His silver-grey hair matched the monochromatic palette, tying the refined, modern look together.

seungcheol wearing custom BOSS at the met gala he looks so beautiful and handsome



SCOUPS AT THE MET GALA#SCOUPS #MetGala2025 #MetGala pic.twitter.com/m7RY10LAPm  cheol thinker   (@cscthnkr) May 5, 2025

this picture of seungcheol belongs in a museum pic.twitter.com/G67kdWe7k0  cheol thinker   (@cscthnkr) May 5, 2025

He was seen striking various poses on the carpet, bringing infectious K-pop energy to the event. In contrast to the stoic poses favoured by many celebrities, S.Coups responded to loud cheers from fans with playful gestures and an easy charm. It looked like he was truly enjoying the moment, owning the carpet like boss.s.

Carats react to S.Coups' look

K-pop fans, especially SEVENTEENs dedicated fandom Carats, couldnt hold back their emotions online. Their subreddit was flooded with reactions ranging from pure awe to emotional pride. One fan wrote, Head empty, no coherent thoughts, have ascended to the heavens, I am not okay. Another added, I adore the hanbok-inspired fit he looks stunning in grey. Im never getting over this!

There was a strong sense of joy and celebration throughout the fandom. Our leader in his hanbok-inspired outfit is out here slaying, one Carat wrote. Hes worked so hard, and he deserves this. Others praised the impeccable tailoring and the way the outfit matched S.Coups hair, calling it utterly incredible and breathtaking.

Check out more comments in the Reddit thread below:

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Spy x Family chapter 116 release date and time: One of the most popular manga series in Japan and around the world is Spy  Family, which is written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo. The plot centers on Loid Forger, an undercover spy who must "build a family" in order to complete a task. He is unaware that his adoptive daughter is a telepath and that the woman he chooses to wed is an assassin. People have been engrossed in the manga for a long time after multiple chapters were published. Now that a new chapter is set to be released, here is all you need to know about Spy x Family chapter 116.

Spy x Family chapter 116 release date and time

The Japanese release date for Spy x Family Chapter 116 is set for Monday, May 12, 2025, at midnight. In the meantime, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, the chapter will be accessible to the manga's global readership. Depending on your time zone, Chapter 116 will drop at a different time.

The excitement might be too much for Anya  pic.twitter.com/TFT2p0xpTo  SPY x FAMILY EN (@spyfamily_en) October 1, 2022

Check out the release dates as per different time zones here:

Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 8:00 AM  Sunday, May 11

Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 11:00 AM  Sunday, May 11

British Summer Time (BST): 4:00 PM  Sunday, May 11

Central European Summer Time (CEST): 5:00 PM  Sunday, May 11

Indian Standard Time (IST): 8:30 PM  Sunday, May 11

Philippine Standard Time (PST): 11:00 PM  Sunday, May 11

Japanese Standard Time (JST): 12:00 AM  Monday, May 12

Australia Central Standard Time (ACST): 12:30 AM  Monday, May 12

Where to read Spy x Family chapter 116?

Readers will be able to access the chapter for free on the MANGA Plus Platform and Viz Media. The portal offers free access to the first chapter and the final three chapters. To access all of the manga's chapters, however, a subscription will be needed for the MANGA Plus mobile app.

What to expect from Spy x Family chapter 116?

As per Sportskeeda, Yor Forger will probably fabricate an explanation for her absence during the forest assignment in Spy x Family chapter 116. Anya might read her mother's mind and discover that she had embarked on another assassination mission, but Loid Forger might take Yor's logic at face value. Otherwise, when Matthew McMahon, Hemlock, and the Thorn Princess are dispatched for the assignment, the manga might immediately shift its attention to it.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Natasha Poonawalla: The Met Gala 2025, held on 5 May in New York City, was a star-studded event where celebrities showcased their most stylish outfits. The theme this year was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and the dress code was Tailored for You. Among the Indian celebrities who walked the red carpet were Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Kiara Advani, Isha Ambani, and fashion icon Natasha Poonawalla.

Known for her bold fashion choices, Natasha stunned everyone in a unique outfit designed by Manish Malhotra. Her presence at global fashion events like the Met Gala 2025 has made her a worldwide name in style and glamour. Whether its fashion weeks or red carpet events, Natasha never fails to impress.

Who Is Natasha Poonawalla?

While many know her as the wife of billionaire Adar Poonawalla, Natasha has built a name for herself with her impressive career. She is the Executive Director of the Serum Institute of India (SII)the worlds largest vaccine producer. Apart from that, she also chairs Serum Life Sciences and is deeply involved in the Cyrus Poonawalla Groups business and creative strategies.

Her leadership extends to philanthropy as well. She is the Chairperson of the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation in India. Natasha also plays a global role as the Director of the Poonawalla Science Park in the Netherlands and chairs the British Asian Childrens Protection Fund for India. She is also a member of the India Advisory Council for the British Asian Trust.

Natasha Poonawallas Early Life and Education

Natasha Poonawalla was born on 26 November 1981 in Pune, India. She attended St. Marys School and later graduated from the University of Pune. Wanting to expand her horizons, she moved to the UK and earned her Masters degree from the London School of Economics in 2004. Her educational background played a key role in shaping her success in business and philanthropy.

Natasha Poonawalla Net Worth

When it comes to wealth, Natasha Poonawallas net worth is truly impressive. According to a 2023 Financial Express report, her assets are valued at Rs 660 crore. This includes her earnings from various leadership roles, properties, and luxury assets. Being married to one of Indias richest businessmen, her lifestyle is luxurious and globally admired.

As of 2024, the Serum Institute of India, led by her husband Adar Poonawalla, is valued at over Rs 2.11 lakh crore. His net worth is estimated to be around $22.1 billion, according to TOI, making him one of the richest people in India.

Natasha and Adar Poonawallas Love Story

The romantic love story of Natasha and Adar Poonawalla began at a New Years Eve party in Goa hosted by Vijay Mallya. The two connected instantly and tied the knot in 2006. The couple has two sons, Cyrus and Darius, and their family life is both private and elegant.

They live in one of the most luxurious homes in MumbaiLincoln House, a British-era mansion worth Rs 750 crore. Originally built for the Maharaja of Wankaner in 1933, the mansion was later used as the US Consulate. In 2015, it was bought by Cyrus Poonawalla for Rs 934 crore, and now serves as their grand residence.

A Met Gala 2025 Look That Told a Story

At the Met Gala 2025, Natasha Poonawallas outfit was more than just fashionit was art. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania and Lakshmi Lehr, her look included a corseted silhouette mixed with traditional Indian Gara embroidery and Western tailoring.

She wore a reimagined fishtail skirt crafted from two antique Gara sarisone over 100 years oldfrom Manish Malhotras collection. Her black Gara jacket was embroidered using the rare ektaar technique, where one thread forms an unbroken design, showing both continuity and elegance. A vintage French lace bralette and pearl-detailed corset completed the regal look.

Manish Malhotra described her as the "Empress of Indian Fashion", and rightfully so. Natasha Poonawallas Met Gala 2025 look showed how Indian traditions can blend beautifully with global fashion.

Natasha Poonawalla is much more than just a fashion icon or the wife of a billionaire. Shes a powerful businesswoman, a caring philanthropist, and a global fashion figure. From her academic roots in Pune to making headlines at the Met Gala 2025, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Her story is a perfect mix of intelligence, style, success, and love. With her ongoing contributions to business, health, fashion, and social causes, Natasha Poonawallas career is one that continues to shine brightly on the world stage.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking at the Annual Conference of Brain ReGain held at the Athens Concert Hall, stressed that Greece is no longer a one-way flight, but an option to return.

Hatzidakis noted that today, we are no longer witnessing a mass exodus like that of the crisis decade. In 2023, for the first time since 2008, the migration balance became positive: 47,200 Greeks returned, 32,800 left. These figures cannot be disputed by even our fiercest critics."

In total, according to official Eurostat figures cited by Hatzidakis, by the end of 2023, 400,000 of the 600,000 Greeks who had left during the brain drain have returned.

Hatzidakis also stressed that the government set the goal of reversing the brain drain. This is because, as he explained, we see it as a national obligation.

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the presentation of the book "Emmanuel Karalis: When You Look from Above" by Nikos Michalopoulos, held at Athens College.

Mitsotakis expressed that he was deeply moved by the courage with which the Olympic champion confronted his difficulties. He emphasized that prejudice, racism, learning challenges, and obstacles did not defeat Karalis. On the contrary, he stated, You show that behind that smile there are sorrows, there are tears, but all of that is overcome when you have the strength of soul and a family that supports you and helps you make your dreams come true.

Mitsotakis added that Karalis was sending a powerful message: "Either you live in the shadow of your fears, or you find a way to overcome them. You have overcome your own fears and your own demons."

   iefimerida.gr
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the ruling party might consider welcoming former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into its fold to help revive his dwindling political relevance.

Ganduje made the remarks on Tuesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata.

Addressing journalists, Ganduje likened Kwankwasos situation to a fish struggling to survive without water, suggesting that it is only humane and morally upright for the APC to shelter him.

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When a fish is running out of water, thats exactly what is happening. If the water is drying, the fish has to find its way to water. So that is what is happening. I will not say we are not ready to welcome him, Ganduje said.

When you see your son running to where he would get shelter and you are a big brother in a big home, I think it is morally right to accommodate him, he added, stressing that someone who has been politically abandoned should not be left to wallow in darkness.

However, Minister Yusuf Ata expressed strong reservations about the possibility of Kwankwaso joining the APC, warning that such a move could trigger internal discord, especially within the Kano State chapter of the party.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/i-wont-choose-my-successor-only-god-will-gov-sule.html

Kwankwaso is no longer relevant in Kano. He is only coming to APC, not that we invited him, Ata said. That may bring a lot of crisis in the APC in Kano State.

He further claimed that support for Kwankwaso has waned drastically at the grassroots, evidenced by the diminishing visibility of his trademark red caps.

Today, you can go to a mosque and out of 5,000 worshippers, you wont see 20 red caps, Ata added, emphasizing that the decision to accept Kwankwaso rests solely with Ganduje.

While reaffirming loyalty to the party leadership, Ata said unless the National Chairman gives a clear directive to accommodate Kwankwaso, he stands rejected.

The development adds another layer to the realignments already shaping the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has called for immediate release of controversial human rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkman.

In a statement on Monday, Atiku said that VDMs detention is another case of abuse of power by Tinubu-led authoritarian government.

The former presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, also accused Tinubus government of weaponising security agencies to suppress dissent and intimidate critics of the administration.

He said: The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule.

READ MORE: Controversial Human Rights Lawyer Queries Falana Over Silence On Verydarkmans Arrest

Even more alarming is the fact that Mr. Otse remains in custody without any formal charges is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government.

This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regimes relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition.

We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy. While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.

The Tinubu administrations systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted.Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has called for immediate release of controversial human rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkman.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, banned Mrs. Favour Kanu, wife of Prince Fineboy Kanu, the younger brother to Nnamdi Kanu, for streaming the proceedings of the court live on her Facebook page.

Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a charge of alleged terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho, who gave the order after Mrs. Favour admitted engaging in the act and apologised to the court, held that she could have been charged with contempt of court.

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Also, Counsel for the IPOB leader, Kanu Agabi, appealed to the judge for forgiveness on her behalf, quoting The Bible and admitting that she owed the court an apology.

READ MORE: No Weapons Found With Nnamdi Kanu During Arrest In 2015  DSS Witness Confesses To Court

Favour, when called upon, claimed ignorance of the court still being in session and stated that she had stopped recording immediately after the warning.

I didnt know the court was seated. The moment you cautioned me, I stopped because it was a livestream.

Meanwhile, the judge, while listening to both explanations, temporarily excused Favour from attending the next three sittings.

He also reiterated the need for order and respect for the courts processes, stating that things must be done properly and justice would be done.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has addressed the circulating reports regarding her recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), confirming that she was indeed questioned over money spraying at her daughters wedding.

In a detailed post shared via Instagram on Tuesday, the actress disclosed that she received an official invitation from the EFCC while she was in the United Kingdom. Upon her return to Nigeria, she honoured the invitation and visited the Commissions office on May 5, 2025.

According to Iyabo, she was questioned about various aspects of her personal and professional life. I was asked several questions relating to my personal biodata, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others, she wrote.

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READ MORE: Seun Kuti Escapes Stray Bullet In United States

She explained that during the session, EFCC officials presented video clips from her daughters wedding showing guests, including celebrities and friends, spraying naira and foreign currencies. She was then asked if she knew such actions were illegal.

I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offence, she said, adding that the officials took time to clarify the law. The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on peoples bodies, is prohibited. I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including Dollars, is also not allowed.

Iyabo stated that she was allowed to leave the same day, but her lawyer, O.I. Salami, stood in for her in case she is required to return for further questioning.

Reflecting on the experience, she urged Nigerians to stop the practice of spraying money during celebrations to avoid getting into legal trouble.

Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC, she warned. Perhaps its time to reconsider this long-standing tradition. Lets prioritise caution and avoid any potential problems.

SEE BELOW:
Operatives of Lagos State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected to be vandalising concrete roadside barriers in the Ile-Zik area of the state.

It was gathered that the arrest was made on 22 April 2025, following an actionable intelligence provided by concerned members of the public.

The suspects, identified as Peter James, 26, and Lesipi Adamu, 24, were caught in the act of extracting iron rods embedded within the roadside barriers.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that security agents also recovered several tools used in the act, including two sledgehammers, two cutting saws, and a pair of scissors.

This was contained in a statement by Spokesman for Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundenyin, on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Lagos Police Apprehend Teenager With Pistol

He said: The suspects, Peter James m, aged 26, and Lesipi Adamu m, aged 24, were intercepted while removing iron rods from concrete barriers along the road. Upon their arrest, the following operational tools, two sledge hammers, two cutting saws, and a pair of scissors were recovered from them. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Ondo State Police Command has arrested a landlords son, identified as Odunayo Olomolatan, for allegedly killing one 22-year-old lady, identified as Joy Tale, in Ode-Irele, Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the tenant was hacked to death on Monday during an argument with Olomolatan, who is said to be 41 years old man.

Confirming the unfortunate incident to News Agency of Nigeria, the State Police Commands Spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, said that the suspect has been arrested and in custody of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ode-Irele.

READ MORE: Ondo Police Arrest Father Of Seven For Allegedly Killing Son Over Suspected Stealing Habit

Ayanlade added that an investigation has begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the lady.

He said: Yes, I can confirm to you that the lady was allegedly hacked to death during an argument between her and her landlord son.

The suspect has been arrested and investigation is ongoing to unravel circumstances surround the ladys death.
No fewer than six Delta State Peoples Democratic Partys House of Representatives members have officially defected to All Progressives Congress.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that their defection was made public by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday.

Recall that former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, had dumped the PDP for the APC.

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Following their defections, the House of Representatives member from Ideato Federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had disclosed that two more state governors and 40 lawmakers on the platform of PDP, will soon defect.

The defected members in their separate letters of resignation relied on the crisis in the PDP as the reason for their defections.

READ MORE: Massive Defection Hits PDP As Delta Gov, Okowa, Others Joins APC

Ezechi, representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency said that he had no choice than to join the performing governor of Delta to APC for consolidation of progress.

Other defecting members include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).

The mass defection from Delta, a traditional PDP stronghold, represents a significant win for the APC ahead of upcoming elections and signals a potential realignment of political power in the South-South region.

Many believes that the coordinated exits underscore growing discontent within the major opposition partys leadership ranks.

With key figures like Okowa and Oborevwori shifting allegiance, the political landscape in Delta and beyond appears poised for transformation, as the APC consolidates its grip on power.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Tuesday, addressed concerns about the growing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that Nigeria cannot become a one-party state despite these shifts.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sule attributed the defections to the positive impact of the Presidents reforms.

He highlighted that these reforms, particularly in sectors like agriculture, mining, and energy, have started yielding results and are attracting opposition members to the ruling party.

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READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/atiku-should-step-aside-anoint-successor-for-2027-buba-galadima.html

Sule emphasised that its a reflection of the performance of our party and the performance of Mr. President, citing initiatives such as the unification of the exchange rate, the removal of fuel subsidies, and improvements in the power sector. He also pointed out efforts in skill acquisition and agriculture, which he believes have helped create the conditions for defections.

However, when asked about the possibility of Nigeria evolving into a one-party state, Governor Sule firmly rejected the notion.

I dont believe, by the slightest of imagination, that we are going to be a one-party state, he asserted. He explained that while the APC aims to be the dominant party, Nigerias political system would always feature multiple parties.

No matter what happens, there are people who are going to be in another party. Actually, we dont even want Nigeria to be a one-party state. We just want to be the dominant party, Sule stated.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lashed out at President Bola Tinubus aide, Daniel Bwala, accusing the Presidency of being gripped by panic over the rising strength of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bwala, once a vocal supporter of Atiku and now a Special Adviser to Tinubu, had advised the former Vice President to abandon his ambition, saying it might not be divinely ordained for him to lead Nigeria. He also claimed Atiku had lost 60 to 70 percent of his loyal political base, warning that any further attempt at the presidency would be futile.

READ MORE: https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/labour-party-no-longer-what-people-think-mass-defections-coming-valentine-ozigbo.html

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But in a swift and blistering response issued on Tuesday through his media office, Atiku dismissed Bwalas remarks as disparaging and driven by desperation, noting that the Tinubu-led administration is intimidated by his growing coalition of opposition forces.

The statement accused Bwala of lacking ideological consistency, labeling him a political turncoat who is now aligned with a floundering administration.

It emphasised that smear campaigns wont distract Atiku from his mission to rescue Nigeria from economic hardship and democratic backsliding.

He will not be distracted by political jesters masquerading as patriots, the statement read.

Atikus media team also stressed that his vision for Nigeria remains unwavering and rooted in reform, inclusiveness, and accountability. They said his track record as a public servant and his continuous engagement with critical national issues have made him a credible voice in Nigerias democratic process.

The Presidencys obsession with Atiku is a clear indication that they see him as the most formidable threat to their hold on power, the statement added.

The media office concluded that no amount of blackmail or propaganda would derail the momentum being built across party lines to present a unified front against what it called an underperforming and insecure regime.
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has lamented over poverty situation in Nigeria, saying that there is need for urgent and deliberate action.

Obi urged all levels of government, especially public office holders to prioritize critical areas of development, particularly investment in health, education and poverty alleviation.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Godfrey Okoye School of Nursing Sciences in Enugu, where he donated N20 million to support the school, the former governor of Anambra State expressed disappointment with the countrys leadership.

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The LPs chieftain also cited reports from World Bank and United Nations Childrens Fund, that highlight worsening poverty and malnutrition situation in Nigeria.

Obi said: In Nigeria today, the situation we find ourselves in calls for urgent and deliberate action.

It is time for all levels of government to prioritize critical areas of developmentparticularly investment in health, education, and poverty alleviation.

READ MORE: You Contributed To Nigerias Poverty, Your Behaviour Disturbing  Sanwo-Olu Knocks Peter Obi

Just this month, the World Bank reported that, as of April 2025, the poverty rate among rural Nigerians has risen to over 75%, indicating widespread economic hardship across the country.

The report also highlighted that 41.3% of Nigerias urban population now lives below the poverty line.

This shows that poverty is no longer just a rural crisis it has become a national emergency.

In comparison, the World Bank reported that in 2018/2019, about 30.9% of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line. We must urgently redirect our national focus and address the root causes of poverty.
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving special recognition from YouTube.

In a post on her Instagram page on Monday, Kadiri revealed that she was honoured just a day before YouTube marked its 20th anniversary.

She was named among four outstanding female creators who are pushing creative boundaries and transforming YouTube into a platform for cultural storytelling and global engagement.

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READ MORE: David Abioye Conducts First Service With His New Ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

The actress, who has built a loyal following through her film-focused channel RUTHKADIRI247, reflected on her journey and the unexpected recognition.

To be named one of the top female YouTubers in Nigeria is something I never imagined when I first started sharing my passion for movie-making with the world, she wrote.

What began as a simple desire to tell stories has grown into something far beyond my expectations. Im deeply grateful to God for the grace, the gift, and the growth. Thank you to @youtube for this incredible recognition, and thank you, my amazing community, for walking this journey with me. I love you all. Heres to more stories, flavour and a world of impact.

The mother of two also hinted at a giveaway of 50k for 4 people each while asking fans to share their favourite movie from her YouTube channel.

Kadiris recognition is a testament to her influence as a digital storyteller and her impact on the evolving Nollywood landscape.

SEE BELOW:
Operatives of Niger State Police Command have arrested seven robbery suspects in connection with a recent incident in Suleja area of the state.

It was gathered that the suspected criminal elements were said to have robbed their victims of their handsets and other valuables.

The Commands Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement, on Tuesday disclosed that all the arrested individuals were from the Galadima area of Abuja.

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He added that the suspect confessed to taking part in the armed robbery, adding that he was part of a 13-member syndicate.

The statement reads: On 1st May, 2025 at about 6pm, information was received that there was a robbery incident at APC Quarters, Suleja where victims were robbed of their handsets and other valuables. Consequently, Police operatives of B Div Suleja were led to the scene by the DPO and one Mubarak Mohammed 16yrs was pursued and arrested.

READ MORE: Niger Police Nab Two Suspects For Stealing Plasma TV, Aluminium Pots

In the course of investigation, the suspect confessed to taking part in the armed robbery and that there were thirteen of them as a syndicate. He led operatives to the arrest of others, who are; brahim Mohammed (20) the gang leader, Abdullahi Yakubu (18), Mohammed Abubakar (18), Nasiru Musa (17), Shamsudeen Musa (18) and Ahmed Ali, all of Galadima area of FCT, Abuja.

The investigation led to the recovery of six cutlasses, three torch lights, charms, fourteen handsets, and four bags from their hideout under a mango tree along Abuja-Kaduna Express Road.
A traditional ruler in Adamawa State, Tol Huba, Alheri Nyako, has appealed to President Bola Tinubus government to deploy more troops to Hong Local Government Area, amid rising security case in the state.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the development is coming, following some recent attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in communities within his area.

Several attacks were launched recently by the deadly Boko Haram in villages around the area, including one in Kwapre town, in April 26, in which 10 local hunters functioning as vigilantes and protecting the people, were killed.

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READ MORE: Police Apprehend Suspected Killer Of POS Operator In Adamawa

Speaking over the horrible attack on Monday, during an interaction with newsmen, the traditional ruler attributed the ceaseless Boko Haram invasions into his area to the lack of an Air Force operational base in Adamawa State, which he said had left his area vulnerable.

He urged state government on its part to arm local hunters with sophisticated weapons to place them in a better position to confront insurgents.

The monarch said: If vigilantes are armed with better weapons, they can effectively fight against Boko Haram.

We also need aerial support from the Air Force and increased security presence around communities near Sambisa Forest.
Then-police commissioner Frank Rizzo, with club, leading police beating a Black girl demonstrator at State Office Building, Broad and Spring Garden Streets in an undated photograph. Read more

This column originally appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on Oct. 10, 1980. On Monday, Chuck Stone was honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board.

The tan roundness of Mrs. Felicita Torres face could have been sculpted from the good earth of Puerto Rico.

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Her long, shining black hair parted in the middle reminded me of my mother, who braided her hair the same way. Mothers always try to look stern, but forget their souls betrayal by gentle eyes that struggle to blink back tears when sorrow clutches the soul.

I took a personal liberty and kissed Mrs. Torres on the cheek. Her son, Efrain " Frankie" Flecha, nodded, then smiled as the police Roundhouse swallowed him up.

Flecha was the 10th suspect wanted by police to surrender to me since October 1977.

It would be tempting to exalt my worth. Delusions can be fathered by fate and egos nurtured by accidents.

THE 10 SURRENDERS werent votes of confidence in Chuck Stone as an understanding friend, but 10 black and Hispanic declarations of fear of police as a terrorizing Gestapo.

No single issue racially polarizes Philadelphia today more than Frank Rizzos larger-than-life legacy  a seemingly uncontrollable police abuse of blacks and Hispanics.

One tragic spinoff is the division of police blue into ethnic black and white.

The predominantly white Fraternal Order of Police opposed the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against the city.

The predominantly black Guardian Civic League supported it.

The FOP opposes the new deadly force regulation.

The Guardians support it.

THE REASON DEADLY FORCE divides black and white policemen is because it has been used indiscriminately in the past against minorities.

Blacks are executed on the street by pistol-whippings, killings while handcuffed and accidentally discharged guns.

The reason deadly force divides black and white policemen is because it has been used indiscriminately in the past against minorities.

True, blacks commit the vast majority of Philadelphias crimes. But blacks are also 83 percent of the victims, a fact always ignored.

At last weeks City Council meeting, its notorious thug in a three-piece suit, Francis Rafferty, foamed at the mouth against the deadly force regulation.

Managing to speak three coherent sentences without dissolving into catatonia, the legislative successor to Frank " Vote White" Rizzo then belligerently tore up a copy of the deadly force order.

That act of violent frustration must have been an inspiring civics lesson to schoolchildren, who now know the Ku Klux Klan is alive and well and living in the Rafferty house of predilections.

Rafferty offers no apologies for his racism.

THE EXTENT TO WHICH he becomes an advocate for policemen who would turn the clock back to the era of deadly force street executions endangers the racial tranquility of this city.

Blacks and Hispanics have no problem with deadly force if it is intelligently applied.

Its not. With policemen like John Ziegler and Robert Murphy roaming the streets, unregulated deadly force is a time bomb.

But minorities would ecstatically back policemen if they uncompromisingly  equitably  enforced the law.

Begin with Richard Allen homes or other places where narcotics are freely sold under the cooperative eyes of bribed policemen.

(Or can the custodians of law and order offer a more logical explanation of why dope flows so freely in the black and Hispanic communities?)

THE RESIDENTS OF Richard Allen Homes would be profoundly grateful if the police applied deadly force to the dope pushers.

They also want strong law enforcement to preserve our civility.

I go further. I advocate mandatory jail sentences for carrying guns and the death penalty for: 1) first-degree murder of anybody; 2) the killing of a policeman; 3) three-time-convicted rapists; and 4) three-time-convicted dope pushers.

In the meantime, we have an awesome educational job facing us. We need to convince the police that we are really on their side  as long as they are on ours.

We need to convince the police that we are really on their side  as long as they are on ours.

Years ago, when a policeman walked his beat or rode his patrol car, he was respected, wrote a person signing herself as a member of the Policemens Wives Association in an " Open Letter to Mayor Green." " Not today! Today, they get cursed at, spit at, accused and shot at. Why?"

A black woman, Peggy Laws, who also wrote a letter, may have unintentionally answered the policemans wifes question.

" THIS STORY DID NOT begin and end on Friday, Sept. 9.

" For the police, it began when police brutality was allowed to reign. It began when psychological misfits and sadists were kept on the force simply because of patronage and color. Police were aware of John Zieglers sadistic behavior before the incident in North Philadelphia.

His erratic behavior and suspension tempered the behavior of good police officers such as (Garrett) Farrell and (William) Mock.

In their situation, extreme passiveness was used. In police brutality cases, extreme force was used. Both are wrong. Both are detrimental. A police officer should be allowed to draw his gun and fire it in the line of duty, when necessary.

What Mrs. Laws is saying, and the black and Hispanic communities concur, is that they will eagerly support equitable enforcement of the law and a fair-minded deadly force policy.

As the Inquirer pointed out in a front-page story yesterday, Philadelphias deadly force regulation is moderate by comparison with other major cities.

Yet, a fulminating Rafferty feeds its critics distemper with his poor mans imitation of Jimmy Cagney.

FOP PRESIDENT Thomas Garvey embosses Raffertys charade by mystically tying the new deadly force rule to the recent tragic shooting of policemen.

He cant produce a shred of evidence to substantiate his shoot-from-the-lip irresponsibility.

Hopefully, in City Council hearings beginning today, the Green administration and other people of good will can convince a confused Philadelphia that it is marching to the same national beat as enlightened believers in fair law enforcement.
President Ronald Reagan winces and raises his left arm as he was shot by an assailant as he left a Washington hotel, Monday, March 30, 1981. Read more

This column originally appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on March 31, 1981. On Monday, Chuck Stone was honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board.

Hes not old enough to be my father.

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Perhaps, an older brother. Or, next doors good-natured neighbor. Somebody you instinctively like because hes a genuinely nice guy.

I keep trying to reconcile two images of Ronald Reagan. The sunshine-smiling candidate I interviewed at his California home last July. The other, the worlds most important statesman, now lying in a hospital bed with a bullet wound in his chest.

WHEN WILL WE STOP reliving these grotesque nightmares of assassinations?

John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, Mrs. Martin Luther King Sr.

Assassination attempts on George Wallace, Gerald Ford, Vernon Jordan, and now Ronald Reagan.

Within us we seem to nourish a violent disease that has tried to exterminate three presidents and two presidential candidates  not over some long span of history  but in the shockingly short period of less than two decades.

I dont weep for my country.

I mourn for its declining stability. I am saddened by our national failure to contain the caveman within us.

Somehow a sector of America has lost its ability to internalize stress. To them, dissent is an alibi for a beastly exercise in problem solving.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS cannot resolve a nations problems.

Ronald Reagan has caused me problems from Day 1.

Ive been fond of him ever since a first exclusive interview in a Philadelphia hotel room in the summer of 1978. Lyn Nofziger and Gloria Eatoote had conspired to help me pull it off.

Repeated contacts only strenghtened my affection for " The Gipper."

Yet, in the past 30 days, no presidential legislative programs have appalled or disturbed me more.

And I still refuse to dislike him.

How can anybody reject the courageous impishness of a man who tells his wife as he enters the hospital, " Honey, I forgot to duck."

The presidents humor continued when he spotted all of his aides outside the operating room and quipped, whos minding the store?

THE SASSINESS I HAD seen in his Pacific Palisades living room erupted again when he glanced up at the doctors and grinned, " I hope youre all Republicans."

I think its a measure of the need of Reagan and his staff to reassure us that Lyn Nofziger, a White House wit, would dwell on those flashes of comforting humor. They put a nation at ease and helped heal our anxiety.

So I find myself looking unapologetically beyond my lovable friend and condemning instead " Stockmans war on the poor," Richard Allens alliance with South Africas apartheid and the Moral Majoritys born-again racism.

Stubbornly, I still cannot bring myself to blame him, knowing full well he is the president and accepting completely that he is the final arbiter of those life-depriving budget cuts.

Affection can blind you to the hard truths of political reality.

YET, AFFECTION MUST never blindfold us to the obdurate ugliness of Murder Facilitators Inc., The National Rifle Association.

How long do we tolerate these apologists for assassinations?

How long do we permit them to lobby for the right of citizens to walk the streets with guns as if they were students lugging books or businessmen carrying briefcases?

How long must millions of Americans scurry in fear, held hostage by assassins and murderers, all because a bunch of primordial fanatics at the National Rifle Association are convinced bullets are a measure of testicular power?

How many presidents must be killed before America puts the National Rifle Association out of business?

Two weeks ago, both Time and Newsweek magazine front-covered the mushrooming street crime that has transformed our cities into armed camps.

BUT WE ARE VICTIMIZED as much by the National Rifle Association as we are by organized crime, unorganized assaults and disorganized assassinations.

And we are all poorer for it.

We are also poorer for the burden of collective guilt black people must carry.

After the reports of the attempt on President Reagans life, several blacks called me.

They were as anxious about the presidents condition as they were about the color of the assassin.

When I described him, they exhaled a sigh of relief. " Thank God!" exclaimed one influential black Philadelphian. " If it had been a black man, we would have caught hell."

What a tragic commentary on this nations racist cesspool.

Yet, as the people we can rise above these divisions. In times of crises, we become one.

YOUVE PROBABLY THOUGHT of already doing it, but send President Reagan a card, a letter, a telegram, flowers  anything that will tell a nice guy who finished first  we love you, Mr. President.

Then start thinking about what we can do to create a gun-free society.
A member of the Montgomery County SWAT team, whom officials did not identify, shot Andrew Jackson Ecker on April 6 during a standoff at Ecker's home in Pottstown, authorities said. Read more

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele has ruled that a member of the countys SWAT team was justified in fatally shooting a Pottstown man who, armed with a stolen gun, barricaded himself inside his home last month after shooting a police officer in the shoulder and threatened to shoot others.

Andrew Jackson Ecker, 25, waged an hourslong standoff with police outside of his home on Winding Road on April 6, investigators said, forcing the closure of nearby streets and preventing some residents from returning to their homes.

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During the encounter, Steele said, Ecker refused to surrender peacefully. A SWAT officer, whom Steele did not identify, shot Ecker as he walked near his front door.

After the shooting, officers found that Ecker was carrying a .40 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen from a car in Philadelphia in May 2019, Steele said.

Hours earlier, officers first encountered Ecker a few yards away from his home after he crashed his van into a parked car. As officers approached him, Steele said, they saw him reaching for a .22 caliber gun in his vehicle. (He was unable to legally possess a gun because of a conviction for illegally purchasing a gun with an obliterated serial number.)

Ecker ran from the officers and shot at them as they pursued him. One of his shots struck Pottstown Police Officer Caleb Whitney in his left shoulder, prompting officers from other, nearby departments to descend on the scene.

One of Eckers neighbors told The Inquirer that Ecker had visited her home on the day of the shooting to collect money from a repair job he had completed at their property. Ecker worked as a plumbing and HVAC technician for his father, Aram Ecker, a well-known plumbing contractor in the borough and member of the Pottstown Borough Authority.

At the time, she said, Ecker appeared to be intoxicated and had a handgun tucked into his waistband.

Steele said that the officers acted appropriately in their dealings with Ecker later in the day and that deadly force was justified.

This was a dangerous situation that left one police officer shot and ended after a lengthy standoff, he said. Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force by police officers.
Camden Bishop Joseph A. Williams said his diocese would no longer seek to oppose a proposed investigation of statewide clergy abuse. Read more

The new bishop of Camden said Monday that his diocese would no longer oppose a statewide investigation of sex abuse by clergy  a stunning reversal after the diocese had spent years arguing in sealed court documents that the probe proposed by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office should not be allowed to move forward.

In an interview, Bishop Joseph A. Williams, who took over as the dioceses sole leader in March, said he had asked the churchs attorneys to send a letter to the state Supreme Court on Monday outlining the new position  one that made clear the diocese no longer wants to prevent a grand jury from being impaneled to investigate sexual abuse by priests and other clergy.

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Williams said he viewed it as critical for the diocese to support those who had been harmed by the church. We dont want to do anything that would keep their voices from being heard, he said.

Our people need to hear this, the clergy needs to hear this, so that it never happens again, first of all, Williams said. But [also] so that we can do the right thing by the survivors to win their trust, restore their faith, and, God willing, someday maybe find them back in the communion of friendship and worship within the church.

He later added: Were not going to block a grand jury. Were not going to block a report. Were not going to block a presentment or presentment report.

The reversal in position came just days after attorneys for the diocese had asked the state Supreme Court to prevent prosecutors from pursuing a grand jury report on the subject.

The dioceses attorneys had argued for years  and two lower courts had agreed  that New Jersey law does not permit prosecutors to prepare grand jury reports detailing allegations about private institutions that cannot be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations or problems with evidence.

But Williams  who had spent the past year serving as co-bishop with the recently-retired Dennis J. Sullivan  said he began reexamining that position after an Inquirer article on the subject was published last week.

In the days that followed, Williams said, he spoke to a variety of diocesan officials and the churchs attorneys about changing the stance of the diocese toward the proposed investigation.

Then, on Friday, Williams said he met with officials in the attorney generals office to tell them about his intent to work with  rather than oppose  prosecutors handling of the matter. He said he left the meeting encouraged by speaking with prosecutors, whom he viewed as public servants trying to do the right thing.

Theres no reason we cant be working together to make sure the full story is told and due process is protected, Williams said.

The letter the dioceses lawyers sent to the state Supreme Court on Monday does not end the ongoing legal case  and it was not clear what impact, if any, the change in position might have on the courts decision. The justices had already accepted the case and heard arguments on it, and they could still rule that the attorney generals probe is not permitted under state law.

A spokesperson for the attorney generals office said prosecutors welcomed the introspection that produced this shift. But the office remains subject to a trial court ruling, entered at the Diocese of Camdens urging, blocking this presentment process from going forward.

After years of litigation, kept hidden from public view until the Supreme Court granted our unsealing motion this past March, we look forward to an opinion addressing these important questions, the spokesperson said.

Mark Crawford, the New Jersey director for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said he was very pleased to hear about Williams new position.

Im cautiously optimistic that were finally seeing a bishop who has the backbone to do what is morally right instead of the hardball legal tactics victims have experienced time and time and time again, Crawford said.

The dioceses legal fight has its roots in a 2018 announcement by then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. After prosecutors in Pennsylvania that year released a sprawling grand jury report detailing decades of clergy abuse across the state, Grewal said his office would seek to do the same.

But in 2021, Camdens diocese filed a sealed motion in the case, saying grand jury reports in the state cannot single out the church or any other private organization and detail allegations that prosecutors cant or wont charge, either due to the statute of limitations or other issues with evidence.

Such reports, lawyers for the church said, must instead be focused on misconduct by government agencies or officials.

Two years later, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw sided with the diocese during a closed-door hearing. And he went a step further and blocked prosecutors from impaneling a special grand jury, ruling that to do so would be a waste of time and resources if the intended outcome was not legal.

An appellate court later affirmed Warshaws ruling. Prosecutors appealed both decisions.

The diocese continued its opposition  insisting that it did not oppose grand juries investigating and charging crimes by priests, but saying that state law simply didnt allow prosecutors to produce the type of wide-ranging report that Grewal had promised.

Victims of clergy abuse said the churchs attempts to block a public reckoning were an effort to protect the institution at the expense of its parishioners welfare. And some were particularly outraged that the source of the resistance was Camdens diocese, which declared bankruptcy in 2020 over a wave of sex abuse lawsuits and ultimately agreed to pay about 300 complainants $87.5 million.

(The dioceses role in opposing the investigation was revealed in March, when the states high court agreed to hear the case and unsealed documents that revealed the churchs legal stance.)

Williams alluded to his different views on the matter in a letter to parishioners last week, writing: It must be demoralizing to hear the Church preach transparency and then, apparently, to fight against the very transparency it preaches.

He also said he met in February with an abuse victim who disapproved of the dioceses legal stance. Williams, in his letter, called his conversation with the victim outstanding, adding: It has helped me to be a better bishop and to work toward a healthier, more transparent Church.

Still, he did not instruct his attorneys to change the dioceses position in court until last week  after they had argued before the state Supreme Court.

He said in the interview Monday that the issue wasnt on my front burner as he got up to speed during his first few weeks as the dioceses lone bishop during a busy month  one in which Catholics celebrated Easter and mourned the death of Pope Francis.

But after having spent more time with the matter in recent days, he said, it became clear that he wanted to partner with prosecutors  and ultimately allow victims to be heard  rather than seek to stymie the investigation.

Were going to work as closely as possible with the attorney generals office in good faith, he said. Assuming were at the table together ... I have almost 100% confidence that that collaboration is going to bear good fruit.
The 5200 block of Delancey Street where a 2-year-old child sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, May 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. Read more

A Philadelphia man was arrested Tuesday after police say he left a gun unattended in his West Philadelphia home and a 2-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with it.

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Rahmir Ponzo, 20, of the 5200 block of Delancey Street, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person for leaving the weapon in a bedroom, where the boy found it, said Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.

Just before 1:45 p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at the home and found the child with a gunshot wound in his abdomen, police said.

He was taken to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he underwent surgery and was in critical condition, he said.

Police said the boy lived in the home and was related to Ponzo, but they did not say how.

Later Monday afternoon, police said, another child was injured in a shooting mere blocks away.

Around 4:20 p.m., a 5- or 6-year-old girl was on the front porch of a home on the 5900 block of Pine Street with her family when she was struck in the leg by gunfire, police said.

The girl was taken to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was in stable condition Tuesday.

Police said the shooting was sparked by an argument earlier in the day in which someone had threatened others in the house and left. A group of four men later came to the house, Vanore said, and one of them started shooting, striking the girl.

Police continue to investigate and have made no arrests.
Teacher Judith Grant, from Spring Garden Elementary, is one of the 2025 winners of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Read more

Sixty Philadelphia School District teachers are being honored today as top of the class educators: winners of the 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Each will receive $3,500 in recognition of their talent, hard work, and dedication. They were chosen from among the school systems roughly 9,000 educators, nominated by administrators and selected by a group of school system and Lindback representatives.

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 READ MORE: Meet three of Philly's best teachers

The 2025 Lindback prize winners are:
Scott L. Bok, former University of Pennsylvania board chair, and Liz Magill, former Penn President, discuss his new book, "Surviving Wall Street: A Tale of Triumph, Tragedy and Timing," which delves into the tumultuous 2023 fall semester, when they both resigned from their positions. Read more

During a talk on former University of Pennsylvania board chair Scott L. Boks new book, former school President Liz Magill asked him to reflect on the testimony she gave at a congressional hearing on antisemitism, testimony that days later led to her resignation.

Then he asked her whether she had any thoughts she would like to share in what would become the first public exchange between the two former Penn leaders about that tumultuous week that also culminated in Boks resignation as board chair.

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I provided this 30-second sound bite that went viral and just swamped everything else about what Id said and my record at Penn, Magill told the audience during the discussion at a New York Public Library branch on Fifth Avenue . And I really regret that. It hurt Penn. It hurt Penns reputation, and my job was to protect the institution that I led.

She was referring to the moment during her December 2023 testimony when U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) asked her about whether calling for the genocide of Jewish people would violate Penns code of conduct. It is a context-dependent decision, Magill had answered.

 READ MORE: Former Penn board chair reveals new details from inside the boardroom leading to President Liz Magills resignation

Bok, who for years led Greenhill & Co., which specializes in mergers and acquisitions, had discussed that moment and the rest of the crisis in his new book Surviving Wall Street: A Tale of Triumph, Tragedy and Timing. Most of the book  which had been in the works long before controversy erupted at Penn  is about Boks life and career as a Wall Street investment banker through the dot-com crash, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The final two chapters focus on Penn.

During the talk, Bok defended Magill, saying the questioners that day were clearly looking for that gotcha moment, that the situation Stefaniks question posed to their knowledge had never occurred on the campus. He explained that Penns code of conduct said that students and faculty could not be disciplined for speech alone and that Magill was giving a technically correct answer.

But he told the audience that a more emotional, moral kind of answer may have been better.

 READ MORE: Penn president Liz Magill has resigned following backlash over her testimony about antisemitism

Magill acknowledged that her response that day suggested that I just didnt care about what those horrific words would mean to people if they heard them.

But she said she is a leader who has common sense and compassion.

I think I generally display that, and in those 30 seconds I didnt, and I wish I had, she said, drawing a round of applause from the audience.

Magill and Bok also reflected on the dynamics of university board leadership and what might need to change.

 READ MORE: Who is Marc Rowan, the billionaire Wharton grad who led the campaign to topple Penns leaders?

Boards got too weighted toward donors, Bok said, adding that he understands that money and donations are important. But when a crisis comes, you can find that people ... in one segment can have interests that are too unified, or maybe even theres conflicts of interest.

In the book, Bok wrote how the crisis at Penn played out in the shadow of New Yorks Wall Street, where some wealthy current and former trustees, including Bok, worked.

He said viewpoint diversity is needed and suggested adding, for example, an elementary or secondary schoolteacher, a charter school principal, or an engineer at Boeing.

 READ MORE: University of Virginia provost will replace Amy Gutmann as Penns next president

Magill, a lawyer and former University of Virginia provost who was raised in Fargo, N.D., said she wants to play a role in driving change. She is planning to bring together some college presidents and board members to discuss the future governance of universities, she said.

Id like to be a constructive voice and helpful voice on that, she said.

Magill also said she worries about the existential threat to the nations universities, given increasing pressure from President Donald Trumps administration. The federal government has cut research funding, attacked diversity programs, and is considering raising a tax on endowments at the most financially wealthy universities. It also is looking at eliminating the tax-exempt status of Harvard University.

If all those things come to pass, the U.S. college and university system, which is presently the envy of the world, would be a shadow of its former self, she said. And even if the worst doesnt come to pass ... my fear is five to 10 years from now ... the federal college and university partnership may never be the same, and I think that would be a really large loss.

The U.S. Department of Education has ordered Penn to restore to all female athletes all individual athletic records, titles, honors, awards or similar recognition for Division I swimming competitions misappropriated by male athletes or risk the loss of federal funding.

Penn said it followed National Collegiate Athletic Association policy at the time when transgender swimmer Lia Thomas competed on its womens team during the 2021-22 season.

Penn has 10 days to comply with the demands, issued on April 28, which also include issuing a statement to the Penn community that it will comply with Title IX and sending a letter of apology to each swimmer whose record is restored, or risk losing federal funding. The government already has paused $175 million in funding to Penn because it allowed Thomas to compete.

A Penn spokesperson declined comment.

Asked whether they had advice for young people who are future leaders, Bok said, Choose carefully your friends and even your spouse because the people around you will be advisers and supporters to you.

At the height of the Penn crisis, Bok said, a freshman who also lived in Warwick residence hall whom he hadnt talked to in 35 years found his email address and reached out. It was the night Bok resigned as board chair and published an opinion piece in The Inquirer.

The subject line was Warwick strong, he said.
Ramon Mezquita has owned his food truck for eight years. He has now racked up $3,500 in fines for operating after the new curfew. Read more

Latino food truck owners in North Philadelphia say their businesses may not survive enforcement of a curfew mandating they close by 11 p.m.

Many of the food trucks in the area operate overnight, serving affordable Dominican and Mexican food to people who work the graveyard shift  including SEPTA drivers, truckers, and police officers  and area bar patrons.

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Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced the original curfew, which reduces the late-night hours of some businesses, in January 2024, and vendors say enforcement of an expanded version started this spring. Lozada saw the curfew as a way to increase safety and crack down on so-called nuisance businesses, like unlicensed smoke shops and corner stores with rows of slot-like gambling machines, in parts of Kensington.

The councilmember said the effort was so successful at reducing crime that she expanded it to other parts of her district with a bill the mayor signed in August. (Police department statistics say that violent crime in Lozadas 7th district decreased by 45% in the last 28 days compared to the previous month, but is up by 40% for the year to date compared to last year.)

Many of the food truck owners in Lozadas district say they feel betrayed by the councilmembers agenda.

What do food trucks have to do with crime? asked Jose Lora, the owner of the truck Delicias Dominicanas, after unpacking Country Club Merengue, the Dominican national soda, on a recent Tuesday evening. Lora has maintained his truck at the same spot  the corner of West Hunting Park Avenue and North Front Street  for the past 11 years, he said. Until recently, he typically served food until midnight, and had stayed open until 4 a.m. before the pandemic.

Lora is a member of the Latino Food Truck Association, a new group of roughly 50 food trucks in the Kensington/North Philadelphia area that formed in response to the curfew enforcement.

Frank Rosario and Damaso Rodriguez, two leaders of the food truck association, calculated that their members have received at least 26 curfew citations, totaling more than $13,000 in fines, in the last few weeks.

Its not clear how many curfew citations were issued in total; the Philadelphia Police Department, which is leading the enforcement effort, did not respond to requests for comment.

Ramon Mezquita runs the popular truck Zurdo Fritura on an industrial stretch of West Hunting Park. He received his first $500 citation for violating the curfew in March. He said that he had not heard anything about the new rules prior to being fined.

Mezquita, who was a professional chef in the Dominican Republic before immigrating to the United States, has run Zurdo Fritura for eight years, cooking and selling Dominican-style chimi, yaroa, and tostones from 6 p.m. until 3 or 4 a.m.

In the weeks since enforcement began, Mezquita racked up six more tickets, totaling $3,500. He also lost about 75% of his revenue because of the shorter hours, he said. Hes now caught in a catch-22: If he keeps Zurdo Fritura open past the curfew, he risks another citation. But if he closes early, he has limited income.

I mean, we dont even make the money to pay those tickets yet, Mezquita said. Sometimes after a police officer issues a ticket, hell reopen the truck and continue serving food just to make enough money to afford ingredients for the next day, he said.

The end of lax enforcement

Lozada said vendors shouldnt be losing much revenue  according to the Philadelphia Code, most street vendors citywide are only allowed to operate between 7 a.m. and midnight, and the new curfew simply moves the closing time to 11 p.m.

In practice, many food trucks have operated overnight for years without consequence because the Department of Licenses and Inspections carries out inspections during the day shift.

Every single one of them had been breaking the law for a long time, Lozada said.

Food truck operators and mobile vendors near Drexel Universitys campus in University City experienced a similar feeling of whiplash in March, when the school said it planned to enforce a raft of city vending laws that the vendors said would force them out of business, upending a yearslong status quo.

Lozada said the time of lax enforcement is over.

There was no enforcement for many years in the 7th Council district, said Lozada, who replaced former Councilmember Maria Quinones Sanchez in 2022. I think people got very comfortable and just felt like they didnt have to abide by the law.

Lozada said while she saw no direct correlation between food trucks and crime, she worried that as a result of them operating late into the evening hours, the patrons they attract sometimes are involved in criminal activity.

Vendors said thats not the case.

We know our customers arent bad people, said Enerolisa Rojas, the longtime owner of the Camilo Hispanic Food Truck. Mothers come with their young children, even at 1 a.m., especially during summer vacations.

We are just trying to work

The new enforcement efforts have sent ripples of fear through the community.

Rojas worries that she may have to lay off the dozen people she employs between her truck and restaurant if she cannot operate overnight, since thats when the majority of her customers show up.

The new enforcement was particularly ill-timed, she said, because summer is their busiest season. Since the curfew enforcement began, she said, shes lost 80% of her revenue due to the shorter hours. And its made her feel like a criminal.

When 10:50 p.m. strikes, we are all looking over our shoulders, just in case the police arrive, when we are just trying to work, Rojas said.

The Latino Food Truck Association is trying to find a compromise that would allow the trucks to operate as they always have.

Rosario, a community activist who is helping to spearhead the nascent organization, proposed opening a late-night Latino food truck park in North Philadelphia, similar to the overnight market that was pitched for Fishtown. (That market was indefinitely postponed just before it was set to open).

Rosario called food trucks a boon to the city. The small businesses offer healthy, affordable food in food deserts and pay thousands of dollars in taxes, he said.

Now vendors feel as though theyre being targeted, just because they live in a neighborhood that doesnt have as much money as other neighborhoods, Rosario said.

Restaurants with liquor licenses or chains that serve food only through drive-through windows, like McDonalds and Wendys, are exempt from the curfew, which the small food truck vendors see as a sign of inequality.

Tows and shutdowns

Tensions escalated on Thursday afternoon, when L&I and the Philadelphia Police Department towed 16 vehicles and shut down 10 vendors in Kensington and North Philadelphia.

Shemeka Moore, a spokesperson for L&I, said the operation was unrelated to the curfew, and had to do with businesses that were unlicensed, parked illegally, operating illegal electrical hookups, or displaying other hazardous conditions. Peco said the company was called in to assist with the enforcement, but there were no illegal hookups.

Lozada said her office was not involved with the L&I crackdown and that shes investigating what happened.

The effort alarmed the Food Truck Association; some members saw the towings as possible retaliation for speaking out about the curfew. In a video that circulated quickly among residents, a food truck vendor begged police officers not to tow her truck and then collapsed to the ground in distress.

Anyone who voted for current city officials has been completely violated, Rosario said.
Sebrina Tate, President and CEO of Bebashi, left, and Michael Melvin, Community Engagement Coordinator, in the grocery facility at the West Philly clinic in April. Read more

At her West Philadelphia health clinic, physician Shelley Henderson is running low on contraception.

Some of her patients are scrambling to get the contraceptives they need before supplies run out. Others are making appointments to remove contraceptive devices earlier than planned, fearing they will lose access to federally funded sexual healthcare from Henderson at the Public Health Management Corporations Health Center on Cedar.

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Thats because President Donald Trumps administration last month froze Title X funds in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These federal dollars cover family planning and other sexual health services for people who are under- or uninsured.

The freeze withheld a years worth of funding from 16 organizations around the country that distribute Title X funds to regional providers. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, that organization is AccessMatters, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that was set to give out $5.7 million to 22 organizations operating 77 clinics in the area.

The organization says it was told that federal officials were investigating its compliance with Trump directives on immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is a direct attack on contraception and sexual healthcare access, said Ayana Bradshaw, AccessMatters president and CEO. Its going to result in clinic closures, reduced services, and worse health outcomes for millions of people.

Title X funds cover contraception and other family planning methods. They also fund treatment and testing for sexually transmitted infections, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and health education. The funds do not pay for abortions.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association filed a lawsuit late last month over the funding freeze. The federal Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Title X funding, did not return a request for comment.

Trump has argued that DEI programs discriminate against white people, and his administration has already targeted federal grants that support research on health equity and threatened universities with funding cuts based on their DEI policies.

Area providers and patients who receive Title X-funded care say the program has served as a gateway to health services beyond reproductive care. Now they fear losing a trusted resource for vulnerable patients who already had trouble getting the care they need.

At Health Center on Cedar, Henderson says that almost all of her patients live below the poverty line, and about 3,700 patients at the clinic receive some kind of Title X benefit.

For patients who already struggle to trust the healthcare system, our hands are tied, Henderson said.

Serving thousands in Southeastern Pa.

AccessMatters distributed funding last year that covered care for more than 61,000 patients, the organization said. Title X funding covered about 36% of its family planning program costs.

Other funding that it receives from the state and from nongovernmental organizations cannot replace federal contributions, Bradshaw said.

Its going to be impossible for philanthropy and corporations to replace these large government programs, Bradshaw said.

Beyond the reproductive care it funds, providers say Title X care can help patients establish relationships at clinics, allowing doctors to connect them with additional services that arent funded through Title X, like blood pressure screenings and access to housing and food assistance.

For a lot of people we serve, its their only source of primary healthcare. Its a critical entry point to medical care and support for all the social factors that shape health, Bradshaw said.

 READ MORE: In Philly region, chaos over cuts to federal health grants closes an addiction care center and threatens vaccine clinics

They work with you

At Bebashi, a West Philadelphia nonprofit, $100,000 in Title X funding ensures about 145 patients have access to services like STI testing, mammograms, and cervical cancer screenings, president and CEO Sebrina Tate said.

Chardonnay Carter, 28, of North Philadelphia, first sought care with Bebashi about four years ago through a program that helps trans Philadelphians like her access housing.

She gets some Title X-funded care through the nonprofit and also uses their food pantry and a free closet that provides new clothes for trans people. She regularly meets with a case worker and has been able to get support for her transition and medications to prevent HIV.

Homecare nurse Raymond Payne, also of North Philadelphia, a client at Bebashi for 14 years, counts on the organization for food, HIV medication, and primary care.

He comes back not only because of the healthcare, but also because he appreciates the personal approach staff take with him.

Theyre gentle, they take their time, he said. They work with you.

To preserve Payne and Carters Title X care, Bebashi is looking to find other funding sources and considering cutting other programming or staff. Still, uncertainty about the future is rattling staff and patients.

Were not looking to stop, cut, or reduce services, but we have to get creative about how we bring funds in, Tate said. Its uncomfortable, to say the least, and a little bit scary, because we dont know what could be next.

A broad impact

At PHMC Health Center on Cedar, Henderson placed last week her final order using federal funding for Nexplanon devices, contraceptive implants that are inserted under the skin of a persons arm and provide contraception for up to three years.

After that order runs out, Henderson said, patients without insurance wont be able to receive them.

With so many patients at clinics like hers dependent on Title X funds, Henderson said many providers worry their workplaces will close entirely.

[The funding freeze] impacts almost every visit I do, personally, she said.
In this file photo from Nov., 18, 2023, a member of he National Domestic Workers Alliance Pennsylvania Chapter holds up a sign advocating for worker rights at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. The Alliance, in concert with the Philly Black Worker Project, is advocating for City Council to pass the POWER Act on May 8. Read more

We come from different jobs and different workplaces. One of us, has a long history in house cleaning; the other, is a temp industry worker. Despite our different roles, we are united in the same fight: the right to feel safe and respected at work.

Our labor keeps this city running. We care for children. We cook food, we stock shelves and keep businesses clean. We support families and fuel Philadelphias economy. But while we honor our work with everything we have, the city we love and call home hasnt always honored us in return.

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Thats why we are organizing for labor justice in Philly, working across industries and neighborhoods on behalf of all mistreated workers who dont have the protections of a union and rely on the city to enforce our rights.

The Protect Our Workers - Enforce Rights (POWER) Act, which is scheduled to go in front of City Council for its final vote Thursday can change this mistreatment.

Too often, workers in this city are treated like we dont matter: Working in the shadows, pushed to the margins, taken advantage of, and left without protection because of our race, gender, immigration status, language, or relationship to the carceral system.

Its hard to describe just how powerless you feel when your job disappears overnight, or when youre told your hours were cut because you asked a question about pay.

Domestic workers who speak up for better treatment can be fired on the spot. Undocumented restaurant workers can be denied their sick pay and threatened with deportation when they ask for whats legally theirs. People coming out of incarceration can be discriminated against and illegally denied work when an employer learns that theyve been involved in the carceral system.

On a number of occasions, weve experienced retaliation because we are protecting ourselves at work. In industries like the temp industry, workers do not receive training on the machinery required to do our jobs. And when we stand up and demand training or refuse to use dangerous equipment, we are fired. Sometimes, that firing happens after we are already injured.

These arent isolated incidents. They are patterns. Patterns made worse by the fact that for so many workers, there isnt a clear path to justice. This is despite the fact that City Council has passed groundbreaking labor protections like the Philadelphia Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Paid Sick Leave Law, Wage Theft Ordinance, and more.

But what is a right if its not enforced?

The POWER Act is our chance to fix the gaps in our system and truly protect workers. It creates a new protection for workers who face retaliation. It creates a bad actor database to hold accountable those employers who have repeatedly violated workers rights and refuse to comply with the laws. It sets out critical protections for immigrant workers. It gives our citys Office of Worker Protections better tools to enforce our existing labor ordinances, critical at a moment when federal worker protections are being systematically dismantled.

This bill is not just about enforcing laws. Its about restoring trust.

It also requires the Department of Labor to publicly report on the citys process for taking action on worker claims and holding violating employers accountable. That way, workers arent left wondering if their cases just disappeared into a void.

This bill is not just about enforcing laws. Its about restoring trust. Its about telling workers across Philadelphia: You matter, your rights matter, and when you are wronged, someone will have your back. Workers, like us, will then feel more secure in standing up for our rights.

Philadelphia has a chance to lead by example: To say that in this city, no worker is disposable, that rights on paper will come with real protections in practice.

On May 8, pass the POWER Act. Not just for us, but for every worker who has ever been told to sit down and be quiet.

Were done being silent.

Rufina Rodriguez is with the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Craig Horton is a temp industry worker with the Philly Black Worker Project.
Donald Trumps outrages come so fast and furiously it is often hard to keep up.

That is all part of the plan  provided there are concepts of a plan beyond upending democracy, wrecking the economy, power tripping, and lining his pockets. More disturbing, Trumps supporters happily indulge his depravity.

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In the last few days, Trump said he didnt know if he needed to uphold the Constitution  even though he swore an oath to do just that a few months ago. Trump added that he didnt know if every person in the United States is entitled to due process  a bedrock principle of the American legal system.

Trump marked his first 100 days in office with a litany of lies about his accomplishments, including that gas is now $2 a gallon.

He blamed former President Joe Biden for the shrinking economy brought on by his erratic tariff policy. If the economy continues to falter in the second quarter, Trump said that will also be Bidens fault.

 READ MORE: Trumps first 100 days: Chaos, mass firings, tariffs, and brute force | Editorial

Trump capped the weekend by posting a photo of himself on social media dressed in the traditional white vestments of the pope. The White House reposted the picture on its official Instagram and X accounts.

Vice President JD Vance, a recent convert to Catholicism and Trumpism, tried to dismiss the photo as a joke. But the only joke is Trump and the enabling stooges in his administration. They are turning the country into a laughingstock.

It is also disrespectful and abhorrent to mock the papacy  especially as many Roman Catholics are mourning the recent passing of Pope Francis.

Just as disturbing is how few Catholic leaders in the United States failed to call out Trump. The archbishop of Milwaukee called it very unfortunate. New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan said he hoped Trump didnt have anything to do with that.

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez declined a request from this board to comment.

That is in keeping with the culture of obsequiousness Trump has imposed on his supporters, and even some in his crosshairs. Trumps cabinet meetings are an embarrassing display of fawning over a dictator.

Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed that Trump has saved 258 million lives due to the amount of fentanyl taken off the streets. Vance said previous presidents whose pictures adorn the Oval Office  which include Ronald Reagan, James Madison, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln  were mere placeholders who werent men of action.

Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, gushed, I just want to say thank you, as a veteran of our military, for assembling what is the greatest national security team that I have ever seen in my 27 years associated with the United States Army.

But all of the sycophancy, tariff-wrought economic destruction, and immigrant roundups are distractions to the graft taking place.

 READ MORE: The Trump family is taking crypto payoffs in the middle of Fifth Avenue. Who will stop them? | Will Bunch

A fund backed by Abu Dhabi is investing $2 billion in the Trump family cryptocurrency business. Trumps push into cryptocurrency comes as he is rewriting rules and scaling back regulation and oversight of the industry.

The lack of transparency raises questions whether foreign countries or individuals can funnel money into Trumps crypto company to influence American policy at home or abroad.

For example, an international trucking company bought as much as $20 million worth of Trumps crypto coins to influence the administrations trade policy. After a Chinese billionaire accused of defrauding investors turned around and invested $30 million in Trumps crypto firm, the Securities and Exchange Commission paused the case.

At the same time, Trumps two sons have been traveling the world striking lucrative business deals in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Trump claims to have no role in the deals, but he stands to benefit since it is his company.

While Trump feeds the masses bread and circuses, he is laughing all the way to the bank.
Newark Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka speaks during a protest in front of of Delaney Hall, the proposed site of an immigrant detention center, in Newark, N.J., Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Baraka's spoken word poetry is now featured on Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour. Read more

Newark Mayor Ras Barakas voice can be heard on the campaign trail throughout the state for New Jersey governor as he makes his case for his progressive vision for the state. Now it can also be heard on Beyonces tour  and, this Wednesday, at a Rutgers poetry slam.

I want to hear an American poem, Baraka recites in an audio clip that plays during an interlude video at Beyonces Cowboy Carter tour, which began on April 28. Something American, you know, something American you know. Some sassy s.

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Baraka, a longtime spoken word artist, said he was fresh out of college when he wrote the piece American Poem, which he performed on Def Poetry Jam on HBO in 2003.

South Carolina slave shouter, Alabama backwoods church shack call and response, he continues in the audio clip. Hey you, hey, hey you, where are all the American poems about Harlem number runners and barbershop conversations about colored faces on colored TVs?

He says American images, and scenes of Black artists fill the screen, including the likes of Roy Hamilton, Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, and Chuck Berry. The interlude also features conservative critics of Beyonces foray into country music, including actor John Schneider comparing her to a dog marking its territory and political commentator Megyn Kelly saying most Americans in red states have enjoyed the genre before she decided to stick her big toe into the lane.

Baraka, a progressive, is running in a competitive six-candidate Democratic primary and would be New Jerseys first Black governor. His campaign shared a video on social media last week splicing audio from the tour with footage from his 2003 performance, with the June 10 primary date at the end.

American Poem calls for the recognition of multicultural aspects of American history that Baraka said have been excluded or wiped away and that people dont like to talk about, ranging from the Ku Klux Klan and the struggle for working and civil rights to graffiti and hip-hop  things that are all American to him, he said. The message is still relevant today, particularly with efforts against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in schools, he said.

I think the poem is appropriate for her show, and who she is, her style, what shes trying to express, her doing her foray into country music, and being very successful at it, at that, he said in an interview Monday.

Baraka said Beyonces team contacted him to ask permission to use his poem shortly before the tour began, and that theyre working on contractual details. He said he doesnt know Beyonce personally.

His experience as an orator was evident in the first gubernatorial debate, where he stood out as particularly comfortable behind the podium. Baraka said the cadence of spoken word and political speeches can be similar and his experience as an artist helps him connect with voters.

The way you use words is important, he said. It helps you connect with people. You try to tap into peoples emotions. And as a poet, as a writer, you want people to see the things that youre saying  not just listen to what youre saying."

Baraka said he began writing poetry in high school, keeping poems in his pocket on loose leaf paper. He started performing spoken word in college and created a spoken word poetry show called Verse for Verse in Newark. He was featured on Lauryn Hills 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. His father Amiri Baraka was also a poet and an activist.

Baraka said he still writes often and that it helps him clear his head and release tension.

Spoken word to me is the thing that, you know, keeps me going, keeps my imagination going, keeps me grounded to issues and reminds me of why we are involved in politics in the first place, he said.

In 2020 he released a piece called What We Want, which highlighted, in part, some of his progressive political views, like free healthcare and education.

Hell be performing as a guest at a poetry slam at 9 p.m. at Rutgers New Brunswick campus this Wednesday, and said students invited him before his Cowboy Carter debut.

Baraka said he still goes to the studio when he can, where he said he speaks poetry over (very loud) music.

His attitude with that music? Whatever happens, happens.

I dont think Im gonna be Grammy Award winning, but you never know, he said.

After all, he made it on Beyonces tour.
Former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Patrick Dugan's campaign website said he had the support of wards that have not yet endorsed a candidate or have endorsed District Attorney Larry Krasner for the upcoming DA race. A campaign spokesperson attributed the error to a mistake as endorsement decisions across the citys 66 wards ebb and flow. Read more

After Philadelphias Democratic Party declined to endorse a candidate in the race for district attorney, DA Larry Krasner and his challenger, former Judge Patrick Dugan, have been left to campaign across the city, vying for the individual support of the citys 66 wards.

The nods are coveted in the May 20 primary election, because without an official party endorsement, it is up to each ward leader to decide whether to promote a candidate to voters on election day.

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And until Monday, Dugans campaign website boasted that he had won the support of 32 Democratic wards. But in at least four of those wards, leaders said they have either not yet endorsed a candidate or have instead chosen Krasner.

In a now-deleted portion of endorsements posted on his campaign website, Dugan, a former Philadelphia Municipal Court judge, listed support from dozens of wards across the city, including the 35th, 37th, and 43rd Wards. But leaders from those wards told The Inquirer on Monday that they have either not yet made their endorsement or are planning to stay open in the primary.

Until last week, Dugans webpage also listed an endorsement from the 46th Ward in West Philadelphia, but ward leader and former City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell said that while she likes and has met with both candidates, her district is supporting Krasner.

Dugans campaign removed the 46th Ward endorsement. On Monday evening, hours after an Inquirer reporter reached Dugans campaign for comment, the endorsements from the 35th, 37th, and 43rd Wards had vanished from the site.

Additionally, endorsements from Northwest Philadelphias 17th and 22nd Wards, which were listed on Dugans page earlier in the day Monday, were also removed. The 22nd Ward is led by Councilmember Cindy Bass, who said Tuesday that her ward is staying open.

A Dugan campaign spokesperson attributed the error to a mistake as endorsement decisions across the citys 66 wards ebb and flow.

We still think its a win for us if these wards stay open or split against the two-term incumbent, said Daniel Kalai, Dugans campaign manager.

In a statement, a Krasner campaign spokesperson called the move disappointing, adding that the campaign is proud of its own endorsements.

Krasner has received the endorsements of 31 wards, according to data provided by his campaign, including South Philadelphias 36th Ward, which is represented by Council President Kenyatta Johnson. Northwest Philadelphias 50th Ward, led by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, has not yet endorsed a candidate.

 READ MORE: With weeks until election day, Philly DA Larry Krasner projects a landslide as Patrick Dugan tries to crack his coalition

Philadelphia is divided into 66 wards, which are individual voting districts in the city. Ward leaders work on behalf of their political party and play an influential role in registering and mobilizing voters. And in an off-year primary election where voter turnout is projected to be low, ward leader endorsements are particularly valuable, as the chosen candidates name will appear on that wards sample ballot.

In the upcoming primary, there is no Republican candidate for district attorney, meaning the results of the May election will likely be decisive.

 READ MORE: Anti-Krasner ads funded by a super PAC hit the airwaves with just weeks left in Philly DA race

State Rep. Danilo Burgos (D., Philadelphia) is the leader of the 43rd Democratic Ward in North Philadelphia, and said on Monday afternoon that he was unsure why his wards endorsement was displayed on the Dugan website, but emphasized that the ward is open, we havent endorsed anyone as of yet.

Burgos said his ward met with both Dugan and Krasner last week, and will meet again with them next week, though the ward is waiting for more information on the candidates before making any decision or deciding to stay open.

Similar instances occurred in the 35th and 37th Wards. Heather Miller, leader of the Northeasts 35th Ward, said Monday we have not made a decision on the district attorneys office at the moment.

Miller expects a decision to be made no later than next Thursday, but said the ward remains undecided and is leaning toward staying open.

And in the 37th Ward, based in North Philadelphia, leader El Amor M. Brawne Ali said her ward will likely make its decision by Friday.

Dugan has received endorsements from 27 wards, according to his website as of Monday evening. He also has the backing of several unions and the politically influential Philadelphia Building Trades Council.

Krasner, a progressive prosecutor seeking a third term, has garnered the support of organizations and unions like the Pennsylvania Working Families Party and a local of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and has the backing of some of the citys top Black Democrats.

The largest labor organization in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, made the largely symbolic decision to not to endorse either candidate this year. The citys police union, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, has also not endorsed a candidate.
We are not very good in terms of being the fastest or the first mover, Jain said, adding that Berkshire prefers to wait and see until the opportunity crystallises. His remarks suggest that the conglomerate, which is currently navigating profit pressure and a major leadership transition, is unlikely to make large-scale AI bets any time soon.
mandatory disclosure of changes in broker remuneration year-over-year

unified disclosure rules for both retail and wholesale clients

evidence-based justification for fees that exceed industry norms

At a minimum, brokers must be upfront with clients when changing remuneration structures  especially where the benefit flows to the broker at the clients expense, Shandiman said. That means ensuring clients are properly informed and their consent is genuinely obtained. If current remuneration models are, as the industry claims, the right and fair way for brokers to be paid  then there should be no issue prominently displaying this information to clients. Concealing it doesnt just undermine trust  it damages the professional image of the entire broking industry and reinforces negative perceptions about a lack of transparency.
In 2023, MGAs in the US generated over $102 billion in direct premiums written (DPW), marking a 13% increase from the previous year. This growth outpaced the overall property and casualty market, which saw a 10% rise during the same period. However, subsequent revisions adjusted the 2023 DPW figure to $77 billion, reflecting an 8.6% year-over-year increase.
To lead this growth, EmPRO has appointed three senior executives: Michael Miller (pictured above, center) as vice president of underwriting and head of the new Boston office; Michael Kubik (pictured above, left) as vice president of business development, and Brian Kriger (pictured above, right) as vice president of underwriting.
The heart of the dispute came down to medical proof. Delsignore underwent two independent evaluations with Dr. Christopher Martin, a physician in the Department of Occupational Medicine at West Virginia University. Dr. Martin didnt dispute the original injuries, but he didnt find evidence - such as X-rays or clear imaging - to support a current diagnosis of post-traumatic arthritis. In fact, he said arthritis typically doesnt set in that quickly after an injury, though he acknowledged Delsignore might develop it later on.
Meanwhile, Brian Pierce, chief underwriting officer at Victor US, said the program aligns with the companys focus on offering consistent insurance solutions. The Victor Real Estate program supports our goal to help clients navigate complex risk, with the backing of a carrier that has supported this offering for nearly four decades.
One of those lessons is the value of collaboration with the front lines. I like to think that my team and I are really in it with (CRCs producers), shoulder to shoulder, to make sure that we're creating the value that they can sell, Marshall said. Having that strong partnership with the field and the sales team is a key to ensuring the success of any type of roll-out.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has secured a $4.93 million judgment against Planet Zaza of East Haven and its owner, Mohamed Alraishani, following persistent illegal cannabis sales in spite of a court order and repeated law enforcement visits.

Tong said this is the largest civil penalty ever imposed in Connecticut for illegal cannabis sales.

Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all. If you are unlicensed, if you sell untested, unregulated cannabis, we will find you and we will hold you accountable, said Tong.

The attorney general first sued Planet Zaza and Alraishani in January 2024 for violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, after what Tong said were multiple unannounced inspections found numerous high-THC cannabis edibles, including those more potent than any authorized for sale in Connecticut.

Investigators said they also discovered fake prescription labels falsely indicating that the store was a licensed dispensary and that the illegal products were medical-use cannabis. The products were not produced in a licensed facility or tested in accordance with state law, and many contained youth-appealing packaging, according to officials.

Officials told the court that the illegal sales persisted after the complaint was filed, and after multiple visits from state consumer protection staff and East Haven police.

On November 12, 2024, a judge issued a temporary injunction, ordering Planet Zaza and Alraishani to cease illegal sales, but, according to officials, Planet Zaza and Alraishani ignored the courts order.

Planet Zaza did not present the court with any evidence to rebut prosecutors claims or with any evidence of mitigating financial circumstances regarding an inability to pay civil penalties.

The attorney general sought penalties of $5,000 per day for every day Planet Zaza and Alraishani offered for sale cannabis products in violation of CUTPA. The court this week ordered the smoke shop and owner to pay $5,000 for each of the 621 days they willfully violated CUTPA, and $25,000 for each of the 73 days they violated the courts temporary injunction, for a total civil penalty of $4.93 million.

Judge Matthew D. Gordon concluded that the defendants would likely continue their unlawful activities absent a significant monetary penalty intended to deter future violations,

Residents age 21 and over can legally possess and consume cannabis in Connecticut, but cannabis products may only be sold in the regulated market and must meet testing and packaging requirements. Tong said the despite the laws, state and local law enforcement routinely find illegal cannabis products for sale.

Topics Cannabis
Money laundering and cyber risks remained high in Switzerland, the head of the countrys financial market regulator said on Monday, while there was an increasing risk of individuals and trying to get around financial sanctions on Russia.

Money-laundering risks were increasingly relevant for medium-sized and smaller banks, FINMA CEO Stefan Walter told an event in Zurich.

On Russia-related sanctions, Walter said the likelihood that individuals and companies circumvent sanctions increased the longer a regime lasted.

Against this backdrop, the associated risks for financial intermediaries increase, he said.

(Reporting by Ariane Luthi, editing by John Revill)
Aon Promotes Lyons to Bermuda CEO of Reinsurance

Insurance broker Aon plc announced that Amanda Lyons had been appointed CEO of Aon Reinsurance Solutions Ltd. in Bermuda, effective July 1.

The appointment is subject to regulatory and immigration approvals.

Based in Bermuda, Lyons will drive the growth of Aons reinsurance platform on the island. As a proven global leader with extensive market relationships and strong product expertise, she will continue to increase strength across the firms solutions, resources and talent. Lyons also will remain as global product leader for Reinsurance Solutions.

Amanda is one of our premier casualty brokers and will continue to serve her clients from the island. Her appointment reflects Aons commitment to the Bermuda market and to elevating our talent as we deliver career opportunities for colleagues, commented Andy Marcell, Aons CEO of Risk Capital and Reinsurance.

In her new role, Amanda will collaborate closely with Nick Moore, CEO of Aon Bermuda Ltd., to identify and deliver innovative access to capital for Aons clients, Marcell added.

***

BHSI Appoints Munden to Lead New UK Programs Business

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) announced its entrance into the UK programs business and appointed Rob Munden as head of Programs, UK.

In his new role, Munden will be responsible for building and leading BHSIs programs business in the UK, drawing on the companys underwriting expertise across property, casualty, marine, executive & professional lines, and accident & health insurance.

He will also be supporting BHSIs European businesses as the company develops its program capabilities across Europe. He comes to BHSI with 30 years of insurance industry experience, exceptional knowledge of the programs space and strong MGA relationships. He joins BHSI from the specialist managing general agent, Euna Underwriting, where he was chief executive officer.

Munden is based in London and can be reached at Rob.Munden@bhspecialty.com.

This move further rounds out our capabilities in the UK and Europe, and reflects our long-term strategy to expand our business beyond our traditional large customers to the small and midsized businesses that are so vital to our region, said Mark Walker, head of National Business, UK, at BHSI. With Rob at the helm, we look forward to building a robust Programs business in the UK and throughout Europe.

Topics Reinsurance Aon
Benefit Advisors Network (BAN), an international network of progressive and visionary employee benefit brokers and consulting firms from across the United States and Canada, announced Houston, Texas-based Carroll Insurance has been accepted for membership into the organization.

Serving a diverse clientele across industries such as manufacturing, construction, oil & gas, technology, professional services, restaurants, and retail, Carroll Insurance provides protection through policies like general liability, cyber liability, workers compensation, and directors & officers liability.

They also offer employee benefits packages encompassing group medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement plans. In addition, individuals can access personal insurance options such as auto, homeowners, life, and umbrella coverage.

Founded in 2002, BAN is an exclusive, premier, international network of independent, employee benefit brokerage and consulting companies.

Topics Texas
Starting July 1, Florida insurance agents will no longer need to make a diligent effort to find coverage for hard-to-place properties before turning to surplus lines insurance if the governor signs House Bill 1549 into law. But a separate bill that would have rolled back part of a 2024 law requiring agents to be appointed with three carriers before writing Citizens Property Insurance has died.

Current Florida law requires agents to first seek coverage from at least three admitted insurance companies (or if the dwelling has a replacement cost of $700,000 or more, from at least one admitted carrier) before looking for coverage through a surplus lines insurer. Two bills this year that would have deleted the three-carrier requirement failed to pass both chambers of the Florida Legislature, but the wording was added late last week to a financial services bill, HB 1549.

That bill was approved by the House of Representatives in late April and cleared the Senate  with the amendment  on Friday. The full House concurred. It now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

The Florida Association of Insurance Agents has supported the revision, noting that forcing agents to always check with three admitted carriers was often seen as a waste of time.

Some plaintiffs attorneys had objected to the change, arguing that property owners may not be aware that surplus lines are less regulated and can be more expensive than domestic carriers.

The amended wording to the bill also requires an addendum to the disclosure already required about surplus lines policyholders not being protected by the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association in case of insolvency. The added language for the disclosure document reads: Additionally, surplus lines insurers policy rates and forms are not approved by any Florida regulatory agency.

The bill further states that, if the acknowledgment of the disclosure is signed by the policyholder, the insured is presumed to have been informed and to know that other coverage may be available. The measure deletes other sections related to exportability of coverage to surplus lines.

Bill to End the Three Appointments Requirement Dies

Another bill closely watched by agents this year has died in committee as the 2025 session nears its end. Senate Bill 1184 would have ended the 2024 requirement that insurance agents be appointed with three carriers before they can qualify as agents for Citizens, Floridas state-backed insurer of last resort and the largest carrier in the state.

Instead, the bill, sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, would have allowed agents to provide a signed attestation, confirming that they have access through brokers to insurers or surplus lines that write commercial and commercial residential properties. Such an affirmation would not have applied to residential property coverage, the failed bill reads.

The three appointments was required last year by House Bill 1503, signed by DeSantis in May. It was seen as one of several changes designed to discourage insureds from flocking to Citizens, to help depopulate the carrier. Previous law required only one appointment for agents.

SB 1184 and a similar bill in the House seemed to be moving along in the session this year. House Bill 643 passed the House but both bills were withdrawn from consideration late last week.

Topics Agencies Florida Excess Surplus
A net 30,000 New Yorkers fled the city for Floridas Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties in the five years through 2022, taking with them a combined $9.2 billion in income, a new report shows.

The two Florida counties gained households earning well above six figures, according to the report released Wednesday by the Citizens Budget Commission, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog. Almost 20,000 people with a per capita income of about $190,000 left New York City for Palm Beach during that time, while more than 26,000 individuals with a per capita income of about $266,000 went to Miami-Dade, according to the group.

The coronavirus pandemic, the cost of living and some quality-of-life concerns have made other parts of the country more attractive for some New York City residents. States like New Jersey, Florida, California and Pennsylvania gained residents relocating from New York during the span covered in the report, according to the CBC data.

Our competitiveness depends in part on quality of life and public safety, CBC President Andrew Rein said during a media briefing prior to the release of the data. Thats the value proposition. If you feel safe and you enjoy your life, youre going to want to be here.

Not everyone leaving the city left the state. A net of nearly 138,000 city residents relocated to New Yorks Long Island during those years, reducing the Big Apples adjusted gross income by a combined $11.1 billion, according to the CBC data. Westchester County, just north of the city, gained almost 60,000 net new residents, cutting the citys adjusted gross income by $5 billion.

While the total number of millionaires in New York swelled from almost 36,000 in 2010 to almost 70,000 in 2022, the states share of US millionaires actually declined, according to the report. In 2010, New York was home to 12.7% of the countys millionaires, a percentage that fell to 8.7% by 2022, even as states like California, Texas and Florida saw their shares of the countrys wealthiest people increase.

Tracking the movements of New Yorks millionaires has become a fraught political issue because the top 1% of the citys tax filers pay 40% of the income taxes.

The CBC data also breaks down migration out of the city by race and ethnicity, income and age. Since 2018, New York Citys population loss has been led by its highest earners and also millennials, those born in the 1980s and early 1990s.

New York Citys overall population increased in 2023 and 2024 after six years of decline, due to international migration to the city, the CBC said.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Profit Loss
May 6, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) With the rise of cloud storage, ensuring the security of your files on platforms like Google Drive is more important than ever. Accidental sharing of sensitive information can lead to significant repercussions, including data breaches and compliance violations. By understanding the risks and implementing effective strategies, you can safeguard your organization's data.

In the digital era, cloud storage services such as Google Drive have become essential tools for both businesses and individuals. While they offer unmatched convenience and collaboration opportunities, they also pose significant security challenges. Misconfigured sharing settings can lead to unintended data exposure, making it crucial to understand how these oversights can result in security breaches. This is where understanding Google Drive security becomes vital.

Recognizing the risks of Google Drive sharing

Google Drive's user-friendly sharing features can sometimes become a double-edged sword. Users might inadvertently set permissions that allow anyone with the link to access sensitive documents. This ease of sharing, if not carefully managed, can expose confidential data to unauthorized parties and raise concerns about Google Drive security risks.

Is Google Drive secure? While Google provides robust security measures, improper sharing settings and human error can still leave sensitive files vulnerable. Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial losses and damage to an organization's reputation. Legal challenges may arise if client or proprietary information is compromised due to inadequate security measures. Regularly reviewing and adjusting sharing settings is essential to ensure your Google Drive remains secure.

Protecting Google Drive is not only about safeguarding business interests but also about maintaining trust with clients and stakeholders. Implementing robust security protocols demonstrates a commitment to data privacy and helps alleviate concerns about potential data leaks. When evaluating how secure Google Drive truly is, it becomes clear that internal best practices are just as important as Google's native protections.

Another critical risk factor is the potential for unauthorized secondary sharing. When documents are shared with external parties, they may inadvertently or intentionally share these files with others, creating an uncontrolled chain of access. This "shadow sharing" can result in sensitive information spreading far beyond its intended audience, making it crucial to implement strict sharing policies and regularly monitor access logs. Understanding these vulnerabilities is key when considering is Google Drive secure for business purposes.

Common Mistakes in File Sharing

A common error users make is sharing entire folders instead of specific files. This often happens when users rush through the sharing process without carefully considering permissions. Once shared, these folders can be accessed by unintended recipients, leading to potential data exposure and heightened Google Drive security risks.

The impact of such mistakes on data security is significant. Apart from risking compliance violations, these errors might allow competitors or cybercriminals access to strategic business insights or confidential client information. This highlights the importance of being meticulous with your file-sharing settings on Google Drive.

It's important to note that these errors are not limited to inexperienced users. Even seasoned professionals can assume their files are adequately protected without regularly revisiting their sharing configurations. Staying vigilant is critical when asking how secure is Google Drive under real-world operating conditions.

Best Practices for Secure File Sharing

To enhance Google Drive security, adopting best practices is crucial. Start by using expiring links for temporary file access. This ensures that files are only accessible for a defined period, reducing the risk of prolonged unauthorized access. Additionally, always limit permissions by granting view-only access unless editing is necessary.

Implementing a step-by-step guide for configuring secure sharing settings within your organization can be beneficial. Encourage team members to routinely check their shared files and update permissions as required. This proactive approach will help mitigate potential security threats and maintain compliance with data protection regulations, ensuring that Google Drive remains secure for business use.

Regular training sessions can equip employees with the knowledge they need to handle sensitive information responsibly. By fostering a culture of security awareness, you minimize the likelihood of accidental data leaks and enhance overall organizational resilience.

Regular Auditing and Review

Maintaining secure file-sharing practices involves regularly auditing your shared files and permissions on Google Drive. Conducting periodic reviews allows you to identify unnecessary access privileges and promptly revoke them when no longer needed.

Various tools and built-in features within Google Drive can assist with this process. For example, reviewing 'Shared with me' lists helps track who has access to specific documents and ensures compliance with internal policies.

Ultimately, maintaining rigorous oversight over shared content underscores the importance of understanding Google Drive security risks and strengthening internal practices. This vigilance is key to effectively protecting sensitive business assets and answering the critical question: Is Google Drive secure enough for your business needs?

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Ireland has once again found itself in the crosshairs of US President Donald Trump's punitive tariff policies, with fresh concerns emerging around proposed levies on Ireland's growing film industry.

In a bid to combat what he has called a "dying" American film industry, Mr Trump has threatened levies of 100% on films made outside of the US, but did not elaborate on how tariffs might be applied or who specifically they would target.

Posting on social media this week, Mr 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 USA are being devastated.

Most of this year's Oscar best picture nominees were filmed outside the U.S. and a survey among studio executives over their preferred production locations for 2025 to 2026 by ProdPro showed that the top five choices were all overseas.

Mr Trump added that he had authorised 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."

In the past few years, Ireland has become a hot spot for US film companies due to its generous tax incentives, skilled workforce and numerous studios. So, how will a 100% levy on foreign films impact Ireland's growing sector?

How big is Ireland's film industry?

According to Screen Ireland, the gross value added of Ireland's audiovisual industry, which includes film, television and animation, is more than 1bn. In 2024, the total production spend generated by the Irish screen industry was valued at over 430m, reflecting a 33% rise on 2023 figures.

In terms of employment, the industry supports a total of 15,899 full-time equivalent jobs.

The sector generates 890m in labour compensation, 595m of which is direct labour compensation, making it a significant contributor to local wages and economic activity.

Ireland also has several major film production facilities, including Ardmore Studios, Troy Studios and Ashford Studios, which, between them, have helped produce Braveheart, King Arthur, Wednesday, Wayfinders, Vikings, and Rob Lowe's The Floor.

In addition, Tourism Irelands research from 2024 revealed that 26% of tourists coming to Ireland indicated that film, television and travel shows were a source of travel inspiration.

Why do so many US producers film in Ireland?

Ireland has become an increasingly popular location for foreign film production, largely due to the Section 481 tax credit, which is a credit incentivising film and TV, animation and creative documentary production in Ireland, administered by Irelands Department of Culture and the Revenue Commissioners.

The rate of tax credit is worth up to 32% of eligible Irish expenditure, with no annual cap or limit on the funding of the programme, enticing many US producers who have criticised the rising cost of producing films and TV series in Hollywood.

Speaking earlier this year, actor and filmmaker Rob Lowe, who spent time in Ireland filming his game show The Floor, said in a podcast: "Its cheaper to bring one hundred American people to Ireland than to walk across the lot at Fox, past the sound stages, and do it there."

How could these tariffs hurt Ireland's economy?

If President Trump were to press ahead with a 100% tariff on films made outside the US, it could impact thousands of jobs across the Irish film and television industry, as US companies will likely be deterred from travelling abroad.

It would also undercut the appeal of Ireland's generous Section 481 tax credit, which could slow investment and have knock-on effects for Ireland's tourism industry, which has largely benefited from Ireland's increased exposure in the US.
Coming under the hammer on Wednesday, May 21, is a 102-acre farm in the heart of the Golden Vale, approximately 10km from Tipperary Town.

The property is at Lissard, 1.5km from the village of Galbally and the auction will take place in the time-honoured fashion before a live audience at Ballykisteen Hotel, 5km northwest of Tipperary Town and close to Limerick Junction.

This is the kind of auction whose result will be keenly watched as a barometer of the local agricultural land market; a large chunk of grassland in one of Irelands prime dairying areas.

The holding is naturally divided into three separate lots by the public road, offering excellent road frontage on all lots. Lot 1 consists of 73 acres of land; Lot 2 is a 9-acre land parcel; Lot 3 has 19 acres of land; Lot 4 is the entire holding.

Lot 2 of the 102-acre farm 'where someone could build a house'.

While the general expectation is for the property to go in lots, it will come down to how things go on the day of the public sale, where the man with the gavel will be Matt Ryan of Tipperary-town-based auctioneers Matthew Ryan & Son.

Its a farm that has been let for a good number of years, said Mr Ryan, but its a very good parcel of ground, particularly Lot 1.

"With the 9-acre lot, you have a nice piece of land where someone could build a house. The 19-acre lot (Lot 3) is a low-lying piece of land that has been somewhat neglected over the years, but with tremendous potential to be brought back to its best.

Lot 3 of the 102-acre farm has been described as 'a low-lying piece of land that has been somewhat neglected, but with tremendous potential'.

Given the rarity of the sheer size of the lands on offer, the selling agent believes that there will be a good deal of local interest, and the propertys location in Tipperary should also guarantee interest from farther afield.

They dont come up that often in this area  certainly farms of that size, added Mr Ryan.

The price expectations will surely attract bids too: 10-12,000/acre for Lot 1; 100,000-120,000 for Lot 2; 100,000 (5,300/acre) for Lot 3.
Farmers have been warned to have their affairs in order, or risk being innocent victims of a Revenue clampdown on non-farmers availing of agricultural relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax.

The Land Mobility Service has warned of tightening rules around farm transfers, which may make qualification for agricultural relief from CAT more difficult.

To qualify for the relief, the recipient in a land transfer must be an active farmer, or lease to an active farmer, for six years from receipt of the farm asset. Upon receipt of the farm asset, 80% of the recipients total assets must be agricultural. And the disposer who transfers the land must have actively farmed, or leased to an active farmer, in the six years prior to disposal.

CAT applies at 33% of the asset value of gifts and inheritances. Missing out on the agricultural relief can be very costly, because the relief reduces agricultural asset value by 90%, for CAT calculation purposes.

There are a number of other exemptions, reliefs, and thresholds which can reduce a CAT liability. For example, cumulative CAT-exempt transfer thresholds apply, such as 400,000 from parent to child; 40,000 to brother, sister, niece, nephew, or linear descendant; and 20,000 to others.

Now, the active farmer requirement is becoming an issue, according to the Land Mobility Service. Previously, more or less anyone with a herd or tillage number and submitting a farming income in their annual tax returns was considered an active farmer. These requirements will still apply, together with probably a BISS application.

"However, there are now so many different farming operating structures, and part-time farmers, those without a farming qualification may have to prove at least 50% of their time is spent farming," according to the Land Mobility Service.

While persons in share farm or farm partnership arrangements are generally active farmers, those operating farm companies may not be active farmers themselves, the owner and the company are two separate entities. Proper Revenue-stamped leases may be required between the owner and the farmer company.

The farm operating structure may need to be looked at, partnership arrangements are generally better suited to succession planning and inheritance tax.

Tighter agricultural relief rules also bring consequences for those leasing out. They need to be certain they have a proper lease to a qualifying active farmer. Questions that arise include if that person or entity has an agricultural qualification? If not, is the person or entity farming 50% of their time (have they a herd number, tillage number, tax number, tax returns?)

Have you a Revenue Stamp Certificate for the lease? Land and farm leases are required to be registered and stamped by the Revenue. As part of farm cross-compliance, scheme access, herd number applications, and herd status changes (adding a person, forming a partnership, forming a company), the Department of Agriculture requires Stamp Certs for all leases.

These are some of the important questions for a retiring farmer, who wants to eventually qualify for agricultural relief when transferring the farm. The Land Mobility Service advice for Non-Farming Land Owners is to either farm themselves (which can be effected through share farming or partnerships) or lease to an active farmer for at least six years.

If there are Agricultural Relief problems, Business Relief is an option. Business Relief applies to the transfer of a business; the transfer of a share in a business; or the transfer of shares in a company carrying on a business. Minimum periods of ownership and operation before and after transfer apply, typically six years.

A Macra na Feirme and FBD Trust initiative, the Land Mobility Generational Renewal, Facilitation and Support Service (to give it its full name) is a subsidised, independent expert service facilitating collaborative farming arrangements such as long leases, share farming, and partnerships. This provides options for landowners and opportunities for young trained farmers, and for any farmers and farm families contemplating expansion, changing enterprises, or stepping back.

The confidential service allows people to explore their options, and will help match landowners with farmers interested in long leases and collaborative arrangements such as partnerships or share farming, within or outside the family.

The Land Mobility Service urges farm families and landowners to ask themselves: "Who will be farming the farm in five years time?". If they cannot answer this question, it is time to explore and evaluate options, and the Land Mobility Service is there to help.
My seven-year-old daughters appetite fluctuates. The smallest worry or upset can put her off food for days. Ive noticed that she has started to look pale over the past few weeks. What can I do to encourage her to eat more?

Its not unusual for children to go through different phases with their appetite. In fact, when they experience a growth spurt, it can seem like there is not enough food in the world to satisfy their appetite.

At other times, parents can question how their children have enough energy to survive with how little they eat. If your daughters fluctuating appetite persists, however, it is wise to pay closer attention to what is happening, in addition to getting medical support.

Stress and anxiety can affect our eating behaviours. While we generally associate chronic stress with increased food intake and frequency of eating, acute stress can have the opposite effect.

Also, our appetite is tightly regulated by the brain and involves a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters, largely outside of our conscious control.

From my experience as a mother, I encourage you to explore any emotional upset and concern gently. Often, issues that seem very small to us as adults can have a big impact on children and, in turn, affect their appetite.

My children generally open up best during busy times, such as the car drive to or from school or bedtime. I would encourage you to seize these opportunities if they arise, or else find an appropriate time to chat about what is happening, so you can both understand the root cause.

From a nutritional viewpoint, it is worthwhile having an age-appropriate, honest conversation with your daughter about how important eating enough food is for energy levels.

You could probe to see if her tastes have changed, if there are any foods that seem more appetising to her, or if she has any ideas as to why her appetite has changed. Think about approaching this collaboratively, with the two of you working together to find a solution that works.

Remember, as the parent, you are responsible for when, where, and what food is offered. Your daughter is in charge of how much she eats. We often blur these lines and, with the best will in the world, start to pressurise or bribe children in to eating more. The evidence suggests that this approach generally has the opposite effect.

Some practical things you can do are to provide meals and snacks in a structured way each day and ensure your child is aware of this structure. There should be times we eat and times we dont eat. Childrens appetites are smaller than adults, so even a small snack within an hour of a meal can put them off their meal entirely. Also, ensure that mealtimes are distraction-free. There should be no phones or tablets at the kitchen table, so you can create a calm environment at meal times.

Since youve noticed she looks pale and has had a low appetite for a while, it makes sense to check in with your GPs clinic. They can assess her general health and check for issues such as low iron levels, which can cause paleness and tiredness. A CORU-registered dietitian can also provide personalised support.
The grandmother of two children from Ireland abducted by her son has appealed a ruling in the Egyptian courts in a bid to prevent her grandchildren being returned to their Irish mother.

In March 2022, Mandy Kellys two children Zayn, who will be seven this month, and Kareem, aged four, from Dundalk, Co Louth, visited their grandmother in Cairo on a family holiday which turned into a "living hell".

During the trip, their father, Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed, locked Ms Kelly in an apartment and abducted his two sons.

Ms Kelly has not seen her children since. She fled back to Ireland where she has campaigned tirelessly for three years to have her children returned to her care.

Both judiciaries in Ireland and Egypt have ruled the children should be returned to their mother. However, Ms Kelly's estranged husband cannot be located by police in Cairo to execute the court order.

The childrens paternal grandmother, who is supporting her son in rearing the boys, appealed to the courts to keep the children at a hearing in Cairo last month.

Ms Kelly told the Irish Examiner she hopes for a final conclusion on the case by the summer.

The judge insisted the school reports be made available to the courts for both children she explained.

My ex-mother-in-law did not attend the hearing, and she was represented by her Egyptian lawyers.

I would also be interested in seeing my childrens school reports she added. "But what is more shocking is that she can appeal a case without attending".

Ms Kelly added she was hopeful the appeal would not be successful and the children would be safely returned home.

Its three years now since they were taken and I have not seen them and I will never be able to explain what this has done to me let alone what it has done to my sons she said.

I have also been informed that prior to my travels to Egypt that the Tanaiste Simon Harris wrote again to his Egyptian counterparts for this case to be concluded  that is something I am very grateful for.

I am expecting a letter from him in the upcoming days, and I cant thank the Department of Foreign Affairs and those Government ministers and politicians who have lobbied to help get my boys home," Ms Kelly said.

It is a long time to be away from your children and despite two court rulings in my favour and following the Egyptian legal process, I am still waiting for Zayn and Kareem to come home.
The brother of Cian Gallagher who died after an unprovoked assault in 2022 said he always helped people and donating his organs was a really lovely way to continue that.

Mr Gallagher was just 26 when he died after being attacked in Tallow, Waterford. His attacker later received the mandatory sentence of life in prison for murder.

Cian was always helping people, thats who he was, his brother Shane said at the launch of organ donor awareness week on Tuesday.

So from tragic circumstances, its fitting that his last act was to go on to help people, to save three peoples lives and to improve their lives as well.

He described how people shared stories with the family, saying: There were a few nice stories that we didnt even know about, they came out online after he died".

Heart transplant recipient Nick Hines from Clonaslee, Co Laois, with his mother Annie, wife Tracey, and daughter Molly at Organ Donor Awareness Week 2025.

Cian died in Cork University Hospital. We just wanted Cian to get better, but when we knew he wasnt, it was a fairly easy decision for us, we said yes, were doing this, he said.

He urged everyone to learn about organ donation.

It 100% helped us, it gives us real solace, and if were feeling down we can take a step back and say Cian did help people, he said.

Many people spend their whole lives and they dont help as much as Cian did with one act.

They received a letter from one recipient, and he said: It was lovely, it was really lovely, it really changed that persons life.

Some people who received organs spoke at the event.

Nick Hines, from Minnesota, has lived in Ireland for over 20 years with his Irish wife and family.

Time is funny, 22 years seems plenty in some respects but when youre told your time is up, it seems like a flash, he said.

Im here because I received a heart from an organ donor.

This was a remarkable gift, he said. It followed him collapsing from an asymptomatic heart condition. He was listed for a transplant as he became ever more ill.

I lived for three years with the knowledge the rug could be pulled at a moments notice, each night I would assess my day in detail while trying to sleep and consider the implications of not waking up, he said.

Avril Whitty from Clearinstown, near Wexford town, who underwent a liver transplant, with her husband Justin Whitty and their two children Alicia, 19, and Cora, 10. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

Mr Hines became emotional as he thanked his donor and healthcare workers, saying: Now when I have a day thats good, I can thank my donor for the joy.

The event is hosted by the Irish Kidney Association, which urged everyone to discuss becoming a donor with their families.

Dr Brian OBrien, clinical director of organ donation transplant Ireland with the HSE, said: Organ donation, a gesture of kindness to strangers made in the bleakest of circumstances, encapsulates much of what is good about humanity.

"Under forthcoming legislation, living donation will become more feasible in Ireland.

Last year 263 organ transplants were carried out due to 84 deceased donors and 30 living kidney donors.

The transplants included 175 kidney transplants, 53 liver transplants, 16 heart transplants, 15 lung transplants and four pancreas transplants.

Information on how to become a donor can be found here.
Gerry Adams has rejected a suggestion that he was a senior IRA member released from internment as a precondition to talks aimed at securing a truce between the paramilitary group and the British Army in 1972.

The former Sinn Fein leader was giving evidence on the second week of his High Court action against the BBC, in which he claims a Spotlight programme and a related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely accusing him of sanctioning the 2006 killing of British agent Denis Donaldson.

The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams.

On Tuesday, responding to questioning by Paul Gallagher SC, for the BBC, Mr Adams said he was not prepared to speculate on who was or wasn't a member of the IRA at any time.

Asked if he knew anyone in the IRA at the time he participated in talks aimed at securing a truce between the British Army and the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said:

Im not going to speculate a number of people have acknowledged they were members of the IRA. Youre asking me to go on a fishing expedition.

Mr Gallagher also referred to a book published under the IRA pseudonym P ONeill, which stated that a demand to release a senior officer with the Belfast Brigade from internment was a precondition for the IRA ahead of the truce talks in 1972. Mr Adams denied that this purported demand was a reference to him.

Mr Adams previously told the court that he was released from Long Kesh prison to participate in the truce talks. He said he attended the talks as a representative of Sinn Fein.

Asked by Mr Gallagher who the precondition in the book was referring to, Mr Adams said: I am not prepared to speculate about the status of IRA volunteers, senior or otherwise, released or otherwise.

He also said he did not intend on speculating on the rules and structures of the IRA, under repeated questioning from Mr Gallagher.

The jury was shown a series of interview and documentary clips carrying various allegation about Mr Adams  including how several people identified him as a member of the IRA, that he sat on the IRAs army council, and that he was involved in the killing of Jean McConville, a mother of 10 who was shot and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972.

The montage also included past statements made by Mr Adams relating to his attitude to IRA violence, including at a press conference following the killing of an alleged IRA informer.

In response to questions about the content of the montage, Mr Adams said that counsel was attempting to smother the jury with selective clips, in most cases interviewing those who were entirely hostile to his and others efforts to end the conflict.

Asked about comments made by Sean MacSiofan in a PBS documentary that Mr Adams was a member of the IRA involved in talks with British officials in 1972, the plaintiff said that Mr MacSiofan  a former IRA chief of staff  was mistaken.

In an interview with BBC Spotlight broadcast in 2019, shown to the jury, former IRA member Des Long alleges that Mr Adams was on the IRAs army council, and at one point chaired army council meetings.

Gerry Adams outside the High Court in Dublin last week. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Mr Adams said Mr Long, described as a member of the IRAs army executive, was a dissident who was against efforts to end the conflict in the North. He is not a reliable witness he would have me shot in the morning, Mr Adams said.

Asked about the IRAs killing and secretly burying people during the Troubles, Mr Adams said the practice was wrong. He said he was not aware of the practice of disappearing people during the Troubles.

The jury was also shown a clip of Mr Adams stating at a press conference in 1987 that Charles McIllmurray, a man killed by the IRA for reportedly informing for British security services, knew that the consequence for informing is death.

Asked by Mr Gallagher about the remark, Mr Adams said it was a harsh remark. However, he said his comments should be interpreted in context.

He said he commiserated with the family of Mr McIllmurray and appealed at the time to anyone caught in a trap of informing to come forward so that they could be spared.

Mr Adams disagreed that a photograph  seen by the jury  depicting him wearing a black beret at a Belfast funeral in the early 1970s showed him in paramilitary garb worn by IRA members.

Asked about allegations made in Patrick Radden Keefes 2018 book Say Nothing, Mr Adams called the American journalist a complete opportunist.

Mr Adams said he took no action against Mr Radden Keefe over the book, which alleges the plaintiff was involved in killings of Ms McConville and other disappeared, the court heard.

Before being shown the montage, Mr Justice Alexander Owens told the jury the material came with a health warning, noting that the fact people say certain things about someone does not mean something is true.

Mr Adams on Tuesday repeated that he never resiled from the fact that he believed the IRA was a legitimate response to military occupation. Its a historical position. The IRA have left now, he said.

The BBC denies it defamed Mr Adams and claims the Spotlight programme and related article were put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest. The BBC says the programme constituted responsible journalism that was the result of careful investigation.

Mr Adams has at all times denied any involvement in Mr Donaldsons death, for which dissident republicans claimed responsibility in 2009.

He claims all allegations connecting him or the IRA to the death are attempts to discredit republicans.
The Indian armed forces launched "Operation Sindoor," hitting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement from the Indian armed forces reads:

A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched OPERATION SINDOOR, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.

Altogether, nine sites have been targeted.

It said its actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, adding:

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.

The statement says the strike comes in the wake of the barbaric attack in which dozens of Indians were murdered in Pahalgam in Kashmir.

This comes as multiple loud explosions were heard in the mountains around the city of Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Kashmir, as well as in two other places in the region, Reuters witnesses and a Pakistani TV channel reported on Wednesday.

After the explosions, Muzaffarabad's power was blacked out, the witnesses said. It was not immediately clear what the explosions were.

A spokesman for Pakistan's military told broadcaster ARY that India had attacked Pakistan with missiles in three places and that Pakistan would respond.
A former Armagh GAA captain has appeared in court charged with alleged sexual assault offences.

Aidan Nugent, aged 30, of Cullyhanna Rd, Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh, appeared in the dock at Armagh Magistrates Court sitting in Newry yesterday morning.

He faces four charges relating to an incident involving a woman on November 17, 2024, during a trip involving Armagh GAA to Miami in the US.

The charges include two counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

In court yesterday, a detective constable said he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

Wearing a light blue jumper, navy trousers, and trainers, Mr Nugent confirmed his name and date of birth before indicating that he understood the charges put to him.

The court heard that initial contact was made between the complainant and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on November 19.

Mr Nugent was contacted by police on December 10, and attended Banbridge PSNI station for interview. He was also interviewed on March 31 before being charged on April 14.

His solicitor, Patrick Higgins, said that, during police interview, Mr Nugent told officers that the only sexual activity that occurred was consensual, adding that he denies the allegations.

District Judge Anne Marshall heard the case and said that police bail should continue with one condition  that Mr Nugent should have no contact with the complainant.

The case is next to be mentioned in court on June 3.

The trip to Miami by the wider Armagh GAA came after the senior men won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title in July 2024.
Gambling and cannabis addictions resulted in a man agreeing to deliver 25,000 worth of cannabis but he has managed to clear himself of these addictions since the crime was detected in January 2022.

Ravi Lauria, aged 34, of Kent Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, pleaded guilty to the crime and was given a three-year suspended jail term by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

He pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him by Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern, namely having cannabis for sale or supply when its street value exceeded 13,000 on January 25, 2022, in Cork city.

Judge Boyle said: You were actively involved in the drugs trade in that you were making a delivery on behalf of someone else  you were dealing for someone else.

While it is at the lower end (for the most serious offences of dealing drugs with a street value exceeding 13,000), you were assisting the sale or supply of drugs in Cork city.

You had an addiction to cannabis and gambling at the time. You saved the State the time and expense of a trial. You present now as a person who is clean and sober and no longer gambling.

You have returned to work. You have not come to adverse garda attention since this was detected.

I am satisfied there are exceptional circumstances (to allow for a departure from a minimum ten-year sentence. You have completed your recovery from addiction. But you will have to follow this up for the rest of your days in relation to gambling and cannabis addictions.

In all the circumstances the judge said that a sentence of three-years suspended was appropriate.
A 26-year-old Cork man who confessed to carrying out a robbery and an attempted robbery at shops in the city was given a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence.

Dylan Whitley, of Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to the crimes.

The first count states that on November 25, 2023, at The Local Shop, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, he robbed 22 1 All Cash scratch cards.

The second count is of attempted robbery, which states that the following day at XL Store, Old Youghal Road, Cork, he attempted to carry out a robbery.

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed the fully suspended sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and the accused man had no previous convictions.

Defence barrister Emmet Boyle said the accused had attended for rehabilitation at Coolmine treatment centre.

The background to the crimes was that on November 26, 2023, the young man went into the XL store and tried to carry out a robbery. First, he asked for scratch cards, saying he had no money but he would come back at a later time with the payment. He was told he would not be given the cards without paying for them.

The woman working there did not give him the cards and was not injured but he threatened he had a knife.

He ended up leaving with nothing on that occasion, and there was no evidence of him actually having a knife.

On the same day and in similar circumstances, he robbed 22 cards of this kind from The Local Shop on Lower Glanmire Road.

The DPP decided it could have been dealt with at the district court but the judge in that court refused jurisdiction. Judge Dermot Sheehan said at the circuit court he was inclined to agree with the district court judge in that regard.

After hearing all of the prosecution and defence submissions in the matters, the judge said the fully suspended sentence was appropriate.
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.
Gardai have arrested 37 people in Co Limerick during a day of action.

The operation was conducted in the Pallaskenry and Askeaton areas on Tuesday morning and involved over 40 members from Limerick County Community Engagement Area, the Limerick Crime Functional Area (including immigration officers), Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit, and the Regional Armed Support Unit.

35 people were arrested on foot of outstanding bench warrants.

All persons were bailed to subsequent sittings appropriate to their warrants in the coming weeks, said a garda spokesperson.

Two further arrests were made for driving offences.

One driver has been charged to appear before the courts at a later date and the other driver was released pending a file to the DPP.

To maximise impact, a multi-agency approach was adopted and the operation was conducted with support from Customs and Revenue, Department of Social Protection, National Parks & Wildlife Service, The Road Safety Authority, and Limerick City and County Council (Dog Warden).

Ten multi-agency checkpoints were conducted resulting in the seizure of two vehicles for various offences.

"A number of other roadside detections were made by the RSA, DSP and Revenue Customs, said the spokesperson.

Active beat patrols were carried out in Askeaton town and Pallaskenry village, and dog wardens from the council conducted their own enquiries and patrolled locally with assistance from Gardai.
The premier of Canadas oil-rich province of Alberta said she will hold a referendum on separation from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition reaches the required number of signatures.

Speaking on a livestream address, Danielle Smith said she does not support the province leaving Canada and expressed hope for a path forward for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade, ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide, she said. I will accept their judgement.

Her announcement comes just one week after Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive federal government.

We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have

It also comes as US President Donald Trump continues to threaten Canada with tariffs and talk of the country becoming the 51st state.

Mr Carney and Mr Trump are scheduled to meet in the White House on Tuesday.

Ms Smiths United Conservative government recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would reduce the bar petitioners need to meet to trigger a provincial referendum.

The bill would change citizen-initiated referendum rules to require a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters in a previous general election, down from 20% of total registered voters. Applicants would also get 120 days, rather than 90, to collect the required 177,000 signatures.

Ms Smith accused previous federal Liberal governments of introducing different legislations that hamstrung Albertas ability to produce and export oil, which she said has cost the province billions of dollars.

She also said she does not want the federal government meddling in provincial issues.

We dont ask for special treatment or handouts, she said. We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have.

Freedom to choose how we provide health care, education and other needed social services to our people, even if its done differently than what Ottawa has in mind.

After meeting with Mr Carney, she said he had some promising things to say about changing the direction of his governments anti-resources policies.

Ms Smith said her government will appoint a negotiation team to try to bring an end to federal policies that have long irritated the province.

She will also chair an Alberta Next panel hosting a series of town halls to hear ideas and grievances.

The largely French-speaking province of Quebec held referendums in 1980 and 1995 over separation. Both failed.
Bangladeshs ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia returned to the country from London on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment, adding to pressure for its interim leaders to hold elections.

The South Asian country has been under a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a students-led mass uprising in August last year.

Ms Zia, Ms Hasinas archrival, and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been pushing Yunus government to hold a national election in December to return the country to democratic rule.

Bangladeshs former prime minister Khaleda Zia leaves the airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Mahud Hossain Opu/AP)

Under Ms Hasina, many opposition political parties including Ms Zias BNP had either boycotted the polls or accused the authorities of rigging them.

Many welcomed Ms Hasinas overthrow as a chance to return to democratic elections, but suspicion and uncertainty have surfaced in recent months about the new governments commitment to hold elections soon.

It has said the next election will be held in either December or by June next year, depending on the extent of reforms in various sectors.

Her elder son, Tarique Rahman, leads the party as acting chief from exile in London.

After Ms Zia landed at 10.43 am, she was greeted by senior party leaders at Dhakas main airport.

Ms Zia, sitting in a wheelchair, smiled as she repeatedly raised her right hand to receive greetings.

Crowds gathered outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome the returning leader, amid tight security.

Thousands of supporters, many carrying Bangladesh and BNP flags, waited along about a nine-kilometre stretch of road leading to her house in Dhakas upscale Gulshan area.

Police officers escort Bangladeshs ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zias motorcade as she leaves the airport in Dhaka (AP)

Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Ms Zia arrived on a special air ambulance arranged by Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who also arranged her transport to London in January.

Ms Zia suffers from various serious health conditions and she has not attended any public gatherings.

Ms Zias physical presence in the country has huge symbolic value for her party while Ms Hasina is in exile in India.

Ahead of her arrival, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday her return will help Bangladesh restore the democratic process.

This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zias return will facilitate the path to democratic transition, Mr Fakhrul told reporters.

Ms Zia and Ms Hasina have alternately ruled the country as prime ministers since 1991 when the country returned to a democracy after the ouster of authoritarian president HM Ershad.

Ms Zia served the country as prime minister three times, twice for full five-year terms and once for just a few months.

During Ms Hasinas 15 years in power, Ms Zia was tried and jailed for 17 years in two corruption cases.

Her party said the charges against Ms Zia were politically motivated, an allegation Ms Hasinas government denied.

Later, Ms Zia was released from jail on condition that she not leave the country.

Ms Zia is the widow of former military chief-turned-president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981.

Ms Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladeshs independence struggle against Pakistan in 1971.
Romanias interim president has appointed a new prime minister a day after Marcel Ciolacu stepped down following the failure of his coalitions candidate to make the runoff in a rerun of the presidential election.

Ilie Bolojan signed a decree to appoint the serving interior minister, Catalin Predoiu of the National Liberal Party, to helm the government until a new one can be formed.

The interim post can be held for a maximum of 45 days, during which they have limited executive powers.

A Romanian policeman holds effigies made of brooms of prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, right, and interior minister Catalin Predoiu, left, during a protest in Bucharest (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

The shake-up comes after the coalitions candidate, Crin Antonescu, came third in Sundays first round presidential vote, far behind top finisher hard-right nationalist George Simion and pro-Western reformist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan.

After casting his ballot on Sunday, 56-year-old veteran politician Mr Predoiu said he voted for a presidency that will ensure balance, cooperation and dialogue in political life and called it an important moment for the whole country.

Romania held the rerun 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.

Sundays vote underscored strong anti-establishment sentiment among voters and signalled a power shift away from traditional mainstream parties.

It also renewed the political uncertainty that has gripped the European Union and Nato member country.

Mr Ciolacu, who came third in last years voided presidential race, told reporters on Monday outside the headquarters of his Social Democratic Party, or PSD: Rather than let the future president replace me, I decided to resign myself.

He added that one aim of forming the coalition last December  after the failed election  was to field a common candidate to win the presidency.

After Sundays result, he said the coalition now lacks any credibility.

It is made up of the leftist PSD, the centre-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities.

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, fuelled 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 cancelled presidential election.

He is under investigation and barred from the rerun.

Mr Simion, the 38-year-old frontrunner in Sundays vote and the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, will face Mr Dan in a runoff on May 18 that could reshape the countrys geopolitical direction.

In 2019, Mr 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.

Mr 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 platform.

He told the media early Monday that a difficult second round lies ahead, against an isolationist candidate.
Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney, won the job with a promise to confront increased aggression shown by President Donald Trump  and he will have the opportunity to do that in a face-to-face Oval Office meeting.

Mr Trump has shattered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st US state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

The outrage provoked by Mr Trump enabled Mr Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the ongoing trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney disembarks a government plane as he arrives in Washington DC (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Republican president has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state.

He said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press that aired on Sunday that the border is an artificial line that prevents the two territories from forming a beautiful country.

Mr Trumps openly adversarial approach has raised questions for Mr Carney and other world leaders on how to manage relations with the US.

Some world leaders, such as the UKs prime minister, Keir Starmer, engaged in a charm offensive.

Others, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, were met by Mr Trump with anger for not being sufficiently deferential.

Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said Mr Carney should not meet with Mr Trump.

Weve seen what he does. We saw what he did with Zelensky, Mr Bothwell said.

And he would sure as hell try to do the same with Carney. Its not in Carneys interest. Its not in Canadas interest.

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

Mr Trump and Mr Carney will meet in the Oval Office and have lunch.

Mr Carney has stressed that he was elected to specifically stand up to the US president and that Canada is in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.

Mr Carney said he expects difficult but constructive conversations with his US counterpart.

Mr Trump told reporters on Monday that he was not quite sure why Mr Carney was visiting.

Im not sure what he wants to see me about, Mr Trump said.

But I guess he wants to make a deal.

US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick further stoked doubts about their interest in repairing the relationship with Canada in a Monday interview on Fox Business Networks Kudlow show.

Asked if the US could make a deal with Canada, Mr Lutnick called the country a socialist regime that has been basically feeding off America.

Mr Lutnick said Tuesdays meeting would be fascinating.

Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by Canadian ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman, US acting chief of protocol Abby Jones, and US Colonel Randall Heusser (AP)

Mr Carney, at a Friday news conference ahead of his trip, said the talks would focus on immediate trade pressures and the broader economic and national security relationships.

He said his government would fight to get the best deal for Canada and take all the time necessary to do so, even as Canada pursues a parallel set of talks to deepen relations with other allies and lessen its commitments with the US.

Mr Trump has maintained that the US does not need anything from Canada.

He is actively going after a Canadian auto sector built largely by US companies, saying: Theyre stopping work in Mexico, and theyre stopping work in Canada, and theyre all moving here.

He also said the US does not need Canadas energy  though nearly one-fourth of the oil that the US consumes daily comes from the province of Alberta.

The president has also disparaged Canadas military commitments despite a partnership that ranges from the beaches of Normandy in the Second World War to remote stretches of Afghanistan.

Mr Trump has said that Canada spends less money on military than practically any nation in the world.

They pay Nato less than any nation, he said. They think we are subsidising. They think we are going to protect them, and, really, we are.

Carney wants to show that hes doing everything he can, including taking political risks to protect Canadian jobs in areas such as the auto industry

But the truth is, they dont carry their full share, and its unfair to the United States and our taxpayers.

Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University, said Mr Carney needed the quickly scheduled meeting with Mr Trump to address the trade war started by the US.

Mr Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium and tariffs on other products outside the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, in some cases ostensibly to address relatively low volumes of fentanyl intercepted at the border between the two countries.

Carney wants to show that hes doing everything he can, including taking political risks to protect Canadian jobs in areas such as the auto industry, Mr Beland said.

If he had postponed his first meeting with President Trump for months and months, opposition parties and commentators could have accused him of being overly shy and doing a disservice to Canada because of that.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states.

Nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

About 60% of US crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of US electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium to the US and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.

Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canadas exports go to the US.
German legislators are set to vote on the countrys next chancellor again, hours after conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to win the first round in parliament in a historic defeat.

Mr Merz, the conservative leader, had been expected to smoothly win the vote to become Germanys 10th chancellor since the Second World War.

A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot in post-war Germany.

Mr Merz needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes in a secret ballot but only got 310 votes in the first round of voting  six votes short of the 328 seats held by his coalition, which is also one of the slimmest post-war majorities.

Because the vote was held by secret ballot, it was not immediately clear  and might never be known  who had defected from Mr Merzs camp.

Mr Merzs coalition is led by his centre-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union.

They are joined by the centre-left Social Democrats, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholzs party.

The parties were now to regroup to discuss the next step but it was also unclear how long the process could take.

Mr Merz still is likely to take the helm of the 27-nation European Union s most populous member after Mr Scholzs government collapsed last year and a national election was held in February.

Mr Scholz, despite his official farewell on Monday, remained in a caretaker role until a new chancellor takes over.

Germany has the continents biggest economy and serves as a diplomatic heavyweight.

The new chancellors portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the Trump administrations trade policy on top of domestic issues, such as the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party.

The world is in turmoil. Europe needs a strong Germany, Carsten Linnemann, the secretary-general of the Christian Democrats, told reporters after Mr Merzs loss.

He said a second vote should come soon.

We cant wait for days now, we need clarity quickly.

 Whats next?

In theory, the lower house of parliament  called the Bundestag  has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority.

Mr Merz can run repeatedly but other legislators can also throw their hat in the ring.

There is no limit to the number of votes that can be held within the two-week period.

If Mr Merz or any other candidate fails to get that majority within those 14 days, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins the most votes as chancellor, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new national election.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was confident Mr Merz would ultimately prevail.

It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for, he told reporters.

Volker Resing, who wrote the recent biography Friedrich Merz: His Path to Power, said that if Merz gets elected in the second round, then everything will be fine and people may soon forget about the first-round hiccup.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, slammed Mr Merzs failure proof that his coalition has a weak foundation.

She called for Mr Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germanys new parliament after it placed second in national elections in February.

Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called firewall that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

 80th anniversary of the Second World War

Tuesdays voting came on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germanys unconditional surrender in the Second World War.

The ballots are cast in the restored Reichstag, where graffiti left by Soviet troops has been preserved at several locations in the building.

The shadow of the war in Ukraine also loomed over Tuesdays vote.

Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, after the US.

Overall, Germany is the fourth largest defence spender in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies trends in global military expenditures.

Only the US, China and Russia are ahead.

Germany rose to that rank thanks to an investment of 100 billion euros (84.7 billion) for its armed forces, a measure passed by legislators in 2022.

The countrys defence spending rose again earlier this year, when parliament loosened the nations strict debt rules.

It is a move that has been closely watched by the rest of Europe as the Trump administration has threatened to pull back from its security support on the continent.

Besides ramping up defence spending, Mr Merzs coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernisation.

 Germany and the Trump administration

The US administration has bashed Germany repeatedly since US President Donald Trumps inauguration in January.

Mr Trump, who has German roots, had often expressed his dislike of former chancellor Angela Merkel during his first term in office.

This time around, Mr Trumps lieutenants are at the forefront  tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has supported AfD for months.

He hosted a chat with Ms Weidel that he livestreamed on X earlier this year to amplify her partys message.

Vice president JD Vance, during the Munich Security Conference in February, assailed the firewall and later met with Ms Weidel, a move that German officials heavily criticised.

Last week, the German domestic intelligence service said it has classified AfD as a right-wing extremist organisation, making it subject to greater and broader surveillance.

The decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution prompted blowback from US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Mr Vance over the weekend.

Germanys Foreign Ministry hit back at Mr Rubio after he called on the country to undo the classification.

The domestic intelligence services measure does not amount to a ban of the party, which can only take place through a request by either of parliaments two chambers or the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court.

Mr Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence services decision.

 Germanys economy

A stagnant Germany economy shrank for the past two years and is forecast by the outgoing government to see zero growth this year.

The stock market slid following the vote: the Dax, the index of major German companies, was down 1.8% at one point.

The next government is expected to end months of paralysis and squabbling over government spending and economic policy that plagued Mr Scholzs coalition, and also add new impetus for growth with tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Cardinals have wrapped up their pre-conclave meetings, trying to identify a possible new pope who could follow Pope Francis and make the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church credible and relevant today, especially to young people.

Although they come from 70 different countries, the 133 cardinal electors seem fundamentally united in insisting that the question before them is not so much whether the church gets its first Asian or African pontiff, or a conservative or progressive.

Rather, they say the primary task facing them when the conclave opens on Wednesday is to find a pope who can be both a pastor and a teacher, a bridge who can unite the church and preach peace.

Cardinals leave at the end of a Mass on the eighth of nine days of mourning for Pope Francis in St Peters Basilica at the Vatican (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

We need a superman! said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore.

It is indeed a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financials scandals that have harmed the churchs reputation and the secularising trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organised religion.

Add to that the Holy Sees dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible.

Francis named 108 of the 133 electors and selected cardinals in his image.

But there is an element of uncertainty about the election since many of them did not know one another before last week, meaning they have not had much time to suss out who among them is best suited to lead the 1.4-billion-strong church.

The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings on Tuesday morning, during which Francis fishermans ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.

The cardinals will begin trying to find the new pope on Wednesday afternoon, when those princes of the church walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel to the meditative chant of the Litany of the Saints.

They will take their oaths of secrecy under the daunting vision of heaven and hell in Michelangelos Last Judgment, hear a meditation from a senior cardinal, and then cast their first ballot.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu arrives to celebrate Mass at his titular church, San Gabriele Arcangelo allAcqua Traversa, three days before the conclave (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Assuming no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the cardinals will retire for the day and return on Thursday.

They will have two ballots in the morning and then two in the afternoon, until a winner is found.

Asked what the priorities of the cardinal electors were, Cardinal Goh told reporters this week that the number one issue was that the new pope must be able to spread the Catholic faith and make the church relevant in todays time. How to reach out to young people, how to show a face of love, joy and hope.

 A pope for the future

But beyond that, there are some real-world geopolitical concerns to take into consideration.

The Catholic Church is growing in Africa and Asia, both in numbers of baptised faithful and vocations to the priesthood and womens religious orders.

It is shrinking in traditionally Catholic bastions of Europe, with empty churches and the faithful formally leaving the church in places like Germany, many citing the abuse scandals.

Asia is ripe for evangelisation and the harvest of vocations, said the Reverend Robert Reyes, who studied in the seminary with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino prelate considered a contender to be the first Asian pope.

Vatican employees sign the oath of secrecy for all those assigned to the conclave during a ceremony in the Pauline Chapel (Vatican Media/AP)

But should the pope necessarily reflect the new face of the Catholic Church, and inspire the faithful especially in the parts of the world where the momentum of growth is already under way?

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the region still counts the majority of the worlds Catholics.

Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the retired archbishop of Mumbai, said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually.

The centre of gravity of the world is shifting toward Asia, he said. The Asian church has much to give to the world.

At 80, Gracias will not be participating in the conclave, but India has four cardinal-electors, and overall Asia counts 23, making it the second-biggest voting bloc after Europe, which has 53 (or likely 52, given that one is not expected to participate for health reasons).

One of the big geopolitical issues facing the cardinals is China and the plight of the estimated 12 million Chinese Catholics there.

Under Francis, the Vatican in 2018 inked a controversial agreement with Beijing governing the appointment of bishops, which many conservatives decried as a sellout of the underground Chinese Catholics who had remained loyal to Rome during decades of communist persecution.

Cardinals Ruben Salazar Gomez, left is flanked by Cardinal Luis Jose Rueda Aparicio as they arrive in the New Hall of the Synod at the Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The Vatican has defended the accord as the best deal it could get, but it remains to be seen if Francis successor will keep the policy.

 The church in Africa

According to Vatican statistics, Catholics represent 3.3% of the population in Asia, but their numbers are growing, especially in terms of seminarians, as they are in Africa, where Catholics represent about 20% of the population.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, said he is in Rome to elect a pope for all the worlds Catholics.

I am not here for the Congo, I am not here for Africa, I am here for the universal church. That is our concern, the universal church, he told reporters.

When we are done, I will return to Kinshasa and I will put back on my archbishop of Kinshasa hat and the struggle continues.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the chatty French-born archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, lamented last week that there had not been enough time for the cardinals to get to know one another, since many of them had never met before and hail from 70 countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history.

Every day, I say to myself, Ah! Oh my God! There we have it! he said.

 The role of the Holy Spirit

For the cardinals, there is also the belief that they are guided by the Holy Spirit.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, centre, takes part in the procession carrying the body of Pope Francis to St Peters Basilica at the Vatican (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station.

The future Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy Spirit acted like a good educator in a conclave, allowing cardinals to freely choose a pope without dictating the precise candidate.

Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined, Cardinal Ratzinger reportedly said.

There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit would obviously not have picked.
President Donald Trump welcomed Canadas new prime minister Mark Carney with a bit of menace on social media, only to then turn on the charm and hospitality once the two leaders were sitting together in the Oval Office.

I just want to congratulate you, Mr Trump told Mr Carney on his election win as they met in front of reporters.

Ran a really great race. I watched the debate. I thought you were excellent.

As the two countries struggle over a trade war sparked by Mr Trumps tariff hikes, the US president gave a full display of his unique mix of graciousness and aggression.

President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office (Evan Vucci/AP)

Shortly before Mr Carneys arrival, Mr Trump said on social media that the United States didnt need anything from its northern neighbour, a contrast to his public warmth in the Oval Office.

I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidising Canada by 200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

We dont need their Cars, we dont need their Energy, we dont need their Lumber, we dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.

Mr Trumps claim defies the underlying economic data as the United States depends on oil produced in Canada, in addition to an array of other goods that cross border trade have helped to make more affordable in ways that benefit growth.

The United States also runs a trade deficit in goods with Canada of 63 billion dollars, much lower than the figure cited by Mr Trump.

But once in the Oval Office, Mr Trump showered his counterpart with compliments and radiated warmth, saying that Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person.

Mr Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Mr Trump, even as he has preserved the calm demeanour of an economist who has led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

Mr Trump has splintered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st US state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

The outrage provoked by Mr Trump enabled Mr Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the ongoing trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

The Republican president has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state.

He said in an interview with NBCs Meet The Press that aired on Sunday that the border is an artificial line that prevents the two territories from forming a beautiful country.
A man has been arrested after crashing a car into the front gate at Jennifer Anistons home in Los Angeles, authorities said.

Police told KABC-TV that the Friends star was home at the time of the crash.

The incident occurred at around 12.20pm local time on Monday on the 900 Block of Airole Way in the wealthy Bel Air neighbourhood, according to Officer Jeff Lee of the LA Police Department.

Online property records show a home on that block owned by a trust run by Anistons business manager.

Private security guards apprehended the driver and held him until police arrived.

Mr Lee described the suspect as a white middle-aged man. He has not been identified, and no charges had been filed as of Tuesday morning.

He used his vehicle to ram a gate to the residence, Mr Lee said.

Messages were left on Tuesday with representatives and attorneys for Aniston.

Aniston, currently starring in Apple TVs Morning Show, purchased the mid-century mansion on a 3.4-acre lot for about 21 million dollars in 2012, according to reporting by Architectural Digest.
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 (12:00 pm) - Score 280

A new economic and social impact report from Grant Thornton has claimed that Infracapital-backed network operator Fibrus, which is building a full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP network across several rural parts of the UK, has contributed 431 million (expenditure) to the Northern Ireland economy since beginning operations in 2020.

Just to recap. Fibrus have been primarily focusing their roll-out of gigabit broadband across rural parts of both Cumbria in England and Northern Ireland. The operators network currently reaches over 410,000 premises and has connected 100,000 customers. In particular, the deployment in Northern Ireland  supported by a mix of public and private investment  is both one of their oldest and rapidly approaching completion.

NOTE: Fibrus is backed by a total investment of around 893m, including 320m of committed debt, 200m in current and committed equity funding and 373m of government funding (e.g. 23m FFNI, 200m Project Stratum  81,000+ premises by June 2025 in N.Ireland  and the c.150m Project Gigabit contract for 53,500 premises in Cumbria  Hyperfast GB ).

According to the new report, Fibrus has generated 431m in total economic impact for Northern Ireland since 2020, which includes 74 million from company operations (turnover, wages, and job creation), 271 million via supply chain investment and 86 million from indirect spending by Fibrus employees across the local economy. Not to mention over 411K in charitable contributions.

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When Project Stratum is complete, the report also predicts potential productivity gains of 50.6m per annum (all households connected), driven by the roll-out of Full Fibre broadband. But its always wise to take future forecasts with a pinch of salt, not least since accurately gauge the economic impact of deploying faster broadband is notoriously difficult  most premises wont be starting from a point of zero connectivity, and were all very different in our connectivity needs.

Dominic Kearns, CEO and Founder of Fibrus, said: When we founded Fibrus five years ago, our sole purpose was to bring communities, homes and businesses a broadband service fit for every day demands. Thanks to Project Stratum, we have successfully delivered Full Fibre connectivity to almost 80,000 properties that had been left in the digital dark by the incumbent. This June, we will complete Project Stratum, the largest telecoms infrastructure project ever seen here, on time and within budget, changing the lives of those in rural communities and offering them the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. This economic and social impact report lays out the real-world difference Project Stratum and Fibrus has made to Northern Ireland. It shows in no small terms that we arent just about faster internet speeds  were serious about driving economic growth, fostering connected communities and creating competition to ensure households get value for money and better customer service.

Andrew Webb, Chief Economist at Grant Thornton, said: The economic impact report highlights the significant contributions Fibrus has made to the Northern Ireland economy since it was founded. The 431 million generated is a testament to the companys commitment to driving economic growth. This, plus the 50 million in productivity gains that Fibrus broadband enables, proves that the company has been a major contributor to improving Northern Irelands competitiveness and has strengthened the pulling power of our regional towns, bringing significant benefits to rural communities.

As of the end of March 2025, some 79,400 households had now gained access to Full Fibre broadband under Project Stratum, with over 34,500 customers connected to the network. This is said to be generating more than 20.3 million in productivity gains this year alone. By the end of 2027, the network is projected in the new report to grow to around 53,000 customers, thus driving an estimated 33.1 million in productivity gains.

The company currently employs 435 people, making an Income Tax contribution worth 3.6m to the public purse. Fibrus in 2024 also generated c.3.5m in National Insurance Contributions, with c.1.3m being made through employee contributions and c.2.2m being made through Employer Contributions.
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 (7:31 am) - Score 2,120

Alternative operator Netomnia (Brsk and YouFibre), which last week reported expanding their 10Gbps speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network to cover 2.4 million UK premises (RFS) and connecting 310,000 customers (here), has today published their Q1 2025 results and seen take-up grow to 12.4% (up from 11.5% in Q4 2024).

The network access provider is now currently in the process of completing their merger with Brsk (here) and aims to expand their full fibre (FTTP) broadband network to reach 3 million premises by the end of 2025, which will be followed by 5 million come the end of 2027 (inc. 1 million customers by 2028). The service is currently available across parts of over 90 UK cities and towns.

NOTE: The combined group of 1.5bn of equity and debt from investors Advencap, DigitalBridge, and Soho Square Capital etc. The combined group of Netomnia and Brsk is backed by aroundof equity and debt from investors Advencap, DigitalBridge, and Soho Square Capital etc.

The latest results for Q1 2025 represent slightly older data than some of the figures that were released last week as part of their 160m funding (debt) announcement (inc. an increased coverage commitment). But we also get some useful new updates on customer take-up, revenue, net debt and EBITDA (i.e. earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation).

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The group is currently still expecting to achieve positive EBITDA in 2025. Were poised to reach 3 million premises serviceable and achieve EBITDA positivity in 2025. Our success is underscored by securing a 160 million junior debt facility, affirming our robust business model. In a UK market ripe for consolidation, we stand out as the premier platform to lead this transformation, said Group CEO, Jeremy Chelot.

Key Figures from Netomnias Q1 2025 Results  Revenue: Q1 2025 Result: 19.9m (304% YoY increase) Q4 2024 Full Year Result: 38.6m (321% YoY increase)  annual total  Premises Serviceable: Q1 2025 Result: 2.32m (up 239k in the quarter) Q4 2024 Result: 2.08m (up 255k in the quarter)  Premises Connected: Q1 2025 Result: 288k (up 50k in the quarter) Q4 2024 Result: 238k (171k added in 2024, 48K in the quarter)  Take-up Rate: Q1 2025 Result: 12.4% (up 9% Quarter-on-Quarter) Q4 2024 Result: 11.5% (up 38% YoY)  Adjusted EBITDA (excludes exceptional items): Q1 2025 Result: (5.3m) (up 21% YoY) Q4 2024 Full Year Result: (29.6m)  annual total  Net Debt (debt drawn to date including accrued interest less cash.): Q1 2025 Result: 610m (up 15% Quarter-on-Quarter) Q4 2024 Result: 531m (up 223% YoY)

We note that Netomnia doesnt shy away from proclaiming itself in the results to be the UKs 2nd Largest Alt-Net, which is likely to remain true now that nexfibre seems to have taken a backseat with their own roll-out plans due to changes at Telefonica (here)  unless they go aggressive on their proposed talk of a consolidation drive. Meanwhile, CityFibre remains the largest alternative network with around 4.4 million premises passed (4.2m RFS).

UPDATE 8:43am

Just to clarify that the Q4 2024 figures were year-to-date for revenues and other financial figures, rather than quarterly.
Romanian Prime Minister Resigns Following Far-Right Victory in Presidential Elections First Round

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has stepped down following a victory in the first round of the presidential election re-run by a far-right opposition leader, while his own candidate fell short in the race.

Mr. Ciolacu announced that his centre-left Social Democrats would withdraw from the pro-Western coalition, effectively putting an end to it, while cabinet ministers will continue in an interim capacity until a new majority is established after the presidential run-off.

Hard-right eurosceptic George Simion decisively dominated the ballot yesterday, receiving approximately 41% of the votes, and will compete against Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent centrist, in a run-off scheduled for 18 May.

Coalition candidate Crin Antonescu finished in third place.

Supporters of George Simion react after exit poll results were announced

The Social Democrats had formed a coalition government with the centrist Liberals and ethnic Hungarian UDMR to maintain Romanias pro-Western stance within the European Union and NATO.

Without them, a governing majority that keeps the far right at bay in the legislature cannot be established.

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Bucharest

This coalition is no longer legitimate, Mr. Ciolacu stated to reporters after a party meeting. 

Ive read that the next president was going to replace me anyway.

Romanias president holds a semi-executive position with responsibilities that include commanding the armed forces and chairing the security council, which decides on military aid.

The president also has veto power over significant EU votes and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors, and heads of the secret service.

Currently, Romania has an interim president until the 18 May run-off.

The interim government is unable to issue decrees or implement new policies.

The nation has the largest budget deficit in the EU and faces a potential ratings downgrade to below investment grade unless it enacts a significant fiscal correction.

Analysts warn that a win for Mr. Simion could lead to Romanias isolation, diminish private investment, and destabilize NATOs eastern flank, where Bucharest plays a crucial role in providing logistical support to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Political observers say a victory for George Simion could isolate the country

Such an outcome would also enlarge the group of eurosceptic leaders in the European Union, including the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers, at a time when Europe is struggling to respond to the policies of US President Donald Trump.

The challenge now is not just Romanias position but the European Unions predicament should George Simion prevail, noted Cristian Pirvulescu, a professor at the Bucharest National School of Political Science and Public Administration.

The anti-European faction within the EU would become more considerable, potentially influencing changes in the stance of Italys PM Giorgia Meloni.

This group could gain prominence and affect the Polish presidential election on May 18.

Simmering anger

Yesterdays election followed a previous attempt that was cancelled due to alleged Russian interference in favor of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who has been barred from running again.

Mr. Simion has indicated he might appoint Mr. Georgescu as prime minister if he wins.

The vote reflects widespread discontent among the Romanian electorate regarding rising living costs and security concerns.

Prime Minister Ciolacu also mentioned that his party would not endorse either of the presidential candidates, urging people to vote according to their conscience.

Read more: Is Romanias far-right party leader set to be president?

Analysts have suggested that Mr. Dan will face challenges in rallying the pro-Western vote, as many Social Democrat voters may align more closely with Mr. Simion.

Romanian international dollar bonds declined significantly, with the longest maturities experiencing the largest losses.

Political risk has risen considerably, said JP Morgan analysts in a recent note.

While Simion may be pragmatic, should the Georgescu plan be implemented, markets are unlikely to respond positively, the note added.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) stated that the election was efficiently administered, but noted that a disjointed approach to eligibility rules, limited transparency in administrative actions, and inconsistent oversight of the online campaign environment adversely affected the overall process.

The OSCE remarked that it is up to the authorities to determine whether there has been any foreign interference.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Mahmoud Mujadala at the Israeli newspaper Arab 48 reports that the spokesman for the Israeli army, Effie Defrin, announced Monday night that the army is preparing to implement a new military operation in the Gaza Strip, called Gideons Chariots. It will, he said, inaugurate a broad attack and will displace most of the inhabitants of Gaza. This remark was a reference to the plan to implement further ethnic cleansing on a wide scale of residents of the Gaza Strip, even as the humanitarian conditions descend to catastrophic levels.

The announcement came after the war cabinet agreed to a new escalation of the war on Gaza that would involve expanding the direct Israeli military occupation to additional areas of the Strip and a new wave of expulsions of the civilian population from the north and center, in preparation for corralling the vast majority of the 2.2 million Palestinians there in the south. The pretext here is an attempt to divide the civilian population from the militants.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the extremist leader of the racist Religious Zionism bloc, insisted that Israelis must accept the term occupation. He bruited a plan for Israeli authorities to control all disbursement of aid in Gaza, a plan rejected by the NGOs attempting to distribute aid.

According to Arab 48, Defrin insisted that the primary aim of the new operation is to return the hostages and to put an end to Hamas.

(Juan says that no one in Israel believes this talking point by hardliners in the extremist government, since it is obvious that the some two dozen remaining living hostages are more likely to be killed than rescued in this way. Moreover, further ethnic cleansing of the Gaza population and the formal military occupation of the Strip  it was already occupied in the eyes of the law  is hardly likely to separate the masses from militants. It is estimated, in fact, that the militant resistance in Gaza has replenished its ranks precisely because Israel has made most civilians desperate, angry and vengeful.)

Defrin said that the new operation would involve further bombardment, the assassination of saboteurs, and the dismantling of infrastructure. He said that the army, which has completely leveled the southern city of Rafah, was looking at it as a model for treating the remaining urban areas of the Strip. Rafah, it might be mentioned, had a prewar population of 250,000, but there apparently isnt a building left standing. That would be like pushing everyone out of Toledo, Ohio, or St. Petersburg, Fl., into the wilderness while denying them food and water, and then bombing all the buildings in the city to smithereens.

It is expected that this massive military occupation and further ethnic cleansing of Gaza will be launched after Trumps upcoming visit to the Middle East.

Defrin said that virtually all reservists would be called up for this campaign.
( Middle East Monitor )  Swedish Television announced on Sunday a humanitarian initiative to convert the late Pope Franciss carused during his 2014 visit to Bethleheminto a mobile clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling his final wish.

The initiative is being carried out in coordination between Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, and Anton Safar from Jerusalem. The project had received Pope Franciss personal approval before his passing. According to the Palestinian News and Information Agency, WAFA, the Pope had said: If it will help the children of Gaza, then it deserves to be used this way.

In a press statement, Peter Brune said the mobile unit would allow medical teams to reach children who currently lack access to treatment, due to the near-total collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza. He added: It is not just a vehicle; it is a message that the world has not forgotten Gazas children.



File. Pope Francis in the Philippines, 2015. By jojo nicdao. Via Wikimedia Commons. Published under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

The vehicle, which has become a symbol of the papal visit to the Holy Land, will be equipped with medical tools and protected with a protective layer of shrapnel. However, the major challenge lies in getting it into the besieged Gaza Strip, as aid has been denied entry for over two months.

Caritas Jerusalem is leading the field efforts, continuing its humanitarian work in Gaza despite ongoing difficulties. Anton Safar spoke of the symbolic significance of the vehicle, saying it reflects the compassion and care the Pope showed towards the vulnerable.

Last month, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mourned the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a loyal friend and a messenger of peace, and noting that he died while still calling for an end to the genocide against Palestinians.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis consistently supported Palestinian rights, calling repeatedly for an end to the war in Gaza and encouraging international aid to its people. His leadership also strengthened ties between Palestine and the Vatican.

Via Middle East Monitor .
FAIRBANKS, AK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Contango ORE, Inc. ("Contango" or the "Company") (NYSE American: CTGO) is pleased to announce that it has completed the Technical Report Summary ("TRS") on the Johnson Tract Project (the "Project" or "Johnson Tract"), located in Alaska, U.S.A. The TRS summarizes the results of an Initial Assessment ("IA") of the potential viability for a seven-year life of mine ("LOM"), underground mining operation, utilizing the same direct ship ore ("DSO") approach as the highly successful Manh Choh mine.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer said: "We are very pleased to release the results of our Initial Assessment for our Johnson Tract Project. Assuming a price of $2,200 per ounce of gold as the "Base Case", the Project generates a Post-Tax NPV 5 of $225 million and IRR of 30% with a one-year payback from commencement of commercial production. Assuming a price of $3,000 per ounce of gold price demonstrates an NPV 5 of approximately $400 million and IRR of 45% with less than a year payback from commencement of production. Initial capital costs are estimated at a modest $214 million with an all-in-sustaining cost ("AISC")1 of $860 per gold equivalent ounce ("GEO") sold at an average GEO ore grade estimated at 7.58 grams per tonne ("g/t"). Based on current resources, it is estimated that Johnson Tract will produce an annual average of 102,258 GEO and that 90,692 GEO will be recovered after processing and refining over the seven-year operating life (following the Initial Capital/Pre-Production phase). Once we get underground, we believe that drilling will define additional resources that will extend the current LOM.

We look forward to investigating potential upsides to improve the economics and extend the mine life, which includes additional underground drilling to expand the resource to extend the known orebody down dip and along strike. Another upside that we plan to evaluate is the use of ore sorting to upgrade run of mine ore grades at site by using sensor-based sorters (for example: Optical, XRT, Laser, X-Ray) to separate waste material from higher grade ore. This would result in two improvements - fewer tonnes to transport and higher head grade feed to the mill, resulting in improved economics.

We are currently focused on permitting the underground tunnel to access the million-ounce resource and conduct a detailed underground in-fill drill program. We will also conduct metallurgical, geotechnical and hydrology studies necessary to complete a feasibility study, which will include a detailed mining and transportation plan, as well as select a specific site for processing the ore along with any modifications necessary. In addition, we will need to conduct detailed environmental baseline work along the Road and Port Easements that have already been granted to Cook Inlet Regional Inc. ("CIRI") by the Federal government earlier this year. We expect the permitting for the proposed tunnel and adjacent laydown site with the State of Alaska will take one year.

Part of Contango's management team just spent a week in Washington D.C. for the "Alaska on the Hill" event. We began the week meeting with CIRI, our Alaska Native Corporation partner. We had great meetings with the heads of various federal agencies that will be involved with permitting the CIRI Road and Port Easements, along with constructive meetings with our two Senators, Murkowski and Sullivan, and our Congressman, Nick Begich. We were very impressed with the overwhelming support for permitting projects in Alaska, along with the recognition of the importance of developing a domestic source of critical metals. It was noted in such meetings that the Johnson Tract project is the only critical metals mining project in Alaska that is ready for permitting and may be selected when appropriate for FAST-41 priority permitting under the newly created National Energy Dominance Council ("NEDC") and Permitting Council under the direction of the President's Executive Order, "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production", issued on March 20, 2025. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and our Congressional delegation to develop the Johnson Tract project and help secure American supply chain of four critical metals."

____________________________ 1 AISC includes all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing gold, copper, zinc, lead and silver including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, sustaining capital and reclamation costs. Excluded from AISC are initial capital costs in the amount of $213.6 million (pre-production costs), as well as royalty and mining production taxes.

IA HIGHLIGHTS:

Pre-Tax net present value discounted at 5% ("NPV 5 ") of USD $359.0 million

") of USD Pre-Tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 37.4%

Post-Tax NPV 5 of USD $224.5 million with a post-tax IRR of 30.2%

of USD with a post-tax IRR of 30.2% 7-year LOM

LOM annual average production of 102,258 GEO at 7.58 g/t

Initial Capital costs of $213.6 million , including $36 million for contingency costs

, including for contingency costs Sustaining Capital costs of USD $61.3 million , including $12.3 million for contingency costs

, including for contingency costs AISC estimated at $860 per GEO sold

per GEO sold Discounted payback period of 1.3 years

BACKGROUND:

As a U.S. domestic and domiciled company, Contango is required to report its mineral resources in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("S-K 1300").

S-K 1300 was adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to modernize mineral property disclosure requirements for mining registrants and to align U.S. disclosure requirements for mineral properties with current industry and global regulatory standards.

The mineral resource estimate set forth in this TRS for the Johnson Tract Project has not previously been reported under the S-K 1300 format. The TRS was prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 and will be filed on or before May 12, 2025 with the SEC through EDGAR on Form 8-K.

IA SUMMARY

The IA is preliminary in nature and includes Indicated and Inferred resources that are considered too speculative to apply the economic considerations that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty the estimates presented in the IA will be realized. This economic analysis is based on a Resource Estimate for the deposit listed in Table 3.

TABLE 1: KEY ECONOMIC PARAMETERS (Base Case - $2,200 Gold Price)

ITEM Description Unit Value Finance NPV (Pre-Tax) US$ (m) 359.0 IRR (Pre-Tax) % 37.4 % NPV (Post-Tax) US$ (m) 224.5 IRR (Post-Tax) % 30.2 % Non-Discounted Payback Period yr 1.1 Discounted Payback Period yr 1.3 Economics Summary Revenue (NSR less Royalties) US$ (m) 1,296.7 Operating Costs US$ (m) 484.8 Initial Capital Costs US$ (m) 213.6 Sustaining Capital Costs US$ (m) 61.3 Payable Metal Value Copper US$ (m) 120.2 Zinc US$ (m) 274.2 Lead US$ (m) 36.6 Gold US$ (m) 1,014.0 Silver US$ (m) 5.1 Initial Capital Project Team US$ (m) 5.0 Development - Lateral + Ramp US$ (m) 19.5 Development - Vertical US$ (m) 0.6 Mobile Equipment US$ (m) 18.9 Surface Infrastructure US$ (m) 91.5 Underground Infrastructure US$ (m) 13.3 Capitalized Operating US$ (m) 28.8 Contingency US$ (m) 36.0 Initial Capital Total US$ (m) 213.6 Sustaining Capital Project Team US$ (m) 0.0 Development - Lateral + Ramp US$ (m) 8.9 Development - Vertical US$ (m) 0.4 Mobile Equipment US$ (m) 2.5 Surface Infrastructure US$ (m) 1.2 Underground Infrastructure US$ (m) 6.0 Closure US$ (m) 30.0 Capitalized Operating US$ (m) 0.0 Contingency US$ (m) 12.3 Sustaining Capital Total US$ (m) 61.3 Operating Mining US$ (m) 213.4 Mill US$ (m) 102.9 Transport to Dock US$ (m) 11.6 Surface Transportation (Barge) US$ (m) 85.0 Surface Transportation (Truck to Mill) US$ (m) 18.8 G&A US$ (m) 53.1 Operating Total US$ (m) 484.8 Ore Production Ore Milled mt 2.7 Payable Metal Copper mlb 32.2 Zinc mlb 279.3 Lead mlb 41.8 Gold moz 0.5 Silver moz 0.5 Metrics Mine Cost per Tonne Feed US$/tonne 85.97 Cash Cost per Tonne Feed US$/tonne 191.25 AllIn-Sustaining Costs2 US$/ GEO 860.00 Average Annual GEO Produced Au Eq Oz / Yr 102,258 Average Annual GEO Payable Au Eq Oz / Yr 90,692 Mining Method LHOS Mining Cost per Tonne Feed US$/tonne 85.24 C&F Mining Cost per Tonne Feed US$/tonne 90.89

____________________________ 2 AISC includes all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing gold, copper, zinc, lead and silver including mining, processing and other plant costs, third-party refining expense, on-site general and administrative costs, sustaining capital and reclamation costs. Excluded from AISC are initial capital costs in the amount of $213.6 million (pre-production costs), as well as royalty and mining production taxes.

TABLE 2: GOLD PRICE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

Sensitivity $2,000 Au $2,200 Au $3,000 Au $4,000 Au Post-Tax NPV 5 (US$ m) $181.0 $224.5 $398.2 $615.4

TABLE 3: RESOURCE ESTIMATE

Category Tonnes

(000s) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) AuEq

(g/t) Indicated 3,489 5.33 6.0 0.56 0.67 5.21 9.39 Inferred 706 1.36 9.1 0.59 0.30 4.18 4.76 Contained Metal Category Au

(K oz) Ag

(K oz) Cu

(M lb) Pb

(M lb) Zn

(M lb) AuEq

(K oz) Indicated 598 673 43.1 51.5 400.8 1,053 Inferred 31 207 9.2 4.7 65.1 108

Notes 1. Includes all drill holes completed at Johnson Tract Deposit, with drilling completed between 1982 and most recently as October 2021 2. Assumed metal prices are US$1650/oz for gold (Au), US$20/oz for silver (Ag), US$3.50/lb copper (Cu), US$1/lb lead (Pb), and US$1.50/lb for zinc (Zn). Metal prices were established considering the review of three-year averages of published monthly values. 3. Gold Equivalent (AuEq) is based on assumed metal prices and payable metal recoveries of 97% for Au, 85% for Ag, 85% Cu, 72% Pb and 92% Zn from metallurgical testwork completed in 2022. 4. AuEq equals = Au g/t + Ag g/t  0.01 + Cu%  1.27 + Pb%  0.31 + Zn%  0.59 5. An average bulk density value of 2.84 used as determined by conventional analytical methods for assay samples 6. Capping applied to assays to restrict the impact of high-grade outliers 7. Preliminary underground constraints were applied, including the elimination of isolated or scattered blocks above cut-off grade to define the "reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction" for the Mineral Resource Estimate 8. Mineral resources as reported are undiluted 9. Mineral resource tonnages have been rounded to reflect the precision of the estimate 10. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

QUALIFIED PERSON DISCLOSURE:

This report dated May 6, 2025 was prepared as an Initial Assessment Technical Report Summary, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) S-K regulations (Title 17, Part 229, Item 601 and Subpart 1300 until 1305) for Contango by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (SRK) on the Johnson Tract Polymetallic (Gold, Zinc, Copper, Silver, Lead) Project (the Project). Additional Qualified Persons were engaged by Contango to complete the Initial Assessment Technical Report as SRK is not the sole owner of the work and study. The TRS was prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 and will be filed on or before May 12, 2025 with the SEC through EDGAR on Form 8-K.

In accordance with the SEC S-K regulations, SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. has authored Sections 13 (Mining Methods), 15 (Infrastructure), 17 (Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Plans, Negotiations, or Agreements with Local Individuals or Groups), 18 (Capital and Operating Costs), and 19 (Economic Analysis), as well as relevant content in Sections 1 (Executive Summary), 22 (Interpretations and Conclusions), and 23 (Recommendations) of the TRS report as a Qualified Person under Item 1302 of Regulation S-K, and has reviewed the inclusion of its summary of the report in this news release.

In accordance with the SEC S-K regulations, James Gray, P.Geo, Advantage Geoservices has authored Section 11 (Mineral Resource Estimates) of the TRS report as the Qualified Person under item 1302 of Regulation S-K, and has reviewed the inclusion of its summary of the report in this news release. International Metallurgical and Environmental, Inc. has authored Section 10 (Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing) of the TRS report as the Qualified Person under item 1302 of Regulation S-K, and has reviewed the inclusions of its summary of the report in this news release.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Contango will host a conference call and webcast to discuss this release on May 8, 2025, at 1pm EST / 10am PST. Participants may join the webcast using the following call-in details: Contango Announces S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary with Robust Economics

ABOUT CONTANGO

Contango is a NYSE American listed company that engages in exploration for gold and associated minerals in Alaska. Contango holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately 675,000 acres of land for exploration and development on the Manh Choh project, with the remaining 70% owned by KG Mining (Alaska), Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation, operator of the Peak Gold JV. The Company and its subsidiaries also have (i) a lease on the Johnson Tract project from the underlying owner, CIRI Native Corporation, (ii) a lease on the Lucky Shot project from the underlying owner, Alaska Hardrock Inc., (iii) 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral State of Alaska mining claims, and (iv) a 100% interest in approximately 145,000 acres of State of Alaska mining claims that give Contango the exclusive right to explore and develop minerals on these lands. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Contango that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contango's current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for and developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contango's inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Contango's exploration program or financial results are included in Contango's other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
656-metres at 0.52 % CuEq* (0.39% Cu and 0.03% Mo), starting from surface, in stepout hole MD046 underpins nearterm resource growth and districtscale potential

MD-046 includes 72 metres at 0.92% CuEq* (0.74% Cu and 0.05% Mo), starting from 304.48m , within current constrained shell potentially a significant extension to the east of the northernly plunging high-grade core

Copper mineralization occurs beneath the current constrained shell in ground previously classified as waste

Holes MD0-43, MD-044, MD-045 and MD-046 together cover an extensive 1,000-metre by 600-metre block down approximately 1,000-metres of depth of continuous mineralization starting at surface - confirm continuity, scale, and high-grade zones, supporting a potential multi-billion tonne porphyry system

Second rig mobilized and original rig moved to a new pad to accelerate expansion with significant step-outs and new target testing

VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Copper Giant Resources Corp. ("Copper Giant" or the "Company") (TSXV: CGNT) (OTCQB: LBCMF) (FRA: 29H) is pleased to announce assay results for the first step-out drill hole to the east, MD-046, part of its 14,000-metre resource expansion drilling program at its flagship Mocoa porphyry copper  molybdenum project in Putumayo, Colombia. A second drill rig has now been mobilized to accelerate step-out drilling and target new zones of mineralization. The hole intercepted 1,007-metres grading 0.38% CuEq* (0.28% Cu and 0.02% Mo) from surface to the end of the hole, including 829-metres grading 0.44% CuEq* (0.33% Cu and 0.03% Mo). MD-046 is particularly significant because it intersected copper-molybdenum mineralization in a zone previously modelled as waste, directly supporting potential near-term resource growth. Together, holes MD-043 through MD-046 have confirmed the presence of broad, continuous, near-surface copper-molybdenum mineralization, demonstrating the continuity, scale, and robust nature of the Mocoa porphyry system.

Ian Harris, President & CEO commented: "Every metre of drilling is rewiring our view of Mocoa. With MD046 we pushed a significant interval, into an area that our last model wrote off as waste. Four holes in a row, fanned out in all directions show continuous copper mineralization starting at surface in kilometer long intercepts. Opportunities to unlock a districtscale porphyry system at this stage of the cycle are vanishingly rare; that's why we fasttracked a second rig and are lining up larger stepouts and fresh targets right now. Our conviction is simple: Mocoa has the geology, scale, and momentum to become one of the most significant undeveloped copper assets in the Andesand we're still in the early innings."

Hole MD-046

Copper Giant continues to advance its 14,000-metre resource expansion drilling program at the Mocoa porphyry deposit. Hole MD-046 represents a pivotal step-out to the east, marking the third hole of the campaign. The drill hole was strategically designed to test the eastern extension of the deposit and target both lateral and vertical continuity in a zone previously untested by drilling and modeled as waste (see figure 1). Importantly, this hole intersected strong mineralization well below the base of the current pit-constrained resource design (see figure 2 and table 1).

Detailed anaconda logging of drill hole MD-046 shows multiple stages of hydrothermal alteration, providing insights into the complex hydrothermal evolution of the deposit. The first 90m intersected a strongly argillized dacite porphyry with multiple generations of D-veinlets, locally altered to iron oxides. Below this depth, the hole intercepted an early potassic-altered (K-feldspar) porphyry (E0 and E1), hosting well-developed A-type veinlets and disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite mineralization (see figure 3A). As drilling progressed, MD-046 intercepted an intermineral porphyry unit with intense sericite alteration, locally brecciated (see figure 3B). This unit contains multiple C-type (chalcopyrite-dominant) veinlets cross-cutting earlier B-type (molybdenite-dominant) veinlets, indicative of a complex and prolonged mineralization history (see figure 3C).

MD-046 From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu% Mo% CuEq* 0 1,007 1007 0.28 0.02 0.38 including 137.47 966.65 829 0.33 0.03 0.44 and including 137.47 793.22 656 0.39 0.03 0.52 and including 304.48 793.22 489 0.42 0.03 0.57 and including 304.48 376.25 72 0.74 0.05 0.94 and including 531.3 793.22 262 0.42 0.02 0.52

Table 1 - Assay results for drill hole MD-046. *Copper equivalent (CuEq) for drill hole interceptions is calculated as: CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + 4.2  Mo (%), utilizing metal prices of Cu - US$4.00/lb and Mo - US$20.00/lb and metal recoveries of 90% Cu and 75% Mo. Grades are uncut. Mineralized zones at Mocoa are bulk porphyry-style zones and drilled widths are interpreted to be very close to true widths.

Below 700-metres down-hole, MD-046 intercepted a newly discovered early propylitic-altered quartz-diorite unit (E2) overprinted by potassic alteration defined by A-type and K-spar veinlets (see figure 3D) and intruded by the intermineral sericite-altered dacite porphyry unit. Hole was ended over an early diorite porphyry (E0) with multiple A-type veining.

Results from MD-046, together with previous holes MD-043, MD-044, MD-045 (for more details refer to news releases dated April 26, 2022; January 6, 2025 and February 26, 2025) demonstrate consistency of mineralization from surface to depth across a broad area. Combined geological and geophysical data (refer to news release dated May 3, 2022) suggest that Mocoa is a robust and classical porphyry system where at least three main stages of magmatic-hydrothermal activity have been recorded to date:

Early magmatic pulses: (E0) - related to the intrusion of a potassic altered (secondary biotite) micro-diorite porphyry with disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite. (E1)  related to a second early intrusion of a potassic altered (Kspar) quartz-diorite with EB-veining crossing by late A and K-spar veining. (E2)  related to a propylitic-altered quartz-diorite with multiple overprinting K-spar and A-type veining.





Intra-mineral magmatic pulse: (I1)  related to a strong sericite altered dacite porphyry with multiple C and B-type veinlets generations and locally overprinted potassic alteration.





Brecciation stage: brecciation (Bx)  three breccias have been recorded within the porphyry system. This stage is characterized by the introduction of third generation of chalcopyrite and a second generation of molybdenite as a matrix-infill. A notable feature within the breccia is the presence of early potassic-altered porphyry fragments (E0 and E1), which exhibit truncated A-type and K-spar veinlets, as well as strongly phyllic-altered intra-mineral dacite porphyry fragments (I1) containing early C and B-type veinlets.

These features support the interpretation of a well-preserved, multi-phase porphyry system potentially influenced by more than one magmatic center with multiple magmatic-hydrothermal pulses, each contributing to the metal endowment. The interplay of early, intra-mineral, and late-stage brecciation events, as well as vein overprinting relationships, point to a large, dynamic porphyry system with room for further growth.

The multi-phase intrusion history, overlapping vein generations, and zoned alteration footprint confirmed across multiple holes are all hallmarks of a well-preserved, large-scale porphyry system.

Qualified Person and Technical Notes

Edwin Naranjo Sierra, Exploration Manager of Copper Giant is the designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and verified the technical information in this news release. Mr. Naranjo holds a MSc. in Earth Sciences and is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM).

*Copper equivalent (CuEq) for drill hole interceptions is calculated as: CuEq (%) = Cu (%) + 4.2  Mo (%), utilizing metal prices of Cu - US$4.00/lb, Mo - US$20.00/lb. Metal recoveries utilized for the resource model are 90% for Cu and 75% for Mo.

Mineralized zones at Mocoa are bulk porphyry-style zones and drilled widths are interpreted to be very close to true widths.

Copper Giant operates according to a rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol consistent with industry best practices. Core diameter is a mix of HQ and NQ depending on the depth of the drill hole. Diamond drill core boxes were photographed, sawed, sampled and tagged in maximum 2-metre intervals, stopping in geological boundaries. Samples were bagged, tagged and packaged for shipment by truck from Copper Giant's core logging facilities in Mocoa, Colombia to the Actlabs certified sample preparation facility in Medellin, Colombia. ActLabs is an accredited laboratory independent of the Company. Samples are processed in the Medellin facilities where they are analyzed for copper and molybdenum by 4-Acid digest Atomic Absorption (AA) analysis. The sample pulps are air freighted from Medellin to the ActLabs certified laboratory in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they are analyzed for a suite of 57 elements using 4-Acid digest and ICP-MS. In order to monitor the ongoing quality of assay data and the database, Copper Giant has implemented QA/QC protocols which include standard sampling methodologies, the insertion of certified copper and molybdenum standard materials, blanks, duplicates (field, preparation and analysis) randomly inserted into the sampling sequence. QA/QC program also include the ongoing monitoring of data entry, QA/QC reporting and data validation. No material QA/QC issues have been identified with respect to sample collection, security and assaying.

About the Mocoa Porphyry System

The Mocoa project is located in the department of Putumayo, approximately 10 kilometres from the town of Mocoa in southern Colombia. Copper Giant holds a district-scale land package of over 790 square kilometres through granted titles and applications, covering a substantial portion of the Jurassic porphyry belt - an underexplored and highly prospective metallogenic zone in the northern Andes.

Discovered in 1973 through a regional geochemical survey by the United Nations and the Colombian government, Mocoa has been the subject of multiple exploration campaigns. Between 1978 and 1983, follow-up work included geological mapping, IP and magnetic geophysics, surface sampling, drilling, and metallurgical testing. Additional drilling by B2Gold in 2008 and 2012 helped shape the current geological understanding.

The deposit is hosted in Middle Jurassic dacite and quartz-diorite porphyries intruding andesitic to dacitic volcanics, within Colombia's Central Cordillera. This 30-kilometre wide tectonic belt extends into Ecuador and hosts other major porphyry systems like Mirador, Warintza, San Carlos, and Panantza. Mocoa displays a classical porphyry-style alteration zonation: potassic core, sericitic halo, and outer propylitic zone, with mineralization consisting of disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite, and local bornite and chalcocite, associated with stockworks and hydrothermal breccias.

The system features over 1,000 metres of vertical continuity, overlapping hydrothermal stages, and a broad alteration footprint. Multiple intrusive phases, brecciation events, and vein generations suggest a dynamic magmatic-hydrothermal evolution likely driven by more than one porphyry center.

Mocoa remains open in all directions, with several satellite targets identified across the broader land package. These features support the interpretation of a district-scale porphyry system and position Mocoa as one of the most significant undeveloped copper-molybdenum assets in the Andes

1 For further information refer to National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Technical Report, entitled "Technical Report on the Mocoa Copper-Molybdenum Project, Colombia", dated January 17, 2022, prepared by Michael Rowland Brepsant, FAusIMM, Robert Sim, P.Geo, and Bruce Davis, FAusIMM. with an effective date of November 01, 2021.

About Copper Giant

Copper Giant Resources Corp. is part of the Fiore Group, a private and well-established Canadian organization known for building successful, high-impact companies across the natural resource sector. Copper Giant was formed with a singular focus: to advance high-quality copper projects beyond resource definitionresponsibly, efficiently, and with long-term positive impact.

The Company is led by a team with uncommon experience, having successfully taken some of the few major copper mines developed in the past two decades from discovery through to construction.

Copper Giant's current focus is the Mocoa copper-molybdenum deposit in southern Colombia, one of the largest undeveloped resources of its kind in the Americas. Recent exploration success has revealed potential well beyond its original footprint, highlighting Mocoa as a broader district-scale opportunityand the catalyst for the Company's name and evolution.

Guided by the values of respect and responsibility, and grounded in its Good Neighbor philosophy, Copper Giant is committed to creating enduring value for all stakeholders and playing a meaningful role in the global energy transition.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the drilling results of MD-046, the outcome of the Company's current resource expansion strategy; other activities and achievements of the Company, including but not limited to: the timing and success for the advancement of the Mocoa Project, the expansion of the Mocoa resource base; are to be considered forward looking. Although Copper Giant believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices and volatility with the Company's common shares, exploitation and exploration successes, uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates, risks of not achieving production, continued availability of capital and financing, processes, permits and filing requirements, risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements in Colombia, and general economic, market, political or business conditions and regulatory and administrative approvals. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 /Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY) (OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce the results of five drill holes from its Phase III drill program at the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek"). Four holes were drilled in the American Eagle area and one in the Rum area. The Company is also pleased to provide an update on project activities and next steps at Copper Creek.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented, "These drill results continue to expand the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area, including the discovery of the blind Winchester breccia, which does not outcrop at surface. These results, together with previous Phase III drilling, continue to fill the gap between Mammoth and the American Eagle area and demonstrate that copper mineralization occurs in broad zones outside the high-grade breccias in the American Eagle area."

"Our Phase III drill program was completed in mid-April 2025, with a few pending drill hole assays, and we expect to deliver an updated technical study and mineral resource estimate near the end of the third quarter of this year. We envision the potential for a significant step change in metal output through enhanced project scale, while maintaining low initial capital, long mine life and robust margins. We look forward to providing updates as we advance the project."

Highlights

The discovery of the Winchester breccia supports the potential for identifying additional breccias, which do not outcrop at surface, across the property. This drill hole was intended to test a gap in drilling between known breccias. It intersected 154.29 metres ("m") at 0.26% copper and 1.07 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver from 302.54 m, including 22.23 m at 0.42% copper and 1.82 g/t silver from 333.20 m in drill hole FCD-25-102.



Intersected near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle area. At the Jailhouse breccia, intersected 57.87 m at 0.37% copper and 0.94 g/t silver from 38.71 m, including 18.58 m at 0.66% copper and 1.59 g/t silver from 78.00 m in drill hole FCD-25-099. At the Courthouse breccia, intersected 40.70 m at 0.34% copper and 0.96 g/t silver from 62.62 m, including 28.21 m at 0.42% copper and 1.17 g/t silver from 62.62 m in drill hole FCD-25-100.

Awarded scopes of work to independent consultants to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment near the end of the third quarter of 2025.

(For true width information see Table 2)

Copper Creek Technical Study Update

The Company has awarded scopes of work to independent consultants to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") and Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") near the end of the third quarter of 2025 (Table 1).

The updated MRE will incorporate drill results from the Phase II and Phase III drill programs, including approximately 40,000 m of additional drilling compared to the current MRE.

All existing data is being integrated into a technical framework to inform the updated MRE and PEA.

Zach Allwright, VP Projects & Evaluations, commented, "The updated PEA will be a key milestone for the Company. Since the 2023 PEA1, the Company has enhanced the technical datasets across all critical areas, most notably the positive metallurgical results that confirmed high copper recovery through coarse grind and flotation. These results, in conjunction with the additional drilling focused on near-surface resource growth, support the proposed strategy of increasing the scale of the asset, while maintaining a low capital cost profile. The Ausenco, SRK and Call & Nicholas teams continue as the Company's preferred technical specialists due to their quality of work and to maintain continuity of knowledge in the delivery of a technically robust study. We are excited to demonstrate the projects' potential as one of the largest future sources of copper within the United States."

Drill Results Details

Phase III drilling was completed in mid-April 2025 with 79 drill holes and 30,069 metres of drilling. In total, 63 holes have been released. Remaining assay results are expected from the American Eagle area and district exploration targets and will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company.

The American Eagle area, as mapped on surface, covers approximately 800 m by 1,000 m and is host to numerous prospective breccias and porphyries which have strong copper geochemical signatures (Figures 1 to 3). These surface expressions are located above the large underground porphyry mineral resource1. Historically, the near-surface mineralization was not adequately tested as previous drilling was vertical to steeply inclined. Mapped geology, isolated historical drill intercepts and historical small-scale mining highlighted the potential for near-surface mineralization. The discovery of the Winchester breccia, together with the neighbouring Mammoth breccia, highlights the potential for significant copper mineralization in breccias, which do not outcrop at surface, to be identified. The Company has reported assay results for 27 drill holes from this area as part of the Phase III program (for drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases on the Company's website and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). These results provide a broad framework of the geology, structure and alteration and confirm the potential for significant near-surface copper mineralization.

Drill hole FCD-25-099 was collared south of the Jailhouse breccia and drilled to the north. After 8 m of granodiorite, the hole entered hydrothermal breccia to 102 m. Breccia was also intersected from 177 m to 237 m whereas the remainder of the hole drilled granodiorite. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite and chlorite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite as breccia cement.

Drill hole FCD-25-100 was collared at the same location as drill hole FCD-25-099 and drilled to the southwest, targeting the Courthouse breccia. It intersected alternating granodiorite, porphyry, igneous cemented breccia and localized hydrothermal breccia to 54 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates to 132 m, followed by granodiorite to 167 m. The hole entered hydrothermal breccia thereafter to 224 m and porphyry to the end of the hole. Alteration in breccia and the porphyry at the end of the hole is dominantly sericite-kaolinite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite with pyrite in breccia cement and in porphyry-style veins hosted in the porphyry below 224 m downhole.

Drill hole FCD-25-101 was collared at the same location as holes FCD-25-099 and FCD-25-100 and drilled to the northwest. It intersected hydrothermal breccia from surface to 111 m and granodiorite to the end of the hole. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite and chlorite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite in breccia cement. Porphyry-style veins containing chalcopyrite and pyrite crosscutting granodiorite are also observed.

Drill hole FCD-24-102 was collared 100 m northeast of the American Eagle breccia and drilled to the northwest. It intersected granodiorite to 127 m followed by hydrothermal breccia to 142 m and porphyry to 176 m. Hydrothermal breccia was intersected to 200 m, followed by granodiorite to 321 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates thereafter to 438 m with a porphyry interval from 412 m to 427 m. The hole ends in granodiorite. Hydrothermal breccia in the upper 200 m of the hole correlate with surface exposures of the North Ridge breccia 150 m north of American Eagle breccia, whereas the lower interval, approximately 200 m below surface, corresponds to the Winchester breccia which is a blind breccia discovery, not outcropping at surface. Alteration associated with breccia is sericitic with subordinate kaolinite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite together with pyrite in breccia cement as well as porphyry-style veining crosscutting granodiorite. Minor chalcocite occurs with pyrite and chalcopyrite in veinlets from 27 m to 50 m.

The Rum area is located approximately 700 m northwest of the resource area (Figure 1). It features several breccias and porphyries intruding Glory Hole volcanics over an area of approximately 250 m by 400 m. Copper oxide and secondary sulphide mineralization is observed near-surface in breccias and surrounding wall rock.

Drill hole FCD-24-089 was collared approximately 180 m southwest of the Rum breccia and drilled to the southeast, targeting a vein zone cross-cutting a porphyry and the Rum South breccia. The hole intersected volcanics to 74 m, porphyry to 157 m and volcanics to 190 m. Hydrothermal breccia dominates from 190 m to 220 m and the hole terminates in volcanics. Hydrothermal breccia is affected by sericite-kaolinite alteration whereas zones of biotite-hornfels are observed in the volcanics. Pyrite is the dominant sulphide in the breccia cement. The breccia contains elevated silver and pathfinder elements suggesting copper mineralization potential at depth that will be further tested in future drilling.

Figure 1: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of the Drill Holes

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1.

Figure 2: Plan View Showing Surface Geology and Location of Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1.

Figure 3: Isometric View Showing Phase III Drill Holes in the American Eagle Area

Note: The open pit shell and underground footprint are based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the Copper Creek Technical Report1. For drill holes not reported herein, refer to news releases on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Table 1: Summary of Selected External Consultants and Related Scope

Deliverable Consultant Location Scope MRE SRK Denver Delivery of an updated MRE. PEA Ausenco Vancouver/ Tucson Technical lead for the optimization of processing plant, dry stack tailings facilities and associated infrastructure design, including economic modelling. SRK Vancouver Mining assessment for open pit and underground, including mine design, sequencing and schedule optimization, mine capital and operating cost estimates. Call & Nicholas Tucson Delivery of geotechnical analysis and mine design parameters for open pit and underground mining.

Table 2: Selected Drill Results

Drill Hole ID From To Length True Width Cu Au Ag Mo (m) (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) FCD-25-099 38.71 96.58 57.87 22 0.37 N/A 0.94 0.0003 Including 78.00 96.58 18.58 7 0.66 N/A 1.59 0.0006 and 173.00 189.00 16.00 6 0.22 N/A 0.68 0.0005 and 225.05 236.57 11.52 4 0.26 N/A 1.15 0.0003 FCD-25-100 62.62 103.32 40.70 17 0.34 N/A 0.96 0.0007 Including 62.62 90.83 28.21 12 0.42 N/A 1.17 0.0003 and 174.32 204.73 30.41 13 0.22 N/A 0.66 0.0004 and 319.20 420.01 100.81 100 0.22 N/A 0.60 0.0006 Including 382.00 392.08 10.08 10 0.49 N/A 1.07 0.0004 FCD-25-101 50.90 77.00 26.10 18 0.32 N/A 1.09 0.0001 FCD-25-102 27.21 50.23 23.02 23 0.18 N/A 0.48 0.0004 and 110.50 140.83 30.33 30 0.30 N/A 0.94 0.0006 and 176.17 209.78 33.61 24 0.44 N/A 0.95 0.0004 Including 191.20 201.84 10.64 8 0.82 N/A 1.74 0.0004 and 302.54 456.83 154.29 109 0.26 0.01 1.07 0.0009 Including 333.20 355.43 22.23 16 0.42 0.01 1.82 0.0007 and including 366.27 390.00 23.73 17 0.40 0.01 1.47 0.0007 FCD-24-089 No significant results

Note: All intercepts are reported as downhole drill widths. Mineralization includes bulk porphyry-style and breccia mineralization. True widths are approximate due to the irregular shape of mineralized domains. N/A: Not analyzed.

Table 3: Collar Locations from the Drill Holes Reported Herein

Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Target Depth Depth (m) () () (ft) (m) FCD-25-099 548901 3623672 1,219 005 68 Jailhouse breccia 1,286.7 422.15 FCD-25-100 548907 3623670 1,219 245 65 Courthouse breccia 1,280.2 420.01 FCD-25-101 548904 3623675 1,219 340 45 Jailhouse breccia 1,223.5 401.42 FCD-25-102 549098 3623422 1,307 318 45 Winchester breccia 1,446.0 474.42 FCD-24-089 547144 3625676 1,414 106 45 Rum South 682.3 223.85

Note: Coordinates are given as World Geodetic System 84, Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 12 north (WGS84, UTM12N).

Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance

All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from Copper Creek to the independent sample preparation facility, ALS Laboratories in Tucson, AZ, was continuously monitored. The samples were taken as  core, over 2 m core length. Samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard analytical methods including a 4-Acid ICP-MS multielement package and an ICP-AES method for high-grade copper samples. Gold was analyzed on a 30 g aliquot by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish. A certified reference sample was inserted every 20th sample. Coarse and fine blanks were inserted every 20th sample. Approximately 5% of the core samples were cut into  core and submitted as field duplicates. On top of internal QA-QC protocol, additional blanks, reference materials and duplicates were inserted by the analytical laboratory according to their procedure. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Notes

1 The Mineral Resource Estimate is presented in the report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" with an effective date of May 3, 2023, available on the Company's website at www.faradaycopper.com and on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is an exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property and the timing of the MRE and PEA.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Cabral Gold Corp. (TSXV: CBR) (OTCQX: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has closed its previously announced "best efforts" public offering of units (the "Offering"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued 39,291,146 units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.38 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$14,930,635, which included 5,079,146 Units issued pursuant to the exercise of the Agent's over-allotment option. Paradigm Capital Inc. acted as sole agent in the Offering (the "Agent").

Each Unit is be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.56 until May 6, 2027.

The Company expects to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development of its Cuiu Cuiu project, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Agent a cash commission of $895,838, being 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, and issued the Agents 2,357,468 compensation warrants ("Compensation Warrants"), being 6.0% of the number of Units issued in the Offering. Each Compensation Warrant entitles the Agent to acquire one common share of the Company at C$0.38 until May 6, 2027.

The Units were offered in Canada by way of a prospectus supplement of the Company dated April 25, 2025 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing short form base shelf prospectus dated April 4, 2025 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"). The Units were also offered in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, Base Shelf Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference therein are available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile.

One officer of the Company participated in the Offering to purchase 131,579 Units for an aggregate price of C$50,000. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") the Company advises that this officer's participation in the Offering is considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of MI 61-101 and TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and the fair market value of the officer's participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner.

The Offering remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Cabral Gold Inc.

The Company is a junior resource company engaged in the identification, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Three main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contain National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 Indicated resources of 12.29Mt @ 1.14 g/t gold (450,200oz) in fresh basement material and 11.11Mt @ 0.48 g/t gold (171,883oz) in oxide material. The project also contains Inferred resources of 13.63Mt @ 1.04 g/t gold (455,100oz) in fresh basement material and 12.22Mt @ 0.39 g/t gold (151,608oz) in oxide material. The resource estimate for the primary material is based on the NI 43-101 technical report dated 12th October 2022. The resource estimate for the oxide material is based on the NI 43-101 estimate released on 21st October 2024.

The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history which according to the ANM (Agencia Nacional de Mineracao or National Mining Agency of Brazil) produced an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer gold workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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 terms of the Offering, the Offering closing by the Closing Date or at all, the TSX Venture Exchange approving the Offering, the Company filing the Prospectus Supplement and the timing thereof, the Company's intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the terms of the Agents' cash compensation and compensation warrants, and Mr. Sprott's participation in the Offering on the amount described herein or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be", "intends", "expected" 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 are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have 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 including without limitation those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Base Shelf Prospectus and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. 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 are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") and Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova") are pleased to announce the completion of the 2025 Winter drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario.

2025 Winter Drill Program

The maiden drill program consisted of 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,363 metres, testing the Papaonga target over an 8km by 3km area, within the large gold-in-till and heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) gold grain anomalies, underlain by bedrock mineralisation consisting of quartz-sulphide veins and disseminated sulphide (see press release dated September 11, 2024). Widely spaced drill fences, roughly 500 metres to greater than 1 kilometre apart were designed to test interpreted structural corridors concealed by deep overburden and Papaonga Lake. Complete assay results are expected to be reported in late Q2 or early Q3 2025.

Figure 1. Plan map showing geology and drill hole locations in the Papaonga target area

Papaonga Target

This program marks the first-ever drilling at the Papaonga target, following four years of systematic exploration. Prior to this work, no historical drilling or documented gold occurrences had been recorded within the target area. Drilling targeted three principal areas: the sheared margin of the Papaonga diorite, northeast-trending shear zones transecting folded clastic sedimentary rocks with interbedded iron formation, and folded volcanic stratigraphy beneath Papaonga Lake cut by northeast to east-west trending shear zones. Within the diorite, variably developed quartz stockwork to sheeted vein systems were encountered, associated with silica-chlorite alteration, pyrite and trace chalcopyrite mineralisation. The folded clastic sedimentary, iron formation, volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic stratigraphy contain multi-stage veining including widespread early quartz-carbonate veins that are strongly folded and boudinaged associated with pyrite and pyrrhotite mineralisation. Northeast to east-west trending structural corridors, defined by shear zones with strong strain development, host early quartz-carbonate and smoky quartz veins, which are deformed and crosscut by later-stage milky white quartz veins. Alteration consists of moderate silica-sericite-biotite-chlorite assemblages, associated with sulphide mineralisation including arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and trace chalcopyrite, both within veins and disseminated in the wall rock. Trace, localised visible gold was also observed in association with quartz veining. The multiple vein and sulphide generations are indicative of the long-lived nature of fluid flow and deformation across the Papaonga target area. Although mineralisation is present within the completed holes, it does not necessarily indicate economically significant gold grades.

Next Steps

Following the completion of the 2025 Winter drill program at the Project, Kenorland will maintain the camp and infrastructure at Papaonga for an additional three months in preparation for a potential subsequent summer drill program.

Figure 2. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location

1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) - Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo., John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023

About South Uchi Project

The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince.

Kenorland announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Auranova, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA"). Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70% interest in the Project, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed.

Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project (see press release dated September 16, 2024).

Qualified Persons

Mr. Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824), a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

William Yeomans, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Yeomans is a gold exploration professional with over 40 years of experience in all stages of gold exploration throughout the Americas, including the Superior Province throughout Quebec and Ontario. He gained extensive exploration management experience across the entire Guiana Shield with BHP and has generated projects which resulted with significant NI 43-101 gold resources. He has worked as a consultant to IAMGOLD and Dundee Precious Metals Inc., identifying acquisition opportunities across Canada, the USA and South America. He is currently the President of Yeomans Geological Inc. as well as 1127637 B.C. Ltd. and has many years of experience as a board member for several junior mining companies.

About Kenorland Minerals

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com.

About Auranova Resources

The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young and William Rand.

Further information about Auranova can be found on www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kenorland Minerals Ltd.,

Zach Flood

President, CEO & Director

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance 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 times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, 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.

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.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU) (OTCQB:TRUIF) (FSE:706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to report that drilling has commenced on an approximate 1,800 metres 2025 diamond drilling program at the Golden Rose Project ("Golden Rose"). Golden Rose is strategically located along the gold deposit bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zones in Central Newfoundland.

The target area for the 2025 drilling program is focused upon a portion of the Mark's Pond to Rich House "exploration fairway." (see News Release dated April 03, 2025). This exploration fairway was selected for the 2025 drill program based upon its interpreted prospectivity and to comply with certain drilling commitments required prior to early July 2025 pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement with Quadro Resources, as modified, on the Staghorn licenses, which comprise part of the exploration fairway. (see News Releases dated June 16, 2022 and August 18, 2022). The Staghorn licenses represent less than 12% of the total Golden Rose licenses area.

Concurrently, the Company has recently completed its revised and refined geological and structural property-wide synthesis of Golden Rose and is now advancing an assessment of the outcomes of this work. The completed models identify numerous targets with potential for orogenic gold mineralization across the nearly 300 sq. kilometres ("km") land package. This pipeline of quality exploration targets will be validated by field work prior to drilling.

TRU CEO Steve Nicol commented: "We are very pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 drill program at the Mark's Pond to Rich House exploration fairway which represents the first area to be tested among the multiple prospective targets emerging from our geological and structural site-wide model. I look forward to updating investors on the results of this initial drilling program, and upon our ongoing assessment of other emerging target areas, as results from each become available."

Figure 1: Initial Exploration Fairway at Golden Rose

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU (TSXV:TRU, OTCQB:TRUIF, FSE:706) is on a mission to build long-term shareholder value through prudent natural resource property development. The company's flagship project is the Golden Rose Project a regional-scale 297.50 km2 land package in Central Western Newfoundland (includes a 33.25 km2 package of claims over which TRU has an option with TSX-listed Quadro Resources to acquire up to an aggregate 65% ownership) which straddles a 45 km strike length along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone, directly between Calibre Mining's Valentine Project and AuMEGA Metals' Cape Ray Gold Project. TRU is currently focused on efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential at Golden Rose, targeting continuity along this proven gold bearing trend. The Golden Rose Project is currently subject to an Earn-In Agreement with TSX-listed Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado"), whereby Eldorado has the option to fund CAD15.25M in cash payments and exploration expenditures over 5 years to earn an 80%-interest in the Golden Rose project. Please refer to the July 30th, 2024 press release for further details of the agreement.

TRU is approximately 36%-owned by European strategic investor Ormonde Mining plc (AQSE:ORM).

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Steve NICOL

CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/metalstru

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruMetalsCorp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TRUMetals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRUMetals/

Acknowledgement

TRU would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for financial support through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program and the Federal Government for its critical mineral assistance funding for the exploration activities at Golden Rose.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Golden Rose, the Company's exploration programs and results, and commodities prices that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Golden Rose; the exploration potential of Golden Rose and the nature and style of mineralization at Golden Rose; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in precious metals and base metals prices; volatility in economic conditions and financial markets; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

This press release is solely the responsibility of TRU, and Eldorado is not in any way responsible or liable for the contents hereof.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apogee Minerals Ltd. (Apogee or the Company) (TSXV: APMI) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 100% interest in two mineral claims comprising the May Lake Project, located in the La Ronge Belt of northern Saskatchewan. The claims were acquired from an arms-length third-party for a total cash consideration of CAD $5,000. The two claims cover a total area of 4,502.2 hectares, situated approximately 240 kilometres north of the town of La Ronge. This acquisition marks a strategic addition to Apogees growing land position in one of Saskatchewans most prospective greenstone belts, which is known for its gold and base metal potential.

May Lake Property Location:

May Lake Property Summary:

The May Lake Property lies at the boundary between the Rottenstone and La Ronge domains, host to a variety of deposit types including volcanogenic massive sulphide Cu-Zn-Pb orogenic gold and intrusion-hosted magmatic Ni-Cu deposits. The claims are underlain by interlayered, felsic, intermediate and mafic volcanics, as well as intermediate to felsic intrusives and metasediments. Several notable mineral occurrences are located on the claims. The most significant of these is a rusty andesite outcrop which returned up to 2090 ppm Cu (0.2%), along with anomalous Zn, gold and silver values. The property has not seen a great deal of exploration historically and significant potential for the discovery of volcanogenic massive sulphide Cu-Zn-Pb and orogenic gold mineralization exists on the property.

May Lake Geology:

Qualified Person:

Sean Cross, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a Consulting Geologist, has prepared, reviewed, and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

About Apogee Minerals Ltd.:

Apogee Minerals Ltd. is a mineral exploration company. Our goal is to build shareholder value through mineral project acquisitions and advancement, as well as new mineral discoveries.

To find out more about Apogee Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: APMI) visit the Companys website:

www.apogeemineralsltd.com

Apogee Minerals Ltd.

Tim Fernback

Tim Fernback

Interim CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Apogee Minerals Ltd.

Nicholas Coltura, Director

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Global Tactical Metals Corp. (CSE: MONI) (FSE: A7F) ("Global Tactical Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce encouraging results from its second round of sampling at the past-producing Green Mine in Nevada. Of the 10 samples collected, 7 returned over-limit values for antimony (Sb), reaffirming the high-grade nature of this critical mineral occurrence. Select samples also returned over-limit values for silver (Ag) and lead (Pb). At the Green Mine, mineralized veins host jamesonite (Pb 4 FeSb 6 S 14 ), secondary bindheimite (Pb 2 Sb 2 O 6 (O,OH), pyrite, arsenopyrite, and possibly boulangerite (Pb 5 Sb 4 S 11 ).

This second round of sampling confirms the presence of polymetallic mineralization both at surface and within historic underground workings, supporting the Company's view that Green Mine holds strong potential for further development.

Sampling

Samples were collected from surface dumps adjacent to historic mine workings, exposed outcrops, and within the underground adits. Notably, 70% of the samples exceeded the upper detection limit of 10,000 ppm for antimony. Additional elevated results were recorded for silver and lead.

Sample Number Sample Description Ag

(ppm) Pb

(ppm) Sb

(ppm) GM-2 18 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-3 chip (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-4 grab (surface dump) 18.2 5440 2560 GM-5 grab (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-6 63 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-7 61 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-8 76 cm channel (underground) > 100 > 10000 >10000 GM-10 grab (subcrop) 29.6 2700 >10000 GM-11 48 cm channel (surface) 58.7 3860 5040

Samples that returned over-limit assays are being further analyzed to determine their actual metal values.

These early-stage assay results support further detailed mapping and systematic sampling across the property.

Quality Assurance

All samples were delivered by the company's consulting geologist to the Paragon Geochemical facility in Sparks, NV. All samples were analyzed for 48 elements. All of the elements were determined by Paragon Geochemical's method 48MA-MS, which is a multi-acid digestion finished by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Global Tactical Metals is reliant on Paragon Geochemical's laboratory in Sparks, NV. for its QA/QC protocol as these are preliminary samples and limited in number.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for Global Tactical Metals Corp. included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smyk P.Geo. Mr. Smyk is a Technical Advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Other Business

In addition, the Company announces, subject to CSE approval, the grant of 1,000,000 RSUs to strategic consultants to the Company. These RSUs will vest four months and one day from the day of grant.

The Company has entered into a Consulting Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with Capitaliz, dated effective March 1st, 2025, for an initial term of 12 months with a marketing budget of $5,000 per month, whereby the services to be provided by Capitaliz will include assisting GTM to develop a corporate marketing strategy and provide marketing and public relations advisory services, help coordinate marketing, news flow and events, making introductions to Capitaliz's network of media contacts, internet and social media marketers and other such providers, as well as to assist with various other public relations efforts.

www.capitalizonit.com

778-237-1431

Vancouver, B.C

About Global Tactical Metals Corp.

Global Tactical Metals Corp. is focused on acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a highly prospective mineral asset in Newfoundland, Canada, positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential.

The company has also significantly expanded its exploration portfolio with a substantial land package staked in Darling Township, southeastern Ontarioapproximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This property, now exceeding 1,400 hectares, targets critical mineral exploration with a primary focus on antimony, a vital element for renewable energy, defense, and electronics industries.

In addition, Global Tactical Metals Corp. has extended its strategic footprint into the United States by staking the Green Mine, a past-producing antimony deposit in Nevada, further strengthening its commitment to securing critical mineral resources.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: The exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, including the St. Anthony Property, the Ontario claims, and the newly staked Green Mine; The potential value and economic viability of these mineral assets; The growing demand for antimony and its impact on the Company's strategic initiatives; and The Company's ability to execute exploration programs, conduct geological assessments, and advance its assets towards potential resource development.

Forward-Looking information in this press release is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully conduct exploration and development activities, access to funding and infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions for critical minerals.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: Challenges in obtaining permits, regulatory approvals, or financing; Geological or technical difficulties in mineral exploration and extraction; Changes in market demand or commodity prices; and Unforeseen environmental or operational risks.

Readers are cautioned that the above list is not exhaustive. Forward-Looking statements in this press release reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to change. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Highlights:

Confirmation of high-grade nickel mineralization with the following results: 1.73% Ni over 36.3 m in DDH 102503 (previously reported at 1.73% Ni) 2.81% Ni over 11.6 m in DDH 89300 (previously reported at 2.60% Ni) 2.32% Ni over 14.4 m in DDH 89299 (previously reported at 2.21% Ni) 2.42% Ni over 10.2 m in DDH 89296 (previously reported at 2.43% Ni) 2.08% Ni over 9.3 m in DDH 102510 (previously reported at 1.91% Ni) 2.92% Ni over 5.8 m in DDH 102501 (previously reported at 2.69% Ni)



The nickel resampling results correlate well with the historical data and no meaningful bias was identified between the two datasets

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2025) - Core Nickel Corp. (CSE: CNCO) ("Core Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of the re-analysis of twelve historical diamond drill holes ("DDH") from the Company's 100%-owned Mel project (the "Project") in the Thompson Nickel Belt, Manitoba. The resampling program was completed, in part, to verify historical assay results and help define methods and the overall approach for an updated National Instrument 43-101 mineral resource estimate. Understood Mineral Resources ("UMR" or "Understood") was retained by Core Nickel to confirm historical nickel assay results.

The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit ("Mel"), which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni.1

Misty Urbatsch, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented, "We are very encouraged by the re-assay results as it confirms both the integrity of the historical data and high-grade core of the deposit. This gives us added confidence in the quality and accuracy of the historical resource as well as provides a solid foundation as we move toward a modern mineral resource estimate. Highlights such as 1.73% Ni over 36.3 metres and 2.81% Ni over 11.6 metres reflect the strength and continuity of mineralization at the Mel deposit. Based on the confirmation from the re-assay results, Mel has the potential to be one of the highest-grade undeveloped nickel deposits in North America.

Located just 20 kilometres from key infrastructure, including existing mines, mills with available capacity, rail access, and nearly 100% renewable hydroelectric power-Mel is well-positioned for further advancement as we continue to evaluate its development potential. Historical drilling at Mel over the past 50 years has focused on shallow depths averaging only 200 metres, with the near-surface deposit originally discovered in the 1960s at a depth of just 50 metres. The recently completed VTEM survey over Mel will help us image down to 400 metres depth and provide a better understanding of the geology at depth. While previous exploration has primarily targeted near-surface mineralization, we see compelling potential below 200 metres, particularly given that the neighbouring Thompson Mine operates at depths exceeding 1,000 metres within a similar geological setting."

Table 1. Comparison of Original and Re-Assay Nickel Results

Confirmation of Historical Nickel Results

The nickel results from the resampling program were compared against the historical data through a variety of statistical techniques. It was determined the resampling results correlate well with the historical data and no meaningful bias was identified between the two datasets.

The resampled nickel grades were compared to the global original distribution (nickel grades of the entire deposit) to ensure representative grade ranges were selected for reanalysis (Figure 1). The histograms in Figure 1 show the selected samples are an appropriate representation of grades observed at the deposit.

Figure 1. Resampled and Global Original Nickel Histograms

The historic and resampled results of the individual intervals were compared to validate the precision and accuracy of the historical results through histograms, quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plots, and scatter plots (Figure 2).

The two histograms (sample length weighted) and the summary statistics displayed in the histograms, such as mean, variance, min values, and max values, are nearly the same between the two distributions.

The Q-Q plot shows that the two distributions generally correlate with no significant bias. A Q-Q plot is a plot of the quantiles of two distributions against each other for comparison purposes.

The scatter plot and contained summary statistics demonstrates the datasets generally correlate and agree with one another: the blue trend line plots near the red reference line, a high Pearson correlation coefficient (p=0.95), a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.91), and no apparent grade-dependent bias.

Figure 2. Resampling and Original Nickel Results by Interval

Figure 3: Nickel Intercept from Drillhole 89300 (2.81% Ni over 11.7 m)



Figure 4. Nickel Intercept from Drillhole 102503 (1.73% Ni over 36.3 m)



Mel Re-Assay Program

The Company selected previously sampled mineralized NQ core for re-analysis and maintained the sample intervals defined by the historical assays (also referred to as original results). The interval ranges between 0.1 m to 3.7 m with an average of 1.35 m. The samples were collected from previously halved NQ core that was further split into quarter core. The quarter core was placed in plastic sample bags pre-marked with the sample number along with a sample number tag. The other quarter was returned to the core box for long-term storage. The bags containing the split samples were then placed in rice bags with zip ties for transport to the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories ("SRC") in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, by Core Nickel personnel.

In total, 310 samples from 12 drill holes were collected and analyzed (Table 2). Core Nickel inserted 17 blank samples and 17 certified reference material samples into the sample stream for quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) purposes.

The samples were analyzed at SRC using a base metal assay (ICP3 Assay) for Ni, Cu, and Co, where an aliquot of sample pulp is digested in HCl:HNO3 and the digested volume is then made up with deionized water for analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The detection limit for Ni, Cu, and Co using this method is 0.001 wt%.

The samples were also analyzed for gold, platinum, and palladium using traditional fire assay methods. During fire assay an aliquot of sample pulp was mixed with standard fire assay flux in a clay crucible and a silver inquart was added. The mixture was fused in a fire assay oven. The fusion melt was poured into a metal form and cooled. The lead bead was recovered and put into the oven for cupellation until only the precious metal bead remained. The bead was parted in a solution heated in a boiling water bath until the silver dissolved. The solution containing the silver was decanted, leaving the gold, platinum, and palladium in the test tube. Aqua Regia was added to the gold, platinum, and palladium in the test tube and heated in the boiling water bath until the metals dissolved. The sample was diluted to volume and analyzed by ICP-OES. This method is suitable for all pulverized and core samples for the determination of gold. The detection limit for Au, Pt, and Pd using this method is 1 ppb. The Au, Pd, and Pt grades were converted from ppb to grams per tonne.

Table 2. Summary of Samples per Drillhole

Drillhole No. of Samples 89296 30 89299 30 89300 23 102501 18 102503 38 102506 44 102507 28 102508 39 102509 24 102510 18 102512 6 102514 12 Total 310

Table 3. Complete Re-assay Results from Historical Mel Core

About Core Nickel

Core Nickel Corp. is a junior nickel exploration company that controls 100% of five projects in the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), a prolific nickel district located in Northern Manitoba, Canada (Figure 5). The five projects consist of approximately 27,000 hectares of land that is proximal to existing infrastructure, including highways, railways, major hydroelectric transmission lines, and operating mills.

Core Nickel has a large contiguous land package in the northern part of the TNB, situated approximately 15-20 km from the City of Thompson. Core Nickel's northern TNB land package consists of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni.1 The target stratigraphy (Pipe Formation) that hosts the Mel deposit, and other deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt, extend onto the Hunter and Odei River projects and drillhole intersections into the target stratigraphy on the Hunter project have successfully intersected anomalous nickel.

The Company also holds two projects in the central TNB near the community of Wabowden: Halfway Lake and Resting Lake. Both projects host the target Pipe Formation associated with known elevated nickel mineralization and are proximal to existing nickel deposits, mills, and other infrastructure.

Figure 5. Core Nickel Project Location Map

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Caitlin Glew, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Core Nickel Corp., who has reviewed and approved its contents.

References

1 (n.d.). https://www.canickel.com/satellite-deposits#satellited

2 "Technical Report on the Mel Deposit, Northern Manitoba" prepared for Victory Nickel Inc, Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc., March 9, 2007

Mel Historical Mineral Resource

Core Nickel Corporation is treating the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared for Victory Nickel Inc. by Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. Core Nickel has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

The historical MRE summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. Core Nickel considers the 2007 MRE to be relevant to the further development of the project; however, is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).

To upgrade or verify the 2007 historical estimate as current, Core Nickel will need to complete a thorough review of all the 2007 historical MRE information and drill data, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical MRE subsequent to the publication of the resource. Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine current Reasonable Prospectus for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) would be required in order to produce a current MRE for the Property. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions or constraints, along with continuity of the resource blocks.

Technical Disclosure

The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Manitoba Integrated Mining and Quarrying System ("iMaQs") as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Misty Urbatsch"

Misty Urbatsch

CEO, President and Director

Core Nickel Corp.

Contacts:

Also find us online:

www.corenickel.com

https://x.com/CoreNickel

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
Highlights:

Twelve drillholes completed, totaling 3,585.5 metres across multiple high-priority conductive trends

Newly identified near surface pyrrhotite i -rich massive sulphide zone along trend HL-04

A new zone of Pipe Formation stratigraphy has been identified in the southern portion of the property, where structural and geological features closely resemble those of the Thompson deposit

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - April 28, 2025) - Core Nickel Corp. (CSE: CNCO) ("Core Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its winter 2025 Drill Program (the "Program") at the 100%-owned Halfway Lake Project (the "Project"), located in the Thompson Nickel Belt, Manitoba. The Program comprised a total of 3,585.5 metres ("m") in 12 diamond drillholes as outlined in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 1. The drill program was designed to test high-priority targets identified from the 2024 VTEM survey, previously announced on November 18, 2024. The Project is strategically located within kilometres of advanced infrastructure such as the Bucko Mill, heavy rail and highways, and access to high-capacity, nearly 100% clean, hydro-electric power.

Misty Urbatsch, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented, "Our winter drill program at Halfway Lake has delivered encouraging results. The program has upgraded the exploration potential of the property with the intersection of a new near-surface, pyrrhotite-rich massive sulphide zone that remains open along strike and at depth and a newly identified zone with Pipe Formation stratigraphy in the southern area, where structural and geological features closely resemble those of the Thompson Deposit."

Halfway Lake Winter 2025 Drill Program

Twelve NQ drillholes totalling 3,585.5 metres were completed during winter 2025 to test high-priority targets identified from the 2024 VTEM survey for the presence of and characteristics associated with remobilized magmatic nickel sulphide mineralization, analogous to Thompson-style deposits.

Recent drilling has confirmed the presence of several critical components of the magmatic nickel sulphide deposit model, including ultramafic-hosted sulphides (source), sulphidic Pipe Formation stratigraphy (trap), and key structural controls such as folding, faulting, and remobilized sulphide zones (preservation). These features are essential to the formation and localization of nickel sulphide deposits, and their presence reinforces the exploration potential for a well-preserved, structurally focused nickel system on the Halfway Lake project.

Assay results for the winter 2025 drill program are currently pending; visible sulphide mineralization does not equate to nickel grades.

Table 1. Winter 2025 Diamond Drillhole Parameters

Figure 1. Halfway Lake Winter 2025 Drillhole and Conductive Trend Location Map.

Winter 2025 Drill Program Highlights and Discussion

Conductive Trend HL-04 - Newly Identified Near Surface Pyrrhotite-Rich Sulphides

Drillhole HFW-25-007 targeted a strong electromagnetic (EM) response along the HL-04 conductive trend, located on the edge of a magnetic anomaly. A 35-centimetre massive, pyrrhotite-rich sulphide breccia was intersected at 44.2 m depth, followed by 2.4 m of pelite-hosted intermittent pyrrhotite-rich, semi-massive sulphide breccias intercalated with pegmatite to 46.95 m. From 46.95 to 72.8 m, local stringers and brecciated veins of pyrrhotite are hosted within pegmatite. Semi-massive to massive pyrrhotite-rich sulphides from 72.8 to 74.3 m contains millimetre-scale quartz clasts and minor interstitial biotite (Figure 2). Decimetre-scale pegmatite-hosted semi-massive pyrrhotite breccias are intermittent to 81.8 m.

Drillhole HFW-25-010 was designed to test two off-hole borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) responses, interpreted to be near horizontal, ~35 m in front of HFW-25-007. HFW-25-010 intersected semi-massive, pyrrhotite-dominated sulphides from 39.2 to 41.7 m. The semi-massive pyrrhotite is hosted within pelitic metasediments entrained in a larger pegmatite package. The hole is interpreted to have intersected the lower portion of the pyrrhotite-rich sulphide zone encountered in HFW-25-007.

Drillhole HFW-25-015, located 50 m along strike to the southwest of HFW-25-007, intersected sulphide-bearing ultramafic rocks from the base of the overburden at 37.4 m to 45.1 m. Pyrrhotite dominated sulphide-bearing pegmatite and pelite, with narrow intervals of ultramafic material extends below to 85.1 m, where a faulted contact with interpreted Pipe Formation is present.

Collectively, these holes demonstrate the continuity of pyrrhotite-bearing sulphides along the HL-04 trend, suggesting the potential for a nickel sulphide system that remains open for expansion both along strike and down-dip.

Figure 2. Top: Massive sulphides, dominantly pyrrhotite in HFW-25-007 from 72.8 to 73.5 m.

Bottom: Close-up of massive sulphides at 73.3 m in HFW-25-007.

Conductive Trend HL-29 - Sulphide-Bearing Ultramafics and Narrow Semi-Massive Sulphides Support Continued Exploration in Southern Fold Nose

Drillhole HFW-25-011 targeted a conductive response coincident with a weak magnetic anomaly along conductive trend HL-29. The drillhole was designed to evaluate the lithological and structural setting of nickel sulphide mineralization within the Pipe Formation at a potential southwest F3 fold nose, following up on conductive trends and favourable stratigraphy observed in drillholes along strike.

The drillhole intersected a structurally complex Pipe Formation sequence including a 12.7 m serpentinized ultramafic with disseminated pyrrhotite from 107.1 to 119.8 m, pyrrhotite-rich pelite from 322.5 to 354.7 m coincident with a pyrrhotite breccia from 331.2 to 331.6 m and semi-massive pyrrhotite from 343.0 to 343.2 m (Figure 3). Several narrow decimetre-scale ultramafics were intersected between 355.8 and 371.3 m, and a serpentinized ultramafic from 490.2 to 491.9 m.

Figure 3. Semi-massive sulphides, dominantly pyrrhotite in HFW-24-011 at 343.1 m.

Drillhole HFW-25-011 was prioritized based on the development of a geological model constructed from the EM and magnetic geophysical data and drill results in HFW-25-006 and HFW-25-008 (Figure 4), which supports the interpretation of a southwest F3 fold on the southern portion of the Halfway Lake property, the northwestern limb of which would encompass the mineralized W62 Zone.

Figure 4. Geophysical products (EM and magnetics) from the 2024 VTEM survey with the interpreted fold formline (dashed line).

Drilling in this area of the Halfway Lake project has identified compelling geological similarities between the southern project area and the Thompson Mine setting, one of Canada's premier nickel deposits. Similarities include the spatial association of ultramafic and sulphidic rocks, as seen in the W62 Zone, comparable metamorphic grades and ductile structural regimes confirmed by regional mapping by the Manitoba Geological Survey1, and evidence of plastic flow and remobilization of sulphides along stratigraphic horizons, notably in drillholes HFW-003 and HFW-25-004. Additionally, the presence of F3 fold structures mirrors the structural setting of the Thompson orebody (Figure 5), which is hosted within a southwest-trending F3 fold hinge and associated parasitic folds-further supporting the district-scale nickel sulphide potential of the Project.

Figure 5. Thompson Mine geology on the left (Coueslan, 20191) and southern Halfway Lake magnetics on the right. Upper diagram (A) shows the interpreted fold formline overlain on the regional magnetics. Lower diagram (B) shows the Thompson Mine geology mirror image superimposed over southern Halfway Lake Project.

Thompson Nickel Belt Deposit Model

Nickel exploration in the Thompson Nickel Belt is guided by a well-established magmatic nickel sulphide deposit model, which describes the geological conditions necessary for the formation, concentration, and preservation of high-grade nickel sulphide deposits. This model (Figure 6) is defined by three key components:

Source and Transport: The presence of ultramafic intrusions indicates the source of nickel-rich magmas. These rocks serve as both the origin and conduit for metal transport during magmatic emplacement.

The presence of indicates the source of nickel-rich magmas. These rocks serve as both the origin and conduit for metal transport during magmatic emplacement. Trap Mechanism: Sulphidic metasedimentary rocks , particularly those of the Pipe Formation , act as chemical traps. When nickel-rich ultramafic magmas interact with these sulphur-rich sediments, they may become sulphur-saturated, triggering the formation of nickel sulphides.

, particularly those of the , act as chemical traps. When nickel-rich ultramafic magmas interact with these sulphur-rich sediments, they may become sulphur-saturated, triggering the formation of nickel sulphides. Preservation: Structural features such as folding, faulting, and remobilization play a critical role in preserving and concentrating sulphide mineralization. These processes can localize massive sulphide accumulations within structural traps like fold noses or fault zones.

Massive nickel sulphide deposits formed in this environment are typically high-grade but compact, often with near-surface footprints measured in the hundreds of metres, making detailed targeting and high-resolution geophysics critical to discovery.

Recent drilling on the Project has intersected several key elements of this model, including ultramafic-hosted sulphides, sulphidic Pipe Formation stratigraphy, folding, faulting, and structurally remobilized sulphide zones-all supporting the potential for high-grade nickel sulphide discoveries at Halfway Lake.

Figure 6: Illustrates the structural style of folded, stretched and boudinaged ultramafic sills, remobilized massive sulphides, and remnant sedimentary sulphides (Bleeker & Macek, 19962).

About Core Nickel

Core Nickel Corp. is a junior nickel exploration company that controls 100% of five projects in the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), a prolific nickel district located in Northern Manitoba, Canada (Figure 7). The five projects consist of approximately 27,000 hectares of land that is proximal to existing infrastructure, including highways, railways, major hydroelectric transmission lines, and operating mills.

Core Nickel has a large contiguous land package in the northern part of the TNB, situated approximately 15-20 km from the City of Thompson. Core Nickel's northern TNB land package consists of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni3. The target stratigraphy (Pipe Formation) that hosts the Mel deposit, and other deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt, extend onto the Hunter and Odei River projects and drillhole intersections into the target stratigraphy on the Hunter project have successfully intersected anomalous nickel.

The Company also holds two projects in the central TNB near the community of Wabowden: Halfway Lake and Resting Lake. Both projects host the target Pipe Formation associated with known elevated nickel mineralization and are proximal to existing nickel deposits, mills, and other infrastructure.

Figure 7. Core Nickel Project Location Map.

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Caitlin Glew, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Core Nickel Corp., who has reviewed and approved its contents.

References

1 Coueslan (2019). Field Trip Guidebook: Stratigraphy and ore deposits in the Thompson nickel belt, Manitoba (OF2019-2). Winnipeg: Manitoba Geological Survey

2 Bleeker, W., & Macek, J.J. (1996). Evolution of the Thompson Nickel Belt, Manitoba: Setting of Ni-Cu Deposits in the Western Part of the Circum Superior Boundary Zone - Field Trip Guidebook A1. Geological Association of Canada/Mineralogical Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Winnipeg, Manaitoba, May 27-29, 1996.

3 "Technical Report on the Mel Deposit, Northern Manitoba" prepared for Victory Nickel Inc, Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc., March 9, 2007

Mel Historical Mineral Resource

Core Nickel Corporation is treating the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared for Victory Nickel Inc. by Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. Core Nickel has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

The historical MRE summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. Core Nickel considers the 2007 MRE to be relevant to the further development of the project; however, is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).

To upgrade or verify the 2007 historical estimate as current, Core Nickel will need to complete a thorough review of all the 2007 historical MRE information and drill data, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical MRE subsequent to the publication of the resource. Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine current Reasonable Prospectus for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) would be required in order to produce a current MRE for the Property. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions or constraints, along with continuity of the resource blocks.

Technical Disclosure

The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Manitoba Integrated Mining and Quarrying System ("iMaQs") as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Misty Urbatsch"

Misty Urbatsch

CEO, President and Director

Core Nickel Corp.

Also find us online:

www.corenickel.com

https://x.com/CoreNickel

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 6, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West-African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to its news release dated February 6, 2025. The Company originally planned to raise gross proceeds of CAD$1,000,000 under the Offering, but due to increased investor demand, the Company subsequently increased the size of the Offering to 16,470,380 units and completed it for total gross proceeds of CAD$1,152,926.62. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to continue exploration and drilling at its flagship Todi Gold Project, and for working capital purposes.

David Kol, CEO of Zodiac Gold, commented: "We are extremely pleased with the strong investor support shown through this oversubscribed financing, which exceeded our original target. The proceeds will allow us to advance drilling at the Todi Gold Project, where we continue to see strong indications of high-grade gold potential. With the backing of insiders, as well as new and existing shareholders, we remain committed to unlocking the district-scale opportunity that Todi represents."

Closing of Offering



The Company closed the Offering with the issuance of 16,470,380 units (the "Units") at a price of CAD$0.07 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of CAD$0.12 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of each tranche. The Company issued 16,470,380 Common Shares and 16,470,380 Warrants for the Offering for total gross proceeds of CAD$1,152,926.62.

On March 18, 2025, the Company closed the first tranche of the Offering, issuing 5,775,857 Common Shares and 5,775,857 Warrants for gross proceeds of CAD$404,310.01. On May 5, 2025, the Company completed the second tranche with the issuance of 10,694,523 Common Shares and 10,694,523 Warrants for the gross proceeds of CAD$748,616.61. No finder fees were paid in connection with this Offering.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and 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.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering, including Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Warrants, are and will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day after the date of issuance. The Offering remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange's (the "TSXV") final approval.

Insider Participation

An insider participated in the second tranche closing of the Offering and subscribed for an aggregate of 535,714 Units for a total of CAD$37,499.98. Such participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the Units acquired by the insider and the consideration paid by such insider does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the first tranche closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the first tranche closing of the Offering in an expeditious manner.

About Zodiac Gold

Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberiaan 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.

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.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Stewart to the Company's Board of Directors effective May 6, 2025, and to provide an update on activities at its Falcon property ("Falcon" or the "Property") in the Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan.

ANDREW STEWART APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR

Andrew Stewart is a corporate finance and securities lawyer and a Partner in the Capital Markets and Securities Group at Cozen O'Connor, an AmLaw 100 international law firm. He has over 25 years of capital markets experience that includes mergers and acquisitions, public and private equity and debt financings, regulatory compliance, cross-border transactions and public offerings in Canada and the United States. Mr. Stewart also has served as SEC counsel to several US investment banks. He has been a co-founder and counsel for several private and public companies and is one of the founders of North Shore.

FALCON EXPLORATION UPDATE

In its September 17, 2024, October 10, 2024, November 13, 2024 and February 27, 2025 news releases, the Company summarized work being done at the West Bear and Falcon properties with emphasis on Falcon. Three priority areas have been established at Falcon, Zones 1, 2 and 3 (Figure 1).

To date, North Shore has identified 36 uranium targets at Falcon. The targets are associated with electromagnetic ("EM") conductor anomalies and have been selected based on the analysis and interpretation of multiple geophysical and geologic datasets by North Shore and its consultants. As reported on May 16, 2024, the Company discovered near-surface uranium mineralization at drill sites P03 and P08 in an area that had never seen drilling (Figure 1). These new uranium occurrences could be part of a new trend of uranium mineralization in an area that is underexplored. North Shore's near-term focus is to assess the potential for an economic uranium deposit within this trend by evaluating priority EM targets in the South Priority Area at the eastern end of Zone 1 and the South Walker Area at the southern end of Zone 2 (Figure 1). The Company will continue prioritizing and analyzing targets in preparation for future prospecting and drill programs; updates on target prioritization and exploration efforts will be provided on an ongoing basis.

Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "The North Shore Team is happy to welcome Andrew Stewart to its Board of Directors. His expertise and enthusiasm will be a great benefit to the Company. New uranium deposits will be required to fuel the reactors that will be needed for the growing nuclear power industry. We believe that Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin is the best jurisdiction in the world for uranium exploration and development and that there is good potential to discover a new, high-grade uranium deposit. North Shore's pipeline of uranium targets at Falcon and West Bear give it exposure to making a significant new discovery."

Geologic information from the Saskatchewan database, EM conductors from Saskatchewan database and North Shoreinterpretation, targets from North Shore interpretation.

Figure 1: Map showing Falcon exploration targets and priority zones.

FALCON BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Falcon consists of 15 mineral claims totaling 55,503 hectares; four of the claims comprising 12,791 hectares are 100 percent-owned by the Company and the remaining 11 claims are subject to an option agreement with Skyharbour Resources Ltd. Under the terms of the option agreement, North Shore has the option to earn an 80% interest in the 11 claims by completing certain payments, exploration work and other commitments by October 2026. Falcon is located 30 km east of the active Key Lake uranium mill and former mine. Between 1983 and 2002, the mine produced a total of 209.9 million pounds of U 3 O 8 at an average grade of over 2.0% [1].

ABOUT NORTH SHORE

The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO 2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable, especially in established uranium-producing areas like Saskatchewan. North Shore is working to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by exploring its Falcon and West Bear properties at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin and by evaluating opportunities to complement its portfolio of uranium properties.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Mr. Brooke Clements, MSc, P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and the President and CEO of North Shore, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Brooke Clements,

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information:

Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Telephone: 604.536.2711

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.northshoreuranium.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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "project", "appear", "interpret", "coincident", "potential", "confirm", "suggest", "evaluate", "encourage", "likely", "anomaly", "continuous" and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "should", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current and planned exploration activities including the potential for the definition of a mineral deposit of potential economic value within Falcon; that drilling results, geophysical survey results and/or interpretations thereof are defining potentially mineralized corridors; results from future exploration programs including drilling; interpretation and meaning of completed and future geophysical surveys; conclusions of future economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; possible variations in grades of mineralization and/or future actual recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the Company or Brixton) is pleased to announce its 2025 exploration plans for its wholly owned Thorn Copper-Gold Project. The 2945 square kilometer project is located in Northwest British Columbia, Canada, approximately 90km northeast from Juneau, AK.

Highlights of Exploration Plan for 2025:

The 2025 season has a two-pronged approach: i) expand near surface gold mineralization and ii) drill for new, near surface copper porphyry discoveries for a combined 8000m to 10,000m.





Shallow drilling to establish the continuity and strike of new feeder-structure high-sulphidation style gold-copper-silver mineralization encountered in holes 307/294/221 within the Camp Creek Corridor. Hole 307 returned 8.00m of 4.52 g/t gold, 148.6 g/t silver, 0.54% copper. Shallow drilling to test the up-dip gold zone identified in hole 221 that returned 55.8 g/t gold over 1.5m from 449.5m depth.





Hole 307 returned 8.00m of 4.52 g/t gold, 148.6 g/t silver, 0.54% copper. Shallow drilling to test the up-dip gold zone identified in hole 221 that returned 55.8 g/t gold over 1.5m from 449.5m depth. Drill for new gold mineralization at the Trapper Gold Target . Expansion drilling in 2024 returned 2m of 44.43 g/t gold within 8m of 11.37 g/t gold. Follow up drilling is planned along In-law Creek where rock grab samples of in-situ gold have returned up to 152 g/t gold. In addition, drill test within a 2km on-trend gap between the main zone (64m of 5.74 g/t gold) at Trapper and the drilling in 2011 where hole TG11-11 returned 22.86m of 2.51 g/t gold including 4.26m of 9.18 g/t gold.





. Expansion drilling in 2024 returned 2m of 44.43 g/t gold within 8m of 11.37 g/t gold. Follow up drilling is planned along In-law Creek where rock grab samples of in-situ gold have returned up to 152 g/t gold. In addition, drill test within a 2km on-trend gap between the main zone (64m of 5.74 g/t gold) at Trapper and the drilling in 2011 where hole TG11-11 returned 22.86m of 2.51 g/t gold including 4.26m of 9.18 g/t gold. Drill test two new copper porphyry targets Catalyst and Tempest. These new targets are located 6-8 km northeast from the Camp Creek porphyry discovery along the Camp Creek Corridor. Rock grab samples of porphyry style stockwork veins from Catalyst returned up to 0.56% copper, 2.87 g/t gold and 30 g/t silver. The showing is located within a broader 1.6km by 1km northeast trending phyllic to argillic alteration zone and remains open.





targets and These new targets are located 6-8 km northeast from the Camp Creek porphyry discovery along the Camp Creek Corridor. Rock grab samples of porphyry style stockwork veins from returned up to 0.56% copper, 2.87 g/t gold and 30 g/t silver. The showing is located within a broader 1.6km by 1km northeast trending phyllic to argillic alteration zone and remains open. CLICK HERE for a 3D presentation of the Thorn Project.

Chairman and CEO, Gary R. Thompson, stated, We are excited to open camp and commence the 2025 exploration season at the Thorn Project. The plan is to split our budget 50/50 between gold/copper targets this year. The plan is to be drilling by the 25th of May, with a focus on high impact, near surface targets. We are especially motivated to continue drilling the Trapper Gold Target following up on the previous years successful campaigns and given the recent record-breaking gold price. I continue to be amazed with the high number of exploration targets that this project holds. The 2024 exploration season generated several new, large-scale copper-gold targets that have never been drilled; they offer potential for new discoveries.

Figure 1: Planview Map of Gold Geochemistry from Trapper to Camp Creek including Outlaw.

Camp Creek Feeder Structures

In 2024, step-out drilling in Camp Creek identified two new zones of near-surface, high-sulphidation style gold mineralization, possible feeder structures. Three holes, 307, 221, and 294 encountered gold mineralization that appear to have a northeast trend which is parallel to the Camp Creek structural corridor where drilling is planned to test the continuity of this structure. Hole 307 returned 26m of 1.89 g/t gold, 74.8 g/t silver, 0.28% copper from 172m depth including 8.00m of 4.52 g/t gold, 148.6 g/t silver, 0.54% copper. Shallow drilling is planned to test the up-dip gold zone encountered in hole 221 that returned 55.8 g/t gold over 1.5m from 449.5m depth. Gold mineralization encountered in hole THN24-291 returned 37.30m of 1.35 g/t gold, 16.1 g/t silver, 0.21% copper including 4.65m of 6.15 g/t gold, 61.9 g/t silver, 0.96% copper from 131.7m depth. Hole 291 is located 230m southwest from hole 307 and hole 221 is located 200m northeast from hole 307.

Further, within the area, approximately 600m south from hole 307, is a similar northeast trending high-sulphidation vein feeder structure that outcrops known as the Glenfiddich zone. Some drilling was done in this area, including hole THN13-121 which returned 2.20m of 10.6% copper, 583 g/t silver, and 2.5 g/t gold from 74m metres depth. A cluster of surface rocks samples returning up to 21.5 g/t gold has not been followed up. A few short holes are planned to drill test this gold structure and the potential extension of the Glenfiddich trend.

Trapper Gold Target Drilling

The most significant drill intercept in 2024 was recorded in hole THN24-304, yielding broad intervals of gold mineralization which included several high-grade sub-intervals assaying 82.00m of 1.27 g/t gold, including 27m of 3.49 g/t gold, including 8m of 11.37g/t gold and including 2.00m of 44.43 g/t gold. In 2022, hole THN22-205 intercepted numerous visible gold counts reporting a drill intercept of 64.00m of 5.74 g/t gold, including 52.00m of 6.97 g/t gold and including 28.95m of 10.36 g/t gold.

Figure 2: Trapper Main Zone previously reported drill highlights 2021-2024.

Gold mineralization at Trapper is structurally controlled and appears to favour the contact between the Cretaceous quartz diorite and the Triassic lapilli tuff volcanics with broad gold intervals largely hosted along the faulted contact. Gold mineralization is associated with silver and base metal veins containing pyrite-galena-sphalerite +/- chalcopyrite +/- bornite, +/- quartz-carbonate. There are multiple magnetic CVG (Calculated Vertical Gradient) features seen in Figure 3, that could reflect similar structures which remain open to test for new gold potential. At surface, the Trapper Target is expressed as a 4km northwest trending gold and zinc soil geochemical anomaly.

Figure 3. Trapper Gold Targets, drill plan map and gold geochemistry on calculated vertical gradient from residual magnetic field.

Catalyst and Tempest

At the end of the 2024 field season, two new surface showings of copper-gold porphyry mineralization were discovered adjacent to the northeast striking Camp Creek Corridor that hosts the Camp Creek and Cirque Porphyry Targets. These new targets, Catalyst and Tempest, are hosted in Late Cretaceous porphyritic biotite-feldspar diorite intrusions with a U-Pb zircon geochronology samples returning age dates of 86.6 +/- 0.6 Ma which are of similar to the Camp Creek porphyry mineralization.

Figure 4. Thorn Project Copper Geochemistry.

The Catalyst showing, located 6 km northeast of the Camp Creek Porphyry Target, is defined by a 300m long exposure consisting of stockwork quartz-chalcopyrite-molybdenite A veins hosted within a strong quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration zone. The showing is located within a broader 1.6 km by 1 km northeast trending alteration zone hosting phyllic to argillic assemblages, which transitions into a broader area of propylitic alteration. Soil sample assays to date suggest that mineralization extends up slope from the sampled vein zone.

Rock samples from the Catalyst showing returned up to 0.56% Cu, 0.11% Mo, 2.87 g/t Au, and 30.0 g/t Ag, including a 1.55 m chip across a stockwork vein zone which assayed 0.46% Cu, 68 ppm Mo, and 0.37 g/t Au. The anomalous gold values from samples containing porphyry style veins are encouraging for the potential of a copper-gold-rich porphyry system.

The Tempest showing is located 4.5 km east of the Camp Creek Porphyry Target and 2.5 km south of the Catalyst showing, hosting a 500m by 600m zone of moderate to strong sericite-clay-pyrite altered porphyry with high sericite crystallinity identified from the SWIR data. At the northwest end of the target, an area with limited outcrop exposure contains stockwork quartz-chalcopyrite-pyrite- molybdenite A veins and pyrite-sericite D veins. The presence of copper sulphides, porphyry style veins, and widespread sericite alteration indicates close proximity to a mineralizing intrusion. The extents of alteration and mineralization are currently open to the west, north and east under cover of glacial till and post-mineral volcanic deposits. A magnetic high to the north of the showing suggests potential continuity of the hydrothermal system to the north. Rock sampling at Tempest returned up to 0.36% Cu, 0.28 g/t Au, 10.8 g/t Ag, and 104 ppm Mo.

A 22-line kilometer IP geophysical survey, further soil-rock geochemical survey and geological mapping are planned prior to drilling these new targets in 2025. The outer boundaries have yet to be defined for these new targets.

Figure 5. Camp Creek Corridor Map Highlighting the Catalyst and Tempest Targets.

Note to Figure 5. Copper Equivalent (CuEq) is calculated based on US$ 4.02/lb Cu, US$ 2105.6/oz Au, US$ 25.16/oz Ag, $US 20.99/lb Mo. These prices represent the approximate metal prices and calculations assume 95% metal recoveries. CuEq % = (Cu % + (0.764486* Au g/t) + (0.009134 * Ag g/t) + (0.000523 * Mo ppm)) * 0.95

Qualified Person

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, P.Geo., is a Director, Chairman, CEO and President for the Company who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Thompson has verified the referenced data and analytical results disclosed in this press release and has approved the technical information presented herein.

Corporate Update

Effective May 1, 2025, Michael Rapsch has been appointed to act as the Companys VP, Investor Relations. He has been an integral part of Brixtons team, serving as Senior Manager for the past year, during which he has demonstrated his dedication to the Companys success in communicating to shareholders and potential investors Brixtons unique opportunity.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixtons flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis-HudBay silver-cobalt-nickel Project in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corporation. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

For Investor Relations inquiries, please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, VP Investor Relations. email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 604-630-9707

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.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, and intend, statements that an action or event may, might, could, should, or will be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
The warring parties in South Sudan made ambitious commitments to transitional justice in peace agreements signed in 2015 and 2018. Yet, like the broader peace process, implementation has been fraught with delays as the parties grapple with the technical, political, and financial challenges of launching a complex justice program in a fragile and fragmented state. These challenges underscore a deeper tension between the aspirations of the peace agreements  which aim to not just secure a permanent ceasefire but also tackle the root causes of conflict  and the entrenched political and security realities. Recent cuts in foreign assistance and a reduced diplomatic presence among key bilateral partners have created additional obstacles.

To move forward, South Sudans leaders will likely have to muster the political will and resources to advance justice initiatives with limited external support. Though this may seem unlikely to those who view the political class as driven solely by self-interest, recent history suggests that South Sudanese have the capacity to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability even in the face of public skepticism. The recent enactment of legislation for a truth commission and reparations authority presents an opportunity in this regard, both as a short-term response to the current political crisis as well as a longer-term state and nation-building initiative.

Why transitional justice matters

Despite South Sudans long history of war, past peace agreements, including the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), were conspicuously silent on the question of justice for past abuses. With the establishment of the Government of Southern Sudan in 2005, the ruling Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) made a deliberate decision to shelve discussions on justice and reconciliation and to focus on the possibility of secession through a referendum on self-determination scheduled for 2011. When a civil war erupted in 2013, just two years after South Sudans independence, these calculations shifted, and South Sudanese became increasingly aware of the role that unaddressed grievances and impunity have played in fueling cycles of violence. Peace processes in South Sudan reflect a recurring pattern in which warlords are rewarded with political and military appointments only to be later replaced by new rebels. These cycles create perverse incentives in that aspiring politicians view violence as a legitimate path towards political power and influence. This in turn signals to communities that the only way to ensure protection or gain influence is through force, thereby undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust in the state.

To break these cycles, the 2015 and 2018 peace agreements included commitments to establish three key institutions: a Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH), a Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA), and a Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS). Progress has been slow, especially given that many of the leaders implicated in wartime abuses remain in positions of power and have little incentive to promote accountability. Nevertheless, in November 2024, the transitional government made a significant step forward when it enacted legislation for the CTRH and CRA. While establishment of the Hybrid Court remains stalled, with the government and the African Union each blaming the other for inaction, the Ministry of Justice is proceeding with the selection process for the CTRH and CRA leadership, and the two institutions could become operational in the near future.

Overview of the Truth commission and reparations law

In many respects, the CTRH and CRA reflect a familiar approach to transitional justice in a post-conflict environment. The CTRH is planned to be led by seven commissioners  four South Sudanese identified by a selection panel with representation from various civic stakeholder groups and three non-South Sudanese to be appointed through a process led by the African Union. Its mandate is to investigate and report on human rights violations, war crimes, and abuses, and to recommend remedies for victims. Although the legislation is silent on the specific time period covered, the 2018 peace agreement implies a focus on abuses committed between July 2005, when the Government of Southern Sudan was established, and the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in September 2018. The CTRH stands out for its unusually long operational mandate of six years, renewable once. While this provision received pushback from some civil society groups who felt it would be difficult to retain the publics attention and confidence over such a long time period, the government maintained that it had settled on the longer timeframe as a response to other truth commissions that have struggled to fulfill their mandates over the three to four years that truth commissions typically operate.

The Commission is also authorized to recommend amnesty for perpetrators who fully disclose their crimes, although this excludes international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious crimes under South Sudanese law, such as murder, and rape. Parliament included crimes under national law among the exclusions to the amnesty after the final public hearing on the bills in response to concerns from civil society that prosecution through national courts present the only viable means of securing justice in the current context and survivors should not be denied that right. While the amnesty provision is sufficiently narrow to comply with international norms on accountability for serious crimes, it remains to be seen how it will be applied in practice.

The CRA is tasked with administering reparations  monetary and non-monetary, individual and collective  to victims of conflict-related abuses. While the applicable time frame for eligibility remains unclear, references in the peace agreement suggest a focus on harms committed between 2013 and 2018. The CRA would be overseen by a board comprising government and civic stakeholders, with cases referred by victims or by the CTRH. One contentious issue is its apparent bias toward communal reparations, with individual reparations permitted only when group-based approaches are deemed inappropriate  an approach that has drawn criticism from civil society and survivor groups. Clarifying such policy ambiguities will be essential for the CRA to gain legitimacy and public trust.

Funding for the reparations program and the broader transitional justice initiative also remains an open question. Civil society groups have called for the government to place a portion of oil and non-oil revenue in escrow to be used for financing of these initiatives, and for this to be supplemented by the seizure of assets from individual found responsible for conflict-related crimes, provided that their assets were acquired through corruption or other illicit activities. However, the prospects for that happening in the short-term, considering the prevailing economic crisis and many competing priorities for public financing, are slim. Some organizations have suggested innovative approaches, such as urgent interim reparative measures, that may bridge the gap in the short-term as the CRA develops plans for the more substantial reparations program.

Is a South Sudanese-led process feasible?

Skepticism about the feasibility of transitional justice in South Sudan remains high. Many analysts question whether meaningful justice is possible in a country where civil servants often go unpaid, high levels of insecurity persist, and political elites routinely undermine reform. Some view the transitional justice agenda as a performative gesture, meant to placate international observers while violence and repression continue unchecked.

While these critiques are valid, there are also several recent examples that paint a less pessimistic picture. For example, from 2017 and 2020, the government of South Sudan engaged nearly 20,000 citizens in a National Dialogue that sought to identify the drivers of conflict in the country and possible solutions. Despite limited international funding, the initiative enabled frank discussions, with many participants openly criticizing the political leadership and calling for President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar to step aside in elections at the end of the transitional period.

Another example relates to military court martials that have been held in various locations across South Sudan in recent years. After establishing an important precedent by prosecuting a group of soldiers for abuses committed against South Sudanese and foreign aid workers at the Terrain Hotel in Juba in 2016, the military proceeded to convene another series of court martials in Yei (southern South Sudan) in 2020, 2022 and 2023. These were followed by other trials in places such as Bentiu (northern South Sudan) and Maridi (southern South Sudan). Though flawed in some respects, including a focus on lower-ranking military personnel and concerns about victim and witness protection, these trials mark some of the first instances of soldiers being prosecuted domestically for conflict-related crimes.

Cautious optimism

The transitional justice mechanisms could also provide a more immediate response to the current political crisis in South Sudan. In March 2025, the Government of South Sudan arrested First Vice-President Riek Machar and other opposition leaders amid clashes between government and opposition forces in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr-el-Ghazal. Among the challenges in addressing the situation is the lack of a high-level statesperson with the stature and influence to convene the parties in dialogue. The CTRH, which is to be led by a group of eminent personalities from South Sudan and elsewhere in Africa, could serve this role by providing a moral anchor in an otherwise polarized landscape, fostering national dialogue, deescalating tensions, and helping to chart a path toward elections. The credible and transparent launching of the CTRH and CRA could also help to restore public confidence in the peace process, as many South Sudanese have grown disillusioned by repeated delays, broken promises, and the exclusion of victims voices from national discourse.

Transitional justice is never easy. There is often a high degree of continuity between wartime and post-conflict regimes and political incentives rarely align perfectly with the moral imperative to address past abuses. No single process, whether a truth commission, reparations scheme, or special court, can by itself transform a countrys political culture. Still, these mechanisms are among the few tools available to confront a violent past and begin building a more just future. Indeed, in South Sudans case, declining donor engagement may force a necessary shift toward a transitional justice process that is led and owned by South Sudanese themselves. The governments decision to enact legislation for two of the three institutions outlined in the peace agreement is a sign of progress. While some skepticism is warranted, there is also reason to believe that domestic actors can chart a path forward if they are given the necessary support. Human rights advocates should meet this moment with cautious optimism. By engaging constructively with the emerging institutions and pushing for inclusive and credible processes, we can help to nudge South Sudan off the course of conflict and war and towards a more just and equitable future.
Bangladesh's ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia, chair of the powerful Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returned home to cheering crowds on Tuesday after months abroad for medical treatment.

Zia, 79, led the South Asian nation twice but was jailed for corruption in 2018 during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, her successor and lifelong rival who barred her from travelling abroad for medical care.

The 79-year-old was released from house arrest after a student-led mass uprising ousted Hasina in August 2024.

She flew to Britain in January and returned on Tuesday, BNP spokesperson Shairul Kabir said.

Thousands of party activists welcomed her, gathering on either side of the road leading to the airport, carrying photographs of Zia and waving party flags and placards with welcome messages.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, 84, who has led an interim government since Hasina fled into exile as crowds stormed her palace, has said elections will be held as early as December, and by June 2026 at the latest.

"This is a significant day for the country and the people of Bangladesh," Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP's secretary general, told reporters.

"The celebration we are witnessing is not only an outpouring of emotion but also a demonstration of our strength."

Zia's rival Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India and has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka over charges of crimes against humanity.
South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, GOLD MEDALIST, are facing a new lawsuit demanding approximately $1.95 million in damages, according to legal sources.

The lawsuit was filed by a company identified as Company A, which had previously contracted Kim as a model.

The company terminated the contract, citing negative public opinion linked to recent controversies surrounding the actor's personal life.

The complaint was submitted to the Seoul Central District Court on May 2.

This legal action follows two previous lawsuits filed by other companies, which collectively seek about $20.9 million in unpaid model fees and damages.

Industry insiders predict that the total amount of claims against Kim Soo Hyun could rise to nearly $7 million as more lawsuits are expected.

The surge in legal challenges comes amid public backlash following revelations about Kim's relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron.

The controversy has led to increased scrutiny of his activities and contractual obligations.

Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist have not yet issued a formal response to the latest lawsuit.

Kim Soo Hyun's Agency Files Additional Lawsuit Over False Claims Amid Relationship Controversy

Kim Soo Hyun's agency, GOLD MEDALIST, announced on April 30 that it has filed an additional complaint and indictment against Kim Se Ui, the operator of the Garosero.

Research Institute YouTube channel, for violating South Korea's Stalking Punishment Act.

The agency said Kim Se Ui's repeated dissemination of false information about the actor constitutes stalking.

GOLD MEDALIST had initially filed a complaint on April 1, 2025, following what it described as continuous false claims made by Kim Se Ui.

The Seoul Central District Court issued the temporary protective order on April 23, 2025, after authorities determined Kim Se Ui's actions to be stalking.

Kim Se Ui, however, is said to have allegedly disregarded the order and spread false information through his YouTube channel amid the court's ruling.

Under Korean law, violating such a court order can result in criminal penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine as high as 20 million won (approximately $14,000).

The controversy stems from previous claims by Garosero accusing the late actress Kim Sae Ron of having a relationship with Kim Soo Hyun while she was a minor.

GOLD MEDALIST has strongly denied these allegations.

The agency's statement emphasized that they will pursue all legal measures to protect Kim Soo Hyun's rights and reputation.






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - A multi-agency security team on routine patrol along the KanyonyooEmbu Highway intercepted a Meru-bound passenger bus from Mombasa, uncovering a cache of explosives.

The discovery came during a meticulous search that revealed a medium-sized white carton, branded with LATO Milk logos.

Inside, authorities discovered a dangerous haul: ten water gel explosives labelled EXPLOGEL V6, one detonating cord, and two IDEAL Electric Detonators.

The bus was swiftly escorted to Kanyonyo Police Station, where the driver, Lawrance Kioko Mutuku, and the conductor, Said Rashid Amour, were taken into custody.

Acting on forensic leads, detectives from the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) and Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) zeroed in on the key suspect, Brenda Imboyanga Makhulungu, apprehending her in Mundutsu village, Kakamega County.

Brenda, the registered sender of the package, had declared the explosives as "Dawa ya Maji" at Tahmeeds Kakamega office, orchestrating its journey from Kakamega to Mombasa and then to the Meru-bound bus via Kitui.

The investigation widened, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects, David Tindi Andala and John Kariuki Kungu, in Meru town.

All five suspects are now in custody in the ongoing probe, with the bus and the seized explosives detained as exhibits.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - A Kenyan man has set social media abuzz after sharing his experience with a rich corporate lady who, according to him, has been going to great lengths-financially and emotionally-in her bid to settle down.

In a candid online post that has since gone viral, the man claimed that the 26-year-old lady, who works in Doha as an accountant, has been "spoiling" him with money, all in the hope that he would eventually marry her.





Their relationship went south after he informed her that he was not ready to settle down, yet she was desperate for marriage.

She turned against him and started spoiling his name on social media, accusing him of being a conman.

He made it clear that she sent to him the money willingly.

See posts on X.

Photos of the man who has been milking the corporate lady dry.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - A video clip showing a Kenyan man recording his wife arriving home late at night in a visibly drunk state has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread conversation about modern-day marriages.

The now-viral footage captures the woman arriving at her matrimonial home past midnight while holding a can of beer.

Clearly under the influence of alcohol, she appears unfazed by her husbands presence.

When asked why she was coming home so late and in such a state, she casually responded, Life is short. We must enjoy it.

Her husband remained calm and did not raise his voice.

Some social media users applauded the husbands composure, calling it a mark of maturity and restraint.

Others, however, criticized him for airing what they saw as private marital issues in public.

Watch the video.

Life Is Short, We Must Enjoy It - Drunk Kenyan woman tells husband after staggering home at night pic.twitter.com/Ar1MR4Mpic  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) May 6, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - A Kenyan woman was left in shock and tears after returning home from work, only to find her house nearly empty.

Her husband carted away household items and disappeared without notice.

The incident, which occurred in one of the city estates, has drawn significant attention on social media after the distraught woman posted a video crying while airing her marital woes.

The man took advantage of his wifes absence during the day and took away the household items before vanishing without a trace.

The cunning man instructed their child to seek refuge in the caretakers house before the mother returned home from work.

The incident has sparked widespread reaction online, with many sympathizing with the womans ordeal while others used the opportunity to comment on the rising number of broken marriages in the country.

Watch the video.

Marital Woes!! Nairobi woman returns from work to find husband gone with household items pic.twitter.com/Oqce1PbU32  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) May 6, 2025

The Kenya DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Popular Kenyan entertainer MC Gogo has found himself at the center of social media buzz following his latest outfit.

The revealing outfit, characterized by bold patterns and vibrant colors, has ignited discussions online, with some users questioning his fashion choices.

The fashion controversy soon gave way to a wave of speculation after netizens linked the youthful MC to a gay affair with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

In a bold claim, controversial blogger Aoko Otieno alleged via her social media channels that MC Gogo and Governor Sakaja frequently meet at lavish Airbnbs in Nairobis upscale neighborhoods, where they have a good time together.

The video in question has drawn thousands of views and sparked mixed reactions online.

Forget about the dance hii ni nguo gani tena  pic.twitter.com/8plHyL5Rdx  Boniface (@kilundeezy) May 5, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - In a tale that has captivated the online community, George Otieno, a young and stylish Luo man, has become the center of attention after receiving substantial financial gifts from a corporate lady, who was reportedly seeking marriage.

Otieno, known for his flashy lifestyle on platforms like X, was reportedly pampered with gifts and money by the lady, who is said to be a successful professional based in Doha, where she works as an accountant.

The lady is believed to have been seeking a partner and reportedly turned to Otieno, offering financial support in exchange for companionship.

Otieno displays a lavish lifestyle online that is funded by rich, single and lonely women.

See his photos below.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Moses Kuria, the senior economic advisor to President William Ruto, has sparked speculation over the 2027 General Elections with a cryptic tweet drawing parallels to Kenya's past political history.

On Monday, May 5th, the former Trade Cabinet Secretary suggested that despite changing times, Kenyas political patterns remain largely unchanged.

Kuria likened the upcoming 2027 election to the 1992 and 1997 polls - both won by the late President Daniel Arap Moi.

"The more things change, the more they remain the same.

The 2027 presidential election will have the same intrigues and outcomes as both the 1992 and 1997 presidential elections.

I was in the heart of both, so I know," Kuria tweeted, adding that he will elaborate further in an upcoming TV interview.

The 1992 election, Kenyas first under multiparty democracy, saw Moi retain the presidency with 1,962,866 votes.

His closest challenger, Kenneth Matiba of FORD-Asili, secured 1,404,266 votes.

Mwai Kibaki of the Democratic Party followed with 1,050,617 votes, while Jaramogi Oginga Odinga of FORD-Kenya garnered 903,886 votes. The divided opposition allowed Moi to win with just over 36 percent of the total vote.

In 1997, a similar scenario played out as Moi triumphed again amid a fragmented opposition field.

Kurias comments have reignited discussions on opposition unity ahead of 2027 and whether history is poised to repeat itself.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Ruto's government has secured a major financial lifeline after the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation committed Ksh.3.8 billion in grant funding to support Kenya's 2025/26 health budget.

The donation, part of the country's external financing portfolio, will go to the State Department of Medical Services to strengthen healthcare delivery systems nationwide.

This support comes at a critical time, as the Government grapples with a projected Ksh 52 billion deficit following a freeze in U.S foreign aid under President Donald Trumps administration.

The freeze has halted key programs previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including food security, HIV treatment, and refugee support.

In response to the funding gap, a high-level inter-agency team recommended immediate interventions.

These include reorganizing health workers affected by the aid cuts to maintain HIV services, enhancing local production of essential medical supplies, and integrating HIV, TB, and malaria care under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

USAIDs suspended contribution of Ksh.16.5 billion would have gone to ASAL region food programs, refugee aid in Dadaab and Kakuma, and agricultural innovation.

The impact has also been felt in countries like Nigeria, DRC, Mali, and South Sudan.

The Buffett Foundation, named after Warren Buffetts late wife Susan, is now led by Buffetts children and remains a major global health funder.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - A bizarre incident unfolded at the Malenya border point in Busia after a 26-year-old pastor was intercepted carrying a live snake hidden in a bag.

Pastor Fanish Ramsey Maloba was returning from Uganda when border officials stopped him during a routine inspection.

Authorities were alarmed after Maloba failed to provide documentation or a valid reason for transporting the reptile.

Upon interrogation, the pastor claimed that he had travelled to Uganda for prayers to cast out demons and that the snake had appeared during the exorcism.

He said he brought it back to his church, Apostle Ministry Church in Matayos, for further spiritual intervention.

A video capturing the snake trying to escape as stunned bystanders attempted to recapture it has since gone viral.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers responded to the scene and took custody of the snake.

Maloba is being held at Mayenje Police Station pending investigations.

The moment a PASTOR was caught with a live snake hidden in a bag at the Busia border pic.twitter.com/u7ykpGhbhH  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) May 6, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Kenyans have been warned to brace for a week of moderate to heavy rainfall across several regions of the country, according to a fresh advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Deputy Director Kennedy Thiongo announced on Monday evening that the rains, which are expected to begin on Tuesday, May 6th, will continue through to Monday, May 12th.

Thiongo noted that heavy downpours are expected in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Coastal region.

Counties set to be most affected include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi, where rains will mostly fall in the afternoon and extend into the night.

Mornings in these areas will remain cloudy with light showers before giving way to sunny intervals.

In the Rift Valley and Lake Basin regions, counties such as Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu will also experience heavy rainfall.

Similar weather patterns are expected in Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, and West Pokot.

Along the Coast, residents of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale should prepare for moderate rains, particularly in the mornings.

Thiongo also cautioned that the Central highlands will face cold nights, with temperatures dipping to as low as 10C early in the week.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Despite holding a PhD from the University of Nairobi, the former Attorney General of Kenya Prof Githu Muigai has consistently rejected the Dr. title.

According to the renowned legal scholar, the title has been watered down, often used by individuals without rigorous academic credentials, especially in politics.

For Prof. Githu Muigai, academic titles should reflect deep, meaningful scholarship - not serve as vanity tags.

In this country, one is lucky not to use doctor because virtually every political person claims to be a doctor of something or other, he said in a recent interview.

His remarks come at a time when public figures like President William Ruto often emphasize their academic achievements.

Ruto, who earned a PhD in Plant Ecology, has publicly flaunted the title Dr. during speeches, once remarking that he is "not just a hustler, but a doctor too."

This culture of academic one-upmanship only reinforces Prof. Muigais discomfort with the politicization of scholarly titles.

His own journey, however, is a testament to academic excellence and discipline.

With an LLB from the University of Nairobi, an LLM from Columbia, and a PhD from Nairobi, Prof. Muigais academic journey is undeniably elite.

But after resigning as Attorney General in 2019, he returned to teaching - where his humility, not his titles, continues to shape Kenyas next generation of legal minds.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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India First Mortgage-Backed PTCs Listed on NSE  A Milestone for Housing Finance



khaskhabar.com : Tue, 06 May 2025 12:47 PM

Delhi | India marked a significant financial milestone as its first mortgage-backed Pass Through Certificates (PTCs) were officially listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday. The listing ceremony was led by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, who ceremonially rang the bell to commemorate the event.



The PTCs have been structured by RMBS Development Company Limited and are backed by a pool of housing loans originated by LIC Housing Finance Limited. The 1,000 crore issue (comprising 1,00,000 PTCs of face value 1,00,000 each) saw full subscription  a strong vote of confidence in Indias nascent yet promising securitization market.

Key Features of the Issue:



Coupon Rate: 7.26% per annum



Maturity: Approximately 20 years



Rating: AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings



Mode: Issued in dematerialized form



Platform: First PTC issue with coupon discovered through the Electronic Book Provider (EBP) platform of NSE



Liquidity: Fully transferable and tradable in the secondary market via stock exchange listing



The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders including heads of banks, housing finance companies, and other major financial institutions. The listing of these PTCs is expected to act as a landmark step in developing a vibrant secondary market for housing finance securities in India.

Housing Sector: A Pillar of Economic Growth



In his address, Shri Nagaraju emphasized the critical role of the housing and housing finance sectors in India's economic growth. "Housing finance has multiple forward and backward linkages with various industries, particularly infrastructure," he noted. "In a country with such a vast population, addressing housing needs is vital for achieving holistic economic development."



He further underscored the potential of securitization in enhancing financial integration between the housing finance sector and debt markets, describing Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) as a catalyst for channeling investments into the housing market.

Significance and Future Outlook



The introduction of mortgage-backed PTCs is not just a step forward in deepening Indias debt market, but also a strategic move toward unlocking the full potential of the housing finance ecosystem. The listing ensures greater transparency, enhances investor confidence, and lays the groundwork for developing a robust mortgage securitization framework in India.



As Indias housing demand continues to grow, particularly with urban expansion and government-backed schemes like PMAY, such innovative financial instruments will be key in bridging credit supply gaps and mobilizing long-term funds for the sector.
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DLB-      ,          

khaskhabar.com: , 07  2025 00:04 AM
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.
SHE used to be a florist, a chauffeur, a police sergeant and a tax inspector, but former Ballysax resident Sheila Sheridan came home from Hertfordhire last weekend to celebrate her 80th birthday in the Clanard Court Hotel  now built on fields where she used to ride out!

Yes, indeed, we had a bit of a hooley, and youve got the picture to prove it! she laughed.

Sheila with Mc Cormack and The Murphy Family

Some 100 guests spent the evening dancing and dining until the wee hours at the Hotel.

I spent four years as chairperson of Newbridge Active Retired and several years as chairperson of Newbridge Scribblers producing two books  New Writings from Newbridge and Poetic Memories, she said.

My own publication, The Blonde on the Hill was published in 2017 and my memoirs are due for publication before Christmas, said Sheila.

Ive lived in Hertfordshire since 1964, but I went back to my cottage in Ballysax, although I havent lived there since 2017."

Sheila with the Carroll Family

When questioned about her enormous energy, she said: Im a volunteer usher in the Potters Bar Theatre, and do up to four shows a week which keeps me alive, on my feet."

Sheila with her brothers and sisters

Her family were originally from north Cavan and Leitrim, but when her father got transferred from Columb Army Barracks in Mullingar to The Curragh during the Emergency the family all moved to Cutbush  or the promised land as Shelia calls it.

Lydia Granath and Courtney Allen

I used to ride my bike along the old roman road, 12 miles long it was, and I used to ride horses with (the late) Willie Fennin outside Athy (who built the Clanard).

He was a big farmer, and used to provide all the hay for cattle being exported to Libya.

I used to know the lands before the hotel was built, I used to ride horses there, and even fell off of one there.

Ive done a lot of things in my 80 years, she said, before listing them off.

I was a tax inspector for 20 years, and I was a sergeant in the Metropolitan Police before that.

I had a vintage Riley 47, and Ive been driving since I was 17.

I used to follow the Gordon Bennett, and Im not a decoration, I know whats under the bonnet as well!

I opened a florist called Lalzas Parlour, and I used to drive for the weddings in my Jaguar  I had the hat and uniform!"

Sheila Sheridan celebrating her 80th with family members

Sheila and family and friends

Aliesha Kiddy, Vera Foran and Sheila Sheridan
The annual Kilkenny College Transition Year Tractor Run rolled back into Kilkenny College last Thursday evening, managing to raise 4,000 for chosen charity Barnardos.

This was the 13th such run. This yearly fundraiser was organised by a small but hard working TY group headed up by Emma Tutty and Tristan Furlong. Photographer Harry Reid was on hand to capture all the pictures from the event.

Jo Garry and Alison Kelly of Barnardos were on hand to meet the drivers. The 45 tractors made the journey from Gowran to the College.



READ MORE KILKENNY SCHOOL NEWS HERE

The organising committee thanked Garda Aidan Nolan and Garda Andrew Neill, along with Sgt John Duffy for their help. It was great to have past pupil Garda Robbie Sparling (Class of 2015) back to help his alma mater again.

The 45 tractors along with four staff tractors were joined by a Marshall Steam Engine from 1912 .The proud owner is Ben Tomkins, who is on staff at Kilkenny College and was part of the first run in 2013.

A number of teachers were part of the convoy again this year  Lesley Threlfall , Jeff Carter, George Wallace and George Smith. The convoy travelled the 16km in the Carlow Road along the hard shoulder before turning down the Ring Road. It was a short run along the Castlecomer Road.

As well as the 450 boarders who were on hand, a large number of day pupils and members of the college community turned out to welcome the drivers back to school. The Hegarty Transition Year Tractor Run Cup was awarded to F6s Lucy Williamson. The judges were William Hutchinson, Les Caldbeck Robin Wallace who all have extensive agricultural experience and are past pupils of the College.

The sub-committee would like to thank the judges, JVW Transport, Kilkenny Community Policing Unit, McCarthy Commercials, as well as Philip Ryan along with other staff for assisting.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny school crowned National Financial Literacy Champions
Tirlan, Irelands leading farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, is celebrating and rewarding excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards.

One Kilkenny farming family is celebrating having scooped the Innovation Award, at the event. A total of 16 awards were presented across a variety of categories, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation.

Congratulations to Bryan and Gail Daniels, Bawnlusk, Cuffesgrange, winners of the Cathal Moran Innovation Award. They are pictured below. The award is presented to honour the late Tirlan Council Member and farmer Cathal Moran from Skeoughvosteen, Co Kilkenny. Pictured from (L to R) were Tirlans Board Member James O'Brien, John, Eli, Gail, Toby, Bryan, Shannon and Charlotte Daniels, alongside UCD Student Niall Manning and Tirlan Farm Sustainability Development Advisor Michael Hassett. Photo: Finbarr ORourke. Scroll down to read more...

The awards, which took place on Tuesday, April 29, recognise the long-standing commitment of Tirlans dedicated suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk from grass-based herds across Ireland. Many farmers have been supplying Tirlan and caring for the land for several generations.

The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlan Milk Supplier of the Year. The award recognises their outstanding performance across the board in a variety of areas, key among them milk quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.

John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan took the top award and the Milk Solids Champions title. The South Region Award went to John Kirwan Jnr who farms at Ballycashin, Butlerstown, Waterford.

John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlan, congratulated all recipients: These awards are a celebration of the passion, care, and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day. It all starts on the family farm and its about so much more than milk. Its about the family farm business. Its about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing.

The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. Its something were very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day. Our R&D and innovation teams are adding value to this quality milk, allowing us to deliver nutritious food and ingredients solutions for our customers as well as enhanced, consistent market opportunities for our suppliers. Congratulations to our overall Milk Supplier of the Year and to all our category winners for raising the bar for Irish dairy.

Sean Molloy, CEO of Tirlan, added: We are incredibly proud of our suppliers and their commitment to quality and sustainability. They are the reason our products are trusted across Ireland and around the world. Working with our suppliers, we continue focus on innovation, enhancing biodiversity, protecting our waterways, embracing new technology and new ways of working to reduce carbon. Our strong focus on farming with nature and animal welfare ensures we are building a better, more resilient future for Irish dairy.

Tirlan family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering the highest quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including the number one dairy brand, Avonmore.

Suppliers have also been exceptional adopters of new technologies and continue to further enhance sustainability on their farms through a focus on reducing on-farm emissions and allowing space for nature. Over 99% of Tirlan milk suppliers are signed up to the cooperatives Sustainability Action Payments initiative.

Just last year, Tirlan became the first company to achieve Origin Green Gold Membership five years in a row. It is the highest form of membership a company can attain in any given year, highlighting its excellence in sustainable food production. Click NEXT for more...
The Herald reports:

NZMEs likely new chairman Steven Joyce says he hopes to unify the media companys shareholders as much as possible, following two months of sometimes heated debate over the companys performance and editorial endeavour. Joyce, a National Party Cabinet minister for three terms from 2008 and an experienced commercial media businessman, was today confirmed as a board nominee for NZME. NZMEs existing chair Barbara Chapman  who has been the focus of criticism from activist shareholders who are keen to overthrow her and other directors  says she will step aside if Joyce is appointed to the board at NZMEs annual shareholders meeting on June 3, and becomes chair himself. Joyce appears to be gathering decent early support from various quarters of NZMEs shareholding register, including  it is understood  its biggest shareholder, Australian fund Spheria Asset Management, which holds just under 20%.

This is a very canny choice by the outgoing NZME Board. Joyce appeals to both the rebels and the Empire 

Joyce knows media. He built Mediaworks up from basically one radio station to a major network. He also knows media from the other side as an MP and Minister. It is no surprise that he appeals to both the incumbent Board and many of those wanting change.

I dont think anyone should think that Joyce as NZME Chair will mean a change in Herald editorial direction towards the right. If anything, Joyce as a former Minister will be careful not to be seen to be getting involved in editorial issues.

But that does not mean he will be a status quo governor. Far from it. Ive had the pleasure and challenge of working for and with Steven, and he is a change agent. He will not see his role as just charing the board. He will be driving strategy but also be into the details of significant operations. Michael Boggs will find him very different to the outgoing Chair, I suspect.

Legacy media faces a very difficult business environment as technology has upended their traditional business model. Im unsure if many of them will be around in 20 years time. But if I was a shareholder in NZME, Id be very pleased with the likely appointment of Joyce as Chair, and would expect to see a change in profitability and dividends. Steven is always interested in the bottom line.
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%.
COLUMBIA  The Columbia City Council tabled an ordinance to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion language from the city's Strategic Plan at Monday's council meeting.

The proposal will now be discussed at the June 16 council meeting.

The proposed revisions would comply with President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14173, according to the city's ordinance. The executive order requires all executive departments and agencies to "terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders and requirements."

According to a council memo, much of the language would remain the same as what was shared in the plan's highlight report in January. The city's revisions would modify the language in its vision, mission and core values. The plan's current statement on equity reads as follows:

"We recognize the local governments role in our communitys history of systemic oppression. We are committed to removing these barriers and rooting our priorities, decisions, and culture in the principles of diversity, inclusion, justice and equal access to opportunity.

The provisions would revise the equity statement to:

We will ensure all residents have fair access to services, opportunities, and resources regardless of their background, neighborhood, income, or identity.

City leaders recognized their reluctance to change the definition at Monday's meeting but said they will continue to uphold similar values.

"That is a significant departure from the first definition," City Manager De'Carlon Seewood said. "But it still meets the call to make sure that we're not discriminatory in any of our practices."

What's at stake?

Seewood said the city's motivation for complying with President Trump's executive order is the federal funding at stake.

"If our federal funding is lost, the residents who will pay are the residents who are most in need," Seewood said.

The city reportedly received letters in April from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation that required the city to align with the executive order.

"Not only will they affect our current funding, but there's also discussion about a clawback of past funding," Seewood said.

Seewood himself would also be legally liable if he signed a false grant assurance saying the city was complying with federal laws such as the executive order, under the False Claims Act.

Columbia has previously received more than $48,233,000 of federal funding in recent years. Funds have been distributed to departments including:

Community Development: $1,131,381

Economic Development (Columbia Airport): $4,096,036

Finance: $1,625,000

Fire: $20,000

Health: $4,736,066

Housing & Neighborhood Services: $603,540

Information Technology: $123,158

Parks: $3,140,747

Police: $193,318

Public Works: $24,295,319

Sustainability: $3,610,708

Utilities: $4,658,260

Currently, 90 city employees are funded partially or fully by federal funding, including 80 in public health and human services.

Current health programs that use federal funds and could be at risk without the change to the strategic plan include: the SAMHSA grant which funds the community paramedic program, the USDA's WIC program, case management services for 400 individuals living with HIV, and summer lunches for kids.

GoCOMO's free transit is also federally funded.

Residents react to proposal

Many Columbia residents expressed opposition to the proposed language change during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting.

"Columbia's values of equity and inclusion are not just words," one resident said. "Removing or softening that language sends the message these commitments are negotiable. They're not."

Former Councilmember Roy Lovelady also spoke during the meeting, referencing when the council approved the original Strategic Plan.

"I was on council whenever we created this Strategic Plan and implemented equity throughout all departments," Lovelady said. "And to now stand before you guys as a regular citizen, hearing that you guys are going to remove it  I will say it's a major setback."

Many residents also encouraged the city to sue the Trump administration in response to the executive order.

"So you want to cut out the minority community to fit what they're asking us to do  and if we don't do that, the minority community still gets cut out," resident Marcus Richardson said. "So who's standing up for the minority community?"

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Seewood said a lawsuit would only drag out the years that Columbia loses federal funds.

"We'll sue, they'll sue, and we'll be in court," Seewood said. "During that process, while we're in court, all our funding that we have is affected. And so our transit system stops. Our health department stops... Even if we win, you're going to have several years of not being able to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens."

After reading an agenda released Friday, several advocacy groups in Columbia formed a coalition opposing the proposed amendment.

The coalition is comprised of the following groups:

Mid-Missouri Democratic Socialists of America

Missourians for Justice in Palestine

Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation

Hold Como Accountable

"When we found out that City Council was considering taking out the acknowledgement of systemic oppression and the removal of DEI language in the policy resolution... I reached out to a few of my friends who are local advocates and we came up with a plan to try to stop this," said McKenzie Ortiz, the communication director of Mid-Missouri Democratic Socialists of America.

Ortiz said the memo lacks transparency for what is actually happening.

"We see that the language is changing, but we don't see a clear reason as to why, besides a vague reference to the executive order that President Trump instated recently," Ortiz said.

She said the coalition wanted an outline for why the change is happening, who it might affect and whether it will affect the city's federal funding.

"The problem with this policy resolution is that it's rescinding language that actually acknowledged systemic oppression and the city's commitment to racial justice," Ortiz said. "And when those words are removed, we can't be held accountable and the city can't be held accountable."

Ortiz said if there is legal reasoning behind the language removal, she wants it to be outlined as well.

"We missed the boat on the engagement piece," Mayor Barbara Buffaloe admitted at the council meeting. "And I think that's' something that we acknowledge. I would ask over the next six weeks that we up that."

City Council approves two new Fire Department positions

The City Council also approved adding two battalion chief positions to the Columbia Fire Department. The ordinance amended the fiscal year 2025 budget and was approved in the consent agenda.

The battalion chief of emergency medical services will be in charge of coordinating and leading the paramedic program. This chief will "oversee the course delivery, monitor clinical hours completion, and coordinate testing and certification with the state of Missouri," according to the council agenda.

Special election approved to fill Ward 2 seat

The council unanimously approved an August 5 election to fill the Ward 2 council seat.

Current Ward 2 Councilmember Lisa Meyer announced her retirement last week. She is set to retire on May 16.

Meyer was elected to Ward 2 in April 2024. In August 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, according to previous reporting by the Columbia Missourian.

During the March 18 council meeting, Meyer announced she would be on medical leave starting in April.

Columbia Utilities recommends water rate increase for high-usage customers

The city of Columbia Utilities department presented the public with the results of its water cost of service study before Monday's council meeting.

This study began in January to project revenue needs for the water utility during the next 10 years. Additionally, it evaluated how this could have an impact on the water utility rates for Columbia customers.

The study, conducted by Stantec Consulting, revealed that the city's water utility is currently operating at a deficit. It recommended a new revenue system that would increase water utility rates for high-end users in Columbia.

However, the plan also includes a moderate decrease for steady users in Columbia. Among residential customers, it's projected that 65% would see a decrease in their water utility rates, while 35% would see an increase.
An Article 32 hearing was held Tuesday for a U.S. Army soldier charged with murder in connection to another soldier at Fort Leonard Wood.

Specialist Wooster Rancy, 21, is charged with murder and obstructing justice in connection to the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque.

The Article 32 hearing convened Tuesday before an impartial judge advocate, and the next step is for the preliminary hearing officer to issue a report and make recommendations for the disposition of the case.

An Article 32 hearing is a preliminary hearing required before charges can be referred for trial by general court-martial.

If the case is referred to court-martial, a military judge will be assigned and schedule the arraignment, dates for pre-trial hearings and the trial itself.

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Fort Leonard Wood leadership speaks out after murder charge in soldier's death The Army is bringing preferred charges of murder and obstructing justice against Wooster Rancy in Sarah Roque's death.

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel preferred charges against Rancy on Oct. 20 after Roque was found dead in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood.

Roque was part of the Fifth Engineer Battalion, serving as a mine dog handler with the battalion's K9 Detachment, according to past KOMU 8 reporting.

Rancy is being held in pretrial confinement at the Midwest Joint Regional Confinement Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
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FOLLOWING the success of last years initiative, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomes the return of its No Mow May pollinator lawn art competition for 2025.

This year's competition will once again celebrate creativity, community spirit and biodiversity.

Participants are invited to reimagine their lawns by letting them grow wild throughout May while mowing creative pathways or pollinator-themed designs. This fun, family-friendly competition is part of the wider Abbeyleix Pollinator Project, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and local biodiversity efforts.

How it works Let your lawn grow: In May, participants should allow part of their lawn to grow, leaving it unmowed to encourage wildflowers and provide food and shelter for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects.

Mow creative designs: Create your own lawn art by mowing paths, shapes or patterns into the unmown sections. Get inspired by nature, pollinators, or create your own abstract designs.

This competition is part of the Abbeyleix Pollinator Project, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and raising awareness about the importance of creating spaces for pollinators.

Entries will be judged on creativity and originality  how unique and imaginative is the design? visual appeal  how aesthetically pleasing is the lawn art? And pollinator habitat potential  how much of the design contributes to creating a space for pollinators?

First prize is 200, with vouchers for Abbeyleix businesses for second and third. The deadline for entries is 31 May and the winners will be announced during the first week of June.
LAOIS County Council staff are to keep on eye on the electric car charging parking spaces in the new car park at the Railway Station in Portlaoise to ensure motorists are not parking all day in the spaces.

It has also been revealed that those who prepay for a monthly parking ticket to use the car park are not guaranteed a space when they arrive at morning times.

So popular has the car park become that some motorists are parking in the charging spaces, preventing other from getting a charge, particularly local taxi driver.

The issue came to light at the April meeting of councillors from the Portlaoise Municipal District Council when cllr Catherine Fitzgerald called for greater monitoring of the electric charging spaces in the car park.

Cllr Fitzgerald said: Local taxi drivers who use the railway station car park on a daily basis to recharge their cars, most often find that cars are parking for hours and sometimes all down in the charging spaces. They cant use them.

She then asked: How many hours can you park in those charging spots?

While not answering that specific question, the councils director of services Simon Walton replying to cllr Fitzgerald said: If youre parked in an Electric Vehicle (EV) parking space, youre supposed to be charging your car. There are 10 EV charging spaces there. Two are fast charging spaces. The message Id like to get out is, if you do not have an EV car and youre parked in one of those two fast charging spaces, there is a very strong possibility you will get a fine. There are eight slow charging spaces, that are less used and all non e-charging spaces are taken up early in the mornings. There might be a little bit of slack of cars parking in the slow charging bays, which they shouldnt be, but they might get a fine.

Mr Walton said that every day the demand for the other 85 car parking spaces is far higher than that of the EV charging spaces.

He said: People who purchase a monthly parking ticket and arrive in the car park early enough in the mornings cant avail of a car parking space. Buying a monthly ticket doesnt guarantee you a parking space. You have the option of going in, taking your chances, and paying for a daily ticket.

The car park and transport hub at Railway Street, Portlaoise that was opened to the public in November 2022

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley asked could the eight slow charging spaces that are being used less frequently be changed to ordinary parking spaces, because its very disappointing that if you buy your monthly ticket and cant get to park in the car park.

Mr Walton said: You are not entitled, if you dont have an E car to park in the eight slow charging spaces. But, having said that, we are conscious of the demand for spaces there, and the lack of demand for those eight spaces.

Asked by cllr Barry Walsh why there is only two fast charging spaces and not ten in the spaces provided, Mr Walton said: Slow charging is cheaper. Its an all day parking car park and some people travelling by train to Dublin can leave their cars charging. They pay their 4 to park in the space and then pay their bill for charging their car.

So, said cllr Dwane Stanley, does that mean if you pay your 4 parking fee, you can head off to Dublin for the day and leave your car in that slow charging bay all day? Does it take all day to charge a car? Cllr Fitzgerald said: The main issue is that taxi drivers working around the town are unable to use the fast charging spaces, because a lot of the time they are not available.
James Cox

The majority of messages Taoiseach Micheal Martin received received from the public about his White House meeting with US president Donald Trump were positive.

People were generally positive about Mr Martin's Oval Office meeting with Mr Trump in messages, seen by BreakingNews.ie following a Freedom of Information request.

The annual St Patrick's Day meeting took place on Wednesday, March 12th.

The Taoiseach's Office received many messages on the meeting on the day and the following week.

One message, sent hours after the meeting, read: "Just a very quick message to say congratulations on a very impressive performance in the Oval Office today. It can't have been an easy experience and I offer you my thanks on a job well done. No doubt there will be the usual criticisms in the Dail and media but I for one send on my congratulations and thanks."

Another message told Mr Martin that he "played a blinder with that nut in the Oval Office".

"Dear Taoiseach I for one think you played a blinder with that nut in the Oval Office. You didn't let the schmuck get away with too much. A firm handshake. Well done."

While the majority of the messages were positive, a number of them were also criticial of the Fianna Fail leader.

A moment where an uncomfortable Mr Martin appeared to chuckle when the US president referenced Ireland's housing crisis was the subject of one email.

US president Donald Trump meets with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his wife Mary O'Shea. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

The author wrote: "No doubt you receive countless emails and even more physical post. No doubt it is filtered through a myriad of staff and I recognise that I am one of many who will contact you in the wake of your St Patrick's Day visit. It's important to recognise that I don't judge the actions of visiting the US. I understand why it has to be done, despite what you personally and professionally may think of President Trump.

"What I think is important to recognise Taoiseach, is that the foreign leader joked about our housing crisis. And you laughed. I'm sure the 250,000 children living in poverty in our country do not find it funny. No doubt you do not either. Perhaps the comment caught you off guard."

The lengthy email continues: "However, I do not think that is a kind reflection of our country, nor is it a kind reflection of yourself. My grandmother has met you several times. I believe she bumped into you on the street recently outside of professional commitments, and you recognised her and stopped to speak to her.

"She always describes you as decent, as a man with integrity. President Trump made a pig ignorant comment, one I don't think you'd agree with, or perhaps maybe you do, maybe you enjoy being aligned with a man who agrees with Nazi salutes and persecuting innocent people.

"But to laugh as you did, about the fact that we have record breaking and growing numbers of homeless people, not to

mention the amount of children in that number. And none of that reflects the thousands upon thousands of Irish people struggling everyday. And the thousands of my peers who emigrate every year because they can't build a future in Ireland. I doubt it is funny to them. Would you say it is?

"You know all of this regarding the state of the country, your staff know all of this. We may have disagreed about how to fix it, but I didn't think that we would also end up disagreeing on your character nor how you represent the country abroad. I'm sorry to

say that is no longer true.

"It's a great shame, for both yourself and the country that you would giggle regarding the most serious issue facing our country, I would implore you to apologise, as I believe this is the type of man you are but I don't know if it would do any good. Thank you for your time at least."

An "Irishman living in America" wrote: "I have never been prouder than to watch your interactions with the US President today, and your comments at the press conference afterwards. I will show it to my kids as an example of speaking truth to power, respectfully."

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and US president Donald Trump. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

An email with the subject line 'congratulations' read: "I would like to congratulate you on your amazing visit to the White House. Ireland should be very proud of you, what a statesman. It was nice to have your lovely wife by your side.

"I hope you enjoy St Patrick's weekend at home in Cork having done a great job."

One person thanked the Taoiseach for "making us proud in your handling of your trip to the Oval Office and your meeting with president Trump".

"It was a delicate situation admirably handled by you and your colleagues."

In another criticial message, the author said Mr Martin's meeting with Mr Trump made them "ashamed to be Irish".

The message referred to Mr Trump's comments about moving Palestinians out of Gaza.

"I am proud of how the Irish public has united against the genocide we are witnessing. The government however are letting us down. This was clear when you failed to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, and this was clear again today. I understand that the Irish economy is vulnerable when it comes to an unpredictable Trump administration and that was your focus of the day.

"However, to be asked a direct question about the Irish stance on Gaza and respond by citing your trip to Israel was reprehensible. I won't even begin to describe my frustration as you sat smiling as Trump degraded transgender people.

"As a young person, your government is driving me from my home which I love so dearly, not only because I will never be able to afford a home but also because you fail to represent the views of the Irish people on the international stage."

Another message praised Mr Martin for keeping calm during the meeting.

"Well, fair play to you! I don't know how you managed to keep so calm and zip it when talking to looper Trump. I'd say you felt like thumping that racist, misogynistic, lying narcissist! Keep on going!"

Someone else told Mr Martin he "played a blinder" in the meeting with Mr Trump.

One critical message told Mr Martin "by visitng Trump, you are endorsing his behaviour".

"You should be ashamed of yourself. Ireland is a country that has always support those less fortune than us and now you are supporting the 2025 version of Hitler."

Another message accused Mr Martin of "appeasing a fascist".

Would you bring shamrocks and vodka over to Putin's house?

It read: "How can you look into a mirror after appeasing a man sending people to Guantanamo Bay, who wants to take over countries with his military, who encourages violence against people of colour, trans people, women, and who is a convicted rapist?

"How can you speak to your family after this absolute lack of empathy for the people he is hurting, and the atrocities he has and is committing? Trump and Vance are enemies to democracy, and to humanity itself. Would you bring shamrocks and vodka over to Putin's house? Or a pint of Guinness to Hitler? You are a disgrace, and you should stay in America if this is how you feel."

Another person said Mr Martin handled the "tightrope" of meeting Mr Trump well.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on handling an extremely difficult high stakes situation in the White House extremely well. You did the best anyone could have in that tightrope which had to be walked. You were the absolute best person we had to handle this situation. Thank you for doing us proud."

I think you navigated the occasion with great statesmanship.

Another person who told the Taoiseach "I am not necessarily of your political viewpoint" wrote: "Your performance in the Oval Office in particular this week struck an excellent cord in no doubt a very challenging environment and given how meetings with the current American President have gone with other international leaders in recent weeks I think you navigated the occasion with great statesmanship, there is a lot to be said for having an adult in the room.

"I wish you and your family continued health and success and want to reiterate my thanks for your guidance and statesmanship in representing our country on the international stage in very fraught times."
On 5 May the president of Colombias senate,, wrote an open letter to congress calling on legislators not to let themselves be threatened by the government.

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On 2 May Argentina hosted a meeting of foreign ministers of member states of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in Buenos Aires.

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A mother will serve up to 15 years in prison after her 22-month-old son fatally ingested drugs while in his parents care.

The sentencing comes after 36-year-old Jayleen Rivas-Rodriguez of Allentown in November 2024 pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. A previous charge of felony murder was withdrawn, prosecutors said.

Rivas-Rodriguez was sentenced Monday by Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anna-Kristie M. Marks to serve five to 15 years in prison.
A 23-year-old Allentown man is accused of firing shots and then pointing his weapon at an Allentown School District security officer.

Victor Nieves is charged with felony aggravated assault; misdemeanor simple assault; misdemeanor making terroristic threats; misdemeanor firearms not to be carried without a license; and misdemeanor evading arrest.

Nieves was arrested Monday by Allentown police. He was then arraigned before District Judge Rashid Santiago, who set bail at $200,000. In lieu of bail, he was taken to the Lehigh County jail.
Air travel, on a good day, isnt terrific.

Crowds. Security lines. Super expensive airport food.

But now a series of unfortunate events is causing major disruption  dreaded flight delays and cancellations  for United Airlines passengers moving through Newark Liberty International Airport.

Its so chaotic that United is recommending customers consider changing plans if they are scheduled to fly out of or into Newark.

So what are your rights? Can you just bail from a flight and head over to the airports in Philly or New York?

And will it cost you any money?

Federal rules cover what passengers are due when flights are disrupted.

If an airline cancels a flight, it must give a refund  even for non-refundable tickets  assuming the flier doesnt want to accept alternative travel plans that may be offered, the U.S. Department of Transportation says on its website.

You can also get a refund if the airline made a significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel, it said.

Keep in mind that consumers are not entitled to refunds for other costs, such as hotel or rental car expenses.

But that doesnt mean an airline wont make you an offer, such as for a meal voucher, to make up for the inconvenience.

MORE: When will delays at Newark airport end? Heres what we know.

MORE: How 90 seconds of terror in air traffic control contributed to Newark airports fiasco

United is going a step further to try to blunt the pain for inconvenienced fliers, but travelers must be aware of the all-important specifics.

Weve issued a travel waiver for impacted flights to and from Newark. You can reschedule your trip  there are no fees to change your flight, and well waive any fare difference," United said in a social media post.

Travelers can even switch airports to avoid Newark, something the airline is encouraging.

But the fee waivers are very specific, according to an alert on Uniteds website:

It covers flights from May 6 through May 17, for tickets purchased on or before May 4.

You can reschedule your trip and well waive change fees and fare differences. But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between 2 days prior and 2 days after your original travel date, United said.

It also said tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked, though changes to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport or Philadelphia International Airport will be honored.

Despite the offer for fee-free changes, some fliers on social media said they were charged fees. Others said they could not get through to the airline for help. If youre among them, keep records of extra charges for your flight changes and give the airline a few days to get through what must be a significant number of requests.

If you cant get through and believe the airline owes you a refund, send an email to the Bamboozled column at kpricemueller@njadvancemedia.com.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

NJ Advance Media reporter Nyah Marshall contributed to this report.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on X at @KPMueller.
Matthew Hyman of Nazareth nets a 3-pound, 2-ounce American shad caught by Rick Walk of Nazareth, April 24, 2025, during the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest on the Delaware River at Easton-Phillipsburg. Shad are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch into fry in freshwater like the Delaware, live into adulthood in the ocean then return to the river of their origin to spawn. Tim Wynkoop | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Sport fishing and recreational boating are popular pastimes that support economies and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

That was the message of testimony Tuesday from outdoor recreation advocacy groups before the state Senate Game & Fisheries Committee.

Fishing and boating as recreational pursuits each generate an annual $230 billion in economic output nationally, according to the testimony from Hughes Andry, president of Ohio-based Sportco Marketing, and government relations specialist Samantha Romano from the National Marine Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C.

Nationally, these industries support jobs totaling 1.1 million in recreational fishing and 812,000 in recreational boating.

In Pennsylvania, fishing and boating are cornerstones of a nearly $19 billion statewide outdoor recreation economy.

Andry said recreational anglers support over 32,000 jobs and contribute $5.7 billion annually to the states economy.

That includes money spent at local bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, boat dealers, restaurants and hotels, he said. In many rural communities, that economic activity is a lifeline.

Recreational boating generates a $4.5 billion annual economic impact in Pennsylvania and supports over 16,300 jobs and 557 businesses, according to Romano.

There are nearly 300,000 registered boats in Pennsylvania and over $566 million in the annual sales of new boats, engines, trailers and accessories, she said. These figures dont just reflect dollars and jobs  they represent families building businesses, workers supporting their communities, and Pennsylvanians enjoying affordable and accessible recreation on their waterways.

In the audience Tuesday were members of the Government Affairs Committee for the American Sportfishing Association, based in Alexandria, Virginia, which is holding its national meeting this week in Harrisburg, according to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Timothy D. Schaeffer.

This year were celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, Schaeffer said, referring to the federal system started in 1950 that funnels an excise tax on fishing and boating gear to the states for environmental and wildlife conservation.

In Pennsylvania, that includes protecting 86,000 miles of streams and rivers and 2,500 lakes, from Lake Erie on down in size, said the committee chairman, state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry.

With the economic impact of fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, we have something for everything really, Schaeffer told the committee. We have fish that spend part of their time in the Atlantic Ocean and come up the Delaware River. Again, weve got the Great Lakes and weve got small trout streams ... and bass lakes and catfish  and everything in between.

The benefits of fishing and boating go beyond dollars and cents, according to the testimony Tuesday.

Theres the mental recharge, for starters, that can come with a day on the water, Romano noted, citing a 2022 study that showed 85% of boaters consider time on the water to be beneficial for their mental wellbeing.

Theyre pursuits that cross socioeconomic and demographic boundaries, as well.

Anyone, regardless of age, income or background, can enjoy a day on the water, Andry said. For many families, fishing is a way to bond. It teaches patience, responsibility and respect for nature. And at a time when so many kids are glued to screens, fishing gets them outside, connecting with outdoors and building a lifelong appreciation for the natural resources.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
An updated tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 4:41 p.m. in effect until 5:15 p.m. for Monroe County.

Quarter-sized hail (1 inch) is forecast with the incoming storm.

"At 4:40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Blairstown, or 12 miles southwest of Newton, moving north at 30 mph," states the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."

The tornado is projected to possibly affect the following locations:

Blairstown around 4:45 p.m.

Millbrook around 4:50 p.m.

Flatbrookville around 4:55 p.m.

Crandon Lakes and Five Points around 5 p.m.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Hidden Lake. This includes Interstate 80 in New Jersey between mile markers 8 and 15.

According to the weather service, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

Tornado watches and warnings: Your safety guide

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here's a breakdown:

Tornado watch: Be prepared!

A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation.

It's your cue to review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies, and locate your safe room.

While it doesn't indicate an imminent tornado, it's a heads-up to be prepared to take swift action if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.

This is the real deal  there's an immediate threat to life and property.

Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris.

Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or through reports from trained spotters and law enforcement.

Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches.

Prepare for a tornado

Be weather-ready:

Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.

Create a communication plan:

Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member.

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.

Practice your plan:

Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Extend a helping hand:

Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries.

What to do when a tornado strikes

When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

To ensure your safety during a tornado, remember that acting promptly is crucial, according to the weather service. Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings through regular updates on local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

At home:

If you find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there's enough time, bring your pets with you.

At work or school:

In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from windows.

Outdoors:

If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure.

In a vehicle:

Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.

Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Laois is set to be the location for just one of four new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) regional hubs which will see firefighter deployed to save lives in disasters such as the tragic Cresslough explosion in Co Donegal.

The County Laois Fire and Rescue Service was designated because the Laois crews were the only specially trained emergency responders in the country who had training in skills required.

A Government plan to establish the four new regional hubs in Galway, Cork City, Dublin and Laois has received unanimous support from Irelands Chief Fire Officers who meet in Galway this week at the Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).

They say the need for a rapid deployment capability for incidents such as building collapses was underscored during the Creeslough tragedy, when assistance was requested from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

In the review that followed the tragedy, led by now Taoiseach Micheal Martin, it emerged that the Laois Fire and Rescue Service had developed a capacity to deliver search and rescue operations in the non-traditional areas of emergency response, such as collapsed buildings. They were the only crew in the country with training and equipment deemed essential to respond meaningfully to such a disaster. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Fire Crews at Abbeyleix Fire Station.

Laois firefighters had been trained in this area before Cresslough with crews also able to avail of specialist equipment purchased with the backing of Laois County Council and the Government.

As a result, the Laois service, under the direction of Chief Officer Declan Power, has become the defacto lead entity in the Republic in helping prepare for the official launch of the hubs.

Training has already been provided in Abbeyleix Fire Station, where specialist training facilities and equipment existed to train and be used by Laois firefighters. More than 30 crew from Galway have been trained in Laois.

Mr Power said Laois firefighters will require training themselves and are due to travel to Northern Ireland. He also told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that a national multi-million euro tender is underway to purchase more equipment for Laois and fully equip the crews in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Mr Power said Laois was advanced in this area because it had established a technical rescue team which had developed expertise in urban rescue. The team provided support to counties in the midlands and around Laois.

He said just four teams are needed because disasters are infrequent. If there is an incident, he expects that Laois crews could be dispatched to Dublin and Cork, as at least two teams from the hubs would be required to attend.

"It is a feather in the cap for Laois the we have been chosen to be one of the heads. We are the leading team and ahead of the curve," he said.

He praised Laois County Council support for the service complimenting former CEO John Mulholland who was on the board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

Galway Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer and Conference Secretary, Gerry OMalley, complimented Laois on its initiative.

Ahead of the annual CFOA Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on Wednesday and Thursday (7-8 May), Association Chairperson Dennis Keely said the introduction of USAR hubs and HVP technology will foster unprecedented cross-border collaboration between fire services in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for specialist emergency response.

Cross-border cooperation between the fire services of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a critical component of the broader emergency response, particularly in specialised areas such as USAR and HVP, he explained. This collaboration ensures a coordinated and effective approach to emergencies that may impact both jurisdictions.

The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) represents the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and holds membership in both the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.

Laois Fire and Rescue Service operates stations in Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Rathdowney Stradbally.
An Irish detective conducted a gold standard interview with a husband accused of murdering his wife, a court has heard.

The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering his wife Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in Co Cork between March 19 and March 20 in 2017, was told that he took part in an enhanced cognitive interview more than four years after that date.

The 58-year-old, from Grattan Street in Youghal, denies murdering his wife.

Her remains were found buried in a shallow grave beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in their family home in October 2023.

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, formally reported his wife missing on May 11 2017, weeks after he told police she had left their family home.

He has repeatedly said he believed his wife left because she needed some time on her own.

The jury in his trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin is hearing from a transcript of an advanced interview gardai held with Satchwell on June 20 2021.

The full transcript, being read out by prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small, runs to more than 120 pages.

Detective Sergeant David Noonan, who held the rank of Detective Garda at the time, told the court that he had met Satchwell at an interview suite by appointment on that date.

He explained that there was a relaxed environment in the room and Satchwell was told the interview was being recorded by cameras and microphones while also being monitored by another garda outside the suite.

Satchwell was told that the interview would be transcribed from the recordings and they would come back to sign an agreed version at a later date, which was completed on January 23 2022.

He said this was different from how a witness statement would be taken generally where it is written down at the time of the interview.

Det Sgt Noonan, who assists with training other gardai on advanced interviewing techniques, said this process was witness-led.

He described the technique as the gold standard of taking a witness or victim statement.

While the detective present can ask questions for clarification or elaboration, Det Sgt Noonan told Satchwell he would be handing over control of the interview to him.

Satchwell was told it was a safe place and he could take a break if needed.

The detective said the information that is received through the process is ultimately forensic and gets a lot more detail.

Satchwell also gave a declaration during the process that he was giving information that was true to the best of his knowledge, and that if he was providing information that he knew was not true that it would leave him open to prosecution.

He was told that detail was very important and not to leave out any information that he thought may be insignificant or already known by the interviewing garda.

Satchwell was also told it was important not to fill any gaps or assume anything he did not know, and to be comfortable to say he did not know something.

The process of reading the transcript is due to continue after 2pm.
Gerry Adams has said he would not speculate on who was in the IRA during a defamation case he has taken against the BBC.

The former Sinn Fein leader said an attempt is being made to smother the jury in history as he was questioned over past statements and events during The Troubles.

Mr Adams faced cross-examination over his knowledge of who was in the IRA and the organisations rules, on which he repeatedly said he would not speculate in court.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but did not have many dealings with him.

Beginning his cross-examination on Friday afternoon, Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams if he remembered how many people were killed in various atrocities during The Troubles.

Mr Adams told the hearing he did not remember how many people were killed in incidents such as Bloody Friday or the Claudy bombings, and asked what it had to do with Mr Donaldson.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams entered the witness box for a fifth day.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with figures such as Peter McMullan, who said he was a former IRA member who worked with Mr Adams in the Belfast brigade.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said several times he would not speculate in court and had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother them (the jury) in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Mr Adams said he could not comment on why people including informers were disappeared during the Troubles, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for West Belfast and represented the Louth constituency in the Dail parliament until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.
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Irelands leading home care provider, Dovida, has announced plans to hire up to 70 caregivers across Kildare and Laois.

The organisation, which has been providing care to ageing adults in Ireland since 2005, recently rebranded from Home Instead and now intends to increase capacity in the sector and expand its service offerings in the region.

The roles will be a combination of full and part-time positions, offering competitive rates of pay, flexible schedules, and comprehensive, sector-leading training through the Home Care Professionals Academy.

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Speaking at the launch of Dovida's local office in Newbridge, Sarah Murphy, General Manager of Dovida Kildare, said, We are delighted to be joined by our Caregiver of the Year, Anne Saunders, to celebrate this wonderful occasion. We are excited about welcoming more caregivers like Anne to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Kildare and Laois and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home.

Caregivers joining our team can expect comprehensive training, a dedicated local team and supportive environment as well as opportunities to grow professionally and develop a rewarding career in home care, she added.

Expanding services

Dovida currently provides person-centred home care services to 8,000 people across Ireland. Historically, the majority of the organisations client base consisted of people in the over-65 age group. However, Dovida now cares for clients of all ages, with 10 per cent under 65, while children under 18 make up one per cent of people cared for.

Dovidas services have adapted to the varied needs of its clients, and the company now provides services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs.

Roots in the community

We believe in quality home care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence, and comfort in familiar surroundings, Sarah Murphy continued.

That means keeping them in their own home, connected to their family, friends and communities for as long as possible. Social interaction and companionship are crucial for maintaining good mental health and supporting those experiencing cognitive decline, particularly older people.

As an organisation with deep roots in the community, we understand the value of connection and it's fantastic to be in a position to grow our team so we can support more and more people throughout the region, Sarah concluded.

Dovida caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. The organisations person-centred approach means that its caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives.

Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. People interested in pursuing a rewarding career in caregiving are encouraged to visit https://dovida.ie/career/become-a-caregiver
Israels blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza clearly constitutes a war crime, Irelands premier has said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for the embargo on food and other vital supplies entering the region to be lifted immediately.

Mr Martin said it was wrong in principle and in law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population.

The Fianna Fail leader criticised the blockade, which has been in placed for more than 50 days, as he addressed the Global Ireland summit in Dublin.

The summit is a Government initiative to examine Irelands relationship with the rest of the world and how it engages in geopolitical affairs.

The Taoiseachs comments came a day after Israeli officials said cabinet ministers had approved a plan to seize Gaza and remain in the region for an unspecified amount of time.

Mr Martin described that proposal as wholly unacceptable.

Last year, Ireland officially recognised Palestine and as sovereign and independent state.

In his speech to the summit in Dublin Castle, Mr Martin reiterated the Governments support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region, he said.

There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale.

It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. Israels continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately.

It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime.

It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution.

Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We will continue to work with international partners to step up our efforts to achieve that goal.
Veteran Irish journalist and recently retired RTE correspondent Cathy Halloran has spoken publicly about her breast cancer diagnosis, revealing that the news came just six months after her partner, Nicky Woulfe, was also diagnosed with cancer.

In a candid interview with the RTE Guide, Halloran shared how she and her partner are now in remission and how the experience has reshaped her perspective on life, family, and time.

If you are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it focuses the mind, she said. I feel good now. I dont feel 64, more like early 50s. And apart from the cancer diagnosis, Ive been healthy. Time is the most precious thing and with my leaving of RTE, Im no longer tied to the tyranny of time, deadline after deadline. Now its time to set my own deadlines.

Halloran was diagnosed on March 19, 2024, just months after Nicky received his diagnosis in October 2023. She said the biggest challenge was deciding whether to tell their son, John Michael, who had just started college.

I decided to wait until I knew more: I didnt want to burst his bubble. But he was wondering why I had been up and down to Cork. I eventually told him then about the cancer diagnosis and the visits to BreastCheck. He just asked me: Mum, will you get better? And I said: Absolutely!

Determined to return to work, Halloran rejoined RTE in May 2024, just in time to cover the Limerick mayoral and local elections. In many ways, work was therapy for me, she said.

Born in Dublin, she began her journalism career in the 1980s with The Farmer Magazine and went on to report for the Connacht Tribune newspaper in Galway.

She joined the national broadcaster in October 1987 where she reported for TV and radio across a wide variety of news and events including the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Beef Industry which began at Dublin Castle in 1990. She was appointed to cover the Mid-West in 1993 and has been ever-present across the region since.

After 38 years with RTE, including over three decades as Mid-West Correspondent, Halloran officially retired last Friday, May 2, a date she chose to mark the 39th anniversary of her mother Carmels passing, with her final bulletin airing that day.

Looking ahead, she plans to travel, spend more time with her family, and perhaps even write a book.

People say to me that theres a book in me. Ive thought about it, she said.

She lives in Limerick with Nicky and John Michael and says she is looking forward to some healthy and fulfilling years ahead, free from deadlines and the demands of daily news.

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Partial view of the Government delegation and Bea Mountain Mining Corporation officials in safety gear during a tour of the gold smelting facility in Kinjor on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Government officials and stakeholders at the aviation awareness week launch held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town
My vision is to see every household and every business in Liberia, not just connected to electricity, but enjoying quality, uninterrupted power supply within five years, says Mohammed M. Sherif, the Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Cllr. Francis S. Korkpor, former Chief Justice and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LSL and Retired Associate Justice, Cllr. Philip A.Z. Banks III, Head of the Rule of Law Center
THE INFRASTRUCTURE firm behind the redevelopment of part of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks has teamed up with Mary Immaculate College.

Aecom Ireland, whose global parent company, was the construction manager for the original World Trade Center in New York, and rebuilt towers one, three, four and seven to make it the largest building in the western hemisphere has been appointed by the Limerick teaching college.

Alongside Scott Tallon Walker architechts, Aecom Ireland will work on the new 5,000-square metre library and learning centre at the South Circular Road college.

The move, which was announced by Mary Immaculate College last month was welcomed ahead of the May Day bank holiday weekend by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research and Science James Lawless.

READ MORE: Limerick student awarded for dissertation addressing gender roles

Described as "a cutting edge, 21st century facility for teaching, learning and research," the library and learning centre will be located at the heart of the campus in Limerick.

It is hoped that construction of the library will commence in 2026 with a provisional opening date of Autumn 2027.

Mr Lawless said: "This is an important step in the development of a state-of-the-art educational hub in the heart of Limerick city, in a campus that combines architecture from past and present that makes it truly unique."

College president, Professor Dermot Nestor said: "I welcome the financial commitment towards this key strategic initiative that meets the requirements of a contemporary and dynamic higher education institution. This library and learning resource centre will not only serve as a focal point on this historic campus, but will also be an inclusive amenity for all, one that will stand for generations to come."



Ciaran McCaffrey, head of capital programmes at the Higher Education Authority added: "The appointments announced represent a significant milestone in delivering what is a landmark project for Mary Immaculate College. The development of a new library and learning resource centre will enrich the campus experience and provide high quality facilities that support the academic needs of both students and staff, enhancing teaching, learning and research."

Aecom Ireland has been involved in a number of high-profile projects on these shores, most significantly, the second terminal at Dublin Airport.

It's delivering HSE approved surgical hubs across Ireland, which are designed to cut hospital waiting lists and has announced 100 Irish jobs in recent times.

Scott Tallon Walker has been responsible for many influential and recognisable buildings in Ireland, such as Busaras in Dublin.

Elsewhere in the capital, the firm also collaborated with Populous on the Aviva Stadium.

The 9/11 attacks refer to four co-ordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks by al-Qaeda against the USA in 2001.

The first two of these destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City causing countless loss of life, and the rebuilding of the facility in the heart of the Big Apple.
*** READER DISCRETION ADVISED***

A FARMER has been accused of raping a man in County Limerick after a night out, a court has heard.

The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has claimed he was anally raped by the accused in 2011 and in 2019 in the county of Limerick.

The trial, which commenced last week, is taking place before a jury at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick.

The accused, represented by Mark Nicholas SC and Liam Carroll BL, denies two counts of anal rape as well as engaging in a sexual act with a protected person who lacked the capacity to consent to the sexual act.

Senior prosecuting counsel, Fionnuala OSullivan, told the court the complainant initially made a disclosure about the alleged rape by the accused, who is married, during an appointment with his GP in April 2019.

Ms OSullivan said the complainant claimed that on January 6, 2011, the accused man told him he couldn't have sex with his wife and then raped him.

Ms OSullivan said the complainant told the accused No, and that he didn't want to do it.

READ MORE: Group of men flee scene after breaking mans nose in Limerick city assault

The prosecuting barrister, along with counsel Lily Buckley BL, instructed by Aoife OHalloran, of the Chief State Solicitors Office, told the jury they would hear evidence of the complainants intellectual capacity.

The complainant, represented by Antoinette Simon BL, has alleged the accused also anally raped him a second time between April 7 and April 8 in 2019.

Ms OSullivan said that, during interviews with gardai, the accused accepted that some sexual activity had occurred between him and the complainant but that the man on trial denied rape and penal penetration of the (alleged victims) anus.

A recording of an interview between the complainant and gardai in May 2019 was played in court. The video showed the complainant saying that he and the accused went shopping and had a meal on the evening of April 7, 2019.

The complainant alleged that later that night, the accused dropped him home, and alleged the accused raped him in his bedroom. The complainant told gardai the accused told him he needed to do exercises in bed. The alleged victim said the accused took off his own underpants and pants before feeling the complainants testicles and pulling him onto the bed.

The complainant told gardai the accused told him you're very sexy, youre turning me on.

The complainant said he thought the farmers alleged behaviour was strange.

The alleged victim said he left and returned to his bedroom and the accused took my pants off.

He (the accused) stood up and started fingering my hole, he said youre very tight and to relax.

He (the accused) said relax, relax, and he started spitting down on my hole, he took his penis out and he was trying to stick his dick into my hole.

It was hurting me, my head was hitting the wall. He asked if I had I any Vaseline, then he started spitting and fingering me, and then he shoved his dick into me, alleged the complainant

The complainant further alleged the accused became angry when his own penis failed to become erect, and that he (the farmer) tied a shoe lace around his own penis to try to make it hard.

The complainant further alleged that when the farmer was finished raping him, he laid down on the floor between my balls and kissed them.

READ ALSO: Gardai in Limerick now equipped to measure speed of e-scooters

He further alleged the farmer left 150 cash beside him afterwards and said Oh, Ill pay you, heres your 150 euro.

The complainant also alleged that afterwards the accused got him to walk about in his underwear and told him, oh, thats nice.

The complainant told gardai: He (the accused) violated me, he took everything from me when he came into my house and forced himself on me.

I felt so dirty, he (the accused) took me when I was at my lowest, he thought it was funny.

The complainant said that after the alleged rape he scrubbed and scrubbed himself in water and soap as he was all over my body.

The trial continues before a jury and Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
A FOURTH year student at Mary Immaculate College, Laurence Tuohy has been awarded the prestigious undergraduate prize for his undergraduate dissertation at the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) All Ireland Student Congress.

Laurence, a Limerick man and student of the Bachelor of Education in Education and Psychology, was recognised for his research into gender stereotypes and educational settings under the supervision of Dr Christopher Shum.

Laurences dissertation explored counter-stereotypical imagery as a method of reducing occupational gender stereotypes among sixth-class students in both coeducational and all-girls primary schools.

The research involved a computerised judgement task, measuring reaction times and stereotype accuracy before and after exposure to counter-stereotypical role images.

Findings suggest that such imagery can significantly impact how young students perceive gender roles in the workplace, with important implications for educational practices, textbook design, and career guidance strategies.

READ MORE: Creative Limerick students make it to the Junk Kouture final

Speaking about his achievement, Laurence said: I have always had an interest in education, stereotypes, and single-sex versus co-educational schooling, so to be able to conduct research in this area in a meaningful and quantitative way has been incredibly rewarding. For this work to be recognised and honoured with a national award was beyond my imagination, and I feel truly proud. I want to thank all the academic staff at MIC who have inspired me throughout my journey. It hasnt always been easy, but its certainly been rewarding. I was encouraged to carefully consider the scale and nature of my research early on, and I would urge all future undergraduates to persevere and pursue topics they are passionate aboutbecause that always shines through.

Professor Niamh Stack, Head of the Department of Psychology at MIC, commented on the significance of Laurences win: One of the key messages we promote on our psychology programmes here at MIC is the importance not only of conducting research, but also of sharing it with a broad audience. We were delighted to see our BA and BEd Psychology students presenting at a national level, and Laurences award for Best Undergraduate Presentation is a phenomenal achievement for both him and his supervisor Dr Christopher Shum.

Dr Aoife McLoughlin, Lecturer in Psychology, also praised the accomplishment: We are absolutely delighted for Laurence on this well-deserved recognition. His success at the PSI Student Congress reflects not only his talent and dedication, but also the supportive and inspiring environment we strive to foster for all our Psychology students at MIC.
AN ANNUAL highlight of the education calendar for one Limerick college is fast approaching.

Leading speakers from the world of art will give the keynote address to launch The Art of Connection Teacher Education conference at TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD), taking place from Thursday, May 8, to Wednesday, May 14.

Eamonn Maxwell and Marie Farrington will share their insights on the importance of connecting arts practice to teaching and learning to a wider ecosystem, beyond the classroom.

Eamonn Maxwell has worked as a curator and advisor in the visual arts for over 20 years. He has curated numerous exhibitions across the world including the Irish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2011.

READ ALSO: Limerick student awarded for dissertation addressing gender roles

Marie Farrington is an artist whose practice reflects on the act of making through geological and archaeological lenses, using casting, carving and other sculptural processes.

Another artist, curator Fiona ODwyer, will launch the exhibition of artwork created by second-level students under the guidance of student teachers this academic year while on school placement.

Fiona ODwyer is a visual artist and curator based in Ennistymon, County Clare, with an Honours Degree in Fine Art/Sculpture from LSAD. She works with a wide variety of materials and processes, from stone carving to film making.

Mike Fitzpatrick, dean of LSAD, said: One of the highlights of LSAD's calendar is the annual Teacher Education exhibition and conference, which offers a significant public forum for showcasing a carefully selected exhibition of art, craft, and design projects created by second-level students nationwide under the guidance of our students.

This is complemented by robust conversations with guest presenters and staff around the potential of the arts for connectivity into wider society.

Conference attendees are invited to also visit the 3rd year B-Ed student exhibition Tethered and Becoming which runs in the People's Museum Limerick from Tuesday, May 6 to May 9.

On Wednesday, May 14 the conference closes with a talk about Art and the Pedagogical Theme. Dr Robert Kilroy will be in conversation with LSAD Initial Teacher Education staff Brendan Egan, Bairbre Geraghty, Edel Hogan, Ciaran Power and Lucina Russell at 1.30pm.

Two 2024 LSAD graduates, Anna OLeary, recipient of the inaugural Limerick City Gallery of Art Test Space Residency, and Shannen Slattery, winner of the LSAD Artist-Teacher Award, will also address the conference.
MIDWIVES at University Maternity Hospital Limerick are shining a spotlight on their roles as trusted first responders, in celebrations to mark International Day of the Midwife.

This Tuesday, new mums and other service-users at the maternity hospital will join this salute to midwives role at the heart of maternity care, working for the safety and wellbeing of mothers and new-borns before, during and after birth.

The international celebrations are focused on the 2025 theme Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis. This year has a sharp focus on how women, girls and gender-diverse individuals are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, conflicts and climate change events, heightening the risk of pregnancy complications and gender-based violence and limiting their access to essential healthcare.

Midwives at UMHL have been reflecting on what they value most in their roles ahead of International Day of the Midwife. Yvonne Tier is an Advanced Midwifery Practitioner for Supported Care, who works in the Birth After Caesarean Clinic. What I love most about my role is the continuity of care. I build strong relationships with the women who attend my clinic and work in partnership with them and their families, which brings great satisfaction.

READ MORE: Call for blood donors in Limerick issued by IBTS as blood stock levels fall after Easter

Emma Fitzgerald, a staff midwife at UMHL for 15 years, added: Its an honour to be part of such a special moment in someones life, providing both emotional and physical care as they begin their journey to parenthood.

This Tuesday, the UMHL celebrations begin with a Blessing of Hands service for all staff, ahead of a day of activities and presentations highlighting the expertise of our midwives, and outlining quality improvements to ensure every pregnant woman has access to qualified midwives and appropriate maternity services.

Educational sessions will spotlight various roles within the profession, including key positions in Drugs and Alcohol Liaison, Neonatal Discharge , Pregnancy Ultrasound, and the Power of Communication, while research undertaken by the midwifery staff will be showcased in a poster display.

Commemorative certificates will be presented to the mums of all babies born at UMHL on the International Day of the Midwife, while staff have organised a fundraising collection for Ronald McDonald House, the charity that provides accommodation and emotional support for families of sick children undergoing treatment at Childrens Health Ireland, Crumlin.

Eileen Ronan, Director of Midwifery, described midwifery as an incredibly dynamic and fulfilling profession, with opportunities in clinical, management, education, and research roles, and urged school-leaving students to consider it as a career.

Nothing is more important than ensuring each woman and new-born has access to the best possible care before, during, and after birth. On this International Day of the Midwife, we celebrate midwifery and also remind women locally of the excellent care and services available at UMHL," she said.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a package of initiatives to tackle hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland, including a reimbursement scheme.

An initial 10 million will be invested in the scheme, allowing people to claim back costs when they receive treatments outside Northern Ireland, subject to qualifying criteria.

Beginning in June, it will apply to procedures obtained in the Republic of Ireland and will subsequently be extended to the rest of the European Union.

The reimbursement scheme will be available to patients waiting two years or more on a hospital treatment waiting list in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland currently has the worst hospital waiting lists of any area in the UK.

Patients who take part in the new scheme will require prior approval from the Department of Health.

The health minister said: These planned investments reflect the Executives ringfencing of up to 215 million in this years health budget for waiting list activities, in line with the finalised Programme for Government.

This breaks down into 85 million for red flag and time-critical care; 80 million for building up capacity to address the long-standing mismatch with demand; and up to 50 million to start tackling the backlog in care.

Investment at this level will need to be sustained for at least five years to bring hospital waiting times down to acceptable levels.

We are only at the foothills of what will be a long uphill trek.

I will provide more details on the different initiatives later this month with publication of an implementation plan for my departments Elective Care Framework.

He added: Only 50 million of the ringfenced 215m total has involved additional monies for my department.

The initiatives being announced today are in large part being funded by monies diverted from my core budget for day-to-day services.

That will have unavoidable consequences for wider health and social care provision.

In the coming weeks, my department will publish detailed plans and assessments on the financial pressures this year and the measures that will be needed in both the short and medium terms.

Other initiatives announced by Mr Nesbitt include:

 Targeting long waits  four years or more  including hip, knee and other orthopaedic treatments; tonsillectomies; hernia treatment; gallbladder removal and colonoscopy.

 Significantly reducing waiting lists for children requiring specialist procedures such as peg tubes, scopes and scoliosis surgery, as well as waiting times for women waiting for gynaecology mesh removal procedures.

 Partnership arrangements with independent sector providers to clear outpatient waits of four years plus in ophthalmology, orthopaedics; general surgery; gynaecology, ENT and other specialties.

 10m in funding for mega clinics for an estimated 20,000 additional patients. These will provide groups of patients with a one stop shop which can involve, for example, surgical review and anaesthetic preoperative assessment in a single appointment.

 Expansion of red flag and time-critical capacity across a range of specialties including: endoscopy; diagnostic imaging; urology, breast surgery; dermatology; systemic anti-cancer therapy and cardiac surgery.

 Expansion of primary care elective service capacity in dermatology, minor surgery and gynaecology.

 Partnership working with the voluntary sector to deliver a 500,000 per year Waiting Well Programme to help and support those waiting for treatment and a 1 million per year Cancer Charities Programme to deliver cancer work in the community to reduce pressures on statutory services.
(Bloomberg) -- Perus struggling state-owned oil company Petroleos del Peru SA will lower its financial guidance in upcoming days, on lower international prices and an unexpected pause at its largest refinery.

Petroperu had forecast a net loss of $163 million for the full-year 2025, but has already lost $111 million in the first quarter, according to its financial statements. It lost $805 million in 2024.

I think we are going to adjust our guidance downwards, given what has happened in the first quarter, said Petroperus chairman, Alejandro Narvaez, in a press conference. In the next few days we will publish the new guidance.

Petroperu has faced a myriad of financial setbacks in recent years, largely due to the construction of its $6 billion Talara refinery, which was significantly over budget, delayed and whose construction required a large amount of debt. In April, Perus government agreed to convert 6 billion soles ($1.64 billion) worth of debt it had with the state-owned company into equity.

Narvaez said the Talara refinery continues to be on pause due to anomalous ocean currents that prevent its oil from being transported. He said Talara had too much inventory at the moment and didnt have the space to store excess production. It will be on pause at least until May 9, executives said.

The company is also trying to get the Energy and Mines Ministry to assume financial responsibility over a massive oil pipeline that goes from Perus Amazon rainforest to the Talara refinery on the coast. The oil pipeline has not transported any oil for years and was expected to cost Petroperu $112 million in 2025.

But he said the company continues to go through the same cash crunch that has impacted the company for years now.

What overwhelms and complicates us is to have short-term obligations that are higher than our short-term accounts receivable, Narvaez said. That stresses our cash flow, but we are coming out of it, we havent had any issues with missed payments.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Multiple bidders are likely to submit offers for the DNA data bank and other assets of bankrupt genetic-testing firm 23andMe, according to a lawyer for the company.

Although 23andMe was unable to land a lead bidder willing to make a binding offer, attorney Christopher Hopkins said during a Tuesday court hearing that the firm expects to go forward with an auction because of the robust interest it has received so far. Our expectation is that we will receive multiple competitive bids by tomorrows deadline, he told US Bankruptcy Judge Brian C. Walsh.

The company negotiated with potential buyers regarding a binding, opening offer, but failed to do so despite two extensions amid concerns about how customer data would be handled as part of the sale.

A privacy ombudsman has been named to monitor the process to ensure compliance with privacy policies related to the genetic material submitted by millions of customers. That material, and the genetic data it produced, is 23andMes most valuable asset. The company has said any buyer must comply with current privacy protections and federal regulations.

In the months leading up to Marchs bankruptcy filing, 23andMe tried to attract a buyer while struggling to end a class-action lawsuit related to a 2023 data breach that gave hackers access to customer information. The company will try to resolve those claims as part of the bankruptcy.

The case is 23andMe Holding Co., number 25-40976, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Prasanna Rao, co-founder and chief executive of 12-year-old agritech firm Arya.ag, believes technology can close longstanding gaps in Indias agricultural supply chain, particularly for small farmers, who are often excluded from fair trade.

According to him, the sector has persistent issues around inaccurate pricing, faulty weighing, and opaque dealings with vendors, buyers, and financial institutions. Our mission is clear: use tech to improve access and build assurancefor farmers and for those who serve them," he told Mint in an interview.

Arya.ag is doing so with an online marketplace for farmers and buyers. The digital platform addresses critical bottlenecks in both procurement and agri-finance. The company offers tools for warehouse discovery, satellite-based crop monitoring, farm advisory, and instant grain quality testing. It also enables real-time warehouse surveillance and blockchain-led commodity traceability.

Also read: Drone startups looking beyond defence to serve agriculture, quick commerce

The firm supports farmer producer organisations (FPOs) with stock management, digital credit, and market linkage. Its internet-of-things (IoT)-enabled hermetic storage system allows farmers to store their produce in airtight units where warehouses are unavailable, protecting crops from pests, moisture, and spoilage. Aryas Arjun platform also handles end-to-end procurement for agribusinesses, supporting efficient, climate-smart, and traceable agri-commerce.

Origin story

Arya.ag, originally part of the JM Baxi Group since 1982 (it was known as Arya Agencies), was restructured into a post-harvest agri-commerce platform in 2013 after co-founders Prasanna Rao, Chattanathan Devarajan, and Anand Chandra acquired a controlling stake.

The company began by digitising agricultural warehouses. India has more than 120,000 such warehouses, according to co-founder and executive director Chandra. Yet very little visibility exists into their location, quality, or availability. So we built a platform to help farmers and organisations book warehouse spacemuch like we book hotels today. We've already digitised 12,000 warehouses," he said.

Once the produce is stored, Arya.ag offers real-time assurance through artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras that monitor activity, detect anomalies, and provide automatic alerts. This protects the farmers produce and helps maintain trust.

Financing for farmers

The company has also connected storage with finance. Using historical crop pricing data, Arya.ag allows farmers to borrow against stored commodities. "At harvest, prices are typically the lowest. By waiting a few months, farmers can get better rates. Our tech lets them do that without losing liquidity," Chandra added.

For example, a farmer can get a loan within within 30 minutes of depositing his produce. The system uses quality and market-value data to calculate the loan amount, and the offer is sent to the farmer via the app or SMS in their local language. Once they approve, the funds are transferred in minutes.

Later, when farmers are ready to sell, they can choose from multiple buyers on the platform rather than relying on local traders. "If needed, we even help bridge short-term finance. Our system clears loans and passes on the extra earnings to the farmer, all while taking on the credit risk ourselves," Rao added.

Also read: Indian agriculture needs support. Reform farm prices at the very least.

This approach, he believes, helps farmers avoid distress sales immediately after harvest and get better prices through a wider pool of buyers. "Importantly, we do not trade in commodities ourselves, which helps us avoid direct competition with local moneylenders or traders. We position ourselves as facilitators, not buyers," he said.

Adoption has been strong99% of the disbursements are digital, and 94% of customers now download their account statements themselves, "something that was unthinkable just a couple of years ago", according to Rao. "The key, as my co-founder Anand often says, is that tech must be affordable and deliver clear value," he added.

Government's agritech push

India's agritech sector benefits from the government's promotion of agricultural modernisation through schemes, subsidies and financial support, with which it aims to boost farmers' incomes and drive adoption of agritech solutions to create a more sustainable and efficient farm sector.

The agritech market was worth $878.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to $6.15 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group, a market research company. This growth will be driven by the rise of precision agriculture, in which technologies such as IoT sensors and drones help farmers optimise inputs and reduce their environmental impact.

Fintech solutions are also gaining traction, offering farmers credit, insurance, and payment tools that enhance financial inclusion. Growing demand for contactless, efficient farming is further accelerating the adoption of automation, robotics, and remote monitoring systems.

Also read | Sow wisely: India can reap a lot more from its agricultural sector

Arya.ag, which has a workforce of 730, reported operating revenue of 447 crore in FY25, up 31% from 340 crore in FY24. The companys profit after tax rose 69.7% year-on-year to 32.3 crore. The company attributed the growth to "continued platform expansion, improved capital efficiency, and strong performance across storage, financing, and agri-commerce services".

Backed by investors such as Blue Earth Capital, Omnivore, Lightrock Growth Fund and HSBC India, Arya.ag has raised about $119 million to date. It competes with companies such as Cropin, Waycool, Farmart, Crofarm, FutureFarms, MKrishi, Samriddhi, Fresh From Farm, Agrostar, Ninjacart, Dehaat, FarMart, BigHaat and Agrim.

Unique challenges, unique solutions

To be sure, Indias agricultural ecosystem is unique, with small, resource-poor farmers and cost-sensitive consumers, which explains why many agritech models from the West dont apply here, Rao said. He added that the idea is not to replace existing systems overnight but to build trustworthy, scalable infrastructure that works for everyone.

Rao believes public infrastructure like digitised farm ownership or standardised storage data would dramatically amplify the impact. He acknowledged that public digital infrastructure like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed payments, but added that in agriculture, initiatives such as the agristack are still evolving.

Also read | Ajit Ranade: India must formulate a strategy to boost agricultural exports

"Governments are beginning to talk about sharing farm-level data, as we saw recently in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, but progress is slow. Thats why weve built our own micro-stacks"tokenising commodities, creating digital identities for warehouses, and enabling affordable services," he added.

"Just as UPI didnt kill payment startups but empowered them, open agri data will fuel innovation, letting us focus on what we do best while relying on shared systems for the rest," he said.
Big tech firm, Intel Corporation's shareholders on Tuesday, May 6, approved the company's new equity incentive plan along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lip-Bu Tan's annual compensation, reported the news agency Reuters.

According to the report, this new equity incentive plan seeks to help the company retain its employees. The shareholders also approved the company's board of directors, even though three of the members did not stand for re-election.

The big tech firm's shareholders also rejected three proposals which would make the company rethink its operations in Israel, produce new reports on charitable giving and give shareholders the right to act by written consent, according to the agency report.

Intel restructuring plans Intel's CEO announced his key restructuring plans for the chipmaking giant and hinted at the upcoming layoff on Wednesday, April 30. Lip-Bu Tan highlighted how he plans for the company to focus on its operations on its engineering works, which are creating unnecessary bureaucracy that is slowing down the firm.

Ive been surprised to learn that, in recent years, the most important KPI for many managers at Intel has been the size of their teams. Going forward, this will not be the case, said the Intel CEO in an official statement.

The upcoming restructuring operation will be the first since Lip-Bu Tan took charge of the firm as the new CEO. Lip-Bu Tan is aiming to make the company lean which is likely to help them save time and energy spent on internal administrative work rather than taking the business forward.

There is no way around the fact that these critical changes will reduce the size of our workforce, he said.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing people aware of the development on April 23, Intel is preparing to lay off more than 20 per cent of its staff to reduce bureaucracy in the struggling company.
(Bloomberg) -- After months of public pressure, OpenAI walked back part of its effort to create a more conventional for-profit company, but its restructuring plans still have not received the blessing of a major stakeholder: Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft, which has invested $13.75 billion in the startup, remains the biggest holdout among investors as the ChatGPT maker tries to restructure, according to several people familiar with the matter. The software giant wants to make sure that any changes to OpenAIs structure adequately protect Microsofts investment, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. Microsoft is still actively negotiating details of OpenAIs proposal, the people said.

Microsoft declined to comment. In a statement, OpenAI said: We continue to work closely with Microsoft, and look forward to finalizing the details of this recapitalization in the near future.

OpenAI said Monday that its moving forward with an effort to restructure its for-profit division as a public benefit corporation, but changed its plans so that the overall business will instead remain under the control of its nonprofit  effectively maintaining the contours of how the company is currently set up.

Microsoft isnt the only party that OpenAI needs buy-in from. The state attorneys general of California and Delaware are responsible for overseeing the conversion. OpenAI needs to do a fair market valuation on the nonprofits stake in the future for-profit entity and is asking state AGs for input.

In a letter to employees, OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said the decision to maintain the nonprofits control followed discussions with civic leaders and the offices of the state attorneys general. We look forward to advancing the details of this plan in continued conversation with them, Microsoft, and our newly appointed nonprofit commissioners, Altman said.

A simplified for-profit structure is considered more attractive to investors, but on a call with reporters, Altman said the revised approach would still accomplish the same aim  even with the nonprofit in control. With the proposed structure, Altman specifically said SoftBank Group Corp. is prepared to move forward with its full $30 billion investment as part of a recently announced funding round.

But Microsofts approval will be key. Only OpenAI insiders, Microsoft and other early investors currently have a direct say in approving the restructure, according to two people. As a result, only that group gets to weigh in on the restructuring plan, the people said. But among investors, OpenAI is currently only negotiating with Microsoft, one person said.

Microsoft also has a unique relationship with OpenAI, compared with other investors, because of its licensing and revenue sharing agreements with the startup. Microsoft is currently negotiating those aspects of the contract, along with its equity stake and other issues, according to one person familiar with the discussions.

In addition to winning over Microsoft and state officials, OpenAI is also battling a legal challenge over the restructure from billionaire Elon Musk.

Musk, an OpenAI co-founder, previously asked a judge to block OpenAI from becoming a for-profit business. The judge rejected Musks request but has allowed parts of his lawsuit to proceed. Musk also made an unsolicited and unsuccessful $97.4 billion bid to buy the assets of the nonprofit that controls OpenAI.

OpenAI has said Musk is trying to slow it down to benefit his rival AI startup. Marc Toberoff, an attorney for Musk, did not respond to a request for comment about OpenAIs updated plans.

--With assistance from Brody Ford.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- For much of the past year, OpenAI has been pushing ahead with a complicated effort to turn itself from a nonprofit into a more conventional moneymaking business that would be more appealing to investors  and doing so over heated objections from former employees, academics and rivals, including Elon Musk.

But on Monday, OpenAI bowed to public pressure and partly walked back its proposed corporate conversion. While the company still intends to make changes to its for-profit arm to be more investor-friendly, the nonprofit will maintain control of the overall business, effectively preserving the way it currently operates.

The revised plan is not a done deal, however, and it remains unclear whether OpenAIs concession will be enough to appease critics, state regulators and investors, not all of whom have the same priorities. Any further uncertainty risks slowing down the company and unnerving stakeholders at a time when OpenAI faces heightened competition in the US and China.

As Bloomberg News reported late Monday, OpenAI has so far not received the blessing of a major stakeholder: Microsoft. The software giant wants to make sure that any changes to OpenAIs structure adequately protect Microsofts $13.75 billion investment, according to several people familiar with the matter. The two companies are still actively negotiating the details.

Meanwhile, Musk, who co-founded OpenAI a decade ago, appears intent on continuing his legal crusade against the company for allegedly betraying its founding mission to develop AI to benefit all people. Marc Toberoff, Musks lead counsel in pending litigation against OpenAI, said the updated approach changes nothing. In response, OpenAI said the fact that Musk, who runs a rival AI startup, is continuing with his baseless lawsuit only proves that it was always a bad-faith attempt to slow us down.

OpenAI also needs buy-in from the state attorneys general of California and Delaware. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the states Department of Justice is reviewing the new proposed plan, while Delawares Kathy Jennings said she is encouraged by OpenAIs changes. I intend to review it for compliance with Delaware law by ensuring that it accords with OpenAIs charitable purpose and that the non-profit entity retains appropriate control over the for-profit entity, she said.

For OpenAI, the original proposed restructuring was the culmination of a decade-long evolution from being a nonprofit research lab to a global corporation with a growing suite of AI software thats projected to bring in $12.7 billion in revenue this year. It also reflected the fact that OpenAIs path to building better AI was far more costly than expected, requiring the startup to raise tens of billions of dollars in funding.

We didnt quite understand when we started how much of fulfilling our mission was going to be about putting AI tools in the hands of people, OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said on a press call Monday. The new structure, he said, allows OpenAI to act like a normal company when necessary to serve that mission.

As it tries to pull off a corporate transition, OpenAI has to weigh potentially competing interests from investors who are eager to maximize their returns and safety advocates concerned about the company prioritizing profits and commercialization above all else. State officials, meanwhile, are focusing on whether OpenAI provided the nonprofit with fair value for its stake in the for-profit entity.

In a letter to employees, Altman said the decision to keep the nonprofit in control followed discussions with civic leaders and the offices of the state attorneys general. We look forward to advancing the details of this plan in continued conversation with them, Microsoft, and our newly appointed nonprofit commissioners, Altman said.

A simplified for-profit structure is considered more attractive to investors. Instead, OpenAI is taking a different approach with the hope of achieving the same aim. The company is converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation  an entity free to pursue income but with the goal of bettering society  and removing a cap on the financial returns its investors can earn. Previously, any returns that investors made above a certain threshold  100 times the initial investment for OpenAIs first round of investors  would go toward the nonprofit.

As we were looking at various options, we definitely wanted something that works for investors, or at least works well enough for investors that theyre happy to continue to fund us to the degree we think we will need, Altman said. With the changes, SoftBank Group Corp. is prepared to move forward with its full $30 billion investment in OpenAI as part of a recently announced funding round, Altman said.

Less clear at the moment is what stake the nonprofit will ultimately have in the for-profit and how that stake will be valued. In a blog post, OpenAI said only that the nonprofit would be a large shareholder in the public benefit corporation. Its also unclear if Altman, who famously holds no equity in OpenAI, will receive some in the new structure. A person familiar with the matter said there have been no changes or active discussions on the matter.

The governance structure is a work in progress, too. Under the new plan, the nonprofit will have a separate board from the for-profit, but both will initially be made up with the nonprofits current directors. Over time, the nonprofit will be able to select board members for the for-profit.

But its still being determined whether the nonprofit will be able to fire OpenAIs for-profit directors or executives, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. Thats a crucial detail, given it was a prior incarnation of the nonprofit board that briefly ousted Altman as CEO more than a year ago.

Todor Markov, a former OpenAI employee who now works at rival Anthropic and previously signed onto an amicus brief in Musks case against OpenAI criticizing the restructuring, said the plan for the nonprofits continued control is a win for responsible AI development, but the details matter.We need strong guardrails, not just good intentions, Markov said in a statement. Well be watching closely to ensure this control remains more than just words on paper.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Maharashtra's Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Akhil Chitre, in a letter to the Mumbai Police, has raised concerns over the rising number of safety issues and complaints related to delivery personnel employed by online food delivery and quick commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto, reported News18.

Chitre, in his letter, cited multiple incidents of sexual harassment, theft, impersonation, and even murder, and demanded immediate regulatory action to ensure public safety.

If companies fail to comply, they must be held responsible for crimes committed by the delivery agents they have employed or hired, said the political leader in his letter cited by the news portal.

Akhil Chitre leads the IT, Electronics, and Communication Wing of the Shiv Sena (UBT). He also reportedly mentioned that these quick commerce and food delivery platforms provide convenience. However, they are also responsible for many fraud and criminal activities.

Chitre called for a mandate which makes all delivery agents register themselves, with strict background checks and clear accountability from the platforms which employ them.

What are the recommendations? The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also recommended enforcing standard uniforms and visible identification cards to prevent impersonation using a helmet or mask to ensure the safety of the people, according to the news portal's report.

He also said that standardised training in traffic rules and emergency response, along with customer etiquette training, is needed. In his letter, Chitre asked for a dedicated helpline number to report safety concerns, especially for female customers, some of whom have reported inappropriate behaviour from the delivery personnel.

We cannot ignore these growing threats to public safety, if this doesnt get stopped now, it may lead to bigger crime further, said Chitre in his letter, according to the report.

Unethical Practices In the letter, the politician also pointed out the unethical practices carried out by companies and restaurants which accept payment from non-operational restaurants, and are responsible for refund processing delays, etc.

Akhil Chitre also highlighted the lack of transparency regarding food sources and overall hygiene standards. He also emphasised that companies like Swiggy have no functional office or grievance redressal setup in Maharashtra despite having a huge customer base.
Bollywood movies provide mass entertainment. They may even carry a social message. Rarely do they touch on macroeconomic issues. But looking at them through an economic lens gives surprisingly accurate insights about Indias development journey.

Consider three movies made and released roughly a decade apart: Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD, 2011) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (KGHK, 2023). They have much in common. Each is a coming-of-age story. The plots are simple: three friends, all in their twenties, navigate career choices, relationships and life goals on the way to adulthood. The main characters are urban, educated, and upper-middle class or richer. They represent a tiny fraction of India, with the luxury of life choices and the time and energy to ponder over them. This three-movie arc, spanning two-and-a-half decades, captures the changing aspirations of Indias educated, well-off, urban youth.

Also read | Key trends in charts: How the US is performing under Trump

The biggest shift captured by the films is the transformation of the job market between 2001 and 2023. In Dil Chahta Hai, two of the leads join family businesses in computers and exports, while the third is an artist. This mirrors the actual growth drivers of that time: information technology and exports. The steep growth in software development outsourcing in the mid-90s perfectly matched Indias pool of low-cost, educated youngsters.

Most jobs required limited training, and institutes such as NIIT mushroomed to provide computer classes" to students desperate to ride the technology boom. At the same time, trade liberalisation and rupee devaluation pushed up exports, including IT exports. Job creation in exports was strong in the early years  at its peak in 2008, the sector generated 77 million jobs.

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The optimism of the first post-liberalisation decade continued until 2008, with industry, construction, and financial/professional services growing at a robust pace. Fittingly, the ZNMD trio included an ad agency copywriter, a financial broker, and a businessman in the construction industry. Two of the three were salaried employees in the service sectora shift from the usual Bollywood depiction of the wealthy as businessmen. Again, this was very representative of changing trends: strong economic growth coupled with a rush of multinationals into India ensured high double-digit salary increases for qualified professionals.

In fact, an international first job was highly possible for top talent: the number of overseas postings in the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabads graduating class increased from 26 in 2011 to 40 in 2012. The fact that the financial broker in ZNMD lived and worked in London reflected this trend.

The 2011 young Indian professional was confident, well-travelled and at home in the world. In Dil Chahta Hai, the friends took a road trip to Goa; the plot of ZNMD unraveled during a holiday in Spain. The takeaway? By 2011, more Indians could afford to take European holidays. Data backs this inference: in 2007, the World Bank upgraded India's status from a low-income country to a middle-income one. The dividing line is around $1,000 per capita income (based on gross national income), but it took almost two decades after economic reforms to get there.

Fast forward to 2023. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, entered the workforce. On one hand, there was a shortage of formal sector jobs; on the other, several new earning opportunities emerged. Consider the professions of the characters in Kho Gaye Hum Kahanstand-up comic, personal fitness trainer, influencer, photographer, and corporate consultant. More than half of these jobs were unheard of a decade ago; only one counts as salaried employment.

Also read | In 5 charts: A month of reciprocal tariff chaos

This reflects the rise of two new ecosystems: the gig and platform economy, and online content creation. Peole in both sectors rely heavily on social media networks to find work, advertise talent, and promote accomplishments. Neither offers guaranteed or regular pay, but the lure of being ones own boss, while shaping conversations and trends, is irresistible.

That may explain the rapid growth in the number of influencers (over 4 million by the end of 2024) and gig workers (12.7 million in 2024-25). These new-age gigs are not just for the urban elite: digital technology and internet penetration have made them accessible to everyone. All one needs to become an influencer is a smartphone and an idea: the growth of heartland influencers" proves the popularity of regional content.

A fun way to describe Indias changing job landscape is through the titles of the three movies. Dil Chahta Hai  'The Heart Desires'  represented a time when the young aspired for better lives in newly opened India. ZNMD'You Won't Get This Life Again'captured a time of strong economic growth, when they enjoyed prosperity. KGHK'Where have we lost ourselves?'is the question to ask as Gen Zs look for work that provides purpose as well as a livelihood.

Also read | In charts: Indias tourism sector stands at a crossroads

This is a bit of an oversimplification, but the point is to emphasise the urgent need to create jobs. The recent announcement of a $1-billion government fund to support creators is a timely idea, but it is too early to assess its impact. Meanwhile, it should be remembered that India has 377 million Gen Zsmore than the population of the US. And the young are a demographic dividend only when they're productive.

The author is an independent writer in economics and finance.
New Delhi: India is likely to gallop past Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy in 2025, the International Monetary Funds (IMF) April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) has projected, with Germany next in its sights for the third position.

The IMF projects Indias nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to rise to $4.187 trillion in 2025, pulling ahead of Japans estimated $4.186 trillion by a whisker.

This shift would mark a significant milestone in Indias economic ascent, underscoring its resilience and sustained growth momentum amid global uncertainties.

Despite the rise, India will continue to trail behind the US and China, the worlds two largest economies, that are expected to report GDPs of $30.51 trillion and $19.23 trillion, respectively, in 2025.

Germany is forecast to maintain a lead over India with a nominal GDP of $4.74 trillion this year.

In 2024, India ranked fifth globally with a GDP of $3.9 trillion, compared to Japans $4.1 trillion.

The projected shift in 2025 reflects Indias rapid economic expansion and the relative stagnation of Japans economy, which has faced demographic and structural challenges in recent years.

Indias rise in the global economic rankings reflects its long-term growth potential, underpinned by robust domestic demand, a favourable demographic profile, and structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing the investment climate, the IMF said.

However, recent data suggests a moderation in momentum. After clocking an impressive 8.2% GDP growth in FY24up from 7% in FY23economic expansion has slowed in recent quarters.

In the third quarter of FY25, Indias GDP grew by 6.2%, an improvement from 5.6% in the previous quarter.

Still, the pace leaves a challenging path to meet the National Statistical Offices revised full-year growth target of 6.5%.

Interestingly, the IMF's latest World Economic Outlook has lowered Indias growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.2%, down from its earlier projection of 6.5%.

The downgrade comes amid a broader cut in global trade forecasts, driven by mounting concerns over the ongoing US tariff war.

Similar downward revisions have recently been issued by the Asian Development Bank, Moodys Analytics and S&P Global.

In April, the US imposed a 27% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, citing Indias average 52% duty on US imports, as part of efforts to address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries.

Though the tariff was reduced to 10% on 9 April, offering temporary relief for three months to India and other partners, it continues to strain trade dynamics and disrupt currency stability and capital flows.

Trade policy uncertainty is a significant factor dampening the global economic outlook, with increased unpredictability surrounding market access, leading many firms to pause investment and reduce purchases, IMF's economic counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said addressing the media last month.
Cheaper chocolates, salmon and Scotch whiskey from the UK are on the way, with New Delhi and London agreeing to slash tariffs on a wide range of items. The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) that concluded on Tuesday after three years of tough negotiations also eases the movement of skilled workers, settles the contentious issue of carbon tax, and opens up a large market for Indian exporters.

Indian businesses expected to benefit the most from zero-duty access to the UK include textiles, footwear, carpets, cars, and marine products, which currently face tariffs of 4% to 16%. The FTA promises to unlock major economic gains for India by eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, covering nearly 100% of the trade value, as the two countries aim to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The deal is an early win for India, which is also pursuing similar trade pacts with the US and the EU. It opens the door to substantial export growth in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewellery, which employ millions and are crucial to Indias job creation efforts.

Also read | India-New Zealand FTA talks kick off Monday

"Beyond merchandise trade, the pact will provide a significant boost to Indias services sector, enhancing market access for IT and ITES sectors, financial and professional services, business consulting, and education-related services," a senior government official said, citing the FTA documents. The final papers of the agreement have not been released yet.

Phased cuts UK said its tariffs on Indian whisky and gin will be reduced in phasesfrom the current 150% to 75% initially, and then further down to 40% by the tenth year of the agreement. Similarly, automotive tariffs will be brought down from over 100% to 10% under a defined quota system. Mint had first reported this on 14 August, 2024. It said London will drop barriers to trade under the FTA, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on a wide range of products including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, making British exports more competitive. Based on 2022 trade levels, this translates to tariff cuts worth over 400 million when the deal takes effect, rising to around 900 million over the next 10 years.

The FTA strengthens Indias economic and people-to-people ties with the UK, particularly by easing mobility for Indian professionals and skilled workers. A major win is a provision allowing Indian employees working in the UK to be exempt from social security payments for up to three years, easing cost burdens and encouraging cross-border talent exchange. Mint had first reported on this on 21 May, 2024.

The deal also includes commitments on transparent regulations, simplified procedures, and mutual recognition of standardscrucial steps to secure fair access for Indian exporters in the UK market.

Read this | India, EU discuss textile duty relief in exchange for whisky concessions under FTA

These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in (both) our economies," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X. The FTA is fantastic news for British business, British workers, and British shoppers," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

Easing mobility India and the UK had been discussing the contours of the free trade agreement since January 2022.

According to the official cited earlier, the agreement eases mobility for a wide range of professionals, including contractual service suppliers, business visitors, investors, and intra-corporate transferees. It also extends work rights to partners and dependent children of such transferees.

Ajay Srivastava, founder of Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said the litmus test of the India-UK FTA will be with the treatment of the UKs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). If Indian exports still face CBAM levies while UK goods enter India duty-free, it risks turning a balanced FTA into a one-sided bargain, he said. The UKs proposed carbon tax is set to roll out in 2027.

India's apparel sector stands to gain significantly. The UK imports about $19 billion worth of apparel annually, with China accounting for 21%, Bangladesh 18%, and India just 5-5.5%, or around $1 billion. If India can double its share to 10%, thats over $1 billion in additional exports. Even with current duty disadvantages, India is already a preferred sourcing hub for UK buyers. The duty concessions under the FTA will enhance our competitivenessespecially against Bangladeshallowing us to capture a greater market share from both Bangladesh and China, said Prabhu Dhamodharan, convenor of the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF).

Read this | Trump brandishes tariffs, but India and UK are back talking trade

The UK remains a pivotal market for Indias gems and jewellery sector, with exports reaching $941 million and imports from the UK at $2.7 billion in 2024. This FTA would help in accelerating our export growth, with projections indicating a rise to $2.5 billion within the next two years. As a result, total bilateral trade in gems and jewellery is expected to double to $7 billion, said Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

Liquor sector One sector was predictably gloomy.

Though FTA details are still awaited, from what information we have gathered, it seems that the government has not fully heeded to the pleas of the Indian alcoholic beverage industry, said Anant S. Iyer, director general of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies. We have consistently called for a level playing field for Indian producers. We sincerely hope the agreement includes a minimum import price (MIP) to prevent dumping and under-invoicing, along with the removal of non-tariff barriers to ensure fair international market access for Indian alcoholic beverages, he said.

The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) felt differently.

ISWAI and its members welcome the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as a landmark development for the alcobev sector," CEO Sanjit Padhi said. "The reduction in tariffs offers significant strategic benefits for both countries. Indias increasingly aspirational and discerning consumers will now have access to premium international brands at more accessible prices," he said.

India has also secured strong commitments on digitally delivered services under the FTA, particularly benefiting Indian service suppliers in high-demand sectors like architecture, engineering, computer-related services, and telecommunications, the official cited earlier said. India has also ensured that non-tariff barriers are addressed under the agreement to prevent unjustified restrictions on Indian exports.

Game-changer Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said the India-UK FTA set a new benchmark for equitable and ambitious trade between two large economies. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal called it a "game-changer", adding it is the most comprehensive FTA India has ever entered into, and "will set the gold standard for our future trade engagements."

Under the FTA, several agricultural and processed food products will see duties reduced to zero. For animal products, which are currently subject to duties of up to 20%, 99.3% of tariff lines will be exempt from duties. Similarly, vegetable and oil products, which also face duties of up to 20%, will benefit from 99.8% of tariff lines being reduced to zero duty. Processed food products, which can face duties as high as 70%, will see 99.7% of tariff lines brought down to zero duty. This reduction is expected to significantly enhance Indias export competitiveness in these sectors.

There are several industrial goods that will benefit from zero duty. These include minerals, chemicals, and plastics, all previously subject to duties up to 8%, as well as leather and footwear (up to 16%), wood and paper (up to 10%), and textiles and clothing (up to 12%). Additionally, headgear, glass, ceramics, and gems and jewellery, previously facing duties up to 12% and 4%, respectively, will also enjoy zero duty.

Other products like base metals, mechanical machinery, electrical machinery, and transport/auto goods, with duties up to 18%, will also see duty elimination. Zero duty applies to instruments, clocks, arms, ammunition, furniture, sports goods, and works of art as well.
India and the United Kingdom, on Tuesday, May 6, decided on a landmark free trade agreement. The deal between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies has been concluded after three years of stop-start negotiations.

The free trade agreement is expected to increase trade between the two countries by 25.5 billion pounds, and also be beneficial for the British economy and wages.

India will cut its automotive tariffs to 10 per cent from its current level of more than 100 per cent, as per the report.

Also Read | India concludes landmark free trade agreement with the UK

Apart from automotive tariffs on imports into India, the trade agreement also states that India will slash its import duties for UK goods, including whisky, gin, cosmetics and medical devices.

The import tariffs on whisky and gin are set to be halved to 75 per cent.

In exchange for India cutting its tariffs on imports, the United Kingdom has also agreed to cut tariffs on clothes, footwear and food products, including frozen prawns from India.

Also Read | Britain and India clinch landmark trade deal in shadow of Trump's tariffs

Trade deal talks India and the UK's free trade agreement comes amid the ongoing tensions over US President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, which have resulted in a trade war between the United States and other world nations. The trade deal talks have been going on for a while; however, the negotiations were relaunched in February 2025, after Trump started threatening about the US import duty hikes.

Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India  one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business, said the UK PM Keir Starmer in an official statement cited by the news agency.

Starmer's Labour Party also said this deal with India marks the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal since the UK left the European Union.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that these landmark agreements with the UK will further deepen the trade and investment relations with the two nations.
Mumbai (Mahrashtra) [India], May 6 (ANI): Actor Ajaz Khan has been booked by the Mumbai police after a woman filed a complaint in which she has accused him of rape.

Police said that they were unable to contact the actor as his phone had been "switched off" since the filing of the FIR at Charkop Police Station.

According to Mumbai Police, the actor Ajaz Khan has not been in "contact" with the police ever since the FIR was filed against him for allgedly raping an actress.

"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 the Police. The Police reached him, but he was not present there. Police are searching for him," said Mumbai Police.

Ajaz Khan is no stranger to controversy. He has found himself at the centre 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.

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.
The world's richest actor hasnt faced the camera for last three years, but his fortune continues to soar. In fact, he is not as popular as Tom Cruise, Jerry Seinfeld, Dwayne Johnson or Shah Rukh Khan. Earlier, Forbes dropped its list of billionaires in the world for 2025 and revealed the realist actor in the world.

Worlds richest actor According to Forbes, Tyler Perry is the world's richest actor in 2025.

The actor, filmmaker has a net worth of $1.4 billion at 55 as per Forbes.

With the massive net worth, he outranks other popular actors including Jerry Seinfeld ($1.1 billion), Tom Cruise ($800 million), Shah Rukh Khan ($770 million), and Dwayne Johnson ($700 million).

Tyler Perry's earnings Tyler Perry has written, produced and acted in several films, shows and plays. However, his most successful franchise is the Madea franchise. While he is not best known for any global hit, the series grossed over $660 million worldwide.

As per Forbes, Perry's wealth comes both from his cut as a producer and from a library dating back to the early 1990s: he owns 100% of the content he's created. In 2019, he opened Tyler Perry Studios, a 330-acre property in Atlanta with 12 sound stages and custom sets that include a to-scale White House.

Beyond this, Tyler Perry also ventured into smart business investments that added significant weight to his financial empire. The magazine also mentioned, After seven years creating content for Oprah Winfrey's OWN, Perry struck a similar deal with Viacom in 2019, getting 25% of streaming service BET+.

Tyler Perry in Forbes Billionaires list Perry took the joint 2356th spot in the Forbes list of billionaires, which featured 3000 billionaires across the globe.

Tyler Perry's upcoming works Tyler Perry was last seen as an actor in the 2002 film A Madea Homecoming, based around the titular character. He also served as the writer, director and executive producer of the show.

Since then, he has not acted in films, though he continued to back them as a filmmaker. Among them were A Jazzman's Blues, Mea Culpa, Divorce in the Black and The Six Triple Eight.

His recent work as a director, producer and writer was Amazon Prime Video's Duplicity.
When Germanys parliament votes to make Friedrich Merz chancellor on Tuesday, he will face a task that is as simple to describe as it is hard to pull off: to restore his countrys leadership in Europe.

For this, the 69-year old conservative will have to achieve three central objectives, some of which could clash with one another: repair relations with neighbors and forge a rapport with President Trump; end a slow-burn immigration crisis that has poisoned European politics; and restart an economy that has become Europes growth laggard.

From his staffing choices to his travel schedule, Merz has telegraphed that foreign policy will be a key priority. He has put a loyalist in charge of the foreign ministry and set up the first ever National Security Council within the chancellery. The new government, he told journalists on Monday, will make itself heard in Europe and in the world."

Merz is signaling that he wants to lead in Europe," said Henning Hoff, an analyst and executive editor of Internationale Politik Quarterly, an English-language foreign policy magazine. Thats a change from [his predecessor] Olaf Scholz," who was more focused on domestic politics.

Merzs Christian Democratic Union won the election in February and, within hours of taking office on Tuesday, he will be on his way to Paris for his first official visit. The trip is a well-established tradition for newly minted chancellors, but Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are well-acquainted after meeting twice this year for extended talks.

The duo will be key to forging a common European line toward Trump on issues ranging from security to trade. Topics for discussion in Paris on Wednesday include a possible extension of the French nuclear umbrella to Germany, future European assistance to Ukraine and Europes response to Trumps tariff threats, according to aides.

Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron after dining at Frances embassy in Berlin in March.

French and German interests arent entirely aligned, but analysts think Merz and Macron can strike mutually advantageous compromises. One possible quid pro quo, said Hoff, could see part of the cost of extending the French nuclear umbrella to Germanyfunded by joint European borrowing," something Germany has always opposed.

German-U.S. relations have deteriorated rapidly since Trumps election. Elon Musk called for German voters to back the far-right AfD in this years election, while Vice President JD Vance chastised Germanys centrist parties for ostracizing the group.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in February, Merz bristled at Musks AfD endorsement. Hours after his election, he pledged to make Germany more independent of the U.S.

The mood plumbed a new low on Friday when Germanys domestic intelligence agency said it had classified the AfD as a far-right extremist organization, a decision Secretary of State Marco Rubio described on X as tyranny in disguise."

Continued U.S. support for the AfD could make any U.S.-German rapprochement impossible. Yet aides to Merz, who has defended trans-Atlantic positions for most of his career, say he wants the U.S. to remain as engaged as possible in Europe even as he plans for what many experts see as the inevitability of Americas partial pullback.

After Paris, Merz will fly to Poland and he is expected to visit Ukraine in the next few days. One of Merzs most closely watched foreign-policy decisions will be whether he delivers on his suggestion last month that he might supply Kyiv with Taurus long-range missiles, which Ukraine has long requested but Scholz never authorized.

A Taurus missile on display near Berlin last year.

The missile has the range and precision to destroy key Russian infrastructure behind the front-line that other weapons in Kyivs arsenal cant reach. Its delivery may not alter the course of the war, but it could strengthen Kyivs hand and help bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, according to people familiar with Merzs thinking.

One key Merz goal that may clash with his foreign-policy objectives is his pledge to crack down on immigration on day one. Merzs designated chief of staff, Thorsten Frei, said last week the countrys border police would start turning back undocumented migrants including asylum seekers on day one of the government taking office. Merz told a television interview last month that he aimed to bring the number of asylum claims below 100,000 a yearless than half the 2024 level.

Germany, with its generous welfare state, has been a magnet for migrants and is by far the main European destination for asylum seekers. Stefan Marschall, professor of political science at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, said such a drop in arrivals could cap the rise in support for anti-immigration populists in the region.

Germanys neighbors have reacted with alarm, however. Poland and Austria have complained that pushing back asylum seekers would breach European Union law while intensive border controls could harm trade and penalize commuters across the border.

Some countries that have served as transit points for migrants on their way to Germany fear being stuck with the newcomers if Berlin shuts the door. Merzs allies counter that EU rules compelling refugees to claim asylum in their first port of entry into the bloc arent being enforced.

German police officers at a border crossing with Austria earlier this year.

Merzs third immediate priorityfixing the economycould take longer to pull off. Germanys export-reliant economy has barely grown since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and most economists expect the economy to stagnate this year after two years of recession.

Merzs designated coalition pushed a constitutional amendment through parliament just after the election that lifted all fiscal spending limits for defense expenditures and created a 500 billion, equivalent to $565.8 billion, infrastructure fund. Together, these measures could result in about $1 trillion in extra spending over the next decadea massive boost for the economy.

Much of this is unlikely to be disbursed this year, however, and the spending will need to be accompanied by regulatory changesexpedited defense procurement rules and infrastructure planning procedures, for instance. Beyond a cut in electricity levies and network charges, there is little in the new governments plans that could boost consumption in the short term.

Were not just dealing with a cyclical downturn but mainly with low investment levels that are structural in nature," said Yannick Bury, a conservative lawmaker and trained economist. And thats why were particularly focused on structural measures to address this specific weakness."

Germanys embattled economy showed some green shoots at the start of the year, including slightly higher-than-expected growth in the first quarter and an uptick in business sentiment. Still, as long as the threat of Trumps tariffs persist, Germanys growth prospects will stay grim.

Whether we can post positive growth this year wont primarily depend on what fiscal measures we manage to implement," said Bury. It will depend mainly on what happens on the tariff front."

Write to Bertrand Benoit at bertrand.benoit@wsj.com
TEL AVIVFrom the beginning of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, officials have said the military wouldnt occupy the Gaza Strip. Eighteen months later, the government has approved plans to do exactly that.

On Monday, Israels government approved a new war plan that includes seizing and holding territory in Gaza, a move that could expose Israel to additional legal requirements toward the civilian population and risk ensnaring the military in a long-term quagmire.

Many of Israels most senior wartime leaders have warned against occupying territory, fearing Israel would be stuck in Gaza without any way of installing a local government to replace Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that there was no Palestinian alternative ready to take control over the enclave.

Israels initial war plans aimed to push out Hamas with an intense ground invasion and then use targeted raids to clear out remaining insurgents. But Israels new strategic shift dovetails with expert opinions that it is hard to mount a successful counterinsurgency without a full occupation.

It was clear from the beginning of the military campaign that the only way to eradicate Hamas, militarily and governmentally, is to take over Gaza and to conquer the area and destroy them," said Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum think tank and a former deputy commander of Israels forces in Gaza.

The new plan also includes moving most of Gazas population to an area cleared of militants and weakening Hamass grip by taking control of aid distribution.

Israel will begin the new offensive gradually over the next two weeks hoping to pressure Hamas into a cease-fire and hostage-release deal before President Trump visits the region next month, officials familiar with the plan said.

Israeli military experts dont believe the current plans mark a return to the 38-year occupation of the Gaza Strip that ended in 2005, when Israel unilaterally pulled out its forces. But many foresee a risk of being dragged into another long period of control.

Theres no intention to hold this territory forever, theres a desire to create operational control," said Yaron Buskila, a lieutenant colonel in Israels military reserves and chief executive of the Israel Defense and Security Forum. Operational control means you conquer territory and create military operational control so you can reach any point in the area, such that you make a terror group ineffective."

Occupying Gaza opens up a new host of challenges for Israel. Its reservist army is exhausted after 18 months of war. The new war plans will require tens of thousands of soldiers. If positioned to hold territory, they will become targets for militants.

The downside of this method is that youre static," Buskila said. Your enemy can very quickly learn about you and hurt you."

Holding territory could also burden Israel with new legal responsibilities toward Palestinians. The Geneva Conventions define an occupying power as one that has effective control of a territory, determined primarily by whether the original government is unable to exercise authority and whether the occupier is able to do so.

Under the conventions, occupation is meant to be temporary and the occupying power isnt supposed to annex any part of the area. The occupier is forbidden from displacing the population, either by forcing them abroad or moving them within the territory. It is also required to administer the territory for the benefit of the population.

That means that as an occupier, Israel would be obliged to provide food, medical care, shelter, law and order, a functioning justice system and other services.

Members of Israels security forces intervened at a protest against the Israeli government in Jerusalem on Monday.

Israel so far has argued it isnt an occupier in Gaza, because its presence has been mostly temporary and Hamas could still exercise governmental authority.

Israel points to the most widely accepted understanding of the law, which requires both physical presence and the capacity to operate as a governmental authority to the exclusion of Hamas," said Ben Wahlhaus, a former international lawyer for the Israeli military.

According to Janina Dill, a professor of global security at the University of Oxford, the new military plan would leave Israel little room to deny that it is an occupying power. The international consensus is that Israel already has been an occupier to some degree. Organizations including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross already describe Israel as occupier, arguing it has maintained effective control of the enclave, including over most access points.

Theres a sliding scalethe more effective control you have, the more responsibility you have," Dill said. Israel, basically, has bootstrapped itself officially into the status of an occupying power for the whole of Gaza."

Most Israelis oppose the occupation of Gaza, although far-right ministers and their constituents want to rebuild Jewish settlements there.

We are going to occupy the Gaza Strip, finally. We are stopping being afraid of the word occupation," far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in a recorded interview on Monday.

The impact of these new obligations are yet to reverberate in Israel, said Ofer Shelah, a military expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank in Tel Aviv.

Israelis dont feel it right now, but there will be a tipping point once we are committed there," he said.
Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) has secured Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) go-ahead to acquire 51% in private lender Yes Bank, two people aware of the development said.

SMBC will either buy less than 26% in Yes Bank and do a merger through a share swap, or may buy up to 26% and launch an open offer, the people said. At 26% stake, the deal is expected to value Yes Bank at around $1.7 billion. Currently, State Bank of India (SBI) and other lenders hold 33% in Yes Bank. SMBC's voting rights in Yes Bank will becapped at26%.

"RBI has given SMBC the go-ahead for acquiring a majority stake and running Yes Bank," one of the two people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. "This happened a few weeks after SBI and other bank shareholders agreed to sell their stakes in Yes Bank to Sumitomo Mitsui. SMBC will buy up to a 51% stake in Yes Bank at the market price. RBI has to keep every existing stakeholder's interest in mind," the person said, adding SMBC may pay in cash for the initial stake purchased.

The transaction paves an exit path for SBI and other banks brought in to save Yes Bank five years ago, and ushers in a new owner who can help India's sixth-largest private lender compete better with nimble rivals.

Also read | Yes Bank recasts portfolios, four senior execs to leave

SMBC may increase its stake to 51% in phases after acquiring an initial stake, the people cited above said.

Apart from SBI, other Yes Bank shareholders include Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank. All of them will sell some of their shares partly to SMBC in the first round, and the remaining shares in the next rounds, the two people said.

SMBC has appointed JPMorgan and J Sagar Associates as financial and legal advisers for the transaction, a third person said. The Japanese bank declined to comment. Emails to spokespersons of RBI, as well as SBI, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank who own stakes in Yes Bank went unanswered.

"Yes Bank requires a strategic promoter with robust management control to ensure long-term stability and sustainable growth," said Asutosh Mishra, head of research, Ashika Stock Broking Ltd. "An exit for SBI and other major shareholders can only be effectively achieved by bringing in a committed strategic shareholder, which is crucial for the banks enduring strategic stability. In todays competitive and rapidly evolving banking sector, strong promoter leadership is essential to restore market confidence, enhance governance standards, and guide Yes Bank through its next phase of transformation," Mishra added.

Read this | Four years since Yes Banks rescue, RBI greenlights an exit plan for its saviours

Besides SMBC, Japans Mizuho Bank and Emirates NBD were also reported to be in the race to buy Yes Bank.

RBI is also pushing SMBC to set up a wholly owned subsidiary in India, a model which would shield its Indian operations from any crisis the foreign bank may encounter. This also ensures better regulation.

While some of the foreign banks in India operate as local branches of their foreign owners, others banks set up wholly owned subsidiaries for Indian operations, a model preferred by the regulator. Since 2013, foreign banks setting up such subsidiaries are treated on par with local banks, and allowed to acquire Indian banks. Such banks can also open branches more freely.

In 2020, Yes Bank was rescued by a group of banks led by SBI, in an operation supervised by the RBI. This came after the bank fell short of liquidity requirements, and its founder and CEO Rana Kapoor failed to secure the regulators nod to continue. The SMBC transaction gives the bank strategic stability at the time of exit of its shareholders. Yes Bank has been without a promoter since Kapoor's exit in 2019.

Also read | Why this Japanese group is the favourite to win Yes Bank's hand

Various banks collectively hold 33.74% in Yes Bank, including SBI (23.99%), HDFC Bank (2.75%), ICICI Bank (2.39%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (1.21%), and Axis Bank (1.01%). SBI has been looking to sell its shares ever since a three-year lock-in period ended in 2023. SBI had initially acquired a 49% stake in Yes Bank. It has around 1,200 branches and assets worth over 4 trillion.

The SMBC-Yes Bank deal is on similar lines to the stake sale at Catholic Syrian Bank, where RBI allowed a single investor to hold a majority stake with voting rights capped at 26%. The central bank has set this cap to ensure that no single entity gets excessive powers to influence any business decision or block or pass any resolution without the consent of others.

In August 2024, Mint had reported about SMBC's global CEO Akihiro Fukutome's meeting with officials of RBI and SBI.

Earlier, SMBC was not agreeable to the 26% voting cap as it would be treated as a mere portfolio investment on its books, Mint had reported in September 2014.

And read | This Japanese lender's global head is visiting India to discuss buying Yes Bank stake

SMBC, which began its India operations in 2013, has three branches across New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. It has obtained approval for a branch in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Its India offices are supported by an offshore team in Singapore to extend funding support to Indian companies.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC, offering commercial banking, leasing, securities and consumer finance. SMFGs total assets stood at 162 trillion with a net profit of 44,900 crore as on 31 March.

In November 2021, SMFG acquired a 74.9% stake in the non-banking finance company SMFG India Credit Co. (SMICC) from Fullerton Financial Holdings.
The F-35 is a symbol of U.S. military and technological might. It is also reliant for more than 80 parts on a little-known company based in a quiet Danish suburb.

Overall, the jet fighter, made by Lockheed Martin, has more than 1,900 suppliers from about a dozen countries that provide everything from tiny chip boards to the ejector seat.

The F-35s sprawling supply chain is one example of how even the U.S. defense industry, which exports billions of dollars worth of weapons while importing few in return, could be challenged by the Trump administrations sweeping trade policies.

Tariffs are primed to make many of the components and raw materials that go into modern weapons more expensive. Defense companies are now wrestling with the potential impact and have, like other industries, lobbied the White House for exemptions. In the meantime, the Pentagon could end up footing much of the bill.

A tariff-free environment has been instrumental to the [aerospace and defense] industry maintaining one of the largest trade surpluses across American manufacturing industries for decades," said Christopher Calio, chief executive of RTX, which makes the F-35s sensors and engine.

But like many companies in the industry, our supply chain and customer base are global, and we import raw materials, parts and modules from around the world," Calio said on a recent earnings call.

RTX expects to take a $850 million hit from tariffs this year, mainly at two divisions that have large commercial businesses.

Tariffs could also make weapons the U.S. does buy overseas, such as Norwegian and Israeli missiles, more expensive while adding to public pressure on some buyers of American equipment to purchase less.

Poring over contracts

In response to tariffs, defense companies are combing through supplier contracts looking for a provisionreferred to as a Chapter 98that permits duty-free imports if the government has deemed the product emergency war material," said Dak Hardwick of the Aerospace Industries Association, a trade group.

To be sure, some defense companies say tariffs wont have a big impact on their business. Northrop Grumman, for example, said that only 5% of its supply-chain spend is abroad.

Lockheed says it has an approach to mitigate the fallout from tariffs, and that buyers are responsible for cost increases in many of its contracts.

For the vast majority of our external contracts, weve got mechanisms to recover impacts," said Evan Scott, Lockheeds finance chief, on a recent analyst call.

Some members of Congress have called for a defense-related tariff exemption, especially since many goods are supplied by U.S. allies.

We need the appropriate carve-outs that recognize these friendships," said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R., N.D.), a member of the chambers Armed Services Committee. Otherwise, how does the F-35 not become more expensive, it clearly would."

The White House and Department of Defense didnt respond to requests for comment.

A model of an F-35 on display at Lockheed Martins booth at a trade show in Ottawa.

Arms export powerhouse

With a cost of more than $2 trillion over the programs life cycle, the F-35 has already been dubbed the worlds most expensive weapon.

The fighter has been a particularly successful export, with more than 1,100 jets sold to 20 countries since it entered service in 2015, contributing to Americas dominance of the arms trade.

The U.S. accounted for 43% of global weapons exports in the five years ended 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a think tank. The U.S. accounted for about 3% of imports.

Yet the F-35 uses parts from across the world. The program was partly financed by the U.K., Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Denmark, whose companies then won contracts to supply components.

British companies contribute about 15% of the value of each aircraft, according to the U.K. government. Much of that is made in Britain. BAE Systems produces one of the planes fuselages and the pilots control stick in the U.K. Rolls-Royce supplies the technology that allows one variant of the F-35 to take off and land vertically. Even the jets ejector seat is made in Britain.

Australia says its defense industry has secured more than $3.2 billion worth of F-35 contracts, including for components for the jets avionics and propulsion systems.

In Denmark, one company aloneTermasays it has made 30,000 parts for the program so far, including pods that hold the machine gun on some models.

Foreign governments are also increasingly seeking greater involvement in the production of the U.S. equipment they buy, said Doug Berenson, a partner at consulting firm Oliver Wyman.

From July, for instance, Rheinmetall will produce sections of the F-35 fuselage in a German factory. A German facility is also set to manufacture missiles for the Patriot air-defense system, while a Spanish company will provide some components.

Tariffs are having an impact on the parts and raw materials U.S. manufacturers source at home, too.

American defense companies are required to use U.S.-made steel, the price of which has risen sharply this year amid the introduction of tariffs on imports of the metal.

Demand for U.S.-sourced rare-earth elements is also likely to rise after Trump imposed tariffs on goods from China, and Beijing retaliated in part by adding new export controls. Such elements are needed for various weapons, including the F-35.

Lockheed has said it has a stockpile that acts as a buffer in the near term.

Amid the uncertainty, General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic simply declined to answer questions on tariffs on a recent earnings call.

Anything I say on that subject, given our lack of proper knowledge, will almost certainly be wrong," she said.

Write to Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com
JSW Steel Ltds shares have lost 7% after the Supreme Court rejected its insolvency resolution plan for Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd (BPSL), citing gross violation of provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and mala fide intentions on the part of the company. JSW acquired BPSL for 19,700 crore in March 2021, which implied a recovery of about 40% for financial creditors.

As per the courts ruling, JSW is expected to receive its acquisition price, although this could be a long-drawn process.

What are the other implications? BPSL contributed 13% of JSWs consolidated volumes and 10% of Ebitda for the nine months ended December (9MFY25). Its capacity was ramped up to 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by December-end from 2.75 mtpa at the time of acquisition.

The prospects of recovering the investments made towards capacity expansion become uncertain now. As Nuvama Institutional Equities said, In the worst case, our fair value shall be reduced by 11,400 crore ( 47 per share), assuming JSW loses control over BPSL and receives only about 19,700 crore paid to creditors and does not receive even the investment made to expand the capacity from 2.75 mtpa to 4.5 mtpa."

The company could get de-rated as global investors that have an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) mandate may reduce their exposure after the Supreme Courts judgement criticising the conduct of all stakeholders during the IBC process for procedural lapses.

JSWs options

All said, JSW is staring at uncertainty on several grounds. According to Kotak Institutional Equities, one scenario could be that JSW participates in the liquidation process and wins back the asset by paying an incremental 10,000 crore (fair value of asset as on today versus its acquisition price).

Here, the Supreme Court touched upon the issue of whether JSW Steel was a related party as it had bid for a coal mine together with BPSL in 2008. This may create legal hurdles under the IBC provisions. JSW can file a review petition, but the probability of a reversal in the courts stance is low.

Also Read | Do creditor committees in insolvency cases need an oversight body?

How the situation unfolds is crucial, but in the interim, it would act as an overhang on the stock, which had gained 15% in 2025 on strong prospects for Q4FY25, till the judgment. Plus, it does not help that some analysts such as those from Incred said JSWs consensus Ebitda projections for FY26-27 are too optimisticpotentially 30% above realistic levels.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) board of directors on Tuesday recommended a dividend along with its Q4 results. The board of directors of Bank of Baroda recommended a dividend of 8.35 per equity share for the FY2024-25, subject to declaration or approval at the ensuing 29th Annual General Meeting. The bank has also fixed record date for the dividend.

Recommended a dividend at 8.35 (Eight Rupees Thirty Five Paise only) per equity share (Face Value 2/- each fully paid up) for the FY2024-25, said the PSU bank in an exchange filing.

Additionally, the bank has announced that it has set a record/cut-off date of June 6, 2025, for the distribution of dividends. Therefore, shareholders who possess shares as of this cut-off date, June 6, 2025, will be entitled to receive the dividend payment.

Q4 Results BoB announced on Tuesday a 3.3% increase in its standalone net profit for Q4FY25, reaching 5,048 crore, up from 4,886 crore in the corresponding period last year. During the JanuaryMarch quarter, BoB generated 30,642 crore in interest income, reflecting a 3.6% rise from 29,583.40 crore a year earlier.

The state-owned bank reported a 6.6% decrease in net interest income (NII) for the March quarter, amounting to 11,020 crore compared to 11,793 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

Bank of Baroda share price The earnings were announced while the market was open, causing BoB shares to fall by 8% and reach a daily low of 229.76 on the NSE. Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments said that Bank of Baroda shares rejected the neckline resistance of a 103-day-long bullish cup and handle pattern placed at 250.

This rejection has trapped preemptive longs who entered before a confirmed breakout, making the stock look weak. The failure at a key resistance level suggests further downside pressure. The immediate target on the downside is the daily swing low of 219. A breach below that will open the path for a deeper correction towards 190, added Jain.
Yet, much of the stock market's attention remains locked on a few obvious names.

The real opportunity often lies in businesses working under the radar, in companies quietly laying strong foundations, building brand equity, expanding distribution, and deepening customer relationships without much fanfare.

Over the next five years, investors who can identify these silent compounders early may stand to gain significantly.

Here are five such companies that could deliver big as Indias next growth chapter unfolds.

#1 Ethos: Luxury with momentum

Ethos is Indias largest luxury and premium watch retailer, operating 73 boutiques across 26 cities and offering more than 70 top global brands.

Over the years, it has emerged as the preferred retail partner for international watchmakers entering Indiathanks to strong brand relationships and a focus on exclusivity. In 9MFY25, nearly 30% of its revenue came from exclusive brand partnerships, a key edge in a market where authenticity and after-sales service matter deeply.

Ethos isnt stopping at watches. It has expanded into adjacent luxury segments, launching travel accessories under Zero Halliburton and preparing standalone jewellery boutiques for French brand Messika.

In 9MFY25, revenue rose 26% YoY and Ebitda grew 22.8%, even as new store openings put pressure on margins. Same-store sales rose 18.3%, driven by an 11% increase in average selling price.

Read this | Gold, stocks and FPIs: What the market crystal ball foretells for the next three months

Looking ahead, Ethos is aiming for a tenfold increase in revenue over the next decade, backed by deeper brand partnerships, a push into new cities, and growth in its certified pre-owned watch business.

#2 Carysil: Kitchenware going global

Carysil is a leading maker of premium kitchen solutions, offering quartz sinks, stainless steel sinks, faucets, and built-in appliances. With a presence in over 60 countries and subsidiaries in the UK, US, and the United Arab Emirates, the company has steadily positioned itself as a trusted one-stop kitchen brand.

Its domestic network continues to expandnow comprising 3,800+ dealers and 90 distributors. A recent order from Kohler India and anticipated approvals from IKEA for new SKUs are set to boost volumes and plant utilisation from FY26 onwards.

Carysil is also building for the future. Its investing in capacity expansion, streamlining operations, and diversifying into higher-value categories like workstation sinks and smart appliances. A new manufacturing facility is planned adjacent to its current plant to support this next phase of growth.

In 9MFY25, total income rose 24% YoY. Ebitda grew 8.7% and PAT rose 6.6%, with profitability expected to improve as input and freight costs normalise.

The company is targeting a plant utilisation ramp-up from 65% to 80% by FY26, driven by solid order visibility in quartz sinks and traction in its stainless steel sink segment. High-margin product launches, deeper domestic penetration, and a turnaround in overseas subsidiaries remain strategic priorities.

#3 Devyani International: Betting big on QSR boom

Devyani International is one of Indias largest quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, with marquee global brands like KFC, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee under its belt. Its portfolio spans dine-in outlets, delivery-first formats, food courts, and high-street storesacross India and select international markets like Nepal, Nigeria and Thailand.

As of December 2024, the company crossed 2,030 outletshitting its milestone ahead of schedule and reinforcing its long-term expansion thesis.

Devyani holds exclusive rights for Yum Brands KFC and Pizza Hut in select territories, as well as Costa Coffee, giving it a strong brand edge. Its also diversifying into new categories through acquisitions like Sky Gate Hospitality, the parent of Biryani By Kilo, Goila Butter Chicken and The Bhojan.

The company is riding multiple tailwinds: a growing shift toward organised dining, rising disposable incomes, and a consumer preference for branded, standardised food experiences.

Growth is being driven by aggressive expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, scaling up of global operations, and new formats like food courts through a joint venture with PVR INOX. Premiumisation in KFC and Costa Coffee is also underway.

In Q3FY25, consolidated revenue jumped 54% YoYhelped by the Thailand acquisition. Domestic revenue grew 9.6%, primarily from store additions. The Ebitda margin improved sequentially to 10.1%.

Looking ahead, Devyani is focused on driving operational efficiencies and margin recovery in KFC, while taking a calibrated approach to expanding Pizza Hut. The integration of Sky Gate brands could unlock new levers of growth across formats and geographies.

#4 Nuvama Wealth Management: A full-stack financial powerhouse

Nuvama Wealth Management is one of Indias fastest-growing wealth and investment platforms, catering to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. It offers a full-stack model spanning investment advisory, asset management, asset services, and investment bankingpositioning itself as a one-stop financial solutions provider.

Its open-architecture platform is powered by 1,350+ relationship managers and a growing network of external wealth partners, with a footprint across key domestic and offshore markets.

The wealth business benefits from strong client stickiness, a rising share of managed products, and growing annuity-led revenue. Its asset services segment provides a solid base of recurring income, even amid market volatility.

Nuvama is targeting Indias rising wealth: from increasing financialisation of household savings and expanding capital markets, to the formalisation of wealth through regulatory changes and tech-led distribution.

Offshore expansion is a core focuswith platforms in Dubai already live and Singapore in the pipeline. The company is also developing a differentiated offering under Indias new Specialized Investment Fund (SIF) regime.

As of December 2024, client assets rose 36% YoY. In 9MFY25, revenue grew 45% YoY, while operating PAT surged 76%. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 54%. Wealth management AUM grew 38%; private wealth assets rose 24%; asset management AUM crossed 11.3 bn.

On the capital markets side, Nuvama maintained an 18% share of Indias IPO market by value and held a 6.2% market share in institutional equities.

Looking ahead, Nuvama plans to double its relationship manager base over the next 35 years, scale up asset managementboth public and alternativeand strengthen its offshore presence. The company is aiming to quadruple the size of its wealth business over the next five years, underpinned by disciplined execution and Indias rapidly growing wealth pool.

#5 Paras Defence and Space Technologies: Engineering defence future

Paras Defence and Space Technologies is a leading player in Indias growing defence and space manufacturing ecosystem, focused on high-precision, technology-intensive solutions.

It serves strategic sectors through offerings such as missile motor tubes, defence automation systems, space optics, hyperspectral cameras, and electromagnetic pulse protection. Its key customers include defence public sector undertakings (PSUs), space agencies, and research organisations.

Paras has been deepening its expertise in optics and optronicscritical technologies for future warfare, autonomous systems, and satellite-based surveillance. These high-value segments are expected to anchor its long-term growth.

The company is also a direct beneficiary of Indias push for indigenisation in defence procurement and rising capex allocations to domestic players.

In a landmark move, Paras announced a 120 billion investment to set up Indias first dedicated Optics Park in Maharashtra. This greenfield facility, expected to begin production in 2028, will develop core technologies including silicon and germanium crystal growth, MEMS sensors, and advanced laser systemscatering to both defence and civilian markets.

In 9MFY25, revenue from operations rose 46% YoY, while profit before tax doubled. A successful qualified institutional placement (QIP) in Q3FY25 has further strengthened the balance sheet ahead of its upcoming capex cycle.

Looking forward, Paras Defence is focused on scaling exports, increasing private-sector revenue contribution, and expanding its high-margin optics business. With large addressable markets and long-term tailwinds, it is positioning itself as a key player in Indias strategic autonomy ambitions.

Conclusion

Identifying companies on the verge of transformation requires more than tracking headlinesit calls for a clear understanding of what drives scalable growth and the patience to stay invested through cycles of volatility.

But strong external tailwinds alone arent enough. Ultimately, long-term success hinges on disciplined execution, competitive positioning, and quality of leadership.

Also read | Shareholding moves in Q4: Retail investors chased beaten down stocks

Investors should carefully assess their risk appetite, time horizon, and portfolio fit before making any decisions. Sustainable wealth creation is less about chasing momentumand more about backing the right businesses with conviction and clarity.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Iware Supplychain Services IPO Listing: Iware Supplychain Services made a weak debut on the NSE SME platform on Tuesday, May 6, listing at 85 per share  a 10.52% discount to its issue price of 95.

Despite weak listing, the stock continued to decline, slipping another 4.5% to hit a low of 81.20 apiece. It is currently trading 14.52% below its IPO price.

The SME IPO, worth 27.13 crore, was open for subscription from April 28 to April 30, 2025, at a fixed price of 95 per share. The issue was entirely a fresh offer of 28.56 lakh shares.

Investor response to the IPO remained subdued, with an overall subscription of 2.96 times. The non-institutional investor (NII) portion was subscribed 2.65 times, while the retail investor segment was booked 3.28 times.

The company plans to utilize the net proceeds from the IPO for various purposes, including capital expenditure for setting up a new industrial facility, funding working capital requirements, and general corporate purposes.

About the Company Established in 2018, Iware Supply Chain Services Limited is a nationwide integrated logistics provider in India, offering a diverse array of services, including warehousing (with third-party logistics (3PL) and carrying & forwarding agent functions), transportation, rake handling services, auxiliary business services, and rental income.

The firm operates throughout various states, such as Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, effectively delivering comprehensive supply chain management solutions via their extensive network nationwide.

The company provides services across several states, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, ensuring broad coverage and dependable service delivery.

Iware Supply Chain Services Limited delivers logistics support and solutions through its broad network and integrated services across the Indian subcontinent. The firm manages over 100 BCN rakes each year, facilitating the transport of about 220,000 metric tons of goods annually.
The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open with marginal gains on Tuesday, tracking mixed cues from global markets.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a flattish start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 24,571 level, a premium of nearly 17 points from the Nifty futures previous close.

Investor sentiment remains cautious amid the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

On Monday, the domestic equity market ended higher, with the benchmark Nifty 50 index closing above 24,400 level.

The Sensex gained 294.85 points, or 0.37%, to close at 80,796.84, while the Nifty 50 settled 114.45 points, or 0.47%, higher at 24,461.15.

Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty today:

Sensex Prediction Sensex formed a small bullish candle on the daily chart, and on intraday charts it is holding uptrend continuation formation.

We are of the view that 80,500 would act as a key support zone for the trend following traders. Above the same, Sensex could move up to 81,000 - 81,300. On the other side, a dismissal of 80,500 could trigger a quick intraday correction. Below the same, Sensex could retest the level of 80,200 - 80,000, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

Nifty OI Data Nifty derivatives data indicates heavy Call open interest at 24,500 and 24,600, marking these as resistance levels. On the Put side, notable open interest at 24,300 and 24,000 suggests these are key support zones in the near term, said Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking.

Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty 50 witnessed a sustainable upmove on May 5 and closed the day higher by 114 points with range bound action.

A small positive candle was formed on the daily chart with minor upper shadow. Technically this market action signals a possible upside breakout of the hurdle of 24,500 - 24,600 levels in the short term. If Nifty 50 manages to move above 24,600 levels, then that could be a decisive upside breakout of bullish ascending triangle type pattern, which are uptrend continuation patterns, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities.

According to him, the short-term trend of Nifty 50 continues to be positive and a sustainable move above the hurdle of 24,500 - 24,600 levels, Nifty 50 could move towards the next upside of 24,800 - 25,000 in the near term. Immediate support is placed at 24,250.

Om Mehra, Technical Research Analyst, SAMCO Securities, noted that the Nifty 50 index holds above key moving averages and maintains its positive bias.

The higher high and higher low formation remains intact, suggesting that the broader trend is still upward. The daily RSI is placed comfortably above the 70 mark. The upper Bollinger Band on the daily chart is currently placed near 24,600, which now acts as the immediate resistance. A move above this zone could open the way for Nifty 50 to approach the swing high of 24,858, said Mehra.

He added that on the hourly chart, support is seen near 24,250, and any dip toward 24,350  24,400 may offer a short-term buying opportunity. The broader uptrend remains intact unless the index slips below 24,200, which would signal a potential momentum is weakening.

Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivatives Research at Asit C. Mehta Investment Interrmediates Ltd. said that the Nifty 50 formed a green candle with a long upper shadow on the daily chart, indicating selling pressure at higher levels.

Immediate resistance for Nifty 50 is placed at 24,590, while support is seen near the 200-Day Simple Moving Average (24,050). A sustained move above 24,590 could drive the index towards 24,80024,850 levels, said Yedve.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today expects Nifty 50 to find support between 24,400 and 24,320 and find resistance around 24,590 to 24,670 in todays session.

Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty underperformed the frontline indices and ended Mondays session 195.85 points, or 0.36%, lower at 54,919.50, forming a small bear candle with a lower high and lower low, signaling continuation of the consolidation.

We expect Bank Nifty to extend the consolidation in the range of 54,000 - 56,000, thus working off the overbought conditions created by the recent sharp rally. A sustained move above the recent high of 56,098 could trigger further upside toward the 56,800 levels in the coming weeks. On the downside, key support is seen between 54,000 - 53,500, which corresponds to the gap-up region and the previous significant breakout zone, said Bajaj Broking Research.

According to the brokerage firm, any dips in the coming sessions towards the support area should be used as a buying opportunity.

Hrishikesh Yedve highlighted that the Bank Nifty index formed a red candle with a long upper shadow on the daily chart, reflecting uncertainty at higher levels.

Resistance for Bank Nifty index is placed at 55,700 and 56,000, while key support lies at 54,450. A firm break below 54,450 may trigger fresh selling pressure, potentially dragging the index towards 54,000. Until then, a range-bound consolidation between 54,450 and 56,000 may continue, Yedve said.
Stock Market Today: The benchmark Nifty-50 index started new week on a strong note as it gained 0.47% to end at 24,461.15. The Bank Nifty however at 54,919.50 ended 0.30% lower. Nevertheless most other indices led by auto, Oil & Gas and FMCG emerged as the gainers, while the broader markets also gained over 1%.

Trade Setup for Tuesday 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. The outlook stays bullish as long as Nifty sustains above 24,200, though a strong close above 24,550 is essential for confirmation, said Vatsal Bhuva, Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

For the Bank Nifty a sustained move above recent high of 56,098 could trigger further upside toward the 56,800 levels in the coming weeks. On the downside, key support is seen between 54,000-53,500, as per Bajaj Broking.

Global Markets and Q4 Results We expect the market to continue its consolidation with a positive bias, while tracking global cues and developments on the geopolitical front, especially India-Pakistan news. Result reactions would drive sector/stock-specific movements with companies like Godrej Consumer, BSE, HPCL, CG Power, Polycab amongst others announcing results tomorrow., said Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Stocks to buy today Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, has recommended two stock picks for today. Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi, suggested three stocks, while Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager  Technical Research, at Prabhudas Lilladher has given three stock picks.

Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks Inox Wind Ltd- Bagadia recommends buying Inox Wind at around  173.08 keeping Stoploss at  167 for a target price of  186 INOXWIND is currently trading around 173.08, showing a sharp recovery from lower levels and forming a strong bullish candle, indicating a potential reversal in momentum. The stock is on the verge of breaking out of a flag-and-pole chart pattern, supported by a notable increase in trading volumes, signaling strong buying interest. A sustained move above the 177 level could confirm the breakout and potentially push the stock higher toward the 186 mark.

2. Indian Bank: Bagadia recommends buying Indian Bank at 576.50 keeping Stoploss at 556 for a target price of 617

INDIANB is currently trading at 576 and is exhibiting a strong bullish trend, marked by the formation of higher highs and higher lows. The stock recently rebounded from a higher low, forming a bullish candle that suggests it may soon break its recent highthereby confirming continued upward momentum. This price action is supported by a noticeable surge in trading volumes, reflecting strong investor interest and buying activity.

Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. BSE Ltd- Dongre recommends buying BSE at 6450 keeping Stop Loss at 6350 for a target price of 6650.

In the latest short-term technical analysis, BSE has shown a strong and consistent bullish trend, indicating the potential for an extended upward move. The stock is currently trading at  6450 and holding above a key support level at  6350. This support zone serves as a critical point for risk management. Given the bullish momentum, traders are advised to consider a buying opportunity with a stop-loss placed strategically at  6350 to manage downside risk. The target for this trade is set at 6650, suggesting a favorable risk-to-reward ratio and a continuation of the prevailing upward trend.

4. Narayana Hrudayalaya _ Dongre recommends buying Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd at around 1778 keeping Stoploss at 1740 for a target price of 1825.

Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd (NH) has exhibited a notable bullish reversal pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 1778 and maintaining a strong support at 1740. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 1825 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 1740 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside.

5. Computer Age Management Services Ltd (CAMS) - Dongre recommends buying CAMS at 3810 keeping Stoploss at 3740 for a target price of 3910.

CAMS, the stock is currently trading at 3810 and appears to be in an oversold zone for short term. A bullish reversal pattern has emerged on the daily chart, indicating a potential recovery move. The critical support level lies at 3740, which also acts as a key stop-loss point for this trade. With bullish cues signaling a possible retracement towards the 3910 target, this setup provides a favorable entry opportunity for traders looking to capitalize on a technical rebound.

Shiju Koothupalakkal's intraday stocks for today 6. Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd (DUCO) - Koothupalakkal recommends buying HUDCO at around  228.79 for a target price of 240 keeping Stoploss at 224.

The stock after giving a strong breakout above the descending channel pattern on the daily chart has once again indicated a positive candle after a short period of consolidation to improve the bias anticipating for further rise in the coming session. The RSI after cooling off from the highly overbought zone is once again well positioned with strength indicated and has signalled a buy with a positive trend reversal. With the chart technically maintained strong, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 240 level keeping the stop loss of 224 level.

7. Bharat Dynamics Ltd- Koothupalakkal recommends buying BHARAT DYNAMICS at around 1563 for a target price of 1650 keeping stoploss at 1530.

The stock has recently indicated a breakout above the rising trendline zone at 1480 level and has sustained in the last few sessions with currently indicating a strong bullish candle accompanied with significant volume participation anticipate for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is maintained strong and can carry on with the positive move further ahead with higher targets of 1650 and 1800 levels achievable in the coming days. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 1650 level keeping the stop loss of 1530 level.

8. Castrol India Ltd- Koothupalakkal recommends buying CASTROL INDIA at 203.96 for a Target price of 215 keeping Stoploss at 199.

The stock has indicated a higher bottom formation on the daily chart taking support near the 196 level and has regained momentum for another round of fresh upward move with bias improving. The RSI is well positioned indicating strength and has indicated a positive trend reversal to signal a buy with much upside potential visible and can expect for continuation of the positive upward move for further gains in the coming sessions. With the chart looking good, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 215 keeping the stop loss of 199 level.
Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Paytm, Bank of Baroda, BSE, Hindustan Petroleum Paytm, BSE, Bank of Baroda, Hindustan Petroleum shares are likely to be in the spotlight today as the companies are set to release their fourth-quarter earnings.

Indian Hotels The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) posted a 25% increase in its consolidated net profit for Q4FY25, reaching 522 crore compared to 418 crore in the same quarter last year.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

Reliance Industries The Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venturecomprising Shell (via BGEPIL), Reliance Industries, and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)has successfully carried out Indias first offshore facilities decommissioning project, safely dismantling the installations in the mid and south Tapti fields.

Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) In April, the electricity exchange recorded a total traded volume of 10,584 million units (MU), reflecting a 26% increase compared to the same month last year. The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) contributed 4,231 MU, up 3% year-on-year, while the Real-Time Market (RTM) saw a significant 48% YoY growth, reaching 3,893 MU. The average price in the DAM for the month stood at 5.20 per unit.

Paras Defence The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel's HevenDrones to grow their presence in the Indian and global defence industries. They plan to establish a joint venture in India focused on developing and manufacturing logistics and cargo drones for both defence and civilian applications.

Ircon International The company has secured a work order valued at 187.08 crore from Kerala State IT Infrastructure to build a Dedicated Rural Industrial Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

Rategain Travel Technologies The company said that Deepak Kapoor has been named the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), while Rohan Mittal has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Fortis Healthcare Fortis Hospitals, a subsidiary of the company, has received a rectification order under the Income Tax Act, which corrected errors in a prior tax demand. As a result, the tax demand has been revised to zero. The original demand, amounting to 89.53 crore for the Assessment Year 202223, had been issued by the Income Tax Department.

Coforge The company posted a consolidated net profit of 261.2 crore for the March quarter. Its rupee revenue fell short of estimates, reaching 3,409.9 crore compared to the anticipated 3,530 crore.

Glenmark Pharma The pharmaceutical giant announced that its innovation division, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), revealed that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded 'fast track' status to ISB 2001, its experimental treatment for multiple myeloma.
Yes Bank share price jumped over 10% in the opening trade on Tuesday after reports that Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire a 51% stake in the private lender. Yes Bank share price opened higher at 19.24 apiece as against its previous close of 17.73 on the BSE. Yes Bank shares spiked as much as 9.64% to a high of 19.44 apiece.

According to a report by Mint, SMBC has secured the RBIs nod to become a majority stakeholder in Yes Bank. The proposed transaction may value the lender at approximately $1.7 billion, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Japanese banking major is considering two options: it may either acquire less than 26% initially and subsequently merge with Yes Bank through a share swap, or it could directly acquire up to 26% and make an open offer. While SMBCs total holding may eventually rise to 51%, its voting rights will remain capped at 26% in accordance with RBI regulations, the report added.

Currently, State Bank of India (SBI) and other lenders hold 33% in Yes Bank.

Also Read | Sumitomo gets RBI nod to pick 51% in Yes Bank

RBI has given SMBC the go-ahead for acquiring a majority stake and running Yes Bank, one of the sources told Mint on condition of anonymity. This happened a few weeks after SBI and other bank shareholders agreed to sell their stakes in Yes Bank to Sumitomo Mitsui. SMBC will buy up to a 51% stake in Yes Bank at the market price. RBI has to keep every existing stakeholder's interest in mind, the person said, adding SMBC may pay in cash for the initial stake purchased, the report added.

The deal offers a long-anticipated exit route for SBI and other banks that participated in Yes Banks 2020 bailout and introduces a strategic foreign promoter expected to enhance competitiveness at Indias sixth-largest private sector bank.

SMBC is likely to raise its shareholding to 51% in phases, beginning with a partial stake purchase from existing shareholders, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. These institutions collectively own 33.74% of Yes Bank, with SBI holding the largest share at 23.99%

To facilitate the transaction, SMBC has engaged JPMorgan as its financial adviser and J Sagar Associates as legal counsel, another source told Mint.

Yes Bank was restructured in 2020 under the supervision of the RBI after it faced a severe liquidity crisis and regulatory issues under its former promoter and CEO Rana Kapoor. The rescue operation, led by SBI and other banks, helped stabilize the lender, but the bank has remained without a formal promoter since Kapoors exit in 2019.

Yes Bank Share Price Performance Yes Bank share price has rallied 9% in one month, but the stock has fallen 5% in the year 2025 so far. Over the past one year, Yes Bank shares have declined 22%, while it dropped 29% in five years.

At 9:30 AM, Yes Bank share price was trading 5.41% higher at 18.69 apiece on the BSE.
Travel plays an important role in a chefs menu research by offering unique perspectives to cuisines and cultures. And the modern-day chef is always looking for newer ways to understand and reinterpret them for today's diners. Take chefs Aketoli Zhimomi and Gayatri Desai, who recently took a trip to Thailand to engage with home cooks and chefs, with an aim to explore the overlaps of the local cuisines with Naga food.

Desai, who runs the restaurant Ground Up in Pune, has extensively travelled across North-East India, and is particularly fascinated by the indigenous fermentation culture of the region. Zhimomi, on the other hand, runs Ethnic Table, a restaurant serving contemporary Naga food in Dimapur. I have always been curious about the cuisines of the Thai people, especially the hill tribes of northern Thailand. Through my research, I have found out that many of their everyday ingredients such as bamboo shoots, mustard greens and axone, which is our fermented soybean delicacy, are common to us, says 44-year-old Zhimomi. The duo is now teaming up for a nine-course tasting menu inspired by their travels in Thailand at their respective restaurants.

The itinerary spans cities like Chiang Mai, Udon Thani in Isan, and a few villages in Phrao district (about two hours from Chiang Mai), where the two visited the local markets and met home cooks and chefs. The idea is to cook together, and also spotlight the parallels between the two cultures i.e. Naga and Thai. We want to showcase some familiar ingredients in a different light, but our interpretations are going to be unique, says 36-year-old Desai.

'Tua nao', a Thai version of 'axone' from Nagaland.

This is not the first time the two have collaborated for a pop-up. In 2022, Zhimomi visited Desais Pune restaurant to create a dining experience featuring traditional delicacies from her home state  a hearty galho, a khichdi-like dish, Naga blood sausages, an axone plum sauce that was used as a garnish for one of the dishes, and several other experiments using housemade vinegars from Desais pantry.

For the current dinners, the menus will be tweaked depending on the city, and as per the availability of seasonal greens and vegetables. The duo plans to use ingredients such as insects, bamboo shoots, wild greens and mushrooms, fermented soybean and crab paste, indigenous rice, and different kinds of chillies. But we are particularly kicked about using tua nao, which is fermented soybean much like the Naga axone, says Zhimomi, who was blown away by the process of making it by a 65-year-old woman in Ban Pa Lan village, in Phrao district. The most interesting thing about it is that they turn it into a chapati-like shape, which they fire roast it like papad, and eat it with sticky rice. Its super umami and spicy, informs Desai.

The tasting menu aptly called Cultures in Transit will introduce diners in Dimapur with something theyve never experienced before, says Zhimomi. Fermented pork sausage served with sticky rice, smoked beef larb, a salad made of minced meat and greens, Som Tam with black sesame crab paste are some of the ideas the two chefs are toying with.
Stock market has been fairly volatile these days. After rising by 0.47 percent on Monday, Nifty50 closed with a loss of 82 points, or 0.33 per cent on Tuesday. The benchmark indices have been swinging wildly in the past few weeks amid uncertainty around the Trump tariffs, Ukraine war and most recently over tension between India and Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22.

Investors who tend to invest in equity mutual funds often struggle to choose the categories which are robust enough to face these swings seamlessly. So, which are the safest equity mutual fund categories to invest into? Most experts recommend large cap mutual funds while cautioning investors against investing in small cap schemes, which are seen to be too risky during market volatility.

Mutual fund categories Broadly, the fund categories wherein investors are recommended to invest without having to worry over the ongoing volatility are flexi cap mutual funds and dynamic asset allocation funds.

Both the funds present decent opportunity for the first-time investors or investors who are looking to invest without the need of rebalancing in regular go. Flexicap funds allow the fund managers to swiftly take exposure in companies without the need to have a fix mandate which allows effortless movements and in a way reduced volatility. In the present market conditions, they are a better fit allowing investors to take exposure across market capitalisation, says Abhishek Dev, Co-Founder and CEO Epsilon Money.

Sridharan S., a Sebi-registered investment advisor and founder of Wealth Ladder Direct, recommends equity investors to opt for dynamic asset allocation funds where the risk of investing is low. Most fund houses which run these schemes predominantly invest in the large caps since they are easy to sell and it is easy for them to move between different asset classes. On the other hand, risk is higher in case of flexi caps where 80 to 90 percent of investment is done in the equity assets. The role of fund manager is very crucial in this, says Sridharan.

Dynamic asset allocation funds enable fund managers to take allocation across different asset classes based on their view. This can potentially lead to increased alpha if the timing is right and investor doesn't have to worry about overheated valuations in certain asset classes as fund manager could easily trim the exposure, adds Abhishek Dev.
Balvinder Singh Sahni, a Dubai-based Indian billionaire, was sentenced to 5 years in jail on money laundering charges. The court ordered the confiscation of 150 million AED ( 344 crore) from the businessman, in addition to 5,00,000 AED ( 1.14 crore), Gulf News reported.

Balvinder Singh Sahni, popularly known as Abu Sabah, is the founder of Raj Sahni Group (RSG), a company operating in the UAE, the US, India, and other countries. He is also known for his lavish spending, including buying a single-digit car plate D5 for Dh33 million at a special auction for distinguished number plates, reportedly one of the most expensive in the Emirates.

Here's a look at the extravagant expenses of Abu Sabah  In 2016, Balvinder Singh Sahni gained significant attention for purchasing the Dubai license plate "D5" for AED 33 million (nearly 80 crore) and the "O9" plate for AED 24.5 million, referring to his belief in the lucky number 9.

Also Read | Who is Balvinder Singh Sahni? Indian billionaire jailed in Dubai

Sahni is a "businessman whose love for the number 9, the colour blue, luxury cars, and rare licence plates made headlines more often than his commercial ventures," Khaleej Times reported.

I like collecting unique number plates and I am proud to have got this number. I like number nine and D5 adds up to nine, so I went for it, Sahni said in a YouTube video on the "Mo Vlogs" channel. He lives in a luxurious and lavish $100 million mansion in Dubai. Sahni also bought a mobile number (058-8888888) for AED 4.5 million.

In a 2022 interview, he reportedly said, I have both Dubai 5 and Abu Dhabi 5.I dont even know how many cars I have. My number plates alone are worth more than my vehicles.

His other lavish expenses include a collection of Rolls-Royce cars, a Mercedes-AMG G63, a mansion including customised Bentley furniture and a Bugatti Chiron display, the Mo Vlogs video showed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty suspension in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The PM said, "Pehle Bharat ke haq ka paani bhi bahar ja raha tha, ab Bharat ka paani, Bharat ke haq me bahega, Bharat ke haq mai rukega aur Bharat ke hi kaam aayega." (Earlier, even the water that rightfully belonged to India was flowing out of the country. Now, Indias water will flow for India, will be retained for India, and will be used for Indias own needs).

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old agreement with Pakistan governing the shared use of key rivers. India suspended the water-sharing pact that ensures supply to 80 per cent of Pakistani farms after it identified two of the three assailants in an attack that killed 26 people in Kashmir as Pakistanis.

PM Modi was speaking at an ABP News event.

"For decades, the water of our rivers has been a subject of tension and conflict, but our government, in collaboration with the state governments, has launched a massive campaign to link the rivers. The Ken-Betwa Link Project and the Parvati-Kalisindh Chambal Link Project will benefit millions of farmers," PM Modi added.

All gates of the Baglihar Dam, a key hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, remain closed, even as a limited volume of water continues to flow downstream.

The Baglihar Dam, a key hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River, has been at the centre of past disputes between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty framework.

Pakistan alleged that India has almost entirely stopped the flow of water across the border through the Chenab river as fears of a clash between the two neighbours mount following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Since Sunday morning, the water flow has been throttled by almost 90 per cent of the usual volume that passes to Pakistan, according to Muhammad Khalid Idrees Rana, spokesman for Pakistans Indus River System Authority. The nation had anticipated water supplies to farms would be short by a fifth for the next two months, even before this curtailment, he said.
A CBI court has convicted former Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy and three others in the Obulapuram illegal mining case, sentencing them to seven years' imprisonment.

Reddy had been a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from the Gangawati Assembly constituency since 13 May 2023 being associated with the Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha. He rejoined Bharatiya Janata Party on 25 March 2024.

The court sentenced them to seven years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of 10,000 on each. Reddy was named accused number two. The court imposed a 1 lakh fine on the company. Soon after the judgment the CBI took Reddy and others into custody.

Also Read | Former mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy granted bail

The CBI court delivered the judgement nearly 14 years after the CBI had filed a charge sheet against Reddy and others accusing them of tampering with mining lease boundary markings and carrying out mining illegally in Bellary Reserve Forest area on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border.

The court convicted Janardhan Reddy's brother-in-law and Managing Director of OMC, Srinivas Reddy (A1) and VD Rajagopal (A3), the then Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Mehafuz Ali Khan (A7), Reddy's personal assistant. The Principal Special Judge for CBI cases Judge T Raghu Ram acquitted ex-minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and former bureaucrat B Krupanandam in the case.

The prosecution accused that the illegal mining between 2007 and 2009 caused 884 crore loss to the exchequer.

Who is Gali Janardhan Reddy? Gali Janardhan Reddy is a former Karnataka minister and influential mining baron known for his dominant role in the iron ore industry, particularly in the Bellary region.

Reddy's career has been marred by multiple allegations and convictions related to illegal mining, tax evasion, and corruption.

Gali Janardhan Reddy was arrested in 2011 following a Lokayukta report that indicted him for illegal mining activities causing massive losses to the state exchequer. In 2015, Reddy was released on bail but there were strict conditions attached, including not being able to enter certain areas such as Ballari.

Also Read | Mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy held in bribery case

'Crazy rich life' of Gali Janardhan Reddy Gali Janardhan Reddy, a mining tycoon had made headlines in 2016 after splashing a reported US$75 million ( 625,593,750) on his daughter Brahmanis wedding to Rajeev Reddy.

An indoor swimming pool, massage parlour, home theatre and bomb shelter were among the luxury amenities discovered when police raided Reddys home in 2011.

Hindustan Times had reported that the businessmans private helicopter, named Rukmini, and several cars were also seized in the raid.

During the raid on Reddy'shome a throne weighing around 15kg was also discovered by police. The regal chair reportedly featured Reddys initials, GJR, monogrammed in diamonds, and Reddy said he had even been crowned in a secret ceremony. Hindustan Times also reported that at the time of the raids, police confiscated 30kg of gold.

According to multiple reports, all of Reddys shirts reportedly had real gold threads woven into them, with the shirts alone thought to be worth more than US$1,300 each. The mogul even used to wear a jewel-encrusted belt worth around US $17,500.

What is the Obulapuram illegal mining case? The Obulapuram Mining Scam revolves around illegal iron ore mining and massive tax evasion involving the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), owned by Karnatakas influential Reddy brothers, including former minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, and their close associate, ex-state health minister B Sriramulu.

Also Read | The gang wars to control Uttarakhand's illegal mining in the 2010s

Investigations revealed that OMC entered into a dubious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Singapore-based shell company, GLA Trading International (GLATI), to underreport sales and evade taxes in India.

GLATI, with offices in tax havens like Singapore, Dubai, and the British Virgin Islands, was partly directed by Gali Janardhan Reddy himself.

The scheme involved convoluted transactions designed to suppress income and avoid paying rightful royalties, causing significant financial losses to the government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is ramping up preparedness with mock drills across 244 categorised districts in the country on May 7, testing everything from air raid warning sirens, to evacuation readiness, to blackout measures as tensions with Pakistan continue to simmer in the backdrop of the Pahalgam attack in which 26 were killed.

The Union Home Minister on Monday, May 5, said in a letter to Chief Secretaries that the exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories (UTs).

"In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum Civil Defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times," the communication from the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said.

Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025, the letter said.

What the mock drills aim to achieve? Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens Operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with the IAF Training of civilians, students, etc, on the 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/installations Updating the evacuation plan and its rehearsal Checking the activation and response of Civil Defence Services, including wardens, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management Tensions with Pakistan have risen following the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The Pahalgam terror attack left 26 persons, mostly tourists, dead.

The order to conduct mock drills across categorised districts in India came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level meetings to discuss retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
Thiruvananthapuram:The BJP on Tuesday criticised the Kerala police for arresting YouTuber Shajan Skaria over allegations of airing defamatory content, calling it a violation of constitutional rights and freedom of the press.

The act of arresting a person at night while he was having dinner and not allowing him to change his clothes is proof of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s "intolerance" towards constitutional rights and freedom of the press, the party said.

In a hard-hitting statement, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the saffron party would never accept such authoritarian measures.

Also Read | Kerala Hindu body moves SC against Waqf Act

"These rights are being blatantly violated in the states ruled by the INDIA Alliance, which talks eloquently about constitutional rights and freedom of expression and free press," he alleged.

YouTuber Skaria was arrested on Monday night by the cyber police based on a complaint from a woman, who alleged that he broadcast defamatory content about her.

The BJP state unit president said his party would not tolerate any action that violated the constitutional rights of not only Skaria but anyone from Kerala.

The BJP will resist and defeat such moves at any cost, he said.

Alleging that the police had arrested Skaria at midnight to keep him in custody, Chandrasekhar said the police, however, could not do that.

The BJP is strongly opposed to the "police raj" in Kerala, he added.

A woman, currently residing abroad, had lodged a complaint against Shajan Skaria, accusing him of "airing defamatory content".

She also gave a statement against him in a court under Section 164 of the CrPC, police added.

Following the complaint, Skaria was taken into custody from his residence, the police said.

He has been charged under non-bailable Sections 75(1) (making sexually coloured remarks) and 79 (acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police (KP) Act, they said.
Delhi's education minister Ashish Sood hailed the the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) call to conduct nationwide mock drills on May 7. He said, Such announcements have been made for the first time after 1971, and we are ready."

"The people of Delhi are with PM Narendra Modi and his call with all their hearts, Ashish Sood told news agency ANI on Tuesday.

Mock Drills The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued directions for the mock drill for effective civil defence in all the states and union territories on May 7.

As per a notification, the Union home ministry asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence, given the "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Also Read | Mock drills in India on May 7 Explained: What is it and what to expect

They said the measures to be undertaken include operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

The sources said measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal.

It said the government has decided to organise a civil defence exercise and rehearsal across the 244 categorised civil defence districts in the country on May 7.

Also Read | MHA orders mock drills across India on May 7 amid Ind-Pak tensions

Meanwhile, the civil defence held a meeting with all its employees on the ways to protect citizens in case of an air attack in the city. Along with this, everyone was also given guidelines on protecting the public.

The decision came in the aftermath of the deadly terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 26 people. The government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment.
India seems to be the flavour even in geopolitically turbulent times. A US woman living in India has shared several practical things on social media that she finds better in India than in other nations.

She praised India's affordability, resilience, and strong cultural values.

In a post on Instagram, American expat Kristen Fischer highlighted ten things in India, including affordable healthcare, public transportation, food culture, and low-cost education.

She wrote: A few practical things that India does well compared to other places.

Affordability of Healthcare: India's healthcare system is quite affordable. Medical costs are significantly lower in India, making healthcare accessible to many people.

Public Transportation: In many Indian cities, public transportation is very cost-effective and widespread. The rail network is vast in India, giving people affordable train travel across the country. Also, things like buses, autos, and metros make getting around efficient and inexpensive.

Food: India is famous for its rich and diverse food culture. Food in India is not only flavorful but also incredibly affordable. It offers a wide variety of options that are all incredibly tasty.

Strong family bonds & work ethics

Fischer also highlighted strong family bonds in the country, resourcefulness, and strong work ethics among Indians.

She further wrote: Community Support: Indian culture places a strong emphasis on family bonds, community support, and social networks. Often families live together, providing a strong system of better emotional and financial support.

Resourcefulness: Many people in India have a deep-rooted sense of frugality, resourcefulness, and sustainability. They regularly reuse, recycle, and repair items rather than discarding them, making them less wasteful.

Resilience: Indians have a strong work ethic that emphasizes perseverance and resilience. People in India are often highly adaptable and willing to work hard.

Celebrations: India's rich culture comes with a variety of festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm. These festivals bring a sense of community, happiness, and inclusivity.

Low-Cost Education: India offers highly affordable educational options, including universities and professional schools. Even prestigious institutions provide a high standard of education at a fraction of the cost of other similar institutions worldwide.

Efficient Use of Labor: Indias labor market tends to be more flexible and adaptable, with a greater availability of human resources for a variety of jobs at all skill levels. This has contributed to India's booming outsourcing industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India and UK have successfully concluded their Free Trade Agreement in a historic milestone.

PM Modi, who spoke with UK Primer Minister Keir Starmer, said that the mutually beneficial FTA comes with a double contribution convention, which is a social security pact between the two countries.

Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention, Modi said in a post on X.

Modi said that the agreements will deepen partnership and investments, while boosting job creation. He also looked forward to welcoming Starmer to India soon.

These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon, he added.

Starmer said that strengthening alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of their Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy, as per a press release by the Prime Minister's Office.

Major deal for both countries Both the prime ministers agreed that the deal was indeed a major one in India and UK's history, a press release from the UK government stated.

Through pragmatism and purpose, the leaders noted that this historic deal is the biggest the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the most ambitious India has ever done, it said.

In a statement on X, the UK Prime Minister's office said that the deal will benefit both the countries.

The UK and India have agreed a landmark free trade deal to make working people and businesses better off in both our countries, the PM's official handle said.

India-UK Free Trade Agreement The India-UK FTA comes on the back of US President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs, and marks one of India's largest deals with a major country.

The conclusion of the ambitious FTA is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, generate new avenues for employment, raise living standards, and improve the overall well-being of citizens in India and UK.

Talks over a free trade deal between India and Britain were initially launched in January 2022. However, negotiations were irregular given that Britain had four prime ministers in the last three years.

It will also unlock new potential for the two nations to jointly develop products and services for global markets. This agreement cements the strong foundations of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and paves the way for a new era of collaboration and prosperity, the PMO press release said.

The deal aims to increase bilateral trade by a further $40 billion by 2040.

India UK FTA: What gets cheaper? According to a report by Reuters, the deal lowers tariffs on goods such as whiskey, advanced manufacturing parts and food products such as lamb, salmon, chocolates and biscuits.

The India-UK FTA also agrees to quotas on both sides for autos imports.
The Indian Air Force is set to carry out major exercises over the desert sector and adjoining areas along the India-Pakistan border from tomorrow, May 7.

According to a report by news agency ANI quoting IAF officials, during the exercise all frontline aircraft including the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi-30s will participate.

The news comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

As per a report by PTI, the mega exercise will be carried out from May 7 to May 8.

India-Pakistan tensions Tensions between India and Pakistan have been simmering after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan following the attack, citing cross-border linkages behind the terrorism.

India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until further notice, cut all trade ties with Pakistan and cancelled visas of most Pakistani nationals.

PM Modi has also given the Indian Army full operational freedom to determine the mode, targets, and timing of Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

India has also heightened security measures in Rajouri and Poonch amid repeated small-arms firing from the Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LOC), which was responded by the Indian forces accordingly.

Earlier on May 5, Indian Army responded to unprovoked small-arms fire from Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 5 to early hours of May 6, as per the Indian Army.

The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mock drills in India on May 7 On Monday, the Union Home Ministry asked all states to conduct mock drills in India on Wednesday in view of "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to a home ministry communication, the measures to be taken during the mock drills in India include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack" and cleaning bunkers and trenches.

The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union territories said.

Also Read | Mock drill in India on 7 May LIVE: IAF border drill with Rafale from tomorrow

The mock drills in India also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.
India-Pak Tensions: Former US national security advisor (NSA) John Bolton has said India is entitled to retaliate and try to eliminate terrorist threats to its sovereignty and people amid escalated tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of deadly Pahalgam attack.

Bolton, who was NSA to President Donald Trump in his first term, has acknowledged that India had a legitimate right to self-defence when faced with the threat of terrorism. Bolton, however, urged New Delhi to exhaust all diplomatic avenues before launching a military counterstrike.

"I think Prime Minister Narendra Modi exercised a great deal of restraint having been through a similar episode in 2019," Bolton told NDTV, referring to the deadly Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 40 soldiers in February the run up to 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Bolton said it was imperative for India to a record for the rest of the world - that it had tried to everything to ensure a peaceful resolution to this long-standing problem.

Chinese influence on Pakistan "I think there are two possible approaches to take and am sure the Indian government has already thought of this. No 1. I'd be concerned about the growing Chinese influence on Pakistan. This needs to be put on the table between India and Pakistan, he said.

Boltons remarks cine amid escalating tensions and Pakistan's downgraded diplomatic relations with India after the worst-ever terror attack on civilians in twenty-five years in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on 22 April.

"And, No 2. India should go to China and say 'we expect you, as a bordering country with us, to press Pakistan to control these terror groups. If both these fail then India can say we tried to do everything from a diplomatic perspective and avoid significant escalation."

I think Prime Minister Narendra Modi exercised a great deal of restraint having been through a similar episode in 2019.

Any military response needs to be 'precise'.

Amid the escalting tensions, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is ramping up preparedness with mock drills across 244 categorised districts in the country on May 7.

Bolton also stressed that should the Indian government calculate that it had, in fact, exhausted all diplomatic options, any military response needs to precise.

Also Read | Iran urges India, Pakistan to exercise restraint amid soaring tensions

"I think if India's retaliation was directed against the group that carried out the attack... if it were precise... then it would demonstrate India has no larger ambition (and) it would give Pakistan a face-saver opportunity... to step back and restart diplomatic negotiations, he said.
India-Pak Tensions: The United Nations Security Council on 5 May, Monday held closed-door consultations to discuss the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan afte the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

At the meeting, which was called at the insistence of Pakistan, the envoys called for restraint and dialogue. The consultations lasted for around 90 minutes on Monday afternoon.

The meeting took place 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 Pahalgamthat killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22.

Pak Representative: Prepared to defend Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the objectives of the closed consultations included enabling the Council members to have a discussion on the deteriorating security environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan and to have an exchange of views on how to address the situation, including avoiding confrontation that could have serious consequences and the need for de-escalation.

Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which Greece is presiding over in May. Islamabad had sought a closed consultations on the tensions between the two countries, and the Greek Presidency scheduled the meeting for May 5 in the afternoon.

Iftikhar said, according to news agency PTI, that while Pakistan does not seek confrontation, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan also raised the issue of Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Water is life, not a weapon. These rivers sustain over 240 million Pakistanis, he said.

Ahmad said at the meeting Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peaceful, cooperative relations with all our neighbours, including India. We remain open to dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, he added.

Greece, a non-permanent member of the council, is the president of the body for the month of May.

Productive meeting, helpful Before the UNSC meeting, Indias former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told PTI that no consequential outcome" can be expected from a discussion where a party to the conflict seeks to shape perceptions by using its membership of the Council. India will parry such Pakistani efforts."

Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for May, Evangelos Sekeris, described the meeting as productive meeting, helpful.

Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, Khaled Mohamed Khiari of Tunisia, said after the meeting that there was a call for "dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict", reported PTI.He described the situation between India and Pakistan as volatile.

A Russian diplomat, coming out of the meeting, said, We hope for de-escalation," reported PTI.

Also Read | Why BJP leader Ravinder Raina faces flak for snow reel with soldiers

Hours before the meeting, Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists.

Guterres said he understands the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of the attack.

Targeting civilians is unacceptable  and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means, he said.

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. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution, the UN Chief added.

Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members  China, France, Russia, 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that India will hunt down those behind the dastardly attack and bring them to justice.

India has taken several punitive measures against Pakistan, including putting in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, suspending visa services and shutting down airspace for Pakistani airplanes.

Amid the escalting tensions, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is ramping up preparedness with mock drills across 244 categorised districts in the country on May 7.

We are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Targeting civilians is unacceptable  and those responsible must be brought to justice.
Mock Drill in India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government is holding a nationwide civic defence drill popularly known as a mock drill on May 7 across states and Union Territories (UTs). The exercise is being done amid escalatings tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam.

The mock drill is expected to be conducted across 244 Civil Defence districts in 9 States and Union Territories. The exercise will be carried out at few selected sites in these Civil Defence districts to be decided by local administration.

The exact details will come after the crucial meeting of Home Secretary Govind Mohan in New Delhi to coordinate civil defence preparedness across the country. Chief Secretaries and Civil Defence Chiefs of various states, with special focus on 244 designated Civil Defence Districts notified in 2010, took part in the meeting.

During the drills, air raid warning sirens will be activated while civilians and students will be trained in civil defence to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

In some areas, the measures would also include a crash blackout, early camouflaging of vital installations and updating of evacuation plans and their rehearsal. The last such drill was conducted in India in 1971, ahead of the India-Pakistan war.

These 244 districts are located across India, including border states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and the North East. At least 100 of the 244 locations have been identified as highly sensitive.

The Home Secretarys meeting also discussed how to train civilians for emergency scenarios, according to news reports. Public response to air raid sirens, actions to take during blackouts, and the readiness of essential supplies was the focus of the meeting, these reports said.

But what will actually happen during the mock drill. How are diffirent cities preparing for the exercise? Here is a Mint primer.

What the mock drill on May 7 means for the public? Basically the idea behind the mock drill is to prepare citizens for any war like situation. It is not a sign of panic. The drill allows both the authorities and the public to understand their roles better. Officials are expected to assess the outcome and make improvements if needed.

What will happen on May 7? On May 7, the drills will be carried out across officially notified Civil Defence districts in coordination with district authorities. Participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges.

Citizens may experience short-term power cuts, blackout simulations, loud sirens, and restricted access to certain public areas. Traic may also be diverted temporarily in some cities. These are part of a controlled exercise and not actual threats.

Cold war-era Exercise Civil defence measures like these were commonly used during the Cold War. At that time, countries prepared for possible air raids and nuclear attacks by running blackout and evacuation drills. At that time, countries prepared for possible air raids and nuclear attacks.

What you may experience during mock drill on May 7? Citizens may experience temporary blackouts, suspension of mobile signals, or traffic diversions. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements.

In some areas, police and paramilitary forces may simulate a war-like emergency.

The exercise may be broked down into following components:

1-Air Raid Sirens: Sirens will be activated to check public alert systems. These serve as warnings in case of incoming aerial threats, allowing people time to take cover.

2-Crash Blackouts: Cities may switch off visible lights to mimic blackout conditions used during wars. This reduces the risk of detection during night-time airstrikes.

3-Camouflage Exercises: Critical installations  including communication towers, power plants, and military areas  will undergo camouage operations to test concealment techniques from aerial or satellite monitoring.

4-Evacuation Drills: Authorities will simulate evacuations from high-risk zones to safer locations. These drills help identify logistical issues and improve response time.

5-Civilian Training Sessions: Schools, colleges, and community centres will host awareness sessions. These will teach people how to nd shelter, use basic rst aid, and stay calm during emergencies.

How are major cities preparing for mock drill? Delhi: In the national capital, education minister Ashish Sood hailed the the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) call to conduct nationwide mock drills on May 7. He said, Such announcements have been made for the first time after 1971, and we are ready." "The people of Delhi are with PM Narendra Modi and his call with all their hearts, Ashish Sood told news agency ANI on Tuesday.

The Delhi government is finalising a list of sites where these drills will be carried out on Wednesday.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad, are among the key places that will hold the Mock Drill exercise on Wednesday. These drills will be held in three categories in the state.

The first category includes the highly sensitive areas such as Mumbai, Uran, where the JNPT port is located, and Tarapur, which is the site of a nuclear facility. The category two includes major cities like Pune, Nashik, Thane , Sinnar, Thal Vaishet and Pimpiri-Chinchwad. The third category three includes Aurangabad, Bhusawal, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg cities of the state.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Civil Defence, Police and local administration rehearsed a mock drill exercise in Lucknow's Police Lines, following MHA's order for nationwide mock drills on May 7

Information has been received from the central govt regarding a mock drill on 7th May. 19 districts have been identified (in UP), one district is in A category, 2 districts are in C category, and the rest are in B category, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar told news agency ANI.

Also Read | Why BJP leader Ravinder Raina faces flak for snow reel with soldiers

Keeping the sensitivity of this place in mind, the administration has given this order that this mock drill will be conducted along with civil administration, Police administration, Fire Services, Disaster Response Force, so that we can deal with any kind of emergency situations... the local administration will decide timings... he said,

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar Police in coordination with Tourist Police and teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill in Dal Lake on Tuesday. The exercise focused on response preparedness for contingency scenarios like boat capsizing and drowning incidents.

The team of Srinagar Police, Tourist Police and SDRF personnel, equipped with necessary resources and gear, practiced rescue and response procedures in real-time with the aim to mitigate effective rescue and response measures during contingent situations in accordance with established guidelines and safety protocols.

Chandigarh, Punjab: On May 7 mock drills to be held across the country, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema told news agencies that, "Mock drills will be conducted in 20 districts of the state. Teams of Civil Defence, Punjab Police, along with the Union Home Ministry will conduct mock drills tomorrow. We have to protect our 500km border and citizens."

What are Indias Civil Defence districts? The MHA order categorically says that the drill will be carried out in Civil Defence districts designated areas for organising and executing emergency response strategies. These districts play a crucial role in training volunteers, managing local responses, and ensuring seamless coordination among civilian and security forces during crises.

Mock drill exercise is not necessarily indicative of an imminent conflict. Its longstanding framework under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968  regulations dating back to the Cold War era. The relevance this time is hostilities between India and Pakistan post Pahalgam terror attack.

Also Read | MHA orders mock drills across India on May 7 amid Ind-Pak tensions

Civil Defence districts are designated regions where the government exercises and implements civil defence programs. These districts serve as administrative and operational hubs for preparedness activities in case of emergencies like wars, air raids, missile strikes, or large-scale terror attacks.

The role of these districts is to organise resources, train civilians and volunteers, and coordinate responses involving multiple government and civilian agencies.

What is the role of civil defence districts? The primary role of these districts is to carry out following functions:

-Conducting blackout and evacuation drills.

-Managing coordination with Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, police, and local authorities.

-Organising public awareness campaigns and shelter planning

How are 244 Civil Defence Districts categorised? Indias 244 Civil Defence districts are selected based on strategic importance and vulnerability assessments. The categorisation takes into account multiple criteria such as:

-Proximity to international borders: Districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir.

-Presence of critical infrastructure: Areas with defense establishments, power grids, ports, and communication networks.

-Urban density and population risk: Large cities like metros.

-Coastal areas: Coastal districts, particularly those exposed to maritime threats.

The idea behind the mock drill is to prepare citizens for any war-like situation. It is not a sign of panic.
Mock drill in India: All states and Union Territories will conduct mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, in the wake of new and complex threats that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The exercises will include air-raid warning sirens, and training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches.

The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union territories said.

A similar exercise was carried out in India some 50 years ago ahead of 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Then, civil defence drills held across the country were a significant part of the Union governments strategy to prepare the civilian population for potential air attacks by Pakistan. These drills were especially prominent in border and major urban areas.

Why Civil Defence Drills Were Conducted in 1971? Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime.

Pakistan launched air strikes on December 3, 1971, targeting Indian air bases. The Indian government anticipated bombings on civilian and strategic locations. Operation Chengiz Khan was the code name assigned to the preemptive strikes by the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) on the forward airbases and radar installations of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the evening of December 3, 1971.

This marked the formal initiation of hostilities of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

What were the features of the 1971 Mock Drills? -These 1971 drills included covert military operations, coordination with the Mukti Bahini (earlier known as the Mukti Fauj, also known as the Bangladesh Forces), and strategic positioning of forces to prepare for the liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

-The drills included Air raid warnings and blackouts. The cities used air raid sirens to signal incoming attacks. Blackout drills required homes, shops, and government offices to turn off lights or cover windows with black cloth.

-Evacuation and shelter training was also held. People were taught how to evacuate buildings quickly and move to designated shelters. Civil defence shelters were marked, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, and Agra.

Also Read | Mock drills in India on May 7 Explained: What is it and what to expect

-Training was imparted on first aid and emergency services. Volunteers were trained in first aid, fire-fighting, and rescue techniques during the exercise Schools held mock bomb attack simulations to teach people how to react during emergencies.

Posters, radio announcements, and newspaper columns gave specific instructions on what to do during an air raid, how to protect children, the elderly, and the injured, and how to report unexploded bombs or fire outbreaks.

Which states were involved in mock drills in 1971? Frontline states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, as well as major metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, reportedly witnessed extensive activities.

Also Read | Modi cancelled Kashmir visit 3 days before Pahalgam after getting intel: Kharge

The prominent cities involved included Delhi and Agra due to cultural landmarks, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jodhpur  all border cities and airbase proximity  and Kolkata and Mumbai for the economic and port significance.

What happened to the Taj Mahal in Agra? During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the Taj Mahal was camouflaged to protect it from potential aerial attacks by Pakistan. The white marble Mughal Era mausoleum was covered with a large green cloth. Lights were switched off, and security was increased.

The white marble structure was made to appear like a pile of bamboo and wood or an inconspicuous warehouse from the air. The idea was not to let the enemy pilots attack this iconic structure.

Even before the 1971 war, amidst the turmoil of the Second World War in 1942, the British were concerned about the iconic structure to potential bombing raids by German Luftwaffe bombers and Japanese forces. As a precautionary measure, bamboo scaffolding was erected over the iconic structure.

Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jaisalmer Fort all underwent similar camouflage in 1971.

Other Measures Among other measures, factories, oil depots, communication towers, and railway yards were covered in nets, tarpaulins, and painted canvas in the run up to 1971 war. Some installations were masked entirely with foliage and mud.

Blackout drills became routine across the country. People were asked to turn off all lights or cover windows with thick cloth and paper. Streetlights were switched off. Sirens were blown in the night hours, and civilians were trained to duck, evacuate, or reach the nearest shelter.

Evacuation Drills Border Areas

Civil defence drills aimed to reduce panic, save lives, and maintain order during wartime.

Residents rehearsed evacuation drills in border areas and metros alike.
From a series of bans to ceasefire violations to 'historic' mock drills -- India and Pakistan seem to be now shifting their focus to military prowess as tension between the two neighbours simmers.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India and Pakistan downgraded their diplomatic ties and have now been conducting test missile launches and military exercises to maintain military and "civil defence" preparedness.

Here's how India and Pakistan have been showcasing their combat readiness:

1. 'Historic' Mock drills India's Ministry of Home Affairs asked several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence on May 7. It said the government has decided to organise a civil defence exercise and rehearsal across the 244 categorised civil defence districts on May 7.

A drill of such scale was last conducted in 1971, just before India went to war with Pakistan.

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 the event of a "hostile attack"

> Provision of crash black out measures

> Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations

> Updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal

2. Indian military > On May 5, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM).

MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said "the system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy," the release read.

"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," per a release from the Ministry of Defence.

DRDO & Indian Navy conduct combat firing (with reduced explosive) of indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine

> On May 03, DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform from the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh. "...The airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 km," as per an official release.

> On April 28, the Centre and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft (22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater) for the Indian Navy. It includes Training, Simulator, Associated Equipment, Weapons and Performance-Based Logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

> On April 27, the Indian Navy said its ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to "revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long range precision offensive strike."

The Indian Navy stands combat ready, "credible and future ready in safeguarding the nations maritime interests Anytime Anywhere Anyhow," it posted on X.

Also Read | MHA orders mock drills across India on May 7 amid Ind-Pak tensions

3. Pakistani military Pakistan tested two missile launches since Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan earlier claimed it conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres as part of Ex INDUS.

Later on May 5, Pakistan said it conducted a "successful training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile" on Monday amid escalating tensions with India over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Also Read | MHA orders mock drills across India on May 7 amid Ind-Pak tensions

On May 5, Pakistan said it conducted a "successful training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile" on Monday amid escalating tensions with India over the Pahalgam terror attack.

4. Unprovoked firings Pakistan has been conducting "unprovoked firing" across the Line of Control (LoC) for the last 12 days, drawing a measured response from the Indian Army. In a statement on Tuesday, May 6, the Indian Army said Pakistan violated the ceasefire on the intervening night of May 5-6 in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Also Read | Pakistani troops engage in unprovoked firing along LoC; Indian Army responds

5. India, Pakistan impose bans India took a series of strong actions against Pakistan after at least 26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack about two weeks ago.

From halting the Indus Waters Treaty to banning Pakistani YouTube channels and movies, India took a slew of countermeasures against Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism.

In retaliation to India's measures, Pakistan also announced decisions while vehemently rejecting New Delhi's actions. Read here a recap of decisions India and Pakistan took in week 1.

Fear of 'war' Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after 26 people were killed in the terror attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region on April 22.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind the terrorist attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

Following the attack, India took a slew of actions against Pakistan, blaming the latter for harbouring terrorists and getting involved in cross-border terrorism.

Later, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of an "all-out war" between the two countries. "If there is an all-out attack or something like that, then obviously there will be an all-out war," Asif had told Sky News in the interview around April 24.

Asif said on Monday, May 5, that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC New Delhi will be given a befitting reply, the minister was quoted by news agency PTI as saying in Islamabad.
Mock drill exercise in India: The Civil Defence in Lucknow along with the police and local administration rehearsed mock drill exercises in the police lines area of the city on Tuesday after a home ministry notification about the same.

The mock drills in India are scheduled to be carried out across India as per the instructions of the Union Home Ministry, amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and injured many.

A video of the civil defence, police and local administration rehearsing for the mock drill is going viral on social media ahead of May 7.

Take a look at the video

Mock drills in Lucknow The video shows the officials engaged in the mock drill rehearsing what to do in case of a potential attack. They were also seen providing mock assistance to injured people in case of an attack.

Nationwide mock drills will be held tomorrow. Civil Defence, Police and local administration are preparing for it today, a police official was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The administration also conducted an air raid siren test as a part of a rehearsal for a mock drill in India exercise.

We are a disciplined team. We know what to do and what not to do. We will clearly show what is to be done when there is a bomb threat. We are making the public aware - how can one take shelter in the open, and if you are in the house, what corner should you choose to take shelter? We will also raise sirens in case of a blackout announcement. We should keep torches at our house for some ease, chief warden of civil defence Amarnath Mishra was quoted as saying by ANI.

Also Read | Blackouts and air raid sirens: How cities gear up for May 7 mock drill

Also Read | From warning sirens to blackouts: How mock drills are being planned

What is a mock drill? Mock drills are conducted as a practice exercise to make people, organisations, and authorities ready for emergency situations in real life including fires, earthquakes, medical emergencies, or terrorist attacks.

Authorities are able to judge effectiveness of emergency plans and identify weaknesses to make necessary changes by conducting a mock drill.

Why is India conducting mock drill on May 7? The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday, given the "new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to a home ministry communication, the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack" and cleaning bunkers and trenches.

Also Read | Modi cancelled Kashmir visit 3 days before Pahalgam after getting intel: Kharge
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday India will impose retaliatory tariffs if the European Union goes ahead with its plan to levy a carbon tax on Indian products.

He also said the talks about climate change is dwindling and termed the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as "very very irrational regulations".

"If they will put in carbon tax, and now there is a big if for obvious reasons. If they do put it in, we will retaliate. They will put it on products which really will hurt their own economy and the retaliation will further hurt their economy," Goyal said at an event in New Delhi.

"I think it will be very silly particularly to put tax on friendly countries. I am in continuous dialogue with them and I am hoping wiser sense will prevail in the EU countries," he added.

Under the CBAM, Indian exports of steel, aluminum, and cement to the EU could face tariffs of 20-35 per cent.

The developed countries should share technologies and finances to developing and least developing nations to deal with the issues related to climate change, Goyal commented.

Flagging Concerns Over Carbon Tax During a recent visit to London, Oslo and Brussels, the commerce minister had flagged concerns over the carbon tax.

"The minister had raised concerns about CBAM and clearly stated that India will retaliate. We have conveyed this to them," an official said, according to news agency PTI report.

Also Read | Govt may harness public sector undertakings to drive green steel consumption

India-US Bilateral Trade The talks on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement are going "fabulously" well and it is a great opportunity for both the countries to come closer together, said Goyal.
Mock Drill on May 7 at 4 pm: The Operation Abhyaas, a nationwide mock drill has begun in all states and Union territories in preparation to operationalise air-raid sirens and train people on evacuation protocols and cleaning of bunkers and trenches among other steps in the event of a "hostile attack".

The emergency preparedness, the first perhaps since 1971, will be conducted by most states from 4 pm.

Check timings, full details on the Mock Drill

Delhi Authorities in Delhi will conduct mock drills at 55 locations at 4 pm on Wednesday, with 650 schools participating in evacuation and blackout response training. The Directorate of Education has instructed school heads to organise sessions using a demonstration video on proper mock drill procedures.

Maharashtra A civil defence mock drill will be conducted at 16 locations across 10 districts in Maharashtra on May 7 at 4 pm, covering areas such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Raigad, Jalgaon, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Palghar, including towns like Uran, Tarapur, Roha-Nagothane, Manmad, Sinnar, Thal, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Bhusawal.

Mumbai University has confirmed that all exams scheduled for May 7 will proceed as planned.

Pune Mock drills will be conducted at the Council Hall in Pune and Panchayat Samiti and Municipal Council offices in Mulshi and Talegaon

Karnataka Mock drills will be conducted in Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur on May 7. Director General of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur said the drills will continue for a week and are aimed at identifying and addressing gaps in preparedness and resources.

Hyderabad Mock drills will be held at four locations in Hyderabad on May 7, involving police, fire services, and disaster response teams. Sirens will sound within Outer Ring Road (ORR) at 4 pm for an incoming air raid and again at 4.30 pm to signal the end of the drill.

West Bengal The West Bengal government will begin a seven-day statewide mock drill on Wednesday to assess the readiness of security systems. Sirens installed on 90 key buildings in Kolkata, including including the Civil Defence building, Mahajati Sadan auditorium, Calcutta High Court, Kolkata Police Headquarters in Lalbazar, will be activated during the drills.

Tamil Nadu The civil defence mock drills will be conducted at the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, and in the Chennai Port Trust, here on May 7, at 4 pm, the state government informed on Tuesday.

Punjab and Haryana Mock drills will be carried out at 20 places in the Punjab on 7 May, including Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala and Mohali.

In Haryana, mock drills will be conducted at many places including Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Panipat and Rohtak.

Uttar Pradesh Full-scale mock drill will be carried out across all districts of Uttar Pradesh on 7 May at 4pm. A 10-minute blackout will be observed in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district from 8 pm to 8.10 pm on May 7, officials said on Tuesday.

Jammu & Kashmir Civil Defence Mock Drill will take place on Wednesday, May 7 at 4 pm. The mock drills would be conducted in Kashmir's seven civil defence districts  Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Uri (in Baramulla district), and Awantipora (in Pulwama district)  which are spread over six revenue districts.

Bihar Civil defence mock drills will be held across Bihar on Wednesday at 4pm on 7 May.

Kerala As per the directive of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Civil Defence mock drills will be conducted in 14 districts of Kerala on May 7.

Andhra Pradesh The civil defence mock drills will be conducted at two locations - Kotha Jalaripeta and Oxygen Towers - on May 7 at 4pm.

Madhya Pradesh Mock drills will be held on Wednesday in five cities of the state including Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni from 4 pm. The drills will be conducted for activities like warning of danger through siren, blackout, keeping major infrastructure safe, safe evacuation of injured in case of accident,

Chandigarh The Chandigarh administration will conduct a 10-minute blackout drill on Wednesday and appealed to residents to turn off electricity on their premises during the exercise.

Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh called upon the citizens to cooperate and actively participate in 'Operation Abhyaas' scheduled at 4 pm on May 7.

Assam An extensive mock drill will be carried out across 14 'civil defence districts' of Assam on Wednesday. An official said that the mock drill will start at 4 pm and will continue till all the steps are covered.

Gujarat Gujarat will hold civil defence mock drills at key sites in 18 districts at 4 pm on May 7, followed by a citizen-led blackout from 7.30 to 8 pm.

In Gujarat, mock drills will be held at Vadodara, Surat, Tapi, Patan, Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Mehsana, Narmada, Navsari, Dang, Kutch, Bharuch, Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar.

Manipur Mock drills will be conducted in Manipur's Imphal West district on Wednesday. The mock drill will be held on Wednesday at 4 pm.

Jharkhand Mock drill will be carried out in five districtsRanchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Godda and Sahibganj  at 4pm om 7 May.

Sikkim's Gangtok, Singtam In Singtam, the mock drill will run from 4 pm to 5 pm, beginning with sirens and a simulated air strike at the NHPC power house in Balutar. Fire services and rescue teams will carry out mock evacuations and transport casualties to Singtam District Hospital.

In Gangtok, the drill will take place from 9 pm to 9.30 pm, involving sirens and a complete blackout. All lights, generator sets, inverters, and solar lights must be turned off in homes, businesses, and government offices.

Tripura Mock drills will be conducted across all eight districts of Tripura on Wednesday, with resource mobilisation at Umakanta Academy ground in West Tripura starting at 3.30 pm. The 90-minute exercise will involve TSR, Apada Mitra, NCC cadets, and Homeguards, with sirens sounding at 4 pm and 5 pm.

Andaman & Nicobar The Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is fully prepared for the mock drills to be held on Wednesday, 7 May.
Indias decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance has raised serious concerns in Pakistan. On Monday, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) advisory committee expressed grave apprehension over a sudden reduction in the inflow of the Chenab River at Marala, attributed to decreased water releases by India. This shortfall could lead to a 21% water deficit in Pakistan during the early Kharif season.

Also Read | India cuts water flow to Pakistan through Baglihar dam on Chenab River

Treaty Suspension and Immediate Fallout India formally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on 24 April 2025, citing security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The move halted data-sharing and project notifications to Pakistan, with India asserting its right to fully utilise water resources from western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

Pakistans Agricultural Emergency Pakistans Indus River System Authority (IRSA) warned of a 21% water shortage during the early Kharif season (MayJune) and 7% in late Kharif (JuneSeptember), citing reduced Chenab River flows from India.

The Chenabs inflow at Marala headworks dropped sharply, threatening irrigation for crops like rice, cotton, and maize-critical for Pakistans food security. IRSA attributed the deficit to Indias reduced releases from upstream dams, including Baglihar and Salal.

Also Read | What is Simla Agreement that may be suspended after India's water treaty move

"Indus River System Authority Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed the water situation for the remaining months of "Early Kharif" (May - Jun 10) Late Kharif (Jun 11 - Sep) season. It was noted with concern unanimously that sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India would result in more shortages in Early Kharif Season," the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) stated in a press release.

Pakistan may face a significant water shortage during the Kharif season due to reduced water supplies from India.

The Kharif season refers to the monsoon cropping period in South Asia, typically running from June to October. Key crops grown during this season include rice, maize, millet, and cotton, which rely heavily on rainfall and irrigation.

"IAC declared an overall shortage of 21 per cent for the remaining Early Kharif Season in case supplies in River Chenab remains normal. However, the situation would be monitored daily and if the decrease continues in "River Chenab", the shortages would be revisited accordingly. The Late Kharif Shortages are expected to be 7 per cent," it added.

The water shortage is a likely fallout of India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack, which was attributed to Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

Treaty Dynamics and Broader Implications The Indus Waters Treaty allocates 80% of the Indus River Systems water to Pakistan and 20% to India. While India controls eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), its suspension of the treaty allows unrestricted use of western rivers for projects like hydropower. Pakistan has vowed to challenge the move internationally, calling it a breach of bilateral agreements.
Taking a tough stand on Pakistan in a closed-door session on Kashmir, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members on Monday, May 5, rebuked Islamabad over its false flag claims following the Pahalgam terror attack, as it raised concerns about the deliberate targeting of tourists based on their religion, news agency ANI quoted sources as saying.

Condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam and emphasising the need for accountability, the UNSC members expressed concerns over the recent missile tests and nuclear rhetoric by Pakistan, saying they were escalatory factors in deteriorating relationship between New Delhi and Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack.

UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal sessionThey refused to accept the false flag narrative and asked whether LeT was likely to be involved. There was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability. they said.

They further mentioned that some members brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith. Also Read | Govt to ban social media influencers for anti-national content, flags accounts inciting violence

"Many members expressed concern that Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistans efforts to internationalise the situation also failed, they said, adding that Islamabad has been advised by the UNSC members to sort out the issues bilaterally with India.

Pakistan on Monday conducted a training launch of a Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres as part of the ongoing Exercises Indus. On Saturday, Pakistan had claimed that it conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres as part of Ex INDUS.
Pakistan yet again resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) for the 12th consecutive night, drawing a measured response from the Indian Army. In a statement, the Indian Army said Pakistan violated ceasefire on the intervening night of May 5-6 in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

During the night of 05-06 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded in proportionate manner, the Indian Army said in a statement.

Previous ceasefire violations along LoC The previous ceasefire violations took place on the intervening night of 04 -05 May 2025.

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. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately, the Indian Army had said.

Other recent ceasefire violations along LoC occurred during the night of May 1-2, 2025, of 30 April-01 May 2025, 29-30 April.

The renewed ceasefire violations take place despite a recent hotline discussion between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on April 29, during which the Indian side is learnt to have warned Pakistan. India released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), confirming the its airspace closure to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, comprising military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration).

Since the night of April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after 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.

Meanwhile, security forces in J&K's Rajouri district have heightened their vigilance following the attack. Joint search operations are actively being conducted across various forested and border areas in an effort to locate the terrorists. Vehicle check posts have been established with security forces holding thorough checks of suspected vehicles on highways and roads, ANI had reported.
In a major push for transparency and awareness for the public, the Supreme Court has started to publish the asset declarations and familial ties of the sitting judges on its official website, in accordance with a full-court decision to place the relevant details in the public domain. The asset declarations cover judges movable property and gold, as well as investments held by them, their spouses, and joint family members.

Statements of assets of 21 judges that the Supreme Court has already received are being uploaded for the public and declaration of assets of other judges will be uploaded as and when the current statement of assets is received, the court said.

In a notification dated May 5, the Supreme Court said that it has also placed complete details of the appointment process to the high courts and the top court on its website. Also Read | Supreme Court rejects bail for ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt. Heres why

The details include process of appointments to the High Courts and Supreme Court including the role assigned to the High Court Collegium, the role and inputs received from the State Governments, Government of India, and consideration by the Supreme Court Collegium, on its website for knowledge and awareness of the public.

The details also include the proposals approved by the Supreme Court Collegium for appointments as High Court Judges during the period 9th November 2022 to 5th May 2025, including the names, High Court, source whether from Service or Bar, date of recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, date of notification by Department of Justice, date of appointment, and special category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Woman)".

The information in public mentions whether candidates' familial ties such as if they are related to any retired or sitting judge of the high court/Supreme Court.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was welcomed to the White House on Tuesday (May 6) by US President Donald Trump in their first in-person meeting, setting the stage for high-stakes talks on trade and sovereignty  and reigniting controversy over Trump's provocative remarks about Canadian statehood.

Carney arrived at the White House in the afternoon and was greeted by Trump outside the White House. The two leaders smiled and shook hands for the cameras before proceeding to the Oval Office.

Its a great honor to have the Canadian leader at the White House, Trump said, congratulating Carney on his very big election win. While Carney and Trump have spoken by phone since the Canadian election, this was their first face-to-face interaction.

Trump revives 51st state idea During the brief photo op in the Oval Office, Trump again floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state  a suggestion that has repeatedly sparked backlash.

I still believe that, but ... it takes two to tango, Trump said. He went on to claim that such a move would bring a massive tax cut for Canadians and a lot of advantages.

Referring to the US-Canada border, Trump added, Somebody drew that line many years ago with like, a ruler  just a straight line right across the top of the country. When you get rid of that artificially drawn line... that's the way it was meant to be. "When you look at that beautiful formation, when its together ... when I looked at that, you know, I said, thats the way it was meant to be."

Calling the hypothetical union a wonderful marriage, Trump said, Its two places that get along very well. They like each other a lot.

Carney pushes back: 'Not for sale' Carney, known for his assertive stance on Canadian sovereignty, responded pointedly using Trumps real estate analogy.

There are some places that are never for sale, he said, gesturing around the Oval Office. Its not for sale, wont be for sale ever.

The Canadian leader also acknowledged having addressed Trumps comments with his own citizens. Ive spoken to Canadians about it, Carney said. Theyve been very clear.

Trump, undeterred, responded several times with his trademark refrain: Never say never.

Talks continue behind closed doors The Oval Office exchange, though lighthearted in tone, underscored deeper tensions between the two countries. The leaders are expected to discuss trade disputes, retaliatory tariffs, and the future of the economic and security relationship between the US and Canada in a closed-door session.

Both sides have signaled that while progress may be slow, the talks will be candid  and closely watched.

Also Read | Key trends in charts: How the US is performing under Trump
US President Donald Trump has teased a major announcement he plans to make before departing on his upcoming Middle East tour, describing it as very, very big and one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the timing of the reveal is still being finalised: Itll be either Thursday or Friday or Monday."

Without providing details, Trump underscored the gravity of the upcoming disclosure: Its as big as it gets. I wont tell you on what, but its very positive.

The President did not elaborate on the nature of the subject or whether the announcement is related to his Middle East visit, which begins May 13 and is expected to include significant commercial and defense deals with Gulf nations.

Trump eyes trillion-dollar Gulf deals As Trump prepares to visit the Middle East, Gulf nations are finalising massive commercial and defense agreements aimed at cementing ties with Washington. According to Bloomberg which cited people familiar with the matter, the regions major players  Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates  are preparing to announce deals worth nearly $3 trillion, far surpassing the $400 billion pledged during Trumps 2017 trip.

The prospective agreements span defense, aviation, technology, and infrastructure, and are being positioned as both economic boosters and strategic gestures to curry favor with Trump, the news outlet reported.

Qatar Airways to lead with major Boeing order Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing the largest order of the visit, putting final touches on a deal for around 100 Boeing widebody jets, with options for as many more. The Doha-based carrier is primarily interested in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a smaller number of 777X jets.

Boeing faces headwinds, seeks Gulf backing Trumps tariff policies have recently strained Boeings relationship with international customers, particularly China, which has instructed its airlines to pause Boeing purchases. Thats opened opportunities for European rival Airbus, though Gulf carriers still appear to be leaning toward Boeing.

Still, the visit is crucial for Boeing, which needs a boost in foreign support amid ongoing global trade tensions.

Saudi Arabia, UAE plan commitments Saudi Arabia is eyeing a $1 trillion investment in the US, up from the $600 billion offered over the next four years by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, the UAE has pledged to invest $1.4 trillion over the next decade in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing  including $100 billion earmarked for a Trump-linked venture, Bloomberg reported.

Weapons sales to take center stage In addition to commercial aviation, weapons sales will reportedly be a central feature of Trumps visit. The US recently approved a $3.5 billion arms package to Saudi Arabia, including 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced air-to-air missiles. Riyadh is also exploring the purchase of Boeing F-15EX fighters.

According to SIPRI, the US remains the worlds largest arms exporter, accounting for 43% of global weapons sales, with over half of the Middle Easts imports sourced from American firms.

Also Read | Israel is heading for a full occupation of Gazaand all the risk it entails

Emirates and Flydubai also in the mix The UAE leg of the visit will likely include discussions with Emirates, the worlds biggest Boeing customer, and Flydubai, which is reportedly considering an order of hundreds of Boeing 737s.

Both airlines, along with Qatar Airways, are also evaluating deals for hundreds of General Electric engines to power their new Boeing aircraft.

Non-binding agreements While many deals are expected to be announced during the visit, not all will be binding, sources cautioned, according to the news report. Some will represent initial agreements or repackaged earlier commitments, as was the case during Trumps 2017 regional tour.
Iran said its waiting for Oman to confirm when there will be a new round of nuclear talks with the US, while also saying it had nothing to do with Houthi missile strikes on Israel.

Iranian and US 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 US 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, US 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 US and Israel have long said Iran supplies the militants with funding and weapons.

The US 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.
US adults are being reminded that starting Wednesday (May 7), a REAL ID will be required for boarding federally regulated commercial flights, entering select federal facilities, and accessing nuclear power plants. If you havent yet upgraded your identification, youll need to act fast to ensure you're compliant by the May 7 deadline.

What is a REAL ID? A REAL ID is a federally compliant form of identification issued by state driver's license agencies. You can identify a REAL ID by a black or gold star in the upper right corner of the card. The appearance of the symbol may vary by state.

Who needs a REAL ID? REAL IDs are required for individuals over 18 who wish to board domestic flights or access federal facilities that require identification. If you dont have a REAL ID, you can alternatively present a valid US passport to meet federal requirements.

What happens after the deadline? The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is May 7. After this date, a regular state drivers license will no longer be acceptable for federal purposes, including air travel.

Enhanced Drivers Licenses as alternatives Five states issue an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), which is considered an acceptable alternative to the REAL ID. These states include: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

Enhanced IDs feature a US flag in the top right corner or the word Enhanced on the card. In addition to being federally compliant for domestic air travel, these IDs also allow citizens in the United States to travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean through land or sea ports of entry without a passport  a privilege not afforded by standard REAL IDs.

How to get a REAL ID? To apply for a REAL ID, you must visit your states drivers licensing agency. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends checking your states website for specific application instructions and to learn what documents youll need to bring with you. The process cannot be completed online, so its essential to act quickly if you havent yet upgraded your ID.

Alternative identification for air travel If you dont have a REAL ID by the May 7 deadline, TSA will still accept other forms of valid identification. Some of the accepted alternatives include: US Passports, Permanent resident cards, Enhanced IDs, and Global Entry cards/

International travel and REAL ID Its important to note that while a REAL ID is necessary for domestic air travel, it will not be accepted for international travel. A valid passport is still required for any overseas flight or international cruises.

Children and REAL ID Children under the age of 18 are not required to have a REAL ID for domestic air travel. However, adults will still need to comply with the new identification standards.

Also Read | Key trends in charts: How the US is performing under Trump
A divided US Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 6) allowed President Donald Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military to take effect, putting thousands of active-duty troops at risk of removal. The court's decision stays a lower courts preliminary injunction that had previously blocked the ban while legal battles proceed.

The court's three liberal justicesSotomayor, Kagan, and Jacksondissented from the decision, which marks a major victory for Trump as he advances a broader rollback of transgender rights during his second term.

Trump: 'False gender identity' unfit for military In a January 27 executive order, Trump claimed that expressing a gender identity divergent from ones biological sex disqualifies a person from military service.

Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service, Trump stated in the order.

Shortly after, the Pentagon issued a memo reinforcing the ban, indicating that transgender personnel could be discharged unless granted a waiver. The policy also blocks new transgender recruits from joining the military.

Pentagon memo targets those with gender dysphoria According to a senior defense official, as of late last year, 4,240 service members had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The Pentagons memo focuses on this group, including those with a history of the condition or related symptoms. The policy allows for exceptions only through case-by-case waivers, effectively narrowing the path for transgender individuals to serve.

Policy shifts with changing administrations The legal and political landscape around transgender military service has been volatile over the past decade. The ban was initially lifted in 2016 under former President Barack Obama, who allowed transgender troops to serve openly and set a timeline to begin accepting transgender recruits.

However, the Trump administration delayed that plan before reversing it altogether. After multiple legal challenges and policy rewrites, Trumps version of the ban eventually went into effect in April 2019.

President Joe Biden reversed the ban shortly after taking office in 2021, restoring open service for transgender troops. But following his re-election, Trump reinstated the ban, fulfilling a campaign promise to restrict transgender rights across federal institutions.

Broader culture war over transgender rights Transgender issues remain a flashpoint in US politics, with red and blue states sharply divided on related policies. From gender-affirming medical care to book bans in schools, the political debate has intensified in recent years.

Trumps return to the White House has seen a renewed push to limit transgender rights in the military and beyond.

We must ensure our military is focused on readiness and not social experimentation, Trump said during a rally earlier this year.

The Supreme Court's latest move does not end the legal battle over the ban, but it allows the controversial policy to be implemented while the case proceeds through lower courts.

Also Read | US to stop bombing Houthis in Yemen following ceasefire agreement, says Trump
The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out airstrikes targeting Sanaa International Airport in Yemen early on Tuesday (May 6), rendering it inoperable, following a missile attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels that briefly disrupted operations at Israels main airport.

The strike on the Yemen capital was first reported by Houthi media and later confirmed by sources speaking to Reuters.

Footage depicted dense black smoke billowing over Sanaa's skyline. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the airport strike, but the attack marks a major escalation in hostilities between Israel and the Yemen-based rebel group.

Israel urged evacuation ahead of strike Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a public warning on social media shortly before the strike, urging civilians to leave the area around Sanaa airport.

We urge you to immediately evacuate the area of the airport and to warn anyone nearby to distance themselves immediately, Adraee posted, alongside a map of the targeted area.

Failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives.

The Houthis satellite news channel said the Israeli strikes hit the airport directly.

Strikes follow missile hit near Ben Gurion airport The retaliatory strikes came a day after the Houthis launched a missile that struck an access road near Israels Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday. Four people suffered light injuries and air traffic was halted briefly.

This was the first time a missile struck the grounds of Ben Gurion since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, an Israeli official told Reuters.

The rare hit on Israeli soil prompted Israels security cabinet to authorise an expansion of its military campaign, including continued operations in Gaza and beyond.

Hodeidah Port also targeted Israel also struck Yemens key Red Sea port of Hodeidah on Monday (May 5), which it claims the Houthis are using to import weapons from Iran.

According to the Houthi-run health ministry, those strikes killed at least four people and injured 39. Other reports from the rebels media office claimed at least six strikes hit the Hodeidah port and nearby civilian infrastructure, including a cement factory in Bajil district.

Houthi missiles penetrate Israeli defenses While many of the Houthis' long-range missiles have been intercepted by Israels missile defense systems, Sundays strike revealed vulnerabilities.

We will respond decisively to any attack on Israeli territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday, vowing retaliation after the missile strike near Ben Gurion.

The Axis of Resistance and solidarity with Gaza The Houthis have justified their attacks as part of their support for Palestinians in Gaza. As members of Irans Axis of Resistance, they see their role as central to the broader anti-Israel coalition, which includes Hezbollah and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and Syria.

We will not stop targeting Israel until the siege on Gaza ends, a Houthi spokesperson said in a broadcast on Tuesday.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the Houthis have been launching attacks on Israel and targeting Red Sea shipping routes, claiming their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Also Read | Israels radical new course in Gaza
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a potential flashpoint with the horrific attack on civilians in Pahalgam in Kashmir. Bangladesh has also emerged as a point of concern lately, while China has been making aggressive border moves over the past 8-10 years. These have raised the spectre of a 3.5-front security nightmare for India (Pakistan plus Pakistan Occupied Kashmir-Jammu and Kashmir, China and Bangladesh).

Moreover, todays global geopolitical landscape is fraught with growing divisions and rising uncertainty. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza have far-reaching implications for the global geopolitical order.

Several European countries have begun raising their defence spending after decades. A 176-year-old train factory in Gorlitz, Eastern Germany, for example, is slated to begin making Sherman tanks, signalling the countrys intent to rearm itself. Japan too is looking to amend its pacifist constitution to give its military more teeth. These trends mark a sharp departure from the post-World War II era and post-Berlin Wall global order, and could continue for decades into the future.

Is it any surprise that State-based Armed Conflict was ranked as the top risk for 2025 in a recent global survey, with nearly a quarter of respondents anticipating a material global crisis? The risk of geo-economic confrontation is on the rise with increased tensions between major powers over sanctions, trade tariffs and investment screening, among other issues, all of which have worsened global economic instability.

US President Donald Trumps foreign policy emphasizes nationalism. This means we are squarely in a world where each country prioritizes its interests and sovereignty, with larger ones carving out their own sphere of influence in which they expect to operate with some degree of impunity.

Thus, we need to re-evaluate Indias security framework, reforms and expenditure patterns based on the military threats and capabilities of our neighbours. Heres a to-do list.

First, India must urgently review its defence spending and expenditure priorities. The country currently spends about 2% of GDP on defence. However, this defence allocation has been lagging nominal GDP growth. It grew 6.3% in 2023-24, 5.2% in 2024-25 and is budgeted to expand at 6.2% in 2025-26. This is slower than our nominal economic growth rate of about 10-12% in these years. But Chinas military spending at about 7% has outpaced its GDP growth rate of 4-5% in recent years, and that too at a much higher absolute level of over $300 billion, compared to Indias under $90 billion.

The other important issue concerns the quality and mix of Indias defence outlay. The 2025-26 budget allocated 6.8 trillion for defence, versus 6.21 trillion the previous year. However, of this total, only about 26% is for capital expenditure, with the rest earmarked for routine expenses such as salaries, pensions, maintenance, repairs, etc.

Notably, the pension bill has been in excess of 20% of the total defence revenue expenditure for many years. The 8th Pay Commission will soon commence work and likely submit its report by early 2027. This may entail large arrear payments as the revised salaries and pensions would be effective from January 2026. The eventual pay award could skew our defence spending further in favour of salaries and pensions.

True, the Agniveer scheme, if successfully implemented, could help reduce these expenses. But we cannot escape the fact that our overall defence budget, especially its capex component, must be raised. A minimum addition of 10 basis points per annum in defence spending as a percentage of GDP over the next few years should be committed and adhered to, taking overall defence spending to at least 2.5% of GDP.

Second, Indias space budget should be raised manifold, along with next-generation reforms in this sector. Space could become a new theatre of warfare, although the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 bans nuclear weapons in orbit or on celestial bodies.

As China is expanding its space capabilities at an alarming pace, Indias space strategy should be harmonized with its military imperatives. We must invest in strengthening and protecting our assets in orbit and spend more on ground infrastructure. Satellite surveillance and space situational awareness capabilities must be augmented. We must leverage a wide range of technologies to enhance Indias security. Even the US is pivoting towards such changes.

Third, research and development (R&D) must get a place of pride in defence reforms. Just as the government spruced up Indias physical border infrastructure, it must focus on leapfrogging digital infrastructure and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) for defence purposes. We also need advanced cryptographic capabilities.

Lastly, public-private partnerships hold the key to speeding up Indias defence indigenization programme. The private sector, comprising the countrys indigenous startup ecosystem and vast industrial base, should be co-opted more purposefully for this. Leveraging the resources of the private sector could accelerate innovation and enhance national security.

The author is group chief economist at Larsen & Toubro.
The liberalization of Indias economy, as tracked by an embrace of free-market principles, has been rather slow in chipping away at old precepts of a nanny state. We should thus welcome the governments effort to ease the retail availability of medicines that can safely be sold over the counter (OTC): i.e., without a doctors prescription.

As reported by Mint, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board is seeking a tweak in regulations to first define OTC drugs clearly and then license a wide set of retailers to sell these. As of now, such pills can only be dispensed by chemists with qualified pharmacists behind their counters (or web interfaces). As the report indicates, the governments OTC list is likely to include regular pain-killers, anti-allergics, laxatives, cough syrups, anti-fungal products and some formulations for asthma patients.

All of theseand moreare routinely used and widely bought without the explicit advice of doctors anyway. Its just that it involves hunting for chemist shops, which are far fewer than grocery stores. The convenience this proposal would assure buyers is reason enough to back it.

Most legacy rules originate in a valid purpose. In general, since the misuse of drugs can be a serious health hazard, access to them cannot go unsupervised. This goes without saying. At stake here, though, are formulations that cause much less harm if used needlessly (or overdosed).

Ever since the idea of wider retail supply was first proposed in 2022, it has stoutly been resisted by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists and Indian Pharmaceutical Association. Misuse is the key risk they have flagged. To address this worry, the list of OTC drugs must duly be vetted by medical experts and kept judiciously short. But the chemist lobbys expression of anxiety that its members may suffer a sales drop should not influence such a decision.

Policy must aim for better health outcomes, after all, not protect businesses.

Also Read: India seeks detailed report on pharma exports to Pakistan ahead of a likely ban on all bilateral trade

If people at large are deemed capable of decisions on the use of OTC drugs, as they are by definition, we have no reason to restrict OTC sales only to outlets with the capacity to verify medical advice and ensure error-free delivery. Equally invalid is the objection that Indian levels of literacy are too low for our retail rules to be liberalized safely. It amounts to the state playing nanny, an approach we need to outgrow.

A tight policy effort to save people from themselves by means of retail curbs could have effects that are not plainly visible. This is a market with relatively inelastic demand. As medicines are mostly bought on a need basis, offtake quantities of moderately priced pills do not vary much in line with price movements.

Typically, in any market where supply cannot freely fulfil such demand, space opens up for inflated profits in various links of the supply chain. This was seen in many fields during the heyday of Indias Licence Raj. In the case of medicines, a regime of price controls for some drugs has been in place to prevent exertions of monopoly power that may let unfairly large profits be made. This has been accompanied by a loose intellectual property regime that encourages rivalry in segments of off-patent drugs in heavy use. So, by and large, we have not suffered extortive pricing.

Yet, price caps arent foolproof, they dont cover all drugs, and easier retail access to OTC meds may empower the market to keep its own check on prices.
The BJP has launched an attack on Congress, labelling them as the official content creator for Pakistan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cancelled his Kashmir visit after "receiving an intelligence report three days before" the Pahalgam terror attack last month.

What Did Mallikarjun Kharge Say? Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking at a 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Ranchi, alleged that Prime Minister Modi received an intelligence warning three days before the Pahalgam terror attack and cancelled his visit to Kashmir as a result.

Also Read | Modi cancelled Kashmir visit 3 days before Pahalgam after getting intel: Kharge

"When an intelligence report says that it is not proper to visit there for your security, why did you not inform your security, intelligence, local police, and border force to protect people," the Congress chief asked.

Kharge also claimed, "When you (PM) got the information, you cancelled your programme but did not send more forces to protect tourists there."

Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Kharge claimed, India is faced with a huge crisis. The Centre accepted the intelligence failure during the all-party meeting. You (PM Modi) admitted that there was an intelligence flaw. When the Centre knew about the possible terror strike, why did it not put in place a system to protect people?

How BJP Reacted? Congress has completely failed in its role as a constructive opposition. The role of Congress has now become that of a 'destructive opposition'. The big question is whether the country should fight terrorism or the organised lies and rumours of Congress?, said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a post on X.

After the all-party meeting, they continuously displayed pro-Pakistan behaviourgiving a clean chit to Pakistan, raising questions on the morale of our armed forces, and portraying such remarks as personal opinions. But today, Mr Kharge has made it clear that this is the official stand of the Congress party, said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

Meanwhile BJP leader CR Kesavan questioned the role of Rahul Gandhi as a Leader o Opposition and asked, While all this happens Rahul Gandhi maintains a calculated silence. He never speaks out, and today, after Kharges toxic rant, what does Rahul Gandhi have to say? Is he not going to condemn these outrageous remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge ji about the Prime Minister?

BJP claimed that the Congress president's criticism of PM Modi over alleged intelligence failure in the Pahalgam terror attack was intended to "lower the morale of security forces".
A divided US Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to start discharging thousands of transgender servicemembers, including people who have served openly for years.

Over dissents from the three liberal justices, the court dealt a major blow to LGBTQ rights, pausing a lower court order that had put President Donald Trumps new ban on hold during a legal fight. The court gave no explanation in its one-page order, which applies while the litigation continues.

During Trumps first term, the Supreme Court let an earlier transgender military ban take effect, but the presidents new policy goes further by calling for the expulsion of people who have already transitioned.

The administration says courts should defer to Trumps assessment that the presence of transgender people in the armed services undermines military effectiveness. Opponents say the administration has no evidence for that claim and say trans people have served with honor and distinction for years.

Trump issued his ban through a Jan. 27 executive order, which said expressing a false gender identity conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle and is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.

The challengers in the high court case included seven active-duty servicemembers and a man who says he wants to join the Marines. The group is led by Navy Commander Emily Shilling, who has flown more than 60 combat missions as a pilot. Shilling, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and is a Navy test pilot, says the military has spent more than $20 million training her.

Shilling transitioned within the Navy starting in 2021, when President Joe Bidens policy let transgender people serve openly in the armed forces.

An unprecedented degree of animus towards transgender people animates and permeates the ban, the group told the Supreme Court. It is based on the shocking proposition that transgender people do not exist.

US District Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, said the administration hasnt shown that the ban is substantially related to achieving unit cohesion, good order, or discipline. Settle said current and aspiring servicemembers probably would suffer multiple constitutional violations, including infringement of their rights to equal protection and free speech.

The administrations top Supreme Court lawyer, US Solicitor General D. John Sauer, argued that Settles order forced the government to maintain a policy that the department has found to be inconsistent with the best interests of the military services and with the interests of national security.

A San Francisco-based federal appeals court refused to issue a stay of Settles order, prompting the administration to turn to the nations highest court.

The Supreme Court is separately deliberating over a major transgender-rights case involving state laws that ban puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for those under 18.

The case is United States v. Shilling, 24A1030.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his visit to Kashmir three days before the Pahalgam terror attack after receiving an intelligence report on the possibility of the same, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged on Tuesday.

Addressing a 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Jharkhand, Kharge pointed the finger at the government over its handling of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, asking the government why it did not take appropriate measures despite having intelligence about a possible terror attack in Kashmir.

I have received information that three days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Modi, and based on that, he cancelled his programme to visit Kashmir. I also read this in a newspaper, Kharge alleged.

If intelligence could warn that it wasn't safe for you (the PM) to go there, why didn't you take proper steps to protect the tourists and civilians? he asked.

The Congress president asked why nothing was done by the government even when it had intelligence inputs regarding the attack.

A major terrorist attack took place in the country on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. There was an intelligence failure; the government has acknowledged it and said they will resolve it. But if they were aware of it, then why wasn't anything done, he said.

Mallikarjun Kharge further said that they are standing with the government in whatever decision it takes against Pakistan.

We have already stated that whatever strong decisions the government takes against Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, we will stand with the government. Because this is a matter of national security. The country comes first; everything else is secondary. We have made sacrifices for this nation, the veteran politician said.

BJP hits back at Kharge's remarks, calls him modern-day Mir Jaffar Slamming Mallikarjun Kharge, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called his statement treacherous and labelled him as modern-day Mir Jaffar.

He has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jaffar. His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Mr. Kharge's remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and cannot be forgiven, BJP leader CR Kesavan said.

Also Read | Why BJP leader Ravinder Raina faces flak for snow reel with soldiers

He demanded an unconditional apology from the Congress leader.

Everybody demands an unconditional apology from him, and he should also come clean on what kind of inputs he received to make such outrageous remarks.

Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
Milan: India accords a high priority to the free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), and a deal is achievable by the year-end given the shared urgency, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a conference on cross border collaboration for future resilience on the sidelines of the Asian Development Banks (ADB) 58th annual meeting in Milan, Sitharaman said bilateral deals are now necessitated by rising geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain fragmentation and the way US reciprocal tariffs have panned out.

Countries are today very clearly looking at bilateral arrangements. India has been negotiating with the UK and EU for some time. But today, the sense of urgency is felt by both the sides," Sitharaman said.

Also read: Finance Ministry, ADB deny reports of Nirmala Sitharaman demanding fund cuts to Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced the long-pending India-UK bilateral trade deal. The India-UK FTA, a milestone in bilateral relations, aims to attract investment, create jobs and open new avenues for economic cooperation, strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations.

Supply chain concentration risks and disruptions have played out substantially, Sitharaman said, emphasizing the need for businesses to have investments spread out in various countries.

You need to have market access in different countries. You also need to have bilateral arrangements given the prevailing situation. India has been successfully negotiating bilateral treaties with very many countries," the minister said, referring to the deals concluded with the UAE and Australia.

So, EU FTA is top of our priority, also because of the traditional links that we've had with the EU, just as the traditional links we have had with the UK."

Sitharaman said she was not revealing anything about the ongoing negotiations, but it is in the public domain that except for one or two items on which each side is fixated, the India-EU deal is mostly final. So, if the negotiations go forward with that spirit, it is not impossible to conclude the deal by the year-end, she said.

Also read: Sitharaman urges ADB to speed up financing deals; US, China spar over funding

Sitharaman also told her counterparts from Finland, Fiji and Italy and ADB President Masato Kanda participating in the conference that India's approach on supply chains has not been one of short term.

Weve taken a long-term approach. Our approach is to strengthen ourselves more on the basis of the assets that we have, whether it is in the form of human capital or technology in which we have a lead, and also in sectors in which we think we can build further," she said.

Looking at the levers which India want to fully use, whether it is technology or manpower, the governments policies have been tailored to support manufacturing and the services sector in which the country enjoys a lead, she added.

In response to a question on EUs carbon border adjustment mechanism, a policy to subject imported goods to the same carbon pricing as domestically produced goods, Sitharaman said the border tax will make things difficult for Indian exporters. Sitharaman described it as the EUs way of finding resources to make its domestic industry greener by taxing imports.

Also read: Nirmala Sitharaman meets ADB President, Italian counterpart; highlights India's DPI success

If the collective effort is to get the world greener, global economy has to become greener, the minister said, adding that one region wanting to get its industry greener by depleting others, amounts to a repetition of colonialism. This can no longer be the spirit with which international cooperation and trade can happen," Sitharaman said.

The writer is in Milan at the invitation of the ADB.
Mumbai: The Centre does not intend to alter its foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy in the space sector, said Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Department of Space-affiliated regulatory body for the space industry, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-Space), on Monday.

Based on the Union governments amended space FDI policy from February last year, India allows foreign investors to acquire up to 49% of a domestic space company that operates at the most critical sensitivity level without needing government approval. While the move enabled foreign funds to officially invest in Indias space startups, various parties have highlighted that the limited funding structure could hamper large funding rounds in the space industry.

We dont have any plan in the short term to change the FDI policy in space. Well continue to observe this industry, and our goal is to balance the industry between foreign investments and the prospects for domestic firms. We dont want Indias domestic space ventures to be completely dependent on foreign investments, which is why a 49% cap has been put on direct investments in the space sector, Goenka said.

The top executive said the government has not received inputs from any stakeholder that a larger FDI quantum should be made accessible to foreign investors, as of now. We want the majority stake in space ventures to be with the domestic founders in the most critical ventures in the interest of security and defence, while up to 100% foreign investments are directly permitted in the space industry for non-critical application makers and other startups, he said.

Funding is critical Foreign capital is critical for the space sector to grow, as the worldwide space market has highlighted over the past decades. Elon Musk-backed private space startup SpaceX, currently the most successful in terms of funding, valuation and frequency of launches, is valued at $350 billionwith over $11 billion raised in private capital during its lifespan.

Indian space startups, on this note, are yet to hit unicorn status. Hyderabad-headquartered Skyroot Aerospace and Bengaluru-headquartered Pixxel are the most-funded in India, having raised $95 million each to date. For both, funding rounds have been led by global firmsSingapores Temasek for Skyroot, and the US Google for Pixxel, among others.

Indias sole global-scale space startup acquisition also took place last month, when US-based biotechnology firm Helogen Corp. acquired Tamil Nadu-based Vellon Space on 30 April for an undisclosed amount.

This underlines the importance of foreign funds in a market that currently retains a minuscule fraction of the global space marketwith Goenka estimating Indias space industry to be worth $10-12 billion at the moment.

Also read |

Industry veterans underlined that this is a crucial challenge. The key challenge for Indias space sector lies in the fact that, beyond a handful of star startups, most others have not attracted funding at scale. Protecting domestic companies and their innovation is a major factor behind limiting automatic FDI in the most critical space sub-sectors. Still, if protecting core patents or large business orders was the key goal, then by now, large domestic conglomerates would have invested in space startups, said Chaitanya Giri, space fellow at global think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Giri added that despite a protectionist FDI, domestic investors have not come ahead. Whether it is a lack of awareness of the overvaluation of our startups can be debated.

Indian space VC fund Goenka, however, said the Centre is investing in giving Indian space firms access to capital, even apart from global investors. We have operationalized the $120 million venture capital (VC) fundthrough which we will start funding startups as soon as the next quarter. For us to reach the goal of a $44 billion space economy by 2033, a net investment of $22 billion will be required. A part of this will be through the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), alongside $2.5 billion or more through foreign investors. A lot of this will be through domestic firms such as the Tata group and Larsen & Toubro, who are already investing in the space sector, he said.

The VC fund, which was announced during the first of two interim budgets by the Centre last year, received its first fund manager in Sidbi Ventures on 21 March. Goenka affirmed that it will roll out its first funding by the next quarter, with an average ticket size of $8-10 million.

Startup economy ORFs Giri said that a bigger factor apart from FDI stalling large investments in India is the structure of the startup economy today. The Indian space sector should consider looking at non-US space business models and creating one of its own. More than the valuation game, the Indian commercial space sector should consider playing the revenue and business orders game, he said.

Closely scrutinizing the European business model, now that they are exploring the potential of their autonomy, and that of Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East, will give Indian space companies greater revenue to chase and innovation to followit does not have to emulate the US style of space commerce, Giri added.

Also read |

Goenka, however, was optimistic. The executive underlined that formal guidelines for approving large-ticket space funding efforts from abroad through FDI are soon to be approved in the coming months.
The Trump Administration is declaring Harvard University ineligible for new research grants from the federal government in the latest escalation between the White House and the Ivy League school.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon will send the university a letter warning that access to additional federal funding would not be possible until they demonstrate responsible management, according to an administration official who previewed the action on the condition of anonymity.

Harvard would need to enter a negotiation with the administration to resume eligibility, the official added. The official said the move could affect over $1 billion annually, though the administration did not immediately detail the figure.

Harvard has come under fire repeatedly from President Donald Trump and his conservative allies who accuse it and other elite universities of ideological bias. The administration believes that the school has failed to police antisemitism, encouraged the use of racial preferences on campus, abandoned academic rigor, and become monolithically leftist, the administration official said.

The move is the latest tit-for-tat in a clash between the administration and university that has opened up a public debate over academic freedom and campus oversight.

Harvard moved to sue the administration after the government in April sent the university a series of policy changes it wanted implemented to maintain Harvards financial relationship with the federal government. That included eliminating diversity and inclusion programs and reforming the admissions processes.

Last week, Trump said in a social media post that Harvard University would lose its tax-exempt status  though officials from the Internal Revenue Service, White House, and Treasury Department declined to confirm that change actually had taken place. A presidential revocation of Harvards tax-exempt status would subvert the lengthy legal process in place to revoke an organizations status.

The administration has already frozen billions of dollars in funding that supported projects including ALS and tuberculosis research, and Harvard sued several US agencies and top officials in response.

Harvard has recently taken steps to shore up more cash through a $750 million taxable bond sale. Officials from the endowment have previously discussed selling about $1 billion of private equity fund stakes.

With assistance from Amanda Albright, Elizabeth Rembert and Brooke Sutherland.

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Questions about the application process for charter schools come after a now former teacher of Chattanooga Preparatory was hired amid an investigation.
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.
"Being on the journey with so many genuine, like-minded, kind, compassionate, open minded, fun, caring (and hilarious) souls - restores your faith in humanity!" said another member of the group.



Walking 115km in six days is no easy feat, but you dont have to be an experienced hiker or super athlete, anybody can take part. Our group all walked at different paces, but everyone we travelled with and met along the way were so genuine, supportive and kind. There is a like-mindedness and camaraderie, as youre all on the same path, working towards the same destination. Amidst the crazy world we live in, it restored my faith in humanity and helped us all raise funds for such a great cause.



Whether walking the Camino for religious or spiritual reasons, or to discover its natural beauty and heritage, its a trip of a lifetime. It genuinely felt like being in a bubble of joy and peace for the week, where all you were thinking about was getting from A to B, enjoying the scenery along the way. You felt a real accomplishment at the end of each day - it was so nice to slow down, switch off, meet new people, reflect on one's life and spend time outdoors.





The Camino really is a beautiful journey. Pilgrims come in and out of your life, sharing moments that become imprinted on your heart forever. As I walked, I began to hear the "whys" people were on their Camino journey, such as to reach a goal, to make a decision, to pray, to reflect, revise and refocus, to forgive and many other reasons. In these wonderful and fleeting moments, pilgrims were vulnerable with me. They trusted me to hear their story.



After some time, I even did it myself. I began to share things long hidden in my heart. To my surprise, my life journey and ideas were met not with judgement, but with curiosity, reflectiveness, compassion and encouragement. It was not so hard to open up, after all. I now see that vulnerability is actually synonymous with strength and courage. I was so thankful and blessed to be surrounded by these amazing sixteen Self Help Africa supporters and pilgrims who were also raising funds for our work in Africa and who clicked along with their walking sticks and bouncing backpacks and we also registered the presence of fellow travelers along the way and their fabulousness.



"Impossible to put into words how much this week meant to me, and on top of what I got out of it - I met so many fab people." said another team member.



I managed to finish up pretty unscathed; a little bit of a small blister was starting to show on the last day, and my feet were aching a little bit - but legs up the wall (of the hotel room) helped to relieve them. I also learnt that zig-zagging your way down hills is easier on the knees! Plus my heart and soul was bursting with pride and joy at finishing my Camino journey along the picturesque French Way.



Santiago de Compostela, where the Camino finishes, is a beautiful city and its tradition to finish the walk by attending the pilgrims mass in the Cathedral. Having completed 110kms, and getting our Camino passport stamped in each town along the way, we were delighted to receive an official Compostela certificate from the Pilgrims Reception Office, as recognition of our achievement.



Were proud to have collectively raised much needed funds for Self Help Africa and grateful to all who sponsored us and sent words of support and encouragement along the way.



The Camino is a truly unique experience that inspires many, even after their journey is over. I often tell people that what I found on the Camino was a quiet peaceful place, a simple reminder of the way life could be. Some would say that it is something to hold on to when times are hard.


Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has welcomed the approval of millions of euros in EU funding for tourism and other key sectors in the Midlands, but is urging the European Commission and Cohesion Funds Commissioner Raffaele Fitto to ensure that Irish regions are given fair access, greater flexibility, and sufficient time to complete these projects. As planning begins for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (20282034), Mullooly stressed that the scale of investment is significant, but warned that its impact could be undermined without the right support for local communities.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the debate on the Ninth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion, Mullooly voiced strong concerns over Irelands exclusion from the one-year extension of the current Just Transition Fund. Im less happy with the announcement in the mid-term review of the cohesion policy, what seems to be the exclusion of my country, Ireland, from the one-year extension of the current year transition fund. I dont understand it. We must seek adequate flexibility in the capacity for member states such as Ireland to have full access to the extended timeline, to provide extra time to spend their allocations, he stated.

Read More: Tributes paid to 'caring' and 'kind' 13-year-old who died in tragic racing accident

Mullooly emphasised the vital role of cohesion policy for Irelands regions, urging, Lets ensure cohesion policy remains properly funded, simplified and accessible to all the regions.

He highlighted that while millions of euros are being approved for the Midlands, businesses and community groups need more time to deliver their projects. I have worked with many of the projects now getting the grants-especially those in receipt of the tourism ones in County Longford. The applicants have had to jump through all sorts of hoops and loops to get the approval, but many need more time and a quicker turnaround in stage payments to get the work done now ahead of a really tight timeframe of next summer, Mullooly said.

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He called for pre-funding, faster payments, and extended timelines, stressing that a properly funded, simplified, and accessible cohesion policy is essential to ensure no region is left behind as the EU shapes its future investment strategy.
The annual fundraiser, taking place from May 22 to 23, will be held at LauraLynns campus in Leopardstown, Dublin, and for the very first time at Virgin Media Park in Cork.

Nighttime hours are the longest and most challenging for families caring for children with life-limiting conditions, so by joining during these nighttime slots, participants can provide powerful support and solidarity for one night, making a significant impact.

With just over half of the available slots booked LauraLynn is calling on people in Longford, local community groups, business owners, and companies to sign up for the remaining slots to keep the treadmills in motion throughout the 24 hours.

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LauraLynn Mum, Gladys, spoke about the impact LauraLynn has had on their family: "LauraLynn is our saviour, our helper. Without the help and support of LauraLynn, I wouldn't have been able to last this long."

LauraLynn CEO Kerry McLaverty says: "The 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge for 2025 is a vital event for raising funds and bringing our supporter community together. We are delighted to announce that we are over 50% booked out, but we still need participants to fill the remaining slots, especially during the nighttime hours. Every step taken during this challenge helps us provide essential care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We encourage everyone to join us, whether you're running, jogging, or walking, and make a meaningful impact."

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People from Longford and all four corners of the country are gathering to take part in this national event. Last year the event attracted a number of well-known personalities from television and sport such as Fiona Coughlin, Jordi Murphy, David Gillick, Muireann OConnell and LauraLynn patron Miriam OCallaghan. The event this year is expected to be bigger and better. Attendees can walk, jog or run for their 30-minute time slot and are required to fundraise 250 per 30-minute slot.
The National Gallery of Ireland is delighted to announce that the AIB Portrait Prize and Young Portrait Prize 2025 competitions are now open for entries from people of all ages. The AIB Portrait Prize highlights contemporary portraiture, welcoming entries from artists working in all media, both in Ireland and from Irish artists living abroad. The AIB Young Portrait Prize invites submissions from young artists aged 18 and under. The closing date for receipt of entries for both competitions is 10pm on Friday, 04 July 2025.

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The AIB Portrait Prize aims to spark interest in contemporary portraiture and to highlight the nations portrait collection at the National Gallery of Ireland. It plays a vital role in celebrating a wide range of artistic practices and interpretations of portraiture. Hundreds of artworks by artists working across all disciplines are considered by an expert judging panel, to be announced in the coming months.

The winning artist will be awarded a prize of 15,000 and a commission worth 5,000 to produce a new work for inclusion in the national portrait collection. Two additional prizes of 1,500 are awarded to highly commended works.

The AIB Young Portrait Prize aims to foster and support creativity, originality, and self-expression in children and young people. There are four age categories: aged 6 and under, 711, 1215, and 1618. Winners in each category, as well as an overall winner, are selected from a shortlist of works. Prizes include a beautiful bespoke art box and a cash prize for the winner.

Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said, "The AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize provide a platform to spotlight the exceptional talent of Irish portrait artists while encouraging the public to engage with modern Irish portraiture. Each year, the works selected showcase an impressive diversity of artistic voices. We are proud to continue our partnership with AIB and look forward to seeing the inspirations and subjects that have sparked creativity among artists of all generations."

Read More: All new W.A.L Fest celebrating the arts takes place in Longford town on May 4 and 5

Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB, said As a long-term supporter of the arts in Ireland, AIB is delighted to continue our sponsorship of the AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize. This partnership not only champions the exceptional talent of Irish portrait artists, but also fosters a national conversation around creativity and artistic expression. We look forward to seeing this years portraits and the unique perspectives they bring to life, and we are excited that the public will have the opportunity to enjoy them.

The exhibitions will run in the National Gallery of Irelands Portrait Gallery from 8 November 2025 to 15 March 2026.

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The highly commended artists, category winners, and overall winners of the AIB Portrait Prize and Young Portrait Prize will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony in November 2025, after the exhibitions have opened to the public at the Gallery.

Applications are now open and available online via the National Gallery of Ireland website. Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie.
The Arts Council is pleased to announce an investment of 14.7 million in support of 208 arts festivals taking place throughout Ireland in 2025. This significant funding commitment reflects the Councils ongoing dedication to enriching cultural life across the country and supporting artistic expression in all its forms.

The 14.7 million allocated in 2025 represents the Arts Councils largest ever investment in festivals. This increase reflects not only the growing demand and appetite for arts experiences across Ireland, but also the ongoing development of the festival sector. The funding supports both long-established festivals and emerging events, ensuring space for artistic risk-taking, organisational development, and deeper engagement with communities.

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Longford's Granard Booktown Festival, which takes place on April 11 to 13 will receive 13,000.00. The Longford Lights Festival will receive 16,537.00, which takes place on February 20-23.

Notably, approximately 80% of programming across the supported festivals is free to attend, making these events accessible to a wide audience and particularly welcoming to families. Collectively, these festivals are expected to reach nearly two million people throughout the year, underscoring their critical role in Irelands celebrated year-round cultural offering.

The Arts Council is encouraging audiences across the country to connect with events that resonate with their passions and interests. Whether it is literature, visual arts, wellbeing, traditional music, or contemporary performance, the diversity of the festival offering means there is truly something for everyone. Festivals are a chance to experience the arts in unexpected and exciting wayson streets, in fields, town halls, beaches, libraries and moreinviting audiences to step outside of the everyday and immerse themselves in creativity.

As Ireland enters the height of the festival season, communities and visitors alike will be able to enjoy a rich and diverse array of events, ranging from internationally recognised festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Dublin International Literary Festival, to locally distinctive and thematically focused festivals including Miselor, Festival of Nomadic Cultures (Galway, September 25 to 28), Hearsay International Audio Festival (Limerick, September), and Chamber Music on Valentia (Kerry, August 14 to 17).

Read More: Centenary celebration: Longford secondary school hosting big past pupils reunion

Commenting on the announcement, Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: We are proud to support the presentation of arts festivals in Ireland over many decades. Many of these festivals are voluntary led by people who are passionate about the arts and about their places, and they make a huge contribution to life in Ireland. Most are also supported by their local authorities who recognise their many layers of value to the vibrancy of places and this partnership approach is vital to their sustainability. Festival directors and their teams work tirelessly to present innovative programmes for their place and community year after year and it is an honour for us to support them.

In addition to their artistic significance, festivals serve as dynamic catalysts for positive change in their communities. They often contribute to the regeneration of spaces, influence local planning and policy, enhance community wellbeing, and foster active volunteerism. The economic impact of the festival sector is also considerable. Festivals provide employment opportunities for artists, technicians, and creative professionals, draw both domestic and international visitors, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

A number of funded festivals continue to bring internationally acclaimed artists and performances to Irish audiences, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and presenting Irish audiences with work of global significance. Through these programmes, Irish audiences have the opportunity to experience a broad spectrum of voices, perspectives, and artforms from around the world.

Read More: Longford ladies cruise to a very easy win against weak Kilkenny

This years programme also includes a number of newly funded festivals that bring fresh perspectives and unique arts experiences to audiences in distinctive settings. These include the Salthill Folk and Film Festival (Co. Sligo, 30 August), Field Exchange Environmental and Arts Festival (Tipperary, September), and the West Cork Feel Good Arts and Mental Health Festival (Cork, 131 October).
Governor Hochul Honors 68 Police Officers Who Sacrificed Their Lives In Service To Their Fellow New Yorkers

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 06 2025

State Landmarks Will Be Illuminated Blue Tonight, May 6, To Remember the Fallen and Recognize the Service of Police Officers Across the State.

Governor Kathy Hochul today honored the lives of 68 police officers from 11 departments who were remembered at the New York State Police Officers Memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The names of the fallen law enforcement personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to their fellow New Yorkers have been added to the memorial, which now includes the names of 1,908 police officers from 155 agencies across the State, and six federal agencies. The Governor also issued a proclamation designating May 6 as Police Memorial Day and directed State landmarks to be illuminated blue tonight in recognition of the service and sacrifice of police officers across the State.

Today we honor the lives of the heroic men and women who took an oath to protect New Yorkers and lost their lives in the line of duty, Governor Hochul said. Day after day, our law enforcement officers and their families make the ultimate sacrifice in service of their communities, and I am deeply grateful to the brave individuals who dedicate their lives to keeping the public safe.

The following landmarks will be illuminated blue tonight.

1 World Trade Center

Albany International Airport Gateway

Alfred E. Smith State Office Building

Empire State Plaza

Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct

Kosciuszko Bridge

Moynihan Train Hall

MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station

Niagara Falls

State Education Building

State Fairgrounds  Main Gate & Expo Center

The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge

More than 500 law enforcement professionals, family members and friends attended the ceremony, during which Governor Hochul offered remarks.

Line of Duty Deaths

Genesee County Sheriffs Office

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was working a special assignment detail at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel when he responded to assist security officers with two disruptive patrons. While attempting to take one patron into custody, the other one attacked Sgt. Sanfratello. Both individuals fought the Sergeant, who collapsed during the struggle and died from the altercation. (March 10, 2024)

New York City Police Department

Detective Jonathan E. Diller was conducting an investigation in front of 19-19 Mott Avenue within the confines of the 101st Precinct in Queens when he was shot once in the abdomen, and he succumbed to the injury. (March 25, 2024)

New York State Police

Technical Sergeant John M. Grassia III, also a U.S. Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 and UH-60M pilot, died from a fatal helicopter crash while patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border. He had served in Kuwait and was assigned to Troop K, G, and, posthumously, the Aviation Division. (March 8, 2024)

Oswego County Sheriffs Office

Deputy Cailee R. Campbell was responding to an emergency motor vehicle accident in the Town of Palermo, when her vehicle was struck, flipped and landed on its roof, as she traveled County Route 176 in the Town of Volney. She was unresponsive on scene and was transported to the Oswego Hospital Emergency Room where she was pronounced dead. (September 25, 2024)

Onondaga County Sheriffs Office

Lieutenant Michael A. Hoosock searched for, and located, a vehicle that had fled a Syracuse Police Department traffic stop earlier in the day. As Syracuse Police arrived at the home where the car was parked, the sound of a rifle being racked echoed through the air. The officers set up a perimeter, and the suspect emerged from a neighboring home, ambushing Lt. Hoosock, who died from the attack. (April 14, 2024)

Syracuse Police Department

Police Officer Michael E. Jensen was investigating a driver who had fled a traffic stop when the suspect fired at responding officers, mortally wounding Onondaga County Sheriffs Office Lt. Hoosock and Officer Jensen who managed to return fire, while taking cover behind his patrol vehicle, before succumbing to the fatal injuries. (April 14, 2024)

Ground Zero-Related Illness Deaths

The names of officers who died from Ground Zero-related illnesses were first added to the Memorial in 2008. With the addition of 60 names this year, those deaths now total 504.

World Trade Center 9/11 Related Deaths

Nassau County Police Department

Detective Lieutenant Christopher A. Cizmarik (December 27, 2023)

Chief Kevin G. Canavan (June 30, 2024)

Police Officer Philip J. Schifini (November 27, 2024)

New York City Police Department

Detective Cliff Acosta (March 19, 2021)

Sergeant Charles A. Afanasewicz (July 4, 2023)

Chief Michael Ansbro (June 29, 2023)

Lieutenant Salvatore W. Bertocci (March 20, 2023)

Lieutenant James V. Buebendorf (January 28, 2023)

Sergeant William A. Burkel (January 15, 2024)

Lieutenant Raymond Buzzo (April 12, 2023)

Detective Kenneth B. Campbell (July 25, 2024)

Sergeant Yolanda Carberry (May 19, 2023)

Sergeant Frank J. Cimmino (March 23, 2024)

Detective William F. Clancy (November 26, 2021)

Police Officer Gerard J. Coggins, Sr. (January 28, 2023)

Detective Joseph S. Cordaro (November 7, 2022)

Sergeant Leonard Davis (October 21, 2023)

Lieutenant James T. Delaney (March 10, 2022)

Sergeant Theresa H. Foiles (September 24, 2023)

Detective Herbert Fonseca (January 21, 2024)

Lieutenant Steven R. Galan (June 19, 2023)

Police Officer Joseph P. Geschwind (May 17, 2023)

Police Officer Jorge L. Gonzalez (May 11, 2020)

Police Officer Gregory A. Green (February 9, 2021)

Detective Peter J. Grzymalski (April 29, 2023)

Police Officer Louis T. Haarstick (February 28, 2023)

Sergeant Paul R. Hargrove (March 8, 2024)

Detective Adam Jangel (April 16, 2023)

Detective Kurt E. Jones (August 27, 2023)

Police Officer John E. Kilpatrick (April 16, 2024)

Police Officer Carlo S. Krecic (September 5, 2023)

Police Officer Stephen M. Liell (December 30, 2022)

Police Officer Brendan McGarry (April 14, 2022)

Detective Scott A. McKenna (July 28, 2023)

Police Officer William McNaughton (December 7, 2023)

Police Officer Thomas W. Miller (February 22, 2023)

Sergeant Wanda E. Negron (October 19, 2023)

Chief Gerald Nelson (May 10, 2024)

Captain Steven J. Paveglio (April 23, 2023)

Police Officer Ronald Raskin (March 17, 2023)

Detective Edwin Rodriguez (October 22, 2022)

Detective Braulio Rosario (November 4, 2023)

Police Officer Brian J. Rutherford (September 20, 2022)

Police Officer Denis C. Ryan (October 11, 2022)

Detective Hector J. Santiago (April 9, 2023)

Sergeant Jack Santora (July 14, 2023)

Police Officer Joseph M. Stillitano (March 21, 2024)

Detective Jewel I. Todman-Phillip (June 23, 2020)

Detective Michael Torrisi (August 13, 2013)

Police Officer Randy Van Name (December 26, 2022)

Lieutenant John S. Welch (April 6, 2023)

Police Officer Alfred G. Williams (April 8, 2024)

New York State Environmental Conservation Police

Lieutenant David J. McShane (January 23, 2024)

New York State Police

Staff Sergeant Benedicto Albizu Jr. (May 9, 2024)

Trooper Steven P. Bilodeau (August 22, 2024)

Senior Investigator John L. Carey (October 24, 2024)

Trooper Steven A. Tyrrell (February 7, 2024)

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Department

Police Captain John M. Collins (April 26, 2024)

Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa Jr. (May 14, 2024)

Town of Newburgh Police Department

Sergeant William E. McLean III (May 5, 2024)

Two historical deaths were also added to the memorial.

Monroe County Sheriffs Office

Deputy Sheriff Lewis Miles was summoning a jury when he suffered a fatal heart attack. (October 6, 1885)

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Department

Police Officer Anthony M. Varvaro was reporting to work as a member of the security detail for the 21st commemoration of 9/11 when he was fatally struck by a vehicle. (September 11, 2022)

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services coordinates the ceremony and the work of the Police Officers Memorial Advisory Committee. The state Office of General Services maintains the memorial and its commissioner also serves on the Committee.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, Our hearts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of these courageous police officers who devoted their lives to protecting their fellow New Yorkers. Their sacrifice exemplifies the highest ideals of public service, and we are profoundly grateful. We join to honor their legacy today and ensure their memory lives on through all the days to come.

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, On this solemn occasion, we join Governor Hochul in honoring the sacrifices of those keepers of the peace who gave their lives in service to New Yorkers. We at OGS are proud of our role as caretakers of the New York State Police Officers Memorial, which pays tribute to the courage and dedication of fallen police officers while providing their families, colleagues, and friends a space for solitude and reflection.

The memorial is based on a design concept suggested by Colleen Dillon Bergman, the daughter of Emerson J. Dillon Jr., a 16-year veteran of the New York State Police who was killed in the line of duty in 1974. Bergman also suggested that the names of police officers be placed on the memorial without regard to rank. In a letter to the committee established to oversee the memorials creation, she explained: It doesnt matter from which department they came, the feeling of loss is experienced the same. Those words are engraved on the memorial.

Memorial Inclusion Criteria

To be included on the memorial, an individual must have been a police officer, as defined in the States Criminal Procedure Law, or employed as a federal law enforcement officer and performed the same or essentially similar duties as defined in that law. Applications to DCJS for inclusion on the memorial must be made by agencies that employed the officers.

In addition to Commissioners Rosado and Moy, the following individuals serve on the Memorial Advisory Committee: New York State Troopers PBA President Charles Murphy, Police Conference of New York President Michael OMeara, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Patrick Phelan, New York State Sheriffs Association Executive Director Peter R. Kehoe, Patrolmens Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Patrick Hendry, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Chapter President Andrew Rakowsky.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the states criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Study: It Takes 19.4 Years To Save For New York State Down Payment, 7th Longest In U.S.

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: May 12 2025

The full report covers over 600 U.S. cities and all 50 states, with a detailed breakdown of savings timelines, down payment gaps, and housing affordability based on local incomes and costs.

For much of the past decade, a 20% down payment was enough to make homeownership feasible in most U.S. locationstypically requiring around six years of saving. That standard no longer holds: as mortgage rates and home prices have surged, the gap between what buyers can afford and what homes cost has widened dramatically.

While these housing affordability challenges exist nationwide, some areas give potential buyers shorter savings timelines than others. A new analysis from Upgraded Points examines how long it would take the typical household to save for a home in cities and states across the U.S., based on current home prices, mortgage rates, incomes, and other housing-related costs.

Key Takeaways, With Data for New York State

41% Down Is the New 20%: In 2025, the typical U.S. household would need a 41% down paymentabout $148,000and nearly 13 years of saving to afford the median-priced home.

Few Cities Remain Affordable: In just 4 of Americas 54 largest cities could a buyer afford the monthly payments with 20% down or less.

Borrowing Power for New York State Homebuyers: Earning the state's median income of $89,717, the typical household in New York State can afford to borrow $192,621 of the $484,942 median home price. This leaves a required down payment of about $292K (60.3% of the purchase price).

New York State Buyers Need 19.4 Years to Save: Assuming buyers spend no more than 30% of their income on housing, invest 10% of their gross income, and earn a 5% annual return, it would take the typical New York State household 19.4 years to save the required down paymentthe 7th longest savings timeline in the country.

The full report covers over 600 U.S. cities and all 50 states, with a detailed breakdown of savings timelines, down payment gaps, and housing affordability based on local incomes and costs. Buyers are assumed to earn the median income in their area, spend no more than 30% of it on housing, and purchase a median-priced home. The down payment is calculated as the gap between the median home price and the maximum loan they can afford at todays rates. To save that amount, they are assumed to invest 10% of their income, earning a 5% annual return.
Israeli Air Force F-15s. (IDF)

The Israeli military confirmed that it carried out airstrikes on May 5 against Houthi targets in Yemen, a day after a ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed group struck the grounds of Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, injuring at least six people.

In a written statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its fighter jets attacked Houthi targets along Yemens coastline in response to repeated surface-to-surface missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory by the terrorist group. Among the targets the Israeli fighter jets attacked was the Hudaydah port, which serves as a central supply source for the Houthis, the IDF said. The terrorist group uses the port to transfer Iranian weapons, military equipment, and other materiel.

Separately, the IDF said it attacked the Bajil concrete factory in Hudaydah Governorate. Besides being a significant economic resource for the Houthis, the cement produced at the factory is used to build tunnels and other infrastructure for military purposes, the IDF noted.

The company that operates the Bajil concrete factory is a state-owned entity called the Yemeni Cement Manufacturing and Marketing Corporation. The Houthis appointed the companys director, Yahya Saleh Mohammed Yahya Atifa, in February 2024.

Since the collapse of the ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel on March 19, the Houthis have resumed attacking Israeli territory and maritime vessels in the Red Sea and beyond. On April 2, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile toward the MV Hope Island, a British-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, which was escorted by a coalition warship. Additionally, on April 26, the Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea near the MV MAISHA and MV Andromeda Star oil tankers, causing minor damage to the latter vessel. On May 2, the Houthis launched two missiles at northern Israel, triggering alarms in Haifa and surrounding areas. Israels missile defense system intercepted both projectiles.

On March 15, the US launched Operation Rough Rider, a comprehensive air and naval campaign targeting Houthi missile systems, drone facilities, and command centers, resulting in over 1,000 targets struck across Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. The US has also coordinated with allies, including the United Kingdom, to conduct joint strikes, such as a significant operation on April 30, 2025, that targeted drone manufacturing facilities south of Yemens capital, Sanaa.

The latest escalation marks a significant expansion of the regional conflict as the Houthis deepen their involvement in direct hostilities against Israel. Despite ongoing US-led efforts to degrade the groups missile and drone capabilities through sustained airstrikes, the Houthis have demonstrated a continued ability to launch attacks against Israel.

The United States, Saudi Arabia, Canada,Australia, and other countries have designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization.

Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.
International law firm Simmons & Simmons has appointed Thierry Somma as its new country head for Luxembourg, it announced in a press release.

Somma, a transactional lawyer, has close to two decades of experience in advising international and domestic clients on key corporate law and mergers and acquisition topics. He led Simmons & Simmons Luxembourg corporate and M&A practice before his appointment.

Somma replaced Louis-Mael Cogis as country head on 1 May. Cogis is set to focus on his legal practice in the banking, finance and capital markets sector, Simmons & Simmons said.

To post appointments at your company or organisation here, email a short statement to info@luxtimes.lu. Make sure to include a high-resolution photo. The content of this column is under the sole responsibility of the editorial team.
Lawmakers in Luxembourg on Monday failed to reach a joint position in anticipation of EU talks to extend a trade agreement with Israel, which expired in January.

Since members of the foreign affairs committee in parliament failed to agree on a position during Mondays meeting, Luxembourg will not offer an opinion at the European level.

We in the LSAP believe that the Luxembourg government - and therefore the European Union - should not renew this agreement. Israel is currently not respecting the human rights clause laid down in Article 2 of the treaty, Yves Cruchten told the Luxemburger Wort.

Cruchten emphasised that Israel is blocking humanitarian aid and bombing the Gaza Strip on a daily basis. One cannot speak of Israeli defence when a population has been starving for two months, the socialist stressed.

The LSAPs proposal was rejected by the governing CSV/DP parties. Cruchten regretted the governments unclear, wishy-washy position in its foreign policy - be it in recognising Palestine, dealing with Israel, or in other areas such as the Rwanda dossier.

Also read: Israel vows to step up Gaza fighting ahead of Trumps Gulf trip

DP in favour of extending agreement

Gusty Graas, the DP parliamentarian who chairs the foreign affairs committee, presented his partys position at the meeting.

Even though we do not support Israeli policy on many points, we are in favour of extending this agreement for another two years and at the same time calling on Israel to change its policy towards Palestine, said the DP politician. For Graas, Israwl should implement a direct ceasefire, as well as allowing access to humanitarian aid and a two-state solution.

It should be possible to distinguish the state of Israel from the Netanyahu government, which is also not supported by the Israeli population, according to Gusty Graas.  Photo credit: Christophe Olinger/Archiv

Why should we make a statement if we cant reach agreement here in Luxembourg? Gusty Graas (DP)

As no agreement was reached during the committee meeting, there is currently no statement from Luxembourg on the issue of EU trade with Israel. A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had explained to the committee that there was still no agreement on the issue elsewhere in Europe either, Graas said. We ask ourselves why we should issue a statement if, firstly, we cannot find an agreement in Luxembourg and, secondly, it is not mandatory, the politician concluded.

According to Graas, the suspension, or non-renewal, of the agreement would not help to exert pressure on Israel, as the Israeli government feels emboldened by American support. Furthermore, it should be possible to distinguish the state of Israel from the Netanyahu government, which is also not supported by the Israeli population, he said.

Will Luxembourg recognise the State of Palestine?

The LSAP would like to bring recognition of Palestine back to the Chamber of Deputies agenda with a motion in the next few days.

At a conference under French and Saudi Arabian leadership in New York this summer, France could finally recognise the state of Palestine. [Foreign minister and DP party leader] Xavier Bettel has always emphasised that we would wait for larger EU states to then have this discussion in Luxembourg as well. At this stage, I cannot say with certainty whether Luxembourg will also recognise Palestine, explained Graas. He added: We have to wait for the details of this conference. If a clear position is reached, I cant imagine Luxembourg standing on the sidelines.

Also read: Palestinians are invisible, says envoy ahead of Luxembourg meeting

(This article was first published on Wort.lu. Translated using AI, edited by Alex Stevensson.)
A Boston neighborhood group is calling for more speed humps and school bus monitors after a 5-year-old boy was hit and killed by a school bus in Hyde Park last week.

Lens Arthur Joseph, 5, of Hyde Park, died the afternoon of April 28 when he was struck by a school bus near 107 Washington St., according to the Boston Police Department. There have been no further updates in the investigation as of May 6, the department said.

A week after Josephs death, the West Fairmount Hill Community Group  which supports community projects and initiatives for Hyde Park  announced it would host an open gathering to advocate for street safety.
Major discount supermarket chain Aldi has consistently been one of the fastest-growing grocers in the United States, but its growth is not set to slow down any time soon.

In February, the company announced plans for its largest single-year expansion for 2025, with more than 225 new stores anticipated to open nationwide by the end of this year.

That announcement is part of a larger five-year plan in which Aldi plans to add a total of 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028  featuring a mix of new store openings and store conversions from the acquisition of other brands.

Read More: This supermarket chain beat out Wegmans as nations favorite grocery store

This five-year expansion plan will bring even more communities great products at the lowest possible prices during a time when consumers are more focused than ever on saving money, Aldi said.

A key factor in Aldis five-year plan is its successful completion of its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners  concentrated in the American Southeast, according to Aldi.

Aldi said it plans to convert 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to the companys format through 2027. This will be paired with the converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets stores to the Aldi format.

Aldi said these store conversions will drive significant growth in the Southeast region over the next few years.

Read More: Boston neighborhood to welcome popular grocery chain at closed pharmacy site

The company also plans to continue adding to its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions during its expansions, with nearly 330 stores across both regions by the end of 2028.

Aldi stores currently set to open in the near future are located in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

In 2024, Aldi opened nearly 120 stores, raising its store count to more than 2,400 and solidifying itself as the third-largest grocery chain by store count in the U.S., the company said.

Among the stores to open last year, was the first Aldi on Cape Cod at 39 Davis Straits in Falmouth and the first in Gardner at 360 Timpany Blvd.

Aldi locations in Westfield and Northampton opened in 2023.

There are a total of 2,509 Aldi stores nationwide as of May 2025. There are currently a total of 22 Aldi stores across Massachusetts.

They are in:

Brockton

Chicopee

Danvers

Dartmouth

East Walpole

Fall River

Falmouth

Gardner

Hadley

Leominster

Medford

Milford

Natick

Northampton

Pittsfield

Plymouth

Raynham

Springfield

Wareham

West Springfield

Westfield

Worcester

Aldi also has plans to grow its presence in the American West by adding stores in Southern California and the Phoenix metro area in Arizona.

In April, the company opened its first two stores in the Las Vegas area.
A view of MASS MoCA in downtown North Adams, as seen on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018. (Shannon Young/The Republican)

NORTH ADAMS  The National Endowment for the Arts terminated funding for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and its ongoing exhibition Power Full Because Were Different by Native American artist Jeffrey Gibson.

The museum reported that it received $50,000 in November for Gibsons work, which fills the cavernous Building 5 gallery at Mass MoCA. Gibsons work seeks to elevate and provide visibility to queer and Indigenous communities, whose cultural narratives have been marginalized in history, according to the museum.
While the Celtics and Cavaliers are expected to potentially meet in the East Finals, both teams are down 1-0 in their second-round series. The Cavs were shocked against the Pacers in Game 1, plus theyre also dealing with multiple injury issues. The Celtics lost an overtime thriller to the Knicks in Game 1.

Darius Garland has missed the past three playoff games, including Games 3 and 4 in the first round, because hes dealing with a left big toe sprain. DeAndre Hunter (right thumb sprain) and Evan Mobley (left ankle sprain) are also both questionable ahead of Game 2, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in Cleveland.

So those are all things to monitor for the Cavaliers going forward. The Pacers, as they showed the Cs in the East Finals last year, have a pesky, fast-paced offense that can kick into high gear at any moment. That allowed them to steal Game 1 in Cleveland, and now they have a real shot to take both road games in the East semifinals.

The Cavs had a stellar year as they finished atop the East with a 64-18 record. While they only dropped one game to the Pacers, considering the injuries, itll be tough for them the rest of the series. Garlands injury also doesnt sound great, and as a small, quick player, a big toe sprain is bound to affect his mobility.

So as the Cavs dealing with injury issues, thats something to monitor for the rest of the playoffs, however long that is. The Cs, Cavs and even Thunder, all 60-plus win teams, all dropped their second-round opener in stunning finishes.
A former Cambridge city councilor is facing charges in connection with what police describe as a drug-fueled incident during which he locked a woman in a hotel bathroom last month.

Cambridge resident Nadeem Mazen, 41, has been charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, intimidation of a witness and malicious destruction of property, according to court records. Mazen, who served as a Cambridge city councilor from 2014 to 2017, categorically denies the allegations, his lawyer, Zachary Barry, said in a statement Tuesday.
Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continued on Tuesday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

Read more: Recap of trial day 9

Numerous witnesses testified on Tuesday, including a pair of Massachusetts State Police troopers and a meteorologist. The trial will continue Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.

People to know:

Robert Alessi, lawyer for Read

Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office

Paul Gallagher, retired Canton Police lieutenant

Trooper Nicholas Guarino, digital forensics expert

Alan Jackson, lawyer for Read

Lt. Kevin OHara, leads Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team, or SERT

3:27 p.m. - Jury sees taillight pieces in snow

Brennan used his redirect of OHara to show the jury several pieces of taillight in the snow on Fairview Road. OHara and his team found pieces of both clear and red taillight at the scene.

OHara said the team was having trouble properly moving snow off the grass, so they focused their search on the street area. He explained he was concerned about a plow moving the snow around.

One trooper found a piece of taillight as they shoveled into the snow, OHara said.

Jackson concluded his recross by asking OHara if he had any knowledge of when Reads SUV arrived at Canton police. The SUV arrived before any taillight was recovered, Jackson said.

After OHaras testimony, Cannone sent the jury home for the day. She said the case was on schedule or ahead of schedule.

3:04 p.m. - Jackson cross-examines OHara

Jackson began his cross-examination by asking OHara if the scene had been secured when he arrived. He said there was fresh, undisturbed snow, indicating that no one had tampered with the scene.

Reads defense has suggested the taillight recovered by the SERT team was planted there by State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator.

OHara also confirmed the team had never conducted an evidence search in blizzard-like conditions prior to that January evening.

Jackson asked a series of questions about the five people OHara saw on scene who were not members of the team. They included three State Police troopers and two Canton Police officers.

OHara said they arrived at the scene after the team began its search, but he admitted he didnt know if they had been there before.

At one point during his cross-examination, Jackson walked over to the defense table where he could be seen having a conversation with Read.

Jackson concluded his questioning by asking if OHara ever saw a photo of Reads SUV after requesting one. He was told there wasnt one.

2:27 p.m. - State police lieutenant describes search at 34 Fairview Road

OHara said Det. Lt. Brian Tully requested a search of 34 Fairview Road at 2:32 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2022.

Tully was the commander of the detective unit assigned to the district attorneys office at the time.

Because of the snow, OHara said it took more than an hour for him and his team to begin heading to the home.

He arrived at 4:56 p.m. In all, seven members of the team, including OHara, responded.

The team did not have photos or a precise location to search but operated based on information provided by Tully. OHara said they searched from the front door to the flagpole and the fire hydrant on the left side of the property.

OHara and the six other troopers stood shoulder to shoulder, using shovels, garden rakes and head lamps to search. He said they were specifically focused on looking for OKeefes missing sneaker and pieces of taillight.

The first piece of taillight was found at 5:45 p.m., he said. OKeefes sneaker was found upside down, flush up against the curb, he said.

In all, the team found six or seven different pieces of taillight, OHara said. A couple of the pieces were found at ground level near the asphalt.

The team ended its search around 6:15 p.m., but didnt really touch the front yard area, he said.

As we started to move the snow, we couldnt see or differentiate down to ground level, OHara said, adding that the ground was frozen.

He told Tully he felt there was more evidence to be discovered at the scene.

2:05 p.m. - Canton lieutenant testifies about wellness check at OKeefes home

Canton Police Lt. Charles Rae told the jury he was not part of the response to 34 Fairview Road on the morning of OKeefes death, but did go to OKeefes home for a well-being check.

He and a sergeant were there for about five minutes, he said. Brennan asked Rae if he had made any kind of note about the condition of Reads SUV when he arrived just before 8:30 a.m.

Rae said he didnt, but Brennan used his testimony as an opportunity to show the jury a close-up photo of the condition of the car at the time.

Reads defense did not ask Rae any questions. Brennan called Kevin OHara, a Massachusetts State Police lieutenant. OHara leads the Special Emergency Response Team.

1:45 p.m. - Trial resumes

With the trial back from the lunch break, Alessi said he had no questions for Guarino. With Guarino off the stand, Brennan played a clip of an interview Read gave to 20/20.

In it, she says OKeefe didnt look mortally wounded as far as I could see.

Brennan moved several exhibits into evidence, including text messages Jennifer McCabe read on the stand. He called Rae to the stand.

It appeared as though Rae was not in the courthouse, and Cannone could be seen having a conversation with a court officer. Brennan called OHara.

But Cannone asked to see the lawyers at sidebar before OHara made it to the stand. After the sidebar, Brennan called Rae again.

12:52 p.m. - Jury hears angry voicemails Read left for OKeefe

Guarino has testified two previous times during the trial and Brennan said his testimony will conclude Tuesday.

Guarino is the Massachusetts State Police trooper who performed extractions of several cell phones in the case, including Read and OKeefes as well as Jennifer McCabes. McCabe, who testified last week, was with Read when she found OKeefes body.

The jury saw a PowerPoint presentation listing Reads calls to OKeefe. She made nearly 30 calls in a roughly 45-minute period between 12:33 a.m. and 1:18 a.m.

Read left a series of angry voicemails for OKeefe. In one, she says John, I [expletive] hate you. In another, she says John, Im here with your [expletive] kids, nobody knows where the [expletive] you are, you [expletive] pervert.

At 1:10 a.m., Read leaves him a voicemail where she says, its 1 in the morning, Im with your niece and nephew you [expletive] pervert. youre a [expletive] pervert.

Seven minutes later, Read leaves another voicemail, where she says John Im going home you are [expletive] using me, youre [expletive] another girl, youre a [expletive] loser, [expletive] yourself.

By 5:23 a.m., Reads tone had changed. In a voicemail left then, she says, John where the heck are you, sounding panicked.

Guarino confirmed that Read connected to OKeefes home WiFi at 12:36 a.m., and said the router could have a 150-foot indoor range or a range of up to 300 feet outside. He said a phone could auto-connect to WiFi when pulling into a driveway.

The final voicemail played for the jury was left at 6:03 a.m., by which point Read and two other women had arrived at 34 Fairview Road. In it, Read can be heard screaming frantically and Jennifer McCabe can be heard calling 911.

Brennan concluded his questioning there. Cannone called the lunch break before Alessi began his cross-examination.

12:26 p.m. - Meteorologist concludes testimony

Meteorologist Robert Gilman concluded his testimony by confirming that the lowest amount of snowfall was on the ground between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m.

On re-direct from Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally, Gilman said light can impact visibility, as can heavy snow during a storm.

12:08 p.m. - Alessi cross-examines meteorologist

Alessis cross-examination of meteorologist Robert Gilman began with a relatively granular breakdown of the snowfall totals hour by hour on Jan. 29, 2022.

By 1:45 a.m. on the 29th, Gilman agreed, there would be less than or equal to 0.8 inches of snow.

Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., 0.7 inches accumulated, Gilman said. By 6 a.m., there were 3.9 inches on the ground, he confirmed.

Between 12 a.m. and noon that day, more than 12 inches fell in total, Gilman said.

Is it correct to say that ... the vast majority of that accumulation came well after 6 a.m.? Alessi asked. Gilman said it was.

Alessi concluded his cross-examination there.

11:45 a.m. - Ground impenetrable in January 2022, meteorologist says

Meteorologist Robert Gilman told the jury that January 2022 was an unusually cold month even for the coldest time of the year.

Gilman said he studied the temperature beginning on Jan. 26, which establishes a period of seasonal freezing ground.

The ground was frozen and the surface was frozen, he testified under direct examination from Lally, the lead prosecutor from Reads first trial.

Gilman described the ground as impenetrable and said it would be impossible to dig at that time.

11:17 a.m. - Meteorologist takes the stand

Gilman said hes been a meteorologist for over 45 years. For the Read case, he produced a simple report of the weather conditions leading up to Jan. 29, 2022, and a more detailed report for that morning, estimating the snowfall.

He said the storm met the criteria for a blizzard in Canton and described it as the biggest January storm in history.

Snowfall began late on Jan. 28, with just 0.2 inches falling that night. Light snowfall continued until around 5 a.m., when the intensity picked up.

By 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, nearly 4 inches of snow had come down, he said. Hours later, when the snowfall slowed, 22.5 inches had come down by 6 p.m. Just under 2 feet fell during the entire storm.

Biggest snowstorm in January in our history, he said.

10:59 a.m. - Brennan plays interview clips

With the jury back in the room, Brennan played two brief snippets of interviews Read gave for a docuseries aired on Investigation Discovery.

In one, Read says OKeefe took her vodka soda with him when he exited her car at 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022. In the other, she describes why she was yelling did I hit him? could I have hit him? at the scene.

When she got to the scene, OKeefe was in the vicinity of where I last saw him, Read says in the clip. Im thinking, Jesus, was I starting to pull away? did I hit his foot? did I clip him somehow?

10:29 a.m. - Gallagher ends testimony

After sharp questioning from Jackson about the decision not to search 34 Fairview Road, Gallagher stepped off the stand.

During the re-cross, Gallagher said he would have had to twist circumstances to get a search warrant for the home.

Theres still no evidence to go in the house, Gallagher said.

But Jackson, his voice rising, noted that OKeefe was found outside in the snow missing a shoe and with no winter coat on.

Still, Gallagher said, No one could put him in the house.

When Jackson concluded, Brennan asked Gallagher if he ever learned one fact that would justify a search. Gallagher said he hadnt, over an objection from Jackson.

Brennan moved to play a clip with Gallagher off the stand, but Jackson asked for a sidebar and Cannone called the morning recess.

Retired Lt. Paul Gallagher, of the Canton Police Department, takes the stand during the Karen Read trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

10:19 a.m. - No probable cause to search 34 Fairview

On re-direct from Brennan, Gallagher said Canton Police did not have probable cause to obtain a search warrant for 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022.

He explained that probable cause is evidence a crime was committed. Gallagher said there was no such evidence that morning.

Were you doing any favors for anyone that morning? Brennan asked.

Gallagher said he was not. Had there been probable cause, he would have searched the home, he said.

10:08 a.m. - Jackson concludes cross-examination

Gallagher faced a series of questions from Jackson about the storage of evidence in the case. During the cross-examination, jurors got to see several photos of the coagulated blood recovered from 34 Fairview Road in Solo cups.

The cups were stored in a Stop and Shop bag, and neither was sealed, Gallagher said. The blood was photographed near Reads SUV, which Jackson described as a recipe for contamination.

But Gallagher said that wouldnt be true in the hands of a trained criminalist.

Still, he conceded he didnt have firsthand knowledge of how the blood was stored in between when it was recovered on Jan. 29 and when he turned it over to Massachusetts State Police on Feb. 1.

An evidence picture of red Solo cups used by the Canton police to collect blood evidence is displayed during the Karen Read trial, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

9:48 a.m. - Gallagher questioned about relationship with Brian Higgins

Jacksons cross-examination moved on to Gallaghers relationship with Brian Higgins, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who was inside 34 Fairview Road on the night of OKeefes death.

Gallagher said he met Higgins in 2016 or 2017 when they worked on a wiretap investigation together. But he said he didnt know Higgins had been inside the home the night of OKeefes death until after Massachusetts State Police took over the case.

Higgins had an office inside the police station and a key card that let him into many areas of the station, including the sallyport where Reads SUV was stored.

Jackson pressed Gallagher about whether the vehicle should have been photographed. Gallagher said it wasnt his call.

When OKeefe died, the investigation was turned over to Massachusetts State Police.

9:32 a.m. - Gallagher details investigation

Under cross-examination from Jackson, Gallagher confirmed that he never found OKeefes hat or shoe at the scene, and, critically, never saw any pieces of cracked red taillight near his body. Thats despite blowing much of the snow away in a 50-square-foot area.

He also confirmed he never sought a search warrant for 34 Fairview Road and never walked into the homes basement or garage.

The house had nothing to do with the incident based on the evidence at that time, Gallagher said.

But Jackson suggested the reason Gallagher and Canton Police didnt seek a warrant is because they knew the home was owned by a police officer.

Gallagher rejected the idea, telling Jackson he has executed search warrants at police officers homes before.

Brian Albert, the homeowner, got no special treatment, Gallagher said.

Jackson also pressed Gallagher about whether he ever sought surveillance camera footage from Tom Keleher, the Canton Police Departments deputy chief, who lives near 34 Fairview. Gallagher said he never did, because it wouldnt have been relevant.

The camera only captures the front porch and lawn of Kelehers home, Gallagher said.

9:07 a.m. - Court opens

Like most trial days, Tuesday began with a sidebar conversation without the jury present. The jury entered after the lengthy sidebar, at which point 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.
In this photo taken April 6, 2016, a sign at the federal courthouse in Tacoma, Wash., is shown to inform visitors of the federal government's REAL ID act. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file

Starting tomorrow, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at U.S. airports will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints.

Before boarding domestic flights, all airline passages ages 18 and older must to present REAL ID-compliant identification or another approved ID, such as a passport, a passport card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. The new rule also applies to TSA Precheck members.

As opposed to a standard state IDs, REAL IDs are a valid form of federal identification. Massachusetts residents can check the top right corner of their drivers license or Mass ID for a star, which distinguishes the ID as REAL ID-compliant.

Five states  Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont  issue Enhanced Drivers Licenses and Enhanced IDs, which are also valid alternatives to a REAL ID.

Travelers who cannot provide one of the approved IDs will likely be subject to delays and additional screenings, and may not be admitted past the security checkpoint. You can view the full list of approved IDs on the TSA website.

Under the new regulations, citizens will also need a REAL ID to access federal government buildings, military installations and nuclear power plants.

REAL ID requirements differ by state. In Massachusetts, residents can acquire a REAL ID by providing a birth certificate or passport and verifying their social security number with a social security card or W-2. They also must show proof of Massachusetts residence, such as a lease, mortgage, or utility bill.

Residents can start the REAL ID application process online by visiting the RMVs Online Service Center and scheduling an in-person appointment at a RMV Service Center of AAA branch (for AAA members).
Sweet corn in a field at McKinstry Farms in Chicopee on July 1, 2022.

Bay State families struggling with their food bills could get some extra help if a western Massachusetts lawmaker has anything to say about it.

The budget plan that majority-Senate Democrats are expected to unveil Tuesday will fully fund the states Healthy Incentives Program, which allows qualifying people to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables from participating farmers.

The language, backed by Sen. Joanne M. Comerford, D-Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, would provide some $25 million in funding for the new fiscal year that starts July 1, up from the current $15 million.

It really speaks to this critical moment, Comerford, of Northampton, said of shifting federal winds that affected social services programs across government.

The HIP program, as its known in legislative shorthand, traces its roots to 2017. It is intended as an adjunct to the federal governments Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes referred to as food stamps.

With that federal program potentially on the chopping block on Capitol Hill, Comerford and her allies exclusively told MassLive that the expanded state support is even more critical.

State Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Hampshire/Franklin/Worcester, is backing language to fully fund the state's Healthy Incentives Program. (Don Treeger/The Republican)

It is urgent and timely and necessary, Comerford, the vice chairperson of the budget-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee, said.

If its finally approved, the additional money would also restore the maximum benefit under the program to $80 a month for a family of six or more. Right now, that benefit is flat-funded at $20, irrespective of the size of the household.

The state was forced to trim support for the program after huge demand, which meant that an initial round of funding that was supposed to last three years was exhausted in 10 months, Rebecca Miller, the policy director for the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, said.

The advocacy group has been pressing the case for full funding for months, arguing that it provides a critical lifeline to hungry families and the farms that serve them.

Its been devastating for farmers, she said. A lot of farmers grew products to serve folks [in the program], she said. Anecdotally, weve heard about people going to food pantries and having less options. Seniors have had to rely on other sources for food.

At the same time, weve seen a lot of chaos from the federal government, as its cut other programs that support access to fresh fruits and vegetables, including one that allowed schools to buy farm-fresh foods.

That, too, rolled downhill on farmers.

A lot of folks are scrambling, trying to figure out what they are going to do, she said.

If the new Senate language is approved, the infusion of additional taxpayer cash means families can buy tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, apples, strawberries and blueberries, from local growers to augment the food they purchase through SNAP, Comerford said.

And that also matters because every county in Massachusetts experienced some degree of food insecurity in 2023, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank. All told, that came out to 1.9 million adults, or 34% of the states total population.

In Bristol, Hampden and Suffolk counties, 45% of adults reported food insecurity in 2023, data show.

The number is even higher among families with children, with 1 in 3 households with children statewide reporting food insecurity in 2023, the same data shows.

The issue is particularly pressing in western Massachusetts, where the prevalence of child-level food insecurity hit 43% in 2023, data show.

As a practical matter, that means a child went hungry, skipped a meal, or didnt eat for an entire day because there wasnt enough money for food.

It also comes as families in Massachusetts and nationwide continue to contend with high prices on supermarket shelves, while the Trump administration says its working to bring them down.

Food insecurity is real. Its happening to people all over the state, Nicole McKinstry, of McKinstry Farms, which participates in the program, told MassLive.

McKinstry told MassLive that shes seen families with children come into her shop on Montgomery Street and heard them turn down their kids pleas for strawberries and raspberries because they need to buy such longer-lasting produce as potatoes.

Will McKinstry, head grower at McKinstry Farms in Chicopee, is in the corn field early in the morning on July 1, 2022. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen/The Republican)

Its hard for them to understand why they cant get those fresh fruits and vegetables, she said.

McKinstry said shes had to make financial adjustments, trimming staff to account for that reduced state funding. The program also helps her through the leaner winter months when theres not as much fresh produce at hand.

While the Senate plan thats expected to be unveiled on Tuesday is one voice in the annual budget derby, it is far from the final one.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healey included $18.8 million for the program in the $62 billion spending bill she filed earlier this year. The $61.4 billion budget proposal approved by the majority-Democrat state House last week sets aside $20 million for the program.

That means the final amount, like nearly everything else surrounding the states final budget, will have to be ironed out in closed-door talks that could stretch well into early summer.

Comerford, the veteran of more than a few budget battles, is hoping for the best.

It has been a win-win kind of program, she said.
Gov. Maura Healey speaks to reporters at a press conference at Boston Children's Hospital on Monday, March 17. Her partner, Joanna Lydgate stands behind her. (Sam Drysdale/State House News Service)

The governors of six northeastern states, led by Massachusetts, have formally invited the premiers of six Canadian provinces to a meeting in Boston in the coming weeks to discuss ways to strengthen cross-border ties amid the Trump administrations ongoing trade war.

Canada is Massachusetts number one trading partner. For generations, we have enjoyed a strong partnership and a healthy exchange of energy, lumber, dairy, cars and car parts, seafood and more, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who is leading the effort, said in a statement. Our businesses and our residents all benefit from this relationship.

After initially striking a more conciliatory tone with the Republican White House, and offering to work with President Donald Trump where it made sense, the Arlington Democrat has recently made the national media rounds to criticize the administration on multiple fronts, notably on the chaos spurred by its economic policies and its attacks on Harvard University.

The invitation came just ahead of a meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose Liberal Party swept to victory in recent federal elections, buoyed by a wave of Canadian nationalism brought on by Trumps talk of making Americas northern neighbor the 51st state.

Trumps trade war is undermining the cross-border partnership between Canada and New England states, Healey continued, arguing that its making it harder for businesses to keep their doors open, and increasing the cost of everything that the New England and Canadian people rely on.

The invitation was co-signed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills, whos made national headlines for successfully sparring with Trump over transgender rights; Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.

The invitation was sent to the premiers of Canadas eastern and Maritime provinices: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, according to Healeys office.

In the joint statement, Mills said she looked forward to meeting with my Eastern Province counterparts to tell them that Maine deeply values our Canadian partnerships, and that we will work to ensure our historic friendship and deeply intertwined economies endure for generations to come.

Canada is Maines largest trading partner, with some $6 billion in cross-border commerce last year, Mills noted.

The other northeastern governors, including Connecticuts Lamont, offered similar sentiments.

Thousands of businesses in the northeast have strong connections with business partners in Canada and depend on these partnerships to grow their companies and support their employees, Lamont, who called the Nutmeg States relationship with Canada critical.

The details of the convening between northeastern governors and their Canadian counterparts are expected to be released soon, according to Healeys office.
Massachusetts state Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodriques, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, discuss the finer points of their caucus' $61.3 billion budget proposal for the new fiscal year that starts July 1. The spending plan, an increase of $3.6 billion, or 6.3%, does not raise any broad-based taxes. The Democratic leaders held a news conference at the State House in Boston on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. John L. Micek/MassLive

Senate Democrats plan to press ahead with a large boost in state spending on the traditional budgeting timeline, even as the chambers budget chief cautioned that all bets are off if federal Medicaid cuts materialize.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday plans to roll out a $61.32 billion, no-tax-hike budget for fiscal year 2026, calling for a 6.3% increase in spending.

Thats less than the 7.4% bump Gov. Maura Healey sought and the 6.6% the House proposed but still more than twice the rate of growth as last year.

The draft budget bill, which will be up for debate in the Senate starting May 20, does not feature any tax increases and instead pays for spending that cant be covered with expected growth in tax revenues by leaning on more than $1.2 billion in one-time funding.

The spending increases total more than $3.6 billion, but the bill does not call for and withdrawals from the states rainy day fund, which has an estimated $8.2 billion balance.

Much of the spending growth is, as budget-writers put it in a summary, functionally non-discretionary.

A $2.34 billion increase in MassHealth accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total growth over the fiscal year 2025 budget Healey signed last summer, and the Senate Ways and Means proposal also calls for $533 million more on other health and human services programs, $460 million more on Chapter 70 school aid and $237 million more for the Group Insurance Commission that provides health coverage to public workers.

All other non-surtax spending would increase by a combined $59 million under the bill.

Unless we want to slash services and programs that we provide to our citizens, theres very, very little more that we can do on any of these line items, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Michael Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, told reporters.

Sixty-five percent of that growth is just in MassHealth, he later added. Think nursing homes, long-term care for seniors, health care for seniors, for disabled, for low-income individuals. Thats the driver, and unless we want to start reducing services to our residents, I dont see any way that we can -- weve scrubbed it clean.

Senate budget-writers have a different vision for one-time revenues than the governor, who proposed a suite of tax increases that were dropped in the House budget and therefore ineligible to emerge in the Senate draft.

Their bill calls for redirecting roughly $600 million from capital gains tax collections above a certain threshold toward the states unfunded pension liability, about $166 million more than the Healey and House budgets.

The Senate plan also calls for pulling $350 million in what Rodrigues described as ARPA funds that have yet to be contracted out, an increase of $150 million over the other two budget drafts.

Beacon Hill officials agreed to plan on spending about $1.95 billion in revenue from the voter-approved surtax on wealthy Bay Staters, money that can only go toward transportation and education investments.

The Senate also bill would direct two-thirds of the pot to education, funding so-called C3 grants to early education providers, part of a school aid increase outlined under the Student Opportunity Act, continuation of free school meals for all students, and costs of free community college that Massachusetts launched in last years budget.

The rest would go toward transportation. Between surtax and other dollars, the Senate Ways and Means Committee budget would provide the MBTA with $500 million and the states 15 regional transit authorities with a combined $214 million, including funding to cover fare-free service.

Altogether, Senate Democrats are proposing a major funding injection for the T, which is facing a budget gap that could imperil service improvements, but one with significantly less money than Healey and the House envisioned.

Rodrigues said his team believe[s] this is enough money.

Its very, very significant investments in the MBTA. We believe its enough money, on top of the $1.4 billion that the MBTA gets in supports from the one cent on the penny on the sales tax, he said. We want to ensure that our spending, whether its Fair Share dollars or general obligation dollars, has regional equity. There are 14 or 15 other RTAs around the commonwealth that service citizens of the commonwealth. We want to ensure that they have resources to provide transportation services for them also.

Rodrigues said he envisions the annual state budget as a better vehicle to fund operational costs, which he believes lean more toward education than transportation. The Senate on Thursday will also take up a mid-year spending bill putting to use about $1.3 billion in available surtax revenue, and Rodrigues said he thinks a supp like that is better to fund non-recurring capital programs, especially in transportation.

Taken together, the Senate Ways and Means Committees fiscal 2026 budget and forthcoming supplemental budget would direct 58% of the combined surtax dollars toward education and 42% toward transportation.

Rodrigues said his eventual goal is to be as close to balancing the funding split.

Its going to take a couple of years for it to settle out, he said. Were hoping to be around the 50-50 range.

The Senate Ways and Means budget would fund another year of school aid increases laid out in the funding reform law known as the Student Opportunity Act. It calls for $7.3 billion in Chapter 70 aid, a significant boost over the governor and the House bills, and increasing minimum aid to $150 per pupil.

Senators also proposed $31 million to fully fund the Pappas Rehabilitation Center for Children in Canton and $4.8 million for the Pocasset Mental Health Center on Cape Cod, two facilities that Healey sought to close in cost-cutting maneuvers before hitting pause amid blowback.

Rodrigues described the budget bill as policy-light, though it does feature language designed to prevent brokers fees from being passed along to tenants. A similar Senate-backed provision died last year in housing bill talks with the House, and House Democrats are now pushing for their own version of the restriction.

The Senate Ways and Means bill does not include another House policy rider that would hit the brakes on the Healey administrations proposed reforms to the admissions process at vocational and technical schools.
John and Joy Corbett, of Granby, Connecticut, join their children, Johnny and Shaelynn, at The Summer House for ice cream as hundreds of spectators wait for the Southwick 250th Celebration Parade in 2021. (Frederick Gore / Special to The Republican, File)

SOUTHWICK  The Summer House  in its 45th year of business  will be giving away some ice cream to 150 lucky eaters on Thursday.

In partnership with Comcast Business and in honor of National Small Business Week, the event will begin at noon. A free kids size ice cream will go to the first 150 customers who visit the restaurant at 552 College Highway.
HOLYOKE  Long-awaited work to separate stormwater from wastewater in a section of Holyoke, reducing pollution of the Connecticut River, is set to begin, fulfilling a commitment to the federal government.

Trucks and pipes will be a common sight in the River Terrace area off Northampton Street, as a massive sewer project begins.
LUDLOW  When Kerwin Ortiz told his landlord that he would be using state assistance to pay for a month of missed rent, the owner refused to accept it.

Now, Ortiz is suing Thomas Lennon, alleging that he discriminated against him for using public assistance toward his rental payment, according to the complaint filed April 1.
Bishop William D. Byrne, the 10th bishop of Springfield, speaks to reporters from The Republican during a meeting at the Chancery building on Elliot Street in 2023. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File)

SPRINGFIELD  In Rome, 133 cardinal electors are preparing to enter the conclave in which they will choose the new pope.

In Springfield, Bishop William D. Byrne is keeping up with the big issues  reforms to Vatican administration, the financial shape of the Holy See, the churchs ongoing efforts to protect children. But mostly he is looking on, like many of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics, for that puff of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel.
John Rizzo, a project manager for Eversource, prepares trees for pickup by city residents in Springfield. There were about 200 trees at the Springfield location on Monday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

SPRINGFIELD  Will Demarski walked out of the citys Forestry Operation Center on Monday as the proud owner of a free hornbeam shade sapling that he plans to plant in the yard of his newly bought home.

I just moved to Springfield and purchased a house in Liberty Heights, and Im trying to improve my yard, he said.
City Manager Eric Batista speaks at a ribbon cutting for District 120, an apartment building on the former site of Table Talk Pies' Worcester factory. (Trea Lavery, MassLive) Trea Lavery/MassLive

Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista is proposing an operational budget for Fiscal Year 26 that is just shy of $1 billion.

The budget proposed by Batista is $947,928,261, a 3.3% increase in revenues and expenses from the present fiscal year, according to the budget.

In a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, Batista outlined the budget and its components.

Included in the budget are funding increases to the fire department for gear that does not contain toxic chemicals and a plan to separate the Parks department from the Department of Public Works, among other proposals.

Were really focused on equipment, maintenance of our properties, and also our people, Batista said. And if we can take care of the foundation, then, over time, things will start to work out.

Additionally, Batista is also seeking authorization for $158,938,412 in borrowing for several key projects, including the construction of a new South Division Fire Station and the feasibility study for a new Burncoat High School and Middle School.

The budget will be put before the Worcester City Council at their meeting on Tuesday night. The city council agenda reads that there will be a recommendation to refer the budget to the finance committee.

A hearing on the budget will take place on May 13 at the city councils next meeting, according to a packet Batista handed out to reporters on Tuesday.

Where the money is being spent

The expenses for Fiscal 26 are separated into five categories: Education, Public Safety, Infrastructure, Fixed Costs and other remaining city services.

Of the five categories, education makes up $574.4 million, or 60.8% of the budget, according to Batista. Compared to Fiscal 25, the education budget increased by 7.7%

Public Safety, which includes the Worcester Police and Fire Departments, inspectional services, and emergency communications, comprises $122.7 million of the total $947.9 million budget. This number is a $9 million or 8% increase in proposed expenses according to the budget.

Batista explained that the increase in public safety was largely due to bargaining agreements.

As for the other categories, $163 million will be spent on fixed costs, $29 million will be spent on infrastructure and $57 million will be spent on other city services, the budget reads.

The citys contingency budget is estimated to be $5 million.

Funding for non-PFAS equipment

As part of the budget, there will be funding for firefighter equipment that does not contain a toxic chemical known as PFAS, according to Batista.

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are artificial chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health concerns in humans, such as fertility issues, low birth weights, and an increased risk of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2024, Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill that requires manufacturers to provide written notice to local governments, state agencies, and other buyers if their firefighting protective equipment has PFAS chemicals, according to State House News Service.

This year, the city will be providing PFAS-free gear to its firefighters for the very first time, Batista said.

The funding is part of the firefighters budget, which has been increased by $5.2 million to accommodate increased overtime, building maintenance and repair, as well as bargaining agreements and salary changes.

Plans to split the parks department

During Tuesdays meeting, Batista went into more detail about his plan to separate the Parks Department and the Department of Public Works (DPW). The two departments were combined under a previous Worcester City Manager, Michael OBrien, according to Batista. Even though they are part of the same department, the two act as independent bodies, Batista explained.

By breaking them apart, Batista seeks to streamline reporting and accountability from the Parks Department to him.

It gives us better management, Batista explained.

In his letter to the councilors, Batista said that the financial shift would be minimal. Additionally, Batista wrote to the councilors that the budget calls for an increase in funding for park cleanups and aquatic maintenance.

Batista said the separation of the two departments would occur on July 1.

Batista aware of potential headwinds

Batista acknowledged that the budget proposal may face challenges, with state local aid being the largest one. Aid from the state is dependent on the passing of the state budget. So far, only the Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed its state budget.

There is also concern about whether there will be any cuts from the federal government, namely at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

While there are no cuts set in stone, Batista said that 10 staff members in the citys economic development department are federally funded through programs by HUD.

Those are the things that were monitoring in terms of what the impact would be, Batista said. We wont know from the federal government whether we receive status quo budget or decreases or increases to HUD for another week or two.
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The Achill Heinrich Boll Association have announced that they have completed the purchase of a cottage on the Mayo island which they plan to turn into an artist's residence.

Last year, the Achill Heinrich Boll Association launched a campaign to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of the cottage in Dooagh on Achill Island owned by acclaimed Irish artist Camille Souter.

The English born artist lived in the cottage on Achill Island from 1958 into the early 1960s and on a permanent basis from the 1980s until her death at the age of 93 in March 2023. Previous to this she lived in London, Italy as well as her childhood home in Co Wicklow.

READ: Mayo drama group takes All-Ireland title with acclaimed production of 'Woman and Scarecrow'

The market value of the cottage was set at 200,000 and speaking at the opening of the Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend in Achill on Friday evening, Kathleen Smyth, Chairperson of the Achill Heinrich Boll Association announced that they have successfully reached their goal to purchase the cottage.

I am now thrilled to announce tonight that we have successfully reached our goal in securing the cottage to ensure that Camille's legacy endures. The cottage will soon be revitalised and transformed into a vibrant artist residency in Dooagh.

We received donations from individuals from 20 to up 25,000 and from foundations and companies, separate donations from 10,000 up to 40,000. We received donations and gifts of artworks from visual artists and all have a strong admiration and affection for Camille Souter and for the works she created and for her encouragement and support she foisted for younger artists. These gifted artworks were sold at auction as part of the fundraising efforts for purchase of the cottage.

Generous contriubtions

Thanks to generous contributions from individuals, Camille's friends, her family and associates here in Achill Island and beyond. We are deeply grateful for this incredible support, she explained.

Camille Souter was widely admired by generations of Irish artists, writers, poets and critics alike and was the recipient of numerous awards and honours including doctorates from UCD, Trinity College and the Sustained Contribution to the Visual Arts Award from IMMA. She was also the founding member of Aosdana and has inspired generations of Irish painters.

A number of fundraising efforts were staged last year including the staging of 'Illumination' , a concert by Kathy Fahey, performed by Choral Symphony West with soloist Patrick Quinn in Achill

Ms Smyth thanked and highly commended the work of the fundraising sub committee which consisted of John McHugh, Dr Edward King and Ronan Halphin who she said 'oversaw this project from its inception to its present fruition'.

The proposal is to renovate the cottage to establish a funded artist residency in Camille Souter's memory where professional artists will be invited to live and work with financial support for a given period of time.

Renovations

Planned renovations, including roof, chimney, bathroom and kitchen upgrades, rewiring, heating, insulation, cleaning and painting are expected to come to 114,000.

Ms Smyth said that the next stage will be to secure funding to renovate the cottage which is one of the oldest of the original traditional cottages still standing in the village.

We are in the process of assessing the building and planning the necessary improvement works needed to restore the building as an artist residency.

We are in a position to apply for Government funding under various schemes, however we will need to raise matching funding for some of these grants. So our fundraising efforts will continue as we aim to restore and renovate the cottage, she said.
It appears learner drivers in Mayo have now found a way to skip the queue for driving tests.

There are approximately 81,000 people on the waiting list across the country for their driving test with the average wait time of 27 weeks.

The average wait time over the past three weeks has risen by nearly three weeks which no doubt has left learner drivers frustrated.

READ MORE: Figures show 19,200 learner drivers are driving on Mayo roads

At the test centre in Castlebar, the wait time has increased by four weeks in recent times. The Minister For Transport, Sean Canney has instructed the RSA to identify further measures that will bring the waiting lists down to ten weeks.

An annual RSA report published in 2019 stated the average waiting time for a test was six weeks. Minister Canney has said that the current wait time is unacceptable.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said it will be towards the end of the year before waiting times for tests are reduced significantly.

New creative ways

According to The Irish Times, internet bots are now being used to scan and search the Road Safety Authoritys (RSA) website for cancellation slots. From there, drivers can use third party apps to pay for one of the opportunities if it arises.

READ MORE: West Mayo sewage group ready to 'make noise' to advance treatment plant
by Colin Kirkland , May 5, 2025

Last week, some of the biggest social media companies reported their earnings over the first quarter of 2025. MediaPost has compiled the highlights from each report, showcasing increased competition within a rapidly changing industry.

LinkedIn

As in the previous quarter, Microsoft reported record engagement -- a 9% rise in session growth -- and a 8% boost in revenue for LinkedIn in Q3.

According to Microsofts earnings calls, the business-to-business social platform continues to grow at double digits year-over-year in terms of members, not daily active users, of which it has about 140 million.

Driven by its recent TikTok-like video feed and vertical video features integrated into the platforms search results, video engagement has also ramped up within the app, with time spent watching video posts up 36% year-over-year, and comments up 32%.

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Doubling down on video, LinkedIn recently launched BrandLink, an expansion of the companys Wire Program, which allows marketers to sponsor video content from top creators and publishers on the platform. Brands are able to run in-stream ads ahead of the original content in feed in an effort to help localize video content more effectively.

LinkedIn says it has seen 130% higher video-completion rates, a 23% higher view rate compared to standard video ads and an 18% higher lead conversion rate since testing the program last June.

Microsoft says LinkedIn has seen 75% more sign-ups for Premium Company Pages compared to the previous quarter.

Reddit

As Reddit continues to expand its ad business, the community messaging platform added 7 million users since its previous quarterly report, and now touts almost 110 million daily active users, with some markets growing exponentially.

In Brazil, Reddit says daily active users rates are up by almost 80% year-over-year due to the companys machine translation tools. MT is available in 13 languages, up from 8 in Q4, including Vietnamese, Thai, Polish, Romanian, and Latin American Spanish, the report reads.

On average, Reddit has also increased its weekly active users by 31% year-over-year, rounding out at about 400 million -- a notable boost compared to other leaders across the social-media landscape.

In addition, Reddit reported $392 million in revenue for the quarter, which is up 61% year-over-year.

Reddit attributes some of its success to new advertising products -- especially Dynamic Product Ads, which the company started testing at this time last year. Still in beta testing, the ad product invites advertisers to highlight their items within relevant subreddits, effectively targeting niche communities.

The company says improved machine-learning models are resulting in meaningful progress around the product.

Snapchat

For the first time, Snapchat hit 900 monthly active users in its first 2025 quarter, and is now closer to its goal of 1 billion MAUs.

The company says that over the past year, it has added 38 million daily active users, totaling about 460 million DAUs.

However, despite its steady growth, the companys user base remained stagnant in Europe and actually decreased in North America.

To continue to grow its user base in these key markets, the company says it is prioritizing innovation in three key areas, which includes boosting visual communication, investing in AI and ML models and strengthening its creator ecosystem.

In terms of revenue, Snap reported a 14% increase year-over-year this quarter, amounting to $1.36 billion overall.

The company likens this success to its direct-response advertising solutions, which contributed 75% of its total ad revenue in Q1, as well as an increase in SMB advertisers (incentivized by a new Affiliate Program and expanded Partner Program) and Snapchat+ subscribers.

Snap says that focusing on SMBs has spurred its total active advertiser base to grow 60% over the past year, while Snapchat+ is almost up to 15 million subscribers, showing a 59% increase year-over-year.

Meta

No longer defining itself as a social media company -- according to the recent antitrust trials -- Meta continues to add users and boost revenue across its family of apps.

Meta added 80 million users in Q1, reporting 3.43 billion users in total -- about 40% of the worlds entire population. Therefore, the companys market reach is substantial, amassing $42.31 billion in revenue for this years first fiscal quarter -- a boost of 16% year-over-year.

Like its previous quarterly report, Meta is still losing money on its Reality Labs division, responsible for the companys mixed-reality metaverse products, like its Ray-Ban glasses, which recorded a loss of $4.2 billion.

These costs contributed to Metas overall expenses, which totaled $24.76 billion -- an increase of 9% year-over-year. As the company continues to develop new experiential technology and AI data centers, its costs are expected to further increase.

As for its advertising business, Meta says ad impressions increased 5% year-over-year. The average price per ad is up by 10%.

Notably, Metas newest app, Threads, reached 350 million monthly active users -- with a 35% increase in time spent on the app.

Meta has publicly shared that X competitor Threads is on track to become the companys next major social app, having recently opened up opportunities to advertisers.

YouTube

Alphabet-owned video-sharing platform YouTube has boosted its ad revenue by 10.3% year-over-year, bringing in a total of $8.93 billion in Q1 2025.

While this number is just short of analysts' expectations, it does not include revenue generated through YouTube TV or YouTube Premium, which was not included in the revenue report.

YouTubes earnings are reflected in Alphabets overall Q1 results, which include $90.2 billion in total revenue -- a 12% increase year-over-year -- and $34.5 billion in net income, a 46% increase year-over-year.

YouTube -- which turned 20 years old this year -- says it has hosted over 20 billion video uploads to date.

According to Streams Charts recent Global Livestreaming Landscape report, YouTube beat out TikTok and Twitch in streaming engagement, amassing almost 15 billion watch hours in the first quarter.
by Ray Schultz , May 5, 2025

An Oregon bill that would force tech platforms to pay local news media for using their content has cleared a key hurdle.

The Oregon Senate Rules Committee has voted 3-2 to advance SB 686, the Oregon Journalism Protection Act. The bill is headed for a likely floor vote in the state Senate within the next week.

The vote was by hailed by the News/Media Alliance.

Local news serves a vital role in communities all over Oregon, providing critical information, connectivity, and avenues for civic engagement in areas with no other options, says Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance.

Coffey adds, The Oregon Journalism Protection Act would be an important boost in their ability to stay afloat, and provide Oregon communities with the information and local coverage that they deserve.

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Sponsored by Senator Khanh Pham (D), SB 686 is modeled in part on Canadas Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, through which payments are being made to newsrooms, and the recent deal reached between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Google to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to news media.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 6, 2025

Google has begun to release details on how artificial intelligence will improve advertising. The company on Tuesday introduced a suite for search campaigns with one-click features where AI learns from current keywords, creative and URLs to help ads serve up related to more relevant searches.



The suite in Google Ads -- AI Max for Search -- will begin rolling out to advertisers globally in beta later this month. The platform brings improved targeting and creative enhancements supported by Google AI for Search campaigns.

AI Max for Search offers smarter search-term matching to expand on existing keywords using broad match and keywordless technology to find more relevant and high-performing search queries.

Keywords and keywordless matches are prioritized in serving the same way they are today in Search and Performance Max campaigns.

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Improving performance with the ability to access new queries is intended to give advertisers greater control and transparency in reporting, something the industry has been asking for.

Data in early tests shows that advertisers activating AI Max in Search campaigns will typically see 14% more conversions, or conversion value at a similar cost per acquisition (CPA) and return on ad spend (ROAS). For campaigns that are still mostly using exact and phrase keywords, the typical uplift is even higher at 27%, according to Google.

LOreal reported 2x higher conversion rates and 31% lower costs by tapping into net-new search queries with AI Max.

MyConnect, based in Australia, used AI Max to boost leads by 16% while cutting cost-per-action by 13%.

Under the asset optimization panel in AI Max, text customization, formerly known as automatically created assets, helps to generate new text assets, like headlines and descriptions, based on your landing page, ads and keywords.

AI Max comes with new controls that provide precision previously used for keywords. And now, exclusively in AI Max for Search campaigns, locations of interest help advertisers reach specific customers based on their geographical intent at the ad group level.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 6, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal judge to force Google to divest two key pieces of its advertising-technology business to address an illegal monopoly.

The plan filed in court on Monday makes Google two businesses, AdX, a digital ad exchange, and DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP), its ad delivery system.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in April the Googles combined businesses violates federal competition laws across digital ad ecosystem and harms advertisers, publishers, and consumers.

Google filed its proposed remedies to the Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and then in a blog post published Tuesday outlined the details. Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs at Google, explained that before the company can appeal the process, it is required to outline remedies that respond to the courts decision.

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Google offered a proposal that addresses the Courts findings, and would make it easier for publishers to use Google Ad Manager with other ad tech providers, while minimizing disruption.

The full remedies proposal in this document is outlined here, but the top three include:

1) Make real-time bid amounts for open web display ads from our ad exchange (AdX) available to all rival publisher ad servers;

2) Deprecate Unified Pricing Rules for open-web display ads, giving publishers the option to set different price floors for different bidders when using Google Ad Manager;

3) Commit to not using first look" and last look for open-web display ads. These auction dynamics were phased out of Google Ad Manager years ago.

The trial is scheduled to take place in September.

Google is responding to a court filing that the DOJ released Monday evening that describes a three-step approach that would reimagine how Google conducts business. It also could disrupt online advertising.

The DOJs plan would require that Google sell its digital ad marketplace AdX and DoubleClick For Publishers. Google would need to open AdXs real-time bidding data to rival ad servers via Prebid, an open-source tool for ad bidding.

The second phase requires Google share code that determines the ad being served on a specific page, auction logic behind DFP making it open source. It would expose proprietary information such as how its ad auctions interacts with the broader market and allow third parties to run the final auction.

The final phase requires a full divestiture of AdX and DFP. It would be overseen by a court-appointed trustee, and subject to DOJ approval of the buyers.

Once the divestitures are complete, Google would be barred from operating any ad exchange for 10 years.
by Ray Schultz , May 6, 2025

The Journalist Protection Act, a bill that would make it a federal crime to harm or intimidate a working journalist, has been reintroduced in Congress by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

The legislators note that at least 124 journalists and media workers have been killed around the world, the most in any year since tracking began. In addition, 80 were attacked in the U.S. in 2024.

The bill would prohibit assaults against reporters, particularly those that cause bodily injury.

Our democracys survival depends on a free and independent press, Swalwell says. As the Trump Administration continues to vilify, threaten, and attack members of the press as enemies of the people, the Journalist Protection Act sends a clear message: if you target reporters with violence or intimidation, you will be held accountable.

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The move has been praised by the news industry.

We thank Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Swalwell for introducing the Journalist Protection Act, and for their commitment to protecting journalists from threat or harm while in the line of work, says Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Journalists play an important role in providing critical news and information for communities across the country, and they all deserve to perform their work in safety and security.

Blumenthal comments, Journalists need protection more than ever against threats and violence that deter truth telling so vital to democracy. Intimidation is hitting new highs in both severity and number of incidents. This measure offers support at a moment of unprecedented peril to a free press.

The Journalist Protection Act was first introduced in 2023.

The bill is also co-sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). In addition to the News/Media Alliance, it is supported by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Association of Alternative Newsmedia, Radio Television Digital News Association, Online News Association, National Newspaper Association and National Press Photographers Association.
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Recently, the Indian government banned Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebs in India including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Mawra Hocane and Hania Aamir among others. Now, days after that, it looks like Hania Aamir created a new Instagram account allegedly for Indian fans and Pakistani fans are extremely furious. Blasting Hania for the same, one social media user wrote, I was feeling so bad about the amount of hate Hania is receiving and even defended her but allegedly making a new account just so Indian fans can see her posts??? honestly she is nothing but a clout chaser and fame hungry woman, zero respect for her nation and her own self.

 Instagram/Hania Aamir Another social media user commented, Hania made new ig account she looks so desperate for Indian views this is so embarrassing. A third fan reacted, Hania has lost her brains,imagine ur so desperate for validation from another country that u literally created another Insta account . & I was actually feeling bad for her .  Where was ur self respect then honey. A fourth user wrote, Hania just created another account just for the reach from Indian peeps. I hope padosi iss desperate attention seeker ko mu nhi lagayein ge. She has no fkn self respect & I really hope that Ind!an gov will ban this account as well. Koi naiki kr do & tell this to your authority. Check out some of the responses below:

A few users also pointed out that Hanias Instagram reach has taken the maximum hit after the India ban as one of them wrote, Hania used to get a minimum of 500k+ likes for every reel Now it has dropped to 75k The ban hit her so hard. Check out the posts below:
Shah Rukh Khan set social media ablaze with his much-anticipated debut at the Met Gala . However, it wasnt just his striking appearance that grabbed attentionsharp-eyed fans quickly noticed a curious link between his outfit and Priyanka Chopras ensemble, drawing intriguing parallels to their shared history.

Call it a sheer coincidence, but Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra once wore outfits in strikingly similar colours and tones during a promotional event for Dona resemblance that fans were quick to connect with their recent Met Gala looks.

 Reddit/BollyBlindsNGossip

The reactions

Users are boggled over this coincidence and are asking whether they coordinated before their Met Gala appearance.

Some fans also posted funny memes regarding this coincidence.

One user commented, My guess is that they're putting aside the fact that they low-key hate each other right now to pull off this stunt for PR and relevancy reasons. Priyanka is gearing up for her return to Bollywood and SRK is trying to maintain his post-comeback relevancy even though he hasn't put out anything new since 2023. We're never gonna stop talking about their affair anyways, so they might as well make it work for them by reminding us of a time when they were both at their peak.
Its that time of the year when I get to sit at home (in the comfort of my blanket), lie awake at 3:30 am and judge every single A-List celebrity that walks into The Met Gala. For the fashion community, this is no ordinary Monday  its the first Monday of May and it signifies the biggest night in fashion every year. Everyone whos someone attends the Met Gala and everyone who isnt watches them in envy.

 Instagram/Diljit Dosanjh If you dont know of this holy day, Im here to educate you because this year the King of Bollywood is in attendance and that should be reason enough to read ahead. The theme for this year was announced back in October 2024 (as always) and I would like to inform you that its not just a night to play dress-up. Every year The Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute times The Met Gala to mark the opening of the departments annual fashion exhibition.

 Instagram/Sabyasachi Official But make no mistake, this event is every bit as glamorous as it looks but hidden behind the glamour of a theme so classy is a charity event that raises 8-figure sums. Although Id much rather talk about the theme because who can judge the outfits without knowing what theyre supposed to be.

 Instagram/Diljit Dosanjh This years theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and I, for one, am so ready to see what Indias finest have in store for us. Debuting in films is not it anymore because debuting at the Met holds so much more weight (clearly). This year, were seeing not one but three Bollywood debuts and our favourite regulars as well. So, read on ahead for a classic who wore what at the Met Gala 2025. Diljit Dosanjh

 Instagram/Diljit Dosanjh Our resident Punjabi pulled up and how. He paid homage to his Punjabi heritage in a Prabal Gurung ivory and gold sherwani. The look was layered with a sweeping cape that had the map of Punjab embroidered on it (talk about detail). On his head, he wore a feathered, jewel-studded turban and also a layered diamond set, which was exactly like Maharaja Bhupinder Singh's iconic Patiala necklace by Cartier. Shah Rukh Khan

 Instagram/Sabyasachi Official Khans look was a floor-length, elongated coat in Tasmanian superfine wool, finished with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons designed by Sabyasachi. But the highlight of the look was definitely the accessories. SRK was deemed a magician and his jewellery understood the assignment. He wore a stack of chains anchored by a studded pendant in the letter K and a diamond star brooch at the lapel. He also carried the Bengal Tiger Head Cane, crafted in 18k gold and adorned on his fingers were many rings. Sabyasachi

 Instagram/Sabyasachi Official Sabyasachi himself also accompanied SRK to the red carpet in one of his own creations. He wore a sharply tailored ivory quilted overcoat with bold lapels, layered over a crisp white shirt and black trousers cinched with a cummerbund. He accessorised with a velvet cap with a jewelled plume, a multi-strand choker, and statement rings. Manish Malhotra
Democratic lawmakers are asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to share plans for cuts to civilian faculty members at the military academies and war colleges.

The May 1 letter signed by 14 Democratic representatives asked for Hegseth to provide the timeline and scale of cuts to the institutions and the metrics used to justify the changes.

The letter drew on Gazette reporting highlighting the coming cuts to civilian faculty and staff at the Air Force Academy and it could hurt technical majors. West Point and the Naval Academy have not announced cuts and did not respond to Gazette requests about whether the schools are planning cuts.

The lawmakers sent their request as the Department of Defense is cutting 5%-8% of its civilian workforce to focus on the presidents priorities and restoring readiness, a news release said.

The letter expressed concern that cutting civilian faculty could lead to cuts to majors and minors and hurt the diversity of thought at the institutions.

Gutting civilian faculty can harm educational quality, stretch military instructors even thinner, damage research partnerships, and limit the critical thinking skills that save lives when plans fall apart in the field, the letter said.

The letter gave a deadline of 14 days to respond to a series of questions about cuts and their potential impacts.

The questions asked for impact assessments of the coming cuts and for details about the processes to ensure that high academic standards will continue to be met.

The letter was also sent to the leaders of West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Naval War College, the Army War College, the Air University, the National Defense University and the Marine Corps War College.

The letter did not have any signatories from Colorado, but Rep. Jeff Crank, R- Colorado Springs said he planned to be engaged in the issue at the Air Force Academy.

As a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, I anticipate this being discussed in the coming months. I look forward to examining how any proposed changes would affect the curriculum at the Air Force Academy, he said.

Former Army Ranger Rep. Jason Crow, D- Aurora, said he has heard about the concerns about cuts at the military academies.

I will always fight for young Americans who have made a commitment to serve our country, he said, in a statement.

The same day lawmakers sent their letter, the Denver Post published an opinion piece that raised similar concerns and garnered more than 90 signatures, including six retired generals. It specifically addressed the Air Force Academy.

Civilian faculty, almost all with PhDs and deep backgrounds in both education and related research (including many experienced U.S. military veterans), bring depth, balance, continuity, and forward-looking insights to cadet education, the opinion piece said. It also said the cuts would put the schools accreditation in technical fields at risk.

The school employs 491 faculty members, with 308 uniformed members and 183 civilians, the Gazette reported previously. Civilians represent about 37% of the faculty.

At West Point, civilians represent 26% of the faculty and at the Naval Academy its a 50-50 split between civilians and uniformed instructors.

The cuts at the Air Force Academy are expected to extend beyond faculty to other civilian positions, such as child care, finance roles and communication. In January, the Academy employed about 1,360 civilians.

Since the Air Force Academy is overbudget for its civilian workforce, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said on April 11 he is preparing to cut 240 civilian positions. He did not know at the time if 140 people who he said had resigned voluntarily or retired early would count toward the 240 positions to be eliminated.

The Secretary of the Air Force press desk said Monday it could not say how many Academy employees had currently taken deferred resignations or early retirement.

 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Visit www.gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The mother of a 23-year-old airman shot and killed in his apartment by a Florida sheriff's deputy last year has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit a year after the incident, alleging that excessive force and other unconstitutional actions led to his death.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, who was serving with Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, was shot and killed by Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Eddie Duran on May 3, 2024, when he was responding to a 911 call of a reported disturbance at the airman's apartment complex. The officer shot Fortson six times after seeing he answered the door with his legally owned firearm to his side and pointed toward the floor.

"Mr. Fortson, who was lawfully in possession of a legally owned firearm and posed no threat, was killed as a result of a cascade of negligent, reckless and unconstitutional actions by both law enforcement and the apartment complex where he resided," the lawsuit claims.

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Defendants in the suit are listed as Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden and Duran, as well as Fortson's apartment complex and an unidentified person who worked in the building as a leasing agent who originally called in the disturbance to police, leading the deputy to the airman's apartment. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the Northern District of Florida.

Chantimekki "Meka" Fortson, the airman's mother, told Military.com in a phone interview on Tuesday that she was grateful for news coverage and called for accountability regarding the death of her son.

"From the time Roger started walking, he started taking accountability for his actions," she told Military.com, recounting that her son didn't fight back against the deputy and even asked for help while he took his last breaths after being shot. "If Roger can take accountability on his dying bed, this country should take accountability now."

Duran, an Army veteran, was fired from his job at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office after the shooting following an internal affairs investigation that determined his "use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable." He was charged with manslaughter in August and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A call to a defense lawyer representing him was not immediately returned.

Tuesday's lawsuit raises concerns about Duran's training as a sheriff's deputy.

"Deputy Duran's use of deadly force -- within seconds of the door being opened -- was not an isolated incident or the result of a rogue actor," the lawsuit said. "It was a foreseeable consequence of the sheriff's inadequate and unconstitutional training practices, which failed to equip deputies with the skills and restraint necessary to assess and safely respond to ambiguous or non-threatening encounters, including non-combative encounters in civilian homes."

Military.com was one of the first media outlets to raise questions about the circumstances of Fortson's death after his mother and prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump said in an exclusive interview that he was home alone on a video call with someone, and there was no domestic disturbance occurring.

A review of 911 calls, police records, body camera videos and screen-recorded videos of Fortson's last moments shared with and obtained by Military.com raised questions about the unclear and indirect information that led Duran to the airman's apartment.

The new civil lawsuit also calls into question the "utter disregard for the safety of Mr. Fortson by directing law enforcement to his apartment based on speculation and hearsay."

During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon announcing the lawsuit, Crump criticized the apartment complex and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department.

"This was not a tragic mistake," Crump said during the press conference. "This was a predictable and preventable outcome of broken policing, rooted in poor training, reckless escalation and zero accountability."

Natalie Jackson, an attorney on Crump's legal team, said the legal action comes a little more than a year following Fortson's death and after the culmination of gathering evidence and experts for filing the lawsuit.

After Fortson's fatal shooting, Air Force Special Operations Command leaders paused training, allowed 200 airmen to attend and brought leaders to speak at his funeral, as well as held a town hall where troops could question the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department and other community leaders.

Meka Fortson has previously told Military.com she appreciated the "united front" from Air Force Special Operations Command troops and officers, which helped hold law enforcement accountable.

"Let our kids be here to take care of us in our old age," Meka Fortson told Military.com. "We shouldn't be burying our kids."

Related: Attorney: Manslaughter Charge Will Be Filed Against Florida Deputy for Fatal Shooting of Airman Roger Fortson
ISLAMABAD  India fired missiles at Pakistan early Wednesday, in what it said was retaliation for last months massacre of Indian tourists. Pakistan called the strikes an act of war and claimed it downed several Indian fighter jets.

The strikes targeted at least nine sites where terrorist attacks against India have been planned, Indias Defense Ministry said. Pakistans military said the missiles hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the countrys Punjab province and killed more than two dozen people, including children.

Pakistan said it reserved the right to respond, raising the specter that the back-and-forth could spiral into all-out conflict. Already, its the worst confrontation between the rivals since 2019, when they came close to war.

Following the strikes, there was a heavy exchange of fire that officials in each country said left more people dead. Three planes fell onto villages in India-controlled territory, according to Indian police and residents, though it was not immediately clear if they were downed by Pakistan.

Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbors since an April attack in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, in India-controlled Kashmir, in some cases killing men before their wives eyes.

India accuses Pakistan of being behind the attack, which was claimed by a militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance. India has said the group is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a disbanded Pakistani militant group.

Islamabad denies involvement.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.

In the wake of the massacre, the rivals have expelled each others diplomats and nationals, closed their borders and shuttered airspace. India has also suspended a critical water-sharing treaty with Pakistan.

The escalation raises the risk of war

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes and said his country would retaliate.

Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given, Sharif said.

It was not clear if Pakistans claim that it shot down fighter jets constituted its retaliation or if more might be coming.

The country's National Security Committee said Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defense, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.

The statement said the strikes were carried out on the false pretext of the presence of imaginary terrorist camps and said they killed civilians.

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman said the strikes were some of the highest-intensity ones from India on its rival in years and that Pakistans response would surely pack a punch as well.

These are two strong militaries that, even with nuclear weapons as a deterrent, are not afraid to deploy sizeable levels of conventional military force against each other, Kugelman said. The escalation risks are real. And they could well increase, and quickly.

In 2019, the two countries came close to a war after a Kashmiri insurgent rammed an explosive-laden car into a bus carrying Indian soldiers, killing 40. India carried out airstrikes in Pakistani territory, and Pakistan shot down an Indian warplane and captured the pilot, later releasing him.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint because the world could not afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, according to a statement from spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

China also called for calm. Beijing is the largest investor in Pakistan by far and has multiple border disputes with India, including one in the northeastern part of the Kashmir region.

Pakistans National Security Committee met Wednesday morning. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and postponed his upcoming trip to Norway, Croatia and the Netherlands.

Several Indian states held civil defense drills Wednesday to train civilians and security personnel to respond in case of attack.

Scenes of panic and destruction

The missile strikes hit six locations and killed at least 26 people, including women and children, said Pakistans military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif.

Officials said another 38 people were injured in the strikes, and five more people were killed in Pakistan during exchanges of fire across the border later in the day.

In Muzaffarabad, the main city of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, resident Abdul Sammad said he heard several explosions as blasts ripped through houses. He saw people running in panic and authorities immediately cut power to the area.

People ran into the streets or open areas. We were afraid the next missile might hit our house, said Mohammad Ashraf, another resident.

Indian jets damaged infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to Sharif, the military spokesman, calling it a violation of international norms.

The strikes also hit close to at least two sites previously tied to militant groups that have since been banned, according to Pakistan.

One hit Subhan Mosque in Punjabs Bahawalpur city, killing 13 people, according to Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a nearby hospital.

The mosque is near a seminary that was once the central office of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group outlawed in 2002. Officials say the group has had no operational presence at the site since the ban.

Another missile hit a mosque in Muridke in Punjab, damaging it. A sprawling building located nearby served as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba until 2013, when Pakistan banned the militant group and arrested its founder.

Indias Defense Ministry called the strikes focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature."

"No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted, the statement said, adding that India has demonstrated considerable restraint."

Indian politicians from different political parties lauded the operation, which was named Sindoor, a Hindi word for the vermillion powder worn by married Hindu women on their foreheads and hair. It was a reference to the women whose husbands were killed in front of them in the Kashmir attack.

Exchanges of fire and planes fall on villages in India-controlled Kashmir

Along the Line of Control, which divides the disputed region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, there were heavy exchanges of fire.

Indian police and medics said 12 civilians were killed and at least 40 wounded by Pakistani shelling in Poonch district near the highly militarized de facto border. At least 10 civilians were also injured in Kashmirs Uri sector, police said.

Shortly after Indias strikes, aircraft fell in three villages: two in India-controlled Kashmir, a third in India's northern Punjab state.

Sharif, the Pakistani military spokesperson, said the countrys air force shot down five Indian jets in retaliation for the strikes. There was no immediate comment from India about Pakistans claim.

Debris from one plane was scattered across one village, including in a school and a mosque compound, according to police and residents. Firefighters struggled for hours to douse the resulting blazes.

There was a huge fire in the sky. Then we heard several blasts also, said Mohammed Yousuf Dar, a resident of Wuyan village in India-controlled Kashmir.

Another aircraft fell in an open field in Bhardha Kalan village. Resident Sachin Kumar told The Associated Press he heard massive blasts and saw a huge ball of fire.

Kumar said he and several others rushed to the scene, where they saw Indian soldiers carry away the pilots.

A third aircraft crashed in a farm field in Punjab, a police officer told the AP, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

___

This story has been updated to correct that all three planes did not fall in India-controlled Kashmir. Two fell in India-controlled Kashmir, while a third fell in India's Punjab state.

___

Saaliq and Roy reported from New Delhi, and Hussain reported from Srinagar, India. Associated Press writers Ishfaq Hussian in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan; Babar Dogar in Lahore, Pakistan; Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan; and Huizhong Wu in Bangkok contributed to this story.
A newly released watchdog investigation into President Joe Biden's mission last year to deliver aid to Gaza via a military logistics system known as JLOTS has confirmed years of cost cuts left the system seriously imperiled and military officials also failed to properly plan for the effort.

In the spring of 2024, in the wake of a massive Israeli campaign that left much of Gaza destroyed, Biden ordered that the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, be used to construct a pier in the war-torn region to deliver millions of tons of aid to starving residents.

The pier, operated by the Army and Navy, ultimately helped offload nearly 20 million pounds of aid. But a stream of issues, breakdowns, injured service members and delays led to concerns about the Army's ability to build the piers and the health of the service's watercraft community.

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Now, the Defense Department inspector general, in a report released Tuesday, found the Army and Navy didn't put enough money into maintaining the systems and U.S. Transportation Command -- a top Pentagon command overseen by a four-star general -- didn't do enough to set standards or minimum requirements for the two services.

The Pentagon "possessed the capability to conduct JLOTS operations and exercises, but reductions in capacity resulted in challenges to effectively perform these missions," according to the report.

However, the findings are not new to those who worked in and around the JLOTS systems.

A Military.com investigation found the Army's watercraft elements may not have been ready for prime time. The capability, which had lingered in obscurity for a half-century, was suddenly stress-tested when it was tasked with one of the Pentagon's highest-profile missions in years.

Several experts and former community insiders told Military.com last year that the system, while capable, has suffered from funding shortfalls throughout the 20 years of the Global War on Terrorism.

The report confirmed that, noting that in the last 10 years -- from 2014 to 2024 -- the Army cut about $23 million from its operations and maintenance budget for the system. The Navy cut $69 million.

The report said the cuts "coincided with reductions by both services to reduce the quantity of JLOTS-capable units and equipment" and that "the reductions created significant challenges for each service's ability to meet future JLOTS requirements."

According to a now-retired Army warrant officer who served on the JLOTS vessels, the craft that are still in service are so old that some still have engines that say they were built in "West Germany."

In the wake of the Gaza pier mission, also known as Operation Neptune Solace, investigators found the Army showed that its watercraft fleet had dropped six vessels -- from 73 craft in November 2023 to 67 in November 2024.

"The Army did not provide an explanation for why its reported total watercraft count dropped," the report noted.

Both the Army and Navy also struggled to gather enough people to get the mission going.

The Army unit tasked with carrying out the mission, the 7th Transportation Brigade, or 7TBX, "lacked sufficient, certified, Army mariners to meet manning requirements on some Army watercraft and struggled to keep its assigned mariners."

"According to 7TBX officials, manning shortages delayed the deployment of some Army watercraft for Operation Neptune Solace," investigators found.

On the Navy's side, its unit, Naval Beach Group 1, "had to pull together every person they could to sufficiently staff vessels in accordance with Navy requirements," the report said.

Meanwhile, when the Army invited the media to see some of the ships depart for the mission in March 2024, leaders from the community made no mention of the issues and the 7TBX commander, Col. Samuel Miller, even boasted that the Army's first vessel left "36 hours after the president made that statement in the State of the Union address" that kicked off the mission.

Military leaders also failed to set up the mission for success, and the report found there were serious shortfalls in the planning stages of the mission.

"Operation Neptune Solace and [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] plans did not contain missionspecific information necessary to successfully conduct a JLOTS operation," the report found.

Furthermore, in interviews with investigators, both Army and Navy officials said "combatant command planners generally did not seek input from JLOTS subject matter experts in the units on the development of operational plans" and, thus, they "did not fully identify or consider mission-specific requirements, such as beach conditions, average sea states, and other factors likely to affect the ability to successfully conduct a JLOTS operation."

As a result, the pier broke apart several times and had to be towed out of the area, suspending aid delivery. In one instance, the foul weather resulted in several Army boats and their crews being stranded on the beach in Gaza. While the soldiers were evacuated fairly quickly, it took several days for the Israelis to return all the boats into the water.

All told, the report notes that 62 service members were injured during the operation, though the report noted that all those injuries occurred during the performance of duties, off duty or from preexisting medical conditions.

At the time of the mission, officials only revealed three injuries -- but one was so severe that the service member never returned to duty. The circumstances of those injuries were also never explained.

The report says that the Navy reported damage to 27 watercraft and equipment totaling approximately $31 million.

A fuller accounting of the injuries and equipment damage was made available to investigators at the request of Congress, but the report placed that data in a classified section.

"We have provided the classified annex as a separate document to those with a specific need to know and review the information in it," the section read.

Despite the issues, many of which were known at the time of the operation, Pentagon officials regularly stressed that the pier delivered some 20 millions pounds of aid -- food that would have otherwise not have made it to the war-torn region. At one point, the pier ended up providing the second-highest volume of aid from any entry point into Gaza.

Related: As the Gaza Pier Is Packed Up, Experts Worry About What It Portends for a War in the Pacific
Two Marines killed in a vehicle crash at the southern U.S. border last month were convoying along a two-lane desert highway in New Mexico when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle and veered off the road to avoid oncoming traffic, according to a local police report.

The sheriff's office report said the Marines were following a Border Patrol vehicle with its lights on that was passing a commercial vehicle traveling in the same direction. But when the Marines attempted to follow, another vehicle appeared -- coming head-on from the opposite direction -- and their Jeep veered off the road into a several-foot-high wall jutting out from a ditch.

Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino, 28, both combat engineers assigned to Task Force Sapper out of Camp Pendleton, California, were killed in the April 15 crash near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. A third Marine, the driver, was initially listed as being in critical condition, but has since been released from the hospital and is considered stable, a spokesperson for the task force told Military.com on Tuesday.

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A sheriff's deputy identified 19-year-old Zeth Collins as the driver and described him as a Marine with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, according to the report. The Task Force Sapper spokesperson, 1st Lt. Giselle Cancino, declined to confirm information about the Marine listed in the report.

The police report, which was obtained from the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, said all passengers were unresponsive with major injuries when emergency services arrived at the scene and that they were subsequently transported to an El Paso, Texas, hospital by Border Patrol helicopters.

It said "driver inattention" and "improper overtaking" contributed to the crash, but that no alcohol was involved. Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper, first reported on the police report on Monday.

Task Force Sapper is composed of Marines from 1st CEB, and the Marine Corps previously said that all three were assigned to the unit. The Pentagon ordered roughly 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton to San Diego in late January as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and border security mission.

The Marines were driving a silver Jeep Gladiator, previously described by defense officials to Military.com as a contracted rental vehicle, which are commonly used during the border mission. The crash occurred mid-morning on Highway 9, which the police report described as having two lanes with no divider in between them.

The police report said that after attempting to pass, the Jeep traveled 400 feet before impacting a wall that stuck out of a ditch 5-8 feet above the ground. The vehicle was heavily damaged, with the "entire front end" pushed into the front axle and the truck bed bent upward, it said.

A witness interviewed by the police said the convoy turned around to help the occupants, but the eastbound vehicle the Jeep was trying to avoid did not stop. It was unclear how many vehicles were part of the convoy. Military.com attempted to contact a witness listed in the police report but was unsuccessful.

Cancino said the Marine Corps is "actively investigating" the incident, but did not provide additional details about the crash, given the ongoing inquiry.

Task Force Sapper is headquartered in San Diego. At the time of the incident, it was not immediately clear what the Marines were doing in New Mexico, which is far away from where the unit is charged with reinforcing the barrier wall between the U.S. and Mexico in Southern California.

"Task Force Sapper, while headquartered in San Diego, is not tied to a specific sector," Cancino said. "Marines assigned to the task force are capable and willing to support operations across the entire joint operations area in support of Joint Task Force Southern Border."

Related: Service Identifies Pendleton Marines Killed in Vehicle Incident During Southern Border Mission
The Trump administration's ban on transgender troops will be allowed to take effect after the Supreme Court on Tuesday paused a lower court's block against the ban.

In a brief order, the Supreme Court said it was granting the Trump administration's emergency application to stay a preliminary injunction issued by a federal court in Washington state.

The order doesn't end the court battle against the ban, but will allow it to take effect while an appeals court more thoroughly considers the Trump administration's request to nullify the injunction.

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The order offers no details on the court's reasoning, but notes that the three liberal justices -- Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson -- dissented.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media after the ruling that there will be "No More Trans @ DoD." The Defense Department offered no further comment on Tuesday afternoon.

In January, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to craft a policy that reflects the administration's position that being transgender is "not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member."

The resulting Pentagon policy, released in February, said troops with a history of gender dysphoria, who "exhibit symptoms" of gender dysphoria or who have transitioned to their gender identity would be disqualified from service. On paper, the policy allows transgender troops to apply for a waiver to avoid being discharged, but advocates say the criteria for a waiver are impossible to meet.

Trump's order and the Pentagon policy were almost immediately hit with lawsuits from transgender service members and recruits.

In response to the lawsuits, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., and another in Washington state issued preliminary injunctions that blocked the ban from taking effect while the cases work their way through the legal system.

The preliminary injunction in the D.C. case was later paused by the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, though the appeals court also warned the administration against taking "any action ... that negatively impacts service members" while it considers whether to fully overturn the injunction.

But in the Washington state case, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration's emergency motion to lift the injunction.

The Trump administration appealed the Ninth Circuit's decision to the Supreme Court, arguing that any delay in implementing the policy would cause "irreparable" harm to the military.

"The district court's injunction cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the department's professional military judgments are owed," Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the application to the Supreme Court last month.

But the lawyers who filed the lawsuit argued that allowing the ban to take effect is what would cause irreparable damage by "ending distinguished careers and gouging holes in military units."

"The loss of well-qualified service members like respondents will necessarily negatively impact military readiness, lethality and unit cohesion -- essential components of a strong and effective national defense," the lawyers wrote in a filing to the Supreme Court last week. "Transgender service members hold key positions throughout units, and the military's success depends on mutual trust between leaders and members."

While the Ninth Circuit denied the Trump administration's emergency motion, it is still considering the administration's non-expedited request to lift the injunction.

The Supreme Court's order Tuesday put the case back in the hands of the Ninth Circuit by staying the injunction until the Ninth Circuit makes a ruling on the regular motion.

The case that made it to the Supreme Court was filed by Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation on behalf of six transgender service members, one transgender person seeking to enlist and an LGBTQ+ advocacy group called the Gender Justice League.

In a statement Tuesday, Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation vowed to continue fighting.

"Today's Supreme Court ruling is a devastating blow to transgender service members who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation's defense," the groups said in a joint statement. "By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice. Transgender individuals meet the same standards and demonstrate the same values as all who serve. We remain steadfast in our belief that this ban violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection and will ultimately be struck down."

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WASHINGTON  Despite Michigan leaders breathing a sigh of relief when President Donald Trump promised to replace the A-10 squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base with F-15EX fighter jets, officials say several key steps are still needed to ensure the warplanes actually arrive at the Macomb County base in 2028.

The most crucial step is getting at least $2 billion in funding from Congress, as each F-15EX costs about $99 million. The Air Force typically conducts an environmental impact study. Selfridge's runway must be realigned. And construction is still in progress on a hangar and maintenance facilities to fit the larger, advanced aircraft.

The lack of environmental analysis, funding and other roll-out details stems from the unusual situation of Trump making the Selfridge decision himself, well after the Air Force had concluded the basing process for the F-15EX and told Michigan officials that Selfridge wouldn't get any of the jets.

"There's no doubt about it. The president went over the heads of the Air Force, and that's the value of being the Commander in Chief  you can do that," said U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Holly Democrat who served as a top Pentagon official and now sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"But as you can imagine, the Air Force is scrambling to make the plan work. I believe that they will do it and do it in good faith, but we want to make sure that it happens the way we want it."

For instance, Trump in his announcement last week said the F-15EX fighters would be in addition to a new, expanded squadron of KC-46 tankers that the Air Force announced last year for Selfridge. Now, some "ankle biters" at the Pentagon are questioning why Selfridge should get both the KC-46 refueling aircraft and the F-15EXs, Slotkin said.

"We're going to be vigilant that the fighter mission is on top of the new refuelers that we managed to secure from the Biden administration  not in substitute of those refuelers. So there's that kind of funny business  most of it is at the staff level," said Slotkin, who met with state and local leaders at Selfridge on Monday.

"It's a lot of ankle biting and griping. But we feel confident that if we do our part here in the state, and we continue to push for resources at the federal level to support the mission, that it will happen. But it is definitely a welcome surprise that the president went on top of the Air Force to do this."

More: What to know about the F-15EX jets coming to Selfridge

The new fighter mission is intended to replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron at Selfridge that is set to be retired starting next year. The divestment was expected to lead to job losses at the base located on Lake St. Clair northeast of Detroit.

"Today, I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense," Trump told airmen, state officials and others inside a hangar at the base a week ago, saying the gesture should "save this place."

The Air Force anticipates flying F-15EXs for decades to come, providing Selfridge with longevity if it can maintain the mission.

The F-15EX would represent a significant shift in roles for the Air National Guard unit at Selfridge, whose primary mission in flying the A-10s has been close-air support for ground forces, said John Hoehn, an associate policy researcher focused on defense budgets at the Rand Corp.

The F-15EX is a multi-role fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

"This means the F-15EX may be called upon for homeland defense, in addition to flying in support of troops on the ground," Hoehn said.

Funding decision rests with Congress

The Department of Defense's announcement said the F-15EX squadron at Selfridge is "additive" and "will not overturn" the decisions to send F-15EXs to three other states, leading Slotkin and Sen. Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, to believe Congress needs to set aside money now to fund the procurement of additional fighters, they said.

That could be reflected in Trump's budget request later this month, or the funding could be folded into the massive budget bill that Republicans in Congress are crafting.

"If we're not taking fighters from another state and making it impossible for them to have fighters, then that means additive fighters, and we got to pay for that," Slotkin said.

Both Peters and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, a Caledonia Republican, who sit on their respective chambers' appropriations panels, said they'd push for funding for the additional F-15EXs.

"As the only member of the House Appropriations Committee from Michigan, Congressman Moolenaar fully supports the F-15EX mission for Selfridge and will support the appropriations provisions necessary to bring the squadron to Michigan," Moolenaar spokesman Jacob Huner said in a statement.

Peters said if Boeing follows the current production schedule  which is to make a total of 98 F-15EXs for the U.S. fleet through 2028  and the aircraft for Selfridge are added onto that timeline, they could arrive starting in 2029.

"What I've been fighting for is more money for F-15s, because I figured our only chance of getting F-15s is if they actually build more, right?" said Peters, who also sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. "And that's exactly what's happening now, right? They're saying they're willing to build more."

Peters said the work the Michigan delegation did for years to position Selfridge for a fighter mission, including $28 million he secured for the hangar project that's underway, helped to ensure the infrastructure was in place for just such an announcement.

Securing the money for the new F-15EXs will be an easier sell if Trump includes them in his budget request later this month, Peters added, saying it's something that he'll be on the lookout for.

The budget reconciliation bill that the House Armed Services Committee advanced last week includes about $3.15 billion for the procurement of F-15EXs, though it's not clear if that funding is intended to expedite the production of aircraft already in the pipeline or pay for additional planes.

Air & Space Forces Magazine reported that the money could pay for more than an additional F-15EX squadron and bring the F-15EX fleet up to about 125 airplanes.

Slotkin said she was glad to see it included in the committee's bill, but won't celebrate until the bill gets to the president's desk and is signed into law.

"I don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched," she said. "The reconciliation bill has to be managed between the House and the Senate, and Republicans are in the driver's seat on that."

A spokeswoman for the GOP-led House Armed Services Committee didn't respond to questions about the F-15EX line item.

Interstate jockeying for jets

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel pointed out that the state has committed the money to pay for the runway project. He also doesnt anticipate hurdles with the environmental impact study that the Air Force will likely conduct.

Money is the bigger issue. The environmental study  were certain that wont be a concern, Hackel said. Theyve done that before, and they had no problem with it.

Michigan officials have an incentive to realign the runway and make other preparations for the F-15EXs to ensure an on-time arrival at Selfridge. They worry that any significant gap between the retirement of the A-10s and the arrival of the F-15EXs could risk the loss of personnel.

To reduce the possibility of that gap, one official cited speculation that the Air Force could bump Selfridge up in line to get the F-15EX ahead of the California Air National Guard in Fresno, where the F-15EX is supposed to replace Fresno's aging F-15C/D Eagles.

Fresno was expecting to get the new fighters in 2027 or 2028 but could keep operating their F-15C/Ds until the F-15EXs arrive, the official said.

Hackel is more concerned about a scenario where a Republican-heavy congressional delegation objects or tries to block funding because they also want an advanced fighter to replace an aging mission at one of their local bases.

"Some other base saying, 'Hey, we would have liked to have had those, too. Why did they get them instead of us?'" Hackel said. "Rather than  now Michigan is going to get them before us, and that wasn't the plan."

An Air Force spokesperson said it's still preparing implementation plans following Trump's directive, and "we dont have anything further to offer at this time."

For its part, manufacturer Boeing expects the F-15EX production line in St. Louis will remain active well into the next decade, with the aircraft in operation through the 2050s and possibly longer, company spokeswoman Mary Ann Brett said.

"With increased international interest, Boeing plans to do concurrent production of jets for international and domestic customers, and we are increasing our production rate to meet this demand," Brett said.

2025 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is undertaking a radical reorganization, one that Trump administration officials say will better serve veterans by emphasizing automation and goals of efficiency, paired with plans for tens of thousands of layoffs.

Veterans overwhelmingly believe the VA needs urgent reforms focused on speed, accessibility and responsiveness. They are calling for streamlined processes, more staff focused on customer service, extended referral windows and leadership that prioritizes meaningful structural reform over workforce cuts.

From long call-wait times to referral systems that often expire before receiving full care, veterans across the country say the VA needs urgent reform to deliver health care faster and make sure they get the care they need.

"It's still a struggle, though, because it's big government run so it's full of all kinds of bureaucracy things that take way longer than they should," said Dan Pogue, a 20-year veteran of the Army special forces and one of five veterans who spoke to Military.com about their hopes for the reform effort.

After retiring in 2022, Pogue quickly learned the frustrations of limited access to VA care while now living in a rural area.

"For example, like my back, which is one of the things I was medically retired from the military," he said. "They don't have any doctors here locally at the VA clinic that [I] can be seen by, so it's [a] referral to outside clinics, and in my case, it's in a town an hour south of me."

Pogue said he receives automated responses when calling help lines, making it difficult to get answers while navigating a complex medical system.

Like many other veterans, Rick Howell, an Army veteran of 26 years, wants the new leaders to streamline and improve health care. "Hopefully they're going in the direction of finding people that want to come into work and actually [be] face to face and be customer service oriented."

Howell spent most of his military career serving in airborne operations. He retired overseas and did not use VA care until nearly a decade later when he visited a clinic in Virginia. "When you retire overseas, you don't really get much of an education on, 'Hey, here's what the VA can do for you,'" Howell said.

On Feb. 13, the VA dismissed 1,000 employees, which was projected to save $98 million annually. The Trump administration claimed the savings would be redirected to VA health care, benefits and services, according to the VA. And on Feb. 24, the department also dismissed 1,400 probationary employees. The agency said it saved $83 million that would go directly to VA beneficiaries. Those are just the opening salvos in a plan to cut upward of 83,000 VA employees.

"I think what they're trying to do is cut the redundancy out of some of the systems," Howell said. "But they have been very slow with everything for me, nonresponsive, people not answering the phone."

Brian Seidl, who served 21 years in the Army, retired in 2024 following rapid-onset autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. After retiring, he moved frequently for work, relying on the traveling veteran program before securing a primary-care provider.

"During my medical retirement, I had a VA [veterans service officer] that worked with the Wounded Warrior Foundation and ensured I was set up for success with all VA benefits prior to my retirement," Seidl recalled. "Absolutely no lapse in pay on the VA side; I highly recommend that everyone works with a VSO while still on active duty."

The referral process, however, has been challenging.

"I had the hand surgeon request surgery on my left wrist in October 2024, only to find out my referral expired, and I had to start the process over," he said. "Anything not specified in the referral takes a very long time if a surgeon has to request approval from the VA."

Seidl emphasized the need for improvements, citing long hold times averaging 40 minutes and inefficiencies in processing compensation and back pay. He also suggested extending the six-month referral period to 12 months for better care coordination.

Still, he remains grateful for the care he's received, paying nothing out of pocket for major procedures, imaging, a mobility scooter and occupational therapy support.

Jesus Ramirez, who retired from the Army with 100% disability, said the services during procedures have been "outstanding." But delays in scheduling care persist. "For example, right now, the frustrating part with them is my dental; they're at capacity so the VA has to send me out of the VA system," he said.

Experts argue that meaningful reform requires more than internal adjustments; it demands committed leadership and structural change. Suzanne Gordon, senior policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, criticized the Trump administration's approach to restructuring the VA, particularly downsizing.

"There's been hiring freezes [and] huge attacks on VA staff and unions under the Trump administration," Gordon said. "If you fire everybody and cut 20% of the workforce, it's not going to solve the problem. It's going to make it worse."

She outlined goals for the new leadership.

"It's the largest health-care system in the country, and one of the most complex," she said. "Because it's supervised by Congress, the person has to have a lot of political skill and a lot of clinical understanding, not only of medicine and mental health, but what we call social determinants of health like poverty and employment."

Bridget Erin Craig is a graduate student at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in the politics, policy and foreign affairs specialization, focused on defense and veterans affairs reporting. She graduated with a bachelors degree from the University of Miami in political science, criminology and sustainable development.
LONDON  Cities from London to Moscow will be awash with parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day  the day Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces.

The surrender didnt end World War II because the war against Japan continued in the Far East. However, it was a moment of celebration for the servicemen and women who battled Adolf Hitlers armies, as well as civilians across Europe who had been bombed, invaded and subjugated since the invasion of Poland in 1938.

When the surrender was announced, people poured into the streets of London, New York and Paris to celebrate in what the BBC described as a mood of thanksgiving.

Here's a look at the events leading up to V-E Day and its significance.

When is V-E Day?

While most Western countries celebrate the anniversary on May 8, thats not an easy question to answer.

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe, actually accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7, in a ceremony at Reims, France. Although the news had leaked out by that evening, the official announcement was delayed until the following day. The U.S., Britain and France were trying to work out differences with the Soviet Union, which felt the surrender didnt recognize the sacrifices its troops had made in securing victory.

A second surrender document was signed around midnight on May 8 in Berlin, satisfying Soviet concerns. Russia celebrates what it calls Victory Day on May 9.

The path to victory

By the time France fell to the Nazi Blitzkrieg on June 25, 1940, Hitlers forces controlled most of Europe and were threatening to invade Britain.

But the war in Europe began to turn in early 1942, when the Soviet Red Army defeated German forces attempting to take Moscow. Hitler suffered another crushing defeat in February 1943, when German forces surrendered in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Invading the Soviet Union was probably not Hitlers best idea, said Rob Citino, a retired senior historian at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

They were counterpunched in front of Moscow, and in a war that the Germans had taken very few casualties up to now they suddenly had added a million and they never recovered from it.

Then in 1944 the Western Allies and the Soviet Union launched twin offensives that forced Nazi Germany to fight for survival on two fronts. The Allies began their march across Europe with the D-Day landings in northern France on June 6, 1944. Two weeks later, the Soviets began their push toward Berlin.

As 1944 turned to 1945, victory is all but certain, Citino said. But something else is certain: There's still a lot of soldiers, a lot of military personnel, on both sides who are going to die.

The Red Army alone lost about 3 million soldiers in 1945, or about 70,000 a day, he estimated.

The fall of Berlin

Soviet forces began their assault on Berlin on April 16, 1945, while the Allies were still fighting their way across western Germany.

With the city in ruins and the Red Army advancing street by street, Hitler retreated to his bunker under the Reich Chancellery, where he committed suicide on April 30. The last defenders finally surrendered on May 2.

Rolling surrenders

V-E-Day came after a series of surrenders.

The first came on April 29 at the Palace of Caserta, outside Naples, Italy where British Field Marshal Harold Alexander accepted the surrender of German and Italian forces in Italy and western Austria. Five days later, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery accepted the surrender of German forces in northwestern Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands at Luneberg Heath, south of Hamburg.

Finally, there was the unconditional surrender of all Nazi forces in Europe that was signed first at Reims and again in Berlin.

A bittersweet moment

V-E Day was a time of reflection as well as celebration.

While many people lit bonfires and threw back the blackout curtains, others thought about what they had lost. The world also had to reckon with the Holocaust after the advancing armies uncovered the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps where millions of Jews were slaughtered.

It was just a big letting off (of) steam and a massive relief for so many people, said Dan Ellin, a historian at the University of Lincoln in the U.K. But then, of course, for others, there wasnt an awful lot to celebrate. For thousands of people, the victory was tinged with a sadness because for them, their loved ones were not going to come home.

And V-E Day wasnt actually the end of the war. The Japanese were still fighting ferociously to defend their home against any invasion, and many Allied soldiers expected that they would be deployed to the Far East as soon as the war in Europe ended.

Everybody knows theres a big show left and the big show is going to be gigantic and its going to be bloody  , Citino said. And I bet you every single Allied soldier in Europe, after toasting victory in Europe, they sat down and said, Im going to Japan. This isnt over yet.

Most were spared another fight when Japan surrendered on Aug. 2, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The veterans have their own thoughts on V-E Day

Dorothea Barron, now 100, who served as a signaler in the Wrens, the Womens Royal Naval Service, remembers the sense of camaraderie as everyone banded together to defeat a common enemy.

Well, naturally, its something worth celebrating, because we had finally stopped the Germans from trying to get into England, she said. Because we were absolutely determined they weren't going to set foot in our country, absolutely, and we would have resisted, man, woman and child.''

Mervyn Kersh, also 100, said V-E Day should be a reminder to todays leaders that they must stand up to bullies and despots, wherever they may be.

You cant have peace without strength,'' he said. Its no good just remembering. Youve got to do something."
**Title: Ditch the Default: Claim Your Google Search Crown in 5 Minutes**







(How To Change My Search Engine To Google)

Lets talk about search engines. You know that box you type questions into every day? The one that magically answers everything from why is my cat judging me? to how to fix a leaky faucet without calling a plumber (again)? Yeah, that thing. If yours isnt Google, youre missing out. Maybe your current search engine feels like a clingy exalways around but never quite right. Time to upgrade. Lets make Google your new digital BFF.

First, why Google? Think of it like this: Googles the librarian who actually knows where every book is, while other search engines are still flipping through the card catalog. Better results, smarter answers, and way less Wait, why did it show me *that*? moments. Plus, its free. No brainer.

Ready to switch? Easy. The steps depend on your browserthe app you use to get online. Lets break it down.

**If Youre Using Chrome (But Somehow Not Google?)**

Chrome and Google are like peanut butter and jelly. If theyre not already teamed up, fix it fast. Click the three dots in the top-right corner. Go to Settings. Find Search engine. Click it. See where it says Search engine used in the address bar? Change that to Google. Done. Chrome just got a promotion.

**Safari Users: Apple Fans, This Ones for You**

Open Safari. Click Safari in the top menu. Pick Settings (or Preferences if thats what you see). Go to the Search tab. See the dropdown menu next to Search engine? Swap it to Google. Close the window. Boom. Now Siri wont side-eye you for using Bing.

**Firefox Folks: Lets Keep It Simple**

Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right. Choose Settings. Scroll down to Search. Under Default Search Engine, pick Google. No rocket science here. Firefox now runs on premium fuel.

**Edge Users: Yes, Even You Can Escape**

Microsoft Edge wants to be your only search buddy. Dont let it. Click the three dots in the top-right. Go to Settings. Find Privacy, search, and services. Scroll to Address bar and search. Change the Search engine used in the address bar to Google. Edge just lost its monopoly.

**Phone People: Android or iPhone, Weve Got You**

On Android, open Chrome. Tap the three dots. Go to Settings. Pick Search engine. Select Google. If youre on iPhone using Safari, open Settings, scroll to Safari, tap Search Engine, and switch to Google. Now your thumb workouts (aka scrolling) will actually give useful results.

**Bonus Level: Make It Stick**

Some browsers try to sneak back to their default. Stop them. After switching, clear your browsers history and cookies. Go to settings, find Privacy and security, hit Clear browsing data. Pick All time as the range. Check the boxes for cookies and cached files. Delete. This resets any sneaky default urges.

Still stuck? Restart your browser. If Google isnt staying put, check for updates. Old software loves to act up. Go to your browsers settings, look for About [Browser Name], and let it update. Try switching again.







(How To Change My Search Engine To Google)

There you go. Five minutes, zero tech headaches, and youve got the internets best tool at your fingertips. No more settling for mediocre answers or ads pretending to be results. Go type something weird into Googlecelebrate your freedom.

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if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
**Title: Widget Wizardry: Master Your Samsung Galaxy S8+ Home Screen Like a Pro**







(How To Move Widgets To Home Screen On Sumsung S8+)

Your Samsung Galaxy S8+ is a pocket-sized powerhouse. Customizing it should feel like a superpower. Widgets make that happen. They give quick access to info you care aboutweather, calendar events, music controls. But first, you need to get them on your home screen. Lets break it down.

Start by waking up your phone. Unlock it. Find yourself staring at the home screen. This is your playground. Look for a blank spot. Tap and hold it. Dont let go. Wait for a menu to pop up. See the word Widgets? Tap that.

A new screen appears. This is Widget Central. Scroll through the options. Clock widgets. Calendar widgets. Fitness trackers. Music players. So many choices. Find one you like. Tap and hold it. Dont release your finger. Now drag it. Move it toward the top of the screen. The home screen will reappear.

Pick where you want the widget. Left side? Right side? Middle? Drop it there. Let go. Done. The widget is now part of your home screen. Want to resize it? Tap and hold the widget again. A blue border appears. Drag the edges. Make it bigger. Make it smaller. Release when it fits your style.

Not all widgets play nice. Some refuse to move. If that happens, check your settings. Go to Home Screen in your phones settings. Look for Widgets or Home Screen Layout. Make sure nothings blocking you. Sometimes updates change things. A quick settings check fixes most issues.

Widgets can clutter your screen. Keep it clean. Group similar widgets together. Put weather next to your calendar. Place music controls near your workout apps. Think of it like organizing a desk. Everything has a spot. Everything is easy to find.

Want to remove a widget? Tap and hold it. Drag it to the top of the screen. Look for a trash can or Remove label. Drop it there. Poof. Its gone. No hard feelings. You can always add it back later.

Samsungs One UI adds extra flair. Swipe left or right on the home screen. See empty panels? Fill them with widgets. Create a productivity panel. Add a social media panel. Mix and match. Your phone adapts to your day.

Still stuck? Restart your phone. Press the power button. Tap Restart. Wait 30 seconds. Try again. Most tech hiccups vanish after a reboot.

Experiment. Try different widgets. Swap them out weekly. Your home screen evolves with your needs. A fitness widget on Monday. A recipe widget on Saturday. Your phone stays fresh.

Pro tip: Use Secure Folder widgets for private stuff. Add a secure notes widget. Keep sensitive info hidden but accessible. Double-tap to unlock. Safety meets convenience.







(How To Move Widgets To Home Screen On Sumsung S8+)

Widgets are tools. They save time. They make life smoother. Your Samsung Galaxy S8+ is ready to work harder for you. Now go bend that home screen to your will. No magic wand requiredjust your fingers and a few taps.

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if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
Left-hander Andrew Vasquez is currently pitching for Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League but Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports that multiple MLB clubs are interested in him. His deal has a $0 buyout for MLB affiliates.

Vasquez, 31, is out to a great start in Mexico. He has tossed 7 2/3 innings over seven appearances without allowing an earned run. He has only struck out six of the 32 batters hes faced, an 18.8% pace, but has surrendered just one walk. He has done that while serving as the clubs closer, with three saves already. The Mexican League is generally very hitter-friendly. The league-wide earned run average is 5.73 this year while batters have a combined line of .292/.371/.458.

Of course, thats a tiny sample size, but Vasquez also has some decent numbers in affiliated ball. He has 63 2/3 major league innings on his track record with a 4.24 ERA. His 21.5% strikeout rate and 10.6% walk rate are a bit worse than average but not by much, while his 48.1% ground ball rate is strong.

He had a rough season in 2024, being stuck in Triple-A with the Tigers and posting a 5.11 ERA for the Toledo Mud Hens, but he has previously had good minor league numbers. From 2021 to 2023, he logged 87 1/3 Triple-A innings with a 2.89 ERA, 36.4% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate.

Several teams are dealing with injuries to left-handed relievers, with the Mets one prominent example. They recently lost both A.J. Minter and Danny Young to the injured list. Young will undergo Tommy John surgery and Minter might require season-ending lat surgery. The club signed Brooks Raley but hes recovering from his own Tommy John procedure and has already been placed on the 60-day IL. A.J. Puk of the Diamondbacks and Tim Mayza of the Pirates are also on the 60-day IL for their respective clubs.

Taking it all into consideration, its understandable that clubs are sniffing around. Vasquez has a competent resume and his Mexican career has started well. With the rate of pitching injuries, it seems he may get a chance somewhere.

Photo courtesy of Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images.
Ted Nugent is celebrating 50 years of "Stranglehold" with seven concerts across Michigan in 2025. Photo by Sally Finneran | MLive

After 50 years of rocking, Ted Nugent says being on stage is just as fun as ever.

We caught up with the always-candid Motor City Madman ahead of his 50th anniversary tour, which includes seven concerts in his home state of Michigan.

Its exciting, thrilling, humbling and inspiring beyond words that it is 50 years. But its actually 68 years since I started performing in Detroit, Nugent told MLive When I was 8 years old, I went to the Capitol School of Music on Grand River Avenue. We played the fair and played Honky-tonk.

The Detroit native performs at the Lexington Village Theatre on Aug. 25 & 26; the Temple Theatre in Saginaw on Aug. 27; STIX in Ludington on Aug. 28 & 29; Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw on Aug. 30; and at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights on Aug. 31.

NUGENT ON PERFORMING AT 76

Nugent says he has spent his life pouring his heart and soul into his music, and still gives it all he has while on stage.

When you really give everything youve got and challenge yourself to make killer, authoritative, soulful music, it has such a life of its own. And you really dont think what might happen when youre creating this music.

I dont care if its Northland Mall in 1967 or Cal Jam with 500,000 people or Freedom Hill or Paw Paw or the Lexington Village Theater. It doesnt matter whether Im in my mancave at home in Texas or wherever Im at, I play the same.

STRANGLEHOLD ALMOST NEVER GOT RECORDED

Nugent says when it comes to Stranglehold, the first song on his first album in 1975, it may never have been recorded had he not stood his ground.

I was signed to Epic Records by a guy who believed in my music and despite he and the confluence of all of the musicians who I recorded with in the studio, they actually all voted not to record Stranglehold. They all had an intervention with me saying they liked the jam session, but just didnt hear a chorus. I said, who the bleep needs a chorus! So, I stood my ground.

NUGENT ON COMING HOME TO MICHIGAN

I usually spend every summer right up to Thanksgiving in my beloved birth state. We have this sacred swamp out in Jackson County that my family and friends all get together at. We hunt there on our property. Im a pure Michiganiac.

Im also a Texan, but Texas is not what people think it is. Its not much better than Michigan politically, and quite honestly, I fight these bast---- everyday. So, I love Michigan, I love my swamp, my hunting life in Michigan, the music and the people.

NUGENT ON THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

The most important political position in the world is we the people, and I am a loudmouth constitutional absolutist. Everyday people on the street yell to me, Hey Uncle Ted, I love your political views. And I go, hang on, the Constitution isnt a view. So, Im very happy, but the job is not done.

Were upgrading and finally ending the embarrassing toilet flush government gone mad, epitomized by the Joe Biden cruelty and criminality. The real job is really just underway.

The IRS: Pure Evil. The FDA: Chemical warfare on the citizens. The EPA couldnt give a sh-- about clean air, soil or water. They just like regulations.

I have friends in Michigan who are now felons because they violated corrupt EPA regulations which have nothing to do with environmental protection, but have control over farmers and ranchers. So, I am engaged.

Thats why my music is so fun, because it represents the ultimate escape from the treachery of fighting corrupt bureaucrats. I fight it every single day and Im engaged in all 50 states with game laws. I could give you examples which would make you cry tears of blood its so corrupt.

NUGENT ON TRUMP

Nugent has been a big supporter of Donald Trump since his first campaign in 2016. He says the law would have to be changed in order for him to run for a third term, but in the meantime, he says Trump is exactly what the country needs right now.

Trump is the right man at the right time. A savior from the depth of corrupt cruelty perpetrated by our government. His executive orders are all truth, logic and common sense-orientated.

Trump is the right guy for all the right reasons and if you just watch the people that hate him, hate me and hate Kid Rock, those are some pretty nasty people. They want to hurt people they disagree with. I dont want to hurt anyone. I have conflicts with the other side, but I dont want to hurt anyone.

ON KID ROCK BRINGING BILL MAHER TO THE WHITE HOUSE

What he did in bringing Maher into the Trump realm is an indicator of what we all should (aspire) to. I dont think people should smoke dope, but Im not going to beat you up if you do. As a cop, the raids that Ive done with the U.S. Marshalls, every criminal was either high or stoned. Every one of them!

So, we can have our differences, but it has to stop at violence and cruelty. If you dont want to hunt, dont. But the people who are against hunting want to stop me from doing it, and if they succeed in that, your tax dollars will have to go to killing deer and other animals that I failed to kill because you wouldnt let me. Its Planet of the Apes cuckoos nest stuff.

The meeting that Rock orchestrated between Maher and our President was maybe the greatest indicator of how conflicting sides should be respectful towards each other.

All politics aside, Nugent says theres just no place like being on stage.

This year Ill surpass 7,000 concerts and performances for my career. The most gratifying celebration of all is that every audience is smiling and laughing, fists in the air, the girls are dancing; it is the ultimate positive zone created by all of the musical influences in my life. Thats what my 50th anniversary celebration is all about.
The Educational Team at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is unveiling a new free program, "Sleeping Bear from Below." The underwater documentary by Planet Productions captured a "tunnel of salmon" among other aquatic life in the Platte River, Good Harbor Reef and Lake Michigan. The curriculum-based program is designed for 3rd-5th grade students. The focus is on invasive quagga mussels, their impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and prevention. (NPS) NPS

EMPIRE, MI -- Ever wonder whats happening down in the depths of Lake Michigan? Curious why the water below the sand dunes looks Caribbean blue? Wondering how to get rid of those stubborn mussels sticking to your boat motor?

The educational team at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is unveiling a new program, Sleeping Bear from Below.

The underwater documentary by Canadian-based Inspired Planet Productions captured a tunnel of salmon among other aquatic life in the Platte River, Good Harbor Reef and Lake Michigan.

The short documentary will be projected on the parks 12-foot inflatable planetarium to bring an immersive experience for elementary students.

The documentary is coming to schools first, but there may be opportunities to see it this summer at the park, said Dave Fenlon, education lead and interpretive park ranger.

When youre in the dome with the fish-eye lens playing all around you, its really cool to have 180-degrees all around to feel like youre under the waves, Fenlon said.

The film crew used both a 180-degree camera on a tripod and a lens mounted on a roaming robotic ROV camera to capture life underwater last summer.

RELATED: Summer reservations open for Sleeping Bears Track Chairs and wheelchair bikes

The focus of Sleeping Bear from Below is on invasive quagga mussels, their impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and teaching students how they can help prevent these mussels from spreading, Fenlon said.

Educational outreach about aquatic invasive species is a key component of what the educational team does as part of its funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Fenlon said.

In years past, the education team has brought photos and props of mussels attached to a rock. This new program will bring invasive species impact into much sharper focus.

This interactive viewing experience is as close as they could get to getting the students scuba certified, Fenlon joked.

Were trying to have more creative, clever ways of introducing students to what aquatic invasive species are and get them thinking about them, he said. Getting them to see this is what it looks like down there.

The curriculum-based program is designed for 3rd-5th grade students. The Sleeping Bear team will bring the presentation for free to schools within a 50-mile radius of the Empire headquarters.

RELATED: Stargaze under Sleeping Bears 12-foot inflatable planetarium

The educational team first bought the planetarium through a federal National Park Foundation grant for its Sharing Star Stories program.

That constellation program was highly successful in its first year, Fenlon said, reaching 2,000 students during the 2023-24 school year.

This past school year the program reached another 690 students and 122 adults when the planetarium was set up at the parks visitor center during spring break.

Hitting a saturation point of 3rd to 5th grades within driving distance, the educational team was looking for a new program to project on the 16-foot wide dome.

Last summer the educational team met Canadian filmmakers Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert as they were filming around the Great Lakes, including along the shorelines of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

The husband-and-wife duo were creating their documentary, All Too Clear, which is a reference to those Caribbean blues tourists remark on when theyre standing at the top of Pyramid Point.

The water is not suppose to be that clear, Fenlon said. Thats actually the result of the invasive mussels eating up the plankton that would typically cloud the water.

The documentary explores the ripple effects of the invasive quagga mussels. The disturbance in the food chain has caused a drop in whitefish populations, for instance.

Its great for aesthetics, Fenlon said. It looks beautiful but what it really means for the ecosystem is that theres less food.

RELATED: Oldest Great Lakes piping plover returns to Sleeping Bear Dunes

The All Too Clear documentary helped sparked the underwater idea for the educational program and inspired them to hire Planet Productions to bring it to life for younger generations.

The goal is to show elementary school kids that they can do something right now  like check their boats and boards for mussels before putting them in new bodies of water.

And students can set future goals, like becoming researchers and scientists working on environmental solutions.

All too often when were talking about aquatic invasive species it can become a real bummer, Fenlon said. We dont give them enough hope at the end, so were trying to lead with that with this program to really show that its not all lost and really smart people are working on this

For adults who want to see these underwater close-ups, the City Opera House in Traverse City is hosting a free viewing of All Too Clear on Monday, June 9.

Teachers can reach out to bring the Sleeping Bear from Below program to their classroom by contacting the education team at slbe_education@nps.gov. Find more information about National Park Service field trips here.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is temporarily closing one of its popular trails. An approximate 75-foot section of the Munising Falls paved trail was washed out from heavy rainfall and seasonal snow melt. (NPS) NPS

MUNISING, MI -- The popular Munising Falls trail took a final blow from Michigan weather this year, as heavy snow melt and spring storms took out the wooden trail leading to the raging waterfall. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore knew it was just a matter of time before Mother Nature won the battle, which is why the park wont be putting in a temporary fix this summer.

The National Lakeshore has been planning the total replacement of the Munising Falls Trail for several years, said Hannah Bradburn, visual information specialist at the park.

This area is geologically and hydrologically tricky, as we saw in [Aprils] storm, Bradburn said. We have a plan to fully replace the trail to not only make it more storm resilient, but also to make it accessible for folks with mobility needs.

Construction on this replacement project is set to begin spring of 2026, Bradburn said.

Munising Falls at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

Typically visitors traverse a paved 800-foot trail in what the park describes as a cool shaded canyon along Munising Creek to the base of the falls.

The April 28 washout took out a 75-foot chunk of that trail and made it inaccessible. The park closed the area, saying travel in the area is strictly prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.

The current Munising Falls Trail rests on retaining walls, which is not ideal in an area with a dynamic stream and erosion-prone sandstone, Bradburn said.

The new, planned trail will be an elevated deck-style trail, allowing the stream to swell without eroding the ground supporting the trail, Bradburn said.

RELATED: 5 Upper Peninsula waterfalls that will be roaring soon after huge snowmelt, spring rains

You can, of course, still go chasing waterfalls in Pictured Rocks.

The National Lakeshore is home to eight waterfalls and the Munising area has 17 in total.

Rain and snowmelt have these beautiful cascades raging right now if you want to catch the full roar of Mother Nature.

Pictured Rocks highlighted Miners Falls is rumbling with over 250 inches of snow melt.

The trail to Miners Falls is still open and accessible. The Munising Falls Visitor Center, parking lot, public restrooms, and North Country National Scenic Trail trailhead are also still open and accessible.
Deacon Juan Perez Gomez, accompanied by his wife Crecencia Lopez, stands at the altar during a Mass honoring the late Pope Francis, in Simojovel, Mexico, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Isabel Mateos, File) AP

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 Mexicos 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 worlds 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.

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.

A photo of the late Pope Francis adorns an altar in Huitiupan, Mexico, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Isabel Mateos, File) AP

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 societys 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 churchs historical wrongs, and allowing them to incorporate aspects of their Native cultures into practicing their faith.

Pope Francis holds hands with children wearing traditional costumes as he walks with Bolivian President Evo Morales upon his arrival at the airport in El Alto, Bolivia, July 8, 2015. The pouch Francis is wearing around his neck was given to him by Morales. It's woven of alpaca with Indigenous trimmings and traditionally used by people in the Andes to hold coca leaves. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) AP

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.

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.

Pope Francis dons a headdress during a meeting with Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church in Maskwacis, near Edmonton, Canada, July 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) AP

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 Ruizs 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.

Perez Gomez, who waited 20 years before he was finally ordained a deacon in 2022, said he was inspired by Ruizs vision for a Native church. He said Francis reminded him of Ruiz, who died in 2011 and whom he credits with explaining the churchs 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.

During a Mass that was the highlight of his visit, the Lords Prayer was sung in Tsotsil, readings were conducted in two other Mayan languages, Tseltal and Chol, congregants danced while praying and Indigenous women stood at the altar.

Pope Francis delivers his message during an outdoor Mass, on a stage adorned with pottery depicting species indigenous to the area, in San Cristobal de las Casas, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, Feb. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) AP

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.

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 Vaticans way to see Indigenous rituals not as threats, but rather as legitimate ways to express and live the faith, he said.

Pope Francis watches traditional dancers perform at the Martyrs' Stadium In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Feb. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) AP

No longer objects

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 hes a deacon, he needs a priest to consecrate them for him ahead of time.

He and his wife, Crecencia Lopez, dont know who the next pope will be, but they hope hes 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.
A screenshot of the Michigan Department of Transportation construction map detailing road closures along I-696 in Oakland County. Courtesy | MDOT

Oakland County drivers who travel west on I-696 may want to seek a new route in the short term.

The westbound highway between I-75 and M-10 will be completely shut down for 10 days, beginning Friday evening, May 9.

Drivers will be detoured off the highway at I-75 (Exit 18) and instructed to take southbound I-75 to westbound Davison Freeway (M-8), to northbound M-10, before returning to I-696.

Demolition of the Church Street plaza bridge is whats requiring the significant highway closure. State officials said crews will be demolishing 170 concrete beams and cleaning up debris.

Related: I-696 closures coming ahead of major highway rebuild

Entrance ramps to westbound I-696 that will closed during the project include I-75, Campbell Road, Woodward Avenue, Greenfield Road, Southfield Road, and Evergreen Road.

A local westbound lane of I-696 traffic will be maintained and can exit to I-75, Bermuda Street, Woodward Avenue, and Coolidge Road.

After May 19, only two westbound lanes between Southfield Road and Lahser Road will be open into late July for bridge work.

The eastbound side of the Church Street plaza bridge will be demolished beginning May 20. That will take about 10 days, affecting only the eastbound side of the freeway, which is already closed.

Michigan is investing $275 million on the multi-year project, nicknamed Restore the Reuther.

Crews are planning to reconstruct eastbound lanes between Lahser Road and I-75 this year, including a bridge replacement on Church Street and bridge rehabilitation work throughout the construction area.

Similar work is scheduled for the westbound highway in 2026.

Communities located throughout the project area include Ferndale, Hazel Park, Hunting Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Warren.

All construction is weather dependent. For more information on this and additional closures, check out MDOTs online map and construction list.
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI  An Up North state park thats mostly closed for construction will host a guided walking tour this weekend.

Participants will cover about a mile and a half of easy terrain while taking in views of the parks diverse landscape, which includes Lake Michigan, dunes, forests, an inland lake and a river.

Park interpreter Brandon Griffith will point out signs of spring, like budding plants and animal mating rituals.

Discover how plants and animals prepare for the transition to sunny summer through finding pairs, raising young and helping to strengthen our ecosystem, he said in a news release.

The walk is scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, starting at the Ludington State Park amphitheater.

The park, situated on 4,300 acres between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake near Ludington, has been (mostly) closed for construction since Labor Day. The extensive $3.2 million project focuses on repaving roads and parking lots. Its scheduled to reopen July 1.

The closure includes all campgrounds and campsites, all northern trails, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the main Lake Michigan beach area and the Hamlin day-use areas, including the beach, Hamlin Dam, the boat launch, and picnic areas along the Big Sable River. Almost everything north of the entry booth is closed while areas south of the booth are open.

Find more details on whats open here.

RELATED: Whats still open at popular Up North state park during construction? We have a list

Check Ludington State Parks Facebook page for updates.

The project is part of $273 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, or ARPA, that was made available to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2022 to help address a long list of needs at state parks.

RELATED: With $273M in hand, Michigans DNR is racing to complete 202 backlogged projects

The park was previously slated for $4.26 million in ARPA-funded upgrades, which included rebuilding Skyline Trail, a popular boardwalk atop a dune ridge. About $1 million of the funding has been reallocated to projects at other state parks that came in over budget. The Skyline Trail project has been deferred.

RELATED: Rebuild of popular boardwalk trail at Ludington State Park delayed due to lack of funding

Ludington State Park is known for its seven miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront, an iconic lighthouse and a one-mile stretch of Big Sable River thats popular for fishing, paddling and tubing. The park also features 21 miles of marked trails through wetlands, marshes, dunes and forests, plus two water trails. Hamlin Lake is popular for recreation, including boating, hiking, fishing, paddling and swimming. The park, 8800 M-116 north of Ludington, is especially in demand for camping. It has three modern campgrounds with 352 campsites.
Charles Willis was arraigned in January on criminal sexual conduct charges unrelated to his most recent case. MLive file photo

A man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teen had his bond increased in a separate, unrelated case also involving the alleged sexual assault of a teen. According to the Macomb County Prosecutors Office, Charles Willis, 22, of Northville Township was free on a $5,000 personal bond after he was charged in January with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (person under 15).

A personal bond does not require any actual payment as long as the defendant appears for all future court dates and complies with all court orders.

While free on bond, Willis allegedly convinced a 14-year-old Michigan girl to travel to his home where he ordered her not to leave his basement while there. That incident took place on April 25, three months after Willis was charged in the Macomb County case.

After learning of the most recent arrest, the Macomb County Prosecutors Office petitioned the court for a bond increase. On Tuesday, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia granted the request and raised Williss bond in that case to $250,000 cash/surety with no 10% allowed.

Williss January arrest came after an investigation into an alleged relationship he had with a 15-year-old Roseville girl that began in 2023. Prosecutors say Willis told the girl and her mother that he was 16 years old. Willis is accused of having intercourse with the girl numerous times prior to his arrest.

The arraignment in that case was handled by a visiting judge who issued the $5,000 personal bond.

Three months later, Willis was arrested and charged in the kidnapping case. That investigation began after the victim was found walking alone in the area of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads around 5:30 a.m. Investigators allege Willis paid for the girl to take a two-hour Uber ride to his home.

Bond in that case was set at $1 million with no 10% allowed. Willis is currently being held at the Wayne County Jail.

Police say theyve had prior contact with Willis related to sexually inappropriate behavior and attempts to entice minor females. Although these two cases are moving through the courts, police believe there may be more victims who havent come forward.

If you or anyone you know is a possible victim or has had contact with Willis, you are asked to contact the Northville Township Police Department at 248-349-9400 or the Roseville Police Department at 586-775-2100.
Timothy Morgan, 68, of Detroit, was charged in 36th District Court for first-degree murder on Tuesday. MLive file photo

DETROIT  A Michigan man has been charged with the murder of his wife.

Timothy Morgan, 68, of Detroit, was arraigned in 36th District Court for first-degree murder on Tuesday. He is accused in the death of his wife, Kathryn Morgan, 67.

Morgan allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times with a plastic sword, before striking her in the head with a pair of pliers.

The Detroit Police Department responded to the scene in the 18400 block of Conley Street at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday after Morgan turned himself into the 11th Precinct.

Upon their arrival, officers located the victim in the living room of the home, unresponsive, suffering from multiple stab wounds to the back and to the head.

Medics arrived and pronounced Morgan dead at the scene.
DETROIT  A Michigan man allegedly forced his 11-year-old daughter to assist him during a home invasion in Detroit.

Andre Stephon-Curtis Broadenax, 29, of Detroit, was charged with first-degree home invasion, second-degree home invasion, larceny in a building, receiving and concealing a motor vehicle, inducing a minor to commit a felony and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Broadenax is wanted for breaking into a 75-year-old Detroit mans home and in the theft of a 52-year-old Dearborn Heights mans vehicle.

The alleged crimes occurred at 8:43 p.m. on April 29 when Broadnex, while in possession of the 52-year-old victims vehicle, forced entry into the 75-year-old victims home in the 600 block of Marquette Drive in Detroit.

He then fled the scene on foot, prosecutors said, after forcing his young daughter to assist in the crimes. Broadnex was arrested by the Detroit Police Department later that day.

He was arraigned in 36th District Court on May 2. Bond was set at $150,000 after a bond re-determination hearing.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 14 and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on May 21.
The United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower courts decision agreeing that Shiawassee County school officials were justified to instruct the third-grade student to remove their hat. Photo from lawsuit complaint

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI -- A Shiawassee County school district did not violate the free speech rights of a third grader who was told she cannot wear a hat with an image of an AR-15-style rifle and the message come and take it, a federal court ruled.

The United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower courts decision agreeing that Shiawassee County school officials were justified to instruct the third-grade student to remove their hat.

Three employees at Durand Area Schools were each named in a federal lawsuit that claimed they violated a third-grade students First Amendment rights by telling her she could not wear the hat.

The child wore the hat to hat day on Feb. 17 in 2022. School officials asked her to remove the hat, citing concerns about potential disruptions in the classroom, given the Oxford High School shooting that took place months before.

Related: Michigan third-grade student forced to remove hat with image of AR-15 rifle, lawsuit claims

Students at Kerr Elementary had recently transferred from the Oxford school district, according to a summary of the case.

The student, who was identified as C.S. in the lawsuit, chose the hat because it belonged to her dad and made her feel safe, according to the summary.

School officials made a reasonable forecast of substantial disruption to the schools education environment, the court ruling reads.

The original lawsuit was filed by the students father.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON -- A military parade will take place this year on June 14 kicking off celebrations for the Armys 250th birthday and coinciding with President Donald Trumps birthday. On Friday, the Army confirmed the parade will take place and will follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to the Associated Press.

June 14 marks the Armys 250th birthday and is the same date as Trumps 79th birthday.

The parade is expected to include 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters. Army spokesman Steve Warren says the event will also include a spectacular fireworks display, a parade, and a daylong festival on the National Mall.

While Trump has desired to hold a military parade since his first term in office, the timing of the upcoming event comes amid ongoing budget cuts. Army officials say the cost of the parade will be tens of millions of dollars, but an exact figure hasnt been released. Trumps prior plan for a military parade in 2018 was cancelled after estimates came in around $92 million, the AP reports.

Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly called for reductions in government spending. In particular, Trump has railed against alleged waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the government.

At Trumps direction, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has slashed the budgets of numerous government agencies. DOGE has also reduced staff and ended leases for government and military offices as part of the efforts.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered active duty military to cut 20% of its four-star general officers. Hegseth also called for the National Guard to trim 20% of its top positions.

Still, plans for the parade appear to be moving forward with more information expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Because of the significance of the 250th birthday, Warren says the Army is working hard to make the celebration even bigger, with more capability demonstrations, additional displays of equipment, and more engagement with the community.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  A $500 million lawsuit has been filed against the Michigan Department of Corrections arguing recording strip searches is violating the rights of hundreds of incarcerated women.

Attorneys representing 20 women at the Womens Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti sued the department on Monday, May 5, in Washtenaw County Circuit Court, claiming state-sponsored voyeurism.
A 79-year-old Ann Arbor man was crossing East Huron Street at North Fourth Avenue around 11:58 p.m. on May 5 when he was struck by a vehicle. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A man in a wheelchair was fatally struck by a car in Ann Arbor on Monday.

A 79-year-old Ann Arbor man was crossing East Huron Street at North Fourth Avenue around 11:58 p.m. on May 5 when the traffic signal changed while he was crossing, the Ann Arbor Police Department said in a release.
DETROIT, MI  With a nautical theme, more than 630 attendees danced the night away on Saturday, May 3 aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat.

Davison was in the spotlight as they gathered at the high school ahead of their 2025 prom.

RELATED: Davison sails away aboard Detroit Princess Riverboat for nautical theme prom

Parents gathered as they waited to load 12 charter buses headed to Detroit for prom.

But before loading the buses, students and guests showed up in beautiful dresses and sharp suits with some incredible accessories.

On the boat, prom-goers will have two dance floors and two DJs on two separate floors of the ship to bounce between as they boogie the night away.

Once docked and back on the bus, prom-goers will also each receive a gift bag with a themed T-shirt that has the year on it, as well as snacks and a drink for the ride home.

MLive photojournalist Jake May was on the scene capturing portraits as prom-goers first arrived before loading the buses to depart. Check out all of the photos in the gallery above.

Check out all of the photos in the gallery above. See our 20 favorites pictures by scrolling below.

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

More than 630 students and guests attended the Davison prom on Saturday, May 3, 2025, seen here before loading charters buses at Davison High School before their destination excursion aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. Jake May | MLive.com

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To see all of MLives prom coverage, click this link.

Read more on MLive.com:

Burton Bentley celebrates 2025 prom at secret destination

Flint Powers Catholic dazzles on red carpet at 2025 prom

Holly High School shines bright at 2025 prom downtown

Linden High School shines on red carpet at Hollywood Glam prom

Goodrich celebrates 2025 prom night on Detroit Princess Riverboat
Voting booths are shown at a city of Flint polling place in this Flint Journal file photo. Julian Leshay Guadalupe | MLive.com

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County ballots arent crowded this election day, but theres a fiercely contested fight for an empty Flint City Council seat, and municipalities and school districts are asking voters to approve or renew tax proposals.

Polls open Tuesday, May 6, across the state at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Those in line by 8 p.m. will still be able to vote.

To cast a ballot, registered voters will be asked for a photo ID. If you dont have one, you can still vote, but will have to sign an affidavit that explains you didnt have an ID.

Here are the elections taking place around the county on Tuesday, May 6:

Flint City Council 3rd Ward special election

When 3rd Ward voters elect a new City Council representative this summer, theyll also swing the balance of power inside Flint City Hall.

The first step comes in Tuesdays special primary election when voters will narrow the field of candidates from four to two.

The final step comes when the two top vote-getters face off in a general election on Aug. 5, with the winner completing the term of the late Quincy Murphy, who died on Sept. 29.

The election will follow the 3rd Ward boundaries as they were when Murphy was elected in 2021. The boundaries changed after the election to reflect the 2020 census.

Candidates vying for the 3rd Ward seat are Beverly Biggs-Leavy, A.C. Dumas, LaShawn Johnson, and Richard Jones.

The winner of the 3rd Ward race has the potential to be a deciding swing vote on the council, which has been deadlocked 4-4 on several issues since Murphys death.

Related: Heres whats at stake and what you need to know about Flints 3rd Ward primary election

Grand Blanc Community Schools sinking fund renewal

Grand Blanc Community Schools is seeking the renewal of its sinking fund at its current 0.9915 mills ($0.9915 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) rate for the next 10 years.

If renewed, the sinking fund would generate approximately $1.8 million in property taxes for the district, which would be used to pay for security upgrades, technology, and maintenance of district properties, some of which are also used by community members.

Additional information about the proposed sinking fund renewal can be found on the districts website.

Related: Grand Blanc, Montrose schools seek tax renewals from voters on May ballot

Montrose Community Schools operating millage renewal

Montrose Community Schools is looking to renew its operating millage until 2035 as its set to expire at the end of this year.

If voters renew the millage at the proposed rate of 17.3904 mills ($17.3904 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), it would generate approximately $860,000 for the district in 2026.

The districts operating millage accounts for a sizable portion of its total funding and is only levied against non-homestead properties.

Burton Police Department millage renewal

Voters in Burton will decide on the proposed renewal of a millage for the citys police department as it looks to maintain its current operating capacity.

If renewed at its current rate of 0.9870 mills ($0.9870 per $1,000 of taxable value), the millage would generate approximately $821,077 in property taxes annually.

The millage is one of three generating funds for the department, and it is set to expire on June 30, 2026.

The city is asking voters to renew the millage for an additional 20 years.

Related: Burton voters to decide on police millage renewal in May election

Montrose Township Fire Department millage

In Montrose Township, voters will decide on a proposal for a 1-mill ($1.000 per $1,000 of taxable value) property tax levy for the townships fire department.

If approved, the millage would remain in place for 10 years and generate an estimated $178,000 for the department in its first year.

The proposed millage would be used to make emergency vehicle purchases. Voters rejected the proposal in the August 2024 election.

Related: Voters to decide on new Montrose Township fire department millage in May
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A vast sea of red-clad demonstrators filled the streets of downtown Grand Rapids on Monday, May 5.

It could only mean one thing: a day when hundreds demand justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).

Donning red and holding posters with statements like No Stolen Sisters and Justice for MMIP, participants gathered Monday afternoon before the one-mile march downtown.

Hundreds of people descended on Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, to hear remarks from representatives of the movement before marching.

Theres a lot of deep meanings to the color red for our people, but why we wear the color red today is to spread awareness for our missing women and children, said Prettyrock Big Bear, 17, a tribal member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Related: Michigan march to address over 4,000 unsolved Indigenous missing, murdered cases

Big Bear was joined by other tribal members from Dowagiac, Lillian Thomas, 17, and Rachel Saldivar, 18. All three wore jingle dresses, a significant part of Indigenous culture that symbolizes healing.

Its a medicine dance, Saldivar said. Its important we were asked to come out here to heal those who have lost family members to MMIP.

Hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, the fourth annual event is in observance of National MMIP Awareness Day, which falls on the same date.

Robyn Elkins, NHBP Tribal Council vice chairperson, said the day serves as an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to peacefully come together to shatter the silence and give voice to the more than 4,000 unsolved cases of MMIP.

Were still here, Elkins said. The federal government has treaty responsibilities to our relatives, to all of us here today, and we just have to keep reminding them of that. When were silent, they can push us to the wayside and not uphold their obligations.

Organizers say missing and murdered Indigenous people, particularly women and girls, are underreported, under-investigated, and often remain unsolved throughout the U.S.

According to the Urban Indian Health Institute, 5,712 cases were reported in 2016, but only 116 were logged in the Department of Justice database.

Elkins said its crucial to keep the MMIP movement at the forefront of peoples minds so progress can be made.

We have to keep doing this regardless of what kind of cuts they try to make, she said, referring to the closure of several federal offices that manage Indigenous affairs in Michigan.

Were just going to keep demanding they meet that obligation. That is why were still here all these years later.

Related: Michigan tribes losing key federal agency office to Trump cuts

Many in the crowd of supporters had painted a red handprint across their mouth or cheek, which symbolizes the silencing and invisibility of those missing or murdered.

Reed City resident Yvette Thomas, who traveled over an hour to attend the commemorative event, was among the many marchers who wore the red handprint proudly.

There are so many of us who go missing, said Thomas, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. If we were white, its going to get advertised, posted and seen on the news everywhere. But what happens with us is it goes unknown.

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.
Paul Lee, pictured here with his wife, Jessica, and his three children, Oscar, Harvey and Otis, died of cancer Saturday, May 3. (Photo provided by Jessica Lee) Courtesy

GRAND RAPIDS, MI Paul Lee, a Grand Rapids restaurateur who died of cancer Saturday at age 51, was remembered as loving father and husband, and a community-minded businessman who helped put Wealthy Street on the map as a dining destination.

Lee, who owned The Winchester, Donkey Taqueria and Hancock, was passionate about exploring new places, biking and food. During his travels, he often carved out time to visit off-the-beaten-path restaurants and street vendors to learn about the local culinary culture and bring new ideas home.

He had a passion for living, said Jessica Lee, his wife. He had a passion for adventure up until the very end.

RELATED: Paul Lee, Grand Rapids restaurant pioneer, dies at 51 after cancer battle

Lee is survived by his wife and three sons: Oscar, 13; Harvey, 11; and Otis, 9. His death generated a wave of tributes on social media from friends, family and fellow business owners who recalled his kindness and the impact he made on Grand Rapids through his restaurants.

Lee and his wife opened their first restaurant, The Winchester, at 648 Wealthy St. SE in 2008, transforming an old plumbing shop into a neighborhood bar and restaurant.

At the time, it was part of a wave of investments along Wealthy Street in the early 2000s that helped transform the once aging commercial corridor into a vibrant business district with retailers, restaurants and new housing.

It would be hard to find somebody who had a bigger legacy on the revitalization of that neighborhood, said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, who, along with business partners, opened Wealthy Street Bakery in 2002.

Lees funeral is being held at St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend his visitation Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE.

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

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee came to the U.S. at age 3 after he was adopted by Arnold and Kristin Lee following the death of his mother.

He went on to graduate from East Grand Rapids High School, and he met his wife, Jessica, when she was bartending at the former J Gardellas Tavern on Ionia Avenue SW in downtown Grand Rapids. They shared a love of neighborhood bars in cities like Chicago, and they began working to open The Winchester in the early 2000s.

Winchester was our first baby, Lee said. We wanted to create a space to bring people together and create a sense of community.

Initially, they never had plans to open more restaurants.

But after Winchesters success, the couple decided to open Donkey Taqueria at a vacant 1920s-era auto service station across the street from The Winchester at the northwest corner of Wealthy and Henry Avenue SE

Hancock came six years later.

Lee was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 while he was working on the concept of what would become Hancock, a Nashville-style fried chicken restaurant at the corner of Wealthy Street SE and Fuller Avenue SE.

Eventually, he was able to regain his strength and open the restaurant in 2019.

That was one thing that was amazing about Paul being sick --- he never complained, and he always set a target to challenge himself and continue to drive forward, said Chris Muller, the owner of M Retail Solutions and a close friend of Lees.

He said Lee embodied that grit and determination up until his death.

The two friends went on a ski trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in February, and he recalled Lees long-distance gravel bike races over the years. His passion for food was ever present, too. Last year, Lee traveled to Japan to learn how to make ramen at a culinary school there.

You hear these stories of weve lost a giant, said Muller, who worked with Lee on the business side of his operations. This actually rings really true with Paul, both as a friend, as a business owner, entrepreneur and as a resident.

Ciara Taylor, director of operations at All In Hospitality, Lees restaurant group, remembered Lee for the kindness and care he showed for his roughly 180 employees.

He made everyone feel like family, she said. We all love this company because Paul has instilled great hospitality and family and morals and values in the company that all align with us.

Others remembered Lee for being an active, community-minded business owner.

Heather VanDyke-Titus, the co-owner of Harmony Brewing Company, which opened in 2012 on Lake Drive SE in Eastown, recalled meeting Lee about 20 years ago.

At the time, Lee was preparing to open The Winchester and she and her brothers were renovating several Wealthy Street buildings that would become home to Electric Cheetah, Brick Road Pizza and The Meanwhile Bar.

Ive been in so many meetings with him that are business alliance meetings or neighborhood meetings, VanDyke-Titus said. Hes always had an eye to community with whatever project he did, and thats been true from the start.

That eye for community could be seen in the relationships he built with neighboring businesses owners and residents, she said.

She recalled Lee taking time to meet with her to offer advice on how she could build leadership within her staff as Harmony expanded. He showed support for local businesses as a customer too.

One of the last times I saw him, he was at Harmony Brewing in Eastown with one of his boys playing cards and having pizza, VanDyke-Titus said. That sense of community was a real thing. It wasnt a manufactured thing. It was a real thing. It was the way we realistically and physically show up for each other.

Lee also cared deeply for his family, and thats how his wife, Jessica, remembers him most. She said he loved taking his boys to breakfast on weekend mornings at Real Food Cafe in the Alger Heights neighborhood and Wolfgangs in Eastown.

He had a kind and gentle soul, Jessica Lee said. If he had to choose anything, it would be to hang out with his kids and me.
People rallied for both Christopher Schurr and the family of Patrick Lyoya as a jury deliberated Tuesday, May 6 in Chrstopher Schurr's murder trial. (John Tunison | MLive) John Tunison

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- As a jury deliberated in Christopher Schurrs murder trial, people rallied and protested outside the courthouse.

The crowd included supporters for the families of both Schurr and Patrick Lyoya, the Black motorist Schurr killed after a traffic stop three years ago.
Police are investigating a shooting at a bar in Southwest Michigan on Saturday, May 3. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI  Three people were shot and another was injured while trying to escape gunfire at a Southwest Michigan bar, police said.

At 11:53 p.m. Saturday May 3, officers from Centreville-Constantine Police Department were called to the Harvey House Bar, 125 W. Water St., in Constantine, for reports of a shooting.
Brooke Hovenkamp began as Texas Township superintendent in March 2025. Texas Township

TEXAS TOWNSHIP, MI -- A familiar face has been named Texas Townships next superintendent.

The Texas Township Board of Trustees selected Brooke Hovenkamp as the new superintendent in March. Hovenkamp had been interim superintendent since November 2024.
A view of the former Wolverine Secure Treatment Center at 2424 N. Outer Drive in Buena Vista Township. Rachel Ellis | MLive.com

SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw man has filed a pair of federal lawsuits against two local juvenile detention facilities, alleging he endured horrific sexual abuse and torture at the hands of various staff members.

One of the two facilities was shuttered years ago after state inspectors issued a damning report detailing physical abuse taking place within its walls. Both have had female employees convicted of sexually assaulting minor residents.
SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw man accused of raping and killing an elderly in-law two decades ago is mentally fit enough to stand trial.

Brought over from the jail in shackles and a white-and-black jumpsuit, 47-year-old Jason R. Cabello briefly appeared before Saginaw County District Judge David D. Hoffman for a competency hearing on Tuesday, May 6. Hoffman in January ordered Cabello to undergo an evaluation at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti.
SAGINAW, MI  The Saginaw Police Department celebrated the achievements, retirements and heroic actions of its staff during its annual awards ceremony, recognizing officers and civilian employees for their dedication, professionalism and acts of courage in the line of duty.

The ceremony serves as a reminder of the daily sacrifices made to protect and serve the people of Saginaw.

Honoring years of service

Two respected members of the department were honored as they prepare for retirement.

Cathy Starling, who devoted nearly 15 years to the police department and seven years prior in the citys IT department, was recognized for her commitment, professionalism and leadership.

And Walt Wysopal, a Michigan Department of Corrections agent embedded with SPD for over 13 years, was honored for his role in operations like Nighthawk and Morning Dove, which targeted high-risk offenders.

Saginaw Police Department awards ceremony Bob Johnson

Excellence in civilian support

Emily Vito was named Professional Staff Member of the Year for her versatility and dedication in multiple roles, including records, Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA) and offender registry.

Performance in the field

Several officers were presented with Exceptional Performance Citations.

Sergeants Jonathon Beyerlein and Steven Lautner were honored for apprehending armed suspects immediately after a shooting. And Officer Jordan Engelhart was honored for locating and safely stopping a vehicle tied to a potential shooting incident.

Life-saving heroics

The Life Saving Award was presented to multiple officers who acted decisively to save lives.

Officers Shaila Heeney, Jeremy Holden, Peter Miller, Juan Olivarez and Ervin Ward helped rescue a despondent male from a structure after an overdose call.

Officer Christopher Harris prevented a suicide attempt on the Genesee Street Bridge.

Officers Jeffry DeHann, Cameren Hawkins and Peter Miller forced entry during a welfare check and found an unresponsive elderly woman, saving her life.

And Officers Jordan Kuhn and Alex Mawer responded to a suicide attempt and revived an unconscious male.

Saginaw Police Department awards ceremony Bob Johnson

Meritorious Service Awards

This award was given to several officers for going above and beyond their expected duties.

Officer Jordan Kuhn received the award for solving a series of break-ins and identifying suspects.

Sgt. Robert Adams and Officer Jordan Engelhart received the award for helping to dismantle a regional auto theft ring.

And Sgt. Jonathon Beyerlein received the award for assisting BAYANET in a successful narcotics and weapons investigation.

Commendation awards

Officer Rebecca Heinz uncovered illegal weapons and narcotics through keen observation during a domestic call.

Officer Isaac Heinz located and detained suspects tied to a Bay City shooting, securing key evidence.

Special Assignment Award

Det. Vincent Jackson was recognized for his ongoing work with BAYANET and was also named BAYANET Task Force Officer of the Year.

Meritorious unit commendations

Several teams were recognized for teamwork and professionalism during high-pressure incidents.

Teams led by Sergeants Adams, Jacobs, Carpus, Beyerlein, Lautner and other officers successfully apprehended armed suspects, disrupted violent parties and resolved shootings across the city, often preventing further violence.

Officer of the Year

Officer Richard DeLong received the departments highest individual honor as 2025 Officer of the Year, praised for his judgment, leadership and mentorship on the Nights B shift.

Chief of Police Bob Ruth and department leaders expressed deep gratitude for the courage, resilience and commitment shown by their staff.

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.
SAGINAW, MI  A controversial Saginaw Township doctor was due back in court for a judge to rubberstamp a judgment ordering him to pay a six-figure sum to Saginaw Countys Chief Medical Examiner, whom he publicly defamed. Yet as he did on prior occasions, the beleaguered doctor once again filed bankruptcy at the last minute, throwing another wrench in proceedings.

Dr. David L. Stockman was scheduled to appear in person before Saginaw County Business Court Judge M. Randall Jurrens on Monday, May 5, in the matter of a lawsuit filed against him by Medical Examiner Dr. Russell L. Bush. The lawsuit went to arbitration overseen by Kenneth W. Schmidt, a former Bay County Circuit Court judge, who in late February 2025 issued an opinion finding Stockman and his entity, Michigan Institute of Forensic Science & Medicine, owed Bush $551,800. Schmidt also found Stockman acted with intent and malice.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said Trump's Jan. 20 directive, which halted permitting for wind energy projects, could cost the state billions in new investments, threaten thousands of jobs and raise utility bills. Rachel Ellis | MLive Rachel Ellis | MLive

LANSING, MI - Michigan has joined 17 states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trumps administration, this time for halting permitting of wind energy projects.

Michigans planned wind energy projects, described in the lawsuit as a crucial resource, could bring in investments of as much as $15 billion through 2045, according to the filing.

A coalition of 18 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, initiated litigation May 5 against a long list of federal offices and department heads.

Defendants in the lawsuit are the President, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy, the Department of the Treasury, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to name a few.

The lawsuit stems from a Jan. 20 Trump memo that indefinitely halted all federal approvals of leasing and permitting for new wind energy projects.

In his memo, Trump described the indefinite pause as necessary to foster an energy economy capable of meeting the countrys growing demand for reliable energy.

Nessel said it threatens new investments and may ultimately raise utility bills for Michigan consumers.

In his Jan. 20 memo, Trump directed his administration to halt offshore wind leases and stop the issue of permits, leases and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects.

The pause is in place while a review of wind permitting practices takes place, Trump said. It does not apply to other types of leases, including for oil, gas, minerals and environmental conservation.

In his memo, Trump also directed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who is included in the lawsuit, to conduct a review of any existing wind energy leases for the ecological, economic and environmental necessity of terminating or amending them.

In addition to the growing demand for reliable energy, Trump said these changes are necessary to protect marine life, limit impacts on ocean currents and wind patterns, address energy costs for Americans and ensure that the U.S. is able to maintain a robust fishing industry for future generations.

As a candidate last year, Trump promised to end the offshore wind industry based on the argument that its too expensive and hurts whales and birds.

When announcing the pause, Trump again referenced the expense of wind projects and said they ruin your beautiful landscapes, according to reporting by Reuters.

But Nessel described wind energy as reliable and affordable.

While Donald Trump continues to spread falsehoods about renewable energy, the truth is that it is reliable, affordable and supports thousands of jobs here in Michigan, Nessel said. This is yet another illegal attempt to unilaterally roll back longstanding federal policy, this time by disrupting the wind energy sector in Michigan and across the country.

In the lawsuit, Nessel and other attorneys general said the wind energy industry is a complex regulatory environment, and even minor setbacks could dramatically increase costs and derail projects.

Federal agencies have since stopped all permitting and approval activities. In one case, a fully-permitted project in New York that had already begun construction was put on hold, Nessel said.

The lawsuit argues that Trumps administration is creating an existential threat to the wind industry.

It also alleges Trumps order is threatening states efforts to secure reliable, diversified and affordable energy sources, and could result in the loss of significant investments totaling billions.

In 2023, wind energy was the source of about 10% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation, according to statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. It accounted for 48% of the electricity generation from renewable sources.

In Michigan, 7% of electricity came from wind in 2023.

However, Nessel said utility companies have submitted plans to the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state agency regulating public utilities, to supply about 25% of the states electricity from wind generation by 2035.

The Presidential Memorandum would slow and disrupt development, making meeting energy goals more expensive for Michigan residents, Nessels release read.

Michigans current renewable energy goal for public utilities, which was enacted by state lawmakers in 2023, is a 50% renewable energy standard by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

By 2040, the state is mandating utilities source 100% of their electricity generation from clean energy.

In November 2024, Consumers Energy said it wouldnt need to add extra charges to customer bills to comply with the states targets, and instead could usher in savings by sourcing more power from wind and solar.

RELATED: Consumers Energy says big renewable energy rollout wont require new bill surcharge

According to the lawsuit, wind energy is a key wintertime resource in Michigan - a state that doesnt see much sun for several months.

Based on utility filings, the lawsuit included projections that wind development in Michigan could bring in investments of up to $15 billion through 2045.

It is anticipated that most of the 6,560 megawatts in planned wind projects to be built will be required to apply for necessary permitting following federal reviews, the lawsuit read.

RELATED: Uncertainty surrounds $15B in federal financing for Michigan utilities under Trump

The lawsuit argues that Trumps directive and the abrupt halt on permitting violates numerous federal statutes with specific procedures and timelines for federal permitting and approvals.

It also alleges that Trumps directive provides no reasoned explanation for indefinitely halting wind energy development, a sudden change that reverses longstanding federal policy and is inconsistent with recent federal action propping up other forms of energy.

The attorneys general are asking the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts to declare the directive illegal and prevent any delays in wind energy development.

Nessel was joined by attorneys general in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.

Since Trump took office on Jan. 20, Nessel has been involved in over a dozen lawsuits against the federal government. Issues at stake among them include the Trump administrations executive order on birthright citizenship, the decision to fire federal government employees and the rollback of extensions for local schools to spend millions in pandemic-era funds.
AUBURN, MI - About 140 Pinconning High School students celebrated at A Night to Treasure themed prom at the Forest Edge Banquet Center on Saturday, May 3.

Related: Pinconning students celebrate their school year at prom 2025

The event included a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller.

Check out 10 of our favorite photos below.

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

Scenes as Pinconning High School goes to prom at Forest Edge Banquet Center in Auburn on May 3, 2025. About 140 students and guests enjoyed a photo booth, a fire pit, a henna tattoo station, a smores bar, corn hole and a fortune teller. The theme of the prom was, A Night to Treasure. (Kent Miller | For MLive.com) Kent Miller | For MLive

You must be a subscriber to view the photo gallery. Subscribers click the Get photo link to download high-resolution images right to their device for free as part of their subscription.

To subscribe, click this link. To see all of MLives prom coverage, click this link.

Captured by photographer Kent Miller for MLive, see all 54 images from the prom in the gallery here.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Forest Hills Central High School students gathered at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Saturday to celebrate prom 2025.

Over 400 students and guests celebrated on May 3 at the interactive museum in downtown Grand Rapids.

Students danced under a Finny, a 75-foot long finback whale skeleton that stretches overhead in the main room. Tables were spread out across two floors of the museum, as students ate dinner together amongst the exhibits.

Forest Hills Central dances under whale skeleton for prom 2025

The evening was highlighted by the crowning of prom king and queen seniors Weston Haywood and Eshana Kaur.

MLive / Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Joel Bissell was there to capture high schoolers looking their best. Check out 54 images in the gallery above. Click here for a direct link to the gallery.

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Scenes from Forest Hills Central High School prom at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

You must be a subscriber to view the photo gallery. Subscribers click the Get photo link to download high-resolution images right to their device for free as part of their subscription. To subscribe, click this link. To see all of MLives prom coverage, click this link.

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.
Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88), second from left, skates with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88), right, defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP

In what is going to be a physical and thrilling series, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers get set to open up the second round on Monday night.

After what was an exhilarating opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, two teams that have a trying history get set to do battle to begin Round 2.

The Maple Leafs enter Monday night after hanging on to take down the rival Ottawa Senators, though they needed six games to win the first postseason edition of The Battle of Ontario in 21 years. Toronto, the Atlantic Division champion, now looks to advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2002.

NHL STREAMING OPTIONS

Streaming Options Price/month Free Trial? Length Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes 7 days No DirecTV Stream $79.99 Yes 5 days No Sling $45.99 No N/A 1/2 off first month

The Panthers limped into the postseason thanks to a couple of costly injuries in the final months of the regular season. However, with a full lineup, Florida trounced its in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in five games. The Cats are looking to move on to the final four for the third straight year.

These two teams met in the second round in 2023, with the Panthers running through the Leafs in five games on their way to the Stanley Cup Final.

ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS

(3) Florida Panthers vs. (1) Toronto Maple Leafs (Game 1)

When: Monday, May 5

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Where: Scotibank Arena (Toronto, Ontario)

Channel: ESPN

Follow the NHL Playoffs here
Behind the 5-Star Shine: ITCs Nilesh Mitra on the grit, EQ and growth in hospitality careers

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

Rajni Pandey

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Ajaz Khans phone "switched off," police struggle to reach him after rape case allegations

Palak Vij

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Anil Kapoor pays a tribute to his mother Nirmal Kapoor with unseen pics, writes, "She was the glue that kept our family close"

Gayatri Rani

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Mahesh Bhatt addresses impact on Telugu cinema after Donald Trump imposes 100% tariff on films produced outside the US, says "ye to hona hi tha..."

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ADB not right forum, India to take up Pakistan fund curbs with World Bank, IMF: Official

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Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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Double Contribution Convention: Indian workers in UK exempted from paying social security for three years

Sweta Goswami

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Govt may begin offloading minor stakes in five PSU banks via OFS in FY27; strategic sale deferred for now

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

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UK-India FTA will likely boost UKs share in India's trade back to 2009 levels

Ishaan Gera

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From Johnson to Starmer, India-UK agree on FTA after nearly 40 months of talks

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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India gets battle ready: Air raids, blackouts and evacuations - How states are preparing for May 7 mega drills

Ria Kapoor

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India should lower tariffs for all major trading partners via FTAs, says Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

Surabhi Pandey

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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

Reshab Shaw

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Reshab Shaw

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Japans SMBC in talks with SBI for Yes Bank stake acquisition

Hamsini Karthik Number crunching, drawing interesting inferences (sometimes contrarian), and penning them in an impactful manner, best describes what I do. As a BFSI specialist, I enjoy telling stories about whats working and what not for lenders, breaking down regulatory jargon and how they affect customers and financiers, and simplifying the economics of money. When not glued to banks, the world of autos and airlines keeps me busy.

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Legacy FPIs in Bajaj Finance staring at possible tax shock over bonus shares

B Kumar

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Shweta Punj is an award winning journalist. She has reported on economic policy for over two decades in India and the US. She is a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Author of Why I Failed, translated into 5 languages, published by Penguin-Random House.

J Jagannath

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YES Bank shares off highs after rising on Japan's SMBC's talks with SBI for stake acquisition

Zoya Springwala

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OpenAI reverses course, CEO Sam Altman says its nonprofit will retain control of business

Hemant Abhishek

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JAKARTA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- JAECOO, an SUV brand under China's Chery Group, has been trusted as the main partner in organizing the 2nd Annual Indonesia Green Industry Summit (AIGIS) to be held this August, a flagship initiative launched by Indonesia's Ministry of Industry to accelerate the country's progress toward its 2060 net-zero emissions target.

"This involvement reflects JAECOO's long-term commitment to supporting Indonesia's green industry ecosystem through technological innovation and strategic collaboration," the company said in a press release on Sunday.

As part of the AIGIS program, the 2025 National Green Industry Forum was held in Bandung on April 30, bringing together over 300 stakeholders from government, industry, and research institutions.

Discussions focused on the adoption of low-carbon technologies, improvements in energy efficiency, and the advancement of green innovation.

The forum highlighted the urgent need for industrial transformation, noting that Indonesia's industrial sector accounts for 34 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes 41 percent to the nation's GDP.

JAECOO officially entered the Indonesian market in early 2025, introducing its J7 model equipped with the Super Hybrid System (SHS), a solution designed to combine environmental sustainability with powerful urban mobility.

"I was surprised by the pre-booking price. It's very competitive for a vehicle with this level of capability," said Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Reza, who test-drove the J7 SHS at the forum. "PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology like this is far more efficient and cost-effective than conventional hybrids (HEVs)."

As a brand rooted in new energy innovation, JAECOO shares a common vision with the Indonesian government's green development roadmap.

According to the company, its participation in AIGIS reflects a commitment to delivering real technology and real action for a sustainable future.
On conviction, dumping asbestos in Western Australia carries a maximum penalty of $125,000 for corporations and $62,500 for individuals.

Council says it took crews 'days' to remove the asbestos, and warned of the steep fines in place for offenders. Source: The Shire of Augusta Margaret River council/Facebook

Australians are being reminded of the tough penalties in place for dumping asbestos, after multiple bags of the toxic substance were found scattered in bushland.

Late last week, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River council reported bags of asbestos had been discarded near the Minnie Keenan Trail near Bramley in Margaret River, Western Australia. Council said it took crews "days" to remove the asbestos, and warned of the steep fines in places for offenders.

Speaking to Yahoo News, Council CEO Andrea Selvey said investigations to track down the responsible parties are continuing. "The source of the dumped asbestos has not yet been identified," Selvey said.

"Illegal dumping in Shire bushland reserves does occur from time to time. Typically, the dumped material consists of rubbish or household items such as old mattresses or furniture. The dumping of asbestos is thankfully a very rare occurrence."

What penalties are in place for asbestos dumping in WA?

On conviction, the offence carries a maximum penalty of $125,000 for corporations and $62,500 for individuals. There are also additional penalties under WorkSafe WA and Shire local laws.

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"The dumped asbestos material took a couple of days to remove, as more asbestos bags were discovered over several days in bushland adjacent to Carters Road," Selvey added.

Council reported multiple bags of asbestos were discarded near the Minnie Keenan Trail near Bramley in Margaret River. Source: The Shire of Augusta Margaret River council/Facebook

"We would like to remind everyone that the costs of removing illegally dumped waste are covered by all ratepayers. This means that valuable funds are diverted from positive projects that could enhance our community and advance our shared priorities."

Asbestos, once widely used in Australian construction for its heat resistance and durability, is still present in many homes built before the late 1980s.

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Despite its ban in 2003, large amounts of asbestos-containing materials remain hidden in places like roof sheeting, wall linings, vinyl floor tiles and even old fencing. Many homeowners are unaware of its presence, especially during renovations or DIY projects. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and, if inhaled, lodge in the lungs.

Over time, this exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesotheliomaa rare and aggressive cancer with no cure. These diseases can take decades to develop, making early exposure especially dangerous.

Health authorities stress the importance of checking for asbestos before undertaking any home improvements and recommend using licensed professionals for removal. Even small jobs can pose a risk if fibres are released.

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Arun Padmanabhan

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Deblina Halder

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First mock drill in over 50 years: Throwback to 1971 when India last held a massive nationwide exercise

Priyanjali Ghose

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Gujarat: Mock drills to be held at 19 locations in 13 districts; minister chairs review meeting

Yeeshu Yadav

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India ready for mega mock drill in 244 districts: What are civil defence districts?

Sonalee Borgohain

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Deblina Halder

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Sweta Goswami

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Jammu and Kashmir News Live: 'India's water was going to another country, now it will stop', says PM Modi on suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Addressing ABP Networks's India@2047 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically mentioned that until now India was being disadvantaged as water from the Indus river was flowing into Pakistan, but now it will no longer bear the brunt of an unequal treaty.

For decades, our rivers were used as a centre for tensions and rifts. But our country launched initiatives to link them. There are a lot of discussions on water in the media. Earlier, India's water was being given to others. Now India's water will flow for the country's benefit; it will stop for India's interests and be used for the country, remarked PM Modi. Read full story
Mock drill across India tomorrow: What will happen during MHA's massive exercise amid tensions with Pakistan

Priyanjali Ghose

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Average Aussies are being urged to push the government to make elections more sustainable.

In 2019, political parties in India were directed to stop using single-use plastics. They continue to be widely used in Australia. Source: Getty

Across 7,000 polling places, the Australian Electoral Commission used 250,000 pencils, 240,000 branded vests, 80,000 ballot boxes and 5,000 rolls of tamper-proof tape. So you might be wondering what happens to all those materials now.

As most of us were watching the vote counting unfold on television, staffers were busily emptying out schools, community halls, and churches. And it might bring you some joy to read that most of the items will either be reused or recycled.

The AEC told Yahoo News the voting booths, tamper tape, vests and pencils are stored away for reuse in future elections, and voting booths are either recycled or donated to schools and charities.

But environmental experts believe Australia could be doing better when it comes to elections. Particularly major political parties like Labor, Liberal and the Greens, who all use polypropylene corflutes and soft plastic advertising signage.

RMIT experts believe a shift towards more sustainable elections must be led by government. Source: AAP

Australia lagging behind India on key election issue

RMIT Professor of Information Sciences, Lisa Given, has published a detailed plan in The Conversation about reforming Australian elections. Speaking with Yahoo News, she noted several other countries are doing a better job at running them more sustainably.

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Were lagging behind India Its election commission has directed parties not to use single-use plastics, she said in relation to a 2019 direction that did away with corflutes.

The AEC has shifted away from using white-coloured ballot boxes to brown cardboard which is more easily recyclable. Given believes political parties should consider following its lead with their own advertising.

When it comes to the materials used by the AEC, the problem isnt as simple as doing away with paper ballots and cardboard voting booths and going digital. Most people know that ChatGPT and Bitcoin use massive amounts of power, and running computers to count and tally votes would also be energy-intensive.

Given would like to see the AEC introduce an energy and waste reduction strategy for elections. But she believes the problem will only be truly combatted by pressure from average Australians who want to see change.

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I haven't seen a lot of change in the types of materials used between elections. I think government needs to bring in mandates, but that will likely only occur if the population says, hey, this is a problem, we need to tackle it, she said.

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Mock drills across India tomorrow: 19 districts in Uttar Pradesh gear up for mega exercise

Surabhi Pandey

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Mock drills to be conducted at 20 places in Punjab

Yeeshu Yadav

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Mock drills to be held in Maharashtra's 16 locations across 10 districts

101Reporters

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Yeeshu Yadav

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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PM Modi speaks to Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim assures full support for India's fight against terrorism

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

Arindam Roy

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Arishaa Izaj

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A Qantas flight direct from Perth to London has had to make an unexpected stop in the Maldives following a medical emergency on board. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

A Qantas flight direct from Perth to London has had to make an unexpected stop in the Maldives following a medical emergency on board.

Flight QF9, which departed Perth airport at 6:35pm on Monday, was forced to divert from its course after flying for about eight hours.

A Perth to London Qantas flight has unexpectedly grounded after an on-board incident.

The 17 hour and 45 minute direct flight usually tracks across the Indian Ocean, over the Middle East and Eastern Europe before arriving at London Heathrow Airport.

But the Boeing 787 aircraft had to make an unexpected stop in Male, the capital city of the Maldives, at about 11:30pm after someone on board the aircraft suffered a medical emergency.

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The diversion resulted in operating crew reaching their duty limit, so the flight could not continue.

Flight QF9 was forced to divert from its course and land in the Maldives following an on-board incident.

Qantas staff from London have been flown to the Maldives to assist passengers who have been stranded.

A Qantas spokesperson said the company apologised to impacted customers for the disruption to their journey and thanked them for their understanding.

Earlier this morning our Perth to London service diverted to Male in the Maldives due to a medical incident on-board, they said.

Were working with customers to rebook them on alternate flights out of Male.

Qantas said customers are expected to be re-accommodated on other flights out of Male within 24 hours.
Priyanjali Ghose

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US will help India with resources to fight terrorism: House speaker Mike Johnson

Deblina Halder

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Namrata Agarwal

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Shubhi Mishra

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Stranded in the Amazon: Survivors of Bolivian plane crash found alive after 36 hours surrounded by alligators

Shubhi Mishra

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Ancient Chinese poems tell the story of how the charismatic river porpoise declined over the past 1,400 years

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

Rajni Pandey

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Saola: The rare 'Asian unicorn' last seen in 2013  is it extinct or still alive?

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

Rajni Pandey

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MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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

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A fourth large shark has died in South Australian waters in just weeks, with reports of many more lingering by the shore, as authorities scramble to investigate.

Another big shark was found beached and later died on Monday on SA - the fourth in just weeks. Source: Visit Henley Beach/Shark Wacth SA/Facebook

Authorities are scrambling to understand why large sharks continue to wash up along southern Australian shorelines, after another great white was found beached and later died on Monday.

Despite efforts by the public and officers with South Australias Fisheries Department, the 2.7-metre male shark could not be saved after becoming stranded in shallow waters at Henley Beach South in Adelaide.

It marks the fourth death in recent weeks, with ongoing reports of sharks lingering in the shallows, fuelling concern among South Australians who are increasingly questioning the health of local waters.

Anton Covino, who runs a community social media page, Shark Watch, told Yahoo News that anecdotal evidence suggests there has been a rise in shark sightings lately. "It is unusual to see [them] ... this close to shore, hanging around and slow moving," he said.

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In response to images of the latest beaching, many residents voiced confusion and alarm online.

"The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and other agencies really need to look into what is going on," one woman wrote. "I've grown up near the ocean and am over 50, never have I seen this type of behaviour before. Yes, there are sharks in the ocean, yes sharks come close to shore, but the frequency over the last couple of months is concerning  this isn't normal."

Despite rescue efforts, the 2.7-metre male shark could not be saved after becoming stranded in shallow waters at Henley Beach South in Adelaide. Source: Visit Henley Beach/Facebook

Why are great white sharks turning up dead in SA?

In Adelaide, PIRSA said it will soon commence an autopsy on Monday's great white to get a better understanding of why it died. In the meantime, residents have been urged to practise caution in the water.

"We're yet to understand why the shark has died. Once we've dissected the animal and got the results back from pathology, we might have a clearer understanding," Dr Michael Drew told 7News.

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At least four great whites ranging from two to four metres were spotted hanging around Cape Jaffa, a popular fishing and scuba diving spot, near Robe last week. The group of sharks were witnessed interacting with the fishing lines of commercial snapper fishermen.

That incident came after several other shark sightings close to the shore in recent weeks, with one local saying it's a "surprise" there haven't been any attacks. There are several theories as to why the sharks may be hanging so close to shore, something that is rarely seen this late into the year.

Despite efforts from locals, the great white died at the scene. Source: 7News

One theory is that a recent algal bloom, which was responsible for the death of hundreds of marine animals in the vicinity, could be impacting sharks too. An explosion in snapper populations following recreational fishing restrictions, as well as simply a rise in the shark population, are two more theories Anton suggested. "I am surprised, and its been a blessing, that no one has been fatally attacked," he had earlier said about the numerous sightings in the past few weeks.

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Dr Brianna Le Busque, a shark researcher at the University of South Australia, echoed Anton's thoughts on the algal bloom. "We think the white shark that was hanging around Aldinga was impacted by the algae to some extent," she said. "We don't know how broad the impacts [of the algal bloom] are."

While it's normal to see great whites and bronze whalers close to shore on South Australian beaches, the recent sighting of a dead thresher shark was described as "unusual" by Dr Le Brusque.

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UAE kids will learn about AI much before they learn Algebra

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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As tensions escalate with India, Pakistan decides to increase defence spending by 18 per cent in budget: Report

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Failed to land on Venus 53 years ago, Soviet-era spacecraft likely to crash back to Earth this week

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India has dropped tariffs on US imports to 'nothing', says Trump amid trade deal talks with New Delhi

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The Montebello Islands are a stunning destination for snorkellers, fishers and divers. But some find the island's past unsettling. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

An isolated chain of islands off the Western Australian coast with incredible snorkelling, diving and fishing is touted by the states tourism department as one of its best kept secrets. And while many Aussies have never heard of the Montebello Islands, those that are familiar with them may be hesitant to visit due to the islands' explosive history  and we mean that quite literally.

The little-known destination is made up of more than 170 islands spanning across 58,000 hectares, and was the site of three nuclear weapons tests by the British military in the 1950s. One of the tests, named Mosaic G2, was the largest nuclear explosion ever recorded in Australia with contamination found as far as Rockhampton in Queensland.

On some islands, visitors are recommended to limit their stay to no more than one hour due to radiation still being present. The remnants of buildings, cars and bunkers remain, but tourists are advised not to remove any relics and to avoid kicking up soil or dust which may contain radioactive particles.

Ricky and Margie decided to give the Montebello Islands a go, despite being cautious about its nuclear history. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

Initially, Margie Dizon was scared to visit the islands after reading about their nuclear past. The psychologist from Darwin and her partner Ricky Harris love to explore Australia, and visit the Kimberley every year.

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Last year, when someone recommended the pair visit the Montebello Islands, Margie said she was immediately sceptical about visiting the nuclear wasteland.

The Montebello Islands were admittedly a scary thing for us, because they were the site of those nuclear tests. And were not talking about just the one test, they did three, Margie told Yahoo News.

How do I know what islands are safe, which are not safe and so forth? It was really hard, actually, selling the idea to myself.

But after months of careful planning and gentle persuasion from Ricky, the pair set out on their boat with $3,500 worth of fuel and made the three-hour trip out to the islands  where everything soon changed for Margie.

Margie said the marine life was so beautiful, they chose to observe rather than fish and only caught to eat. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

The Montebello Islands changed my life

Margie and Ricky spent hours everyday exploring new islands, snorkelling, fishing and diving. They would eat fresh seafood straight from the ocean, including fish, crayfish and squid, and sleep on their boat every night. The pair documented the journey on their YouTube channel.

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I didnt think I would say it, but Im in love with it, Margie laughed. What changed it for me was the marine life. In the end, Ricky and I almost stopped fishing. We would just catch one fish to have for dinner, but the rest of the time we didn't want to fish anymore because it was just so beautiful.

It was just teeming with life and big fish. You can choose to spear, or you can just watch. We chose to just watch. It was amazing.

They even visited ground zero, the islands where two of the detonations occurred in 1956. Margie said she only stayed on the island a matter of minutes but Ricky got a little closer to a plaque that signals where the bomb was detonated.

A mushroom cloud forms above Britain's first atomic bomb test at 8am on October 3rd 1952. Source: Imperial War Museums via Getty Images

The site where one of the bombs was detonated. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

The first weapon to be tested in the Montebello Islands was an atomic bomb that was detonated in 1952 on a Navy ship moored near Trimouille Island. The other explosions took place on Trimouille Island and Alpha Island, both in 1956.

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After spending eight days at the Montebello Islands, Margie and Ricky were sold  it had quickly won their hearts to become one of their favourite destinations in Australia. After their first trip last year, the couple soon headed back to stay for another month. Then earlier this year, they returned again for another eight days.

Montebello Islands changed my life, she said, adding she used to be terrified of diving and would have panic attacks under the water.

Now I dive every possible chance I get. And I'm a psychologist, I treat people with phobias. For so long, I couldn't treat myself until I just let go.

It was so beautiful, you cannot focus on anything else. I think with this particular place, you just switch off and theres nothing but you and fish and marine life in front of you  Oh! and a radioactive island!

There are more than 170 islands in the group. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

Radiation still present more than 70 years after explosions

Even 73 years after the first weapons test, elevated radiation levels are still present on the islands.

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Madison Williams-Hoffman, PhD candidate in environmental radioactivity at Edith Cowan University, has studied radionuclides (isotopes that give off radiation) in the Montebello Islands for the past six years. She told Yahoo News they will remain in the area for a very long time.

There are still areas that have higher radiation levels than others, so in the areas where those levels are highest it is recommended that you limit the amount of time you spend there, she said.

It's similar to when the UV index is very high, you are recommended to protect yourself and one way you can do that is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun to protect you from the UV radiation.

Williams-Hoffman said other studies have found that radionuclides are even present in the fish around the islands, although the levels are very low and dont pose a threat to people who have eaten them.

Wreckage and debris remains on the islands since the explosions in the 50s. Source: Hooked on Wild Ventures

She implored all visitors to respect the guidelines in place on the islands, including following the one-hour time limits and leaving the soil and relics undisturbed.

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"There really aren't that many (rules)  they wouldn't impact your trip there otherwise, and they're not hard to follow, she said.

For those with more questions about radiation, Williams-Hoffman recommends ARPANSA's Talk to a Scientist team.

A real scientist will get your questions and will be able to give you an answer or point you to where you need to go. It's a fantastic program.

Radiation science can be complicated, so I'd just recommend getting your facts from the experts rather than TikTok or YouTube personalities.

For more information about the Montebello Islands, including a map of the elevated radiation areas, check out the visitor guide here.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Pragya Trivedi

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Kremlin says Trump-Putin meeting is necessary, but no specifics yet

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Mark Carney to meet Donald Trump in White House today: What's on the table and why it matters amid strained US-Canada ties

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Russia says Putin will travel to China in August

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Who will succeed Pope Francis? Cardinals enter seclusion ahead of secret conclave to elect new pope

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It's uncommon to see a Risso's dolphin close to Sydney. Experts are now working to understand what caused it to strand on the busy city beach.

Members of the public, ORRCA members, and National Parks and wildlife worked to help a stranded dolphin on Manly Beach. Source: ORRCA

Mystery surrounds the stranding of a baby dolphin on one of Australias most popular city beaches. Long after the surfers and swimmers had left Sydneys Manly Beach on Monday, the phone began ringing at ORRCAs marine mammal rescue line.

The groups vice president Steve Trikoulis said ORRCA responded quickly and set foot on the sand at 8.30pm. Members of the public were working hard to keep the animal alive, keeping it hydrated by dripping water onto its skin.

It was showing a few signs of distress, taking heavy breaths every so often. At the start of the process its respiratory rate was 14 breaths per minute, which is high. But through the rehabilitation, we got it down to six, which is good for a calf, Trikoulis told Yahoo News.

It's uncommon to find a Rissos dolphin on a Sydney beach as they normally congregate further north, closer to Queenslands Kgari island. There were signs it had been bitten by a predator, but it remains unclear whether the attack was linked to its demise.

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There were some external injuries  three or four cookie-cutter bites. These are common to see on marine mammals, Trikoulis said.

Related: Incredibly rare population of orcas discovered off Pacific island

ORRCAs volunteers worked with locals to help the baby dolphin get hydrated. Source: ORRCA

Volunteers emotional after distressing dolphin stranding

Photos taken at the scene show ORRCA, members of the public, and National Parks and Wildlife Service working together to help the animal long into the night. It was 10:30pm by the time the volunteers left the beach, and well after midnight when Trikoulis got home.

Despite the dolphins improvement, the team from ORRCA werent confident the animal would pull through. And their hearts go out to the members of the public who stopped to help.

Eight out of 10 times, when a mammal strands on the beach its a sad outcome, Trikoulis added.

"A lot of people who were there last night, it was their first live stranding. I can only imagine the emotional toll it would take."

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What happened to the stranded dolphin?

After the dolphin was transferred to nearby Taronga Zoo, a decision was made by vets to euthanise it. A necropsy will now be carried out to determine what caused it to strand.

Although the outcomes aren't often positive, Trikoulis and the ORRCA team stand ready to help the next stranded animal. Not only is there a slim chance the animal will survive, but helping it through a time of need also eases its suffering.

"Doing this is also a great way of educating the public about how we can protect wildlife. Yes the outcomes aren't always great, but being able to help in some way is my personal way of giving back to the environment," Trikoulis said.

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AURELIUS  After Casler Masonry was one of a few dozen firms awarded contracts for the $370 million Turning Stone Resort Casino expansion, Brian and Dan Casler received congratulatory messages from friends.

The announcement from the Oneida Indian Nation brought renewed attention to this longtime Auburn-area business, which is marking its 50th anniversary. Brian and Dan are the third generation of Caslers to run the company that was founded by their grandfather, Harold, and father, Mike.

Mike Casler told The Citizen the roots of the business extend to his grandfather, Joseph O'Connor, who was Harold's father-in-law. Harold carried on the budding family tradition by becoming a bricklayer.

In 1975, Harold and two of his sons, Mike and Matthew, established Casler Masonry. Over the years, it has employed numerous family members and friends, some of whom are still employed by the company.

"My career was very lucky with the people that I had here in the office and the relationships I made with foremen out in the field," Mike said.

Mike says he is semi-retired, but maintains a presence at the office on Crane Brook Drive in Aurelius. Brian and Dan took over as the company's owners in 2021.

With the third generation at the helm, Mike notes that "doesn't really happen a lot in masonry." He credits their upbringing, which led to them joining the family business.

"I was very fortunate in my life, so we're very proud of it," Mike said. "Not a lot of people in Auburn know who we are or how big we are."

Casler Masonry's reach extends well beyond Auburn. The contractor has jobs in different parts of New York and Pennsylvania. On the day The Citizen visited the company's headquarters, a map in the office showed they had projects as far west as Dunkirk, a city in Chautauqua County, and in the eastern part of the state.

The company's portfolio includes projects at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Fort Drum, a U.S. Army base near Watertown. Their work can be found on several campuses, such as Cornell University, Marist College and Syracuse University, and numerous New York school districts.

When Brian sees one of those schools mentioned in a news story, he can recall the projects. Dan adds, "That started with our grandfather. We'd drive trucks with him and he'd tell us all the stories of traveling around the state and what he did."

Casler Masonry's reputation has helped them continue to win projects, even if they aren't the lowest bidder. That reputation, Brian says, stems from the company's workforce. While the company has 30 core full-time employees, the size of its payroll can grow to 100, depending on their workload.

"We have the best," Brian said. "There's no other way to say it. We've got good people, they like working for us and we're happy to have them with us."

There are challenges. Casler is a union contractor, so competition from nonunion shops is "something that we have to pay attention to," Brian says.

Like many industries and employers, finding skilled workers is another hurdle. Casler is fortunate to have many longtime employees. But it can be difficult to find help whenever there is a vacancy.

"There's more work out there, but there are less workers," Brian said. "To navigate that and still maintain the volume that we have to do, that's a challenge."

Dan acknowledged that the problem isn't limited to masonry. The issue also impacts other construction trades. This can hamper a project because, he said, when one trade suffers, "it drags us into it too."

Brian and Dan are proud to carry on the family's legacy. They praise their parents  they mention their father, Mike, could not have achieved what he has without the support of their mother, Susan. They are also appreciative of the sacrifices their father made to build the company into what it is today.

"It's a great honor," Brian said. "It just makes you look back to see what (Mike) has developed, what he has established. To even be considered the next in line to take that is a great honor. It just makes us want to work harder, stay more focused and not screw it up."
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 28, XPENG signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Huangshi Dongchu Investment Group Co., Ltd. ("Dongchu Group"). The two parties will leverage XPENG's technological and service capabilities alongside Dongchu Group's abundant resources and local infrastructure expertise to jointly advance smart charging network deployment and new energy vehicle (NEV) sales.

Photo credit: XPENG

XPENG said the initiative aims to achieve full coverage of ultra-fast charging infrastructure across Huangshi city and establish a new benchmark for NEV ecosystems in eastern Hubei province.

Through this partnership, XPENG and Dongchu Group will integrate their core strengths in urban development and local resource coordination to accelerate the rollout of an ultra-fast charging network, extending connectivity to every county and township in Huangshi city. The goal is to position Huangshi as a national model city for ultra-fast charging. The two sides will also collaborate on deploying the Dongchu-XPENG ultra-fast charging network across cities in southeastern Hubei, delivering faster, smarter, and higher-quality charging services to a broader base of NEV users. This will further enhance the region's energy replenishment infrastructure and accelerate the growth of its NEV industry.

Photo credit: XPENG

In addition to charging infrastructure, XPENG and Dongchu Group plan to cooperate across the entire NEV sales and service chain. Together, they aim to create an integrated "sales, delivery, after-sales, and charging" retail model. By capitalizing on Dongchu Group's presence in regional transportation hubs, commercial centers, and urban complexes, the partners will jointly build a multi-touchpoint, full-lifecycle user service system, significantly enhancing the customer experience.

Looking ahead, the two companies also intend to explore collaborative opportunities in photovoltaic energy storage, green mobility solutions, and smart grid development. These efforts aim to promote inclusive development of the broader new energy industry and provide a high-quality model for China's nationwide energy transition.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 28, 2025, Li Auto and China Merchants Testing Vehicle Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. ("CMVR") officially inaugurated a "Joint Laboratory for New Energy Vehicle Fire Safety" in Chongqing and signed a strategic cooperation agreement.

The two parties will collaborate extensively in the field of fire safety for new energy vehicles (NEVs), aiming to reduce fire risks associated with severe collisions, underbody scraping, charging, and electrical faults. The cooperation will focus on the study and application of fire failure mechanisms, characteristics, and thermal diffusion simulation technologies to enhance safety standards and promote the high-quality development of the NEV industry.

Photo credit: CMVR

CMVR is a nationally recognized automotive testing and certification body with comprehensive capabilities for full-lifecycle testing of vehicles and components. It has built deep technical expertise in NEV safety assessment. Notably, the China Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Index ("C-EVFI"), launched in 2023, is the world's first technical framework covering the full chain of EV fire safety. Widely recognized in the automotive industry, C-EVFI has contributed significantly to improving fire safety performance in NEVs.

At the unveiling ceremony, Li Bo, Senior Director of R&D Quality at Li Auto, and Zhao Yonggang, General Manager of the New Energy and Environmental Division at CMVR, delivered remarks. Li Bo emphasized that "safety is the cornerstone of NEV development and a top priority for consumers. This collaboration will combine Li Auto's practical experience in NEV development with CMVR's expertise in testing and simulation to provide more reliable safety solutions for the industry and end users."

Zhao Yonggang highlighted that the joint lab will establish an integrated platform spanning industry, research, and application, accelerating iteration cycles, expanding safety evaluation metrics, and helping position China's NEV safety technologies at the global forefront.

The lab will also build a high-precision simulation platform using digital twin technology to recreate real-life thermal diffusion scenarios, identify key issues, and enable the rapid implementation of protective solutions, thereby improving overall product performance.

Under the strategic cooperation agreement, the partners plan to release several technical white papers over the next three years, establish ongoing technical exchange and resource-sharing mechanisms, and jointly apply for national-level research projects to promote technology commercialization and standard-setting. Li Auto further disclosed that the lab's outcomes will be prioritized in the development of its next-generation all-electric vehicle models.
Sonora, CA As California faces an increasingly year-round wildfire threat, state officials are urging residents to take action during Wildfire Preparedness Week, observed this week through May 10th.

This years theme, Building a Fire-Ready Future: Strengthening Our Defenses, Together, emphasizes the shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and agencies in reducing wildfire risk. CAL FIRE and its partners are ramping up efforts across the state through collaboration, public outreach, and mitigation strategies.

Building a fire-ready future means working together, said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. By hardening your home, creating defensible space, and having an emergency plan, youre helping first responders protect lives, property, and natural resources.

Wildfire Preparedness Week marks a focused push to engage Californians before peak fire season. CAL FIRE is expanding its work on strategic fuel reduction, forest health projects, and grants supporting private landowners, Fire and Safe Councils. Residents are urged to create defensible space, especially in Zone 0the first five feet around a home. Homes should be hardened using ignition-resistant building materials to guard against flying embers. Californians are encouraged to develop and practice a wildfire action plan, sign up for emergency alerts, and prepare a go bag in case evacuation becomes necessary.

More wildfire safety tips can be found here.
William McEntire II View Photo

Sonora, CA  Bill McEntire, who founded MRL Industries, Thermtec, and other businesses, recently died at his home in Sonora.

He was 82 years old.

McEntire was part of the group that founded the Economic Development Corporation out of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce. When he brought MRL Industries to Tuolumne County, it was one of only a few light industrial companies in the county.

An obituary written by his family notes that he was born in Watertown, Wisconsin and began honing his business skills at an early age. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1961, went to the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and was later hired as a draftsman in 1965 at Lindberg, a division of SBI, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer. A promotion led him to Sunnyvale, in the heart of Silicon Valley. In the Bay Area, he and wife, Suzy, started MRL Industries. They later moved the business to Sonora in the eighties in search of a vibrant workforce and more affordable real estate.

He started an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to promote loyalty and stability among his employees. At one point. MRL employed 250 people and had worldwide sales agents. Its customers included Motorola, Texas Instruments, Intel, IBM, and others. He sold the business and retired in 1999.

McEntires accolades include being named the Small Business of the Year in 1995 by the Small Business Administration, the Tuolumne County Chambers Entrepreneur of the Year in 1992 and Citizen of the Year in 1994, and the Irving J Symons Outstanding Service to the Community Award in 2015.

He remained active in several local causes during retirement.

McEntire is survived by his wife Suzy, and several other family members.

A Requiem Mass will be held at Saint Josephs Mission in Tuolumne City at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 10th, followed by a Celebration of Bills Life at Black Oak Casino Hotel. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Unbound, an organization supporting children and seniors in third-world countries. Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 6, Pony.ai and Uber announced a strategic partnership under which Pony.ai's Robotaxi services and fleet will be integrated into the Uber platform in the second half of this year, marking a significant step toward the commercial deployment of autonomous driving technology.

Photo credit: Pony.ai

The collaboration will initially be launched in the Middle East, with plans to gradually expand into additional international markets. Once the service goes live, Uber users will be able to select Pony.ai's Robotaxi vehicles directly through the Uber app when booking rides.

This partnership represents a key milestone in Pony.ai's "in China, for global" strategy, leveraging the company's mature L4 autonomous driving ecosystem to demonstrate its strong commercial capabilities in the global mobility market.

At the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025 in April, Pony.ai unveiled its seventh-generation automotive-grade autonomous driving system, which enables 100% mass production of Robotaxi vehicles to automotive standardsdelivering major advances in scale expansion and cost efficiency.
Taking money out of the bank becomes a Kafkaesque nightmare. Anyone looking to withdraw more than $3,000 of their own money must notify the State in advance as well as explain the reason(s) for the withdrawal, or face fines.

It was only eight days ago that Spain suffered its biggest blackout in recent history. As we reported on the day, without the widespread culture of cash use in the country the chaos would have been far worse:

Unlike some other parts of Europe, cash is still King in Spain, albeit a slightly diminished one, accounting for 57% of in-store payments, according to the Bank of Spains latest annual household survey. As such, most local people were able to make emergency purchases and many customer-facing businesses were able to continue operating. I cannot imagine the sort of chaos that would reign if something similar were to happen in my native United Kingdom, where the overwhelming majority of people do not use cash, or in cashless Sweden, where the amount of cash in circulation is equivalent to around 1% of gross domestic product  compared to 8% in the US and more than 10% in the EU. It is fear over exactly this kind of eventuality that has prompted governments and central banks in Scandinavia to try to reverse the publics mass abandonment of cash that they themselves helped set in motion many years ago. As Swedens Riksbank warned last year, rapid digitalisation has made payments more vulnerable to cyber attacks and disruptions to the power grid and data communication.

Put simply, cash saved the day  a message that has been reported throughout the Spanish media over the past week. Those who didnt have cash on them or at home suddenly found themselves trapped in an economic limbo, reports the right-leaning La Razon :

This technological fade to black has reopened the debate on the need to preserve cash, considered by some to be expendable Mondays blackout highlighted the fragility of a completely digitised system. People trying to pay for a bus ticket, a loaf of bread or a taxi suddenly realised they did not have a single euro in their pockets. The ATM network did not offer a solution either, as it was also paralysed. The image of citizens rummaging for forgotten coins, asking strangers for help or asking for credit [from local businesses] reflects the degree of current technological dependence. [T]he day after the blackout, long queues of citizens could be seen waiting to withdraw money from ATMs out of fear that the situation experienced hours earlier would be repeated.

Spains biggest financial newspaper, Expansion, notes that cash, the most common payment method in Spain, has become the plan B option in emergency situations like the blackout. The left-leaning El Diario highlights one of the main lessons of the blackout: you have to carry cash with you. The blackout has reopened the debate on the importance of cash, which became the only real way to acquire basic products and services, writes El Confidencial while El Periodico gave the final verdict: cash is clearly still necessary in our daily lives.

The Denaria Platform, an association founded in 2018 to protect the use of cash in Spain, has called on Spains Pedro Sanchez government to treat cash as critical national infrastructure, in accordance with the security and resilience guidelines for essential services.

What happened on Monday is a clear sign of the fragility of the digital ecosystem and the need to have a physical, robust and independent alternative to the electricity and internet supply, said the president of Denaria, Javier Ruperez. This is not an ideological issue, but one of national security and the guarantee of fundamental rights. Cash must be protected, accessible and operational in all circumstances.

However, Spains Pedro Sanchez government, which is on a clearly stated mission to squeeze the life out of cash, appears to have other ideas.

In June 2020, Moncloa, Spains seat of government, presented a non-legislative proposal to Congress advocating for the gradual elimination of cash payments as part of plans to increase tax collection and combat the black economy. Since then, it has slashed the national cash payment limit from $2,500 to $1,000, one of the lowest levels in Europe. To its credit, it did respond to nationwide protests against bank branch closures and the proliferation of cashless businesses by obligating retail establishments to accept cash payments.

But the long-term goal of the Sanchez government remains the same: to take cash down. Just before the blackout, it unveiled plans to take the criminalisation of cash to a whole new level. Spains tax agency implemented a raft of anti-money laundering measures including one stipulating that anyone planning to withdraw more than $3,000 of their own money from the bank must notify the State in advance, or risk facing punitive fines. They must also explain to their bank, and by extension the government, the reason(s) for the cash withdrawal.

From El Diario:

A new regulation has already come into force that tightens control over bank withdrawals. The Tax Agency has established that citizens and companies must notify in advance if they plan to withdraw large amounts of cash. If they do not do so, they will face penalties that can reach 150,000, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. This measure is part of the Governments recently launched plans to combat tax fraud and money laundering. According to the Treasury, withdrawals that exceed certain thresholds must be communicated through a specific procedure. Financial institutions will also have the obligation to report suspicious transactions. The obligation to notify the Tax Agency of a cash withdrawal applies when the amount to be withdrawn equals or exceeds 3,000. Notice must be given at least 24 hours before carrying out the operation For operations exceeding 100,000 euros, notice must be given at least 72 hours in advance. The regulations establish that the notification must include data such as the amount being withdrawn, the purpose of the withdrawal, the identity of the customer and the final recipient of the money if the two are different. If this obligation is not complied with, it is considered a serious infraction. In the event of a withdrawal being detected without prior notice, a penalty may be imposed that varies between 1% and 10% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of 600 euros and a maximum of 150,000 euros.

The notification must be filed through the tax agencys official website using a digital certificate, Cl@ve PIN, or electronic ID card. If approved, the bank customer will then receive a receipt that must be shown at the bank when withdrawing his or her cash. On Banco Sabadells website, customers are advised that if they need to withdraw more than 3,000 at once, the bank will ask for proof of the reason for the withdrawal. This receipt is then sent to the Tax Agency and the Bank of Spain.

Back to the article:

This measure also relies on the active collaboration of banks, which must temporarily block operations if they detect that the requirement of prior notification has not been met. In addition, they must send periodic information to the Treasury on cash movements that exceed the established thresholds. The spotlight is also on repeated operations for lower amounts, such as withdrawals of 800 or 900 euros, which could raise suspicions if they are not properly supported.

Until now, withdrawn amounts of 3,000 euros or more only had to be reported by the bank in question to the Spanish central bank, which in turn reports them to the tax authority. These reports will presumably continue to take place.

But its not just the money coming out of bank accounts that the government wants to know all about; it also wants to know about the money going in to them.

According to El Espanol, the Spanish Tax Agency will be requesting proof of the provenance of funds if an amount equal to or greater than 3,000 is deposited in a bank. If a bank customer deposits smaller amounts across different days, it will also be considered suspicious. If the provenance of funds cannot be demonstrated in a satisfactory manner, the Tax Agency reserves the right to impose fines of up to 150% of the money deposited, with maximum fines of up to 150,000 in the most serious cases.

The Bank of Spain recommends keeping all the receipts, contracts and any other type of documentation necessary to explain the origin of the money that we deposit in the bank or what we are going to use it for if it is withdrawn.

Interesting Timing

This is all happening as the European Union gears up to launch its central bank digital currency, the digital euro. As we reported in late March, the two main EU authorities driving the rollout of the digital euro, the European Central Bank and the EU Commission, are keen to bring forward the launch, even as most Euro Area citizens surveyed on the matter seem broadly disinterested in their proposed CBDC.

As previously mentioned, it is not easy to sell a project that is broadly seen, even by many politicians and some central bank insiders around the world, not only as a solution in search of a problem but one that is fraught with risks. Even the German MEP appointed to lead the European Parliaments legislative push for a digital euro, the Rapporteur Stefan Berger, became one of its fiercest critics, eventually stepping down from the role.

And there is plenty to criticise about the proposed digital euro, including the threat it would pose to financial privacy, particularly in a world where cash has been totally eliminated, which is the ultimate goal of the Spanish government. There is also the way programmable currencies like the digital euro could be used not only to monitor our spending but also control it. A digital euro will almost certainly go hand in hand with the EUs digital identity wallet, allowing for the creation of an almost perfect digital control grid.

Combining digital currencies with digital IDs while phasing out, or even banning, the use of cash would grant governments and central banks the ability not only to track every purchase we make but also to determine what we can and cannot spend our money on. They could also be used to strongly encourage desirable social and political behaviour while penalizing those who do not toe the line.

As the German financial journalist and cash advocate Norbert Haring puts it, the only discernible function of the digital euro is to help displace cash and bring Europe closer to total digital surveillance.

Spain has seen a flurry of articles in the mainstream media over the past few days arguing that the proposed digital euro would have fared well during last weeks blackout since it will apparently be able to function both online and offline (while apparently also not needing electricity). The ECB and EU Commission are currently trying to sell the project to the EU citizenry, and their ostensible representatives in Brussels whose support they will need in the European Parliaments vote on the definitive legal framework for the digital euro in October.

One popular argument in favour of the proposed CBDC currently doing the rounds is that a digital euro would allow Europe to defend itself not only against the stablecoins being let loose by the Trump administrations hands-off regulatory approach but also the US card duopoly that dominates the global payments landscape, Visa and Mastercard.

But its probably going to take more than that to persuade European citizens to actually embrace the ECBs digital euro. In a recent Ipsos study, 65% of Spanish respondents said they were were quite comfortable with current payment methods and would not use the digital euro. In Germany, fewer than half of the respondents said they trusted the proposed CBDC.

There is certainly cause for pause. As we noted in our recent post, Five Reasons Why Euro Area Citizens Should Be Terrified By the ECBs (Apparently) Fast Approaching Digital Euro, senior eurocrats in Brussels are openly talking about dipping into the citizenrys private savings in order to fund Europes rearmament:

Europe has all it needs to take the lead in the competitiveness race. This month, the @EU_Commission will unveil the  Savings & Investments Union. We'll turn private savings into much needed investment. And well work with our institutional partners to get it off the ground pic.twitter.com/rtd0UqCeut  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 10, 2025

In other times of widespread war, European and North American governments have been able to raise funds by selling war bonds to the citizenry. But that has tended to work only when the government of the day and its war effort enjoy a minimal level of popularity. That is unlikely to be the case with the EUs attempts to keep project Ukraine alive.

So, instead, Brussels is seeking to rewrite its own regulations, primarily aimed at protecting investors, in order to make it easier for investment funds to invest in arms manufacturers, including in securitised assets. The plan appears to have been in the pipeline for some time. Over a year ago, Frances Minister for the Economy Bruno Le Maire declared that Europe does not have sufficient funds and needs to mobilize all of Europeans savings  35 trillion euros  to finance the climate transition, fund our defence efforts, and invest in artificial intelligence.

Unreal. This is Bruno Le Maire, France's Minister of the Economy. You might know him as the genius strategist who said he was going to "cause the collapse of the Russian economy" Now he is straight out declaring that Europe has run out of money (it "does not have sufficient https://t.co/fra7DeEoCE  Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) February 23, 2024

The fact that an increasingly militarised and authoritarian EU is openly coveting its citizens vast savings pool and is willing to significantly water down investment protections in order to get it should also set off alarm bells regarding its digital euro plans. If the ECB and EU Commission are able to successfully launch a digital euro (still a big IF since no G20 central bank has managed to pull it off), they will have far greater control over  and by extension, easier access to  our funds.

The fact that one of the blocs largest economies, Spain, has just introduced new rules to make it much more difficult for its citizens to take their own money out of the bank should give even more pause. This being the EU, it is safe to assume that the restrictions will be replicated in other EU countries, as was the case with the upper cash payment limits pioneered in Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

In a recent post, Haring suggests there could be an additional motive at work  namely to prevent physical bank runs by locking money up in the system (machine translated):
Common sense is now a conspiracy

Dirty Western Medicine and Trump-Deranged Democrats do not want anyone using common sense or critical thinking to analyze, scrutinize, question, doubt, or challenge any of the official narratives that Big Media, Big Pharma, and Big Tech propagandize daily on their depopulation platforms. If you dare to use your common sense, you are labeled a conspiracy theorist and domestic terrorist. You are a threat to democracy. You are a degenerate hater and a bigot. You are a white supremacist.

The Leftists and Pharma shills are going insane because RFK Jr. is questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines. They immediately pounce on all fronts screaming that he is anti-vaccine and wants every American to die from infectious diseases immediately. Every person in America suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome is freaking out about any advisor that Trump hires to help clean up the broken, crooked, infected system we have in place for medicine, vaccines, food and human trafficking.

How dare anyone ever use their brain and common sense to challenge the dirty medicine and vaccine violence thats been going on in this country for over a century. How dare anyone question the sick care industrial complex at all.

Everyone, according to Leftists, should be injecting every vaccine, from pregnancy to birth to early death, without ever even reading the ingredients and without any human clinical trials. Always trust Big Pharma they say. Never listen to anyone who questions any medicine or vaccines, including the deadliest jabs ever created, the mRNA gene-mutating spike prion death stabs.

RFK Jr. sparks debate over vaccine testing standards by using common sense to call for rigorous clinical trials instead of blind-trusting big pharma crooks and shills

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent advocate for vaccine safety reform, has reignited controversy by pushing for stricter clinical trial standards  including placebo-controlled studies  for new vaccines. His stance, which challenges current regulatory norms, has drawn sharp criticism from public health officials while resonating with skeptics of mRNA technology. The debate comes as the U.S. prepares for another round of COVID-19 boosters, raising questions about the balance between rapid approvals and long-term safety.

Kennedy argues that vaccines should undergo the same rigorous testing as other pharmaceuticals, including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. "Every other medicine is tested against a placebo," he said in a 2020 podcast, criticizing exemptions for vaccines. While the FDA has authorized drugs  including some cancer treatments  without placebo arms under accelerated approval, Kennedy contends that vaccine safety demands higher scrutiny.

Critics, including some scientists and media outlets, dismiss his proposals as unnecessary or even dangerous. An HHS spokesperson labeled the idea a "radical departure" from existing protocols. Yet Kennedys supporters counter that skepticism is inherent to science. "Doubt is supposed to be part of science," one advocate noted, criticizing a system that often prioritizes speed over transparency.

The tension reflects broader concerns about pharmaceutical oversight. The FDA has faced criticism for fast-tracking drugs with questionable efficacy, such as certain Alzheimers treatments and opioids. Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccines were authorized under emergency use with limited long-term data  a practice Kennedy seeks to reform.

Some scientists argue placebo trials for vaccines are unethical, as they could leave participants unprotected. However, Kennedys camp highlights inconsistencies, pointing to flu and COVID boosters approved without new human trials for updated strains. "Why the sudden outrage?" one commentator asked, noting the FDAs history of expedited approvals.

The debate underscores a deepening divide in public health: Should vaccines be held to the highest possible safety standards, even if it slows rollout? Kennedys critics frame his stance as anti-science, while his supporters see it as a corrective to a broken system. As booster season approaches, the clash over testing protocols may shape not just vaccine policy but public trust in science itself.

Do your own vaccine research and dont use Google. Try the search engine Brave BETA and get more truth news and real information. Bookmark Censored.news to your favorite websites for truth news about dirty jabs and venom-laced prescription drugs.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk

JennAsside.rocks
Federal whistleblower exposes DHS as a woke daycare: Coloring books, emotional chaos, and zero enforcement

A DHS whistleblower reveals a workplace overrun by emotional instability, toxic relationships, and absurd distractions like coloring walls.

Federal employees admit to doing "nothing" for months, with no real work being conducted in critical agencies.

The Biden administration has turned law enforcement into a therapy session, eroding national security and institutional strength.

This culture of weakness is not accidental  its a deliberate strategy to keep Americans dependent and compliant.

Some of the greatest signs of weakness are coming from Republicans, who want to pass laws banning speech against Israel's genocidal actions.

The collapse of American governance: From strength to coloring books

Once, the U.S. government projected authority, discipline, and competence. Today, its a glorified daycare center where federal employees  supposedly tasked with national security  pass the time with coloring books and fake accomplishment certificates. A recent undercover interview with a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee confirms what many have long suspected: The federal bureaucracy is a hollow shell, staffed by emotionally fragile individuals more concerned with identity politics than enforcing the law.

"We have a coloring wall. Literally a coloring wall. Oh, coloring. Yeah, we have coloring books because were so bored, theres nothing to do," the whistleblower admitted. "Weve been doing a bunch of training, and weve been giving each other fake Microsoft Word printout accomplishment letters of how amazing we are."

This isnt just incompetence  its institutional decay. The same government that once stood as a global superpower now employs agents who spend weeks performing meaningless tasks, questioning why theyre even there. "We were all doing basic security checks of individuals, which is just checking someones name and date of birth. And we were all doing this for a week, and we were wondering, why are we doing this?"

The rise of the weak: How emotional fragility replaced enforcement

The whistleblowers most jarring revelation? The workplace culture is dominated by emotional instability and sexual identity politics. "I sit down at our first happy hour and I realize, holy s**, everybodys gay. Everybody you work with? Everybody. Everybodys a lesbian, gay, or in a toxic relationship."*

This isnt about personal lifestyle choices  its about the Lefts deliberate push to replace competence with identity-based groupthink. The federal government, once a symbol of American strength, now operates like a therapy session, where agents are rewarded for fragility rather than resilience.

This is the inevitable result of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates, which prioritize feelings over function. When law enforcement agencies care more about pronouns than prosecuting crime, the nation is in deep trouble.

A government of children, for children

The Biden regime didnt create this mess overnight, but it has accelerated the decline. The federal workforce is now a sanctuary for the emotionally stunted, where actual work is replaced with performative activism and self-congratulatory nonsense. The legacy of these spoiled children continues, even as reformers move into leadership positions to try and wrangle the woke mind virus, the group think, the DEI, the left-wing brainwashing, and the childish safe space coddling.

As much as we'd like to hope for a stronger, more unified government, one that stands on principle, even those reform figures we recently elected are kowtowing to speech controls that prioritize Israel's genocidal actions. This is also a sign of cowardly group think among the Republican Party, and while many aren't taking to coloring books to cope with the issues, they still look like children sitting around Netanyahu's table, hoping to impress their daddy. Since Biden left office, there's still warmongering and other forms of right wing group think that have permeated - showing that violent and cowardly tendencies have infected even the reformers that we cheered on to take over the dying left-wing government.

None of the federal government's current bloviating is real governance  its a slow-motion collapse. A nation cannot survive when its institutions are run by people who need coloring books to cope with their jobs. The Lefts obsession with "safe spaces" has turned the U.S. government into a laughingstock, incapable of defending its own borders, enforcing its own laws, or maintaining basic order. The Right's obsession with admiring itself, with violence in the Middle East and speech controls that protect Israel's genocidal actions have made accountability and trust in government a laughingstock as well.

History shows that civilizations crumble when their leaders prioritize comfort over courage. Rome didnt fall in a day  it rotted from within, its institutions weakened by decadence and distraction. The U.S. is following the same path, trading strength for sensitivity, law and order for appeasement.

As this whistleblowers account proves, the federal government is no longer a serious entity. Its a daycare for the emotionally dependent, a bureaucracy of broken minds. The question now is: When the real threats come  and they will  who will be left to stand against them? ICE Barbie, cosplaying with guns, outfits, and ten layers of makeup?

Sources include:

Revolver.news

X.com

Youtube.com
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. 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.
Green energy experiment by Spain and Portugal fails with power grid collapse and blackout

A massive power outage on April 28 left millions without electricity, disrupting transportation, emergency services and commerce  one of Europe's worst peacetime blackouts.

The collapse followed Spain's celebration of running entirely on renewable energy, exposing the instability of wind and solar power when traditional baseload sources (like nuclear or fossil fuels) are phased out.

Spain had to import power from France (nuclear) and Morocco (fossil fuels), highlighting the risks of energy policies prioritizing ideology over reliability. Critics warned such failures were predictable.

Spain's socialist government aggressively pushed renewables while neighboring countries expanded nuclear capacity. The prolonged outages contrasted with France's quick recovery, underscoring the need for balanced energy strategies.

The blackout serves as a cautionary tale for regions relying on intermittent renewables, especially ahead of winter. Policymakers face a choice: Reassess energy mixes or risk further crises.

A historic blackout swept across Spain and Portugal on April 28, just hours after Spain celebrated running its grid entirely on renewable energy for the first time. The outage  one of the largest in Europe's peacetime history  left millions without power and crippled transportation, commerce and emergency services.

The blackout struck at 12:35 p.m. local time  halting trains, trapping elevator passengers and forcing flight cancellations. Traffic lights went dark, hospitals scrambled to rely on overtaxed backup generators and cell networks faltered under the strain.

Experts warn that the collapse was not an accident but the inevitable result of over-reliance on intermittent wind and solar power, which lack the stability of traditional energy sources. As Spain scrambled to import electricity from nuclear-powered France and fossil-fuel-dependent Morocco, the incident reignited debates over the feasibility of rapid green energy transitions.

Michael Shellenberger, an energy policy analyst, noted that the disaster was "the exact failure that many of us have been, repeatedly, warning lawmakers about for years." Marc Morano of Climate Depot added that Spain's grid, stripped of reliable "dispatchable" power plants like nuclear or natural gas, lacked the resilience to handle sudden disruptions.

The nation's socialist government under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had aggressively phased out conventional energy, even as neighboring countries expanded nuclear capacity. However, Spain's blackout follows a troubling pattern seen across Europe. Despite massive government investments in renewables, the results have often been disastrous.

Spain's green energy "triumph" only lasted days

The timing of the blackout was particularly striking. Just six days earlier on April 22, media outlets had hailed Spain's renewable milestone as a triumph. Yet within hours, the fragility of an all-green grid became undeniable. (Related: Spain's dark day: Renewable milestone followed by catastrophic blackout highlights grid vulnerabilities.)

France, with its nuclear-dominated energy mix, restored power quickly while Spain and Portugal faced prolonged outages. Critics argue the crisis exposes the dangers of politically driven energy policies that prioritize ideology over reliability.

As winter freeze warnings loom for Western Europe and North America, the blackout serves as a stark lesson. Energy grids dependent on weather-variable sources risk catastrophic failure when demand surges or supply falters.

While Spain's cafes handed out free melting ice cream in the aftermath, the broader implications are far graver. The incident underscores the need for balanced energy strategies that incorporate both innovation and proven baseload power  before the next crisis leaves entire nations in the dark.

The question now is whether policymakers will heed the warning or double down on a failing experiment. One thing is clear: When the lights go out, ideology won't keep them on.

Watch David Knight delivering a "sanity check" on renewable energy in this clip.

This video is from The David Knight Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Millions without power as Spain and Portugal face unprecedented power outage.

Spain's renewable energy "success" triggers nationwide blackout, exposing grid vulnerabilities.

Net zero madness leaves Spain in the dark as green energy push triggers Iberian Peninsula blackout.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

CFACT.org

Public.news

Brighteon.com
Israel vows to strike Yemen without restrictions after Houthi missile hits Ben Gurion airport

Yemens Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic missile at Israels Ben Gurion Airport, injuring eight, causing major flight disruptions, and leaving a massive crater near Terminal 3.

Israel vowed unrestrained retaliation, with Defense Minister Israel Katz warning, "Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold," signaling imminent military action.

Despite advanced missile defenses, the Houthi strike succeeded, forcing airlines like Lufthansa and Delta to cancel flights and prompting Houthi threats of further air blockades.

Prime Minister Netanyahu blamed Iran for backing the attack, raising fears of a wider regional conflict as Israel prepares an aggressive response.

The strike escalates tensions amid Israels ongoing war in Gaza, with over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, and risks further destabilizing the Middle East.

A ballistic missile attack by Yemens Houthi rebels on Israels Ben Gurion Airport has escalated tensions in the region, prompting Israel to declare it will retaliate "without restrictions." The strike, which injured eight people and forced flight cancellations, marks a dangerous turning point in the conflict, raising fears of a wider regional war.

On May 4, Yemens Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic missile at Israels busiest airport, Ben Gurion, causing panic, halting flights, and leaving a massive crater near Terminal 3.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed, "Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold," signaling an imminent military response. The attack came just hours before Israeli officials were set to vote on expanding military operations in Gaza.

A failed defense and global flight disruptions

Despite Israels advanced missile defense systems, including the U.S.-made THAAD and the Arrow system, the Houthi missile struck its target. Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni described the damage: "You can see the scene right behind us here, a hole that opened up with a diameter of tens of meters and also tens of meters deep."

The attack forced major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, and Wizz Air, to cancel flights, stranding passengers and disrupting travel.

The Houthis, who have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in protest of the Gaza war, warned airlines that Ben Gurion was no longer safe and that they would impose a comprehensive air blockade on [Israel] by repeatedly targeting Ben-Gurion Airport". The strike underscores the Houthis growing reach, despite near-daily U.S. airstrikes on Yemen under Operation Rough Rider, which has hit over 1,000 targets since March.

Israels vow to escalate and the risk of wider war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the attack as Iranian-backed aggression, writing, "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." His government has long sought to link the Houthis to Tehran, despite Irans insistence that the rebels act independently.

The White House had previously restrained Israel from striking Yemen directly, opting instead to lead the bombing campaign itself. But with Netanyahu now promising unrestrained retaliation, the risk of a broader conflict looms. Far-right Israeli officials, like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are pushing for even harsher measures, demanding a "powerful" expansion of the war.

Gazas devastation and global complicity

The Houthi attack comes amid Israels ongoing assault on Gaza, where over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israels promise of a fierce response to Yemen risks further destabilizing the region. With Gaza already in ruins and civilian casualties mounting, the cycle of retaliation shows no sign of ending.

The strike on Ben Gurion Airport has shattered any remaining illusions of containment. Israels vow to hit Yemen "without restrictions" could ignite a wider war, drawing in Iran and further entrenching global divisions. For now, the skies over Tel Aviv remain tense, and the path to de-escalation seems further away than ever.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

AlJazeera.com

Reuters.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

APNews.com
Kevin McGary on the Health Ranger Report: Why WOKE DEI policies threaten American excellence and unity

The Health Ranger Mike Adams and Kevin McGary discussed the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, questioning whether the Secret Service's hiring practices, influenced by DEI principles, may have compromised the agency's effectiveness and competence. McGary cited the resignation of former director Kimberly Cheatle as an example of DEI leading to the appointment of less qualified personnel.

McGary traced the roots of DEI back to the 1700s and the influence of Charles Darwin's theories of racial superiority, arguing that modern DEI practices are fundamentally Marxist. He believes these practices shift focus from merit and excellence to identity, leading to incompetence and disunity.

McGary argued that DEI policies are inherently racist and paternalistic, presuming that certain groups cannot compete equally and require special considerations. He emphasized that these practices undermine the dignity and potential of all individuals and are contrary to the historical achievements of black Americans.

The conversation highlighted a growing trend of corporations, such as Microsoft, John Deere and Tractor Supply, rejecting DEI policies due to their negative impacts. McGary praised the work of Robbie Starbuck in exposing these harmful effects and promoting merit-based hiring practices.

The Health Ranger Mike Adams welcomed Kevin McGary from Every Black Life Matters (EveryBLM) to discuss the implications of woke diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies on American society and government.

They delved into the July 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump and how DEI principles may have compromised the effectiveness and integrity of the Secret Service. McGary, a prominent advocate for unifying and faith-based solutions, offered a compelling critique of DEI policies and shared insights into his organization's mission and training programs.

Adams opened the discussion by noting the recent assassination attempt on Trump, which highlighted concerns about the Secret Service's competence. He questioned whether the agency's hiring practices, potentially influenced by DEI principles, had led to the appointment of less qualified personnel.

McGary, drawing from his extensive experience in corporate training, agreed that DEI policies can be detrimental, especially when they prioritize identity over competence. The public-speaker and co-founder of EveryBLM cited examples of DEI hires in critical roles

Former U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, whose resignation followed significant failures in protecting Trump, is one such example. McGary told Adams that she "completely did a horrible disservice to women because she was put in a position that she was not competent to fulfill."

The genesis and evolution of DEI

McGary provided a historical context for DEI, tracing its roots back to the 1700s and the influence of Charles Darwin, who posited theories of racial superiority. These ideas have evolved into modern DEI practices, which he argues are fundamentally Marxist in nature.

DEI shifts the focus from merit and excellence to identity, which can lead to a cycle of incompetence and disunity. McGary emphasized that DEI is not just a workplace issue, but a broader cultural and political strategy aimed at undermining the principles of free market capitalism and meritocracy.

DEI policies are inherently racist, as they presume that certain groups cannot compete on equal terms and require special considerations. This presumption is a form of paternalism that undermines the dignity and potential of all individuals, regardless of race or gender.

McGary drew parallels to the absurdity of lowering academic standards to accommodate certain groups, noting that such practices are contrary to the historical achievements of Black Americans in various fields  including entrepreneurship, engineering and medicine. "DEI is the latest iteration, the latest scheme to inculcate racism within the workplace, and there's no place for it," he told Adams.

The conversation also touched on the growing trend of corporations rejecting DEI policies. McGary pointed to Microsoft, John Deere and Tractor Supply as examples of companies that have seen the negative impacts of woke policies and are now reverting to merit-based hiring practices.

He praised the work of conservative activist Robby Starbuck in exposing the harmful effects of DEI in companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere, which have significant conservative customer bases. (Related: John Deere abandons WOKE DEI corporate policies following backlash from conservative activists.)

McGary's organization EveryBLM offers corporate training programs that aim to unify rather than divide. Unlike other DEI training, which often separates people by race and promotes division, McGary's courses focus on historical facts and the shared values of equality and excellence.

The ministry leader and author emphasized the importance of truth in overcoming the divisive narratives perpetuated by Marxist ideologies and DEI practices. In closing, McGary stressed the urgency of the current political moment. He urged all Americans to participate in the democratic process and cast their votes for candidates who will prioritize the nation's well-being over identity politics.

Follow Wokies.news for more news about the woke DEI agenda.

Watch the full interview between Kevin McGary and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

UNWOKE: Microsoft ditches its "business critical" DEI team as the WOKE WAVE begins to unravel.

Universities scrap DEI programs amid federal pressure, even in California.

END WOKENESS: Tractor Supply backtracks support for woke goals about DEI, LGBTQIA and carbon targets.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

EveryBLM.com
Pakistan threatens India with full spectrum retaliation as Kashmir tensions escalate

Pakistans ambassador to Russia has warned of deploying "full spectrum of power," including nuclear weapons, if India attacks or disrupts its water supply, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The threat follows a deadly Kashmir terror attack, diplomatic expulsions, and Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan has called "an act of war."

Pakistan claims to possess leaked documents indicating an imminent Indian strike, while India is accusing Islamabad of backing militants, fueling military posturing and missile tests.

Global powers are urging restraint, but with both nations unwilling to back down, experts are warning of a potential nuclear conflict with catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

Kashmiris are facing brutal crackdowns as tensions rise, with analysts emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation between two nuclear powers on the brink.

The specter of nuclear war looms over South Asia as Pakistans ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, issued a chilling warning that Islamabad would deploy its "full spectrum of power", including nuclear weapons, if India launches an attack or disrupts its water supply.

The threat, made in an interview with RT, comes amid heightened tensions following a deadly April 22 terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 dead, mostly Hindu tourists. With both nations expelling diplomats, suspending trade, and conducting missile tests, the world watches nervously as two nuclear-armed rivals edge closer to conflict.

Pakistans dire warning

Jamali claimed Pakistan possesses "leaked documents" indicating an imminent Indian strike. "There are some other leaked documents whereby it has been decided to strike certain areas of Pakistan," he told RT. "We in Pakistan will use the full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear." The warning marks one of Islamabads most explicit nuclear threats in years, underscoring the volatility of the crisis.

Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement governing shared river resources, further inflamed tensions. Jamali called the move "an act of war," vowing retaliation if water flows are disrupted. Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reinforced this stance, threatening to target any Indian infrastructure built in violation of the treaty. "Aggression is not just about firing cannons or bullets; it has many faces," Asif said, warning of mass starvation and thirst if water access is cut.

Kashmir massacre and diplomatic fallout

The flashpoint was the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, claimed by the Pakistan-linked Resistance Front. India accused Islamabad of backing the militants, prompting reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, border closures, and trade suspensions. Pakistan denies involvement but has refused to back down, testing ballistic missiles and mobilizing troops.

Irans foreign minister attempted mediation, while global powers, including the U.S., China, and Russia, urged restraint. Yet, with Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi framing the conflict as a stand against terrorism and Pakistans leadership vowing to defend its sovereignty, de-escalation remains elusive.

The nightmare scenario

Experts warn that a full-scale war could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. A nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan  or a conflict involving China  could result in an untold number of deaths. The stakes are existential: both nations possess arsenals capable of mutual annihilation.

Kashmiris, caught in the crossfire, face brutal crackdowns. Indian forces have detained thousands and razed homes of suspected militants, exacerbating local grievances. "Kashmiris are always the first to bear the brunt of any political or military tensions between India and Pakistan," said Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group.

Despite the rhetoric, Pakistans ambassador stressed the need for de-escalation: "As the two countries are two nuclear powers, there is all the more need to deescalate the tensions." Yet with trust shattered and military posturing intensifying, the path to peace remains fraught.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

ABCNews.go.com

APNews.com

NDTV.com
Real-time vaccine injury tracking system aims to address regulatory malpractice in U.S. surveillance

U.S. health officials, led by RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, are replacing the outdated VAERS with a real-time electronic health record (EHR) system to improve vaccine safety monitoring, addressing VAERSs historical underreporting (capturing <1% of injuries).

The new system uses Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) to track adverse events in real time, replacing VAERSs reliance on self-reports. Algorithms will detect patterns (e.g., myocarditis spikes) and compare vaccinated/unvaccinated cohorts for clearer risk assessments.

RFK Jr. and researchers have long criticized VAERS for massive underreporting (e.g., a 2006 Harvard study found a 100-fold gap). The overhaul aims to close this gap and investigate links between vaccines, genetics and environmental factors.

Critics warn the new system must ensure public transparency and data privacy, avoiding opaque oversight. Some argue RFK Jr. overstates VAERSs flaws or distracts from vaccine benefits, but even skeptics agree modernization is needed.

The reform represents a rare bipartisan push to restore faith in public health. Success hinges on data-driven transparency  balancing safety, accountability and privacy  amid rising distrust and health misinformation.

U.S. health officials announced a major overhaul of the nations vaccine safety monitoring system, replacing the widely criticized Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) with a real-time data system using electronic health records (EHRs). The move, spearheaded by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, seeks to address longstanding concerns about VAERSs ineffectiveness, which an HHS spokesperson described as a template of regulatory malpractice capturing fewer than 1% of actual vaccine-related injuries.

The new system, leveraging Health Information Exchanges (HIEs)  networks that share EHR data among medical providers  will enable the FDA and CDC to monitor adverse events as they occur, replacing VAERSs outdated reliance on self-reported data. Kennedy, a longtime critic of VAERS, emphasized the need for transparency in his Feb. 14 remarks on Fox News: We need to know the risk profile of these products, he stated. With over 500 million vaccine doses administered annually in the U.S., the initiative addresses a demand for accountability as public distrust in vaccine safety grows amid rising rates of chronic conditions such as autism and autoimmune disorders.

From 1% to real-time: closing the data gap

The push for reform stems from a decades-long backlog in vaccine safety reporting. Harvard Medical School researchers revealed in 2006 that VAERS underreported injuries by a factor of 100, a gap Kennedy highlighted as outrageous at a March Make America Healthy Again event in Indiana. Were going to find out what contribution vaccines and everything else  mold, electromagnetic fields, food  began in the late 1980s  whichever are the culprits, he said, calling for a data-driven approach to distinguish between vaccine side effects and environmental risks.

The FDAs plan now uses EHRs to capture the full clinical landscape of patients health pre-, during and post-vaccination, according to Trial Site News founder Daniel OConnor. Unlike VAERS, which relies on delayed, incomplete, or unverified reports, EHRs allow algorithms to flag patterns  such as sudden rises in myocarditis or autoimmune flares  in near real time. VAERS catches the sparks, but not the fire, OConnor said. The system will also enable comparisons between vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts to isolate risks, a capability VAERS lacks without external data.

Kennedys sub-agency within the CDC, announced in March, will focus on expanding this surveillance to include genetic factors influencing adverse reactions, as noted by Childrens Health Defense scientist Karl Jablonowski. Interfacing HIE systems could reveal associations between DNA markers and outcomes, he explained, potentially paving the way for personalized vaccination strategies.

Modernizing trust in public health

Critics of VAERS have long accused the system of perpetuating a false illusion of vigilance, as Jablonowski described it. Even proponents of traditional vaccine safety, such as FDA Commissioner Makary, concede the need for drastic modernization. On SiriusXM, Makary highlighted EHRs power to analyze 100,000 patient records concurrently, allowing regulators to quantify events like hospital readmissions within days of a shot. Real science demands transparency and accountability, an HHS spokesperson added, framing the shift as a return to empirical rigor.

But the overhaul faces hurdles. Transparency advocates stress that the new system must remain open to public scrutiny, not another closed system run by contractors or opaque officials. Without accountability, we risk insanity  same failures, same results, warned VAERS expert Albert Benavides. Privacy concerns also persist, with immunologist Jessica Rose noting that anonymized data couldbecome accessible by anyone. HHS has not yet finalized protocols to address these issues.

Kennedys critics, including some public health researchers, argue his reforms conflate proven vaccine benefits with unproven risks. STAT News reported that Kennedy misrepresented a 2006 studys findings to exaggerate VAERSs shortcomings, while others see his focus on environmental exposures as a distraction from vaccine efficacy. Yet even skeptics acknowledge the system needed an overhaul: This is the type of modernization we need, OConnor said.

A watershed moment

The decision marks a rare bipartisan acknowledgment of systemic failures in U.S. healthcare infrastructure. As the CDC maps genetic vulnerabilities and the FDA merges adverse event databases for drugs and devices, the stakes are existential. The key is not controlling the outcome, but letting the data speak, OConnor reiterated  a mantra resonating with a public weary of conflicting medical narratives.

For Kennedy, whose environmental activism links to his health initiatives, the reform is both technical and cultural. Public trust demands we reveal all culprits, even uncomfortable ones, he told NewsNation in April. Whether the new system identifies hidden risks or confirms vaccine safety, the consensus is clear: Patients deserve answers rooted in data, not dogma.

In an age where health misinformation fuels political divisions, the U.S. pivot to transparent, EHR-driven surveillance could redefine public health as a pillar of national security  or risk further eroding the fragile trust in its institutions.

The data speaks  or does it?

As the EHR initiative unfolds, the test lies in execution. Will real-time data finally chart a course between safety and autonomy, or will underreporting or overreach persist? For now, RFK Jr.s vision  shared even by his skeptics  has galvanized action. We owe it to the public, OConnor said, echoing a sentiment transcending partisan lines. The world now watches whether science, not spin, emerges.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

StatNews.com

TrialSiteNews.com
D.C. Circuit upholds Trumps Voice of America overhaul in bipartisan show of executive power

The D.C. Circuit Court ruled 2-1 to lift a lower courts block on President Trumps executive order restructuring the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Voice of America (VOA), allowing the administration to proceed with changes aimed at aligning coverage with "America First" messaging.

The court emphasized that federal courts lack authority over executive branch personnel and funding decisions unless explicitly granted by Congress, rejecting the lower courts intervention as overreach.

Trump allies hailed the ruling as a defense of presidential power, while critics warned of executive overreach. A White House memo accused VOA of promoting "radical" messaging, justifying the restructuring.

The decision could shield future executive actions from judicial challenges, setting a precedent for agency reforms and limiting legal avenues for opponents.

While the ruling strengthens Trumps authority, it may prompt independent oversight and deepen partisan divides over the role of U.S.-funded media and presidential power.

In a pivotal legal decision signaling a curb on judicial encroachment into executive authority, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled 2-1 on May 4 to lift a district courts injunction blocking President Donald Trumps March Executive Order (EO) restructuring the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and Voice of America (VOA). The ruling, which underscores strict limits on federal courts jurisdiction in employment and funding disputes, clears the path for Trumps efforts to reorient U.S.-funded media toward what his administration calls America First propaganda practices. The appellate panels decision  led by a former Trump official, Judge Thomas Griffith  catapults into the spotlight the tension between presidential powers and judicial oversight as Mr. Trump presses to dismantle agencies he claims have become out of step with American values.

The legal ruling and its impact: VOA restructuring proceeding

The March 14 EO, which placed 1,300 VOA employees on administrative leave and slashed contracts with non-federal media affiliates like Radio Free Asia, faced immediate legal challenges. A lower court, led by Judge Royce Lamberth, ruled April 22 that operations must resume amid claims the White House was wholesale dismantling broadcast operations. But the appellate panels ruling not only halted that directive but emphasized that the lower court lacked proper jurisdiction over the executive branchs personnel and funding decisions.

Senior adviser to the USAGM, Kari Lake, hailed the decision as a huge victory for constitutional principles. This enables us to modernize VOA and align its coverage with the White Houses mission, Lake told Fox News Digital. The appeals courts stay allows Trumps team to proceed with reshaping USAGM  created in 2018 to unify Cold War-era outletsinto a vehicle for promoting succinct, Government-authorized narratives.

Jurisdictional battle: Courts role in executive reforms

Central to the ruling is its dismissal of lower-court jurisdiction over public employment and contractual disputes involving federal entities. Judge Griffiths opinion, joined by Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, found that statutory provisions bar district courts from intervening in such matters unless Congress explicitly permits ita condition not met in the VOA case.

Margot Cleveland, a legal analyst for The Federalist, stressed that the decision limits courts from overstepping into politically charged controversies. This isnt about VOAs news content; its about keeping courts focused on their proper role, Cleveland said. The ruling specifically noted that the Administrative Procedure Act, often wielded to challenge government actions, does not apply to broad-scale agency restructuring, thereby reinforcing the broad immunity traditionally afforded to executive branch personnel decisions.

The appellate court further criticized the April injunction for overstepping in mandating grant dispersals  authority Congress reserves solely for the Court of Federal Claims. This narrow reading could curtail similar legal strategies by opponents of Trumps reforms, who have filed over a dozen lawsuits targeting his efforts to shrink regulatory agencies.

Political reactions

The ruling has intensified partisan divides over the role of U.S.-funded media. Trump administration allies, including Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley, celebrated it as a defense of Article II power, while critics on the left warn of expanding executive overreach.

A White House memo cited in VOA employee briefings called the outlet a Voice for Radical America, alleging it had promoted abolish ICE and transgender military recruitment messaging. Were eliminating that propaganda budget, stated an anonymous senior advisor.

Opposing voices, though sparse in the court op-eds, argue that the restructure threatens VOAs role as a nonpartisan global news source. However, no prominent current or former VOA officials have defended the outlet in legal filings, focusing instead on contractual jobs.

Broader implications

Legal scholars note this rulings potential to reshape future governance battles. Its not just about VOA anymore, said Michael Chertoff, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary. The jurisdictional line could shield EO 1.0.0s from judicial meddling.

As Trump expands reforms  including visa restrictions on certain journalists and social media liability shifts  the decision offers a template for White House lawyers to contest lawsuits, arguing courts have no dog in the hunt. Yet, as with past controversies, these rulings may prompt venues such as the U.S. Commission on International Broadcasting to independently audits USAGM operations, independent of the executive branch.

A new frontier for executive authority or judicial pushback?

The D.C. Circuits decision on VOA offers both clarity and complexity for future government reshapes. While it fortifies Trumps authority to realign agencies with Make American Media Strong Again goals, it also invites further scrutiny of his administrations transparency in justifying cuts to public services. With bipartisan fractures widening over judicial deference, the ruling stands as a milestone in a broader struggle over the balance of U.S. political power  one that may decide the limits of presidential authority well beyond the 2025 election cycle.

Sources for this article include:

PJMedia.com

FoxNews.com

ZeroHedge.com
Newly released emails expose Biden DOJs targeting of Peter Navarro

Newly uncovered communications show FBI agents and federal prosecutors coordinating the 2022 indictment of Peter Navarro for contempt of Congress.

While Navarro was aggressively pursued, former Trump officials Mark Meadows and Dan Scavino were not prosecuted, despite similar circumstances, highlighting potential bias.

Emails detail plans to charge Navarro within weeks, including securing a search warrant for his phone and conducting a "knock and talk" interview. A senior FBI official, Timothy Thibault (linked to the discredited "Arctic Frost" probe), celebrated the indictment.

The DOJ prioritized Navarro's prosecution while violent crime surged nationally in 2022, and the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office declined to prosecute two-thirds of arrested criminals that year.

Navarro's case sets a precedent for jailing White House officials over congressional disputes. Critics, like Iowa Sen. Grassley, argue the DOJ weaponized its power against political opponents instead of focusing on serious crimes.

Newly uncovered emails have revealed the Biden administration's direct involvement in the unprecedented prosecution of Peter Navarro, President Donald Trump's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing.

The communications  obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and released Thursday, May 1  show Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and federal prosecutors coordinating Navarro's 2022 indictment for contempt of Congress. They expose a pattern of selective enforcement, raising concerns about the weaponization of federal law enforcement against political opponents.

The emails, exchanged between FBI officials and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, detail a deliberate effort to charge Navarro after he refused to comply with a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 Committee, citing executive privilege.

In an email dated May 19, 2022, FBI Special Agent Walter Giardina wrote that the DOJ had decided not to prosecute former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, citing their White House roles and prior DOJ opinions.

However, Giardina added that federal prosecutors "would like to charge Navarro in the next two weeks." The message outlined aggressive tactics  including locating Navarro, securing a search warrant for his phone and conducting a "knock and talk" interview.

Further correspondence shows then-Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault celebrating the impending indictment. After being informed of the plan, Thibault replied, "Wow. Great." Incidentally, Thibault is also a key figure in the discredited anti-Trump "Arctic Frost" investigation. (Related: FBI agent's misconduct exposed: Nudes, political shielding and ethical breaches.)

Navarro jailed while violent criminals walk free

The emails underscore the Biden administration's prioritization of prosecuting a Trump ally while violent crime surged nationwide. According to FBI data, violent crime rose 4.5 percent in 2022, yet the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia declined to prosecute two-thirds of arrested criminals that same year.

Navarro, who served as director of the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy under Trump's first term, was convicted in 2024 and sentenced to four months in prison. The 75-year-old economist called the punishment a "death sentence" given his advanced age.

His case marks the first time a White House official has been jailed for contempt of Congress. Grassley condemned the Department of Justice's (DOJ) actions, stating: "Instead of focusing on rampant cases of murder and rape, the FBI's Washington Field Office was obsessing over ways to target President Trump and his allies."

The revelations add to growing scrutiny of the Biden DOJ's handling of politically charged cases. Grassley has demanded further transparency, including the declassification of records related to Nellie Ohr, a Fusion GPS contractor who lied to Congress during the Russia investigation but faced no charges.

Navarro, now appealing his conviction, was reappointed as a senior trade advisor to Trump following the 2024 election. Nevertheless, the emails serve as a stark reminder of how federal power can be wielded against dissent  a precedent with profound implications for future administrations.

Listen to Peter Navarro sharing how he uncovered $5 billion in wasted taxpayer money in the Federal Bureau of Prisons during his imprisonment in this clip.

This video is from the Peter Navarro channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

White House trade adviser Navarro's bombshell report proves (again) Trump WON the election.

Trump adviser drops second bombshell report in "Art of the Steal" series explaining how Dem-aligned deep state stole the election.

Peter Navarro releases mind-blowing third volume of report regarding depth of 2020 election fraud proving yet again that Trump's victory was stolen.

Sources include:

HeadlineUSA.com

Judiciary.Senate.gov

JustTheNews.com

Brighteon.com
Indias water blockade against Pakistan sparks fears of NUCLEAR WAR as Pakistan threatens retaliation

The fragile peace between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan is unraveling at terrifying speed . After a terrorist attack in Kashmir left 26 dead last month, India has taken drastic measures  including cutting off water supplies to Pakistan  a move Islamabad calls an "act of war." With both nations exchanging threats of military retaliation, the world watches nervously as the specter of nuclear conflict looms over South Asia.

Key points:

India cuts water supply to Pakistan, escalating tensions after a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir.

Pakistan warns of war, threatening "full spectrum" retaliation, including nuclear options.

Indus Waters Treaty suspended for the first time in 60 years, risking agricultural collapse in Pakistan.

Diplomatic ties severed, airspace closed, and military forces on high alert as both nations brace for conflict.

Water as a weapon: Indias unprecedented move

For decades, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has governed water-sharing between the two nations  even surviving multiple wars. But now, India has suspended the treaty, blocking water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and threatening to do the same at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum.

Pakistan, already one of the worlds most water-stressed nations, relies on the Indus River for 80% of its agriculture. A prolonged blockade could devastate wheat, rice, and cotton production, triggering famine and economic collapse.

"Any attempt to usurp the water of the lower riparian, or to stop it, or to divert it, would be an act of war against Pakistan and would be responded to with a full spectrum of power," warned Pakistans ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, in an interview with RT.

The crisis erupted after the April 22 terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan-backed militants. While The Resistance Front (linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba) initially claimed responsibility, Islamabad denies involvement, calling the attack a "false-flag operation" staged by India.

In response, New Delhi expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed borders, and suspended visas, while Islamabad retaliated by shutting airspace to Indian flights. The diplomatic freeze mirrors the tensions of 2019, when India revoked Kashmirs autonomy, further straining relations.

Updates on the India-Pakistan situation:

Kashmir Terrorist Attack (April 22): A militant attack on an Indian paramilitary convoy in Kashmir left 26 people dead. The Resistance Front, believed to be linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, but Pakistan denies involvement. India holds Pakistan responsible indirectly for supporting cross-border terrorism.

Indian Response: India has taken several retaliatory measures, including:

Expelling Pakistani diplomats and reducing staff at the Pakistani High Commission.

Closing the land border with Pakistan.

Suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals and advising Indians in Pakistan to return home.

Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, which could have severe implications for Pakistan's agriculture and economy.

Pakistani Countermeasures: Pakistan responded by:

Closing its airspace to Indian airlines and grounding Pakistani airlines over Indian airspace.

Suspending the Samjhota Express train service and a bus service connecting the two countries.

Warning that India's water blockade constitutes an "act of war."

Escalating Militarily:

Both countries have engaged in border skirmishes, with Pakistani troops firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

Pakistan has conducted large-scale military exercises (Hammer Strike) and warned of a "swift, resolute, and notch-up response" to any Indian attack.

India launched counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir, and its defense minister granted the military "full operational freedom" for a response to the attack.

International Response:

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, with the U.S. urging both countries to exercise restraint.

The U.S. has offered to mediate, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing the situation with both Indian and Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S. has asked President Trump for help in easing tensions.

Potential Nuclear Confrontation: Both nations are nuclear-armed states, and the situation has raised fears of a nuclear conflict. Pakistan has warned of a "full spectrum" response if India follows through on its threat to block the rivers, which could lead to agricultural collapse in Pakistan.

Diplomatic Downgrade: Tensions have been high since 2019 when India revoked Kashmir's autonomous status, further straining relations. The recent moves by both countries to downgrade diplomatic and trade ties suggest a heightened level of conflict.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or de-escalation in the coming days. However, the possibility of full-blown military conflict, including the risk of nuclear war, cannot be ruled out. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging both countries to engage in dialogue and avoid further escalation.

Both nations are now mobilizing militarily, with Pakistan conducting "Hammer Strike" war games and India launching counter-terrorism operations across Kashmir. Pakistans Defense Minister has warned of an "imminent" Indian attack, vowing a "swift and resolute" response.

Meanwhile, the U.S. urges restraint, with Vice President J.D. Vance cautioning India against escalation. But with Pakistans army chief declaring "any military misadventure by India will be met with a notch-up response," the risk of miscalculation grows by the hour.

History shows that water wars often precede full-blown conflicts. Will the Indusonce a symbol of cooperationnow become a river of fire? Or will cooler heads prevail before the unthinkable happens? As Pakistans envoy to the U.S. pleads for Trumps intervention, one question remains: Is the world sleepwalking into another nuclear crisis?

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Mexican president rejects Trumps offer to deploy U.S. troops against cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Donald Trumps proposal to deploy U.S. troops in Mexico to combat drug cartels, calling Mexican sovereignty "sacrosanct" and "not for sale."

Trump accused Sheinbaum of being "so afraid of the cartels she cant even think straight," escalating tensions over border security and drug trafficking.

During a tense phone call, Trump suggested sending the U.S. Army to help fight cartels, but Sheinbaum firmly refused, emphasizing Mexicos opposition to foreign military intervention.

Despite cooperation on limited security measures, reports suggest the U.S. may consider unilateral drone strikes in Mexico, risking further diplomatic strain.

The dispute threatens recent agreements, including Mexicos troop deployment to curb trafficking, as Sheinbaum insists on respecting territorial sovereignty while addressing the cartel crisis.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected an offer from President Donald Trump to deploy American troops on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels. The proposal, which was made during a tense phone call last month, was swiftly dismissed by Sheinbaum, who declared Mexicos sovereignty "sacrosanct" and "not for sale." Trump, meanwhile, has accused the Mexican leader of being "so afraid of the cartels she cant even think straight," escalating tensions between the two nations over border security and drug trafficking.

A controversial proposal

The clash began when Trump, during an April 16 call with Sheinbaum, suggested sending U.S. military forces into Mexico to assist in the fight against drug cartels. According to Sheinbaum, Trump said, "How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the U.S. Army come in to help you." Her response was unequivocal: "No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended."

Trump confirmed the exchange, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he made the offer because cartels are "horrible people" responsible for thousands of deaths. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, I would be honored to go in and do it," he said. However, he dismissed Sheinbaums refusal, claiming she was paralyzed by fear of the cartels.

Sovereignty vs. security

Sheinbaums stance reflects Mexicos long-standing resistance to foreign military intervention. "We don't accept invasions or interference," she said last month. "We are not a protectorate or colony of any foreign country." Despite cooperating with the U.S. on limited security measures, such as allowing drone surveillance of fentanyl labs, she has drawn a hard line against boots on the ground.

The Trump administration, however, appears undeterred. Reports suggest some officials are considering unilateral drone strikes against cartel targets in Mexico, a move that would mark the first U.S. military action on Mexican soil since 1914. The Crisis Group, a think tank, warned that "some officials in Washington appear to be laying the groundwork for military action against drug trafficking organizations in Mexican territory, withor withoutMexico's consent."

A fragile partnership

The dispute threatens to unravel recent cooperation between the two nations. In February, Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican troops to curb cross-border trafficking, prompting Trump to delay a threatened 25% tariff on Mexican goods. The U.S. also designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling stricter financial sanctions and raising the specter of military action.

Yet Sheinbaum has remained defiant. "We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours," she reiterated. Her refusal underscores the delicate balance between collaboration and coercion in U.S.-Mexico relations in a balance that Trump seems willing to test.

Sheinbaums firm rejection of U.S. military intervention signals that Mexico will not yield on sovereignty, even as pressure mounts. However, with cartels continuing to fuel drug trafficking and violence, it is painfully apparent that something needs to change in the way Mexico is handling the crisis.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

FoxNews.com

APNews.com
Florida study sparks new controversy over mRNA vaccine safety, links Pfizer vaccine to higher mortality rates than Moderna

A Florida study co-authored by Dr. Joseph Ladapo found that Pfizer mRNA vaccine recipients had a 38% higher all-cause mortality rate within 12 months compared to Moderna recipients, with higher cardiovascular and non-COVID deaths (847 vs. 618 deaths per 100,000).

The study analyzed 1.47 million matched pairs of vaccinated Floridians but faced criticism for excluding unvaccinated groups and comorbidities. Researchers defended the approach, arguing it better controlled for confounding factors.

The findings clash with earlier studies showing mRNA vaccines reduced COVID-19 deaths but align with research linking Pfizers vaccine to higher cardiac risks. Some experts argue non-specific harms (e.g., heart issues) were overlooked in initial efficacy claims.

Ladapo and health freedom advocates argue the public was misled about mRNA risks, while critics warn the study could fuel hesitancy. The lack of manufacturer responses to mortality data raises transparency concerns.

The study highlights the need for rigorous safety reviews, challenging the assumption that mRNA vaccines are universally safe. Policymakers must weigh benefits against emerging risks as debates over vaccine choice intensify.

In a study announced April 29, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo co-authored research revealing that adults in Florida who received Pfizer's mRNA vaccine were 38% more likely to die within 12 months than those who received Moderna's vaccine. The analysis, which compared nearly 1.5 million vaccine recipients and found higher rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular deaths and even deaths directly linked to COVID-19 among Pfizer users, adds to a growing but underreported debate about the unintended consequences of mRNA injections. The findings, shared as a preprint (not yet peer-reviewed), have reignited concerns about mRNA vaccine safety and efficacy, as proponents and critics clash over the implications for public health policies.

The study's alarming findings and methodology

The study, led by Ladapo alongside researchers from the Florida Department of Health and MIT, analyzed 9.2 million vaccination records of non-institutionalized Floridians who received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine between late 2020 and mid-2021. The cohort was narrowed to 1.47 million pairs of individuals matched by age, sex, census tract and other demographic factors. Over the next year, Pfizer recipients experienced 847 deaths per 100,000 people, while Moderna recipients saw 618 deaths per 100,000an increase driven largely by cardiovascular deaths (248.7 vs. 162.4 per 100,000) and non-COVID fatalities (791.6 vs. 588.4).

Pfizer recipients had significantly higher mortality across nearly every category, Ladapo told social media followers, emphasizing that this aligns with prior VA studies connecting the vaccine to heart issues. Critics, however, noted the studys limitations, such as excluding co-morbidities and failing to directly compare vaccinated and unvaccinated groupsa point raised by University of Pennsylvania professor Jeffrey Morris. Levi, a co-author, defended the methodology, stating that comparing vaccines controls for unobserved confounding factors better than contrasting vaccinated/non-vaccinated populations.

The shifting narrative on vaccine safety

The findings reverberate against a backdrop of conflicting data released over the past three years. In 2023, a reanalysis of clinical trial data concluded that mRNA vaccines did not affect all-cause mortality but noted vaccinated individuals had higher rates of cardiac deaths, though offset by reduced risk of dying from severe COVID-19. Johnson & Johnsons viral vector vaccine outperformed both in that assessment. Earlier studies using VA data also found Pfizer recipients faced higher risks of hospitalization and cardiac events, but the Florida analysis, with its larger sample and matched cohort, aims to strengthen claims of a causal link.

This context highlights a broader tension in public health. Initial vaccine efficacy claims of over 90% targeted only prevention mechanisms for severe illness, whereas non-specific effectssuch as whether the vaccines could inadvertently harm other bodily systems  were largely ignored. Ladapo, a vocal critic of the mRNA platforms long-term impact, has previously argued that these vaccines act more like gene therapies than traditional vaccines, which typically produce far greater protective immunity (around 99%) sustained for decades.

Implications for health freedom advocacy and policy

The study has galvanized health freedom advocates, who argue that the public was misled about mRNA vaccines risks. The messaging early on painted these shots as near-miraculous, but the reality is murkier, said one advocate. Ladapos social media post, stating the vaccine system is rotten and urging scrutiny of non-specific effects, reflects this sentiment. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna were unresponsive to media requests, leaving unanswered questions about whether manufacturers have reviewed mortality data.

Critics of Ladapos work worry this could fuel vaccine hesitancy, while supporters counter that transparency is critical. The studys exclusion of the unvaccinated cohort remains a contentious point. As healthcare workers note, mortality comparisons without this baseline risk misinterpret outcomes. MITs Levi acknowledged this gap but stressed that inter-vaccine comparisons address some confounding variables, such as age, comorbidities, or lifestyle factors.

A call for vigilance as debate intensifies

The Florida study underscores the urgent need for rigorous long-term monitoring of vaccine safety. While its claims of higher Pfizer-associated mortality remain preliminary until peer-reviewed, the findings cannot be dismissed. The policy implications are profound: it calls into question the very narrative that mRNA vaccines are universally safe and effective across populations.

For now, public health authorities must balance the use of vaccines for reducing severe disease from the virus against emerging evidence of collateral harm. We owe it to the public to explore these risks further, said one independent epidemiologist. As debates over health freedom and clinical ethics continue, conversations about vaccine choice and transparency may reshape pandemic preparedness for future health crises. The world watches closely, awaiting further clarity in the pursuit of science that serves, rather than risks, humanity.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NTD.com

MedRxIv.org

X.com
RFK Jr. acknowledges Chemtrails but experts disagree on whats really in jet fuel

RFK Jr. revives debate, alleging undisclosed additives in jet fuel for geoengineering ("chemtrails"), while experts like Kristen Meghan dispute this, citing fuel purity standards and engine safety risks.

Scientific papers propose sulfur-based jet fuel additives for solar radiation management (SRM) to cool Earth, despite past warnings about sulfurs environmental harm (e.g., acid rain).

Military history cited: Covert experiments (e.g., Operation Sea Spray, St. Louis tests) fuel suspicions about modern atmospheric programs, blurring lines between pollution and deliberate geoengineering.

Transparency clash intensifies: RFK Jr.s claims reflect growing mainstream scrutiny, with The Weather Channel covering weather modification and governments advancing geoengineering research (e.g., UKs SAI programs).

Ethical and policy concerns rise: As geoengineering shifts from "conspiracy" to policy, debates focus on oversightwho controls large-scale interventions, and whether risks are publicly acknowledged.

A Controversial Claim Sparks Debate Over Atmospheric Experiments

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently reignited a long-standing debate by suggesting that jet fuel may contain undisclosed additives linked to geoengineering effortscommonly referred to as "chemtrails." However, experts like Kristen Meghan, a veteran industrial hygienist and former U.S. Air Force bioenvironmental engineer, dispute this claim, arguing that contaminating jet fuel would compromise aircraft safety.

Meanwhile, scientific papers are now openly advocating for sulfur-based additives in aviation fuel to "dim the sun" as a climate intervention. The debate highlights growing concerns over government transparency and the ethics of large-scale atmospheric experiments.

RFK Jr.s Chemtrail Comments

During a recent discussion, RFK Jr. suggested that jet fuel might be laced with substances used in geoengineering programsa theory long dismissed as a conspiracy. His remarks came after years of public speculation about aircraft emissions being weaponized for weather modification.

However, Meghan, who spent nine years inspecting Air Force fuel labs, pushed back. "I dont agree with that at all," she said in an interview with Mike Adams on Decentralized TV. "Jet fuel undergoes rigorous purity testing. Adding aluminum, barium, or sulfates would be like putting sugar in a gas tankit would destroy the engines."

Science Papers Advocate for "Sun-Dimming" Jet Fuel

Despite skepticism from aviation experts, scientific literature is increasingly calling for sulfur to be added to jet fuel as a form of solar radiation management (SRM). A recent proposal suggests that modifying aviation fuel could help reflect sunlight back into space, theoretically cooling the planet.

Adams highlighted the irony: "In the 1980s, we were told acid rain from sulfur emissions would kill forests. Now, they want to intentionally put sulfur in the sky to 'save' the climate."

The Militarys History of Secret Experiments

The conversation took a darker turn when Adams and Meghan discussed the U.S. governments history of covert atmospheric testing, including:

Operation Sea Spray (1950): The Navy sprayed bacteria over San Francisco, leading to hospitalizations and deaths.

St. Louis Experiments: Similar tests dispersed particles over residential areas to simulate biowarfare.

Modern "Fog" Incidents: Reports of mysterious residues, like those analyzed by Adams in Florida, which contained alarming levels of lead, cadmium, and aluminum.

Meghan cautioned that while some phenomena have natural explanations, the line between environmental pollution and deliberate experimentation is blurring. "Theyve openly admitted to weather modification. Why wouldnt they take it further?"

The Bigger Picture: A Battle Over Transparency

The debate reflects a broader clash over government accountability. RFK Jr.s commentsdespite pushbacksignal a shift in mainstream discourse, with even The Weather Channel airing segments on storm-steering technology.

As Adams noted, "This isnt conspiracy theory anymore. Its policy discussion."

Whats Next?

With the UK already moving forward with stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) programs, and U.S. lawmakers quietly advancing geoengineering research, the question isnt if such interventions are happeningbut how and who gets to decide.

For now, skeptics like Meghan urge caution: "If you think jet fuel is the delivery method, youre missing the bigger system at play."

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Kristen Meghan as they expose secret experiments, bio-weapons, and public health deceptions.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The hidden war above: Chemtrails, HAARP and the battle for planetary control

Chemtrails unveiled: How the CIA and Big Business are manipulating the weather for profit

Dane Wigington exposes climate engineering as All-Out Weather and Biological Warfare

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Wethepatriotsusa.org
Swiss university caught in AI mind control scandal: Reddit users manipulated by deceptive chatbots in secret experiment

University of Zurich researchers secretly deployed AI bots on Reddit to manipulate users opinions on controversial topics.

Bots posed as sexual assault survivors, Black conservatives, and trauma counselors to sway debates.

Reddit condemns the "highly unethical" experiment, considers legal action against the university.

Researchers claim their work was "ethical," but critics blast the deception and lack of consent.

Incident raises alarming questions about AI-powered psychological manipulation in social media.

The covert AI experiment that crossed ethical boundaries

In a shocking breach of trust, researchers at the University of Zurich conducted a secret AI-driven social experiment on Reddit userswithout their knowledge or consent. The study, which involved AI-generated comments designed to influence opinions on hot-button issues, has sparked outrage among the platforms community and drawn sharp condemnation from Reddits legal team.

The experiment targeted r/ChangeMyView, a debate subreddit with 3.8 million members, where users post controversial opinions and invite counterarguments. Over several months, AI-powered botsposing as real peopleflooded discussions with over 1,700 deceptive comments. Some of the fabricated personas included:

A male rape victim downplaying the trauma of sexual assault.

A Black man opposing Black Lives Matter, despite the movements focus on racial justice.

A domestic trauma counselor claiming the most vulnerable women were those "sheltered by overprotective parents."

Worse still, the AI was programmed to scan users profiles and tailor arguments based on their personal datagender, age, ethnicity, and political leaningseffectively weaponizing personal information to maximize persuasion.

Reddit fights back: Legal action looms

When Reddits moderators discovered the scheme, they swiftly banned the bot accounts and alerted the community. Chief Legal Officer Ben Lee called the experiment "deeply wrong on both a moral and legal level" and confirmed that the platform is preparing formal legal demands against the University of Zurich.

The researchers, however, defended their work, claiming it was approved by the universitys ethics committee and arguing that their findings could help combat "malicious" AI manipulation in the future. But critics arent buying it.

"People do not come here to discuss their views with AI or to be experimented upon," the r/ChangeMyView moderators wrote. "People who visit our sub deserve a space free from this type of intrusion."

A dangerous precedent: AI as a tool for mass manipulation

This scandal exposes a disturbing trend: governments, corporations, and now academic institutions are weaponizing AI to shape public opinion. While Western nations frequently accuse foreign actors (like Russia) of using bot farms to interfere in elections, this case reveals that the same tactics are being tested by trusted institutions.

Carissa Veliz, an ethics expert at the University of Oxford, slammed the study: "The study was based on manipulation and deceit with non-consenting research subjects. That seems like it was unjustified."

Even more chilling? The researchers lied to the AI itself, instructing it that users had "provided informed consent"a blatant falsehood that suggests the chatbots had better ethical safeguards than the scientists running the experiment.

The University of Zurichs covert AI experiment on Reddit has exposed a disturbing frontier in digital manipulationone where bots dont just spread misinformation but weaponize human empathy to reshape opinions. By impersonating vulnerable groupssexual assault survivors, Black conservatives, and trauma counselorsthese AI agents didnt just participate in debates; they exploited trust to steer conversations in the shadows. While researchers defend their methods as "ethical," critics warn that such deception erodes the very fabric of online discourse, turning social platforms into psychological battlegrounds. With Reddit condemning the study and weighing legal action, the incident forces a chilling question: If AI can secretly influence us by pretending to be human, whoor whatcan we trust in the age of algorithmic persuasion? The answer may determine the future of free thought itself.

Sources include:

RT.com

Engadget.com

NewScientist.com
Trump signs executive order defunding NPR and PBS

President Donald Trump signed an order on May 1 to end federal funding for NPR and PBS, escalating his long-standing push to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes $535 million annually to public media.

The order cites partisan bias in NPR and PBS, including NPR's 87:0 Democrat-leaning staff ratio, disproportionate Republican coverage (7:1) and downplaying of stories like Hunter Biden's laptop. PBS is accused of framing GOP policies as "far-right" while avoiding "far-left" labels.

Key defunding measures, include immediate cessation of direct federal funding to NPR/PBS, blocking indirect subsidies via CPB-backed local stations, FCC investigation into alleged bias and discrimination and HHS review of employment practices under RFK Jr.

Both networks vowed to challenge the order in court, calling it an attack on public service journalism. PBS CEO Paula Kerger and NPR's Katherine Maher condemned the move as unlawful and threatened litigation.

The order reflects Trump's years-long effort to cut CPB funding (proposed in 2017, 2019 budgets), framing public media as politically skewed, while opponents argue it undermines educational and emergency broadcasting.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order halting federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), escalating his years-long campaign against the public broadcasters, which he and Republican allies accuse of political bias.

The order, signed on May 1, directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) board, the primary federal entity that funnels millions in taxpayer money to these organizations annually, to terminate direct funding for NPR and PBS "to the maximum extent allowed by law" and to "decline to provide future funding."

The CPB distributes $535 million in taxpayer funding annually to support public radio and television stations, as well as educational and cultural programming. In turn, stations like NPR and PBS should provide free and universal access to news, emergency alerts and diverse programming that serves the public interest.

However, Trump argued that NPR and PBS exhibit a pronounced liberal bias despite their claims of neutrality. Evidence includes the overwhelming Democratic staff affiliation (87 Democrats, zero Republicans in one survey) of NPR and instances of editorial imbalance, such as downplaying the Hunter Biden laptop story and initially dismissing the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) lab leak theory. NPR's coverage also disproportionately features Republican voices (7:1 ratio) while underrepresenting opposition to movements like the Tea Party.

PBS, on the other hand, has been accused of partisan framing, frequently labeling Republican policies as "far-right" while rarely using "far-left" and airing progressive-aligned children's content. Additionally, NPR's support for DEI initiatives, defense of looting as "reparations" and establishment of a "Disinformation Reporting Team" in 2022 have fueled perceptions of institutional bias, reinforcing claims that public broadcasting skews left.

Key provisions to enforce this defunding include the immediate cessation of federal support to NPR and PBS (to the extent allowed by law), blocking indirect subsidies through CPB-funded local stations and mandating CPB policy revisions to prohibit such funding. Additionally, federal agencies are directed to terminate existing contracts with NPR and PBS, while the FCC is instructed to investigate potential unlawful discrimination or partisan bias by these organizations. (Related: FCC chairman launches investigation into NPR and PBS over alleged commercial violations.)

Beyond defunding, the order also directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to investigate NPR and PBS for possible employment discrimination. Additionally, it instructs all federal agencies to identify and cut off any indirect funding to the networks.

PBS and NPR CEOs vow to take legal action against the administration

PBS CEO Paula Kerger condemned the executive order, calling it a threat to the network's mission.

"The President's blatantly unlawful Executive Order, issued in the middle of the night, threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years, Kerger said in a statement the next morning, Friday. "We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans."

NPR echoed a similar statement and signaled it may take legal action against the administration.

"We will vigorously defend our right to provide essential news, information and life-saving services to the American public. We will challenge this executive order using all means available," said NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher.

All this, despite the evidence of their biased journalism.

MediaFactWatch.com has more media-related stories.

Watch this episode of "The Fascist New World Order Podcast" which touches on hate speech.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

PBS and NPR  The ultimate FAKE NEWS duo of all time.

Incoming FCC chairman Brendan Carr prepping for battle against censors: "Censorship is about stopping ideas."

Disinformation-spreading NPR launches 'disinformation reporting team.'

Defund NPR: Man plots to kill Biden, NPR omits from story that he was Bernie bro with books on Islam.

PBS shutters DEI office in wake of Trump's executive order.

Sources include:

JusttheNews.com

WhiteHouse.gov

CNN.com

NPR.org

Brighteon.com
UN expert demands legal action against EU leaders over Gaza complicity

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese accuses top EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, of complicity in Israels alleged war crimes in Gaza, citing continued trade, aid and arms sales despite mass civilian casualties.

A May 2024 ICC complaint seeks investigation into von der Leyen for aiding war crimes, with legal experts debating the feasibility of prosecuting EU leaders under international law, including the Genocide Convention.

The European Commission insists its diplomatic and economic ties with Israel promote "dialogue" on human rights, but critics argue this approach fails to curb atrocities, as evidenced by escalating violence.

Albanese faces death threats for her outspoken reports (e.g., Anatomy of a Genocide) but vows to continue exposing violations, citing moral duty amid ICJ rulings and leaked EU calls to suspend arms trade.

The case highlights tensions between international law and geopolitical interests, testing institutions like the ICC. Analysts warn that shielding allies undermines legal credibility, with 50,000+ deaths underscoring urgent need for enforcement.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has intensified her condemnation of European Union leadership, urging that top officials be held legally accountable for what she argues is their complicity in Israels war crimes during the Gaza conflict. In recent remarks, Albanese targeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, blaming their continued diplomatic and economic engagement with Israel for abetting atrocities since Israel launched its military operation in October 2023. With over 50,000 Palestinian civilian deaths reported and accusations of genocide mounting, Albaneses indictment highlights a darkening rift between international legal obligations and political realities.

Albaneses allegations of EU complicity

Albanese, the UNs Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, declared the EUs stance beyond deplorable during an exclusive interview with The Intercept. They will have to be judged before history does, she asserted, emphasizing that immunity from prosecution does not equate to impunity. Her accusations center on the EUs ongoing trade, aid and arms sales to Israel amid reports of Palestinian civilian deaths70% women and childrena figure she rightly calls ethnically cleansing and genocide.

The rapporteur also criticized Kallas for softening the EUs stance during a March visit to Tel Aviv, where the foreign affairs chief claimed both sides lose in the conflict. Albanese derided the remark as trivializing Palestinian suffering, arguing it reflects systemic EU complicity.

ICC complaints and complicity under international law

A formal complaint was filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in May 2024 urging that von der Leyen be investigated for aiding and abetting war crimes. Middlesex University international law professor William Schabas acknowledged the legal basis for charges of complicity under the Rome Statute, which prohibits state and institutional support for crimes under international law. However, he said precedents for prosecuting non-state parties like EU leaders are scarce.

Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani framed the issue differently, citing the 1948 Genocide Convention, which binds signatories to act against mass atrocities. Active normalization and support for genocide violates their legal obligations, he argued, calling the EUs diplomatic and economic backing a case of lawless solidarity.

EU defends engagement as dialogue over impunity

The European Commission has pushed back against Albaneses claims, emphasizing its commitment to international law through trade and diplomatic ties. Spokesperson Gioia Franchellucci stated the EUs long-standing association agreement with Israel mandates ongoing dialogue to address concerns. Critics, however, say such dialogue has done little to curb hostilities.

Albanese countered this reasoning, questioning the EUs selective priorities. She mocked Brussels use of the European Civil Protection Mechanism to assist Israel with wildfires: I wonder whether similar efforts could be mobilized for Palestinian children burned alive in plastic tents.

Personal risks and a bolder UN voice

Albanese revealed she and her family have faced death threats since publishing her damning 2024 Anatomy of a Genocide report. Yet she continues to defy intimidation. The mafia kills through silence, she said, referencing threats she calls a challenge to my moral courage.

Her stance echoes growing international pressure. A leaked EU internal report from late 2024 urged suspending arms trade and diplomatic ties, but Brussels has rejected containment measures. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice ruled in Feb. 2025 that Israels Gaza policies may amount to genocide, demanding eased humanitarian accessa ruling Israel has repeatedly ignored.

From Palestinian occupations to modern legal awakening

The current crisis traces to Israels post-October 2023 offensive following Hamas 1,200-fatality attack on civilians, but the roots of the conflict stretch back decades. The EUs role as both financier and mediator complicates accountability. Post-WWII institutions like the ICC, created to prevent future atrocities, now face an existential test: Can they enforce laws when global powers and blocs defy them?

Analysts say the case underscores a systemic flaw: wealthy nations often shield allies from consequences. This case isnt about Israel, Schabas noted. Its about the EUs willingness to subordinate human rights to geopolitical interests.

A crossroads for international laws credibility

As Albaneses report on institutional complicity nears completion, the world watches whether legal frameworks can transcend political inertia. Her call for accountabilityhowever contentiousreflects a broader reckoning: can international law hold multinational institutions to the same standards it demands of states? With over 50,000 civilian lives lost and accusations of genocide unresolved, the answer may define the ICCs relevance in 21st-century conflicts.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

TheIntercept.com

HelsinkiTimes.fi
United CEO warns Newark Airport is unsafe as staffing crisis triggers flight chaos

Newark Airport faces chaos for the seventh day, with flight delays, staffing shortages, and warnings from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to avoid the airport due to safety concerns.

Air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact for 90 seconds, exposing outdated technology, while the FAA admits the system relies on obsolete infrastructure like "floppy disks."

United Airlines canceled 35 daily flights, citing an overwhelmed system, and Kirby warns Newark cannot handle current flight volumes, forcing reductions for safety.

A critical shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide worsens the crisis, with Newarks facility chronically understaffed and stressed workers taking leave after the outage.

With runway construction and peak travel season approaching, passengers face extended delays, raising fears of a broader aviation system collapse due to neglected infrastructure.

For the seventh straight day, travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport faced chaos, with delayed flights, harried passengers, and a chilling warning from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: Avoid Newark at all costs. The airport, one of the busiest in the nation, has become a flashpoint for Americas crumbling air traffic control infrastructure, with controllers losing radar contact, staffing shortages reaching critical levels, and airlines slashing flights in desperation.

It is not safe, an unnamed Newark air traffic controller bluntly told NBC News Tom Costello in an unsolicited warning. Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs. The dire assessment came as United Airlines canceled 35 daily round-trip flights, citing a system pushed beyond its limits. Kirby didnt mince words: Newark cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.

"We lost radar": A system on the brink

The crisis reached a breaking point on April 28, when air traffic controllers guiding planes into Newark lost radar and radio communications for roughly 90 seconds. Audio obtained by LiveATC.net captured the panic: Approach, are you there? a United pilot repeatedly called out before finally getting a response. The outage, blamed on antiquated technology, triggered a cascade of delays and diversions.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admitted the system is held together by floppy disks" and "copper wires, calling it incredibly old and ill-equipped for modern air traffic. The FAA insists the skies remain safe, but only because it deliberately slows or grounds flights when controllers are overwhelmed.

Staffing shortages compound the chaos

The technology meltdown was exacerbated by what Kirby described as a walkout by 20% of Newarks controllers, though the union disputes this, saying stressed workers took legally protected leave after the traumatic outage. Either way, the staffing crisis is undeniable. The U.S. faces a shortage of 3,000 controllers nationwide, with Newarks facility chronically understaffed for years, according to Kirby.

The FAAs solution, which involved relocating some Newark controllers to Philadelphia, hasnt fixed the problem. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy slammed the move, noting it has not "led to the desired outcome. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark, urged the FAA to address ongoing staffing shortages and accelerate long-overdue technology upgrades.

A summer of travel turmoil looms

With runway construction further straining operations and peak travel season approaching, Uniteds flight cuts may be just the beginning. The airline warned passengers to expect more disruptions, while the FAA imposed ground stops, causing delays of up to four hours. Travelers like Geraldine Wallace, stranded for three hours, voiced unease: And so if they are understaffed and the people that are covering are going to be overtired, theyre doing longer shifts, as a flyer, thats making me feel very nervous, actually.

The crisis underscores a broader failure to modernize U.S. aviation infrastructure. Duffy pledged a brand-new air traffic control system, but admitted it could take years. Until then, Newark and the passengers who rely on it remain at the mercy of a patchwork system teetering on collapse.

Newarks meltdown is more than a temporary inconvenience; its a warning. Between failing technology, exhausted controllers, and airlines forced to slash flights, the airport has become a symbol of Americas neglected aviation system. As Kirby put it, theres no other choice but to reduce flights for safetys sake. For travelers, the message is clear: buckle up. The turbulence isnt ending anytime soon.

Sources for this article include:

The-Sun.com

CNBC.com

NYPost.com

CNN.com

ABCNews.go.com
U.S. withdraws as mediator in Ukraine-Russia war

The U.S. announced on May 1, that it will no longer lead negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia war, shifting responsibility to Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict.

The decision follows months of stalled talks, unmet demands for peace proposals, and a recent surge in violence, including a major Russian missile strike on Kyiv.

Vice President J.D. Vance stated the war is in a stalemate and that the U.S. won't waste further political capital on unproductive talks, urging both sides to compromise.

The Trump administration is prioritizing U.S. domestic issues and expects Europe to take a larger role in regional security, reducing Americas diplomatic involvement abroad.

With no clear mediator to replace the U.S., Ukraine and Russia face tough choices  continued fighting or concessions  while global powers watch for signs of resolution.

The United States is stepping back from its role as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia war, marking a significant shift in diplomatic strategy. On May 1, the State Department confirmed that Washington will no longer lead negotiations, instead urging both sides to take responsibility for ending the brutal conflict.

Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a sobering assessment, declaring the war is unlikely to end soon, while State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that the U.S. will not "fly around the world" to broker talks. The decision follows months of failed diplomacy, escalating violence, and unmet demands for concrete peace proposalsleaving Ukraine and Russia at a crossroads.

A strategic retreat from mediation

For years, the U.S. positioned itself as the primary mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, leveraging its global influence to push for ceasefires and negotiations. But after repeated rejections from Russia and deepening battlefield stalemates, the Trump administration has decided to recalibrate its approach. The State Department warned weeks ago that it would withdraw unless both sides presented serious proposalsa condition that went unfulfilled. Now, Washington is signaling that endless shuttle diplomacy is over. (Related: Trump warns Zelensky: Accept peace or risk losing Ukraine.)

Vance's stark warning

Vice President Vance reinforced the administration's stance in a blunt Fox News interview, stating that the war is stuck in a grim stalemate. His message was clear: The U.S. cannot force peace if the warring parties refuse to compromise. While President Trump previously attempted to bring both leaders to the table, Vance stressed that the U.S. will no longer expend political capital on fruitless negotiations. Instead, he placed the burden squarely on Kyiv and Moscow to find a resolution  or face the consequences of prolonged war.

Escalation undermines diplomacy

The timing of the U.S. withdrawal is no coincidence. Just days before the announcement, Russia launched its largest missile attack on Kyiv since July 2024, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding dozens more. Ukrainian officials condemned the assault as proof of Moscows unwillingness to negotiate in good faith. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has rejected U.S.-backed peace plans, insisting on recognition of its territorial gains  a nonstarter for Ukraine. With violence escalating and no concessions in sight, Washingtons patience wore thin.

Domestic priorities take precedence

Behind the scenes, the Trump administration is refocusing on domestic crises, from economic revitalization to immigration enforcement. The White House has long argued that America's resources should not be endlessly diverted to foreign conflicts without clear progress. By stepping back from Ukraine mediation, the administration is freeing up diplomatic bandwidth for other global challenges  while sending a message that Europe must also shoulder more responsibility for regional security.

What comes next?

The U.S. withdrawal leaves a vacuum in peace efforts, raising questions about who, if anyone, can fill the mediator role. European leaders have struggled to present a unified front, and China's attempts at brokering talks have yielded little. Ukraine now faces a difficult choice: continue fighting without guaranteed U.S. diplomatic backing or make painful concessions to end the war. For Russia, the path forward remains equally uncertainescalation risks further isolation, but compromise undermines Putin's wartime narrative.

America's retreat from mediation marks a pivotal moment in the Ukraine war. After years of high-stakes diplomacy, Washington has concluded that only Kyiv and Moscow can decide their fate. The conflict's next phase will test whether both sides are truly ready for peaceor if the bloodshed will grind on without U.S. intervention. For now, the world watches, waiting to see if either nation blinks first.

Watch as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that the U.S. will abandon Ukraine peace efforts "within days" if no progress is made.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Zelensky's former aide declares that Ukraine has LOST THE WAR with Russia.

Lavrov: Outgoing Biden administration SABOTAGING Trump's efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump weighs heavy SANCTIONS and tariffs on Russia to end Ukraine war.

Ukraine wants 30,000 conscripts MONTHLY to continue its senseless war with Russia.

Total casualties in Russia-Ukraine war hit 1M mark.

Sources include:

Thenationalpulse.com

United24media.com

Kyivindependent.com

Brighteon.com
USDA Secretary warns of chronic disease crisis emanating from FOOD STAMPS, calls for junk food CRACKDOWN, prioritizing NUTRITIOUS OPTIONS

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins warns that poor nutrition in federal food programs is driving a chronic disease crisis that could "bankrupt" America.

SNAP benefits currently allow purchases of junk food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks, worsening obesity and diabetes among low-income families.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Rollins push for reforms to remove artificial dyes, restrict unhealthy foods from SNAP, and realign food subsidies with health priorities.

Republican lawmakers introduce bills to ban junk food from SNAP, arguing taxpayers shouldnt fund products that lead to costly health problems.

Critics claim restrictions ignore food deserts, affordability issues, and government subsidies that make unhealthy foods cheaper than nutritious options.

The U.S. government is spending $370 million every day on nutrition programs that are poisoning low-income families with processed junk food, sugary drinks, and chemical-laden snacksall while fueling an epidemic of diabetes, obesity, and chronic disease that threatens to collapse the nations healthcare system.

Thats the dire warning from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who revealed the staggering cost of federal food programs in a recent interview, declaring that taxpayer-funded malnutrition is setting up America for economic disaster.

"We spend $370 million a day on nutrition programs," Rollins told the All-In podcast. "Thats just USDA. That is a stunning number. Weve got to do better."

The crisis is most visible in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which currently allows recipients to purchase candy, soda, chips, and other ultra-processed foods linked to chronic illness. Meanwhile, 74% of American adolescents fail military readiness tests due to poor healtha statistic Rollins calls a "massive challenge facing America."

The junk food subsidy scandal

For decades, the federal government has subsidized corporate food giants by allowing SNAP dollars to flow toward products that addict and sicken the poor.

"Taxpayers fund junk food and sugary drinks at the front end, leading to diabetes and other issues, while the back-end costs of treating chronic diseases are bankrupting states through Medicaid," Rollins said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of industrial food corruption, is now working with Rollins to overhaul SNAP.

"The one place that we need to really change policy is the SNAP program and food stamps and in school lunches," Kennedy told Fox News. "There, the federal government in many cases is paying for it. And we shouldn't be subsidizing people to eat poison."

Kennedy recently announced plans to ban eight artificial food dyes by 2026, targeting petroleum-based additives like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5.

Republican push to restrict junk food purchases

Lawmakers are now introducing bills to strip SNAP benefits from junk food, arguing that taxpayers shouldnt foot the bill for products that worsen public health.

Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, banning soda, candy, and desserts from SNAP purchases.

Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) proposed blocking sugary carbonated drinks.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders demanded federal action, calling SNAP junk food purchases a driver of "obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension."

"If someone wants to buy junk food on their own dime, that's up to them," Brecheen said. "But don't ask the taxpayer to pay for it and then also expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for the resulting health consequences."

Critics argue that banning junk food without addressing food deserts and price disparities will only punish the poor. "Soda and candy are much cheaper and more calorie-dense than 100% fruit juices," said Valerie Imbruce of Washington College, blaming federal sugar subsidies for distorting the market.

But Kennedy and Rollins insist the real issue is corporate control of the food supply. "We have them on the run now, and we are going to win this battle," Kennedy declared. "Four years from now, we're going to have most of these [toxic] products off the market."

For years, the government has paid corporations to addict the poor to poison, then billed taxpayers again for the medical fallout. Now, with chronic diseases threatening to collapse the economy, will Washington finally cut off the junk food pipelineor continue feeding the very crisis it claims to fight?

As Kennedy put it: "We shouldn't be subsidizing people to eat poison."

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

X.com

Newsweek.com
Greenes firebrand critique: War, Ukraine deal and a GOP base in turmoil

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) warned that her dissent signals broader GOP base dissatisfaction, which could harm the partys electoral prospects post-Trump.

Greene opposed military threats against Iran, calling it reckless escalation. She also slammed a uranium deal with Ukraine, comparing it to the Iraq Wars failures and accusing the U.S. of exploiting foreign resources while neglecting domestic reserves.

Greene demanded removal of mRNA vaccines from childhood schedules, alleging FDA/CDC overreach.

According to Greene, the base wont blindly support future GOP leaders without action on border security, pharmaceutical accountability, and judicial reform.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a fiercely independent voice in the Republican Party, delivered a sharply worded critique of the Trump administrations policies Friday, warning that her unhappiness  and that of the GOP base she claims to represent  could foretell electoral disaster for Republicans once President Trump exits the ballot. In a sprawling social media post, Greene condemned the administrations stance on Iran, slammed a controversial uranium deal with Ukraine, and lashed out at Congress for failing to advance key conservative priorities, from curbing transgender-related healthcare access for minors to boosting election integrity. When you are losing MTG, you are losing the base, she wrote. With Trump ineligible to stand in 2028, Greene framed her dissent as a red flag for the partys longer-term prospects.

A foreign policy crossroads: Iran, Ukraine and the costs of intervention

Greenes fiercest rebuke centered on the administrations approach to foreign policy, particularly its positioning toward Iran and Ukraine. I campaigned for no more foreign wars, she declared, arguing that the U.S. risks global conflict by threatening military action against Iran, which possesses nuclear weapons and a formidable army. Why would we bomb Iran on behalf of other nations? she asked, implicitly criticizing what she called reckless escalation.

Her disdain intensified over the recently finalized agreement to secure Ukrainian uranium deposits as repayment for U.S. military and financial aid. The White House has described the deal as a partnership to fund Ukraines reconstruction, with 50% of royalties from Ukrainian resource projects funneled to U.S.-backed infrastructure. But Greene likened it to the Iraq War, where preemptive military action purportedly targeting weapons of mass destruction yielded no WMDs, massive debt, and prolonged instability.

Were being asked to occupy Ukraine, spending untold billions, to mine other countries resources while ignoring our own untapped reserves on federal land, she asserted. This isnt just bad policyits dangerous. She emphasized that Kyivs record, including President Volodymyr Zelenskys controversial actions (from his prior anti-Trump advocacy to suspending elections), justified skepticism. Ukraines leader displayed a shocking level of unfriendliness toward Trump in the past, she noted, and [he] openly campaigned for Biden!

Domestic frustrations: Vaccines, trans-youth care and election integrity

Greene also ripped into the Biden eras pandemic response, still unresolved in her view. The mRNA vaccine is still on the childhood schedule, she wrote, demanding its removal amid reports of adverse health effects. Big pharma has made billions  enough already! We need accountability for the tyrannical FDA and CDC overreach. The White House has defended booster recommendations but faces growing legal challenges from anti-vaccination groups.

On transgender youth, she doubled down on her opposition to medical interventions, calling policymakers complicit in a child assault abetted by rogue school systems. You cant legally tattoo a child, yet educators are grooming them into gender experiments? she fumed, urging Republicans to combat federal court overreach blocking state laws restricting puberty blockers and hormones for minors.

Election integrity, a signature 2020 issue, remains her north star. She faulted Congress for not rescinding Biden-era administrative actions relaxing voter fraud safeguards. Without secure elections, the American experiment dies, she warned. Similarly, Greene interoperated the Department of Government Efficiencys (DOGE) rescissions  sweeping spending cuts to federal agencies  as a key priority, chiding GOP leaders for diluting these savings in reconciliation talks.

A caution for a post-Trump world

Greenes remarks underscored a looming tension: Her ideological extremity represents the partys most ardent base, which propelled Trump to victory. Yet her readiness to publicly split with the White House signals fraying coalitions. The base will not sit still just to line up behind whoever is in the Oval Office, she stated, emphasizing demands for partisan courage on border security (We have illegal aliens, not migrants!), pharma accountability, and court reforms targeting judges who block deportation orders.

Her warnings about losing the base carry weight: A Fox News poll this week found just 46% of Republicans approve of how Trump is handling the economy, a task he once pledged to rebuild to unheard of levels. Her critique  issuing as Democrats prepare to regain House control in 2026  aims to pressure Republicans ahead of gridlocked budget negotiations.

Greenes defiance may spill into legislative battles, particularly over infrastructure votes tied to the Ukraine uranium deal or any military aid escalation for Kyiv. I will not vote for a single bullet or penny to Ukraine until the deal is reviewed, she vowed, adding that a rejection of stops on future funds could galvanize opposition from her allies.

A fractured foothold and the road ahead

Greenes missive distills a party caught between its post-Trump identity and its survival instinct. Her stance  bridging populist causes with hardline anti-elite rhetoricoffers neither easy answers nor a unified agenda. But her ability to reflect raw base sentiment, even as collective GOP frustrations simmer, ensures shell stay a disruptive force. As another former aide observed: MTG is both a lightning rod and a litmus test for where the right stands  not just on policy, but on whether it can maintain its will after 2028.

For now, Greene remains undeterred. When you lose MTG, you lose the base, she insists. The question is whether Republicans can reconcile her demands  or, if she becomes an election-year albatross, coming just in time to test how much their base costs them.

Sources for this article include:

TheAmericanConservative.com

X.com

FoxNews.com

WashingtonTimes.com
White House conceals casualty figures in unilateral Yemen campaign amid policy shifts and growing backlash

The Trump administration faces criticism for withholding details on U.S. military casualties and civilian deaths from unauthorized airstrikes in Yemen, with over 1,000 conducted since March. Critics accuse it of bypassing constitutional checks.

Lawmakers, including Reps. Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, demand accountability, condemning the administrations secrecy and unconstitutional military actions, citing incidents like the USS Truman jet crash and sailor injuries.

National security adviser Michael Waltz was fired after advocating aggressive Yemen strikes and aligning with Israels Netanyahu, conflicting with Trumps diplomatic approach. His removal signals internal divisions.

Groups like Just Foreign Policy criticize the secrecy as contradicting Trumps anti-war rhetoric, highlighting civilian harm (e.g., school bus bombing) and the lack of legal or constitutional justification for the campaign.

The unilateral Yemen strikes violate War Powers Act timelines, raising concerns about unchecked presidential power. Congress debates reining in such actions amid eroding public trust and unresolved human costs.

The Trump administration faces mounting scrutiny after withholding details about U.S. military casualties and civilian deaths in its unilateral Yemen campaign. Since March, the U.S. has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes against Houthi forces without congressional authorization, yet the White House, CENTCOM and the Pentagon have refused to disclose the number of American service members killed or injured. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups, accuse the administration of circumventing constitutional checks on its power while failing to account for the human toll. A recent incident involving the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrierwhere an F/A-18 plunged into the Red Sea after evading a Yemeni missilehas intensified calls for transparency from a White House accused of obscuring wartime realities.

Congressional outcry over lack of accountability

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California led a bipartisan reproach of the administrations secrecy, demanding immediate transparency: The administration should be transparent about the number of U.S. casualties from the attacks on the Houthis. His colleague, Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington, echoed these concerns, condemning the presidents unconstitutional military action and warning such unilateral decisions risk U.S. lives.

The stakes are underscored by an April accident aboard the USS Truman, where a $60 million jet was lost overboard during a sharp evasive maneuver, injuring a sailor. While the Pentagon cites Houthi threats as justification for the operation, lawmakers argue the administration has bypassed Congress. Neither this service member, nor any of the others in Yemen, should have ever been in harms way, said Jayapal.

When The Intercept sought casualty data, officials passed responsibility among agencies, citing bureaucratic deferals. During Bidens tenure, CENTCOM and the Pentagon routinely disclosed such details, including specific attack synopses and casualty breakdownsa contrast advocates stress highlights Trumps deliberate retrenchment in transparency.

Policy clashes trigger key advisers ouster

Michael Waltz, Trumps recently dismissed national security adviser, embodied the tensions over Yemen strategy and military escalation. Waltz advocated aggressive measures, including strike coordination with Israel, which reportedly clashed with the presidents preference for cautious diplomacy.

The fatal blow for Waltz came when he inadvertently included a journalist in a Signal chat about Yemen strikes. But deeper discord stemmed from his closer alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who pressured for an Iran military strike ahead of a February Oval Office meeting. A White House official described Waltzs transgressions: You work for the president of your country, not a president of another country.

Waltzs removal coincided with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths order extending the USS Trumans deployment in the Red Seaa decision signaling prolonged U.S. engagement. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles cemented the shift, framing Waltzs UN ambassador nomination as an end to competing visions within the administration.

Public disapproval and advocacy group criticism

Advocacy groups like Just Foreign Policy lambast the secrecy as a betrayal of Trumps peace through strength rhetoric. Erik Sperling of the group noted, Withholding basic information hides how officials violate Trumps anti-war promises. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified attacks since 2023 in retaliation for U.S. and Saudi support of Yemens government.

Recent U.S. strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and a March 2025 school bus bombingusing a Raytheon-made bombhighlight the campaigns collateral damage. The lack of accountability, critics argue, fuels public distrust. This war  has no legitimate basis under the U.S. Constitution or international law, said Sperling.

Historical context and constitutional concerns

The U.S. role in Yemen dates back to the Obama administrations support for Saudi-led coalition strikes against Houthi rebels. By 2023, Houthi attacks on U.S. ships, linked to the Gaza conflict, escalated U.S. retaliation. Trumps Operation Rough Rider represents a stark break from constitutional norms: the War Powers Act mandates congressional approval for military actions exceeding 60 days, a deadline the administration has bypassed.

Former officials speculate Waltzs influence pushed a hawkish agenda at odds with Trumps neutral election promisesa strategy that now strains traditional Republican foreign policy pillars. Meanwhile, advocacy groups demand adherence to the Biden-era precedent of public reporting, calling it essential for democratic accountability.

A crossroads for U.S. foreign policy

As Congress weighs measures to curb unilateral military actions, the Yemen campaign underscores deepening divides over national security strategy. With transparency waning and personnel at risk, the administrations secrecy risks eroding public trust. Underlying the debate is a constitutional question: How far can presidents extend military power without congressional checks in an era of irregular conflicts? For now, the unanswered cost of warand the fate of those serving in itremains shrouded in secrecy, challenging both lawmakers and citizens to demand accountability from an administration grappling with its own internal strife.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.com

TheIntercept.com
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"Our mothers taught us  and we aimed to impart the same to our children  to be kind and respectful, not to fight, bully and pick on others who are weaker or poorer. Yet that is exactly how Donald Trump operates," write Helene Kacich and Ruth Mytty.
Muscle cells contain their own circadian clocks and disrupting them with shift work can have a profound impact on aging, according to new research.

A study published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) contributes to the growing evidence of the damage shift work has on health.

The King's College London team revealed how muscle cells have an intrinsic timekeeping mechanism that regulates protein turnover, modulating muscle growth and function. At night, the muscle clock activates the breakdown of defective proteins, replenishing muscles while the body rests.

Altering this intrinsic muscle clock was associated with muscle decline seen with age, known as sarcopenia. This implies that disrupting circadian rhythms, as with shift work, accelerates the aging process.

The scientists used zebrafish in the research  which are often used in biological studies. Zebrafish share up to 70% of genes with humans, which are easy to modify in the laboratory, and are transparent, so their muscles are easily observed under a microscope.

To investigate the impact of circadian disruption on muscle cells, we impaired the muscle clock function in zebrafish by overexpressing a malfunctioning clock protein. We then monitored the fish for two years, comparing them to healthy controls. While no significant differences in muscle size were observed at younger ages  six months and one year  fish lacking a functional muscle clock showed clear signs of premature aging at two years. They were shorter, weighed less, swam less frequently and at slower speeds. These are hallmarks of sarcopenia and overall decline in mobility, which has been reported in shift workers." Jeffrey Kelu, Lead Author, Research Associate, King's College London

To understand the underlying mechanism, the researchers investigated protein turnover, a process essential for maintaining muscle mass, often impaired with aging. They showed that during rest at night, the muscle clock regulates the degradation of defective muscle proteins, which accumulate throughout the day due to usage.

The study showed that this 'nocturnal clearance' is essential for preserving muscle function. So, the accumulation of defective proteins may drive the accelerated muscle decline observed in aged fish with a dysfunctional muscle clock and in shift workers.

Dr. Kelu said: "In the UK, approximately four million shift workers play a vital role in keeping businesses and emergency services operational around the clock. Our study provides further evidence that the disruption of circadian rhythms in shift workers compromises multiple aspects of health.

"Understanding how circadian disruption contributes to sarcopenia is essential for developing strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of shift workers.

"Our findings highlight the possibility of using circadian biology to develop treatments aimed at preventing muscle decline in shift workers. Preclinical studies using drugs to modulate specific clock proteins are currently underway. This paves the way for future therapies that could improve aging in shift workers."

Co-author Professor Simon Hughes, expert in developmental cell biology, added: "This work shows how studying something as complicated as muscle growth in a simple system, like little fish larva, can really teach us something. Of course, someone then has to check if it's also true in people  but at least the fish show us where to look."
Wheat is a major source of calories, carbohydrates and protein worldwide, and its distinctive gluten proteins are what gives bread and pasta dough texture and elasticity. But it also can cause autoimmune reactions such as celiac disease, which is growing in prevalence worldwide.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have deleted a cluster of genes in wheat that generates gluten proteins that can trigger immune reactions without harming the breadmaking quality of this globally nutritious crop.

The findings, published this month in the journal Theoretical and Applied Genetics, won't produce a celiac-safe form of wheat but represent a critical step forward in celiac disease research, said Maria Rottersman, a lead author on the paper and a doctoral student in plant biology working in the lab of wheat geneticist Jorge Dubcovsky.

The gluten proteins we eliminated are the ones that trigger the strongest response in people with celiac disease, and their elimination can reduce the risk of triggering the disease in people without celiac disease." Jorge Dubcovsky, wheat geneticist

Gluten is comprised of two classes of proteins  glutenins and gliadins  and deleting them all would lower the quality of bread. The research team used gamma radiation to target and delete alpha-gliadins, which can cause severe reactions in people with celiac disease.

"Wheat is a staple crop, and many people are reliant on it for calories," Rottersman said. "It becomes a barrier when people are not able to safely eat wheat. Alpha-gliadins are definitely candidates for removal in terms of trying to create a less allergenic wheat."

On the market

The team produced seeds from these edited varieties and tested the quality of the wheat and dough at the California Wheat Commission quality lab. Once the value of these breeding lines was established, they were deposited in the Germplasm Resources Information Network, or GRIN, operated by the Agricultural Research Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make them widely available.

"The exciting thing that we found is that the quality of the flour produced by this wheat is actually, in some cases, improved," Rottersman said. "Growers can not only grow it but can expect to have a higher quality product, which I think is a huge incentive for folks to widely adopt this variety. They can be planted in the same way that normal wheat is planted."

Artisanal bakers, millers and farm-to-fork operations have expressed interest in the new varieties. The seeds are planted like any other crop and don't require special handling. The varieties are conventionally bred and suitable for California, Rottersman said.

"It was previously assumed that the elimination of gliadins would have a negative effect on breadmaking quality," Dubcovsky said. "Our study shows that this is not always the case and that we can reduce wheat allergenicity and improve quality at the same time."

German Burguener, Joshua Hegarty, Junli Zhang, Wenjun Zhang and Xiaoqin Zhang in the Department of Plant Sciences contributed to the research, as did scientists from the UC Davis Proteomics Core Facility, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Wheat Commission and the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.

Funding for the research came from the Celiac Disease Foundation, USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.
Growing up poor may leave a lasting biological imprint, increasing the odds of frailty decades laterevidence from nearly 80,000 adults across 29 countries underscores the lifelong toll of early deprivation.

Study: Growing up in poverty, growing old in frailty: the life course shaping of health in the United States, England and Europea prospective and retrospective study. Image Credit: jrmiller482 / Shutterstock

In a recent article published in the journal Scientific Reports, Gindo Tampubolon, a researcher at the University of Manchester, UK, investigated whether people who experienced poverty during their childhood are more likely to develop signs of frailty in their old age.

The analysiss findings indicated that childhood poverty was significantly associated with an increased probability of frailty during later life, with women overall showing higher probabilities of frailty. Other contributing factors to frailty, including childhood illness, wealth, and education, highlighted the long-term effects of deprivation during early life on health.

Background

Childhood poverty is known to increase the risk of health problems in later life, such as disability, poor mental and cognitive function, and physical decline. Previous research has found that adults who grew up poor tend to have worse muscle strength, mood, and memory in old age across 29 high-income countries..

Researchers consider these findings to be evidence for the concept of the long arm of childhood conditions, which suggests that early life adversity can have lasting effects throughout life.

However, less is known about whether it also contributes to frailty, an age-related condition involving declines across multiple organ systems and leading to worse clinical outcomes and higher healthcare costs.

About the study

In this study, the author tested whether childhood poverty predicts frailty in older adults, even after considering factors from later life such as education, marital status, and adult health.

Using data from three large-scale aging studies representing nearly 80,000 older adults from the United States, England, and Europe, the study investigated whether poor material conditions in childhood still impact frailty in people aged 50 and above. The research also considers the role of social determinants of health across the life course and examines whether the effects differ by sex or country.

The study used the frailty phenotype approach developed by Fried and colleagues. This approach defines frailty as meeting at least three out of five indicators: exhaustion, unintended weight loss, weakness, low energy, and slowness. To ensure comparability, this binary outcome (frail vs. non-frail) was consistently applied across the three datasets though slowness was measured via walking speed tests in the U.S. and England but self-reported mobility issues in Europe.

Childhood poverty was assessed using retrospective self-reports from participants aged 5095 (average age 66). Due to the possibility of recall errors, especially in older participants, the study employed a latent class approach to reduce recall bias and measurement error, constructing a more reliable measure of childhood poverty.

Data from the British and European surveys included indicators like the number of rooms, access to indoor plumbing, and heating. The American survey used more financially oriented indicators, such as moving due to financial hardship. Despite differences across regions, these variables were harmonized using established methods from earlier studies.

A fixed effects probit model including country fixed effects to account for differences in healthcare systems was used to estimate the association between childhood poverty and frailty, adjusting for confounding variables across the life course (e.g., parental occupation, youth illness, current age, sex, education, wealth, and marital status).

Findings

The study analyzed data from the United States, England, and 27 European countries, focusing on those who completed retrospective interviews. The analytic sample comprised 57% females, the mean age was 66.3 years, and 25.6% in Europe, 6% in the U.S., and 18.6% in England had experienced childhood poverty.

A fixed effects probit model revealed that childhood poverty significantly increased the likelihood of frailty in old age. Women were more likely to be frail overall, while higher education and wealth were protective factors. Illness in youth and having a father in a manual occupation were also associated with increased frailty.

Country-specific plots (including the U.S. and England) showed that childhood poverty consistently elevated frailty risk between ages 70 and 90, with significant regional differences across Europe and an overall frailty prevalence of 1.7% in the U.S., 4.3% in England, and 13.4% in Europe. Sensitivity analyses using random effects and sex-stratified models confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Overall, childhood poverty emerged as a strong, persistent determinant of frailty in later life across diverse health systems in high-income countries.

Probabilities of Frail among the childhood poor (dash) and non-poor (solid) in older people aged 7090 years in U.S., England and Europe based on models in Table 3 where all covariates are set at the sample averages. Analysis of HRS, ELSA and SHARE.

Conclusions

This study offers the first comprehensive cross-national evidence from 29 high-income countries linking childhood poverty to frailty in old age. Despite differences in health systems and welfare support, the association holds across nations.

These findings suggest that childhood poverty may cause long-term biological effects, possibly through epigenetic changes (including accelerated epigenetic aging observed in prior U.S. research) as a hypothesized mechanism, predisposing individuals to frailty. While some earlier studies showed weaker associations, variations in methodology and social systems (e.g., Swedens welfare model) may explain differences.

The studys strengths include its broad international scope and use of latent constructs to reduce error in retrospective data. However, its observational nature limits causal inference, and survivor and selection biases remain concerns.

Future research should explore low- and middle-income countries where childhood poverty is more prevalent, aligning with the goals of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. Addressing childhood poverty is essential to improving health outcomes across the life course.
Rennie Glasgow, who has served 15 years at the Social Security Administration, is seeing something new on the job: dead people.

They're not really dead, of course. In four instances over the past few weeks, he told KFF Health News, his Schenectady, New York, office has seen people come in for whom "there is no information on the record, just that they are dead." So employees have to "resurrect" them  affirm that they're living, so they can receive their benefits.

Revivals were "sporadic" before, and there's been an uptick in such cases across upstate New York, said Glasgow. He is also an official with the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represented 42,000 Social Security employees just before the start of President Donald Trump's second term.

Martin O'Malley, who led the Social Security Administration toward the end of the Joe Biden administration, said in an interview that he had heard similar stories during a recent town hall in Racine, Wisconsin. "In that room of 200 people, two people raised their hands and said they each had a friend who was wrongly marked as deceased when theyre very much alive," he said.

It's more than just an inconvenience, because other institutions rely on Social Security numbers to do business, Glasgow said. Being declared dead "impacts their bank account. This impacts their insurance. This impacts their ability to work. This impacts their ability to get anything done in society."

"They are terminating peoples financial lives," O'Malley said.

Though it's just one of the things advocates and lawyers worry about, these erroneous deaths come after a pair of initiatives from new leadership at the SSA to alter or update its databases of the living and the dead.

Holders of millions of Social Security numbers have been marked as deceased. Separately, according to The Washington Post and The New York Times, thousands of numbers belonging to immigrants have been purged, cutting them off from banks and commerce, in an effort to encourage these people to "self-deport."

Glasgow said SSA employees received an agency email in April about the purge, instructing them how to resurrect beneficiaries wrongly marked dead. "Why dont you just do due diligence to make sure what youre doing in the first place is correct?" he said.

The incorrectly marked deaths are just a piece of the Trump administration's crash program purporting to root out fraud, modernize technology, and secure the program's future.

But KFF Health News' interviews with more than a dozen beneficiaries, advocates, lawyers, current and former employees, and lawmakers suggest the overhaul is making the agency worse at its primary job: sending checks to seniors, orphans, widows, and those with disabilities.

Philadelphian Lisa Seda, who has cancer, has been struggling for weeks to sort out her 24-year-old niece's difficulties with Social Security's disability insurance program. There are two problems: first, trying to change her niece's address; second, trying to figure out why the program is deducting roughly $400 a month for Medicare premiums, when her disability lawyer  whose firm has a policy against speaking on the record  believes they could be zero.

Since March, sometimes Social Security has direct-deposited payments to her niece's bank account and other times mailed checks to her old address. Attempting to sort that out has been a morass of long phone calls on hold and in-person trips seeking an appointment.

Before 2025, getting the agency to process changes was usually straightforward, her lawyer said. Not anymore.

The need is dire. If the agency halts the niece's disability payments, "then she will be homeless," Seda recalled telling an agency employee. "I dont know if Im going to survive this cancer or not, but there is nobody else to help her."

Some of the problems are technological. According to whistleblower information provided to Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, the agency's efforts to process certain data have been failing more frequently. When that happens, "it can delay or even stop payments to Social Security recipients," the committee recently told the agency's inspector general.

While tech experts and former Social Security officials warn about the potential for a complete system crash, day-to-day decay can be an insidious and serious problem, said Kathleen Romig, formerly of the Social Security Administration and its advisory board and currently the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Beneficiaries could struggle to get appointments or the money they're owed, she said.

For its more than 70 million beneficiaries nationwide, Social Security is crucial. More than a third of recipients said they wouldn't be able to afford necessities if the checks stopped coming, according to National Academy of Social Insurance survey results published in January.

Advocates and lawyers say lately Social Security is failing to deliver, to a degree that's nearly unprecedented in their experience.

Carolyn Villers, executive director of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, said two of her members' March payments were several days late. "For one member that meant not being able to pay rent on time," she said. "The delayed payment is not something I've heard in the last 20 years."

When KFF Health News presented the agency with questions, Social Security officials passed them off to the White House. White House spokesperson Elizabeth Huston referred to Trump's "resounding mandate" to make government more efficient.

"He has promised to protect social security, and every recipient will continue to receive their benefits," Huston said in an email. She did not provide specific, on-the-record responses to questions.

Complaints about missed payments are mushrooming. The Arizona attorney general's office had received approximately 40 complaints related to delayed or disrupted payments by early April, spokesperson Richie Taylor told KFF Health News.

A Connecticut agency assisting people on Medicare said complaints related to Social Security  which often helps administer payments and enroll patients in the government insurance program primarily for those over age 65  had nearly doubled in March compared with last year.

Lawyers representing beneficiaries say that, while the historically underfunded agency has always had its share of errors and inefficiencies, it's getting worse as experienced employees have been let go.

"Were seeing more mistakes being made," said James Ratchford, a lawyer in West Virginia with 17 years' experience representing Social Security beneficiaries. "Were seeing more things get dropped."

What gets dropped, sometimes, are records of basic transactions. Kim Beavers of Independence, Missouri, tried to complete a periodic ritual in February: filling out a disability update form saying she remains unable to work. But her scheduled payments in March and April didn't show.

She got an in-person appointment to untangle the problem  only to be told there was no record of her submission, despite her showing printouts of the relevant documents to the agency representative. Beavers has a new appointment scheduled for May, she said.

Social Security employees frequently cite missing records to explain their inability to solve problems when they meet with lawyers and beneficiaries. A disability lawyer whose firm's policy does not allow them to be named had a particularly puzzling case: One client, a longtime Social Security disability recipient, had her benefits reassessed. After winning on appeal, the lawyer went back to the agency to have the payments restored  the recipient had been going without since February. But there was nothing there.

"To be told theyve never been paid benefits before is just chaos, right? Unconditional chaos," the lawyer said.

Researchers and lawyers say they have a suspicion about what's behind the problems at Social Security: the Elon Musk-led effort to revamp the agency.

Some 7,000 SSA employees have reportedly been let go; O'Malley has estimated that 3,000 more would leave the agency. "As the workloads go up, the demoralization becomes deeper, and people burn out and leave," he predicted in an April hearing held by House Democrats. "It's going to mean that if you go to a field office, you're going to see a heck of a lot more empty, closed windows."

The departures have hit the agencys regional payment centers hard. These centers help process and adjudicate some cases. It's the type of behind-the-scenes work in which "the problems surface first," Romig said. But if the staff doesn't have enough time, "those things languish."

Languishing can mean, in some cases, getting dropped by important programs like Medicare. Social Security often automatically deducts premiums, or otherwise administers payments, for the health program.

Lately, Melanie Lambert, a senior advocate at the Center for Medicare Advocacy, has seen an increasing number of cases in which the agency determines beneficiaries owe money to Medicare. The cash is sent to the payment centers, she said. And the checks "just sit there."

Beneficiaries lose Medicare, and those terminations also tend to happen sooner than they should, based on Social Securitys own rules," putting people into a bureaucratic maze, Lambert said.

Employees' technology is more often on the fritz. "Theres issues every single day with our system. Every day, at a certain time, our system would go down automatically," said Glasgow, of Social Security's Schenectady office. Those problems began in mid-March, he said.

The new problems leave Glasgow suspecting the worst. "Its more work for less bodies, which will eventually hype up the inefficiency of our job and make us, make the agency, look as though its underperforming, and then a closer step to the privatization of the agency," he said.

Jodie Fleischer of Cox Media Group contributed to this report.
When the news broke on Jan. 31 that a New York physician had been indicted for shipping abortion medications to a woman in Louisiana, it stoked fear across the network of doctors and medical clinics who engage in similar work.

Its scary. Its frustrating, said Angel Foster, co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, a clinic near Boston that mails mifepristone and misoprostol pills to patients in states with abortion bans. But, Foster added, its not entirely surprising.

Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion providers like her had been expecting prosecution or another kind of legal challenge from states with abortion bans, she said.

It was unclear when those tests would come, and would it be against an individual provider or a practice or organization? she said. Would it be a criminal indictment, or would it be a civil lawsuit," or even an attack on licensure? she wondered. "All of that was kind of unknown, and were starting to see some of this play out.

The indictment also sparked worry among abortion providers like Kohar Der Simonian, medical director for Maine Family Planning. The clinic doesnt mail pills into states with bans, but it does treat patients who travel from those states to Maine for abortion care.

It just hit home that this is real, like this could happen to anybody, at any time now, which is scary, Der Simonian said.

Der Simonian and Foster both know the indicted doctor, Margaret Carpenter.

I feel for her. I very much support her, Foster said. I feel very sad for her that she has to go through all of this.

On Jan. 31, Carpenter became the first U.S. doctor criminally charged for providing abortion pills across state lines  a medical practice that grew after the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision on June 24, 2022, which overturned Roe.

Since Dobbs, 12 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, and an additional 10 have outlawed the procedure after a certain point in pregnancy, but before a fetus is viable.

Carpenter was indicted alongside a Louisiana mother who allegedly received the mailed package and gave the pills prescribed by Carpenter to her minor daughter.

The teen wanted to keep the pregnancy and called 911 after taking the pills, according to an NPR and KFF Health News interview with Tony Clayton, the Louisiana local district attorney prosecuting the case. When police responded, they learned about the medication, which carried the prescribing doctors name, Clayton said.

On Feb. 11, Louisianas Republican governor, Jeff Landry, signed an extradition warrant for Carpenter. He later posted a video arguing she must face extradition to Louisiana, where she can stand trial and justice will be served.

New Yorks Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, countered by releasing her own video, confirming she was refusing to extradite Carpenter. The charges carry a possible five-year prison sentence.

Louisiana has changed their laws, but that has no bearing on the laws here in the state of New York, Hochul said.

Eight states  New York, Maine, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington  have passed laws since 2022 to protect doctors who mail abortion pills out of state, and thereby block or shield them from extradition in such cases. But this is the first criminal test of these relatively new shield laws.

The telemedicine practice of consulting with remote patients and prescribing them medication abortion via the mail has grown in recent years  and is now playing a critical role in keeping abortion somewhat accessible in states with strict abortion laws, according to research from the Society of Family Planning, a group that supports abortion access.

Doctors who prescribe abortion pills across state lines describe facing a new reality in which the criminal risk is no longer hypothetical. The doctors say that if they stop, tens of thousands of patients would no longer be able to end early pregnancies safely at home, under the care of a U.S. physician. But the doctors could end up in the crosshairs of a legal clash over the interstate practice of medicine when two states disagree on whether people have a right to end a pregnancy.

Doctors on alert but remain defiant

Maine Family Planning, a network of clinics across 19 locations, offers abortions, birth control, gender-affirming care, and other services. One patient recently drove over 17 hours from South Carolina, a state with a six-week abortion ban, Der Simonian said.

For Der Simonian, that case illustrates how desperate some of the practices patients are for abortion access. Its why she supported Maines 2024 shield law, she said.

Maine Family Planning has discussed whether to start mailing abortion medication to patients in states with bans, but it has decided against it for now, according to Kat Mavengere, a clinic spokesperson.

Reflecting on Carpenters indictment, Der Simonian said it underscored the stakes for herself  and her clinic  of providing any abortion care to out-of-state patients. Shield laws were written to protect against the possibility that a state with an abortion ban charges and tries to extradite a doctor who performed a legal, in-person procedure on someone who had traveled there from another state, according to a review of shield laws by the Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy at the UCLA School of Law.

It is a fearful time to do this line of work in the United States right now, Der Simonian said. There will be a next case. And even though Maines shield law protects abortion providers, she said, you just dont know whats going to happen.

Data shows that in states with total or six-week abortion bans, an average of 7,700 people a month were prescribed and took mifepristone and misoprostol to end their pregnancies by out-of-state doctors practicing in states with shield laws. The data, covering the second quarter of 2024, is part of a #WeCount report estimating the volume and types of abortions in the U.S., conducted by the Society of Family Planning.

Among Louisiana residents, nearly 60% of abortions took place via telemedicine in the second half of 2023 (the most recent period for which estimates are available), giving Louisiana the highest rate of telemedicine abortions among states that passed strict bans after Dobbs, according to the #WeCount survey.

Organizations like the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, known as the MAP, are responding to the demand for remote care. The MAP was launched after the Dobbs ruling, with the mission of writing prescriptions for patients in other states.

During 2024, the MAP says, it was mailing abortion medications to about 500 patients a month. In the new year, the monthly average has grown to 3,000 prescriptions a month, said Foster, the group's co-founder.

The majority of the MAPs patients  80%  live in Texas or states in the Southeast, a region blanketed with near-total abortion restrictions, Foster said.

But the recent indictment from Louisiana will not change the MAPs plans, Foster said. The MAP currently has four staff doctors and is hiring one more.

I think there will be some providers who will step out of the space, and some new providers will step in. But it has not changed our practice, Foster said. It has not changed our intention to continue to practice.

The MAPs organizational structure was designed to spread potential liability, Foster said.

The person who orders the pills is different than the person who prescribes the pills, is different from the person who ships the pills, is different from the person who does the payments, she explained.

In 22 states and Washington, D.C., Democratic leaders helped establish shield laws or similarly protective executive orders, according to the UCLA School of Law review of shield laws.

The review found that in eight states, the shield law applies to in-person and telemedicine abortions. In the other 14 states plus Washington, D.C., the protections do not explicitly extend to abortion via telemedicine.

Most of the shield laws also apply to civil lawsuits against doctors. Over a month before Louisiana indicted Carpenter, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a civil suit against her. A Texas judge ruled against Carpenter on Feb. 13, imposing penalties of more than $100,000.

By definition, state shield laws cannot protect doctors when they leave the state. If they move or even travel elsewhere, they lose the first states protection and risk arrest in the destination state, and maybe extradition to a third state.

Physicians doing this type of work accept there are parts of the U.S. where they should no longer go, said Julie F. Kay, a human rights lawyer who helps doctors set up telemedicine practices.

Theres really a commitment not to visit those banned and restricted states, said Kay, who worked with Carpenter to help start the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine.

We didnt have anybody going to the Super Bowl or Mardi Gras or anything like that, Kay said of the doctors who practice abortion telemedicine across state lines.

She said she has talked to other interested doctors who decided against doing it because they have an elderly parent in Florida, or a college student somewhere, or family in the South. Any visits, even for a relatives illness or death, would be too risky.

I dont use the word hero lightly or toss it around, but its a pretty heroic level of providing care, Kay said.

Governors clash over doctors fate

Carpenters case remains unresolved. New Yorks rebuff of Louisianas extradition request shows the states shield law is working as designed, according to David Cohen and Rachel Rebouche, law professors with expertise in abortion laws.

Louisiana officials, for their part, have pushed back in social media posts and media interviews.

It is not any different than if she had sent fentanyl here. Its really not, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told Fox 8 News in New Orleans. She sent drugs that are illegal to send into our state.

Louisianas next step would be challenging New York in federal courts, according to legal experts across the political spectrum.

NPR and KFF Health News asked Clayton, the Louisiana prosecutor who charged Carpenter, whether Louisiana has plans to do that. Clayton declined to answer.

Case highlights fraught new legal frontier

A major problem with the new shield laws is that they challenge the basic fabric of U.S. law, which relies on reciprocity between states, including in criminal cases, said Thomas Jipping, a senior legal fellow with the Heritage Foundation, which supports a national abortion ban.

This actually tries to undermine another states ability to enforce its own laws, and thats a very grave challenge to this tradition in our country, Jipping said. Its unclear what legal issues, or potentially constitutional issues, it may raise.

But other legal scholars disagree with Jippings interpretation. The U.S. Constitution requires extradition only for those who commit crimes in one state and then flee to another state, said Cohen, a law professor at Drexel Universitys Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Telemedicine abortion providers arent located in states with abortion bans and have not fled from those states  therefore they arent required to be extradited back to those states, Cohen said. If Louisiana tries to take its case to federal court, he said, theyre going to lose because the Constitution is clear on this.

The shield laws certainly do undermine the notion of interstate cooperation, and comity, and respect for the policy choices of each state, Cohen said, but that has long been a part of American law and history.

When states make different policy choices, sometimes theyre willing to give up those policy choices to cooperate with another state, and sometimes theyre not, he said.

The conflicting legal theories will be put to the test if this case goes to federal court, other legal scholars said.

It probably puts New York and Louisiana in real conflict, potentially a conflict that the Supreme Court is going to have to decide, said Rebouche, dean of the Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Rebouche, Cohen, and law professor Greer Donley worked together to draft a proposal for how state shield laws might work. Connecticut passed the first law  though it did not include protections specifically for telemedicine. It was signed by the states governor in May 2022, over a month before the Supreme Court overturned Roe, in anticipation of potential future clashes between states over abortion rights.

In some shield-law states, theres a call to add more protections in response to Carpenters indictment.

New York state officials have. On Feb. 3, Hochul signed a law that allows physicians to name their clinic as the prescriber  instead of using their own names  on abortion medications they mail out of state. The intent is to make it more difficult to indict individual doctors. Der Simonian is pushing for a similar law in Maine.

Samantha Glass, a family medicine physician in New York, has written such prescriptions in a previous job, and plans to find a clinic where she could offer that again. Once a month, she travels to a clinic in Kansas to perform in-person abortions.

Carpenters indictment could cause some doctors to stop sending pills to states with bans, Glass said. But she believes abortion should be as accessible as any other health care.

Someone has to do it. So why wouldnt it be me? Glass said. I just think access to this care is such a lifesaving thing for so many people that I just couldnt turn my back on it.
2 Islands, 71-Room Palace, $4 Billion Net Worth: How It All Came Crashing Down For Aircel's Siva

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:48 IST

In 1999, Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, also knows as 'Siva', founded Aircel, a mobile services company that became a game-changer in the telecom industry.

Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, Aircel's founder, once had vast properties and a billion-dollar empire.

Once the proud owner of two private islands, a 71-room mansion in Chennai, and real estate across continents, Chinnakannan Sivasankaran  better known in business circles as Siva"  now calls himself a broke man living a humble life. Yet he insists: he is not poor.

The story of Sivasankaran reads like the script of a gripping biopic. Born into a modest Tamil Nadu household, he charted an extraordinary journey through Indias corporate landscape, building and losing a billion-dollar empire. Speaking recently on The Ranveer Show, the former telecom tycoon reflected on his spectacular rise and humbling setbacks. I am not poor, I am just broke for the time being," he said, with a calm that belied the turbulence he has endured.

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Sivas entrepreneurial journey began in the 1980s with a modest foray into computer hardware. His company, Sterling Computers Limited (STC), became one of the leading names in the Indian IT sector during the 1990s. But it was in telecom where he truly made his mark.

In 1999, he founded Aircel, a mobile services company that became a game-changer in the telecom industry. Aircel rapidly scaled, attracting lakhs of subscribers and emerging as a formidable brand. In 2006, Siva sold a 74% stake in Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications in a deal that would later haunt him.

The transaction became entangled in the infamous 2G spectrum scandal, which rocked the telecom sector and political corridors alike. While others faced criminal prosecution, Siva too found himself mired in legal troubles and debt. In 2018, Aircel declared bankruptcy, and Siva claimed he personally suffered a loss of Rs 7,000 crore.

I had everything  wealth, properties, recognition  and then I watched it all vanish," he said. His net worth, once pegged at over $4 billion, evaporated with the downfall of Aircel and the domino effect it triggered on his other ventures.

Yet, the man who once dined with billionaires and entertained dignitaries in his palatial homes says his story is far from over. Drawing inspiration from an unlikely source, he recounted reading a book by Donald Trump on the same day he decided to declare bankruptcy. It gave him the motivation to plot his comeback.

I decided what I had to do next. My story is not over yet," he declared, exuding a quiet determination.

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His former life was the stuff of modern-day royalty. He had real estate in London, the US, and Canada, and owned not one, but two islands in the Seychelles. His sprawling Chennai estate, valued at Rs 524 crore, boasted 71 rooms and a level of opulence rare even among the countrys wealthiest. The estate is now gone  demolished in the wake of his financial crisis. Today, Siva retains a two-acre plot on the same land but says he has no immediate plans to rebuild. First I will solve all my issues. Then, maybe, Ill think about it," he said.

He continues to fight a legal battle in the Supreme Court, holding on to the belief that a favourable verdict could restore much of what he lost. Its that mix of faith and resilience that now defines Siva more than the wealth he once commanded.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 14:48 IST
Japan's SMBC In Talks To Acquire 51% Stake In Yes Bank; Shares Jump 9.6%

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 13:01 IST

Following the report, shares of Yes Bank on Tuesday surged 9.6% to Rs 19.44 apiece on the NSE in the opening trade, before cooling down to Rs 18.11 apiece in the afternoon trade.

Yes Bank Share Price.

Talks between Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) and Yes Bank are apace as the Japanese firm eyes a majority 51 per cent stake in the Indian lender, according to a Reuters report citing three sources familiar with the deal said. Following the report, shares of Yes Bank on Tuesday surged by 9.6 per cent to Rs 19.44 apiece on the NSE in the opening trade, before cooling down to Rs 18.11 apiece in the afternoon trade.

The banks shares had closed at Rs 17.73 apiece in the previous trade on Monday.

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If the deal goes through, it could potentially be the largest in Indias banking sector, where deal-making, especially involving foreign entities, is rare.

Restrictions on ownership, stricter capital requirements, and state domination of the banking sector have curbed foreign banks operations in India. A takeover of troubled Lakshmi Vilas Bank by Singapore-based DBS Group in 2020 was the last major deal in the sector.

However, Yes Bank in its regulatory filing on Tuesday said the information pertaining to these discussions as set out in the article is speculative at this time and are not factually correct.

In its clarification sought by exchanges following the report, Yes Bank said, The Bank is on a growth trajectory and routinely explores opportunities with various stakeholders, which are aimed at enhancing shareholder value. However, such discussions are preliminary and do not warrant a disclosure under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, at this stage. The information pertaining to these discussions as set out in the article is speculative at this time and are not factually correct."

SMBC, a unit of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Japans second-biggest bank, has been talking with Yes Banks largest investor, State Bank of India, and Indias central bank since last year, but the negotiations faltered amid concerns over ownership and voting rights.

Now, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given SMBC a verbal go-ahead and a deal structure would be announced by June, one of the sources said.

Another source said SBI is negotiating with SMBC to chalk out the final contours of the deal, but is yet to take the proposal to the board."

None of the sources wished to be identified as the talks are private. The RBI, Yes Bank and SBI did not immediately respond to Reuters emails seeking comment.

SBI holds a 24 per cent stake in Yes Bank, as a result of the regulator-led restructuring of the lender in March 2020.

ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank and Life Insurance Corporation of India together hold an 11.34 per cent stake in Yes Bank.

Indian regulations need the largest shareholder of a bank to reduce their shareholding to 26 per cent in 15 years.

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For the SMBC-Yes deal, the RBI is clear" that the Japanese firms voting rights will be capped at 26 per cent, the first source said.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... 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 06, 2025, 12:16 IST
Stocks To Watch: Paytm, BSE, Indian Hotels, Paras Defence, Rategain, Coforge, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 08:13 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Paytm, BSE, Indian Hotels, Paras Defence, Rategain, Coforge, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade

Stocks To Watch

Stocks To Watch On May 6: The stock market began the week on a muted note, ending with a modest gain of 0.5%, continuing its ongoing phase of consolidation. In todays session, shares of Indian Hotels, Paytm, BSE, Paras Defence, and Fortis Healthcare will be in focus owing to a range of corporate developments and quarterly earnings announcements.

Earnings Watch: Paytm, BSE, Bank of Baroda

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Shares of Paytm, BSE, and Bank of Baroda will remain in the spotlight as the companies are scheduled to report their Q4 FY25 earnings today.

Indian Hotels

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) reported a 25% YoY increase in consolidated net profit for Q4FY25, coming in at Rs 522 crore compared to Rs 418 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Indian Energy Exchange (IEX)

In April, IEX recorded a total traded volume of 10,584 million units (MU), reflecting a 26% YoY growth. The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) contributed 4,231 MU, up 3%, while the Real-Time Market (RTM) surged 48% YoY to 3,893 MU. The average price in DAM stood at Rs 5.20 per unit for the month.

Paras Defence

Paras Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel-based HevenDrones to expand their footprint in both Indian and global defence markets. The partnership aims to set up a joint venture in India to develop and manufacture logistics and cargo drones for both defence and civilian use.

Ircon International

Ircon International has bagged a work order worth Rs 187.08 crore from Kerala State IT Infrastructure, for the development of a Dedicated Rural Industrial Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

Rategain Travel Technologies

The company has announced key leadership changes. Deepak Kapoor has been appointed as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Rohan Mittal will take over as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Hospitals, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare, received a rectification order under the Income Tax Act. This corrected previous discrepancies, bringing the earlier tax demand of Rs 89.53 crore for Assessment Year 202223 down to zero.

Coforge

Coforge reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 261.2 crore for the March quarter. However, its rupee revenue missed estimates, coming in at Rs 3,409.9 crore, lower than the projected Rs 3,530 crore.

Glenmark Pharma

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Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced that its innovation arm, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), has received fast track status from the US FDA for its investigational multiple myeloma therapy, ISB 2001, marking a significant development in its innovation pipeline.

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 06, 2025, 08:13 IST
Tata Motors Demerger Date: Key Shareholders' Meet Today; Check Ratio & Whats Next

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 07:10 IST

Tata Motors Demerger News: Tata Motors will split its Commercial and Passenger vehicle businesses into two listed companies. Check ratio and other details.

Tata Motors Demerger Meeting: Shareholders to vote for proposal today, check ratio and other details.

Tata Motors Demerger Date: On May 6, Tata Motors shareholders will vote on a proposal to split the company into two separate listed entities: one for commercial vehicles (CV) and one for passenger vehicles (PV).

The equity shareholders meeting of Tata Motors Limited is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (IST) via video conferencing/other audio-visual means. The purpose is to consider and, if agreed, approve the Composite Scheme of Arrangement among Tata Motors, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited, and their shareholders.

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Tata Motors Demerger Plan Details

According to the plan, TML will split its Commercial Vehicle business, including all its assets, liabilities, employees, and related investments, into TMLCV. Meanwhile, the Passenger Vehicle business in TMPV will merge back into the existing listed entity TML.

When the Scheme takes effect, both TMLCV and TML will be renamed, resulting in two separate listed entities: 1) The Commercial Vehicle business and related investments under TML, and 2) The Passenger Vehicle business, including the Electric Vehicle (TPEM) business, JLR, and related investments, under TMPV.

Tata Motors Demerger Ratio

For every fully paid-up share of TML of Rs 2/- held, shareholders will receive one share of TMLCV of Rs 2/-, fully paid up.

Tata Motors Demerger Timeline

Lets have a look at how Tata Motors Demerger Process Move:

August 01, 2024: Tata Motors board approved the Scheme of Arrangement (the demerger scheme).

March 25, 2025: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, ordered a shareholders meeting to consider the demerger.

March 28, 2025: It is fixed as cut-off date for determining shareholders eligible to vote on the demerger.

Whats Next If Shareholders Approve The Demerger?

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If shareholders approve the scheme of arrangement, then July 01, 2025 is fixed as appointed date" for the demerger to take effect, which is of course subject to necessary approvals.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 07:10 IST
MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

Global Times-Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Sunday that the re-elected Labor government's first priority will be to address global economic uncertainty. Protecting Australia from the "dark shadow" of a US-China trade war will be the first priority for Australia's re-elected Labor government, Chalmers was quoted by the South China Morning Post as saying.

The remarks not only highlight the profound uncertainties created by the US-provoked tariff war, but also the great desire of countries and regions around the world to focus on economic development. Also importantly, the stated priority of the newly-elected Australian government could mean greater win-win cooperation with China.

The Australian economy is grappling with a range of complex challenges. How the Labor government will navigate these domestic economic and international trade pressures, particularly in managing budget deficits and revitalizing trade competitiveness, has become a focal point of attention.

Closer economic engagement with China could be of great importance for Australia to effectively address these multifaceted challenges, as such cooperation could pave the way for a more stable economic environment, ultimately contributing to Australia's long-term economic resilience and growth.

With joint efforts from both sides, China-Australia relations are stabilizing and improving, particularly in terms of trade relations, underscoring the complementarity of economic cooperation between the two countries. China has been Australia's largest trading partner for many consecutive years. This colossal economic engagement has not only brought substantial financial gains to Australia but also underpinned the development of several of its key industries.

China's sustained demand for Australian iron ore is vital for Australia's mining sector, while Chinese consumers' appetite for Australian beef, wine and agricultural products has created a steady and sustainable source of income for Australia's ranchers, wineries and farmers. These economic benefits are factors that any rational economic policymaking cannot overlook.

However, it is important to note that Australia's China policy has long been shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical factors, which has in the past resulted in alignment with the US-led "decoupling" efforts. Instead of leading to any gains, following the US' "decoupling" approach actually exposes Australia to greater economic vulnerability. This situation is especially true as the US continues to erect trade barriers.

The Australian government has been working to secure a tariff exemption from the US government, with no results yet. The IMF said recently that uncertainty had reached unprecedented levels and downgraded Australia's economic growth projection for 2025 from 2.1 percent in January to 1.6 percent.

To effectively respond to these pressing challenges and deal with global economic uncertainty, Australia must balance the need for economic interests and geopolitical considerations in a more pragmatic approach. This necessitates that Australian policymaker handle economic and trade relations with China in a more rational manner.

History has shown that when Australia formulates an independent and autonomous China policy, bilateral relations tend to make substantial progress, and the potential for economic and trade cooperation can be fully unleashed.

China is further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, while Australia is promoting a Future Made in Australia. This creates broader opportunities and opens up greater space for China-Australia economic and trade cooperation. Strengthening economic and trade exchanges between the two countries can transform complementary advantages into strong momentum for their joint development.

As key players in the Asia-Pacific region, China-Australia cooperation can bolster regional prosperity and stability, while offering new solutions to global challenges. At a time of significant challenges facing the global trade network, Australia and China can jointly uphold the multilateral trading system to offset the impact of volatility.

The path forward requires recognizing that balanced economic relations with China serve Australia's fundamental interests. This choice will test Australia's strategic foresight. It is hoped that the Australian government can adhere to a pragmatic China policy that focuses on mutually beneficial cooperation.
Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:49 IST

MP Board Results 2025: Students can check their results on the official MP Board websites  mpresults.nic.in, mponline.gov.in, and mpbse.nic.in.

MPBSE MP Board 10th, 12th Result 2025 Live Updates: The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has declared the MP Board Result 2025 today, 6 May, 2025. Students can check their results on the official websites  mpresults.nic.in, mpbse.nic.in, and mponline.gov.in.

This year, a total of 16.6 lakh students appeared for the board exams, including around 9.53 lakh in Class 10 and 7.06 lakh in Class 12. The results were formally declared from Samatva Bhawan, located at the Chief Ministers residence in Bhopal, by CM Mohan Yadav in the presence of senior officials.

Stay tuned to News18 for the latest updates on MP Board Result 2025 direct link, pass percentage and toppers list.
Blackouts And Sirens, 2nd Time Since 1971: What's A Security Drill, How's It Conducted? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 13:03 IST

From air raid warning signs to blackouts and shelters, the mock drill will test operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians.

Security personnel conduct mock drill at Bijbehara railway station, in Anantnag district of J&K in February 2025. (Image: PTI)

India is set to conduct a civil defence mock drill on May 7, which trains the countrys citizens in safeguarding themselves in times of any eventuality. While the mock drill comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Civil Defence DG Vivek Srivastava has said that the exercise should not spread panic and is being undertaken to help India revisit the civil defence SOP for any eventuality.

From air raid warning signs to blackouts and shelters, the mock drill will test operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians. 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, sources told CNN-News18.

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What Is A Civil Defence Mock Drill?

A civil defence mock drill is a response exercise conducted by authorities to test and improve preparedness for disasters or crises like earthquakes, floods, chemical leaks, terror attacks, nuclear emergencies or war.

Starting Wednesday (May 7), the DMs of all districts will revisit the list of civil defence volunteers and update the contact numbers and names which will be prepared in case of any emergency.

Officials say vulnerable districts throughout India have been identified and the collectors will lead the drill on Wednesday in these districts. This will be to test the operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians. It is a multi stake holder exercise that will be undertaken," a senior official who is in charge of civil defence told CNN-News18.

The list should be at the ready disposal of the DM to deploy the volunteers in times of emergency," a senior official said. Heres what the security drill will include:

Air Raid Warning Sirens: A crucial part of the drill is checking the air raid warning system. Testing of air raid sirens will be conducted to ensure that civilians could be promptly alerted in the event of an aerial attack. Bunkers: In frontline areas, civilians must take shelter in protected zones. Regions close to potential conflict zones, such as Kashmirs Uri, have begun preparing community bunkers. Students near the international border, like in Arnia, have already practiced evacuation drills for emergencies. Blackout: Blackout procedures will also be part of the May 7 mock drills. When a blackout siren sounds, the standard operating procedure must be followed. The drill will evaluate the sirens functionality and peoples response efficiency. All stakeholders need to be familiar with the SOP," officials explained. Safety of Vital Installations: Civil defence officials mentioned that a list of vital installations is outlined under the act. These include defence, paramilitary installations, hospitals, and other strategically important facilities. Training Civilians and Students: The final drill aspect will acquaint civilians, students, and hospital staff with civil defence volunteers to ensure they follow instructions during emergencies. Authorities will discuss evacuation plans with institutions during the mock drill.

When Was The Last Time India Saw Such a Mock Drill?

While India conducts regular mock drills in locations that are earthquake-prone or flood-prone, the last civil mock drill for security concerns in India was conducted in 2008 after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Mock drills were also conducted in certain regions including Delhi after the Parliament attack in 2001.

1999 Mock Drill During Kargil Conflict

In 1999, during the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan, India conducted civil defence mock drills in several border states to enhance preparedness for potential wartime emergencies. These drills were part of a broader strategy to ensure civilian safety and readiness in the face of escalating tensions.

The drills were primarily conducted in border states such as Jammu & Kashmir (then a state), Punjab, and Rajasthan, which were considered vulnerable due to their proximity to the conflict zones. The exercise focused on training civilians in emergency response protocols, testing the effectiveness of evacuation procedures, and ensuring coordination among various emergency services.

The drills included simulations of air raids, establishment of emergency shelters, blackout exercises, and public awareness campaigns on safety measures during wartime.

1971 Mock Drill Amid India-Pakistan War

In 1971, amid the India-Pakistan India implemented extensive civil defence measures to prepare civilians potential aerial attacks and other wartime emergencies. These preparations were among the most comprehensive in the nations history and were designed to enhance public safety and readiness during a period of significant geopolitical uncertainty.

The exercise included blackout protocols in major cities including Mumbai, which underwent complete blackouts for 13 consecutive nights to prevent detection by enemy aircraft. The training also included air raid sirens, evacuation drills, camouflaging of vital installations including airports, refineries, and railway yards and training in first aid, firefighting, and shelter management to equip people with essential skills for wartime emergencies.

Which Other Countries Conducted Mock Drills Recently?

Taiwan: In March 2025, Taiwan conducted its first civil defence drill for large-scale disasters and potential attacks. The exercise involved approximately 1,500 participants and scenarios like tsunamis and explosions at critical infrastructure.

Japan: In November 2023, Tokyo held its first missile evacuation drill in years, where residents practised seeking shelter upon receiving missile alerts. This exercise aimed to educate the public on appropriate actions during missile threats.

Finland: Following its NATO accession and concerns over Russian aggression, Finland doubled its national defense training days, urging citizens to join shooting and survival courses. Shelters are available to accommodate 85 per cent of the population. Additionally, Finnish women are actively engaging in military survival courses to learn essential skills such as first aid and surviving without electricity, preparing for potential crises. While mock drills in countries like Taiwan and Finland are widespread, in India, border states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat and Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir are among those that have been asked to carry out the drill. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

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 06, 2025, 12:34 IST
Gems Linked To Buddha To Go Under Hammer. Here's Why It Has Sparked Ethical Debate

Curated By :

Trending Desk Edited By: Anurag Verma



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:19 IST

Indian gems connected to the mortal remains of the Buddha were discovered in the 1890s in Piprahwa, which is now in Uttar Pradesh.

The relics are considered by historians to be a part of the legacy of Buddhists worldwide and the descendants of Buddhas Sakya clan. (Image credits: Sotheby's)

Today, May 6, Indian gem artefacts connected to the Buddhas remains will go up for auction. The gems found at Piprahwa, in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, in the 1890s are up for auction by the international auction house Sothebys. Since then, these jewels have been in the possession of a private British collection. However, there has been a lot of controversy over the impending sale of the Piprahwa diamonds, with Buddhist authorities voicing concerns.

The Discovery of The Relics

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In 1898, British engineer William Claxton Peppe dug up a stupa, a Buddhist shrine with a dome, in Piprahwa, which is located just south of Lumbini and is thought to be the birthplace of the Buddha. According to The Guardian, portions of the Buddhas cremated remains were combined with these relics. Peppe gave the British colonial authorities in India the gems, relics, and reliquaries.

Also Read: Blackouts And Sirens, 2nd Time Since 1971: Whats A Security Drill, Hows It Conducted? Explained

Under the Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878, Peppes find was claimed by the British crown. Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are among the countries that have received the bone relics subsequently.

Buddhist King Chulalongkorn of Siam received gifts of bones and ash associated with the Buddha. Five relic urns and a stone chest were among the 1,800 gems that were donated to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, which was formerly the Imperial Museum of Calcutta. Peppe was given a fifth or so of the discovery.

Buddha-related Relics  Up For Sale

The Piprahwa gems are up for auction in Hong Kong at Sothebys. The gems are of unparalleled religious, archaeological, and historical importance," according to a statement.

Amethysts, coral, rock crystals, garnets, pearls, shells, and gold are among the jewels being offered for sale by three of Peppes descendants. They can be found as pendants, beads, and other decorations.

According to the BBC, Chris Peppe, William Claxton Peppes great-grandson, wrote that his great-uncle gave the jewels to his cousin. They were given to him and his two other relatives in 2013.

These exquisite gems have been part of important exhibitions in recent years, such as the 2023 one at The Met. As per the BBC, this is among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time," said Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sothebys Asia and global head of Asian Art.

Also Read: Delhi Police Took Shots At Virat Kohlis Instagram Like Controversy And It Did Not Go Well, Heres Why

According to The Guardian, the gems are anticipated to sell for around HK$100 million (Rs 108.77 crore).

Why The Stir?

The sale of gems associated with the Buddha has drawn criticism from Buddhist leaders and scholars. They contend that the relics shouldnt be handled as commodities for trade.

Mahinda Deegalle, a Buddhist monastic leader and emeritus professor at Bath Spa University in England, told The Guardian that the auction was appalling" and that it was a humiliation of one of the greatest thinkers in the world."

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The relics are considered by historians to be a part of the legacy of Buddhists worldwide and the descendants of Buddhas Sakya clan.

Meanwhile, both Sothebys and Chris Peppe have brushed the concerns aside.

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 06, 2025, 15:16 IST
Can Pakistans Seema Haider Become Indian Citizen? Citizenship Rules Of The 2 Countries Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:43 IST

Those living in India on long-term visas and have not obtained Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas

Pakistani nationals arrive at the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border to move to their country, near Amritsar. (PTI File)

As India-Pakistan tension escalated over the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government ordered deportation of Pakistani nationals on short-term visas while tightening surveillance on those residing in the country on long-term visas.

Those living in India on long-term visas and have not obtained Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas.

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THE SEEMA HAIDER CASE

As the news came out, many started questioning what would happen to Seema Haider, a Pakistani woman who grabbed the headlines after she allegedly entered India illegally with her four children two years ago. The 32-year-old, who hails from Jacobabad in Pakistans Sindh province, took her children and left home in Karachi in May 2023 to travel to India via Nepal. Haider is living with Indian national Sachin Meena, 27, whom she now claims to have married, in the Greater Noida area in Uttar Pradesh. The duo reportedly got in touch in 2019 while playing an online game. Seema Haider has four children from her Pakistani husband Ghulam Haider, who earlier hired an Indian lawyer to seek custody of their children.

Haider and Meena were arrested in July 2023 before being released on bail. While Haider was charged with illegally entering India, Meena was booked for sheltering the illegal immigrant. Haider claims to have adopted Hinduism after marrying Meena. In March this year, Haider and Meena became parents to a baby girl.

#WATCH | Greater Noida: AP Singh, Lawyer of Pakistani National Seema Haider, who is married to an Indian, says, " When she was in Pakistan, her divorce happened. After the death of her father, she befriended Sachinin Nepal they got married as per Santana Dharmaafter coming pic.twitter.com/9JNqcV2Sx5 ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2025

CITIZENSHIP RULES FOR INDIA

Indian citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

BIRTH: A person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, but before July 1, 1987, is a citizen by birth, regardless of the parents nationality. Between July 1, 1987, and December 3, 2004, a person born in India is a citizen if at least one parent was an Indian citizen at the time of birth. For births on or after December 3, 2004, both parents must be Indian citizens or one must be an Indian citizen and the other not an illegal migrant. The 2004 amendment defines an illegal migrant as a foreigner who entered India without valid documents or overstayed their visa. Pakistani nationals are often scrutinised under this clause due to strained bilateral relations. DESCENT: A person born outside India becomes a citizen if either or both parents are Indian citizens at the time of birth. If born outside India on or after December 10, 1992, and registered with an Indian mission abroad within one year of birth, the child is considered an Indian citizen by descent. REGISTRATION: Individuals can register as Indian citizens if they meet certain criteria, such as being a person of Indian origin residing in India for a certain period, or being married to an Indian citizen and residing in India for a certain period. Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 allows for registration as a citizen of India by a person who is or has been married to an Indian citizen. However, the individual must also be ordinarily resident in India for eight years prior to applying for registration. NATURALISATION: A foreigner (not an illegal migrant) who has resided in India for at least 12 years and fulfills other requirements can be naturalised as an Indian citizen. CAA: A special provision exists for the submission of applications for Indian Citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019. It is specifically for individuals who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, and belonging to Hindu or Sikh or Buddhist or Jain or Parsi or Christian community from Pakistan or Afghanistan or Bangladesh.

PAKISTANS CITIZENSHIP LAWS

Pakistans citizenship is governed by the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. It covers:

DESCENT: A child born anywhere in the world is a Pakistani citizen if at least one parent is a Pakistani citizen at the time of birth (Section 4 of the Pakistan Citizenship Act). NATURALISATION: Foreign nationals may naturalise as Pakistani citizens after residing in the country for at least five years and showing proficiency in at least one vernacular language of Pakistan. Commonwealth citizens who make a substantial financial investment in the state are eligible for a facilitated naturalisation process.

Pakistan does not impose restrictions based on the other parents nationality, so the child of a Pakistani mother would automatically be eligible for Pakistani citizenship.

FOR HAIDER & OTHERS

Haiders situation is complicated by the manner of her entry into India. Unlike other Pakistani nationals who entered the country on valid visas, she crossed the border through Nepal, circumventing standard immigration procedures. Furthermore, she has not yet obtained Indian citizenship, and her legal status remains under judicial scrutiny.

Meanwhile, there are several Pakistani women, who have been living on long-term visas and have given birth in India. At least 22 Pakistani women have been identified in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad, with 95 children. All the women continue to hold Pakistani citizenship, while their children have acquired Indian nationality.

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Some such as Amir and Maryam, who is pregnant and is among the 18 Pakistani nationals in Bulandshahr on long-term visas, have filed a mercy petition with the President of India, seeking permission for her to stay on humanitarian grounds.

The police and local intelligence teams will continue to closely monitoring all such cases.

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 06, 2025, 14:14 IST
Who Does 'Jagannath Dham' Belong To? Digha Temple Becomes New Bengal-Odisha Flashpoint

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:18 IST

Popular sand artist from Odisha Sudarshan Patnaik wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate action in the matte

A visual from rath yatra in Puri (above) and glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha (below)

Jagannath Dham in Odishas Puri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, has stood as a symbol of spiritual legacy since the 12th century. But now around 500 kilometres from Puri, a new temple with the title Jagannath Dham" has been inaugurated recently in the coastal resort town of Digha in the east Medinipur district of West Bengal.

Political parties mainly Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), as well as the civil society of Odisha, have objected to the Mamata Banerjee governments decision to name the temple in Digha Jagannath Dham", saying there are only four dhams" (pilgrimage sites) in the country and they recognise only one Jagannath Dham" i.e. of Puri.

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Popular sand artist from Odisha Sudarshan Patnaik wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate action in the matter. While he appreciated a temple in the name of Lord Jagannath, Patnaik said the reference to it as Jagannath Dham" has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees.

Using this revered title for any other location may cause religious confusion and runs contrary to the longstanding traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism," he stated.

A moment to be cherished forever.The first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart. I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing pic.twitter.com/EYLaTycYaN  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025

Many Hindu priests, researchers, servitors and scholars have rejected the naming of Dighas Jagannath Temple as a Dham". Puris titular king Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, who is also the chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, said that only the 12th century shrine in Puri can be called Jagannath Dham as per scriptures.

Deb, considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, in a statement, said, The Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha have said that the moola peetha or original place of Shree Jagannath is Purushottama-kshetra (Puri) and names, such as Jagannatha Dham, Purushottama-kshetra, Shreekshetra and Neelachala Dham refer only to Puri and cannot be used to refer to any other place where Chaturdha Daru Vigraha (four-handed wooden idols) have been consecrated."

Echoing similar sentiment, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said, The word dham should not be used as there is only one Dham of Lord Jagannath which is in Puri. A Dham can only be in one place. It would not be right to call this temple Dham."

Jagannath Dham History & Significance

Jagannath Dham in Puri, Odisha, is one of Hinduisms most revered pilgrimage sites, forming the eastern point of the Char Dham circuit along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. The temples construction dates back to the 12th century, initiated by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. However, legends and ancient texts suggest that the worship of Jagannath goes back centuries before the present structure. The temples history is one of resilience, having survived invasions, looting, and multiple reconstructions, yet its spiritual significance has only grown stronger.

Within the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple in Puri reside the sacred triad of deities: Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu; his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra; and their sister, Goddess Subhadra. These deities are distinctively carved from neem wood and collectively known as the Trimurti. Accompanying them is the Sudarshan Chakra, depicted not as a wheel but as a wooden pillar-like object, representing the divine power and cosmic energy associated with Lord Jagannath. The annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are carried on massive chariots through the streets of Puri, attracts millions of devotees and symbolizes the Lords accessibility to everyone. Over the centuries, Jagannath Dham has emerged as a unifying center for various religious traditions and a focal point for the Bhakti movement, inspiring saints and devotees with its message of divine love and surrender.

Use Of Puri Jagannath Temple Sacred Wood To Make Idols in Digha

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) of Puri has issued a show cause to a senior servitor over the alleged use of surplus sacred wood of the 12th-century shrine in crafting idols in the temple at Digha.

The notice was issued to Daitapati Nijog secretary and senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra on the charge of creating confusion in the minds of countless devotees and worshippers" of Lord Jagannath through his contradictory statements and tarnishing the dignity" of the temple. Daitapati Nijog is a group of servitors, considered bodyguards of Lord Jagannath.

Dasmohapatra has been asked to give his reply within seven days from May 4. Dasmohapatra, along with 55 other servitors from Puri, attended the consecration ceremony at the Digha temple in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30.

Dasmohapatra had allegedly used the Puri temple sacred wood, stored in Daru Gruha (store room), to craft idols of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath for the Digha shrine and took them to the Digha Temple for installation.

BJP Vs Mamata

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who laid the foundation stone for the temple in Digha, reacted to the naming controversy. She said, We respect the temple in Puri and we also respect Jagannath Dham. Kaali Temple and Gurdwaras are everywhere across the country. Temples are there in all placesWhy is there so much anger on this issue?"

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Sambit Patra, BJP MP from Puri Lok Sabha seat, objected to the naming of Digha temple and said there is only one Jagannath Dham in the world, and it is not possible to call any other place Jagannath Dham.

There are four Dhams in India, and among them, one is a very important Dham- Jagannath Dham, Puri, and there should be no doubt that no other place can be called Jagannath DhamI think that as an MP from Puri and also as a politician from Odisha, I should wait to see what investigation the temple administration does and what the report of that investigation is," he said.

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 06, 2025, 14:15 IST
UP CM Yogis Bulldozer Action On Madrasas, Mosques Near Indo-Nepal Border Explained

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 17:12 IST

The state conducted a drive across six border districts from April 25-27, focused on illegal establishments, unauthorised madrasas, mosques, mazars and other religious structures

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated the action. (PTI File)

In what is being termed as yet another bulldozer action", the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has now turned its attention to the Indo-Nepal border  a sensitive and strategic region.

This time, the state conducted a drive across six border districts from April 25 to 27, focused not only on illegal establishments, but also on unauthorised madrasas, mosques, mazars and other religious structures allegedly encroaching on government land and operating without legal recognition.

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The demolition and sealing drive covered Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Maharajganj districts that lie within 10-15 kilometers of the India-Nepal border. The campaign was aimed to remove illegal constructions on government land and ensure that madrasas comply with recognition norms, infrastructure standards, and ownership documentation.

In total, over 200 unrecognised madrasas and more than two dozen illegally built mosques or mazars have either been sealed, demolished, or served notices under Section 67 of the Revenue Code.

The government of Uttar Pradesh has launched a vigorous campaign against encroachment and unrecognised madrasas in sensitive districts adjoining the India-Nepal border. Under this, on Tuesday, for the fourth consecutive day, bulldozers roared in the districts adjoining the Nepal ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2025

PROTECTING THE BORDERS

The crackdown began after the UP government began its investigation into encroachments under the Waqf Act and unauthorised religious activity on public land. The porous nature of the Indo-Nepal border  spanning over 700 km through seven districts of Uttar Pradesh  makes it a sensitive region for national security. Free movement of citizens between the two nations further elevates the need for regulatory oversight, especially of institutions located close to the border," a senior official with the government told News18.

This aligns with Adityanaths directive to act decisively against unlawful religious and educational institutions in border zones.

District administrations, in coordination with the police and central security forces such as the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) carried out the operation. A state official said that the goal was to free a 0-10 km stretch along the Indo-Nepal border and was backed by ongoing surveys, inspection drives, and monitoring committees.

BAHRAICH

Among all six border districts, Bahraich emerged as a key focus area due to the large number of unrecognised madrasas and religious encroachments. A total of 495 unrecognised madrasas were identified, with more than six sealed so far. Additionally, 227 cases of encroachment were officially recorded, and 89 illegal structures have been cleared, primarily in Nanpara tehsil. Within the 0-10 km security buffer zone along the border, three madrasas were shut down for failing to provide valid documents.

We served notices last year. Those that failed to comply are now being cleared. Many families voluntarily dismantled their structures, while others were offered temporary leases at alternate locations," said Devendra Pal Singh, Chief Revenue Officer, Bahraich.

SHRAVASTI

Over the course of five days, 41 madrasas in Shravasti were shut down. Of these, 12 madrasas in Jamunaha and 14 in Bhinga were specifically sealed due to non-compliance with regulatory standards and issues related to encroachment. In Shravasti, the Minority Welfare Departments surveys revealed a troubling trend in Jamunaha, where 80 unrecognised madrasas were found operating under questionable circumstances. A total of 26 madrasas sealed were part of the larger effort to address these discrepancies," said SK Rai, SDM, Bahraich.

LAKHIMPUR KHERI, MAHARAJGANJ, SIDDHARTHNAGAR & BALRAMPUR

In Lakhimpurs Pallia tehsil, officials demolished the walls of an under-construction mosque in Krishnanagar Colony. The structure was being rebuilt despite an earlier demolition in 2023. SDM Ratnakar Mishra said that since notice had already been issued last year, no fresh notice was required for this enforcement.

In Maharajganj and Siddharthnagar authorities demolished two mazars and one mosque in Shohratgarh tehsil (Siddharthnagar) and removed illegal structures at an Eidgah and mazar in Jhulnipur (Maharajganj). ADM Siddharthnagar Gaurav Srivastava confirmed that madrasas without valid documentation are under active review for potential demolition. In Maharajganj, 11 unrecognised madrasas have been sealed, and several religious structures on public land have been removed. The district magistrate has confirmed an ongoing survey within the 10-15 km border belt. In Balrampur, district authorities identified 13 cases of encroachment, with three already cleared. One madrasa has been removed, five served notices, and two mazars dismantled. Twenty madrasas have been ordered shut for lacking compliance with educational norms.

STATE-WIDE FIGURES

As per consolidated data from district officials:

Total illegal religious structures identified: 139

Total unrecognised madrasas sealed or closed: Over 110

Structures demolished or removed (mosques, mazars, eidgahs, etc.): More than 30

These numbers are expected to rise as the state continues surveys and legal action in compliance with court guidelines.

ACTION TAKEN

District Action Bahraich 495 unrecognised madrasas identified; over 6 sealed so far.227 encroachments documented; 89 removed, especially in Nanpara.Three madrasas within the 0-10 km border zone shut down over lack of documents. Shravasti 80 madrasas are under scrutiny in Jamunaha alone.41 madrasas shut over five days, including 12 in Jamunaha and 14 in Bhinga.26 sealed due to non-compliance and encroachment issues. Lakhimpur Kheri Authorities razed an incomplete mosque in Krishnanagar Colony.A 2023 notice served earlier was cited; no fresh notice was issued.Attempted re-construction was stopped again under vigilant district watch. Maharajganj 11 madrasas sealed; multiple shrines including mazars demolished.Two major demolition drives in Jhulnipur and Nichlaul areas.19 structures marked for removal. Siddharthnagar Six religious structures demolished in Shohratgarh tehsil.Ongoing survey of madrasas under district magistrates directive.Institutions without land or recognition documents to be removed. Balrampur One madrasa encroaching on public land removed.Two shrines demolished; five madrasas served closure notices.20 madrasas ordered shut due to non-compliance.

WHAT THE MINISTER SAID

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Danish Azad Ansari, minister of state for minority welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj, said, The governments aim is not to target any community, but to ensure a robust, modern, and lawful educational system for our youth. Madrasas are important institutions, but they must function with proper documentation and follow educational standards."

As the state balances enforcement with due process, the larger goal remains the same  ensuring transparency, legality, and security in a region of strategic importance.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 17:09 IST
What Will Happen In The May 7 Security Drill? What Should You Do? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:57 IST

Authorities have clarified that the pan-India drill was not meant to cause panic but to help India revisit the civil defence SoP for any eventuality

Security personnel deployed at Connaught Place, a day before the nationwide mock drills ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi. (PTI)

The Home Ministry has ordered that mock security drills be conducted in 244 districts across the country on May 7 amid heightened tensions with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 civiliansmostly touristswere killed.

According to the directive of the Home Ministry, the drill will focus on several key activities aimed at enhancing civil defence readiness across urban and rural areas. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are among the states and UTs where the security drill will take place.

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In a statement, the Home Ministry said the drills will teach how to respond to air raid sirens and blackout situations, though authorities clarified that the pan-India drill was not meant to cause panic but to help India revisit the civil defence SoP for any eventuality.

A senior official who is in charge of civil defence told CNN-News18 that it is a requirement under the Geneva Convention to protect civilians in times of war. So, we must empower them, train them to protect themselves. The last such training was in 1999 and before that in 1971. Most young people of this generation are unaware of such a situation. Hence the necessity of the drill," the official added.

WHAT WILL THE DRILL INCLUDE?

One of the key components of the drill would be to conduct checks on the air raid warning system. In some forward areas, civilians will take cover in a protected area, while those in Kashmirs Uri have already started preparing the community bunkers.

Blackouts will also be practised during the May 7 mock drills. If a blackout siren is sounded, the standard operating procedure must be followed. The drill will assess whether the sirens are working and how effectively people respond. All stakeholders should be well-versed with the SOP," officials explained to CNN-News18.

The final aspect of the drill will be to familiarise civilians, students, hospital staff with civil defence volunteers so that their instructions are followed in times of emergency. Evacuation plans will be discussed with authorities in such institutions when the mock drill happens.

WHAT DO PEOPLE GLOBALLY DO IN CASE OF WAR?

As per advisories issued by other countries, one must provision for basic supplies for survival in case a war breaks out. These include water, ideally for at least 3-7 days; non-perishable food like canned goods, nuts, and ready-to-eat meals; a first-aid kit that includes basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, tweezers, a thermometer, and any personal medications; sanitation supplies like toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags; flashlight, preferably battery-powered or solar, along with extra batteries; multi-tool or Swiss army knife; clothing; blankets or sleeping bags; chargers and power banks; and a whistle or signal device.

Apart from this, one must have at hand important documents such as passport, national ID, or any other form of government-issued identification; personal and family records like birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records, and any other essential paperwork (stored in waterproof bags); local and regional maps of evacuation routes, shelters, and safe zones; cash in small bills, as digital payment systems or ATMs might be down; and an emergency contact list.

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Personal hygiene products such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sanitary pads/tampons, razors, and other daily hygiene items; face masks; hand sanitizers; prescription medications; tarp or plastic sheeting; duct tape and rope; gas mask or N95 mask; rain poncho or waterproof clothing; and locks for doors or windows should be a part of your go-to kit.

Authorities also stress on conserving resources like water and electricity, following authentic sources of information, not panicking and obeying local laws and curfews as far as possible.

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 06, 2025, 15:19 IST
Why Did Hindenburg Burst Into Flames? Revisiting Airship Disaster That Consumed 36 Lives

Curated By :

Trending Desk Edited By: Anurag Verma



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:21 IST

On May 3, 1937, the Hindenburg took off from Frankfurt, Germany, for a journey to US as it was heading to the Navy Air Base in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The Hindenburg stands out because of how the disaster was recorded as reporters and news cameras were present to cover the event. (US Navy)

In 1937, people had gathered at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey to witness the grand arrival of the Hindenburg which was Germanys largest airship ever built. But within seconds of approaching, the grand spectacle turned into a horrifying tragedy. The Hindenburg caught fire mid-air and crashed to the ground. Within seconds, the watchers on ground who were cheering were left in shock. The tragedy killed 36 people and left dozens injured.

The shocking visuals of the burning airship were captured live by newsreel cameras and reporters at the scene. The moment also brought the era of airships to an end.

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What Led To The Creation Of The Hindenburg?

The concept of airships began in the 1800s. In 1852, a French engineer named Henri Giffard built the first working airship. It used hydrogen gas for lift and had a small steam engine that powered a propeller. It flew at about six miles per hour.

Later, German engineers made improvements by adding a metal frame inside the airship. This made the structure stronger but they still had to use hydrogen as it was very light but also highly flammable. These rigid airships could carry many passengers and travel long distances.

Also Read: Delhi Police Took Shots At Virat Kohlis Instagram Like Controversy And It Did Not Go Well, Heres Why

One of the most famous airships was the Graf Zeppelin which flew around the world in 1929. In the 1930s, it also started the first regular air service across the Atlantic. Its success inspired the building of a larger and more advanced airship which came to be known as the Hindenburg.

The Hindenburg made its first flight on May 20, 1936. It flew from Europe to US in just over 78 hours. That year, it completed 17 such flights.

What Happened With The Hindenburg?

On May 3, 1937, the Hindenburg took off from Frankfurt, Germany, for a journey to US. It was heading to the Navy Air Base in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The massive airship was 804 feet long and carried 36 passengers and 61 crew members.

As it arrived at Lakehurst on May 6, the Hindenburg suddenly caught fire while preparing to land. The flames spread quickly after what was likely a spark ignited the hydrogen inside. The airship fell 200 feet to the ground and was destroyed. The entire accident happened in just about 30 seconds.

The disaster killed 36 people  13 passengers, 22 crew members and one person from the ground team. Some died from the fire while others lost their lives after jumping from the airship in a desperate attempt to escape. Many of the survivors were seriously injured.

Why Is The Hindenburg Remembered?

The Hindenburg was built by the Zeppelin Company and designed to be a luxury airship. It flew with the help of 16 large cotton cells filled with hydrogen. This gas is lighter than air which helped the ship float but it is also very flammable. Hydrogen had been used in airships since 1900 and many believed the Hindenburg was made as safe as possible.

Before the Hindenburg, other airships had also crashed. In 1929, Britains R101 crashed and killed 48 people. A year before that, 52 people died in a French airship called Dixmude. Both ships had used hydrogen. But the worst airship crash was the USS Akron in 1933 which used helium instead of hydrogen. It crashed and killed 73 out of 76 people on board.

The Hindenburg stands out because of how the disaster was recorded as reporters and news cameras were present to cover the event. They ended up capturing dramatic photos and video of the explosion and crash.

A radio announcer named Herb Morrison was also at the scene and emotionally declared, Oh, the humanity!" His voice was broadcast across US as part of the countrys first coast-to-coast radio news report.

Also Read: Blackouts And Sirens, Twice Since 1971: What Is A Security Drill, How Is It Conducted? Explained

After the disaster, people lost trust in airships and no rigid airships remained in use after World War II.

What Else Happened On May 6 In History

1856  Sigmund Freud, who later became known for developing psychoanalysis, was born.

1889  People got their first chance to visit the Eiffel Tower as it opened during the Paris Worlds Fair.

1998  Apple showed its first iMac to the world which helped bring the company back on track.

2002  Elon Musk set up SpaceX with the goal of changing how space travel works.

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2004  The last episode of the popular show Friends was broadcast and watched by millions.

2023  King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned in Britains first coronation in nearly 70 years.

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 06, 2025, 13:05 IST
17 Districts Sensitive, Stay Alert: Centres Message For Bengal Ahead Of Security Drill

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 19:20 IST

According to sources from the secretariat, the state has been given seven days to plug infrastructural gaps and procure necessary equipment

The Centre has instructed that control rooms be set up in each district immediately. (PTI File)

Being a border state, West Bengal has been asked to stay alert amid the rising India-Pakistan tension.

The Union Home Ministrys meeting on Tuesday was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Director General of the NDRF. Representing the state were Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, Disaster Management Secretary Rajesh Sinha, and DG Civil Defence Jagmohan.

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Apart from West Bengal, home secretaries from several other states were also present.

The Centre clearly stated that if a war-like situation arises, the state must be fully prepared within the next seven days for overall rescue operations and crisis management. It stated a security drill must be conducted.

A state official stated that through this drill, the readiness of various emergency services such as ambulances, fire services, rescue operations, and hospitals will be assessed.

According to the Centre, 17 districts in the state have been identified as sensitive and are under watch  Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda, the two Bardhamans, the two Medinipurs, Alipurduar, Murshidabad, the two Dinajpurs, Kalimpong, Kolkata, Birbhum, Howrah, and Hooghly.

The locations where mock drills will be conducted will be decided by the state government. Within seven days, overall readiness must be reviewed, and the state must be prepared for any possible wartime scenario.

Administrative sources said that there are several sirens across the state. In Kolkata alone, there are 95 sirens. However, a large number of them are currently non-functional due to long-term disuse. Immediate repairs and reactivation have been instructed. Additionally, most districts have 20 to 25 sirens, with at least one siren located at each district headquarters.

Sources say there are 62 satellite phones across the state. In a wartime situation, communication between the state and Civil Defence will primarily be through the Air Force. The Air Force will pass on information to Civil Defence, which will then relay it across relevant departments and authorities for action.

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The Centre has instructed that control rooms be set up in each district immediately. These will remain active round-the-clock. Typically, such control rooms are activated from May each year in anticipation of the monsoon. These will now also be used for rescue and disaster management in case of war.

According to sources from Nabanna (the state secretariat), the state has been given seven days. Within this period, any infrastructural gaps must be filled, and all necessary equipment procured.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 19:18 IST
22 Pakistani Women With Over 90 India-Born Children Living In UPs Moradabad

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 09:23 IST

These women possess Indian government-issued ration and Aadhaar cards, allowing them to access public welfare benefits, but none of them have acquired Indian citizenship so far.

While the women retain their Pakistani citizenship, their children have acquired Indian nationality. (Representative Image)

Authorities have deported Pakistani nationals on short-term visas while tightening surveillance on those residing in the country on long-term visas following the last months Pahalgam terror attack.

Meanwhile, at least 22 Pakistani women have been identified in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad who have been living on long-term visas and given birth to 95 children in India. All the women continue to hold Pakistani citizenship, while their children have acquired Indian nationality.

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According to police investigations, all of them have been living in the district for many years, with most of their children now grown up and married. Nearly 35% of the women are now grandmothers. With their children and grandchildren, these families have expanded to over 500 members.

Reportedly, two of the women had arrived in India four years ago, while others have lived in the district for decades. The police are also tracing the current employment of the 95 India-born children and checking for links with relatives in Pakistan.

These women possess Indian government-issued ration and Aadhaar cards, allowing them to access public welfare benefits, but none of them have acquired Indian citizenship so far. All of them have applied for citizenship, according to the police. The families now consist of Indian citizens born to Pakistani mothers who remain foreign nationals.

Comprehensive data collection is underway. Information is being compiled on all Pakistani-origin families in the area, including the status of their visa applications, ration card usage, family sizes and overseas connections," Moradabad Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh said.

The police and local intelligence teams said that they are closely monitoring all of them and are also investigating to ensure that no illegal individuals are residing in Moradabad.

Meanwhile, Pakistani nationals living in India on long-term visas who have not obtained Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas. In its order, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the window to reapply for LTVs is from May 10 to July 10. Any Pakistani national who fails to reapply within this period will have their LTV cancelled, according to the MHA order.

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In a series of stern measures against Pakistan, a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Government of India announced that Pakistani nationals would not be allowed to travel to India, and those currently in the country on short-term visas must leave within 48 hours.

Following the terror attack, security agencies across India have increased vigilance and scrutiny of foreign nationals, especially those residing in India on long-term visas.

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 : Moradabad, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 08:43 IST
Blackout, Air Sirens, And More: What Happens In May 7 Security Drills? Dos And Don'ts Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 21:51 IST

Officials have advised the public to keep essential items ready, such as first-aid kits, torches, candles, and some cash in case digital payment systems fail

Members of disaster management carry an injured during a mock drill. (AP file photo)

India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, 7 May, across 244 districts. This large-scale exercise comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam last month.

The drill will simulate wartime scenarios, including air raid sirens, blackouts, and emergency response protocols. It marks the first national-level civil defence preparedness activity since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

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The Union Home Ministry had on Monday instructed all states and Union Territories to carry out the drill, citing new and complex threats" following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed.

Heres what you need to know and what to do during the May 7 mock drills:

For Blackout Action Plan

Preparation Steps For Citizens:

Install thick blackout curtains or blinds on all windows.

Prepare your home to function without lights during the blackout.

Use dark cloth or cardboard to block light.

Switch off all outdoor lights during the drill.

Test your blackout preparedness by simulating it with family members.

Blackout Action Plan is crucial component of civil defense preparedness. Staying calm & prepared during emergencies or hostile situations is key to ensuring national security. Regular drills & awareness of such plans can help citizens respond effectively in critical situations. pic.twitter.com/UBnxknCmzy NDMA India |      (@ndmaindia) May 6, 2025

What To Do During The Drill:

Turn off or cover all light sources, including devices like TVs, phones, or tablets.

Keep torches and candles handy, but do not place them near windows.

What Not To Do:

Avoid using any light that could be seen from outside.

Do not go outdoors unless necessary during the blackout.

On Camouflaging Vital Installations

Preparation Steps for Citizens:

Report any suspicious activity near critical installations to authorities.

Do not share sensitive information about local facilities on social media.

What To Do During The Drill:

Observe how authorities camouflage vital installations to understand its importance.

Support the authorities by allowing smooth access during the exercise.

What Not To Do:

Do not interfere with camouflaging efforts or enter restricted areas.

Avoid taking photos or sharing about the drill online.

For Air Raid Warning Sirens

Preparation Steps For Citizens:

Familiarise yourself with the different air raid siren sounds (e.g., long wails for alerts, short bursts for an all-clear).

Identify nearby shelters like basements, underground car parks, or designated safe zones.

Keep a basic emergency kit ready, including: torch with extra batteries, water bottles, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit.

What To Do During The Drill:

Stop all outdoor activities immediately and head to the nearest shelter.

Avoid using phones unless it is necessary to keep communication lines clear for emergencies.

Follow the instructions given by authorities or wardens.

What Not To Do:

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Do not ignore the sirens or assume they are unimportant.

Avoid panicking or causing unnecessary commotion.

ALSO READ: Preparedness Push, Not A Panic Call: What Does The May 7 Civil Defence Drill Entail?

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 06, 2025, 21:27 IST
Donald Trump Reacts To Indian Strikes On Terror Camps In PoK: 'Hope It Ends Very Quickly'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 03:59 IST

New Delhi described the late-night strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, as measured and non-escalatory," stressing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.

US President Donald Trump | Image/File

Just hours after Indian missiles struck terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, US President Donald Trump reacted to it, expressing hope that the conflict ends very quickly."

Its a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. Theyve been fighting for a long time. Theyve been fighting for many, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly," Trump said.

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New Delhi described the late-night strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, as measured and non-escalatory," stressing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. Sources said the strikes were conducted from the Indian side and were carefully calibrated, with targets selected with precision. Reports suggested that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters may have been among the sites hit.

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution," the government said, amid fears of a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. It added that terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK was hit across at least nine sites.

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The Pakistan Army claimed that mosques and civilian structures were struck and said it was assessing the damage. Reports of heavy gunfire from the Pakistani side along the Line of Control (LoC) followed soon after the strikes. Indian forces were said to be responding to the firing.

The Pakistan Army acknowledged that Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad were hit, and said that all Pakistan Air Force aircraft were airborne. It warned of a response at a time and place of its own choosing."

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

First Published: May 07, 2025, 03:00 IST
Emergency Coordination To Disaster Plan Review: NDRF Releases New SOP For Mock Exercises

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 20:31 IST

The 20-page document lays down clear guidelines for organising and evaluating mock disaster drills

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel conduct mock drill of preventive measures during railway mishaps. (PTI file photo)

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline and professionalise the conduct of mock exercises. The 20-page document lays down clear guidelines for organising and evaluating mock disaster drills, with the aim of enhancing preparedness, coordination, and public awareness.

According to the NDRF report, the SOP is a living document" that assigns responsibilities to officials and provides a structured approach for conducting drills effectively.

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The report stresses the importance of reviewing disaster management plans, testing the effectiveness of standard procedures, and improving coordination among emergency services and stakeholders.

The purpose of this SOP is to establish the procedure for conducting the Mock Exercise. The SOP shall provide guidance and assigns responsibility to the concerned ofcials of NDRF to execute their professional actions in all parameters for purposeful conduct of the Mock Exercise," the report states.

The SOP categorises drills into two types: In-House Mock Exercises, which are conducted using only internal personnel and resources, and Out-House Mock Exercises, which involve local, district or state agencies and simulate real-life disaster scenarios to test broader response mechanisms.

Some other approach is also recommended for conducting these exercises, such as:

Coordinating Conference  Held at least a month prior, this meeting defines objectives, selects participants, and finalises logistics.

Table Top Exercise (TTEx)  A guided discussion simulating worst-case scenarios, helping participants apply their knowledge in a controlled setting.

Mock Exercise  Includes alarm, response, and evaluation phases. This is where the actual drill is carried out, followed by debriefings to assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The SOP outlines stringent safety protocols, ensuring zero casualties during drills. It also mandates the full functioning of key systems like the Incident Response System (IRS), Emergency Operation Centres (EOC), medical teams, and communication units.

Nationwide civil defence mock drill

On Wednesday, India will conduct a nationwide mock civil defence drill across 244 locations amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, security experts stress the need for preparedness in case of panic or war, IANS reported.

The exercise will simulate wartime scenarios such as air raid sirens, blackouts, and emergency first-response measures. It is the first nationwide preparedness drill of this scale since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Ordered by the Union Home Ministry, the drill is part of efforts to strengthen Indias civil defence systems. The initiative aims to boost coordination among civil authorities, security forces, volunteers, and civilians during potential hostile attacks.

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The mock drills will reach down to the village level, with active participation from civil defence wardens, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, students, and other community volunteers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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 06, 2025, 20:10 IST
'Have Proof, Will Act': India Works To Put Pakistan Back 'Under Surveillance' In FATF, Cripple IMF Aid

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:58 IST

A senior official told News18 there are concrete and actionable cases tracing terror financing and money laundering to cripple Indian economy back to sources within Pakistan

India is determined to put Pakistan on the spot during the upcoming high-profile meetings of international forums, including the IMF board's crucial meeting to decide on financial aid for Pakistan. (Getty)

India is ramping up diplomatic efforts to expose Pakistans alleged involvement in terror sponsoring and support for terrorist organisations like the LeT and others, aiming to push for its re-listing on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list or under the enhanced surveillance category. This seems to be a crucial move that may choke the scheduled aid by the IMF to Pakistan. It may also attract other international sanctions, News18 has learnt.

India is also likely to propose enhanced surveillance on Pakistan in this regard, a process that was eased in 2022 when Pakistan, according to the FATF documents, showed willingness to address strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

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A senior official involved in the FATF process told News18 that there are concrete and actionable cases tracing terror financing and money laundering to cripple Indian economy back to sources within Pakistan evidence that will be presented at the relevant global forum as and when required.

Significantly, India is a member country of FATF, while Pakistan has become a part of Asia Pacific Group of Money Laundering, which is one of the FATF Style Regional Bodies. In October 2022, FATF in a statement said, Jurisdictions under increased monitoring are actively working with the FATF to address strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Nicaragua and Pakistan are no longer subject to increased monitoring by the FATF."

A few senior politicians, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, cited FATFs recent recommendations about Pakistan in their attempts to shrug off the responsibility of terror financing and backing.

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India is, however, determined to put Pakistan on the spot during the upcoming high-profile meetings of international forums, including the IMF boards crucial meeting to decide on a support package (financial aid) for Pakistan. India is expected to oppose the funding in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. We are prepared with evidence to present before the board and also at the FATF. Our stand maintains that international financial aid should not be extended to countries that harbour or back terrorism," added the officer.

According to the FATFs recent review early this year, there are three countries that feature on the FATFs black list while around 25 countries are on its grey list.

About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 10:45 IST
Hindu Group Protests Outside Karachi Bakery In Visakhapatnam, Demands Name Change | Video

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News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 16:28 IST

Karachi Bakery is a well-known Indian bakery franchise that has been operating since 1953, with outlets across the country

The group also urged the central government to file a sedition case if the name is not changed. (Screengrab via X)

Members of the Jana Jagarana Samithi (JJS) on Tuesday staged a protest outside Karachi Bakery in the Venkojipalem area of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, demanding that the bakery change its name immediately.

Representatives of the Hindu group also urged the central government to file a sedition case if the name is not changed, stating that the issue should be treated as a matter of national concern.

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The group also questioned the appropriateness of naming the bakery after Karachi, a city in Pakistan, and voiced strong objections.

The protest came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with diplomatic flare-ups and frequent ceasefire violations along the borders following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 peoplemostly touristswere killed.

A video has also surfaced showing Jana Jagarana Samithi representatives protesting outside the bakery, waving the Indian tricolour.

The Jan Jagrana Samiti in Visakhapatnam held a protest demanding the immediate renaming of Karachi Bakery, citing its names connection to Pakistan."#PehalgamTerroristAttack #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/u8BHpqj3mS SLN Vasu (@SLNVasuOfficial) May 5, 2025

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Karachi Bakery is a well-known Indian bakery franchise that has been operating since 1953, with outlets across the country.

Despite its name, Karachi Bakery is an Indian brand. It was founded by Khanchand Ramnani, a Sindhi Hindu who migrated from Karachi to Hyderabad during the Partition in 1947.

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 : Visakhapatnam, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 16:06 IST
India-Pakistan Tensions: What Happened Few Days After The Mock Drills Of 1971?

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Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:18 IST

The drills, reminiscent of wartime protocols not seen in over 50 years, mark the first such civil defence mobilisation since 1971, when India and Pakistan last went to war.

The govt issued a directive to all states and UTs to initiate mock drills in preparation for a potential war scenario.

In the wake of a gruesome Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the already fraught ties between India and Pakistan have veered dangerously close to open conflict. As fears of war grip the subcontinent, the government has issued a nationwide directive to all states and union territories to initiate full-scale mock drills in preparation for a potential war scenario.

The drills, reminiscent of wartime protocols not seen in over half a century, mark the first such countrywide civil defence mobilisation since 1971, when India and Pakistan last went to war. That conflict not only redrew the map of South Asia, but also culminated in the birth of Bangladesh, as East Pakistan was carved out into an independent nation following a defeat of Pakistani forces.

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In 1971, mock drills had begun in late November, just days before hostilities officially broke out on December 3. Reports from that era, including from major national dailies like The Times of India, documented widespread air raid precautions, nighttime blackouts, and evacuation exercises as part of the civil defence campaign.

The drills were broadcast over All India Radio (Akashvani), with sirens wailing through cities, urging citizens to seek shelter and turn off lights  measures aimed at confusing enemy aircraft and minimising casualties from aerial bombardments.

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Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Union Home Ministry had instructed every state to engage in rigorous preparedness efforts. Simulated scenarios involved moving civilians to bunkers, responding to air raid sirens, and practicing city-wide blackouts. Particularly intensive exercises took place in frontline states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal, as well as major metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

The current directive signals a return to this level of alert, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly emphasising readiness for a wartime contingency". While no official statement has been made linking the drills to immediate military plans, analysts interpret the move as a strategic signal to both domestic audiences and adversaries across the border.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 13:36 IST
India To Hold Major Air Exercises Along International Border Amid Rising Tensions With Pakistan

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 21:19 IST

A 'notice to airmen' has been issued for May 7 and 8, close to the western border, and mainly in Rajasthan that is under the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force

The air exercise will be carried out close to the western border, mainly in Rajasthan which is under the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. (Image for representation: PIB/PTI)

India will be conducting major air exercises along the International Border with Pakistan, sources said. A notice to airmen has been issued for May 7 and 8, close to the western border, and mainly in Rajasthan that is under the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force.

The International Border (IB) stretches about 2,400 km from Gujarat to Akhnoor in Jammu. The exercise is taking place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22.

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According to the notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued on Tuesday, the drills will begin at 9.30 pm on Wednesday (May 7) and end 5.5 hours later. During this period, flights departing or landing in the area will be suspended.

Dear friends and respected members. Please refer the queries on a recent NOTAM AO 971/25 issued by AAI (Airports Authority of India) pertaining to an Air Exercise in Rajasthan and nearby areas. IAF is conducting a pre-planned routine training exercise," it said.

The militaries of both India and Pakistan are on a high alert following rising tensions between the two countries.

Soon after the Pahalgam attack, India citing cross-border linkages" to the strike, promised severe punishment to those involved in it.

During a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the terror attack.

HEIGHTENED BORDER ACTIVITY IN OTHER PARTS

Pakistani troops have continued to violate the ceasefire along other parts of the border that India shares with the neighbouring country, especially the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. It has resorted to unprovoked firing across multiple sectors, prompting a strong and calibrated response from the Indian Army.

The latest round of cross-border firing on the intervening night of May 5 and 6 further undermines the ceasefire agreement reached in February 2021, which is now largely seen as ineffective due to Pakistans frequent violations across the 740-km LoC.

The violations began in the northern districts of Kupwara and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley, before spreading southwards to Rajouri, Poonch, Akhnoor, and the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu district. The firing affected five border districts  Baramulla, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu.

Since the night of April 24, hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani troops have repeatedly targeted Indian positions along the LoC, beginning in the Kashmir Valley and quickly expanding to the Jammu region.

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India and Pakistan share a 3,323-km border, divided into three segments including the International Border (IB), stretching about 2,400 km from Gujarat to Akhnoor in Jammu, the 740-km Line of Control (LoC) from Jammu to Ladakh, and the 110-km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) that divides the Siachen Glacier region from NJ9842 to Indira Col.

(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 06, 2025, 19:00 IST
Pahalgam Avenged: Indian Missiles Pound Jaish, LeT Terror Sites In Pakistan, PoK

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 10:15 IST

Operation Sindoor News: New Delhi described the late-night strikes "measured and non-escalatory", stressing that no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted

The operation launched by the Indian Army on Tuesday. (X: @adgpi)

Indian Army Operation Sindoor news: Indian missiles struck terror infrastructure of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) groups across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) late on Tuesday night, a campaign the government said underscored its zero tolerance" towards terrorism.

The strikescalled Operation Sindoorcame just two weeks after cross-border intruders killed 26 people in Kashmirs Pahalgam, and was hailed by leaders across party lines. New Delhi described the precision strikes as measured and non-escalatory," stressing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the entire operation, sources said.

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Reports indicated that the LeT headquarters and a madrasa linked to Masood Azhars JeM were among the sites hit. Both groups are notorious for orchestrating attacks against India. Of the nine targets, four were in Pakistans Punjab province and five in PoK. There was no official word on casualties; while some media reports said about 20 terrorists were killed in the strikes, at least one Indian publication reported that the toll could be as high as 80.

Precision strike-capable weapon systems, including the loitering munitions, of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force were used, news agency ANI cited sources as saying. The coordinates for the attacks on terrorist camps inside Pakistan and PoK were provided by intelligence agencies. The strikes, which took place between 1am and 1:30am, were carried out from Indian soil, the ANI report said.

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution," the government said, amid fears of military escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Launchpads In Pakistan, PoK | Watch

The Pakistan Army claimed that mosques and civilian structures were hit and said it was assessing the damage. It confirmed that Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad were hit, and stated soon after the strikes that all Pakistan Air Force aircraft were airborne. It warned of a response at a time and place of its own choosing".

Heavy gunfire was reported from the Pakistani side along the Line of Control (LoC) shortly after the strikes, killing at least 10 civilians. Indian forces were said to be returning fire.

In the wake of the operation, India activated all air defence units along the border. The Indian Army shared a graphic on X emblazoned with Operation Sindoor, captioned: Justice is served. Jai Hind!"

Sindoor (vermilion) is a sacred symbol of marriage worn by Hindu women. On April 22, several women lost their husbands when at least three terroriststwo believed to be Pakistani nationalsidentified the religion of their victims before executing Hindu men at point-blank range in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Twenty-five Indian nationals, including a local pony operator, and a Nepali citizen were killed in the massacre, which has drawn widespread international condemnation.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: India Targets Lashkar-e-Taiba HQ, Masood Azhars Madrassa

Tensions between India and Pakistan have soared since the attack. India has taken several diplomatic steps, including suspending the crucial Indus Waters Treatya strategic move aimed at choking water flow to Pakistan. Tuesday nights strike escalated the tensions. Srinagar and Jammu airports were closed as a precautionary measure. In Pakistans Punjab, all schools will be closed on Wednesday.

We are living up to our commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable," the Indian government said after the strikes.

Also Read: Donald Trump Reacts To Indian Strikes On Terror Camps In PoK: Hope It Ends Very Quickly

India had similarly struck across the border in 2016 and 2019, following major terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to the latest strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a lengthy X post: Pakistan fully reserves the right to respond forcefully to this warlike act imposed by India. A robust response is being given. The entire nation stands with the Pakistan Armed Forces, and our morale remains high."

Both countries are expected to hold high-level security meetings, chaired by their Prime Ministers, on Wednesday.

Shortly after the strikes, Indias National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and briefed him on the operation.

Reacting to the news, US President Donald Trump said: Its a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking into the Oval. I guess people expected something, based on past events. Theyve been fighting for a long timedecades, even centuries, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly."

Also Read: Justice Is Served: Indian Army On Striking PoK Terror Camps Days After Pahalgam Attack

Indian officials have spoken to their authorities in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Russia to brief them about the operation, news agency PTI quoted sources as saying.

It was expected that Pakistan would take action against terrorists and the infrastructure that supports them. Instead, during the fortnight that has gone by, Pakistan has indulged in denial and made allegations of false flag operations against India," a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Washington said.

Indias actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted," it added.

World powers took note of the escalating tensions in the subcontinent. Israel backed Indias fight against terrorism, while Turkey backed all-weather ally Pakistan. China, another Pakistan backer, called Indias operation regrettable and said it doesnt support any form of terrorism.

But top Indian ministers underlined Indias resolve to fight terrorism. The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism. #OperationSindoor," foreign minister S Jaishankar wrote in his post on X.

Home minister Amit Shah lauded the armed forces and said the operation was Indias response to the Pahalgam attack. The Modi government is resolved to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people. Bharat remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism from its roots," he posted.

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About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: May 07, 2025, 01:55 IST
'Indias Water Was Flowing Elsewhere, Not Anymore: PM Modis Dig At Pakistan Over Indus Treaty

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 21:09 IST

Indias Waters Were Going To Another Country: Without Naming Pakistan, PM Modi Refers To Indus Waters Treaty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indias waters will benefit Indians only, subtly referring to an international water-sharing agreement being held in abeyance by India over a terrorist attack launched by Pakistan-trained terrorists. (IMAGE: SOURCED)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a strong statement on Indias water resources, asserting that water which once flowed to another country" will now be reserved for the benefit of Indians. Without naming Pakistan, the Prime Ministers remarks appeared to reference water-sharing arrangements under the Indus Waters Treaty.

PM Modi made the statement in New Delhi while speaking at a conclave hosted by ABP media group.

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Ties between the two neighbouring countries plummeted following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

India, among other punitive actions, announced that it is putting in abeyance the 1960 accord, which governs water sharing between the two countries.

Now, Indias waters will flow for India, will be retained for India, and will serve the interests of India," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Earlier on April 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack and their backers.

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In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Modi asserted that the armed forces have complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the terror attack.

The Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan and ensures water supply to 80% of Pakistani farms. Pakistan has threatened war over the measure and has continued nuclear sabre-rattling over the measure while failing to condemn the terror attack that was perpetrated by terrorists trained by its state apparatus.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 20:46 IST
'Justice Is Served': Indian Army On Striking PoK Terror Camps Days After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

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Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 02:50 IST

Indian Army confirms precision strikes on terror camps in PoK under Operation Sindoor, days after Pahalgam attack left 26 tourists dead.

India-Pakistan ties deteriorated sharply after the Pahalgam terror attack

In a major counter-terror operation, the Indian Army launched precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday under Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the action, stating that the targeted infrastructure was being used to plan and direct terror attacks against India.

The strikes come just days after the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. A press release issued by the Press Information Bureau at 1:44 am detailed the intent of the operation, describing it as focused, measured, and non-escalatory." It clarified that Indian forces had exercised restraint, with no Pakistani military facilities targeted, and had instead aimed specifically at nine terror-related sites.

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Justice is served. Jai Hind," the Indian Army posted on X, moments after the operation. The Army had earlier shared a video captioned Ready to Strike, Trained to Win."

Reports of explosions began surfacing from PoKs Muzaffarabad and areas in Pakistans Punjab province, including Bahawalpur, shortly before the Army and Defence Ministry made the strikes public.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took to X with the hashtags #OperationSindoor and #JaiHind, while Bandi Sanjay Kumar posted, Operation Sindoor  precise, ruthless, & unforgiving Pahalgam martyrs avenged. Mess with India, pay the price. Proud of our bravehearts!"

Operation Sindoor  precise, ruthless, & unforgiving.When India strikes, its swift and sure. Our forces hit where it hurts. Pahalgam martyrs avenged. Mess with India, pay the price. Proud of our bravehearts!Mera Bharat Mahaan Jai Hind!  Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) May 6, 2025

The PIB release said the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack and was aimed at holding the perpetrators accountable.

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These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable," it stated.

A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is expected later today.

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

First Published: May 07, 2025, 02:46 IST
Last Updated: May 09, 2025, 16:30 IST

Operation Sindoor Highlights: Pakistan launched a barrage of artillery fire, drone, and missile attacks on multiple locations in Jammu, including a key airstrip, just a day after India conducted strikes against terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to the security agencies, several missiles were launched from Pakistan. All were successfully intercepted by Indias S-400 air defence system.

India swarmed Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi with drones, launching multiple retaliatory strikes and forces shot down an F-16 fighter jet in Rajasthan in an effective response to Pakistans unprovoked attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri rejected Pakistans claims that civilians and religious sites were targeted during Indias precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.

India launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes killed at least 10 family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar and four close aides. In retaliation, Pakistan shelled J&Ks Poonch, killing 16 and injuring over 50. India slammed Pakistan for giving state funerals to terrorists, saying it doesnt make sense to honour those eliminated in such operations.
Security Drills To Be Held At 244 Locations As India-Pakistan Tensions Spiral | Full List

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 20:27 IST

The Centre has asked 244 districts to conduct a drill on May 7 to test wartime standard operating procedure (SOP) and measures.

The govt issued a directive to all states and UTs to initiate mock drills in preparation for a potential war scenario.

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered to conduct mock drills at 244 districts across the country, effective civil defence on May 7". The central government announced a nationwide civic defence mock drill to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, in states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.

The development came as security has been tightened in the country following the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

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We are reviewing preparedness. Loop holes to be rectified have been identified," a member of the National Disaster Management Authority was quoted as saying, after the MHA meeting.

According to the directive of the Home Ministry, the May 7 drill will focus on several key activities aimed at enhancing civil defence readiness across urban and rural areas.

Centre has asked all states to conduct mock drills across the 244 civil defence districts in view of new and complex threats" that have emerged in the current geo-political scenario".

Border states such as Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are among those were the security drill will take place.

One of the key components of the drill would be to conduct checks on the air raid warning system.

It is the first step that warns civilians in an emergency situation. The Air Force sounds the alert and each district must ensure that its air raid warning sirens are functioning properly," a civil defence official told CNN-News18.

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Blackouts will also be practised during the May 7 mock drills.

The order came amid a series of high-level meetings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss Indias retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people on April 22.

About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 12:01 IST
'One Of Unsung Successes...': Singapore President Lauds Indias Aspirational Districts Programme

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 07:32 IST

Shanmugaratnam observed that the programme gives ownership to the community  developing community health workers, para-nurses, and data systems, supported from the centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tharman Shanmugaratnam (File Photo: PTI/PIB)

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has singled out Indias Aspirational Districts Programme" as an example of giving power to people in developing regions.

Shanmugaratnam was addressing the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025 on Monday.

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Themed Priming Asia for Good, the summit brings together thought leaders to spotlight solutions, innovations, and actions from across Asia to address global challenges in the interconnected areas of climate, education, and health. The summit is being held from May 5 to 7.

Shanmugaratnam elaborated on the programme, saying But innovation also involves organisation. For instance, if you look at India, one of the unsung successes is what they call the Aspirational Districts Programme. A well-chosen name for the most underdeveloped districts in India." He noted that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who launched the initiative in 2018 with the aim to quickly and effectively transform 112 most under-developed districts across the country.

I believe Gates Foundation joined Piramal Foundation and Tata Trusts in helping to fund it," he added.

He observed in detail that the programme gives ownership to the community  developing community health workers, para-nurses, and data systems, supported from the centre  targeted especially at maternal health and health of the child in the earliest years. Shanmugaratnam said he has visited some of those districts, and seen how they are working because they give ownership and agency on the ground to the people in the village themselves.

Shriti Pandey from Delhi, who was at the summit and has closely studied the programme for a year, agreed that the programme has empowered women in the villages.

Pandey said she has seen women in these districts who were definitely empowered and were involved in projects such as running the clinics and Anganwardis.

A few baseline parameters are definitely getting better under the scheme, especially around health," said Pandey.

Pandey has spent time a year in one of the districts in Madhya Pradesh and worked with a few in Bihar.

A lot of foundations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are adopting the scheme as a structure to fund projects," she told PTI on the sidelines of the summit. But there are a lot of infrastructural activities that still need to be done in terms of waste management, schools and education, said Pandey, who did a rural fellowship for a year and was a part of the programme in 2016-2017.

Part of the fellowship condition was to live in one of the villages in Madhya Pradesh for an entire year, while working for Aga Khan Trust, said Pandey, Founder and CEO of the Strawcture Eco for empowering sustainable construction.

Taking note of such programmes, and as part of ongoing efforts to support and scale solutions in climate, health and their intersection, Singapores Temasek Trust and its ecosystem entities  the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA), Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and Catalytic Capital for Climate and Health (C3H)  along with like-minded partners announced new global initiatives at the conference opening on Monday.

PAA launched two new Communities  the Health for Human Potential (HHP) Community, which aims to mobilise over US$100 million by 2030 to improve maternal and child health and address infectious diseases, and the Just Energy Transition (JET) Community, which supports Asias shift toward clean, inclusive, and people-centered energy solutions.

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CIIP and the World Economic Forums Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative, supported by PAA, highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Asia, warning it could cost the region up to USD 700 billion by 2050 and surpass cancer as the leading cause of death. The report calls for urgent, coordinated action and outlines four high-impact intervention areas to guide funders and partners in tackling this critical health challenge.

Co-Axis, a digital impact marketplace connecting funders with high-impact solutions aligned to the UN SDGs, has secured S$1.25 million in catalytic capital from the Richardson Family and Catalytic Capital for Climate and Health (C3H) to scale solutions in climate, health and their intersection, said the organizers in an official release.

Location : Singapore, Singapore

First Published: May 06, 2025, 07:32 IST
Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Terror Launchpads In Pakistan, PoK | Watch

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 04:23 IST

Operation Sindoor is Indias retaliatory measure to avenge the deaths of innocent civilians at the hands of Pakistan-trained terrorists.

This image shared by social media user Waleed (@weethelawyer) shows the aftermath of a strike by Indian forces in Bahawalpur. (IMAGE: X)

Videos of India striking terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir were released on social media in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. India launched Operation Sindoor where it struck nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), a press release by the Press Information Bureau said.

OPERATION SINDOOR: CATCH ALL THE LATEST UPDATES HERE

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The videos released on social media could not be independently verified by News18.

According to sources, the Indian Armed Forces Operation Sindoor has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 terrorists and injuries to 60 others. The strikes targeted key terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, with precision hits reported in areas including Kotli, Ahmadpur Sharqia, Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Faisalabad.

The government in its press release said that the locations Indian forces struck are believed to have been directly involved in planning and facilitating the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including a foreign national from Nepal.

Images from a camera capturing the Air strike in Bahawalpur pic.twitter.com/HboihwUPZp Waleed (@weethelawyer) May 6, 2025

The government in its press release said that the strikes were focused, measured and non-escalatory," stressing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.

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Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the press release said.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: May 07, 2025, 02:14 IST
What Is Operation Sindoor? India Strikes Lashkar-e-Taiba HQ, Masood Azhars Madrasa

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar



Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 05:24 IST

Terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taibas headquarters in Muridke and designated terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhars madrassa were among the nine sites India struck.

A building in Pakistans Muridke burns following Indias Operation Sindoor counter-terror operation to avenge the deaths of Pahalgam terror attack. Lashkar-e-Taibas headquarters were among the sites struck (IMAGE: SOURCED)

Terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taibas headquarters in Muridke and designated terrorist and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhars madrassa were among the nine sites India struck on Wednesday as India retaliated to Pahalgam attacks by launching Operation Sindoor.

According to sources, the Indian Armed Forces Operation Sindoor has resulted in the deaths of at least 17 terrorists and injuries to 60 others. The strikes targeted key terror infrastructure across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, with precision hits reported in areas including Kotli, Ahmadpur Sharqia, Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Faisalabad.

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OPERATION SINDOOR: CATCH ALL THE LATEST UPDATES HERE

In a pre-dawn operation on Wednesday, India launched missile strikes on nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, a known hub of the Jaish-e-Mohammad group. The strikes were announced by the Indian Army in a statement issued at 1.44 am.

The army said the mission specifically targeted terror infrastructure responsible for orchestrating attacks against India, including the recent deadly assault in Pahalgam.

Describing the operation, the army emphasised that the strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid escalation and did not target any Pakistani military facilities.

A little while ago, the Indian Armed forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," the Army said.

It said the actions by the Indian Armed forces have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature".

No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution," the Indian Army said.

Sources said the targeted terror sites were carefully chosen, as they were known to be training grounds run under the supervision of Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed.

These camps were used to recruit new cadres, some of whom were pushed towards the Line of Control (LoC) for infiltration.

Intelligence inputs suggest that Jaish had also brought in non-Afghan foreign fighters expelled from Afghanistan after the Talibans resurgence.

The outfit is armed with leftover American weaponry and had been preparing for a large-scale attack.

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While Lashkar operates like a territorial wing of the Pakistani army, focused on a sustained bleed India strategy, Jaish is known for its suicide squads and high-impact attacks.

Together, the two outfits are believed to command a cadre strength of nearly 300,000 jihadis, many of whom operate in close coordination with the Pakistani Army.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: May 07, 2025, 02:42 IST
From Jammu To Tamil Nadu, Nuclear Cities, Border Zones On Alert As India Runs Civil Defence Drills

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 17:36 IST

Civilians and officials across Jammu, Lucknow, Puri, New Delhi and other districts are taking part in civil defence drills after MHAs directive to states.

Jammu & Kashmir SDRF personnel conduct a mock drill at Dal Lake, a day before the nationwide mock drills ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in Srinagar. (IMAGE: PTI)

From Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, officials across the country on Tuesday have already begun to check wartime preparedness, a day ahead of the planned security drills as tensions remain heightened between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The Union Home Ministry has asked states to conduct civil defence drills on May 7, Wednesday, but some states have already begun practicing drills and checking wartime preparedness.

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Drills and security checks were performed across the length and breadth of the nation. With school students doing air raid simulations in Jammu to air raid sirens being put to test in Lucknow, officials are preparing civilians for any kind of emergencies that may arise if a war breaks out.

However, officials told CNN-News18 on Monday that there is no need to panic and that the drills are being conducted in order to train the modern generation which has not faced a war like situation in recent times.

Mock drills were conducted on the Dal Lake in Jammu, where officials were seen on boats performing mock drills. 19 districts have been shortlisted for the mock drill along with other districts. SDRF officials carried out some routine exercises.

#WATCH | Students in a Jammu school being trained to respond to any eventuality during a mock drill exercise MHA has directed countrywide mock drills on May 7 pic.twitter.com/NxxxmOGetn  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

A ground report by News18JKLH showed school students at a school in Jammu preparing for a mock drill in case of an air raid.

We have been told to lie down immediately and cup our ears and shelter in a safe place," a schoolgirl who participated in the mock drill told News18.

From air raid warning signs to blackouts and shelters, the mock drill will test operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians.Priyanka with report from CP, Delhi | @kritsween #India #MockDrill #mockdrill2025 #PMModi #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/IzUcjSiP9i  News18 (@CNNnews18) May 6, 2025

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered to conduct mock drills at 244 districts across the country.

VIDEO | LRAD System brought to Delhi Police Headquarters. Delhi Police officials were given a detailed briefing on how the system works. This device will be used to emit loud sirens and deliver messages to disperse crowds in case of a sudden attack.(Full video available on PTI pic.twitter.com/v5wJKlCIYd  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 6, 2025

Security drills were also held in Connaught Place in New Delhi. Officials speaking to News18 said that people were told to stay away from glass windows and panels if they find themselves caught in war-like situation and were told to take shelter behind large pillars  the ones that are a common sight in Connaught Place.

An LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) system was brought to the Delhi Police Headquarters, where officials received a detailed briefing on its operation, as per a video report by news agency PTI. The system, capable of emitting powerful sirens and broadcasting voice messages over long distances, will be deployed to help disperse crowds during sudden attacks or emergencies.

In Mumbais Dadar Square, police removed flower vendors from the famous phool gali" and police vans were stationed in the area as a measure ahead of tomorrows drills. Officials told News18 that this drive against the hawkers is part of the mock drill.

Drills were also held in Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Officials showed News18 Rajasthan how to operationalise hooters.

When officials say hooters will be tested during a drill, they mean theyll sound the sirens to simulate an emergency. When you hear a stop-start sound of this sort, it means there is danger," an official said, while giving a demo.

#WATCH | UP: Civil Defence, Police and local administration rehearse mock drill exercise in Lucknow's Police Lines, following MHA's order for nationwide mock drills on May 7 pic.twitter.com/ipJHVivYZE ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Meanwhile, visuals shared by news agency ANI showed air raid sirens being sounded in Lucknows Civil Lines.

Mock drills will be conducted across multiple states, with specific district-level exercises planned in several of them.

Uttar Pradesh has identified 19 high-risk locations where drills are already underway, including areas like Lucknow.

#WATCH | Puri, Odisha | A four-member team of NSG commandos visits Shri Jagannath temple to conduct a review of security here as a part of a routine processSP Puri Vinit Agrawal says, "A four-member team of NSG commandos has come here to review the security around Shri pic.twitter.com/8ZQSGwvAoG  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

In Punjab, 20 districts will hold civil defence exercises involving police and civil defence teams. Odisha will conduct drills in 12 locations, notably including the temple town of Puri, which will soon host the Rath Yatra festival. NSG commandos had visited the location for a routine security check.

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Karnataka will see drills across three districts, while Gujarat has planned exercises in 15 districts. In Manipur, the focus will be on the capital, Imphal, where fire services have deployed customised motorbikes to overcome traffic and narrow streets during emergencies.

Additionally, high-risk districts like Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, Surat in Gujarat, and Tarapur in Maharashtra, all with nuclear facilities or strategic importance, will also see coordinated mock drills.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 16:56 IST
Pakistan Misusing UN Platform, Silent On Upping Nuclear Rhetoric: Govt Sources

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:04 IST

Pakistans Permanent Representative at UN was also given a chance to make a 9-minute-long monologue against India even as UNSC did not come out with any statement on the meeting

Inside the closed-door meeting, Pakistan was asked by other countries whether LeT was likely to be involved in the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistan is misusing the United Nations (UN) platform by virtue of being a non-permanent member of the Security Council at present and ahead of it assuming the chair of the Security Council for the month of July.

This is what top government sources in India are saying, taking umbrage at Pakistan seeking, and getting, a closed-door meeting at the UN to discuss the India-Pakistan tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy. Pakistans Permanent Representative at UN, Asim Iftikhar, was also given a chance to make a 9-minute-long monologue against India even as the UNSC did not come out with any statement on the meeting.

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This is unfortunate and ironic as it is Pakistan which is speaking of nuclear options after orchestrating the Pahalgam terror strike. The Pakistani representative in fact walked without answering the sole question asked on why Pakistani top leaders were ratcheting up the nuclear rhetoric and speaking about using full spectrum of power," a government source told CNN-News18.

Pakistan went on to raise the Kashmir issue in its monologue at the UN, calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir and claimed the unresolved issue of Kashmir was the root cause of the India-Pakistan tensions. It also accused India of a provocative stance, putting on hold the Indus Waters Treaty, and again asked for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident", while condemning it.

However, inside the closed-door meeting, Pakistan was asked by other countries whether LeT was likely to be involved in the Pahalgam attack, and a recognition of the need for accountability, sources say. Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists based on their religious faith. In fact, many members expressed concern that Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors, sources say. India has spoken to all members of the UNSC over the last one week, pressing its case against Pakistan.

Earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had issued a statement asking India and Pakistan to deescalate the situation but remained quiet on Pakistan-sponsored terror against India.

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," he said.

He added: 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."

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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 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 06, 2025, 09:55 IST
'Pakistan Thought They Had Advantage, But...': Shashi Tharoor Decodes UNSC's Response

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:31 IST

Drawing from his knowledge of UNSC operations, Shashi Tharoor stated that the Security Council would not pass any resolution against either India or Pakistan.

Shashi Tharoor said he does not expect anything specific out of the UNSC. (PTI File)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, a former diplomat with experience at the United Nations, highlighted the sad reality" of Security Council consultations following its members meeting last night to discuss the ongoing tensions between India-Pakistan tensions over Pahalgam terror attack.

The closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council was convened at Pakistans request. However, sources indicated that the members of the council posed tough questions at Islamabad regarding the involvement of LeT, false flag narrative, targeting of tourists on religious lines and nuclear rhetoric.

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Drawing from his knowledge of UNSC operations, since he worked as a diplomat at the UN, Tharoor stated that the Security Council would not pass any resolution against either India or Pakistan.

I am quite confident that the Council will not pass a resolution criticising Pakistan because China will veto it, (and) they will not pass a resolution criticising us as many countries will object to it and probably veto it. It is going to be more of a call for peace and concern about terror in a general kind of language," the Congress leader was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

He further stated that he is not expecting any specific decision from the Council. That is the sad reality of the way these things function," he added.

The meeting came after Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, requested closed consultations" over an escalation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to the sources, the Council members questioned Islamabad over its links with Lashkar-e-Taibas involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

In these circumstances, Pakistan would have thought they had an advantage, but the impression we are getting is that a number of delegations asked very tough questions, and particularly about the Lashkar-e-Taiba and its initial claim of responsibility," said Tharoor.

The Congress leader said that, according to the briefings, it looked like the member countries understood that the concerns about terrorism and LeT understandably provoked" an Indian reaction after the Pahalgam attack.

The development came in wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives  25 tourists and one local.

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No official statement has yet been issued either by the Security Council or India regarding the closed-door talks.

(With agency 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 06, 2025, 14:31 IST
Pakistani National Held Near Line Of Control In J&Ks Poonch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 13:55 IST

Earlier, a Pakistani Ranger was detained in Rajasthan, days after a BSF constable was taken into Pakistans custody for inadvertently crossing the border into Pakistan.

Security forces caught a Pakistani national near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector. (IMAGE: PTI)

Amid the rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, Indian Army held a Pakistani national along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.

A Pakistani national has been apprehended from the LoC in the Poonch sector," an army official said as quoted by news agency ANI.

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Earlier, a Pakistani Ranger was detained in Rajasthan, days after a BSF constable was taken into Pakistans custody for inadvertently crossing the border into Pakistan.

In April, Purnam Kumar Shaw, the BSF constable who mistakenly crossed over the border into Pakistan, was taken into custody.

Meanwhile, cross-border firing continued for the 12th straight night along the Line of Control even as closed door consultations started at the United Nations Security Council on Islamabads request on the escalating tensions.

Small-arms firing in areas opposite Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor were met by proportionate response from the Indian Army.

What Happened In Pahalgam?

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage.

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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.

(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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 13:54 IST
Preparedness Push, Not A Panic Call': What Does The May 7 Civil Defence Drill Entail?

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 23:52 IST

District magistrates will update their list of civil defence volunteers starting May 7 and update their contact numbers in case of an emergency for quick deployment.

A soldier takes position during a mock drill along the Line of Control in Nowshera, Jammu. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

Amidst the uncertainty over what action India might take against Pakistan following the deadly attack on civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday asked several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence on May 7".

DG Civil Defence Vivek Srivastava said that the mock drill would be a pan-India exercise.

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In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Srivastava said: We have been doing these civil defence drills in districts on a regular basis but this time it will be pan-India. The exercise could spread out over a couple of days".

Authorities, however, said that this was not meant to cause panic but to help India revisit the civil defence SOP for any eventuality.

The last time a civil defence mock drill of this nature was conducted was in December last year, in the city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. The pan-India drill to be held this Wednesday is different", officials highlighted.

What Does The Mock Drill Entail?

Civil Defence is governed by the Civil Defence Act. Under this act, the District Magistrate (DM) or the district collector is assigned the nodal officer for civil defence in each district.

Starting Wednesday (May 7), the DMs will revisit the list of civil defence volunteers and update the contact numbers and names which will be prepared in case of any emergency.

An official said that vulnerable districts throughout India have been identified and the collectors will lead the drill on Wednesday in these districts.

This will be to test the operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians. It is a multi stake holder exercise that will be undertaken," a senior official who is in charge of civil defence told CNN-News18.

The list should be at the ready disposal of the DM to deploy the volunteers in times of emergency," a senior official said.

It is a requirement under the Geneva convention to protect civilians in times of war. So we must empower them, train them to protect themselves. The last such training was in 1999 and before that in 1971. Most young people of this generation are unaware of such a situation. Hence the necessity of the drill," the senior official further added.

Air Raid Warning Sirens

One of the key components of the drill would be to conduct checks on the air raid warning system. It is the first step which warns civilians in an emergency situation. The Air Force sounds the alert and each district must ensure that its air raid warning sirens are functioning properly," a civil defence official told CNN-News18.

Bunkers

In some forward areas, the next step entails civilians taking cover in a protected area. Forward areas (areas close to the frontline if a battle breaks out) like Kashmirs Uri have already started preparing the community bunkers.

Students on the international border like Arnia have already practiced mock drills to evacuate in times of an emergency.

Blackout

Blackouts will also be practised during the May 7 mock drills. If a blackout siren is sounded, the standard operating procedure must be followed. The drill will assess whether the sirens are working and how effectively people respond. All stakeholders should be well-versed with the SOP," officials explained.

Safety Of Vital Installations

Civil Defence officials explained that a list of vital installations is codified under the act. These might include defence, para military installations, hospitals and installations of strategic importance.

There is no scope for interpretation here. The list will be available to all concerned and as soon as the order comes everyone will have to work together to ensure that the vital installations as mentioned in the list are protected," officials said.

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Training Civilians And Students

The final aspect of the drill will be to familiarise civilians, students, hospital staff with civil defence volunteers so that their instructions are followed in times of emergency. Evacuation plans will be discussed with authorities in such institutions when the mock drill happens.

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

First Published: May 05, 2025, 23:52 IST
Punjab Police Foil Pakistan ISI's Terror Bid; Recover Grenades, IEDs From Forest

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:25 IST

Punjab's Director General of Police said that preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by the ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in the state.

Two rocket-propelled grenades, two IEDs, five P-86 hand grenades and one wireless communication set were recovered and seized from the site. (X)

In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police and security forces have foiled a terror bid and recovered a cache of terrorist hardware, including grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from a forested area in Punjab, the police said on Tuesday.

In a joint search operation, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar and security forces recovered the cache in the forested area near Tibba NangalKular Road, SBS Nagar, in a crackdown on terror outfits allegedly backed by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

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The crackdown on terror outfits comes in the wake of escalating India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack.

Two rocket-propelled grenades, two IEDs, five P-86 hand grenades and one wireless communication set were recovered and seized from the site.

In a major breakthrough against #ISI-backed cross-border terror networks, SSOC Amritsar, in a joint operation with central agency recovers a cache of terrorist hardware in an intelligence-led operation in the forested area near Tibba NangalKular Road, SBS Nagar.Recovery:* 2 pic.twitter.com/9hGt5mQb4m  DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 6, 2025

Punjabs Director General of Police said that preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by the ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in the state.

Earlier on Monday, a terror hideout was busted by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir Poonch district. Five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two radio sets, communication devices, three blankets, and other incriminating materials were recovered and seized from the site.

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.

What Happened In Pahalgam?

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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 : Amritsar, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 09:52 IST
OIC Rakes Up Kashmir, But Qatar's Amir Backs PM Modi In Pahalgam Call: 'Clear Message Of Support'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 18:44 IST

Qatar, which is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, initially took a balanced view but its support comes as some Muslim countries are rallying behind Pakistan

Qatar and India recently became strategic partners. (Image: PTI/File)

Qatar on Tuesday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending its support to India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Qatar, which is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), initially took a balanced view on the matter but its support to India comes at a time when some Muslim countries are rallying behind Pakistan.

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Qatar and India recently became strategic partners. The ministry of external affairs said Qatars amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, dialled Modi and condoled the 26 deaths in the deadly terror strike. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said he expressed full support in Indias fight against terrorism and its actions to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice.

In a telephonic conversation with PM @narendramodi today, the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani @TamimBinHamad conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people of India at the loss of lives in the cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He expressed full support in Indias fight against terrorism and all its actions to bring the perpetrators to justice," (sic) he said in a post on X.

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In a telephonic conversation with PM @narendramodi today, the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani @TamimBinHamad conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people of India at the loss of lives in the cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2025

He added: PM thanked HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for the clear message of solidarity and support. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to deepenStrategic Partnership and to implement the decisions taken during the State Visit of the Amir earlier this year." (sic)

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 : Qatar

First Published: May 06, 2025, 18:23 IST
Rs 50k Cash, Medicine Stock Advised Amid India-Pakistan Tensions? PIB Fact-Checks Viral Post

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 23:25 IST

The Press Information Bureau debunked a fake advisory claiming the government urged citizens to stock up on essentials and keep Rs 50,000 in cash due to border tensions.

The PIB said that people should trust only official government sources for credible information. (IMAGE: X)

The fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday, in a social media post, pointed out that an advisory circulating on social media claiming that the government has asked everyone to remain calm and stock up on essential items at home and keep Rs 50,000 in cash, is false.

The fake advisory claimed that due to the tense situation in the border areas in the country, the government has instructed people to store at least Rs 50,000 in cash, medicines for two months, food, water, torch lights and power banks among other items at home.

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The PIB said the government has not issued any such advisory and said that the advisory is fake.

An image of an advisory is being shared online, claiming that the Government has urged individuals to take precautionary measures and keep essential items ready at home.#PIBFactCheck This claim is #FAKE. The government has not issued any such advisory  Beware! Trust pic.twitter.com/JtEcr8iRge  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 6, 2025

Tensions between neighbours India and Pakistan remain high following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists based out of and trained in Pakistan.

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The PIB said that the false advisory, in the wake of the tensions between the neighbouring countries, are attempts to create panic among the citizens.

An image of an advisory is being shared online, claiming that the Government has urged individuals to take precautionary measures and keep essential items ready at home. This claim is FAKE. The government has not issued any such advisory. Beware! Trust only official government sources for credible information. Stay cautious and avoid sharing unverified claims," PIB Fact Check said in a social media post.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 23:25 IST
'They Were Joking About...': SUV Drives Over Security Guards Legs Over Honking | Video

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:47 IST

Despite serious leg fractures, Rajiv managed to call the police. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors recommended surgery with rod insertion in both legs

The entire incident was captured on CCTV, which helped the police identify and arrest the accused. (News18 Hindi)

In a shocking incident near the Mahipalpur flyover close to Delhi Airport, a security guard was deliberately hit by an SUV, leading to severe injuries. The victim, Rajiv Kumar, a security guard at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport, had just finished his night duty and alighted from the office cab when the incident occurred.

On a seemingly normal Sunday morning, Rajiv was crossing the road when he requested the driver of an SUV, which was continuously honking, to stop momentarily. In response, the driver, identified as Vijay Lale, threatened him by saying, If you cross first, I will crush you." Rajiv stood firm on his right to cross the road, but Lales threat turned into a brutal reality.

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There were three to four youths in the SUV. At first, they asked for my stick and then jokingly discussed who would run me over," Rajiv recounted. He said he tried to move back to give them way, but the driver, Vijay Lale, drove ahead regardless. What have I done to you?" Rajiv asked. In response, Lale allegedly ran him over at high speed. After the incident, the other occupants of the SUV fled the scene.

Watch The Video Here

Watch: A security guard was run over by a Thar SUV in Delhis Vasant Kunj area after he asked the driver not to honk. The guard suffered multiple fractures. The entire incident was caught on CCTV, and police have arrested the driver pic.twitter.com/7nDsiNIK6K IANS (@ians_india) May 5, 2025

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Though seriously injured with fractures in both legs, Rajiv managed to call the police himself. He was promptly admitted to the hospital, where doctors advised an operation involving the insertion of a rod.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV, which helped the police identify and arrest the accused by noon. Deputy Commissioner of Police Surendra Chaudhary stated, This was not an accident but a deliberate act. A case has been registered against Vijay Lale under sections 281 (negligent driving) and 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the BNS."

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 14:47 IST
Why India's Airbase In Tajikistan Should Worry Pakistan | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:44 IST

While the government has refrained from officially labelling the airbase in Tajikistan as an operational base, its potential is unmistakable.

Alongside Ayni, India has also reportedly used the Farkhor Airbase, and further deployed Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters in these bases. (PTI Photo)

As tensions rise following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India is signaling a tougher stance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi granting the Army full operational freedom" to decide how, when, and where it retaliates. But beyond immediate military reprisal, a lesser-known factor is casting a long shadow over South Asias strategic equation: a remote airbase in the mountains of Tajikistan, quietly upgraded by India, and increasingly viewed as a geopolitical pressure point, especially for Pakistan.

The Ayni Airbase

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Tucked just 15 kilometres west of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, the Ayni Airbase  once a crumbling relic of the Soviet era  has emerged as one of Indias most strategically significant outposts. Dormant after Tajikistans civil war in the 1990s, the base was revitalised thanks to a $70 million investment by India beginning in 2002, at the height of the US-led war on terror in nearby Afghanistan.

By 2010, India had extended the runway to 3,200 metres, constructed hardened shelters, fuel depots, air traffic control infrastructure, and made the base capable of supporting heavy-lift aircraft like the Ilyushin-76 and multirole fighters such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Although the Tajik government maintains that no foreign military operates from its soil, satellite imagery, regional reports, and military analysts suggest that Indian Air Force personnel  engineers, technicians, and security staff  have maintained a presence at Ayni for years.

While the Centre has refrained from officially labelling Ayni as an operational base, its potential is unmistakable. Located within striking distance of Pakistans western borders, including the troubled provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the base offers India a launchpad to project power deep into the region. In the event of a wider conflict, India could apply military pressure not just from the eastern front through Kashmir, but from the northwest  forcing Pakistan to recalibrate its entire defence posture.

Experts argue that the mere presence of Indian capability in Central Asia compels Islamabad to stretch its limited air defence and surveillance assets, possibly weakening its eastern preparedness. There are growing concerns in Pakistans defence circles that the Ayni base could serve as a launch point for reconnaissance missions, drone strikes, or even limited surgical air operations  especially in the restive, insurgency-hit western provinces.

But the reach of Ayni extends beyond Pakistan. Tajikistan shares a border with Chinas sensitive Xinjiang province. Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops, Indias interest in monitoring Chinese military activity near its western theater has grown. The Ayni base provides a rare and advantageous northern vantage point  one that could prove crucial in an extended confrontation.

Additionally, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) snaking through Balochistan and linking to the Gwadar port, Indias strategic presence near the region introduces a layer of complication for the heavily guarded economic lifeline of both Beijing and Islamabad.

The Talibans return to power in Afghanistan has given rise to renewed concerns over the resurgence of terror outfits like the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and Al-Qaeda. Ayni is also well-positioned to support surveillance and humanitarian evacuation operations in Afghanistan, as it reportedly did when India airlifted citizens and diplomatic staff following the Talibans takeover in 2021.

Alongside Ayni, India has also reportedly used the Farkhor Airbase, located near the Afghan border, and further deployed Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters in these bases.

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Indias involvement in Ayni also cements its growing influence in Central Asia, a region traditionally dominated by Russia and, more recently, China through its Belt and Road Initiative. By anchoring itself in Tajikistan, India not only reinforces its counterterrorism capabilities but also ensures it has a stake in Central Asian politics, counterbalancing Chinese and Russian leverage.

From Pakistans perspective, Ayni represents a silent encirclement strategy. Already under pressure in Kashmir, the potential for a second axis of military pressure from the north could tilt the strategic balance significantly. Intelligence operations from this base could monitor movements near Pakistans nuclear installations, many of which are located in its western provinces. Moreover, as Baloch separatist activity grows and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensifies attacks, the threat of Indian eyes and ears operating from across the Tajik frontier is a serious concern for Islamabad.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 11:44 IST
Kiara Advani Celebrates Motherhood and Artistry In Gaurav Gupta Couture At MET Gala 2025

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Nishad Thaivalappil



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 08:49 IST

Kiara Advanis gold breastplate featured two symbolic forms  Mother Heart and Baby Heart  linked by a chain umbilical cord.

Kiara Advani attended the 2025 Met Gala celebrating Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Kiara Advani looked mesmerising in Gaurav Gupta couture at MET Gala 2025. Flaunting her baby bump as she walked up the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art stairs, Kiara embraced the Tailored For You dress code by celebrating her cultural roots and her personal evolution.

Embracing motherhood and artistry in her MET Gala debut ensemble, Kiara Advani is the first Indian actress to grace the iconic MET stairs with her baby bump. A tribute to femininity, lineage and transformation, Kiaras ensemble titled Bravehearts was more than fashion. Crafted with Gauravs signature sculptural precision, the gown featured an antique gold breastplate adorned with ghungroos and crystals.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by KIARA (@kiaraaliaadvani)

The creation resonated with two symbolic formsMother Heart and Baby Heart and were linked by a chain umbilical cord, visually narrating the beautiful bond of motherhood, which Kiara will soon experience.

Speaking about her Met Gala debut, Kiara Advani says, Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and mother-to-be feels incredibly special. When my stylist, Anaita [Shroff Adajania], approached Gaurav to design my look, he created Bravehearts, a vision that honours the transformative phase Im stepping into, connecting it beautifully to this years dress code Tailored for You.."

Celebrating the undeniable impact of Black creativity on fashion and culture for centuries. The dress code for the evening was Tailored for You, which was a nod to the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition. Kiara Advanis MET Gala debut look paid homage to the late Andre Leon Talley, legendary fashion editor and Black icon, through a dramatic double-panelled capea nod to his iconic silhouettes and influence on the fashion world.

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Kiara further added, Inspired by the legacy of Andre Leon Talley, we reflected on what it means to show up with intention, individuality, and strength. This is a silent tribute to that  its a reminder that everything we do paves the way for the next generation."

By blending Indian craftsmanship with global symbolism, Kiaras appearance was both a personal milestone and a powerful cultural statement. Representing Indian couture with pride, she redefined what it means to walk the MET stepsnot just as a celebrity, but as a woman embracing her power, identity, and future. A stunning chapter in her ever-evolving journey.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 04:53 IST
MET Gala 2025: Neytt Returns! Crafts The Iconic Sustainable Carpet For The Third Time

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Nishad Thaivalappil



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 08:49 IST

MET Gala Carpet: Kerala-based brand, Neytt crafted 57 carpet rolls made from sisal fibers, which is sustainable and biodegradable.

Extraweave, the parent company of Neytt Homes manufactured and supplied the carpet for MET Gala 2025. (Photo: Instagram)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art stairs were dressed in blue! The sides of the stairs were adorned with white daffodils. The carpet featured hand painted flower prints of daffodils scattered all over the blue hue.

Making a stunning comeback in 2025, Extraweave, the parent company of Neytt Homes manufactured and supplied the carpet for MET Gala 2025. Artist Cy Gavin provided the creative direction for the red carpet design.

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The Met Gala carpet this year saw India shining on the Made in India carpet! Spotted on the sustainable carpet were celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, Isha Ambani, Mona Patel and Natasha Poonawalla dressed in their finest statement ensembles.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Met Gala 2025 (@metgalaofficial_)

Hailing from the vibrant cultural tapestry of Kerala, India, Neytt by Extraweave manufactured 57 base carpet rolls made from sisal fibres from Madagascar. Having successfully excelled in delivering luxury in the form of carpets at the previous two MET Gala in 2022 and 2023, this year, Sivan Santhosh, Director of Extraweave and CEO of Neytt Homes is thrilled to manufacture the MET Gala carpet for the third time. He shares, Our carpet feels more than just a fabric  its a vibrant thread in a tapestry of art, fashion, and culture. Were absolutely thrilled and immensely proud to once again contribute to this extraordinary event, a testament to our commitment to quality and our passion for making every entrance a moment."

For the 2025 Met Gala, Sivan shared that Neytt by Extraweave manufactured 57 rolls of 4m by 30m. Crafted from the best quality sisal fibres from Madagascar, the carpet stood played the perfect backdrop for every celebrity gracing MET Gala 2025.

In 2022, the old-fashioned red carpet was replaced with the biodegradable and sustainable carpet that redefined elegance in the most captivating way. In 2023, Neytt crafted a beige-toned carpet and joined forces with the visionary architect Tadao Ando to not only pay homage to Karl Lagerfeld.

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As the Met Gala red carpet unfurled, Neytts contribution became more than just a covering for the MET stairsit became a symbol of artistic collaboration, meticulous manufacturing, and the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.

The Costume Institutes spring exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, is on view at The Met Fifth Avenue from May 10 through October 26, 2025. The Superfine: Tailoring Black Style presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to the present through an exploration of the concept of dandyism.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 05:11 IST
Drug Possession To Rape Accused: A Look At Ajaz Khan's Controversies Over The Years

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:39 IST

Ajaz Khan faces backlash for obscenity in House Arrest and rape accusations. Known for controversies, he's been arrested multiple times for various charges.

Ajaz Khan is known for shows like Bigg Boss 7 and Khatron Ke Khiladi 5. (Photo: X)

Actor Ajaz Khan has found himself surrounded by controversies once again. The former Bigg Boss contestant has been facing backlash for allegedly spreading obscenity via his show, House Arrest. Besides this, he has also been accused of raping an actress. While police officials are already probing both cases separately, it should be noted that this is not the first time that Ajaz has landed in trouble.

Over the years, Ajaz Khan has become a controversial television personality. He has been arrested multiple times in connection with several cases. Heres a look at his controversies over the years:

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Bigg Boss 7 Elimination For Being Violent

Ajaz Khan was ousted from Bigg Boss 7 after a physical altercation with fellow contestant Ali Quli Mirza. He later claimed the eviction was unfair, arguing that Ali had provoked the incident and pointing out that other contestants involved in similar acts were not penalised as harshly.

Ajaz Khan Accused Of Rape In 2016

In 2016, model Aishwarya Choubey filed a complaint against Ajaz, accusing him of sending her lewd messages and an objectionable photo. An FIR was filed in the case, but Ajaz cried innocence.

Obscene Content On TikTok

In 2019, Khan was also arrested for allegedly promoting communal enmity via a video on TikTok. An FIR was filed and the actor was booked under IPC Section 153A and Section 67 of the IT Act for spreading enmity and transmitting obscene material.

Drug-Related Arrests

In 2018, Ajaz Khan was also arrested in Navi Mumbai in connection with a drug case. However, Khan claimed that he was being framed and targeted. Later in 2021, the Narcotics Control Bureau apprehended him for possession of 31 Alprazolam tablets. Last year too, his wife was arrested during a drug raid where 100 grams of MDMA were recovered from their residence. She was released recently.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:39 IST
Hania Aamir Makes New Instagram Account For Indians? Pakistani Actress' Team Reveals

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 20:45 IST

It should be noted that Hania Aamir was among the first Pakistani celebrities to react to the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Hania Aamir's social media account has been blocked in India.

Pakistan actress Hania Aamir enjoys a massive fan following even in India. However, after the tension between India and Pakistan escalated following the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Instagram handles of Pakistani actors in India were restricted. While Hanias account was also restricted, she recently made a new handle for her fans in India.

Recently, Hanias fans noticed her new Instagram account with the username naaamtousunahogaa, which was also available for the Indian audience. As per a Reddit post, one of the posts on the account read, Ye mere andar downfall me bhi mauj masti karne ki himmat aa kaha se rahi hai (sic)."

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However, soon after the account went viral, Pakistanis accused Hania of trying to please Indians and slammed her for not standing by her nation.

Following the backlash, Hanias team issued a statement and clarified that she had no intention to please Indians for the sake of work. Attention please! Theres a misunderstanding going around about Hanias new account. Some people think shes trying to reach out to India for work or securing fans there, but thats not true," the statement read.

Her old private account with us was deleted by Instagram, and she just made a new one with the same name. Unfortunately, it wasnt set to private yet, which led to the confusion. Lets clarify that Hanias actions have nothing to do with seeking work opportunities or following in India. We know her heart!" it added.

It should be noted that Hania Aamir was among the first Pakistani celebrities to react to the terror attack in Pahalgam. In an Instagram story, she expressed sorrow and wrote, Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hopewe are one."

When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs aloneit belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always," the actress added.

Meanwhile, Hania, who was rumoured to be teaming up with Diljit Dosanjh for his movie Sardaar Ji 3, has reportedly been dropped from the film too after the Pahalgam attack. While the UK shooting schedule wrapped last month, recent reports claimed that the makers are considering reshooting Hanias scenes with another actress. However, as of now, there is no official confirmation from the makers of Sardaar Ji 3.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 20:45 IST
Khushbu Sundars X Account Restored, Actress Thanks Fans For Support

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 16:06 IST

Khushbu Sundar dropped a picture of flowers with many heartfelt thanks written on it on X, in which she informed her fans that she is back on the platform.

Khushbu joined the BJP in 2020. (Photo Credit: X)

Actress and politician Khushbu Sundar has returned to X (formerly Twitter) nearly three weeks after her account was hacked in April. She personally informed her followers about the restoration of her account through a heartfelt post on May 5. Expressing her joy at being back, she said shes eager to reconnect with fans and share her experiences from the past few weeks.

Along with a picture of flowers bearing the message many heartfelt thanks," Khushbu wrote, Hi, my dearest friends. Finally, back here. After 3 weeks. Missed you all. Too many things have happened over these 3 weeks. Lets connect once again and move forward. Cant wait to share stories and hear more from you. Thank you very much for everything. Love to all."

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Hi my dearest friends. Finally back here. After 3 weeks. Missed you all. Too many things have happened over these 3 weeks. Lets connect once again and move forward. Cant wait to share stories and hear more from you. Thank you very much for everything. Love to all.  pic.twitter.com/UXSmrldQK3 KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) May 5, 2025

In April, Khushbu shared the news about her X account being hacked on her Instagram account. Warning fans against fraudulent messages and posts from her account, she wrote, Hi friends, my #TWITTER @khushsundar account is hacked. I am not able to log and its not accepting my ID or password. I am blocked out. Any news, updates, posts, or any activity on my Twitter page is not done in the last 9 hours. Trying to sort this out. Kindly bear with me and keep me posted if you see any kind of activity on my TWITTER page. See you soon on Twitter. Till then, I am here."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kushboo Sundar (@khushsundar)

Later, she informed me that she was getting a WhatsApp message from the hackers. Posting the screenshot of the message, she said, My office received this message from the hackers. This is the number of hackers hidden in the UK. @tncybercrimeoff is requested to take action immediately."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kushboo Sundar (@khushsundar)

Professionally, Khushboo Sundar started her journey in the lights-camera-action world as a child artist in Hindi films. Later, she carved a name for herself in Tamil cinema, where she starred in more than 185 movies.

The actress then stepped into the political world in 2020, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. Now, she serves as a member of the National Commission for Women.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 16:06 IST
Met Gala 2025: Nick 'Jiju' Wins Hearts As He Helps Priyanka Chopra With Her Dress

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 04:51 IST

Priyanka Chopra stunned in polka dots at Met Gala 2025 while Nick Jonas earned praise for sweetly assisting her with her dress.

Nick Jonas helps Priyanka Chopra with her dress at Met Gala 2025, wins hearts online.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas turned the Met Gala 2025 red carpet into a romantic runway moment. Dressed in a stylish white and black polka dot co-ord set paired with an oversized black hat, Priyanka exuded classic glamour. Her look, designed by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, was paired with exquisite Bulgari jewels, elevating her appearance with timeless sophistication. The theme of the evening was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," with a focus on Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," and Priyankas ensemble fit the bill perfectly.

Nick Jonas, ever the supportive husband, joined Priyanka in a matching outfit, featuring a white blouse and black trousers. The couple walked hand-in-hand, striking poses for the shutterbugs and making one of the most talked-about appearances of the night. Their coordinated look showcased effortless synergy and style.

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Before heading to the gala, the couple was seen greeting fans and photographers outside their hotel. A heartwarming moment caught on video showed Nick helping Priyanka with her dress as she entered the car. The gesture went viral across social media, with fans showering praise on Nick for being such a doting partner. Nick is such a caring husband," one fan commented, while another wrote, Priyanka is the luckiest woman."

Priyanka and Nick share a special connection with the Met Gala. They first walked the red carpet together at the 2017 event as friends and soon began dating. Since then, theyve become a power couple, regularly making appearances together at global events and always managing to turn heads.

In a past interview with British Vogue, Priyanka opened up about their dynamic. He just sees through the fog for me. He sees the best in people," she said. I get affirmations from him all the time, to remind me of my value when I forget or when I get insecure."

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 04:51 IST
Rajinikanth Loved Suriya's Performance In Retro, Called It 'Super': Karthik Subbaraj

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:51 IST

Director Karthik Subbaraj revealed that Rajinikanth loved his film 'Retro' and praised Suriya's performance.

Suriya's Retro is in theatres.

Director Karthik Subbaraj, whose film Retro featuring actor Suriya in the lead released recently in theatres, has now disclosed that superstar Rajinikanth loved his film and that he had termed Suriyas performance in it as super".

Taking to his X timeline to make the disclosure, director Karthik Subbaraj wrote, Thalaivar watched #Retro & he loved it. Exact words of ThalaivarWhat an effort by (the) whole team. Suriya performance Super. Last 40 minutes of the film Superb Laughter touch is Fantastic.God bless.'"

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The director further wrote, Am flying now..Love you Thalaivaaa. @Suriya_offl @Music_Santhosh @2D_ENTPVTLTD @stonebenchers #Thalaivar #RetroBlockbuster"

Meanwhile, the director, in an interview to a YouTube channel, has said that after Retro, he was contemplating doing an independent movie next.

I havent decided as such. After Double X (Jigarthanda Double X) itself, I thought I should make an Indie film. Make a film and just send it to festivals and after a year, release it in theatres. I have a script ready for it but then Retro happened. Now, I am thinking maybe I should do that."

Retro, which opened to positive reviews, features Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead. The film released on May 1 on the occasion of International Workers Day this year.

It may be recalled that Suriya underwent martial arts training in Thailand for the stunt sequences in this film. Suriya went to Thailand to get trained in certain styles of fighting, the makers informed and added that Suriya surprised his trainers with his commitment level and hardwork.

Apart from Suriya and Pooja Hegde, Retro features a host of stars including Malayalam actors Joju George and Jayaram and Tamil actor Karunakaran.

Music for the film is by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna. Editing was by Shafique Mohamed Ali and art direction by Jacki, Mayapandi. The film, which is high on action, has stunts by Kecha Khamphakdee.

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 06, 2025, 14:52 IST
Should Fawad Khan, Other Pakistani Actors Be Allowed In Bollywood? Pankaj Tripathi Answers | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:13 IST

Pankaj Tripathi further talked about the Pahalgam terror attack and called it 'sad' and 'upsetting'.

Pankaj Tripathi talks about Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal.

Just when Fawad Khan was gearing up for his return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, a terror attack in Pahalgam angered India, resulting in a strict clampdown on Pakistani actors. While government sources have already confirmed that Abir Gulaal, also co-starring Vaani Kapoor, might not be allowed to release in India, Bollywood actors have also come out in support of their nation. Now, Pankaj Tripathi has also reacted to it.

In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Pankaj Tripathi was asked if Pakistani actors should be allowed to work in India. The Stree 2 actor, who was unaware of Fawad Khans comeback movie, stated that he was nobody to decide and that the relevant authorities must make a decision on it. I think I am not the authority to decide anything. Authorities must decide, we have a board for it. They must make a decision," he said.

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Pankaj Tripathi further talked about the Pahalgam terror attack and added, I was sad and upset and angry. It saddens me. I feel angry about it. I also feel helpless sometimes."

Meanwhile, Fawad Khan has appeared in three Bollywood films including Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), all of which garnered considerable attention owing to his popularity among Indian audiences.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically following the 2016 Uri terror attack. In its aftermath, prominent industry bodies like the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a ban on Pakistani artists from participating in Indian cinema. Although the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition in 2023 that called for a formalised ban, industry sources maintain that an unofficial freeze on collaborations with Pakistani talent has persisted since 2016.

Coming back to Pankaj Tripathi, he spoke to us as he was announced the brand ambassador for Euro Adhesives. Talking about his association with the brand, the actor said, I am very selective with regard to brand associations because I have my own values. Therefore, when they approached me, I did my research and realised that they are very similar to me. They also started small and are big today. We met and joined hands. This will be a strong bond, like the one I have with my audience."

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 11:13 IST
What To Do During Defence Mock Drills? Disha Patani's Sister Shares Quick Crash Course

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 19:37 IST

In the video that Khushboo shared, she revealed how people should act during hostile attacks, air raids or blackout raids.

Khushboo Patani is a former Lieutenant of the Indian Army. (Photo: Instagram)

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered to conduct mock drills at 244 districts across the country on Wednesday, May 7. Ahead of the same, actress Disha Patanis sister, Khushboo, has shared a quick crash course for people, explaining the dos and donts during such drills. Khushboo is a former Lieutenant in the Indian Army who hails from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

In the video that Khushboo shared, she revealed how people should act during hostile attacks, air raids or blackout raids. She mentioned that it is very important to learn certain tactics to protect oneself during attacks from the enemy country.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Major Khushboo Patani(KP) (@khushboo_patani)

What To Do After Listening To Air Raid Sirens?

Khushboo Patani began her video by explaining how one should act upon hearing the air raid sirens. She mentioned that one must act immediately upon hearing such sirens and try to find a spot which can act like a bunker. She mentioned that people who are at their homes during such air raids must hide themselves on the ground floor or in basements. She also stated that underground parking places should be used during such times because they act as a bunker.

However, if you are outdoor when air sirens are used, one must evacuate buildings and look for open places or ground. She also suggested that people should lie on the ground to get minimum impact of the air waves at such a time.

What Are Blackout Drills? How Should One Act?

Disha Patanis sister also explained that in blackout drills, people must switch off all lights in their houses and cover their windows. She mentioned that such blackout drills were also used during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war.

Khushboo also suggested that people keep small torches during such blackout raids. She mentioned that even though cell phone flashlights can also be used, they only drain the battery of the mobile phone.

How Should One Evacuate?

Khushboo further mentioned that people should evacuate their homes only when authorities ask them to do so. However, she shared that one must prepare oneself for the same. She asked everyone to keep a small bag ready in which they should keep all their essentials, including a water bottle, cash, debit/credit cards, food items, important documents, first aid kits and battery bank, among other things.

Khushboo also shared that children should be advised to listen to elders and urged everyone to stay together during this time.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 19:37 IST
'Congress Parroting Enemy Narratives': BJP Blasts Kharge Over 'PM Skipped Kashmir Trip' Claim

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 17:34 IST

Kharge claimed that PM Modi cancelled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence alert three days before the Pahalgam terror attack last month

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI

The BJP on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence alert three days before the Pahalgam terror attack last month.

Kharge also alleged that the Centre had admitted to an intelligence flaw" during an all-party meeting and should be held accountable for failing to strengthen security arrangements in Kashmir to protect civilians.

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I got information that three days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Modi Ji, and that is why Modi Ji cancelled his visit to Kashmir," Kharge said at the Samvidhan Bachao rally in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

When an intelligence report says that it is not proper to visit there for your security, why did you not inform your security, intelligence, local police and border force to protect people? When you got the information, you cancelled your programme but did not send more forces to protect tourists there," he further questioned.

BJP Rebukes Kharges Remarks

In response, several BJP leaders criticised Kharges comments, calling them irresponsible and shameful".

Former Union minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, What has happened to Kharge jiOn one hand, during the meeting, they say that they are with the country and on the other hand, they are saying that the PM did not go to Kashmir because he was aware of the attack."

Prasad further added: This is an unfortunate thing to hear, especially when the country is already going through so much border tensionWe do not expect such things at this moment."

BJP Andhra Pradesh Vice President Vishnu Vardhan Reddy called Kharges comment a betrayal."

Even after receiving full details in all-party briefing, they still choose to question our armed forces. At a time when country is speaking in one voice against Pakistan-sponsored terror, Congress is busy parroting enemy narratives. This isnt oppositionthis is betrayal," Reddy wrote in a post on X.

Shameful conduct by Congress & Mr @kharge!Even after receiving full details in all-party briefing, they still choose to question our armed forces. At a time when country is speaking in one voice against Pakistan-sponsored terror, Congress is busy parroting enemy narratives. pic.twitter.com/IMnji7utLr  Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) May 6, 2025

Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi also said Kharges comments came at a critical time when the fight against terrorism and Pakistan is at a decisive juncture."

Kharges attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is intended to lower the morale of security agencies. He made this comment at a time when the fight against terrorism and Pakistan is at a decisive stage," Marandi said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader CR Kesavan called Kharges comments as treacherous," comparing him to a modern-day Mir Jaffar".

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His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Kharges remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and cannot be forgiven," Kesavan stated.

Everybody demands an unconditional apology from him, and he should also come clean on what kind of inputs he received to make such outrageous remarks," he added.

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 06, 2025, 16:55 IST
Could Be Bluff Or Double Bluff But Mock Drill Not Declaration Of War, Says Shashi Tharoor

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:54 IST

Explaining the measures India has taken so far against Pakistan, Tharoor called them 'fairly modest' and said many countries were sharply critical of what happened in Pahalgham

Tharoor said the mock drill can send a signal to the other side that we are serious about the situation and are preparing for the possibility of war. (PTI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday welcomed the Home Ministrys decision to conduct pan-India mock security drills on May 7 in the wake of strained tensions with Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack, saying India can check if the sirens are working and know what to do".

Speaking to CNN-News18, Tharoor said: Its not a bad idea as there hasnt been one in three or four decades. However, a mock drill is still a drill, not a declaration of war as some people are interpreting it. It can also send a signal to the other side that we are serious about the situation and are preparing for the possibility of war."

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He added: Frankly, it could be a bluff or a double bluff. We can send a signal without intending to follow through on what it conveys. Im not drawing any conclusions about the drill, other than the fact that it is a mock drill. I was a child when these sirens last went off in 1965."

From air raid warning signs to blackouts and shelters, Wednesdays mock drill will test operational efficacy in vulnerable districts and train civilians. 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, sources told CNN-News18.

The Congress leader also weighed in on the closed-door meeting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the renewed India-Pakistan hostility since April 22, when 26 people were killed in cold blood in Pahalgam.

Since the meetings are held behind closed doors, we dont know what really happened. So far, there has been no official statement. From the leaks, which may or may not be reliable, it seems things didnt go as the Pakistanis wanted. They are a member of the council; they are in the room and we are not."

News18 had learnt that at the meeting hosted on Pakistans insistence, the UNSC members refused to accept the formers false flag" narrative and asked Pakistan if LeT was likely to be involved in the Pahalgam attack.

Several members of the council specifically brought up the targeting of tourists in Pahalgam on the basis of their religious faith, sources informed. The council also expressed concerns over Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric and termed them as escalatory factors".

Explaining the measures India has taken so far against Pakistan, Tharoor called them fairly modest". Many countries were sharply critical of what happened in Pahalgham and do not believe the Pakistani theory that Indians are doing this to themselves. There will be some pressure on both countries not to escalate the situation. There is an understanding that India cannot let this go. There is a price to pay, and we are leaving it to the government to exact a price from the sponsors of terrorists," he said.

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The Thiruvananthapuram MP, when asked about Pakistanis being asked to return amid strained ties between the countries, said its a decision both governments take. There are some unfortunate stories we are seeing. For example, there is a family in Kerala who came in the 1940s with a Pakistani passport that has now expired. They dont have an Indian passport. These individual cases must be looked at with compassion and common sense," he said, calling it a tragic human consequence of the inhuman acts by terrorists".

Tharoor said after the government has taken military action after the Balakot and Uri strikes, setting a precedent that has influenced public expectations. People expect some sort of action, something that will physically affect those on the other side."

About the Author Neethu Reghukumar Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported on floods ... Read More Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported on floods ... Read More

Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:52 IST
'From Nehru To Sonia': BJP Mounts Offensive On Congress Over Fight Against Terror

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:30 IST

On the issue of Pakistan, several Congress members have made provocative statements. Among them are Ajay Rai and Charanjeet Singh Channi.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and BJP's Amit Malviya | File Image/ANI

Despite multiple directives from the Congress party leadership, there is little evidence that discipline has been instilled in the party. On the issue of Pakistan, several Congress members have made provocative statements. Among them are Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, and Charanjeet Singh Channi, former Punjab Chief Minister and Member of Parliament. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has responded aggressively, reminding the Congress of past mistakes. BJP spokespersons have held press conferences every time an opposition member makes such comments.

In addition, the Congress partys social media handles have also launched an offensive against themselves. The BJP has used their official social media handle on X to draw graphic comparisons between the Mumbai terror attack and the surgical strikes by the Modi government in Uri. One post reads, Contrast that with PM Modis New India: We replied to Uri with surgical strikes. Pulwama was answered at Balakot. Terrorists now know theres a price to pay."

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Further posts by the BJP highlight historical blunders by the Jawaharlal Nehru regime and continuing through Sonia Gandhis leadership. One post states, From Nehru to Sonia, Congress has mastered the art of surrender  not to the people of India, but to the nations enemies. Decades of denial, delays & dangerous politics have cost India thousands of lives. While they offered speeches, condolences, sympathy for terrorists and cover-ups, terrorists ran riots across India. Heres the truth they want buried."

Another post criticised Nehru, saying, In 1947, Nehru avoided naming Pakistan for the attack on Kashmir and dragged the issue to the UN, internationalising a matter we couldve handled firmly. Jawaharlal Nehru dismissed the need for a strong military, even calling the Army unnecessary in 1950. He also gifted China our trust and Tibet on a platter, and ignored intelligence warnings that cost us the 1962 war. His Non-Alignment Policy became a noble excuse for inaction; meanwhile, India bled."

The BJP also attacked former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for her handling of the Punjab issue. Indira Gandhi made it worse. She played with fire by nurturing Bhindranwale for political gains, only to watch Punjab burn. Her own creation turned against the nation, and her. Congress didnt fight terror; it manufactured it to suit their vote bank politics. In 1971, Indira Gandhi won the war but released over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers without securing a resolution on the PoK issue or dismantling Pakistans terror infrastructure," the post said.

The BJP, which rose to power with a massive victory led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, also blamed the Congress party for failing to control terror activities during their regime from 2004 to 2014.

BJP claimed there were 7,200 terror incidents in the country during this period. One of the biggest attacks, the 2009 Mumbai siege, happened during the UPA regime. The BJP criticised the Congress for not seeking revenge or ensuring justice for the victims, which included civilians and forces alike. They also list incidents like the Samjhauta Express, Jaipur, Delhi, Pune, and Ahmedabad blasts as examples of Congresss failures.

After the recent attack in Pahalgam, the Modi government called an all-party meeting to brief political parties on the security situation in Kashmir and the actions taken against Pakistan. All political parties, including Congress, assured the government of their support for any action deemed necessary against Pakistan. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, urging restraint within the party.

Party senior leader Jairam Ramesh issued a notification that no one should speak out of turn on such matters. However, controversy arose when the official Congress handle depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a headless position, labeling him as Gaayab." Despite widespread criticism, it took Congress nearly 24 hours to delete the post. Party General Secretary KC Venugopal then issued another advisory stating that only authorised spokespersons or senior leaders should speak on such matters.

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The seriousness of the advisory can be gauged from the fact that senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared it on her social media post. However, it appears that Congress leaders do not take the advice of their top brass seriously. Ajay Rai and Charanjeet Singh Channi quickly courted controversy with their statements.

The lack of discipline within Congress on such a sensitive issue, coupled with the growing demand among the Indian populace for retribution against Pakistan, has provided the BJP with ample political ammunition.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 10:30 IST
Not Even Sutli Bomb: Akhilesh Yadav Sparks Row Over UP Defence Corridor, BJP Hits Back

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 19:43 IST

When the country is united against the terror attack by Pakistanis in Pahalgam and backing PM Modi, Akhilesh Yadav is questioning our preparedness," says BJP's Anila Singh

SP President Akhilesh Yadav held a press conference on Tuesday. (File)

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has sparked a row with his comment on defence manufacturing clusters in Uttar Pradesh.

Yadav held a press conference on Tuesday after he met some farmers from the Bundelkhand region. The farmers had come to complain to the opposition leader about their land being acquired and no or little compensation being paid.

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Referring to their case, Yadav said, Land was earlier required to set up a defence manufacturing corridor near Jhansi. Tall claims were made that missiles, bombs, fighter jets, automatic rifles, etc. would be made there. But I have learnt that nothing has been manufactured there. In fact, not even a sutli bomb has been produced there."

A sutli bomb is a small firecracker usually sold during Diwali celebrations. He said that had the Bundelkhand defence corridor been functional, Indias dependence on foreign weapons would have reduced.

Yadav, however, said that his party supports the Centre for any action against the Pahalgam terror attack. We should follow whatever instructions have been issued for the mock drill on May 7," he said.

Yadavs remarks regarding the defence corridor led to strong reaction from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anila Singh.

When the whole country is united against the terror attack by Pakistanis in Pahalgam and backing Prime Minister Modi, Akhilesh Yadav is questioning our preparedness. This shows how serious is he about the nations honour," said Singh.

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She said that at a time when even senior opposition leaders from other political parties were supporting the central government, Yadav was questioning Indias defence might.

She said that Yadav was ill-informed and that India had become a top producer of arms and ammunition and would show its might by bringing the Pahalgam terrorists to their knees.

First Published: May 06, 2025, 19:38 IST
'PM Modi Had Intel On Terror Attack': Kharge Questions Centre On Pahalgam, BJP Hits Back

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:00 IST

Kharge claimed PM Modi canceled his Kashmir visit due to a terror threat but the Centre didn't inform security forces, criticising the government for intelligence failure.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit last month due to an intelligence report on a possible terror attack but the Centre did not inform the security forces about it.

Kharge said that the government admitted to intelligence failure at the all-security meeting on the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives.

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There was a big terrorist attack in the country on April 22. 26 people were killed. The government acknowledged the intelligence failure and they said they would fix this. If you knew this, why did not act on it earlier? I got information that 3 days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to PM Modi and therefore he cancelled his programme to visit Kashmir, I also read this in a newspaper. Then why you did not inform security, police and border force in J&K and provide security to people," Kharge said at a rally in Ranchi.

Reacting to Kharges remark, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari asked why the Congress is peddling a narrative which is what Pakistan wants.

Despite being given all answers in all party meeting, Congress continues to question our forces!At a time when nation is together against Pakistan, why is Congress peddling narrative exactly that Pakistan wants?#PehalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/adxYzfHWn6  Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) May 6, 2025

Amid high tensions with Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered to conduct mock drills at 244 districts across the country, effective civil defence on May 7".

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According to sources, the BJP Parliamentary Party office has asked all BJP MPs to participate in the drill as ordinary citizens and cooperate with local administration.

India has announced several actions aimed at Pakistan including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance", stopping trade and airspace and closing Attari border.

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 : Ranchi, India, India

First Published: May 06, 2025, 14:52 IST
'Whether It Was Done Politically...': SP Leader's Pahalgam Remark Draws BJP Ire In Fresh Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:37 IST

SP leader Lal Bihari Yadav has stoked a controversy as he raised questions on the alleged intelligence failure for the Pahalgam attack

SP leader Bihari Lal Yadav and BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla. (File)

Pahalgam attack: Amid buzz over a possible retaliatory attack to the Pahalgam carnage, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Lal Bihari Yadav has stoked a controversy as he raised questions on the alleged intelligence failure for the Pahalgam attack, saying that it is still not clear whether the terrorist attack was carried out politically or not."

While speaking to the reporters in Varanasi on Monday, the Leader of Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council traded barbs at the BJP-led central government and reportedly said, Whether the Pulwama terror attack of 2019 was carried out by terrorists or by our own people is still a matter of doubt. Similarly, whether the Pahalgam terror attack was carried out politically or not is also not clear yet."

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BJP Reacts To Yadavs Remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed Yadav and opposition leaders saying that he was speaking the language of Pakistan rather than his own.

Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the opposition is trying to bring down the morale of the security forces by giving clean chit to Pakistan with their statements.

After the all-party meet, one by one, Congress leaders, RJD leaders and now, SP leaders are giving clean chit to PakistanSP leader is saying that this (Pahalgam attack) was carried out politically. Means they have given a clean chit to Pakistan, and they are trying to bring down the morale of the security forces. SPs Ram Gopal Yadav had once said that the Pulwama attack was carried out for votes.INDI alliance and Pakistan are like two different bodies and one soul"

#WATCH | Delhi: On Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bihari Yadavs statement on #PahalgamAttack, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, After the all-party meet, one by one, Congress leaders, RJD leaders and now, SP leaders are giving clean chit to PakistanSP leader pic.twitter.com/JIRzwQyqi4 ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Earlier Controversial Remarks

Following the attack, several opposition leaders have made provocative statements. Among them are Ajay Rai, the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, and Charanjeet Singh Channi, former Punjab Chief Minister and Member of Parliament.

After the attack, the Modi government had called an all-party meeting to brief political parties on the security situation in Kashmir and the actions taken against Pakistan. All political parties, including Congress, assured the government of their support for any action deemed necessary against Pakistan. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, urging restraint within the party.

Party senior leader Jairam Ramesh had issued a notification that no one should speak out of turn on such matters. However, controversy arose when the official Congress handle depicted PM Modi in a headless position, labeling him as Gaayab." Despite widespread criticism, it took Congress nearly 24 hours to delete the post.

What Happened In Pahalgam?

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage.

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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.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: May 06, 2025, 11:37 IST
CHANGCHUN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- In a FAW Jiefang Group Co., Ltd. factory in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, senior intelligent vehicle design engineer Bai Zhigang is fine-tuning a smart heavy-duty truck. With 19 years of experience in the automotive industry, Bai has transitioned from traditional truck design to the development of intelligent connected vehicles, riding the wave of China's rapid development in intelligent manufacturing. In his new profession, he equips vehicles with sensors to enhances their autonomous recognition capabilities and select appropriate controllers to enable autonomous driving in specific scenarios. This helps reduce driver fatigue and improve safety. "Our job is to figure out how to bring value to users through intelligent driving," Bai said. "Specifically, we are responsible for the entire system architecture design, software development and calibration." In recent years, China's intelligent connected vehicle industry has seen explosive growth as the country strives to take the lead in the reshuffling of the global auto industry. Bai's career shift reflects the conventional to intelligent transformation of China's auto industry. As China moves toward high-quality development, new professions are emerging across the country. In 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced the official recognition of 19 new professions, including intelligent connected vehicle maintenance technician, intelligent manufacturing system maintenance technician and industrial internet maintenance technician. China's high-speed rail industry -- a golden calling card of intelligent manufacturing -- has also seen the emergence of new job categories. On an assembly line operated by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd., dozens of rail vehicles were assembled in an orderly fashion. Senior engineer Bao Hongyang guided operators using smart wrenches to apply torque to bolts. The wrenches' built-in sensors uploaded the torque data to a connected system immediately. "Based on the data uploaded to the backend, we can confirm that the system is running normally," Bao explained. In the past, there was no way to record torque data, and quality of work depended solely on the workers' sense of responsibility, making it impossible to trace quality issues. Now, data speaks for itself. Only when the set standard torque is reached, can a bolt be considered properly tightened, according to Bao. Since joining CRRC Changchun in 2008, Bao has been responsible for the design of instructions for large numerical control machines that mill parts such as doors and windows for high-speed trains. With the increasing speeds of high-speed trains, intelligent manufacturing has been integrated into the entire life cycle of rail vehicles in China. Bao now needs to design and maintain a large number of intelligent manufacturing systems, enabling "silent" equipment to "speak" through data, thereby improving production efficiency and minimizing product failure rates. At a substation in Jilin City, Jilin Province, power quality manager Li Sihan monitors readings on a dashboard, checking a newly installed electric heat-tracing device. Li developed the maintainable electric heat-tracing device, which has significantly reduced power outages and maintenance costs in the area. "Traditional heat-tracing belts require a complete power shutdown for maintenance, which severely affects power supply quality," Li said. "With the maintainable electric heat-tracing device, we can maintain fault points without shutting down power, and work in a localized manner." In Li's view, the emergence of the power quality management profession reflects China's shift from ensuring power supply to ensuring power quality in its power system. Today, China's intelligent manufacturing equipment sector continues to expand, with multiple national demonstration factories, provincial digital workshops and smart factories being established. Data shows that over 90 percent of these demonstration factories have applied technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins. With the efforts of workers like Bai, Bao and Li, China is moving from being a manufacturing giant to becoming a smart manufacturing powerhouse.
A former guard at Montana Womens Prison has been accused of raping a woman in custody and smuggling contraband into the prison for her.

Andre Hunter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, transferring illegal articles to an inmate and official misconduct.

In February, a woman incarcerated at MWP reported to a Department of Corrections investigator that she had been in a sexual relationship with Hunter, then a prison guard. That relationship began with the two exchanging notes after Hunter allegedly gave her a pen and marker, then escalated to the two messaging back-and-forth through social media. Specifically, the woman had someone outside the prison funnel messages on Instagram to Hunter, court documents said.

Those messages were sexually charged, according to court documents, with Hunter asking the woman if she wanted to date once she left custody. Hunter also allegedly brought the woman candy and pastries. On at least two occasions, Hunter is alleged to have sexually abused her.

In one instance, court documents said, Hunter gave the woman specific directions to a room when most of the prison was locked down for the night. Those directions ensured she avoided any cameras while Hunter allegedly unlocked the doors in her way. When the two met, she initially did not want to have sex with Hunter, according to charging documents, who responded by threatening to reprimand the woman for being outside of cell during a lockdown. Hunter then allegedly raped her.

Federal law criminalizes any kind of sexual contact between those imprisoned in the United States and those who supervise them. The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), signed into law in 2003 as way to set national policies and standards to prevent rape in correctional facilities, established that incarcerated people cannot legally consent to sex with their guards. All corrections officers in the state are required to receive training in PREA standards. Federal and state law require all DOC employees to report suspicions of sexual abuse and harassment.

In 2023, a federal audit of MWP found a total of 56 allegations of sexual abuse at the prison during the previous 12 months, most of which involved inmates at the prison abusing other inmates. However, there were five reports of staff abusing those in custody. All five were found to be either unfounded or unsubstantiated. A survey of the prisons population found 18 people told auditors that theyd been sexually abused while in custody. Notably, the prisons staff received a commendation from its auditors regarding their responses to allegation of sexual misconduct.

That audit followed a three-year court battle between the DOC and a former MWP guard who claimed he was passed over for promotion after reporting his supervisors alleged sexual misconduct with those in custody. In 2021, the DOC reached a six-figure settlement with the guard.

From 2019 through 2022, there were four substantiated cases of MWP staff members engaging in sexual misconduct with women under their supervision. Although annual reports from DOC do not indicate which of those resulted in criminal charges, at least one former MWP guard was sentenced to prison time during that three-year period.

Allan Lee Hagstrom was sentenced to 10 years in custody after a DOC investigation found he followed a woman at the prison into a blind spot in the facilitys camera system and sexually abused her. In an interview with investigators, according to court documents, that same woman said Hagstrom had multiple sexual encounters with her during his roughly six months working as a guard at MWP.

At his sentencing in 2019, Yellowstone County District Judge Rob Souza gave Hagstrom 10 years in prison, with five years suspended. Hagstrom appeared before the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole in April. As of Tuesday, he was still an inmate in Montana State Prison.

DOC investigators responded to the allegations against Hunter by combing through MWP surveillance videos and social media records. Security footage showed the woman leaving her cell the night Hunter allegedly raped her and walking a path of doors that a guard would have needed to unlock for her.

In March, court documents said Hunter agreed to speak with a DOC investigator. During that conversation, he denied having any kind of sexual contact with the woman, or giving her any contraband, despite security footage allegedly showing him handing her a pen. When the investigator showed Hunter screenshots of footage confirming the two were alone in a room together, Hunter said he couldnt remember working that day, according to charging documents. The investigator then told Hunter he recovered what appeared to be semen from the floor of that same room. Hunter allegedly responded by saying that he masturbated in that room.

Prosecutors with the Montana Attorney Generals Office filed criminal charges against Hunter on April 21, and he received an order to appear in court Tuesday. Following that appearance, Hunter was out of custody on his own recognizance. His trial date is currently slated for July.

If convicted of the most serious crime, sexual intercourse without consent, Hunter could be sentenced up to life in prison.

MWP is a 250-bed facility that rarely operates over capacity. It's staffed by about 90 people.
AI Is Coming For Your Job, Even Mine, CEO Issues Stark Warning

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 18:27 IST

Fiverr CEO believes that people who do not learn new skills and adjust might be left behind.

The CEO shared advice on how to stay ahead. (Representative Image)

Artificial intelligence is growing quickly and it has sparked debates about its impact on jobs. CEOs across different sectors are making it clear that AI isnt just a tool to make work easier; it can replace humans. They believe that people who do not learn new skills and adjust might be left behind. Recently, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman sent a warning to his employees stating that AI is coming for your jobs," whether youre a programmer, designer, lawyer or finance expert, AI will affect all roles. Along with the warning, Kaufman shared advice on how to stay ahead and stand out in your field.

Taking to X (Formerly known as Twitter), he wrote, Ive always believed in radical candour and despise those who sugar-coat reality to avoid stating the unpleasant truth. The very basis for radical candour is care. You care enough about your friends and colleagues to tell them the truth because you want them to be able to understand it, grow and succeed. So here is the unpleasant truth: Al is coming for your jobs. Heck, its coming for my job too. This is a wake-up call. It does not matter if you are a programmer, designer, product manager, data scientist, lawyer, customer support rep, salesperson or finance person  Al is coming for you."

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Micha Kaufman explained that the work people once thought was simple would soon disappear. Tasks we considered difficult will become easier and impossible things will now be the hardest. He added that if people dont upskill, they might have to switch careers within a few months. Not everyone will be affected, but those who dont understand and accept the new changes might struggle. Kaufman encouraged everyone to think about it, stay calm and avoid panic. Instead of worrying, he shared several points to become exceptional in your field.

Study, research and master the latest AI solutions in your field. Try multiple solutions and figure out what gives you superpowers. By superpowers, I mean the ability to generate more outcomes per unit of time with better quality per delivery. Find the most knowledgeable people on our team who can help you become more familiar with the latest and greatest in Al. Time is the most valuable asset we have, if youre working like its 2024, youre doing it wrong. You are expected and needed to do more, faster and more efficiently now. Become a prompt engineer. Google is dead. LLM and GenAl are the new basics and if youre not using them as experts, your value will decrease before you know what hit you," the CEO added.

Micha Kaufman further suggested to Get involved in making the organisation more efficient using Al tools and technologies. It does not make sense to hire more people before we learn how to do more with what we have. Understand the company strategy well and contribute to helping it achieve its goals. Dont wait to be invited to a meeting where we ask each participant for ideas, there will be no such meeting. Instead, pitch your ideas proactively. Stop waiting for the world or your place of work to hand you opportunities to learn and grow, create those opportunities yourself."

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Before it gets out somewhere else, this is an email I sent yesterday morning to my team. It applies equally to the freelance community pic.twitter.com/eLnFlJE9CZ Micha Kaufman (@michakaufman) April 8, 2025

Micha Kaufman mentioned that if anyone disagrees with his message or thinks hes trying to scare them, they are free to ignore it. The CEO shared that he cares for everyone, but feels that ignoring the reality of the situation might harm their future career. There is a bright future, but only for those who are ready to face challenges. Although it will take a lot of hard work, in the end, it will be worth it.

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 06, 2025, 18:27 IST
Eternal Beggars: Boy Films Sister's Dowry Items, His Commentary Steals The Show

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 16:52 IST

In the video, the boy showcases items like AC, fridge, sofas, chairs, beds and more, all from top brands, including some he admits he's never even seen before

It is estimated that these items cost lakhs of rupees, clearly a significant burden on the girl's family. (Instagram/@manusinghvlogs1999)

While society is gradually moving away from the dowry system, with many recognising it as a burden on the brides family, the practice still persists in several places. In many cases, families continue to face pressure to provide lavish gifts, often at great financial cost.

A video showing a boy proudly displaying items arranged for his sisters Tilak ceremony, from a bed to an air conditioner, has recently gone viral on social media.

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The video, posted on the Instagram account @manusinghvlogs1999, highlights the extensive list of items intended for the ceremony. The video, originating from Bihar, shows the boy explaining that all these items are for his sisters Tilak.

Watch The Video Here

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manu Singh Vlogs (@manusinghvlogs1999)

In the video, the boy meticulously presents each item, starting with the air conditioner and fridge, all from reputable brands. The collection includes numerous essentials such as sofas, chairs and beds, with some items even unfamiliar to the boy. It is estimated that these items cost lakhs of rupees, clearly a significant burden on the girls family.

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The video has gone viral, amassing 2.3 million views and prompting a wave of reactions. Commenters expressed their disapproval, with remarks like In-laws are eternal beggars" and questioning if the marriage was into a beggars home.

Another comment pointed out that items like toilet paper and Harpic were missing from the list.

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 06, 2025, 16:52 IST
Telangana Nurses Perform 'C-Section With Doctor Guiding Over Phone'. IVF Twins Die

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:28 IST

The grieving relatives staged a dharna and subsequently filed an official complaint against both the hospital and the doctor, accusing them of severe medical negligence.

The mother gave birth to premature twins at just 18 weeks of gestation.

A distressing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from a private hospital in Ibrahimpatnam, located in the Rangareddy district of Telangana. The nursing staff reportedly performed a cesarean section, purportedly following instructions provided over the phone by a senior obstetrician who was not physically present at the hospital.

According to allegations from the pregnant womans relatives, the procedure resulted in the birth of premature twins at just 18 weeks of gestation. The mother, who conceived through IVF, is reportedly in stable condition. Tragically, both infants passed away within hours of their birth, leading to outrage and grief among the family.

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The incident sparked massive protests outside the hospital, with the family asserting that the senior obstetrician provided surgical directions via telephone instead of being present in the operation theatre. The grieving relatives staged a dharna and subsequently filed an official complaint against both the hospital and the doctor, accusing them of severe medical negligence.

In response to the public uproar, senior officials from the Rangareddy district, including the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), immediately inspected the private hospital. Confirming initial procedural violations, authorities took swift action by sealing the facility and assuring a comprehensive investigation.

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Senior Rangareddy district health authorities stated, To conduct any procedure, a senior doctor must be physically present at the operation theatre in the hospital. We have seized the facility and will conduct a thorough enquiry. The relatives of the pregnant woman are alleging that the procedure was conducted by the nursing staff while they received instructions over the phone from the obstetrician," as per a report by Telangana Today.

Health officials acknowledged that since the pregnancy was IVF-conceived, there might be a possibility of a necessary emergency surgery due to the non-viable nature of the pregnancy. However, they underscored that the alleged absence of the senior doctor during the critical operation raises serious questions regarding medical ethics and legal compliance, warranting a thorough and impartial investigation.

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!

First Published: May 06, 2025, 10:30 IST
Man Claims His Wife Is Speaking Fluent Tamil After Being Possessed'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:25 IST

A man in Chennai recently shocked his employer with an unexpected reason for requesting a month-long leave.

"Mere wife ko chudail ne pakad liya hai," said the man.

A man in Chennai recently stunned his employer with an unexpected reason for taking a month-long leave. When asked why he needed to urgently return to Nepal, his reply was as chilling as it was bizarre: his wife, he claimed, was possessed by a ghost".

The incident was shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter), quickly capturing attention online for its strange and unsettling nature. The user explained that the man works as his car cleaner and had mentioned a family emergency back home. Wanting to help, the employer offered financial support for the trip, until the mans next sentence left him speechless. He said, Mere wife ko chudail ne pakad liya hai (A ghost has possessed my wife)."

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The employer was aware that the woman had a heart condition; she had a hole in her heart. But the man insisted this wasnt merely a medical issue. He believed something supernatural was at play. What made the situation even more bizarre was what he revealed next.

In the last 6 months, shes started speaking fluent Tamil. Not a few words. Entire sentences. Almost like a native speaker. Shes never learned Tamil," the user wrote.

The employer explained that the couple lived in a close-knit Nepali community in Chennai, where there was little to no exposure to Tamil. For her to suddenly start speaking the language naturally" in such an environment seemed nearly impossible.

He also shared that the man had taken his wife to doctors at a government hospital, but they couldnt explain her condition. Desperate for a solution, he had tried taking her to a nearby mosque, where rituals were performed over the course of two months. Despite all efforts, nothing changed.

The imam recently told him: Take her back home. If she stays here, she may not survive." So, hes leaving. And Im still processing what I just heard," the employer concluded.

Folks, something spooky just happened.My regular car cleaner is going on a month long break. Said theres an emergency, and he has to return to Nepal. I offered to help with some money for the trip, but what he said next gave me chills. He said:Mere wife ko chudail ne pakad  Narayanan Hariharan (@narayananh) May 5, 2025

In a follow-up post, he also mentioned that his car cleaner is super bright."

I even got him a second-hand laptop. Last year, considering his intelligence, interest, and grasp for picking new things up, especially tech," he added.

And btw, this guy is super bright. I even got him a second-hand laptop (@_glnarayanan, remember?) last year, considering his intelligence, interest, and grasp for picking new things up, especially tech. Narayanan Hariharan (@narayananh) May 5, 2025

The post gathered attention on social media as many users reacted to the unusual story.

One user commented, Seen a psychiatrist? A lot of such behaviours could stem from mental conditions. She may have had the condition for a while and has been quietly learning Tamil passively. Now, some trigger has outwardly manifested the problem."

Another said, Unheard of! I can only pray for her recovery."

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Unbelievable. The story must have something more than what meets the eye," someone shared.

In another incident that left people shocked, a 25-year-old man in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, died after being bitten multiple times by what was believed to be a cobra. What stunned locals even more was that the snake remained near the mans body for hours, continuing to bite him even after he had died. This unusual behaviour led many in the area to believe it was an act of revenge." While rooted in old stories and superstitions, there is no scientific evidence to support such claims.

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 06, 2025, 10:25 IST
Who Will End The World? This Man Claimed Aliens Told Him The Answer

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:35 IST

Calvin Parker claimed he was abducted by aliens in 1973 & 1992 and that aliens warned him humans would cause the world's end. This had reignited interest in the Pascagoula UFO case

Parker claimed that in the second meeting in 1992, the aliens allowed him aboard their craft and shared dire warnings. (AI Generated)

Predictions about the end of the world are not uncommon, ranging from asteroid collisions to AI domination to environmental collapse. But one particularly startling claim comes from Calvin Parker, a man from Mississippi, the United States, who said he was abducted by aliens not once, but twice.

In a newly resurfaced interview, Parker recalled that the extraterrestrials warned him that humans themselves would bring about the end of the world.

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Parker first made headlines in 1973, when he and a companion, Charles Hickson, claimed they were taken aboard a UFO while fishing along the Pascagoula River. At the time, the incident drew significant media attention in the United States, though the scientific community largely remained silent. While Hickson continued to speak publicly about the event, Parker stayed quiet for years, until a second, voluntary encounter in 1992.

In the 1992 meeting, which took place in Baldwin, Louisiana, Parker claimed that the aliens allowed him aboard their craft and shared dire warnings. Theres no need to fear us; fear your own people who are destroying the world," one alien reportedly told him. Parker added that the aliens were collecting crops and soil samples, just as they had in 1973.

According to Parker, the alien also said, I will give you proof and try to change it," which deeply disturbed him. It was only years later, shortly before his death in 2023, that Parker shared the full story with author Philip Mantle, leading to the release of three books. A video interview, recently uncovered, has now gone viral on the internet, reigniting public interest in his experiences.

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Parker urged humanity to reflect and change its ways, warning that continued environmental harm such as deforestation and pollution would eventually lead to global catastrophe. We cannot go on living like this," he said, adding that a small alien creature seemed more intelligent than humans.

Mantle, who documented Parkers story, said the sincerity with which Parker told his tale struck a chord. The Pascagoula encounter remains one of Americas most compelling UFO cases, and this newly surfaced interview has added a fresh layer to its enduring mystery.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:35 IST
Woman In London Shares Benefits Of Living In A Small Flat With Baby

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 18:41 IST

A London-based woman, Natasha, explains why she likes life in a tiny flat with her child.

Raising a baby in a small city flat can be challenging. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

An Indian-origin woman in central London explained why she and her husband enjoy parenting their 7-month-old child in a small apartment in an open video that spoke to new parents in large cities who live in cramped quarters. With her infant in her arms, Natasha acknowledges that when she and her husband were considering a move, they gave it some serious thought. However, they decided to stay in their little London flat, which she says has unexpected benefits.

In an Instagram video, Natasha highlighted All the reasons Ive loved living in a small home with a baby," joking that she may be gaslighting" herself. She asserted that living in a small house encourages her to be more creative with what she puts in it. Due to space constraints, every purchase is deliberate, which lowers maintenance and consumption expenses. You can use the money to finance a family vacation or purchase other items.

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Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natasha (@tashilouu)

She went on to say that living in a tiny place makes cleanliness a necessity. She stated that since there is no space for mess, you strive to keep things tidy and uncluttered.

For new parents, a tiny place can be perfect, she says. According to her, one can reach their infant in a matter of seconds and hear their cries from wherever. Babies only need a limited area to play, therefore, because you live in a city, you can either stay at home or go to a nearby park.

According to Natasha, a close-knit family also benefits from a comfortable flat. Theres nowhere to escape to. Youre always together," she said. Additionally, she said that rather than hiding in your room, you can go to the spa or gym to unwind if you need time away.

I hope it goes without saying I am confident a big home can give you many other wonderful things we cant have, but sharing this for anyone in a similar position as this is what I needed to hear when we were still deciding," she added in the video.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natasha (@tashilouu)

Shared on April 9, the video has garnered over 34,000 views so far. Other city parents have responded to her video with a flurry of comments.

A user said, I appreciate having one floor so much with my newborn. Would actually recommend everyone to just stay in their flats until bubba is 1."

Another commented, Its not gaslighting, its making sense. Found your video at right time."

Helpful video, thank you! Any tips on how to keep things organised in a small space?," an individual wrote on Instagram.

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This!!! (heart emoji) thank you for sharing girl," another wrote.

It is a known fact that raising a baby in a small city flat can be tough due to the lack of space, limited storage, and constant noise. The cramped environment can make it hard to move around, and privacy becomes scarce.

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 06, 2025, 18:41 IST
Complex Issues Can Be: Iran Urges Restraint In India, Pakistan Standoff

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 09:28 IST

During his meeting with Zardari, Araghchi called for restraint by both sides to de-escalate the tensions in the region, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (Reuters Image)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday asked India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" and prevent an escalation, as he held talks with Pakistans top leadership amid tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Araghchi and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar "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 Pakistani Foreign Office said.

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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.

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 Pakistans commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

The Iranian foreign ministers 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.

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 Irans semi-official Mehr news agency.

Pakistans 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 Pakistans "serious concerns" over the prevailing tensions in South Asia, blaming Indias "provocative behaviour" for it.

He rejected "unsubstantiated attempts" to implicate Pakistan in the incident, reiterating Islamabads 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, Irans Irna news agency reported.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Foreign Minister Dar were also present during Araghchis meeting with the Prime Minister.

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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.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: May 06, 2025, 09:28 IST
Cuban Woman Deported From US Forced To Leave Infant Daughter Behind: 'That Hurts Me...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:51 IST

Heidy Sanchez was deported from Florida to her native Cuba in late April in what her agents describe as a "shady" process. She came to the US from Mexico in 2019.

Heidy Sanchez was deported from the US to Cuba and was separated from her 17-month-old daughter. (Reuters)

A Cuban-origin woman, who was deported from the US state of Florida, was forced to leave behind her infant daughter, as both husband and daughter were US citizens, amid US President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration.

Heidy Sanchez was deported from Florida to her native Cuba in late April. She had crossed into the US from Mexico in 2019 during the first Trump administration, amid kidnapping and extortion threats from cartels, according to CNN.

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The first Trump administration required asylum seekers to wait on the other side of the border for immigration appointments, but Sanchez crossed the border and told immigration agents that her life was at risk in Mexico due to the cartel threat. She was allowed to stay and released to join her family in Tampa, Florida after nine months in immigration custody.

She then studied to become a nursing assistant and met her husband, a naturalised US citizen also from Cuba. After undergoing several in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, Sanchez gave birth to a girl. I dont know if it was the American dream. But it was my dream, my family," she told CNN.

Why Was Sanchez Deported?

Sanchez had missed an immigration hearing in 2019, and Trumps crackdown meant there was little time left for her. 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. Her attorneys told her that it was likely a routine check-in.

However, 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," she said the agents informed her.

Sanchez said she pleaded with the agents not to take away her daughter. The US Department of Homeland Security later 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," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

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. However, as her attorneys were requesting a hearing, Sanchez was already put on a deportation flight to Havana.

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, calling the entire process shady".

Any possible legal avenue for Sanchez to return to the US could likely take years, according to the attorney, although her family is hoping that the backlash could lead to public support among the Cuban-American community to enable a reunification.

Life In Cuba

Meanwhile, Sanchez is finding it difficult to adjust to the worsening conditions in Cuba, where frequent power outages and growing shortages have made life even harsher than it was 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 every day.

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She also has to walk several blocks away or go to the roof of the house to call her husband and daughter. I have to pump milk which should feed my daughter and throw it in the trash," she said. That hurts me so much to do."

Her 17-month-old daughter now has trouble sleeping and is struggling with convulsions again following her mothers deportation. Her father puts recordings of me singing to her so that she can sleep. I am suffering but I know my girl is suffering more," she added.

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 : Havana, Cuba

First Published: May 06, 2025, 11:51 IST
Donald Trump Blasts Canada On Truth Social, Then Welcomes PM Mark Carney At White House

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 22:00 IST

Donald Trump accuses Canada of effectively freeloading off the United States minutes before greeting recently reelected Carney at the White House.

US President Donald Trump greets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as he arrives at the White House in Washington, DC. (IMAGE: AFP)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held highly anticipated talks with Donald Trump at the White House Tuesday amid tensions over the US presidents tariffs and threats of annexation.

Trump slammed Canada on Truth Social for effectively freeloading off the United States just minutes before greeting the recently reelected Carney outside the West Wing.

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Liberal leader Carney, 60, won the Canadian election on a pledge to stand up to Trump, saying the United States would never own us" and warning that ties between the North American neighbors could never be the same.

Republican Trump, 78, has sparked a major trade war with Canada with his tariffs while repeatedly making extraordinary calls for the key NATO ally and major trading partner to become the 51st US state.

Trump said ahead of Carneys arrival that I very much want to work with him" but pointed to a possibly tense meeting.

Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?" Trump posted on Truth Social.

We dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence."

After his tough talk on the campaign trail, Carney will meanwhile be seeking to cool the temperature and move towards a trade deal.

Canada and the United States are strongest when we work together  and that work starts now," Carney said on X as he arrived in Washington on Monday night.

Trump slapped general tariffs of 25 percent on Canada and Mexico and sector-specific levies on autos, some of which have been suspended pending negotiations. He has also imposed similar duties on steel and aluminum.

Carney has vowed to remake NATO member Canadas ties with the United States in perhaps its biggest political and economic shift since World War II.

Old relationship

Our old relationship based on steadily increasing integration is over. The questions now are how our nations will cooperate in the future," Carney said in his first post-election press conference on Friday.

The Canadian leader said he would also fight to get the best deal" on the tariffs.

But Trumps ultra-loyal Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said it would be really complex" to reach a deal.

They have their socialist regime and its basically feeding off of America," he told Fox Business on Monday. I just dont see how it works out perfectly."

The US president inserted himself into Canadas election early on with a social media post saying Canada would face ZERO TARIFFS" if it becomes the cherished 51st state."

Pierre Poilievres Conservative Party had been on track to win the vote but Trumps attacks, combined with the departure of unpopular former premier Justin Trudeau, transformed the race.

Carney, who replaced Trudeau as prime minister in March, convinced voters that his experience managing economic crises made him the ideal candidate to defy Trump.

The political newcomer previously served as governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, and in the latter post he played a key role reassuring markets after the 2016 Brexit vote.

Carney is known for weighing his words carefully but he will face a challenge dealing with the confrontational Trump on the US presidents home turf.

This is a very important moment for him, since he insisted during the campaign that he could take on Mr Trump," Genevieve Tellier, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa, told AFP.

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The Canadian premier would also have to avoid the fate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who walked into a brutal tongue-lashing from Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, said Tellier.

But one point in Carneys favor is that he is not Trudeau, the slick former prime minister whom Trump famously loathed and belittled as governor" of Canada, she 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 22:00 IST
Friedrich Merz Triumphs In Second-Round Vote To Become Germanys New Chancellor

Published By :

Agencies

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 23:00 IST

He takes over at the helm of a coalition between his CDU/CSU alliance and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) of the outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz.

Designated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz looks on during the second round of voting during a session at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament), as MPs are to elect Germany's next Chancellor, in Berlin. (IMAGE: AFP)

Germanys conservative leader Friedrich Merz won on Tuesday a nail-biter second vote in parliament to become chancellor after he lost the first round in a stunning early setback.

Merz, 69, scored an absolute majority of 325 against 289 in the secret vote in the lower house of parliament.

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He takes over at the helm of a coalition between his CDU/CSU alliance and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) of the outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was set to appoint him as post-war Germanys 10th chancellor later Tuesday, along with his cabinet, before Merz is due to visit Paris and then Warsaw on Wednesday.

His victory caps a long ambition to lead Europes biggest economy, which was first foiled decades ago by party rival Angela Merkel who went on to serve as chancellor for 16 years.

Merzs eventual victory on Tuesday was bittersweet as the initial defeat  the first such outcome in Germanys post-war history  pointed to rumblings of discontent within his uneasy coalition.

The unprecedented first-round loss was a bad start" for Merz and shows that he cannot fully rely on his two coalition parties, wrote analyst Holger Schmieding of Berenberg Bank.

That will sow some doubts about his ability to fully pursue his agenda, damaging his domestic and international authority at least initially."

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) especially cheered the heavy political blow to Merz, who has vowed to restore stability in Berlin after half a year of political turmoil.

Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election," AfD co-leader Alice Weidel said earlier, calling the first-round result a good day for Germany".

World is watching

The first secret vote was expected to be a formality but turned to disaster for Merz when he failed to muster the required absolute majority, falling short by six votes.

The early setback for Merz stunned Germany and set off frantic crisis meetings in the Bundestag.

Merz has vowed to revive the ailing economy and strengthen Berlins role in Europe as it responds to rapid change since US President Donald Trump returned to power.

Trump has heaped pressure on European allies, complaining they spend too little on NATO and imposing tariffs that are especially painful to export power Germany.

CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn had emphasised the urgency of a new government taking office, given the economic and geopolitical turbulence.

The whole of Europe, perhaps even the whole world, is watching this second round of voting," Spahn said before the second vote, urging MPs to be aware of this special responsibility".

Profound upheaval

Merz, who boasts a strong business background but has never held a government leadership post, said on Monday: We live in times of profound change, of profound upheaval and of great uncertainty.

And that is why we know that it is our historic obligation to lead this coalition to success," he said.

To take over as chancellor, Merz needed an absolute majority of 316 votes.

But in Tuesdays first vote, he only won the backing of 310 MPs, with 307 voting against him.

Capital Economics analyst Franziska Palmas argued Merzs initial setback does leave Merz severely weakened and suggests that hopes for more stability in German politics may be disappointed".

Modi Extends Congratulations

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Friedrich Merz on assuming office as the Chancellor of Germany.

He said on X, Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership." Merz succeeded Tuesday in his bid to become the next German chancellor during a second vote in parliament, hours after he suffered a historic defeat in the first round.

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 : Berlin, Germany

First Published: May 06, 2025, 19:58 IST
Harvard's Funding Blocked Until Trump Administration's Terms Are Met

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 07:22 IST

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.

Demonstrators rally on Cambridge Common in a protest organized by the City of Cambridge calling on Harvard leadership to resist interference at the university by the federal government in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

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.

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Harvard has pushed back on the administrations demands, setting up a closely watched clash in Trumps 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.

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 that 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 its targeting campus antisemitism after pro-Palestinian protests swept U.S. college campuses last year. Its also focused on the participation of transgender athletes in womens sports. The attacks on Harvard increasingly have called out the universitys diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, along with questions about freedom of speech and thought by conservatives on campus.

In a letter Monday to Harvards 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.

Harvards president has previously said he will not bend to the governments demands. The university sued last month to halt the governments funding freeze.

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 called the funding freeze arbitrary and capricious," saying it violated its First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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 isnt 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.

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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.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 07:22 IST
Hunter Killed By Mother Bear On Arctic Trip As Friends Watch In Horror

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 15:44 IST

Darryl Conack was fatally mauled by a bear during a hunting trip in Nunavut, Canada. Despite efforts to save him, Conack died. The incident has renewed Arctic wildlife safety talks

The hunting party had set out to hunt narwhal and caribou and was taking a tea break when the attack occurred. (AI Generated)

A tragic incident unfolded in the Canadian Arctic when a man was fatally mauled by a bear during a hunting expedition, while his companions watched helplessly. The bear, believed to be a protective mother fearing for her cubs, attacked the group without warning.

Despite desperate attempts to intervene, Darryl Conack, a seasoned explorer, could not be saved.

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Hunting Trip Turns Deadly

Darryl Conack, accompanied by fellow hunters Leo Lejangiak and Laurent Junior Utack, had embarked on a hunting trip to Nunavut, departing by boat from Naujaat on the shores of Hudson Bay. The trio had set out to hunt narwhal and caribou and were taking a tea break when the attack occurred.

Lejangiak described the terrifying moment, saying, I rushed out of the tent and fired into the air to scare her off." The female bear, however, bit Utack on the head before turning on Conack. Lejangiaks rifle jammed at a crucial moment, but he managed to fetch another weapon and fatally shot both the bear and its cub. Sadly, by then, Conack had already succumbed to his injuries.

In the aftermath, the surviving pair wrapped Conacks remains in cloth and tried to return to their boat, only to find it immobilised by heavy snowfall. They were soon surrounded by more bears and forced to fire warning shots to defend themselves until help arrived.

Rescue And Aftermath

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A rescue team eventually reached the scene, but not before four more bears had to be shot. Refusing to leave Conack behind, Lejangiak and Utack returned with his body via helicopter. The incident marks the second fatal bear attack in Nunavut in seven years, the previous occurring in 2018 when a man was killed defending his family.

A video documenting the aftermath of Conacks death has recently resurfaced on YouTube, sparking renewed discussions about safety and wildlife encounters in the Arctic wilderness.

Location : Canada

First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:44 IST
If India Wants Peace, It Must Come With Open Hands, Not Clenched Fists: Bilawal Bhutto

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 23:59 IST

Last week, Bilawal warned of bloodshed over the issue of water after India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan

Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. (File photo)

Pakistan Peoples Party chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday said that if India wants peace, it should come forward with open hands and not clenched fists", amid tensions between the two neighbours following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The former foreign minister made the remarks during the National Assembly session, where discussions took place on the regional security situation.

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Bilawal urged both India and Pakistan to work together and said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs challenge to India for an impartial investigation is a start".

He added that New Delhi should accept the offer.

If India wishes to walk the path of peace, let them come with open hands and not clenched fistsLet us sit as neighbours and speak the truth," he said.

Last week, Bilawal warned of bloodshed over the issue of water after India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

He said that if water meant for Pakistan is stopped, it would be considered an act of war, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should know, either water will flow in the river or blood." On Tuesday, the PPP leader said that Pakistan would fight for freedom and not for conflict in the case of a war.

If they (India) do not (want peace) then let them remember that the people of Pakistan are not made to kneel. The people of Pakistan have a resolve to fight, not because we love conflict, but because we love freedom," he added.

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Let India decide. Will it be dialogue or destruction? Cooperation or confrontation?" Bilawal said.

He said that terrorism cannot be defeated by a tank alone. It (terrorism) must be defeated with justice. It cannot be uprooted by bullets, it must be disarmed with hope. It cannot be defeated by demonising nations but by addressing the grievances that give it birth." Other measures announced by India following the terror attack include the shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: May 06, 2025, 23:59 IST
Israel Launches Airstrikes At Yemen A Day After Houthi Airport Attack, 1 Killed | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 07:37 IST

The Houthis said at least one person was killed and 35 others were injured in the Israeli strikes on Hodeida, after the Iran-backed group launched a missile at an Israel airport.

A cement factory in Yemen was struck by Israeli airstrikes on Monday. (Reuters)

The Israeli military launched a punishing round of airstrikes in Yemens Hodeida province on Monday, killing at least one person and wounding 35 others, a day after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a missile that struck an Israeli airport in Tel Aviv.

Houthi-run media said at least six strikes struck the crucial Hodeida port on Monday. Other strikes hit a cement factory in the Bajil district, located 55 km away from Hodeida city. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

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The Israeli military said more than 20 Israeli fighter planes took part in the operation, dropping more than 50 munitions on dozens of targets. The strike was conducted in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthis against Israel, during which surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs were launched toward Israeli civilians," the IDF said.

IAF fighter jets struck Houthi terror targets, along Yemens coastline.The strike was conducted in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthis against Israel, during which surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs were launched toward Israeli civilians. The terrorist pic.twitter.com/RSihcuin0Q  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 5, 2025

The strike on the terrorist infrastructure sites was conducted precisely, with measures taken to mitigate harm to vessels docked at the port. The Houthi terrorist regime has been operating under Iranian direction and funding, in order to target Israel and its allies, undermine regional stability and disrupt global freedom of navigation," the military said on X.

Meanwhile, Hodeida residents told the Associated Press that they heard explosions at the port, with flames and smoke seen rising over the area. Ambulance sirens were also heard across the city.

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.

 Frightening footage shows MASSIVE scale of Israeli airstrikes on YemenApocalyptic fires rage Smoke clouds tower into the sky https://t.co/ekjP7RuRXH pic.twitter.com/ce9MCPN6Yl  RT (@RT_com) May 5, 2025

Netanyahus Warning To Houthis

On Sunday, the Houthis had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile" that 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".

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge, saying Israel had in the past acted against" the Iran-backed rebels and will act in the future". He said Israel would also respond to Iran at a time and place of our choosing".

On Monday, Houthi rebels also accused the United States of carrying out around 10 airstrikes in and around Yemens capital, Sanaa, which left 14 people injured. They also alleged that the Israeli attacks were conducted as part of a joint operation with the US, a claim denied by an American defence official who stated that US forces were not involved in the Israeli offensive.

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.

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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 US military under President Donald Trump has launched an intensified campaign of daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15.

(with agency inputs)

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 : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: May 06, 2025, 07:37 IST
Either We Survive Or: Pakistan Ministers Bizarre End Of World Threat Amid India Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 14:41 IST

Asif said that if Pakistan's existence came under threat due to India's action, nobody would survive in the world. His remarks came amid high tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (Reuters Image)

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued another threat to India amid boiling tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Asif said that if India dared to attack Pakistan, no one would survive.

If India dares to attack Pakistan and Pakistans existence comes under threat, nobody will survive in this world," the minister said in yet another incendiary remark towards India amid the tense situation.

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Asif also likened the situation to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, saying that the same mentality is being applied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies. If this were to happen to us if our existence is in danger, then either we survive, or no one does," he added.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are increased again after the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed.

Asifs Earlier Threats

Earlier, Asif warned that New Delhi could launch a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC New Delhi will be given a befitting reply," he told reporters in Islamabad.

He further said that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked for an international probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. Such a probe would expose whether India itself or any internal group was involved, and clarify the truth behind New Delhis baseless allegations," he added.

Earlier, Pakistans Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar had claimed India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours, based on credible" intelligence reports.

Adding to the list of brazen threats, Asif had earlier vowed to destroy" any structure built by India to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. He had threatened an all-out war" between India and Pakistan over the issue of Kashmir.

His threat was sharply reacted to by the BJP in India, which said that the Pakistanis are living in constant fear. Khawaja Asif is visibly shaken. Though he is Pakistans Defence Minister, he hardly has any control. Hes merely a statement minister, constantly issuing hollow threats. The fear among Pakistanis is evident. They are losing sleep at night," BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

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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 agency inputs)

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 06, 2025, 14:24 IST
No Outcome At UNSC's Closed-Door Meet; Pakistan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue In Anti-India Rant

Curated By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Mahima Joshi



Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 10:11 IST

The development came after Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, requested for closed consultations on the situation.

The UNSC held a closed-door consultations on the situation between India and Pakistan. (AP File Image)

Hours after Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations where envoys called for restraint and dialogue. However, the meeting yielded no outcome for Pakistan as the council members questioned the country over the Pahalgam terror attack, sources reported.

The meeting came after Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, requested closed consultations" on the situation.

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The closed-door meeting did not take place in the UNSC Chamber, where Council members sit at the powerful horseshoe table, but in a consultation room next to the chamber.

Pakistan Misuses Platform To Spread Lies

Pakistans Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, once again misused the UN Security Council platform to bring up the Kashmir issue and spread lies against India. Attempting to divert attention from the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan brought up the Kashmir issue, accusing India of military build-up and making provocative statements.

In addition to this, he added that Pakistan is fully prepared" to protect its sovereignty and integrity. He further accused India of serving its political and strategic interests while rejecting Pakistans involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

Iftikhar also termed Indias decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as an act of aggression," and accused India of deliberately attempting to shift global focus away from Islamabads role in supporting cross-border terrorism.

#BREAKING : Pakistans Permanent Representative at UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad exercising same old script of Pakistan at UNSCPAKISTAN AGAIN MISUSES UNSC PLATFORM TO SPREAD LIES AGAINST INDIA BRING KASHMIR ISSUE CENTRE STAGE TO DILUTE THE NARRATIVE OF PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK pic.twitter.com/NNJ4YvuO6G  Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) May 5, 2025

Pakistan Trying To Divert Attention: Indian Govt Sources

Meanwhile, the top Indian government sources informed that the meeting was based on no context and without facts. It is claimed that Pakistan is trying to deflect attention from terror attacks and move the issue in a different direction.

Additionally, the sources stated that India never suspended the Indus Water Treaty, instead it is only in abeyance. Sources claimed that Pakistan after promoting terrorism and infiltrating India, is trying to pursue non-contextual and false narratives.

UN Chief Condemns Pahalgam Attack

Just hours before the closed consultations, Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at their highest in years" and 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.

Guterres made remarks to the press from the UNSC stake-out Monday morning amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen.

Targeting civilians is unacceptable  and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means," he said.

Guterres stressed that it is 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. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," the UN chief added.

Jaishankar Spoke To Council Members

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken with all Council members, except China and Pakistan. In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice".

Last week, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in a call with Jaishankar, noting the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means while voicing deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

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Guterres spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In his phone calls, the Secretary General reiterated his strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, had said.

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 07:16 IST
'Will Help With Energy, Resources': US House Speaker Backs India's Fight Against Terrorism

Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 11:41 IST

This came days after the Donald Trump administration extended support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack

US House Speaker Mike Johnson (Photo: AP file)

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced to help India with his nations energy and resources" in its fight against terrorism. This came days after the Donald Trump administration extended support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

India has to stand against terrorism. We will do everything possible to support those efforts. Trump administration will help India with energy and resources to fight terrorism," Johnson said.

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Last month, President Trump held a telephone conversation with PM Modi in which he condemned the attack and extended Americas full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous act.

Days after the attack, PM Modi, while addressing a public event in Bihar, vowed to pursue the terrorists behind the attack and their patrons, a clear reference to Pakistan which has a history of sponsoring terror strikes in India, to the ends of earth" and inflict harshest punishment on them.

The Prime Minister also gave Indian armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of the nations response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

As tensions remain high, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) conducted a closed-door meeting, convened at Pakistans request. However, the UN body raised tough questions and refused to accept Pakistans false flag" narrative. According to sources, the UNSC members brought up the Pahalgam terror attack issue during the meeting and asked Pakistan if LeT was likely to be involved. India has said that Pakistan is misusing the United Nations platform by virtue of being a non-permanent member of the Security Council at present and ahead of it assuming the chair of the Security Council for the month of July. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

On April 22, terrorists opened fire in the scenic town of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, killing 26 people. Though Pakistan has officially denied its involvement, the Resistance Front (TRF), a rebranded proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 06, 2025, 11:11 IST
'Would've Never Done That For Anybody Else But Me': Trump Says India To Drop Tariffs To 'Nothing'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 00:04 IST

US President Donald Trump did not, however, share details on the goods and sectors affected

The US and India have been negotiating a trade deal that the Trump administration has said could be one of the first to be announced, among a slew of deals under discussion with other trade partners. (Image: X)

American President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has agreed to eliminate all tariffs on imports from the US to nothing", but did not share details on the goods and sectors affected.

Theyve already agreed. They would have never done that for anybody else but me," he said, exuding confidence while talking about key US demands in negotiations for a trade deal between the two countries.

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The US and India have been negotiating a trade deal that the Trump administration has said could be one of the first to be announced, among the slew of deals under discussion between the US and its other trade partners.

Watch the video here:

JUST IN:  India agrees to eliminate all tariffs on US goods, President Trump says."They've already agreed. They would have never done that for anybody else but me." pic.twitter.com/FQEl5piH7j  BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) May 6, 2025

India, as an example, has one of the highest tariffs in the world. Were not going to put up with that. And theyve agreed already to drop it," he said during a White House media interaction alongside Canadas Mark Carney. Theyll drop it to nothing. Theyve (India) already agreed."

There are no details available on the India-US trade talks. But, Trump has been open about his demands going back to his first term, when the two sides had come close to signing a trade deal, which was to be announced during his visit to India in February 2019. Talks fell through, and they were not pursued by either country during President Joe Bidens tenure.

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Talks got underway in the run-up to, and after, Trumps Liberation Day announcement of sweeping tariffs on nearly all of the countrys trading partners. Imports from India were tariffed at 26 percent, which is currently down to 10 percent, a flat rate the President announced for all countries in a 90-day pause, with the exception of China, whose goods coming into the US are under a 145 percent levy.

(With agency 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

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: May 07, 2025, 00:02 IST
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. Hegseth also told the National Guard to eliminate 20% of its top positions and directed the military to cut an additional 10% of its general and flag officers, which could include any one-star or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank, the AP reports. "This is not a slash and burn exercise," he said in a video announcing the cuts. "More generals and admirals does not lead to more success."

In a memo Monday, Hegseth said the Pentagon would remove "redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership." He said the aim was to free the military from "unnecessary bureaucratic layers." 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 to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Politico reports that the cuts may involve consolidating the Northern and Southern commands, as well as the Europe and Africa commands. The cuts are on top of more than a half-dozen top general officers that President 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. Last week, Hegseth 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.
A second person has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Telemundo Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano , who traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl. Kenner police on Monday announced charges against Rickey White, 34, who was previously arrested in Florida on robbery and fraud counts tied to the case and later extradited to Louisiana, the AP reports.

Manzano, 27, was found dead in his hotel room in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner on February 5. Authorities had already charged Danette Colbert, allegedly seen on security video leaving Manzano's room, with second-degree murder and theft of his credit cards and cellphone. Police now say White and Colbert were "working hand-in-hand," citing correspondence between the two. No further details on the specific evidence were released.

White's attorney, Kevin Boshea, said he was unaware of the murder charge until contacted by the press, and questioned whether his client could be guilty, claiming police had presented no evidence placing White in the New Orleans area at the time of Manzano's death. Colbert's attorney likewise argued police were making assumptions. Police, however, say Colbert has been accused of drugging and robbing others in the past, People reports.

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According to Louisiana law, second-degree murder can be charged if a death occurs during robbery or from distributing drugs that cause a fatality. An autopsy determined Manzano died from asphyxiation after consuming both alcohol and Xanaxa drug for which he had no prescription and which police say was recovered from Colbert's home. Security video allegedly showed Manzano and Colbert entering the room together, with Colbert leaving alone about an hour later. She allegedly used Manzano's credit card after his death.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is not happy with the direction of the Trump administration, warning people "in the president's ear" are "lying to him." The Georgia Republican appeared on Steve Bannon's War Room on Monday and expanded on an X post from over the weekend, in which she claimed "the base is not happy" and she was personally "upset over the direction of things." Greene told Bannon, "It's a lie. There is no wedge between the base and President Trump. The wedge is between Congress, and the establishment Republicans that are undermining the president's agenda. Also, anyone that gets in the president's ear and is lying to him about what he should be doing."

"They think they can manipulate the president, but you can't manipulate the base," Greene continued. She said voters had rejected "the old Republican Party ways" and chosen "President Trump's agenda," per Mediaite. That means "embracing Make America Great Again, MAGA, America First, MAHA, no more foreign wars ... this whole populist movement supporting America," Greene said. "And Washington, as usual, is tone deaf and has not heard the message." She'd previously complained about foreign wars and working with Ukraine"a country that's not going to launder our money and sell our weapons to our enemies"on an earth minerals deal.

In a separate interview with NewsNation's The Hill, Greene walked back her message that Trump was "losing MTG" and "losing the base." "Well, actually, the base is thrilled with President Trump," Greene said, per the Hill. "However, it's Congress the base is furious with, and Congress didn't seem to get the message from the November 2024 election, and that's what I'm sounding the alarm about." She previously warned on X that Republicans would suffer "bigly" in the 2026 midterms if they didn't get in line with Trump's agenda, per the Independent. She also told The Hill she believed she could win either the Georgia governor's race or Senate primary should she choose to run. "I'll give it some thought," she said, per NewsNation.
Pope Francis' legacy now includes a popemobile that's been transformed for a new kind of mission. Before his death on April 21 at age 88, Francis donated one of his trademark vehicles so it could be converted into a mobile health unit for children in Gaza, according to Caritas, the Vatican's charitable federation. Photos released by Caritas' Jerusalem and Sweden branches Monday show the former popemobile ready for its next role, though an exact deployment date hasn't been set, the AP reports.

The move comes as Israel approved measures to seize the Gaza Strip and remain there indefinitely, with humanitarian corridors still closed. Caritas Jerusalem's statement said that when access to Gaza is restored, the vehicle will serve as a primary health care unit for local children. Outfitted with diagnostic and treatment equipmentincluding suture kits, vaccines, syringes, oxygen, and refrigerationthe mobile clinic is designed to provide frontline medical support. The Washington Post reports Francis used this particular popemobile during a 2014 visit to the West Bank.

"This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness shown by His Holiness for the most vulnerable," said Anton Asfar, secretary general of Caritas Jerusalem. During the war in Gaza, Pope Francis was often critical of Israel's military tactics, while also calling for hostages abducted by Hamas to be freed. He called for investigations into whether the conflict met the criteria for genocidean accusation Israel rejectsand kept in contact with Gaza's only Catholic church, even during his own hospital stays.
Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage announced Monday he's running for Congress in the state's 2nd District, aiming to unseat Democratic Rep. Jared Golden. LePage, a Republican who led Maine from 2011 to 2019 and unsuccessfully ran for governor again in 2022, filed his campaign papers Sunday. The district, seen as a battleground, has supported both Goldennow in his fourth termbut also President Trump in all three of the last presidential elections.

At 76, LePage, who the AP refers to as "polarizing," is known for his blunt political style and controversial comments (he once said a political rival would "give it to the people without providing Vaseline," and he told the NAACP to "kiss my butt" when the organization was upset he declined to attend an MLK Jr. event). Though he downplayed ties to Trump in his last gubernatorial campaign, LePage was an early Trump supporter and once called himself "Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular." His Monday statement backed the president and pledged to oppose "extreme woke policies," defend gun rights, and focus on job growth.

Golden, 42, has not formally launched his next campaign. He says his attention is on supporting Maine's fishing industry, resisting GOP-backed health care cuts, and securing shipyard jobs. Responding to LePage's bid, Golden said, "I thought Paul was doing his best work in retirement." Golden has stuck mostly to the center in an attempt to hold on to his seat, and did not endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

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After his 2019 exit from the governor's office, LePage initially moved to Florida before returning to Maine. Had he won in 2022, he would have set a record as Maine's longest-serving governor. Political analysts expect Maine's 2nd District to be a closely watched House race for 2026. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the US House, and Golden narrowly retained his seat against Republican Austin Theriault in the last election. Politico reports he won by less than a point.
To justify invoking the Alien Enemies Act, which he's used to deport hundreds of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador, President Trump claimed the US was under invasion by a hostile foreign nation. He said Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang controlled by Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, was working to destabilize the US at Maduro's direction. But US intelligence agencies concluded that was false, per Politico and the New York Times . An April 7 memo from the National Intelligence Council, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, states Tren de Aragua has no direct ties to Venezuela's government.

"While Venezuela's permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States," the memo states, noting Venezuelan security forces have arrested gang members and "periodically engaged in armed confrontations with TDA, resulting in the killing of some TDA members," per the Times. The memo also challenges Trump's assertion that the gang is a threat to US national security. "The small size of TDA's cells, its focus on low skill criminal activities and its decentralized structure make it highly unlikely that TDA coordinates large volumes of human trafficking or migrant smuggling," the document reads, per Politico.

Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, claimed earlier reporting on the memo was "inaccurate." Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, claimed the FBI believed the Maduro government was supporting TDA activities in the US. The released memo does note FBI analysts thought some Venezuelan government officials had facilitated TDA members' migration to the US to undermine public safety based on information obtained from people detained for criminal activity. But "most" of the intelligence community believes the information is "not credible," the memo states. Gabbard now accuses the media of "twisting and manipulating intelligence assessments to undermine the president's agenda to keep the American people safe," per the Times.
A cable theft in Spain left more than 10,000 travelers stranded overnight Sunday after high-speed trains between Madrid and Andalusia came to a halt. Authorities say copper cables were stolen at five different sites, accessible only by forest trails, along the busy route, leading Transport Minister Oscar Puente to describe the incident as a "serious act of sabotage," per the BBC . The disruption affected at least 30 trains on routes connecting Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada. Passengers were left spending the night on trains or at stations, with some resorting to sleeping on the floor. The travel chaos unfolded as Madrid's long weekend wrapped up and just before Seville's week-long Feria festival, traditionally a time of high demand.

This incident follows a blackout that affected trains in Spain and Portugal a week ago, leaving commuters frustrated. "All of a sudden in the last two weekswhat is going on?" a US tourist told Reuters as he waited in Madrid's crowded Atocha station. By Monday morning, train operations were "fully restored," according to the transport minister, though the rail manager Adif said service was still returning to normal. Authorities say the Civil Guard and police are working with Adif to investigate the thefts and identify those responsible. Copper theft has been a growing problem as global prices for the metal have spiked. Officials say cable thefts have surged not just on rail networks but also from telecommunications infrastructure.
All four international airports around Moscow temporarily suspended flights on Tuesday as Russian forces intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones fired at almost a dozen Russian regions, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said. Nine other regional Russian airports also temporarily stopped operating as drones struck areas along the border with Ukraine and deeper inside Russia, according to Russia's civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, and the Defense Ministry. It was the second straight night that the Moscow region reportedly was targeted, per the AP .

The drone assault threatened a planned unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in the more than three-year war announced by President Vladimir Putin to coincide with celebrations in Moscow on Thursday marking Victory Day in World War II, a celebration of Moscow's defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 and Russia's biggest secular holiday. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry urged foreign countries not to send military representatives to take part in the parade for that event, as some have in the past. None are officially confirmed for this year's event. Security is expected to be tight, and Russian officials have warned that internet access could be restricted in Moscow during the celebrations. Residents have also been warned not to set off fireworks.

The Russian reports of the drone strike couldn't be independently verified. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 136 strike and decoy drones overnight, including at least 20 Shahed drones at Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city near the border with Russia, injuring four people, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. The drones started a fire at the biggest market in Kharkiv, Barabashovo, destroying and damaging around 100 market stalls, he said.

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Seven civilians were hurt elsewhere in the Kharkiv region by Russian glide bombs and drones, Syniehubov said. In Kramatorsk, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Russian Shahed drones killed one person and injured two others, Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko wrote on Facebook. The drones targeted residential and industrial areas of the city, he said. In the Odesa region, Russian drones struck residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, killing one person, regional head Oleh Kiper wrote on Telegram.
President Trump is calling for the release from prison of a former county clerk in Colorado who breached voting machine protocols back in 2020. Trump can't pardon Tina Peters because she was convicted of state crimes, explains 9NEWS. But he can ramp up pressure on state officials, which is what he did in a Truth Social post:

"Radical Left Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser ignores Illegals committing Violent Crimes like Rape and Murder in his State and, instead, jailed Tina Peters, a 69-year-old Gold Star mother who worked to expose and document Democrat Election Fraud," Trump wrote Monday evening, per the Hill. "Colorado must end this unjust incarceration of an innocent American."
An American who set out to raise money for kids' cancer treatment while climbing the world's fifth-highest mountain has become the second person to die during Nepal's 2025 climbing season. Alexander Pancoe, 39, died Sunday evening in his sleeping bag at Mount Makalu's second-highest camp, at around 21,000 feet of elevation, after returning from an acclimatization trip to Camp 3, some 24,600 feet above sea level, USA Today reports. Madison Mountaineering, the company that organized the expedition, said the climber "passed away unexpectedly" while sharing a tent with expedition leader Terray Sylvester.

"The two had just finished dinner and were settling into their sleeping bags, chatting casually, when Alex suddenly became unresponsive," the company said. "Despite hours of resuscitation efforts by Terray and our team of climbers and Sherpa at Camp 2, they were unable to revive him." The company suggested the death had come as a shock, noting Pancoe "had been in high spirits, full of energy, and was considered one of the strongest members of the team." He'd previously completed the Explorer's Grand Slam, meaning he climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents and skied to both the North and South Poles, per Reuters.

Pancoe was climbing Makalu to raise money for the pediatric blood cancer program at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. "He had already raised $1 million to help fund clinical trials and other programs there," per CBS News. On Instagram, his wife, Nina, wrote of the moment she learned of trouble in a satellite phone call from the mountain. "At first I thought you broke a bone, but to hear those words that your heart stopped and CPR was not working my heart shattered into a million pieces," she wrote. She added that Pancoe had battled a brain tumor and leukemia, but "you never let that stop you" and "you died doing something you loved in a place that you loved." He leaves behind two children of his own.
The attorney for a man accused of fatally striking a deputy with his car on purpose argued on Tuesday that his client was "not in his right mind" at the timebecause he had just watched video of police fatally shooting his son, reports CNN. The unusual case is playing out in Cincinnati.

On Thursday, police shot and killed 18-year-old Ryan Hinton while responding to a report of a stolen vehicle, reports NBC News.

On Friday, police showed video of the shooting to Hinton's father, Ryan Hinton Jr., and made the case it was justified. Hinton was "very distraught" upon leaving the police station, a family attorney told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
A Bismarck man was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a 2021 drug conspiracy case that resulted in the overdose death of another man.

Jake Newick walked out of the William L. Guy Federal Courthouse following a change-of-plea and sentencing hearing Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor.

Under the judge's sentence, Newick must turn himself in to federal prison officials in either Minnesota or South Dakota, or to the U.S. Marshals Service in Bismarck on June 13. The sentence also gives him credit for roughly 14 months he's spent in custody since his initial arrest on Feb. 9, 2021.

How did the drug conspiracy result in a death?

Bismarck police, responding to a reported overdose on Feb. 7, 2021, found the body of 31-year-old Jayson Zingg. Information found on Zingg's phone provided details that the drugs came from Newick, according to an affidavit.

Newick, then 34, was originally arrested on state charges that were dismissed after a federal grand jury handed down an indictment charging him and another man identified as Tallon Hoogeboom.

The two men were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, Newick agreed to plead guilty to the conspiracy charge that carries at least 10 years in prison and up to life behind bars.

In return, federal authorities dismissed the other two charges.

Newick told the judge how he met Hoogeboom while at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on an unrelated drug and paraphernalia charge. He said the pair became acquainted during a span of roughly 10 days until Newick bonded out of jail.

"We had a lot in common. We both used to work on the oil field outside Williston," Newick said.

That relationship caused Hoogeboom to confide in him regarding drugs Newick could access and sell in order to raise bond money for Hoogeboom, who was at the jail on other unrelated drug charges, according to Newick.

"He said he had ordered up a kilo (kilogram) of cocaine, people were using it until they started falling out, so he (Hoogeboom) locked it up," Newick said.

"By falling out, you mean overdosing?" Traynor asked.

"Yes," he said.

Newick described leaving the jail with written instructions reportedly provided by Hoogeboom about how to access those same drugs and that once he obtained them, he "started to make calls, the regulars," he said, referring to people he'd previously bought drugs from and sold drugs to.

Those "regulars," according to Newick, included Zingg, whom he described as a friend of nearly 1  years.

"He didn't have any money," Newick told Traynor, but despite the lack of funds, Zingg was given drugs. Newick said he consumed some of the same supply.

When authorities finally arrested Newick after Zingg's death, court documents indicate he had 374 grams of fentanyl -- 3,740 doses -- and a digital scale in his possession.

An analysis of those drugs revealed they were "mostly fentanyl combined with cocaine," according to the judge.

Sentencing recommendations and testimony

According to the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence "at the low end" of a range between 11  and 14  years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Volk said they were seeking an upward departure that could send Newick behind bars for a period between 19  and nearly 24  years.

That notice of an upward departure was followed by comments from Zingg's mother Kimberely, who appeared remotely and asked Traynor to impose the maximum sentence.

Jayson Zingg, according to his mother, was a gifted high school athlete before becoming addicted to drugs and leaving two small children behind. She added that his death has caused her to suffer nightmares and depression.

Volk said an upward departure from the plea agreement was justified because Newick admitted to acting on behalf of another, the planning behind the acquisition of the drugs, the potency of those drugs and the plan to use money generated from the sale of those drugs to provide Hoogeboom bail money.

Volk told the judge that he had additional reasons to support his request but those reasons should be heard away from the public. The judge, defendant, both attorneys and court staff adjourned into a private conference.

Traynor then agreed that Volk's argument was reasonable and accepted the motion.

Defense attorney Erin Bolinger opposed an upward departure, telling the judge that while Newick is "completely sympathetic" to Kimberely Zingg, both men were sharing drugs from the same supply.

Bolinger said her defendant "Doesn't understand why he's still here."

She told Traynor the departure from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years was supported by her defendant's success over the past three years, first at New Hope Sober Living and the past year living at his landlord's residence.

The judge said Newick's acceptance of responsibility by pleading guilty and his cooperation with federal authorities in other prosecutions did support a departure from the mandatory minimum sentence.

However, "because we had a death in the community, I am not willing to give a time-served sentence," he said, referring to a request from Bolinger.

Hoogeboom entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in February 2023, according to federal court records. Under that agreement, he also pleaded guilty to the charge related to conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison. Sentencing is on May 16.
A 25-year-old US Army soldier, 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano, was found dead off-base on the banks of the Chiquito River near Comayagua, Honduras, authorities said Tuesday. Parisano's body was discovered on Saturday by a local resident, roughly five miles from Soto Cano Air Base, where he was stationed, CBS News reports. Honduran police found a damaged cell phone at the scene that allegedly belonged to Parisano. Officials say suspects in the case have been identified, and they have ruled out robbery as a motive. Stars and Stripes reports that Parisano was on a "liberty pass," a pass typically issued for service members to be away from their duty station for short leisure periods.

The Honduran National Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from the US Embassy and the US Army Criminal Investigation Department. Parisano served as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with the 1st Battalion, 228 Aviation Regiment. He graduated from West Point in 2023 and later attended aviation training in Alabama. He earned the rank of First Lieutenant in November 2024 and Soto Cano was his first assignment.

Parisano's "contribution to our team is immeasurable," US Army Col. Daniel Alder, the commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo, said in a statement. "He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and serve with him." JTF-Bravo is the military's primary expeditionary task force in Central America, with missions including countering drug trafficking and providing disaster relief. The US military says more than 500 American service members are based at Soto Cano, along with hundreds of American and Honduran civilian personnel.
India fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least three locations early Wednesday, killing a child and wounding two other people, Pakistani security officials said. India said it was striking infrastructure used by militants. The strikes came amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month's militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, the AP reports. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militant attack, which Islamabad has denied. Last week, Pakistan said it had "credible intelligence" suggesting India would launch strikes.
The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
May 07 (News On Japan) - In the film Detchiage, a powerful courtroom drama unfolds around a man accused of unspeakable abuse, raising questions about truth, media manipulation, and public justice.

In 2003, elementary school teacher Seiichi Yabushita (played by Go Ayano) was accused by parent Ritsuko Himuro (Ko Shibasaki) of physically abusing her son, Takuto Himuro. The alleged abuse, described not merely as corporal punishment but as intolerable bullying, sparked outrage.

Sensing a headline, reporter Michihiko Narumi (Kazuya Kamenashi) from the weekly tabloid Shunpo made the decision to publish the full names involved. His sensational article, laced with inflammatory language, quickly shook the nation. Yabushita became the center of a media firestorm, targeted with relentless criticism and personal attacks. His daily life unraveledbetrayed by colleagues, suspended from duty, and plunged into a spiral of despair.

While public opinion rallied behind Ritsuko, a 550-member mega legal team was formed to support her in what grew into an unprecedented civil trial. Virtually everyone expectedand hoped fora victory in her favor.

However, when Yabushita took the stand, he made a stunning declaration: the allegations were entirely fabricated.

Based on a true story, Detchiage is a gripping exploration of how truth can be distortedand whether it can be reclaimed once lost.

Source: 
GATINEAU, QC, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Caroline J. Simard, announced today the publication of six administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) and an undertaking to address violations under the Canada Elections Act (the Act). To maintain transparency, and as required by the Act, summaries of AMPs are published on the CCE's website.

Notices of violation imposing AMPs were issued to:

An official agent for a candidate during the 43 rd federal general election who failed to provide the campaign's financial returns within the required deadline.

federal general election who failed to provide the campaign's financial returns within the required deadline. Two official agents for candidates during the 44 th federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's surplus within 60 days.

federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's surplus within 60 days. An official agent during the 2019 federal general election who failed to comply with a term and condition of an undertaking they had signed with the Office of the CCE.

Two individuals who voted twice in the same electoral district during the 2021 federal general election. The AMPs were reviewed by the Chief Electoral Officer and the amount was confirmed.

AMPs are administrative tools that the Commissioner can use to address violations under the Act. They aim to promote compliance with the Act. More information about AMPs can be found in the CCE's Policy for the Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime .

An undertaking is a pledge made by a person or entity that did not comply with a requirement of the Act and accepted by the Commissioner. Undertakings aim to ensure compliance with the Act.

The CCE is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Act and the Referendum Act. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is distinct from Elections Canada and carries out a different mandate.

For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form .

To receive updates from the CCE, subscribe to our email alerts .

Follow us on X , Facebook , LinkedIn and Youtube .

SOURCE Commissioner of Canada Elections

Contacts: For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - FAIR Canada and a national coalition of consumer advocates call on regulators to resist industry pressure and move forward with improvements to investment complaint-handling.

The coalition supports the Canadian Securities Administrators' (CSA) proposal to give the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) the power to make binding decisions. This would stop investment firms from ignoring OBSI's recommendations or pressuring clients to accept low offers.

What is Binding Authority? (CNW Group/FAIR Canada)

In a joint letter to the CSA, the coalition highlights the urgent need for reform as Canada enters a period of profound economic and market challenges.

"Canadians must be confident that governments and regulators will protect them when their hard-earned assets are at stake," said Jean-Paul Bureaud, Executive Director of FAIR Canada. "Delaying or weakening these reforms will only hurt investors and erode trust in the financial system."

The coalition of consumer advocates represents millions of financial consumers across the country, many of whom are still dealing with the economic aftershocks of the pandemic and new financial stress from global instability and U.S. trade actions.

The Industry is Pushing Back Based on Misinformation

Some industry players are pushing back against the CSA's proposal using claims that don't hold up to scrutiny.

"We would like to set the record straight," said Elizabeth Mulholland, Chief Executive Officer of Prosper Canada. "We are navigating unprecedented economic times, and investors are feeling the strain. Now, more than ever, we need a fair system that holds firms accountable and gives harmed investors real protection."

OBSI investor bias is a myth: Solutions should not rely on this premise

Independent expert reviews have consistently found no evidence that OBSI is biased in favour of investors. On average, OBSI finds in favour of firms about 67% of the time, and firms underpay OBSI recommendations by millions.

Judicial appeal would tilt the process in favour of firms

Some in the industry want a third-party appeal process, such as taking cases to court. This would make the complaint process expensive, slower and more complex. Judicial appeals are unnecessary in the context of the CSA's carefully balanced framework.

The binding threshold is fair: Lowering it would harm investors

OBSI has a proven track record of handling complaints up to $350,000 fairly, as independent expert reviews consistently confirm. Yet, some industry voices want this limit drastically lowered.

A lower limit would allow firms that caused more harm to avoid responsibility, while those that caused less harm would be held to account. Lower limits would also pressure investors with higher-value complaints into unfair settlements or leave them with nothing, reintroducing the power imbalance the CSA framework is designed to correct.

A new social media campaign launches today to help investors understand why binding authority matters. See the explainer: Harmed Investors Deserve Better.

About the Coalition of Consumer Advocates

The coalition of consumer advocates includes FAIR Canada, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), Prosper Canada, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), the Investor Protection Clinic and Future of Law Lab at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, the Consumers Council of Canada, CFA Societies Canada, Kenmar Associates, CanAge, and The Investor Protection Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School. Together, the group collectively represents the perspectives of millions of financial consumers and retail investors nationwide.

About FAIR Canada

FAIR Canada (The Foundation for the Advancement of Investor Rights) champions the rights of individual investors in Canada through advocacy, education, and regulatory advancements. We are the trusted, independent voice on significant issues that affect individual investors. As Canada's only non-profit, investor-focused organization, we provide informed, objective comments on regulatory matters that have an impact on investor fairness and protection. Learn more about investor rights at FAIRCanada.ca and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

SOURCE FAIR Canada

For further information contact: Jean-Paul Bureaud, Executive Director, FAIR Canada, [email protected]; Teresa Pagnutti, Media Relations Lead, FAIR Canada, [email protected], 416-230-0172
A Tale of Sources is the title of the work that the artist has imagined. The installation exhibited in four scenes that are integrated into the landscaping of the future Riopelle Space. The work will punctuate the pedestrian corridor that will link the front and rear courtyards of the new building. It will act as a poetic link between the past and the future and urbanity and the park.

"We were seeking a work to be exhibited on the entire site, thereby creating a dialogue with architecture. Her sculpture will significantly mark the arrival of visitors to the Riopelle Space by perfectly integrating into the landscaped environment of the new pavilion designed by Les architectes fabg. In addition to meeting all our expectations, we were charmed by the depth of Fiona Annis' creative approach, her ecological choices, and the striking links established with the works of Jean Paul Riopelle. Her poetry and sensitivity will undoubtedly touch the hearts and minds of visitors," jointly noted Jean-Luc Murray, Director General of the MNBAQ, and Eve-Lyne Beaudry, Director of Collections and Research at the MNBAQ.

An emblematic work at the heart of a highly significant site

"I sought to produce an original work that tells multiple stories and also honours the heritage of a renowned Quebec artist who constantly explored his territory of origin. I want to produce a visual, poetic reference point that will mark the physical and social landscape of the MNBAQ and create a celebration of nature and culture."

Fiona Annis

A Tale of Sources will celebrate Quebec nature and culture

Fiona Annis has imagined a series of four cast-bronze scenes that include elements in marble and steel. The vibrant, dynamic colours will evoke Perce-neige (1956), the first painting by Jean Paul Riopelle that the MNBAQ acquired.

The Invitation features a ladder and a circular gate, elements that invite us to jump and dash. They also propose a poetic reflection on impermanence or perpetual transformation. The interplay of the bronze ring's texture brings to mind the visual vocabulary of Riopelle's works.

The Convergence of Time proposes three imaginary figures pierced with a hole that represent transmission and encounters between eras. Their configuration will evoke story circles and the spirit of campfires.

The Encounter with Territory will present three creatures grouped together around a suspended full moon. They will evoke the crane, a recurring motif in Riopelle's work, in particular in Homage to Rosa Luxemburg, to which will be added yellow birch bark and roots, emblematic symbols of Quebec. Yellow birch, a species native to Quebec, becomes a metaphor to illustrate the resilience of Quebec's inhabitants.

The Connection of Knowledge will be represented by an inviting raft that evokes travel and adventure. The fourth scene conjures up the rafts used by log drivers to transport timber on Quebec's river system, an apposite historic allusion.

Ecology at the heart of creativity

Aside from the inspired concept of Fiona Annis' work, the ecological dimension of her approach enhances her project. The production of the sculpture hinges on environmental ethics that respect the materials and produce a minimum of residues. The use of organic materials prior to casting the bronze and the lost-wax technique will make this sculpture a unique work while avoiding the residues that the moulds engender.

Production in June 2026

Fiona Annis will direct the work's production, which entails demanding technical requirements. The artist will collaborate with the Inverness Bronze Workshop to produce (casting, assembly), finish, transport, and install the elements of the sculpture. The overall project budget is $309 233. The four sculptural scenes are slated for installation on the site of the future Riopelle Space in the spring of 2026.

Fiona Annis, in a nutshell

Fiona Annis was born in Glasgow in 1983 and raised in Manitoba. She lives and works in Tiohtia:ke (Montreal). The artist has a sustained commitment to analogical materials and processes and melds historical and deeply contemporary perspectives. She has exhibited her work in artists' centres, galleries, and museums in Canada and abroad, including the Fondation Guido Molinari in Montreal, the Institut AC in New York, the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, Goldsmiths, University of London, the Museo Novecento in Naples, VU Photo in Quebec City, and The Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton. Her works are found in the collections of the Musee de la civilisation de Quebec, the City of Ottawa Public Art Collection, and the Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec.

Fiona Annis has received several national and international grants, including the Brucebo Foundation travel award with a residency at the Observatoire de Capodimonte in Naples; the Jarislowsky Award, with a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts; and the Fonds de recherche quebecois pour la societe et la culture, with a residency at the Penumbra Foundation in New York. The artist holds a master's degree from the Glasgow School of Art and an interdisciplinary doctorate from Concordia University. She is the co-founder of the artists'collective The Society of Affective Archives.

The competition in a nutshell

The Ministere de la Culture et des Communications du Quebec launched a province-wide competition in April 2024 in the context of the Politique d'integration des arts a l'architecture et a l'environnement des batiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics for the creation of the public artwork outside the future Riopelle Space of the Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec.

The selection committee comprising representatives of the Ministere de la Culture et des Communication, the MNBAQ, Les architectes fabg, and visual arts specialists, selected five finalists: Fiona Annis, Marie-France Briere, Marc-Antoine Cote, Luca Fortin, and Gilles Mihalcean. Each finalist received $15 000 to design a mock-up. Fiona Annis won this competition. In late spring 2026, the public will discover A Tale of Sources, to be installed in the pedestrian corridor of the future Riopelle Space.

The Riopelle Space has a budget of $84 million, with contributions from several public and private partners, i.e., the Quebec government, Quebec City, the founding members of the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation, and the Fondation du MNBAQ. It will meld perfectly with the existing museum complex and become a harmonious link between the Gerard Morisset Pavilion, the Charles Baillairge Pavilion, and the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion in addition to enhancing the experience of visitors and all art enthusiasts. It will permanently house the world's biggest public collection of Riopelle's works, enhanced by donations and historic loans from collectors and patrons including Michael Audain, Pierre Lassonde, France Chretien Desmarais, Andre Desmarais, and Yseult Riopelle. The Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec is a state corporation funded by the Gouvernement du Quebec.

SOURCE Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec

PRESS CONTACTS: Linda Tremblay, Media Relations Officer, MNBAQ, 418 262-4681, [email protected]; Montreal, Rosemonde Gingras, Rosemonde Communications, 514 458-8355, [email protected]
TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Food Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) are proud to announce that Gary Wade, President of Unilever Canada and CEO of Beauty & Wellbeing, North America, will be honoured with the prestigious Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and lifelong contributions to the Canadian consumer-packaged goods and retail industries.

Gary Wade, President, Unilever Canada, to receive 2025 Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award (CNW Group/Retail Council of Canada)

The Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals or families who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian retail and grocery industries. Recipients reflect the industry's spirit of community and trust. They have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to their companies' growth and innovation, to the communities they serve, and to philanthropy.

Over his past 30 years with Unilever, Gary has played a pivotal role in the company's successculminating in his appointment as President of Unilever Canada in 2017, where he has been instrumental in driving consistent growth, expanding market share, and strengthening the presence of Unilever's trusted brands across the Canadian marketplace. Under his leadership, Unilever Canada has not only achieved strong commercial results but also demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer well-being.

In February 2024, Gary's role expanded to include CEO of Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing division in North America. In this dual capacity, he now leads operations across both Canada and the United States, guiding the growth and innovation of some of the region's most iconic personal care and wellness brands.

Gary's industry influence extends well beyond Unilever. He has served as Chair of the Board for Food, Health & Consumer Products Canada (FHCP) and as Vice Chair of the Board for GS1 Canada, contributing valuable insight and advocacy that have shaped policy, advanced industry standards, and supported collaboration across sectors.

"Gary has consistently led the CPG industry through times of rapid change and uncertainty. His bold, innovative mindset and willingness to challenge convention have propelled the sector forward and inspired others to rethink how we build, deliver, and grow consumer brands", said FHCP CEO, Michael Graydon.

"Gary's deep understanding of the evolving consumer landscape has helped drive strategic partnerships that are reshaping the way brands and retailers collaborate. We join FHCP in applauding Gary for his outstanding leadership," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada.

Mr. Wade joins a distinguished list of past Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer recipients from across Canada that include Longo's President and CEO Anthony Longo and the Longo Family, Cindy and Tina Lee of T&T Supermarkets, Burnbrae Farms' President & CEO, Margaret Hudson, Pattison Food Group's President, Darrell Jones, Morrison Lamothe Inc & Club Coffee L.P. CEO, John Pigott, Metro Inc.'s Former Senior Vice President Procurement & Corporate Brands, Serge Boulanger, Kruger Products CEO Dino Bianco, and Sobeys Inc. President and CEO Michael Medline.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Gary Wade at Retail Council of Canada's Canadian Grand Prix Awards Gala on June 4, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Capping off RCCSTORE25, Canada's premier retail conference, the Canadian Grand Prix Awards Gala will celebrate innovation in food, non-food, CPG and private-label categories.. Taking place June 34, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond.

Media are invited to attend this prestigious event celebrating Jenn Harper and other esteemed award recipients.

About Unilever in Canada

Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of 60.8 billion in 2024.

Our leading brands in Canada include Dove, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, SheaMoisture, TRESemme, Knorr, Hellmann's, Breyers, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Liquid I.V., and OLLY.

For more information on Unilever Canada and visit: www.unilever.ca or www.unilever.ca/fr.

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide. retailcouncil.org.

About Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada

FHCP is the voice of the food, health, and consumer product industry that employs more than 350,000 Canadians across businesses of all sizes that manufacture and distribute the safe, high-quality products that are at the heart of healthy homes, healthy communities, and a healthy Canada. Learn more at www.fhcp.ca and www.oneveryshelf.ca and follow us at @FHCP_PASC.

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti, VP Marketing & Membership, Retail Council of Canada, [email protected]; Anthony Fuchs, Vice President, Communications, Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada, [email protected]
TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabek, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat  Ontario Nature, a leading environmental charity, is proud to announce its new Executive Director, Andres Jimenez Monge.

Andres Jimenez Monge (CNW Group/Ontario Nature)

After over 19 years of dedicated service, Caroline Schultz is retiring from her role as Executive Director. Under her visionary leadership, Ontario Nature has grown its network of nature reserves, championed critical conservation legislation, increased its staff count and inspired countless Ontarians to take action for nature. "It has been a great honour to lead Ontario Nature's incredible staff, Nature Network groups and individual members. Together, we were there whenever and wherever nature needed us most. I'm excited to support the leadership transition and maintain my connection as a proud member," said Caroline Schultz.

"We are grateful for Caroline's nearly two decades of dedicated service to nature," said Kurt Kroesen, Chair of the Board of Directors. "She leaves a strong voice for biodiversity in Ontario and has led Ontario Nature through a period of exceptional growth in a very challenging environment."

With extensive experience in the conservation sector  both in Canada and Costa Rica  Andres brings a wealth of environmental knowledge and passion. His background includes leading provincial conservation programs at Ducks Unlimited Canada and national experience as Manager for Conservation for the Weston Family Foundation. Andres has a clear vision for biodiversity conservation, reconciliation, innovation and community engagement.

"I feel a deep sense of responsibility as I join Ontario Nature at a time when bold, thoughtful action is urgently needed," said Andres. "I'm committed to working with our inspirational team, communities and partners to further Ontario Nature's vast legacy. We will be uncompromising in advancing science-based conservation to protect Ontario's precious biodiversity, which is increasingly threatened."

Since it was established in 1931, Ontario Nature has always been a force championing nature in the province. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups across Ontario.

About

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. For more information, visit ontarionature.org .

SOURCE Ontario Nature

John Hassell, Director of Communications and Engagement, Editor, Ontario Nature | [email protected] | 416-786-2171
TORONTO, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) recently celebrated the Association's 95th Anniversary at the Annual General Meeting and Conference in Markham. The event provided an opportunity for Trustees to focus on the issues and achievements having impact on Ontario's strong and vibrant publicly funded Catholic school system. This year's Annual Meeting also included the announcement of election results for the OCSTA Board of Directors.

"I am pleased to acknowledge with gratitude all the candidates who put their name forward to serve the mission of Catholic education at the provincial level as an OCSTA Regional Director. The newly acclaimed and elected trustees accept the call to serve Catholic education and share a commitment to place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre of students' learning experiences. I look forward to serving with them in the best interest of Catholic Education," said OCSTA President Michael Bellmore.

OCSTA Regional Directors  Election Results:

Region 1: Colleen Landers, Northeastern CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 2: Paul Landry, Kenora CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 3 (At Large): Glenn Sheculski, Northeastern CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 4: Lori Di Castri, Bruce-Grey CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 5: John Van Heck, St. Clair CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 9: Morgan Ste. Marie, Durham CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 10: Brian Evoy, Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB (Acclaimed)

Region 11: Danny Di Lorenzo, Niagara CDSB (Acclaimed)

*CDSB  Catholic District School Board

Regions 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 are represented by Trustees who are appointed by their respective boards. View the complete list of the OCSTA Board of Directors here.

OCSTA Awards Program

The Association was pleased to acknowledge outstanding Catholic education leadership and service through the annual OCSTA Awards Program. This year's awards recognized the following individuals:

2025 OCSTA Trustee Award of Merit Recipient:

Trustee David Howard, Vice-Chair, Renfrew County CDSB (view profile)

2025 OCSTA Special Award Recipient

Most Reverend Fred Colli, Retired Bishop, Diocese of Thunder Bay (view profile)

2025 OCSTA Student Trustee Alumni Award Recipients

Aaron Paul and Ajoy Paul, Former Student Trustees, Durham CDSB (view profile)

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association is the provincial voice for publicly funded Catholic education. Founded in 1930, OCSTA represents the interests of Catholic school boards that collectively educates approximately 600,000 students in Ontario, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

SOURCE Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association

For further information, please contact: Sharon McMillan, Director of Communications, Tel: 416-460-7937, Email: [email protected]
OTTAWA, ON, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.

The prime ministers congratulated each other on their respective election and re-election. Prime Minister Carney underscored the many areas of close co-operation between Canada and Australia, particularly in trade, defence, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The leaders looked forward to building a stronger relationship between their two nations and agreed to remain in close contact.

Associated Link

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

PMO Media Relations: [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.
Canadas population grew by more than one million in 2022. This increase was equivalent to 2.7%. Such a rate would double Canadas population in 26 years.

When I moved to Canada in 2003, its population was 32 million. Today, it is 40 million, an increase of 25%.

Had immigration not occurred, the Canadian population would have fallen, given its fertility rate of 1.47, which itself would have been lower had immigration not occurred. But let us not get into the nitty-gritty when there is an 800-pound gorilla in the room.

For those who dont have a sense of numbers, more than one out of every four people in Canada arrived after my arrival twenty years back. As it stands today, 26% of Canadians are first-generation immigrants. 18% are second-generation. 32% of children under fifteen in 2021 were second-generation immigrants.

My interest is not to get into statistical nuances but to show that nearly 50% of Canadians are first or second-generation immigrants. And immigration continues to ramp up, most of whom come from the Third World.

Before the early 1970s, most immigrants came from Europe. Today, only 10% of the total immigrants come from Europe. This matters.

Canada has irrevocably changed in just the two decades since I immigrated. It is said that a frog in a pot that is slowly getting boiled fails to realize that it is getting cooked. But political correctness has meant that Canadians fail to understand what is happening to Canada even when the proverbial pot is heating rapidly.

Last years immigrants represented 200 countries of the world, representing 450 different mother tongues. India is by far the most significant source of immigration, accounting for 27% of total immigrants. A distant second is China, with 7%. Third is Afghanistan, with 5.4%. Fourth is Nigeria, with 5%.

Brazil and South Korea have been kicked out of the top ten sources of immigration and replaced by Nigeria and Syria. 38% of immigrants are family sponsorships and refugees.

If these nationalities didnt shock you, perhaps political correctness has killed your cultural awareness. Indeed, when you stop speaking the truth, you eventually change your thinking. Or maybe you act as if this is nothing material, for you dont want to be canceled or commit a thought crime.

Western political correctness has metastasized into a puerile understanding of cultures. Even those who can see prefer to make money and maintain their lifestyles, their country houses, the size of their kitchen cabinets, and the schools their kids attend rather than speak up.

Canadians have put Canada on a path to inevitable destruction.

There is no history in human affairs when a society willingly gave itself away to foreigners. There is no history of a society maintaining any values once foreigners overtook it. Indeed, there is no history in human affairs where muti-culturalism and ethnic diversity have not led to massive civil conflicts, but Canadians love romanticizing these anti-values.

Most reading this article havent experienced such an increase in immigrants. But your anecdotal experience is not the statistical reality. The composition of people you socialize with does not represent the ethnic proportion of the Canadian population.

Put differently, the new immigrants often get ghettoized in areas you never visit. When you encounter them, your interaction will likely be short and superficial. But they have the same vote as you do. And they have no interest in European values. They are economic migrants without an interest in what provides nutrition to Canadian society. They have, at best, no interest or concept of Western philosophy.

Canada now has massive ghettoes. Visit and soak in the Indian ghettos of Surrey, Brampton, or Richmond to get a sense of proportion and perspective. I mention the Indian ghettos, for I know them better, but you should also visit the Afghani, Syrian, Somalian, etc. ghettoes. If you do, you will realize that Canada is like a train constantly changing its passengers. For most Canadians, the passengers arent what they started with.

Recently, Eritrean immigrants fought a pitched battle in Calgary. Khalistans posters can now be seen in many places. These dont leave a lasting impression on native Canadians, but they must.

I provided the statistics, but you must feel, smell, and sense it. You will emotionally realize that Canada is irredeemably on its way to an ethnically non-European majority in a few short years. Should this matter? Of course, it does. None of the 200 countries on the planet is a civilization and has a non-European or non-East Asian majority.

Did I leave India because of its utterly venal and oppressive government? Not really. They are utterly stupid, and bribes take care of everything. But the character of the government is a symptom of the underlying society. It was the Indian society that I ran away from, which has no concept of honor, integrity, moral values, rationality, or interest in anything except the material, which is money and sex.

More precisely, I ran away from Indians.

With time, the institutions the British left behind have been hallowed out in India, and the civilizational constraints that they had imposed have fallen apart. With time, India is bound to become increasingly barbaric and savage. Not because of so much because of the Indian government but because of Indians.

India provides 27% of Canadas new immigrants. Most other immigrants come from other Third World hellholes and have similar cultural backgrounds, one rooted in materialism and the absence of civilizational constraints and moral values.

Every Indian city today has at least one high-rise building devoted to housing agencies that help people immigrate to Canada, most offering help creating fake documents or getting admission to colleges structured not for education but for assisting people to stay in Canada long enough to become citizens.

Crazy, isnt it, that Canada has given itself away to those who faked documents? So much for the much-touted skilled-class immigrants!

Canadians have no choice but to learn about India, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria, and other Third World countries. They should all be visiting India and sending their daughters and sons to know about it, for it is what they are bringing in. However, when they send their daughters, they should have male company. They should visit to learn what Europeans of the past understood, the wisdom that political correctness has erased from the Canadian psyche.

A few years back, I went to an Indian event in South Vancouver. As happens in India, nothing worked. There was no coordination. What happened on the stage had nothing to do with the schedule. They played the wrong music. Then, they stopped it and ran around to correct it. Organizers openly argued with each other. They openly talked about how we should vote for members of our Sikh community in the government. Their swing vote already has a massive influence on the foreign policies of the Liberal and Conservative parties and NDP.

Sometimes, Canadian airports and train stations look indistinguishable from Indian ones, except that you can still get a train ticket without paying a bribe, the ticket-seller treats you respectfully albeit a bit less by each passing day, the trains still operate reasonably well albeit continue to worsen, and you still dont see cockroaches inside the compartments. But you will get there.

Eventually, trains will collide, killing hundreds; massive forest fires will happen not because of climate change but because of a lack of work ethics, incompetence, and apathy; bridges will fall apart, infrastructure will deteriorate, quality of hygiene will worsen, and nepotism and bribery will become commonplace. But unless you understand this article, you will fail to pinpoint the reason.

You will have to start worrying about female infanticide and female genital mutilation. Caste problems will require you to create legal remedies. Some of these issues are already here, although no official inquiry will blame the cause of accidents on rampant immigration, diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

Hindu-Sikh problems will continue to worsen in Canada, but no one will have the courage to tell them to take their fight to where it belongs: back to India. These idiots will celebrate Indian Independence Day in Canada, utterly forgetful that they got rid of European rule from India and then took all the pains to move to a country ruled by Europeans. But among them, the concept of reason is conspicuous by its absence. They vote on a tribal basis and elect people of their kind, tribe, and religion, setting Canadian institutions conversion to what they left behind in motion.

It is a gross mistake to think that people leave their home countries to escape their tyrants. As in North Korea, the real tyrants do not let their people escape. Virtually everyone else is running away from the hellhole they created for themselves. They are part and parcel of the hellhole they left behind. They remake their host country in the image of what they left behind. When you bring them in, you bring the subtle, subliminal ways they will participate in making Canada a hellhole.

Let us delve a bit deeper. Changing culture is not a generation or two-generation process. It is not even a centuries-long process. It is, at best, a millennia-long process. And that is assuming culture is not hardwired.

Civilization is a uniquely Western concept. The Third World, where most Canadian immigrants come from, has no interest in Western values. For them, concepts like honor, honesty, and fairness are alien. They are driven by expediency and the acquisition of resources. Desperate in their Third World hellhole, it is not the absence of liberty or the rule of law that worries them. They are blind to them. They are only interested in money.

When they arrive, they do not see the existence of Western values. It is only the money-making opportunities that they seek. That is the only thing of value that they see. Given their state of mind, they think that Canada would be a much better place if their religions, rituals, and culture, and indeed tyranny, were to be imposed on Canada.

A senior officer from the Indian government, on an extended visit to the West, told me why he hated the West. He found that the lack of noise and smell made him lonely. His work got done without needing connections, and no one came to prostrate before him. There was no one lining up to meet and greet him. He felt deeply hurt and unrecognized. He didnt know how to pass his time. He desperately wanted his bank to take longer to do his job and his electricity to stop working so he could use up his time chasing them.

Because they get uprooted from their culture and ecologywhich is conducive to their psychethey learn to despise Canada.

They have no interest in Western values or liberty. They are not running away from tyranny. They like it. They have a visceral hatred for peace and order. I might even add that they find Western values abhorrent.

The more skilled among them, even when they earn million-dollar salaries, vote for the Left. They love the nanny government. Their vote, now inching towards the majority, is increasingly reflected in Canadian politics.

Symbiotic with their absence of values is their failure to have any gratitude they get. Now, put yourself in the shoes of such a person.

They come to the West for nothing else than money. This is irrespective of how much money they make in Canada. They have left the poop smell, the chaos, the noise, and the razzmatazz behind. These things might not be endearing to a native Canadian, but they are the necessary ecology that the immigrant craves. They flourish in them. They left their community, friends, and family to whom they were attached, with their petty tribal quarrels, back stabbings, bitching, and defrauding each other as a necessary part of their existence.

They are unrooted in Canada. They can never get rooted, for they have no interest in Western values or even eyes to see them. They will work towards converting Canada to what they left behind and with a visceral hatred for Canada.

But how do they even convert Canada to what they left behind when there are immigrants from 200 different countries speaking 450 languages, each preferring a different kind of chaos and their type of poop smell, and with active hatred for other immigrant groups?

If you visit Brampton, you might realize that the immigrants there, even after decades of living in Canada, resort to creating poop-smell, noise, and chaos to seek comfort from the existential crisis that Canada otherwise unwittingly imposes on them. This happens even in areas where houses run for millions of dollars.

Given this predicament, assimilation is impossible unless you can trigger a passion among immigrants for Western values. No one has discovered how to activate this.

For a moment, let me go a step further. All my friends from the Third World, who are pro-Western and came to Canada for liberty, took years to feel at home. Simple things like a noise-free car and lack of potholes make them want to puke, for it is disorienting. How could others ever get assimilated?

The situation gets far worse when they live among their very own kind. Eritreans, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, Syrians, Persians, and Afghanis have found their own ghettos, for Canada has enabled enough mass immigration to give each ghetto a critical mass.

Based on faulty, unexamined beliefs, Canada has diluted its population by 100% in just over two generations. Trudeau, not happy with this, is ramping up immigration.

There is another erroneous Canadian belief that assimilation happens with time. It does happen in adopting the low-class hedonistic no-values.

The second-generation immigrants learn to speak English and French and wear Western clothes. But deeper down, contrary to conventional wisdom, the situation worsens. Not that the first generation necessarily had gratitude for the opportunities it got in Canada, but the second generation also finds itself split for the romanticism of the homeland their parents left.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, crime rate increases in the second generation. If you live in Surrey and attend a school dominated by Indians, you must be a part of one of the gangs. That is if you dont want to be beaten up. In a way, they become more Indian than Indians are in India. The same is true with other immigrants from the Third World.

When you bring people of the Third World, you get the Third World. You convert your society into the Third World. Alas, even if Canada ended immigration today, it is too late for Canada. It is well on its way to becoming a Third World majority country.

The people of the future will be amused by how, using simplistic, unexamined, faulty myths of multiculturalism and diversity, Canada, which was once a great country, destroyed itself. They will be amused that, afraid of being canceled and to preserve their lifestyles from marauding leftists and wokes, Canadians let their land be ransacked within two generations.

Jayant Bhandari [send him mail] is a Vancouver-based writer. Looking for civil life, he visited Vancouver 10 years back and then decided to immigrate. He runs a yearly seminar, Capitalism & Morality, in Vancouver.
Arthur Lomando is wheeled into a Bergen County courtroom on March 28, 2019 (Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A former NYPD officer convicted of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in her Bergen County driveway lost his appeal Monday, as a New Jersey appellate court upheld his life sentence and rejected claims of trial errors and constitutional violations.

Arthur Lomando, 51, was found guilty in 2019 of fatally stabbing 38-year-old Suzanne Bardzell more than 30 times as she sat in her car outside her Midland Park home in October 2015.
A New Jersey man is accused of running an illegal dogfighting operation on a compound in South Jersey. abc6/booking photo

Seven of the eight people alleged to have orchestrated one of New Jerseys largest dogfighting operations, resulting in over 100 animals being seized, were indicted a year after being charged, according to court records obtained.

A compound owned by Bruce Low Jr., known as Hollywood, in Maurice River Township, Cumberland County, was the subject of a large-scale fighting and gambling operation investigators began probing in 2021, authorities said.
An elderly man was arrested after crashing his car through the gates of Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air home while she was inside. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly) AP

A man was recently arrested after driving his car through the gates of a movie and television stars home in California.

Police responded to a call Monday about a possible burglary suspect who ran his vehicle through the gate of a Bel Air residence owned by Jennifer Aniston, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told CNN.

The Friends actress was inside her home at the time of the crash.

The driver, described to be a white male in his 70s, was held at gunpoint by security until police arrived. He was then taken into custody without incident and charged with felony vandalism due to the damage, per the report.

It is currently unclear if the suspect was targeting Aniston although the incident doesnt appear to be an accident.

The Los Angeles Police Departments Threat Management Unit will take the case out of an abundance of caution.

Aniston, 56, has yet to comment on the situation.

Law enforcement told ABC News that the incident highlight a need for celebrities and high-profile people to have high-level security on-site.

More entertainment news:

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Frasier star Kelsey Grammer opened up about his sister Karens brutal murder in his new book, Karen: A Brother Remembers.

Grammer was 20 years old when he had to identify Karens body after she was raped and murdered. Per the New York Post, Grammer wrote in the book that he wrestled with including graphic details of his sisters murder, but ultimately decided it would be beneficial in keeping her killer, Freddie Glenn, in prison.

Several men, including Glenn, kidnapped Karen in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1976. They took turns raping her before Glenn stabbed her 42 times.

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, Grammer wrote, per an excerpt shared with People.

Karen was 18 at the time of her death. In his book, Grammer described his sister as fun, innocent, and wise and the love of [his] life.

During an interview with People published this week, Grammer said he turned to alcohol and cocaine to cope with the pain of losing Karen.

I always had something in the back of my head saying, OK, thats enough now. Cut it out. You know why youre doing this, he said. But there was the other part of me that wanted to surrender to it and go, Let it mess you up a little bit. Let it hurt.  For a long time, the grief was so dominant that I couldnt access happiness.

Kelsey Grammer opened up about his sister's death in his new book, "Karen: A Brother Remembers." AP Images for Davidoff

Grammers substance abuse led to him crashing his car while driving drunk in 1996, cocaine possession charges, interventions led by his Cheers and Frasier costars, and a stint at the Betty Ford Center. He has now been sober for almopst 30 years.

In a 2015 interview with Vanity Fair, Grammer said of his past addiction struggles: Ill speak to the straight of it: that was the time when I could not forgive myself for my sisters death.

Grammer has found his way to forgiveness, even for Glenn. In 2014, he told a Colorado parole board that hed forgiven Glenn for murdering his sister, but still didnt want him released from prison.

READ MORE: Bravo star opens up about estranged husbands struggle with addiction

I accept your apology. I forgive you, Grammer told Glenn via video conference, according to the Denver Post. However, I cannot give your release my endorsement. To give that a blessing would be a betrayal of my sisters life.

Glenn is currently incarcerated at Fremont Correctional Facility in Colorado. He has been denied parole several times and will be eligible again in 2027.

Karen: A Brother Remembers hit shelves on Tuesday, May 6.

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President Donald Trump announced he was immediately beginning the process of instituting a 100% tariff on films made outside the US after Jon Voight and his manager submitted a proposal, according to NBC News.

The proposal is said to include 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, according to Voights manager Steven Pauls company SP Global Media.

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, Voight said in a statement.

Trump did not specify how or when his tariff would be implemented. On Monday, the administration stated that no final decisions have been made about imposing tariffs on foreign films. This is after the President wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday that the US film industry is DYING a very fast death due to other countries providing incentives to American filmmakers.

The president announced that he was appointing Voight, along with actors Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, as his ambassadors to Hollywood in January before he took office for the second time.

Related coverage:

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Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com, marking a break from touring
Sabrina Carpenter is one of several Disney Channel alums who attended the 2025 Met Gala. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

The Met Gala is about as glamorous as it gets, with the biggest names in fashion, music, sports, film, and television rubbing shoulders in haute couture.

Given the New York City galas prestigious reputation, its always exciting to see a Disney Channel alum in attendance. Over the years, stars including Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato have gone from leading Disney Channel shows (Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With a Chance, respectively) to walking the Met red carpet.

While neither Gomez nor Lovato were in attendance this year, Disney Channel was still represented. The 2025 theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The theme was a nod to Black dandyism, a cultural movement that began in the late 19th century.

Keep scrolling to see all the Disney Channel alums who attended the 2025 Met Gala:

Miley Cyrus

Since her days on Disney Channels Hannah Montana, Cyrus music career has continued to flourish, earning her three Grammys.

She rocked custom Alaia by Pieter Mulier for the 2025 Met Gala, wearing a long black skirt, a cropped leather top, and Cartier jewelry.

Keke Palmer

In addition to her titular role on Nickelodeons True Jackson, VP, Palmer starred in the 2007 Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In! alongside Corbin Bleu. Shes now a two-time Emmy winner who has starred in films including Hustlers and Jordan Peeles Nope.

At the 2025 Met Gala, Palmer turned heads in a white Vera Wang gown with black pants underneath and an eye-catching feather headpiece.

Nick Jonas

While Nick and his brothers Joe and Kevin Jonas are best known for their band, the Jonas Brothers, theyre also Disney Channel stars. In addition to starring in the Camp Rock movies, the bandmates had their own Disney Channel series, aptly titled Jonas, from 2009-2010.

Nick was the only Jonas brother who attended this years Met Gala. He posed alongside his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, in a Bianca Saunders long-sleeve, cream-colored shirt, matching scarf, black trousers, and a Tiffany & Co. brooch.

Chopra Jonas looked smart in a black and white polka-dotted blazer and matching skirt, a large wide-brimmed black hat, and a breathtaking emerald necklace.

READ MORE: 90s Disney Channel star says former costar still wont speak to him

Sabrina Carpenter

Before she launched herself to pop superstardom with hits like Espresso and Please Please Please, Carpenter starred as Maya Hart in the Boy Meets World spinoff Girl Meets World. She also starred in the 2016 Disney Channel Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting.

Carpenter showed off her legs in a burgundy Louis Vuitton bodysuit with matching heels at the 2025 Met Gala.

Zendaya

Zendaya is a Met Gala staple at this point, but once upon a time, she played Rocky in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up.

Since then, shes won two Emmys and a Golden Globe for her role as Rue in HBOs Euphoria and starred in films including The Greatest Showman, Challengers, Dune, and the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man films.

Zendaya wore all-white to the 2025 Met Gala, rocking a crisp three-piece Louis Vuitton suit and a matching hat.

Jenna Ortega

Before earning the title of Gen Zs Scream Queen with her roles in the Scream franchise, the Netflix series Wednesday, and the sequel film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ortega starred as Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle.

Ortegas dress for the 2025 Met Gala was made out of metal rulers. The garment was a very literal nod to the Tailored for You dress code.

READ MORE: Disney Channel guest star says he couldnt control himself around hot people on set of teen sitcom

Yara Shahidi

While Shahidi is best known for her role as Zoey in the ABC sitcom Black-ish and its spinoff, Grown-ish, she did play a little girl named Olive in a 2009 episode of Disney Channels Wizards of Waverly Place.

Shahidi wore an oversized black suit and a black robe to the 2025 Met Gala.

Jaden Smith

Like Shahidi, Smiths Disney Channel connection amounts to a cameo. He appeared on a 2008 episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as a cruise ship owners son named Travis.

The son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden is known for his music career and roles in films including After Earth, The Karate Kid, and The Pursuit of Happyness.

Jaden went outside the box for his 2025 Met Gala look with a wire headpiece that partially covered his face, a black suit, and a black and white checkered shawl.

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GLOBALink | From Senegal to China: a businessman capturing dreams and opportunities Pub Date:25-05-06 09:49 Source:Xinhua 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 Editor:Zheng Chen

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Buffalo police shut down a Canisius High School student event Thursday after receiving complaints about noise and other disturbances, behavior the school describes as unfortunate and completely inconsistent with its values.

Officers didnt arrest anyone at the senior campout, an annual event held on the schools Delaware Avenue campus on the night before their last day of classes, police said.

But a video making the rounds on social media and within the Canisius community appears to show rowdy and unruly behavior at the event, and school officials said their investigation could lead to discipline against some students.

Last week during the senior night campout on school grounds, some of our seniors demonstrated an extreme lack of judgement and conducted themselves in a manner that is completely inconsistent with our institutional values, Canisius said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The senior campout is not a longstanding tradition at Canisius, the Jesuit, all-boys private high school founded in 1870.

The Canisius statement said it had taken place, without incident, for about a decade.

A video posted by the school on Instagram and X Thursday night begins, And now a very important announcement from our principal and our seniors on the night before their last day of classes.

It pans over a scene of young people milling in the school parking lot and large tents set up on the schools front lawn.

The video then shows Canisius Principal Tom Coppola, standing at the head of a group of teenage boys, as he points at the camera and yells, Go Bills. Coppola then runs off as the boys, cheering and jumping up and down, rush toward the camera while water is sprayed on their heads.

A different, anonymous video began to circulate on social media, including X, over the weekend. It shows scenes purportedly from the campout edited together in rapid-fire fashion.

A shirtless boy hurls himself onto a tent, collapsing it. An SUV is driven across a parking lot before crashing into a sign or guardrail along the edge of the lot.

Two teens grapple on the ground. Two figures run across the roof of the school. Two boys go sliding down an inflatable slide into a pool of water.

A shirtless boy sitting on the back of a pickup takes a swig from a bottle and then tosses the bottle to the ground.

The Buffalo News could not determine who produced, edited or originally posted the video, which was shared anonymously online.

Buffalo police responded to two calls stemming from the event at 1180 Delaware Ave. The first, at about 9:20 p.m. Thursday, was for a reported motor vehicle accident in which no one was injured.

The second, about two hours later, was for juvenile trouble, according to a log of police calls provided to The Buffalo News.

Buffalo police did not release copies of the reports from the incidents.

Michael Read, a spokesperson for Buffalo police, said officers responded to numerous complaints about noise and other disturbances at the event that night.

Officers were informed by school security that the gathering was a school-facilitated senior night event for students. The gathering was ultimately shut down by Buffalo Police without incident, Read said in a statement. No arrests or charges were filed. The Buffalo Police Department has no further details to provide at this time.

It is not clear whether police suspected any students at the event had used alcohol or become intoxicated, and Read did not directly address this question in his statement.

The police statement refers to the presence of school security, a point confirmed by a school spokesperson, but it is not known whether other Canisius staff, faculty or parent chaperones were at the event, as well, to provide supervision.

Video and rumors about the activities at the event started circulating Friday and into the weekend. WGRZ-TV reported on the situation Monday.

A Canisius High School spokesperson declined to answer specific questions about the event and its aftermath.

The school said it may take strict disciplinary action against students who acted inappropriately but did not detail the possible consequences.

It is also not clear whether last weeks activities will have any effect on the future of the senior campout tradition.

We would like to reassure students, parents, faculty, alumni and the Western New York community that this behavior is not the norm for the campout event, which has been held successfully throughout the past decade without incident, the Canisius statement said. Nor is it the type of conduct that the school condones in any way, at any function, on-campus or off.
Nurses can find free food and deals with proof of ID during National Nurses Week. Canva/Katherine Rodriguez

National Nurses Week 2025 is May 6-12.

The origins of National Nurses Week began in the early 1950s, when a week in October honored nurses around the same time of the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingales mission to Crimea, according to the American Nurses Association.

Eventually in 1974, a proclamation from the Nixon White House designated a week dedicated to nurses known as National Nurses Week.

Fast forward to the present, and youll find that many businesses use the celebration to honor nurses for their hard work caring for patients by offering freebies and deals.

Most places usually require nurses to show a valid ID to participate, so it is best to check with your local store for National Nurses Week promotions.

Here is what you need to know about the restaurants and eateries offering freebies and deals all week.

National Nurses Week deals and freebies 2025

Applebees: Nurses get a free appetizer up to $12 with any entree purchase when they show their work ID. The deal is valid at participating locations through May 10.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Nurses get 20% off orders during National Nurses Week. This deal is available for dine-in and takeout orders when nurses show their work ID.

Chipotle: Chipotle is celebrating the healthcare community by giving away more than $1 million in free Chipotle to 100,000 healthcare workers. Healthcare workers can sign up here for a chance to win a free burrito e-card.

Dunkin: Get a free medium hot or iced coffee on May 6.

Insomnia Cookies: Nurses can get a free Classic cookie from May 6-12 when they shop in-store. No purchase is necessary for this deal, but nurses must show valid ID.

Outback Steakhouse: Nurses can get 10% off their checks year-round with the Heroes Discount.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, nurses can get a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they buy an entree. You must show ID to redeem the free cookie or drink.

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.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
The New Jersey Supreme Court has overturned several convictions of a man charged with attempting to stab his ex-girlfriend and her cousin to death in the presence of a young child.

The courts decision, issued Tuesday, focused on the castle doctrine, which allows individuals to defend themselves in their own home without the obligation to retreat, unless they are the initial aggressor.

On the night of Sept. 30, 2017, John T. Bragg went to Kingsbury Towers, an apartment complex in Trenton, with Lorenza Fletcher, her cousin Daquan Anderson, and Fletchers 3-year-old son.

When Bragg arrived at the building, he signed in with a security guard in the lobby, indicating he was a guest rather than a tenant, leading to confusion about whether the apartment qualified as Braggs residence, according to the Supreme Court opinion.

The group then proceeded to an apartment on the ninth floor, which Bragg claimed he had been informally subleasing, the opinion said.

A violent altercation ensued, resulting in serious injuries to all three adults. Bragg claimed he acted in self defense, asserting that Fletcher and Anderson were the initial aggressors.

A jury in Mercer County convicted Bragg on 12 counts, including attempted murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and endangering.

On appeal, Bragg argued that he was denied a fair trial because the jury was not instructed on the exception provided by the castle doctrine.

He contended that this omission might have led the jury to misunderstand the law and reject his self-defense claim.

Under New Jersey law, an individual must retreat if they can do so with complete safety before using deadly force in self-defense.

The castle doctrine is an exception to that rule.

Bragg was sentenced to life in prison for one kidnapping count, with additional concurrent sentences of 30 years for two other kidnapping counts and 20 years for both counts of attempted murder.

On appeal, the prosecution argued that Braggs failure to retreat from the apartment undermined his self-defense claim.

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner wrote the opinion for the state high court, stating that the jury should have been instructed on the exception to the duty to retreat.

Rabner said this instruction would have clarified that if the jury determined the apartment was Braggs dwelling and he was not the initial aggressor, he had no obligation to retreat before using force in self-defense.

The court concluded that the omission of this instruction was clearly capable of producing an unjust result.

The Supreme Courts decision vacates Braggs convictions for attempted murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

However, the convictions that did not involve the issue of self-defense remain intact, including kidnapping, terroristic threats, harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Bragg was sentenced to life imprisonment for one of the kidnapping counts and concurrent sentences of 30 years imprisonment for the other two kidnapping counts.

The case has been remanded for further proceedings, with the potential for a new trial on the vacated counts.

Bragg was represented by Stefan Van Jura, an assistant Deputy Public Defender. The state was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Colin J. Rizzo, of the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

Neither office immediately responded to requests for comment.
An off-duty New Jersey police officer was watching pornography on his phone while he followed an 11-year-old and a woman around a department store last month, authorities allege.

Piscataway police officer Wesley M. Kliwinski also committed multiple lewd acts at separate stores in South Plainfield on April 22 and 29 in view of females while aroused, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The stores are Marshalls and Target, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

Kliwinski, 37, of Hamilton in Mercer County, is charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, and harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense.

The April 29 victim reported the incident to police the following day. Police checked store surveillance footage and identified Kliwinski following an investigation, court documents state.

No attorney is listed for Kliwinski in court records. He is scheduled for a pre-indictment conference in Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick on June 17.

Hired in 2016, he is paid an annual salary of $124,580, according to state pension records. He is suspended from the department.

The arrest of Officer Wesley Kliwinski on serious charges is deeply concerning and does not reflect the values and standards of the Piscataway police department, a township spokesman said in a statement. We hold our officers to a high standard and any allegations of criminal conduct are taken extremely seriously. Upon learning of the allegations, the Department immediately took appropriate steps including suspending Officer Kliwinski pending the outcome of the investigation.
A stray cat that attacked a person in East Brunswick on Friday has tested positive for rabies, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

An East Brunswick resident called animal control on May 2 after being attacked by a stray cat that was living on their property, officials said.

The animal was picked up and transported to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory, where it was reported on Tuesday the animal tested positive for rabies, authorities said.

Aside from the person who was attacked, officials said theres no other documented human exposure to the rabid animal.

However, there are approximately 10 other cats that were possibly exposed to the rabid feline. Animal control officers will be following up on these exposures, authorities said.

Meanwhile, residents are urged to make sure their pets are current on all vaccinations.

Health officials said its also important to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.

Tuesdays announcement marks the second confirmed rabid animal in Middlesex County this year and the first in East Brunswick.

Rabies is an infectious disease that attacks the central nervous system. It travels from the brain to salivary glands during the final stages, making an animal become infectious days before it dies.

The virus cannot spread from one animal to another unless skin is broken. Its not airborne, but any open wounds that come in contact with saliva are at risk.

In New Jersey, raccoons account for the majority of the rabid animals diagnosed, followed by skunks, cats, foxes, and groundhogs, according to the state health department. Twelve other species of animals have also been diagnosed with rabies, including deer, dogs, horses, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and ferrets.

Animals with rabies may:

move slowly

act as if tame

appear sick

have problems swallowing

have an increase in saliva

have increased drooling

act aggressively

have difficulty moving

have paralysis

bite at everything if excited

As of March 31, the New Jersey Department of Health reported a total of 18 animal rabies cases, 13 of them raccoons this year. More recent data is not yet available.

While rabies is well-controlled in the United States, an average of 10 people still die from rabies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, usually because they didnt get medical help soon enough after being scratched or bitten.

The last rabies death in New Jersey was that of a 73-year-old woman in 2011.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
Three malnourished and neglected dogs were picked up by troopers on Jan. 23, 2025 in the area of Burlington Path Road and Emleys Hill Road in Upper Freehold Township, the New Jersey Stat Police said. New Jersey State Police

The New Jersey State Police are asking for the publics help in finding the person who abandoned three dogs on the side of a Monmouth County road earlier this year.

The malnourished and neglected dogs were picked up by troopers on Jan. 23 in the area of Burlington Path Road and Emleys Hill Road in Upper Freehold Township, state police said in a statement.

The dogs were evaluated by North Star Vets and were placed in the care of Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, where they were cleaned up, cared for and later adopted, authorities said.

While these dogs are now safe, we are asking for the publics assistance in identifying their previous owner(s), state police wrote in a statement.

Anyone who recognizes the dogs or knows who may have abandoned them was urged to contact the New Jersey State Police Troop C Hamilton Station Detective Bureau at 609-584-5000 Ext. 5286.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Eleven former clients of seven New Jersey lawyers were reimbursed more than $75,000 in the first quarter of 2025 after attorneys misappropriated funds, the New Jersey Lawyers Fund for Client Protection announced.

From January through March, the lawyers fund approved $75,267.60 in awards, most stemming from lawyers who kept unearned retainers  fees collected without providing any legal services. Ten of the 11 claims involved this type of misconduct.

One of the largest payouts was a $20,000 award linked to a disbarred attorney from Franklin Lakes in Bergen County, who misused escrow funds during a real estate transaction.
If you dont have a passport and you still need to get a Real ID for domestic air travel, you will need to keep your feet on the ground on May 7 instead of getting on your flight.

As of Wednesday, all U.S. travelers must be Real ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

For nearly two decades, the federal government has been telling Americans that using their state-issued drivers license wont be adequate to board a domestic flight.
With the start of enforcement of Real ID one day away, a debate about why it has been so hard to get a Real ID appointment ensued Monday between State Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-Union, and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd.

It happened during a state Assembly budget committee hearing on the coming budget years transportation agency budgets.

The reason might be in Real IDs two-decade long history, which culminates Wednesday when domestic air travelers will be required to show a Real ID license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. Passport.
Ten days ago, leaders of The Service Collaborative of WNY were hopeful that the federal cuts to AmeriCorps staff would have no or little impact on the nonprofits service programs in Buffalo geared toward youth workforce development.

But as of Monday, three of the Service Collaboratives four major programs have been abruptly suspended because the federal grants funding them were terminated by President Trumps Department of Government Efficiency.

Everyone is devastated, said Kate Sarata, the Service Collaboratives (TSC) executive director.

TSC is not a branch of AmeriCorps, and its 28 full-time employees are not AmeriCorps staff. But Sarata said about half of TSCs $5 million in funding comes from AmeriCorps grants. That funding is in the crosshairs during an aggressive season of cuts  especially to nonprofits  since Trump took office in January.

YouthBuild workers renovate an East Side home for affordable housing YouthBuild worker Miracle Bradley, 23, sweeps construction dust inside a home she has helped renovate. This is Bradleys third term with Youth

There might be a sliver of short-term hope: TSCs leaders await the outcome of a lawsuit filed April 29 by 25 attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, that if successful would sustain federal funding for the remainder of the year.

Sarata said losing its AmeriCorps funding would not cause TSC to shut its doors  the nonprofit would try to pursue other funding sources  but it would hurt its ability to sustain its current programming.

In Buffalo, AmeriCorps grants pay for wide-ranging service opportunities for members, who may tutor early elementary students in math in local charter schools, assist the Buffalo Sewer Authority on projects and handle grant writing and marketing for nonprofits.

The national model for AmeriCorps has shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, TSCs leaders said. Recruitment has leaned more local, and no longer hinges on people from other states arriving in Buffalo to work a short term of service and then leave.

It used to be college grads who had that freedom to move and start up, said Melissa Schutte, senior director of AmeriCorps program operations for TSC. And thats not the norm anymore.

Instead, TSC attracts more local residents who eye an avenue into the workforce, but may not know where to begin or have the necessary credentials.

This isnt just, like, frivolous gap year stuff, said Sarata, who noted how widespread AmeriCorps alums are in organizations across Western New York, including several in leadership positions. This is actual impact that this community is built on.

AmeriCorps funding gives the Service Collaboratives members a small stipend, health insurance, childcare, the chance to receive certifications and an education award. But another major benefit for participants comes from intensive months of training from the Service Collaboratives staff and its partners, as well as related community service, leaders said.

Anyone you talk to who has done a term of AmeriCorps service will say the same exact thing: This experience is what made us who we are today and gave us, for the most part, the path that we have led up until this point, Sarata said.

YouthBuild workers renovate an East Side home for affordable housing YouthBuild worker Miracle Bradley, 23, carries a door inside a home she has helped renovate for affordable housing on the East Side of Buffalo

Schutte shed light Monday on two Buffalo-specific programs whose AmeriCorps service workers have been suspended after a notice from the New York State Commission for National and Community Service, which doles out the federal dollars.

AmeriCorps Builds Lives Through Education, or ABLE, enrolls people without a college degree who would like to determine if they enjoy working in an educational setting. Schutte said service members, some of whom are New Americans, work during the school day in Buffalo charter schools to assist students in prekindergarten, kindergarten and first grade with rudimentary math skills, such as counting games.

Theres nothing else like it in Buffalo, she said.

Buffalo Service Corps, a second suspended program, emphasizes environmental stewardship through work outdoors. Program participants have partnered with the Buffalo Sewer Authority to learn the process of storm water remediation, and they have helped perform maintenance on storm water basins on Niagara Street.

A new BSC cohort will work with Buffalos Division of Parks and Recreation to care for the citys parks after several months of training in landscaping, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Requirements and CPR training. Sarata said other funding sources should allow this program to continue.

A third program  a traditional AmeriCorps initiative in Buffalo dating back to the 1990s  is VISTA, which fills personnel gaps at anti-poverty agencies to help grow their service options. VISTA typically attracts people considering a career change and those looking for something new in retirement. Their contributions are usually behind-the-scenes and can include marketing and communications, as well as volunteer management and recruitment, but it has quietly bolstered the nonprofit workforce throughout Buffalo for decades, Schutte said.

TSC learned from AmeriCorps federal liaisons that funds had been eliminated for VISTA, and existing members would be given a living stipend for 30 days before being forced to leave the program.

YouthBuild workers renovate an East Side home for affordable housing YouthBuild worker Miracle Bradley, 23, right, secures baseboards in a closet inside a home she has helped renovate for affordable housing.

Untouched by cuts so far is TSCs YouthBuild program, which helps about 200 16-to-24-year-olds each year develop trade skills, pursue a general education diploma and work with partners such as Habitat for Humanity on affordable housing projects. The group also gains leadership skills overseeing Beds for Buffalo, in which volunteers have assembled about 3,000 beds over the last seven years for Buffalo kids.

It gives economic mobility for underserved young people while making a huge community impact, said Bryan Lawrence, TSCs senior director of youth development and volunteerism operations. There are thousands of young children in this community who are sleeping on the floor, he added later.

The YouthBuild service workers are currently rehabilitating two houses on East Delavan Avenue, which are intended for affordable housing. The experience could propel them further into the field.

Theyre preparing themselves for that career pathway, and that trajectory to get an actual job and start a career and be contributing members of our community, Lawrence said. Thats huge.

The present concern at TSC extends beyond its ability to sustain these programs. The threat to AmeriCorps is a jab at their service identity and mission to meet Buffalos needs, its leaders said.

It would be a huge hit physically, from the funding standpoint, Sarata said, and emotionally from the its not part of who we are anymore perspective, she said.
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump engage in a meeting at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney shut down President Donald Trumps idea of annexing his country in a tense meeting in the Oval Office.

Trump was asked about his desire to make Canada the 51st state of the U.S. during his meeting with Carney in the Oval Office on Tuesday. Trump reiterated to reporters that it would be much better for Canada if it joined the United States.

I do feel its much better for Canada, but were not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it. I think that there are tremendous benefits to the Canadian citizens, tremendously lower taxes, free military, which honestly we give you essentially anyway, because were protecting Canada if you ever had a problem, Trump said.

But I think, you know, its, it would really be a wonderful marriage because its two places that get along very well, he added.

Carney immediately pushed back on Trumps comments.

Well, if I may, as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Were sitting in one right now. Buckingham Palace, you visited as well, and having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign last several months, its not for sale. Wont be for sale ever, Carney said.

But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together, Carney added.

Trump then taunted Carney over the response.

Never say never, he said.

Reporter: Mr. President you had said that Canada should become the 51st state..



Trump: I still believe that but takes two to tango, right? I'm a real estate developer at heart



Carney: As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. Were sitting pic.twitter.com/0CFanczfDS  Acyn (@Acyn) May 6, 2025

At times, Carney struggled to interject his views and raised his hand to talk as Trump held forth at length and veered between topics, touching on California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and teasing a great upcoming announcement thats not necessarily on trade.

Trump offended Canadas sense of pride and friendship by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods. The outrage provoked by Trump enabled Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

Trump said the two would not discuss making Canada part of the U.S., even as he insisted the idea would lead to lower taxes for Canadians.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Orleans Parish School Board president Katie Baudouin, New Orleans City Council members and other officials at a news conference on Nov. 18 where school board members and city council members announced a settlement that included more than $20 million in funding for the district and various programs. Mayor LaToya Cantrell now says her office does not support the settlement. (Photo by Marie Fazio)
Workers from the Flood Protection Authority use a front end loader to close flood gates along Crescent Park in New Orleans, La., Wednesday, July 10, 2019. More than 200 flood gates in Orleans and St. Bernard parishes are expected to be closed by Friday, ahead of a broad low pressure area building into a major storm that's likely to make landfall in south Louisiana on Saturday
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The historic Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point has a new owner - and hopes to reopen for the first time since 2022.

The United Steelworkers union is joining PVS Chemicals in opposing a proposed soccer stadium next to the chemical plant.

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Buffalo Bills officials say the team had nearby development in mind as it planned the new stadium.

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Rising natural gas prices and a utility rate hike in New York sent National Fuel Gas Co.'s profits soaring.

43North winner KAV is making good on its pledge to start manufacturing in Buffalo.

Workers attempting to organize at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo won a key ruling from the National Labor Relations Board.

Lactalis is planning another expansion in South Buffalo.

Apartments and commercial space are planned for the Deep South Taco site on Hertel Avenue.

A change in the way SUNY Erie Community College is structured could have big benefits.

A seven-story apartment building is being proposed for the site of the Towne Gardens Plaza strip mall.

Local business leaders continue to advocate Congressional leaders to protect CHIPS Act funding.

Holiday Valley is planning $5 million in upgrades this summer, and wants tax breaks to help pay for it.

Canisius University has plans for three capital projects as it moves to refinance its debt.

The plans for the former Squire Shop site in Amherst have been drastically scaled back.

A day care owner is planning an "empowerment center" in the Fruit Belt.

A controversial Lockport plastics manufacturing project is delayed  but not dead.

The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.
I've been to Canada. More than once. I wasn't there long whenever I went. Once I left Detroit to cross the border, see what I could see within
Art inspired by warming polar regions, the drama of nature and the connections to North Devon landscapes will be explored during an exhibition by Royal Academician Emma Stibbon opening this Saturday (May 10).

Melting Ice | Rising Tides at The Burton at Bideford features a series of monumental large-scale drawings and prints made in response to field trips to Svalbard in the High Arctic and the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.

The centrepiece is a new installation just for the Burton including a five-metre wide drawing which directly responds to sites of erosion and rock falls in Bideford Bay.

This is presented alongside drawings and prints exploring erosion on the North Devon coast, connecting the global and local impacts of climate change.

Included in the exhibition is a film which explores Emmas research and creative process, featuring contributions from Andy Bell of the North Devon Biosphere, former Green Party leader and MP Caroline Lucas and Dr Dylan Rood, a scientist studying coastal erosion rates in Bideford.

Emmas work is provoked by the wonder and drama of nature but underpinned by contemporary anxieties about our precarious future.

Often working on location in some of the worlds most isolated regions, she draws environments that are undergoing dynamic change, using the physical materials of sites such as earth pigments, carbon and sea water, including local pigment Bideford Black for this exhibition.

The Burton has launched a new limited edition print to support the exhibition. Atlantic Edge (2025) is part of Emmas new body of drawings and site-specific work about erosion on the North Devon coast, and shows waves crashing onto the Hartland coastline.

There are 50 works in the edition, priced at 390 (unframed). All profits from the sale of the prints will be used to support the work of the gallery, which is a registered charity.

Above: See more examples of Emmas work and the background to the polar paintings in the exhibition in this video from the Royal Academy of Arts

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events and a symposium on art and environment supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for British Art Studies. Taking place on Friday, June 27, it will bring together academics, scientists, artists and local environmental organisations to explore the role of art in climate discussions.

Speaking of her work, Emma said: Increasingly I believe art has an important role to play in the urgent debates of our time.

As an artist I feel I'm a witness to what is happening in my lifetime, and the challenge for me is how to render it through my drawings. There is a tenderness to the human touch of drawing that really connects us, it has a directness that speaks in ways that hard science can't.

Although scientific data clearly demonstrate the impact of dramatic increases in global warming and we can see the effects of this for ourselves, perhaps the artist's more creative methods of communication can engage our emotions to provoke thought and even help to galvanise us into changing our behaviour.

The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Towner Eastbourne and Cristea Roberts Gallery.

Melting Ice | Rising Tides runs from May 10 until July 5 at The Burton at Bideford and entry is free. Visit https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk for more details on the exhibition and accompanying events.
The success of a personalised gift business in Chivenor has earned it a prestigious Kings Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Letterfest Ltd, based at Chivenor Business Park, is one of just 116 UK businesses recognised for overseas trade in the annual Kings Awards for Enterprise.

The companys service offering a wide range of highly personalised keepsake gifts created by in-house artists and makers has seen its global trade explode, with a thousand-fold increase in its USA market during the past three years.

Current business owner and CEO James Reader said Letterfest provided products made with love and designed to last  from hand-drawn family portraits to engraved terracotta pots and personalised storybooks starring the gift recipient.

Above: The Letterfest products such as personalised childrens storybooks have a huge following overseas and especially in the US. Credit: Letterfest

Letterfest was founded at Instow in 2011 by Wendy Harrison, moved to Barnstaple when a kitchen office became too small and was purchased by James when the original owners retired in 2022.

It relocated to Chivenor and now has offices there as well as at Frome in Somerset.

He said: The team has expanded from 13 back in 2019 to 32 now and we have achieved 400% growth during that time, mainly driven by our international growth in the USA.

Letterfest was founded many years ago to help our wonderful customers gift thoughtful, sentimental things made with love. The people who design and make our products have always been at the heart of this mission.

Whether its Tom, who leads illustration with care and precision, or Tiff, one of our incredible pot artists who engraves every pot by hand, this award celebrates all of them. Its a beautiful reminder that human creativity travels far and that real things made by real people matter.

Above: Letterfest creates personalised gifts such as hand-drawn illustrations and storybooks. Credit: Letterfest

The Kings Awards for Enterprise  the UKs most prestigious business honour  are awarded to organisations that deliver outstanding success and innovation. Recipients are permitted to display the coveted King's Awards Emblem for five years.

Soon after buying the business, James set up an employee ownership scheme to everyone in the team now has a small shareholding.

James added: And this is just the beginning. With big plans for global expansion, new product lines, and deeper connections with artists worldwide, Letterfest is on a mission to bring a little more love into the world  one gift at a time.
Buffalo Public Schools nearly 3,800 teachers face key leadership decisions as voting began Tuesday for members of the Buffalo Teachers Federation to elect a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and executive committee.

For the presidency, Rich Nigro seeks a second two-year term as head of the union, while Melissa Kenney, a veteran union member and English teacher at Lewis J. Bennett School of Innovative Technology, aims to unseat him.

Nigros vice president candidate is Melinda MacPherson-Sullivan, who held the position the last two years. Kenneys running mate is Mel Holden, a librarian at City Honors.

5 things to know about the April Buffalo School Board meeting The search timeline for a new Buffalo Schools superintendent and the School Board's contingency plan lead the news, but a $1.1 billion budget, progress reports in math and literacy, and fears of federal funding cuts also loom.

Nigro and MacPherson-Sullivan said they are confident that their efforts over the last two years have laid a foundation for further progress during a prospective second term.

Its the laundry. Its doing the dishes. It doesnt end, Nigro said of his offices commitment, work ethic and proactive approach  particularly in modernizing the union headquarters at 271 Porter Ave. What were doing now is the groundwork for whats ahead.

An anchor to Kenneys campaign is safer working conditions for teachers and an emphasis on greater member involvement and inclusion within the union.

For bilingual students and teachers, a shifting emphasis poses dilemmas in Buffalo schools In Buffalo's bilingual schools, should time for extra academic help be given in English or Spanish? Bilingual Center 33 teachers responded sharply to an English-only directive, a "tip of the iceberg" moment illuminating longer-term inequities across bilingual education, they say.

We talk about solidarity, but we arent together right now, said Kenney, who also ran against Nigro in 2023. We havent been together for several years now.

There is extra weight to this presidential race, as the winner will lead union bargaining across the table from the school district when contract negotiations begin in February. The current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30, 2026.

The Buffalo News allotted 45-minute phone interviews to each slate of president-vice president candidates, allowing both sides to emphasize their platforms key points. More information on the secretary, treasurer and executive committee candidates is available at btfny.org in the May election edition of the unions newsletter.

Inside Nigros camp

Nigro and MacPherson-Sullivan believe that the strengths of their first term center on a better working relationship with Buffalo Schools district administration, improved communication and technology tools to connect union members and early attention to teachers contract priorities and classroom evaluations.

New monthly labor management meetings between the district and the union have somewhat warmed a traditionally frosty relationship, Nigro said, with tangible results such as a recent memorandum of understanding that amends several elements of the teacher transfer process.

We talk about things that are problematic or before they become a problem, Nigro said of the proactive approach to the meetings. A more familiar relationship should lead to more productive negotiations, he believes.

I dont think you can talk your way through problems if you never talk, he said.

The incumbents spoke of the release of the Buffalo Teachers Federation mobile app, which they believe has great promise, but acknowledged room for growth beyond its current 820 users. Internal technological improvements at the union, such as upgrading to digital phone systems, upgrading a 25-year-old computer operating system and improving security for teachers information, has allowed Nigro and his team to be more efficient and flexible, they said. A new union website should be available this summer, they said, with a more robust portion accessible only to teachers.

Nigro said a team of teachers has met to consider the future of teacher assessments and determine a more fair evaluative process, while the union has administered a survey regarding teacher priorities for approaching contract negotiations. MacPherson-Sullivan stressed leaderships efforts to encourage strong union advocacy at the building level.

Unlike past leadership of the BTF, Nigro and MacPherson-Sullivan noted that they are running as a duo, but without an attached slate of executive committee candidates  with the purpose of allowing different voices to emerge among union leadership.

Inside Kenneys camp

A centerpiece to Kenneys and Holdens platform is a need to not only keep teachers safe, but to ensure a safer classroom environment.

We cannot go to work in an unsafe situation, our students dont deserve to be in an unsafe situation and our parents should know that were doing everything in our power to keep their pride and joy safe, Kenney said.

The challengers said advocating for more security guards to be placed at high-need schools would be one strategy.

The pair intends to encourage widespread use of the union app, which they said could be used for messaging from leadership, departmental communication and social efforts, whether that is groups dedicated to books, running or darts. Kenney said there have been just five messages from leadership in the last year on the platform. Holden added: You want to make it appealing to use the app.

Kenney and Holden said their experience in classrooms since Covid-19 gives them sharper insight into social issues and technology addictions students display.

We have not left the classroom, Kenney said. Were with the faculty, were right in the trenches.

Kenney said her union experience was shaped by the direction of a veteran math teacher at School 19 who went out of his way to support her in her first years in the district. That guidance resonated with her, and she hopes to pass that along to teachers new to the district who might feel overwhelmed.

Often, the district throws you into a classroom, and you have no idea what to do once youre there, Kenney said.

Their campaign acknowledged it is important to engage with district administrators, but that teachers priorities should not take a backseat.

We know the needs of our members need to come before the needs of the district, Kenney said.
Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies.  John F. Kennedy, address to the Canadian Parliament, May 1961

Not since the War of 1812, when Britains North American troops and the United States were adversaries, has the relationship with Canada been as tense as it has in the last 100 days.

Thats because President Trump, after returning to office in January, seems to have made it an overriding mission to antagonize our Canadian neighbors.

He has suggested that Canada become Americas 51st state. That oft-repeated remark has understandably raised the hackles of Canadians who, correctly, see themselves as a sovereign nation. It has also helped catapult the Liberal Partys Mark Carney to victory as he asked, Whos ready to stand up for Canada with me?

Amid political turmoil, Canadian tourism in Western New York is taking a hit When President Trump began talking about putting tariffs on Canadian imports earlier this year  slinging insults in the process  some Canadians vowed not to buy American products or visit the United States for as long as Trump is in power. So far, it looks like they meant it.

That energy proved to be the winning political sauce. His opponent, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who weeks ago was seen as a lock for Canadas next prime minister, couldnt even keep his own parliamentary seat. Many think the loss was due, in part, to similarities between Poilievre and Trump.

A tradition of warm U.S.-Canada relations over time, from the cooperation between the United States and Canada during World War II to the 1994 automotive and free trade agreements, is rapidly being dissolved.

Trump has accompanied his unfortunate comments about turning Canada into another U.S. state with a 25% tariff on Canadian goods not covered by an existing trade deal. If that werent enough, Canadians have had real concerns they might be detained at the border, as happened to one of their citizens seeking a U.S. work visa who was held by ICE for 11 days, even as she begged to finance her own flight back home.

Lets not forget the detentions at local bridge crossings that have kept children and families held for as long as two weeks. Or the French scientist traveling to a conference in Texas who was turned away at the border after his phone was searched by Customs and Border Protection. It was found to contain messages criticizing the Trump administration.

As reported by The News Samantha Christmann, Canadians are peeved, annoyed and frustrated. Most of all, many are done  at least while Trump remains in office  crossing the border to purchase our goods. They figure they can find what they need on their side of the border.

Thats not good news for area retailers that rely on cross-border shopping. And the tariffs threaten local industries that use Canadian imports.

Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of tourism board Visit Buffalo Niagara, said his office has been fielding emails and calls from upset Canadians. They have made clear that their concern is about their sovereignty. Kaler is one of the hospitality professionals worried that border crossings will have a worsening effect on tourism.

Observers like John F. Quill, chair of immigration practice at Mintz law firm in Massachusetts, reassure that the vast majority of individuals who are authorized to enter the United States have had no issues. But then there are the others who have been deported from the United States based on questionable decision-making and legal analysis by the Department of Homeland Security and by Customs and Border Protection officers.

Combine insults, tariffs and possible border issues with a weakened Canadian dollar and our neighbors to the north seem justified in feeling they have good reason to stay at home.

Thats their business, but as Kaler and others point out, it will damage the economy on this side of the border as well as create bad blood between neighbors.

The ill effects of Trumps hostile policies toward Canada could continue for years after he leaves office.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
Orders had been down for months at Cleveland-Cliffs' more-than-century-old Riverdale steel mill in the south suburbs, but the mill had still been hiring and there was no indication it would suddenly be shut down.

The union and local management were caught off-guard by the forthcoming idling of the south suburban mill in Riverdale that was formerly run by Acme Steel. The mill brought on new hires over the past month, including just last week.

"The local management wasn't aware this was happening. Otherwise, they wouldn't have hired," United Steelworkers Local 1010 President James Thomas said.

Cleveland-Cliffs also idled mills in Steelton and Conshohocken in Pennsylvania, citing difficult market conditions. A Cleveland-Cliffs spokesperson characterized the steel mill idlings as temporary but indefinite.

"This is all market-driven," Thomas said. "For years and years and years, we've provided them with the iron they needed, since we got them in 2004. We've always provided the iron and they've always been able to get through market conditions."

When the mill is idled this summer, about 300 workers in Riverdale will be laid off, including about 239 represented by USW Local 1010 in Hammond. Some of the displaced workers have the right to bid for jobs at Indiana Harbor Works.

"We're the same local," Thomas said. "They can almost bid from one job to another. There will be people laid off, but the impact won't be the full 240."

It's not yet known how many workers, most of whom live in Northwest Indiana, can be transferred. First, the union and company will need to figure out what vacancies need to be filled at the mill. Some workers could transfer to Burns Harbor as well, as was the case when facilities were shut down in 2015.

The Riverdale steel mill got iron on trains from Cleveland-Cliffs Works Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, running it through basic oxygen furnaces and a hot strip mill to turn it into various steel products. It's just 14 miles west of the mill in East Chicago, which sends over the molten iron in special heat-tempered train cars called pots.

"Unfortunately, they don't have molten iron there. We have to send it from Indiana Harbor to them. That puts them logistically in a bad situation where there's extra cost to deliver it there to them," Thomas said. "Unfortunately, with market conditions the way they are right now, the steel industry is not in great shape."

Riverdale was useful because of its quick turnaround times. It is newer than Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor Works and laid out in such a way that it could turn around orders in days instead of weeks.

"That mill is very unique. They're able to go from casting a bar to a coil in roughly a day or two as compared to our mill where it takes almost two weeks or three weeks," Thomas said. "They've always been able to do spot orders pretty easily. Our mill (in Indiana Harbor) was built a long time ago, so our blast furnace was built far away from our basic oxygen furnace and our basic oxygen furnace was built far away from our hot mill, while their BOF and hot mill are connected together. They just pour the molten iron into castings for slabs. It immediately goes into the hot mill. When we cast a slab, it sits on a car. Within a day or two or a week, it goes over to the hot mill. Then the hot mill has to schedule to run it. They're just doing it with one easy flow. They just don't have molten iron."

Business has been down for the past year at Riverdale. It was getting fewer orders and Indiana Harbor Works was sending less molten iron over there, Thomas said.

"It is a surprise because they've been hiring," he said. "Maybe upper management might have known, but we had no idea until I got called. The fact that they were hiring made it look like it was getting better. They had an influx over the last month of orders compared to what they had last year."

The Riverdale steel mill is the last vestige of the steelmaking that once dominated Chicago's Southeast Side. Acme Steel, Republic Steel, Iroquois and U.S. Steel South Works all forged steel just across the state line before they ended up being supplanted by the newer, larger and modern steel mills in Northwest Indiana when the industry consolidated.

Acme Steel had other far South Side facilities, such as a coke plant and what was the smallest integrated mill in the United States. ArcelorMittal took over Acme's compact strip mill at 13500 S. Perry Ave. in Riverdale, on the banks of the Calumet River, and sold it to Cleveland-Cliffs in late 2020.

Acme Steel first opened the strip mill in 1917. It has two basic oxygen furnaces, a hot strip mill, a ladle metallurgy facility, a continuous thin slab caster and a tunnel furnace. It makes a number of hot-rolled bands, including high-carbon and alloy.

"We provide the molten iron over there from the No. 7 Blast Furnace. We ship the molten iron and then they cast it into slabs and into coils," Thomas said. "It goes all over. Some of it is for unexposed automotive, appliances, that kind of stuff."

The orders likely will be moved to Cleveland-Cliffs' three steel mills on the lakefront.

"I'm sure we will get some of those orders at our plant," Thomas said. "Right now, I'm sure they're still figuring out what they're going to do. I'm sure they're going to shift these orders. I know we can run a lot of the orders at our plant, no problem, but there are some we probably can't run as well."

Cleveland-Cliffs also recently idled its Minorca mine in Minnesota's Iron Range, partially idled its Hibbing taconite mine near Duluth and idled a blast furnace at Dearborn Works outside Detroit, where it's laying off 600 workers.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A public spat has erupted between two government ministries after the Ministry of Health and Child Care sharply rebuked Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire for urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently address the worsening state of public hospitals.Machakaire had taken to social media earlier this week to express frustration following his relative's experience at a government hospital, describing the conditions as dire and appealing to the President to make unannounced visits to witness the crisis firsthand.However, in a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, the Health Ministry dismissed Machakaire's remarks as "unwarranted and mischievous," accusing him of deliberately ignoring the "critical services being provided under difficult circumstances.""These comments seem to be part of a broader pattern of orchestrated attacks aimed at selectively highlighting challenges within the public healthcare system," the Ministry said. "They ignore the significant progress made in recent years despite limited resources."While Zimbabwe's healthcare system is widely reported to be struggling - with run-down infrastructure, drug shortages, and underpaid health workers - the Ministry did not acknowledge any crisis. Instead, it defended its performance and pointed to what it termed "notable improvements" under Mnangagwa's administration."The Ministry is open to constructive dialogue," the statement read, "but we reject narratives that undermine the tireless efforts of our healthcare professionals."Machakaire's remarks struck a nerve, particularly as they came shortly after a South African citizen had to be airlifted from Bulawayo due to a lack of adequate treatment, further highlighting the healthcare system's deficiencies.Patients in Zimbabwe's public hospitals are often required to bring their own medical supplies and pay for essentials like blood, medication, and scans - an issue the Health Ministry's statement failed to address directly.Despite the backlash, Machakaire's call has resonated with many citizens who say his remarks reflect everyday realities.Political analysts say the public disagreement reveals deepening cracks within the ruling establishment, with some younger officials becoming more vocal about systemic failures under Mnangagwa's leadership.As the health crisis continues to expose shortcomings in governance, calls for transparency and genuine reform in the sector are expected to grow louder - both from within government ranks and beyond.
See Who Your Neighborhood Is Funding in New York Citys Mayoral Race

Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is the leading Democrat in New York Citys mayors race and has raised more money from donors than any other candidate running in the June 24 Democratic primary. But among donors who live in the city, he does not appear to be the favorite.

Amount of money raised Contributions to leading Democrats from individual donors, in millions Donors from: N.Y.C. Outside N.Y.C. Number of individual donors Note: Only donations from individuals are included. By The New York TImes

Zohran Mamdani, the social media-savvy state assemblyman from Queens, has raised more money from New Yorkers than Mr. Cuomo, according to the latest campaign finance disclosures, and has received donations from far more individuals than any other candidate.

Mr. Cuomo, the former governor who resigned in 2021 after a series of sexual harassment accusations that he denies, firmly holds his position as the front-runner.

But Mr. Mamdanis rising popularity and broad appeal is evident by the support he has received from donors across the city, in large swaths of neighborhoods in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, according to a New York Times analysis of campaign donations made from January 2022 to March 13 of this year. Individuals who made donations were allocated to neighborhoods based on the donors listed addresses.

The candidate with the most donors in each neighborhood Among donors who gave to Democratic candidates or Eric Adams Note: Each neighborhood is shaded for the candidate with the highest share of donors among those who donated to either Democratic candidates or Eric Adams. By The New York TImes

Mayor Eric Adams will not be running in the Democratic primary, instead opting to run for re-election in this years general election as an independent. As the incumbent Democratic mayor, Mr. Adams had raised funds for several years before announcing the change, and he had the highest share of donors in neighborhoods in Staten Island, south Brooklyn and the Bronx, compared with the Democratic candidates.

With Mr. Adams out of the primary, the map of support looks a bit different. Mr. Mamdani and Scott Stringer, the former city comptroller, are now the Democrats with the most donors in several neighborhoods in south Brooklyn and Staten Island, for example.

The candidate with the most donors in each neighborhood Among donors who gave to Democratic candidates only Note: Each neighborhood is shaded for the candidate with the highest share of donors among those who donated to any Democratic candidate. By The New York TImes

Mr. Mamdani has received donations from more than 14,000 individuals in New York City, which is more than three times the number of New Yorkers who donated to the campaigns of Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Adams combined. These figures suggest strong support for Mr. Mamdani, but having the most donors does not always mean a candidate will win the most votes.

Heading into the Democratic primary in 2021s mayoral race, for example, the candidate who had the most support from individual donors in New York City was Andrew Yang. More than 11,000 New Yorkers had donated to Mr. Yangs campaign, compared with about 7,000 for Mr. Adams. But in the end, Mr. Adams won the primary, and Mr. Yang came in fourth place.

Share of donors who live in New York City N.Y.C. donors All donors N.Y.C. % Democrat 14,837 19,007 78% 5,642 6,319 89% 4,021 4,529 89% 3,552 4,054 88% 1,860 2,714 69% 1,677 2,493 67% 1,408 1,713 82% 637 1,364 47% 931 1,081 86% Independent 2,745 4,525 61% 1,474 1,951 76% Republican 624 910 69% By The New York TImes

Several of the candidates running for mayor found strong support in specific clusters of neighborhoods in the five boroughs.

Strongholds of support The neighborhoods where Democratic candidates had their highest share of donors are outlined in black. By The New York TImes

Mr. Cuomo did not have a particularly high share of donors in any specific neighborhood. He did best in the Upper East Side, with 22 percent of the 2,125 people in that neighborhood who donated to Democratic candidates.

Of the $675,611 that was contributed to Democrats by donors in that neighborhood, however, Mr. Cuomo received 49 percent.

Ranking candidates by dollars raised

Mr. Adams, who has been raising money for his campaign since 2022, has in total raised $4.38 million from donors, far more than any other candidate.

Mr. Cuomo, who entered the race on March 1, quickly raised more money than any other Democratic candidate, including those who had been raising money for many months.

Funds raised by quarter By The New York TImes

Mr. Adams raised his $4.38 million from 4,525 individual donors, making the average payment per donor a larger sum than any other candidate, about $968. Among the candidates running in the Democratic primary, Mr. Cuomo had the highest average per donor, at $559. Mr. Mamdanis average per donor was the lowest among all candidates, at $78.

Money from individual donors Total raised (millions) Donors Avg. per donor Democrat $1.49 19,007 $78 $1.37 6,319 $217 $0.97 4,529 $215 $0.78 4,054 $192 $1.52 2,714 $559 $0.71 2,493 $286 $0.23 1,713 $133 $0.29 1,364 $210 $0.12 1,081 $115 Independent $4.38 4,525 $968 $0.89 1,951 $457 Republican $0.08 910 $84 By The New York TImes

Last month, Mr. Mamdanis campaign got a financial boost when it received $3.8 million from the citys public matching funds program, more than any other candidate. The program gives mayoral candidates $8 for every $1 they receive from individual city residents, up to $250 per donor, so that candidates who get many small donations stand to benefit more than those who get fewer large donations.

Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor running as an independent, received $1.9 million; Brad Lander, the city comptroller, was awarded $861,831; Mr. Stringer $696,942; and State Senator Zellnor Myrie received $527,147. Mr. Cuomo was not awarded matching funds because, a campaign spokesman told The City, there was a technical software error with a platform the campaign uses to collect donations.

See the top candidates in your neighborhood

Each neighborhood where 10 or more people donated to any Democrat is listed below, along with the top three Democratic candidates by amount, and number of individual donors.

Read more here about where the leading Democratic candidates stand on the issues in the race.
The Church Is More Global Than Ever. What Does That Mean for the Next Pope?

Francis selected cardinals who he felt shared his sense of the church  that it should be less hierarchical and more pastoral  but they do not necessarily embrace his more inclusive view of the institution.

In some parts of the world with more conservative cultures, local church leaders oppose liberal causes like ordaining women as deacons and changing Catholic teaching on L.G.B.T.Q. relationships.

A conclave is always unpredictable, but the considerable change in makeup of the cardinals who will soon gather behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel makes this one even more so.

Will the lack of personal ties to one another and their newness to Rome benefit papal aspirants with strong name recognition, resulting in a quick conclave? Or might they take their time searching for a new face and a new path for the church  even if it is not one their patron might have chosen?

A look at how Francis transformed the College of Cardinals offers clues.

Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave 108 NAMED BY FRANCIS 20 BY BENEDICT XVI 5 BY JOHN PAUL II Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave 108 NAMED BY FRANCIS 22 BY BENEDICT XVI 5 BY JOHN PAUL II Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave 108 NAMED BY FRANCIS 20 BY BENEDICT XVI 5 BY JOHN PAUL II Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave 108 NAMED BY FRANCIS 20 BY BENEDICT XVI 5 BY JOHN PAUL II Named in December Named in December Named in December Named in December Represented for the first time Myanmar Sweden East Timor Malaysia Singapore Luxembourg Cape Verde Haiti Tonga Mongolia Serbia South Sudan Papua New Guinea Central African Republic Rwanda Paraguay Represented for the first time South Sudan Serbia Mongolia Sweden Myanmar East Timor Central African Republic Malaysia Papua New Guinea Cape Verde Luxembourg Singapore Haiti Tonga Rwanda Paraguay Represented for the first time FRANCIS 108 Sweden Mongolia South Sudan Serbia Myanmar Papua New Guinea East Timor Central African Republic Malaysia Singapore Luxembourg Cape Verde Rwanda Paraguay Haiti Tonga JOHN PAUL II 5 BENEDICT 20 Represented for the first time FRANCIS 108 Sweden Mongolia South Sudan Serbia Myanmar Papua New Guinea East Timor Central African Republic Malaysia Singapore Luxembourg Rwanda Cape Verde Paraguay Tonga Haiti BENEDICT 20 JOHN PAUL II 5 About 80 percent of the cardinals who will elect the next pope were appointed by Francis . Twenty of the cardinals are so new they were appointed by Francis only in December. And among his appointees are cardinals from many countries that will be represented at the conclave for the first time.

Francis more than doubled the number of cardinals representing countries in Asia, where many see the churchs future. He also increased the number of cardinals representing Africa, where Catholicism is growing fast.

Cardinal electors by region represented 2025 conclave 23 (20 named by Francis) 2013 conclave 23 19 Latin America and the Caribbean (20) Regions where Francis appointed more cardinals 11 18 Asia (15) Africa 11 4 (4) Oceania 1 14 U.S. and Canada 14 (9) Regions with the same or fewer cardinals Europe 61 53 (40) 117 Total 135 2025 conclave Cardinal electors by region represented 23 (20 named by Francis) 2013 conclave Latin America and the Caribbean 23 (20) 19 Asia 11 Regions where Francis appointed more cardinals 18 (15) Africa 11 4 (4) Oceania 1 1 U.S. and Canada 14 14 Regions with the same or fewer cardinals (9) 61 53 Europe (40) Total 117 135 Note: Only 115 of the 117 cardinal electors participated in the 2013 conclave, in which Francis was chosen as pope. In 2025, two cardinals announced they would not attend the conclave. Source: The Vatican

While many liberal Catholics cheered Francis drive to broaden the church, many of the prelates he put in positions of authority lead flocks with different visions for their faith. If progressives wanted him to make still more radical changes to church teaching, some of his own appointees in Africa and Asia made clear they were no fans of upheaval.

They largely rejected, for example, his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.

In Africa, there is no place to bless homosexual couples, said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, 65, the archbishop of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Not at all.

In response, Francis essentially allowed them to opt out.

Catholic population by region Elector cardinals in 2025 10% U.S. and Canada U.S. and Canada 7% 39 Europe Europe 19 Oceania 1 Over- represented Asia 13 3 Oceania Africa 21 17 Asia 13 Africa Latin America and the Caribbean Under- represented Latin America and the Caribbean 17 40 1925 2025 Catholic population by region Elector cardinals in 2025 U.S. and Canada 7% 10% U.S. and Canada Europe 19 Oceania 1 Europe 39 Over- represented Asia 13 3 Oceania Africa 21 Asia 17 Latin America and the Caribbean 13 Africa Under- represented 40 17 Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 1925 1975 Note: Numbers are rounded. Sources: World Christian Database via Gina A. Zurlo; the Vatican

Francis saw his changes to the College of Cardinals as the way forward for a church that calls itself universal  and desperately needs growth in new places to make up for the loss of faith in the old ones.

Its the natural journey of the church, said Cardinal Beniamino Stella, an Italian who was once a power player in the church and served as a diplomat in Africa and South America. The conclave is a sign, because they are coming from all over the world, so they bring sensibilities representing communities from the East and West.

But with conservative defenders of doctrine now looking to them as potential allies, it is clear that the cardinals are also bringing something else: an extra dose of uncertainty to an election that is by nature uncertain.
Endeavor Communications, which provides strategic media guidance to clients in financial services, professional services, fintech, real estate, advertising & AdTech, and climate services launches in New York. The agency is led by Matt Yemma, who has served as managing director at both Lyceus Group and RF|Binder, as well as SVP, media strategies at Peaks Strategies. Endeavors range of offerings include traditional media, new media, viral moments and content development. In todays market, clients have a real opportunity to differentiate themselves by leveraging all dimensions of contemporary media. Endeavor will tap into traditional media and new media outlets in an efficient manner driven by senior level service, said Yemma.

Havas Health Network launches Havas Life Middle East in Dubai. The new office will offer a suite of services that includes strategic brand planning, creative development, digital health innovation, multichannel marketing, patient engagement, and disease awareness campaigns. It will be led by Carlo Nakhe, who previously worked for McCann Health and Ogilvy Heath. This launch underscores our commitment to expanding Havas Lifes footprint in regions where healthcare innovation is thrivingand where our clients are rapidly investing in multi-country growth across the Middle East, said Havas Health Network CEOAPAC & LATAM Charles Houdoux.

Notified, a public relations and investor relations communications platform that was recently acquired by Equiniti, launches IR Hub, a new solution directed at investor relations teams. IR Hubs features include the IR Control Center, a real-time dashboard view of events, engagement and website updates; a website tracker; email alert insights; and enriched website analytics. Notifies says it will give IR pros greater control because of its streamlined workflows and centralized panel for all a clients IR communications needs. "IR Hub is about empowering teams to take control, said Notified chief operation officer Erik Carson. It delivers simplicity, visibility, and insights required to tell financial stories with greater impact.
Ballard Partners lands a $900K contract to help the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan strengthen its economic, political and cultural ties with the US.

It will advise, counsel and assist the PUK on communicating with government officials, decision makers, non-governmental organizations, and other individuals in the US.

Ballard is to consult with the client and advocate on its behalf those issues the client deems necessary and appropriate before the Federal government, according to the contract.

The one-year pact specifies that strategic communications services offered through the Ballard Media Group are not part of the representation.

The Kurdistan Development Agency hired Ballard on behalf of the PUK.

Brian Ballard and Aaron Sampson, the US Foreign Service Officer who joined the firm last month as senior advisor on African affairs, handle the work.

Sampson, who was a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon and Madagascar, has more than two decades of international affairs, diplomacy and political analysis experience.

He was the State Dept.s Africa director in the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights.
An Offaly based travel counsellor has been honoured as part of an award-winning team

Travel Counsellors Ireland has been honoured with the prestigious Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).

Among those those honoured was Offaly based travel counsellor, Lorraine Wynne, a native of Kilcormac who now resides in Tullamore.

A leader in premium leisure and corporate travel, Travel Counsellors Ireland is part of a global network of 2,000 travel professionals, with over 85 based in Ireland. Since launching in 2005, the company has built its reputation on offering a highly personalised service, unrivalled travel expertise and cutting-edge technology  empowering their clients with seamless, tailor-made experiences.

READ NEXT: Popular Offaly couple celebrate milestone wedding anniversary

The Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation is awarded by the AIBF, an independent national accreditation body that champions excellence among Irish businesses. This honour comes at a pivotal time for Travel Counsellors Ireland, coinciding with the growth of Travel Counsellors for Business  the UK and Irelands largest technology platform for corporate travel professionals. This expansion underlines the companys leadership across both the premium leisure and corporate travel sectors.

Speaking on their latest accolade, Travel Counsellors Irelands Managing Director, Cathy Burke said: Receiving the Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation as we mark 20 years in business is an incredible milestone for our team. It reflects not only the dedication and care we put into every journey but also the trust our clients place in us, whether its for a dream holiday or a critical business trip. Weve always believed that travel should be deeply personal, seamless and enriching, and were proud to lead the way in bringing that vision to life every day. This recognition fuels our continued ambition to innovate and grow in both premium leisure and corporate travel.

READ NEXT: Fresh start for cafe at leading Offaly education centre

Announcing the news of Travel Counsellors Irelands achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBFs Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: The All-Ireland Business Foundation proudly awards Travel Counsellors Ireland with the Business All-Star Travel Superteam 2025 accreditation in recognition of its exceptional teamwork, dedication to excellence, and 20 years of outstanding service in the travel industry. This accolade celebrates the companys collaborative spirit, customer-first approach, and commitment to delivering personalised, seamless travel experiences.

Managing Director of the AIBF, Kapil Khanna, added: Travel Counsellors Ireland is a shining example of excellence in the travel industry. Their customer-centric approach, seamless travel planning, and strong teamwork have set them apart as a leader in bespoke travel. This accreditation recognises their unwavering commitment to innovation, trust, and outstanding service over the past 20 years. Congratulations to the entire team on this well-earned recognition.

We evaluate a companys background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.

For more on Travel Counsellors Ireland see www.travelcounsellors.ie
Ballybrophy Train Station has officially been awarded 'Age Friendly' status by Age Friendly Ireland, recognising Iarnrod Eireanns commitment to making public transport more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities.

This significant recognition follows an extensive process aligned with the principles of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities.

The station is close to North Tipperary and Offaly and is on the same line as that serviced by Cloughjordan, Roscrea and Nenagh.

Pictured above is Minister for Older People, Kieran ODonnell TD, as he unveils the new Age Friendly plaque at Ballybrophy Train Station

The initiative was led by Age Friendly Ireland, the national organisation delivering the Governments vision of an Age Friendly Ireland, in collaboration with the Laois Age Friendly Programme, Laois County Council and Iarnrod Eireann.

The recognition of Ballybrophy Station with Age Friendly status also marks the official launch of Iarnrod Eireanns Age Friendly Stations Initiative, an initiative which ultimately intends for all of the 146 stations nationwide to attain Age Friendly Status.

Phase one of Iarnrod Eireanns Age Friendly Station Initiative will see a group of ten carefully selected stations from across the rail network go through the audit and recognition process.

Ballybrophy Train Station now joins Killkennys MacDonagh Train Station and a growing number of public services and buildings across the country  including hospitals and sporting arenas  that have gone through the four-stage process to be formally recognised as Age Friendly.

At Ballybrophy Station, Minister for Older People, Kieran ODonnell TD, was delighted to unveil the Age Friendly plaque, remarking:

My priority is ensuring that as people get older, they are supported to live in their own homes and communities with the correct wraparound supports. Making public transport more accessible and age friendly is part of the toolkit to ensure older people can age well and remain connected and integrated in their communities.

Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Laois Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: It is a privilege to see our local communities come together with a shared goal of ensuring everyone is included and no one is left behind when we are creating public services in Ireland.

READ NEXT: Ryan OMeara welcomes appointment as Fianna Fail's new spokesperson on education

With a high number of older people living in rural communities such as Ballybrophy, it is important that they have equal access to public transport, and that the work is done to ensure they can have a high quality of life.

I want to empower older people in rural communities to avail of these services, and continue to live a long and social life. I look forward to taking more trips via Ballybrophy, knowing it now carries the Age Friendly mark, she said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 25-year-old herd boy employed at Bravo Farm in Figtree appeared before the Plumtree Magistrates Court last week facing allegations of stock theft after he was allegedly caught driving five stolen cattle.The accused, Milton Moyo, stood before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware and was remanded in custody to May 7, pending further court proceedings.According to court records, the incident occurred on April 19 when Moyo was seen herding five cattle past Brooklyn Farm, a resettlement area in the Figtree region. Brooklyn Farm manager Sipho Nxongo reportedly confronted Moyo, who claimed he was lost and was returning the cattle to Bravo Farm, where he works.Unsatisfied with the explanation, Nxongo alerted neighbouring farmers about the suspicious activity.Further investigations led to the identification of the five beasts by Rayton Sibanda, chairperson of Leighwoods Farm, who confirmed that the livestock belonged to three local residents - Kotamani Ndlovu (36), Zamani Nkomo (24), and Mbonisi Ndlovu (27), all of Figtree.Moyo was subsequently handed over to the police and charged with stock theft, a serious offence under Zimbabwean law.The case has raised concerns in the farming community, where incidents of livestock theft continue to pose a significant threat to rural livelihoods. The matter will continue in court on May 7.


BREAKING: President Trump targets foreign films with new tariffs President Donald Trump decried the state of the motion picture industry in a social media post on Sunday while announcing plans ...

(Image by YouTube, Channel: LiveNOW from FOX) Details DMCA



On Sunday May 4, 2025 Trump announced 100% tariffs on foreign films entering the US.

As usual Trump is up to issuing his extremist measures.

His latest? He wants Iran to give up its entire nuclear program. This after recent indirect negotiations held in Oman between US and Iranian representatives broke down.

Trump accused Iran of supporting the Houthis in Yemen. They just sent a missile that hit the Israeli airport in Tel Aviv.

So his ultimatum to Iran. Thing is Iran doesn't back down from threats by Trump especially with regard to its nuclear program. Remember Trump in his first term reneged on Obama's 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 accusing the Iranians of not being in full compliance.

Of course Iran had UN-sponsored IAEA nuclear inspectors overseeing its nuclear program and the inspectors reported Iran was in full compliance.

Iran increased its uranium enrichment only after Trump cancelled US involvement in the deal.

Here is the thing Trump believes Iran wants to develop a nuclear weapon. Yet uranium enrichment hasn't reached nuclear weapons-grade level. Meanwhile Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei some years ago issued a Fatwa stating it is un-Islamic for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. He's was ignored of course. Yet Trump persists with his accusations that Iran's intent is to build a nuclear weapon.

Also remember Iran has accurate ballistic missiles that it sent attacking US compounds in Iraq; even notifying the Americans in advance of its intentions. This was in response to Trump ordering the assassination of Iranian General Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport in 2020.Those ballistic missiles were a message. You attack us and we'll respond in kind.

How's this from the Trumpster. He wants to reopen Alcatraz as a prison. It's been closed since 1963 and is a San Francisco tourist attraction.

Apparently he wants to send the nation's most hardened criminals there. It's not as if the US doesn't already have maximum security prisons. Perhaps Trump has seen too many movies depicting Alcatraz as a prison and it holds a fascination in him. Who knows.

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Newseum 5 Freedoms 1st Amendment.

(Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: dbking) Details Source DMCA

that women from Texas seeking abortion-inducing drugs can likely get them through Whole Woman's Health of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Why on Earth would I care about that, or want to tell you about it? I'm not a woman, I'm not from Texas, I don't happen to know any women from Texas whom I also know to be seeking medication-induced abortions, and I doubt that any such women would need my help finding the above information anyway.

BUT!

Texas's legislature, the Electronic Frontier Foundation reports, may soon pass SB 2880/HB 5510, which would make it illegal to "provide information on the method for obtaining an abortion-inducing drug" to women in Texas.

I publish my columns to the Internet (as do many of the newspapers which choose to publish them).

The Internet is, I understand, accessible from Texas.

If the new law passes, this column will remain accessible to Texan women in violation of it, theoretically exposing me to both criminal and civil liability.

So, notice to future Texas law enforcement agents and litigious busybodies:

Bring it.

From my viewpoint, this isn't about abortion at all. I don't consider it my job to advise women on whether, or how, to obtain one. In fact, I'm somewhat sympathetic to some moral arguments (though not laws) against doing so.

It's also clearly not about the "sanctity of life" where Texas's government is concerned. That regime has arguably executed more than one innocent prisoner, and last year governor Greg Abbott pardoned actual, convicted, unrepentant murderer Daniel Perry to "own the libs." These people don't care about "life" per se; they just care about scoring points with their political base.

What it's about is your right to discuss whatever you please, however you please, whenever you please. That right just isn't negotiable. There are no circumstances under, nor any subject upon which, the Texas legislature gets to infringe upon or prohibit its exercise in any way, shape, manner, or form.

At least not without a fight.

So, Texas politicians, here's your chance to show yourselves for who you really are yet again: Pass that evil law and issue a warrant for my arrest or get one of your toadies to file suit against me (or both).

I won't back down -- in fact, I won't be ABLE to. As soon as I publish this column at the Garrison Center's web site and submit it to newspapers, I'll also publish it to a blockchain-based medium from which I can't delete it.

If you agree with what I have to say, please join me in spreading the word. Fortunately, I suspect the courts will nix SB 2880/HB 5510 long before Texas's tyrants get around to us.
Donald Trump wants Americans to start having more babies and, the New York Times reports, is mulling possible financial incentives (like $5,000 government checks for mothers upon childbirth) and "educational" initiatives (i.e. classes to help women figure out when they're ovulating so they can get pregnant more easily) to achieve the goal.

But the US government has encouraged and subsidized having kids for decades.

Child/dependent tax credits.

Tax deductions for buying homes to house the kids.

Welfare programs like WIC to help feed the kids.

Spreading the costs of "public education" around to non-parents so that parents don't have to cover those costs themselves.

If subsidizing kids got the job done, we wouldn't be seeing the birthrate decline we're seeing -- and there's no particular reason to believe that boosting the subsidies even higher will change the fact that in ever more prosperous societies, people choose to have ever fewer children.

And if that whole program that sounds like a bad fit with Trump's policy of trying to deport millions of foreign-born residents (who are seemingly more inclined to have the children he wants had), and even the native-born children of those residents, it is.

If you want a higher birth rate, throwing out the people who have kids makes zero sense.

Unless, that is, you couple the "demographic decline" panic with a "Great Replacement" theory positing that people who come to the United States and have kids are being "imported" for the express purpose of changing American politics and culture in particular and negative ways.

If you can successfully sell those claims as a pair, then you can justify both the deportations and the birth incentives.

To be fair, Trump is fairly good at selling silly ideas to gullible buyers. It's how he built his "brand" in business. His various cons didn't make him as much money as he'd have made from investing his inheritance in an S&P 500 indexed mutual fund, but they did make him more famous, and he seems to value the adoration of his marks more than he loves money.

But even Trump should have trouble putting over this double con.

"The Great Replacement" is real in the sense that people move and cultures change. But here's the evidence that this particular cycle of movement and change, in this country, is part of an intentional conspiracy to create Democratic voters, corrupt our precious bodily fluids, etc.:

THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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TALLINN, ESTONIA -Qubit Labs has launched its job description generator for IT sector. This tool, designed for HR professionals, hiring managers, and business owners, helps them create tailored job descriptions for searching tech experts in seconds. This innovative tool offers an optimal solution to professionals who face challenges with writing time-consuming job descriptions, relying on generic language, and using unsuitable templates. "Transparency and precision are the main hallmarks of our work, so 
News / National

by Staff reporter

High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba on Monday sharply criticised the State for its handling of a case involving 95 individuals who were arrested over a month ago for allegedly staging protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, without sufficient evidence or recorded witness statements.The accused were arrested on March 31 during what authorities allege were anti-government demonstrations. While one of the suspects, Munyaradzi Mazhiri, was granted bail last month by Justice Philipa Philips, the remaining 94 are seeking relief through the High Court after being denied bail by a Harare magistrate.Represented by lawyer Jeremiah Bamu, the accused claim they were victims of a dragnet arrest and had no involvement in the protests. In court, Charles Muchemwa, appearing for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), admitted that the lower court had erred in denying bail and conceded that proceeding with prosecution could prove difficult.Justice Muremba expressed outrage over the State's failure to compile proper evidence, revealing that only 15 arresting officers had submitted statements, despite the number of accused standing at 95."Out of 95, there are only 15 statements by arresting details explaining where the accused were arrested," Muremba said. "If we are to proceed to trial, what evidence are you going to use against them? It shows that you have nothing in your docket."She continued, "How can you have a whole lot of people in custody without witnesses, so that after two years you say then withdraw charges against them after they have rotted in prison - is the State being fair?"Cornered by the judge, Muchemwa admitted, "We might be facing difficulties in prosecuting them. That will be a mammoth task."He further acknowledged that there was no material distinction between Mazhiri, who was granted bail, and the remaining 94 suspects. He also conceded that the magistrate had overlooked sworn affidavits submitted by the accused during the initial bail hearing.Justice Muremba reserved judgment in the bail appeal to Friday, casting a spotlight on concerns over prolonged pretrial detentions and prosecutorial inefficiencies in politically charged cases.
Who is coming to Putins Victory Day parade and how safe is Moscow?

Who is coming to Putins Victory Day parade and how safe is Moscow?

Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Russias Victory Day parade in Moscow on Friday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Our position is very simple for all countries travelling to Russia on 9 May: we cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian president said on Saturday.

They are responsible for your safety. We will not provide any guarantees, because we do not know what Russia might do on those dates.

This statement sparked further diplomatic tensions with Slovakia. whose Moscow-friendly Prime Minister Robert Fico criticised Zelenskyys warning.

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"I reject such threats for security reasons," Fico said on Monday. "I fully respect that the safety of participants is an internal matter of the Russian Federation. But if Mr Zelenskyy believes that his statements will force foreign delegations not to come, then he is deeply mistaken."

It is unclear if Fico will be attending the parade. After the Slovak prime minister cancelled a few public appearances, including the official Labour Day events, there have been speculations that he might also not appear in Moscow.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who had also planned to visit Moscow alongside Fico, fell ill during a visit to the United States last week, cutting his trip short and returning to Belgrade, where he was briefly hospitalised.

Fico and Vucic were the only European leaders to announce their participation in the Russian Victory Day parade, a decision which drew sharp criticism from the European Union. In Vucic's case, Brussels issued a stark warning, indicating that the visit would violate EU membership criteria and potentially hurt Serbia's accession process to the 27-member bloc.

European politicians might be absent, but Moscows most valuable ally and arguably the most important guest will be attending.

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Chinese president Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Russia from 7 to 10 May to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Kremlin said on Sunday.

How safe will the parade be?

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine between 7 and 9 May around the Victory Day celebration. The idea was categorically dismissed by Kyiv, with Zelenskyy calling it a "theatrical performance" designed to ease Russias international isolation and create a favourable atmosphere for the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

Zelenskyy reportedly said the proposal was not a serious attempt to end the war and reiterated Ukraines support for a US-backed initiative calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Ukraines president warned that Moscows history of violating short-term truces undermines any trust in its latest offer.

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"They kill until (May) 7th, pause for a couple of comfortable days, then start attacking again on the 11th," he said.

On Monday, days before the parade, as the rehearsals were taking place in the Russian capital, authorities said four drones were intercepted overnight as they approached the city.

According to preliminary reports, there were no injuries or damage from the falling debris, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on the Telegram messaging app.

This wasnt the first time Ukrainian drones reached Moscow. In mid-March, the city authorities reported the biggest drone attack with over 70 drones shot down according to the Russian air defence and Moscow authorities.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian drones can now fly way beyond that and reach a range of 3,000 km.

Kyiv has been using long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure like airfields, oil refineries, depots and logistic hubs.

Workers assemble a model of the main Soviet order, the Order of Victory prior to Victory Day celebration in front of the historical main gates of VDNKh, April 30, 2025 - AP Photo

Russia has already cancelled the Victory parade in the occupied Crimean port city of Sevastopol. The Moscow-installed occupation governor of Sevastopol said the parade will not take place due to safety risks.

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The announcement comes following a reported Ukrainian sea drone strike which destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the port of Novorossiysk last Friday.

Ukraines military intelligence described it as "an unprecedented operation," marking the first time a sea drone downed a jet aircraft.

It is the third time in a row that the parade has been cancelled in Sevastopol. The occupied port city last held it in 2022, shortly after the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Why is Victory Day such a big deal for Putin?

For Moscow, 9 May is more than a victory fete. Under Putin, it has become one of the most important public holidays and a grand demonstration of Russias military power.

It has become even more symbolic since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, as the Kremlin has been using the imagery and narratives of World War II to describe and back its all-out invasion.

In its war against Ukraine, Russia has rehashed a slew of slogans and symbols identical to the ones the Soviet Union used in WWII, such as "We can do it again" or "We can repeat it," as seen widely used by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

Similarly, the orange-black St Georges ribbon, which used to symbolise the WWII victory, has now become one of the most recognisable emblems of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is worn by the supporters of Moscows attack on the neighbouring country.

Moscow has deliberately linked the two narratives through language as well, using elaborate language to create a substitute term implying grandeur: for example, calling its full-scale invasion of Ukraine "a special military operation" in the same way as World War II is called "the Great Patriotic War" in Russia.

Putin himself has repeatedly claimed that "the Soviet people were fighting alone" in WWII, disregarding the contribution of the allies.

When launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he stated its primary goals were the denazification of the country and the "fight against fascism"  claims that Putin has never backed up with evidence to this day.

The popularisation of this rhetoric and Putins glorification of Victory Day have their own term in Russian: "pobedobesie," a derogatory word meaning grotesque hyperbolic celebrations, or victorymania.

Ukraine has distanced itself from Soviet-era commemorations and dates. Zelenskyy signed a law in 2023 moving Ukraine's World War II remembrance to 8 May, which is in line with most of Europe.
Correction: This story was updated at 10:36 p.m. on May 5 to correct a quote from Office 3 Board member Annette Price.

The Norman Public Schools Board of Education approved a solar project agreement for Whittier Middle School, rejected the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program and heard updates on proposed renovations at Kennedy Elementary School during its Monday meeting.

Whittier Middle School solar project agreement

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The news: The board heard information for an agreement on a solar panel project at Whittier Middle School.

The project would install a solar panel system on the schools room that would generate 69.2% of the meters energy.

What theyre saying: Justin Milner, NPS associate superintendent and chief operating officer, and Tony Capucille, founder of the solar power capital partner Brightwell, presented the board with the agreement.

According to Capucille, the project consists of 598 panels that would produce 543,714 kWh and provide an annual carbon offset of more than 848 thousand lbs.

Whittier Middle School would provide no money in capital investment while reaping an estimated benefit of $1.92 million if the service agreement is bought out at a fair market value after seven years, per Capucille.

In April 2024, Brightwell installed a solar panel system at Norman North High School, which, according to Capucille, has reduced long-term operational expenses for NPS.

Upon agreement, Capucille said installation should occur late summer 2025 after engineering and permitting occur.

The vote: The board unanimously approved the project agreement.

Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program

The news: The board considered implementing the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program, an initiative created by the state legislature designed to retain teachers by allowing up to 10% of a districts teachers to receive stipends.

The program has expanded from 15 districts to 74 districts this year. School districts that have implemented the program include Oklahoma City Public Schools, Union City Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools.

What theyre saying: Holly McKinney, NPS executive director of teaching and learning, and Sarah Seymore, NPS director of professional learning and development, presented the board with information on the program.

In order to receive the stipends, McKinney said teachers must participate in additional work days, which will require them to either receive professional learning or provide professional learning.

Stipends for advanced designations require a minimum of three consecutive years of NPS experience, lead designations require a minimum of four consecutive years in the district and master designations require five consecutive years in the district.

For advanced designation, the stipends would be $3,000. Lead designations would qualify for a $5,000 stipend, and those with master designations would receive $10,000.

According to Seymore, the stipends are first come, first serve, meaning teachers will have more time to apply for stipends if the program is approved earlier.

The selection process consists of teacher applications, Oklahoma State Department of Education requirements, the NPS rubric and the district staff development committee.

Office 2 Board member Alex Ruggiers said four teachers have contacted him with worries of competition and resentment among the staff due to this program.

Ive not heard a lot of support from teachers on this, Ruggiers said.

Office 5 Board member Tori Collier said she also received letters containing concerns about the program and how its intended to avoid pay raises for teachers.

Office 4 Board member Dawn Brockman said the program is challenging for her to agree with, comparing it to a Trojan Horse. Office 3 Board member Annette Price voiced similar concern, saying the program feels like a trap.

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This is a trap set for us by the state,  Price said. We do not need to allow an Apple of Discord to be in this district.

OHara said he is conflicted because he does not want to block an opportunity for teachers to earn more money, but he is concerned about how stipend recipients will be publicly known.

Despite concerns, Seymore said the program has had a positive impact on other districts that have already implemented the program.

It really has brought teachers together in a whole new way, Seymore said. Recognition of the work they do and an opportunity to do that has been the overwhelming response that weve seen.

The vote: The board unanimously voted against the program. Board members encouraged McKinney and Seymore to conduct an anonymous teacher-wide survey across the district.

Kennedy Elementary School renovation updates

The news: The board heard updates about upcoming renovations for Kennedy Elementary School.

The project overview includes plans for an additional classroom, a multi-user restroom, a teacher restroom and a STEAM classroom. The renovations are part of the 2023 bond package and will be adjacent to the schools recent storm shelter addition.

What theyre saying: Milner and Kenna Daniel, a partner with CWA group, presented the board with updates about the elementary school.

The project should not interrupt school activities given the location of the renovations, according to Daniel.

Daniel said she will have additional information about the project in July, and construction will begin May 2026. Daniel could not present a timeline for the renovations but said one will develop as the project ensues.

Annual graduation report review

The news: The board heard the districts annual review on four-year graduation rates throughout the school district.

What theyre saying: Jennifer Beer, NPS director of secondary student services, and Hallie Wright, Norman High School principal, presented the board with the review.

According to data provided, there was an increase in dropout rates from the 2017-18 school year to 2022-23. At Norman High School, the rate increased from 0.1% to 4.4%, and the Norman North High School rate increased from 0.3% to 3.5%.

Beer said the increase in rates was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norman High Schools dropout rate is higher than the most recent state average of 4.1%. The NPS district dropout rate, which includes alternative school Dimensions Academy, sits at 4.6%

The 2022-23 dropout rate for Dimensions Academy was 35.7%.

Regardless though, its gotta be better, Office 1 Board member Dirk OHara said.

Beer said there are plans to decrease dropouts and increase graduation rates throughout NPS. According to Beer, expanded programs, a renewed focus on improving attendance and addressing truancy, and increased mental health support are part of future plans.

Some of the programs have been in place for a few years, Beer said. In addition to existing programs, Wright said school counselors are the point person for students at risk of dropping out.

We are willing to do whatever it takes to get those kids across the finish line, Beer said.

This story was edited by Ana Barboza.
NAIROBI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of the annual E-Mobility Stakeholders Conference and Expo kicked off on Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) drawing considerable attention from attendees.

Lawrence Maringa, a 41-year-old car enthusiast, told Xinhua on Monday that he had seen electric vehicles on television, but had never sat or ridden inside green modes of transportation before.

"The Chinese models look very advanced, and I am surprised at how spacious and quiet they are," Maringa said as he admired the Chinese automotive brand Neta, which is distributed by Moja EV Kenya, a motor dealer.

Josephine Wanja, marketing manager at Moja EV, told Xinhua that visitors are especially impressed by the comfort, performance, and technology packed into the Chinese e-vehicle models, which retail at prices that make sense for the local market.

Wanja noted that increased fuel prices and environmental awareness are pushing more Kenyans to consider electric vehicle options.

The two-day event brought together more than 200 stakeholders from government, development agencies, and private sector innovators to explore opportunities for scaling up EVs, charging infrastructure, and policy frameworks.

Terry Nderitu, head of business at e-PureRides, a company that imports the Chinese motor brand Dongfeng, said many visitors, including motorcycle taxi operators, fleet managers, and city dwellers, came to the expo looking for practical solutions to daily transport needs.

Nderitu noted that Chinese EVs represent not just innovation but accessibility, and are a practical step toward sustainable mobility.

Samuel Odindo, a ride-hailing driver, said he was considering switching to an electric vehicle because of its lower operational costs.

Winnie Njenga, who is a sales executive at Loxea Kenya, a motor dealer that distributes the Chinese vehicle brand BYD, noted that for many visitors at the exhibition, it was their first direct interaction with EVs.

Njenga revealed that Chinese brands stand out not only for their modern aesthetics but also for their affordability, suitability to local conditions, and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hezbon Mose, president of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, said Chinese electric vehicles are helping bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility in Africa's emerging EV market.

Brian Waema, sales and information officer at Autopax, which imports the Chinese brand TailG electric motorbike, noted that potential clients are always amazed at the quietness and power of electric motorcycles.

Claire Njoki, a lawyer, remained optimistic that electric cars will become common on Kenyan roads, given the speed at which Chinese EV manufacturers are engineering automobiles in terms of reliability, spare parts, and after-sales service.
After a fractious federal election campaign focused on perceived Liberal failures, the Conservative House leader is now signalling the caucus may be willing to support some of Prime Minister Mark Carney's legislative agenda when the House of Commons returns later this month.

In an interview with CBC News, Andrew Scheer, who is considered by party sources to be the front-runner to serve as their interim parliamentary leader, said the Conservatives could back Carney if he needs legislative support to take on U.S. President Donald Trump and the ongoing trade war, which has already caused some economic dislocation, including automotive job losses at the General Motors plant in Oshawa, Ont.

"We're going to support measures that protect the Canadian economy and that help to ultimately get a deal. We wish Mr. Carney well and we're rooting for a good deal for Canada," Scheer said. "And when we're dealing with such a major threat to our economy, it's important that comes first and foremost, regardless of partisan differences."

After picking up more seats in Ontario's industrial heartland and a breakthrough with blue-collar workers, Scheer said the Conservatives are seized with protecting manufacturing jobs and the party will do what it can to back up Carney as he tries to shield them from American aggression.

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The party has high expectations for Carney's first meeting with Trump in Washington on Tuesday, Scheer said.

The Conservatives either want to see the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods lifted altogether or a concrete plan that spells out how they will be dismantled in the coming months. Carney has set expectations low for this first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders.

WATCH | Trump repeats 51st state taunt as Carney prepares for White House visit:

Scheer said the party is also willing to play ball with Carney if he delivers on some of his other election commitments that were quite similar to what the Conservatives themselves were pitching on the campaign trail  namely a tougher stance on crime and new policies to get homes built faster.

"Mr. Carney ran a significant portion of his campaign basically campaigning against Liberal policies themselves. So we'll take him at his word. If he's willing to undo some of those terrible Liberal policies, we'd be open to working with them on that," Scheer said. "We would look at supporting them.

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"It's not so much, especially in the early days after an election, about partisan differences. It's about delivering real change for Canadians," he said.

In the last Parliament, the Conservatives tried to stymie the Liberal agenda and voted against virtually everything former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government proposed in the Commons.

Scheer said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre forced Carney to backtrack on the consumer carbon tax and he might be able to get this new Liberal government to roll over on some other measures, including Bill C-5, which expanded the availability of conditional sentences, allowing some convicted criminals to serve time under house arrest; and Bill C-75, which required judges to release some people charged with a crime on bail at the "earliest reasonable opportunity" and with the "least onerous conditions."

Those bills were targeted by Poilievre during the election as he made a tough-on-crime agenda the centrepiece of his pitch to voters, especially in the closing days of the campaign.

Those bills helped "flood our communities with dangerous and repeat offenders," Scheer said, and a good faith move by Carney to make changes to those bills could garner Conservative support.

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At his first news conference as prime minister last week, Carney said he will tackle the surge in violent crime. The Liberals dropped seats in suburban Toronto, where the Conservatives say the issue resonated with voters.

Carney said his government will "strengthen Canadian law enforcement," by hiring at least 1,000 more RCMP officers and giving police "more tools to fight crime."

"We will toughen the Criminal Code and bail laws for those threatening the safety of Canadians, including making bail harder to get," he told reporters Friday.

The Conservative caucus will meet Tuesday on Parliament Hill to discuss last week's election results and chart a path forward now that the party finds itself back on the Opposition benches.

"Of course we're disappointed," Scheer said of the election result. "We need to get together and find out what we need to do to win going forward and finish the journey that we started."

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Scheer is seen as a top contender to temporarily lead the Opposition in the House of Commons, after Poilievre lost his own seat in last Monday's vote. By law, the leader of the Official Opposition must be a sitting MP.

Scheer downplayed the interim role, saying Poilievre will be back in Parliament soon given a Alberta Conservative MP, Damien Kurek, has agreed to step aside to let the leader run in a byelection. Carney has promised to call one at the earliest possible opportunity.

"The short-term absence in the House will be resolved, and it will basically be no time at all. So that's very encouraging. I think that'll help lift everyone's spirits on Tuesday," he said.

The Saskatchewan MP and former party leader said there is no movement afoot to get rid of Poilievre, even after he failed to unseat the Liberals.

WATCH | Scheer says Poilievre will remain Conservative leader:

Poilievre has the loyalty of the party's base and caucus because he didn't "flip-flop" on the Conservative policies during the election, Scheer said.

"He kept his word to the Conservative movement. That's who Pierre is. He's a fighter. He's going to learn from this experience, where we're going to get together as a team and identify what  we need to improve on for the next time," he said.

As for what the party might need to do differently in the next election to depose the Liberals, Scheer said the collapse of the NDP has changed the political dynamic in this country and the Conservatives may have to adjust their campaign strategy as a result.

"Are we moving close to two-party competition in the next election? That's one of the things we've got to figure out very quickly," he said.
Metsa Fibre to Start Negotiations on Possible Temporary Layoffs in Joutseno and Rauma Pulp Mills

May 6, 2025 - Metsa Fibre said that it will start change negotiations on possible temporary layoffs at the Joutseno and Rauma pulp mills in Finland, and the Rauma sawmill.

The negotiations involve the entire personnel of these production facilities, a total of approximately 465 people.

Joutseno pulp mill has the capacity to produce 690,000 tonnes per year of northern bleached softwood pulp, which is commonly used in the production of most paper, paperboard and tissue products.

Rauma pulp mill has the capacity to produce 650,000 tonnes per year of softwood pulp.

Metsa Fibre explained the change negotiations are used to prepare for the temporary need to restrict production due to the order backlog and the weakened market situation.

Metsa Group's CEO, Ilkka Hamala, in the Group's first quarter 2025 earnings summary (April 29), noted overcapacity in both pulp and folding boxboard markets is a concern.

"Market development of the pulp business is affected by the uncertainties concerning China's economy, and the increased capacity of eucalyptus pulp  The folding boxboard market continues to be disturbed by the significant overcapacity of corresponding qualities from Asian producers. The market situation for coated linerboard was normal. The US tariffs announced after the reporting period are creating uncertainty in delivery estimates," Hamala said.

According to Metsa Fibre. any layoffs would last for a maximum of 90 days and could be implemented in several cycles by the end of December 2025. The allocation, amounts and dates of layoffs will be specified during 2025.

Change negotiations will begin in week 20 (begins Monday, May 12) and are expected to last for two weeks.

Metsa Fibre, a member of the Metsa Group, is a leading producer of wood-based bioproducts, such as pulp, sawn timber, biochemicals and?bioenergy. The company produces pulp and bioproducts at four mills and sawn timber products at four sawmills in Finland.

SOURCE: Metsa Fibre
We conducted a very good series of lengthy and substantial interviews today at the Church History Library, which sits directly to the east of the Conference Center, directly to the northeast of Temple Square. The interviews, of course, are for the Interpreter Foundations forthcoming series of short video features, which are being produced under the title of Becoming Brigham.

Our first was with Matthew Godfrey, the Senior Managing Historian for Outreach and Engagement in the Church History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He holds a PhD in American and public history from Washington State University. The focus was on the Missouri period of Latter-day Saint history, on Zions Camp, and the early calling of the Twelve.

Our second interview was with Brett Dowdle, who was a historian with the Joseph Smith Papers project and who continues to work in the Church History Department in Salt Lake City. He holds a BA and an MA in history from Brigham Young University and a PhD in American history from Texas Christian University.

Our third and last interview was with Brent Rogers, who is also a veteran of the Joseph Smith Papers project and who serves on the staff of the Church History Department. A specialist in nineteenth-century American history, he earned his doctorate from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. This third interview concentrated largely on Brigham Young and the mission of the Twelve to England.

Newly up today on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: Interpreter Radio Show  April 27, 2025, including Doctrine and Covenants in Context  That Which Is of God Is Light covering D&C 49-50

For the 27 April 2025 episode of the Interpreter Radio Show, John Thompson and Martin Tanner hosted a special guest, Loren Spendlove, during the first hour. They discussed Lorens recent article in Interpreter and the Come, Follow Me Doctrine & Covenants lesson for 19-25 May covering D&C 49 and 50. Their conversation was recorded and has been edited to remove commercial breaks. Now, we make it available for your listening pleasure, at your convenience.. The Interpreter Radio Show can be heard weekly on Sunday evenings, from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640. Or, alternatively, you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com.

In a recent entry here (see Book of Mormon Anachronisms?), I called attention to the first installment of Matt Ropers monograph-length treatment of a major category of arguments against the historical credibility of the Book of Mormon. Ive been looking forward to this publication for quite some time now, and I hope that it will result in some serious discussion  and, perhaps, even some significant persuasion.

I noticed one strand of critical response almost immediately, however, that didnt altogether surprise me but did nonetheless manage to disappoint.

Let me first point out that deciding whether or not an answer is a good one depends upon properly identifying the question that it purports to answer. For example, four is a very good answer to the question What is the sum of two plus two? But its a poor answer to the question What is the value of pi? Likewise, Paris is an excellent answer to the question What is the capital of France? but its not so good if its taken to answer the question What is the capital of Japan?

This should, of course, be painfully obvious. Its utterly elementary.

Unfortunately, some of the initial critical responses to the first installment of Matt Ropers work presume that hes attempting to answer the question What is the best evidence for the Book of Mormon? But, clearly, hes not. Rather, hes offering an answer to the question What is the current state of evidence regarding alleged anachronisms in the book?

It often seems to me that some people try very, very hard not to understand what theyre reading. This, Im afraid, is one of those cases.

Ive noticed recent claims online that the highly political work of the ardently pro-Trump Latter-day Saint painter Jon McNaughton reflects exceptionally passionate support among Latter-day Saints for Mr. Donald J. Trump.

I dunno. Its possible, I suppose. I dont, personally, own any work by Jon McNaughton. From where Im sitting at the moment, I can see (among other things) an icon of the Holy Family from Bethlehem, a Turkish mosaic of the Tree of Life, and a wall-hanging designed by our close Egyptian friend Elhamy Naguib, but nothing by Jon McNaughton. In our main hallway, we have several prints of Norwegian landscapes by Nikolai Astrup and a framed copy of the Papyrus of Ani. There are a number of art objects hanging in our bedroom, including a large print (from the Osterreichische Galerie Belvedere, in Vienna) of Gustav Klimts Der Kuss, of which were especially fond. But nothing by Jon McNaughton. And, to the best of my recollection  though Im certainly open to correction on this point  Ive never seen anything by Jon McNaughton in any Latter-day Saint home that Ive visited. Not even, as one critic has suggested, hanging alongside images of Joseph Smith and President Nelson. Ive seen works by Brian Kershisnik in Latter-day Saint homes. (We have one, too.) And works by Minerva Teichert and Jorge Cocco Santangelo. But nothing, thus far, by Jon McNaughton.

Obviously, many Latter-day Saints have supported Donald Trump  or, at least, have opposed Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. (I opposed Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton.) But are Latter-day Saints exceptionally devoted to Mr. Trump?

Here is a table of the percentage of the ballots cast by Utah voters for Republican presidential candidates in the past fourteen national elections, extending over fifty-two years. It should be readily apparent that the Republican figures for the three most recent presidential elections  the three elections in which Mr. Trump was the Republican Partys nominee  are noticeably lower than all but two of the other eleven. And its notable that the two election years in which the Republican vote fell lowest in Utah are both years in which H. Ross Perot mounted unusually significant third-party candidacies that substantially cut into Utahs Republican vote but plainly had less impact on the states Democratic turnout:

1972 (67.6%)

1976 (62.4%)

1980 (72.8%)

1984 (74.5%)

1988 (66.2%)

1992 (43.4%)

1996 (54.4%)

2000 (66.8%)

2004 (71.5%)

2008 (62.6%)

2012 (72.8%)

2016 (45.5%)

2020 (58.1%)

2024 (59.4%)

To me, while the data above clearly demonstrate Utah to be a reliably Republican state, they fail to suggest an exceptional Utah surge toward Mr. Trump in particular.

But, of course, such numbers offer only a rather crude approximation of Latter-day Saint attitudes toward Mr. Trump. The voters of Utah arent all Latter-day Saints, and most Latter-day Saints dont live in Utah. In fact, most Latter-day Saints dont even live in the United States. And yet, presumably, relatively few Latter-day Saints living in Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Tonga, or Peru voted for Mr. Trump.

We plainly need to confine our investigation to Latter-day Saints who are citizens of the United States. Perhaps there are better surveys to indicate an exceptional passion for Mr. Trump among Latter-day Saint voters. If so, I would like to see them.

A final observation: As is well known, a third-party presidential candidate also played a role in the 2016 election, which marked the first of Donald Trumps Republican nominations. That candidate was Evan McMullin, and he garnered a substantial proportion of Utahs presidential ballots. It is worthy of note that he is a Latter-day Saint, and that several of the most notable Republican opponents of Mr. Trumps candidacy (e.g.. Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona and the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney) were also Latter-day Saints. Moreover, in the 22 March 2016 Utah presidential caucus, the results were as follows:

Ted Cruz (69.2%)

John Kasich (16.8%)

Donald J. Trump (14.0%)

It seems difficult to read such numbers and such opposition as representing a particular Latter-day Saint affinity for Mr. Trump.

Its time now, though, to brace yourself for yet another horror from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File: The Church of Jesus Christ Provides Earthquake Relief in Myanmar: Thousands of survivors remain displaced How long must such outrages be tolerated?
Smaller Surfaces have finally arrived. Microsoft is announcing smaller, less powerful revisions of the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop, all built around a more conservative version of Qualcomms battery-sipping Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip.

Smaller doesnt necessarily mean dramatically cheaper, however. And while earlier reports said Microsoft would ship both devices with 12-inch screens, thats not quite what were getting.

The new $899 13-inch Surface Laptop is very similar to the existing 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7, which actually ships for as low as $999.99 with a Snapdragon X Plus chip inside. Meanwhile, the smaller 12-inch Surface Pro will cost as little as $799.99, below the $999.99 Microsoft charges for its existing 13-inch Surface Pro 11 with a Snapdragon X Plus inside. As youll see below, youre getting a lot less.

Whats new? The smaller sizes, of course, plus new colorways like Ocean and Violet, and a special Slate color for the Surface Pro. The Pro features yet another redesigned keyboard, while the Laptops chief selling point is a 16-hour battery life (23 hours for video playback) that Microsoft says is its longest yet. Microsoft is also using these Copilot+ PCs and the X Plus chips 45 TOPS as showcases for AI technologies like Recall, Click to Do, and its improved semantic search capabilities, while promising even new AI-powered features for the future  like agentic AI.

Microsoft is also waving goodbye to the Surface Connect port, the iconic magnetic power connector that defined Surfaces for a decade. Now, Surface is using USB-C ports only for charging and expansion, though theres an extra USB-A port on the Laptop for legacy connections.

Its hard to look at those prices and not think tariffs, though thats not the word Microsoft executives are focusing upon. We think that these new Surface Pro and Surface Laptops are for a set of customers for whom affordability is going to be important, Pavan Davuluri, the corporate vice president for Windows and Devices, told reporters.

Tariffs are a moving target for us, Davuluri said. We dont have good information yet to share about where were going to land on the topic of tariffs, he added.

Keep in mind, too, that these new devices straddle the commercial and consumer markets. Microsoft executives said that these devices will eventually be offered to businesses, but appear to be sold to just consumers for now. (Only Windows 11 Home is offered, and not Windows 11 Pro.) A Surface Laptop in Violet is probably more suited to a classroom rather than a boardroom, anyway.

Surface Laptop 13-inch: cutting corners

At 0.61 inches thick and 2.7 pounds, the 13-inch Surface Laptop is the thinnest and lightest Surface Laptop Microsoft has ever created, executives said, with the longest battery life. The existing 13.8-inch Surface Laptop, also with an Snapdragon X Plus chip inside it, weighs 2.96 pounds, while the 15-inch Surface Laptop weighs 3.67 pounds. But Microsoft cut some corners to achieve the low price and smaller display size.

First, theres the processor. Both X Plus chips are not the same: The existing 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7 includes a 10-core X Plus chip; the new 13-inch Surface Laptop offers an 8-core X Plus chip instead.

Microsofts new Surface Laptop (13-inch) in various color options: Platinum, Ocean, and Violet. Microsoft

Microsoft appears to be offering a single processor option with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, but the choice of either 256GB or 512GB of removeable storage. Only the 256GB SSD is removeable; the 512GB model uses whats known as Universal Flash Storage, a lower-power option that in this case appears to be soldered on to the motherboard.

Its easy to wonder where the new 13-inch Surface Laptop will fit into Microsofts existing Surface clamshell laptop lineup, too. The Surface Laptop Go 3 fizzled out in 2023, though the $799 ($999 as tested) clamshell with a 12.4-inch display certainly lives on in spirit inside the new 13-inch Surface Laptop. Physically, too! The new Surface Laptop carries over the fingerprint sensor that was embedded in the Surface Laptop Gos power button.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 was known for its sub-1080p display. The 13-inch Surface Laptop doesnt go that far, but it offers a 1920 x 1280 display. Thats fine or even better than what you might expect on some cheaper laptops, given the small screen size, but the 178 PPI it offers pales in comparison to the 2304 x 1536 (201 PPI) the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop delivers. The larger Surface Laptops display also puts out 600 nits of rated brightness with a refresh rate up to 120Hz; on the 13-inch, expect 400 nits of brightness with a basic 60Hz-refresh rate instead on the newest 13-inch model.

The Surface Laptop (13-inch) in Ocean. Microsoft

Microsoft refers to the two external USB-C ports as capable of DisplayPort 1.4a with support for up to two 4K displays at 60Hz, but stops short of calling them USB4 or Thunderbolt ports. Theres also a USB-A (USB 3.1) legacy port, too. As noted above, the Surface Connector is gone, which means that you wont be able to use Surface chargers from earlier laptops any more. Inside the laptop is Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth Core 5.4, however.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch: specifications

Display: 13-inch PixelSense (1920 x 1280 (178 PPI), strengthened glass ) up to 60Hz and 10-point multitouch

13-inch PixelSense (1920 x 1280 (178 PPI), strengthened glass ) up to 60Hz and 10-point multitouch Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno

Qualcomm Adreno NPU: Qualcomm Hexgaon (45 TOPS)

Qualcomm Hexgaon (45 TOPS) Memory: 16, 32GB LPDDR5X

16, 32GB LPDDR5X Storage: 256GB SSD, 512GB UFS

256GB SSD, 512GB UFS Ports: 2 USB-C (USB 3.2 w/DisplayPort 1.4a), USB-A 3.1

2 USB-C (USB 3.2 w/DisplayPort 1.4a), USB-A 3.1 Security: Camera (Windows Hello), Fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 chip

Camera (Windows Hello), Fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 chip Camera: 1080p (user-facing) with Windows Studio Effects and Windows Hello

1080p (user-facing) with Windows Studio Effects and Windows Hello Battery: 23 hours video playback; 16 hours Web browsing

23 hours video playback; 16 hours Web browsing Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Core 5.4

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Core 5.4 Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 in.

11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 in. Weight: 2.7 pounds

2.7 pounds Color: Platinum, Ocean, Violet

Platinum, Ocean, Violet Price: $899 and up

Surface Pro 12-inch: a new keyboard complements a cheaper look

Microsofts revamped 12-inch Surface Pro is interesting, in part because Microsoft sells the 13-inch Surface Pro with an LCD display, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $799.99  or did, as Microsofts site currently lists it as being sold out. Now, Microsoft is offering the 12-inch Surface Pro at the same minimum price.

Again, its not the same Surface as its predecessors. It too uses the downgraded processor, and the 2196 x 1464 offers a lower pixel density (220 PPI vs 267 PPI) than the existing Surface Pro. Its protected by strengthened glass, without any mention of Gorilla Glass. As you might expect, the former OLED option has gone missing. However, the refresh rate isnt 60Hz, but 90Hz, which is a cut above what you might expect at the low end.

The Surface Pro (12-inch) in Violet, with a new dedicated keyboard. Microsoft

Microsoft is offering a configuration with just 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, like the Surface Pro, and the a removeable 256GB of storage or 512GB of UFS storage soldered down. Microsofts port choice mimics the Surface Laptop, too, as do the wireless options.

The Surface Pros camera quality decreases, too. Unfortunately, the user-facing camera is now just a generic 1080p option with Windows Hello, instead of the 1440p option Microsoft offered before. Support for AI-powered Windows Studio Effects is still offered, however.

Microsoft also adjusted the keyboard yet again. A 13-inch Surface Pro would demand its own keyboard, but Microsoft hasnt chosen to follow the almost ludicrous connectivity of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. Instead, Microsoft describes the 13-inch Surface Pro keyboard as one that folds completely flat with the Surface Pro for easier inking and typing, and that features a customizable precision touchpad with adaptive touch mode.

The new Surface Pro can be used with the Surface Slim Pen 2, which now charges when clipped to the back of the tablet.

The Microsoft Surface Pro (13-inch) tablet. Microsoft

The Surface Pro contains 82.9-percent recycled content in the enclosure and is the first Pro to contain 100-percent recycled cobalt in the battery cell, Microsoft added.

Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch: specifications

Display: 12-inch PixelSense (2196 x 1464, 220 PPI, strengthened glass ) up to 90Hz with dynamic refresh rate and 10-point multitouch

12-inch PixelSense (2196 x 1464, 220 PPI, strengthened glass ) up to 90Hz with dynamic refresh rate and 10-point multitouch Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno

Qualcomm Adreno NPU: Qualcomm Hexgaon (45 TOPS)

Qualcomm Hexgaon (45 TOPS) Memory: 16, 32GB LPDDR5X

16, 32GB LPDDR5X Storage: 256GB SSD, 512GB UFS

256GB SSD, 512GB UFS Ports: 2 USB-C (USB 3.2 w/DisplayPort 1.4a), 1 Surface Keyboard Port

2 USB-C (USB 3.2 w/DisplayPort 1.4a), 1 Surface Keyboard Port Security: Camera (Windows Hello), NFC/smartcard reader; TPM 2.0 chip

Camera (Windows Hello), NFC/smartcard reader; TPM 2.0 chip Camera: 1080p (user-facing) with Windows Studio Effects and Windows Hello, 10MP rear-facing

1080p (user-facing) with Windows Studio Effects and Windows Hello, 10MP rear-facing Battery: 16 hours video playback; 12 hours Web browsing

16 hours video playback; 12 hours Web browsing Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Core 5.4

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Core 5.4 Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 Home Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 in.

10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 in. Weight: 1.5 pounds without accessories

1.5 pounds without accessories Color: Platinum, Ocean, Violet

Platinum, Ocean, Violet Price: $799 and up

$799 and up Optional accessories: Surface Slim Pen 2, $90 on sale at Amazon

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the minimum prices of the existing Surface Pro 11th Edition ($999.99) and the Surface Laptop 7th Edition ($999.99). One part of the story also incorrectly stated that the new devices would ship with Windows 10 Home. They will ship with Windows 11 Home instead.
Computer, do this. Its been one future that sci-fi has promised since Star Trek. Microsoft now says that that future is arriving, at least within a small corner of Windows 11.

Microsoft is promising that youll be able to use natural language to change aspects of your Windows 11 Settings menu, and Windows will go out and make those changes for you using agents, or small bits of AI that will work on your behalf  at least if you own a Copilot+ PC with an AI-accelerating NPU onboard.

Microsoft has begun to use its Surface devices as a showcase for its latest software, and the new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro are no exception. Theyll serve as launch vehicles for Windows Recall, semantic search, and Click-to-Do, but also brand new features like agentic AI and relighting features for Photos, object editing and sticker generation for Paint, and more.

Microsoft announced these changes alongside a smaller Surface Laptop and Surface Prowhich unfortunately break a decades worth of charger compatibility by moving wholesale to USB-C.

Agentic AI comes to Windows

The unexpected addition to Microsofts AI stable is an AI agent that will manage individual settings within Windows, Microsoft said. This is something Microsoft originally promised Copilot would offer, but the technology never progressed past simple tasks like turning on dark mode. Microsoft then pulled the feature back, with the feature providing guides in how to do what you wanted, rather than actually performing the task for you.

The agentic search capability feels more what people may have hoped for when they heard of the concept of AI within Windows. Now, youll be able to tell Windows 11s Settings what to do with natural language, according to Microsoft, and Settings will either tell you what to do  or, with your permission  actually perform the action for you. In the examples Microsoft is showing, fixing it might require one or more actions.

Notice how the term Fix It is being used here. Microsoft

It wont just be a few things, either. Microsoft is promising that youll be able to manage thousands of individual settings using this agentic AI.

Today marks the next chapter in our AI journey, unlocking even more experiences that take your productivity, creativity and connection to the next level, said Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences. We believe that technology should work alongside you, enabling you to do more.

Microsoft is showing off an agent, where a user complains about a problem and the AI fixes it. Microsoft

AI upgrades to Paint, Photos, and Snipping Tool

The new Relight AI feature within Photos is a bit on the subtle side. If youre an average photographer, you know that lighting can make or break a photo; a backlit shot, for example, may cast the subject into shadow. Now, Photos will allow you to create multiple AI-generated lighting sources, and place them in your photo, controlling their brightness and color. Dont think of these as floating spheres of light. Instead, this feature will simulate what would happen if you used various types of actual lights, placing them around the room (and out of frame) to light your photos subject.

I still dont know why Microsoft continues to divide specific functions inside Paint and Photos into separate tools, but it is. In Paint, Microsoft is adding Object Select.

This feels a bit more like the Magic Eraser object editing features that Google has added, or that you can specify within Photoshop. In any case, Object Select promises to allow you to add generative add, erase, and fill capabilities to a specific object, rather than part of the scene. Its the difference between trying to manually brush out a tractor from a countryside scene, and allowing AI to identify and then remove the tractor in one fell swoop.

An example of the new AI-powered lighting app within Photos. Microsoft

It feels like that same technology is being adapted to the Windows Snipping Tool, too. Microsoft is saying that this updated Snipping Tool can interpret the intent of what youre trying to capture, possibly minimizing the time it might take for you to grab the perfect snip.

Microsoft is also adding a sticker generator to Paint, which feels a lot like the memoji found within iOS, but without the ability to animate. Youll be able to cut and paste these new stickers into various chats and other apps, Microsoft promises. (That almost certainly implies that a dedicated sticker creator is coming to Teams, eventually.)

The new sticker generator for Paint. Microsoft

Microsoft also appears to be committing to the upgraded Start menu that includes the Phone Link sidebar. Microsoft first previewed this feature last June, but began showing it off in the context of both Android and iPhones this January. Essentially, this sidebar serves as a dashboard for the phone you have in your pocket: how many messages and unanswered calls you have waiting, and (in the case of Android) a quick shortcut to photos you may have snapped with your phone, too.

Microsoft executives also alluded to new features which are coming, too, which will include updates to the Microsoft Store, AI actions within File Explorer, and Microsoft Edge Game Assist, which can serve as a help guide while you game.

Microsofts updated Start menu for Windows 11 includes a small dashbar for your phone, too. Microsoft

How real is all this?

At this point its hard to say how near these features are to becoming reality. Microsoft tends to test new features slowly, and tends to roll them out first for Copilot+ PCs running on Qualcomms Arm processor. Thats a thin slice of the available PC market.

Microsoft has steadily announced the progression of Recall, the improved search, and Click-to-Do, from their announcement a year ago to trials on Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon chip, to an expansion to Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel chips inside. Microsoft hasnt said anything about how the additional, brand-new features will deploy, but theyll probably be on a conservative timeline, too.

Its also worth noting that Microsoft announced another intriguing AI feature, Copilot Vision, about a month ago. I have yet to be able to make it work in a usable form. Any new AI features should probably move forward at a similarly slow pace.

Smaller features, though, like Relight, tend to deploy more quickly. Its important to note that Microsoft hasnt announced any timelines for these features, but Id expect Microsoft to deploy its smaller tweaks to Paint and Photos before the more significant updates to Settings debut.

This story was updated at 7:33 AM PT with additional details.
Any sufficient accumulation of wealth can make someone a target for crime, and cryptocurrency has been a popular tool for scammers thanks to its anonymous possibilities. Those two factors appear to be combining in disturbing ways in a wave of kidnappings and ransoms in western Europe. Wealthy crypto investors are now being singled out for kidnappings, according to police.

A report from The Guardian (via PCGamer) says that a man was abducted on the streets of Paris last Thursday, with masked attackers forcing him into a van and then holding him captive until police rescued him on Saturday. Five men were arrested at the house after a raid, but unfortunately the unnamed victim had a finger cut off in a rather cliche ransom attempt. The kidnappers were apparently trying to extort his sona crypto-millionairebefore the scheme fell apart.

Two other crypto-driven kidnappings have occurred in France, one in January and one in December, both times with the victim recovered by police after raids and with some significant distress. Similar stories have occurred in Spain and Belgium, again, with the victims recovered by police and at least some kidnappers arrested.

Cryptocurrency is a unique variable in this pattern of wealthy kidnappings and ransoms. Though cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are easily trackable via public blockchain ledgers, the holders of the currency themselves can be anonymous, leading to its popularity as a method for fraud, money laundering, and other crime. Its possiblethough by no means easy or straightforwardto move cryptocurrency into conventional wealth and evade law enforcement, especially over international borders.

The cryptocurrency boom seems to be over now that mining crypto, which is essentially the process of turning electricity into digital wealth, is no longer as profitable as it once was. But the accumulations of wealth via cryptocurrency are still very much in the spotlight, attracting criminals to take advantage of less-informed investors via old-fashioned pump-and-dump schemes with a fresh coat of paint.

Cryptocurrency is also a favorite tool of romance scams, with victims lured into putting real money into fake coins via the promise of investment gains in a system called pig butchering. These organized crime setups are doubly disturbing, as they require huge operations that often use kidnapping and forced labor in developing countries.
Bill and Sandra Barlow of Milton, Ont., were on a dream vacation when they learned someone had stolen their Air Canada flight credit for their trip home. (Craig Chivers/CBC - image credit)

An Ontario couple says Air Canada failed to protect them and then blamed them after their flight was mysteriously cancelled and the credit used to buy a business class ticket to Tokyo  for someone they'd never met.

Bill and Sandra Barlow spent more than a year saving for their dream trip to South and Central America, which was a 75th birthday celebration for Bill.

The Milton, Ont., couple used travel points and cash  just over $5,000 in total  to book their return flights in business class.

But on Nov. 17, just two days before they were scheduled to fly home, they got an unsettling surprise when they called Air Canada to check on their return flights. Someone had cancelled them.

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"Absolutely flabbergasted," Sandra told Go Public. "How does something like that happen?"

Even more baffling, they say the airline told them the theft was the couple's fault  claiming the couple's email had been hacked and that they had failed to secure their Air Canada Wallet, something they didn't even know they had.

The travel credit in that digital wallet was used to book a flight for a stranger  who told Go Public the airline never contacted her during its investigation into the theft.

WATCH | Air Canada blames Ontario couple left stranded after travel credit hacked:

"It just seems so absurd," said Bill.

Air Canada quietly launched the digital wallet in June 2023. According to its website, it's meant to securely hold travel credits for Aeroplan members, but the Barlows say they were never told about the feature  and never activated or used it.

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Cybersecurity expert Claudiu Popa says the Barlows' experience suggests a potential weak spot in Air Canada's online security, and wonders how the airline can blame the couple when the credit was ultimately stolen from Air Canada's own system.

"It does sound like it was a co-ordinated and very well thought out attack, which is why I certainly would be concerned if I were Air Canada," said Popa, who advises the government and companies on cybersecurity and cybercrime.

"It begs the question  how many other customers may be sitting ducks?"

Cybersecurity and privacy expert Claudiu Popa says the Barlows case raises issues of transparency and accountability, leading him to question whether other Air Canada customers could be 'sitting ducks.' (Submitted by Claudiu Popa)

No help, no answers

The Barlows say their frustration only grew when Air Canada wouldn't tell them what steps were taken in their case, or how it came to blame them for the theft.

"We asked them what information they had found out," Sandra said. "We were totally brushed off."

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The airline gave Go Public more information, blaming a hack of the couple's personal email account.

Air Canada told Go Public that hackers had accessed the Barlows' email, then used the "forgot password" option to get into their Aeroplan account and steal their credit  all while intercepting the airline's messages to the couple.

"No organization can, nor should it reasonably be expected to accept liability for the security of the personal email accounts of all its customers," the airline wrote in an email to Go Public. "Our terms and conditions  set out these limitations very clearly."

The Barlows say Air Canada told them the theft was the couple's fault. They say they were told that their email had been hacked and that they had failed to secure their Air Canada Wallet, something they didn't even know they had. (Jonathan Castell/CBC)

But cybersecurity expert Popa says that explanation doesn't add up, noting there's no proof the couple's email was hacked  and the credit was ultimately stolen from Air Canada's own system.

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"This is a very confident statement that sounds like Air Canada has visibility into the customer's email account," he said, adding the only way the airline could say an email breach is to blame for certain, is if it had access to the Barlows' email account, which it doesn't.

Go Public asked Air Canada to provide the evidence it has that shows the couple's personal email was hijacked by cybercriminals. It refused, saying only that it does not discuss its "procedures related to fraud  to maintain the integrity of these procedures."

"I just can't understand how they would have knowledge, or proof, or whatever, that my email has been used by someone else," Bill said.

Go Public tracks down mysterious stranger

When the Barlows first called Air Canada for help, they say they were told their travel credit had been used to book a flight to Tokyo. The name on that ticket was someone the couple didn't know.

When Go Public asked, the airline wouldn't say if its investigation included efforts to track down the criminal or criminals who took the flight credit  or if it looked into the woman whose name was on the ticket issued using the stolen credit.

So Go Public tracked her down in Las Vegas.

Air Canada wouldn't tell Go Public if its investigation included efforts to track down the criminal or criminals who took the flight credit  or if it looked into the woman whose name was on the ticket issued using the stolen credit. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

The woman confirmed she took an Air Canada flight to Tokyo, and says she booked the flight through a local travel agent, paying about $5,000 for it with her credit card  but wouldn't provide proof of payment or the agent's name.

She says no one from Air Canada ever contacted her to ask why her name was on a ticket purchased using stolen credit.

"Bottom line I don't care to know what happened," the woman wrote in an email to Go Public, "I paid whatever I needed to pay and it's been nearly a year."

All of this points to big holes in Air Canada's investigation, say the Barlows.

"It's very disappointing. They took two months before responding to the complaint," Bill said. "So you would expect that if they'd taken all of that time, that they would have done some more thorough investigation."

Airline refuses to answer other key questions

Aside from the airline's refusal to disclose how it came to the conclusion that the Barlows' personal email was hacked, or how the couple can be blamed for failing to secure a digital wallet they didn't know they had, Air Canada also didn't answer key questions from CBC News, including:

How many customers have reported Air Canada Wallet-related fraud.

Whether it has tested the system for security flaws.

Why stronger ID checks aren't required for password resets tied to stored credits.

Why it allows important alerts  like ticket cancellations or Wallet use  to be sent only via email when it knows the risks.

"I wouldn't trust the security of the Air Canada Wallet," said Popa, pointing to the airline's refusal to say if the system has been security tested.

He also noted that there have been past security breaches, including one in 2018 involving the airline's app that exposed data from 20,000 customers, and another in 2023 where hackers accessed employee information.

Air Canada said that the Barlows' situation is unrelated to any security issue on the airline's side.

Popa isn't so sure.

"I have yet to see any evidence of security testing or substantiated claims of compliance with data protection standards," he said.

The Barlows ended up having to purchase return flights home at an additional cost. (Submitted by Bill and Sandra Barlow)

Stranded in Central America, the couple had no choice but to buy new return tickets.

With only two days until departure, they paid nearly $2,800 for economy seats  a far cry from the business class flights they'd originally booked.

Those seats, says Bill, would have cost them close to $9,000 if they'd tried to rebook at the last minute.

Submit your story ideas

Go Public is an investigative news segment on CBC-TV, radio and the web.

We tell your stories, shed light on wrongdoing and hold the powers that be accountable.

If you have a story in the public interest, or if you're an insider with information, contact gopublic@cbc.ca with your name, contact information and a brief summary. All emails are confidential until you decide to Go Public.

Read more stories by Go Public.

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The Harvard University logo is displayed on a building at the school, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

By Collin Binkley and Jocelyn Gecker, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  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 administrations demands, setting up a closely watched clash in Trumps 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. It applies to federal research grants and not federal financial aid students receive to help cover tuition and fees.

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.

The administration has demanded a series of changes to campus policy, including reforms to crack down on protesters and pursue more viewpoint diversity among faculty.

In a letter Monday to Harvards 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.

Harvards president has previously said he will not bend to governments demands. The university sued to halt its funding freeze last month.

Harvards suit called the funding freeze arbitrary and capricious, saying it violated its First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

A sculler rows down the Charles River near Harvard University, at rear, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

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 grants and student loans.

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.
York Regional Police have released images of a male suspect in connection with a March 6 home invasion in Aurora. (Credit: York Regional Police)

A thug who forced his way into a home in Aurora attempted to restrain a female occupant and assaulted a second victim, police have alleged.

York Regional Police released an image of a male suspect, who allegedly fled the home without making any demands or stealing anything.

Both victims suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries during the March 2025 home invasion in the Murray Dr.-Kennedy St. area.

Police urged anyone with information to call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630.

Oshawa stabbing

Durham Regional Police have released a photo of a male suspect wanted in connection with an April 29 stabbing in Oshawa. (DRPS

Police are searching for a suspect after finding a man in Oshawa with a stab wound to his arm.

Durham Regional Police said officers found the wounded man after responding April 29, around 3:45 p.m., to a report about an armed person in the Park Rd.-Adelaide Ave.

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He was transported to a Toronto area hospital where medical personnel treated his injuries.

The suspect fled prior to the arrival of police.

Recommended video

Extortion probe

Harpal Singh, 34, Rajnoor Singh, 20, and Eknoor Singh, 22, all of Brampton. were charged with extortion following an April 30 shooting at a Brampton business (Peel Regional Police).

Three men have been accused of extortion following a shooting in Brampton.

Peel Regional Police said a Queen St.-Kennedy Rd. area business was shot at April 20 while no one was inside the building.

Police alleged the victim began receiving messages from an unknown individual making demands for money.

Our investigators are relentless, and we will use every tool available at our disposal to identify, arrest, and hold those who commit these offences accountable, said Deputy Chief Marc Andrews in a statement.

Harpal Singh, 34; Rainoor Singh, 20; and Eknoor Singh, 22  all of Brampton  are each charged with extortion.

Stolen vehicle

Two young men and three youths face charges after a group of thieves fled from a stolen car in Oakville.

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Halton Regional Police said officers spotted a stolen Honda Civic in the Ninth Line-Dundas St. area on Friday at 2:30 a.m.

Police said the stolen car fled after officers attempted to stop it.

Officers searched the area and located the vehicle disabled  it had collided with a curb  on Presquile Dr. The occupants of the vehicle had taken off.

Justin Goulbourne, 19, of North York; Laamaani Hall,19, of Etobicoke; and three boys, ages, 14, 15, and 16, are charged with possession of property obtained by crime  over $5,000. The youngest three cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
With San Francisco in the background, Alcatraz Island is pictured on Monday, May 5, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) AP

By Michael R. Sisak and Michael Balsamo, The Associated Press

Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months. More than 4,000 staff vacancies. A $3 billion repair backlog.

And now, a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!  the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago.

Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing, chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities, Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as The Rock.

Trump declared in a social media post Sunday that a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz will house the nations most ruthless and violent Offenders. It will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE, he wrote on Truth Social.

Newly appointed Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said Monday that the agency will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the Presidents agenda and that he has 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, Marshall said in a statement, echoing Trumps post. We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission.

Alcatraz was once an exemplar

Alcatraz, a 22-acre (8.9 hectare) islet with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, was once the crown jewel of the federal prison system and home to some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly.

But skyrocketing repair and supply costs compelled the Justice Department to close the prison in 1963, just 29 years after it opened, and the Bureau of Prisons has long since replaced Alcatraz with modern penitentiaries, including a maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado.

The former and perhaps future penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction and a national historic landmark. Its controlled by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, meaning the Bureau of Prisons could be in for an interagency tug of war if it tries to wrest away control of the island.

Trumps Alcatraz directive is yet another challenge for the Bureau of Prisons as it struggles to fix lingering problems while responding to the presidents priorities on incarceration and immigrant detention. The agencys mission, as redefined under Trump, includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.

The problems at the Bureau of Prisons transcend administrations and facilities.

An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons over the last few years, including widespread criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, the free flow of guns, drugs and other contraband, and severe understaffing that has hampered responses to emergencies.

Last year, then-President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency. It remains the Justice Departments largest agency, with more than 30,000 employees, 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about $8 billion, but the Trump administrations cost-cutting measures have eliminated some pay bonuses that were credited with retaining and attracting new staff.

That has resulted in long overtime shifts for some workers and the continued use of a policy known as augmentation, where prison nurses, cooks, teachers and other workers are pressed into duty to guard inmates.

Infrastructure is buckling, too. A Bureau of Prisons official told Congress at a hearing in February that more than 4,000 beds within the system  the equivalent of at least two full prisons  are unusable because of dangerous conditions like leaking or failing roofs, mold, asbestos or lead.

Deaths have plagued the federal prison system

Since mid-March, 11 federal prison inmates have died. They include David Knezevich, a 37-year-old Florida businessman who was found dead April 28 in a suspected suicide at a federal jail in Miami. He was awaiting trial on charges he kidnapped and killed his estranged wife in Spain.

And on April 24, inmate Ramadhan Jaabir Justice was killed in a fight at the federal penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana, where he was serving a nearly 11-year sentence for a conviction related to an armed robbery.

As Trump was ordering Alcatrazs reopening Sunday, correctional officers at the same Miami jail were fighting to curb the spread of tuberculosis and COVID-19, isolating inmates after they tested positive for the diseases. Last month, immigration detainees at the facility ripped out a fire sprinkler and flooded a holding cell during a lengthy intake process.

Meanwhile, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Alcatraz, the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, has sat idle for more than a year after the Bureau of Prisons cleared it of inmates in the wake of rampant sexual abuse by employees, including the warden.

In December, the agency made the closure permanent and idled six prison camps across the country to address significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources.

While Trump hails Alcatraz as a paragon of the federal prison systems cherished past, other facilities stand as reminders of its recent troubles.

They include the federal jail in Manhattan, which remains idle after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide there in 2019 exposed deep flaws in its operations, and a troubled federal lockup in Brooklyn, where 23 inmates have been charged in recent months with crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to the stabbing last month of a man convicted in the killing of hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay.
By DANICA KIRKA, The Associated Press

LONDON (AP)  Cities from London to Moscow will be awash with parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day  the day Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces.

The surrender didnt end World War II because the war against Japan continued in the Far East. However, it was a moment of celebration for the servicemen and women who battled Adolf Hitlers armies, as well as civilians across Europe who had been bombed, invaded and subjugated since the invasion of Poland in 1938.

When the surrender was announced, people poured into the streets of London, New York and Paris to celebrate in what the BBC described as a mood of thanksgiving.

Heres a look at the events leading up to V-E Day and its significance.

When is V-E Day?

While most Western countries celebrate the anniversary on May 8, thats not an easy question to answer.

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe, actually accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7, in a ceremony at Reims, France. Although the news had leaked out by that evening, the official announcement was delayed until the following day.

The U.S., Britain and France were trying to work out differences with the Soviet Union, which felt the surrender didnt recognize the sacrifices its troops had made in securing victory.

A second surrender document was signed around midnight on May 8 in Berlin, satisfying Soviet concerns. Russia celebrates what it calls Victory Day on May 9.

A vast crowd assembled in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on VE Day, May 8, 1945, cheers the Royal Family as they come out on the balcony, minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest, file) AP

The path to victory

By the time France fell to the Nazi Blitzkrieg on June 25, 1940, Hitlers forces controlled most of Europe and were threatening to invade Britain.

But the war in Europe began to turn in early 1942, when the Soviet Red Army defeated German forces attempting to take Moscow. Hitler suffered another crushing defeat in February 1943, when German forces surrendered in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Invading the Soviet Union was probably not Hitlers best idea, said Rob Citino, a retired senior historian at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

They were counterpunched in front of Moscow, and in a war that the Germans had taken very few casualties up to now they suddenly had added a million and they never recovered from it.

Then in 1944 the Western Allies and the Soviet Union launched twin offensives that forced Nazi Germany to fight for survival on two fronts. The Allies began their march across Europe with the D-Day landings in northern France on June 6, 1944. Two weeks later, the Soviets began their push toward Berlin.

As 1944 turned to 1945, victory is all but certain, Citino said. But something else is certain: Theres still a lot of soldiers, a lot of military personnel, on both sides who are going to die.

The Red Army alone lost about 3 million soldiers in 1945, or about 70,000 a day, he estimated.

The Supreme Commander, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and his party enjoy a belated V-E Day celebration during a suprise visit to London on May 15, 1945. Left to right is Lt. John Eisenhower, son of the commander, Miss Tony Porter, Eisenhower, his secretary Lt. Kay Summersby and Gen. Omar N. Bradley. (AP Photo) AP

The fall of Berlin

Soviet forces began their assault on Berlin on April 16, 1945, while the Allies were still fighting their way across western Germany.

With the city in ruins and the Red Army advancing street by street, Hitler retreated to his bunker under the Reich Chancellery, where he committed suicide on April 30. The last defenders finally surrendered on May 2.

Rolling surrenders

V-E-Day came after a series of surrenders.

The first came on April 29 at the Palace of Caserta, outside Naples, Italy where British Field Marshal Harold Alexander accepted the surrender of German and Italian forces in Italy and western Austria. Five days later, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery accepted the surrender of German forces in northwestern Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands at Luneberg Heath, south of Hamburg.

Finally, there was the unconditional surrender of all Nazi forces in Europe that was signed first at Reims and again in Berlin.

Survivors of the Nazis' Dachau concentration camp in southern Germany celebrate their liberation by U.S. troops on April 30, 1945. (Photo by picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images, file) picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

A bittersweet moment

V-E Day was a time of reflection as well as celebration.

While many people lit bonfires and threw back the blackout curtains, others thought about what they had lost. The world also had to reckon with the Holocaust after the advancing armies uncovered the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps where millions of Jews were slaughtered.

It was just a big letting off (of) steam and a massive relief for so many people, said Dan Ellin, a historian at the University of Lincoln in the U.K. But then, of course, for others, there wasnt an awful lot to celebrate. For thousands of people, the victory was tinged with a sadness because for them, their loved ones were not going to come home.

And V-E Day wasnt the end of the war. The Japanese were still fighting ferociously to defend their home against any invasion, and many Allied soldiers expected that they would be deployed to the Far East as soon as the war in Europe ended.

Everybody knows theres a big show left and the big show is going to be gigantic and its going to be bloody  ' Citino said. And I bet you every single Allied soldier in Europe, after toasting victory in Europe, they sat down and said, Im going to Japan. This isnt over yet.

Most were spared another fight when Japan surrendered on Aug. 2, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Veterans have their own thoughts on V-E Day

Dorothea Barron, 100, who served as a signaler in the Wrens, the Womens Royal Naval Service, remembers the sense of camaraderie as everyone banded together to defeat a common enemy.

Well, naturally, its something worth celebrating, because we had finally stopped the Germans from trying to get into England, she said. Because we were absolutely determined they werent going to set foot in our country, absolutely, and we would have resisted, man, woman and child.

Mervyn Kersh, also 100, said V-E Day should be a reminder to todays leaders that they must stand up to bullies and despots, wherever they may be.

You cant have peace without strength, he said. Its no good just remembering. Youve got to do something.
All five living former governors joined Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday night for a reception at the Governors Residence to help fund its restoration following the firebombing last month.
WILLIAMSPORT  The criminal case against former city of Williamsport administrator William E. Nichols Jr. is over, but its impact might be felt for years, members of City Council say.

Im glad this case is resolved, Council President Adam Yoder said after Nichols pleaded guilty Monday in Dauphin County and was placed on a years probation.

It is time to move on and deal with other issues facing the city, he said.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | May 6, 2025

A state lawmaker is demanding accountability from power companies following those prolonged outages in Western Pennsylvania. Almost 1,000 people will be out of a job after the indefinite idling of several steel plants, two of which are in the state. A bill protecting the owners of manufactured homes has moved forward. And that squiggly road got straightened out.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.
Story by Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA

This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here.
Janelle Stelson is running to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives. Provided by the League of Women

By Janelle Stelson

On April 17th, more than 100 people gathered in Harrisburg for a standing room only event to meet with their Congressman, Scott Perry. But he was a no-show.
North Texas defensive back Ridge Texada (26) is seen during an NCAA football game against Southern Methodist on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Denton, Texas. SMU won 48-10. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) AP

The Pittsburgh Steelers have invited North Texas defensive back Ridge Texada to their rookie minicamp later this week.

Texada was in rookie minicamp with the Philadelphia Eagles this past week, but did not earn a contract. Now, he will come to Pittsburgh in hopes of landing that deal.

With the Mean Green, Texada set the school record for most pass breakups with 37, when the previous record was 30. Texada started his career at McNeese State in 2020, but transferred up to North Texas in 2021, staying there for the next four seasons.

He would play in 13 games in 2021 and start in three, but 2022 was his true breakout season. Texada was named First-Team All-CUSA and led the conference with 15 pass breakups and three interceptions.

He would make All-CUSA honors the next two years as well, finishing his career with five interceptions, 140 tackles, and the most pass breakups in program history.

Texada played more in the slot in 2024 than he had previously, and at 5-foot-8, 186 pounds, that is likely where he projects in the NFL.

Texada ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his pro day, adding a 33.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-1-inch broad jump to those numbers.

The Steelers are +500 on Caesars to win the AFC North next season. Our complete list of Pennsylvania sportsbook promos will help you find a sportsbook to use.
Vehicles prepare to enter the U.S. from B.C. at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Washington, on March 5, 2025. (Credit: JASON REDMOND)

British Columbians arent visiting Washington state like they used to.

The number of people crossing the border into Washington in April fell by more than half compared with the same period last year, according to data collected by the B.C. Transportation Ministry and Washington states Department of Transportation.

Fewer than 100,000 passenger vehicles crossed south into Washington state from B.C. in April, down from over 200,000 in April 2024.

Its the second straight month that the number of people crossing from B.C. into Washington has been down. Just over 121,000 vehicles with B.C. plates crossed the border in March, compared with 216,000 in March 2024.

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Michelle McKenzie, director of marketing at Washington tourism, said there have been reports from destinations along our northern border about declining numbers of visitors from B.C.

She said hotel demand through April in the northwest of the state, which lies closest to B.C., was down nine per cent, far higher than the statewide average decline of 1.3 per cent.

Canada is Washington states top international market for tourists and the decline in cross border travel could have a significant economic impact.

In 2024, the average Canadian visitor to Washington state spent $240, McKenzie said, slightly more than the $211 spent by domestic visitors.

Canada is the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association, which warned in February that a 10 per cent reduction in Canadian travel to the U.S. could mean US$2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses.

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U.S. President Donald Trump first announced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods in February and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to spend domestically in response.

Now is the time to choose Canada  It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer, Trudeau said at the time.

In early March, Premier David Eby doubled down, urging British Columbians to avoid travel to the U.S.

Our response is also to use the market power that we have as British Columbians to send a message. Were not as big a powerful market as the United States, but there are many American jobs that depend on the purchases made by British Columbians and by Canadians, Eby said the day U.S. tariffs came into effect. If you have a choice about where to travel, avoid travelling to the United States.

In Washington state, businesses are looking to entice Canadians south of the border.

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A recently launched campaign by Seattle businesses called Open Arms for Canada hopes to draw Canadian visitors to the region by offering to take the Canadian dollar at par at participating businesses.

The logo for Open Arms for Canada, a program from Seattle-area businesses to encourage Canadian tourism during the current trade war.

Open Arms for Canadas website reads:

We love our Canadian neighbors and we regret how our federal government is treating you. We wish we could change what happens in the other Washington. What we can do is show our thanks for being here. So, were taking the Canadian dollar at par  marking 30% off your tab to account for the exchange rate. Its our way of saying, Were glad youre here and were on your side. 

McKenzie encouraged British Columbians  and all Canadians  to continue travelling to the U.S., whenever theyre ready.

Our state will always welcome Canadian travellers and is ready to celebrate their return when they are ready to visit again, she said.
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.

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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."

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.

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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.

"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.

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Some potential options could include U.S. African Command merging with U.S. European Command, which would reduce one four-star position.

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.)
Final Table Performance of the Year? Alex Goulder Dominates MPP $1,100 Mystery Bounty

Tim Baker Live Reporter Copy link

The $1,100 Mystery Bounty event at the 2025 Mediterranean Poker Party has officially wrapped up, smashing its guarantee by creating a massive prize pool of $1,496,000 from a field of 1,496 players. The action took nearly 16 hours to unfold, culminating in a thrilling final table at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.

The event saw Alex Goulder emerge as the champion, dominating the final table by eliminating seven out of the nine players. Goulders journey ended with a roller coaster heads-up battle against David Vinayagamoorthy, where he ultimately clinched the title and took home the $85,000 first-place prize.

$1,100 Mystery Bounty Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Alex Goulder United Kingdom $85,000 2 David Vinayagamoorthy Norway $58,000 3 Yilu Yuan China $42,500 4 Emad Ghadamian Iran $31,500 5 Jakub Sterba Czech Republic $23,000 6 Mekan Yusupov Turkey $17,000 7 Andrey Pateychuk Russia $13,000 8 Roman Stoika Russia $10,500 9 Mazen Halabi Lebanon $8,560

Winner's Reaction

After claiming the title, Alexander Goulder took a moment to reflect on his victory.

"I guess it still doesn't feel real," said Goulder. "The final table, for sure, was a blur. It's one of the biggest titles of the series, but when Im standing here with the trophy, it will hit."

Asked about his recovery plan after such an intense day, Goulder responded, "Sleep, but that's hard to do when you're so wired after a win like this. It's been a long day, and theres still so much more to come in the series. The plan is to just keep playing."

Looking back on his performance, Goulder was humble, saying, "I didnt think anything surprised me about myself today. I mean, when you're running well like that, the cards kind of do the work for you. Winning all-ins, knocking people out with the best hand, and even getting lucky when you dont have the best handit didnt take too much skill on my part."

Goulder also credited his supporters: "Definitely my wife and my kidswell, my baby daughter is a little too young to understand what's going on. But my son, Daniel, was cheering me on the whole way, and I had some great friends supporting me as well."

The Final Day

When the cards got in the air at noon local time, the 224 players who had made it through to Day 2 had already secured at least $800 for their efforts. However, each player had their eyes set on the top prize and the eye-popping $100,000 bounty that awaited one lucky player.

In the opening two hours, almost 60% of the field hit the rail as players took their chance to go bounty hunting. Among those on the lucky side of the bounty hunt was Mariia Aleksandrova, who pulled the largest available bounty, worth a staggering $100,000. At that point, she had already made more than what the tournament winner would earn, all thanks to selecting the right envelope.

Mariia Aleksandrova

As the field continued to dwindle down to the last two tables, Goulder built up a big stack. First, he eliminated Dzmitry Budai from the tournament. Then, thanks to a stroke of luck, cracked Mekan Yusupovs pocket aces with a backdoor flush holding ace-nine.

With the chip lead and momentum on his side, Goulder quickly shifted into overdrive, sending Naryman Yaghmaie to the rail in 11th place. It wasnt long before he burst the final table bubble, with his ace-high holding up against Salim Usmanov.

Final Table Action

As the final nine players took their seats at the live-streamed final table, Goulder quickly made his mark. He used pocket sixes to send Mazen Halabi out in ninth place. Not long after, he eliminated one of the most decorated players at the table, Roman Stoika, with a queen hitting the river to send Stoika home in eighth.

Roman Stoika

The momentum continued to shift in Goulders favor as he started to pull away from the rest. A bit of bad luck befell Andrey Pateychuk, who David Vinayagamoorthy knocked out. Then, Yusupov exited in sixth after check-shoving second pair, only to see Goulder call with a better kicker, claiming another bounty at the final table.

At this point, Goulder held over half of the chips in play and seemed nearly unstoppable. However, Emad Ghadamian wasnt about to go down quietly. After Jakub Sterba ran into his pocket aces to bust, Ghadamian and Goulder clashed, and it was Ghadamian who ended up worse off. Ghadamian check-shoved with a straight draw, but Goulder called with top pair. No help on the turn or river meant that Ghadamian was eliminated in fourth, and only three remained.

Yilu Yuan

Yilu Yuan, who had been playing tight after picking off a huge bluff from Stoika, was the next to fall. Yuans ace-eight was no match for Goulders king-seven, and with that, the tournament moved to heads-up.

Heads-Up Battle

Goulder entered heads-up with a 2:1 chip lead, but things quickly started to unravel. On the very first hand, Goulder bluffed away half of his stack with just king-high, allowing Vinayagamoorthy to claim an early advantage after calling down with second pair. It looked like Vinayagamoorthy had found a crack in Goulders game.

But Goulder quickly bounced back. After turning a flush against Vinayagamoorthys top pair, Goulder doubled up and regained the chip lead. Slowly but surely, Goulder chipped away at Vinayagamoorthys stack, grinding him down to a short stack.

Finally, Goulder shoved from the small blind with ten-eight, and Vinayagamoorthy, with just nine big blinds remaining, called with king-high. Goulder had his first opportunity to seal the winand in true Goulder style, he flopped the nuts. Vinayagamoorthy was left drawing to a chop, but by the turn, it was all over.

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Life Outside Poker: David Daneshgar on Start-Ups, AI & Private Game Cheating

Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Life Outside Poker is a podcast for PokerNews hosted by Connor Richards that seeks to pull back the curtain on poker players and allow viewers and listeners to get to know them on a personal level.

In the 27th episode, Connor talks with World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and venture capitalist David Daneshgar, who used poker winnings to launch a successful start-up that raised tens of millions. The Californian with $2.5 million in Hendon Mob earnings talks about his companies BloomNation and Whippy AI, teaching a college poker class, quitting his finance job to play poker, and getting Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss to write his letter of recommendation to business school.

Daneshgar also spoke about getting cheated in private LA games, AI in poker, and why entrepreneurs should play in poker games.

This interview was filmed in March in the new Venetian Poker Studio at Venetian Las Vegas.

The Life Outside Poker podcast is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and iHeartRadio. You can also watch the interview with David Daneshgar by heading to the PokerNews YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow David Daneshgar and Connor Richards on X.

Learn More About Life Outside Poker!

Time Topic 0:00 Intro 1:15 Memories at the Venetian 1:50 Growing up in LA 5:30 Teaching a poker class at UC Berkeley 10:38 Quitting finance job to play poker 14:34 2008 WSOP bracelet win 17:44 Jerry Buss letter of recommendation 22:29 Starting BloomNation w/ poker winnings 26:37 Whippy AI 30:09 AI and poker 33:04 Private LA games 33:47 Getting cheating in home game 34:49 Business and poker 37:21 Return to poker 38:36 Book recommendation 39:54 Advice for younger self 41:01 Favorite life lesson from poker

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The $1,100 Mystery Bounty event at the 2025 Mediterranean Poker Party has officially wrapped up, smashing its guarantee by creating a massive prize pool of $1,496,000 from a field of 1,496 players. The action took nearly 16 hours to unfold, culminating in a thrilling final table at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa.

The event saw Alex Goulder emerge as the champion, dominating the final table by eliminating seven out of the nine players. Goulders journey ended with a roller coaster heads-up battle against David Vinayagamoorthy, where he ultimately clinched the title and took home the $85,000 first-place prize.

$1,100 Mystery Bounty Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Alex Goulder United Kingdom $85,000 2 David Vinayagamoorthy Norway $58,000 3 Yilu Yuan China $42,500 4 Emad Ghadamian Iran $31,500 5 Jakub Sterba Czech Republic $23,000 6 Mekan Yusupov Turkey $17,000 7 Andrey Pateychuk Russia $13,000 8 Roman Stoika Russia $10,500 9 Mazen Halabi Lebanon $8,560

Winner's Reaction

After claiming the prestigious title, Alexander Goulder took a moment to reflect on his victory.

"I guess it still doesn't feel real," said Goulder. "The final table, for sure, was a blur. It's one of the biggest titles of the series, but when Im standing here with the trophy, it will hit."

Asked about his recovery plan after such an intense day, Goulder responded, "Sleep, but that's hard to do when you're so wired after a win like this. It's been a long day, and theres still so much more to come in the series. The plan is to just keep playing."

When questioned about his first time playing under the lights, Goulder admitted, "Its not my first time, but definitely the most successful. Ive been here before, but this is a whole new experience for me."

Alexander Goulder

Reflecting on his performance, Goulder was humble, saying, "I didnt think anything surprised me about myself today. I mean, when you're running well like that, the cards kind of do the work for you. Winning all-ins, knocking people out with the best hand, and even getting lucky when you dont have the best handit didnt take too much skill on my part."

Goulder also gave credit to his supporters, "Definitely my wife and my kidswell, my baby daughter is a little too young to understand what's going on. But my son, Daniel, was cheering me on the whole way, and I had some great friends supporting me as well."

On his history opinion of the Merit venue, he added, "This is my third or fourth time here at Merit. I love it here, even though Ive never had much success before. But I keep coming back, and this is a good start."

The Final Day

When the cards got in the air at noon local time, the 224 players who had made it through to Day 2 had already secured at least $800 for their efforts. However, each player had their eyes set on the top prize and the eye-popping $100,000 bounty that awaited one lucky player.

In the opening two hours, almost 60% of the field hit the rail as players took their chance to go bounty hunting. Among those on the lucky side of the bounty hunt was Mariia Aleksandrova, who pulled the largest available bounty, worth a staggering $100,000. At that point, she had already made more than what the tournament winner would earn, all thanks to selecting the right envelope.

Mariia Aleksandrova

As the field continued to dwindle down to the last two tables, Goulder built up a big stack. First, he eliminated Dzmitry Budai from the tournament, and then, thanks to a stroke of luck, cracked Mekan Yusupovs pocket aces with a backdoor flush holding ace-nine.

With the chip lead and momentum on his side, Goulder quickly shifted into overdrive, sending Naryman Yaghmaie to the rail in 11th place. It wasnt long before he burst the final table bubble, with his ace-high holding up against Salim Usmanovs two live cards.

Final Table Action

As the final nine players took their seats at the live-streamed final table, Goulder was quick to make his mark. He used pocket sixes to send Mazen Halabi out in ninth place. Not long after, he eliminated one of the most decorated players at the table, Roman Stoika, with a queen hitting the river to send Stoika home in eighth.

Roman Stoika

The momentum continued to shift in Goulders favor as he started to pull away from the rest. A bit of bad luck befell Andrey Pateychuk, who was knocked out by David Vinayagamoorthy. Then, Yusupov exited in sixth after check-shoving second pair, only to see Goulder call with a better kicker, claiming another bounty at the final table.

At this point, Goulder held over half of the chips in play and seemed nearly unstoppable. However, Emad Ghadamian wasnt about to go down quietly. After Jakub Sterba ran into his pocket aces to bust, Ghadamian and Goulder clashed, and it was Ghadamian who ended up worse off. Ghadamian check-shoved with a straight draw, but Goulder called with top pair. No help on the turn or river meant that Ghadamian was eliminated in fourth, and only three remained.

Yilu Yuan

Yilu Yuan, who had been playing tight after picking off a huge bluff from Stoika, was the next to fall. Yuans ace-eight was no match for Goulders king-seven, and with that, the tournament moved to heads-up.

Heads-Up Battle

Goulder entered heads-up with a 2:1 chip lead, but things quickly started to unravel. On the very first hand, Goulder bluffed away half of his stack with just king-high, allowing Vinayagamoorthy to claim an early advantage after calling down with second pair. It looked like Vinayagamoorthy had found a crack in Goulders game.

Heads-Up

But Goulder quickly bounced back. After turning a flush against Vinayagamoorthys top pair, Goulder doubled up and regained the chip lead. Slowly but surely, Goulder chipped away at Vinayagamoorthys stack, grinding him down to a short stack.

Finally, Goulder shoved from the small blind with ten-eight, and Vinayagamoorthy, with just nine big blinds remaining, called with king-high. Goulder had his first opportunity to seal the winand in true Goulder style, he flopped the nuts. Vinayagamoorthy was left drawing to a chop, but by the turn, it was all over.

Goulder had done it. He was the 2025 Mystery Bounty Champion. Be sure to tune back into PokerNews tomorrow for more action from the 2025 Mediterranean Poker Party.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Mostly sunny. Hot. High 91F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 72F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
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

Dede Biles is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers Aiken County government, business and horse industry.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
Multiple police cruisers were damaged on the weekend in the parking lot of the Bonnyville RCMP detachment. (RCMP - image credit)

RCMP have arrested a man after he allegedly used a stolen trackhoe to smash multiple police vehicles at a detachment in eastern Alberta on the weekend.

In a news release, Bonnyville RCMP allege the man stole the trackhoe from a local business on Saturday just before 7 p.m.

Police say the man crashed through a fence of the business on his way to the Bonnyville RCMP detachment.

Staff Sgt. Sarah Parke, Bonnyville RCMP detachment commander, said at a news conference the man allegedly picked up boulders on his way to the detachment and dropped them in front of the prisoner bay door "in an apparent attempt to hinder our officer's ability to respond to calls."

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RCMP allege the man then used the trackhoe to damage five parked police vehicles before fleeing on foot.

RCMP used police dogs and a drone to search for the suspect, who was located in a tree line just northwest of the detachment.

Parke said a police dog bit the suspect after he resisted arrest and fought with officers.

Once the man was in custody, RCMP said that he was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Parke said the suspect was already known to police before the incident.

A Bonnyville RCMP vehicle that was damaged on the evening of May 3. (RCMP)

The 62-year-old Bonnyville resident has been charged with 13 criminal offences, including dangerous driving, break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, theft over $5,000, six counts of mischief over $5,000, two counts of resisting a peace officer, and uttering threats.

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Police said the charge of uttering threats was a result of an April 17 incident in which they allege the same man called an RCMP dispatch in Saskatchewan and uttered threats to kill RCMP officers.

The man was remanded into custody and will appear in Bonnyville court on Tuesday.

Parke said the damaged police vehicles are inoperable and will need to be fully replaced. The total value of the vehicles is estimated to be around $430,000.

Neighbouring RCMP detachments will lend spare police vehicles to the Bonnyville detachment while their damaged police vehicles are being replaced, she said, and the incident won't hinder their ability to provide policing services to the community.

Parke said she is disheartened by some of the reactions to the incident she has seen on social media.

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"This incident has garnered a lot of attention on social media, and unfortunately, many of the comments are negative, some of which are threatening toward RCMP to the point of expressing disappointment that officers were not injured or killed during the incident."

WATCH | Trackhoe damages multiple RCMP vehicles:

This is the latest incident targeting an RCMP detachment in Alberta.

Last December, a fire that damaged the Tofield RCMP detachment just east of Edmonton was deemed by investigators to be arson. No charges have been laid in that case.

Bonnyville is about 240 kilometres east of Edmonton.
North Augusta reporter

Elizabeth Hustad is a reporter with The Post and Courier North Augusta. She covers government, growth and development, and business.

Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and previously worked with a Twin Cities weekly. Her work has appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and MinnPost.

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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%.
Growth & Development Reporter

Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
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%.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with a few showers. High 83F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with showers. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Rain showers early becoming more intermittent for the afternoon. High 83F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with showers. Low around 75F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions developing for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds ENE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. A steady, heavy rain this evening. Showers with perhaps a rumble of thunder developing overnight. Low 74F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
CBC

The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an uptick in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada  but the quantities intercepted remain a tiny fraction of what's coming from Mexico.The figures show U.S. border guards hauled in a relatively miniscule amount of the deadly drug in the first few months of the 2024-25 fiscal year  often reporting 0.5 kilograms or less seized  before a jump in April and May, when officials captured six and 14 kilograms, respectively, near the Canadian boundary.Those busts mean more fentanyl has been seized along the northern border so far this year than in all of 2023-24. Between October 2024 and May, the U.S. has captured 26 kilograms compared to the 19.5 kilograms taken over the 12 previous months.At the U.S. southwestern border with Mexico, by comparison, officials have so far seized some 3,700 kilograms of fentanyl this fiscal year  enough product to potentially kill hundreds of thousands of drug users and easily dwarfing what officials uncovered coming from Canada.A CBP spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment for this story.The border data does not offer specifics on how or where the fentanyl was seized, or why there was a notable uptick near the northern boundary in the last two months. What is known is that there were seven "seizure events" in April and five in May.The illegal fentanyl seized by border officials has taken the form of pills and powder. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)In an interview with CBC News, Canada's fentanyl czar, Kevin Brosseau, said he's concerned about the Americans taking in more of the drug, saying a single gram captured anywhere near the border is too much.Brosseau said it's possible that, with U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on the southern border, some criminal elements may be turning to Canada."If additional pressure is put on one side, they'll look to go somewhere else," Brosseau said of the cartels that move these drugs."We've got to be inhospitable," he said, promising to continue an aggressive approach to intercepting drugs and those that traffic them. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government recently introduced legislation that would help do just that."We're really focused on closing them off," Brosseau said of drug-toting criminals. "Anything going south from Canada ought to be stopped."Canada's fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau was appointed in February soon after the U.S. trade war began. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)While troubled by the slight uptick in fentanyl seizures, Brosseau said he took some comfort from a new report by the Manhattan Institute, a U.S.-based think-tank, that shows Canada has not been the main supplier of fentanyl to the States  far from it.From 2013 to 2024, 99 per cent of pills and 97 per cent of powder-form fentanyl captured in large seizures at U.S. land borders came from Mexico, researchers found  with "large" being defined as over a kilogram of powder or more than 1,000 pills, quantities indicative of wholesale trafficking."The greater source of this problem for the U.S. is Mexico and this is one more study that confirms that," Brosseau said."It replicates what we've been saying from the get-go," he said.Brosseau says he speaks every day with U.S. officials. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)The report found the pattern of Mexico being an outsized source of fentanyl for the U.S. has held up in recent years  despite Trump's claims that the drug is "pouring in" from Canada and justifies punitive tariffs. Carney is locked in negotiations to get Trump's fentanyl-related border tariffs, and the other ones, lifted by month's end.In 2023-24, U.S. counties on the border with Mexico, which make up 2.35 per cent of the American population, accounted for about 40 per cent of large fentanyl seizures, researchers found.The counties along the border with Canada, meanwhile, which hold 3.1 per cent of the U.S. population, accounted for less than 2.5 per cent of large seizures.WATCH | U.S. drugs and guns are entering Canada:In an interview with CBC News, Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College in Pittsburgh and a co-author of that research report, said "the stuff we seize at the northern border is a very small share" of the U.S. supply."Does any fentanyl cross from Canada to the United States? Sure. Some amount of drugs crosses the border between any two countries in the world. The real question is where is the bulk of it coming from? And it's not from Canada," he said.While Trump and his officials point to an uptick in fentanyl seizures at the northern border, Caulkins said there's a "gigantic increase in the percentage because it is starting from an extremely low base."In 2023-24, for example, CBP captured less than a kilogram, before taking in about 19.5 kilograms the next year. That works out to a roughly 1,850 per cent increase  an eye-popping figure that obscures how little is really being seized.While fentanyl is produced and trafficked in Canada, data shows far more comes from Mexico. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem raised those percentage increases during a recent visit to Michigan, where she said former prime minister Justin Trudeau was a "train wreck" and Trump and his team "are not letting down our guard."While the trafficking figures are comparatively small, that doesn't mean Canada is a fentanyl-free zone, Caulkins said.After all, more than 52,000 apparent opioid toxicity deaths were reported between January 2016 and December 2024 in Canada, according to federal data. In 2024, 74 per cent of those deaths involved fentanyl.Late last year, police in B.C. busted a so-called drug "super lab" that authorities believe was producing fentanyl for both the domestic and U.S. markets. Federal investigators seized 54 kilograms of fentanyl."For both Canada and the United States, the scale of death is just astonishing. I don't want to make it sound like the implication of this is, 'Hey, just relax," Caulkins said."But the movement between our two borders is really not the important story. We are alike in suffering from this fentanyl problem that neither of us are causing."U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the country won't 'let down our guard' when it comes to Canada. (Paul Sancya/The Associated Press)Caulkins said Canada and the U.S. would be well served by working even more closely together to try and crack down on fentanyl, saying an antagonistic approach is counterproductive."If you really care about controlling your border, the most important thing to do is work in a co-operative way with the country that's on the other side," he said.That's what Brosseau is trying to do.Brosseau said that in his five months on the job, he's helped foster more intelligence-sharing between the two countries, which has helped lead to more seizures here.Just last month, Ontario Provincial Police reported recent law enforcement work resulted in the seizure of some 43.5 kilograms of fentanyl, equivalent to roughly 435,000 potentially lethal street-level doses.Brosseau says recent results from law enforcement show how seriously Canada is taking illegal fentanyl. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)"Seemingly every week there's another significant bust. I think that speaks to the fact that there's a greater intensity to the effort," Brosseau said.And the czar said he speaks every working day to the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, which reports directly to Trump, and the Americans there have shown "deep appreciation and recognition" of Canada's efforts to get a handle on fentanyl."Canada is on it. We're doing our part to be a good neighbour," he said.
The South Carolina welcome center rest stop on southbound Interstate 77 in York County. Hissho Sushi is relocating to York County from Charlotte.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-06 21:30:33

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AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / In celebration of National Nurses Week, Blue Sky Scrubs, the Austin-based designer medical apparel brand, is proud to announce a special promotion honoring nurses and healthcare professionals everywhere. From May 6-12, all customers will receive 20% off all Blue Sky Scrubs products-no exclusions, no minimum purchase required. This exclusive offer is a heartfelt thank you to the medical heroes who work tirelessly to keep communities safe, healthy, and cared for.The week-long promotion offers customers 20% off all Blue Sky Scrubs products with no exclusions or minimum purchase. The discount is automatically applied at checkout and available to all customers shopping on www.blueskyscrubs.com . The initiative aims to show appreciation for nurses and healthcare workers who make daily sacrifices in hospitals, clinics, and care centers across the country and abroad."This campaign represents both a gesture of gratitude and a reinforcement of Blue Sky Scrubs' long-standing commitment to healthcare professionals," said Shelby Marquardt, founder and chief designer. "We are proud to honor those who give so much to their patients, especially during National Nurses Week." In addition to the promotional discount, Blue Sky Scrubs is expanding its philanthropic efforts throughout the week by donating scrubs and scrub caps to nonprofit medical missions, nursing school programs, and community health clinics. The company is actively inviting nominations from healthcare organizations and individuals seeking support for their teams.This effort builds on the company's history of giving, which has included apparel donations to teams serving in Honduras, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, and other underserved regions. Blue Sky Scrubs has also partnered with domestic nursing programs to help equip students entering the healthcare workforce.Founded over two decades ago, Blue Sky Scrubs designs, manufactures, and distributes high-end medical apparel, including handmade scrub caps and performance stretch scrubs, all from its headquarters in Austin, Texas. The company is widely recognized for combining style and function in its products while maintaining a focus on quality craftsmanship, sustainability, and community impact.In parallel with the National Nurses Week promotion, Blue Sky Scrubs will spotlight personal stories from nurses and healthcare workers through its social media platforms. Followers are encouraged to engage with the campaign by tagging a nurse or sharing their own experiences using the hashtag #ThankYouNurses. Selected participants will receive giveaways including designer scrub caps and Blue Sky gift cards.The company has stated that its mission during Nurses Week is to elevate the work of healthcare providers while fostering connection and gratitude throughout the medical community.For more information about Blue Sky Scrubs' Nurses Week campaign, visit www.blueskyscrubs.com or follow @blueskyscrubs on Instagram and TikTok.About Blue Sky ScrubsBlue Sky Scrubs is a luxury medical apparel company based in Austin, Texas. For more than two decades, the company has designed and handcrafted high-quality scrubs, scrub caps, lab coats, and accessories for medical professionals across the U.S. and abroad. With a mission to combine comfort, performance, and style, Blue Sky Scrubs has become a trusted name in the healthcare industry. Every item is handmade with care, designed to last, and created to support the heroes who wear them.Media ContactOrganization: Blue Sky ScrubsContact Person Name: Azu AguileraWebsite: https://blueskyscrubs.com/ Email: info@ blueskyscrubs.com Contact Number: +18883025837Address: 2209 Donley Dr.City: AustinState: TXCountry: United StatesSOURCE: Blue Sky Scrubs
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CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / CannaPharmaRX, Inc. (OTC PINK:CPMD), a future leader in cannabis cultivation, is pleased to share recent updates, including its latest cultivation activities and sales achievements.Successful Shipments to Israel and Germany To date, the Company has successfully completed four shipments to Israel and one to Germany. Customer satisfaction with our proprietary strains remains high, and we are seeing strong demand for continued shipments in 2025.Below is a summary of shipment volumes and average pricing: - First Shipment to Israel (2024) - 150 Kg - Avg. price: 1.20 CAD/gram- Second Shipment to Israel (2024) - 150 Kg - Avg. price: 1.57 CAD/gram- Third Shipment to Israel (Jan 2025) - 245.7 Kg - Avg. price: 1.83 CAD/gram- Fourth Shipment to Israel (April 2025) - 118.667 Kg - Avg. price: 1.90 CAD/gram- First Shipment to Germany (March 2025) - 227.5 Kg - Avg. price: 1.94 CAD/gramAdditionally, the Company acted as an intermediary for other Canadian growers, facilitating deliveries to Israeli clients. This included 54.26 Kg in the third shipment and 73.17 Kg in the fourth. This new revenue stream reinforces the Company's role as a key international hub, offering access to the German market for producers who may not have direct entry themselves.Upcoming Shipments to Germany The Company plans to make a second shipment to Germany in June, estimated at approximately 241 Kg. The anticipated pricing is 1.82 CAD/gram for product with less than 21% THC and 2.04 CAD/gram for product with more than 21% THC.Ongoing Cannabis Cultivation The Company is currently cultivating only 5 out of the existing 10 rooms. Additional capital expenditures are planned for 2025 to turn on the remaining 5 rooms and to add a new drying room to accommodate.The Company also notes that, following changes to the growing method and post-harvest process to produce higher-quality products, it expects each grow room to yield approximately 60-80 Kg per month, with an average monthly forecast of 150 Kg and estimated sales in excess of CAD$300,000 per month.Contact:Company: CannapharmaRx Name: Constanitne Nkafu Website: https://cannapharmarx.comPhone: 403-637-0420 Mail:info@ cannapharmarx.com SOURCE: CannaPharmaRX, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-06 08:00:26

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Strategic acquisition of high-quality 2D and 3D seismic and well logs, accelerating prospect maturation in one of the most compelling hydrocarbon fairways globallyTORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 /Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM:ECO)(TSXV:EOG), an Atlantic Margin-focused oil and gas exploration company, is pleased to update stakeholders on activities in its entry into Block 1 offshore South Africa, located in the proven and highly prospective Orange Basin.As previously announced, Eco, through its wholly owned subsidiary Azinam South Africa Limited ("Azinam"), has entered into a Farm-In Agreement with Tosaco Energy (Proprietary) Limited to acquire a 75% Working Interest and Operatorship in Block 1 offshore South Africa. The Company is now in the final stages of securing the requisite Section 11 regulatory approval to complete the transfer of the interest and formalize operatorship, which is expected in the near term.Data Acquisition and Subsurface IntelligenceEco has now completed the acquisition of Block 1's substantial volume of 3D and 2D legacy data from the Petroleum Agency South Africa ("PASA") This purchase includes:Two 3D seismic surveys totalling 3,500 km (2,000 km and 1,500 km)20,000+ line kilometres of 2D seismicThree key exploration well logs: AF-1, AO-1, and AE-1 (All drilled on the block)All data is of high-resolution quality and is processing-ready, with no reprocessing or reconditioning required. The seismic surveys offer full coverage across key structural and stratigraphic targets, from inboard gas-prone zones to outboard oil-charged systems.Historical Well Data and Hydrocarbon ShowsThe block benefits from three legacy exploration wells drilled in the late 1980s by Soekor, South Africa's former state oil company. These include:AF-1: Confirmed gas discovery with tested flow rates of 32.4 MMscfdAE-1: Encountered gas shows and oil indicationsAO-1: Provided key stratigraphic data and reservoir markersAll three wells were part of Soekor's regional Orange Basin program and offer critical calibration for seismic interpretation and future prospect de-risking.Strategic Asset OverviewBlock 1 spans 19,929 km offshore South Africa, directly abutting the Namibian border. The block extends from the shore to the continental shelf, some 175km offshore then to ~263 km out into deep water, encompassing a full margin transect from the shelf to deep water channel and fan complexes.Water depths range from shallow shelf (~200 m) to deepwater (~1,000 m), enabling a full spectrum of play types. The acreage is considered geologically analogous to the Kudu gas field to the north and sits immediately south of recent discoveries made by Galp Energia (Mopane), Shell (Graff, La Rona), TotalEnergies (Venus), and Rhino Resources (Capricornus 1-X light oil discovery).Operational ReadinessEco will assume operatorship of the block upon final regulatory approval. As the current Exploration Right Budget and Work Plan does not involve field operations, the program proceeds without the need for additional environmental permitting for immediate interpretation and technical work to progress.Colin Kinley, Co-Founder and COO of Eco Atlantic, commented:"The Orange Basin has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling hydrocarbon fairways globally, with recent multi-billion-barrel discoveries adjacent in Namibia extending directly into the geological runway of Block 1. This asset provides Eco with material exposure across a full-margin basin play-ranging from proven, gas-rich inboard sections to oil-prone targets in the deepwater and ultra-deepwater domain." "This strategic acquisition of high-quality 2D and 3D seismic, along with historic well logs deliver massive value to the company. This acquisition is currently conservatively estimated to replace US$50-60 million in acquisition costs required for new exploration. The data quality enables us to aggressively pursue subsurface interpretation and prospect ranking immediately. This dataset provides a robust foundation for accelerated prospect maturation and the opportunity to consider potential farm-out and partnership conversations." "In parallel with our South African work program, we are actively negotiating farm-out and drilling participation opportunities on our Orinduik Block in Guyana. We will update the market as those discussions progress. Our Walvis Basin acreage in Namibia, particularly the ultra-deepwater blocks, is also receiving strong interest as Orange Basin real estate becomes increasingly competitive. We continue to engage with industry and government stakeholders to advance partnerships across these core positions. Finally, our interest in Blocks 3B/4B in South Africa-now operated by TotalEnergies-offers unique upside potential, both on completion payment of farm down costs to Eco and importantly drilling the significant resource opportunity assessed on the block." Eco remains focused on disciplined, value-driven exploration, with its strong exploration team and entrepreneurial drive, and is committed to sourcing leading technical opportunities and to deliver substantial long-term value to its shareholders through partnerships and high impact exploration wells.Corporate PresentationEco also announces that a new Corporate Presentation has been published on its website and is available at the following link : https://www.ecooilandgas.com/investors/results-presentation/ Figure 1: Eco Atlantic's South Africa Acreage Position**ENDS**For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following:Eco Atlantic Oil and Gasc/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 8434 2754Gil Holzman, Chief Executive OfficerColin Kinley, Chief Operating OfficerAlice Carroll, Head of Corporate SustainabilityStrand Hanson (Financial & Nominated Adviser) James HarrisJames Bellman+44 (0) 20 7409 3494Berenberg (Broker) Matthew ArmittDetlir Elezi+44 (0) 20 3207 7800Celicourt (PR) Mark AntelmeJimmy LeaCharles Denley-Myerson+44 (0) 20 7770 6424About Eco Atlantic:Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM-quoted Atlantic Margin-focused oil and gas exploration company with offshore license interests in Guyana, Namibia, and South Africa. Eco aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through its role in the energy transition to explore for low carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure.Offshore Guyana, in the proven Guyana-Suriname Basin, the Company operates a 100% Working Interest in the 1,354 km2 Orinduik Block. In Namibia, the Company holds Operatorship and an 85% Working Interest in four offshore Petroleum Licences: PELs: 97,
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SPOKANE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Singleton Schreiber is proud to welcome former U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Fruchter as partners in the firm's Spokane office, strengthening its capabilities in environmental protection, consumer and financial fraud, personal injury, and civil rights litigation. Together, they bring a wealth of experience from their distinguished careers in public service.A Spokane native, Ms. Waldref is a nationally recognized leader in environmental protection and advocating for public health and safety on Tribal lands. As U.S. Attorney, she was a close advisor to the U.S. Attorney General on environmental enforcement and addressing the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. Under Ms. Waldref's leadership, the Eastern District of Washington expanded its fraud-fighting efforts, launching a COVID-Fraud Strike Force and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for taxpayers under the False Claims Act. At the Department of Justice since 2013, she also served as an Assistant United States Attorney and a trial attorney in the Environment and Natural Resources Division handling environmental matters, labor and employment, criminal and civil fraud, public health and safety, consumer protection, and civil rights. She has also taught several courses at Gonzaga University Law School.Over more than 15 years with the Department of Justice, Mr. Fruchter handled hundreds of whistleblower, False Claims Act, and complex affirmative civil enforcement matters on behalf of the United States as a Trial Attorney and Assistant United States Attorney, recovering billions of dollars from some of the largest and most sophisticated government contractors, financial services providers, and health care organizations in the world. Most recently, between 2017 and 2025, Mr. Fruchter served as Chief of the Fraud & White-Collar Crime Unit in the Eastern District of Washington, handling criminal and civil fraud, consumer protection, public corruption, and environmental crime cases in Eastern Washington.Both attorneys played key roles in the Fraud and White-Collar Crime Unit, where they prosecuted civil and criminal fraud, False Claims Act matters, health care fraud, environmental violations, civil rights abuses, and consumer protection cases. Their understanding of regulatory enforcement and accountability will enhance the firm's ability to take on complex litigation for individuals and communities impacted by misconduct."We are thrilled to have Vanessa and Dan join the firm," said Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber. "Their careers have been defined by a commitment to justice, accountability, and protecting the public. Their expertise will be invaluable as we represent those who have been harmed by corporate failures and wrongdoing." "As U.S. Attorney, I worked every day to protect the public and build safer communities where everyone can thrive. I am passionate about standing up for people and communities impacted by environmental harm, fraud, and corporate misconduct," said Ms. Waldref. "I look forward to continuing that mission with the Singleton Schreiber team and seeking justice for those who need a voice." "Holding wrongdoers accountable and protecting the public have been my driving forces," said Mr. Fruchter. "I'm excited to bring that experience to Singleton Schreiber and continue advocating for those harmed by corporate fraud and misconduct." With the addition of Ms. Waldref and Mr. Fruchter, Singleton Schreiber further strengthens its commitment to fighting for justice in Washington, the West Coast, and beyond.For interview requests or questions, please contact Gurleen Pabla at gurleen@ rebuttalpr.com About Singleton SchreiberSingleton Schreiberis a client-centered law firm, specializing in mass torts/multi-district litigation, fire litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, civil rights, environmental law, insurance bad faith, and sex abuse/trafficking. The firm represents numerous environmental damages cases, including the 2025 Moss Landing Battery Plant fire in Monterey County and the Imperial Beach sewage spill in San Diego. They also lead the largest fire litigation practice in the nation, representing over 30,000 wildfire victims and plaintiffs in utility-caused fires including the 2025 Eaton and Hurst fires, 2023 Lahaina fires, Colorado's Marshall fire, Washington's Gray fire, and many other utility fires in California and beyond.SOURCE: Singleton Schreiber
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-06 19:30:19

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FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / Personal injury attorney Michael Francis, a recognized leader in car and truck accident litigation, has announced a strategic rebrand of his law firm from Francis Injury Firm to Francis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers. The name change marks a renewed commitment to serving accident victims with a laser focus on auto-related personal injury claims. Along with the rebrand, the firm has opened a new office in the heart of Fort Worth's legal and business district at: 640 Taylor St, Suite 1200B, Fort Worth, TX 76102."Over the years, we've helped thousands of Texans recover after devastating car and truck crashes," said Michael Francis, founding attorney of the firm. "This new name more clearly reflects who we are, what we do best, and how we serve the Fort Worth community." Rebrand Reflects a Focused MissionThe decision to rebrand comes as the firm continues to see exponential growth in motor vehicle-related personal injury claims across Texas. While Francis Injury has long represented victims in a wide range of injury cases, the overwhelming majority of recent cases involve auto collisions - including many involving commercial trucking companies and multi-vehicle pileups."Our caseload has evolved," Francis added. "Today, 90% of our client base comes to us after a car wreck or trucking accident. We want to make it clear: this is our specialty, and no one fights harder for these clients than we do." Fort Worth Office Expands Local PresenceThe newly launched Fort Worth office will serve as a key hub for client meetings, consultations, and litigation support - especially for those seeking a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth after serious wrecks. The location was selected for its accessibility, proximity to courthouses, and growing demand for legal representation following motor vehicle crashes in the DFW area.Since opening the office, Francis Injury has already seen a notable increase in truck accident and car accident inquiries - a trend that reflects both the firm's reputation and the rising number of serious collisions in North Texas.Committed to Client Advocacy and Legal Excellence With the rebrand, Francis Injury is also rolling out an updated website, an improved client intake system, and enhanced resources designed to make legal help more accessible to accident victims in Texas. From faster response times to clear communication at every step, the firm is focused on delivering a modern, client-first experience."We're not just changing our name. We're evolving the way clients experience legal support after an accident," said Francis. "We want people to know that if they need aFort Worth car accident lawyer , we're local, we're experienced, and we're ready to fight for the compensation they deserve." About Francis InjuryFrancis Injury: Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm based in Texas, with a specialization in car wrecks, commercial trucking accidents, motorcycle crashes and catastrophic injury cases. Founded by trial attorney Michael Francis, the firm has recovered millions for victims across the state and remains a fierce advocate for the injured in Fort Worth and beyond.Media Contact: Todd Stager(844) 452-9736SEO for Lawyers, LLC https://lawseo.comcontact@toddstager.com SOURCE: Todd Stager, SEO for Lawyers, LLC
Meet the MEP who wants to bring Canada into the European Union

Meet the MEP who wants to bring Canada into the European Union

He has never been to Canada but he loves the country. To me, its a dream of freedom and a better America, Joachim Streit, a member of the liberal Renew group, told Euronews. A dream of emigrants which many others have lived out.

What first seemed a political prank has become a semi-serious debate, as US President Donald Trump has taunted and provoked Canadians with talk of converting Canada into the 51st state.

When, in mid-March, Canadas new prime minister Mark Carney broke with tradition by visiting Europe rather than Washington for his first foreign trip as his countrys leader, Carney told his hosts in Paris that Canada is the most European of non-European countries, alluding to his countrys French and British roots.

Some in Brussels felt encouraged to push for more, and Joachim Streit was among them.

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Emboldened by the publication in late February of polls suggesting that a stunning 46% of Canadians would support Canada joining the EU, Streit took the issue to the European Commission again.

Brussels had already felt compelled to react to intense chatter on social media advocating EU membership following ongoing hostile rhetoric from Trump.

In a March briefing, a Commission spokeswoman pointed to Article 49 of the Treaty of the European Union which stipulates that any European State may apply to become a member  in other words: ONLY European states.

In a parliamentary question to the blocs executive body a few days later, Streit underlined the lasting advantages of Canadian membership for the EU.

It would expand its single market, create sales opportunities, facilitate the exchange of goods and services, and be better able to withstand threats of tariffs and global security risks.

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Would the Commission propose a legal revision of Article 49 to allow Canadian membership, Streit asked. He is still waiting for a response.

The term European state could be legally flexible, Streit told Euronews. After all, there is the EU member Cyprus which is technically a west Asian state.

And there are French and Dutch territories in the Caribbean, Spanish and Portuguese islands in the Atlantic and Greenland, an autonomous region in the Kingdom of Denmark  all (currently) part of the European Union.

Greenland and Canada even share a land border between Ellesmere Island and Greenlands north westernmost tip in winter when solidly frozen sea ice creates a land bridge.

In fact, Canadian military has reportedly turned back Inuit who wandered across the Robeson Channel, the northern part of the Nares Strait, on foot into Canadian territory in the past.

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Thus, Streit sees Canada and the EU as existing neighbours and partners and feels that more needs to be done. Sometimes in history, doors open and then shut again. And sometimes, the doors are open only for a brief moment, Streit said in a committee hearing in the European Parliament in early April.

In late April, Streit wrote a letter to two EU Commissioners, Roxana Minzatu and Ekaterina Zaharieva, in charge of social rights and research respectively, urging them to set up a framework of academic and professional exchange between Canada and the EU.

This would allow EU officials to get more familiar with the particularities of Canada, and at the same time, it would allow Canadian officials to also learn EU policy-making with the EU institutions, Streit wrote in the letter seen by Euronews. He calls it a political Erasmus framework.

Such an initiative could be a stepping stone to Canadas EU membership, Streit hopes. If not a full membership, at least a close relationship like with Switzerland or Norway.

After all, we are people of the same ilk with the same set of values. Where else do we find this?
PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-06 23:30:18

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 /Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CSE:GRBM)(OTCQB:GBMCF)(FWB:J48,WKN: A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to provide initial results from its VTEM geophysical survey over the Titac property, part of the South Contact Zone Project. Initial review indicates that the Oxide Ultramafic Intrusions that host the titanium resource (46.6 Mt at 15% TiO2) at Titac South and the known titanium and copper mineralization at Titac North are clearly defined by magnetic highs (Figure 1). During this survey, five additional magnetic highs have been identified as having very strong potential as drill targets for similar titanium-vanadium and copper mineralization.Message from David Suda, CEO:"The initial results of the VTEM survey at Titac are very encouraging, particularly amidst the backdrop of positive announcements for the future of mining in the USA and Minnesota. We are pleased that the neighbouring NewRange project called NorthMet has been added to the FAST-41 Transparency Projects list which sets an expedited permitting schedule for the listed mining projects. At our South Contact Zone, approximately 45km from NewRange NorthMet property, Green Bridge has now outlined a significant number of magnetic anomalies that appear similar in their geophysical signature to the titanium resource previously delineated (please see press release dated October 3, 2024, and technical report entitled "TECHNICAL REPORT AND MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE FOR THE SOUTH CONTACT ZONE PROJECT, ST LOUIS COUNTY, MINNESOTA, USA" ("Technical Report"), a copy of which is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca) . While the initial plan is to conduct infill at Titac South and continue development at Titac North, it is exciting to have district scale ground to explore with excellent potential. "HIGHLIGHTS:Fivenewly identified drill target areas in addition to four already drilled.Southern anomalies in the Vekst area were historically drilled and have potential for titanium and vanadium mineralization but were not assayed for these metals.Historic drilling included intercepts of up to 0.3% copper - follow up necessary.Two anomalies in the southeast are intriguing and warrant follow up exploration tests.The Titac East prospect has a strong magnetic anomaly associated and is high on the list for exploration drilling.An additional two magnetic anomalies due south and southwest of the Titac South resource offer an opportunity to grow the resource in those directions.Up to 2.7% chalcopyrite has been documented within the OUI's which could prove to be a significant source of copper of mineralization within the Titac property.1Overall, the Company is encouraged by these results and the prospectivity throughout the Titac property. Currently, the Company holds permits to drill within the Titac South and Titac North areas, with a goal of expanding the titanium resource at Titac South and producing a maiden resource for Titac North.Figure 1. Map showing the Titac property with the VTEM results. The red polygons enclose the interpreted magnetic highs. Brief statistics of each prospect are provided.References:1Dufresne, M.B., Turner, A.J., Fallon, C.T., Bohm, C. 2024. Technical Report and Mineral Resources Estimate for the South Contact Zone Project, St Louis County, Minnesota, USA". Apex Geoscience. Green Bridge Metals Corp. September 18.2026.All scientific and technical information, and written disclosure in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Ajeet Milliard, Ph.D., CPG, Chief Geologist for Green Bridge Metals and a qualified person (QP) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.For a discussion of the Company's QA/QC and dta verification processes and procedures, please see the Tecncial Report, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca Additionally, the Company announces, further to its news release dated February 4, 2025, November 1, 2024, September 19, 2024, June 19, 2024 and March 14, 2024, that it has extended its engagement of MIC Market Information & Content Publishing (business address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Str. 49B, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany; email: contact@ micpublishing.de; telephone: +49 2171-7766628; and website: www.micpublishing.de ("MIC") for the provision of a range of online marketing services encompassing campaign creation, production of marketing materials, as well as research and analytics (the "Services"). The Services are expected to commence immediately and continue for a period of six months, or until budget exhaustion; provided, however, that the Services may be extended or shortened at the discretion of the Company depending on, among other things, the efficacy of the Services. The Company has agreed to pay to MIC EUR375,000 in consideration for the extension of Services. The Company has not provided any securities to MIC or its principals as compensation for the Services. The Services will occur via digital channels Google Ads and native advertising.About Green Bridge MetalsGreen Bridge Metals Corporation is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring critical mineral' rich assets and the development of the South Contact Zone (the "Property") along the basal contact of the Duluth Complex, north of Duluth, Minnesota. The South Contact Zone contains bulk-tonnage copper-nickel and titanium-vanadium in ilmenite hosted in ultramafic to oxide ultramafic intrusions. The Property has exploration targets for bulk-tonnage Ni mineralization, high grade Ni-Cu-PGE magmatic sulfide mineralization and titanium.ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS,"David Suda"President and Chief Executive OfficerFor more information, please contact:David SudaPresident and Chief Executive OfficerTel: 604.928-3101 investors@ greenbridgemetals.com Forward Looking InformationCertain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the exploration and development of the South Contact Zone Project,.Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about: the South Co
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Through GoBizLending, Patterson plans to continue expanding offerings, including advisory services, mentorship programs, and resources tailored to minority-owned and women-led businesses.FRESNO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2025 / In a world where entrepreneurship and philanthropy often travel on separate tracks, Kenneth Shane Patterson is a rare example of someone who masterfully blends both. Known widely for his business acumen and leadership in small business financing and the restaurant industry, Patterson is equally recognized for his dedication to social causes, especially those focused on underserved youth. One organization that stands out in his philanthropic journey is Trina's Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that supports disadvantaged children and teens in the Los Angeles area. For Patterson, this is more than a donation; it's a cause deeply embedded in his values and personal mission.As the founder of GoBizLending, Patterson has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs secure essential funding for working capital, construction, real estate transactions, equipment purchases, and business acquisitions. His company was established by former SBA bankers who understand the complexity and frustration many business owners face when trying to secure financing. This first-hand insight has allowed GoBizLending to offer customized lending solutions that remove barriers and open doors to sustainable growth for small businesses across the nation.While his financial expertise and entrepreneurial ventures have earned him respect in the professional sphere, Patterson's commitment to giving back has equally defined his legacy. His involvement with Trina's Kids Foundation is a reflection of his belief in empowering the next generation. The foundation, which has been quietly transforming lives for over a decade, focuses on providing basic resources, mentorship, and emotional support to low-income and at-risk youth."When you see a child smile because they received a backpack full of school supplies or enjoy a Thanksgiving meal they otherwise wouldn't have had; that changes you," Patterson says. "It reminds me that success isn't just about what you build for yourself, but what you help build for others." Trina's Kids Foundation was established with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through consistent, compassionate outreach. They host regular events such as back-to-school drives, holiday giveaways, and career mentoring programs. The organization partners with local schools and community leaders to identify youth in need and provide targeted support. Kenneth Patterson's involvement has not only included generous financial contributions but also hands-on participation in events like packing supplies, distributing meals, and engaging with the children one-on-one.This isn't Patterson's only foray into community giving. He is also a proud supporter of Beit T'Shuvah, a residential treatment center that offers integrated addiction recovery programs, and Celina's Women's Shelter, which provides safe housing and support services for women escaping domestic violence. These causes share a common thread: offering hope and stability to those who need it most."Philanthropy, to me, is not about writing checks. It's about being present. It's about listening. It's about showing up for people who may not have anyone else showing up for them," Patterson explains.Even in his bustling professional life managing restaurants in Los Angeles and running a thriving financial services company; Patterson remains grounded by faith and community. He is an active member of Clovis Hills Community Church, Calabasas Country Club, and Sinai Akiba Temple in Los Angeles. These institutions serve as spiritual and community anchors in his life, reinforcing the importance of service and humility.What makes Patterson's support for Trina's Kids Foundation so impactful is his alignment with its core values: compassion, action, and accountability. The foundation doesn't just provide temporary relief; it fosters long-term development through mentorship and education. Patterson is a strong advocate for programs that offer children not only tangible resources but also the belief that they are capable of greatness."You never know what a single act of kindness can do," says Patterson. "One conversation, one opportunity, one moment of belief can change the trajectory of a child's life. That's what Trina's Kids Foundation does every day." Looking ahead, Patterson hopes to expand his role in youth development by creating scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurial programs for high school and college students from underserved communities. His vision includes building partnerships between his financial company and educational institutions to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills."We need to equip young people with the tools to succeed; not just academically, but emotionally and financially. That starts with education, mentorship, and access," he notes.Through it all, Kenneth Patterson remains unwavering in his belief that businesses must play a role in solving social challenges. As someone who has achieved professional success through hard work and resilience, he is now using that platform to inspire others to give back. Whether it's through lending a hand at a local food drive or helping a teenager prepare for their first job interview, his actions speak louder than words.In a time when many talk about change, Patterson is among the few who consistently act on it. His work with Trina's Kids Foundation is just one example of how business and compassion can come together to create a better future for individuals and for entire communities.For Kenneth Shane Patterson, helping underserved youth is a calling. And as he continues to balance his roles as an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and community advocate, one thing remains clear: the heart behind his success beats strongest for the people and causes that too often go overlooked.About Shane PattersonKenneth Shane Patterson is a prominent business leader based in Fresno, California, with a thriving footprint in Los Angeles. As the founder of GoBizLending, he helps small businesses secure the funding they need to grow and thrive. Patterson is also a successful restaurateur, owning and managing innovative dining establishments in Southern California. Beyond business, he is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, youth empowerment, and community support. He is affiliated with numerous faith and civic organizations and remains committed to driving change both locally and nationally.Contact InformationFor Press Inquiries or Interviews:
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Omni Matrix, a leading provider of cutting-edge cryptocurrency and payment technology solutions, today announced the opening of a new office in Singapore.SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 /Omni Matrix, a leading provider of cutting-edge cryptocurrency and payment technology solutions, today announced the opening of a new office in Singapore, further expanding its global footprint to better serve its growing customer base across Asia and beyond. The Singapore office is scheduled to open in mid-2025 and will serve as a strategic hub for business development, customer support, and partnership expansion in the region. Omni Matrix Singapore Office Omni Matrix, a leading provider of cutting-edge cryptocurrency and payment technology solutions, today announced the opening of a new office in Singapore.Omni Matrix currently operates global offices in Estonia, Malta, and Canada, supporting a team of 70 highly skilled employees across operations, compliance, development, and customer success. The addition of the Singapore office reflects Omni Matrix's continued commitment to being closer to its global customers, who today span more than 30 countries.The Singapore expansion will enable Omni Matrix to better facilitate cross-border payment solutions, enhance local support for its cryptocurrency exchange platform, OmniCore, and boost the adoption of its award-winning payment gateway solution, MatrixPay, among Asian fintechs and PSPs.In addition, Omni Matrix offers Kyros AML Suite; a compliance technology platform specializing in KYC, AML, and transaction monitoring. Integrated with third-party PEP and sanction screening tools and blockchain intelligence sources, Kyros provides regulatory-grade compliance infrastructure."We are incredibly proud to announce the opening of our Singapore office, a major milestone in our journey to grow closer to our global customer base," said Erling L. Andersen, Founder of Omni Matrix. "Expanding into Asia allows us to build even stronger relationships with partners and clients, and to deliver even faster, more tailored solutions to the fast-growing Asian crypto and payment markets." He added: "Our team's ambition has always been to build a truly global company - and today's announcement is a testament to the talent, hard work, and vision of everyone at Omni Matrix. I'm excited for what's ahead as we continue to innovate and expand." Contact InformationErling AndersenFounderpr@ omnimatrix.com SOURCE: Omni Matrix
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Ibotta, Inc. (NYSE:IBTA) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: This lawsuit is on behalf of persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded Ibotta securities pursuant and/or traceable to documents issued in connection with Ibotta's April 18, 2024 initial public offering.CASE DETAILS: According to the filed complaint, defendants made false statements and/or concealed that they did not properly warn investors of the risks concerning Ibotta's contract with The Kroger Co. ("Kroger"). Kroger's contract was at-will, and Ibotta failed to warn investors that a large client could cancel their contract with Ibotta without warning. Despite providing a detailed explanation of the terms of Ibotta's contract with Walmart, there was not a single warning of the at-will nature of Kroger's contract. Rather than disclosing the very real risk of a major client walking away at any time, Ibotta provided boilerplate warnings concerning the importance of maintaining ongoing relationships with their clients.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Ibotta stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/ibotta-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=147065&wire=1 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. 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
According to Nairametrics, out of the N44.54 trillion loans advanced by commercial banks to the private sector in 2023, only N2.26 trillion was deployed to the agricultural sector and thus amounts to a meagre 5.07 per cent to a sector that contributes over 20 per cent to GDP. That is why this article, the ninth in the series, is aimed at advising the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the necessary actions to increase the non-export volume to levels that match or even exceed those of crude oil and gas exports.

In this edition, the focus will be on the policies relating to increasing the volume of production of exportable agricultural commodities to boost the volume of Nigerian raw agricultural commodities and processed agro products that are exported to different markets around the world

This policy is, therefore, aimed at growing the non-oil export volume by increasing the production volume of agro commodities to make Nigerian agricultural commodities contribute significantly to the Nigerian export basket. This, therefore, will require putting together different programmes that will support and help the farmers increase the output from their agricultural activities and, consequently, the export volume. This involves the provision of different incentives and support to reduce the cost of production through an increase in the yield per hectare.

The vital components of the recommended policy to boost the production volume of Nigerias agricultural commodities and thus increase the non-oil export volume should include improved access to credit, investment in research and development, enhanced irrigation systems, government incentives, capacity building and training in the area of sustainable agricultural practices and modern agricultural techniques.

A very important aspect of this policy is the access to credit. This involves funding the government agencies and private sector participants in the value chain of agribusiness financing like commercial banks, Bank of Agriculture and, Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) etc. This policy is to ensure the provision of farmers with sources of funding that are cheap and, at the same time, easy to access. This is very necessary to help the farmer to acquire more land and thus increase the size of cultivated lands, purchase improved seedlings with higher yield per hectare, hire machinery required to cultivate the land and pay the labour required.

One of the major challenges causing a low volume of production in the agricultural sector is an outbreak of diseases and infestation of pests on farms. That is why this policy on investment in agricultural research and development must be taken seriously. Increasing funding for agricultural research can lead to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties. Collaborating with universities and research institutions will foster innovation in agricultural practices and enhance productivity.

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Another factor that has significantly contributed to the low agricultural output in Nigeria and consequently reduced exportable agro commodities is that over 95 per cent of the cultivated lands in Nigeria are rain-fed. According to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the actual irrigated area in Nigeria currently is 5.4 per cent as of 2022, leaving over 94 per cent or 2.97 million hectares of farmland without irrigation nationwide. That is why this policy must include the development and upgrading of irrigation systems across the country. This will help farmers manage water supply more effectively, increasing productivity in regions affected by seasonal droughts or irregular rainfall. This can ensure a more stable food supply for year-round farming and higher-quality produce.

Even though government policy on fuel subsidy is gone, the need to subsidise the production of agricultural commodities, particularly for export, cannot be overemphasised. To enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agriculture commodities, the government policy on growing agricultural production volume must include some incentives. It has been reported that China accounted for 37 per cent of global agricultural support, driven by policies aimed at increasing production and self-sufficiency, India provided 14 per cent of global agricultural support, also motivated by production goals, while the US and EU, once major contributors, now account for 15 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively. This is why this policy must provide supportive agricultural policies, such as subsidies for farmers, tax incentives, and reduced tariffs on agricultural inputs.

This policy should also contain capacity building for farmers. This should involve the provision of ongoing education and training for farmers on best practices, pest management, and post-harvest handling to improve the quality and quantity of produce. Extension services can play a critical role in disseminating this knowledge. This should also include training on modern farming techniques that can help them significantly increase crop yields and empower them to adopt more efficient practices. In addition to this, the policy on capacity building should also cover sustainable agricultural practices because this will help them to improve long-term productivity while protecting the environment. This will also help to enhance soil health and increase exports of eco-friendly products.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that if the policies outlined in this article are taken into account and successfully implemented by the government, they will significantly increase the export volume of raw and processed agricultural products from Nigeria. This improvement will support the governments goal of increasing the volume of non-oil exports in the country, ultimately positioning this sector as a major contributor to the nations foreign exchange earnings.

Bamidele Ayemibo, Ph.D

International Trade Consultant/Member, BoT Network of Practicing Non-oil Exporters of Nigeria

(NPNEN)

For questions, send an email to [email protected]

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Deji Adeyanju, legal counsel to activist Martin Verydarkman (VDM) Otse, has responded to the bail conditions granted to his client by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the anti-graft agency, in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday, claimed that VDM was granted administrative bail and would be released upon meeting all conditions.

The Commissions statement followed widespread criticism of the activists arrest and five-day detention without any public disclosure of his alleged offences.

Mr Adeyanju confirmed on Friday that EFCC operatives arrested VDM at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja.

Regarding the EFCCs confirmation of VDMs arrest over alleged financial crimes and bail conditions, Mr Adeyanju denied ever receiving any bail documents from the agency.

Bail granted VDM, social media bail as we are yet to receive any bail document from the commission.

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We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday that we were informed about the decision to grant bail, Mr Adeyanju wrote on his Facebook page.

Interrogation, not bail

Meanwhile, VDMs lawyer, in a statement signed by Zainab Otega on behalf of his law firm, revealed that Steven C-Pack Avuara was the only person granted bail and released by the EFCC.

C-Pack, who was arrested alongside VDM, was released the following day.

Mr Adeyanju noted that the anti-graft agencys only action regarding VDM was subjecting him to several hours of interrogation.

VDMs lawyer noted, Mr Otse remains in the Commissions custody and was interrogated for several hours yesterday, May 5 2025, in the presence of our founding partner, Marvin Omorogbe, Esq. Our interaction with Mr Otse essentially confirmed the version of events previously communicated to us by Mr Avuara as they relate to the circumstances surrounding their arrest.

We note with grave concern that four days after officers of the EPCC arrested Mr Otse, the Commission has yet to formally inform him of the specific allegations against him or provide him with any petition that necessitates his arrest. Rather, the interrogation by the Commsnons Special Duties Committee (SDC) 4 officers yesterday was primarily focused on our clients handling of Naira notes at a club, alleged monetisation of his social media accounts, his public comments about Nigerian Gospel Artist, hes tax records, and source of income.

Human rights violation

Additionally, Mr Adeyanju stated that the EFCCs continued detention of VDM violates the fundamental human rights enshrined in the constitution.

Notwithstanding the Commissions powers to investigate financial crime, as streamlined by the Supreme Court in Nwolnke v F.R.N Nwaoboshi v F.R.N., Its refusal to inform our client of the specific allegations against him not only constitutes a fundamental breach of our clients constitutional right but also suggests to us that this is a case where the Commission has effected an arrest and is now fishing for evidence to justify the arrest.

We are, therefore, by this statement calling on the Commission to immediately release Mr Otse or charge him to court if it has any case against him, as his continuous detention beyond the constitutional limit of 24 hours is now illegal, he noted.

Mr Adeyanju further appreciated Nigerians interest in the case and urged them not to take the law into their own hands.

He also commended them for staging protests to demand VDMs release, describing it as their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Meanwhile, this newspaper gathered that the peaceful protest, which began on Monday, continued on Tuesday as demonstrators took to the streets of Abuja and several other states.

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Health advocates in Nigeria have called on the government, development partners, and the wider public to prioritise investment in midwives as a critical strategy to end preventable maternal deaths.

The advocates under the Advocacy and Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health innovations (AIM MNCNH) in Nigeria said this in a statement on Monday to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Midwife

The advocacy group is led by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) in partnership with the Medical Womens Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Pathfinder International Nigeria, and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).

The advocates said the midwives are not just caregivers, but critical frontline responders in maternal emergencies, especially in the fight against postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

It also said that although global and national strategies exist, they still have not translated into real change on the ground.

The Senior Country Director, Pathfinder International Nigeria, Amina Dorayi, noted that midwives must not be celebrated only in words.

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Ms Dorayi said midwives are not just health workers, they are lifelines.

We cannot celebrate them without committing to equip, protect, and empower them to save lives, she said.

A recent analysis by Premium Times, using data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), estimates Nigerias maternal mortality ratio at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, the third-highest in the world.

In many low-resource communities, midwives are often the only available skilled birth attendants, working under harsh conditions, with limited resources and insufficient support.

Call to action

A key solution highlighted in the statement is the E-MOTIVE approach, a WHO-endorsed care bundle proven to reduce severe postpartum bleeding by up to 60 per cent.

The six-step protocol involves early detection of bleeding, uterine massage, administration of oxytocic drugs and tranexamic acid, IV fluids, genital tract examination, and appropriate escalation of care.

The National president of MWAN, Rosemary Ogu, called for collective action to win the fight against maternal deaths.

We need to be champions for maternal health. Let us provide or advocate for supplies and resources. Please add your voice, she said.

The AIM MNCNH consortium also issued a direct call to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, urging the immediate adoption and scale-up of the E-MOTIVE strategy in maternity care centres nationwide.

The advocates emphasised the need to prioritise investment in training, recruitment, and equitable deployment of midwives, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where maternal deaths are most common.

They also called for improved working conditions, timely and regular pay, and the establishment of professional growth pathways that allow midwives to lead within the health system.

To development partners and donors, the group appealed for funding towards practical, community-led innovations that ensure lifesaving tools are placed directly in the hands of frontline workers.

Strengthening supply chains, ensuring the availability of essential drugs, and adapting interventions like E-MOTIVE to local contexts were highlighted as key steps toward saving more lives.

The group also urged communities to take maternal health seriously by choosing skilled birth attendants, recognising danger signs early, and supporting the health workers who serve them.

The Executive Director of Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Babafunke Fabgemi, stressed the role of media and advocacy in driving change.

Mrs Fagbemi said effective communication and consistent advocacy are vital pillars for midwifery care.

Invest to build a resilient health system that motivates our midwives to do more, she said.

International day of the midwife

The International Day of the Midwife, celebrated globally on 5 May every year, is set aside to honour the vital role midwives play in safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of mothers and newborns.

The 2025 International Day of the Midwife, is themed Midwives: Critical in Every Maternal Crisis.

Established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and recognised by the WHO, the day highlights the contributions of midwives as essential frontline healthcare providers, particularly in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

The day also serves as a call to action, urging governments, development partners, and communities to invest in midwifery education, training, and support systems, especially in underserved areas where midwives often serve as the only access point to skilled birth care.

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a Nigeria First Policy aimed at prioritising the use of locally made goods and services in all government procurements.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement on Monday, saying the policy seeks to domesticate all government processes. The Nigerian government expects that with the new policy, local manufacturers will get priority in the provision of goods and services.

No procurement of foreign goods or services already available locally shall proceed without justification, and where there is an exceptional need for these services to procure from outside, there must be a waiver to be obtained, written waiver to be obtained by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Idris said.

Where no viable local option exists, contracts must include provisions for technology transfer, local production or skills development. For example, the provision of portal allocations under the sugar master plan should take into consideration participants backwards integration plans and investment in Nigeria and ensure compliance with the Master Plan.

The MDAs have also been directed to immediately conduct an audit of all procurement plans and submit revised versions in line with these directives. Breaches will attract sanctions, including cancellation of procurement processes by such MDAS, and indeed disciplinary action against responsible officers, the minister noted.

The federal cabinet approved these proposals on Monday and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation has been directed to prepare an Executive Order to be issued by President Bola Tinubu.

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This is a major shift in government policy, Mr Idris added. It puts Nigeria  not foreign companies, not imports  at the heart of our national development.

Once signed into law, Mr Idris said, the legislation will foster a new business culture that will be bold, confident, but also very, very Nigerian, and it aims at making the government invest in our people and our industries by changing how the government spends money, how we procure and how we also build our economy.

Going forward, Nigerian industry will take precedence in all procurement processes, the minister said.

Where local supply falls short, contracts will be structured to build capacity domestically, according to Mr Idris. Contractors will no longer serve as intermediaries sourcing foreign goods where local factories die. I take the example of the sugar industry.

For example, we still have so much importation of sugar coming into this country, yet we have the Nigerian sugar council that was set up to look inward to see how sugar production can be produced, you know, for the benefit of Nigerians.

President Tinubu has proposed that we will no longer just sit there and allow importation to come into this country where there is the capacity for production of these commodities locally. Now, as I said, the president has proposed the following directives, and all of them have been approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The legislation will address the following resolutions:

The Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, has been directed to revise and enforce procurement guidelines to prioritise locally made goods and homegrown solutions.

The BPP will create a local content compliance framework for all government procurements.

The BPP has been directed to maintain a register of high-quality Nigerian manufacturers and service providers regularly engaged by the federal government.

The BPP has also been directed to deploy all procurement officers from the MDAs. All the procurement officers posted to MDAs will be reverted to the Bureau of Public Procurement as a line agency without jeopardising the possibility of efficiency.

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Nigerian lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives will resume plenary on Tuesday after almost six weeks of vacation, including the Easter and Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

The lawmakers embarked on holiday on 27 March. They were supposed to resume plenary on 29 April, but extended the recess by another week.

Since reconvening for the 2025 legislative year on 4 February, the National Assembly has held plenary sessions only 24 times. This is less than half of what is typically expected in the timeframe.

Top agenda

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued by his media office on Monday, listed the legislative priorities for the weeks ahead. These include the passage of the Tax Reform Bills, oversight on the emergency administration in Rivers State, addressing resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency, and a constitutional review.

Passage of Tax reform bills

Mr Bamidele said the first agenda of the lawmakers when they resume plenary would be to pass the tax reform bills. After the passage, it would be transmitted to the presidency for assent before it becomes a law.

First on our agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024. Its passage has become imperative to reform the countrys tax regime and shore up the revenue of the federation. This will also help governments at all levels to implement projects and deliver the dividends of democracy, he said.

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The tax reform bills were drafted by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The bills are: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

These proposed laws aim to adjust the Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula and introduce tax exemptions for Nigerians earning the minimum wage.

Following their second reading in the Senate last November, they were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further review and public engagement. The House of Representatives also debated and passed the bills for second reading on 12 January.

Since their transmission to the National Assembly on 3 October 2024, the bills have generated significant debate, particularly regarding their regional implications.

Some lawmakers from Northern Nigeria and members of the Northern Governors Forum expressed concerns that the VAT component disproportionately benefits some regions over others. In response, the forum directed its representatives in the National Assembly to oppose the bills.

Despite these objections, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) expressed strong support for the reforms after engaging with the presidents economic team.

Meanwhile, senators from the South-east indicated the need for further consultations with their governors and stakeholders. South-south senators warned against introducing ethnic or regional biases into the debate.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, assured that the National Assembly would conduct a thorough review and ensure the passage of bills that benefit the entire country.

The Senate recently concluded a two-day public hearing on the bills where stakeholders who attended overwhelmingly supported them.

Rivers state emergency rule

Mr Bamidele also said the lawmakers would deliberate on the emergency rule in Rivers State and mediate in the political crisis between the suspended governor, Siminilayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

As we resume, the Senate will work with the Executive to resolve all the lingering socio-political issues across the federation, including the situation in Rivers State. The essence is to ensure that all stakeholders come to terms on the need to address the root causes of those issues and ensure proper reconciliation of all key actors in the overriding public interest, he added.

In March, President Bola Tinubu suspended all elected officials in Rivers State, including Mr Fubara. The president, thereafter, appointed Mr Ibas, a retired chief of naval staff, as the sole administrator for the state for an initial period of six months.

The appointment was later ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly in accordance with Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The South-South Governors Forum earlier opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

The Chairperson of the Forum, Douye Diri, who is also the governor of Bayelsa State, said the political situation in Rivers did not deteriorate to a point where it required an emergency rule, considering the provisions of Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the emergency declaration and the appointment of Mr Ibas.

The association said President Tinubu lacked the authority to remove an elected governor from office.

Resurgence of Boko Haram

The senate leader also said the National Assembly will engage with security chiefs to devise new strategies to tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram and communal killings in Northern Nigeria.

The recent resurgence of insecurity in different parts of the federation, especially Benue, Borno, Katsina and Plateau, has caught our attention. As the foremost democratic institution that makes laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation, the Senate will speed engagement with key actors in the security sector and come up with mechanisms for the effective management of national security. We are committed to putting an end to all acts of terrorism across the federation.

Terrorism in the Northern states has led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement. In Benue State alone, over 2,600 people were killed between January 2023 and February 2024, mostly women and children. At least fifty communities were attacked during that period.

About two weeks ago, at least 51 people were killed in Zikke village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, when gunmen invaded and burned down homes.

Borno State continues to witness renewed attacks by Boko Haram, with many lives lost. The state has been a hotspot for insurgency for several years.

Review of the Nigerian constitution

Mr Bamidele also said the lawmakers would fast-track the ongoing review of the Nigerian constitution and initiate reforms to the Electoral Act 2022 with the aim to ensure more credible and transparent elections.

The review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is going on steady. Now that we have resumed, the Constitution Review Committee chaired by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jubrin will speed up the review process with a view to strengthening our federal structure in the interest of all. Likewise, the Senate will kick-start the review of the Electoral Act, 2022 for the conduct of a more credible and transparent election, he added.

In February, the Senate inaugurated a 47-member committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to review the 1999 constitution.

The committee recently pledged to conclude the exercise in 2026 and concluded a three-day retreat in Kano State.

Also, the National Assembly recently announced that a total of 37 memoranda were received by the committee from different interest groups.

Pending legislations

Beyond these urgent matters, the Senate will also consider several bills of national importance received during the recess.

Mr Bamidele called for robust public hearings to ensure that legislation reflects the will and needs of the people.

Finally, we have bills of strategic national interest that are pending before the Senate on different sectors of the economy. There is an urgent need to consider those bills and ensure their passage expeditiously. We will also encourage our special and standing committees to put in place public hearings that will give us the opportunity to engage with the electorate on various aspects of law-making and give their own inputs.

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The Kaduna State Government says it will train 8,700 School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members to improve basic education in the state.

Mubarak Muhammad, acting Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), disclosed this at the opening of a six-day training of 92 social mobilisation officers (SMOs) on Monday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is supported by UNICEF in collaboration with the state government and the Reaching Out-of-School-Children (ROOSC) project, among other development partners.

The 92 SMOs cut across the states 23 local government areas and would serve as master trainers, who would cascade the training to SBMCs across the LGAs.

Mr Muhammad said the training, which was part of the ROOSC project, aimed to equip the officials with necessary skills to bridge the gap between the government and communities.

He added that the training would cover school leadership, communication skills and resource mobilisation.

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The officials will be equipped to mobilise resources and support for schools; ultimately improving education outcomes in Kaduna State, he said.

Mr Muhammad also said it would focus on how to mobilise children back to school, addressing the out-of-school children phenomenon in the state.

He stated that Governor Uba Sanis administration has been working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, adding that the training was expected to significantly impact the basic education subsector.

The KADSUBEB acting boss restated the state governments commitment to building the capacity of its citizens and ensuring a brighter future for its young people.

The UNICEF Education Officer, Kaduna Field Office, Bala Dada, lamented that the state was facing a significant out-of-school children crisis.

According to a 2022 KDBS survey, 768,000 children of basic school age currently not in formal education.

The ROOSC project by Kaduna State government and partners aims to reintegrate at least 200,000 of these children back into school, he said.

Mr Dada stated that through collaboration, UNICEF and other partners leveraged community structures and government support to tackle the root causes of children being out of school.

According to him, this could be poverty, insecurity or lack of awareness.

He contended that the SBMCs remained the most powerful community structures for ensuring school enrolment, retention, transition, and effective management of primary education.

SBMCs bring together parents, teachers and local leaders to support schools.

They bridge the gap between communities and the education system, helping to keep children in school and learning.

In the push to reduce out-of-school children, our greatest asset is community involvement through these SBMCs, he said.

Mr Dada submitted that during the training, the master trainers would empower the SBMC members with the skills and knowledge to mobilise their communities.

He added that it would also help identify out-of-school children and support their enrolment and successful progression through school.

According to him, UNICEF is counting on SBMCs to transform community attitudes and ensure every child is welcomed into a safe learning environment.

The education officer said UNICEFs partnership extends technical expertise, funding and monitoring support, while the government provides the policy backing and personnel to drive change on the ground.

The Coordinator of the ROOSC project, Ezra Angal, said the training was a strategic investment in community-led school management.

He added that SBMCs serve as a bridge between schools and the communities they served, ensuring that every child especially the most marginalised, has a voice and pathway into inclusive and quality education.

He said building resilient and responsive school systems starts with empowering local actors by equipping master trainers with the tools and knowledge to train others.

Therefore, Mr Angal said UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government were reinforcing the ROOSC projects shared commitment.

He said this would increase access, participation, and learning outcomes for all children, including girls, children with disabilities, and out-of-school children.

He urged all the participants to approach the training with dedication and a sense of purpose.

(NAN)

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Organized crime money launderer says he did not try to flee Canada, warrants vacated

Talal Fouani is set to be sentenced for money laundering in August. (Nakita Baron/Instagram - image credit)

A Calgary man who was wanted on warrants after he was suspected of attempting to flee the country ahead of his sentencing hearing for organized crime money laundering called the situation a "serious misunderstanding."

After missing a court appearance Friday, Talal Fouani appeared before a judge on Monday so that his warrants could be vacated.

Fouani called an allegation that he tried to book a charter flight to the Caribbean "inaccurate and damaging."

"People thought I was fleeing the country and I was just sitting at home," Fouani, 48, told the judge.

'An honest mistake'

He also provided an emailed statement to CBC News.

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"I want to make it unequivocally clear that I have not and do not have any intention of fleeing," said Fouani.

"I am committed to resolving this matter and will ensure that I attend all future court dates as required."

Fouani said he believed his next court date was several months away and said missing Friday's appearance "was an honest mistake and not an attempt to avoid my obligations."

The parties appeared before Justice Greg Stirling on Monday, and prosecutor Shelley Tkatch told the judge that Fouani contacted her early Sunday morning when he realized he'd missed court Friday and that warrants had been issued for his arrest.

Fouani told her he was under the belief his next court date was in August, when a three-day sentencing hearing is set to take place.

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"I accept his explanation," said Tkatch.

Case delay

Fouani pleaded guilty more than two years ago.

Before a sentencing hearing could take place, Fouani's first lawyer, Yoav Niv, filed a dozen applications, most of which went nowhere but had the effect of delaying the case.

Fouani told the court he is working to rehire his second lawyer, Greg Dunn, to handle the case moving forward.

The case dates back to 2022, when several people were charged in an investigation into a massive, cross-border drug trafficking operation involving Mexican cartels.

Fouani's charges of money laundering were among the least serious and he entered a guilty plea several months later.

Others got away 'with everything'

The others facing more serious charges, including Ricco King, the alleged leader of the organization, saw their charges stayed by the Crown late last year.

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It's been a source of torment for Fouani.

"Everyone else has gotten away with everything," Fouani said on Monday, telling the court he intends to file a stay application before the sentencing hearing.

Justice Stirling declined to comment on the potential application and told Fouani he is committed to keeping the case "on track."

"As things stand, sentencing is proceeding in August."
The President of the Republic of Gabon, Brice Nguema, has conferred the nations prestigious national honours  the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit  on the Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu.

The distinguished award recognises Mr Elumelus enduring contribution to Africas economic development, particularly his impact on youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure growth in Gabon and across the continent.

Speaking at the presidential palace while presenting the recognition in Libreville on Monday, Mr Nguema, who was on Saturday sworn in as the newly elected president of the oil-rich country, praised Mr Elumelus commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa, adding that Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon. Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business  it is the key to our shared future. Today, we honour a man whose actions continue to empower young Africans and inspire nations.

While acknowledging the recognition, Mr Elumelu, who has made several high-level visits to Gabon in recent months, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the countrys development agenda:

I am truly humbled by this honour. It is a reflection not just of my personal journey, but of a shared belief  that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent. Gabon holds enormous potential, and I am proud that the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Group can play a role in unlocking it, Mr Elumelu said.

This is more than a medal  it is a reminder of what we can achieve together as Africans, Mr Elumelu stated, adding that, At UBA and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we remain committed to building bridges, not just between nations, but between ambition and opportunity.

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The recognition comes at a crucial time for Gabon, as the country accelerates its economic recovery and prioritises inclusive growth under the new leadership.

Mr Elumelus engagement focuses on two key pillars of infrastructure financing, which is essential for long-term economic transformation and youth entrepreneurship, championed through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which offers training, mentorship, and $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to young Gabonese and African entrepreneurs each year.

The award also highlights the strengthening of financial partnership between Gabon and the UBA, which has a strong presence across the continent and is a key driver of financial inclusion and development.

Mr Elumelu is the founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family owned investment company committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy, including financial services, hospitality, power, energy, technology and healthcare.

He is the Chairman of pan-African financial services group, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), which operates in 20 countries across Africa, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit taking presence in the United States. UBA provides corporate, commercial, SME and consumer banking services to more than 35 million customers globally. He also chairs Nigerias largest quoted conglomerate, Transcorp, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading producers of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigerias foremost hospitality brand.

Mr Elumelu is the most prominent champion of entrepreneurship in Africa. In 2010, he created The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy, empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and driving job creation across all 54 African countries. Since inception, the foundations flagship programme has identified and catalysed 18,500 entrepreneurs and created a digital ecosystem of over one million Africans, as part of a ten-year $100 million commitment to fund, mentor and train young Africans.

Mr Elumelus businesses and the foundation are inspired by his economic philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector, and most importantly entrepreneurs, as the catalyst for the social and economic development of the African continent.

In 2020, in recognition of his business leadership and economic empowerment of young African entrepreneurs, Mr Elumelu was named in the TIME100 Most Influential People in the World, and recognised with Belgiums oldest and highest royal order.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has traced $30,000 in laundered funds presumably derived from the activities of a suspected internet fraudster.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency identified the suspect as a male but did not disclose his name.

According to the statement, EFCCs investigations discovered that the suspect collected and laundered the money for his syndicate members who were said to be at large.

The EFCC also said, the suspect, among the 35 persons it had arrested on 4 May in Sabo Iyako, Auchi, Edo State, was discovered to be involved in criminal activities including banking and investment fraud.

The statement said the commission would charge him in court at the end of ongoing investigations.

Background

The anti-graft agency announced via its official X the arrest of 35 suspects of internet fraudsters, following credible intelligence.

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According to the commission, nine cars, eleven laptop computers, 46 mobile phones and two smartwatches were recovered from the group at the point of arrest.

The EFCC has intensified its efforts to curb the activities of internet fraudsters widely known as Yahoo Yahoo boys.

In December 2024, the anti-graft agency arrested a group of 792 suspects including Nigerians, Chinese, Arab and Filipino nationals involved in alleged cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams.

This group was dubbed the largest cybercrime syndicate.

Case of money traced by the EFCC

Using money mules is a tactic adopted by individuals who launder money, to clean their trails. This involves sending money into other peoples accounts or even an organisation.

In March 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the EFCC traced N7 billion suspected to be proceeds of fraud to a religious organisation.

The money was said to be discovered during the investigation of a N13 billion fraud case. EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede, who made the disclosure, did not provide the details of the religious organisation.

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The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, is set to launch his much-anticipated autobiography, titled Being True to Myself, on Tuesday, 13 May, in Abuja.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Sule Lamido Book Launch Committee, Mustapha Khabeeb, described the event as a landmark occasion that would unbundle the real story of Nigerias political trajectory.

This is from the tail end of the Second Republic, through the military era, to the birth and unfolding of the Fourth Republic, he said.

According to Mr Khabeeb, Mr Lamidos autobiography offers a rare insider account of the dramatic twists, betrayals, and power struggles that have shaped Nigerias democratic journey.

It is not just a personal narrative but a political compendium capturing the soul of Nigerias governance and democratic history, he added.

He explained that the memoir explored Mr Lamidos evolution as a radical political actor, public servant, and elder statesman.

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It places particular focus on his involvement in major national developments, including his role in the June 12 movement, the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, is expected to attend the launch as Special Guest of Honour.

Mr Khabeeb also highlighted Mr Lamidos commitment to political ideals, noting his transformative leadership during two terms as governor of Jigawa State, in spite of facing strong opposition and protracted legal battles.

He was tried alongside his sons for seven years on trumped-up charges and was ultimately vindicated. Thats a story worth telling.

With its candid reflections, bold truths, and historical revelations, Being True to Myself is poised to resonate with historians, political scientists, and Nigerians who yearn for principled leadership and a deeper understanding of the countrys past, he added.

(NAN)

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Nigerias advertising regulatory body has warned advertisers and influencers sternly against deceptive and unvetted promotions.

Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), in a statement on Monday by its Director General, Olalekan Fadolapo, vowed strict enforcement of social media adverts.

According to the council, any person or entitywhether an agency, brand owner, content creator, influencer, or individual that engages in advertising activities and advertises to the Nigerian public must adhere to ARCONs regulatory framework.

The era of lawless advertising is over, the council warns. Let all those who are involved in the business of persuasion know: ARCON is watching, and the law will be enforced.

The development follows the recent landmark judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lagos in suit No. FHC/L/CS/1262/2024, which affirms ARCONs statutory powers to regulate advertising and marketing communications across all media platforms including traditional and the new media.

Strict enforcement

In light of this judgment and recent disturbing developments in the marketplace, ARCON is issuing a strong warning to all stakeholders involved in the conceptualisation, production, dissemination, and placement of advertisements in Nigeria, the statement said.

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We are deeply concerned about the growing trend of deceptive advertising, particularly on digital platforms, which misleads the public, exploits their trust, and leaves them vulnerable to financial and emotional harm.

Mr Fadolapo noted that a recent and painful example of deception in advertising is the CBEX Ponzi scheme, which was aggressively promoted through misleading and unverified advertising claims.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the scheme lured thousands of Nigerians with false promises of guaranteed returns, only for many to lose their hard-earned money to fraudulent operators.

Videos of people who have lost money to the Ponzi scheme have flooded social media.

The estimated losses are pegged at N1.3 trillion, according to a recent analysis by Taiwo Owolabi, a cryptocurrency and security expert.

The analysis showed how investors funds were diverted into a central wallet, which was holding at least $857 million in USDT (equivalent of N1.3 trillion).

The council said the development highlights the importance of vetting advertising materials for honesty, transparency, and compliance with ethical standards before dissemination.

Approval

The regulatory body said henceforth, all advertisements must be vetted and approved by ARCON before being shown to the Nigerian public, whether they appear on television, radio, billboards, newspapers, social media platforms, or any other channel.

Mr Fadola reiterated that any advert that misrepresents facts, omits critical information, or is designed to exploit vulnerable audiences will not be tolerated.

Social media is not an unregulated space, the statement read in part. The court has declared that platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and others fall within our regulatory purview.

Influencers and content creators advertising products or services are required to obtain prior approval of the advertisements before exposure.

Any individual or entity that publishes or exposes unapproved adverts flouts ARCONs regulations and will be subject to investigation. Where violations are established, ARCON will forward the matter to the Advertising Offences Tribunal, which has the legal authority to impose sanctions, including fines and other penalties.

Mr Fadolapo hinted that the council is currently strengthening its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Also, a special compliance task force has been mandated to track advertisements across all platforms and swiftly identify and flag non-compliant content.

Landmark judgement

The lawsuit was filed by Digi Bay Limited (trading under the name and style of Betway Nigeria), Super Group Limited, and Otunba Kunle Olamuyiwa against the Attorney General of the Federation and ARCON in 2024.

The originating summons, dated 12 July 2024, sought a judicial determination of ARCONs powers, especially as it related to advertising content published on digital platforms and by individuals not registered as advertising practitioners.

The court held that ARCON possesses the statutory authority to regulate all forms of advertising, regardless of the platform on which they appear. The judgment stated unequivocally that ARCONs regulatory mandate extends beyond registered advertising agencies to include private individuals who engage in advertising activities.

The judge emphasised that the determining factor is the nature of the activity, which is advertising, not the status of the individual or entity as a practitioner or non-practitioner.

Reactions

In his reaction to the court ruling, a marketer on X questioned how seamless the approval process will be. He expressed frustrations over the torrent of regulations at different levels people and businesses now have to contend with.

@Mazi_Ifenna, a lawyer, explained to his followers via X that the judgement meant that skit makers or content creators, who advertise products in their videos, are required to submit their skits to ARCON for vetting of the advert before release.

John Oladapo, a tech lawyer on X, described the ARCON Act as a regulatory nightmare.

Meanwhile, in 2023, the regulatory council filed a N30 billion ($44 million) lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated(Owners of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), alleging that the company violated Nigerian advertising laws by running unvetted adverts on its Facebook and Instagram platforms.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, barred Favour Kanu, a sister-in-law to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from attending his trial after she was caught livestreaming the proceedings on Facebook.

Mr Kanu, a separatist agitating for the secession of Nigerias five south-eastern states and parts of some neighbouring states as a sovereign Biafra nation, is being prosecuted by the Nigerian government for terrorism and treasonable felony.

Mrs Kanu is the wife of Fineboy Kanu, the younger brother to Mr Kanu.

Trial judge James Omotosho ordered Mrs Kanu to stay away from the next three court sessions after she admitted livestreaming the proceedings and apologised for the act.

The judge held that Mrs Kanu could have been charged with contempt of court.

Although Mr Kanus lawyer, Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also apologised on her behalf, the judge insisted that Mrs Kanu must not attend the next three hearings.

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ALSO READ: Court permits prosecution to hide identities of witnesses lined up to testify against Nnamdi Kanu

The judge expressed surprise that despite that Mrs Kanus phone was confiscated on the last adjourned date when she was caught recording during proceedings, she still went ahead to post the video online.

The judge, who cautioned against any act that could cause delay in the trial, assured all parties in the case that justice would be served.

(NAN)

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Since the beginning of 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought five former state governors to face trial, adding to the roll call of highest-profile public officers the agency has prosecuted since inception.

The five defendants, who lost immunity from prosecution as they stepped down after eight years of governing their respective states, are former Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Darius Ishaku of Taraba and Theodore Orji of Abia State.

Three of them  Mr Obiano, Mr Ahmed, and Mr Bello  who were arraigned in various courts in the first half of 2024, joined 30 former governors who have faced prosecution by the EFCC since its inception in 2004.

In the second half of the year, the list grew to 34 with the arraignment of former Governor Ishaku. It increased to 35 after the commission arraigned Mr Orji in February this year.

Some of the older cases have ended in convictions, acquittals, or outright dismissal at preliminary stages. While some ongoing ones have lingered for over a decade, the status of others is unclear.

The five new cases have taken varying time lags, ranging from a few months to years, for the defendants to be charged after they left office.

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The ex-governors face charges involving diversion of public funds for personal use, including buying houses for themselves, in some cases. The charges include breach of trust, money laundering, theft, and fraud, among others.

As expected, they pleaded not guilty in various courts, initiating full-scale trials that are now beginning to take shape.

PREMIUM TIMES brings a recap of the trials so far, amid waning public interest and fading memory about the cases whose details once jarred the public.

Abdulfatah Ahmed

Mr Ahmed served as the Governor of Kwara State, North-central Nigeria, from 2011 to 2019.

After a protracted investigation marked by a series of interrogations and detention, the EFCC finally charged him in 2024, six years after his tenure ended.

EFCC preferred 14 counts of theft and mismanaging N5.78 billion in universal basic education funds against him. The money was allegedly released to the state from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for primary and junior secondary school projects between 2013 and 2015.

In April 2024, EFCC arraigned the former governor alongside his then-Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, before trial judge Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But a reshuffling of judges, which took Ms Anyadike out of the Kwara State Division of the court, saw to the re-assignment of the case to a new judge.

Its a rule in Nigerian courts that a criminal trial must start afresh once a new judge takes over the case for whatever reason, no matter the stage the trial has reached. The only exception is if the former judge already finished writing the judgement and what is pending is for the verdict to be read.

Therefore, EFCC re-arraigned the former governor and his co-defendant before a new judge, Mahmud Abdulgafar, in October 2024, when the former governor, again, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

So far, the prosecution has called six witnesses to prove its case.

Abubakar Hassan, an assistant director of finance at UBEC, appeared as the first prosecution witness in December 2024 and in February this year, testifying about how Mr Ahmeds administration allegedly diverted funds meant for 51 UBEC projects in Kwara.

My lord, the Projects Monitoring Committee conducted investigations and found that many projects were either unexecuted or abandoned, Mr Hassan stated.

He added that in May 2018, UBEC wrote to Mr Ahmed, demanding an explanation, but received no response.

Also testifying, Musa Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said that the diversion of UBEC funds resulted in the abandonment of 51 UBEC projects approved under the 2013 Action Plan.

Mr Dasuki recalled how Mr Ahmeds administration requested to use UBECs funds to pay teachers salaries, promising to pay back after receiving the federal allocation.

He also said that despite initial objection, UBEC approved the release of the funds to the Kwara State Government, but the repayment never happened.

A former chairman of the Kwara SUBEB, Lanre Daibu, and the Accountant General of Kwara State between 2013 and 2019, Suleiman Ishola, both testified in April. Their testimonies elaborated on various aspects of Mr Dasukis earlier evidence.

However, during cross-examination by the defence, Mr Daibu explained that the funds were deposited into the state governments account, not a personal one.

The trial is scheduled to continue on 10 and 11 June.

Willie Obiano

Mr Obiano was elected twice on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the Governor of Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, superintending over the state from 2014 to 2022.

Hours after he handed over on 17 March 2022 after completing his second term in office, EFCC operatives arrested him at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was about to board a flight to Houston, the United States.

The commission released him only after five days of interrogation.

But he was not charged until almost two years after.

The EFCC arraigned him in January 2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of diverting N4 billion between 2017 and 2022 from Anambra States security account.

The commission alleged that the funds were diverted through 23 companies, converted to dollars and handed over to the former governor.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The legal proceedings against Mr Obiano were characterised by initial hiccups.

On 4 March 2024, he filed a motion contesting the courts jurisdiction.

The anti-graft agency filed a counter-affidavit. The judge, Inyang Ekwo, ruled against Mr Obiano, affirming the courts authority to entertain the case.

At some point, the EFCC complained about the difficulty in serving a court filing on the defence team.

Meanwhile, the case is pressing on. The trial is currently at the prosecution stage with 10 prosecution witnesses already called to testify.

Andrew Ali, the head of licence office at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), testifying as a prosecution witness, told the court that three out of the companies used to siphon the funds were unlicensed by the CBN to carry out Bureau de Change (BDC). The companies are Connaught International Service, SY Panda Enterprise and Zirga Zirga Trading Company Limited.

Another witness, a general contractor and owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, Udochukwu Okparache, testified that his companys account received N860 million from the Anambra State Government during Mr Obianos administration without bidding for any contract.

Mr Okparache told the court that the former governors wife, Eberechi Obiano, was one of the beneficiaries of the suspicious deposit.

The judge, Inyang Ekwo, fixed 26, 27, and 28 May for continuation of trial. But the future of the case has plunged into uncertainties, with last weeks suspension of the trial judge for misconduct for a year. The case has to start afresh if another judge is asked to take it up. It means all the 10 prosecution witnesses that have already testified have to return to court to give their evidence afresh. The other option is to let the judges suspension run out for him to return to continue the trial from where he stopped.

Yahaya Bello

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was arraigned on corruption charges in Abuja last year, after months of hide-and-seek and legal tactics aimed at ending the trial before it started.

Long before the end of Mr Bellos eight-year tenure as governor, spanning from 2016 to 2024, EFCC had kept an eye on him and his administration, with detectives following money trails believed to have emanated from the states coffers.

So, in 2022, two years before the end of Mr Bellos tenure, the anti-graft agency charged his nephew, Ali Bello, who was not under any immunity, with alleged fraud involving N10 billion belonging to Kogi State. Later in 2023, the EFCC, again, charged Ali, who is the Chief of Staff to incumbent Governor Usman Ododo, with N3 billion fraud. The commission arraigned Ali before two separate judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Shortly after Mr Bello completed his second term in January 2024, now stripped of immunity from prosecution, the EFCC filed N80 billion money laundering charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, and months later, N110 billion fraud charges against him at the FCT High Court in Abuja.

But bringing him to court for trial proved difficult, with the drive to prosecute him leading to confrontations, including a shooting spree.

On 17 April, the anti-graft agency laid a siege to his house in Abuja to arrest him based on a warrant it obtained from the trial court the previous day. After about seven hours of stand-off between EFCC operatives and police officers on guard at the house, Mr Bello slipped away in the convoy of his successor, Governor Ododo, who suddenly emerged on the scene.

On the same day, the Kogi State High Court restrained EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting him. However, the commission brushed aside the court order, insisting its action was based on the legitimate order of a court with coordinate jurisdiction.

A day after the failed attempt to arrest the former governor, EFCC declared him wanted following his failure to appear in court, and later threatened to use the military to bring him to court.

Mr Bello repeatedly snubbed court sessions seven times, accusing the EFCC of trying to arrest him forcefully and illegally.

The stalemate stretched on for months, while a series of legal proceedings initiated by Mr Bello to thwart the trial unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Kogi State High Court and the Court of Appeal.

In August, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered him to submit himself to the EFCC and the Federal High Court for arraignment, ending his hopes of getting a legal reprieve from prosecution.

Then on 18 September, Mr Bello suddenly appeared in company with Governor Ododo on the premises of EFCC headquarters in Abuja, purportedly to surrender to the commission.

Curiously, EFCC refused to arrest Mr Bello, allowing him to strut around its compound for more than an hour. The agencys operatives rather opted, by night that day, to apprehend him at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where he was being sheltered by the state government.

A confrontation ensued at the lodge, with EFCC operatives and security guards attached to the place engaging in a shootout. During the milieu, Mr Bello again slipped away in Governor Ododos convoy.

On 26 November, Mr Bello finally surrendered to EFCC ahead of the following days proceedings of the FCT High Court in Abuja scheduled for his arraignment.

At the 27 November proceedings, the EFCC arraigned Mr Bello and two co-defendants on 16 counts of N110 billion corruption charges. The anti-graft agency earlier filed the charges on 24 September.

The charges include criminal breach of trust involving the alleged diversion of more than N110 billion entrusted in Mr Bellos care as Kogi State governor.

The anti-graft agency said Mr Bello and his co-defendants diverted this fund in 2016, his first year in office.

It also alleged in various counts that Mr Bello dishonestly acquired for himself properties located in choice areas of Abuja and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with funds he allegedly diverted from the state governments treasury.

For instance, the commission said the former Kogi State governor took N100 million from the governments treasury to buy himself a property at 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, in 2021.

The charges further alleged he bought another property at 35, Danubi Street, Maitama, Abuja, for himself with N950 million belonging to the state in 2023.

He allegedly bought another one at 2, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, with N920 million belonging to the state in 2020.

The two co-defendantsUmar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were accused of conspiring with Mr Bello to perpetrate the alleged fraud.

The former governor and his two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts read to them before the trial judge, Maryanne Anenih.

The judge initially denied Mr Bello bail, sent him to prison and did not order his release until nine days after.

In January 2025, a witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer with Efab Property Nigeria Limited, testified in court about a deal involving a N550 million property at No 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. However, he did not mention Mr Bellos name.

The judge fixed 6 May for continuation of hearing.

The other case involves money laundering charges, accusing Mr Bello of diverting N80.2 billion in Kogi States funds. EFCC alleged in the case that Mr Bello paid $720,000 in advance school fees for his children. The anti-graft agency alleged that the former governor paid money in instalments between September 2021 to January 2022. The agency described the money paid to the school as part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The prosecution has called three witnesses, so far.

The first prosecution witness was an auditor at the American International School, Abuja, Nicholas Ojehomon, who confirmed the payment of school fees for four of the former governors children.

In February, the first prosecution witness, Segun Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, testified on the purchase of some properties which the EFCC alleged in the charges were acquired with Kogi States funds for Mr Bello.

The witness confirmed that the property at House 12, 59 Crescent, Fifth Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, was purchased by one Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million. He explained that the payment was made via bank transfer and that his company issued relevant documents, including proof of payment and letters of allocation.

He said EFAB Properties received N550 million for another transaction, adding that the company followed its standard procedure in processing the transaction, including documents signed by its chairperson.

When asked whether he could identify the origin of the N70 million transfer, Mr Adeleke admitted he did not know its source.

At the same proceedings, the EFCC called its second witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer at the Area 3, Garki, Abuja branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Mr Abimbola, who appeared on subpoena, presented a copy of the subpoena, which was admitted as Exhibit 1 without objection from the defence.

The prosecution also tendered the statement of account and the account opening package for Kogi State Government House covering 1 January 2016 to 31 January 2024. The document was admitted as Exhibits 2P1 to P61.

The EFCC also presented the statements of account and account opening package for American International School, Abuja, Account No. 1000684346, covering 1 September 2020, to 30 September 2020. These were admitted as Exhibits 521-5277, while the statement of account was marked as Exhibits 621-622.

On 7 March, the judge fixed 8 May for ruling on the admissibility of an FCT High Court judgement sought to be tendered by Mr Bello.

The judgement was given in suit FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023 filed by Ali (Mr Bellos nephew) and the American International School Abuja. The judgement, according to Mr Bellos legal team, had made pronouncements concerning Mr Bellos childrens school fees payment and refund.

Darius Ishaku

Darius Ishaku was Taraba States governor from 2015 to 2023, having been elected twice on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In September 2024, the EFCC arrested Mr Ishaku and arraigned him in October before the FCT High Court on 15 counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

He was arraigned alongside his administrations Permanent Secretary of the states Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero.

They were accused of diverting the money from the contingency funds belonging to the states Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the states into their private uses.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr Ishaku challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter in November 2024. However, the case has continued in court as the prosecution is still calling witnesses.

In January 2025, a prosecution witness narrated how Mr Ishaku gave him $5,000 to relocate to Lagos to evade EFCC arrest.

The witness, Ismail Lawal, told the court that he worked as a system analyst in 2011 with Excelarc Partners, a company owned by the former Taraba State governor.

The witness said that when Mr Ishaku became governor in 2015, he invited him to work with him as a personal assistant.

I was in charge of the former governors emails. I ran errands for him as well as collected money from the accounts section of the government house in Jalingo and followed the governors instructions on what to do with the money, he said.

Mr Lawal added that he was paid a monthly salary of N130,000 in cash by the former governor.

I was informed that the EFCC needed me for questioning on June 12, 2021.

I was ready to show up, but I was later told by the former governor not to appear in the EFCC office. He said I should stay away.

I was in Lagos for close to two years. I moved from one hotel to another. I dont know how the EFCC officials traced my whereabouts to my hotel in Magodo, Lagos, he said.

The witness said that he was transferred to Abuja from Lagos upon his arrest.

I was shown a CCTV footage of how I collected money from the UBA branch at Jabi in Abuja and also shown my bank statement in Zenith Bank current and savings accounts, he said.

The prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, a SAN, tendered the statements of account of the witness. The judge, Sylvania Oriji, admitted the documents as exhibits after overruling the objection from the defence.

Mr Lawal, the prosecution witness, told the court that each time money was paid into his account, he got a call from either the permanent secretary, Government House, Jalingo, Chindo Audu, or the Director of Finance, Galenya Lydia.

They always tell me that they sent money meant for His Excellency and that I should withdraw and give it to him (Ishaku), he said.

At the subsequent court proceedings in March, Mr Ishaku failed to appear in court for health reasons.

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A leaked memo directing Kanos 44 local government councils to release N670 million to purchase official cars for reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi is trending online.

The official correspondence dated 25 March directed the local councils to contribute over N15.2 million each to buy vehicles for the Kano emirate council.

The memo stated that the funds would be deducted directly from the State/Local Government Joint Account and paid to a private company, Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd, contracted to buy the vehicles.

The company was contracted to supply four vehicles and refurbish two vintage ones for the Emir Sanusi-led Emirate Council.

The memo, titled Conveyance of Approval for the Release of Funds, was signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

I am directed to convey Governments approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N15,227,272.72 per LGA to repair 2 No. vehicles and supply 4 No. vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council through Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd, the letter stated.

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According to the breakdown, the N670 million will cover the refurbishment of a 1969 Rolls Royce (DH 420), restoration of a Cadillac limousine, and the purchase of four 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser VXR vehicles.

The memo also instructed all LGA chairpersons to ensure compliance with due process in executing the project.

The decision has drawn criticism online, with many questioning the governments priorities at a time when several local councils are struggling with infrastructure and basic services.

A former media aide to former Governor of the State, Abdullahi Ganduje, Salihu Tanko-Yakasai, is one of several socal media enthusiasts that shared the leaked letter online, questioning the rationale of the decision.

If its true, then this is oppression!!! wrote social media user Mubashshir Saidu. Leaders should always pay attention to the condition of the common people! Whats the problem with Emir Sanusi or his palace and vehicle? Come on, people.

Emir Sanusi and the state government have yet to comment on the matter.

The Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muhammad Othman, did not respond to telephone calls and a text message seeking comment on the development.

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The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a middle-aged man for raping a 13-year-old boy in Sokoto State.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the suspect, simply identified as Abu, allegedly raped the minor about three times between February and April when he was arrested.

The states NSCDC spokesperson, Umar Aliyu, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES via telephone on Tuesday that the man was in custody.

This newspaper has also learnt through sources that the boys family allegedly struck a deal with the suspect to escape justice.

According to a source close to the family, the suspect paid N700,000 to the family and promised to foot the boys medical bills. It is yet unclear how this would affect the administration of justice.

How it happened

The minor reportedly hawked sachet water at the old Sokoto Market, Tsohuwar Kasuwa, where his sister sells food.

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According to the boys narration in a video posted on social media, he regularly delivers food from his sister to Mr Abu, who started seducing him by buying him clothes and shoes.

One source told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Abu had also met the boys mother and offered to take him to work with him at his store, where he sells rice. The source said it was later discovered that the man works for someone at the store.

In February, he took the boy to the outskirts of town around the BUA cement factory, where he allegedly raped him.

He asked me to remove my trousers. I said no because I was scared. Then he threatened that if I did not, he would leave me there and no one would take me home, the boy said.

He removed my trousers and did what he did. My trousers were spoiled. He brought me home and told my mother about the clothes he bought for me. Then it happened again.

The next day at the market, I stayed with my sister. He came there and asked why I didnt come to the shop. My sister said I should go there, and so I went. He said we were going to buy fuel for his motorcycle. After that, he took me to his house and threatened me again. He did it again.

I stopped going, but my mum asked why I stopped going to the store. I didnt say anything. Later on, I told my grandma, and she told my mother.

Arrest

This newspaper gathered that the matter was reported to the NSCDC, and Mr Abu was arrested. The boy was also taken to the Sokoto Specialist Hospital for medical examination.

The reason for the medical examination ascertained that there was penetration, the source said.

One source told our reporter that the case had been transferred to the intelligence unit of the NSCDC Sokoto command.

Suspects deal with victims family

PREMIUM TIMES, however, learnt that the boys family was induced to help Mr Abu secure a lighter sentence when he is eventually charged.

The source said the families of the victims and the suspect agreed that the man would foot the hospital bills of the boy and pay him N700,000 as compensation.

The source said the boys family opted for the deal after considering that the boy would get no compensation if the suspect were charged in court and sent to jail.

ALSO READ: Police detain septuagenarian for allegedly raping minor

In fact, you can see the person becoming free because we also know the situation of Nigeria. Something may just come up through a prison visit, and they will release him through a programme, the source said.

Investigations ongoing  NSCDC

However, the spokesperson for the NSCDC, Mr Aliyu, said an investigation was still ongoing.

The case is still under investigation. Ill contact you later so that I can give you the full picture of everything. I have to capture everything vividly, he said via telephone.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced a man to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating a minor.

The court found Abdulhameed Ahmed, 27, guilty of raping the girl, who was 15 years old as of the time of the incident.

Judge Sylvanus Oriji agreed with the prosecutions case, holding that the defendant did not just have sexual intercourse with the girl, but did so with her as of the time she was underage.

The prosecution proved the elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt, Mr Oriji ruled.

After declaring the defendant guilty, the judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Mr Ahmed was arraigned in 2024 on one count of raping the survivor.

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The prosecution said Mr Ahmed raped the minor four times in Angwan Fulani, Aso Lugbe, Abuja, between January 2022 and January 2023.

He allegedly lured the girl, promising to gift her a mobile phone.

He was charged under section 31 of the Childs Rights Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which criminalises having a sexual intercourse with a child.

The provision clarifies that when a person is charged under this section, it is immaterial that the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of 18 years; or that the sexual intercourse was with the consent of the child.

It prescribes life imprisonment for the offender upon conviction.

Cases made by prosecution and defence

The defence counsel, Oluwatobilola Akinbiyi, argued that the defendant had expressed the desire to enter into an emotional relationship with the victim without any criminal intent.

Mr Akinyibi also noted that under Islamic laws, marriage to any lady past puberty was acceptable.

However, the prosecution counsel, Ammeh Ammeh, faulted the Islamic law defence relied on by the defendants.

He said the defence did not apply to the case of impregnating a minor and that the FCT is not governed by Sharia law.

He noted that according to Section 21(1) of the Childs Rights Act, a girl below 18 is prohibited from marriage.

Judgement

The judge upheld the prosecutions argument.

There is no evidence that it is proper or permissible under Islamic law for a man to have sexual intercourse with a child or minor before marriage, Mr Oriji ruled.

Rape of minors

This case is notable for its relatively swift conclusion particularly given the prevalence of rape cases, where offenders are rarely brought to justice, often only after extended trials.

In many instances, prosecution fatigue leads to the abandonment of cases or the failure to present witnesses and evidence in court, resulting in the acquittal of offenders.

In January, PREMIUM TIMES compiled some rape cases to be noted in the year, reflecting a troubling trend that persists and signals the heightened risks girls potentially face from sexual predators in the new year.

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On 11 April, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgement affirming that the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act is applicable to all tiers of government, including the 36 states of the federation.

Contrary to the arguments many state governments have canvassed over the years to dodge compliance with the FOI Act, a federal legislation, the court held that the National Assembly is competent to enact laws on public records and archives.

The judgement is a milestone for the 14-year-old legislation, whose implementation has encountered challenges due to limited commitment to transparent and democratic governance in the country.

The verdict was prompted by a suit commenced at the Edo State High Court in Benin City, on 4 February 2014.

Nine representatives of the civil society groups in Edo State, South-south Nigeria, filed the suit following the denial of an FoI request by the Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EDOSACA).

The trial court ruled in favour of the applicants in a judgement delivered on 29 April 2014, ordering EDOSACA to release the information requested.

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But on appeal by EDOSACA, the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, in a two-to-one majority decision, overturned the Federal High Courts judgement, ruling that the FoI Act was only applicable to public records and archives of the federation and not of states.

Displeased with the judgement, the civil society groups proceeded to the Supreme Court, which gave the final verdict last month affirming that all tiers of government are bound by the FoI Act.

You can download the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgement here to read the decision in full.

SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT on FOI Act_watermark_watermark_compressed_watermark

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Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were reported missing on Friday, May 2, 2025. They are students at Salt Springs Elementary in Salt Springs, N.S. (Family of Jack and Lily Sullivan - image credit)

Nova Scotia RCMP say the search for two missing children in Pictou County is expected to carry on into the night on Monday.

Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were last seen Friday morning at their home on Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station, about 20 kilometres southwest of New Glasgow.

"It has been a few days, but that has not dampened the hopes of the [search] teams and the police who are here trying to get these kids home," RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Carlie McCann told reporters on Monday afternoon.

Police and rescue agencies have been combing the wooded area for the children, who they believe wandered off from their home. They've asked the public to stay away as trained searchers conduct their work.

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McCann said drones and specially trained ground search and rescue crews would be involved in the search effort at night. She said police dog services could also be used.

"There's a variety of things that can happen even when it's going to be more difficult in those nighttime conditions  the searches have continued 24-7 since this has been reported," she said.

Amy Hansen, the search manager for the day shifts with Colchester Ground Search and Rescue, told reporters on Monday that 100 to 140 ground searchers have been used during the day and from 60 to 75 at night.

Robert Parker, the warden of the Municipality of Pictou County, told CBC News it was a stressful weekend for people in his community and beyond.

"They often say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, all of Pictou County is a village right now and everybody is hoping and praying these little ones are going to be found," Parker told CBC News.

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He said it's important that people don't get carried away speculating on social media what might have happened.

"Seen somebody said to leave the families be, they're having a tough time, I'm sure. Just put yourself in the case of your children missing or your grandchildren missing and the terrific amount of stress that's there," Parker said.

"And so I think the family should be left alone with their people there to comfort them. The best we can do is try to support the searchers."

Donald Parker, a councillor with the municipality of Pictou County, said many people just want to help. But it's important to listen to the authorities, he said.

"Everybody in the community is concerned and worried, but we're all hoping for the best here," said the councillor, who has been visiting the search sites each day. "It's hard on the whole community. It's incredibly tough."

Jack Sullivan is four years old and in pre-primary at Salt Springs Elementary. (Submitted by Daniel Martell)

About 160 people were involved in the search Sunday despite a rainy forecast that made for some challenging conditions. RCMP have said searchers located what could be a footprint on Saturday and expanded their search effort in that area.

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"Searchers are diligently keeping track of which specific sections of the ground have been covered, and are applying their specialized skills to allow the searchers on scene to stay safe," McCann said in an email earlier Monday.

Meanwhile, the stepfather of the children said he wants authorities to expand their search to monitor the New Brunswick border and nearby airports in case the children were abducted.

Daniel Martell, who has been in a relationship with the children's mother for three years, said he feels the police response was not swift enough and that more resources should have been made available.

He said the last time he saw the children he and their mother were in their bedroom with their baby on Friday morning.

He said Lily came into the bedroom several times and he could hear Jack in the kitchen.

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The children must have opened the sliding back door, which is almost silent, and left, he said.

"When we noticed that the children were gone, I immediately jumped in the vehicle, surveyed all the areas, [as] many dirt roads, [as] many culverts as I could and waited for the police to get there," Martell told CBC News.

On Saturday, the children's mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, spoke to CTV News.

"I'm just staying as hopeful as possible, I want them home, I want to hold them and I want them home," she told CTV.

She said she appreciates the huge search effort but said she has been pushing for an Amber Alert to be sent.

"Not just that they could possibly be abducted  which it is a possibility that they could have been  but just an alert to let everyone know that they are missing."

Police said on Friday there is no evidence the children were abducted, so no Amber Alert was issued. But the RCMP issued a vulnerable missing persons alert for Antigonish, Colchester and Pictou counties late Saturday afternoon.

Martell said Jack is in pre-primary and Lily is in primary. He said they were not at school on Friday because Lily had a cough and neither she nor her brother went to school last week.

He said Jack and Lily are not just siblings  "they're like best friends." Jack loves bugs and dinosaurs, and Lily loves "girly things."

"If anybody out there has anything, come forward now," said Martell on Monday in an interview outside the home where the children went missing.

Daniel Martell says he believes the children left their home through the sliding back door. (Nicola Seguin/CBC)

Martell said two boot tracks were found near his home, as well as another nearby, and that is the only evidence authorities have uncovered so far.

A spokesperson for the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education confirmed on Monday that the children attend Salt Springs Elementary in Salt Springs, N.S.

"During this difficult time, the school has additional support staff on site ready to help staff and students with questions and provide calm coping strategies," Jennifer Rodgers wrote in an email.

"The school has also shared a message with its families which included a resource guide for parents."

Upwards of 160 people took part in the search on Sunday. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)

Maj. Daniel Roode of the Salvation Army said his organization has been providing breakfast, lunch and dinner to the various agencies involved in the search since Saturday.

"We're going full tilt," said Roode from a kitchen in Westville, N.S., adding as many as 150 searchers were getting a hearty stew for lunch on Monday.

"We hope to see searchers and police and responders well fed  but we're hoping most of all that some answers will be found and most of all that those children would be found safe and sound."

Anyone with information about the children is urged to call Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333.

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The federal government has inaugurated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Reform Committee to review existing policy documents and propose comprehensive reforms to ensure the scheme remains effective and responsive to current national needs.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of the committee.

He noted that the NYSC had long been a pillar of national integration, promoting unity across Nigerias diverse cultures while providing young Nigerians with valuable life experiences.

Today signifies an important step forward in our collective journey to improve one of Nigerias most valuable national institutions dedicated to unity, empowerment, and development, Mr Olawande said.

He emphasised the vital role the NYSC had played in fostering national unity and youth development since its inception in 1973, but stressed that it was now time to reassess and modernise the scheme to reflect contemporary realities and challenges.

As the nation advances, we must improve the institutions that support its development.

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While the NYSC has made remarkable progress, it also faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and questions about the schemes relevance in a changing socio-economic landscape, he said.

Mr Olawande explained that the committees mandate includes conducting a comprehensive review of the scheme, assessing its current operations, and proposing reforms to make it more secure, innovative, and impactful.

Our goal is to transform NYSC into a platform that offers youth better opportunities in skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and career development, he added.

The committee will also review existing policy documents, laws, and reports guiding the NYSC; engage in consultations with stakeholders nationwide; and recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks.

A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Youth, he said.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, stressed the need to restructure technical and vocational training in alignment with academic development.

She said such reforms would enable young people to make long-term contributions to their communities and the country.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Tunji Alausa, proposed the creation of a Teachers Corps and Medical Corps for NCE-certified graduates and healthcare professionals, especially those willing to serve in rural areas for a voluntary two-year period.

He said the Teachers Corps would help address educational gaps and offer a path to government employment, while the Medical Corps would strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities, particularly in maternal and child health.

(NAN)

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The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is participating in a security meeting with a Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Jeff Promise, on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

The meeting is a significant move to enhance Nigerias defence capabilities, he said.

Mr Matawalle said the meeting aims to strengthen strategic defence ties between Nigeria and China.

According to him, the primary focus of the engagement is to formalise a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigerias security sector, he said.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Chinese company has committed to investing in Nigerias defence infrastructure.

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The partnership includes the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Mr Matawalle outlined key areas of collaboration, including the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, the servicing of battle tanks, and the provision of military engineering services.

He noted that the partnership aimed to extend its impact beyond Nigeria, offering military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

The minister described the engagement as a major step forward in Nigerias defence modernisation agenda.

He reiterated the federal governments commitment to building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.

READ ALSO: Bandits kill 11 vigilante members in Bauchi oil community

The agreement also includes the construction of new production lines for various types of ammunition, such as 7.6251mm ball cartridges, 7.6251mm blank cartridges, 919mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.

Under the MoU, new manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defence components.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubus vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigerias security and defence capabilities, Matawalle added.

(NAN)

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In the days of our forefathers, a kings visit to a distant province would be heralded with drumbeats, coordinated dancing and merriment. The visiting royalty would be showered with gifts and foods befitting his status, and the host would spare no expense to impress the august visitor.

In modern Nigeria, such visits have their own choreography, their own rhythms and expectations. But what we witnessed in Katsina last Friday was something altogether different  a validation not just to traditional hospitality but to proven governance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubus two-day working visit to Katsina State revealed much about both the visitor and the host. It was a meeting of minds, an encounter between a president trying to craft a new course for a troubled nation and a governor who has, quietly but effectively, been building the foundations of progress and prosperity in his sub-national.

The moment the presidential jet taxied to a halt at the Umaru Musa YarAdua Airport Katsina, the script deviated from the usual ceremonial pleasantries. Rather than rushing to the waiting government house and its officials, the President made a deliberate stop to address Operation Fasan Yamma troops comprising officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces putting their lives at grave risks for the safety of all of us.

Standing before the men and women in uniform, Mr Tinubu accorded them the respect that has been missing in our national conversation. He called them the silent guardians of our democracy, the defenders of our national integrity  words, to me struck a chord with a military battling multiple security challenges across the country.

The Presidents charge to them was equally loud: Bring an end to the menace of insecurity and reclaim every inch of our land. These were not empty words spoken for effect; they were a recognition of what the security forces have been doing and an encouragement to do more. It was the Presidents acknowledgement that without security, all other governance efforts are like building castles on quicksand.

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From the airport to Hajj Camp RoundaboutBarhim to Al-Qalam Roundabout and UMYU Road to Tashar Bala then back to the government house, the roads of Katsina told their own story. A mammoth crowd  children, men, women, youth, students, traders  lined both sides of the road, chanting Maraba Da Zuwa Mr President! Sai Dikko Radda! with unmistakable enthusiasm.

The cynical might dismiss this as the usual rent-a-crowd phenomenon that plagues Nigerian politics, but those of us who understand the rhythm of the North know better. The Katsina people were not out there because they had been paid to be; they were there because they recognised genuine leadership and good work of their governor, Dikko Umaru Radda and the need to honour President Tinubu.

I want you to be clear about this  if Governor Radda had not been up to his task, the turnout would have been something else entirely. The people of Katsina know the difference between performance and promises, between rhetoric and results.

They have seen governors come and go, they have heard beautiful speeches and grand visions that evaporated with the morning dew. What they see in Radda is different  a commitment to Building Your Future that is already manifesting in concrete projects and tangible progress.

The honour the President granted Katsina is indeed uncommon. Since assuming office, except for Lagos, Mr Tinubu has not passed a night in any state during his visits. But in Katsina, he stayed, not out of protocol necessity but out of recognition for what Governor Radda has achieved in less than two years. As the President himself put it, Radda is a governor of honesty, integrity and commitment. High praise indeed from a Jagaban not known for casual compliments.

The commissioning of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre was perhaps the most significant event of the presidential visit. With 400 tractors and several other implements already assembled there, Governor Radda is tackling food insecurity head-on, not just in Katsina but potentially across the North and Nigeria at large. Remember we are in a country where agriculture remains the largest employer of labour but is still largely unmechanized, this initiative is deserves all applause.

Then there is the 24-km Katsina Eastern Bypass, completed within 18 months and named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After the launching, the President led other high-level stakeholders to test drive the road down to the state government house. That on a side! Roads in Nigeria have become metaphors for governance  often promised, rarely delivered, frequently abandoned and sadly became a death trap.

That Governor Radda completed this key infrastructure project without jettisoning the quality in such a short time speaks volumes about his administrations focus and efficiency. It is a physical manifestation of his governance philosophy  practical, focused, and results-oriented.

What we are witnessing in Katsina under Radda is not just about projects or programs but about process. It is about governance that sees beyond the next election to the next generation. It is about leadership that understands that the true measure of success is not in the accolades of the moment but in the enduring impact on the lives of the people. Thats why, in every occasion you see the governor hammering on Building Your Future.

This is why the people lined the streets, not out of obligation but out of genuine appreciation. This is why the President stayed, not out of ceremonial necessity but out of respect for achievements that align with his Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria. And this is why, in the coming months, the President shall hopefully return to flag off more historic and landmark projects in the state.

Mr Raddas Katsina is celebrating good work. His Katsina is becoming a model of what is possible when leadership works with reality, when governance delivers tangible benefits rather than distributing patronage. His Building Your Future is a commitment that is being fulfilled daily through strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, enhanced security, topnoch education, quality healthcare delivery and human capital development.

Governor Radda understands that true governance is about planting trees under whose shade you may never sit. It is about building for the future, not just managing the present.

President Tinubus visit to Katsina alongside some Nigerian governors led by the NGF Chairman Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Minister of Information and National Orientation and that of Housing and Urban Development and notable business moguls and presidential appointees were more than just another schedule in the presidential calendar; it was a recognition of governance done right. It was an acknowledgment that Raddas approach to leadership  focused, efficient, and people-centered  is what Nigeria needs across all levels of government.

Now that weve watched the presidential jet take off from Katsina Airport, we need to remind ourselves what it left behind. Not memories of a visit but a benchmark for governance. Mr Raddas Katsina is showing that with the right leadership, the right vision, and the right commitment, Nigerias states can indeed become centres of development and progress.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Dikko Radda. He writes from the Home of Hospitality (Katsina State).

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The Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J Williamz Limited, promoters of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS), to advance its sustainable development agenda.

The agreement, which was signed on Monday at the Governors office in Katsina , aims to facilitate the attraction of funds for the execution of critical social projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) development, education, healthcare, and other social sectors within the state.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Wale Fasanya, Katsina State Government Lead Consultant on MSMEs development and former Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Ibrahim Musa Gani, Director Enterprise Development and Promotion KASEDA, and Babangida Ruma, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development.

The partnership follows Katsina States participation in the 12th edition of the Nigerian Diaspora MSMEs and Job Creation Investment Summit organised by NDDIS in London in March 2025, where the state presented its needs for funding to execute project interventions in various developmental sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Founder of NDDIS, emphasised the significance of diaspora engagement in driving socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria.

This MoU represents a major step in connecting the Nigerian diaspora with impactful projects in Katsina State. Through strategic funding, we can create real change in critical sectors of Katsina State economy, Folayan stated.

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He further highlighted the vision of NDDIS: The role of the Nigerian diaspora is to help facilitate investment and funding opportunities back to our motherland. This is what NDDIS has been doing for 12 years since its inception, working with Nigerian governments and private businesses to attract capital and expertise.

The partnership is expected to open new channels for investment into Katsina States development priorities, leveraging the resources and expertise of Nigerians living abroad to complement the state governments efforts in achieving sustainable development.

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It was a moment of shock and sorrow in Anambra State on Tuesday when the body of a yet-to-be-identified pregnant woman was found hanging from a cashew tree in the state.

The body, it was gathered, was seen dangling on the tree along Uke-Ideani Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

It is unclear, for now, if the pregnant woman committed suicide or was murdered.

Residents, however, told PREMIUM TIMES that the woman must have been murdered and hanged on the tree to give a false impression of suicide.

One resident, who identified himself simply as Chijioke, said the body was seen in the early hours of Tuesday.

Before we went to bed on Monday night, we did not see anybody hanging on the tree. So, this must have happened either in the middle of the night or very early this morning, he said.

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We couldnt identify the face before some police personnel came and took the body of the woman.

Its murder

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed the development, according to a statement by the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday evening.

Mr Orutugu said what happened was suspected to be murder, not suicide.

The police commissioner described the incident as unfortunate and a stark example of mans inhumanity to man.

He appealed to both community and local government leaders to assist with information that can aid in apprehending the killers.

The police chief said he had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Novelty

Like other states in the South-east, there have been frequent attacks by armed persons in Anambra State

Hundreds of people have been killed or abducted by gunmen terrorising residents of the South-east in recent times.

However, the discovery of the pregnant woman hanging from the tree is a novelty in the region.

The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been blamed for the attacks in the south-east and south-south Nigeria.

But the separatist group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the two regions.

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The Ekiti State Government on Tuesday said it is targeting 200,000 farmers for commercial livestock and is aiming to create 1.5 million jobs through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES).

It also said it would boost livestock productivity, improve resilience, and commercialise selected value chain initiatives, including cluster formation across the state.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, said this at the five-day Training Workshop on Productivity and Technology Adoption Survey in Ado Ekiti.

L-PRES is a World Bank-supported project being implemented across 20 states of the federation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The project is expected to directly benefit 1.43 million farmers beneficiaries (of which 30 per cent would be women) in Nigeria.

The project focuses on enhancing livestock productivity, making them more resilient to various challenges like disease and climate change.

Mr Ebenezer, represented by the ministrys Permanent Secretary, Ebenezer Ojo, said the state focuses on four selected livestock value chains: dairy/beef, sheep/goat, piggery and poultry (broiler and eggs production).

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He urged all the relevant value chain actors/players to work in synergy with other ancillary agribusinesses to ensure sustainable food security and peaceful co-existence in Ekiti State.

The livestock sub-sector is wide and presents some promising production opportunities in our state, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project is supporting measures that will help the livestock farmers and ancillary agribusinesses mitigate and increase adaptive measures to modernise agricultural practices and resilience through improved innovation and good practices, Mr Ebenezer said.

In his remarks, the L-PRES coordinator in Ekiti, Olayinka Adedipe, said it currently operates in 16 local government areas of the state, adding that it is carrying out mass extension works with stakeholders such as people in the academic and extension officers.

In the project implementation manual, the entire country is targeting 1.4 million farmers. So, for Ekiti, we are looking at over 200,000 farmers to become commercial farmers.

If we are able to empower 200,000 farmers, look at the indirect jobs that will be linked to that. For the indirect jobs, we are looking at over 1.5 million jobs, Mr Adedipe said.

Ogunloba James, who spoke for the project lead consultant, Synergy Impact Consultant Limited, noted that attention has always been on crop production and that this is the first time the country is shifting attention to livestock production.

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The Ekiti Government has restated the ban on any high chief or individual adorning the beaded crown in the state, saying only the recognised traditional rulers were empowered to use such paraphernalia.

The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, gave the warning on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, while presiding over a lingering chieftaincy crisis between the Head of Irorin Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Sunday Atolaju and Alawe in Council.

Mrs Afuye said that it had become worrisome that some individuals and high chiefs seeking autonomy have resorted to the use of beaded crowns even when their request had not been granted by the government.

She said that anyone found parading himself as a king shall face stringent punitive actions.

According to her, the practice by which a chief parades himself as a king is a flagrant violation of Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.

The deputy governor warned individuals and chiefs from wearing such crowns in the name of observing yearly or monthly cultural practices.

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She said that the current administration held Ekiti tradition and institutions in high esteem and would not allow any act or actions that could breed cultural disunity, violence or rewrite the good Yoruba cultural heritage.

At the peace parley, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, was represented by six chiefs, while the Alawe in Council was led by the Elemo of Oke Emo, Chief Gbenga Agbona.

Mr Agbona claimed that it was alien to the people of Ilawe-Ekiti, culture and traditions for priests to wear crowns and other paraphernalia of office like a traditional ruler, all in the name of festival.

The Alawe in Council alleged that such a practice was often demonstrated by the Chief Ororin of Irorin Quarters, Ilawe-Ekiti, Sunday Atolaju, and it was capable of bringing division in the ancient town.

The traditional ruler urged the government to stop him from parading himself as a king because Ilawe-Ekiti had one traditional ruler.

The Alawe in Council added that Mr Atolaju should be stopped because his actions could denigrate the stool of the paramount ruler in Ilawe-Ekiti.

Mr Atolaju and his supporters presented pictorial evidence and others to justify their claims that the head of Irorin Quarters was entitled to wear a crown and other paraphernalia of office during their festival.

He had, in previous meetings, claimed that their culture allowed him to wear a crown, saying that his predecessors had been practising such from time immemorial.

(NAN)

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With the goal of promoting emerging destinations and improving access to them, ProColombia and the Civil Aviation Authority are launching an initiative to strengthen tourism and boost economic development. The initiative aims to connect the world with lesser-known regions of Colombia.

MADRID, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "Runways of Hidden Beauty" is a campaign that highlights the country's natural and cultural richness, positioning Colombia as a top-tier travel destination. As part of this effort, the campaign aligns with the National Government's goal to improve air infrastructure in remote destinations, including the planned enhancement of approximately 20 airstrips across five of the country's six tourism regions: the Colombian Greater Caribbean, Colombian Pacific, Colombian Amazon-Orinoquia, Colombian Massif, and the Eastern Andes of Colombia.

The Country of Beauty Will Reveal Hidden Destinations to the World with Renovated Airstrips The Country of Beauty Will Reveal Hidden Destinations to the World with Renovated Airstrips The Country of Beauty Will Reveal Hidden Destinations to the World with Renovated Airstrips

This long-term plan seeks to make these hidden gems more accessible to visitors from around the world by opening up new pathways for tourism in Colombia. The campaign will appear in media outlets and on social media, promoted with the hashtags #HiddenBeauty and #BellezaEscondida to invite people to discover and share these unique destinations.

Among the destinations featured in the campaign are Tolu and Bahia Solano, two places with immense natural wealth and tourism potential, where the Civil Aviation Authority has led the improvement of air infrastructure to strengthen connectivity and facilitate access for travelers arriving at airstrips that are transforming the tourism offering.

Tolu, for example, was prioritized due to its natural richness, tourism potential, and privileged location in the Colombian Caribbean. Inspired by these two cases, other areas with similar characteristics have been identified and will be included in this effort to boost tourism, enhance regional connectivity, and breathe new life into lesser-known destinations in the country.

In addition, the campaign targets strategic markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Argentina, and Germany, as well as emerging markets like the Netherlands and Italy, giving Colombian tourism new momentum. "Runways of Hidden Beauty brings value to Colombia's natural and cultural richness, promoting authentic experiences that cater to the new motivations of travelers. This initiative is expected to attract a wide range of touristsfrom those seeking nature and cultural connections to others interested in community-based tourism or beach vacations," said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.

What kind of experiences can be found in these destinations?

Tourists can enjoy a variety of experiences and help rewrite the history of Colombia's most disconnected regions, thanks to the collaboration with tour operators who have applied their knowledge and infrastructure to serve the thousands of tourists now arriving in these areasmarking a before-and-after in the unveiling of Colombia's natural beauty.

Tolu, located in the department of Sucre, is one of the most representative destinations of the Colombian Greater Caribbean, known for its peaceful beaches, local culture, and nature-based experiences. Beyond its coastal appeal, Tolu is a launching point for exploring places such as Cienaga de la Leche, San Bernardo Islands, and the mangroves of Covenas, ideal for wildlife and flora watching.

Nearby, travelers can also find destinations like Altamira Nature Refuge in Chalan, Toluviejo Caves, Wapiti Forest Reserve, and Sanguare Nature Reserve in San Onofre. The area is also connected to routes leading to Montes de Maria, known for their springs, wells, and caves, and the Paramillo National Natural Park. This variety makes Tolu a great spot for nature, cultural, and adventure tourism.

Bahia Solano, on the other hand, is perfect for travelers seeking nature, biodiversity, and authentic experiences. It is known for humpback whale watching, as these majestic animals visit the warm waters of Nuqui and surrounding areas each year to reproduce, along with sea turtles and a vast array of species in its jungles and rivers. In addition to the Utria National Natural Park and El Almejal Beach, visitors can enjoy must-see spots like Tigre Waterfall, hikes to Termales and Jurubira, and eco-trails guided by Indigenous Embera communities in Mecana. Travelers can also visit beaches such as Guachalito, Punta Brava, and Termales, as well as rivers like Jovi and Tundo, which hide waterfalls and natural pools. The destination is also seeing a rise in sustainable accommodation, like Posada Chachita, Hotel Mecana, and MorroMico. All of this makes Bahia Solano a unique destination for nature tourism, relaxation, and connecting with local communities.

"With this initiative, we hope the impact goes beyond tourism and becomes a true transformation for the well-being of thousands of communities. If we succeed in attracting more travelers to these destinations thanks to better connectivity, their presence could become an unprecedented boost to local economies. In addition, working closely with Military Engineers on infrastructure projects allows us to send a message of trust and closeness to both communities and visitors," concluded the president of ProColombia

For more information visit colombia.travel

Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679381/ProColombia.mp4

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679377/ProColombia.jpg

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679378/ProColombia.jpg
GUANGZHOU, China, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully on May 5, setting new records for international buyer attendance. As of May 4, this session had attracted 288,938 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, a 17.3% increase from the 135th session, with intended export deals reaching $25.44 billion, up by 3%.

Mr. Zhou Shanqing, Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, stated that emerging markets remained the largest source of buyers with Belt and Road Initiative countries contributing to 187,450 attendees, a growth of 17.4%, accounting for 64.9% of the total. BRICS nations contributed another 72,417 buyers, up 24.1%, while those from RCEP member countries reached 64,808, marking a 6.9% increase. Additionally, the Fair welcomed substantial delegations from various business institutions, with 140 business organizations attending, reflecting a growth of 17.6%. Moreover, participation from top multinational sourcing corporations reached a historic high, with as many as 376 companies involved.

The Fair also witnessed steady growth in intended export deals, with transactions from Belt and Road countries taking up over 60% of the total. This significant contribution served as a key driver for growth, while traditional markets maintained stable performance.

Another notable highlight was the surge in new products featuring cutting-edge technologies and designs focused on green energy solutions and smart technology which drew considerable attention among attendees. Over 4.55 million products were displayed including 1.02 million new items alongside 880,000 green and low-carbon and 320,000 intelligent products. The newly established Service Robots Zone was particularly popular, showcasing over 500 types of robots from 46 China's leading robot companies.

The Fair's international pavilion was equally successful. Among 736 companies from 50 countries and regions, 67% of them were from Belt and Road countries. Having established intentions for cooperation with numerous Chinese buyers, exhibiting companies from Russia, Thailand, and Turkey reported successful outcomes, and their products are expected to enter the Chinese market swiftly.

In addition, a total of 1,206 trade promotion activities were held during this session addressing current trendy topics within international commerce. These included 438 Canton Fair New Collection activities, 734 "Trade Bridge" matchmaking events, 19 industry forums and more.

The 138th Canton Fair will be held from October 15 to November 4, 2025 in Guangzhou.

SOURCE Canton Fair
DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Mother's Day approaches, Dr. Amy Mauritz, obstetric anesthesiologist for U.S. Anesthesia Partners and mother of two, wants to empower expectant mothers with helpful information related to anesthesia options during delivery.

Dr. Amy Mauritz

The anesthetic typically used during a vaginal delivery is an epidural while a spinal is typically used for a cesarean delivery. Both an epidural and a spinal are types of neuraxial anesthesia that work by injecting medication into the lower back near the spinal cord. This process blocks the nerves that carry pain signals from the lower body, making childbirth more comfortable for the mother.

Dr. Mauritz shares seven things expectant mothers should know about anesthesia.

Any mother can request an epidural anesthetic. Dr. Mauritz says there is a misconception that mothers in labor must reach a certain dilation in order to ask for an epidural. Not true. If previously cleared as able to receive an epidural, a mother need only make that request, regardless of her dilation. Not every mom will be medically eligible for an epidural or spinal. An expectant mother's medical history or medications may prevent her from getting an epidural or a spinal. Mothers should ask their ob-gyn ahead of delivery if they can receive an epidural or a spinal. When they do, their doctor will ask them a number of questions to determine their candidacy. It's better for a mother to know well ahead of time what pain solutions she will or won't be able to use. Precisely follow instructions on eating and drinking. Mothers should make sure they follow the NPO, or "nothing by mouth," guidelines ahead of scheduled cesarean deliveries. If they do not, the scheduled delivery may have to be postponed to decrease the risk of aspiration. Epidurals and spinals are safe for the baby. Because epidural and spinal medications are not given via an IV, a very minimal amount of medication reaches the bloodstream, which minimizes the baby's exposure. Epidurals don't increase the risk of chronic back pain. This is another common misconception. Dr. Mauritz cited a long-term study comparing a group of new mothers who had received epidurals to a group who had not and found that the incidence of back pain between the two groups was the same. Anesthesia effects. Dr. Mauritz says it takes about 10-15 minutes for an epidural to fully kick in, while a spinal takes about five minutes. Epidurals and spinals can cause blood pressure to drop, so if mothers are feeling nauseous or light-headed after receiving an epidural or spinal they should tell the physicians immediately. Which leads to Speak up. Throughout the entire delivery and afterward, mothers should be very vocal about what they are feeling. If they feel numb on one side of their body but not the other, or feel an epidural or spinal is not taking effect, tell the anesthesiologist. Don't be shy.

And although not specifically related to anesthesia, Dr. Mauritz has one final suggestion for expectant moms and dads: You don't have to take your own selfies in the OR. Dr. Mauritz encourages fathers (with mom's blessing) to bring their cameras into the operating room to capture the special moment, and tells them they don't have to take selfies. "We can handle the cameras, too," she says. "We love to take pictures of the new family."

(Please note: The information provided in this release is for educational purposes only, does not take the place of consultation with one's physician, and does not constitute medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship.)

About U.S. Anesthesia Partners

US Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (USAP) is a physician-owned, clinician-led organization dedicated to providing high-quality anesthesia services. USAP anesthesiologists, CRNAs and CAAs work in more than 700 facilities across the country to provide anesthesia care for more than 2 million cases annually. USAP's over 4,500 clinicians have expertise in many anesthesia subspecialties, including pediatric, cardiac and OB anesthesia. USAP's data-driven quality metrics enable continuous innovation and improvements that are shared across the organization via its national and local clinical quality network. This network helps facilitate the delivery of consistent, high-quality services for patients, surgeons, facilities, and health plans. To learn more about USAP, visit http://www.usap.com/.

SOURCE U.S. Anesthesia Partners, Inc.
The Colorado Chest Tube delivers targeted, durable pain control that's safe and easy to use

AURORA, Colo., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An innovation in managing post-surgical chest wall pain promises less reliance on opioids, fewer complications and faster recovery for patients. A cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus collaborated with a bioengineer to develop a lidocaine-coated chest tube to gradually release pain relief for the duration the tubes are in place.

Not long ago, cardiothoracic surgery required cracking open a patient's chest. Today, many procedures are performed robotically through incisions no larger than a credit card. Despite these advances, the procedure remains painful.

In fact, one in eight patients without a history of opioid use are still using prescription painkillers 90 days after surgery. It's a number that Jessica Rove, MD, associate professor of surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, wants to see reduced.

"Our incisions are very small. We're not breaking any bones. Yet this number tells us that our patients are still experiencing a significant amount of pain," she said.

Rove recognizes the risks of prolonged opioid use, including dependence, addiction and overdose. She looked at what's known about post-surgical pain and discovered the source: chest tubes.

"We know that opioid use increases as the duration of chest-tube use increases, and as soon as the chest tubes are removed, opioid use declines," she said.

Rove's focus on the problem  pain points along the tube  spurred a creative solution that combined the talents of a bioengineer at the University of Colorado Denver and the commercialization expertise of CU Innovations. The pain-management innovation promises less reliance on opioids as well as fewer complications and better recoveries for patients.

Chest tubes cause post-surgical pain

In cardiothoracic surgery, chest tubes are inserted to drain excess fluid, air and blood, helping prevent infection and fluid buildup while allowing the lungs to fully expand. These tubes remain in place until drainage slows, and the healthcare team is confident the chest cavity is healing properly. Positioned in the pleural space outside the lung, chest tubes press against the chest wall, where nerves line the inner surface.

Although patients can't see where their chest tubes are placed, when asked they can point to their exact internal location. The pain from chest tubes is often so intense that patients are unable to become ambulatory. However, just 24 hours after removal, most patients feel well enough to be discharged.

"More than 95% of people caring for patients post-surgery agree that patients feel much better once their chest tubes are removed," Rove said. "Our patients don't need more opioids  they need a better way to control the pain along the tube where it's touching the chest."

Finding a localized solution for chest-wall pain

When considering other options for pain control, Rove found research that suggested applying a numbing anesthetic along the side of a chest tube could ease a patient's discomfort. This approach was particularly promising because a jelly anesthetic such as lidocaine can be placed exactly where the chest tube presses against the nerves in the chest wall, directly targeting the source of pain.

"The problem was that spreading lidocaine jelly is like spreading peanut butter  wherever it falls, it falls. Chest tubes are round silicone tubes that are designed to not be adherent. So, it was an inconsistent method of applying pain control," Rove said.

But the idea was right.

Partnering with bioengineers to revisit chest tubes

Rove reached out to Daewon Park, PhD, associate professor of bioengineering at CU Denver, to collaborate.

Together, they developed an innovative approach: a chest tube coated with lidocaine to gradually release the numbing treatment over time. Their goal was to create a controlled, seven-day release, which matches the typical duration a chest tube remains in place.

To achieve this, the coating process was refined to ensure it was both durable and reproducible. They designed each tube to deliver a precise amount of lidocaine with every application.

The result is the Colorado Chest Tube, a technology that uses nanoparticles encapsulated in a hydrogel to deliver lidocaine. This dual-purpose design provides essential drainage as well as offering targeted, non-opioid pain relief.

Benefits beyond pain relief

Considering there are 3.9 million chest tubes placed annually in the U.S., the innovation has the potential to shorten hospital stays and reduce overall costs.

Also, the product has been designed with implementation in mind. It's placed exactly like a standard chest tube, and it requires no additional training or changes in workflow.

Rove anticipates that by alleviating discomfort, patients can begin walking and taking deeper breaths sooner, which can lead to fewer complications and a more active recovery.

SPARK program pairs clinicians and engineers to overcome barriers

The Colorado Chest Tube project gained momentum through a SPARK Award, which offered funding and mentorship, along with the commercialization expertise of CU Innovations.

"This is what the spirit of CU Innovations is all about," Rove said. "They wanted to create a culture here on campus where everybody's talking to each other and nobody's working in isolation. This project is a good example of this."

Rove is excited to help the more than 300,000 U.S. patients who receive cardiothoracic surgery each year.

"It's hard to see people in pain and not be able to help them, outside of the 'sledgehammer' approach of opioids. It's been amazing to see that we can target the relief. We can't wait to bring it to our patients."

The team has demonstrated the Colorado Chest Tube's effectiveness in the lab and is now moving toward clinical trials with patients.

About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado  which see more than two million adult and pediatric patient visits yearly. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by $910 million in annual research funding, including $757 million in sponsored awards and $153 million in philanthropic gifts.

Media contact: CU Anschutz Media Relations Team, [email protected]

SOURCE University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The aircraft accessory gearbox market is driven by factors such as growing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft, increasing advancements in engine design, and rising adoption of lightweight and high-performance gearbox systems to enhance aircraft operational efficiency.

WILMINGTON, Del., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Aircraft Accessory Gearbox Market by Platform (Civil and Military), Component (Gears, Housings, Bearing, and Others), Application (Engine, and Airframe), and End User (OEM, and Aftermarket): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the global aircraft accessory gearbox market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2033.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A09205

Prime determinants of growth

The aircraft accessory gearbox market is expected to witness notable growth owing to rise in need for new generation engines and transmission units, growing adoption of lightweight aircraft components, and increasing military expenditure and spending. Moreover, increasing integration of aircraft accessory gearbox in airframe and surge in aircraft fleet and technological advancements are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market during the forecast period. However, technical issues associated with aircraft accessory gearbox and stringent aircraft components regulation limit the growth of the aircraft accessory gearbox market.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20242033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $1.2 billion Market Size in 2033 $2.1 billion CAGR 6.3 % No. of Pages in Report 336 Segments covered Platform, Component, Application, End User, and Region Drivers Rise in need for new generation engines and transmission units Growing adoption of lightweight aircraft components Increasing military expenditure and spending Opportunities Increasing integration of aircraft accessory gearbox in airframe Surge in aircraft fleet and technological advancement Restraints Technical issues associated with aircraft accessory gearbox Stringent aircraft components regulation

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The civil segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period-

By platform, the civil segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for nearly three-fourth of the global aircraft accessory gearbox market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status duing the forecast period. This dominance is driven by several key factors, including increase in demand for commercial aircraft to accommodate growing air passenger traffic, continuous advancements in aircraft engine technologies, and rise in emphasis on fuel efficiency and lightweight components.

The bearing segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

By component, the bearing segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for nearly two-fifth of the global aircraft accessory gearbox market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. This segment's dominance is attributed to the critical role of bearings in reducing friction and ensuring smooth operation of accessory gearboxes, enhancing aircraft performance and reliability. In addition, advancements in high-performance bearing materials and increased demand for fuel-efficient aircraft further drive the segment growth.

The engine segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

By application, the engine segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than four-fifth of the global aircraft accessory gearbox market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. This segment's dominance is attributed to the essential role of accessory gearboxes in aircraft engines, enabling the operation of critical systems such as generators, fuel pumps, and hydraulic systems. The increasing production of fuel-efficient engines and the rising adoption of next-generation aircraft further drive demand for advanced gearbox solutions.

The OEM segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

By end user, the OEM segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for nearly three-fifth of the global aircraft accessory gearbox market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Owing to rise in production of new commercial and military aircraft, the OEM segment benefits from increase in demand for advanced and lightweight accessory gearbox systems. Continuous technological advancements and stringent regulatory requirements drive manufacturers to integrate high-performance gearboxes in modern aircraft.

North America dominated the market in 2023

By region, North America region generated the largest share in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifth of the global aircraft accessory gearbox market and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Owing to the presence of major aircraft manufacturers, engine OEMs, and key gearbox suppliers, North America remains a dominant player in the market. The region's strong focus on technological advancements, coupled with significant investments in next-generation aircraft programs, further drives market growth.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A09205

Leading Market Players: -

Safran

General Electric Company

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Aero Gear Inc.

Collins Aerospace

The Timken Company

Northstar Aerospace

Liebherr Group

Bharat Forge

Regal Rexnord Corporation

Triumph Group

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global aircraft accessory gearbox 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 country. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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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.

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.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 60 pawnbrokers from across the United States convened on Capitol Hill recently to meet directly with federal lawmakers and advocate for the essential role their industry plays in communities nationwide. Representing businesses from 22 states, the pawnbrokers held over 120 scheduled meetings with representatives and their staff.

Members of the National Pawnbrokers Association take to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and discuss the importance of the pawnbroking industry. (April 30, 2025) NPA members and staff meet with lawmakers during the National Pawnbrokers Association's annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2025)

This concerted advocacy effort is a cornerstone of the National Pawnbrokers Association's (NPA) annual Legislative Conference. The event brings together NPA members  pawn store owners and professionals  to engage with elected officials on legislation impacting their businesses and, crucially, the diverse customers they serve.

The need for accessible, small-dollar financial options remains significant. A November 2024 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) national survey highlighted this reality, finding that in 2023, nearly 19 million U.S. households were underbanked, and 5.6 million lacked any bank or credit union account. For these individuals and millions more facing unexpected financial needs, pawn businesses provide a critical safety net.

Pawnbrokers fill a specific gap in the financial services market, offering average transactions under $180. These small-dollar, non-recourse pawn transactions provide immediate funds without impacting consumers' credit ratings, involving no collection process or risk of debt cycles. While operating under comprehensive federal, state, and local regulations similar to traditional lenders, pawn stores offer rapid access to funds, often within minutes  a vital service for those needing to cover urgent expenses like fuel or urgent care visits when banks and credit unions often cannot assist.

"Our members are on Capitol Hill today to ensure lawmakers understand that pawn stores are responsible, regulated community partners providing essential liquidity to millions of Americans," said Kristen Williams, Executive Director for the NPA. "We provide a valuable service, particularly for the unbanked and underbanked, offering immediate, non-debt-creating solutions for everyday financial challenges."

To learn more about the pawn industry and its role in communities, please visit the National Pawnbrokers Association website at nationalpawnbrokers.org.

About the National Pawnbrokers Association

The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) is the unified voice of the pawn industry. The NPA is dedicated to advocating for the industry and its customers, promoting ethical business practices, supporting fair regulation, and providing valuable resources and education to its members nationwide.

Media Contact:

Laura Wasileski

Marketing and Media Director

(817) 337-8830 Ext. 1003

[email protected]

SOURCE National Pawnbrokers Association
Amsted powertrain solutions will include technologies for HEV, EV and ICE systems

Amsted powder-metal and metal-shaping technologies will demonstrate material savings and cost efficiencies while increasing strength and quality

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amsted Automotive is set to energize the CTI Symposium USA with a dynamic showcase of its cutting-edge powertrain torque management solutions, powder metal capabilities and advanced metal-forming technologies. As a leader in automotive innovation, Amsted will also highlight its latest advancements for hybrid vehicles (HEV), electric vehicles (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms in Booth #D-1 at CTIA US in Novi, Michigan, May 13-14, 2025.

"Amsted Automotive is dedicated to developing transformative solutions that advance vehicle performance, efficiency and sustainability," said Bill Kerfin, President of Amsted Automotive. "Our combined expertise in drivetrain systems and precision manufacturing positions us to help our customers succeed in an increasingly demanding market."

With global engineering and manufacturing facilities spanning every major automotive market, Amsted continues to drive the future of mobility. At CTI USA, the company will demonstrate exciting new technologies designed to enhance performance, efficiency and sustainability across next-generation vehicles.

Revolutionizing HEV, EV and ICE Drivetrains

A key highlight of the exhibit is Amsted's production disconnect technology, engineered for seamless, high-speed transitions between two-wheel and four-wheel drive in EVs and HEVs. With a latching-in-state design that conserves energy, this innovative system can extend an HEV and EV all-electric driving range by up to 10%, a game-changing advantage in mobility.

Amsted will also show its Multi-Speed Shift Technology. Featuring integrated One-Way Clutch (OWC) functionality, this solution boosts drivetrain efficiency, reduces cost and enhances performance and range for both EV and HEV platforms.

Pushing the Limits of Materials Science

Amsted's presence at CTI will also spotlight its award-winning powder metal technologies and market-leading metal stamping capabilities. These technologies enable the production of intricate, tight-tolerance components such as electric motor housings, planetary carriers, gears, hubs, brackets & carriers  all designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern vehicles.

One of the featured demonstrations will showcase Soft Magnetic Composites (SMC) in electric motor applications. Leveraging SMCs allows for the creation of complex shapes with reduced material waste and enhanced performance.

Driving the Future of Automotive Innovation

Amsted Automotive remains committed to delivering transformative solutions for the evolving automotive landscape. With a unique combination of expertise in drivetrain systems and precision manufacturing, the company is well-positioned to support the industry.

Join Amsted Automotive at Booth #D-1 at the CTI Symposium USA 2025 and experience the future of motion.

About Amsted Automotive

In 2021, Amsted Automotive brought together Means Industries Inc., Transform Automotive, SMW Manufacturing, and Burgess-Norton Mfg. Co., Inc. to form a new and innovative technology team. The integration provides an expanded global presence with 21 facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia to serve the global automotive, off-highway and mining industries with a robust manufacturing footprint, producing over 100 million components and assemblies annually. The team combines design and engineering expertise, strategically aligned to be a leader in precision products and efficiency solutions for electrified, hybrid and ICE propulsion systems. Amsted Automotive plays an integral role in global automatic transmissions designed and manufactured in North America, Europe, and Asia.

SOURCE Amsted Automotive
Large Hedge Fund and Financial Operations Platform Sign Up for Antithesis' Transformative Software Testing

VIENNA, Va., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Antithesis , the autonomous software testing company, has made significant inroads into the fintech and financial services sectors, with customers utilizing the company's groundbreaking technology to ensure the software they ship is free from potentially disastrous bugs.

Some new partnerships mean that Antithesis is now deployed at every level of the financial technology ecosystem. The company recently closed deals with a leading quantitative hedge fund and with Ramp, the fastest-growing corporate card and financial operations platform. They join Formance, a cloud platform provider for financial services, and TigerBeetle, the financial transactions database, in securing their reliability with Antithesis. Antithesis has also been working with one of the largest retail trading platforms to test both their in-house market-making software and some of their core open source dependencies.

"With massive amounts of data flowing at microsecond speeds and extreme uptime requirements, efficiency, accuracy, and reliability are all essential in fintech systems," said Will Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Antithesis. "At the same time, competition is intense, and fintech innovators prioritize agility and development momentum. So Antithesis's ability to provide unparalleled thoroughness in testing while integrating seamlessly into our customers' CI/CD flows makes us a natural partner for the fintech sector."

An ever-growing share of economic activity is mediated by fintech platforms, making the sector an increasingly essential part of the infrastructure of modern life. The global fintech market is over $200 billion , and it is estimated that digital payments will account for $20.9 trillion of transaction value in 2025.

"At Ramp, we care deeply about reliability, but the most dangerous bugs are the ones we don't even know to look for," said Nikolay Koblov, VP of Engineering at Ramp. "Antithesis helped us uncover high-impact issues in complex code paths that are rarely exercised in production. Unlike unit tests, which validate isolated functions, or E2E tests, which check expected user flows, Antithesis simulates unpredictable failures and rare edge cases across the entire system. This approach allowed us to validate critical system behaviors with a level of confidence that's hard  and often impossible  to achieve using traditional testing methods."

As AI-assisted development practices become more widespread, sectors that place a premium on correctness and reliability, like fintech, will need to find ways to balance speed and accuracy in their development flows. Antithesis eliminates the guesswork, enabling engineering teams to leverage the latest AI innovations without compromising the fidelity of their work.

About Antithesis

Antithesis is a first-of-its-kind continuous reliability platform that autonomously searches for bugs in software and can perfectly reproduce any bug it encounters in a separate, fully deterministic simulated environment so that it can perform multiple tests without impacting production systems. The company, which is based in Northern Virginia, was founded in 2018 and launched out of stealth in 2024. For more information, visit antithesis.com.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Antithesis
Armitron Supports Wounded Warrior Project Ahead of Memorial Day Through Donation of 50 Watches to US Veterans

NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2025, Armitron (https://www.armitron.com/), the beloved American watch brand known for timeless style and purpose-driven values, is proud to announce the donation of 50 watches to wounded veterans supported through Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in honor of their service, sacrifice, and enduring strength.

Wounded Warrior Project

As part of Armitron's ongoing commitment to giving back and supporting those who serve, this donation celebrates veterans who have been impacted by their military service and are a part of WWP's life-changing programs. The gifted watches represent resilience, precision and strength as well as a symbol of gratitude for those who have given so much to their country.

"Wounded Warrior Project does incredible work to empower, heal, and support America's wounded veterans, and we are honored to contribute in a meaningful way," states Bobbie Weichselbaum, CEO of E. Gluck Corporation. "These watches are more than accessoriesthey're a thank you, a reminder of strength, and a small way to show our deep appreciation for our heroes."

WWP provides free programs and services in mental health, career guidance and long-term rehabilitation for post- 9/11 wounded veterans, their families, and caregivers. This collaboration with Armitron helps broaden the message of WWP's mission and reinforces the shared values of integrity, service and community.

"This generous donation from Armitron reminds warriors that they are seen, valued, and celebrated," said Scott Forshey-Friedman, Donor Engagement and Experience Director at WWP. "Every watch tells a storynot just of time, but of resilience and recognition."

As Memorial Day approaches, Armitron honors those who've served and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Through the brand's donation, it reaffirms its gratitude and ongoing commitment to America's veterans not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

For more information about Armitron and its 50th-anniversary project, please reach out to BPM-PR Firm at [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244.

ABOUT ARMITRON

Since 1975, Armitron has been devoted to nurturing the spirit of individuality with high-quality, high-style watches at accessible price points, driven by the understanding that a timepiece is both a common thread and a distinguishing factor. As a brand underneath the E. Gluck Corporation umbrella, Armitron connects prestige and curation with unprecedented value and convenience. E. Gluck Corporation manufactures watches under its flagship proprietary brand, Armitron. The company also manufactures watches for major fashion brands, including Anne Klein, Nine West, Vince Camuto, Steve Madden, and Joseph Abboud. Proudly headquartered in New York, Armitron is an Official Timepiece of the New York Yankees. For more information, visit www.Armitron.com.

ABOUT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.

Media Contact:

Matthew Ambrose

[email protected]

BPM-PR Firm

877.841.7244

SOURCE Armitron
Researchers find tangible benefits for households receiving monthly cash payments

ATLANTA, Ga., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, and Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed the release of independent data from the Income Mobility Program for Atlanta Community Transformation (I.M.P.A.C.T.) guaranteed income pilot, showcasing improvements in financial stability and resilience, more parent-child time, and less household chaos.

I.M.P.A.C.T. provided $500 per month in guaranteed income during the 12-month pilot period to 300 Atlanta residents who were at least 18 years old and lived below 200% of the federal poverty line, which is $53,000 for a household of four. The average participant was working, but median household income for study participants was only $12,000 per year. Independent researchers selected participants at random to receive guaranteed income or be part of a control group. Results include:

Financial Stability and Resilience  Guaranteed income improved recipients' ability to afford a $400 emergency expense and reduced overall debt, including medical debt. Halfway through the pilot, more than twice as many I.M.P.A.C.T. participants were able to cover an emergency expense compared to people in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant. Nearly 30 percent fewer I.M.P.A.C.T. participants than control group members reported that they were going into debt, and 25 percent fewer reported carrying medical debt, a difference that was statistically significant.

 Guaranteed income improved recipients' ability to afford a emergency expense and reduced overall debt, including medical debt. Halfway through the pilot, more than twice as many I.M.P.A.C.T. participants were able to cover an emergency expense compared to people in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant. Nearly 30 percent fewer I.M.P.A.C.T. participants than control group members reported that they were going into debt, and 25 percent fewer reported carrying medical debt, a difference that was statistically significant. Employment  The rate of employment was unaffected by guaranteed income, and some interviewees said that guaranteed income allowed them to focus on finding a job with intention rather than desperation. After the pilot ended, participants were also more likely than control group members to say they expected to find work, consistent with reports that participants used the cash to invest in themselves, potentially with the hope of transitioning to better-quality or better-paying jobs after the pilot ended.

 The rate of employment was unaffected by guaranteed income, and some interviewees said that guaranteed income allowed them to focus on finding a job with intention rather than desperation. After the pilot ended, participants were also more likely than control group members to say they expected to find work, consistent with reports that participants used the cash to invest in themselves, potentially with the hope of transitioning to better-quality or better-paying jobs after the pilot ended. Home environment  I.M.P.A.C.T. participants reported more peaceful home environments than did people in the control group during and after the pilot. Midway through the pilot, Household Chaos scores were 7 percent lower for I.M.P.A.C.T. participants than for people in the control group, and the improvement persisted through the post-pilot follow-up.

 I.M.P.A.C.T. participants reported more peaceful home environments than did people in the control group during and after the pilot. Midway through the pilot, Household Chaos scores were 7 percent lower for I.M.P.A.C.T. participants than for people in the control group, and the improvement persisted through the post-pilot follow-up. Parents & Children  Parents, in interviews, said that the increased financial stability from guaranteed income allowed them to be more present, less stressed, and emotionally stable for their children, which created a beneficial cycle that led to more positive relationships with their children during the pilot and more satisfaction with their parenting.

"Receiving a monthly cash payment made a big difference for struggling families, not only helping them to afford basic necessities, but opening up new opportunities for them. It's inspiring to see that I.M.P.A.C.T. participants were able to begin to plan for the future, saving for emergencies, seeking better employment opportunities and being able to spend more time with their children," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. "Financial stability for families is key to creating safe, healthy, connected neighborhoods, and that benefits all Atlantans."

One of the I.M.P.A.C.T. recipients told researchers that guaranteed income helped her thrift more professional clothing for interviews, saying "it gave me a little more confidence. I was able to fix myself up a little bit more and present myself. I went to Goodwill, I got me a couple of interviewing clothesso I felt like I was able to present myself a little bit more for a better, higher-paying job. That's what I went for."

Another recipient who started a mentoring program for youth described the impact of the cash, stating: "One thing I will say to the mayor is you want to have well-rounded citizens. Like, you want your citizens to be well-rounded, care about other people and stuff like that. So I definitely would say being on this program and having the ability to take care of myself gave me this type of stability to then look and see about others."

"It's inspiring to see guaranteed income succeed in Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who advocated for this specific solution to poverty," said Michael D. Tubbs, founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. "The City of Atlanta and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta demonstrated courageous leadership in making this pilot a reality, and it's clear that it succeeded in improving household stability, both financially and otherwise. Voters want to see more guaranteed income programs, and it's time for leaders at the state and federal level to champion a dedicated funding source."

I.M.P.A.C.T. is affiliated with Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, a coalition of over 170 mayors and growing. The research findings from Atlanta build upon similar results from over a dozen mayor-led guaranteed income programs in Stockton, CA , Saint Paul, MN , Cambridge, MA , Paterson, NJ , Richmond, VA , Baltimore, MD , Los Angeles, CA , Birmingham, AL , New Orleans, LA , Shreveport, LA , Louisville, KY and Tacoma, WA , which have shown increased employment, greater financial stability, more parent-child time, and better levels of overall well-being, among other findings.

Read the full report on the Ithaca Guaranteed Income pilot here .

Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a coalition of nearly 170 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income  direct, recurring cash payments to middle and low-income people. Expanding to include city and county legislators in 2023 with Counties for a Guaranteed Income , the network acts as a research and resource hub for municipal pilots around the countryover 70 and counting. An award-winning documentary film, It's Basic, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, follows recipients and illuminates the life-changing impact of guaranteed income programs on families' economic security and opportunity.

SOURCE Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
Allianz Partners USA latest data reveals domestic and international hot spots for summer vacations.

RICHMOND, Va., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new data from travel insurance and travel assistance company Allianz Partners USA's Top Summer Travel Destinations Report, Seattle and Cancun are the top travel destinations for Americans looking to get away this summer. Most travelers are planning to stay in the U.S. with 71% of itineraries booked for domestic destinations and 29% for international trips*.

Top 10 Domestic and International Summer Travel Destinations (PRNewsfoto/Allianz Partners)

"American travelers are starting to dethaw from a long winter and are flocking to sunny beaches across the U.S. and abroad," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. "Summer travel is often the highlight of travelers' year with everyone excited for some well-deserved time away. No one wants an unexpected challenge to take away from that excitement  that's why it's critical to have travel insurance. Travel insurance takes the stress out of those unexpected moments and safeguards your trips by protecting you from covered unexpected trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies and even lost or delayed baggage.

Hawaii's beautiful beaches are a top destination for U.S. travelers with Honolulu (#4) and Kahului (#5) in the top five domestic destinations. Other top domestic destinations include Orlando (#2), New York (#3), Boston (#6), Portland (#7), Las Vegas (#8), Los Angeles (#9) and Anchorage (#10).

Similar to Spring Break travel trends, Mexico continues to be an international hot spot with three of the top ten destinations, including Cancun (#1), San Jose del Cabo (#2) and Puerto Vallarta (#9). Other cities rounding out the top ten include London (#3), Punta Cana (#4), Montego Bay (#5), Calgary (#6), Paris (#8), and Dublin, Ireland (#10).

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/.

* Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' 2025 Summer Travel plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance, to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 5/22/2025 9/2/2025, for trips between 5 and 8 days in length. In total, just under seven million itineraries were analyzed using this methodology.

About Allianz Partners

In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.

For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage, including the epidemic-related benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101C series or 101P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance.

SOURCE Allianz Partners
The brand renowned for solving carry problems extends their expertise to travel, with two wheeled carry-on bags that are lightweight, hard-wearing and repairable in under 10 minutes.

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Solving problems is in Bellroy's DNA. Since their origin in 2010, the global carry brand from Australia has been looking for what's broken in carry, and worked obsessively to engineer a better solution. They first became known for re-inventing leather wallets, reducing the layers of leather, introducing pull-tab storage and slimming it right down (for the sake of pockets everywhere). Since then, they've brought innovative design thinking to bags, tech accessories and more  and now to a particularly tricky category: wheeled luggage. With two carry-on styles (a hard-shell spinner and a soft-shell tipper) that aim to unite the things travelers want their luggage to be  lightweight, hard-wearing, smooth-rolling and optimized for packing.

Luggage that knows how to travel. Bellroy's wheeled luggage is designed for smooth travel, and engineered to be lightweight, hard-wearing, organized and repairable. For seasoned travelers who want luggage that knows how to travel, too.

"Packing for a plane trip and feeling ready for that experience, is such a visceral moment that everyone can relate to. So it was exciting for us to design for that moment. Bellroy getting into luggage was such a natural progression for us," says Bellroy's head of product design, James Jeffrey.

"We can take everything that we have learnt in Bellroy's 15-year history, and apply it to luggage, where there are so many technical elements to dive into," adds Bellroy's Product Development Manager, Pip Grinter.

Introducing: the Transit Carry-On and Lite Carry-On. Embedded with Bellroy's signature design thinking, and engineered for long-lasting utility.

The brand has worked hard to consider all of the things that can go wrong in travel  from moving through security lines, to loading your bag into overhead compartments, to rolling down the street at your destination. And ensure their solutions bring ease, organization and peace of mind. With hard-wearing materials, features that balance light weight with essential durability, and an easy repair system for the parts that can fail on luggage  including wheels, handles and TSA locks. This is key to Bellroy's dual mission of delighting their customers, as well as minimizing their environmental impact.

The certified B Corp has become known for quality and durability, and their approach to luggage is of course no different. Through a process of rigorous testing, they provide travelers with peace of mind that these are going to last the distance.

"We saw so many examples of broken luggage," explains Grinter. "So in testing our prototypes, we were simulating a lot of the common stresses, over and over again. Essentially simulating a 10-year lifespan so we can be sure every part is going to hold up."

Both styles are now available at bellroy.com.

Transit Carry-On

A hard-shell spinner that comes in two sizes

41L (designed for maximum global airline carry-on compliance)

46L (designed to maximize capacity for more generous US airline limits)

Weighs 3.1kg and 3.2kg respectively (6.8lbs and 7lbs)

HINOMOTO Lisof Silent Run wheels for an ultra-smooth, soundless ride

Made from a matte polycarbonate shell (80% recycled content)

Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings

Removable packing cells that double as an internal divider

Soft woven grab handles for added comfort and grip

Replaceable wheels, handles and TSA lock

10-year warranty

Available in Black, Chalk, Everglade and Bronze

Transit Carry-On 41L - $299 USD | Transit Carry-On Plus 46L - $329 USD

Lite Carry-On

An agile and compressible soft-shell tipper

38L

Weighs just 2.1kg (4.6lbs)

Quiet-roll TPU wheels with rollerblade-inspired bearings for ultimate impact resistance on uneven surfaces

Made from Bellroy's Lite Dura Nylon  a lightweight but hard-wearing ripstop

Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings

Exterior front pocket, plus rummage-free access to your laptop from the main zip

Internal mesh packing cells for organization and visibility

Replaceable wheels and telescopic handle

10-year warranty

Available in Ash, Black and Clay

$269 USD

Affiliate links available via Rakuten

Image assets available via our Press Hub

About Bellroy

Bellroy is the design-obsessed Australian carry brand changing the way we move through the world. Since 2010, Bellroy has solved some of the most common problems, such as fat wallets and flimsy bags, through meticulous production, ensuring timeless and enduring products that adapt to every need. Through Certified B-Corp status , purpose-driven business practices and sustainable material development, Bellroy continues to show the world what "better" looks like. Every person's journey is unique; Bellroy believes that brands shouldn't define who you are but support you in pursuing the life you crave.

Bellroy constantly pursues better ways to source its leathers, develop material innovations, reduce their impact on the environment and make products that last. Using agile thinking and customer-informed design practices, Bellroy works to innovate and push boundaries year after year.

SOURCE Bellroy
Spare parts for Canada's F-35 fleet will be controlled by the U.S.

Royal Canadian Air Force personnel visited a U.S. Air Force base in Alaska in March for discussions on the F-35. (Credit: Airman 1st Class Carson Jeney)

Spare parts for Canadas new F-35 fighter jets will be stored at bases in Quebec and Alberta but such components will be owned and controlled by the U.S. government.

The little-known arrangement illustrates the extent of the control the U.S. retains over F-35s even when they are purchased by other nations.

Lawmakers in Denmark faced the spare parts issue in March when the U.S. government took components stored in that country for Danish F-35s and shipped them to Israel, reported Berlingske, a Danish national newspaper. The Danish government acknowledged it had no way to block the U.S. decision, which violated the countrys foreign policy for the region.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump was talking about seizing Greenland from Denmark, sparking concern about the vulnerability of the F-35.

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Canadian Forces leadership hasnt made details of the spare parts provision public.

But a U.S. Government Accountability Office report in 2023 revealed the rules governing the F-35 parts. The report noted that the parts are the property of the U.S. government until they are installed on another nations aircraft.

Department of National Defence spokesperson Andree-Anne Poulin noted in an email that F-35 spare parts are centrally managed by the U.S. for the benefit of all customers.

Canada will own the parts but only once they are installed on Canadian F-35s, she confirmed.

When pooled sustainment spares are incorporated into an F-35 air vehicle or other end item, title to the spare transfers to the participant who has title to the air vehicle or end item, she added in an email.

Spare parts will be stored principally at bases in Cold Lake, Alta., and Bagotville, Que., in dedicated warehouses, Poulin said.

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DND and the Canadian Forces did not answer whether it has examined if the spare parts issue compromises Canadian national security or operational effectiveness.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered a review of Canadas $19-billion F-35 purchase in the wake of threats against Canadian sovereignty by Trump. The U.S. has become increasingly hostile to Canada, with the American president threatening to damage the economy and make this country into the 51st state.

At this point, Canada has only financially committed to purchasing the first 16 jets. The entire order was for 88 F-35s, which are manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

Critics have pointed out that the U.S. also controls all aspects of software upgrades needed for the F-35 to continue flying.

The Canadian Forces and DND are examining whether the remaining 72 F-35s should be bought but it is expected they will recommend to Carney that the acquisition proceed as planned.

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Carneys government hopes to bring in a policy which emphasizes defence purchases from Canadian firms as well as European countries. European defence firms say they could offer Canada fighter jets to replace the F-35. At least one has proposed previously to build the planes in Canada.

A number of Canadian defence industry executives have complained that Canadian military leaders appear tone deaf to the threat that Trump poses to the country. They have called for the Canadian Forces to acquire more equipment from Canadian sources.

In addition, the air force general who recommended Canada buy the F-35 fighter jet now says the purchase should no longer go forward as planned because the U.S. has become so untrustworthy.

Retired Lt.-Gen. Yvan Blondin, who headed the Royal Canadian Air Force from 2012 to 2015, argued that the American-built F-35 was the best fighter jet for Canada to operate in a world where alliances were anchored by the United States.

But all that has changed with Trumps election and his policies.

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Reliance on a U.S. defence umbrella, a critical factor since the end of WW2 for so many countries, is no longer guaranteed, Blondin, a former fighter pilot wrote in a March 25 post on LinkedIn. No affected country can afford to close its eyes and hope that 2026 or 2028 elections in the US will bring everything back to normal and not happen again. The toothpaste cannot go back in the tube.

In March, the chairman of Denmarks parliamentary defence committee said he regretted his role in choosing the F-35 for his country.

As one of the decision-makers behind Denmarks purchase of F-35s, I regret it, Rasmus Jarlov, MP for the Conservative Peoples Party wrote on social media.

He warned that the U.S. could undercut Denmarks use of the F-35 as well as its overall defence by putting a halt to spare parts. I can easily imagine a situation where the USA will demand Greenland from Denmark and will threaten to deactivate our weapons and let Russia attack us when we refuse, wrote Jarlov.

David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada.

To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: ottawacitizen.com/subscribe
World's Leading Battery Brand Provides Backup Battery Power to Support Hospitals, First Responders, and Homeowners in Case of Outages

BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As New England braces for peak storm season, Batteries Plus franchise owner Chris Shea is helping the Greater Boston area stay prepared with backup power for when emergencies strike. By helping keep basements dry, hospitals powered, and public safety communication systems online, Shea's store in Woburn, Massachusetts has become an essential hub for backup battery solutions for homeowners and business owners alike.

"Battery power might be behind the scenes, but it's critically necessary to be prepared with a backup option." Post this Batteries Plus franchise owner Chris Shea is helping the Greater Boston area stay prepared with backup power for when emergencies strike. By helping keep basements dry, hospitals powered, and public safety communication systems online, Sheas store in Woburn, Massachusetts has become an essential hub for backup battery solutions for homeowners and business owners alike. For more information on Batteries Plus Businesss capabilities, visit www.batteriesplus.com/business-interest.

Keeping Boston's Emergency Services Prepared

Most of Shea's top partnerships rely on his services for backup battery power to the systems built to protect people, property, and data. Shea finds himself powering even the most critical industries, including police and fire communications, as well as hospitals  some of which require as many as 20 industrial-scale generators to provide electricity during power outages.

"Battery power might be behind the scenes, but it's critically necessary to be prepared with a backup option. In fact, some hospitals won't even allow a surgery to move forward if there isn't a properly operating generator back up in place," said Shea. "Power loss can happen in an instant and there's no room for downtime when public safety is on the line. Our batteries are a silent partner in that equation."

Supporting the Healthcare Industry

Shea is particularly proud of his work supplying backup solutions for area hospitals and assisted living facilities, even providing battery needs for medical mobility equipment like electric wheelchairs.

"In the healthcare world, battery failure isn't just inconvenient  it's dangerous and can put lives at risk," said Shea. "Whether it's for a wheelchair, a vital piece of equipment, or emergency lighting, the people in healthcare who rely on those batteries can't afford any disruption. It's one of the most meaningful parts of what we do."

Protecting the Home

The demand for power resilience isn't limited to municipal and public services. Shea points out that every home has become its own micro-infrastructure hub, especially with the rise of remote work, smart homes, and complex car electronics. Everyday consumers are realizing the need for reliable backup systems, such as sump pump backup batteries to protect basements from water damage.

"Between Boston's home prices and aging housing stock, even minor water damage to a basement can significantly threaten property value," continued Shea. "It's why some insurance companies are now requiring homeowners to install battery backups on sump pumps. Meaning, if your basement floods and you didn't have a backup battery installed, you could be denied a claim for flooding."

Even beyond basements, backup batteries are also essential for:

Home security systems

Garage doors

Fiber-optic internet systems

Home office UPS (uninterruptable power supply) units, like surge protectors

While the weather may be unpredictable, Shea's mission remains steady: helping provide his community with vital backup resources to stay prepared, powered and protected.

Batteries Plus has over 730 locations open in 47 states and Puerto Rico. To find a location near you, visit: www.batteriesplus.com. For more on business solutions and to set up a business account with Batteries Plus, please visit www.batteriesplus.com/business-interest.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS BUSINESS:

Batteries Plus is the nation's premiere power solution for any size business. With unlimited products, services and expertise designed to meet the needs of America's businesses delivered through a local touch at any one of its 730+ stores nationwide, Batteries Plus is the best-in-class partner for all B2B power needs. For more information on Batteries Plus Business's capabilities, visit www.batteriesplus.com/business-interest.

Media Contact: Meg Ryan, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847.945.1300 ext. 264

SOURCE Batteries Plus
Episode 11 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Group's popular podcast, features business futurist and expert Jonathan Brill. In a discussion with host Geoff Nielson, the episode explores the rise of the "octopus organization," where agility, distributed intelligence, and AI-augmented decision-making drive success in a complex world.

TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - As enterprise leaders face growing pressure to move faster, adopt AI, and decentralize decision-making, organizations are rethinking how they operate from the inside out. To help leaders make sense of these shifts, Info-Tech Research Group's eleventh episode of the Digital Disruption podcast, titled "What AI Can Never Understand," features Jonathan Brill, named the #1 ranked futurist in the world by Forbes and described by Harvard Business Review as "the world's leading transformation architect." In a conversation with host Geoff Nielson, Brill breaks down how AI is accelerating the shift away from rigid hierarchies toward more decentralized, adaptive models of enterprise leadership.

Episode 11 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Groups popular podcast, features business futurist and expert Jonathan Brill. In a discussion with host Geoff Nielson, the episode explores the rise of the octopus organization, where agility, distributed intelligence, and AI-augmented decision-making drive success in a complex world. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

In what is described as the era of the "octopus organization," Brill challenges conventional thinking around digital transformation. He explains how AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency but a strategic force reshaping organizational physiology, from decision-making to culture to the very nature of human value.

"Jonathan Brill's perspective really pushes us to reconsider the role of IT leadership in this moment," says Geoff Nielson, Senior Vice President of Brand at Info-Tech Research Group and host of the show. "From decentralized decision-making to cultural transformation, this episode offers a new lens for thinking about how AI is disrupting the structure and strategy of the enterprise. It challenges leaders to not just adopt new tools, but to reimagine how their organizations think, learn, and act in a faster, more fluid world."

Digital Disruption, Episode 11: "What AI Can Never Understand"

In the eleventh episode of Digital Disruption, Jonathan Brill and Geoff Nielson discuss the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, the exploding volume of code and data, and the importance of building psychological safety for teams expected to innovate in unpredictable environments. Brill also challenges the hype around the "rise of the generalist," emphasizing the lasting importance of deep domain expertise, even as AI changes the nature of knowledge work. The key takeaways from the conversation include how to:

Design organizations that balance structure with adaptability

Position AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement

Reassess what value humans provide in an age of automation

Cultivate the cultural conditions required for innovation to stick

During the episode, Brill also shares how organizations can embrace low-code platforms to accelerate development, foster cultures of experimentation, and make room for edge-level decision-making. Brill emphasizes that future-ready enterprises will rely on trust, not just tools, to unlock meaningful innovation and navigate ambiguity.

Episode 11 of Digital Disruption with Jonathan Brill is now available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. New episodes are released regularly, featuring bold ideas and expert perspectives to help leaders navigate uncertainty, rethink strategy, and drive innovation.

To learn more, visit the Digital Disruption podcast page and follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

For more information about guest opportunities and participation in upcoming episodes, please contact [email protected].

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas

Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts.

Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact [email protected] to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT directly from the event or remotely.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
SOMERSET, N.J., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With spring bursting into full swing and schedules filling fast, ProCure Proton Therapy Center urges women in New Jersey, the greater New York and Philadelphia areas, and beyond, to not let their health take a backseat by overlooking essential screeningsespecially annual mammograms.

According to the journal Psychology & Health, time pressure is among the strongest predictors of missed mammograms. ProCure Medical Director Brian Chon, M.D., cautions that delays that may seem minor could have tragic consequences.

"Every month of delay may increase risk of mortality," Dr. Chon said. "That's entirely unnecessary with survival rates being over 99 percent when breast cancer is detected early."

ProCure has dedicated a webpage at https://www.procure.com/get-screened-today to support women seeking more information about breast cancer screening. The Mammography Facilities Database operated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration also makes it easy to find nearby imaging centers for mammograms.

Dr. Chon noted that it is also important to not overlook other cancer screenings that support earlier detection and better outcomes for both women and men.

"Pap smears for women, PSA screenings for men, colonoscopies for everyone in the recommended age range, and CT lung cancer screenings for current or former smokers can make a lifesaving difference," Dr. Chon said. "And although no one wants to hear that they have cancer, we're ready to provide candidates for proton therapy with an advanced, effective treatment option that minimizes side effectsdelivered with compassion and a personal touch."

About ProCure Proton Therapy Center

ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, NJ, opened in March 2012 as the tri-state region's first proton therapy facility, treating a range of cancers including diseases of the prostate, breast, lung, brain, head and neck, and gastrointestinal system, as well as sarcomas and many pediatric cases. Using the most advanced radiation treatment available, ProCure has treated more than 7,300 patients overall, including 750+ pediatric patients coming from the U.S. and abroad, and enables many cancer patients to choose a non-surgical treatment personalized to their medical needs and lifestyles, often with fewer side effects and less downtimegiving them more freedom to enjoy what matters most in their lives. For more information, visit ProCure.com.

Media Contact:

Sarah Ferrington, Marketing Manager

Phone: 732-357-2609

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ProCure Proton Therapy Center
CHICAGO, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today announced the preliminary shareholder voting results from its 2025 Annual Meeting held today.

All 12 board of director nominees served during the 2024-2025 board term and received a majority of votes cast. The board members re-elected to serve one-year terms expiring in 2026 are:

William M. Farrow, III

Fredric J. Tomczyk

Edward J. Fitzpatrick

Ivan K. Fong

Janet P. Froetscher

Jill R. Goodman

Erin A. Mansfield

Cecilia H. Mao

Alexander J. Matturri, Jr.

Jennifer J. McPeek

Roderick A. Palmore

James E. Parisi

In other proposals, shareholders:

Approved, in a non-binding resolution, the compensation paid to the company's executive officers;

Ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for the 2025 fiscal year;

Approved the Third Amended and Restated Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan to, among other things, increase the share reserve by 3,000,000 shares and extend the term of the plan; and

Approved a stockholder proposal regarding political spending.

Additional information about each of the matters acted upon by shareholders at the Annual Meeting is in the proxy statement that was furnished to shareholders in connection with the meeting. The proxy statement is also available in the Investor Relations section of www.cboe.com. The final vote totals for the matters acted upon by shareholders at the Annual Meeting will be reported in a current report on Form 8-K filing with the SEC and posted on http://ir.cboe.com.

About Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com .

CBOE-C

CBOE-OE

Cboe and Cboe Global Markets are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc.

SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
The combination of convenient at-home, finger-prick blood collection and the ultra-sensitive DriverMapTM EXP Human Genome-Wide Profiling Kit greatly simplifies the discovery of clinically relevant transcriptome biomarkers.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellecta, Inc. today announced the launch of the DriverMap EXP Human Genome-Wide 19K Dried Blood Microsample Profiling kit, a targeted RNA expression profiling assay which provides a molecular snapshot of all 19,000 human protein-coding genes from as little as 30 microliters of dried whole blood.

microsamples: Blood collection and stabilization is carried out using Neoteryx VAMS microsamplers pre-treated with GenTegraRNA-NEO solution. Cellecta's DriverMap EXP Human Genome-Wide 19K Dried Blood Microsample Profiling assay is run, followed by NGS to obtain gene expression levels for 19,000 protein-coding genes.

The assay combines multiplex RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) enabling researchers to generate comprehensive, easy-to-analyze data from remotely collected droplets of blood captured using Trajan Scientific and Medical's Neoteryx microsample collection kits containing Mitra devices based on VAMS technology. Until now, it has not been possible to effectively assay gene transcription from remotely collected blood microsamples because of the instability of RNA in conventionally collected blood samples, and the volume required for transcriptome profiling approaches such as RNA-Seq and microarrays. The combination of the Mitra microsampling device with the DriverMap EXP Profiling assay's sensitivity addresses these challenges, allowing for convenient collection, stabilization, and comprehensive profiling from just 30ml of dried, whole blood.

"We have shown that using dried blood microsamples as starting material for the DriverMap EXP profiling assay has been as successful as using standard volumes of whole blood in obtaining differential expression-level data of thousands of genes," said Alex Chenchik, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer of Cellecta. "Now, with this convenient, low-volume blood collection option, we foresee the assay's utility extending to many new research applications, such as multi-sample, longitudinal studies for discovery and validation of transcriptome biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic use."

The DriverMap EXP Dried Blood Microsample Profiling kit is highly sensitive and reproducible. This expression profiling assay involves a simple, single-day workflow that includes:

Blood collection from a fingertip after lancet puncture by absorption onto VAMS sampling tips (contained within the Mitra device) pre-coated for stabilization of RNA with the GenTegraRNA-NEO solution, which confers stability at room temperature for up to 7 days. The Mitra devices and the GenTegraRNA-NEO solution are sold separately by Neoteryx (www.Neoteryx.com/microsampling-devices).

RNA extraction from the VAMS tips using a specialized buffer solution included in the DriverMap EXP Dried Blood kit, followed by the expression profiling assayhybridization of mRNA, cDNA synthesis, primer extension, and subsequent PCR steps--for next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, and sequencing on an Illumina instrument.

Data processing of FASTQ files and analysis using open-source Salmon software, or Cellecta Bioinformatics services to obtain the gene counts and study the differential gene expression levels of the samples.

The DriverMap EXP Dried Blood kit includes a complete set of gene-specific and PCR-NGS primers, positive control RNAs, and all other reagents required to profile blood microsamples and prepare them for digital expression profiling on an Illumina sequencer.

The DriverMap EXP Human Genome-Wide 19K Dried Blood Microsample Profiling kit is available now in two configurations, for 24 or 96 samples. For more information, please visit Cellecta.com/drivermap

About Cellecta:

Cellecta, Inc. is a trusted provider of genomic products and services that advance research for drug target and biomarker discovery. Since 2006, we have collaborated with the world's leading pharma, biotech, government, and academic institutions, applying our expertise in viral vector production, functional screening, cell engineering and multiplex RT-qPCR to help researchers find the genes that matter for drug target and biomarker discovery and validation.

Cellecta, Inc. is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Further information about the company and its products and services may be found online at www.cellecta.com.

Cellecta, Inc.

Paul Diehl, 650-938-4050

[email protected]

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Media:

Ruth Mercado, 650-938-4080

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Disclaimer

Mitra devices are CE-IVD (IVDR) devices intended as a specimen collector, and for the storage and transport of blood and other biological fluids for analytical and diagnostic analyses. They are available as registered IVD Devices in the European Union and United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Colombia, South Africa, and Canada, as well as multiple Health Ministries worldwide. In the USA, Mitra devices are supplied as a research use only (RUO) product to assist in method development, other research-related and non-diagnostic activities. End-users and laboratories must validate the use of the Mitra devices for the particular diagnostic testing intended.

SOURCE Cellecta, Inc.
Christie's Relaunches Wine in New York City with a 1500-lot auction with a low estimate of $15 Million.

The inaugural three-day live auction will revolve around large-format bottles from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Petrus, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Cheval Blanc, among others.

NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This June, Christie's Wine in New York is proud to present one of the greatest single-owner wine collections ever to come to market: The Cellar of William I. Koch: The Great American Collector. This landmark auction will be held live over three days, from June 1214, at Christie's iconic Rockefeller Center location. A once-in-a-generation sale, the auction will feature a highly curated selection of rare bottlings from the world's most revered wine estates, in legendary vintages, including more than 750 extraordinary large-format bottles.

Image from the Palm Beach cellar of William I. Koch. Photo  William Jess Laird

An industrialist, America's Cup winner, and one of the world's foremost collectors, William 'Bill' Koch has spent a lifetime pursuing his many passionsthe collecting of fine wine being a lifetime highlight. Drawn from his renowned cellars in Palm Beach, Cape Cod and Aspen, this world-famous collection offers a "never-to-be-seen-again" lineup of historic vintages from the greatest names in wine. Over the course of the three-day event, passionate oenophiles from around the globe will have the opportunity to engage with approximately 1,500 lots, representing historic vintages interpreted by the greatest growers. Bordeaux and Burgundy figure most prominently in the offering, complemented by significant selections from Champagne, the Rhone Valley, Italy, and the New World. The sale will feature stellar vintages from prestigious producers such as Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Petrus, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Leroy, Henri Jayer, Armand Rousseau, Margaux, and Chateau Cheval Blanc, among others. At the heart of this unprecedented auction will be more than 750 majestic large-format bottles, including over 45 Jeroboams and Methuselahs of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, promising to make this a truly historic event.

William I. Koch comments: "I have often wondered what deeply attracts me to outstanding wine, gourmet food, incredible art, music, and camaraderie. Wine brings it all together. Winemaking is both farming and art. To me, it is simple prairie philosophy, you can taste the love, passion, hard work, dedication, teamwork, and pride that went into the making of a great wine. Perhaps you could say that these philosophies are what have been most important to me in both my personal and business lives. With hard work, business success, and a great deal of luck, I have been fortunate to collect things that I love. I collect things that celebrate the love of my family and friends; and remind me of significant and special times in our lives. My hope is that at this wine sale you will find something that speaks to your passion and that you are able to share it with the people you love."

Adam Bilbey, Christie's Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: "It is with great pride that we present The Cellar of William I. Koch: The Great American Collector, marking the highly anticipated relaunch of our Fine Wine sales in New York this June. Mr. Koch is truly one-of-a-kind icon in the world of wine, whose influence on the story of fine wine collecting is both profound and enduring. His vision and unwavering dedication to building one of the greatest wine cellars of our time will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. It brings him great joy to share both his extraordinary wines and his remarkable collecting journey with a new generation of enthusiasts. Mr. Koch collected during an era when, with passion, foresight, and means, it was still possible to amass significant quantities of the world's most historic and collectible wines. The phrase "they don't make them like that anymore" feels especially aptboth for this extraordinary cellar and for Mr. Koch himself. We look forward to celebrating Mr. Koch, honoring his incredible collecting journey, and welcoming collectors back to our Rockefeller Center galleries this June to experience this unparalleled offering."

The inaugural three-day auction marks the relaunch of Christie's Wine auctions, returning live to New York City after a brief pause prompted by market trends

Collection Highlights

Lot 153 Chateau Lafleur 1982 Pomerol 2 Bottles (75cl) per lot $26,000 - $38,000

Lot 221 Domaine Georges Roumier, Bonnes Mares, Vieilles Vignes 1988 Cote de Nuits, Grand Cru 1 Magnum (150cl) per lot $9,000 - $14,000

Lot 265 Henri Jayer, Vosne-Romanee, Cros Parantoux 1990 Cote de Nuits, Premier Cru 1 Magnum (150cl) per lot $24,000 - $38,000

Lot 333 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1900 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 1 Bottle (75cl) per lot $4,000 - $5,500

Lot 1084 Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 Pauillac, 1er Cru Classe 4 Bottles (75cl) per lot $38,000 - $50,000

Lot 1115 Petrus 1990 Pomerol 6 Magnums (150cl) per lot $38,000 - $50,000

Lot 1174 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Vosne-Romanee, Les Gaudichots 1929 Cote de Nuits, Grand Premier Cru 1 Bottle (75cl) per lot $8,000 - $12,000

Lot 1321 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Montrachet 1986 Cote de Beaune, Grand Cru1 Jeroboam (300cl) per lot $20,000 - $30,000

Lot 1470 Penfolds, Grange 1971 South Australia 6 Bottles (75cl) per lot $4,800 - $7,000

Lot 60 Chateau Haut-Brion 1989 Pessac-Leognan, 1er Cru Classe 12 Bottles (75cl) per lot $17,000 - $26,000

Auction Information Learn more Images Download images here Press Contact Agostino Guerra  [email protected]

About Christie's

Founded in 1766, Christie's is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales , Christie's unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie's auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories , at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. Christie's has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie's is also committed to advancing responsible culture throughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more , browse, bid, discover , and join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie's apps. * Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue. * Estimates do not include buyer's premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer's premium.

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SOURCE Christie's
ORLANDO, Fla., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearSky Technologies is proud to announce a strategic partnership with RINA Wireless to manage and deliver RINA's 10-digit long code (10DLC) messaging traffic. This move marks a significant step in RINA's ongoing commitment to improving messaging performance, security, and compliance for its member carriers.

As part of this partnership, RINA will now have 10DLC traffic from aggregators utilizing the ClearSky iCODE A2P platform . This gives the ability for RINA to monetize the traffic, as well as better monitor for spam and fraud, since it is now being delivered to the proper A2P channels instead of being sent down P2P routes. ClearSky's strong industry reputation, robust 10DLC infrastructure, and proven expertise in supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 carriers were major reasons why RINA chose ClearSky.

"ClearSky Technologies was able to bring 10DLC to RINA subscribers down the proper A2P channels," said Allen Bennion, Director of Operations at RINA Wireless. "This allows us to increase revenues and protect our subscribers while giving them access to these campaigns that they need."

ClearSky's 10DLC solution allows carriers to immediately start receiving 10DLC and provides throughput optimization and real-time monitoringall essential components for complaint and high-performing A2P messaging. This partnership ensures that RINA member carriers continue to receive top-tier messaging services without disruption.

"We're excited to partner with RINA Wireless in delivering scalable, future-proof 10DLC solutions," said Ron Willett, VP and GM at ClearSky Technologies. "Our goal is to provide RINA and its members with the ability to maximize the value of A2P messaging while ensuring full alignment with industry regulations."

About Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA)

RINA is a premier provider of wireless telecommunications services, offering a wide range of solutions designed to optimize network performance and expand connectivity for rural wireless providers. Headquartered in Roosevelt, Utah, RINA serves customers throughout North America with a focus on reliability, innovation, and customer service. For more information, visit rinawireless.com.

About ClearSky Technologies

ClearSky Technologies is a leading provider of wireless network and messaging solutions, delivering scalable, carrier-grade infrastructure for mobile operators across North America. Regional carriers trust their 10DLC platform to support compliant, high-quality A2P messaging. For more information, visit https://csky.com/ .

SOURCE ClearSky Technologies, Inc
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ColdVentures, a medical device company dedicated to combating heat-related illnesses, today announced the appointment of Dr. Barrak Alahmad, MD, MPH, PhD, as a strategic advisor. Dr. Alahmad is an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, with extensive expertise in the health impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heat and air pollution.

"Dr. Alahmad's pioneering research on climate-related health impacts, coupled with his deep experience working internationally, will be crucial as we expand ColdVest's reach into new regions," said Tracie Wagman, ColdVentures CEO. "His expertise will guide our efforts in addressing heat-related health risks on a global scale, ensuring our solutions effectively meet the needs of diverse communities worldwide."

Dr. Alahmad's research has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental exposures and their health impacts. His studies have highlighted the increased risks of cardiovascular events and hospitalizations due to extreme heat and air pollution, particularly in regions like the Middle East. He holds a medical degree from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD from Harvard University. Prior to his academic pursuits, Dr. Alahmad practiced medicine at the Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.

"ColdVest represents a critical innovation in protecting individuals from the escalating threats of heat-related illnesses," stated Dr. Alahmad. "I am eager to collaborate with ColdVentures to enhance the reach and efficacy of this life-saving technology, especially among populations most vulnerable to climate change."

ColdVest technology employs patented endothermic cooling methods, requiring no electricity, refrigeration, or special storage. In under three minutes, it can reduce an individual's core body temperature by up to five degrees, providing immediate, life-saving relief during heat-related emergencies.

About ColdVentures

ColdVentures develops advanced medical technologies to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. Its proprietary ColdVest device rapidly reduces core body temperature, offering immediate relief in critical situations. To learn more, visit coldvest.com.

SOURCE ColdVest
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for its consistent delivery and client-first approach, Input 1 today announced that Cox Specialty Markets (CSM) has expanded its long-standing partnership to include Input 1 Payments, the company's digital payments platform for credit card processing.

A trusted user of Input 1's Premium Billing System (PBS) for over a decade, CSM will now leverage Input 1 Payments to support secure and compliant digital payment processing within its organization.

Input 1

"Input 1 has been one of our most valued vendor relationships," said David Cox, President of Cox Specialty Markets. "Their premium finance platform has been instrumental to our operations, and their team has always gone above and beyond. Adding Input 1 Payments was the natural next stepit gives us the digital payments infrastructure we need to keep growing."

By adopting Input 1 Payments, CSM gains integrated credit card processing that simplifies reconciliation, alleviates the burden of PCI compliance and offers real-time access to payment activity and reporting. The platform integrates seamlessly into CSM's existing systems, reducing manual steps and promoting more efficient operations across their finance team.

"Digital payments are no longer a luxurythey're an expectation," said Chris Farfaras, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of Input 1. "Input 1 Payments is designed to meet that need while removing the complexity. We're excited to deepen our partnership with Cox Specialty Markets and help support their long-term success."

Cox Specialty Markets operates both a general agency and a premium finance company, serving the Midwest region with dynamic and adaptive insurance solutions. By adopting Input 1 Payments, the company continues its investment in innovation, security and customer experience.

About Cox Specialty Markets

Cox Specialty Markets is a family-owned wholesale insurance broker and managing general agency (MGA) based in Troy, Ohio. Founded in 1984, the company partners with both admitted and non-admitted carriers to offer a broad range of specialty insurance products, including general liability, commercial property, and professional lines. CSM serves independent retail agents throughout the Midwest with a strong focus on underwriting expertise, responsive service, and tailored solutions for complex risks. For more information, visit www.coxspecialty.com.

About Input 1

Input 1 is a leading provider of tech-enabled solutions for the insurance industry with a proven track record of successfully managing $16 billion in annual insurance premiums across platforms for over 2 million unique annual users. Input 1's solutions streamline billing, payments, and premium finance, making insurance management efficient and hassle-free. For more information, visit www.input1.com.

Media Contact

Tiffany McKinnie, Interdependence Public Relations

(407) 451 2812

[email protected]

SOURCE Input 1
TAIPEI, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan's electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers are accelerating their North American production plans in response to tariff threats, but component shortages and capacity constraints at US chip plants could hamper the AI server market for years, according to industry sources.

"Since Trump's election, Taiwanese manufacturers have been strategically expanding their US presence," said Yen Chou, an analyst at DIGITIMES Research. "Most server manufacturers are concentrating in Texas, with Foxconn's FII already operating there and planning expansions."

Made in America, delayed by parts

Manufacturing Migration

The shift has gained momentum in recent months. Wistron announced plans for a new US facility in February 2025 after a capital increase, while Compal is expanding its automotive electronics plant in Indiana. Foxconn is enlarging its Houston operations to accommodate growing server demand.

Building times in the US present a significant challenge, Chou noted. "A typical EMS factory takes one year to build in Asia, but requires 1.5 to 2 years in the United States, with substantially higher labor costs forcing companies to prioritize higher-margin products."

Pegatron, meanwhile, is proceeding with its planned Mexican facility despite potential risks. "If Trump seriously focuses on trade deficits, operations in Mexico could face future tariffs," Chou warned. "What's safe today might not be tomorrow."

Global Manufacturing Footprint

Major EMS providers are establishing manufacturing footholds across all key markets: the United States (including Mexico), China, the European Union, Southeast Asia/India, and non-Mexican Latin America.

"Assembly lines can be relatively easily moved to populous regional markets, but the real challenge is whether critical components like PCBs, semiconductors, passive components, and mechanical parts can be similarly dispersed," Chou said.

Singapore has emerged as a strategic hub for server assembly due to its relatively low 10% US tariff rate. Foxconn operates two factories thereCloud Network Technology Singapore and ECMMS Precision Singapore, leveraging ASEAN's internal free trade to import components from Vietnam, the Philippines, and even China before final assembly and export.

Component Constraints

The AI server market faces two critical bottlenecks over the next 2-3 years, according to Chou: TSMC's Arizona fab capacity and domestic HBM production.

"TSMC's Arizona facility has insufficient capacity to meet demand if everyoneNvidia, AMD, Appleshifts orders there to avoid tariffs," Chou explained. "The monthly capacity is only 10,000 12-inch wafers, creating a severe imbalance where US plants are oversubscribed while Taiwan facilities potentially face overcapacity."

The memory situation is similarly constrained. Of approximately 1.5 million HBM chips expected to be produced in 2025, Micron will manufacture about 340,000, with only about half of those made in the US. Samsung and SK Hynix, whose production is primarily in South Korea, account for the remainder.

"This is far from sufficient to meet Nvidia's GPU requirements," Chou said. "Companies seeking to reduce costs must use US-manufactured HBM, but that's simply not possible in the short term."

Market Impact

The component constraints could lead to a bifurcated market with different cost structures for the same products.

"We'll likely see the same Nvidia AI accelerator cards with two different cost basesthose made with US components and those made overseas with tariffs applied," Chou said. "Since vendors can't sell the same product at two different prices, they'll likely average the costs, pushing prices up overall."

This could ultimately dampen AI server demand, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.

"Unless there are specific exemptions, higher prices may force some potential AI server customers to delay or abandon purchases," Chou concluded.

Which countries will escape Trump's tariff trapand which EMS players are most exposed? Read Yen Zhou's full report for the strategic map.

https://www.digitimes.com/reports/server/2025_global_supply_chain/

SOURCE DIGITIMES ASIA
Toronto mom sentenced after taping cocaine to 12-year-old son on way back from Aruba

A judge has sentenced a Toronto mother who taped cocaine to her son to 3.5 years in prison. (Credit: File)

A Toronto woman who used her young son to help smuggle 3.5 kilograms of cocaine from Aruba into Canada has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison by an Ontario judge who is urging some form of early release so she can take care of her two children.

On Nov. 6, 2019, authorities at Toronto Pearson International Airport caught Cassandra Gordon with two kilograms of coke taped to her body; her twelve-year-old son had 1.5 kilograms taped to him, according to a recent decision from Ontarios Superior Court of Justice.

While denunciation and deterrence must predominate, rehabilitation is a principle of key importance for Ms. Gordon. Any sentence imposed, by reason of Ms. Gordons circumstances, status as a first offender, and being the mother of two boys, must pay careful attention to rehabilitation, Justice David Harris wrote.

In conclusion, it is for these reasons that I would impose a sentence of three and a half years on Ms. Gordon. I would recommend that the authorities consider temporary absence or some form of early release in order that she can tend to her two sons as soon as possible.

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A jury found Gordon, 34, guilty of importing cocaine from Aruba into Canada, rejecting her defence of duress, said the decision dated April 28.

The Crown asks for seven years incarceration, it said. The defence argues for three years.

Her son who was used to smuggle cocaine did not testify at the trial.

I found in a bottom-line ruling after the finding of guilt that Ms. Gordon was responsible for the cocaine carried by her son as well, said the judge. The basis for this finding was, in view of their respective ages and their relationship as mother and young son, it was Ms. Gordon who was the directing mind behind this importation. She was proved beyond a reasonable doubt to be the principal in her sons possession.

Using her son to import cocaine was a substantial aggravating factor, Harris said. It is deplorable that Ms. Gordon used her son in this way to facilitate the importation scheme. It significantly increases her moral responsibility.

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The mom alleged she was coerced into smuggling the cocaine into Canada.

Ms. Gordons evidence recounting the coercion and threats made against her and her son which led her to import the cocaine was vague and less than compelling, Harris said.

There was no substantial support for her story from any other evidence. Furthermore, it was adduced in the Crowns case that the morning after her arrest, Ms. Gordon received a text message on her phone about a 50K wire transfer.

Gordon told the court the message was from a friend who had tried to persuade her to commit cheque fraud.

The Crown challenged this explanation, said the judge. I agree that in the circumstances, it was open to question.

Gordon, who is Black, has suffered from various forms of hardship including loss, sexual abuse, single parenting, poor mental health and poverty, according to the author of her pre-sentence report.

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Fully considered, Ms. Gordon has withstood more than her share of disappointments and social injustices, said the judge.

Gordon, who is of Antiguan and Jamaican heritage, was born in Toronto.

She is the youngest of four children and a parent of two sons, ages 12 and 16, said the decision. Ms. Gordon grew up from birth to age 12 in the Scarborough neighbourhood of Galloway, one of the most impoverished in Toronto. Her father was physically abusive towards her mother.

Gordon grew up in poverty, said the decision.

Her father sent money to support his older children in Jamaica instead of helping her mother. Ms. Gordon did not receive Christmas gifts and she had limited clothing. She had no disposable income.

Gordon told the court they lived in a subsidized townhouse with plenty of social issues including guns and drugs.

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Gordon was 17 when she had her first child, said the decision.

The father of the child was emotionally and physically abusive throughout their relationship which lasted for five years, said the decision. Ms. Gordon reported that their relationship ended after the birth of their second son in 2012, but the emotional and verbal abuse continued whenever they had contact and she was subjected to threats whenever she reacted.

After they broke up, she got sole custody of the boys, said the decision.

Her 16-year-old son has ADHD and is speech and developmentally delayed. Her 12-year-old son has mild autism and a learning disability.

It is deplorable that Ms. Gordon used her son in this way to facilitate the importation scheme. It significantly increases her moral responsibility

Mental health problems have hurt Gordons efforts to hold down a job, the court heard.

That her two sons will not have her nurture and support during any term of incarceration is heartbreaking, said the decision. Apparently, her mother will take care of them.

Several aspects of anti-Black racism bear on Gordons case, said the judge.

It is highly likely that the people above her in the importation scheme were men, Harris said. Particularly in light of her history of being the victim of sexual assaults and assaults by men, including as a child, as a Black woman she was particularly vulnerable to recruitment as a drug courier.

Gordon was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder when she was about 20 years old, said the decision. She stated that the abuse she endured at the hands of her former partner was a factor in the diagnosis. She has also been diagnosed with general anxiety and depression.

Gordon attempted to take her life on two occasions as she felt stagnant and unable to cope, it said.

Her sister reported that Gordons mental health is worse since her arrest and she often broke down in tears about the fact that her son was handcuffed, said the decision.

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Stakeholder-Driven Strategy Sets Performance Targets to Track Progress and Ensure Transparent Delivery of Impacts

MONTREAL, RICHMOND, BC, and FORT MILL, SC, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Domtar, a leading North American manufacturer of diversified forest products, released its new Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive plan that aligns the company's priorities with key sustainability objectives and stakeholder interests.

The Strategy includes performance metrics and benchmarks to track progress through 2030, with a focus on the company's woodlands and manufacturing operations across Canada and the United States. It will also serve as the framework for Domtar's first integrated Sustainability Report, covering all three business units (Paper & Packaging, Pulp & Tissue and Wood Products), which will be released later this year.

"We're proud to release this Strategy at a still relatively early stage in the operational integration of our three legacy companies under the new Domtar brand," said John D. Williams, Non-Executive Chairman of the Management Board of Domtar. "Domtar has a long history of excellence in sustainability. We said we would maintain the highest levels of environmental stewardship and sustainability performance, and today we're unveiling how we intend to deliver."

Building on the company's long-established commitment to sustainability and important socioeconomic impact in its operating communities, the Strategy is organized around three central pillars, with 12 strategic objectives and associated performance targets for 2026 and 2030:

Environmental Stewardship

Domtar is committed to stewarding the planet's resources responsibly. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include:

Advance our commitment to sustainable forest management by increasing landowner engagement and establishing Domtar as a recognized collaborative partner in advancing the status of critical habitat for threatened species.

Positively impact biodiversity by ensuring 100% of operations with risks in high-value areas have biodiversity action plans in place.

Decarbonize our operations, products and value chain by being on track to meet the science-based greenhouse gas emission reduction target we plan to set by 2026.

Improve the water resiliency of our manufacturing operations by ensuring 100% of our facilities have water-related risk mitigation plans in place.

Our People and Communities

Domtar supports our operating communities and employees. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include:

Enforce a proactive safety program and culture, aiming to achieve zero safety injuries.

Foster relationships with Indigenous communities as a preferred partner through the implementation of our Indigenous partnership policy and internal engagement strategies.

Enhance our community engagement program, including employee volunteerism, by achieving $20 million in community investments over five years and tracking and reporting volunteerism milestones.

in community investments over five years and tracking and reporting volunteerism milestones. Strengthen the employee experience by establishing employee satisfaction milestones determined through engagement surveys as well as growth and development targets for 85% of potential successors and critical roles.

Responsible Business

Domtar upholds ethical and sustainable business practices and engages with our customers, business partners and stakeholders honestly and transparently. The objectives and 2030 targets under this pillar include:

Ensure ethical and sustainable leadership practice by upholding our Global Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Sustainability Policy and internationally recognized reporting standards.

Drive sustainability through product, process and value chain innovation, ensuring a significant share of innovation-related investments support sustainability objectives compared to 2025.

Safeguard the people in our value chain by conducting human rights assessments according to a global human rights policy aligned with international standards.

Advance shared goals, enhance resilience and build mutual trust by increasing stakeholder trust levels compared to 2025 and meeting our 2030 sustainability targets.

"Our objectives are ambitious and reflect a rigorous assessment of the standards and other guideposts that can help drive progress towards them," said Sabrina de Branco, Domtar's Global Chief Sustainability Officer. "We are also committing to the transparency stakeholders, rightsholders and partners will need to evaluate the outcomes firsthand."

The strategy development process included extensive engagement across Domtar's stakeholder universe, including outreach to customers, operating communities, business partners and non-governmental organizations. The unique perspectives of Indigenous peoples were also sought out. Over 500 representatives provided input via survey and more than 85 individuals participated in interviews.

The Strategy is also aligned with the UN's widely endorsed Sustainable Development Goals. Any further evolution of the Strategy and its objectives will be driven in part by this important global call to action.

Strategy development was led by Domtar's Sustainability team and operational subject matter experts from across the company's business units with select external guidance. Implementation responsibilities, along with required investments and resource needs, have been thoroughly assessed to support successful execution.

About Domtar

Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of nearly 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual production capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and approximately 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation, Domtar Corporation and Resolute Forest Products, and is owned by investor Jackson Wijaya.

Domtar prides itself on operational excellence, delivering sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective products to meet and exceed customer needs globally. The company is committed to turning sustainable wood fiber into everyday essential products. For more information, visit www.domtar.com.

SOURCE Domtar
Famed scholar, advocate to be a featured speaker at AVMA Convention 2025 in July

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has awarded Temple Grandin, PhD, professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University and a pioneering animal welfare advocate in the livestock industry, with the 2025 AVMA Humane Award.

Dr. Temple Grandin has been awarded the 2025 AVMA Humane Award for advancing the welfare of animals through her leadership, research, teaching, product development and advocacy. Dr. Grandin will receive the award and be a featured speaker at AVMA Convention 2025 in Washington, D.C., July 18-22.

The AVMA Humane Award is given to a non-veterinarian to recognize achievement in advancing the welfare of animals through leadership, public service, education, research, product development or advocacy. It is one of three Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Bond Excellence Awards presented annually by the AVMA and supported by Merck Animal Health.

"I'm deeply honored to receive the AVMA Humane Award," said Dr. Grandin. "My goal has always been to improve the lives of animals through practical, science-based methods that reduce stress and promote humane treatment. It's been a privilege to work alongside veterinarians, educators and industry leaders to bring about lasting changes that benefit animals and the people who care for them."

Dr. Grandin has spent more than 35 years transforming how animals raised for food are handled in the United States and around the world. Her groundbreaking designs for humane livestock handling systems are used in facilities across the globe, and her center track restrainer system is now the industry standard in large beef plants across North America. Her work has directly improved the welfare of millions of animals, reducing fear and stress in critical situations.

"Dr. Grandin's unique understanding of animal behavior and welfare has had an unparalleled impact on the livestock industry, the veterinary profession and the public's understanding of animal agriculture," said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. "She is perhaps the most recognizable public figure in the world when it comes to the welfare of food animals, and for good reason. Her groundbreaking work has improved the lives of millions of animals and set a standard for what humane care in animal agriculture can and should look like. It is an honor to recognize her with the AVMA Humane Award."

Diagnosed with autism at an early age, Dr. Grandin did not begin speaking until she was 3 years old. But thanks to early intervention and strong support from her family, she learned to navigate a world that often struggled to understand her. A deep affinity for animals and a unique way of thinking in pictures gave her a special insight into how animals perceive their environments, which would become the foundation of her groundbreaking lifelong work in animal welfare.

Dr. Grandin would go on to earn her PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and become a leading voice in the push for more humane treatment of livestock. In the 1990s, Dr. Grandin developed one of the first objective scoring systems to assess animal handling and stunning practices in slaughter plants. Adopted by the USDA and major food companies, her comprehensive auditing protocols revolutionized animal welfare oversight and helped drive sweeping industry-wide changes. In 1999, McDonald's Corporation, for example, brought her in to train their food safety auditors on handling procedures, and adopted her criteria to evaluate suppliers and require compliance with humane handling practices, which led to improvements in livestock facilities across the country.

Dr. Grandin has authored hundreds of scientific publications and more than a dozen books, including several bestsellers. Her most recent book, Visual Thinking, explores the unique ways in which differently wired mindslike her own as a person with autismcontribute to science and society. She teaches and mentors students at Colorado State University and is a regular presenter at U.S. and international conferences on animal welfare, agriculture and autism awareness.

Dr. Grandin has served as a member of several AVMA advisory panels, including the Panel on Euthanasia, Panel on Humane Slaughter and Panel on Depopulation. Her work on these entities has helped shape AVMA guidance that continues to encourage humane practices across the veterinary and food animal industries.

A recipient of numerous national and international honors, Dr. Grandin was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2018 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017. In 2010, the same year she was portrayed by Claire Danes in the Emmy Awardwinning HBO biopic Temple Grandin, Dr. Grandin was named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World." She is the recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award from the World Organization for Animal Health, the Double Helix Medal by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for raising awareness and funds for biomedical research, and the 2024 Denver Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Grandin was named one of USA Today's 2025 Women of the Year and was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2017.

In 2023, Dr. Grandin was awarded an honorary veterinary degree from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Grandin will receive the award and be a featured speaker at AVMA Convention 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., July 18-22. Those interested in attending can visit https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention to learn more.

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or [email protected].

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

Serving more than 108,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.

Michael San Filippo

Media Relations Manager

American Veterinary Medical Association

Cell/Text: 847-732-6194

[email protected]

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association
The move represents a substantial stride in the company's vision to be the utility industry's solution partner of choice.

BOULDER, Colo., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- E Source, a utilities-focused consulting, research, and data science company, has acquired ILLUME Advising, LLC, a research and strategy consultancy specializing in the energy sector. The acquisition boosts E Source's ability to help its utility clients by providing deeper insights, tailored solutions, and richer engagement, building on the company's deep expertise in North America's utility sector.

ILLUME is a provider of people-centered research and consulting in the energy sector, founded in 2013 by Anne Dougherty and Sara Conzemius. Over the years, it has expanded to include more than 45 experts with diverse skills in social sciences, data science, engineering, strategic planning, and policy implementation.

E Source has been a solution partner to utilities for over 35 years. In 2019, it was acquired by Align Capital Partners (ACP), a growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm. The company has since grown organically and through acquisitions to create the most comprehensive solution partner in the utility industry.

Commenting on the acquisition, Joe Eazor, CEO, E Source, said, "I am thrilled to welcome the ILLUME team to E Source. This acquisition enhances our talent pool and depth of offerings, allowing us to create a more connected and holistic client experience across services. Anne and Sara have built an incredible company with a portfolio of trusted solutions that, combined with E Source's scale and capabilities, will enhance the value we offer clients. We are thrilled to have their leadership on our journey to being the solution partner of choice in the utility industry."

From behavioral economics and human-centered design to applied engineering and building science, ILLUME's multidisciplinary expertise will further enhance E Source's deep technical knowledge and trend-tracking capabilities across all utility verticals.

Anne Dougherty, ILLUME founder and co-owner, said, "At ILLUME, we've always believed in the power of rigorous research, strategic insight, and deep partnership with clients. E Source is the perfect match to help us scale that vision. Their data science, consulting, and solution-driven capabilities beautifully complement our work. We're excited for what's ahead, and confident our clients will see immediate value."

The companies are now going through a systematic integration process, until the completion of which ILLUME will operate semi-independently as an E Source company.

"Anne and I are thrilled to be joining forces with E Sourcea company we've long admired," said Sara Conzemius, ILLUME founder and co-owner. "Their commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and customer-centered solutions deeply aligns with our mission at ILLUME. Together, our teams are positioned to deliver a next-generation set of services to help utilities navigate the energy transition with clarity, purpose, and impact."

Align Capital Partners was advised by McGuireWoods and ILLUME was advised by the Environmental Financial Consulting Group and Murphy Desmond S.C.

About E Source

E Source combines industry-leading research, data science, and consulting to help utilities make and implement better data-driven decisions that positively impact their customers, their bottom line, and our planet. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, E Source has teams across the US and Canada. Learn more at www.esource.com.

About ILLUME Advising, LLC

ILLUME is a research and strategy consultancy specializing in people-centered consulting to advance, re-envision, and transform the power sector. As energy specialists, ILLUME empowers utilities, regulators, and industry leaders to tackle complex challenges and accelerate innovation. ILLUME offers a holistic consulting approach grounded in four areas of expertise: Affordability, Access, and Resilience; Emerging Opportunities; Evaluation and Success Planning; and Human Insights. With headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and Tucson, Arizona, ILLUME has teams located in 15 states across the US. Learn more at www.illumeadvising.com.

Media contact

Adarsh Nalam, Director, Solutions Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE E Source Companies LLC
Another Entrepreneurial AI-Driven Success Story from Elevate Capital's Investment Portfolio.

PORTLAND, Ore., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevate Capital, the nation's first institutional-backed inclusive venture capital fund, today announced the acquisition of its portfolio company TrueLark by Weave Communications, Inc., a leading all-in-one experience platform for small and medium-sized healthcare businesses. The acquisition represents another milestone exit for Elevate Capital and is a testament to its strategy of backing diverse founding teams building disruptive technologies, including AI.

TrueLark, headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., is a pioneering AI-powered front-desk automation platform that serves thousands of healthcare, beauty, and wellness businesses. The platform uses advanced conversational AI to handle tasks like appointment scheduling, rescheduling, and answering common questionsreducing staff workload while improving customer engagement and retention.

"The acquisition by Weave validates the strength of TrueLark's technology, team and vision." Nitin Rai, Elevate Capital Post this

"We are incredibly proud of the TrueLark team and what they've accomplished," said Nitin Rai, Founder and Managing Partner of Elevate Capital. "Their innovative use of AI to streamline operations for small businesses aligns perfectly with Elevate's mission of investing in bold ideas from underestimated founders. The acquisition by Weave validates the strength of TrueLark's technology, team, and vision."

"Since joining TrueLark as a board observer in 2024 and being one of their largest investors, Elevate Capital has played a pivotal role in propelling the company toward success. By leveraging an extensive network of investors and advisors from TiE Global Angels and Elevate Limited Partners and its deep expertise in healthcare technology, we have provided valuable resources and inspired collaboration that fosters innovation and growth," adds Rai.

The acquisition enhances Weave's leadership in front-office automation and accelerates the company's product roadmap for AI-powered solutions in the healthcare and wellness sectors. TrueLark will expand Weave's ability to serve more business types while maintaining a strong presence in key growth verticals.

TrueLark was part of Elevate Capital's first fund in 2017 and is its eighth successful exit, with additional follow-on investments from its second fund. TrueLark is Elevate Capital's first successful exit for Fund II. Since 2016, Elevate Capital's Funds I & II have invested in over 80 startups, and in less than 10 years, Fund I has returned over 126% of invested capital through eight exits.

"We're grateful to Elevate Capital for believing in our vision from the very beginning," said Srivatsan Laxman, CEO and Co-Founder of TrueLark. Elevate's support and guidance have been instrumental in helping us scale our AI solutions and reach thousands of businesses. Joining forces with Weave enables us to continue expanding our impact."

Check out Weave Communications' press release for more information.

About Elevate Capital

Founded in 2016, Elevate Capital is the nation's first institutional-backed venture capital fund primarily targeting investments in underestimated founders and those with limited regional access to capital and opportunities. Through the SSBCI and Innovation Gap Funds, Elevate also supports high-risk research-driven innovation in Oregon by investing at the earliest stages in startups from healthcare, life sciences, cleantech, sustainability, and other target-traded sector industries.

Visit elevate.vc or follow Elevate Capital on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Elevate Capital
SAO PAULO, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EMBRAER S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) RELEASES ITS FIRST QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS RESULTS.

HIGHLIGHTS

2025 Guidance reiterated: Commercial Aviation deliveries between 77 and 85 aircraft, and Executive Aviation deliveries between 145 and 155 aircraft. Total company revenues in the US$7.0 to US$7.5 billion range, adjusted EBIT margin between +7.5% and +8.3% , and adjusted free cash flow of US$200 million or higher for the year. The company highlights Q1 results were not impacted by U.S. tariffs .

between aircraft, and between aircraft. Total company in the range, between , and adjusted free cash flow of for the year. . Revenues totaled US$1,103 million in 1Q25  the best first quarter since 2016  and +23% year over year (yoy). Highlight for Defense & Security revenues +72% yoy growth.

totaled in and +23% year over year (yoy). Highlight for Defense & Security revenues +72% yoy growth. Adjusted EBIT reached US$62.0 million with a + 5.6% margin in 1Q25 (+0.8% in 1Q24).

reached with a + (+0.8% in 1Q24). Adjusted free cash flow w/o Eve was US$(385.8) million during the quarter in preparation for a higher number of aircraft deliveries in the coming quarters.

during the quarter in preparation for a higher number of aircraft deliveries in the coming quarters. The company approved the payment of R$51.4 million in dividends ( R$0.07 per share) related to 2024.

related to 2024. Embraer issued a US$650 million 10-year bond at 158bp over U.S. Treasury in 1Q25, and purchased US$522 million in 2027 bonds (fully retired) and US$150 million in 2028 bonds.

and purchased in 2027 bonds (fully retired) and in 2028 bonds. The company extended its debt duration to 6.3 years (3.8 years in 4Q) after the most recent liability management step, and ended the quarter with a 0.5x net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, down from 1.8x yoy.

(3.8 years in 4Q) after the most recent liability management step, and ended the quarter with a 0.5x net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, down from 1.8x yoy. Embraer delivered 30 jets in 1Q25, of which 7 were commercial jets (3 E2s and 4 E1s) and 23 were executive jets (14 light and 9 medium); +20% versus the 25 aircraft delivered yoy.

in of which (3 E2s and 4 E1s) and (14 light and 9 medium); +20% versus the 25 aircraft delivered yoy. Firm order backlog of US$26.4 billion in 1Q25  surpassed the all-time historical high set in the previous quarter. For more information please see 1Q25 Backlog and Deliveries release.

 surpassed the all-time historical high set in the previous quarter. For more information please see 1Q25 Backlog and Deliveries release. To access the spreadsheet containing the data available in our Investor Relations website click here.

For additional information, please check the full document on our website ri.embraer.com.br

Investor Relations

Guilherme Paiva, Patricia Mc Knight, Viviane Pinheiro, Eliane Fanis, Marilia Saback and Rodrigo Diniz.

(+55 12)3927-6017

[email protected]

ri.embraer.com.br

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Embraer will host a conference call to present its 1Q25 results on:

Tuesday May 06, 2025

ENGLISH : 8:00 AM (NY Time) / 9:00 AM (SP Time).

Translation to Portuguese.



To access the webcast click here.

Zoom webinar: 848 4607 1530

Or alternatively to participate by phone call:

U.S.: +1(929)205-6099, +1(253)205-0468

Brazil: +55(11)4632-2237, +55(11)4680-6788

We recommend you join 15 minutes in advance.

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
"Evening Song"  YouTube and Spotify

Website I Bandcamp I Facebook I Instagram I TikTok

TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed classical guitarist Emma Rush, hailed as "one of Canada's premier classical guitarists" (Vivascene Magazine), brings a forgotten icon to vibrant life with her new album The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten, out now. With expressive mastery, historical insight, and curatorial brilliance, Rush presents the first-ever album dedicated to 19th-century virtuosa Catharina Josepha Pratten  a trailblazing performer, composer, and educator whose legacy she's determined to restore.

Emma Rush The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten

"Pratten was so prolific," says Rush. "She taught Queen Victoria's daughter, invented new notation, and even tuned her guitar down to D  a hundred years before Black Sabbath did! Yet she's been largely excluded from guitar history. I intend to set the record straight."

The album features seven previously unrecorded works by Pratten, alongside first recordings of pieces by her father Ferdinand Pelzer, her husband Robert Sidney Pratten, her colleague Leonard Schulz, and her student Frank Mott Harrison. Rush also includes music by contemporaries like Francisco Tarrega, Giulio Regondi, and Ernest Shand. "I wanted to show Pratten's work in context  to paint a fuller picture of the 19th-century London guitar scene," Rush explains.

Adding to the project's historical depth, Rush recorded the album on two guitars tied directly to Pratten: one bearing her personal signature, and another Boosey & Sons "Pratten model" from the 1850s  one of the first-ever signature series guitars.

Highlights include "Absence," a piece Rush describes as "technically rich, yet emotionally moving," and "Evening Song," which captures Pratten's lyrical grace and harmonic sensitivity.

Known for championing overlooked voices, Rush's 2020 release Wake the Sigh featured rare works by women composers, while 2023's A Dream of Colour commissioned new music inspired by Canadian painter William Blair Bruce. With The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten, she deepens her mission  blending performance, scholarship, and advocacy.

Rush's international reputation continues to grow, with performances at the Altamira Shanghai International Guitar Festival, Future Echoes in Sweden, and a cross-country tour aboard The Canadian. Her 202526 tour includes stops across Canada, Europe, the U.K., and the prestigious Iserlohn International Guitar Symposium in Germany.

"She really defined the guitar in Britain for most of the 19th century," says Rush. "And now, finally, she can take her rightful place in our musical memory."

Media Contact:

Eric Alper

6479713742

[email protected]

SOURCE Emma Rush
The renowned German winemaker sees his lifelong dream come true.

PULIGNY-MONTRACHET, France, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally renowned winemaker Erni Loosen announces the launch of Perron de Mypont, his new winemaking project in Burgundy. A passionate and lifelong collector of Pinot Noir from around the world, Erni has long dreamed of producing wine in Burgundy, the variety's birthplace. That dream has now become a reality. The initial releases from Perron de Mypont will be available to U.S. consumers beginning in May, 2025.

"I fell in love with Burgundy about 50 years ago, during a winemaking internship there," said Loosen. "I was immediately struck by the similarities between Riesling and Pinot Noir, which are both cool-climate varieties that can make truly profound wines that develop beautifully with age. Ever since then, I've dreamed of making my own wine in Burgundy. And it's finally happening!"

Perron de Mypont is based at the Vieux Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, in the famed village in Burgundy's Cote d'Or. In 2019, Erni acquired the east wing of the 15th century "Old Chateau" and began work on a multi-year restoration project. He also established his own negociant company and began working with growers and producers to create his own collection of wines, made to his personal standards for high quality and exceptional ageability.

Erni's partner in Perron de Mypont is Manoel Bouchet, a long-time collaborator, highly esteemed wine professional and denizen of Burgundy, with deep expertise in the region's terroir and legacy. Their shared vision is to produce wines that are true to the heritage and culture of the Burgundy region, by blending proven traditional methods with a modern winemaking approach to ensure superior wine quality and value.

For Erni and Mano, the signature of true Burgundy wine is an elegant blend of balance, minerality and finesse. To achieve this fine balance in the wines, this alliance of good friends combines the Negociant model of sourcing finished wines with the Parcellaire approach of working directly with individual growers and specific vineyard parcels. The wines are offered in two tiers: Maison Perron de Mypont and Edition Perron de Mypont.

The Maison tier is for regional wines sourced through the traditional Burgundy Negociant system. The dedication to value is particularly evident in this tier, which blends stringently selected grapes and wines from multiple growers in order to main- tain affordability, without compromising quality. The Maison's initial offerings include Bourgogne AOC Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 2022 vintage.

For the more limited Villages and Premier Cru appellations of the Edition tier, Erni and Mano pursue excellence through close collaboration with growers, emphasizing a focus on specific climats. This is the Parcellaire approach, which benefits from the practice of maturing the wines in the growers' own cellars to harness their unique environments and capture a genuine expression of terroir. It also fosters long-term relationships with growers, in order to build a consistent portfolio of wines.

The initial Edition offerings include 2022 Meursault, 2023 Gevrey-Chambertin, 2023 Volnay, 2022 Meursault Premier Cru Perrieres, 2019 Vougeot Premier Cru, and 2022 Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru Les Suchots.

Heritage of Perron de Mypont

The de Mypont family were lords of the village of Puligny for some 400 years, until 1388 when their property was confiscated by Philippe the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. In 1448, the property came into the hands of Jean Perron, a lawyer from Beaune, who adopted the title de Mypont and became the new lord of Puligny. He began construction of Le Vieux Chateau in the late 15th century, completing it in 1530. The Perron de Mypont family remained lords of Puligny until the end of the 16th century and did much to establish the main structure of the village as it exists today.

About Ernst Loosen

"A great wine begins in your head." So goes the philosophy of Ernst "Erni" Loosen, owner of the 220-year-old Dr. Loosen wine estate in Germany's Mosel River valley. In his 37 years as the estate's owner, Erni has propelled Dr. Loosen into the upper echelon of world-class producers by adhering to this clear vision  the same vision that guides his diverse winemaking ventures around the globe. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Erni continues to embark on new projects at home and abroad. These include his Appassionata Estate vineyard and winery, in Oregon's Willamette Valley; the Eroica Riesling joint venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle, in Washington state; as well as winemaking collaborations with Jim Barry Wines in Australia's Clare Valley; and Telmo Rodriguez in Rioja, Spain.

About Manoel Bouchet

Mano began his wine career 25 years ago, traveling the world to promote a renowned Burgundy cooperage. He spent his time meeting winemakers and tasting wines globally, contributing to explorations in lees contact and wood protocols. This exposure led him to design new barrel-making techniques with Dijon Wine University, which are still used by two major local cooperages. Mano is deeply involved in Burgundy organizations such as the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), where he served as Co-Chairman of the Strategy and Prospective Department; the Federation des Negociants Eleveurs de Bourgogne (FNEB); and the Institut Jules Gayot at Dijon Wine University, as Chairman.

Available through Loosen Bros. USA: loosenbrosusa.com/producer/perron-de-mypont

For more information, contact:

Kirk Wille,

President

Loosen Bros.

USA Cell: +1 503-984-3041

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Appassionata Estate
CALABASH, N.C., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Discerning homebuyers seeking luxury waterfront living along North Carolina's pristine coast now have a rare opportunity to own in the final phase of Kingfish Bay, a 60-acre private gated community offering premier coastal lifestyle amenities and the ability to design a truly custom retreat.

Kingfish Bay in Calabash North Carolina offers resort-style amenities including a private riverfront park with viewing decks, firepits, bocce ball, fishing access, and a sizeable pier, an elegant owners' clubhouse featuring a modern fitness center, lounge, cinema room and catering kitchen, and a lush tropical pool complex with hot tub and gathering areas. Kingfish Bay in Calabash North Carolina blends elegance with ease, offering a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle centered around health, wellness, and natural beauty.

Located in Calabash, North Carolina, just minutes from Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle, Kingfish Bay is an intimate, master-planned community nestled along the Calabash River and nearby Intracoastal Waterway. A limited number of homesites have just been released, including select prime coastal real estate properties with direct water access and the option to build private docksa dream for boating enthusiasts and waterfront seekers alike.

A Wellness-Focused, Amenity-Rich Community

Kingfish Bay blends elegance with ease, offering a vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle centered around health, wellness, and natural beauty. Residents enjoy exclusive access to resort-style amenities, including:

A private Riverfront Park with viewing decks, firepits, bocce ball, fishing access, and a sizeable pier

with viewing decks, firepits, bocce ball, fishing access, and a sizeable pier An elegant Owners' Clubhouse featuring a modern fitness center, lounge, cinema room and catering kitchen

featuring a modern fitness center, lounge, cinema room and catering kitchen A lush tropical pool complex with hot tub and gathering areas

with hot tub and gathering areas A private oceanfront community clubhouse on Sunset Beach including stress-free complimentary parking, showers, lounge areas inside and out overlooking the ocean, kitchen, and direct beach access

Just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, an hour from Wilmington, and three hours from Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte, this rare sanctuary at Kingfish Bay allows for peaceful seclusion without sacrificing proximity to vibrant city hubs and airports.

Custom Coastal Living Designed

New homes in Calabash, North Carolina within Kingfish Bay can be tailored to suit the unique lifestyle needs of its owner. Buyers may select from thoughtfully crafted home plans of up to 3,500 square feet or work with the developer to customize layouts, finishes, and design elements in fully custom homes ensuring a residence as distinctive as its surroundings. Individual home pool packages and outdoor living environments are available for those who want their own backyard oasis.

Whether it's a serene single-level home designed for effortless entertaining, or a multi-story retreat with water views from every angle, Kingfish Bay delivers new homes near Sunset Beach that combine timeless architecture with modern coastal elegance.

A Perfect Place to Retire

Living near water has long been linked to improved health and reduced stressbenefits that Kingfish Bay embraces at every turn. From morning walks by the riverfront to sunset evenings at the beach clubhouse, this is a community designed for longevity, tranquility, and connection.

"After retiring from Boone, NC where we lived for 31 years, we made the move to Kingfish Bay, and it's been one of the best decisions we've ever made. We've been enjoying the incredible amenities in this beautiful, resort-style setting all right at our fingertips. Whether we are relaxing at the community pool, spending time at the oceanfront clubhouse or taking a stroll on our neighborhood's waterfront park and pier, there's always something fun and engaging to do. It's a vibrant, active community filled with welcoming and friendly neighbors. We're truly thankful, and absolutely thrilled, that we chose to call Kingfish Bay home," stated Martha Horne who moved to Kingfish Bay in 2024 with her husband Greg.

As this sought-after community enters its final phase of development with prices ranging from $399,000 for a nature preserve-facing bungalow to $3,000,000 for a waterfront home with riparian rights, now is the time to secure one of the few remaining homesites, especially those with unmatched waterfront access and the potential for private docks.

Schedule a Tour or Learn More

To explore this rare opportunity to own a new home near Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach and enjoy luxury coastal living, visit: www.kingfishbaydevelopment.com

About Kingfish Bay

Kingfish Bay is a gated waterfront community located in Calabash, North Carolina, offering a rare blend of luxury, nature, and custom coastal living. With premier amenities, water access, and close proximity to Sunset Beach, it is a true destination for those seeking a fulfilling and elegant lifestyle on the coast.

Media Contact:

Risa B. Hoag, GMGPR, 845-627-3000, Ext 1, [email protected]

SOURCE Kingfish Bay Development
SYDNEY, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global investment manager, First Sentier Investors, today announced the appointment of Ashley Conn as Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. Conn will join in late May.

Conn who will be based in Sydney is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a strong background in finance and investment banking, bringing over 25 years of experience to First Sentier Investors.

Conn joins First Sentier Investors from Super Retail Group Ltd, where he served as the Interim General Manager of Group Finance and prior to that was the CFO at ASX listed McMillan Shakespeare Ltd and CSG Ltd. Conn's career in investment banking included roles at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, specializing in mergers and acquisitions as well as debt and equity capital raisings. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mark Steinberg, CEO of First Sentier Investors, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Ashley to our executive team. His extensive experience and strategic advisory roles will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and deliver value to our stakeholders. Ashley's proven track record in finance and investment banking will be instrumental in guiding our organization's financial strategy and operations."

Conn's appointment is a significant step for First Sentier Investors as his leadership and expertise will play a crucial role in achieving the company's strategic priorities and fostering a culture of collaboration across the business.

Conn succeeds Noel O'Brien who served as Interim Chief Financial and Strategy Officer following Suzanne Evans' departure earlier this year.

Media inquiries





Stephen Sobey Media Relations E: [email protected] M: +447836631776 +44 20 7332 6883 Margaret Kirch Cohen

Partner, Newton Park PR

E:[email protected] M: +1 847-507-2229

About First Sentier Investors

First Sentier Investors is a global asset management group focused on providing high quality, differentiated and relevant investment capabilities to deliver exceptional investment performance for our clients. Today, across the First Sentier Investors Group, we manage US$129.7 billion* in assets across global and regional equities, cash and fixed income, infrastructure and property, and alternative credit.

We are home to investment teams and brands such as AlbaCore Capital Group, FSSA Investment Managers, Igneo Infrastructure Partners, RQI Investors, and Stewart Investors. All investment teams operate with discrete investment autonomy, according to their investment philosophies and based on responsible investment principles.

Our organization was acquired by Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc in August 2019. We operate as a standalone global investment management business with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

We are a globally Certified B Corporation and signatory to the UK Stewardship Code.

*N.B. First Sentier Investors' gross AUM, inclusive of associated strategic partnership with AlbaCore Capital Group, as of 31 March 2025.

For more information, visit www.firstsentierinvestors.com

This press release is intended for information only, aimed solely at the media and should not be further distributed to individual and/or corporate investors, and financial advisers and/or distributors.

This document has been prepared for general informational purposes. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to give advice. This is not an offer document and does not constitute an offer or invitation or investment recommendation to distribute or purchase securities, shares, units or other interests or to enter into an investment agreement.

The information contained within this document has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable and accurate at the time of issue but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, or completeness of the information.

About MUFG

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,500 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.

For more information, visit mufg.jp/english

SOURCE First Sentier Investors
Nearly 45,000 Florida Children and Thousands of Jobs at Risk if Program is Eliminated

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Communities across Florida are raising urgent concerns about proposed federal budget cuts that could dismantle Head Start, a program that has empowered families, educated young children, and fueled local economies for nearly six decades.

Since 1965, the federal Head Start program has helped generations break the cycle of poverty, foster self-reliance, and strengthen the workforcevalues treasured by Americans everywhere. Now, proposed federal cuts put its future, and the futures of thousands of Floridians, in jeopardy.

In Florida, the numbers tell a powerful story:

$544.9 million in federal Head Start funding was supported in Florida in FY 2024. [1]

in federal Head Start funding was supported in in FY 2024. 45,020 children and 41,587 families received transformative services to end the cycle of poverty. [2]

and families received transformative services to end the cycle of poverty. 11,670 Floridians were employed across 860 centers in 63 counties through Head Start and Early Head Start. [2]

were employed across in through Head Start and Early Head Start. Research shows that for each dollar invested in Head Start, there is a return on investment of $7 - $9 in economic gain.[3]

"If it weren't for the Head Start program, my children wouldn't be who they are today, nor would I." These voices of transformation  from parents, alumni and educators  can be heard at www.FLHeadStart.org, where real stories reveal how Head Start strengthens families, supports careers, and sets a foundation for lifelong success.

Beyond academics, Head Start offers:

Provides vital health servicesmedical, dental, vision, and hearing screeningsand supports children with disabilities

Delivers nutritious meals and wellness education

Engages families and supports parenting for stronger homes

The threat of eliminating Head Start would have devastating ripple effects  particularly in rural Florida, where childcare access is already limited. It would strain employers, limit workforce participation, and remove a crucial economic engine from many communities.

"At a time when we need solutions to workforce shortages, early education access, and economic disparities, cutting Head Start would be a step backward," said Wanda Minick, FHSA Executive Director.

Now more than ever, Floridians are urged to contact their congressional representatives and advocate for the protection of Head Start. The proposed elimination of the federal Head Start program could have devastating effects on working families in Florida, resulting in a projected $688 million cost to replace the childcare services it provides. This figure is nearly double Florida's current state-funded Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten budget. Without Head Start, families face significant challenges accessing childcare, as existing School Readiness waitlists create unnecessary obstacles despite their eligibility. Such a move could create significant financial strain on the state and disrupt early childhood education, health, and nutrition services for thousands of families. Advocates warn that the consequences would extend far beyond economic impacts, threatening family stability and the developmental growth of children who rely on these essential programs.

This is a pivotal moment to protect what works  for families, for the workforce, and for the values we share as Americans. "Because when we invest in Head Start, we invest in the promise of every child and the future of our great state," says Dr. Maite Riestra-Quintero, FHSA President.

Source:[1]. https://headstart.gov/program-data/article/head-start-investments-state, [2]. Office of Head Start - Program Information Report [3] Ludwig, J. and Phillips, D. (2007). The Benefits and Costs of Head Start. Social Policy Report. 21 (3: 4); Deming, D. (2009). Early childhood intervention and life-cycle skill development: Evidence from Head Start. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, Meier, J. (2003). Interim Report. Kindergarten Readiness Study: Head Start Success. Preschool Service Department, San Bernardino County, California; Deming, D. (2009). Early childhood intervention and life-cycle skill development: Evidence from Head Start

About FHSA

The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state. Representing more than 45,000 children and families in Florida. FHSA champions access to high-quality Head Start and Early Head Start programs. As a key player in Florida's early education landscape, Head Start delivers school readiness, comprehensive health, and family services. Guided by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, FHSA empowers members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start. For more information, please visit www.flheadstart.org.

Media Contact: Wanda Minick, Executive Director

(850) 694-6477

[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Head Start Association
NDP jobs and economy critic Aleana Young said Monday that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe isn't being forceful enough in shutting down separation talk. (Chris Edwards/CBC - image credit)

A petition calling for a provincial referendum on Saskatchewan's sovereignty has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures in three days, prompting responses from both the provincial government and the Opposition NDP.

The petition, launched by advocacy group Unified Grassroots on May 2, aims to "empower the provincial government to negotiate new terms for Saskatchewan's relationship whether as part of Canada or as an independent nation."

If successful, the petition could kick-start a process to launch a plebiscite vote within 12 months of submission to the government. In order to be submitted, it must accumulate signatures from 15 per cent of eligible voters, or about 125,000 signatures. The result of the vote, even if it were to favour separation, would not be legally binding.

WATCH | The history of western separation in Canada:

On Monday, both the provincial government and Saskatchewan NDP said they do not support separation from Canada.

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During question period on Monday afternoon, Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter stated several times that the provincial government does not support leaving Canada, but would follow the legislation on plebiscites.

"I'm a proud Canadian, all members of this side of the house are," Reiter said. "We're not interested in separation. We're also not interested in muzzling the voices of people who want to use freedom of speech."

NDP jobs and economy critic Aleana Young said earlier on Monday that Premier Scott Moe could easily put separatism calls to rest and is choosing not to.

"I have three calls for Premier Moe today: one, condemn [Alberta Premier] Danielle Smith, two, condemn Unified Grassroots, and three, be straight with the people of Saskatchewan and say out loud, clearly and unequivocally, that you would vote to stay as part of Canada," she said.

"This is a premier who is all too happy to get along, to go along with the fringe elements of his own base."

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The provincial government reiterated its stance in a later statement.

"The Government of Saskatchewan does not support separating from Canada, however we also don't support the status quo," it said. "We believe in a strong and united Saskatchewan, within a strong and united Canada, and the role Saskatchewan can play in making Canada an energy superpower."

A public vote to separate from Canada can also happen through a government-initiated referendum. According to Saskatchewan's Referendum and Plebiscite Act, a government-led referendum would be legally binding if more than 60 per cent of voters vote for a single result and at least 50 per cent of eligible voters had cast a ballot.

That process would bring several challenges. The House of Commons would have the power to edit or cancel the question if it felt the wording would not clearly capture the will of the people. The federal government would also have to consult with all political parties in the province on the issue.

Issues such as what to do with Crown Land and military bases, and what to negotiate with Indigenous people, would also have to be dealt with.
With AI-powered matching technology, the updated platform enhances job posting capabilities and offers increased visibility for Florida's nonprofit organizations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. and DENVER, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartJobBoard , a leading AI-powered job board solution provider for associations, nonprofits and government organizations, today announced the launch of Florida Nonprofit Alliance's (FNA) updated Job Board. Powered by SmartJobBoard's advanced AI technology, the enhanced platform is designed to better connect nonprofit organizations across the state with top talent and support the critical staffing needs of the sector.

SmartJobBoard

Accessible at jobs.flnonprofits.org, the job board features AI-powered job matching that helps job seekers connect with roles aligned to their skills and experience. It also allows FNA member organizations to post jobs for free, offering a valuable benefit while helping nonprofits expand their reach and attract qualified candidates with a passion for mission-driven work.

"Florida's nonprofit sector is a vital economic driver, employing over 456,000 individuals and contributing significantly to the state's economy," said Sabeen Perwaiz, president and CEO of Florida Nonprofit Alliance. "Nonprofits across Florida are facing unprecedented challenges in staffing and resources. By providing this dedicated career platform, we aim to strengthen the visibility of employment opportunities, support recruitment efforts and help our member organizations continue to thrive."

As a trusted destination for nonprofit jobs in Florida, the FNA Job Board serves as a centralized resource for organizations seeking mission-aligned talent and for professionals eager to make a difference in their communities. The launch of this new career platform comes at a time when many nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for services while facing ongoing hiring challenges. FNA's recent research, including its "2024 Florida Nonprofits Survey report," highlights the growing need for effective recruitment tools tailored to the unique needs of mission-based employers.

"We are proud to support Florida Nonprofit Alliance's mission through our customizable and easy-to-use job board platform," said SmartJobBoard CEO Rodion Telpizov. "This partnership is part of our broader commitment to helping associations and nonprofits better service their communities through talent connection and digital innovation."

To learn more about Florida Nonprofit Alliance, explore open positions or post a job, visit https://jobs.flnonprofits.org/.

About Florida Nonprofit Alliance:

The Florida Nonprofit Alliance (FNA) is a statewide coalition of nonprofits focused on research, collaboration and advocacy. Our mission is to inform, promote and strengthen Florida's nonprofit sector. We provide a collective voice at the state and national levels, educating elected officials and constituents, and serve as a central resource and referral center for and about nonprofits. Visit www.flnonprofits.org.

About SmartJobBoard

SmartJobBoard is a leading AI-powered job board solution provider for associations, nonprofits and government organizations. With the industry's only advanced AI tools, SmartJobBoard transforms organizations' online career centers into robust recruiting and information hubs to drive engagement and growth. SmartJobBoard elevates job discovery and recruitment by combining advanced AI-based candidate matching and scoring capabilities, integration tools, dashboard analytics and customizable design templates into one streamlined offering. With an innovative approach to targeted recruiting and a simple application process for job seekers, SmartJobBoard helps organizations increase member engagement and achieve revenue growth. Founded in 2008, SmartJobBoard is trusted by over 400 organizations worldwide, including United Service Organizations (USO), American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), Serving & Accrediting Independent Schools (SAIS) and Work for Warriors (WFW). For more information, visit https://www.smartjobboard.com/ .

Media contacts:

Michael Tebo

Gabriel Marketing Group (for SmartJobBoard)

Phone: (703) 829-6089

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE SmartJobBoard
LAKELAND, Fla., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Polytechnic University reached a significant milestone on Sunday, May 4, as it celebrated its largest commencement ceremony to date. More than 330 students earned in-demand degrees at the state's only all-STEM public university, ready to make important contributions to their industries.

For the graduates, the record-breaking event at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland marked the culmination of years of intensive study and hands-on learning designed to prepare them for high wage, high-skill careers.

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 4, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. More than 330 talented STEM students received their high-demand bachelors and masters degrees at the event.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, but I'm glad that four years of hard work have finally come to an end," said computer engineering graduate Akilah Dixon, from Land O' Lakes, Florida. "It's just an exciting feeling that I cannot describe."

This year's ceremony also represented a meaningful moment for Florida Poly leadership  it was the first commencement led by University President Devin Stephenson. His presence signaled a new era of bold vision and renewed momentum as the University continues to strengthen its role as a powerful driver of Florida's high-tech economy.

"As you prepare for the next chapter, remember that success is not just about intelligence or talent. It's about grit, adaptability to change, and an unrelenting commitment to growth," Stephenson said to the graduates. "The world will present obstacles, but you have already proven during your time at Florida Poly that you have the tenacity to overcome them."

Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, served as the commencement speaker.

"You're going to be stepping off campus and into the real world, and it is a world full of adventure, fun and joy," Rodrigues said, underscoring three simple lessons he wanted the graduates to carry with them through life. "Put down your smartphones; know failure is not the end  do not accept it; and leave here prepared to be a lifelong learner."

"Go change the world," he added.

Student speaker Raul Lopez, a computer science graduate who will soon join Bank of America in New York City as a full-stack software engineer, encouraged his peers to cherish their Florida Poly memories and believe in their talents and abilities.

"The world's greatest innovators weren't given permission," Lopez said. "They believed in their potential, combated doubt, and made their own way. Let's carry that fire forward  not to fit in, but to stand out."

SOURCE The Florida Polytechnic Board of Trustees
New AI security platform aims to further increase patient and staff safety

AUSTIN, Texas, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Athena Security, a leading AI Entryway Security platform and checkpoint security technology innovator, today announced Franciscan Health Olympia Fields hospital in Chicago's South Suburbs is enhancing the protection of staff and patients from outside threats with Athena Security's weapons detection platform.

Health care professionals experience the highest rates of workplace violence of any private industry sector, law enforcement included, with nurses being assaulted at a rate of two per hour nationwide and 80% experiencing workplace violence.

"As a healthcare staff, we know all too well the violence that happens in our place of work," said Agnes Therady, PhD, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Franciscan Alliance. "We can all give a collective sigh of relief that Athena Security is always on, always looking out to keep us protected while we care for our beloved community."

Raymond A. Martinez, director of public safety and security at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, said the system effectively detects various types and levels of threats on a regular basis that could not otherwise be detected by security officers alone.

"It was clear that Athena Security's no-frills approach could immediately fortify our campus," said Raymond A. Martinez, director of public safety and security at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. "Our staff is excited to deploy more of Athena's solutions throughout the campus."

Headquartered in Mishawaka, Ind., Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest with 12 hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois, including Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, more than 19,000 employees and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence.

"Athena Security is very pleased to ensure the safety of patients and staff at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields with the addition of our AI weapons detection platform to support security operations and processes," said Michael Green, Athena Security CEO. "Alerting security staff to firearms, knives, and tasers, as well as non-cooperative visitors, the Athena Security system can allow cell phones and car keys to pass, decreasing the number of people detained for further inspection."

Martinez said Franciscan Alliance is considering the adoption of the system at other locations after the successful deployment at the Olympia Fields campus. Once comprehensive risk assessments are conducted and other key statistical data is reviewed, deployment strategies will be examined to determine which locations could benefit from the Athena deployment.

"Deploying a weapons detection platform that works out of the box with software and analytics and is low profile from a perception standpoint are all critical components to achieve the balance that we were looking for as an organization," Martinez said.

About Athena Security Weapons Detection System, Inc.: Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and co-founded by Lisa Falzone, Chris Ciabarra, and Michael Green, Athena Security Weapons Detection System, Inc. is a leading provider of advanced, AI-enabled security solutions designed to improve security process and protect hospitals, hospitality, schools, businesses and public spaces. Athena Security systems are powered by CEIA OPENGATE and other metal detectors in combination with Athena Security's proprietary AI evasion detection software and advanced visitor management platform. As the first to market with AI evasion detection, audit trails, integrated X-ray with A.I., and now AR Vision and Telepresence Welcome Officers, Athena Security continues to build the future of entryway security, and lead the industry in developing advanced security technology. To learn more visit www.Athena-Security.com or visit the App Store to Download the Athena Security Weapons Detection System App.

About Franciscan Alliance: The Franciscan Alliance healthcare ministry began in Lafayette, Ind. in 1875. Today, Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest with 12 hospital campuses, more than 19,000 employees and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence. Hospitals include Franciscan Health Carmel; Franciscan Health Crawfordsville; Franciscan Health Crown Point; Franciscan Health Dyer; Franciscan Health Indianapolis; Franciscan Health Lafayette; Franciscan Health Michigan City; Franciscan Health Mooresville; Franciscan Health Munster; Franciscan Health Olympia Fields (Ill.), Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital (Carmel) and Franciscan Health Rensselaer.

Contacts:

Lauri Keagle

Manager of Media Relations & Corporate Communications

Franciscan Health  Northern Indiana & South Suburban Chicago Divisions

(219) 677-4004

[email protected]

Jamie Diamond

PR for Athena Security

(541) 441-4444

[email protected]

SOURCE Athena Security
ATLANTA, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FREE BIRD, the Southern Spring Water with a free-spirited twist, has officially landed on store shelves across Georgia through a key retail partnership with United Distributors, Inc. This marks the brand's first major retail distribution deal, setting the stage for expansion across the Southeast in the coming months.

Cold. Clear. Comes from Georgia Drink Freely

FREE BIRD will make its retail debut with two SKUsStill and Sparkling Southern Spring Waterdesigned to cater to a wide range of consumers seeking crisp, refreshing hydration with a bold, independent spirit. Sourced from the springs of Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, FREE BIRD delivers natural purity straight from the heart of the South.

"FREE BIRD is more than just waterit's a tribute to the everyday heroes of this country," said Jay Williams, Founder of FREE BIRD. "From local farmers to firefighters, teachers to truck drivers, this brand is for those who believe in hard work, community, and the freedom to carve their own path."

"FREE BIRD captures the heart and spirit of the South in every can," said David Shoulberg, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at United Distributors. "We're proud to be the brand's first major retail partner and look forward to growing together across Georgia and beyond."

"Partnering with United Distributors is a significant milestone for FREE BIRD as we execute our southeast strategy, leveraging this DSD relationship to expand our presence and reach in the region," said Eddie Pearson, Chief Growth Officer at FREE BIRD.

FREE BIRD made its debut at BevNET Live back in December 2024 in a sturdy, recyclable 19.2oz aluminum can. Also coming this summer, the launch of a 12oz 12-packan ideal take-home multipack.

As part of its growth strategy, FREE BIRD is set to expand its footprint beyond Georgia, with plans to partner with other major distributors across the Southeast in the near future.

In addition, FREE BIRD is available nationwide online at Amazon.com and www.drinkfreebird.com.

About FREE BIRD

At its core, FREE BIRD is about living freely and staying true to your roots. Whether you're enjoying a backyard barbecue, heading to a job site, or taking a moment to recharge, FREE BIRD is there to refresh and remind you of the things that matter most.

To learn more about the brand and its mission, visit drinkfreebird.com or follow us on social media @drinkfreebird.

FREE BIRDPull up a chair and stay awhile. Cheers, y'all.

Contact:

Larissa Hrabec

9175615838

[email protected]

SOURCE Free Bird Water
New partnership aims to level up Gameway's presence in travel hubs nationwide

DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gameway, the world's first premium video game lounge for airports, has named TRG its new brand advertising agency. TRG will be responsible for creative, media, brand strategy, and the revamp of the brand's website.

Founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Emma and Jordan Walbridge of Grapevine, Texas, Gameway's mission is to make the traveling and airport experience more entertaining. If travelers have time to kill before their flights, they can enjoy a first-class video game experience in a welcoming and comfortable space instead of waiting at a gate. Gameway lounges offer a wide selection of games spanning multiple genres and systems.

"Gameway was born from unbridled creativity and bravery, which are traits found in our own DNA. It feels like a perfect cultural match. We couldn't be more thrilled about our partnership and the incredible opportunity to help build and grow this brand," said TRG brand management principal Erin Sutton.

Gameway launched in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and has since grown to seven lounges in five national airports, with four more coming soon. The brand plans to expand to airports around the globe, significantly redefining the airport experience.

"We were exhaustive and thorough in our search for the perfect agency partner," said Emma Walbridge. "TRG showed an authentic enthusiasm about our vision, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to grow this brand together."

About Gameway

Gameway is the world's first premium video game lounge located in airports across the United States. Based on how much time you have until your next flight, you can enjoy a first-class video game experience to make time fly by. They currently have seven video game lounges in five airports, with four more lounges coming soon.

About TRG

Founded in 1976, TRG has a five-decade winning streak of building iconic brands. Orkin. Chick-fil-A. Ram. Motel 6. Charles Schwab. The Home Depot. Our greatest successes are tied to some of America's most memorable stories, while our own story is one of results, respect, and award-winning work. We consider ourselves more than marketers  we're in the memory-making business. More than activations and ads, more than media plans, TRG creates long-lasting memories in the minds of consumers that, overnight and over time, move markets. Fiercely independent since our founding, we push ourselves daily, bravely, and freely without distant boards or outside agendas. Find or follow the agency @TRG or @TRGCreativity.

SOURCE TRG
HAVANA, Cuba, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stan Polovets, Co-founder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation, visited Havana this week to meet with Hella Askenazi, Vice President of the Cuban Jewish community and of Beth Shalom Synagogueknown locally as El Patronatothe largest synagogue in Cuba. They were joined by several other leaders of the community involved in Jewish education, youth programs, and care for the elderly.

Stan Polovets at Havana's Beth Shalom Synagogue

The visit underscores the Foundation's commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Latin America and comes as the island continues to face widespread economic hardship. During the meeting at the synagogue, conducted largely in darkness due to rolling blackouts, participants relied on the glow of cell phones for light.

"The resilience of this small but proud community, numbering less than one thousand people, is deeply inspiring," said Polovets. "Despite immense problems caused by economic mismanagement by the Communist government  exacerbated by the U.S. embargo imposed over 60 years ago  the Jewish identity of Cuban Jews shines brightly, and quite literally, in the dark."

Polovets noted that religious life is flourishing in Cuba and that there is almost no antisemitism in the country. "Unlike every other Jewish community I've visited worldwide  including in the United States  there are no guards in front of the synagogue," Polovets said.

Polovets emphasized the Genesis Prize Foundation's commitment to working with the Jews of Latin America and deepening ties of Latin American countries with Israel in honor of Argentinian President Javier Milei, the 2025 Genesis Prize laureate.

"President Milei was selected for his unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel," Polovets said. "His commitment to moving Argentina's embassy to Jerusalem, his determination to bring to justice those responsible for the AMIA and Israeli Embassy bombings, and a reversal of votes in the United Nations from anti-Israel to pro-Israel represent a historic shift in Latin American leadership. We want to see other Latin American countries follow President Milei's example."

Polovets complimented the Cuban Jewish community on its courage and willingness to stand up for Israel. Unlike many other Jewish organizations in Latin America which refrained from public statements after October 7, the Cuban Jewish community strongly rejected the anti-Israel rhetoric of their government. After Cuban authorities placed the blame on Israel following the October 7 massacre, the Cuban Jewish community released a public statement saying, "Justifying [Hamas'] reprehensible acts of crime and savagery' [on October 7] is unacceptable."

The Jewish presence in Cuba dates back to the 16th century with conversos arriving alongside Spanish explorers. In the 20th century, the community flourished, peaking at over 15,000 before the 1959 Revolution prompted mass emigration. Today, Cuba's tiny Jewish community is struggling and depends on support from global organizations like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

"The Genesis Prize Foundation recognizes the incredible perseverance of Cuban Jewry," Polovets said. "Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. It is important that private foundations and donors join the JDC in ensuring the survival of this resilient and unique community."

Stan Polovets is a global business leader and philanthropist, best known as Cofounder and Chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation. He is committed to strengthening Jewish identity worldwide and supporting communities in need. You can find out more about Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation here: stanpolovets.com

Media Contact:

Alison Karlin

Director of Engagement

The Genesis Prize Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE Genesis Prize
Ginkgo provides an update on its restructuring, including progress towards its expanded $250 million cost savings target

Ginkgo and partners awarded $29 million contract by ARPA-H to develop distributed manufacturing of essential medicines using wheat germ cell-free expression systems

BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA, "Ginkgo"), which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The update, including a webcast slide presentation with additional details on the first quarter, as well as supplemental financial information will be available at investors.ginkgobioworks.com .

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

First quarter 2025 Total revenue of $48 million , up from $38 million in the comparable prior year period, an increase of 27% primarily due to $7 million of non-cash revenue from the release of deferred revenue relating to the mutual termination of a customer agreement. Excluding this impact, Total revenue in the quarter was $41 million , an increase of 8% over the prior year period. Excluding the $7 million non-cash deferred revenue release, first quarter 2025 Cell Engineering revenue of $31 million , up from $28 million in the comparable prior year period, an increase of 10%, primarily driven by growth with biopharma and government customers First quarter 2025 Biosecurity revenue of $10 million , flat to $10 million in the comparable prior year period

, up from in the comparable prior year period, an increase of 27% primarily due to of non-cash revenue from the release of deferred revenue relating to the mutual termination of a customer agreement. Excluding this impact, Total revenue in the quarter was , an increase of 8% over the prior year period. First quarter 2025 GAAP net loss of $(91) million , compared to $(166) million in the comparable prior year period

, compared to in the comparable prior year period First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of $(47) million , up from $(117) million in the comparable prior year period, driven by the increase in revenue as well as a decrease in operating expenses

, up from in the comparable prior year period, driven by the increase in revenue as well as a decrease in operating expenses Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance as of March 31, 2025 of $517 million

"We're starting the year on a solid base thanks to the significant restructuring efforts of the past year," said Jason Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks. "Our Solutions business has become a trusted R&D service provider to the US Government and biopharma industry, meanwhile our Tools businesses have traction with existing offerings and are positioned to meet emergent opportunities in areas like AI, which are driving demand for large scale biological datasets. Through all of this, we are maintaining our commitment to achieving our cost reduction targets."

Recent Business Highlights & Strategic Positioning

Biotechnology remains a critical emerging technology area in the US and Ginkgo is well positioned to provide biosecurity and R&D services Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Michael Kratsios and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) report have both recently emphasized biotech as an area of national importance We have 28 US Government projects across Cell Engineering and Biosecurity with ~$180M of contracted backlog and unfunded potential backlog

Ginkgo's Datapoints and Automation offerings are seeing new deals and opportunities emerging Datapoints published GDPa1, an antibody developability dataset for 246 IgGs across 10 assays, generated using Ginkgo's high-throughput PROPHET-Ab platform Automation signed a deal recently with Aura Genetics, our first diagnostics company customer

We made progress on our objective to reach Adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026 Ginkgo's reduction in force and other cost cutting measures have achieved an annualized run-rate cost reduction of $205 million as of the first quarter of 2025, with a target to achieve $250 million in cost reduction by the end of the third quarter of 2025. Site consolidation efforts were substantially completed by the year ended 2024, with excess space available for sublease.



Full Year 2025 Guidance

Ginkgo previously issued 2025 guidance for Total revenue of $160 - $180 million , Cell Engineering revenue of $110 - $130 million ; and Biosecurity revenue of at least $50 million . Ginkgo updates its previously issued guidance solely to reflect the impact of the previously mentioned $7 million non-cash deferred revenue release in the first quarter to: Total revenue of $167 - $187 million in 2025; Cell engineering revenue of $117 - $137 million in 2025; and Biosecurity revenue of at least $50 million in 2025.



Conference Call Details

Ginkgo will host a videoconference today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET. The presentation will include an overview of the first quarter of 2025, recent business updates, a discussion on Ginkgo's outlook, as well as a moderated question and answer session.

To ask a question ahead of the presentation, please submit your questions to @Ginkgo on X (hashtag #GinkgoResults) or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] .

A webcast link is available on Ginkgo's Investor Relations website and a replay will be made available following the presentation.

Ginkgo Investor Website: https://investors.ginkgobioworks.com/events/

Audio-Only Dial Ins:



+1 646 931 3860 (New York)

+1 301 715 8592 (Washington DC)

+1 305 224 1968 (Miami)

+1 312 626 6799 (Chicago)

+1 346 248 7799 (Houston)

+1 408 638 0968 (San Jose)

+1 564 217 2000 (Seattle)

+1 689 278 1000 (Orlando)

Webinar ID: 966 5095 4269

If you experience technical difficulties with any of these dial-ins or if you need international dial-in numbers, please visit our website at https://investors.ginkgobioworks.com/events/ for updated dial-in information.

About Ginkgo Bioworks

Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo Biosecurity is building and deploying the next-generation infrastructure and technologies that global leaders need to predict, detect, and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and ginkgobiosecurity.com , read our blog , or follow us on social media channels such as X (@ Ginkgo and @ Ginkgo_Biosec ), Instagram (@ GinkgoBioworks ), Threads (@ GinkgoBioworks ) or LinkedIn .

Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks

This press release, the presentation, and the conference call and webcast contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our plans, strategies, including with respect to our current expectations, operations and anticipated results of operations, both business and financial, including the timing for attaining Adjusted EBITDA breakeven, impacts of our restructuring, potential customer success, including successful application of our offerings by our customers, the regulatory landscape, and expectations with regard to revenue, including our ability to meet all milestones and achieve the maximum revenue available under certain of our customer arrangements, expenses, our full year 2025 outlook, and the market environment, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, market trends, or industry results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "can," "project," "potential," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to realize near-term and long-term cost savings associated with our site consolidation plans, including the ability to terminate leases or find sub-lease tenants for unused facilities, (ii) volatility in the price of Ginkgo's securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo's business, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, including with respect to our solutions and tools offerings, (iv) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (v) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (vi) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vii) the outcome of any pending or potential legal proceedings against Ginkgo, (viii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs and Codebase assets, (ix) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, (x) the product development, production or manufacturing success of our customers, (xi) our exposure to the volatility and liquidity risks inherent in holding equity interests in other operating companies and other non-cash consideration we may receive for our services, (xii) the potential negative impact on our business of our restructuring or the failure to realize the anticipated savings associated therewith and (xiii) the uncertainty regarding government budgetary priorities and funding allocated to government agencies. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Ginkgo's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 25, 2025 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain of the financial measures included in this release, including Adjusted EBITDA, have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and constitute "non-GAAP financial measures" as defined by the SEC. Ginkgo has included these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes they provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating Ginkgo's financial performance and prospects. Due to the nature and/or size of the items being excluded, such items do not reflect future gains, losses, expenses or benefits and are not indicative of our future operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental to, and should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from non-GAAP financial measures with comparable names used by other companies. See the reconciliation below for additional information regarding certain of the non-GAAP financial measures included in this release, including a description of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of the historic measures to Ginkgo's most comparable GAAP financial measures.

Ginkgo Bioworks Contacts:

INVESTOR CONTACT:

[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:

[email protected]

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)





As of March 31,

As of December 31,

2025

2024 Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 312,420

$ 561,572 Marketable securities 204,502

 Accounts receivable, net 26,293

21,857 Accounts receivable - related parties 877

586 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 20,442

18,729 Total current assets 564,534

602,744 Property, plant and equipment, net 197,828

203,720 Operating lease right-of-use assets 383,394

394,435 Investments 32,173

48,704 Intangible assets, net 68,756

72,510 Other non-current assets 46,778

55,336 Total assets $ 1,293,463

$ 1,377,449 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable $ 11,267

$ 14,169 Deferred revenue 33,653

27,710 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 70,747

65,387 Total current liabilities 115,667

107,266 Non-current liabilities:





Deferred revenue, net of current portion 80,378

98,783 Operating lease liabilities, non-current 434,561

438,766 Other non-current liabilities 15,430

16,576 Total liabilities 646,036

661,391 Commitments and contingencies





Stockholders' equity:





Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value 

 Common stock, $0.0001 par value 5

5 Additional paid-in capital 6,576,786

6,555,416 Accumulated deficit (5,928,514)

(5,837,557) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (850)

(1,806) Total stockholders' equity 647,427

716,058 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,293,463

$ 1,377,449

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)





Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Cell Engineering revenue $ 38,230

$ 27,889 Biosecurity revenue 10,088

10,055 Total revenue 48,318

37,944 Costs and operating expenses:





Cost of Biosecurity revenue (1) 7,957

9,202 Cost of other revenue (1) 4,090

 Research and development (1) 70,923

136,457 General and administrative (1) 49,043

70,287 Restructuring charges 5,273

 Total operating expenses 137,286

215,946 Loss from operations (88,968)

(178,002) Other income (expense):





Interest income, net 6,081

11,711 Loss on investments (3,693)

(2,544) Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 

940 Other income (expense), net (4,289)

2,015 Total other income (expense) (1,901)

12,122 Loss before income taxes (90,869)

(165,880) Income tax expense 88

31 Net loss $ (90,957)

$ (165,911) Net loss per share:





Basic $ (1.68)

$ (3.31) Diluted $ (1.68)

$ (3.32) Weighted average common shares outstanding:





Basic 54,241,619

50,111,460 Diluted 54,241,619

50,133,366 Comprehensive loss:





Net loss $ (90,957)

$ (165,911) Other comprehensive (loss) income:





Foreign currency translation adjustment 849

(3,035) Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 107

 Total other comprehensive (loss) income 956

(3,035) Comprehensive loss $ (90,001)

$ (168,946)



(1) Total stock-based compensation expense, inclusive of employer payroll taxes, was allocated as follows (in thousands):





Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Research and development $ 9,184

$ 24,120 General and administrative 9,912

18,277 Cost of Biosecurity revenue 735

 Cost of other revenue 969

 Total $ 20,800

$ 42,397

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)





Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Cash flows from operating activities:





Net loss $ (90,957)

$ (165,911) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 15,366

12,869 Stock-based compensation 20,431

40,782 Loss on investments 3,693

2,544 Change in fair value of notes receivable 5,285

 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 

(940) Change in fair value of contingent consideration (1,302)

(926) Non-cash lease expense 7,379

5,637 Non-cash in-process research and development 

16,816 Other non-cash activity 149

(442) Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Accounts receivable (4,693)

(6,770) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 462

1,154 Operating lease right-of-use assets 3,675

 Other non-current assets (167)

(707) Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities 6,419

10,871 Deferred revenue, current and non-current (12,471)

(2,912) Operating lease liabilities, current and non-current (4,790)

(4,097) Other non-current liabilities 

2,773 Net cash used in operating activities (51,521)

(89,259) Cash flows from investing activities:





Purchases of marketable debt securities (191,182)

 Purchases of property and equipment (7,622)

(6,710) Business acquisition 

(5,400) Other 120

 Net cash used in investing activities (198,684)

(12,110) Cash flows from financing activities:





Proceeds from exercise of stock options 

70 Principal payments on finance leases (207)

(294) Contingent consideration payment 

(621) Net cash used in financing activities (207)

(845) Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 74

(157) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (250,338)

(102,371)







Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 561,572

944,073 Restricted cash, beginning of period 44,171

45,511 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 605,743

989,584







Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 312,420

840,440 Restricted cash, end of period 42,985

46,773 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 355,405

$ 887,213

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. Segment Information (in thousands, unaudited)





Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 Cell Engineering





Revenue $ 38,230

$ 27,889 Costs and operating expenses:





Cost of other revenue 3,121

 Research and development 48,670

81,898 General and administrative 18,027

38,244 Cell Engineering operating loss (31,588)

(92,253) Biosecurity





Revenue 10,088

10,055 Costs and operating expenses:





Cost of Biosecurity revenue 7,223

9,202 Research and development 

120 General and administrative 8,050

11,951 Biosecurity operating loss (5,185)

(11,218) Total segment operating loss (36,773)

(103,471) Reconciling items to reconcile total segment operating loss to loss before income taxes: Stock-based compensation (1) 20,800

42,397 Depreciation and amortization 15,366

12,869 Restructuring charges (2) 5,273

 Carrying cost of excess space (net of sublease income) (3) 11,674

 Merger and acquisition related expense (income) (4) (918)

2,394 Acquired in-process research and development 

16,871 Other (income) expense, net (5) 1,901

(12,122) Loss before income taxes $ (90,869)

$ (165,880)





(1) Includes $0.4 million and $1.6 million in employer payroll taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.



(2) Restructuring charges primarily consist of employee termination costs from the reduction in force commenced in June 2024.



(3) The carrying cost of excess space includes base rent, common area maintenance charges, and real estate taxes associated with facilities the Company is not occupying, net of any sublease income from these spaces.



(4) Represents transaction and integration costs directly related to mergers and acquisitions, including: (i) legal, consulting, and accounting fees associated with acquisitions; (ii) post-acquisition employee retention bonuses; (iii) (gain)/loss from changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities resulting from acquisitions; and (iv) costs associated with the Zymergen Bankruptcy, as well as securities litigation costs.



(5) Includes interest income, interest expense, loss on investments, changes in fair value of certain assets and liabilities, and other gains and losses.

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in thousands, unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2025

2024 Net loss (1) $ (90,957)

$ (165,911) Interest income, net (6,081)

(11,711) Income tax expense 88

31 Depreciation and amortization 15,366

12,869 EBITDA (81,584)

(164,722) Stock-based compensation (2) 20,800

42,397 Restructuring charges (3) 5,273

 Loss on investments 3,693

2,544 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 

(940) Merger and acquisition related expense (income) (4) (918)

2,394 Change in fair value of convertible notes 5,285

1,326 Adjusted EBITDA $ (47,451)

$ (117,001)





(1) All periods include non-cash revenue when earned, including $7.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025 recognized pursuant to the termination of revenue contracts with BiomEdit.



(2) Includes $0.4 million and $1.6 million in employer payroll taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.



(3) Restructuring charges primarily consist of employee termination costs from the reduction in force commenced in June 2024.



(4) Represents transaction and integration costs directly related to mergers and acquisitions, including: (i) legal, consulting, and accounting fees associated with acquisitions; (ii) post-acquisition employee retention bonuses; (iii) (gain)/loss from changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities resulting from acquisitions; and (iv) costs associated with the Zymergen Bankruptcy, as well as securities litigation costs. Not included in this adjustment are acquired in-process research and development expenses, which totaled zero and $16.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks
BEIJING, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- China is revving up efforts to fulfill the targets set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) in the final year of its implementation and to formulate the next five-year plan. While presiding over a symposium on China's economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) on April 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for adapting to changing situations, grasping strategic priorities, and making sound plans. What are the highlights of China's next five-year plan? What is the significance of China's capacity to focus on long-term objectives in an era marked by unprecedented changes? The Global Times invites three experts to share their views.

Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at the Queensland University of Technology, a senior fellow at Taihe Institute and a former advisor to Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister

In an era increasingly defined by geopolitical turbulence and short-termism, China's capacity to focus on long-term objectives stands out. This capacity is not accidental and provides clarity for the nation as well as a safe harbor for nations in the current tempest. It emerges from a complex institutional architecture that enables systematic planning, sustained consultation, and the integration of broad societal input into policy. Central to this architecture are China's five-year plans, strategic documents that reflect not only the will of the state but the contributions of a wide array of societal actors. These plans are not top-down edicts, but are the product of extensive deliberation and engagement across the entire polity.

The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan is clearly within this tradition of structured and informed deliberation and planning. The plan emphasized the need to continue China's process of "high-standard opening up" together with a commitment to fostering new quality productive forces, so as to address the uncertainty of drastic changes in the external environment with the certainty of the country's high-quality development.

The question of the economic development speaks directly to the contours of the global economy and the institutions that support stability internationally. These are under stress in multiple areas. The message from China, as emphasized in the 15th Five-Year Plan, is that in times of uncertainty and flux, China understands it has a responsibility both to itself and to the rest of the world to ensure its plans are stable and interactions with China at all levels remain dependable. This is what countries need to chart their own courses of action to find safe harbor and maintain sustainable economic and social development.

The ability to plan, consult and coordinate over the long term is not just a domestic virtue. Rather, it is increasingly a global asset. As other great powers struggle with internal polarization and short election cycles that encourage reactive rather than strategic policy, China's institutional infrastructure allows it to plan long term, and to stay the course. This enables it to function as a fulcrum around which other nations can orient their own development strategies, trade relations, and diplomatic initiatives. In this sense, China can fulfil its role as a great enabling power.

China's long-term focus is the result of institutional sophistication, rooted in both modern expertise and ancient traditions. The five-year plan system exemplifies an approach to governance that is dialogic, evidence-driven, and anchored in a deep ethic of responsibility. This system reflects a functional polity, where macro-level decision-making is grounded in ethical commitment and societal engagement. In an increasingly fractured world, China does not merely weather the storm; it provides a lighthouse by which others may navigate. That is a role of immense significance and growing global appreciation.

Keith Lamb, an independent international relations analyst who focuses on China's socialist development and global inequality

China's five-year plans function as comprehensive blueprints for national social and economic development. They outline goals, strategies, and priorities to address evolving historical challenges. In doing so, they align society toward the common good, chart a course for a better future and function as instruments for strengthening China's democracy.

China's five-year plans, when viewed as a continuous series, contribute to a broader national strategy. One such visionary goal is China's aim to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects by 2049. Socialism that works for all is, by definition, democratic. Yet, the implications extend far beyond China, offering a model for humanity. Only through deliberate planning can we create a rational world that aligns humanity with nature, rather than perpetuating short-term profiteering at the expense of our planet.

Recognizing China's long-term planning as a key instrument in building a democratic reality and a sustainable future, it comes as no surprise that China now leads the world in green technology, electric vehicles, high-speed rail, and desert reclamation.

Such achievements would not have been possible if capital, driven by short-term profit cycles, dominated the state at the cost of democracy and environmental well-being.

Living in China, I've witnessed remarkable changes over five years - transformations that might take generations elsewhere. The 14th Five-Year Plan has propelled China to the forefront of numerous technologies, particularly in green innovation.

By prioritizing the common good, China's five-year plans are democratic, delivering material, social, and increasingly cultural improvements for the majority, not just a select elite.

Anthony Moretti, an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University

We can anticipate that China will maintain its commitment to long-term thinking, ensuring, among other things, that high-quality development is fundamental to all decisions.

In effect, goals are set. Overarching everything is the requirement that the overall well-being of the Chinese people is central to every action.

The following words, uttered by President Xi in 2013, are as relevant now as they were then: "The Chinese Dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation means that we will make China prosperous and strong, rejuvenate the nation, and bring happiness to the Chinese people."

Other nations and their citizens understand that China's emphasis on peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and win-win cooperation is essential to how China positions itself on the global stage.

China is poised to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan - and it should do so with confidence.

SOURCE Global Times
BEIJING, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

During the state visit, President Xi will have strategic communication with President Putin on China-Russia relations and on a series of major international and regional issues, according to the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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, said the spokesperson.

"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 to the international community," said the spokesperson.

In a documentary aired Sunday on Rossiya-1 TV channel, Putin said reliable and stable Russia-China relations strengthen stability in the world. Putin said that when he first became Russian president 25 years ago, there were first signs that the center of economic growth would move to the Asia-Pacific region, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Russia has been developing relations with China, Putin noted, adding that the bilateral ties are strategic and profound today, as "turbulence in the world has not decreased, but only increased."

"And we have such reliable, stable relations, which, by the very fact of their existence, strengthen stability in the world," Putin added.

Observers expect President Xi's visit to continue to provide strategic guidance for bilateral relations, and at the unique timing of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, the visit carries the significance to amplify a just view of history and safeguard the post-war international system with the UN at its core amid major global changes and emerging challenges.

Remembering history

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union 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, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry.

President Xi and President Putin previously agreed that the two sides will jointly remember history, honor the martyrs, foster a right view of 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'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, per Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Sun Xiuwen, an associate professor at the Institute for Central Asian Studies at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times that joint commemoration reflects China and Russia's shared commitment to remembering history, fostering a correct interpretation of World War II history and defending the outcomes of the victory of the war and the post-war international order.

Looking ahead

Hao He, deputy research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that while a key part of the visit is commemorating history, its significance goes beyond the bilateral level, being critical for regional development and global governance.

Chinese and Russian leaders maintain frequent interactions. In October 2024, at the invitation of President Putin, President Xi visited Russia's Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit. In May 2024, at the invitation of President Xi, President Putin paid a state visit to China, according to Xinhua.

Hao said that at the bilateral level, with the guidance of head of state diplomacy, China-Russia relations have consolidated its endogenous momentum.

The China-Russia partnership carries great significance in injecting positivity into the post-war international system which is facing great challenges, according to Hao.

According to Russian News Agency Tass, Putin in April named the UN Security Council, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS as examples of institutions where Moscow and Beijing are successfully working together.

The China-Russia relationship remains one of the cornerstones of global stability, and is crucial amid the turbulence in international politics and the global economy, Andrey Kortunov, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, told the Global Times.

Beijing and Moscow share common or overlapping positions on many fundamental issues of security and development; they join forces in promoting multilateral groupings like BRICS and SCO; they share visions of a fair and democratic world order, said Kortunov.

The two countries can join hands to strengthen the strategic consensus to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and voice support for the multilateral trade system, which demonstrate "global significance and exemplar nature" of the relationship, said Zhao Long, deputy director of the Institute of Global Governance at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies.

This article first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333366.shtml

SOURCE Global Times
The company was recognized with platinum, gold, and honorable mention placements for campaigns examining the role of AI navigating paradigm shifts in cybersecurity, strategies for enhancing digital experiences and citizen engagement, and more.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GovExec, the industry-leading sales and marketing intelligence company for government leaders and contractors, today announced that its internal creative agency, the GovExec Content Studio, has been recognized with four prestigious Hermes Creative Awards. The awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) and are widely renowned as one of the top creative competitions. The GovExec Content Studio was honored across a wide range of categories and subject matter for campaigns produced with clients including Leidos, Adobe, Salesforce, and ThunderCat.

"These wins are a testament to the bold ideas and sharp execution our studio team brings to every client partnership," said Anna Pettyjohn, Executive Vice President of Product & Strategy at GovExec. "We're not just creating content  we're building smart, strategic campaigns that break through the noise and deliver results. It's an honor to see that work recognized by the Hermes Awards."

Winning entries included:

Platinum Award in Brand Journalism for "Converged cyber AI: A paradigm shift in cybersecurity," a PDF article produced alongside Leidos delving into how government agencies can best address ever-evolving cyberthreats through an AI-centric approach.

Gold Award in Interactive Media Writing for "Bridging the digital divide: How government can enhance citizen engagement," an immersive article produced with Adobe that highlights key strategies for enhancing digital experiences to better serve the public.

An Honorable Mention in Publications for "The field service playbook for public sector," an eBook created with Salesforce offering a five-step guide for improving efficiency via field service modernization.

An Honorable Mention in Podcast Series for "Beyond borders: The future of zero trust in government," a series produced with ThunderCat examining the role of zero trust strategies in bolstering cybersecurity across government, from federal-civilian agencies to the DOD.

This year's competition attracted more than 6,000 entries from across the United States, Canada and 30 other countries. Submissions came from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies, and freelancers.

To learn more about the awards, visit https://hermesawards.com/.

About GovExec:

GovExec's data and insights set the standard for depth, accuracy, and impact for government leaders and contractors. GovExec provides data-driven strategic sales and marketing intelligence solutions that accelerate revenue growth to fuel market success. The platform is powered by the largest and most sophisticated database in the public sector, reaching over 3.3 million government influencers each month.

SOURCE GovExec
Wisconsin high school teacher accused of having sex with student in parking lot

A former Wisconsin high school teacher faces charges after being accused of having sex with a student in a high school parking lot.

Rebecca Ryan, 43, of Neenah, Wisc.  about an hour from Green Bay  taught at Appleton West High School when a criminal complaint was filed against her, according to a report from Green Bays Local 5 news outlet.

She faces three counts of sexual assault of a student by school staff, which are listed as Class H felonies and carry a potential prison sentence of up to six years and/or $10,000 in fines if convicted.

The complaint said that each of the counts stemmed from alleged sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old student on or around Sept. 1, 2017, through to around Jan. 1, 2018.

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According to the complaint, the alleged victim, who is now 25 years old, spoke with authorities in March 2025 and stated that he had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions in different locations including the first time in the school parking lot.

On April 15, 2025, the alleged victim and Appleton police officers had a phone call with Ryan, according to the outlet.

Appleton police met with the teacher at her home and asked about the sexual encounters, at which time she initially claimed not to remember.

I did not sleep with the victim, she told police, per the report.

The accused had an initial court hearing last Thursday, where her cash bond was set at $50,000.

She worked with the Appleton Area School District from 2016-18, but there were no reports or allegations involving her and inappropriate contact with students.

We are committed to partnering with the Appleton Police Department as needed to support any ongoing investigations, the district told NBC26.

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BARDSTOWN, Ky., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heaven Hill Distillery, America's largest family-owned and operated distillery, proudly announces the launch of Family Farms First, an initiative dedicated to supporting family-owned farms, in partnership with nonprofit organization Farm Rescue. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committed to celebrating and supporting the hardworking and passionate farm families who provide the high-quality ingredients essential to both America's food supply and its finest whiskeys.

This milestone moment coincides with the release of the highly anticipated Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This small-batch bourbon represents the next chapter in a story that begins with the seed and ends in the glass, highlighting Heaven Hill's deep-rooted commitment to family, quality and craft.

Each annual edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass features a unique corn seed varietal, chosen in collaboration with Beck's Hybrids to grow well in the soils of Central Kentucky. The 2025 release features corn seed varietal Beck's 6225, and was grown by family-owned Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, Kentucky. Made up of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malt, this unique mashbill, with a higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill Distillery's traditional bourbon recipe, was aged for six years at Heaven Hill's Cox's Creek rickhouse site. Non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel strength, the result is a 105 proof, richly layered spirit that showcases the integrity of family-farm-grown ingredients and the craftsmanship of Heaven Hill Distillery.

"In 2017, we embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind Grain to Glass Whiskey by partnering with family-owned seed companies and farms," said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. "These innovative mash bills feature hand-selected, unique grain varieties grown locally by Kentucky family farms. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is a testament to the important legacy of family farmers, who are the lifeblood of our country."

As Heaven Hill approaches its 90th anniversary in December 2025, the Family Farms First initiative underscores the company's long-standing commitment to supporting fellow family businessesespecially those within the agricultural community. The initiative is launching with a partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries or natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided free planting, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to over 1,000 farm families across eight states.

"Farm Rescue's mission is to keep family farms intact during times of crises," said Bill Gross, Founder and President of Farm Rescue. "Family farms, which make up 97% of U.S. farms, are vital to sustaining our communities and our future. Our collaboration with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass will bolster our ability to provide essential support to more farm families, ensuring they can continue their operations and sustain their livelihoods."

Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, added, "Support from companies like Heaven Hill profoundly impacts our capacity to assist family farms in need. Their commitment to quality and community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership." A portion of every sale of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass  up to $100,000 annually  will be donated to Farm Rescue.

"We are honored to partner with Farm Rescue as part of our Family Farms First initiative," continued Shapira. "Their efforts align perfectly with our values at Heaven Hill, where we understand the dedication and resilience needed to keep a family business thriving for generations. This investment will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who sustain our communities and our way of life."

With every bottle of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, consumers are not only enjoying a world-class whiskey but also directly supporting the families who cultivate the land it comes froma bold spirit with a bold mission. Heaven Hill and Farm Rescue are working to ensure that American farm families don't just survive, but thrive, for generations to come.

For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/

For more information about Farm Rescue, visit: https://farmrescue.org/

About Heaven Hill Distillery

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America's Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in nearly 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker's Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World's Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely.

IMAGES & VIDEO: Download here

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kaitlynn West

Heaven Hill Brands

502-413-0230

[email protected]

Julianne Johnston

Morgan Meyers

515-669-0196

[email protected]

SOURCE Heaven Hill Brands
NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Real Estate Sales announces June 12, 2025, as the qualified bid deadline for 21 strategically located oilfield service properties across Texas, with one located in New Mexico. The properties are being sold individually or in any combination as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Water Energy Services, LLC, a water and wastewater management company currently optimizing their portfolio.

Hilco Real Estate Sales announces June 12, 2025, as the qualified bid deadline for 22 strategically located oilfield service properties.

The offering consists of land parcels, saltwater disposal sites and industrial buildings, many of which include designated office space. Property sizes range from 1.24 to 70.36 acres, with building footprints between 1,485 and 18,000 square feet. Most assets are strategically located within key oil-producing regions including the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and Barnett Shale.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for buyers to acquire strategic assets in high-demand markets that support the backbone of U.S. energy production," said Jamie Cote, vice president at Hilco Real Estate. "Whether you're an operator looking to expand or an investor seeking long-term potential, these sites offer a strong foothold in the oilfield service space."

The Texas oilfield service industry is critical to the state's energy economy, providing support for drilling, well completion, water treatment, logistics and equipment manufacturing. With billions in annual revenue and thousands of jobs tied to the sector, these sites represent significant value for those looking to capitalize on continued growth in the region.

"Given the diversity of assets and their locations, this sale offers flexibility and scale," said Jonathan Cuticelli, vice president at Hilco Real Estate. "We expect strong interest from both regional operators and national buyers with strategic visions for growth."

The sale of is being conducted by Order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Texas (San Antonio), Petition No. 25-50539-MMP, In re: Water Energy Services, LLC. Bids must be received on or before the deadline of June 12 at 5 p.m. (CT) and must be submitted on the Purchase and Sale Agreement available for review and download from Hilco Real Estate Sales' website.

Interested buyers should review the requirements in order to participate in the bankruptcy sale process available on Hilco Real Estate Sales' website. For further information, please contact Jonathan Cuticelli at 203.561.8737 | [email protected] or Jamie Cote at 847.418.2187 | [email protected].

For further information on the property, sale process and terms or to obtain access to due diligence documents, please visit HilcoRealEstateSales.com or call (855) 755-2300.

About Hilco Real Estate Sales

Successfully positioning the real estate holdings within a company's portfolio is a material component of establishing and maintaining a strong financial foundation for long-term success. At Hilco Real Estate Sales (HRE), a Hilco Global company (HilcoGlobal.com), we advise and execute strategies to assist clients seeking to optimize their real estate assets, improve cash flow, maximize asset value and minimize liabilities and portfolio risk. We help clients traverse complex transactions and transitions, coordinating with internal and external networks and constituents to navigate ever-challenging market environments.

The trusted, full-service HRE team has secured billions in value for hundreds of clients over 20+ years. We are deeply experienced in complex transactions including artful lease renegotiation, multi-faceted sales structures, strategic asset management and capital optimization. We understand the legal, financial and real estate components of the process, all of which are vital to a successful outcome. HRE can help identify the most viable options and direction for a company and its real estate portfolio, delivering impressive results in every situation.

SOURCE Hilco Real Estate, LLC
Innocan's first fully-granted patent in Mexico

Covers Innocan's proprietary cannabis-based pain relief topical

Indication of Innocan's growing intellectual property portfolio

HERZLIYA, Israel and CALGARY, AB, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTCQB: INNPF) ("Innocan" or the "Company"), a pioneer in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, is pleased to announce that the Mexican patent office has issued a notice of allowance for the Company's patent application covering its proprietary topical pain-relief technology.

This patent covers a groundbreaking formulation comprising the unique blending of cannabidiol with minerals to deliver fast-acting, targeted pain relief. Clinical studies have demonstrated noticeable pain reduction within 20 minutes of application. The approval of this patent represents a major milestone in Innocan's mission to advance next-generation topical therapeutic solutions.

The Mexican allowance adds to previously granted counterpart patents in the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, and complements a growing portfolio of pending applications across various global jurisdictions. This development positions Innocan for early and strategic access to Latin American markets.

"We are very excited about the patent approval of our topical pain relief technology in Mexico," said Iris Bincovich, Chief Executive Officer of Innocan Pharma. Innocan Pharma intends to continue expanding its intellectual property portfolio in other key territories worldwide, reinforcing its leadership in cannabidiol-based wellness innovation.

About Innocan Pharma:

Innocan is an innovator in the pharmaceuticals and wellness sectors. In the pharmaceuticals sector, Innocan developed a CBD-loaded liposome drug delivery platform with exact dosing, prolonged and controlled release of synthetic CBD for non-opioid pain management. In the wellness sector, Innocan develops and markets a wide portfolio of high-performance self-care and beauty products to promote a healthier lifestyle. Under this segment, Innocan focuses on advanced, targeted online sales, through its BI Sky Global Ltd. subsidiary.

www.innocanpharma.com

Contact Information:

For Innocan Pharma Corporation:

Iris Bincovich, CEO

+1 5162104025

+972-54-3012842

+442037699377

[email protected]

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information set forth in this news release including, without limitation, the Company's plans to enter into the Latin American market, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions concerning its products, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and satisfactory completion of production and distribution arrangements.

Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: global and local (national) economic, political, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and potential disruption of relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. The Company cannot assure that any patent will issue as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will issue in a form that will be advantageous to the Company. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import/export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner). The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can be found in Innocan's public reports and filings which are available under Innocan's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570689/Innocan_Pharma_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Innocan Pharma Corporation
NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 1st, the global blockchain industry event Token2049 concluded successfully, marking a significant moment for Web3 and fintech innovations. Interlace, a leading Web3 fintech company, made its debut at the event, capturing widespread attention with its cutting-edge Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution. The company showcased its deep industry insights and strategic expansion plans for the Middle East market, positioning itself as a key player in the region's Web3 ecosystem. Interlace's presence attracted a diverse range of stakeholders, including Web3 enterprises, industry pioneers, developers, institutional investors, and ecosystem partners.

Interlace Breaks New Ground in Web3 Finance with CaaS at Token2049

Redefining what is possible in Web3 with Cards as a Service

As a global leader in financial infrastructure services, Interlace has consistently driven the integration of Web2 and Web3 ecosystems through technological innovation. At Token2049, the company highlighted its industry-leading CaaS solution, a comprehensive platform that simplifies the entire process from wallet management to card issuance.

Key features of the CaaS offering include:

30+ BIN Configurations : Enhancing flexibility for global financial compatibility.

: Enhancing flexibility for global financial compatibility. Wallet Deposit Address Generation : Providing seamless management of funds.

: Providing seamless management of funds. KYT (Know Your Transaction) Compliance : Ensuring secure, compliant crypto deposits.

: Ensuring secure, compliant deposits. Cardholder KYC Verification : Available via API or custodial mode to validate user identity.

: Available via API or custodial mode to validate user identity. Built-in Risk Control and Anti- Fraud Systems : Protecting users and businesses from fraud .

: Protecting users and businesses from . Regulatory-Compliant Custodial Infrastructure: Ensuring full transparency and security of fund flows.

These features come together to provide a robust solution that seamlessly bridges the gap between the Web3 world and traditional financial systems, enabling more secure, transparent, and accessible financial services.

White-Label Customization: Empowering Clients with Brand Differentiation

Interlace also offers a flexible white-label card solution that allows businesses and institutions to fully customize card designs, enabling them to build distinctive brand identities. With the Interlace CaaS solution, clients can issue both physical and virtual cards in as soon as two weeks, accelerating time-to-market for crypto-based financial products.

The cards are fully compatible with popular digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet, facilitating seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions and empowering users to spend both crypto and fiat currencies effortlesslyanytime, anywhere. This functionality unlocks the true potential of on-chain assets, offering users a level of "spending freedom" previously unavailable.

Real-Time Experience with the Infinity Card

During Token2049, Interlace offered a hands-on demonstration of its flagship product, the Infinity Card, which provided attendees with a limited-time gift card. This allowed users to experience the seamless transition from on-chain asset management to off-chain spending. As one Web3 participant noted, "Interlace has simplified the complexities of on-chain asset liquidity and conversion into a globally accepted payment card. This is a pivotal step toward turning blockchain technology into a practical, mainstream financial tool."

Currently, the Interlace CaaS solution has been widely adopted by crypto exchanges, wallets, OTA platforms, AI companies, gaming firms, advertising platforms, and online subscription services. Notably, for Token2049, Interlace partnered with Web3 travel and lifestyle platform Umy, offering users exclusive discounts when booking flights and hotels in Dubai through Umy. Users could also pay with the Infinity Card using cryptocurrency, further demonstrating the compatibility of CaaS with traditional consumer scenarios.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Strengthening the Ecosystem

Interlace's presence at Token2049 was not limited to the main event. The company actively engaged in key side events such as 1001 Crypto Nights and Hack Seasons Conference, where it networked with Web3 professionals, thought leaders, and potential collaborators. As part of its strategic efforts, Interlace also partnered with Umy, a Web3 travel and lifestyle platform. Through this collaboration, Interlace users were offered exclusive discounts on flights and hotel bookings, with the added benefit of paying with the Infinity Card using cryptocurrency. This partnership further demonstrates the compatibility of CaaS with traditional consumer scenarios, expanding the utility of crypto assets in everyday life.

Building a Middle East Strategy: Compliance as the Cornerstone of Growth

The Middle East has rapidly emerged as a strategic hub for global Web3 enterprises, driven by Dubai's open regulatory environment and concentration of high-net-worth capital. Interlace's debut at Token2049 marks a key milestone in its global expansion strategy, with a particular focus on the Middle East market. As CEO Michael Wu noted, "The Middle East is a core node in Interlace's mission to build a global Web3 financial network. By combining our extensive compliance technology expertise with localized market needs, we are accelerating the integration of blockchain and traditional finance."

At Token2049, Interlace was able to demonstrate its technical expertise and regulatory-compliant operational capabilities. As its expansion into the Middle East continues, Interlace aims to become a benchmark for the "Compliance + Technology" innovation model, driving the large-scale adoption of crypto payment services across industries such as consumer goods, trade, and travel.

Impressive Milestones and Future Outlook

Founded in 2019, Interlace has achieved PCI-DSS Level 1 certification, the highest security standard for card payments, and holds key international licenses, including Hong Kong TCSP, U.S. MSB, and Lithuania VASP. To date, Interlace has issued over 6 million cards, serving more than 7,500 enterprises, and processing over 60 million transactions annually. The company's continuous growth and expansion highlight its dedication to building secure, compliant, and scalable solutions for the global Web3 financial ecosystem.

SOURCE Interlace
JACKSON, Mich., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landscape crowded with agencies, Epic Blue Marketing is making waves as a creative force redefining how small businesses grow, market, and communicate. What started as a two-person freelance business driven by heart and hustle has now become a respected partner in digital strategy, public relations, and brand development in Southern Michigan.

Founded in 2019 by industry veteran, Devon Bradley Roof, Epic Blue is anchored in a simple but powerful philosophy: excellence is the expectation. With more than 15 years of experience spanning agency, non-profit, and corporate communication leadership, Roof has shaped Epic Blue into a trusted guide for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to amplify their visibility and impact.

What sets Epic Blue apart isn't just what they do, it's who they are. The agency was built around a unique pairing of deep communication expertise and advanced technical capability, giving clients direct access to high-level content strategy and custom website development without having to outsource to multiple firms. From there, the team has grown to include graphic designers, social media managers, and app developers; offering a full-spectrum creative partnership that's rare among agencies.

"Most businesses are forced to patch together support from different service providers just to cover the basics; one for web development, one for marketing and PR, another for design. We built Epic Blue to simplify that process, bringing top-tier expertise across multiple disciplines into one trusted team."

Clients also turn to Roof and her team for their consulting approach, which removes overwhelm and replaces it with clarity, direction, and actionable steps forward. Whether you're launching something new or evolving an established brand, Epic Blue offers a full-service experience that feels personal, responsive, and tailored to each client.

"Our clients aren't just accountsthey're partners, and we treat their goals as if they were our own," said Roof. "We step in as an extension of their team, offering not just strategy and execution, but genuine care and commitment. Building brands that last means showing up with consistency and integrity, and those values remain at the heart of everything we do."

As Epic Blue Marketing continues to expand its offerings and influence, the agency remains deeply committed to its mission: to help small businesses not only competebut lead. With momentum building and a reputation for delivering exceptional work, the small Jackson-based agency is quickly becoming a business to watch in Michigan's creative economy.

To explore services or schedule a consultation, visit www.epicblueofficial.com.

About Epic Blue Marketing

Epic Blue Marketing is a Michigan-based creative agency that helps small businesses stand out through strategic branding, digital content, and public relations. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Epic Blue offers customized services that blend vision with execution. From bold brand identities and high-impact websites to story-driven PR and content strategy, Epic Blue equips businesses to grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Learn more at epicblueofficial.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Devon Roof

Epic Blue Marketing

517-474-1573

[email protected]

SOURCE Epic Blue Marketing
APPLE VALLEY, Minn., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, the manufacturer of Uponor branded products, has announced John Reutter as President. John joined the organization in 2018 as vice president of Finance and has been an instrumental leader over the past seven years. He will continue to be based out of the North America headquarters in Apple Valley, Minn., and will report to Michael Rauterkus, president and CEO of GF Building Flow Solutions.

In his role as President, John will lead the growth strategies for the Americas business with a focus on delivering locally driven solutions, expanding into emerging markets, and ensuring alignment with the company's global objectives. He'll oversee day-to-day operations and business performance while fostering strong collaboration between regional teams and global counterparts.

Im grateful to be surrounded by a team that is committed to growth and delivering strong customer outcomes. Post this

"I am thrilled to see John step into the role as President of the Americas division," says Rauterkus. "John has been a proven leader from day one, fostering a collaborative yet high-performing environment. Under John's leadership, we are well positioned to maintain strong customer relationships while taking the business to the next level."

John brings extensive experience into this role. Prior to joining GF, he held several management positions at Ecolab, most recently Vice President of Finance, Global Healthcare. Additionally, John brings experience from the professional services industry, having worked at Deloitte.

"It's an honor to take on this role and the opportunities that lie ahead for GF Building Flow Solutions Americas," says Reutter. "I'm grateful to be surrounded by a team that is committed to growth and delivering strong customer outcomes. I'm excited to see what we accomplish next."

John will continue to be a member of GF Building Flow Solutions' Global Leadership Team and will also lead the Senior Management Committee in the Americas. John will also remain as the interim vice president of Finance until a permanent vice president is named.

For information about GF and Uponor products and services, visit uponor.com.

To download a high-res photograph, visit https://uponor.greenhousedigitalpr.com/presidential-appointment-reutter/

Media Contact

Helen Tran

Associate Account Manager

[email protected]

708-428-6385

SOURCE Uponor
MIAMI, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Walker LLP announced today that two new attorneys, partner Matt Maranges and special counsel Nicole Grimal Helmstetter, have joined the Litigation Practice Group in the firm's growing Miami office. Matt joins as a member of the firm's Construction Team and Nicole joins as a member of the bankruptcy and restructuring team, solidifying both teams in the region.

Jones Walker welcomes Construction Team partner Matt Maranges and bankruptcy and restructuring team special counsel Nicole Grimal Helmstetter to the firm's Miami office.

"We are thrilled to welcome Matt and Nicole to Jones Walker and expand the firm's presence in Miami," said Bill Hines, the firm's managing partner. "Matt brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to our already nationally recognized Construction Team, and Nicole's unique understanding of the regional business landscape in South Florida will be invaluable to our bankruptcy team and clients."

"We are elated to add Matt and Nicole to the team. Matt's intimate knowledge of construction law and South Florida's construction industry will be an invaluable resource to our real estate and development clients. Nicole's depth of experience in the world of insolvency enhances an already stellar roster of litigators in the Miami office," added partner and head of the firm's Miami office Luis Llamas. "Personally, I have had the honor of knowing both individuals for decades and to be able to now count them as colleagues is wonderful."

Matt is an experienced, entrepreneurial attorney focused on helping clients identify and manage construction-related risks, with an emphasis on dispute avoidance and litigation. After several years in private practice, he co-founded his own law firm, where he developed and quickly expanded his broad-based construction, real estate, and corporate practice. Matt's litigation practice encompasses sophisticated construction disputes, construction transactions, and related commercial matters.

"I'm excited to join Jones Walker's highly respected and nationally ranked construction team," Matt said. "The firm's strong platform will help me better serve my existing clients while expanding my practice to reach new construction clients throughout the South Florida region and beyond. I look forward to working alongside such talented colleagues and contributing to our strategic growth in the Miami market."

Nicole is a business bankruptcy attorney with extensive experience representing parties on all sides of insolvency matters involving distressed businesses, assets, and portfolios. Although centered in Florida, her practice is national in scope. She routinely represents midsize and regional businesses, lenders, and creditors in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings. Her background also includes representing fiduciaries in insolvency proceedings and assisting purchasers of distressed assets, as well as helping traditional lenders and investment funds in enforcing their rights against collateral and executing on judgments or other collection efforts.

"Joining Jones Walker presents an opportunity for me to elevate my practice to a national level while continuing to expand my local presence in South Florida," Nicole said. "I am looking forward to working with the firm's talented bankruptcy team on complex insolvency matters across the country."

About Jones Walker

Jones Walker LLP (joneswalker.com) is among the largest 145 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad.

Contact :

Savannah Kirk

225.248.3435

[email protected]

SOURCE Jones Walker LLP
"Lighting should be as dynamic as the spaces it inhabits," says Eric Wendling, Director of Product Management. Post this

"Lighting should be as dynamic as the spaces it inhabits," says Eric Wendling, Director of Product Management. "Our newest pieces were inspired by timeless forms found in nature, jewelry and architecture, striking a balance between beauty and function. We designed these fixtures with versatility in mind, empowering homeowners, builders and designers to tailor each piece to their unique needs and aesthetics."

The Spring release debuts 16 distinctive lighting collections, available in a range of finishes and configurations to meet virtually any customer need.

Indoor Collections

Kichler's indoor lighting collections are inspired by geometric shapes and fluidity of movement, seamlessly blending modern design aesthetics with luxurious detail.

Cassius

Like the constellations of the night sky, the Cassius collection is designed to be admired, featuring movable branched lines that connect geometric opal glass globes. The soft, diffused glow enhances its modern elegancy, while convertible installations, various sizes and finishes allow for a tailored celestial statement. Finish options include Black, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel.

Eadie

Balancing sophistication with flexibility, Eadie's gracefully curved arms and removable fabric shades offers true customization. A glass diffuser enhances the refined glow, making this collection a statement of both style and adaptability. The Eadie collection is available in Black, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes.

Larousse

Inspired by the timeless beauty of a cuff bracelet, the Larousse collection's curved form encircles an integrated LED light source, creating an artful glow that mirrors the way jewelry shines from within. The Larousse collection is available in Black and Champagne Bronze finish options.

Moraine

The Moraine collection layers clear outer glass and an etched inner glass for a timeless, candlelit glow. With curves upon curves to create a stair-step of style, Moraine blends traditional elegance with modern LED efficiency. Moraine is available in Black, Champaigne Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes.

Riven

With fluted glass and vintage-inspired strap-like hardware, the Riven collection brings an old-world explorer's map bag to mind while delivering modern lighting with integrated LED technology. The Riven collection comes in Black, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes.

Harpin

The Harpin collection is inspired by modern, minimalist artwork, with its flowing yet defined organic lines. Its double-layered structure creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, adding modern elegance to any space. The Harpin collection is available in Black, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel.

Laria

Delicate yet striking, the Laria collection draws inspiration from traditional Korean sachet bags, with teardrop, cone and globe formation options, available in clear or opal glass. The Laria collection comes in Black, Champagne Bronze or Polished Nickel finish options.

Nella

The Nella collection features a delicate chain of diamond-shaped links, suspending a beautifully layered globe design. The etched internal globe diffuses the light source while the clear outer modified globe shape echoes the diamond shape from the chain, creating a refined statement piece, meant to be seen. The Nella collection is available in Black, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel finishes.

Natural Materials

Inspired by nature's raw, untouched beauty, Kichler's natural material collections highlight artisanal craftsmanship with natural textures and woven details.

Bekah

Minimalist architecture meets bohemian charm with the Bekah collection. Hand-woven natural rattan shades pair with the Champagne Bronze stem and canopy to bring warmth and texture to any room.

Ophira

Stacked woven baskets reimagined in modern lighting. Layers of hand-woven natural jute, complemented by our warm Champagne Bronze finish, create an eye-catching fixture. A cluster of bulbs illuminates through the woven layers to create magical patterns, adding visual interest to any room.

Lulo

Inspired by the Japanese art of wrapping river stones with natural cane, Lulo's woven natural cord shade delivers both architectural interest and warmth with its captivating light effect. Our signature Champagne Bronze finish complements the gently curved shape, while light peeks through purposefully placed open patterns, adding eye-catching texture while casting a soft, welcoming glow.

Ceiling Fan Collections

Kichler's latest ceiling fans bring together sleek modernity and high-quality materials, with wet-rated designs for outdoor durability.

Mylo

Sculpturally designed with natural wood blades, Mylo transforms the ceiling fan into a true art piece, all while delivering exceptional comfort. The Mylo collection is available in four sizes (52", 60", 70" and 80" diameters) and five motor/blade finish options: Champagne Bronze with Black Blades, Brushed Nickel with Natural Walnut Blades, Satin Black with Aged Walnut Blades, Anvil Iron with Honey Maple Blades and Matte White with White Maple Blades.

Mylo Weather+

Featuring soft curves and smooth sculptural blades, this elegantly contoured Weather+ fan is ready to take on nature's elements. Built for harsh environments, this wet-rated fan withstands coastal salt spray and UV exposure while maintaining its sleek aesthetic. Mylo Weather+ is available in two sizes (60" and 80" diameters) and four finish options: Brushed Nickel, Satin Black, Satin Bronze and White finishes.

Loa

With a larger blade sweep and a modern silhouette, the wet-rated Loa collection is built for larger indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring style and comfort are considered. Loa is available in two sizes (65" and 80" diameters) and four finishes: Brushed Nickel with Silver Blades, Satin Black with Satin Black Blades, Satin Bronze with Satin Bronze Blades, and Matte White with Matte White Blades.

Landscape Collections

Thinking about architectural beauty that is built to last, Kichler designed its latest landscape lighting collections to complement contemporary outdoors spaces, combining streamlined aesthetics with durable performance.

Contemporary Path Lights

Featuring clean lines and geometric forms, these integrated LED path lights blend seamlessly with modern exteriors while offering superior weather protection. This collection includes six different architectures, including 3 different path light options and 3 bollard designs, all available in Textured Black and Textured Architectural Bronze finishes. The 90-degree Path Light is also available in Centennial Brass, perfect for installations where weather and environmental conditions are more challenging.

Downlights

Ara Downlights

A modernized solution to ambient ceiling lighting needs, Ara round downlights provide a sleek-to-ceiling profile. The edge-lit technology fills the diffuser with evenly dispersed light to prevent hot spots and shadowing. Ara downlights are available in White or the new striking Black finish.

Champagne Bronze is a trademark of Delta Faucet.

ABOUT KICHLER

Kichler Lighting strives to transform the home and workspace by developing fixtures that seamlessly combine style with purpose. With an extensive portfolio of leading products  including lighting, landscape and ceiling fans  and a commitment to providing services and project solutions, Kichler is the brand homeowners and professionals know and trust since 1938. As the first-ever and exclusive national sponsor of interior and exterior lighting and ceiling fans for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, Kichler is committed to providing fixtures for every St. Jude Dream Home constructed across the U.S. each year. Kichler products are available at independent showrooms, Lowe's, Home Depot, electrical and landscape distributors, and online. For more information, visit www.kichler.com.

Connect with Kichler socially on:

Instagram is a registered trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.

LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn, Inc.

Pinterest is a registered trademark of Pinterest, Inc.

ABOUT COLETO BRANDS

Coleto Brands is a dynamic collective of brands united by a commitment to enhancing spaces through design and functionality. Headlined by its flagship brands, Kichler and Progress Lighting, Coleto Brands provides residential lighting fixtures across key categories, including interior and exterior decorative lighting, bath/vanity, architectural systems and downlights, ceiling fans and landscape. For more information, visit coletobrands.com.

SOURCE Kichler Lighting LLC
GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- King Risk Partners, one of the fastest-growing Top 100 Insurance Brokers in the United States, is proud to announce the appointment of Joel Eubank as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective April 2025.

Joel Eubank - COO of King Risk Partners

Mr. Eubank brings more than two decades of experience in finance, operations, and strategic leadership in the insurance sector, most recently serving as COO and CFO of Dealer Services at Brown & Brown Insurance. During his tenure at Brown & Brown, he held multiple leadership roles spanning acquisition integration, finance, and operationsdeveloping a reputation for delivering performance through disciplined execution and cross-functional collaboration.

"Joel's extensive experience leading high-growth organizations and his deep understanding of retail brokerage, program administration, and claims consulting make him the ideal addition to our executive leadership team," said Pete Gilbertson, President at King Risk Partners. "His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations, execute on acquisitions, and deepen our partnerships across the industry."

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Mr. Eubank holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and Finance. His appointment marks a significant step in the continued evolution of King Risk Partners as it invests in operational excellence to support clients, employees, and carrier relationships alike.

"I'm excited to join King Risk Partners at such a dynamic time in its growth," said Eubank. "The company's entrepreneurial spirit, strong client focus, and commitment to building an enduring platform directly align with my own values. I look forward to helping the King Risk Partners team shape the next chapter of success."

King Risk Partners, with a mission to deliver bold insurance solutions through superior service, continues to grow its national footprint through strategic partnerships and operational innovation.

About King Risk Partners

King Risk Partners is a nationally ranked insurance brokerage committed to delivering tailored risk management solutions to individuals, businesses, and niche programs. Headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the firm has expanded rapidly through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. King Risk Partners is recognized for its entrepreneurial culture, operational excellence, and people-first approach.

For media inquiries, contact:

[email protected]

www.king-insurance.com

SOURCE King Risk Partners
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lagoon Furniture has established itself as a heavyweight in the indoor/outdoor furnishing industry, with a steadily growing reputation and reach. Lagoon's commitment to continuing to deliver consistent and lasting value, a steady stream of design and material innovations, and excellent customer service distinguishes it positively in the global furnishing industry, leading to steadily greater brand recognition and loyalty. Lagoon will continue to expand into new product lines and territories during the 2025 calendar year.

The Naples Chair is built slightly larger than Lagoon's other seating options, and is crafted from single-piece molded plastic to ensure greater comfort, strength, and durability. Especially well-suited to high-traffic environments, Naples Chairs are UV-resistant, easy-draining, and easy to stack.Refined yet tough, the Naples Chair is available in 5 especially tasteful and versatile colors, and in models both with and without arms. the Naples Chair is available in 5 especially tasteful and versatile colors, and in models both with and without arms. And new this year - the Naples is now equipped with a built-in bag hanger.

One key component of Lagoon Furniture's 2025 growth strategy is to further strengthen its relationships with design professionals and the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and event spaces globally rely on Lagoon's high-value, unique, and evolving combination of design and materials for the foundation of their customers' day-to-day experience. Design professionals know that they can rely on Lagoon's product aesthetics and quality to realize their designs with visual flair and dependable performance.

Naples Dining and Armchairs

Lagoon's Naples Dining Chair expresses the distillation of Lagoon's many successful years of furnishing design and construction into one truly exceptional product. The Naples Chair is built slightly larger than Lagoon's other seating options, and is crafted from single-piece molded plastic to ensure greater comfort, strength, and durability. Especially well-suited to high-traffic environments, Naples Chairs are UV-resistant, easy-draining, and easy to stack. Refined yet tough, the Naples Chair is available in 5 especially tasteful and versatile colors, and in models both with and without arms. And new this year  the Naples is now equipped with a built-in bag hanger.

Venice Dining Table

Lagoon Furniture's classic Venice Dining Table is a sleek and exquisitely balanced piece designed to immediately up-level any setting. Conceived and constructed as one of Lagoon's sturdier furnishings, the Venice Dining Table delivers elegant value season after season in any climate. Especially well-suited for commercial applications whether indoors or out, this timeless item will remain as dependable as it is elegant for years to come. With its clean lines and rock-solid construction, the Venice Dining Table is ideally suited to both indoor and outdoor hospitality settings, and pairs beautifully with a wide range of Lagoon's dining chairs.

This year, Lagoon's booth will feature a refreshed brand identity and an enhanced opportunity to experience its products showcased in a variety of lifestyle settings. Their sales team will be on hand to provide product guidance, offer tailored recommendations, and assist with order placements to ensure a smooth and personalized experience. A visit to Lagoon Furniture's upgraded booth comes with perks! Qualified visitors will receive a free Lagoon tote bag and tape measure. Additionally, any purchases paid in full at the HD Expo 2025 event will receive a 3% discount.

It's worth noting that Lagoon Furniture is uniquely positioned to keep business simple, practical, and dependable during these complex times. Lagoon Furniture does all of its production in Mexico, ensuring that orders will be fulfilled with clear and rapid timelines, consistent high quality, and seamless logistics for U.S.-based operators.

Press Contact:

Lagoon Furniture America Corp

Wei Peng

Tel: 619-380-3621

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Lagoon Furniture
Duolingo Embraces AI in Push for Scalable Learning

In 2012, Duolingo co-founder Luis von Ahn defied the prevailing wisdom of building desktop-first experiences and pushed his nascent language learning startup onto mobile. A year later, Duolingo was Apple's iPhone App of the Year. Fast forward to 2025, and von Ahn is making another bet. This time, it's on artificial intelligence  and it's potentially even more transformative.

"We're making a similar call now, and this time the platform shift is AI," von Ahn wrote in a company-wide memo posted publicly on LinkedIn. "AI is already changing how work gets done. The worst thing you can do is wait."

Duolingo, the Pittsburgh-based company behind the chirpy green owl and more than 500 million users, has officially declared itself "AI-first." But beneath that buzzy label lies a seismic restructuring  one that shifts roles, reshapes how hiring and performance are evaluated, and redefines the relationship between people and technology at Duolingo.

From Mobile-First to AI-First: A Cultural Reset

"AI-first" at Duolingo doesn't just mean sprinkling generative tech over existing workflows. It means dismantling them. The memo outlines sweeping changes: phasing out contractors in favor of AI tools, evaluating employee performance based on AI adoption, and restricting headcount growth unless teams can prove that automation isn't an option.

In the hands of a less charismatic founder, this might read like a Silicon Valley bloodletting. But von Ahn frames it as a kind of creative liberation.

"This isn't about replacing Duos with AI," he insisted. "It's about removing bottlenecks so we can do more with the outstanding Duos we already have."

That framing doesn't obscure the stakes. Duolingo will "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle," echoing a similar move last year when the company cut about 10% of its contract workforce after integrating AI into its translation pipeline. Now, AI will be enlisted to help with everything from content creation to hiring decisions to performance evaluations.

Scaling Learning, One AI at a Time

The rationale? Scaling. The same way mobile helped Duolingo go viral, von Ahn believes AI can democratize quality education at a planetary scale. "To teach well, we need to create a massive amount of content," he wrote. "Doing that manually doesn't scale."

AI, he argued, is the only realistic path forward. It's already being used to power features like Video Call, where users interact with AI-powered tutors like the deadpan, goth-inspired Lily. And Duolingo's content production  once a slow, editorial slog  is now increasingly generated by machine learning pipelines.

This isn't just about speeding things up. Von Ahn sees AI as a path toward pedagogical parity with human tutors  replicable, scalable, and always available.

Constraints as a Catalyst

To get there, von Ahn said, Duolingo must embrace "constructive constraints." Performance reviews will now include metrics for AI utilization. Hiring? Only if automation fails. Functions across the company are being asked to rebuild from the ground up.

"Making minor tweaks to systems designed for humans won't get us there," the memo reads. "In many cases, we'll need to start from scratch."

It's an echo of Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke's recent directive that employees justify new hires by proving AI couldn't do the job. It's also a signal that a new corporate orthodoxy is emerging  one where AI fluency is table stakes for survival.

The Uneasy Trade-Off

Of course, that new orthodoxy has its critics. On social media, some users lambasted Duolingo's shift as a betrayal of its quirky, accessible brand. Others, perhaps more resigned, suggested this was inevitable.

"When a CEO says they want more AI, it means they want more money in their bank account," one X user quipped.

There's also the question of efficacy. In a working paper released earlier this month ("Large Language Models, Small Labor Market Effects,") economists Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard looked at the labor market impact of AI chatbots on 11 occupations, covering 25,000 workers and 7,000 workplaces in Denmark in 2023 and 2024. The researchers found that AI tools reduced actual work hours by just 2.8%  far less than the industry hype suggests. Critics warn that Duolingo's urgency could come at the cost of quality, nuance, and human insight.

Von Ahn seems unbothered. "We'd rather move with urgency and take occasional small hits on quality than move slowly and miss the moment," he wrote.

A Mission Rewritten

For von Ahn, AI is not just a tool. It's a mission accelerant. "AI helps us get closer to our mission," he writes, referring to Duolingo's goal of providing accessible education globally. "We owe it to our learners to get them this content ASAP."

But for the contract workers whose jobs are being automated away, the urgency feels more like obsolescence. And for full-time employees, the future now includes being judged not just by managers  but by how well they wield the very AI that replaced their former colleagues.
David Brenneman's proven track record clearing complex M&A transactions enhances the firm's growing Antitrust & Competition Practice.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that David Brenneman has joined the firm's Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Antitrust & Competition Practice and a member of the Litigation & Trial Department. Brenneman's practice focuses on the antitrust aspects of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other business combinations and collaborations.

David Brenneman, Partner, Latham & Watkins

"We couldn't be happier to welcome David to Latham," said Mandy Reeves, Managing Partner of the firm's Washington, D.C. office. "His practice spans multiple industries and his breadth of knowledge on successfully clearing all flavors of strategic transactions makes David a fantastic addition to our dynamic team."

Brenneman brings a wealth of merger control experience defending major transactions before the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the European Commission, among other competition law authorities. Guiding clients through their highest-stakes antitrust matters, his capabilities span a wide range of heavily regulated industries including life sciences, publishing, technology, telecommunications, energy information services, metals, and financial services sectors. David is particularly skilled in coordinating Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) notifications and other merger control filings globally, especially for private equity firms.

"David's skill set is in high demand, and we're thrilled to be able to combine his deep knowledge with the advice our market-leading M&A and merger control teams bring to bear for our clients every day," added Michael Egge, Global Chair of the firm's Antitrust & Competition Practice. "His proficiency in handling intricate antitrust matters for repeat dealmakers among both private equity and strategic players is a tremendous value-add for our team, and yet another way that we lead in serving clients in the merger control space globally."

"I am thrilled to join Latham, a firm that embodies all the qualities I value as an antitrust lawyer," said David Brenneman. "With its robust M&A and leading antitrust teams, along with a dynamic private equity and strategic acquisitions focus, Latham offers the perfect platform for me to enhance client relationships and tackle innovative competition challenges. I'm eager to contribute to the firm's success and see where we can go together."

Brenneman joins from Morgan Lewis. He received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center in 2008 and his BA from the University of Maryland in 2005.

Notes to Editors

1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company.

Contacts

Mandy Reeves, Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner, +1.202.637.2183

Michael Egge, Global Chair, Antitrust & Competition Practice, +1.202.637.2285

SOURCE Latham & Watkins LLP
Illinois-based provider of truck, trailer, and fleet parking management solutions is a leader in a rapidly growing segment of the parking industry.

HARTFORD, Conn., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LAZ Parking, the largest, fastest-growing privately-owned parking operator in the United States, is pleased to announce it has acquired a majority interest in Freight Ninja, a leading provider of truck, trailer, and fleet parking management solutions. Based in Lombard, Illinois, Freight Ninja operates a network of 50 leased or managed Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) locations strategically located across the United States. Established in 2022, the company offers an array of services ranging from full-scale management of an entire facility to more specialized support such as market analysis, layout optimization, and security planning.

Under the agreement with LAZ, Freight Ninja will have access to the financial and operational support needed to accelerate its growth. For LAZ, it's an opportunity to diversify into a fast-growing market that aligns well with LAZ Parking's existing business.

"We are thrilled to have John Borsellino, and his amazing team of people join the LAZ family and help expand Freight Ninja's footprint nationwide," said Alan Lazowski, Chairman and CEO of LAZ Parking. "We share their vision and see tremendous opportunity to collaborate on the management of truck parking facilities and storage throughout the United States. Freight Ninja is a strong cultural fit for LAZ. It's a company we very much believe in and will benefit from the resources, technology, and expertise LAZ brings to the partnership."

IOS parking management services provide comprehensive solutions for property owners and managers seeking to optimize the operation of IOS facilities. The shortage of safe, secure truck, trailer, and container parking has become a major challenge for fleet owners nationally. Over 97 percent are small businesses operating fewer than 20 trucks, the vast majority of which - 91.5 percent - have six or fewer trucks.

Freight Ninja oversees facilities with over 300 acres of property and 10,000 parking spaces. Under the deal, the company will have access to LAZ home office services such as human resources, insurance, accounting, tax, treasury, compliance, and IT. LAZ also brings proprietary technology to the partnership, like LAZ's eCommerce platform & its Subscription parking solution that centralizes and optimizes monthly parking, integrating payment processing and access control.

"This partnership merges the strengths of two industry leaders in a way that addresses a need shared by small business owners across the country," said Jeffrey Karp, President of LAZ Parking. "It lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and expansion into markets where the need for safe, secure, and convenient truck, trailer, and fleet parking is greatest."

"We're excited to team up with LAZ Parking to tackle one of the biggest challenges in transportationtruck parking," added John Borsellino, Chief Executive Officer of Freight Ninja. "With their expertise in parking operations and our focus on operating and managing outdoor storage solutions, this partnership is a great step forward in offering safe and reliable parking options. Together, we're helping to keep America's logistics and transportation running smoothly, and we're thrilled to have LAZ on board to support the trucking community.

About LAZ Parking

LAZ Parking is the largest, fastest-growing privately owned parking operator in the United States and a pioneer in digital parking technology. Founded in Hartford, CT, LAZ has been providing best-in-class parking management and transportation services since 1981 and operates over 1.7 million parking spaces in more than 4,000 locations in 42 states and 530 cities in the U.S. and Canada. LAZ is an industry leader in business intelligence, remote monitoring, eCommerce solutions, and Proximity On-Demand Services or "LAZ PODS". We leverage our international network of parking facilities to offer cutting-edge, tech-enabled solutions that include EV charging, micro warehousing, last-mile logistics, working across the hospitality, commercial, healthcare, airports, transportation, universities, government, retail, events, residential, and shuttle service industries. LAZ is a people-first, conscious capitalist company, committed to elevating humanity through business. Additional information can be found at www.lazparking.com.

About Freight Ninja

Founded in Lombard, Illinois, Freight Ninja is the national leader in truck, trailer, fleet parking and industrial outdoor storage solutions, solving one of the industry's most urgent challenges: safe, reliable, and accessible parking for commercial drivers. Our platform connects carriers and independent and owner operators to a growing network of 50+ secured parking locations nationwide, strategically positioned in high-volume freight corridors and major logistics hubs.

Freight Ninja helps reduce costly dwell times, improve driver satisfaction, and unlock untapped revenue streams for property ownersall through a scalable, data-driven solution. With the freight industry under mounting pressure to optimize operations, Freight Ninja is positioned at the intersection of transportation, infrastructure, and technology.

We're building the physical and digital backbone of tomorrow's freight logisticsone parking space at a time.

Additional information can be found at: www.freightninja.com

SOURCE LAZ Parking
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Lee Kum Kee, the global leader in authentic Asian sauces and condiments, proudly reinforces its commitment to honoring Asian heritage, culinary traditions, and community empowerment. Rooted in over 137 years of history, Lee Kum Kee has long been an integral part of the AAPI community's kitchensenabling generations of home cooks, chefs, and restaurateurs to create authentic flavors that reflect their cultural identity and personal journeys.

This year's AAPI Heritage Month theme, "Self-Made Success & Resilience," resonates deeply with Lee Kum Kee's legacy. Founded in 1888 by Lee Kum Sheung, a self-made entrepreneur who accidentally invented oyster sauce, the brand has grown from a small family business to a globally recognized household name. Today, Lee Kum Kee empowers millions of families and restaurants worldwide to explore the richness of Asian cuisine, ensuring that the flavors of tradition remain alive while evolving with contemporary tastes.

Honoring AAPI Culinary Traditions & Community

Throughout history, food has been a powerful way for the AAPI community to preserve heritage and share culture with the world. From handmade dumplings passed down through generations to modern fusion dishes that reflect the Asian American experience, Lee Kum Kee has been an essential ingredient in countless family recipeshelping to bridge tradition with innovation.

"As a proud supporter of the AAPI community, we take great pride in our role in helping individuals express their cultural identity through food," said Elaine Thai, Vice President of Marketing, Lee Kum Kee USA. "This month, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of the AAPI community by continuing to support their self-made success stories, whether in their home kitchens, restaurants, or culinary businesses."

Supporting AAPI Communities

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, Lee Kum Kee have been expanding efforts to uplift the community through shining a spotlight on the success stories of AAPI chefs who are shaping the next generation of Asian cuisine. From Chef Katianna Hong of Yangban, who goes beyond traditional fusion to celebrate the diverse experiences of the Korean American community, to Chef Winnie Yee of Smoke Queen Barbecue, who infuses bold Asian flavors into classic Texas-style barbecue, inspired by her Malaysian Chinese heritage. From Chef Barb Batiste of Big Boi, who honors her Filipino roots by sharing her mother's cherished recipes, to Chef Tue Nguyen of ii, who brings authentic Vietnamese flavors to life through bold, modern interpretationsrising to prominence as a TikTok sensation. Together, these AAPI chefs are redefining American cuisine through the lens of heritage and creativity. These stories spotlight the personal journeys, cultural heritage, and culinary creativity of AAPI chefs, giving voice to the people who bring Asian flavors to life across the country. By sharing these narratives, Lee Kum Kee honors tradition while inspiring future generations of AAPI culinary talent.

Join the Celebration for AAPI Culinary Culture

Lee Kum Kee invites everyone to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by cooking, sharing, and honoring the flavors that define Asian American culture. Follow the conversation using #FlavorsofAAPI to share your stories and explore authentic Asian recipes at USA.LKK.com.

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee, established in 1888, is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture. Originating from a single restaurant in Nanshui, China, it has grown into a global brand, empowering restaurants and millions of home cooks to explore Asian flavors and culinary culture. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, the family-owned brand offers over three hundred authentic sauces and condiments, including favorites like Sriracha Chili Sauce, Sriracha Mayo, Premium Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Flavored Sauce, Chili Crisp Oil and more With a rich heritage and commitment to quality, Lee Kum Kee has expanded its presence in more than 100 countries across five continents through international retailers, specialty stores, and online at USA.LKK.com. For more information, follow Lee Kum Kee on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest.

SOURCE Lee Kum Kee USA
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9 and National Teacher Day, May 6, Lincoln Investment expresses its appreciation to our nation's educators who shape the future of our communities. Teachers dedicate their lives to the success and well-being of others, and we are honored to work with many educators who trust us to guide their financial futures. At Lincoln, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities teachers face when planning for retirement. Whether it's navigating pension options, social security or preparing for life after the classroom, our team is committed to offering personalized financial strategies designed to secure a bright future for educators.



As the premier provider of public education and governmental retirement plans, Lincoln has helped employees of schools, universities and other non-profit organizations prepare for their retirement for over 56 years. Investors have access to a customized financial strategy reflecting their goals and a wide selection of quality investment options including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs)*, fixed and variable annuities, 403(b)/457(b) accounts, IRAs, college savings plans and access to insurance products offered through approximately 1,000 financial professionals.



Lincoln provides resources including retirement planning content, webinars, presentations, informative videos and much more for our financial professionals to share with teachers to help them prepare for retirement. Lincoln is also committed to supporting educators beyond the office. We proudly sponsor local school programs and events that celebrate the hard work and dedication of our teachers. Contact [email protected] for more information.



About Lincoln Investment

With over 56 years of proven industry leadership and experience in delivering investment strategies, Lincoln Investment is a leading broker-dealer. Its network includes about 1,000 financial professionals nationwide. The company serves the diverse financial needs of about 317,000 clients representing $55 billion in assets. Lincoln has been voted one of the Top Workplaces in the Delaware Valley for the 15th consecutive year. For more information, visit www.lincolninvestment.com or follow on LinkedIn, X or Facebook.



* For accounts interested in establishing positions in an ETF, there are over 600 index and actively managed ETFs available. ETFs may not be appropriate for all accounts. ETFs can only be purchased as part of a larger portfolio reallocation or one-time purchase. Salary reduction contributions cannot be directed to ETFs at this time.

Lincoln Investment Media Contact:

Linda Heist

215-881-4611

[email protected]

SOURCE Lincoln Investment
PLANO, Texas, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LivePURE, a global leader in health and wellness direct sales, is reshaping the future of network marketing with a bold, customer-centric approach to compensation. In response to evolving industry trends, Founder and CEO Mr. Dae Geun Jung, together with LivePURE's leadership team, set out to design a compensation model that rewards not only team builders but also those dedicated to sharing quality products directly with retail and preferred customers.

Dae Geun Jung, Founder, Chairman & CEO, LivePURE (PRNewsfoto/LivePURE)

Launched in 2019, LivePURE's groundbreaking Customer Retention Bonus (CRB) was designed to empower everyonefrom seasoned professionals to casual product users alike. This innovative program provides meaningful, industry-leading incentives for consistent, customer-focused efforts, allowing individuals to generate significant income simply by helping others improve their health and well-being.

Mr. Jung said, "We created the CRB to take away the obstacles that make it hard for people to earn extra income. By combining the simplicity of retail with the heart of network marketing, we've made a system where anyone can succeed. Our goal is simple  to help as many people as possible make an extra $1,000 a month just by sharing products they love and believe in."

A powerful and inspiring example of the CRB's impact comes from an Amish woman in Michigan who, despite having no access to the internet or modern technology, earned over $100,000 in both 2023 and 2024 by sharing LivePURE products within her local community. Her success underscores the accessibility and inclusiveness of LivePURE's compensation plandemonstrating that meaningful income is within reach for anyone committed to connect and serve others.

LivePURE President, Rick Redford said, "The LivePURE compensation plan is one of the most thoughtfully designed in the industryextremely fair, balanced, and focused on rewarding the right behaviors. With the introduction of our enhanced customer experience combined with the Customer Retention Bonus, we're redefining how to build a sustainable business in network marketing. In addition, we've created an environment where both affiliates and influencers can also thrive, be recognized, and be justly rewarded for their dedication and influence."

Now in its 18th year, LivePURE continues to operate debt-free, cash-flow positive, and profitableproof of our long-term vision grounded in innovation and integrity. As network marketing and e-commerce continue to evolve, LivePURE leads the wayproving that putting people first isn't just the right thing to do, it's the foundation of long-term success in the modern marketplace.

About LivePURE:

LivePURE is a leading innovator in health and wellness products. LivePURE is dedicated to delivering Whole Health with high-quality products for physical health, opportunity for financial health, relationships for personal health, social impact for philanthropic health, and adventure for enhancing life and health. LivePURE is a global company with offices in the U.S., Korea and Thailand with headquarters in Plano, Texas. For more information on the products or business opportunity, visit https://livepure.com/.

SOURCE LivePURE
STOCKHOLM, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Loomis AB has, through its wholly owned subsidiary Loomis US Holding Inc, entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Burroughs, Inc for an initial purchase price of USD 72 million (SEK 695 million) on a cash and debt free basis, plus a potential earn-out. The acquisition is in line with Loomis' communicated strategy to broaden its ATM and Automated Solutions service offering by acquiring new capabilities.

Burroughs delivers comprehensive lifecycle management services across a wide range of device types in the US and Canada. The company offers digital and on-site first- and second-line maintenance services for, among others, ATMs, smart safes, and kiosks. These services include payment and transaction automation, unattended self-service technology, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and other connected technologies. The company is OEM-agnostic, ensuring that its solutions and services are adaptable to various device types.

With a total workforce of approximately 600 employees, of which the majority are skilled service technicians, Burroughs has established itself as a leading player in the industry across the US and Canada. In 2024, the company reported revenues of USD 107 million.

"The acquisition of Burroughs is a significant step in broadening our services surrounding ATMs and Automated Solutions in the US. Together we will offer a comprehensive full-service ATM solution, covering both first- and second-line maintenance. This will enable us to provide more services to existing customers and expand our addressable market, thereby capturing a higher market share. By leveraging our combined customer base and gaining better control of the service supply chain, we position ourselves for profitable growth. Our adjacent services have been instrumental in our growth journey, and we are committed to continuing this trajectory," says Aritz Larrea, President and CEO of Loomis.

The initial purchase price amounts to USD 72 million on a cash and debt free basis, with a potential earn-out of a maximum of USD 38 million. The initial purchase price corresponds to a 6.5x EV/EBITDA multiple on adjusted basis for year-end 2024 financials.

The acquisition will be funded through available cash and existing credit lines and will have no material impact on the Group's leverage.

The business will be reported within Segment USA and consolidated into Loomis as of closing of the transaction. Closing is expected during the second quarter, subject to certain closing conditions. The management team of Burroughs will remain with the company in their current positions.

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to the Group's operating profit (EBITA1) and the earnings per share of Loomis over time.

1) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Amortization of acquisition-related intangible fixed assets, Acquisition-related costs and revenue and items affecting comparability.

Loomis President and CEO Aritz Larrea and CFO Johan Wilsby will present the results of the Loomis' first quarter 2025 on May 7th at 10.00 am CEST. More information on the acquisition as well as the opportunity to ask questions will be provided in connection with the presentation of the Interim Report for January  March 2025.

Dial-in details can be found on Loomis website, via the following link: https://www.loomis.com/en/investors/reports-and-presentations

This press release is also available on the company's website, www.loomis.com.

For more information, please contact:

Jenny Bostrom

Head of Sustainability and IR

[email protected]

+46 79 006 45 92

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/loomis-ab/r/loomis-makes-strategic-acquisition-in-the-us-by-acquiring-burroughs,c4145890

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/51/4145890/3431507.pdf Loomis makes strategic acquisition in the US by acquiring Burroughs

SOURCE Loomis AB
Campus Hearing Acoustics promotes international exchange of hearing health expertise

LUBECK, Germany and AMMAN, Jordan, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A Lubeck Campus Hearing Acoustics team of experts took part in the 11th Arab Hearing Health Conference (AHH 2025) organized by the Advanced Arab Academy of Audiovestibular, held in Amman, Jordan, from April 24 to 26, 2025.

With more than 25 member countries, the AHH expert conference is one of the most important meetings for hearing aid professionals, audiologists and ENT specialists in the Middle East and North Africa. As the world's biggest center of training and expertise in the hearing acoustic trade, the Lubeck Campus Hearing Acoustics has been an active partner in the exchange of hearing health expertise for years. Once again, a committed and experienced team of lecturers from the Lubeck campus offered workshops during this year's AHH in Amman about practical aspects of taking ear molds and cerumen management. These topics and the practice-relevant hands-on training by the Lubeck experts were met with great interest by the expert audience, which had travelled to the conference mainly from Arab and North African countries.

The Advanced Arab Academy of Audiovestibular (4A), organizer of the AHH, unites medical and audiological interests from the entire middle Eastern region in the field of hearing impairment rehabilitation. The five partners of 4A include the Jordanian Al-Ahliyya Amman University, the British Academy of Audiology, the Egyptian Audio-Vestibular Medicine Association Group, the American Salus University as well as the Academy of Hearing Acoustics on the Lubeck Campus. For years the Lubeck experts have been in a professional exchange with the 4A audiologists on training-relevant aspects and topics like clinical care, adjustment of cochlea implants (CI) and technical hearing system customization.

"The Arab Hearing Health Congress offers an indispensable platform for the global exchange of knowledge in hearing care. The expertise and high standards of the partners, including the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians and the Academy of Hearing Acoustics in Germany, can provide valuable impetus for the further development of hearing care in the Arab region and lead to a sustainable improvement in the quality of life of many people," says Dr. Khalid A. Hadi, President of 4A and Chairman AHH.

"Networking and exchange of knowledge beyond national borders and continents, are crucial for us as WHO partners, in order to continue to improve the care for people with hearing defects world-wide," says Jakob Stephan Baschab, General Manager, German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (biha) and Director of Academy of Hearing Acoustics (afh). "The qualification of skilled workers is a deciding factor. Our concept of dual vocational training in hearing acoustics is internationally renowned. Through the Campus Hearing Acoustics, we share our expertise in Germany and other countries."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5 percent of the world population, i.e., approx. 430 million people, suffer from a hearing loss, among them 34 million children. Based on estimates, this means that by 2050, more than 700 million people, every 10th person [1] will be impacted.

In Germany the Hearing Acoustic craft (with approx. 19,500 hearing aid acousticians), provides professional care for roughly 3.5 million hearing impaired people and provides them with high-quality, fully digital hearing systems and hence improves their quality of life. Apprentices in the hearing acoustic craft from all over Germany attend the vocational school and the industry-wide training classes, during their dual-system of apprenticeship, on the Lubeck Hearing Acoustics Campus.

[1] WHO, Deafness and hearing loss, key facts, 26.02.2025:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss

Background information on Campus Hearing Acoustics

The Campus Hearing Acoustics is the central training and continued education center of the Hearing Acoustic trade in Germany. Within an internationally unique inter-campus cooperation of the Federal Vocational school (LBS) and the Academy (afh), which exists since 1971, young hearing aid professionals from all over Germany receive their practical and theoretical training on campus. Intermediate and journeyman/woman exams, as well as Master Craftsman/woman classes and examinations are held there, too. The Campus Hearing Acoustics and the dual system of apprenticeship are exemplary worldwide.

Further information on Campus Hearing Acoustics:

https://www.afh-luebeck.de/en/academy-international/

Information on the vocational training in the hearing acoustic craft:

https://www.afh-luebeck.de/en/beruf/

- Picture is available at AP 

Press contact: Nadine Roser, German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (biha), [email protected]

SOURCE German Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians (biha)
VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) (OTCQB: LMGDF) (the "Company" or "Lumina") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated April 21, 2025, it has closed the private placement (the "Private Placement") issuance of an aggregate principal amount of US$20 million unsecured convertible notes (the "Notes") bearing interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum.

The Notes and any securities issuable upon conversion are subject to a four month hold period expiring on September 7, 2025 in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. No securities have or will be issued as bonuses, finder's fees or commissions in connection with the Private Placement.

About Lumina Gold

Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) is a Vancouver, Canada based exploration company focused on the Cangrejos project located in El Oro Province, southwest Ecuador. In 2023, the Company completed a Pre-Feasibility Study for the Project, which is the largest primary gold deposit in Ecuador. Lumina has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects.

Follow us on: Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminagold.com. To receive future news releases please sign up at https://luminagold.com/contact.

LUMINA GOLD CORP.

Signed: "Marshall Koval"

Marshall Koval, President & CEO, Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Lumina Gold Corp.
BOULDER, Colo., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radia, the aerospace innovator behind WindRunnerthe world's largest cargo aircraftis pleased to welcome Major General Kenneth "Thad" Bibb, Jr., USAF (Ret), as Vice President of Business Development for Defense. General Bibb brings decades of military aviation and logistics leadership to help guide Radia's growing role in supporting U.S. and allied defense operations.

With 33 years in the United States Air Force, General Bibb has commanded some of the service's most critical logistics and mobility organizations. As Commander of the 18th Air Force, he led 36,000 Airmen who executed global airlift, refueling, and aeromedical missions, and he oversaw the fleet that included the C-5 and C-17 heavy lift assets. Previously, he directed the 618th Air Operations Center, overseeing daily flight operations across a global fleet of 1,100 aircraft. He also served in senior roles within Air Force Materiel Command, responsible for strategic planning and oversight of multi-billion-dollar research, development, and sustainment programs.

"General Bibb is a rare leader who understands both the operational needs and strategic challenges facing modern defense logistics," said Mark Lundstrom, CEO of Radia. "He brings vital insight and relationships to ensure WindRunner's unique capabilities directly support critical missions across the globe."

The WindRunner was designed to meet pressing demands for large-scale, flexible logistics both in energy and defense. It has twelve times the cargo volume of a 747 and can land on short, rugged runways. This makes the WindRunner a powerful complement to the military's legacy fleets like the C-5, C-17, AN-24, and aging air refuelers such as the KC-135 and KC-46, and it is a flexible tool for carrying aircraft like the F-16 and its support equipment.

"The WindRunner solves a real problemit can carry enormous cargo that other air transport vehicles cannot," said General Bibb. "I'm excited to see the WindRunner as a dual-use aircraft that can replace, and augment missions served by the C-5 and C-17. It brings a new level of flexibility and speed to logistics planning. I'm proud to join Radia at a moment when rapid, resilient mobility is more important than ever."

General Bibb's appointment builds on Radia's momentum in the defense sector and reinforces its commitment to strengthening national security through agile, infrastructure-light air logistics.

About Radia

Radia has developed the world's largest aircraft, the WindRunner, with twelve times the volume of a 747 and the ability to land on short and unpaved runways. The WindRunner fleet will be a dual-use platform that can be used for defense, aerospace, and other oversized cargo applications in addition to wind energy. For the wind energy industry, the WindRunner will enable the cheapest energy in the world by allowing the supersizing of onshore wind turbines that would otherwise not be possible to transport terrestrially. Radia was competitively selected by both the World Economic Forum as a 'WEF Unicorn' and Endeavor as an 'Endeavor Entrepreneur'. Learn more at radia.com.

Contact:

Kathy Van Buskirk

Head of Marketing & Communications, Radia

[email protected]

+1 720 771 7651

SOURCE Radia
At INTERALPIN 2025 (Innsbruck, Austria), MND SNOW, the snowmaking division of the French group MND, is unveiling a strategic and technological overhaul of its offering, with a new range of snow guns and the introduction of a new fan snowmaker, redesigned to offer optimum performance at marginal temperatures.

INNSBRUCK, Austria, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Taurus, the benchmark lance snow gun, gives rise to a new range of solutions.

MND unveils a new generation fan snowmaker

Robust, reliable and high-performance, the best lance snow gun on the market thanks to its production capacity has conquered the world's biggest ski resorts.

MND has redesigned its range, building on the strengths of Taurus while integrating the expectations of the market in terms of modularity, retrofitting, enhanced performance at marginal temperatures and adaptation to new production constraints.

Taurus Line , a single-row lance, ideal for narrow slopes where precision is essential

, a single-row lance, ideal for narrow slopes where precision is essential Taurus Pro, maximized reliability and unrivalled production, is the new gold standard.

maximized reliability and unrivalled production, is the new gold standard. Taurus Advanced, the most efficient solution at marginal conditions, with three rows of nozzles and an extended coverage angle of 160, for up to 40% more snow production at equivalent start-up temperatures than the Pro.

This new range ensures interoperability between models, simplified maintenance and easier integration into existing installations. It features integrated solenoid valves for more responsive control and lighter snowmaking heads.

MND SNOW unveils a new-generation fan snowmaker

Particularly efficient at marginal temperatures (+20 to +30% more production than a standard fan snowmaker), it is the ideal solution for low-altitude sites or those with limited hydraulic pressure. It combines a new design for better integration into the natural environment, with significant technological advances, while retaining the fundamentals of MND SNOW fan snowmaker success of robustness, reliability and ease of maintenance. It enables operators to choose the solution best suited to their land profile and energy constraints.

"With this new range of lances and new fan snowmaker, we offer ski resorts greater adaptability to today's climatic realities. These solutions meet the growing demands of operators to maximize production in ever-shorter weather windows. This reliable, high-performance and durable piece of equipment embodies our vision of anticipating change by providing ever more agile and high-performance technologies." - Stephane GAL, Director at MND SNOW

Highlights

Optimized operation starting from 10 bar pressure

Performance improved by over 30% at marginal temperatures (-1C to -4C) under low pressures

Water capacity: 15 m/h of water, i.e. 35 m/h of snow at 15 bar

Compatible with centralized air systems

Optimized design and environmental integration

MND enhances its position as a global snowmaking leader by combining performance, adaptability and sustainability. The new equipment integrates seamlessly into MND SNOW centralized management systems, like the SNOW-cs supervision software, enabling ski resorts to maximize energy efficiency and operational flexibility.

VISIT US AT INTERALPIN from May 6th-9th, 2025, BOOTH B150

MND is a French industrial group specializing in ropeway mobility, snowmaking systems, mountain safety and thrilling leisure infrastructures. With over 3,000 customers in 49 countries, MND's 4 core businesses contribute on a daily basis to mobility, leisure and safety for all, by offering proven, sustainable solutions based on its mountain expertise. MND operates in over 50 countries with 300 employees. www.mnd.com

Download images: https://cloud.mnd.com/index.php/s/3fNFqtgiGxLGgry

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2677154/MND_Fan_Snowmaker.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2677155/MND_Logo.jpg

Press contact

Alexandre Berard

+33 (0)6 45 42 95 46

[email protected]

SOURCE MND
Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

The new "Meta AI" app marks the company's boldest step yet in bringing personalized, conversational AI to the forefront of its ecosystem. It offers users a dedicated experience distinct from the existing AI functions embedded in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The app features a social-infused "Discover" feed showing how others are engaging with Meta AI, along with pre-set prompts to inspire usage. It integrates voice chat powered by Llama 4 and full-duplex speech technology, allowing more fluid, back-and-forth conversations  though the feature remains in early testing and is initially limited to users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has described 2025 as "the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people," positioning Meta AI as a leading contender. The company's internal numbers showed 700 million monthly active users for Meta AI as of January, up from 600 million in December.

The stand-alone app rollout puts Meta in direct competition with AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and xAI's Grok. It also follows recent moves by Google and xAI to debut their own dedicated mobile apps for their assistants.

The app also replaces the former Meta View app for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, consolidating the AI experience across devices. Users can start a voice conversation on their glasses and resume it later via the app or web interface. Personalized responses draw from a user's Facebook and Instagram profiles  if linked through Meta's Account Center  and improve with continued use.

Meta says its latest language model, Llama 4, delivers more natural and context-aware responses, better handling voice input and integrating image generation and editing capabilities. While the AI cannot access real-time web data, Meta is testing new features such as document generation, file imports for analysis, and desktop-optimized web tools with expanded creative options.

Voice remains a cornerstone of Meta's AI strategy. Users can toggle the "Ready to talk" feature in the settings to enable default voice interaction, and a visible icon indicates when the microphone is active.

The app launch comes ahead of Meta's Q1 earnings report on Wednesday. Investors are watching closely for signs that Meta's aggressive AI investments  projected to hit $65 billion this year  are translating into commercial returns.
Celebrating 20 Years of Flooring Industry Leadership

BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

We Bring the Store to Your Door!

From 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 affordabilitya 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 optionshardwood, vinyl, carpet, and tileto 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 the

difference 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.

Media Contact:

Kurt Lee Hurley

Chief Marketing Officer

National Floors Direct

(310) 967-9563

[email protected]

SOURCE National Floors Direct
Upgrade Your Home Protection in May with Leak Alert Electronic Water Detectors Providing Early Warning Against Water Damage

CAMPBELL, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zircon Corporation (OTCQX:ZRCN), a Silicon Valley-based technology innovator providing 50 years of precision with its electronic hand tools, offers an extensive line of Leak Alert water detectors designed to provide critical protection. These advanced detection devices can help homeowners and property managers discover water leaks before they cause significant and costly damage.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance), water damage and freezing account for nearly 24% of all homeowners' insurance claims, with the average claim costing $11,098. Water damage ranks as the second most common homeowners' insurance claim, with one in 50 homes filing a claim yearly. Even more concerning, water leaks in homes waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week).

Zircon Leak Alert water detectors can detect even the smallest amount of water or moisture.

Leak Alert Electronic Water Detector  This stand-alone water detector alerts users with a loud alarm when it detects moisture. It's ideal for placement near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and under sinks. Powered by a 9V battery, the Leak Alert electronic water detector provides an affordable first line of defense against water damage.

Leak Alert WiFi Smart Water Detector  Zircon's flagship water detector combines reliable leak detection with cloud-based communications and Wi-Fi modules. The Leak Alert WiFi includes a customizable and expandable system based on the user's needs, and operates without the need for an external hub, subscription fees, or specialized app. It's one of the most cost-effective smart water detectors on the market. When water is detected, the device sounds a powerful 105 dB alarm, while sending email alerts to contacts designated by the user. Powered by a 3V lithium battery, it can provide audible and visual alerts for up to 8 hours, even during power outages. A low-battery indicator is included for optimal safety.

Leak Alert X Smart Water Detector  This innovative smart water detector operates similarly to the Leak Alert WiFi but features a unique two-part design with a main unit connected to a water-sensing probe via a 9.8ft (3m) cable. It's ideal for single family homes, multi-unit apartments, office buildings, rental properties, hotels, and schools. Powered by a long-life 3V Lithium battery, the Leak Alert X smart water detector sensor can be placed anywhere the potential for flooding or leaks exists, while keeping the alarm unit accessible via its built-in magnet or integrated mounting plate.

Zircon water detectors build on the company's 50-year legacy of electronic tool innovation. Since introducing the world's first electronic stud finder in 1980, Zircon has developed over 80 global patents and Registered Designs. It continues to apply its sensor-based technology expertise to solve practical household problems.

Zircon Leak Alert water detectors are available at major retailers, including The Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value Hardware, Amazon.com, and directly through Zircon.com. Prices start at $16.

For more information about Zircon and its complete line of electronic tools, visit www.zircon.com.



About ZRCN, Inc.

ZRCN Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Zircon Corporation, is a global manufacturer and seller of electronic hand tools, including stud finders, metal detectors, electrical scanners, water detectors, and other innovative electronic tools. Zircon has been a technology leader in its field since its inception, leveraging over 80 global patents and registered designs based on sensor and semiconductor-based technologies. In 2025, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking a legacy of industry innovation and a commitment to quality for customers worldwide. To learn more, visit investors.zrcn.com or zircon.com

Media Contact:

Sara Trujillo

Trujillo Public Relations

[email protected]

917-295-5491

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance), Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week)

SOURCE Zircon Corporation
National Comprehensive Cancer Network convenes meeting with multi-disciplinary experts to discuss ways to strengthen collaborative cancer care from early detection to survivorship.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) hosted an Oncology Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., today, focused on improving care coordination between primary care and oncology providers. The program featured a diverse group of patients, advocates, practitioners, and policy makers weighing in on how to improve cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and long-term survival.

Primary care providers and oncologists must work together to address needs of people at risk for and affected by cancer. Post this Evidence-based prevention, screening, and treatment saves lives, stated Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), during the NCCN Oncology Policy Summit on Primary Care and Oncology Collaboration for Better Patient Outcomes. Learn more at NCCN.org/summits.

Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, JD, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provided a keynote address on future opportunities and challenges of value-based care. Kim Schrier, MD, of the U.S. House of Representatives (WA-08), shared her perspective as a pediatrician and lawmaker.

"Evidence-based prevention, screening, and treatment saves lives," stated Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO, NCCN, who provided introductory remarks. "There are more cancer survivors alive today than at any other time in history. It's crucial that we do right by them and their loved ones by breaking down the silos in medical care, ensuring that people receive appropriate care for all of their medical conditions and age-appropriate screenings. Primary care providers and oncologists must work together to address the needs of people at risk for and affected by cancer in a holistic manner to ensure optimal outcomes."

NCCN publishes the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines), which cover the latest evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer screening, risk reduction, treatment, and survivorship, available free at NCCN.org/guidelines. Versions of these guidelines designed for people facing cancer and caregivers are available for free at NCCN.org/patientguidelines. They can be used to help facilitate conversations between providers and patients.

"When we talk about cancer care, we often focus on the oncology specialistsand rightly so. But primary care is where prevention starts, where early signs are caught, and where patients turn for guidance through every stage. We're not just part of the conversationwe're essential to it," explained Stephanie Quinn, Senior VP, External Affairs and Practice Experience, American Academy of Family Physicians.

Summit speakers discussed challenges of care coordination, including when and how care is handed off from an oncologist back to primary care after treatment is completed and how to establish trust between patients and providers in today's busy climate.

"According to National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship's State of Survivorship Survey, only 19% of survivors surveyed are being taken care of by primary care providers (PCP) post treatment," said Veronika Panagiotou, PhD, Director of Advocacy and Programs, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. "Survivors stated that they have concerns about PCP's knowledge and ability to recognize cancer related reoccurrence, side effects and late effects. Cancer survivors are living longer than ever before because of innovative treatments and will continue to need quality care for the rest of their lives. There are opportunities for new primary care models that will support the 18.1 million cancer survivors of today and millions more in the future."

Panel participants noted that the difficulties in care transitions stem from how the models and systems for care were established. There was also a focus on particularly vulnerable patients, who may encounter societal issues that hamper their access to care.

According to David Garcia, PhD, FACSM, Associate Professor, Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Director, Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention and Health Promotion, Director, Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud: "There are several structural and systemic barriers to health care, which impact cancer prevention and survivorship, particularly for those who come from underserved and under resourced communities. There is a significant need to address these barriers by developing transformative care teams that understand the solution is not a 'one size fits all' approach. A team-based approach which accounts for an individual's demographic, social/cultural factors, and unique healthcare needs will ultimately help us take steps closer to achieving equitable health care access for all."

Speakers proposed creative solutions addressing the lack of common experiences and education that can cause challenges for communication between oncologists and primary care providers. Some suggested a separate specialty focused on cancer survivorship, similar to fellowships in geriatrics. They also noted the role professional societies can play in incentivizing education across specialties and state licensure processes that require hour-long courses on specific subjects.

"We need to work harder to bring PCPs and oncologists together, ideally in person through inter-professional meetings, at local hospitals, medical societies, or now virtually," said Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH, General Internist/Primary Care Physician, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital. "This can be facilitated through accreditation policies, for example the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer; through funding requirements, for example the National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center designation; or through state based comprehensive cancer coalitions. These initiatives can promote inter-professional development, including education and training in content as well as communication and care coordination."

Panel members also highlighted the role that patient navigators can play in ensuring people have access to the care they need.

"Navigation is a critical component; potentially the only effective intervention to ensure care coordination across the cancer care continuum," explained Candice Roth, MSN, RN CENP, Executive Director, Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators. "Imagine the oncology navigator as the spoke in the middle of a wheel addressing barriers to care, ensuring access to care and treatment, as well as needed education and resources as part of shared decision making. The Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice include Interdisciplinary and Interorganizational Collaboration as one of the standards where oncology navigators promote, enhance, improve, participate, collaborate, and educate all members of the care team, including the primacy care team, patient, and caregivers."

Skyler Taylor, MD, Hematology/Oncology Fellow, Mayo Clinic concluded: "I am reminded of a quote from a dear mentor, Dr. Chintakuntlawar, about my role, 'A great doctor is composed of 40% compassion, 40% experience, and 20% knowledge.' We as a nation will only see more cancer as the population grows and ages. It is essential that our patients facing cancer have access to the high-quality care that they deserve. We as a profession need to have the compassion to advocate for this access outside the clinic. Consider joining and volunteering in an advocacy organization. Physician voices are strong, and even stronger in numbers."

The NCCN Policy & Advocacy Team will return to Washington D.C. in September for a Summit on the evolving artificial intelligence landscape in cancer care. That will be followed by a Patient Advocacy Summit in December focused on caring for veterans and first responders. Visit NCCN.org/summits to learn more.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is marking 30 years as a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to defining and advancing quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention so all people can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

[email protected]

SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Prendiville brings over 25 years of expertise in product, engineering, automation and supply chain operations

MONROE, Ohio, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CSafe, a leading active and passive temperature-controlled shipping solutions provider for the life sciences industry, announced today that Niall Prendiville has joined its team as the Chief Product Officer.

Niall Prendiville, CSafe

Niall is a global product and engineering leader with deep expertise in engineering, automation, and supply chain operations. He has successfully led product development, engineering, and business transformations across high-tech industries, including warehouse automation, power systems, and aerospace. As the Chief Product Officer at CSafe, he will drive innovation, product strategy, and commercialization to support the company's long-term success across CSafe's robust portfolio of active and passive temperature-controlled shipping solutions for life sciences, cell and gene therapy, military applications and more.

Throughout his career, Niall has focused on lean management, product development, and the commercialization of innovative solutions. He has a strong track record of bringing products to the market, optimizing development processes, and aligning technology with business objectives. His expertise in cost management, scaling operations, and driving profitability has helped organizations enhance their product offerings and market impact.

Based in Monroe, OH at CSafe's corporate office, Prendiville will be positioned to lead CSafe's global product roadmap and support the company's mission to ensure patients around the world receive the medicines and treatments they need.

"Niall brings a wealth of experience in product strategy and engineering. As we continue as a market leader with our global portfolio of solutions, we will further accelerate our product development, continually focusing on meeting our customers' needs and delivering meaningful value," said Patrick Schafer, CEO. "We're pleased to welcome Niall to our team, where his skills will help to bring our future product vision to life."

Media Contact:

Lauren LaVelle

Sr. Marketing Manager

Direct: +1 513 713 1913

Email: [email protected]

Web: csafeglobal.com

About CSafe

CSafe has been committed to ensuring life-enhancing therapies reach patients around the globe since 1979. With a patient-first approach, deep industry expertise, and focus on innovation, backed by an unparalleled service offering, CSafe provides peace of mind through best-in-class temperature-controlled solutions for the delivery of life-enhancing products. CSafe offers a comprehensive portfolio of active and passive bulk air cargo, parcel, cell and gene, specialty and advanced digital solutions.  Temperature Assured. Life Enhanced. csafeglobal.com

SOURCE CSafe
DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing Bundt Cakes, a leading, high-growth franchisor of specialty bakeries, today announced the sale of nine company-owned bakeries in the San Diego market to FS Investors. Along with the sale, FS Investors has signed a development agreement to build 16 additional bakeries in the San Diego area. The transaction represents a key milestone in the brand's long-term growth strategy and positions the company to further accelerate expansion in one of its most promising regions.

The transaction positions the company to further accelerate expansion in one of its most promising regions. Post this Nothing Bundt Cakes Family of Cakes Nothing Bundt Cakes Lets Party Decorated Cake Nothing Bundt Cakes Delicious Wishes Decorated Cake

Nothing Bundt Cakes was recently named America's No. 1 Overall Restaurant Chain in Technomic's America's Favorite Chains survey. It was also the top choice among Gen Z and millennial consumers in the limited-service category. Nothing Bundt Cakes' passionate and growing consumer following has supported continued unit expansion to nearly 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The brand continues to deliver strong performance driven by a beloved product with new and exciting flavors, industry-leading unit-level economics, and significant whitespace for continued expansion.

With this sale, FS Investors will take the lead in expanding Nothing Bundt Cakes' presence throughout the region, with plans to more than double the number of bakeries in the years ahead.

"Our focus at Nothing Bundt Cakes is to accelerate growth and build upon the record that we set of over 100 new bakeries in 2024," said Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes. "Selling our San Diego company-owned bakeries to FS Investors gives them a platform from which they can build a significant number of new bakeries in this region. FS Investors brings deep knowledge of the San Diego market, a strong cultural alignment with Nothing Bundt Cakes, and a commitment to growth. Their local roots and track record as operators make them ideal stewards of the brand in Southern California. We are delighted to partner with FS Investors to build out the San Diego region in the coming years."

"As owners and operators who live in the San Diego area, we are tremendously excited to add the Nothing Bundt Cakes brand to our family of companies," said a spokesperson for FS Investors. "The opportunity to be owners in this fast-growing conceptwith strong return-on-capital characteristics for new bakery buildsis very exciting for us. We look forward to bringing joy to the San Diego community through this award-winning product and guest experience."

With broad consumer appeal, strong unit-level performance, and substantial room for expansion, Nothing Bundt Cakes is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a category leader in the years ahead.

About Nothing Bundt Cakes

Founded in 1997, Dallas-based Nothing Bundt Cakes is the nation's largest specialty cake company, with nearly 700 franchised and corporate bakeries in 40-plus states and Canada and growing. Bakeries Bring the Joy by offering handcrafted Bundt Cakes for pickup or delivery in a variety of flavors and sizes, such as Bundtinis, the brand's cupcake-sized Bundt Cakes, personal-sized Bundtlets and 8- and 10-inch Bundt Cakes, plus decorations and gift options for life's "just because" moments and special celebrations. Named by Technomic as America's No. 1 Favorite Restaurant Chain and by Yelp as its 2023 No. 2 Most Loved Brand, Nothing Bundt Cakes has also earned industry recognition that includes Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 ranking and Franchise Business Review's Franchise Hall of Fame.

For more information about Nothing Bundt Cakes, visit nothingbundtcakes.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities/.

Media Contact:

Amy Lawler Good

Good Marketing

972-467-0392 cell

SOURCE Nothing Bundt Cakes
The FY25 budget reconciliation process marks a potentially transformative moment for national security space. A new analysis from NSSA's Moorman Center outlines more than $25 billion in proposed mandatory funding for missile defense, space-based sensors, and space superiority initiativesplus key insights on how this legislation, if enacted, would alter the traditional budget execution process.

The paper provides practical context and procedural clarity on what reconciliation means for DoD, Congress, and the broader space industrial base.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- It is of vital national importance for the Department of Defense to accelerate planning and capability development for possible near-term high-intensity conflict, given growing threats by and coordination among America's adversaries. The Budget Reconciliation process1 underway in the Congress offers a unique opportunity to rapidly boost priority defense programs and enhance deterrence of threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. This paper highlights recent action in Congress to strengthen key U.S. national security space capabilities as part of the Budget Reconciliation process.

On April 29 the House Armed Service Committee (HASC) approved a bill2 that recommends $150 billion in additional funding for a wide range of DoD programs and activities. This legislation is part of a broader effort by President Trump and the House and Senate Republican leadership to produce a single bill that includes numerous legislative measures, such as an extension of tax cuts and more. The HASC bill was crafted in coordination with the Senate Armed Services Committee leadership. The HASC- approved measure will likely become one title (or section) of a much larger bill drafted by the House Budget Committee. Many of the programs recommended for a budget increase in the HASC-reported bill could significantly enhance U.S. deterrence and warfighting capabilities, including those will help enable achievement of space superiority.

Before turning to an analysis of the bill itself, it is worth cautioning that there is no guarantee that the HASC-reported Reconciliation package will be approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the President. Disagreements on Capitol Hill or disputes with the President over non-Defense programs could derail the bill entirely or significantly alter the size and content of the DoD funding section of the Reconciliation package. It also is worth noting the interrelationship between the Reconciliation bill that is under consideration and future actions on the Defense budget. On May 2, the President submitted a "skinny" Federal Budget Request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, including for programs and activities that fall within the National Defense "050" budget account. A sizable plus-up for Defense activities in the Reconciliation bill could impact decisions regarding how much should be allocated for Defense in FY 2026 and beyond. Additionally, if the amount appropriated for Defense in FY 2026 includes limited or no real growth in the DoD top-line budget and the Reconciliation package is not approved, then Defense spending could be significantly lower than what is needed to assure deterrence of near-term conflict. This underscores the serious stakes involved in the outcome of the on-going debate over the Reconciliation bill.

The Reconciliation legislation includes an unprecedented infusion of funding to accelerate U.S. space superiority and missile defense capabilities. In total, more than $25 billion is allocated for national security space (NSS) priorities under the umbrella of the "Golden Dome for America" initiative. This initiative reflects a strategic pivot toward space-enabled homeland defense and deterrence through layered missile defense, sensor proliferation, and enhanced responsiveness in contested space domains.

Space-Based Missile Defense and Sensors

The centerpiece of the national security space investment is Section 20003 of the HASC-reported bill, which provides $24.7 billion for integrated air and missile defense activities. Key space-centric investments include:

Program/Capability Amount Purpose Space-based and boost-phase interceptors $5.6B Accelerates next-generation intercept capabilities against hypersonic and ballistic missiles during their most vulnerable early flight stages. Military space-based sensors $7.2B Develops, procures, and integrates multi-domain satellite-based sensors for persistent global missile tracking and situational awareness. AMTI satellites $2.0B Acquires air moving target indicator satellites to support layered sensor coverage across domains. Directed energy missile defense R&D $250M Expands testing of directed energy systems with potential applications in space-based interception. National security space launch infrastructure $500M Funds infrastructure enhancements to support expanded DoD launch cadence and access to orbit. Strategic Capabilities Office space superiority programs (classified) $300M Supports classified programs to counter adversary actions in the space domain. Missile Defense Agency special programs $183M Additional resources for classified space-related MDA projects.

Collectively, these provisions reflect a strong commitment to developing and fielding a robust, distributed architecture that integrates terrestrial- and space-based elements to enhance homeland defense and strategic warning.

Indo-Pacific Focus and Space Force Enhancements

Section 20009  focused on improving USINDOPACOM capabilities  includes significant space superiority investments relevant to the Pacific theater and broader NSS architecture:

Program/Capability Amount Purpose Classified military space superiority programs $4.03B Supports counterspace operations, deep-space surveillance, and resilient C4ISR for USINDOPACOM and beyond. Ground moving target indicator satellites $100M Enhances detection of surface and aerial targets across key operating areas. DARC and SILENTBARKER programs $528M Bolsters space domain awareness through ground-based radar and geosynchronous tracking. Space Force facilities improvements $68M Upgrades infrastructure to support mission growth and force readiness.

These investments underscore the shift toward contested domain dominance in support of regional deterrence and rapid response, especially against Chinese military capabilities.

The reconciliation billif enactedwould function as a de facto combined authorization and appropriation for the programs and funding lines it specifies. It provides both the legal authority to obligate funds and detailed statutory guidance on their use through mandatory spending provisions, eliminating the need for separate authorizing or appropriations legislation for these activities.

Strategic Implications

The national security space funding in the Reconciliation bill is structured to support programmatic execution over a multiyear period. Most allocations are designated as mandatory spending and are available for obligation through FY 2029, with specific limitations on outlays beyond September 30, 2034, as outlined in Section 20016 of the legislation. This creates a defined obligation and expenditure window for the DoD and related agencies to plan, contract, and execute funded activities within a 5- to 10-year horizon.

The funding in the bill is organized into large, mission-oriented categoriessuch as missile defense, space-based sensors, and launch infrastructurerather than individual program elements. As a result, the precise execution pathways will depend heavily on DoD's internal allocation decisions and subsequent engagement with Congress, particularly the appropriations and authorizing committees. While the bill provides immediate budget authority, execution may involve several mechanisms:

Reprogramming Actions. DoD may seek to move funds across existing program elements through reprogramming, subject to Congressional notification thresholds and potential prior approval requirements. Given the size of the funding bins, such actions would likely trigger formal reprogramming requests reviewed by all four Congressional defense committees (HAC-D, SAC-D, HASC, SASC).

DoD may seek to move funds across existing program elements through reprogramming, subject to Congressional notification thresholds and potential prior approval requirements. Given the size of the funding bins, such actions would likely trigger formal reprogramming requests reviewed by all four Congressional defense committees (HAC-D, SAC-D, HASC, SASC). Supplemental or Amended Budget Submissions. For FY 2026, the Trump administration may opt to submit an amended budget request or a standalone Supplemental, particularly if the base FY26 submission was finalized prior to passage of the Reconciliation bill. A Supplemental would allow DoD to create new program elements aligned with the funding categories authorized in the bill and begin formal program planning outside the constraints of existing line items.

For FY 2026, the Trump administration may opt to submit an amended budget request or a standalone Supplemental, particularly if the base FY26 submission was finalized prior to passage of the Reconciliation bill. A Supplemental would allow DoD to create new program elements aligned with the funding categories authorized in the bill and begin formal program planning outside the constraints of existing line items. Incorporation into Future Budget Submissions. In the FY 2027 President's Budget Request and beyond, DoD is likely to integrate the Reconciliation-authorized funding into formal budget justifications. This would include establishing new Program Elements (PEs), updating Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs), and incorporating the new funding into Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) projections.

The bill also directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a detailed expenditure plan within 45 days of enactment and to provide annual progress reports thereafter, as required under Section 20015. These reporting requirements are intended to provide transparency and give Congress oversight over how broadly defined funding is allocated across specific projects or capabilities.

This frameworkfront-loaded budget authority combined with flexible execution toolsoffers DoD both immediate resources and long-term planning flexibility. However, it also places a premium on inter-branch coordination. Effective implementation will depend on how DoD translates broad funding authorizations into executable programs and how Congress responds to subsequent funding reallocations or requests for new starts.

Mike Tierney serves as NSSA's Chief of Legislative Affairs. Chris Williams serves as Chair of the Moorman Center for Space Studies, NSSA's independent think tank.

NSSA is the only U.S. trade association dedicated solely to promoting the health and vitality of the U.S. national security space enterprise (Title 10 and Title 50) and its supporting industry partners. For more information, including how to join the Association, please visit us at www.nssaspace.org

1Budget reconciliation in Congress is a special procedure that expedites the passage of certain federal budget legislation in the Senate, bypassing the filibuster. It allows the majority party to pass a bill with a simple majority vote, instead of the 60-vote supermajority required for most Senate legislation. This is achieved by limiting debate time and restricting amendments, ensuring the bill cannot be filibustered. For more information, see Congressional Research Service, "The Reconciliation Process: Frequently Asked Questions", March 6, 2025

https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48444

2https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bill_text.pdf

SOURCE National Security Space Association
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, praises West Virginia's Gov. Patrick Morrisey for signing three bills into law that bring added protections to the firearm industry and Second Amendment rights in the Mountain State. The bills were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by the West Virginia legislature earlier this year.

"Governor Morrisey shows through his signature on these laws that the firearm industry and Second Amendment rights are vital to West Virginians and 'lawfare' abuse of the courts won't be tolerated," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. "Governor Morrisey's commitment to the lawful commerce in arms and free exercise of the rights to keep and bear arms in West Virginia is unparalleled. The tremendous bipartisan support for these laws by West Virginia lawmakers shows that freedom grows in West Virginia. The firearm industry is grateful for their example and Governor Morrisey's leadership to sign into law these protections that will benefit their fellow citizens."

Gov. Morrisey signed the following legislation:

House Bill 2067 , the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, which ensures firearm companies are not unfairly held liable for the actions of those who use their products. The law provides limitations on negligent marketing claims against a seller or manufacturer of firearms or ammunition and creates a "predicate exception limitation." The law will go into effect on July 7, 2025 .





, the West Virginia Firearms Liability Clarification Act, which ensures firearm companies are not unfairly held liable for the actions of those who use their products. The law provides limitations on negligent marketing claims against a seller or manufacturer of firearms or ammunition and creates a "predicate exception limitation." The law will go into effect on . House Bill 3342 , the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act, which prohibits banks that contract with the state from discriminating against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. This law is an NSSF priority and was specifically requested by Gov. Morrisey. It will go into effect on July 8, 2025 .





, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act, which prohibits banks that contract with the state from discriminating against a firearm entity or firearm trade association. This law is an NSSF priority and was specifically requested by Gov. Morrisey. It will go into effect on . Senate Bill 270 prohibits the government from suspending gun rights during declared emergencies or disaster responses. The law declares the "sale and manufacture of firearms essential business during declared emergency." This law goes into effect on July 8, 2025 .

"As Governor, I will always support and defend West Virginians' God-given constitutional rights," said Gov. Morrisey in a press release. "The bills I signed today further enshrine West Virginia's strong support for the Second Amendment. Thank you to the legislature for working with me to get this done."

About NSSF

NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

SOURCE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sixth Amendment Center (6AC) is proud to announce the appointment of Aditi Goel as its new Executive Director, following a unanimous vote by the organization's Board of Directors. Goel succeeds founder David Carroll, who will transition to the role of President and focus on fundraising.

Founded over a decade ago, 6AC has established itself as a trusted, nonpartisan resource helping policymakers strengthen indigent defense systems and protect the constitutional right to counsel. Under Carroll's leadership, 6AC has helped states across the country establish independent oversight commissions, end flat-fee contracts, expand public defender offices, and implement early appointment of counselall without litigation or lobbying.

"6AC has come to personify objectivity, professionalism, and lasting reform because of our exceptional team," said Carroll. "With courts and due process under attack, it's time for strong new leadership to expand our reach and impact. Aditi Goel is that leader."

Goel has been serving as 6AC's Deputy Director, where she led major evaluations and reform initiatives in jurisdictions including South Dakota, Guam, and Lake County, California. She also oversaw a complete redesign of the 6AC website, transforming it into a dynamic hub for right to counsel resources.

Before joining 6AC, Goel spent nearly a decade in public defense, including roles at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), Massachusetts' Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), and as a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School's Criminal Justice Institute.

"6AC is one of a kind," said Goel. "Its methodical, trust-based approach to reform is one I deeply believe in. We have an incredibly passionate and talented team, and I am honored to lead us forward. We will not waiver from our mission."

As President, Carroll will concentrate on strengthening 6AC's long-term financial sustainability. "Though we are financially sound, defending the right to counsel in today's environment requires greater support. If you've benefited from our work or believe in good governance and the rule of law, we encourage your continued support."

To learn more about 6AC or to make a donation, visit www.6AC.org .

About 6AC: The Sixth Amendment Center (6AC) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that assists federal, state, and local policymakers meet their constitutional obligation to provide effective indigent defense services. We do so by sharing objective information and a national perspective with policymakers on what works and does not work. When asked by governments, we assess their current indigent defense services. We trust that when policymakers are armed with good information, the legislative process will result in constitutional services that meet the unique needs of a jurisdiction. We do not lobby or litigate. To learn more about the Sixth Amendment Center, visit 6AC.org .

Media Contact:

Aditi Goel

Executive Director

[email protected]

(617) 581-8136

SOURCE Sixth Amendment Center
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Organon & Co. ("Organon" or "the Company") (NYSE: OGN) for violations of the securities laws.

INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. As part of its Q1 2025 earnings release, Organon announced it was slashing its quarterly dividend by approximately 90% despite previous assurances that it was committed to dividend payments. Based on this news, shares of Organon dropped by almost 27% in intraday trading on May 1, 2025.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate.

WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

David J. Schwartz

DJS Law Group

274 White Plains Road, Suite 1

Eastchester, NY 10709

Phone: 914-206-9742

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP
CAMPBELL, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt & Company, an award-winning Silicon Valley tech public relations and social media agency, announced it has been named the PR agency of record for North America by Panduit, the leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Walt & Company will also support the Panduit social media program to elevate the global brand. Leveraging 70 years of commitment to creating exceptional solutions for their customers, Panduit focuses on solving problems and achieving success through comprehensive portfolios, helping organizations navigate digital transformation, electrification and workforce transformations for sustainable growth.

"Panduit has a long-standing foothold in industries that rely on infrastructure and connectivity to make business happen and we are evolving our brand message to better reflect our values," said Dawn Leach, global brand manager, Panduit. "We sought a strong and creative communications partner to help deliver that message to our customers and partners, and Walt & Company fit the bill."

"We sought a creative partner to help deliver our brand message to customers and partners. Walt & Company fit the bill." Post this

Walt & Company has 30 years of experience positioning and promoting technology-based products and companies designed to enhance the user experience. It will operate as an extension of Panduit's marketing team, elevating brand visibility and market positioning through a comprehensive, multichannel communications strategy that spans North American and international markets. This will be achieved by developing and executing a targeted PR program, a robust social media approach and an integrated global brand campaign.

"Panduit pushes the boundaries of innovation with cutting-edge technologies and end-to-end solutions that drive infrastructure and connectivity," said Cyndi Babasa, co-president of Walt & Company. "We're looking forward to elevating the Panduit brand and increasing market share through both PR and social media programs."

About Panduit

Panduit is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Operating from our headquarters in Tinley Park, Ill., USA, and across 112 worldwide locations, we drive innovation through strategic R&D investments and breakthrough product development while providing seamless global support and service. Since 1955, our commitment to our customers and partners has remained constant. And together, with them, we create exceptional solutions that support their businesses in a way that's good for them and good for the world. Panduit is making the connections that matter. For more information, visit www.panduit.com.

About Walt & Company

Walt & Company specializes in developing tech PR and social media programs and campaigns that advance its clients' marketing and corporate agendas by generating actionable awareness in all influential formats and forums. For over 30 years, when it comes to building marketplace credibility, brand recognition and product and service awareness, Walt & Company has its clients covered. For more information, visit www.walt.com.

SOURCE Walt & Company
Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia announces upto AUD $40,000 scholarship for Indian students for 2025-26 intake

Early Acceptance Scholarship to open doors for Indian students looking to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in Sydney, Australia

Indian students can avail AUD $10,000 per year towards tuition fee

New Delhi [India] Published : May 6, 2025



Macquarie University, among Australia's top 10 universities, has announced its Early Acceptance Scholarship worth AUD 40,000 for Indian students aspiring to commence their studies in 2025 and 2026. This merit-based scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students enrolling at the university's Sydney campus.

The scholarship will be paid as AUD $10,000 annual scholarship towards tuition fees covering all coursework degree programs taught at Macquarie's Sydney campus. A student who enrols in a bachelor's program for 4 years would receive AUD $40,000.

The students can apply for the grants all through the year. Candidates who successfully apply for any undergraduate or postgraduate degree will be automatically assessed for this early acceptance scholarship.

Some of the courses that Macquarie University is well known for are Banking & Finance, Data Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Analytics, Medicine, Arts and Media, and Communication.

Speaking on the announcement of the scholarship, David Harrison, Executive Director, International at Macquarie University said, "We are happy to offer the Early Acceptance Scholarship to talented and ambitious Indian students pursuing their academic goals at Macquarie University. This initiative reflects our commitment to making world-class education more accessible and nurturing global talent. By investing in promising students early, we aim to empower them with the skills, knowledge, and international exposure needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. We are excited to welcome the generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers to our campus"

To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be a full-time international student pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree on campus and fulfill the following requirements:

Be a citizen of India

Accept a Letter of offer and pay the commencement fee by the deadline

Remain enrolled in each compulsory study period

Must not be a recipient of a government sponsorship or scholarship that covers full tuition fees, unless approved by Macquarie University Scholarship Team

For further information please visit: https://www.mq.edu.au/

About Macquarie University

Founded in 1964 to offer students, staff and partners a more flexible alternative to the prevailing university model, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia is now reaping the rewards of its innovative, interdisciplinary approach. Macquarie is widely regarded as a progressive institution, both locally and internationally. Ranked among the top 130 universities in the world (QS and Times Higher Ed Rankings 2024), the University is considered one of the world's best, producing highly sought-after graduates. With a strong tradition in pioneering thinking, ingenuity and exploration, they continue to break new ground as they work to solve some of the world's most pressing issues to build a positive future for all.

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As National Nurses Week begins, winners honored for excellence in leadership, technology innovation, team support, and patient-centered care

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PerfectServe, a leading provider of cloud-based clinical collaboration and provider scheduling solutions, today announced the winners of the 2025 Nurses of Note awards program.

Launched in 2021 to recognize nurses making exceptional contributions to healthcare, the program shines a spotlight on individuals who exemplify innovation, compassion, and leadership in the nursing profession.

This marks the fifth round of winners for PerfectServe's nurse recognition program. Post this Meet the inspiring winners of PerfectServes 2025 Nurses of Note awards! Join us as we highlight their incredible stories of leadership, innovation, and compassion in celebration of National Nurses Week.

"Nurses are the foundation of the care team, and our Nurses of Note program is a way to celebrate their incredible impact," said PerfectServe Chief Customer Officer & Chief Clinical Officer Kelly Conklin, MSN, CENP. "These honorees embody the resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication that define the nursing profession. We're beyond proud to share their stories and honor their contributions."

This year's winners represent four unique award categories:

Innovative Technology Utilization Award

Amy Staly, Director of Healthcare Product Strategy, Clearsense

A registered nurse and informaticist, Amy moved healthcare technology forward in an unlikely way at Clearsense by standardizing complex clinical document menus once thought impossible to unify. Drawing on HL7 standards and real-world clinical experience, Amy created an intuitive model that dramatically streamlined implementation and usability. Her innovation was instantly approved by a major health system with no modifications, setting a new industry standard.

Excellence in Nursing Leadership

Kyle Pingleton, Director of Quality Management, Cornerstone Specialty Hospital (Broken Arrow, OK)

Kyle's leadership is defined by a holistic, patient-first approach. He led his hospital's first organ donation and procurement initiative, founded a Health Equity Committee to address social determinants of health, and championed initiatives to close care gaps in cancer treatment. Known for his compassion and mentorship, Kyle also steps seamlessly between direct care and leadership roles, demonstrating an unmatched commitment to patient well-being and team support.

Exceptional Team Support Award

Daniella Radunovic, RN, BSN, Loyola Medicine (Maywood, IL)

When tragedy struck her pediatric department, Daniella's compassion and selflessness shone brightly. While on vacation, she rallied support for a grieving colleague who had lost her fiance, a fellow Loyola physician, and upon returning, she continued to provide critical emotional supportopening her home, helping with personal arrangements, and organizing a memorial service. Daniella's tireless support of her team exemplifies the spirit of nursing.

Patient-Centered Care Excellence Award

Madison Poon, RN, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH)

Madison's gentle spirit and expert care provided a lifeline to a family navigating the NICU. Described as "a part of our story" by her nominators, Madison cared for their daughter with profound skill, compassion, and love. She celebrated every small victory, explained every step with patience, and supported the family during their hardest moments, embodying the very best of patient-centered nursing.

Each Nurses of Note honoree will be featured in a special profile published on PerfectServe's website throughout the year. Winners will also receive a $200 gift card and other special prizes from PerfectServe.

"These nurses remind us why recognition matters," said PerfectServe SVP of Client Services Miriam Halimi, JD, DNP, MBA, RN-BC. "Their work changes lives. As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we invite everyone to take a few minutes to read their incredible stories and reflect on the extraordinary role nurses play in delivering compassionate, high-quality care."

To learn more about the winners and their inspiring stories, visit PerfectServe's Nurses of Note awards program page.

About PerfectServe

PerfectServe accelerates speed to care by optimizing provider schedules, streamlining clinical communication, and engaging patients and their families in the care experience. Our cloud-based software simplifies complex clinical workflows and schedules with secure and timely communication by dynamically routing messages to the right person at the right time. We drive more efficient care collaboration in all settings to improve patient outcomes and bring joy back to caregivers. PerfectServe has 25 years of experience and is a trusted partner to more than 500 hospitals and 30,000 medical practices.

PerfectServe Contact:

Matt Kothe | Director, Corporate Marketing

865.776.9824

[email protected]

SOURCE PerfectServe, Inc.
The rebrand underscores the Pinnacle Network's commitment to modernizing the fertility journey, connecting patients, donors, surrogates, and referring providers through one trusted brand and centralized website.

"This moment represents the future of fertility care: connected, compassionate, and centered entirely around patient needs," said Beth Zoneraich, CEO of Pinnacle Fertility. "By coming together under one brand, the Network is not only honoring the exceptional legacy of each clinic, but also building a stronger, more seamless experience for every patient each clinic serves."

The rebrand represents a pivotal moment on the heels of several meaningful milestones this year. In early 2025, the network expanded its national footprint with the addition of IVF Michigan and Ohio's nine clinic locations. Weeks later, seven of the Network's eleven legacy clinics were named among America's Best Fertility Clinics for 2025 in a survey by Newsweek and Statista, and Pinnacle Fertility, Inc. was named one of Forbes' Best Startup Employers of 2025.

To commemorate the launch of the national website and the new, centralized brand, Pinnacle Fertility hosted a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event, which brought together leaders from across the clinics, Pinnacle Egg Bank, Pinnacle Surrogacy, and the Pinnacle Support Team, symbolized the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that defines the Pinnacle Network.

"The national rebrand reflects the heart of the network and its promise to deliver excellence from the very first interaction," said Michelle Spatafore, Chief Marketing Officer of Pinnacle Fertility. "By bringing together the clinics, Egg Bank, and Surrogacy services under one brand and one online experience, the Network is making fertility care simpler and more empowering for every patient."

With 11 clinics, more than 40 locations, 16 embryology labs, and a team of over 1,000 fertility professionals, the Pinnacle Fertility Network is one of the most expansive and dynamic in the U.S. More importantly, it is united by a shared purpose: fulfilling dreams by building families.

The newly launched website serves as the centralized digital home for all services, including clinical care, egg donation, and surrogacy. Through a phased rollout, individual clinic websites will redirect to the new, national online platform. To experience the Pinnacle Fertility Network and find a clinic near you, visit www.pinnaclefertility.com .

Media Contact

[email protected]

About Pinnacle Fertility, Inc.

Pinnacle Fertility, Inc. is a Management Services Organization (MSO) based in Scottsdale, Arizona, which services the clinics by providing centralized operational, strategic, and administrative support functions to a nationwide network of participating fertility clinics. With a focus on scaling best practices and delivering innovative infrastructure, Pinnacle Fertility, Inc. empowers clinical teams to focus on delivering exceptional patient care while ensuring operational excellence across the organization.

About the Pinnacle Fertility Network

The Pinnacle Fertility Network is a premier group of fertility clinics driven by a shared mission to help individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. Spanning more than 40 clinic locations and 16 cutting-edge embryology labs nationwide, the network is home to over 1,000 dedicated fertility professionals. Led by expert physicians, the network delivers personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based care to patients across the United States.

About Envisionit

Pinnacle partnered with Envisionit to create the new Pinnacle branded website. Envisionit is a Chicago-based strategic growth agency specializing in branding and lead generation for multi-location healthcare and consumer services brands. Visit www.envisionitagency.com to learn more.

SOURCE Pinnacle Fertility
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Premise Health has been recognized as a 5 Star Employer by the VETS Indexes Employer Awards for its strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. The "5 Star Employer" distinction is the highest one possible in the Employer Awards.

Premise Health, the leading direct healthcare provider for employers and unions, formalized its military program for veterans, military spouses, National Guard and Reservists in 2016. The program previously received VETS Indexes' 3 and 4 Star designations in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The new 5 Star recognition is the direct result of the organization's alignment to support its military-connected community according to its mission of helping people get, stay, and be well.

"This recognition by VETS Indexes represents an organization-wide effort to ensure that Premise is a place where the military community is respected, understood and truly valued," said Premise's Military Program Manager Matt Watkins.

"We're honored to receive this designation. It's a reflection of the commitment, care and hard work that Premise team members demonstrate daily, whether it's in support of veterans, military spouses or the broader military-connected community."

Recipients of the Employer Award were announced during this year's Employing U.S. Vets Conference on April 10. VETS Indexes, a national leader in veteran employer evaluation, reported a record application year with Premise joining a select group of organizations to receive this distinction. Applicants included large and small employers, government agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, and institutions of higher education.

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers. This in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers' policies, practices, and outcomes regarding the recruitment, hiring, development, retention, and support of military-connected team members.

Premise and its military program provide dedicated resources for military-connected team members and applicants, including an ombudsman program, flexible work options, team member resource groups, mentorship programs, and extensive internal support from top-level executives to frontline leaders.

Externally, Premise partners with veteran-focused organizations across the nation in its effort to support the career advancement of veterans and their families, such as Hiring Our Heroes, Military Spouse Employment Partners, the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University, and INvets (Indiana).

"Premise Health has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the organization one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program," said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes.

For more information, visit Premise's dedicated veteran careers page or learn about the VETS Indexes Employer Award and its methodology here.

About Premise Health

Premise Health serves large organizations and their people with exceptional healthcare. It partners with commercial and municipal employers, health plans, unions, and tribes, serving millions of members at more than 800 wellness centers in 46 states and Guam.

Premise's mission is to help people get, stay, and be well. With more than 30 types of care, it provides easy access to amazing member experiences that improve health and lower healthcare costs.

Premise is the leading direct healthcare company and one of the largest digital providers in the country. For more information, visit www.premisehealth.com.

Media Contacts :

Valerie Somerville

Premise Health, Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Premise Health
Prestigious 2025 American Business Awards honors groundbreaking workplace connection and performance measurement platform

DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Connections, an employee connection and performance platform for business leaders seeking to measurably improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention, has been awarded a Silver Stevie Award in the 2025 American Business Awards for Innovation of the Year in the Business Service Industries category.

The award recognizes the company's Connecting At Work program and the development of the Net Connected Score (NCS), an employee performance metric grounded in the science of human connection. Together, the program and score give organizations a scalable, measurable way to improve connection, collaboration, and productivity by equipping teams with practical dialogue-based tools and actionable data.

Connecting At Work introduces a structured, dialogue methodology that helps leaders and employees build one-to-one connections that foster psychological safety, empowerment, and appreciationall of which contribute to a culture of high-performance. NCS builds on this foundation with a one-question metric developed from a nationwide study of more than 12,000 employees across 49 industries, conducted by Sentient Decision Science. The research confirmed that when employees feel seen and heard by their direct supervisor, measurable business outcomes follow.

"In today's complex workplace, the relationship between employees and their direct supervisors represents the crucial intersection where human need meets organizational success," said Dennis S. Holland, CEO of Quantum Connections. "We're honored by this award and proud that our work is now equipping businesses with actionable data along with the essential dialogue skills and tools needed to optimize their workplace cultures and the performance of their teams."

Stevie Award judges praised Quantum Connections for creating a program that, "represent(s) an extraordinary innovation in business services . . . applying proven relationship science (the Hendrix/Hunt dialogue methodology) systematically to foster workplace connection and psychological safety." One judge added, "The combination of real-world training, scientific rigor, and practical business outcomes is highly distinctive. This is a thoughtful, mission-driven innovation that blends emotional intelligence with business performance."

Another judge highlighted the business relevance of the NCS, saying it is "a novel approach to improving workplace dynamics through relational competency training and a new measurement tool. The emphasis on practical skills and the potential impact on business outcomes are commendable."

The American Business Awards are the premier business awards program in the U.S. and are open to organizations of all sizes and industries. More than 3,600 nominations were submitted this year, and winners were selected by more than 250 professionals worldwide.

Holland concluded, "When we invest in fundamental human connectionparticularly between supervisors and their teamswe're unlocking the full potential of our people and our organizations."

This is the second Stevie recognition for Quantum Connections in the past year, following a Bronze Stevie Award from the International Business Awards in late 2024 for the Connecting At Work program.

About Quantum Connections

Quantum Connections Training LLC (dba Quantum Connections) is an employee connection and performance platform for HR and business leaders seeking to measurably improve employee engagement, retention, and profitability. Founded by renowned relationship experts and best-selling authors, Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., Quantum Connections is grounded in the neuro and quantum social sciences and equips leaders and employees with the dialogue skills needed to foster collaboration, creativity, and connection that leads to lasting behavioral transformation and measurable business performance improvement.

SOURCE Quantum Connections LLC
The Region Becomes Part of the Popular, Fast-Growing Real Estate Brand's 25 Country Count as It Rapidly Expands Across the Globe

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Realty ONE Group International, a modern, purpose-driven lifestyle brand and ONE of the fastest-growing franchisors in the world, has announced the sale of ownership rights to the vibrant region of Baja and Pacifico Mexico, including the five Mexican states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sonora.

The booming real estate brand, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, continues to find strategic partners around the world who want to offer Realty ONE Group's dynamic COOLTURE, modern marketing and unique business model in markets everywhere. That includes Alfredo Hernandez Sotelo, the new owner of the Baja and Pacific Mexico region and a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in real estate development, investment consulting, and quality management systems.

"Alfredo's wealth of experience, leadership acumen, and vision for growth are exactly what we look for in our global partners," said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and Founder of Realty ONE Group International. "We're grateful for his trust in us and we're confident he'll make an immediate and extraordinary impact in Baja Sur and Baja California Sur."

Attracted by Realty ONE Group's dynamic "COOLTURE," innovative business model, and international momentum, Hernandez Sotelo is eager to introduce the brand's empowering "Be Golden, Be You" philosophy to Mexico's west coast.

His impressive career spans senior roles across leading real estate, media, and education companies, including Nacer Global and SONI Autos and he's consulted for the U.S. Embassy's ICITAP program. Alfredo holds a master's and doctorate in Economics from the University of York and teaches leadership courses across Europe and Latin America.

Realty ONE Group was recently named the No. 1 real estate brand for the fourth year in a row on Entrepreneur's highly-competitive 2025 Franchise 500 list. The lifestyle brand now boasts more than 450 locations across 49 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and 25 countries and territories around the world.

Learn more at www.OwnAOne.com .

About Realty ONE Group International

Realty ONE Group International is one of the fastest growing, modern, purpose-driven lifestyle brands in real estate whose ONE Purpose is to open doors across the globe  ONE home, ONE dream, ONE life at a time. The organization has rapidly grown to more than 20,000 real estate professionals in over 450 locations across 25 countries and territories because of its proven business model, full-service brokerages, dynamic COOLTURE, superior business coaching through ONE University, outstanding support and its proprietary technology, zONE. Realty ONE Group International has been named the number ONE real estate brand by Entrepreneur Magazine for three consecutive years and continues to surge ahead, opening doors, not only for its clients but for real estate professionals and franchise owners. To learn more, visit www.RealtyONEGroup.com .

SOURCE Realty ONE Group
LOMPOC, Calif., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation on Monday applauded lawmakers for supporting the use of fertility control to manage wild horses and burros on more humanely.

Reps. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., David Schweikert, R-Ariz., Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum asking for him to support reforms to wild horse and burro management with a greater focus on the implementation of fertility control by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

"We're grateful to Reps. Buchanan, Schweikert, Fitzpatrick and Ciscomani for calling for the long overdue implementation of proven, safe and humane fertility control in wild horse management," said Neda DeMayo, president of Return to Freedom (RTF), a national nonprofit wild horses and burro advocacy organization.

"The BLM's own history shows that remaining fixated only on capture-and-removal management will not succeed. To create meaningful, sustainable change, the agency must use fertility control to stabilize herd growth so that removals, which decimate family bands and herds, can be brought to an end."

Specifically, the congressmen asked Burgum to support:

increased use of humane, reversible fertility control by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM),

budget measures that "significantly reallocate" BLM wild horse funding to fertility control,

and the upholding of congressional directives and Interior Department policy for non-lethal management.

RTF has worked closely with Buchanan for many years on the effort to pass a lasting ban on horse slaughter and the export of American horses for slaughter. In February, he and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill.) reintroduced that legislation, the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act.

The recent letter from Buchanan and his colleagues emphasizes the continued protection of wild horses and burros and fiscal responsibility.

The BLM has never spent as much as 4 percent of the wild horse budget on fertility control despite growing calls from Congress, public lands stakeholders and the public for its use.

BLM has instead tried and failed for decades to control herd populations by capture and removal. The agency estimates that there are about 73,000 wild horses and burros on the rangelands it manages. Nearly as many  65,000  are now warehoused in off-range government holding facilities.

"We must do better by America's wild horses and burros," DeMayo said. "There are proven, humane tools supported by the public and a broad array of rangeland stakeholders that can be used to create a conservation legacy of which all Americans can be proud."

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation (RTF ) is a pioneering wild horse advocacy organization that has worked to preserve wild horses and burros through sanctuary, education, conservation and advocacy since 1997. RTF operates the American Wild Horse Sanctuary at two California locations. Since 1999, RTF has modeled the use of fertility control and other solutions there that can be implemented on the range. Follow us on Facebook , Instagram, X, BlueSky, Tik Tok and Youtube.

SOURCE Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation
DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RKD Group, GivingTuesday and Positive Equation are proud to announce a new collaborative initiative to establish the first Monthly Giving Awareness Week, running May 1216, 2025.

Throughout the week, nonprofit professionals can expect a suite of impactful resources designed to grow their monthly giving programs, including webinars, blog posts, infographics, podcast episodes, downloadable guides and more. Visit monthlygivingweek.com to get more involved with Monthly Giving Awareness Week and learn what you can do to support.

Positive Equation: Digital marketing tools and trainings for nonprofits

The announcement also marks the formation of the Monthly Giving Task Forcea collaborative brain trust of nonprofit thought leaders, strategists and practitioners dedicated to elevating recurring giving practices across the sector.

"This partnership reflects our bold commitment to community and collaboration," said Tim Kersten CEO of RKD Group. "We're building a new era of strategic partnerships in 2025and this is just the beginning. By uniting with organizations like GivingTuesday and trusted voices like Dana Snyder, we're creating spaces where shared insights lead to exponential impact."

Monthly giving remains one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in a nonprofit's sustainability toolkit. The goal of Monthly Giving Awareness Week is to foster innovation, share actionable strategies, and inspire nonprofits to build reliable donor pipelines.

"GivingTuesday was founded on the belief that generosity is a universal value," said Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer at GivingTuesday. "Recurring giving is a reflection of that belief in action. We're excited to co-create this space with RKD and Dana to uplift strategies that truly work."

"This week is about uniting the nonprofit community around a shared missionbecause real growth happens when we step outside our own walls," said Dana Snyder, Founder of Positive Equation. "It's not just about building internal habits around recurring giving but inviting donors into that rhythm, too. Together, we can shift behavior and create lasting impact."

About RKD Group

RKD Group is North America's leading fundraising and marketing solutions provider to hundreds of growth-focused nonprofit organizations. With five decades of experience, RKD leverages technology, advanced data science and award-winning strategic and creative leadership to accelerate net revenue growth, build long-term donor relationships and drive the best return on investment. For additional information go to RKDGroup.com.

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. It was created in 2012 at New York's 92nd Street Y and incubated in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact. What started as a simple idea of a day that encourages people to do good has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity year-round. The movement is brought to life through a distributed network of entrepreneurial leaders who lead national movements in more than 100 countries across the globe. An integral part of the global generosity movement is the GivingTuesday organization, which offers support and resources to GivingTuesday leaders and fosters connection and collaboration across the network. For more information, visit givingtuesday.org.

About Positive Equation

Positive Equation is a purpose-driven consultancy that helps nonprofits build, grow, and sustain powerful monthly giving programs. Founded by Dana Snyder - author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind, host of the Missions to Movements podcast, and creator of the Monthly Giving Summit - Positive Equation empowers organizations to embrace sustainable fundraising strategies rooted in community, storytelling, and innovation.

With a unique blend of digital marketing expertise and sector-specific insight, Positive Equation has supported nonprofits of all sizes in turning transactional giving into transformational impact. From immersive masterminds to high-impact campaigns and speaking engagements, Positive Equation is redefining how nonprofits scale generosity in the subscription era. To learn more, visit www.positiveequation.com.

Media Contact:

Lawrence Foster

[email protected]

800-222-6070

SOURCE RKD Group
PHILADELPHIA, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RobotLAB, a leading force in robotics integration and automation solutions, is excited to announce the launch of RobotLAB Eastern Pennsylvania, bringing advanced robotics technology to businesses across the region. This expansion is led by Kripa and Jagriti Dawar, two seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of technology-driven business transformation and a strong commitment to fostering innovation within local industries.

RobotLAB Inc

Eastern Pennsylvania is known for its diverse and growing economy, spanning sectors such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and retail. As businesses in the region look to optimize operations and enhance efficiency, RobotLAB Eastern Pennsylvania is poised to provide hands-on expertise and cutting-edge automation solutions tailored to their needs.

With a strong business ecosystem fueled by both established companies and emerging startups, Eastern Pennsylvania presents a unique opportunity for robotics adoption. RobotLAB is committed to working closely with businesses of all sizes, ensuring that automation enhances productivity without disrupting the core values that make these companies successful.

RobotLAB Eastern Pennsylvania will offer a full suite of services, including sales, integration, programming, local technical support, and onsite repairs. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of RobotLAB's trial program, allowing them to test robotics solutions in their environments before committing to full-scale deployment.

RobotLAB's expansion across the U.S. has included locations in Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and Illinois. The addition of the Eastern Pennsylvania branch strengthens the company's presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, where demand for robotics solutions continues to rise in response to labor challenges and increasing consumer expectations.

"Eastern Pennsylvania is a crucial economic hub with a strong industrial and commercial presence," said Elad Inbar, Founder and CEO of RobotLAB. "Having a dedicated and passionate team like Kripa and Jagriti leading our expansion here ensures that we can deliver automation solutions with a local, personalized touch."

With this latest expansion, RobotLAB reaffirms its mission to make automation more accessible and beneficial to businesses across the country. By working closely with companies in Eastern Pennsylvania, RobotLAB aims to provide innovative, practical solutions that enhance operations and future-proof businesses in an increasingly automated world.

For updates on RobotLAB's expansion, job opportunities, and industry news, follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/robotlabinc.

About RobotLAB

Since 2007, RobotLAB has been at the forefront of robotics integration, helping businesses in education, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and beyond optimize their operations. With a focus on customized automation solutions and expert support, RobotLAB enables businesses to seamlessly adopt robotics technologies that drive efficiency and profitability. As the company continues to grow, its commitment to local service and innovation remains at the core of its mission.

Media Contact

Berkan Dincer

[email protected]

Phone: 1-87-RobotLAB

SOURCE RobotLAB Inc
Drake to lead National Association of Plan Advisors for 2025-26 Term

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SageView Advisory Group ("SageView"), one of the nation's leading independent RIA firms, is proud to announce that Lisa Drake, Managing Director, Retirement Plan Consulting, has been elected President of NAPA (National Association of Plan Advisors).

Drake assumed the leadership role on April 29, after serving as the organization's president-elect in 2024.

"A passionate advocate for driving positive retirement plan outcomes for plan sponsors and participants, Lisa is the right person to lead this vital organization during this turbulent period for American retirement security," said John Longley, SageView's CEO. "I'm thrilled to see her in yet another leadership role where she will help enhance the financial stability for many Americans. NAPA is in incredibly good hands."

Drake joined SageView in 2019 as a retirement plan consultant, working with employer-sponsored retirement plan fiduciaries. She has worked in institutional financial services for nearly two decades. As Managing Director, Retirement Plan Consulting in West Palm Beach, Florida, Drake advocates for comprehensive retirement planning, financial wellness and closing the retirement savings gap.

Drake added, "I have served on the NAPA leadership council since 2020, and am honored to lead the organization as we face one of the most complex environments for American retirement in more than a generation. NAPA will continue to promote retirement security, pursue advocacy and support financial advisors as we navigate this evolving landscape. I look forward to working with the organization's leadership team in continuing NAPA's excellence."

Washington, D.C.-based NAPA is a non-profit organization created by retirement plan advisors to identify and solve retirement plan challenges. NAPA has more than 20,000 members and is affiliated with the American Retirement Association.

About SageView Advisory Group

SageView Advisory Group, LLC ("SageView") is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission serving retirement plan sponsors and individuals throughout the United States since 1989. SageView services include consulting and investment management for plan sponsors of 401(k), 403(b), 457, defined benefit and deferred compensation plans, and comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services for individuals and families. SageView is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and has more than 30 offices nationwide.

SageView makes recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. Clients should consider their own investment objectives and not rely on any single article, marketing piece, fact sheet, graph, or similar material to make investment decisions. The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. SageView does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Clients should obtain their own independent advisors for such services. SageView advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where SageView Advisory Group, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

For more information about SageView, visit www.sageviewadvisory.com or call (800) 814-8742.

Contact: Julie Toscano, 800.814.8742, [email protected]

SOURCE SageView Advisory Group
By offering all-digital dual-enrollment and CTE courses, Savvas PathMaker opens a world of opportunities for students. Post this

Designed to offer flexibility for educators and choice for students, Savvas PathMaker delivers a comprehensive catalog of Outlier by Savvas dual-enrollment courses and Savvas CTE career and technical education (CTE) courses that give students the opportunity to discover their passions, develop skills and knowledge, and prepare for the next stage of their life, whether that be college, career, or both.

More than 250 judges reviewed approximately 3,600 nominations to select the 2025 Stevie winners. Savvas PathMaker earned top honors in the award program's "Career and Workforce Readiness Solution" category, which recognizes the best software solutions or digital services that develop skills and knowledge needed in the 21st century workforce. The category also honors applications that help close the gap between a learner's current interest and skills and the needs and expectations in the workplace.

"We are honored that the American Business Awards has recognized Savvas PathMaker as an exceptional college, career, and workforce readiness solution that is meeting the needs of students and educators," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "By offering all-digital dual-enrollment and CTE courses that prepare students for both post-secondary education and career success, Savvas PathMaker increases educational access and opens a world of opportunities for all students."

The panel of judges commented that Savvas PathMaker "clearly delivers on its mission," calling it a "benchmark solution in the career and workforce readiness category." One judge remarked that Savvas PathMaker "provides a solid foundation for student exploration and postsecondary preparedness," while another judge raved that Savvas PathMaker "prepares students not only for college, but for their futures! This has so much value and potential."

A flexible, digital solution, Savvas PathMaker makes it easy for educators to create personalized pathways that align with students' college and career interests, preparing students to successfully pass industry-recognized certification exams and equipping them with transferable job skills and college credits to chart their own path forward.

Outlier provides asynchronous advanced high school courses that enable students to earn real college credits from the University of Pittsburgh, a top 50 global university. Outlier meets the needs of school districts looking to bring high-quality, college-level courses to their high schools.

Savvas CTE offers innovative CTE and certification prep courses that inspire middle and high school students to explore career paths and develop the skills needed for success in today's high-interest, high-demand jobs.

"Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. "The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 American Business Awards."

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry's most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions  all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company . Savvas Learning Company's products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon .

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company
Chef-Driven, Sustainably Crafted Canadian Spirits Now Available in Select U.S. Markets in Time for World Cocktail Day

VICTORIA, BC, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheringham Distillery, an award-winning Canadian distillery blending chef-driven distillation, sustainability, and innovative flavor profiles, today announced the expansion of its renowned craft spirits to select locations in Washington and California. This rollout marks a significant milestone for the Vancouver Island-based distillery, bringing its acclaimed spirits to a broader consumer basejust in time for World Cocktail Day on May 13.

Sheringham Distillery Expands into Washington and California

Now available in premier U.S. West Coast markets in Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Bellevue, Spokane) and California (San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Monterey/Carmel), cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals can enjoy Sheringham's distinctive offerings, including:

Seaside Gin : Made with botanicals such as juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, cardamom, andmost notablylocal, sustainably harvested winged kelp.

: Made with botanicals such as juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, cardamom, andmost notablylocal, sustainably harvested winged kelp. Beacon Gin : A fusion of cherry blossoms, yuzu, grapefruit, and locally sourced green tea, offering a delicate balance of floral, citrus, and herbaceous notes.

: A fusion of cherry blossoms, yuzu, grapefruit, and locally sourced green tea, offering a delicate balance of floral, citrus, and herbaceous notes. Lemon Gin Liqueur : Crafted with a gin base specifically designed to pair with the juice of delectable, premium lemons.

: Crafted with a gin base specifically designed to pair with the juice of delectable, premium lemons. Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur : Made with a classic gin base, premium British Columbia -grown rhubarb, and a maceration process using star anise and lemon skins, achieving a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and subtly vegetal notes.

: Made with a classic gin base, premium -grown rhubarb, and a maceration process using star anise and lemon skins, achieving a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and subtly vegetal notes. Coffee Liqueur (available upon request): Created with premium, locally roasted coffee for a rich and complex flavor profile.

Since its founding in 2015, Sheringham has gained a reputation for crafting spirits that capture the essence of Canada's West Coast in every bottle. By combining terroir-driven botanicals, chef-curated distillation methods, and small-batch craftsmanship, Sheringham has garnered global acclaim, including:

Canadian Whisky Awards  Silver (2025)

PR%F Awards  Multiple Double Golds (2023-2024)

BC Food & Beverage Product of the Year  Gold (2020)

World Drink Awards  World's Best Contemporary Gin (2019)

Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition  Gold (2018)

Taste BC  Gold & Best in Show (2018)

San Francisco World Spirits Competition  Silver (2017)

"Bringing Sheringham to the U.S. West Coast feels like a natural evolution of everything we've built," said Jason MacIsaac, Co-Founder and Master Distiller at Sheringham Distillery. "These are communities that truly value craft, sustainability, and culinary creativitythe same values that shape every spirit we make. It's a proud moment for our team, and we're excited to be part of the dynamic cocktail culture in Washington and California."

Sheringham's spirits have become staples in top cocktail bars and home bars alike, offering versatile and complex flavors that elevate both classic and contemporary cocktails. Whether it's a Sea-Ginerita (a Sheringham gininspired margarita), Seaside Gin & Tonic, Beacon Martini, or Rhubarb Spritz, bartenders and home mixologists can now access world-class Canadian craft spirits in their local marketsjust in time to celebrate World Cocktail Day with the perfect pour.

Sheringham spirits are now available at select bars, restaurants, and liquor retailers across Washington and California.

For a full list of retail locations or to order online, visit: www.sheringhamdistillery.com/discover-sheringham-distillery-usa/

About Sheringham Distillery

Founded in 2015 on Vancouver Island, Sheringham Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery created by husband-and-wife team Jason and Alayne MacIsaac. Known for its chef-driven approach, Sheringham blends traditional techniques with culinary artistry, high-quality ingredients, and a deep respect for nature. The distillery has earned global recognition for its sustainable practices and bold, innovative flavor profiles, redefining what it means to craft world-class spirits. To learn more, visit www.sheringhamdistillery.com; follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Alexandra Pony

[email protected]

250.858.0656

SOURCE Sheringham Distillery
VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE) (OTCQX: SLVRF) (FSE: BRK1) ("Silver One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") for its Candelaria Project (the "Project"), located in Nevada, USA. The mineral resource estimate, prepared by James A. McCrea, P. Geo, includes the in-ground mineralization and stockpiles adjacent to the historic Mount Diablo and Northern Belle pits (Table 1). The MRE was prepared in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards and Canadian National Instrument ("NI 43-101").

Table 1. Candelaria in-ground, underground, and stockpiles mineral resource estimates. Table 2. Candelaria Leach Pad mineral resources. As reported on August 18, 2020 company's news release. Table 3. Mining and Heap Leach Processing assumptions for RPEEE.

Highlights:

Mount Diablo and Northern Belle pit-constrained resources:

- Measured and Indicated (M&I) resource of 22,070,000 tonnes averaging 94 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au, for 66.754 million ounces of silver and 141,400 ounces of gold, or 70.836 million ounces of silver equivalent ("AgEq") (see note  in table 1).

- Inferred resource of 2,960,000 tonnes averaging 68 g/t Ag and 0.18 g/t Au, for 6.462 million ounces of silver and 17,000 ounces of gold (7.00 million oz AgEq).

- Measured and Indicated (M&I) resource of 22,070,000 tonnes averaging 94 g/t Ag and 0.20 g/t Au, for 66.754 million ounces of silver and 141,400 ounces of gold, or 70.836 million ounces of silver equivalent ("AgEq") (see note  in table 1). - Inferred resource of 2,960,000 tonnes averaging 68 g/t Ag and 0.18 g/t Au, for 6.462 million ounces of silver and 17,000 ounces of gold (7.00 million oz AgEq). Underground Measured and Indicated resource of 1,200,000 tonnes averaging 168 g/t Ag and 0.27 g/t Au, for 6.45 million ounces of silver and 10,200 ounces of gold (7.150 million oz AgEq).

Underground Inferred resource of 650,000 tonnes averaging 150 g/t Ag and 0.24 g/t Au, for 3.136 million ounces of silver and 5,100 ounces of gold (3.490 million oz AgEq).

C andelaria's project resources (from open-pit, underground, stockpiles and leach pads) now total 108.82 million ounces of silver equivalent in the Measured and Indicated categories, and 29.81 million ounces of silver equivalent Inferred .

Greg Crowe, President and CEO commented: "This updated mineral resource is based on results from extensive reverse circulation and core drilling programs and metallurgical studies completed by Silver One. It also includes historic drill hole information from previous operators. We are very pleased with the results. At this phase, the majority of the resource has been upgraded to a Measured and Indicated category. The current resource estimate exceeds the historic resource, which is encouraging as the current resource is pit-constrained and of higher confidence than historic estimates, plus the mineralization remains open in all directions. Additionally, the company's efforts of testing a novel non-cyanide recovery process have yielded excellent results and have demonstrated the capacity to increase silver and gold recoveries, while potentially lowering process costs. The Company plans to resume drilling late in the year to continue expanding the in-ground mineralization, both in the near-surface mineralization and the higher-grade underground targets. Metallurgical testing of the new non-cyanide technology will continue to further examine the optimization of silver and gold recoveries. Silver One is undertaking a PEA study to compare the recoveries and costs of using cyanide versus these new non-cyanide solutions. It is also examining a pilot heap-leach test to investigate field silver and gold recoveries."

Silver One previously announced a NI 43-101 mineral resource for mineralization in leach pads on August 18, 2020. The leach pad resources include 22.18 million tonnes for 30.02 million ounces of silver and 52,000 ounces of gold (at a grade of 42.1 g/t Ag and 0.074 g/t Au respectively) in the Indicated category, and 11.45 million tonnes for 15.4 million ounces of silver and 36,700 ounces of gold (at grade of 41.8 g/t Ag and 0.10 g/t Au respectively) in the Inferred category. Indicated and Inferred silver equivalent ounces (AgEq) total 30.8 and 16.1 million ounces respectively (Table 2).

Table 1. Candelaria in-ground, underground, and stockpiles mineral resource estimates.

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679350/Table_1.jpg

Totals above include pit Constrained Mineral Resources (Mt. Diablo and Northern Belle) at a US$9.273 NSR cut-off, within a US$27.50/oz Ag optimized pit shell (see footnotes and Resource Estimate Details section below).

1. A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.

An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.

An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.

An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve. 2. Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources has no known issues and does not appear materially affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. There is no guarantee that Silver One will be successful in obtaining any or all of the requisite consents, permits or approvals, regulatory or otherwise for the project or that the project will be placed into production. 3. The mineral resources in this study were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ('CIM'), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. 4. This Mineral Resource Estimate for the near-surface material is based on material within an optimized open pit shell that results from a US$27.50/oz silver price revenue factor. Tonnes and grade reported at $27.50/oz Ag and U$2,106/oz Au. 5. The Mineral Resource Estimate for underground material was calculated using a 90 g/t Ag(T) cut-off below the $27.50 Pit and using a 70% mining recovery. 6. Total Ag (AgT) and Au (AuT) mean total silver and gold assays (FA/Gravity) reported by the lab. It also means Calculated silver and gold values for historic samples collected by previous operators that were assayed for cyanide soluble silver or gold only, but not assayed for total gold and silver. Average total silver and gold for Mt. Diablo, Northern Belle and Underground resources in this table are derived from silver and gold assays in a database that consists of up to 80% of cyanide soluble silver and gold assays only. Approximately 20% of the assays in the database have both FA and or gravity total silver and gold values. The latter constitutes the basis for the generation of the Calculated silver and gold values using regression formulas developed by qualified Silver One professionals.

Table 2. Candelaria Leach Pad mineral resources. As reported on August 18, 2020 company's news release.

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679349/Table_2.jpg

Candelaria's project resources now total 108.822 million ounces of silver equivalent ("AgEq") in the Measured and Indicated categories, and 29.808 million ounces of silver equivalent including in-ground, leach pad and stockpiles material. Higher grade material such as the underground resource, contains a significant amount of zinc. However, owing to the scarcity of base metal assays in most of the database, base metals are not included in this resource estimate at this time.

This report brings to current, upgrades and expands the historic resource of the Mount Diablo, Northern Belle and Stockpiles reported by SSR in a Technical Report filed on SEDAR in 2002, and complements the resource estimate of the leach pads reported by the company in 2020 (See the Company's news release of August 18, 2020).

Metal prices used for this resource estimate are US $27.50 per ounce of silver and US $2,106 per ounce of gold. These prices are used for the exploitation scenarios related to reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The 3-year trailing average metal prices are US $2,146 per ounce of gold and US $25.11 per ounce of silver. Spot prices for April 30, 2025 were US 3,328 per ounce of gold and US $33.19 per ounce of silver.

To fulfill the requirement of reasonable prospects for economic extraction ("RPEEE"), a conceptual crushing and leaching scenario using the Merrill-Crowe process was developed based on the results of the High-Pressure Grinding Rolls ("HPGR") and column cyanide leach tests. These metallurgical tests were completed by McClelland Laboratories Inc. and Kappes Cassiday & Associates ("KCA") in Reno, Nevada (see Company's news release May 21, 2019).

The scenarios evaluated were developed based on an operational throughput of 10,000 per day (tpd). The base case was using a silver recovery of 56%, 66% and 55% for oxide, mixed and sulfide material respectively, and gold recoveries of 51%, 10% and 0% for oxide, mixed and sulfide, respectively. These metal recoveries are estimated field recoveries which are discounted by a factor of 9% from laboratory column test recoveries, as normally done in practice by KCA for feasibility study purposes. The mining and heap-leach processing assumptions for RPEEE are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Mining and Heap Leach Processing assumptions for RPEEE.

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679348/Table_3.jpg

The above assumptions use an open-pit mining internal cut-off NSR value of US$9.27/tonne (equivalent to a cut-off grade between 14.81 g/t AgEq to $17.78 g/t AgEq depending on the rock and mineralization type). Cut-off for underground mining is 90 g/t Ag.

Resource Estimate Details

The constraining pit for RPEEE was designed using 6m and 3m block size and the Lerch-Grossman "LG" algorithm. The optimal pit resulted from a US$27.50 g/t Ag and US$2,106 g/t Au price revenue factor and was used as a pit shell for the near-surface resource estimate. Tonnage and grade reported was tabulated at US$27.50 /oz Ag and US$2,106 /oz Au.

and block size and the Lerch-Grossman "LG" algorithm. The optimal pit resulted from a g/t Ag and g/t Au price revenue factor and was used as a pit shell for the near-surface resource estimate. Tonnage and grade reported was tabulated at /oz Ag and /oz Au. Specific gravities were calculated from 78 laboratory measurements of all types of mineralized materials. Averages are 2.52 g/cm 3 for oxide and mixed mineralization, 2.66 g/cm 3 for sulfides, and 2.37 g/cm 3 for all other rock materials.

for oxide and mixed mineralization, 2.66 g/cm for sulfides, and 2.37 g/cm for all other rock materials. Historical mine workings at Northern Belle were digitized in mine grid from various maps, vertical and longitudinal sections and solid wireframes were built and converted to UTM coordinates. Volume of workings were calculated and deducted from the respective block affected.

Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources were determined from respective classification search ranges for Mt Diablo:



Range composites classification

0 to 5.81m >5 Measured,

5.81to9.62m >10 Measured

9.62to11.53m >10 Indicated

11.53-27.1m 10-30 Indicated

>27.1m all Inferred

Classification search ranges for Northern Belle:



0 to 6.26m >5 Measured

6.26 to 12.65m >10 Measured

6.26t o 12.65m <10 Indicated

12.65 to 37.18m 10-30 Indicated

>37.18m all Inferred

Underground resources were tabulated using a 90 g/t Ag(T) cut-off below the $27.50 Pit and using a 70% mining recovery.

Pit and using a 70% mining recovery. The Mineral Resource Estimate is based on a drill hole database containing 938 surface RC, percussion and diamond drill holes totaling 143,389 metres of drilling and 76,796 assays. Historic drilling (90% of the drillholes with only cyanide soluble assays) was converted from mine grid to UTM by surveying mine grid points in UTM and doing a grid conversion.

Verification of the interpolation of the resource model included visual inspections of the block grades versus composite values and geologic model, block model swash plots for soluble silver, and a 'one out' cross-validation.

A Technical report in support of the MRE, dated effective April 30, 2025 titled "Technical Report on the Candelaria Property, Mineral and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, USA" was prepared by James A. McCrea, P. Geo., in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101, and will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of this press release.

Candelaria Project Background

Candelaria was historically the highest-grade silver producer in the state of Nevada, averaging over 1,200 g/T AgEq (40 oz/t AgEq) from high-grade vein mining between the mid-1800s and the mid-1900s. Open pit mining operations mined silver and base metals from stockwork and manto-style mineralized bodies with accessory gold values hosted in rocks of the Candelaria and Pickhandle Gulch formations. The majority of the mineralization is associated with the Lower Candelaria shear and Pickhandle thrusts. Open-pit mining was undertaken in the 1970s through 1998 by several companies, including Nerco, Inc. and Kinross. Kinross closed the open pit and leach operation in 1998 due to low silver prices. Leaching of the historic pads was not completed leaving a substantial amount of silver unprocessed. It is estimated that the property has produced over 68 million ounces of silver. Historical information was obtained from "Geology of the Candelaria Mining District, Mineral County, Nevada, 1959, Nevada Bureau of Mines, Bulletin 56", and the SSR Mining Inc. technical report titled "Candelaria Project Technical Report" dated May 24, 2001 (filed on SEDAR June 20, 2002), prepared by Pincock Allen & Holt.

Qualified Persons

The mineral resource estimate was prepared by James A. McCrea, P. Geo, an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the content of the news release relating to the mineral resource estimate.

The technical content of this news release, not related to the mineral resource estimate, has been reviewed and approved by Robert M. Cann, P. Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and an independent consultant to the Company.

About Silver One

Silver One is focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The Company holds 100% interest in its flagship project, the past-producing Candelaria Mine located in Nevada. Potential reprocessing of silver from the historic leach pads at Candelaria provides an opportunity for possible near-term production. Additional opportunities lie in previously identified high-grade silver intercepts down-dip and potentially increasing the substantive silver mineralization along-strike from the two past-producing open pits.

The Company owns 636 lode claims and five patented claims on its Cherokee project located in Lincoln County, Nevada, host to multiple silver-copper-gold vein systems, traced to date for over 11 km along-strike.

Silver One also owns a 100% interest in the Silver Phoenix Project. The Silver Phoenix Project is a very high-grade native silver prospect that lies within the "Arizona Silver Belt," immediately adjacent to the prolific copper producing area of Globe, Arizona.

For more information, please contact:

Silver One Resources Inc.

Gary Lindsey - VP, Investor Relations

Phone: 604-9745274

Mobile: (720) 273-6224

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silver One cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Silver One's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silver One's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on the Candelaria Project, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silver One undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

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.

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SOURCE Silver One Resources Inc.
LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silvus Technologies, Inc. ("Silvus"), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communications, today announced the launch of its latest innovation - the DualStream PTT Controller - at Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, FL.

Designed for the connected operator, the DualStream PTT Controller streamlines tactical communications, enhancing situational awareness in the most demanding environments.

Designed for the connected operator, the DualStream PTT Controller streamlines tactical communications, enhancing situational awareness in the most demanding environments.

Engineered for mission-critical performance, the DualStream PTT Controller features a glove-friendly 16-position talk group selector and real-time audio prompts that allow for fast, intuitive talk group assignment, even under pressure. Its dedicated volume control, left/right audio channel output, and dual PTT buttons enable operators to rapidly switch between two talk groupsor key both simultaneously.

Natively compatible with 4000 (and the upcoming 5000) Series StreamCaster MANET radios, the DualStream PTT Controller is compatible with headsets from leading manufacturers including Atlantic Signal, and Ops-Core, with planned support for INVISIO, OTTO, and FalCom.

"The DualStream PTT Controller is purpose-built to give operators a tactical edge in complex, multi-mission environments," said Neema Daneshvar, Vice President of Product at Silvus Technologies. "With seamless talk group management, dual-channel audio control and a rugged, user-centric form factor, it empowers the warfighter with reliable, real-time communication capabilities when it matters most."

Built to withstand extreme conditions, the DualStream PTT Controller is IP67 rated, and features waterproof volume buttons housed in a ruggedized form factor for maximum durability in the field. A rotatable MOLLE clip offers flexible mounting options, ensuring quick, easy access for both left- and right-handed operators.

Silvus will showcase the DualStream PTT Controller and the full StreamCaster family of MANET radios at SOF Week (Booth #641), alongside live demonstrations of innovative mesh networking technology that, together are empowering the warfighter to achieve Spectrum Dominance across today's dynamic battlespace.

Spectrum Dominance  a software licensable extension to Silvus' battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform, this expansive suite of Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities enables secure and protected communications in EW contested environments without sacrificing performance.

StreamCaster LITE 5200  designed for today's leading-edge unmanned systems, the SL5200 unifies C2, sensor and telemetry data with communications relay capabilities in an ultra-low SWaP, easy-to-integrate MANET radio module.

StreamCaster PRISM  a family of modular Precision Integrated Sectorized MIMO antenna radio systems that provide long-range sectorized coverage across wide areas of operation. Designed for tactical operations, at-the-halt, and fixed infrastructure applications, StreamCaster PRISM's ruggedized construction and toolless set-up enables it to be rapidly deployed for operational flexibility.

StreamConnect: Global Ad Hoc Network  an adaptable data transport technology that seamlessly integrates StreamCaster MANET radios with internet connectivity to connect teams operating anywhere around the globe with 5G, Satcom or other internet source, enabling BLOS communications from virtually anywhere on the globe.

To learn more, visit http://www.silvustechnologies.com. Stay connected with Silvus on LinkedIn.

About Silvus Technologies, Inc.

As the world's leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, Silvus Technologies is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications  on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Its battle proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement, and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments. Developed by a team of top PhD scientists and design engineers, Silvus Technologies continues to innovate communications technology for the tactical edge with unmatched range, data throughput, EW resiliency, and scalability. Silvus Technologies is privately held with world headquarters located in Los Angeles, CA. Learn more at https://silvustechnologies.com.

Onsite Media Contact: Keith Swenson, 310.479.3333, [email protected]

Silvus - Sales Contact: Jimi Henderson, 310.479.3333, [email protected]

SOURCE Silvus Technologies, Inc.
Bringing Customer Communication and Agentic AI to Businesses Globally

ATLANTA and STOCKHOLM, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinch (Sinch AB (publ))  (XSTO: SINCH,) which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Customer Communications Cloud, today announced a strategic partnership with OneReach.ai., a leader in the Forrester Wave and Gartner Magic Quadrant for Conversational AI. This partnership will empower businesses worldwide to rapidly deploy customized agentic AI experiences across the communication channels their customers use most.

As companies increasingly embrace AI to scale personalized engagement, this collaboration combines Sinch's enterprise-grade global messaging, voice, and email capabilities with OneReach.ai's Generative Studio X (GSX)a powerful, end-to-end platform that enables organizations to build, deploy, and orchestrate AI-native applications. Together, Sinch and OneReach.ai aim to set a new standard for making it easy to incorporate agentic AI in customer communications.

GSX empowers businesses to rapidly develop and orchestrate AI agents capable of handling complex, omni-channel interactions that leverage real-time data, coordinate across systems, and improve over time. With over 1,000 pre-built components and a composable architecture, GSX dramatically accelerates time to value  helping organizations automate workflows, reduce costs, and increase satisfaction across both customer and employee touchpoints.

"At Sinch, we're relentlessly focused on helping businesses create personalized, relevant, and timely experiences on the channels that matter most," said Robert Gerstmann, Chief Evangelist, and Co-Founder at Sinch. "Our partnership with OneReach.ai expands on that mission - combining our intelligent global communications infrastructure with their powerful AI agent orchestration platform. This is one of many collaborations where Sinch is powering the next generation of agentic AI through our enterprise-grade architecture, scale, and global presence."

With OneReach.ai's open architecture and extensive library of pre-built integrationsincluding CRM, ERP, and IT Service Management systemsenterprises can seamlessly add communications to existing businesses processes, ensuring data flows freely and AI agents can act with full context and precision.

"We chose to add Sinch as a partner to amplify the reach of our AI Agent Orchestration Platform, particularly given their global leadership in CPaaS and RCS," said Robb Wilson, CEO at OneReach.ai. "With GSX, we're enabling enterprises to transform customer and employee experiences by combining our strengths in intelligent automation with Sinch's strength in global communications infrastructure, offering unmatched flexibility in deploying sophisticated agentic solutions."

Sinch's approach to AI is rooted in intentional intelligence  leveraging the right tools and partnerships to deliver smarter, safer conversational experiences. As a trusted provider across industries like financial services, healthcare, and telecom, Sinch powers agentic AI through enterprise-grade architecture, unmatched scale, and a global presence.

Together with partners like OneReach.ai, Sinch is helping all over the world to connect with customers at every step of their journey. For more information visit Sinch.com

For more information please contact:

Janet Lennon, Director of Global PR & Communications

[email protected] |1.206.914.6175

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
STOCKHOLM, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with an existing client for a data center project in Western USA. The contract is worth USD 164M, about SEK 1.7 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the second quarter of 2025.

The project is a 33,400 square meters (360,000 SF), 36-megawatt tenant improvement within an existing building shell, to be completed and turned over in four phases for the client.

Work will begin in June 2025 and is expected to be completed in June 2027.

For further information please contact:

Daniela Arellano, Communications Director, Skanska USA, tel +1 -213-317-4977

Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 76 870 75 51

Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-builds-data-center-project-in-western-usa-for-usd-164m--about-sek-1-7-billion,c4145428

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4145428/3429142.pdf 20250506 US data center

SOURCE Skanska
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF has updated its brand identity to become more modern, confident and dynamic. Even the iconic SKF logotype has gotten a facelift, for the first time since 1908. However, it created some unforeseen consequences - for those who cares the most.

The SKF logotype has become a symbol of excellence in the industry, inspiring some individuals to permanently brand their bodies with it. To honour this dedication, SKF is offering the opportunity to update their tattoos to match the refreshed brand identity.

One of the first to embrace this offer is Jozsef Mezes, an SKF distributor from Hungary. Mezes, who got his first SKF tattoo in 1994 and another in 2023, has now yet again tattooed SKF with the new design, proudly placed above his heart.

"As an SKF distributor, I have always kept the company close to my heart. The key element to the company success is passion, brand loyalty and business ethics," says Jozsef Mezes.

Video with Mezes.

The new brand identity is bolder and more modern, yet unmistakably SKF. It features a subtly redesigned logo, a more vibrant blue, a new typeface, and more distinctive photography.

"The SKF brand represents the culmination of everything the company doesproducts, people, values, innovations, reputation, communication, and our vision for the future. As the company embarks on this journey to the future, we take full responsibility for the impact of updating an iconic brand, even when it comes to supporting our fans, and that's why we are offering an update," says Daniel Sjostrand, Head of brand and campaigns, SKF.

How to update your tattoo

By registering on skf.com/tattoo, people with SKF tattoos can get up to date with the new brand. The offer is valid for the first 100 applicants until July 31. The applicants are free to choose their own tattoo artists, if they adhere to local rules and regulations.

Disclaimer

SKF offers a tattoo update to the first 100 adults that have an existing tattoo today and who agree to the terms of participation. SKF will not provide a tattoo artist, neither does SKF take accountability for the tattoo artist of choice - the receiver will have to choose their own, but SKF strongly urges participants to choose a certified tattoo artist in a safe environment and participation shall adhere to local rules and regulations.

Aktiebolaget SKF

(publ)

For further information, please contact:

Press Relations: Karin Markhede, PR-manager, +46 707 58 87 30; [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-offers-free-tattoo-updates-as-the-iconic-brand-gets-a-refresh,c4144956

The following files are available for download:
LAS VEGAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas Holdings" or the "Company") today announced that it has rescheduled the release of its financial results and conference call related to the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, which had previously been scheduled for May 7, 2025.

Southwest Gas Holdings plans to issue financial results and hold its earnings conference call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 on Monday, May 12, 2025.

The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com .

Date: Monday, May 12, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM ET Telephone number: (800) 836-8184 International number: (646) 357-8785

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will also be archived on the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com . Alternatively, a digital replay of the call can be accessed by dialing (888) 660-6345 or internationally at (646) 517-4150, beginning one hour after the end of the earnings call. Replay code is 15264#. The digital replay of the call will be available until 4:30 PM ET on May 19, 2025.

Financial Guidance and Outlook

The Company also affirms its full year forward-looking guidance for Southwest Gas Corporation, previously provided on February 26, 2025, as follows:

(in millions, except percentages)

Current Estimates 2025 Net income guidance(1)

$ 265 - $ 275 2025 Capital expenditures in support of customer growth, system improvements, and pipe replacement programs

~$880 2025 - 2029 Adjusted net income CAGR(2)

6.0% - 8.0% 2025- 2029 Capital expenditures

$ 4,300 2025 - 2029 Rate base CAGR(2)

6.0% - 8.0% (1) Assumes $3 - $5 million COLI earnings.



(2) Net income and rate base compound annual growth rate: base year 2025.





In a separate press release issued today, Centuri Holdings affirmed its full year 2025 outlook. Southwest Gas Holdings owns approximately 81% of the stock of Centuri Holdings, Inc.

About Southwest Gas Holdings

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary Southwest Gas Corporation, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas. Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of over 2 million customers throughout Arizona, Nevada, and California by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. In addition, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is the majority owner of Centuri Holdings, Inc., which provides comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words such as "will," "predict," "continue," "forecast," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "outlook," "could," "target," "project," "intend," "plan," "seek," "estimate," "should," "may" and "assume," as well as variations of such words and similar expressions referring to the future. Factors that could cause actual results to differ also include (without limitation) those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.'s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's and Southwest Gas Corporation's current and periodic reports, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed from time to time with the SEC. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by Southwest Gas on its website or otherwise. Southwest Gas does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
SpreeAI celebrates a $1.5 billion valuation as it prepares for groundbreaking partnerships and game-changing innovation.

NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpreeAI, a leader in fashion tech innovation, is transforming retail with its photorealistic try-on product so lifelike the naked eye can't tell it's virtual. Combined with sizing technology boasting 99% accuracy, SpreeAI delivers hyper-personalized shopping experiences that enhance both retail companies' operations and consumers' satisfaction. Designed for seamless use both in-store and online, SpreeAI is reshaping shopping by merging advanced AI with real-world applications.

SpreeAI Is Redefining Retail With Virtual AI-Powered Try-Ons Curated by the Top in Tech and Fashion SpreeAI Is Redefining Retail With Virtual AI-Powered Try-Ons Curated by the Top in Tech and Fashion (PRNewsfoto/SpreeAI)

For consumers, SpreeAI adds an unparalleled level of personalization, allowing shoppers to become the model and visualize clothing in a lifelike, photorealistic way. Packed with upcoming features like an AI stylist, a virtual wardrobe, and more, SpreeAI creates a dynamic and engaging shopping experience. For retailers, SpreeAI is engineered to reduce returns and boost sales conversions, offering a transformative solution for the fashion industry.

Visionary Leadership Drives $1.5B Valuation

Led by visionary Co-founder and CEO John Imah, SpreeAI's board is bolstered by legendary supermodel and fashion icon Naomi Campbell, alongside entrepreneurs Bob Davidson and Larry Ruvo. Having one of the world's most recognized fashion figures on the board underscores SpreeAI's fusion of high-fashion insight with cutting-edge tech. The company recently achieved a $1.5 billion valuation after an undisclosed funding round led by The Davidson Group, a prominent family office known for supporting groundbreaking ventures. This milestone valuation reflects the market's confidence in SpreeAI's mission and its rapid growth at the intersection of technology and style.

"It's inspiring to be part of SpreeAI's transformative journey under John's visionary leadership. I've always believed in pushing boundaries and embracing innovation, and seeing John's passion and determination firsthand makes me even more excited about the future we're creating together. SpreeAI represents the powerful fusion of fashion, technology, and inclusivityand I'm thrilled to be on this groundbreaking path."

 Naomi Campbell, Fashion Icon and SpreeAI Board Member

Academic and Industry Alliances Fuel Innovation

Exclusive collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Carnegie Mellon University across research initiatives, talent development, and technical collaboration drive SpreeAI's deep commitment to innovation. Additionally, SpreeAI's partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) further solidifies its intersection between advanced technology and high-fashion expertise. These prestigious alliances enable the company to lead the industry with unmatched solutions. With 4 issued patents and 23 pending, SpreeAI safeguards its proprietary technology, ensuring its position as a frontrunner in the competitive retail tech market. This foundation of innovation is further supported by internal initiatives like Proteaa platform that helps retail partners integrate and test SpreeAI's solutionsempowering brands to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.

"The CFDA is proud to collaborate with SpreeAI, a fashion technology leader delivering innovative solutions to help designers and brands thrive in the fashion industry."

 Steven Kolb, CEO, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

"AI is poised to revolutionize many things including e-commerce. SpreeAI is pushing the forefront of this for a truly personalized garment-shopping experience, by leveraging collaborations with academia and assembling a team that understands both the deep technical challenges and their product impact."

 Professor Deva Ramanan, Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Fashion Collaborations & Met Gala Spotlight

2025 is set to be a transformative year for SpreeAI, with major retail and luxury brand partnerships and new product features on the horizon. As part of this momentum, SpreeAI is announcing new partnerships with luxury fashion label Sergio Hudson and London-based contemporary womenswear brand Kai Collective. The timing of these collaborations coincides with a cultural moment: the 2025 Met Gala's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," which honors Black designers. Both Sergio Hudson and Kai Collective's founder Fisayo Longe are celebrated Black designers at the forefront of fashion innovation. John Imah will attend the Met Gala as the first-ever fashion tech in AI startup CEO invited, underscoring SpreeAI's prominent role in the fashion world and its commitment to celebrating the creative visionaries who inspire its technology.

You can now experience SpreeAI's technology firsthand by visiting Sergio Hudson's website at sergiohudson.com.

"We're thrilled to partner with SpreeAI and aim to create a personalized experience for Sergio Hudson and drive increased sales."

 Sergio Hudson, Founder & Creative Director

"At Kai Collective, we're always looking for ways to fuse innovation with storytelling. Collaborating with SpreeAI allows us to explore how technology can elevate the customer experience while staying true to our brand's identity and values."

 Fisayo Longe, Founder & CEO of Kai Collective

These designer partnerships exemplify how SpreeAI's technology unites with creative vision to redefine customer engagement. And SpreeAI isn't stopping here  the company has hinted that even more collaborations with major luxury fashion houses are on the way. By keeping details under wraps, SpreeAI is fueling a buzz of excitement and industry-wide anticipation for what's coming next.

"Our approach will always be customer-focusedthat means both the retail partners and the consumers we serve," said John Imah, Co-founder and CEO of SpreeAI. "We don't just look at the shopping landscape; we reimagine it. Whether it's in-store or online, we step back and ask how AI can transform real-world challenges into seamless, exciting experiences. This mindset drives us forward as we continue shaping the future of retail and fashion with AI, blending innovation with personalization to empower and inspire. The possibilities are limitless, and we're just getting started."

For more information, please contact Brittanae Casper at [email protected].

About SpreeAI

SpreeAI is transforming the shopping experience with its photorealistic try-on product and 99%-accurate sizing technology, designed to enhance both retail operations and consumer satisfaction. For shoppers, SpreeAI offers unmatched personalization, enabling them to become the model while introducing features like an AI stylist, a virtual wardrobe, and more. For retailers, SpreeAI reduces returns, increases sales conversions, and creates seamless shopping experiences. Its product integrates effortlessly into both in-store and online environments, promoting sustainability and setting new standards for retail.

About John Imah

John Imah is a visionary leader at the forefront of technology and fashion. As a Nigerian American and first-generation immigrant, John brings innovation and diversity to the tech industry. Under his leadership, SpreeAI has achieved a $1.5 billion valuation, cementing its role as a transformative force in AI-powered retail.

John's career includes leadership roles at Samsung, Twitch, Amazon, Meta, Take-Two Interactive, and Snap Inc., where he implemented strategies that drove impactful growth. A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), John seamlessly combines his expertise in tech and fashion to deliver groundbreaking solutions.

As a successful entrepreneur and creative, John's influence extends beyond business into design, music, and philanthropy, including initiatives like serving as a strategic advisor to the Davidson Academya pioneering school dedicated to providing profoundly gifted students with educational opportunities tailored to their unique abilities, strengths, and interests. His involvement with the Academy is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences as a profoundly gifted child. By actively mentoring students, funding scholarships, and supporting charitable initiatives, John blends professional success with a genuine commitment to empowering gifted youth and uplifting underserved communities, ensuring his legacy is defined not only by innovation but by authentic and meaningful impact.

SOURCE SpreeAI
SURA Asset Management S.A. announces a Tender Offer to purchase up to U.S.$175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027

MEDELLIN, Colombia, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SURA Asset Management S.A. (the "Company") announced today that it has commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offer") up to U.S.$175 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 (the "Notes") (such amount, as may be increased or modified by the Company in its sole discretion, the "Maximum Amount"). The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms of an Offer to Purchase dated May 6, 2025 (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), and is subject to certain conditions described therein.

Summary Timetable and Terms for the Tender Offer

Maximum Acceptance Amount: U.S. $175 million

Commencement of the Tender Offer: May 6, 2025

Early Tender Time: 5:00 p.m. NYT on May 19, 2025

NYT on Withdrawal Deadline: 5:00 p.m. NYT on May 19, 2025

NYT on Early Settlement Date (at Company's Option): to be determined at the Company's option and is currently expected to be on May 22, 2025

Expiration Time: 5:00 p.m. NYT on June 4, 2025

NYT on Final Settlement Date: within three business days following the Expiration Time or as promptly as practicable thereafter.

Details of the Tender Offer

The table below summarizes certain payment terms for the Notes.

Title of

Securities CUSIPs / ISINs Outstanding

Principal Amount(1) Tender Offer

Consideration(2) Maximum

Acceptance

Amount Early Tender

Payment(3) Total

Consideration(4) 4.375%

Senior Guaranteed

Notes due 2027

CUSIP: 78486L AA0 (144A)

P8803L AA6 (Reg S)



U.S.$350,000,000 U.S.$970.00 U.S.$175,000,000 U.S.$30.00 U.S.$1,000.00 ISIN: US78486LAA08 (144A)

USP8803LAA63 (Reg S)





(1) Outstanding Principal Amount as of April 30, 2025. (2) Consideration in the form of cash per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes that are validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn). Excludes Accrued Interest, if any, which will be paid in addition to the Tender Offer Consideration or Total Consideration, as applicable. (3) The Early Tender Payment will be payable to Holders who validly tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes on or prior to the Early Tender Time. (4) Includes the Early Tender Payment for Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on or prior to the Early Tender Time.

The Tender Offer is being made contemporaneously with the pricing of an offering by the Company of new senior guaranteed notes.

The Tender Offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 4, 2025, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Time"). In order for holders of Notes to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below) for their Notes, such holders must validly tender (and not validly withdraw) such Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 19, 2025, unless extended by the Company in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Early Tender Time"). Holders that tender Notes after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time will only be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below), which does not include the Early Tender Payment (as defined below).

The consideration for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer (the "Total Consideration") will be U.S.$1,000.00. The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment (the "Early Tender Payment") of U.S.$30.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes (which is payable in respect of Notes tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase). Holders who tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time will be eligible to receive consideration (the "Tender Offer Consideration"), equal to (i) the Total Consideration minus (ii) the Early Tender Payment, on the Final Settlement Date (as defined below). The Total Consideration and the Tender Offer Consideration will be payable in cash in U.S. dollars. In addition, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase will also receive an amount equal to accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below) for the Notes accepted for purchase (the "Accrued Interest"). The Company will only accept for purchase Notes up to the Maximum Amount.

The Company's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of certain customary conditions, as further described in the Offer to Purchase.

The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. However, the Tender Offer is subject to, and conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions described in the Offer to Purchase in respect of the Tender Offer, including the Financing Condition, as described therein.

Assuming the Company accepts Notes tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer and subject to the Maximum Amount and proration, the Company intends to accept for purchase on the Early Settlement Date (the "Early Settlement Date") all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time. Payment in cash of an amount equal to the Total Consideration, plus Accrued Interest, for such accepted Notes will be made on the settlement date (at the Company's option), which is expected to be within three business days after the Early Tender Time, or as promptly as practicable thereafter (the "Early Settlement Date"). The occurrence of the Early Settlement Date with respect to the Tender Offer will be determined at the Company's option, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by the Company. Regardless of whether the Company chooses to exercise its option to have an Early Settlement Date with respect to the Tender Offer, the Company will purchase any remaining Notes that have been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Expiration Time and that the Company chooses to accept for purchase, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by the Company, within three business days following the Expiration Time or as promptly as practicable thereafter (the settlement date of such purchase being referred to as the "Final Settlement Date"), subject to the Maximum Amount and proration.

If the purchase of all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time would cause the Company to accept for purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes in excess of the Maximum Amount, then the Tender Offer will be oversubscribed at the Early Tender Time and, assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer, the Company will purchase Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase on a prorated basis according to the principal amount of such Notes, such that the Company purchases an aggregate principal amount of Notes that does not exceed the Maximum Amount. Accordingly, if the Maximum Amount is reached in respect of tenders of Notes made at or prior to the Early Tender Time, no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Time will be accepted for purchase.

If all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time would not cause the Company to accept for purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes equal to or in excess of the Maximum Amount, assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Tender Offer, the Company will purchase on the Final Settlement Date, Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time and accepted for purchase, subject to the Maximum Amount and proration. If the purchase of such Notes would cause the Company to accept for purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes in excess of the Maximum Amount, then the Tender Offer will be oversubscribed at the Expiration Time and, assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer, the Company will purchase on the Final Settlement Date, Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time and accepted for purchase on a prorated basis according to the principal amount of such Notes, such that the Company purchases the maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes that does not exceed the Maximum Amount; provided that Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time will have priority in acceptance over Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Time. Accordingly, if the Maximum Amount is reached in respect of tenders of Notes made at or prior to the Early Tender Time, no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Time will be accepted for purchase.

Tendered Notes may be withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 19, 2025, unless extended by the Company in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Withdrawal Deadline"), but not thereafter. The Early Tender Time or Expiration Time can be extended independently of the Withdrawal Deadline.

In addition, to the extent legally permitted to do so, the Company expressly reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, at any time (i) to waive any condition to the Tender Offer, (ii) to amend any of the terms of the Tender Offer, (iii) to terminate the Tender Offer; (iv) to increase or decrease the Maximum Amount, (v) to extend the Withdrawal Deadline, (vi) to extend or amend the Early Tender Time or the Expiration Time, or (vii) to modify the Tender Offer Consideration or the Early Tender Payment, in each case (other than clause (v)) without extending the Withdrawal Deadline or otherwise reinstating withdrawal rights of holders subject to applicable law.

BBVA Securities Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as the dealer managers for the Tender Offer and can be contacted with questions regarding the Tender Offer at the following telephone numbers and email addresses:

BBVA Securities Inc. Two Manhattan West, 375 9th Ave, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001 Attention: Liability Management Collect: +1 (212) 728-1607 Toll Free: +1 (800) 422-8692 Email: [email protected] J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279 Toll Free: +1 (866) 846-2874

Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to holders of Notes from Global Bondholder Services Corporation (GBSC), the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation (GBSC) via the website for the Tender Offer at https://www.gbsc-usa.com/SURA, at 65 Broadway, Suite 404, New York, NY 10006, Attn: Corporate Action, via email at [email protected], or by calling collect: +1 (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers) or toll free: +1 (855) 654-2015 (all others).

The Tender Offer is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Company or any of its affiliates. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will the Company accept tenders of Notes from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No recommendation is made by the Bank of New York Mellon as trustee, the Company, the dealer managers or the information agent and the tender agent as to whether holders should tender their Notes with respect to the Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Tender Offer.

Holders that tender their Notes should be aware that their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee may establish its own earlier deadlines for participation in the Tender Offer. Accordingly, holders of Notes wishing to participate in the Tender Offer should contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee as soon as possible in order to determine the times by which such owner must take action in order to participate in the Tender Offer.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. the Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, including, without limitation, changes in our business or acquisition strategy or planned capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About the Company

We are a leading asset management firm specializing in retirement savings solutions, and investment solutions for individuals, corporates and financial institutions primarily in Latin America. We manage a diversified portfolio of products, including mandatory and voluntary retirement savings and annuities, advisory for wealth management, corporate benefit solutions and investment management strategies for insurance companies and financial institutions.

IR Contact

Ana Isabel Tamayo

Director

[email protected]

Carrera 43 a# 3 - 101, 8th Floor (Medellin, Colombia)

Sandra Jaramillo

Manager, Finance & Treasury

[email protected]

Carrera 43 a# 3 - 101, 8th Floor (Medellin, Colombia)

SOURCE SURA Asset Management S.A.
SYNEVIT's Methylfolate and Iodine Complex Is an Optimized Way to Encourage Fetal Health and Prevent Certain Developmental Defects

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many natural ways to maintain the health of a baby and its mother during pregnancy. SYNEVIT has developed SYNFOLINE as a key source of bioavailable folate and iodine  both of which are critical aspects of prenatal care.

"A healthy pregnancy requires proactive, optimized nutritional support," says George Cvetkovski, founder and CEO of SYNEVIT. "We work with medical professionals, including on-staff doctors and pharmacists, to develop our in-house line of nutraceuticals. Each of these, including SYNFOLINE, is composed of the best ingredients present in optimal quantities that follow recommended daily allowances." The goal, Cvetkovski explains, is to ensure maximum impact. "Basically, we make sure you get the right nutrients in the correct quantities to ensure that your pregnancy is as safe and healthy as possible."

SYNEVIT has used this transparent and detail-oriented approach to develop multiple products for pregnancy and fertility, including its inositol complex FERTILIMIN and its more comprehensive prenatal and lactation vitamin supplement PRENALACT. In the case of SYNFOLINE, the emphasis is exclusively on methylfolate and iodine as key ingredients to the gestational process.

Methylfolate (or full L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate calcium) is important for key reproductive activities, such as DNA synthesis, cell division, and prevention of neural tube defects. 5-MTHF has become a popular alternative to traditional folate supplements, as it is an "active" form of folic acid that is more bioavailable for many who suffer from a genetic MTHFR mutation.

Iodine is another crucial ingredient in the gestational process. It is essential for thyroid function and growth in children and can improve brain and nerve development. According to Mayo Clinic, "Severe iodine deficiency can have devastating effects on fetal brain development. The result can be lifelong developmental delays and intellectual disability." The health group adds that "Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability worldwide." (Emphasis added.)

Simple additions like SYNFOLINE can be the perfect way to enhance a prenatal regimen and encourage the best results possible. Each package of SYFOLINE comes with 60 soft gels (one per day taken after breakfast). Each of these contains 400 mcg of folate and 100 mcg of iodine. They are packaged in SYNEVIT's blister packaging as well to prevent the negative effects of oxidation over time and ensure maximum potency.

SYNFOLINE is generally safe to combine with other supplements and has minimal side effects. Nevertheless, as with all supplements, if someone is considering using SYNFOLINE (or any of SYNEVIT's pregnancy-related nutraceuticals), it is important to consult with a healthcare professional first.

About SYNEVIT

Launched in 1998 by CEO George Cvetkovski, SYNEVIT traces its roots to North Macedonia (ex: Yugoslavia). The brand is currently headquartered out of North Macedonia, with offices in Serbia and Rochester, New York. SYNEVIT is an in-house brand of vitamins and minerals with unique, perpetually improved formulas informed by on-staff doctors and pharmacists and designed for therapeutic effect in patients. Learn more at synevit.com.

Contact:

George Cvetkovski

[email protected]

(02) 3225 843

SOURCE Synevit
International Cloud Security Awards Program Names its Winners

NEW YORK & LONDON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The winners in The 2025 Security Awards, operated by the global cloud computing awards body, The Cloud Awards, have been selected, and revealed today.

The Security Awards

The Security Awards is a global recognition platform for technology providers specializing in cloud security solutions. The awards program covers both broader excellence in cybersecurity  through categories such as 'Best SaaS Security Solution' and 'Best Cybersecurity Solution'  to more specialized disciplines such as digital forensics, risk identification, firewalls, use of AI, and email security.

The program accepted entries from organizations based across the globe, including the USA, across Europe, and the Middle East. Entrants represented a cross section of businesses of varying sizes  from smaller startups to larger multi-nationals.

CEO of The Cloud Awards, James Williams, said: "We are very proud to reveal the winners of The 2025 Security Awards. This year has been a particularly exciting one for the program, as we welcomed a range of entries from organizations looking to repeat their success in 2024, alongside an outstanding range of newcomers.

"Security and privacy concerns continue to be a hot topic in the cloud computing industry, as new threats emerge and older ones evolve due to constant technological advancement. The same concerns are becoming more prevalent within the public's consciousness too, as stories of breaches or cyber attacks grab headlines internationally.

"This year's winners have demonstrated their admirable commitment to keeping our digital assets and data secure, developing increasingly ingenious methods to keep bad actors at bay, and educating the industry on good security practice. We offer our congratulations to them, and extend a thanks to all who entered this year's awards."

The program will return to welcome new submissions in early 2026, to continue recognizing the latest advancements in cybersecurity.

To view the full shortlist, please visit: https://www.cloud-awards.com/2025-cloud-security-awards-winners

Entries are open for all other Cloud Awards programs for 2025. The SaaS Awards, which rewards outstanding work in software-as-a-service across any industry, has its entry deadline in May. The A.I. Awards, and The Cloud Awards, which celebrate the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, have their deadlines in July, and October respectively.

Contact details

For The Cloud Awards

Matthew Gregory  Sales and Marketing Manager

https://www.cloud-awards.com

[email protected]

(212) 574-8117

Notes for editors

About the Cloud Awards

The Cloud Awards is an international program which has been recognizing and honoring industry leaders, innovators and organizational transformation in cloud computing since 2011. The Cloud Awards comprises five awards programs, each uniquely celebrating success across cloud computing, software-as-a-service (SaaS), cloud security, artificial intelligence (AI), and financial technologies (FinTech).

Winners are selected by a judging panel of international industry experts. For more information about the Cloud Awards, please visit https://www.cloud-awards.com/.

About The Cloud Awards Program

The Cloud Awards identifies and celebrates the most innovative organizations, technologies, individuals and teams in the world of cloud computing. The program spans 36 categories, including 'Best Cloud Infrastructure' and 'Best Cloud Automation Solution'.

About The SaaS Awards

The SaaS Awards focuses on recognizing excellence and innovation in software solutions. Categories range from Best Enterprise-Level SaaS to Best UX or UI Design in a SaaS Product.

About The Cloud Security Awards

The Cloud Security Awards celebrates innovation in the cybersecurity industry. The program includes a wide range of categories, including 'Best Web Security Solution,' 'Cloud Security Innovator of the Year,' and 'Best Security Solution for Finance or Banking.'

About The A.I. Awards

The A.I. Awards recognizes the best and the brightest in solutions utilizing artificial intelligence. The program incorporates 26 categories across a wide range of sectors, including 'Best Use of AI in Retail and eCommerce' and 'Best Use of AI in Finance'.

About The FinTech Awards

The FinTech Awards focuses on the major innovations in the world of financial technology, across 23 categories. These include 'Best FinTech for Financial Accounting and Management Accounting' and 'Best FinTech for RegTech and Financial Compliance'.

SOURCE The Cloud Awards
RSVP to Attend the Event on May 20 in the Seaport

BOSTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Globe, in partnership with Keches Law, presents the 2025 Salute to Nurses Celebration , an event honoring the dedication, hard work, and tireless commitment of local nurses with a well-deserved evening of appreciation, recognition, and networking with colleagues for our region's healthcare heroes.

The annual Celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at The Grand, located at 58 Seaport Boulevard in Boston. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, offering a festive atmosphere with music, complimentary refreshments, and appetizers throughout the evening.

"Nurses are a vital part of our healthcare system, and the Globe is so proud to celebrate their talent, selflessness, and compassion with our partners from Keches Law," said Erika Hale, vice president of events at Boston Globe Media. "Our Salute to Nurses Celebration is a way of expressing our deepest gratitude for their service to our community."

Admission to the "Salute to Nurses" celebration is free for all nurses aged 21 and over. A valid nursing ID is required for entry. Nurses are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure their spot at this special event. For more information and to RSVP, please visit http://globe.com/stn .

For more information, email [email protected] .

Contact: Carla Kath, Director of Communications, [email protected]

About Boston Globe Media:

Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Boston and New England for over 153 years. Its cornerstone is The Boston Globe, a 27-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news source and one of the most successful metro news organizations in the United States. The Globe is headquartered in Boston with regional bureaus in Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. The Globe has been successfully growing its direct subscriber base, today boasting the highest total number of subscribers the organization has had since 2008. The Globe hosts events that connect community members to its journalism and provides a range of digital and home-delivered advertising solutions that reach more consumers than any other New England media brand. Boston Globe Media's portfolio includes The Boston Globe, Globe.com , Boston.com , STAT , The B-Side , Globe Publishing Services, Globe Events , Studio/B , and Boston magazine .

SOURCE The Boston Globe
Californians Encouraged to Prepare for Wildfires & Natural Disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- May is Wildfire Preparedness Month, and the California Fire Foundation ( www.cafirefoundation.org )a leading nonprofit supporting active and fallen firefighters, their families, and the communities they protectis calling on all Californians to prepare for fire season and honor those who risk their lives on the front lines.

California continues to face increasingly severe wildfire seasons. As of April 2025, over 1,000 wildfires have already scorched more than 61,000 acres statewide. With climate change and prolonged drought, year-round preparedness is more important than ever. More than 25% of Californians live in high-risk wildfire areas, according to Cal OES.

To help residents and businesses, the Foundation has relaunched its Firefighters On Your Side campaign, offering multilingual, community-based resources to help people:

Create defensible space around their homes

Develop a 5-minute evacuation plan

Pre-pack emergency go-bags

Download a complete wildfire preparedness checklist

"Wildfire season used to run from July through Octobernow it's every month of the year," said Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. "Preparedness saves lives and property. It's how we protect our familiesand honor the sacrifice of those protecting us."

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

Prepare for wildfire season and honor California's fire service heroes:

Visit FirefightersOnYourSide.org for tools and tips in multiple languages

for tools and tips in multiple languages Create defensible space and harden your home

Build a 5-minute evacuation plan

Pre-pack your emergency go-bag

Print and follow the wildfire preparedness checklist

Donate $125 to receive a Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin and support fallen firefighters

to receive a and support fallen firefighters Share special memories of firefighters through the Oral History Project

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Create Defensible Space Zones:

Zone 0 (05 ft): Keep area clear of flammable items; use gravel or concrete.

Zone 1 (530 ft): Trim trees, clear dry brush, and space out plants.

Zone 2 (30100 ft): Thin vegetation, remove dead plants, and maintain clear separation between trees.

Home Hardening Best Practices:

Use fire-resistant roofing materials and keep roofs/gutters clear of debris

and keep roofs/gutters clear of debris Install ember-resistant vents and enclose eaves

Use non-combustible materials for homes and seal all ember entry points

all ember entry points Replace fire-prone landscape with fire-resistant materials like gravel

Avoid wood fences directly connecting to your home

Keep access routes open for emergency vehicles

HONOR OUR HEROES

The Foundation is also using Wildfire Preparedness Month to raise funds for the expansion of the California Firefighters Memorial Wall in Capitol Park, Sacramento. With more than 1,500 names already engraved, the wall has reached capacityprompting a necessary expansion to continue honoring fallen heroes.

To support this project, the Foundation is offering a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin to donors who give $125 or more. These individually numbered collector coins (110,000) can be planted at the Memorial site in Sacramento or kept as a personal keepsake to honor a current or fallen firefighter.

Additionally, the Foundation's Oral History Project invites Californians to share stories and memories of firefighters by leaving a voicemail at (916) 883-3580.

Follow the California Fire Foundation on social media (@CAFireFound on Facebook, Instagram, and X) and use hashtags #WildfirePreparednessWeek #ReadyForWildfire #CAFireFoundation to share your preparedness tips and tributes.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

Founded in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emotional and financial support to fallen firefighters' families, active fire personnel, and the communities they serve. Key programs include:

Survivor and victim assistance

Community preparedness and education

Public memorial and remembrance projects

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL WALL

Located in Capitol Park, Sacramento, the California Firefighters Memorial Wall honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state. Opened in 2002, the wall currently features over 1,500 nameswith more added each year. The Memorial Expansion Project ensures future generations of fallen firefighters are remembered with dignity and respect.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Destin Judy  (859) 913-6983 | [email protected]

Lauren Kay  (310) 409-8754 | [email protected]

DeeDee Garcia, California Fire Foundation  (916) 906-3412 | [email protected]

Sources:

SOURCE California Fire Foundation
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independence Fund, a national non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of catastrophically wounded Veterans and their families, was honored to join six of our nation's Veterans at today's Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing, "Veterans at the Forefront: Secretary Collins on the Future at VA."

Secretary of Veterans Affairs meets with The Independence Fund and Veterans after May 6 hearing.

Their presence underscored the importance of including the voices of those most impacted in shaping the future of Veteran care. The hearing marked Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins' first official appearance before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs since his appointment. As Veteran advocates, The Independence Fund assisted in ensuring heroes were included in the event.

After the hearing, these heroes met with Secretary Doug Collins and a representative of his office, where they were able to provide their perspectives on VA care and ways to improve the VA healthcare system.

"I finally feel like my voice is being heard," said Marine Corps Veteran Trey Sharpe, who attended the hearing and the meeting afterward. "One of the biggest barriers I've had in my life, when trying to overcome my disabilities, is feeling like I had someone beside me. With The Independence Fund doing this with me, I no longer feel alone."

Leaders at The Independence Fund are particularly interested in Secretary Collins' plans for addressing the unique challenges faced by Veterans with severe injuries, including access to specialized healthcare, prosthetics, and home modifications.

"Veterans' voices must be heard in these important discussions," said Clark Pennington, Chief Operating Officer of The Independence Fund. "Proper leadership is vital to the future of Veteran care, and we are committed to ensuring that the needs of catastrophically wounded Veterans are prioritized and addressed."

The Independence Fund will continue working to organize a future round table discussion with Secretary Collins to facilitate a more in-depth dialogue on the issues impacting the Veteran community. This round table will provide a platform for Veterans and advocates to share their experiences and recommendations directly with the Secretary.

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE FUND :

Founded in the halls of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, The Independence Fund was born to care for our nation's most catastrophically wounded surviving service members from the Global War on Terror. With an expansion to caring for the warfighter's family and all generations of wounded, ill, and injured heroes. The Independence Fund steps in to help combat Veterans, active military, and wartime Allies with unmet needs. By restoring independence to those who sacrificed their independence so that we can remain a nation of freedom, The Independence Fund deploys tangible programs to restore our Veterans' and families' physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Known for the hallmark all-terrain track wheelchair program, The Independence Fund has provided over 2,600 trackchairs to severely wounded American heroes.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Koenig  Communications Manager for The Independence Fund

[email protected]

704-712-5380

SOURCE The Independence Fund
Mississippi Contractor Delivers Quality Fencing and Roofing Services with Integrity and Speed

PEARL, Miss., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Madeline Bozak needed a privacy fence built on short notice, she expected a wait and a whirlwind of quotes and delays. Instead, she found herself working with a contractor who not only responded immediately but delivered flawless results in record time.

"Mike called me almost immediately," Bozak shared. "He came out, looked at what I was wanting, gave me a quote, and began work in just a few days. His crew was greatvery good work done in a timely manner, and they cleaned everything up when they were done. I could not be more pleased. Call this company. They will do you right."

Stories like Madeline's have become the norm at Roberson Construction, a Pearl-based roofing and fencing company serving Central Mississippi, including Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas. With over 20 years of industry experience, owner Mike Roberson has built his business around a simple promise: be fast, be fair, and be faithful to every job.

Whether it's roofing, custom fencing, patios, or composite decking, Roberson Construction is known for prompt response times, clear communication, and going the extra mile. They're bonded, insured, andmost importantlyrooted in values that put people first.

"Mike walked us through everything from day one," said Rebecca Jenkins, who hired Roberson for a roof replacement. "The workers arrived early, worked late, and did a fantastic job. Curtis even came back on a Sunday to check the work, and Mike did the same! They provide great customer service and quality work for a fair price."

That kind of follow-throughon weekends and after hoursis rare in the world of construction. But for Mike and his team, it's part of the standard. At Roberson Construction, the job isn't finished until the customer is fully satisfied. And even then, they follow up.

With a wide range of services, including roofing, composite decking, patios, custom residential and commercial fences, vinyl and wood options, automatic gates, and more, the company is built to meet the needs of homeowners looking for reliable improvements without breaking the bank.

While many contractors push premium upsells or deliver vague quotes, Roberson Construction makes the process clear, cost-conscious, and collaborative. That's why local customers are increasingly choosing them over national chains or impersonal vendors.

And it's not just about structureit's about peace of mind. "We understand that home improvement can be stressful," says Mike Roberson. "That's why we work hard to make the process simple, efficient, and honest. We want you to feel proud of the resultand good about who you hired to get it done."

In a time when skilled trades are in high demand and trustworthy contractors can feel hard to find, Roberson Construction stands out as a neighbor-first company that still believes in handshakes, follow-ups, and doing the job right the first time.

For Mississippi homeowners looking to enhance curb appeal, boost property value, or simply feel secure behind a solid fence or under a strong roof, Roberson Construction is a clear and dependable choice.

About Roberson Construction

Based in Pearl, MS, Roberson Construction serves Central Mississippi with top-quality roofing, fencing, decking, and outdoor living solutions. With over 20 years of experience, the bonded and insured team is known for fast service, fair pricing, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you need a privacy fence, a new roof, or a custom deck, Roberson Construction is ready to bring your vision to lifewith integrity and skill.

Office Hours & Service Area

Roberson Construction is centrally located at Pearl, MS. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, and Saturday, Sunday they are closed.

For more information or to schedule a free inspection and no-obligation quote, call Smart Choice Roofing at (601) 937-2069 or visit the website to gain more information https://www.robersonconstruct.com/

SOURCE Roberson Construction
CLEVELAND, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) ("TransDigm" or the "Company") announced today that Kevin Stein will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm, following his more than ten years of service in senior leadership positions at the Company, effective as of September 30, 2025. Mike Lisman, the current Co-Chief Operating Officer of TransDigm, will succeed Mr. Stein as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stein will continue to serve as an advisor to the Company through March 31, 2026 to help facilitate the leadership transition. Additionally, he will continue to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Lisman has served as Co-Chief Operating Officer of TransDigm since May 2023. Prior to this role, he held a number of positions across the Company, including Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, with direct operational oversight for a number of TransDigm's operating units. Additionally, Mr. Lisman previously held roles as the lead of the Company's Mergers and Acquisitions group and as a Business Unit Manager at Aero Fluid Products, one of TransDigm's operating units, that designs and manufactures highly-engineered valves and actuation products. Prior to joining the Company in 2015, Mr. Lisman worked in the private equity industry at the New York and London offices of Warburg Pincus. He received a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Notre Dame and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

"On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank Kevin for his outstanding leadership and contributions to TransDigm over his entire career. During his tenure as our CEO, and prior to that as COO, Kevin has generated substantial shareholder value by driving operational excellence and continuing our track record of successful capital deployment and acquisitions," stated W. Nicholas Howley, the Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Mike's promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer is a planned transition that is the product of thoughtful succession planning. The Board and I believe Mike will do an excellent job continuing to execute our consistent value-driven strategy and generate substantial returns for our shareholders."

"It has been a privilege to serve at the helm of this exceptional company," stated Mr. Stein, "I am deeply grateful to all my colleagues for their support and for their unwavering dedication to serving our customers and executing our value-driven operating strategies with excellence. Mike's leadership and deep experience across our businesses in a range of operational and financial roles make him uniquely qualified to take on this position."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to succeed Kevin and lead TransDigm as its next President and Chief Executive Officer," stated Mr. Lisman, "We look forward to continuing to deliver value to our customers and shareholders in the years ahead."

About TransDigm Group

TransDigm Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components for use on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today. Major product offerings, substantially all of which are ultimately provided to end-users in the aerospace industry, include mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, engineered latching and locking devices, engineered rods, engineered connectors and elastomer sealing solutions, databus and power controls, cockpit security components and systems, specialized and advanced cockpit displays, engineered audio, radio and antenna systems, specialized lavatory components, seat belts and safety restraints, engineered and customized interior surfaces and related components, advanced sensor products, switches and relay panels, thermal protection and insulation, lighting and control technology, parachutes, high performance hoists, winches and lifting devices, cargo loading, handling and delivery systems and specialized flight, wind tunnel and jet engine testing services and equipment, electronic components used in the generation, amplification, transmission and reception of microwave signals, and complex testing and instrumentation solutions.

SOURCE TransDigm Group Inc.
A unified platform to help OEMs and fleet operators modernize with real-time data, GenAI, and supply chain insights

SAN JOSE, Calif. and BENGALURU, India, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tredence, a global data science and AI solutions company, today announced a collaboration with Snowflake to advance the AI Data Cloud for Manufacturing through tailored automotive solutions. This collaboration combines Tredence's deep industry expertise with Snowflake's scalable data cloud platform to help OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and fleet operators modernize legacy systems, unify operational and IT data, and deliver AI-driven insights at scale. The collaboration enables a unified, modern data architecture that bridges OT and IT, delivering real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and operational efficiency  all built on Snowflake's secure and high-performance AI Data Cloud.

"Automotive companies are sitting on years of OT and IT data, but it's locked in systems that don't talk to each other and can't keep up with real-time demands," said Rakesh Sancheti, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Business Officer  Industrial Manufacturing, Tredence. "Our AI-driven smart manufacturing and supply chain solutions, along with GenAI-led migration accelerators, unify OT and IT data to drive actionable insights. Powered by Snowflake's scalable AI and data cloud platform, our solutions help customers unlock measurable business value."

Tredence's offering includes two components:

AI-Powered Smart Manufacturing & Supply Chain Command Center Unified Data Foundation: 400+ pre-built, domain-specific KPIs across sales, procurement, planning, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and sustainability. Digital Accelerators: White-box AI models built natively in Snowflake to power predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, quality optimization, and yield improvement. Industry 4.0 Command Center: A real-time 360-degree view of manufacturing and supply chain operations, offering predictive insights and contextual decision support. GenAI-Powered Migration Accelerators Modernization Toolkit: Tools to accelerate migration from platforms like SAP BW/HANA to Snowflake with reduced manual effort. Frameworks and Converters: Includes disposition logic for legacy objects, automated code conversion, and an LLM-powered SQL optimizer for performance-tuned modernization.

With this collaboration, joint customers can:

Unify Automotive Lifecycle Data: Break down silos across design, production, connected vehicles, service, and warranty systems.

Break down silos across design, production, connected vehicles, service, and warranty systems. Scale Connected Vehicle Insights: Efficiently manage sensor and video data using Snowflake's performant, decoupled architecture.

Efficiently manage sensor and video data using Snowflake's performant, decoupled architecture. Create New Revenue Streams: Securely share and monetize data products via Snowflake Marketplace.

Securely share and monetize data products via Snowflake Marketplace. Enable AI-Powered Decision-Making: Use AI/ML to improve product quality, predictive maintenance, and customer engagement.

Use AI/ML to improve product quality, predictive maintenance, and customer engagement. Improve Supply Chain Agility: Access real-time supplier and logistics data to reduce disruption and optimize inventory.

"In today's automotive landscape, manufacturers are facing a critical challenge: transforming vast amounts of siloed operational and IT data into actionable intelligence," said Tim Long, Global Head of Manufacturing, Snowflake. "By combining Tredence's AI expertise with Snowflake's robust data cloud infrastructure, we're helping automotive leaders break down these data barriers and accelerate their digital transformation. Through this launch, joint customers benefit from near real-time decision-making and predictive capabilities that drive tangible business outcomes across the entire automotive value chain."

To learn more about Snowflake's AI Data Cloud for Manufacturing and its new automotive solutions, visit here.

About Tredence

Tredence is a global data science and AI solutions provider focused on solving the last-mile problem in AI  the gap between insight creation and value realization. Tredence leverages deep domain expertise, data platforms and accelerators, and strategic partnerships to provide targeted, impactful solutions to its clients. The company has 3,500+ employees across San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, London, Toronto, and Bengaluru, serving top brands in Retail, CPG, Hi-tech, Telecom, Healthcare, Travel, and Industrials.

For more information, visit www.tredence.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1773052/Tredence_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Tredence Inc
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has awarded Trilogy Innovations, Inc., a $93 million contract to help transform the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system of the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division.

The five-year contract will see Trilogy assist CJIS in transitioning the NCIC to secure, leading-edge, cloud-based technology. Trilogy will provide essential services for the program known as FBI FAST ( F BI A gility with S AFe {Scaled Agile Framework} T eams) to modernize the FBI's mission critical system at CJIS.

Brandon Downey, CEO, Trilogy Innovations, Inc. Randy Cottle, President, Trilogy Innovations, Inc.

Trilogy, an industry leader in cloud migration, data analytics, cybersecurity, software integration, and application modernization, will serve as the prime contractor working to migrate the NCIC system to the cloud. An SBA Certified 8(a) small and minority-owned systems and software engineering company, this is the largest contract award to date for Trilogy in a Small Business compete effort.

"This contract represents an important expansion in our continued relationship with the FBI, with whom we have been a longtime partner," said Trilogy CEO Brandon Downey. "We certainly know and understand how critical the FBI's mission is for national safety and security, and we're proud to be a part of that. We look forward to supporting the transformation of the FBI's NCIC system."

Trilogy was recognized by Inc. Magazine as the fastest-growing IT Services company in West Virginia in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was named the state's fastest-growing overall company in both 2022 and 2023. The company was also named a 2025 Elev8 GovCon Honoree by Orange Slices for demonstrating a culture of excellence for talent, partners, and clients, marking the second consecutive year Trilogy has received this recognition from Orange Slices.

NCIC is a computerized index of criminal justice information available to Federal, state, and local law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies, and is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Called the lifeline of law enforcement, it is an electronic clearinghouse of crime data, such as crime records and mug shots. The FBI launched NCIC in 1967, and it now has more than 18 million active records within 22 different files and processes an average of 11 million transactions each day.

Trilogy was also recently selected as a contract holder on the $8 billion ITSSS-2 BPA. This eight-year blanket purchase agreement is the largest IT contract vehicle ever established by the FBI.

"This business growth is a testament to Trilogy, its capabilities, and its talented team," said Trilogy President Randy Cottle. "This contract increases Trilogy's footprint of quality resources to the CJIS division of the FBI and further demonstrates our commitment to the FBI mission and everything it represents. We also strongly believe that this contract will help shape other business opportunities as Trilogy demonstrates its core strengths."

For complete media resources about Trilogy Innovations, Inc., and information about this release, visit our online media kit.

About Trilogy Innovations, Inc.

Trilogy Innovations, Inc., located in Bridgeport and Morgantown, West Virginia, is an SBA Certified 8(a) small and minority-owned systems and software engineering company that delivers superior technical solutions for a variety of industries across private and public sectors. By applying a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Trilogy's highly skilled and talented personnel have successfully applied these core values across a multitude of government agencies and businesses. Inc. Magazine has named Trilogy the fastest-growing IT services company in West Virginia in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and in 2022 and 2023 recognized Trilogy as the overall fastest-growing company in the state.

Contact

Patrick Gregg, Communications Manager

304.365.4670

[email protected]

SOURCE Trilogy Innovations, Inc.
Neeka and Leila Mashouf developed a process that converts CO  emissions into cellulose

The enzymatic process mimics how trees absorb CO  , creating biodegradable fibres for essential materials

The Mashouf twin sisters are among the top ten innovators of the Young Inventors Prize to be awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO) on 18 June 2025

MUNICH, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global textile industry is one of the most environmentally damaging supply chains, contributing up to 8% of global CO emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The textile value chain alone is projected to generate 2.7 billion tons of CO annually by 2030, equivalent to emissions from nearly 230 million passenger vehicles per year. US scientists Neeka and Leila Mashouf (28) co-founded Rubi, a startup focusing on manufacturing with technology that transforms waste carbon into essential materials, including textiles. Their breakthrough has earned them a place as one of ten global innovators, in the Young Inventors Prize known as Tomorrow Shapers, 2025. They have been selected from 450 candidates by an independent jury.

A low-carbon alternative to industrial production

Traditional carbon conversion can require chemical-based or fermentation-based systems, which are energy and resource intensive, costly and require highly specialised equipment and processes. Rubi's enzymatic system is inspired by how trees absorb CO to grow. It operates in a basic chemical reactor, eliminating the need for continuous fermentation and enabling a scalable, adaptable process where enzymes convert it into cellulose. This can then be refined into biodegradable fibres and yarns, seamlessly integrating with existing manufacturing processes to produce textiles and other essential materials.

The Mashouf sisters' invention offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional production, designed to support manufacturers whose current processes are incompatible with the urgent need to decarbonise supply chains. Rubi's process requires 10 times less energy than thermochemical methods, according to the Mashouf sisters, conserving water, land, and forests while transforming waste emissions into textiles. The company is already piloting its CO-derived materials with Walmart, Patagonia and H&M.

A shared vision for sustainable innovation

Raised in an entrepreneurial and science-driven family, Neeka and Leila Mashouf launched their scientific careers at just 15 years old, publishing research on artificial photosynthesis and conducting bioengineering work on cancer therapeutics. This early start marked the beginning of a decade-long path of scientific exploration and innovation aimed at improving human prosperity while preserving the planet, with Neeka becoming an expert in materials science and business and Leila a Harvard-trained doctor focused on advanced enzymatic pathways. In 2021, they combined their expertise to tackle one of industry's greatest challengestransforming manufacturing to work in harmony with nature rather than against it.

"Rubi is creating a new paradigm where manufacturing can thrive while preserving natural resources and advancing climate goals," explains Leila Mashouf.

Impact beyond fashion

The Mashouf sisters' technology has the potential to transform industries beyond textiles, including packaging, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, cosmetics, building materials, chemicals, and food applications. By licensing its process to manufacturers, the company aims to accelerate adoption and drive large-scale impact.

"Building Rubi has felt like a lifetime in the making, inspired by our backgrounds in science and entrepreneurship. We've proven that CO can be a valuable resource rather than a harmful waste product. I'm honoured to work together with my sister as we pioneer the next era of abundance with reinvented manufacturing systems," adds Neeka Mashouf.

The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By turning waste carbon into a valuable resource, the Mashouf sisters are directly contributing to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The prizes of the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025.

Find more information about the invention's impact, the technology and the inventors' story here.

About the Young Inventors Prize

Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. From 2025 onwards, the Prize will move up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three will be awarded a special prize: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People's Choice winner, voted by the public online, will be revealed. Each Tomorrow Shaper will receive EUR 5 000, the three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000. The People's Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria.

About the EPO

With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO's centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world's leading authority in patent information and patent searching.

SOURCE European Patent Office (EPO)
Praetorian Security attests to the protocol's secure-by-design architecture

SUMMERLIN, Nev., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FaceTec announced that its digitally-signed biometric barcode UR Code protocol successfully passed Praetorian Security Inc's rigorous reverse engineering testing process and its risk-informed security assessment as the company continues to expand its industry-leading position in global 3D Face Verification and digital identity software.

Praetorian completed reverse engineering analysis of the UR Code's SDK focused on identifying internal hashing mechanisms, encryption keys, and customer PII. During the analysis, Praetorian identified the following:

0 Critical Risk Issues

0 High Risk Issues

0 Medium Risk Issues

0 Low Risk Issues

0 Informational Risk Issues

Complete attestation letters can be found here:

www.urcodes.com/Praetorian_FaceTec_UR_Code_Security_Letter.pdf

www.urcodes.com/Praetorian_FaceTec_UR_Codes_Reverse_Engineering_Analysis_Letter.pdf

Praetorian also tested security controls related to robust code obfuscation, like dead code insertion, control flow flattening, and variable, class, and function renaming.

UR Codes enable legal identity-issuing authorities to provide machine-readable codes that bind together the legal identity data and biometric face data of a code holder. UR Codes provide similar privacy-protecting biometric security to e-passports, but without the usability and durability problems, or the exorbitant costs of scannable NFC chips.

UR Codes are generated by issuing authorities using secure UR Encoder software that runs behind their own firewall. The issuing authority encodes the identity information and feature vector data from the face photo of the person who is being issued the UR Code. A digital signature is then derived and also encoded, verifying that the identity data was truly issued - as encoded - by the listed issuing authority. Using each issuer's unique public/private encryption key pair, the software cryptographically signs each UR Code, making them provably immutable. The face data encoded cannot be reconstituted back into a human-viewable face photo, preserving the privacy of the stored face data.

UR Codes, in universal QR format, can be scanned with any smart device or webcam. Any organization, government, private sector, for-profit or nonprofit, and even any individual, can scan and match any 2D face photo UR Code with a 3D face photo. All required software is included in the UR Code Scanner/Matcher SDK and is free for unlimited use for not-for profits, law enforcement, and government agencies.

FaceTec also recently announced the release of the Scan+Match Apps for its revolutionary UR Code identity verification protocol. The apps scan, validate, and match a face to the biometric data encoded in a UR Code, with no biometric data or personally identifiable data leaving the user's device.

About UR Codes

FaceTec's UR Codes enable codeholders to prove with high confidence their legal identity, age, and the right to access their accounts or privileges, in-person and remotely. UR Codes have embedded, digitally-bound biometric and legal identity information that ensures privacy-preserving, decentralized identity verification. Safely storing unique, signed face data, personal info, and legal identity data, UR Codes provide secure, low-cost, two-party identity verification at unlimited scale in any identity-related scenario from any issuing authority, such as a DMV, passport issuer, school, or employer. For more information visit the following resources:

About FaceTec

FaceTec is a global force in the fight against identity fraud. For use on standard, ubiquitous digital devices, FaceTec's patented biometric security software solutions provide exceptionally secure, remote, unsupervised identity verification and authentication, ensuring that only the legitimate account owner is allowed access to their valuable or sensitive digital services, assets, and systems.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in the US with additional staff in the UK, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, and Singapore, FaceTec is the world's leading provider of 3D face biometric Liveness and matching software, processing 3.5 billion-plus Liveness Checks annualized, protecting sensitive information in high-risk, high-value environments, including banking and finance, government, major e-commerce, global social networks, digital national IDs and mobile driver licenses, and much more.

FaceTec's AI-driven technology employs advanced algorithms and deep learning models to accurately and securely verify, authenticate, and bind individuals to their accounts based on their unique face biometrics. FaceTec's patented, industry-leading Certified 3D Liveness Detection and face matching, UR Codes, optical character recognition, know-your-customer, and age estimation technology anchor a secure chain of trust in the IDV process for reliable, trusted access to mobile and web applications.

FaceTec technology has been exhaustively tested against tens-of-millions of digital and physical spoof artifacts--including hi-res photos and videos, life-like masks, and mannequin heads--but also against much more sophisticated injection and bypass-type attacks, all now easily blocked. With ongoing, advanced AI development and the world's only spoof bounty program, FaceTec continues to stay ahead of ever-changing attack methods.

For more information and business inquiries, please visit FaceTec.com. For media inquiries, please contact John Wojewidka at [email protected].

About FaceTec 3D Face Verification

FaceTec's pioneering, patented 3D Face Biometrics are fast becoming the global standard in secure onboarding, KYC, and reverification, stopping ID fraud and unauthorized access for millions of users on six continents.

FaceTec's 3D Face Verification Platform features:

100% data-sovereign, customer-run software: no user data is sent to FaceTec

World-leading 3D Face Matching rate at 1-in-125 million FAR at less-than-1% FRR

Patented UI generates data-rich 3D FaceMaps  from standard 2D cameras

from standard 2D cameras World's-first UR  Codes enable secure, low-cost two-party identity verification

Codes enable secure, low-cost two-party identity verification $600,000 Spoof Bounty Program and Level 1&2 Certified 3D Liveness Detection

Spoof Bounty Program and Level 1&2 Certified 3D Liveness Detection Unphishable 3D FaceMaps ensure trust without creating honeypots

Support for all modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs with webcams

KYC/IDV Dashboard with integrated 1-to-N de-duplication to catch fraudsters

World-leading 1-in-2 million FAR 3D FaceMap-to-2D-photo-ID matching

Anonymous, better-than-human 3D age estimation and 3D age checks

Fast, intuitive interface with 98-99% first-time-user success rates

Easy to integrate, customize, deploy, and manage

Developers can download FaceTec's demo apps directly from FaceTec.com for iOS, Android, and any modern browser, and the developer SDKs are available free at dev.facetec.com.

About Liveness.com

Liveness.com is an educational resource for biometrics users, vendors, analysts, media, and regulators, providing a comprehensive history of Level 1-5 Presentation Attack Detection, Template Tampering, and Camera Bypasses, as well as explanations of methods and means for evaluation, certification testing, and bounty programs.

SOURCE FaceTec, Inc.
On this edition of Free City Radio we hear from Philadelphia based community organizer, zine maker and international solidarity activist Hannah Mermelstein. Over the past year and a half Hannah has been deeply involved in mobilizing for Palestine at a community based level in Philadelphia around the project Families for Ceasefire Philly. In past years Hannah has played a meaningful role in stitching together Palestine solidarity initiatives around the world, including through participating in human rights delegations in Occupied Palestine around projects like Librarians for Palestine. Learn more about Hannah's work here: www.hannahmermelstein.com The accompanying image is from a zine that Hannah worked on that highlights the collection of Palestinian books from homes seized by the Israeli state in 1948, the zine is called "Overdue Books: Returning Palestines Abandoned Property of 1948." Read the excellent zine here: librarianswithpalestine.org/wp-content/ AP-zine.pdf This interview program is supported in 2025 by the Social Justice Centre at Concordia University. The music track is Passage by Anarchist Mountains.
Amanda Bridges, Senior Director of Operations and Business Development and Patient Executive at FLASCO, is the proud wife of a veteran who has served for 23+ years and continues to serve, she brings a deep personal connection to the veteran community. Through this dual perspective, professionally in oncology and personally within the veteran community, she identified a significant gap in education and resources for veterans facing a cancer diagnosis. Veterans battling cancer are not only managing service-connected health conditions, they are facing a second, often unexpected, war. FLASCO's mission is to ensure these brave men and women are surrounded by an army of support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Prior to three years ago, no program existed specifically to address the needs of veterans living with cancer. Through the development of the Veterans Living With Cancer program, Bridges and FLASCO have created a vital resource for this underserved community. The program offers free, one-day educational sessions, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, the VA Health System, the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and leading cancer treatment institutes across Florida. This initiative brings together both VA and civilian oncologists, alongside cancer care experts, to provide veterans and their families with critical knowledge and support.

"Programs like this make a tremendous difference for patients who often feel isolated or overwhelmed after a diagnosis," says Bridges. "By connecting veterans to expert care, trusted resources, and a community that understands their unique needs, we're giving them not just information, but hope, clarity, and a path forward."

This initiative is poised to bridge the gap between civilian and VA hospitals, promoting greater coordination of care and emphasizing the power of collaboration in cancer treatment. It also aims to elevate the role and visibility of the VA Health System and its Oncology Divisions, showcasing their strengths and dedication to serving the veteran population. Most importantly, the program seeks to build trust within the veteran community, helping veterans feel seen, supported, and confident in the care they receive from the VA.

Importantly, this program works to improve health outcomes by equipping veterans with the tools and information they need to actively engage in their care. An informed patient is often a more empowered one, and studies show that educated patients experience better outcomes during their cancer journey. By fostering understanding and awareness, this initiative helps veterans make informed decisions and feel more in control of their treatment path.

Program Highlights:

Veterans Living With Cancer will feature expert-led, patient-centered discussions focused on some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among the veteran population. Each session is designed to empower, educate, and support veterans and their families through every stage of their cancer journey.

Featured Educational Sessions:

Living With a Hematologic Malignancy

Living With Prostate Cancer

Living With Breast Cancer & GYN Cancer

Living With Lung Cancer

Living With Colorectal Cancer

Living With Head & Neck Cancer

Living With GI/GU Cancer

Supportive care topics, such as:

Navigating treatment options

Survivorship

Clinical trials

Nutrition and wellness (with live simulations)

Symptoms, side effects, and pain management

Caring for the caregiver

Financial assistance and veteran-specific support services

VA benefits navigation, including updates on the PACT Act

"Ask the Experts" live Q&A session

This program is completely free for veterans and their families and includes:

Complimentary breakfast and lunch

Exhibits and giveaways

Valet parking

Lodging and travel support for select attendees

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

Time: 7:30 AM  2:00 PM

Location: Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville, FL

Register here: Veterans Living With Cancer Registration

Please help us share this opportunity with veterans who would benefit from trusted education, valuable resources, and strong community connection. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have given so much for our country. For additional information or support, please contact Amanda Bridges at [email protected]

Media Contact:

Kellie Jordan

[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
News Summary

Saves up to six months on compliant software validation in biopharmaceutical quality control. 1

Reduces analysis time for biotherapeutic peptides and proteins by 20%. 2

Enhances quality control by providing absolute molecular weight of biologics and avoiding common errors encountered with other techniques.3

MILFORD, Mass., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) today announced that its Empower Software now supports biologics data acquisition and quality control (QC) analysis from Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and differential Refractive Index (RI) instruments in its Wyatt Technology Portfolio. This integration expands the scope of critical quality attributes that a biopharmaceutical laboratory can manage using Empower Software. Additionally, this advancement will simplify the process and digital footprint of acquiring and submitting compliant data to regulatory authorities  from biologics development through QC  saving customers up to six months of software validation time.

Waters Corporation announced that its Empower Software now supports biologics data acquisition and quality control (QC) analysis from Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and differential Refractive Index (RI) instruments in its Wyatt Technology Portfolio.

Empower Software is the industry's most established and compliant-ready chromatography data system (CDS), widely adopted globally and used to submit data for more than 80% of novel drugs to regulatory authorities.4 The new integration unlocks the ability to use MALS techniques in quality control for biotherapeutics, improving efficiency and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) readiness, while reducing end-user training in compliant settings.

"Today's launch of Empower for Multi-Angle Light Scattering Detectors underscores our commitment from the Wyatt acquisition to integrate advanced analytical technologies into our Empower CDS ecosystem," said Dr. Udit Batra, President & CEO, Waters Corporation. "Specifically, MALS supported on Empower Software reveals high molecular weight species that are not visible to other detectors  reducing the risk of erroneous results in biotherapeutic quality control. By combining the strengths of compliant software with deep analytical light scattering instrumentation, we are providing customers with a unified solution that enhances productivity and data accuracy  ultimately supporting high-volume QC testing to ensure the safety of life-saving biologic therapies for patients."

The integration of the DAWN, miniDAWN, and OptiLab Detectors will enable the measurement of more critical quality attributes of peptides and proteins in a single run, reducing analysis time by 20% and providing earlier insights into the stability, safety, and efficacy of biologics.

"As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we anticipate that MALS on Empower Software will enhance our service offerings," said William Wittbold, Senior Director of Operations, at Pace Analytical. "The detailed MALS data is essential for understanding complex biotherapeutics. Combined with the reliability of Empower Software, we believe this integration will deliver exceptional value to our customers, ensuring our drug development partners receive the highest quality results."

The capability to integrate the DAWN, miniDAWN, and OptiLab Detectors with Empower Software will be available for peptide and protein workflows in July 2025. Learn more by visiting our product page.

Additional Resources

- Learn more about the MALS integration with Empower Software.

- Follow and connect with Waters LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT: Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years. Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and the quality and sustainability of products used every day. In over 100 countries, our 7,600+ passionate employees collaborate with customers in laboratories, manufacturing sites, and hospitals to accelerate the benefits of pioneering science.

Waters, Empower, DAWN, miniDAWN, OptiLab, and Wyatt Technology are trademarks of Waters Technologies Corporation.

Contact:

Molly Gluck

Head of External Communications

Waters Corporation

[email protected]

Mobile: +1.617.833.8166

1. In a recent survey of 50 MALS users, responding to the question "How long does it typically take you to validate new software in a GxP lab," the average time was reported as 6 months since it is one software instead of two.

2. In a recent survey of 50 MALS users, responding to the question "How much time, as a percentage of total working time, would you save on average if you could use your primary CDS software (LC software) for MALS data analysis," the average time saving was reported as 20%.

3. White paper WP1615: "SEC-MALS for absolute biophysical characterization" describes the challenges associated with determining basic physical properties of biologics in solution, and provides examples of how multi-angle light scattering can reduce the occurrence of erroneous results prevalent in relative measurement techniques. MALS provides absolute results from first principles, avoiding errors of relative measures, and is independent of retention time, reference materials, and column interactions.

4. Presented at the J.P. Morgan 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference. According to internal analysis, ~80% of the drugs filed with the FDA, EMA, and China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2023 were done so using Empower Software. Source: Waters data and estimates.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680088/Waters_Corp_Empower.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2071755/Waters_Corporation_Logo.jpg
CALGARY, AB, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Whitecap Resources Inc. ("Whitecap") (TSX: WCP) and Veren Inc. ("Veren") (TSX: VRN) (NYSE: VRN) are pleased to announce that the shareholders of each company have voted in favour of the previously announced business combination between Whitecap and Veren (the "Business Combination").

On May 6, 2025, Whitecap and Veren held special shareholder meetings virtually, via live webcasts, with each company's shareholders voting on resolutions in connection with the proposed Business Combination.

At the Whitecap special shareholders meeting, the resolution authorizing the issuance of Whitecap common shares to Veren shareholders pursuant to and in connection with the Business Combination, as set out in the joint management information circular of Whitecap and Veren dated March 28, 2025 , was approved by 88.72% of the votes cast.

, was approved by 88.72% of the votes cast. At the Veren special shareholders meeting, the resolution approving the Business Combination was approved by 99.78% of the votes cast.

The application for approval of the Business Combination by the Court of King's Bench is scheduled to be heard on May 8, 2025. Subject to approval of the Court of King's Bench and other customary closing conditions, the Business Combination is expected to close on or about May 12, 2025 and Veren's common shares are expected to be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") at close of markets on May 13, 2025.

U.S. INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

Assuming that the Business Combination closes before markets open on Monday, May 12, 2025 as is currently planned, Veren's common shares will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") at such time, and the last day of trading of the Veren common shares on the NYSE will be Friday, May 9, 2025. Whitecap's common shares will not be listed on the NYSE and Whitecap intends to terminate any reporting obligations it may have with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as a result of this transaction. Investors in the United States should consult their own advisors regarding any implications of owning shares of an issuer that is not listed on a U.S. exchange or reporting with the SEC.

For further information:

Grant Fagerheim, President & CEO Craig Bryksa, President & CEO or or Thanh Kang, Senior Vice President & CFO Ken Lamont, CFO



Whitecap Resources Inc. Veren Inc. 3800, 525  8th Avenue SW 2000, 585  8th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 1G1 Calgary, AB T2P 1G1 (403) 266-0767 (403) 693-0020 www.wcap.ca www.vrn.com [email protected]



NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to current expectations about the future, based on certain assumptions made by Whitecap and Veren. Although Whitecap and Veren believe that the expectations represented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information in this press release is identified by words such as "expect", "will", or similar expressions and includes suggestions of future outcomes, including statements about the anticipated timing of the hearing of the Court of King's Bench with respect to the Business Combination, the expected closing date of the Business Combination, the expected timing for the delisting of Veren's common shares on the TSX, the expected timing for the cease trading of Veren's common shares on the NYSE, and the intention of Whitecap to terminate any reporting obligations it may have with the SEC.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as Whitecap's and Veren's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Neither Whitecap nor Veren undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by law. Developing forward-looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to Whitecap and Veren and others that apply to the industry generally. Material factors or assumptions on which the forward-looking information in this press release is based include: successful closing of the Business Combination, including obtaining necessary regulatory approvals and satisfying all other conditions to closing, within expected timelines.

Additional information about assumptions, risk factors, and uncertainties on which the forward-looking information is based and that could cause Whitecap's or Veren's actual results to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in the joint management information circular of Whitecap and Veren dated March 28, 2025, which is available on Whitecap's and Veren's SEDAR+ profiles at www.sedarplus.ca.

SOURCE Veren Inc.
The new program will focus on continuing to build awareness for the country's wine through a series of strategic activities targeting US press, trade, and consumers

NEW YORK, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wines of Georgia , the organization that represents and promotes the wines of the country of Georgia and is financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia , which is a legal entity under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the country's wineries, is excited to launch its 2025 integrated communications campaign in the United States, with a range of press, trade, and consumer activations and events. The 2025 program will feature a new trade and consumer marketing campaign, "Georgia, Naturally", which aims to highlight the originality of Georgia's cultural traditions and cuisine, natural winemaking practices, and overall connection to nature. Using key messaging, the campaign will provide education to key opinion leaders in the wine industry through press relations and trade activities, as well as reach consumer audiences directly through engaging events, advertising, and digital content. Launching on the heels of a successful 2024 campaign, the new program looks to maintain momentum for the category's growth and awareness among US wine consumers.

"In 2024, Georgian wine exports to the US increased by 27% in volume and 32% in value, reflecting a higher demand from American consumers excited by Georgia's indigenous grapes and styles. Building on this interest, we are excited to continue strengthening the position of Georgian wine in this strategic market," says Tamta Kvelaidze, Head of Marketing & PR at the National Wine Agency of Georgia. "This year our goal is to interact with more US press, trade, and wine enthusiasts through our new brand campaign, 'Georgia, Naturally', creating new opportunities for them to discover the exciting spectrum of Georgian varieties and expressions, while delving deeper into the rich history of our culture and country."

Press Relations

Through a strategic media relations program, Wines of Georgia will continue connecting with top journalists and professionals across both traditional and emerging media. Focusing on more immersive, in-person experiences for media to learn more about the food pairing versatility and cultural traditions of Georgian wine, the program will host a series of educational tasting dinners with top members of the press at authentic Georgian restaurants in the New York market, in addition to executing a national ongoing sampling and media relations campaign.

Trade Relations

Wines of Georgia will coordinate three trade trips in 2025 to provide opportunities for key opinion leaders to gain more familiarity with the country's rich winemaking history as well as modern innovation, unique terroirs, and subregions. The trips will target importers and distributors, master sommeliers, and retail buyers.

From August 24-26, Wines of Georgia will serve as one of the largest regional sponsors at TEXSOM, hosting a lunch and presenting wines at each of the six sessions during the conference's grand tasting. featuring a wide variety of styles and producers. This follows the campaign's participation in the TEXSOM Awards in February, where Wines of Georgia sponsored a Judges Dinner and facilitated the submissions of over 50 Georgian wines, securing 29 medals for the category  including one Judges' Selection (Best of Show), two Gold medals, 13 Silver medals, and 14 Bronze medals.

On September 23, Wines of Georgia will hold its third annual Grand Tasting and Masterclass event, this year traveling to Los Angeles to expand the campaign's reach to press and trade in the Southern California market. In addition to the four-hour walkaround tasting and interactive Masterclass, the event will open to a two-hour consumer session, hosted by leading US media personalities, to explore Georgian wine, cuisine, and culture. Featuring a large selection of wines from over 150 producers, the event will allow press, trade, and consumers to connect with Georgian producers and taste an expansive range of the country's wines, including reds, whites, ambers, roses, and sparkling wines.

Consumer Events

To grow Georgian wine education and awareness among US consumers and a wider audience of wine and culinary trade and press, Wines of Georgia will participate in a number of high-profile food and wine events across the country, engaging with wine enthusiasts to promote Georgia's distinctiveness in fun and dynamic ways.

In April, the campaign participated in The Smithsonian Associates Digital Wine Education Series with a dedicated seminar, The Caucasus Caucus: The Wines of Georgia . The ticketed virtual event focused on the Mid-Atlantic region and targeted a national audience, with attendees receiving a wine kit with a curated selection of seven Georgian wines for a guided tasting.

On June 14 and 16, Wines of Georgia will participate in the James Beard Foundation Media and Restaurant and Chef Awards receptions in Chicago, hosting pouring tables after both gala ceremonies. The tasting will provide high level category exposure among the nation's top chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, wine directors, and culinary opinion leaders.

Wines of Georgia will also attend the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen from June 20-22. Hosting two tasting tables at the Grand Tasting Pavilion across five sessions, the campaign will showcase Georgian wines to over 5,000 attendees, including consumers, wine collectors, celebrity chefs, sommeliers, and key media from around the country.

On November 2, Wines of Georgia will partner with the Orange Glou Fair , the first and only orange wine fair in New York, to highlight Georgia's pioneering amber wines. Founded by sommelier Doreen Winkler in 2019, the event draws in over 500 consumers, with food from top NYC restaurants.

Following the Orange Glou Fair, the campaign will travel to Texas for the Austin Food & Wine Festival from November 7-9 with two tasting tables and a guided tasting seminar. Held annually, the festival attracts over 5,000 attendees, including consumers, wine buyers, celebrity chefs, and media professionals. It showcases top chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers alongside Austin's renowned gourmet scene.

The same weekend of November 7-9, Wines of Georgia will join the annual San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival on the West Coast, participating in the Grand Decant, Grand Tasting, and Grand Tasting VIP events, as well as hosting an educational masterclass. Taking place at the San Diego Embarcadero Marina, the festival sees over 10,000 attendees, including consumers, sommeliers, wine buyers, celebrity chefs, and top media.

For more information and to follow along for new announcements from the Wines of Georgia on upcoming events and educational opportunities, please visit the Wines of Georgia website and follow on social media on Instagram , X , and Facebook .

About Wines of Georgia - http://www.winesgeorgia.com

Wines of Georgia is a promotional campaign financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia and wineries to educate the US wine trade and general public about the history, culture, quality and universal appeal of Georgian wines and the country's qvevri winemaking tradition.

Press Contacts:

Leah Isenberg

Colangelo & Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE Wines of Georgia
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WK Kellogg Co (NYSE: KLG), today reported financial results for its first quarter 2025 and updated its full year 2025 financial outlook.

All documents will be posted to the company website including: the financial press release and tables, GAAP reconciliations, presentation slides, pre-recorded management remarks, and transcript at https://investor.wkkellogg.com/news-events/events-and-presentations/default.aspx.

A Current Report on Form 8-K was furnished with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is available on its website at www.sec.gov.

WK Kellogg Co will host a live webcast question and answer session with analysts, to discuss its first quarter 2025 on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Q&A call will be webcast live over the Internet at http://investor.wkkellogg.com. Information regarding the rebroadcast is available at http://investor.wkkellogg.com.

About WK Kellogg Co

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Kellogg's Raisin Bran, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. Through our sustainable business strategy  Feeding Happiness  we aim to build healthier and happier futures for families, kids and communities. We are making a positive impact, while creating foods that bring joy and nourishment to consumers. For more information about WK Kellogg Co and Feeding Happiness, visit www.wkkellogg.com.

SOURCE WK Kellogg Co
A Bold Tribute to Black Dandyism, Tailoring, and Feminine Strength: Zac Posen, in custom Banana Republic, dresses Laura Harrier in a custom look made in the Gap Studio crafted from raw, natural denima nod to Gap's heritage and denim's role in self-expression and originality.

NEW YORK, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight at the 2025 Met Gala, actress Laura Harrier debuted a custom look by Zac Posen, Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. The look was designed in the Gap Studio at the Brand's headquarters in New York City, where American classics are reimagined through a couture lens.

Integrating Gap's design heritage with couture-level detailing, the look draws on the brand's deep authority in denim and natural fibers. The look combines raw, natural denim, shank buttons, and double-needle stitchinghallmarks of the Gap brandwith elongated pant legs cut in double-face duchess silk satin, a fabric more often found in evening wear than casual wear. Voluminous sheer sleeves in cotton organdie add softness and airiness, echoing Gap's use of natural textiles like cotton poplin.

This marks Posen's first-ever Met Gala creation to feature pantsa deliberate, symbolic choice aligned with the evening's theme: a tribute to Black style, personal presentation, and the historical significance of Black dandyism as a form of elegance, resistance, and self-definition.

"Dandyism was both a form of rebellion and a uniform of entry," said Posen. "I wanted to honor that dichotomy by applying a sculptural technique to tailoringtreating a pant look with the reverence I typically reserve for a gown."

The design was also informed by archival family photographs of Harrier's father and grandfather in their Sunday best, offering a personal connection through which the look celebrates Black heritage, family, and tradition. It is both a tribute and a transformationuniting workwear and aristocracy, restraint and expression.

GapStudio launched in April 2025 with Collection 01, rooted in expert tailoring, modern silhouettes, and limited-edition drops. The studio's work is currently appearing on red carpets and aims to bring artistry and accessibility into the global style conversation.

Zac Posen attended the Met Gala wearing a custom Banana Republic suit, the look underscores the brands commitment to quality and craftsmanshipblending American and Italian tailoring with a wool-linen blend from Italy's esteemed Marzotto mill, tailored by Mr. Nedthe family-owned bespoke suit makers in New York City. The result is a sophisticated, denim-inspired tuxedo that embraces the spirit of dandyism using fabrics that evoke bold contrasts and expressive character.

Press Contacts:

Gap Inc. | PR Consulting

[email protected]

[email protected]

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc., a house of iconic brands, is the largest specialty apparel company in America. Its Old Navy , Gap , Banana Republic , and Athleta brands offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women and children. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has created products and experiences that shape culture, while doing right by employees, communities and the planet. Gap Inc. products are available worldwide through company operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2024 net sales were $15.1 billion. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

About Gap

Gap is a globally recognized icon of casual American style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap champions originality by creating loved essentials and delivering culturally relevant experiences that celebrate individuality. Gap is an adult apparel and accessories brand that offers GapKids, babyGap, Gap Maternity, GapBody and GapFit collections. The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores. Gap is the namesake brand and global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) and connects with customers online and in company operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.gap.com.

About Banana Republic:

Banana Republic is a storyteller's brand, outfitting the modern explorer with high-quality, expertly crafted collections and experiences to inspire and enrich their journeys. Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, Banana Republic connects with customers across online and company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.bananarepublic.com and follow @BananaRepublic on social channels.

SOURCE Gap Inc.
ZIPS delivers shine to local schools, medical facilities and military families

Kicks off annual Folds of Honor customer donation campaign to support families of veterans

PLANO, Texas, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZIPS Car Wash announced today its support of 52,000 teachers and nurses at over 685 schools and medical facilities across 23 states as ZIPS and its sister brands, Rocket Express Car Wash and Jet Brite Car Wash, collectively celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Nurses Appreciation Day this week. Military families will also benefit this month as ZIPS Car Wash kicks off its 2025 customer donation campaign for Folds of Honor, an organization dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled military. In 2024, ZIPS raised over $92,000 for Folds of Honor and hopes to surpass that in 2025.

Teachers and nurses are receiving hero-themed free wash cards this week as local leaders across the country, representing ZIPS Car Wash, Jet Brite Car Wash and Rocket Express Car Wash give away over 100,000 FREE car washes to school and medical facility staff.

"Local ZIPS team members have visited schools and medical facilities within a 3-mile radius of their respective ZIPS, Rocket and Jet Brite locations to distribute free Premier Car Wash Cards, air fresheners, and car wash vouchers to teachers and nurses who download the ZIPS app. Together, this totals over 104,000 free washes being distributed to hometown heroes across the country," said Rebecca Latacz, Chief Marketing Officer, ZIPS Car Wash.

ZIPS' efforts don't stop there  May is National Military Appreciation Month, and the entire ZIPS Car Wash portfolio is helping communities across the country support Folds of Honor scholarship recipient families. Starting today, ZIPS is collecting donations through the check-out process at local car washes, where customers can add a donation of $1, $3 or $5 to their car wash purchase. The option to donate to Folds of Honor will be available on the final screen before checkout at all locations. No cash donations will be accepted on site.

"We were blown away with the generosity of our customers in 2024 and we know that if everyone gives a little, we can work together to make a big impact for many local families of fallen or wounded soldiers and fuel their children's academic dreams," Latacz added.

ZIPS, Rocket Express and Jet Brite Car Wash customers will all participate in the donation drive happening this month and throughout 2025. To learn more about what ZIPS is up to in your community, visit www.zipscarwash.com.

About ZIPS Car Wash

ZIPS Car Wash, headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a privately held car wash operator, with 230 locations across 23 states under three brands: ZIPS Car Wash, Rocket Express Car Wash, and Jet Brite Car Wash. With 20 years of car washing experience, ZIPS prides itself on providing the highest quality express tunnel car wash in the industry. ZIPS uses the latest industry technology to provide a clean, dry, and shiny vehicle, exceptional customer experiences and value through loyalty rewards in the innovative ZIPS Car Wash mobile app. The ZIPS team aims to positively impact the communities we live and serve in through key partnerships with schools, military non-profit organizations and community leaders. To learn more visit www.zipscarwash.com.

SOURCE ZIPS Car Wash
Washington, May 6 : The Donald Trump administration announced that it will pay illegal immigrants in the US 1,000 dollars plus their travel expenses if they leave voluntarily, in an effort to step up its mass deportation.

"Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) Home App," the department said in a statement.

"Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of 1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app," the statement read.

The department noted that even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that self-deportation using the app will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 per cent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121, Xinhua news agency reported.

"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 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a recent rally speech in Michigan, US President Donald Trump claimed his first 100 days in office were the most successful of any US administration in history, citing policies like increased deportations of illegal immigrants as key achievements.

Despite Trump claiming victory, mass deportations remain below targets due to logistical, legal, and diplomatic constraints.

"One area where the administration appears to be failing to meet its enforcement goals is in the number of deportations," according to a recent analysis published by the Brookings Institution.

"The numbers of deportations remain modest, but the chilling effects are potentially severe," the analysis said.

Meanwhile, many experts expressed concerns about the implications of the administration's immigration policies.

"Americans worry about immigrants crossing the border illegally, so that has been a good issue for (Trump) politically. But polls show that people don't like his approach and feel he has been deporting people without any due process," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.
Sanaa, May 6 : Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province, 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 paralysing 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 US and Israel. The IDF statement made no mention of US 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 US 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 US 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.
Los Angeles, May 6 : At least three people were confirmed dead and nine others remain missing after a suspected smuggling boat capsized and washed ashore near San Diego, California according to authorities.

Multiple agencies, including the US Coast Guard (USCG), responded on Monday morning to reports of an overturned vessel off the coast of Del Mar, Xinhua news agency reported.

The panga-style boat -- a small, open, outboard-powered fishing vessel -- was found just north of Torrey Pines State Beach and is believed to have been used in a human smuggling operation, according to media reports.

The vessel was carrying at least 16 people, including at least two children, according to the USCG. A survivor informed first responders that nine individuals, possibly including one or two children, were still missing.

Three bodies were found on the beach, according to a spokesperson from California State Parks. Authorities said four other people received cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene, and three were transported to a hospital.

The Encinitas Fire Department reported that three of the injured sustained mild to moderate injuries, while one person was in critical condition.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing off the coast of Del Mar. The USCG is coordinating with multiple agencies, with the involvement of San Diego Fire-Rescue helicopters, a 45-foot Coast Guard response boat, and lifeguards using rescue boats and personal watercraft.

Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla reported receiving four patients -- three women and one man -- all being treated for respiratory failure. Two of the patients are in their 30s, one is a teenager, and the age of the fourth patient was not immediately available, a hospital spokesperson said.

Smuggling operations off the California coast remain a dangerous alternative for migrants seeking to bypass heavily fortified land borders.

According to Border Patrol officials, smugglers often overcrowd vessels and fail to provide basic safety equipment. Common smuggling vessels include pangas, recreational boats, and even personal watercraft.

In a similar incident in 2023, eight people were killed when two smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach in dense fog. One of the vessels capsised in the surf, marking one of the deadliest human smuggling operations in US history.
United Nations, May 6 : The Security Council met in a closed session on the tension between India and Pakistan, and its President Evangelos Sekeris described it afterwards as a "productive meeting".

United Nations, May 6 (IANS) The Security Council met in a closed session on the tension between India and Pakistan, and its President Evangelos Sekeris described it afterwards as a "productive meeting".

As he left the meeting on Monday, he told reporters, "The Security Council is always helpful in such efforts" to de-escalate. "It is the responsibility of the Council". "It was a productive meeting and helpful", he said.

Since the meeting was a closed consultation, its proceedings are secret without official records.

Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who briefed the meeting, said on his way out that all want de-escalation.

Asked how he viewed it, he said, "Situation is volatile", and would not elaborate.

Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva, who attended the meeting, said, "We hope for de-escalation".

Sekeris convened the meeting at the request of Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

Ahmad called for a closed consultation because countries that are not members of the Council are not allowed to participate in it under Council procedures.

That effectively shut out India, while Pakistan, as a current elected member, attended.

Before the meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation was at a "boiling point" and asked 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", he said.

Condemning "strongly" the terrorist massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam last month, he said, "I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack".

The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba, owned responsibility for the terrorist attack.

Speaking to reporters after the consultation, Ahmad "categorically" denied India's charge that Pakistan was involved in the attack.

He vacillated between militancy and conciliation. He referred to Kashmir as a disputed territory welling with mass discontent that is at the root of the problem with India, rather than terrorism, while also offering cooperation with India.

"We are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty", he said.

"We reiterate our commitment to peaceful cooperative relations with all our neighbours, including India, [and] we remain open to dialogue", he added.

"In view of the gravity of the situation, the calls of dialogue and de-escalation and peaceful resolution of disputes as we also heard from the Council members today are most pertinent", Ahmad said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul, May 6 : A South Korean delegation was set to travel to the Czech Republic on Tuesday to attend the signing ceremony of a multibillion-dollar nuclear power plant deal and discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation with the European country, Seoul's industry ministry said.

The delegation, comprising government and parliamentary officials, will pay a two-day visit to Prague to attend the ceremony slated for Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

It will also meet with the Czech prime minister and president of the Senate to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation in the nuclear power plant and advanced industries, as well as infrastructure, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korean delegates include Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Land Minister Park Sang-woo and Rep. Lee Chul-gyu, chair of the parliamentary industry committee.

A South Korean consortium, led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), will sign a final agreement with the Czech's Elektrarna Dukovany II on the project to build two nuclear power units at the Dukovany power plant, located some 200 kilometres south of Prague.

The deal, estimated to be worth 26 trillion won (US$18.8 billion), marks South Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant project since 2009, when the KHNP won the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant contract in the United Arab Emirates.

In July 2024, South Korea was selected as the preferred bidder for the Czech project.
Milan, May 6 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Indian diaspora in Milan, Italy, highlighting key initiatives and measures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to facilitate inclusive growth and development in India.

"Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Indian diaspora during an interaction programme organised in Milan, Italy. During her address, the Finance Minister highlighted key initiatives and measures of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to ensure inclusive growth and development in India. She also appreciated the positive contribution of the Indian diaspora to the local economy and society," the office of the Finance Minister posted on X.

Appreciating the Indian diaspora across the globe for their constructive and positive contributions, the Finance Minister during her address, said, "Indian diaspora anywhere is held in great respect. Indian diaspora anywhere is seen as a very constructive, positive contributor to the respective economies where they are."

"And as a result, you (Indian diaspora) bring immense pride to India because of the contributions you are making, as law-abiding citizens, as citizens who care and identify with the economy where you are and equally remaining connected to the motherland," she added.

Emphasising the achievements of PM Modi's government, the Minister said that UPI has grown exponentially, and 1,800 crore transactions worth Rs 24 lakh crore were done through UPI in the month of March 2025 alone.

"You can imagine the robustness with which the UPI functions. Today, 55.17 crore Jan Dhan accounts are there in India with a balance of Rs 2.614 lakh crore in their deposits," she further added.

The Finance Minister stated that several governments could not achieve over several decades because their delivery was not efficient, adding that in the last 10 years, what primarily had to be delivered for every citizen without any differentiation or discrimination has been delivered.

Nirmala Sitharaman led the 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) in Milan, scheduled from May 4 to 7, 2025.
Chennai, May 6 : The Tamil Nadu Police have intensified security in the western districts following the brutal murder of an elderly couple living alone in a farmhouse near Sivagiri, Erode district.

The victims, R. Ramasamy (75) and his wife Bhagyalakshmi (65), residents of Vijayanagaram near Vilakethi, were found dead with multiple injuries on May 1.

Their bodies, already decomposing, suggested the crime occurred several days earlier. Police said around 10 sovereigns of gold jewellery were stolen. This is the third such murder reported in the region over the past two years.

The coupleas son, Kavi Sankar and daughter Banumathi live in Tiruppur district. Concern arose when Kavi Sankar was unable to reach his father by phone. He asked a relative to check on his parents, who then discovered the couple had been beaten to death inside their farmhouse.

The house, located inside a coconut grove with no surveillance cameras and no nearby homes within 200 metres, was highly vulnerable.

Police believe the culprits planned the attack carefully and may have used the nearby irrigation canal to access and flee the scene.

In response, the police have strengthened canal-based patrolling in the western districts of Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. Patrol units have more than doubled -- from 39 to 82 -- covering major irrigation channels linked to the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), Lower Bhavani Project (LBP), and Noyyal River.

According to officials, Tiruppur districtas patrol units increased from 23 to 35, Erodeas from 11 to 22, and Coimbatoreas from 5 to 15. These routes were mapped with help from the Water Resources Department.

Each patrol team comprises two officers, one of whom is armed. Police are also personally visiting farmhouses to review security measures, advising residents to install CCTV cameras and join WhatsApp groups for quicker alerts.

Officers are urging villagers to use the aKaval Udhavia app for emergencies and to report any suspicious activity. An additional 300 officers have been deployed in Erode and Tiruppur to assist with patrolling and investigation.
Addis Ababa, May 6 : The African Union (AU) has "strongly" condemned the recent violent attack on Port Sudan, a strategic Sudanese city that has remained one of the few relatively stable zones amid the continued conflict in the country.

In a statement, the AU expressed "deep concern and dismay" over the recent violent attack on the port city in eastern Sudan. It said the attack represents "a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict and a direct threat to the lives of civilians, humanitarian access, and regional stability."

Port Sudan has played a critical role as a logistical and humanitarian hub amid the continued conflict in Sudan, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 55-member continental organisation warned that any aggression targeting it "undermines ongoing efforts to stabilise the country."

Reiterating its "firm commitment" to the protection of civilians in Sudan's two-year-long conflict, the AU "strongly denounces all acts that undermine peace efforts, disrupt humanitarian operations, or target vital infrastructure."

The AU further called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of inclusive political dialogue under African leadership. It urged all parties to the conflict in Sudan to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

According to media reports, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out a drone attack on a military air base and other facilities in the vicinity of Port Sudan International Airport on Sunday. The attack is said to be RSF's first attack to reach Port Sudan.

Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary RSF, which erupted in April 2023 over tensions linked to a planned political transition. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 15 million people, and left Sudan facing what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

The AU, through its High-Level Panel on Sudan, has been actively engaged in efforts to facilitate dialogue and mediation between Sudan's warring factions. It also supports various national, regional, and international peace initiatives aimed at bringing an end to the deadly conflict.
Chandigarh, May 6 : In a major breakthrough against ISI-backed cross-border terror networks, Punjab Police in a joint operation with the central agency recovered a cache of terrorist hardware in an intelligence-led operation in the forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular road in SBS Nagar district, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.

The recovery included two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five P-86 hand grenades and one wireless communication set.

DGP Yadav said preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by Pakistanas ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in Punjab.

A first information report (FIR) under relevant provisions of law has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Amritsar.

"An FIR under relevant provisions of law has been registered at PS State Special Operation Cell (#SSOC) Amritsar. @PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to safeguarding national security and dismantling terror infrastructure in the state," the DGP wrote on X handle.

Earlier, in a significant counter-espionage operation, Amritsar Rural Police on Sunday arrested two people for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases in Amritsar.

The arrested duo were identified as Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih, both residents of Balarhwal in Ajnala. They were transmitting sensitive intelligence to Pakistanas intelligence agency.

Preliminary investigation revealed their links to Pakistani intelligence operatives, established through Harpreet Singh, alias Pittu, alias Happy, currently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Amritsar Rural) Maninder Singh had said both accused were involved in collecting and transmitting crucial information such as Army movements, location of BSF camps, location of airports, photographs, and other sensitive data to their handlers in Pakistan.

Taking swift action, an FIR was registered at the police station of Ajnala under Sections 3, 5, and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, and Section 61 (2) of BNS. The arrested individuals are being thoroughly interrogated.
Libreville, May 6 : Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has appointed a new 30-member government headed by Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice-President of the government.

According to the presidential decree by the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Guy Rossatanga Rignault, the new government has three ministers of state.

Henri Claude Oyima, who leads the BGFIBANK group, has been appointed minister of state in charge of the economy, the budget, public accounts, debt and the fight against the high cost of living, reports Xinhua news agency.

Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, former spokesperson for the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions -- the military body that led the country during the transition -- has been named minister of state responsible for transport and merchant marine.

Camelia Ntoutoume-Leclercq retains her position as minister of state for national education.

Regis Onanga Ndiaye remains as foreign minister, and General Brigitte Onkanowa retains her position as minister of national defence. Sosthene Nguema Nguema has been appointed Minister of Petroleum.

The government includes 10 women, accounting for 30 per cent of its members. Among them is Louise Mvono, who previously worked at the World Bank office in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, and has now been appointed minister of planning and perspective. Former presidential candidate Zenaba Gninga Chaning has joined the government as minister of entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises.

Earlier on Monday, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, 66, has been appointed vice-president of the government by presidential decree. This position replaces that of the prime minister, abolished under the new Gabonese constitution adopted by referendum on November 16, 2024. The vice president of the government is primarily responsible for coordinating government actions.

Seraphin Moundounga, former president of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, was promoted to vice-president of the republic, replacing Joseph Owondault Berre.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, previously head of the transitional government, was elected president on April 12 with 94.85 per cent of the vote.
New Delhi, May 6 : People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday said that the hearts of every Kashmiri are "broken at the moment" in view of the Pahalgam terror attack and cautioned against indulging in a blame game over the incident at this juncture.

New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday said that the hearts of every Kashmiri are "broken at the moment" in view of the Pahalgam terror attack and cautioned against indulging in a blame game over the incident at this juncture.

Talking to IANS, the daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also targeted Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for making provocative statements about terror attacks and the Indian government's response to them now and in the past.

Iltija Mufti said, "Security in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 is under the Central government. But I don't think it is the right time to indulge in finger-pointing over alleged lapses. They must be given time to investigate properly as to how this terror strike took place."

She said the terror strike at a place like Baisaran Valley, visited by thousands of tourists, certainly needs an investigation to find out how the militants managed to reach that spot.

"Obviously, there has been a failure which led to such a big tragedy. There must be a full investigation into it," she said.

She criticised Channi for issuing "baseless" and "provocative" remarks on surgical strikes.

"Politicians should observe restraint in such times. I don't know why they indulge in such rhetoric at a time when we have lost so many lives," she said.

Amid the talk of a possible Indian military response against Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Channi had ignited a major political storm by casting doubts on the 2019 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces across the Pakistan border in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

"No one saw where the surgical strike happened and how many were killed, or where in Pakistan it occurred. Nothing had happened. I have always demanded proof," Channi haa said, questioning the widely publicised military operation that followed the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama.

The remarks triggered immediate backlash from BJP leaders, who accused Channi and the Congress of undermining the armed forces and demoralising the nation.
Juba, May 6 : A high-level delegation from the African Union (AU) and the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) arrived in South Sudan, aiming to shore up peace talks between the transitional unity government and the opposition.

The delegation, led by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware, is expected to meet with the South Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, according to a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The visiting delegation is also scheduled to meet with President Salva Kiir's senior advisor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, before meeting with the president himself, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, it remained unclear whether the delegation would meet with opposition leader Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March.

The visit came in the aftermath of Saturday's bombardment of a hospital run by the global medical charity Doctors Without Borders and a market in Old Fangak, South Sudan's Jonglei State, which resulted in the deaths of seven people.

Tensions flared in early March between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) following intense fighting in Nasir County in Upper Nile State. The SSPDF accused the SPLM/A-IO of inciting the White Army militia to attack its positions in Upper Nile, which the latter denied.

The heightened tensions caused the arrest of Machar and several of his close political and military allies, who were accused of stirring up a rebellion in the country.
New Delhi, May 6 : The government has urged regional rural banks (RRBs) to leverage their lending in agriculture and allied activities, MSMEs and government-sponsored schemes, with the implementation of the 'One State-One RRB' initiative.

M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) reviewed performance of RRBs and progress on amalgamation plan in Mumbai.

The DFS Secretary urged the rural banks to continue to focus on their amalgamation process and long-term sustainability.

RRBs have grown in their reach to more than 22,000 branches, covering 700 districts of the country and more than 92 per cent of its branches are in rural/semi urban areas.

They have recorded consolidated net profit of Rs 7,148 crore in FY 2024-25.

Gross non-performing assets (GNPA) reached a new low of 5.3 per cent, lowest in a decade period.

Nagaraju also asked sponsor banks to guide RRBs in their amalgamation process and provide level-playing field for long-term sustainability.

"Sponsor banks should continue to facilitate technology upgradation in RRBs and to complete integration process adhering to the strict timelines of 30-09-2025," he said.

He also suggested sponsor banks and RRBs to also address HR-related issues emerging in the process.

The DFS Secretary asked sponsor banks and RRBs to recognise the challenges that lie ahead. Sponsor banks, in consultation with RRBs, were asked to draft a roadmap for RRBs for next five years.

NABARD Chairman and officials of DFS, sponsor banks, SIDBI, Reserve Bank of India and Chairpersons of all RRBs were also present at the meeting.

Last month, the Department of Financial Services notified the amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on the principles of 'One State One RRB' as part of the fourth phase of the continuing exercise to improve efficiency.

At present, 43 RRBs are functioning in 26 states and 2 UTs. Post amalgamation, there will be 28 RRBs in 26 states and 2 UTs with more than 22,000 branches covering 700 districts. Their predominant area of operation is in rural areas, with approximately 92 per cent of branches in rural and semi-urban areas.

RRBs play a crucial role in promoting rural economic development by providing financial services, particularly credit and other facilities, to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in underserved rural areas.
Hanoi, May 6 : Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday attended the inaugural session of the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025, conveying warm greetings on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the auspicious occasion to the global crowd.

Rijiju emphasised the profound teachings of the Buddha and their contemporary relevance and shared how India has upheld the ancient wisdom on sustainability.

Along with Rijiju, the Indian delegation attending the session included International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder, and Ambassador of India to Vietnam Sandeep Arya.

"More than 2000 delegates from across the world participate in this grand event themed on 'Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development'," IBC posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju engaged in a heartwarming interaction with the Indian community in Vietnam, appreciating their contribution to strengthening India-Vietnam ties and upholding Indian values overseas, terming it truly commendable.

The holy Buddha relic exposition witnessed over 5 lakh devotees on Monday, paying homage to Lord Buddha.

"Sacred Moments of Devotion. Worshipping Holy Buddha relics brings profound joy and pride -- not just to Buddhists, but to all who revere the enlightened one. Now, even those unable to travel to India can honour him at home," IBC added in another post.

"At Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, pilgrims -- young and old, near and far -- gathered in quiet reverence for this rare blessing. On April 5 cumulative footfall of 5 lakh plus," it added.

Last week,also the holy relic exposition witnessed a sea of devotees, with lakhs of devotees paid homage.

On Friday, Rijiju, joined by Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks and senior officials with the sacred relics from Sarnath, reached Vietnam.

The Indian delegation was warmly received by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other officials, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations.

"Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception was accorded by the Government of Vietnam and Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2-21, 2025 for UN Vesak Day celebrations," the Union Minister said in a post.

Following ceremonial prayers, the holy relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University.

A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Rijiju conveyed a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.

The Vietnamese government expressed its sincere gratitude for the sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilisational and spiritual ties between the two countries.

The holy relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the 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.
New Delhi, May 6 : The Supreme Court has decided to place assets of the apex court judges in the public domain by uploading these on its official website.

"The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India has on 1st April, 2025 decided that the statement of assets of the Judges of this Court shall be placed in the public domain by uploading the same on the website of this Court. Statements of assets of Judges already received are being uploaded. Statement of assets of other Judges will be uploaded as and when the current statement of assets is received," said a press release issued by the top court.

In a bid towards transparency in the judiciary, all the judges of the Supreme Court had agreed to make a declaration of their assets and upload the details on the apex court website.

The move was seen to be taken against the backdrop of the cash discovery episode at the residence of a Delhi High Court judge on March 14.

Amid an in-house inquiry, the judge was recommended to be transferred to the Allahabad High Court.

When the apex court is functioning at a strength of 33 judges at present, 21 judges have uploaded their declarations of assets so far, as per the information available on the official website. The Supreme Court ought to function with a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

"The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India had resolved that Judges should make a declaration of their assets on assuming office and whenever any acquisition of a substantial nature is made, to the Chief Justice," said the information provided on the official website of the top court, adding that this also includes declarations by the CJI.

Further, placing the declaration of assets on the Supreme Court website will be "mandatory" in terms of the latest Resolution of the Full Court.

Earlier, the Supreme Court, in a Full Court Meeting held on May 7, 1997, resolved that every Judge should make a declaration of all his assets in the form of real estate or investments (held by him in his own name or in the name of his spouse or any person dependent on him) within a reasonable time of assuming office.

"The declaration so made should be to the Chief Justice of the Court. The Chief Justice should make a similar declaration for the purpose of the record. The declaration made by the Judges or the Chief Justice, as the case may be, shall be confidential," it said.

Later in August 2009, the Full Bench decided to disclose the statement of assets submitted by the Judges to the public by putting it on the Supreme Court website "purely on a voluntary basis".
Los Angeles, May 6 : Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise said that he unwinds by "hitting the keys" on the piano and takes dance lessons to understand body movement and "emotion".

Los Angeles, May 6 (IANS) Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise said that he unwinds by "hitting the keys" on the piano and takes dance lessons to understand body movement and "emotion".

"I wouldn't say 'play.' I enjoy hitting the keys  I find it relaxing," he told People magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Cruise shared 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", reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The actor explained: "I will learn a skill, and I know eventually I'm going to use it in a movie... (I learn dance) because I'm 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 it's the piano or having more time to dance. Or parachuting or flying airplanes or helicopters. The wonderful thing is you're never there. It can always be better."

The actor is returning to the big screen this month with his latest action movie 'Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning', reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Alongside Cruise, the film features a star-studded cast, including Hayley Atwell as Grace; Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Vanessa Kirby as Alanna Mitsopolis, Esai Morales as Gabriel, Pom Klementieff as Paris, Henry Czerny as Eugene Kittridge and Angela Bassett 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 May 14, with Tom and director Christopher McQuarrie, both planning to attend.

It marks the star'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 franchise. It sees Cruise reprise his role as Ethan Hunt. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 21 in France and 23 May in the United States.
Chennai, May 6 : In a heart-wrenching incident, three persons, including two teenagers, drowned in a temple pond on Tuesday morning while participating in the Brahmotsavam festival in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

The victims have been identified as Hariharan (16), Venkatramanan (17), and Veeraraghavan (24), all students pursuing Vedic studies at the Ahobila Mutt in Selaiyur, Chennai.

The trio had travelled to Tiruvallur to take part in the annual festival at the Sri Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, a prominent religious event that draws devotees from across the region.

According to a senior official of the Tiruvallur police, the three went to the temple pond early Tuesday morning to perform their daily religious ablutions, which are customary for students of Vedic traditions.

While they were at the pond, one of them -- believed to be Hariharan -- accidentally slipped and fell into the deeper part of the water.

Witnessing their friend struggling to stay afloat, Venkatramanan and Veeraraghavan immediately jumped in to rescue him. Tragically, none of them were able to make it back to safety.

Eyewitnesses reported that within minutes, all three had disappeared under the water.

The temple authorities, upon noticing the incident, raised an alarm, prompting fire and rescue personnel from the Tiruvallur fire station to rush to the scene.

Rescue workers retrieved the bodies after a thorough search of the pond. The bodies were subsequently transported to the Tiruvallur District Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The Tiruvallur city police have registered a case and have initiated further investigations into the incident.

The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the temple festival, with devotees and locals expressing deep sorrow over the untimely deaths.

The authorities have also issued a reminder to exercise caution around temple ponds and water bodies, especially during crowded festival occasions.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 6 : Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday condemned the midnight arrest of journalist Shajan Skaria by the state police, saying it is a blatant violation of accepted democratic norms.

Former Union Minister Chandrasekhar said: "Skaria was arrested when he was having dinner at his home, here on Monday night. He was not even allowed to wear a shirt. This shows the intolerance of the CPI-M-led Left government."

Notably, the journalist has been bringing out all the allegations against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his government.

Incidentally, this is not the first time that Skaria has come under the police radar, which, according to him, is acting at the behest of CM Vijayan's office.

On Monday night, when Skaria was having dinner with his aged parents, the police, acting on a complaint from a woman regarding alleged defamation, barged into his house and arrested him.

Skaria's arrest was recorded. From the police camp, he was taken for a medical checkup.

Skaria was produced at the residence of a local magistrate.

During the hearing, Skaria's counsel pointed out that his custody and arrest were against the accepted norms and his custodial interrogation was not needed, as he had always abided by the law of the land.

The magistrate later granted bail to the journalist.

Skaria said he was targeted as he has always "exposed" CM Vijayan's wrongdoings, especially the recent case against his daughter.

Chandrasekhar slammed the INDIA bloc state governments for behaving in the "most undemocratic" ways, even while they speak of freedom of the press.

"The BJP will always fight this undemocratic and autocratic style of functioning, and it's not just Skaria, the BJP will fight injustice against all Keralaites," added Chandrasekhar.

Over the years, Skaria, through his online and YouTube news channel, has grabbed eyeballs.
Chennai, May 6 : Actor Silambarasan, who is also called Simbu by his fans, has now disclosed why he was particular about working along with actor Santhanam in director Ramkumar Balakrishnan's upcoming film that is tentatively being referred to as #STR49.

Chennai, May 6 (IANS)Actor Silambarasan, who is also called Simbu by his fans, has now disclosed why he was particular about working along with actor Santhanam in director Ramkumar Balakrishnanas upcoming film that is tentatively being referred to as #STR49.

Silambarasan, who participated in the audio launch event of director S Prem Anandas much-awaited horror comedy aDevil's Double Next Levela, featuring actor Santhanam in the lead, said, "I wish to explain why I wanted Santhanam in #STR49."

"The main reason why I wanted Santhanam is today, a lot of serious movies are getting made. There is a dearth in comedy in films. The level of comedy content in films has gone down. You expect a film with a lot of action and adrenaline rush. Half the films we do are action-oriented and have a lot of aggression in them. So, in Tamil cinema, we need to have a lot of soft, feel good films," Silambarasan said.

"The editor of Devil's Double Next Level has worked in a recently released film called 'Tourist Family'. It was a wonderful film and I express my best wishes to the unit. A lot of films that spread happiness must come. We miss a person like Santhanam for quite some time now. So, apart from acting as a hero in films, he must also combine with actors and directors and do films," Silambarasan added and urged Santhanam to choose films that he liked and work in them as a comedian as well for the sake of fans of Tamil cinema.

"I thought let this film be a starting point to such a step. Several people expressed doubts if he would agree to be a part of the film. I told them that all I had to do was just make a phone call and he would agree for my sake, unmindful of the story or the film. Similarly, when he called me, I knew I had to come for his film's audio launch. The friendship between us is like that," the actor explained.
New Delhi, May 6 : The government on Tuesday said it has given approval for an off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The centre will be set up in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, according to the Ministry of Education.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, congratulated IIFT on receiving the approval.

"Heartiest congratulations to IIFT on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in GIFT City, India's global financial hub. This paves the way for training talent in the institute's flagship programme, MBA (International Business), besides short-term training programmes and research in the area of International Trade," the minister posted on X social media platform.

The approval under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, comes after IIFT's successful compliance with the conditions laid out in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025.

These included submission of a development roadmap to establish a multidisciplinary institution with over 1,000 students, availability of qualified faculty, detailed academic programmes, plans for a permanent campus, and creation of a state-of-the-art library, said the ministry.

The upcoming GIFT City campus will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2.

It will offer IIFT's flagship MBA (International Business) programme, along with specialised short-term training courses and research in international trade and related fields.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to promote multidisciplinary learning and expand access to high-quality education.

IIFT is a premier institution dedicated to capacity building in international trade. It was declared a Deemed to be University in 2002, holds an A+ grade from NAAC, and is accredited by AACSB, making it part of a select group of globally recognised business schools.

The GIFT City campus is expected to significantly contribute to India's trade education ecosystem and support the nation's aspiration of becoming a global export powerhouse.
Mumbai, May 6 : Veteran actor Anupam Kher opened up about his close friendship with Boman Irani, calling him an "asset for life."

In a heartfelt post on social media, Kher highlighted the deep bond they share, emphasizing that Irani's presence and support have been invaluable, both personally and professionally. In his post, Anupam spoke about the immediate bond they shared when discussing their collaboration on "Tanvi The Great." He mentioned that when he shared just the concept of the film with Irani, the actor eagerly agreed to be part of the project.

The 'Special 26' actor even described Irani's presence on set as an "asset for life," noting how the actor's commitment and performance in the film were nothing short of extraordinary. Taking to Instagram, Anupam Kher shared a poster of Boman Irani's captivating look as Raza Saab in their upcoming film 'Tanvi The Great.' Along with the photo, he penned a heartfelt note expressing his deep appreciation for both Irani's exceptional acting skills and his invaluable presence on set.

The 'Kaagaz 2' actor wrote, "Boman Irani is not only a Phenomenal actor but also a wonderful human being. Having a friend like him on the sets is an asset for life. When I narrated him just the idea of #TanviTheGreat he immediately said he will be part of our film. His presence and performance in the film is towering! His appreciating nod after every shot meant the world to me! Thank you my dearest Boman for making #RazaSaab so endearingly humane, vulnerable and extremely lovable. The depth you brought to the character makes #Tanvi - GREAT! #Humbled #Gratitude."(sic)

Boman Irani will be seen playing the role of Raza Saab, a musical genius, in Kher's upcoming directorial. Talking about his role, 'The Mehta Boys' actor had earlier shared, "The very concept of Tanvi The Great moved me to tears. I had decided to be part of the film in any form. The form came in the shape of the innocence of Raza Saab. Unknown Musical genius! I am proud to be part of this timely film, apart from the fact that my friend Anupam would have it no other way."

Directed by Anupam Kher, "Tanvi The Great" is also set to have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, within the Marche du Film. The release date will be announced soon.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Hyderabad, May 6 : With Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees' unions set to begin an indefinite strike from Wednesday in support of their demands, the management has warned that action will be taken against those threatening employees or obstructing their duties.

Hyderabad, May 6 (IANS) With Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employeesa unions set to begin an indefinite strike from Wednesday in support of their demands, the management has warned that action will be taken against those threatening employees or obstructing their duties.

As the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TGSRTC employees determined to go ahead with the strike from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, over 6,000 buses may go off the roads, affecting over 60 lakh passengers across the state.

The JAC expects that all 41,000 employees will participate in the strike to press their demands which include the implementation of the long-pending merger of the RTC with the state government, Pay Revision Commissions (PRC), payment of pending dues towards the Credit Cooperative Society (CCS) and the employeesa provident fund and wage revision and pending allowances.

The TGSRTC management, in an open letter to the employees, stated that strikes are prohibited in RTC as per the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

It warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for threatening employees or obstructing their duties in the name of the strike.

The management appealed to employees not to go on strike as it would cause irreparable damage to the organisation and its employees, at a crucial time when the organisation is on the path of recovery.

The management does not compromise on the welfare of the employees who are driving the RTC organisation forward. Every rupee that comes to the organisation is spent on their welfare, it said.

The RTC management mentioned that despite the financial difficulties, it released the 2017 PRC, which has been pending for many years, with a fitment of 21 per cent in May 2024. The 10 pending DAs have been released in phases since 2019.

The TGSRTC also paid Rs 280 crore related to RPS-2013 bonds. For the last three and a half years, salaries have been paid on the 1st of every month. The management was gradually reducing the arrears by paying the PF and CCS recovery amounts regularly every month.

The management told the unions that a strike is not a solution to the problems. The organisation was pushed into a deep crisis due to the strike in 2019. There is a danger that all these will become adverse factors for the survival of the organisation, it said.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday renewed his appeal to employees not to go on strike as this would cause inconvenience to people.

He told the leaders of the union that he would bring their problems to the notice of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

The JAC leaders are also scheduled to meet the Minister later in the day to discuss their demands.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, May 6 : CPI(M) legislator A. Raja on Tuesday got relief from the Supreme Court, which upheld his appeal challenging the Kerala High Court's disqualification order against him as an MLA in 2023.

Raja is an MLA from Devikulam, an Assembly seat reserved for the Scheduled Caste community.

Two years ago, the Kerala High Court ordered his disqualification in a case filed by Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate D. Kumar, stating that Raja did not belong to the Scheduled Caste community for which the Devikulam seat is reserved. Soon after the order, Raja had filed an appeal petition before the apex court.

On Tuesday, after a long legal battle, the Supreme Court upheld his appeal and ordered to reimburse all the benefits which was put on hold following the High Court verdict disqualifying him as a legislator.

Reacting to this verdict, Raja, the first time CPI(M) legislator, said he was extremely delighted with the verdict.

"When the High Court verdict came, there were flaws in it, and hence I was confident that relief would come from the apex court," said Raja.

"The Kerala High Court was looking into the rule of settlement of my parents, and there was a rule which said all the benefits of reservation are applicable to those who came before 1950. I had shown all documents to prove that my forefathers settled in 1949, which I had been pointing out, but was overlooked by the High Court. A section of the media also took the wrong position on this matter. After the hearing, the Supreme Court accepted all that we argued. This verdict has a larger context too, as there are many who suffer due to the lack of clarity in the law, and with this verdict, all such issues have been put to rest and will benefit many also. The Congress-led UDF should render an apology for levelling false allegations against me," said Raja.

Congress candidate D. Kumar began his legal battle when Raja filed his nomination for the 2021 Assembly polls.

Kumar pursued his fight soon after he lost to Raja by 7,848 votes.

The UDF candidate had alleged that Raja was a converted Christian and had submitted fake certificates to make himself eligible to contest the seat. Now, with the apex court clearing it, Raja and the CPI(M) are celebrating.
New Delhi, May 6 : Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan post barbaric massacre in J&K's Pahalgam on April 22, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday urged the Central government to avoid escalating row with the neighbouring nation, opining that war is never a solution for any crisis.

She however, did advocate retribution and reprisal against Pakistan for dastardly act of terror in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadows, killing 26 tourists at point blank range but didn't support full-scale military escalation with Pakistan.

Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti gave these suggestions, in a special interaction with IANS. Emphasising that the cost of war is paid by people in border states, she also reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his earlier statement that the "era of war is over."

She further said, "Whenever you talk about war or military conflict, it is the people of J&K who suffer in between, because we are a border state. We are the ones who will suffer, we are the ones who will face collateral damage."

She however acknowledged the government's right to take necessary measures to maintain law and order but strongly advised against large-scale military escalation.

"Some things are not in your control. The government needs to do something in retaliation, whatever they feel they have to do to maintain law and order, to keep India secure, that is something in their domain. But war is never an answer," she stated.

She further recalled Prime Minister Modi's own words during his visit to Russia and stated, "Modi ji, when he went to Russia, had said that 'the era of war is over.' And that means that the time of war is behind us, and it's important to remember that."

She also commented on J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raising questions about its handling of the law and order in Kashmir and on alleged silence on Waqf amendments.

"I think after 2019, the people of J&K have endured so much, they have to fight for a bigger cause. The narrative that NC is running about statehood, that's BJP's narrative. NC did not speak about the Waqf issue in the Assembly, and neither did BJP. If NC is only going to echo BJP's line, then what is the point of people electing 50 MLAs? If you're just going to follow BJP's narrative, then you're betraying the people of J&K," she asserted.
United Nations, May 6 : The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has pulled up Pakistan and asked tough questions concerning the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam at its closed session amid the escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, reports said.

The members slammed Islamabad and questioned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people.

Though Pakistan claimed that the meeting largely served and achieved the objectives of the UNSC's meeting, reports showed that it flopped miserably.

In the meeting, which was called at the request of Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, he claimed that his country was not involved in the terror attack.

Though the session was a closed consultation and had no official records, the UNSC members called for dialogue and restraint to resolve the issues.

After the meeting on Monday, UNSC President Evangelos Sekeris told reporters, "The Security Council is always helpful in such efforts" to de-escalate. It is the responsibility of the Council. It was a productive and helpful meeting. Since the meeting was a closed consultation, its proceedings are secret without official records."

Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who briefed the meeting, said all want de-escalation. Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva, who attended the meeting, said, "We hope for de-escalation".

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation was at a "boiling point" and asked 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," he said.

Condemning "strongly" the terrorist massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam last month, he said, "I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack".

Notably, The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepalese national were killed.
New Delhi, May 6 : Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to managing asthma, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Asthma Day on Tuesday.

World Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday in May to spread awareness about the common and chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The theme this year is "asthma education empowers".

"World Asthma Day serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about asthma and enhance care for those living with this chronic condition," said Nadda, in a post on social media platform X.

"By emphasising early diagnosis, effective treatment, and proper management, we aim to improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide," he added.

The Union Ministers also urged policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities "to work collectively towards reducing asthma-related complications and promoting respiratory health" in the country.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases that affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450,000 deaths each year worldwide, most of which are preventable.

As per the Global Asthma Report 2022 by the Global Asthma Network, about 35 million people in India suffer from asthma.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel urged people to not ignore symptoms of the respiratory condition and to prevent common asthma triggers.

"All citizens are appealed not to ignore the symptoms of asthma and get timely tests and treatment done. Improvement in lifestyle, pollution control, and awareness are the best ways to prevent this disease. Let us together contribute towards building a healthy and aware society," Patel said on X.

Dust, smoke and air pollution are the major asthma triggers. Common flare-up signs of asthma include wheezing, nighttime coughs, and difficulty breathing.

"Don't ignore the signs of asthma -- identifying it early is crucial for effective treatment. If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately," according to the Health Ministry.

Asthma can be effectively managed with continued medical care and awareness.

"Managing asthma is simple: use the inhaler correctly, avoid triggers and regular check-ups. Consult a doctor in case of emergency," the Health Ministry said.
Chennai, May 6 : Director Karthik Subbaraj, whose film 'Retro' featuring actor Suriya in the lead released recently in theatres, has now disclosed that superstar Rajinikanth loved his film and that he had termed Suriya's performance in it as "super".

Taking to his X timeline to make the disclosure, director Karthik Subbaraj wrote, "Thalaivar watched #Retro & he loved it.... Exact words of Thalaivar...'What an effort by (the) whole team.... Suriya performance Super.... Last 40 minutes of the film Superb... Laughter touch is Fantastic....God bless.'"

The director further wrote, "Am flying now.....Love you Thalaivaaa. @Suriya_offl @Music_Santhosh @2D_ENTPVTLTD @stonebenchers #Thalaivar #RetroBlockbuster"

Meanwhile, the director, in an interview to a YouTube channel, has said that after Retro, he was contemplating doing an independent movie next.

"I haven't decided as such. After Double X (Jigarthanda Double X) itself, I thought I should make an Indie film. Make a film and just send it to festivals and after a year, release it in theatres. I have a script ready for it but then Retro happened. Now, I am thinking maybe I should do that."

'Retro', which opened to positive reviews, features Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead. The film released on May 1 on the occasion of International Workers' Day this year.

It may be recalled that Suriya underwent martial arts training in Thailand for the stunt sequences in this film. Suriya went to Thailand to get trained in certain styles of fighting, the makers informed and added that Suriya surprised his trainers with his commitment level and hardwork.

Apart from Suriya and Pooja Hegde, aRetroa features a host of stars including Malayalam actors Joju George and Jayaram and Tamil actor Karunakaran.

Music for the film is by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna. Editing was by Shafique Mohamed Ali and art direction by Jacki, Mayapandi. The film, which is high on action, has stunts by Kecha Khamphakdee.
Jaipur, May 6 : At the inaugural session of the Rajasthan BJP's three-day training camp, being held in Kevadia, Gujarat, BJP National President J.P. Nadda delivered a pointed message to the party's ministers and legislators.

In his hour-and-a-half-long address, Nadda urged leaders to reconnect with grassroots voters and warned against becoming isolated within exclusive circles of influence, said party workers, who attended the event. "We must reach every village -- our voters are there," Nadda said.

"Respect party workers. Once an image is tarnished, it's hard to restore. We tend to remain surrounded by a select few and lose touch with our core voters. When elections approach, these very voters appear angry and distant," he said.

Nadda emphasised that those who constantly surround ministers and MLAs "24 hours a day" often serve little electoral value. He warned leaders to be cautious of such influences, maintain a clean and honest image, and avoid associations with contractors.

"Your credibility matters. The loyalty of our core voters is critical -- losing them weakens our foundation."

Highlighting the need for proactive engagement, Nadda advised leaders to focus on their respective constituencies. "Visit panchayats, Anganwadi centres, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs -- this helps in understanding local issues. Work in a way that earns you re-election. Let this training camp become a turning point for the Rajasthan BJP."

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, state BJP president Madan Rathore, national vice president Vasundhara Raje, state in-charge Radha Mohandas Agarwal, and training camp coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari shared the stage with Nadda.

In a candid remark, Nadda criticised the focus on bureaucratic reshuffles post-election wins. "We must prioritise our workers, especially those from poor backgrounds. After forming the government, we often get entangled in transfer-posting matters. Remember, these officers vanish once the election code of conduct kicks in."

Nadda also highlighted a concerning trend -- only about 35 per cent of sitting MLAs in Rajasthan are re-elected. "We need introspection. Analyse victories and defeats, even from an external perspective. Identifying and correcting our flaws is essential."

Calling for greater social inclusion, Nadda stressed the importance of connecting Dalit voters with the BJP. "About 25 per cent of Dalit voters remain distant. Bring them closer by ensuring they benefit from both the Central and state welfare schemes."

Nadda concluded by encouraging a culture of continuous learning within the party. "Understand how the BJP grew step by step, while the Congress declined. We must strive to be the solution, not the problem."

Rajasthan 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 participating in a three-day "Good Governance Training Camp" being held at the Statue of Unity complex in Gujarat. The camp started on Monday and will continue till May 7.
Hyderabad, May 6 : After opposition parties and women's organisations, right-wing groups, including Bajrang Dal, have also opposed the 72nd Miss World Beauty Pageant, scheduled in Hyderabad from May 10 to 31.

Bajrang Dal has opposed conducting the beauty pageant amid a "war-like situation" with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Telangana Bajran Dal Convenor Shiv Ram demanded that the event be cancelled. He said everyone should make an effort to encourage sentiments of nationalism among people.

He warned that people will not keep quiet if the government conducts such an event instead of standing by the Indian Army in the present situation.

Citing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's statement that the state government has no money to meet the demands of the government employees, the Bajrang Dal leader wanted to know how it mobilised funds for conducting Miss World.

"You are saying the state is facing a financial crisis, but how did you get the money to host this international beauty pageant?" he asked.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also opposed the beauty pageant. It criticised the government for planning various programmes at temples and termed it a "cultural jihad".

The organisation demanded that the government withdraw its decision to hold the pageants in holy spots like Ramappa Temple, Yadagirigutta, and Ananthagiri Hills.

Women's groups have also strongly opposed the event. They termed it inappropriate and demeaning to women.

Various women's organisations, including All India Mahila Samskritik Sanghatan (AIMSS) and National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), along with some student unions and youth organisations, held a rally in Hyderabad, demanding that the government cancel the event.

Main opposition party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has slammed the Congress government for its "lopsided priorities". It accused the government of extravagant spending at the time of financial distress.

BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao targeted the government for spending Rs.200 crore on the event even while claiming that it has no money to meet the crucial financial obligations like salaries of government employees, pension and welfare schemes.

Chief Minister Reddy on Monday ordered the officials to make elaborate arrangements for the successful conduct of the Miss World

He asked the police to step up surveillance and make strict security arrangements for the beauty pageant in which contestants from 116 countries are participating.

The Chief Minister called for making every programme from the inauguration at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on May 10 to the grand finale on May 31 a success.

He asked officials to provide necessary transport and other facilities to the Miss World contestants for their visit to Charminar, Lad Bazaar, Telangana Thalli statue in the Secretariat and many other tourist places in the state.
Patna, May 6 : Patna Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge after protesting Bihar Public Service Commission's Teacher Recruitment Examination Phase 3 (TRE 3) candidates attempted to breach barricades and enter the prohibited zone near Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence on Tuesday.

The candidates had gathered in large numbers to demand the release of the supplementary result of the TRE 3 examination.

Despite being warned by police not to enter the prohibited zone around the CM residence, Raj Bhawan, and BPSC office, the protesters attempted to breach barricades, leading to a scuffle with police forces.

"Candidates have been protesting for over four months. Instead of resolving the issue, the government is resorting to lathi-charge," said one of the agitating aspirants.

The protesting candidates claim they have repeatedly sought redressal of their grievances, including an earlier instance where they confronted Education Minister Sunil Kumar.

While Minister Sunil Kumar assured them that there was no government objection to releasing the supplementary results, he said the final decision rested with BPSC.

The delay, despite assurances, led candidates to escalate the protest, leading to the scuffle.

The district administration has designated the area around the BPSC office, CM residence, and Raj Bhawan as a no-protest zone, citing security protocols.

All forms of protest or demonstrations are considered illegal in the vicinity. Police officials stated the use of force was minimal and aimed only at dispersing the crowd after they attempted to cross into the restricted zone.

A senior police officer at the scene said: "We tried to stop them peacefully, but when they forcibly moved ahead, a mild lathi charge was necessary to maintain law and order."

The protestors are now demanding immediate intervention from the Chief Minister and the release of the supplementary results.

Several candidates are also calling for an independent inquiry into the delay and the handling of the recruitment process.
New Delhi, May 6 : National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for the second time in the past 48 hours, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

The back-to-back high-level consultations come just ahead of the nationwide mock security drills to be conducted on Wednesday, the first such exercise since the 1971 war, under the Home Ministry's directive to bolster civil defence preparedness in the event of a hostile attack.

Over the past few days, the Prime Minister has convened multiple meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, significantly intensifying discussions around a military response to the Pahalgam incident.

The Resistance Front, a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack, which stands as the deadliest terror strike in India since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Government sources indicate that in a crucial meeting last week, the Prime Minister granted the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature, targets, and timing of India's military response. These developments signal a resolute shift in India's stance toward cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil.

Further reinforcing India's preparedness, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh met PM Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Sunday. The high-level meeting, which lasted for 45 minutes, was the second such engagement between the Prime Minister and the military leadership within 24 hours. A day earlier, the Prime Minister had held detailed discussions with Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

The government has consistently maintained that the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated with the direct involvement of Pakistan's deep state, which has long been accused of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

In response to mounting evidence, India has initiated a series of strong diplomatic and strategic countermeasures. These include revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, halting cultural and trade exchanges, deporting Pakistani citizens from Indian soil, and suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty.

India has also closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing and shut its airspace to Pakistani commercial aircraft.

Indian authorities have said there is concrete input linking the assault to terror outfits supported by the Pakistani establishment.

The ongoing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, with unprovoked firing from Pakistani posts for the past 12 days, have only added to the already charged atmosphere. The Indian Army has responded proportionately to these breaches.

Prime Minister Modi, in his first public remarks following the Pahalgam tragedy, struck a stern note, declaring, "The terrorists, their handlers, and their backers will be chased and hunted down to the ends of the earth."
Pakistan's protracted struggle with democratic governance resembles less a narrative of political maturation and more a cautionary example of institutional domination.

Though envisioned as a republican state by its founding leadership in 1947, Pakistan has consistently fallen short in establishing a truly democratic system. The primary actor behind this failure is widely recognised but seldom challenged: the Pakistan military. Over successive decades, it has embedded itself within the core of political authority, persistently undermining civilian leadership and weakening democratic institutions from within.

At present, Pakistan functions, at most, as a hybrid regimea superficial civilian administration concealing a deeply embedded military establishment. Whenever public dissatisfaction with this setup intensifies, the military has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to rebrand itself as the essential guardian of national security. It habitually relies on familiar narrativesIndian hostility, internal subversion, or foreign plotsfrequently amplified through compliant media and affiliated non-state actors, to legitimise its dominant position. This dynamic was evident when Army Chief General Asim Munir began employing political dog-whistles ahead of the April 22 Pahalgam attack targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, anticipating a forceful Indian reaction that the military elite could exploit to consolidate public support.

This militarised approach to governance stands in stark contrast to the political ideals of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's founding father, who envisaged an Islamic republic grounded in democratic principles, institutional probity, and socio-political equality. Significantly, in his address to the 5th and 6th Ack Ack Regiments of the Pakistan Armyformations previously part of the British Indian Armyon 21st February 1948, Jinnah urged the military to uphold the values of "Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice, and the equality of manhood" within the geographical bounds of the newly established state.

However, the very institution Jinnah aimed to redirect soon deviated from its intended path. While his landmark address to the Constituent Assembly remains celebrated as a clear expression of his ideological vision for Pakistan, it was largely disregarded by the Pakistan Army, whose gradual incursions into the political sphere steadily undermined the constitutional values championed by Jinnah. This drift towards militarised governance began alarmingly within Pakistan's first decade, thereby derailing the democratic ambitions that had initially driven the post-colonial nation-building endeavour.

It was this gradual consolidation of praetorian tendenciesevident in the steady erosion of constitutionalism and civilian authoritythat ultimately led to the full-scale military coup of 1958. In this initial constitutional breakdown, President Iskandar Mirza conspired with General Ayub Khan to annul the 1956 Constitution, thereby dismantling the fledgling democratic framework. Ironically, Mirza was soon deposed by the very military machinery he had empowered, ushering in a prolonged period of authoritarian military rule. This foundational rupture not only entrenched the military's hegemonic role within Pakistan's political system but also triggered a pattern of systemic instability that eventually led to the state's fragmentation with the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Since that time, the military's hold has only strengthened. Over the years, it has progressively extended its influencenot only within the political realm but also deep into the country's economic structures. The regime of General Zia-ul-Haq during the 1980s serves as a defining example. His tenure was characterised not only by the consolidation of military authority but also by a forceful Islamisation drive that reconfigured Pakistan's societal landscape and further solidified the military's role as an ideological arbiter.

By 2020, the Pakistan military's economic empire had evolved into a vast, multi-sector corporate entity, with an estimated value exceeding $20 billion. Widely recognised for its pervasive presence across the economic landscape, the military's commercial and industrial reach spans the manufacture of basic goodsranging from sewing needles to bottled wateras well as major infrastructural projects, including roadworks and property development. A 2016 submission to the Pakistani Senate revealed that the armed forces oversee more than 50 business enterprises, encompassing ventures such as Askari Cement, Askari Bank, Fauji Meat, Askari Sugar Mills, shopping centres, and residential housing schemes. These operations are chiefly managed through four institutional bodies: the Fauji Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, and the Army Welfare Trust (AWT).

The consolidation and maintenance of this extensive politico-economic apparatus has emerged as a core institutional priority for the military establishment. As a result, the continuation of its hegemonic control over civilian governance is no longer justified merely through conventional security arguments, but is now intrinsically linked to the protection of its substantial material interests and ideological influenceoften to the detriment of democratic consolidation and civilian ascendancy.

The cumulative impact of this militarised political structure has been the consistent undermining of civilian authority, which has persistently struggled to attain independent legitimacy or institutional continuity within Pakistan's governance system. As a result, any civilian political figure whose rise threatens the entrenched dominance of the military establishment has routinely been sidelined through coercive or extrajudicial measures. A notable example of this pattern was the judicial execution of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1979a politically motivated act following his removal in the 1977 military couptriggered by his escalating popular support and increasing resistance to military oversight.

This historical precedent echoes in the state's ongoing punitive campaign against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose present imprisonment is broadly viewed as retaliation for his overt challenge to the military's entrenched influence within the political domain. These recurrent patterns of suppression underscore the military's persistent aversion to political independence and its structural compulsion to preserve hegemonic supremacy over democratic institutions.

These structural imperatives collectively sustain the Pakistan Army's ongoing opposition to any meaningful process of democratic consolidation, thereby solidifying its authoritarian control over the state machinery. As a result, the system is designed not for democracy but for containment. The continuation of this civil-military imbalance is not incidental; rather, it is systematically upheld through a complex interplay of institutional self-preservation, economic interests, and ideological dominance. Civilian institutions are permitted to operate only insofar as they do not challenge the primacy of the military. This is not governance; it is institutionalised authoritarianism cloaked in a democratic guise. from this cycle demands more than temporary outrage or symbolic acts of opposition. Removing the military from the political sphere requires a far more ambitious approach: a sustained, organised, and credible political movementone capable of confronting both the ideological and material underpinnings of military rule. Until such a movement emerges, Pakistan will remain ensnared in a state of managed democracy, with its citizens relegated to a system that neither represents nor empowers them.
Srinagar, May 6 : Iltija Mufti, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has said that the ruling National Conference (NC) was not given the large mandate in elections to join the BJP's narrative on Jammu and Kashmir.

In an interview with IANS, Iltija Mufti said, "I am unable to understand the fact that despite getting a large mandate in the Assembly elections from the people, the ruling NC is only joining the narrative of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"They (NC) have started talking about their demand for the restoration of statehood to J&K. The BJP also demands statehood for J&K. During the Assembly session, the NC did not speak about the Waqf Amendment Act. The BJP supported the amendment and the NC chose to maintain silence on this," Iltija Mufti claimed.

In the interview, while she backed tough measures by the Centre against Pakistan, she also said the government must take a 'humane' view on the women from that country who have been living in Kashmir for decades. "There are women who have been married to Kashmiris and settled in the Valley for the past 30-40 years. How can they be expected to return?" said Iltija Mufti while talking to IANS.

It must be recalled that Iltija Mufti fought the Legislative Assembly election in 2024 unsuccessfully from the Bijbehara Assembly constituency. Bijbehara is the native town of the Muftis and has been seen as a stronghold of the PDP. However, this common perception was dispelled after Iltija Mufti lost the seat to the NC candidate.

Out of the 90 Assembly seats that went to the polls last year after 10 years, the PDP won just three seats -- Pulwama, Tral and Kupwara -- in Kashmir.

The NC won 42 seats, the BJP 29, the Congress six, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) 1, CPI(M) 1, Peoples Conference 1, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1 and six Independents.

Five Independents later joined the NC, while the Congress, AAP and CPI(M) supported the Omar Abdullah-led government from outside.

The 2024 Assembly elections were held after August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was divided into two UTs -- J&K and Ladakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that statehood would be restored to J&K at 'an appropriate time'.
Srinagar, May 6 : Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, on Tuesday said that for terrorists to be able to carry out the Pahalgam assault in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in a place where tourists come in large numbers indicates that a mistake has happened, and it should be investigated.

In an interview with IANS, Iltija also praised her mother as "extremely peace-loving" and criticised the media for portraying her as "anti-India or non-secular."

Along with the Pahalgam terror attack, she also talked about the situation at the borders, Pakistani citizens being sent back, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, etc.

The following are the excerpts from the interview:

IANS: 26 innocent people were killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. What do you have to say?

Iltija Mufti: This was a dastardly attack, and we condemn it. There is no place for violence. We condemn terrorism. All of us saw how our guests -- the tourists -- were killed. Two young women, who were recently married, lost their husbands; we are saddened by it. Before being Kashmiris, Muslims, or Indians, we are human beings first, and such acts -- such as targeted killings -- break our hearts.

IANS: Who is to blame for this terror attack? Do you think Pakistan was behind it?

Iltija Mufti: For the last six years, since Article 370 was abrogated and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was taken away, the entire law and order situation here -- including the security agencies, Intelligence agencies, police -- all come under the Ministry of Home Affairs. So, it is very difficult for me to speak on this matter, as they are not under my domain, nor are they under the domain of the J&K government.

These are questions that the central government sitting in Delhi will have to answer. I don't think this is the right time to start pointing fingers and saying mistakes were made here or there. There must be time given for a proper investigation into how this happened.

Places like Baisaran and Pahalgam see a large number of tourists every day, yet that day, terrorists came and carried out such a big attack. This certainly needs to be investigated. I don't have the authority to say who is to blame. There was some mistake somewhere -- that's why such a serious incident happened. Only after a full investigation can anything be said.

IANS: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti went to Pahalgam and interacted with the locals. How do you see that?

Iltija Mufti: I think the image the media -- mostly the 'godi' media -- has created of Mehbooba ji, portraying her as anti-India or non-secular, is completely wrong. If you truly look at Mehbooba ji, you'll see she is extremely peace-loving.

It was very important for her to go to Pahalgam at this time -- not just for the local people, but also to show our tourists that we have always welcomed them and will continue to do so. You must have seen the visuals -- she went there, tourists were present, and photos were taken with them. We are very thankful that the tourists continue to show their trust in us.

Some media channels are portraying that tourists are not welcome in Jammu and Kashmir -- that is not true. Our doors, the doors of our hearts, and the doors of our state are always open for our tourists. We welcome them with love and hospitality -- and we will continue to do so.

IANS: Following this attack, Pakistani citizens are being sent back. How do you see this?

Iltija Mufti: Many people have been living here (in India) for the past 20a"30 years. A Pakistani woman whose son was martyred while serving in the CRPF is also living here. When her son was martyred, Home Minister Amit Shah himself visited her. There are many such cases where people have been affected. If we look at this through the lens of humanity, it is clear that injustices are occurring.

That said, the government is taking steps it feels are necessary. However, in my personal opinion, we should also act with some humanity.

IANS: A CRPF personnel was dismissed after it was revealed that he is married to a Pakistani woman. What do you have to say about this?

Iltija Mufti: I am not very familiar with this case. If the police are withholding information, it is not my responsibility. I saw an interview with the soldier, in which he said he had informed the CRPF and security agencies. This is a personal matter concerning a CRPF soldier. An investigation is ongoing, so I cannot say much.

IANS: Do you think war is an option?

Iltija Mufti: Whenever there is talk of war, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are caught in between, as we are a border state. We are the ones who suffer; we are the collateral damage. However, some things are not in our control. If the government feels it needs to act in retaliation to maintain law and order and ensure India's security, that is within its domain. I cannot comment on that.

I feel that war is never the answer. When PM Modi visited Russia, he said, "The era of war is over." I believe it's time to remember that.

IANS: Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi has questioned the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces and said people are waiting for the "so-called 56-inch chest to act." How do you see this?

Iltija Mufti: Such baseless, provocative, and instigating remarks are not right -- especially at a time when so many of our people have been martyred. Not much time has passed since the attack. I believe our politicians should exercise sensitivity when issuing statements. Why must we engage in cheap rhetoric at a time like this?

IANS: You and your mother had highlighted that Kashmiris were being harassed across India following the Pahalgam terror attack. What is your take on it?

Iltija Mufti: As a Kashmiri, I am very disappointed. People are suspecting every Kashmiri across India. Even in Delhi, our students and businessmen are being targeted. PM Modi needs to talk to Kashmiris -- he has left them on their own. Since 2019, the humiliation we have faced and the way Muslims are being treated breaks my heart.

PM Modi is not just the Prime Minister of Hindus -- he is also the Prime Minister of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and every citizen of India. He must rise to our expectations and protect us. But what has happened in Kashmir over the last six years is extremely disappointing.

IANS: What is your take on the Waqf (Amendment) Act?

Iltija Mufti: I feel that just like the people of Kashmir and the country were misled when Article 370 was repealed -- it was claimed this was being done for the development and progress of the people of Jammu and Kashmir -- that was a false narrative, full of propaganda.

Similarly, look at the time that has passed since the Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed. It is sub judice, but even so, many madrasas and dargahs are being demolished. This Act is meant to disempower Muslims. People want to gather votes by demolishing mosques, so what can we say?

They are indulging in short-term politics and may gain short-term benefits, but in the long term, it is an attack on the soul of our country. This is Gandhiji's country. For me, the Waqf Act is a direct attack on Muslims. It is an anti-Muslim Act. You want to snatch whatever little freedom and religious autonomy Muslims still have.

IANS: What is your take on J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's meeting with PM Modi and his Assembly speech?

Iltija Mufti: I feel that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have lost so much after 2019. We need to fight for a larger cause. The narrative of statehood that is being run by the NC -- which is currently the government here -- is the BJP's narrative. The NC didn't speak about the Waqf Act in the Assembly, nor did the BJP MLAs.

The NC demands statehood; BJP MLAs also demand statehood. If the NC is only going to echo the BJP's line, then what is the point of people electing 50 MLAs? If you're (NC) just going to follow the BJP's narrative, then you're betraying the people of J&K.

IANS: An Over Ground Worker (OGW), who had helped the Pahalgam terrorists, jumped into the river after he was taken to identify a terrorist hideout. How do you see this?

Iltija Mufti: Whoever was involved in the terror attack must be punished. Justice should be served to the families who lost loved ones. But here, anyone labelled as an OGW or accused based on a narrative often comes directly from the security agencies -- and it is not always verified. We have seen this ourselves.

I won't say all police officers are wrong, but whether it's the Army or police, fake encounters have happened here -- like in Bandipore, Kupwara, and even Rajouri-Poonch two years ago. So, the narrative you're being told is not always the truth.

In Pulwama last week, 10a"15 houses were demolished, and only one of them belonged to a suspected militant. The rest belonged to innocent civilians. I am thankful to Mehbooba Mufti, who spoke to the Home Minister and informed him that the houses being demolished were not just of militants, but also of common people -- and that this is wrong. After that, Delhi stopped the demolitions. The government cannot term everyone as a militant or OGW.

You first say that after 2019, the people of J&K were integrated. Integration is not just about geography or borders, it is also emotional and psychological integration. That integration must happen too. If you look at everyone here with suspicion and hatred, as extremists or OGWs, then how will the distance between Kashmir and Delhi ever be bridged?
New Delhi, May 6 : BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain has said that India is fully prepared to give a strong and fitting response to Pakistan in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising that the upcoming mock drill is part of national preparedness against any nefarious designs by the enemy.

Speaking to IANS, Hussain stated, "Pakistan conspired in the Pahalgam terror attack to divide us. Our country is confident in its Prime Minister, its military, and its government. The nation must stay ready. A mock drill is being conducted tomorrow so that if the enemy attempts any misadventure, we know how to respond swiftly. This mock drill is part of that preparedness. Pakistan will get a strong, strict response."

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs notification to the states, the mock drill will be held across the country's 244 Civil Defence districts on Wednesday. "The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all States and Union Territories," said the notice.

Hussain also took aim at Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani for his recent remarks suggesting that India should not stop Pakistan's water.

"Madani should know that Pakistan has shed our blood, and yet he says we should not even stop their water? Not just water, we will stop the wind! Now, no plane can cross through the air. No trade can take place through the sea. We will also teach Pakistan a lesson on land," Hussain said.

Reacting to Congress leaders mocking the Rafale jets, Hussain accused the party of acting irresponsibly.

"The Congress party is compromising national interests. After the heinous incident in Pahalgam on April 22, where people were killed based on their religion and recitation of the 'Kalma', it is clear that Pakistan's conspiracy to divide India on religious lines was thwarted by our strong response. While the Congress claims to stand with the nation, leaders like Siddaramaiah oppose war, and ministers mock the Pulwama attack and our retaliation. Ajay Rai mocked Rafale, it's the language of Pakistan. The country is angry at the Congress, and if they don't stop, the people will teach them a lesson," he warned.
Colombo, May 6 : Sri Lanka on Tuesday held the local government elections, following a seven-year hiatus and the first of its kind conducted after National People's Power (NPP), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, came to power last year.

Out of the total of 341 local bodies, the elections are being conducted for 339 bodies across the island nation, marking a significant milestone in the country's democratic process, according to local media reports.

Sri Lanka's ruling party, the NPP, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the United National Party, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna are contesting the election.

Over 65,000 Sri Lankan police officers have been deployed for election duties to maintain law and order.

Local media reports further suggest that a record of 75,589 candidates, representing 49 recognised political parties and 257 independent groups are contesting in this year's elections.

Additionally, a total of 17,156,338 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 13,759 polling centres established nationwide.

Dissanayake, as the NPP leader, actively campaigned for the elections, hoping to break the grip of traditional parties at the local levels by taking control of the local bodies, according to local media reports.

Last year, he achieved grand success in both parliamentary and presidential elections of the country, and therefore challenge for him in this local election would be whether he will be able to drive home the point that voters are still with him.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is under fierce pressure to deliver better at this election, as they suffered defeat at the last two national elections.

Another opposition party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, led by Namal Rajapaksa, which was once the dominant political force in the country, also actively campaigned to bag as many votes as possible, Sri Lanka's leading newspaper, Daily Mirror, reported.

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka and relevant authorities urged all eligible voters to resort to peaceful and democratic methods while exercising their rights and contributing to the advancement of local governance across the island nation.
New Delhi, May 6 : The protest of the Indian diaspora across the world condemning the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack continues as they take out peaceful rallies in solidarity with the victims.

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.

In the US, in response to the tragic attack, a peaceful protest rally was held in Atlanta by the Hindu Community of Georgia. It was joined by US Republican Party Congressman Rich McCormick, and the gathering strongly condemned terrorism and called for justice and global unity.

In Spain, the Indian diaspora in Madrid gathered at Plaza de Callao for a peaceful protest, standing in solidarity with the victims. Condemning the horrific terror attack, the community called for global unity and decisive action against terrorism.

In Canada, the Indian diaspora and other community members gathered at the Consulate General of India in Toronto to pay tributes to the victims.

"Innocent lives lost. Families shattered. At the Consulate, the diaspora and friends of India stood united in tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, sharing heartfelt words of support and solidarity," the Consulate General of India, Toronto, posted on X.

In Chicago, the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois, and various Indian Associations, totalling about 200, cutting across all regions, religions, and languages of India, came together to protest against the deadly assault on tourists.

Indian Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh addressed the gathering during the solemn occasion marked by unity, remembrance, and a firm determination against terrorism.

In Sweden, the Indian diaspora expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism and observed silence in memory of the victims.

"Embassy organised a floral tribute and observed silence in memory of the Pahalgam terror attack victims. The Indian Diaspora resolved to be united in defeating terrorist designs against India and its people," the Embassy of India to Sweden posted on X.

Similarly, in New York, people gathered for a solemn prayer meeting for the victims, held at St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Jackson Heights.
Imphal, May 6 : Security forces have arrested 12 more militants, including a woman cadre, of different outfits and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Manipur during the past 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said that of the 12 militants apprehended, 11 belong to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) outfit and one to the Peopleas Liberation Army (PLA) group.

The militants, including a woman cadre, were arrested from four districts -- eight from Imphal East, one from Imphal West, two from Thoubal, and one from Kakching.

A large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK series/A1/M4/self-loading rifles, .303 rifles, pistols, camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, various electronic devices, incriminating documents and various other materials were recovered from the militants.

These extremists were involved in kidnapping, threatening people, various types of crimes, forcible collection of money from government employees, contractors, traders and common people.

The security forces, comprising Central and state forces, arrest militants of different outfits almost every day.

Meanwhile, police, during the past 24 hours, have recovered six more stolen vehicles in a special drive conducted for the recovery of stolen/snatched vehicles from anti-social elements/ miscreants.

Amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, widespread theft of cars and two-wheelers was reported, and 151 stolen cars and 30 two-wheelers have been recovered since April 16 from different places in the state when a special drive for the recovery of stolen/snatched vehicles was launched.

Combined security forces have continued search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. Manipur has two National Highways -- the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and the 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 from outside the state. To prevent any attack or any untoward incident, the security forces provide escorts to all kinds of vehicles when they move through the National Highways.
New Delhi, May 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, congratulating him on his party's landslide victory in Saturday's General Election.

"Spoke with my friend Anthony Albanese to personally congratulate him on his partyas historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

PM Modi had on Saturday congratulated Albanese on Labor's resounding win which saw the party bagging a haul of 92 lower house seats, only the third time in the history of the country that a party has won more than 90 seats.

"Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," PM Modi wrote on X.

Albanese, who also spoke with US President Donald Trump with talks focusing majorly on the issue of tariffs, announced Monday that his first overseas trip in his second term as Prime Minister would be to Indonesia.

Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November during which they also held the second Australia-India Annual Summit ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.

Both Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors a" including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.

Reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation, they had also reflected on the shared interests in the region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region.

Both leaders have emphasised that aMake in Indiaa and aFuture Made in Australiaa have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world.

India and Australia are also members of the Quad grouping along with the United States and Japan.
Bhopal, May 6 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Nagpur unit, under the Mumbai Zonal jurisdiction, successfully apprehended two individuals engaged in illegal trade and possession of leopard skins.

Following the seizure, the confiscated wildlife articles and the detained individuals were handed over to the District Forest Division of Ujjain for further investigation in accordance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

The operation, conducted in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the seizure of two leopard skins with heads, along with an ivory (wild boar horn), from the suspects.

Acting on specific Intelligence regarding attempts to sell these prohibited wildlife items, the DRI team intervened at a hotel in Ujjain on the morning of May 4 leading to the suspectsa capture.

The seized leopard skins and ivory were confiscated under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits the trade, purchase, or possession of leopard skins or any part of the animal, as leopards are listed under Schedule I of the Act.

The agency is active in various wildlife enforcement actions, including a recent operation in Rajasthanas Rajsamand district, where it seized two leopard hides and 18 leopard nails, leading to the arrest of five individuals.

In March 2024, another mission in Vizag city resulted in the seizure of a leopard skin and the apprehension of four traffickers.

Additionally, DRIas Pune unit intercepted a leopard skin in Akola, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of three persons.

This operation is part of DRIas ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

Earlier in January 2025, the Nagpur unit intercepted three individuals in Maharashtraas Akola district and recovered one leopard skin.

These successful missions reaffirm DRIas steadfast commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding Indiaas biodiversity.

Employing its Intelligence-based approach and enforcement capabilities, the DRI continues to dismantle trafficking networks and enforce wildlife protection laws in collaboration with other agencies.
Dhaka, May 6 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment in London. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law - the acting Chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman, and the late Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

Dhaka, May 6 (IANS) Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment in London. She was accompanied by her two daughters-in-law  the acting Chairman of the party, Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman, and the late Arafat Rahman Koko's wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman.

The air ambulance, provided by Qatar's Emir, reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

As Khaleda Zia travelled to her Gulshan residence from the airport, hundreds of party workers lined the streets to welcome her return, chanting slogans such as "Welcome Khaleda Zia" , "Khaleda Zia, fear not, we haven't left the streets" and "Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia".

Members of the armed forces, along with other law enforcement agencies, were deployed along the route and stringent security measures were also observed around Khaleda's residence.

Rahman's wife, Zubaida Rahman, has returned to Bangladesh after spending 17 years in exile in London. Local media reported that she intends to stay at her father's residence in Dhanmondi.

Earlier, BNP had sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) asking to "ensure security" of Zubaida Rahman, upon her arrival in Bangladesh, stating that there is a security threat to her life as a member of the Zia family and wife of Tarique Rahman.

Reports suggest that the return of the BNP chief could add pressure on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to hold general elections in the country.

Asserting that long-term reforms should be carried out under an elected government, the BNP wants to have elections this year and has threatened to hold street protests if they are delayed further,

Speaking to the reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Khaleda Zia's return to the country will facilitate the transition to democracy.

"It is a very happy day for the nation. Her presence is significant at the time of democratic transition," the BNP Secretary General said.

Meanwhile, discussions in Bangladesh are swirling around the potential return of Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, who is "actively considering" to lead the outfit on home soil.

Rahman, who has been leading the BNP from London, is also at the crossroads. Having recently been acquitted in major cases, including the August 2004 grenade attack, he faces minimal legal hurdles to return.

Analysts reckon that he may possibly be testing waters in the political turbulence of the Bangladeshi politics under the present Yunus administration, which is under pressure to deliver on its promised reforms and to hold elections.

Political opponents believe that Tarique Rahman is risking his wife's well-being and using her as "a human shield" to check whether it will be safe for him to return to the political culture of violence in Bangladesh's party system.

It may be mentioned that Khaleda Zia was sentenced to prison for seven years and fined Tk 1 million in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case on October 29, 2018. She was imprisoned at the Central Jail in Old Dhaka.

After the Sheikh Hasina government was toppled by the so-called student-led mass movement on August 5, Khaleda was released by President of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin through an executive order. The court later also quashed her jail sentences.
Mumbai, May 6 : The cast of Sony SAB's "Pushpa Impossible" has received a new addition. Actor Gaurav Chopra has been roped in to play Professor Rajvir Shastri-a sharp, cynical law professor known for his powerful courtroom presence and fierce advocacy.

Mumbai, May 6 (IANS) The cast of Sony SAB's "Pushpa Impossible" has received a new addition. Actor Gaurav Chopra has been roped in to play Professor Rajvir Shastria sharp, cynical law professor known for his powerful courtroom presence and fierce advocacy.

In this compelling new chapter, the story takes a dramatic twist with the entry of Professor Rajvir Shastri  a once-celebrated legal prodigy turned bitter and cynical academic. Renowned for his brilliant courtroom arguments and magnetic charm, Rajvir's promising career was destroyed by a scandal that not only tarnished his professional reputation but also fractured his personal life, leaving his marriage and bond with his daughter in ruins.

Haunted by betrayal and regret, he masks his anguish behind a veneer of anger and alcohol, having lost faith in both the legal system and the people around him. However, everything begins to shift when Pushpa enters his life. As the embodiment of unshakable optimism and hope, Pushpa's boundless energy challenges Rajvir's jaded perspective, paving the way for a powerful and emotionally charged dynamic between these two seemingly incompatible souls.

Speaking about his role, Gaurav shared, "When I first read the script, what drew me to Rajvir was his complexity. He's brilliant yet broken, sharp yet cynical, and despite everything, still deeply human. His journey, though painful, feels incredibly real  we all carry scars, some visible, others buried. As an actor, I live for roles that challenge me and demand that I peel off layers and explore human emotion. Rajvir Shastri is all that and more. What makes this experience even more rewarding is working with Karuna Pandey. She brings such natural depth, and honesty to Pushpa  her energy lifts every scene. I'm grateful to the makers for trusting me with such a powerful role and can't wait for the audience to witness this new chapter  it's going to be an emotional ride."

Gaurav will be returning to television after five years with "Pushpa Impossible" which airs from Monday to Saturday at 9 PM only on Sony SAB.
CHATHAM  Matthew Bernard, the suspect in the killing of three of his relatives in 2019 in Pittsylvania County, has been found incompetent to stand trial for the 10th time.

He was due to be tried the week of June 2, but Pittsylvania Circuit Judge Stacey W. Moreau continued the trial following the latest report in April on Bernards mental status from a forensic evaluator at a state facility.

Dr. Helen Greenbacker, forensic evaluator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, described Bernards symptoms via video conference during a hearing in circuit court Wednesday afternoon.

Given his history, its not surprising he had a change in his competency, Greenbacker told the court during questions from Steven P. Milani, one of the suspects attorneys.

Bernard had previously been found to be incompetent to stand trial nine times, but his competency was restored and he was indicted by a grand jury in August in Pittsylvania Circuit Court.

But the latest evaluation of Bernard by Greenbacker found that he continued to hear voices and have delusions, including beliefs regarding prophecies, speaking to God, the trinity and seeing his family in the afterlife.

He lacks the ability to work with legal counsel to formulate a legal strategy, she said.

Greenbacker recommended that he remain hospitalized instead of being put in jail because his medications would be impossible to administer in jail.

She added that his competency is somewhat tenuous.

During his evaluation interview, Bernard became more and more confused, she said, adding that he did not appear to be faking or exaggerating his symptoms.

He continues to respond to internal stimuli, Greenbacker said, referring to Bernard laughing at or reacting to things that werent present to anyone but himself.

That has led to Bernard showing thought-blocking, in which he is unable to speak because he is distracted by internal stimuli, she said. The symptom is a sign of psychosis, she added.

Bernard, 23, faces three charges of aggravated murder against multiple persons and three charges of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the slayings of his mother, Joan Bernard, 62, his sister, Emily Bernard Bivens, 25, and her 14-month-old son, Cullen Bivens.

The bodies were found at the familys Keeling home Aug. 27, 2019.

Authorities apprehended Bernard hours after the killings when he emerged nude roughly a mile from the home and attempted to choke a church groundskeeper.

The case made national headlines following a manhunt with more than 100 state and local police that ended with him being arrested naked and drenched in mace.

He required hospital care immediately after his arrest because he repeatedly banged his head against the cage inside a police car, authorities reported.

According to documents filed by Pittsylvania County investigators, he might have been operating under religious motivation on the day of the slayings. A youth pastor at the church the family regularly attended told investigators Bernard kept on his cellphone an audio diary of his thoughts, what he had seen in dreams, visions, and things that he had heard from God, the Register & Bee reported in 2019.

During questioning from Pittsylvania County Commonwealths Attorney Bryan Haskins, Greenbacker said there was no change in Bernards competency from April 2024 to January this year.

However, his psychotic symptoms reemerged in March following a reduction in dosage of one of his medications, Clozaril, which is used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

No one was certain why his dosage was decreased from 375 milligrams down to 175 milligrams or whether it was intentional. When his symptoms recurred, the dose was increased to 200 milligrams.

Greenbacker pointed out that the drug has nasty side effects and that she could not say for sure whether the dose could be elevated and whether it would take effect by the June 2 trial date.

At the end of the hearing, Haskins said he had no issues with Greenbackers report, but added that it was regrettable and unfortunate.

I dont see any realistic possibility that well see our trial date, he told the court.

I dont understand how we got in this position, he added.

Moreau agreed.

Its a shame that because they didnt renew a prescription, were in the spot were in, she said.

Moreau added that officials at the state hospital where Bernard is staying should have contacted his legal team of his mental deterioration.

If hes deteriorated again, they should have contacted you, she told James C. Martin, the other attorney representing Bernard.

It was Martin who had contacted the facility.

Moreau continued, or postponed, the trial and said she wanted a written report of Bernards mental status sent by the hospital to his attorneys within 45 days.
Patna, May 6 : Three people were killed and four others were seriously injured after lightning struck Raghopur village, located on the New Bypass Road under Bakhtiyarpur block on the outskirts of Patna, officials said on Tuesday.

The victims were cleaning wheat in a field on Monday night when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain forced them to take shelter under a tractor-trolley. Lightning struck the area shortly after, killing three people on the spot, including a teenage boy.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Officials said the incident underlines the growing threat of lightning-related disasters in Bihar, particularly in rural areas where people are often exposed to the elements while working in fields.

Bihar remains one of the most vulnerable states in India in terms of lightning fatalities. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), lightning accounts for 39 per cent of all natural disaster-related deaths in the country, with Bihar contributing a significant share.

As many as 43 deaths due to lightning have already been reported in April this year alone.

Local authorities and police reached the site soon after the incident and have launched an investigation. The state government offers an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of those who die in natural calamities.

The Meteorological Centre in Patna had issued a warning for thunderstorms, rain, and lightning in several districts ahead of the incident.

While the Disaster Management Department continues to conduct awareness campaigns, the tragedy highlights the persistent gap in preparedness and awareness in rural areas.

Officials from the Met department have urged people to avoid taking shelter under trees, in open fields, or near water bodies during storms. They advised seeking refuge in concrete or properly constructed buildings and avoiding outdoor activities, especially farming, during adverse weather conditions.
Chennai, May 6 : The results of the Tamil Nadu Class 12 public examinations will now be declared on May 8, a day ahead of the previously announced date of May 9.

The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) confirmed that the correction of answer sheets has been completed and all necessary preparations are in place to announce the results on time.

Earlier, the DGE had scheduled the results for May 9, but in a recent update, officials confirmed that the date has been advanced.

Measures have also been taken to ensure that students are informed about the schedule change.

According to the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, 8.21 lakh students appeared for the Class 12 state board examinations. Additionally, 8.23 lakh Class 11 students took their exams from March 5, while more than 9.13 lakh Class 10 students sat for their exams from March 28. In total, over 25.57 lakh students appeared across all three classes, including 20,746 students with disabilities.

The Class 12 exams were held from March 3 to March 25, the Class 11 exams from March 5 to March 27, and the Class 10 exams from March 28 to April 15.

Class 12 and Class 11 exams were conducted across 3,316 centres, while Class 10 exams were held at 4,113 centres statewide.

More than 45,000 teachers were involved in examination-related duties, and over 4,800 flying squads were deployed to curb malpractice.

A full-time exam control room was set up at the DGE, operational from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on exam days, to assist students, candidates, and the public with queries.

Strict rules were enforced prohibiting the use of mobile phones inside exam centres for both students and teachers on invigilation duty.

It may be recalled that in the 2024 Tamil Nadu Class 12 board exams, held from March 22 to April 13, a total of 7.72 lakh students appeared, including 4.1 lakh girls and 3.6 lakh boys. One transgender student also took the exam. Of these, 3,25,305 boys and 3,93,890 girls passed, along with the transgender student, who also cleared the exam.

The school education department emphasised that robust measures were implemented to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.
Mumbai, May 6 : Maharashtra will conduct mock drills at 16 locations in the state on Wednesday as per the Ministry of Home Affairs' order amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The state government sources said that the mock drills will be conducted at Mumbai, Uran, Tarapur, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Roha-Nagothane, Manmad, Sinnar, Thal Vaishet, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Aurangabad, Bhusawal, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.

"The Maharashtra government is in high alert mode. The administration has given strict instructions to all the agencies to remain alert. The state government has accelerated the activities at the internal level. All the ministers, including the guardian ministers, have been instructed to stay in touch with the administration," said the government sources.

During the mock drills, the government sources said that it will assess the effectiveness of the air raid warning systems, check the hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force, see the functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, hold training of civilians, including students on civil, defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implement crash blackout measures and early camouflage for key installations, verify the working and response of Civil Defence Services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot oo and assess the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution.

Earlier, mock drills were conducted in the state in 1971.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut took a swipe at the BJP-led government at the Centre over its order to conduct mock drills amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 persons and sarcastically asked what kind of guns the government will give to citizens.

"The government has kept the people mentally trapped in all these things. In many countries, we have seen that if a civilian or a military post is attacked, revenge is taken within 24 hours. Now, we will have a war exercise (mock drills). What kind of guns are you going to give us?" asked Raut.

"There will be warning sirens, crash blackout measures and camouflaging of vital industrial plants and installations, among others. We have seen this in 1971. This information can be given to the people through different channels. Just as they banged plates and clapped (during corona), now they will spend another day in war exercise," he claimed.
Ranchi, May 6 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has held the Centre responsible for the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Pahalgam in which 26 lives were lost, alleging a serious Intelligence and security lapse.

Speaking at the 'Samvidhan Bachao Rally' organised by the Congress at the old assembly ground in Ranchi on Tuesday, Kharge said the central government had itself admitted to an Intelligence failure during an all-party meeting. "If they have accepted their mistake, they should also take responsibility for the lives lost in the attack," he said.

Kharge said media reports indicated that the government had received Intelligence inputs about a possible terrorist strike in Kashmir three days before the incident.

"They cancelled their own visit, but failed to make proper security arrangements for tourists. The area should have been secured with police and Border Security Force deployment," he added.

He reiterated that the Congress fully supports any action the government takes against terrorism.

"We will stand with the government if it takes strong steps against Pakistan. The country comes first -- religion and caste come after," he said.

Kharge also asserted that the Centre's decision to conduct a caste-based census was a result of pressure by the Congress.

"Rahul Gandhi raised this issue nationally. Initially, the BJP opposed us, accusing us of dividing society, but today they have accepted our demand. The caste column has been included in the census," he said.

He said the Congress has sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi with three key demands, which are: A meeting with all parties to build consensus on the model of the caste census, to be initiated at the earliest; reservation for the poor, Dalits, tribals, and Backward Classes in private institutions under Article 15(5) of the Constitution and removal of the 50 per cent cap on reservations.

Kharge also criticised the Enforcement Directorate's actions in the National Herald case.

"Nehru ji launched National Herald, Qaumi Awaz, and Navjivan to raise the voice of the people during the struggle for Independence. When Sonia Gandhi took steps to revive them, the ED filed a case against her. Of 200 cases filed by the ED across the country, convictions have happened in only 2 per cent," he claimed.

He said BJP-RSS leaders never participated in the freedom struggle. "None of them went to jail or made sacrifices, yet today they teach us patriotism," he said.

Kharge alleged that the Centre was suppressing Press freedom and targeting dissenters. "People who speak the truth are being jailed. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also wrongly imprisoned. They cannot tolerate a tribal holding such a position," he said.

He charged the BJP government with undermining the Constitution. "We must fight to protect the rights granted to the poor, Dalits, tribals, and women. Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us equal rights -- if we don't safeguard his Constitution, we risk being enslaved again. The rich want the poor crushed," he warned.

Kharge announced that under the Congress' 'Save Constitution' campaign, rallies, meetings and programmes would be held across all states, districts and blocks for the next 45 days. "Congress workers must come together and lead this fight," he urged.

The rally was also addressed by senior leaders, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Jharkhand Congress incharge K. Raju, and state Congress President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh.
Patna, May 6 : Tension gripped Kamalpur village under Lalganj police station in Bihar's Vaishali district on Tuesday morning after a violent clash between two groups left over a dozen people injured.

Patna, May 6 (IANS) Tension gripped Kamalpur village under Lalganj police station in Biharas Vaishali district on Tuesday morning after a violent clash between two groups left over a dozen people injured.

The unrest was triggered by an incident involving a local youth, Dharmendra Pandit (25), son of Gopal Pandit, who was taken to Kolkata by a private contractor on April 24 with a promise of employment.

However, Dharmendra died mysteriously under unclear circumstances.

According to family members, they received a distress call on Sunday from the contractor, informing them about the death of Dharmendra. When the family rushed to Kolkata, the contractor became untraceable and did not assist during the police proceedings and post-mortem.

After unsuccessfully attempting to contact him, the family returned with the dead body of Dharmendra to Vaishali.

Upon their return, the victimas family staged a protest outside the contractoras residence by putting the dead body in front of it, demanding answers.

Tensions escalated quickly as hundreds of people from both sides gathered and began to fight using sticks and stones, leading to injuries to over one dozen people.

A heavy police force arrived at the scene of the clash to control the situation.

However, the angry mob attacked the cops, resulting in damage to a police vehicle. The police initially tried to disperse the crowd using mild force, but the situation went out of control, forcing them to retreat temporarily.

At the time of filing of this report, senior police officers along with large police and para-military forces were camping in the village to monitor the situation closely and restore peace.

An investigation into the contractoras role in the incident involving Dharmendra Pandit is also underway. Authorities are appealing to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the probe.

Vaishali police constituted a team to nab the contractor who is still at large. The family members have been asked to establish contact with the contractor and advise him to appear before the police and clarify his stand.
New Delhi, May 6 : Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Tuesday accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab of indulging in 'dirty politics' by restricting water supply to the national capital.

He claimed the conspiracy was aimed at punishing city voters for voting out former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Assembly elections in February.

Talking to mediapersons, Verma said, "For the last one week, Delhi has been receiving less raw water due to the dirty politics of the Punjab government, the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal."

Kejriwal is angry with Delhi voters who have brought the BJP to power, and to teach them a lesson, his party has cut water supply to the city, he said.

"The Punjab government has refused to follow the instructions of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and went against it by reducing the supply of water to Haryana," he said, after visiting the Tughlakabad area.

As part of the conspiracy hatched by Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has reduced the water supply to Haryana, which has indirectly led to a cut in supply to Delhi, he said.

Verma said, on average, Delhi receives from Haryana around 980 cusec of water daily. "But on May 1 we got 88 cusec water less, on May 2 we got 119 cusec water less, on May 3 we got 71 cusec water less, on May 4 we got 55 cusec water less, and on May 5 we got 130 cusec water less," he said.

"Our daily quota of water has been reduced by 15 per cent because the Punjab government and Delhi's former Chief Minister Kejriwal want to vent his anger and settle scores with voters here," he said.

"After losing Delhi elections, Arvind Kejriwal has moved to Punjab, from where he is now punishing people of Delhi by cutting off their water supply," he said.

The anger of the AAP against Delhi voters is getting reflected in dirty politics, and the conspiracy is to leave Delhiites thirsty, he said.

"We will not let this dirty politics succeed. The Union Home Ministry has written to the Punjab Police to withdraw security from dams and give access to officials," he said.
Bhopal, May 6 : Madhya Pradesh is poised to surpass its anticipated wheat procurement target, expecting to secure 85 lakh metric tonnes (MT) against the initially projected 80 lakh MT.

As of Tuesday, the state has already procured 76 lakh MT from 8.76 lakh registered farmers, according to the Minister for Urban Development.

The procurement process, which includes weighing exclusively from registered farmers, will continue for an additional five days.

The state commenced its wheat procurement drive on March 15, offering a price of Rs 2,600 per quintal across its 4,000 designated procurement centres.

"Last year, we procured 40 lakh metric tonnes of wheat from 5.85 lakh farmers in Madhya Pradesh," the minister stated.

He further noted that updated figures were expected soon, with procurement already reaching 81 lakh MT as of Tuesday.

The government now anticipates achieving a total of 85 lakh MT in this season's yield.

Additionally, the minister announced that Rs 16,472 crore has been disbursed to farmers so far in payment for their produce.

To streamline operations, the state government registered farmers via SMS notifications and provided the option to enroll from home through a dedicated web or mobile application.

Farmers could also register at facility centres located within Gram Panchayats, Janpad Panchayats, and Tehsil offices.

If the anticipated volume is fully realised in mandis, farmers in Madhya Pradesh stand to receive a total support price of Rs 19,400 crore, along with an additional bonus of Rs 1,400 crore.

The Central Government has also revised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, increasing it by Rs 150 per quintal for the Rabi marketing season of 2025-26, bringing it to Rs 2,425 per quintal.

However, Madhya Pradesh will offer an elevated procurement price of Rs 2,600 per quintal, which includes an additional financial assistance of Rs 175 per quintal.

Madhya Pradesh grows some low-irrigated high-yield varieties like Sharbati and Durum in the low rain fed area of Malwa plateau in districts of Sehore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram (erstwhile Hoshangabad), Harda, Raisen and Dewas.

Among all these varieties, Sharbati is the most preferred variety as it contains high protein.
Berlin, May 6 : Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union's candidate for German Chancellor, failed to secure the required majority in Tuesday's Bundestag - Germany's Lower House of parliament - vote, falling six votes short of the 316 needed to be elected Chancellor.

Multiple German media suggested that there won't be another round of voting Tuesday.

Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (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 defence, 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, was supposed to elect Merz, leader of the CDU, as Chancellor on Tuesday. Once Merz would have been elected, his government could have taken office, ending the current administration led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. SPD's co-leader Lars Klingbeil was scheduled to 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 defence minister. Baerbel Bas, former president of the Bundestag, had been nominated as minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

Other nominations included 35-year-old Reem Alabali-Radovan as minister for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Speaking at a press conference before the signing on Monday, Merz said the coalition aims to advance Germany with reforms and investments. Highlighting the capabilities of the new government, Merz had 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 on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 US 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.
Chennai, May 6 : A swift and coordinated effort by the Tamil Nadu Police's Idol Wing-CID has successfully halted the auction of a precious temple idol stolen from the state 15 years ago.

The idol, a metal representation of Kannappa Nayanar, was reported stolen from the Arulmigu Agneeswaraswamy Temple in Thirupugalur in Nagapattinam district in 2010.

According to officials, the theft was registered at the Thittachery police station on August 8, 2010, after temple authorities discovered the idol was missing.

Despite extensive investigations over the years, the whereabouts of the idol remained unknown until recently.

The breakthrough came when the Idol Wing-CID received intelligence that the Kannappa Nayanar idol had resurfaced at the European Fine Art Exhibition-2025, held in Maastricht, Netherlands.

The idol was listed for auction, raising immediate alarm.

Acting without delay, the Idol Wing-CID initiated contact with Dutch police authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), urging intervention to halt the auction. Their swift action yielded results, as the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local Dutch authorities promptly stepped in and took custody of the idol on March 23.

"The timely intervention by the Idol Wing-CID played a crucial role in stopping the auction and securing the Kannappa Nayanar idol. Legal procedures have now been set in motion to repatriate the idol to India," a state police statement said.

The Tamil Nadu Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Shankar Jiwal, lauded the Idol Wingas successful operation. He extended special appreciation to the team led by Additional Director General of Police, D. Kalpana Nayak, for their dedication and relentless pursuit of cultural heritage protection.

The Idol Wing-CID, known for its remarkable record in tracing and retrieving stolen artefacts, has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard Tamil Naduas ancient treasures. This latest operation underscores the unitas continued commitment to preserving the stateas rich heritage and ensuring that stolen idols are returned to their rightful sanctuaries.
Islamabad, May 6 : Pakistan' Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has issued a warning of an expected 21 per cent shortage of water availability in the country during the Kharif season amid blockade of water supplies from India. IRSA said that after India blocked water supply to Pakistan, River Chenab has witnessed a sudden decrease in water inflow. The advisory was issued after IRSA' Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting during which anticipated water availability criteria for the remaining Kharif season was approved.

During the meeting, serious concerns were raised over the sudden drop of water levels in River Chenab. Participants stated that the reduction of water flow was due to the shortage of supply from India which has been blocked after New Delhi put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance following the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 which resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians.

"If the decline in inflows continues, the shortage will be reassessed," read a statement issued by IRSA.

The officials who participated in the meeting maintained that there were fears of a projected 21 per cent shortage in early Kharif water availability - a critical period for sowing summer crops including rice, sugarcane and cotton.

The projected shortage of water availability from June to September was estimated to be about at least seven per cent in normal supply conditions. However, with water supply from India disrupted, the shortage is expected to go up to 21 per cent.

"The committee agreed to adopt a conjunctive use strategy for managing water from Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs. The measure aims to ensure that provinces receive their allocated share despite the reduced river flows," read the IRSA statement.

Water shortage poses a serious threat to Pakistan and its already reeling agriculture sector, which caters to over 38 per cent of the workforce and about 20 per cent of the countryas GDP.

aProlonged shortages could disrupt crops cycles, reduce yields, and further inflate food prices along with posing serious threats to millions, who bank on these agricultural crops and their income for their livelihoods," said Israr Khan, an analyst.

Experts have also warned that reduced water supply could have destructive effects, especially during the sowing season.

"The reduced water supply, particularly during sowing months, may have a ripple effect on rural incomes, export earnings, and food security. Cotton output, which is vital for Pakistanas textile sector a" could also be affected majorly if irrigation shortages persist," highlighted Khan.

Concerns over water shortage were raised after India closed all sluice gates of the Salal and Baglihar hydel power dams in Raesi and Ramban districts on Sunday, without any official or formal notification.
Market Overview & Investment Implications

The defense technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with this weeks developments highlighting several interconnected trends that present significant investment opportunities across multiple domains. Current geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts are accelerating the adoption of next-generation capabilities, particularly in the areas of autonomous systems, cost-effective unmanned platforms, advanced protection technologies, and extended-range strike options. Another review covering the recently announced Army reform has been published.

Investment Outlook

The defense sector continues to demonstrate resilience against broader economic uncertainties, supported by increasing global defense budgets and accelerated modernization timelines. The trends highlighted in this weeks report indicate sustained demand across multiple technology domains, with particular strength in autonomous systems, protection technologies, and long-range strike capabilities.

Key investment considerations include:

Balancing established primes with specialized technology providers to capture program-of-record revenue and disruptive innovation potential.

Geographic diversification across U.S., European, and Asian defense manufacturers to benefit from regional procurement priorities and industrial participation requirements.

Attention to development timeframes and technical risk, particularly for advanced programs like hypersonic weapons.

Focus on companies demonstrating effective supply chain management in the current constrained industrial environment.

Consideration of dual-use technologies where commercial applications can provide additional growth vectors beyond defense budgets.

The coming quarters should provide greater clarity on procurement timelines for several major programs discussed in this report, potentially creating attractive entry points for long-term investors in the companies best positioned to execute these opportunities.
Bhopal, May 6 : After decades of lingering uncertainty, the disposal of "307 tonnes of toxic waste" (earlier 347 tonnes) from the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy has begun in Pithampur.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had already issued directives in this regard earlier.

"The process began from evening on Monday," a senior officer in the MP Pollution Control Board told IANS, adding, "The incineration is proceeding at a steady rate of 270 kilograms per hour at the facility, with environmental safeguards firmly in place.

A continuous online monitoring system has been installed to track emissions, ensuring compliance with pollution control regulations. The total process will take 50-55 days or even a few more days."

The toxic waste is being disposed of at a private facility.

To further mitigate environmental risks, experts are closely observing four key pollutants - particulate mercury, heavy matter, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide - emitted during the burning process.

"Additionally, air quality monitoring stations have been deployed at three locations across Pithampur (near Indore). Alongside the existing station in Tarpura, new sites in Chirakhan and Bajrangpura were operationalised on May 4 to reinforce oversight.

The 1984 Bhopal gas disaster claimed the lives of thousands of people and left several others injured when a poisonous gas, methyl-isocyanate, leaked from the factory on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984.

The toxic waste has been lying in the factory since then.

"Four monitoring systems have been installed," the officer said.

The toxic waste, which had remained abandoned at the former Union Carbide facility for nearly 40 years, was finally transported to Pithampur from Bhopal in January 2025. In compliance with judicial directives, a phased trial run was conducted before full-scale disposal began, marking a significant step in the decades-long struggle to address industrial contamination.

After a trial incineration, the Madhya Pradesh government submitted a status report to the High Court in Jabalpur, detailing the successful completion. And the officials had told the court that the incineration process-expected to last 72 days-would proceed under strict guidelines set forth by the Central Pollution Control Board to prevent any harm to the public.

Despite these assurances, activists advocating for Bhopal gas tragedy survivors had raised concerns over secondary pollution. They argue that burning 300 metric tonnes of toxic waste could result in nearly 900 metric tonnes of residue, potentially exacerbating environmental hazards if dumped in a landfill. With the next court hearing scheduled for June 30, discussions on the long-term ecological impact of the waste disposal continue.
Bhopal, May 6 : The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to recruit local tribal youths in Naxal-hit districts to keep a close watch on the movement of Maoists entering from the neighbouring states of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

A decision in the regarding was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, senior BJP leader and the state's Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said.

The minister informed that the Cabinet has approved a proposal to recruit 850 local tribal youths in the three Naxal-hit districts of Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori.

These youths will work for the state government and will be paid Rs. 25,000 per month for one year.

"These local tribal youths will work as informers. They will keep a close watch on the movement of suspected Maoists and will pass the information to the security officials through a proper communication channel. They would be recruited for a period of one year," Vijayvargiya said.

The Minister further stated that after effective implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Naxal-free India by 2026, many Naxalites have started surrendering.

"A few days ago, I visited Chhattisgarh, and I was informed that a large number of Naxalites have sent surrender proposals. They want a better future for their children," the minister said while briefing media persons.

He said there was a huge possibility that Naxalites would move towards Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori districts.

In line with this mission, Madhya Pradesh will take decisive steps to eliminate Naxalism completely.

"We have credible inputs that some Naxalites have entered Madhya Pradesh, therefore, the state government has decided to keep a close watch on them," Vijayvargiya added.

He further said the construction of roads, expansion of telecommunication facilities and deployment of security personnel in affected areas have yielded positive results in controlling Naxal elements.

Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a visit to Chhattisgarh on February 9 had stated that Naxals would be eradicated by March 31, 2026 and no citizen of the country would have to lose his life due to it.
Mumbai, May 6 : Veteran actress Jaya Prada took to social media to share heartwarming glimpses of her light-hearted moments with Bollywood legend Dharmendra.

Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a sweet video, offering a glimpse into her warm camaraderie with Dharmendra. In the heartwarming clip, the two legendary stars are seen sitting together on a couch, watching something on a phone, smiling, and engaging in a warm conversation. Their faces light up with smiles, reflecting the ease and affection of a long-standing friendship.

Sharing this heartfelt moment, Jaya wrote for the caption, "The Lighter Moments With One & Only Legend Dharam Ji16 movies with Dharam Ji 1. Qayamat 1983 2. Insaaf Kaun Karega 1984 3. Dharm Aur Qanoon 1984 4. Ganga Tere Desh Mein 1988 5. Mardon Wali Baat 1988 6. Elaan-E-Jung 1989 7. Shehzaade 1989 8. Kanoon Ki Zanjeer 1990 9. Farishtay 1991 10. Kundan 1993 11. Paappi Devataa 1995 12. Maidan-E-Jung 1995 13. Veer 1995 14. Zulm-O-Sitam 1998 15. Loh Purush 1999 16. Nyaydaata 1999." (sic)

A few days ago, the actress had posted cheerful photos where she was seen striking poses with Dharmendra. Jaya captioned the post, "Today met one of my most respected co-artists in Mumbai - none other superstar legend respected Dharmendra ji at his residence and refreshed many old memories Dharm ji I wish god you always be happy and healthy @aapkadharam."

The 'Sholay' actor also posted their photos and wrote, "Jaya prada, my lovely co - star came to see me today along with loving family friends of her .i am extremely happy to see them all."(sic)

Interestingly, Dharmendra and Jaya Prada have shared the screen in a string of successful films, creating a memorable on-screen pairing over the years. From action-packed dramas to emotional sagas, the duo has been part of several popular movies like "Insaaf Kaun Karega," "Dharm Aur Qanoon," "Ganga Tere Desh Mein," "Mardon Wali Baat," and "Maidan-E-Jung," among others.
Hyderabad, May 6 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday took strong exception to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's statement that the state became bankrupt and called him the most incompetent and inefficient Chief Minister in independent India.

Rama Rao told media persons that Revanth Reddy was maligning the state to save his skin. He said Revanth Reddy should resign from the post if he could not run the state.

The BRS leader was reacting to the Chief Minister's statement that the state has become bankrupt and is unable to raise even loans.

Accusing Revanth Reddy of abandoning his responsibility as the head of the state, Rama Rao said that no Chief Minister in India's history had ever made such pessimistic statements.

KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, alleged that Revanth Reddy made a deliberate attempt to discredit the state's financial health to escape the blame for unfulfilled electoral promises.

The former minister told Revanth Reddy that while BRS leaders can tolerate any attempt to insult them, they would not allow him to tarnish the image of Telangana.

The BRS leader said the government employees were asking the Congress government to fulfil its promises. "The government employees are not making any unfair demand, but the Chief Minister is trying to portray them as villains in front of the public," he said.

He charged the Congress government with intellectual bankruptcy and moral decay, for seeking silly excuses to evade fulfilling its poll promises.

Calling the Congress manifesto a 420-document, KTR said the party made absurd promises as it never expected to win. He said that after winning, the Congress leaders were looking for excuses.

KTR lashed out at the Congress government for conducting the Miss World beauty pageant even while claiming that the state has become bankrupt. "This government has Rs 250 crore for beauty pageant, but it has no funds to provide pensions and retirement benefits to retired employees," he said.

Reacting to the plans of the government employees to stage protests to press for their long-pending demands, the Chief Minister had said on Monday that even if they cut him, there is no money to meet their demands.

KTR stated that Revanth Reddy's remarks are not just irresponsible, but unforgivable. He remarked that Telangana is financially strong, but the Congress leadership is intellectually and morally bankrupt.

He reminded that Revanth Reddy was caught red-handed in the cash-for-vote scam. One could not expect such criminals to be treated with respect, and banks might be turning him away considering his criminal past, he remarked.

The BRS working president accused Revanth Reddy of misleading people with false information about the debts incurred during the BRS rule. "The day he took oath, he claimed that the BRS government had left behind a debt of Rs 6 lakh crore, and now he is saying it's Rs 8.29 lakh crore," he said and claimed that the actual debt incurred by the BRS government is only Rs 4.17 lakh crore.

He pointed out that even the Centre clarified in Parliament that Telangana ranks 24th out of 28 states in the debt-to-GSDP ratio.

Claiming that BRS during its decade-long rule borrowed to create infrastructure and irrigation assets, he alleged that the Congress had taken Rs 1.7 lakh crore in 16 months without completing a single project.

KTR countered the Chief Minister's claims of financial bankruptcy and cited statistics to show that the state's financial condition is healthy.

"When Telangana was formed in 2014, the revenue was Rs 51,000 crore. By 2023-24, it rose to Rs 2.16 lakh crore," he said and mentioned that the state had a revenue surplus of Rs 4,882 crore last year. Quoting the RBI, he said that Telangana's monthly debt servicing is around Rs 2,000 crore and not Rs 10,000 crore as the Chief Minister is claiming.

He accused Revanth Reddy of uttering lies about his air travel in economy class and claimed that the Chief Minister visited Delhi 43 times in chartered flights. "His Ministers are using helicopters even for short distances. They are using choppers as if they are sharing autorickshaws," he remarked.
Ranchi, May 6 : Dr Raj Kumar will continue to be the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after the Jharkhand government agreed to withdraw its earlier order removing him from the post.

The development came during a hearing in the Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday.

Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan informed the court that the government would withdraw its April 17 order that had relieved Dr Kumar of his responsibilities.

Following this submission, the bench of Justice Deepak Roshan disposed of the petition filed by Dr Kumar challenging his removal.

The court also directed that Dr Kumar should not be harassed in the interim until the withdrawal of the order is formalised.

Dr Kumar was removed through an order issued by Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who also heads the RIMS Governing Council.

The order alleged that Dr Kumar had failed to comply with directives issued in the public interest by the Council of Ministers, the Governing Council, and the Health Department.

It also stated that his performance as Director was unsatisfactory. The removal was to take effect immediately, with Dr Kumar entitled to three monthsa salary and allowances in lieu of notice. Minister Ansari said the order had the approval of Chief Minister Hemant Soren also.

Challenging the decision, Dr Kumar moved the High Court, which on April 28 stayed the governmentas action.

Justice Roshan observed that the removal appeared to be "stigmatic" in nature and legally untenable, as due process had not been followed.

The court had sought a reply from the state government through an affidavit.

With the state now deciding to withdraw the order, the court concluded the proceedings, bringing relief to Dr Kumar and ending the legal battle over his removal.
Dhaka, May 6 : Prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, Chinmoy Krishna Das was on Tuesday shown arrested in four additional cases by a Chattogram court.

The development follows after the same court passed an order on Monday that showed Das arrested on alleged murder charges of Chattogram court lawyer Saiful Islam Alif.

Chattogram Metropolitan magistrate S M Alauddin Mahmud passed the order on Tuesday morning in a virtual hearing based on applications from the police to show the arrest of Das in more cases. The Hindu priest was connected virtually from prison as he could not be physically presented in the court due to security concerns, local media cited.

"Police filed three cases and Alif's brother filed another case over vandalism on the court building premises, attacking police and general people, crude bomb explosions, and preventing police from discharging their duties during the clashes on November 26," said Assistant Public Prosecutor Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury while addressing the gathered media.

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.

Raising a demand to free Chinmoy Das from the "inhumane legal assault", the Awami League party on Tuesday said that the court order has falsely implicated the minority rights activist in an outrageous murder charge which came within days after "communal gang backed by Muhammad Yunus" publicly ran hate campaign against minorities, demanding capital punishment for Das by branding him as agent of India.

"Following illegal incarceration of the outspoken minority leader Chinmoy Krishna Das for over 130 days in false sedition charges to suppress protest against communal violence, the latest court order to extend illegal jailing of Chinmoy Das is another glaring evidence of total weaponisation of judiciary and law enforcement by Yunus regime to conceal communal violence," the Bangladesh Awami League said in a long post on X..

Awami League said that no legal representative was present for Chinmoy Das during the hearing, yet the court criminalised the monk, exposing that the judiciary no longer delivers justice for anyone who dares to speak against communal violence under the Yunus regime.

Chinmoy was arrested in Dhaka on November 25 last year and sent to jail the following day after a Chittagong court rejected his bail plea. On December 11, 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 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.
Seoul, May 6 : Kia, South Korea's second-biggest carmaker, sold a record number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe in the first quarter, data showed on Tuesday.

Kia sold 27,761 EVs during the January-March period in the European market, a 17 percent increase from the previous record set in the third quarter of 2023, according to the data provided by the company, reports Yonhap news agency.

The proportion of EVs in the company's overall vehicle sales in Europe also surpassed the 20 percent mark for the first time.

The boost in EV sales was spearheaded by the Kia EV3, a compact electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) model, which sold 17,878 units in the first quarter, accounting for 64 percent of the company's total EV sales in the cited period.

Sales of EVs are rapidly increasing in Europe, with 573,500 cars sold in the first quarter alone, up 28 percent from the same period last year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

The South Korean automaker plans to beef up its EV lineup with the launch of the new EV4, EV5 and PV5 models in Europe this year.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor, South Korea's biggest carmaker, said last week its sales rose 2 per cent in April from a year earlier, driven by strong demand for its sport utility vehicle (SUV) models.

Hyundai sold 353,338 vehicles last month, up from 346,473 units a year earlier, the company said. Domestic sales climbed 5.9 percent from 63,733 to 67,510 units, while overseas sales increased 1.1 percent from 282,740 to 285,828 over the cited period.

While focusing on expanding sales of high-end models, Hyundai also plans to maintain steady sales of gasoline hybrid vehicles amid a slowdown in the EV market.

From January to April, cumulative sales edged up 0.1 percent to 1,354,458 vehicles from 1,353,179 in the same period last year.
Gandhinagar, May 6 : At least 14 people lost their lives while 16 others were injured as unseasonal rain, fierce winds, and dust storms battered parts of Gujarat, disrupting daily life at the height of the summer season.

As per the official data recorded between May 4 and 6, the worst-hit region was Kheda district, where two people were crushed under fallen trees and two others died when a building and a temporary roof collapsed.

An official said that in Vadodara, three fatalities were reported, two from electrocution and one caused by a falling hoarding.

"Two deaths each were reported from Ahmedabad, Aravalli, and Dahod. Lightning strikes were responsible for both fatalities in Aravalli, while in Dahod, victims died due to uprooted trees," the official said.

He said that in Ahmedabad, one person succumbed to lightning, and another was killed when a hoarding collapsed.

"In Anand, a woman died after a wall gave way. Among the 16 injured, six were reported from Panchmahal, while Kheda and Dahod accounted for three each. Aravalli and Anand saw four more injuries collectively," the official said.

The official further pointed out that the storm also caused damage to livestock and property, 25 animals were reported injured, and seven houses collapsed in Panchmahal and Kheda.

"The extreme weather affected 168 talukas across Gujarat, with a significant impact in Saurashtra, Kutch, and central districts. In Ahmedabad, a blinding dust storm was followed by heavy rain late at night. High-speed winds felled at least 46 trees in over 75 reported incidents," the official added.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of continued rain today, with gusts reaching 4050 km/h. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors during peak wind activity and to avoid areas with large hoardings or unstable structures.

An official said that in Saurashtra and central Gujarat, fields of ripe mangoes, groundnut, cotton, and pulses were particularly affected.

"Farmers in Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath reported heavy fruit drop in mango orchards just ahead of peak harvest season, leading to considerable financial losses. In Kutch, standing crops such as bajra and sesame were flattened by the gusty winds and hail," he said.

He also added that vegetable growers in Anand and Kheda districts also suffered losses, with damage reported to tender crops like tomatoes, chillies, and leafy greens.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department said that waterlogging in low-lying fields and damage to topsoil have further jeopardised crop health in several regions of the state.
Hyderabad, May 6 : Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees deferred their indefinite strike scheduled from Wednesday as the state government agreed to look into their demands.

The breakthrough came during the talks Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar had with the leaders of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the TGSRTC employees on Tuesday.

The state government came forward to constitute a three-member committee of IAS officials to hold talks with the employeesa unions and address their demands.

The committee comprising Naveen Mittal, Lokesh Kumar, and Krishna Bhaskar has been asked to submit its report to the government.

During the three-hour-long talks, the JAC leaders demanded that the government provide job security to the employees. The Transport Minister responded positively to their demand that the government should procure electric buses and give them to the RTC.

The JAC leaders said they decided to postpone their strike to give time to the government to address their problems. They said they also took the decision keeping in view the prevailing situation in the country following the terror attack at Pahalgam.

They, however, made it clear that they deferred their decision temporarily and that if their demands are not met, they will go on strike.

The JAC had earlier decided to go on strike from May 7. Over 6,000 buses were likely to go off the roads, affecting over 60 lakh passengers across the state every day.

The JACas demands include the implementation of the long-pending merger of the RTC with the state government, implementation of two Pay Revision Commissions (PRC), payment of pending dues towards the Credit Cooperative Society (CCS) and the employeesa provident fund, and wage revision and pending allowances.

The TGSRTC management had warned that action would be taken against those threatening employees or obstructing their duties.

The management, in an open letter to the employees, had stated that strikes are prohibited in RTC as per the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

It warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for threatening employees or obstructing their duties in the name of the strike.

The management appealed to employees not to go on strike as it would cause irreparable damage to the organisation and its employees, at a crucial time when the organisation is on the path of recovery.
Canberra, May 6 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said that the relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger and said that he is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coming years to build a prosperous future for the region.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had dialled Albanese, congratulating him on his party's landslide victory in Saturday's General Election.

"Thank you for the call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for your warm congratulations. The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger. I look forward to working with you over the coming years to build a prosperous future for our region," Albanese said in a post on X.

During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Albanese on his historic re-election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Australia.

"Spoke with my friend Anthony Albanese to personally congratulate him on his partyas historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries. They noted that in its five years, the CSP has seen robust cooperation developing across a diverse range of sectors. They stressed on the role played by the vibrant Indian origin diaspora in cementing bilateral ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to working together in promoting a free, open, stable, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

"Prime Minister invited PM Albanese to visit India including for the Annual Summit and the QUAD Summit to be hosted in India later in the year. The leaders agreed to remain in touch," the MEA stated.

PM Modi had also congratulated Albanese on Saturday immediately after Labor's resounding win which saw the party bagging a haul of 92 lower house seats, only the third time in the history of the country that a party has won more than 90 seats.

"Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," PM Modi wrote on X.

Albanese, who also spoke with US President Donald Trump with talks focusing majorly on the issue of tariffs, announced Monday that his first overseas trip in his second term as Prime Minister would be to Indonesia.

Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November during which they also held the second Australia-India Annual Summit ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.

Both Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors a" including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.

Reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation, they had also reflected on the shared interests in the region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region.

Both leaders have emphasised that aMake in Indiaa and aFuture Made in Australiaa have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world.

India and Australia are also members of the Quad grouping along with the United States and Japan.
The U.S. Army has embarked on one of its most consequential restructuring efforts in decades, slashing legacy systems, reorganizing commands, and accelerating the development of technologies aligned with peer-level warfare. Announced as part of the Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform initiative, the reorganization reflects a stark pivot toward long-range precision fires, tactical autonomy, and streamlined force structures aimed at future high-end conflict.

This strategic realignment presents risk and opportunity across the defense industrial basedisrupting long-established procurement pathways while rewarding firms aligned with new doctrinal and operational imperatives.

A Break with Legacy: Program Cancellations and Reductions

At the core of the transformation is a deliberate departure from heavy investment in traditional ground combat platforms. The Army has paused or terminated multiple programs, including:

Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) : Development halted due to uncertain operational value and software integration challenges.

: Development halted due to uncertain operational value and software integration challenges. M10 Booker light tank : Cancelled after early deliveries; the vehicle was deemed too heavy for its envisioned airborne role.

: Cancelled after early deliveries; the vehicle was deemed too heavy for its envisioned airborne role. Stryker Combat Vehicle : No further production orders will be issued.

: No further production orders will be issued. AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle) : Scaled back to minimum sustainment rates.

: Scaled back to minimum sustainment rates. Artillery Modernization : Terminating further evaluation of foreign self-propelled artillery.

: Terminating further evaluation of foreign self-propelled artillery. JLTV: Slowed procurement

These decisions reflect an institutional reassessment of armored vehicle utility in contested environments where survivability and electronic vulnerability are growing concerns. However, the realignment doesnt address the need for protected mobility of heavy, mechanized, or Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT), primarily regarding new assets such as air defense, counter-UAS, mortars, and weapons carriers.

Acceleration of Priority Capabilities

In parallel with these cuts, the Army is fast-tracking select modernization programs:

XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle : The replacement for the Bradley IFV is under accelerated development, though the final selection is pendinglikely around 2027.

: The replacement for the Bradley IFV is under accelerated development, though the final selection is pendinglikely around 2027. M1E3 Abrams MBT : General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will benefit from the acceleration of this next-gen main battle tank, focusing on reduced weight, modular protection, and electronic warfare resilience.

: General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will benefit from the acceleration of this next-gen main battle tank, focusing on reduced weight, modular protection, and electronic warfare resilience. Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)  the program is a centerpiece of the services aviation modernization strategy. The realignment plan prioritizes modernization programs that provide operational overmatch and future-readiness, and the V-280 is cited as a key example of this approach, with continued funding and programmatic momentum.

the program is a centerpiece of the services aviation modernization strategy. The realignment plan prioritizes modernization programs that provide operational overmatch and future-readiness, and the V-280 is cited as a key example of this approach, with continued funding and programmatic momentum. Long-Range Fires : A top modernization priority, with a focus on: Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increments 4 and 5 Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) , including anti-ship variants Expansion of missile basing in Europe (e.g., reactivation of the 56th Artillery Command) and deployment of the Typhon system in the Philippines

: A top modernization priority, with a focus on:

These capabilities directly support Indo-Pacific and European deterrence objectives and represent the Armys effort to reclaim relevance in strategic fires.

Drone Warfare and Tactical Disruption

One of the most transformative elements is the institutionalization of drone warfare at the tactical level:

Mandated Fielding : Every division must field drones by 2026. A thousand drones per division was mentioned.

: Every division must field drones by 2026. A thousand drones per division was mentioned. Counter-UAS : Affordable, scalable C-UAS solutions will be integrated at platoon and company levels by 2027.

: Affordable, scalable C-UAS solutions will be integrated at platoon and company levels by 2027. Tactical Loitering Munitions: Growing emphasis on modular, AI-enabled, one-way attack (OWA) drones for distributed strike. Ongoing programs, including Launched Effects and Replicator, are expected to excel.

While some in Congress proposed a dedicated Drone Corps, Army leadership opted for integrated experimentationdeveloping deployable drone warfare elements within brigades and divisions.

This distributed model allows rapid feedback loops and doctrinal adaptation, with historical analogies drawn from the early development of tanks and machine guns.

Rotary-Wing Aviation: Consolidation and Disruption

Aviation modernization is another area undergoing major shifts:

Bell V-280 Valor : Selected as the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), offering extended range and speed over the UH-60. Bell Textron (NYSE: TXT) is well-positioned to lead production and support decades of procurement.

: Selected as the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), offering extended range and speed over the UH-60. Bell Textron (NYSE: TXT) is well-positioned to lead production and support decades of procurement. MQ-1C Grey Eagle Termination : This is a major blow to General Atomics as the Army pivots away from large ISR drones toward low-cost, autonomous, and Attritable systems.

: This is a major blow to General Atomics as the Army pivots away from large ISR drones toward low-cost, autonomous, and Attritable systems. Apache Cuts: The deactivation of several AH-64D battalions signals a declining emphasis on manned attack helicopters unless offset by upgrades or international sales.

Structural Reorganization and Sustainment Reform

Secretary Hegseths reform memo outlines a series of force structure and sustainment changes:

Command Mergers : Army Futures Command and TRADOC will consolidate under a new four-star command based in Texas.

: Army Futures Command and TRADOC will consolidate under a new four-star command based in Texas. Reduction of Generals : Streamlining leadership to enhance agility.

: Streamlining leadership to enhance agility. Industrial Base Expansion : With congressional support, the Army aims to make a new missile production and sustainment infrastructure fully operational by 2028.

: With congressional support, the Army aims to make a new missile production and sustainment infrastructure fully operational by 2028. Right to Repair: Mandated reforms in contractor agreements to allow field-level maintenance and spare part production, including 3D printing.

Risks, Oversights, and Strategic Gaps

Despite its forward-looking scope, the restructuring carries risks:

Implementation Gaps : The pace of change, especially in drone doctrine and sustainment, may outpace the Armys ability to train, test, and integrate.

: The pace of change, especially in drone doctrine and sustainment, may outpace the Armys ability to train, test, and integrate. Industrial Bottlenecks : Missile production lines remain constrained, and rapid expansion will test contractor capacity.

: Missile production lines remain constrained, and rapid expansion will test contractor capacity. Doctrinal Conflict: Consolidating Futures Command with TRADOC risks diluting critical R&D focus.

Investment Landscape: Opportunities and Exposures

 Poised to Benefit

Company Sector Opportunity Lockheed Martin (LMT) Missiles PrSM, ER-GMLRS, Dark Eagle RTX Corp. (RTX) Missiles, sensors SM-6, Typhon system, C-UAS Bell Textron (TXT) Rotary-wing FLRAA/V-280 production AeroVironment (AVAV) Tactical UAS Puma, Switchblade expansion Teledyne FLIR (TDY) Drone sensors ISR payloads and rugged UAS Anduril (private) AI/Drone autonomy Tactical drone integration Markforged (MKFG), Velo3D (VLD), Firestorm Labs Additive manufacturing Sustainment and field repair tech Leonardo DRS (DRS) Electronic systems C-UAS, offset by a reduction in Vehicle electronics



 At Risk

Company Sector Exposure General Dynamics Land Systems (GD) Ground combat vehicles Losses in Stryker, Booker;

offset partially by M1E3 development General Atomics Large UAS MQ-1C Grey Eagle cancellation AM General JLTV Slowed production BAE Systems AMPV Program cancellations and reduced orders Kongsberg Defense RWS Program cancellations and reduced orders for Stryker, AMPV Boeing (BA) Attack helicopters Declining Apache relevance unless mitigated by export



Conclusion: A Force Rebuilt for Future Wars

The U.S. Armys 2025 transformation marks a decisive break from legacy structures and systems. In its place is a leaner, more modular force built for high-end conflictleveraging autonomy, long-range precision, and a restructured command model.

While this shift opens doors for agile tech providers, it challenges entrenched defense primes. For investors, the path forward demands careful alignment with evolving Army priorities, technological feasibility, and geopolitical realities. In this reimagined battlespace, speed, survivability, and strike range have become the Armys new watchwordsand industrys new battleground.
Chandigarh, May 6 : Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij said on Tuesday that India's civil defence operates during times when natural disasters strike any part of the country, but the countrymen must remain active with the civil defence for any eventualities.

Regarding the Central government's directive to conduct a nationwide mock drill on May 7 in all states amid rising tensions with Pakistan, Minister Vij said, "We have witnessed wars before. During the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, blackouts were enforced and people moved to safe shelters."

"If we are preparing for an offensive, then blackouts are also happening in Pakistan. We have a civil defence system that functions in such scenarios within the country. It must be activated, and hence the mock drills are necessary."

Reacting to People's Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti's statement that the Indian Army should stop carrying out search operations in Kashmir, Minister Vij said the decisions on military operations should be left entirely to the Army.

Speaking to reporters, he added, "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly said the Army should take its own decisions, then who are other leaders to interfere? Once the Prime Minister has said that the Army should decide when and where to attack, then the Army should be allowed to do its work."

Minister Vij appealed to the nation and said, "The people of India must stand firmly with their Armed forces, boost their morale, and punish those spreading negativity so severely that not a single voice should be heard against the Army."

Asked about remarks by the Congress and other opposition parties over the actions taken against Pakistan, the Minister said such "people are traitors to the country, and these comments are not accidental but are being made deliberately".

He said that there have always been traitors in the country, and now they are trying to demoralise the Army in various ways.

"The Uttar Pradesh Congress President mocking the world's best fighter jet, Rafale, is not appropriate. In earlier times, when our forces went to battle, their spirits were lifted with encouragement and patriotic songs. But now it seems these people (the Congress and in the Opposition) are aligned with Pakistan, and the public must keep a watch on them," he added.
New Delhi, May 6 : Amid the heightened state of activity in top political circles over possible reprisal against Pakistan, a statement by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge about the Prime Minister's cancelled visit to J&K last month has stirred a hornet's nest.

Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday claimed that PM Modi cancelled his proposed trip to Kashmir last month after getting an intelligence report, about three days before the ghastly Pahalgam attack.

He claimed that the Centre admitted this in the all-party meeting and also asked why the government failed to act in time and didn't send extra forces to deal with the menace, despite being in the know of intel inputs.

"When you got the information, you cancelled your program but did not send more forces to protect tourists there," the Congress chief alleged.

Kharge made these remarks while addressing the 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Jharkhand's Ranchi on Tuesday.

He also claimed that the government admitted to security and intelligence lapses during the all-party meet and asked, "Why Centre can't be held accountable for the loss of innocent lives in Baisaran meadows?"

BJP was, however, quick to clap back at the Congress party over extremely sensitive and serious charges levelled against the Prime Minister.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said that the opposition parties were playing into the hands of Pakistan and hence speaking their language.

"Till now, leaders like Saifuddin Soz, Siddaramaiah, and Charanjit Singh Channi were speaking up for Pakistan, but now Kharge has also joined the list in mocking his own nation and own government," he remarked.

He further said, "In the all-party meet, Congress talked about national unity, but soon after that, it went on an anti-India narrative by compromising on India's security and lowering the morale of our armed forces.

"It is the same party which gave a clean chit to Pakistan and blamed our own during the Pulwama terror attacks in 2019, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 and also the Samjhauta blast," he pointed out.

He also claimed that the Congress party was worried about banning Pakistani YouTubers and charged it with "replacing them with their own anti-India rhetoric."

"The comments by Congress leaders are being played up in the Pakistani media and also generating national attention there," he said.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to visit the valley on April 19, for launching the first train from Katra to Srinagar, however, it was cancelled, just days before the slated event, citing adverse weather conditions.
New Delhi, May 6 : People who are given a vaccine for shingles -- zoster vaccine -- have a 23 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, according to a study of more than a million people.

The live zoster vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It has also been linked to a higher risk of heart problems.

The condition can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and those with weak immune systems.

The study showed that protective effect of the vaccine lasts for up to eight years and is particularly pronounced for men, people under the age of 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being inactive.

"Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors. This means that vaccination could offer health benefits beyond preventing shingles," said Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea.

The study included 1,271,922 people aged 50 or older living in South Korea.

The findings showed that among people who received the vaccine, there was a 23 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall, with a 26 per cent lower risk of major cardiovascular events (a stroke, heart attack, or death from heart disease), a 26 per cent lower risk of heart failure and a 22 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease.

Yon explained that shingles infection can damage blood vessels, and cause inflammation and clot formation that can lead to heart disease. But vaccination may lower these risks.

"Our study found stronger benefits in younger people, probably due to a better immune response, and in men, possibly due to differences in vaccine effectiveness," the researcher said.

Previous research shows that, without vaccination, about 30 per cent of people may develop shingles in their lifetime.
Bhubaneswar, May 6 : The Odisha Home Department on Tuesday held a high-level preparatory meeting for the upcoming statewide civil defence mock drills that will be held to train citizens on precautions to be taken during an enemy attack.

The meeting took place at Lok Seva Bhawan here in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Satyabrata Sahu and Director General of Odisha Fire Services department, Sudhansu Sarangi.

Senior administrative officers from various departments, including police and fire services attended the meeting to chalk out a comprehensive action plan for the drill.

Discussions focussed on strengthening inter-agency coordination, response time, resource deployment, and public communication strategies during emergencies.

The mock drills to be conducted in 12 districts of the state start from Wednesday and will be held for a week to prepare citizens for any kind of air attack and contingencies.

District administrations will use their mechanisms regarding public awareness on this.

"We will conduct mock drills in 12 districts of Odisha, which will include Angul, Khordha, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Puri, Koraput and Sundargarh.

"These week-long mock drills will start from Wednesday. We will hold mock drills on Wednesday in a few urban areas. The personnel of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) will help in conducting the drills in the coastal areas," said Sarangi.

He also added that the purpose of the mock drills was to alert the public by blowing air raid warning sirens and to prepare them for any eventuality, especially if the enemy conducts an aerial attack.

"The siren will be a long one and continue for about 5 minutes," he stated and added that the drills were aimed at educating people about the precautions they need to take in case of any attack.

He urged people to take shelter in a concrete building once the sirens are blown.

The district administrations have been asked to select designated shelters where the residents of slums can be asked to shift to.

Once the attack is over, trained civil defence volunteers will again sound another siren to inform the public about the end of the attack, noted Sarangi.

He also stated that the preparedness to deal with the aftermath, like taking care of the injured, putting out fires etc, will be assessed through the week-long process.

The district authorities have been asked to mobilise NCC, NSS, Apada Mitra, local officials and volunteer organisations, apart from the Civil Defence volunteers, to participate in the week-long mock drills.

Around 4,000 Apada Mitras of OSDMA will participate in the mock drills in their respective areas.

The Disaster Emergency Response Centres at the state and district level will be operationalised from Wednesday.

The OSDMA will be in touch with the shelter homes and district Emergency Response Centres.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, "The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all States and Union Territories."
Kolkata, May 6 : Azad Mullick, the Pakistani citizen who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month from Kolkata in connection with the multi-crore fake passport racket operating in West Bengal, has voted twice, first in 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls and then again in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Sources said that the ED investigation has revealed that Azad was enrolled as a voter of Dum Dum-Uttar Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district, which is again one of the seven assembly constituencies under Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency.

They said that Azad, during the ED interrogation, admitted to voting in 2021 and 2024.

When Mallick was arrested at the beginning of April, documents seized by the ED official at that point showed that he was a Bangladeshi citizen who was residing in India after arranging Indian identity documents, including an Indian passport, by furnishing fake documents.

It was also revealed then that Mallick, the owner of Mullick Trading Corporation, was also operating a hawala racket from his residence in the city, besides being involved in a racket engaged in providing fake Indian passports for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

However, on April 29, the ED counsel informed a special court in Kolkata that in the face of interrogation, Mullick was an original resident of Pakistan, who first managed to arrange a Bangladeshi citizenship and subsequently arranged for Indian identity documents.

Mullickas original name as a Pakistani citizen was Azad Hossain, which he changed to Ahammed Hossain Azad when he managed Bangladeshi citizenship through unfair means.

Finally, in the fake Indian passport, which he managed through unfair means, his name was mentioned as Azad Mullick. During his arrest, two fake EPIC cards, multiple fake driving licenses, and four fake birth certificates were also seized by the investigating officials from his possession.

ED had also frozen a bank account in his name with a deposit of Rs 2.62 crore.

Sources said that ED officials are now investigating whether the money was used for any sort of anti-national activities in India.
New Delhi, May 6 : Making its first move in the Rs 65 crore Mithi River desilting scam, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR and conducted searches at eight locations targeting suspects, including contractors and civic officials.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW) Sangramsingh Nishandar said the FIR was registered at Azad Maidan Police Station following preliminary findings that pointed towards "culpability".

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and contractors are accused of bogus billing and release of funds without physical desilting being done in the river  a major reason for rainwater not flowing into the river and causing flooding in areas along the banks.

Nishandar said the FIR has been registered due to the use of fake bills and fake MoUs deposited in the BMC related to the alleged desilting work.

The FIR has been registered for penal provisions dealing with cheating, breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy. If the charges are proved in court, the accused may get a punishment of up to seven years in jail.

The FIR covers offences committed during the preparation of a contract for desilting, transportation of desilted material's dumping at nine spots and verification of the contractors' obligations under the contract by officials, he said.

Nishandar said the SIT investigators scanned the processes and contract procedures and found that the contractors deposited fake bills concerning nine spots where the desilted material was supposed to be dumped on land.

He also pointed to discrepancies in MoUs signed between owners of land where the silt was allegedly dumped by desilting contractors and BMC officials.

In some cases, landowners have told the police that they never entered into a contract with contractors engaged in desilting, yet fake MoUs bearing their names were deposited by the contractors in BMC, he said.

"Some of the owners of lands, where the silt was to be dumped, mentioned in documents, don't exist. So, when there were no landowners and land, there is a suspicion that the silt was never removed from the river," he said.

Some of the companies under the EOW scanner include Acute Design, Kailash Construction, N.A. Construction, Nikhil Construction and J.R.S Infrastructure. "These companies have been accused of depositing fake MoUs," he said.

The DCP said the other aspect of the FIR deals with a field visit conducted by a company called Matprop in February 2020 at the Mithi River, after which its officials, in league with BMC officials, manipulated the terms of the desilting contract for illegal gain.

The FIR named the accused civic officials as Prashant Ramugade, Assistant Engineer and Designated Officer in the Rainwater Drainage Department of the Municipal Corporation, Deputy Chief Engineer (Pajwa), East Suburbs (P.), Ganesh Bendre, Deputy Chief Engineer (Prvp), Pajwa (P.), Taishette, and others.

Among the private persons and contractors named in the FIR are Jay Joshi of Virgo Specialities Pvt Ltd, other partners and directors, Ketan Kadam of Vodar India LLP, other partners and directors and contractor Bhupendra Purohit and others, he said.

Others named in the FIR include Deepak Mohan and Kishore Menon, he said.

An FIR in the desilting case names five contractors, three middlemen, two company officials, and three BMC officials, accusing them of causing wrongful loss to the civic agency, said the police.

The SIT was formed after BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad raised questions on this issue during the monsoon session of the state Assembly.

The desilting project was part of a larger Rs 1,100 crore Mithi River beautification plan.

Last month, the EOW questioned 10 contractors and scanned BMC CCTV footage to inquire if there was any proof of silt being removed or weighed before being dumped, as mandated in the contracts.
New Delhi, May 6 : GAIL (India) Limited increased its startup investment fund from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore in FY25, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Tuesday, as the country becomes the third largest startup ecosystem in the world.

In a post on X social media platform, the minister said there has been a startup revolution in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

"Country becomes the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. GAIL (India) Ltd's startup initiative 'PANKH' is giving a new flight to the youth's startups. It is strengthening the country's energy power by promoting innovations in the field of energy," Puri informed.

The Union Minister further informed that during the financial year 2024-25, the state-owned energy corporation has increased the startup investment fund from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore.

"GAIL is supporting 38 startups related to natural gas, pipeline, petrochemical, energy, renewable energy, energy storage etc. These start-ups have created about 1,000 jobs in the last three years," said Minister Puri.

The minister recently informed that six oil marketing companies (OMC) in India have invested Rs 290 crore from their Rs 550-crore startup fund -- nurturing 303 startups so far.

Hardeep Puri further stated that the country has over 1.5 lakh startups and 120 unicorns. "Contributing to this remarkable progress are the 6 Oil Marketing Companies under @PetroleumMin, which have created a Rs 550 crore startup fund. Already, Rs 290 crore has been invested to support 303 startups," the Union Minister informed.

According to the minister, this is real empowerment, real impact, and a real vision for the "future-enabled by the far-sighted leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

The government, in the Union Budget 2025-26, made a substantial allocation towards developing deeptech and AI-enabled platforms through the Rs 10,000-crore Fund of Funds scheme.

With more than 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India has firmly established itself as the key startup ecosystem in the world.
Ahilyanagar, May 6 : Maharashtra Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday took a slew of decisions during the Tricentennial Anniversary Year of Ahilyabai Holkar, the famed 18th-century warrior queen.

The meeting, which took place at Ahilyabai Holkar's birthplace Choundi, decided to implement Adi Shakti campaign for women empowerment, produce a commercial multilingual film on Ahilyabai Holkar featuring her life, leadership and battles she fought, construct hostels for the Dhangar community students pursuing post matriculation education, launch of special projects to rejuvenate and revive water distribution systems set up Ahilyabai Holkar and reconstruction of temples across the state.

The Chief Minister told reporters that the government will launch the Adi Shakti campaign and give away awards to create awareness and sensitivity about various problems faced by women, including financial, social, academic and health.

The campaign, to be implemented through women and child welfare department, aims to reduce malnutrition, infant mortality and maternity deaths, increase education of girls by curbing gender inequality, create society free from child marriage and violence free family and community building and women development by providing benefits of government schemes and self employment opportunities.

The government will give away awards to the gram panchayats for the successful implementation of this campaign. The government will spend Ra 10.50 crore for the state-wide implementation of the Adi Shakti campaign.

The government will implement a scheme named after Raje Yashwantrao Holkar to provide education to 10,000 students from the Dhangar community in leading schools annually. The scheme is titled as Yashwant Students Scheme. The government has distributed Rs 288.92 for this scheme.

Raje Yashwantrao Holkar, between 1797 and 1811, in a bid to promote education, had implemented the gurukul scheme, military education, among others. He opened education for all and developed facilities for girls' education.

The Chief Minister said that the Cabinet has also approved the development of hostels at the revenue division headquarters for Dhangar community students pursuing post-matriculation education.

He said that this will be named after Ahilyabai Holkar Hostel Scheme. Each hostel will have an intake capacity of 200 students, comprising 100 boys and girls each.

"These hostels will come in Nabi Mumbai, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, Nagpur and Amravati. The work is underway in Nashik, while the development will begin soon in Pune and Nagpur," he said.

Meanwhile, in order to rejuvenate, revive and protect the water sources and distribution systems developed by Ahilyabai Holkar, the government will implement a special plan at the cost of Rs 75 crore. The government proposes to preserve three historical lakes at Chandwad, Trimbakeshwar, Malhar Gautameshwar and Jejuri, 19 wells, six troughs and six ghats and 34 reservoirs. The government proposes to repair those reservoirs, remove sludge, revive water sources and beautify them.

Further, the Cabinet approved the opening of a government medical college and a 430-bed hospital at Ahilyanagar at the cost of Rs 486.08 crore. The college will be named after Ahilyabai Holkar. The government will provide land for the district civil hospital and the necessary manpower.

The Chief Minister said the Cabinet, in a bid to support Ahilyabai Holkar's temple reconstruction works, has cleared the restoration and conservation of six temples and a memorial of the 18th-century warrior queen at the cost of Rs 5503.69 crore.

Further, the Cabinet approved the establishment of an industrial training institute for girls and women in Ahilyanagar and the setting up of a civil court at Rahuri.

The Cabinet also approved extending the duration of Mission Managram implemented through the Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF) up to 2028 from 2022-25.
Islamabad, May 6 : Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday dialled Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossein, apprising him of the escalating tensions with India while sharing concerns about "regional stability and security".

As per details, Dar shared Islamabad's case on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, denying India's claims that led to unilateral actions on both sides, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Touhid Hossein emphasised on the need to exercise patience and stressed on the urgency of de escalating tensions between the two countries in order to maintain regional peace.

Both sides also expressed their commitment to further expand and bolster bilateral relations through cooperation in regional and international forums.

Pakistan's growing closeness to Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka last August is being seen as a major opportunity for Islamabad to have Bangladesh on its side for further support and cooperation.

"In the current scenario, Islamabadas biggest support base is China. Regionally, the other support will come from Bangladesh in case the conflict with India escalates into a military confrontation," said Kamran Yousaf, a senior geopolitical analyst.

Pakistan has been reaching out to various countries in an attempt to gather support against India even as both countries continue to take steps towards what could turn out to be a major confrontation.

"Pakistan is gathering support against India including a diplomatic effort to use global players like the United States to intervene and use their influence to push New Delhi towards de-escalation, especially on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) issue, which is the top priority for Islamabad," added Yousaf.

Pakistan has maintained that it has no direct or indirect involvement in the Pahalgam incident and called for a neutral and credible investigation into the allegations levelled by India.

Islamabad has also warned that any Indian attempt to block its waters will be considered as an "act of war" with the country's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif threatening to blow up any new construction done by India to divert its waters.
Lucknow, May 6 : Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh on Tuesday said that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has diminished memory after the latter suggested that instead of conducting mock drills, the Union government should hold an all-party meet.

Akhilesh's remark came after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive to conduct a full-scale defence mock drill amid escalating tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Talking to media persons, Minister Singh said an all-party meeting was conducted after the terror attack in Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, and SP's representative attended it.

He reminded Akhilesh that SP was represented by Ram Gopal Yadav in the all-party meeting, who extended support to the government in every step.

Slamming the SP chief for his remark that if the defence corridor had been built, India would not have to import weapons, Jaiveer Singh said India has become "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) to a great extent, and is in a position to export weapons to other countries.

On Akhilesh's remark about how the BJP knows that a war will begin between India and Pakistan, the Minister said: Everybody knows who is the master of terror. Doesn't Akhilesh know? But he makes such deliberate statements to break the morale of the government and the Army.

The Minister made the remark after reviewing the work for Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar's Memorial and Cultural Centre.

The cultural centre is expected to be completed by October and will be inaugurated on the 'Mahaparnirvan Diwas' of Baba Saheb on December 6, the minister shared.

Slamming SP for being "anti-Dalit", Jaiveer Singh said, "If you turn down the pages of history, you will get to know how the previous SP governments have been crushing the weak, oppressed and Dalit sections of the society."

He also pointed out that the Modi government developed the "Panchteerth" in remembrance of Dr Amedbkar.
At this years DEFEA defense exhibition in Athens, Rheinmetall showcased the latest evolution of its Squad Support Weapon, the SSW40, a semi-automatic magazine-fed grenade launcher that bridges the gap between traditional 40mm launchers and precision squad-level support weapons. The version on display represents a significant step forward since the systems previous public appearance at DSEI 2023.

From Concept to Combat-Ready

Originally introduced as a concept demonstrator, the SSW40 has matured into a fully functional platform designed to fire both low-velocity (LV) and medium-velocity (MV) 40mm grenades. The upgraded configuration features several enhancements aimed at improving accuracy, versatility, and combat effectiveness.

With an effective range of 250 meters for LV grenades and 600 meters for MV, the weapon gives infantry units a significant reach advantage. In comparison, its maximum range extends up to 900 meters, depending on the ammunition type. Rheinmetall has engineered the weapon to deliver consistent firepower while maintaining manageable recoil and mobilityessential for dismounted units.

Magazine-Fed Firepower

A distinguishing feature of the SSW40 is its magazine-fed system, setting it apart from single-shot or revolving-cylinder launchers. Two magazine configurations are available, allowing for three or five-round capacities. With one round chambered and a three-round magazine inserted, the fully loaded weapon weighs approximately 6 kilogramswell within the acceptable load for infantry operations. Weight savings were achieved through innovative engineering, which is reflected in the open barrel design. Range setting has also been simplified with a single dial setting for ammunition type and range.

Dual-Sighting and Fire Control System Integration

The version displayed at DEFEA was fitted with dual sighting systems: a standard optical sight and an advanced Fire Control System (FCS), which is currently under development. The FCS features a red-dot reticle that dynamically adjusts to reflect real-time range compensation based on data from a built-in laser rangefinder. The FCS improves first-round hit probability by automatically modifying the aim point, especially at extended ranges or against moving targets.

Programmable Airburst Grenade Development Underway

Rheinmetall is also developing a programmable airburst grenade optimized for use with the SSW40. Designed to engage defilade targets or enemies under cover, this munition will receive electronic fuze-setting commands via an infrared link immediately after exiting the barrel. Integrating this feature with the FCS promises to extend the SSW40s effectiveness in complex operational environments.

Market Outlook

According to Rheinmetall officials, the company is preparing to conduct live demonstrations of the SSW40 for international customers in the coming month. These trials will focus on the systems compatibility with standard 40mm grenades, with programmable munitions expected to follow later in the development cycle.

The SSW40 is positioned to fill a growing capability gap in modern infantry squads, offering enhanced lethality with precision engagement and a greater standoff range than legacy grenade launchers. Its integration of fire control and programmable munitions reflects the broader industry shift toward networked, smart-enabled infantry weapons.
Jaipur, May 6 : Marking a landmark moment for India on the global legal stage, eminent child rights lawyer Bhuwan Ribhu has become the first Indian to receive the 'Medal of Honour' from the World Jurist Association (WJA).

The award was presented at the World Law Congress, held from May 4 to 6 in the Dominican Republic.

The event brought together over 1,500 legal experts and 300 speakers from more than 70 countries.

Ribhu was recognised for over two decades of pioneering work advancing child protection and rights through legal intervention and grassroots mobilisation.

Since its founding in 1963, the WJA -- the world's oldest association of jurists -- has honoured legendary figures including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, King Felipe VI of Spain, Rene Cassin, and Kerry Kennedy for their contributions to justice and the rule of law.

Over the past 20 years, Ribhu has filed and led 60 PILs that have resulted in landmark rulings by the Supreme Court and various High Courts in India.

He is the founder of Just Rights for Children (JRC), the world's largest legal intervention network for child protection, with a growing international presence.

In Rajasthan alone, JRC works with 22 NGO partners across 44 districts, focusing on child protection and ending child marriage by 2030. The state faces a serious challenge, with 25.4 per cent child marriage prevalence according to NFHS-5 (201921), above the national average of 23.3 per cent.

Receiving the award from Eddy Olivares Ortega, Minister of Labour of the Dominican Republic, and Javier Cremades, President of the WJA, Ribhu said: "Children should never have to fight for justice alone. The law must be their shield, and justice must be their right."

Also present was Mayra Jimenez, the Dominican Republic's Minister of Women.

Applauding Ribhu's achievements, WJA President Javier Cremades said, "Bhuwan firmly believes that justice is the strongest pillar of democracy. His efforts have saved hundreds of thousands of children and women, setting legal frameworks that will protect generations to come."

Ribhu's work has led to systemic reforms aimed at ending child marriage, trafficking, child labour, and child sexual abuse. He remains a central force in the global movement to eliminate child marriage by 2030.

Reacting to the honour, JRC National Convenor Ravi Kant said, "This is a landmark moment not just for our network, but for India's child rights movement. It recognises the power of legal action to protect children and highlights the tireless work of thousands of grassroots defenders."
Ranchi, May 6 : Six cities in Jharkhand, including the state capital Ranchi, will participate in a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday.

The exercise is being conducted at over 244 locations across the country on the directive of the Union Home Ministry as part of heightened security measures following the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed.

In addition to Ranchi, mock drills will be held in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Godda, Sahibganj, and Gomia.

According to official sources, each location will have a different schedule for the drill.

The exercise will include various critical activities such as the sounding of air raid sirens and training of citizens and students in essential civil defence techniques.

These drills aim to prepare the public to respond effectively in the event of a terror attack or other emergencies.

A key feature of the drill will be a "crash blackout," during which the electricity supply will be deliberately cut in designated areas to simulate complete darkness.

This is intended to test emergency protocols designed to shield urban areas and infrastructure from potential enemy aerial surveillance or attacks.

Personnel from Jharkhand Police, Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP), and other security agencies are expected to conduct evacuation exercises in schools, colleges, offices, and public places, especially in sensitive zones.

Sources indicate that the recent directives from the Home Ministry and high-level security reviews suggest India may be preparing for a forceful military response to the Pahalgam attack.

The issue is also reported to have been discussed with senior political leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

The government has already taken a series of stringent measures against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.

Security experts have emphasised the importance of preparedness in the event of panic and war. They say the signal must be sent to Pakistan that India is prepared to any eventuality.

Civilians must know how to react during air raids a" turning off lights, moving to shelters, and preparing essential supplies, they say.
Mumbai, May 6 : Maharashtra political parties on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) decision directing the holding of local body elections in the state with OBC reservation set to the percentage which existed before the submission of the Banthia Commission report in July 2022.

These elections have been pending for over three years for want of the apex court's order, and because of this, several civic and local bodies are functioning under the administrator's rule.

State BJP chief and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "We were all waiting for this moment for three years. The SC has decided to strengthen the democratic system."

He added that the elections for local bodies in Maharashtra are now going to be held.

"I welcome the court ruling wholeheartedly. These elections will give momentum to developed Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis continuously consulted with legal scholars. Today he succeeded. Just last week, the central government took a major decision to conduct a caste based census," he said.

He said that the government and the courts are working to give strength to the hopes and aspirations of the people.

He further added that the upcoming elections belong to the workers who are serving the society with their heart, soul and wealth.

"The smiles on their faces must have definitely blossomed today. I sincerely wish all the workers the best of luck," he said.

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut said that their party is ready to face the elections.

"Our party has been continuously demanding that the elections to the local and civic bodies should be held as the elected representatives keep direct contact with the people and do their work," he said.

He added that despite rains and festivals, the elections will be held in four months as per the apex court order, reiterating that the Shiv Sena UBT is fully geared up to fight the upcoming elections.

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that the government, without wasting any time, should hold the local and civic body elections in four months and bring back the glory of posts of corporators, mayors and chairpersons of various subject committees.

"The MahaYuti did not hold elections in these years as it wanted to gain power also in local and civic bodies. After today's order by the apex court, the government should conduct polls and do decentralisation of power," he added.

The state NCP-SP chief, Jayant Patil, said: "Heartfelt thanks to the Supreme Court for saving democracy. No local body elections have been held in Maharashtra for the last three years. Noting that the local bodies in the state have been run by administrative officers for the last three years, the Supreme Court has issued an interim order to announce these elections within a month and complete the election process within four months."

He said that these elections will be held subject to the final order of the Supreme Court regarding OBC reservation, adding that these elections are essential for the workers of all political parties in the state.

"On behalf of our party, I thank the Supreme Court of the country for ordering these elections, which are important for the formation of a new leadership and keeping democracy alive, even after a delay of 3 years," he said.

He further added that the Supreme Court, while giving its order, has allowed the Election Commission to seek an extension of the deadline for holding the elections if it deems necessary.

"We hope that the state government will not try to push for holding the elections under the cover of the Election Commission," he said.
Moscow, May 6 : Russia will cease hostilities during the Victory Day ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin but will retaliate adequately if Ukraine attacks its positions or facilities, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"There will be no hostilities. However, if there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime and they continue to attack our positions or facilities, we will retaliate," Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire on April 28 in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations from May 8 to 11.

"President Putin's initiative for a temporary ceasefire for the duration of the holidays remains in effect, and the relevant instructions have been issued by the Commander-in-Chief," Peskov pointed out.

"Unfortunately, we still haven't heard a single statement from Kyiv - from the regime's officials or the head of the regime - that would express their willingness to join the Victory Day ceasefire," he added during the media briefing.

Peskov further said that the attacks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Russian territories testify to the position of Kyiv that it is focused on the continuation of the conflict.

"The Kyiv regime continues to demonstrate its approach, its position. This position is aimed at continuing the conflict," he further said.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the ceasefire proposal, demanding a longer pause in fighting on his own terms and making threats against Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported.

Recently, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Zelensky's statements refusing a truce during the days of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Victory are direct threats to the leaders of foreign states who will come to Moscow for the parade.

"By decision of the President of the Russian Federation, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation V V Putin, for humanitarian reasons, during the days of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11, the Russian side declares a ceasefire. All military actions are suspended for this period," Kremlin said while announcing the ceasefire agreement.

"Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In case of ceasefire violations by Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces will provide an adequate and effective response. The Russian side once again declares its readiness for peace negotiations without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and constructive interaction with international partners," the statement added.
New Delhi, May 6 : On a day when Punjab and Haryana High Court took exception to the water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, the Delhi BJP met Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and submitted a memorandum regarding the artificial water crisis allegedly being imposed on the people of Delhi by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and Delhi MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Praveen Khandelwal, and Bansuri Swaraj met the LG and sought immediate intervention to prevent the city's taps from going dry due to reduced raw water supply coming to Delhi.

The memorandum stated that the AAP government in Punjab has announced a cut in water supply from the Bhakra Canal flowing into Haryana, thereby imposing an artificial water shortage on Delhi.

Earlier, remarking on Punjab's alleged move to cut water supply to Haryana, the HC said while India has decided to take such tough measures  of stopping river waters  against Pakistan, the states within the country should not be doing the same against each other.

"We are doing this to our enemy country. Let us not do this within our states," said the High Court, referring to suspension of Indus Waters Treaty by India to stop river waters flowing into Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The verbal war in Delhi over river water sharing escalated during the day when Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma accused AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of punishing Delhiites for his party's electoral defeat by asking his party's Punjab government to restrict water supply to Haryana and Delhi.

His remarks evoked a sharp response from AAP leader and former Delhi CM Atishi who asked Verma to resign if he was unable to provide water to people despite being in office for two months.

"Delhi gets water from the Yamuna and the Ganga and none of these two rivers flow through Punjab. So, there is no question of accusing Punjab of stopping Delhi's water supply," she said.

Earlier, the Delhi BJP memorandum given to the LG professed that there was no shortage of water in the Bhakra Dam Canal yet, for politically motivated reasons, the AAP government in Punjab had announced a major reduction in water supply from the canal.
Chandigarh, May 6 : The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday took exception to the ongoing water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, saying while India has to decide to take measures against Pakistan, the states within the country should not be doing the same against each other.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel was hearing a plea moved by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) seeking intervention against the alleged takeover of the Nangal dam by Punjab and obstruction of the release of water to Haryana.

"We are doing this to our enemy country. Let us not do this within our states," Chief Justice Nagu remarked.

"The downstream states are going to go dry," Senior Advocate Rajesh Garg informed the Bench on behalf of BBMB while objecting to the deployment of police personnel by Punjab at the dam.

However, the Punjab government argued that law and order are the prerogative of the state.

"Law and order is the state's subject. BBMB cannot say what police should do, or whether police would be deployed. They want illegal resolutions implemented. In such a delicate time when border tensions are there, please take into consideration," Punjab counsel Gurminder Singh said.

Responding to Punjab's counsel, Garg said Himachal Pradesh could make similar claims next over the Bhakra dam.

"Tomorrow, Himachal may say the same for the Bhakra dam. This dispute is related to the Nangal Dam, which is in Punjab," he clarified.

The BBMB has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, accusing the Punjab government of forcibly taking control of the Nangal Dam and control room water regulation offices, obstructing the release of water to Haryana in alleged violation of constitutional norms.

In its petition, the BBMB has sought immediate intervention and a direction to the Punjab government to withdraw its police force, claiming the deployment is without legal authority.

The BBMB highlighted that at a meeting held on April 30, it had decided to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, to which Punjab objected.

"The action of the Punjab government is wholly unconstitutional and illegal and amounts to direct interference in the statutory functioning of the board, which is performing a function of national importance, which is sovereign in nature," reads BBMB's petition.

It added that the supply of water to Haryana or for that matter to any of the partner states is a matter of lifeline of the State concerned and any forcible action such as the one stated above by any of the partner States in the functioning of the Board would lead to "anarchy and lawlessness by the State itself."

Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain, representing the Central government, said the flow of water by BBMB is not only to Haryana, but also to Rajasthan and Delhi.

"If any state party has an issue with the resolution passed by the board to release water to Haryana, it must be challenged through appropriate legal means," he said.

He added that the water to be released is not out of Punjab's share and that the court may direct the Punjab government to remove the police force, allowing the BBMB to take control so that the flow of water can take place.

Advocate General for Haryana Parminder Singh contended that Punjab is opposing the distribution of water tooth and nail.

"Under the garb of protecting the dam, what are they doing. This is not their job. The demand of 8,500 cusecs is not just for Haryana but for Delhi and Rajasthan also -- 1,049 cusecs for Delhi and 850 cusecs for Rajasthan," he added.

Singh added that the objections, if any, should be addressed through proper channels before the Central government and not through actions such as the deployment of state police.
Mysuru, May 6 : Karnataka Police Department on Tuesday suspended a jail warden for his abusive video against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly raising his (Siddaramaiah) hand at a senior police officer during a Congress convention.

An official identified the suspended jail warden as H.N. Madhu Kumar (45), an ex-army man currently serving as a warder at Mysuru Central Prison.

Superintendent of Mysuru Central Prison B.S. Ramesh conducted an inquiry and issued the suspension order.

The official said that a detailed investigation is being initiated against Madhu Kumar by the Police Department, adding that a preliminary probe has revealed that the objectionable video was created by April 28.

In the video, Madhu Kumar strongly objected to the Chief Minister's alleged gesture of "raising his hand" at Additional Superintendent of Police Narayan Bharamani during the Congress convention in Belagavi on April 28.

Siddaramaiah had "lost" his temper after BJP women workers created a ruckus during the event, following his statement that 'India doesn't need war with Pakistan'.

Using objectionable language, Madhu Kumar claimed that police officers serve the state for 35 years, while politicians are elected by the mercy of the people only for five years.

He further criticised Siddaramaiah, stating that as a lawyer and the head of the state, he should have shown more restraint while addressing the Additional SP.

He added that the Karnataka Police are not Siddaramaiah's slaves and accused the Chief Minister of "losing respect" due to his behaviour.

The suspended warden also made personal remarks about the untimely death of Siddaramaiah's elder son, Rakesh Siddaramaiah. He further commented on the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, in which Siddaramaiah is one of the accused.

He went on to question the delay in the crediting of police salaries and criticised the law and order situation in Mysuru, citing the recent attack on a police station.

Madhu Kumar has been suspended under the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. Meanwhile, the Congress party's Mysuru unit has filed a complaint with the DCP (Law and Order), urging the police to register an FIR against him.

Madhu Kumar holds a post equivalent to that of a police constable and has been serving at Mysuru Central Prison.

On Tuesday morning, Congress party workers staged a protest in front of Mysuru Central Prison. Mysuru is the native district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Gurugram, May 6 : To ensure public safety during emergency situations, a mock drill will be conducted in Gurugram under the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, officials said.

This mock drill will be organised in 11 districts across Haryana.

The Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar held a meeting with departmental officers in Gurugram to discuss the precaution on Wednesday.

He told them that the mock drill will take place at designated locations across the district.

At 4 p.m., a loud siren will be sounded to alert the public.

For this drill, the command control area-cum-emergency operations centre will be established at the Mini Secretariat's conference hall.

A staging area for dispatching relief teams to the affected sites will be set up at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.

Five rescue teams, headed by a task force manager, will be stationed there.

These teams will include ambulances, doctors, nurses, fire brigades, police officers, Civil Defence volunteers, and other essential resources for rescue operations.

Kumar said that the objective of the mock drill is to test the alertness during an air raid warning system and ensure proper functioning of main and auxiliary control rooms, review evacuation plans and execution during emergencies as well as assess actions during blackout to ensure preparedness in real scenarios.

The Deputy Commissioner told us that as per the mock drill procedure, a scheduled blackout will be observed in the district on Wednesday night.

He urged citizens to switch off their home lights and cooperate with the drill as well as people are advised to stay indoors during the blackout.

Kumar said the administration is utilising all major mediums to spread awareness.

Schools have been instructed to inform students during morning assemblies about blackout precautions, he added.

The resident welfare associations and key institutions are also being contacted to ensure the success of this drill, he said.

He reassured citizens that there is no need to panic -- the purpose of the exercise is to evaluate the preparedness of all concerned departments and test the rapid response system.

Citizens are expected to follow the instructions issued by the administration during the drill, the Deputy Commissioner added.
Chennai, May 6 : In a major security interception, customs officials at Chennai International Airport seized 10 high-powered drones smuggled into India from Abu Dhabi, triggering serious concerns over a potential security threat.

Customs authorities have registered a case and launched an in-depth investigation. CCTV footage from the airportas baggage claim and arrival areas is under close scrutiny to identify the individual responsible for abandoning the bag.

Officials are also investigating how and why the luggage tag was removed, considering it a vital clue. The possibility of a security threat has not been ruled out, and central intelligence agencies have joined the probe to trace the origins and intended recipients of the seized drones.

The drones, according to the air customs officials, were cleverly hidden among packets of chocolates and biscuits inside an unclaimed bag, raising suspicions of a possible terror link.

The incident occurred on April 30, when an IndiGo Airlines flight from Abu Dhabi arrived in Chennai carrying 224 passengers. After all passengers had collected their luggage and cleared customs, airport staff noticed a large, unattended bag left on the conveyor belt in the arrivals area.

Following standard security procedures, IndiGoas security personnel scanned the bag with a metal detector but found no immediate threat. Assuming it was a case of misplaced baggage, they kept it secured in the airlineas office for further verification.

However, after two days with no one stepping forward to claim the bag - and with its luggage tag torn off - IndiGo officials referred the matter to the Customs Department for detailed inspection.

When customs officers opened the bag, they were surprised to find food packets concealing 10 sophisticated drones. Each drone weighs around 1.7 kg and is equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing sharp images and videos from a range of 15-20 kilometres.

Such drones are categorised as high-risk imports and cannot be brought into India without prior approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The incident has once again highlighted the critical importance of vigilant airport security, especially concerning unclaimed baggage and the smuggling of advanced technology.

--IANS

aal/dan
Hanoi, May 6 : Vietnam President Luong Cuong on Tuesday appreciated India's sending of Holy Buddha Relics to the country, a gesture which has further strengthened the strong spiritual and cultural ties between both countries.

Cuong, accompanied by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju paid respects to the Holy Buddha Relics brought from Sarnath near Kashi to Thanh Tam Pagoda located within the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Binh Chanh District of Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam's Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and Politburo Member and Party Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City also paid their respects to the holy Buddha relics.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju addressed the opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City, which was also addressed by President Cuong, Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sanghraja of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Thich Tri Quang and other leaders. Rijiju conveyed greetings and message on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that timeless teachings of Lord Buddha offer profound insights and solutions to most of the present global challenges. He also mentioned that Indiaas initiative of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to promote awareness about the impact of individual choices on shared planet was deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy.

Underlining the significance of the presence of Holy Buddha Relics in Ho Chi Minh City coinciding with the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, he also invited the followers of Lord Buddha to visit the sacred sites associated with teachings of Lord Buddha in India and connect with this living heritage.

"The enshrinement of Lord Buddha's sacred relics in Vietnam has deeply moved countless hearts. I spoke on how India continues to live by the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, anchoring sustainability, peace and compassion in today's world," Rijiju posted on X.

The holy relics were brought from India on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Rijiju which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior monks and officials. The relics, on display at Thanh Tam Pagoda currently, will also travel to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21.

Rijiju also visited an exhibition of Indian sculptures of Lord Buddha as well as digital restoration of Buddhist monuments in India on the sidelines of the United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. He also visited a comparative exhibition of Buddhist art and sculptures in India and Vietnam which brings out that over one-and-half millennia old Buddhist connections between the two countries extended beyond spirituality to the fields of art and culture.
New Delhi, May 6 : India on Tuesday announced a major air exercise along the southern section of the India-Pakistan border, with a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued ahead of the drills scheduled for May 7 and 8.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will carry out intensive aerial operations in Rajasthan as part of its regular operational preparedness efforts. The exercise will begin at 3.30 p.m. on May 7 and continue until 9.30 p.m. on May 8, during which airspace in the region will be restricted to ensure safety and operational integrity.

The move comes in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam last month, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them civilians. The assault was carried out by four terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front, a known proxy of the Pakistan-based and banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Indian intelligence agencies claim to have definitive evidence implicating the Pakistani "deep state" in orchestrating the attack, further straining already fragile bilateral ties.

In a coordinated response, India has initiated sweeping civil defence drills at nearly 300 strategic locations across the country. These include the national capital Delhi, military installations, oil refineries, hydroelectric dams, and nuclear power plants. This marks the most extensive civil defence preparedness since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Civil defence districts a" defined as regions hosting critical infrastructure or armed forces assets a" are bracing for possible escalation. These precautions come as speculation mounts over India's next steps. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held multiple high-level meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Sources indicate that during one such meeting last week, the Prime Minister granted the military "complete freedom" to devise and implement an armed response to the Pahalgam attack.
Patna, May 6 : The lathicharge by Patna Police on protesting candidates of the BPSC Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-3) outside the Chief Minister's residence has triggered strong political reactions across Bihar, with Opposition leaders attacking the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government for its alleged anti-student stance.

Reacting sharply, Mukesh Sahani, chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), condemned the government's actions, stating that "harassment and atrocities on students have become a habit of the Nitish Kumar government."

"The youth were peacefully presenting their demands in a democratic manner, yet the government, through Patna Police, responded with lathis. This cannot be justified in any democracy," Sahani said.

He further accused the government of shielding criminals and corrupt officials, while suppressing the legitimate voices of students and unemployed youth.

"This government protects criminals but treats students and job-seekers as enemies when they demand their rights. It is in power because of these youths, yet resorts to lathi-tantra (rule of the stick) to cover up its failures," he added.

Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also condemned the incident, posting a video of the police action on social media platform X.

In his post, he launched a scathing attack on the NDA government. "The Nitish-BJP government's main hobby is to brutally beat and harass the youth for raising their demands democratically. This incompetent regime protects criminals and corrupt individuals but doesn't think twice before using force against students and unemployed youth," Tejashwi wrote.

He further said that the time has come for the people of Bihar to unite and overthrow the "incompetent NDA government", which has been in power for two decades.

The police resorted to a lathicharge on Tuesday after TRE-3 candidates tried to breach the restricted zone near the CM's residence, demanding the release of supplementary results of the recruitment exam.

A female protester fainted during the scuffle, adding to the outrage.

Despite repeated protests over the past four months and verbal assurances by the Education Minister, candidates say no concrete steps have been taken, compelling them to escalate their protest.
Mumbai, May 6 : In light of the Nishat rape case in J&K, actress Hina Khan stressed the need to differentiate between rape and s*xual assault.

Hina penned on her Instagram stories, "Can someone for gods sake teach these Morons the Difference between s*xual assault and rape.. A Rape is a Rape. A Murder is a Murder. A S*xual Assault may differ in description but it's just the Precursor of Rape. It only means that the perpetrators COULD NOT do it rather than DID NOT do it. A Rapist blames everything else than Himself. Don't act like that Criminal. Don't use Alcohol to give the Criminal a 'Free Get Away Card'. Do not Justify Rape. Do not even Justify Sexual Assault. Not in the name of Religion, Community, Geography or Attire. These Demons Exist everywhere, in every community, every religion..lurking for Opportunity."

Hina further asked everyone to stop blaming alcohol as the reason behind such crimes. "Alcohol causes many things but it doesn't make a Good Man a Rapist! Stop Alcohol Blaming and Escapism. Good Men can Handle Alcohol just as they Handle Superior Physical Power compared to a Woman, they use it to Protect Women." the diva said.

She added, "I am not advocating consumption of alcohol..., but I don't appreciate people straight up blaming alcohol alone for this gruesome act."

Hina also asked everyone to stop mincing words when talking about crimes committed by Kashmiri Muslims. Her note read, "It's high time we call out what's happened without mincing words just because it's done by a Kashmiri Muslim and blame Alcohol for your so called Agenda.."

For the unversed, recently a nomadic woman was allegedly raped and murdered in the Nishat area of Srinagar.

If the sources are to be believed, four individuals have been arrested in the matter and produced before the CJM Court. The accused have been sent to six days police custody for further probe.
New Delhi, May 6 : Dr Priti G. Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, has been awarded a second doctorate for exceptional contributions to social service, the organisation said on Tuesday.

She was conferred the prestigious Doctor of Science (DSc) Honoris Causa by Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (DMIHER) (Deemed to be University) in Maharashtra's Wardha, the Foundation said.

"Heartiest congrats to our Chairperson Priti Adani on being awarded her second doctorate for her exceptional contributions to social service," the Foundation said in a post on social media platform X.

Dr Priti Adani is the Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, one of India's largest and most well-known organisations in the non-profit social sector. The Adani Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Adani Group of companies.

Earlier in February 2020, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Gujarat Law Society University, Ahmedabad, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to social welfare.

Calling it a "well-deserved recognition", the Foundation said that she has transformed several lives in the country with her social work.

"Dr Adani has been a beacon of compassion, integrity, and service. Her commitment to social development has transformed countless lives through initiatives in education, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, climate action and community development," the Foundation said, in a statement shared on social media.

"This honour is a testament to her unwavering dedication and incredible social contributions exemplified by the Adani Foundation," it said.

The Foundation said her social work is "truly inspiring" and that Priti Adani has touched more than "9.1 million lives across 6,769 villages in 21 states" with her work.

"We, the 800+ strong Adani Foundation parivar, are immensely proud of Dr Adani's achievements and inspired by her vision. Here's to many more milestones and continued success in making the world a better place," the statement said.
Strasbourg, May 6 : The European Union (EU) doesn't feel pressured to yield to an imbalanced trade agreement with the United States, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

"We do not feel weak. We do not feel under undue pressure to accept a deal which would not be fair for us," Sefcovic told the European Parliament, emphasising that the EU had already tested and put forward proposals to the United States.

"As you can imagine, it's not easy," he noted, adding that despite the EU's sincere efforts, the negotiations with the US may ultimately fail to reach a successful outcome.

The EU is currently subject to 25 percent US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, along with 10 per cent reciprocal tariffs on most other exports. The bloc has been preparing for the possible end of a 90-day tariff truce, after which these levies could rise to 20 per cent when the pause expires on July 8.

Sefcovic reiterated that the EU is prepared to reintroduce rebalancing measures if negotiations fail,Xinhua news agency reported. "We are preparing for the possible and might-be-needed rebalancing," he said, referring to retaliatory tariffs the EU had initially suspended to allow room for talks.

Sefcovic also signaled that the EU may pursue legal action against US tariffs through the World Trade Organisation, describing the tariffs as "simply unjust, unfair, and in total breach of international commercial law."

He noted that beyond the transatlantic relationship, the EU is diversifying efforts to expand its trade ties with other global partners, emphasizing the need to tap into the 87 per cent of global trade that does not involve the United States.

In recent months, the bloc has advanced or finalised trade agreements with the South American trade bloc Mercosur, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, in clear steps toward diversifying its economic partnerships.
Islamabad, May 6 : At least five paramilitary personnel were killed and six others injured in a roadside bomb attack targetting a security convoy in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, security sources said.

The incident happened at about 11:45 am local time (0645 GMT) in the Kachhi district, when an improvised explosive device struck a Frontier Corps convoy, the sources told Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity.

"The convoy, comprising six vehicles, was on a routine movement when the explosion took place, resulting in the deaths and injuries," officials confirmed.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.

The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. However, local security sources noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army-Azad faction (BLA-A) maintains a strong presence in the region, with several other small armed groups also believed to operate in the vicinity.

Last week, a major attack by the Fateh Squad of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan's Mongochar area of Kalat district, resulted in destruction of several government buildings, and blocking of the Quetta-Karachi highway.

Security sources said that the BLA militants blocked the Quetta-Karachi Highway, halting the traffic and searching several vehicles, including passenger buses.

They said that the armed militants entered the Mongochar market, taking control of several government buildings, including the offices of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Judicial Complex and National Bank of Pakistan, setting them on fire.

"The buildings suffered major damage due to the fire. The militants fled the area before the security forces arrived," sources said.

The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Fateh Squad, stating that the operations are part of what they claim as the "struggle for liberation".
Bengaluru, May 6 : Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said on Tuesday that he is confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take strict action against the "evil forces" behind the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Speaking to the media at the state BJP office "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, he was responding to a query regarding mock drills being conducted across the country.

He added that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam is being discussed not only in India but across the world.

"Following the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan has found itself increasingly isolated," he remarked.

"There is a widespread expectation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a firm decision and initiate strong action against the evil forces responsible for the Pahalgam tragedy. Everyone is pledging their support for the Prime Minister's decision," Vijayendra said.

Responding to another query, the State BJP President added that ever since the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah came to power in the state, there has been a clear appeasement of minorities in some areas, while Hindus have been insulted and Hindu activists are being continuously oppressed.

Vijayendra urged the Congress-led state government to take steps to restore peace in Mangaluru region which witnessed a case of mob lynching, a Hindu activist's murder and multiple stabbing incidents.

He criticised that murders are happening in broad daylight across the state and that Karnataka has, in a way, turned into a battlefield.

"Killings have become routine. The (Congress) government is demoralising the police force by allowing incidents like the Mysuru episode, where mobs stormed police stations in different places," he alleged.

"Law and order in Karnataka has completely deteriorated. Ministers must stop inciting unrest," he asserted.

In response to another query, Vijayendra told that the 'Janakrosh Yatra' will resume on Wednesday in Kolar, and on May 9 it will continue in Tumakuru and Chitradurga, followed by events in Ballari and Hosapete.

He said the final rally will be held in Hubballi on May 14.

He also added that at the state-level Other Backward Class Morcha meeting on Tuesday, discussions were held to create awareness among the people about the good intentions of Prime Minister Modi regarding the caste census, in contrast to the ill-intentions of CM Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government.

CM Siddaramaiah's government is currently conducting census of SCs to facilitate the internal reservation.

The Congress-led Karnataka government is also deliberating on the controversial caste census report conducted in the state.
New Delhi, May 6 : India is at the forefront of global energy transition and solar power alone has grown over 30 times in the last decade, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said on Tuesday, adding that the country achieved renewable energy targets of 2030 eight years ahead of schedule.

Addressing the 'Columbia India Energy Dialogue' here, the minister highlighted India's leadership role in the global energy transition and reiterated the country's commitment to inclusive and equitable climate action.

Goyal underscored the collective responsibility of all nations in tackling climate change. "At the end of the day, the energy transition is something we all must contribute to. While the level and speed of transition will differ based on the developmental stage of each country, the commitment must be universal," he said.

The minister stressed that climate change is a real and urgent challenge and that each nation must craft its own unique solutions.

"Pathways may be different, but the recognition of the problem is universal. India has consistently taken a leadership position. I suspect COP21 would not have had any concrete outcome without Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi rallying the Global South and making them part of the solution rather than being adversaries to it," the minister told the gathering.

Goyal also lamented that the promises made by developed nations at the Paris Agreement have largely remained unfulfilled.

"Since 2015, the larger issue has not just been climate change, but the failure of the developed world to deliver on technology transfers, long-term concessional climate financing, and support under the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)," he said.

Highlighting India's achievements, Shri Goyal said, "India accounts for only 3 per cent of global carbon emissions, despite supporting 17 per cent of the world's population".

"We achieved our 2030 renewable energy target of 200 GW in 2022 itselfeight years ahead of schedule. Solar power alone has grown over 30 times in the last decade. India continues to submit its reports to the UNFCCC on time, setting an example for global compliance," he added.

The minister emphasised the critical need to address the root causes of carbon emissions, particularly overconsumption and waste. "Excess consumption, especially in high-prosperity nations, leads to systemic carbon emissionsfrom farm to plate. Every stepproduction, packaging, transport, storage, and disposaladds to emissions. This behavioural pattern must be addressed," he added.

Reiterating India's commitment to the clean energy transition, Goyal highlighted the achievement of a 500-gigawatt interconnected national grid. This was made possible by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 initiative to connect all regional grids and invest billions of dollars in creating a unified national power infrastructure.
New Delhi, May 6 : India's apex business chambers and trade organisations on Tuesday hailed the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, terming it a major milestone achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Sanjiv Puri said: "CII commends the Government of India for finalising the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement. This transformative accord reflects our shared commitment to deepening economic ties, bolstering technology collaboration, diversifying global supply chains, and fostering a more business-friendly environment."

Guided by the 2030 Roadmap, the timely agreement will help advance a comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK, steering bilateral trade towards the ambitious target of $100 billion by 2030, Puri said.

Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S.C. Ralhan said: "The Indiaa"UK FTA eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs on a wide range of Indian goods, giving our exporters preferential access to one of the worldas most affluent and consumption-driven markets. Key sectors poised to benefit include: Textiles & Apparel as removal of tariffs will enhance Indiaas competitiveness against countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam."

"Leather & footwear will gain through increased access to high-end UK retail markets. Besides, Gems & Jewellery Pharmaceuticals as well as Agriculture & Processed Foods will get better access to the UK market."

The FTA includes provisions on investment facilitation, intellectual property, digital trade, and dispute resolution - offering long-term predictability to UK investors. This will further strengthen Indiaas position as a preferred investment destination in the Indo-Pacific region, he added.

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) said the landmark trade deal, when signed, will represent a major step forward in strengthening the economic and strategic partnership between the UK and India.

The agreement promises to reduce barriers to trade and investment, promote sustainability and innovation, and encourage closer cooperation across industries, including technology, manufacturing, services, education, and healthcare. With India being one of the fastest-growing major economies and the UK a global leader in innovation and services, this agreement is poised to deliver significant benefits to businesses of all sizes, the UKIBC said.

Currently, the total trade between the UK and India was 42 billion pounds in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024, an increase of 9.7 per cent year-on-year. This level of trade has almost doubled from before the pandemic - in 2019, the year before the pandemic, UK-India trade was only 24.1 billion pounds.

UKIBC Chair Richard Heald said the landmark trade deal reflects the deep trust, shared values, and mutual ambition that define the UK-India relationship. "This agreement will unlock new opportunities for businesses across both countries, drive economic growth, create jobs, and support innovation and collaboration across sectors."

"We are delighted to have worked closely with both governments and with businesses throughout the negotiation process. Our members and clients are excited about the opportunities that will now open up. UKIBC remains committed to supporting businesses to navigate the new framework and to fully realise the benefits of this historic agreement," he added.

Assocham President Sanjay Nayar said: "Assocham, on behalf of Indian industry, commends PM Modi for his leadership in concluding a path breaking trade agreement with the United Kingdom. This landmark Indiaa"UK Free Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention is a win-win for both nations and will deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering trade, investment, innovation, and wealth creation."
Bhopal, May 6 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday reviewed the law and order situation in the state during a meeting with senior police officials, including Director General of Police (DGP).

The Chief Minister emphasised on crime against women and general crime becoming a challenge for the state administration and police.

The Chief Minister has directed that strict action be taken in cases of general crimes and crimes against women across the state.

He also emphasised the need for heightened vigilance at educational institutions, stating that teachers and staff in schools and colleges must alert local police stations about disruptive or harassing elements.

"Incidents of harassment of girl students must be tackled firmly at the institutional level, and no leniency should be shown to those involved in such acts," the Chief Minister said.

Superintendents of Police (SPs) from across the state have been instructed to submit regular reports on the actions being taken against regular crime taking place in their respective districts.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister stressed that a state-wide integrated campaign should be conducted to effectively control crimes against women and girls, with regular monitoring of its progress.

The Chief Minister said that the police officers who fail to act effectively will no longer remain in field postings.

He instructed that police officials must remain serious and proactive about implementing the new criminal laws.

"The police administration and staff at police stations must work sensitively and take all necessary steps in the interest of citizens and to strengthen law and order," Chief Minister Yadav said.
The Liberian Telecommunications Authority (LTA) announced on Monday that it has launched a nationwide initiative to rehabilitate and maintain rural base stations deployed under the Universal Access Fund (UAF) that have since been abandoned.

The initiative, first revealed in a Facebook post last Thursday, follows an assessment by LTA which found that of 12 UAF-supported base station sites deployed in remote areas, nine had been inactive for almost two years, depriving people in those areas of basic voice and data access.

According to news agency Ecofin, a statement from the UAF said the sites had been neglected by operators in favour of urban deployments that were more commercially viable, the report said.

Like any commercial enterprise, telecommunications service providers have focused their operations and main investments on large urban areas, where they can maximize their profits, the UAF statement said. This has left many rural communities unserved or insufficiently served.

The UAF added that the LTA doesnt have the ability to force telcos to provide services in rural areas and other unprofitable locations, not least because telcos are already saddled with the expense of licences and spectrum usage, the report said.

The LTA said teams of government officials, telecoms technicians and engineers will carry out repairs on the sites, starting with Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount counties.

However, the Ecofin report added, the initiative will also have to find ways to keep the sites maintained, particularly for things like supplying power for the sites and preventing infrastructure vandalism and theft.

According to a recent report from the GOGLA organization and supported of the World Bank, only 7.6% of Liberias rural population has access to electricity, the report said.
Washington, May 6 : US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has dropped -- or it will -- its tariffs on imports from the US to "nothing". He shared no details on goods and sectors affected.

Washington, May 6 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has dropped -- or it will -- its tariffs on imports from the US to "nothing". He shared no details on goods and sectors affected.

The US and India have been negotiating a trade deal that Trump administration officials have said could be one of the first to be announced, among the slew of deals under discussion between the US and its other trade partners.

Speaking of the key US demands in these negotiations - drop tariffs or grant market access, President Trump said, "India, as an example, has one of the highest tariffs in the world. We're not going to put up with that. And they've agreed already to drop it."

"They'll drop it to nothing," President Trump said in a White House media interaction alongside Canada's Mark Carney. "They've already agreed."

No details are available on the India-US trade talks. But President Trump has been open about his demands going back to his first term, when the two sides had come very close to signing a trade deal, which was to be announced during his visit to India in February 2019. Talks fell through, and they were not pursued by either country during President Joe Biden's tenure.

Talks got underway in the run-up to, and after, President Trump's Liberation Day announcement of sweeping tariffs on nearly all of the US's trading partners. Imports from India were tariffed at 26 per cent, which is currently down to 10 per cent, a flat rate the American president announced for all countries in a 90-day pause, with the exception of China, whose goods coming into the US are under a 145 per cent levy.

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, said at a congressional hearing Tuesday, the US is currently in talks with 17 of its 18 major trading partners - China is the 18th - and that he expects to see deals being announced soon.

He has said in the past that he expected the deal with India to be among the first to be announced.
Washington, May 6 : President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US will stop bombing the Houthis in Yemen as the insurgent group has "capitulated" and sent a word that it will stop attacking ships.

The US has been conducting an unrelenting bombing campaign against the Houthis, with the aim of preventing them from further disturbing Red Sea maritime trade.

"The Houthis have announced that they are not -- or they've announced to us at least a" they don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight," President Trump said at a White House briefing alongside the visiting Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney.

"And we will honour that, and we will, we will stop the bombings."

He went on to say: "They have capitulated."

"We just found out about that. So I think that's very, very positive. They were, they were knocking out a lot of ships going, as you know, sailing beautifully down the various seas."

The American President did not reveal the source of the information, saying only it came from a very good source.

President Trump's announcement marks a major victory from him on the foreign policy front, with some of his biggest moves yet stalled.

The Russia-Ukraine peace talks have not progress much, not at least as regards Russia.

He had promised to stop the war on his first day in office, but its more than 100 days since.

Talks with Iran have been slow and the Israel-Hamas war drags on with some hostages still not free.

The Houthis began striking vessels in the Red Sea in November 2023 in support of Hamas and Gaza which had come under attack from Israel in response to the November 9 terrorist attacks.

The Biden administration had struck the Houthis in military action called "defensive action". But the strikes were scaled up considerably by Trump administration.
Amaravati, May 6 : The Amaravati Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) on Tuesday gave its approval for the construction of residential towers for gazetted and non-gazetted officers in the core capital area at a cost of Rs 1732.31 crore.

The 47th CRDA meeting held at the State Secretariat here and presided over by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu decided to call for tenders for residential towers.

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, P. Narayana, told media persons after the meeting that it had approved the tenders with regard to various works in the capital city of Amaravati.

The tenders were approved for the completion of residential towers for the gazetted officers worth Rs 514.41 crore. The workers were taken up during 2014-19. Approval was also given for Rs 194.73 crore worth of works for creating external infrastructural facilities.

Construction of nine towers worth Rs 506.67 crore for the non-gazetted officers was also approved. Similarly, it gave nod for another 12 towers besides creating basic facilities worth Rs 517.10 crore.

Narayana said the meeting approved the construction of a water plant with a capacity of 190 MLD along with its operation and maintenance for five years at a cost of Rs 560.57 crore. Construction of overhead tanks at a cost of Rs 494.86 crore was also cleared.

The CRDA also gave its nod for calling tenders for E-3, E-13 and E-15 connecting roads with the national highways, Narayana said, adding that 1.5 km long elevated road in the E-3 seed access road, along with 4.10 km in the E-13, are also approved for taking up their construction with Rs 348.78 crore. Also, the E-15 road will be extended by 3.98 km at a cost of Rs 70 crore.

The Cabinet committee, at its meeting held on Tuesday, cleared land allotment to seven organisations in the core capital areas. It allotted 55 acres for the Law University, 50 acres for Quantum Valley, 0.78 acres each for the Income Tax department and Indian Red Cross Society, 0.40 acres for the head office of the Coastal Bank and one acre for IRCTC Hotels.

Stating that the Basavatarakam Cancer Institute was allotted 15 acres earlier, he said that now another six acres are allocated for building a medical college. The government had already allotted lands for 64 organisations. It has so far allotted 1,050 acres for 71 units.
Agartala, May 6 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that the state government is planning to deploy 'special executives' as tourist police in all the tourist spots in the state.

After inaugurating and laying foundation stones of various projects worth Rs 210 crore under the Amarpur sub-division in the Gomati District, the Chief Minister said that with the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government in Tripura has given major trust in the tourism sector.

He said that under various Central schemes, including "Prasad" (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), the state government has taken several ambitious projects to upgrade the tourism infrastructure across the state.

Claiming that Tripura is now an insurgency-free state, Saha said: "We must give a message to people that the state is a peaceful place. Insurgency was there, but the NLFT (National Liberation Front of Tripura) and ATTF (All Tripura Tiger Force) militants surrendered, and now Tripura is free from insurgency."

"Our law and order has significantly improved. We have seen the 35 years of rule of the CPI-M-led Left Front and the Congress. They have never thought of developing tourism, while PM Modi is always saying Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and making women self-reliant. We are working to keep tourism in front," he said.

The Chief Minister said that Tripura has many tourist spots like Unakoti, Ujjayanta Palace, Rudrasagar, among others.

"We are spending a lot of money on the development of tourist spots. We must come together to promote our tourism," said the Chief Minister.

A Rs 67 crore project was undertaken for the development of 'Chabimura', which is famous for its panels of rock carving on a steep mountain wall on the bank of the Gomati River in southern Tripura.

He said that previous governments used the Janajati (tribal) people for vote bank politics, and now the present BJP government is working for their all-around development.

"Now the tribals are very happy. People want peace and development, they don't want disturbance and violence," said Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio.

Later, in Amarpur Sub-division, comprising three Assembly constituencies, a total of Rs 210 crore worth of projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid.
Gandhinagar, May 6 : A high-level meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the residence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar in preparation for a state-wide Civil Defence mock drill.

The meeting will be attended by Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, and the Director General of Civil Defence.

Senior officials and collectors from 20 districts will join the session via video conferencing to review the final arrangements for the drill, which is to be conducted on May 7, 2025, following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The evening session will serve as the final review to ensure all departments are fully prepared. Various government departments, including the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB), Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Health, Home Guard, Revenue, Police, and municipal corporations have been involved in the coordination efforts. Their readiness and inter-departmental coordination were closely reviewed during a pre-drill meeting held today under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

Speaking to the media, Minister Harsh Sanghavi provided a detailed advisory for citizens to ensure the smooth execution of the mock drill. He emphasised the importance of public cooperation and outlined basic protocols for emergency response.

He explained that citizens must be able to identify two types of warning sirens: a long siren indicating a potential air raid (warning signal) and a short, steady siren signifying the end of the threat (all-clear signal).

He said that in case of an emergency, outdoor activities must be stopped immediately, and priority should be given to helping the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, adding that the use of elevators should be avoided, and staircases should be used during evacuation.

He said that on May 7, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, there will be a coordinated blackout in different districts at staggered times for 30 minutes.

"Citizens have been instructed to turn off or cover all lights in homes, offices, and vehicles using blackout curtains or thick cloth to prevent light leakage. People are also advised to avoid using mobile phones or flashlights near windows during this period," he said.

Sanghavi also urged citizens to follow official instructions issued through radio or public announcements, refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation, and offer help to neighbours who may be unaware of safety protocols.

Reiterating that the mock drill is a preparedness exercise and not an actual emergency, Sanghavi assured the public that there is no reason to panic.

"The drill will take place in 18 districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bharuch (Ankleshwar), Tapi (Kakrapar), Surat, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha, Vadinar), Kutch-East (Gandhidham), Kutch-West (Bhuj, Naliya), Patan, Banaskantha, Gir Somnath, and Morbi," he said.

Providing further insight into the procedural framework, Sanghavi explained that under standard civil defence principles, twelve core services will be activated during the drill. These include trained civil defence wardens and volunteers who will work on the ground. A coded message from the Indian Air Force will initiate the drill through a secure hotline.

Civil defence teams and vigilant citizens will use sirens and SMS alerts to inform the public. Firefighters will assist with evacuations, while medical teams will offer treatment in field conditions.

PWD staff will help clear debris and remove unsafe structures. Forest officials will assist in evacuating animals from affected areas. Home Guards will support the police in maintaining law and order. Revenue officers will monitor overall coordination under the supervision of district collectors.

In addition to logistical efforts, there will be public awareness and training sessions conducted by the Civil Defence, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the State Reserve Police (SRP). These will include sensitisation programs for school children and training sessions for village leaders (sarpanches).

The aim is to build grassroots awareness and preparedness across urban and rural populations alike.
Bhubaneswar, May 6 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Tuesday, wrote a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing concerns over the naming of the recently inaugurated Jagannath Temple at seaside town of Digha in the neighbouring state as 'Jagannath Dham'.

He requested the West Bengal government to refrain from referring Digha Jagannath Temple as Jagannath Dham.

"The Odisha government expresses its deep concern over naming of the recently established Jagannath Temple at Digha, West Bengal, as "Jagannath Dham," wrote CM Majhi.

He also added that it is well-known that Shree Jagannath Dham in Puri, Odisha, is one of the sacred 'Char Dhams' of Hinduism and it holds unparalleled religious, spiritual, and cultural significance, not just for the people of Odisha, but for millions of devotees across India and the world.

"The name "Jagannath Dham" holds a unique and sacrosanct identity linked to Puri, and its usage in reference to any other temple or location hurts sentiment and emotion of millions of pilgrims, devotees, and the general public, besides diluting the distinct heritage of Shree Jagannath Dham, Puri," the Odisha CM noted.

While appreciating the devotion towards Lord Jagannath across regions in the country and outside, CM Majhi, however, asserted that the use of the term "Jagannath Dham" in official and promotional contexts for the Digha temple is likely to cause confusion among devotees, dilute the historical identity of Puri as the original and revered abode of the Lord, and hurt the religious sentiments of the people of Odisha.

"In view of this, I request the West Bengal government to reconsider the usage of the name "Jagannath Dham" in relation to the Jagannath temple recently established at Digha and refrain from using the term "Jagannath Dham" in its official naming, communication, and promotional materials. I sincerely hope that the West Bengal government will uphold the spirit of inter-state respect and cultural sensitivity in this matter and take necessary steps to address our concerns," urged CM Majhi.

Earlier, the King of Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the "Adya-sevak" or First Servitor of Lord Jagannath, on Monday, asserted that as per the sacred scriptures like Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, etc, it is only Puri which can be called as "Shree Jagannatha Dham" and not any other place or temple because it is Puri, which is the eternal Holy Abode of the Supreme Lord -- Shree Purushottama-Jagannatha.

The Odisha CM urged the Digha Jagannath Temple authorities to desist from referring to the Digha Temple as 'Jagannath Dham' and honour the age-old traditions and heritage of Moola-peetha Shreemandira at Puri.
Chennai, May 6 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Telugu star Pawan Kalyan has now completed shooting for his eagerly awaited period action film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'.

Chennai, May 6 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Telugu star Pawan Kalyan has now completed shooting for his eagerly awaited period action film aHari Hara Veera Mallua.

Directed by Jyothi Krishna and Krish Jagarlamudi, the period action film is scheduled to hit screens on May 9 this year.

The film's unit, through an X handle created exclusively for the film, made the announcement.

It said, "Powerstar @PawanKalyan Garu finishes shooting for #HariHaraVeeraMallu. The shoot wraps with a bang, and whatas coming next will set screens on fire! A massive trailer and blockbuster songs are on the way!"

It may be recalled that director A M Jyothikrishna on Monday had tweeted that Pawan Kalyan would be joining the last two days of the film's shoot.

Taking to his timeline on X, he said, "Powerstar @PawanKalyan Garu joins the last 2 days of the shoot for #HariHaraVeeraMallu. With this, the monumental journey of the shoot comes to a grand close. Get ready for the long-awaited, EXPLOSIVE trailer and ELECTRIFYING songs are coming your way very soon! The countdown to the storm begins now."

A historical adventure with soul-stirring music, aHari Hara Veera Mallua, produced by A. Dayakar Rao under the banner of Mega Surya Production, will be an epic tale of adventure during the Mughal empire under Aurangzeb.

The film portrays Indiaas complex socio-economic landscape during the period when foreign powers like the Dutch and Portuguese exploited the country's riches.

It may be recalled that a song titled aMaata Vinalia / aKekkanum Guruvea that the makers released from the film had caught the attention of fans. The song, which appears during a crucial moment in the film, is set against the scenic backdrop of a forest. The Telugu version of the song was penned by Penchal Das while the Tamil version was by lyricist Pa Vijay.

What made the song of particular interest to fans was that Pawan Kalyan himself lent his voice for the Telugu version. For the other languages, advanced AI technology was utilized to enhance and replicate Pawan Kalyanas unique vocal tone, creating an authentic experience for fans worldwide.

The music, composed by the iconic M.M. Keeravaani, is poised to join the league of timeless philosophical hits, reminiscent of classic MGR songs.

Apart from Pawan Kalyan, aHari Hara Veera Mallua will also feature Nidhhi Agerwal, Bobby Deol, and Nassar, supported by Raghu Babu, Subbaraju, Sunil, and many others. The film has cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa and Gnanashekar V.S., and production design by Thota Tharani.

--IANS

Mkr/
Surat, May 6 : A fire broke out at Mission Hospital in Athwalines, Surat, triggering panic among patients and staff. Thick plumes of smoke engulfed the building as the blaze spread rapidly, prompting an urgent response from the city's fire department.

"A fleet of 15 fire engines rushed to the scene to contain the flames and evacuate patients. Hospital corridors were thrown into turmoil as a stampede-like situation unfolded. While general patients were assisted out by hospital staff, firefighters took charge of rescuing those in critical condition," said an eyewitness.

An official said that all patients have since been safely shifted to nearby hospitals for further treatment, adding that there have been no reported casualties.

He said that, as per the preliminary assessments, the fire is suspected to have originated from a short circuit, though official confirmation is still awaited.

Surat Police cordoned off the area to prevent further chaos and maintain order.

While rescue operations have concluded, some locals have claimed that a few individuals may still be trapped inside.

Surat, a prominent industrial hub in Gujarat, has witnessed several significant fire incidents over the years.

Surat's textile industry, a cornerstone of its economy, has also been susceptible to fire hazards. In February 2025, the Shiv Shakti Textile Market experienced multiple fires over consecutive days, leading to significant property damage estimated at Rs 400 crore.

In April 2025, a substantial fire erupted at the Happy Excellencia residential apartment in the Vesu area. The fire spread across multiple floors, but prompt action by firefighting teams ensured that no casualties were reported.
Imphal, May 6 : BJP's North East In-charge Sambit Patra, on Tuesday, met Kuki BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who was the lone woman Minister in the former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh-led government in Manipur, party sources said.

A BJP leader on condition of anonymity said that besides Kipgen, Patra, a Member of Parliament from Puri Lok Sabha constituency (Odisha), also met leaders of Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and other Kuki civil society groups in Kangpokpi district, inhabited by Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals.

The CoTU and the Kuki Civil Society Groups submitted a memorandum to the BJP leader.

Patra, soon after his arrival in Imphal, on Monday went to Churachandpur where he met local BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte (who belongs to the Kuki community).

Returning to Imphal, he held closed-door meetings with former CM Biren Singh, Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and various other leaders and MLAs.

Neither Patra nor the BJP disclosed the matter of discussions of the BJP leader's series of meetings since Monday.

Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.

The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President's Rule, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.

The BJP's North East In-charge's visit comes nearly a week after 21 Manipur MLAs wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to reinstate a "popular government" in the state.

The letters were separately submitted at the Prime Minister's Office and the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29.

According to an MLA, of the 21 legislators, most of the signatories in the letters 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah 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.

--IANS

sc/khz
Chennai, May 6 : Director Nahas Hidhayath, who is now working on his Malayalam film, 'I'm Game', featuring actor Dulquer Salmaan in the lead, on Tuesday welcomed actress Samyukth Viswanathan to the unit of the film.

Taking to his Instagram page, the director wrote, "We are delighted to announce the addition of the talented Samyuktha Viswanathan to the #ImGame team, enhancing our grace and charm. Welcome aboard, Samyuktha!"

It may be recalled that the film officially went on floors only on May 3 this year. Dulquer Salmaan had announced the commencement of shooting on his social media timelines.

The popular actor, who is 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!"

It may be recalled that only a day before the film went on floors, the film's makers had welcomed one of Tamil cinema's top directors Mysskin onboard the project.

Taking to his timelines on social media, director Nahas Hidhayath had said, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the multifaceted, incredibly talented Mysskin Sir to the #ImGame team! Get ready for an exciting game ahead!"

Mysskin was only the second actor to be welcomed aboard the unit. 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 makers also welcomed Tamil actor Kathir, who played the lead in the critically acclaimed superhit film, 'Pariyaerum Perumal'.

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.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Guwahati, May 6 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that Pakistan is at war with itself and it could not become a proper nation even after 77 years of independence.

The Chief Minister put forward a series of points supporting his claim. Taking to X, Sarma wrote: "Even after 77 years of independence, Pakistan is not a nation - it is a fragile federation of suppressed identities held together by the brute force of the military. While it preaches jihad abroad, it's facing an internal revolt that it cannot silence forever. 1. Balochistan: A Land Rich in Resources, Starved of Rights. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province - blessed with gas, copper, and coal - but it's also its most oppressed. Armed groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) are fighting a full-blown insurgency. What they face: Thousands of enforced disappearances. Kill-and-dump operations by the army. Looted resources with zero benefit to the Baloch people. As Gwadar becomes a Chinese naval outpost, Balochs remain without clean water, employment, or electricity."

The Chief Minister also wrote: "2. Sindhudesh: The Silent Rebellion in Sindh. Sindhi nationalists accuse Islamabad of a deliberate attempt to erase Sindhi language, identity, and political power. Groups like the Sindhudesh Liberation Army (SLA) call for secession. Key issues: Forced demographic change via Punjabi and Muhajir settlements. Suppression of Sindhi history and heritage. Economic marginalisation in their own land 3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pashtun Resistance in a Military State. Movements like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) are challenging the army's brutal occupation of Pashtun territories. They demand: End to extrajudicial killings. Return of missing persons. Dismantling of military checkpoints. Many Pashtuns call themselves a "nation under occupation" inside Pakistan, especially after devastating military operations in FATA."

Sarma has mentioned Gilgit-Baltistan & PoK. "These so-called 'provinces' have no constitutional recognition, no assembly, and no voice. Movements like the Balawaristan National Front (BNF) are rising in anger. Key issues: Land seizures by the Pakistan Army. No political autonomy or status. Growing resistance to Chinese control under CPEC 5. Muhajirs: The Forgotten 'Jinnahpur' Dream. Once loyal allies of the Pakistani establishment, the Muhajir community now faces exclusion. The dream of a separate "Jinnahpur" state may have faded, but the discrimination hasn't. Karachi operations, MQM crackdowns, and political irrelevance highlight their betrayal by the system they helped create," he wrote on X.

The Chief Minister said that Pakistan is one army, many nations, and its unity is a Mirage.

"Pakistan is not a countryit is a crisis factory. It crushes its own diversity, denies its ethnic nationalities, and blames the world for its failures. Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, Gilgiti, and Muhajir movements are not Indian conspiraciesthey are the consequence of Pakistan's own colonial mindset," he claimed.
Guwahati, May 7 : At least five Bangladeshi citizens were arrested and later pushed back by security personnel on Tuesday in Assam's South Salmara district on the charges of illegal infiltration.

Taking to X, Chief Minister Sarma wrote: "With an uncompromising stand on illegal infiltration, @SSalmaraPolice and @BSF_India apprehended 5 Bangladeshi nationals attempting unlawful entry and pushed them back on across the border."

He also asserted that Assam Police stays vigilant 24x7 to secure the international borders.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said: "We have put the security forces on high alert at the international border following the unrest in Bangladesh to check infiltration. The police have detected a good number of illegal immigrants on a daily basis along the international border; however, no Hindu infiltrator from Bangladesh was arrested in the last five months."

Sarma argued that the Hindu community people immigrated from Bangladesh 30 or 40 years ago, and the rest of the people have been living in the neighbouring country for different reasons.

"Most of the Hindu community people who had the desire to cross the border and come to India had come here 30 or 40 years ago. The rest of the minority people have been living in Bangladesh despite facing large-scale atrocities in the neighbouring country. I guess they have their own reasons for staying there  maybe a love for the soil or patriotism towards Bangladesh," he said.

Sarma also stated that the Bangladeshi infiltration spiked up in the last few months due to the collapse of the textile industry in the neighbouring country, leaving many jobless there.

He stated that the economy of Bangladesh has collapsed due to unrest, and the majority of the community people were more affected than the minority section.

"So far, we have arrested around 1,000 Bangladeshi people in the last few months. They were pushed back immediately after their arrest," said the Chief Minister.

He also attributed the illegal infiltration to incentives offered by a few textile industry owners in India.
Guwahati, May 7 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the state police have arrested another person for allegedly taking pro-Pakistan stand in the social media.

The person is identified as Shahidul Islam and he was arrested from Barpeta.

With Islam's arrest on Tuesday, a total of 13 people have been taken into custody for supporting Pakistan in Assam.

CM Sarma on Tuesday said, "Total 43 anti-nationals have been put behind BARS for sympathising with Pakistan. No TRAITOR will be SPARED."

Among the 43 arrested people, the most prominent is the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam.

He was the first person to be arrested in the state for the "pro-Pakistan" stand.

Aminul Islam, an AIUDF MLA from Assam's Dhing Assembly constituency, was arrested on May 1 on sedition charges following his provocative statement regarding the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed more than 20 lives.

In a video clip circulated on social media, the AIUDF leader is heard claiming that the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks were part of a "government conspiracy".

Aminul Islam has said: "Six years ago in Pulwama, when the RDX blast happened and 42 soldiers died, I said on that day that the Pulwama blast happened at the behest of a conspiracy of the Central government, and it was a conspiracy to win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls."

He added that what happened in Pahalgam is that the BJP has been peddling that the terrorists asked about religion and opened fire only on Hindus, and they let go of Muslims.

"But the victims said that the terrorists opened fire without asking about anybody's name, and I doubt that the nexus which was involved in the Pulwama attack in which RDX was used," he said.

He added that the same nexus is behind the Pahalgam incident.

"If the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government does not conduct a fair investigation into the incident and tries to bring a division between Hindus and Muslims, I would believe that this incident happened because of a conspiracy," Aminul Islam said, while 'blaming' PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

However, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal distanced himself from his party legislator's comments.

Ajmal said, "AIUDF stands with the government. The terrorists have no religion, and those who spread terrorism are against Islam."
Washington, Mary 7 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the Indian strikes on Pakistan were expected and that it's his "hope it ends very quickly." Washington, Mary 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the Indian strikes on Pakistan were expected and that it's his "hope it ends very quickly."

The Indian embassy in Washington DC also said in a statement that India's National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, briefed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who holds additional charge as the National Security Adviser, about the strikes.

"It's a shame," President Trump said at an unrelated White House interaction with news reporters.

"We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval ... They've been fighting for a long time. ... I just hope it ends very quickly."

The Indian embassy said, "Shortly after the strikes, NSA Ajit Doval spoke with US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and briefed him on the actions taken."

It added: "India's actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted."

The Embassy said India has "credible leads, technical inputs, testimony of the survivors and other evidence pointing towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in this attack" and that Pakistan was expected to take action against the perpetrators.

"Instead, during the fortnight that has gone by. Pakistan has indulged in denial and allegations of false flag operations against India."

President Trump's remarks were the first by an American official after the strikes. Earlier, Tammy Bruce, the state department spokesperson, told reporters that the situation between India and Pakistan was "a dynamic, serious issue".

Earlier, the Indian Army said that it has hit nine locations deep inside Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," the army in a press release said.

The Indian Army also posted on its official X handle, "Justice is Served. Jai Hind."

"Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted. Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution," the army said.

It added that these steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered.

"We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable. There will be a detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor', later today," the army said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also confirmed the strike on his country.

"The missile strikes were fired by India at Kotli, Bahwalpur and Muzaffarabad in a cowardly attack amid intense tensions between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in occupied Kashmir," the Pakistan army confirmed.

The tension between the two nuclear nations comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed, mostly tourists.
New Delhi, May 7 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hailed the Indian Army for its strong response by hitting targets deep inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

"Bharat Mata Ki Jai," the Defence Minister wrote on X while hailing the defence forces of the country.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju also complimented the army by simply posting "#OperationSindoor #JaiHind", on his X handle.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote on X, "Jai Hind."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Jai Hind! Jai Hind Army!" on his X handle while sharing the 'Operation Sindoor' poster posted by the Indian Army on its official X handle.

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur also posted, "Jai Hind, Jai Hind's Army."

Meanwhile, Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav wrote on X, "Hail India! There should be neither terror nor separatism! We are proud of our brave soldiers and the Indian Army. #IndianArmy."

UBT (SS) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that terrorism in all its forms has to be eliminated.

"Tonight's precision strikes in PoK are against terrorism, and kudos to the Indian defence forces for keeping it precise to sites where terrorism was being harboured. Hit them, hard enough that terrorism doesn't stand a chance ever again. Jai Hind!" he wrote on X.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav wrote on X, "Hail India! Hail the army of India!".

"Jai Hind, Hindostan Zindabad," wrote Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi on his X handle.

Earlier, the Indian Army said that it has hit nine locations deep inside Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," the army in a press release said.

The Indian Army also posted on its official X handle, "Justice is Served. Jai Hind."

"Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted. Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution," the army said.

It added that these steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered.

"We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable. There will be a detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor', later today," the army said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also confirmed the strike on his country.

"The missile strikes were fired by India at Kotli, Bahwalpur and Muzaffarabad in a cowardly attack amid intense tensions between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in occupied Kashmir," the Pakistan army confirmed.

The tension between the two nuclear nations comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed, mostly tourists.
Peace, quiet, and a lot of stunning scenerysome of the world's most offbeat destinations are where tranquility meets breathtaking beauty. Beyond typical tourist places, these offbeat gems await, offering an intimate experience that makes the place extraordinary. From mysterious landscapes and quirky towns to secluded retreats and unexpected adventures, these unique destinations promise to captivate your wanderlust.

If you are tired of the same old tourist traps and wish to explore the road less traveled, pack your bags and prepare for a whirlwind exploration of some of the most scenic yet offbeat places that are as unique as they are unforgettable.

1. Georgia

Image Source: Envato Georgia

Nestled at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is known for its Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the serene hiking trails of Svaneti, the country awaits a plethora of breathtaking destinations. Its culturally and architecturally rich landscape is less explored, making it the perfect getaway for offbeat travelers.

2. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Image Source: Envato Lofoten Islands, Norway

Known as the photographers' paradise, the Lofoten Islands in Norway bask in the ethereal Midnight Sun during summer and witness the magical Northern Lights from September to April. Its dramatic peaks, picturesque fishing villages, and pristine beaches are a sight to behold at least once in a lifetime. The nearest major gateway is Framnes Airport, Narvik, providing convenient access to this breathtaking destination.

3. Madagascar

Image Source: Envato Madagascar

Step off the boat and travel to Madagascar, the real-life adventure behind the classic animated film. From the otherworldly Tsingy de Bemaraha to the mesmerizing Avenue of Baobabs, this island offers a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. A world of magic awaits you at this stunning destination as you set off your journey from Antananarivo Airport (TNR).

4. Tuscany, Italy

Image Source: Envato Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is dotted with rolling vineyards, historic cities, and artistic treasures. Beyond its well-trodden paths, lies serene landscapes and quaint towns like Pienza and Montepulciano. The city of Barga, nestled in the Serchio Valley, exudes offers authentic Italian charm and tranquility with its charming squares and cobblestone alleys. Pisa International Airport, conveniently located nearby, makes accessing these hidden gems easy. With its timeless beauty and laid-back vibe, Tuscany offers the perfect offbeat escape.

5. Iceland

Image Source: Envato Iceland

Though it hardly sounds right for an offbeat destination, the fact is that most of Iceland's visitors only explore a small corner of this stunning island. The magnificent Gljufrabui Waterfalls, Raudasandur Beach, and the volcanic valleys of Vesturdalur are some of the top underrated spots in this Atlantic paradise.

6. Laos

Image Source: Envato Laos

Off the typical Asia travel map, Laos beckons with its incredible temples, rivers, and charming villages. Visitors can enjoy Mekong River adventures, verdant forests, and ancient temples of this landlocked nation. If you wish to go more off-beat, adventures await at the sleepy town of Nong Khiaw, Hin Boun, and other hidden gems, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty and local culture of Laos.

7. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Image Source: Envato Faroe Islands, Denmark

360-degree view of sheep along the emerald pastures of the Faroe Islands offers a picturesque glimpse into the island's serene landscape. With rugged cliffs, lush green fields, grey-hued cottages, and a dramatic coastline, these scenes capture the raw, untouched beauty of this Nordic paradise. Deep fjords, steep cliffs, and looming headlands offer an out-of-the-world experience at this stunning archipelago.

8. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Image Source: Envato Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat in Indonesia is home to some of the most beautiful islands, offering amazing snorkeling and diving experiences, surrounded by crystal clear waters and lush landscapes. This tropical paradise is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a dream destination for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

9. Nagaland, India

Image Source: IANS Nagaland, India

The rolling hills, vibrant tribal cultures, and stunning landscapes of Nagaland offer an unmatched experience to its visitors. Known for its unique festivals, rich traditions, and lush scenery, this northeastern state in India provides an offbeat adventure away from the usual tourist trails. Dimapur Airport is the nearest major gateway, making it easy to reach this hidden gem. For those traveling by train, Dimapur Railway Station offers convenient access to the heart of Nagaland's captivating landscapes.

Exploring these offbeat destinations is like uncovering hidden treasureseach one offers a unique experience that's far from the ordinary. From the remote beauty of Madagascar to the vibrant culture of Nagaland, every step takes you to a world of adventure. Get ready to discover the extraordinary in the most unexpected corners of the globe.
Each week the NetZoom library team releases updates for customer requests and new manufacturer devices so that the NetZoom Visio Stencil library is always up to date with the latest devices for network, rack, data center and audio/video designs. Post this

The following is a sampling of the newly released stencils. Visit www.VisioStencils.com to review the entire collection.

Manufacturer / Device Product Lines

A10 Networks / Thunder

Actelis Networks / MetaLIGHT

Corsair / Elgato

Dell Computer / PowerEdge XE-Series, DD Series, Connectrix, UltraSharp Series

DynFi / FWA Series

FS.COM / Fiber Patch Panels, Enterprise Switches

Genelec / 8000 Series

Gigamon Systems / GigaVUE

Hewlett-Packard / ProLiant Gen12

Huawei Technologies / iBRAS

Meraki / MG Series, MS Series

NetApp / AFF C-Series, StorageGRID

Nexo / NX TD Controllers

Nutanix / Complete Cluster

Opengear / OM2200 Operations Manager

Rittal / DK Series

Synamedia / Video Platforms

Tripp Lite / CAT5e-CAT6, SmartRack, SmartOnline, PDU

Vertiv Co / NetSure, Liebert APS, Liebert GXT5

NetZoom Visio Stencils is the world's largest library of device stencils used by professional IT/AV designers worldwide who use Microsoft Visio for their technical diagramming. The Device Library includes device stencils for racks, servers, storage, networking, telecom, security, and infrastructure devices for network and data center use. The library also includes stencils for audio, video, and home theater devices for integrators and contractors designing audio/video installations.

Availability

NetZoom Visio Stencils are available for download 24x7 from the customer portal. Customer requested shapes are created free of charge and released within a week. For more information on a subscription, call 630-281-6464 or visit VisioStencils.com

About NetZoom

Founded in 1995, NetZoom, Inc. is an Illinois corporation with headquarters in the Chicago area. The company's NetZoom software enables data center professionals around the world to effectively model, manage, monitor, and maximize IT and Facility infrastructure.

For more information, please visit NetZoom.com.

NetZoom is a trademark of NetZoom, Inc. All others are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact

Marketing Department, NetZoom, Inc., 1 630-281-6464, [email protected], https://visiostencils.com/

SOURCE NetZoom, Inc.
After 25 years in business, Virtusales is stronger than ever with record profits and a growing customer base. From a small family business to a global operation, the company has continued to evolve to meet the needs of publishers and, as a result, has seen phenomenal growth. Over the last three years, the company has grown 70 percent. What's the secret sauce? We caught up with CEO Philip Turner to find out.

Congratulations on celebrating 25 years in business! Over the past quarter century, what would you say has been the biggest change in or challenge to your company?

The biggest change has been growing from a tiny family-run business of two living and working in a small seaside flat in Brighton, U.K., to a market-leading software company of more than 100 staff based in several countries and supporting some of the biggest names in publishing.

There have been many challenges along the way, but all have centered on staying at the leading edge of publishing systems. In technology that has meant upgrading the system multiple times, and then with so much change in the industry, weve needed to adapt Biblio to provide functionality that deals with modern-day publishing.

Changes in the regulatory landscape have meant weve not only had to continually update our software and services but also our processes. We're constantly investing in technology like artificial intelligence, APIs, user-friendly dashboards, integrated portals, advanced search capabilities, and state-of-the-art hosting facilities as well as meeting the demands of world-leading publishers requiring ISO and SOC certification. Passing our audits each year is of paramount importance to us as it reflects the level of responsibility we have not only to innovate but also to run our ongoing business to the highest standards.

Of course, Covid-19, Brexit, industry shifts including changing buyer habits, the digital revolution and its effect on proliferation of products and licensing, and the challenges of mergers and acquisitions are additional, more specific challenges to growing the business profitably and sustainably. Over our lifetime, we've lost several independents to acquisitions by larger publishers. Fortunately, this has led to projects with their acquirers.

One of our biggest challenges came when our two largest customers of the time, Penguin UK and Random House UK, merged. This created short-term uncertainty, especially as the combined revenue was such a large share of our total income. Subsequent decisions to invest further in Biblio and merge both systems, though, made us a stronger business and created the platform to grow and thrive. Since then, revenues are up by almost four times and the number of customers has increased by three times, all despite losing independents through acquisitions.

Taken together, the biggest challenge may be delivering the agility, responsiveness, and flexibility needed to implement some of the biggest software projects in publishing with a personal, caring approach. And while this might be our biggest challenge, it has witnessed the least change. This attitude and approach over 25 years has allowed us to grow year on year, building strong relationships and achieving record revenue and profits this year, having grown 70 percent over the past three fantastic years. This performance stands as a testament to our relentless drive to keep all the moving parts in harmony.

How has Virtusales grown and expanded into new areas over the past 25 years?

In the beginning, we offered a small web-based, prototype title management solution, but this was quickly followed by a large-scale project for Random House UK, which expanded Biblios title management capabilities to handle acquisitions, production management, scheduling, contracts and subrights, as well as fully integrating it into back-end finance and warehouse systems. Random House then recommended Biblio to Faber, Walker Books, Virgin Books, and many others, establishing Virtusales within UK trade publishing.

Our breakthrough into the U.S. came with a joint Walker Books and Candlewick Press project, which also brought in Walker Books Australia. At the same time, we implemented Biblio for Random House Australia/New Zealand, launching our global journey into trade publishing. Today, the U.S. is a significant part of our global revenue with our North American business, having grown 280 percent over the past three years.

After Biblios success within Random House, the publisher commissioned Virtusales to build a publishing-specific digital asset management (DAM) system, which centralized all assets across the business. Unlike generic DAM solutions, we built this new DAM to handle the specific workflows of global publishing, especially the nuances of printing in China, which in 2007 had infrastructure challenges. Production workflows was the central theme and, today, our DAM has been expanded to become a central and fully integrated part of all publishing workflows in Biblio, including storing and distributing royalties statements to feed Biblios royalties portal.

We expanded our understandingand Biblios capabilitiesof handling complex licensing deals and logistical challenges through a project for Penguin involving its sibling Dorling Kindersley, which had many offices worldwide. The project also involved building a new inventory management system, replacing a legacy system, to automate and modernize stock management. At the same time, we completed the first major technology upgrade of Biblio to Microsoft's .Net and rolled this out to all customers as a normal free upgrade.

Virtusales moved into academic publishing through a project for Harvard University Press, and now we have 30 university press customers in several countries. At the same time as rolling out to Harvard we implemented Biblio for Bloomsbury who, mid-project bought Continuum and our first project handling both Trade and Academic publishing on a single system supporting numerous countries was established.

Concurrently with this project, we were building a new state of the art, fully integrated, Contracts, Rights and Royalties system with Random House, which then expanded to Penguin, DK and other PRH businesses in UK, Australia and South Africa following the merger.

More recently, Virtusales implemented Project Beagle, which completely reengineered Biblios architecture, adding a modern suite of APIs, ElasticSearch, and a fresh Google Angular user interface. Following this, our new AI Lab has begun to roll out artificial intelligence solutions including AI-generated keywords along with other solutions and is in the process of building an AI Bot to support users and our customer services team with the latest generation of support functions.

Other recent projects with Disney Publishing Worldwide expanded our reach in global licensing, while enhancements for Macmillan USA, HarperCollins USA, MIT Press, Oetinger and Cornelsen in Germany, Aschehoug Forlag in Scandinavia and many other iterative strategic developments, have all added important new functionality to the core system as standard upgrades, which we have been rolling out to our customer base in the course of their normal upgrade path.

All of this development means that publishers no longer need to heavily customize their back-end SAP or other ERP systems at huge cost or integrate small-scale, uncertified, tactical solutions into their robust financial and logistics operations and landscape.

Biblio has evolved into a modern, truly multi-country, multi-currency/weights/measures publishing management system that integrates the end-to-end workflows of trade publishers worldwide. It's a proven global workflow management system providing a single version of the truth for all publishing data, digital files and assets for the worlds largest trade and academic publishers.

How do you see Virtusales evolving over the next 25 years?

I believe our strong ethos and partnership approach will continue to position Virtusales at the heart of publishing worldwide. We will evolve our functionality by changing current practices and building new ones, which we will do on the same collaborative development methodology. Virtusales will continue to be a deep domain supplier in publishing, and as publishing expands into new areas, so will Biblio.

In-house artificial intelligence applications will help us to achieve one of our biggest future challenges, which is to continue to build new functionality that is highly configurable to any type of publisher, genre, or location. With this in mind, the AI journey has only just begun.

BiblioSuite has been called the single source of truth for information about a title or content. Can you explain what you mean by this exactly and the importance of this capability for publishers?

While spreadsheets and documents are still used to run publishing processes and there has been a proliferation of modern software solutions dealing with generic business problems such as scheduling, task management and CRM, and so on, publishers who implement these often find data becomes fragmented and inconsistent. By handling the core publishing functions comprehensively, Biblio keeps the core metadata in a central place and important Biblio functionality enforces business rules and data integrity to ensure that this data can always be trusted as the single truth. From this central place, feeds are set up to automatically populate other databases, websites, and platforms, and when any changes happen, Biblio gets updated and resends the updates to the tens or hundreds of places the data is needed.

What sets Virtusales and BiblioSuite apart from other services, and how has that contributed to the companys success over the past 25 years?

Firstly, BiblioSuite is continuously evolving, thanks to ongoing collaborations with an engaged community of publishers. Our platform adapts to pressing challenges by releasing new upgrades containing new features and support for industry standards, which we roll out as part of our services at no additional cost.

Our commitment to collaborative community engagement is another key differentiator, and our active participation in major publishing events like the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs, Redux, ALPSP, SSP, and AUP keeps us closely connected with the industry's evolving needs. Through our global community program, BiblioU, we foster collaboration across the publishing sector, encouraging innovation through shared knowledge and experiences.

Another standout feature is our approach to implementation. We do not rely on third-party implementers, ensuring project consistency and deepening our partnerships with clients. Many on our team have publishing backgrounds and bring insider knowledge that is invaluable when tailoring solutions to meet the specific challenges faced by our clients.

Finally, BiblioSuite is product-agnostic, capable of managing any product and content typeswhether digital, print, hybrid, pack, group, or individual items. This versatility is complemented by deep-domain functionalities for each product category, ensuring efficient and streamlined capture of metadata, digital files, and images needed for core workflow activities.

How might emerging technologies shape current key trends in the industry, and how can Biblio contribute to this evolution?

Emerging technologies like AI are set to dramatically reshape the industry. Artificial intelligence's ability to offer personalized content delivery, better targeting, instant access, and seamless payment solutions will transform the reader experience. Anticipated developments include e-books featuring interactive elements such as video, audio, and gaming, fostering immersive engagements. Publishers are investing in advanced technologies that offer new features, including dashboards and AI solutions, to streamline workflows and comply with industry regulations like GPSR, EUDR, and EAA.

Biblio can play a pivotal role in this evolution. By integrating these technological advancements into its platform, Biblio offers publishers the tools to capitalize on new formats and delivery methods while ensuring compliance with emerging regulations. As a leading provider, Biblio can also support publishers in navigating the shift toward inclusivity and sustainability by offering resources and solutions tailored to these priorities. Through continual innovation, Biblio can help publishers remain at the forefront of industry change, maximizing new opportunities and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Early in my tenure at the education policy organization I founded, we barely had any money. No money meant no lobbyist, which left me, a complete stranger to the legislative process, to figure out how to pass meaningful policy.

A conversation I had with a Democratic legislator seen as an up-and-coming leader stands out among the blur of memories. He agreed to meet me at a local sandwich shop in downtown Jackson after I kept showing up at the Capitol, bright-eyed and brimming with optimism that Mississippi could, in fact, improve its public schools. I admit to feeling a little defeated that day after yet another uninspiring and unproductive education committee meeting, and I complained about it to him.

Why dont the Democrats seem to have any vision for education? I asked in frustration. Saying no to everything the Republicans pose isnt an agenda.

Were the minority party, he shot back. Its not our job to have a vision.

I sat back in the chair, stunned, and thought to myself, And that is exactly why youll always be the minority party.

Sixteen years later, I have to wonder if the Democratic party nationally is heading for the same fate. Increasingly, the Democrats are less the party of education and more the party of education insiders, not children and families. Much like my own state party, Democrats nationally dont have a coherent and compelling vision for American public education. As Senator Bennet of Colorado said recently at the Progressive Policy Institutes New Directions for Democrats convening in Denver, We are running a 17th-century system of education in America, and the American people deserve to have a 21st-century system of education so their kids can compete in this world, and they can't with the system that we have. The Democratic Party has no education policy.  Where is our agenda to reform the education system for the American people? We have none.

Senator Bennet is right on point. Despite being a seasoned education policy expert, I had to go find the Democrats party platform to know what is in it (long on recent federal investments and wraparound supports, short on teaching and learning). Whats perhaps more telling is what wasnt in it: no acknowledgment that Americas schools are in trouble, and no clear through-line about what kind of education all these investments ultimately yield. What are families who feel let down by the education their children are getting supposed to make of this?

Aside from some very unpredictable capitalization, I knew exactly what would be in the Republicans platform before I read it. True, there is even less about teaching and learning in their emphatic prose, but it nonetheless sets a goal for education (jobs) and articulates problems and solutions (woke = bad, federal role in education = worse, private school choice = The Answer). A ground-breaking or inspiring vision, it is not, but it is a simple oneif youre unhappy with what educational opportunities your community offers (Woke! Violence! Heathens!), you can choose something different. While it promises families an escape, it also excuses the party from any responsibility of making sure every child has access to great public schools. Its strength as a talking point is also its greatest weakness.

And herein lies the problem. The Republican platform stinks, and yet the Democrats cant seem to fill the void with all their wordy paragraphs in a document that very few people read, and no one is talking about.

The Democrats need a new vision for education that speaks to the world our children must navigate to become successful adults. That vision needs to be rooted in the business of schoolslearningand be flexible enough that every family can see their place in it. When a child graduates high school from public school in the United States of America, what does their education promise them? For the last two decades, I have fought to ensure that a Mississippi high school diploma means that students will know how to read and do math at a level that prepares them for their next step in life and that they have enough knowledge of American history to become voting citizens of this country. If their local high school is a bad fit for their child or unable to offer enough opportunity, the public system should provide families with choice, whether through a charter school or magnet school, dual enrollment or dual credit with local colleges, or virtual course choice statewide. These expectations may seem basic, but right now, too many American families cannot know with any certainty that their public schools will fulfill these promises, and Democrats are not speaking to that problem.

Certainly, there are Democrats who speak passionately and knowledgeably about how to improve public education, and it comes as no surprise that, by and large, these Democrats hold or have held positions of leadership in states where the majority of education policymaking takes place. Take Senator Bennet, for example, who served as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools during an era of progress before he became a U.S. Senator. Colorado also boasts another leading light in Governor Jared Polis, who stated at the PPI convening, Our goal is that every student graduates, not just with a diploma, but with a meaningful certification and a skill that helps them get a job or go to college.

Both of these Democratic leaders understand what should be a guiding principle: fundamentally, education policy is about hope for the future of our children, ourselves, and our country. It affects nearly 50 million children annually, and they live in every corner of the nation. If Democrats are not talking about education, theyre not talking to Americas families, and thats something the Republicans figured out in the last decade. Democrats, how much longer are you going to sit on the sidelines?
Increasingly banned at school.

Cellphone bans in schools are all the rage. Recently, New York became the fourth state to embark on one, as part of a budget deal for the coming school year. For many adults, the bans make intuitive sense: Who wants kids distracted on their phones while the teacher is teaching? Maybe getting rid of them could even reduce bullying or improve youth mental health? Phone Free New York founder Raj Goyle, while speaking of New Yorks prospective ban, claimed, If you look at the data in schools that have one ... test scores rise, bullying decreases, depression decreases. But is that true?

Given acclamations from the schools that have implemented them, youd think so. Orange County schools in Florida made headlines for being one of the first and most restrictive districts to implement a ban on cellphones. Florida passed a statewide ban in 2023, but Orange County, with Orlando as its seat, went further, banning phones for the entire school day, not just during classes.

Within months of Orange County's ban taking effect, educators claimed to see remarkable change, including fewer fights and better focus in class. But its rare to see any intervention have such a rapid effect. To examine whether school data supported these claims, I put in a public records request for the hard numbers.

The request was for numbers on serious bullying incidents, overall high school and middle school grade point averages, student mental health referrals, and suspensions due to cellphone use.

Bullying incidents increased, grade-point averages barely budged, and mental health referrals rose.

Data was provided by the districts manager of public records. The school district had data only on the most serious bullying incidents, which rose sharply during the year of the ban, from 2 to 12. Certainly, many more minor bullying incidents are missed in this data, but the schools apparently have no data to suggest they decreased. Unfortunately, the district did not have data on assaults, so it is unclear which data support the districts public statements about fewer fights. Grade-point averages largely remained static (high school GPA improved slightly, going from 2.82 to 2.95, whereas middle school GPA barely budged from 2.84 to 2.88).

Some schools encourage cellphone use in education, and report better outcomes.

But mental health referrals increased rather than decreased. The number of screenings for mental health increased by one hundred, whereas referrals increased by nearly 1500. Disciplinary offenses involving phones increased, perhaps not surprisingly, but  most worrying  this included 662 reported suspensions. Suspensions are well known to be harmful to youth, reducing academic engagement, and are even associated with adult arrests.

Thus, taken together, these statistics suggest outcomes that are mainly static or negative, including real harm in the form of suspensions. The numbers contrast with the rosy picture portrayed by school officials.

A public-records comparison of Orange Countys ban with Rhode Islands Providence County turned up similar numbers, with data here provided by City of Providence Public Records. Over the same two-year period, bullying got worse, GPAs remained static, mental health referrals increased, as did cellphone discipline incidents. A caveat is that Providence County school authorities could not pinpoint the start of the ban, so this shouldnt be considered as neat a pre/post comparison as the internal comparison for Orange County alone.

Schools in Cranston, R.I, which do not have a cellphone ban, and where some schools encourage cellphone use in education, appeared to be a better comparison with Orange County. Records produced by Norma Cole, the assistant superintendent, showed the outcomes were more mixed. Bullying increased, as with the other schools. High school GPAs actually increased (an apparent reflection of the schools encouragment of cellphone use in education) though middle school GPAs decreased slightly. There were more mental health referrals, but fewer students actually received services. Overall, Cranston schools had somewhat better outcomes.

This is just descriptive data taken from a small number of schools. From such data, its not possible to say that cellphone policies are increasing bullying or mental health issues. However, the figures do warn us that increased suspensions could cause harm. We can also see tantalizing clues that cellphone bans, at very least, do not appear to help, though its worth noting cellphones may have some value in emergencies such as shootings or fires. Broad claims of success often made by teachers and school administrators dont match the data.

A recent study in Britain found that cellphone bans in schools, including the most restrictive variety, do not improve student grades, behavior, or mental health. A recently published research review from Queensland University of Technology likewise concluded that current evidence is unable to support the effectiveness of cellphone bans. One recent Florida study found that kids with smartphones are actually healthier than those without, albeit teaching kids how to use them wisely is also important.

As noted two years ago in RealClearPolitics, the evidence linking new technology and smartphones to outcomes such as mental health is weak, so the failure of cellphone bans should not be a surprise. The current public records request data fits those other observations. The cellphone ban debate is a reminder that, often, what we think should be helpful to kids and what actually is helpful can be two very different things. The research review from the Queensland University of Technology ultimately concluded, Our consolidated findings showed little to no conclusive evidence that one-size-fits-all mobile phone bans in schools resulted in improved academic outcomes, mental health and wellbeing and reduced cyberbullying and recommended media/digital literacy instead to help youth cultivate their online experiences.

Christopher J. Ferguson is a professor of psychology at Stetson University in Florida and author of "Catastrophe! The Psychology of Why Good People Make Bad Situations Worse."
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).

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.

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.

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.
While the Vietnam War has been revisited countless times by American authors and filmmakers, a new Netflix documentary series looks to shake the dust of history off the conflict that ended five decades ago and draw a direct connection to the present day.

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Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, Turning Point: The Vietnam War anchors its gripping five-episode dive into the war around the political divisions, cynicism and mistrust of government and media that emerged during the Vietnam era.

"The America that existed before the United States engaged [in Vietnam] is a very different country than the America that emerged after the troops came home," director Brian Knappenberger told UPI in a Zoom interview. "And the America that emerged is a lot more like the world that we live in now."

The series, the third in Knappenberger's Turning Point anthology (the first two covered 9/11 and the atomic bomb), traces the nearly two-decade war with perspectives from historians, journalists, activists and participants from all sides of the conflict. CBS News archives, declassified government records and rare Vietnamese footage bring the story to life in unflinching detail.

Especially potent is Turning Point's access to secret White House recordings that illustrate the "credibility gap" between what Washington was saying publicly and what was actually happening on the ground.

The first episode of the series, "America Goes to War," shows President John F. Kennedy escalating the presence of American advisers embedded with South Vietnamese troops, but hiding their growing involvement from the media.

"[Kennedy] didn't say that they were reinforcing the South Vietnamese military with heavy weapons and aircraft," journalist Peter Arnett, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the conflict, said in the series. "He didn't say that American so-called advisors would fly the planes going out on bombing missions."

The gap between public statements and private sentiments grew wider under the subsequent presidencies of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, whose calculations sought to minimize the impact of the war on their own political fortunes.

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"You start to understand just how connected this was to the presidential elections in the United States," Knappenberger said. "Nobody wanted to be the president who lost Vietnam. And they'd all had doubts from the very beginning about the winnability of this war."

Knappenberger, whose father served in Vietnam, does not limit his scope to the American perspective. Turning Point includes a broad cross-section of Vietnamese voices, from author Viet Thanh Nguyen, whose family fled to the United States after the fall of Saigon, to Vo Thi Trong, a woman who fought on the side of the National Liberation Front, or "Viet Cong."

"One major motivation was to try to understand as many sides of this perspective as we possibly could," Knappenberger said. "You don't understand the story, Vietnam, without understanding all of the people that participated in it."

While not as exhaustive as 2017's encyclopedic 18-hour Vietnam War opus by Ken Burns, Turning Point goes into considerable depth on many of the key moments of the war, from the Tet Offensive to the massacre at My Lai to the chaotic withdrawal of Americans and South Vietnamese as the North's tanks and troops bore down on Saigon.

Meanwhile, examinations of the anti-war movement and the growing social upheaval in the United States, including the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy and the killing of four protesters at Kent State, highlight the legacy of division and distrust that is still felt today.

"This was when the American people really understood that our leaders in Washington, D.C. aren't always doing what we think they're doing," Lien-hang T. Nguyen, professor and author of Hanoi's War, said early in the series. "During the Vietnam War era, the American people saw that leaders for the first time lied to them."

Turning Point also touches upon the lessons that America's policymakers didn't seem to learn from Vietnam, with its deceptions and mistakes echoed some 30 years later in Iraq, as well as the schisms that still exist within Vietnam and across its far-reaching diaspora.

"I think that there's a tendency for history to live in dusty textbooks or in detailed facts," Knappenberger said. "And the truth is, it doesn't live that way. It lives in people's memories and it lives in the way that it's shaped us whether we live through it or not."

Ultimately, Turning Point finds its most powerful moments in the individual stories of the people who experienced the Vietnam War firsthand, in the small, telling details that bring its devastation home.

In Episode Four, "Why Are We Even Here," American soldier Dennis Clark Brazil describes meeting his parents and siblings at an airfield on his return from Vietnam.

"They came running out on the tarmac and started hugging me and kissing me," Brazil says.

"And I was so happy to see them and they were so happy to see me," he continues, tears welling and voice breaking. "But I wasn't the same person anymore."
One of the smallest and most powerful for size thermal optics you can find, the Armasight Sidekick combines advanced technology with minimal form factor to put the power to own the night in the palm of your hand.

Facts, features, and why you should consider adding a Sidekick to your arsenal

SIDEKICK 640 SPECS:

Detector Type: ArmaCORE 640480 12um Thermal Core

Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

Thermal Sensitivity: NETD < 40mK

Detection Range: 709m on a Human Sized Target

Recognition Range: 177m on a Human Sized Target

Identification Range: 111m on a Human Sized Target

Eye Relief: 15mm

Field of View: 24.16 x 17.37

Optical Magnification: 1x

Digital Zoom: 1x  4x

Display: XGA (1024 x 768) OLED

Graphics: Active On-Screen Graphics and Iconology

Lens System: F/1.00; 19mm manual focus

Diopter Adjustment: -5 to +5 dpt

Power Supply: 1 x CR123A or 2 x CR123A / 1 x 16650

Battery Life: 1x / 2x CR123A  1.5h / 5.5h at 20C (68F)

Low Battery Indicator: Yes

Memory: 4 Hours of Video

Image Processing: Digital Enhancement

Environmental Rating: IP67

Operating Temperature: -40 C to +50 C (-40 F to + 122 F)

Dimensions: 104.90 x 65.28 x 59.69 mm / 4.13 x 2.57 x 2.35 in

Weight: 254g / 0.56lbs. w/ rubber eyecup; no battery

Warranty: 3 years w/ registration

MSRP: $3,000

SUPERPOWER WITH A SIDEKICK

The Armasight Sidekick is one of the lightest, smallest, and most handy thermal units you can find on the market. Able to detect human-sized thermals at over 700 meters, this tiny thermal monocular has a ton of power hidden inside.

Hardware alone isnt all that the Sidekick has going for it. The software used in the Sidekick makes accessing all of the features and settings easy through its three-button interface. Thermal overlay options include white hot, black hot, predator and a lot more, making it easy to find the right color palette for the environment and conditions youre in. Once dialed in, the Sidekick unlocks superpower vision technology that helps keep humans at the top of the food chain.

IMAGE, RANGE, DISPLAY

With a host of different color modes the Sidekick has an impressive array of options available to make whatever it is youre trying to see a lot more visible. From predator vision to white hot to black hot, trying out the different options will open up what works best in different conditions.

Even though the Sidekick is a compact, lightweight thermal it still has a lot of range for a device this size. With a max human-size range of 700 meters, finding even small animals like rabbits is easy within 50-75 meters. The shorter range and smaller size are great for hunts that dont require extreme distance.

Combined with the 1024 x 768 OLED, making it easy to detect detail in the field and the Sidekick delivers a huge amount of performance.

150 yards away on a dark and rainy evening, people and their dogs are still easily visible with the Sidekick

SIDEKICK VS. WARDEN

In almost every way, the Armasight Sidekick 640 is a smaller, lighter, closer range version of the new Warden 640 monocular. But one major benefit of the Sidekick is the ability to mount it on headsets or helmets for hands-free use.

In terms of performance, the Warden has more detection range and a 2x optical zoom. But both the Sidekick and the Warden have 4x digital zoom, making the difference not as critical. The Warden also has a longer battery life, but the Sidekick comes with a battery extender allowing for the use of two CR123A batteries, which more than double the battery life of the monocular and puts it ahead of the Warden.

Optical 2x zoom with the Armasight Warden does help when you want to get a closer look, but image quality is largely the same on base level

The Sidekick also comes in a little less expensive with a $3,000 MSRP vs. the Wardens $3,500 MSRP.

Under the hood, both the Warden and Sidekick run on basically the same hardware, each sporting the ArmaCORE 640480 12um Thermal Core and an XGA 1024 x 768 OLED display.

What thermal will be best for you comes down to your personal needs, since both the Warden and the Sidekick are excellent options. If weight and size are your main concern, the Sidekick delivers a lot of power in an incredibly small unit. It also has the ability to be mounted on helmets for hands-free use.

Walking with the Sidekick is surprisingly easy. More natural feeling than most night vision

But if youre looking for the most range possible, the Warden is a clear winner, being able to detect human-sized thermal signatures at almost twice the distance of the Sidekick.

Something as small as a rabbit at 30 yards is still easy to spot through brush

LOOSE ROUNDS

Having the right tool for the job is often the difference between getting the job done and failure. Armasights Sidekick is the right tool for a lot of jobs. And because it is small, handy, and always ready, the Sidekick is there when you need it most. It might not have all of the range that the larger thermal units like the Armasight Warden have, but the Sidekick makes up for it in convenience and flexibility.
Independent brands are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to creativity and consumer connection they build with purpose, test relentlessly, and grow organically. But without proper design protection, theyre left wide open to being copied by larger players who can fast-track knockoffs without consequence. Paul Waddy

Independent Australian brand MAISON de SABRE has publicly criticized Sportsgirl, a major fashion retailer under the Sussan Group, for releasing products that closely mimic its SABREMOJI Fruit Charms. The incident underscores the vulnerability of SMEs in creative industries to design theft by larger competitors.

Its disappointing to see a major Australian retailer replicate the designs of a homegrown brand that is proudly taking Australian creativity to the world, said Omar Sabre, co-founder of MAISON de SABRE. This kind of behaviour devalues original thinking and sends a discouraging message to independent brands striving to innovate.

Launched in 2023, MAISON de SABREs upcycled SABREMOJI Charms featuring playful fruit shapes like oranges and strawberries gained global popularity for their sustainable craftsmanship and premium design. The Sydney-based SME has built an international presence, with stockists in the US, Europe, and Asia. However, images of Sportsgirls near-identical fruit charms have sparked outrage online, with MAISON de SABRE and the design community condemning the imitation.

The controversy highlights a critical issue for SMEs: Australias weak intellectual property (IP) protections. Australias current intellectual property laws are outdated and ineffective. Copyright does not automatically apply to product design, which leaves creators exposed and vulnerable to mass replication, said Sabre. As a country, we cant talk about fostering innovation and then allow it to be undermined in plain sight.

Industry expert Paul Waddy, an eCommerce advisor and best-selling author, reinforced this concern: Independent brands are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to creativity and consumer connection they build with purpose, test relentlessly, and grow organically. But without proper design protection, theyre left wide open to being copied by larger players who can fast-track knockoffs without consequence. Until Australia modernises its IP laws, were punishing innovation and rewarding imitation and thats a dangerous message to send in todays global market.

This incident shines a light on the uphill battle smaller creative businesses face in protecting their originality.

Big retailers copying designs isnt just unfair, it can gut an SMEs market share and dilute years of brand-building. In Australia, weak design protection laws make it even harder to fight back, since pursuing legal action is often too expensive and out of reach for most small businesses. When creative work is easily copied without consequences, many SMEs pull back on innovation, fearing it wont be worth the risk.

What SMEs can do

Here, our experts break down practical strategies to help you secure your intellectual property and protect your innovations from the start.

Protect whats yours: Register your designs under the Designs Act 2003 or consider trademarks. Keep detailed records of your creative process to support any legal claim if needed.

Register your designs under the Designs Act 2003 or consider trademarks. Keep detailed records of your creative process to support any legal claim if needed. Tell your story: Let your audience know who you are and what your brand stands for. Authenticity, especially around values like sustainability or craftsmanship builds loyalty.

Let your audience know who you are and what your brand stands for. Authenticity, especially around values like sustainability or craftsmanship builds loyalty. Use your platform: If your work is copied, dont stay quiet. Like MAISON de SABRE, publicly call it out on social media to rally support and put pressure on imitators.

If your work is copied, dont stay quiet. Like MAISON de SABRE, publicly call it out on social media to rally support and put pressure on imitators. Push for reform: Band together with others in your industry to advocate for stronger IP protections. Collective voices can influence change where solo efforts cant.

ALSO READ: Lets Talk: Protecting your intellectual property

Disclaimer

The article regarding MAISON de SABREs allegations against Sportsgirl reflects the perspectives and statements provided by MAISON de SABRE, as reported on 5 May 2025. The situation is subject to ongoing developments, and no legal conclusions have been established. Readers are encouraged to seek additional sources for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

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The Precinct 7A polling location will be moved from Timothy Baptist Church to the Athens-Clarke County Library, located at 2025 Baxter St. in Athens, for all summer election dates following an ACC Board of Elections vote that took place on Thursday, April 24. The Board of Elections will decide whether to make the location change permanent after the summer election dates have passed.
The hearing for Edrick Lamont Faust, suspect in the murder of Tara Baker, was held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County. Faust was arrested in 2024 after the Coleman-Baker Act was passed in 2023 and allowed the cold case to be reopened.
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There remains a debate on who said this: When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, Sir? Was it the British economist John Maynard Keynes or the American economist Paul Samuelson.

Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

Irrespective of who said it, this sentiment appears to have found resonance in ITCs boardroom in recent years.

In its evolution from a single-product company to a conglomerate, ITC has largely focused on building businesses and brands from scratch.

Acquisitions, for much of its century-old history, have been few and far between.

But with Indias growth story playing out, the narrative is beginning to shift.

A big buy, and why

On March 31, ITC snapped up Century Pulp & Paper (CPP) from Aditya Birla Real Estate for Rs 3,500 crore after a contested battle.

The acquisition is ITCs biggest to date and comes at a time when the paper sector has been in a cyclical downturn for two years.

Supratim Dutta, executive director and chief financial officer, ITC, explained that as a long-term player, the company remains optimistic about the growth prospects of the Indian paperboards and paper industry, notwithstanding near-term challenges.

The numbers suggest strong potential.

Demand for paper and paperboards in India has been growing at 6 to 7 per cent, making it one of the fastest expanding markets globally.

Yet, per capita consumption remains low at 16 kg compared to the global average of 57 kg, indicating significant headroom for growth.

Rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food service, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, education, and stationery bodes well for future consumption.

The only dampener is the pressure from low-priced Chinese and Indonesian supplies in global markets, including India.

The ITC group straddles a range of businesses  cigarettes, FMCG, hotels, agri business, paperboards, paper and packaging, information technology.

The diversification into hotels and paperboards began early.

Its entry into the paperboards business dates back to 1979 with ITC Bhadrachalam Paperboards Ltd. In March 2002, Bhadrachalam Paperboards merged with ITC and became a division of the company.

Later that year, Tribeni Tissues division was also merged to form the paperboards and specialty papers division.

In 2004, it further consolidated its position as the largest paperboard company by acquiring the paperboard manufacturing facility of BILT Industrial Packaging Co (BIPCO) near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Now, the CPP acquisition is expected to drive the next horizon of growth in this business.

The brass tacks

After some four decades of growth, ITCs Bhadrachalam facility in Telangana  its largest in the paperboard segment  has little room left for further expansion.

That set the company on the lookout for new sites. In CPP, an opportunity came knocking.

Our existing facilities are located in the southern region and are saturated.

"This acquisition will now enable us to service customers more efficiently, Dutta explained. He added that it would also de-risk operations through multi-site manufacturing and portfolio diversification, strengthening resilience across industry cycles.

Started in 1984 at Lalkuan, Uttarakhand, CPP offers ITC a strong foothold in northern India, complementing its southern-heavy manufacturing base. (Three out of ITCs four manufacturing sites are in the South.)

The deal is expected to close within six months.

The projections stack up well. In the first full year of operations, ITC expects the acquisition to be EPS-accretive  which means the acquisition is expected to increase the acquiring companys earnings per share.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation, or Ebitda, per tonne is targeted to increase by 30 to 40 per cent after two full years.

In the medium term, the return on capital employed (ROCE) is likely to be in the high teens.

The CPP deal was still fresh when, late on April 17, ITC dropped another surprise with fresh acquisitions.

Flurry of activity

ITC signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd, which manufactures and markets the 24 Mantra Organic brand, for Rs 472.50 crore.

In a report, Abneesh Roy, executive director and head of Research Committee, Nuvama Institutional Equities, mentioned that the acquisition came at a reasonable valuation and fortified ITCs presence in the organic foods segment in both Indian and overseas markets.

The report also stated, ITC is easily the most aggressive consumer staples company in terms of M&A (mergers and acquisitions) in recent years.

The comment comes in the wake of back-to-back acquisitions.

The SNBPL buy marks ITCs third acquisition in two-and-a-half months  following Prasuma (specialising in frozen, chilled, and ready-to-cook foods) in February and CPP in March.

ITC is also moving to acquire the balance 73.5 per cent stake in Mother Sparsh Baby Care Pvt Ltd, a company in which it first invested in 2021.

It currently holds 26.5 per cent in Mother Sparsh.

The year has gotten off to a hectic start for ITC, but the momentum has been building with a series of investments, big and small, over the past five years.

Changing tack

Value-accretive M&A is the buzzword at ITC these days.

And the cash-rich firm has enough dry powder to fund its ambitions.

However, Dutta pointed out that the company combines financial discipline and prudence with aggression to drive growth.

ITCs acquisition strategy rests on three levers.

One is strengthening market standing through acquisitions such as Sunrise and CPP.

Another is capability-led acquisitions like Blazeclan (building a Cloud services line) and the acquisition of a substantial portion of PTCs product lifecycle management (PLM) consulting and professional services business by ITC Infotech.

The third is addressing newer areas through investments in start-ups.

Across all these three levers, the principle is to look at opportunity areas that offer large headroom for growth and where we must be able to add value to the acquisitions by leveraging ITCs enterprise strengths, Dutta explained.

In the start-up space, ITCs approach is to partner with entrepreneurs during the build phase by providing them access to institutional strengths and financial backing, and eventually acquire the business to scale it further.

The FMCG business  the largest component of ITCs non-cigarettes portfolio  appears to be a particular focus for acquisitions.

ITCs biggest buy before CPP was Sunrise Foods in the spices segment for about Rs 2,150 crore in 2020.

That was followed by the acquisition of Sproutlife Foods, the maker of Yoga Bar, in 2023 in nutrition-led healthy foods category.

Earlier deals included Nimyle (2018), Savlon (2015), and B Natural (2014).

These moves have added heft to the FMCG business.

Our strategy is to drive growth through a combination of building brands from scratch as well as acquisitions, Dutta said.

Identifying acquisitions as a vector of growth is central to chairman and managing director Sanjiv Puris ITC Next strategy, which is focused on driving the next phase of growth with a sharper accent on profitability.

Building a future-ready portfolio of products and services is a key pillar of ITC Next  and a string of acquisitions is helping accelerate that journey.
The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Safari consoler/Pixabay

In a significant development, India has released two new genome edited varieties of rice for the first time in the world.

These varieties promise to boost per hectare yields by up to 30 per cent and may take 15 to 20 days less to mature compared to existing varieties.

'The rice varieties (called Kamala- DRR Dhan-100 and Pusa DST Rice 1) will consume less water and also help in reducing greenhouse gases emissions into the environment,' said Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The varieties will take at least 4 to 5 years to reach farmers after they complete the usual cycle of breeder, foundation and certified seeds.

'We are trying to quicken this as well so that farmers can get the benefit of these high-yielding varieties at the earliest,' Chouhan said.

A basic and fundamental difference between genetically-modified crops and gene-edited ones is that in the former, the final product (which is a crop variety like BT cotton) has foreign genes. In gene edited plants, there is no additional foreign gene.

A few years back, India exempted SDN1 and SDN2 genome edited plants from Rules 7-11 of the Environment Protect Act (EPA) for manufacture, use or import or export and storage of hazardous microorganisms or genetically-engineered organisms or cells rules-1989. This brought them outside the ambit of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) rules.

SDN 1, SDN 2 and SDN 3 are three methods of genome editing in crops. The new paddy variants released on Sunday use the same methods of genome editing.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay

The Centre had allocated Rs 500 crore for genome editing in agricultural crops during the 2023-2024 Union Budget. Compared to genetic modification, gene editing is a relatively new field.

'Apart from paddy, there are almost 24 other food crops and 15 horticulture crops which are in various stages of gene editing and should be released in due course of time,' Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Mangi Lal Jat said.

He said after the varieties were released, India will apply for their intellectual property rights (IPR) registration as well.

Initially, the new genome seeds will be sold through state-run firms.

ICAR initiated a genome editing research project in rice back in 2018 under its 'National Agricultural Science Fund'.

First, the scientists selected two widely cultivated mega rice varieties -- 'Samba Mahsuri (BPT5204)' and 'MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu)' which are in over nine million hectares across India.

Samba Mahsuri is known for its fine grain quality and premium market value, but it was not good in terms of climate resilience.

With moderate yields of 45 tonnes per hectare, a long maturation period of 145150 days, incomplete panicle emergence and vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate stress, the variety presented a clear challenge for improvement.

MTU1010, on the other hand, is a high-yielding early-duration variety (125130 days) well-suited to Rabi season cultivation in southern India. But it, too, suffered from sensitivity to drought and soil salinity.

Through genome editing, ICAR scientists enhanced these varieties (Samba Mahsuri and MTU1010) with better stress tolerance, improved yield, and climate adaptability.

It was without compromising on their existing strengths, and developed two new varieties 'Kamala' also called DRR Dhan-100 and 'Pusa DST Rice 1'.

The results of large-scale field trials showed DRR Dhan-100 (Kamala) had a 19 per cent yield improvement over Samba Masuria, recording an average yield of 5.37 tonnes per hectare, compared to 4.5 tonnes per hectare for its parent.

Not only that, 'Kamala' also retained the same grain and cooking quality that has made 'Samba Masuri' the consumer's favourite.

In the same manner, PUSA DST Rice 1 had a 9-30 per cent yield advantage compared to the parent variant, depending on the soil.

Kamala is recommended for use in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

PUSA DST Rice 1 is recommended for use in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

With scientists' help, Chouhan looks to bridge 'lab-to-land' divide Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said starting from the upcoming kharif season, scientists from various ICAR institutes, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, will spend 15 days with the farmers twice a year to explain various new research initiatives. Chouhan said this attempt to bridge the gap between 'lab-to-land' will be done twice in a year, and attempts will be made to hold at least three meetings in a day by the scientists. Our target is to reach all farmers across the country in the next 3-4 years, Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension)-ICAR, said.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
India finalised a free trade agreement with the UK, its 16th so far as the country aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investments.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff

The other regions and countries with which India has signed such agreements include the four-nation European bloc EFTA, Japan, Korea and Australia.

Since 2014, the country has signed five such agreements with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, EFTA and the UK.

Together, these trade pacts ensure preferential relationships with over 90 countries.

What is an FTA?

A free trade agreement is an arrangement between two or more countries where they agree either to end or reduce customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them, besides cutting down non-trade barriers on a significant value of imports from partner countries and easing norms to promote services exports and bilateral investments.

The subjects covered under these pacts range between 10 to 30. Across the globe, over 350 FTAs are currently in force and most of the nations have signed one or more such agreements.

Types of trade pacts:

Terms like FTA, PTA or RTA are sometimes used interchangeably to describe these agreements.

The WTO (World Trade Organisation) uses the abbreviation RTA (Regional Trade Agreement) to denote all types of preferential economic engagements.

The 166-member Geneva-based organisation is the global watchdog for exports and imports-related issues.

India has been a member since 1995.

If two or more countries agree to reduce or eliminate duties on a specified number of goods, it is termed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) or Early Harvest Scheme (India-Thailand).

Certain agreements are also named CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement - India-Singapore) or CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement - India-Korea) or BTIA (Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement - India-EU) or TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement).

These comprehensive or new-age agreements include subjects like goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, government procurement, trade facilitation, trade remedies and customs cooperation.

Benefits of FTAs:

Zero-duty entry into partner country markets helps in the diversification and expansion of export markets.

Level-playing field vis-a-vis competitors who may have already entered FTAs with partner countries.

FTAs enable preferential treatment in the partner country market over non-FTA member country competitors.

Such pacts attract foreign investment to stimulate domestic manufacturing.

They allow access to raw materials, intermediate products and capital goods for value-added manufacturing.Help achieve long-term efficiency and consumer welfare goals.

India's FTAs:

India has inked trade deals with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, the 10-nation bloc ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and four European nations' bloc EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

In addition, India is negotiating trade agreements at present with a number of its trading partners.

The negotiations are underway with the US, Oman, the European Union (EU), Peru, and Israel.

Talks with Canada for a similar pact were put on hold due to certain political issues.

Meaning of zero duty in FTA:

If zero duty is notified for a product under an FTA, does it mean it will enter India without paying any duty?

No. Zero duty here means zero basic customs duty. However, other applicable duties, which are mostly in the nature of domestic taxes are to be paid.

These may include 'IGST' (integrated goods and services tax) and 'Special welfare cess.

Each FTA contains a list of items on which no duty is reduced.

Such lists are known as exclusion, negative or sensitive lists.

This list is different for each agreement.

A few items that figure in these lists of many of India's FTAs are select vegetables, fruits, spices, dairy and auto.

Free trade agreements provide for a periodic review after their implementation to sort out key issues among the signatory parties.

At present, review talks are on between India and Korea.
The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India.

They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities.

Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

IMAGE: Priyadarshini Satpathy, wife of Prashant Satpathy, who was killed in the 22/4 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, is consoled at the airport in Bhubaneswar. Photograph: Reuters

One thing you can't accuse Pakistan and its intelligence agency, the ISI, of being is unpredictable.

They have been, on the contrary, entirely predictable over the past 45 years since they started using terrorism as a weapon against India.

First, let's explain this strategy. Many descriptions have been used for it over time -- proxy war, death by a thousand cuts, violent jihad, and more.

There is, however, one thread running through the ISI's method: The use of Pakistani jihadi Lashkars or terror proxies from among Indian minorities to specifically target Hindus in India.

At some point, their calculation has been that the Hindus will rise in reprisal against their own minorities. That's a crisis they've been conjuring up in India.

A nation at war with itself. At one level, it would be a kind of reverse schadenfreude -- you are at war with yourself, just as we've been with ourselves.

At another, it would weaken and distract India tactically, militarily, politically, and morally.

The third is the most important: As India's Hindu majority turns on their own minorities in anger and frustration, it would vindicate the two-nation theory.

Why do we call this the most important? Watch and read General Asim Munir's speech to overseas Pakistanis on April 16.

If you count out his own falling credibility at home, the bombast and the Quranic invocations, you can see where the pain is coming from.

It is over the ideology of Pakistan, the two-nation theory that was demolished in 1971. It is under renewed challenges by ethnic minorities in Pakistan's western provinces.

All of them are Muslim. Many of them want out, so much so that they are willing to kill and die for it.

So how do you still make the case for the two-nation theory and ideology of Pakistan?

By proving that minorities, especially the Muslims are persecuted in India -- so, thank you Quaid-e-Azam, even if he would probably have baulked at the general's suggestion that Pakistan was formed on the basis of the Islamic kalma.

Or maybe, the so properly Anglicised Jinnah would've struggled to understand what this self-styled custodian of the ideology of Pakistan is saying given his bad English.

The reason we start from about 45 years ago is because that's when it all changed, just after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, when America and its Western and Middle Eastern (especially Saudi) allies' recruited Pakistan as their stalwart ally and used Islamic jihad as a strategy against 'infidel' Soviets.

If Communists could be declared infidels by Muslims, so could Hindus.

IMAGE: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi meets with the family of Shubham Dwivedi, who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack, in Kanpur, April 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

This started in about 1980-1981 with the rise of Bhindranwale in Punjab.

While initially, he targeted the police and members of the Nirankari sect, soon enough, Hindus were in the crosshairs of his men.

The first instance of clearly targeted and segregated killings of the Hindus came on October 5, 1983.

A bus on its way from the small town of Dhilwan to Kapurthala in Punjab was waylaid, six Hindus pulled out and shot.

So massive was this shock, it outraged India. Indira Gandhi sacked her Congress Darbara Singh government in Punjab and imposed President's rule.

In the following months, the selective killings of Hindus picked up, until it became the default terror attack template.

This was followed by Kashmiri terror groups from 1989 onwards, beginning with the killings, persecution and forced exodus of Pandits, and spread across India as ISI-backed groups, or LeT members, targeted temples, weddings, Holi and Diwali celebrations, Ramlilas, and Hindu religious processions.

At some point, an Indian terror group, though fully aligned with the ISI, also rose.

The so-called Indian Mujahideen played havoc with serial bombings across India, including Delhi, 2005 (62 killed) and Jaipur, 2008 (63 killed), and Delhi again, 2008 (20 killed).

Over these 45 years, almost a hundred attacks targeting Hindus have taken place. Until 1994, the attackers included terrorists from Punjab too.

You can check out the South Asia Terrorism Portal for definitive detail. Let me just mention a few, besides Delhi and Jaipur bombings.

In each case, the number of dead -- all Hindus, unless the odd terrorist also died -- is in parentheses.

The Dhilwan bus (1983, 6 dead), Fatehabad bus (1987, 34 dead), Rudrapur ramlila bombing (1991, 41 dead), Ludhiana train massacres (1991, 125 dead).

And yes, that 125 is no typo. There was also the Chennai RSS office bombing (1993, 11 dead), Lajpat Nagar blast in New Delhi (1996, 13 dead), Dausa blast, Rajasthan (1996, 14 dead), Coimbatore bombings (1998, 58 dead), Raghunath temple in Jammu (March and November, 2002, 12 and 14 dead, respectively), Akshardham temple (2002, 33 dead), Delhi high court bombings demanding the release of Afzal Guru (2011, 15 dead) and so on.

This is just an indicative list of more than a hundred attacks.

It also doesn't include serial bomb blasts on the Mumbai rail network and, of course, 26/11.

I'd believe this sad pile of facts is enough to make our central point -- that the ISI strategy has been to use its direct and indirect proxies to target Hindus in India.

They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's own minorities.

Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now.

IMAGE: Security personnel patrol the site of the 22/4 terrorist attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

I will take you back to the Bombay bombings of 1993. On the eve of the bombings AK-47s and piles of grenades had been positioned in selected places -- including the home of actor Sanjay Dutt.

The idea was that, as with the post-Ayodhya riots which had recently taken place, the Shiv Sainiks would attack Muslim-majority localities, and there, these weapons would be used to slaughter hundreds, if not thousands, of people, including the police.

Who would be able to put out the fire it sets across India then?

M N Singh, then a top Mumbai cop, who reminds us until that point the Maharashtra police didn't have even a single AK-47.

Sharad Pawar sometimes gets bad press for revealing to me that he deliberately lied by saying that one of the bombings was at a mosque.

He wanted to buy time and get the police in place at sensitive points before any communal riots broke out.

It was an astute move from an experienced leader. No riot followed the bombings. Bombay defeated the ISI.

You can call the Pakistani playbook Subversion 101. Inflict pain on India's Hindus so brutally and for so long that they finally turn on their own minorities.

That's why even in Canada the Sikh radicals, aligned with the Pakistanis, attack and desecrate Hindu temples.

Let's now see who understands this well. We can list people ideologically as far apart as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS, and Asaduddin Owaisi.

Mr Modi, in his speech in Bihar, didn't use the word Hindu, kalma or anything that would indicate communal aspect.

This was an extremely wise move. Was it a mere oversight?

I'd be positive and read it alongside the statement from Dattatreya Hosabale, the putative number two in the RSS who described the Pahalgam attack as a massacre of 'tourists'.

They know how important internal stability and calm is for India at this critical juncture.

IMAGE: Pakistan army chief General Syed Asim Munir.

This is also why Mr Owaisi is using language for terrorists that nobody in our politics, not even on the farthest Right of the BJP or warrior channels, is using -- 'kutte, kameene, haramzaade'.

He knows the Pakistanis have delivered massive pain on the Hindus selectively.

He wants to tell Hindus Indian Muslims stand alongside them. They are fellow citizens, not rejoicing enemies.

The Pakistanis and their ISI have again put the Indian majority's patience under incredible pressure.

It is just another, if the most brutal, chapter in a playbook that has failed for more than 45 years.

It is for us Hindus to make it fail again. We have only one country to call our own, after all.

And we've existed for more than 5,000 years, not created the other day based on some divisive ideology.

By special arrangement with The Print

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'If there is a military standoff eyeball to eyeball on the western border, the Chinese could create problems by making movements in the north, in our northeast, which could involve us tying down some forces there so that could stretch our military actions.'

IMAGE: Soldiers stand guard at the site of the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The government directive to conduct national drills on Wednesday, May 7, may be part of the psywars currently being conducted by India and Pakistan, but it has spooked many Indians, one of who whatsapped this correspondent late on Monday evening to ask: "Will there be war?"

The government firman also revived memories of the hours before Indira Gandhi announced that India and Pakistan were at war on December 3, 1971 when one's parents hurriedly pasted dark brown paper over all the windows at our modest Bombay flat so that no light could peek outside and enable enemy aircraft to track its targets.

We also switched from tubelights to dull yellow bulbs during that 13-day war to mute any light visible from the air. In the event, no Pakistani aircraft breached the airspace over Bombay.

What route will Pakistani retaliation take should India undertake military action to punish the masterminds behind the horrific 22/4 terror attack in Pahalgam?

Pakistan's military establishment at GHQ Rawalpindi -- including its by-some-accounts intellectually challenged army chief -- have threatened reprisals should New Delhi initiate surgical or air strikes. Bluff or intent? we asked Rana Banerji, who made it his business to study the Pakistan army and government during his 28 years at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency, and after retirement from RA&W.

"The longer it (India's retaliation) takes, the suspense may wear off or there would be automatic de-escalation. So some action, if it has to be done, will have to be taken soon enough," explains Mr Banerji in the second part of a multi-part interview.

Sir, what can India do to punish the Pakistan military without actually going to war?

That is very difficult to say. I mean, there are various options, but military minds have to decide on that. But again, the danger of escalation towards unpredictable level of conflict, violence, remains in such actions.

And the rhetoric of the political leadership in India was, of course, an outcome of very, very deeply felt anger and discontent about the horrific nature of the terrorist action against the soft target of tourists. Nevertheless, the rhetoric doesn't take into account the near conventional (military) parity that the two countries enjoy.

Also, India has to look at China -- the two front problem. China will always stand with Pakistan not only in moral terms, but also in military terms if required. So we have to factor that in.

You believe China could actually intervene in an India-Pakistan conflict?

It could create problems. You see, if there is a military standoff eyeball to eyeball on the western border, they (the Chinese) could create problems by making movements in the north, in our northeastern area, which could involve us tying down some forces there so that could stretch our military actions. That has to be factored in.

Are we losing the advantage by taking time over retaliation or are we actually retaining the advantage by keeping the Pakistani army on uncertain edge?

Well, again, the jury should be out on that. There is a surprise factor that will be there. They will be on tenterhooks, but this has limited validity.

The longer it takes, the suspense may wear off or there would be automatic de-escalation. So some action, if it has to be done, will have to be taken soon enough.

But then what it is or what it could be so that the escalation ladder is controlled, it's very difficult to say.

Is it possible for de-escalation to happen without actual military action like it happened after the Parliament attack and 26/11?

If sensible leadership is there and rhetoric is eschewed on both sides and there is also increased international pressure, it is possible. Why not?

IMAGE: A soldier stands watch in Poonch, May 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

One American observer pointed out on social media the other night that India did not get the expected support it wanted from allies and others on this issue.

Well, the reason for that is, you see, we have firstly not been able to apprehend the terrorists concerned in this specific action. They are still hiding and we have not been able to flush them out or get hold of them.

Secondly, the evidence in terms of electronic or technical inputs that we have in terms of the interceptions may not be of the order that could sufficiently establish the involvement of the Pakistani hand directly.

So that is one of the aspects which the Pakistanis may have succeeded in distancing their own institutions away from the actual implementation of the action that has been done.

And whatever talk that has been there with presence being found inside Pakistan as per media reports may still be of the nature that is not having or showing direct military involvement of Pakistan.

So that is why internationally it has not been possible to establish the same sort of support that we have been to do through diplomatic actions in the earlier years when Pakistan was in the grey list of the FATF.

So maybe we have to put back diplomatic pressure through concerted efforts again over the ensuing months to put back Pakistan onto the FATF grey list with the help of specific concrete evidence, bits and pieces collated over a period of time, which will have greater evidentiary value.

How would you rate our non kinetic (non military) responses so far? Have they been effective enough?

I think there have been very strong responses.

Keeping in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty is a very, very, strong action. Cutting off water is going to hurt Pakistan very badly. But there is the legal question -- whether the treaty at all permits keeping it in abeyance. So the jury is out on the legal interpretation of that one.

Of course, India has said that as circumstances of the relationship altered, then the treaty loses its value. So that is a viewpoint that can be put forward.

But again, you know, in the long term, natural flow of rivers cannot really be interrupted very drastically. And we have to remember that while here we are the upper riparian, in the east or the north, we are the lower riparian. So what we do to Pakistan, the Chinese could do to us, to our discomfiture.

And then again, we have other countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, where there is an element of water sharing with both these nations which reflect on the overall relationship that we have with these two neighbours. So that also has to be factored in.

If they see a parallel of the Indus Waters Treaty, that India can misbehave on water sharing issues, then both the Teesta Water, the Farraka Barrage, all these are going to come up in our already weakened relationship with Bangladesh. So it could cause further misunderstandings there.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greets Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on his arrival at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, May 5, 2025, for a meeting with Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani as Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh await their turn to greet the raksha mantri. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

We were fortunate during previous terror attacks to have supportive American presidents in the White House. Today we have an unpredictable man in charge who has not been as supportive of India after the Pahalgam attack.

Yes, that is true, but if we can prove concrete evidence of a terrorist hand, support from America would be forthcoming again.

The only thing is that they are quite distant. They are removed from the actual theatre of conflict and they are a little tired of this continuing India-Pakistan tensions. They would not like to get involved beyond a point. They have other pressing matters like the Ukraine conflict or the Middle East situation to deal with.

This will be an additional headache which they would want us to settle between ourselves without escalating the ladder towards nuclear confrontation.

So to that extent, American support would be forthcoming, but it cannot be taken as to bail us out completely to our advantage. I don't think that is going to happen.

Do you think that the Americans will provide their vast resources of intelligence to help us identify the perpetrators of this attack?

Again, history shows that they have been rather guarded in sharing of intelligence. Beyond a point they have not. It depends, from time to time, on the quality of the liaison sharing, intelligence sharing that has been there.

All this has had a further setback because of the Panun incident, the arrest of this Gupta person in the last one-and-a-half years and the high court judgment in the USA.

Now the current (US) government is prepared to overlook some of these things because they value our support regarding the overall relationship of the United States with China.

But whether they would improve the quality of intelligence regarding the theatre of conflict against Pakistan again is open to doubt.

They (the US) may play honest broker, they may share (intelligence) guardedly or they may not go all out to really get such intelligence which would paint Pakistan in a bad light. They may not want to do it.

But is Pakistan still an important ally for the US?

Certainly, oh yes, it is. They have the situation where remnants of al-Qaeda and ISIS are there in various parts of the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan also. So they would like Pakistan to provide them eyes and ears to nab some of these elements from time to time.

They cannot afford to completely cut off the intelligence cooperation between the CIA and the ISI.

But is Pakistan still as valuable an American ally as it was earlier this century?

Well, they trust Pakistan less out of the manner in which they supported the Taliban -- Afghan Taliban -- in ousting the regime in Afghanistan. After that, there is a lack of trust. There has been a disruption of the weapons relationship.

But it hasn't completely disrupted either foreign training programmes or some military sales which are part of the maintenance of the F16s that the Americans have supplied in the past to Pakistan. So those would not be adversely affected.
'Pakistan is economically very weak.'

IMAGE: Paramilitary personnel patrol Lal Chowk in Srinagar, May 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

"General Asim Munir is setting the stage for his extension," says Tilak Devasher, former member of the National Security Advisory Board and author of four books on Pakistan.

The Pakistan army chief's first salvo was the speech he gave on April 16 projecting himself as a strong leader and referring to Kashmir as Pakistan's jugular vein.

"Pahalgam was a follow up," Mr Devasher tells Rediff's Archana Masih discussing the Pakistan army chief's provocative gambit in Pahalgam and India's response that will have long term consequences for an economically weak Pakistan.

In our previous conversation in 2022, you had said that India has to be watchful of General Asim Munir who has had operational experience on the Line of Control and was director general, ISI when the Pulwama attack took place.

What in your opinion made him risk such a provocative gamble like the Pahalgam terror attack?

I think he is setting the stage for his extension because his three year tenure ends in November.

The first salvo was the speech he gave on April 16 to the Pakistan Overseas Convention projecting himself as a strong leader and talking about the ideological foundations of Pakistan.

Pahalgam was a follow up.

As India readies its response -- which it surely will execute -- what do you think will be India's response? How can India punish Pakistan severely without actually going for an all-out war?

India has already taken non-kinetic actions, especially holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. This will have long-term adverse consequences for an already water-stressed Pakistan.

Kinetic actions are likely to follow at a time and place of our choosing.

IMAGE: Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi being briefed on the security situation and actions being taken against terrorists in Kashmir. Photograph: ANI Photo

Considering Pakistan's dire economic, political and security situation, how long can Pakistan sustain a war with India? Some analysts say a week.

How will its robust partnership with China and Turkey aid in sustaining a military conflict with India?

Pakistan is economically very weak and will not be able to sustain a war for long.

Help from China and Turkey may be there, but will not be able to help it sustain a war for long.

In your understanding of the Pakistan army, how has it changed in the last few years? Is it professional, well-trained or has it become even more Islamised under Munir than it was during Zia-ul Haq?

The two are not mutually contradictory.

However, what is sapping the Pakistan army's fighting ability is the involvement in economic activity and corruption.

IMAGE: CRPF personnel patrol the banks of the Dal lake in Srinagar after the Pahalgam terror attack. Photograph: ANI Photo

What in your view are the primary challenges prevalent in Kashmir? How can over ground workers/local support be weaned away from Pakistani terror groups and how can ground intelligence be improved upon?

Since the insurgency has lasted for several decades, it will take some time to totally die out.

What you see today are the dying embers.

Economic development and education will ultimately ensure that the few OGWs (over ground workers) left will be weaned away. That will also help further improve ground intelligence.

C Raja Mohan wrote in the Indian Express that by attacking Hindus, Munir may hope to incite communal tension in India, thereby weakening India's internal security.

What are some of the important imperatives that India needs to be cognisant of right now?

If the intention was to incite communal tensions, it has failed.

Instead, it has united the country against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

How can India leverage its relations with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Afghanistan in clamping down on Pakistan?

India is already doing this. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Afghanistan, all the three have publicly expressed opposition to terrorism and support for India.
As many as 18.9 million high school graduates in the Philippines failed to meet functional literacy standards, struggling with reading, writing, arithmetic, and comprehension skills.

The Philippine Statistics Authority's Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) presented data on literacy levels and educational outcomes, conducted in the second half of 2024, during a Senate hearing on Basic Education last week.

In the survey, the PSA updated the definition of "functional literacy" to include higher-level comprehension skills, moving beyond basic reading, writing, and numeracy. Under the 2019 definition, high school graduates or junior high school completers were automatically categorized as functionally literate, but the 2024 definition does not include this automatic classification.

Using the old definition, PSA found that 79.135 million Filipinos, or 93.1% of those aged 10-64, were functionally literate in 2024. However, with the updated definition, this number dropped to 60.170 million, meaning that 18.9 million Filipinos are now considered functionally illiterate.

"There are approximately 5.8 million people who are not basically literate... If you look at functionally illiterate, there are 24.8 million who have problems comprehending... This is the gravity of our situation right now, and I support the new definition [of literacy] because now we have a good picture of where we are," said Committee Chairperson and Second Congressional Commission (EDCOM 2) Co-Chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian during the hearing.

"There are high school and junior high school graduates who... did not pass the new definition of functional literacy... In other words, 18 million graduates from the system are not functionally literate," Gatchalian added, as quoted in a press release by the Senate of the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda called on the government to improve students "foundational learning" to address the "functional illiteracy" affecting 18.9 million graduates, according to PhilStar Global.

She lamented the FLEMMS results: "This is a painful indictment of our education system. It reveals a systemic failure that tells us school attendance and graduation no longer guarantee genuine learning."

On May 1, the Department of Education (DepEd) pledged to intensify literacy reforms following the alarming survey results.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed on Tuesday that India's water will no longer flow outside the country but will be utilised in the nation's interest, remarks which were clearly aimed at Pakistan following his government's decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the ABP Network India@2047 Summit, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Addressing the ABP Network's 'India@2047' Summit, Modi highlighted his government's focus on interlinking of rivers, noting that water used to be a source of conflict among states, before hinting at India's move against Pakistan as he cited ongoing discussion around water.

"Pahle Bharat ke haq ka pani bhi bahar ja raha tha. Ab Bharat ka pani Bharat ke haq mein bahega. Bharat ke haq mein rukega. Aur Bharat ke hee kaam aayega. (Earlier, the water which rightfully belonged to India was going outside the country. Now India's water will flow and stop in the country's interest, and will be used for India), he said in Hindi as the audience cheered.

Modi, however, made no direct reference to Pakistan or any other comment on the rising tensions between the two countries following the terror strike that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

Speaking about the finalisation of the India-UK free trade agreement, Modi said it is a historic day and this pact between two big and open market economies will mark a new chapter in the development of the two countries.

This will boost economic activity in India and will open new ways and opportunities for Indian businesses and MSMEs, he said, adding that it will help the youth.

The prime minister said India is not only carrying out reforms, but by actively engaging with the world, it is also making itself a vibrant trade and commerce hub.

For taking big decisions and achieving objectives, it is important to give primacy to national interest and believe in the capability of the country, he said.

The prime minister focused on the country's growth and development under his government's nearly 11 years of rule, saying it has served the poor and deprived sections of society while prioritising development as it has been solely driven by the interest of the country.

"We are moving from a GDP-centric approach to progress based on Gross Empowerment of People (GEP)," he said, citing a host of welfare schemes, including for housing and health insurance, for different sections of society.

His government has combined tradition with development and technology, he said, adding that if India tops in digital transactions, then it has also taken yoga and ayurveda to the world.

When people look at the country now, they can proudly say democracy can deliver, he said, adding that their trust was running low before his government took over as he slammed the previous regimes for being beholden to extraneous interests, including vote bank compulsions.

Referring to the new Waqf law, Modi said the need for the reforms was felt for decades but to satisfy a vote bank even this noble work was defamed.

Now the amendments have been made which in the real sense will help poor Muslim mothers and sisters and poor Pasmanda Muslims, he said, while also touching on his government's decision to ban triple talaq.

It harmed innumerable Muslim women but was allowed to continue, he said.

In his address, he said the biggest dream of this changing India is to become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

The country has the capabilities, resources and the willpower for it, he said.

For decades, a counterstream prevailed in the country. There was a time when, before taking a big decision, it was thought - 'what would the world think? Will we get votes or not? And decisions and big reforms languished due to such reasons, Modi said, adding that a country does not move forward like this.

It advances when the basis of decisions is 'Nation First', he stressed.

In the last decade, India has moved forward with this mantra, and the results are there for all to see, he said.

"Our government has taken decisions which had been languishing and did not see the light of day due to a lack of political willpower," he said.

Modi said direct benefit transfer weeded out 10 crore fake beneficiaries, saving Rs 3.5 lakh crore.

India, he noted, has begun doing well in sectors where it was not traditionally strong. He spoke about India's rising defence exports, with over 100 countries being supplied with its defence products, and its emergence as an exporter of electronic products as well.
In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

IMAGE: A general view of a damaged portion of a mosque, after it was hit by an Indian strike, in Muridke near Lahore, on May 7, 2025. Photograph: Gibran Peshimam/Reuters

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India decided to carry out the 'proportionate' strikes to bring the perpetrators and planners of the Pahalgam attack to justice as there was 'no demonstrable step' from Pakistan to act against terrorist infrastructure on territories under its control.

It was for the first time since the 1971 Indo-Pak war that India carried out an aerial attack deep inside Punjab province of Pakistan.

Fifteen days after the Pahalgam carnage on April 22, the targets for the military response codenamed 'Operation Sindoor' included the Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) stronghold of Bahawalpur in Punjab province that is located at over 100 km from the Indian border.

JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar acknowledged that 10 members of his family and four close associates were killed in India's missile attack.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India's military scripted 'history' by acting with 'precision, precaution and compassion' in destroying the terror camps.

Singh further said India used its 'right to respond' to the Pahalgam attack and that the targets were destroyed as per plan.

Official sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was monitoring the operation closely through the night.

IMAGE: Smoke rises from Bilal Mosque in Muzaffarabad, PoK. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Later at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, he hailed the Indian armed forces for carrying out the successful targeted strikes at the terror camps.

The sources said it was Prime Minister Modi who picked the evocative term 'Operation Sindoor' to codename the Indian response.

'Sindoor' is a reference to the red vermillion that married Hindu women wear to signify their married status.

In the Pahalgam attack, the husbands of several women were killed in front of them, including an Indian Navy officer.

A total of 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the carnage.

Under 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian military targeted Markaz Taiba of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Muridke, Markaz Subhan Allah of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Bahawalpur and Hizbul Mujahideen's Mehmoona Joya Facility in Sialkot and LeT's base in Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala and its camp in Muzaffarabad's Shawai Nalla, military officials said.

Muridke, located a short distance from Lahore, is home to a sprawling 'markaz' or base of the LeT.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: Army and other security personnel cordon off an area in Pampore, J-K on Wednesday.

Indian officials said the strikes on all nine targets including Bahawalpur and Muridke were successful.

It is learnt that an array of weapons including Scalp deep-strike cruise missiles, the Hammer smart weapon system and guided bomb kits were used in striking the terror camps.

The operation was conducted from 1.05 am to 1.30 am and all the targets were neutralised with clinical efficiency, two women officers -- Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Army's Corps of Signals, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force, said at a media briefing alongside Misri.

Around 15 minutes after the operation ended, the defence ministry said in a statement at 1.44 am: 'A little while ago, the Indian Armed forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.'

The statement said the actions by the Indian Armed forces have been 'focused, measured and non-escalatory' in nature and that no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.

'India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.'

IMAGE: The Indian Army tweeted this image of Operation Sindoor. Photograph: Courtesy, @adgpi/X

In his remarks, Misri said the Indian military carried out the 'measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible' military strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure to 'deter and pre-empt' any further terrorist strikes.

"Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending."

He further said India's actions were in line with the UN Security Council's statement about holding perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the Pahalgam attack accountable.

Shortly after the missile attacks, the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling on forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in J and K, officials said.

At least 13 people, including a soldier and four children, were killed and 57 others injured with the Poonch sector bearing the brunt.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country has every right to give a 'befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India'.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, however, said Islamabad is ready to 'wrap up' tensions with New Delhi, if it de-escalates the situation.

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry described the Indian strikes as 'unprovoked' and that the Indian military violated Pakistan's sovereignty using standoff weapons.

The Pakistan army said at least 26 people were killed and 46 injured in these strikes.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts in several countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Officials said Doval told his counterparts that India has no intent to escalate tensions but is prepared to 'retaliate resolutely' if Pakistan does so.

In Washington, DC, United States President Donald Trump said he hoped that the hostilities between India and Pakistan would end 'very quickly'.

"It's a shame," he said , adding 'we just heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office)'.

"I just hope it ends very quickly," he said when asked about the Indian actions on Pakistan.

Wing Commander Singh said Indian armed forces are fully prepared to respond to Pakistani 'misadventure, if any, to escalate the situation'.

The two women officers, providing an overview of 'Operation Sindoor', said the strikes on the terror camps was undertaken through precision capability, using weapons with careful selection of warheads that ensured no collateral damage.

"The point of impact in each of the target was a specific building or a group of buildings," said Singh.

In a post on 'X' in Hindi shortly after the strikes, Defence Minister Singh said: 'Long live Mother India! (Bharat Mata Ki Jai).'

"The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.

Sources in the Indian military establishment said all air defence units have been put on alert along the frontier with Pakistan.

In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Prime Minister Modi gave the armed forces 'complete operational freedom' to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam attack.

He had also emphasised the national resolve to deal a 'crushing blow to terrorism'.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday warned that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

IMAGE: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Photograph: X

Asif's statement came as tension was running high between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC New Delhi will be given a befitting reply, the minister told reporters in Islamabad.

He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of pushing the region to the brink of nuclear war for political gains, reiterating allegations that New Delhi was involved in terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

We had provided the UN with evidence in 2016 and 2017, including videos of India financing terrorism, he claimed. He also linked the recent wave of terror in the two provinces to groups operating from Afghanistan, allegedly backed by India.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked for an international probe into the incident.

Such a probe would expose whether India itself or any internal group was involved, and clarify the truth behind New Delhi's baseless allegations, Asif said.

Last week, Information Minister Atta Tarar had said that 24-36 hours were important, fearing a possible strike by India. However, the time passed and there was no action by India.

Meanwhile, Pakistan army chief General Syed Asim Munir on Monday reiterated his intention to respond with full force to protect the national prestige and prosperity of his people.

Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam 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 operational 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.
An inconsolable Sana on Monday handed over her two small children, aged three and one, to her Pakistani husband at the Attari border, in the latest incident of families being separated following the central government's decision to cancel the Short-Term Visas of the neighbouring country's citizens residing in India.

IMAGE: Pakistani nationals reach the Attari border as India directs Pakistani nationals on short-term visas to leave the country after the Pahalgam terror attack, at the Attari border near Amritsar, April 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Married to a doctor from Karachi, Sana from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh was forced to part with her three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter due to visa regulations and central government directives in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed on April 22.

The family members who accompanied Sana said on Tuesday that she was inconsolable after sending her children, both Pakistani citizens, across the border.

After the Indian government revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals, Sana passed on her small children to her husband at the Attari border. The children hold Pakistani passports while Sana remains an Indian citizen.

Breaking into tears, Sana said, "I ask the government, why are mothers being separated from their children? What is my fault?"

Sana said she had entered India on a 45-day visa and cannot return to Pakistan now as she has not yet been granted Pakistani citizenship.

She married Bilal, a resident of Karachi, in 2020. She said it may take another four years to obtain Pakistani citizenship.

Saradha police station in-charge Inspector Pratap Singh told PTI, "We informed Sana two days ago that, according to government orders, she must return the children to Pakistan. She has now completed the legal formalities at the border and handed them (children) over (to her husband)."

According to the government decision, only Pakistani nationals living in India on Long-Term Visas (LTV) are allowed to stay while those on Short-Term Visas are being repatriated.

Officials said the process of sending back Pakistani nationals had begun following the central government's decision after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly after India early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and briefed him on the actions taken, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC said.

IMAGE: File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets NSA Ajit Doval, at the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

India launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

India's actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted, a press release from the Embassy of India, Washington DC said.

It said that shortly after the strikes, NSA Doval spoke with US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and briefed him on the actions taken.

The release said that terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 in a brutal and heinous attack.

India has credible leads, technical inputs, testimony of the survivors and other evidence pointing towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in this attack, it said.

It was expected that Pakistan would take action against terrorists and the infrastructure that supports them. Instead, during the fortnight that has gone by, Pakistan has indulged in denial and made allegations of false flag operations against India, it added.
The Pakistan Army said that India launched air strikes against the country early Wednesday, vowing to respond to the attack.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that missiles fired by India targeted Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Bahawalpur in Punjab province.

Some time ago, India launched air strikes on the Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur's Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air, he told ARY News channel.

"All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India's airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan," he said.

"Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered," he added.

He said that damage assessments are being done and more information will be provided later.

This "temporary happiness" that India has achieved with this attack will be replaced with enduring grief, he added.

Officials later said that the Indian strikes targeted five places in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh in PoK and in the Bahawalpur and Muridke areas of Punjab.

According to security sources, the strike resulted in the killing of a child while a woman and a man sustained serious injuries in the attack at the mosque in Ahmadpur Sharqia area of Bahawalpur.

Pakistan has closed its airspace for all air traffic for 48 hours.

Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 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 operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had 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.
A 26-year-old Pakistani intruder was arrested along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, officials said.

IMAGE: A Pakistan Ranger stands guard before the start of a parade at the Pakistan-India joint check post at Wagah border, Pakistan. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters

The arrest came amid a diplomatic flare-up between India and Pakistan and almost daily ceasefire violations on the borders in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Waqas, a resident of Tarkhal village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was taken into custody by alert army personnel from a forward village in the Chakan-Da-Bagh area shortly after he crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Indian territory, the officials said.

Preliminary questioning revealed that Waqas had inadvertently crossed the LoC from his village on the other side, they said.

No incriminating material was recovered from the intruder at the time of his arrest, they added.
The United Nations Security Council discussed rising tensions between India and Pakistan at closed-door consultations, where envoys called for de-escalation and also asked Pakistan tough questions.

IMAGE: Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful Council, had requested for "closed consultations" on the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Photograph: ANI Photo

Greece, president of the UNSC for the month of May, had scheduled the meeting on Monday following a request by Pakistan, which is currently a non-permanent member. The meeting comes days after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, triggering outrage in India.

The 15-member UNSC did not issue a statement after the meeting, but Pakistan claimed that its own objectives were "largely served".

Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Khaled Mohamed Khiari of Tunisia briefed the Council on behalf of both departments (DPPA and DPO).

Coming out of the meeting, Khiari said there was a call for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict. He noted that the situation is volatile.

Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, a Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and the current UNSC President, described it as a productive meeting, helpful.

A Russian diplomat said, We hope for de-escalation.

Sources told PTI that members of the 15-nation Security Council raised "tough questions for Pakistan at its informal session. It was advised to sort out the issues bilaterally with India, they said.

The sources added that there was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability.

Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith, the sources said.

UNSC members refused to accept the false flag narrative and asked whether Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba was likely to be involved.

The closed-door meeting that lasted about an hour and a half did not take place in the UNSC Chamber where Council members sit at the horse-shoe table, but in a consultation room next to it.

Sources added Pakistan's efforts to internationalise the situation also failed. Many members expressed concern that Pakistan's missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors.

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told reporters that the country's objectives were largely served and achieved at the meeting.

He said the objectives of the closed consultations included enabling the Council members to have a discussion on the deteriorating security environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan and to have an exchange of views on how to address the situation, including avoiding confrontation that could have serious consequences and the need for de-escalation.

Ahmad thanked Council members for their engagement and their calls for restraint, de-escalation and dialogue. He said that while Pakistan does not seek confrontation, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan also raised the issue of India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Water is life, not a weapon. These rivers sustain over 240 million Pakistanis, he said.

Ahmad said at the meeting Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peaceful, cooperative relations with all our neighbours, including India.

We remain open to dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, he added.

In view of the gravity of the situation, the calls for dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful resolution of disputes, such as by the Secretary-General, and what we also heard from the Council members today are most pertinent, Ahmad said.

Before the UNSC meeting, India's former Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told PTI that no consequential outcome" can be expected from a discussion where a party to the conflict seeks to shape perceptions by using its membership of the Council. India will parry such Pakistani efforts."

Following the meeting, he said, Pakistan's grandstanding has flopped again today as in the past. As was expected, there was no meaningful response by the Council. Indian diplomacy has yet again successfully parried Pakistani efforts to seek the Security Council's intervention.

Just hours before the closed consultations, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at their highest in years.

It pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he said. He made these remarks to the press from the UNSC stake-out Monday morning. Guterres said he understands the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam and reiterated his strong condemnation of that attack.

Targeting civilians is unacceptable  and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means, he said.

The UN chief stressed that it is 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. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution, the UN chief 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.
Russian tourists receiving treatment at Phanom Hospital in Surat Thani, Thailand after reportedly falling ill from eating wild fruit in a local park. Photo courtesy of the Bantakhun-Phanom Rescue Foundation

Seven Russian tourists fell ill after eating wild fruit during a visit to a southern Thailand park, with five hospitalized, according to local media reports.

The group was visiting Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park in Surat Thani province on May 5 when they consumed ebony fruits growing in the area. Soon after, they began experiencing symptoms such as chest pain and vomiting, according to the Bangkok Post.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and five of the tourists agreed to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The remaining two declined medical attention, Khaosod English reported.

Police said the group had traveled to the park in a chartered vehicle from Khao Lak in Phangnga province.

Authorities are investigating whether the symptoms were caused by toxins.
DOVER  Plans are afoot to try to keep a summer camp running in some way, shape or form, and explore if the International Baccalaureate program should stay at Dover School.

At the River Valleys Unified Union School District Board's reorganization meeting, parents voiced strong interest in the summer camp despite previous intentions to discontinue the program. The topic also had come up at the annual district meeting last week in Wardsboro.

Danielle Salway of Dover, whose children attended the camp, described the camp being "packed with kids" and beneficial for their development.

"It's certainly been successful," Tom Oakley of Dover said, adding that a summer program at Mount Snow has "become increasingly expensive" over the years.

Recounting efforts to be fiscally responsible when budgeting, Dover School Principal Tracey Gamache said revenue for the summer camp wasn't self sustaining. Renovations and roof repairs also are taking place at the school this summer.

"It's hard to have a program like that run and not have school year staff there," Gamache said. "While we had a great coordinator last year, it's still hard to let go of all of the what ifs that happen, and school staff are those people that know if different things happen, how to handle them."

A series of incidents occurred a couple of summers ago that required significant investigation into harassment and bullying since the camp is a school sponsored event, Superintendent Bob Thibault said. That led to greater supervision last summer, which comes at a higher expense.

Board members spoke in favor of coming up with a way to preserve the program, which serves students from Dover and Wardsboro.

"Our community definitely has a gap in summer programming for kids," Board Vice Chairwoman Kate Rideout said. "We do not have a community center, we do not have a recreation center."

Gamache said families were charged about $65 or $75 a week, and the rate would need to be about $200 a week to make the program self sustaining. She was asked to bring back ideas to the next board meeting.

"Maybe it can't be a full three weeks," Board Chairman Rich Werner said. "Maybe we need to reduce some hours but I also think it should have an educational portion, too, because that's what we're about is education."

River Valleys meeting skips over International Baccalaureate, passes budget WARDSBORO  At the request of the School Board, voters skipped over an article to eliminate the International Baccalaureate program at Dover School during the annual River Valleys Unified Union School District meeting Tuesday night.

Staff at Dover School requested doing away with IB, then an article to vote on it at the annual meeting last week was skipped over. The board asked for more time for research and discussion.

A committee is forming to look at the IB program. Membership is expected to include community members, staff members and a board member or two. Administrators also will be collecting feedback about the program via email.
The Vietnamese government is considering a ban on the sale of personal data as the country grapples with a surge in the incidence of scams and major cyberattacks.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long introduced a bill in the National Assembly on Monday that will outlaw six data-related behaviors, including the buying and selling of personal data, illegal data processing, data leaks and the use of personal information for unlawful purposes.

While a current decree technically bans data sales, enforcement has been weak.

The bill aims to strengthen the legal framework and curb the rampant black market for personal data, which has grown alongside the rapid digital transformation.

Authorities say many businesses lack clear agreements for processing user data, enabling third parties to trade or exploit the information.

Some firms even purchase personal data directly, building vast databases for profit-driven analytics.

Meanwhile, hackers infiltrate systems to steal user data, often selling it on the dark web.

In 2024 cyberattacks led to the theft of 10 terabytes of personal data and losses exceeding US$11 million.

Some 14.5 million user accounts were compromised, accounting for 12% of all global data leaks that year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Lawmakers are seeking to precisely define what constitutes data trading, but are continuing to debate it.

Some argue that personal data is now a form of digital commodity and a blanket ban could hurt innovation and economic growth.

The National Assembly's Committee on National Defense, Security and External Affairs has suggested allowing regulated transactions with data sales made with user consent and for specific socio-economic purposes.

The committee also recommends banning companies from forcing users to provide sensitive information in return for services and prohibiting the mass collection and sale of personal data for commercial gain.

The National Assembly will further discuss the bill on May 24.
Barracuda Networks has hired former MyPass Global director of sales and industry partnerships Dan McLean as its country manager for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

In the role, McLean will lead the security vendors sales strategy, strengthening and expanding partner and customer relationships and grow its market share throughout A/NZ.

He comes to Barracuda with over 25 years of IT leadership and consultative experience, including his most recent eight-month stint at MyPass Global. He has also held roles at Amazon Web Services, Radware and VMware, as well as a number of consultant and advisory positions at Emertel, Gen-i, ANZ and Compaq.

Additionally, he also spent six months as part of a passion project to develop a familiy-owned micro-business after acquiring Crooked Creek Biscuiteer, where he transitioned supply, production and distribution into a modern streamlined micro-enterprise.

Dan brings an impressive track record of driving partner relationships and market expansion and building high-performing sales teams in the technology sector, said Barracuda vice president of international sales Giovanni Goduti.

Dan will be instrumental in accelerating Barracudas growth in A/NZ and in ensuring we support partners such as managed service providers with advanced products and services that reduce complexity, meet evolving business needs and help our partners to build revenues and grow.

McLean added that he will work with partners and customers across A/NZ to ensure we consistently deliver exceptional value for partners while helping their customers to strengthen their security posture with solutions that are easy to buy, deploy and use.

In October last year, Barracuda launched new partner programme initiatives, which included its then-new Barracuda Partner Sales Engineer Community programme and an expansion to its Partner Success Program.
Despite the hype that AI is going to fundamentally reinvent work, it has, as yet, had little to no effect on workflows, according to new research.

A report by economists from the University of Chicago and the University of Copenhagen, Large Language Models, Small Labor Market Effects, found that AI chatbots only saved workers about an hour a week, and in some cases, actually created new tasks.

AI chatbots have had no significant impact on earnings or recorded hours in any occupation, wrote researchers Anders Humlum and Emilie Vestergaard. Our findings challenge narratives of imminent labour market transformation due to Generative AI.

Offering a different narrative on AI

The study specifically looked at the Danish labour market in 2023 and 2024, gathering data from 25,000 workers and 7,000 workplaces. The researchers chose 11 exposed occupations: software developers, IT support, financial advisors, HR, accountants, customer-support, legal, marketing, office clerks, journalists and teachers.

The study found that, by late 2024, AI chatbots were widespread: most firms surveyed were encouraging chatbot use, while 38% had their own in-house models, and 30% of employees said they received training on AI tools. Research also revealed that, even with the wide variety of AI tools on the market today, ChatGPT remains the dominant player.

Notably, the researchers found that AI created new tasks for 8.4% of workers, even some who dont personally use chatbots. These tasks tend to be more sophisticated, such as designing prompts and analysing outputs, suggesting AI may restructure jobs.

The overwhelming majority of chatbot users  between 64% and 90% in each occupation  did report that AI saved them time. On average, employees said they recouped about 25 minutes per day.

But calculating AI usage frequency and per-day savings actually only equaled about 2.8% in saved time, or roughly an hour a week, according to the researchers.
The Council of the European Union has prepared a new sanctions regulation that, for the first time, formally accuses Russia of using CS gas as a method of warfare on the front lines in Ukraine.

In an explanatory memorandum seen by RFE/RL's Russian Investigative Unit Systema, EU officials refer to two reports by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), published at Ukraine's request in November 2024 and February 2025, as the basis for the move.

This proposal is part of a three-package set of sanctions the EU is expected to adopt in the coming days. The other two target cyberattacks and Russian destabilization campaigns in Europe. According to internal EU sources, a fourth package of sanctions focused on targeting Russia's shadow fleet will follow.

The reports document the alleged use of CS gas in Maryivka and Ilinka, in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, during Russian attacks in 2024.

The OPCW based its reports on soil and water samples, interviews with military personnel, and photographs of hand-grenade casings marked "RG-Vo," which stands for "hand grenade -- toxic agent."

Russia's RT state television channel aired footage of Russian troops using such Russian-made grenades on the battlefield.

"In light of the seriousness of the situation, in absence of a credible explanation from Russia regarding its widely reported use of riot control agents, and to enhance the global norm against the use of chemical weapons, the European Union calls for a timely attribution of the proven use of riot control agents as a method of warfare by the OPCW," the memorandum says.

The EU sanctions list will include the Russian Defense Ministry's Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, and the 27th and 33rd scientific research centers involved in the development and use of chemical agents.

CS is a tear gas also known as "Lilac." It causes severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Those coming in contact with it lose orientation and can suffocate.

Formally, CS is considered a nonlethal means of suppressing riots and is used by police in many countries. The use of such substances as weapons is prohibited by Article 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, EU officials note.

According to Ukraine's Defense Ministry, capsules with such gas have also been found inside Iranian-made Shahed drones, which have been widely used by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.
Irans continued struggle with electricity shortages has led to the implementation of rolling blackouts in the capital, Tehran.

Power cuts have become a fixture of both summer and winter months, but rolling blackouts this year have started earlier than usual despite the temperatures being relatively low.

Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said during her weekly press conference on May 6 that the country was facing multiple imbalances, referring to rising demand for electricity, water, and gas.

She said the government of President Masud Pezeshkian needs time to address the energy shortage, without explicitly saying how much time was required. Experts say electricity consumption in Iran rises by about 7 percent, or 5,000 megawatts, every year.

Dalga Khatinoglu, an energy expert based in Azerbaijan, told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that Iran has no short-term solution for its electricity shortage, and even if it were to triple or quadruple its power production, it might only reach a balance sometime in the next decade.

Meanwhile, Tehran city Councilor Jafar Bandi Sharibani accused the authorities of discriminatory practices by imposing longer blackouts in lower-income neighborhoods.

Electricity consumption in Iran peaked at over 72,000 megawatts in the Iranian year 1402 (March 2023-23), while actual power generation capacity in the summer maxed out at around 60,000 megawatts.

Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, a spokesperson for Irans state-run power distribution company Tavanir, said that electricity consumption nationwide in the last two weeks rose by 9,000 megawatts compared to the same period last year.

Despite sitting atop the worlds second-largest natural gas reserves, Iran continues to face recurring energy shortages in both summer and winter.

Generous energy subsidies keep household bills low, but they also fuel excessive consumption.

Amid the struggle to keep the lights on, proponents of Irans nuclear program argue the country needs nuclear energy to generate electricity.

US President Donald Trump has called for the total dismantlement of the nuclear program, but has said he is open to considering allowing Iran to maintain a civil nuclear program to generate electricity.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi last month said his country aims to build 19 more nuclear reactors -- a goal it has been pursuing since the 2000s. He teased that "tens of billions of dollars in potential contracts are up for grabs" and open to US investment, should Tehran and Washington reach a deal on Iran's nuclear program.
When Russian military authorities couldn't provide any information to Irina Krynina about her boyfriend who went missing while fighting in Ukraine, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

She reached out to a Ukrainian hotline that confirmed he had been captured and Krynina took the bold step of traveling to Ukraine to meet him.

"Dont expect any help from the Russian side," she said. "There are so many POWs without an official status on the books in Russia."

Their uneasy and emotional reunion was organized by the Ukrainian NGO Want To Find, which helps Russian prisoners of war connect with their families.

Krynina's partner appeared moved as she took his hand. "Why did you come?" he whispered through tears.

Ukraine offers some POWs their freedom if they refuse to return to Russia but Krynina's partner chose to wait for a prisoner exchange so he can return home.

Even though the couple's relationship has ended, Krynina has remained in Ukraine and now works to support prisoner swaps and help families on both sides reunite.

"When I arrived, I made it clear right away -- I wasnt going back [to Russia]," she said. "I didnt want to go back."

Krynina established her own organization, Step In, that works with Want To Find to coordinate reunions between Russian families and Russian POWs in Ukraine.

She says her group has helped more than 600 Russian prisoners of war return home. But initially, many Russian families were hesitant to contact her.





"When I was just starting out, not many people reached out to me. Ill be honest -- not many at all," she said. "Because people were still afraid. Now I just cant keep up anymore. Its overwhelming."

In addition to arranging exchanges of photos and letters, Krynina sets up video calls between Russian prisoners and family members. For some, it's the first contact they've had in years.

"Son, dont worry. Were strong. Well get through this. I love you. I found you -- yes, I did," said one Russian mother to her son in a Ukrainian prison. "Never be sad. Im always with you. I pray for you, my dear son."

Fear Of Being Called A Traitor

Worried about being labeled as traitors, some Russians, however, are reluctant to cooperate with Krynina and the Ukrainian side.

"One girl wrote me that after the [Ukrainian prison] camp called her, she ran straight to the FSB (Russia's Federal Security Service) to report it," said Krynina.

"Her brother asked for a care package. And she said, 'I'm not sending him anything. Ill end up in prison if I do.'"

Krynina has also played an important role in helping arrange prisoner swaps. She was there for the recent March 19 exchange that saw 175 POWs from both Ukraine and Russia change hands.

"The main goal of our movement is an unconditional all-for-all exchange. Thats what were fighting for," she said. "Because every exchange means one more Ukrainian comes home."
In his first 100 days in office, one key foreign policy goal has eluded US President Donald Trump: ending the war on Ukraine.

Trump ran for president on a promise to end the war quickly. In an interview with NBC News that aired on May 4, he expressed hope a peace deal could still be reached while also suggesting his patience with both Ukraine and Russia was limited.

There will be a time when I will say, Okay, keep going. Keep being stupid and keep fighting, he said.

Trump also said the US was closer with one party, and maybe not as close with the other, though he did not say which party he believed was closer to a deal.

But in recent days, the US president has voiced particular frustration with the Kremlin, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal."

Republican lawmakers have moved in lock step with the US president.

South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham, a key ally of Trump, has said he has broad support for a new package of sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Putin fails to engage seriously in peace negotiations.

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy complained to Fox News that the Kremlin leader has jacked around President Trump at every turn."

"He has disrespected our president. I don't think it's gonna get any better until we make it clear to Mr. Putin that we are willing to turn him and his country into fish food," Kennedy said.

Kennedy quickly clarified that he was referring to measures to shut down Russias sale of oil, not nuclear war. But the remarks echoed Trumps recent impatience with the Kremlin.

Against that rhetorical backdrop, however, diplomatic efforts have continued. Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, traveled to Moscow to meet with Putin.

A top Kremlin aide described the talks as productive, and some commentators saw Witkoffs arrival without the usual entourage as an indication that the American emissary may be out of his diplomatic depth.

Steven Pifer, a retired career diplomat and former US ambassador to Ukraine, questioned the wisdom of Witkoff appearing to take the meeting alone, saying that the US emissary, who is a wealthy real estate developer and confidant of Trump, was facing off against 75+ years of diplomatic experience.

Little wonder Russia has received 10 weeks of US concessions and gifts while giving nothing in return, Pifer said on X.

Regardless of the seating arrangements in the Kremlin, Witkoffs meeting was a contrast with the signing event in Washington for the creation of the United-States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, a deal that will give the US access to Ukraines valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for what Kyiv hopes will be enduring US support.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent used strong language to describe the agreement, saying it signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.

So have the tides shifted subtly in favor of Ukraine when it comes to dealing with the Trump administration?

As always, it may be too early to tell.

After all, the signing comes only about two months after a rancorous meeting in the Oval Office between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.

That meeting was perhaps one of the more cinematic moments since Trump took office in January. But the nascent peace process has not reached the punctuation mark that will allow Trump to chalk off another achievement.

And in the interim, Trump has been consistent in his narrative: The war on Ukraine is Bidens war, and never would have happened if he had been in office.

Put otherwise, if talks fail, the blame for a foreign policy failure can be shifted away from the Trump administration.
A crowd of tourists walk at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, western Japan, March 29, 2023. Photo by Reuters

A Japanese influencer has received mixed reactions after claiming that Chinese tourists steal electricity by using public charging outlets, even telling them to go back to their country.

The influencer, known as Hezuruy, who has nearly 415,000 followers, posted a photo in late April of a Chinese tourist sitting on the ground while using a public outlet to charge a mobile phone, according to the South China Morning Post.

Hezuruy wrote on his X (formerly known as Twitter) that electricity theft is a criminal act.

"Recently, we have seen an increase in Chinese tourists removing covers and tape to steal electricity. Some even steal electricity from multi-purpose toilets and stay for long periods, causing inconvenience to parents with children. If you can't follow the rules, go back to your country."

His post quickly went viral, amassing 8.4 million views and 61,000 likes as of May 6, triggering a heated debate online.

Some netizens expressed strong opinions, with one commenting, "Don't come to someone else's country and do whatever you want! If you're going to steal electricity, buy a mobile battery and extras."

Another added, "Why don't tourists come to Japan after checking Japanese manners and rules in advance?"

However, others criticized the influencer's remarks, calling them "unfair" and "unreasonable."

One netizen argued, "In China, charging ports are provided in most public places as part of public services. The accusation that Chinese tourists steal electricity doesn't reflect the quality of Chinese people. Tourists who can afford to travel to Japan are certainly not short of money for electricity."

Another wrote, "I didn't know Japan was too poor to provide free charging stations for smartphones."

In many major Asian cities, free mobile phone charging stations are commonly available in public spaces like airports, train stations, and shopping malls.
Ukraine and Russia have conducted a prisoner exchange involving 410 soldiers -- 205 from each side -- the latest in a series of swaps resulting from their ongoing war.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on May 6 that the Russian soldiers involved in the exchange, which was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, are currently in Belarus as they head back to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the action, saying the POWs came from almost "all types and branches of the armed forces," including "defenders of Mariupol and the entire front line."

Russia's bloody siege of the Azov Sea city of Mariupol months into the full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw fighters battle Russian troops for months before around 2,500 surrendered in May 2022.

An April 19 exchange saw 277 Ukrainian POWs return home, according to Kyiv, while Moscow says it received 246 soldiers. In total, more than 3,000 prisoners have been swapped through U.A.E.-mediated exchanges since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The latest swap comes as 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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day cease-fire in its Ukraine invasion beginning on May 8 to coincide with Victory Day celebrations.

The proposal was dismissed by Kyiv as "theater." Zelenskyy has called instead for a longer, 30-day cease-fire.
Irina Krynina says the Russian authorities gave her no information when her boyfriend apparently disappeared while fighting in Ukraine. With help from Ukrainian officials, she learned he was a prisoner of war, and she traveled there to be reunited with him. Krynina decided to stay in Ukraine and start her own NGO with the goal of reconnecting soldiers with their families and helping prisoners on both sides return home.
Russia and Ukraine targeted each other with drone strikes on May 6 as both Moscow and Kyiv gear up for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany during World War II.

Russia targeted Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, with nearly 20 drones on May 6, injuring at least four people, local prosecutors said.

The main market street in Kharkiv was hit in the attack, which happened overnight.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said Ukraine launched more than 100 drones at targets in 11 regions overnight, including the capital. The ministry claimed air defenses intercepted or downed 105 drones.

In Moscow, at least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to the city, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram.

There was no "serious damage or injuries" where debris fell near one of the main highways leading into the city, he said.

Flights were suspended at all four airports that serve Moscow, Russia's aviation regulator said. Flights resumed several hours later.

In the Kursk border region, where Russian troops recently pushed out the remnants of a Ukrainian force that had invaded last summer, Ukrainian forces attacked a power substation, according to Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein.

The attack injured two teenagers and damaged two transformers, he said. The damage cut power to the area.

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv about the attack, but Ukrainian officials have previously said such assaults are aimed at hitting military targets and infrastructure used to support Moscow's war efforts.

Authorities in Ukraine's Sumy region, to the northwest, urged residents to evacuate homes in two cities near the border after Russian forces fired artillery into two settlements, killing three people and injuring four.

"The Sumy region. Since morning, Russia has been striking border settlements," the Interior Ministry said on Telegram.

Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's call for a three-day cease-fire in the Ukraine war, beginning May 8, there are no signs of any let up in the violence, either on the battlefield or in the daily exchange of drone barrages between Kyiv and Moscow.

Victory Day Preparations

The Red Square military parade on May 9 is the centerpiece of the Kremlin's commemorations for Victory Day. Putin is expected to give a speech extolling Moscow's role in the World War II victory, as well as Russia's all-out ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

Putin is expected to host 20 world leaders for the Victory Day events, and officials have announced increased security measures in Moscow ahead of the day.

Moscow authorities warned residents against firing off fireworks this week, and also warned of Internet disruptions in the region, possibly as a way to thwart drone or other potential attacks.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and AFP
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two issues: Why EU and Ukraine trade will be less free going forward and an upcoming flurry of important meetings in Lviv and Warsaw.

Briefing #1: Why EU-Ukraine Trade Is About To Get Less Free

What You Need To Know: Since June 2022, the European Union has granted Ukraine full trade liberalization to help support the war-torn country's economy. These measures -- suspending import duties and quotas -- are known as Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), and they appear to have benefited Kyiv.

In 2024, Ukrainian exports to the EU reached nearly 60 percent of total exports, up from 39.1 percent in 2021. However, the ATMs, which have been renewed annually by a majority vote of EU member states, are set to end definitively on June 5. They were always intended to be temporary and could only be extended twice.

Now, negotiations are under way between Brussels and Kyiv on what will replace them.

The fallback option is a return to the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement , which came into force in 2017 (though provisionally applied from 2016), and includes a free trade component.

The current talks focus on Article 29 of that agreement, which outlines a framework for potential reciprocal tariff liberalization.

But it is far from smooth sailing, as time is running short, and the effects of the ATMs aren't universally liked in the bloc.

Deep Background: Farmers in so-called frontline EU border states, such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, have long lobbied their governments to get rid of them, arguing that a glut of Ukrainian agricultural goods has overwhelmed local storage and pushed down prices for local food producers.

At various times in 2023 and 2024, these farmers blocked the borders with Ukraine to prevent goods from entering the EU. In response, the European Commission, which oversees EU trade policies, tried several solutions, including sealing agricultural shipments from Ukraine to divert them away from frontline countries and toward other EU destinations or ports for export beyond the bloc.

In the end, the commission agreed to limit inflows of the most popular agricultural goods by enacting emergency brakes. These brakes could be pulled if certain imports exceeded the average import numbers recorded between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024. And the brakes have been used readily in the past year on Ukrainian exports of oats, eggs, sugar, and honey.

The official line of the European Commission is that it is "finalizing the work on the proposal to ensure a seamless transition to a new trade regime with Ukraine after the expiry of the ATMs" and that this proposal will soon be presented to Kyiv.

The question is when. Many EU officials in Brussels are worried that any new proposal could become a political hot potato in the Polish presidential election campaign when the country goes to the polls to select a new head of state on May 18, and a likely second round on June 1.

But it is not only the political sway of Polish farmers that needs to be heeded.

A joint letter by the agriculture ministers of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia addressed to the European Commission and seen by RFE/RL has also raised the stakes.

The letter states that the ministers "firmly believe that the upcoming expiration of the ATM regime must serve as an opportunity to reassess and recalibrate our trade relations with Ukraine. It is essential to ensure that future trade arrangements reflect a balanced approach that accommodates the interests of all parties without disproportionately harming the economies of neighboring member states."

It then goes on to highlight several new proposals, all of which would be disadvantageous to Kyiv.

These include:

A return to prewar tariff quotas;

Bilateral safeguard provisions for all agricultural products;

Frontline member states being able to impose extra safeguards; and

A review clause to reassess the agreement two years after its application -- aimed at preventing future market distortions and ensuring fair competition for EU farmers.





But it doesn't end there.

The ministers also argue that "in parallel with Ukraine's accession process, relevant sanitary and phytosanitary, animal welfare, public health, and environment-related regulations in line with EU standards should be introduced for Ukrainian agricultural production."

Drilling Down

While such reforms are indeed necessary for eventual EU membership, it's notable that one of the letter's signatories, Hungary, is currently blocking that very accession process.

The ministers also propose a minimum import price threshold for selected items, which "could play a deterrent role in terms of importing agricultural goods into EU Member States at prices below the cost of domestically produced agricultural products" -- effectively another trade barrier and a clear move to shield local farmers.

So, what does Ukraine want? Simply put, almost more of the same. In a letter to the commission, seen by RFE/RL, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal writes that, "without substantial guaranteed and ongoing multi-industry trade liberalization, Ukraine will simply be unable to rebuild its industries, create jobs and livelihoods for its citizens to recover its economy. Simply put, Ukraine needs your trade. First to survive, then to thrive."

Shmyhal also warns that, failing to strike a preferential trade deal with Brussels could cost Ukraine 3 billion ($3.4 billion) annually, potentially leading to a 1 percent reduction in Ukraine's gross domestic product.

While accepting that any new deal is likely to come under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Shmyhal says that it should "contain a minimum number of exceptions" and points out that "we are obviously aware of concerns of European farmers, but we emphasize that the share of Ukrainian products on the European market remains relatively small. For many product groups, even those considered sensitive, it's less than 1 percent of total EU consumption."

He also suggests that the safeguard measures introduced for certain products in 2024 "should become the starting point for gradually liberalized tariff quotas" on agricultural goods.

Given the looming June 5 deadline, Shmyhal has also hinted at some sort of bridging solution -- something that I have heard might happen.

"If it is impossible to reach a solution in time before the 5th of June, we need to find a joint short-term solution so current Ukrainian exports can continue until the Association Agreement is updated," he said.

"Otherwise, there is a risk of returning to higher tariffs and lower quantities under the tariff quotas of the prewar period, and this would cause significant damages to the Ukrainian economy."





Briefing #2: Sanctions, War Tribunal On Agenda As EU Ministers Prepare To Meet

What You Need To Know: 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 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 arent 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.

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.

Deep Background: 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.

Drilling Down

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 isnt looking into 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 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.





Looking Ahead

The European Parliament is meeting this week, and there's plenty on the agenda.

On May 7, the chamber will debate both the potential peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow and the need for the Kremlin to return Ukrainian children who have been forcibly taken to Russia.

European lawmakers will also quiz the European Commission on the recent electricity blackout on the Iberian peninsula and a recent ruling in the EU courts forbidding Malta's so-called "golden passport scheme," which has allowed people, notably several Russians, to buy EU citizenship.

That's all for this week!

Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
Visitors walk near the King Fahd Library, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 12, 2020. Photo by Reuters

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has helped repatriate 152 citizens who were deported from Saudi Arabia for violating stay permits and employment regulations.

It reported on May 3 that the deportees returned home via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, two days ago. They had been detained at the Syumaisi Immigration Detention Facility in Mecca for working illegally in Saudi Arabia.

They consisted of 130 women, 13 men, and nine children, most of whom came from provinces with high numbers of Indonesian migrant workers, such as West Java and West Nusa Tenggara.

According to the ministry, since the beginning of this year, the Indonesian Government has facilitated the return of 1,304 nationals from the Middle Eastern country in seven repatriation batches, all for similar violations.

In response to these ongoing cases, the Foreign Affairs Ministry continues to urge prospective Indonesian migrant workers to seek overseas employment only through legal and official channels to avoid legal complications abroad.

Minister for Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Abdul Kadir Karding noted on March 15 that women account for about 70% of Indonesians working illegally in the Middle East.

Karding said his ministry is working with the police, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the military, and immigration offices to address the issue.

Indonesia has recently established a dedicated desk to handle matters related to human trafficking and the protection of Indonesian migrant workers, he added.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Gerry Adams has said he would not speculate on who was in the IRA during a defamation case he has taken against the BBC.

The former Sinn Fein leader said an attempt is being made to smother the jury in history as he was questioned over past statements and events during The Troubles.

Mr Adams faced cross-examination over his knowledge of who was in the IRA and the organisations rules, on which he repeatedly said he would not speculate in court.

Asked about who was in charge of the West Belfast brigade of the IRA in 1972, Mr Adams said: Im not going to speculate.

He said a number of people had acknowledged publicly that they were members of the IRA but he was not prepared to speculate in this court on who would have been in the IRA at any time.

Barrister for the BBC Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams whether his answer was that throughout the period of The Troubles, apart from people who identified themselves as members of the IRA, that he was not aware of who was in the IRA.

You dont seem to be prepared to accept my answers, Mr Adams replied.

Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but did not have many dealings with him.

Beginning his cross-examination on Friday afternoon, Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams if he remembered how many people were killed in various atrocities during The Troubles.

Mr Adams told the hearing he did not remember how many people were killed in incidents such as Bloody Friday or the Claudy bombings, and asked what it had to do with Mr Donaldson.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams entered the witness box for a fifth day.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with figures such as Peter McMullan, who said he was a former IRA member who worked with Mr Adams in the Belfast brigade.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said several times he would not speculate in court and had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother them (the jury) in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams was also asked about an interview with the Guardian in 1982 which the court heard quotes him as stating that the only complaints he had from republicans and anti-unionists about the death of politician Norman Stronge in 1981 was that he was not shot 40 years ago.

Mr Adams said his comments reflected opinion at the time, and said he himself was shocked by the killing.

Its a matter of history, its done, he said.

Under questioning, he said: I have never resiled from my view that the IRAs campaign, whatever about elements of it, was a legitimate response to military occupation.

He said he was not resiling from that position while on the stand.

Mr Adams said he could not comment on why people including informers were disappeared during the Troubles, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for West Belfast and represented the Louth constituency in the Dail parliament until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.
James Cox

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".
David Raleigh

A man who assisted a Brazilian drug cartel in smuggling a massive shipment of cocaine into Ireland has been jailed for 10 years.

Nikola Penchev (34), of Veliki, Preslav, Bulgaria, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cocaine worth over 21.6 million, for sale or supply, at Foynes Port, Co Limerick, on December 19th, 2023.

Penchev, a maritime engineer, was arrested after Revenue officials and gardai, acting on a tip off that the drugs were onboard the MV Verila, searched the vessel and found the cocaine haul tied together in several bales attached to a transmitter.

The ship initially set sail from Hamilton in Canada to Santos in Brazil, before reverting to Hamilton and eventually onto Foynes in Co Limerick.

Penchev, who joined the ship on its second voyage out of Hamilton, had initially been unaware it was carrying cocaine.

While on route to Foynes Port, Penchev was recruited by another of the ships crew, his friend and fellow Bulgarian national, Kamen Petkov (37), to help him dump the cocaine in parcels at Glin, a few kilometres out from Foynes.

Detective Garda Adrian Cahill gave evidence in court that unidentified parties used small boats to ferry the cocaine bales to Petkov at Santos Port while the rest of the ships crew were asleep.

Petkov, who was previously jailed for 10 years after he also pleaded guilty to having the cocaine haul for sale or supply, was responsible for loading the drugs on board, tying the drug parcels together with life jackets and attaching a transmitter. He kept in regular contact with the cartel via a satellite phone and a navigation app OsmAnd.

Petkov and Penchev ended up not dumping the drugs overboard at Glin as nobody appeared to be there to collect the packages when the ship arrived at the drop-off point.

Gardai said Petkov told them that he was to be paid 150,000 for helping the gang, but they he ended up not receiving any payment.

Penchev told gardai Petkov told him he would pay him 10,000 for helping him, but he too did not receive any of the money.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL said Petkov told Penchev that if they lost the drugs, their lives would be under threat from dangerous people.

Penchev, who is married with two children, told gardai he only helped Petkov because he was afraid of what the consequences would be for him and his family had he not helped.

During the sailing, Penchev and Petkov took photos of the drug bales and sent the mobile phone snaps to the gang to prove the drugs were still onboard the ship.

Penchevs barrister told the court that he was not the instigator, that he was remorseful and that he was a good, loving father and husband.

Judge Daly said: Cocaine is a very serious and highly addictive drug, and the accused allowed himself to become involved in the international carrying of a serious amount of drugs.

The judge said he was satisfied that a headline prison sentence of 13 years was appropriate... this being a high-level commercial drug dealing operation.

Judge Daly said Penchevs early guilty plea and his cooperation with the Garda investigation allowed it to proceed with greater speed and efficiency.

However, the judge said that because Penchev involved himself in trafficking such a large volume of drugs half way around the world, the principle of deterrents generally, prevents me considering sentencing below the presumptive minimum in the case, and so I reduce the sentence to one of ten years.

The sentence was backdated to December 24th, 2023, when Penchev first entered into custody following his arrest.

The court heard the Garda investigation into the cocaine seizure remains ongoing.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A man accused of murdering his wife told gardai he had been injured by her multiple times throughout their marriage, a court has heard.

The jury in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering Tina Satchwell at the home they shared in Co Cork between March 19th and 20th, 2017, was told that he outlined the injuries during an enhanced cognitive interview more than four years later.

The 58-year-old, from Grattan Street in Youghal, denies murder.

Ms Satchwells remains were found in a shallow grave beneath a concrete floor under a set of stairs in their home in October 2023.

Tina Satchwell (Family Handout/PA)

Satchwell, who is originally from Leicester in England, initially told police he had finished working on the stairs before she went missing.

He formally reported his wife missing on May 11th, 2017, weeks after the date he told police she had left their home.

On Tuesday, the jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard from a transcript of an interview with gardai on June 20th, 2021.

The court heard that Satchwell told gardai that his wife had threatened to leave hundreds of times over a period of 15 years, most recently within six months of her disappearance.

He said she told him she would leave to get her own back for him leaving to spend a year in England in 2002.

However, he said he didnt just up and disappear to England and that he sent her money.

The interview was conducted by Detective Sergeant David Noonan, who held the rank of detective garda at the time.

Det Sgt Noonan told the court the witness-led interview process was the gold standard of taking a witness or victim statement.

Satchwell is accused of murdering his wife Tina (Brian Lawless/PA)

The full transcript, which was read out over several hours by prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small, ran to more than 120 pages.

During his conversation with Det Sgt Noonan, Satchwell outlined details of his relationship with his wife as well as his movements on the last days he said he saw her.

He told the investigator that Ms Satchwell could be nasty, mean and angry.

He said she could lose her temper easily and could hit you.

He said he had a lot of injuries over the years and had to hide some of them from other people.

Satchwell told the detective he had never hit her back and he had been brought up to respect women.

He said he went to see a doctor in 1994 after his face was destroyed by scratches.

He added that in 1995 he had taken a box of sleeping tablets as Tina was in one of her bad spells and I couldnt take it any more.

Satchwell told the detective that others had mentioned black eyes and swollen limbs.

He also said he had had bite marks, cuts to his forehead and head, a scrawled back and scrawled belly.

He said this was not as frequent as it sounds as it was spread over 28 years.

He said that if Ms Satchwell became violent, 10 minutes later it was like it had never happened and she would be apologising.

Asked about their relationship, Satchwell said everything tended to alter in the year before her disappearance, including her mobile phone going missing, and things she had previously not wanted in his name being put in his name.

He also told the detective he had been through a lot and the last four years have not been easy.

He later added: If she turned up tomorrow, short of being in a coma for four years, I dont see much of a future.

Satchwell told Det Sgt Noonan he did not know where his wife was.

He said he never kept tabs on her and didnt keep a dog lead on her.

He outlined a belief that she would go knocking at someones door, probably with another fella, I dont know, or that she would send him a registered letter demanding the sale of the house.

Satchwell told the detective he had finished working on the stairs in their house before she went missing, adding that they were virtually still the same as when she had disappeared.

He later told police that two days after she died, he had put Ms Satchwells body into a chest freezer in the shed before moving her to a shallow grave beneath the stairs.

He said she died after he protected himself with a belt which was around her neck after she flew at him with a chisel.

In the 2021 interview with Det Sgt Noonan, Satchwell described the day he noticed his wife was missing  after returning from a trip to Dungarvan on Monday morning.

Satchwell said he noticed two suitcases were missing and a box of cash with the best part of 26,000 grand was empty.

He said the missing money did not bother him as Ms Satchwell did not trust him with the money and he would have spent it on her.

He added that he never said no to the woman and would dote on her.

He said he did not sleep that evening and was crying on a chair while one of their dogs licked his tears.

Satchwell said he was convinced she was at a relatives house.

He also said his doctor had told him during an appointment that it seemed planned and that she had gone off with somebody.

He went to gardai after the doctors appointment.

He told Det Sgt Noonan he 100% believed Ms Satchwell had gone to Fermoy, where she had relatives, before going anywhere else.

He said he did not believe rumours that she had gone away with someone else.

He also told the detective about their last night together with their usual nightly ritual of Ms Satchwell taking a bath, before he applied baby oil or lotion on to her body before giving her a foot rub.

He said she had spent a lot of time crying before she went but on what he said was their last night together, there was no tears and it was one of her better days.

He said he attributed the crying to either depression or because she had plans to leave her life behind.

He said the crying came after a relative of hers committed suicide.

The transcript also contained exchanges of Satchwell referring to his wifes belief that she may have been abused as a child.

When he was invited back to sign the transcript on January 23 2022, he added that he believed Ms Satchwell was first planning to leave four years before she did.

He said he had found letters from Littlewoods which said he was being added as a third party to her account which he believed was to get her own back for his time in England.

He added: I personally think she is still out there somewhere.

The trial continues.
The Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) carried out 53 missions in County Roscommon in 2024, according to the latest figures.

The Air Ambulance responds to a wide variety of critical incidents across the country.

Missions frequently involve significant trauma resulting from falls, road traffic collisions as well as medical emergencies.

The service provides rapid transport for patients of all ages, often to major trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin, such as Beaumont, Tallaght, and CHI Crumlin.

Figures released by the Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris detail the county-by-county breakdown of the 652 missions that took place last year, with 53 being recorded in Roscommon.

Senator Gareth Scahill has paid tribute to the team in our air ambulance service, that make such a difference to communities across the country, including in my own county of Roscommon and neighbouring counties Galway (57), Mayo (57), Westmeath (50), Longford (38) and Leitrim (27).

These figures demonstrate crucial role that the air ambulance service plays in providing rapid medical response to critical situations, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

This is a service that has saved lives and has been a gamechanger for both Rural and Urban Ireland.

Its a service that has ensured some of our sickest patients received emergency care at the most critical of periods. Its a service too that is provided 365 days of the year - making such an incredible difference to so many families the length and breadth of our State, said Senator Scahill.
This weekend three towns in County Roscommon will be holding Darkness Into Light Walks - Castlerea, Strokestown and Roscommon Town.

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta explains why the event is so vital:

Its never been more important for communities across Roscommon to support Darkness into Light as thousands are impacted by suicide in Ireland each year. In 2024, Pieta provided 338 free therapy hours to clients in Roscommon as well as hundreds more across the country.

Each year in Ireland, around 500 people die by suicide. One in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. These arent just numbers - behind each statistic is a son or daughter, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague.

Each life lost leaves behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions for families and communities. And the most painful truth of all? So many of these deaths could be prevented.

It's time to end the silence. We need to start having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm. Not just within families or friend groups, but across the entire fabric of society - from schools and workplaces to boardrooms and the halls of government.

On May 10th, Darkness Into Light returns for its 16th year. It remains not only Pietas largest fundraising event but also a powerful symbol of hope - a shared statement that we are willing to walk through the dark together, into light. Yet the darkness persists: suicide rates remain stubbornly high, and the demand for mental health support is growing.

The reality is stark. Almost 60% of those who access Pietas services are under 25. In an age dominated by social media, online comparison, academic pressures, economic uncertainty, and a seemingly relentless stream of global crises, young people are under extraordinary mental strain. Many are navigating these challenges without the tools or support they need, and the consequences can be devastating.

The reasons someone may feel suicidal or engage in self-harm are complex and deeply personal, but there are common threads. Young people today face pressure academically, socially, and emotionally. The always-on nature of social media can distort self-image and amplify feelings of inadequacy. Many face bullying or exclusion, both online and offline. Others struggle with anxiety about the future - climate change, job insecurity, the housing crisis. For some, its the weight of trauma, abuse, identity struggles, or simply the feeling that they dont belong. Access to timely mental health care remains inconsistent, and stigma still prevents many from reaching out before things become overwhelming.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 in Ireland. In 2021, 133 young men in this age bracket died by suicide - along with 39 young women. For a country as small as ours, these are not just shocking figures; they are a national crisis.

Pieta is doing everything it can to meet this crisis head-on. In 2024 alone, we delivered over 51,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and responded to more than 100,000 crisis calls and texts via our 24/7 helpline. But we are an organisation under pressure. The need far outweighs the resources.

Almost 85% of Pietas funding comes from community donations and public fundraising - and we are deeply grateful for every euro raised.

If we truly want to turn the tide on suicide, we need a whole-of-society approach. We need compassion, courage, and commitment - from communities, from businesses, from schools, and from our leaders.

Lets walk together. Lets talk openly. Lets ensure that no one feels they must face their darkest moments alone.
Laos steps up vigilance over anthrax outbreak

Xinhua) 15:45, May 05, 2025

VIENTIANE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has urged authorities and the public to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks of anthrax, following an outbreak reported in Mukdahan province in Thailand.

To prevent an outbreak, the ministry has issued a notice urging all relevant sectors, including residents and businesses, to suspend the import and transit of livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and related animal products from Thailand, according to the ministry's report on Monday.

Local officials, especially in border areas, have been instructed to strictly enforce disease control measures, including thorough inspections, a ban on animal imports from Thailand, and mandatory disinfection spraying of all vehicles entering Laos from Thailand.

Livestock owners are urged to closely monitor the health of their animals and immediately report any suspicious symptoms to the relevant authorities. The public is also advised to stay informed about anthrax risks, while vaccination campaigns, especially in high-risk areas, should be implemented without delay.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium, which occurs naturally in soil and mainly affects livestock and wild animals.

People can get sick with anthrax if they have contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu)
A man has his iris scanned with an orb, a biometric data scanning device, in exchange for the Worldcoin cryptocurrency in Buenos Aires on March 22, 2024. Photo by AFP

Indonesian authorities said they have suspended Worldcoin, the eyeball-scanning cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI chief Sam Altman under scrutiny in several countries.

Since Worldcoin launched in 2023, millions of people have had their iris patterns scanned to create a "World ID", proving they are human and allowing them to conduct transactions.

The data is encrypted and safe, according to Worldcoin, but it has run into trouble over concerns about the use of personal data including in Hong Kong, Kenya, Spain and Portugal.

Indonesia's suspension, announced on May 4, followed reports from the public over suspicious activities on the platform, a communication and digital ministry official said.

"The freezing is a preventive measure to prevent potential risk to the public," said Alexander Sabar, the ministry's director general for digital space supervision.

The government will also summon Worldcoin's local operators, PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, to provide clarification over their activities, he said.

The project aims to solve one of the main challenges facing the crypto industry that largely relies on pseudonyms to operate, leaving it vulnerable to spam bots and scams.

Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) told the project last May to stop scanning and collecting iris and face images after finding it breached privacy laws.

Portugal's data authority announced the suspension of Worldcoin in March 2024, citing concerns over data protection for minors, weeks after Spain's data protection agency also ordered the company to suspend its activities in the country.
Kharge alleges Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit Three days before the Pahalgam terror attack

Questioned why no proper action was taken to protect tourists and civilians despite receiving the intelligence warning.

Mallikarjun Kharge alleges Narendra Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit Three days before the Pahalgam attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his plan to visit Kashmir three days before the Pahalgam terror attack after receiving intelligence input about the possibility of a terror attack, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged on Tuesday.

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Addressing a 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Jharkhand, Mallikarjun Kharge questioned how the government handled the matter of the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives.

I have received information that three days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Modi, and based on that, he canceled his program to visit Kashmir. I also read this in a newspaper, Kharge alleged.The veteran leader Speaking about the intelligence failure, he said, A major terrorist attack took place in the country on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. There was an intelligence failure; the government has acknowledged it and said they will resolve it. But if they were aware of it, why wasnt anything done?

He reiterated the oppositions support for the government in whatever strong decisions the center takes against Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

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The country comes first; everything else is secondary. We have made sacrifices for this nation, Kharge said.

Reacting to Kharges statement, BJP leader CR Kesavan called his remarks treacherous and compared him to modern-day Mir Jaffar.

He has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jaffar. His toxic, baseless, and unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Mr. Kharge's remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and cannot be forgiven, BJP leader CR Kesavan said.

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He demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge and said the Congress President should come clear on what kind of inputs he received to make such outrageous remarks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharges statement comes in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri pony ride operator. The attack took place at the meadows of Baisaran, which are inaccessible by vehicles. There was no security presence when the attack occurred, and about 2,000 tourists were present at the time of the attack, according to reports.

(For More News, Mallikarjun Kharge alleges Narendra Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit Three days before the Pahalgam attack, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Pakistans Closed-Door Consultation with UNSC: Tough Questions Raised, Accountability Emphasized (Representative Image/ANI)

Many members of the 15-nation Security Council also expressed concern over Pakistans recent missile tests and warned Pakistan.

Pakistans UNSC consultation session amid rising India Pakistan tensions, Latest news: The United Nations Security Council members posed tough questions to Pakistan at its informal closed-door session on Monday afternoon, ANI reported, citing sources. Pakistan was advised by the Council to resolve the tensions bilaterally with India.

The 15-nation Security Council held meetings on Monday amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The consultation was requested by Pakistan, and no statement was issued by the UN body after the closed consultation. The presidency for the month of May is currently held by Greece. Pakistan is one of the 10 non-permanent members of the Council.

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India last served as a non-permanent member in 20212022. Non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms.

According to the report, the UN Security Council raised tough questions during the closed-door consultation. The members did not accept Pakistan's false flag narrative. Pakistan was asked whether Lashkar-e-Taiba was likely involved in the terror attack.

The Resistance Front, a shadow group of Lashkar-e-Taibaa Pakistan-based terrorist organizationclaimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.

Following the attack, Pakistans Defence Minister, in a conversation with Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim, admitted to the country's history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organizations. He said Pakistan had been doing the dirty work for the West for decades.

During the closed-door consultation on Monday afternoon, members strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack and emphasized the need for accountability. Some members, according to sources cited in the report, specifically mentioned that the Pahalgam victims were killed after being asked for their religious identification.

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Many members of the 15-nation Security Council also expressed concern over Pakistans recent missile tests and warned that Pakistans nuclear rhetoric was an escalatory factor in tensions with India.

Pakistan conducted a training launch of its Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of 120 kilometers, as part of the ongoing military exercise "Ex INDUS" amid rising tensions with India. This launch, carried out on May 5, 2025, followed a previous test of the Abdali missile systemwith a range of 450 kilometersconducted just two days earlier.

Following the April 22 terror attack, India took several punitive diplomatic measures. The Indus Water Treaty was held in abeyance, and India initiated steps to fully utilize water from the three western rivers. De-silting of dams on the tributaries of the Indus River began. India has reduced 90% of the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. De-silting operations are also to be carried out at the Kishanganga Dam. India is exploring all possible ways to utilize As reported by Dawn News, the water flow in the Chenab River, recorded at the Marala Headworks, decreased from 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to about 3,100 cusecs on Monday morning.

The Chenab is one of the main rivers that irrigate large parts of Punjab province, Pakistans breadbasket. Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan (brokered by the World Bank), the Chenab is classified as a Western River, along with the Jhelum and Indus.

The Chenab and its tributaries are also essential for hydroelectric power generation in Pakistan. Dams like Marala, Khanki, and Trimmu are built on it to support both electricity and irrigation needs.

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Following the terror attack in Pahalgams Baisaran Meadows, both Pakistan and India have banned each others airspace.

Lufthansa Airlines suspended operations via Pakistani airspace on Monday amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring nations. Lufthansa is Germany's flag carrier and one of the worlds leading airlines, renowned for its extensive global network and commitment to quality service.

( For more news, apart from 'Pakistans UNSC consultation session amid rising India Pakistan tensions, Latest news, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
CM Bhagwant Mann Speaks On 'Guru Nanak Jahaz' Movie, History, and Future of Punjab

He also discussed future events in Punjab, such as a mock drill on the 7th of May and a blackout for safety training.

CM Bhagwant Mann Speaks On 'Guru Nanak Jahaz' Movie, History, and Future of Punjab latest news: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently addressed a press conference regarding the Punjabi film Guru Nanak Jahaz. He complemented the film and its attempts to portray significant aspects of Sikh and Indian history. CM Mann said that he had watched the film and it had him reminiscing about school on Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna

and the Komagata Maru incident.

He remarked, "It's difficult to present such deep and vast history in a single movie. But the new producers have done an excellent job." He was thankful to the team for putting extra efforts to get things like costumes, vintage cars, and historical backgrounds right. He further commented, "Punjabi cinema is expanding. We do have a rich past that could be turned into so many movies, but we need to conduct proper research."

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CM Mann also disclosed that films produced last year on Bhagat Singh were not always factually correct. "Some films have depicted Bhagat Singh's life incorrectly. We should be cautious with facts," he stated.

He also discussed future events in Punjab, such as a mock drill on the 7th of May and a blackout for safety training.

Discussing national matters, CM Mann spoke regarding the BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board). He informed that Punjab and Haryana each have one vote, but Punjab gets 60% of the water. "Why should we approach court for something which is already evident?" he questioned.

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On security matters, he reacted strongly to the Pahalgam attack and issued a message to Pakistan. He stated, "Dialogue, dance, and bloodshed cannot occur simultaneously." He told that he used to collaborate with Pakistani actors during comedy performances, and even they used to say, "Win the war if you want, but after witnessing hunger, you'll come back in an hour."

CM Mann concluded the press conference thanking the filmmakers, motivating young creatives, and asking everyone to safeguard and share Punjab's actual history.

(For More News Apart CM Bhagwant Mann Speaks On 'Guru Nanak Jahaz' Movie, History, and Future of Punjab stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
India-Pakistan war: Mock drills in these Punjabi states (representative Image, image courtesy/ OneIndia)

In Punjab, 16 districts fall under Category 2, and three districts fall under Category 3.

India-Pakistan war, Mock drills in these Punjabi states, latest news: In Punjab, a mock drill has been announced for May 7 and will be conducted in 19 districts of the state, as per directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). On Monday, the MHA directed all states to carry out these drills to evaluate civil defence preparedness amid rising tensions with Pakistan.

For the purpose of conducting the mock drills, districts have been classified into three categories. In Punjab, 16 districts fall under Category 2, and three districts fall under Category 3. No district in Punjab has been placed under Category 1.

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The Category 2 districts in Punjab are Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Barnala, Bhakra-Nangal, Halwara, Kotkapura, Batala, Mohali (SAS Nagar), and Abohar.

The Category 3 districts are Faridkot, Ropar (Rupnagar), and Sangrur.

A mock drill is a practice exercise conducted to prepare people for real-life emergency situations. The primary aim of this drill is to assess the efficiency of air raid warning systems, operational readiness of hotline/radio communication links with the Indian Air Force, and to test the functionality of control rooms.

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The drill will also include Training civilians and students on how to protect themselves during hostile attacks, testing blackout protocols, camouflaging key infrastructure and rehearsing evacuation plans.

The nationwide mock drill will be held across 244 civil defence districts, following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The attack, reportedly linked to Pakistan-based elements, has led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan.

On May 6, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with the Chief Secretaries of all states to coordinate the civil defence preparedness measures.

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This will be the first time since the 1971 India-Pakistan war that such a nationwide civil defence mock drill is being carried out.

( For more news, apart from 'India-Pakistan war, Mock drills in these Punjabi states, latest news, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Changes on the political scene

The victory of the self-proclaimed sovereigntist candidate in the first round of the presidential elections triggered major political shifts in Romania

Marcel Ciolacu (sursa foto: gov. ro)

Stefan Stoica, 06.05.2025, 14:00

The traditional political system is reeling after the first round of the presidential elections, decisively won by the ultranationalist populist George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party. With over 40 percent, Simion starts as the favorite in the decisive round on May 18 against the independent Nicusor Dan, the pro-Western mayor of Bucharest, who collected half of the formers votes. The withdrawal from the race of Crin Antonescu, the joint candidate of the PSD  PNL  UDMR governing coalition, a new major setback for the big traditional parties after last years cancelled presidential election, has led the Social Democrats to leave the coalition, which they say no longer has legitimacy.

As a result, the Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu resigned from the executive leadership. The Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, also interim leader of the PNL, was appointed interim prime minister. The Social-Democratic ministers will, however, ensure the interim in office alongside their liberal colleagues and those from Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians (UDMR), who remain in the government, for a period that cannot exceed 45 days. On the other hand, PSD has decided not to publicly support either of the two candidates. This, despite its membership in the family of European socialists and, implicitly, in the large family of democratic parties on the continent, which would have imposed, commentators say, an unreserved positioning alongside Nicusor Dan.

The PNL did not do the same: the partys National Permanent Bureau voted unanimously to support the independent candidate Nicusor Dan in the second round of the presidential elections. Extremism must be stopped from reaching the Cotroceni Palace (ed.  the headquarters of the presidency), stressed Catalin Predoiu. According to him, at the moment, Romanians are interested in two things  what happens with the presidential elections and what happens with the management of the country.

From the pro-Western opposition, the leader  how else if not interim?  of the Save Romania Union (USR), Dominic Fritz, has stated that Romania is in a state crisis, one of institutions and one of trust, and that all parties should start a cleansing program. Fritz ensures the interim leadership of the USR after the resignation of Elena Lasconi, on Monday, following the very low score she got in the presidential race. Elena Lasconi is the same one who qualified, alongside the extremist Calin Georgescu, in the second round of last years presidential elections, cancelled due to the flaws of the electoral process in favor of the latter. USR supports Nicusor Dan without reservations in the second round. The two components of the executive binomial, the presidency and the government, currently have interim leaderships. After May 18, there is a chance of getting out of the sign of provisionality and uncertainties, but in only one scenario: the victory of the pro-Western candidate. (MI)
Choose Europe for science

The European Union wants to invest 500 million Euros to attract researchers.

Photographer: Dati Bendo European Union, 2025 Source: EC - Audiovisual Service

Roxana Vasile, 06.05.2025, 13:50

Paris hosted the conference Choose Europe for Science on Monday, backed by the presence of the French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The two want to attract foreign researchers, especially those from the US, who are threatened by the policies of the Trump administration, which has reduced funding for research programs, especially those related to climate change. The administration has also threatened to completely eliminate funding for some universities if they do not take action against student activism and do not stop programs aimed at diversity. The President of the European Commission announced that the European Union will propose a new package of 500 million Euros for the period 2025-2027, to make Europe a pole of attraction for European researchers, and also for foreign ones from around the world. The role of science is being questioned today. Investments in basic, free and open research are being questioned. What a big miscalculation! Science is the key to our future here in Europe Ursula von der Leyen emphasized.

The conference, which brought together European commissioners, representatives of European universities and research ministers in the historic headquarters of the prestigious Sorbonne university campus in the heart of Paris, had been announced by President Emmanuel Macron in mid-April, at the same time with the launch of the Choose France for Science platform. According to the Elysee Palace, the aim of these projects is to show, at a time when academic freedoms are facing setbacks or threats, that Europe is a continent of attractiveness. We must create the necessary conditions for an ambitious, demanding and supportive reception and research policy, said the French Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research, Elisabeth Borne, in the opening of the Choose Europe for Science conference. The European Union hosts 25% of the worlds researchers and every Euro invested currently through the Horizon Europe framework program will generate 11 Euros in GDP gains by 2045  said, in turn, the European Commissioner for Research, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

Given that, in France and Europe, salaries and amounts allocated to researchers and research are far below those in the United States, Ursula von der Leyen mentioned, on Monday, other measures for Europe to solve its shortcomings  a European innovation law or a strategy for start-ups aimed at reducing bureaucracy and stimulating access to capital. Let us also say that, currently, Romania has the smallest budget for research in the European Union  under 0.5% of the GDP. (LS)
Gold traded up more than 1 percent to hit a one-week high on Tuesday as Middle East tensions intensified and U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on movies produced overseas, reigniting concerns about the potential fallout of a global trade war.

Spot gold climbed 1.2 percent to $3,372.27 per ounce in early European trade, while U.S. gold futures were up 1.8 percent at $3,382.46.

Six airstrikes hit Yemen's Hodeidah port, a day after the Iran-aligned Houthis fired a missile that landed near Israel's main airport in Tel Aviv. Several countries, including France and China, have strongly condemned Israel's plan to take full control of Gaza.

On the trade front, Trump's announcement of a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made movies has sent ripples through global circles. Industry figures are wondering how the proposal could possibly work.

In another development, Trump has signed an executive order as part of efforts to rebuild U.S. prescription drug manufacturing, with an eye on reducing reliance on foreign-made medicines.

Trump also warned that he will impose import tariffs on the pharma sector in the next two weeks.

All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve's policy meeting that gets underway later today. Policymakers are expected to keep rates steady, but Chair Jerome Powell's remarks could offer guidance in these uncertain times.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
German stocks are down sharply on Tuesday with investors reacting to the first round of voting in the nation's Parliament Election. The failure of Conservative leader Friedrich Merz to secure the required parliamentary majority to become chancellor has dealt a big blow to his coalition with center-left Social Democrats.

Investors are also focusing on corporate earnings updates, and looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy announcement due on Wednesday.

The benchmark DAX, which tumbled to 22,857.38 earlier in the session, was down 344.83 points or 1.48% at 22,990.59 a little while ago.

German automotive parts maker Continental AG shares are down 0.6%. The company reported a net income of 68 million euros in its first quarter, compared to a loss of 53 million euros a year ago. Earnings per share were 0.34 euro, compared to loss of 0.27 euro last year.

Covestro reported that its first quarter net loss was 160 million euros compared to a loss of 35 million euros, last year. Loss per share was 0.85 euros compared to a loss of 0.19 euros. The stock is trading flat.

HUGO BOSS reported an 8% drop in net income at 35 million euros in the first-quarter, compared to a year ago. Earnings per share was 0.51 euros compared to 0.55 euros. The stock is up more than 4.5%.

MTU Aero Engines is declining more than 4%. BASF, Porsche, Rheinmetall, Infineon Technologies, Daimler Truck Holding, Deutsche Bank and Siemens are down 3 to 3.5%.

Siemens, Heidelberg Materials, Siemens Energy, SAP, Commerzbank, Zalando, Bayer, Volkswagen, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also notably lower.

Fresenius Medical Care is rising 3.6% on strong results.

On the economic front, the HCOB Germany Composite PMI was revised higher to 50.1 in April 2025 from a preliminary of 49.7, and compared to 51.3 in March.

The services sector slipped into contraction with the PMI falling to 49 in April from a reading of 50.9 9 in March. Meanwhile, manufacturing activity remained depressed with the manufacturing PMI coming in at 48.4 in April, compared to 48.3 in March.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
The United States has imposed Sanctions on a Myanmar warlord and militia over their links to cyber scam operations.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned the Karen National Army as a transnational criminal organization, along with the group's leader Saw Chit Thu and his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, for their role in facilitating cyber scams that harm U.S. citizens, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling.

The KNA-controlled region, located on the Thai-Myanmar border, is home to multiple cyber scam syndicates, and the KNA has benefitted from its connection to Myanmar's military in its criminal operations; American victims of cyber scams like the ones emanating from Myanmar have collectively lost billions of dollars over the last three years, the Treasury said in a press release.

"Cyber scam operations, such as those run by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates, while depriving victims of their hard-earned savings and sense of security," said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender. "Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those who seek to profit from these criminal schemes."

A significant portion of cyber scam operations targeting Americans and others around the globe emanate from Southeast Asia, according to the Department of the Treasury.

Estimates indicate Americans are suffering increasing financial losses as a result of these sophisticated cyber scams originating from Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries, amounting to more than $2 billion in 2022 and $3.5 billion in 2023.

The KNA is headquartered in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy Township in Myanmar's southeast Karen State along the border with Thailand. The KNA has leveraged its former role as a Border Guard Force with the military to facilitate a transborder criminal empire; the majority of cyber scam syndicates in Karen State operate in the KNA-controlled border region.

As the leader of the KNA, Saw Chit Thu has emerged as one of the central figures in Myanmar's scam , facilitating transnational crimes in a KNA-controlled zone along the border with Thailand.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM/GAZA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that the country's new offensive in the Gaza Strip would be "intensive," referring to a plan approved by his security cabinet on escalating the ongoing campaign in Gaza.

The security cabinet voted overnight in favor of the plan, under which Israel would expand the offensive to seize Gaza, control aid, and relocate the population to the south of the enclave.

"We are on the eve of an intensified incursion into Gaza," Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media platform X, adding that the goals of the operation are to "defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages."

He noted that under the plan, Israel would shift its current strategy, moving from withdrawal after destroying Hamas' military capabilities to retaining control over seized Gaza territory.

People attend a rally near the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, March 19, 2025. A mass rally broke out in Jerusalem on Wednesday, protesting against Israel's resumption of military operations in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

However, the new offensive plan has sparked controversy among the senior ranks of the Israeli military.

Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir told ministers during a security cabinet meeting early on Monday that, according to the army's assessment, the new operation "would endanger the lives of the hostages," Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported.

Nitzan Alon, the military's hostage affairs coordinator, echoed the concern. According to Israel's Channel 12 News, Alon also told ministers that the offensive "puts the hostages at risk."

The stronger the military strikes, "the more violent the militants become, taking out their frustration on the hostages," he said.

Earlier in the day, a senior Israeli security official told Xinhua that Israel has given Hamas a "window of opportunity" until mid-May to reach a hostage deal before implementing the newly approved operation plan.

"There is a window of opportunity to reach a hostage deal ... before the conclusion of U.S. President (Donald) Trump's visit to the region," he said. Trump is expected to tour the Middle East from May 13 to 16, with planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Palestinians search for survivors after an Israeli shelling in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on May 2, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The Israeli official added that Israel insists on the deal presented by Netanyahu in early March, which includes the release of additional Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and a promise to discuss a long-term truce.

"If no hostage deal is reached, the expanded operation will begin with full intensity and will not end until all its objectives are achieved," he cautioned. "Unlike in the past, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will remain in every area it seizes to prevent the return of terror activity," the official noted.

He said Israel would lift the blockade on humanitarian aid only after launching the expanded operation, and a "mass evacuation" of civilians toward southern Gaza would be conducted. Meanwhile, the aid distribution, he said, would be carried out by "civilian contractors" in "secured zones under IDF's control," including "a sterile area" to be established in Rafah, southern Gaza.

"Under any temporary or permanent arrangements, Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza," he said.

Palestinians receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

On Monday, Hamas denounced Israel's new aid distribution plan as "political blackmail." In a press statement, Hamas argued that the plan would convert humanitarian aid into a political tool, violate international law, and contribute to "starvation and forced displacement" in the coastal enclave. Notably, the faction has yet to make a response to the Israeli threat to expand its military campaign.

Israel has prevented goods and supplies from entering Gaza since March 2, after the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas expired. It argued that the aid blockade aims to prevent Hamas from seizing control of supplies and to pressure the faction into accepting its offer for extending the first phase of the truce deal.

On March 18, Israel resumed military assaults in Gaza, effectively ending the phased truce. According to an update by the health authorities in Gaza on Monday, the renewed Israeli strikes have killed 2,459 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 52,567.

Several rounds of mediated talks have been held recently, but all have failed to restore the Gaza ceasefire due to differences between the parties.

Editor: ZAD
Euro area private sector growth weakened in April as soft demand conditions limited the speed of expansion and weighed on sentiment, final results of the purchasing managers' survey by S&P Global showed on Tuesday.

The HCOB final composite output index fell to 50.4 in April from 50.9 in March, but the reading suggested growth for the fourth straight month. However, the score remained close to the neutral mark of 50, signalling weak growth.



The upturn was entirely driven by the manufacturing sector, where output grew at its fastest rate since March 2022. Meanwhile, there was a near-stagnation of activity in the services industry.

Among major economies, France remained the outlier, registering a contraction for the eighth month.

Italy posted the fastest growth in nearly a year, but trailed Spain's upturn, despite growth there easing to a 15-month low. Germany's private sector moved closer to stagnation.

Germany's composite PMI eased to 50.1 in April from 51.3 in March but above the flash score of 49.7. This followed growth in each of the last three months of the year. A fall in services activity counteracted a faster growth in manufacturing output.

Services activity shrank for the first time since November last year. The services PMI fell to 49.0 from 50.9 in March. The flash reading was 48.8.



France's private sector posted its eighth straight monthly decline in April. The final composite indicator came in at 47.8 compared to 48.0 in March. The flash reading was 47.3.

The service sector drove the downturn as manufacturing production rose for the first time in nearly three years. The services PMI slid to 47.3 from 47.9 in the previous month. The initial score was 46.8.

Italy's private sector grew the most in eleven months in April. The composite output index climbed to 52.1 from 50.5 in the previous month.

Services activity grew at a faster pace, while the downturn in manufacturing neared stabilization. The services PMI rose unexpectedly to 52.9 from 52.0 a month ago. The score was forecast to ease to 51.3.

Private sector activity in Spain continued to expand but growth retained its downward trend as service sector grew at a slower pace and manufacturing output fell for the first time since last August.



The composite index recorded 52.5 in April, down from 54.0 in March. The services PMI declined to 53.4 from 54.7 a month ago.

Germany is expected to soon outpace Italy thanks to a generous fiscal package, while France is likely to remain at the bottom for now due to its uncertain political climate, Hamburg Commercial Bank Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia said.

The PMI survey revealed that a sustained period of weak demand has restricted economic growth in the euro area. Both manufacturers and service providers noted weaker sales in April partly due to lower demand for exports.

Private sector employment increased again in April. However, workforce expansions were seen in the service sector only as manufacturing jobs were cut for a twenty-third month in a row.

Year-ahead expectations for activity in the private sector were their weakest in 18 months, reflecting lower levels of positive sentiment at both manufacturers and service providers.

Turning to prices, the PMI survey showed that input cost pressures eased to their weakest in five months, while output charges logged its slowest increase in 2025 so far.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Embraer S.A. reported first quarter net income to shareholders of $73.4 million compared to $28.7 million, prior year. Net income per ADS was $0.3997, compared to $0.1563. Adjusted net loss was $73.6 million for the quarter compared to a loss of $12.8 million a year ago. Consolidated revenue was $1.10 billion, a 23% increase from a year ago.

For 2025, from an operations point of view, Embraer reiterated the estimates for Commercial Aviation deliveries between 77 and 85 aircraft, and Executive Aviation deliveries between 145 and 155. From a financial point of view, the company forecasts revenues in the $7.0 to $7.5 billion range, and adjusted EBIT margin between 7.5% and 8.3%.

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Justice Department has announced that it has opened a civil rights investigation into the passage of Washington State Senate Bill 5375, signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson, because it appears to violate the First Amendment.

Washington State's new law adds "members of the clergy" to a list of other professionals who are required to report information received in a confessional setting relating to child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or other state authorities, with no exception for the absolute seal of confidentiality that applies to Catholic Priests.

Furthermore, the State of Washington's new law singles out "members of the clergy" as the only "supervisors" who may not rely on applicable legal privileges, including religious confessions, as a defense to mandatory reporting.

The Civil Rights Division will investigate the apparent conflict between Washington State's new law with the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment, a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), one of the countrys most trusted automotive brands, marked its 29th Foundation Day today. Since its inception on May 6, 1996, HMIL has become a pillar of Indias automotive transformation, having sold over 12.7 million vehiclesincluding more than 3.7 million exports to over 150 countries.

Celebrating nearly three decades in India, Hyundai has invested over USD 6 billion to scale its operations. With its roots in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, the brand began production in September 1998, establishing Indias first integrated car manufacturing plant outside Korea. Since then, Hyundais product lineupfrom the iconic Santro to the popular Creta and the futuristic Ioniq 5  has reshaped the Indian auto landscape.

Expanding Footprint: New Talegaon Facility

To meet rising demand, HMIL is preparing to commence operations at its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Talegaon, Maharashtra, in Q4 of calendar year 2025. This will help HMIL increase its total annual production capacity to 1 million units. Additionally, a Rs 1,500 crore investment has been earmarked for modernising the Chennai facility.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, said, Envisioning India at the heart of global manufacturing and commerce, Hyundai began its journey with the country 29 years ago with a vision of mutual progress. Today, we take immense pride in how far we have come  not just providing smart mobility solutions, but a future that reflects innovation, sustainability and a deep connection with our customers. Guided by our global vision of Progress for Humanity, HMIL will continue to drive transformation in products and services, while contributing meaningfully to the society.

Exports and Global Impact

From SANTRO, to CRETA, to IONIQ 5, to IPO  Hyundai Motor Indias growth story is intertwined with the journey of India. India now contributes 18.5% to Hyundai Motor Companys global sales volumes (CY 2024), highlighting the strategic importance of HMILs operations. Hyundai continues to be Indias top passenger car exporter since inception. Key export milestones include:

 0.5 million in 2008

 1 million in 2010

 2 million in 2014

 3 million in 2020

 3.7 million in 2025

CSR Commitment  #SeedsofGood

Beyond automobiles, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has invested Rs 400 crore in community initiatives over the past five years, benefiting over 2 million lives annually. These efforts span across the themes of Earth, Mobility, and Hope. Through initiatives that include livelihood generation, HMIF has facilitated over Rs 40 crore in income opportunities for local communities.

As Hyundai enters its 30th year in India, the company pledges to continue leading with innovation, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable growth. From electric mobility to community upliftment, HMIL is committed to driving progress for India and its people.
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)

Editor: ZAD
Zelenskyy during meeting with Ukrainians in Czech Republic: Justice important for restoration of Ukraine, for people's desire to live here

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, during a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Prague, emphasized that unity within Europe and between all key partners of Ukraine is extremely important for a just end to the war, the press service of the head of state reports.

First, we need to reach an unconditional ceasefire. Then, using that time, we must find steps that lead to a durable and just peace for Ukraine. Justice is important for Ukraines recovery and for peoples desire to live in Ukraine, to return to Ukraine, said Zelenskyy.

The President thanked Czechia for its ongoing defense support  particularly for the artillery initiative, the decision to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, and cooperation with Czech defense companies.

He also noted the development of bilateral economic cooperation and the steps being taken to increase trade between the two countries.

The President stressed that it is already time to think about Ukraines postwar reconstruction so that the state and businesses can work together with partners to rebuild in the future.

As noted, other key topics of discussion included advocacy for Ukraines EU membership and attracting foreign investment.
Sub-Neptunes are high-occurrence exoplanets that have no solar system analog. Much smaller than gas giants and typically cooler than hot-Jupiter exoplanets, these worlds were extremely challenging to observe before the launch of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. Many of sub-Neptunes appear to be very highly obscured by clouds and hazes, which have made it impossible to determine their atmospheric makeup. Now, astronomers using Webb have captured the transmission spectrum of the sub-Neptune TOI-421b and uncovered the chemical fingerprints of its atmosphere.

TOI-421 is a solar-type star located about 245 light-years away in the constellation of Lepus.

Also known as BD-14 1137, the star is approximately 10 billion years old, and hosts at least two massive exoplanets.

The inner planet, TOI-421b, is a sub-Neptune with a radius of 2.65 Earth radii and notably a high equilibrium temperature of 647 degrees Celsius (1,197 degrees Fahrenheit).

Before Webb, scientists had very little information on sub-Neptunes, said University of Maryland astronomer Brian Davenport and his colleagues.

While they are a few times larger than Earth, these planets are still much smaller than gas giants 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 features  the chemical fingerprints that would reveal the composition of the atmosphere  they saw only a flat-line spectrum.

They concluded from all of those flat-line spectra that at least certain sub-Neptunes were probably very highly obscured by either clouds or hazes.

Why did we observe this planet, TOI-421b? Its because we thought that maybe it wouldnt have hazes, said University of Maryland astronomer Eliza 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 577 degrees Celsius (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 shouldnt have methane and therefore perhaps shouldnt have haze.

The temperature of TOI-421b is about 727 degrees Celsius (1,340 degrees Fahrenheit), well above the presumed threshold.

Without haze or clouds, the astronomers expected to see a clear atmosphere  and they did.

We saw spectral features that we attribute to various gases, and that allowed us to determine the composition of the atmosphere, Davenport said.

Whereas with many of the other sub-Neptunes that had been previously observed, we know their atmospheres are made of something, but theyre being blocked by haze.

The researchers found water vapor in the atmosphere of TOI-421b, as well as tentative signatures of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

Then there are molecules they didnt detect, such as methane and carbon dioxide.

From the data, they can also infer that a large amount of hydrogen is in the planets atmosphere.

The lightweight hydrogen atmosphere was the big surprise to the scientists.

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, Dr. Kempton said.

This suggests TOI-421b may have formed and evolved differently from the cooler sub-Neptunes observed previously.

The hydrogen-dominated atmosphere is also interesting because it mimics the composition of TOI-421bs host star.

If you just took the same gas that made the host star, plopped it on top of a planets 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.

The teams paper was published this week in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

_____

Brian Davenport et al. 2025. TOI-421b: A Hot Sub-Neptune with a Haze-free, Low Mean Molecular Weight Atmosphere. ApJL 984, L44; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adcd76
At a conference in Washington D.C. in 2000, the secretoglobin super family of proteins was named to classify proteins with structural similarities to its founding member uteroglobin. Now, 25 years later, there is still little known about the basic functions of these proteins, prompting researchers at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology to dive into their evolutionary origins.

This bioinformatic survey reported that secretoglobins, or SCGBs -- originally thought to be exclusive to mammals -- are also found in turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and birds. These new findings, published in Genome Biology and Evolution, suggest that these proteins evolved earlier than dinosaurs and share a basic function that is not yet discovered.

"We have a series of Scgb genes within the human genome, but no one knows what their function is," said Christina Laukaitis (EIRH/RBTE), a clinical associate professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. "If we want to understand ourselves, we have to understand what we share and don't share with other organisms. We hope that by identifying what other organisms have these genes, we can determine a shared protein function."

"A first principle of biology is the question of structure versus function," said Bob Karn (GNDP), a professor in the department of biomedical and translational sciences at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. "This is a classic case where we know the SCGBs' structures, but in most cases, not their functions."

While their main biological functions are still unknown, researchers have shown that Scgb genes which encode SCGB proteins are expressed in secretory epithelial tissues. Further, dysregulation of these genes may have implications in lung and respiratory tract diseases, kidney disease, inflammation, and cancer.

"However, none of these are basic functions, but rather what they do in the right circumstances," Laukaitis said.

The challenge is that SCGBs are mainly studied in the context human health and disease and in common model organisms like mice, rats, and rabbits. From this limited vantage point, much of the story is incomplete, making it difficult to pinpoint the basic functions of these proteins.

"No one has looked beyond mammals, so the basic question we're asking is whether we can find SCGBs in non-mammals. This was a bioinformatics survey of all the available genomes of different groups of organisms to figure out who has the different members of this secretoglobin family, essentially a comparative genomics project" Laukaitis said.

Karn and Laukaitis performed a deep dive into animal genomes, using bioinformatic methods to search for Scgb genes. Some of the genes identified in the study were previously predicted using the NIH's National Center for Biotechnology Information algorithms. However, they were never curated for their structural characteristics or officially published in the scientific literature. Using comparative genomics, Karn also discovered new gene sequences by manually employing the BLAT tool on the University of California, Santa Cruz's genome browser for gene sequence alignments and then building SCGB phylogenies.

The overall results of their study were surprising. Not only are SCGBs found beyond mammals, but they have a widespread presence across different species of turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and birds. Furthermore, the data suggest that SCGBs evolved in early aminotes 320 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period, before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

"Secretoglobins seem to be an amniote invention," Karn said.

Amniota, reptiles that don't need to lay their eggs in water, is a major group of vertebrate terrestrial and semiaquatic tetrapods which consists of two main clades, synapsids and sauropsids. Humans and other mammals are part of the synapsid clade.

"When we went back to amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, there were no indications of any Scgb genes. So, it seems to be a very clear-cut line," Karn said.

Establishing the evolutionary origin of these proteins lays the groundwork for future studies to investigate the basic shared functions of the SCGB protein family. One hypothesis that the team has confirmed is that one group of SCGBs play a role in animal communication.

"That group of SCGBs is called Androgen Binding Proteins, or ABPs, and they are only found in mammals. In our work with mice, we found them only in the glands of the face and neck. Since the first thing that rodents do when they meet each other is sniff around each other's faces and necks, that suggests a kind of recognition function" Karn said. "And our further work showed that they prefer to mate with mice that share their own type of ABP. In other words, they mediate sexual selection in the mouse population."

Moving forward, Karn and Laukaitis plan to explore this hypothesis more and hope that overall, their findings bring a renewed excitement for this field of research.

Karn said, "A lot of these SCGBs could be valuable for medical issues. Since nobody knows what these small cytokine-like proteins do, they might very well be involved in something we need to know about. The group of evolutionary biologists and geneticists that ran the meeting 25 years ago essentially have all retired, so we're hoping that more people will get interested this area."
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 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 a 1/3 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 amongst the rat population would be really helpful."

This project was supported by the National Institutes of Health under award numbers R01AI172924 and K-24 AI 106822 (Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases); K08ES035460 (Institute of Environmental Health Sciences); and KL2TR002545 (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences). This research was supported in part by an appointment to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Research Participation Program administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ORISE is managed by ORAU under DOE contract number DE-SC0014664. Complete information on authors, methodology, funders, and conflicts of interest is available in the published paper.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.
Physically punishing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has exclusively negative outcomes -- including poor health, lower academic performance, and impaired social-emotional development -- yielding similar results to studies in wealthier nations, finds a new analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour. In 2006, the United Nations 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 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.

This research was coauthored by Elizabeth T. Gershoff of the University of Texas at Austin, Drew H. Bailey of the University of California, Irvine, Maria Alejandra Gutierrez of Yale University, and Dana C. McCoy of Harvard University.

This research was supported by a National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship, the American Psychological Foundation, the Society for Research in Child Development, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P2CHD042849).
EPFL atmospheric and climate scientists show that biological particles may induce rain events that could contribute to flooding and snowstorms, owing to their ability to precipitate ice formation in clouds. They call for an update of meteorological and climate models.

Clouds form upon existing particles in the atmosphere and extreme weather events like flooding and snowstorms are related to 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 the Nature Portofolio Journal 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, whom lead 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 in account air samples and their biological content collected at Mount Helmos, an alpine area located in Greece. The mountain reaches an altitude of 2350m, 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 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 droplet and ice formation. A full suite of cloud radars, aerosol lidars, UAVs, tethered balloons and direct sampling of air (with and without clouds) is used to characterize -- with unprecedented detail -- how 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."
The ambient temperature has a profound impact on the physiology and behaviour 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 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 percent of its current range by 2100 -- driven 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 now is a postdoc at the University of Luxembourg and senior author Dr Shannon Currie now is a lecturer at the University of Melbourne. The paper is published in the scientific journal Ecology Letters.

Energy expenditure is closely linked to ambient temperature. When conditions become unfavourable, 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 modelling more difficult," explains Shannon Currie. "So, it's still unclear how climate change will impact these species." To investigate how this essential life-history trait affect their survival in warmer winters, Kseniia Kravchenko and her colleagues conducted two experiments: " We assessed how much time common noctules, which are bats weighing around 30 grams, spent in torpor -- the physiological state animals enter during hibernation -- at 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.

Models 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 over whole Europe. They compared energy budgets using historical data (1901-2019) as well as under future projections (2019-2100) 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 modelling 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 percent in its original size."

Hibernation areas are expected to shift and expand further north- and eastwards

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 northwards -- the southern limit even more so than the northern limit. Since 1901, the suitable wintering grounds have already moved about 260 kilometres northward. "The current spread towards the northeast is predicted to continue by about 80 kilometres 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 scenario -- where emissions are expected to increase, winter temperatures to rise by 2.35C and average hibernation seasons to shorten by 41 days -- this 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 kilometres in only a few decades as previous studies of 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 hibernation -- such as appropriate hibernation sites and food availability before the start of the winter -- are 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 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.
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 May 5 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, 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.

The new study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, and by the Academy of Finland.
European Solidarity faction in Ukrainian parliament wants to know how minerals deal to help end war  MP Gerashchenko

Following the conciliation council, European Solidarity is demanding a meeting with members of the negotiating team on the minerals agreement, said Iryna Gerashchenko, co-chair of the parliamentary faction.

"The conciliation council on the minerals agreement has just concluded. Together with Artur Herasymov, we outlined European Solidarity's position. We are insisting on a meeting between the factions and President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal, and the members of the negotiating team, and on briefing MPs on the details of the investment fund charter that is to be established, as well as on the limited partnership agreement," she wrote on Facebook.

According to Gerashchenko, they also want answers on how the ratification of the agreement will contribute to ending the war and achieving a just peace  and why neither Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal nor the President signed the document.

"We support a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States and informed, deliberate voting," Gerashchenko said.

She noted that the signatory of the agreement is Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, who, along with other officials, will meet with all parliamentary factions. "Faction leaders also backed European Solidarity's call for an open discussion of the agreement at a session of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, which will be held tomorrow, May 6," she added.

"I do not rule out that, alongside the agreement, the Verkhovna Rada may also adopt a resolution with specific reservations regarding Ukraine's international legal obligations in the context of the documents under discussion," Gerashchenko concluded.

As reported, the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs is the lead body responsible for preparing bill No. 0309  on the ratification of the agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United States on the creation of a U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund  for consideration at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada.
Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptors -- harriers.

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 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 PhD 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 harriers -- a group of hawks found in North America, Australia, NZ, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia -- because they show some unusual, owl-like hunting behaviours.

Senior author and PhD supervisor Dr Andrew Iwaniuk, Associate Professor at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural 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 PhD 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 disc-shaped face, which may improve their prey localisation just like owls."

The discovery matches older behavioural studies showing that harriers can locate sounds with similar accuracy to owls, but how they did 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.

"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 behaviour in animals separated by over 60 million years," adds first author Ms 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 Ms Citron.

The team hopes their study results will encourage further research on bird anatomy to find out how a species perceives its surrounds.

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

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

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

"The dip angle of the sliding surface tends to be steep, often between 45-90 degrees," he says. "The Wasatch Fault plunges, toward the west, at a steep angle at the surface in the Salt Lake City area."

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

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

With USU Geosciences Associate Professor Alexis Ault and doctoral student Jordan Jensen, Shreedharan has published new findings about why earthquakes occur along the Wasatch Fault and why communities along the fault are more vulnerable to earthquake damage than previously thought. Their paper appeared in the April 25 online edition of Geology, a peer-reviewed journal of the Geological Society of America. The research is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ault says USU, with its interdisciplinary team of earthquake scientists and engineers, is uniquely positioned to study Utah's earthquake history, future risks and help build resilience.
Electronic devices rely on materials whose electrical properties change with temperature, making them less stable in extreme conditions. A discovery by McGill University researchers that challenges conventional wisdom in physics suggests that bismuth, a metal, could serve as the foundation for highly stable electronic components.

The researchers observed a mysterious electrical effect in ultra-thin bismuth that remains unchanged across a wide temperature range, from near absolute zero (-273C) to room temperature.

"If we can harness this, it could become important for green electronics," said Guillaume Gervais, a professor of physics at McGill and co-author of the study.

The finding could lead to the development of more efficient, stable and environmentally friendly electronic components and devices, including for space exploration and medical uses. Bismuth is non-toxic and biocompatible.

"We expected this effect to disappear once we increased the temperature, but it stubbornly refused; we kept going to room temperature and it was still there!" said Gervais. "I was so sure it would vanish that I even bet my students Oulin Yu and Frederic Boivin a bottle of wine. It turned out I was wrong."

Inspired by a cheese grater

Published in Physical Review Letters, the study reports the observation of a temperature-independent anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in a 68-nanometre-thick flake of bismuth. This effect, which creates a voltage perpendicular to an applied current, is typically associated with materials that have magnetic properties. However, bismuth is diamagnetic, meaning it does not usually exhibit such behaviour.

To make the discovery, Gervais and his colleagues, including lead author and PhD candidate Oulin Yu, developed a new technique for creating ultra-thin bismuth. Inspired by a cheese grater, the team patterned microscopic trenches onto a semiconductor wafer, then mechanically shaved off thin layers of bismuth. They then tested these flakes under extreme magnetic fields -- tens of thousands of times stronger than a fridge magnet -- at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida.

Breaking the rules of physics?

Previous studies suggested that bismuth should not exhibit AHE, making the team's findings all the more puzzling.

"I can't point to one theory that would explain this," said Gervais, "only bits and pieces of a potential explanation."

One hypothesis is that the atomic structure of bismuth constrains electron movement in a way that mimics the behaviour of topological materials, recently discovered exotic substances whose surfaces and interiors exhibit different properties. These materials could revolutionize computing.

The research team's next step is to explore whether bismuth's AHE can be converted into its quantum counterpart, the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE). Such a breakthrough could pave the way for electronic devices that function at higher temperatures than previously possible.

The research was supported by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and the Fonds de recherche du Quebec -- Nature et technologies, Montreal-based CXC, as well as the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the work performed at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida.
Ukraine's Interagency Working Group (IWG) tasked with managing the EU accession negotiations and aligning national legislation with EU standards has approved draft transformation roadmaps.

According to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the IWG reviewed three strategic documents during its session: roadmaps for the rule of law, public administration reform, and the functioning of democratic institutions. These roadmaps outline key reforms and transformations as specified in Ukraine's negotiation framework with the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna noted that the documents were developed in record time.

Approval of the roadmaps on the rule of law and public administration reform is a prerequisite for opening EU accession talks under Cluster 1: "The Fundamentals."

The session also included a presentation of the Action Plan for the Protection of the Rights of Persons Belonging to National Minorities (Communities) in Ukraine, outlined next steps in the negotiation process, and discussed the organizational structure of working groups.
Photo: t.me/osirskiy

The soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to stabilize the situation in Pokrovsk direction, reported Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky.

"Pokrovsk direction is one of the most difficult sections of the front of the Russian-Ukrainian war. However, thanks to the courage and skillful actions of the soldiers of the Defense Forces, we managed to stabilize the situation in this operational zone in Donetsk region and in some places seize the tactical initiative," he wrote on the Telegram channel on Tuesday.

Syrsky noted that the 425th separate assault regiment Skelia is one of the units that effectively uses active defense tactics and destroys invaders.

"Through the efforts of Skelia, Ukraine has not for the first time regained control over territories captured by the enemy. This was the case in Izium in 2022, during Kharkiv offensive operation, and this was the case this spring in the area of the village of Shevchenko near Pokrovsk," the commander-in-chief added.

During a working visit to the troops, he awarded the servicemen of the 425th regiment with the honorary insignia of the Commander-in-Chief.
Russian troops are intensively shelling Bilopilska and Vorozhbianska communities of Sumy district, which has resulted in the death of three residents; an evacuation headquarters has been set up there, the press service of Sumy Regional State Administration reported.

"Today, the Russians took the lives of three residents of these communities. As of 21:00, we also have seven wounded, including a 16-year-old boy. One of the adult victims is in extremely serious condition, another is in serious condition," the message says.

In Bilopillia and Vorozhba, civil infrastructure facilities were damaged and destroyed.

The enemy is striking the territory of Bilopilska community with mortars, MLRS, and also using guided aerial bombs.

It is emphasized that the evacuation continues. On Tuesday, it is planned to evacuate more than 500 residents from Bilopilska and Vorozhbianska communities.
Last night, the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down 54 enemy UAVs, 70 emitter drones were lost, and a total of 136 enemy UAVs attacked Ukrainian territory, the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force reported.

"On the night of May 6, 2025 (from 21:30 on May 5), the enemy attacked with 136 strike UAVs and other types of drone imitators from the areas of Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, Primorsk  temporarily occupied Zaporizhia region," the Armed Forces said on Telegram on Tuesday.

It is reported that as of 10:30, 54 Shahed-type attack UAVs (drones of other types) have been confirmed shot down in the east, north, south and center of the country; 70 enemy drone imitators have been lost (without negative consequences); one UAV is still in the air.

It is noted that the enemy's air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

As a result of the enemy attack, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions suffered.
South Dakota Mines 191st commencement ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City. Those who wish to view the ceremony online can find information here. No tickets are needed for commencement, and there is no limit on the number of guests per graduate.

This will be Dr. Brian Tande's first commencement as university president.

This event includes a total of 420 graduates. This includes two associates, 327 baccalaureates, 82 masters and nine doctoral degrees. The names of all graduates and more detailed biographies for our honored guests can be found in the commencement program.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the ceremony and interview graduates and university officials after the event. Mines fall commencement is planned for Dec. 20, 2025.

This semesters senior class speaker is David Robbins. Mines will also award an honorary doctorate during the ceremony to John Henderson.

The university will also recognize the 50-year graduates from the class of 1975, a number of whom will be in attendance at the commencement ceremony.

Senior Class Representative

David (DJ) Robbins

Rapid City native David Robbins started his journey at South Dakota Mines while still a senior at Stevens High School, enrolling in dual-credit courses. In these classes, he forged lasting friendships and embraced the grit required to be a successful Hardrocker. His parents are Doug and Amber Robbins.

During his time at Mines, Robbins has been involved in numerous clubs including the Moonrockers, the lunar robotic mining team, CubeSat Club, the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) and was a volunteer researcher for the ROCKIN Robotics Lab under Dr. Pierre Larochelle, head of the Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering. Also a talented musician, Robbins has been a vital contributor to the universitys music department, performing in the wind ensemble as well as the jazz and pep bands, where he showcases his skills on a variety of percussion instruments.

Outside of the school, Robbins worked for Fermilab in Lead, S.D., at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) as a construction management intern for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility. He also completed an internship at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Washington, D.C., where he worked on a modular reconfigurable rover for space applications.

Robbins will graduate with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and continue in the Mines accelerated masters degree program with a focus on robotics, controls, aerospace and rocket propulsion. This summer, he will intern at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., working on robotic servicing of the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory space telescope.

Honorary Doctorate

John Henderson

Mines alumnus John Henderson will serve as the keynote speaker and receive an honorary doctorate. Henderson earned his bachelors and masters degrees in civil and environmental engineering from Mines.

Henderson currently serves as the chief executive officer and vice chairman of the board for HDR, Inc., a global company specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services, where he is responsible for the leadership and strategic growth of the company.

As the former assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force and a retired army colonel, Henderson has more than 30 years of leadership experience in engineering, operations, military construction, infrastructure investment, water resources management and environmental programs. During his active duty and federal executive service, he led thousands of service members in dozens of countries, including three combat tours, to accomplish missions in support of the nations defense.

Henderson also serves on several boards including the National Construction Industry Roundtable, Omaha Airport Authority, the U.S. Strategic Command Consultation, the Aksarben Foundation and the South Dakota Mines Center of Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA).

He served as a National Security Studies Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a licensed professional engineer in Nebraska and South Dakota.
UK stock markets started the new trading week in the red on Tuesday as investors took profits following the FTSE 100's record 15-day win streak.

The Footsie, which was down 0.2% at 8,579.12 by the midday mark, has gained around 12% since 9 April and is currently trading close to levels seen before Donald Trump unleashed his protectionist tariff measures on America's trading partners at the start of last month.

UK market participants were also catching up to the latest newsflow following a three-day weekend, with US markets having closed lower on Monday.

"Coming in the wake of yesterdays end to the SPX nine-day winning streak, there are concerns that the FTSE 100 will follow suit to halt the longest stretch of daily gains on record," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets.

Potential trade talks were firmly in focus throughout the session on reports that the White House was nearing a deal with India after the South Asian nation proposed zero tariffs on steel, auto components and pharmaceuticals on a reciprocal basis, up to a certain amount of imports.

"The pop we have seen in equities over the past fortnight does heighten the possibility that we soon see the bears return in the absence of any notable breakthrough in trade talks," Mahony said.

In economic news, the final reading of the S&P Global UK services PMI confirmed the first decline in business activity in 17 months in April as sentiment was hit by the introduction of trade tariffs in the US. The services PMI was revised up marginally to 49.0 from the 'flash' reading of 48.9 released two weeks ago, but well below the 52.5 recorded in March  signalling the steepest drop since January 2023.

Over in China, the closely followed Caixin services PMI fell to 50.7 last month, down from 51.9 in March and well below the 51.7 reading expected by a consensus of analysts. This was the 28th straight month of growth (above 50.0) but the lowest print since September.

Gold miners jump

Another jump in the price of gold was helping shares of Fresnillo, Hochschild Mining and Endeavour Mining higher, as bullion gained on dollar weakness ahead of this week's Fed decision. Gold futures on Comex were up 2% at $3,386.60 an ounce.

Retailers were putting in a decent performance, including Sainsbury, Tesco and B&Q owner Kingfisher. M&S, however, was down another 4% as the company continues to pause online orders in the aftermath of last month's cyberattack.

Primark Owner Associated British Foods also fell after confirming it was in talks on a potential sale of its Allied Bakeries unit with Hovis bread owner Endless.

Online food delivery company Deliveroo was higher after reaching an agreement with US rival DoorDash on the terms of a recommended final cash offer, with its American rival set to pay 2.9bn for the consolidation. The stock, up 2% on Tuesday, has now risen more than 55% over the past month.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 8,579.12 -0.20%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 20,225.26 -0.08%

techMARK (TASX) 4,654.57 -0.19%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Fresnillo (FRES) 1,048.00p 3.25%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 3,308.00p 2.57%

Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 269.20p 2.20%

Land Securities Group (LAND) 609.00p 1.42%

Entain (ENT) 681.20p 1.40%

Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 71.56p 1.39%

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The UK services sector recorded its first decline in business activity in 17 months in April, revised estimates from an S&P Global purchasing managers' index showed on Tuesday, as sentiment was hit by the introduction of trade tariffs in the US.

The services PMI was revised up marginally to 49.0 from the 'flash' reading of 48.9 released two weeks ago, but still signalled a contraction in activity for April, with a figure below the neutral mark of 50.0.

This was the sector's first contraction since October 2023 and the steepest drop since January 2023.

According to S&P Global, heightened business uncertainty weighed heavily on order books during the month.

"Export conditions were particularly weak, with new business from abroad falling to the greatest extent since February 2021," said Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Survey respondents often commented on the impact of global financial market turbulence in the wake of US tariff announcements."

Meanwhile, input prices rose at their highest rate since mid-2023 as increases to the National Living Wage and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) added to payrolls costs.

"Businesses in the technology and financial service sectors noted rising risk aversion and delayed spending decisions among clients, especially in relation to major investment plans. Consumer service providers meanwhile cited subdued domestic economic conditions and challenges with passing on rising payroll costs, especially those in the hospitality and leisure sectors," Moore said.

Commenting on the data, Matt Swannell, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, said that the drop in the PMI is likely a reflection of weaker sentiment in response to US tariff announcements, rather than a genuine decline in services output, but still warned of slowing growth in the second quarter.

"The S&P Global survey typically does a better job at capturing fluctuations in business confidence than actual changes in private sector activity, and we expect April's survey will prove a case in point. It's difficult to reconcile last month's US tariff announcements and the well-trailed increase in employers' NICs with a sudden and outright contraction in services activity.

"Nonetheless, GDP growth is likely to be slower in the second quarter as the initial effects of tariffs start to be felt," he said.
Chemicals business Synthomer has agreed to divest William Blythe, its inorganic chemistry business, to its management team and H2 Equity Partners for 30.0m.

Synthomer said on Tuesday that the sale of William Blythe, which was conditional on certain customary closing conditions, was expected to complete at the end of May, with net proceeds of the disposal to be used to reduce net debt.

The London-listed firm noted that William Blythe was part of its health and protection and performance materials unit and was designated as non-core following a strategic review launched back in October 2022.

Chief executive Michael Willome said: "Today's announcement recognises William Blythe's unique attributes and strong performance over many years as part of Synthomer. At the same time, the business has limited synergies with the rest of the group and its divestment will further reduce the complexity of our site portfolio and enhance our focus on higher value, higher growth speciality chemicals markets where we have strong and sustainable leadership positions.

"With the divestment to the ambitious management team backed by H2 Equity Partners, I am confident this is a win-win transaction for all involved and wish all our William Blythe colleagues well for the next exciting chapter in its long history."

As of 0815 BST, Synthomer shares were up 0.75% at 93.70p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
The US treasury secretary attempted to soothe Wall Street on Monday as President Trump rattled markets with a plan to impose 100 per cent tariffs on foreign-made films and a prominent investor said the US brand had been damaged. "It has never been a better time to invest in America," Scott Bessent told finance leaders gathered at the annual Milken Institute global conference in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. - The Times

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. 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. - Financial Mail

Britain is secretly preparing for a direct military attack by Russia amid fears that it is not ready for war. Officials have been asked to update 20-year-old contingency plans that would put the country on a war footing after threats of attack by the Kremlin. A classified dossier will set out how the Government would respond to a declaration of war, including bunkers to protect the Cabinet and the Royal family, public service broadcasts and the stockpiling of resources. - Daily Telegraph

The aviation industry is failing dramatically in its efforts to tackle its role in the climate crisis, according to a newly formed group of aviation professionals. They say they are torn between their passion for flying and their concern for the planet and are calling for a fundamental transition of the industry, including controlling flight numbers. - Guardian
Former top executives of one of Ukraine's largest oil refining corporations have been placed on Interpol's international wanted list over the embezzlement of UAH 5.8 billion, Ukraine's National Police reported.

"The official formed a criminal organization involving his deputy, the head of a department, and six businesspeople. Investigators from the Strategic Investigations Department determined that companies under the scheme, controlled by the organizer, entered into supply agreements with the oil refining corporation for petroleum products, but never paid for the goods. Instead, they laundered the proceeds through foreign bank accounts," the police said in a statement on their website Tuesday.

Previously, all nine members of the organized group were charged with misappropriating property by abuse of office, committed by an organized group on a particularly large scale (Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Police also froze securities accounts held with a French investment company linked to the former board chairman, along with corporate rights to several enterprises.

Now, the Main Investigative Department has placed six of the suspects on both national and international wanted lists. With the assistance of the Department of International Police Cooperation (Interpol's National Central Bureau in Ukraine), Red Notices have been issued via Interpol's General Secretariat. This means that once the suspects are located in any country adhering to Interpol protocols, they will be arrested and extradited to Ukraine, where they face up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation.

The police report does not name the company involved, but a law enforcement source told Interfax-Ukraine that the case concerns Ukrtatnafta.
The government of India has described as 'baseless and untrue' reports emanating on social media that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had pressured the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to slash funding for Pakistan. The reports said that during a meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda, Sitharaman requested that the bank curtail financial support to Pakistan. The Ministry of Finance clarified, however, that there was no such exchange.

A PIB Fact Check tweet on X (formerly Twitter) also refuted the allegations, calling them 'completely fake' and asking people to rely only on official government sources for reliable information. The statement clarified that India had not made any such appeal to the ADB against Pakistan.

'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. Sitharaman reaffirmed Indias focus on private sector-driven economic growth, highlighting key initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Corporate Tax Rate Reduction, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Production-Linked Incentives, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, the GatiShakti National Master Plan, and Startup India. These initiatives, she added, are directed towards making the regulatory and policy environment more business-friendly. During the meeting, ADB President Kanda expressed the bank's unwavering support for Indias development priorities, particularly aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of aby 2047. Sitharaman reaffirmed Indias focus on private sector-driven economic growth, highlighting key initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Corporate Tax Rate Reduction, the, Production-Linked Incentives, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, the GatiShakti National Master Plan, and Startup India. These initiatives, she added, are directed towards making the regulatory and policy environment more business-friendly.

In addition, Sitharaman underscored India's commitment to providing opportunities for ADB to test new financing products and models to help finance the country's development objectives.

The Finance Minister also had a meeting with her Italian counterpart Giancarlo Giorgetti on the sidelines of the 58th ADB Annual Meeting and discussed measures to strengthen India-Italy economic cooperation and intensify cooperation on international and multilateral issues of common interest.
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has granted approval for the establishment of an off-campus centre for the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This development, as per the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, was announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The approval, issued under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, follows IIFTs successful compliance with the conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025. These conditions included presenting a roadmap for the development of a multidisciplinary institution with more than 1,000 students, ensuring the availability of qualified faculty, offering detailed academic programmes, outlining plans for a permanent campus, and establishing a state-of-the-art library.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, extended his congratulations to IIFT, noting, "Heartiest congratulations to @IIFT_Official on getting approval to open its new off-campus centre in @GIFTCity_, India's global financial hub. This will enhance talent training through the institutes MBA (International Business) programme, short-term courses, and research in international trade".

GIFT City campus will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower Two, and will offer IIFT's flagship MBA in International Business, along with specialized short-term training programmes and research opportunities in international trade. This new initiative is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to promote multidisciplinary learning and broaden access to high-quality education. Thewill be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower Two, and will offer IIFT's flagship MBA in International Business, along with specialized short-term training programmes and research opportunities in international trade. This new initiative is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to promote multidisciplinary learning and broaden access to high-quality education.

Founded in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, IIFT has played a crucial role in capacity building for international trade. Declared a Deemed to be University in 2002, it holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is accredited by AACSB, placing it among the top global business schools. The GIFT City campus is expected to make a significant contribution to Indias trade education landscape and further Indias ambitions of becoming a global export powerhouse.
India is set to become the world's fourth-largest economy in 2025, overtaking Japan, as per the recent IMF World Economic Outlook report. India's nominal GDP is set to increase to $4,187.017 billion, just slightly ahead of Japan's GDP at $4,186.431 billion. This is a key milestone for India, which remains the fastest-growing large economy, set to grow over 6% in the next two years.

The IMF report emphasizes India's strong economic performance, led by domestic growth and resilience in the face of international economic adversity. Conversely, Japan, which is struggling with stagnation, is projected to achieve a modest 0.6% growth both in 2025 and 2026. This deceleration is caused by continued global trade tensions, which are predicted to significantly weigh on Japan's economic performance.

India's fast-paced growth path will continue, and its GDP is likely to reach $5,584.476 billion by 2028, allowing it to surpass Germany to become the world's third-largest economy. Germany, also caught in the crosshairs of the global trade war, is likely to experience minimal growth over the next few years, with its GDP standing at $5,251.928 billion in 2028.

world's largest economy, is predicted to experience decelerating growth, with a growth rate of 1.8% in 2025, further dropping to 1.7% in 2026. On the other hand, China's GDP is estimated at $19,231.705 billion in 2025, remaining the second-largest economy. The report also presents the economic performance of other major economies. The United States, the, is predicted to experience decelerating growth, with a growth rate of 1.8% in 2025, further dropping to 1.7% in 2026. On the other hand, China's GDP is estimated at $19,231.705 billion in 2025, remaining the second-largest economy.

The economic picture in Europe is weak, with the Euro Area predicted to grow by only 0.8% in 2025, before a slow recovery to 1.2% in 2026. The best-performing European nation is Spain, which is predicted to register a 2.5% growth in 2025, before slowing to 1.8% in 2026.

Globally, the IMF's outlook presents a vision of realigning economic power, with India's emergence symbolizing a major turning point in the world economic map.
In a demonstration of increasing national security protocols, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday, after the Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The April 22 attack led to back-to-back high-level deliberations.

The 40-minute long meeting was hosted at the official residence of Prime Minister and had preceded a chain of briefings that included chief defence and security officials. One day ago, Doval along with Home Secretary Govind Mohan had participated in a top-level security meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister.

In the past few days, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Air Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh have called on the Prime Minister to discuss changing threats. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also met Modi to brief him on maritime security issues in the Arabian Sea. These meetings indicate India's increased emphasis on national defence preparedness.

In a forceful message to the military, Modi recently gave them 'complete operational freedom' to decide on the timing, mode, and character of India's retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. He stressed the nation's determination to give a 'crushing blow to terrorism'.

Indian Air Force being tested, and control rooms mobilized. Alongside military preparedness, the Union Home Ministry is stepping up civil preparedness. On Wednesday, May 7, all states and Union Territories will hold elaborate mock drills, touching 244 civil defence districts. The drills involve sounding the air-raid sirens, evacuating people as a drill, communication links with the, and control rooms mobilized.

The Directorate General of Home Guards, Civil Defence, and Fire Services emphasized the importance of being prepared with regard to 'new and compound threats'. Mock exercises will percolate up to the level of villages and will engage wardens of civil defence, home guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, and school students.

Government leaders insist that the nation has to stay at peak civil defence all the time since the security mechanism is on stand-by after the Pahalgam attack.
In what promises to be India's biggest private bank merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction, Japanese banking giant Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is nearing the acquisition of a controlling stake in YES Bank. The deal, facilitated at arm's length with consultation from State Bank of India (SBI) its largest shareholder with a 24 percent holding represents a key milestone in the bank's turnaround process since its rescue in 2020.

In a report by The Economic Times, for several months now, negotiations between SBI, SMBC, and other interested parties have been in progress and are now at an advanced stage of being concluded. Top SMBC leadership, including Asia-Pacific Co-Head Rajeev Kannan, are said to have traveled to Mumbai last week for the last round of negotiations. Even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been informally approached and has reportedly verbally assured the deal.

If successful, the deal would be SMBC's biggest investment in India, trumping its $2 billion purchase of Fullerton India Credit in 2021. SMBC would likely buy a majority stake, perhaps around 51 percent, in YES Bank. According to Indian takeover rules, the move would require an open offer for a further 26 percent of equity, which could trigger a wider change in the ownership of the bank.

Though the RBI guidelines limit the voting rights of bank shareholders to 26 percent, SMBC has been reassured by the regulator that it can hold on to a majority economic stake. Precedents like Fairfax taking a stake in Catholic Syrian Bank and DBS acquiring Lakshmi Vilas Bank indicate that such exceptions would be made in similar cases.

If the transaction materializes, SMBC will end up being the biggest shareholder in YES Bank. But it is unclear if other significant institutional investors like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, LIC, Carlyle, and Advent International will keep or sell their stakes.

Current MD and CEO at YES Bank, Prashant Kumar, has to finish his term in October. After acquisition, SMBC will likely make new leadership nominee suggestions to RBI for approval. In a tactical pre-deal move, SMBC has earmarked India as a standalone operating region, and Rajeev Kannan is now reporting to the Tokyo HQ.

YES Bank has made good progress in recent times, and the deposits increased to Rs 2.85 trillion as of FY25, an increase of 2.7 times since March 2020. The retail and SME segment continued to remain in focus areas of the bank that it has resolved to retain 60 percent of its loan book.

One government official, in close connection to the deal, said, "Eventually, the plan is to merge the two entities SMBC India and YES Bank but that is still far out".
In a move to encourage transparency, the Supreme Court declared yesterday that it has published judges' asset details on its website in line with a ruling issued by the full court. "On April 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of India's full court decided that judges' asset statements will be made available to the public by posting them on the court's website. The already received asset statements are being posted, and others of judges will be posted as they arrive," said a court release."

Moreover, the Supreme Court has made available the entire procedure for the appointment of judges to the high courts and the Supreme Court. This encompasses information regarding the role of the High Court Collegium, the role of state governments and the Union of India, and the deliberations of the Supreme Court Collegium, all in an effort to enlighten the public.

The site presently has Supreme Court Collegium-approved proposals for high court judge appointments between November 9, 2022, and May 5, 2025.

It contains details like the name of the appointees, their respective high courts, their appointment source (from service or Bar), dates of recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium, Department of Justice notifications, dates of appointment, special categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Woman), and family relationships with active or retired High Court/Supreme Court judges.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) will train 3,000 emergency workers in first aid this year.

"As part of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ukrainian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, instructors from the Ukrainian Red Cross will conduct training for rescuers in all regions of the country. By the end of 2025, about 3,000 emergency workers will receive vital knowledge," the URCS reported on Facebook on Tuesday.

The first trainings already started on Monday.

"We will train emergency workers according to a 48-hour program. This will be the first time we have conducted it since the start of a full-scale invasion," said Nadia Yamnenko, head of the First Aid Department of URCS.

The program includes a lot of practice and analysis of first aid in various situations - from minor wounds, burns, injuries to assistance during childbirth, mine-explosive injuries, prolonged compression syndrome and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This will allow rescuers to quickly and correctly respond to situations threatening human health before the arrival of doctors.

The training will be conducted within the framework of the order of the Ministry of Health dated August 4, 2021 No. 1627 on the training of persons who do not have a medical education, but due to their official duties must provide first aid under the course "First at the scene of an incident".
Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, has stated at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles that US President Donald Trump intends to use the agreement on mineral resources with Ukraine as a tool to pressure Russia in the context of peace negotiations.

According to the European Pravda, he stated this at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

It is noted that Bessent said that the idea for the mineral agreement and noted that the American leader was confident that it would yield several results. Bessent said that one result was additional leverage over the Russian leadership.

"One, it would create more leverage for him with the Russian leadership when it was time to go to them," Bessent said. He also said that the idea was to sign an agreement that would show that "there is no daylight between the US and Ukrainian people".

"It would be a symbol to Ukrainian people that the US is still there. It would be a symbol to a tired American public, sceptical of more financial commitments, that it was possible to have a shared prosperity with Ukraine, and then it would, in essence, be a tacit security guarantee because of the economic partnership," Bessent said.

As reported, Ukraine and the United States signed a framework agreement on economic partnership on April 30. US President Donald Trump said that the agreement on subsoil resources will give the United States more than was spent on Ukraine.
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On May 5, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine took part in a parade in Great Britain to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Europe, the press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the multinational operation Interflex took part in a parade in the UK to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marks the end of hostilities on the continent during World War II. The parade took place in London on May 5, 2025," the press service of the General Staff said on Telegram on Tuesday.

The press service referred to British Defence Secretary John Healey at the parade, who said that in the midst of the first full-scale war in Europe since World War II, it is fitting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces, now fighting on the front lines of freedom, were represented at the event.

According to him, this unification symbolizes global support for the continuation of Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russia's unprovoked, illegal invasion.

Victory Day in Europe, known as VE Day, is celebrated annually on May 8 to commemorate the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives who took part in the parade are in the UK as part of the multinational Operation Interflex, a UK Armed Forces training programme for Ukrainian recruits, which is being carried out together with 12 partner countries.

As the Ukrainian contingent, flying the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine, passed the box of the royal family and leading British politicians, they received a military salute from King Charles III and applause. Spectators at Admiralty Arch also gave applause as the Ukrainian military contingent passed them in the procession.

In addition to Ukraine, troops from Australia, Canada and New Zealand also took part in the ceremony, carrying the flags of their countries. The flags of each Commonwealth nation were presented during the parade.
Tasmanian voters have endorsed Labors shift to protect salmon jobs from environmental challenges, as the government claimed two fresh Tasmanian seats, retained two others and locked the opposition out of lower house seats entirely.

But the politics of salmon farming continue to carve a course through the south of the state, with anti-salmon candidate Peter George coming second on preferences to Labors Fisheries Minister Julie Collins.

Salmon farming near Huon and Bruny islands in southern Tasmania. Credit: Joe Armao

Salmon farming pens that proliferate along Tasmanias south-east and west coasts are owned by eight companies including foreign-owned giants Huon Aquaculture, Petuna and Tassal.

The $1.8 billion industry made national and international headlines when a mass mortality event over summer caused by a bacterial outbreak killed more than a million fish, and led to chunks of salmon carcasses and oil globules washing up on beaches near the pens.
The Duchess of Sussex has revealed that she turned to Indian medicine during her pregnancies.

The duchess, 43, said she used the traditional ayurvedic system of medicine while pregnant with her children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three.

Speaking on the fifth episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast, Meghan said: During my pregnancies I had an ayurvedic doctor and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she sought advice from an ayurvedic doctor during her pregnancies. Credit: nna

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Ayurveda, which originated in India more than 3000 years ago, aims to promote balance in the body, mind and spirit through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing with herbal remedies, dietary changes, detoxification and yoga.
We can now say with confidence that cardboard-box recycling billionaire Anthony Pratt at the Met Gala was easily this weekends most successful Green.

Not because of any affiliation with the troubled environmental political party, but because the chair of Visy and Pratt Industries served an arresting, green-themed look at the Met Gala fundraiser that we describe as clashing in confidence.

Amazon sustainablity executive Kara Hurst, Visy deputy chair Fiona Geminder and Anthony Pratt. Credit: Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

CBD loves a clashing print (heck, any sort of clash is good copy). So we were pleased to see Pratts suit teamed with the green theme and heroes the Pratt 100% Recycled decals that were such a feature of last years Met Gala Willy Wonka pink suit.

Pratt repeated the mix of lime, green and lemon decals on a bright green shirt and tie, in contrasting styles so bold they risked triggering our photopsias.
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 The day after his 18th birthday, Jack died in a fall from a cliff in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. He had been in the care of the state, under the parental responsibility of the overseeing minister, for the five years before his death, though his mother Renee says care isnt the right word to describe Jacks treatment. Jack bounced between state-run group homes, hotels, and motels  some infested with mould and asbestos  and slept on the street. In one motel, he was allegedly assaulted by a carer. He stopped going to school, had minimal supervision and was exposed to drugs. Its a far cry from the care he was offered at home with Renee in Orange, where he went to a specialist school, had a part-time job, and saw a paediatric psychiatrist, or with her former partner, Mick, in Dubbo, where he had a job and apprenticeship. Mick believes with proper support, Jack would be alive and thriving today. Credit: Kate Geraghty Jacks mother and former carer are demanding answers from the Department of Communities and Justice, its minister Kate Washington, and the private organisations to which the government outsourced his care. Renee has requested that the family name and some details of Jacks private life be omitted to respect his memory. The Herald is publishing this piece to highlight the experience of the 15,000 children and young people in the child protection system, which the overseeing minister has labelled as broken and over which she has limited visibility.

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Washington called the circumstances around Jacks death truly heartbreaking. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, loved ones and community. The death of this young man is a terrible tragedy  he had a right to feel supported and safe, she said. A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said a number of issues raised in this article do not accurately reflect this incredibly complex matter but did not elaborate. It all went immediately downhill Those who knew Jack described him as bright, charming, gentlemanly and a born leader. He wanted to be a youth worker and loved mountain biking, fishing and going to the gym. As a survivor of complex trauma, Jack struggled with his mental health, leading to interactions with police. It was a gut-wrenching decision  It was the most painful thing I ever had to do. Renee on her son going into state care

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In 2019, when Jack was 13, government caseworkers suggested that he be temporarily placed in state care away from Renee and his younger brother. Renee, feeling she had exhausted all other options, was told he would be cared for by professionals and supported to return home. NSW Minister for Family and Communities Kate Washington. Credit: Peter Stoop It was a gut-wrenching decision, and not one taken lightly  It was the most painful thing I ever had to do, she said. But Renee said none of the promises were kept. He was placed in a home so dirty, with unpleasant odours that even the carers  refused to sleep the night, Renee wrote in an email to DCJ. In another motel-owned serviced accommodation, Jack alleged to Renee that a carer had thrown him against the wall and hurled a laptop against his head. Photos Renee took after the incident show blood splattered across the white motel sheets and a bruise on Jacks head. Jack in state-funded accommodation after allegedly being physically assaulted by a carer.

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She also said DCJ didnt tell her about Jacks two suicide attempts in three months since entering care, or his 15-kilogram weight gain. Renee also said Jack was unenrolled from his specialist school after caseworkers failed to lodge paperwork, that she found syringes in his bag, and that he said he drank beer that caseworkers left in the house fridge. Jacks relationship with his family deteriorated as caseworkers failed to take him to scheduled meet-ups: I often left in tears, devastated as we missed out on spending time with Jack. This did little to assist in repairing an already fragile relationship, Renee wrote in an email with DCJ. A petri dish for the juvenile justice system After three years in state care, Jacks mental health had worsened. In 2022, the government placed him in a 12-week emergency placement in a home in Inverell, 600 kilometres from Orange, run by private not-for-profit Pathfinders. Jack was placed in a short-term emergency placement for children with complex needs, where other care arrangements have been exhausted.

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Depending on the level of therapeutic intervention, organisations that provide residential care can be paid between $119,000 and $504,000 per child per year for these placements. A 2024 Ombudsman report found one in three children had a substantiated allegation of abuse while in residential care, but a shortage of caseworkers meant allegations were not fully investigated. A DCJ staff member not authorised to speak to the media called forms of residential care a Petri dish for the juvenile justice system with no structure from workers. Jacks child protection counsellor raised significant concerns about the placement in a report sighted by the Herald, stating that none of the trauma-informed or therapeutic care advertised by the NGO was being delivered. She said in an email that the organisation was not meeting his needs, advising him to be returned to Orange as soon as possible. As Jacks schedule shrunk under the care of the state, he spent more time idling in places like the John Lomas Skate Park in Orange. Credit: Kate Geraghty The move also discharged Jack from the mental health services and paediatric psychiatrist in Orange. In emails to DCJ, Renee said Jack had been found unresponsive twice but not taken to the hospital; was given the incorrect psychotropic medication; was exposed to illicit drugs; and spent nights out of the home. Twice, he was admitted to the Acmena Youth Justice Centre at Grafton. My son was taken to an undisclosed location eight hours away, placed with men who dont know [my] child, with no therapy, school or support, Renee wrote in an email to DCJ.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size For many, including myself, Anthony Albanese was the accidental prime minister who has now emerged as a Labor hero. Haunted by the failure of 2019, he adopted a measured approach with little reform and surrounded himself with, and supported, an effective cabinet. He is now at the peak of his political powers and has the opportunity to establish Labor as the natural government by maintaining the grip on middle Australia. This means reform but applied judiciously, staying centre-left, resisting the pressure from the Labor left wing and not spending hard-earned political capital on divisive pursuits. His gracious speech on election night shows he has learnt the lessons of the first three years and deserved his famous victory. Max Redmayne, Drummoyne Anthony Albanese walks through a crowd of Labor supporters on election night after claiming an emphatic victory. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Return to centre The Liberals defeat was decades in the making (Letters, May 6). In the mid-1960s and early 1970s the party was, indeed, a centrist liberal party, with some conservative elements. Through the 1980s the party shifted to the right so that by the late 1980s I, as a centrist person, could no longer support the Liberal Party. John Howard took the party further to the right, culminating in his anti-worker WorkChoices legislation. By then the party was controlled by its right wing and was beholden to the reactionaries of the Nationals. Warning signs existed in the late 1980s. The alarm bells were ringing in 2007. They were unmissable in 2022, and the building burnt in 2025. Unless the Liberals divorce the Nationals and rebuild the party as a liberal, centrist party, they will be smashed by independents. One day, those sensible teal independents will own the centre, and may form a truly liberal centrist party. This will lock the Nationals and the Liberals out of government forever. Gordon Chirgwin, Harrington Herald columnists Peter Hartcher (Election delivers harshest lessons, May 6) and Charlotte Mortlock (This party may be over for women, May 6) identify the misogyny in the conservative political sector, which is clear for all to see except its male inhabitants. Should this not change, not only will the decline of the older blokes party continue, but politically articulate women, like Mortlock, could increasingly become teals. But personally, I think winning Lotto is more likely than the much-needed revolution in the blokes back rooms of the Liberal Party. Brian Kidd, Mt Waverley (Vic) There is a lot of touting of liberal values as if they are universally good. I can think of a few liberal values that are toxic and yet seemingly supported by so-called liberal moderates. More tax cuts for the rich; service cuts for the rest, flogging off public assets, destroying super, demonising and outsourcing the public service, toleration of the demonisation of beneficiaries (they are all dole bludgers) and toleration of the demonisation of migrants. I think we can do without those liberal values, and the Liberals would do well not to re-embrace them. Nicholas Triggs, Katoomba The next Liberal Party leader is unlikely to endure to the next election. Nevertheless, the party has a death wish if anyone from the current inner circle gets the job because it proves that the members have learned nothing. Angus Taylor and Sussan Ley are complicit in the recent debacle and should not be considered. Trouble is, the membership of the Liberal Party is old, pale and stale, and any reform would be lip service only. Now might be the time for a new centre-right party to form. Where are Josh Frydenberg and Julie Bishop? Such a new party might even woo some of the teals back into the fold. Mike Salon, Darlinghurst

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I volunteered for the ALP during the election and I was surprised by the number of seemingly intelligent Liberal volunteers who quoted Sky News as their source of wisdom. This made me sympathetic towards moderate Liberal parliamentarians who return to their electorate branch meetings only to have a Credlin- or Bolt-type point of view thrown at them. Im sure intelligent Liberals of a decade ago would have seen such views for the rubbish they are. Denis Hannigan, Toowoon Bay Irrespective of whom the Liberals anoint as their parliamentary leader, the victor will be supping from a poisoned chalice. Whether Liberal or Labor, the opposition leader elected immediately after their party suffers a landslide defeat rarely becomes prime minister or premier. The only exception in living memory is Bob Carr, who led Labor to victory in 1995 after being drafted to become party leader after Labors huge loss in the 1988 state election. It will be interesting to watch this process unfold, and discover which of the leadership aspirants has the career-limiting victory. Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach Did it really need a consultant to tell Peter Dutton to lighten up (Dutton was told he had to lighten up, May 6)? The party knew from the day it chose him as its leader that he was bland. The only time the man ever smiled was when he told the tasteless joke about the Pacific Islands sinking. Australians were never going to vote for a person who was so funereal in both message and style. Trevor Somerville, Illawong Im guessing one person who will be sad to see Peter Dutton go is Cathy Wilcox; his very individual appearance was a cartoonists dream. Albo, on the other hand  Ross MacPherson, Seaforth Credit: Cathy Wilcox Bad call, Gina Gina Rinehart is right out of step. Even in light of the chaos Trump has unleashed on the world and his own country, she calls for Australians to follow Trumps path and move further to the right (Rinehart urges a step to the right May 6). Australians have wisely rejected that path. They do not want a country as deeply divided as Trumps America, where only the wealthy can afford good healthcare, where there are large pockets of poverty and illiteracy, with more billionaires than any other country and the divide between rich and poor a widening chasm; where human rights and the rule of law are being trashed and climate change denial overrides science and encourages the burning of more fossil fuels, contributing to the destruction of the planet. Ray Morgan, Maroubra

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Gina Rinehart is absolutely right when she calls for the Liberal Party to shift to the right and embrace more Trumpian policies. This could start with appointing a convicted criminal as leader, followed by policies advocating the invasion of New Zealand and PNG. Tariffs would be imposed on all imports. The revenue raised from Australian buyers would be used to reduce the tax burden at the top end, especially for billionaires who inherited much of their wealth, like, say, Gina Rinehart. What could possibly go wrong? Michael Perry, Murwillumbah So Gina Reinhart wonders why Americans are getting it and we arent? She appears to lack an understanding of middle Australias core values and the concept of fairness for all. I suggest she listen carefully to the PMs election night victory speech, particularly the following excerpt: We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration overseas, we find it right here, in our values and in our people. Terry Wilson, Milton Yes, Gina, voters are responsible for the Liberals demise; thats democracy. As for the left media to which she refers, that would be left of the far-right media. Australians have rejected both right- wing and left-wing policies and politicians. That is something of which we Australians should be proud. John Harris, Goulburn Plot thickens Once again Trump wields his tariff stick, this time at filmmakers who create their movies offshore (Trump announces 100 per cent tariff for movies produced outside US, May 6). Surely a carrot approach would work better, with perks offered to lure the movie corporations back on shore. It is hard to see how the stick approach contributes to MAGA, other than filling the coffers of the tariff department. For a self-nominated great dealmaker, Trump is overinclined to sidestep negotiating in favour of bully boy pronouncements. This, of course, results in MTGA (making Trump great again). Christine Perrott, Armidale Enough China war talk Australians of Chinese heritage, like myself, make up about 5 per cent of the population and tend to congregate in metropolitan areas. As a result, Chinese Australians have become a significant voting group in some marginal electorates, such as Bennelong, Reid, Menzies, Ashton and Chisholm, with the shocking new addition of Bradfield, where I live, a traditionally deep blue seat now on the brink of becoming independent. Contrary to what some media analysis assumes, Chinese Australians are not a uniform voting bloc  we have diverse political opinions ranging from the tankie left to the neo-Nazi right and everything in between, just like white Australians. Judging from my own interactions in this community, perhaps the majority of us are actually conservative. In normal circumstances these voters would probably go for the Liberals, but as evidenced in the 2022 election and more clearly this year, many of these natural Liberal voters are turned off by the hostile war talk towards China by Dutton, Morrison and some of their colleagues. They are not necessarily pro-Beijing but rather prefer a pragmatic and stable relationship with China. In substance, there is actually little difference between Liberal and Labor on national security, the US alliance, AUKUS and the importance of our trading relationship with China. But Labor is smart enough to recognise that as a middle power, Australia only carries a middle-sized stick and therefore should speak gently. If the Liberals want to be competitive at the next election, and thereafter, they had better learn that. Han Yang, North Turramurra

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Systemic gaslighting When did cost savings become a euphemism for cruelty? Theres a growing narrative that NDIS reform is working; that success is being driven by stamping out fraud. But lets be honest, thats just spin. The real savings are coming from quietly defunding people with disabilities. This is not a crackdown on rorts, its systemic gaslighting. The National Disability Insurance Agency is spending more than $50 million a year fighting participants in a tribunal. It is unacceptable for a trauma-inducing system to be permitted to masquerade as progress, or for our new federal government to let this continue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used the word kindness in his victory speech. This is not kindness. Or decency. Or integrity. Nor is it aligned with the moral or ethical platform on which our prime minister, and the ALP more widely, have been re-elected. As the sun rises on their new mandate they must address this honourably, fairly, transparently and promptly. Vulnerable Australian lives are at stake. Liz Wise, Sydney Bipartisan energy policy no closer Can we have a bipartisan energy policy now? I guess not. I was really hoping that the Coalitions drubbing would maybe, finally, see them agree to act sensibly on climate change (Nuclear fallout: Coalitions energy policy proved toxic to voters, May 6). But no, all I hear is they didnt communicate properly, should have done more for women and basically just tinkering at the edges. For the vast majority of independents (maybe Bob Katter excluded) acting seriously on climate change was a core value. But I hear Nationals Bridget McKenzie and David Littleproud still promoting nuclear. This wont happen now, but continues to disrupt the certainty and deter or slow down the investment we need in renewables. So far, they seem to have learnt very little. Peggy Fisher, Manly The Loy Yang Coal fired power station in the La Trobe Valley was a proposed site for a Coalition nuclear reactor. Credit: Justin McManus Despite the outcome of the election, Bridget McKenzie and the broader National Party remain wedded to the nuclear delusion and fossil fuels. Why is that so, when there is so much sunshine available to convert into energy? If the National Party cared about its constituents, who are often some of the poorest, it would offer them subsidies to establish solar power and batteries, just as the old Country Party fought for and obtained heavily subsidised access to telecommunications. The attachment to fossil fuels makes even less sense when key reserves are held offshore, captive to the whims of the US. The National Party can remain in denial as long as it wishes, but it still owes it to the people it represents (not to mention the rest of us) to think and act rationally. John Balazs, Battery Point (Tas)

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He said community engagement and consultation was crucial to reverse the trend, which Bush insisted was not unique to Victoria. Loading You have to get in front of these things and having a prevention mindset. And a prevention focus at the front is really, really important. My mission is to ensure that everyone in the state of Victoria is not only safe, but feels safe, Bush said. With more than 40 years policing experience, Bush invoked Sir Robert Peel, who famously founded the London Metropolitan Police Force in 1829.

We actually exist to prevent crime and harm, Bush said. During his tenure as police commissioner in New Zealand, Bush said he had worked closely with Maori, Pasifika and multicultural and multi-faith communities to build trust. He plans to replicate that approach when he begins in Victoria on June 27. Its going to be a real focus. Well make sure we have good relationships with all community groups and open lines of communication because we are here to serve everyone, he said. Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt endorsed Bushs approach, while also recognising the challenges that await him. Wayne Gatt says there will be challenges ahead for new Victorian Police commissioner Mike Bush. Credit: Paul Jeffers

We need to see our police officers out there, and we cant measure success by the number of crimes being investigated, even if they are investigated successfully, Gatt said. He appears to be a good listener, and he made a real point of that in his press conference today to say good bosses need to listen to their people and, indeed, listen to their communities. I agree with him. Bush had previously admitted to facing resistance from most of the NZ police force when he introduced the prevention first strategy, which hed earlier trialled as an area police commander. The model gave officers more discretion over prosecution, freeing up time that would have otherwise been spent on paperwork for low-level offences, and sharpened understanding of the drivers of crime such as drugs, alcohol and family violence. It might mean that an officer could help a single parent in peril get documentation or access to public services, rather than writing a summons  or writing up tickets citizens couldnt afford, Bush said in 2018.

Dr Garth den Heyer, a former NZ policeman turned international policing researcher, said a similar version of the prevention first strategy could work in Victoria. But he stressed it represented a fundamental change in how the police respond to crime. For it to work in Victoria, the government would also need to ensure that other youth services are funded, he said, because they often had skills police didnt. Frontline services have already raised the alarm in Victoria as the government slashes youth support programs including for homelessness and crime prevention, at the same time it has drastically toughened bail laws and youth sentencing.

On Tuesday, Bush was reluctant to discuss tough bail reforms recently introduced by the Allan government and repeatedly hailed by the premier as the nations toughest. Im very keen to take a closer look and see how they [bail reforms] will be applied. Its one part of the solution, he said. Loading Under changes to the Bail Act, children accused of serious crimes are to be treated like adults when courts decide whether to grant them bail or release them into the community  with community safety becoming the overarching principle when deciding bail. The Victorian Liberals argue Labors crime crackdown needs to go further, but Opposition Leader Brad Battin has also called for better early intervention and raised concerns about state cuts to youth support programs.

On Tuesday, Battin said he hoped the government lets the new commissioner get on with the job and gives him the full support he needs to reduce crime, in the face of a crisis. Police morale is low, over 1100 vacancies remain, and many stations are still closed, said Battin, a former police officer. Bushs appointment also follows a period of extraordinary turbulence within the forces upper echelons. The Allan government initially offered former chief commissioner Shane Patton a five-year contract extension in January, but suddenly retracted the offer a month later, after a Police Association no-confidence motion against him was passed overwhelmingly. His replacement, Rick Nugent, who had been a deputy commissioner before leaving the force in 2023 to become emergency management commissioner, tapped out after just 41 days. Nugent is the subject of a complaint to the states anti-corruption commission over allegations of inappropriate conduct that involved a conflict of interest.

Meanwhile, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has also been asked to investigate corruption claims by former deputy commissioner Neil Paterson over the governments decision to not extend his tenure. Bush was unperturbed by the recent upheaval, and said he would like to speak with Patton and Nugent before he began work next month. Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said Bush needed to be properly resourced by the government to be successful and should not be set up to fail. He also warned the government against undermining his independence. The new commissioner must be allowed to carry out his duties without political interference, Southwick said. Under Labor, those who provide fearless and frank advice often find themselves shown the door.

But New Zealands former police minister, Stuart Nash, called Bush a hard bastard, who was always fair. Loading Hes a good guy, hes innovative, he told ABC Radio Melbourne on Tuesday, saying Bush had helped clean up a rotten culture within the NZ police force when he took on the top job and cracked down on gangs. Hell do a good job [in Victoria], Nash said. He has the backs of the men and women on the street.
The states new police chief says he will focus on crime prevention to ensure Victorians are not only safe from crime but feel safe too.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines revealed at a press conference on Tuesday that the former head of New Zealands police force, Mike Bush, who is widely recognised for his achievement in cutting the countrys crime rate, would take the role.

New Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush speaks to the media after being announced as the new leader of Victoria Police by Premier Jacinta Allan. Credit: Christopher Hopkins

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 will start in his new role on June 27.
At least one of the seven false killer whales stranded on a beach near a tourist town in the Great Southern has been rescued, with hope held that the remaining two still alive also have a chance.

The whales became stranded at House Beach, 12 kilometres east of Bremer Bay in the Shire of Jerramungup on Monday night.

While four of the whales died overnight, 13 Parks and Wildlife staff and 10 volunteers arrived on Tuesday and have managed to save one of the whales, watching it swim away in the afternoon.

While the crew also managed to refloat the two remaining living whales, one re-stranded while the other has remained in shallow water.
As she walked through the streets of Penrith on Tuesday, Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh was hugged and congratulated by constituents. But for one of the few Liberal representatives remaining in Sydney, her return to parliament has not been a celebration.

She said her success could be traced back to a commitment she made to Scott Morrison where she would remain community focused, particularly in her first term.

Melissa McIntosh, in Penrith Sydney, has retained the seat of Lindsay in the Federal election. Credit: Janie Barrett

So Ive not been distracted from the communitys needs, she said. If I can do anything for our community, thats what Ill do.

The impact of Peter Duttons unpopularity was not felt on Sydneys western fringe. The focus of Lindsays voters, McIntosh said, was hyperlocal issues. Ultimately, responsibility for the election result could not be laid only at Duttons feet, she said, adding MPs and the party needed to take time to consider why Australia voted a different way.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Tuesday that another 205 soldiers returned home from Russian captivity.

"Today, Ukraine returned 205 soldiers. Young boys and adult men from almost all types and branches of the armed forces. Defenders of Mariupol and defenders of the entire front line. They were scattered across many Russian regions, imprisoned by the prison system with a single task: to humiliate and destroy humanity," the president wrote on the Telegram channel.

Zelenskyy thanked all partners, in particular the United Arab Emirates, for their mediation and assistance.

"We returned them. And I thank everyone who worked on this exchange. I thank the partners, first of all the United Arab Emirates, for their mediation and assistance. I thank those who care and continue to talk about Ukrainians in captivity. Every day we fight for our people. We will definitely do everything to return each and every one," he stressed.

As reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, this is the fifth this year and the 64th since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

"In total, within the framework of the negotiation process and exchanges since March 2022, the Coordination Headquarters has released 4,757 Ukrainian citizens," the message on Telegram said.

As the Coordination Headquarters noted, this time among the released soldiers are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular the Navy, Air Force, Airborne Assault Troops, Territorial Defense Forces, as well as the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Three Ukrainian officers and 202 soldiers and sergeants are returning home.

"The released Defenders defended Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk directions, in Zaporizhia and Kharkiv regions, in Kherson, Sumy and Kyiv regions, as well as Defenders from the Mariupol garrison," the message added.

It is noted that all released people will be provided with medical care and treatment, necessary things, clothing, and hygiene products for the first time. Payments of monetary support for the time of captivity and one-time material assistance will also be made.
Senior education officials raised concerns about a lack of oversight, reprisal sackings and bullying within the departments school infrastructure unit, the states corruption watchdog has heard.

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption is holding a public inquiry into the conduct of Anthony Manning, who headed up School Infrastructure NSW from 2017 until last year.

Former Schools Infrastructure NSW chief executive officer Anthony Manning is the subject of an ICAC investigation. Credit: Janie Barrett

ICAC is examining allegations Manning and others within the agency subverted recruitment practices, improperly awarded contracts and misallocated funds to favour friends and associates between 2017 and 2024.

The inquiry heard on Tuesday from three witnesses from the NSW Education Department who dealt with Manning in his role as chief executive, and heard evidence that numerous concerns were raised about his agencys conduct.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (left) is known for his folksy, easy-going nature, his readiness to crack jokes and his ideological proximity to Francis. Credit: AP According to the French press, he is known in some domestic Catholic circles as John XXIV, in a nod to his resemblance to Pope John XXIII, the round-faced reforming pope of the early 1960s. Aveline is known for his folksy, easy-going nature, his readiness to crack jokes and his ideological proximity to Francis, especially on immigration and relations with the Muslim world. He is also a serious intellectual, with a doctorate in theology and a degree in philosophy. He was born in Algeria to a family of Spanish immigrants who moved to France after Algerian independence, and has lived most of his life in Marseille, a port that has been a crossroads of cultures and religions for centuries. Under Francis, Aveline made great career strides, becoming bishop in 2013, archbishop in 2019 and a cardinal three years later. His standing was boosted in 2023 when he organised an international church conference on Mediterranean issues at which Francis was the star guest.

If he got the top job, Aveline would become the first French pope since the 14th century. He would also be the youngest pope since John Paul II. He understands but does not speak Italian  potentially a major drawback for a job that also carries the title Bishop of Rome and requires familiarity with the citys power games and intrigues. Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65 (Congolese) Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu has been deeply committed to the Catholic orthodoxy and is seen as conservative. Credit: AP Ambongo is one of Africas most outspoken Catholic leaders, heading the archdiocese that, with the largest number of Catholics on the continent, is seen as the future of the church.

He has been archbishop of Congos capital since 2018 and a cardinal since 2019. Francis also appointed him to a group of advisers helping to reorganise the Vatican bureaucracy. In Congo and widely in Africa, Ambongo has been deeply committed to the Catholic orthodoxy and is seen as conservative. Loading In 2024, he signed a statement on behalf of the bishops conferences of Africa and Madagascar refusing to follow Francis declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples in what amounted to continent-wide dissent from a papal teaching. The rebuke crystallised both the African churchs line on LGBTQ outreach and Ambongos stature within the African hierarchy. He has received praise from some in Congo for promoting interfaith tolerance, especially on a continent where religious divisions between Christians and Muslims are common.

An outspoken government critic, the cardinal is also known for his unwavering advocacy for social justice. In a country with high levels of poverty and hunger despite mineral riches, and where fighting by rebel groups has killed thousands and displaced millions in one of the worlds biggest humanitarian crises, he frequently criticises both government corruption and inaction, as well as the exploitation of the countrys natural resources by foreign powers. Ambongos criticism of authorities has drawn both public admiration and legal scrutiny. Last year, prosecutors ordered a judicial investigation of him after accusing him of seditious behaviour over his criticism of the governments handling of the conflict in eastern Congo. Peter Erdo, 72 (Hungarian) Cardinal Peter Erdo has been on a fast track his entire career, becoming a bishop in his 40s and a cardinal in 2003 when he was just 51. Credit: AP If Erdo is elected, he would inevitably be seen as a compromise candidate  someone from the conservative camp who has nonetheless built bridges with Francis progressive world.

Erdo was considered a papal contender in the last conclave in 2013 thanks to his extensive church contacts in Europe and Africa and the fact he was seen as a pioneer of the New Evangelisation drive to rekindle the Catholic faith in secularised advanced nations  a top priority for many cardinals. He ranks as a conservative in theology, and in speeches throughout Europe, he stresses the Christian roots of the continent. However, he is also regarded as pragmatic and never clashed openly with Francis, unlike other tradition-minded clerics. That said, he raised eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Francis call for churches to take in refugees, saying this would amount to human trafficking. An expert in church law, Erdo has been on a fast track his entire career, becoming a bishop in his 40s and a cardinal in 2003 when he was just 51, making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals until 2010. He has excellent Italian and speaks German, French, Spanish and Russian, which could help thaw relations between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches after the deep chill of the war in Ukraine. Erdo is not a charismatic speaker, but while this was once undoubtedly viewed as a serious drawback, it could potentially be seen as an advantage this time around if cardinals want a calm papacy following the fireworks of Francis rule.

Mario Grech, 68 (Maltese) Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, a torchbearer of Francis reforms within the church for years. Credit: Getty Images Grech comes from Gozo, a tiny island that is part of Malta, the smallest country in the European Union. But from small beginnings, he has gone on to big things, appointed by Francis to be secretary general of the Synod of Bishops  a heavyweight position within the Vatican. Initially viewed as a conservative, Grech moved sharply with the times and has been a torchbearer of Francis reforms within the church for years. In 2008, several gay Maltese citizens declared they were leaving the church in protest at what they saw as the anti-LGBTQ stance of the then-pontiff, Pope Benedict.

Grech offered them little sympathy at the time but, speaking in the Vatican in 2014, he called for the church to be more accepting of its LGBTQ members and creative in finding new ways to address contemporary family situations. The following day, Francis tapped him on the shoulder at breakfast and complimented him on the speech, marking him out for future promotion. In 2018, Grech spoke about how he relished the challenges faced by the church, warning that it would not remain relevant to modern society if it did not move beyond nostalgia. His views have won him some high-profile enemies. Conservative Cardinal Gerhard Muller turned on him in 2022, belittling his academic profile and accusing him of going against Catholic doctrine. Grechs allies insist he has friends in both the conservative and moderate camps and is known by many cardinals  an advantage in a conclave where so many cardinals are relative unknowns to each other. Coming from a tiny country, his election as pope wouldnt create any diplomatic or geopolitical headaches. He has stressed that he always seeks consensus over confrontation, but he has sometimes courted controversy.

Pietro Parolin, 70 (Italian) Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was the main architect of the Vaticans rapprochement with China and Vietnam. Credit: Getty Images Parolin is seen as a compromise candidate between progressives and conservatives. He has been a church diplomat for most of his life, serving as Francis secretary of state since 2013. The position is similar to that of a prime minister, and secretaries of state are often called the deputy pope because they rank second to the pontiff in the Vatican hierarchy. Parolin previously served as deputy foreign minister under Pope Benedict, who in 2009 appointed him the Vaticans ambassador in Venezuela, where he defended the church against moves to weaken it by then-president Hugo Chavez. He was the main architect of the Vaticans rapprochement with China and Vietnam.

Conservatives have attacked him for an agreement on the appointment of bishops in communist China. He has defended the agreement saying that, while it was not perfect, it avoided a schism and provided some form of communication with the government in Beijing. Parolin was never a frontline or noisy activist in the churchs so-called culture wars, which centred on issues such as abortion and gay rights, although he did once condemn the legalisation of same-sex marriage in many countries as a defeat for humanity. He has defended the Vaticans power and said local churches cannot make decisions that would end up affecting all Catholics. Softly spoken and genteel, Parolin would return the papacy to the Italians after three successive non-Italian popes  John Paul II of Poland, Benedict of Germany and Francis of Argentina. He entered the Vaticans diplomatic service just three years after his priestly ordination in 1980, so his pastoral experience is limited. In his favour, he speaks several languages.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60 (Italian) Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa gained favour in Israel after offering to take the place of children being held hostage in Gaza in 2023. Credit: AP Pizzaballa is on the young side to be pope, but he is a favourite of many Italian Vatican watchers eager to see an Italian take back the papacy. He has served in Jerusalem for more than three decades, moving to the city from his native Italy just a month after his ordination. Pizzaballa served as custodian of the Holy Land for 12 years, responsible for all Catholic properties in the region. In 2016, Francis appointed Pizzaballa to fill the vacant seat of the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem  the representative of Catholics in Israel, Cyprus, Jordan and the Palestinian territories  and made it official in 2020. Pizzaballa was elevated to cardinal in 2023.

A fluent Hebrew speaker, Pizzaballa has translated various liturgical texts into the language for the Catholic communities in Israel. He gained favour in Israel after offering to take the place of children being held hostage in Gaza, a week after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Before Easter that year, Pizzaballa warned in an interview that the regions 2000-year-old Christian community was under increasing attack, as Israels government emboldened extremists who have harassed clergy and vandalised religious property at a quickening pace. Pizzaballa has travelled extensively around the region, including to help celebrate a special pre-Christmas Mass in Gaza last year. Robert Prevost, 69 (American/Peruvian) US Cardinal Robert Prevost has a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals have. Credit: Getty Images

Francis brought Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. As a result, Prevost has a prominence going into the conclave that few other cardinals have. One strike against him, however, is that hes American, and there has long been a taboo against a US pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, could be a first because hes also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop. Prevost was also twice elected prior general, or top leader, of the Augustinians, the 13th-century order founded by St Augustine. Francis clearly had an eye on him for years, moving him from the Augustinian leadership back to Peru in 2014 to serve as the administrator and later archbishop of Chiclayo. He remained in that position, acquiring Peruvian citizenship in 2015, until Francis brought him to Rome in 2023 to assume the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. In that job, he would have kept in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics. Since arriving in Rome, Prevost has kept a low public profile, but he is well known to the men who count.

Significantly, he presided over one of Francis most revolutionary reforms, adding three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. In early 2025, Francis again showed his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals, suggesting he would at least be Francis choice in any future conclave. Prevosts comparative youth could count against him if his brother cardinals dont want to commit to a pope who might reign for another two decades. Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, 67 (Filipino) Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle comes from what some called Asias Catholic lung because the Philippines has the regions largest Catholic population. Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini Tagle is often called the Asian Francis because of his similar commitment to social justice and, if elected, he would be the first pontiff from Asia.

On paper, Tagle  who generally prefers to be called by his nickname Chito  seems to have all the boxes ticked to qualify him to be a pope. He has had decades of pastoral experience since his ordination to the priesthood in 1982. He then gained administrative experience, first as bishop of Imus and then as archbishop of Manila. Benedict made him a cardinal in 2012. In a move seen by some as a strategy by Francis to give Tagle some Vatican experience, the Pope in 2019 transferred him from Manila to head the churchs missionary arm  the Dicastery for Evangelisation. He comes from what some called Asias Catholic lung because the Philippines has the regions largest Catholic population. His mother was an ethnic Chinese Filipino. He speaks fluent Italian and English. Between 2015 and 2022, he was the top leader of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of more than 160 Catholic relief, social service and development organisations around the world. In 2022, Francis fired its entire leadership following accusations of bullying and humiliation of employees, and appointed a commissioner to run it.

Tagle, who was also removed from his role, had been nominally president but was not involved in the day-to-day operations. It remains to be seen how the saga will affect Tagles chances at the papacy. Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76 (Ghanaian) Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson combines a long pastoral background of tending to congregations in Ghana with hands-on experience of leading several Vatican offices. Credit: Joshua Sammer/Getty Images From humble beginnings in a small African town, Cardinal Peter Turkson has gone on to great things in the church, making him a contender to become the first pope from sub-Saharan Africa. He combines a long pastoral background of tending to congregations in Ghana with hands-on experience of leading several Vatican offices, as well as strong communication skills. That he comes from one of the most dynamic regions for the church, which is struggling against the forces of secularism in its European heartlands, should also bolster his standing.

The fourth son in a family of 10 children, Turkson was born in Wassaw Nsuta, in what was then called the Gold Coast in the British Empire. His father worked in a nearby mine and doubled as a carpenter while his mother sold vegetables in the market. He studied at seminaries in Ghana and New York, was ordained in 1975, and then taught in his former Ghanaian seminary and did advanced biblical studies in Rome. John Paul II appointed him archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 and, 11 years later, made him the first cardinal in the history of the West African state. Promotions continued under John Pauls successor, Benedict, who brought him to the Vatican in 2009 to lead the body that promotes social justice, human rights and world peace. In that role, he was one of the Popes closest advisers on issues such as climate change and drew attention by attending conferences such as the Davos economic forum. In 2023, he told the BBC he prayed against the possibility that he would be elected pope but some of his detractors said that, given his media appearances, it appeared he was campaigning for the job. Matteo Maria Zuppi, 69 (Italian)

Archbishop Matteo Maria Zuppi is known as a street priest who focuses on migrants and the poor and cares little for pomp and protocol. Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini When Zuppi was promoted in 2015 to archbishop of Bologna, national media referred to him as the Italian Bergoglio, due to his affinity with Francis, the Argentinian Pope who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Zuppi would be the first Italian pope since 1978. Much like Francis when he lived in Buenos Aires, Zuppi is known as a street priest who focuses on migrants and the poor and cares little for pomp and protocol. He goes by the name of Father Matteo, and in Bologna he sometimes uses a bicycle rather than an official car. In a city that loves its meat products, he once made waves when pork-free tortellini was served, as an option, for the feast day of Bolognas patron saint. Zuppi called the Muslim-friendly move a normal gesture of respect and courtesy.

If he were made pope, conservatives would most likely view him with suspicion. Victims of church sexual abuse might also object to him, since the Italian Catholic Church  which he has led since 2022  has been slow to investigate and confront the issue. The Italian cardinal is closely associated with the Community of SantEgidio, a global peace and justice Catholic group based in the historic Rome district of Trastevere, where he spent most of his life as a priest. SantEgidio, sometimes called the United Nations of Trastevere, brokered a 1992 peace agreement that ended a 17-year-old civil war in Mozambique, with the help of Zuppi as one of the mediators. He has engaged in more diplomacy recently as papal envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, concentrating on efforts to repatriate children who Ukraine says have been deported to Russia or Russian-held territories. Zuppi is a born-and-bred Roman with a fairly thick regional accent and solid Catholic family roots.
Washington: President Donald Trump has backtracked significantly from his pledge to sign trade deals with other countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs, saying he will instead set a price to shop in the US, which he compared to a luxury department store.

In a lengthy monologue while meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office, Trump complained the media kept asking him about the deals he had previously insisted he would make with world leaders whom he had said were desperate for respite from his tariffs.

US President Donald Trump backed away from his pledge to strike new trade deals with Americas trading partners. Credit: Bloomberg

Everybody wants to come and make a deal, and were working with a lot of different countries, and its all going to work out very well, he said at a cabinet meeting in April.

But on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), the president indicated with a degree of frustration that the deals did not necessarily involve negotiation with other countries.
The St. Martin Believers Connection Convention held its 19th annual gathering of Christian believers across both sides of the island under the theme The Prayers That Trigger Heaven. The lively gathering reflected the stature of its pre-COVID era since adjusting its outreach during the pandemic. During the opening ceremony on May 2, the visionaries and past leaders of the convention, Apostle Leyland Sam and his wife, Pastor Marva Sam, handed the leadership of the convention over to Pastor Jerome Thomas, of Christian Assembly Ministries, who now serves as the chairman of the Conventions steering committee.

In 2006, Apostle Sam and Pastor Sam formed a committee with fellow local leaders and launched the SMBCC with the purpose of uniting the church on St. Martin. It has since featured dozens of local and international spiritual leaders and gospel artists, choir, debates, and youth talent displays. During the opening ceremony, the Sam couple honored past and present committee members and persons who played an instrumental role in the success of the convention. The three nights of worship highlighted messages from Apostle Napolina Richardson, Apostle Albert Hilton, Reverend Nolan Nanton, and the newly installed chairman, Pastor Jerome Thomas, who expounded on the theme of unity in the faith. The SMBCC was held at the Olam Convention Center in Cole Bay from May 2 to May 4.

Dozens of Ministries that form part of the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF) and French Federation of Churches joined the unity service, where churches shut their doors on Sunday morning to worship God as one. Availability for prayer requests, baptisms, and counseling was also provided for interested attendees. The convention also provided opportunities for local vendors and entrepreneurs to display and sell their products. The SMBCC operates as a committee within SMUMF and invites the public to follow its Facebook page for further updates at the St. Martin Believers Connection Convention.
PHILIPSBURG:---The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 7, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:

1. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for participation in the Agroalimentaria 2025 Trade Show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from May 28-31, 2025 (IS/883/2024-2025 dated April 14, 2025)

2. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to participate in the 21st ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 9th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, in Montevideo, Uruguay, from May 27-29, 2025 (IS/928/2024-2025 dated April 24, 2024)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation has recommended that the parliament ratify the minerals agreement between the United States and Ukraine, said the head of the committee, Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction).

"The committee has just recommended that the Verkhovna Rada ratify the agreement," he told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

As the co-chair of the European Solidarity faction, Iryna Gerashchenko, reported on telegram the decision to ratify the agreement was supported by nine MPs - members of the committee from the Servant of the People and Batkivschyna factions, the representative of Holos abstained.

According to Gerashchenko, she and her colleague in the faction, Maria Ionova, did not participate in the vote, since European Solidarity had not yet made a political decision on voting for the agreement.

"The committee ignored the proposals of representatives of the opposition factions, in particular, ours and Batkivschyna, that as of the time of ratification, the Verkhovna Rada had not received the text of the agreement on limited partnership, and other reservations that were proposed to be recorded in the preamble of the document," Gerashchenko noted.

As reported, draft law No. 0309 on the ratification of the agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United States of America on the establishment of the American-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on May 1.
OpenAI abandons plan to become for-profit company



San Francisco, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025



OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced Monday that the company behind ChatGPT will continue to be run as a nonprofit, abandoning a contested plan to convert into a for-profit organization.

The structural issue had become a significant point of contention for the artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer, with major investors pushing for the change to better secure their returns.

AI safety advocates had expressed concerns about pursuing substantial profits from such powerful technology without the oversight of a nonprofit board of directors acting in society's interest rather than for shareholder profits.

"OpenAI is not a normal company and never will be," Altman wrote in an email to staff posted on the company's website.

"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," he added.

OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015 and later created a "capped" for-profit entity allowing limited profit-making to attract investors, with cloud computing giant Microsoft becoming the largest early backer.

This arrangement nearly collapsed in 2023 when the board unexpectedly fired Altman. Staff revolted, leading to Altman's reinstatement while those responsible for his dismissal departed.

Alarmed by the instability, investors demanded OpenAI transition to a more traditional for-profit structure within two years.

Under its initial reform plan revealed last year, OpenAI would have become an outright for-profit public benefit corporation (PBC), reassuring investors considering the tens of billions of dollars necessary to fulfill the company's ambitions.

Any status change, however, requires approval from state governments in California and Delaware, where the company is headquartered and registered, respectively.

The plan faced strong criticism from AI safety activists and co-founder Elon Musk, who sued the company he left in 2018, claiming the proposal violated its founding philosophy.

In the revised plan, OpenAI's money-making arm will now be fully open to generate profits but, crucially, will remain under the nonprofit board's supervision.

"We believe this sets us up to continue to make rapid, safe progress and to put great AI in the hands of everyone," Altman said.



- SoftBank sign-off -



OpenAI's major investors will likely have a say in this proposal, with Japanese investment giant SoftBank having made the change to being a for-profit a condition for their massive $30 billion investment announced on March 31.

In an official document, SoftBank stated its total investment could be reduced to $20 billion if OpenAI does not restructure into a for-profit entity by year-end.

The substantial cash injections are needed to cover OpenAI's colossal computing requirements to build increasingly energy-intensive and complex AI models.

The company's original vision did not contemplate "the needs for hundreds of billions of dollars of compute to train models and serve users," Altman said.

SoftBank's contribution in March represented the majority of the $40 billion raised in a funding round that valued the ChatGPT maker at $300 billion, marking the largest capital-raising event ever for a startup.

The company, led by Altman, has become one of Silicon Valley's most successful startups, propelled to prominence in 2022 with the release of ChatGPT, its generative AI chatbot.

arp/aha

MICROSOFT
TikTok to build 1-bn-euro data centre in Finland



Helsinki, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



TikTok said Tuesday it was investing 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to build a data centre in Finland, days after the EU slapped it with a massive fine accusing it of sending Europeans' personal data to China.

The Chinese-owned social media giant said the data centre in Finland was a "significant step" in its commitment to data security in Europe.

The European Union last week hit TikTok with a 530-million-euro ($600 million) fine, accusing it of sending Europeans' personal data to China and failing to guarantee it was shielded from access by Chinese authorities.

TikTok has been in the crosshairs of Western governments for years over fears personal data could be used by China for espionage or propaganda purposes.

The company said it planned to appeal the fine from Brussels, the second-largest ever imposed by the EU.

TikTok said the data centre, to be built in Kouvola in southeastern Finland, was part of Project Clover, its 12-billion-euro initiative to protect "the data of our 175 million-strong European community".

"Once live, it will support the default storage of European user data within our secure European Enclave, expanding our capacity to manage data locally while meeting the highest standards of security and oversight," it said.

"A strong digital infrastructure, clean energy mix, robust data governance and skilled tech talent" made Finland "an ideal location" for the centre, it said.
Photo: president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election as German Federal Chancellor.

"I sincerely congratulate Friedrich Merz on his election as Germanys new Federal Chancellor. Ukraine is deeply grateful for the support of Germany and its people. Your helping hand has saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives. We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that well see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs. This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake  and it will depend on our unity," Zelenskyy wrote on the X network on Tuesday.

He wished Merz success.
Iran slams Israeli strikes on Yemen port



Tehran, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



Iran on Tuesday strongly condemned Israeli air strikes on the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, following missile attacks by Tehran-backed Huthi rebels on Israel's main airport.

The Israeli military said it hit Huthi positions along Yemen's Red Sea coast and inland on Monday, alleging they were used to transfer "Iranian weapons" and other military equipment.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denounced the strikes as "a blatant crime and a gross violation of the principles and rules of international law".

Baqaei urged international and regional powers to act against what he called ongoing US and Israeli "destruction" in Islamic countries.

The Huthis said dozens of people were wounded in six strikes on Hodeida port and another attack on Bajil district, blaming "US-Israeli aggression".

A US official denied American involvement.

Iran backs the Huthis as part of its so-called "axis of resistance" against Israel, alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and Palestinian group Hamas.

All three have been heavily targeted since the start of the Gaza war sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The Huthis, who control much of Yemen, have repeatedly targeted Israeli territory and Red Sea shipping, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against both the Huthis and Iran.

He accused the Islamic republic of backing the Huthis, who claimed a missile strike on Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv.
Putin tells Iranian president Russia wants 'fair' US-Iran nuclear deal



Moscow, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow wants a "fair" nuclear deal between the United States and Iran and was ready to help advance talks, the Kremlin said.

"The Russian side confirmed its readiness to contribute to the promotion of this dialogue with the goal of reaching a fair agreement based on the principles of international law," the Kremlin said in a readout of a call between the leaders.

The latest round of the talks between Tehran and Washington, initially set for May 3, was postponed, with mediator Oman citing "logistical reasons" for the delay.

The two countries have held three rounds since April 12, their highest-level contact since the United States withdrew from a landmark deal with Iran in 2018, during Donald Trump's first term as president.

Russia has deepened its military and diplomatic ties with Iran since it launched its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.

The two countries, both under massive Western sanctions, signed a strategic partnership earlier this year. Most recently, Moscow has sent two planes to help put down a fire after a deadly explosion in Iran's biggest commercial port.

Russia earlier confirmed its readiness to help find a diplomatic solution to the stand-off between Washington and Tehran, and to play any role in the talks.
French lawmakers want Dreyfus promoted 130 years after scandal



Paris, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



A group of French members of parliament said Tuesday they wanted Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish French army captain wrongly convicted for treason in 1894, to be awarded the rank of brigadier general.

The parliamentarians, led by former prime minister Gabriel Attal, said a law to that effect would be an act of reparation for Dreyfus, whose condemnation came against a backdrop of the late 19th century's rampant anti-Semitism in the French army and wider society.

It would, said Attal, also send the signal that the fight against anti-Semitism continues today, more than a century after the Dreyfus affair divided French society and gave rise to writer Emile Zola's famous "J'accuse" pamphlet in favour of the disgraced captain.

"The anti-Semitism that targeted Alfred Dreyfus is not in the distant past," Attal said in a draft law to be submitted to parliament.

"Today's acts of hatred remind us that the fight is still ongoing."

Dreyfus, a 36-year-old army captain from the Alsace region of eastern France, was accused in October 1894 of passing secret information on new artillery equipment to the German military attache.

The accusation was based on a comparison of handwriting on a document found in the German's waste paper basket in Paris.

Dreyfus was put on trial, amid a virulent anti-Semitic press campaign.

Despite a lack of evidence, he was convicted of treason, sentenced to life imprisonment in the infamous Devil's Island penal colony in French Guiana and publicly stripped of his rank.

But Lieutenant Colonel Georges Picquart, head of the intelligence services, reinvestigated the case in secret and discovered the handwriting on the incriminating message was that of another officer, Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy.

When Picquart presented the evidence to the general staff of the French army, he himself was driven out of the military and jailed for a year, while Esterhazy was acquitted.

In June 1899, Dreyfus was brought back to France for a second trial. He was initially found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison, before being officially pardoned -- though not cleared of the charges.

Only in 1906, after many twists, did the high court of appeal overturn the original verdict, exonerating Dreyfus.

He was reinstated with the rank of major. He served during World War I and died in 1935, aged 76.

Attal said that without the years in exile and his public humiliation, Dreyfus "would have risen to the highest ranks naturally".

No date has been set yet for a vote on the proposal.

France is home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel and the United States, as well as the largest Muslim community in the European Union.

There has been a rise in reported attacks against members of France's Jewish community since Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 and the Israeli military responded with a devastating military offensive on the Gaza Strip.
Boris Pistorius, party soldier in charge of Germany's defence



Berlin, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius -- who has led the push to make the military "ready for war" so it doesn't have to fight one -- was the only cabinet member to survive the new government taking office.

Hailed as a straight-talking politician, the Social Democrat has earned the respect of troops and voters for his efforts to strengthen the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, and support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

That saved his seat at the cabinet table when conservative Friedrich Merz officially took over as chancellor Tuesday from Olaf Scholz of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

The SPD -- staying on as a junior partner to Merz's CDU/CSU alliance -- decided that Pistorius would remain in charge of Germany's defence ministry, a job he has held for over two years.

Pistorius, 65, now has at his disposal an unprecedented budget to make the armed forces battle-ready in the face of sabre-rattling from Moscow and an uncertain future for the transatlantic alliance.

The new government intends to borrow hundreds of billions of euros to upgrade the military after years of underinvestment in the post-Cold War era which has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump.

Pistorius took the job in January 2023, as Berlin stepped up arms shipments to Ukraine, making Germany the country's second biggest military backer after the United States.

In a job that has derailed many politicians before him, he quickly became Germany's most popular politician according to opinion polls, a position he has maintained ever since.

Under Pistorius, Berlin also decided to deploy a German brigade to Lithuania by 2027 to help strengthen NATO's eastern flank.



- 'Red general' -



Born in the northern city of Osnabrueck on March 14, 1960, Pistorius completed his own compulsory military service in the early 1980s.

He went on to study law and work as an attorney before entering politics in the 1990s.

He became mayor of his hometown and later interior minister of Lower Saxony state, where he gained a reputation for his work in renewing the police force and boosting it to combat extremism.

When Pistorius became defence minister, Der Spiegel news magazine nicknamed him the "red general" for the colour of the centre left Social Democrats party and his hard-charging style.

"Pistorius is considered impatient, occasionally comes across as brash and can sometimes barely conceal it when he is annoyed with others," public broadcaster NDR wrote of him.

As Scholz's unwieldy three-party government engaged in open bickering last year over fiscal and economic policy, Pistorius stayed above the fray.

After Scholz's government came crashing down in November, some voices within the SPD begged Pistorius to take the helm to try to turn around its dire poll ratings.

But Pistorius refused to make a move for the party crown and played the loyal soldier, backing Scholz.

As the SPD went down to its worst defeat in history, with around 16 percent of the vote, Pistorius is now the last man standing from the old ministerial lineup.

He has two daughters and was widowed in 2015 when his wife died of cancer. He remarried in December 2023 to academic Julia Schwanholz.
India launches strikes on Pakistan as Islamabad vows retaliation



Islamabad, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



India fired missiles at Pakistani territory early Wednesday in a major escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals, as Islamabad vowed retaliation.

The Indian government said it had attacked nine sites, describing them as "precision strikes at terrorist camps" in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, days after it blamed Islamabad for a deadly attack on the Indian side of the contested region.

Pakistan's army said three locations had been targeted, citing two in Pakistani-run Kashmir and one in Bahawalpur, a city in the country's most populous province of Punjab, bordering India.

AFP correspondents in Pakistani-run Kashmir and Punjab heard several loud explosions.

"We will retaliate at the time of our choosing," said Pakistani military spokesman Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, calling the strikes a "heinous provocation."

India had been widely expected to respond militarily to the attack on tourists in Kashmir last month by militants which it has said were from Pakistani group Lakshar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist organisation.

The assault left 26 people dead.

New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for backing the attack, 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.

Wednesday's missile strikes are a dangerous heightening of friction between the South Asian neighbours, who have fought multiple wars since they were carved out of British colonial India in 1947.

For days the international community has piled pressure on Pakistan and India to step back from the brink of war.

"We continue to urge Pakistan and India to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia," US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, hours before the strikes.



- Insurgency -



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 in Kashmir last month.

Indian police have issued wanted posters for three suspects -- two Pakistanis and an Indian -- who they say belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The Pakistani military has said it has launched two missile tests in recent days, including of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres (280 miles) -- about the distance from the Pakistan border to New Delhi.

India is set to hold several civil defence drills Wednesday preparing people to "protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack".

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected in New Delhi on Wednesday, two days after talks in Islamabad with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Tehran has offered to mediate between the two nations, and Araghchi will be first senior foreign diplomat to visit both countries since the April 22 attack sent relations plunging.

Rebels in Indian-run Kashmir have waged an insurgency since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

India regularly blames its neighbour for backing gunmen behind the insurgency.



- 'Act of war' -



The strikes came just hours after Modi said that water flowing across India's borders would be stopped. Pakistan had warned that tampering with the rivers that flow from India into its territory would be an "act of war."

Modi did not mention Islamabad specifically, but his speech came after New Delhi suspended its part of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water critical to Pakistan for consumption and agriculture.

"India's water used to go outside, now it will flow for India," Modi said in a speech in New Delhi.

burs-pjm/mlm/st/bgs
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/st.nicholas.kyiv/

The Trustees and Parish Councils of St. Nicholas Church have addressed an open letter to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asking for assistance in the final decision on the transfer of the building of the St. Nicholas Church to a religious community and preventing the destruction of an outstanding historical and cultural monument.

"We are addressing you with deep heartache and unwavering hope on behalf of the Parish and Trustee Councils and the entire long-suffering community of the St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv... We bitterly observe how the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine continues to ignore the needs of the Catholic parish of St. Nicholas, leaving us in last place in resolving the issue of the return of the St. Nicholas Church. For 20 years, starting from December 19, 2005, contrary to the instructions of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture has been sabotaging the transfer of the church to our religious community... Our rights are clearly enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine. Moreover, our rightness is confirmed by a court decision, which the Ministry, instead of implementing, stubbornly challenges," the appeal to the president states.

The appeal reports that in his personal letter to Pope Francis in September 2020, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted - "In accordance with the decree of the President of Ukraine, at a government meeting on September 16, 2020, a decision was made to instruct the Ministry of Culture to transfer the St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv for permanent use to the Roman Catholic parish."

"Dear Mr. President! It is up to you to make this decision. Not only the future of our church depends on your choice, but also the path that Ukraine will take - the path of truth and justice or the continuation of outdated pro-Soviet mistakes... With prayers for the wisdom of your decisions, for the victory of Ukraine and for the fulfillment of the promised decision, which we have been waiting for 20 years," the believers called on the head of state.

As reported, in January, the Dnipropetrovsk District Administrative Court decided to return the building of the St. Nicholas Church to full use by the religious community of the Roman Catholic Church.

In December 2024, the St. Nicholas Church was damaged as a result of a missile attack on Kyiv.
Discussing the election results, he added: We know fundamentally people elected this government because they want to see change and that hasnt come soon enough for them, so weve got to listen to that, get on with the job.
Her family are now trying to help her have the peaceful and dignified farewell she deserves by returning her to the UK so she can be buried surrounded by her relatives and loved ones.
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Mrs Franks, who trained in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in the British Army when she was 19, added: I love England very much. I felt so proud to be in the army. I did my bit.
A few of us remember filming in the late 1960s, and how the film attracted a lot of visitors at the time, said the man, who is in his 80s and asked not to be identified.
And the Ukrainian President said he does not trust Russia to observe a truce, adding: We understand who we are dealing with: we do not believe them.
The Prosecutor Generals Office has launched an investigation into the shooting by the occupiers of three captured Ukrainian servicemen in Donetsk region.

According to prompt data, on May 3, 2025, three servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were performing combat missions at positions near the village of Novopil, Velyka Novosilka community, Volnovakha district. During the assault, the occupiers surrounded the Ukrainian defenders, forced them to lay down their arms and surrender. Realizing that the military of the Defense Forces could not resist, representatives of the Russian Armed Forces shot them with automatic weapons, the message on the Telegram channel said on Tuesday.

The Prosecutor General's Office emphasizes that the intentional killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and qualifies as a grave international crime.

Under the procedural leadership of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, a pretrial investigation has been initiated in criminal proceedings into the commission of a war crime that caused the death of people (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Urgent investigative (search) actions are currently being carried out to establish all the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the commission of the specified crime.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua

Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with U.S. Charge d'Affaires a.i. to Ukraine Julie Davis and congratulated her on the start of the diplomatic mission in our country.

As reported on the presidential website on Tuesday, Yermak thanked the United States and the American people for their support for Ukraine, and also noted the diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump.

"He stressed the importance of establishing a complete, unconditional ceasefire, which should be the first step towards the start of negotiations on achieving a just and lasting peace. Andriy Yermak separately noted the recent decision of the U.S. State Department on the possible sale of pilot training and maintenance services for F-16 aircraft to Ukraine," the office said.

Yermak stressed the importance of Ukraine and the United States signing the agreement on the establishment of the Reconstruction Investment Fund and noted that the Verkhovna Rada is preparing for its ratification this week.

As reported, Ambassador Davis will serve as the Charge d'Affaires a.d. interim until the U.S. President 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, 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, as well as the Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

Her arrival in Ukraine was announced on May 5.
The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has extended the term of the preventive measure in the form of detention for Ihor Kolomoisky in the case of the contract murder of lawyer Serhiy Karpenko until July 4, 2025, Suspilne reports.

"The prosecutor requested an extension of the preventive measure in the form of detention for another 60 days, without determining the amount of bail. Kolomoisky's lawyers and he himself requested that this motion be denied. They say that the motion is groundless and unfounded," the report states.

It is also noted that earlier the prosecutor attached five volumes with witness interrogations and conclusions to the case. The Prosecutor General's Office declared Ihor Kolomoisky a suspect back in May 2024.

According to the investigation, Kolomoisky, acting out of personal revenge, ordered the murder of the director of one of the law firms for failing to comply with the requirements to annul and invalidate the decisions of the general meeting of shareholders of an open joint-stock company. The events took place in Feodosia (Crimea).

Ihor Kolomoisky has been in custody on suspicion of fraud and money laundering since September 2023
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Exhibitions, music and dance performances, workshops and food tasting will take place from May 24 to 25 at the Mogosoaia Palace, as part of the World Cultures Festival, informs a press release of the organizers, sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.

Cuba, Vietnam, North Macedonia, Spain, Greece and Romania will meet for two days, at the Mogosoaia Palace.

The series of attractions will open on 24 May, from 13:00, with a program that will take visitors to the cultural space of North Macedonia, organized by the Association of Macedonians in Romania. The music and dance performance by the Sonte Ensemble will be followed by a presentation of documentary films from North Macedonia and the opening of an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and traditional costumes.

The series of events proposed by Romania will start at 14:30 with the opening of the photography exhibitions "Atlas of Beauty" - Mihaela Noroc and "Miraculous Romania" - Jeno Major, the opening of the exhibition "Cityscapes" with works by the Romanian watercolorist painter - Corneliu Dragan Targoviste, during which the book "Polychromes" - of interviews with personalities from the world of visual arts will be presented. There will also be the Award Ceremony of the Winners of the 6th edition of the International Competition "Martha Bibescu", an event organized in partnership with the Union of Visual Artists of Romania, followed by a piano recital by Maria Louisa van Staden, under the title "Child prodigies in world music".

At 16:00 it's Spain's turn, starting with a recital by the great pianist Ruben Lorenzo. This will be followed by a special Happy Cinema screening of Salvador Dali's "In search of immortality".

The events proposed by Greece, through the Hellenic Union of Romania, will start on May 25, from 13:00. After a musical and choreographic performance by the "Asteria" and "Kymata" ensembles, visitors will be able to attend the opening of an exhibition of paintings and sculptures. Then the movie "Hellenic Revolution on Romanian land" will be screened.

From 14:30 it's Vietnam's turn. There will be an artistic moment followed by a Vietnamese coffee tasting.

At 16:00, Cuba will be represented through documentary films, a photography exhibition, an electrifying encounter with the Biu Maquetti Trio and a Mojito tasting.

During both days of the festival there will be four workshops: handmade jewelry, collage, drawing and painted lanterns. Places at the workshops for children and teenagers are limited. A maximum of 10 participants will be accepted for each workshop. If you are interested, please write to asociatiaprovalores@gmail.com. Ludice (www.ludice.ro) supports the creative workshops of the World Cultures Festival, joining initiatives that encourage creativity and artistic expression. Thus, Ludice will offer participants vouchers for one creative workshop from its own portfolio. The prizes have a total value of 10,000 lei and offer talented children and teenagers the opportunity to discover new forms of expression, to learn through play and to continue their artistic development in a friendly, energetic and safe environment.

Admission is free to the events in the interior spaces of the palace, subject to availability.

AGERPRES National Press Agency is media partner of the event.
Interim President Ilie Bolojan signed on Tuesday morning a decree naming Catalin Predoiu Romania's caretaker prime minister fulfilling the official duties until the formation of a new government, the Presidential Administration has informed.

On Monday, Marcel Ciolacu submitted his resignation as prime minister. AGERPRES

Catalin Marian Predoiu was born on August 27, 1968, in Buzau, Buzau County.

He is a class of 1991 Faculty of Law of the University of Bucharest graduate. In 2003, he got a Doctor of Law degree Summa Laudae from the University of Bucharest. He completed his university studies in 1994, when he took an internship in the legal profession at the Caen Bar, France.

He was a professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest (1994-2007). In 1991 he became a member of the Bucharest Bar Association. In 2021 he operated his own legal firm.

As far as his political activity is concerned, Predoiu joined the Liberal Democratic Party (PDL) on July 5, 2013. He was first vice-president of PDL (2013-2014). On July 26, 2014, an extraordinary convention of the Congress of the National Liberal Party (PNL) passed a protocol of merger with PDL, the statutes and political agenda of the new party and the protocol of the electoral alliance - the Christian Liberal Alliance (ACL).

He was first vice-president of PNL (2014-2017) and chairman of PNL Bucharest (Dec. 2015-June 2016).

In the 2014 presidential election, the National Political Bureau of the merged PNL-PDL decided to pick Predoiu as a candidate for the position of prime minister of the Christian Liberal Alliance, with Klaus Iohannis being their presidential candidate.

On May 18, 2016, he officially launched his candidacy for the Bucharest City Hall.

In the 2016-2020 legislature, he was elected MP in the electoral constituency no. 12 Calarasi, on the PNL tickets. On December 6, 2020, he was re-elected to the Chamber of Deputies in electoral constituency 31 Prahova, on the PNL tickets.

He was a justice minister in the cabinet led by Calin Popescu Tariceanu (Feb.-Nov. 2008) and in the cabinet led by Emil Boc (Dec. 2008-Oct. 2009); interim justice minister after the Boc Government was dismissed under a motion of censure by Parliament (Oct. 2009) and interim foreign minister (Oct. 2009); justice minister in the Boc IV cabinet (23 Dec. 2009 - 6 Feb. 2012); justice minister in the Ungureanu government (9 February 2012 - 7 May 2012); justice minister in the Ludovic Orban government (Nov. 2019-Dec. 2020); justice minister (Nov. 2021-15 Jun 2023), caretaker prime minister (12-15 Jun 2023) and home affairs minister since 15 Jun 2023.

On December 23, 2024, Predoiu was picked for home affairs minister in a government formed by Marcel Ciolacu after the December 1, 2024 general election. He was again caretaker prime minister on February 6, 2012, replacing resigning Prime Minister Emil Boc pending the formation of a new government.

He has published numerous studies, special works, and political opinion articles.

In 2003, he was awarded the I.L. Georgescu prize of the Romanian Jurists' Union and the Simion Barnutiu prize of the Romanian Academy.
Chief of Staff of the Special Operations Forces Command, Colonel Marian Barsan declared on Tuesday at the conference promoting the Southeast Europe Special Operations Forces Forum 2025 (SEESOF 2025) which will take place in Targu Mures on June 4 - 5 that this event will consolidate and coagulate the SOF structures in the Black Sea region.

"We expect it to reinforce Romania's position as a regional pole in this field, as around 15 allied and partner states have already announced their presence with military delegations from the field of special operations, plus there is the part dedicated to the companies in the defense industry; it will also promote the national defense industry. (...). It will facilitate the exchange of ideas in areas of interest for both national security and the local community. The forum will consolidate and coagulate Black Sea region SOF structures around us, and will provide a platform for defense industry operators to interact with Romanian special operations forces, as well as with those participating in the activity," said Colonel Barsan.

SEESOF 2025 which will be organized at the campus of the Targu Mures University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology by TNT Productions Romania with the support and participation of the National Defense Ministry, "will put the city of Targu Mures on the international map of professional events dedicated to the military industry and business," said the Colonel.

June 3 be dedicated to welcoming the foreign delegations at the Command headquarters, to bilateral meetings and the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements in the field of special operations. June 4 - 5 will see discussions and debates conducted within five panels, with the participation of national and international representatives. The themes of the panels are: "Challenges for the Southeastern European SOF and the future of conflict", "Industry support of SEESOF needs for building regional trust","Human Performance and resilience - a medical perspective on the future challenges to force preparation and sustainment", "Women in combat, women in command", and "Resilience"

In the current geostrategic context, said Colonel Barsan, and especially after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Romania is taking on an increasingly important role in NATO's plans. He recalled that last year the Romanian and Bulgarian Parliaments approved the establishment of the Regional Special Operations Component Command based in Targu Mures, and that towards the end of 2024, Turkey expressed its intention to join.

"We are in full administrative procedures for Turkey to join this project, a project of particular importance for Romania, because it will ensure, in case of crisis and war, the coordination and synchronization of the actions in the field, special operations in our region, and this will be done from Romania, from Targu Mures," concluded Colonel Barsan.

Rector of the 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology in Targu Mures Leonard Azamfirei stated that SEESOF 2025 will bring forward various structures, that universities will play an important role, and that UMF Targu Mures is interested in using opportunities of accessing funding for defense research.

Over 3,000 participants from over 20 countries are expected at the first edition of the international expo-forum dedicated to Special Operations Forces - SEESOF 2025. The event is also expected to draw some 3,000 visitors from roughly 23 countries.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ivanna.klympushtsintsadze

Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze (European Solidarity faction) expects that the new German government headed by Friedrich Merz will take leadership in the European Union and increase support for Ukraine, particularly in the military sector.

"Sure, expectations are extremely high. The responsibility of the new government is extremely important from the point of view of the development of Germany itself and the unification of society around values, countering Russian influences, Russian support for radical right-wing and radical left-wing political forces and movements... And we, Ukrainians, count on the new government to be even more ready to provide direct, directly increased support to Ukraine, including primarily in the military sector, to take on value leadership in the EU in order to maximally unite the member states of the European Union in further concrete steps to build a new system of defense capabilities and security in Europe, of which Ukraine is a part," Klympush-Tsintsadze told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

She said the responsibility of the new German government covers not only economic and social aspects, but also extremely high requirements for it in security matters. According to the politician, it is about the need to strengthen the defense capabilities of both Germany itself and its role as part of the North Atlantic Alliance and the pan-European security space.

"The election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor of Germany is certainly extremely important news for both Germany itself and the European Union, for the wider democratic world and, of course, for Ukraine... The fact that this election took place on the second attempt for the first time in the history of Germany after successful coalition negotiations has become a kind of spoonful of tar in a barrel of honey of expectations and high hopes that are placed on the new government, which should now be formed by the new Chancellor," Klympush-Tsintsadze said.

According to the MP, her colleagues from Germany describe in different ways the reasons why Merz received 310 out of the required 316 votes in the first vote and only in the second he was supported by 325 coalition members. According to Klympush-Tsintsadze, this may be due to certain losses in the newly formed coalition itself, as well as to the purely personal lack of responsibility of certain politicians during voting.
Partners from ten countries participated on Tuesday, in Targu Mures, in the international conference "Digital Leap into the Circular Economy: Unlocking Potential for a Greener Danube Region", dedicated to boosting the circular economy in the Danube region through digitalization and innovation.

The conference "Digital Leap into the Circular Economy: Unlocking Potential for a Greener Danube Region", hosted by "George Emil Palade" the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology (UMFST) in Targu Mures, is organized within the project "DECIDE - Digital Services for the Circular Economy: a Toolkit for Regional Developers and SMEs".

"The conference also represents an element of synergy with the intensive BIP Erasmus+ program that continues the tradition of BEST - Boost your Entrepreneurship Skills in Transylvania, within which 31 students from partner universities from Germany, France, Bulgaria and Romania will use the tools developed in the DECIDE project to model innovative business ideas in the circular economy during this week", said Associate Professor Liviu Ciucan-Rusu, co-organizer of the conference, at the opening of the event.

The DECIDE project, part of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, encourages SMEs, start-ups an economic development organizations to adopt the circular economy, offering practical methods and tools for promoting innovative business models, aiming to identify and implement successful circular economy business models in the Danube region.

These models target sectors such as food, textiles, packaging, batteries and smart cities, contributing to the sustainable development goals of the European Union.

"We are here, at this joint event, with joint forces and this is proof - as are other projects that we implement within UMFST Targu Mures - of our long-term commitment to academic excellence and research. It is proof of putting together ideas, projects, people, sometimes from different fields, but who have common interests and who are concerned about some very important topics in today's society (...). This event, which brings together so many students from different countries, is another proof that together we strive to be the best", declared the UMFST Targu Mures vice-rector for international relations, university networks and public relations, professor Mihaela Kardos said.

The project is led by the Boblingen District Digitization Center (ZD.BB GmbH) in Germany and involves a transnational network covering seven EU member states and three neighboring countries, with a total project budget of almost 2.9 million euros.
The chairman of The Alliance for the Union of Romania (AUR) George Simion, candidate in the presidential elections, declared about Catalin Predoiu, who was appointed interim prime minister by the interim president, Ilie Bolojan, that he is "the most abusive of the ministers".

"I would like to make a few remarks about the way in which the current interim president chooses to mock the will of the Romanians and to place in the position of prime minister the most abusive of ministers, the man who participated in the coup d'etat on December 6 against the Romanian people. It is a shame that Mr. Catalin Predoiu occupies, even if only temporarily, until either I or Nicusor Dan take the position of president, the prime minister's chair," Simion said at the opening of the "Romanian-American Business Conference 2025", an event organized in Parliament.

He added that the aforementioned event was planned long before he knew he would be an electoral competitor, the aim being to improve relations between Romania and the United States of America.

"I thought about this event long before I knew that I would be an electoral competitor. This event aims to improve relations between Romania and the United States, relations that have been seriously damaged in recent months due to the attack on democracy in Romania. This event, which is not an electoral one, is one that aims to relaunch the strategic partnership with the United States (...). I am, unfortunately, in this race for the second round of the presidential elections, the only candidate who has relations with the Trump administration and still sees our security strategy as consisting of three pillars - as part of the European Union, as part of the largest and most powerful military alliance in history - NATO, and of our strategic partnership with the United States," Simion conveyed.

In other news, he announced that he is ready to start electoral debates with Nicusor Dan, his opponent.

"I want to announce that, from this moment on, I am ready to start the electoral debates with my competitor, Nicusor Dan. My campaign team will contact, in the next few minutes, the campaign team of Mr. Nicusor Dan and we hope that tonight, on all television stations, on all social networks, we can be in front of all Romanians, because it is normal for Romanians to hear us, to see what our options are regarding the future of the country, regarding our international alliances. If some confuse me and think that I am afraid or that I am scared, they have not understood who George Simion is and have not seen my path in all these years. I will stand with dignity in front of the Romanians. I would like to honor your invitations, I want to announce to all the media institutions present here that I will honor the publications "You, giving interviews to each of you, regardless of your ideological orientation and regardless of who finances you," Simion concluded.

The event is attended by business people and politicians.

Deputy Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu, Minister of Internal Affairs, was appointed on Tuesday morning to act as interim Prime Minister, after Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned a day ago.
Romania and Kazakhstan have started talks over a 10-year agreement between KazAtomProm and Nuclearelectrica on uranium supply, according to senior official with the Ministry of Energy Casian Nitulescu.

He led, April 28-29, 2025, a team of the Ministry of Energy to a meeting of the Kazakhstan-Romania Energy Working Group in Astana, Kazakhstan.

"We had constructive talks with Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov, Deputy Energy Minister Ilyas Bakytzhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko and Chairman of the Agency for Nuclear Development Almassadam Satkaliyev. We also had important meetings with the management of KazAtomProm. We discussed strengthening energy collaboration, supply security, tax policies with an impact on companies running on Kazakh capital in Romania and possible new business projects. A key point: the opening of discussions for a 10-year agreement between KazAtomProm and Nuclearelectrica on the supply of uranium,"Nitulescu writes in a social media post.

He adds that Romania is also interested in the transfer of technology for beryllium processing, and KazAtomProm invited the Romanian side to visit the metallurgical plant in Ulba in July.

"An important step toward strengthening the Romanian-Kazakh energy cooperation," according to the official of the Ministry of Energy.

The Romanian team also included Gelu Maracineanu, general manager of the Feldioara Uranium Concentrate Processing Plant - Nuclearelectrica, as well as the Romanian ambassador to Kazakhstan, Madalina Lupu. AGERPRES
A commemorative session called "75 years since the Night of Dignitaries", about the imprisonment of several people by the then communist regime, is scheduled for today at the Auditorium of the Romanian Academy.

According to the Romanian Academy, the event, organised by its National Institute for the Study of Totalitarianism, brings to attention a tragic moment in the history of Romania, the night of May 5, 1950, when dozens of former dignitaries from 1918-1944 were illegally arrested and imprisoned by the communist regime in power.

There will be presentations of the historical facts that took place 75 years ago, biographical stories about those who suffered in the Sighet prison, as well as an analysis of the memoirs of those who were arrested on May 5, 1950.

The commemorative session will end with a micro-recital by soprano Alina Bottez, accompanied on the piano by Ieronim Buga.

The year 1950 was marked by the Romanian communist regime's desire to eliminate any form of opposition from the Romanian society. On May 5, 1950, what is known in historiography as the "Night of the Dignitaries" took place, the illegal arrest of dozens of former interwar dignitaries. Imprisoned back then were two former prime ministers of Romania - Gheorghe Tatarescu and Ion Gigurtu ; Alexandru Lapedatu, former chairman of the Romanian Academy; historians Gh. I. Bratianu, Constantin C. Giurescu, Ion Nistor, members of the Romanian Academy, along with numerous other former dignitaries. After their arrest, they were taken to the Sighet penitentiary, and some of them died in detention, without their bodies being found. AGERPRES
The Senate's committee on culture and media is organizing on Tuesday, at the Madrigal Galleries of the Palace of Parliament, an event of cultural diplomacy, collective memory and identity affirmation, entitled "From the Flower Bridge to the Press Museum - Pages of History."

The event is organized in partnership with the National News Agency - AGERPRES and the State Information Agency of the Republic of Moldova - MOLDPRES.

"This solemn event honours a defining moment in the history of Romanian-Moldovan relations - the Flower Bridge - and opens, at the same time, a modern perspective on an initiative of national scope: the establishment of the Press Museum, a legislative project, initiated under the aegis of the committee for culture and media," states the chairman of the committee, Cristian Niculescu-Tagarlas, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.

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 the civil society and heritage institutions are invited to the event.

"The photographic exhibition created by AGERPRES, evoking the symbolism of the Flower Bridge, will be accompanied by musical moments, high-profile interventions 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 debut of a series of cultural initiatives aimed at highlighting the role of the press in consolidating democracy and culture in defining a common European identity. In the year in which the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates the centenary of its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate, and European nations are seeking common responses to contemporary challenges, this event is intended to be a bridge between memory and the future, between identity and solidarity," the press release states.
Attending on Tuesday the boundary-spanning event "From the Flower Bridge to the Press Museum - Pages of History" organized at the Madrigal Galleries of the Palace of Parliament, acting Senate President Mircea Abrudean said that the event has multiple significances for the relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, as a path of "our common recognition and the valorization of our cultural heritage."

"We are here to pay homage to a moment of tremendous symbolic significance - the Flower Bridge across the Prut. At the same time, we are responsibly applying ourselves to an initiative that concerns the future of our collective memory, the establishment of the Press Museum. The Flower Bridge represents one of the most touching chapters in our recent history. It was the moment when artificial borders were shattered by the power of authentic feelings. Back then, Romanians on both banks of the Prut joined hands in a gesture that embodied the aspiration for freedom and unity. The Flower Bridge was not just a political gesture, it was a moment of truth, it was a living testimony that a connection exists between Romania and the Republic of Moldova that cannot be wiped out by borders or regimes. A connection of language, culture and soul. That moment was perhaps the purest form of cultural diplomacy, a bridge of national consciousness and human solidarity. Because culture is what truly unites us, not borders, not treaties, but language, memory and shared feelings," Abrudean declared.

He argued that cultural diplomacy is not just an act of protocol, but a "living" instrument of rapprochement between the two countries. "Through it, we preserve the valuable things we have in common: the Romanian language, literature, history and our spirituality," Abrudean pointed out.

The acting President of the Senate also welcomed the launch of the legislative project regarding the Press Museum, saying that this is "a necessary, natural and even urgently needed institution."

"In a period when the truth is often overshadowed by informational noise, the press remains a landmark of memory and a touchstone of democracy. It is our duty to preserve this heritage, to archive it, to make it accessible to the broad public and the future generations. The connection between the Flower Bridge and this museum is a profound one. They are both expressions of a conviction that lived history must be told, preserved and passed down. That between the two banks of the Prut, beyond all challenges, a solid cultural bridge endures. The perspective offered by the Press Museum on the way journalism has reflected and influenced our common history will be a testimony to the role of the press in promoting the freedom of expression, democracy and European values," Abrudean pointed out.

In his opinion, the journey from the Flower Bridge to the Press Museum is one of "recognition of our common identity and valorization of our cultural heritage, it is a path that we travel together, aware of the responsibility we have towards future generations."

The Senate Culture and Media Committee organized on Tuesday at the Madrigal Galleries of the Palace of Parliament the cultural diplomacy, collective memory and identity affirmation event titled "From the Flower Bridge to the Press Museum - Pages of History".

The event was organized in partnership with National News Agency AGERPRES and the Republic of Moldova's State Information Agency MOLDPRES.
Save Romanian Union (USR) deputies leader Ionut Mosteanu on Tuesday said a governing coalition among PSD, PNL and USR, led by Ilie Bolojan, would be "the best formula."

"That would be the best formula. Ilie Bolojan has proven to be a man of integrity who wants reform. He understands and knows very well that we need to tackle issues that have been postponed for years by various politicians who held the reins of power. (...) We still don't have mayors elected in two rounds. We haven't achieved administrative reform. We have completely absurd public spending. Local communities are dependent on central government funding, and the relationship between these funds and the mayors is simply unhealthy. That needs to stop if we are to fix things," said Mosteanu at the Parliament Palace, when asked by journalists whether a Social Democratic Party (PSD) - National Liberal Party (PNL) - Save Romania Union (USR) government led by Ilie Bolojan would be possible if Nicusor Dan won the presidential election.

He reiterated that, according to parliamentary arithmetic, a majority cannot be formed without PSD.

"Let me explain this simply. It doesn't work otherwise. It's basic parliamentary math. I'll give you an example: USR with PNL and UDMR [Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania], even with the support of minority parties, still doesn't reach 50%. So PSD is needed at the table to reach that 50%. It doesn't work any other way," said the USR leader.

Ionut Mosteanu welcomed Marcel Ciolacu's resignation as prime minister, saying it should have happened back in November 2024.

"He clung to power. He enjoyed holding the pen at Victoria Palace. If he had stepped down in November, there wouldn't be as much public outrage, because people see and understand the damage he caused Romania through his governance style, how he simply wrecked the country's finance, and drove the fiscal-budgetary situation into a ditch. He kept borrowing and spending money. Last year we had a deficit as big as in 2009, during the economic crisis, and in 2020, during the pandemic. But last year's only disaster was named Marcel Ciolacu. It's good he finally stepped back," said the USR deputy.

According to him, the presidential elections have "immediate economic consequences." He noted that the National Bank of Romania (BNR) spent 2 billion euro on Monday to maintain the stability of the leu-euro exchange rate, and that this "shock" followed after Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) leader George Simion received the most votes in the first round of the presidential election.

"The Ministry of Finance needed to borrow on the market. It couldn't. Now it's spending from its buffer. These are immediate consequences, and it would be an economic disaster that every Romanian would feel if Simion became president. (...) At USR, we've always exposed corruption and the scheming of the old parties. We understand the fight, and we are in it. But if you don't like the house you live in, you don't burn it down and then think about how to build a new one, you try to change a window, a door, the floor, or the furniture. That is the right way to rebuild," he added. AGERPRES
Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A Maplewood woman who gained media acclaim and political support for her COVID-19 relief work has pleaded guilty to a fraud-related felony.

Shana Jones, 46, entered a guilty plea last week in St. Louis County Circuit Court to a charge of filing false documents  her fifth felony since 2004.

But Jones, whose criminal history goes back 20 years and includes four previous felony convictions, will not serve any prison time.

The official sentence handed down Friday was three years in prison. But Circuit Judge John R. Lasater suspended execution of the sentence and instead placed Jones on five years probation.

Also, Lasater ordered her to perform 80 hours of community service and required her to report to the state and future employers if she seeks works that includes any fiduciary responsibilities with a public service entity.

Jones was indicted March 20, 2024, by a St. Louis County grand jury on charges of forgery and filing false documents.

The charges against Jones related to her failure in October 2021 to disclose correct information, including her past felony convictions, when she filed as a candidate for the Maplewood City Council. She was eventually elected in 2022.

In exchange for the guilty plea last week, prosecutors dropped a forgery charge related to Jones unlawfully signing the name of another Maplewood resident to a lease agreement with the purpose to defraud.

The lease agreement was part of a plan to get rental assistance during the pandemic, a source said.

Jones, also known as Poole-Jones, broke into the limelight during the pandemic shutdown in 2020.

Local newspapers, including the Post-Dispatch, and television stations, both local and national, reported on her aid efforts.

Most conspicuous was Jones Grab N Go Table, which she set up in the front yard of her home in Maplewood to provide free food and other items to people in need.

Early on, one of Jones political boosters was St. Louis County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, D-5th District. A Maplewood resident, Clancy called Jones an inspiration and helped gain passage of a council resolution honoring Jones.

In 2021, several Maplewood leaders led by former Mayor Nikylan Knapper recruited Jones to run for a city council seat, with Clancy joining in as a campaign contributor.

Jones won the election in April 2022. She resigned her council seat just five months later, after talk about her past felony convictions on forgery and fraud charges surfaced in the community.

In the last few years, Jones also was found liable in civil suits that claimed she owes money.

Jones first felony convictions reach back to 2004, in Clayton County, Georgia. Jones pleaded guilty to three felony counts of forgery and one felony count of identity fraud. She was sentenced to three years in prison on each forgery charge and one year on the fraud charge.

In 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of felony forgery and was placed on two years probation in Pitt County, North Carolina.
Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

ST. LOUIS  Sometimes juxtaposing debates that occur in the Missouri Legislature can provide clarity.

Take last weeks debate in the Missouri House over a bill sponsored by Rep. Ian Mackey, a Clayton Democrat, to combine St. Louis City and St. Louis County into one government.

Its a long-discussed and controversial idea, sort of the third rail of politics in St. Louis. Many politicians are afraid to touch it. Mackeys bill would revive the failed Better Together proposal and ask the state to vote on the merger.

It will go nowhere. There is no consensus on it.

But the people who oppose it  and why  shed light on another controversial debate.

Heres Rep. Brad Christ, a Republican from south St. Louis County, on why he doesnt want to merge with the city: I dont want to be a part of those problems. I didnt move there for that reason.

Christ, of course, can live anywhere he wants. Like him, I live in the suburbs. But Christs comments carry special connotation: Hes the sponsor of the bill that would allow the state to take over the citys police department.

Why would a man who is so dismissive of the city be so invested in who runs its police department?

Or take the comments of Gary Wiegert, a former city police officer who has become a Republican activist in west St. Louis County. They are trying to force this on us and people do not want this, Weigert said of the merger proposal. People want to be able to determine their own fate.

Exactly. Thats why last week, Megan Green, president of the citys Board of Aldermen, sued the state in Cole County Circuit Court to stop the police takeover. Its a move that no supporters would allow to be imposed in their communities. But theyre fine with taking away the voting and democracy rights of people who live in the city.

For decades, St. Louis residents fought for control of our police department, and theres no doubt that losing it will directly impact Black and Brown, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant communities, Green said in a statement about her lawsuit. And despite declining crime rates in our city, the General Assembly moved to negate the will of voters.

Greens lawsuit got off to a bumpy start. Filed in federal court initially, with the support of then-Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, it contained technical flaws called out by a judge. And when she took over leadership of the city in early April, Mayor Cara Spencer declined to support the lawsuit, suggesting it was rushed, even though her city counselor argued in court documents that there was merit in its arguments.

In St. Louis, there are always internecine politics being played among Democratic rivals. Thats what the Missouri Legislature depends on when it diminishes the power of city voters to control their own fates. Indeed, while trying to take over city police, Christ and his allies are simultaneously trying to restrict the earnings tax that helps pay for that very department.

Its contradictory public policy. Its also unconstitutional.

Thats one of the arguments Green makes in her lawsuit, filed by attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Brendan Roediger. The suit highlights common failures of the legislative process, especially the practice of loading unrelated topics into one Christmas tree of a bill to secure votes. And then a vague title, like public safety, is put on the bill to hide its true purpose.

The lawsuit also targets the practice of forcing spending decisions on local governments without providing money, and of passing legislation that affects only one city instead of the entire state.

But its a new provision in the state takeover bill that should most worry voters of all political persuasions, especially amid national concern about authoritarianism and trampling of free speech rights.

Imagine if the bipartisan citizen coalitions that have succeeded in passing initiative petitions  for worker rights, minimum wage increases, abortion rights, sick pay, ethics in government  included provisions to fine legislators who impede, obstruct, hinder, or interfere with the implementation of the laws passed by voters?

The ensuing First Amendment lawsuits by Republicans would fly off the shelves like toilet paper during a pandemic  and rightly so.

But thats the exact language in the state police takeover bill, seeking to stop the citys officials from doing what Green is doing right now: standing up for constituents. Regardless of your view on city police issues, thats bad legislating. And, as both Green and Spencers lawyers agree, its ripe for judicial review.

Left unchecked, Green says, my concern is that the General Assembly will continue undermining voters  St. Louis voters in particular.

Green is making the same argument on local control that Wiegert is applying to a city-county merger. And that begs the question: Is it OK for legislators to tell St. Louis what to do while leaving other communities to determine their own fate?

Time for a judge to decide.
CHESTERFIELD  Three members of a Chesterfield family were among eight people killed when a wrong-way driver hit their car head-on in rural east Kansas on Sunday, according to authorities.

A police report identified John D. Elliott, 76, Norleen L. Elliott, 69, and Madalyn N. Elliott, 33, as victims of the crash, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on State Highway 169.

The Elliotts were passengers in a car that was northbound on 169 when a southbound vehicle entered their lane, the crash report said. The driver of the southbound vehicle had tried to pass a slower moving vehicle and entered the northbound lanes to pass it.

The drivers of both vehicles tried to move to the shoulder to avoid the collision and crashed head-on, the report said.

Also killed in the crash was Alexander Ernst, of Ames, Iowa, who was driving the vehicle in which the Elliotts were passengers.

The driver of the other vehicle, Jaimon Gilstrap, 33, of Tulsa, Oklahoma and three passengers, Kyron Gilstrap, 14, of Tulsa, Donald Laster, 14, of Tulsa, and Wayne Walls, 41, of Talala, Okla. were also killed.

A fourth passenger, 15, survived the crash and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A neighbor of the Elliotts said John Elliot was a longtime anesthesiologist and Norleen a respiratory therapist and seamstress who helped sew uniforms and prom dresses for school students in the area. Their daughter, Madalyn, was about to graduate medical school, the neighbor said.

"It's tragedy," said Carmen Fabella, a neighbor. "They were the nicest, friendliest people."

Madalyn Elliott was a graduate of Westminster Christian Academy, in Town and Country, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology, in Rolla, Mo., spokespeople for both schools said.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a former student and members of her family," Barett Mosbacker, head of school for Westminster, said in a statement. "Every death is grievous, but when the loss strikes someone who once walked our halls and was part of our school family, the pain is felt in a more personal and profound way."

"Westminster Christian Academy joins many others in praying for the surviving family members and friends as they grieve. As the Apostle Paul exhorts us, Weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We are mourning with them."

Madalyn Elliott was a resident physician with MercyOne health system in Des Moines, Iowa.

The MercyOne family is profoundly saddened by Madalyn's untimely passing. We have lost one of our own. God had a different plan for her. She was called home, Jennifer Olson, MercyOne Medical Group President, said in a statement.
Israeli PM warns of "intensive" Gaza offensive, with senior official saying window still open for deal

Xinhua) 08:10, May 06, 2025

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM/GAZA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that the country's new offensive in the Gaza Strip would be "intensive," referring to a plan approved by his security cabinet on escalating the ongoing campaign in Gaza.

The security cabinet voted overnight in favor of the plan, under which Israel would expand the offensive to seize Gaza, control aid, and relocate the population to the south of the enclave.

"We are on the eve of an intensified incursion into Gaza," Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media platform X, adding that the goals of the operation are to "defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages."

He noted that under the plan, Israel would shift its current strategy, moving from withdrawal after destroying Hamas' military capabilities to retaining control over seized Gaza territory.

People attend a rally near the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, March 19, 2025. A mass rally broke out in Jerusalem on Wednesday, protesting against Israel's resumption of military operations in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

However, the new offensive plan has sparked controversy among the senior ranks of the Israeli military.

Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir told ministers during a security cabinet meeting early on Monday that, according to the army's assessment, the new operation "would endanger the lives of the hostages," Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported.

Nitzan Alon, the military's hostage affairs coordinator, echoed the concern. According to Israel's Channel 12 News, Alon also told ministers that the offensive "puts the hostages at risk."

The stronger the military strikes, "the more violent the militants become, taking out their frustration on the hostages," he said.

Earlier in the day, a senior Israeli security official told Xinhua that Israel has given Hamas a "window of opportunity" until mid-May to reach a hostage deal before implementing the newly approved operation plan.

"There is a window of opportunity to reach a hostage deal ... before the conclusion of U.S. President (Donald) Trump's visit to the region," he said. Trump is expected to tour the Middle East from May 13 to 16, with planned stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Palestinians search for survivors after an Israeli shelling in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on May 2, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The Israeli official added that Israel insists on the deal presented by Netanyahu in early March, which includes the release of additional Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and a promise to discuss a long-term truce.

"If no hostage deal is reached, the expanded operation will begin with full intensity and will not end until all its objectives are achieved," he cautioned. "Unlike in the past, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will remain in every area it seizes to prevent the return of terror activity," the official noted.

He said Israel would lift the blockade on humanitarian aid only after launching the expanded operation, and a "mass evacuation" of civilians toward southern Gaza would be conducted. Meanwhile, the aid distribution, he said, would be carried out by "civilian contractors" in "secured zones under IDF's control," including "a sterile area" to be established in Rafah, southern Gaza.

"Under any temporary or permanent arrangements, Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza," he said.

Palestinians receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

On Monday, Hamas denounced Israel's new aid distribution plan as "political blackmail." In a press statement, Hamas argued that the plan would convert humanitarian aid into a political tool, violate international law, and contribute to "starvation and forced displacement" in the coastal enclave. Notably, the faction has yet to make a response to the Israeli threat to expand its military campaign.

Israel has prevented goods and supplies from entering Gaza since March 2, after the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas expired. It argued that the aid blockade aims to prevent Hamas from seizing control of supplies and to pressure the faction into accepting its offer for extending the first phase of the truce deal.

On March 18, Israel resumed military assaults in Gaza, effectively ending the phased truce. According to an update by the health authorities in Gaza on Monday, the renewed Israeli strikes have killed 2,459 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 52,567.

Several rounds of mediated talks have been held recently, but all have failed to restore the Gaza ceasefire due to differences between the parties.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri lawmakers are looking to increase use of a $2 million fund for witness protection that has gone mostly untapped since its inception four years ago.

At the time, law enforcement agencies were allowed to access funds from the Pre-Trial Witness Protection Services Fund. But the program got off to a slow start.

Only a total of about $53,700 was spent from the Pre-Trial Witness Services Protection Fund in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 despite officials earmarking $2 million for the effort.

The fund, created as part of an anti-crime special session in 2020, had a balance of nearly $2.1 million in April.

A proposed change that advanced out of the House on Tuesday would explicitly permit prosecutors and circuit attorneys to access the funding.

The change was included in Senate Bill 60, a wide-ranging bill focused on protecting children and vulnerable people.

Additional provisions in the bill approved Tuesday included one measure to increase the penalty for patronizing prostitution, as part of an effort to combat human sex trafficking.

Currently in Missouri, someone engaged in prostitution faces the same punishment as the person buying the sex  a class B misdemeanor, that, for both, could lead to six months in a county lockup.

But the change included in the legislation would enact tougher penalties for the purchasers of sex  sometimes called johns.

Rep. Jeff Myers, R-Warrenton, told the Post-Dispatch last year he wanted to drive down demand by increasing the penalty for purchasers.

That way youre not focused on the prostitute. Youre focused on the person whos committing the crime, Myers said.

Legislation the House approved Tuesday would make it a class E felony to purchase or attempt to purchase sex with an adult, which would carry a prison sentence of up to four years.

An adult willingly engaged in prostitution isnt considered a victim of human trafficking. But victims are performing sex acts for escort services and illicit massage businesses that buyers frequent, Myers said.

If you look at the patrons of prostitution, its not necessarily  its folks that have jobs, its folks that have families, he said. For whatever reason, theyre doing it, those are their own. However, its not necessarily a victimless crime.

The crime of prostitution  defined under state law as engaging in, or offering or agreeing to engage in, sexual conduct in exchange for something of value, which could be received by anyone  would remain a class B misdemeanor.

Human sex trafficking of an adult occurs when the perpetrator forces, coerces or defrauds a victim into performing commercial sex acts. Force, fraud or coercion doesnt need to be shown for a minor to be a victim.

The legislation also changes references to child pornography in state law to child sexual abuse material  a term preferred by anti-abuse advocates.

The legislation now moves back to the Senate for further consideration. The legislative session ends May 16.

The legislation is Senate Bill 60.
ST. LOUIS  City officials have agreed to pay $4 million to settle a lawsuit claiming hellish and inhumane conditions at the now-defunct Medium Security Institution, signaling the end of a seven-year legal battle over the jail.

Roughly 16,000 former detainees will be eligible to receive part of the settlement. Each will receive a portion based on how many file claims and how long each stayed at the facility. But if all who are eligible apply, the average would be about $250 each, before attorneys fees and other costs. The proposal is subject to a judges approval.

The settlement marks one of the final chapters in more than a decade of debate over the facility known as the Workhouse  long pilloried by activists as a hotbox of pests, mold and other inhumanities. The facility closed in 2022 and is currently being demolished.

This is a really significant outcome, Blake Strode, executive director of nonprofit law firm ArchCity Defenders, said in an interview. I think this marks a moment when many of the things the people who suffered inside of that jail told us are  in my view  vindicated in part by this outcome.

Legal payouts have hammered the city this year. Since Jan. 31, St. Louis has agreed or been ordered to pay roughly $25 million: A federal jury awarded a record $19 million to the family of a man shot and killed by police. City lawyers agreed to pay $450,000 to a Tennessee teen whose legs were severed in a downtown crash. Another man was awarded $1.54 million after a 30-foot tree branch fell on him at a bus stop, cracking his skull and sending him to the hospital.

Mayor Cara Spencer, at a press conference on Tuesday, said she couldnt comment specifically on the recent lawsuits because payouts are still pending. But the amounts and the allegations, she said, really speak to needed changes in our city.

Were taking a look at the procedures and policies in place that have gotten us to this legal action, she said.

The city denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement filed Tuesday, but agreed to never again use the Workhouse to house detainees.

Spencer said she would support it.

The Workhouse, which sits along the north Riverfront on Hall Street about six miles north of downtown, opened in 1966 to replace a crowded and dirty South Side facility.

By 1981, the St. Louis Board of Adult Welfare labeled it crowded and lacking staff. Reports from subsequent years called restrooms atrocious. Inmates needed mattresses and blankets. Some escaped. Guards encouraged fights. The air conditioning didnt work.

But efforts to close the facility didnt begin in earnest until the wake of the Ferguson protests.

In 2016, then-city Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones wrote an op-ed in the St. Louis American calling for an investigation into the facility, citing stories from inmates and workers about black mold, freezing temperatures and broken security systems.

City officials rebuffed those efforts and instead poured millions into renovations at the facility, including new HVAC systems, security cameras, restroom renovations and shower and electrical upgrades.

But activists still called for its closure.

In 2017, ArchCity Defenders sued on behalf of seven former inmates, claiming constitutional violations. St. Louis officials had ignored problems with ventilation, fungal outbreaks, a lack of fresh water and adequate restrooms, the suit said. They sought class-action status for everyone who had been housed there.

Then-Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass denied claims of mold and infestations. The jail is showing signs of disrepair, but its clean, he said.

The case dragged through the courts. It went to mediation multiple times, but no resolution was reached, according to court documents. Lawyers fought about evidence and the number of people who could sue.

Meanwhile, pressure from activists and former inmates to close the workhouse continued to mount. Jones, who took office as mayor in 2021, vowed to close it in her first 100 days. It was finally emptied in 2022. Demolition began in March.

There are no formal plans about what to do with the site.

In February, the city and Workhouse detainees agreed to settle the case.

The preliminary agreement was filed Tuesday in federal court, and ArchCity has set up a website for people who may be eligible for money: www.stlclassactions.com.

Strode noted it was one of several cases in recent years where municipalities in the St. Louis region have been forced pay settlements or judgments for jail conditions or other public safety concerns.

In 2023, St. Louis paid out more than $10 million to people who said their rights were violated during 2017 protests downtown, including an undercover officer who was beaten by his colleagues. St. Louis County settled a lawsuit the previous year over an inmate death at its jail for $1.2 million. Several county municipalities agreed in recent years to pay nearly $20 million to settle claims that they illegally jailed people for unpaid debts.

Strode said such lawsuits are a way to hold governments accountable for wrongdoing and to potentially bring about changes.

We all pay taxes, we all know how this works, he said, and ultimately we want our systems to act responsibly.

A hearing to finalize the settlement agreement has not been set.
JEFFERSON CITY  The state auditor asked a judge Friday to dismiss an attempt by city officials in Arnold to block his investigation of a controversial road project in the city.

Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said the city is unlawfully seeking to bar the release of closed city council meeting records that could shine light on the citys decision last year to build the now-scuttled Arnold Parkway, a planned $75 million 2-mile, two-lane outer road along Interstate 55 that would have required the demolition of several businesses and about 38 homes.

The citys actions in refusing to recognize the auditors authority to obtain routine governmental records and thwarting the auditors ability to carry out his constitutional and statutory duties are egregious and cannot go unchecked, the court filing notes.

City officials sued Fitzpatrick in April, claiming he is overstepping his bounds in requesting records from closed meetings.

City attorneys asked a judge to issue a temporary restraining order barring the release of the records because the move could disclose confidential information about employees, real estate acquisition, labor negotiations and other sensitive topics.

Fitzpatrick responded by saying the citys claim has no basis in law.

To allow the city to refuse to produce unredacted, closed meeting minutes would subvert both the purpose of the audit and the auditors constitutional and statutory authority, the auditors counterclaim notes.

Arnold city attorney Bob Sweeney last month said the city has supplied thousands of pages of documents and spent hours responding to information requests from Fitzpatricks office.

Fitzpatrick launched the probe in November after receiving multiple complaints about the citys planning for the road project.

Among items that drew concern was the use of the citys Triangle Transportation Development District and the Arnold Retail Corridor Transportation Development District, or ARC TDD, whose 1-cent sales tax would have funded the project.

Fitzpatrick deemed the complaints credible, raising issues about the districts ownership of property outside the boundaries of the district, as well as questioning why high-level city officials are serving as officers and whether the district has paid off its debts and should be terminated.

Sweeney said there is no fraud or mismanagement by the city or the transportation districts.

The citys lawsuit says the auditor is not entitled to unlimited access to otherwise closed/confidential records of the city.

Fitzpatricks latest court filing says that is untrue.

The records requested  unredacted, closed meeting minutes (exclusive of redactions of information legitimately protected by the attorney-client privilege)  are within his authority to demand, are limited in scope, and are reasonably related to the performance of an audit by the auditor under Missouri law, the auditor noted.

Fitzpatrick also said the city is dragging its feet, arguing that a top city official failed to appear for a May 1 deposition or to produce any of the records requested.

Unfortunately, the city has impeded this audit for months and has repeatedly engaged in delay tactics to avoid producing the records requested by the auditor, Fitzpatricks attorney wrote.
JEFFERSON CITY  Democrats in the Missouri Senate temporarily blocked legislation Tuesday that would prevent state law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal gun control measures.

The proposed Second Amendment Preservation Act would prevent state law enforcement from enforcing any federal law to collect data or restrict or prohibit the manufacture, ownership, or use of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition, the bill reads.

The several states of the United States respect the proper role of the federal government but reject the proposition that such respect requires unlimited submission, another section of the bill text says. Agencies would face civil penalties for failing to reject federal law or for hiring former federal employees who enforced federal gun laws out of step with Missouri law.

A similar bill with the same title was passed in 2021 but was overturned by the courts last year. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled the law violated the supremacy clause which puts federal law over conflicting state law.

While some House Republicans earlier expressed concern about the bill, citing opposition from local law enforcement agencies, only three voted against it.

This is SAPA 2.0, said Sen. Rick Brattin, the bill sponsor. Its an anti-commandeering doctrine.

The measures chief backer is Aaron Dorr, the political director of the Missouri Firearms Coalition. His organization has amassed a following of 150,000 on Facebook, promoting a no-compromise approach to gun rights.

SAPA protects cops from being forced to enforce laws that violate their oath and the Constitution, Dorr said in an email last month.

But law enforcement leaders pushed back against the measure, including St. Charles County Police Chief Kurt Frisz. It really restricts law enforcement and opens up police officers and police departments to litigation, said Frisz, who also serves as the president of the Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition.

Frisz said the proposal restricts police from taking part in some federal task forces and would restrict police from using a federal database to track recovered guns, allowing stolen guns to be returned.

If your firearm gets stolen, in the state of Missouri we wont be able to return it to you if its recovered, he said.

Democrats in the Senate rose to oppose the controversial measure Tuesday afternoon, holding the floor for several hours until the Senate moved to consider a child care tax credit measure that conservative Republicans then blocked.

In a back and forth with Brattin, Sen. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, argued it would be undemocratic for the state to fail to follow potential future federal laws, such as an assault weapons ban.

Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, responded that federal agents could still enforce the law without the help of local law enforcement in that case.

As a result of the first SAPA bill, the Columbia Police Department had to shut down an anti-gang task force, Webber said.

Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, said the first SAPA bill defunded the police as departments lost funding from state and federal partnerships.

Citing reports finding guns to be the leading cause of death for children Roberts proposed an amendment to bar those under 18 from possessing a firearm outside of a few exceptions. Roberts said he worked with the National Rifle Association to clear his proposal.

Another failed amendment would have excluded those who have been found guilty of domestic violence from being considered a law-abiding citizen and thus not eligible for full Second Amendment privileges. After a few hours of debating the amendment Senate leadership pulled the plug.

The legislation is House Bill 1175

Jack Suntrup of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
CHICAGO  U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly on Tuesday became the second candidate to enter whats expected to be a crowded field to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, setting up a potential Democratic proxy battle with Gov. JB Pritzker.

Kellys announcement that she is vying for the Senate seat comes two weeks after Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launched her campaign with the backing of Pritzker, her two-time running mate.

The race for the partys nomination to replace Durbin, a Springfield Democrat who was an ally of Kellys and announced in April that he would not seek a sixth term, isnt the first time Kelly has faced off against a candidate backed by the billionaire governor and his political apparatus.

After working with Durbin in 2021 to defeat a Pritzker-backed candidate and become the first woman and first Black official to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois, Kelly dropped her bid to retain the seat a year later when allies of the governor rallied behind his handpicked state party leader, state Rep. Elizabeth Lisa Hernandez of Cicero.

Kelly, whose congressional district is based in the south suburbs of Chicago, now enters a race in which her only declared opponent already has the backing of two of the states top Democrats: Pritzker and the states other senator, Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates. Durbin told reporters last month that he intended to make an endorsement in the race only in an extreme case.

In a 2-minute video announcing her candidacy and released early Tuesday morning, Kelly said shes undaunted in the face of a challenge.

You could say Ive been an underdog my whole life, Kelly said, referencing her upbringing helping out in her familys mom-and-pop grocery store before putting herself through college at Bradley University in Peoria.

After working at the hospital where my kids were born and at a child abuse prevention center as a counselor and mental health professional, Kelly said, she turned to politics.

Against all odds and (with) every pundit counting me out, I ran for state representative against a 10-year incumbent and won, Kelly said of her victory over state Rep. Harold Murphy in the 2002 Democratic primary.

Despite Stratton having big-name backing, Kelly has a head start in fundraising, at least through her main campaign fund. She ended the most recent reporting period on March 31 with $2 million in the bank, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Stratton, on the other hand, didnt report raising any money for her new Senate campaign fund, although a large influx of cash from Pritzker is expected. Still, Stratton is barred from using any of the roughly $97,000 left in her state campaign fund for the Senate race because of stricter contribution limits at the federal level. The lieutenant governor and former one-term state representative in January also launched a federal political action committee, Level Up, that has yet to report raising any funds.

This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. Ive never backed down  not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for whats right, Kelly said in a news release accompanying her announcement.

Kelly has not faced a serious primary or general election challenge in races for her current seat representing Illinois 2nd Congressional District since winning a 15-way special primary and subsequent general election in 2013 to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who resigned the previous year before going to federal prison.

Other Democrats considering joining next years Senate race include U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Lauren Underwood of Naperville. So far, no Republicans have declared, but U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood has acknowledged hes considering it.

During her time in Congress, Kelly has focused on issues including gun violence and health care.

Her work on gun control, including the release of a periodic congressional report on gun violence in America, was a major focus of her campaign launch, with Kelly highlighting how early in her tenure in Washington she stopped standing for moments of silence in Congress after mass shootings.

The next time, someone else sat down with me, and then another, until a moment of silence felt more like an echo of inaction, Kelly says in the video.

Shes running for the Senate to fight for health care that doesnt bankrupt families, for wages that lift people up, for housing thats affordable, for neighborhoods safe from gun violence, she says. These are the issues and the people Im fighting for.

Assuming Kelly stays in the race, she will be unable to hold her seat in the U.S. House, with her Senate bid setting up a potentially fierce competition among Democrats for her current seat.

Kellys years representing the 2nd District, which in its current configuration runs south along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Indiana border from 43rd Street on Chicagos South Side to Danville in central Illinois, may lend Kelly some small credence with downstate voters in a primary race expected to feature candidates who all live in Chicago or its suburbs.

Before being elected to Congress, Kelly spent four terms in the state House and was chief of staff to then-Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and chief administrative officer for Cook County under President Toni Preckwinkle.

As part of a recent effort by congressional Democrats to hold town hall meetings in districts represented by Republicans, Kelly held an event last month at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, which sits in the deep-red district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Hindsboro.

In her only previous bid for statewide office, Kelly lost the 2010 race for state treasurer to Republican Dan Rutherford by a little more than 4 percentage points. But no member of the GOP has won a statewide election in Illinois since Bruce Rauner was elected governor more than a decade ago.

A member of the Democratic National Committee, Kelly also has strong allies among the Congressional Black Caucus, whose political arm backed her unsuccessful bid to remain the chair of the state party in Illinois.
ST. LOUIS  Another measles case was identified Tuesday in New Madrid County in southeast Missouri, bringing the states total to three, as health officials also try to learn more about a person with measles who visited the busy St. Louis Aquarium last week.

The infected visitor to St. Louis was an unvaccinated adult from Southern Illinois who toured the aquarium at Union Station between 1 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, said Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, health department director for the city of St. Louis.

The person also dined at an area restaurant but is unsure of the location and paid in cash, Davis said. Because the person is from Illinois, the investigation into the case is being led by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Davis said that makes it challenging to ascertain the likelihood of more local exposures to the highly contagious disease.

I dont have as concrete a timeline, as concrete of exactly what places the individual went to, and as concrete a story as to when their symptoms developed, Davis said. All of these factors would help us to develop a better picture, and maybe be able to better anticipate whats to come.

St. Louis health department staff late Monday obtained a list of that days visitors to the aquarium, which included at least one school field trip, Davis said.

Davis was not yet able to provide more details about the school or number of students, but said staff was prioritizing reaching out to visitors with children.

We are working to notify anyone present during the established exposure window, she said. Staff are currently contacting everyone to let them know of exposure and relaying next steps.

Aquarium officials say 939 people visited the attraction on April 30, most of whom were from the local area. The busiest time was in the morning.

Measles is a respiratory virus spread through droplets that can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space.

All the surfaces at the aquarium are cleaned multiple times throughout the day, said Tami Brown, the aquariums executive director. Animals cannot get measles.

The aquarium maintains a strict cleaning and disinfecting protocol that we focus on every day, Brown said.

Symptoms develop 11 to 14 days after exposure to measles and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Anyone with symptoms should isolate and contact a health provider.

Please note that a rash may not develop for several days, Davis said. So please, do not wait for one to appear if you are experiencing any of the other listed symptoms.

As of May 1, 935 measles cases have been reported across the U.S. this year, the second-most in the past 25 years and likely to grow, according to the CDC. About 13% of this years cases have ended up hospitalized, and three people have died, two whom were children.

A child visiting Branson was diagnosed with measles on April 18, marking the first reported case of the measles in Missouri. No other exposures have been identified from that case, according to the state health department.

On Tuesday, the New Madrid County Health Department announced a confirmed case of measles in an adult county resident. There is no indication of widespread public exposure, a press release stated.

The Illinois visitor to the aquarium brings the total number of measles cases in Southern Illinois to four  two that were identified over the weekend and two in the Marion area that were identified in April, according to the Illinois health department.

Three of the cases are linked and located in neighboring Franklin and Williamson counties, which meets the definition of an outbreak in that area (three or more cases that are linked to one another).

That adds to the 12 outbreaks that had been reported by the CDC as of May 1. Most of this years measles cases  869 out of 935  are associated with an outbreak.

Avoiding measles

The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old before entering kindergarten.

Adults unsure of their vaccination status should talk to their health provider about their concerns and options, Davis said.

Vaccination rates have dropped across the country since the COVID-19 pandemic, which intertwined politics with vaccination efforts and fueled resistance. That has fueled the latest increase in cases, which are mostly among the unvaccinated.

With less than 91% of Missouri public school kindergarteners vaccinated against measles, health officials say the state is vulnerable, especially those who are immunocompromised, pregnant women and babies too young to get vaccination.

To keep infections from spreading, a 95% vaccination rate is needed.

Rates among kindergarteners are even much lower in pockets of Missouri: Six counties have rates under 80%. The lowest  61%  is in Scotland County, along Iowas border. In the city of St. Louis, the rate is 75%.

Davis urged those who are hesitant about getting the vaccine to talk frankly with a heath provider about their concerns.

But please, please do not allow yourself to not have the opportunity to protect yourselves, your family and this city, our community, at this time, David said. We have an opportunity to get ahead of this. Lets do all we can.

Last month, Davis said she called on the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force to prepare for the possibility of measles cases. The task force, made up of area hospital leaders, was created to coordinate efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leaders are discussing clinical protocols, sharing the latest information and creating a list of contacts at the hospitals, clinics and area health departments who can respond quickly when there is a measles case.

I believe we are in a better place than most jurisdictions because we did not wait, Davis said. We were proactive.

Davis, who was appointed by former Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in 2021, recently announced she would be stepping down as health director.
What is Megan Greens goal in filing suit against the state of Missouri last week? Is it what it purports to be  a genuine attempt to reverse the states outrageous takeover of St. Louis city police? Or is it merely a way for the aldermanic president to preen for her progressive base while trolling a new mayor she dislikes?

Since Green has decided to freelance on the high-profile lawsuit instead of working with Mayor Cara Spencer, its clearly the latter. Thats a shame, because the city absolutely should launch the most serious legal challenge possible to this deeply cynical action by the state. But as is so often the case with the endlessly performative Green, her self-promotional strategy is the antithesis of serious.

Whats especially frustrating is that these two top city officials actually agree in their opposition to the takeover, which was approved this session by a Republican General Assembly with a long history of legislatively undermining St. Louis.

The new law reinstates the system that was in place for more than a century, with city police under a state board, reducing the mayor to one voice among six board members in deciding personnel, funding and other major issues regarding city police.

That legislation was approved this year in defiance of a statewide vote that returned city police to city control a dozen years ago; as usual, Missouri legislators dont give a whit about the clearly expressed will of the Missouri public. And theres no evidence it will bring down crime in St. Louis. Indeed, the citys status as one of Americas most dangerous arose during the final decades that police here were still controlled by the state.

Spencer hasnt ruled out litigation to overturn the takeover, but she insists it must be done with careful deliberation to ensure presenting the best possible case. Its a premise that Green unintentionally illustrated in the sloppy filing of her first suit on the issue, which was thrown out by a federal judge because of the unanswered question of why it was filed in federal rather than state court.

After having the fundamental jurisdictional issue called to their attention, the City and Green went radio silent  at least to the Court, U.S. District Judge Matthew Schelp wrote in a blistering opinion dismissing that suit late last month.

The court can only speculate as to plaintiffs purpose in hastily filing a slipshod action in federal court, because they altogether ignored the Order while publicly discussing the matter with the press, Schelp noted.  [P]laintiffs silence with the court raises the appearance that they brought this action for improper purposes  namely, to harass the State of Missouri, to attract publicity, or to make a public statement of protest.

We dont know how well acquainted Judge Schelp is with Greens brand of performance politics, but he has described it to a tee.

That slipshod federal suit, by the way, was filed at the behest of Green and then-Mayor Tishaura Jones last month on, literally, the final day of Jones term  and without consulting incoming Mayor Spencer, who had unseated Jones in the city election weeks earlier.

As with Jones decision to reopen the lawn around City Hall just days after losing that election  leaving Spencer to deal with the potential return of homeless encampments that had prompted Jones to close it in 2023  the 11th-hour lawsuit had the look of an exiting mayor petulantly torching the office on her way out. What vivid confirmation of the voters wisdom in expelling Jones.

Its clear that Green, a close Jones ally, is continuing that petulance with her latest lawsuit challenging the police takeover, filed this time in state court in Cole County but again with no involvement from Spencer. Green says shes going solo because the city counselors office under Spencer wouldnt work with her. That explanation appears to ignore the fact that its the mayor, not the aldermanic president, who should be the face of the city on this issue.

Although the takeover legislation is putrid partisan politics at its worst, that doesnt mean overturning it in court will be possible. Any attempt will require not only the serious deliberation that Spencer insists upon, but a united front from the citys top leaders. In that sense, Green may actually be hurting St. Louis chances of regaining control over its own cops with her ride-to-the-rescue routine.
As Missouri celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, we should all reflect upon and honor the unsung heroes of Missouri schools: Civics teachers.

Civics may not receive the same attention as other subjects, but the work civics teachers perform every day is vital for our students education and the future of our country.

At the Bill of Rights Institute, we work with more than 80,000 civics and history teachers nationwide  including nearly 2,000 in Missouri.

While many bemoan the current state of discourse in our nation today, civics teachers are essential to helping us build something better.

Civics classes teach students more than how a bill becomes a law. Civics teachers help students understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the principles that connect us as Americans, despite our differences. Students also learn to think critically and engage civilly around difficult topics  even with people they disagree with.

These skills are in dire need in our country right now, and we need our civics teachers more than ever. They deserve our ongoing respect for their important work on behalf of students, the state of Missouri, and our nation.

David J. Bobb

President and CEO, Bill of Rights Institute

Arlington, Virginia
Nominate Now for the 2025 Innovation Awards

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Streaming Media European Innovation Awards, the only awards programme in the industry where the end users of products and services get to vote for their favourites.

Make sure your product or service is nominated for the awards by completing and submitting the form available here before 31 May. You may submit the same product or service in multiple categories, but you may not submit more than one nomination from the same company in a single category. Though only end users are permitted to vote, vendors may submit nominations for their products and services to be considered.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR NOMINATIONS

Streaming Medias editorial team evaluates all submissions to make sure they fit their categories, and final nominees are announced on 9 June when online voting opens. Voting will remain open until 27 June. The top 3 finalists in each category will be announced on our website in early September, and the winners will be announced in the Autumn issue of Streaming Media's European magazine, on StreamingMediaGlobal.com, and published in StreamingMedia Europe Xtra newsletter.

Note that the U.S. edition of Streaming Media will also run a Readers' Choice Awards later this year; this European competiton will accept nominations only from companies with headquarters in Europe and the UK. Email europerca@infotoday.com if you have any questions.

You can take a look at last year's winners here.

Here are the 2025 categories:

Streaming Innovation of the Year

AI Workflow Solution

AI Captioning/Localisation Solution

Cloud Workflow Solution

Content Delivery & Distribution

Content Protection and Content Authenticity Solution

Corporate Video Platform/Solution

Encoding/Transcoding Solution

Live Streaming Platform/Service

Monetisation, Subscription, and Bundling Solution

OTT Video Platform/Service

QoS/QoE Platform/Service

Realtime Streaming Solution

Video Advertising Solution

Note: These awards are limited to companies with headquarters in Europe and the UK. Our US edition magazine runs the Readers' Choice Awards for companies in the rest of the world in autumn.

2025 Streaming Media's European Innovation Awards Nomination Form

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137th Canton Fair concludes with record number of overseas purchasers

Xinhua) 08:16, May 06, 2025

This photo shows a scene of the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

GUANGZHOU, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers.

This was a 17.3 percent increase from the previous session and hit a new high. There were 171,750 first-time attendees. Purchasers from countries participating in Belt and Road cooperation totaled 187,450, up 17.4 percent year on year and representing 64.9 percent of all overseas buyers.

The event also attracted over 527,000 online buyers from 229 countries and regions around the world.

A total of 4.55 million exhibits were showcased, including 1.02 million new products, 880,000 green and low-carbon products, and 320,000 smart products.

The inaugural service robotics zone emerged as a highlight of the event, with 46 Chinese manufacturers presenting over 500 advanced robots covering 60 industrial applications.

Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China and has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.

Purchasers learn about the products at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

A purchaser talks with an exhibitor at a baggage booth at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

A purchaser selects food products at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

Purchasers attend the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

Purchasers select cosmetics at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

Purchasers talk with an exhibitor at a garment booth at the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

This photo shows a scene of the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, May 5, 2025. The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Monday in south China's Guangdong Province, with organizers announcing the participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, speaks with reporters in Praia, Cabo Verde, after the opening ceremony for Obangame Express. The 14-day exercise in West Africa kicked off on May 5, 2025, and includes 28 countries. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)



PRAIA, Cabo Verde  West African countries are adapting their interdiction strategies as drug traffickers and other criminals turn to sophisticated technology to evade detection, U.S. officials said this week.

Learning how to counter those subversive efforts is part of this years Obangame Express in West Africa, said Navy Capt. Harish Patel, director of the exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and run by U.S. 6th Fleet.

Some of the illegal actors have gotten smarter with the way that their vessels are tracked, Patel said.

West African countries are seeing vessels attempt to avoid sanctions by transferring their fuel or oil at sea to a waiting ship.

The practice, known as illegal bunkering, is worrisome to African countries for several reasons, including potential spills and environmental impacts, U.S. and African officials said.

Authorities typically use data transmitted by ships through their automatic identification system as the primary way of monitoring what vessels are coming in and out of a countrys territorial waters, Patel said.

Some ships turn off the AIS or fake their location to appear to be elsewhere, a practice known as spoofing.

U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney arrives May 4, 2025, in Praia, Cabo Verde in support of Obangame Express 2025. The 14-day exercise in West Africa kicked off on May 5 and includes 28 countries. (Joseph Buliavac/U.S. Navy)



During this years Obangame Express, participating countries will work to improve their ability to identify spoofing by using a web-based mapping tool to view and track ships, among other technology, he said.

The 14th iteration of the exercise kicked off in Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, on Monday with some 28 countries taking part. Among them are Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, Ghana, Italy, Nigeria, Senegal, Spain and the U.K.

Participants plan to experiment with surface drones to detect and track ships suspected of smuggling oil or fuel, trafficking arms or people, piracy and illegal fishing, among other illicit activities.

Theyll also spend some time in the classroom to study procedure for boarding vessels, making arrests and seizing contraband. The lessons include mock boardings for practice.

An understanding of applicable laws will help African countries ensure successful prosecution of criminals, who may travel across the maritime borders of several countries and be caught in another, said Maj. Felix Rodriguez Cartagena, a judge advocate for the Air Force.

The collaboration also will help point out legal challenges. For example, some countries may have trouble prosecuting a flagless vessel because their legal code doesnt cover the violation as a crime, Cartagena said.

Patel said those focuses, along with other activities during Obangame, could potentially have a worldwide impact.

Illicit activities in West Africa are often conducted by transnational criminal organizations, whose pursuits cross the Atlantic, he said.

It is all interconnected, Patel said. And to see how our African partners are dealing with that ... and then bringing it ultimately to a legal finish is very interesting to me and interesting to the United States in terms of our homeland defense.
Gradually building up his tolerance, Tim Friede, a former construction and factory worker and self-taught herpetologist endured 200 direct snakebites and self-administered 700 doses of venom. His immune system adapted to withstand venom from cobras, black mambas, taipans, rattlesnakes and more. Shown above, a rattlesnake. (iStock)



Scientists have gone to extraordinary lengths to prove their ideas. Isaac Newton inserted a needle into his eye socket. Australian scientist Barry Marshall won a Nobel Prize after drinking a culture of H. pylori for his stomach ulcer research.

Now, theres Tim Friede, a former construction and factory worker  and self-taught herpetologist  from Wisconsin, who allowed himself to be bitten by venomous snakes more than 200 times.

Those bites, along with hundreds of additional venom injections over 18 years, have put scientists on the path to a breakthrough: a potential universal antivenom.

Though researchers say human tests are probably at least two years away, mouse studies involving an antivenom derived from Friedes antibodies fully or partially neutralized the venom of 19 of the worlds deadliest snakes, including the black mamba, king cobra and taipan, according to a study published in the journal Cell this month. Tens of thousands of people die of snakebites every year.

Its an overwhelming feeling knowing that what Im doing someday can change  it already has  medical history, said Friede, who is listed as director of herpetology at Centivax, the biotechnology company leading the antivenom research.

A deadly toll

The World Health Organization has identified snakebites as a neglected tropical disease expected to get worse as climate change brings more snakes and people into contact. Nearly 3 million people suffer venomous snakebites each year, resulting in almost 138,000 deaths and three times that many amputations or other permanent disabilities, according to WHO.

In the recently published study, researchers injected mice with a cocktail of Friedes antibodies and an additional toxin inhibitor. Remarkably, some of the venom tested came from snakes that had not come into contact with Friede, yet his blood still contained antibodies effective against their venom  pointing to a broad immunity and bringing researchers closer to a universal antivenom.

The research included a genetically diverse range of snakes  known as elapids  a large, highly venomous family of reptiles found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia and Australia. The snakes cause tens of thousands of deaths annually. Their venom can kill within hours as their potent neurotoxins target the nervous system, rapidly paralyzing the muscles needed for breathing.

The mice in the study were fully protected from venom from 13 snake species and partially protected from all 19.

These are the most poisonous elapids out there that kill horses, and we can handle 13 of them, said Peter Kwong, a structural biologist and vaccine researcher from Columbia University, and lead author of the study. Kwong also serves as an adviser to Centivax.

With 650 venomous snake species and most deadly snakebites occurring in poor nations, there has been little economic incentive to develop snake-specific antivenins.

The markets fractured into 30 to 40 products, which makes it really tiny markets, which are not attractive to innovation, said Jacob Glanville, a study co-author and the CEO of Centivax. For that reason, antivenom hasnt really changed in the last 125 years.

Patients also dont always know the type of snake that bit them, forcing doctors to guess which antivenom to use or to not treat at all. And because of genetic differences in snake populations, antivenom might be less effective outside the region where the original venom was collected.

But although there are hundreds of venomous snake species, their venoms contain different combinations of just 10 core toxin types  making a universal antivenom that targets those toxins theoretically possible.

Herping from an early age

Friede is a lifelong snake enthusiast who once boasted an extensive collection of venomous snakes at his home in Two Rivers, Wis.

Nearly 20 years ago, Friede began exposing himself to small, controlled doses of snake venom to build immunity and to protect himself from a potential snakebite. Gradually building up his tolerance, Friede endured 200 direct snakebites and self-administered 700 doses of venom. His immune system adapted to withstand venom from cobras, black mambas, taipans, rattlesnakes and more.

Growing up in Milwaukee, Friede spent his free time herping, or searching for garter snakes with his friends. When he was 5, he was bitten by one of the nonvenomous snakes. That first bite set off a lifelong fascination with snakes and venom.

As an adult, Friede started milking scorpions and spiders as a hobby, he said, and began importing the most venomous snakes he could find in 2000  captivated by the sheer potency and danger of snake venom.

A year later, in March 2001, he began injecting himself with highly diluted venom, gradually increasing the doses over time. Most of his envenomations were deliberate, but he said there were instances where he miscalculated his dose or tried to milk a snake and it bit him.

His first intentional snakebite came from an Egyptian cobra. With no adverse reaction at first, he followed up with a second bite from a monocled cobra an hour later  which landed him in an intensive care unit with damage to his peripheral nervous system. He woke up from a coma four days later.

When I started with mambas, as I started too fast, I screwed up. ... It looked like I had leprosy after a black mamba bite, he said. He once felt throbbing pain from a western diamondback bite for a month, he added.

A scientist takes note

It occurred to Friede that his experiments might have scientific value, and he began posting about them on social media.

I was more concerned about protecting myself and surviving first, he said. And then I realized that Im beating death, and its great, but how do you get it out to the rest of the world?

In 2017, Glanville contacted Friede after the latter was featured in a video being bitten by a black mamba and a taipan.

If anybody has these broadly neutralizing antibodies, its going to be in this guys blood, right? Glanville recalled thinking. The secrets of a universal antivenom could be pumping through this guys blood.

The snake enthusiast was ready: Ive been waiting years for this phone call, Friede recalled saying.

Two years later, Glanville attended a dinner hosted by the Gates Foundation where he ended up sitting at the same table as Kwong. The pair quickly realized they had shared interests. Kwong was a pioneer in the understanding of how broadly neutralizing antibodies work against viruses. After speaking to Glanville, he was interested in applying the same approach to snake venom.

He was interested in my technology. I was interested in the antibodies that he had pulled out, Kwong recalled.

Kwong said Friedes immune system had nearly two decades to adapt to repeated venom exposure, enabling his cells to evolve and produce antibodies capable of neutralizing venom from many different snake species.

One of the reasons why we have a huge advantage is that Tim taught his immune system over 18 years to really, really recognize these [toxins], Kwong said.

The team is now working on expanding coverage of the antivenom to include Viperidae snakes, like pit vipers and rattlesnakes, which are the snakes most commonly found in the Western Hemisphere and North America.

Glanville has contacted veterinarians in Australia, where elapids are the dominant family of venomous snakes. Centivax hopes to deploy the antivenom within about nine months to treat snakebites in Australian dogs. Clinical trials for humans could begin in roughly two years.

Friede retired from self-immunization in 2018. The last time he envenomed himself was in 2018 with a water cobra, one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. It was a risky one, he said, because theres no antivenom for it. None. Except in my blood.

Friede still goes snake-catching with his girlfriend in Wisconsin and keeps a crossbred eastern-western diamondback at home. He hopes his efforts will ultimately result in a universal antivenom.

Fangs crossed, he said.
Patrons try out the newly renovated food court at Camp Walker, South Korea, April 30, 2025. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP WALKER, South Korea  Soldiers stationed at this Army base southeast of Seoul can enjoy a revamped dining experience following an $8.2 million renovation of the main exchange, which now features an expanded food court and additional amenities.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service celebrated the updated facilitys reopening on April 22, unveiling a redesigned food court that nearly doubles previous seating capacity. A new Pizza Hut joins existing vendors Taco Bell, Subway and Smoothie King.

Having a bigger food court and more choice makes a huge difference, customer Tisha Gentle said at the facility on April 30. Since our barracks dont have kitchens, this really helps us have some better meals and convenience.

Another patron, Kaylie Hudson, echoed that sentiment: Its great to see more diverse food options available, especially when were limited to what we can prepare in the barracks.

Patrons try out the newly renovated food court at Camp Walker, South Korea, April 30, 2025. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)

Shoppers vist the newly renovated exchange at Camp Walker, South Korea, April 30, 2025. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)



The expansion added 300 square feet to the food court area, according to an April 24 email from AAFES spokesman Travis Day. The renovation added updated lighting, polished concrete floors, and a more modern design throughout the exchange.

A ceremony was held to mark the occasion, led by Daegu Garrison commander Col. David Henning, AAFES Pacific Region commander Air Force Col. Jason Beck, and AAFES Korean Southern general manager Boris Nasci.

This much-needed upgrade enhances the shopping experience from top to bottom, Beck said at the event, according to Days email. Making sure everyone in this community has access to the best tastes of homes in the best surroundings.

A sign welcomes patrons to the newly renovated food court at Camp Walker, South Korea, April 30, 2025. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)



Originally built in 1986 and last updated in 1999, the Walker exchange gained 2,153 additional square feet during the overhaul. Other improvements include self-checkout lanes, an entrance skylight, updated ceilings, LED lighting, and a new HVAC system.

The updated facility also includes a new barbershop, vendor kiosks, and a mural honoring the bases role in South Koreas military history.

The Army contributed approximately $2 million to the project, AAFES said.
Mount Furano in Hokkaido, Japan, is pictured in June 2020. (Japan Environment Ministry)



The Marine Corps on Tuesday identified Cpl. Jason P. Cockrell as the Marine who died over the weekend on a mountain hike in northern Japan and Cpl. Andre Dabrowski as his hiking partner who survived.

Both men  automotive maintenance technicians with the 9th Engineer Support Battalion on Okinawa  were on an off-duty hike of Mount Furano on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japans four main islands, when they became lost in fog, according to the service.

Cockrell, 21, of New Mexico, was found on Saturday, Capt. Brett Vannier, spokesman for 3rd Marine Logistics Group, said by email Tuesday.

Cockrell was found lying on a trail at an elevation of about 4,600 feet elevation and taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he later died, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting reported Saturday, citing police.

Dabrowski called police around 4 p.m. Friday after the pair were separated, according to a separate report Saturday from Hokkaido Broadcasting. He was found uninjured about six hours later on a mountain road at approximately 4,300 feet elevation.

Dabrowski, of Maryland, is undergoing medical evaluation, Vannier said.

Vannier said an investigation is underway. However, it is believed that deteriorating weather conditions led to them going missing, he added.

The Marines were prepared for winter mountain hiking but encountered poor visibility, according to the Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting report.

Cockrell was stationed at Camp Hansen, but Vannier declined to provide further information on Dabrowski, citing privacy concerns.

Cockrell enlisted in the Marines in August 2022 and was promoted to corporal two years later. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Korea Defense Service Medal.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, said the Comprehensive Military Agreement signed on Sept. 19, 2018, should be reinstated. (Lee Jae-myung/Facebook)



South Koreas leading presidential candidate has pledged to restore a military deconfliction agreement with the North if elected, aiming to reduce rising tension on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, said the Comprehensive Military Agreement signed on Sept. 19, 2018, should be reinstated. The deal was effectively scrapped by both countries last year.

We urgently need to ease military tensions and restore trust between the two Koreas, he said in a recent news release.

Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon Suk Yeol, is considered the frontrunner in the upcoming snap election scheduled for June 3.

Recent polls show Lee leading with 47% support, followed by former Prime Minister and independent candidate Han Duck-soo with 23%; former Labor Minister and People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo with 13%; and Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok with 4%, according to a survey of 1,006 adults conducted by the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.

Lee lost in 2022 with 47.8% of the vote to Yoons 48.6%, the closest presidential race in South Korean history.

Yoon was impeached in December after a failed attempt to impose martial law. He was removed from office last month by the Constitutional Court, which ruled he had violated the constitution and obstructed the legislative process. He was three years into his term.

In June 2024, Yoon had withdrawn fully from the 2018 military accord, ending a six-year ban on artillery and military flights near the North Korean border. He cited North Koreas 2023 launch of a military satellite and its release of thousands of trash-laden balloons into South Korea as justification.

North Korea had exited the agreement in November 2023 after the South resumed limited aerial reconnaissance operations near the border.

The original agreement, signed by then-President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aimed to reduce military hostilities and foster cooperation, including economic projects and infrastructure links between the two countries.

Some of those projects, including the rail and road connections, were destroyed by North Korea in October.

Han, a former South Korean ambassador to the United States, has also advocated for dialogue with Pyongyang. He has proposed a constitutional amendment to reduce the presidential term from five years to three.

Han is saying he would revise our constitution because we have a congressional election in April 2028, Kyonggi Universitys Graduate School of Political Studies dean Hahm Sung Deuk said by phone Tuesday. He would finish his three-year term before stepping down; a majority of Koreans support revising the constitution.
A NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft arrives at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, April 23, 2025. (NATO AWACS)



NATO is sending long-range surveillance aircraft to Lithuania for a mission across the Baltics, the alliance said in a recent statement.

The first of three E-3A AWACS planes is currently operating out of Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, the Friday statement said. The move comes amid concerns in the region about increased Russian military activity near NATO territory.

NATO did not mention Russian activity as the reason for the deployment. However, the alliance has stepped up its presence in the region in recent months amid concerns about potential Russian sabotage.

The deployment of three surveillance aircraft known as NATOs eyes in the sky will last for several weeks, the alliance said.

The detachment will also monitor the Baltic Sea region, strengthening NATOs presence on the eastern flank, it added.

NATOs AWACS planes serve as an early-warning system for the alliance, enabling it to monitor military activities out to a distance of 250 miles.

The Baltic Sentry mission, which began in January, was prompted by a series of suspected sabotage incidents last year that resulted in damage to undersea energy pipelines and communication cables.

NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft wait on the tarmac in Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, April 23, 2025. Three E-3A aircraft will support the mission of monitoring the Baltic Sea region and strengthening NATOs presence on the eastern flank of the alliance. (NATO AWACS)

A NATO AWACS crew is welcomed after landing at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, April 23, 2025. Three E-3A aircraft are supporting the monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea region. (NATO AWACS)



The alliance-led effort incorporates naval surveillance drones, warships, submarines and aircraft to identify and track ships.

The AWACS deployment to the Baltics also comes as Russia prepares for large-scale military drills in September in Belarus, which borders Lithuania and Poland.

In the past, the quadrennial Zapad drill has involved moving large numbers of Russian troops to Belarus. Over the years, the drill has raised concerns that it could be used as a pretext for causing trouble on NATOs eastern flank.

Polish defense officials have said they are readying large exercises of their own to coincide with Zapad as a way of showcasing allied preparedness.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking on Ukrainian public radio last week, issued his own warning.

Look at Belarus, Zelenskyy said. This summer Russia is preparing something there, hiding behind military exercises. This is how (Russias) new attacks usually begin. But where this time? I dont know.
Rehearsal for Victory Day military parade held in Moscow

Xinhua) 11:10, May 06, 2025

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) participate in a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signs a flag officer memorandum at the Pentagon on May 5, 2025. (Madelyn Keech, U.S. Air Force/Defense Department)



WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday announced he has directed the Defense Department to cut at least 20% of its four-star generals and admirals, along with other reductions across the military.

Were back with more [Defense Department] reforms, this one is general and flag officer reductions. Thats the official title, Hegseth said in a video posted on X. My title is less generals, more GIs.

Hegseth, in a memorandum signed Monday, also called for cuts of at least 20% of general officers in the National Guard and at least 10% of its general and flag officers across the military, which could include one-stars or above. In Hegseths video message, he said the cuts would occur in two phases, the first being among the four-stars and the National Guard.

Introducing the "Less Generals More GIs Policy." pic.twitter.com/bQLRL2MqSC  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 5, 2025

The memo does not address when these cuts will take place. A defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not have more information on a timeline and referred to the memo.

The Pentagon is under pressure to slash spending and personnel as part of the broader federal government cuts pushed by President Donald Trumps administration and the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency.

The directive also comes after Hegseth last week ordered the Army to cut 1,000 jobs from its main headquarters, shrink attack helicopter formations and shed weapons and units that have long been part of its identity.

Hegseth on Monday cited the U.S. had 17 four- and five-star generals and admirals during World War II. Today, there are 44 four-stars.

When Hegseth began his first week as secretary at the end of January, there were 42 four-star generals and admirals across the military.

Trumps administration has already taken steps to purge the military of some top leaders, firing Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the former chief of naval operations, Air Force Gen. James Slife, the services vice chief of staff, and Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, who led the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command.

More generals and admirals does not equal success, Hegseth said.

As of September 2023, there are also about 800 general and flag officers across the military.

Sweeping changes at the Pentagon have not happened since the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. The act increased the power of the Joint Chiefs chairman and streamlined the military chain of command.

This could be the most comprehensive review since the Goldwater-Nichols Act, Hegseth said. Its going to be done carefully, but its going to be done expeditiously. We have to be lean and mean. And in this case, it means general officer reductions.

He has argued before, including during his confirmation hearing, that there are too many senior generals in the military.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host, told radio host Hugh Hewitt in the summer that he believes roughly one-third of the militarys most senior officers are actively complicit in the politicization of the armed forces. Speaking about his new book, Hegseth railed against what he described as woke, [critical race theory], [diversity, equity, and inclusion] things, gender stuff that has seeped into the military.
Anthony Tata testifies Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during a Senate Armed Forces Committee confirmation hearing to become undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Tata, a retired Army brigadier general nominated to oversee millions of service members and their families, pledged to be an apolitical leader as he came under fire from Democrats for past comments denigrating liberals. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general nominated to oversee millions of service members and their families, pledged to be an apolitical leader Tuesday as he came under fire from Democrats for past comments denigrating liberals.

Tata, 65, said he regretted his former remarks, which falsely called former President Barack Obama a Muslim, disparaged Islam and accused prominent Democratic politicians of being terrorist sympathizers. He described his comments as out of character.

I regret it and I can guarantee you that I will be, if confirmed, an apolitical leader that is trying to take care of the men and women in uniform and their families and the [Department of Defense] civilians, he said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Tatas history of making inflammatory statements on social media and radio programs tanked his nomination in 2020 to serve as the undersecretary of defense for policy during President Donald Trumps first term.

Five years later, Democrats said they doubted whether Tata would be able to serve impartially as undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

They pointed to a November 2024 social media post by Tata in which he recommended firing many four-star generals appointed by former President Joe Biden and called for appointing leaders who are all oars in the water to achieve Trump agenda 47.

Your nomination is widely perceived as being driven by political loyalty rather than professional qualifications, said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii. You would be tasked with leading a diverse workforce, one that includes Muslim service members, women in combat roles, LGBTQ personnel and senior leaders who you have attacked or proposed be fired. Given this record, I question whether you would be able to lead with impartiality, dignity and professionalism.

Tata defended his comments as a rational response to a CNN news story that reported Pentagon officials were discussing how to respond if Trump issued orders to deploy active-duty troops domestically and fire large swaths of apolitical staffers.

The admirals and generals dont get to choose which lawful orders that they follow, Tata said. The admirals and generals work for the civilian leadership and that civilian leadership is codified in Article Two of our Constitution. And so I found it disturbing, to say the least, that we had admirals and generals reported by CNN discussing resisting the president, resisting the presidents vision and directives, lawful orders.

When Democrats said the story referenced unlawful orders, Tata countered it referred to controversial orders and those were very subject to interpretation.

He said he did not believe generals should be selected for their loyalty to Trump and said his post on X supporting Trump agenda 47 alluded to Trumps focus on shipbuilding, not engaging in needless wars and other foreign policy objectives.

He noted he made the post when he was a private citizen.

Tata served in the Army for 28 years before retiring in 2009. His military career included commanding positions in the 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.

After the Army, Tata worked as a chief operating officer for a district of the District of Columbia Public Schools, superintendent of the largest public school district in North Carolina and North Carolinas transportation secretary.

In 2020, after Tatas nomination for undersecretary of defense for policy fell apart, Trump appointed Tata as the official performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy  a role that did not require Senate confirmation.

Republicans on Tuesday praised Tatas wide-ranging background in service.

His resume, argued Republican Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, epitomizes the breadth of experience required to oversee the departments most importance resource and that, of course, is its people.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, vouched for Tatas character and attempted to get ahead of Democrats questions about Tatas divisive comments.

The thing Ive learned about Tony is that he takes responsibility for his words and actions, he learns from his past mistakes, which is a testament of a good leader, Tillis said.

If confirmed, Tata said he intended to focus on recruiting and retention, transition to civilian life, military health on and off the battlefield, education, and safety standards pertaining to blast exposure from firing weapons and aviation.

I will always, as Ive demonstrated over my decades of service, make my highest priority the health and welfare of our brave men and women in uniform and our [Department of Defense] civilians and contract force, he said.
A driver contracted by the Defense Department transports humanitarian aid from an Army vessel across a floating pier and onto the beach in Gaza in June 2024. The temporary pier, part of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capability, enabled maritime delivery of international aid to war-torn Gaza. (Jordan Kirk-Johnson/U.S. Navy)



WASHINGTON  Army and Navy units who worked on the U.S. militarys humanitarian effort to move supplies into Gaza using a floating pier were ill-equipped, undermanned and lacked training for the mission, the Pentagons inspector general has concluded.

The report, which was dated Friday, pointed to a breakdown in joint training and years of divestment in mission-essential watercraft.

The [Defense Department] repeatedly encountered challenges and inefficiencies during [Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore] operations and exercises, including during Operation Neptune Solace in Gaza, according to the IG report.

Operation Neptune Solace, which spanned from March 2024 to July 2024, was an Army-Navy mission to build a temporary pier to funnel humanitarian aid into Gaza after Israeli forces launched a military campaign into the enclave in response to the October 2023 surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants. As the war raged, world health officials warned millions of Gazans were facing extreme hunger as Israel retaliated against Hamas.

The purpose of the pier was to deliver aid without putting U.S. troops in harms way in the war-torn region. But the mission was hampered by bad weather and logistical issues that resulted in the loss or damaging of vessels and equipment and numerous personnel injuries, including the death of one soldier.

The Navy reported 27 watercraft and equipment were damaged during the Gaza mission, totaling approximately $31 million in repairs and maintenance costs, according to the report. U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, reported 62 injuries among U.S. personnel supporting the mission, though the inspector general was unable to determine whether the injuries occurred while on-duty, off-duty or due to pre-existing health conditions. The report did not say whether the 62 injured includes service members and Defense Department contractors.

The mission was short lived. The pier became operational May 14, 2024, but just two weeks after it was in service, officials were forced to suspend operations and remove the pier from the shore to repair damage caused by rough weather. The pier again was removed from the Gaza shore at the end of June due to bad weather and was kept at the Israeli port of Ashdod for weeks when officials announced July 17 that the operation was ending.

The Pentagons inspector general was directed in late June by the Senate Armed Services Committee to review the Gaza pier mission. The report concluded the Army and Navy did not meet service-level standards for equipment and unit readiness to perform JLOTS operations.

We identified that the Army and Navy faced low equipment mission-capable rates and low manning and training levels, the report reads.

While the number of personnel assigned to the joint units was redacted, the report found the Army and Navy struggled to staff the ships for the Gaza mission, which delayed the deployment of some watercraft.

[Navy Beach Group One] had to pull together every person they could to sufficiently staff vessels in accordance with Navy requirements, the report reads.

It also found the Army and Navy did not organize, train and equip to a common joint standard for JLOTS operations and exercises. This was due, in part, to U.S. Transportation Command not establishing joint mission standards, minimum planning standards and requirements for the services and their equipment to work together. TRANSCOM, which oversees and coordinates the Defense Departments logistics distribution efforts, is responsible for planning JLOTS training and operations.

USTRANSCOM officials identified communications challenges as early as six years before Operation Neptune Solace, the IG report reads, referencing exercise reports from 2018.

From 2014-2024, the Defense Department conducted one JLOTS operation and 11 JLOTS exercises. Four of the 11 exercises identified problems with the vessel or equipment maintenance, readiness or availability.

A 2020 review specifically noted watercraft maintenance shortfalls and identified the need for the Army and Navy to address reductions of JLOTS-capable equipment and personnel across the Defense Department. Additionally, seven of the 11 JLOTS exercises identified problems with communication. These challenges included a lack of shared knowledge between the Army and Navy participants, gaps in their systems integration, and the need for a common operating view.

In recent years, the services divested in JLOTS-capable units and equipment. In 2023, the Navy decommissioned one of its two JLOTS-capable units and deactivated the Elevated Causeway System, a JLOTS system that provided the Navy with the capability to construct a more weather-resistant pier.

Additionally, the Army sold about 48% of its watercraft between 2018 and 2019. Reducing the Armys JLOTS watercraft took it from a force of 134 boats down to 70 boats.

Officials from headquarters, Department of the Army logistics directorate and the Navys Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, the [Armys 7th Transportation Brigade], [Navy Beach Group One] and [Navy Beach Group Two] expressed concern at the services divestment of JLOTS capabilities and stated their belief that the DoDs current JLOTS capabilities were not sufficient to meet projected needs, the report reads.

The inspector general made three recommendations, including the Army and Navy review watercraft units and determine improvements to force structure, training, and equipment acquisition and maintenance. It was also recommended TRANSCOM develop and implement a plan to meet its JLOTS responsibilities.
Gen. Christopher Mahoney, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, attends a meeting at Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on April 24, 2025. (Juaquin Greaves/U.S. Marine Corps)



WASHINGTON  Service officials on Tuesday said it was too soon to tell how they will be impacted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths order to pare down the militarys senior ranks, but the Marine Corps will likely be affected the most.

Our ratio of Marines to general officers is the highest in the [Defense Department], said Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the services assistant commandant. So any cut were going to have to look very, very closely at.

Hegseth on Monday ordered a minimum 20% cut to the number of four-star generals and admirals on active duty, as well as a corresponding 20% reduction of four-star positions in the National Guard and a 10% reduction of general and flag officers across the military.

Were going to shift resources from bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters, Hegseth said.

There are about 800 general-level officers in the military, with 44 at a four-star rank.

The Marine Corps has 2,700 Marines for every general officer, Mahoney said Tuesday in his testimony to a House Armed Services Committee subpanel examining readiness. The service has 64 general officers, including two four-star officers, he said.

The number of active-duty general or flag officers is set by Congress. The cap is 219 for the Army, 171 for the Air Force, 150 for the Navy, 64 for the Marine Corps and 21 for the Space Force.

Gen. James Mingus, vice chief of staff of the Army, said the Army was aware of the Pentagons review of general officers before Mondays announcement and had begun restructuring months earlier to better streamline leadership.

We knew we were over-structured, he said. We had too much, too many headquarters.

Still, he said it was probably a little too early to tell in terms of what the overall impacts of Hegseths order are going to be.

Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, and Adm. James Kilby, vice chief of naval operations, said they also could not yet predict the potential consequences of the reduction plan.

We look forward to seeing the exact language following the announcement, Spain said. I have every confidence that well be able to work with the department to minimize any particular mission or readiness impacts of the decisions.

The reaction from lawmakers on Capitol Hill has been mixed.

Republican Mike Rogers of Alabama, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the military was top-heavy and Hegseth was right to review the issue.

I look forward to working with him on this effort to maximize strategic readiness and operational effectiveness, he said in a post on X on Monday.

But Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he was skeptical of Hegseths motive after he already fired a raft of military leaders in recent months.

Among those let go were the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown; the Navys top officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti; and Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, who oversaw U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.

We need efficiency at the Department of Defense, Reed wrote on X on Tuesday. But personnel decisions should be based on facts & analysis, not arbitrary percentages. Eliminating the positions of many of our most experienced officers without justification could cripple the military.

In a video announcing the changes, Hegseth said the reduction plan will be done carefully, but its going to be done expeditiously.
Scott and Patti St. Clair on April 30, 2025, standing in front of a mural of an image of their son Joe St. Clair in Washington. Joe St. Clair is being held in a Venezuelan prison. The Bring Our Families Home Campaign, a coalition of families dedicated to bringing home loved ones who have been wrongly detained in foreign countries, gathered at the mural, which features the faces of their imprisoned relatives, to raise awareness of their plight. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Standing in a narrow alley  before a 20-foot-high mural of their son  Scott and Patti St. Clair made a special plea to President Donald Trump and Congress to secure the safe release of Joe St. Clair, a combat-disabled veteran who the U.S. government has determined is unlawfully held in a Venezuelan prison.

Patti St. Clair, holding a microphone by a portable speaker, looked at the TV cameras as she described her sons detention in the prison called Rodeo One that has been condemned by human rights groups for abuse violations.

The St. Clairs, who live in Washington state, and several other families gathered last week in what has become known as Freedom Alley  a narrow lane between two buildings in Georgetown  to launch a media campaign called Bring Our Families Home to raise awareness about Americans detained and held against their will in foreign countries.

Air Force veteran Joe St. Clair, their 33-year-old son, was traveling as a tourist near the Venezuelan border in October 2024 when he and a friend from Colombia were arrested by Venezuelan authorities, who transported them across the border to a Venezuelan prison, his family said.

We learned that Joe decided to take a trip near the border with one of his friends to visit [the friends] family member and got too close to the border and got abducted by the Venezuelan police, Scott St. Clair explained. They were shaken down, questioned and searched. All their possessions were taken.

St. Clair said he was told the border is fluid, and that Venezuelan authorities detain Americans as bargaining chips to gain leverage against the U.S. to ease restrictions placed on the country. Joe is a linguist who served as a tech sergeant in the Air Force until 2019. He was honorably discharged after nine years of service, his family said.

Joe St. Clair endured four combat tours in Afghanistan to protect this country. Now he is the one who needs protection, Patti St. Clair said.

Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, 37, is an active-duty Navy SEAL also detained by Venezuela authorities in 2024 while visiting the country as a tourist, said Christian Castaneda, his brother. Wilbert is a petty officer first class who has served in the military for nearly 20 years.

Wilbert called us right after he was arrested to let us know he was in trouble. Weve heard nothing from him since, said Christian Castaneda, who traveled from his home in Arizona to take part in the unveiling of the mural in Georgetown.

Nine U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents remain in Venezuelan custody, according to the State Department.

We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. [President Nicolas] Maduro has targeted, arrested, and jailed U.S. citizens under questionable circumstances and without proper process  this is unacceptable, and he must release them immediately. The Department of State will continue to work to secure their release, the agency said.

The State Department in March designated Castaneda and St. Clair wrongfully detained. It is formal recognition that an American citizen is being unlawfully held in a foreign nation, according to the State Department.

In Venezuela, hostage diplomacy has become a common tactic employed by the government, said Elizabeth Richards, director of hostage advocacy and research at the James W. Foley Foundation, which advocates for families of Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage in foreign countries.

The foundation communicates with the State Department, including the consular affairs and special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, to assist families in gaining the release of detained loved ones. Roger Carstens, who served as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs at the State Department from 2020 to 2025, is on the foundation board.

There are now 46 publicly disclosed hostage and wrongful detention cases of Americans held in foreign nations, according to the foundation.

My brother Wilbert was visiting Venezuela as a tourist over Labor Day, when he was forcibly disappeared, Castaneda said. He was picked up from his hotel room. Masked armed men broke his door open and took him to a detention facility.

Venezuelan authorities accused Castaneda of being part of a plot to overthrow the government, an accusation that he denied. He was incarcerated at El Heliocide in Caracas but has been moved between prisons in Venezuela, his brother said.

Castaneda was on personal travel in Venezuela, according to the White House. His family said he was visiting the country with his girlfriend, who is Venezuelan.

David Guillaume of Florida shared a cell with Joe St. Clair at Rodeo One prison and was among six Americans freed Jan. 31 by the Maduro government, after the Venezuelan president met with a Trump administration official. Guillaume works as a nurse and has never been in the military.

There are still Americans who need to come home, Trump said in a presidential proclamation in March. The United States will not tolerate the unlawful detention of our citizens. I will continue to bring more Americans back to their loved ones, and I will not back down until they are home.

Guillaume was arrested in Venezuela in September 2024 when he traveled to the country with his fiancee, who is Venezuelan. His fiancee, who is 25, is still being held, he said.

I said, Hey, I am here to learn about and see the culture,  Guillaume said. It was entrapment. We were condemned from Day 1. If youre American, they think youre a spy.

After his release from Rodeo One prison, Guillaume told U.S. officials about the other Americans still held at the large prison complex near Caracas. He also spoke with the St. Clair family about their son.

Joe has kept his mental composure through this ordeal. It came from his survival training in the military, said Guillaume, St. Clairs cell mate for six months. Joe emerged as a leader. He helped other prisoners trying to cope with the situation.

But conditions at most Venezuelan prisons are harsh and life threatening from overcrowding, violence, food shortages, poor sanitary conditions and inadequate medical care, according to the State Department.

Joe was positively identified as being alive, healthy and detained in the same facility as the hostages released, said Scott St. Clair, who remains in communication with Adam Boehler, special envoy for hostage affairs. I just want my son to hang on and know were fighting for him.

Bring Our Families Home unveiled the mural that spanned the side of one building and featured larger-than-life portraits of 11 Americans missing in Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Russia, Venezuela and the United Arab Emirates, according to the organization.

Patti St. Clair, whose son Joseph is incarcerated in Venezuela, speaks about him during a mural unveiling on April 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



They include three individuals with military backgrounds  St. Clair, Castaneda and Robert Gilman, an ex-Marine and schoolteacher imprisoned in Russia.

Gilman was traveling to Moldova for a teaching job when he was arrested by Russian authorities as he tried to visit the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, according to his family.

Ten of the 11 Americans whose portrait photos make up the mural have the legal designation of wrongful detention, according to the foundation that was formed in 2014 following the death of journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped and killed by Islamic State militants while reporting in Syria.

Gilmans family has been seeking the same wrongful detention designation for him, according to the office of Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

The term wrongful detention means the secretary of state has determined the arrest or detention to lack a legitimate legal basis or is being used for political or other non-legal purposes such as gaining concessions from the U.S. government, the State Department said.

The designation enables the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs to work to secure a detainees release, the agency said.

The St. Clairs were first notified by the State Department in February that Joe St. Clair had been detained and imprisoned in Venezuela, after losing contact with him for three months, the family said.

The St. Clairs said they were never notified of any formal charges against their son.

Joe had been in law school studying hard and hitting the gym just as hard. But he often could barely get out of bed because of his depressive thoughts, said J. Scotty St. Clair, his older brother.

After graduation from law school, he sought alternative treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in Costa Rica and then traveled to Colombia, his family said. He began working at a language school there, his father said.

We sent a healthy kid into the military, and we got a broken one out, said Scott St. Clair, a 59-year-old former sergeant who served in the Army from 1990 to 1996 with deployments to Kuwait and Somalia.

Some veterans with PTSD have sought alternative treatments involving the use of hallucinogenic drugs outside the U.S. to ease symptoms, such as depression, mood swings and other mental health problems.

Joe was just taking some time for himself and traveling in Colombia when he was arrested near the Venezuelan border, Patti St. Clair said to a small gathering of families, their supporters and the media that crowded into the brick alley between two retail buildings along the block of 3100 M Street in Georgetown.

Guillaume said he and Joe St. Clair shared information about their backgrounds while in prison together. They shared a two-man cell.

Joe told him about how he and a friend from Colombia were stopped near the border by Venezuelan authorities and arrested. Their heads were covered, they were put in vehicles, and they were driven across the border to Rodeo One prison in Venezuela, Guillaume said.

St. Clair seemed to be singled out right away for harsh treatment because the authorities knew he was a U.S. military veteran after searching his phone and seeing documents that he carried in his wallet, Guillaume said.

He felt like his life was in danger when he was captured and brought over the border, Guillaume said.

The guards pepper-sprayed the prisoners and beat them with batons.

But Joes a very strong-willed man, and he sticks to his word, Guillaume said. They would beat us and do psychological things just to rattle us.

The guards summoned individual prisoners for mock exit interviews, giving them the false impression they were about to be released, Guillaume said.

It was a mind game to trivialize us and our situation, he said.

The American prisoners were called from their cells at the end of January with yet another promise of pending release, Guillaume said.

But St. Clair and others hesitated and stayed back, Guillaume said. They mistakenly thought it was another ploy to raise their hopes and disappoint them.

Joe said, I cant do this, if this is going to be another game. I am not going to go. We did not know anything, Guillaume recalled.

But this time things were different.

Events happened quickly, after Guillaume and five other American prisoners assembled.

They had us sign papers attesting that we were not physically or psychologically harmed, he said.

They were given a set of clean prison clothes and hustled onto a U.S. military plane.

It is important the public understands these are Americans who are innocent, have been deliberately targeted, are being treated harshly because they are American, or are facing torture and abuse, and they need the support of the American people to be freed, said Richards of the Foley Foundation.

The St. Clairs met this week on Capitol Hill with Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both Democrats from their home state of Washington. They shared their sons story and efforts to secure his release.

Cantwell promised to send a letter to Trump condemning Maduro for his actions and demanding the release of the American detainees, Scott St. Clair said.

We also are working with the State Department and have connected with other families in similar situations, he said.

The State Department assigns families a team that assists them with resources, after an individual is determined to be wrongfully detained. But Scott St. Clair said officials disclose little about the efforts to gain his sons release.

We understand that negotiations may be classified. We get that. But there is a void of silence, he said.

For privacy, security and other reasons, we have no further comment at this time, the State Department said.

Joe St. Clair, an Air Force veteran, works out at a gym with his father, Scott St. Clair, an Army veteran, in 2022. Joe was arrested by Venezuelan authorities in 2024, after traveling in Colombia near the Venezuelan border. His father is working with the State Department to secure his release. (Scott St. Clair)



The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act of 2020 provides the framework for determining a wrongful detention and authorizing assistance to families. The law is named after former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who was abducted in Iran in 2007 and declared dead in 2020.

A formal request is pending for Gilman, the ex-Marine, to be designated as wrongfully detained under the Levinson Act, according to the office of Sen. Markey, which is endorsing the petition.

Gilman was the third military member pictured on the mural of the 11 Americans held in foreign countries. The mural was first created in July 2022 and updated this week with a new gallery of American detainees replacing the photos of ones released. But Gilmans picture remained.

Gilman, a former infantry rifleman, pleaded guilty in Russian court in 2024 and was sentenced to seven years and one month for assaulting police officials, according to a Reuters report. In April, another year was added to his sentence.

It is important that we never forget those currently held hostage or wrongfully detained across the globe  including my constituent Robert Gilman, Markey said in a social media post that showed Gilmans portrait at the mural unveiling in Georgetown. It is time for the administration to formally designate Robert as wrongfully detained and do everything in its power to obtain his release from Russian custody.

Scott St. Clair said he believes the State Department views the detention of Americans by the Venezuelan government as an emergency situation.

With the six prisoners released on Jan. 31, U.S. officials learned from them  through their words  about our son and other Americans who are still being held, he said. We, his parents, found out that Joe is healthy and alive.

We want to continue to be respectful but also persistent as we ask the government to take action as quickly as possible, not only to free Joe but every wrongfully detained person there, Scott St. Clair said.
Jarold Walters at his new home in the Maxwell Garden Apartments, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Walters got the apartment with the help of Michael Bailey, a veteran who was homeless for nearly three decades after he left the military. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)



(Tribune News Service)  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.

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, Fl. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2025 Orlando Sentinel.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, May 6. The development of cooperation between the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) and Azerbaijan has good prospects, the plant's Director General Valery Ivankovich told Trend.

According to him, Azerbaijan remains a strategic partner for MAZ.

"I see very good prospects for joint work. We have a lot of points of contact. We are united by many years of cooperation, based not only on common interests but also on strong, good human relationships," Ivankovich said.

He highly appreciated the scale of the restoration and investment work in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. As a sign of friendship, the Belarusian government handed over a utility vehicle to Azerbaijan, intended for use in these regions.

Ivankovich reminded that MAZ is actively cooperating with the Ganja Automobile Plant in the framework of the supply of machine kits, vehicle assembly, and programs for supplying firefighting equipment.

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Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin

Gerry Adams has said an attempt is being made to smother the jury in history as he was questioned over his past statements and events during the Troubles.

The former Sinn Fein leader faced cross-examination over his knowledge of who was in the IRA and the organisations rules, on which he repeatedly said he would not speculate in court.

Mr Adams is continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC at the High Court in Dublin.

He claims a BBC Spotlight programme, and an accompanying online story, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of the former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson.

Gerry Adams was continuing to give evidence in his defamation case against the BBC on Tuesday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Donaldson, who had worked for Sinn Fein, was shot dead in Donegal in 2006, months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years.

Mr Adams denies any involvement.

In 2009, the Real IRA admitted killing Mr Donaldson.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September 2016.

The trial opened last week with barrister for Mr Adams, Tom Hogan SC, saying the former Sinn Fein presidents reputation as a peacemaker had suffered an unjustified attack because of the broadcast of the BBC programme.

In the witness box, Mr Adams said he liked and knew Mr Donaldson, but did not have many dealings with him.

Gerry Adams leaving the High Court in Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA)

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

Beginning his cross-examination on Friday afternoon, Paul Gallagher SC asked Mr Adams if he remembered how many people were killed in various atrocities during The Troubles.

Mr Adams told the hearing he did not remember how many people were killed in incidents such as Bloody Friday or the Claudy bombings, and asked what it had to do with Mr Donaldson.

On Tuesday, Mr Adams entered the witness box for a fifth day.

The jury was shown a montage of various broadcast footage of interviews with figures such as Peter McMullan, who said he was a former IRA member who worked with Mr Adams in the Belfast brigade.

The jury were also shown a video clip of Mr Adams from 1987 where he was asked about the death of Charles McIlmurray.

Mr McIlmurray, like anyone living in West Belfast knows, that the consequence of informing is death, he said in the clip.

Under cross-examination from Mr Gallagher, Mr Adams said his remark was very harsh but was made along with other comments at a press conference including expressing his commiserations with the family of Mr McIlmurray.

He denied that the statement was made as a warning or a threat, or that he was attributing blame to Mr McIlmurray.

Gerry Adams leaving the High Court in Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA)

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams arrives at High Court in Dublin as his defamation case against the BBC continues

Mr Gallagher asked him several times if he was aware of the structures and rules of the IRA, to which Mr Adams said several times he would not speculate in court and had already answered the question.

I dont intend to speculate on any of those issues in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said.

When pressed on whether he was not going to answer any questions in relation to the IRA, Mr Adams said an attempt was made to smother them (the jury) in an awful history.

What on earth has this got to do with Denis Donaldson, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said he could not comment on why people including informers were disappeared during the Troubles, but called it horrific.

It was wrong, bad enough that informers were being killed, but to disappear their bodies was totally and absolutely wrong.

He told the court he believes he had met all the families of those who were shot and secretly buried by the IRA.

Mr Adams, 76, stepped down as Sinn Fein president in 2018 after 34 years at the helm.

He served as an MP for West Belfast and represented the Louth constituency in the Dail parliament until the 2020 general election, when he retired from politics.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.
The murder trial, expected to last until June, continues today after a break over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Richard Satchwell wept and dabbed his eyes as he spoke about his wife Tina who had mysteriously disappeared from their home in Youghal.

I gave her a peck on the lips. I said Ill see you in a couple of hours, love  the last thing I said to her, he said.

Filmed three months after Tina had been reported missing, a jury last week watched as Satchwell made his emotional appeal on national TV in July 2017.

Now on trial and pleading not guilty to murder, the 58-year-old truck driver didnt look up from the dock as the video clip was played in the Central Criminal Court.

Richard Satchwell allowed his head to hang down with one hand on his forehead as he listened to himself express his love and devotion to Tina (45) while asking her to come home.

Richard Satchwell holding a photo of his wife Tina

Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th

It is the States case that his wife of 25 years was murdered and buried in a concrete covered grave three-foot deep under the stairwell in their Grattan Street house in Youghal, Co Cork.

The murder trial, expected to last until June, continues today after a break over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Opening the case last week prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small said after Tinas remains were found in October 2023, Satchwell told gardai she died as he restrained her.

Tina died, Satchwell claims, as he restrained her with a belt as she tried to stab him in the head with a chisel, and her body was stored in a chest freezer before she was buried in the house.

On TV3, Crimecall, Primetime Investigates as well as TV AM, Cry104FM, RedFM and Cork 96FM, Richard Satchwell repeated the first story that he shared with gardai.

He said Tina had asked him to buy some things from Aldi in Dungarvan, including food for their newly acquired parrot Valentine on March 20, 2017.

When he returned later that day Tina was nowhere to be seen. Her keys were on the floor and her phone left in the kitchen.

Her beloved Chihuahua Ruby was also still at home with their other dog, Heidi.

Some time later, after checking the sunbed upstairs to see if she had been in it, he realised two suitcases and 26,000 in savings were gone.

Four days later in Fermoy, where he had gone for a doctors appointment, Satchwell walked into the garda station to report his wife missing after being told by relatives in the town they hadnt seen Tina.

Satchwell had been sure she would have been in Fermoy and had left home to clear her head.

In May 2017, gardai had searched Satchwells house, taking away laptops and documents, while a forensic test found no trace of blood.

Satchwell told TV3s Paul Byrne he would take a lie detector test, and when asked directly if he had killed her, he said never.

He later told Cry104FM that the couple had physical skirmishes and that Tina would sometimes hit him, but he never retaliated.

Satchwell gave more details in the informal chat he had with a Midleton detective, now Inspector Daniel Holland.

He told the detective that Tina could be violent and on two occasions had knocked him out cold, and that her mood had been deteriorating before Christmas.

He didnt believe Tina would self-harm and he fully expected her to return home.

The conversation on June 8, 2017 was the first opportunity gardai had to speak with Satchwell after the search was carried out in May.

The officer asked him about documents they found which indicated that the couple had Western Union transfers in which thousands had been sent to various places around the world.

The couple had planned to buy or adopt marmoset monkeys and Satchwell said an email on one of the seized laptops would fully explain everything.

He said the money Tina had taken with her had come from car boot sales.

The officer who took a statement after the missing persons report gave evidence in court last week.

Satchwell told Garda James Butler how he had first met Tina when she moved to her grandmothers in Coalville, Leicestershire in 1989.

They married on her 20th birthday in 1991, living between the UK and Ireland and buying a house in her native Fermoy before selling up and moving to Youghal in 2016.

Satchwell told the officer he believed Tina had an undiagnosed psychiatric condition that was getting worse over the years.

In another statement he told gardai how he had sacrificed a lot for her, gave up his own family who were anti-Irish and that while he wanted children, Tina did not.

He said he was a bit of walkover and that it was Tina who wore the trousers in the relationship.

Evidence was also heard last week how officers looked for CCTV to corroborate the details of Satchwells statement, but nothing was found.

Former station sergeant John Sharkey said their enquiries had been fruitless and by the end of May 2017 officers concluded something criminal may have occurred.

A search warrant for No 3 Grattan Street was granted by a district court, which was told there was violence in the relationship.

The first person to enter the house was Garda Cathal Whelan, whose job it was to photograph the entire interior of the house before the specialist search team got to work.

He described the narrow, three storey terraced house as untidy and unkempt with dog faeces on the floor, a dirty bird cage and dishes that hadnt been washed for a long time.

The entire second floor was effectively a walk-in wardrobe with racks of clothes and unopened packages of garments.

There are 100 witnesses in the case which is expected to last for another four weeks.

The State alleges phone data will show Satchwell was in the house at the time he said Tina would have been packing her suitcases and taking the money.

An email about the monkeys was sent that morning at a time when he said he was shopping in Aldi in Dungarvan.

Other witnesses will say Satchwell offered different explanations for Tinas disappearance, and that he was selling items belonging to her at car boot sales shortly after her disappearance.

An invasive search of the house led to Tina Satchwells decomposed remains being discovered buried in a grave under the stairs sealed with concrete in October 2023.

At this point when he was arrested Satchwell changed his story in statements to gardai about what had happened to his wife.

The case continues this week.
Judge Gerard Jones said they were two decent men and struck the charges out after they each made 1,500 charity donations.

A FORMER Dublin Lord Mayor and his business partner found drunk in an office above a pub during lockdown have been spared convictions for breaching Covid regulations.

Dublin City Councillor Nial Ring (65) and the pub owner Liam McGrattan (70) were among five men caught by gardai in the room at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

Judge Gerard Jones said they were two decent men and struck the charges out after they each made 1,500 charity donations.

Ring, from St Laurence Road, Clontarf and McGrattan of Clontarf Road, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 4 of the Health Act, prohibiting people from leaving their residences without a reasonable excuse. The emergency provision was brought in at the time to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of Covid-19.

Liam McGrattan

Summonses for allegedly holding or taking part in an event were previously withdrawn by the prosecution.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened on April 17, 2020 while restrictions on movement were in place.

Garda sergeant Farrah Fox said officers on patrol in Ballybough at 11pm saw the shutters come up on the Ref pub and three men leave in separate directions. When they went over, the shutters had gone back down and they could see lights on and hear people inside the building.

They banged repeatedly on the shutters and put their patrol car's flashing blue lights on in an attempt to gain the attention of those inside. They could see people drinking from bottles upstairs but nobody responded to requests to come to the door. It took 45 minutes before someone came and opened the shutters and gardai entered the premises.

There were five men in a room upstairs who were consuming alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated. They all had different stories as to why they were there, Sgt Fox said.

The licence holder at the time, McGrattan, said no drinks had come from the bar downstairs. On inspecting the premises, gardai found 37 glasses in the dishwasher and saw a note beside the CCTV that stated: put the plug back in the camera when leaving the pub.

Ring and McGrattan were co-owners of the office where they carry out their business, defence barrister Peter Maguire said.

This was not in a pub nobody was found in a pub, he stressed.

Ring, a city councillor and former Lord Mayor had had a very substantial input into what was a marginalised inner city community.

The office was in the heart of the constituency and at the time, the accused were involved in the distribution of a leaflet in relation to coronavirus and how it could be controlled.

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

Weeks earlier, the taoiseach had made an order that essential workers included local authority members, he continued.

Ring as a councillor was deemed to have been an essential worker and had a certificate from the chief executive Owen Keegan, Mr Maguire said.

If there was a breach, it was a very technical breach, Mr Maguire said of the offence.

Ring was embarrassed and remorseful and the adverse publicity the case had already received was a significant penalty for him.

McGrattan had been on the phone to PPE providers abroad and had to make calls at that hour because of the time difference, Mr Maguire said.

Neither accused was denying alcohol was consumed.

The gardai had a key to the premises where they had previously been allowed to use the toilets and to make tea while on duty nearby at Croke Park, the barrister said.

He added that McGrattans home was 1.8km from the premises. However, he said the accused were pleading guilty and throwing themselves on the mercy of the court.

Both Ring and McGrattan were excellent and outstanding members of society, and had apologised, Mr Maguire said. Judge Jones said the accused were two decent men with no past criminal record. He struck the charges out after they each made donations to the Pieta House charity.

Two other co-accused were previously left without convictions after making 500 charity donations each.

Ring, an independent councillor for the north inner city, previously served as Lord Mayor of Dublin from June 2018 to June 2019.

Last year, he and his co-accused lost a High Court challenge against the State's Covid-19 regulations.
Gardai found three small bags of crack on Jordan Nugent (23) and another two in his trouser lining, a court heard

A man claimed several deals of crack cocaine were for his own use when he was stopped during a suspicious transaction in Dublin city centre.

Gardai found three small bags of crack on Jordan Nugent (23) and another two in his trouser lining, a court heard.

Nugent, an apprentice electrician from Marewood Crescent, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug but denied having it for sale or supply.

Judge Michele Finan said she did not find his evidence credible and found the facts proved, but struck out the more serious charge and applied the Probation Act on the other.

Dublin District Court heard Nugent was stopped on OConnell Street on November 2, 2023. When gardai found the three deals, he said it would take him two to three days to get through that. The total value was 47.

Defence barrister Kevin McCrave said it was a very small amount, only about half a gram. Nugent told the court he had been kicked out of his home and had nowhere else to go at the time.

He said he bought the crack all at once and was going to smoke the drug himself but admitted it would not all have been that day. He had no previous convictions.
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 deemed 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.

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The court heard that while two or three of the dogs were pulling at the cat, a good Samaritan intervened and managed to take the stricken animal from them

Darren Prenter failed to attend Belfast Magistrates Court today as a prosecuting lawyer outlined how his pack of four lurchers attacked a cat in an entry between the Alliance Road and Ballysillan Playing Fields on September 9, last year.

District Judge George Conner proceeded to hear the case in the defendants absence after hearing that the 28-year-old had been written to on multiple occasions.

The court heard that while two or three of the dogs were pulling at the cat, a good Samaritan intervened and managed to take the stricken animal from them.

However, the prosecutor said the cat passed away in this persons arms a short time later.

Prenter, from Velsheda Court, was interviewed under caution about the incident and admitted he had been walking his four lurcher-type dogs without a muzzle but said he did not know it was against the law.

The lawyer explained to Judge Conner that under section one of the Control of Greyhounds Act (Northern Ireland) 1950, it is an offence to walk more than two greyhounds or lurchers without them being muzzled.

Darren Prenter

Prenter was convicted on each of the six offences including:

 Having four lurcher-type dogs which attacked and fatally injured another animal at an entry between Alliance Road and Ballysillan Playing Fields;

 Being in charge of more than two lurcher-type dogs at Alliance Road/Ballysillan Playing Fields and;

 Being in charge of four lurcher-type dogs which were off-lead and not muzzled at Alliance Road/Ballysillan Fields.

In total, Judge Conner imposed fines amounting to 1,000 as well as a 25 offender levy.

Prenter was also ordered to pay 144 costs.

This is not the first time that Prenter has been charged with having dogs which attacked another animal.

At the time his lurchers set upon the cat, Prenter was subject to a two-month prison sentence, suspended for three years, after he admitted aggravated trespass on Glenwherry Moor.

In December 2023, Ballymena Magistrates Court heard how the moors gamekeeper alerted the police to suspected hare coursing and shortly after police arrived, Prenter and two other men, Patrick Robert Shannon (52) and Patrick McGourty (29) came walking across fields with three lurcher dogs and a springer spaniel.

Police spoke to them and they said they had been out walking their dogs, said the lawyer, adding that a search of the car revealed two dead hares behind the passenger seat.

The trio were given a formal police caution and claimed they were looking for rabbits and foxesand that the hares were found by the roadside.

Darren Prenter

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

The court heard, however, that it was likely the two dead hares had been coursed as there were puncture wounds but the defence argued there was no evidence they had been killed on Glenwherry Moor.

Shannon, from Annesley Street, McGourty who is from Cranbrook Court, and Prenter each admitted aggravated trespass on Glenwherry Moor and all three were handed suspended prison sentences.

In passing the sentence, Judge Martina Connolly KC described hare coursing as disgusting and despicable.

She warned that hare coursing is essentially a day out of planned cruelty and is a blight, literally, on the landscape as it involves horrific cruelty on animalscruelty of any animal is something that the courts will not tolerate.
Ian Dodrill (36) brandished an unidentified object, but the woman behind the counter refused his demands for cash and he left empty-handed

A father of three tried to hold up a bookmakers using a metal implement as a weapon in a very frightening robbery attempt.

Ian Dodrill (36) brandished an unidentified object, but the woman behind the counter refused his demands for cash and he left empty-handed.

Judge John Hughes jailed him for six months and suspended another three months for two years on condition he stays out of all Paddy Power bookmakers.

Ian Dodrill (36) pleaded guilty to attempted robbery

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

Dodrill, of Drumalee Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an article intended to cause injury, incapacitate or intimidate on September 4, 2023.

Dublin District Court heard he went into Paddy Power, Fairview Strand, at 9.30am with a jumper covering the majority of his face.

He approached the counter and demanded money while holding a pointed object.

The victim was unsure what it was, but she refused to hand over any money.

Dodrill was identified from CCTV and fingerprint evidence. He had previous convictions for theft and attempted robbery.

He had been in the throes of a very bad addiction to alcohol and tablets, which could be quite a cocktail in terms of leading individuals down a certain path, his solicitor Andrew Broderick said.

Dodrill accepted the incident must have been very frightening for the victim, but once she told him she was going to call the gardai he didnt press the matter any further, Mr Broderick said. He had apologised to the victim on a previous court date.
Nikola Penchev (34) of Veliki, Preslav, Bulgaria, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court

A man who assisted a Brazilian drug cartel smuggle a massive shipment of cocaine into Ireland has been jailed for ten years.

Nikola Penchev (34) of Veliki, Preslav, Bulgaria, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cocaine worth over 21.6million, for sale or supply, at Foynes Port, Co Limerick, on December 19, 2023.

Penchev, a maritime engineer, was arrested after Revenue Customs officials and Gardai, acting on a tip-off that the drugs were on board the ship, the MV Verila, searched the vessel and found the cocaine haul tied together in several bales attached to a transmitter.

The ship initially set sail from Hamilton, Canada, to Santos Brazil, before reverting to Hamilton and eventually onto Foynes in County Limerick.

The Maltese vessel MV Verila

Penchev, who joined the ship on its second voyage out of Hamilton had initially been unaware it was carrying cocaine.

While on route to Foynes Port, Penchev was recruited by another of the ships crew, his friend and fellow Bulgarian national, Kamen Petkov (37) to help him dump the cocaine in parcels at Glin, a few kilometers out from Foynes.

Detective Garda Adrian Cahill, Limerick Garda Divisional Drugs Unit, gave evidence in court that unidentified parties used small boats to ferry the cocaine bales to Petkov at Santos Port while the rest of the ships crew were asleep.

Petkov, who was previously jailed for ten years after he also pleaded guilty to having the cocaine haul for sale or supply, was responsible for loading the drugs on board, tying the drug parcels together with life jackets and attaching a transmitter, and he kept in regular contact with the cartel via a satellite phone and a navigation app OsmAnd.

Petkov and Penchev ended up not dumping the drugs overboard at Glin as nobody appeared to be there to collect the packages when the ship arrived at the drop-off point.

Drug detector dog Harley guards the 300kg illegal cocaine haul seized off a cargo ship at the Port of Foynes in Co Limerick (Pic: @gardainfo)

Gardai said Petkov told them that he was to be paid 150,000 for helping the gang, but he ended up not receiving any payment.

Penchev told gardai Petkov told him he would pay him 10,000 for helping him, but he too did not receive any of the money.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL said Petkov told Penchev that if they lost the drugs, their lives would be under threat from dangerous people.

Kamen Petkov

Penchev, who is married with two children, told gardai he only helped Petkov because he was afraid of what the consequences would be for him and his family had he not helped.

During the sailing, Penchev and Petkov took photos of the drug bales and sent the mobile phone snaps to the gang to prove the drugs were still on board the ship.

Penchevs barrister told the court that he was not the instigator, that he was remorseful, and that he was a good, loving father and husband.

Judge Daly said: Cocaine is a very serious and highly addictive drug, and the accused allowed himself to become involved in the international carrying of a serious amount of drugs.

The judge said he was satisfied that a headline prison sentence of 13 years was appropriate this being a high-level commercial drug dealing operation.

Nikola Penchev

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

Judge Daly said Penchevs early guilty plea, and his cooperation with the garda investigation allowed it to proceed with greater speed and efficiency

However the judge said that, because Penchev involved himself in trafficking such a large volume of drugs half way around the world, the principle of deterrence generally, prevents me considering sentencing below the presumptive minimum in the case, and so I reduce the sentence to one of ten years.

The sentence was backdated to December 24, 2023, when Penchev first entered into custody following his arrest.

The court heard the garda investigation into the cocaine seizure remains ongoing.
The judge told David O'Callaghan Any repeat and you will end up in prison

A judge has warned a man who was suffering from a paranoid delusion when he rammed gates at Leinster House and Aras An Uachtarain last year that he will end up in prison if he repeats his offending.

David OCallaghan (41) of the Fairways, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, caused over 60,000 worth of damage after he drove at gates at Leinster House, Custom House and Aras An Uachtarain, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard.

O'Callaghan pleaded guilty to driving into the rear gates of Leinster House and two counts of criminal damage, all on August 2 last.

He told gardai that a person he believed to be his father was spiking and spraying poison in his food and room. He said he had been communicating with President Michael D Higgins about this and decided to crash into the gates to stop it himself.

O'Callaghan said he didn't want to get inside, only cause damage. He has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is receiving treatment.

O'Callaghan has 11 previous convictions, including for drug offences.

After hearing facts last month, Judge Martin Nolan directed the Probation Service to comply conditions for the supervision of O'Callaghan.

Damaged gates at Government Buildings; (inset) David O'Callaghan

Today, Judge Nolan imposed a four-year prison sentence, which he suspended on strict conditions including that O'Callaghan place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 21 months.

The judge told O'Callaghan: You have to do what they [the Probation Service] tell you to do.

Youre getting a chance, principally by reason of your underlying problems, but any repeat and you will end up in prison, the judge said, adding that O'Callaghan would be brought back before the court if he offended during the term of the suspended sentence.

Garda Niamh McCarthy previously told Oisin Clarke BL, prosecuting, that O'Callaghan drove a white Ford Transit van to Chesterfield Avenue, then did a sweeping u-turn in front of the entrance gates of Aras An Uachtarain before reversing into them and breaching them, before driving away.

The gates were inoperable for a period of time after this incident, with repairs costing 4,795.

O'Callaghan then drove to the Customs House, where he drove into gates, reversed out, then turned and reversed in for a second time.

The court heard the gates were not forced open the first time he hit them, but after he reversed into them. Approximately 2,000 worth of damage was caused.

A few minutes later, a garda on duty at the rear of Leinster House heard a loud crash, then metal hitting the ground. He saw a vehicle reversing from the gates towards Merrion Street Upper.

A short time later, the garda heard two further crashes and then noticed a van stopped near the Department of the Taoiseach and that a set of gates at the Ministers' Entrance were off the hinges.

O'Callaghan damaged three sets of gates at the rear of Leinster House in quick succession at around 2.30am.

David O'Callaghan

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

The first gate was not fully breached after O'Callaghan drove straight into it due to the anti-ram protection in place.

He then reversed at speed into the gate known as the Minsters' Entrance, knocking it from its hinges. One of the gates collided with an usher's hut, smashing a window.

The court heard that O'Callaghan struck the perimeter gate at the Department of the Taoiseach with such force that the airbags deployed and the van was inoperable afterwards.

O'Callaghan then got out of the van and appeared to be drinking from something. It also looked like he had his phone and was recording, the court heard.

Over 52,000 damage was caused to the gates at Leinster House.

He told gardai at the scene that he had been driving the van and he admitted crashing into the gates at Leinster House, Customs House and Aras an Uachtarain.

He also told gardai that he had consumed alcohol and cocaine earlier that evening.

After his arrest, O'Callaghan told gardai he had reversed into a vehicle parked in the forecourt of Windsor Motors, Bray, Co. Wicklow before he drove to Aras An Uachtarain. The court was told that extensive damage was caused to the vehicle.

In total, 60,000 worth of damage was caused, not including the damage to the vehicle in the forecourt.

O'Callaghan was arrested and was initially deemed unfit for interview. When he was later interviewed, he said he just lost the head and felt highly psychotic.

Gda McCarthy told the court that O'Callaghan was cooperative with gardai and entered an early guilty plea.

She agreed with John Berry SC, defending, that emails were found on O'Callaghan's phone, which indicated he had a paranoid delusion that his food had been spiked and he had been poisoned for three years.

It was further accepted that after O'Callaghan was charged, gardai objected to bail. He was assessed by Cloverhill Prison's psychological team and arrangements were made for him to be treated as an involuntary in-patient at a psychiatric facility in Dublin.

O'Callaghan was later granted bail in October, having spent three months in custody.

It was further accepted that O'Callaghan has agreed that information can be given to gardai if he stops his treatment or takes illicit substances, and gardai have been in recent contact with his father.

Mr Berry told the court his client had been emailing the President, adding that his client was not emailing the Taoiseach or the Minister for Housing.

Defence counsel said his client has a long work history, most recently as a kitchen porter.

He said it was unrealistic for his client to repay the cost of damages due to his low income. A number of reports were handed to the court along with a letter from O'Callaghan's father.

Mr Berry asked the court to take into account his client's psychiatric difficulties, which were aggravated by his voluntary abuse of illicit substances. Counsel outlined that the report indicates a treatment plan for his client with O'Callaghan's father to contact the relevant services if his son relapses. He asked the court not to impose an immediate custodial sentence.

Judge Nolan previously noted that O'Callaghan would require supervision. He added that the Probation Service is a State authority with statutory power, noting that the court didn't want to place these burdens of supervision on O'Callaghan's father or psychiatric services.
Wexford man Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, used a different name on first meeting his victim, Sinead O'Neill

A criminal has appealed his conviction for raping, assaulting and coercively controlling a woman during a six-week relationship in which she endured violence and extreme degradation, arguing that his trial jury was prejudiced by his victim giving evidence that he previously tried to kill her.

Wexford man Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, used a different name on first meeting his victim, Sinead O'Neill, through an online dating website.

He was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences; four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence.

Shortly after Ward and Ms O'Neill met in May 2019, Ward effectively moved himself into the woman's home in Killybegs, Co Donegal.

During the next six weeks Ward repeatedly attacked Ms O'Neill, spraying mace into her face, tying her up, choking her and then raping her, threatening her with a hammer and punching her in the face.

He controlled her access to friends and family, took over her online banking and monitored her whereabouts, social media and mobile phone use and removed her contraceptive device as she slept.

At his sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. It only took him six weeks to destroy me, she said. She described how she had previously just wanted to be happy, but now just wanted a life without fear.

Her ordeal only came to an end when Ms O'Neill's boss realised something was wrong and spoke to her and advised her to go to gardai.

Passing sentence at the Central Criminal Court in July 2022, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said that such was Ward's level of control that they had to come up with an escape plan to get her out of the house long enough for armed gardai to move in and arrest Ward.

Ward tried to get away but was caught jumping over a back wall while carrying a can of incapacitant spray. Ward told gardai during interview that he and Ms O'Neill had a happy relationship and were planning for marriage and a baby.

Victim Sinead O'Neill, from Killybegs, Co Donegal speaking to media outside Dublin circuit court after Dean Ward was jailed for 17 years in 2022.

Mr Justice Naidoo noted that the rapes took place in a controlling relationship and that consent was not freely given. He said the victim's acquiescence to sexual intercourse was secured by fear in circumstances where she was subjected to force before the rape, or fear as a result of the cumulative effect of Ward's behaviour over time.

He said the first offence of rape was aggravated by violence and extreme degradation. After a row, Ward had broken into Ms O'Neill's home, punched her in the face and told her he was going to kill her.

He took her upstairs and pulled out a knife which he used to cut a towel into shreds. He then used the shreds to tie her up and began choking her from behind. Justice Naidoo said Ms O'Neill believed she was going to die and she lost control of her bladder.

Ward knew she had a particular fear of drowning and said he would do this. The woman's terror at this prospect was so great that she offered to take her own life by slitting her wrists, the judge said. Ward then raped her.

Mr Justice Naidoo set a headline sentence of 18 years for this offence, the most serious of all the offending. He said there was virtually no mitigation but he suspended one year on condition that Ward obey the instructions of the Probation Service after his release. He imposed a four-year term, to run concurrently, for the offence of coercive control, which has a maximum sentence of five years.

Ward has nine previous convictions in this jurisdiction, including a prior conviction in 2016 for false imprisonment and assault of a Wexford woman in 2015. His other Irish convictions include escape from lawful custody in Wexford, endangerment and criminal damage. He also has convictions from the United Kingdom for offences including assault, robbery, criminal damage, attempting to gain by deception and possession of cannabis.

At an appeal hearing on Tuesday, Thomas OMalley SC, for the defendant, said that whilst in the witness box giving evidence on day three of the trial, Ms ONeill had twice in quick succession said Ward had previously tried to kill her.

On foot of this, counsel for the appellant asked the court to dismiss the jury but the trial judge refused his application.

Mr OMalley argued this evidence should not have been admissible as it was suggesting very strongly that an offence had been committed that wasnt charged and could have been prejudicial.

Mr OMalley said these were express statements that Ward had previously tried to kill me. He argued that in the circumstances, it created a risk to a fair trial.

Counsel also submitted that references made in the prosecutions closing speech to Ward moving money between Ms ONeills bank accounts invited the jury to speculate and consider allegations that were not made out in the evidence.

He submitted this was grossly prejudicial and caused unfairness to Ward which could not be remedied by a direction from the judge.

He suggested the judge had erred in refusing a second application made by the defence to dismiss the jury following the closing speech.

Another ground of appeal advanced by Mr OMalley was that the judge had erred in admitting evidence of the impact of the offences on Ms ONeill, which was given during her direct evidence.

He argued this was irrelevant and prejudiced Wards right to a fair trial.

Victim Sinead O'Neill, from Killybegs, Co Donegal. Pic Collins Courts

Counsel for the DPP, Anne Rowland SC, told the court that comments made in her closing address in relation to the bank card and the bank statement were made solely to show control.

She said when ruling on the matter, the judge said the prosecution had made it clear that the information was only there to support the other charges.

Regarding the references made in evidence to Ward previously threatening to kill the complainant, Ms Rowland said this was given in the context of Ms ONeill explaining that she was afraid of Ward and that this was the reason why she submitted to sexual intercourse on two occasions and didnt protest or physically try to fight him off.

He wasnt charged with attempted murder, but it would not have been possible for the complainant to sanitise in some way what happened to her before the sexual intercourse, said Ms Rowland. In my submission this evidence was admissible.

She argued it was essential that the jury understood Ms ONeills state of mind and the reason why it appeared she did not offer any resistance at the point of sexual intercourse.

In relation to the evidence regarding the impact the offending had on Ms ONeill, counsel said an essential ingredient of the offence of coercive control was that it has an impact on the person.

She asserted there was nothing improper about the impact evidence and submitted it was an essential proof which it would have been remiss of the prosecution not to explore.

Mr Justice John Edwards said the court would reserve judgement and deliver its decision at a later date.
Kasonga Mbuyi (52) stabbed a German man in an unprovoked attack at Dublin Airport

A man who stabbed a passenger in an unprovoked attack at Dublin Airport was acting out in a cry for help, a court has been told.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today that Kasonga Mbuyi (52) stabbed a German man in an unprovoked attack. He was seen behaving erratically before the attack and wasn't wearing shoes.

Mbuyi, with an address at Clare Street, Limerick, was suffering from a paranoid delusion at the time and has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia with previous cannabis misuse. He told gardai he carried out the unprovoked and random assault as a cry for help.

Mbuyi was sent forward from the District Court on signed guilty pleas to assault causing harm and production of a pen knife on September 17, 2023 at Dublin Airport. He has been in custody since his arrest.

Photo: PA

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

Detective Garda Cathal Connolly told Miranda Egan-Langley BL, prosecuting, that a German man was standing outside the Terminal One building at the airport when Mbuyi approached him.

Mbuyi looked at him and said: I'm going to kill you, before stabbing him repeatedly with a penknife.

The victim attempted to use his briefcase to defend himself and a number of passerbys also intervened.

He was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he was treated for eight wounds to his neck, chest and left flank.

These injuries were mostly superficial, but the victim required 12 stitches. A medical report was provided to the court.

Mbuyi was arrested and was later taken to hospital under garda escort to be treated for a broken foot and dislocated knee, which occurred in the days before the attack occurred. He sustained these injuries running from people he believed were chasing him, the court was told.

Mbuyi accepted responsibility for the attack, and told gardai it was a cry for help. He said he'd recently been made homeless and was living a hostel after his privately rented accommodation in Limerick had been sold.

He said he felt sad and that no one would help or listen to him. Mbuyi said he didn't know the victim, felt sorry for him and was trying to do a crazy thing to get help.

Det Gda Connolly said gardai considered that Mbuyi downplayed his culpability somewhat during interview.

Ms Egan-Langley told the court that Mbuyi was initially considered not fit to plead and was transferred to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) from Cloverhill Prison.

He was deemed fit to enter a plea in March. Mbuyi has four minor previous convictions for road traffic offences.

In a victim impact statement read by Ms Egan-Langley, the victim said he was signed off work for three weeks.

He said the scars on his body are a reminder of the attack and his emotional scars are as present as the physical ones.

He said the attack has had a profound impact on his life, his family and those around him.

He said he hoped that Mbuyi would receive help to deal with his aggression and other circumstances in addition to a just outcome, adding that society must first and foremost be protected from such acts.

Det Gda Connolly agreed with Leonara Frawley BL, defending, that it is accepted that her client was in a dark place at the time and was seen behaving erratically before the attack occurred.

It was further accepted that Mbuyi had gone to a garda station and Limerick emergency department seeking help before this incident occurred.

Several psychological reports were handed to the court. Ms Frawley said her client is an Angolan-born Irish citizen, who has a good work history.

Counsel said it appeared Mbuyi became increasingly anxious, then delusional following the death of his father in the UK in August 2023.

Mbuyi started to accuse his brother-in-law and other family members of involvement in his father's death, and counsel suggested he was at the airport to make arrangements for travel to the UK.

Counsel said Mbuyi doesn't have a clear recollection of events, but now believes the devil was in his mind at the time and accepts what he did was very wrong.

A member of the psychiatric team at Cloverhill Prison outlined that Mbuyi was transferred to CMH, returning to the prison in March 2025. He said Mbuyi is doing well and taking his medication.

He also noted that a report could be prepared by the psychiatrist outlining the structures required to support Mbuyi upon his release from custody.

Adjourning the case to July, Judge Martina Baxter directed the preparation of a probation report, a governor's report and urine analysis.
Tina's partially skeletonised body was discovered following an invasive garda search of the Satchwell family home from October 10, 2023

Richard Satchwell is accused of the murder of his wife Tina (inset)

Murder accused Richard Satchwell (58) agreed to participate in a special enhanced cognitive interview (ECI) with gardai four years into the search for his missing wife Tina (45).

Mr Satchwell has pleaded not guilty before the Central Criminal Court to the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell at a time unknown on March 19/20, 2017 at their home at No 3 Grattan Street in Youghal, Co Cork.

Tina's partially skeletonised body was discovered following an invasive garda search of the Satchwell family home from October 10, 2023.

The State said her body was temporarily stored in a chest freezer before being buried in a shallow grave underneath the stairs and topped with concrete.

Richard Satchwell is accused of murdering his wife Tina (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Central Criminal Court jury of seven women and five men are today listening to the transcript of a lengthy garda interview conducted by Mr Satchwell in June 2021.

Gardai said the ECI lasted for over three hours and the transcript runs to 124 pages.

The English truck driver appeared for the fifth day of his murder trial before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin wearing navy slacks and a red-and-blue check shirt.

Detective Sergeant David Noonan held the ECI with Mr Satchwell on June 20, 2021  four years into the garda search for Tina.

The interview was conducted away from a garda station, at a special interview suite, to allow a relaxed environment for the witness-led discussion.

"It is forensic, you are getting a lot more detail when you go down this route," Det Sgt Noonan told the trial.

"It is accepted as the gold standard of interviews."

Richard Satchwell is accused of the murder of his wife Tina (inset)

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

Unlike a normal statement interview with gardai, questions and answers are not written down at the time and the format is more conversational.

The ECI is led by the witness rather than the garda.

"I wanted Mr Satchwell to go into great detail when he was describing anything to me," Det Sgt Noonan said.

Gardai were eager to obtain the maximum possible level of detail about various things Mr Satchwell wanted to talk about relating to his wife and her disappearance.

Mr Satchwell's ECI was conducted over four years after he made his first statement to gardai about the disappearance of Tina.

The Blackpool interview was recorded on DVD, the detective did not write out the answers at the time to allow for a more relaxed environment with the recordings being transcribed and gone over with Mr Satchwell on January 23, 2022.

Tina Satchwell and her husband Richard

Mr Satchwell had notified officers at Fermoy garda station on March 24, 2017 that his Fermoy-born wife was missing from their Youghal home when he returned from an errand in Waterford four days earlier.

The Leicester native claimed his wife had left her beloved dogs, Heidi and Ruby, behind but had taken two suitcases and 26,000 in their life savings which had been stored in a tin in the attic.

At the urging of gardai, he made a formal missing person statement on May 11, 2017.

Mr Satchwell's home was subjected to a 12-hour search by a team of 10 gardai on June 7, 2017 but nothing was found.

That search included conducting a Blue Star test for traces of blood but none were detected.

However, a new wall underneath the stairwell was noted and photographed.

Tina's body was found buried underneath the stairwell during a second more invasive search of the Grattan Street property undertaken from October 10, 2023.

The trial already heard that Mr Satchwell claimed to gardai in October 2023, just hours after human remains were found in his home, that his wife Tina attacked him with a chisel on March 20, 2017.

Tina Satchwell's body was found in 2023

He told detectives she "went limp" after he tried to protect himself by holding her away from him with a belt, with her weight on the belt by her neck.

Her body was placed in a chest freezer and then buried in a one-metre grave he had excavated under the stairwell of their Cork home.

Mr Satchwell, having placed Tina's body in black sheeting and then into the shallow grave, covered it over with cement before notifying gardai four days later that his wife was missing.

Her remains were only found six-and-a-half years later.

The prosecution is led by Gerardine Small SC with Imelda Kelly BL.

Mr Satchwell's defence team is led by Brendan Grehan SC with Paula McCarthy BL, instructed by Cork solicitor Eddie Burke.

The trial  before Mr Justice Paul McDermott  is expected to run for six weeks.
Jason Whelan (35) was easily identifiable by gardai after the victim agreed to transfer the money into his Revolut account, a court heard

A scammer who defrauded a concert-goer out of half-a-weeks wages for tickets he never got in a premeditated ruse has been jailed for six months.

Jason Whelan (35) was easily identifiable by gardai after the victim agreed to transfer the money into his Revolut account, a court heard.

Judge John Hughes suspended another three-month sentence on condition he pays compensation to the man, who said he no longer trusted people as easily, especially online.

Whelan, a father of three from Ferrycarrig Drive, Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to deception under the Theft and Fraud Act on November 23, 2021.

The court heard the victim made a report to gardai after he bought a ticket for a concert, transferring 250 by Revolut to an account. He never received the ticket and gardai established the account was Whelans.

In a victim-impact statement, the man said the money he lost was half-a-weeks wages and he did not have the benefit of going to the concert either. It also affected him psychologically, in that he no longer trusted people as easily as he had before.

Whelan had been easily identifiable when gardai investigated the crime and he apologised, defence barrister Lydia Daly said.

He committed the offence because he was trying to obtain money to feed his drug addiction. Hes got a good work ethic, but he went down the wrong path, Ms Daly said.

He had started taking drugs at the age of 12 and his main issue had been cocaine.

Whelan had ended up homeless as a result and had been staying in hostels, but was now drug-free and in a better place than he was at the time of the offence.

The accused had worked as an electrician, at a call centre and in catering, the court heard. Judge Hughes said Whelan had been employed since the incident, but hasnt got a penny in court in compensation.

Its had a significant effect on the victim who was scammed by Mr Whelan in a premeditated manner, Judge Hughes said.

It takes a certain amount of time and premeditation to come up with the ruse of a ticket scam. He took half-a-weeks wages from his victim and hes come to court without any compensation.

He suspended three months of a nine-month sentence for two years on condition that Whelan pays 500 compensation by November 23 and has no contact with the victim.
The sentencing hearing was told that on July 22, 2021, McMenamin broke a red light in Dublin and made a sudden turn, colliding with a cyclist in her late sixties.

An ex-Donegal GAA star with a history of driving offences, who was banned from the roads when he broke a red light in a lorry and ran over a cyclist - leaving the victim in a medically induced coma - will not face any additional jail time despite an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutors (DPP).

The Court of Appeal heard last week that Kevin McMenamin, who had applied for enhanced remission, was moved to an open prison after less than two months incarceration and was released from custody in October 2024, just nine months into his 21-month term. The maximum sentence for the offence is 10 years.

McMenamin (43) had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm at the junction of Herbert Park Road and Morehampton Road in Ballsbridge. On January 19, 2024 he was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to 21 months in prison and was disqualified from driving for five years.

The State argued that McMenamin, who has 33 previous convictions including those for drink driving and driving without insurance, is "someone who drives with disregard for the rights of other road users.

Delivering judgement at the three-judge court today, Ms Justice Tara Burns said it had not been established that the prison term imposed was a substantial departure from the appropriate sentence.

Kevin McMenamin playing for Donegal at Croke Park in 2007.

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

She said that having regard to the mitigating factors present, the court was of the opinion that while the sentence might be categorised as lenient it was not unduly lenient and the appeal by the DPP was therefore dismissed.

Ms Justice Burns said the driving which took place not a mere matter of inattention and noted McMenamins very long history of previous road traffic offences alongside the fact that he was disqualified from driving at the time. She said McMenamin was driving a heavy goods vehicle in a residential area and turned left through a red light, without warning and without noticing the cyclist on his inside.

However, the judge said that while a term of imprisonment was most certainly merited, a number of mitigating features were also present including McMenamins early guilty plea, his genuine expression of remorse, a long work history and good character references.

Ms Justice Burns went on to say that although the 43-year-olds driving was dangerous, it did not include the aggravating features of speed, intoxication or the use of a mobile phone.

We are also of the view that the sentence imposed adequately reflected the principles of general and specific deterrence, she said.

The sentencing court previously heard that McMenamin, from Church Town, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, was an "extremely talented athlete" who represented his county for three years in the national league and had trials for Aston Villa and Celtic.

The sentencing hearing was told that on July 22, 2021 McMenamin broke a red light in Dublin 4 and made a sudden turn, colliding with a cyclist in her late sixties.

He was disqualified from driving at the time. The woman was trapped between the two sets of wheels on the truck and dragged for two metres before surrounding motorists alerted the truck-driver by sounding their horns.

She spent nearly five months in hospital and underwent major surgery for her injuries, which included a broken pelvis and severe leg trauma.

At McMenamins appeal hearing last week, Jane Horgan-Jones BL, for the DPP, had argued that the sentencing judge erred in dealing with the matter as a case which was firmly in the lower range of sentence available for offending of this type.

She said that McMenamin is "someone who drives with disregard for the rights of other road users, adding that he has numerous previous convictions including eight for driving without insurance and two for drink driving.

She highlighted the fact that the five-year driving ban imposed was just one year above the mandatory minimum disqualification of four years for an offence of this type.

Ms Horgan-Jones also suggested the discount given for mitigating factors in the case, including McMenamins plea of guilty and work history, were simply too generous.

Oisin Clarke BL, representing McMenamin, argued the 21-month sentence did not represent an error and noted there were cases with worse aggravating features where lower or similar sentences were imposed.

One could not say that this is of such divergence that it would require this court to intervene, he said.

A prosecuting garda told McMenamins sentencing hearing that the female cyclist was travelling home from town through Ballsbridge that afternoon when she noticed a large truck bouncing over speed bumps and going very fast

She approached the lights on Herbert Park Road, intending to go straight through the junction and was confident that she would get through the lights before they changed from amber to red.

At the same time, witnesses described seeing the truck accelerating quickly and driving at an inappropriate speed along Herbert Park Road, before making a sudden left turn down Morehampton Road just after the lights turned red. Witnesses said the truck did not indicate before turning left.
The 18-year-old Dubliner can't be named because he was a minor when he came before the courts

A teenager who was convicted of violent disorder during the melee in which steakhouse assassin Tristan Sherry was beaten to death has admitted having drugs for sale or supply less than six months after the attack.

The 18-year-old Dubliner, who can't be named because he was a minor when he came before the courts, had been charged with 15 counts before the Special Criminal Court arising from drugs and firearms offences in May 2024.

He pleaded guilty today to possession of diamorphine, a controlled drug, on May 8, 2024 at Tolka Valley Park in Dublin 15 for the purpose of sale or supply to another.

He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a side-by-side shotgun, cannabis and 630g of a drug named Phenacetin, in circumstances giving rise to the inference that it is connected to a drug trafficking offence on May 7, 2024.

Fiona Murphy SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said one of the 15 charges will be dropped at a later hearing. She asked the three-judge court to take into account the remainder when sentencing the defendant. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered a probation report and adjourned the matter to June 18 for a sentencing hearing.

In a separate matter, the Special Criminal Court previously found the teenager guilty of violent disorder at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve, 2023.

During a trial last year, the court heard that gangland figure Jason Hennessy Snr was celebrating with about 30 people, including the defendant.

Tristan Sherry and a second gunman entered the restaurant with their faces covered and hoods up. Hennessy Snr suffered a fatal gunshot wound as he grappled with Sherry, but he managed to drag the gunman to the ground.

Others in the party piled in on Sherry, stamping on his torso and head, stabbing him repeatedly and using various objects, including an iron bar and a stool, to beat him to death.

Three people were convicted of murder arising out of the assault on Sherry.

The defendant in this case initially hid under a table, but when he emerged, he engaged in violence against Sherry, who was lying prone on the ground, for about five seconds.

He is awaiting sentence for that offence.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The parliamentary delegation headed by Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova, who is currently on an official visit to the UAE, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a source in the parliament told Trend.

The guests were informed that the mosque, which is the largest in the country, had been built on the initiative of the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is visited by up to 40,000 people on Friday and holiday prayers.

Gafarova made a heartfelt entry in the temples memorial book after having acquainted herself with the mosque.
The two men were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

Gardai are investigating after two men in their late teens were robbed in Cork city last night.

C103FM report that the two victims are foreign students, who were attacked by a group of men.

Gardai confirmed to sundayworld.com that an investigation is underway after the incident, which is said to have occurred in Blackpool at approximately 8.30pm on Monday May 5th, was reported to them.

The two men in their late teens were taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Gardai are investigating a reported robbery that is said to have occurred in Blackpool, Cork city at approximately 8:30pm yesterday evening, Monday 5th May 2025, a garda spokesperson said.

Two males in their late teens, one an adult and one a juvenile, were conveyed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.
The revelation comes after fears were raised at the Prison Officer Associations annual delegate conference in Galway that a firearm could be smuggled by drone into an Irish prison

Prisoners tattoo pens were found in jails across the state, the Prison Officers Associations annual delegate conference was told

Fourteen tattoo machines were among the massive haul of contraband seized in the states prisons over the last year, the Sunday World has learned.

The revelation comes after fears were raised at the Prison Officer Associations annual delegate conference in Galway that a firearm could be smuggled by drone into an Irish prison.

Addressing this concern, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, said security of its staff is a top priority for the service.

But she said the rapidly evolving nature of drone advancements has made technological solutions previously adopted often obsolete.

This, she said, has led to the Irish Prison Service securing 5m in funding for steel nets over prison yards that cannot be burned through by drones.

We have introduced technological solutions, she said.

Unfortunately, the rate and the scale in the pace of technological advancement means that no sooner have you a system that it becomes obsolete because technology has changed, so were going back to basics, and the basics is metal netting over our exercise yards.

Weve done it in Portlaoise in the A Block which has been extremely successful.

Weve done in the D Yard in Mountjoy, and since we introduced that netting in the D Yard there hasnt been a single drone incursion, she explained, adding that Wheatfield Prison will be next to have steel nets erected over its yard.

On a regular basis we go internationally to look at what technologies are out there.

There is not another prison service that we have found that has successfully implemented a system that can keep drones out. Thats the issue and thats the difficulty, she explained.

One prison where a technological solution has been adopted is Guernsey Prison in the UK  where a system known as skyfence has been in operation since 2017.

Speaking with reporters in January, the prisons governor John De Carteret said hes been impressed with the local system which has now been in place for nearly a decade.

The prison skyfence has been a successful deterrent for Guernsey Prison since it was installed in 2017, he said.

It is still being used by the prison alongside other security precautions aimed at mitigating the risk of illicit items being conveyed into the establishment.

The drone defence system has been triggered intermittently, though not frequently, since 2017.

I would, and have, recommended drone defence systems to other prisons, primarily because of the significant risk drones present to the safety and security of the custodial environment, said Mr De Carteret.

The system was installed as a pre-emptive security consideration due to the then emerging risk of drones to the prison.

It was part of a larger security upgrade in Guernsey Prison at that time.

The costs and continuing costs are commercially sensitive but it is invaluable in terms of proving adequate safety and security.

Contacted yesterday, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said a wide array of technological systems had been reviewed.

Emphasising he was not referring to any one system, he said due to the geographical location of many Irish prisons in built up areas, where drones disabled in the air could pose a danger to the public, such systems had been rejected.

There are prisons across the estate located directly adjacent to housing estates, major road networks, he said.

There are no exclusion zones.

Any system that could see drones being disabled and losing power outside the prison perimeter would be unsuitable for that reason, the Prison Service spokesperson added.
We actually have fewer Gardai trained now than we had on the day of the Dublin riots

Workers clean up after the Dublin riots in 2023

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has issued a stark warning over the forces preparedness in the event of a repeat of the Dublin riots.

At the annual conference in Killarney last week, delegates revealed there are fewer officers trained in public order tactics in the Dublin Metropolitan Region today than on the night hundreds of thugs caused mayhem in the capital city in 2023.

In an interview with the Sunday World, Public Order Instructor and delegate for the DMR East, Dave Lestrange revealed how there were 534 gardai trained and certified in public order in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on November 23, 2023 as opposed to just 513 today.

And he warned that cutbacks in the number of public order training days, as well as a lack of a purpose-built public order training facility, will impact the effectiveness of the response of gardai to such an event in the future.

The Minister [of Justice] came out recently and said from the information that he had received that we have 700 members trained in the DMR, he said.

Thats not correct.

We actually have fewer members trained now than we had on the day of the Dublin riots in public order policing.

Workers clean up after the Dublin riots in 2023

In the DMR at the time of the riots, there were 534 officers training and certified in public order.

In 2024, we trained an additional 160 officers.

But after losing people in the re-certs, we are down to 513 members.

On a day of infamy in Dublin on November 23, 2023, multiple incidents of vandalism, arson and looting took place in the city centre involving at its height as many as 500 people.

The riot was triggered by the stabbing of a young child and a care assistant outside a primary school in Parnell Square East, Dublin.

Asked this week whether gardai are better trained and equipped to respond to such rioting today, Garda Lestrange responded: Well, we have less members [trained in public order techniques] than we did back then.

Gardai face rioters on Parnell Street in 2023

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

Mr Lestrange also criticised a new policy in place concerning the number of training days that are now being provided to officers.

Every member that is trained in public order completed a six day course and if they are successful they are a member of the public order unit.

They were to recertify annually and this consisted of a fitness test followed by a three day re-cert, which would include a scenario.

A new policy has just come in, and its currently being introduced, where its cutting the training.

Weve done research on other police forces and they have to do five and sometimes more days of training a year.

Its due to the tactics involved and these are perishable skills, so it needs to be consistent every year.

The new policy here will cut the number of days our officers receive.

Public Order instructor Dave Lestrange talks to our reporter

There will be a three-day re-cert but this will include the fitness test on the morning of the first day which cuts the three-day course because the fitness course takes half a day  so our officers will only get two-and-a-half-days.

And then every alternative year it will be one day of scenario-based training.

We dont believe thats sufficient, he added.

We believe it should be a minimum two-day scenario-based training course.

This is because if members are taking part in a scenario, we have to be able to identify the mistakes and correct these mistakes.

The one-day scenario that is being introduced does not give us the opportunity to do this.

You will have members that management will say have been re-certed but they have not been properly trained.

The scenario-based training is good because its practical and based on real life scenarios but to do one day of scenario-based training every second year is not acceptable. Its for the members as well. They are going out in the streets.

And you see more and more of these things happening.

Garda Lestrange also called for the construction of a new purpose-built training facility for the public order unit.

We need a full-time tactical area that not only the public order unit can use for training but also the armed support unit (ASU) can use.

And at the moment we dont have that.

We train in Gormanstown army barracks and thats an active training barracks for the army so the facilities available to us arent great.

Theres very little facilities available to us there.

What we need is a purpose built training facility for all public order and tactical training.

In a response, Garda HQ said: In relation to Public Order policing in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), preparations are currently under way to identify, train and equip additional personnel to augment the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) operating within the DMR.

The statement said there are 1,500 trained public order gardai nationally while spending on public order equipment increased by 152 per cent since 2023:

It said this money was spent on general frontline equipment including safety helmets, higher-strength incapacitant spray, shields and new body armour.

It said nine bespoke Public Order vans have been purchased, bringing to a total 35 public order vans in the Garda fleet, in addition to two water cannons.

The statement added that public order tactics have been enhanced to allow for use of these additional resources.
He stopped the thieves from nabbing his phone, but they got away with his wallet

An Irish ship engineer was mugged after the cargo ship he was working on docked in the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria on Sunday morning.

The man called the Spanish police to report the incident which occurred around 9am.

He said that he struggled with the two thieves, and while he stopped them from nabbing his phone, they got away with his wallet.

The two officers who responded to the call saw two young men running down the nearby Secretary Artiles Street and gave chase.

One of them was then caught on Franchy Roca Street and arrested, local news outlet Canarias7 said.

Police reported the second mans escape to their station, and he was apprehended a short time later by another officer at the intersection of La Marina and Simon Bolivar Street.

Its reported that the Irish engineer has been working on a ship undergoing maintenance and repairs in the port since mid-April.
Mandy Kellys sons Zayn (6) and Kareem (3) were taken by their father Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed in 2022 while on a family holiday to his native Egypt.

Mandy Kelly, whose two children were abducted by their father in Egypt. Photo: Mark Condren

The mother of two young boys who were abducted by their father has issued a fresh appeal to the Irish government to help bring her sons home.

Mandy Kellys sons Zayn (6) and Kareem (3) were taken by their father Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed in 2022 while on a family holiday to his native Egypt.

Even though Egyptian courts have given full custody to Mandy, and Irish courts have issued a return order, the children remain with their father somewhere in Cairo, a city of 11 million people.

The Dundalk mother has issued the appeal as Ireland and Egypt mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

It is my earnest hope that the occasion of this historic diplomatic milestone may also serve as an opportunity for both governments to affirm their mutual commitment to the principles of international law, justice, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, particularly children, she said in a statement.

Ms Kelly also thanked the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Tanaiste, Mr. Simon Harris, for his steadfast support of her case and his renewed commitment to engage with the Egyptian authorities on her behalf.

She has been fighting for her sons to be returned to her care since 2022.

Read more Irish mum of kidnapped boys calls on Government to issue Interpol alert

Mandy and her husband brought their two sons on holiday to Egypt so their family could meet newborn Kareem

On the day they were due to fly back to Ireland, Rami told Mandy he would not be returning, and neither were her sons.

He then fled with the young boys, and demanded that if she wanted to see them again, she had to return to Ireland and sell their family home.

Last month, she travelled to Egypt for the sixth time and appeared before the courts as her mother-in-law appealed the custody application, which was denied to her in December 2024. However, her mother-in-law failed to appear, resulting in an adjournment of the case.

While in Egypt, she met with a senior official from the Egyptian Ministry of Justice who gave updates on the case and advised that the Egyptian Embassy in Ireland have discussed the potential negotiation of a bilateral agreement on matters relating to child abduction with the Irish Department of Justice.

There are outstanding arrest warrants issued by Ireland and the EU for Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed.

He is also the subject of an INTERPOL blue notice - the purpose of which is to gather information about a persons activities, including their location in relation to a criminal investigation.

Mandy appeared on Crime World in 2024 and gave an interview about her ordeal.

I offered to have both his Irish arrest warrant and a European arrest warrant dropped, in exchange for my children. But that was also ignored.And all the while I know my children are in the hands of people that dont really care.

Mandy Kelly and her children, Zayn (5) and Kareem (3). Ms Kelly hasn't seen the boys since 2022

Theyre just using them as pawns, she told host Nicola Tallant.

My two sons are actually being held as hostagesI havent seen them since they were three years old and 18 months.

I have to put my faith in Egyptian police to find them, she continued.

She also opened up about suffering domestic abuse at the hands of her husband.

Looking back, I could have been more wary of his motives she said.

It started with a phase of love bombing, then slowly he devalued and degraded me If the abuse was everyday, you would leave, but when you get sprinkles of kindness, it can be very difficult; they distort your reality.

Once Zayn was born, Mandy says her husband became even more controlling. He knew he had me, she explained.

I had a very young baby at the time, I just wanted to keep the peace.

In Ireland, Mandy found herself trapped in a cycle of control despite being the breadwinner and primary caregiver.

There were incredibly aggressive outbursts and he used disgusting, manipulative tactics, preventing me from socialising and isolating me from my family, so I had to rely on him, she said.

I hoped the trip would help him destress and return to Ireland in a much better place.

It was ultimately one of the worst decisions I have ever made.
We are probably the only pub outside Dublin or Cork not selling Guinness, Murphys or Beamish and still surviving.

An Irish pub which began brewing its own price busting pints of stout for 4.50 has proved such a success it has now won a deal serving it in one of the UKs biggest brewery chains.

Brennans bar in Enniscorthy Co Wexford is selling its own brand stout alongside OHaras Red Ale and Carling lager for a tasty 4.50.

So popular has Brennans Irish Stout being that not only is it now stocked in T&R Theakston Brewerys pubs in the UK but last week it was the only Irish beer to win a gong at the London Beer Awards.

Brennans pub in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

I created Brennans Irish Stout a few years ago during lockdown and then it ended up going on sale here when Guinness and Murphys stopped brewing, owner Peter Brennan tells the Sunday World.

We brew in Ireland, this is the homeplace for the beer. We are contract brewing at the moment, and are planning to build a small brewery in Wexford.

Our stout is in between Murphys, Beamish and Guinness. Its that kind of taste.

Its now on sale in other bars in Wexford, and some in Cork and Dublin, while it has also recently gone nationwide in the UK across the country thanks to Theakston.

We are a small family business, and we just want to build slowly and strong. You have to have to pick the right pubs and build slowly.

Punters enjoying a pint of Brennans

Theakston is the 16th largest brewer in the UK, and also one of the oldest.

Peter grew up in nearby Courtown Harbour before moving to England in the 1980s, where he worked and in pubs in the Midlands area.

We used to run the Peaky Blinders pubs, the Garrison, the Old Crown, the Marquis of Lorne, he notes. The programme kind of made the Garrison famous.

Peters mother Ellen is a native of Enniscorthy, owning the former pub the Boolavogue Inn in the 1970s.

His dad Pat was from Sandymount in Dublin and also worked in the pub trade, while his granddad was a cooper.

Peter Brennan and his wife Bernie raise a glass

News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, May 6th

My mother and father used have the Holiday Inn and the Mariner in Courtown many years ago, he adds. My dad sadly passed away, but my mum still helps out at the age of 82.

I came back to Ireland just over 20 years ago.

He is married to wife Bernie and they have two daughters, Emer (18) and Lily (13).

We took over the pub called The Tavern about a year ago, and its over 100 years old, he maintains.

When we opened we never installed Guinness, we just sold Brennans stout. We are probably the only pub outside Dublin or Cork not selling Guinness, Murphys or Beamish and still surviving.

Enjoying a pint of Brennans

I like to support other craft breweries, so we have beers from like the Wicklow Wolf, Wicklow brewery. We have a brewery from Cork we work with. We have another brewery from Dublin.

While he has the trio of pints for 4.50  which match the same prices the pub last week we featured and which we suspect is Irelands cheapest seller of Guinness and Heineken at 4.50 a pint, McNultys of Creeslough Co Donegal  he also has more expensive brands.

We have a craft cider, Fallen Apple, thats 5.80, he confirms. Then we have Heineken and Coors for 5.80. Then we have Wicklow Wolf for 5.80

Spirits are around 6, and a small bottle of wine 6.75. We also have a selection of bottles of beer, including Miller, Birra Moretti and Erdinger for 4 a bottle, while a bottle of Estrella is just 3.

He admits the prices go down well with locals and visitors alike.

Its a mixture of locals and tourists as well, he points out.

One of our loyal customers, Michael Spider Nolan, comes in every day to drink Brennans stout and then goes around the other pubs of Enniscorthy and then comes back to us to get one last Brennans and then his taxi home.

They also lately teamed up with local Enniscorthy butchers M&M Meats to produce pork and leak stout sausages, and won a gold medal at a recent national meat awards.

Peter admits he finds the prices in some Dublin pubs exorbitant  a prominent couple in Temple Bar are now charging 11.45 for pints of lager, and 10.45 for Guinness.

We were up there last week, it was amazing, it would blow your mind, he complains.

You go to some bars, the price of wine can be absolutely crazy for my wife. You can kind of expect to pay that bit extra. But if you cross the river you would get cheaper pints.

I think thats a bit harsh (laughs), but theyre getting away with it. 10.45 for a Guinness, its a lot isnt it?

But theyre running a great show at the same time, they have a lot of staff, they bring in a lot of employment., They have big overheads with rates and insurance, theres music a lot of the time

Its very hard in this industry. Im in it over 30 years and its not easy out there. Some people are too overpriced though.
Darren Pilson (53) from Howth, Co Dublin, died after getting into difficulty off a beach in the resort of La Carihuela near Torremolinos on Monday, April 28

An Irish dad who drowned on the Costa del Sol during Spains blackout has been remembered as a kind, funny, loyal friend.

Darren Pilson (53) from Howth, Co Dublin, died after getting into difficulty off a beach in the resort of La Carihuela near Torremolinos on Monday, April 28.

Tragically it has emerged that one man who gone to his aid was unable to contact the emergency services by phone or online due to the power outage.

Darren Pilson

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

According to RIP.ie, The death occurred of Darren Pilson, Howth, Co Dublin on April 28. Tragically in Spain.

It adds that Darren is predeceased by his sister Tracy and dad Pat.

Darren will be very sadly missed by his adored son Sonny, mother Maureen, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his wide circle of friends, the notice adds.

With funeral arrangements to be made later, people have, in the meantime, left numerous messages in the condolence section.

Darren, you have left us far too early. Sincere condolences to Maureen and Sonny, one reads.

Another offers, deepest sympathy to Maureen and Sonny on the devastating loss of Darren. Thinking of you at this hard time.

On person said they were shocked and saddened by this devastating loss.

Darren was a kind funny loyal friend who looked out for me and my children, he adored Sonny and Maureen.

One mourner wrote: Very sad news to hear of Darren's passing, my condolences to Maureen and Sonny and their close family. He never passed by without saying hello. Rest in peace, mate.

In a Facebook post, Menno van Oorschot described the very sad day as he recounted the problems caused by the power outage on the beach he was on.

The sea was very rough and there was a mega strong current, he wrote.

While we were drinking our drinks on the beach, I caught a glimpse of someone going under in the sea about 80 meters away from us.

Quickly and without hesitation, I dashed into the sea towards that person.

Together with quite a few others, we got him onto the beach and started resuscitating.

Unfortunately, all our efforts were in vain. And unfortunately, the man has passed away.

The realization of how much we depend on the internet and telephone really hit me hard. There was no way to call the emergency services, and when the police finally arrived, the ambulance could only be alerted via the walkie-talkie. This all took an incredibly long time, too long.

The unprecedented blackout has already been linked to five deaths, including that of a family of three in Ourense, Galicia, thought to have been killed by carbon monoxide fumes from a faulty generator.
There was suspicion among some of the volunteers I spoke to, Jonathan Trigg told the Sunday World this week

Martin McGuinness never worked as an agent for the British state  thats the view of a former British soldier who has written a book on the Sinn Fein chief.

In his latest book Death In Derry, author and historian Jonathan Trigg said there is not a shred of evidence that the former Deputy First Minister was a state agent.

Rumour and suspicion have swirled round McGuinness for decades amid speculation that the British had a superspy at the top of the republican movement.

Martin McGuinness takes aim  he was the driving force behind the IRA campaign in Derry

For Trigg, McGuinness was the ultimate urban guerilla commander, utterly dedicated to the cause, a diehard member of the IRA who eventually recognised that armed insurrection would not achieve their goals.

Trigg interviewed former IRA volunteers and members of the security forces who fought in the streets of Derry  a campaign where McGuinness was in complete control.

Old rivals McGuinness and Ian Paisley struck up a real friendship and were christened the Chuckle Brothers

There was suspicion among some of the volunteers I spoke to, he told the Sunday World this week. Why was his house not being searched like mine, where are all the Libyan weapons weve been promised and so on, but in all my research I did not discover a single shred of evidence that would suggest he was anything other than a dedicated republican.

I would describe him as flinty, tough, a hard man, ruthless even, together with (Gerry) Adams he was a formidable driving force in republicanism  one the politician, the other the army man.

McGuiness and Gerry Adams were always aligned on strategy

The book traces Derry IRAs war against the British through the experiences of McGuinness who became head of the Provisionals Northern Command.

From a teenage assistant working in Dohertys Butchers and throwing stones at the army, he rose to the top of the terror organisation and ultimately to the corridors of power at Stormont.

As OC of the IRAs Derry Brigade he was one of the key figures in the conflict. Front and centre, he never shied away from the spotlight, proudly declaring his membership of the organisation in an Irish court when others were strenuously denying their own involvement.

His domination of the Derry Brigade was unique, with every other IRA unit of any significance led by men who came and went as death, prison or retirement took them off the stage. But not so in Derry.

Martin McGuinness passing the SF baton to Michelle ONeill

Trigg believes suspicion that he was an agent lay in the channels of communication between the IRA and the British which stretch back to the early seventies.

1972 was a key year, we had Bloody Sunday and it was the worst year in terms of loss of life during the Troubles, back then the IRA called it the Year of Victory.

The famous handshake with Queen Elizabeth

They thought they would drive the British into the sea, but when it didnt happen and it was clear the British werent going to leave, McGuinness and others, notably Adams, realised there had to be a plan B. It was the start of what we would know as the peace process.

Sadly it was to take decades. When youre fighting an insurgency such as the British did with the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya and the US in Vietnam, it takes a very long time. The British came here thinking they could quell everything quickly.

Jonathan Trigg

Bloody Sunday, when British paratroopers murdered 14 unarmed civilians, was to prove the watershed moment.

It changed everything  up to then the situation was relatively contained. The battalion I served with had been the resident battalion in Derry. I only discovered this recently because no one talks about it.

The soldiers had been there for some time, they knew the city and they knew the players. There was a lot of what they called friendly rioting  throwing stones and bottles  but after coming off duty the boys would go for a pint in the Bogside Inn!

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

He said it all changed when his old battalion were ordered out of the city and the Paras were brought in.

The command thought they were being too soft on the locals and sent in the Paras, Trigg said.

Had the original unit been allowed to remain, he believes Bloody Sunday would not have happened.

It rejuvenated the IRA campaign and McGuinness was in the thick of it.

McGuinness strategy included a bombing campaign against commercial targets that reduced the city centre to rubble.

The aftermath of the car bombing in Claudy

McGuinness tried to avoid casualties  it didnt always go to plan. In July 1972 nine people were killed when two IRA car bombs exploded in the south Derry village of Claudy. No organisation claimed responsibility but it was widely accepted to have been the work of the IRA.

Trigg says South Derry IRA had been instructed by McGuinness to mount an operation that would take the heat off the Derry Brigade.

He said even as McGuinness realised armed struggle would not win the day they had to keep the campaign going as it was the IRAs best bargaining chip.

Having published a book on the IRAs notorious East Tyrone Brigade, he said former IRA volunteers agreed to speak to him. Some are still living with what they went through and what they did.

Jonathan Trigg today

They had a relevance when the war was on, all of a sudden it stopped, they live in communities that dont have a clue what they did or went through. In many ways I have sympathy for them, Trigg said.

He admitted his view of the man he was writing about changed throughout the process of the book.

Here was someone who personified everything about the IRA campaign  hard, dedicated, yet went on to compromise so many things such as dropping abstentionism which was so important to republicans.

I think he and Adams deserve a huge amount of respect and credit, their longevity to see out an armed conflict and politics is just phenomenal.

Jonathan Trigg's book about Martin McGuinness and Derry IRAs war against the British

Death In Derry: Martin McGuinness And The Derry IRAs War Against The British is published by Merrion Press priced 17.99/18.99.
If I have to say one more time, what happened from start to finish, I think I'll lose my marbles.

An influencer who claims she had a botched bum lift at Bowie Aesthetics has said she is sick and tired of discussing the incident.

Niamh OConnor spent weeks in hospital after she contracted a serious case of cellulitis following bum filler injections at the beauty clinic, which has sparked speculation that this was the real reason for owner Stephanie Simons shutting down one of her two Dublin branches.

In the past, Niamh posted numerous videos to social media outlining her claim.

Last week, Simons said she was forced to close her Dorset Street clinic due to increasing violence on the street outside her premises, and in interview with Sunday World, she denied that the real reason she had to close her clinic was because of the alleged botched bum lift.

Statement by Stephanie Simons on Bowie Aesthetics' social media accounts

Taking to Instagram, social media star Niamh OConnor said she is burned out from retelling the story.

I just felt really burned out from the whole thing, honestly, and I really hope now that she just leaves me alone.

Like, just leave me alone. Stop talking about me, stop mentioning me, stop everything because I'm sick and tired of going over it.

If I have to say one more f*cking time, what happened from start to finish, I think I'll actually just lose my marbles like I really f*cking do.

Niamh thanked her followers for their support and said she hopes her story will make people rethink their decision to get cosmetic injections.

I really do hope that there is people that have watched the videos and maybe rethought their decision, whether that be to get bum filler or whatever.

Niamh OConnor. Photo: Instagram

She also slammed Simons, alleging she has no regard for her health after being trusted with it.

I know a lot of you guys are messaging me with the story that she put put up this morning of a bridge saying get over it or, I dont know what she was saying get over it or build a bridge and get over it, something like that.

"She can post whatever she wants but I think that really shows the disregard that she has for, at the end of the day, no matter what happened with me, Im a past client who was hurt in her I dont know what you call it well call it a building, she continued.

"And she should never have that level of disregard for anybody's health especially not when youre trusted with it.

Niamh OConnor in hospital. Photo: Instagram

Bowie Aesthetics owner Stephanie told the Sunday World she is aware of Niamhs video and complaint adding that it is actually as a result of a procedure in our Pearse Street branch, not our Dorset Street one.

When asked about what happened to Niamh, Stephanie said: Unfortunately things like that, they happen all the time. Its like getting your ears pierced, you can get it infected. Its just one of those things.

Beauty boss Stephanie said that Niamh got dermafiller injections into her bum.

Unfortunately, that girl has multiple cosmetic procedures before, she had surgeries, and its just a complication. It got infected in the days that followed, unfortunately.

Thats a risk any time you puncture the skin with a needle and the skin is open. Bacteria can then get in and cause infection, and thats what happened  she had to get antibiotics.

Stephanie Simons at her Bowie Aesthetics clinic

The News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, 6th of May

However, Niamh, who has a huge following on social media, told Sunday World that she spent weeks in hospital with a life-threatening infection.

The only comment I have is that people should be very careful who they go to for aesthetic procedures, she added.

There is little or no regulation in Ireland, which means that people who are not medically trained are allowed to inject you and then when something goes wrong they are no equipped to deal with the aftermath.

I was told the warning signs of sepsis were normal and expected after having filler, which delayed me seeking medical advice and could have ended in tragedy.

Stephanie Simons, owner of Bowie Aesthetics

Niamh said that more regulation is needed in relation to aesthetics in Ireland.

These things do not just happen, cellulitis to the degree I had it is extremely dangerous and life-threatening.

I spent weeks in hospital and then when I was discharged, weeks on antibiotics, having to go back for check-ups. Im permanently scarred, and I think the clinic belittling it to these things happen speaks volumes on the level of disregard they have.

Stephanie denied that she was not qualified to carry out such a procedure in her clinic.

Im fully qualified, Im fully insured. Like, I didnt break the law at all. I have all the right qualifications to carry out that treatment, she said.

If anything, when she [Niamh] posted that it actually got a lot busier. Beforehand they knew about Bowie Aesthetics, but the name became a lot more popular and we actually gained a lot more business from the name being circulated, so thats untrue.

The mother-of-two recently posed with MMA fighter Conor McGregor at his gastro pub in Crumlin.

Simons said he invited her for dinner and shared his support following her social media video announcing the closure of her Dorset St clinic.

He was the only person that reached out and said Im supporting you, if you need anything, let me know if I can help you with anything and he invited me to the Black Forge for dinner, and I went. I brought a friend and we had dinner.

It was just really nice that somebody was acknowledging it, because nobody has been, she said.

Stephanie Simons with McGregor at the Black Forge Inn

Simons added that she had no problem taking up McGregors invitation, despite the fact he was found civilly liable for the rape of Nikita Hand at the Beacon hotel in Dublin in 2018.

Not at all. I dont know much about the situation or anything like that. I dont want to really comment on it, I was just glad that somebody with a voice was acknowledging the situation.

He was very nice to me, and the food was lovely, I have to say. It was Michelin-star style. He was just with his own friends. He came over and had a chat and a picture.
Having stepped down as the broadcasters mid-west correspondent last month, Cathy Halloran and partner Nicky Woulfe are now in remission

The recently-retired RTE correspondent Cathy Halloran has revealed how she and her partner were both diagnosed with cancer just months apart.

Having stepped down as the broadcasters mid-west correspondent last month, she and partner Nicky Woulfe are now in remission.

She told the RTE Guide how being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness focuses the mind.

I feel good now, she told the publication. I dont feel 64, more like early 50s. And apart from the cancer diagnosis, Ive been healthy.

After 38 years at RTE, gave her last bulletin on Friday, May 2, before tweeting: Over & outlast day @rtenews after 38 years 31 as Mid-West Correspondent. To the 000s I met & interviewed [its] been a privilege.

Fellow RTE colleagues offered their congratulators with Teresa Mannion writing: Going out on such a high. Youll be sorely missed, Cathy, but this is your time in the sun.

Marty Morrissey added: What a journalist, broadcaster, colleague and friend. Cathy, you are a Legend! Thank you for always being so kind and giving me your Camera Crew when I needed them.

She told the RTE Guide that: Time is the most precious thing and with my leaving of RTE, Im no longer tied to the tyranny of time, deadline after deadline.

Now its time to set my own deadlines.

Last month the native told how she is looking forward to a gentler pace of life.

She joined RTE News in October 1987 where she reported for radio and TV news on a wide variety of news stories, including the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Beef Industry at Dublin Castle from 1990.

Ms Halloran began her journalism career in the 1980s with The Farmer Magazine and went on to report for the Connacht Tribune newspaper in Galway.

She was appointed as RTE's mid-west correspondent in 1993.

Speaking about her retirement, she told RTE: "It's been a roller coaster of a career during almost four decades working for RTE News, the bulk of them as Mid-West Correspondent, and has given me a 'Page One Lead' on the stories making history and impacting the lives of citizens and their families and communities across this very busy part of the country."

She added: "There were also the stories of joy and those of ordinary people doing extraordinary things which were part of the daily mix of content from the region.

Ms Halloran reported on the first directly elected mayor in Limerick and told RTE that Limerick had "led the way in the biggest change in local government since the foundation of the state".

Ms Halloran, who lives in Limerick city with her partner Nicky Woulfe and their son John Michael, is now looking forward to a slower pace of life.

She told RTE she felt the time was right to retire and to "look forward, hopefully, to some healthy and fulfilling years ahead when the pressure of work and the tyranny of time will be replaced by a gentler pace of life".

Her late father Danno Halloran was also News Editor in RTE from the mid-1960s to the 1980s, while her uncle David Halloran was former Deputy Group Editor of the Irish Independent until his retirement in 2007.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin visited Tuesday the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, founder and architect of the modern and independent Azerbaijani state, and laid a wreath at his tomb, Trend reports.

The Belarusian PM also honored the memory of the prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva by placing flowers at her grave.
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union president Joe Stanley told NZME the union had tried to get Fire and Emergency to take a step back and seek clarity on the employment matter, but the organisation refused to budge.

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) slammed the way Fire and Emergency handled the situation in a recently released ruling that found the organisation had breached the Privacy Act.

Instead, Fire and Emergency New Zealand was found to have acted unlawfully when it accessed firefighter Joshua Strauss bank account, then used the information it collected to start disciplinary action against him.

A firefighter who helped pool his colleagues meal allowances so they could buy groceries and cook meals while on shift has been cleared of any wrongdoing after his employer accused him of misusing the money.

All weve ever wanted is to settle this miscommunication, and it could have been resolved through a conversation, he said.

We gave them lots of opportunities and, instead of talking, they decided to move away from established custom and practice and really focus on actions against Josh.

Basically, they grabbed the wrong end of the stick and tried to beat Josh with it for the last 18 months.

Tea, coffee, sugar, milk and biscuits

According to the ruling, Strauss opened a bank account for the Wigram Blue Watch at the Wigram Fire Station in Christchurch.

He planned to pool the firefighters mess allowances so they could buy groceries and prepare meals together while on shift.

Joshua Strauss worked out of the Wigram Fire Station. Photo / David Baird Photography

A mess allowance is a key feature of the collective employment agreement, and is a financial contribution made by Fire and Emergency to fire stations to purchase communal items such as tea, coffee, sugar, milk and biscuits. Any surplus is distributed among the firefighters who make up a watch.

Often, the surplus money was kept in cash containers, but Strauss set up a bank account to pool the leftover money and arranged for contributions of between $10 and $20 to be paid into it every week by his colleagues who wanted to take part.

That money was then used to purchase groceries for Wigram Blue Watch to cook shared meals.

But when Strauss left the Blue Watch and was stationed elsewhere, new members of the Blue Watch requested a transfer of the funds.

Strauss and ex-members agreed and sent the balance to the new account.

A new member was given authority over the account and when he logged in to check it, he believed he found discrepancies in the finances.

He informed his senior station manager, who took over the account, changed the passwords and then contacted area management to advise them of his concerns.

As Fire and Emergency pursued disciplinary action against Strauss, it sent him a letter claiming hed accessed money that belonged to the Blue Watch and used it for personal purchases.

Strauss, in return, lodged a personal grievance against Fire and Emergency, through the union, claiming his personal bank account had been accessed unlawfully.

He said he would make a complaint to the Financial Services Complaints and the Privacy Commissioner.

In July 2024, Fire and Emergency issued preliminary findings concluding that Strauss had accessed money that belonged to the Wigram Blue Watch mess, which included contributions from Fire and Emergency.

The preliminary findings stated he made unauthorised transactions, which amounted to serious misconduct and would likely result in his dismissal.

Strauss then applied to the ERA to halt that action, and an injunction was made until a full hearing could be scheduled.

Does not meet the duty of good faith

In this weeks ruling, the ERAs Peter van Keulen made a final order for Fire and Emergency to cease disciplinary action against Strauss concerning the money.

Van Keulen found there was a lack of clarity governing the use of the mess allowance, but said it was clear there was a custom among stations to spend the surplus on almost anything related to firefighters work.

He found Strauss had set up a personal bank account for pooling his and his colleagues mess allowances, and that Fire and Emergency had no authority to take control of the account.

This is akin to an employer taking control of an employees personal mobile phone because the employee used that phone to access the employers email system or used it to participate in an employees group chat about work, he said.

The Employment Relations Authority issued a ruling on Joshua Strauss' case this week. Photo / File

Intermingling does not change ownership rights, nor does it create access rights. There would be an extreme and chilling effect if an employer could authorise itself to take control over, or access, an employees personal bank account because an allowance, payable to an employee, was paid by the employer into that personal bank account.

Ultimately, van Keulen found Fire and Emergencys actions had breached the Privacy Act.

This taints all those aspects of Fire and Emergencys actions. I conclude that Fire and Emergency should not have acted on the complaint, used the information to investigate the complaint or proceeded with a disciplinary process against Mr Strauss.

In doing so Fire and Emergency has breached the duty of good faith and not acted as a fair and reasonable employer could in all the circumstances.

In short, Fire and Emergency used its position as Mr Strauss employer to improperly and unlawfully gain access to his personal bank account and then it relied on the information in that account to investigate a complaint and conduct a disciplinary process against him  this is not justifiable behaviour, nor does it meet the duty of good faith.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said it was aware of the ERAs ruling and was scrutinising it.

Were unable to comment further at this point. Employment matters are confidential, and the matter is still under judicial consideration.
Tracks to Coromandels Mautohe Cathedral Cove will be closed for two days this week to remove wilding conifers.

DoC Coromandel senior ranger Matt Flynn said the conifers are invasive weeds that threaten to permanently alter the unique landscapes only found in New Zealand.

Conifers were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s. Since then, they have spread across the country from forests, shelterbelts and erosion plantings.

Flynn said there are five large wilding conifers dotted across Mautohe Cathedral Cove to be removed, and if left unchecked they are likely to spread the invasive species further across the reserve.

Removing the wilding conifers supports our weed management and biodiversity restoration goals  enabling native flora and fauna to regenerate at Mautohe Cathedral Cove."

Contract arborists will be conducting the work, which will focus on areas above the rock archway and near the beach, on May 8 and 9, weather permitting.

The closure of the track is to ensure public safety, and visitors should stay out of the reserve while the arborists carry out their work.

People are discouraged from landing on the beach when the conifer removal is under way, and any visitors will be guided by contractors to a safe area away from the worksite, said DOC.

The walking track is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, May 10.

Invasive species, over-exploitation, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are putting immense pressure on ecosystems.

What we do makes a difference. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back, Flynn said.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle.

DoC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.
Hurihanganui said the partnership aims to bring regions together to highlight and connect the wide range of destination offerings across the North Island to overseas visitors.

Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the partnership aims to bring regions together.

The first-of-its-kind alliance was announced by Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui at the Auckland Airport Tourism Forum in Rotorua ahead of the official opening of Trenz 2025, taking place there this week.

The regional partnership includes organisations such as Tataki Auckland Unlimited, Rotorua NZ and Wellington NZ, who have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Fifteen of the North Island s largest tourism organisations are forming an alliance in an effort to generate interest from key tourism markets including Australia, North America and China, utilising their combined insight and experience for the better.

Its about leveraging our collective tourism pulling power, she said.

Individually, each region has a fabulous offering but were wanting to work together to help international visitors to better connect those dots to experience everything that is wonderful and unique about the North Island.

As the gateway airport for many visitors to New Zealand, were really proud to come together with Tataki Auckland Unlimited, RotoruaNZ and the other regional tourism organisations to develop and support this partnership.

She said that the partnership builds on the work Auckland Airport has already done with Tataki Auckland Unlimited and RotoruaNZ over the past year to attract back more Australian visitors with a dual region North Island destination proposition.

Hurihanganui believes that effort is already flowing through to an increase in Australian visitation, with the number of Australian tourists growing from 83% of pre-pandemic volumes last February to 92% one year on, equating to roughly an additional 110,000 tourists.

As of 2025, Australian arrivals make up 42% of all visitor arrivals to New Zealand.

A first-of-its-kind alliance between 15 North Island tourism organisations was announced by Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui at the Auckland Airport Tourism Forum in Rotorua ahead of the official opening of Trenz 2025.

Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker said: Its about working together and doing things together with a unified proposition and combining resources, particularly in travel-focused channels. The initial trade activity will start later this year.

That initial trade activity will take place in September in Australia with the North Island Showcase. It will see over 60 North Island tourism operators connect with key Australian travel sellers at two events in Sydney and Melbourne.

Tataki Auckland Unlimiteds Destination director Annie Dundas said the MoU was a big step forward in helping to strengthen the North Islands international presence.

The travel landscape is changing and we need to be smarter about how we show up overseas to sell our respective regions. This partnership allows us to be clearer in our proposition, which in turn will make it easier to meet the needs of our travel partners overseas and ultimately future travellers, Dundas said.

We see this as a massive opportunity, and were excited to be part of this collaborative effort.

RotoruaNZs chief executive Andrew Wilson echoed the sentiment, believing the partnership will allow the organisations to move beyond competition and into collaboration.

This partnership is a bold and necessary step forward for the North Islands visitor economy. RotoruaNZ is proud to stand alongside our regional whanau to support a stronger, more connected North Island proposition, Wilson said.

This will not only help international visitors see more of whats on offer, it will encourage longer stays, more meaningful travel and deeper connections with our people and places. Together, were making the North Island a compelling destination in its own right.

The full list of organisations who have signed the MoU includes:
I love you, Mummy. Please dont die today.

Thats what Jade Stevens five-year-old son whispered to her one morning before school.

For Stevens, a mother-of-three, those words captured the fear that comes with living - and parenting - while battling asthma.

This World Asthma Day (Tuesday, May 6), the 37-year-old is sharing her story to raise awareness of those living with asthma.

Stevens was diagnosed in her late 20s with brittle asthma - a rare and severe form of the disease, more commonly referred to now as severe or difficult-to-control asthma.

At the time, she was being admitted to hospital nearly every month, with long stays in intensive care and repeated courses of oral steroids.

All this while raising three young boys.



Jade Stevens in hospital. Photo / Supplied

I wanted to be the kind of mum who could be there for everything - every school pickup, every bedtime story - but instead, hospital beds replaced family dinners.

Ill never forget the moment I dropped my youngest off at school one day. He was just five. He kissed me goodbye, paused, and whispered, I love you, Mummy. Please dont die today.

I reassured him, but inside I was breaking. That fear - his and mine - was all too real.

Today, thanks to a biological treatment, Stevens' condition is under control and her symptoms are manageable, said a statement from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation.

The treatment gave me my life back, said Stevens.

The hospital visits have become rare, and Ive finally been able to stop taking steroids.

Her children are now teenagers and shes able to be the mum she always wanted to be at the beginning, she said.



Jade Stevens. Photo / Supplied

I can go to my eldest sons band Intercite gigs, school events, quad bike adventures, or just sit on the couch and watch a movie without them having to worry that Mum might be going to hospital again."

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ chief executive Letitia Harding said Stevens story shows the reality of asthma that many New Zealanders are still unaware of.

Jades experience is a reminder that asthma can affect people in very different ways, and for some, its far more serious than many realise.

Thats why World Asthma Day is so important in raising awareness, Harding said.

We need to lift the stigma, increase awareness, and ensure everyone understands just how serious this condition can be.

This year, the foundation is marking World Asthma Day by launching its first-ever Blue Shirt Day campaign.

Blue Shirt Day calls on all Kiwis to wear blue, share stories like Stevens, and support better research, education, and access to life-saving treatments.

In New Zealand, asthma affects 1 in 8 adults and children, kills an average of 96 people each year, and is responsible for the hospitalisations of thousands of children - many of whom will have had a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
National MP Catherine Wedd is introducing to the biscuit tin a new Members Bill aiming to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms in New Zealand.

Wedd, MP for Tukituki in Hawkes Bay, said the My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill is about protecting the most vulnerable young teenagers and children from the online harms of social media.

Wedd said social media was an extraordinary resource, but it came with risks.

Right now, we arent managing the risks for our young people well.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was a move intended to protect young people from bullying, inappropriate content, and social media addiction.

As a dad, I feel very strongly that we need to do a lot more to keep our kids safe from harm, he said.

We have restrictions to keep our children safe in the physical world, but we dont have the equivalent restrictions in the virtual world, and we should.

Luxon said the initiative builds on Nationals cellphone ban in schools, which he said had improved engagement and learning.

Wedd said the bill would put the onus on social media companies to verify that someone is over the age of 16 before they access social media platforms. Currently, there are no legally enforceable age verification measures for social media platforms in New Zealand.

As a mother of four children, I feel very strongly that families and parents should be better supported when it comes to overseeing their childrens online exposure, Wedd said.

Parents and principals are constantly telling me they struggle to manage access to social media and are worried about the effect its having on their children.

Wedd said the bill closely mirrors the approach taken in Australia, which passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill in December 2024.

Other jurisdictions are also taking action. Texas recently passed legislation which bans under-18s from social media use and the UK, the EU and Canada all have similar work in train, Wedd said.

Whats happening in Australia?

Australias law, which will come into effect by the end of 2025, mandates age verification for platforms enabling online social interaction, including TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram, while exempting education-focused platforms like Google Classroom or health apps like Headspace.

Companies failing to comply could be fined up to A$49.5 million.

The legislation is being overseen by Australias eSafety Commissioner, who is testing more than 30 different age-verification technologies with tech firms.

Initial reactions to the law have been mixed. While some parents and advocacy groups welcomed the stronger protections, academics have warned that it may drive teenagers to less regulated spaces or increase their sense of social isolation.
Plans are in place for a protest outside Mercury Baypark this weekend as Tauranga hosts the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards National Gala dinner.

The gala will be taking place on Saturday night in as a celebration of farmers who are recognised as the best in the industry and take their role of kaitiaki of the land seriously, holding the welfare of their animals as utmost priority, said a statement from the Dairy Industry Awards organisers.

However, in a post on the Greenpeace's community platform, The End Big Dairy coalition said there is nothing to celebrate.

The coalition plans to protest outside Baypark from 12pm onwards.

The protest is against dairy industry practices.

In response to protest plans, the NZDIA said it understands people have a right to peaceful protest.

NZDIA are aware of planned protests at the Awards and consider this action hugely disappointing, said the awards organisers.

The Awards drive best practice in dairy farming and focus on important future issues such as environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Safety is the priority for all attendees and protestors.

The Awards programme focuses on driving understanding of the issues within dairying and what is best for New Zealand as a whole, including all the environmental issues and impact surrounding it.

The categories, which include Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year, Dairy Trainee of the Year and Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award promote and recognise best practice and drive what is important to the future of dairying in New Zealand.

New awards

This year, two new awards will be introduced  the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award and the ASB Alumni of the Year Award.

The Awards encourage up-and-coming farmers to understand what best practice looks like and focuses on the issues that are important for the future, including environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and recognises those farmers doing well in this field.

The young farmers progressing through the industry hold these values high and take their learnings and understanding of best practice with them through their farming careers.

More information on the Awards can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
Instead, shes been diagnosed with a factitious disorder, a mental health condition in which the sufferer consciously self-induces, feigns or exaggerates physical or psychiatric symptoms to receive medical care. It cannot be treated with medication.

While she and her family believe she suffers from gastroparesis, a physical condition affecting the stomach, there has never been any medical evidence that she has the condition.

The woman, whose name is suppressed, has a long and complicated history of health issues and has spent large portions of the past seven years in the hospital.

A 26-year-old woman with a history of health problems has won an order to let nature take its course - a move that could allow her to starve to death in hospital where she is refusing food and medical intervention.

Despite this, neither the woman nor her parents has ever accepted that there is a psychological or psychiatric component to her condition.

As a result, she has refused to engage in any kind of psychological therapy that might help.

The woman has been subject to orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act since 2018, which permitted health professionals to treat her, including food via a tube.

These orders have been extended eight times but expired in October last year.

The following month, the woman collapsed at home and was re-admitted to hospital in Auckland, where shes remained since.

During that time, shes undergone 30 surgeries for various infections and, since early this year, has limited her food intake and refused any further surgical intervention.

The woman is described as being emaciated and frail, bed-bound and in a dark hospital room with closed curtains as natural light hurts her eyes.

Justice Graham Lang declined Te Whatu Ora's application to force the woman to undergo medical treatment. Photo / Michael Craig

Te Whatu Ora has applied for another order under the Act, which would allow medical professionals to continue to treat her.

However, the woman has opposed any such order being made and does not want any treatment administered against her will.

Instead, she wants to let nature take its course, even if that results in her death.

And now, in a recent ruling from the High Court at Auckland, shes been granted her wish.

The pattern of poor decisions is life-threatening

The woman told a court-appointed legal adviser living in a hospital long term - as she has done for 1588 days (about four years and three months) in the past five years - was not, for her, a life.

She is completely dependent on others for assistance and does not even have sufficient strength to lift herself up in bed. She says she no longer wants to be under the control of anyone else, including medical professionals.

The woman told the adviser, who visited her in the hospital, that shed been forced to undergo psychotherapy in the past, but it did not help, and she doesnt want to do it again.

While the woman accepts that without further medical intervention, she will likely die, she said she isnt suicidal and doesnt want assisted death.

Her parents have also accepted her decision not to consent to further treatment.

When a treatment order was first imposed in 2018, one expert found that in most issues, the woman had full capacity, except when it came to healthcare decisions.

The pattern of poor decisions is life-threatening (she has left the hospital against medical advice, discontinued care, requested palliation for a treatable condition), and appears to have no insight (and is... resistant to input) around the basis for her condition, that expert found.

Therefore, I think she is impaired around her ability to understand the nature and consequences of her situation.

A hearing was held at the High Court at Auckland last month. Photo / Jason Oxenham

A Family Court judge then granted a treatment order on the basis that she didnt appreciate her situation and its consequences and lacked the capacity to make informed decisions about her medical care.

Fast forward to 2025 and three experts produced by Te Whatu Ora conceded she had the ability to understand the decisions she was making about her health, as well as the likely consequences.

However, all three were concerned that she was basing her decision on what was essentially a misdiagnosis of gastroparesis, when in reality, all her symptoms are psychological.

Best interests lie in letting nature take its course

After a hearing at the High Court at Auckland in April, Justice Graham Lang found that just because the woman refused to accept the factual diagnosis of her condition, it didnt mean she was mentally incapable of making decisions about her own healthcare.

She has obviously based her decisions on this erroneous belief. Further, she is unwilling or unable to countenance the possibility that her belief may be incorrect, Justice Lang said in his decision.

A person may validly agree to, or refuse, medical treatment even where they do not accept the diagnosis that has led to the offer of the treatment in question. The critical issue is whether they truly understand the nature, purpose and effect of the proposed treatment.

Further, she knows that treatment and nutrition will keep her alive. This means she understands the gravity of the consequences that her decisions may produce.

Justice Lang ruled the woman had the mental capacity to decide her own fate.

Justice Lang also noted the woman had repeatedly refused to accept psychological intervention, so it was unlikely that any court order would convince her to seek it as a treatment path.

Human rights lawyer Michael Bott. Photo / Rubicon Chambers

[Her] death is not an inevitability, although there appears little prospect at this stage that she will engage in the psychiatric care that offers her the best hope of improving her disorder, Justice Lang said.

However, she is now in a position where the Court would be required to choose between making orders that override [her] wishes in the hope of preserving a theoretical prospect of her living a fulfilling life, or allowing her the dignity of deciding for herself.

As matters currently stand, [she] has decided that her best interests lie in letting nature take its course. I consider the Court should respect that decision given that she has made it after receiving nutrition and treatment over many years with little apparent accompanying long-term benefit.

Justice Lang said that in reaching that conclusion, he took into account that the woman is well aware she needs to eat to stay alive, and can ask at any time to get help.

It is for her to decide whether she wishes to avail herself of this option.

A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said it could not comment on individual patients, but confirmed that it would not be appealing the ruling.

Freedom of choice

Human rights lawyer Michael Bott, a former Council for Civil Liberties national chairman, told NZME that freedom of choice meant the ability for people to make any decision they wanted.

Its the freedom to make bizarre choices, or choices that dont make sense to anyone else necessarily.

Bott said that just because someone makes what is perceived to be the wrong decision doesnt mean the state should compel them to make the objectively right decision.

Bott also said that if Te Whatu Ora thought the woman was mentally unwell it could have applied under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act for an order to force her to accept medical treatment.

As a general rule people make decisions about their health and they choose to either accept or reject the advice of the experts, in this case here she has a belief that trumps that, he said.

No one is going to change her view.
A sunny summer has paid dividends for a Waikato farmer.

Malcolm Jones milking shed at Te Poi, near Matamata, is entirely powered by solar panels.

Running 600 cows on 200ha, Jones started talking to Supreme Solar director Sam Mathis at last years NZ Dairy Expo in Matamata.

He said he had been thinking about the project two years prior, with cost-saving the key driver.

An on-farm visit by Sam Mathis followed, along with analysis of the farm electricity costs.

It was built around the power bill, said Jones.

Most farmers venturing into solar usually install 70 to 80 panels initially, but he decided to cover the entire roof of his 54-a-side rotary milking shed.

The 380 panels, which went live last September, can produce up to 100 kilowatts of electricity during sunlight hours.



Supreme Solar director Sam Mathis, left, with Te Poi farmer Malcolm Jones. Photo / Steve Edwards

Jones said his previous power bill for the milking shed, along with associated electrical equipment relating to effluent disposal, water supply and milk chilling, was around $3800 a month.

For the last four months it has been nothing.

He said the transition to solar was seamless, involving grid approval and installation of a solar inverter which converts DC to AC power.

Sam Mathis said although efficiency dips in winter or cloudy weather, New Zealands climate still allows significant yearly energy generation.

Excess energy can be fed back into the grid or stored in solar batteries, benefiting the five houses on the Jones farm.

Environmental Benefits

Jones, who has lived in Te Poi for 25 years, said there were also environmental issues to consider as well as cost-savings when making the move to solar.

Its a cleaner, free form of power that can yield a return on investment for the farm.

Mathis said solar was also a way to improve the business at large.

Farmers are using solar as a means to increase the long-term value of their properties - a farm thats self-sufficient and producing clean energy will likely be attractive to tomorrows buyers.

Solar helps promote the image of an eco-smart farm that helps to preserve the New Zealand environment.



An aerial view of Malcolm Jones fully solar-powered dairy shed. Photos / Clint Lawson / Muse3D

Overall, he said the move to solar promises long-term financial returns as the installations have a 30-year life, while also enhancing the farms eco-friendly image.

Mathis said every farm was different, so there's no one-size-fits-all system that will work for every dairy farm.

As far as placement of the solar panels, several options exist.

Mathis said normally panels can be installed on the roof of a farm shed.

If the shed is not ideal, another possibility is a ground-mounted system, which offers very similar benefits to rooftop solar.

Tilt frames can be added, which place panels at just the right angle to receive direct sunlight, he said.

Resource consents from the respective local authority are required for ground-mounted panels, but not for roof installation.

Jones is in his 12th season milking in the rotary shed following an amalgamation of four smaller farms.

With three staff, he has milked all year-round for financial return for the past eight years.

Milkings are at 4am and 12.30pm, freeing up staff time in the afternoon.

Young stock is grazed on a 45ha block near to the home farm.

Waikato installations

Agri-solar provider Rural Energy said it has completed 300 installations in the Waikato, with 1000 projected over the next three years.

Rural Energy CEO Shaheer Azizi predicts this will extend to 3000-4000 across New Zealand in the same period.

By switching to solar, customers can reduce the carbon footprint of their farm and save money, he said.

Energy usage on dairy farms has grown over the past 20 years due to use of automated equipment.

It is now estimated that electricity contributes 15c to the cost of every kilogram of milk solids produced.

Rural Energy has entered into an agreement with Farm Source to help push out the initiative, with all Fonterra farmers given an option to purchase on-farm solar through their Farm Source store account.

Crown-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance last year provided a $10 million credit facility to Rural Energy to finance solar as a service power purchase agreements for dairy farms in New Zealand.



An aerial view of Malcolm Jones fully solar-powered dairy shed. Photos / Clint Lawson / Muse3D

NZGIF said it has invested around $50 million into several companies, including Rural Energy, that are helping New Zealand farms to decarbonise.

Information provided by NZGIF showed that the agricultural and energy sectors account for almost 90% of New Zealands greenhouse gas emissions.

Options available for farms to reduce emissions have been limited, but that is starting to change due to increasing farmer demand for sustainability solutions.
Police and New Zealand Customs officers have seized more than 25kg worth of cocaine valued at $9 million during a series of raids.

Customs and police were tipped off on March 29 about a significant importation of cocaine through Lyttleton Port.

Officers executed search warrants across New Zealand, and the investigation has led to the arrest of four men aged 30-36 from Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland.

The men will face multiple charges, including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks said the seizure equated to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million in harm prevention.

That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation, he said.

Police and Customs continue to be committed to targeting those offenders causing the most harm, and are always looking for opportunities to disrupt the supply chain from organised criminal groups targeting New Zealanders.

Sparks said part of the investigations success was also due to the target hardening of Customs Controlled Areas in Christchurch and the excellent partnership between Customs and police.

We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations attempts to exploit their people and premises, he said.

Customs Acting Investigations Manager Rachael Manning said the investigation resulted from quick action and close collaboration between police and Customs.

As well as industry partners who are committed to working alongside law enforcement to help stop organised criminal groups from operating in our regions and ports, she said.

We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit.

Manning said the gangs were using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains.

Whether thats at seaports, in secure areas or on vessels themselves.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is ending its operations in Azerbaijan, a spokesperson for the organization told Trend.

UNHCR has received official notification of this from the Government of Azerbaijan.

"The United Nations system values its 33-year partnership with the Government and people of Azerbaijan. Throughout this period, the UN has supported Azerbaijan in advancing major development priorities.

UNHCR is committed to ensuring a responsible transition its operations in consultation with all partners and donors. The United Nations remains in active dialogue with the Government of Azerbaijan, as with all Member States, to ensure that our efforts continue to be aligned with national development priorities and contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," the UNHCR rep noted.

On May 2, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also confirmed the closure of its office in Azerbaijan.

Earlier, on March 3, during a meeting with Gwi-Yeop Son, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the UN Development Coordination Office, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that the country would now engage with several UN bodies through their headquarters.

He noted that, as Azerbaijan has transitioned from a recipient of aid to a contributor to the global agenda, cooperation with UN entities such as UN-Habitat, the UN Environment Programme, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, and other relevant agencies remains a priority. Going forward, interactions with some UN bodies will take place at the headquarters level.
Eugenio Cabezas Torrox Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 18:41 Compartir

Local Police officers Diego Blancat and Constable Alejandro Ortiz became the heroes of the day in Torrox on the eastern Costa del Sol on Tuesday 29 April when they rescued a German couple, the Gunters, aged 74 and 73, from their burning house. Last Thursday the policemen met up with the couple, who thanked them "deeply" for their bravery.

In fact, had it not been for the speed with which the two officers acted, the situation could have ended in tragedy. Blancat explained to SUR that when they arrived at the property, located in the La Dehesa area, close to the access road to the A7 motorway and the BP petrol station, they found "huge flames and a lot of smoke coming out of the garage on the ground floor of the building".

"Huge flames and a lot of smoke were coming from inside the garage on the ground floor of the building".

The blaze was so fierce that the flames caused a large plume of smoke, which billowed into the house. The fire originated in the garage area of the house shortly before 6am, just a few hours after the electricity supply was restored after the historic blackout on Monday 28 April.

The flames spread to part of the house and completely burnt many items in the garage of the couple who have lived in Torrox for several decades. The local police received a call for help from a neighbour, who said that his friend had phoned him and told him that the house was on fire and that he and his wife were inside.

"A big shock"

When officers arrived, a local resident was trying to extinguish the flames with a hose pipe without success. The officers observed a 74-year-old man on the upstairs landing of the house, trapped by the flames coming out of the burnt part of the house and the heavy smoke.

Ortiz and Blancat rescued the man who told them that his 73-year-old wife was also inside the house in the living room. Without hesitation and despite the heavy smoke, they entered the building and managed to get her out as well. The couple were in shock but did not require medical attention. They have now recovered and have thanked the two policemen for their "courageous action".

It took the fire brigade almost three hours to extinguish the flames because of the contents of the garage.

Moments later, alerted by the Local Police force in Torrox, a crew from the Nerja fire station arrived on the scene. It took firefighters around three hours to completely put out the fire. The main hypothesis points to an electrical fault in the house after the restoration of the supply after the historic blackout last Monday.

Officer Diego Blancat had to be taken by his colleague to the health centre in Torrox to be treated for minor smoke inhalation. The officers also thanked a local resident for his help in the rescue of the German couple.
Cristina Candido Madrid Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 11:37 Compartir

New information about the central government's awareness of the possibility of a massive power outage in Spain has been released. The Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) knew, since at least 24 January, that the massive integration of renewable energies in the system could cause failures if necessary changes were not introduced. The ministry, headed by Sara Aagesen, had been warned by Spain's national electricity grid operator - Red Electrica de Espana (REE).

REE had proposed to update the action plan after the massive entry of renewables in order to manage the disturbances that the electricity system could suffer. The proposal was made in an internal document published by El Periodico de la Energia in May 2024. An example of the failures it referred to occurred during the historic blackout on 28 April - just a week ago.

"The need to revise the existing general protection criteria to adapt them to the new needs of the electricity system and the new technologies available has arisen," stated the report. The current criteria protocol dates back to 1996, which indicates an outdated status.

Zoom Monday's meeting of the committee for the analysis of the circumstances of the general blackout of 28 April, chaired by the minister for ecological transition, Sara Aagesen. SUR

Sara Aagesen's ministry has confirmed that REE's proposal was subject to public consultation. She said that her department had been working on it in order to incorporate it into the revision of the regulation of electricity grids.

In its report, REE, chaired by Beatriz Corredor, stated that as long as the generation that provides stability and inertia to the system - provided by hydroelectric, combined cycle and nuclear power plants - remained "sufficient", no changes were expected. But she warned that "in the future" and in areas with a high penetration of generation based on power electronics - such as photovoltaics - "there could be situations in which the behaviour of some of the current protection functions would not be as expected".

Outdated protocol

In order to remedy these shortcomings, REE proposed that the application period for the new protection mechanisms was five years from the approval of the procedures, "if necessary". It stated that there was no immediate need to apply the measures. Likewise, the manager highlighted the need to update the 1996 action protocol to resolve the different disturbances that the electricity system could suffer, as it had become obsolete and urged that it be changed to adapt it to current technologies.

The operating principles of current protection systems are designed for an electrical system in which most generation comes from conventional sources - thermal, nuclear, and hydro - primarily consisting of synchronous generators. In these cases, the behavior of the protection systems meets the reliability criteria necessary to ensure network safety and continuity of supply at all times in the event of any type of fault, as they have been designed to operate in these generation scenarios, with the response of the generating units to short circuits being well understood," the proposal read.

According to the ministry, the operator's proposal was subject to public consultation and was received by the department on 24 January. "Miteco has been working with it to integrate it into the revision of the electricity network regulation, which includes the revision of the investment limits in relation to GDP and other provisions with a view to maximising the benefits of the next electricity planning 2030 horizon."

After the power cut, all eyes turned to the renewables sector, specifically on photovoltaic solar energy, as well as on the role of REE, despite the fact that the president Pedro Sanchez said that all responsibility should fall on private operators.

It was not the only warning. The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) also issued a warning about the growing risks of electricity surpluses in the continental electricity system during April and May 11 days before the blackout, "following an unusual coincidence of factors: an unusually sunny spring and a seasonal drop in energy demand".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Iran sees the expansion of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan as a positive development that is likely to contribute to further strengthening ties between the two nations, Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Minister of Iranian Foreign Affairs and Head of the Institute for Political and International Studies, said in an interview with Trend.

Khatibzadeh pointed out that a new leaf has turned in the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan.

"This was evident during the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where both countries signaled their support for turning a new page in bilateral relations," he said.

Khatibzadeh also held out hope that once the dust settles on a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, fresh opportunities for regional cooperation will spring up.

"Within the framework of regional cooperation, relations between Iran and Azerbaijan will develop uniquely. Regional and international processes can create opportunities for the positive evolution of relations between the two countries," he added.

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Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Court hearings on the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen charged with torture, mercenary activity, violations of the laws and customs of warfare, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other crimes under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on Tuesday with testimonies from victims, Trend reports.

In his testimony, victim Sadig Bakhshiyev stated that the Armenian armed forces remnants sniper shot and wounded him in Aghdara district, posing a serious threat to his health.

The conclusion of the forensic medical examination conducted on the victim was also announced during the hearings.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan and the Customs Service (Federal Board of Revenue) of Pakistan on the Establishment of Preliminary Electronic Data Exchange, Trend reports.

According to the decree, the memorandumsigned on February 24, 2025, in Bakuhas been officially approved.

Upon the activation of the Memorandum of Understanding, it is imperative that the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan facilitate the operationalization of its stipulations.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan is tasked with notifying the Government of Pakistan that all requisite internal protocols for the activation of the memorandum have been finalized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Manchester has been named the UKs most AI-ready city for the second consecutive year, according to new research.

The SAS AI Cities Index 2025, produced by data and AI company SAS, evaluates cities based on criteria including AI-related job opportunities, innovation funding, education and business activity. Manchester topped the rankings, indicating its strong position to leverage the economic and social potential of AI.

SAS suggests Manchester could be designated an official AI Growth Zone under the UK Governments AI Action Plan.

Manchesters continued leadership is attributed to having the highest number of AI-related jobs within a five-mile radius and significant Innovate UK funding for AI purposes. The city also has over 200 AI-specialized businesses.

Salford, also in Greater Manchester, ranked fifth in the index, noted for its fast broadband, AI events and MediaCity presence.

Leeds climbed to second place due to its strong academic offering, while Dundee made a significant jump in the rankings due to increased AI-focused courses and excellent broadband speeds.

The most AI-ready cities in the UK

Manchester Leeds St Albans Bristol Salford



Says Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of Education Services at SAS for Europe, the Middle East and Africa:

Manchesters continued lead in the SAS AI Cities Index shows the huge potential of regional innovation when its properly supported  but it also highlights the urgent need to extend that momentum to smaller cities and towns across the UK.

As the government pushes forward with its AI Action Plan, its essential that investment, infrastructure, and education opportunities are scaled beyond the big urban centres. Cities like Dundee and St Albans making major leaps in this years rankings prove that with the right support, emerging hubs can play a critical role in the UKs AI future.

If we want to unlock the full economic and social potential of AI, we need to build an inclusive, nationwide ecosystem  one where no region is left behind.

Readers can find the full report here

For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

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Instead of viewing your disk as unhelpful little icons or pie charts, you see a single picture that shows you at a glance how much space every file and folder are using.

Installation

Unpack the .ZIP archive. A single Windows executable will be produced, named "SpaceMonger.exe", along with "README.TXT", which is what you're reading now. The "SpaceMonger.exe" file is the complete program, and it

can be moved into any folder you like. (We recommend "C:\Program Files", but you don't have to put it there.)

Double-click on it to run it.

Instructions

When you first open SpaceMonger, you will initially be presented with a blank window. Click "Open". Click on a drive, like drive "C", and hit "OK". Wait patiently while the program collects statistics on your drive. My, don't you have a lot of files.

SpaceMonger will show you the contents of your drive as little rectangles. The larger the rectangle, the more space something is taking up. Rectangles that have other rectangles in them are folders. Rectangles with no other rectangles in them are files. Colors are used to show how deeply the files and folders are nested.

You can get more information on a given folder by clicking on its title and then clicking "Zoom In" (or by double-clicking on its title). The window will change to show a larger, more detailed view of the folder and its files. You can zoom in as many times as you want. "Zoom Out" will take you back out (up) by one folder. "Zoom Full" will take you all the way back to show the whole drive.

If you see a file or folder you want to delete, click it to select it and hit "Delete". It will be moved to the Recycle Bin. If you want to see what it is first, click on it and hit "Run or Open", which will try to run it if is a program or open it if it is a file.

What's New
In brief: A space probe that has orbited Earth for over half a century is expected to reenter the atmosphere within the next week. Although the failed lander might impact Earth's surface at least partially intact and at high speed, it has a low chance of hitting a populated area.

The Cosmos 482 lander (also known as Kosmos 482) has been in a decaying orbit since the Soviet Union launched the spacecraft in a failed 1972 mission to Venus. Depending on numerous factors like space weather and its angle of approach, the 1,091-pound lander will likely impact the surface of Earth at about 150mph between May 7 and May 13, with May 10 the most likely date.

Since the lander was designed to withstand Venus' extremely hot and dense atmosphere, it might reenter Earth's atmosphere without breaking apart. Furthermore, its estimated impact area, between the 52nd parallels north and south, encompasses most of North and South America, all of Africa, and much of Europe and Asia. Still, the probe will most likely hit the ocean.

The Soviet Union's Venus missions typically began by launching into low Earth orbit from which an additional rocket burn directed the spacecraft toward Venus. Probes that failed to escape Earth's orbit were renamed Cosmos. Much of Cosmos 482 reentered Earth's atmosphere soon after its mission failed. However, the probe, which is identical to the successful Venera 8 craft that launched a few days earlier, entered an orbit that has slowly decayed over 53 years.

Venus, Earth's closest planetary neighbor, was an early target of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union from the 1960s through the 80s. Both countries launched numerous missions to the planet, but most early attempts failed.

NASA's 1962 Mariner 2 was the first successful flyby mission to Venus, while the USSR's 1965 Venera 3 was the first craft to transmit information from the planet's surface. In 1975, the Soviet Venera 9 probe sent the first image of Venus' surface (above), and the first image of the surface of another planet.

Although Venus' size, mass, and gravity closely resemble Earth's, an extreme greenhouse effect makes its surface incredibly hot and dense. Temperatures there can exceed 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the surface pressure is 92 times higher than Earth's at sea level, or similar to the pressure 1 km below Earth's oceans. Probes that reach Venus' surface usually last only a few minutes before melting.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

What just happened? OpenAI and Sam Altman have decided that becoming a for-profit entity is more trouble than it's worth. The CEO has announced that the nonprofit arm will continue to control the company as it becomes a public benefit corporation.

OpenAI 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, writes Altman.

"With the structure we're contemplating, the not-for-profit will remain in control of OpenAI," Bret Taylor, OpenAI's board chairman, told 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 added that the non-profit would have a majority stake in the company.

OpenAI's plans to spin out its for-profit subsidiary had led to a lawsuit from Elon Musk, who sued the company over claims it was abandoning its mission to benefit humanity. Altman denied that the decision was in any way related to Musk's actions.

4 facts about our structure:



-OpenAI will continue to be controlled by the current nonprofit



-Our existing for-profit will become a Public Benefit Corporation



-Nonprofit will control & be a significant owner of the PBC



-Nonprofit & PBC will continue to have the same mission  OpenAI (@OpenAI) May 5, 2025

OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015. It created OpenAI LP, a capped-profit limited-partnership subsidiary, in 2019. The subsidiary limits the returns on profits to outside investors and partners, such as Microsoft.

A public benefit corporation, which the for-profit portion of the company will transition to, is still a profit-focused entity but one that legally commits to pursuing a specific public benefit or set of social/environmental purposes in addition to generating profits for shareholders.

In a letter to employees, Altman wrote that OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI)  artificial intelligence with human-like intelligence  benefits all of humanity.

Altman recently said that almost one billion people around the world were now using ChatGPT for a variety of reasons. The changing corporate structure is because the company "currently cannot supply nearly as much AI as the world wants and we have to put usage limits on our systems and run them slowly."

Altman adds that making OpenAI's services available to all of humanity currently requires hundreds of billions of dollars and may eventually require trillions of dollars.

Last month, a number of former OpenAI employees, prominent AI scientists, law experts, and others signed an open letter urging the attorneys general for California and Delaware to stop OpenAI from becoming a for-profit entity.

It was recently reported that Microsoft boss Satya Nadella's once-close relationship with Altman was becoming frosty, and Microsoft could block OpenAI's for-profit restructuring.
In brief: There has been a spate of kidnappings taking place across France and Western Europe in which victims are cryptocurrency investors. The most recent incident involved the owner of a crypto marketing firm having his finger cut off by attackers. Police say the man could have been mutilated further had he not been rescued.

The unidentified 60-year-old man was abducted in broad daylight at 10.30am on Thursday morning while walking down Paris' 14th arrondissement, writes The Guardian. Four men forced him into a delivery van.

The man owned a cryptocurrency marketing company with his millionaire son, whom kidnappers demanded pay a ransom of between $5.3 million and $8 million in crypto. The victim was held at a house for two days, during which time his finger was cut off to send to his son.

The man was freed by armed police in a raid at 9pm on Saturday night from a house 12 miles south of Paris. Five suspects in their 20s were arrested. The ransom had not been paid.

This incident is almost identical to another kidnapping that occurred in January. David Balland, who co-founded crypto firm Ledger, which is valued at more than $1 billion, was abducted along with his partner in central France. The pair were separated, with Balland taken to a house in Chateauroux where one of his fingers was cut off.

Balland's business partner had received a demand for around $11.3 million in crypto. Balland was freed during a police raid and his partner was found in the trunk of a car.

There was also the case of the father of French cryptocurrency influencer who was the target of a kidnapping in eastern France last year. Kidnappers tied up his wife and daughter and forced the man into a car. His son received a ransom demand and contacted police. The women were freed and the father was discovered 24 hours later in the trunk of a car. He had been assaulted and doused with petrol.

There have been similar kidnappings involving those in the crypto business in Spain and Belgium during the last five months.

It's unclear if the crimes are linked. It could be that criminals consider these targets easier prey than other rich victims. The fact those receiving the ransom demands have direct access to lots of hard-to-trace cryptocurrency is likely a factor, too. So, if you're a crypto millionaire in Europe, don't go flashing your digital wallet about.
In a nutshell: A new bipartisan bill aims to leverage a previously undisclosed tracking technology embedded in Nvidia chips to monitor where the products end up after sale. The bill's proponents are primarily concerned about powerful GPUs being supplied to Chinese organizations for training adversarial AI models.

A former particle physicist and chip designer is advocating for US authorities to adopt an effective method for tracking Nvidia GPUs. "The technology is already there," a supporter of the bill said, adding that the US Department of Commerce would simply need to develop appropriate regulations and enforce existing bans on chip exports to certain nations.

According to Bill Foster, a Democrat from Illinois who has designed multiple chips during his career, Nvidia could already determine the current locations of its high-performance GPUs. Much of the technology needed for real-time tracking is already integrated into the chips, Foster stated. Independent experts contacted by Reuters confirmed his claims.

How would this chip tracking system actually work?

The chips would communicate with a remote server via a secure channel. The server could then estimate their locations by measuring the time it takes for data to travel between the chips and the server. According to former engineer Tim Fist, this method would provide location tracking at the country level.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which is responsible for enforcing export controls for the Department of Commerce, currently lacks any information about the whereabouts of these chips.

This means that even identifying the countries where GPUs have been "relocated" would represent a significant improvement. "Right now, the BIS has no idea which chips to target for their investigations," Fist said.

US politicians are particularly worried about powerful Nvidia GPUs reaching China. While direct sales to Chinese organizations are now prohibited under export bans, Nvidia chips continue to reach the region through indirect channels. Nvidia has previously stated that it has no way to track its products once they are sold to customers.

Foster emphasized that this is not a hypothetical future concern. The US may soon discover that Beijing's authorities  or its military  are already using smuggled Nvidia GPUs to develop new weapons or train advanced AI models. He expressed particular concern about artificial intelligence, which he warned could pose a threat as immediate and serious as nuclear technology.
In a surprising case that features the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for cybercrime, a 25-year-old California resident pleaded guilty to hacking a Walt Disney Company employee through the use of a malicious version of an in-demand AI image-making program.

The hack resulted in the theft of more than one terabyte of sensitive business and personal information.

Malicious AI Tool Brought into Disguise as Legitimate Software

According to the press release from the Central District of California, the accused, Ryan Mitchell Kramer, pleaded guilty to publishing a spoofed version of ComfyUI, an open-source image generator, under the fake name ComfyUI_LLMVISION.

Posing as an add-on to improve AI-created artwork, the software was riddled with malware that could steal passwords, payment details, and sensitive files.

Kramer, who did business online using the handle NullBulge, hosted the software on GitHub. Innocent victims who downloaded the imitation app did so unknowingly, thereby granting Kramer complete control over their computers.

The malware was coded to send data secretly to a Discord server that Kramer maintained. To conceal the scam, Kramer employed misleading file names invoking the names of well-established AI firms, such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

Disney Employee Targeted in Massive Data Breach

As reported by Ars Technica, the incident was discovered when one of Disney's employees downloaded the malware in April 2024. Once in, Kramer hacked into private Slack channels belonging to Disney, finally stealing around 1.1 TB of sensitive information. This included corporate internal files, creative material, and sensitive employee information.

Last July, Kramer impersonated a hacktivist group member and reached out to the employee, probably to manipulate or frighten them. With no response from the employee, Kramer took the matter to the public by leaking the stolen data. Some of the hacked information included the victim's financial records, medical records, and personal details.

FBI Investigation Continues as Charges Mount

Kramer pleaded guilty to two federal charges, including accessing a protected computer and obtaining information, and threatening to destroy a protected computer.

These are severe crimes under federal law, and the FBI continues its investigation. Court filings establish that two other victims also installed the tainted software, resulting in unauthorized access to their systems.

Cybersecurity Concerns Rise Over Open-Source Tools

With the popularity of open-source tools, companies, even high-profile companies like Disney, should be vigilant against potential AI software hacks.

While applications like ComfyUI are well established in design and developer circles as being safe to use, this incident reminds us how popular programs can be manipulated.

The altered version of ComfyUI was cleverly disguised, drawing attention to how hackers are now leveraging AI's popularity to spread advanced malware.

Experts warn developers and users alike to verify the authenticity of downloaded tools and inspect code before use, especially when hosted on public repositories like GitHub.

Kramer will be making his initial court appearance in the weeks ahead. If convicted, he faces substantial prison time, heavy fines, and extended computer use restrictions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) increased security after getting credible threats from a violent militia-style organization called Veterans on Patrol.

Internal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emails show that this organization believes Doppler weather radars, namely those in the NEXRAD network, are really "weather weapons," and they are demanding their destruction.

What Is the NEXRAD Radar System?

In a NOAA security notice that CNN has obtained, Veterans on Patrol is calling supporters to conduct "penetration drills" at radar facilities throughout the US to locate vulnerabilities and take advantage of them with the goal of sabotaging them. The notice threatens recent face-to-face contact with the organization and details field personnel's essential safety procedures.

The NEXRAD system, which has been operational since the 1990s, is important for weather forecasting and public safety. It is used to detect precipitation, assist in the tracking of tornadoes and severe storms, and is crucial for the issuance of life-saving weather warnings. The system is also extensively used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Air Force.

Though valuable, the radar towers have also been the focus of unfounded conspiracy theories, with Veterans on Patrol asserting that the structures are weather manipulation tools.

NOAA Releases Safety Guidelines Amid Rising Threats

In a May 1 letter, the NOAA originally instructed its staff on general threats. A more threatening email released on Monday, May 5, however, instructed heightened alert and suggested a buddy system for workers visiting isolated radar facilities.

"Do not approach anyone suspicious," the NOAA warned, instructing employees to call local law enforcement immediately if threatened instead of dealing with possible instigators themselves.

The internal memos indicate the FBI and other federal agencies are tracking the situation, though this has not been confirmed by CNN independently.

Staffing Crisis Heightens Danger

The attack is coming at a vulnerable moment for the NWS, already weakened by staff shortages. With more than 90 openings for technicians vacant and a federal hiring freeze remaining in place, any intentional sabotage of radar equipment could devastate national and local weather operations.

An NWS employee, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the growing hostility toward federal agencies.

"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."

Rising Anti-Government Sentiment Raises Alarm

The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated Veterans on Patrol as an anti-government militia, as part of an overall trend toward increasing extremism against public institutions. These threats are a disturbing convergence of disinformation, government distrust, and actual danger.

With the US entering storm and hurricane season peak, any disruption of the NEXRAD network could mean disastrous delays in emergency weather alerts, putting lives and communities in jeopardy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree approving "Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research of Pakistan", Trend reports.

According to the decree, the "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research of Pakistan on Agricultural Cooperation" signed in Baku on February 24, 2025 was approved.

Following the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) specified in this decree, the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan will ensure the implementation of its provisions.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan will notify the Government of Pakistan of the completion of the internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Mennonite communities raise hackles in Peruvian Amazon



Masisea, Peru, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025



When they saw men with arrows and machetes bearing down on them, Daniel Braun and other Mennonites living in the Peruvian Amazon fled across rice paddies, some of their barns ablaze behind them.

In Masisea, a remote settlement near Peru's border with Brazil accessible only by boat along a tributary of the Amazon or over dirt paths, members of the austere Protestant sect are under siege.

Here, as in several other South American countries, the reclusive Christians, who have roots in 16th-century Europe and who eschew modernity, are accused of destroying forests as they expand their agricultural imprint on the continent.

In 2024, Peruvian prosecutors charged 44 men from the Masisea Mennonite colony with destroying 894 hectares (2,209 acres) of virgin forest and requested that each be sentenced to between eight and 10 years in prison.

The trial would be the first of a Mennonite colony in Latin America for environmental crimes.

The men's lawyer, Carlos Sifuentes, argues that the land was "already cleared" when the community bought it.



- Rich versus poor -



A 2021 study carried out by researchers at Canada's McGill University counted 214 Mennonite colonies in Latin America occupying some 3.9 million hectares, an area bigger than the Netherlands.

In Peru, Mennonites have established five thriving colonies in the Amazon in the past decade.

Their presence is a thorn in the side of the 780-strong Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous community, which lives on the shores of Lake Imiria about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Masisea.

The Shipibo-Konibo live in wooden huts of palm or zinc roofs with no electricity or running water, surviving off fishing and subsistence farming.

They accuse the wealthier Mennonites, whom they call "forest termites," of illegally occupying around 600 hectares of their 5,000-hectare territory.

"The Mennonites build ranches on communal land... They engage in deforestation. What they are doing is a crime against the environment," Indigenous leader Abner Ancon, 54, told AFP.



- Horse-drawn carriages -



The Mennonites arrived in Peru from neighboring Bolivia.

David Klassen, a 45-year-old father of five children ranging in age from seven to 20, said they were driven to emigrate because of a shortage of farmland and because of Bolivia's "radical left" policies.

Today, the self-sufficient enclave is comprised of some 63 families who raise cattle and pigs and grow rice and soybeans on 3,200 hectares while using diesel generators for power.

The men and boys wear checked shirts, suspenders and hats or caps, The women and girls wear long dresses, with their hair pulled back in tight braids or buns.

The community, which speaks a German dialect but whose leaders speak passable Spanish, has little contact with the outside world, relying on tractors and horse-drawn carriages as its main modes of transport.

After 10 years of peaceful coexistence with their Indigenous neighbors, the settlement came under attack last July.

Braun said he was sitting with other men outside a barn when a group of Shipibo-Konibo appeared out of nowhere.

"They came with arrows and machetes. They said you have one or two hours to leave," the 39-year-old recalled, adding that they set fire to property.

No one was injured in the standoff but the charred remains of a shed and a barn and zinc roofs were visible through the long grass.

Ancon admitted that his community's Indigenous guard had chased the Mennonites but "without resorting to violence."



- A fraction of the damage -



A lawyer for the Shipibo-Konibo, Linda Vigo, accused the settlers of hiring contractors to clear forest, "and when it's all cleared, the Mennonites come in with their tractors, flatten everything, and then you go in afterwards and find it all cultivated."

Pedro Favaron, a specialist on Indigenous peoples at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, acknowledged that the Mennonite farming model failed to meet "environmental expectations."

But he argued that the land they bought from mixed-race settlers in Masisea "was already degraded."

The independent Monitoring of the Andes Amazon Program, which tracks deforestation and fires, estimates the area cleared by Mennonites in Peru since 2017 at 8,660 hectares.

It's a tiny fraction of the 3 million hectares of forest lost over the past three decades in the Andean country, mainly due to fires, illegal mining and deforestation by other groups.

Standing in the middle of a verdant rice field, Klassen assured: "We love the countryside... We don't want to destroy everything."
Pakistan accuses India of altering Chenab River flow as tensions rise



Lahore, Pakistan, May 6 (AFP) May 06, 2025



Pakistan on Tuesday accused India of altering the flow of the Chenab River, one of three rivers placed under Pakistan's control according to the now suspended Indus Waters Treaty.

This major river originates in India but was allocated to Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, signed by the two nuclear powers.

India suspended the treaty following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 people.

Islamabad warned that tampering with its rivers would be considered "an act of war".

"We have witnessed changes in the river (Chenab) which are not natural at all," Kazim Pirzada, irrigation minister for Punjab province, told AFP.

Punjab, bordering India and home to nearly half of Pakistan's 240 million citizens, is the country's agricultural heartland, and "the majority impact will be felt in areas which have fewer alternate water routes," Pirzada warned.

"One day the river had normal inflow and the next day it was greatly reduced," Pirzada added.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, large quantities of water from India were reportedly released on April 26, according to the Jinnah Institute, a think tank led by a former Pakistani climate change minister.

"This is being done so that we don't get to utilise the water," Pirzada added.

The gates of the sluice spillways on the Baglihar dam in Indian-administered Kashmir which lies upstream of Pakistani Punjab "have been lowered to restrict water flow ... as a short-term punitive action", a senior Indian official has told The Indian Express.

The Indus Waters Treaty permits India to use shared rivers for dams or irrigation but prohibits diverting watercourses or altering downstream volumes.

Indian authorities have not commented yet but Kushvinder Vohra, former head of India's Central Water Commission, told The Times of India: "Since the treaty is on pause... we may do flushing on any project without any obligation".

Experts said the water cannot be stopped in the longer term, and that India can only regulate timings of when it releases flows.

However, the Jinnah Institute warned: "Even small changes in the timing of water releases can disrupt sowing calendars (and) reduce crop yields".

nz-pjm-jma/sbh/stm/mtp
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. On May 6, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov received a delegation led by the Chief of General Staff of Hungarian Defence Forces, General Gabor Borondi, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

The Hungarian delegation has paid an official visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of First Deputy Minister of DefenseChief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev.

First, the guests visited the tombs of the National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor, laid wreaths and flowers, and honored their blessed memory. They also laid a wreath in front of the Victory Monument at the Victory Park.

During the meeting held at the ministry, the Azerbaijan Defense Minister welcomed the guests and conveyed his pleasure at seeing them in Azerbaijan. Expressing satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation between the countries, the minister particularly commended Hungarys support for Azerbaijan across all levels.

Speaking about the work done in Azerbaijan in the field of army development, the defense minister stressed that there are all opportunities for further development of strategic cooperation between the countries.

Borondi, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality and emphasized the positive impact of such visits and meetings on the development of Azerbaijani-Hungarian relations based on mutual trust and friendship.

The meeting discussed future prospects for the military cooperation and other issues of interest.

At the official welcoming ceremony held at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, the chiefs of staff of both countries passed along the guard of honor. The national anthems of the countries were performed. Borondi signed the Book of Honor in accordance with the protocol.

After that, Colonel General Valiyev met with his Hungarian counterpart.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and further development of Azerbaijani-Hungarian military cooperation and noted the importance of exchanging experience and holding joint exercises to increase the professionalism of servicemen.

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Ask me anything at all  Im really unoffendable! Emma Jane Unsworth has unwittingly uttered the phrase every interviewer longs to hear  though the invitation isnt that surprising. It feels reassuringly on brand for the author of some of the past decades most daring and subversive books exploring the millennial and Gen X female experience. You only have to read Animals, her gritty, zeitgeist-capturing 2014 novel about two friends ruining their bodies by living in a constant state of off-their-tits hedonism, to know that here sits a writer unafraid to grasp the nettle of boundary-pushing subject matter. Described as Withnail for girls by an admiring Caitlin Moran, the book was subsequently adapted into a feature film starring Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat.

Unsworths follow-up, 2020s Adults, traverses the thorny territory of miscarriage, mental health and social media addiction; her latest novel, the provocatively titled Slags, is an equally unflinching foray into first love, fantasy and sexual identity.

Its got to be a bit scary, I think, hasnt it? Unsworth says of her work. Quite often Im cringing when Im writing, and quite often Im terrified  like, shall I put this? Really?

That rawness translates into realness on the page; Unsworth has a knack for sketching out nuanced characters who feel viscerally alive. Slags is no exception, told from the perspective of 41-year-old Sarah as she and her younger sister, Juliette, embark on a birthday road trip to Scotland, which segues into an uncomfortable yet poignant trip down memory lane.

While Unsworths women are often plagued by inner turmoil and darkness, they are also whip-smart and belly-laugh witty  unlike a lot of the wilting protagonists found in the trendy sad girl literary trope. We should be allowed to contain all these multitudes  able to be very funny, but also really troubled and lost and messy, she says. For me, thats what carries the momentum, the joy in that sharp dialogue. You can get away with a lot, she adds  and have characters doing pretty awful things  if you make them fun to be around. Then your readers will come along for the ride and enjoy it.

Unsworth thrums with energy when I meet her at a London cafe in the build-up to publication day. Clad in wide-legged, white pin-striped trousers with a matching waistcoat, shes the kind of effortlessly cool forty-something woman who would be intimidating were it not for her instant, disarming warmth. Pale skin is complemented by strawberry blonde curls, tamed and pulled away from her face; dark blue eyes are clear and bright as she talks a hundred miles a minute in her subtle Mancunian twang. A few weeks ago, I felt sick with nerves, she admits of Slags forthcoming release. Now, Im calm. Its in the hands of the book gods.

The books plotleaps back and forth through time, oscillating between Sarah as an adult and as a teenager. Do we ever truly shake off the identity that is set for us in those formative years? I think we come of age over and over again in life, Unsworth answers thoughtfully. And I think at those points, thats when we feel like were defined. That definition, when youre young, can be so shaped by other people, so much to do with what other people tell you that you are.

open image in gallery Holliday Grainger and Alia Shawkat in Animals ( Cornerstone Films )

Her own teen self was gobby, loud and attention-seeking  but she wasnt very solid. Part of the inspiration for the book was just wanting to make myself, the teenage me whos still inside, more resilient, Unsworth says. Fifteen-year-old Sarah fits the same mould. With so many hormones kicking around, she sizzles with power and confidence yet is quivering with fragility and innocence beneath the brash facade. Its an affliction that, Unsworth believes, impacts teenage girls no matter which era theyre born in: You have all this desire and a burning urge to express yourself and work out who you are and put yourself out there. But at the same time, youre really vulnerable. How can we empower and protect teenage girls at the same time? I feel like thats what we need to do, but I dont know what the answer is. The book is in some way an exploration of that dilemma.

She posits that female fantasy could be one essential outlet, offering young women agency and autonomy in a world that often robs them of both. The young Sarah lives inside a world of romantic make-believe so potent it seems to warp the very fabric of reality to fit the narrative in her head. I think were encouraged to feel ashamed of our fantasies, especially women, muses Unsworth. Its like a dirty, silly word, all frilly knickers and s*** porn. But actually, fantasies can be so nourishing and valuable and strengthening. Ive definitely used them as such a healing place in my life.

Since her own adolescence, Unsworth has had a big recalibration of who I am and what I want about once a decade. Much of her former sense of identity was bound up in the vision of herself as the eternal party girl, epitomised by the uncouth, seize-the-night double-act in Animals (I will always push the f***-it button. I love pushing the f***-it button, she jokes). Her writing frequently explores the relationship between female characters and their drinking and substance-taking; theres a fascination with the sometimes blurred distinction between addict and hedonist.

Unsworth very much defines herself as the latter. For her, theres always been something inherently romantic about the idea of intoxication; it symbolises freedom, a tipping point. Addiction is a trap and its a disease, and its a terrible thing that ruins whole families and lives, she says, but for me, my relationship with drugs and alcohol has always been about oblivion. They represent a chaos that means you can be and do anything. Its almost like a place you go and disintegrate from everything that society expects you to be

I speak as someone who constantly questions whether it was the right thing for me to have children

But there are some societal expectations its near-impossible to escape. Getting on it every night simply isnt compatible with Unsworths current life as a mother of two young children and daughter of ageing parents; its a gear shift that part of her has fought tooth and nail against, part of her has submitted to. Parenting is its own kind of joy, and its own responsibility  my children need a lot from me physically right now.

Having had kids in her late thirties, Unsworth both loves and wrestles with the role of mother. Regret is something that interests me, she says, And I speak as someone who constantly questions whether it was the right thing for me to have children personally, as well as feeling very grateful that they exist. While any big life decision feels heavy, the baby question is on a whole other level, she argues  its such a gnarly one for women. As someone who feels the absurd weight of that choice increasing exponentially the closer I get to 40 myself, the observation hits home.

Its a theme thats adroitly navigated in Slags. Sarah is a Gen X workaholic whos voluntarily single; her younger sister has done the marriage and kids thing. The former laments that it is so hard to walk the walk of being a childfree woman, even by choice  and though Unsworth is no longer walking that particular path herself, its challenges still resonate. Its really insidious, the way that pressures are put onto women to do certain things and be a certain way by a certain age, she says. Were still advertised that its more valuable to have a life if youre a mother, and that theres only one way to be a mother. But she has always fought to present a counter-narrative in her work  different happy endings, different routes that are equally meaningful and valuable and fulfilling.

Whats perhaps most enchanting about Slags is the central relationship between the two sisters. Its gratifying to see in literature what has been deftly achieved on screen in recent years in shows such as Phoebe Waller-Bridges Fleabagand Aisling Beas This Way Up: an irresistibly authentic depiction of the female sibling dynamic in all its knotty complexity.Sarah and Juliette hold a mirror up to one another, the only people schooled in their own secret language built on a lifetime of shared cultural references and experiences.

Animals - Trailer

Inspired by the relationship between Sarah and Juliette  they speak of a heart alarm, a golden thread attached to the ribs that runs between them  and my own sister/soulmate, I wonder aloud whether siblings can end up being the real loves of each others lives. Oh, completely, agrees Unsworth, herself a big sister (a status that, she believes, has defined every other relationship shes ever had). Who else do you have a shared history with like that? She describes the relationship she has with her younger sister  three years Unsworths junior  as the most complicated of her life. After growing up together, youre left with something thats extremely complex, durable, heartbreaking, terrifying but edifying, says the author.

On top of big sister, Unsworth has recently acquired two new labels following an ADHD and autism diagnosis last year. The former was expected; the latter, not so much. The revelation has prompted her to probe the interplay between neurodivergence and intoxication. Its made me think about how much Ive used things like alcohol, because its a coping mechanism, at parties and things like that  as well as really enjoying it.

But theres undoubtedly been a generational shift when it comes to getting s***-faced. In Slags, Sarah is dabbling in sobriety but finds it painfully boring; she mourns the slow limp of Saturday nights where no one went out any more to pound pavements with their passion or fury, noting that Gen Z prefer coffee and conversation to pubs and clubs. Though shes not judging the next generation, Unsworth doesnt necessarily believe the shift from binge-drinking to wellness culture has been as healthy as it sounds.

Every now and then, you just need that big fire for your head

The ideas about whats beautiful and the way that women should look sadly, its not all this free and easy wellbeing goodness, she says. I actually think theres still a lot of pressure and a lot of anxiety, a lot of damage being done to people.

She believes theres something to be said for letting go and losing control on occasion, arguing that a big night out can cut through lifes noise and stresses. It feels like a cleanse, when everythings razed to the ground, she says wistfully. Every now and then, you just need that big fire for your head...

A cognitive reset is as likely to come from the shocking temperature change between the beachside sauna and ice bath in Unsworths adopted home town of Brighton as it is from mind-altering substances these days. But it might not be that way forever. She has a fantasy of herself in her seventies, running around Soho, drinking and dancing and having a wild old time. I can picture it too: silver curls untamed; eyes still clear and bright; a cocktail in one hand and a large glass of wine in the other. I think therell always be a party girl in me, she says with a smile. Shes having a little bit of a nap at the moment  but shes going to be back on her feet raging again in the future.

Slags is published by HarperCollins on 8 May
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The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has drawn renewed attention to Conclave, which was set within the cloistered world of the Vatican during the election process for a new Pope.

According to figures published last month, viewership of the film surged by 283% following the news of the Popes death.

In Edward Bergers adaptation of a Robert Harris novel, from a script by Oscar-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan, the election of a new Pope is depicted as a gossipy affair, full of infighting and political maneuvering by cardinals jostling for power and leverage over their rivals.

While the film is by no means a documentary, it did set out to recreate a real Papal Conclave as accurately as possible. However, the caveat here is that very little is known about the true inner workings of a conclave, as participants must take a vow of secrecy.

open image in gallery Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave ( Philippe Antonello/Focus Features )

We do know that the overall logistics shown in the film are broadly accurate. We see cardinals played by the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow living, eating (and vaping) together at the Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse on the grounds of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City. The guesthouse shown in the film was a movie set, but the real-life cardinals will be sequestered there from the beginning of May.

The voting process, which takes place within the Sistine Chapel, is also accurately shown. Cardinals will write down the name of their vote for the next Pope, and then place those votes in a sealed container. Once the votes have been totaled, an official will read them aloud. If a two-thirds majority is not reached, they will be burned with an additive that produces black smoke. It is only when a decision has been reached that the additive will not be used, and the smoke will burn white to announce that a new Pope has been selected.

One major difference between the process as shown in the film and reality is that the role played by Ralph Fiennes character, Cardinal Lawrence, conflates two real-life positions. In the film, Cardinal Lawrence acts as the camerlengo, who takes over the Holy See, which governs the Catholic Church and the Vatican, after the Popes death. He is also seen acting as the dean of the College of Cardinals, who oversees the election of the new Pope.

open image in gallery Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell took over the Holy See as camerlengo ( Reuters )

In reality, the camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell. An Irish-born American, Cardinal Farrell was responsible for announcing the death of Pope Francis, sealing the papal apartment and breaking the pontiff's fisherman's ring, which symbolizes that there is now a vacancy in the Vatican. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, an Italian, is the real-life dean of the College of Cardinals. He will oversee the gathering of the conclave, and will also be the one to ask the newly elected pope what name he will take, as Fiennes Cardinal Lawrence is depicted doing in the film.

open image in gallery White smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that cardinals elected a new pope on the second day of their secret conclave on March 13, 2013, at the Vatican ( AFP/Getty )

Another key error in the film is that a cardinal in pectore is depicted as taking part in the conclave. A cardinal in pectore is a cardinal who has been appointed by the Pope in secret, which can happen in reality. However, unlike the pivotal part Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz) is shown playing in Conclave, a secret cardinal would not be allowed to participate in the election of a new Pope.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, Conclave director Berger explained that he spoke to cardinals who had been involved in conclaves about general details, and also hired a religious advisor, but did not approach the Vatican directly. Thats a senseless approach, said Berger. First, they wont help you, and secondly, they shouldnt.

How to watch Conclave.
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JD Vance has raised the eyebrows of Star Wars fans and Donald Trump supporters alike after he revealed that he is a fan of the sci-fi franchises much-maligned prequel trilogy.

Vance has shared his thoughts on the prequels, released between 1999 and 2005, after wading into a debate about the films with conservative commentator Jack Posobiec.

The prequels suck because they were poorly made by George Lucas who only had a small role in the original series, Posobiec wrote on X/Twitter.

The sequels suck because they are abominations made by Disney committees and JJ Abrams simps, he added.

JD Vance replied to Posobiec by saying: Prequels were underrated!

The Star Wars prequel trilogy consists of The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005). Although there has been some revisionist apprecation of the films in recent years, the popular consensus is that they were of a poorer quality than the original trilogy and were jam-packed with shoddy CGI and divisive characters such as Jar Jar Binks.

Another big criticism of the prequels revolved around the complicated plot point of trade taxations imposed by the Galactic Republic on the Trade Federation.

open image in gallery JD Vance ( AP )

In the real world, the US also imposed trade tariffs on various countries earlier this year at the behest of Trump, in an effort to increase homegrown production and reduce trade imbalances.

The similarities between the prequels and the USs current economic situation thanks have not gone unnoticed by Star Wars fans ,who were more than happy to point out the irony in Vances position.

Author G Elliot Morris noted: The Star Wars prequels are all about how an unfair and severe galactic tariff policy causes instability in the multi-planetary political order that ultimately enables an authoritarian to seize power under the guise of restoring peace and prosperity to the republic. Deja vu

Another person said: The prequels are about how pro-tariff policies and authoritarianism are joined at the hip and will ultimately lead to the collapse of civilisation.

Hoo boy, joked a third while sharing an image of The Phantom Menaces opening crawl which explains the turmoil caused by the taxation on the trade routes.

open image in gallery The opening crawl of Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace ( Lucasfilm/Disney )

The Trump administration has become entangled in a series of Star Wars controversies in the last few days, after the White House shared an AI-generated image of the president clutching a lightsaber in front of a backdrop of US flags and a pair of bald eagles.

It was posted to mark Star Wars Day, celebrated on 4 May (or May the fourth) as a nod to the film series catchphrase: May the force be with you.

However, fans of the sci-fi film and television franchise pointed out that Trumps red lightsaber in the image marks him out as a villainous Sith Lord himself.

Trump faced further backlash from Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill who joked that Trump is full of Sith.
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A suspect has been identified and booked for felony vandalism after crashing through the front gate of actress Jennifer Anistons Bel Air home, authorities said.

Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, 48, has not been formally charged in the case, the Los Angeles Police Department told ABC News on Tuesday.

Authorities were still investigating Tuesday whether Carwyle was targeting the Friends actress, or if the crash was accidental. The 56-year-old star was home at the time of the incident, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys office is expected to decide which charges to file after the LAPD submits its case for review.

open image in gallery A suspect has been charged for crashing into the front gate of Jennifer Anistons home. ( Getty )

open image in gallery The scene outside Jennifer Anistons home on May 5, 2025 after a man crashed outside the front gate. ( Mega/Getty )

Shortly after the crash, local media previously reported that the suspect was a 70-year-old man. It was not immediately clear what caused the discrepancy in Carwyles age.

Carwyles booking was delayed after he was taken to the hospital complaining of back pain after hitting the gate, law enforcement sources told ABC.

The sources also noted law enforcement was looking into Carwyles background, as he his a minor criminal history. The investigation is being handled by the LAPDs specialist Threat Management Unit, which monitors harassment and stalking, including cases against public figures.

Carwyle was hauled out of the car and detained by a private security guard after the crash, a spokesperson for the LAPD told The Independent on Monday.

Aniston bought her 10,000 square-foot midcentury modern Bel Air manor for $21 million in 2012. The home, which was built in 1965 by the celebrated architect A. Quincy Jones, sits on a 3.4-acre plot on top of a hill with sweeping ocean and city views.

At the time of purchase, it had a guesthouse, swimming pool and vineyards. However, Aniston will soon be moving to a new home in Montecito, about 84 miles up the California coast.
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TV host Piers Morgan has slammed Kanye West for storming out of a live interview.

Teasing the interview before it dropped in full on his Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube channel, Morgan wrote on X: "Ye did walk out, after two minutes.. because he's a sniveling little coward who didn't want me to ask him why he's become a vile Hitler-loving Nazi-slathering anti-Semite. Happy to continue the interview when/if you grow a pair @kanyewest."

Barely a minute into the interview, the two got into a heated exchange that included a tense discussion of Wests social media followers. It came as they discussed the rapper's controversial past and some of his recent comments that prompted his ban from streaming platform Twitch.

At one point, West compared himself to John Lennon and Michael Jackson and accused the media of "putting out hate" about him when "there's so much love in the art I put out." Morgan, appearing baffled, paused before asking West what he was talking about.

"Now you are not taking accountability or responsibility," West said, upset that Morgan shorted his number of X followers by a million. "No sir, this is what you get for now we can, we can circle back when you can count."

West then took his earpiece out and walked out of the camera shot, leaving his friend Sneako who was sitting nearby and Morgan in silence.

Kanye West walked out of an interview with Piers Morgan ( Piers Morgan Uncensored )

"That's it for Ye," Sneako responded moments later when Morgan asked where West went. "But it was nice to meet you Piers."

West was live from Spain with Sneako, for the chat with Morgan on his Uncensored show which airs on his YouTube channel. When Morgan started by asking how West was doing, the rapper immediately got defensive about being addressed by his name.

Im doin good. I dont use the term West, you know, the whole drop the slave name idea? West said.

Morgan responded: OK, so we just call you Ye, yeah?

West agreed. After attempting to exchange pleasantries and asking West how he was doing, the rapper cut Morgan off and started ranting.

I already disagree it's not in contrast to so many people and artists that are championing the idea of someone being able to just express who they really are and have been able to go through the war of being attacked by the banks ... being attacked you know by ... the banks ... that's the best way to put it, being attacked by the banks and to still be here with this view is, you know, that's the win. So I think that's I'm in contrast to your contrast, West said before being cut off by Morgan.

OK, but the point I was gonna make is that, I watch what you put out on X  you've got 32 million followers, so you're one of the most followed people Morgan began before being halted by West.

Wait, now, look, right now you're not going to take inches off my d***, bro. Like, how many followers do I have? West interrupted.

A brief back-and-forth ensued before Morgan said: I'm told it's 33 million now. So congratulations, you're slightly bigger following than I thought.

Thats when West went on his final rant and stormed out.

Morgan blasted the rapper on his X profile, calling him a big baby and slamming him for walking off.

Well circle back when he is ready to answer questions about why he loves Hitler and hates Jews, Morgan said in one tweet.

He followed that with another repost of a clip from the interview and the caption: A massive d***.
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One of the latest  but hardly the least  critics to jump into the recent Star Wars fan pushback over Donald Trump is none other than Mark Hamill, whos the original Luke Skywalker in the movie series.

Hamill weighed in on a White House social media post on Star Wars Day, May 4, featuring a super-muscled version of the president wielding a lightsaber from Star Wars.

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 ... back into our Galaxy, said the post. Youre not the Rebellion  youre the Empire. May the 4th be with you.

The big blunder was that Trump was holding a red lightsaber, which just about everyone knows is the weapon used by the very same evil Sith lords named in the post and in the Star Wars movies  not the good guys.

Hamill flamed Trump for the goof-up, saying it proved Trump is full of Sith.

Hamills post on Bluesky triggered a parade of insulting Trump images, and a suggestion that he would better be represented by arch Star Wars villain Jabba the Hut.

Trump has yet to slap back at Hamills dig.

Hamill is no stranger to criticizing Trump. His attacks go back years to the presidents first administration, and he often uses a play on lines from Star Wars to attack Trump and his supporters.

At the Democratic National Convention last year, Hamill urged his followers in a TikTok video: We're at a time in our history we're fighting against real evil, so I beg you, please, don't go to the orange side.

He also fired off a stinging rebuke to a social media post of a family photo by the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, and husband, Jared Kushner, while the two were both White House aides in Trumps first administration.

The force is strong in my family, the first daughter posted.

Hamill responded: You misspelled Fraud.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, May 6. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin visited the Aghdam Industrial Park, Trend reports.

The Belarusian PM was briefed on ongoing projects at the Aghdam Industrial Park, one of the key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the region's economy and local production following the liberation of the territories

One of the flagship efforts to revitalize the economy and rebuild local industry in Azerbaijans Aghdam region is the Aghdam Industrial Park, established by presidential decree in May 2021. Spanning nearly 470 acres, the park is part of a broader strategy to restore territories retaken by Azerbaijan, unlock industrial potential, promote entrepreneurship, and boost employment in the manufacturing sector.

Government figures estimate total investment in the park at $148 million, with projections of more than 2,100 new jobs. Nine enterprises are currently operating at the site, with over ten more under construction.

During the visit, the Belarusian delegation donated a MAZ-5907C2-012 utility vehicle to the Azerbaijani state agency overseeing reconstruction in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districtsareas heavily damaged during decades of conflict.

The delegation also toured the village of Saryjaly, which was occupied by Armenian forces on July 23, 1993, during the First Karabakh War. The village was left in ruins, with homes, schools, and public infrastructure destroyed. Following Azerbaijans military gains in the 2020 conflict and the signing of a Russian-brokered cease-fire, Aghdam was returned to Azerbaijani control. A mass grave discovered in Saryjali after the withdrawal remains under investigation.

Prior to the occupation, the village was home to 239 families, or roughly 1,024 residents. Located just six kilometers from the center of Aghdam, the villages reconstruction began on October 4, 2022, under the guidance of Azerbaijans president. Once completed, the revamped village will accommodate 1,873 people, housed in 425 private homes spread across a site covering more than 123 hectares. The project will unfold in two phases.

A comprehensive infrastructure has been established to support the local community, including educational, economic, and social institutions. New facilities such as consumer service centers, a community club, and cultural venues have also been built. Essential utilities, including roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, and gas, have been restored. With these developments in place, the first residents have already started returning to their revitalized homes.
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The Independent is pleased to announce its inaugural content partnership with Latitude for 2025, bringing exclusive discussions to festival fans in the build-up to the event and live on stage in Suffolk.

Through June and July, weekly interviews will be broadcast on Instagram Live, with some of The Independents top journalists in conversation with some of the brilliant musicians, authors and comedians on this years Latitude lineup.

Each talk will focus on one of the main pillars that Latitude is celebrated for, weaving in insight and expertise from The Independents journalists.

The Instagram Live interview series will cover Literature and Theatre (9 June) Comedy (16 June), Debate (23 June), Wellness (30 June), and Music (7 July).

The evening Instagram Lives will be available to watch on both The Independent and Latitude channels, allowing festival fans an early preview of what to expect at the main event.

Guests for the Instagram Live talks will be announced in the coming weeks.

At the festival itself, which takes place between 24 to 27 July, a writer from The Independent will host a talk with a much-loved and soon-to-be-announced act on the Listening Post stage.

open image in gallery Fatboy Slim is one of the headliners at this years Latitude Festival ( Samir Hussein/Getty )

Among the artists on this years eclectic lineup are Sting, Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Sigrid, Basement Jaxx and Elbow, as well as a top comedy roster featuring Reggie Watts, Greg Davies and Bridget Christie.

Latitude will also host a number of science debates at the newly announced The Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science and Culture, starring renowned speakers including Dr Helen Czerski, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Dr Erica McAlister.

Chloe Hubbard, UK Editor for The Independent, said: Latitude really is a special festival  it's a truly unique event and a personal favourite of mine. We're delighted to be a part of it this year, kicking off the Latitude magic with brilliant preview conversations in the run up to the festival and joining the action at the beautiful Henham Park.

Melvin Benn, Founder and Managing Director of Latitude Festival, commented: We are thrilled to partner with The Independent on this exciting content collaboration. Latitude has always been a space for discovery, dialogue, and diverse voices.

With The Independents shared dedication to championing creativity that provokes thought, inspires, and fosters connection, this partnership will extend that vision beyond the festival grounds. Together, we will bring compelling conversations across music, arts, and ideas to an even wider audience both ahead of this years festival and on-site."

Day tickets start from 110 plus booking fees for adults, and 18 plus booking fees for children. Weekend tickets start from 308 for adults plus booking fees, 190 plus booking fees for teenagers, and 28 plus booking fees for children.
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A review by The Associated Press has reaffirmed the photo credit for one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War, nearly 52 years after it was taken.

The image, depicting a naked young girl fleeing a napalm attack, has long been attributed to AP photographer Nick Ut, and despite recent challenges, the news agency stands by its attribution.

The review, a 96-page report and the second examination in recent months, was prompted by the documentary "The Stringer," which premiered at Sundance in January.

The film alleges that the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph was actually taken by Nguyen Thanh Nghe, not Ut. The APs investigation delved into the historical record, examining available evidence and technological limitations, ultimately concluding that there is "no definitive evidence" to support changing the photo credit.

While acknowledging the possibility that Ut captured the image, the AP report highlights the challenges in definitively proving authorship after so many years.

The passage of time, the absence of crucial evidence, technological constraints, and the deaths of key individuals involved have all contributed to the complexity of the situation. The report explicitly states that the investigation found no proof that Nguyen took the photograph. This reinforces the APs stance on maintaining the existing attribution to Nick Ut.

We left nothing uncovered that we're aware of and we've done it with a great deal of respect to everybody involved, said Derl McCrudden, an AP vice president who heads global news production.

It makes no difference to us if we changed the credit, but it has to be based on facts and evidence. And there is no definitive evidence proving that Nick Ut did not take this picture.

open image in gallery South Vietnamese forces follow after terrified children, including 9-year-old Kim Phuc, center, as they run down Route 1 near Trang Bang after an aerial napalm attack on suspected Viet Cong hiding places, June 8, 1972 ( AP )

The AP's latest study involved further interviews, examination of cameras, building a 3D model of the scene and studying photo negatives that survive from June 8, 1972, the date of the photo.

The report revealed inconsistencies on both sides. The prize-winning photo was apparently taken on a Pentax camera, not a Leica as Ut had long claimed. Nguyen told AP he was not working for NBC that day, as was earlier asserted. Of 10 people on the scene that day that the AP reached, Nguyen is the only one who believes that Ut didn't take the picture, the report said.

The report said that believing Nguyen's story would require several leaps of faith, including believing that the only time he ever sold a photo to a Western news agency it turned out to be one of the most famous images of the century.

An attorney for Ut did not immediately return an email Tuesday. Ut has strongly maintained that the photo is his.
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JK Rowling has said she would never get an actor fired from the new Harry Potter TV series because of their pro-trans views.

Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Severeus Snape in the forthcoming HBO project, is among the hundreds of TV and film professionals who signed a letter calling for industry action on trans rights.

The letter was compiled in the wake of the controversial UK Supreme Court ruling that gender is legally based on biological sex, a decision that was celebrated by controversial author Rowling and decried by LGBT+ activist groups.

HBOs Harry Potter TV series has divided fans and stars of the Wizarding World franchise due to what many people say is Rowlings history of transphobic rhetoric. Although the series is yet to start production, there is already a growing backlash, with many questioning those involved over their stance on the trans community.

After Essiedus appearance as a signatory on the letter, an insider told MailOnline that Rowling would not be bothered one iota by Essiedus decision  and wouldnt dream of intervening to get him sacked, despite being heavily involved in the project.

Addressing this report X/Twitter, Rowling wrote: I dont have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldnt exercise it if I did.

I dont believe in taking away peoples jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.

open image in gallery JK Rowling addressed claims she could get actors fired from new Harry Potter show ( X/Twitter )

Rowling was a vocal supporter of the Supreme Court ruling on 17 April. Moments after the decision, she posted on X, I love it when a plan comes together #SupremeCourt #WomensRights, alongside a photo of herself on a yacht, smoking a cigar and holding a cocktail.

The new letter has amassed more than 400 signatures, and states that the court ruling undermines and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK and excludes them from participation in everyday life.

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Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history, the letter reads.

open image in gallery JK Rowling celebrated the UK supreme court ruling against trans community ( YouTube )

Other stars to have signed the letter include Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), James Norton (Happy Valley) and Eddie Redmayne, who played the lead in Rowlings Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise.

This isnt the first time Harry Potter stars have expressed support for the trans community, with original film stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson among those who have spoken out on the subject.

Rowling has become ostracised from the former child actors due to her views on trans rights  and she previously said she would not forgive the actors for criticising her opinions, telling them to save their apologies.

Despite Essiedu signing the letter, his decision to join a new Potter project has not sat well with many fans amid Rowlings views on trans issues.

open image in gallery Paapa Essiedu signed a pro-trans open letter after being cast in new Harry Potter series ( Sky )

On Reddit, one user accused Essiedu of having his cake and eating it too. Another wrote: I know one other thing you can do to support trans people, Paapa.

Meanwhile, John Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the show, responded to the fallout, calling it odd, adding that discourse surrounding Rowlings views on trans issues shouldnt be a factor at all.
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John Oliver shared his honest thoughts on whether Saturday Night Live is capable of resonating with viewers in a different country.

On Monday, the Last Week Tonight host was interviewed by Seth Meyers on his eponymous Late Night show, where Oliver admitted that a U.K. version of the beloved comedy sketch show would be a terrible idea.

We have had sketch comedy before, and I just feel like something like this is such a unique group, the British comedian told Meyers, who was previously a cast member on SNL.

Its a cult. Im trying to not say the word  its a cult, Oliver continued. And so, I dont know how you can impose that cult onto the U.K.

When Meyers then asked what made SNL seem like a cult, Oliver responded candidly about the cast members tradition of staying up all night to rehearse.

Im saying thats the kind of thing a cult leader would make you do, Oliver said. We stay up all night on Tuesdays, by the way!

I dont know how you can impose that cult onto the U.K., Oliver said ( AFP via Getty Images )

He then acknowledged that other comedy shows are made without having their workers spend 24 hours without sleeping. I think its been proven that SNL is the outlier, he said. It doesnt have to be dictated to the day that you must not sleep on that day or the great leader will be irritated.

Sky first announced last month that it would bring a British version of the long-running show to audiences in the U.K. and Ireland, marking the first time the program will be produced outside the United States.

The British version will retain the originals signature style  it will be aired live late at night and feature a rotating roster of celebrity hosts, musical guests, and a regular cast of top British comedic talent.

Hosts will open each show with a new variation of the shows signature catchphrase: Live from London  its Saturday night!

The American series has been on air since 1975 and has welcomed a long list of high-profile hosts over the decades, including Drew Barrymore, Taylor Swift, and Tom Hanks.

Across its nearly 50-year run, Saturday Night Live has also established a so-called Five-Timers Club  a nod to those who have hosted at least five times.

The comedy sketch show has also won more Emmy awards than any other show in history and is credited with launching the careers of Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, and Tina Fey, among others.

The U.K. debut of the show will be executive produced by SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who will continue to oversee the U.S. version simultaneously. Production will be handled by Broadway Video and Universal Television Alternative Studios U.K. team.
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The 2025 Met Gala marked a historic moment for Bollywood as superstar Shah Rukh Khan, musician and actor Diljit Dosanjh and actor Kiara Advani made their highly anticipated debuts at fashions most exclusive night.

Shah Rukh Khans first appearance at the gala was a moment of subtle power dressing, seamlessly weaving in the nights theme with his personal style.

Dressed by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Khan embodied the events theme, Tailored for You, which complemented the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

The exhibition focuses almost exclusively on menswear, with an emphasis on Black dandyism, a movement that emphasises style as a form of self-expression and resistance.

Khans ensemble featured a floor-length black coat crafted from Tasmanian superfine wool, with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons. Underneath, he wore a black crepe de Chine silk shirt, paired with tailored wool trousers and a pleated satin kamarband.

Mukherjee described the look as a tribute to Khans enduring cinematic legacy. Just to give a little more context, Shah Rukh Khan is probably one of the most famous men in the world, and his fan following is legendary, he explained.

We nearly had a stampede outside the hotel when we came out. When you get a man like this on the red carpet, especially when its Black dandy, representation is the most important thing. We wanted to represent Shah Rukh Khan as Shah Rukh Khan, and nobody else.

open image in gallery Shah Rukh Khan attends the 2025 Met Gala on 5 May 2025 ( Getty )

Khans shirt was left open at the chest, revealing a cluster of layered chains, including a crystal-studded K pendant, likely a nod to his King Khan moniker, and a diamond star brooch. He carried a cane with a bejewelled Bengal Tiger head, crafted in 18k gold with tourmalines, sapphires, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds.

Khan told Vogue livestream hosts Ego Nwodim and Teyana Taylor that he was very shy and so stuck to simpler looks and colours, which Mukherjee honoured.

I told Sabya I only wear black and white but what we designed for me is what Im most comfortable in, he said. Thats how I think it should be.

He dresses simply, and we respected that, Mukherjee told The New York Times, reinforcing the galas invitation to use the dress code to reinterpret their personal styles.

Overall, Khans look aimed to combine elements of Indias rich menswear legacy with the aesthetics of the Black dandy, brought to life through the Mughal-influenced silhouette of his coat, the traditional kamarband and the ornate jewellery layered with meaning. The ensemble recalled the regal presence of Indian maharajas while also channeling the self-assured elegance and cultural defiance that defines Black dandyism.

The King owned the carpet  Shah Rukh Khans grand Met Gala 2025 debut was nothing short of iconic! Draped in regal black, crowned with confidence, and shining with charisma  he redefined global fashion with that signature SRK flair. From Bollywood to the Met, he didnt just arrive  he ruled, one fan wrote on X.

Im OBSESSED. Thats such a perfect homage to the theme while also bringing in pathan influences?? Oh Im smiling so bad of course the Shah Rukh Khan devoured his Met gala debut, wrote another.

However, some fans were left disappointed with the toned-down nature of his outfit, with many saying that they wished Mukherjee had tried something more dramatic for Khan. I wish they wouldve gone bigger and bolder, one commenter wrote on a Reddit thread discussing his outfit.

Typing this through tears but SRK why did you do us so dirty? wrote another.

Dosanjh, on the other hand, set subtlety aside and chose to wear his heritage proudly on the blue carpet.

Known for consistently integrating his Punjabi background into his personal style, he showcased his roots with a regal ensemble that paid homage to Sikh royalty.

Working with designer Prabal Gurung and stylist Abhilasha Devnani, Dosanjh donned an ivory sherwani-inspired angrakha paired with a traditional tehmat, complemented by a sweeping cape intricately embroidered with cultural motifs  the Mool Mantra in Gurmukhi script, the map of Punjab, and renderings of peacocks and lotuses.

Dosanjhs look was intended to be a homage to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, one of the most opulent Indian royals of the early 20th century, best known for commissioning the legendary Patiala necklace from Cartier in 1928.

Dosanjhs layered necklace was commissioned specifically for his look, as his stylist was unable to borrow the original. Instead of the walking stick often associated with Black dandyism, Dosanjh carried a lion-headed, jewel-encrusted kirpan, a powerful symbol of duty and protection in Sikh culture.

open image in gallery Diljit Dosanjhs look is a homage to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, one of the most opulent Indian royals of the early 20th century ( Getty )

Its all about carrying your identity with pride, right? he told The New York Times before the event. Dosanjh, just as Khan did, used the Met Galas theme to reinterpret Black dandyism through his own personal history and unmistakable Punjabi style.

In a thread on X deconstructing his look, a fan wrote: By showing up in his own cultural regalia at a night honoring Black fashion, hes not co-optinghes standing with it. Celebrating the shared roots of style as resistance and acknowledging that honoring one culture doesnt mean erasing your own. In a room full of tailored suits, Diljit chose a turban and a sword. That, too, is dandyism. That, too, is tailored to him.

What Diljit did at the Met Gala is bigger than fashion. Its about visibility, pride, and telling our stories on global platforms. So emotional right now, wrote another.

Kiara Advani too made a powerful debut, choosing to interpret the theme with an outfit that fused her personal journey with a cultural homage.

open image in gallery Kiara Advani makes a powerful debut at the Met Gala in a custom couture creation by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta ( Getty )

open image in gallery At the heart of Kiara Advanis look was an antique gold breastplate, sculpted to depict two hearts, mother and child, connected by an abstract umbilical cord ( Getty )

She wore a custom couture creation by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, featuring a sleek black off-the-shoulder gown with a dramatic white satin cape edged in black, a nod to the late fashion editor Andre Leon Talleys iconic 2010 Met Gala look.

At the heart of her look was an antique gold breastplate, sculpted to depict two hearts, mother and child, connected by an abstract umbilical cord, which Gupta described as a celebration of the transformative phase the visibly pregnant Advani would soon be stepping into.

The breastplate was further adorned with ghungroos and crystals, blending Indian ornamentation with the kind of architectural silhouettes Gupta is known for.
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IM TRYING TO REBUILD BRIDGES WITH MY ADOPTED SON

I am trying to reconnect with my adopted son.

We had a row a few months in which I said some things I deeply regret.

Hed been living with me for about a year after his last relationship fell apart, something that has happened far too many times.

I live in one-bed flat and struggle to cope on a small pension.

He slept on a sofa-bed in the sitting room, so it was not easy having him and his things around all the time, especially as he seemed incapable of holding down a steady job. We were irritable with each other, and we had a lot of arguments.

During a particularly nasty one I told him he was immature and that, at 32, he should be standing on his own two feet and living in his own place.

He said that this just proved that I never really loved him as I wasnt his natural mother. I told him that I had always loved him and that this had nothing to do with the fact that he was adopted.

It was simply that I couldnt cope with him staying with me for long periods.

He couldnt accept this and stormed out the same day and I havent seen or spoken to him since, though I have tried. He ignores my calls and avoids me on social media.

A friend spotted him in town coming out of a house one morning and looking like he was heading off to work, so this might be where he is living now.

I can understand why he might be angry with me, but I really do love and care about him. And it hurts that he has cut me off completely. What can I do?

T. C.

FIONA SAYS: REACH OUT WITH LOVE AND GIVE HIM SPACE TO HEAL

When an adoptee learns that he or she was adopted it often creates a complex mix of emotions.

Some can hold onto the love, trust and shared experiences that they have built up with their adoptive parents and carry on as though nothing has happened.

Others might feel confused, hurt or even betrayed that a secret was kept from them.

Others may start to question why their birth parents gave them up for adoption. Did they have a good reason or was it that they simply didnt love their child?

Other adoptees blame themselves or feel that they were somehow not good enough.

All these doubts can have long-lasting effects on an adoptees self-esteem. They can also mean that an adoptee will doubt that their adoptive parents ever really loved them, as youve found.

Its not clear from your letter how long your son has known he is adopted but his history of broken relationships suggests that he has many of these doubts.

Its clear from your letter that you care for him deeply, so I think the task ahead is to convince him of this.

A face-to-face confrontation on his doorstep might make him feel uncomfortable.

As he seems determined to ignore your digital approaches, perhaps you should send a letter to the address that your friends noted. This will give him time consider his response.

Explain that you love him and want to see him again. Say that you regret the things you said and hope he can forgive you.

Hopefully he will find a way, but dealing with the adoption issue going forwards may continue to be challenging.

For that reason I think you both might find it helpful to contact PAC-UK Adoption and Permanency Support (pac-uk.org), part of the national charity Family Action.

Readers in Scotland can contact Adoption UK in Scotland (adoptionuk.org/scotland).

HOW DO I STOP THINKING IM GOING TO DIE YOUNG?

I have always been convinced that I was going to die young.

Two years ago, when I was 33, a large lump was found in my left breast and my worst fears seemed about to unfold.

After an anxiety-filled wait I finally found out that the lump was not malignant but would require major surgery and bit of breast reconstruction.

I had to wait about five months for the surgery and nothing the doctors or nurses said could stop me from worrying.

I thought things would improve after the surgery but about six months ago I started losing weight and feeling down all the time.

Im not proud to admit that I slept around a lot over this period, probably to prove that I was still attractive.

Anyway, I am now so very scared that I have AIDS, and its keeping me awake at night. My sister made me have an HIV test, but I have been too frightened to go back to get the result.

All I can think about now are the stupid mistakes Ive made in my life and how its all going to end badly very soon.

Ive taken a lot of time off work, and I am sure they are going to fire me soon.

Please help, I am so frightened.

M. C.

FIONA SAYS: DONT LET FEAR RULE YOUR LIFE  GET HELP NOW

Your imagination coupled with severe anxiety is creating lots of terrifying scenarios for you that are likely far more traumatic for your health than any number of real conditions.

So please, take a couple of deep breaths then, as soon as you can, see your GP to discuss the HIV test and the symptoms youre currently experiencing.

Nothing can be worse that the uncertain limbo youre currently stuck in.

Health anxiety like this, general stress and depression are very real conditions that can have lasting impacts on your health.

However, they ARE treatable, so please dont feel that you need to face them alone.

In the meantime, please confide in your sister or a friend and get their emotional and practical support. A problem shared is a problem halved may be a hackneyed saying, but its true nonetheless.

If the HIV test proves positive, youll be in the right place to get treatment, and remember, even if it IS positive, this doesnt mean you have AIDS.

With early diagnosis and treatment, a positive HIV diagnosis is no longer the life-threatening illness it once was and many individuals will lead long, healthy lives.

While you wait to see your GP, try to stop blaming yourself or feeling guilty for what you see as mistakes in your life. Youve done nothing wrong that I can see and worrying about the past solves nothing.

If you continue as you are, I think you will quite literally worry yourself sick, so please tackle this now.

AM I TOO OLD TO MAKE FRIENDS?

I am 66, recently retired and and live on my own.

My wife died a few years ago and, to cope, I threw myself into my job. I had a few close colleagues but, now that I have left, I realise I have no real friends of my own age.

In the past, this hasnt really bothered me as I have always been something of a loner. However, six months into retirement, I find myself needing more in my life and actually feeling lonely sometimes too.

Id like to get out to do more (not simply mess around with a computer) and make new friends, but have no idea how to do this.

Have I left it too late?

T. A.

FIONA SAYS: DONT BE AFRAID TO LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Making new friends in later life can feel challenging, especially if youve been something of a loner most of your life.

However, its certainly never too late to start meeting new people and developing lasting friendships.

And the scope of things you might do to make this happen is only limited by your imagination and your willingness to get involved.

I am going to throw a few broad ideas at you and hope thats something sticks.

The University of the Third Age  U3A (u3a.org.uk) is a member organisation where older people can develop new interests, make new friends and have fun along the way.

If you still fit and active many gyms offer classes or facilities often aimed specifically at older people, as do many walking groups like the Ramblers (ramblers.org.uk).

Charities or campaigning groups are always looking for volunteers.

If you struggle to get started and just want someone to chat to contact the Silver Line (thesilverline.org.uk).

I would only add, dont be afraid to say yes, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.

IVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE WEDDING  SHOULD I SPEAK UP?

My stepdaughters wedding is only six weeks away and I am feeling completely left out.

My son is an usher and my husband, her father, is giving her away. Despite this, I have been asked not to sit in the front row with my husband as she wants her mother to sit there.

I know its her special day but that hurts. It also hurts that the wedding invitations were from her mother and father, although he is using our joint funds to pay for most things.

On that basis I do feel I should be more involved. Is she deliberately snubbing me and should I say something?

B. B.

FIONA SAYS: SHOW SUPPORT IN A LOW-PRESSURED WAY

I doubt she is deliberately snubbing you, its far more likely that she does not want to be reminded on her wedding day that marriages can and do fail.

Shes also somewhat stuck with wedding protocol where its traditional that the father and mother of the bride sit in the front row along with any bridesmaids.

I know it feels hurtful, but I am sure that is not the intent.

So please think carefully before saying something that might spoil your stepdaughters day, as well as your ongoing relationship with her.

Instead offer to help in a low-pressure way perhaps with any behind-the-scenes tasks.

Then enjoy the wedding day and show support in a gracious and dignified way. If it helps, think of this as your special wedding gift to her.
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Lorraine Kelly has shared a health update after undergoing surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The Scottish TV presenter, best known for hosting the ITV morning programme Lorraine, told fans on Saturday that she was having the minimally invasive procedure keyhole surgery after not feeling all that well for a little while.

In an update on Monday (5 May), Kelly shared a picture of herself sitting in a wheelchair surrounded by five members of hospital staff, telling fans that she has returned home and was following doctors orders.

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  My surgeon Mr Ahmed Rafaat has been so reassuring throughout  and I cant thank the whole team enough!

The presenter has been met with well-wishes from celebrity colleagues and friends, with Strictly Come Dancingstar Amy Dowden writing: Sending lots of love xxxx.

Lorraine host Christine Lampard sent three love-heart emojis while Katie Piper added: Glad you are home. Rest up.

BBC Radio 4 host Gaby Roslin said: Get well soon my darling. Big love.

Rest up, remarked Dannii Minogue, while Vanessa Feltz commented: Enjoy a bit of convalescence with your beautiful girls.

open image in gallery Lorraine Kelly pictured with the staff at Heather Wood hospital in Ascot ( Instagram/@lorrainekellysmith )

Kelly reassured fans on Saturday that the procedure was purely preventative and that she was going to be totally fine.

Just wanted to let you know that Im having a wee procedure today, she said in a video recorded from her hospital bed. Ive 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.

open image in gallery Lorraine Kelly underwent surgery to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed over the weekend ( Instagram/@lorrainekellysmith )

Kelly has been absent from her show so far this week, with Sian Welby standing in during Mondays programme, and Dermot OLeary taking over hosting duties on Tuesday.

The procedure, which is known as salpingo-oophorectomy, takes one to two hours and requires several more hours of recovery in hospital.

The NHS advises that you must stay off work for two to four weeks after having the procedure. Kelly did not state why she was having her ovaries removed, but it is typically done as a preventative measure if there's a significant risk of associated disease, such as ovarian cancer.
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The next few days are a special time for educators around the U.S. as its National Teacher Appreciation Week.

National Appreciation Week runs from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. National Teachers Day specifically falls on May 6.

This week, students are encouraged to share a token of their appreciation with their teachers, whether its a small gift or a written thank-you note.

However, teachers can also make their way to their favorite restaurants and stores this week and expect a treat. Offers range from major discounts on food to entirely free treats.

Here are all the spots celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week and what deals will be happening there until Friday.

Burger King

On National Teachers Day, Burger King is offering a free Whooper Jr. to teachers who made a purchase worth one dollar or more.

open image in gallery National Teachers Day falls on May 6 this year ( Getty Images )

Chipotle

Until May 13, teachers can sign up online for a chance to win a free burrito. Chipotle is giving $1 million worth of food to teachers. Once they sign up, entrants are randomly selected to receive a free e-gift card for Chipotle.

Insomnia Cookies

Until May 11, customers can get a buy-one, get-one-free deal on the Classic cookie at Insomnia Cookies. Customers must show their valid teacher ID at checkout, and the offer is only available in stores.

Sonic

Teachers who are a part of the Sonic Teachers Circle Rewards can expect many deals in stores. Educators who join the rewards program now can get a free snack or side with any purchase, a buy-one, get-one-free deal on a Sonic Blast, or a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger.

This deal lasts until May 9, and teachers can place orders either in store or on Sonics app.

Whataburger

Educators can get a free breakfast menu item at Whataburger this week. The offer lasts until May 9 and can only be used between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. The deal can also only be made in-store or at the drive-thru.

Tim Hortons

open image in gallery Tim Hortons is offering discounts for teachers this week ( Getty Images )

Until May 11, Tim Hortons is offering a discount for teachers at restaurants in the U.S. For educators who are part of Tims Reward loyalty program, they can buy a dozen donuts and get the next six or fewer for free. Or, they can buy one donut and get another one for free.

Krispy Kreme

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can receive a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme on May 7.

Staples

This year, Staples is offering teachers a free set of Tru Red Stick Pens while shopping in stores. The deal lasts until May 10, and it can be applied to when customers show a valid teacher ID.

In addition, teachers can get 20 percent off in-store purchases when they show their teacher IDs.

Samsung

Samsung is offering a major discount on select electronics in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Deals for educators include a $620 discount on the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 monitor, $300 off the curved 34-inch ViewFinity S65VC, and a $700 discount on the Samsung WAD Interactive Display.

Grimaldis

Grimaldis is offering 15 percent off all orders made by teachers who show a valid ID. The deal lasts until May 9.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels is currently offering 20 percent off all gift card purchases made in stores. So, you could get a gift card for your favorite teacher at a discounted price.

Shipley Do-Nuts

Today, teachers can receive a free order of half a dozen donuts. When redeeming this deal, which was also offered on May 4 and May 5, teachers dont have to make any other purchase.
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Oti Mabuse is decluttering her new home  and some Strictly Come Dancing fans are likely to be very happy about it.

The former Strictly dancer intends to make space in her new wardrobes by getting rid of some of the gorgeous dresses she wore on the show. And dance fans will be able to get their hands on them, because shes going to sell the glitzy dresses  and plenty of other clutter too  on eBay.

But getting rid of the dresses isnt proving quite as easy as she thought it would be.

Ive got some old Strictly dresses that I was going to put up for sale, she says, and then I put them on, and I was like Oh my gosh, they fit!

But I dont have a use for them any more, even though Im going on tour  were going to get completely new outfits. Its stuff like that, that I absolutely love and I have great, great memories of but Im not going to be using anytime soon. And I think some Strictly fans would be more than happy to have some dresses that have a bit of memory, that maybe they can frame up or can use themselves. So Im definitely decluttering that.

And will she be getting rid of many dresses?

I dont know  I think its endless, she says with a chuckle. Im still unpacking some of my clothes, and some of them  oh, my God, we all have that one dress where youre like one day Im going to fit back into that, and we keep it at the back of the closet. I have so many of those, so Ill probably just be getting them out and getting rid of them.

Mabuse, 34, had her first child, a daughter, 17 months ago  but she admits her maternity clothes will not be part of her decluttering mission.

I really do want to grow my family, so thats probably my Oh, Im going to put that at the back of the closet in case one day it fits, she admits. So no, Im not getting rid of my maternity stuff.

But whether she uses her maternity gear in the future or not, the proud mum says pregnancy has 100% changed her body. And Im embracing every little bit of it, she insists. Everything is just a completely different size or shape or movement. But Im really loving my new body  its given me the most amazing human being in my life, and I wouldnt have it any other way.

The South African dancer, her Romanian dancer husband, Marius Iepure, and their precious baby girl moved house to the country a few months ago, but didnt get rid of much stuff before the move, so theyre determined to make space in their new home now.

Before this, I hadnt got rid of much, but now so much stuff is going up, she declares. I think old clothes sell really well, and stuff from the kitchen  appliances that I dont use any more, or stuff Ive bought that I havent used at all.

We have stuff from where we used to live that just doesnt fit or doesnt match the personality of where we are now that were not going to use and probably just leave in the garage. So thats stuff were definitely going to put up, as well as prams, baby car seats shes outgrown, baby toys  all that is going.

And she doesnt believe people need to be tough to have a big clear-out  just honest.

We get to a point where its not really about discipline, its just about how you feel in the moment. If you dont use something any more, you dont need it and somebody else can use it, thats great. I dont think you have to be disciplined and hard on yourself, you just have to be honest with yourself.

The kitchen appliances she intends to sell include a slow cooker, a smoothie maker and a mini-fridge, and she explains: We have a slow cooker that we genuinely dont use now because we have an air fryer, and a smoothie machine that we havent used in a really long time, and its good-quality stuff.

We have a mini-fridge from when I was breastfeeding, and we needed milk to be in the fridge while I was pumping in the night. I didnt want to walk up and down stairs, so I bought this little mini-fridge, and I think another mum could probably use that now.

Mabuse, whos also been a judge on Dancing on Ice, and is about to go on tour with her new show Viva Carnival, has even got her little daughter into a tidying mindset.

Shes a baby, but were really good when we play  she knows that once were done playing, we pack up and we put everything back in boxes, and we put them where they go, and then she goes to nursery. We want to instil that in her while shes still young. Shes already on it  she likes packing up and putting things back in boxes.

Mabuse, whose older sister is the dancer and Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, is hoping her decluttering  and her daughters love of putting things away  will give her little family much more space, and she says: Just space really, not even for anything  just to have space. I think it clears the mind for me, definitely, when coming back to a house thats clean, where I feel like I can think. Its really good for my mental health.

Research by eBay for its new List to 1K challenge, which is stressing spring cleaning and decluttering can earn households up to 1K from selling unused or pre-loved items, has found three-quarters (75%) of people are planning a spring clean this year, mainly to create more space (43%), improve mental wellbeing (37%), and make extra money (21%). Yet despite good intentions, 80% of UK adults admit to having unused or unwanted items in their homes.

More than half (54%) confess to keeping items just in case they need them in the future, with a quarter feeling they lack the time for a spring clean (25%) or dont know where to start (21%).

With it being spring, everybody will want to do a little bit of cleaning in the house, and you can take some of the items you dont use or need and make money on the side, says Mabuse.

The main reason people usually spring clean is to create more space and to improve their own mental health, and they can also make a little bit of extra money. Sometimes less is more  you can create a bigger space by having less things.

Oti Mabuse is supporting the eBay List to 1K challenge to encourage Brits to turn their unwanted items into cash.
 Close Prince Louis teases Prince George by copying behaviour at VE Day parade

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The King and Queen have unveiled portraits commissioned to mark their coronation, two years on since they were crowned.

Charles and Camilla gave the world the first glimpse of the separate full-length state portraits on display at the National Gallery, with artist Peter Kuhfeld saying he hoped his depiction of the monarch captured the man and the King.

The monarch and his wife were crowned two years ago on May 6 during a Westminster Abbey ceremony steeped in symbolism and history watched by millions.

The anniversary comes as the royal family continues to attend VE Day celebrations this week, to mark 80 years since the end of the war.

Camilla will appear at the Tower of London on Tuesday afternoon to view a new display of ceramic poppies, placed to reflect on the lasting legacy of conflict.

The visit comes after Buckingham Palaces balcony hosted commemorations - eight decades after King George VI first marked the Second World Wars end from the same spot.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met with the Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE Saqr Ghobash on 6 May during her official visit to the United Arab Emirates, the parliamentary Press and Public Relations Department told Trend.

Welcoming the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament cordially, Saqr Ghobash spoke of his confidence that the current visit would contribute to the development of the relations between the two countries and their legislatures. He emphasized the great importance that the UAE attaches to enhancing cooperation with Azerbaijan and spoke appreciatively of the progress achieved in the field of economic collaboration.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova remarked that this was her first visit to the United Arab Emirates in her capacity as Speaker of the Milli Majlis and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and high level of hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation.

It was said at the meeting that our countries are united by historical, religious, and cultural ties, while the bilateral relations continue to develop in a spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect, trust, and support. The discussion also hovered on the important role the joint efforts of the two countries leaders as well as high-level reciprocal visits had played in elevating the relationship to the level of strategic partnership.

The cooperation of the sides within international organizations was brought up, too. It was said that our countries successfully collaborate and support each other in international and regional bodies such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis told about the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, established on the initiative of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. It was said that the events held under Azerbaijans chairmanship contribute to the institutional development of the organization and the strengthening of its international standing. The Speaker expressed her satisfaction with the participation of representatives from the United Arab Emirates parliament in the activities of the Parliamentary Network.

Speaker of the Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash congratulated Sahiba Gafarova on her re-election as Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, remarking that the Network could play an important role in the context of the current polarization and tensions in international relations. He also emphasized that his country attaches great importance to cooperation within this platform.

It was said then that the links between the two legislatures advanced as confidently and in the spirit of the interstate relations. This cooperation, be it bilateral or through international parliamentary institutions, provides for positive results in the concerned area. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled fondly her previous encounters with the Speaker of the Federal National Council, pointing out that such contacts, including reciprocal visits, contributed favorably to the progress of the relationship. The important role that efforts of the friendship groups play in the strengthening of the inter-parliamentary ties was broached as well. Sahiba Gafarova voiced appreciation of the steady involvement of members of the UAE Parliament in the international events arranged by the Milli Majlis.

A very successful cooperation between the Azerbaijani COP29 Chairmanship and the UAE COP28 Chairmanship was mentioned as well. It was stressed that three delegates of the UAE Parliament had taken part in the Parliamentary Meeting on the COP29 sidelines and that there had been an exchange of experience in staging that event between the two sides.

The conversation also saw an exchange of views upon other matters of shared concern.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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In the shade of Stoke-on-Trents derelict pottery kilns, hidden from the surrounding town through dense layers of undergrowth, Dave is hunched over a giant glass bong encrusted with plastic jewels, pinching a baggie of dull grey powder.

I f***ing hate it, he says, jimmying the corners so that flecks of dust tumble into the bowl. That is about 10 worth. For a person who cant handle it, who hasnt got a strong mind, that would discombobulate their head to f***.

To outsiders, the drug is still called monkey dust, an absurd name that belies the synthetic stimulants sinister reputation. None of the users call it that, though. Its just dust  a name that seems more innocuous and mysterious.

Dave leans over the bong, a long scar on his neck arcing out from under his hoodie (a split jugular, he explains). He carefully touches the flame to the little grey mound, and inhales deeply, holding the smoke in his lungs.

This is what it does to people, he says, his lungs full. You just keep holding it in. The longer you hold it in the more you feel it.

He exhales, and immediately starts hacking up phlegm.

Straight away, Ive got my nervous cough come back, he says. I cant catch my breath properly. My heart is going a million miles an hour. I cant speak properly, cant think properly.

It brings out the evilness inside you, or whatever bad problems youve got.

open image in gallery Dave is a frequent dust user and was convicted for stabbing a man eight times in 2023 ( Ben Bryant )

The sun is very hot, and he peels off his hoodie. Suddenly he lurches towards me, and I step back. Im not like, going to attack you or anything like that, he laughs. Im just getting hot.

I met Dave while I was visiting Stoke-on-Trent for five months in 2023 to make a documentary about dust for the BBC. I was trying to find out why the drug seemed to be confined to North Staffordshire and what effect it had on people. Nobody seemed to be able to answer the first question, but many people told me that it was associated with aggression, psychosis and sexual exploitation.

I was a relatively reasonably functioning addict when I was on heroin. Dust is completely different Abi

Dave was impossible to keep track of  he was never in the same place, and his phone was always dead. One day, he disappeared. I found out months later hed been arrested for stabbing a man eight times and slashing his dog repeatedly in a row over a computer, while high on dust. He was convicted in October last year of attempted murder and received a seven-year sentence.

But it was a woman Dave was with who caught my attention. Ella* was still in her early twenties and, like everyone who takes dust, skinny and frail. Her story was desperately sad.

When I first took it, I got sexually abused, she says. Someone forced me into taking it and then raped me.

The drug made some men very sexual and others extremely paranoid, she says.

I want people to understand how it makes you feel, she says. I want everybody to just get off it. Because its horrible, it is horrible.

open image in gallery Women have reported incidents of rape and dust users often trade sexual acts for the drug ( Ben Bryant )

Ella was clearly traumatised but not helpless. She had recently overcome a heroin addiction and even tapered off methadone, the drug prescribed to addicts to help them stop using.

But this dust, I wont be able to stop it until I move from here, from Stoke-on-Trent, she says.

You cant get off it [here] because youre getting people pressurising me to take it, forcing me to take it when I dont want to.

Over time, I noticed that a surprising number of women were part of Stoke-on-Trents nomadic dust subculture, fading in and out of the strange tapestry of baroque architecture, Victorian terraces, crumbling bottle kilns and sterile retail parks; they were sleeping in tents secreted away in patches of overgrown post-industrial wasteland.

Theres a lot of women on it, says Abi*, a former sex worker. Youd be surprised by some of the people that are smoking it.

open image in gallery Stoke-on-Trent has a nomadic dust subculture where users sleep in tents in patches of post-industrial wasteland ( Ben Bryant )

Abi is in her forties and has been in Stoke-on-Trent long enough to know everybody on the scene. She used to live underneath one of Burslems bottle kilns  a claim I might not have believed, had I not myself witnessed a man sheltering in one. Abi knows women in their teens and as old as 60 who are on the drug. One of the realities of the drug culture, she explains, is sexual exploitation.

A pip-nosh is a blowjob for a pipe, she says. Youll get girls sit there in a room full of people and say, Ill suck your d*** for a pipe. You have to tell them to have some self-respect. And then you get blokes asking girls for pip-noshes.

Abi is now clean from dust after losing everything to the drug, she says.

On dust, you seem to feel like youre entitled to smoke anywhere. Like, wherever you are, you can sit in the middle of Hanley and just blast a pipe and not think anything of it, because its normal to you.

open image in gallery Some users live underneath Burslems bottle kilns ( Ben Bryant )

Hanley is one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent; Burslem is another. The city is ringed by pockets of investment: new hotels and retail parks for visitors to Alton Towers and the surrounding area, as well as impressive recent residential and commercial developments like the 60m Goods Yard. But its town centres remain in a state of disrepair. Many of the older hotels here house refugees and the homeless, and dusties wander the centres of Hanley, Burslem, and Longton.

The drugs popularity is in part a signal of the scale of deprivation among Stoke-on-Trents mostly white underclass. Following the collapse of its ceramics industry, the area has become the 13th (out of 317) most deprived local authority in England, according to the 2019 Indices of Deprivation. Dust, meanwhile, is probably the most cost-effective stimulant money can buy. It is cheaper than methamphetamine and crack and according to users, its effects are much longer-lasting; it comes from the class of drugs known as cathinones, a category that includes mephedrone  the former legal high that was popular in the early 2000s  and bath salts, a notorious drug that peaked in America in the 2010s.

The low price comes at a cost to its users, though. Earlier this year, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) compiled an updated harms assessment for synthetic cathinones. The drug most commonly detected in dust was MDPHP, part of a sub-class that is thought to produce more aggression and paranoia in users. The report cited recent studies on MDPHP that show it induced aggressive behaviour in mice. It also acknowledged research at Staffordshire University suggesting that homeless women are vulnerable to exploitative sexual violence associated with monkey dust use and that there had been reports of monkey dust being used to pay for sex work.

But the ACMD report stopped short of recommending that dust be reclassified as a class A drug, noting that the problem in North Staffordshire remained localised and that reclassification might increase the stigma for users and restrict their access to health and social care support.

open image in gallery Burslem is one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent ( Ben Bryant )

The question of why dust remains localised is an elusive one. In the mid-2010s, a new tier of drugs emerged out of the ashes of the legal highs boom. The New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) were imported from China via the dark web and sold by enterprising new entrants into the drug trade along different supply chains to legacy drugs like heroin and crack.

Dust is one such NPS. The most infamous, however, is spice, a synthetic cannabis mimic, which is the drug of choice in similarly deprived regions all over the UK. The question for Stoke-on-Trent is therefore perhaps not why monkey dust? but why not spice?

One unexamined cause is the citys strange, fragmented layout. Dusts itinerant users often walk for miles each day between Stoke-on-Trents six towns  something that is easier to do with a stimulant than a drug as incapacitating as spice.

There is also a simple reason why uptake has been slow outside of North Staffordshire, according to users: dust is horrible. There is arguably no drug more stigmatised as dirty, confusing, unpredictable and dangerous, especially among its user base. Almost everyone who takes it seems to hate it.

Abi thinks that the drug is more harmful than heroin.

I was a relatively reasonably functioning addict when I was on heroin. Dust is completely different, she says. It does need reclassifying to a class A, definitely.

open image in gallery Many traumatised dust users avoid support services and shelter in makeshift camps ( Ben Bryant )

Last year, an inquest found that a seven-week-old baby had been exposed to monkey dust before his death following cardiac arrest. One social worker who visited the home said conditions were some of the worst she had seen in 16 years.

Theres no child thats safe around dust heads, says Abi.

The government needs to recognise how detrimental its been. They want to come and have a walk around Stoke and have a look at all the mumbling and incoherent bollocks that theyll encounter. Because people are rotting away.

Stoke is in need of an intervention. There are charities and drug and alcohol support services that work hard to ease the burden on users, such as the Christian-run Community Night Shelter in Burslem, which provides much-needed community, support and food. But there are many traumatised individuals who seem to avoid these services altogether, and run a daily gauntlet with darker, far less sympathetic characters, who drive a cycle of drug use, sexual exploitation and violence.

A few nights later, I am at another makeshift camp in a different corner of Stoke-on-Trent. Its twilight, and another woman drifts into view through the trees and comes to sit by the fire. Kayleigh* is very small and looks hopelessly vulnerable. She talks at a hundred miles an hour and doesnt make a lot of sense. She says she is staying in a tent tonight, but sometimes she sleeps outside on her backpack. She has shaved her head.

I dont mind not having any hair, she says. Those bugs get all over you.

That evening, I accidentally inhale a cloud of dust. The smell is fetid  watery and corporeal, like fresh liver. The feeling is jittery, tense and deeply uncomfortable, as if my mind is a thread snatched between two pins. I drive home in the dark, paranoid and full of dread.
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Sean Diddy Combs built an empire that influenced musicians futures. Now, a panel of New Yorkers could determine his.

Jury selection began in the music moguls sex trafficking case on Monday. The early morning start on a drizzly day in Manhattan didnt deter about 100 people, members of the press and public alike, from lining up single file hoping to get a chance to hear the first day of the hotly anticipated trial.

Combs, 55, is charged with sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy for what prosecutors say was running a decades-long criminal enterprise in which he and allies forced women into sex and occasionally filmed it without their consent. He has vehemently denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Now, after refusing to take a plea deal, hes headed to trial, where a jury of 12 New Yorkers will decide his fate.

Sitting in the courtroom, the once massive figure in the music industry appeared meek.

His hair has gone gray. His style was buttoned-up. He even admitted he was nervous.

open image in gallery Diddy appeared unrecognizable inside the courtroom, where he admitted he was nervous as jury selection in his sex trafficking trial kicked off ( REUTERS )

Around noon, Combs attorneys asked for a brief bathroom break. The judge initially hesitated, saying he had hoped to get through 10 jurors before taking a break.

Im sorry your honor, Im a little nervous today, said Combs, sporting a navy sweater over a white-collared shirt  two of the few non-prison combinations he has been permitted to wear during his trial.

The judge allowed the restroom break.

District Judge Arun Subramanian questioned three dozen potential jurors on Monday, asking them about their history with sexual assault, sexual harassment or domestic violence, as well as how comfortable they were viewing videos or photos that contained physical violence or sexual activity. Jurors were also asked to disclose their history with crimes other than traffic violations. By the end of the day Monday, a dozen potential jurors were already excused.

Seating a panel of 12, as well as six alternates, is expected to take several days, given the high-profile nature of the case and the sensitivity of the alleged crimes that could make it difficult to find unbiased jurors.

One issue quickly became clear: many had already seen the footage of Diddy attacking his then-girlfriend in a hotel in 2016. His lawyers have said the video was altered, and prosecutors said they have excluded it from the case. Still, his defense team expressed concern over how potential jurors perceptions could be influenced by the clip.

Aside from recent headlines or documentaries pertaining to the criminal case, some recalled the more favorable parts of Diddys legacy.

One referenced the ABC/MTV reality series Making the Band. Another noted he was a fan of 90s hip hop. Another still said she grew up on MTV.

Kiara Williams, a longtime Diddy fan from the Bronx who was able to get inside the overflow room on her day off from work, told The Independent she hopes to see Diddy acquitted. But she also said she wanted to be there in person to find the truth. She hopes to attend the proceedings whenever she can for the next eight weeks.

open image in gallery A supporter of Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, heads to federal court in Manhattan to support the music mogul ( Ariana Baio / The Independent )

Outside of the federal courthouse, however, Diddy was rarely mentioned.

While the media rushed to catch a glimpse of the first day of jury selection in what is expected to be a long and high-profile case, few New Yorkers seemed aware of the events transpiring just feet away.

Throughout the morning, some passersby stopped briefly to ask reporters what the fanfare was about. One couple, who got married at the civil courthouse down the street, snapped a photo of the media crowded outside to remember their special day.

No protesters or supporters came out to make their voices heard. Only one man, wearing a Free Puff sweatshirt and Puff hat referring to Combs other identity, Puff Daddy showed up to demonstrate for the former music mogul. But he, too, did not take questions or make a statement to reporters as he walked into the courthouse.

Aspiring influencers made an effort to show up hours after jury selection began. Just before noon, several people holding selfie sticks live-streamed the scene outside. It was a dreary day featuring reporters standing around.

Jury selection continues Tuesday.
 Close Diddy trial day 2: Jury selection continues

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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.
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A New York highway superintendent shot a DoorDash driver in the back after the lost delivery worker had stopped at his home to ask for directions, authorities said.

John J. Reilly, 48, faces felony charges in the shooting of the driver, who was allegedly having trouble with his GPS app and was unable to find the right house for a delivery, according to the New York State Police.

Police said the driver, who has not been named, had approached several homes on Valerie Drive in Chester asking for directions before knocking on the door of Reillys home around 9:50 p.m.

Reilly, who is the Town of Chester highway superintendent and a federally licensed firearms dealer, told him to get off his property, police said.

As the driver turned and attempted to leave in his car, police said Reilly fired at him several times, striking him once in the back.

While the gunshot caused serious physical injuries and led to emergency surgery, his injuries are not at this time expected to be fatal, a spokesman for the Orange County district attorneys office told ABC7.

No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood, a DoorDash spokesman said in a statement to the New York Times. Were devastated by this senseless act of violence, and were wishing the Dasher a full and speedy recovery. Well continue to work closely with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic incident.

Reilly, who has been the towns highway superintendent since 2021, was arrested on Saturday and arraigned on charges of first-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.

open image in gallery Ralph Yarl (right) was shot by the homeowner, 86-year-old Andrew Lester, when he went to the wrong house in Kansas City to pick up his younger brothers ( AP )

Chester's Town Supervisor, Brandon Holridge, released a statement on Monday, announcing that that the investigation would be handled by the New York State Police, and not the Chester Police Department, because Reilly is a town official.

We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far, Holridge said. We hope the person who was injured in the incident makes a full and healthy recovery.

Reilly was booked into Orange County Jail with his bail set at $250,000. A preliminary hearing has been set for Friday morning in the Town of Chester.

The incident follows a rash of shootings in recent years in which people were shot after they knocked on the wrong door.

In 2023, 66-year-old Kevin Monahan opened fire on a car that had mistakenly entered his driveway at his home in Upstate New York, killing Kaylin Gillis, a 20-year-old woman sitting in the passenger seat. The women had been trying to find a friends home in the neighborhood. Monahan was sentenced to 25 years in prison for second degree murder.

That same year, a Black teenager by the name of Ralph Yarl, was shot by the homeowner, 86-year-old Andrew Lester, when he went to the wrong house in Kansas City to pick up his younger brothers.

Lester pleaded guilty to second-degree assault, but died just a few days later, before he could be sentenced.
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A British student nurses roommate has been charged with her murder after she was stabbed to death in Texas.

Elizabeth Odunsi, known to her friends and family as Tamilore Odunsi, was found with multiple stab wounds on the kitchen floor of a property in Houston on April 26.

Chester Lamar Grant was arrested on Friday and later charged with her murder after being taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Detectives were called to the property, above an apartment complex, for a welfare check and did not receive an answer when they knocked on the door, police said.

As well as discovering Odunsis body, officers found a man in a bedroom with at least one stab wound.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to bring Odunsis body back to the UK from the US.

open image in gallery Chester Lamar Grant has been charged with Elizabeth Odunsis murder ( Houston Police )

The 23-year-old went by the name of Tami Dollars on the social media platform TikTok and had amassed more than 45,000 followers.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and was killed just days before she was set to graduate from university, the page said.

Tami was a beautiful soul, full of light, ambition, and kindness. She was just 23 years old, it said.

A devoted Christian, she was a God-fearing young woman who found strength and joy in her faith.

She had a deep love for her church community, where she was actively involved and always eager to serve others with humility and grace.

The page said Odunsi had travelled to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, dedicating herself to a life of care and service.

It continued: 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.

The fundraiser has raised more than 64,000 (US$85,000) towards the cost of Odunsis repatriation, funeral, and burial, and to support our family during this incredibly painful time.
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The FBI is growing more and more concerned about a loose group of online, violent predators known as 764, who coerce young girls into harming themselves and producing explicit content.

Late last month, authorities arrested two men believed to prominent members of the extremist group: 21-year-old Leonidas Varagiannis and 20-year-old Prasan Nepal. Theyre accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.

Varagiannis, Nepal and other members have coerced young girls into creating sexual abuse material and even ordered their victims to commit acts of self-harm while engaging in psychological torment and extreme violence against them, the Department of Justice alleges.

The group is widespread, police warn. The FBI has more than 250 open investigations into the group, and every single one of its 55 field offices is handling a 764-related case, FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the head of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, told ABC News.

The group has targeted victims as young as nine, and there could be thousands of victims around the world, Scott said.

Heres what you need to know about the online extremist group:

open image in gallery Prasan Nepal was one of two men arrested last month for allegedly leading 764 ( Guilford County Sheriffs Office )

What is the group 764?

The group 764 is a violent online network that seeks to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors, according to the Department of Justice. The networks goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the U.S. Government.

Members of the group target vulnerable children online and coerce them into producing explicit content, according to investigators. This content includes cut signs and blood signs that victims would cut into their bodies.

Members force children to engage in self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder, the Department of Justice said.

The network also shares violent content with its victims in hopes of desensitizing them, investigators say. Some members even glorify mass casualty events like the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and introduce their victims to neo-Nazism or Satanism, ABC News reports.

open image in gallery The Department of Justice describes 764 as a violent online network that targets vulnerable populations, which often includes minors ( AFP via Getty Images )

Who is the group targeting?

The group targets young girls they view as vulnerable, investigators say.

A recent criminal complaint filed against the groups alleged leaders includes materials used by the group instructing members how to manipulate and abuse girls.

In order to manipulate into one producing content in your name, you must make her feel loved to the point she does not want to let go or lose you, and thats when you start requesting work like blood signs, the alleged instructions read.

The best woman to target are ones that have depression or mentally ill ones, the instructions continue.

One victim, a 17-year-old Connecticut girl, was first targeted on Roblox and Discord, ABC News reports. The alleged 764 member who targeted her then convinced her they were a couple, and she sent him sexual photos.

She went on to produce several pieces of content for the group, including a nude Barbie doll with 764 written on its forehead and a note written in her blood calling the man who targeted her a god.

open image in gallery The FBI is growing more concerned about the widespread online group 764 ( Vernon Police Department )

The girl even allegedly helped direct a series of threats to local schools in 2023 and 2024, ABC News reports.

Scott said its common 764 victims like her to then become subjects" by perpetrating acts "on behalf of the individual who victimized them.

The girl was eventually arrested on conspiracy-related charges and referred to juvenile court. Even before her arrest, however, she had started to resist some of the demands directed at her. This led to her family home being swatted, which is when someone falsely reports a crime or violence to try and induce SWAT teams to a location.

The man at the center of the Connecticut girls case is still under investigation by authorities, according to ABC News.

Spokespeople for both Roblox and Discord told ABC News said their companies are committed to creating safe spaces online and have policies in place to prohibit the abuse of children.

What warning signs should parents look out for?

Parents should look for changes in their childrens activities, behavior and personality, Scott told ABC News. They should also keep an eye out for questionable injuries to family pets and evidence of self-harm. Signs of self-harm could include a child wearing long-sleeved clothes or trying to cover their body on hot days, Scott told the outlet.

"Just be on the lookout for any of those things that are alarming, and just have in the back of your mind that this may all be a result of what is happening online," Vernon Police Detective Tommy Van Tasel, who worked on the Connecticut girls 764 case, told ABC News.

If you are based in the U.S. and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can also speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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An elderly man crashed his vehicle through the front gates of Friends star Jennifer Anistons house in Bel Air on Monday afternoon while the actress was at home, police say.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told The Independent that its officers were called to Anistons 10,000 square foot pad at 12:20 p.m. by reports of a burglary.

An adult white male had crashed his vehicle through the gates of the property before being hauled out of the car and detained by a private security guard, the spokesperson said.

Offers took the man into custody and are still investigating whether the crash was accidental or deliberate.

Local broadcaster KABC put the mans age at 70 years old, and said Aniston was at home during the incident. He has reportedly been booked for felony vandalism due to the damage caused.

open image in gallery Jennifer Aniston's house in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles ( Google Earth )

Sources close to the investigation told KABC that the man appeared to have a minor criminal history, but they had not yet found any signs he was targeting Aniston in particular.

ABC News also reported that the investigation will be handled by the LAPDs specialist Threat Management Unit, which monitors harassment and stalking including against public figures.

The Independent has asked Anistons PR representatives for comment.

open image in gallery Anistons private security (pictured) allegedly detained the elderly man after the crash ( Fox )

According to past coverage, Aniston bought the midcentury modern Bel Air manor for $21 million in 2012.

Built in 1965 by the celebrated architect A. Quincy Jones, it sits on a 3.4 acre lot atop a hill with sweeping ocean and city views, and at the time of purchase it had a guesthouse, swimming pool, and vineyards.

In 2015 Aniston, whose net worth was estimated to be around $200 million by Forbes in 2017, married fellow actor Justin Theroux at the house, and they lived there together for three years before divorcing in 2018.

The estate is just up the road from another house owned by superstar actress Meg Ryan, who listed it for sale in 2012.

open image in gallery Jennifer Aniston was reported to have been at home at the time of the incident ( Getty Images )

Aniston will soon be moving to a new house in Montecito, about 84 miles up the California coast, where she will be neighbors with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as with TV hosts Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, actress Cameron Diaz, comedian Larry David, and pop star Ariana Grande.

The four-bedroom Tuscan-style farmhouse was bought for nearly $15 million from Winfrey in 2022, and has been under renovation for the last three years. Winfrey will continue to live at her much larger 66-acre estate just next door.

open image in gallery The former Friends star at the 76th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles in September last year ( AFP via Getty Images )

Aniston, now 56, shot to fame in the 90s and early 2000s for her role as Rachel in the seminal NBC sitcom Friends, before starring in numerous Hollywood films including Bruce Almighty (2003), Hes Just Not That Into You (2009), and Horrible Bosses (2011).

This story was first published at 16:33 Pacific Time on Monday May 5, 2025, and has been continuously updated with new information since then.
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Texas authorities are searching for a man wanted for allegedly murdering his neighbor after he removed his ankle monitor and went missing.

Trevor McEuen, 32, failed to show up to court Monday in connection with a capital murder in Kaufman County, the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

McEuen has an active warrant for bail revocation for capital murder.

In a written statement, Sheriff Kevin Bridger said, 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."

Officials searched the area of US Hwy 80 east of Grand Saline on Monday, but said in an additional update that the area had been cleared. Its thought McEuen fled from the area.

Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to McEuen's arrest.

open image in gallery A flyer seeking information leading to McEuen's arrest ( Kaufman County Sheriff's Office )

Police are advising members of the public against approaching the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office at 469-376-4500. People wishing to leave anonymous tips can do so at 877-847-7522.

Police accuse McEuen of murdering his neighbor, Aaron Martinez, 35, in May 2023. Martinez was fatally shot in his pickup truck. McEuen was arrested after a SWAT standoff and negotiation.

The victims family told CBS News they believed McEuen committed the crime because of the victims Hispanic heritage. Family members said McEuen told Martinez Hispanics were not welcome.

In July 2022, a police incident report showed McEuen had pointed a gun at the victim, fired at his property and threatened his employees.

The Kaufman County Sheriffs Office, the prosecuting agency, said there is no evidence to suggest McEuens alleged actions centered around the mans race.

The suspect was being held on $2m bond but was granted bail following a reduction hearing in December. According to the outlet, McEuen admitted to the murder in arrest documents. A capital offense means McEuen would be eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

After learning of McEuens disappearance, Martinezs relatives told CBS News they feared something like this would happen.

The family said they begged officials to keep the suspect in jail.

They said they had everything in their hands, he was monitored, no way he could flee," Elisandra Martinez, the victims sister, said. "He proved everyone wrong. Now we want him to be found."
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A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of a TV reporter who had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl.

Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old anchor and reporter for Telemundo based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his Kenner hotel room on February 5.

Investigators allege that Danette Colbert was spotted on hotel security footage leaving Manzano's room. She had met him earlier in the evening and returned to his room with him, but left alone. Colbert has since been charged with second-degree murder after police allegedly found her in possession of Manzano's credit cards and cellphone.

Prosecutors have now charged a second suspect, Rickey White, with second-degree murder and are considering him an accomplice to Colbert, according to the Associated Press.

White, 34, was arrested back in March on robbery and fraud charges related to Manzano's death. He was then extradited to Louisiana for trial.

open image in gallery Rickey White, 34, has been charged with second-degree in the death of Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano earlier this year ( Kenner Police Department )

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said during a March press conference that they had linked White to Colbert 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," he said.

Police did not explain exactly how White is being tied to Manzano's actual murder.

Kevin Boshea, the attorney representing Manzano, said he only found out about the murder charge against his client when a reporter called him.

When the AP asked Boshea about the new charges, the defense attorney naturally defended his client.

open image in gallery This photo provided by Telemundo Kansas City shows television reporter Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old anchor and reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Missouri, who was found dead in his hotel room in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner during Super Bowl week. ( Telemundo Kansas City )

"I don't think [White is] guilty of the other crimes," he said. "So, how can he be guilty of murder?"

Boshea said when he demanded that police provide evidence proving that White was in the New Orleans area on the night of the murder, he was met by silence.

In Louisiana, the state allows for second-degree murder charges to be brought against someone who distributed drugs that caused a death or for committing certain crimes  like robbery  that end in someone dying.

An autopsy report in March revealed that Manzano was lying face down on a pillow, which blocked his ability to breathe, after he had consumed a combination of alcohol and Xanax.

Police checked into Manzano's medical records and found no prescription for Xanax or similar depressants, but they did allegedly find Xanax on Colbert when they searched her home.

open image in gallery Danette Colbert was arrested in New Orleans in connection with the death of Kansas City Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was found dead in a Kenner, Lousiana hotel room while he was in the state covering the Super Bowl. Colbert has not been charged with Manzano's death, but she was found in possession of his cellphone and credit card in the days after he died ( Kenner Police Department )

This isn't the first time Colbert has been charged with drugging and stealing from a man. She was arrested twice in Las Vegas on felony charges for grand larceny and administering a drug to aid in a felony crime, according to court records.

In the Las Vegas incident, Colbert allegedly drugged men in their hotel rooms and stole their valuables. Attorney Daniel Lippmann, Colbert's attorney in the Las Vegas cases, the charges against her were dropped because the alleged victim declined to testify.

On the night of Manzano's murder, Colbert and White reportedly texted each other multiple times, with some of the messages allegedly containing discussions about getting victims' PIN numbers and about using "knock outs" to render victims unconscious, according to WWL-TV.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The official visit of the Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova, to the United Arab Emirates continues, the parliamentary Press and Public Relations Department told Trend.

During the visit, after the meeting at the Federal National Council held on 6 May, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two sides.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates was signed by the speakers of the two sides, Sahiba Gafarova and Saqr Ghobash.

A discourse was articulated indicating that the document would facilitate the augmentation of the parties' collaborative efforts, encompassing the synchronization and interchange of legislative expertise, while simultaneously ensuring the sustained proliferation of cooperative initiatives.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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A teenage lacrosse star was shot dead by a homeowner during an alleged break-in, but his accomplice told police it was a TikTok prank gone wrong.

Michael Bosworth Jr, 18, died after he was shot in the torso in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Police were called after they received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence near the area of Mackenzie Lane.

There, they found Bosworth, who later died from his injuries, another juvenile who was grazed by a bullet and a third teenager who was unharmed in the incident, Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. The two juveniles have not been named.

The group, according to an affidavit, were playing a viral TikTok prank known as Ding Dong Ditch, which involves knocking on peoples doors or ringing their doorbells and running away before residents answer.

open image in gallery A teenage lacrosse star was fatally shot by a homeowner during an alleged break-in. Michael Bosworth Jr, 18, was shot in the torso by the unnamed homeowner and later died from his injuries.. Bosworth and two other kids, who have not been named, were playing a TikTok prank on the homeowner, they said. ( PA Archive )

Detective Earle Swift wrote in the affidavit that one of the boys in the group told him that they werent there to steal anything and they had played the prank on a couple of homes before Bosworth was fatally shot.

Videos of the pranks were meant to be shared on TikTok, according to the affidavit obtained by the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star.

Bosworth, a senior at Massaponox High School, died on the day of the school prom and was due to graduate later this month. The prom went ahead as planned, the schools principal said in a letter sent to parents, and added that support was available for students affected by the incident. Images of Bosworth shared online showed him playing lacrosse.

As of Monday, no charges had been filed.

The Spotsylvania County commonwealths attorney is reviewing whether the homeowner, who has not been named, will face charges.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to the Vietnam News Agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Trend presents the interview:

- On May 7-8, 2025, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam will pay a state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. How would you assess the current state of bilateral relations and cooperation between our countries?

- First of all, I would like to note that Azerbaijan and Vietnam enjoy friendly relations, which have a history of more than half a century. In particular, in 1959, President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh visited the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1983, National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, who was First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers at the time, traveled to Vietnam. Undoubtedly, these landmark visits laid a solid foundation for the development of cooperation between our countries.

My state visit to your country in 2014 and the official visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Truong Tan Sang, to the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2015 opened a new chapter in the relations between our states and gave impetus to their further development. Within the framework of President Truong Tan Sang's visit to Azerbaijan, the first Azerbaijan-Vietnam business forum was held, which, along with government officials, was joined by representatives of business circles from oil and gas, energy, construction, information and communication, financial, industrial, trade, tourism, transportation, pharmaceutical and other spheres.

The Azerbaijan-Vietnam Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was established to develop cooperation in various fields and identify new areas of interaction. The Commission serves as an important platform for regular dialogue and effective realization of joint initiatives.

Political consultations are held through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the last of which took place in the latter half of April this year. The parliaments of both countries have working groups on interparliamentary relations.

Our countries effectively cooperate within the framework of major international organizations, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the UN.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of economic and trade ties with Vietnam. In 2024, the volume of trade between our two countries amounted to 223.93 million USD. There is no doubt that we have the potential to further increase this indicator.

Our countries also cooperate in the oil sector. In 2019, an agreement was signed between the Vietnamese state-owned Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company and SOCAR. Our cooperation in the oil industry is based on a strong historical foundation  Azerbaijani specialists have played a key role in the development of Vietnam's oil industry. It is not by chance that the first general director of Vietsovpetro joint venture, established with the assistance of the Soviet Union in 1981, was Azerbaijani Jalal Mammadov.

Our cooperation in cultural, humanitarian and educational spheres dates back to the Soviet era and has been further bolstered in recent years. In 1955, Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev wrote the Vietnam Suite for the first Soviet-Vietnamese documentary film about the Vietnam War, which premiered in Hanoi in 2023. In 1959-1962, at the invitation of President Ho Chi Minh and at the suggestion of the Soviet government, Azerbaijani director Ajdar Ibrahimov took an active part in the establishment of the Vietnamese film school, where he conducted master classes and made three films. In recognition of his services, he was awarded the highest order of labor of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During the Soviet era, about 5,000 Vietnamese studied in Azerbaijan, many of whom currently hold senior positions in state institutions in Vietnam. During my visit to Hanoi in 2014, a meeting was held with Vietnamese alumni of Azerbaijani universities, and they spoke warmly about our country and their years in Azerbaijan. In 2015, the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association was founded in Hanoi, bringing together Vietnamese alumni of Azerbaijani universities.

Speaking about the cultural ties between our countries, I would like to note that they continue to develop and strengthen through various initiatives and projects. For example, in 2024 Baku hosted the screening of the movie Legend Makers dedicated to the heroism of your soldiers during the Vietnam War. In the same year, the Days of Vietnam were held in our capital on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's visit to Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is implementing projects in Vietnam, including the construction of an elementary school in Ha Giang Province in 2018. In April this year, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visited your country, where she met with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, the spouse of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Ngo Phuong Ly, representatives of the creative industry, heads of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, as well as alumni of Vietnamese universities who had also studied in Azerbaijan. During the meeting, a certificate of financial support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was presented to the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism.

Therefore, the relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam are successfully developing in all key directions.

- What is the significance of the upcoming visit of the Vietnamese leader to Azerbaijan in the context of elevating bilateral relations to a new level?

- Mr. Lam's upcoming visit to Azerbaijan will be his first as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This visit holds significant political importance, as it will emphasize the aspiration of the two countries to deepen bilateral relations and open new areas of interaction. In this context, the visit can be rightly regarded as an important milestone in the development of Azerbaijan-Vietnam cooperation.

The program of the visit includes a wide range of issues covering key aspects of the bilateral agenda. It will enable a comprehensive exchange of views on topical issues, harmonization of approaches and identification of promising areas for further interaction. Special attention will be paid to political dialogue, trade and economic ties, as well as humanitarian and cultural exchange.

In addition, special importance is attached to the development of inter-party dialogue. The cooperation between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam is registering positive dynamics, and the forthcoming visit will serve as an additional confirmation of the high level of cooperation on political and ideological basis.

I am convinced that Mr. Lam's visit will be an important impetus for our cooperation and open new horizons for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect.

- What are the prospects and potential for the further development of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Azerbaijan?

- I believe that our countries have every opportunity to further develop the potential for cooperation in a variety of areas. If we talk about trade and economic relations, there are ample opportunities for cooperation, which will not only stimulate economic growth but also create a sustainable basis for mutually beneficial partnerships, which, in turn, will contribute to further diversification of our economies.

One of the promising areas for the strengthening of ties between our countries is tourism. The establishment of direct flights between Baku and Vietnamese cities with parallel development of tourism programs will contribute to the interest of citizens of both countries in each other's culture and history. The intensified joint cultural projects, the development of humanitarian programs and joint initiatives in the field of healthcare and environment  all these spheres are of mutual interest for our countries.

And, of course, there is education. As always, we will welcome students from Vietnam. They can take advantage of educational programs offered by Azerbaijan within the framework of grants and scholarships for citizens of NAM member countries. This will improve opportunities for academic exchange, scientific research and interpersonal contacts between Azerbaijan and Vietnam. The implementation of exchange programs, as well as cooperation in science and technology, can become another promising area for the development of bilateral relations.
The laggards Healthcare was the hardest-hit sector on Wednesday, dropping by 1.5 per cent off the back of a poor performance at Telix Pharmaceuticals (down 3.4 per cent) and CSL (down 3 per cent). The only other sector with negative movement was information technology  with a 0.1 per cent dip. The downturn was fuelled by data centre operator NEXTDC, which fell 1 per cent, despite being yesterdays top-performing stock. WiseTech Global (down 0.4 per cent) and Xero (0.3 per cent lower) also fell. The days worst performing individual stock was Lynas Rare Earths, which slumped 4 per cent. It was also a particularly difficult day for NUIX, which lost 16 per cent, closing at $1.99 after withdrawing guidance. The stocks 52-week high was $7.85. The lowdown Two long-awaited headlines have helped Australian shares lift higher, but the modest gains may signal residual gloom in the global economy.

Investors rejoiced after the White House announced it would hold trade talks with Beijing officials later this week and as Chinas central bank flagged plans to cut its key interest rate to boost economic growth. Loading Obviously good news that China has cut its key lending rates, but what it indicates about trade talks is theyre not overly optimistic, IG Markets analyst Tony Sycamore said. Yes, it puts more liquidity in the system, but if people arent willing to borrow and arent willing to spend, then youve got to get that fiscal stimulus. It feels like were waiting for that next catalyst.

Talk of further interest rate cuts have continued following Labors thumping success at this weekends federal election, with Citi predicting a lower terminal cash rate of 3.1 per cent, down from 3.6 per cent, for the year. The market is currently pricing front-loading of rate cuts from the RBA [Reserve Bank of Australia]. In our view, the domestic fundamentals call for a wait-and-see approach, and this is likely the path the RBA will go down, Citi economists said. This implies that the front end remains too rich. We do see the RBA cutting by 100 basis points this year, but the path will be more considered as the hard data from global tariff dispute begins to come through via lower inflation. NAB economists are forecasting rolling rate cuts over the next year to 2.6 per cent. Business confidence was down 9.3 points to 96.7, according a Roy Morgan study, matching a similar trend in the lead-up to the 2022 federal election.

All five business confidence indicators fell during April as global uncertainty sparked by President Donald Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, as well as the political uncertainty of an election campaign, caused a sharp fall in confidence about business prospects and the state of the Australian economy, said Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan. Loading Although President Trumps tariffs on Australian exports were at the base rate of 10 per cent, there were significantly higher tariffs on Australias main trading partner, China. The uncertainty caused by a potential trade war between the worlds two largest economies led to significant sharemarket falls worldwide  including in Australia. US equity-index futures rose and the US dollar strengthened on confirmation of trade talks, after US officials said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer would meet Chinas top economic official in Switzerland on Saturday in what could be a first step towards easing the trade war disrupting the global economy. Girding for fallout from the trade tensions, China on Wednesday reduced its policy rate and lowered the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve.

The US abuses of tariffs have severely disrupted global economic and trade orders, China Securities Regulatory Commission Chairman Wu Qing said at a briefing as the monetary easing was announced. On Wall Street overnight, stocks fell and bonds rose as more US companies scrapped their profit forecasts because of uncertainty created by Trumps global tariff war. After almost wiping out losses, the S&P 500 closed with a drop of 0.8 cent. The Dow Jones was down 1 per cent and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.9 per cent. Palantir Technologies was one of the heaviest weights on Wall Street after falling 11.9 per cent. The company, which offers an AI platform for customers, dropped even though it reported a profit for the latest quarter that met analysts expectations and raised its forecast for revenue over the full year. AI-related companies have been finding it more difficult to convince investors to support their stocks after theyve already shot so high. Palantirs stocks price remains near $US110, when it was only $US20 less than a year ago. The return to earth for AI stocks is happening as US President Donald Trumps tariffs change the economic landscape for other companies.

Regardless, all the will-he-wont-he uncertainty around tariffs has already made American households more pessimistic about the economy and could affect their long-term plans for purchases. That uncertainty has helped fuel a surge in imports ahead of potentially more severe tariffs ahead. The US trade deficit soared to a record $US140.5 billion in March as consumers and businesses alike tried to get ahead of tariffs that went into effect in April and others that have been postponed until July. That follows another update from last week showing that the US economy shrank at a 0.3 per cent annual pace during the first quarter of the year because of a surge in imports. The US Federal Reserve has begun its two-day meeting, and will announce its next move on interest rates Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST). Virtually no one expects it to do anything to its main rate, even though Trump has been advocating for cuts. While the possibility still exists for potential rate cuts later this year, the economic picture is complicated, and its too early to know if or when those cuts might happen, said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of US research and consulting at TransUnion. Lower interest rates could help goose the US economy, but they could also give inflation more fuel. And worries are already simmering that Trumps tariffs could push inflation higher.
And, yet, his name is not emblazoned on the walls of the building. It bears an Indigenous name  Naala Badu  and no gallery is named for him. On a plaque near the entrance, he and his wife, dermatologist Orli Wargon, are listed among many others as founding donors of the ground-level Indigenous Yiribana Gallery. The Lowy Gonski Gallery sits in the original Walter Liberty Vernon-designed building. When the ribbon was finally cut on his beloved Sydney Modern, Gonski was in house quarantine with COVID. I still remember when I left Mike Bairds office, absolutely, going down in the lift and walking out, and realising how much had to be privately raised to build the new gallery, Gonski says. And here we are, in this beautiful building, delivered on time and on budget. David Gonski served as president of the AGNSW Trust for 19 years across two terms. Credit: Steven Siewert Gonskis second term as president of the Art Gallery of NSW board of trustees came to an end in December. The board is responsible for the gallerys strategic direction as well as overseeing the management of its collection and the foundation responsible for fundraising and investments. Archibald Prize season is under way, but he will sit on the sidelines. Gonskis successor, Michael Rose, now has the job of tallying the votes of gallery trustees on Friday and announcing the winning portraitist.

Gonski enjoyed the circus but understood its limitations: One minute youre important, the next minute, having announced the winner, no ones interested in you, he says. It took me at least three Archibalds to realise thats what it was. No one even asked my opinion afterwards. They were gone. As chair for two separate terms, totalling 19 years, Gonski co-captained the prestigious institution under the directorship of the irrepressible Edmund Capon and, from 2012, the scholarly Michael Brand. Edmund Capon in front of Cy Twomblys Three Studies from the Temeraire. Credit: Jon Reid He was particularly taken by Capons audacity and cheek. He remembers Capon rolling out the red carpet for the late comedian Barry Humphries one day, and having to field a call from an eagle eye in the premiers office who observed Capon had raised flags that by government decree should have been flying at half-mast. Gonski feigned ignorance. In 2004, Capon convinced Gonski and the gallerys trustees to spend about $4.5 million to acquire a triptych by American artist Cy Twombly that Gonski did not personally admire, and which had invited comparisons with the National Gallery of Australias purchase of Jackson Pollocks Blue poles.

Are you sure? Gonski asked Capon. He was persuaded and now loves the painting. I am not sure whether that is because I associate it so closely with Edmund or whether it is just so compelling. While the old Renaissance painters had their aristocratic patrons, Gonski is the modern face of arts boards governance, a model of consensus building, family legacy and investment that has come under sustained pressure as the geopolitical shockwaves from the war in Gaza have ricocheted across the world. Dumplings at MOD. Dining. Credit: Steven Siewert Gonski sits down for lunch with the Herald the same day as western Sydney artist Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino are named Australias representatives for the Venice Biennale. Six days later, Creative Australias invitation is withdrawn, prompting protests, resignations and petitions. The aftershocks have yet to subside.

Many of Sydneys biggest arts benefactors are Jewish, like Gonski, and some have exited the arts world amid claims of antisemitism and counter claims from pro-Palestinian voices of censorship. Its prompted profound reflection on the influence of philanthropy versus artistic expression. Gonskis advice to his fellow philanthropists has been to stay on the field while the ball is in play. Its his view that withdrawing from the field means those with antagonising views have won. MOD. Dinings crispy eggplant. Credit: Steven Siewert While philanthropists prioritise the nurturing of artistic talent, Gonski believes boards of publicly funded institutions have a wider obligation to serve the public interest. The institution is responsible for what is shown and must accept that responsibility. Thats not censorship, he insists, but care, risk management and due diligence. Gonski remains engaged with public life and has been appointed co-patron alongside Rhoda Roberts of the NAISDA Dance College, Australias leading First Nations arts training organisation. His name has been raised as a future chair of Opera Australia.

The much troubled national opera performing arts company is now without a chief executive or artistic director. Its had two chairs in three years, and discontent is brewing around Rod Sims, its current chair. I love the concept of giving back, I genuinely do, Gonski says. I often suspect that I get more out of the giving than what I have given. Satay skewers at MOD. Dining. Credit: Steven Siewert Gonski keeps to sparkling mineral water, he has afternoon meetings to keep. Asked for lunch recommendations, Gonski is unfamiliar with the Asian fusion menu of MOD. chef Sushil Aryal, though he has dined here several times. I was here usually to duchess somebody who hopefully would give us some money. He smiles. I wasnt concentrating on what I was eating. I was looking to the results.

Gonskis bowl of chicken and chives dumplings, dressed in chilli oil and black vinegar, arrives first. Then a small plate of three chicken satay sticks. My batons of crispy eggplant come with a delicious chilli caramel. But, as in previous outings at MOD., eating is not the main game. No one can read the room like Gonski can, a friend of his later assures me. Politicians are motivated by venal desires; he is not beholden by anything to anyone. Whatever he leads, he works in their best interests. Hes like a great rabbi, he takes a sniff of the wind and works out what is going on. Lunch at MOD. Dining Crispy eggplant $26 Jasmine rice $6 Satay chicken skewers $24 Chicken dumpling $22 Total: $78 In the weeks since we sat down for lunch, the gallerys director is named as Maud Page, the institutions first female director. I subsequently ask Gonski what he thinks of the appointment. He is delighted. It is the right choice at the right time. Maud will be very successful taking the gallery to new heights. Brand was a joy to work with, and he led us as a group with enormous focus, intelligence and decency.

A former corporate lawyer and merchant banker, now company director, Gonski has sat on some 40 boards of business and not-for-profits, including Sydney Theatre Company, chair to theatres dream team of Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton, and the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Paul Keating tapped him for his board apprenticeship at Bundanon, chairing the trust overseeing the south coast property that Arthur and Yvonne Boyd gave the nation. Its Arthur Boyd that Gonski credits for expanding his way of seeing. Boyd would stand at his easel and challenge Gonski to see beyond the first blush of colour in the bushland. Where Gonski could pick up six types of greens, Boyd could see 10. They once inspected a venue at Callan Park as a possible art gallery dedicated to the work of Boyd, only for the project to fall over when the artist objected to the spaces disrupted view of an old chimney. Gonski shrugs. Where business can be a shrewd numbers game, art turns on the tiniest slash of colour. Its an intellectual puzzle that fascinates but is not without sentiment.

The Gonskis have been art collectors for 35 to 40 years. People ask, do you change them? No, I dont. Each have special value, a 30th wedding anniversary and obviously anything by Arthur Boyd is very special. Loading Gonski was seven when his family moved to Sydney from Cape Town in 1961, in the aftermath of the Sharpeville massacre, in which 250 people were killed or injured in violent anti-apartheid demonstrations. His father, Alexander, was a neurosurgeon, a scholarship boy who relied on benefactors to send him to university to study science then medicine. My life was a lot easier than it might have been otherwise, if it hadnt been for his hard work and the philanthropy of others, he notes. Philanthropy often can improve the lives of a number of generations. From his mother, Helene, came his love for the arts. She would entice the young Gonski to visit the AGNSW with offers of ice-cream, the same trick he uses on his four grandchildren. Art has always lifted me.
The trauma of two devastating floods in Lismore still hangs over the northern NSW town three years on.

Some days Im still on the roof hearing the screams, says Eli Roth, who was rescued with his dog when floodwater submerged his home, in the emotional new documentary Floodland. Ive seen people drown. Ive dug graves. You dont really forget that.

Jordan Giusti in Lismore. Credit: Elise Derwin

Directed by Melbourne filmmaker Jordan Giusti, Floodland will have its world premiere at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival next month. Director Nashen Moodley announced the program, which runs from June 4 to 15, at the State Library of NSW on Tuesday night.

Giusti, who started travelling to Lismore with a girlfriend who grew up there, realised the 2022 floods built on residents deep anxiety from earlier floods.
Two children found dead at a Coonabarabran home on Monday were living with their grandmother after the state removed the boys from their parents care several years ago. Detectives are now combing the property for clues and speaking to shocked locals about the tragedy.

The boys aged six and seven  one of whom lived with cancer  were found dead at the home in central-western NSW on Monday afternoon.

Two junior police officers from the town forced their way into the home on Monday afternoon after the boys grandmother contacted a caseworker from the Department of Communities and Justice to say that the two primary schoolers were dead.

Police found the body of the six-year-old in a front bedroom of the home. They quickly discovered the grandmother, who had self-harmed, then the body of the elder boy in another bedroom, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters on Tuesday.
Begin again

I completely agree with Gina Rineharts statement that the Liberal Party should move further to the right. That will hasten the Liberal Partys fall into oblivion. From its ashes new parties and independents will arise, free of lobbyists and vested interests, who are more attuned to the needs of average Australians.

Barry Lizmore, Ocean Grove Valuing services

George Brandis talked on ABC TVs Q+A on Monday night about the great virtue of traditional Liberal values. But for me, the problem for the Liberal Party is its traditional Liberal values. It has never really valued public services such as publicly funded health, education, housing, infrastructure and a high-quality permanent public service.

The most successful social democracies in the world, (particularly the Nordic countries), all have brilliant public services in these areas. They pay for them with higher taxation, especially on the wealthy. Their citizens are happy to pay because they see that everyone benefits and social division is drastically reduced.

All of these things are anathema to the Coalition, which always slashes spending on them when it is in power. That is its major problem and it doesnt look like changing its position any time soon.

Tim Mahar, Fitzroy North The Liberal project

Australia is an urbanised society. So the cities and suburbs are the natural battlegrounds when it comes to the triennial dogfight for government. The National Party is really the old arch-conservative Country Party with a new name and logo. It has very little connection with urbanised Australia. So, if the Liberals want to return to government they should examine the value of the Coalition and decide to leave it and go alone.

It will be a long haul, but the Liberals need to return to their natural ground as a centre-right moderate party. They must acknowledge their weaknesses and correct them. That means doing things like recruiting more talented women, rejecting short-termism, focusing on the future not the past, developing policies that give direction and hope and meet community needs. Where in the party are the people who can do this?

Les Cooper, Anglesea Losing the voters

Be careful before painting Peter Dutton as a victim in his partys election loss. This is the man who joked about Pacific Island nations drowning under climate change. Who emphasised the threat of African gangs in Melbourne. Who didnt put together a cohesive and consistent series of policies to present to the Australian voters.

Carmel Boyle, Alfredton Pre-poll prepared

The trend to pre-polling has been growing over electoral cycles, resulting in a virtual tsunami this year. It seems the electorate has spoken. But this phenomenon will require changes to our electoral process.

For a start, the AEC will need to provide more booths to avoid queues snaking down the streets. But, more importantly, parties will need to have their election bag fully signed off and sealed in advance. They have three years to refine that, so any attempt to test policies (eg working from home) during the polling period, or using the mantra of we will release our costings/details in due course (say, 24 hours before election day) will be futile. And throwing out last-minute electoral bon bons of trivia such as the culture wars will simply fall on deaf ears. Oh, and one more thing: the democracy sausage stall will need to take on extended hours.

Max Nankervis, Middle Park

Voters made their choice

According to the ABC Vote Compass, I agree with 92 per cent of the Greens policies, but Ill never vote for the Greens (Bandt defiant as Greens lose lower house ground, 5/5). I think their policies are designed to make them look virtuous without considering the consequences. Banning new Australian coal mines will do nothing to reduce the worlds use of coal, but would deprive Australia of the money to roll out renewable energy. Blaming the loss of seats on the Liberals recommending preferences to go to Labor ahead of the Greens is insulting the voters. Many Liberal voters will decide their own allocation of preferences and rightly regard the Greens as unelectable.

The Greens should concentrate on their core area, the environment. According to the Climate Council advertisement in yesterdays Age, climate change was in the top two important issues for Labor voters in the ABC Vote Compass. Id agree  I gave climate change and energy as the only important issues.

Wayne Robinson, Kingsley Green values

Your correspondent (Letters, 6/5) suggests that the Greens need to be more moderate, rather than bolder, in order to improve their vote. May I suggest what they need to be is greener. They were formed as a party for the protection of nature. They would regain their older and longer-term supporters, who have deserted the party, if they emphasised the conservation of the natural environment more boldly and left the culture and generational wars to Sky News, the Murdoch press and the Nationals.

Geoff Wescott, Northcote Lessons from Canada

Coincidentally, I was lucky enough to be a visitor in Canada for its recent federal election at the same time following the Australian election results. The similarity of issues was telling: cost of living, climate and energy, access to public health, the economy and tariffs, immigration (including international students), defence spending and more. In both countries the centre of politics prevailed. Many of the challenges are not unique to Australia. What can be unique is how they are managed.

Labor has the mandate to be bold, so hopefully will manage a tax system that is fair and equitable, will ensure public schools and health are funded so no one is left behind, will stop the demonisation of migrants and refugees and will look to overcome the underlying causes of crime rather than scaremongering. The Liberals hopefully now understand that voters take climate change seriously and that having women selected on merit also matters.

Sandy Guest, Yarraville No link to state issues

If Jacinta Allan is whooping it up thinking that a federal Labor victory is an acknowledgment and nod to her leadership then I think she is not reading the tea leaves correctly (Allan is either delusional or dogged by claiming mandate, 5/5). A win federally has nothing to do with how poorly she is running Victoria and her lack of attention to crime, her misunderstanding of the voters dislike for the SRL, and her inability to bring the state budget into any sort of acceptable balance are all local Victorian issues. Her only saving grace is that no one knows who the opposition leader is.

Nathan Feld, Glen Iris Remember the arts

I hope that Anthony Albanese can channel Gough Whitlam and put the arts back on the agenda. While I appreciate there are bigger fish to fry, the arts can provide an aesthetic addition to society which, in turn, builds cohesiveness and cultural understandings in our complex world. The arts cannot be taken for granted and without support have become gravely diminished in the subsequent years; compounded by the COVID years. Who can forget the arts provision of choirs and orchestras etc created in the privacy of individual living rooms that helped us see light in our switched-off world? In a multicultural society the arts in all its forms provide a universal language that can connect diverse cultural groups in our communities.

Mary-Louise Tehan, Bendigo

Moderate holidays

Ive been enthralled by Travellers stories of cruising to distant lands, sampling local cuisine, and exploring unique cultures. But Ive also been increasingly disheartened by the price tags attached. Unless youre spending $20,000 or more, many of these adventures feel out of reach. Who are these trips aimed at  the top 1 per cent, dreamers, or retirees burning through their savings before settling in with tinned food and free-to-air TV? Im not after hostels or bare-bones budgets, but surely theres a middle ground. For those of us in our 50s, still working and keen to travel with some comfort, Id love more coverage of stylish, enriching holidays that come in at/under $3500 a week.

Kathryn Law, Camberwell Too many flames

Well done, North Melbourne, for banning media pundit Kane Cornes (Caroline Wilson weighs in on Norths stance, Cornes responds to double standards claim, 5/5). As commentators such as The Guardians Jonathan Horn have noted, flame throwers like Cornes are all about the clicks and outrage  loud and large for attention. Cornes has admitted his style is about having a big profile and big opinion. His recent comments about Harry Sheezel are consistent with those he has previously made criticising young players. North decided Cornes had thrown one too many flames.

Peter McIntosh, Golden Point AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding Liberal leadership

Applications are invited for the position of Australian opposition leader. No possibility for promotion for three years, probably six, maybe more. No references needed.

Andrew Norris, Sunbury

While the Liberal Party may not have many female members left in the party room does it have the guts to elect one as leader?

Bruce Dudon, Woodend If only Malcolm Turnbull, Josh Frydenberg, Julie Bishop and Simon Birmingham would come out of political retirement, the Liberals might find a path back.

Mike Mack, Kew Loading The Catholic Church is entering the papal conclave  technically it has far more candidates to choose from than the Liberal Party but its fundamental choice is the same  to embrace change, however uncertain, or to go back. Lets see who has the greater courage.

Alison Fraser, Ascot Vale Rinehart

Whatever Gina Rinehart says, the left media is not to blame (Rinehart blames left media for Coalition wipeout, claims voters very short on understanding, 5/5). Aussies looked at Donald Trump, nodded wisely and said nup.

Danny Hampel, Caulfield North

Rinehart supports conservative policies that benefit the mega-wealthy? Gobsmacked!

Toni Howell, Box Hill North Rather astutely, Gina Rinehart reportedly blames voters, in part, for the Coalitions disastrous election result. I tend to agree.

Richard Pentony, Hawthorn Election fallout

I hope this next Labor government will no longer be so careless about the ever larger, fearful working underclass in Australia, many of whom struggle to even find shelter.

Benedict Clark, Ryanston While Peter Dutton contemplates his future employment, may I suggest that he returns to getting back on the police beat. He is well-versed in the need to clean up our cities and this will allow him to avoid working from home.

Robin Martin, Coburg The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
The Labor Left is poised to gain a key place in the federal ministry after winning up to a dozen seats at the election, taking a prized position vacated by former party leader Bill Shorten and extending its influence in government.

The moves depend on the final election tally, with many seats still in doubt, but have already triggered concerns in the partys Right faction about the limited options for promotion into the ministry and cabinet.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will have to dole out an extra ministry to the left faction. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will convene a caucus meeting in Parliament House on Friday to mark the historic victory last Saturday and formalise the vote on the membership of the ministry, clearing the way for him to allocate the portfolios.

The caucus will increase from 103 members and senators before the election to at least 110 and as many as 121 after the votes are finalised.
Circling back to Nationals leader David Littleproud, who is adamant that the Coalitions nuclear policy is not to blame for the partys enormous defeat at the election.

Tim Wilson, who defeated the first teal [Zoe Daniel in Goldstein], supports nuclear energy, he told the ABCs Afternoon Briefing.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud (centre) with Peter Dutton (left) during the election campaign. Credit: James Brickwood

I think that shows it wasnt a drag on our vote. The reality is we have always had a technology-agnostic approach within the Coalition around our energy needs and an all-renewables approach would not be able to sustain our economy. You need to have a mix, and zero-emissions nuclear technology can achieve that.

He said Labors demonisation of Dutton and an inability to effectively counter this was a key factor behind the result.

Littleproud was asked for his thoughts on claims that Nationals were too influential within the Coalition, and that this was why it was struggling to connect with voters.

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Name the policy thats done that, he replied.

I think weve been constructive. The policies that weve articulated have been about cost of living, divestiture that I think that Ive seen polls in some papers that have support for divestiture supermarkets that over 65 per cent agree. We were the first ones to say no to the Voice and let me tell you, 68 per cent of Australians agreed with us in the end, so I dont think theres anything that the Nationals have done detrimentally.

Littleproud said he hadnt seen any corflutes in east coast capitals with his face on them.
The Victorian Liberal Party entered its doomed federal election campaign facing a possible Fair Work payout, having stood down the executive director of its fundraising arm the day after the state president made a faux pas about billionaire and star guest Gina Rinehart at a $10,000-a head dinner.

The ongoing dispute, which heads to mediation next week, was one of several distractions for the branch in a battleground state previously seen as Peter Duttons potential path to victory.

Phil Davis was elected Victorian Liberal Party president in 2023. Credit: Simon Schluter

The episode prompted Rinehart, whom party president Phil Davis mistakenly introduced as a sponsor of Netball Australia, to again distance herself from the Liberal Partys beleaguered state branch. Hancock Prospecting, in fact, withdrew its $15 million four-year sponsorship with Netball Australia in 2022 amid a flurry of front-page headlines after Diamonds players said they did not want to wear uniforms featuring the mining companys logo.

Nadine Jones, the executive director of Enterprise Victoria  the state partys fundraising arm  was stood down from the organisation on March 27, the day after the formal function and the day before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the election.
Newly elected member for Griffith, Renee Coffey, grew up with no illusions about the pressures of the job: former Griffith MP Kevin Rudd was a family friend.

Coffey attended the same primary school as the children of Rudd and Therese Rein  Morningside State School  and the Rudds were frequent houseguests at family Friday night dinners.

I would see Kevin roll up several hours after everybody else, absolutely shattered from community events. So I had that modelling from a very young age about what it looks like to be a really engaged member of parliament, Coffey said.

Renee Coffey with supporters on winning the seat of Griffith in Brisbane for Labor. Credit: Instagram

On Saturday night, the Norman Park resident snatched victory from Greens identity Max Chandler-Mather, overcoming a 10.5 per cent margin and bringing the seat back into the Labor fold.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of economic and trade ties with Vietnam, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Trend reports.

"In 2024, the volume of trade between our two countries amounted to 223.93 million USD. There is no doubt that we have the potential to further increase this indicator.

Our countries also cooperate in the oil sector. In 2019, an agreement was signed between the Vietnamese state-owned Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company and SOCAR. Our cooperation in the oil industry is based on a strong historical foundation  Azerbaijani specialists have played a key role in the development of Vietnam's oil industry. It is not by chance that the first general director of Vietsovpetro joint venture, established with the assistance of the Soviet Union in 1981, was Azerbaijani Jalal Mammadov," President Ilham Aliyev said.
Instead, I wanted to do something that benefitted the city. The city of Rotterdam and its citizens take pride in that something: the focus of most new developments is how they can improve the quality of life for locals, rather than being built for tourists. Hotel NHow Rotterdam. Credit: Iris van den Broek This theme continues with the construction of the Hofbogen: the repurposing of an abandoned, above-ground train viaduct from the city centre to the north, inspired by the success of New Yorks High Line. Progress has been slow but steady: the once-abandoned arched workshops underneath have been filled with businesses, from salons to bespoke furniture makers, artisans and coffee roasters. In January 2024, a new food hall opened in the old train station at the halfway point, Station Bergweg, with patrons taking a beer, a bowl of ramen or a box of chocolates from a vending machine to eat on the station terrace, with views overlooking the city. However, the decision to revitalise the next stage of the Hofbogen involves starting construction from the outer fringe of the city and finishing in the CBD last, so the locals get the initial benefit.

Of course, tourists arent neglected: in the coming year, there will be a flourish of new hotels and museums. One of the few historic buildings in the city centre to escape destruction in WWII was (for nefarious reasons) the old post office. In 2026, the building will open as the new five-star 224-room Kimpton Hotel. Reopening in late 2025 is the Nederlands Fotomuseum, in a newly renovated, heritage-listed building on the Rijnhaven, a harbour in the citys north. Home to more than six million photos, the new Dutch National Photo Museum will occupy the old Santos coffee factory on the harbour. Just a short walk away, construction continues on one of Europes most important new museums, the Fenix Museum of Immigration, set to open in May 2025. A giant silver tornado, both a work of art and a viewing platform, glistens in the morning sun, rising from the centre of the historic warehouse building. The museum will focus on the human experience of immigration, examining the phenomenon through contemporary art and documentary photography. More than 200 pieces have already been commissioned and acquired, but central to the museum is its planned ground-floor installation known as The Maze. In the past three years, the museum has interviewed thousands of migrants and collected 2000 or so suitcases belonging to the storytellers to physically complement their stories. Each suitcase will form part of a labyrinth designed to allow visitors complete immersion in the migrant experience, and the challenges faced when trying to navigate it. The location of the museum is particularly poignant: on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river system, it was once home to the worlds largest warehouse, but was also the place where more than three million immigrants (including Albert Einstein) departed Europe with the Holland America Line, bound for the New World.

Before it became the museum site, the unrenovated warehouse was used as the Fenix Food Hall. The hipster hangout now sits next to the museum, underneath the new Fenix 1 housing development, the first of a series of apartment blocks revitalising the area. The Rijnhaven, like the Steigergracht, was derelict and decayed for years  a crumbling port area in a rough neighbourhood most people avoided. Slowly the area has gentrified. Floating Office at the Rijnhaven. Credit: Iris van den Broek The addition of a small pedestrian bridge in 2012 created easier access for bike and foot traffic between the Katendrecht neighbourhood and the city. New apartment blocks and hotels including the NHow were built on the Wilhelmina Pier in 2014; the same year, a food hall opened in a warehouse previously abandoned for 40 years. In 2021, the energy-positive, C02-negative, three-storey Floating Office with green roof opened, housing the Global Centre for Adaptation, and the citys quirkiest accommodation option, the Wikkelboat, opened on the water.

The unique Wikkelboat accommodation. Six uniquely designed houseboats are moored on a pontoon walkway from the Rijnhavens floating park, each made of 24 layers of wrapped, corrugated cardboard. They feature modular design, solar power and, I discover after three minutes of huffing and puffing, a retractable deck that reveals a sunken jacuzzi. Rotterdam (and largely The Netherlands) has strict rules on short-term apartment rentals. The Wikkelboat is a brilliant self-contained option to experience the city, with two bikes on the side ready to go, murphy beds to optimise space, and an outdoor shower to complement the indoor bathroom. Inside a Wikkelboat. Settled in the jacuzzi, I look across to where a new beach and park is being constructed and where a series of skyscrapers have been approved. So far, more than a third of the harbour basin  exceeding eight hectares  has been drained and reclaimed for the 350,000-square-metre urban development, which will bring more than 2000 new homes and office blocks, floating parks and an educational tidal park. Wikkelboat fun for sun-lovers.

But with temperatures today hitting more than 30 degrees, the city is preoccupied with Rotterdams newest swimming spot, near Rijnhavens first floating park and just 100 metres from the Wikkelboat. Clean water testing and record-busting temperatures mean every spot of grass and concrete on the floating park is taken up with bodies, beach towels and inflatables. Loading Ten years ago, this harbour was so dirty I wouldnt dare put a toe in. However, I cant help myself. I haul out of the warm water in the jacuzzi, and dive off the side of the Wikkelboat, attracting the attention of a mother duck and eight ducklings. It is cold, and thankfully, clean. Rotterdam isnt Europes most beautiful city. Its not a top-tier European destination like Paris or Rome, Barcelona or London. But its a place that embraces the future, and shows innovative European living at its finest. Want to see the real Europe? Rotterdam is ready. THE DETAILS

FLY

Singapore Airlines operates daily flights to Amsterdam via Singapore from most Australian capital cities. See www.singaporeair.com STAY

Self-contained Wikkelboats are in the Red Marina and Rijnhaven in Rotterdam, and can sleep six to eight people with prices from 189 ($323). See wikkelboat.nl PLAY

RiF 010 has surf sessions from 45 ($77). See rif010.nl MORE

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Eighty years ago this week, the streets of London erupted in joy. Flags waved, crowds sang, and church bells tolled across the English capital as Nazi Germany surrendered, ending nearly six years of devastating war in Europe. It would become forever known as Victory in Europe  or VE  Day. Among the many messages British prime minister Winston Churchill received in the hours that followed was one from Australias high commissioner in London, Stanley Melbourne Bruce. A Gallipoli veteran, former prime minister, and now Australias most senior diplomat in the empire, Bruce had clashed several times with Churchill during the war. But on this day, there was no tension, only tribute. In this your hour of triumph and achievement  the greatest accorded to any man in history  I send you my hearty gratitude, he wrote on May 9. Churchills reply, dated May 15, was equally gracious, saying their bond had deepened through shared struggle.

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I value especially this message coming from you, as I know well how much you yourself have helped in bringing about this great consummation of our efforts, he wrote. Today, with war again raging in Europe and democratic values under siege in parts of the Indo-Pacific, the story of Bruce and Churchill  and Australias wartime choices  remains strikingly relevant. The streets of London erupted in joy as victory in Europe was declared. Credit: Argus Collection, The Age Archives When Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Australia followed with patriotic resolve. But as the war dragged on and Britains capacity to defend the Pacific diminished, doubts emerged. Confidence in British command faltered, especially after the fall of Singapore in 1942, a disaster Churchill downplayed but which Australias then prime minister, John Curtin, described as Australias Dunkirk. Faced with the growing threat from Japan, Curtin made the historic decision to recall Australian troops from the Middle East and declared that Australia would look to America for defence. It was a defining moment that exposed cracks in the relationship with Britain  and with Churchill himself. At times, some in Australia questioned whether British leadership could be sustained. While such discussions were ultimately dismissed, they reflected real concern that loyalty to the mother country might come at an unsustainable cost. Stanley Bruce presenting Winston Churchill with an Australian gift walking stick in 1944  but the relationship was not always a happy one. Credit: Fairfax Media

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Bruce knew wars grim reality firsthand. As a young officer at Gallipoli, he was badly wounded, an experience that shaped his belief in imperial unity tempered by the need for Australias voice to be heard. As high commissioner from 1933, Bruce watched Churchills rise with cautious admiration. When Churchill invited him to join the war cabinet in 1942, it was both a courtesy and a test. Bruce soon clashed with Churchill over a plan to prioritise Bomber Command. He objected to not only the proposal but to how it bypassed military hierarchy. Churchill bristled. Bruce, disillusioned, resigned in 1943  but remained a vital link between Curtin and Downing Street. When VE Day came, Bruces tribute was sincere. His differences with Churchill had never overshadowed his respect for what the British leader had achieved. Australian military personnel join the procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London. Credit: Getty Images Victory in Europe was only part of the story. The war in the Pacific raged on until Japan surrendered in August. But VE Day was a watershed. Those celebrating in grainy black-and-white photos were not just rejoicing; they were expressing relief and modest hopes for a better world. Australia paid dearly for that hope. It lost 27,073 men and women in the fight against Nazi and Japanese forces  9572 in Europe and 17,501 in brutal battles across the Pacific. These sacrifices, and the scars borne by survivors, shaped the nations identity and commitment to the Allied cause. Now, as Ukrainians resist Russian leader Vladimir Putins invasion and war again redraws Europes map, those fragile hopes are tested again. Once more, the world must ask: How far will it go to stand with a sovereign nation under siege?

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Loading For Australia  a middle power with a proud history of defending democracy  the answer matters. As in 1945, distant wars will, in time, touch us. We have already contributed to Ukraines resistance, but this moment demands more than tokenism. The coalition that stood firm in 1945 was not built on convenience. It was forged through hardship and held together by principle. Churchill and Bruce did not always agree, but they understood a basic truth: tyranny unchecked would spread. The war in Ukraine has seen many countries unite to support Kyiv, but as peace talks falter and Putin shows little sign of backing down, the road ahead remains fraught. Even President Donald Trump, who once suggested he could negotiate an end to the war within 24 hours, is beginning to understand the complexities of peacemaking. Loading Its easy to talk about deals from a distance; its much harder to achieve them in the face of an unyielding autocrat who has no intention of surrendering his territorial ambitions. The cost of making concessions to Putin  or any aggressor  would not only embolden Russia but also undermine the principles that Churchill, Bruce, and the wartime alliance fought to preserve. As Churchill reminded the world that day: We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Long live the cause of freedom!

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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  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. A cell at Alcatraz Island. Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images Despite its reputation, in the 29 years it was open  from 1934 to 1963  some 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didnt survive the freezing water and strong current.

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. The 1962 Alcatraz escapees created fake heads in their bunks, enabling them to evade detection while they escaped. Credit: UPI Telephoto The trio absconded 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 US or overseas, the FBI said. Trump said hed come up with the idea to reopen Alcatraz 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. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency would comply with all presidential orders. They did not 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. 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. Cormorants perch on a breakwater as clouds and fog shroud Alcatraz Island . Credit: San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

California Democratic state senator Scott Wiener criticised Trump, saying he wanted to create a domestic gulag right in the middle of San Francisco Bay. While Alcatraz is best known for its years as a federal prison, its history is much longer. President Millard Fillmore in 1850 declared the island for public purposes, and it soon became a military site. Confederate soldiers were housed there during the Civil War. By the 1930s, the government decided it needed a place to hold the worst criminals, and Alcatraz became the choice for a prison. A guard stands by as prisoners enter the Alcatraz mess hall for supper in its days as a working prison. Credit: BETTMANN ARCHIVE

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. Its remoteness, however, eventually made it impractical. The island had no source of fresh water, according to the US Bureau of Prisons, so nearly 1 million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week. By 1959, the daily cost to house an inmate there was triple that of a federal prison in Atlanta, the government said. It was cheaper to build a new facility from scratch. A decade after it was closed as a prison, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was opened to the public in 1973. Trump wants to restore Alcatraz  now a tourist attraction  as a working prison. Credit: De Agostini via Getty Images

The park service says the island gets more than 1 million visitors a year, who arrive by ferry. An adult ticket costs $47.95, and visitors can see the cells where prisoners were held. Rob Frank, 55, from Missouri, who toured Alcatraz about a decade ago, said it was difficult 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. Everythings concrete. It was kind of a dark place. Despite its reputation, in the 29 years Alcatraz was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes. Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK The island serves as a veritable time machine to a bygone era of corrections.

The prison bureau already has 16 prisons 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. Notorious gangster and one-time Alcatraz resident Al Capone. Credit: nna\seathompson Trumps order comes amid legal battles as he attempts to send accused gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador without due process. The president has also floated the legally dubious idea of sending some federal US prisoners to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Centre, known as CECOT. Trump has also ordered the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold some 30,000 of what he has labelled the worst criminal aliens.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. I believe that our countries [Azerbaijan and Vietnam - ed.] have every opportunity to further develop the potential for cooperation in a variety of areas, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Trend reports.

"If we talk about trade and economic relations, there are ample opportunities for cooperation, which will not only stimulate economic growth but also create a sustainable basis for mutually beneficial partnerships, which, in turn, will contribute to further diversification of our economies.

One of the promising areas for the strengthening of ties between our countries is tourism. The establishment of direct flights between Baku and Vietnamese cities with parallel development of tourism programs will contribute to the interest of citizens of both countries in each other's culture and history. The intensified joint cultural projects, the development of humanitarian programs and joint initiatives in the field of healthcare and environment  all these spheres are of mutual interest for our countries.

And, of course, there is education. As always, we will welcome students from Vietnam. They can take advantage of educational programs offered by Azerbaijan within the framework of grants and scholarships for citizens of NAM member countries. This will improve opportunities for academic exchange, scientific research and interpersonal contacts between Azerbaijan and Vietnam. The implementation of exchange programs, as well as cooperation in science and technology, can become another promising area for the development of bilateral relations," President Ilham Aliyev said.
A vision beyond sight: Divyang Imtiyaz Khan scores 79.83% (Arts)





Bhante Surai Sasai felicitating Imtiyaz Khan as Principal Dr Deepa Panhekar and other meritorious students look on.

By Shashwat Bhuskute :

For 18-year-old Imtiyaz Khan, success was never about shortcuts, it was about strength, focus, and purpose. Despite being visually impaired, Imtiyaz secured an impressive 79.83% in the HSSC examination (Arts) from Dr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, setting a powerful example of resilience and determination. Born into a modest family of four, his father working in construction, his mother a homemaker, and a younger brother, Imtiyaz never allowed his disability to define his limits. He attended college daily without fail, returned home to continue his studies, and maintained a disciplined routine.

I used to reach college early and study in the canteen before classes, he recalls. Subjects like Economics, History, and Political Science were his favourites, and he gave them special attention. However, English and Marathi proved more challenging during exams, especially due to the explanations required by the writer, a fellow student who had also supported him during his SSC exams. Visually impaired students are allotted 20 extra minutes per hour, but Imtiyaz says, You must listen to the writer, read the question, think fast, and respond quickly, theres no time to lose. When stress crept in, Imtiyaz found comfort in conversations with his visually impaired friend, Joshil Vithole, where they discussed studies and supported each other.

His biggest inspiration came from a fellow visually impaired student from his earlier school who had once topped the HSC exams. That achievement planted a dream in Imtiyaz, to prove that disability does not mean inability. Aspiring to become a lawyer, Imtiyaz now hopes to motivate other visually impaired children to pursue education with dedication. Education is the only way people like me will be heard, he says with conviction. His journey is not just about academic success, its about courage, and a vision that reaches far beyond sight.
TORONTO :

CANADIAN journalist Daniel Bordman on Sunday (local time) shared a video of an anti-Hindu parade in Canadas Malton Gurudwara, Toronto and asked whether Canadas new Prime Minister Mark Carney will be different from former Canadian PM 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 Carneys Canada be any different from Justin Trudeaus? In the post, Binda mentioned that Khalistani group at Malton Gurudwara demanded deportation of 800,000 Hindus to India. He also termed it a blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group.

K-Gang at Malton Gurdwara (Toronto) shamelessly demands 800,000 Hinduswhose vibrant communities span Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, South Africa, Netherlands, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Kenya, and beyondbe deported to "Hindustan." This isn't a protest against India's pic.twitter.com/WETKJzsria  Shawn Binda (@ShawnBinda) May 4, 2025

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 isnt a protest against Indias Government; its blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group, notorious for Canadas deadliest attack, yet arrogantly claiming the right to stay. #KhalistaniTerrorism, Binda posted on X. The anti-Hindu parade in Toronto comes just days after Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney and the governing Liberal Party secured victory in national elections. This federal election was called earlier than scheduled after Carney dissolved Parliament and sought a fresh mandate. Carney had taken over from Justin Trudeau, who resigned towards the end of his term after his party lost faith in him. Earlier in April, Daniel Bordman alleged that the Lakshmi Narayan temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was vandalised for the third time. He said that the walls of the building were defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, and a security camera was stolen. Bordman, who visited the site, described what he saw and voiced concern over how the situation was handled.

I saw when I got there that the vandalism had already been covered up, there were still some broken glasses... there were videos taken in the morning saying Khalistan was behind it. You saw a lot of Khalistan graffiti... I spoke with some of the devotees and management. I dont quite understand why they decided to just remove graffiti before the Police came... they did claim that vandals also stole the security camera... several devotees were quite upset... That wasnt the only temple that was vandalised last night, there was also a Gurdwara in Vancouver which was vandalised by Khalistanis, Bordman said in a video posted on X. In a follow-up post, Bordman said, I went to the Lakshmi Mandir in Surrey that was vandalised last night by Khalistanis.

This is the third time it has been vandalised. I spoke to management and the devotees and they do not feel like the police or the political establishment cares at all. He claimed that two individuals posted graffiti on the temple walls and stole a security camera around 3 am. The temple management reportedly removed the graffiti before police could assess the scene, prompting concerns from locals about whether proper procedures were followed.
BJP supporters protestsidentification of Pakisliving in West Bengal





KOLKATA :

BJP supporters on Monday staged protests across the city and districts demanding the identification, arrest and deportation of Pakistani citizens living in India, following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. At Alipore, outside the South 24 Parganas district magistrates office here, around 200 BJP members led by senior leader Debasree Choudhury staged a protest and accused the State Government of not acting quickly on Union Home Minister Amit Shahs directive to deport Pakistani nationals from all the States and take legal action. We have reasons to believe that many Pakistani nationals are hiding in South 24 Parganas and other parts of West Bengal.

After the Pahalgam attack, Shah spoke to several State Governments about tracking them. Other states responded, but Bengal hasnt taken much action, alleged Choudhury, a former Union Minister. The protest led to scuffles with police, who had barricaded Judges Court Road, causing traffic disruption for about an hour. The district magistrates office shares its compound with the West Bengal police headquarters, Bhavani Bhavan, and the district sessions court.
District Hospital Raipur turns into Refer Hospital





Staff Reporter

Raipur,

Despite witnessing a daily footfall of over 700 patients, the hospital is struggling to provide adequate care for those with critical conditions and ailments

The District Government Hospital located in Pandri, a key public healthcare institution in Raipur, is facing mounting criticism due to a severe shortage of specialist doctors and inadequate facilities across various departments. This deficiency is reportedly forcing hospital authorities to frequently refer critical patients to Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, DK Super-specialty Hospital, and even All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, leading many health activists and citizens to dub it the Refer Hospital of the capital.

Despite witnessing a daily footfall of over 700 patients, the hospital is allegedly struggling to provide adequate care for those with critical conditions and ailments. Sources within the hospital indicate that the existing facilities in many departments are in poor condition, leaving authorities with little choice, but to transfer patients to better-equipped centers. In recent years, the hospital has seen some infrastructural improvements and the establishment of new departments, including a mental health section, a special pediatric ward, and separate registration counters for different patient demographics, thanks to support from the National Health Mission and the state Department of Health and Family Welfare.

However, the hospital continues to lag significantly in terms of manpower, particularly specialist doctors. Shockingly, in departments such as orthopedics and pediatrics, postgraduate interns from Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College Raipur and other private institutions are reportedly the primary caregivers. This reliance on interns underscores the critical shortage of experienced specialists, with some departments having only one or two specialists to cater to the large number of daily patients. In the last few years, the hospital has improved its infrastructure and set up many medical equipment, but there is still a shortage of specialist doctors in these departments, a medical officer revealed on condition of anonymity.

Adding to the concern, medical interns have reported being overburdened, often managing patients across two or three departments and frequently working shifts exceeding 12 hours. This situation raises serious questions about the quality of care and the well-being of the junior medical staff. When contacted, Dr S K Bhandri, Civil Surgeon denied all allegations of inadequate healthcare facilities however, he declined to comment on the reported shortage of doctors.
Mah ATS arrests manfrom Raigad districtover Naxal links





MUMBAI :

THE Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday arrested a 44-year-old man in Raigad district for his alleged links with Naxalites, police said. Prashant Jalinder Kamble, alias Laptop, was wanted since 2011 in connection with an Urban Naxal case, an official said. Milind Teltumbde, a senior leader of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Maharashtras Gadchiroli district two years ago, and top Maoist Angela Sontakke were also named in the 2011 FIR. According to ATS officials, Kamble had been hiding in the Khopoli area of Raigad district, where he used to teach tribal children, for the past six to seven years, he said. Kamble, a resident of the Tadiwala Road area in Pune, used to repair computers and laptops.

He came in contact with the Kabir Kala Manch, a cultural group that has faced allegations of links to Naxalism, said the official. The official said Kamble left home in 2010, but never returned. He and one Santosh Shelar, also missing from Pune, subsequently became active members of the CPI (Maoist) in the jungles of Gadchiroli. In January 2024, Santosh Shelar returned to his home in Pune in a sick condition, where he was arrested by the ATS. Officials said Kamble is a highvalue target and called him a hardcore follower of Naxalite ideology. After the 2011 case, Kamble was declared absconding by the court, and a non-bailable warrant and proclamation were issued against him, he said.
Russia fully backs Indias fight against terrorism, Putin tells Modi on phone





NEW DELHI :

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin on Monday conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone call that Russia fully backs Indias fight against terrorism and that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. In the conversation with Modi, Putin strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and conveyed condolences at the loss of innocent lives, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post. A Russian embassy readout said Putin described the terror attack as barbaric and that both the leaders emphasised the need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. It also said that the President accepted the Prime Ministers invitation for the annual India-Russia summit to be held in India this year. Putin was among the first world leaders to condemn the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

The Russian President conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism, Jaiswal said. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice, the MEA spokesperson added. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to deepen the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. Modi conveyed his greetings to Putin for the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day and invited him for the annual India-Russia summit to be held in India later this year, Jaiswal said. The Russian readout said the President once again expressed his sincere condolences over the death of Indian citizens as a result of the barbaric terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam.

During the conversation, the strategic nature of Russia-India relations as a special privileged partnership was emphasised, it said. These relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all areas, it said. President Putin accepts PM Modis invitation to visit India for annual high-level meeting: RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation to visit India for the annual high-level meeting as the two leaders held a telephone conversation on Monday, the Kremlin said. 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 that enjoy a particularly privileged partnership, it said, adding that these relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all areas.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev met today with Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Institute for Political and International Studies, who is visiting Azerbaijan, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani ministry.

The meeting included discussions on bilateral cooperation priorities that sprang up after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkians visit to Azerbaijan on April 28, 2025, as well as collaboration within regional and international organizations.

The two sides also emphasized the importance of establishing contact and cooperation between Iranian and Azerbaijani research and policy think tanks, noting that such engagement would further strengthen bilateral ties and improve mutual understanding on a range of issues among the public in both countries.

The deputy ministers also exchanged views on other regional and global matters.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. On May 6, the "High-Level Dialogue event on improving the training and educational process" between the National Defense Universities (NDUs) of Azerbaijan and Turkiye was held at the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev of National Defense University on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense told Trend.

The event was attended by rectors of NDUs, chiefs of main departments and departments, heads of educational institutions, officers, professors, and teachers of both countries.

First, the event participants visited the monument to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, installed within the institutes territory, and the Memorial Complex honoring the memory of martyrs, and laid flowers.

At the official part of the event held at the club of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, the blessed memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and independence of both countries, was honored with a minute of silence. The national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkiye, accompanied by the military orchestra, were performed.

In his opening speech, Rector of the Azerbaijan National Defense University, Major General Gunduz Abdulov welcomed the participants and characterized the high-level dialogue event in the field of military education between the Azerbaijani and Turkish NDUs as a significant event. The rector especially emphasized that the participation of the delegation from fraternal Turkiye in todays event reflects the policy set by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan toward the development of the two strategic partner states, as well as the strategic alliance relations in the field of military education. Abdulov noted that the approach of bringing together educational institutions and types of troops to discuss issues related to the training of military personnel, particularly officers, is implemented for the first time in the Azerbaijan Army based on the Turkish experience. The rector highlighted that the meetings and events organized in recent years are notable for their effectiveness in the field of military education for both fraternal countries.

Speaking afterwards, the Rector of the Turkish National Defense University, Professor Erhan Afyoncu, noted that the implementation of innovations achieved in the military educational field, a crucial part of the long-standing Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation that is currently at its peak, is an indicator of fraternal and indestructible ties between the two countries.

Ultimately, the task forces dedicated to optimizing the educational paradigm executed their initiatives in alignment with the strategic framework.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The trial continued on May 6 for Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, Trend reports.

The hearing at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judges Zeynal Agayev, Anar Rzayev, and Jamal Ramazanov (with reserve judge Gunel Samedova), ensured that the defendant had a Russian-language interpreter and a lawyer of his choosing.

Before testimony began, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the legal rights and responsibilities of the victims attending the session for the first time and introduced them to the court personnel, including interpreters, clerks, and prosecutors.

Avraam Berman, Vardanyans defense lawyer, then raised an objection to the judicial panel, citing a review of the February 6, 2025, session transcript. The defense argued that the transcripts failure to reflect their motions raised concerns about the panels objectivity and impartiality. Vardanyan supported his lawyers objection.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev responded that while the defense had the right to comment on the accuracy of the session records, an omission in the transcript was not grounds for challenging the entire judicial panel. He accused the defense of using similar objections to unnecessarily prolong the trial. Aliyev requested the court to dismiss the objection.

The victims present at the session also requested that the objection be denied.

The court recessed for deliberation.

Upon return, the court announced its decision to dismiss the defenses objection. Judge Agayev stated that the defense had failed to provide concrete evidence of the panels bias, as required by the Azerbaijani Criminal Procedure Code.

The court then heard testimony from victims of the alleged crimes.

Mahir Huseynov testified that he was injured by an artillery shell fired by remnants of Armenian forces and illegal armed groups near Sirkhavand village in the Agdara district. He stated that Armenian forces regularly fired on Azerbaijani positions and laid landmines, continuing a campaign of mine terror. Some of these mines were discovered on supply routes.

Madat Rzayev testified that he suffered serious injuries while serving in the Lachin district. He stated that his unit came under heavy artillery fire that struck their supply routes, even though the Armenian positions were not clearly visible.

Victim Mehman Hasanov said that he was injured in the village of Mollar, Aghdam. In his testimony, he noted that on that day he was engaged in excavation and construction work in the village area for the purpose of road construction. At that time, he heard gunshots. As a result of a shell that fell approximately 80 meters away, he suffered injuries in the right knee area. With the help of people around, he was taken to the Aghdam District Central Hospital.

Victim Seymur Garayev said that he suffered a traumatic brain injury when a mortar shell fired by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups during the fighting from the direction of Papravend village of Aghdam to the direction of Janyatag village of Aghdara district fell near him and exploded.

Sadig Bakhiyev testified that he was severely injured in a deliberate act of provocation by Armenian soldiers. He stated that fellow soldiers were killed or injured in the same incident, and that he himself was wounded by enemy sniper fire.

Jesaret Hasanzade testified that he and chief warrant officer, Akif Koroghliyev, were injured by a FAGOT anti-tank guided missile fired by remnants of Armenian forces near the Agdara district. He stated that other soldiers, including Huseyn Babayev and Amin Alasgarov, were also injured, and their commander, Fuzuli Mammadov, was killed.

Hasan Guliyev testified that he was injured near Sirkhavand village in Agdam, suffering a traumatic brain injury and leg wounds.

The court also reviewed the medical examination reports for each of the victims.

The next session is scheduled for May 13.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on May 6, Trend reports.

At the open court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and composed of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the defendant was provided with a translator in his native language, Russian, as well as with a lawyer of his choice for his defense.

Before testimony began, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the legal rights and responsibilities of the victims attending the session for the first time and introduced them to the court personnel, including interpreters, clerks, and prosecutors.

Avraam Berman, Vardanyans defense lawyer, then raised an objection to the judicial panel, citing a review of the February 6, 2025, session transcript. The defense argued that the transcripts failure to reflect their motions raised concerns about the panels objectivity and impartiality. Vardanyan supported his lawyers objection.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev responded that while the defense had the right to comment on the accuracy of the session records, an omission in the transcript was not grounds for challenging the entire judicial panel. He accused the defense of using similar objections to unnecessarily prolong the trial. Aliyev requested the court to dismiss the objection.

The victims present at the session also requested that the objection be denied.

The court recessed for deliberation.

Upon return, the court announced its decision to dismiss the defenses objection. Judge Agayev stated that the defense had failed to provide concrete evidence of the panels bias, as required by the Azerbaijani Criminal Procedure Code.

The court then heard testimony from victims of the alleged crimes.

The court also reviewed the medical examination reports for each of the victims.

The next session is scheduled for May 13.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

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Yes  Significant efforts are being made

No  Much more needs to be done

Some progress  But there are still critical gaps

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Baku Network expert platform rolled out the next part of the analytical video series "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", Trend reports.

The guest of the program was President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, MP Novruz Aslan.

The conversation discussed the challenges of the post-conflict period, the role of humanitarian organizations, and the current geopolitical processes in the region.

Aslan shared his reflections on the balance of power.

"We need to talk not just about stability, but about the energy that fuels hope and creates real prospects for peace. Unfortunately, in Armenia today, the dominant energy is a negative one, which not only destroys the internal unity of the country but also hinders the entire region from moving forward," the MP said.

He noted that despite the heavy legacy of the conflict and the attempts of revanchist circles in Yerevan to return the situation "to the past", Azerbaijan is acting deliberately and confidently.

"We won the war  a 44-day, brilliant, liberating war. And we were prepared for what would follow  revanchist rhetoric, attempts to return to aggression. But we calculated all of this and know how to act. We have a strategy. We are not deviating from our course," Aslan mentioned.

The talk gave special focus on the humanitarian mission of the Red Crescent in Karabakh.

Aslan spoke about how the organization's volunteers tried to deliver 40 tons of flour to residents in difficult circumstances, but were met with concrete barricades and political refusals.

"We are not a political organization. We went there with good intentions  to help, but they didnt even allow us to assess the situation. It was all because of external interference, diaspora influence, nationalism, and separatism," he explained.

Aslan emphasized that the true enemies of peace are those who incite constant escalation, who force ordinary people to "step into the same river of war" over and over again, while Armenia was given a unique opportunity to move within the legal framework and integrate into Europe.

"If Azerbaijan's territory hadn't been returned, if the 44-day war hadn't happened, could they today apply for EU membership? Of course not. This war opened the path to peace  and that must be recognized," he pointed out.

In response to Armenia's attempts to "cut a window to the past", as expressed by the MP, Azerbaijan demonstrates an example of rational policy.

"We are restoring Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli. Our caravan is moving. We have work to do. We dont pay attention to those who want to create a 'government in exile' or provoke new conflicts. Thats their business. Our path is creation," Aslan also said.

The talk also gave special p[lace to reflections on the significance of "soft power" and Azerbaijan's international reputation.

"We have shown the world our strength  both military and humanitarian. And now the whole world is watching our reconstruction of Karabakh, the return of people, and how every day the President opens roads and communications, and we did this without a single dollar of external aid," he further noted.

According to Aslan, the statements of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev are followed not only in Azerbaijan but also in EU countries, Armenia, and leading diplomatic schools worldwide.

"These are no longer just speeches. This is a school  a school of rational, wise politics. This is the real power  the 'smart power' that combines both firmness and humanitarianism," the MP clarified.

In conclusion, Aslan addressed all the peoples of the region.

"We stand at a crossroads: either more conflict, or a joint future. We must think about the legacy we will leave to our children. Peace is our choice, and we are ready for it," he added.
In an age where social media often serves as judge, jury, and executioner, public perception can be swiftly weaponized, even in the absence of facts. This has recently played out in the unfortunate and unwarranted campaign against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) over the arrest of social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). Despite clear indications that the bank had no hand in the arrest, a wave of online outrage was directed at the financial institution, sparking a call for boycott campaign that frankly defies logic.

At the center of this storm lies a pressing societal concern: the lack of emotional restraint in public discourse, particularly in the digital age. Nigerians, understandably frustrated by systemic injustice and state inefficiencies, often lash out at visible institutions in the hope of triggering accountability. However, when that anger is misdirected, it not only undermines the credibility of the cause but also damages legitimate institutions that serve the public good.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, What Actually Happened? VDM, known for his aggressive exposes on social media, was ostensibly arrested as a result of compiled complaints from various individuals. So, how GTBank was dragged into the controversy surrounding his arrest has left not a few right thinking Nigerians thunderstruck.

As gathered, the petitions filed against him revolve around cyberbullying and defamation, charges serious enough to prompt the Nigerian legal system to act. Nowhere in the publicly available court filings or police statements was GTBank mentioned, let alone listed as a complainant.

Yet somehow, GTBank became the unintended scapegoat. Conspiracy theories quickly surfaced, wrongly linking the bank to the arrest. Perhaps it was due to past unrelated issues involving VDM and the bank, or simply the fact that GTBank, being a prominent institution, made for an easy target. Regardless of the rationale, the attack was misplaced and undeserved.

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to opine that there is an urgent need for emotional restraint towards the imbroglio. In as much as activism is a powerful tool for social change, it remains so only when wielded responsibly. Reacting emotionally, without fact-checking or logical analysis, does more harm than good. It fuels chaos, delegitimizes genuine causes, and puts innocent parties in the crosshairs of public backlash.

In the case of GTBank, emotional outrage overtook reason. Instead of waiting for the facts to emerge or channeling energy toward legal reforms or protecting digital free speech, Nigerians, many, joined a bandwagon headed in the wrong direction. The repercussions of such actions are not to be taken lightly. Without a doubt, this lack of emotional discipline is costly as it weakens advocacy by divorcing it from evidence, destroys reputations based on unverified claims and undermines institutional trust in sectors vital to national stability.

Despite the backlashes and unfair allegations being made against the bank, its track record speaks for itself. Let us look beyond the emotional reaction and examine GTBanks actual track record. Whether in terms of performance, innovation, or service delivery, the bank stands as a benchmark in Nigerias financial ecosystem.

It is not an exaggeration to say that GTBank has an unrivaled financial strength. According to its FY 2024 financial statements, GTBank posted a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N609.3 billion, a 184.5% year-on-year growth from the previous year. Its total assets stood at N9.9 trillion, reflecting a strong and expanding balance sheet.

The bank recorded a Return on Equity (ROE) of 38.8%, highlighting exceptional management efficiency and profitability. These figures place GTBank among the most financially sound and well-governed banks in sub-Saharan Africa.

Similarly, the banks leadership in digital banking remains unmatched, having consistently pioneered innovative solutions in the sector. Notably, it was among the first Nigerian banks to launch fully integrated mobile and internet banking platforms, which now facilitate millions of transactions daily.

The bank's mobile app and USSD banking platforms are among the most reliable and widely used in the country.

Given the foregoing verifiable facts, it is difficult to reconcile such a reputation for transparency and efficiency with the baseless accusation that the bank would orchestrate an arrest.

Also in a similar vein, the bank has over the years, through its services earned international recognition. Therefore, GTBanks credibility is not just domestic; it is globally recognized: For instance, in 2023, the bank was awarded "Best Bank in Nigeria" by Euromoney, and it also holds high credit ratings from Fitch and Global Credit Ratings.

In fact, GTBank is one of the few Nigerian financial institutions listed on the London Stock Exchange, signifying high standards of governance, accountability, and investor confidence.

Looking at the bigger picture in this context, it is not an exaggeration to opine that the activism being directed against the bank is misdirected, and if unbridled, it will unarguably hurt us all. The real tragedy is that this misdirected outrage dilutes the potency of civic engagement. When the public channels its anger at the wrong targets, the real culprits, those who exploit legal loopholes or abuse the judicial process, escape scrutiny.

Moreover, this kind of unverified activism has broader implications. First is that there is bound to be investor sentiment as foreign and local investors observing such volatility may become wary of doing business in Nigeria.

Looking at the repercussion from the perspective of Nigerias banking sector stability, it is not an exaggeration to say that GTBank, like other top-tier banks, is systemically important, and therefore, any reputational damage could have ripple effects across the financial system. Worse still, from the prism of rule of Law, jumping to conclusions without evidence undermines the legal processes we so desperately want to see improved.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, What should be done instead? To answer the foregoing question, it is not out of place to say that to avoid falling into this trap again, Nigerians, especially digital activists and influencers, must adopt a more thoughtful approach.

First is to always engage in verifying before vilifying. Before amplifying accusations, confirm whether there is documented evidence. Do not let unsubstantiated tweets or social media rants dictate your outrage.

In a similar vein, ask better questions. Instead of dragging GTBank, why not ask why defamation and cyberbullying laws are so loosely interpreted in Nigeria? Why is remand so easily granted?

Also in a similar vein, it is expedient for the real issues to be targeted, not convenient ones: Aggrieved personalities who petitioned VDM are collectively the accusers. If there is an abuse of legal power or suppression of speech that is where public attention should go. In fact, to proverbially put it, GTBank, in this context, is like the head that took the knock as a punishment for the fart expelled from the anus. Aptly put, GTBank is unarguably a scapegoat in the whole mess.

Again, there is the need for the promotion of institutional accountability, not anarchy: Reputable institutions like GTBank should be held to account when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, not targeted for speculative or emotional reasons.

On a final thought, the ease with which GTBank was pulled into a controversy it had nothing to do with speaks volumes about the urgency of cultivating emotional restraint in civic discourse. In the court of public opinion, truth must not be sacrificed at the altar of virality.

As citizens, we owe it to ourselves, and to the causes we care about, to apply discipline, logic, and fairness in our reactions. No matter the undeserved perception we collectively and individually hold against GTBank, there is no denying the fact that it has in this case clearly suffered an unjustifiable reputational blow.

If we are serious about justice, then the expediency of emotional restraint must guide our activism. Anything less is a disservice to both truth and progress.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing productivity and pushing the boundaries of whats possible. It powers self-driving cars, social media feeds, fraud detection and medical diagnoses. Touted as a game changer, it is projected to add nearly US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by the end of the decade.

Africa is positioned to use this technology in several sectors. In Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, AI-led digital tools in use include drones for farm management, X-ray screening for tuberculosis diagnosis, and real-time tracking systems for packages and shipments. All these are helping to fill gaps in accessibility, efficiency and decision-making.

However, it also introduces risks. These include biased algorithms, resource and labour exploitation, and e-waste disposal. The lack of a robust regulatory framework in many parts of the continent increases these challenges, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to exploitation. Limited public awareness and infrastructure further complicate the continents ability to harness AI responsibly.

What are African countries doing about it? To answer this, my research mapped out what Ghana and Rwanda had in place as AI policies and investigated how these policies were developed. I looked for shared principles and differences in approach to governance and implementation.

The research shows that AI policy development is not a neutral or technical process but a profoundly political one. Power dynamics, institutional interests and competing visions of technological futures shape AI regulation.

I conclude from my findings that AIs potential to bring great change in Africa is undeniable. But its benefits are not automatic. Rwanda and Ghana show that effective policy-making requires balancing innovation with equity, global standards with local needs, and state oversight with public trust.

The question is not whether Africa can harness AI, but how and on whose terms.

How they did it

Rwandas National AI Policy emerged from consultations with local and global actors. These included the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwandan Space Agency, and NGOs like the Future Society, and the GIZ FAIR Forward. The resulting policy framework is in line with Rwandas goals for digital transformation, economic diversification and social development. It includes international best practices such as ethical AI, data protection, and inclusive AI adoption.

Ghanas Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations conducted multi-stakeholder workshops to develop a national strategy for digital transformation and innovation. Start-ups, academics, telecom companies and public-sector institutions came together and the result is Ghanas National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 20232033.

Both countries have set up or plan to set up Responsible AI offices. This aligns with global best practices for ethical AI. Rwanda focuses on local capacity building and data sovereignty. This reflects the countrys post-genocide emphasis on national control and social cohesion. Similarly, Ghanas proposed office focuses on accountability, though its structure is still under legislative review.

Ghana and Rwanda have adopted globally recognised ethical principles like privacy protection, bias mitigation and human rights safeguards. Rwandas policy reflects Unescos AI ethics recommendations and Ghana emphasises trustworthy AI.

Both policies frame AI as a way to reach the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. Rwandas policy targets applications in healthcare, agriculture, poverty reduction and rural service delivery. Similarly, Ghanas strategy highlights the potential to advance economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive digital transformation.

Key policy differences

Rwandas policy ties data control to national security. This is rooted in its traumatic history of identity-based violence. Ghana, by contrast, frames AI as a tool for attracting foreign investment rather than a safeguard against state fragility.

The policies also differ in how they manage foreign influence. Rwanda has a defensive stance towards global tech powers; Ghanas is accommodative. Rwanda works with partners that allow it to follow its own policy. Ghana, on the other hand, embraces partnerships, viewing them as the start of innovation.

While Rwandas approach is targeted and problem-solving, Ghanas strategy is expansive, aiming for large-scale modernisation and private-sector growth. Through state-led efforts, Rwanda focuses on using AI to solve immediate challenges such as rural healthcare access and food security. In contrast, Ghana looks at using AI more widely  in finance, transport, education and governance  to become a regional tech hub.

Constraints and solutions

The effectiveness of these AI policies is held back by broader systemic challenges. The US and China dominate in setting global standards, so local priorities get sidelined. For example, while Rwanda and Ghana advocate for ethical AI, its hard for them to hold multinational corporations accountable for breaches.

Energy shortages further complicate large-scale AI adoption. Training models require reliable electricity  a scarce resource in many parts of the continent.

To address these gaps, I propose the following:

Investments in digital infrastructure, education and local start-ups to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants.

African countries must shape international AI governance forums. They must ensure policies reflect continental realities, not just western or Chinese ones. This will include using collective bargaining power through the African Union to bring Africas development needs to the fore. It could also help with digital sovereignty issues and equitable access to AI technologies.

Finally, AI policies must embed African ethical principles. These should include communal rights and post-colonial sensitivities.

Dr Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye is a Postdoctoral Researcher, University College Dublin, Ireland. (Culled from The Conversation.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, has arrived in the Fuzuli district, liberated from Armenian occupation, Trend reports.

At the Fuzuli International Airport, Prime Minister Alexander Turchin was welcomed by Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.

The Belarusian PM was informed about the Fuzuli International Airport. Fuzuli International Airport, which was commissioned in 2021, was built in approximately 9 months.

Fuzuli International Airport today is not only a transport hub, but also a symbol of accessibility and development of the Karabakh region. Fuzuli International Airport, the air gateway to Karabakh, is becoming a transport and logistics center, playing a vital role in the regions economic, political and cultural life.

PM Alexander Turchin also familiarized himself with the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts in the Fuzuli district.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. An international scientific-practical conference on "Intercultural Dialogue, Modern Constitutionalism, and Sovereignty" was held at Yessenov University (Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yessenov) in Aktau, Kazakhstan, as part of Azerbaijans "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty," Trend reports via the State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

The event was organized by Azerbaijans State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijani Consulate General in Aktau, the "Azerbaijan Center" Public Fund, and the Department of International Relations and Tourism at Yessenov University.

The conference brought together prominent scholars, experts, and public figures from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, along with the consuls general of Turkiye, Iran, and Turkmenistan.

In his opening remarks, Yessenov University Rector Berik Akhmetov emphasized the role of education in fostering a tolerant and harmonious society. He also noted that the university remains committed to international collaboration and supports initiatives aimed at advancing intercultural dialogue.

Aykhan Suleymanli, Azerbaijans Consul General in Aktau, followed with a speech highlighting the importance of finding common ground and building bridges of mutual understanding in todays world.

During the conference, Elmira Jangojayeva, Head of the Department of International Relations and Tourism, and Eldar Jafarov, Professor of Political Science, presented discussions on various aspects of constitutional law and intercultural communication.

In his closing remarks, Ilkin Orujov, Director of the "Azerbaijan Center," thanked participants for their fruitful discussions, expressing confidence that the conference's outcomes would significantly contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Certificates were awarded to participants, and organizers received appreciation letters at the conclusion of the event.

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Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on a two-day tour to the states Murshidabad district, which was hit by communal violence 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 Trinamul Congress legislators from the district, and in the meeting, she reportedly advised the party MLAs to be more active in public interaction henceforth.

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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.

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Earlier, 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.
With chief minister Mamata Banerjee currently touring Murshidabad, the United Guardian Council, West Bengal, has urged her to initiate a district-level study on the twin issues of migration and rising school dropout rates in the region.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister on Monday, the Councils general secretary, Pasarul Alam, highlighted Murshidabads long-standing status as one of the states major sources of migrant labour. Every year, lakhs of young men from this district migrate to various parts of the country, particularly Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Rajasthan, in search of employment. Many work in the construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and service sectors, often under unsafe conditions and for low wages, Alam wrote.

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He further pointed out that many of these migrant workers face exploitation, harassment and even risks of human trafficking and child labour. This pattern of migration not only impacts the local economy but also contributes significantly to the rising number of school dropouts, especially among boys.

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Many families are forced to send their children to work at an early age, raising serious concerns about child rights and their future prospects, the letter stated.

Citing the Kerala Migration Study (KMS) 2023 as a model, the Council proposed a similar initiative titled the Murshidabad Migration Study.

According to Alam, the proposed study would aim to, map migration trends by identifying the number of people migrating from each block or panchayat, their destinations, and reasons for migration; Examine the nature of work, income levels, associated risks, and instances of harassment; Analyse the correlation between migration, school dropout rates, and incidences of child labour; Assist in framing evidence-based policies for safer migration practices.

He suggested that the study be conducted in coordination with the departments of education, panchayats, labour, and social welfare, and recommended that institutions such as IIMAD or the West Bengal State Rural Development Agency (WBSRDA) be involved in its implementation and supervision.

The West Bengal government has already played a significant role in uplifting marginalized communities. We appeal to the chief minister to consider this critical issue and take steps toward a comprehensive and impactful policy response, Alam added.
The Trinamul Congress came out strongly in support of Himanshi Narwal, widow of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April. After speaking out against the communal backlash in the aftermath of the attack, Narwal gained national attention and has since faced a torrent of online abuse.

On Monday, Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale called the harassment state-sponsored, accusing the Modi government of enabling the abuse to further a communal agenda. Make no mistake: the obscene harassment of Ms Narwal is STATE-SPONSORED with active backing & support of the Modi Govt. The reason: Instead of bringing the terrorists to justice, BJP has wanted to use the Pahalgam attack for inciting communal violence in India. And the brave statement & appeal for harmony given by Himanshi Narwal has destroyed their dirty agenda and, hence, she has become a target, he wrote on X, adding that the silence of the Union government machinery indicates clear and tacit support for the vitriol targeting her.

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The TMC MP also criticised IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for failing to act against the offensive posts despite his track record of blocking accounts critical of the government. He also questioned the inaction of the National Commission for Women (NCW), pointing out the bodys selective outrage.

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NCW Chief @VijayaRahatkar runs to Bengal at the drop of a hat with delegations at the slightest instance. Why hasnt NCW ordered an FIR to be filed against these tweets? Gokhale posted on X.

Trinamul MP Mahua Moitra also demanded accountability from defence minister Rajnath Singh and the ministry of defence on Sunday night, over the shameful abuse of Narwal. Hello @rajnathsingh @SpokespersonMoD  young widow of a naval office killed due to your govts incompetence & lack of security being abused & vilified by @BJP4India trolls. Are you watching the fun or do you plan on doing something? she wrote on X.

The online abuse began after Himanshi Narwal appealed for peace, urging citizens not to blame Muslims and Kashmiris for the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. Her comments, made during a media interaction, drew sharp reactions from sections of social media previously sympathetic to her.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had 879.59 metric tonnes (MT) of gold at the end of March 2025, of which 511.99 metric tonnes were held domestically, the Central Bank informed on Monday.

While 348.62 metric tonnes of gold were kept in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 18.98 metric tonnes were held in the form of gold deposits.

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In value terms (USD), the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from 9.32 per cent at end-September 2024 to about 11.70 per cent at end-March 2025, according to the RBIs Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves.

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During the half-year period under review, reserves decreased from $705.78 billion in end-September 2024 to $630.61 billion at end-January 2025, and were at $668.33 billion at end-March 2025.

During the period between end-December 2023 and end-December 2024, the external assets increased by $79.7 billion and external liabilities increased by $76.1 billion.

The foreign currency assets comprise multi-currency assets that are held in multi-asset portfolios as per the existing norms, which conform to the best international practices followed in this regard.

At end-March 2025, out of the total FCA of $567.56 billion, $485.53 billion was invested in securities, $45.68 billion was deposited with other central banks and the BIS and the balance $36.34 billion comprised deposits with commercial banks overseas.

With the objective of exploring new strategies and products in reserve management while diversifying the portfolio, a small portion of the reserves is being managed by external asset managers, informed the RBI.

At the end of December 2024, foreign exchange reserves cover of imports (on a balance of payments basis) stood at 10.5 months (11.8 months at end-September 2024).

The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to reserves, which was 19.1 per cent at end-September 2024, increased to 22.0 per cent at end-December 2024.

The ratio of volatile capital flows (including cumulative portfolio inflows and outstanding short-term debt) to reserves increased from 67.8 per cent at end-September 2024 to 74.3 per cent at end-December 2024, the Bank informed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Belarus has thrown its hat in the ring by donating a special-purpose vehicle to Azerbaijan's Aghdam district, lending a helping hand to bolster local public service operations, Trend reports.

The vehicle was presented by Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin during his visit to Aghdam, conducted together with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.

The presentation took place during a tour of the Aghdam Industrial Park. Turchin handed over the vehicle to the State Service for Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in the nation's Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts.

Prime Minister Turchin is visiting Azerbaijan's liberated territories alongside his Azerbaijani counterpart.

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Reliance Consumer Products, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) division of Reliance Retail, will be spun off into a separate entity, senior company officials told media persons.

The FMCG business, which was launched in 2022, has scaled up in an extremely short period of time, the company officials said.

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During the quarterly and annual results released last month, the company revealed that Reliance Consumer Products had notched up revenues of Rs 11,500 crore in FY25, surpassing several other well-established companies operating in the sector. More than 60 per cent of revenues came in from general trade, led by in-house brands.

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Due to the growth fuelled by demand for its brands, there is a plan to spin off Reliance Consumer Products into a separate entity in order to unlock value.

However, company officials said that details on spinning off Reliance Consumer Products as a separate entity are still in the process of being worked out and it is in the context of larger plans for Reliance Retail Ventures, under which all its retail operations are centred. Presently, Reliance Consumer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail.

Company officials did not respond to queries by media persons seeking more clarity about the move to spin off Reliance Consumer Products as a separate entity.

Currently, Reliance Consumer Products owns Campa, a brand which has achieved double-digit market share in some key markets where it is sold. Campa has already notched up revenue of over Rs 1,000 crore, much ahead of target, company officials stated.

Company officials stated that Staples brand Independence has also gained sales momentum and is now being sold across over a million retail outlets as well as a 3,000-strong distribution network.

Reliance Consumer Products has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Acquiring brands with good recall, which have fallen on hard times, like Campa and shampoo brand Velvette, has been the strategy followed.

In its recent earnings call, the company had said it was looking to tap international markets such as the Middle East as well for its brands.

Campa has already been launched in the Middle East soft drink market.
The National Thalassaemia Welfare Society (NTWS), in collaboration with the Delhi Legislative Assembly, will observe International Thalassaemia Day on Thursday with an event at Vidhan Sabha complex, and the iconic building will be illuminated red in the evening to raise awareness and express solidarity with Thalassaemia patients around the world.

A conference on Thalassaemia awareness will be organized in the afternoon, followed by a symbolic gesture as part of the global Bring Light to Thal campaign by the Thalassaemia International Federation.

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Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will grace the occasion as the chief guest, while the event will be attended by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister of Health, Government of Delhi, and Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairperson, National Commission for Backward Classes and former Minister of State for Home Affairs.

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This years theme, Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients, calls for collective action in prevention, early diagnosis, and sustained patient care.

The participation of schoolchildren will add to the significance, fostering awareness among the younger generation, and encouraging a proactive approach to public health challenges.

Thalassemia is a blood related disorder which leads towards causing anemia.
Led by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, party MPs, MLAs, and several municipal councillors staged a protest near the residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to oppose the water crisis being allegedly caused in Delhi by the AAP-led government in Punjab.

BJP leaders claim that due to alleged cuts in the Bhakra Canal water supply to neighbouring states by the Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, Delhi is heading towards a water crisis, sparking strong public outrage.

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Carrying placards with slogans against the Punjab government and wearing black armbands, the protesters asked Kejriwal to instruct the AAP-led Punjab government to revoke the water supply cuts from the Bhakra Canal.

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Those present at the protest included MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Praveen Khandelwal, Bansuri Swaraj, MLAs Ajay Mahawar, Jitendra Mahajan, Neeraj Basoya, Anil Sharma, Shikha Rai, Sanjay Goyal, Gajendra Daral, and state unit office bearers of the BJP.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachdeva alleged that Kejriwal is now blocking Delhis rightful share of water in Punjab, and that the state government led by his party is conspiring to leave the national capital thirsty during peak summer.

He alleged that the AAP chief and his party have yet to accept their defeat in Delhi, and, as revenge, they are punishing the people.

Sachdeva further said, It is our collective responsibility to ensure Delhi gets its rightful share of water. That is why we stand here today outside his residence, demanding accountability for why Kejriwal and his party are punishing innocent Delhiites for their own political defeat.
General Secretary of Chandni Chowk Nagrik Manch Praveen Shankar Kapoor on Tuesday stated that imagining the historic area without trade is meaningless.

He said whether during the Mughal era or British rule, the lanes, by-lanes, and marketplaces of Chandni Chowk have been centers of trade, attracting business from across the country and abroad.

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Even today, wholesale markets in Old Delhi contribute nearly one-third of Delhi governments total revenue, he claimed.

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Kapoor alleged that after Independence, successive Congress governments and the DDA failed to provide proper commercial spaces to Delhis traders, forcing trade activities to expand deep into Old Delhis inner lanes, where traders faced numerous challenges.

He further claimed that despite contributing a third of Delhis revenue, traders were allegedly left to suffer under Congress governments  electrical, telephone, and internet wires hanging dangerously in lanes, overflowing sewers, and broken roads.

He hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party, stating that it introduced the Chandni Chowk beautification plan after which the situation deteriorated further.

Kapoor said the Chandni Chowk Nagrik Manch appeals to the Delhi government to take note that attempts to relocate trade hubs  such as the cycle market to Jhandewalan, paper market to Ghazipur, iron market to Naraina, and chemical market to Bawana  have all failed.

He added that Old Delhi already has two railway stations, bus terminals, local transportation, banks, hotels, and an adequate police presence, which provide a conducive environment for trade.

Kapoor urged the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation to ensure proper maintenance and infrastructure in this vital area.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday reaffirmed her governments commitment to ensuring uninterrupted and affordable power supply across the national capital.

Speaking at the inauguration of a 66/11 KV GIS Grid Substation at Mangla Puri in South West Delhis Palam village, CM Gupta said the new facility will provide a modern, reliable power supply to over 1.5 lakh residents in Palam, Dwarka, Mahavir Enclave, and adjoining areas.

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Taking a dig at the previous government, the Chief Minister alleged that Delhi had witnessed frequent power outages during their tenure, with many lasting for over an hour. In contrast, she claimed, the current administration has strengthened the power infrastructure and taken steps towards energy self-reliance, especially through the promotion of solar power.

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CM Gupta also refuted past opposition claims that the BJP would discontinue free electricity and water schemes if voted into power. We have not only continued these welfare schemes but have also launched several new initiatives to serve the people better, she said.

Highlighting the shift in governance style, she added, Earlier, Water Ministers were protesting on the streets and Power Ministers went on strike. Today, Delhi has a government that is responsible, accountable, and focused on solving problems proactively.

Gupta emphasized the Delhi governments priority of building an environmentally friendly and future-ready energy system, including the development of smart grids, to provide 247 reliable electricity to every household and business.

The GIS Grid Substation, developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), is part of the governments efforts to modernize the power infrastructure. According to officials, the Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) technology used in the project is particularly suited for urban areas, as it saves nearly 35 per cent of land as compared to conventional Air Insulated Substations (AIS).

On the occasion, Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood remarked, This grid substation is not just an infrastructure project, but a symbol of our commitment to Ease of Living. It will ensure safe, uninterrupted, and high-quality electricity for nearly 25,000 households in the area.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat and Smart Infrastructure, the CM noted that such developments represent a major step forward in creating a resilient and citizen-friendly power supply system.

Palam 360 Pradhan Chaudhary Surendra Solanki welcomed the CM and the Power Minister on behalf of the local residents and expressed gratitude for the launch of the project. As a mark of respect, he also presented a portrait of Dada Dev Maharaj, the local village deity revered by residents of Palam and nearby villages, to the Chief Minister.
In a gesture of solidarity and empathy, the Assam Cabinet has approved financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the 26 individuals who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Many of the victims were tourists, targeted in one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent times.

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Announcing the Cabinets decision, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government deeply mourned the loss of lives and stood by the bereaved families.

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Assam has faced decades of insurgency and conflict. We understand the pain and trauma that such senseless violence causes. This assistance, though modest, is a token of respect and a gesture of compassion towards the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Sarma stated at a press conference in Guwahati.

The terror strike, which occurred in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, has shaken the nation and once again raised concerns about the safety of civilians and tourists in conflict-prone regions.

The attack drew condemnation across the country and renewed calls for stronger counter-terrorism measures.

The Assam government had initially announced the ex-gratia assistance on April 24, but the formal approval by the Cabinet ensures the timely disbursal of funds to all affected families.

Highlighting security concerns back home, the Chief Minister also emphasised that vigilance has been intensified along Assams international border with Bangladesh.

Given past instances of cross-border infiltration and militant activity, authorities are maintaining a high alert to prevent any spillover of extremist influence into the region.
Mock drills will be conducted at several locations in Delhi as part of a nationwide emergency preparedness initiative on the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the drill that will include the sounding of war sirens and the participation of civil defence volunteers, police personnel, and various government departments.

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Senior Delhi Police officials have also instructed all deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) to formulate detailed preparation plans. Notably, the Delhi Police made elaborate security arrangements in the key areas of the city including Connaught place, India Gate Sarojani Nagar market and Gole market among others.

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Furthermore, the Delhi Police has installed its LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) System for the mock drill. This device has a range of more than one kilometre and can be used as a hooter to alert the public in case of a sudden attack or as a public announcement system to give a message to a large gathering.

Also, the drill will take place at various schools also during the morning time in the city.

Earlier in the day, LG VK Saxena chaired a meeting in connection with the preparedness for the mock drill.

The drills are also conducted under three categories, namely high priority, medium priority, and low priority. Delhi stands in the Category 1 as per a government communication.
The final process to incinerate the remaining 307 tonnes of waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal began at a private incineration facility at Pithampur Industrial Area near Indore in Madhya Pradesh late on Monday evening.

According to officials, the waste is expected to be completely incinerated in 50-55 days.

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The incineration process is being conducted on the directives of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, with officials of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) monitoring the procedure.

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MPPCB Regional Officer Shrinivas Dwivedi said on Tuesday that emissions, including nitrogen oxide, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, sulphur dioxide, and others, are being monitored through an online system. He stated that all emissions are currently within the prescribed limits.

Dwivedi added that once the entire waste is burnt, the remaining ash will be disposed of safely, ensuring that no damage is caused to the environment.

The High Court has directed the state government to submit a status report on waste disposal on 30 June.

A total of 337 tonnes of waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal was transported to the Pithampur facility on 2 January this year.

Out of this, 30 tonnes of waste have already been incinerated in three tests of 10 tonnes each in February and March.

The state government has told the High Court that the test incinerations were successful and safe.

According to the state government, the waste from the Union Carbide factory includes soil from the premises of the closed unit, reactor residue, Sevin (a pesticide) residue, naphthal residue, and semi-processed residue.

The State Pollution Control Board has stated that according to scientific evidence, the effect of Sevin and naphthal chemicals in this waste has now become almost negligible.

According to the board, the waste contains no methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas and no radioactive particles of any kind.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was caused by a leak of MIC (methyl isocyanate) gas from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal on the intervening night of 2 and 3 December 1984.

According to official figures, the mishap killed about 5,500 people and injured five lakh others.

Activists, however, claim that at least 15,000 lives were lost, with many more suffering from lifelong disabilities and long-term health issues due to exposure to the toxic gas.

The tragedy is regarded as one of the worlds worst industrial disasters.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday, launched a blistering attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of taking a group of 90 Indian youths to Pakistan under false pretences and exposing them to potential radicalisation.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, he claimed that the youths were told they would be visiting diplomatic missions as part of an international exposure programme but were instead taken to the Pakistan Embassy. Two to three participants have stated they were misled, the chief minister said, alleging that the itinerary was deliberately kept vague, shrouding it in secrecy.

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Sarma charged Gogoi with raising pro-Pakistani questions in Parliament. There is no compromise with Pakistan. Will not tolerate any attempt to misguide or endanger our youth in the name of diplomacy, he said, calling the act a big crime and demanding that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should clarify in Parliament whether Congress MPs are officially allowed to visit Pakistan.

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In more explosive personal allegations, he claimed Gogoi not only visited Pakistan but also met with a Pakistani army officer and spent 15 days in the country without notifying Indian authoritiessomething Sarma termed a serious breach.

He further alleged that Gogois British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, had links with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), intensifying what appears to be a multi-pronged political offensive.

Sarma indicated that more revelations would follow, setting a September 10 deadline for disclosing further evidence, including documents from the UK and Pakistan. I have to show proof to the people, or else they wont believe me, he said.

There is a deeper story, he added, cryptically referring to the citizenship status of Gogois children.

The Congress party is yet to officially respond to the allegations.

Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha and MP from Assams Jorhat constituency, has been a vocal critic of the BJP governments policies in Assam and the Northeast. Son of late chief minister Tarun Gogoi, he has emerged as a prominent face of the Congress in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared that Indias water will now only flow in Indias favour, underscoring a shift in policy following heightened tensions with Pakistan.

Speaking at the ABP Networks Indias @2047 Summit, the Prime Minister said, There is a lot of discussion in the media these days about Indias water. Let me reassure youIndias water will now flow in Indias favour.

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The statement carries significant weight as it comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

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The move, announced on April 23, 2025, effectively puts the treaty in abeyance, with India stating that it will not fully uphold its obligations under the treaty until political relations with Pakistan improve.

The decision is widely interpreted as a strong diplomatic and strategic response to national security concerns and long-standing allegations of Pakistans support for cross-border terrorism.

Reaffirming Indias progress on multiple fronts, Prime Minister Modi said, India is showing the world how tradition and technology can thrive together. Today, we are among the top countries in the world in digital transactions.

In another major announcement, the Prime Minister revealed that the long-pending IndiaUK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been finalised. Earlier today, the agreement was clinched during my talks with British Prime Minister Keir Rodney Starmer, Modi stated.
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Men and women have long behaved differently in the political realm, with the former more inclined to vote for Republicans and the latter more likely to support Democrats . But significantly, these differences did not historically apply to 18-to-29-year-olds. For many years, both younger men and women have leaned decidedly left.

No longer. The latest Harvard Youth Poll, the gold standard for studying younger voters, is the most recent poll to make clear there are now distinct political differences separating men and women ages 1829.

The men of Generation Z, rocked by economic and social crises and impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, have moved to the right, backing President Donald Trump over then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and continuing to favor Republicans . Women ages 18  29 reacted differently to the events that shaped their generation  politically, socially, philosophically  resulting in them holding markedly more liberal sensibilities.

The consequences of these divergent political paths are a bifurcated younger electorate afflicted with the same gender polarization that typically characterizes older voters. In other words, Gen Z has aged prematurely  politically, at least.

"One of the biggest things we've seen with the gender split, is really how men and women have diverged ideologically," said Jordan Schwartz , a Harvard sophomore and chair of Harvard Public Opinion Project , during a briefing to unveil the Harvard Institute of Politics' 50th youth survey.

Schwartz added that young men veering right, and young women simultaneously staying or moving further left, has produced a "huge gap" in Harvard's polling, explaining that this gender chasm has "opened up over the past few years" and "has not existed in many of our past polls."

As widely reported elsewhere, including by me, today's young men were deeply affected by a cascade of socially destabilizing events during the formative years of their upbringing, from the Great Recession to the COVID pandemic. Those sentiments have made Generation Z men distrustful of government and institutions, making the disruptive Trump and his promises of the coming " golden age of America" more appealing than his rivals.

Notably, Harvard's data suggests younger women voters have not emerged from the same destabilizing experiences with the same social insecurities, leaving them less suspicious of Democrats , often the defenders of government and institutions (although young women do share some of the same concerns their male counterparts have about the economy generally.)

Consider: the Harvard poll showed that more Generation Z women than men feel socially "connected;" it showed women were slightly more "confident" they would eventually own a home; it showed they were significantly more confident they would eventually find "a long-term romantic partner; and the survey showed women ages 1829 are more confident than similarly aged men about eventually getting married.

"Young men and young women's experiences through the pandemic have been different. It seems like young women have bounced back a little bit better, they have stronger social networks," Melissa Deckman , author of The Politics of Gen Z and chief executive officer of the Public Religion Research Institute , a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC , told me. "For some young men, the studies show that they're more socially isolated than young women."

Pollsters and analysts downplay Trump's provocative behavior as a factor in the youth gender divide. However jarring Trump may be to adults old enough to have voted for Republicans Mitt Romney , John McCain or the various Bushes, to voters who were as young as 8 when the president launched his first White House bid a decade ago, he is normal. Trump or no Trump, youth voters care more about policy than personality, I was told, and are likely to render their verdict on the president based on their perception of his performance on the issues they care about.

"It's been almost 10 years since (Trump) came down that escalator, and so for young people, this is the only brand of politics that they know," said Meredith Shiner , a communications consultant in Chicago and lecturer at the University of Chicago who teaches a graduate course in public policy and communications. "This isn't just about approach or tone; this is about policy."

Other surveys and analyses also suggest the differences in partisan preference among younger male and female voters are driven by issues.

Last September, Gallup published "Exploring Young Women's Leftward Expansion," concluding from survey data that "much higher proportions" of female voters ages 18  29 have "prevailing liberal perspectives" on key issues than women of the same age group did 10 years previously  on abortion rights; gun rights; climate change and race relations. Generation Z women also have become "more liberal," although "modestly" so, on "the death penalty; healthcare policy; labor unions; taxes; government regulation and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

Meanwhile, Generation Z men have either turned right or moved left less than their female counterparts, per Gallup. Similar findings appeared in a post-election Ipsos poll of 18 to 29-year-olds , fielded mid to late November and developed by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University .

The widening divide is also driven by the men and women of this age group ranking issues differently.

"Young women were more likely to prioritize health care and climate change, and those are issues on which youth trusted Democrats more," Alberto Medina , analysis coauthor of the Tufts-directed Ipsos youth survey, told me in a text message exchange. "Young men were more likely to prioritize jobs and immigration, and those were issues in which youth trusted Republicans more."

If young voters are like previous generations, this split could get even wider as they age, turning today's gender gap into a gender gulf.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

David M. Drucker is columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a senior writer for The Dispatch and the author of "In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP ."
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, May 6. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin visited the Aghdam Industrial Park, Trend reports.

The Belarusian PM was briefed on ongoing projects at the Aghdam Industrial Park, one of the key initiatives aimed at revitalizing the region's economy and local production following the liberation of the territories

One of the flagship efforts to revitalize the economy and rebuild local industry in Azerbaijans Aghdam region is the Aghdam Industrial Park, established by presidential decree in May 2021. Spanning nearly 470 acres, the park is part of a broader strategy to restore territories retaken by Azerbaijan, unlock industrial potential, promote entrepreneurship, and boost employment in the manufacturing sector.

Government figures estimate total investment in the park at $148 million, with projections of more than 2,100 new jobs. Nine enterprises are currently operating at the site, with over ten more under construction.

During the visit, the Belarusian delegation donated a MAZ-5907C2-012 utility vehicle to the Azerbaijani state agency overseeing reconstruction in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districtsareas heavily damaged during decades of conflict.

The delegation also toured the village of Saryjaly, which was occupied by Armenian forces on July 23, 1993, during the First Karabakh War. The village was left in ruins, with homes, schools, and public infrastructure destroyed. Following Azerbaijans military gains in the 2020 conflict and the signing of a Russian-brokered cease-fire, Aghdam was returned to Azerbaijani control. A mass grave discovered in Saryjali after the withdrawal remains under investigation.

Prior to the occupation, the village was home to 239 families, or roughly 1,024 residents. Located just six kilometers from the center of Aghdam, the villages reconstruction began on October 4, 2022, under the guidance of Azerbaijans president. Once completed, the revamped village will accommodate 1,873 people, housed in 425 private homes spread across a site covering more than 123 hectares. The project will unfold in two phases.

A comprehensive infrastructure has been established to support the local community, including educational, economic, and social institutions. New facilities such as consumer service centers, a community club, and cultural venues have also been built. Essential utilities, including roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, and gas, have been restored. With these developments in place, the first residents have already started returning to their revitalized homes.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the hunt for the perpetrators should not affect innocent people after the death of a Kulgam man, who jumped into the river while leading security forces to the terrorist hideout.

Referring to the alleged arrests of locals in several areas of Kashmir, Abdullah urged security forces that this message should not be conveyed that locals are being punished.

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What happened in Kulgam shouldnt have happened, but not only Kulgam, the news of arrests, which is coming from different places in Kashmir, for the first time, the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially Kashmir, came on the street against the attack and have shown their anger. This message shouldnt be conveyed to them that they all are being punished, the CM told reporters in Srinagar on Tuesday.

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We all understand the situation here, we cannot ignore it or refuse its existence, but we must look into it so that we dont affect the innocent people of Jammu & Kashmir in our efforts to catch those who were involved in the Pahalgam attack. We have conveyed this concern of ours where we can, said Abdullah.

He further added: It should not look like that to catch a few perpetrators, we are arresting multiple locals. We need to be careful and take steps logically.

His remarks came after family members of a 23-year-old man alleged that he was picked up by the Army, days before his body was found in a stream, and demanded an investigation into his death.

The police claimed that he jumped into the river while leading them to a terrorist hideout. Later, a purported video of the incident also surfaced, corroborating the police claims.

In the purported video, a man is seen coming out of the bushes and jumping into the river.

Identified as Imtiaz Ahmad Magray, the man was suspected to have helped the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people  mostly tourists from across the country  were killed.

His family, however, claimed that he worked as a labourer outside the state and had returned to the Valley only 15 days ago.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled a scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir after receiving intelligence inputs about a potential terror attack, just three days before the April 22 Pahalgam incident which claimed 26 lives.

Speaking at the Samvidhan Bachao rally here, he said he had read in a newspaperand also received word from party sourcesthat the Prime Minister was alerted in advance but chose to call off only his own visit.

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If he had the information, why werent arrangements made to protect ordinary people? he asked.

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Kharge said the government itself had admitted to a lapse in intelligence. They said they would fix it. But why wait for tragedy? Why not act when you already know?

But the BJP quickly pushed back. Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi called Kharges comments deeply irresponsible, especially at a time when the country is facing serious external threats.

This kind of statement weakens the morale of our security forces, Marandi said, accusing the Congress of playing politics when the nation needs unity. The entire country is standing with Prime Minister Modi in the fight against terrorism. Kharges remarks were not only uncalled forthey were damaging.

Back at the rally, Kharge didnt hold back. He lashed out at the Centre for jailing Jharkhands elected Chief Minister, though he momentarily forgot his name during the speech. You can try to scare tribals and the poor by throwing them in jail, he said.

But we wont be scared. We come from hard-working communities that know how to stand their ground.

He accused the Modi government of weakening the public sector and deliberately keeping government jobs vacant. This government doesnt want to fill vacancies because it wants to keep the poor under pressure, he claimed, adding that he had written to the Prime Minister asking for the rollback of the 50% reservation cap.

Kharge also warned governors across the country not to delay assent to legislation passed by elected assemblies. You must respect the peoples mandate, he said, urging swift approval of pro-people laws. If the government doesnt listen now, it will regret it later.

Other Congress leaders joined in. Alka Lamba said the Centre had admitted to a security failure in the Pahalgam attack, but hadnt explained what steps were taken after the warning. MLA Pradeep Yadav said the rally was a wake-up call for the BJP and a reminder that India must be governed by the Constitution, not arbitrary power. Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel spoke of the cultural ties between Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, urging people to stay united against injustice.

After the rally, Kharge held meetings with district presidents, party officials, and state leaders to chalk out the Congresss strategy ahead.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday took a sharp swipe at the central government over its conduct of mock drills amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

Mocking the governments measures, Raut asked sarcastically, What kind of guns is the government going to distribute to citizens during these mock drills? The government has mentally trapped people in all this. In many countries, when a civilian or military post is attacked, there is retaliation within 24 hours. But here, we are conducting war exercises. What are you preparing us for?

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Referring to the measures being taken, Raut added, We are being told there will be warning sirens, blackouts, and camouflaging of key industrial installations. Weve seen all this before  in 1971. This information could have been disseminated through regular channels. Just like they made people bang plates and clap during the pandemic, now theyll have them participate in a day of war drills.

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Raut said while the Indian Army must and always does remain ready for any situation, the handling of the present crisis raises concerns.

The army is conducting exercises, and rightly so. But I dont know if the President is aware  she is the head of the armed forces, not the Prime Minister. With India-Pakistan tensions escalating, there could be long-term economic repercussions. The country and its people are always ready to defend our pride and security  but what is the government doing beyond these drills?

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modis strong statements in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Raut asked, What exactly do you mean by resistance or revenge? Meetings are happening in Delhi, and were hearing that Japan and Putin have extended support. But such drills are common in countries that live in constant fear of war. Shouldnt people be involved meaningfully, instead of symbolically?

Drawing a parallel to Indias past challenges, he added, We fought a war with Pakistan in 1971 when communication was limited. But the war we fought during the coronavirus pandemic was even bigger. The people of India are mentally strong and aware  they dont need superficial exercises.

He also pointed to Pakistans decision to hold a special Parliament session post the attack and urged the Indian government to do the same.

The opposition has demanded a two-day special Parliament session to discuss Kashmir. This shouldnt be like an all-party meeting  we need open, honest discussions. The government must not keep the nation in limbo. War may be easy, but preparing for what comes after requires joint effort from all political parties.

Launching a scathing attack on Home Minister Amit Shah, Raut said, The Home Minister has failed. He wont be able to handle the aftermath of a war. He must be removed from his post.
After a gap of 54 years, the country will conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday to prepare for the possibility of war with Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Preparations for the mock drill have also begun in Uttar Pradesh, following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. A total of 19 districts in the state have been identified for participation in this nationwide exercise.

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On Monday, the Civil Defence Department formulated an action plan in coordination with police officials and conducted practice sessions for the mock drill.

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The last such nationwide drill was conducted during the Indo-Pak war in 1971.

On Tuesday, a preliminary mock drill was held at the Lucknow police lines. Policemen and civilians practiced various emergency response protocols to deal with potential attacks and chaotic situations.

The drill included steps to ensure public safety and emergency medical responses. Participants practiced lying flat on the ground upon hearing the siren and covering their ears with their hands. Training was also provided on how to transport injured civilians to hospitals.

During the mock drill scheduled for tomorrow across the entire state, people will be made aware of how to protect themselves during airstrikes and similar emergencies. A blackout will be enforced using public address systems, and hospitals will remain on high alert.

Confirming the directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director General of Civil Defence, Abhay Kumar Prasad, stated that all necessary preparations are being made in the identified districts.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar confirmed on Tuesday that the Government of India has instructed a civil defence mock drill on May 7. In UP, 19 districts have been categorized for the drill: one in Category A, two in Category C, and the rest in Category B.

In view of the sensitivity of the situation, the government has instructed that the drill be conducted in all districts with the involvement of civil administration, police, fire services, and disaster response forces, so we can respond effectively in case of an emergency, said the DGP.

Chief Warden Officer of Civil Defence (Lucknow), Amarnath Mishra, has directed 1,500 Civil Defence volunteers to remain on active duty, coordinated by 18 division heads. He stated that an air raid warning siren would be used to alert the public.

People will be informed about how to protect themselves in the event of an attack. Measures for enforcing a blackout will be explained, and evacuation plans will also be practiced, Mishra added.

Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has urged youth and students to actively participate in the nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill being held tomorrow.

ABVP emphasized that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces but a collective duty of every citizen, especially the youth. They stated that schools, colleges, and universities should become centers of awareness, vigilance, and preparedness.

ABVP has appealed to students, youth, and educational institutions across the country to take part in the drill, approach the training with seriousness, and contribute to building a vigilant, disciplined, and secure Bharat.
A CBI court in Hyderabad today found mining baron and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy guilty in the Obulapuram mining case involving illegal mining of iron ore, along with three others, while acquitting another former minister, Sabitha Indra Reddy and former IAS officer Kripanandam. Those convicted, including Gali Janardhan Reddy, who rejoined the BJP as an MLA, were sentenced to seven years in prison, and a fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on each of them. The CBI courts verdict would lead to his immediate disqualification from the Karnataka Assembly.

The Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) was involved in illegal mining operations in the Anantapur district of the unified state of Andhra Pradesh, and the CBI started investigating the case in 2009. The YS Rajasekhar Reddy-led AP government had also granted an illegal mining lease to OMC. The AP government allocated 10,760 acres of land to set up a captive steel plant, worth Rs 20,000 crore in 2007. The accused included mining baron and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, managing director of OMC, BV Srinivasa Reddy, Galis personal assistant Mefaz Ali Khan, the former director of mines, VD Rajagopal, retired IAS officer Kripanandam, former AP minister of mines, Sabitha Indra Reddy, former IAS officer Y Srilakshmi and former assistant director of mines, R Linga Reddy.

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However, Linga Reddy, who allegedly played a key role in allocating the leases to OMC, died while the case was on trial. IAS officer Y Srilakhshmi, who was in jail for several months and consequently suspended from service before rejoining, was given a clean chit by the High Court in 2022.

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The CBI found that Gali Janardhan Reddys OMC was favoured in granting iron ore leases in Obulapuram while ignoring 23 other applicants. A government order issued almost immediately allowed OMC to sell the iron ore, and the mining company was involved in illegal mining even in forest areas of Karnataka, flouting state borders, causing a loss of Rs 884 crore to the exchequer.

The first charge sheet was filed in 2011, and the verdict came after nearly 14 years. The trial was monitored by the Supreme Court. Galli Janardhan Reddy was banned by the apex court from entering Ballari in Karnataka and Anantapur and Kurnool districts in AP for 13 years, over apprehension that he may tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
The Odisha Government has made a fiscal provision of Rs 300 crore for ensuring fire safety in government-run healthcare institutions  right from medical college hospitals to dispensaries at the village level.

States Health Secretary Aswathy S, who took review of the fire safety position in Government hospitals from the level of community health centers to medical college and hospitals in a high-level meeting, said Priority has been laid to prevent fire mishaps in Operation Theaters (OTs), Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), and heavy power load installations like CT scan/MRI machines which are more prone to electrical incidents.

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Officials have been directed to ensure proper and safe connections of the generators with the electrical wiring system in the buildings to prevent any possible short circuit. It has been decided that henceforth, fire safety structures would be inbuilt into the hospital building plans right from the beginning so that no structural retrofitting would be required for fire safety after completion of construction, she said.

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Further, the joint committees of fire officers, electrical inspectors, the engineers of roads and building department, and chief medical and public health officers were asked to complete inspection of the ground level position in Government health facilities of their respective areas; identify the fire-safety gaps; and submit detail list of the required corrective measures with estimated plans within 15 days. The districts were asked to take all corrective measures as per the parameters of electrical safety and fire safety certificates, said officials.

Necessary funds would be provided to all the districts as per their corrective plan. The hospital authorities have been asked to complete fire safety corrective steps in a time-bound manner, said Ms Aswasthy.

The Secretary also directed to continue conducting mock fire drills in coordination with local fire officers at regular intervals, conduct review meetings with different stakeholders, and ensure the timely maintenance of electrical and fire safety equipment constantly. The state-level joint team was advised to closely monitor the progress of the works through field visits.

Mission Director Dr D Brundha, Managing Director Odisha State Medical Corporation Dr Pooma Tudu, Director Medical Education and Training Dr Santosh Kumar Mishra, along with senior officers from Fire Service, Roads and Buildings, Public Health and engineering department, and Water Corporation, participated in deliberations. Special Secretary and Director Health Services Bijaya Kumar Mohapatra outlined the issues and updates on fire safety.
Sudden deaths of 14 horses and mules, from an unknown disease, employed in the Kedarnath pilgrimage trek in the first two days, have forced the Uttarakhand government to withdraw the pack animal service.

Two teams of experts and veterinarians from Delhi and Haryana have been called to detect the disease and examine the horses and mules being used for carrying the devotees.

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Senior government officials in the state informed that 14 horses employed in the Kedarnath pilgrimage services to carry the devotees between Gaurikund and the shrine area died on the May 4 and May 5 due to unknown disease. According to the officials, common symptoms in all the deceased horses was runny snout with constant mucus oozing out. This is often identified as equine influenza, a known disease in the horse family.

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However, the state animal husbandry department has denied equine influenza as the cause of the deaths. Eight horses and mules died on May 4, while another six died on May 5. Although symptoms of equine influenza, a known disease in the equestrian animals, were reported in the horses last month during their screening. We will not say that these deaths were due to equine influenza. It probably resulted from some bacterial infection. Meanwhile, equestrian service to Kedarnath has been stopped by the district administration for the next 24 hours, said Dr BVRC Purushottam, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry.

Dr Purushottam was asked by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday to visit Kedar Valley to take stock of the situation resulting from animal deaths.

The Secretary informed that a team of experts will arrive from the Centre on May 6 to look into the causes of the deaths of these horses and mules. According to Dr Purahottam, the central team will also work to identify the killer disease that has caused the deaths of the 14 equines in two days.

Dr Purahottam further saidthat another team of experts will also come on Tuesday to examine the horses. The team will conduct Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Only those animals found negative in RT-PCR tests will be used on the pilgrimage track, while those reported positive will go into quarantine for 10-15 days. Animal pack services en route to Kedarnath will be resumed after examination of all mules and horses registered for the Chardham pilgrimage service, added Purushottam.

He claimed that equine influenza symptoms were reported in some horses in April, much before the start of the Chardham Pilgrimage on April 30. Following this record, 16,000 horses and mules were screened with examination of their sero-samples in 26 days between April 4 and April 30. After this, only those horses were registered for the Kedarnath Shrine trek that were found negative in sero-sample examination reports. Those reported positive were quarantined, said Purushottam.

Its notable that the Chardham pilgrimage 2025 was started on April 30 with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrine, but Kedarnath portals were opened on May 4. Pilgrimage to Badrinath started on May 2.
Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan post barbaric massacre in J&Ks Pahalgam on April 22, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday urged the Central government to avoid escalating row with the neighbouring nation, opining that war is never a solution for any crisis.

She however, did advocate retribution and reprisal against Pakistan for dastardly act of terror in Pahalgams Baisaran meadows, killing 26 tourists at point blank range but didnt support full-scale military escalation with Pakistan.

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Mehbooba Muftis daughter Iltija Mufti gave these suggestions, in a special interaction with IANS. Emphasising that the cost of war is paid by people in border states, she also reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his earlier statement that the era of war is over.

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She further said, Whenever you talk about war or military conflict, it is the people of J&K who suffer in between, because we are a border state. We are the ones who will suffer, we are the ones who will face collateral damage.

She however acknowledged the governments right to take necessary measures to maintain law and order but strongly advised against large-scale military escalation.

Some things are not in your control. The government needs to do something in retaliation, whatever they feel they have to do to maintain law and order, to keep India secure, that is something in their domain. But war is never an answer, she stated.

She further recalled Prime Minister Modis own words during his visit to Russia and stated, Modi ji, when he went to Russia, had said that the era of war is over. And that means that the time of war is behind us, and its important to remember that.

She also commented on J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raising questions about its handling of the law and order in Kashmir and on alleged silence on Waqf amendments.

I think after 2019, the people of J&K have endured so much, they have to fight for a bigger cause. The narrative that NC is running about statehood, thats BJPs narrative. NC did not speak about the Waqf issue in the Assembly, and neither did BJP. If NC is only going to echo BJPs line, then what is the point of people electing 50 MLAs? If youre just going to follow BJPs narrative, then youre betraying the people of J&K, she asserted.
Pakistans attempt to internationalise the Pahalgam attack issue in a bid to avoid Indias retaliatory actions by approaching the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seem to have backfired after members of the council refused to buy Islamabads false flag operation narrative and asked tough questions to the South Asian nation on terrorism.

The 15-nation UN Security Council held a closed-door session in New York on Monday on Pakistans request. During the session, Pakistan tried to peddle the narrative that the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam was a false flag operation by India.

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However, the members refused to accept the narrative and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based proscribed terrorist organisation, was involved in the attack.

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While the UNSC didnt issue any official statement on the closed-door meeting, sources said that the members condemned the terrorist attack, recognising the need for accountability. Some of the members also raised how the tourists were targeted based on their religion.

The recent launch of ballistic missiles by Pakistan and repeated warnings of nuclear attack by its leaders were also condemned by several members. They said that these were escalatory factors.

As part of the so-called Exercise INDUS, Pakistan has test-fired two ballistic missiles  a 450-km range Abdali Missile System and a 120-km range Fatah  over the last 72 hours.

While India has not officially commented on the missile tests, sources have said that New Delhi perceived them as a reckless act of provocation.

Tensions have soared between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. India squarely blamed Pakistan for the attack after security forces revealed that two of the attackers were Pakistan nationals, including a former Pak Army commando.

After the attack, India vowed to punish the attackers, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving complete operational freedom to the armed forces to respond to the attack.
Teams of the Bhopal District Administration and police demolished a major portion of the Club 90s Restaurant allegedly built on an encroached land late Monday evening.

The restaurant is owned by Farhan Khan, the alleged mastermind of the cases of alleged rape, blackmail, and intimidation of some Hindu girls by a group of Muslim boys in Bhopal.

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A three-member team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) carried out an inspection of the restaurant earlier on Monday as part of its ongoing inquiry into the alleged love jihad cases.

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The team also visited a private engineering college, Technocrats Institute of Technology, where most of the victims and accused once studied. The college is located near Hathai Kheda dam on the outskirts of Bhopal, and Farhans Club 90s restaurant is situated very close to the college.

A team of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is also set to begin its own inquiry into the alleged love jihad case soon.

According to the police, presently there are six main accused, of them, five have been arrested while one is absconding. Around seven women have lodged separate but similar FIRs against the accused.

The police have booked the accused on charges of rape, blackmail, and intimidation under the Freedom of Religion Act, the POCSO Act.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijan's Ganja Automobile Plant annually produces about 700-800 tractors with Belarusian companies, Khanlar Fatiyev, Chief of the Plant's Supervisory Board, told Trend.

According to him, cooperation with Belarusian enterprises, particularly with the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ), has been ongoing since 2007.

"After President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's visit to Belarus in 2006, a partnership was established with Belarusian companies. For 18 years, we have closely cooperated with the factories of the country. Together, we produce around 700800 tractors annually. In addition, based on the agreement signed on May 5, we plan to enter third-country markets," Fatiyev said.

He added that the enterprise has long been engaged in the production of utility vehicles, as well as specialized vehicles for waste collection and disposal.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Indian Air Force is engaging in a major day and night exercise along the International Border between India and Pakistan in Rajasthan. The IAF has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the exercise slated to begin on Wednesday.

According to the NOTAM, the exercise is scheduled to start at 3:30 PM on May 7 and will continue until 9:30 PM on May 8, restricting airspace in the affected areas. As per the reports, the fleet of Indias fighter jets, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30s, will be part of the exercise.

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The exercise comes amidst the civil defence mock drills, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 244 districts across the country. As the security concern rises amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the MHA has devised the mock drill to prepare the civilians and government systems to respond during emergencies, including war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes.

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The key aspects of the mock drills include training civilians and students, implementing crash blackout measures, providing for early camouflaging of vital installations, updating and rehearsing the evacuation plan, besides operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens.

Earlier, India had announced a temporary closure of its airspace to all Pakistan-registered and military aircraft amid escalating tensions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan continued to provoke the Indian Army by engaging in cross-border firing at the Line of Control for the 12th consecutive day. An Army spokesperson stated that during the night of May 5-6, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately, he added.

It may be noted that recently, Pakistans defence minister Khawaja Asif raised suspicions about the possibility of India carrying out military strikes at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir. There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC. New Delhi will be given a befitting reply, the minister reportedly told the media.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, border areas in Rajasthans Jaisalmer are witnessing a surge in suspected spy calls. The Police have warned locals of stern action against anyone found leaking sensitive information in exchange for money or under any pressure from Pakistani handlers.

The frequency of spy calls has increased (due to rising Indo-Pak tensions). All the officials have been alerted. In such a situation, the fake callers introduce themselves as army officers or other officials and try to extract information. But all the officials are vigilant, said Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudhir Choudhary.

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Notably, four districts of Rajasthan  Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer  share a 1,070-kilometre-long border with Pakistan. Among these, Jaisalmer district shares the longest stretch, with a 464-kilometre border adjoining Pakistan.

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With both countries on the brink after the Islamabad-backed terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam, Pakistani handlers are making fake calls impersonating as officials of the Indian Army or other government departments in a bid to extract information regarding the movement of troops, defence establishments, and military infrastructure.

They (fake callers) want to know the information regarding defence infrastructure, which is critical, about movements, and also, they want to lure people using a honey trap. They also try to convert people into agents, he said.

In one such case, the police recently arrested a Pakistani agent who was trying to lure people into leaking sensitive information regarding troop movements and defence establishments in the area.

He further informed that the police, along with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, are inspecting the area and creating awareness among locals living near the defence locations.

If someone leaks any information for money, they must face severe action. If anyone is doing so out of fear or being blackmailed by the Pakistani side via any relatives, that person needs to inform us We have our eyes on everyone, all the machinery, and intelligence agencies are active; even civilians provide us information, Choudhary added.
Major terrorist strikes, at regular intervals, have pushed Indo-Pakistan ties to rock bottom. Normally, these happen at least once in the tenure of every Pakistani army chief, largely when the incumbent feels the need to either gain greater control over civilian authority or his forces are losing respect within the nation. Nothing binds the Pakistani public more than a military threat from India. After all, everything in Pakistan, from floods, droughts and terrorist incidents are blamed on India.

They have been taught from childhood that India seeks to break their country into four and the only force protecting them is their army. After every terrorist incident which crosses the Indian threshold of tolerance, standard comments are parroted by Pakistan. Their ministers scream it was a false-flag operation launched by India or alternatively that it was local freedom fighters. They perpetually deny harbouring terrorists on their soil, claiming they are the most affected nation, while the world knows that almost every global terrorist incident has some link to Pakistan and that the most number of UN-designated terrorists are sheltered there.

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The script has become repetitive and boring. There is always a promise of an open international probe, an offer no one believes, as even after almost two decades the Mumbai terror attacks have yet to be investigated, even though Tahawwur Rana, one of its masterminds, has been extradited to India by the US. He is said to be singing like a canary opening all secrets which Pakistan had been denying. Pakistan will never act against terrorist leaders as they remain their prime assets. If the world is to accept Pakistans word, then even the Pahalgam investigation would hang in limbo for decades. It has always denied the existence of Dawood Ibrahim though every global agency is aware of his multiple residences in Pakistan.

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On the contrary, once threatened with retaliation, they suddenly discover proof of Indian involvement in terrorist activities on their soil. While Indian leaders only mentioned making Pakistan pay for attacking unarmed tourists, every Pakistani minister, desperate to project bravado, howls on media networks that an Indian attack is imminent. While the Indian government maintains silence, Pakistan continues its nuclear rattling, aware it no longer holds water. In the UNSC statement on Pahalgam, Pakistan convinced China to support it in removing the name of The Resistance Front (TRF), the terrorist group which initially claimed responsibility. Why was Islamabad so concerned, unless it backs the TRF? Families of top politicians and senior military officers are fleeing abroad expecting a major Indian counterstrike. This displays the faith they possess in their own forces.

Hoping to gain public support, Pakistan has begun threatening India over scrapping the IWT (Indus water Treaty), going to the extent of claiming that its dams will be filled with Indian blood. Historically, Indian governments responded to Pakistan terrorist strikes by Kadi Ninda, seeking global support, hoping to contain Rawalpindi. It never worked. On the contrary, it resulted in terrorist strikes at frequent intervals. The J and K legislative assembly attack of Oct 2001, followed closely by the Parliament attack of December the same year, the Akshardham attack of September 2002, Mumbai bombings of August 2003, followed by multiple bombings in Delhi in October 2005, Mumbai train attacks of July 2006 and the terrorist attack in Mumbai in November 2008 are some examples.

It was only after Pulwama and the subsequent Balakote strike that the message went across. The crossborder strike, post Uri, failed to deter Pakistan as it was able to hide casualties, since those eliminated were terrorists, who remain dispensable. While it hid the truth in Balakote, the message was clear. India will respond in unpredictable ways. Thus, post Pahalgam, while Indian armed forces remain alert, Pakistan has moved most of its troops to its borders. Its sudden spurt of exercises, intending to display preparedness, are using up their limited oil and ammunition reserves. India has yet to show its hand but panic is visible in Rawalpindi.

The suspension of the IWT, whose impact is well known to Islamabad, has spooked their leadership. They have no solution except to claim it is against international law. If the situation spirals downwards, there is no way they can convince India to reconsider its decision. The fact remains that the treaty was inked on the pre-condition that relations would remain peaceful between the two states. However, currently they are anything but so. Indias outreach to Kabul has added to concerns within Pakistan. As tensions build, the Baloch and TTP will exploit the gaps, especially since Pakistan has moved elements of its Quetta based XII Corps and its formations to the Indian border.

India historically faces a dilemma in containing terrorism from Pakistan. Its earlier policy of criticism was ineffective and Pakistan was buoyed by US presence in Afghanistan as it banked on their airspace as well as the Karachi port. The US presence secured the Durand Line, providing it greater freedom to enhance pressure on India. The Balakote strike sent the message that Pakistan too has vulnerabilities which India can exploit. Currently there are far more. Its western borders are insecure and its economy is in doldrums. Thus, India commenced its retaliation with economic and diplomatic actions, setting the ground for the final stage, a military response. Economic actions including suspending IWT and trade, mainly pharmaceuticals, was aimed at the common masses who would rise in anger against the army. The military response will be final.

India is in no rush. The longer it keeps the Pakistan army deployed along the IB and LoC, the greater is the impact on their economy. India has conveyed that it will respond at a time and place of its own choosing. Indias strategy was so effective that Pakistans Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, held a presser at 2 am claiming India would attack in the next two days. The problem India faces is that no matter what military action it takes, not much will change. Pakistan will continue supporting terrorism, though ensuring it is low grade for a few years, until the next army chief arrives and feels he must do something spectacular. Another incident will happen and the story will repeat itself. The only solution for safeguarding India from Pak-sponsored terrorism is its balkanization. For this, India must put its weight behind groups fighting for independence from Pakistan.

(The writer is a retired Major General of the Indian Army.)
Few directors have captured the pulse of a city with as much nuance and empathy as Satyajit Ray. While his earlier works, especially The Apu Trilogy, explored rural Bengal with lyrical realism, it was in the turbulent 1970s that Ray turned his gaze to urban Kolkata  a city seething with unemployment, political unrest and moral compromise. The result was the Calcutta Trilogy: Pratidwandi (The Adversary) (1970), Seemabaddha (Company Limited) (1971) and Jana Aranya (The Middleman) (1976). Together, these films form a bleak, unflinching portrait of a metropolis where dreams go to die, and where alienation becomes the defining emotion of its inhabitants.

Ray used the city of Kolkata not merely as a setting, but as a character  oppressive, indifferent, and at times, brutal. Through his disillusioned protagonists, cinematic techniques and evocative urban imagery, Ray constructed a narrative of urban alienation that remains strikingly relevant even today.

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Calcutta as a character

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In the Calcutta trilogy, the city is far more than a backdrop; it is an active participant in the characters lives. Rays Kolkata is a landscape of decaying colonial mansions, overcrowded trams, shadowy alleys and impersonal office blocks. It is a city marked by its contradictions  one moment a haven for intellectual debate, the next a theatre of violence.

In Pratidwandi, the restless streets of Kolkata reflect the protagonist Siddharthas inner turmoil. Power cuts, political rallies and hospital queues become metaphors for a society on the brink of collapse. The citys physical spaces  cramped tenements, dingy coffee houses and claustrophobic interview rooms  mirror the suffocating options available to the unemployed educated youth.

In Seemabaddha, Kolkata is seen through the sterile interiors of corporate offices and elite clubs. The citys chaos is kept at bay by air-conditioned rooms and glass windows, but its moral decay seeps through nonetheless. The impersonal urban modernity contrasts sharply with the old-world values held by characters like Tutul, Shyamalendus sister-in-law, making the city a site of silent battles between conscience and ambition.

By the time of Jana Aranya, the city has become a place where survival demands moral compromise. Somnath, the protagonist, navigates through its crumbling mansions and soulless commercial hubs, each space reflecting his descent into ethical ambiguity.

The disillusioned protagonists

At the heart of each film is a male protagonist grappling with his place in a city that seems intent on breaking him.

Siddhartha (Pratidwandi) is an unemployed graduate caught between the revolutionary idealism of the Naxalite movement and the pragmatic survival strategies of his middle-class family. His alienation is both social and existential, as he finds himself disconnected from political ideologies, familial expectations, and personal desires.

Shyamalendu (Seemabaddha), in contrast, is a man who has seemingly conquered the city. A corporate executive on the cusp of a promotion, he embodies the upwardly mobile urbanite. Yet, his alienation is internal  a gnawing emptiness born of moral compromise and the mechanisation of human relationships. His climactic moral breakdown, witnessed by his idealistic sister-in-law, exposes the fragility of the urban success story.

Somnath (Jana Aranya), perhaps the most tragic of the three, represents the complete erosion of idealism. Forced to start a dubious business to support his family, he eventually arranges a clients visit to a prostitute, only to discover the girl is an old friends sister. His story is an acute illustration of how the city turns personal relationships into transactional deals.

Together, these protagonists chart a trajectory from youthful idealism to moral ambiguity to ethical collapse  each a casualty of a city that demands survival at any cost.

Alienation through cinematic technique

Rays formal choices in the trilogy are instrumental in conveying the protagonists alienation. In Pratidwandi, he employs handheld camera movements, jump cuts, and dream sequences to mirror Siddharthas restless mind and fractured reality. The citys sounds  political slogans, ambulance sirens and impatient crowds  form a relentless auditory assault, intensifying the sense of suffocation.

In Seemabaddha, Ray opts for static, meticulously composed frames to reflect Shyamalendus rigid, hierarchical world. The corporate spaces are shot in cold, neutral tones, with characters often framed within doorways and windows, visually trapped by the structures of power.

Jana Aranya uses gritty, documentary-style realism, with location shooting in Kolkatas lesser-seen bylanes, dilapidated offices and marketplaces. Rays sparse use of background score in this film makes the silences deafening, allowing the citys natural soundscape to heighten Somnaths growing moral unease.

The erosion of middle-class values

Perhaps the trilogys most searing commentary lies in its portrayal of the Bengali middle class  once the bastion of intellectualism and progressive values, now reduced to anxious survivors in a cutthroat city. Ray exposes the hypocrisy of a society that preaches morality but thrives on nepotism, opportunism and silent complicity.

Parents who once dreamed of respectable careers for their children now urge them to adjust to any profession. Friends become competitors, and ideals are luxuries no one can afford. The city of Kolkata, in Rays vision, is a crucible where personal values are tested and inevitably corroded.

Satyajit Rays Calcutta trilogy remains one of Indian cinemas most honest examinations of urban alienation. Through Siddhartha, Shyamalendu and Somnath, Ray captures the anxieties of a generation caught between fading traditions and an unforgiving modernity. The city of Kolkata, both oppressive and indifferent, becomes a mirror to their inner desolation.

Decades later, as cities around the world grapple with rising unemployment, political violence and corporate exploitation, the trilogys relevance endures. In the cracked walls of a crumbling mansion or the sterile glow of a corporate boardroom, Ray finds the universal story of human beings estranged from themselves  a story as urgent today as it was in the restless 1970s.
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.

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It is also essential  especially at this critical hour  to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.

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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 UNs 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.

Pakistans 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.
Israels 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.

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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.

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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 Israels terms, Xinhua news agency reported. 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 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has once again sought to shield Islamabad in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack while expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in South Asia and calling for restraint and the urgent resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, the General Secretariat of the 57-member body of Islamic nations stressed the need to resolve differences through peaceful means in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard peace, security and stability in South Asia.

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It reiterated what it called the OICs principled and consistent position condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

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The OIC also recalled the decisions of the Islamic Summit and the resolutions adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers reaffirming its unwavering support for the Jammu and Kashmir question.

The General Secretariat of the OIC urged the international community to intensify efforts to find a solution to the J & K issue in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The OIC underscored the importance of sustained commitment to a peaceful settlement of the issue.
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.

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Reflecting on the countrys history, Ramaphosa noted that under apartheid, black workers were systematically denied their rights and excluded from unionization.

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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.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Monday he proposed a meeting with the People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, amid growing expectations for a unified conservative candidacy ahead of the June 3 election.

Han told reporters he made the proposal for a meeting later in the day after a brief conversation with Kim during a Buddhas Birthday ceremony at Jogye Temple in central Seoul.

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I had an opportunity to speak with Kim three times, Han said. (He) did not give a definite answer but said something like yes.'

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Hans proposal comes amid growing calls within the conservative bloc for a unified candidate to challenge Democratic Party contender Lee Jae-myung, who has maintained a comfortable lead in recent opinion polls.

When asked about Hans proposal, Kim told reporters he had listened to Han at the event but declined to answer questions regarding efforts to unify their candidacies, Yonhap news agency reported.

Kims camp confirmed their encounter, noting that they only agreed to meet soon, without providing further details, indicating that the process of selecting a single candidate may not be easy.

Kim, a former labour minister, won the PPPs presidential nomination Saturday for the June election triggered by the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Han, who declared his candidacy on Friday, has been a strong conservative contender to face Lee.

PPP lawmakers urged Kim to meet with Han and finalize the merger before May 11, the deadline for candidate registration with the National Election Commission.

The PPPs interim leader, Kwon Young-se, said the fate of the nation and its people hinges on the upcoming presidential election, calling for unity among all those aligned with the greater cause.

We must achieve a single candidacy within the next four to five days and build stronger momentum for the candidate to win the election, he said after an emergency meeting of PPP lawmakers.

In response to growing pressure from within the PPP to merge, Kim said in a message that he had asked the partys election management committee to establish a mechanism for unifying the presidential candidates. He added that the merger process would move forward as scheduled through that channel.

In an emergency meeting of lawmakers held late Monday, the PPP agreed to accept Lees request and launch an organization to facilitate Kim and Hans candidacies.

According to a Realmeter survey released Monday, 30 percent of respondents viewed Han as the most suitable single candidate for the conservative bloc, compared with 21.9 percent for Kim.
The Donald Trump administration announced that it will pay illegal immigrants in the US 1,000 dollars plus their travel expenses if they leave voluntarily, in an effort to step up its mass deportation.

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) Home App, the department said in a statement.

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Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of 1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app, the statement read.

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The department noted that even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that self-deportation using the app will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 per cent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121, Xinhua news agency reported.

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 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a recent rally speech in Michigan, US President Donald Trump claimed his first 100 days in office were the most successful of any US administration in history, citing policies like increased deportations of illegal immigrants as key achievements.

Despite Trump claiming victory, mass deportations remain below targets due to logistical, legal, and diplomatic constraints.

One area where the administration appears to be failing to meet its enforcement goals is in the number of deportations, according to a recent analysis published by the Brookings Institution.

The numbers of deportations remain modest, but the chilling effects are potentially severe, the analysis said.

Meanwhile, many experts expressed concerns about the implications of the administrations immigration policies.

Americans worry about immigrants crossing the border illegally, so that has been a good issue for (Trump) politically. But polls show that people dont like his approach and feel he has been deporting people without any due process, Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 6. Aktobe Refinery in Kazakhstan is weighing its options to spread its wings in foreign markets, but its not all smooth sailing as it grapples with a host of hurdles that are throwing a wrench in the works of industry growth.

General Director of Aktobe Refinery Timur Batrymbetov spoke to Trend in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Caspian and Central Asian Forum on Oil Trade and Logistics in Baku.

As he pointed out, one of the main topics of discussion is the position of Kazakh producers of marine fuel in the Caspian region markets.

Our marine fuel is known for its high quality - it meets international standards, including sulfur content not higher than 0.1 percent, Batrymbetov said.

However, he added that in recent years, Kazakh producers have been losing their positions in the markets of Russia and Kyrgyzstan, which are saturated with cheap Russian diesel fuel.

We simply cannot compete with dumping prices, and this complicates the sales of our product, he explained.

To solve this problem, Aktobe Refinery is considering new sales channels through the port of Aktau and cooperation with local bunkerers in the Caspian region. Batrymbetov expressed confidence that Kazakhstan can occupy its niche in these markets by offering quality fuel that meets international standards.



In addition, Batrymbetov touched on the importance of government initiatives to support private refiners. He said that restrictions have been placed on the export of Kazakhstani straight-run gasoline, limiting opportunities to expand foreign trade.

We produce straight-run gasoline, but its export in Kazakhstan is prohibited. I think it would be reasonable to allow its export upon payment of state duty, as it is done in Russia, he emphasized.

In Russia, Batrymbetov said, such plants can supply products to Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan, for example, by paying the duty, which would contribute to more efficient development of the industry, he said. In addition, the plant is actively developing the export of fuel oil, which has already established itself as a premium product in the Azerbaijani market.

Our fuel oil is well known in Azerbaijan due to its quality - low sulfur content (up to 0.5 percent) and solidification temperature of minus 35 degrees Celsius, said the general director of the refinery.



He said that the Caspian and Central Asian Forum held the first business negotiations with Azerbaijani companies, including units of state oil company SOCAR, to expand cooperation.

Now we are negotiating with SOCAR, and we believe that our cooperation can be mutually beneficial, Batrymbetov said, emphasizing that cooperation with Azerbaijani companies and traders using SOCAR's infrastructure is already actively unfolding.

According to him, the plant's products are delivered to the ports of Kulevi and Batumi, which opens up additional opportunities for expanding presence in the Caspian region markets.

As luck would have it, in the face of tough times and price wars, Kazakhstani refineries like Aktobe Refinery are rolling up their sleeves and looking for fresh avenues to solidify their foothold in foreign markets and broaden their export horizons. Batrymbetov expressed hope that the Kazakh government will revise some rules and support domestic producers, creating more flexible conditions for the development of oil refining in the country.
The role of Pakistani state actors came under scrutiny at the United Nations as the Security Council of the world body strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.

In a press statement after its closed-door meeting last night, the 15-member UNSC reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

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The UNSC meet was held following a request from Pakistan amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the April 22 terror attack in which at least 26 tourists were gunned down. The UNSC did not adopt a formal resolution.

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It is learnt that some UNSC members raised tough questions for Pakistan at the informal session. The members refused to accept the false flag narrative promoted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terror outfit with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack.

Concern was also expressed by some members over Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric, which have contributed to the escalation in tensions in the region.

The UNSC statement said the members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of India and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.


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Shares of Yes Bank soared on Tuesday morning with reports indicating that Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) is close to acquiring a stake in the private sector lender, that had to be bailed out by a State Bank of India-led consortium back in March 2020.

Yes Bank shares, which had closed at Rs 17.73 on Monday, hit a high of Rs 19.44 after opening and were up around 5.5 per cent at Rs 18.69 in morning trade. The broader BSE Sensex was trading in the red.

A report by the Mint newspaper stated that Japanese financial giant SMBC has got the green light from Reserve Bank of India to buy a majority stake in Yes Bank. SMBC could either buy less than 26 per cent stake in the lender initially and later merge with Yes Bank via a share swap, or directly acquire 26 per cent stake in the lender. Should SMBC take the second route, it could trigger an open offer. SMBC's stake in Yes Bank could eventually rise to 51 per cent, but its voting rights may be capped at 26 per cent, as per RBI regulations.

Even in earlier cases where Singapore's DBS had acquired Lakshmi Vilas Bank, or Fairfax's acquisition of Catholic Syrian Bank, the voting rights had been significantly capped.

Several Japanese and Middle Eastern banks had held discussions for a potential acquisition of Yes Bank over the past year.

Yes Bank, once the fifth largest private lender, had to be bailed out in March 2020 amid worsening asset quality, governance issues and steady withdrawal of deposits. The troubles at such a large bank had sent shock waves across India, prompting a quick rescue. The RBI superseded the bank's board on March 5, 2020 and under a reconstruction scheme, a consortium led by India's largest lender SBI acquired major stake in Yes Bank. While SBI acquired 49 per cent stake, other lenders including HDFC, ICICI Bank and Axis also chipped in with investments.

Things have turned around over the last five years. For the year-ended March 2025, Yes Bank reported a net profit of Rs 2,406 crore and net interest income of Rs 8,944 crore. Its total deposits stood at Rs 2.85 lakh crore, while advances were at Rs 2.46 lakh crore. As of March 31, its gross NPAs were at 1.6 per cent, while net NPAs stood at 0.3 per cent.

For the quarter ending March 2025, SBI's stake in Yes Bank was at 23.97 per cent, Life Insurance Corporation of India held 3.98 per cent, HDFC Bank held 2.75 per cent, ICICI Bank had 2.39 per cent, Kotak Mahindra Bank had 1.21 per cent and Axis Bank held 1.01 per cent.

Separately, private equity funds held around 16 per cent stake and foreign portfolio investors had a little over 10.5 per cent in Yes Bank.

Neither SMBC nor Yes Bank, or SBI have commented on the potential deal so far.
Nearly six months after multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Kaliningrad, Russia, the Navy is set to receive INS Tamal, a 3,900-tonne advanced stealth guided missile frigate.

According to media reports, INS Tamal is expected to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by June, further boosting the might of the force amid growing tensions with Pakistan in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 tourists dead.

According to a Times of India report, INS Tamal will be handed over to the Indian Navy after crucial trials, including weapons firing, are completed. Reports suggest that Indian Navy officials have already reached Russia for the trials.

"The frigate will then be commissioned and set sail for India," an official has been quoted as saying.

ALSO READ: Indian Navy's underwater weapon to neutralise stealth ships, submarines now ready for induction

When commissioned, INS Tamalequipped with supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rocket launcherswill enhance the Indian Navy's multi-domain combat readiness in the Indian Ocean Region.

The warship, designed for blue-water operations across all naval warfare domains: air, surface, subsurface, and electronic warfare, can cruise at speeds up to 30 knots (about 55 km/h) and operate over a range of 3,000 km per deployment.

INS Tushil, an upgraded Krivak III class frigates of the Project 1135.6, which is also equipped with Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles with enhanced ranges, upgraded medium-range anti-air and surface gun with advanced stealth features, optically-controlled close-range rapid fire gun system, anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets and advanced electronic warfare and communication suite, reached Karwar Naval Base in February.
In a milestone moment for the Indian fashion industry, Anamika Khanna became the first woman designer from the country to debut at the glamourous Met Gala. Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, it is a pinnacle of fashion excellence showcasing the most magnificent and innovative designs from around the world. The theme of this years Met Gala was Superfine: Tailoring black style and the dress code was 'Tailored for You.

Khannas custom ensemble was worn by Isha Ambani, daughter of business magnate Mukesh Ambani, who dazzled on the red carpet in the intricately designed outfit which took over 20,000 hours to embroider. Inspired by the Black dandy style, the designer added some precious stones and traditional pearl work to a three-piece outfit with a corset top, tailored pants and a white cape.

The look was an expert amalgamation of Indian craftsmanship and contemporary outlook, celebrating the richness and diversity of Indian fashion. With over two decades of experience, Anamika Khanna has established herself as the leading designer, acclaimed for her unique aesthetic that combines elegance with a touch of whimsy. Her designs have been worn by various celebrities both in India and at the international level.

Khannas met gala debut not only highlights her accomplishments but also paves the way for future Indian designers. Her participation in the event demonstrates the growing recognition of Indian fashion at the global level and emphasizes the countrys increasing influence in the world of fashion.

As fashion continues to evolve, Anamika Khannas historic debut serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and innovation. In a year that promises to be a watershed for Indian fashion, Anamika Khannas Met Gala debut is a fitting tribute to the countrys rising status as the powerhouse of fashion.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 8. The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, has signed a decree allocating approximately 1.7 billion tenge (about $3.23 million) from the Government Reserve for repair works at the combined heat and power plant in Ridder, Trend reports via the press service of Kazakhstans government.

According to the press service of the Kazakh government, under the document, the funds in the form of targeted current transfers will be transferred to the budget of the East Kazakhstan region for repair works at the Ridder heat and power plant.

"Over the past two years, 15.5 billion tenge (about $29.45 million) have been allocated from the Government Reserve and the regional budget for the Ridder CHPP (Combined Heat and Power Plant). Repair and restoration works have been carried out on the boilers and turbine, reducing the wear of the station from 75 percent to 46 percent. Repairs have been completed on the heat networks, covering a length of 21.3 km, which has reduced the wear of the heat networks from 82 percent to 67 percent," the message says.

Moreover, at the same time, repairs are needed for units and mechanisms that were not included in the 2023-2024 repair campaign. Repairs are required for boiler units and turbo units, as well as for the complex and open distribution devices responsible for the stable power supply of the equipment.

It is also noted that the allocated funds will ensure the timely and high-quality preparation of the Ridder heat and power plant for the upcoming 2025-2026 heating season.

In 2024, with the goal of effective management of the CHP and ensuring financial and personnel stability, the property complex of the station was transferred to municipal ownership.
The royalty has arrived, and how! King Khan never disappoints with his looks and style. Sporting an all-black tailored suit by Sabyasachi couture, the actor's look has stirred mixed responses from fans.

SRK's all-black look by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee drew mixed reactions from fans at the Met Gala. For this year's theme, 'Tailored for You', the actor wore a floor-length, elongated coat made of Tasmanian superfine wool, featuring monogrammed Japanese horn buttons. He paired this with a crepe de chine silk shirt and tailored superfine wool trousers, and to add to his look, he carried a head cane crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with tourmalines, sapphires, mine-cut diamonds, and brilliant-cut diamonds.

He also completed his appearance with layered jewellery, notably highlighting a pendant shaped in the letter 'K': a nod to his well-known title in Bollywood, 'King Khan'.

In an interview with Vogue, the actor was asked how he felt about creating history by being the first male Bollywood actor to attend the Met.

"I don't know about history, but I'm nervous and excited," he said.

He added that it had been Sabyasachi, standing beside him, who had convinced him to join. The 'King of Bollywood' admitted that he felt shy about walking the red carpet, to which the ladies playfully responded that the carpet was blue this year, to help ease his tension.

He chuckled and acknowledged it, assuring them that he was alright. When asked about his inspiration for his looks, Shah Rukh shared that he only wore black and white, preferring outfits that felt comfortable to him.

His look for the carpet and the media not being able to recognise him invited some snarky comments from the audience. Fans took to the media, commenting words of support, such as "his aura alone saved the day", "only because it's Shah Rukh, it's kinda working", and again "King Khan is back!".

Keeping in mind the theme for the event, SRK sure did serve elegance at its peak. In a moment that truly completed the night and fulfilled the hearts of his dear fans, SRK struck his signature pose, marking a memorable first appearance at the Met Gala 2025.
Setting new goals of appreciating employees for their services, a UAE healthcare firm has gifted 10 frontline professionals with brand-new SUVs.

Ahead of International Nurses Day which is observed on May 12 globally, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, Burjeel Holdings has kickstarted the celebrations early by surprising 10 nurses with the SUVs.

As a mark of gratitude, a special event was organised where the nurses from across the Groups hospitals and medical centres were presented with a brand-new Toyota RAV4, a gesture of gratitude that left recipients and onlookers deeply moved.

The car keys were handed over by John Sunil, Group CEO, and Safeer Ahamed, Group Co-CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

" We often talk about excellence in numbers, metrics, and outcomes. But true nursing excellence lives in the quiet hands that comfort, the voices that reassure, and the hearts that keep hope alive. The Driving Force Award is our way of saying: we see you; we value you. And were deeply grateful," said John Sunil, Group CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

I thought I was just coming to speak about my experience. Never in my life did I imagine this. Ive always loved my job, but to be appreciated like this  its overwhelming," said Mei Alegre, a Filipino Nurse Manager.

'Unreal moment'

Nabil Mohamed Ikbal, another recipient of the kind gesture, described the moment as 'unreal'.

We continued CPR for 50 minutes. Everyone thought there was no hope. But the patient came back. Thats the kind of team I have. Thats the kind of profession nursing is," said Ikbal with much pride.

In the runup to International Nurses Day, the group mentioned that they will go on to honour 100 more exemplary nurses from across its hospitals and medical centres with cash prizes.
Keralas State Human Rights Commission initiated action relating to the recent rabies infection deaths in the state. Niya Faisal, 7, who died of rabies on May 5 was the third vaccinated victim in Kerala to succumb to the viral disease within a month. A 12-year-old from Pathanamthitta died on April 9 before a six-year-old girl from Malappuram on April 29both despite receiving the vaccine.

Justice Alexander Thomas, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, has issued an order to appoint a medical team under the leadership of the Director of Medical Education to investigate the causes of the deaths that occurred in recent days following rabies infection.

Also read | Stray dog bite risks explained: Why rabies vaccine can't always ensure a person's survival?

The commissions order stated that the medical team must investigate whether the deceased had received the anti-rabies vaccine, whether the vaccination protocol was followed, the efficacy of the vaccines administered to them, and whether the vaccines were stored properly without deterioration. The commission also said that the report should also include the measures being taken to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring in the future. The team has to submit the investigation report to the commission within one month.

The Human Rights Commission has also directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department to examine the efficacy of the vaccines used in government hospitals and submit a report. The commission asked to verify whether the rabies vaccines used in Kerala meet the quality standards recommended by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which functions under the Union Ministry of Health. The report should also mention which agency is competent to test and study the quality of the rabies vaccines.

Also read | Critical rabies case in Kerala girl raises vaccine effectiveness concerns

Notably, the doctors who treated Niya maintained that the vaccine's efficacy should not be questioned, explaining that the virus may have reached her nerves before the vaccine-induced antibodies had time to act.

Justice Alexander Thomas has urged the government to consider appointing an agency recommended by the NCDC to study the recent incidents and to suggest preventive measures. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department must submit a report within one month regarding the implementation of such recommendations.

The Commission also ordered the Deputy Director of Medical Education and a representative of the Health Secretary to appear at a sitting scheduled to be held at the Commissions office on June 9. The Commission took the measures on a case registered suo motu based on media reports.
The Union home ministry will review states' preparedness for the rare civil defence mock drill on Wednesday. The civil defence mock drill will be conducted in 244 districts across the country.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will review the preparations with chief secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country. "The home secretary will review the preparations for civil defence being made across 244 districts. Chief secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country will participate in the meeting via videoconferencing," an official in the know of the developments told PTI.

The home ministry on Monday asked all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 given the "new and complex threats". The preparedness comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The civil defence mock drill includes sounding air-raid warning sirens, training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack" and cleaning bunkers and trenches. Other measures that will be covered as part of the drill include crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans, PTI reported.

States must also check the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms, the publication reported.

The mock drill comes in the wake of heightened tensions with neighbouring Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. As many as 26 persons were killed in the gruesome attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the worst since the abrogation of Article 370.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to avenge the killings and pursue the perpetrators of the attack and those who took part in its conspiracy to the "ends of the earth".
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received an "intelligence report" three days before the Pahalgam terror attack. He added that Modi cancelled his Jammu and Kashmir visit as he received the intel.

While addressing the 'Sanvidhan Bachao Rally' in Ranchi, Kharge asked, "Why the Centre did not deploy more security even after having intelligence report on terror attack?"

#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: During Samvidhan bachao rally, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, " There is intelligence failure, govt has accepted it and they will resolve it. If they knew this, why didn't they do anything?...I got information that 3 days before the attack, pic.twitter.com/xftdPJXgm5  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Also read | MHA meeting concludes, identifies loopholes ahead of civil defence mock drill

"Shouldn't Centre be accountable for the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack when it accepted intelligence failure," he said.

VIDEO | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) addresses 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally.



"You all aware about the situation in the country. On April 22, a big terrorist attack took place in which 26 innocent people were killed and the government admitted pic.twitter.com/7phcZl73iD  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 6, 2025

Congress has earlier accused the Narendra Modi-led government of serious "lapses in security and intelligence" and criticised the Centre for not coming up with a clear strategy to deal with the Pahalgam terror attack situation, that killed 26 people.

Also read | Civil defence mock drill: Union home secretary to review preparedness for 'complex geopolitical threat' today

Kharge also extended Congress's full support to the government for any action against Pakistan. "Country supreme beyond party," he said.

Kharge had said that the Centre accepted "intelligence failure" during an all-party meeting and held itself accountable for not reinforcing" security arrangements in Kashmir to protect people.

Meanwhile, hitting back at Kharge's remarks, the BJP said that Congress's intention is to "lower the morale of security forces".

Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi's comment came at a critical time when the "fight against terrorism and Pakistan was at a decisive juncture".

Marandi also criticised Congress for indulging in politics when the nation is fighting against terror.

Ahead of the nationwide mock drill on Wednesday, a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday discussed how to conduct the mock drill with active participation of the people. Mock drill is set to take place in about 300 civil defence districts in India.
Sixty-five years ago, India inked the Indus Waters Treaty, allowing Pakistan to use 80 per cent of the water available in the Indus river system. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistan President Ayub Khan has stood the test of time, thanks to India's generosity.

Even during the wars of 1965, 1971 and 1999, India honoured its commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty. But Pakistan continued to provoke India, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attack in 2008 and the 2019 Pulwama attack. However, the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives was the final nail in the coffin. India decided to suspend the treaty, holding Pakistan responsible for the attack carried out by its state-sponsored terror groups.

So you might wonder how the Indus Waters Treaty works? We have got it covered for you. The pact gives India control of the three eastern rivers Beas, Ravi and Sutlej, while Pakistan controls the three western rivers Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. Pakistan relies on the Indus and its tributaries for 80 per cent of irrigation and one-third of its hydropower needs. India's efforts to construct the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects often faced delays over Pakistan's objections in the past.

However, with the suspension of the treaty, India is now increasing the holding capacity of the Salal and Balighar dams on the Chenab river. For this, the authorities ordered desilting and "reservoir flushing" to dredge silt and release sediment-laden water downstream, causing sudden flooding in the lower riparian regions. However, when the dams were refilled, downstream areas in Pakistan saw flow of water in Chenab reducing drastically.

Pakistan has claimed that India's move will result in water scarcity in the early Kharif season during May-June.

Other hydropower projects being constructed by India include Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar. India is also planning to build four new power plants to utilise more water from the western rivers, thereby increasing hydropower capacity in Jammu and Kashmir from 4,000 MW to 10,000 MW. This will also help increase the volume of water than can be stored by various states adjoining Jammu and Kashmir.

Calling India's decision to suspend the treaty an act of war, Islamabad is preparing to move the International Court of Justice to rein in India. However, India is not going to budge unless Pakistan brings the perpetrators of Pahalgam attack to justice and give up its support for cross-border terrorism.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir will conduct a large-scale civil defence mock drill in Kashmir on Wednesday, as part of an emergency preparedness initiative directed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Directorate of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Civil Defence have issued a public advisory informing residents that the drill will take place at 4:00 pm.

As part of the simulation, sirens will be sounded at multiple locations at the same time to test emergency response systems and public readiness in case of a conflict or natural disaster.

Officials said the aim of the exercise is to improve coordination among security forces, disaster response teams and local civil defence volunteers.

It will also help assess the readiness of infrastructure and communication systems in a high-level emergency or war-like situation.

"This is purely a practice drill and there is no need to panic. We request the public to remain calm and fully cooperate," the advisory stated.

While such drills are routine in conflict-sensitive areas, this particular one is significant given the current heightened security situation. Similar exercises have recently taken place in other border states.

Security forces, medical teams, fire services and civil administration personnel are expected to take part. Traffic may be temporarily disrupted in some areas during the drill.

Residents have been urged not to spread rumours and to rely only on official updates from verified government sources.

The drill comes in the wake of Indias response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 25 tourists and one local horse ride operator, Syed Adil Hussain, were killed.

India has pledged to act against those behind the attack and their handlers. Following the incident, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Water Treaty.

The government has already stopped the flow of water from Indian rivers into Pakistan. Yesterday, the discharge in the Chenab River dropped to a historic low after the gates of the dams in Ramban and Reasi were closed.
Posters backing K. Sudhakaran as Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president have appeared in Kottayam and Kannur, amid speculation that the Congress high command may announce his replacement this week.

Notably, some of the posters have surfaced in areas considered the primary stronghold of a leader who is rumoured to be a frontrunner for the post.

Last week, Sudhakaran met with the Congress high command in Delhi, fueling speculation that his replacement would be announced soon. According to sources, a section of the state leadership is unhappy with the central leaderships delay in making the announcement, which they believe allowed Sudhakaran to mobilise party cadres and complicate what was intended to be a quiet exit.

There were indications that K. Sudhakaran was initially contented with the way Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi treated him in Delhi and was prepared to step down. However, the growing media discourse around his possible replacement and health condition appears to have prompted him to take a firm stand against an unceremonious exit from the KPCC presidents post.

Reports that AICC general secretary Deepa Das Munshi, in her feedback to the high command, recommended Sudhakarans replacement have reportedly angered his camp. Some of his supporters have now demanded that Munshi be removed as the party's in-charge for Kerala affairs.

Sudhakarans defiant stand also draws strength from the support extended by senior leaders such as K. Muraleedharan and Shashi Tharoor. Nevertheless, despite earlier consensus that any leadership change in the KPCC should be carried out with Sudhakarans consent, the high command is likely to proceed with the replacement.

Interestingly, the discussions in the public domain that the Congress was considering a Christian leader to balance community equations  and that the Catholic Church was lobbying for the KPCC president postappear to have backfired.

The mouthpiece of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church sharply criticised the party in an editorial, stating that the Church is unlikely to demand a minister or a KPCC president. What matters is not the religious identity of the party president, but the secular character of the party, the editorial said. Notably, there are murmurs that such discussions also arose because of the mishandling of the entire issue by the central leadership of the grand old party.
In a late-night move marked by a gesture of transparency, the Supreme Court released the asset declarations of 21 out of its 33 sitting judges. The disclosures come just days before Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is set to retire on May 13.

The move comes in the wake of a resolution signed by all Supreme Court judges on April 1, calling for the declaration of their assets. As with previous resolutions, it required judges to disclose their assets to the Chief Justice of India, while leaving public disclosure entirely voluntary.

Similar resolutions were adopted in 1997 and 2009, but they had limited impact, with most judges opting not to make their assets public. However, the latest initiative, driven by Chief Justice Khannas push for greater transparency, sets a significant precedent for future judges to follow.

Of the 33 sitting Supreme Court judges, 21 have publicly disclosed their assets, including the five senior-most judges among them Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Chief Justice-designate Justice B.R. Gavai.

CJI Khanna reported ownership of two properties, one in Commonwealth Village and another in Gurugram, along with investments exceeding Rs 3.38 crore. Notably, he also listed a 2015 Maruti Swift among his assets.

Justice Gavai, who is set to assume the role of Chief Justice next week, disclosed six properties, two of which were inherited. His total investments and cash holdings amount to over Rs 1.15 crore.

Justice K.V. Vishwanathan stands out as the wealthiest among the judges. Before his elevation to the bench in 2023, he had a highly successful career as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court. He declared investments worth over Rs 120 crore, in addition to four properties, and revealed he has paid more than Rs 91 crore in taxes over the past 15 years.

Justice A.S. Oka who is set to retire on May 24, has disclosed assets including Rs 92.35 lakh in a Public Provident Fund, Rs 21.76 lakh in fixed deposits, and ownership of a 2022 Maruti Baleno. He also declared a car loan of Rs 5.1 lakh. His immovable assets comprise two residential flats in Maharashtra and agricultural land in Thane.

Justice Vikram Nath declared ownership of a 2-BHK apartment in Noida, a bungalow in Allahabad, and inherited agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh. He has investments totalling Rs 1.5 crore but no movable assets or loans in his name. However, his family holds 1kg of gold, 1,500 grams of silver, and a 2016 Volkswagen Polo registered in their names.

The assets disclosure by Supreme Court Judges was largely driven by a controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma, a former judge of the Delhi High Court. In March 2025, a fire at his residence allegedly revealed charred currency notes, sparking serious concerns over judicial integrity. His subsequent transfer to the Allahabad High Court further fuelled public demand for greater transparency.

In addition to this incident, a 2023 recommendation by a Parliamentary Committee advocating for mandatory asset declarations played a significant role in prompting the move.

Out of Indias 25 High Courts, only sevenDelhi, Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madras, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnatakahave judges who publicly disclose their assets. Kerala stands out, with 41 of its 44 judges making their assets public. In contrast, 18 High Courts have no public asset disclosures from their judges.
Shajan Skaria, the figure behind the 'Marunadan Malayali' YouTube channel and a vocal government critic, has been freed on bail by a magisterial court. This occurred subsequent to his overnight detention by the Cyber Police in Trivandrum.

Skaria claims his arrest was an act of political vengeance, which he believes was directed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, purportedly as a consequence of Skaria's reporting on a financial transaction allegedly linked to the CM's daughter.

Pinarayis hand is behind it, he said.

Reportedly, Skaria was taken into custody while he was having dinner at his home, and he alleged that he was not even permitted to wear a shirt at the moment.

According to police officials, the arrest was followed by a formal complaint from Gaana Vijayan. News outlets have described Gaana as an expatriate banker working in the UAE. Her complaint was centred on Skaria's video content, which she alleged contained defamatory statements that harmed her reputation and accused him of spreading "false narratives."

Skaria is, reportedly, facing multiple non-bailable charges. These are said to include violations of BNS Sections 75(1), addressing sexually suggestive comments, and 79, concerning acts insulting female modesty.

Additionally, charges under Section 67 of the IT Act and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act were taken against Skaria. Details of these charges emerged despite initial claims of limited disclosure from law enforcement. Furthermore, some sources suggested that Skaria himself may not have been fully apprised of the grounds for his arrest upon being detained.

Meanwhile, the BJP strongly condemned the arrest. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar denounced the detention as a "political vendetta" against government critics and questioned the justification for carrying out the arrest at night.

This is not Skaria's first encounter with the legal system. His history includes previous defamation lawsuits and an arrest concerning remarks made about MLA P.V. Sreenijin involving caste, a case where the Supreme Court eventually granted him bail. He is known for his staunch anti-establishment views and has also faced accusations of encouraging hate speech, specifically in relation to the Muslim community.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Prime Minister of Libyas Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, met with Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi in Tripoli to review the progress of key energy projects underway in the country, Trend reports.

The discussion focused on three major projects approved in 2023: the Sabratha Compression, the Bouri Gas Utilization Project, and the Bahr Essalam Structures A&E. The Sabratha Compression project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will support production at the Bahr Essalam field. The Bouri Gas project is advancing, with startup targeted for 2026. Drilling has started on Structures A&E, with the contracting phase ongoing.

The two sides also discussed Enis exploration efforts and the opportunities linked to Libyas recently launched bid round. They underlined the role of these projects in boosting gas output, reducing emissions, and enhancing local workforce development and technology transfer.

Eni has operated in Libya since 1959 through its joint venture with the National Oil Corporation, Mellitah Oil and Gas BV. The company remains Libyas top international gas producer, with an average equity production of 176,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024.
Indian Army responded "proportionately" to Pakistan's unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) for the twelfth consecutive night on Monday. Pakistan has been violating ceasefire along the LoC and firing at Indian posts in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to Indian Army officials, Pakistani troops carried out unprovoked firing at Indian posts in eight sectors along the LoC on Monday. However, no casualties have been reported in the firings till date.

"During the night of 05-06 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded in a proportionate manner," an Army spokesperson said.

Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing across the LoC in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. India announced a slew of diplomatic measures against Pakistan following the attack in which 26 persons were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The deceased include 24 tourists, a Nepali citizen and a local horse rider.

India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, suspended visas to Pakistani nationals, closed the Attari border and downgraded strength at Indian and Pakistan Embassies located in the capital of both nations. India recalled its defence advisors in its Embassy in Islamabad and declared defence advisors and their support staff at the Pakistan Embassy in Delhi as Persona Non Grata.

India has vowed to avenge the gruesome killings in the Valley, considered to be the worst attack since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. During a recent conversation over the hotline between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, India warned Pakistan against the ceasefire violations.
Amid soaring tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, India is preparing close to 300 'civil defence districts' by mock drills on air-raid warning sirens, civilian training for "hostile attack" and cleaning of bunkers and trenches.

Districts with sensitive installations including nuclear plants, military bases and refineries will be covered by the mock drill.

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Students in a school and hostel in Jaisalmer are being trained to respond to any eventuality during a mock drill exercise.



MHA has directed countrywide mock drills on May 7. pic.twitter.com/ioGE8JLsv3  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

A high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan discussed how to conduct the mock exercise with active participation of people.

#WATCH | Delhi Police prepares its LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) System for tomorrow's mock drill



This device has a range of more than one kilometre and can be used as a hooter to alert the public in case of a sudden attack or as a public announcement system to give a pic.twitter.com/SFt6gGCRGK  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

The authorities in all states will involve students of educational institutions, employees of government and private organisations, hospital staff, railway and metro officials, paramilitary and defence forces, and uniformed police personnel.

'Civil defence districts' are different from that of the normal administrative district as the former is classified as a geographical area having a cantonment or a refinery or a nuclear plant. The districts are designated following the requirement and exigency.

The Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said that mock drills will be conducted in all districts of the state even though only 19 districts have been identified by the Centre.

Apart from the air-raid warning sirens, and training civilians, provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and rehearing evacuation plans will be included in the mock drills.

Active participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students are expected in the exercise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to take strict action against perpetrators of the attack and those who took part in its conspiracy.
Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Houthi targets in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Monday, a day after the Iranian-backed rebels struck near Israels main airport in Tel Aviv. The attack on Ben Gurion International Airport on May 4 marked a significant escalation, as it was the first successful missile strike by the Houthis on the heavily fortified facility.

The missile, which hit an access road near the airports parking area, caused a large crater and lightly injured six people. The strike briefly halted flights and commuter traffic, prompting many international airlines to suspend services again. Although air traffic resumed within an hour, the attack raised fresh concerns about airport security and airspace safety.

Israeli officials confirmed that multiple attempts were made to intercept the incoming missile, but they were unsuccessful. The Houthis later claimed responsibility, saying they had fired a hypersonic ballistic missile, though Israeli military sources disputed this, stating that neither Iran nor the Houthis possess such technology. The rebels vowed to impose a comprehensive air blockade on Israel by repeatedly targeting airports, particularly Ben Gurion.

 Breaking: Israel  just obliterated Hodeidah port, the largest port of Yemeni Houthis, with 50 massive bombs  pic.twitter.com/ziHn3djnhb  Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) May 5, 2025

In response, the Israeli Air Force launched a retaliatory strike involving approximately 20 fighter jets, which dropped around 50 munitions on various Houthi targets. The strikes focused on the strategic Hodeidah port and a cement factory in the Bajil district, which Israeli officials said was used to build tunnels and other military infrastructure.

How Houthis Missile Hit Israel? Full Video @aitelly3d #israel #houthis #USmilitary



It was a startling moment in the ongoing regional tensions when the Houthis launched what they called the Palestine 2 missilea hypersonic ballistic weapon reportedly capable of reaching pic.twitter.com/wJVfJ6UU64  AiTELLY (@aitelly3d) May 5, 2025

The Houthis reported that at least six strikes hit Hodeidah port, the second-largest port on the Red Sea and Yemens main entry point for food imports. Residents said over 10 strikes targeted the port and the surrounding al-Salakhanah and al-Hawak areas, with four more hitting the cement plant.

While the Houthis claimed the attacks were part of a joint Israeli-American operation, a US defence official clarified that American forces were not involved in the Israeli strikes and that they were unrelated to Operation Rough Rider, the US campaign targeting Houthi threats to international shipping in the Red Sea. However, US forces did separately conduct airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Monday.

Nasruddin Amer, head of the Houthi media office, said the Israeli raids would not deter the groups operations. The aggressive Zionist-American raids on civilian facilities will not affect our military operations against the Zionist enemy entity, he declared, promising further escalation unless the war in Gaza ends.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, the Houthis have repeatedly fired projectiles at Israel in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their continued assaults have bolstered their standing within Irans Axis of Resistance, as they remain one of the few members still actively targeting Israel.

The missile strike on Ben Gurion came as a blow to Israeli hopes that American military intervention alone would deter the Houthis. Over 1,000 US-led airstrikes have been conducted against the group since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. Until now, Israel had refrained from sustained engagement, having last struck Houthi targets in January. That earlier operation, conducted jointly with US and British forces, targeted ports and a power station but failed to halt the rebel attacks.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said Mondays strikes were necessary to disrupt the flow of Iranian arms into Yemen and to degrade the Houthis military capabilities. "The Bajil factory serves as an important economic resource for the Houthi terror regime," the IDF said. "The strikes constitute a blow to the regimes economy and its military buildup."

Social media posts by Israels Defence Ministry showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir monitoring the operation from the IAFs underground command centre in Tel Aviv. IAF chief Major General Tomer Bar was at a nearby post, leading the mission.

The Houthi terrorist regime has been operating for the past year and a half under Iranian direction and funding in order to harm Israel and its allies, undermine the regional order, and disrupt global freedom of navigation, the IDF stated. The IDF is determined to continue to act and strike forcefully at anyone who poses a threat to the residents and citizens of the State of Israel, and at whatever distance is required.

Netanyahu reinforced the message in a video: "We acted before, we will act in the future too. I cant elaborate on all of that. The US, in coordination with us, is also operating against them. Its not one and done."
A last wish of Pope Francis, a vocal advocate of those suffering in Gaza, has been fulfilled after the Vatican's official media outlet said on Sunday that one of the late pontiff's popemobiles will be converted into a mobile clinic to assist the children of Gaza.

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the catholic church, passed away on April 21.

Peter Brune, secretary-general of Caritas Sweden and one of the projects driving forces, told a Spanish newspaper that the popemobile was used by the pontiff during his visit to Bethlehem in May 2014 during his historic trip to the Holy Land. "Since then, the vehicle has been on display in a public square in the Palestinian city," he said.

Brune said the vehicle has been refurbished and upgraded and will be given to Gaza to provide medical assistance to injured and malnourished children who currently have no access to any type of health care.

The vehicle, rechristened 'Vehicle of Hope', is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment besides other facilities, including rapid infection tests, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and suture kits. It will be staffed by medical personnel and will be operated by staff from Caritas Jerusalem, an organisation with extensive experience in the region.

The Pope had personally entrusted the Caritas Jerusalem in the final months to carry out his last wish. "This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness shown by His Holiness for the most vulnerable, which he expressed throughout the crisis," said Anton Asfar, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem.

Before his death, the Pope had condemned the attacks on the Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. During his pontificate, he criticised the Israeli government, stating in his address in November 2023, "...we have gone beyond wars. This is not war. This is terrorism."
Houthis continue to target US, British and Israeli-linked ships across the Red Sea, one of the most vital maritime corridors, causing huge economic and political pressure on Western powers. But, China enjoys preferential treatment in these high-conflict corridors with Houthis not touching Chinese vessels.

Maritime data shows that Chinese ships receive special treatment in a conflict zone, thanks to Beijing's arrangement with the Yemeni militant group, according to a piece published by US think tank Atlantic Council.

So much so that the proportion of China-linked tonnage has surged through the Red Sea even when the overall shipping traffic through the route has plunged by nearly 70 per cent since the attacks began.

Employees of a Chinese cargo ship show their cargo ship passing through the Red Sea via live streaming. pic.twitter.com/8oHPvasxd2  Dragon kingdom.wu (@loongkingdom) January 20, 2024 The shipping companies sailing the Red Sea today are in majority Chinese and Russian.



No more Israeli or US/UK vessels, except rare cases sneaking under escort, eventually ending getting struck.



Gotta admit Yemen is doing an incredible job in enforcing sanctions on Israel. pic.twitter.com/v3VyQKXSLF  MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) September 10, 2024

Houthi leaders, including Mohamed Ali al-Houthi of the Supreme Political Council, recently held talks with Chinese officials in Oman, wherein it was guaranteed that the militants would not touch Chinese ships. This was revealed in the recent US Treasury sanctions. Besides, China is also said to have provided the technology that helps the Houthis to accurately identify their vessels, after Houthi officials claimed their targeting systems were rudimentary and prone to error, often resulting in mistaken attacks on Chinese ships traversing the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait.

This arrangement which helps Beijing gain more advantage of the vital maritime corridor yields a greater edge than any negotiated trade agreement, according to the think tank report. The European shipping firms are now forced to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope due to the Houthi threats, which has created an "artificial competitive advantage" for Chinese goods, which continue to flow unimpeded through the Red Sea corridor. This, the report claims, is a huge economic victory for Beijing.

"Thank you People's Navy for your protection!"



The Chinese Tai An Kou semi submersible ship sailed safely through the Red Sea to the UK to deliver ten huge wind turbine towers, escorted by the Chinese Navy's Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Urumqi. pic.twitter.com/GtIs451Z3X  ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) February 7, 2024

Chinese aid to Houthis

The US sanctions against Chinese satellite and shipping firms have revealed that China is providing technological and logistical support to Houthis. Chinese companies, including Shenzhen Boyu Imports and Exports among others, are supplying dual-use components that bolster the Houthis missile and UAV capabilities. A Chinese satellite company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd, was also sanctioned for providing satellite imagery to Yemens Houthis that enabled precise strikes on US naval assets in the Red Sea.

According to the report, Beijing's engagement with Houthis reflects its two-track approach wherein it doesn't want Houthi forces to either triumph completely or collapse. It needs them to be active and disruptive, just enough to keep US naval resources tied up while Chinese ships sail through relatively unimpeded.
The International Court of Justice dismissed on Monday a case brought by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in which Khartoum accused the Gulf emirate of supporting genocide during the ongoing Sudanese civil war. In a 14-2 decision, the UNs top court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case due to a legal opt-out clause invoked by the UAE.

Sudan argued that the UAE provided military, financial and logistical support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been locked in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023. The UAEs support allowed the RSF to target the Masalit ethnic group in Darfur, leading to mass killings, systematic displacements and sexual violence, according to court filings by Sudan.

The case came before the ICJ in March 2024, after Sudan blamed the UAE for violating the 1948 Genocide Convention, to which both Sudan and the UAE are signatories. However, the ICJ found that the UAE had entered a reservation to Article IX of the Conventionan article that allows disputes between states to be brought before the courteffectively excluding itself from being sued under this provision. Without another legal basis for jurisdiction, the Court ruled that it was "precluded by its statute from taking any position on the merits of the claims made by Sudan".

ICJ President Judge Yuji Iwasawa stated that in light of the reservation made by the UAE to the compromissory clause contained in Article IX of the Genocide Convention, the case must be removed from the Courts docket. Sudans request for provisional emergency measures to prevent further acts of genocide was also rejected.

Breaking News:



-A drone has just targeted Port Sudan International Airport.

-The strike hit near the civilian terminal.

-A powerful explosion was heard, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the area.

-Several scheduled flights were canceled immediately after the attack.

-Panic pic.twitter.com/mQmZjULujP  AlMigdad Hassan (@AlMigdadHassan0) May 6, 2025 What the UAE just did to the last functioning airport and the new capital of Sudan after their mercenary group completely destroyed Khartoum.



What your vacations to Dubai are funding: pic.twitter.com/3rhTS0IJSm  gha*da  (@thisisNOTghaida) May 4, 2025

As it was one of the rare instances in which a state attempted to hold another accountable for allegedly supporting atrocities by non-state actors in a foreign conflict, it attracted considerable international attention. It also posed a significant test of whether the World Court could deal with allegations involving indirect complicity in genocide.

The UAE firmly denied all accusations. Reem Ketait, the UAEs deputy assistant minister for political affairs, welcomed the courts decision, calling it a clear and decisive affirmation that Sudans case was utterly baseless. She accused Sudans military government of using the ICJ as a platform to spread misinformation and distract from its own role in the conflict.

Ketait stressed that the UAE bore no responsibility for the war in Sudan and emphasised that the international community should focus on ending the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and holding all perpetrators of atrocities accountableregardless of their affiliation.

The UAE reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government that reflects the will of the Sudanese people. It also called on the UN Security Council and the international community to avoid being distracted by peripheral matters and instead prioritise the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Sudan.

The conflict broke out following a rift between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who heads the SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the RSF. In the beginning, the fighting was restricted largely to the capital, Khartoum. But then it gradually spread across the country, particularly to the Darfur region.

With lakhs killed, millions displaced and too many civilians subjected to untold miseries, Sudan has become one of the most dangerous hotspots in the world, although it garners much less attention compared with Gaza and Ukraine.

International rights groups have extensively documented atrocities including ethnic cleansing and obstruction of humanitarian relief. Meanwhile, the ICJs ruling in the case clearly demonstrates the limitations of international legal accountability mechanisms in the face of jurisdictional exclusions.
Parisians grumble about it, Barcelona denizens have protested it, while places like Bhutan and Croatia have actual legislation in place to control it. The effect of over-tourism, and how it affects the locals when it all gets too much.

But when it comes to Indians, it seems the tenet of Aditi devo bhava (The guest is like a god) scores over any perceived negative impact of the influx of tourists on the places where they live.

The latest edition of a global travel report reveals that 74% of Indian travellers feel that tourism has a positive impact overall on the place where they live.

Booking.coms Sustainable Travel Report, in its 10th edition, trained its lens on what is a raging topic in Western tourism hotspots  the impact of over-tourism and the resentment local communities have expressed.

This has resulted in overcrowding and increase in rentals as well as local costs, which can sometimes price many locals out. The issue had particularly hit headlines last season when protesters in Barcelona went around spraying water on visiting tourists in cafes and restaurants.

Places like Bhutan already have a sustainable development fee which tourists have to pay to enter the Himalayan kingdom, while cities from Dubai to Dubrovnik have taxes on tourists. Venice has a levy on daytrippers.

However, for most Indians, the arrival of more tourists is a good thing. While Indian travellers acknowledge challenges such as congestion and rising living costs, they also favour community investmentsuch as better infrastructure and environmental conservationover limiting tourist numbers, reflecting their broader desire for culturally respectful, locally beneficial travel experiences.

43% of Indian travellers believe there is the right amount of tourism where they live. In fact, of Indians polled, just a quarter felt that capping the number of tourists in their home destination was the right solution. This is despite the fact that they felt tourism did incite challenges like traffic congestion (43%), overcrowding (40%), rising cost of living (36%) and littering (33%).

It is encouraging to see the definition of sustainable travel expanding on both sides of the lens, said Booking.com India country manager Santosh Kumar, Travellers are increasingly seeing it not just as an environmental concern, but as something deeply connected to local communities.
In a desperate push for US President Donald Trump's long-time immigration agenda, the White House announced on Monday that it would pay $1,000 to illegal immigrants who would be voluntarily returning to their home country.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained that it would also be paying for the travel assistance of those it called illegal aliens, but only if these immigrants were to use an application named 'CBP Home' to notify the government of their self-deportation plans, according to a press release on Monday. The release also added that immigrants who self-deported would be deprioritised for detention and removal by immigration enforcement.

DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their 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. pic.twitter.com/IFBFYGB0jA  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 5, 2025

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 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.

Explaining that the first illegal immigrant to self-deport had already reached Honduras, the DHS explained that the stipend and potential airfare for migrants who voluntarily departed would cost less than an actual deportation. The average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting someone without legal status is currently $17,121.

The CBP Home application (previously called CBP One), used by the Biden administration to allow migrants to enter the US legally, was rebranded in March to facilitate the oppositethe removal of those it deemed illegal immigrants.

ALSO READ | From Al Capone to Machine Gun Kelly, 5 most infamous inmates of Alcatraz Prison reopened by Donald Trump

Although the Trump administration presents self-deportation with the added benefit of allowing migrants the opportunity to be able to legally return to the United States at some point, those facing the likelihood of deportation ought to be cautious of the DHS' stipend offer, explained Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, in an Associated Press report.

He explained that it was often worse for migrants to leave the country and stop fighting their case in immigration courts, especially if they already were in removal proceedings, at which stage a self-deportationdespite being voluntarycould be treated as their absence, leading to a deportation order. He added that leaving the country also usually counted as an abandonment of relief applications.

He also questioned where the DHS might get the authorisation and the funds to pay enough people to voluntarily deport the country, so as to encourage others to do so.

Peoples immigration status is not as simple as this makes it out to be ... [The DHS are] not getting their numbers, Reichlin-Melnick said.

The Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since January 20, according to the DHS.
Pakistan is feeling the heat of India's decision to block the Chenab waters through the Baglihar Dam, with its officials stating the flow has reduced manifold in the river. India, on Sunday, restricted flows through Jammus Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric dams on the Chenab that runs onto Pakistan.

A Pakistani official said the water flow in the Chenab, recorded at Marala headworks situated near Sialkot, has decreased from 35,000 cusecs to 3,100 cusecs on Monday, reported Dawn. While Chenab flowed at 35,600 cusecs on Sunday at Marala headwork, it dropped to 3,177 cusecs on Monday morning, showing a reduction of almost 11 times.

An irrigation department official from Pakistan's Punjab province said the Indian side was "using our water to fill up their dams and hydropower projects in the Chenab basin". "They cannot do this since it is a grave violation of the Indus Water Treaty," the official told Dawn.

#WATCH | J&K | Some amount of water is seen flowing out of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam built on the Chenab River in Ramban, while all gates of the dam remain closed pic.twitter.com/r629XpF2Z8  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

The official believes India is filling up the Baglihar, Salal and Pakal Dul dams, especially the Salal which is situated 76km away from Marala. "The reason behind the massive reduction in the flows is the filling of these dams, which have a total storage capacity of over 1.2 million acre-feet," the official said, adding that the filling process could leave Pakistan without water for the next four to five days. The official said India, however, cannot control water inflows to Pakistan in Chenab from Jammu-Tavi and Munawar-Tavi distributaries.

However, the official says Pakistan will have to battle an even bigger threat: If India suddenly restarts discharging water downstream, it could flood Chenab putting the population at risk.

Reduced water flow to Chenab could prove detrimental for Pakistan as many of its canals that irrigate a vast tract of agricultural land in Punjab depend on the river. This has triggered concerns that it could cause additional shortages in Kharif crops, which are already facing a shortfall.

A meeting of the advisory committee of the Indus River System Authority that met on Monday said the "sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India would result in more shortages in early Kharif season."

Meanwhile, India has begun work to improve the holding capacity of reservoirs at two hydroelectric projects at Salal and Balighar dams. A "reservoir flushing" process to remove sediment began last week which resulted in sediment-laden waters being released downstream from the reservoirs, potentially causing sudden inundation, followed by a reduced flow of water as the reservoirs are refilled.
Pakistan, which is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, sought closed-door consultations over escalating tensions with India. However, Islamabad appeared to be isolated at the powerful forum as several UN members questioned the cash-strapped country over its role in the Pahalgam terror attack, as per sources.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, tried to divert UNSC's attention by raising false allegations and made provocative remarks. However, Islamabad failed to bring Council members on its side during the one-and-a-half-hour discussion. The council members confronted Pakistan with tough questions and refused to accept its "false flag" narrative.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | Over closed-door UNSC meeting on Kashmir, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "...I am quiet confident that the UNSC will not pass a resolution criticising Pakistan because China will veto it, they will not pass a resolution criticising us as many pic.twitter.com/egj10YzAnQ  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Instead, Pakistan faced the music over its nuclear threats and missile tests conducted recently, according to the sources. Pakistan tested its surface-to-surface missile Abdali Weapon System and the FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile.

The UNSC members also questioned Pakistan over the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, which operates on its territory, as well as tourists being targeted over their religion, said sources. It was earlier revealed that The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the LeT, carried out the deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.

None of the UNSC members, including Pakistan's all-weather friend China joined its press statement after the meeting, putting a stop to the neigbouring country's efforts to tarnish India and evade responsibility in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan failed to achieve the intended impact during the UNSC meeting, which concluded with no press statement or resolution. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoked to four out of the five Permanent Members of the UNSC, including the USA, the UK, France and Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke to the Permanent and Non-Permanent members of the council, except China and Pakistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Organization of direct flights from Tehran and Tabriz to Baku and vice versa is planned in the near future, Advisor to the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Director of the Center for International Affairs of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development Amin Taraffo told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, it has been decided that Tehran-Baku flights will be organized four days a week, and Tabriz-Baku flights will be organized two days a week.

The official noted that the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran is currently holding discussions with relevant Azerbaijani agencies and experts are working on the early opening of these flights.

As many as 54 civilian airports are operating in Iran, of which 14 are international airports. Iranian airports handle an average of 30 million passengers annually.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Amid growing tensions, Pakistan has come forward with a bizarre claim that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is using illegal Afghans as proxies to carry out attacks in Balochistan. Pakistan's claim, citing an intelligence source, comes as the country battles strife in the Balochistan region, fuelled by Baloch nationalists.

The report, which appeared in Karachi-based Geo News, states that RAW has "activated its proxies in Balochistan" to carry out attacks in Gwadar, Quetta, and Khuzdar. The report goes on to cite insurgent groups like the Baloch Liberation Army and Fitna-ul-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban) as proxies to fuel violence in the region. Pakistan has earlier too blamed militant attacks by local insurgents on India without evidence, including the recent attacks on Jaffar Express. India has rubbished such claims.

The recent allegations, with no evidence to back it up, come as India vows to retaliate against the terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir that saw over 26 Indians die.

As per the report, Pakistani intelligence sources claim that some suicide bombers have been provided with cars and motorcycles to carry out the attacks and reconnaissance of targeted installations.

Attack on Pakistan Army Camp.



Many of armed men have taken over govt buildings & military installations in Balochistans Kalat district.



Armed men surrounded the main army camp & fired shells into it. pic.twitter.com/MDjMIjOeyu  Lucifer (@krishnakamal077) May 4, 2025

There were reports that the insurgent group, Baloch Liberation Army captured Manguchor town in Balochistan, taking control of government premises and taking hostages of some military and government officials.

Indian spy plane tracked

Pakistan security agencies have also said that it tracked an Indian Navy aircraft, a P8I maritime patrol plane on the night of May 4th and 5th. The Pakistani Navy, however, did not mention where the plane was spotted, though there are speculations that it happened over the Arabian Sea.

The Pakistan Navy claimed it maintained surveillance on the Indian aircraft.

Global carriers avoid Pakistani airspace

Many global airlines are now avoiding the Pakistani airspace in view of the tensions. Air France and Germanys Lufthansa were among global carriers avoiding Pakistani airspace, airlines and flight trackers showed. Other flights that opted not to travel over Pakistan include British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates, which entered Delhi before moving over the Arabian Sea.
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday repeatedly invoked the Constitution and said it is what binds us all together after receiving the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Pence received the award for his refusal to go along with President Donald Trumps efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. The award recognizes 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, 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 Trump aired in which he was asked whether U.S. citizens and noncitizens both deserve due process as laid out in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Trump was noncommittal.

I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know, Trump said when pressed in an interview with NBCs Kristen Welker. It was taped Friday at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida and aired Sunday.

Pence never mentioned Trump 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.

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 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, Trump wrote at the time on X, formerly Twitter, as rioters moved through the Capitol and Pence was in hiding with his family, aides and security detail inside the building.

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, 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.

Jan. 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.

JFKs daughter, Caroline Kennedy, who along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award, said 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 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 nations health agencies. Hes 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.

(AP)
A correctional officer pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday in connection with the killing of inmate Robert Brooks, whose brutal beating while handcuffed at an upstate New York prison was recorded by officers body cameras.

Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six guards charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 9 beating at the Marcy Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing at state court in Utica. The plea deal calls for him to get a 15-year prison sentence.

Under questioning by Judge Robert Bauer and a prosecutor, Walrath admitted that he beat Brooks, put him in a chokehold and struck his body and groin. He also admitted that he lied to investigators about what happened.

Walrath appeared somber with his hands clasped in front of him as he answered the questions with either yes or correct.

Remaining free on posted bail, Walrath and his attorney did not comment while leaving the courthouse. He is the first of the six guards charged with murder to take a plea deal. His sentencing is set for 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.

Brooks son Robert Brooks Jr., who was at the hearing, said in a statement afterward that, 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 victims 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. 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.

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.

(AP)
A major rift has erupted within Israeli PM Netanyahus governing coalition as both United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas have announced they will boycott all coalition votes beginning Wednesday, in protest of the governments continued failure to pass legislation formally exempting yeshiva bochurim from military conscription.

The decision was made during UTJs weekly faction meeting on Monday, with Hebrew media reporting that Shas has joined the move. Both parties notified coalition whip MK Ofir Katz (Likud) that they would be abstaining from all coalition-sponsored votes during Wednesdays Knesset plenum session.

The step comes amid mounting frustration in the chareidi parties over what they view as a betrayal of core coalition agreements and a delay that threatens the Torah world. UTJ MK Rabbi Yaakov Asher told Kikar HaShabbat that if the law isnt passed by the end of the Knessets summer session  July 27  the party will find it nearly impossible to remain in the government.

If this law does not pass in this session, we will have a very big problem sitting in such a government, said Rabbi Asher. We cannot be part of a government that turns bnei Torah into criminals. We simply dont know how to sit in a government that refuses to pass this law. This is the most important thing for Klal Yisrael.

The legislation in question would formalize the long-standing exemption for full-time talmidei yeshiva from mandatory IDF service  a cornerstone issue for charedim. While the government had previously committed to passing the law before the state budget was approved, those promises have repeatedly been postponed.

In response to the boycott, Likud MK Dan Illouz wrote on social media: If the chareidi factions boycott the governments votes and harm the coalitions ability to function, then Likud should also reconsider supporting their legislation. The Likud is not a floor rag.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
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.

In other posts, he said he was at Mar-a-Lago, the presidents 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.

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.

(AP)
After months spent 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. The nonprofit already has a for-profit arm, but that arm will be converted into a public benefit corporation that has to consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission, Taylor said.

However, 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 OpenAIs 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.

Among the changes would be removing a cap OpenAI had placed on how much profit it could make.

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. A federal judge last week dismissed some of Musks 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 generals 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 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.

Weve had plenty of investors who think OpenAI is a great business but dont care about or dont appreciate our mission, Altman said, adding that he was happy not to have their money.

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 companys 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 Californias attorney general to investigate and questioned whether OpenAIs planned new business structure would truly 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.

(AP)
In a historic first, conservative leader Friedrich Merz s bid to become Germanys 10th chancellor since World War II failed by six votes in parliament on Tuesday, a stunning defeat as he had been widely expected to win smoothly.

A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot since the end of the war. The loss triggered a stock market slide: the DAX, the index of major German companies, was down 1.8% following the vote.

Merz needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes. He only received 310 votes  well short of the 328 seats held by his coalition, which is also one of the slimmest postwar majorities. Because the vote was held by secret ballot, it was not immediately clear  and might never be known  who had defected from Merzs camp.

Merzs coalition is led by his center-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union. They are joined by the center-left Social Democrats, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholzs party. The parties were now to regroup to discuss the next step but it was also unclear how long the process could take.

Merz is seeking to take the helm of the 27-nation European Union s most populous member after Scholzs government collapsed last year and a national election was held in February. Scholz, despite his official farewell on Monday, remains in a caretaker role until a new chancellor takes over.

Germany has the continents biggest economy and serves as a diplomatic heavyweight. The new chancellors portfolio would include the war in Ukraine and the Trump administrations trade policy on top of domestic issues, such as Germanys stagnant economy and the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party.

The world is in turmoil. Europe needs a strong Germany, Carsten Linnemann, the secretary-general of the Christian Democrats, told reporters after Merzs loss. He said a second vote should come soon. We cant wait for days now, we need clarity quickly.

Whats next?

The lower house of parliament  called the Bundestag  has 14 days to elect a candidate with an absolute majority. Merz can run again, but other lawmakers can also throw their hat in the ring. There is no limit to the number of votes that can be held within the two-week period.

If Merz or any other candidate fails to get that majority within the 14 days, the constitution allows for the president to appoint the candidate who wins the most votes as chancellor, or to dissolve the Bundestag and hold a new national election.

Johann Wadepuhl, the designated next foreign minister, said he was confident Merz would ultimately prevail.

It is an annoying process, but in a parliamentary democracy, in a liberal country, this is unfortunately one of the scenarios that you have to be prepared for, he told reporters.

Volker Resing, who wrote the recent biography Friedrich Merz: His Path to Power, expressed surprise at the turn of events.

It shows how fragile the coalitions situation is and that some lawmakers are prepared to spread uncertainty  thats a warning signal, Resing told The Associated Press.

Resing said that if Merz gets elected in the second round, then everything will be fine and people may soon forget about this hiccup. But for now everything is wide open, he added.

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, slammed Merzs failure proof that his coalition has a weak foundation. She called for Merz to resign immediately and for new elections to be held.

AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germanys new parliament after it placed second in national elections in February. Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called firewall that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

80th anniversary of World War II

Tuesdays vote was held on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Germanys unconditional surrender in World War II. The ballots are cast in the restored Reichstag, where graffiti left by Soviet troops has been preserved at several locations in the building.

The shadow of the war in Ukraine also loomed over Tuesdays vote. Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, after the United States.

Overall, Germany is the fourth largest defense spender in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies trends in global military expenditures. Only the U.S., China and Russia are ahead.

Germany rose to that rank thanks to an investment of 100 billion euros ($107 billion) for its armed forces, a measure passed by lawmakers in 2022.

The countrys defense spending rose again earlier this year, when parliament loosened the nations strict debt rules. Its a move thats been closely watched by the rest of Europe as the Trump administration has threatened to pull back from its security support on the continent.

Besides ramping up defense spending, Merzs coalition has pledged to spur economic growth, take a tougher approach to migration and catch up on long-neglected modernization..

Germany and the Trump administration

The U.S. administration has bashed Germany repeatedly since President Donald Trumps inauguration in January. Trump, who has German roots, had often expressed his dislike of former Chancellor Angela Merkel during his first term in office.

This time around, Trumps lieutenants are at the forefront  tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has supported AfD for months. He hosted a chat with Weidel that he livestreamed on X earlier this year to amplify her partys message.

Vice President JD Vance, during the Munich Security Conference in February, assailed the firewall and later met with Weidel, a move that German officials heavily criticized.

Last week, the German domestic intelligence service said it has classified AfD as a right-wing extremist organization, making it subject to greater and broader surveillance.

The decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution prompted blowback from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vance over the weekend. Germanys Foreign Ministry hit back at Rubio after he called on the country to undo the classification.

The domestic intelligence services measure does not amount to a ban of the party, which can only take place through a request by either of parliaments two chambers or the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court.

Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence services decision.

(AP)
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz succeeded Tuesday in becoming Germanys next chancellor, drawing applause and a palpable sense of relief in the parliament chamber after a historic loss in the first round of voting threatened the new governments promises of stability.

No other postwar candidate for German chancellor has failed to win on the first ballot. The stunning but short-lived defeat sent shock waves throughout Europe and dragged down the stock market. The DAX, the index of major German companies, fell by 1.8% at one point.

As the most populous member state of the 27-nation European Union and the continents biggest economy, Germany is Europes diplomatic and economic heavyweight. Many had hoped Merzs ascension would help the continent navigate the war in Ukraine and the confrontational trade policy of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The whole of Europe, perhaps even the whole world, is watching this second round of elections, Jens Spahn, the head of the center-right Union bloc in the German parliament, said before the final vote.

The aftermath

Merz had been expected to easily win the vote to become Germanys 10th chancellor since World War II, but the first ballot in the lower house of parliament unexpectedly left him with 310 votes  well short of the 328 seats held by his coalition.

Hours later in the second round, he earned 325 votes, surpassing the 316 needed to pass in the 630-seat Bundestag.

Because the votes were conducted by secret ballots, it was not immediately clear  and might never be  who defected from Merzs camp.

Merzs coalition is led by his center-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union. They are joined by the center-left Social Democrats led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lost the national election in February.

The initial defeat could affect the Merz coalitions prospects for success and bring trouble to an agenda that includes reviving a stagnant economy and dealing with the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party.

80th anniversary of World War II

Tuesdays voting came on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germanys unconditional surrender in World War II. The ballots were cast in the restored Reichstag building, where graffiti left by victorious Soviet troops has been preserved at several locations.

The shadow of the war in Ukraine also loomed over the vote. Germany is the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, after the United States.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that he seeks more European and transatlantic leadership from Germany following Merzs win.

Ukraine is deeply grateful for the support of Germany and its people, Zelenskyy wrote on social platform X. Your helping hand has saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives.

Overall, Germany is the fourth-largest defense spender in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which studies trends in global military expenditures. Only the U.S., China and Russia are ahead.

Germany rose to that rank thanks to an investment of 100 billion euros ($107 billion) for its armed forces, a measure passed by lawmakers in 2022.

Defense spending rose again earlier this year, when parliament loosened the nations strict debt rules. The move has been closely watched by the rest of Europe as the Trump administration has threatened to pull back from its security commitment to the continent.

Germany and the Trump administration

The U.S. administration has bashed Germany repeatedly since Trumps inauguration in January. Trump, who has German roots, often expressed his dislike of former Chancellor Angela Merkel during his first term.

This time around, Trumps lieutenants are at the forefront  tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk has supported AfD for months. He hosted a chat with co-leader Alice Weidel that he livestreamed on X earlier this year to amplify her partys message.

AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germanys new parliament after it placed second in Februarys elections. Despite its historic gains, it was shut out of coalition talks due to the so-called firewall that mainstream German political parties have upheld against cooperating with far-right parties since the end of the war.

Vice President JD Vance, during the Munich Security Conference in February, assailed the creation of the firewall and later met with Weidel, a move that German officials heavily criticized.

Last week, the German domestic intelligence service said it has classified AfD as a right-wing extremist organization, making it subject to greater and broader surveillance.

The decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution prompted blowback from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vance over the weekend. Germanys Foreign Ministry hit back at Rubio after he called on the country to drop the classification.

The domestic intelligence services measure does not amount to a ban of the party, which can only be imposed through a request by either of parliaments two chambers or by the federal government through the Federal Constitutional Court.

Merz has not commented publicly on the intelligence services decision.

(AP)
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced off in the Oval Office on Tuesday and showed no signs of retreating from their gaping differences in an ongoing trade war that has shattered decades of trust between the two countries.

The two kept it civil, but as for Trumps calls to make Canada the 51st state, Carney insisted his nation was not for sale and Trump shot back, time will tell.

Asked by a reporter if there was anything Carney could tell him to lift his tariffs of as much as 25% on Canada, Trump bluntly said: No.

The U.S. president added for emphasis, Just the way it is.

Carney acknowledged that no bit of rhetoric on tariffs would be enough to sway Trump, saying that this is a bigger discussion.

There are much bigger forces involved, the Canadian leader continued. And this will take some time and some discussions. And thats why were here, to have those discussions.

The meeting between the two leaders showcased the full spectrum of Trumps unique mix of aggression, hospitality and stubbornness.

Shortly before Carneys arrival, Trump insulted Canada by posting on social media that the United States didnt need ANYTHING from its northern neighbor, only to then turn on the charm and praise Carneys election win in person before showing his obstinance on matters of policy substance.

Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump, even as he has preserved the calm demeanor of an economist who has led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

At times, Carney struggled to interject his views and raised his hand to talk as Trump held forth at length and veered between topics, touching on California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and teasing a great upcoming announcement thats not necessarily on trade.

Trump offended Canadas sense of pride and friendship by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods. The outrage provoked by Trump enabled Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

Trump said the two would not discuss making Canada part of the U.S., even as he insisted the idea would lead to lower taxes for Canadians.

Its not for sale, Carney said. It wont be for sale. Ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.

Trump persisted by saying that the United States did not want to buy autos from Canada, even if the vehicles were also assembled in America. The U.S. leader insisted that the $63 billion trade deficit in goods  which he inflated to $200 billion  was a subsidy that needed to come an end.

The meeting never devolved into the outburst that the public saw in Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was berated by the U.S. president and his team for not being sufficiently deferential. Nor did it have the ease of Trumps sit down with the United Kingdoms Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who invited Trump for a visit provided by King Charles III.

Carney later described his conversation with Trump as wide ranging and constructive, telling reporters that the prospect is there for positive negotiations but there would be zigs and zags. Carney said he stressed the value that Canadian companies and factories created for U.S. automakers while stressing that it was unfair to assume one meeting could resolve any differences.

I wouldnt have expected white smoke coming out of this meeting, Carney said after the Tuesday meeting, referencing the signal that a new pope has been selected.

Carney said that he privately asked Trump to stop calling Canada the 51st state during their meeting. But when pressed on how Trump responded, the Canadian prime minister said: Hes the president. Hes his own person.

The stakes of the meeting were high and the messages beforehand mixed. Trump told reporters on Monday that he wasnt quite sure why Carney was visiting.

Im not sure what he wants to see me about, Trump said. But I guess he wants to make a deal.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick further stoked doubts about their interest in repairing the relationship with Canada in a Monday interview on Fox Business Networks Kudlow show.

Asked if the U.S. could make a deal with Canada, Lutnick called the country a socialist regime that has been basically feeding off America. Lutnick said Tuesdays meeting would be fascinating.

Carney, at a Friday news conference ahead of his trip, said the talks would focus on immediate trade pressures and the broader economic and national security relationships. He said his government would fight to get the best deal for Canada and take all the time necessary to do so, even as Canada pursues a parallel set of talks to deepen relations with other allies and lessen its commitments with the U.S.

Trump has maintained that the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada. He is actively going after a Canadian auto sector built largely by U.S. companies, saying, Theyre stopping work in Mexico, and theyre stopping work in Canada, and theyre all moving here. He also said the U.S. doesnt need Canadas energy  though nearly one-fourth of the oil that the U.S. consumes daily comes from the province of Alberta.

The president has also disparaged Canadas military commitments despite a partnership that ranges from the beaches of Normandy in World War II to remote stretches of Afghanistan. He said on Tuesday with Carney that the U.S. would continue to provide national security support to Canada.

Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and tariffs on other products outside the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, in some cases ostensibly to address relatively low volumes of fentanyl intercepted at the northern border. That has jeopardized a closely entwined trade relationship as Canada sees an increasing need to build relations with the European Union and other nations.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canadas exports go to the U.S.

(AP)
In a dangerous escalation between two nuclear-armed rivals, India launched a series of missile strikes into Pakistani-controlled territory early Wednesday, hitting at least three locations and reportedly killing a child and wounding two civilians, Pakistani officials said.

The dramatic pre-dawn attacks shattered the tense calm that had prevailed since last months deadly assault on Indian tourists in Kashmir, which New Delhi blames on Pakistan-backed militants. Islamabad has denied any involvement  but now the conflict has turned kinetic.

Pakistani security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Indian missiles struck sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, including a mosque in Bahawalpur, where a young child was killed and a woman and man were injured.

In a terse but fiery statement, Pakistans military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif condemned the strikes as cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians under the cover of darkness. He stressed that no Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace and claimed that Pakistan has already launched retaliatory strikes, though he offered no further details.

The Indian Defense Ministry, in a carefully worded statement, acknowledged targeting at least nine sites it claims were being used by terrorists to plot cross-border attacks. The ministry insisted the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory, and emphasized that no Pakistani military assets were targeted.

Still, the timing and scale of the operation  missile launches deep into sovereign territory  signal a grave deterioration in regional stability. The Indian statement added ominously, We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.

With tensions flaring and civilian casualties mounting, the question now looms: How far are both sides willing to go  and who will blink first?

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Vietnam looks to land big in Kazakhstans airport sector

Vietnamese company SOVICO Group plans to acquire or manage a Kazakh airport to support its recent expansion in the country. The move follows its purchase of the airline Qazaq Air. Kazakhstan and Vietnam are strengthening economic ties, with growing interest in industrial cooperation. Officials highlight Vietnams advanced infrastructure and express a desire to learn from its development model. A high-level meeting between the Kazakh President and the Vietnamese Communist Party leader also focused on boosting trade and humanitarian collaboration.

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The kehilla in Manhattans Upper West Side is reeling after learning of the tragic and untimely passing of Yitzchak Alishayiv ZL (Yitzchak ben Mazal ZL), a beloved former custodian and dear friend to many, who was murdered during a trip to Turkey. He was just 45 years old.

Yitzchak, formerly the gabbai at Heichal Moshe (Vorhand Shteibel) on Manhattans Upper West Side, was well known for his warm heart and quiet passion for wildlife photography. He had traveled to Turkey after Pesach to pursue his love of capturing animals in their natural habitat. According to reports from Turkish media, the trip ended in tragedy when Yitzchak was fatally stabbed by the host he was staying with. He was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Turkish authorities have since arrested the suspect, who is reportedly being charged with intentional homicide and remains in custody.

Misaskim has stepped in and is working tirelessly to ensure proper kavod hameis and to arrange for Yitzchaks body to be transported to New York for kevurah.

Further details regarding a levaya and kevurah will be shared as soon as they become available.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A fugitive wanted for one of New Yorks most chilling unsolved murders  the killing of an Iranian-Jewish man  has been captured and returned to the city after more than eight years on the run.

Michel Patrick Desalles, now 54, has been extradited from the island nation of Mauritius and charged with the brutal 2017 murder of his boss, Omid Gholian, inside a Tribeca jewelry store.

Prosecutors say Desalles viciously beat Gholian hyd, 43, inside the back room of World of Gold N Diamond at Church and Duane Streets, before tightening two zip ties around his neck, leaving him to die in a pool of blood. Hours after the savage assault, Desalles boarded a flight at JFK Airport and vanished halfway around the world.

Gholians disappearance initially puzzled his loved ones. When his brother couldnt reach him and found the store suspiciously locked on one of the busiest retail days of the year, he filed a missing person report. With help from police, a family member unlocked the shoponly to discover a gruesome scene. Gholians lifeless body lay in the back, with clear signs of trauma: a gash to the head, facial bruising, and the horrifying marks of zip-tie strangulation. EMTs pronounced him dead at the scene. The city medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by compression of the neck.

Investigators immediately suspected foul play, but the killer had already disappeared without a trace.

Thanks to a coordinated international manhunt involving the U.S. Department of Justices Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Mauritian authorities, Desalles was finally apprehended and extradited back to New York. He was arraigned this week and ordered held without bail on charges of second-degree murder.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the crime, but the return of Desalles to U.S. soil marks the end of a years-long mysteryand the beginning of long-overdue justice.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
I24NEWS military analyst Tzvi Yechezkeli referred to the Israeli preparations for an attack in Yemen as an American trap.

The trap we are in is mainly an American trap, Yechezkeli said. The Americans have taken it upon themselves to attack the Houthis with very, very serious and intensive attacks. But in practice, were getting what we already know from beforethat its impossible to subdue the Houthis from the air.

And no matter how much the Americans try, including bringing in Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthis on the ground, its not working.

If we didnt have the interception means, we might have already rolled up our sleeves and dealt with the problem, but the trap is that we gave it to the Americans, and this must be seen in the Iranian context. Its not just an incident between us and the Houthis; Iran is involved. And the Americans are dragging their feet on negotiations with Iran.

Yechezkeli continued: Ill just mention a few things about Trumps first 100 days. He promised that if theres no deal after two months of negotiations with Iran, hell attack. Were reaching that deadline very soon. He promised hell in Gaza  its not happening. The issue of the deal and everything he pressured Hamas for  its also not happening.

Trumps tweets and reality are separate. The reality says that he, Trump, is following in Obamas footsteps. Hes moving toward an agreement with Iran and therefore, theyre getting this energy and this approval that its possible to attack Israel.

Yechezkeli concluded: The Houthi spokesperson said that they attacked Israel because Israel is recruiting reservists. And I wonder  if the Houthis are in such a state, they probably werent harmed. And therefore it goes back to this, to the issue that its an American trap.

If the Americans give up the negotiations, give the green light  its time to attack Iran, the Houthis will disappear. And if not, were in a trap. Were waiting for the Americans, and Trump is excellentin tweets. But in the field, were still waiting. Its not happening, and every day that passes is a blow to prestige, deterrence, and certainly to the blow that will come, and I really hope it will come.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Senior Houthi official Hazam al-Assad threatened revenge on Israel in a poorly translated Hebrew post following Israels airstrikes on the Hodeidah port in Yemen and a concrete factory on Monday in response to the Houthis attack on Ben Gurion Airport a day earlier.

Al-Assad wrote on X in broken Hebrew that the Zionist-American attack on the port of Al-Hodeidah and the concrete factory in Bajil is a vile crime that will not go unanswered. The blood of the civilians and workers will be the fuel for a harsh and unequivocal Yemeni response. We will continue to support Gaza with faith and determination and strike deep into the enemy and disrupt its movements until the aggression stops and the siege is lifted. The response will be imminentpainful, and surprising.

Ynet reported that the Houthis are planning to add a large target in Haifa to their target bank.

Since the resumption of Israels war in Gaza, the Houthis have fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with all but one intercepted by air defense systems or falling before reaching Israel.

Sundays attack was the first time that the Houthis succeeded in striking Ben Gurion Airport, leading to dozens of airlines cancelling their flights to and from Israel.

Meanwhile, senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told Arab media that the Houthis coordinate every decision with Hamas, and the launch of the ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport was at the Gazan terror groups request.

We do not regret the attack on Ben Gurion Airport, he said. It was a warning attack, and additional attacks will follow.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Youssef Qadi, a Hamas platoon commander who participated in the October 7 massacre and was responsible for holding several hostages [who have since been released], surrendered to IDF forces in Gaza, the IDF revealed on Tuesday.

Additionally, Muhammad Zaarab, a commander in Hamas sniper unit, surrendered to IDF forces along with Qadi.

The IDF said that several knives were found in the terrorists possession after their surrender.

The two were arrested by forces of the 188th Armored Brigade several weeks ago in Rafah in southern Gaza.

Their interrogation by the Shin Bet yielded intelligence information on the location of significant terrorist infrastructure in the area, the IDF said.

The IDF completed the move to encircle Rafah several weeks ago and is continuing to operate there. It will soon expand operations to nearby neighborhoods.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF launched a second round of massive airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Yemen, on Tuesday afternoon, targeting key infrastructure in response to Sundays unprecedented missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport.

Tuesdays strikes come just one day after the IDF hit Yemens Hodeidah port, a crucial hub for weapons and goods flowing into the country. Todays target: Sanaa International Airport  the main air gateway to Yemen.

Prior to launching the strike, the IDF issued a rare warning to civilians in Sanaa, urging them to evacuate the vicinity of the airport. Despite that, reports emerging from the region describe the destruction as total. Initial assessments indicate that Sanaa International Airport has been completely obliterated, severing Yemens main aerial connection to the outside world.

The move follows a ballistic missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia on Sunday, which exploded alarmingly close to Terminal 3 of Ben Gurion Airport. The missile managed to evade Israels sophisticated, multi-layered missile defense systems  a chilling reminder of the Houthis growing long-range capabilities and Tehrans expanding regional reach.

Following the widespread aerial attack, the IDF released the following statement:

For the second time in less than 24 hours, the Air Force struck terror targets of the Houthi terror regime in Yemen. The Air Force recently struck and destroyed infrastructure of the Houthi terror organization at the main airport in the Sanaa area, completely disabling it, following the Houthi terror organizations attack on Ben Gurion Airport.

The airport, similar to the Hodeidah port attacked last night, is used by the Houthi terror organization for transferring weapons and operatives and is routinely operated by the Houthi regime for terror purposes. This is another example of the Houthi terror organizations use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist activities.

Additionally, several major power stations in the Sanaa area were attacked, which the Houthi terror regime exploits as a significant electricity supply infrastructure for its terror regime, another example of the Houthi regimes use of the Yemeni people and their civilian infrastructure for terror purposes.

Furthermore, the Al-Amran concrete factory north of Sanaa was struck, a key resource for the Houthi terror regime used for building tunnels and military infrastructure. The strike on the factory deals a blow to the terror regimes economy and its military buildup.

The strikes were carried out in a targeted manner, with precautions taken where possible to minimize harm to civilians and civilian property.

The operation was approved by the Air Force Commander and the Chief of Staff.

Over the past year and a half, the Houthi terror regime has operated under Iranian guidance and funding to harm Israel and its allies, destabilize the regional order, and disrupt global freedom of navigation.

The IDF is determined to continue operating and striking with force against anyone who poses a threat to the residents of the State of Israel, at any distance required.

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The move follows Israels airstrikes on the Hodeidah port in Yemen and a concrete factory on Monday in response to the Houthis attack on Ben Gurion Airport a day earlier.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that hes ordering a halt to nearly two months of U.S. airstrikes on Yemens Houthis, saying the Iran-backed rebels have indicated that they dont want to fight anymore and have pledged to stop attacking ships along a vital global trade route.

Were going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately, Trump said at the start of his Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Trump said the Houthis had indicated to U.S. officials that they dont want to fight anymore. They just dont want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings.

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That likely means an abrupt end to a campaign of airstrikes that began in March, when Trump promised to use overwhelming lethal force after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israels mounting another blockade on the Gaza Strip.

At the time, they described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.

Trumps announcement came the same day that Israels military launched airstrikes against the Houthis that it said fully disabled the international airport in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Israels attacks were its second round of airstrikes on targets in Yemen in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike Sunday on Israels international airport.

A U.S. official said the administration had not notified Israel of the agreement with the Houthis before Trumps announcement.

Israel, according to this official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks, was irked by the unexpected news, particularly because the Houthis have continued to launch attacks on Israel proper and other Israeli targets.

Israel does not appear to be covered by the U.S.-Houthi agreement.

Trump said the Houthis had capitulated but, more importantly, we will take their word that they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And thats what the purpose of what we were doing, Trump said.

I think thats very positive, Trump added. They were knocking out a lot of ships.

Asked how the Houthis had communicated that they were looking to stop being targeted by U.S. bombs, Trump offered few details, saying only with a chuckle that the information came from a very good source.

A short time later, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, confirmed that the U.S. bombing campaign was ending, posting on X that discussions involving the U.S. and Oman, as well as negotiators in Yemen, have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping, he wrote, calling the agreement a welcome outcome.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media that Trumps objective from Day One: ensuring freedom of navigation. PEACE THRU STRENGTH in action.

Despite Trumps framing of the deal as a way to reopen the Red Sea to commercial shipping without fear of Houthi attack, the Houthis have not fired on a commercial ship since December, Gregory Brew, a senior analyst with the Eurasia Group risk-analysis firm, said on X.

They are likely, however, to continue shooting at Israel, Brew noted.

The Houthis had been waging persistent missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the groups leadership has described as an effort to end Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

From November 2023 until January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.

The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March.

Those strikes Trump had ordered were similar to ones carried out against the Houthis multiple times by the administration of his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden.

The Trump-ordered airstrikes gained a higher profile in the public consciousness when The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth had texted sensitive plans for a military strike against the Houthis on a group chat in the messaging app Signal that mistakenly included the magazines editor-in-chief.

Trump stood by Hegseth and downplayed the breach as a glitch. But national security adviser Mike Waltz, who created the group chat on Signal, left his post last week and has been nominated by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.President Donald Trump said Tuesday that hes ordering a halt to nearly two months of U.S. airstrikes on Yemens Houthis, saying the Iran-backed rebels have indicated that they dont want to fight anymore and have pledged to stop attacking ships along a vital global trade route.

Were going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately, Trump said at the start of his Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Trump said the Houthis had indicated to U.S. officials that they dont want to fight anymore. They just dont want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings.

That likely means an abrupt end to a campaign of airstrikes that began in March, when Trump promised to use overwhelming lethal force after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israels mounting another blockade on the Gaza Strip.

At the time, they described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.

Trumps announcement came the same day that Israels military launched airstrikes against the Houthis that it said fully disabled the international airport in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Israels attacks were its second round of airstrikes on targets in Yemen in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike Sunday on Israels international airport.

A U.S. official said the administration had not notified Israel of the agreement with the Houthis before Trumps announcement.

Israel, according to this official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks, was irked by the unexpected news, particularly because the Houthis have continued to launch attacks on Israel proper and other Israeli targets.

Israel does not appear to be covered by the U.S.-Houthi agreement.

Trump said the Houthis had capitulated but, more importantly, we will take their word that they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And thats what the purpose of what we were doing, Trump said.

I think thats very positive, Trump added. They were knocking out a lot of ships.

Asked how the Houthis had communicated that they were looking to stop being targeted by U.S. bombs, Trump offered few details, saying only with a chuckle that the information came from a very good source.

A short time later, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, confirmed that the U.S. bombing campaign was ending, posting on X that discussions involving the U.S. and Oman, as well as negotiators in Yemen, have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping, he wrote, calling the agreement a welcome outcome.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media that Trumps objective from Day One: ensuring freedom of navigation. PEACE THRU STRENGTH in action.

Despite Trumps framing of the deal as a way to reopen the Red Sea to commercial shipping without fear of Houthi attack, the Houthis have not fired on a commercial ship since December, Gregory Brew, a senior analyst with the Eurasia Group risk-analysis firm, said on X.

They are likely, however, to continue shooting at Israel, Brew noted.

The Houthis had been waging persistent missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the groups leadership has described as an effort to end Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

From November 2023 until January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. That has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually.

The Houthis paused attacks in a self-imposed ceasefire until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March.

Those strikes Trump had ordered were similar to ones carried out against the Houthis multiple times by the administration of his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden.

The Trump-ordered airstrikes gained a higher profile in the public consciousness when The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth had texted sensitive plans for a military strike against the Houthis on a group chat in the messaging app Signal that mistakenly included the magazines editor-in-chief.

Trump stood by Hegseth and downplayed the breach as a glitch. But national security adviser Mike Waltz, who created the group chat on Signal, left his post last week and has been nominated by Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

(AP)
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.
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.
The boss of the worlds biggest diamond company says he is confident that the precious stones will win an exemption from US tariffs.

De Beers chief executive Al Cook believes the duty is of no benefit to America, which has no diamond mining jobs to protect.

Instead, the tariff would purely be a consumption tax on the American consumer, he told the Financial Times.

Unlike many other raw materials, diamonds were not excluded from the tariffs.

Those brought into the US are subject to a 10 per cent duty on all imports and will face additional levies depending on where they come from.

But Cook said: People are confident enough that in the long term, diamonds will be exempted from tariffs.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 6. Kazakhstan will become Vietnams first strategic partner in Central Asia, said General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, during a closed-door meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, Trend reports.

In turn, the President of Kazakhstan called the General Secretarys first visit to Astana a vivid testament to the strong friendship between the two nations.



Vietnam is an important partner for Kazakhstan in Asia. Our aspirations toward prosperity are largely aligned. Two years ago, during my official visit to Vietnam, we agreed to develop new areas of bilateral cooperation. Next month marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. I am confident that the friendly ties between our peoples will continue to grow stronger. We are always ready to work together to achieve common goals and solve shared challenges, said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

To Lam expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality on Kazakh soil and voiced confidence that the outcome of the current talks would broaden the scope of relations between Kazakhstan and Vietnam.



The fact that our delegation decided to visit your country just two years after your visit to Vietnam demonstrates the active development of cooperation between our nations and reflects the high level of mutual trust, noted the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

In 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $879 million.

On May 5, General Secretary To Lam arrived in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, for a state visit. That day, a brief conversation between the leaders of Kazakhstan and Vietnam took place at the Astana airport. On May 7, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam is scheduled to attend a military parade in Astana dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
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.
Photo: The Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 6. The inaugural meeting of the Uzbek-Slovak Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Tashkent, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vladimir Simonek, Deputy Minister of Economy of Slovakia, and Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan.

The discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics aimed at enhancing and expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Key areas of focus included renewable energy, agriculture, and critical raw materials, with a particular emphasis on geological exploration, development, and processing of rare and rare earth minerals.

Following the meeting, the parties signed a final protocol outlining the agreements reached. Both sides also agreed to hold the next session of the Commission in Bratislava.

Meanwhile, during a meeting held in March 2025, Uzbekistan and Slovakia agreed to establish a Business Council to further enhance trade and economic relations between the two nations.
Photo: The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 6. The delegation led by Manraj Sekhon, Chief Investment Officer of Templeton Global Investments, and Jamshid Kuchkarov, Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, met and discussed the expansion of mutual cooperation, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

Recently, Franklin Templeton established its representative office in Tashkent, formally assuming the role of manager and trustee of Uzbekistan's National Investment Fund.

In this context, discussions centered on future plans for managing the National Investment Fund. The parties examined the unique aspects of Uzbekistans privatization and transformation processes, ongoing reforms in the sector, and ways to enhance collaboration with international investors.

The meeting also addressed efforts to accelerate reforms aimed at developing state-owned enterprises and the ongoing privatization of state-owned banks.

At the conclusion of the talks, both sides agreed to deepen and strengthen their cooperation and to take systematic, effective actions to achieve the set objectives.

Franklin Templeton is one of the worlds largest and most renowned investment management companies, offering a wide range of services in asset management, mutual funds, private equity, infrastructure projects, digital assets, and innovative financial technologies.
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For economists, America's 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 don't know.

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 nation's 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. What's 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.

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.

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 don't 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.



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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. A press conference dedicated to the 18th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition "Caspian Agro" and the 30th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition "InterFood Azerbaijan" has started in Baku today, Trend reports.

The conference is being held with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as exhibition organizers.

Speaking at a press conference, Toghrul Ghafarbeyli, an official of the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that this year, as the Ministry of Agriculture, in accordance with the assignment of the country's leadership, the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture is one of our top priorities.

According to him, this year the Ministry will demonstrate to the participants of the exhibition several projects related to the introduction of artificial intelligence: after long research it became clear that there is no synergy between students studying in Azerbaijani universities in the direction of artificial intelligence and large agricultural parks in the market, and there is a need for it. We want to create this synergy for the first time this year.

Therefore, we want both university students and large agro parks to create synergy with each other at this exhibition, as well as directly demonstrate the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, he emphasized.

In turn, official representative of Caspian Event Organisers Bahruz Hidayatzadeh noted that Baku will host an investment forum of sustainable agriculture.

He noted that within the framework of the International Agrarian Innovation Forum, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development's Sustainable Agriculture Investment Forum will be held at Baku Expo Center with the participation of more than 200 international and local representatives, officials and experts:

The event will be organized on May 14-15 with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Agrarian Innovation Center, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs' (Employers') Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the organizers of the exhibition.

The forum agenda will include topics such as investing in sustainable agriculture, strengthening SMEs in agriculture, agricultural trade, value chains and food markets. Bilateral business-to-business (B2B) meetings as well as various trainings will also be organized during the event. This forum is important in terms of strengthening international economic ties in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, he said.

The 18th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition Caspian Agro and the 30th anniversary Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition InterFood Azerbaijan will be held on May 13-16 at the Baku Expo Center. Over the years, the exhibitions have occupied a worthy place in the global exhibition calendar, being a reliable and recognized national brand, as well as being among the leading international events in the world.

The events are held with the organizational support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Caspian Agro and InterFood Azerbaijan exhibitions are actively supported by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AQTA), the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMED), the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs' (Employers') Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK), the Azerbaijan Food and Beverage Industry Association (AQISA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Association of Organizers of the Food and Beverage Industry of Azerbaijan (AQISA).
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By Nicole Lyons, May 6, 2025

Reagan Shippy, left, and Paige Schneller will graduate with Chemistry degrees from UCM during 2025 Spring Commencement.

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.

They may not have started as Chemistry majors when enrolling at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), but seniors Reagan Shippy and Paige Schneller will be headed to doctoral programs after walking across the commencement stage this spring.



Shippy, of Centerview, Missouri, entered her freshman year as a Speech Pathology major. At the same time, Schneller, of Knob Noster, Missouri, started with the Open Options program as she figured out where her path was headed. Both first-generation students took a chemistry class early in their college careers, which changed their entire trajectory.



I was in between Speech Pathology and Chemistry when I came in, so I chose one intro chemistry class just so I could kind of try them both, Shippy recalled. And chemistry ended up being my favorite class by a long shot.

Over the last four years, Shippy and Schneller have grown from unsure freshmen to officers in the UCM chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Science Club, student employees, and undergraduate researchers at UCM and beyond.



Thanks to small class sizes and personalized instruction, undergraduate science students at UCM can work directly with faculty members on research projects. The opportunity provides students with much more hands-on experience and the ability to lead their own research.



Schneller completed her undergraduate research at UCM with Dr. Chen Zhou, professor of Chemistry. She worked with gold nanoparticles using different ligands to see how they work under fluorescent lighting with the goal of cancer detection. She also completed a National Science Foundation (NSF) research experience for undergraduates (REU) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she worked on polymer research.



For Shippys research at UCM, she worked with Dr. Joshua Parham, assistant professor of Chemistry. She studied nickel-catalyzed peptides to observe their optimal formation that could potentially be used to mimic an enzyme. She completed two REUs: making uranium bimetallics to see if nuclear fuel could be reprocessable at the University of Kansas and working with redox reservoirs to study alternative energy methods at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



Dr. Jay Steinkruger, chair and professor of Chemistry, said the UCM faculty works diligently to help students like Shippy and Schneller who want to further develop their research skills.



Securing these opportunities was a critical milestone for each of them that most certainly made their graduate school applications more impressive, Steinkruger said.

The pair have also earned numerous recognitions at UCM and had the chance to attend and present at regional and national conferences with ACS. Schneller was among a few UCM undergraduate students invited to the National First Generation Student Leaders Conference. She received the Emerging Student Leader Award and was a finalist for Officer of the Year and Student Employee of the Year. Shippy was twice recognized with the Donald R. Kelsey Undergraduate Research Award and received the 2024 ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award.



Reagan and Paige are outstanding students. Theyre bright, inquisitive and very disciplined, Steinkruger said. Both of them have made enormous contributions to our student organization, to our outreach events like Science Olympiad, and generally do all they can to support our mission from the student perspective. Furthermore, they are both extremely lovely individuals that always bring joy and laughter to the learning environment. Our faculty team feels lucky to have had the chance to work with them.

Both students received several impressive offers to continue their education this fall. Shippy will attend the University of Kansas to pursue a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, and Schneller will attend the University of Tennessee for a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry.



Shippy said shed wanted to be a scientist since elementary school but wasnt sure she had the merit to do it. Looking back, she thinks her younger self would be proud she took the leap to pursue her dream and took advantage of many opportunities along the way. She said its hard to believe shes accomplished so much, from graduate-level projects to working in research labs at R1 universities, not to mention the friends she made while spending countless hours in the library.



I feel like we both have made a big impact, at least on the culture of the Chemistry department, Shippy said. Before we came in and kind of made everybody be friends, everyone was a lot more isolated. I feel like that will be a lasting impact that well have after we leave.

Schneller said her freshman self, who selected UCM for its affordability and proximity to home, probably didnt think shed be graduating with numerous doctoral program offers.



I was very much just trying to get through the degree. Whatever happens, happens, Schneller said. Now, looking back, I have done so much for myself, my faculty and my department and the university, and I would like to think that freshman year me is very proud of how I am now.
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Kerala SSLC Result 2025 - Steps and Links to Check

Kerala Board of Public Examinations (KBPE), also called as Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan, is declaring Kerala Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 board examination 2024 result on May 09, 2025

Tuesday May 6, 2025 11:15 PM , Ahmed Abdullah Faizee

Kerala SSLC Result 2025: Kerala Board of Public Examinations (KBPE), also called as Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan, is declaring Kerala Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 board examination 2024 result on May 09, 2025.

Kerala SSLC 2025 Result Date

Students, who appeared in the Kerala SSLC Class 10 result 2025, should note that the Kerala Board of Public Examinations (KBPE) has officially not confirmed the exact date and time to declare the result.

However, multiple media reports citing KBPE sources said, the Kerala board of Education is in the midst of finalising the SSLC result and it can announce the same on May 09, 2025.

Links to check Kerala SSLC Result 2025

Once declared, the Kerala SSLC result 2025 will be available for download on the official website "keralaresults.nic.in".

keralaresults.nic.in

prd.kerala.gov.in

result.kerala.gov.in

results.kite.kerala.gov.in

results.nic.in



Steps to check Kerala SSLC Result 2025

Go to Kerala Education Department website: keralaresults.nic.in or results.kite.kerala.gov.in. Click on the link markd with 'SSLC Exam Results 2025'. Enter Register Number and Date of Birth. Click 'Get Result' button to view Kerala Board 10th Result 2025. Download and Save your result for future reference



Candidates should also note that the Kerala 10th result can also be checked via Saphalam 2024 app and DigiLocker.

For candidates who fail, the Kerala board will provide a second opportunity through the re-exam (Supplementary or Improvement), also known as the Save a Year exam.

Kerala 10th 2025 Date

Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan had conducted the SSLC or Class 10 exams from March 3 to March 26, 2025.

Around 4.2 lakh students appeared for the Kerala 10th SSLC exam 2025 held at around 2,980 centres across the state and 7 in the Gulf region and 9 in Lakshadweep.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Kerala is preparing to announce the Plus Two (Class 12) board exam results 2025.

Media reports quoting Education Minister V Sivankutty said Kerala Plus Two or 12th result will be declared by May 21, 2025.

Kerala SSLC Result of Previous Years

In 2024, Kerala SSLC or Kerala Class 10 result was announced on May 08, 2024 when the state had registered an overall pass percentage 99.69% .

In 2023, a total of 419,554 students from different districts of Kerala and abroad had appeared in the 10th exams. The Kerala board had registered an impressive 99.70% in the 2023 state board exams of class 10.

The pass percentage in 2022 was 99.26% whereas the same in 2021 was 99.47%.

[Ahmed Abdullah Faizee, is Staff Writer at ummid.com.]

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Agriculture holds the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture among its main priorities this year in accordance with the instructions of the country's leadership, the ministry's official Toghrul Gafarbayli said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at a press conference dedicated to the 18th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition "Caspian Agro" and the 30th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition "InterFood Azerbaijan" in Baku today.

According to him, this year the ministry will show several projects related to the application of artificial intelligence to the exhibition participants.

"After long research, it became clear that there is no synergy between students trained in the direction of artificial intelligence at universities in Azerbaijan and large agroparks on the market, and there is a need for it. We want to create this synergy for the first time this year.

Therefore, we want both university students and large agroparks to create synergy with each other at this exhibition, and they will directly demonstrate the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture," he emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 6. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting focused on reorganizing agricultural practices in the Syrdarya region, emphasizing new approaches to enhance the sectors potential, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek presidents office.

Although Syrdarya is not large in size, it boasts significant agricultural potential, with the majority of its cultivated land situated along rivers and canals, providing favorable conditions for agrarian development. The meeting reviewed the findings of a recent study conducted across the region's districts, and new proposals were discussed to optimize farming strategies.

Key proposals included the introduction of crop cultivation practices tailored to the regions soil and climatic conditions, with a particular focus on boosting wheat, vegetable, and potato yields in steppe districts. Additionally, plans were outlined to repair the regions irrigation networks and bring 20,000 hectares of land back into agricultural production within the next two years.

The meeting also highlighted the potential for large-scale food projects in the region. Specifically, plans are in place to establish three major cattle-breeding complexes across 9,000 hectares in Akaltyn, Gulistan, and Bayaut districts. New cotton cultivation technologies will be introduced across another 7,000 hectares to increase yield and efficiency.

Syrdarya currently has 10,000 hectares of orchards and vineyards. However, more than half of these are outdated in terms of both varieties and farming techniques, leading to poor market demand. As part of the new initiative, 2,000 hectares will undergo a renewal focused on export-oriented, high-demand varieties, while the remaining plots will be allocated to interested entrepreneurs.

In a move to modernize the region's water infrastructure, the ongoing reconstruction of the 607-kilometer Ung Tarmok inter-district canal will be completed this year, with the addition of a digital control system. This upgrade is expected to reduce water usage by 35-40 percent and improve water distribution across 27,000 hectares.

President Mirziyoyev endorsed the proposed measures and issued specific instructions to increase crop yields, create more employment opportunities in agriculture, satisfy domestic food demand, boost processing capacity, and expand export potential.

These initiatives are expected to transform Syrdarya into a key agricultural hub, advancing the regions economic development and strengthening Uzbekistans agricultural industry as a whole.
SEATTLE  Approximately 30 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Monday night after occupying the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building at the University of Washington, demanding the university sever ties with Boeing over its military contracts supporting the Israel Defense Forces. The protest, organized by the suspended student group Super UW, began around 5 p.m. and escalated into a dangerous situation, university officials said.

The protesters blocked access to two campus streets, barricaded entrances and exits with furniture, ignited fires in two dumpsters, and caused damage inside the building, which was partially funded by a $10 million Boeing donation in 2022. A KING 5 crew observed firefighters extinguishing a dumpster fire around 10:30 p.m. University police, assisted by Washington State Patrol and Seattle police, began clearing the area outside the building at 10:30 p.m. and entered the building at 11 p.m. to remove the protesters.

All university-affiliated individuals inside who wished to leave were able to do so, police said. The last arrests occurred around 2 a.m., with the final protesters leaving by 3 a.m. The 30 individuals face charges of trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy to commit these acts, referred to the King County Prosecutor's Office. Identified students will also face Student Conduct Office proceedings.

Super UW stated online that the occupation was in solidarity with Palestine, protesting Boeing's defense contracts and the university's financial ties to the company, which has donated over $100 million to UW over the past century. The group renamed the building the Shaban al-Dalou Building, after a teenage engineering student reportedly killed in a Gaza airstrike, and hung a banner from a second-floor window.

The university issued a statement condemning the protest and an associated statement by Super UW, which it called antisemitic: "The UW is committed to maintaining a secure learning and research environment, and strongly condemns this illegal building occupation and the antisemitic statement that was issued by a suspended student group Monday. The University will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior and will continue to oppose antisemitism in all its forms."

The occupation follows a history of pro-Palestinian activism at UW, including a three-week encampment in the campus quad last year that ended after negotiations with administrators. Super UW's manifesto also praised the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, prompting university to label the group's rhetoric antisemitic. The UW Jewish Alumni Association called the protest "an absolute disgrace" on X, citing safety concerns and antisemitism on campus.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions over university ties to Boeing, a major employer of UW engineering graduates and a long-standing partner in aerospace research. No injuries were reported, and the university is assessing damage to the building.
A Ukrainian drone barrage forced Russia to close a dozen airports deep behind the front line on Tuesday, days before foreign leaders gather in Moscow for a World War II Victory Day parade.

Around 29 foreign leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, will be atten the celebration, marking 80 years since the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

President Vladimir Putin is set to use the event to justify his three-year-long offensive on Ukraine, which has left tens of thousands of people dead and seen Russia capture swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine.

The Kremlin said that it would stick to a three-day truce it proposed to coincide with the parade -- which Ukraine has dismissed as nothing more than an attempt by Moscow to secure the safety of the parade.

Ukraine has instead called for a month-long ceasefire.

"President Putin's initiative for a temporary ceasefire during the holidays is relevant," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But he added that "an adequate response will be given immediately" if Ukraine does not also halt fire.

Kyiv has denounced the proposal as "theatrical" and a "manipulation" -- instead demanding a longer, immediate ceasefire as a step towards ending three years of conflict that began with the launch of Russia's offensive in 2022.

It said Russian attacks killed at least three civilians -- including one child -- and wounded 10 others, also including children, in the Sumy region of Ukraine on Tuesday.

Speculation has swirled over the safety of Moscow's May 9 parade -- which Russia has said will be its grandest ever -- marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

It will take place in the shadow of the Ukraine conflict and with the United States pushing for both sides to end the fighting, so far to no avail.

The Kremlin said Tuesday that 29 "foreign leaders" were expected to attend the Red Square parade, including Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva.

- Hundreds of drones -

On the eve of Xi's arrival, Moscow said that Ukraine had launched more than 100 drones targeting a dozen regions, including on the Russian capital. Kyiv, meanwhile, said Russia attacked with 136 drones.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defences shot down 19 drones around the capital and debris fell on a major avenue, without causing injuries.

Flight restrictions were introduced at more than a dozen airports, including four in Moscow, Russian news agencies reported, citing the Federal Air Transport Agency. Traffic at the main Sheremetyevo airport remained largely unaffected however.

Russian media broadcast images of a cracked supermarket window and a blackened residential building facade in Moscow.

Airports were also affected in other cities, including Volgograd in the southwest and Nizhny Novgorod in the west.

In the Kursk region, acting governor Alexander Khinshtein said an attack was carried out on an electrical substation in the city of Rylsk, wounding two teenagers.

On the battlefield, Moscow said its troops had captured the village of Lysivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. It lies south of Pokrovsk, which Russian troops have been trying to seize for months.

But in one of the few spheres of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine also each released 205 captured soldiers, both sides said.

- 'Not liberators' -

Kyiv also warned against any foreign countries sending their troops to take part in the parade, as the Kremlin said units from 13 other nations, including China, would march on Red Square.

Ukraine said it would be seen as "unacceptable" and "sharing responsibility" for Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

"The Russian army has committed and continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine on a scale that Europe has not seen since World War II... These people are not liberators of Europe, they are occupiers and war criminals," Kyiv's foreign ministry said.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced Putin's proposal of a three-day ceasefire, to start at 2100 GMT on May 7, as "playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere" for the May 9 parade.

He instead demanded an immediate, longer ceasefire.

Putin in March rejected a US-proposed unconditional ceasefire that Zelensky had accepted.

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended Putin's proposal, saying it "doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you knew where we started from".

Washington has held separate talks with both Kyiv and Moscow to end the conflict, but has threatened to walk away from the process if progress is not made soon.

bur/bc/js/tw
MILAN, Italy, May 6. Middle Corridor presents opportunity to harness Central Asia's abundant resources, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said, addressing the seminar on Trans-Caspian Connectivity: Unlocking Transport and Energy Corridors held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan.

We have six CAREC corridors, and the Middle Corridor coincides largely with what we call CAREC Corridor 2. The importance of that corridor, of course, is elevated, and it's an alternative path between East and West, and a lot has been done, a lot of studies have been undertaken on this corridor, she said.

Sabyrova noted that as of now, only about 10% of non-energy trade is going through this corridor.

Obviously, it's well below the potential of that. The Middle Corridor, of course, presents an opportunity to harness Central Asia's abundant resources and to connect the region better, she said.
After examining President Donald Trumps negotiations with Iran [1], we now examine his negotiations with Ukraine. Unfortunately, we do not have the documents of the Ukrainian "integral nationalists" like we do of the Israeli "revisionist Zionists." This is because todays Ukraine is truly a military dictatorship, while in Israel, the army is still the guarantor of what remains of democracy in the face of Benjamin Netanyahus "revisionist Zionists." The Ukrainian issue is very different from the Iranian issue in that the United States does not share the same myths with that country as it does with Israel. In the Middle East, President Donald Trump is attempting to negotiate a just and lasting peace while preserving Israels interests (and not those of the "revisionist Zionists" who favor a Greater Israel). In Ukraine, he refuses to take sides and maintains a position of strict neutrality, while his predecessors, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, had concluded a secret agreement with the "integral nationalists" against Russia. Here too, he must uncover the truth, but this time, he must make his own administration aware of it before he can conclude anything.

Donald Trumps Clarification

On February 3, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused NATO of preparing the release of three surprising pieces of information [2]:

 1.5 billion intended for the purchase of munitions was embezzled by the Ukrainian presidency;

 130,000 Ukrainian soldiers, killed in combat, continue to receive their salaries and appear on the electoral rolls;

 Unelected President Zelensky has transferrednot soldreal estate to foreign companies, and compensation has been discreetly paid into foreign accounts.

In response, on February 7, unelected President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to Reuters [3]. In it, he stated that his country possessed a large quantity of "rare earths" and proposed exploiting them with the Allies.

Contrary to their name, "rare earths" are not "rare" in the world; their refining is. They are essential for new technologies, both civilian and especially military.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent then traveled to Kyiv to present a draft treaty for the transfer of Ukrainian subsoil as compensation for US weapons during the war. He received a cool reception from the unelected president, as the weapons had been donated and not sold over time as initially envisaged (lend-lease).

We all watched with amazement as President Donald Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance clashed with their unelected Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, on February 28, 2025, during his reception in the Oval Office of the White House. The meeting ended without the signing of Scott Bessents planned agreement on the exploitation of "rare earths." It should be noted that the unelected President Zelensky made several attempts to position his narrative, according to which Russia had invaded Ukraine in order to annex it; a narrative that had until then been supported by NATO. His hosts accused him of conducting a "propaganda tour" and, faced with his denials, asked him to respect the administration that was trying to prevent the destruction of his country.

While the United Kingdom and EU members (except Slovenia and Hungary) were rallying around Volodymyr Zelensky, Washington suspended its sharing of military intelligence with Kyiv on March 5. Suddenly plunged into darkness, Kyiv retreated while trying to slow its withdrawal. Within four days, it became clear that, without US military intelligence, neither the Ukrainian nor the allied armies could win. This shock deeply shook the latter, who then met several times to discuss what they needed to do to regain their effectiveness.

A period of uncertainty

Following the serious incident at the White House, Ukraine attempted to replace US support with that of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada. However, these countries lack the resources comparable to Uncle Sams.

President Donald Trump played both sides of the coin, allowing the broader European community to discuss what they could do alone. Initially, he defended the representativeness of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the face of Russias criticism of him for not holding elections and for occupying the Ukrainian presidency without any right or title since the end of his term in May 2024. Consequently, Moscow argued that any peace agreement signed by an unelected leader could be deemed null and void and called into question.

The Ukrainians pointed out to President Trump that their Constitution prevents elections from being held during a period of martial law. But Donald Trump was informed by Steve Witkoff that Volodymyr Zelensky was extending martial law three months at a time to avoid holding elections [4]. He then began looking for possible candidates to replace him and discovered that most of the soldiers killed in combat were still on the electoral rolls. Elections are therefore impractical as they stand. Russia has proposed organizing them under the responsibility of the United Nations. The issue has not been resolved.

Giving an interview to Le Figaro, the unelected President Volodymyr Zelensky declared [5]: "The second motivation [that keeps me going] is hatred of the Russians who killed so many Ukrainian citizens. I know that in peacetime, it is not polite to use that word. But when you are at war, when you see soldiers entering your territory and killing innocent people, I promise you, you can feel that hatred." 

He has made similar statements numerous times, saying that he "hates Russians." When asked to clarify whether he means to say that he hates Vladimir Putin, he replies, "No, all Russians!" In doing so, he is echoing the rhetoric of the "integral nationalists." Their founder, Dmytro Dontsov, claimed that Ukrainians were born to annihilate Moscows culture and people; a principle he implemented with his Nazi allies at the head of the Reinhard Heydrich Institute.

Far from being propaganda, the Russian accusation of the Nazification of Ukraine is a reality.

President Trump secretly sent his friend Steve Witkoff, who is also a special envoy for the Middle East, to discuss an initial prisoner exchange with Kirill Dmitriev in St. Petersburg in early April. During their discussions, Dmitriev presented himself as the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, but also as a Russo-Ukrainian interested in the Trump administrations efforts. Having quickly concluded an initial exchange, he also arranged an unannounced meeting with President Vladimir Putin on April 11. Putin presented the Russian version of the conflict to Witkoff. Witkoff listened attentively and immediately verified the information. Back in Washington, he explained to President Trump the extent of the misunderstanding: Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden had indeed reached an agreement with neo-Nazis to seize Ukraine. The latter persecuted Russian-speaking Ukrainians. Russia did not invade the country to annex it, but implemented Security Council Resolution 2202 (the Minsk Agreements), for which it had guaranteed. Instead of helping, loyal to Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Germany and France, who had also guaranteed the implementation of Resolution 2202, had consciously accused Russia of invading Ukraine.

Donald Trump, who had long known Witkoff personally and trusted him, instantly understood the Democrats manipulation. Having observed Zelenskys attitude against him during Russiagate and his involvement in the Biden-Harris election campaign, he quickly formed new convictions.

On April 14, President Donald Trump adopted the Witkoff version and lamented Zelenskys initiation of the war, declaring: "You dont start a war against someone 20 times superior and then hope that people will give you missiles." On April 17, he sent both sides a peace proposal, which Ukraine rejected and Russia accepted with reservations. There remain four points of disagreement between the United States and Russia:

 Moscow continues to bomb military targets in civilian areas during the negotiations. Since the Hague Conferences (1899 and 1907), it has been accepted that civilized nations will not place military installations among civilians; however, the Ukrainians use their own population as "human shields." Similarly, it is accepted that during negotiations, both sides scrupulously ensure that only military personnel fight, so Russia is also wrong.

 Washington only accepts the demilitarization of Ukraine if foreign forces can ensure security there. Moscow therefore proposes the deployment of UN peacekeepers, while the Allies demand that they deploy themselves. But, in light of previous episodes, Moscow believes that they will not ensure peace, but will continue the war.

 Moscow intends to conquer all the oblasts that voted to join the Russian Federation, while Washington believes that the few unoccupied areas of these oblasts must remain Ukrainian, with the final borders being those of the ceasefire.

For several years, Ukraine has organized an annual international demonstration to reaffirm its sovereignty over Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. However, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Crimea declared its independence before Ukraine. Moscow continued to pay civil servants and pensions there for several years until President Boris Yeltsin abandoned this costly territory and Crimea agreed to join Ukraine. In 2014, when "integral nationalists" overthrew the elected president, Crimea voted for independence a second time, and then to join the Russian Federation. President Donald Trump considers this annexation legal for two reasons: first, it was a referendum in accordance with international law, and second, Ukraine did not object to it at the time.

 Kyiv intends to hand over to itself the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, essential for cooling the nuclear power plant, something Moscow firmly opposes. This demand contradicts the previous point, since these two facilities are now controlled by Russia. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the start of the war, the Zaporizhzhia power plant housed an incredible stockpile of plutonium and enriched uranium, accumulated in violation of international treaties. Russia, considering the plant a priority target, seized it at the very beginning of its special military operation. It managed to recover the fissile material and transfer some of it to what was then Russian territory. Numerous clashes took place then, suggesting that not everything had been taken away.

During Pope Franciss funeral in Rome on April 26, Presidents Trump and Zelensky met again in St. Peters Basilica for a quarter of an hour. It seems they agreed to start anew, with the United States and Ukraine putting everything that had come before aside. They would no longer talk about war, but about a month-long truce, and would engage together in reconstruction. Of course, this reconciliation wouldnt resolve much, but it would allow them to consider the future from a new perspective.

Scalded by the failure to comply with Resolution 2202 as much as by the recent Easter truce, Russia immediately expressed its opposition to an extended truce. On the contrary, it unilaterally announced a suspension of hostilities on the anniversary of the victory over Nazism, on May 9th; an affront to the Ukrainian "integral nationalists," allies of the Nazis, which they promptly rejected.

The Creation of the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed an agreement in Washington on April 30 creating a "United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund." Contrary to what news agencies have said (and which we have reported, see VAI 3394), this is not a simple reformulation of the US proposal for the exploitation of "rare earths," but a radically new system.

A study of the text, now available, reveals that the United States is waiving reimbursement for the weapons it delivered to Ukraine, while Ukraine is waiving security guarantees [6]. Washington is offering the Ukrainians the opportunity to manage both the continuation of the war and the reconstruction of the country. Kyiv will only receive new money in proportion to the profits that Ukrainian-American companies make in Kyiv, half of which will be managed by the Joint Fund. Kyiv can either use this revenue to buy weapons and lose them in combat, or to rebuild its country.

Ukraine will retain "full control over its subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared. The creation of the fund will also not harm Ukraines membership in the European Union.

Addressing the nation on May 1, unelected President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "We spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, about our readiness to conclude the agreement  we discussed it at our meeting at the Vatican. In fact, this is the first tangible result of this Vatican meeting, which makes it truly historic." [7]

The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) is expected to ratify the agreement between May 13 and 15.

The US Treasury Secretary stated: The United States is committed to helping facilitate an end to this cruel and senseless war. This agreement sends a clear message to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine for the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American and Ukrainian people to demonstrate both sides commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or individual that financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine. [8]

According to Reuters, given the political uncertainties and the time required to establish mines and factories, the United States and Ukraine could wait a decade or more to reap revenues from a minerals agreement. [9].

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Vice President JD Vance said he has given himself 100 days from the signing of the agreement to conclude peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Kazakhstan backs Vietnams vision for global economic growth by 2040

Photo: Akorda

On May 6 in Astana, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held high-level talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. Both leaders emphasized deepening trade, economic, and cultural ties, with a shared goal to boost bilateral trade to $2 billion. Tokayev voiced support for Vietnams ambition to become a top 25 global economy by 2040, while both sides highlighted growing cooperation in tourism and mutual historical support. The visit was hailed as a significant step forward in Kazakh-Vietnamese relations.

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Eoin Reynolds

A young man feared for his life when he drove the alleged perpetrators of a serious assault from Blanchardstown in Dublin to an isolated area where the alleged victim would later be found having died from his injuries, a barrister has told the Central Criminal Court.

In his closing speech on Tuesday, Michael Lynn SC told the jury that his client, Lorenzo Cantaragiu (21), acted reasonably given the "intimidating and terrifying" circumstances in which he found himself.

Mr Lynn said Mr Cantaragiu was terrified, believed he was at risk, and froze. He reminded the jury that Mr Cantaragiu told gardai that his two co-accused, who are charged with murder, threatened to kill him and he saw no way to escape.

Mr Lynn added: "At his age, in the circumstances in which he found himself, he acted reasonably. What else could he have done?"

Mr Cantaragiu, of Castlegrange Park, Blanchardstown, faces four charges of impeding the prosecution or apprehension of Viorel Doroscan (23) and Otniel Richardo Clejan (24), while knowing or believing them to have committed the offence of causing serious harm to Mahamud Ilyas. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan fatally assaulted Mr Ilyas following a row over a stolen bag of cannabis on December 9th, 2022 at an apartment at Verdemont in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Mr Doroscan, of Bay Meadows Square, Hollystown, West Dublin, and Mr Clejan, with a former address at Verdemont, have pleaded not guilty to Mr Ilyas's murder.

Mr Ilyas died from blunt force trauma to the head. Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the jury that the deceased sustained depressed fractures to his head, which were "typical of hammer blows". Lawyers for Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan told the jury that their clients acted in self-defence after Mr Ilyas attacked them.

It is alleged that Mr Cantaragiu impeded the prosecution by driving Mr Clejan and Mr Doroscan to Belgree Lane in Co Meath, where Mr Ilyas's body was found in a field the following day. It is further alleged that Mr Cantaragiu cleaned his car to impede the prosecution.

Mr Lynn urged the jury to accept that his client told the truth when he described to gardai that he was terrified and shaking when Mr Doroscan and Mr Clejan approached him.

He had told gardai that Mr Doroscan "jumped" him, kicked him a few times and broke his tooth. He said he was afraid of Mr Doroscan because Mr Doroscan had beaten him up in the past.

Mr Lynn further reminded the jury that during the drive to Belgree Lane, Mr Cantragiu recalled Mr Clejan telling him that he would kill him if he tried to run away.

Mr Cantaragiu added: "I was stuck. Nothing was coming into my head at that point. I was just doing what they were saying. I couldn't judge right, I still can't judge right now. My head is all over the place."

The defendant also told gardai that he feared that "bigger criminals" or drug dealers would come after him and he was worried for his family.

Mr Lynn said the jury could also be satisfied that when he began driving, Mr Ilyas was still alive and Mr Cantaragiu believed he was taking him to his mother's house. He had not gone with the intention to impede any prosecution, Mr Lynn said.

During the drive, it became apparent they were not bringing Mr Ilyas to his mother's house, Mr Lynn said, and Mr Cantaragiu "fled" the scene after seeing Mr Ilyas being taken from the car.

Mr Lynn added: "If he had intended to impede their arrest or prosecution, he would have remained with them and driven them to whatever destination they wanted to go to, but he didn't do that; he left them high and dry."

Mr Lynn said the evidence showed that Mr Cantaragiu had previously arranged to sell his car and decided to go through with the sale. He cleaned the car ahead of the sale, not to destroy evidence, Mr Lynn said.

Mr Lynn said his client had cooperated with gardai and provided information that was of real assistance to the investigation. He added: "I urge you to accept his account at interview as reliable and truthful, and I suggest to you that he had no intention whatsoever of impeding any arrest or prosecution."

Mr Justice Tony Hunt will deliver his charge to the jury of five women and seven men on Wednesday before they begin their deliberations.
Waterford TD David Cullinane has criticised the funding of Cork Airport while Waterford is left waiting.

The Sinn Fein Deputy was reacting on social media to the news that Cork Airport was to receive 200 million in funding from DAA, for an extension over the next 10 years, as part of the DAA Capital Development Plan.

200m investment for Cork Airport, and yet Waterford is still waiting for a fraction of this for Waterford Airport. The two local Government Ministers need to deliver for Waterford, said Deputy Cullinane.

According to RTE, the extension of Cork Airport will include a new mezzanine floor and passenger security screening area, a new duty-free shop, a new and larger executive lounge, additional boarding gates and the extension of the existing car parks.

The DAA is a state-owned global airport and travel retail group that manages Dublin and Cork airports

Deputy Cullinane's colleague Conor McGuinness also hit out at the announcement, suggesting the Taoiseach's county may have the home-ground advantage.

He called Friday's announcement in Cork, "stark and shameful."

This Government has the money when it suits - but only if youre in Micheal Martins backyard.

"The 200 million announced for Cork Airport this week dwarfs the 12 million needed to complete the Waterford runway extension, which has planning permission in place and regional funding secured.

"Theres no excuse for this delay. Its a clear political decision to neglect Waterford, said Deputy McGuinness.

WORKING ON IT

But speaking to WLR after the announcement, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the government is working on Waterford Airport.

"We're working on that, the Minister is working on it, Mary Butler has been in touch with me about it, and we've been in touch with Minister Darragh O'Brien. We'll take each project one step at a time, and obviously, it's being worked on within the Department," said Taoiseach Martin.

Earlier this month, Minister O'Brien said he was considering next steps following a briefing from his team.

BUT FOR HOW LONG?

Former Waterford TD Matt Shanahan took to social media to point out that the Government's review of the airport was completed last August, and still there is no progress.

He said the delay is part of a pattern in the Government's treatment of Waterford.

"What is happening in Waterford is a political and economic travesty We have had to fight for decades for any semblance of appropriate healthcare.

"Our third-level ambitions have been crushed with an amalgamation that is starved of any meaningful funding required to solve our regional brain drain. Our Port and Airport aspirations are being deliberately torpedoed, and our regional connectivity is restricted to N24/N25 routes, which have not seen any investment in over 20 years.

"200 million is now being advanced to Cork Airport to support regional enterprise and development - yet nothing is being offered to Waterford Airport to help develop or spur tourism or jobs development in our county and region," said Mr Shanahan.
Drink driving, no tax and speeding led to the seizure of multiple vehicles in Waterford over the May Bank Holiday weekend, as gardai continue to clamp down on road traffic offences locally.

Tramore and Dungarvan Gardai carried out another road safety day of action across various locations, including Kilmeaden and Ballykinsella, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A number of road traffic offences were detected, including suspected drink driving, several no tax offences and offences for having no DOE.

Seven vehicles were seized and one driver was detected driving at 131km in an 80km zone.

Prosecution to follow, said a social media post from An Garda Siochana Waterford.
A Waterford disability centre has received a positive report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) following a recent inspection.

Cairdeas Services Woodstown is a designated centre for adults with disabilities.

Full-time residential care can be provided in this centre for up to four female residents between the ages of 23 and 40 with intellectual disabilities, including those with additional needs.

The centre was described in the inspection report as "homely and warm and decorated to suit the needs of the residents who lived there".

The staff were noted as being very respectful of the residents when they spoke to them and about them.

Staff encouraged residents to get involved in activities and from observations of the staff interactions, "it was evident all staff had the residents at the centre of all decisions", the report said.

Compliancy

The facility was deemed compliant in all areas of inspection bar three, which were marked as substantially compliant.

The centre was marked substantially compliant in "training and staff development" and "communication".

Although one residents communication passport outlined how they have the ability to understand Lamh sign language, the majority of the staff team had not received training in this and were unable to communicate with the resident in this manner.

Also marked substantially compliant was the area of "Resident's Rights".

The report said: Two residents were prescribed new footwear through their multidisciplinary team six months ago and they were still not in receipt of these.

Further work is required to support residents to advocate for themselves and ensure residents get any equipment they require within an appropriate time frame.
Waterford City and County Council are considering charging for out-of-hours beds at McGwire House.

That is according to information given to the Waterford News and Star under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

In a series of Freedom of Information requests related to homeless services in the county, this paper requested guidelines for the charging of service users for beds at the hostel.

In response, the council said: There is no charge currently in McGwire House for the use of out of hours beds. But this is being reviewed in line with other local authorities and service providers.

The council have not provided any other information in relation to the review.

McGwire House is run by charity Depaul in conjunction with the local authority.

Depaul has been contacted for comment, but none was available at the time of publication.

WHAT WE DID AND WHY

In February 2025, the Waterford News and Star published an article titled 'Real People: What it is like to be homeless in Waterford City'.

In that piece, service users at Waterford Helping the Homeless told us that they were often refused from the hostel, not permitted to use the showers and that CCTV was consistently broken.

This meant that safety incidents could not be properly investigated.

Waterford Helping the Homeless is not part of the council services but a voluntary organisation that provides meals, clothing and other supplies to those sleeping on the street.

We reached out to Waterford City and County Council, who are the administrators for homeless services, with these concerns.

None of our questions were answered.

Instead, we were advised to submit a Freedom of Information request, which we did.

The Waterford News and Star submitted two requests (one prior to the story and one after).

Both were part-granted, which means that some elements were refused.

We submitted appeals for the refused sections of both requests.

The decisions were upheld in both appeals, with some clarifications offered.

Here is what we found.

ACCESS TO BEDS

Access to the hostel is a consistent issue for those sleeping on Waterfords streets.

When we visited the Waterford Helping the Homeless unit, one service user, Dylan told us that he was unable to get a bed the night before despite a yellow weather warning being in place.

When he went to the hostel he was told there was no space.

The Waterford News & Star requested the booking logs from January to March 2025 for McGwire House.

Those logs were granted and suggest that on the night Dylan was unable to secure a bed, four units were available.

There was no booking for CW Bed 2, Out of Hours Bed 4, Out of Hours Pod 1 and Out of Hours Pod 3.

The Waterford News & Star requested the service agreements between Waterford City and County Council and McGwire House, and the council and any commercial operators.

This section of the request was refused on the grounds that the records contain financial, scientific or commercial material that might result in loss to the business or the people it pertains to.

That decision was upheld on appeal.

Concerns have been raised with the Waterford News & Star, and in the public domain, that certain groups are prioritised over others for beds.

So, we asked for any guidelines for the prioritisation of certain groups, be that on gender, asylum status or any other category.

The council said they do not prioritise any particular group.

Single presentations, they say, are assessed in terms of safety to themselves and others and vulnerability.

They provided us with the DePaul risk assessment form to assist in this understanding.

The council also said: We are currently operating a waiting list to the hostel, and those on it can use the nightly beds.

We do assess vulnerability, but we never prioritise one group over another."

SHOWERS, CCTV AND FACILITIES

The Waterford News and Star requested written communications between the council and McGwire House about safety, compliance and quality issues.

This section of the FOI request was refused.

On appeal, that decision was upheld, but the council offered this clarification:

We are currently developing a framework for National Qualification Framework across the region Residential Emergency Accommodation settings.

This will provide for a system of monitoring, recording and addressing compliance with quality and safety issues on the service operations."

The council went on to say that they hold annual reviews with senior management to review service delivery in general.

As part of their agreement with the service, they hold monthly review meetings, exit strategies and support plans for service users.
Fionnuala Walsh

A woman with 182 previous convictions who was jailed over a string of thefts and for repeatedly failing to appear in court has had two thirds of her 18-month sentence suspended on appeal.

Patricia Ducie (50), with an address at Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, had pleaded guilty in the District Court to 22 charges.

These included 12 cases of theft, four for the possession of stolen property, five occurrences of failure to appear in court after being released on bail and one case of being in possession of an article with the intention that it would be used in connection with theft.

The District Court Appeals Court on Tuesday heard that Ducie has 182 previous convictions.

The court was told that in one incident on January 27th this year, 1,100 worth of liquor and drinks were stolen from a Tesco on Maynooth Road in Celbridge, Co Kildare. Gardai found Ducie along with another man hiding in a bush and she was later arrested.

On two separate occasions, Ducie was arrested in connection with the theft of 132 and 100 worth of chocolates from Butlers Chocolates Cafes. Other thefts involved items stolen from Evoke, Marks and Spencer and Tribe stores.

All of these cases were considered together in the District Court on March 18th, 2025, where the judge imposed a sentence of 18 months with two months suspended.

Seosaimhin Ni Chathasaigh BL, defence counsel for Ducie, on Tuesday told the appeals court that the thefts were triggered by addiction rather than a motivation for financial gain. She said Ducie pleaded guilty to the charges in the District Court and was appealing the charges on severity alone.

She said Ducie had a bleak childhood of neglect and this resulted in her experimentation with tablets and crack cocaine.

Ms Ni Chathasaigh told the presiding judge that Ducie has made genuine attempts at self-rehabilitation while she served a sentence in the Dochas centre and she is now free of all illicit substances.

Returning her decision, Judge Catherine White said she would suspend 12 months of the 18-month term handed down to Ducie in the District Court.
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.
Theres no denying that the Met Gala is all about the fashion. But each year, the prestigious event also repeatedly serves an array of headline-worthy celebrity moments. This year was no exception.

From babies to rumoured feuds, here are the five best non-fashion moments from tonights Met Gala.

Rihanna announces baby No. 3

In classic Rihanna fashion, she kept us waiting. She certainly rewarded us for our patience, though.

The singer arrived at the carpet sporting a baby bump, officially confirming that she and her partner A$AP Rocky are expecting their third baby. It brought us back to the Super Bowl in 2023 when she announced her second baby on-stage.

Rihanna confirmed baby No. 3 on the Met Gala carpet. Credit: Getty Images

She had been spotted around New York City earlier in the evening, which fuelled initial rumours. A$AP Rocky then confirmed the news to AP, telling them it was time to show the world what they were cooking up.

Kamala Harris made her Met Gala debut

The former US vice-president attended the Met Gala for the first time tonight, though she opted to skip the red carpet. Instead, she shared exclusive photos of her custom monochrome gown via Vogue on Instagram.

Artistic expressionwhether its dance, music, visual arts, or fashionhas a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go, the caption read.

Its always a treat when two worlds collide, in this case politics and fashion.

White Lotus drama

As soon as we saw White Lotus star Walton Goggins twirl his way across the carpet, we couldnt help but speculate over whether his co-star Aimee Lou Wood would join him.

White Lotus stars Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger all attended the Met Gala. Credit: Getty

She did, though not with Goggins (with whom she shares nearly every scene in the HBO show). Wood instead rocked up with fellow co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger, telling carpet interviewers she planned to keep close to him throughout the night.

This further fuelled rumours of an alleged feud between Goggins and Wood, which began spreading online after they appeared to unfollow, or perhaps even block, each other on social media. All may not be well in paradise, but I guess thats the point of The White Lotus.

A dazzling opening performance

The evening began in style with a performance of Aint No Mountain High Enough by a gospel choir at the top of the Met stairs.

Perfectly choreographed, the group sang their hearts out in front of Vogue editor Anna Wintour and her co-chairs Colman Domingo and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Not only did it team perfectly with the theme, it also brought further cultural flair to an already hugely creative event. Oh, and it got Domingo dancing, which we love.

Diana Ross was Diana Ross

Diana Ross was there. What more really needs to be said?

Even though she could have blown everyone away by just showing up (she hasnt been to a Met Gala since 2003, after all), the former Supreme went a step further by stunning the crowd with a show-stopping white gown.

Her cape took up practically the entire carpet and was embroidered with the names of all of her children and grandchildren. It took eight men to help her up the stairs. Yes, eight. What an absolute legend.
MILAN, Italy, May 6. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is scoping demand for new projects along the Middle Corridor (CAREC Corridor 2), Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General of the Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said, addressing the seminar on Trans-Caspian Connectivity: Unlocking Transport and Energy Corridors held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan.

ADB is identifying challenges and opportunities for investment in developing CAREC Corridor 2 to facilitate social and economic development of CAREC countries, he said.

Zhukov noted that in addition to the ongoing projects, ADB is programming several projects for 2025-2028 along this corridor (road rehabilitation, railway infrastructure modernization and reforms).

ADB is exploring project opportunities in urban and tourism development and improvement of border crossing points with digital solutions along the CAREC Corridor 2, with a view of turning it into an Economic Corridor, he noted.

The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes.
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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Naomi Campbell has said she turned down an invitation to the Met Gala amid rumours of a rift with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

The supermodel, who has previously attended the exclusive celebrity event at New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art more than a dozen times, said she regretfully cannot make it to Monday nights event without saying why.

Naomi Campbell, pictured at the 2024 Met Gala, declined an invitation to attend this year. Credit: Variety via Getty Images

There is speculation of a rift between the two women after Wintour last year appeared to take a swipe at Campbell, noting that she had turned up late for a prize-giving ceremony.

Nevertheless, in a message on social media she passed on her congratulations to Wintour, calling Monday nights event an extraordinary celebration.
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.
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.
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.
Dr Beth Morgan, a registered doctor and an advanced infectious diseases trainee, was the last witness to give evidence on Tuesday in the trial of accused triple murderer Erin Patterson.

Morgan was the overnight medical registrar at Dandenong Hospital the night Don and Gail Patterson were taken there for care.

Don Patterson.

That night, she was taking referrals from the emergency department for medical patients who do not require surgery and need to be in hospital for longer than four hours (which means they cannot stay in the emergency department).

Morgan says the initial history for the couple included mention of 3040 episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea, which had started following midnight the night before.

She says Don had mild abdominal pain on his right side. He was quite sweaty and light-headed, she recalls, but oxygen saturation appeared normal for someone without respiratory issues.

Donald himself was quite alert. He did appear sweaty and was quite distressed by the presentation, but his vital signs were relatively stable at that time; he was not febrile, as in, he didnt have a fever, Morgan says.

Morgan says some tests indicated that he could be suffering tissue hypoxia or organ damage. I was quite concerned that there was evidence of liver damage at this time, she tells the court.

Don Patterson (left), Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson were poisoned by a mushroom meal.

The doctor tells the jury she was concerned that Don wasnt suffering from a gastroenteritis caused by food poisoning, so she called the toxicology registrar, who requested additional information about what was consumed at the lunch on July 29, 2023.

I initially told him that there was a beef Wellington containing mushrooms that had been consumed. It was also along with an orange cake for dessert, she says.

The toxicology registrar expressed concern about the delayed onset of symptoms, some 12 hours after lunch, which could indicate a serious toxin syndrome. At that point, he suggested that if it was related to mushrooms, it was possibly caused by the ingestion of the amanita phalloides mushroom, she said.

Amanita phalloides is commonly known as the death cap mushroom.

At that time, Morgan said they had no evidence that anyone else was experiencing the metabolic acidosis, kidney injury or liver injury that Don was, so they did not access silibinin, the antidote to death cap mushroom poisoning.

Don was given a liver protective drug and was later admitted to the ICU.

Gail and Don Patterson

Morgan tells the jury that Gail, who was assessed by a different registrar, had regular vital signs, and it was determined she was suffering from food poisoning and was admitted to a short-stay unit.

Gail also eventually came under the care of Morgan, who suspected she may have been suffering from severe gastroenteritis or suspected mushroom poisoning.

After follow-up tests on Gail showed worsening metabolic acidosis and elevated lactate levels, Morgan spoke to the toxicology registrar and a decision was made to administer the silibinin.

The pharmacist told Morgan there wasnt enough antidote for four patients but said they would obtain it from another hospital.

I expressed that were probably going to need this for at least four patients, and unfortunately, the pharmacist advised us that we didnt have that available to us  but they were going to obtain it from an external hospital, Morgan tells the court.

A decision was made by 7.20am to move Ian and Heather Wilkinson from Leongatha Hospital to Dandenong Hospital, and Morgan made arrangements for the transfer.
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.

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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.
Its a dramatic change in fortune in both seats with Daniel claiming victory in Goldstein at her election party on Saturday night when she was firmly ahead in the polls. Her lead eroded steadily as postal votes were counted and Wilson took the lead on Tuesday. There were 24,299 postal votes issued in Goldstein and of these 13,982 ballot papers had been counted just after 5pm on Tuesday. Independent Zoe Daniel claimed victory in Goldstein on Saturday night, but postal votes will get Tim Wilson over the line. Credit: Penny Stephens There are still 5986 votes received but not yet counted with postal votes strongly favouring Wilson. Daniel has not conceded the seat. Both Wilson and Daniel declined interview requests on Tuesday night.

Out of respect for my scrutineers and the democratic process, I will await further counting, Daniel said. Loading With the margin in the hundreds and the remaining votes in the thousands, this seems sensible. Again, I thank all of those who supported me in so many ways during my campaign and with their vote. On election day, Wilson said for him to win Goldstein would require making three Australian political milestones in one election. Wilson claims three milestones in his victory: the first federal MP defeated by an independent to retake their seat; the first MP to defeat an incumbent teal; and the first Liberal in 110 years to take a seat off an independent elected at a general election.

Kooyong Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer on Saturday after casting her vote at Balwyn Primary School. Credit: Jason South I just temper every single part of my enthusiasm to understand the scale and enormity of what it would mean to win, he said on election day. I will not believe it until I see the results. Wilson posted a video on social media on Tuesday night of him celebrating by eating a frozen yoghurt from Yo-Chi. I know it will spoil my dinner but on days like this, I think you need a celebratory Yo-Chi and I think Ive earned it, he said. His win in Goldstein bucks the trend of a statewide negative swing of about 2 per cent against the Liberals.

Hopeful Hamer considered conceding Hamer told broadcaster Jacqui Felgate on 3AW on Tuesday that she thought about picking up the phone and calling Ryan to concede on Saturday, but was told by her team to hold on for postal votes. Im one to say youve got to put your ego aside in these things, she said. The first thing I [did was I] actually did speak to the team [and] said, Look, should I call and concede? The team said to me, No, actually, it does look like whats coming out of pre-poll is much more positive. And, you know, I trust my team and so we hung on.

Hamer said she and her team were now cautiously optimistic but that it was too close to call anything right now. Loading If the postals do continue on the trajectory that weve seen so far, you know  there is a pathway, she said. Hamer was asked to reflect on what went wrong for the Liberals. One theme emerged repeatedly: the campaign lacked substance. The one piece of feedback I was hearing consistently throughout the campaign, Hamer said, is that people wanted to see more substantial policy from us  and they wanted to see it earlier.

Not just, hey nuclear and a little bit of tax here and there, but substantive taxation reform and a real vision as to what our country should look like, and what it would look like under a Coalition government. She pointed to the Coalitions central slogan  Getting Australia Back on Track  and questioned its meaning. We talked a lot about getting Australia back on track, but the question is: back on track to what? she said. We didnt set that. We didnt make that clear. Counting continues in both seats and there will be an automatic recount by the AEC if there is a difference of fewer than 100 votes.
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.
Kazakhstan, AIIB forge new paths for sustainable investments in Central Asia

Photo: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) convened a high-level panel on April 29 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), focusing on strategies to mobilize finance for sustainable infrastructure. Co-hosted with Kazakhstans Ministry of National Economy and Ministry of Transport, the discussion explored AIIBs expanding role in driving resilient, green investments across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Panelists emphasized the importance of ESG standards, public-private partnerships, and regulatory innovation in shaping the infrastructure of the future. As preparations continue for AIIBs Tenth Annual Meeting in Beijing this June, the event underscored Kazakhstans strategic position in the regions sustainable development agenda.

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Moody's revises up credit rating of Azerbaijan Railways

Photo: "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC

The publication spotlights upgrade of the long-term Corporate Family Rating (CFR) of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) from B1 to Ba3 by the Moody's agency. The company said that the agency's decision to raise the rating was driven by passenger transportation, safety, and sustainable development during ADYs operations last year. The company expressed opinion that as a result of the upgraded credit rating, the expansion of ADYs financial capacity, the improvement of operational efficiency, and the strengthening of its international reputation will contribute to consolidating Azerbaijans position as a regional transport and logistics hub

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MILAN, Italy, May 6. The Caspian Green Energy Corridor presents a transformative opportunity for the future of cross-border energy trade in CAREC, Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General of the Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said, addressing the seminar on Trans-Caspian Connectivity: Unlocking Transport and Energy Corridors held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan.

It connects Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to establish a green energy corridor linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. The corridor facilitates renewable energy exports and enhances regional power exchange, he said.

Zhukov noted that it strengthens energy security and optimizes energy distribution among participating countries.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an MOU in May 2024 on the Caspian Green Energy Corridor Project. In October 2024, ADB approved a Small-Scale TA to support this project and signed an MOU at the Ministerial Meeting of CAREC on its implementation.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 6. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, awarded the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, To Lam, with the "Dostyk" Order of the I degree, Trend reports.

In the course of the awarding ceremony, Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan and Vietnam share warm and friendly relations with deep historical roots. He recalled that in 1959, the first President of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, visited Kazakhstan. This visit laid a strong foundation for the development of multifaceted ties between the two countries.

As Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, Kazakhstan and Vietnam have built a truly strategic partnership.

Your state visit to our country has been truly historic. It marked an important milestone in the development of Kazakh-Vietnamese relations. As a result of today's negotiations, we have agreed to establish a strategic partnership, which will take bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level. We have the political will and significant economic potential, which opens up wide prospects before us. Giving special importance to your exceptional role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between our countries, allow me to present to you the state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan  the 'Dostyk' Order of the I degree. I am confident that you will continue to contribute to strengthening the fruitful cooperation between Kazakhstan and Vietnam, said the President of Kazakhstan.

In turn, To Lam expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Kazakh people for awarding him the high state honor of Kazakhstan.

For me, this is a significant award, which is the result of decades of cooperation and solidarity, a vivid symbol of sincere affection and trust between the peoples of our two countries. Allow me to wish prosperity to Kazakhstan, and happiness and well-being to the Kazakh people, emphasized the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

On May 5, General Secretary To Lam arrived in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, for a state visit. That day, a brief conversation between the leaders of Kazakhstan and Vietnam took place at the Astana airport. On May 7, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam is scheduled to attend a military parade in Astana dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
On April 5, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office asked for the publics help locating Willie Elzy Wells Jr., a suspect in an overnight murder in the Kentwood area.

Wells was located Saturday afternoon. He was found with the help of K-9 Thor who took Wells into custody at a residence in the Village of Tangipahoa.

Wells was also the subject of a manhunt on April 17 around the Tangipahoa River Bridge in the Kentwood area.

Just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, a shooting was reported at a home in the 26000 block of Mount Hennan Cut Road in the Kentwood area. Antonio Famularo, 42, a resident of the home, was found dead on the scene.

During the investigation, detectives determined the incident stemmed from a drug-related dispute and that Wells was the suspect in the case, TPSO said.

Ponchatoula man arrested in Internet Sex Crimes Task Force operation

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has arrested a Ponchatoula man in its latest operation.

Herman Landry IV, 27, has been booked on 28 counts of pornography involving juveniles as well as being a fugitive from Jasper County, South Carolina, where he has three outstanding warrants for the same type of crime.

Last month, the TPSO ICAC Unit started investigating the uploading of pornography involving juveniles onto a social media platform. Detectives determined Landry, who recently moved to Ponchatoula, was behind the uploads and was operating under several profiles on the same platform, TPSO said.

During the investigation, it was learned the Jasper County Sheriffs Office was also looking into one of the other profiles and, since Landry now resides in Tangipahoa Parish, all cases were forwarded to the TPSO ICAC team.

Landry was taken into custody Friday and booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail. He will eventually be extradited to South Carolina to face those charges as well.

The investigation is part of TPSOs partnership with Attorney General Liz Murrills Office and their ICAC Task Force which includes a collaboration with numerous local law enforcement agencies.

TPSO thanked Jasper County Sheriffs Office for their help with the case.

Reward offered in missing person cold case

The family of a missing Amite-area man is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to finding him, living or otherwise.

Christopher Do Man Brewer, 36, was last seen in March 2020. He is a white man with red hair and green eyes standing 5-foot-6 and weighing between 140-165 pounds.

Brewer has tattoos on his neck, face, abdomen and both arms as well as one on his chest that reads Ride or Die For My Family.

On Feb. 20, 2020, Brewer last saw his family when he committed to seeking help for his drug addiction through TPSOs Operation Angel program. Unfortunately, the next day, he walked away from the facility in Lacombe, TPSO said.

Over the next month, various sightings included the Bolivar area by Wilmer, the Oil Field Road area east of Amite and Stateline Road in Kentwood. However, since mid-March 2020, there have been no additional reports, sightings or indications he has made to family that he is near the area.

As another Mothers Day approaches without her son, Tracy Brewer is now offering a $10,000 reward to encourage more cooperation from the community to find her son.

Anyone with information about Brewers last known whereabouts, or where he can be found today, can contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoas tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip.

Information can be shared anonymously. You will be eligible for this cash reward if your information leads to the confirmed finding of Christopher Brewer.
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A graveside service and Catholic Final Blessing of the Grave for Carolyn Maria Lirette will be held June 21, 2025 at 2:00PM at Beauregard Cemetery, where her family and friends will gather to honor her legacy and celebrate the life she has li
The Cabinet is set to approve new legislation that will allow a garda to request someone wearing a face covering to remove it in certain circumstances.

If the request is met by a refusal, the individual would be committing a criminal offence and could be arrested and prosecuted.

The move would be a slight change to current laws in a situation where officers suspect masks are being worn to prevent identification in a potential offence.

It would also allow gardai to seize the masks or coverings.

The proposed legislation is being brought to Cabinet for approval on Tuesday by Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan. It was initially designed to tackle far-right protesters but will extend much further and gives gardai a wide-ranging power based on their judgment.

However, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties said it was deeply concerned by the Governments plan to criminalise the wearing of face coverings. It said people may want to wear face coverings for medical or religious reasons or to protect their privacy.

The new power could also be applied to street crime, especially that being witnessed in Dublin.

Garda sources told The Irish Times that many of those crimes  including road traffic offences on scooters and motorbikes, as well as assaults and thefts  are perpetrated by young offenders wearing face coverings.

If approved by Cabinet, the general scheme of the legislation will be published followed by a pre-legislative scrutiny process. It is envisaged the legislation could be enacted as early as October.
By Rebecca Black, PA

A worrying picture has been described around the apparently worsening condition of listed buildings in Northern Ireland.

New research has found that just over 61 per cent of listed buildings are in a very good, good or average condition, a 15.6 per cent reduction from a similar survey in 2014/15 (76.9 per cent).

The figure also represents a further 8.8 per cent reduction to the equivalent figure of a 2004/05 survey (85.7 per cent), although this is described as not an exact statistical comparison.

It follows the publication of new research which examined a statistically reliable sample of 1,504 of the around 9,000 listed buildings in the region over an 11-month period.

Mount Eden Park bunker, a former nuclear bunker in south Belfast, one of an estimated 9,000 listed buildings in Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

It was found that 61.3% were rated as being in very good, good or average condition, while 36 per cent were found to be poor or very poor.

Buildings grade A and B+ were found to generally be in better condition than those graded B1, B2 and B, while a higher proportion of church-owned buildings were rated very good/good (39.1 per cent) compared with private buildings (21.7 per cent) and public buildings (23.1 per cent).

Meanwhile, the results also show that a third of listed buildings are currently vacant, and the proportion of vacant buildings was higher by 11 per cent in the 2023/24 survey (33.3 per cent) compared with the 2014/15 baseline survey (22.3 per cent).

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons expressed concern around the findings.

This research, commissioned by my department, paints a very worrying picture of the state of our listed buildings, he said.

This is a finite resource of just over 9,000 structures that is important, not just as a tangible representation of our history but because of the character it brings and the economic and social potential it holds for our region.

Heritage is a key driver of tourism to Northern Ireland and a source of civic pride and identity. Once lost, it and the potential that it holds are gone forever.

Mr Lyons added: I have asked my Department to consider this within the Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme.

The new programme will deliver policies for arts, museums, public libraries and the historic environment.

These are due to go to public consultation this year and my hope is that the Historic Environment Policy will provide the step change that we need and help kickstart a proper appreciation of our built heritage  what we have and how it can be utilised creatively, for public benefit.
By David Young, PA

Israels blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza clearly constitutes a war crime, the Taoiseach has said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin called for the embargo on food and other vital supplies entering the region to be lifted immediately.

Mr Martin said it was wrong in principle and in law to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population.

A pro-Palestine demonstrator outside the Dail in Dublin in March (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Fianna Fail leader criticised the blockade, which has been in placed for more than 50 days, as he addressed the Global Ireland summit in Dublin.

The summit is a Government initiative to examine Irelands relationship with the rest of the world and how it engages in geopolitical affairs.

The Taoiseachs comments came a day after Israeli officials said cabinet ministers had approved a plan to seize Gaza and remain in the region for an unspecified amount of time.

Mr Martin described that proposal as wholly unacceptable.

Last year, Ireland officially recognised Palestine and as sovereign and independent state.

In his speech to the summit in Dublin Castle, Mr Martin reiterated the Governments support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The horrific and unjustified attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 has been followed by the brutal waging of war by Israel in Gaza, that has inflicted appalling suffering on Palestinians in Gaza while increasing tensions in an already damaged and fragile region, he said.

There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and the resumption of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and at an unprecedented scale.

It has been over 50 days since food, medicines and other essential supplies have not been allowed enter Gaza. Israels continuing humanitarian blockade is pushing Gaza closer to a hunger crisis. This must be lifted immediately.

It is simply wrong, in principle and in law, to inflict hunger and suffering on a civilian population, whatever the circumstances. This behaviour clearly constitutes a war crime.

It is also wholly unacceptable to contemplate the mass displacement of people in Gaza or to talk of permanent occupation. Not only is it an affront to decency and to international law, history tells us it offers no solution.

Ireland remains convinced that the implementation of a two-state solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, and the wider region. We will continue to work with international partners to step up our efforts to achieve that goal.
Ballina Credit Union was proud to celebrate a major local victory recently as Quignamanger (The Quay) National School was crowned winner of the U13 National Credit Union School Quiz - a fiercely contested competition involving over 25,000 young quizzers from thousands of schools across Ireland.

The triumphant team of four - Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy, and Cian Gillespie - secured the top spot in this prestigious event, earning The Quay School their fourth national title in 11 years, a record that now makes them the most successful primary school in the country in the history of the competition.

To mark this outstanding achievement, Ballina Credit Union visited the school to make a special presentation to the winning boys. Their tutor, Anne Treacy, was also honoured with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her tireless dedication and preparation of the team. Ms. Treacy, a former vice-principal of the school, has long been the driving force behind the schools quiz success, mentoring students year after year with extraordinary commitment.

Ballina Credit Union continued the celebration with a sweet surprise for all 365 pupils of the school by inviting Joseph's Super Ices on-site to treat every child to a well-earned ice cream. While the morning began with grey skies, the sun made a timely and welcome appearance just as the first ice creams were served.

The successful quiz team are pictured after they won the national final earlier this month. Picture: Ballina Credit Union

David Dwane, Chair of Ballina Credit Union, praised the schools continued excellence.

There has been widespread acclaim for the school following this victory, the schools fourth win in 11 years. The Quay National School has triumphed once again to take the top spot and, in doing so, now has more wins than any other primary school in Ireland, he said.

This is quite an achievement for the young quizzers from Ballina in a competition that attracts 25,000 competitors from thousands of schools across Ireland every year.

"So, well done to Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy and Cian Gillespie. Its a testament to a huge amount of work put into the quiz by the pupils and the great support received from parents and teachers. In particular, former vice-principal of the Quay School, Anne Treacy, has worked tirelessly each year to prepare schoolchildren for this remarkably successful annual occasion in the credit union movements calendar.

Mr Dwane also expressed his gratitude to those who helped organise the celebratory event, including Ballina Credit Unions marketing officer Ashling Molloy, CEO Maria Padden, and long-serving Credit Union volunteer Pat Farrell.

The day was not only a celebration of a national win but also a testament to the spirit of community, dedication, and educational excellence that continues to thrive in Ballina. Congratulations again to the Quay National School on their incredible success!
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (MAY 6 EDITION)

A new emergency response unit - the first of its kind in Ireland - has been installed at the Applegreen service station on the M4 motorway in Enfield, Co Meath.

Designed specifically for motorway use, the cabinet is fully solar-powered and entirely emission-free. It houses essential emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, trauma kits, windscreen breakers, defibrillators, and cardiac medication, offering 24/7 access to potentially life-saving supplies.

This innovative unit was developed by Eco Powered Cabinets, based in Hollymount, and is intended to serve both road users and the local community. With an annual average daily traffic of over 28,000 vehicles - equating to more than 31.6 million journeys per year - the need for accessible, roadside emergency equipment is clear.

The initiative has been supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and was welcomed at its launch by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Sean Canney. Speaking at the event, Minister Canney praised the installation as an important development in public safety, particularly in areas where access to emergency services can be delayed due to location.

This is about preparedness and accessibility, said Darren Forde, CEO of Eco Powered Cabinets. By placing essential equipment directly on the motorway network, were reducing response time and giving people immediate tools to help in serious situations. Its about saving lives.

The cabinet is designed to be easy to access and visible to the public, with the aim of improving emergency outcomes in both road traffic incidents and unexpected medical situations. The concept may serve as a model for future installations on other major routes.

This unit represents what can be achieved when public bodies and private enterprise work together, Mr Forde added. Its a step forward in how we think about safety on our roads.
In a country where history and heritage walk hand in hand with the land, few events will capture the spirit of Irelands enduring pilgrim tradition quite like the upcoming evening at Ballintubber Abbey.

On Monday next, May 12th, at 7.30pm, this storied abbey will play host to an inspiring illustrated talk and the launch of a landmark book by one of Irelands foremost voices on pilgrimage - John G. ODwyer.

ODwyer, a respected Irish Times contributor and chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, returns to the spiritual heart of Mayo to present 'Discovering Our Heritage through Ancient Pilgrim Paths' - an illustrated journey through Irelands sacred walking routes. These are not just trails on a map but threads in the fabric of a culture steeped in faith, storytelling, and spiritual renewal. His talk promises a captivating exploration of paths once walked by saints and seekers alike, including the revered Tochar Phadraig which begins at the very doors of Ballintubber Abbey.

The evening also marks the launch of Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys, ODwyers sixth and most comprehensive guide to date. More than a travel companion, this book is a richly illustrated treasure trove of history, photography, and practical insight - perfect for pilgrims, heritage enthusiasts, and modern-day adventurers. With routes ranging from brief excursions to week-long odysseys, it charts a path not only through Irelands terrain but through its soul.

Mayo holds a unique place in this national story. One of only two counties in Ireland to feature two major pilgrim trails, it is home to both the ancient Tochar Phadraig and the scenic Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail. These walks link landscapes to legend, offering modern pilgrims an opportunity to reconnect with something far older and deeper than themselves.

Admission to this event is free, and all are welcome.
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Even in our ultra-polarized era, the public and private sectors seem to have reached a consensus on the common scourge of our time: bureaucracy.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon can't hide his disdain for it, mentioning some form of the word 21 times in his April letter to shareholders and going so far as to say it "kills" companies. Amazon.com Inc. CEO Andy Jassy wrote in his annual missive that people who are trying to build things hate it  that it frustrates and slows them down. Over at the State Department , Marco Rubio identified bureaucracy as the reason for the organization's massive cuts and restructuring. And Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk famously waved a chainsaw in the air, pledging to slash through what he has called the "tyranny of bureaucracy" in the federal government.

Bureaucracy is an easy scapegoat, a way to rally support and advance an agenda by evoking something that is universally reviled. Who doesn't hate waiting in line at the DMV, filling out seven pages of paperwork at the doctor's office or the headache that can come with getting an expense report approved? "It's kind of unifying," says Pedro Monteiro , an assistant professor at Copenhagen Business School . "It's easy to attach our grievances to this very amorphous thing."

But bureaucracy isn't just inertia, disengagement and red tape. It's also order and stability. While bureaucracy has evolved into a pejorative term used to describe complicated and pointless administrative procedures, bureaucracy is, at its core, an administrative system and way of organizing.

It's the framework that provides the hierarchy and formalized rules that help an institution run. "The opposite of bureaucracy is not freedom and agility  it's chaos," says Mike Lee , a professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD . "When you remove all the formal structures, things become opaque, less fair and power concentrates at the top." Exhibit A : DOGE, which has managed to create more turmoil in the federal government than it has efficiency.

Bureaucracy didn't always have such a bad rap. Before becoming a staple of office life, it emerged as an alternative to feudalism  a way to put people into jobs based on their technical merit and skill rather than at the king's pleasure. Even today, more bureaucratic institutions are likely to be fairer ones, in which competence holds a higher value than connections.

In corporate America, where bureaucracy has become synonymous with middle management, a trend called "unbossing" has taken hold. In 2023, Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked it off with his call for the "year of efficiency," telling employees, "I don't think you want a management structure that's just managers managing managers, managing managers, managing managers, managing the people who are doing the work."

At pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG , CEO Bill Anderson has implemented what he calls "dynamic shared ownership," eliminating managers as the company moves to self-directed teams. Watching what Musk has done to the federal government has only given CEOs greater license to amp up the anti-bureaucracy rhetoric. Speaking at a recent conference, Gallup CEO Jon Clifton noted that some executives are "musing about the idea that they want their own DOGE departments."

This kind of flattening or "delayering" is supposed to push decision-making down to the workers on the ground. In practice, though, it can also be a euphemism for cost cutting. It also can end up consolidating control at the top, with CEOs reporting that flattening actually got them deeper into the weeds on daily decision making.

That's not to say unbossing can't work. But the companies that have done it successfully have had to implement more structure and process. When Zappos.com Inc. transformed into a self-managed holacracy, in which decision-making and authority is spread across an organization, employees' roles became much more tightly defined and its 150 departmental units turned into 500 team circles. Wikipedia is run by a collaborative community of volunteers but has implemented a lot of bureaucracy to function effectively.

A big risk of removing the structures that come with bureaucracy is the question of what will emerge in their stead. "It's really easy to break things and hard to build a high-functioning, high-performing organization in its place," Lee told me. Doing so requires thoughtful, intentional action and design, yet Lee says the conversation rarely gets to that point.

One reason companies keep defaulting to bureaucracy is because it works, for better or worse, as "both a weapon of domination and the primary tool for realizing many of humanity's most significant undertakings," Monteiro has written.

For a case in point, look no further than Dimon's attempts to rid JPMorgan of its extraneous processes and procedures: He layered on even more of them, deploying a team tasked with investigating the "stupid stuff we do, the bureaucratic stuff we do."

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Beth Kowitt is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering corporate America. She was previously a senior writer and editor at Fortune Magazine. Andrea Felsted is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering consumer goods and the retail industry. Previously, she was a reporter for the Financial Times.
ECO defines key areas of regional integration, underlining Turkmenistan's role (Exclusive)

In an exclusive interview, ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan discussed the organizations strategic focus on energy, transport, and digitalization to promote regional integration. These efforts are designed to strengthen ties between Turkmenistan and other member states, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity across the region.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The delegation from the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company has successfully wrapped up a key business trip to Brazil, the company told Trend.

The trip, organized at the invitation of the COP30 team, was centered around enhancing coordination between the presidencies of COP events.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings with representatives from the COP30 Secretariat (SECOP), Brazils governmental body overseeing COP30 preparations. These discussions took place at the Palacio do Planalto, the seat of Brazil's government in Brasilia.

Narmin Jarchalova, Chair of the Board and Chief Operations Officer of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, along with other members of the delegation, shared critical knowledge on managing large-scale climate events, including logistical planning, volunteer management, media operations, and sustainability efforts.

In addition, the delegation toured the future COP30 venue in Belem, located in Brazils Para state, where further discussions were held with local authorities and government representatives. This visit underscores both nations commitment to effective, inclusive planning for the upcoming climate summit. In Belem, the COP29 delegation held discussions with government officials from Para, staff members of the COP30 Secretariat (SECOP), and local authorities to address ways to enhance coordination for the event at the regional level.

The exchange of insights between the COP29 and COP30 teams reflects a unified approach to strengthening institutional cooperation between the host nations. It also underscores COP29s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition and promoting long-term sustainability within the global climate framework.

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Azerbaijan decreases bituminous coal import from Russia in early 2025

The article cites import figures of bituminous coal from Russia in the first two months of 2025. The import volume reached 2,000 tons, marking year-on-year decrease by 556 tons, and the value - $452,000, which was $139,000 less compared to the same period of last year.

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Azerbaijan launches electronic service on contractor search for taxpayers

Photo: State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The publication discusses rollout of a new electronic platform titled "Investigate Contractors", enabling to transfer or manage data being commercial and tax secrecy, without increasing the administrative burden on the State Tax Service's information systems. The "Investigate Contractors" can be used via an enhanced electronic signature through taxpayers' electronic cabinets in the tax authority's system.

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Gendering structural change and green transition in Africa: Implications of Transformative policies

When: Thursday, 08 May 2025 - Thursday, 08 May 2025 Where: Hybrid Event

Parktown Management Campus

SCIS Lecture Theatre, North Lodge, Parktown Management Campus, 2 St David's Place, St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193 Start time: 12:30 Enquiries: athenkosi.pono@wits.ac.za kitso.kgaboesele@wits.ac.za RSVP: Register now! Cost: Free, but registration is required

SCIS invites you to a seminar by Dr Elvis Korku Avenyo on Gendering structural change and green transition in Africa: Implications of Transformative Policies.

The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) invites you to a seminar by Dr Elvis Korku Avenyo on Gendering structural change and green transition in Africa: Implications of Transformative policies. The hybrid session will take place on 8 May 2025 at 12:30 - 14:00 (SAST).

Abstract:

This paper investigates the gender-based employment implications of structural transformation in Africa. We consider two distinct patterns of structural transformation. First, we consider structural transformation

through the lens of economy-wide shifts in sectoral structures on a sample comprising 48 African countries from 1992-2019. Second, we explore structural transformation through the lens of green energy systems and transition technologies (GETT).

Our findings suggest that shifts in sectoral structures have generally worsened gender-based employment gaps across African countries. However, countries implementing policies to enhance womens economic opportunities and social status have successfully mitigated this trend. While GETT presents opportunities for achieving gender-balanced employment, entrenched gendered social inequalities pose a significant challenge. Based on the findings and using Ghana and South Africa as case studies, we propose a Gendered-Transformative (G-TRIP) framework to guide policy shifts necessary for achieving gender-inclusive structural transformation.

About the speaker:

Elvis Korku Avenyo is an Associate Professor at the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-Industrial Development), at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He researches broadly on development economics with interests in industrial development, innovation, critical minerals and green transition, labour markets, firm behaviour, with a specific focus on developing countries. He has published in reputable academic journals and has worked and co-authored background papers for

several international organisations. Elvis obtained his PhD in Economics from Maastricht University, the Netherlands. Click here to read more about Dr Elvis Korku Avenyo.
MILAN, Italy, May 6. The operation of 445MW Bilasuvar Solar PV and 315MW Neftchala Solar PV in Azerbaijan is set to potentially start next year, Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei, Head of Business Development and Investment, CIS Region at Masdar, told Trend on the sidelines of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan.

These are already under construction, so they will start operation next year. We've achieved financial close, which we announced during COP29 at Baku. And currently, the projects are under construction. It will take a year or a year and a half for construction, so potentially next year we will start the operation of the projects. They will start at full capacity, she said.

Further, Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei noted that in Azerbaijan, particularly, Masdar is very active.

Azerbaijan is a core country as part of our strategy. We developed the first project, the solar PV, we're currently advancing the other three projects, but we're actively engaging with the ministries, with the private sectors to advance our development and our footprint in the country, she added.

In June 2024, Masdar and SOCAR broke ground on three major solar and wind projects in Azerbaijan with a capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW).

The three groundbreakings include the 445MW Bilasuvar Solar PV Project, the 315 MW Neftchala Solar PV Project, and the 240 MW Absheron-Garadagh Onshore Wind Project. Investment agreements for the projects were reached in October 2023, followed by the signing of Power Purchase Agreements, Transmission Connection Agreements, and Land Lease Agreements.
A cargo ship arriving at the Port of Los Angeles. Nearby are bonded warehouses where businesses pay money to have imports locked up to defer tariff payments.
MILAN, Italy, May 6. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIlB) and Azerbaijan are working on new projects in the green energy and connectivity fields, Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIlB Chief Investment Officer, Public Sector (Region 2); and Project and Corporate Finance (Global) Clients, told Trend on the sidelines of the Asian Development Banks (ADB) Annual Meeting in Milan.

Azerbaijan has a very strong potential in renewable energy. It's endowed with a lot of potential both in solar and wind, and we are working together with the government and private sector as well to make sure that it's coming on stream for all these energy cooperation projects, which are now developing in the region.

So up until now, we started slowly but surely. We financed together with Masdar the wind power project, and we are planning several others with both solar and wind in the private sector, he said.

Limitovskiy noted that the sides are today preparing a number of projects and working together with the Ministry of Energy on the technical assistance capability for the connectivity projects.

And two applications from Azerbaijan are going through our partnership institution, Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF), for the preparation of the feasibility studies for the coastal infrastructure and for the renewable energy infrastructure on the coast as well, he said.

Limitovskiy pointed out that AIIB sees great potential in connectivity in the region.

We are working together with the government for the Baku Sea Trade Ports second phase. We think that it's a timely project to expand today to cater for the future demand, which is growing, he added.
Kazakhstan pitches strategic trade path for Vietnam through Middle Corridor

Photo: Akorda

Kazakhstan and Vietnam have discussed enhancing the transit potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) as part of their newly established strategic partnership. Kazakhstan has encouraged Vietnam to explore using the route for exporting goods. A joint statement also highlighted the December 2024 signing of the sale transaction for 'Qazaq Air' between Kazakhstans Samruk-Kazyna, Vietnam's Sovico Group, and its local partner. Both countries aim to strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and humanitarian ties. This follows a visit by Vietnam's General Secretary, To Lam, to Kazakhstan, where key agreements were signed.

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Staff at the University of Sheffield are taking 10 days of strike action in opposition to managements plan for mass redundancies.

The strikes began with one day of action on April 30 to be followed by a nine-day walkout May 6-16. Action short of strike began from May 1 until further notice.

University of Sheffield staff rally as they begin industrial action on April 30 [Photo: RotherhamTUC/X]

The University and College Union (UCU) called the action after management rejected a plea to avoid compulsory redundancies. The university intends to drastically cut staffing costs by 23 million over the next two years. In November 2024, Sheffield Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Koen Lamberts announced a 50 million budgetary shortfall and instigated plans to cut 9 million in staffing costs in 2025 and a further 14 million in 2026. An email, seen by the Sheffield Tab website, said the university is aiming to regain a financial surplus by 2026-27.

Sheffield University has launched a New Schools proposal more than halving the number of academic departments from 45 to 21 and restructuring Professional Services. The restructuring involves seven academic departments targeted for cuts, including several engineering departments, the Management School, the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, the School of East Asian Studies, the Journalism School, and the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Restructuring is also being conducted at Postgraduate Research, Employability, Digital Learning, and Faculty Finance and an additional review is underway to consider the future of IT Services.

Management claim there are no plans to shut down departments or courses but such claims have zero credibility following the recent shutting of their world renowned Archaeology department.

According to the UCU, the proposals affect 796 staff but up to 1,000 jobs are at risk overall in the restructuring plan. At least 50 compulsory redundancies are threatened during the current academic year. In addition, the universitys English language teaching centre (ELTC) has placed 109 staff at risk of redundancy, according to the UCU.

A Voluntary Severance Scheme (VSS) was enforced in 2024 which saw more than 300 members of staff at Sheffield accept redundancy terms. Severance packages include only a minimum of three months worth of salarywith an extra month of pay for each year of service beyond three yearsup to a maximum of nine months of compensation.

The readiness by such numbers to accept redundancy was an indication that they saw no fight coming from the UCU leadership to save jobs.

With the demand for more redundancies it is clear the VSS alone is not be enough to reach the universitys immediate 23 million labour costs cut target.

The Sheffield UCU branch have pointed to the universitys 500 million financial reserves to dissuade management from compulsory redundancies. But the cuts at Sheffield and across the HE sector are integral to a plan to restructure the whole HE sector to remain competitive in the university market.

According to THE (Times Higher Education) 10,300 jobs were lost across HE during the 2023/2024 academic year, up from 7,300 the year before, and an average of 100 per institution. About 90 UK universities are currently restructuring alongside compulsory and voluntary redundancy schemes to lower their wage bills.

The offensive by the employers was prepared by the UCUs sellout of several national strikes over pay, conditions, jobs and pensions going back almost a decade, culminating in the strike wave of 2022/23during which 50,000 HE workers fought attacks on pay, jobs conditions and pensions.

The UCU is not opposed to redundancies, provided they are sold as voluntarily. Sheffield management has therefore said it would not carry through compulsory redundancies unless absolutely necessary.

The basis exists for a collective struggle against the job cuts and restructuring at universities, but the UCU is working to keep a mounting number of local HE disputes isolated from one another to avoid any confrontation with their Labour partners in government. No attempt is being made to unify the now near 100 separate struggles of HE university workers across the country.

UCU members at the University of Sheffield International College recently faced mass compulsory redundancies and their counterparts at Sheffield Hallam Universitythe other main university in the cityrecently struck for two days over unpaid wages. But each dispute, within the same city, is kept isolated by the union bureaucracy and can only lead to defeat.

Speaking about the Sheffield cuts, UCU General Secretary Jo Grady, a former senior lecturer in Employment Relations at the University of Sheffield, complained, These cuts are too deep, too fast, and put vital student support and academic provision at risk. She demanded management must now step back from the brink, halt compulsory redundancies and enter serious negotiations with us to find a better way forward. In other words, come to the table with the UCU and we will agree the necessary job losses and restructuring.

The UCUs betrayals have already led to tens of thousands of job losses in the last 15 years and many thousands more are now being axed by management. Just in the last week there are another two examples of the UCUs voluntary redundancy operation brought to fruition.

On May 1, the UCU at Cardiff University called off a scheduled eight strike days at the last minute after an agreement was reached that no compulsory redundancies would be made during the current academic year. A Cardiff UCU spokesperson said We truly welcome the new partnership led approach the University has committed to, and we look forward to working much more closely together than weve been able to so far.

Once again the immediate dispute was settled though voluntary cuts. The BBC reported, The university has said it was able to suspend compulsory redundancies for this calendar year because of the number of applications for voluntary redundancy currently received. Last month it updated the number of proposed job losses from 400 to 286, taking into account staff who had opted to leave voluntarily.

The UCU spokesperson called this a big victory, even though 1,000 jobs still hang in the balance. More job losses are not ruled out as the deal does not exclude losses beyond 2025. Moreover, a consultation over proposed cuts in some departments is ongoing with details finalised in June.

Last week the University of Dundee announced it was no longer forcing through over 600 compulsory job losses. Instead, with the tacit agreement of the UCU, it would go for 300 jobs voluntary losses. Carlo Morelli, an academic at the university, leading figure in the UCU bureaucracy and member of the Socialist Workers Party said of the deal to Socialist Worker, Its brilliant news. This is a massive climbdown from the university.

The UCU are organising a national demonstration in London for May 10, Protect Education Now. But this proposes no fight, only declaring that We are building the biggest coalition ever to fight for change in our sector. This followed the UCUs lobby of parliament held in March which claimed that workers should spend their time pressuring a right-wing Labour government hellbent on cuts throughout the public sector. Coming at the very tail end of the academic year, the demonstration is designed to encourage workers to let off steam.

If education and all the gains won by the working class are to be defended, this must be in a rebellion against the trade union bureaucracy and the Labour government. Taking the struggle out of the hands of the UCU bureaucracy means the formation of rank-and-file committees by workers. We urge higher education workers to get in contact with us today.


Presidential candidate George Simion addresses supporters via video link after polls closed for the first round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, May 4, 2025. [AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru]

Fascist candidate George Simion won the first round of the Romanian presidential election, with more than 40 percent of the vote. In the May 18 runoff, he will face Bucharest major Nicusor Dan, who ran as an independent candidate.

The result was a massive rejection of the PSD-PNL-UDMR (Social Democrats, National Liberal and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania) coalition government and the policies it has pursued since coming to power in 2021. Its candidate came in third placedespite the mobilization of the important electoral party machines of the three parties, who together control almost all the local authorities in the country.

The 38-year-old Simion leads the fascist AUR party, a continuator of the Iron Guard, a Nazi collaborationist organization in the Second World War. He is closely aligned to fascist Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, as well as the far-right Polish PiS. A supporter of US President Donald Trump, Simions campaign included a US tour designed to win sections of the Republican Party for his candidacy, and away from the other Trump-aligned candidate, former social democrat Victor Ponta. Ponta received 13 percent of the vote.

Simions party sits at the centre of a network of neo-Nazi and paramilitary groups, whose parliamentarians do not shy away from Holocaust denial and glorifying Nazi mass murderers. It also maintains a relationship with Israels Likud party.

The elections are unfolding amid an intense crisis of Romanias political establishment, driven by the Trump administrations global trade war as well as the growing inter-imperialist rivalry between the United States and the major European powers. In the course of the crisis, Romanian authorities have repeatedly trampled on basic democratic rights, including the right to vote.

The election is the result of the Constitutional Courts annulment of the December presidential election, after the first-round victory of Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate who had expressed misgivings about NATOs war with Russia in Ukraine. The annulment of the December election was one of a series of undemocratic actions by Romanian authorities, including barring Georgescu from running in the election re-run.

The pretext for the extraordinary measures taken against Georgescu was unsubstantiated allegations that a Russian cyber-war was supposedly waged in favor of his campaign. Not only has no evidence been presented to substantiate this, but Georgescus campaign has since been found to have been partly bankrolled by the National Liberal party, a member of the ruling coalition.

Bitter conflicts are erupting within the Romanian ruling elite. These stem from its anxieties over the debacle in Ukraine, in which Romania has been heavily invested as a junior partner of the imperialist powers, and over whether the emerging geopolitical landscape will be favorable to the pursuit of its predatory regional interests.

Romanias ruling elite has exploited its geographical position to become an important supplier and transit hub for the NATO war against Russia. After the 2014 Maidan coup, former Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, who was forced to resign amid the current crisis, and Polish President Andrzej Duda developed a close collaboration directed against Russia, under the Bucharest 9 format and the Three Seas Initiative. Both countries embarked on massive rearmament campaigns.

Romanias Black Sea shoreline has become a key dock for NATO ships and spy planes. The Kogalniceanu airbase is set to be upgraded and become the largest US base in Europe.

Romanian volunteers are fighting on the Ukrainian front lines, with the so-called battle group Getica featured prominently in Romanian media and funding campaigns. The group joined other far-right brigades in incursions into Russian territory, including during Ukraines partial occupation of Russias Kursk region.

Romania has recently adopted legislation allowing for the shooting down of Russian aircraft entering its airspace, in an intensification of tensions over the Danube ports, a vital transit area for Ukrainian grain exports. The Romanian government has been instrumental in assuring the flow of Ukrainian grains towards its Black Sea ports, also negotiating with Moldova and Transnistria (PMR).

In the wake of the geopolitical upheaval produced by the Trump administration, tensions inside the Romanian ruling elite have sharpened, and various factions of the ruling classincluding within the ruling Government Coalitionhave been engaged in open contacts with the imperialist powers.

While Interim President Bolojan has worked with French President Emmanuel Macron and has pledged Romania to the EU Coalition of the willing for continuing the war in Ukraine, PSD Prime Minister Ciolacu created a public scandal by appointing his own emissaries to Trumps personal residence at Mar-a-Lago.

Chief among the concerns of the Romanian ruling class is its historical ambition to exert influence over the territories in its eastern vicinity, especially the Republic of Moldova. Frontrunner Simions career is tied to efforts by sections of the Romanian bourgeoisie to take over this former Soviet Republic.

As founder and coordinator of so-called unionist movements, Simion helped organize numerous provocations, protests and marches calling for the union of Moldova and Romania. This earned him several entry bans in Moldova, the last one still ongoing until 2028.

Simions activities in Moldova paralleled those of former president Basescu (in office 2004-2014) and his PMP party. During Basescus tenure, Romanian authorities used the countrys EU membership and the prospect of working within the EU, to offer Romanian citizenship to impoverished Moldovan workers. Basescu remains an influential political operative today, and has supported Nicusor Dans candidacy.

It is in fact his desire for a diminished role of the EU that is the most often cited criticism of the fascist Simion from part of the establishment parties and media. This is seen as potentially weakening Romanias regional standing, which has benefited greatly from EU support.

Through the Moldovan Partnership Platform, European imperialist powersparticularly France and Germanyalong with Romania have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Moldova. These funds serve to increase Moldovas energy and infrastructure dependance on Romania, and broader Romanian influence in the country. A glowing report from Radio Free Europe from October last year, for instance, promoted the construction and renovation of schools and kindergartens teaching in the Romanian language in the Russian-speaking region of Gagauzia.

Simion, copying the brutish style of Trump, has threatened to make such programs dependent on taking over majority packages in Moldovan state companies.

His attitude towards Ukraine, where he is also barred from entering, has also come under fire. The AUR and other fascistic organizations have criticized the war in Ukraine from the point of view of Romanias territorial ambitions towards Ukraine, in northern Bukovina, the Danube Delta and Black Sea deposits.

Nicusor Dan, the current mayor of Bucharest, ran as an independent but was supported by key sections of the countrys establishment, including liberal opposition parties. Dan ran as a pro-EU candidate and his campaign seeks to frame the run-off as a pro-Western vs. a pro-Russian choice. As well as fanning the flames of Russophobia, this serves to obscure both the source of the fascist danger, which is everywhere raising its head due to the policies of the ruling class, and the agreement between the two factions on the fundamental questions.

Before the election, Dan declared in an interview on Moldova 1 that he would like union with Moldova to happen today, while also mentioning a 2018 declaration by the Romanian parliament that it is ready to remake the 1918 union. These territorial ambitions, expressed by the official pro-EU candidate, expose the lie that the European road of countries like Moldova is about defending the rule of law and that it is only Russia that seeks to redraw the borders by force.

Both Simion and Dan also agree on making the Romanian working class pay the cost of the rearming drive. Both have expressed the need for severe cuts in public spending and mass layoffs after the elections in order to balance the countrys budget.

The election testifies to the bankruptcy of the political and social system that has emerged 35 years since the Stalinist regimes restoration of capitalism in Eastern Europe. Official Romanian life is dominated by political descendents of Hitlers allies in the Iron Guard, the working class is impoverished and war is spreading across the region. The key task is rebuilding a socialist, that is to say Trotskyist culture in the Romanian and Eastern European working class, to mobilize it with their international class brothers and sisters in struggle against fascism, war and capitalism.
The WSWS is posting here both the video and text of the speech by Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Germany) National Committee member Katja Rippert to the International May Day 2025 Online Rally.

May Day 2025 speech given by Katja Rippert

On behalf of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, I bring you revolutionary greetings on May Day from Berlinfrom the city that was liberated by the Red Army exactly 80 years ago, in May 1945.

Over 13,000 Soviet soldiers are buried here at the Soviet Memorial in Schonholzer Heide in northeast Berlin. They gave their lives in the heroic struggle against the fascists. Soviet prisoners of war are also commemorated here. This site is considered the largest Soviet cemetery outside Russia.

Over 27 million Soviet citizens and 6 million Jews fell victim to the Holocaust and the Nazi war of extermination.

These are not dead figures from the distant past.

Eighty years later, we are witnessing the return of German imperialism to its predatory expansionist policies. Their hunger for raw materials, labor force and spheres of influence is driving the German elites into war against Russia for the third time.

They are using the Putin regimes reactionary invasion of Ukraine to justify the largest rearmament since Hitler. The Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved over 1 trillion in war loans.

German troops in Lithuania (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz wants to supply Ukraine with German Taurus cruise missiles that can reach Moscow. That is an extremely dangerous escalation. Who can guarantee that the Kremlin will not respond to the Taurus weapon with attacks on German targets?

Since the fascist Trump took office, Germany has been pursuing its war agenda even more aggressively, without or even against the USA if necessary. The German government is responding to Trumps America First with Deutschland uber alles.

Behind the armament mania is the revanchism of the German ruling class. It wants to finally throw off the shackles of the post-war period and reach for world power once again. It conceals its geopolitical interests behind the lie that it is defending democracy against the Russian aggressor.

On the ideological front, history is being rewritten in order to whitewash German imperialism of its crimes. German academics relativize the Nazi war of extermination and the Holocaust and try to portray the Soviet Union as the actual aggressor and perpetrator of the Second World War.

Now the Bundestag has even excluded the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus from this years commemoration of the end of the war. This affront is directed against the entire working class. There is hardly a family in Russia and Belarus that did not lose relatives in the terror of the Nazis or in the fight against them.

Day in and day out, German politicians and journalists are beating the drum to make society fit for war again. The incoming government of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) is planning to reintroduce compulsory military service, militarize universities and schools, build up a massive arms industry and switch to a war economy, social cuts and further attack refugees.

All capitalist parties support the war policy. The former pacifists and Greens are now the most aggressive warmongers. Even the Left Party, which won 25 percent of young voters because it presented itself as an opponent of the right wing, has agreed to rearmament.

The costs of war are to be borne by the workersthrough cuts in education, health and social services, mass layoffs and rising prices and rents.

But resistance has already begunin the form of strikes, demonstrations against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and protests against the genocide in Gaza.

While the government supports the genocide, opponents of war and peacefully protesting students are being beaten up by police, arrested and deported.

As in the 1930s, the ruling class is reacting to the deep crisis of capitalism and its fear of a social revolution by promoting the fascists of the AfD, which is now the strongest party in the polls.

In 1933, the political elites and big business brought Hitler to power in order to crush the strong workers movement. This was only possible because the Stalinist policies of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) had divided and paralyzed the workers.

On March 21, 1933, Potsdam Day, President Paul von Hindenburg (right) accepts the appointment of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as German chancellor. [Photo by Theo Eisenhart/Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-S38324 / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

In National Socialism (Nazism), capitalism revealed itself in its most naked and brutal form.

Here in this area near the memorial, the Nazis built a forced labor camp in which over 2,000 people were exploited to the bone, including many Soviet citizens.

They toiled for the arms company Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken AG, which belonged to the Quandt familytoday one of the richest business families in Germany. The Quandts built their enormous wealth of over 40 billion and the majority share in BMW on the bones of up to 50,000 forced laborers.

For a long time, the Nazi legacy of the German capitalists was kept quiet. Now, arms companies such as Rheinmetall are once again revelling in their war profits.

But then, as now, the bourgeoisie is in a desperate situation. Its insane war course is an expression of its weakness. It is defending a social system that has long since become obsolete. It fears the seething opposition of the working classthe gravedigger of capitalism.

In contrast to 1933, it doesnt have a fascist mass movement today. The workers have not been defeated. Explosive struggles are yet to come. The anti-war mood in the working class is enormous. The two world wars are deeply etched in its memory.

Young people dont want to be used as cannon fodder. The majority of under-29-year-olds reject compulsory military service. Last year, 81 percent of young people expressed fear of war in Europe.

The crucial question is: How can the descent into barbarism be stopped?

1933 was not inevitable. There was a perspective with which Hitler could have been prevented: the unification of the workers movement under a revolutionary leadership and with an internationalist program. The revolutionary Leon Trotsky fought for this against the Stalinist and social democratic leaders of the two workers parties.

We must take up Trotskys struggle today. War and fascism can be stopped if the great power of the international working class is mobilized.

For this, it needs a political leadership that has learned the lessons of history and pursues a socialist strategy. This perspective is represented by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of socialist revolution.

I call upon you: There is no time to lose! Join our movement. Become active in the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei and our youth organization, the IYSSE!
Vincent Delecroixs International Booker Prize shortlisted Small Boat (English translation by Helen Stevenson, published by HopeRoad, 2025) is based on the November 24, 2021 drowning of 27 migrants in the Channelthe worst single loss of life recorded in that stretch of water. Among their number, mainly Iraqi Kurds, were a pregnant woman and three children.

Small Boat, by Vincent Delecroix (HopeRoad, 2025) [Photo: Small Boat (HopeRoad, 2025)]

A major factor in their deaths was buck-passing between the British and French authorities, both trying to wash their hands of responsibility for the rescue. More than a dozen calls were made by one of the migrants to the French regional monitoring and rescue centre in Calais over the course of two hours of the early morning. In France, a scandal erupted over released recordings of these conversations.

Depicting the tragedy opens a window onto the crimes committed against migrants all over the world. Delecroix produces many evocative passages addressing this. His description of the sea with its guts glutted with women and children is a rightly sickening evocation of these horrific events.

Over 330 people have died in the Channel alone since 2014; more than 31,000 have died or gone missing presumed dead in the Mediterranean, over 4,000 in the Atlantic, over 1,000 in the Gulf of Aden and close to 1,000 attempting to reach the United States from the Caribbean, or the Caribbean from Venezuela.

The book returns to the same imagery a few paragraphs later:

Every night we feed that gaping maw, and stuff into it little pieces weve scraped off the edges of the coast, spoonfuls of twenty, thirty poor peoplemen, women and childrenand the monstrous maw gulps it all down, foaming at its mouth.

Migrants are described in dehumanizing terms because they are dehumanized in reality. The passage is particularly affecting considering the ongoing genocide in the coastal enclave of Gaza, in which millions of people are to all intents and purposes being driven into the sea.

The middle chapter (of three), from the perspective of the migrants in the Channel, narrates the hours of agony and fear, leavened by dashed hopes, that accompany each recorded death. Delecroixs restrained third-person description, and the brevity of the chapter, adds an extra level of horror, denying the reader much of an emotional connection. We are forced towards the indifference of those responsible for these deaths.

But whose indifference is being invoked? This is the main subject of the book, and its central flaw.

Chapters one and three are told from the perspective of the French Navy official who handled the interactions with the migrant boat, who ultimately told a British ship to respond when a French vessel under her direction was far closer.

She is a brutalised person, scolding people at risk of drowning I didnt ask you to leave, finding their calls for help annoying, accusing them of simply want[ing] their own car and wishing they would give a second thought before they put their lousy nutshells in the sea. But she is still haunted by what has happened, still hearing voices screaming for help, seeing the dead.

It is sometimes difficult to tell how much irony is impliedhow much distance she tries to take from the system she helps to operatewhen she describes people who think we owe them something because theyre dying of hunger in their own countries, or their refusing to understand the difference between being in French waters and being in British waters.

We are led to see that whether the cruelty of her actions comes from her or from her shaping by the institution she works for, it is the inhumanity required of the people implementing French (British, European) border policies.

Finding herself scapegoatedthe bulk of the book is a conversation with a police officer, and with herselfshe defends her actions as the last link in the chain of events which saw the migrants sunk long before they sank washed up well before they drowned.

Who, she asks, is banishing them sweeping them towards the sea where they vanish like dust shaken from the coat tails of humanity? Another thing we might talk about, the means available, or rather the lack of means available, for carrying out rescue missions. Why not migration policy, not the trafficking mafia, not the war in Syria, not the famine in Sudan, why me?

Of course, she is lying as far as she suggests she has no responsibility. But she also speaks a truth, in that the 27 dead were only in a position to be the victims of her actions because of circumstances which indict the French government and the whole imperialist world system. None of the official outcry over the drownings is interested in these factors. It is not really interested in her actions either, as she comes to realise at successive, pivotal points in the book.

What troubles her accusers is Not my actions but my words, although she couldnt see what it would have added if I had spoken elegantly, which most certainly would not have saved them. But What mattered was not that they were saved; it was that I should be saved, and the whole world with me, through these words, the words people would have liked me to say: Youre not going to die, Ill save you.

As an indictment of the rank cynicism of bourgeois public opinionthe politicians and the corporate media who bemoan the tragic consequences of their own policiesthis is razor sharp. For them, her crime is not in carrying out their programme, but in not keeping up the humanitarian fiction.

Even this has fallen a step behind the times. US President Donald Trump, together with all the European leaders, is junking the handwringing and protestations of concern for human rights which formerly accompanied attacks on migrants. Nevertheless, there are enough liberal opponents of Trump and his ilk still at large to warrant the critique.

The real problem is that, in Small Boat, it is not just these targets in the firing line: it is the voice of the whole of humanity reassured to hear itself saying I will save you not actually saving, no one cares about that, not acting, not even helping.

These are the protagonists self-excusing thoughts, but Delecroix takes no distance from them, and instead has her stand for the views of all of society: I am not here alone on the shore; Im not alone watching the drama at sea from a safe distance You are all there. He makes clear in explaining the book his belief that we are all spectator[s] of the wreckage.

This is too generous by far towards those in power and deeply unfair towards those they rule over.

The threat posed by Europes politicians, media and corporations is not their supposed inaction, but their active maintenance of the system of global inequality, climate crisis and war responsible for mass migration and the erection of the repressive system of border controls surrounding Fortress Europe this necessitates. It is grotesque to place joint responsibility for this system on Europes working-class population who are also its victims.

Vincent Delecroix [Photo: HopeRoad Publishing]

Delecroixs protagonist sees a European society suffering from a universal failure to accord other peoples lives their due weight, which is simply the weight of reality; which even believes that one person has to drown for another to breathe properly any place we occupy is stolen from someone we have thrown into the sea.

Shock and moral outrage are substituted for an exploration of social reality. It is not the case that for some to keep their heads above water, others must drown; they drown in order that a few can live on Olympian heights, while the great mass of society is forced to spend their lives struggling to stay afloat.

A society like this creates the potential for individualism and divisions among workers, competing for resources and opportunities made scarce by their monopolization by the richall fuelled by a steady flow of official nationalism and xenophobia. But it also provides a more fundamental impulse towards workers collective struggle, including solidarity with migrants and refugees, against their common exploiters and oppressorsan impulse which already animates millions around the world and is expressed in the outraged response to imperialist crimes such as the Gaza genocide and sustained protests against the mistreatment and scapegoating of migrants that finds no place in Delecroixs skewed narrative.

The development of such a unified struggle is a political, historical processthe unfolding of which expands the possibilities for jump[ing] into the water to help. It is not a choice available to each person at any given moment, which is their individual moral failing not to make.

Small Boats highly introspective narrative could be used to place this dynamic and contradictory reality under the microscope of an individuals experience. But its function here is to exclude altogether, to make room for the morality tale the author wished to tell. The result of which is anything but the novel which unapologetically confronts the greatest moral question of our time, as the Booker judges describe it.

By dissolving a complex social problem into a sea of uniform guilt, a book written to put people on the hook releases those who ought to be up there. Or rather, by placing us all on that level, it hides the culprits in the crowd. Delecroix even writes at one point that one could only conclude that all of us are monsters, that is to say, none of us is.

The best Small Boat can offer is the small change of individual good deeds, the idea that the human race survives through everyone saving each other all the time. But Delecroix is clearly sceptical: What a nice thought! After all, it might even be true. And anyway, Even if you saved all of them, there would always be one left... And the one that you save will perish tomorrow.

The novel ends up voicing the apologia made increasingly often for so discredited a social system as capitalism: not that life can be made better, but that it cant because we selfish humans cant. Delecroix simply replaces the happy myth of bourgeois public opinion he skewersYou will be savedwith the misanthropy of bourgeois intellectualsthe closing words of the book, you will not be savedto the same hand-washing effect.
Striking Pratt & Whitney workers [Photo: Connecticut AFL-CIO]

A walkout involving almost 3,000 Pratt & Whitney jet engine workers in Connecticut began Monday morning following an overwhelming vote to reject the companys contract offer. The workers, members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM), join another 900 workers at Pentagon contractor Lockheed Martin in Denver, Colorado, and Orlando, Florida, who struck last week after decisively rejecting a contract brought back by the United Auto Workers.

The workers at Pratt & Whitney build both commercial and military jet engines, including the GTF line for Airbus commercial jets and the F135 for military F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The IAM reported 77 percent of workers voted in favor of strike action.

Pratt & Whitney said its most recent contract offer included an upfront 4 percent wage increase, 3.5 percent in 2026 and a 3 percent increase in 2027, as well as a $5,000 signing bonus.

Management issued a statement declaring its intention to operate during the strike. A management press release stated:

Our local workforce is among the highest compensated in the region and the industryour offer built on that foundation. We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.

Meanwhile, the UAW has announced a May 18 strike deadline for 2,500 workers at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, who design submarines for the US Navy. They have been working under an expired contract since April 4. The strike deadline announcement came one day after the US Navy awarded General Dynamics a $12.4 billion contract for the construction of two Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines armed with cruise missiles. According to reports, the Navys contract already incorporates the wages and benefits to be granted to workers.

Responding to the Pratt & Whitney offer, one angry worker posted on Reddit:

They keep mentioning $5,000 [bonus] like it means something! Its trash, blood money used as a carrot. After taxes be lucky to take home 3k. 1k a year bonus for a Company bragging over 41% increase in q1 profits!! Id rather see that 5k distributed into the General Wage Increases!!

Another pointed to managements enrichment of Pratt & Whitney shareholders.

UTC and RTX (Pratt & Whitneys parent companies) have bought back over $22 billion dollars worth of their own stock over the last 10 years. If they spent all of that money on their employees it would come out to $100,000 per employee (worldwide) regardless if theyre union or salary. Thats $10,000 a year. Instead they just want to increase shareholder value, which includes the executives.

Machinists reject contract and vote to walk out at a mass meeting in Wallingford, Connecticut, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. [Photo: Connecticut AFL-CIO]

Rather than unite the struggles of Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed and General Dynamics workers and mobilize broader support in the working class in the US and globally, the UAW and IAM bureaucracies are seeking to keep workers isolated and divided. This strategy cannot win against multi-billion dollar global defense contractors that operate all over the world and have the backing of the US government. Lockheed Martin alone accounts for 40 percent of US defense contacts and has operations in 50 different countries.

The pro-company union bureaucracies, who are in alignment with the extreme America First nationalism of the Trump administration, have repeatedly demonstrated they are hostile to workers interests. Last November, the IAM called off a powerful strike by 33,000 Boeing machinists, who voted down two sellout contracts before the union succeeded in ramming through a deal that met none of workers demands. Following the strike, workers were hit with mass layoffs, which the IAW did nothing to oppose.

The struggles being waged against critical defense contractors objectively involve not just a fight against individual corporations but a direct conflict with the Trump administration. The would-be dictator in the White House wants to massively increase military production in the US to wage expanding wars around the world. To accomplish this, the wages and benefits of defense industry workers must be sharply reduced and their exploitation greatly increased.

The Trump administration, with the support of Congressional Democrats, is pushing forward with plans for further record increases in military spending. This follows a rise under the Biden administration to record military outlays of $997 million in 2024, the highest spending in human history.

Despite this massive waste of financial and human resources, US war planners are demanding more. An article in the May-June edition of Foreign Affairs points to the depletion of US military stocks due to the ongoing US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and the Gaza genocide under conditions of an eroded US manufacturing base

Titled The Empty Arsenal of Democracy, the article states:

The American military suffers from munitions shortages across almost every weapons category. It lacks short- and medium-range missiles. Most important for a conflict in the Pacific, it has insufficient long-range precision missilessuch as the navys long-range antiship missiles, joint air-to-surface standoff missiles, and the armys precision-strike missiles.

It adds:

In fact, the situation is so dire that the White House should invoke the Defense Production Act to develop new and more powerful energetics, expand munitions production, and create strategic reserves of both.

Trump in his first term invoked the Defense Production Act, in the face of wildcat job actions by workers, to force meatpacking and poultry plants to stay in operation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the union bureaucracy is unable to strangle these strikes, the Trump administration will deploy similar and even more anti-democratic measures against defense industry workers, who will be denounced as the enemy within.

Lockheed Martin workers in Orlando, Florida [Photo: Arthur Franco-Facebook]

To fund expanding wars the Trump administration is carrying out a direct attack on healthcare and education and other vital social programs that workers depend on. Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is carrying out the wholesale destruction of social spending, gutting entire departments critical to the functioning of a modern society. Social Security and Medicare will be next.

A central aspect of the war plans of the Trump administration is its expanding tariff war aimed at reshoring defense production in preparation for military conflict with China. This will be paid for by workers through huge increases in prices for basic goods and intensified exploitation, the evisceration of wages and benefits and the suppression of basic democratic rights, including the right to strike.

Through its support for the Trump administrations tariffs and trade war policies, UAW President Shawn Fain and the entire UAW bureaucracy have lined up behind the White House program of war overseas and austerity and police state repression at home. As for the Machinists, they have publicly opposed tariffs on Canadawhere the union also has membersbut has called on Trump to bring together government, business and labor to forge a protectionist strategy to grow critical manufacturing in the US and Canada while punishing the bad actors across the globe, i.e., China.

The union bureaucracy is looking to integrate itself even further into the structure of corporate management and the US government in preparation for war. Fain often speaks of the Arsenal of Democracy, the World War II reference to US military production, where the UAW enforced patriotic support for the war effort by suppressing strikes, enforcing speed-up and persecuting anti-war socialists.

For his part, Biden saw the unions as so critical to US war planning that he spoke of them as My domestic NATO.

Will Lehman, the socialist Mack Trucks autoworker who ran for UAW president against Fain and incumbent Ray Curry in 2022, has called for the international unity of the working class against capitalist exploitation and war. In his remarks to the online May Day rally on May 3, he said:

If we are to win in the struggles ahead, we cannot be divided from our coworkers in or from any country. Instead we need to build a unity that transcends national borders. Furthermore, war with China would lead to a brutal bloody disaster for the working class forced to fight it. More than 80 million died as a result of World War II. A Third World War, with all the major powers possessing nuclear bombs, would lead to the destruction of humanity. The same ruling class that promotes nationalism is assaulting immigrant workers and students in the US.

To successfully wage their struggle, workers need to build organs of shop floor power, rank-and-file committees independent of the pro company labor bureaucracies. These committees must map out a program to expand and spread the struggles to break the isolation imposed by the UAW and IAM bureaucracies.

These strikes take place as mass protests are mounting against the Trump administrations attacks on jobs, social programs and assault on democratic rights, including the mass illegal deportation of immigrants. In opposition to the fascist program of the bankers and billionaires, the working class must assert its own interests in defense of healthcare, decent pay, access to education and a secure retirement.

This requires a political struggle by the working class to place the giant corporations under the democratic public ownership of the working class. In this way, instead of trillions being sucked up by the super rich or being spent on war and mass destruction, the resources produced by the collective labor of the working class can be directed toward meeting human needs.

For more information about building rank-and-file committees, fill out the form below.
President Donald Trump greets Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Washington D.C. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that Israels cabinet had adopted a plan to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip, internally displace its population into concentration camps and enforce a military monopoly on the distribution of food.

Echoing the final solution, the Nazi term for the genocide of Europes Jews, Netanyahu declared, Its time to launch the concluding moves.

Netanyahu said that the Palestinian population will be moved, and that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territories they occupy. Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the plan would involve moving most of Gazas population to clean areas.

It involves the suspension of international humanitarian operations in Gaza, to be replaced by hubs controlled by Israel and manned by private US military contractors. US President Donald Trump, in genocidal double-speak worthy of his idol Adolf Hitler, said Monday, People are starving, and were going to help them get some food.

The full military occupation of Gaza is the prerequisite for the plan announced in February by President Donald Trump, and publicly embraced by Netanyahu, to expel the Palestinian people, plow over the existing buildings and annex the territory.

Confirming this fact, a senior security official told the Guardian that the transfer program for Gaza residents  will be part of the operations goals.

Once the population of Gaza is herded into concentration camps under armed guard by Israeli soldiers and US contractors, the next step will be to begin loading them onto ships for transportation abroad, or on death marches through the desert.

On March 23, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the creation of a bureau of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dedicated to the relocation of the Palestinians from Gaza, which would oversee their departure to third countries, including securing their movement, establishing movement routes, checking pedestrians at designated crossings in the Gaza Strip, as well as coordinating the provision of infrastructure that will enable passage by land, sea and air to the destination countries.

US media coverage of this ethnic cleansing program has consisted of US-Israeli disinformation, claiming that the operation is targeting Hamas or aimed at securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. There is a deliberate effort to hide the fact that the military occupation of Gaza marks the actualization of Trumps genocidal plan, and that it will be a death sentence for the hostages who remain in Gaza, who will simply be starved to death if they are not killed by Israeli bombs.

Within the Israeli government, however, there is no effort to obscure the aims of the military occupation plan.

We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word occupation, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Israels Channel 12.

He added that there will be No retreat from the territories we have conquered, not even in exchange for hostages, effectively precluding any arrangement that would ensure the survival of the remaining hostages.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the total blocking of all food aid into Gaza. He added, No electricity, and no other aid should be allowedneither by the [Israeli military] nor by civil society.

It has been over 60 days since Israel, in breach of an earlier ceasefire agreement, suspended the entry of all food, water, electricity and medical supplies into Gaza.

Next week, Trump is due to visit the Middle East to personally oversee the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the US-Israeli plan to create a new Middle East under direct imperialist domination.

A statement by humanitarian aid groups operating in Gaza, including the United Nations, said the plan appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tacticas part of a military strategy.

Bushra Khalidi, West Bank policy lead for the Oxfam charity, said:

Moving aid into fenced, supervised spaces under military or private contractor control recalls some of the darkest chapters of human failure. ... Thats not protection, thats coercion. We would never support any model that would be treating civilians basically as prisoners.

In a statement, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned the plan to occupy Gaza and take over the distribution of food, declaring:

The level of need among civilians in Gaza right now is overwhelming and aid needs to be let in immediately. ... Under international humanitarian law, Israel has an obligation to use all means available to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population under its control are met.

Amjad Shawa, the Gaza-based director of the Palestinian NGOs Network, told Al Jazeera that most people in Gaza are starving, with food prices soaring to unattainable levels. A bag of flour, 25 kilos [55lb], its $350 in the black market now. A bag of flour this size would have cost $5 before the start of the genocide.

Tom Fletcher, lead United Nations humanitarian officer, said:

To the Israeli authorities, and those who can still reason with them, we say again: Lift this brutal blockade. ... To the civilians left unprotected, no apology can suffice. But I am truly sorry that we are unable to move the international community to prevent this injustice.

According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, 91 percent of the population of Gaza is food insecure, with most of the population facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger.

Since Israels new bombardment after the cease-fire collapsed, it has declared more and more evacuation and no-go zones, forcing some 420,000 Gazans to flee yet again and blocking access to around 70 percent of the enclave, according to UN estimates.

To date, over 52,000 Palestinians have been directly killed in the US-Israeli genocide, the vast majority of whom are women, children and elderly people.
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Donald Trump being interviewed by moderator Kristen Welker on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Sunday, May 4, 2025 [Photo: NBC News - Meet the Press]

In an extraordinary interview broadcast Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, Donald Trump repeatedly proclaimed that, as president of the United States, he does not have to uphold the Constitution.

I dont know, Trump said in response to the question, Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Pressed by moderator Kristen Welker on whether all people in the United States are entitled to due process under the Constitution, Trump responded again, I dont know. Im notIm not a lawyer.

In this exchange, Trump is declaring, in so many words, a presidential dictatorship. The United States is led by a political criminal who views the Constitutionand with it every democratic rightas given or taken away at his own pleasure.

What are those rights in the Constitution? They include the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. These spell out the protections of the individual liberty from government power. Among these are freedom of speech and assembly, freedom of conscience, the individuals right to know the charges leveled against oneself in a criminal case, the right to a speedy public trial before a jury of ones peers, the right to be secure in ones own home from police raids and arrests, and freedom from torture.

The Constitution includes as well the great Civil War amendments banning slavery (13th Amendment), ensuring due process protections from state governments and ensuring birthright citizenship (14th Amendment), and protecting the right to vote (15th Amendment).

In declaring he is not bound to the Constitution, Trump is saying the American people do not have any of the rights that they think they have won over generations of struggle spanning 250 years and that he believes he can impose torture at will, banish political opponents, and even undo the repeal of slavery.

To take but one example, the due process clause, the starting point of Welkers line of questioning, appears in the Fifth Amendment. It sharply circumscribes the police powers of government, stating No person shall  be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. The language draws no distinction between the basic due process rights of citizens and non-citizens.

But such a carefully studied word choice made by Madison and the other Framers of the Constitution means nothing to Trump. He is actively plotting the deportation to El Salvador concentration camps not only of non-naturalized immigrants, who are expressly owed due process under the Fifth Amendment. He is also plotting to summarily deport homegrowns, as he has taken to calling US citizens. In fact, Trump has already deported citizens, including small children, with one battling Stage 4 cancer.

Contrary to Trumps musings, there is no question whatsoever that the president is required to uphold the Constitution. Article II states in plain English that the very office is founded on such a pledge. Trump himself swore to Article II as recently as January 20 at his inauguration. He stated:

I 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.

Every American president has taken the same oath going back to April 20, 1789, when George Washington was inaugurated for his first term. Trump thinks it is a sham. As he stated as early as 2019, I have an Article II, where I have the right to do whatever I want as President.

The American Revolution, which birthed the Constitution, established just the opposite principle. It established the concept that people are born with inalienable rights that are neither given nor taken away by monarchs or their magistrates. It is indeed only to defend such rights that governments are instituted among men, according to Jefferson, deriving their just powers from consent of the governed. In Trumps view of things, rights are given or taken away at the will of the King, in the manner of the absolutist Louis XIV of France, with whom Trump would entirely agree: LEtat, cest moi! (I am the state!)

In a monarchy, the sovereign power ultimately resides in the crown, invested by the divine sanction of the Church. But the American Revolution and the French Revolution ended the rule of kingsin the first, by severing the bonds of subordination from the colonies to George III; in the second by severing the head of Louis XVI from his body.

The dictatorship that Trump is building is not only a danger to the American people. As commander-in-chief of the US military, the president possesses unchecked authority over war and nuclear weapons. The entire world is threatened by the rise of an American Fuhrer.

Trumps comments on Meet the Press are not his first statement of dictatorship. On February 25, he posted on social media: He who saves his Country does not violate any Law, echoing his historical idols: Hitler (The authority of the Fuhrer is not limited by laws), Mussolini (Everything within the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the State.), Pinochet (The armed forces have acted  to save the country), and Franco (I am the only one who can save Spain).

The American Republic, nearing its 250th anniversary, is being step by step consumed by a fascist cabal acting in accord with a worked out plan. Warning lights are flashing red:

Trumps Sunday interview coincides with his announcement that he is considering appointing longtime fascist aide Stephen Miller as National Security Advisor. In a recent right-wing podcast, Miller threatened judges as radical leftists and warned that Trump could bypass even the far-right Supreme Court if it fails to comply. There are many other options that I will not get into here on what the presidents inherent authorities and powers are, Miller said.

Trump and his advisors have made clear they will follow court rulings only when it suits theman explicit rejection of judicial independence.

Trump has also consolidated legislative power under the executive, ruling by decree through a record 142 executive orders in his first 100 days. These orders have imposed sweeping social cuts and gutted core democratic rights.

ICE and Homeland Security agents now operate as the personal shock troops of the White House, targeting immigrants and lawful residents. When Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan defied ICE in defense of an immigrant, Trumps FBI Director Kash Patel ordered her arrest.

Masked ICE agents are abducting legal residents in broad daylight, denying them due process or contact with lawyers and family. A State Department memo from Secretary Marco Rubio demanded the deportation of legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil for his past, current, or expected beliefsspecifically, for opposing the genocide in Gaza. (Emphasis added.)

No less significant than the declarations Trump has made is the absence of any serious response from the Democratic Party, which fears far more the revolutionary implications of telling the truth to the working class than it does the very worst that the would-be dictator Donald Trump might do. Trump is aware of, and banks on, the complicity of the opposition party. In effect, the Democrats are abetting a far-reaching conspiracy against the rights of the people. Attempts to appeal to such a political formation are worse than useless.

An appropriate statement from the Democratic Party in response to Trumps Sunday announcement that he is not bound to uphold the Constitution would be: These are the statements of a political criminal The issue is now his immediate removal from office. But no leader of the Democratic Party has issued a demand for Trumps resignation. Not one called for impeachment proceedings, let alone criminal charges. To be blunt, if the presidents open declaration that he is not bound by the Constitution does not constitute high crimes and misdemeanors, then nothing does.

Instead, the general response in the media and among top Democrats was indifference. The leader of the Senate Democrats, Charles Schumer, had only this to say:

Its hard to imagine something more un-American than Donald Trump, the sitting president, saying he doesnt know whether he needs to uphold the Constitution.

Any belief that the Supreme Court will act to save the republic disregards its entire recent history, stretching back to its order to stop the vote counting in Bush v. Gore in 2000, handing the election to Bush, and its breathtaking expansion of executive power last summer in Trump v. United States, in which it ruled the president has limitless power when acting in an official capacity, the parameters of which he himself may define.

Donald Trump arises out of an extended process of political degeneration. Within the ruling class as a whole, there is no significant constituency for the defense of basic democratic rights. As WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North explained at this weekends International May Day Online Rally:

In objective terms, the Trump administrations assault on democracy signifies the violent realignment of political forms of rule in accordance with the class relations that exist in society. The White House floats atop a smelly dung heap of fraud. Trump, the crude huckster and maestro of swindle, is nothing but the personification of a criminal oligarchy.

Marxists have never viewed the American Constitution with rose-tinted glasses. It was a product of its time and as such could only have had a contradictory character. Arising out of the Enlightenment, it enshrined republican and democratic principles, especially in its great Bill of Rights and Civil War amendments. These greatly advanced the cause of universal human liberation. But the Constitution also set up the framework by which the American capitalist class would not only govern and expand across a continent and then the globewith all the bloody crimes that that has entailedbut that it would hide its actual class rule behind the veneer of legality.

The American ruling class, headed by Trump, is now torching the framework by which it has ruled for a quarter of a millennium. There are vast revolutionary implications. The American working class, as opposed to the capitalists, remains democratically minded. It is finding now, as it moves into opposition to the class war being waged from the White House, that to defend itself it will be compelled to defend as well the great democratic traditions and achievements of the first two American revolutions, of 1775-1789 and 1861-1865.

More than that, what Trump demonstrates is that the defense of democratic rights has become inseparable from the overthrow of the oligarchy and the capitalist system that he represents. That it is bound up with the development of a working class movement for socialism, the expropriation of the ruling class, and the establishment of democratic control over economic life.
The official campaign for the Australian federal election, which concluded on Saturday, was notable for its almost total silence on the genocidal onslaught against Palestinians being carried out by Israels Zionist regime. The major parties, aided by the corporate media, sought to bury any mention of these horrific crimes because the entire Australian political establishment, in line with the US and imperialist governments worldwide, is totally complicit.

This includes the Greens, whose leading members have frequently postured as opponents of the genocideand of the Labor governments support for itat protest rallies over the past 18 months. But as election day drew nearer and the Greens begged for a coalition with Labor, this was swept under the rug, culminating in Greens leader Adam Bandts refusal to answer in a TV interview whether the partys position was still that Labor was complicit in genocide.

In stark contrast to the official silence, Socialist Equality Party (SEP) candidates, members and supporters spoke on polling day with many workers and young people who passionately opposed Israels onslaught and its backing by the major parties. They responded enthusiastically to the SEP, the only party campaigning for an alternative perspective for the working class to stop genocide and war.

Muhomad, a retired worker originally from Lebanon, told SEP campaigners at the Punchbowl polling booth: Ive been in this country for about 35 years, and Ive seen the performance of both Liberal and Labor. They are similar, and in regards to whats happening now in the Middle East, namely in Gaza, both parties are part of the atrocities that are taking place. Theyre complicit in the genocide, this is all I can say.

Before I met you guys I didnt know who to vote for. Liberals are bad, Labor are worse. Well, youve given me some hope now.

Zahi, who is studying robotic engineering at the University of Sydney, said: The Labor Party and the Liberals have been abusive towards the working classes in Australia. They refuse to deal with the problems that confront ordinary people in Australiathe housing crisis and the cost of living, and [our opposition to] Israels genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. I refuse to support them in this election.

Labor claims to be a government that represents workers and our rights but its suppressing the voices of those who oppose the genocide. It talks about democracy and advertises freedom of speech but its all hypocritical. They tell us that we have these rights but as soon as anyone says they oppose whats happening to the Palestinians they demand you shut up and threaten you.

Zahi

Look at whats happening in America. Actors like Mark Ruffalo and many others, including well-known celebrities, have been sent hate mail by the Zionists because they oppose the genocide. Trump is now kicking out foreign students and others who oppose Israel and Australia will probably follow suit.

A genuine democratic government would focus on and reflect the voice of the people, but we dont have anything like that. Instead, Labor and the Liberals only listen to a niche group of Zionists, and the wealthy, and they only do what benefits these people. It says a lot about our societyabout so-called democracy and capitalism.

We are told all the time about the Australian dream, but its based on falsehoods. It doesnt match reality. In ancient times the Romans used to divert the population and keep control using bread and circuses. Our governments are trying to do the same sorts of things, but with circuses and no bread.

Words about freedom of speech and the positives of capitalism are like makeup on a face. Its used to hide reality but once you scrape off the makeup you see real ugliness. They talk about our future but what is it? Im still living with my parents, and I cant ever see myself getting a home and wonder if Im ever going to be valued as a young Australian by these governments.

Amira, who is studying to become a schoolteacher, said she was concerned that many of her fellow students were unaware of the history and reasons for the Gaza genocide.

I dont blame them for this, she said, its because the government and the media support Israel and cover up the truth. And when good journalists have spoken out about this theyre persecuted, which puts all of us and our rights at risk.

Amira denounced the entrapment of two Bankstown nurses in February by an Israeli provocateur in an online video chat. The young nurses were goaded into making politically reactionary comments about killing or refusing to treat Israeli patients. Sacked from their jobs, denounced by their unions, their careers effectively destroyed, they now face serious criminal charges that could carry 20-year jail terms.

What happened to the Bankstown nurses was a setup, Amira said. It is clear and yet the media fails to mention all the facts or anything about the guy that organised this. This is very unfair.

Weve been protesting for years about whats happening to the Palestinians and it hasnt changed the attitude of the Australian [Labor] government one bit. Thats why I cant vote for them in this election.

My parents are from Algeria and my grandparents fought to get the French out of Algeria and so I know a lot about what was involved in that struggle and the fight against imperialism and what is involved.

The Labor government refuses to tell the Australian people about whats really going on and at the same time keeps finding new loopholes to help Israel. They say theyre not sending weapons to Israel to use against Gaza but in reality, theyre sending different bits of military equipment that are assembled and used by Israel. And this is kept secret from the population.

In southwest Sydney, a public sector employee of Lebanese descent asked to remain anonymous, noting that numbers of her colleagues had been targeted and victimised for speaking out against the Gaza genocide.

We know that Israel is not going to accept a two-state solution. We can see the genocide that is continuing. They have broken 20 ceasefires in Lebanon, they have killed a lot of people and they want Gaza. The idea of a two-state solution to them is nil. For Israel it doesnt matter who rules on the Palestinian land, it will always be a fight, they will seek to control the whole thing.

The Arab regimes are normalising with the Zionist state. People often ask, why do the Palestinians have this militancy in them? But how can you not be when you are born into this situation? We know that they killed Arafat, and they will try to kill anyone who comes after who does not agree to just be an administrator on behalf of Israel in the West Bank.

In an earlier period, you had Arabs who were very active and who were elected to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, and they were deported or imprisoned, for speaking about equality and human rights. So I think what is needed is a very big change in the Jewish Israeli society. We know there are class divisions in that society, there is discrimination against Arab Jews, and certain European Jews. Its not a healthy society at all. But will it survive? In this environment it probably will, because it has the Americans behind it, the imperialists. It will take time, but I think eventually there will be a change. The masses need to be more proactive and they need a leadership.

The worker pointed to the broader context of the genocide. Capitalism hasnt disappeared and its unfortunately growing. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, we ended up with one party globally, and they run the world. They orchestrate wars, they destroy peoples, they destroy whole economies even. We are dealing not just with a capitalist system, it is a criminal system at the same time. Back in the 1950s and 60s, yes we witnessed political assassinations in countries in the Middle East, but it was not at this scale, so aggressive. Now Trump is doing things that we used to see in dictatorships.

Tania, a Melbourne tram driver, said: Whats going on in Gaza is absolutely horrific, theres really no two ways about it. This current episode of genocide, land theft, and ethnic cleansing in the region has been going on for 76 years now, this is nothing new to all of us who know whats been going on in the region for a prolonged period of time.

If you go back to 2014 and you look at Operation Protective Edge, carried out by the Israelis, 551 children died in that attack, and there was no October 7th to initiate that kind of violence. Its just carried out on a regular basis. Its essentially like culling the local population. Its basically what the Israelis say is an ethnic clean-out of the area. The Zionist regime is very open about its thoughts, views and opinions: it wants Gaza to be completely sterile, to be entirely Jewish.

I just think its a huge crime against humanity, and the fact that Australias government is so complicit is deeply shameful. Thats not what I want my tax dollars to go towards. I would never allow that no matter who is the victim.

Hassan, a teacher originally from Iran, said: I think that there are numerous issues herethe cost of living is very high in Calwell, housing is another problem. Considering the record of Liberal and Labor, they havent done enough for the community here.

None of the big parties of Australia are doing anything to stop the genocide. I strongly believe that there must be some bigger, more practical steps to end this conflict and to stop war. People keep being killed over there, over 60,000 deaths so far, and journalists are being killed deliberately by the Israeli regime.

The Greens claim to be progressing understanding and helping the government to do some actions to stop the war, but I think none of them have done enough so far. I think there must be another power to make this change, and I believe that your party can do that.

A revolutionary fight is preferable to stop the war. Capitalism is a kind of driving force to warto sell weapons either to the Persian Gulf countries, or to Israel, and fuel all this war in the Middle East and the chaos is getting worse and worse.

I think if the policy and ethos of your party is to end war, it can be great.

Minhou

Minhou, an accounting student, said: I think the genocide in Gaza is atrocious. With what is happening over there, we are hearing a lack of humanity from the major parties. There hasnt been a proper solution to it nearly two years into the conflict.

Labor cracking down on opposition to the genocide as antisemitic adds no value to the conversation. I know there are so many Jewish organisations, I think the Jewish Council of Australia for one, that are speaking out against the genocide of the Palestinians committed by Israel. To equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism is a very dangerous game Labor is playing.

US participation in the genocide and broader wars makes me think it goes down to US imperialism. Look at it with Vietnam in the 20th century and then the Middle East conflicts like Iraq. No one has been held responsible for what happened to Iraq. The US entered, invaded the country under the pretext of weapons of mass destruction and there were none, of course. No one has been held accountable for that.

I do think that the capitalist structure inherently is flawed. It is a system that requires constant consumerism and growth when theres only a finite amount of resources. I think its just inherently contradictory.
The WSWS is posting here both the video and text of the speech by Socialist Equality Party (US) National Secretary Joseph Kishore to the International May Day 2025 Online Rally.

May Day 2025 speech given by Joseph Kishore

This rally is being held amidst an extraordinary intensification of the world crisis of capitalism, as the ruling classes turn to fascism, dictatorship and war.

Nowhere is this development more advanced than in the United States. One hundred days into his second term, Donald Trump is seeking to transform the American presidency into an unchecked instrument of dictatorship.

Trump embodies the criminality of American capitalism, the marriage of oligarchy and cultural degradation, the personification of the political underworld that now rules from the White House.

In just the first three months of his administration, Trump has defied court orders, deployed federal agents to illegally abduct immigrant students, arrested judges, waged a war against political dissent, and declared his intention to deport US citizens to concentration camps abroad.

Scenes associated with the most brutal dictatorships now unfold daily. Immigrants deported en masse under the Alien Enemies Act, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident torn from his family and imprisoned in El Salvador by mistake. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student seized on the street by masked agents, for writing an op-ed against the Gaza genocide; Momodou Taal at Cornell forced to leave the country for challenging Trumps executive orders; and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia, arrested without a warrant and facing deportation for his political views.

A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly declared that Khalil should be removed from the country for his past, current, or expected beliefs. This is thought crime, first formulated by the Nazis and now embraced by the Trump White House.

Donald Trump speaks with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida., during a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena, Monday, November 4, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

At the same time, the Trump administration is escalating the global wars of American imperialismfrom the continuation of the genocide in Gaza, now in its final stage of ethnic cleansing, to preparations for war against Iran, China and beyond. Trumps trade war launched under the banner of Made in America is the economic front of a much larger campaign for world domination.

We are witnessing the violent realignment of the capitalist state to correspond to the oligarchic character of American society. Under the direction of Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is carrying out the mass firing of federal workers and the dismantling of entire agencies. Social programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, are being slashed. Science and public health are under relentless attack.

Last year, the 19 richest households in the US increased their wealth by $1 trillion. Thats enough to give every worker in America a $7,000 raise. It could double the budget for public education. It could end homelessness overnight. Instead, this vast wealth is being funneled into war, deportation camps, the stock market and the pockets of the rich.

A new way forward is necessary. The fight against Trump can only be waged in opposition to the Democratic Party, which has enabled Trump every step of the way. The Biden administration and its right-wing agenda of war and reaction paved the way for Trumps re-election. Its principal focus was the escalation of war against Russia in Ukraine, while at home it presided over historic levels of inequality.

It was Biden who armed and financed the Israeli regimes genocide in Gaza and the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. It was Biden who began the mass repression of student protesters opposing the genocide. And it is the Democrats who have responded to Trumps assault on the Constitution not with resistance, but with collaborationwelcoming Trump into the White House after his inauguration, pledging cooperation and ensuring the uninterrupted funding for his regime.

As for figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, they talk of oligarchy, but not of capitalism. Their program consists of calls for campaign finance reform, as if the ruling class, turning to dictatorship, can be restrained by tinkering around the edges of a bankrupt social and economic system. Above all, they want to convince workers and young people to keep faith in the Democratic Party.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, left, speaks as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, looks on during a stop of their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour March 21, 2025, in Denver. [AP Photo/David Zalubowski]

It is impossible to fight oligarchy without breaking its power. And that means the expropriation of the billionairesthe seizure of their wealth and the socialist reorganization of society in the interests of the working class. What is required is not moral appeals or political maneuvers within the state apparatus, but the mobilization of the working class in mass, revolutionary struggle.

And that struggle must be based on internationalism. Workers in the United States are part of the international working class, the most powerful social force on the planet. All over the world, the same conditions exist: mass poverty, war, dictatorship. And in every country, the ruling classes are trying to drag workers into conflict with one another.

In the United States, this poisonous nationalism is being promoted by the trade union bureaucracy. This includes those who present themselves and are presented as reformers, like UAW President Shawn Fain, Bidens most ardent cheerleader who is now openly backing Trumps tariffs and preparing to dragoon workers behind the war machine.

Exactly two weeks ago we marked the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, which inaugurated the American Revolution and the struggle against the British monarchy. We also commemorated the 160th anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who led the Second American Revolution and carried through the abolition of slavery through the expropriation of the slaveholders.

The Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775. Oil on canvas by William Barns Wollen (1857-1936), 1910.

The great task of our time is to carry out the Third American Revolutionthe socialist revolution, as part of a world revolutionto overthrow the dictatorship of the financial oligarchy, abolish capitalism and establish a workers government based on social equality and democratic control of economic life.

To carry this forward, the working class needs its own party, armed with a program, a strategy and the lessons of history. That party is the Socialist Equality Party, which is part of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement.

Join the Socialist Equality Party! Take up the fight for socialism, for equality, and for the future.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, is visiting Egypt on 56 May for high-level meetings with government officials and private sector leaders, aiming to deepen cooperation and boost sustainable economic development, Trend reports.

During her visit, Renaud-Basso will hold talks with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania al-Mashatwho also serves as an EBRD Governorand Minister of Investment and International Trade Hassan al-Khatib. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing investment, supporting green initiatives, and promoting private-sector growth.

Egypt is one of the EBRDs largest and most strategic countries of operation, said Renaud-Basso ahead of her visit. We are fully committed to supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, unlocking the vast potential of Egypts green economy and creating opportunities through private-sector development, investment in critical infrastructure and job creation.

Since it began operations in Egypt in 2012, the EBRD has invested over 13.8 billion euros across 201 projects, placing a strong emphasis on private-sector development. The Bank has also provided technical assistance to more than 750 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
Kazakhstan, Vietnam join forces to explore untapped oil and gas potential

Kazakhstan and Vietnam have agreed to enhance cooperation in oil and gas exploration and services, as outlined in a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership. Both nations aim to explore opportunities for collaboration in the energy sector, including clean and renewable energy. The agreement was finalized during the working visit of Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary, To Lam, to Kazakhstan, where key documents were signed. On May 7, To Lam will also attend a military parade in Astana to mark the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, has met with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, Trend reports.

According to the Chilean MFA, during the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects for bilateral relations, the overall situation in the South Caucasus, green energy, and cooperation in this area, as well as the Middle Corridor, and the importance of the Zangezur Corridor.

With regard to trade relations, they remain moderate but continue to grow steadily. Both countries see promising opportunities to expand exchanges, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, the first Political Consultations between Chile and Azerbaijan took place in 2018 in Santiago, led by Acting Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Patricio Torres on the Chilean side and Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Khalaf Khalafov on the Azerbaijani side.
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Spring is in the air, and Democrats are rummaging through the political closet and trying on different looks. When just a little more than a quarter of registered voters have positive views about you, a makeover sounds appealing. But manufactured cool is cringe  and gimmicks won't save a party that's forgotten how to be real.

Rebranding advice is plentiful, if conflicting. James Carville thinks Democrats should just get out of the way and let Trump self-destruct (a strategy that might work for the midterms, but eventually a party has to stand for something). Meanwhile, David Hogg, the new vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, wants to spend millions purging the party's incumbent geriatrics  a bold move that could sabotage a promising election night.

At least Hogg (who wants to replace the domesticated oldsters with more combative young progressives) is tapping into the zeitgeist. His scheme channels the inevitable "appeal to the youth" phase of an identity crisis  for the same reasons divorced dads buy convertibles. Americans, in general, tend to prioritize style over substance, especially when we're spiraling.

The latest fad  which overlaps with some of Hogg's goals  is the "dark woke" aesthetic (a fancy term for progressive politics dressed up in an edgy, confrontational style). The problem? Anyone who remembers that cringe TikTok video Dems put out back in March is aware that nothing screams "desperation" like an over-the-top attempt at relevance.

Because yes, the Democratic brand is cooked. Worse: It's lame. People used to think the party was cool (or at least cool-adjacent). They had Barack Obama, George Clooney and a monopoly on cultural capital. Now they have the burden of being the "adult" party (and not the naughty kind). Adults pay taxes and send follow-up emails.

Democrats, amazingly, have become the hall monitors of American politics. And what do they have to show for taking on this responsibility?

Meanwhile, the GOP  formerly the domain of Dockers dads, pious prudes and Young Republicans  pulled off the unthinkable. They became the chaos agents. The punk rockers. The party of middle fingers. The reversal has been astonishing.

It's no surprise that Democrats want to reclaim this low ground. They didn't get into politics to be the spreadsheet managers of the republic. They wanted to wear sunglasses indoors and quote Aaron Sorkin dialogue in real life. They imagined themselves as the effortlessly cool John F. Kennedy, with that tousled movie-star hair, poolside tanned skin and those classic Ray-Bans that always made him look like he just walked out of a GQ shoot.

The problem? Cool doesn't work when it's forced. Ask any middle schooler (I've got two). When today's Democrats lean too far into their edgy side, it doesn't look like an organic vibe shift  it looks like panic in skinny jeans. "We're raw now! We clap back! We vibe with Gen Z!" Yeah, sure. Right after the PAC luncheon and before the panel discussion on infrastructure reform.

Which brings us back to Hogg and his crusade to boot the boomers. In theory, replacing career politicians with meme-fluent progressives sounds refreshing. In practice, dumping millions of dollars to primary your own team is a) unlikely to actually happen and b) colossally stupid.

Let me be clear: Democrats should resist the temptation to attack their own incumbents and avoid cheap gimmicks overtly designed to be perceived as young or cool.

So what should Democrats do?

First, recognize that the top of the ticket is everything, and that choice won't be made until 2028. The next Democratic presidential nominee will define the party's brand. In the meantime, no one knows or cares if the assistant deputy whip is chic or if the ranking Democratic representative on the Armed Services Committee has a great social media presence.

What is more, while parties can try to select a certain type of standard bearer, the track record ain't great. If the GOP establishment had their way in 2016, we'd have seen a ticket pairing a 45-year-old Cuban American male with a 44-year-old Indian American female. But there's a reason you never saw any "Rubio/Haley" bumper stickers. GOP primary voters had other ideas about that "brand" identity, and  putting aside the chaos and authoritarianism  it sort of worked (at least, electorally).

Second  something you can control  prioritize doing your job and helping everyday people. Demonstrate authenticity and passion.

Talk like you mean it. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., does that. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., does too. Not because they're trying to be cool  but because they aren't. They show up, say what they believe, and don't fake it.

Do stuff that matters. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., just provided an example of that. Not exactly the hippest guy in the room  but he recently flew to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongfully deported under Trump and detained in a Salvadoran prison.

Van Hollen didn't just show up for the cameras. He showed up because it mattered (for Garcia and for anyone who cares about due process and the rule of law). And honestly? That's kind of cool.

Because when chips are down, authenticity, passion and substance are the only things that really matter. Get those right, and people might think: "Huh. They're not trying to be cool. Maybe that means they are."

And if not? At least you're not the guy rapping about climate change through a TikTok filter.

Matt K. Lewis is the author of "Filthy Rich Politicians" and "Too Dumb to Fail."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. Turkmenistan imported non-oil products worth $12.4 million from Azerbaijan from January through March 2025.

Data obtained by Trend from the State Customs Committee indicates that this represents a decrease of $4.4 million, or 26.3 percent, compared to the same period in 2024.

Non-oil exports to Turkmenistan accounted for 1.61 percent of Azerbaijan's total exports in the reporting period, making Turkmenistan the 10th-largest destination for Azerbaijan's non-oil products.

The total trade volume between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $77.7 million, marking a decline of 19.8 percent, or $19.2 million, compared to the same period last year. In terms of total trade turnover, Turkmenistan represented 0.64 percent of Azerbaijan's overall trade volume.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijans exports to Turkmenistan during this period totaled $13.1 million, a drop of 22.9 percent compared to the same months in 2024.

Azerbaijan's imports from Turkmenistan totaled $64.6 million in the same period, showing a decrease of 19.2 percent or $15.3 million year-on-year.

Azerbaijans overall foreign trade turnover for the first quarter of 2025 grew by 24.3 percent, reaching $12 billion. Exports increased by 6.7 percent, or $401.75 million, totaling $6.4 billion, while imports surged by 52.6 percent, or $1.9 billion, amounting to $5.7 billion.

Moreover, Azerbaijan recorded a positive foreign trade balance of $722.9 million during the same period, falling by 3.1 times, or $1.5 billion, compared to the same period last year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with Eddy Pirard, CEO of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) company of Switzerland, Trend reports via the minister's X publication.

Jabbarov said that the meeting discussed the companys operations in Azerbaijan, the legislative framework governing tobacco product manufacturing and the application of excise duties, as well as potential opportunities for the company to participate in social investment projects in the country.

JTI is the international tobacco division of Japan Tobacco (Global Fortune 500), one of the three largest international Big Tobacco product manufacturers. The holding company is JT International SA and headquartered in Tokyo, Geneva, and Raleigh, North Carolina. It sells its brands in 120 countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Brian Austin Green shared that he and ex Vanessa Marcil didnt have a loving, caring relationship."

The actor said meeting Megan Fox was a breath of fresh air after coming out of what felt like Vietnam to me, referring to his time with Marcil.

The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' also addressed claims that he "groomed" Fox after the two began dating when she was 18 and he was 31.

Brian Austin Green is diving deep into his relationship history  and why his romance with ex Vanessa Marcil didn't end up working out.

During the May 5 episode of his Oldish podcast with fiancee Sharna Burgess and Randy Spelling, the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, 51, shared how his mother's tendency of "smothering him" affected his romantic relationships as an adult.

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"If I'm looking for a woman, I want the complete opposite of that," he explained. "I had some major missteps because of that. I mean, the relationship that I had with Vanessa was very toxic in that way. Like, it wasn't a loving, caring relationship."

Though he recognizes how much his mother "loved me," Green noted that his mother's love was given to him at "a fault."

Related: Inside Brian Austin Green and Ex Vanessa Marcil's Complicated History as She Supports Megan Fox

Araya Diaz/Getty; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic (L) Vanessa Marcil and Brian Austin Green

"Just everything was about me," he said. "And then with Vanessa, it was not that at all, but it was masked in. This is a relationship where that absolutely exists. So you start thinking like, 'Oh, it's just kind of a new version. Like, oh, she loves me, but this is her way of loving me.'"

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At first, Green claimed that he believed Mercil was "trying to help me and fix me and get me through things," but "after two years or so, you're kinda looking at yourself in the mirror and you're like, 'Who am I at this point?'"

Eventually, he couldn't recognize himself. Green claimed that his relationships with everyone in his life had changed.

"So that relationship ended up not working out. Then Megan [Fox], she was a breath of fresh air, coming out of what felt like Vietnam to me," he said of the beginning of his relationship with his ex- wife.

Related: Megan Fox's Dating History: From Brian Austin Green to Machine Gun Kelly

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PEOPLE has reached out to Marcil's reps for comment.

Green and Marcil first started dating in the late 1990s after meeting on the set of Beverly Hills, 90210, and got engaged in the summer of 2001. They welcomed son Kassius on March 30, 2002, though they split not long after, in 2003.

The next year, Green met Fox while filming ABC's Hope & Faith, at the time, he was 31 when she was 18 years old. They began dating shortly after and later got married in 2010, eventually welcoming three children: sons Noah Shannon, Bodhi Ransom and Journey River.

Elsewhere in the podcast episode, Green also addressed claims that he "groomed" Fox early in their relationship because of their near 13-year age gap. Before explaining how the two met, the actor revealed that Fox was the on who "courted" him and spend lots of time trying to convince him she was "mature enough" to be in a relationship.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Megan Fox (L) and Brian Austin Green

Related: Brian Austin Green Recalls Getting to a Point in Marriage to Megan Fox That 'Everything Annoyed Her'

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"When I met her, she was not even 18 yet. So it was just like, this isn't even a conversation to have," he recalled. "She was really, really persistent. She had turned 18. She decided they'd finished doing Hope and Faith, so she moved back to Los Angeles. And she would not take no for an answer."

Green added that Fox's insistence is a part of "who she is," revealing how there's "not stopping her" once she gets her mind on something. At one point, he shared that Fox was at her wits end and "seemed like she had given up" on trying to pursue him.

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.

"Like now, looking back on it, I think it was part of the tactic because she's so incredibly smart," he joked. "But she got to a place where she was like, 'Okay, well, I'm just gonna like move on then, and I'm gonna start dating other people.' And I was like, 'Woah.'"

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Green recalled, "So that was when I was like, 'Oh no, okay, let's just kinda see what this is.' And we got along great. Like, it was really, again, it was a breath of fresh air for me."



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Drive My Cars Oscar-winning director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is set to make his next film, All of a Sudden, in Paris with a glamorous female duo led by Virginie Efira (Benedetta) and Tao Okamoto (The Wolverine).

Hamaguchi, who is currently in Paris preparing for the movie, penned the script with Lea Le Dimna, loosely inspired by a collection of real-life exchanged letters published in the book You and I  The Illness Suddenly Get Worse, by Makiko Miyano and Maho Isono.

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All of a Sudden is produced by David Gauquie, Julien Deris, Jean-Luc Ormieres, Renan Artukmac at Paris-based Cinefrance Studios; Hiroko Matsuda, Kosuke Oshida, Yuji Sadai at Japans Office Shirous & Bitters End; Bettina Brokemper at Germanys Heimat Film; and Joseph Rouschop at Belgiums Tarantula. Diaphana, who handled Hamaguchis last three movies, will release All of a Sudden in France, while Bitters End will distribute it in Japan.

Cinefrance International is handling world sales outside of Asia which is represented by Bitters End. The two companies will unveil the project to buyers at the Cannes Film Market.

Hamaguchi broke through the international scene in a major way in 2022, after garnering four Oscar nominations for Drive My Car, including best director and adapted screenplay, as well as Japans first ever for best picture, and won for best international feature. Since then, he directed Evil Does Not Exist which premiered at Venice and won the Silver Lion and the Fipresci prize, and the experimental silent piece Gift.

After Drive My Car, I received various offers and this was the only one that caught my attention at that time because I was so deeply moved by the correspondence between these two women, said Hamaguchi during an interview, alongside Gauquie, Ormieres and Artukmac, at the offices of Cinefrance in Paris.

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In the book You and I  The Illness Suddenly Get Worse, which was brought to Hamaguchi by Matsuda from Office Shirous, a philosopher and an anthropologist are exchanging letters discussing their thoughts on chance and risk, and their relationship develops into something more personal when the philosophers health suddenly deteriorates.

Death becomes a subject they discuss and exchange a lot about, and gradually, it becomes an encounter between two souls, says Hamaguchi, who ultimately decided to transpose the story in France, and turn the epistolary relationship into a real one between two women, a Japanese theater director and French director of a nursing home.

The film will shoot mainly in Paris. Id like to show a Paris thats a little different from the cliches we might have about the city, says Hamaguchi. Im starting to discover some places that arent touristy. So I think that will give a slightly different view of Paris than usual, he continued.

All of the Sudden will mark Hamaguchis first collaboration with Gauquie at Cinefrance, whom he met in 2022 during one of his trips to Japan once the country had reopened its borders after the pandemic.

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I had been eager to meet (Hamaguchi) for some time because I love his work so we sat at a cafe in Shibuya and instead of discussing a specific project, we talked about French cinema in general, Gauquie says. The producer said he noticed Hamaguchi was French cinema buff and expressed (their) clear intention to produce (his) next feature.

French cinema has always been an important inspiration for me but also for many other Japanese people and Japanese filmmakers. Chabrol, of course, but to a larger extent the Nouvelle Vague, says Hamaguchi, who also cited Rohmer, Rivette, Godard, Truffaut, obviously, and even before them Gremillon, Becker, Renoir and Bresson. Hes currently trying desperately to learn French, he says, adding that much of my vision as a filmmaker is also based on French cinema.

Hamaguchi and Gauquie were also connected through Kiyoshi Kurosawa who made his 2024 thriller Serpents Path with Cinefrance. Knowing that David (Gauquie) had worked with Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who is one of my teachers, it was as if the stars were aligned for us to work on this project together, says Hamaguchi.

When they started developing the project, Hamaguchi explains that they thought about what could create this bridge between France and Japan, and came up with a treatment approach called humanitude. Its French method that was imported in Japan and is now practiced in several venues there, and puts the human dimension at the heart of the treatment care, for the integrity of each human being. The concept of humanitude is applied to other fields, including the film world.

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Speaking of the cast, Hamaguchi says hes known Virginie Efira mainly through the films she made with Paul Verhoeven, particularly Benedetta.' When I found out I was going to be able to work with her, I was really eager and happy, he continued.

As for Okamoto, he saw her in James Mangolds Wolverine and noted she also started a career in Japan. They are both really talented actresses, pointed out Hamaguchi.

For the last two years, the Japanese filmmaker has been traveling to France to develop his project and even hosted a workshop with French actors to see how they work. Its an approach Ive never seen before, but I found it very interesting, Gauquie said.

The film is co-production between France, Belgium, Germany and Japan. Ryusuke (Hamaguchi) is a very unique filmmaker who is extremely skilled at writing dialogues, said Sadai at Japans Office Shirous & Bitters End. His scripts and mise en scene make him stand out of all other directors in Japan, Sadai continued.

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Jemimah Wei's Original Daughter Is GMA's May Book Club Pick  Here's How It Came to Be (Exclusive)

Jemimah Wei exclusively speaks to PEOPLE about the inspiration for her debut novel The Original Daughter, which is a GMA Book Club Pick

The book arrives on May 6 and centers on the relationship between sisters Arin and Genevieve; however, there is a personal element to the project

Wei will appear on Good Morning America to promote the novel on Saturday, May 10

Jemimah Wei's debut novel The Original Daughter is now a GMA Book Club Pick  and PEOPLE has an exclusive tidbit on how it came to be.

The book, out May 6 from Doubleday, follows sisters Arin and Genevieve growing up and growing closer in working-class Singapore where achievement is tantamount, no matter what it takes.

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"Knowing that failure is not an option, the sisters learn to depend entirely on one another as they spurn outside friendships, leisure and any semblance of a social life in pursuit of academic perfection and passage to a better future," the official description teases.

Doubleday 'The Original Daughter' by Jemimah Wei 'The Original Daughter' by Jemimah Wei

But in the wake of a devastating betrayal, the sisters become estranged. Genevieve must weigh "the value of ambition versus familial love, home versus the outside world, and allegiance to herself versus allegiance to the people who made her who she is."

Related: Lilac People Explores LGBTQ+ and Trans Discrimination During WWII  Read an Excerpt (Exclusive)

Wei came to the United States from Singapore in 2019, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she had to return to the country. The book, as she explains in the below video shared exclusively with PEOPLE, therefore charts not only the Yang sisters' evolution, but Wei's own as a writer.

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When I look at this book, I can see two versions of myself collaborating," Wei explains, adding that she felt a "sense of intense claustrophobia and desperation that wasnt just geographical" while writing it. That sense can be attributed in part to the impact the global pandemic had on her as a writer and the story as a whole.

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Related: She Thought Her Long-Lost Mom Was Dead and Wrote a Novel to Say Goodbye.' Then Her Phone Rang (Exclusive)

Looking back at the book's genesis as it hits shelves, "I see a map of myself changing as a writer," she says.

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.

Though this is Wei's first book, she's collected more than her share of literary accolades. Wei is currently a 2022-2024 Stegner Fellow at Stanford University and has been recognized with awards and fellowships from Columbia University, the Sewanee Writers Conference, the Bread Loaf Writers Conference, Singapores National Arts Council, and more. She was also recently named one of Narratives 30 below 30 writers.

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The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei is on sale now, wherever books are sold, and Jemimah Wei will appear live in studio on Good Morning America on Saturday, May 10.

Read the original article on People
All-inclusive resorts have been drawing vacationers to unwind in paradise in the Caribbean since the 1960s, and today their appeal is stronger than ever as travelers prioritize both value and worry-free luxury.

Long sought-after by couples seeking luxurious beach getaways, Jamaica is home to some of the top all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, including some renowned options designed for the whole family.

Related: How cruisers can stay safe in cruise ports with travel advisories

But unfortunately for many families who travel to the vibrant island to make memories together on its white-sand shores, one of Jamaicas most beloved all-inclusive resorts for families is now set to close.

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Interestingly, the resort hasnt always been a family-friendly establishment. In the 1960s, it was one of Hugh Hefners Playboy Club hotels, but was later reimagined as one of the first family-focused all-inclusive resorts.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

Now, the property is on the verge of yet another transformation.

Beaches Resorts is expanding in Turks and Caicos and other destinations, despite closing in Ocho Rios. Image source: Beaches Resorts

Beaches Ocho Rios to close its doors May 31

For more than 20 years, Sandals Resorts has operated the popular Ocho Rios resort under its family-focused Beaches brand, but the property owner has decided that its time for the storied retreat to begin a new chapter.

For years, Beaches Ocho Rios has been a place where families laughed together, where the littlest guests took their first steps in soft sand, and where kids, parents, and grandparents came together to make incredible memories. It has been an honor to be part of your stories, and we know this place will always hold a special spot in your hearts  just as it does in ours, Beaches wrote in a closing announcement posted to the resorts website.

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Beaches Ocho Rios is not owned by Sandals, unlike the Caribbean-based companys 17 adults-only Sandals resorts and two other family-focused Beaches resorts.

Unlike the others in our portfolio, Beaches Ocho Rios is owned by a third party and the resorts owners are planning a major renovation, the company explained.

More on luxury travel:

Beaches Ocho Rios will close on May 31 and is no longer accepting new reservations for guests at this time.

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However, for those with upcoming reservations at Beaches Ocho Rios, rest assured weve got you covered. Our team will be in touch with exclusive options to ensure your next Beaches vacation is just as amazing as youve always dreamed, the company promised.



Beaches brand expanding in other parts of the Caribbean

Despite the end of the Beaches Ocho Rios era, the family all-inclusive vacation brand is focused on growth. The company recently announced plans to double its footprint within the next five years, with new resorts in development in other parts of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

With a one-billion-dollar investment in luxury family travel across the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts is growing, giving you more places to make unforgettable memories, the company explained in the Beaches Ocho Rios closing announcement.

New Beaches resort destinations in development include:

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Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos  a brand-new village of the family all-inclusive resort, opening in spring 2026

Beaches Runaway Bay on Jamaicas North Coast

Beaches Barbados  Beaches debut property on the island of Barbados, set to break ground in late 2025

Beaches Exuma in The Bahamas  the brands first Bahamas resort will be developed on 500 acres in the Out Islands

Related: Falloff in US travel is sending luxury tourists to this Canadian city

Additionally, Beaches recently expanded its flagship Jamaica resort, Beaches Negril.

Along with its all-inclusive luxury and pristine Caribbean destinations, Beaches is known for its signature family-friendly inclusions like Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street, kids camps and water parks.
Ask Palm Beach restaurateurs and chefs why they chose their careers and there is a common refrain: Mom.

If not Mom, perhaps Grandma, who might have been called Grand-mere or Nonna, depending on their heritage.

The importance of these women, who hail from the United States and overseas, resonates as Mothers Day approaches.

Here's how Palm Beach chefs and restaurateurs describe the importance of their mothers in their lives.

David Thall

Director of food and beverage

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The Breakers restaurants

I was raised in a family immersed in Italian culture, where weekends meant gathering to eat, drink, laugh and connect, Thall told the Daily News. My mother was the consummate host, greeting guests with a hug, kiss and the customary question, What can I get you to drink?

Our home was always full, especially on Sundays, with family, friends, homemade dishes and savory aromas.

David Thall, director of food and beverage for The Breakers, was raised in a family immersed in Italian culture. He says his mother greeted guests with a hug and a kiss, always asking what they wanted to drink.

Thats why a Sunday pasta special at The Breakers Henrys restaurant, one of several of the resorts eateries, is one of Thalls personal favorites. (Though The Breakers hotel is at 1 S. County Road, Henrys is located at 229 Royal Poinciana Way).

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The Sunday baked pasta at Henrys brings me right back to cherished dinners (with Mom). This multilayered Italian specialty is prepared with ring-shaped calamarata pasta, which serves as the foundation for the flavorful tomato-based Sunday sauce that is combined with savory meatballs, sausage and pork, and topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheesesEach bite brings back so many comforting memories for me.

For Thall, the Sunday baked pasta at Henrys recalls cherished dinners with his mom.

Kent Thurston

Executive chef

Cucina, 257 Royal Poinciana Way

The cuisine at Thurstons Cucina is mostly Italian, although you will find a few dishes  from Ahi tuna tacos to a popular burger  that stem from other influences besides Italy.

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But there are no German dishes. Still Bavarian regional cuisine is meaningful to Thurston. Why? Mom.

My mother is German and was always preparing famous Bavarian regional dishes: sauerbraten, pork chops and sausages braised in sauerkraut, schnitzels, spaetzle

Its the kind of home-cooking thats actually very similar to the comfort foods we have here in the United States and to comfort foods in other countries, Thurston said.

It was special to get to experience my mom Sues cooking (while growing up) and it definitely inspired me to get in the kitchen. Her food is, of course, my favorite thing to have on any special occasion. Moms cooking can be replicated, but never duplicated.

Cucina mostly serves Italian food, but Executive Chef Ken Thurston says its Chicken Sorrentino reminds him of his German mom.

A dish at Cucina that reminds Thurston of his mom? Chicken Sorrentino, which features prosciutto, Italian cheeses and marinara.

Sean Brasel

Executive chef

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Meat Market, 191 Bradley Place

If youve ever wondered why Meat Market makes a point of sourcing only the finest black caviar and preparing it with freshly made buttered blinis and just a hint of raw onion and sour cream, the answer may lie here: executive chef Sean Brasels grandmother.

Meat Market Executive Chef Sean Brasel takes pride in sourcing "only the finest black caviar" because of his grandmother, who often made trout with caviar, a tradition of her family in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

For him, a dish she made that featured caviar is unforgettable: trout with caviar, which she first learned how to make from her family in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

She passed down the tradition to Chef Brasel.

I loved my Eastern European grandmother's freshly made trout with sturgeon caviar we used to get from the streams and lakes, Brasel told the Daily News. Even when he eats caviar today, its the ultimate memory trigger for me.

Caviar service at Meat Market.

Gianni Minervini

Co-owner, Trevini

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223 Sunset Ave.

Trevini co-founder Gianni Minervini grew to love cooking by watching his mother cook and trying to define the spices she used that created wonderful aromas.

My love of cooking started at a young age, Minervini told the Daily News of his childhood in Bari, Italy. Seeing my mother cooking and smelling all those recipes always took my interest to try to define what spices where in the pot that created that wonderful aroma.

One of the recipes I still love is a Bari traditional dish called `riso patate e cozze (a layered dish of rice-stuffed mussels surrounded by potato, often baked in a clay pot). Its wonderful, Minervini said.

A dish of risotto with mussels, onions and a touch of garlic and cherry tomatoes at Trevini is inspired by a traditional dish of rice-stuffed mussels surrounded by potato that co-owner Gianni Minervini recalls from his native Bari, Italy.

At Trevini, I changed the dish into a risotto with mussels, onions and a touch of garlic and cherry tomatoes. The dish is accented by Peruvian potato and parmesan.

Benoit Delos

Executive chef

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Cafe LEurope, 331 S. County Road

Growing up in the Gascony region of southwestern France, springtime always meant his family cooked lamb.

I remember how my family always bought a whole lamb in spring, when its still a little cool in France at this time (of year) and we cooked the lamb in the (outdoor) fireplace and would turn the skewer as it cooked. What a nice memory.

When Cafe L'Europe Executive Chef Benoit Delos and fellow executive chef Alain Krauss make herbed and garlicked lamb, the process and aromas take Delos back to his roots in the Gascony region of France.

We cooked it with a lot of herbs and garlic. Delicious.

When Delos and fellow executive chef Alain Krauss make herbed and garlicked lamb as a special for holidays at Cafe LEurope, the process and aromas have a tendency to send Delos thoughts to Gascony.

Nicolas Lebas

Executive chef

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The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

As a child, Lebas northern Italian moms meals always felt like a celebration bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

Nicolas Lebas, executive chef at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, is inspired by the cooking of his northern Italian mother, and by visiting in Italy with his grandparents, where shopping was a lesson in choosing simple and seasonal ingredients.

That ignited his passion for cooking when he was young. So did his visiting in Italy with his grandparents, shopping in local markets in Italy where the air was thick with the scent of fresh herbs, ripe produce and artisanal cheeses, Lebas recalled. Each visit was a lesson in seasonality, simplicity and the soul of the farm-to-table philosophy  a connection to the land that nourished both our bodies and traditions.

To this day, I taste my familys legacy in every bite I create  their love, unity, and creativity. That spirit continues to inspire me in the kitchen, driving me to honor the traditions of my past while sharing them with others in hopes that they, too, might find connection and joy through food."

Daniel Smith

General manager

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PB Catch, 251 Sunrise Ave.

I grew up with a Cordon Bleu (trained) grandmother that not only taught me what makes a great cook, but also encouraged me to help out in the process, Smith told the Daily News.

After relishing helping his grandmother with cooking, Smith later learned in his college days that food quality isnt universal, nor is everyone as good as my Nana.

PB Catch General Manager Daniel Smith draws on the lessons of his Cordon Blue-trained grandmother, who taught him about the essence of a great cook and how to help in the kitchen.

He switched majors  from mechanical engineering to business and hospitality  and after working at Palm Beachs Cafe LEurope for years, he knew hed chosen the correct path.

Here we are now, almost 40 years after that beginning, with 13 years of PB Catch," Smith said. "Im so glad that our chef Kevin Sawyer shares my love and passion that translates into an awesome food experience.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach restaurateurs, chefs inspired by mothers cooking
Most travelers don't consider Vietnam a hiking destination, but take it from someone who lives there: The country has plenty of great treks if you know where to look. In the north, the Hoang Lien Mountains are the tapering, tail-end of the Himalaya; in the south, the Da Lat Plateau rises sharply from sea level to over 2,000m, and the underexplored Annamites line Vietnam's spine.

We look at four accessible hikes for those looking to escape Saigon's eight million scooters.

A map showing the location of the four hikes. From top to bottom: Fansipan, Son Doong, Bi Doup, Nui Chua. Photo: Google Maps

Fansipan Mountain

Let's start with the roof of Vietnam, 3,147m Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in the Hoang Lien Mountains. These run along Vietnam's rugged northern border with China. The summit has been extensively developed, with walkways and two pagodas at the top of an (admittedly beautiful) cable car ride that leaves from near the local town of Sapa. However, for those who'd like to summit on foot, this is a hard, no-frills two or three-day hike through dense jungle.

The government has extensively developed Fansipan's summit. Photo: Martin Walsh

Different routes

The most direct route begins in the stepped rice paddies just outside Sapa. From the ethnic H'Mong village of Sin Chai at approximately 1,260m, the trail quickly disappears into the forest in Hoang Lien National Park. Though this is the shortest way to the summit (the ascent can be completed in a day), the trail is unclear, and it is easy to get lost. Instead, most independent hikers and guided groups do the Tram Tom Pass Trail.

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The summit can be reached in a day on the Tram Ton Pass route too, depending on the weather and your fitness. However, there are two camping areas en route for those who would prefer to take their time. The first is at roughly 2,200m, and the other is fairly near the summit, at 2,800m. The trail starts in dense forest before climbing to exposed, undulating ridgelines. The final section to the summit is very steep.

Ridgelines high on Fansipan Mountain. Photo: Martin Walsh

The longest route starts at Cat Cat Village and runs approximately 20km. This trail has the most altitude gain at around 1,900m, and it takes three or four days if you also descend on foot.

Nui Chua (God Mountain)

Perhaps the least-known hike on this list, Nui Chua Mountain is not very high, only 1,039m. Situated on Vietnam's south-central coast in Ninh Thuan, the hike still requires almost 1,000m of elevation gain. This region is extremely dry, and the heat makes what should be an easy two-day hike more challenging.

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Inside a national park, a guide is required for the hike to Nui Chua's summit. Most of the guides are Raglai -- one of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam -- and speak a different language from the majority Kinh. Part of this hike's appeal is the guides' knowledge of the forest here. They will stop to pick fruits you've never heard of and collect herbs that grow only at specific elevations to cook with dinner. Both times I've done this hike, the evening meal has been incredible, with chickens roasted over an open fire and the guides producing homemade rice wine. The campsite sits in a grassy clearing created by bombing during the American War. (The Western world tends to call it the Vietnam War, but the Vietnamese, understandably, do not.)

Raglai guides and porters cooking chicken. Photo: Martin Walsh

The next morning, you climb to the summit, passing through chunks of primary mixed forest interspersed with swaying grasslands. Then it's a unrelenting descent back down to a Rag Lai village on the edge of the park.

This national park is rarely visited by tourists, so knowing some Vietnamese or traveling with a Viet would make organizing this hike much, much easier.

Nui Chua summit. Photo: Martin Walsh

Bi Doup Mountain

At the southern end of Vietnam's Central Highlands, Bi Doup Nui Ba National Park is an enormous sweep of forest and mountains just north of the city of Da Lat. There are plenty of good hikes possible in Bi Doup Nui Ba, including to 2,287m Bi Doup Mountain, the highest point in southern Vietnam.

Bi Doup Nui Ba. Photo: Martin Walsh

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The trail starts from a forest ranger station near Da Chais, about 40km from Da Lat. It's a relatively easy two-day hike covering around 26km, first through pine forest and then through mixed broadleaf forest as you get deeper into the park. Getting to Bi Doup's summit requires some scrambling for the steep final ascent. The overnight campsite is at 2,000m.

The area around the mountain is particularly good for several rare bird species endemic to the Da Lat Plateau, such as collared laughingthrushes, white-cheeked laughingthrushes, and Vietnamese cutia.

An endemic white-cheeked laughingthrush. Photo: Martin Walsh

After the peak, most hikers head out through coffee plantations to emerge back in Da Chais near the village of K'long K'lanh.

Son Doong and Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Discovered in 1990 and first surveyed in 2009, Son Doong is the largest cave in the world by volume (38.5 million cubic meters). It's an expedition to get there, requiring a huge team of porters and guides, and only one company is currently allowed to take tourists: Oxalis Adventure. As a result, it's extremely hard to get a place on an expedition (only 1,000 places are available per year, and they book up far in advance) and expensive for Vietnam ($3,000). But for those with the money -- and who are prepared to wait -- it's one of the world's best adventure treks.

Hang En cave is part of the expedition to Son Doong. Photo: Shutterstock

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The expedition begins from Phong Nha in central Vietnam and takes four days through the jungle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Hikers cover 25km (with 8km inside caves), and the trip requires some basic climbing and rappelling with safety equipment, including climbing a massive rock wall inside Son Doong, nicknamed The Great Wall of Vietnam.

Along with the great wall and an underground river, collapsed ceilings have created unique jungle ecosystems inside the cave, inspiring the first cavers to name the area "Watch out for Dinosaurs."

If your budget doesn't stretch to Son Doong, there are over 400 more caves to explore in Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A Russian drone attack on Odesa Oblast on May 5 killed one and caused damage to local infrastructure, regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported.

Russia regularly strikes civilian infrastructure with missile and drone attacks as it wages its war against Ukraine. Russia attacked border villages in Sumy Oblast on May 5, killing three residents and injuring seven others.

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Several houses were damaged in Odesa Oblast as a result of the attack, Kiper said in a post to Telegram.

"The body of a deceased person was found in one of the houses. Additional information about the victims is being verified," Kiper said.

Several fires broke out in the aftermath of Russia's drone attack, and emergency services worked to extinguish the fires, Kiper reported.

On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a so-called "humanitarian" truce to take place beginning on May 8 in Russia's war against Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Putin's proposal for a short-lived truce and pointed to Russia's strikes on civilian targets as proof that Russia does not want to end its war against Ukraine.

"We value human lives, not parades. Thats why we believe  and the world believes  that there is no reason to wait until May 8," Zelensky said.

Ukraine has insisted on a full 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Russia has refused.

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.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Officials say a person was sent to the hospital after a reported hit and run in Lackawanna County on Monday.

The Lackawanna County Communications Center told 28/22 News the Scranton Police Department was called shortly after 4:00 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Birney Avenue and Davis Street for a reported pedestrian struck by a car.

Jury finds man guilty in Scranton killing 26-year-old during armed robbery

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Authorities explained that the pedestrian was struck by a Black Nissan Altima and was transported to a nearby hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time.

The black car fled the scene, and its unknown where it went, according to officials.

This is a developing story, and 28/22 News will provide updates as they are made available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
From left to right, state Board of Education Chair David O'Shields, attorney John Tyler, Chair-Elect Rita Allison, Joette Johnson and Joyce Crimminger hear a report during a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. The board voted Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to remove 10 more books from public school libraries. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  Ten additional books must be removed from school library shelves, the state Board of Education decided Tuesday, a month after questioning its own regulation banning sexual conduct from K-12 public schools.

The 15-2 vote brings the total number of books librarians have been required to remove from shelves to 21 since the regulation went into effect last June. Six other books have been allowed to stay, one with the stipulation that parents must give approval for their children to check it out.

Books removed Tuesday

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Source: Instructional Materials Review Committee

The board hesitated to remove the books from shelves at its meeting April 1 amid misgivings from some members about the frequency and content of the book challenges coming before them.

Board members gave no public explanation for the sudden change of heart. The board took a single, voice vote to remove the 10 books with no discussion.

Tony Vincent and David OShields, the two members to say no, questioned the regulation during a meeting last month, saying it required the board to remove books from shelves based on as little as a few pages in novels of several hundred pages.

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Looking at these books outside of the arc of their full stories is a mistake, in my view, Vincent, a minister in Seneca, said at the time. He declined to comment further on his vote Tuesday.

Before the public meeting began, members had legal questions about the regulation answered during a closed-door session, which seemed to assuage some members concerns, said Christian Hanley, who leads the committee reviewing the books.

Board members have an obligation to follow the regulation they passed, Hanley told the SC Daily Gazette after the meeting.

The regulation says any books containing sexual material, no matter how brief, must come off school shelves.

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The question is not whether board members like the book or feel it has value. Instead, board members must simply determine whether it contains any sexual material, attorneys for the state Department of Education have told the board repeatedly.

I think that made everyone more comfortable to say, Our constituents sent us here to do a job, so lets just roll up our sleeves and do what were supposed to do and stop delaying that,' Hanley said.

Ken Richardson, who also raised concerns at the April meeting, agreed to approve this round of book removals, but he wasnt sure whether that would remain the case if more come up for consideration at future meetings, he said.

Putting time and energy into vetting the books and voting whether to remove them has taken focus from the other issues the board considers, Richardson, former chairman of the Horry Georgetown Technical College board, told the Gazette on Tuesday afternoon.

The books that have come up for consideration, in many cases, are rarely checked out in his own district, he said. One parent in Beaufort County has brought 14 of the challenges the state board has considered, and she could bring many more, after bringing 97 requests to remove books to her local school board before the regulation went into place.

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That means the challenges could continue until the board has considered all 97 books. And Richardson has heard from at least one other parent claiming to have found hundreds more books that could potentially violate the regulation, he said.

At some point, enough is enough, Richardson said.

Richardson stopped short of suggesting the board change the regulation. His concern lies less with the idea of the regulation, which the board approved unanimously last year, and more with its implementation, he said.

When youre trying to make decisions for the whole state, you need to think about the whole state, Richardson said.

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His concerns echo those of some opponents of the regulation. Josh Malkin, an attorney for the state American Civil Liberties Union, who said he worried the board is allowing one parent to make decisions for everyone.

This is problematic and counter to the foundational democratic ideals of public education, Malkin said in a statement soon after the vote.

Tuesdays decision makes South Carolina the state with the most books removed from schools at a state level, according to PEN America. South Carolina is one of three states with a regulation allowing the removal of books statewide.

Tennessee, one of the other states, has removed no books at the state level. Utah has removed 17, according to PEN America, which tracks book removals across the country.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  He served his country with honor during WWII and now 102-year-old R.D. Lawrence, a former prisoner of war, has been honored with a medal that few Oklahomans ever get when he received the Oklahoma Cross of Valor Monday morning.

When you get as old as I am, these things dont come easy, Lawrence said laughing.

RELATED STORY: How this Wakita, OK farmer earned Frances Legion of Honor medal

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At 102 years young, however, Lawrence makes ordinary life look easy. The well deserved recognition for the Wakita native at the state capitol came in front of friends, family, including his three kids, and more when he received his medal.

I didnt know my kids had that many friends, he said. They all showed up.

In 2021, KFORs Galen Culver highlighted Lawrences time in the military after he received Frances Legion of Honor medal.

First to Africa then to Italy, Lawrence and his crew flew 37 bombing missions over Europe all with him in his unique vantage point, Culver said at the time.

I seen it all. We was lucky, Lawrence said in 2021.

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Lawrence flew in the ball turret position in a B-17 flying fortress. He and his crew were shot down over Hungary on his 37th mission. All 10 of them survived the crash, but Lawrence was captured. As the tide of the war turned and the Germans retreated, Lawrence was forced to march more than 500 miles between POW camps. Almost 80 years to the day he was liberated in May 1945, hes still going strong. It was a proud moment for his children.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Company helps OKCPS Foundation support local students

Were very grateful, Lawrences daughter Julie Gariss said standing next to her siblings, Leanna Turney and Dick Lawrence. I dont know that he thinks he deserves it, but he does it for everybody else that lost their lives.

Hes my hero, Turney said.

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No doubt, hes a hero to many more as well.

This has been good and it hasnt been bad, Lawrence said.

The last time that medal was handed out was 1998. Lawrence is the last surviving member of his B-17 crew. He now lives and still does some work on his familys Wakita farm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Trade operations between Azerbaijan, Vietnam decline severely in 1Q2025

Trade between Azerbaijan and Vietnam saw a significant decline in early 2025, with total operations reaching $127.2 million, a drop of nearly 50 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Azerbaijan's exports to Vietnam fell by 57.8 percent, amounting to $91.8 million, while imports from Vietnam decreased slightly by 0.9 percent. In 2024, overall trade between the two countries was $223.9 million, marking a 53.6 percent decline from 2023. The export of oil and oil products from Azerbaijan to Vietnam also saw a dramatic drop in both value and volume.

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UPDATE: MONDAY 5/5/2025 10:03 p.m.

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A 14-year-old who left her home in southeast Colorado Springs on Sunday, May 4 and was believed to be traveling with an adult man to Texas has been located safely.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), Vittoria was located safely on Monday in Texas.

CSPD thanked the Denton County Sheriffs Office in Texas and the 82nd Security Forces Squadron Sheppard AFB in Texas for their assistance in locating the missing girl. CSPD did not say whether any arrests had been made or if any criminal activity had taken place.

MONDAY 5/5/2025 5:25 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: 14-year-old believed to be with man heading to Texas

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a 14-year-old girl who left home on Sunday, May 4, is believed to be in a white sedan with an adult man heading for north Texas.

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According to CSPD, in the early morning hours on Sunday, 14-year-old Vittoria Leanne Nelson left her home in the 1000 block of Petra Heights in southeast Colorado Springs. She is described as a white female, stands 55 tall, and weighs between 180-190 pounds. She has dyed red hair, green eyes, and two nose piercings. She also has a cat paw tattoo on her left ankle.

On Monday, May 5, CSPD said investigators believe Vittoria is in a car with an adult white man who is heading to north Texas. The car is a white Honda Civic with Texas license plate NTS 2142, pictured below.

Actual vehicle pictured. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

If anyone has seen Vittoria or the car pictured, you are urged to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for assistance in locating a missing 14-year-old boy in northeast Bakersfield.

Michael Salazar, 14, was last seen in the 4000 block of Fairwood Street on Saturday around 6 p.m., according to the police department.

The police department described Salazar at 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, a black puffer jacket, black sweats and red and black shoes.

Anyone with information on Salazars whereabouts is asked to contact the police department at 661-327-7111.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Usually, picking up cookies, brownies, or a cake from your local grocery store is exciting. After all, most of us love a sweet treat every now and again. Research suggests that more than half of Americans regularly purchase baked goods like cakes and pastries, while around 40% like to eat cookies and cakes at least once weekly.

But one thing that is guaranteed to ruin the fun? Something inside your baked goods that isn't meant to be there. We're talking sinister things like undeclared allergens, foodborne bacteria, and even pieces of metal and plastic. Unfortunately, this has happened a few times in the past. Not just to cakes and other sweet treats, but also to savory baked goods, like sourdough and hot dog buns, too.

If you're concerned about the safety of your favorite bakery treat, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the latest food recalls. If there is an issue, brands and retailers are often quick to pull items from the shelves before they can cause injuries or health problems. To demonstrate that, we've rounded up some of the biggest grocery store baked goods recalls in history.

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Read more: 22 Marie Callender's Pies, Ranked Worst To Best

More Than 2 Million Cases Of Donuts Recalled From Stores Nationwide, Including Walmart And Publix, Because Of Listeria Fears (2025)

person holds power donut - Saminaleo/Getty Images

For most people, eating a donut is a pleasurable experience. But, unfortunately, sometimes even this simple treat doesn't come without risk. In January 2025, Canadian company FGF had to recall more than 2 million cases of donuts sold across the U.S. due to fears they might contain a harmful strain of bacteria called listeria. If consumed, listeria can lead to an infection called listeriosis, which has symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The recalled donuts were being sold under several brand names, including Publix, Walmart, and Dunkin' Donuts. Fortunately, none of the actual products sold under any of these brands actually tested positive for listeria. The recall was actually issued in an abundance of caution after traces of the bacteria were found in one of FGF's donut-producing facilities in the U.S.

Aldi Recalled 9,500 Cases Of Sourdough Loaves Due To Potential Plastic Contamination (2024)

sourdough bread on a chopping board - Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images

The ancient Egyptians had plenty to worry about. Parasites, diseases, injuries from manual work building pyramids  that sort of thing. But one thing they didn't have to worry about? Plastic turning up in their sourdough bread (yep, records show that this popular variety of loaf really is that old). Unfortunately, in 2024, Aldi customers did have to worry about this sort of thing.

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In August 2024, Izzio Artisan Bakery had to recall 9,500 cases of Aldi Mixed Sourdough loaf from stores in seven states (Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, and Arizona) due to fears they might contain plastic. The Colorado bakery also had to recall 600 cases of its own Izzio Everything Sourdough and 450 cases of Izzio Everything Roll for the same reason. Anyone who had already purchased any of the products was urged not to consume them, and instead return them to the store or throw them out.

It's not known exactly how the plastic found its way into the sourdough, but it was likely due to issues like broken packaging materials or factory equipment. This kind of issue is not uncommon. In fact, plastic is the most common foreign object to cause a food recall.

Meijer Recalled Chocolate Chip Dunking Cookies From Stores In 6 States Due To Undeclared Milk (2024)

Meijer dunking cookies - Brown County Public Health / Instagram

Dunking cookies, as the name suggests, are ideal for dunking in everything from tea to coffee to a simple glass of milk. If you've got a milk allergy, you might opt for a dairy-free drink for your dunking cookie, like say, oat or almond milk, to keep yourself safe and avoid an allergic reaction. But sadly, you can only do so much. Sometimes, products get sent out to store shelves from the manufacturer with undeclared allergens, like milk, which puts allergy-sufferers unknowingly at risk from a dangerous, potentially fatal reaction, like anaphylaxis.

Unfortunately, this was exactly what happened in 2024 with Meijer's chocolate chip dunking cookies. The cookies, produced by Californian company Too Good Gourmet, had to be recalled from Meijer stores in six states after it was discovered that they contained milk that had not been declared on the packaging. Milk is one of the most common allergens in the U.S. and should always be declared on product packaging. Fortunately, despite the fact that around 1.9% of children suffer with a milk allergy, there were no reported allergic reactions as a result of the labeling error.

Aldi Recalled More Than 11,800 Cases Of Chocolate Chip Muffins Over Allergy Fears (2024)

Chocolate chip muffin on wooden plate - ROHE Creative Studio/Shutterstock

There are nine common allergens in the U.S. Alongside milk, they are: eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. To keep people safe from allergic reactions (which are often mild, but in rare cases, can be life-threatening), all of these food groups should always be listed on product labels. But as we saw with the Meijer cookies incident, this doesn't always happen.

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In the same year as the Meijer recall, FGF Brands Inc had to recall more than 11,800 cases of chocolate chip muffins from Aldi stores across the U.S. because they contained walnuts, a type of tree nut, that had not been listed on the packaging. In this particular case, the error was put down to a temporary issue in FGF Brands Inc's packaging process. As well as the recall, the company was instructed to stop producing the chocolate chip muffins until the problem had been fixed.

Fortunately, while tree nut allergies are common (impacting up to 1% of the U.S. population), there were no reported adverse reactions as a result of the packaging mistake. To be on the safe side, anyone who had already purchased the muffins was urged to return them to the Aldi store they bought them from for a refund.

Walmart Recalled Nearly 1,000 Units Of Cakes Due To Undeclared Allergen (2023)

Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake close-up - Snackolator / Instagram

Publix isn't the only store to be involved in a packaging mix-up. Also in 2023, there were mistakes made with cake products sold at Walmart, which ultimately resulted in a recall. The issue stemmed back to one of the major retailer's suppliers, David's Cookies. The company shipped out 960 units of Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cakes to Walmart stores across the U.S., only they didn't actually contain chocolate chip cakes at all. They contained Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake. Of course, this could lead to consumer disappointment, but it was also a serious health risk. After all, peanuts are a common allergen.

In a bid to keep customers safe, David's Cookies issued a recall for all 960 units of the cakes. Luckily, nobody reported any allergic reactions as a result of the cake mix-up. Those without peanut allergies were likely safe to consume the cake, but anyone can experience an allergic reaction for the first time at any time, particularly to peanuts. To be on the safe side, anyone who had already purchased the cake was urged to return it to Walmart for a full refund.

H-E-B Recalled Brownie Bites From Stores In Texas And Mexico Due To Metal Contamination (2022)

stack of mini brownies - rustycanuck/Shutterstock

Earlier, we mentioned that in 2024, Aldi customers were alerted to pieces of plastic in their sourdough bread, but plastic isn't the only foreign object that can sneak its way into baked goods. In 2022, anyone who had bought brownie bites from H-E-B or Joe V's Smart Shops was potentially at risk from biting down on metal. To try and reduce the chances of that happening, H-E-B recalled the brownie bites from stores in Texas and Mexico.

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H-E-B had purchased the brownies from an outside supplier, where it's likely that the metal contamination occurred due to broken machinery or wire in the factory where they were produced. If consumed, metal can cause mouth or dental injuries, or even internal cuts. In some cases, surgery could even be required to remove the metal.

Before the recall was issued, two customers complained about finding metal in their brownie bites. As a result, anyone who had already purchased the brownies was urged to either throw them away or return them to H-E-B or Joe V's Smart Shops for a refund.

Kroger Recalled Country Oven Baked Goods From Stores In 29 States Because Of Metal Contamination Concerns (2021)

close-up of a cinnamon roll - Varvara Krauchanka/Shutterstock

Kroger is no stranger to food recalls. The grocery store giant, which has more than 1,200 stores across the U.S., has had to pull products from the shelves for various different reasons, including salmonella fears and undeclared allergens. Like H-E-B, it has also been faced with metal lurking in its food. In 2021, it had to recall baked goods sold under its Country Oven brand, including cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake, cheese pockets, and fudge cakes, from stores in 29 states due to fears they might contain metal fragments.

As mentioned above, metal in food presents a serious risk of injury. It can cause internal cuts or mouth and dental injuries. In this particular case, the metal fragments were linked to some of the starch that was used in the baked goods.

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This also isn't the first time that metal contamination has caused a Kroger recall. In 2019, it also had to pull Tyson chicken strips from the shelves after metal fragments were found in the meat by consumers.

Walmart Recalled Cookie Cakes From Stores In 23 States Due To Undeclared Peanuts (2021)

Walmart's cookie cakes

Two years before the Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake recall, Walmart was involved in another recall for cakes. Again, it was for cakes sold under its Marketside brand. But this time, the product in question was a Chocolate Candy Cookie Cake, and it was produced by a supplier called Jimmy's Cookies. In this instance, there were concerns that the packaging of the cake did not list a key allergen, peanuts. If a person with an allergy consumes a product with peanuts unknowingly, they are at risk of mild and severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which in rare cases, can be life-threatening.

To protect allergy-sufferers, Jimmy's Cookies recalled the Chocolate Candy Cookie Cakes from Walmart stores in 23 states. Fortunately, at the time of the recall, nobody had reported any allergic reactions as a result of consuming the recalled products. Customers were urged to return the cakes to their local Walmart store for a full refund.

Multiple Stores, Including Walmart, Recalled Buns From Stores In 18 States Over Plastic Contamination Concerns (2019)

hot dog buns on a wooden board - Urvashi9/Getty Images

On a few occasions, burgers and hot dogs have been recalled from the market. Some of the biggest hot dog recalls in the U.S., for example, have been linked to issues like under-processing, undeclared allergens, and foodborne illness. Hamburgers have also been pulled from the shelves for similar reasons. But sometimes, it's not the meat at all that's the problem, it's the bun.

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In 2019, Flowers Foods Inc had to recall hot dog and burger buns from several stores in 18 states due to fears they contained pieces of hard plastic. The contamination meant that anyone who purchased and ate the buns was at risk of choking, internal cuts, or dental injuries from the plastic fragments. At the time of the recall, the buns had already been shipped out to multiple stores, including 7-Eleven and Walmart. Other products affected by the recall notice included dinner rolls and BBQ bread.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of anyone consuming the buns. But, again, as always, customers were urged not to eat the products and instead, either throw them away or return them for a refund.

Walmart And H-E-B Recalled Swiss Rolls From Stores Nationwide Over Salmonella Concerns (2018)

chocolate swiss roll slices on a plate - aniestia n/Shutterstock

Swiss rolls are harmless, right? It turns out, not always. In another Flower Foods recall, this time in 2018, the soft sweet treats were pulled from shelves in Walmart, H-E-B, and other stores across the U.S. due to fears that they might contain salmonella, a harmful strain of foodborne bacteria. If consumed, salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, which is a disease that affects the intestine. The symptoms are usually mild but unpleasant, and include things like diarrhea and stomach cramps.

At the time of the recall, the potentially salmonella-contaminated Swiss rolls had been sold to stores under a variety of brands, including Baker's Treat and Market Square. Anyone who had bought the recalled rolls was urged to throw them away to reduce the risk of illness.

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In this particular case, no instances of salmonellosis were reported. However, it's difficult to know if nobody got sick, because research suggests that most people don't report salmonella infections. In fact, for every person who tests positive for the disease, there are likely around 30 people who have it but haven't reported it to the authorities. This might be because their symptoms were manageable, or in some cases, so mild that they didn't notice they had them.

Trader Joe's Recalled Chocolate Chip Cookies From 13 States Due To Undeclared Allergen (2018)

stack of chocolate chip cookies - Kabachki.photo/Shutterstock

Like most grocery stores, Trader Joe's has had to deal with a number of recalls in its time. Items have been pulled from the shelves for varying reasons, including contamination with rocks (yes, rocks), foodborne bacteria concerns, and undeclared allergens. This was the case in 2018, when the retailer had to recall baked goods because of undeclared peanuts. In this case, it was to do with a packaging error at one of its suppliers, Chris's Cookies. It turns out, the company had shipped out Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies to stores in 13 states in the wrong packaging. They had been packaged inside the Trader's Chocolate Chip Cookie bags by mistake.

The packaging error undeniably put customers with a peanut allergy at risk. However, it's important to note that in this particular incident, the chocolate chip cookie packaging did feature a "may contain" warning, although it did not list peanuts in the ingredient list. Anyone with a peanut allergy was urged not to consume the cookies, and instead return them for a refund. Fortunately, despite the prevalence of peanut allergies across the U.S., nobody reported any allergic reactions as a result of consuming the recalled products.

Publix Recalled Apple Coffee Cakes From Stores In 6 States Due To Potential Metal Contamination (2016)

slice of cake - Amir_v/Shutterstock

Metal pieces were the cause of yet another baked goods recall in 2016. This time, Publix had to recall its Publix Apple Coffee Cakes from stores in six states over concerns that they might contain metal shavings. Fortunately, nobody had been injured by the contaminant at the time of the recall, but again, as per usual, consumers were told they could return the cakes to their local Publix store for a full refund.

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It wasn't confirmed exactly how the metal found its way into the cakes, but this was likely due to broken equipment at the factory where they were produced. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that Publix has had to pull products from its shelves due to metal contamination.

Just one year after the cake incident, the retailer was implicated in a recall of ground turkey. Again, the issue was related to the potential presence of metal shavings inside the product. Fortunately, as with the cake recall, nobody reported any injuries as a result of the contaminant.

Bimbo Bakeries USA Recalled Bread From Stores In 11 States, Including Kroger, Aldi, And Walmart, Because Of Broken Glass (2015)

Walmart sliced great value bread - ZikG/Shutterstock

In 2015, Bimbo Bakeries USA started receiving reports that consumers had found something unexpected in its bread products: broken glass. As a result, the company had to recall multiple bread products from stores in 11 states, including Kroger, Aldi, and Walmart, to protect consumers. The affected brands included Kroger's private label, Walmart's Great Value, Sara Lee, Nature's Harvest, Aldi's L'oven Fresh, and Bimbo.

If consumed by accident, broken glass is extremely dangerous. It can cause oral or internal cuts and injuries, and in extreme cases, may require surgery to remove.

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Fortunately, even though Bimbo Bakeries USA received complaints about the glass from three different consumers, there were no injuries reported. Glass can find its way into food from many different sources, like broken bottles or jars, for example. But in this particular case, the source was thought to be a broken lightbulb in Bimbo Bakeries USA's processing facilities.

Aldi Bread Sold In Stores In 24 States Was Recalled Due To Potential Wire Contamination (2013)

brown sliced bread - Capelle.r/Getty Images

Unfortunately, the 2015 Bimbo Bakeries USA recall was the second recall in two years for the company. In 2013, the bread supplier also had to issue a recall for bread products sold from stores nationwide due to fears that they could contain pieces of flexible wire mesh. The affected brands included Arnold, Brownberry, Stroehmann Dutch Country, Sara Lee, Farm Bread, Harmons, and Aldi's L'oven Fresh.

Aldi has sold the recalled bread in stores in 24 states in total. However, in this particular case, it wasn't the bread on the shelves that was recalled, but products that had already been purchased by consumers.

Once again, the error was caused by broken equipment. This time, it wasn't a lightbulb, but a broken wire screen at one of Bimbo Bakeries USA's flour suppliers. Much like glass, if consumed, the wire posed a threat of causing oral and internal injuries.

Sara Lee Recalled 27 Bread Products From Stores In 8 States, Including Publix, Due To Metal Contamination Concerns (2007)

close-up of whole wheat bread slices - Sezeryadigar/Getty Images

In 2007, Sara Lee was involved in yet another recall. This time, the company had to recall 27 whole wheat bread products from eight states. Grocery store chain Publix's private label was one of the brands affected, alongside Sara Lee Hearty & Delicious, Sara Lee Delightful, and EarthGrains.

There are many ways that metal can contaminate food, but it is usually due to broken pieces of machinery. In this particular case, the recall was issued due to fears that a metal screen, used to sift flour, had broken in one of Sara Lee's flour suppliers and contaminated the bread. In a bid to keep people safe from harmful injuries, anyone who had already purchased any of the affected products was urged to return them to the store they bought them from for a refund.

Read the original article on Mashed.
An undercover operation targeting sex traffickers and sex buyers has resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects on Tuesday morning, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Operation Burn Notice involved the GBI, the Henry County Sheriffs Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The purpose of the sting was to identify and arrest pimps and human traffickers and put a stop to human trafficking.

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According to the GBI, those arrested travel from areas around Henry County with the intent to buy sex or engage in sex activity.

TRENDING STORIES:

The following people were arrested and charged:

Irven Ivan Aguirre, 30, of Hampton, Ga.

Charged with pandering

Cerome Camele Randall Belgrave, 39, of Loganville

Charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Daury Cabrera, age 23, of Everett, WA

Charged with pandering

Timothy Crow, 40, of Locust Grove

Charged with pandering

Trenton Herbert, 27, of McDonough

Charged with pandering

Henry Kik Tung Ling, 57, of Griffin

Charged with pandering

Anthony Morris, 35, of Ellenwood

Arrested on a Fugitive in-state warrant

Harry Moore, 59, of Pine Lake, Ga.

Charged with pandering and possession of methamphetamine

Courtland Sadler, 26, of Gastonia, NC

Charged with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, possession of marijuana (less than an ounce, obstruction of law enforcement, and theft by receiving stolen property.

James Saad, 44, of Raleigh, NC

Charged with pandering, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, and obstruction of law enforcement

Calvin Sanchez, 29, of Smyrna

Charged with pandering

Terrie Satterwhite, 26, of Decatur

Arrested on a fugitive in-state warrant and charged with pimping and trafficking in persons.

Zarreon Smith, 17, of Griffin

Charged with pandering

Jason Starr, 51, of Locust Grove

Charged with pandering

Patrick Earl Trotman-El, 41, of Ellenwood

Charged with pandering and obstruction of law enforcement.

Willian Jose Torres-Mendez, 25, of Lawrenceville

Charged with obstruction of law enforcement

Charles Jacob Wood, 48, of McDonough

Charged with pandering



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The GBI said the investigation is active and ongoing.
Key Points

A proposal to ban payments to people without a Social Security number is likely to impact beneficiaries who are retired, disabled, widowed, or low income.

Representative payees who accept benefits on behalf of eligible beneficiaries dont always have a Social Security number.

There are concerns that finding new representative payees to take over current payees' duties will be challenging.

A proposal floating around the Social Security Administration (SSA) would bar anyone without a Social Security number from collecting benefits on behalf of retired, disabled, widowed, and low-income individuals. Whether the beneficiary currently collects benefits after a lifetime of working or SSDI for a disability, the new proposal would require their representative payee to provide proof that they have a Social Security number.

Representative payees

Let's say a child of immigrants is a U.S. citizen and disabled. If that child is eligible for Social Security, they would need a representative payee to accept their monthly benefit check and determine the best way to spend it based on their needs. Given that a parent is usually in the best position to know what their child requires, they typically act as the representative payee.

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If a parent can't produce a Social Security number, no matter where they are in the immigration process, the new proposal would make it impossible for them to act as a representative payee. The same is true for those representative payees looking out for the best interest of disabled adults, retired Social Security recipients, those receiving low-income benefits, and foreign payees who've worked legally long enough to become entitled to benefits.

Widows and other beneficiaries (of Americans who have died) living overseas could also be affected by losing access to a trusted representative payee. This brings the total number of beneficiaries at risk of missed or postponed payments to 170,000.

It's easy to understand how disabled children, as well as elderly or disabled adults, benefit from a payee who ensures checks are received and their immediate needs are met. It is less clear who would take over representative payee duties.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why make a change?

It's impossible to know precisely why the proposal was floated, but Martin O'Malley, former commissioner of the SSA, told the website Government Executive that it may be rooted in misinformation.

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Some claim that undocumented immigrants receive benefits, and this misinformation spread during the last election cycle. According to O'Malley, the SSA received so many calls asking why it was giving money to illegal immigrants that the SSA had to post a disclaimer message on the top of its website, explaining that the story is false.

By cutting payments to 170,000 representative payees, those who've spread the misinformation will be able to say they "stopped paying illegal immigrants."

The change may be jarring for American citizens who currently count on their representative payee to collect checks and pay expenses. According to the SSA, if the proposal becomes policy, the SSA will need to contact 170,000 representative payees. The task is sure to be challenging. Knowing where individual payees are at all times has always been difficult, so much so that the SSA has counted on institutional payees like child welfare agencies for help in the past.

If a switch takes place

Currently, the person who acts as a representative payee tends to be the best person for the job. For example, the parent of a child with a disability or the spouse of an Alzheimer's patient may be the ideal representative due to their commitment to doing the right thing on behalf of the beneficiary.

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Kathleen Romig, the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told Government Executive that it will likely be more difficult for SSA to identify suitable representatives for certain beneficiaries. There may be a higher risk of fraud or misuse of funds if SSA chooses a friend or organization as payee rather than a parent or spouse.

As of today, nothing is set in stone. The SSA still needs to ensure it has the authority to change the policy. If the proposal moves forward, it's safe to assume it will be unsettling for all parties involved.

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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  The Akron Police Department announced two arrests on Tuesday in connection with human remains found in a trash bag.

Anthony Fields, 54, and Kurth Conaway, 34, are being held in the Summit County Jail on charges of abuse of a corpse.

Pilot of small plane identified in fatal Ashland County crash

The remains were found on Friday, May 2, around 4:45 p.m. according to police.

Officers were responding to a different incident on Friday when they were tipped off about the remains, police said.

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Officers found a trash bag with human remains and found further remains in the area, according to police.

Cleveland fire station closed due to mold concerns: I-Team

The remains were identified as Xavier Menefee, 22.

The Canton man was reported missing in August of 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Baton Rouge Police Department responded to two separate shootings that left two people with injuries on Monday, May 5.

BRPD was initially called around 8:40 p.m. to 2400 Highland Road to investigate a reported shooting.

Officers found one person who had been shot. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, BRPD said.

As the investigation unfolded, detectives learned that an argument between two men took place before the shooting.

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According to BRPD, one of the men pushed the other, and the one who was pushed retrieved a gun and began to shoot.

The shooting victim was not the intended target, BRPD said.

EMS confirmed that one person was taken to the hospital in connection with the shooting.

Three hours later, officers were called to a second shooting in Baton Rouge. BRPD responded to the 200 block of Taft Street around 11:40 p.m. and found one person who had been shot. Their injuries were also not considered life-threatening.

BRPD said the shooting suspect was taken into custody. The identity of the accused gunman and their charges have not been released.

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At this time, police believe that the shootings are not connected.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Two men in Sioux County, Iowa, were sentenced for multiple drug charges involving methamphetamine.

Efrain Marquez Ramirez, 49, of Sioux Center, was sentenced in Sioux County District Court for multiple crimes involving meth.

Watertown PD seize one pound of meth

A news release from the Sioux County Attorneys office says in August of 2024, Sioux County law enforcement launched an investigation into Marquez Ramirez for distributing meth. That investigation led to a search warrant on his home revealing over 5 grams of meth, a scale, packaging materials, and other items possessed to facilitate distribution of the drugs. Ramirez later admitted to providing meth to multiple others between August and December of 2024.

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A similar investigation was launched into an Orange City man, who was sentenced for intent to deliver meth, the Sioux County Attorneys office said in a news release.

Juan Alexis Marques, 23, of Orange City, was sentenced on April 30, 2025, in Sioux County District Court for the crimes of Intent To Deliver Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony. Marques later admitted to multiple acts of distributing the drugs between August and December of 2024.

Both men were sentenced to a 10-year indeterminate prison sentence, a fine in the amount of $1,370.00, plus a 15% surcharge and court costs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  As the spring severe weather season winds down, hurricane season is just around the corner.

To raise awareness for the upcoming season, this week is Hurricane Preparedness Week in Alabama. Hurricane season technically starts June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

While our preparations look much different in central Alabama compared to coastal communities, there are still a few things you can do now to prepare for an impactful tropical system.

The primary cause of damage and loss of life from tropical systems is because of storm surge, a dangerous component we dont have to worry about further inland in central Alabama. Destructive winds and heavy rainfall, however, can cause widespread power outages, tree damage and flooding.

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Its important to trim your trees, removing any dead or weak limbs that could fall and cause damage. In addition, every home and vehicle owner should review their insurance policies. Lastly, have a plan in place and listen to your local officials once the forecast calls for tropical concern.

In 2025, meteorologists are expecting ENSO-neutral conditions, which means the weather pattern will not be influenced by either La Nina or El Nino. This will generally lead to less wind shear, allowing tropical systems to maintain their strength and structure for extended periods of time.

Because of the record warm ocean waters being found once again in the Caribbean and Gulf, tropical systems are more likely to rapidly intensify and become stronger than usual.

Every year, Colorado State University releases its hurricane season forecast, and the 2025 prediction is leaning toward a slightly more active season than normal. Given the forecast parameters in place this season, up to nine hurricanes are expected, four of which could become major hurricanes that are defined as Category 3 or stronger.

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Here is the official list of tropical names for the 2025 season, the first of which will be Andrea:

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Logan Federico, 22, has died after being fatally shot in a suspected home invasion over the weekend, authorities stated

The victim, of Waxhaw, N.C., had been visiting friends at a rented property in South Carolina at the time of the killing

The Columbia Police Department has identified the suspected shooter as Alexander Dickey, 30

The father of a 22-year-old woman shot dead during a suspected home invasion in South Carolina over the weekend is paying tribute to his beloved daughter.

Logan Federico, of Waxhaw, N.C., was discovered deceased on the morning of Saturday, May 3, after she was fatally shot in the chest while visiting friends at a rental home on Cypress Street.

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"While Logan was visiting friends in Columbia, her life was senselessly taken. Our deepest condolences go out to the Federico family and all who knew and loved her. No words can ease the pain of their loss, but we stand with them in support and sorrow," the Columbia Police Department (CPD) wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, May 5.

Columbia Police Department Logan Federico's father Stephen Logan Federico's father Stephen

The victim's manner of death has been ruled a homicide, the Richland County Coroners Office said during a press conference.

Police named the suspected shooter as Alexander Dickey, 30, in the conference, accusing him of committing multiple thefts and break-ins around the time of Federico's killing.

Dickey allegedly entered a nearby house and stole several items, including a firearm and the keys to a vehicle, the CPD said during Monday's press conference.

Lexington County Detention Center Alexander Dickey Alexander Dickey

Police believe the suspect entered Federico's room before shooting her and fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. He's thought to have made purchases with stolen credit and debit cards across Lexington County, before his stolen vehicle broke down, police said.

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Officers worked hard to track Dickey down, despite the severe weather conditions, and he was eventually taken into custody after another property was set on fire. Police extracted the suspect through a window, authorities said.

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.

Paying tribute to his beloved daughter at the press conference, Stephen Federico, told reporters, "I am Logan Haley Federico's father, better known as 'Dad,' or her hero. Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero."

"My daughter, I cherished. She was a strong, fun-loving individual who did what she wanted to do and was spicy," he continued, adding that Federico was a huge Taylor Swift fan.

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"My daughter was working hard at school, working two jobs, to become a teacher. She loved and adored kids, children of all ages," he shared.

Federico's father insisted, "The message I want to send to Dickey, who took my daughter's life  this is from her: 'You can't kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body ... but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me,' " before breaking down in tears.

Officials have issued warrants charging the suspect with murder, two counts of first-degree burglary, along with weapons possession and larceny charges, it was confirmed during the press conference.

Online Lexington County Sheriff's Department inmate records stated Dickey was facing a burglary in the first degree charge and an arson in the second degree charge. He's been denied bond.

The CPD didn't immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
Kazakhstan, UAE to launch largest green energy project in Zhambyl region

Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Senate of Kazakhstan discussed a draft law to ratify an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for a 1-gigawatt wind power plant and a 300-megawatt energy storage system in Zhambyl region. Presented by Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, the project, developed with UAE's Masdar, will generate 3.4 billion kilowatt-hours annually and cut CO2 emissions by 2 million tons. It will create 1,000 temporary jobs and 100 permanent ones, while boosting local businesses and supporting Kazakhstan's climate goals.

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Ester Clark has been living a nightmare for the past 22 years, ever since her grandson Danyel Smith was sentenced to life behind bars for the death of his infant son  a tragedy they both say he did not cause.

They never tried to find out what really happened, Clark, 81, told Capital B Atlanta of Smiths prosecution. I cant really explain the hurt and the tears and the heartaches and pain that Ive been through over the years.  Its just horrible.

Smith was convicted of murder by a Gwinnett County jury in 2003 based on the theory that his 2-month-old son Chandlers death the year prior was caused by abusive head trauma, more commonly known as shaken baby syndrome.

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The Supreme Court of Georgia is now deciding if Smith, who rejected a 2022 plea deal that wouldve sent him home, will get a new trial based in part on an updated scientific understanding of shaken baby syndrome that largely undercuts the theory presented by the prosecution at trial.

Dr. Steven Dunton, the prosecutions medical examiner who testified in 2003 that Chandlers skull fracture occurred on the day he became non-responsive, reversed his previous testimony last year, claiming he now believes it is likely that the fatal injury was sustained earlier because it was already showing signs of healing.

They owe Danyel a whole lot, said Latasha Pyatt, Smiths fiancee. They will never be able to repay him for the time that hes lived away from his children and away from his family and what hes seen in that place and [what] he has endured.

They never tried to find out what really happened, said Esther Clark, seen with Danyel Smith in 2001. (Courtesy of Latasha Pyatt)

Compared to children of other races, Black children are disproportionately identified as victims of abuse, according to a 2022 Stanford University study.

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Marsha Brandon, Chandlers mother, could not be reached for comment. She told Atlanta News First in 2023 that despite her previous praise of Smiths attentive parenting, her stance changed to a belief that Smith killed their son and should remain in prison.

Mark Loudon-Brown, an attorney with the Southern Center for Human Rights, became Smiths lawyer in 2021 and has since been focused on getting Smith a new trial.

A Gwinnett County Superior Court judge dismissed their first motion for a new trial without a hearing, but the Supreme Court of Georgia unanimously ruled in 2022 that Smith be given a hearing.

Smith, who has denied abusing his son in any manner, received a time served plea deal from the Gwinnett County district attorneys office shortly after the supreme courts ruling, but he rejected it as he refused to plead guilty.

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Loudon-Brown argued during the April 2024 oral arguments that if presented with evidence of the current scientific understanding of shaken baby syndrome, a reasonable juror would have cause for reasonable doubt.

The attorney bolstered his argument via testimony from five doctors, who each explained how the medical understanding of infant skull fractures has evolved.

Dr. Saadi Ghatan, director of pediatric neurosurgery with the Mount Sinai Health System, testified in 2021 via a sworn affidavit that he would not conclude that Chandler Smith was abused, based on improved imaging technology and studies performed on non-abused babies that showed symptoms formerly used to diagnose shaken baby syndrome. He opined that the infants death was caused by pre-existing conditions due to birth injury and other events that dont include being shaken.

Despite the new expert testimony, Smith was denied a new trial by now-retired Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Ronnie Batchelor in October 2024. The ruling was later upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals before the Supreme Court of Georgia granted him a review.

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Loudon-Brown argued last month that Judge Batchelor did not properly apply Federal Rule of Evidence 702, a law related to how a judge determines whether an expert witness is qualified and their testimony is credible enough to be presented at trial. Loudon-Brown said the court improperly dismissed the new evidence and expert testimony he presented, resulting in Smith being denied a new trial.

There are two options: The Supreme Court could send the case back and tell the trial court to apply the correct law, or the Supreme Court could apply the correct law itself and reverse [the lower courts decision], Loudon-Brown told Capital B Atlanta. Were asking them for the second, but its possible they could do either one of them.

A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County district attorneys office declined to comment to Capital B Atlanta about the case while it is actively under the Supreme Court of Georgias consideration.

The post A Georgia Father Claims He Didnt Kill His Infant Son. Will the State Supreme Court Believe Him? appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
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.

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You have the power to delete your data now  please act quickly.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, a Republican, issued a consumer alert on April 9 and reminded Kentuckians of their rights under the states Genetic Information Privacy Act. We have laws in place that protect Kentuckians rights and their personal information, said Coleman. Every Kentuckian who did business with 23andMe should consider taking the proper steps to safeguard their sensitive information.

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?

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Federal protections are flimsy. States have beefed up their genetic privacy laws in recent years, but many experts say they dont go far enough.

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.

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

But once the data is in the hands of another company, that company could change its privacy policy at any time, experts noted.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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/.

Kentuckys consumer protection hotline, run by the attorney generals office, can be reached at 888-432-9257. The attorney generals Office of Consumer Protection can also be reached at 502-696-5389.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

This story is republished from Stateline, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.
A licensed home daycare on Cape Cod has closed its doors following the arrest of a convicted child rapist who had been staying there. The closure of the family daycare, owned by Franciele Nunes in Hyannis, comes after 25 Investigates began looking into the presence of Andre Tiago Lucas, who is reportedly the father of Nuness two children.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Tiago Lucas, a Brazilian national, fled to Massachusetts to evade a nine-year prison sentence in his home state of Minas Gerais for the rape of a 13-year-old girl. ICE agents apprehended him in Bourne last October.

Nunes allowed her license from the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to expire in March. Records indicate that Nunes had been licensed for 3 years.

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Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, a vocal proponent of immigration reform in Massachusetts, expressed his alarm upon learning of the situation.

The idea that someone has been documented, that a Brazilian national fled the country because they were convicted for rape of a 13-year-old and could come to Massachusetts and not only disappear into the fabric of Massachusetts, but actually be living in a home that was a daycare center for young people. Thats terrifying, Sheriff Evangelidis told 25 Investigates.

EEC records show the agency inspected the home daycare five times. However, the agency stated they found no evidence that Tiago Lucas was staying there during those visits.

This raises questions about the thoroughness of their oversight, according to State Representative Steven Xiarhos, who represents the 5th Barnstable District and has a 40-year background in law enforcement. Youve really got to, I think, go out of your way to make sure each place is as safe as it should be. And thats with proper background checks, looking around when you visit to see if theres any signs of anything wrong, Representative Xiarhos told investigative reporter Ted Daniel.

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EEC confirmed that they were unaware of Tiago Lucass connection to the daycare until four months after his widely publicized arrest. The agency did not disclose how it became aware, but a spokesperson said federal authorities did not alert them.

While the EEC mandates background checks for all individuals residing in or regularly visiting home daycares who are 15 or older, these checks, under current regulations, do not extend to criminal history records from outside the United States. Additionally, immigration status is not a factor considered during these background checks. This gap in the screening process means that even if Nunes had disclosed Tiago Lucass presence, his conviction in Brazil would not have been flagged by the states current vetting procedures.

Our children are innocent. And when they go to a daycare, its almost like were putting their lives in the hands of others, Representative Xiarhos emphasized. The incident has ignited concerns about the adequacy of the states oversight of home daycares and the limitations of current background check procedures, particularly concerning individuals with criminal records from outside the U.S. and their presence in licensed childcare settings.

EEC does conduct out-of-state checks for individuals who have lived outside of Massachusetts in the past five years, including sex offender, criminal history, and child welfare checks with those states.

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Nunes declined to speak to 25 Investigates and called police when our crew attempted to question her.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (KRQE)  At the time, it was the most destructive wildfire in New Mexicos history. So, how did the Cerro Grande Fire start, and how did it impact those who were living in Los Alamos and the surrounding areas at the time?

On May 4, 2000, the National Park Service started a prescribed burn, but several critical errors were made before the fire started. They didnt plan for the level of complexity and the level of possibility of escape given the place where they were burning, said Author Tom Ribe, Infero by Committee.

Ribe said that the crew that was working the fire was understaffed. Had they understood the complexity of what they were doing realistically and not made some key bad assumptions, they would have had a lot more people up there, or better yet, they would have said now is not the time to do this fire lets wait till fall when things are wetter, said Ribe.

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According to a report, the fire burned quicker than expected, and with high winds, it grew out of control. This was described to me as a cloud, imagine a cloud filled with burning cigarettes, I mean, in as burning cigarettes, that cloud went over the fire line, and boom, like a bomb, exploded on the other side of the fire line, said former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson in February 2025.

The fire burned toward Los Alamos, and crews had a hard time staying in front of the flames. They set up fire lines to prevent the fire from going past the lines; they actually believe the fire jumped from a mile away in one of the hotspots, given the wind and the conditions, said former Gov. Johnson in an interview in May 2000.

In some cases, its burned so hot that the ash is a foot deep or more. And in some places, the soil is sterilized and may even look like glass beads where the atomic bomb was first exploded, said an official at a news conference.

As the fire raged, the decision was made to evacuate Los Alamos on May 10. We start driving around Los Alamos, were left, everyones leaving Los Alamos, and theres literally fires starting in peoples front yards, and Im out there stomping out fires, said Gov. Johnson in 2025.

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Crews from around the state worked together to battle the flames. They tell me 3,000 houses are going to burn that night in Los Alamos, which is just staggering. And Im there, and I get emotional every time I talk about this, but that evening, early evening, in rolls dozens of fire trucks from surrounding communities into Los Alamos. And oh my gosh, I mean unbelievable, they drive in in a convoy and that evening basically, they spend the entire night putting out fires and I mean homes that burning but all those firefighters are out there putting out fires in peoples front yards that wouldve spread to their homes, said Gov. Johnson in 2025.

In total, more than 48,000 acres and 280 homes would burn. At the time, it was the most destructive fire in New Mexico history.

In 2011, the Los Conchas Fire was sparked in the Jemez Mountains from a downed power line. While people braced for the worst, the fire was stopped by the Cerro Grande Fire burn scar. It had two heads, one head went down into Bandelier and the other head went directly towards Los Alamos and if that head of the Los Conchas Fire had not run into the fire burned out area that was left behind by the Cerro Grande Fire, it slammed directly into Los Alamos and would have been a much more intense much more disastrous fire than Cerro Grande was, said Ribe.

In total, the Los Conchas Fire burned more than 150,000 acres.

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The Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire would burn more than 340,000 acres and more than 900 structures in 2022. It is now the most destructive fire in New Mexico history. It was started by the U.S Forest Service.

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Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect information from Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)  One person is dead after a crash on Interstate 26 in Sullivan County.

According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), a 2006 Honda CBR motorcycle and a tractor-trailer were traveling near the Rock Springs Road exit at 7 p.m.

JCPD: Occupants flee after car flips downtown

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[The motorcycle] was traveling at a high rate of speed when it began to change lanes, THP stated. [The motorcycle] struck [the tractor-trailer] in the left rear while it was attempting to change lanes.

(TDOT Smartway)

The motorcycle then began sliding down the interstate, eventually hitting a concrete wall.

The driver of the motorcycle, identified by THP as Sebastian Absher, 21, died at the scene.

According to THP, the driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash.

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plans to close several on and off ramps along I-264 the week of May 5. All of the closures will be overnight between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Closures include the I-264 on and off ramps at Victory Boulevard in Portsmouth as well as the on and off ramps along I-264 at Portsmouth Boulevard.

VDOT also plans to close the off ramp of I-264 to Virginia Beach Boulevard/Laskin Road in Virginia Beach as part of these overnight closures.

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AYNOR, S.C. (WBTW)  Three people were displaced after a mobile home fire in Aynor Tuesday morning, Horry County Fire Rescue said.

Crews responded at 6:51 a.m. to Woodstock Drive, where a mobile home sustained significant fire damage. The incident was under control as of 8:04 a.m.

No one was injured during the fire. The American Red Cross of South Carolina will offer assistance to the three displaced residents.

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The cause of the fire is under investigation. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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.

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LAURINBURG, N.C. (WBTW)  Three people were hurt in separate shootings early Sunday morning in Laurinburg, police said.

Officers first responded at about 1:25 a.m. to the 1000 block of North Main Street for a shots-fired call, police said. When they arrived, they learned a gunshot victim had been transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital in a personal vehicle.

Officers then went to the hospital, where they spoke with the victim, a 29-year-old man. Police were told by the man that he was outside the residence on North Main Street, and an unknown vehicle rode by and shot him. He was shot but his injury was not life-threatening.

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Then, at about 4:15 a.m., officers responded to Scotland Memorial Hospital for two gunshot victims, according to police. Officers met with the two, an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, who said the shooting happened on Moseley Drive.

The two did not suffer life-threatening injuries, police said. Both cases are still being investigated.

Anyone with information is asked to call Laurinburg police at 910-276-3211.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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A Sunday night shooting at a restaurant in Glendale, Arizona, left three people dead and five more injured. Authorities said the shooting involved individuals known to one another.

Glendale police said a 17-year-old boy and his 21-year-old brother were killed along with a 21-year-old man, per ABC News.

According to CNN, Glendale police said there were five additional victims injured in the shooting. Fox reported the victims included two women and three men, ranging in ages 16 to 23.

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The youngest victim, a 16-year-old boy, was badly hurt and rushed to the hospital for surgery. A spokesman for the Glendale Police Department, Officer Jose Santiago said the boy is set to recover, per ABC News.

Officials havent released the names of the deceased.

There were about 200-300 people attending the event at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse when the shooting shocked the family-friendly event, police said to ABC News.

According to CBS, the Cinco de Mayo party was wrapping up when a fight broke out around 7:45 p.m. The individuals involved in the fight were escorted out to the parking lot, and then the dispute escalated into gunfire.

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Lupe Rodriguez, a bystander during the shooting, told CBS that it was pretty bad and he was grateful he was able to run to safety.

El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse is just steps away from the Glendale Police Departments headquarters, which allowed police to offer a quick response.

According to the latest briefing from police on Monday morning, as reported by ABC News everyone involved in the incident is believed to have known each other.

Santiago said it was an isolated event and there shouldnt be any threats to the public.
Panama City, FLA (WMBB)  The Bay County Commission has awarded a bid of $3,575,466 to Killian Construction of Springfield, Missouri, for a new fire station to be built off Highway 20 in the Fountain area.

The new fire station will be built at 12421 East Highway 20 in the Fountain Community Complex. Killian was the lowest bidder on the project, while the highest bid was by G.M. Hill Engineering out of Jacksonville, with a bid of $7.1 million.

In June 2024, Bay County Commissioners bough two pieces of land adjacent to the Community Complex to build a community center, parking, and a rodeo ring. The park is also host to the annual Bay County Sheriffs Office Rodeo.

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The project is funded with a Community Facilities Program Grant and the project must still be accepted by the United States Department of Agriculture, who administers the grant program.

The project should be completed within 365 calendar days after approval and Killian faces a fine of $1,000 per day for each day after the deadline that work is not fully completed.

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MILAN, Italy, May 6. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) nearing the end point for the preparation work on the new partnership strategy for Azerbaijan, which will go from 2025 to 2029, Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General of the Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said, answering Trends question during a briefing held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting in Milan.

We are discussing it with the government, and plan to focus on two pillars. One is developing a green and diversified economy, and the second is fostering low-carbon connectivity and inclusive development, he said.

Zhukov noted that in recent years, the ADB program in Azerbaijan has been heavily focused on the private sector.

Last year, we approved two projects in the public sector, both connected to the railway sector development. One is operating in the north-south part of the railways. The second project is the digitalization of the whole network in Azerbaijan, noted Zhukov.

He went on to add that in the private sector, ADB has a number of large projects in renewable energy, especially working with Masdar and other companies.

More specifically, in 2022, we approved a big project in Alat, which is now fully operational. Last year, on the sidelines of COP29, we committed to more projects in solar. And this year, our private sector department is working on similarly large projects for the wind power generation, he said.
BRUSSELS  After years of reducing its reliance on Russian gas, the European Union is moving to turn off the taps completely within the next two years.

The European Commission (EC) on May 6 presented a detailed roadmap to fully sever the European Unions energy dependence on Russia by 2027.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen struck a defiant tone when announcing the plan: "No more shall Euros go into (Russias) war chest. Your gas will be banned. Your shadow fleet will be stopped."

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The plan has been described as the blocs most comprehensive effort yet to end imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, a dependency critics argue has long compromised EU sovereignty and funded the Kremlins war machine in Ukraine.

"Energy that comes to our continent should not pay for a war of aggression against Ukraine," EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on May 6, adding: "We owe this to our citizens, to our companies, and to our brave Ukrainian friends."

The EUs reliance on Russian energy has dropped significantly since 2021, when Russian gas accounted for 45% of imports. That figure now stands at 19%, according to a statement from the EC.

Read also: She fed all the birds, dogs, and cats  64-year-old animal rescue volunteer and son killed in Russian attack on Kyiv

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Russian coal has already been banned and oil imports have fallen from 27% in early 2022 to just 3%. Yet, as the Commission admits, 2024 saw a modest rebound in Russian gas imports, prompting urgent calls for a coordinated phase-out.

The May 6 announcement lays out a phased plan to cut European money flowing into Kremlin coffers. All new contracts for Russian gas  both liquefied (LNG) and pipeline  will be prohibited, while spot market purchases will be terminated by the end of 2025.

Europe has already drastically reduced its reliance on Russian energy.



Today, we unveiled our plan to end all Russian energy imports by 2027.

This will mark a permanent break.



Russia will no longer be able to use energy as a weapon against us.  Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) May 6, 2025

The EU aims to halt all remaining gas imports from Russia by 2027. National governments, including Kremlin-friendly Hungary and Slovakia, will be required to submit individual phase-out plans by years end. This includes ending long-term contracts early, with the Commission deeming that Russias invasion creates force majeure conditions, allowing European companies to cut contracts early without consequence.

Beyond gas and oil, the roadmap targets Russias often-overlooked nuclear exports. Member states still reliant on Russian-designed VVER reactors will be pushed to secure alternative nuclear fuel sources. Brussels will also move to block new contracts involving Russian enriched uranium and bolster EU production of medical radioisotopes under a new "European Radioisotopes Valley Initiative."

The Eagle S oil tanker is seen anchored near the Port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo, Finland, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva / AFP via Getty Images)

Still, the plan hinges on a delicate balance. The EU must navigate the phase-out without triggering energy shortages or price shocks, particularly as European voters grow increasingly wary of rising living costs.

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The Commission says expanded LNG capacity  expected to grow by 200 billion cubic meters by 2028  combined with declining gas demand will ease the transition.

Analysts caution that some member states may drag their feet. Hungary, for instance, remains heavily reliant on Russian nuclear fuel and has resisted tougher energy sanctions in the past. Meanwhile, European industry still bears scars from the 2022 energy crisis, when the initial scramble to replace Russian supplies sent prices soaring.

While von der Leyen stressed that the roadmap is about "security, solidarity and sovereignty," for Ukraine and its supporters, it also marks a long-awaited reckoning.

For years, activists and Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Europe to stop financing Russian aggression through energy purchases.

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The roadmap may not erase that history  but it signals that the EU, however belatedly, has begun to listen.

Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
With rising home costs, a company is fighting the affordable housing crisis by printing homes.

They are using a 3D printer, and they can have a home up in as little as 60 days.

News Center 7s Mason Fletcher saw the very first 3D-printed home in Ohio.

He said he may have never known it was 3D printed if he hadnt been told ahead of time. The house is being used as an Airbnb near Lima. The owner of the company that built it took News Center 7 on a tour and showed some interesting custom features for home buyers as well.

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Its hard to believe that a home came from a piece of machinery, but it could be the way of the future.

According to Zillow, the average cost for a single-family home in Dayton has increased by more than $50,000 since 2020.

Its created a need for affordable housing in the Miami Valley. Some builders are trying to take advantage of the situation home buyers are in.

John Smoll, CEO of Sustainable Concrete Innovations, said, You have builders that are absolutely building them as cheap as possible.

Smoll has been a builder for three decades and saw this problem firsthand, and began working toward a solution.

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So, the obvious thought is automation because whether its this industry thats been manufacturing or any other type of industry, automation always brings the cost down, Smoll said.

Smoll bought a giant, 16,000-pound 3D printer to make houses. The printer is impressive and has special features.

Once the foundation and the floor are poured, we come in with a printer, we set it up on the slab, and start printing. And literally within about four to five days, weve got the house printed and ready for a roof on it, Smoll said.

They print one element at a time. With breaks usually occurring around windows and doors. Once the 3D printer is done with walls, builders install plumbing and electricity.

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The interior walls are then filled with foam insulation similar to fiberglass, and add concrete columns in the walls for reinforcement.

Its essentially a perimeter poured of concrete at the top with rebar reinforcement to fasten the roof to. When thats done, were ready for paint and for the homeowners to move it, Smoll said.

Its a process that Smoll says only takes 60 days. I think everybody is completely blown away when they realize how fast the print is, he said.

3D-printed homes have not hit the market yet in Ohio, which makes it hard to come up with a price estimate. Smoll said even if the price is the same as an average home, a 3D-printed home gives you a bigger bang for your buck.

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The homes are engineered to commercial specs. So, the homes, themselves, are engineered to a different level than most any home that youre going to compare it to. Smoll said,

He told News Center 7 the concrete columns in the wall make the home stronger against the elements, like a tornado.

Our safe room will not have any of those hazards of having things fall on you. Youre not going to get flooded out because youre above grade. So, our safe rooms are absolutely safe. I would put my life on that, Smoll said.

He said the building codes are still catching up to the new technology, but his company has even more durability tests scheduled for later this year. He hopes to further demonstrate the strength of these houses.

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A forced sale of Google Chrome might sound like a clean fix for the Big Tech firms search monopoly, but a closer look shows that it's far more complicated.

As part of its proposed remedies in the ongoing search monopoly case against Google, the Justice Department is angling to force a sale of Chrome and its open-source technology Chromium-one that insiders say would be as technically fraught as it is historically unprecedented. Other remedies include requiring Google to share data, offer greater transparency to advertisers, and unwind exclusive $20 billion deals with phone makers.

Even critics of Google's market dominance admit Chrome's scale-installed on more than 4 billion devices-and its integration with Googles tech stack, make it uniquely difficult to disentangle. With near-total reliance on Google's infrastructure, any sale could trigger new antitrust concerns, fracture the user experience, and threaten a key part of the web.

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"Its definitely a complicated and unprecedented [remedy]," said Vidushi Dyall, director of legal analysis, Chamber of Progress, who attended the ongoing trial.

Companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Yahoo have reportedly expressed interest in buying Chrome. Meanwhile the DOJ appears determined to move forward, but here's what complicates the potential sale.

1. Trading one monopoly for another

If the DOJ forces Chrome to market, any buyer big enough to afford it could face immediate antitrust scrutiny, sources said. With 4 billion users, acquiring Chrome would give one company control over nearly 67% of global internet browsing.

"Anyone big enough to acquire [Chrome] is going to come up with their own antitrust issues," said Andrew Buckman, vice president of marketing and investor relations at Azerion.

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While Microsoft hasn't officially pitched to buy Chrome, its size, financial muscle, and existing search engine business make it a top contender-one that Judge Amit Mehta has acknowledged could be the only company capable of buying Chrome, according to Dyall.

However, Microsoft already has exclusive syndication deals with smaller search engines like DuckDuckGo. If it acquired Chrome, it could gain access to default search traffic and block rivals from leveraging the browser's scale, defying the very purpose of the existing search trial.

"Microsoft isnt beholden to any of these constraints, so they can take full advantage of the remedies without fear of recourse," Dyall said.

2. 75% Chrome users could flee

Chrome has been developed in-house since day one. "Chrome today represents 17 years of collaboration between the Chrome people and the rest of Google," Parisa Tabriz, the browser's general manager, testified in court last week.

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Some of Chrome's core features, like safe browsing and password breach alerts, rely on Google-wide systems, which Tabriz said, "I don't think could be recreated."

According to Dyall, this deep integration gives Google a clear advantage. "To split it apart doesnt make sense because its so deeply embedded in their infrastructure," she said.

But as David Locala, former head of global technology M&A at Citi, testified, a Chrome sale could result in significant user attrition. Even a 75% drop in users would still leave 1 billion monthly active users, he said.

However, stripping Chrome of its Google integrations could diminish its value and alienate users accustomed to a seamless Google experience. As Dyall put it, "What [Locala] didn't answer is: What does a divested Chrome look like if it loses 75% of its user base?"

3. The Chromium cliff

At least 25 browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, DuckDuckGo are supported by Chromium. Tabriz said in court that Google has contributed more than 90% of the code for Chromium since 2015 and invested hundreds of millions of dollars, while 1,000 engineers within her division have contributed to the project.

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While Chromium is technically free for anyone to use, such evidences indicate that Google does the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining it, said Dyall.

"If Chromium is divested from Google, the tech giant has no incentive to continue contributing to it," she said. "The business model of all of these projects will come into question."

4. The monetization squeeze

The price tag for Chrome is steep-estimated at over $50 billion, according to DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg, who testified in court.

Any buyer willing to make that kind of investment would likely seek to recoup it, possibly at the expense of user experience, said Ameet Shah, partner and svp of publisher operations at Prohaska Consulting. This could involve more aggressive ad placements, fundamentally changing how people experience Chrome.

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"Chrome is a tough sale because theres no money in Chrome itself," said Shah. "The new owner can change things like run ads and then Chrome becomes something different to what it is today."

This shift could also bring new privacy concerns. Monetizing Chrome through ads could impact how user data is handled.

"Privacy becomes a much bigger issue and depends on who will try to sell that inventory, Shah added.
SHARON, Pa. (WKBN)  Police responded to a shooting in a Sharon neighborhood Monday night.

Read next: Man sentenced in 2023 fatal Austintown shooting

Officers were called to the 300 block of Baldwin Avenue in Sharon around 10:30 p.m. Monday night on reports of multiple people being struck by gunfire.

Police said that the victims were attending a party at the location when one or two people shot toward the residence.

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Sharon police confirmed that four people were injured by gunfire  three males and one female. Two of the men are from Farrell, and they are 18 years old. According to police, the other man is from Farrell and is 19 years of age. The female victim in the shooting is an 18-year-old woman from Sharon, according to police.

All four were taken to the hospital by ambulance and were stable when they left the scene, according to the Sharon police chief. Police said as of Tuesday morning that the victims conditions are unknown, but that they are expected to survive.

The Sharon Police Department was assisted by the Farrell Police Department.

Police said they are actively investigating and working diligently to identify suspects. They said that more information will be released when it becomes available. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sharon Police Department at (724)-983-3210 or the Mercer County 911 Center non-emergency phone line at (724)- 662-6110.

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TJ Renniger contributed to this report.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Five people were arrested on the Portland State University campus related to an event not affiliated with the university, police said late Monday night.

Around 7 p.m. campus police asked for and received help from PPB for crowd control outside the Smith Memorial Student Union. Over the course of 90 minutes, officials said, Portland police arrested 5 people for various crimes.

Those arrested have not yet been fully processed, officials said. Names and charges are pending.

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Earlier Monday, PSU officials told KOIN 6 News several counter programming events were planned around an event by Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer who is outspoken in her opposition to transgender athletes in sports.

President Donald Trump acknowledges Riley Gaines as he speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in womens or girls sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Her appearance was organized by a third party, the Leadership Institute of Arlington, Va. While some students were involved in planning the event, this outside organization arranged the venue reservation and paid a room rental fee at the Smith Memorial Student Union, PSU spokesperson Katy Swordfisk said in a statement to KOIN 6 News. PSU is a public institution that supports free speech and free expression, even when the views expressed run counter to the beliefs and values held by many individuals in our community.

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At least five people were killed and 33 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on May 6.

Russia launched 136 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 54 drones, while 70 vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm defenses. The assault was countered with electronic warfare units, aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, and mobile fire groups.

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In Donetsk Oblast, three residents were killed and 16 injured due to Russian aggression, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

In Kharkiv Oblast, 11 people were injured, including four in the city of Kharkiv, where Russia attacked four districts with suicide drones, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

One person was killed and three injured in Kherson Oblast as Russian forces hit social infrastructure and residential areas, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

In Odesa Oblast, a Russian drone attack killed one person and damaged civilian infrastructure, including houses, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.

Three women, aged 43, 65, and 70, were injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where houses and infrastructure were damaged, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

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The attacks come as Moscow continues rejecting a complete ceasefire and escalates strikes targeting civilian areas across Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraines drones target Moscow second night in a row, Russian official claims, ahead of Victory Day parade

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  The West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD) has arrested a woman on allegations of child abuse after a 5-year-old child was found with blood on their face and soaked with water.

Petrice Gustafson, 35, is facing charges of aggravated child abuse, disarming a police officer, and burglary.

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Man allegedly steals $30 tool kit, punches security guard in Salt Lake City

In a press release from police, they state that witnesses found the 5-year-old walking in the area of 3100 S and 6400 W in West Valley City. An arresting statement says that the child was walking door-to-door to ask for help. According to witnesses, the child was covered in blood and soaked with water.

Witnesses also told police that Gustafson was walking around the area looking for the child. According to police, she said that she had attempted to kill the child and asked somebody to call 911. Gustafson then entered one of the neighbors homes and assaulted someone inside.

Police arrived on the scene and took Gustafson into custody. According to the police department, she reached for the holstered gun of an officer and touched it twice. She told the officer to give her their gun and that they were going to have to kill her, according to a release.

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Woman ejected from truck, 3 others injured in Santaquin crash

The 5-year-old told police that Gustafson had hit him with a statue and attempted to drown him, according to an arrest statement. He was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries to his head, WVCPD said.

Officers uncovered video showing Gustafson striking the child and threatening him. They also found evidence of the child abuse happening in the home, including blood throughout the home, a broken statue, and a full bathtub.

Gustafson is currently in the Salt Lake County Jail and is being held without bail.

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WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A single-vehicle crash in Walker County left a 57-year-old man dead early Tuesday morning.

Carlton Lawson, of Nauvoo, was injured when the Toyota Venza he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree around 12 a.m. He was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Billboard honoring Tony Mitchell placed in Walker County

The crash occurred on Dogwood Road near Walden Road. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will continue to investigate.

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May 6 (UPI) -- At least seven people were killed and 26 injured overnight as Kyiv and Moscow traded attacks, authorities in both countries said.

Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for a second consecutive night, temporarily shutting all four of the capital's main airports for several hours, while Russian forces struck Ukraine's eastern Sumy region with guided bombs and artillery, killing three people and injuring seven, and the Black Sea port of Odessa where one person was killed.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said four people were injured in Kharkiv after it was targeted by at least 20 Russian drones over a two-hour period during the night, razing a market in the east of the city and causing damage in three other neighborhoods.

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Kupiansk and Izyumsky, southeast of Kharkiv, and three other districts of the province were targeted by Russian artillery, injuring a further seven people and causing damage to private houses and businesses, Syniehubov wrote in a social media post. He said the weapons directed against the province also included laser-guided bombs.

A man was seriously injured in Ilarionove in Dnipropetrovsk province, just southwest of Dnipro city, after infrastructure, business premises and residential buildings in several districts were struck by guided bombs, drones and artillery, Gov. Serhii Lysak said on his official account on Telegram.

Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia's Kursk region killed three people and injured seven, Gov. Alexander Khinshtein said in an update Tuesday. The attacks were part of a sustained aerial assault overnight with Russia's Defense Ministry claiming to have downed 105 drones over a dozen regions, 19 of them as they approached Moscow.

No injuries were reported, but the attacks forced the temporary closure of nine regional airports in addition to Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports.

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Khinstein said Ukrainian ground forces had also attacked a power substation in Rylsk, injuring two people and cutting off power. The report came after Russian war bloggers reported a fresh incursion into Kursk by Ukrainian amored units, firing off missiles as they traversed minefields with armoured vehicles.

Russia claimed victory in Kursk in April, routing Ukrainian forces eight months after parts of the region were occupied following a counteroffensive by Kyiv.

The attacks inside Russia came two days before Moscow is due to begin a three-day cease-fire to enable it to observe Victory Day when celebrations are held across the country to mark Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The anniversary is also an important occasion in Ukraine, where much of the fighting on the eastern front took place.
Uzbekistan reveals top travel destinations for citizens in early 2025

Photo: National Statistics Committee

In the first quarter of 2025, over 1.5 million Uzbek citizens traveled abroad, marking a significant increase in international travel. Popular destinations included Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, with a noticeable rise in travel to the UAE, Egypt, and other countries, reflecting a growing trend of mobility among Uzbek citizens.

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An 89-year-old Florida man and his pet dog were killed in a suspected bear mauling on Monday, May 5

The man has been identified as Robert Markel, according to local news outlets

A dead black bear has since been sent for testing amid what could be the first fatal mauling in Florida's history since records began



A man and his pet dog have been found dead after a suspected bear mauling that could mark the first fatal attack in Florida history.

At around 7:07 a.m. local time on Monday, May 5, the Collier County Sheriffs Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a call at a property in a remote part of Collier County near Everglades City, local outlets Fox 4 Now and Naples Daily News reported.

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The daughter of Robert Markel informed officials that she witnessed a bear kill her fathers dog. Investigators then found 89-year-old Markels body "a couple hundred yards away," as they searched the area, according to the outlets.

Related: 25-Year-Old 'Made One Mistake' When She Went Camping. Then Authorities Found What Grizzly Bear Left Behind (Exclusive)

FWC officials suspect that Markel  who lived alone on the property with his dog  may have been killed hours before they received the call.

The bear involved may still be in the area as our officers continue to secure the perimeter, said FWC Officer George Reynaud in a statement, per Fox 4 Now. Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area," he added.

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Officials confirmed in a press conference that they were using drones and officers on the ground to search the area following the fatal attack, per KHOU 11.

Getty Black bear (stock image) Black bear (stock image)

They added that they are awaiting the results of DNA testing to confirm if a black bear caused Markels death.

We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Markel, Reynaud said, per Fox 4 Now. At this time, we have deployed four live bear traps around the vicinity of where the incident occurred in an attempt to capture this bear," he added.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Collier County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Collier County emergency vehicles Collier County emergency vehicles

Related: Fla. Woman Thwarts Bear Attack by Throwing a Bag of Cookies at the Animal

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A cluster of loud pops was allegedly heard shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, with wildlife officials hauling a dead bear from the woods moments later, according to Naples Daily News.

Officials confirmed to the outlet that the dead bear would be brought to Gainesville for testing.

If found responsible for Markels death, it would be the first fatal bear attack in Florida since records began and the second bear mauling statewide this year, Naples Daily News and CBS Miami reported.

The Collier County Sheriffs Office and the FWC did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on May 6.

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WALLINGFORD, Conn. (PIX11)  A 9/11 first responder and recently retired firefighter in Connecticut was in for a big surprise when he decided to buy a few scratch-off tickets for fun.

Patrick Gordiski, who served for 50 years in the Greenwich Fire Department, was planning a much-needed vacation with his wife when he won the top prize of $500,000 in CT Lotterys CA$HWORD, according to lottery officials.

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The winning ticket was sold at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich. The store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the ticket, according to lottery officials.

Gordiski spent days in New York assisting in the response at Ground Zero. His son also serves as a firefighter in the Greenwich Fire Department.

Congratulations to the entire Gordiski family, and thank you for your service to our community! The Connecticut Lottery Corporation

Anyone who needs help or knows someone who may need help with gambling addiction or problem gambling can visit the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website, call the 24-7 hotline 1-877-8-HOPENY or text 467369.

The Greenwich couples son is also a firefighter with the Greenwich Fire Department.

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WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WTAJ)  A former fan favorite WWE wrestler from the 1990s landed himself in legal trouble when he was indicted on attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of children.

Michael Droese (Photo from District Attorney General Chris Stanford, 31st Judicial District)

Michael Droese, better known to wrestling fans as Duke The Dumpster Droese, was indicted by a Warren County Grand Jury in May, according to a release from District Attorney General Chris Stanford, 31st Judicial District.

It was alleged that Droese used a Coinbase account in an attempt to purchase child pornography on the dark web, the release reads. Coinbase, however, recognized what the transaction was and declined the payment. The company then sent a tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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According to Stanford, the FBI alerted the Warren County Sheriffs Department of Droese and the tip they were given March 29. Within days, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began investigating, which quickly led to Stanford charging Droese.

Woman escaped after being kidnapped from outside a Pennsylvania bar, police report

Stanford continued by explaining the charges as attempted, since Droeses transaction was never processed.

At the time, Droese was employed as the DUI Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, the release states. Droese served the program for several years in various capacities. Upon learning of the indictment, Droese was terminated from his position effective immediately. Stanford noted that Dorese, though working through the public court system, was never given duties that mandated any contact with children.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

After the indictment, Droese peacefully surrendered himself to law enforcement, according to Stanford. Droese was booked on his charges and released after posting a $10,000 bond.

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Droeses next court date is set for May 28.

He wrestled as Duke The Dumpster Droese in WWE (then WWF) from 1994 to 1996. He would then return in 2001 for one night only in a special attraction battle royale at WrestleMania 17.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  911 operations are back in service at the Preble County Sheriffs Office.

According to a media release from the Preble County Sheriffs Office, 911 equipment at the office was down this morning at around 10:27 a.m.

Vendors are working on the equipment now and will have it operational as soon as possible, the sheriffs office said in the release.

911 calls were being redirected to the Darke County 911 Center.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  On Saturday night, the unofficial election results indicated that incumbent Travis Craver won the city council seat for place six. However, candidates Kyle McAlister and Miguel Espinoza say they are gearing up for a runoff for place five.

The place six race between incumbent Travis Craver and challenger Tammy Fogle ended with 64% of votes in favor of Craver. He told KTAB/KRBC that this election season has been all about authenticity.

Its been a season where I would say just really pressing in and trying to do the very best that I can to serve our citizens, but also at the same time, just being true to who I am as a person, a person who wants to serve; no agenda, just a person who is an everyday citizen here in Abilene whos willing to serve, Craver said.

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Travis Craver wins re-election for Abilene City Council Place 6

Fogle may not have claimed place six, but she said this does not mean she will stop trying to improve the Key City.

Im so grateful for this opportunity to be able to run for city council. Ive met so many amazing people. While some people might consider this a bad thing or a disappointing end, I will say that I am on a journey to make our city better. I feel like this is just one stop along the way, Fogle said.

In the city council place 5 race, incumbent Kyle McAlister went against challengers Cynthia Alvidrez and Miguel Espinoza. Alvidrez received 7% of the votes, with 49% going to McAlister and 42% to Espinoza. Without a 50% win from the unofficial numbers, McAlister and Espinoza may be heading into a runoff election.

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Espinosa said this election process has been a positive one for him.

The amount of support that I received from just community leaders, all my family and friends coming out, Im just super, super positive. I know politics can be a little negative sometimes, but just this process for me, its been super positive, and Ive had a great time doing it and having the conversations with people, Espinoza said.

Place 5 race not over yet: McAlister, Espinoza gear up for runoff

McAlister admired all the candidates on the ballot and said he is ready for a runoff election.

Theres always a possibility when you have more than two candidates, a runoff is always a really strong possibility because it just makes that much harder to get to that 50% threshold, and I feel comfortable where we are now, McAlister said. Congratulations to Travis for his victory last night, but again, thanks to Tammy. Thanks to Cynthia for running. Cynthia, Tammy, and I may not always agree on things, but I do appreciate the fact that they got out there and ran. Thats not an easy thing to do.

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Alvidrez did not respond to a request for comment. Both place five candidates, Espinoza and McAlister, confirmed a runoff election on June 7th. The Taylor County Elections Office has yet to confirm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A controlled burn in the Holland Hill Barrens area of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge is shown. The burn was conducted by the Town of Mashpee, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Northeast Forest and Fire Management. (Photo by Catherine J. Hibbard/USFWS)

The upheaval of federal support for climate change work could not have come at a worse time. Communities across Massachusetts and the U.S. are generally under-prepared to handle the current impacts of climate change, let alone the far greater challenges projected for the years ahead.

Here in New England, where rates of heavy rainfall have increased by approximately 60 percent since the mid-20th century, frequent flooding threatens neighborhoods and cities. Stormwater systems are unable to deal with the increased frequency and intensity of deluge rainstorms. Other socioecological systems essential to community well-being, including food, housing, energy, waste management, and drinking water, are also vulnerable. In areas experiencing more frequent extreme storms or wildfires, insurance is becoming both harder to obtain and significantly more expensive. This unavailability or unaffordability of insurance threatens the stability of real estate markets. Even before a catastrophic storm hits, communities are already experiencing the impacts of climate change through increased property risk and the potential instability of tax revenues.

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The future of Massachusetts and New England depends on reconsidering regulation that stifles innovative nature-based design and projects and scaling up effective adaptation to accelerating climate change. Effective adaptation will require system agility  the forward-leaning ability to adapt continuously to changing conditions.

Massachusetts and neighboring states have been taking positive steps. Over the past decade, best-practice resilience planning incorporated powerful analytical tools to understand both climate change threats and the full scope of vulnerabilities, particularly those worsened by social inequities like poverty and racial disparities.

By integrating climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme rainfall with social vulnerability assessments and nature-based risk reduction strategies, communities can secure a thriving future grounded in greater equity and health for both people and the environment.

In coastal Massachusetts communities such as Wellfleet, Nantucket, and Plum Island accelerating shoreline loss is taking homes and threatening vital infrastructure and high value natural habitat. Massachusetts is giving our 78 coastal communities extra funding to develop risk-based coastal resilience plans. Using advanced modeling tools developed from the explosive growth of information technologies, these plans assess risks to valuable habitats, critical infrastructure, and community recreational assets. Informed by data sensing and analytical tools, the strategic placement of near-shore, habitat-friendly structures can slow erosion rates and create opportunities to avoid using hard structures that deflect energy and cause erosion elsewhere. The design process requires getting extensive site-specific data and most recently developed with the aid of artificial intelligence.

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By integrating climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme rainfall with social vulnerability assessments and nature-based risk reduction strategies, communities can secure a thriving future grounded in greater equity and health for both people and the environment.

But, implementing these projects requires working within the existing outmoded environmental management system that was not built to address the accelerating impacts of climate change. Procedural overload  multiple reviews, siloed rules, and an overly risk-averse perspective  undermine timely progress. For example, innovative nature-based measures like floating wetlands or naturalized reef structures that can reduce the wave energy on a shoreline face regulatory burden that is often higher than what is required for sea walls and other more traditional but more destructive alternatives. It took years for regulators to embrace green infrastructure as the better way to address stormwater pollution. Communities dont have years for coastal regulators to embrace nature-based strategies to address coastal erosion that threatens vital infrastructure and habitat.

In the face of accelerating climate change, the scale and scope of resilience work is growing far beyond what policy makers in the late 20th century thought possible. The general risk of not acting at the needed scale far surpasses the downside risk of any single action negatively impacting an ecosystem. Eventually a fundamental rethinking of the environmental management system is crucial for building the resilience necessary to thrive in the coming years.

Unfortunately, redesigning the national environmental management system is unrealistic in this political environment. But there is way forward. Community-based public-private partnerships are a tested approach to scale the level of projects needed to meet an environmental challenge.

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The ingredients for this partnership model start with a long-term source of revenue. The second ingredient is a planning framework that defines the scope of what must be done. The next ingredient is a local or regional government that creates a partnership with private firm and an engagement program that effectively recruits the input of stakeholders. With the promise of a large number of green infrastructure projects, the firm procures the needed design and build services at a scale necessary to meet the performance goals defined in the planning and permit framework. Most importantly the firm takes on the legal responsibility for achieving the goals of the program.

Like the challenge to build green infrastructure at scale to address stormwater pollution and flooding, using the extensive resilience planning work to create nature-based infrastructure to address community resilience challenges is a problem of scale and implementation speed. Community-based public-private partnerships offer a solution that has been endorsed by the EPA and is available to states and local governments. However, these partnerships will only work if regulators rethink how they regulate nature-based work.

Climate change is progressing rapidly and unpredictably. An environmental management system that does not acknowledge this urgency does not effectively serve governments or their citizens. By adopting a systemic approach to resilience planning and aligning our environmental management programs with the urgency of the climate crisis, we can better prepare for and mitigate its impacts.

This article first appeared on CommonWealth Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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A same-sex couple is demanding an apology from the Liberty Hotel in Boston after they were kicked out.

They told Boston 25 News that a confrontation escalated in the womens bathroom when a security guard accused one of them of being a man.

Ansley Baker and Liz Victor said they have no problem with a misunderstanding but are hurt over what happened next.

Baker said a security guard knocked on her stall and demanded to see her ID to prove her gender.

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He accused me of being a man in the womens bathroom, said Baker. He demands my ID, which I gave him, and things still got heated. We kept repeating that Im a woman.

Victor said she was standing by the sinks near the bathroom entrance when it happened.

At one point, I shouted, have you ever seen a lesbian before? recalled Victor. You need to learn whats an actual threat versus a woman using the restroom.

The couple, who were attending a Kentucky Derby party at the hotel on Saturday, was ordered to leave the premises.

Literally, left on the sidewalk, both of us crying and shaking, said Victor. We even heard awful comments as we were walking out of the bathroom.

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Victor wrote a Google review and posted it on Instagram, which has since been shared and mentioned dozens of times.

The Liberty Hotel disputes their claims and posted their side of the story on social media:

An incident occurred at the Liberty Hotel on Saturday, May 3 where several women alerted security of two adults sharing a bathroom stall. The bathroom was cleared out as two adults in one stall are not permitted. After leaving the bathroom, a member of the couple from the stall put their hands on our security team and it was then that they were removed from the premises. The Liberty Hotel has a zero-tolerance policy for any physical on our property. The safety of our guests and staff is our priority, and this event is under investigation. The Liberty Hotel is and always will be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and a place where everyone is welcome and celebrated.

I kind of tried to move his shoulder toward me at one point so he was looking at me instead of her, added Victor.

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The couple denies ever being in the bathroom stall together.

Once the stall door opened, and Im the only one in there, it escalated further, explained Baker. I dont think that aligns with what theyre saying.

The couple told Boston 25 News theyve alerted Mayor Wus office about their experience in hopes of preventing a similar situation from happening to anyone else.

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A defense attorney for Colt Gray, the teen accused of killing four people at a Georgia high school last fall, said Tuesday he may change his not-guilty plea.

We are here for the possible scheduling to the plea. I would likely ask the court for some time, maybe in October, defense attorney Alfonso Kraft Jr. told the judge.

Tuesdays status hearing was called to discuss whether attorneys were planning to go to trial or considering a plea deal.

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We are still doing some investigatory work on our behalf and then we have a psychologist who is going to be visiting with Colt in the middle of this month, Kraft said.

Authorities say Colt has admitted to the September 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, that left two teachers and two students dead. Nine others were injured.

Colt has been indicted on 55 felony counts, including four counts of malice murder, according to court documents, and has pleaded not guilty. He would be tried as an adult.

Colt joined Tuesdays hearing virtually, wearing a black T-shirt and glasses. His dark hair was cut short. At his first appearance, Colt had long blond hair.

Killed in the attack were Apalachee High School teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53; and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. - Barrow County School System

Several family members of victims attended the hearing, including the family of 14-year-old Christian Angulo, who was in his first year of high school. Some in court wore black hoodies with Christians picture printed on them.

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Because Colt was 14 at the time of the shooting, he is not eligible for the death penalty and could face up to life in prison if convicted.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, has been indicted on 29 felonies including two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of cruelty to children. He has also pleaded not guilty.

Investigators previously testified in court that Colin Gray bought the AR-15-style rifle allegedly used in the shooting for his son as a Christmas present, only seven months after law enforcement questioned the family about online threats to commit a school shooting.

Chief Judge Nicholas Primm signaled the suggested timing for a possible plea deal involving Colt works well because Colin Grays trial is scheduled in September and (it could) avoid any publicity tainting that trial.

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By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

BEVERLY HILLS (Reuters) -Billionaire investor Bill Ackman on Tuesday said Harvard University, one of the nation's oldest and wealthiest, should not be entitled to taxpayer funds when the school wastes money on what he calls "administrative bloat."

Ackman, who earned undergraduate and business degrees from Harvard more than three decades ago, was speaking hours after the Trump administration said it was freezing future grants to Harvard.

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He also criticized the school's investment policies, saying the Ivy League university is facing a financial crisis and that its $53 billion endowment is "poorly invested."

"They have lost all future grants, their tax exemptions are at risk," Ackman said on a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference where 5,000 financiers, educators and scientists gather to discuss critical issues of the day.

"It is all self-induced gross mismanagement and I think that the (Trump) administration is doing precisely the right thing now," Ackman told the packed room.

The U.S. Department of Education informed Harvard on Monday that it was freezing billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid until the university concedes to a number of demands from the Trump administration, a senior department official said.

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Harvard responded that the administration letter doubles down on demands that would impose "unprecedented and improper control" over the university and makes new threats to "illegally" withhold funding for lifesaving research.

"The notion is the federal government money is only going to fund breakthrough research, that is just false," Ackman said.

A representative for the university was not immediately available for comment and a representative for Harvard Management Company, which invests the endowment, declined to comment.

Ackman has long been at odds with Harvard, criticizing the university for not doing enough to protect students from antisemitism. Early last year he launched an unsuccessful bid to get four candidates on the ballot for a governing board.

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The financier runs New York-based hedge fund firm Pershing Square Capital Management and has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies on tariffs and spending. Harvard is "a collection of buildings, nice real estate" located in Cambridge, Massachusetts next to the Charles River, he said.

But its cutting-edge faculty, researchers and students could easily move elsewhere, he said. "This is the best time in history to start a university."

He also again hit out at the school's governing board, saying it has become insular and that there is no mechanism to remove members the way there is in corporate America where investors can run board challenges.

"What happens when you have a board that can self-appoint itself, and it becomes insular, and with a $53 billion endowment, they think, okay, we can just do whatever is on our mind."

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss with additional reporting by Gram Slattery and Jarrett RenshawEditing by Marguerita Choy)
The plaintiff G.M.G was arrested and detained March 26 and has been held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls ever since, The Trump Administration wants to send him to El Salvador. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

A federal judge has temporarily halted the removal of a Venezuelan barber detained in Central Falls as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seeks to completely block the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

Rhode Island U.S. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose on Monday ordered federal authorities to give the court 48 hours notice before moving the man, referred to as G.M.G. in court documents, out of the state.

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The national ACLU and its Rhode Island chapter filed an emergency lawsuit to try to stop the Trump Administration and Wyatt Detention Facility from sending G.M.G. to El Salvador.

The Alien Enemies Act has only been used during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II. President Donald Trump invoked the 18th century law in March in order to remove Venezuelans suspected of being in the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua.

ACLU of Rhode Island Executive Director Steven Brown did not immediately return a request for comment.

The lawsuit states G.M.G. entered the country with his fiancee and her son in 2023 after he was repeatedly detained and threatened by police in Venezuela due to his perceived political opposition. He has had a pending application for asylum since August 2024 and was scheduled for an immigration court hearing in Massachusetts on May 15.

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G.M.G. was working in Rhode Island as a barber, according to court documents.

Despite his asylum claim, G.M.G was arrested and detained while he was at work on March 26, and has been held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls ever since, according to the lawsuit.

Attorneys claim he was wrongly detained by ICE for being associated with Tren de Aragua because of his tattoos. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security submitted to an immigration court an I-213 form that stated G.M.G. had no known criminal history, according to the ACLUs lawsuit.

His tattoos are for personal reasons, and he himself fears persecution by the TdA based on his experiences in Venezuela, the lawsuit claims.

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But federal officials remain adamant that he is a criminal and must be removed.

The Trump Administration is committed to restoring the rule of law to our immigration system, a senior Department of Homeland Security official said in a statement Monday. No lawsuit, not this one or any other, is going to stop us from doing that. We have the law, the facts, and common sense on our side.

Because of federal officials claims, the ACLU claims G.M.G. is at grave risk of being deported to El Salvador.

The ACLUs lawsuit claims that ICEs checklist on who constitutes an alien enemy relies on several dubious criteria including tattoos, hand gestures, graffiti and what certain people wear.

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Attorneys also argue that Trumps proclamation provides no way for those accused of being gang members to contest the governments claims and that the administrations use of a wartime law should be invalid because the U.S. did not declare war with Venezuela.

Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization, is not a nation or foreign government and is not part of the Venezuelan government, the lawsuit states. And neither Venezuela nor Tren de Aragua have invaded or threatened to invade the United States.

The national ACLU has already convinced federal judges in New York and Texas to halt such removals under the Alien Enemies Act. Those rulings came after the U.S. Supreme Court permitted Trump to deport suspected gang members of Tren de Aragua, though the nations highest court agreed that those removed needed to have due process and a hearing to challenge their removal.

The ACLU has also filed a temporary restraining order to further halt removal as the Rhode Island lawsuit proceeds. DuBose will hold an online hearing on the matter Wednesday, May 7.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The Baku Grain Terminal has received its first shipment of wheat from Kazakhstan, a move signaling a deepening of trade ties between the two Caspian neighbors, Trend reports, citing foreign sources.

In connection with the delivery, Chairman of the Board of Ak Biday-Terminal JSC, Nurlan Yerkozhauly, paid a working visit to Baku. His visit included a series of key meetings aimed at enhancing collaboration in agrarian trade and logistics. Discussions with BGT officials focused on operational procedures, technical aspects of grain reception and storage, and the potential for scaling up shipments.

"Particular attention during the visit was devoted to diplomatic engagement. Nurlan Yerkozhauly met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel. The main topic of discussion was the potential for increasing export volumes within the framework of the bilateral roadmap for trade and economic cooperation," the report states.

Both sides addressed current logistical challenges and exchanged views on strengthening the resilience and efficiency of supply chains. Proposals for infrastructure modernization and boosting grain shipment volumes through BGT were also reviewed.

The visit by the chairman of Ak Biday-Terminal JSC highlighted the mutual interest of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in deepening agrarian cooperation. Wheat deliveries from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan are viewed as a strategic move toward diversifying export routes and reinforcing economic ties across the Caspian-Caucasus region and beyond.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Proposed energy facilities in our region continue to draw controversy.

Activists are calling for changes on where they are built after a rally in Holyoke Monday night, gathering public feedback on siting and permitting changes for these energy facilities.

Closures on Route 141, Route 5 in Holyoke this week

Rain didnt stop environmental advocates from gathering Monday evening. Armed with posters and passionate voices, all to be heard by state officials ahead of a hearing in Holyoke on clean energy siting.

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The group No Assault and Batteries led the rally, calling on state officials to keep solar and battery storage projects off undeveloped lands and away from vulnerable neighborhoods. We have a unique opportunity in New England to save our trees and our water and our farmlands, says activist Chris Queen.

A proposed lithium battery energy storage facility was in the works for the city of Westfield. But recently, developers pulled back on the project after much outcry over a battery facility explosion in California earlier this year. That burned for five days and scattered ash all over five counties, Queen adds. That is what can happen to these battery projects. Water cannot put those fires out.

Monday nights public hearing is part of the states 2024 climate act, which requires updates to how the commonwealth permits clean energy infrastructure. The hearing involves several agencies, including the energy facilities siting board, and its a chance for the public to have their concerns known before the guidelines are set in stone.

Nate Maynard, a concerned resident, told 22News, What kind of control do we still have? If a large corporation comes in to clear-cut and put in solardo we still have the ability to determine whether that site makes sense or not?

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The feedback gathered at the hearings is meant to shape the final regulations for 2026 and as the state continues to push towards its climate goals. These activists say theyll make sure it stays in line with the needs of western Massachusetts.

The comment deadline after Monday nights meeting is May 19th.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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ADAMS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  The Adams County Sheriffs Office announced the formation of its new Forensic Unit, which was established in April 2025 to enhance investigative capabilities through state-of-the-art technology and forensic science.

According to Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten, the Forensic Unit integrates the existing Digital Forensics Division and expands its expertise to include cybercrime investigations, criminal intelligence analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene reconstruction.

Do you need a REAL ID before Wednesdays enforcement deadline? Heres what to know

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These acquisitions represent a significant investment in our ability to conduct thorough and efficient investigations, said Patten. With these tools, we can extract and analyze data more effectively, leading to faster resolutions and enhanced public safety.

In addition to digital analysis tools, the Forensic Unit has deployed a state-of-the-art drone capable of operating inside buildings.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  As the president aims to root out diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal government, some lawmakers say important policy documents have been swept up with it. That includes a report aimed at addressing missing and murdered indigenous people.

Its really kind of a slap in the face of the community that were trying to work with and protect, said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).

Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Mastos bipartisan Not Invisible Act created the commission that reported those recommendations.

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President Trump signed it into law his first term, with the White House at the time touting him as, the first president to formally recognize the tragedy, but now the report isnt on the DOJ site anymore.

An Interior Department page that links to the DOJ has a note that says links may not work and quote, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded.

The DOJ does still have a page dedicated to missing or murdered indigenous people that summarizes the reports recommendations.

The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment when asked about why the report was removed.

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Cortez Masto says on this National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, lawmakers and the administration should be working together to address the tragedy.

This is not a partisan issue. This is bipartisan. Weve got great legislation coming from it, said Cortez Masto.

Cortez Masto is currently working to pass two bills aimed at supporting tribal law enforcement.

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Planes were briefly flying blind into Newark Liberty International Airport last week after a communications blackout occurred, multiple reports revealed Monday.

Sources told Bloomberg the outage lasted 90 seconds on April 28 and shook up the on-duty controllers so much that some were placed on trauma leave. A source told the New York Post that the blackout was caused by a fried piece of copper wire.

Galen Munroe, a National Air Traffic Controllers Association spokesman, told The New York Times that controllers temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control and were unable to see, hear, or talk to them.

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Air Traffic Control staffing has been stretched thin nationwide, including at Newark. On top of that, the Post reported the team handling Newarks airspace lost about 20 percent of its controllers to trauma leave last week.

Such an abrupt staff reduction has been blamed for the airports operational woes ever since, including hundreds of cancellations, days-long delays, diversions, and its largest carrier, United Airlines, announcing it was halting 35 daily routes indefinitely.

Newark Liberty International Airport is the 12th busiest in the U.S. and one of three major airports serving New York City. / Fabrizio Bensch / REUTERS

Munroe told the Times that the scary minute-and-a-half qualified workers to be put on leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which allows federal workers who are injured or experience a traumatic event on the job to leave work. There were no accidents at Newark during the blackout, but there was a two-hour ground stop put in place that day for the airport.

The workers on leave are based at Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control. A source told CNN that connectivity between Federal Aviation Administration radar and the frequencies controllers use to manage planes during landing and takeoff had completely failed.

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CNNs source said those on leave will be on paid leave for 45 days.

Newarks air traffic control being handled in Philadelphia is relatively new, CNN reported. Having recently moved operations from Long Island, the new facility had to jerry-rig the connections to get them working.

Newarks airport has become packed with stranded travelers, who the FAA told Monday should expect their flights to be delayed by four hours if they are not outright canceled. / Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Newark is the 12th largest airport by passenger volume, and its week from hell has thrown a wrench in the plans of tens of thousands of passengers. The airport had already cancelled 151 flights on Monday by 4 p.m., and another 306 were delayed, many of them United flights. The FAA told travelers Monday that they should expect nearly four-hour delays for all inbound flights.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the workers put on leave walked off the job in a statement on Friday. This peeved some in the aviation world.

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The controllers did not walk off the job as it has been reported by the media, the controllers union said Monday. Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job.

CNNs aviation source shared that sentiment.

The controllers didnt just walk off the jobthey were traumatized; their equipment failed, the source said. Its written in the regulations, if they experience a traumatic event, they can take time off to go see a psychiatrist ... The people working that day did that.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has not spoken about the communications snafu between Philadelphia and planes at Newark. He said in a press conference last week that he will ask Congress to shell out billions to reform U.S. air traffic control infrastructure.

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Duffy, 53, has been feeling the heat on the Newark situation. He was the subject of mass outrage over the weekend after he shared a photo of himself smiling with a plate of tacos while hordes of travelers were stranded in New Jersey and elsewhere.

Sean Duffy poses with tacos prepared by his #LatinaWife on Friday. The post has been heavily criticized, as he shared it amid mass delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, which are tied to Federal Aviation Administration staffing shortages. / Secretary Sean Duffy

Sen. Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from neighboring New York, said Monday that he requested that the Office of the Inspector General investigate the problems in Newark. He cited firings at the Federal Aviation Administration, which reportedly numbered in the several hundreds at the request of the Department of Government Efficiency, as also to blame.

To say that there is just minor turbulence at Newark Airport and the FAAthat would be the understatement of the year, he said. Were here because the FAA is really a mess.

Schumer also said he was baffled that such a chilling communications blackout could be caused by copper wiresomething Duffy pointed out as a serious issue in March.

The technology is old and must be updated, Schumer said. One of the things that happened at Newark is a copper wire burnt. Why are we using copper wire in 2025? Have they heard of fiber?
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11)  More delays are expected at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday due to air traffic control staff shortages, equipment failures, runway construction and the weather.

Air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON lost radar and communications with planes over Newark last Monday, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The outage, where workers were unable to see, hear, or talk to [planes], reportedly lasted less than two minutes.

EWR issues: How to track flight delays, cancellations

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The controllers did not walk off the job as it has been reported by the media. Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job, NATCA said in a statement to PIX11 News.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation into Newark Airports failures, including whether staffing cuts by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) played a role.

On Monday, 364 flights were delayed and 160 were canceled at Newark Airport alone. Nearly 70 flights were delayed and at least 12 were canceled on Tuesday.

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United Airlines, which has canceled most of its flights out of Newark, is allowing travelers to change to Philadelphia or LaGuardia airports for free.

John F. Kennedy International Airport was also experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes on Tuesday due to thunderstorms, according to the FAA.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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In a message explaining the chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines (UAL) CEO Scott Kirby said some of the disruptions were due to more than 20% of the air traffic controllers walking off the job.

But the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing air traffic controllers, is disputing that characterization. The controllers did not walk off the job as it has been reported by the media, NATCA told Quartz.

Rather, the employees took leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act after experiencing a traumatic event on the job.

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Thats because on Monday, April 28, air traffic controllers in Area C of the Philadelphia TRACON (PHL), who separate and sequence aircraft in and out of Newark Airport, temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them, the union said.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the controllers lost contact with the planes for about 30 seconds. Other media reports have said it was for as long as 90 seconds.

Now, were planes going to crash? No, they have communication devices, he told Fox News. They can see other air traffic like GPS in the airplanes. But its a sign that we have a frail system in place, and it has to be fixed.

Duffy, a former Republican Congressman from Wisconsin and a Trump appointee, blamed the technology issues on former President Joe Biden.

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This should have been dealt with in the last administration, he claimed. They did nothing.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it cannot quickly replace the controllers who took time off to recover from the stress. We continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace, it told Bloomberg. When staffing or equipment issues occur, the FAA will ensure safety by slowing the rate of arrivals into the airport.

On Tuesday morning, Newark Airport was still plagued by chronic delays.

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Residents in Simi Valley thought the small aircraft circling over the neighborhood on Saturday was part of an air show.

The plane appeared to fly erratically, drawing closer and closer to the ground. Then there was the loud boom as the kit-built plane clipped a home on High Meadow Street in the Wood Ranch neighborhood. Two passengers and a dog aboard the plane died, according to authorities.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner's office identified the victims as Paul Berkovitz, 69, of Westlake Village, and his son, Matthew Berkovitz, 36, of Thousand Oaks. Their deaths were listed as accidental and due to blunt force trauma.

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"We want to express our sincere thanks to the Ventura County Fire Department, the Simi Valley Police Department, and all first responders for their swift and heroic efforts at the scene," the family said in a statement. "Paul was a devoted father and husband, a passionate pilot, and a lifelong animal lover. Brody, his loyal companion, was by his side on many of his flights."

The family said that Matthew Berkovitz shared his father's passion for aviation and enjoyed the time they spent flying together.

The fatal crash, the second in five months involving that model aircraft, puts a spotlight on such experimental and amateur kit-built aircraft, their rate of accidents and the overall process to win regulatory approval to fly the planes with passengers aboard.

There are roughly 30,000 amateur-built planes currently certified in the U.S., according to experimental aircraft enthusiasts. The total number of registered airworthy aircraft has tripled since the 1980s, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Nailing down an exact number of such planes in use is a moving target, as the database for keeping track of new registered planes and older disused planes is not always up to date.

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Kit planes are increasingly popular because they are much less expensive than factory-built aircraft, according to enthusiasts, and give the community a sense of customizing their own route to the skies.

The FAA said the single-engine Van's RV-10, a fixed-wing airplane, departed from Lancaster en route to Camarillo on Saturday.

Paul Berkovitz is listed as the former owner of Camp Bow Wow Agoura Hills and Bow Wow Bungalow in Burbank.

He shared on social media that he is passionate about supporting animals in overcrowded shelters and would fly dogs from shelters to new homes for a nonprofit called Pilot N Paws.

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It is the most gratifying flying youll ever do as a pilot, he told Pet Vet Sales, a pet business broker and consulting firm. The firm also noted that Berkovitz enjoyed flying his amateur built RV-10 plane, the same type that crashed in Simi Valley.

Read more: Pilot's door was open moments before Fullerton plane crash that killed 2 and injured 19, investigators say

Shortly before the crash, the control tower at Camarillo Airport tried to contact Berkovitz. He didn't immediately respond and when he did speak, his words were garbled.

Finally, his voice came in clear as he said, "I need some vectors. The plane keeps turning on me."

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The air traffic controller repeatedly asked Berkovitz to provide his altitude, according to audio posted to LiveATC, but there was no clear response.

"You are radar contact lost," the traffic controller said, meaning the tower was no longer receiving the surveillance data used to determine the aircraft's position.

The official cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency tasked with investigating airplane accidents and crashes. A preliminary report will be issued in the next 30 days and a final report will likely be released in the next one to two years, according to an agency spokesperson.

While there remain many unknowns about the crash, officials have confirmed the plane was an experimental or amateur kit-built aircraft. About 1,000 kit-built planes are deemed airworthy every year by the FAA, according to a spokesperson from the Experimental Aircraft Assn., an international organization of aviation enthusiasts.

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In the period from October to May, there were fewer fatal accidents involving experimental category and amateur-built aircraft than in the same period last year, 12 versus 18, according to available data from the FAA.

The Van's RV-10 that crashed in Simi Valley on Saturday is the same model of plane that crashed into a warehouse in Fullerton on Jan. 2, killing the pilot and his 16-year-old daughter and injuring 19 people on the ground. The company that sells the kit plane, Van's Aircraft, is based in Aurora, Ore.

Read more: California helicopter business sold used parts as new, risking customers' lives, indictment says

Prior to the January crash, the experimental category saw a decrease of about 25% in fatal accidents compared to a decade ago, according to the Experimental Aircraft Assn. From 2005 to 2014, there were 527 fatal accidents in the home-built category versus 329 from 2015 to 2024, according to available data.

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According to the FAA, an amateur-built aircraft meets the definition if more than 51% of the plane is fabricated and assembled by an individual or a group for educational or recreational purposes.

Some enthusiasts choose to purchase kits with plane parts already fabricated and others opt to purchase or manufacture their own parts and assemble them.

Often times, these home-built planes are assembled in home garages for anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the types of aircraft a hobbyist wants to fly, according to the Experimental Aircraft Assn.

An FAA inspector or certified inspector will then meticulously go through the builder's log of when the parts were assembled and how long it took. The builder will need to compile photos and a timeline showing how the plane was put together.

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Afterward, a pilot must complete between 25 and 40 hours of test flights over unpopulated areas to make sure that all the parts work properly, according to Experimental Aircraft Assn. guidelines. Only after that phase is complete can a pilot bring along passengers.

The Van's RV-10 is one of the most commonly used and sophisticated kits available on the market, Experimental Aircraft Assn. Vice President Sean Elliott said earlier this year, following the January crash.

"They make up the bulk of the recreational fleet of amateur-built aircraft and they provide a lot of support for their builders and their pilots," Elliott said.

Following Saturday's crash, Experimental Aircraft Assn. spokesperson Dick Knapinski cautioned that each airplane crash has to be looked at as its own unique incident.

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"As with motor vehicle accidents, the causes of those mishaps 50 or 100 or 1,000 miles apart from one another almost mostly have completely different circumstances involved," he said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  It was a shocking and random act of violence. A young woman doused with acid near one of Hawaiis busiest shopping centers.

It was just after 9 p.m. on January 23, 2024 when 26-year-old Danying Zhang was walking near Ala Moana Center when out of nowhere, a man threw a chemical liquid, believed to be sulfuric acid, on her face and body.

Judge finds Ala Moana chemical attack suspect fit for trial

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It feels like hot water for her at the first and then her clothes start to falling off. Then she realized its not hot water, said Zhang, through an interpreter.

Zhang, a Maryknoll school teacher who teaches Chinese, was walking home at the time of the attack.

I found out that it was Danying and I was shocked that here, this person that I knew, I took around and she got attacked, said Vernon Ching, US China Peoples Friendship Association Honolulu President.

But the biggest shock came days later when police arrested Sebastian Mahkwan, a man Zhang had never met before.

Then came an even more disturbing twist. Police say Mahkwan had conspired with his former OCCC cellmate, Paul Cameron.

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Cameron is awaiting trial for a separate acid attack on his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors said the second attack was intended to cast doubt on his case.

Indictment links two chemical attacks, details how crime was carried out

The first couple months, she cannot move. She cannot speak. So her skin peeling off and she just feels extremely painful every second, said Zhang through her interpreter.

Zhang has undergone six surgeries since the attack. The most recent was last month.

She went back to teaching in the classroom at the beginning of the year and shes proud of herself for where she is now, but her life has changed forever.

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She has a deep anxiety about, you know, whats the result gonna be after this whole thing, can she return to normal life after this? said Zhangs interpreter.

Zhang is now sharing her story thanks to those who supported her during her recovery.

A Go Fund Me account set up by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii raised close to $200,000. The funds helped pay Zhangs medical bills, rehab and counseling. She was also able to bring her mother from China to Hawaii. Another Go Fund Me account has been set up to help pay her ongoing recovery.

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Zhang says shes focused on healing, but also on justice. She plans to testify at the trial, not to relive the trauma, but to show that shes still standing.

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I want to say be brave, face the challenges, no matter good or bad in your life. Life continues.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Fannie Flagg, the world-renowned writer who used her childhood in Alabama to tell the story of those on the margins in Fried Green Tomatoes, will release a new book this summer.

Flagg, who grew up in Birmingham and aspired to be an actor before she found her voice in writing, has finished a new collection of short stories, Something to Look Forward To, which will be published Aug. 19.

In a statement announcing the book, publisher Random House said the book would be full of warmhearted, always surprising stories about people who are finding clever ways to deal with the curveballs life sometimes throws at us.

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With her imagination, humor, and great understanding of the human heart, Fannie Flagg holds a mirror up to the foibles, ingenuity, and imagination of people, inspiring us to laugh at the sometimes eccentric, sometimes brilliant ways people cope with, and ultimately prevail over, the challenges of modern life, the publisher stated.

Flaggs last book, The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop, was released in 2020. The book served as a sequel to Fried Green Tomatoes 33 years in the making, catching up with the characters of the fictional town of Whistle Stop, Alabama.

More information on the book can be found here.

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MILAN, Italy, May 6. Kyrgyzstan will soon host a senior officials meeting of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said during a briefing held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan.

We have very strong cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Asian Development Bank. In fact, last year was the 30th anniversary of partnership. But on the CAREC specifically, a lot of regional events are taking place in Kyrgyz Republic. Actually, very soon, we have a CAREC senior officials meeting in Issyk Kul in June.

Representatives of all 10 CAREC countries are coming there. We will be discussing strategic issues, also investment, regional portfolio, and so on. And also, we are preparing for the ministerial conference this year in second half of November, she said.

Sabyrova noted that besides these institutional events, within CAREC, there are transport sector working groups, energy, trade facilitation.

This is where the real action is happening. Because countries are getting together and discussing, debating, promoting regional cooperation projects there. In addition to that, we had actually quite a few initiatives coming from Kyrgyz government also, she added.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  A new shark alert system, inspired by a teen who survived an attack last year, that warns beachgoers when a shark has bitten someone in the vicinity will be established in Alabama under legislation signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday.

The system will issue a public notice to cellphones when there's been a shark attack nearby. The law is named after Mountain Brook teenager Lulu Gribbin, who was one of three people bitten by a shark during a string of attacks off the Florida Panhandle last year. She lost her left hand and a portion of her right leg in the attack.

Gribbin, now 16, visited the Alabama Statehouse to urge lawmakers to approve the warning system. She said she would not have been in the water if she knew a woman had been bitten just a few miles away about an hour earlier.

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This bill will help prevent future attacks," Gribbin said last month about the legislation. Its like an Amber Alert when a child goes missing. It will send an alert when there has been a shark attack.

Gribbin was with Ivey as she signed the bill, named the Lulu Gribbin Shark Alert System Act, in a private ceremony in the governor's office.

Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world," Ivey said in a statement Tuesday. The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America."

Supporters said the legislation will be an added measure of assurance for those headed to the beach. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will create rules for the new alert system, according to the legislation.

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An earlier version would have allowed an alert for an imminent danger when sharks are spotted near the shoreline. However, since sharks are commonly found in waters off Alabama and Florida, beach communities were concerned that would cause excessive alerts, causing panic and hurting coastal tourism.

The alerts will only be issued along the Alabama coast. Supporters said they hope other states will pursue similar systems or that federal legislation will expand its use.

Gribbin described the attack after speaking to a legislative committee last month. She and her friend had been diving for sand dollars and riding the Gulf waves when her friend screamed, shark!

My hand was bitten first. I remember just lifting it out of the water, and I was stunned because there was no hand there," she recalled. I couldnt feel it because of all the shock I was in. Then the shark latched onto my leg.

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Over 260,000 fans have been following her recovery on social media, including prosthetic leg fittings and physical therapy  as well as milestones such as going to a high school dance and her first trip back to the beach.

Experts say attacks are rare despite sharks' prevalence in places like the Gulf. There were 47 unprovoked shark bites worldwide  including four fatalities  in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural Historys shark research program.
Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale (left) speaks with Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Silverhill (right) on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 8, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House passed Fidler's bill that requires data to be collected on international wire transfers exceeding $1,000 last week.(Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would require wire transfer companies to collect data on some international wire transfers exceeding $1,000.

HB 297, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Silverhill, is what remains of a bill that would have taxed international wire transfers, often used by immigrants to send money home to families.

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As filed, Fidlers bill would have subjected all international wire transfers to a 4% tax. A House Financial Services Committee substitute changed that.

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The bill requires data to be collected and stored on suspicious international wire transfers of $2,000 or more, and for the data to be stored for five years. The bill requires all transfers exceeding $1,000 to be recorded. Fidler said $2,000 being transferred internationally is suspicious, but the bill does not define suspicious transactions.

The wire transfer companies will determine what suspicious is. The Securities Commission that regulates all these transactions, theyre the ones that are keeping an eye on it, Fidler said.

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Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Smiths Station, said in the Committee on April 23 that the substitute removes the 4% per transaction tax that the legislation originally imposed.

Instead of a fee or a tax, it would now turn into a fine on any guilty findings they come up with, Blackshear said at the committee meeting.

The fines would be collected by the Alabama Securities Commission. The proceeds would go to the Sheriffs Advancement in Education, Technology, and Training Fund, according to the Legislative Services Agency. The bills fiscal note says each civil penalty can generate up to $5,000 for the fund.

Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said during debate on the House floor last week that the current political climate made her concerned about the intentions of the legislation.

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My rationale is because of the climate that were living in now that I would not want somebody falsely accused of something, Moore said. People are being falsely arrested and everything else and once it happens they have no way out when they are innocent.

Moore said that parents could be sending money to a child that is studying abroad, not just immigrants with families abroad.

If youve got a child living overseas going to school and every week you transfer them $1,000, thats going to look suspicious, Moore said.

Fidler said that the transaction would just have to be recorded and kept for five years.

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The legislation requires the commission to record data on multiple transactions of $15,000 or more between the same people. The commission must also record all transactions of more than $1,000. The legislation makes evading recording the data a Class C felony on first offense and a Class B felony on multiple offenses; punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, and up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, respectively.

Fidlers bill effectively replaced similar legislation filed by Sen. April Weaver, R-Alabaster, which would have imposed a $7.50 fee on money sent overseas and a 1.5% fee on transfers over $500. The bill was held because the Constitution requires the legislation to start in the House.

The bill passed 83-2 with 15 abstentions. It goes to the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee, which had not posted an agenda as of early Monday afternoon. There are three days left in the 2025 session.

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JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  Laurel police arrested an Alabama man for alleged drug trafficking.

On May 3, police responded to the parking lot of Circle K on Chantilly Street after they received a call about a person who appeared to be intoxicated.

Man charged in fatal George County shooting

Officers said they located the suspect, Christian Spano, 31, in a U-Haul truck in the lot of the business and arrested him on misdemeanor charges. During his arrest, police said they found 9,000 dosage units of LSD and 101 grams of cocaine.

Christian Spano (Courtesy: Laurel Police Dept.)

Spano was charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance. His bond was set at $200,000.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  A bill is causing controversy in the Alabama Senate that would give law enforcement more protection in lawsuits. It will head to the Senate floor over the next two weeks.

The bill makes police officers immune from lawsuits unless they clearly violate someones rights. That includes acting recklessly or using excessive force outside their discretionary authority. State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said the bill updates state law to match decisions already made by the Supreme Court.

I believe that this bill will certainly offer protections to consumers, or the citizens of Alabama, from abuse by the police or law enforcement in general but also add some known protections, Orr said.

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One new protection gives officers a pretrial hearing to prove their innocence. State Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, said it will help with recruitment.

No one wants to work in a job when theyre in harms way, and then they have to worry about someone else second-guessing their decisions after the fact and then potentially having a criminal issue, Jones said.

Esquire piece on Alabama mayor who took his life after being outed for secret online life wins Pulitzer Prize

But state Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, said those decisions need more accountability.

Not having accountability could possibly attract the wrong type of officers, Stewart said. So we need to be very weary of the intent for people entering a profession.

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Stewart said hes concerned some law enforcement will take advantage of the immunity.

And just shoot and kill innocent people who didnt do anything, without accountability, without there being repercussions, Stewart said.

Jones, however, disagrees.

Id say that there are safeguards in effect in the bill, Jones said. We still have things like body cameras in those type of situations. I think we need some commonsense protections for folks who are putting themselves in harms way.

Theres three legislative days left in the session. If it passes the Senate, the House will need to concur with the bill before its sent to the governors desk.

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A police stop. A bill awaiting a vote in the Alabama Senate would require law enforcement agencies issuing citations to those under the age of 19 to contact their emergency contact about the citation. (Heather Freinkel via Getty Images)

The Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday approved legislation requiring officers to notify parents about citations issued to their minor children.

HB 285, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, would require any law enforcement agency issuing citations to those under the age of 19 to make a reasonable effort to notify the drivers emergency contact, if available. The bill says the contact could be a single phone call, text message, or letter sent by U.S. mail.

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You may know this, or you may not, but your child could be driving your vehicle, using your gas, your insurance, you are liable for that child, but if that child were to get a ticket, you may never know about it, Kiel told members of the committee during the meeting.

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The House of Representatives approved the bill on March 23. There are three days left in the 2025 legislative session.

Several amendments were proposed for that section of the code to lessen the burden on law enforcement when they issue the citation. First, a single phone call was enough to be considered a reasonable attempt.

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Language was inserted into the bill that permitted text messages and sending a letter by U.S. mail. The legislation excludes citations for illegally parking the vehicle.

April Vafeas, whose son was killed in a collision in June 2022 after not wearing his seatbelt, told the committee that the bill was important to her.

After he died, I found three traffic citations for not wearing his seatbelt, she said. They were all in our hometown and I had no idea. I am the kind of person who thinks that a seatbelt is important.

Several members on the committee continued to express concerns about how much additional time that it would take law enforcement to comply with the provisions in the legislation because of the volume of citations they regularly issue.

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We keep putting guidelines, and we keep putting everything on law enforcement, I have got to vote against this just from being out there and writing tickets and knowing what is going on, Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, who has experience working as a law enforcement officer. There is just no way. How do you find out the drivers emergency contact? Things of that nature.

Some senators on the committee suggested placing information on a website that parents can access to determine whether their children receive a citation.

The committee approved the legislation with the understanding that they will continue to update the bill as it moves into the Senate chamber.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)  The premier of Canadas oil-rich province of Alberta said Monday she will hold a referendum on separation from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition reaches the required number of signatures.

Speaking on a livestream address, Danielle Smith said she personally does not support the province leaving Canada and expressed hope of a path forward for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade, ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide," she said. "I will accept their judgement.

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Smiths announcement comes just one week after Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive federal government. It also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to threaten Canada with tariffs and talk of the country becoming the 51st state.

Carney and Trump are scheduled to meet in the White House Tuesday.

Smiths United Conservative government recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would reduce the bar petitioners need to meet to trigger a provincial referendum.

The bill would change citizen-initiated referendum rules to require a petition signed by 10 percent of eligible voters in a previous general election  down from 20 percent of total registered voters. Applicants would also get 120 days, rather than 90, to collect the required 177,000 signatures.

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Smith accused previous federal Liberal governments of introducing different legislations that hamstring Albertas ability to produce and export oil, which she said has cost the province billions of dollars. She also said she doesnt want the federal government meddling in provincial issues.

We dont ask for special treatment or handouts, she said. We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have. Freedom to choose how we provide health care, education and other needed social services to our people, even if its done differently than what Ottawa has in mind.

Smith has met with Carney and said he had some promising things to say about changing the direction of his governments anti-resources policies.

Smith said her government will appoint a negotiation team to try to bring an end to federal policies that have long irritated the province. She also will chair an Alberta Next" panel hosting a series of town halls to hear ideas and grievances from Albertans.

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John Soroski, a political scientist at MacEwan University in Edmonton, said while there is anger in the province, he isnt sure if it will lead to voting to separate.

These grievances are serious, he said. I think the prospects of separation are highly unlikely.

The largely French-speaking province of Quebec held referendums in 1980 and 1995 over separation. Both failed.

Soroski said Smith may be following the lead of Quebec politicians who have used the threat of separation when dealing with the federal government.

I dont see Smith wants separation, but I think its very useful for the province to have in its back pocket the idea that theres this large number of discontented Albertans, he said.

Smith said she will work with Carney in good faith but wants tangible proof of real change.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  More than half a century after Albuquerque became a sister city to Chihuahua, Mexico, officials from both cities came together on Monday to renew that agreement. The meeting took place at the Mexican consulate in Albuquerque.

Coyotes in Albuquerque: How their behavior may differ in the spring

As sister cities, officials work to share culture with one another, as well as economic benefits and technology, despite recent tensions between the United States and Mexico. Our relationship began in 1970, before I was born. It continues to thrive throughout economic, cultural, and community-based collaboration. Also, regardless of whats happening in Washington, D.C. or in Mexico City, we have continued this friendship, said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.

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For years, our police department has been traveling down to Chihuahua to learn about their Real Time Crime Center, which is one of the most advanced in North AmericaAnd while we have a long, long way to go, for the first time in 10 years, every crime category is down in large part because of Chihuahuas Real Time Crime Center technology, said Mayor Keller.

Albuquerque has a big family, with 11 sister cities around the world, including Alburquerque, Spain, Guadalajara, Mexico, and Kharkiv, Ukraine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
May 5Albuquerque and the city of Chihuahua leaders renewed their sister city commitment in a signing ceremony Monday.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Chihuahua Vice Mayor Rene Xavier Chavira Venzor celebrated the 55-year sister city relationship in Albuquerque on Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla. The renewed agreement focuses on economic development, cultural exchange and government collaboration.

"We're seeing all across D.C. and across America so much divisive language and actions, and we felt it was important to highlight that in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it's the opposite," Keller said. "We really appreciate Mexico, and we love our sister cities in Chihuahua and Guadalajara."

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The sister city agreement with Chihuahua has helped Albuquerque improve public safety and solve crimes, he said, Chihuahua has a top notch real time crime center, which the Albuquerque Police Department visited over the course of six years to better understand before emulating a similar center here. APD learned about how Chihuahua's law enforcement used license plate readers, gunshot detection and interoperable radios to ensure different departments could speak with each other.

"We've now replicated their crime center, and we're using it every day to literally catch violent criminals," Keller said.

Meanwhile, Chihuahua firefighters have received training from Albuquerque firefighters and equipment donations from the city , said Mexican Consul Patricia Pinzon.

The state of Chihuahua borders New Mexico to the south, and there are a significant number of former Chihuahua residents living in Albuquerque  about half of the people who visit the Mexican consulate in Albuquerque are from Chihuahua, Pinzon said.

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That shared border makes it important to work on economic development together, said Yuriria Morales-Mangone, president of the sister cities committee.

Morales-Mangone is originally from Mexico and has lived in Albuquerque for almost 19 years, acquiring her U.S. citizenship last year. After the signing ceremony, she was recognized by the consul with a "Mexicanos Distinguidos" Award for excelling in her field of economic development and for extraordinary contributions to her country of residence that favorably impacted her community of origin.

The renewed sister city agreement is not just talk, Pinzon said. It includes specific goals: planning a cultural event and trade mission, launching educational exchange programs and developing a strategy to boost tourism for both cities, hosting a business roundtable for cross-border collaboration, and work on long-term workforce development. Meetings have already started with universities, including the University of New Mexico, to work on educational exchanges, Morales-Mangone said.

"We are living in global times that undoubtedly require effective cooperation at the local level more than ever," Chihuahua Mayor Marco Bonilla said in a video message. "That is why the municipal government of Chihuahua renews its commitment to strengthening this alliance."
US President Donald Trump wants to reopen the notorious Alcatraz prison, a tourist attraction and museum for over 60 years - twice as long as the island in the bay of San Francisco was ever used as a prison.

For 29 years, the island served as a place of exile for the "worst of the worst," troublemakers and masters of escape. The last prisoners to be held there were released in 1963.

Trump says the new Alcatraz facility will be "substantially enlarged" and will "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders."

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In the past, the United States had not hesitated to keep the most dangerous criminals far away from anyone they could harm, Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

"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."

Too expensive to run?

Known as "The Rock," Alcatraz was once the maximum security prison, located on a wind-swept island in the bay of San Francisco.

As a museum, it now pulls in more than a million visitors a year, but when it was shut in 1963, the prison had become too costly to operate, with food and water having to be brought in by boat.

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According to the Federal Bureau of Prison, Alcatraz was three times more expensive to run, with the daily per capita cost more than $10, compared with $3 at other prisons like USP Atlanta.

The old buildings crumbled faster in the damp sea air. The living conditions were criticized as inhumane and Attorney General Robert Kennedy ordered its closure.

In 1972, Alcatraz was declared a monument and opened to visitors, who can now walk through rusted mesh doors into the cold cells, tour the dining hall and shower facilities.

The Bureau of Prisons has told US media it will comply with the order, but has not given a time frame. As it stands, the National Park Service has not yet changed its Alcatraz museum opening times, while a San Francisco boat service is still operating day trips to the island.

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Experts believe the complex, which was already in dire need of repair at the time the prison was shut, would now need to be entirely rebuilt.

Ashley Rubin, an associate professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, told Time that reconstructing Alcatraz as a prison could even take years and might only be finished after Trump's term as president.

An Alcatraz prison would also foremost be a "symbol," as Trump himself says, and less a large-capacity prison, since the size of the complex and the island limited prisoner numbers to just 336.

Who were 'the worst of the worst'?

Nowadays you can reach the island from San Francisco on a short, quarter-hour boat trip.

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But for the 27 men released on March 21, 1963, it was a momentous journey. They were the last inmates to leave the notorious prison 60 years ago, to be transferred to other institutions.

Described at the time by the San Francisco Chronicle as "pale, silent" men, they were handcuffed and shackled as they walked ashore, their heads bowed.

Alcatraz Island is now a museum as well as a protected breeding ground for birds who are freer to come and go.

But for 29 years, the island served as a place of exile for the "worst of the worst," troublemakers and masters of escape.

The jail was considered escape-proof and thus suited to felons like Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly Barnes, Alvin "Creepy Karpis" Karpavicz and Robert Stroud.

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Despite their colourful names, each had a number in the jail that incarcerated a total of 1,576 men during its time in service, that began in 1934.

The prisoners were held in cells measuring only 1.5 by 2.7 metres.

The Rock never held more than 300 prisoners at a time but many guards lived with their families on the barren island, which at the time was also home to dozens of children, surrounded by the rough waters of the Pacific.

Really an inescapeable prison?

Despite its fearsome reputation, during the time it was a prison 36 men tried to flee in 14 separate escapes.

Nearly all were caught or didnt survive, with some being shot in the attempt or drowning as they sought to make it to the mainland.

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The fate of three, however, remains unknown to this day. Their spectacular escape was staged in June 1962, when the men used spoons and an improvised drill to dig through walls and ventilation shafts.

They continued their journey using a makeshift raft that they assembled using rubber raincoats and other things they found.

Their whereabouts remains a mystery, though the authorities say they drowned in the cold water, unable to survive the powerful currents.

The myth of Alcatraz lives on, thanks to gangster stories and adventure thrillers starring movie stars like Clint Eastwood and Burt Lancaster.

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The site became a sought-after Hollywood backdrop for films such as "Birdman of Alcatraz," "Escape from Alcatraz," "Murder in the First" and "The Rock."

Now, seabirds come and go, using the rocky island as a breeding ground. It was they who gave the 500-metre island its name, after Spanish sailors called it "La isla de los Alcatraces," the "Island of the Pelicans."
WASHINGTON  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wont run to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, she told reporters on Monday.

Ocasio-Cortez sought to be the highest-ranking Democrat on the high-profile committee in December but was defeated by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) in an internal election by a vote of 131-84.

Connolly, 75, announced last week hes stepping down due to a resurgence of esophageal cancer, prompting much speculation AOC would vie for the job even though she left oversight in favor of a spot on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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Its actually clear to me that the underlying dynamics in the caucus have not shifted with respect to seniority as much as I think would be necessary, and so I believe Ill be staying put at energy and commerce, Ocasio-Cortez said during House votes on Monday evening, according to NBC News.

The 35-year-old progressive said shes been flattered by support shes received from colleagues, but that she thinks Democrats would probably still favor a more senior member.

I think the result would largely be the same at this point for me, she said.

Since last year Democrats have engaged in a simmering debate about not just the seniority system, in which top positions go to longer-tenured members, but age  specifically the question of whether there are too many older Democrats in charge. Former president Joe Bidens faltering debate performance against President Donald Trump, and Bidens subsequent decision to leave the presidential race, helped stir the pot.

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House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) declined to say earlier on Monday if he would support Ocasio-Cortez for the oversight position.

There will be a number of strong candidates who will move forward. Representative Ocasio Cortez will of course be a very compelling candidate were she to make that decision to run, Jeffries said at a press conference.

If Democrats retake the House in next years midterm elections, the top Democrat in the oversight position would lead investigations, wield subpoena power and likely become one of the most visible antagonists of the Trump administration.

Ocasio-Cortez has made waves on her own so far this year, however, traveling the country to hold huge rallies railing against oligarchy with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

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Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) has stepped up to fill Connollys shoes and has said hed like to formally hold the ranking member position.

Asked last week if Democrats should have picked her in the first place, Ocasio-Cortez wouldnt go there.

Well, I ran once, she told HuffPost.
MILAN, Italy, May 6. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is working on strategy for development of the Middle Corridor, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Central and West Asia Department at ADB, said during a briefing held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan.

We are supporting development of customer connectivity along the Middle Corridor. As of now, we are working on the strategy for development of the corridor. We are trying to put our investments together to support companies to develop this mega project, she said.

Sabyrova noted that there is a lot of potential, but as of now, this potential is not yet realized.

The Middle Corridor, serves only 10% of the potential non-energy trade, which of course is not a great number. The potential is there, but it is not yet realized and we started to support our countries in doing that. It is a transformational opportunity. Projects of that scale, that nature, that impact, do not come everywhere, she noted.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Investigators were called to East Nashville overnight after an accused drunk driver crashed with a Metro Nashville Police Department patrol vehicle.

Metro Police said the driver pulled out in front of the officer at an intersection of Gallatin Avenue and Granada Avenue, causing the patrol vehicle to hit the cars back end.

(WKRN) (WKRN) (WKRN)

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No serious injuries were reported, but both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

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Authorities said the individual faces several charges, including driving under the influence and resisting arrest. No additional information was released.

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 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
May 5LIMA  With early voting for Tuesday's election now at an end, anyone wishing to vote in Tuesday's primary election will have to do so at designated polling locations. Those voters may have a slightly different experience than in elections of the recent past.

On Monday, the Allen County Board of Elections held a press conference to alert voters that they will be signing their name in a physical poll book rather than using an electronic poll pad when they arrive at their polling location.

Putnam County Board of Elections Director Karen Warnecke confirmed that poll workers in that county will also use physical poll books when checking voters in. Auglaize County Board of Elections Director Luke Scott said that polling locations in that county will still use electronic poll pads, as they are a different brand than those used in Allen and Putnam Counties and have been cleared by the Ohio Secretary of State's Office.

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"All voters will still have to present a photo ID," Allen County Board of Elections Chairman Keith Cheney said. "In each election cycle, all voting equipment is tested for 100 percent accuracy prior to that particular election. A new poll pad in one Ohio county did not pass all the security measures. So therefore, the Secretary of State issued a directive that any county with that particular brand of poll pad would go to poll books this election cycle until they found out exactly why that one poll pad did not pass all the regulations."

A March 27 release from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office revealed the issue with the new poll pad purchased by the Perry County Board of Elections in southeast Ohio. The release noted the pad had not yet been used in any election.

"I've directed our Election Integrity Unit and cybersecurity team to work with the Perry County Board of Elections to analyze the equipment used by the board," Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in the press release. "While this investigation is limited right now to a single device in one county, I'm taking the precautionary step of ordering my team to review all voter check-in systems for compliance with our security directives ahead of the May election. As an added precaution, I'm directing the boards of elections who use this specific style of pollbook to use paper pollbooks for the May election."

Once voters arrive at the polling location and present their identification, the poll worker will verify the voter's registration status in the poll book and then have the voter sign next to their name on the page, rather than sign on an electronic pad.

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"Our (poll pads) have always been tested and have passed all security measures," Cheney said. "But in the essence of total security, the secretary just said, 'Look, we're going to stop all of them until they pass security measures.'"

Both Cheney and Board of Elections Director Morgan Bode said that if this had to be done during any election cycle, it was fortunate that this change came during this year's primary election, as "off-year" primary elections tend to have lower turnout.

"(Early voting) has been very typical, very low turnout," Bode said.

Allen County had 434 absentee ballots sent as of Monday afternoon, with 62 percent returned, along with 849 ballots cast early, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's absentee and early voting dashboard.

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Putnam County had 100 absentee ballots requested, with 87 percent returned, to go with 341 early in-person ballots cast. Auglaize County had 170 absentee ballots cast, with 66 percent returning them, to go with 466 early in-person ballots.

The Allen County elections board anticipates the electronic poll pads being back in use for this year's November election, Cheney said.

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State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha leads a listening session for Lincoln residents on property taxes. She is flanked by State Sens. Terrell McKinney of Omaha and Lynne Walz of Fremont. July 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  As debate on Nebraskas budget for the next two years begins, one state lawmaker has proposed a counter budget that would eliminate about 16% in anticipated property tax relief.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha filed amendments Tuesday to defund the property tax credit meant to offset local school district taxes, which as of last fall became automatic on annual property tax statements. Next year, that fund will grow to $780 million and will grow again by $38 million in the following fiscal year.

Eliminated tax relief

Cavanaugh, a first-time member of the Appropriations Committee, seeks to instead direct about 58% of the $780 million total next year, or $455 million, toward more aid to schools, indirectly lowering property taxes.

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School district maximum property tax rates would fall from $1.05 to 80 cents, mirroring proposals from Gov. Jim Pillen and State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward during the most recent special session on property taxes and again in this years Legislative Bill 303.

Another 26% of the property tax credit total, $203 million, would be directed to counties, aimed at reimbursing them for the expenses of operating local jails.

Cavanaughs proposal would not touch the $422 million planned next year for a separate property tax credit fund that directly offsets property taxes based on valuations.

The remainder is $122 million that would be directed to other priorities, including investments in public health, public safety, court services and preventing sweeps of certain cash funds to shore up the funds.

Solution to a manufactured budget crisis

The core budget bills are LBs 261 and 264 that the Appropriations Committee advanced with Cavanaugh as a lone no vote. While lawmakers must budget for the next two years, Cavanaugh limited the breakdown of her amendments to just the next fiscal year.

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While declining to answer certain follow-up questions on her proposal, Cavanaugh said her budget would be balanced over the biennium.

These amendments are a responsible solution to a manufactured budget crisis, Cavanaugh said in a statement. They protect working families, ensure our schools and health systems remain strong, and invest in community-based justice  all without shifting the burden onto Nebraskans through tax hikes or reckless cuts.

Five Omaha-area senators and two lawmakers from Lincoln and Bellevue host a listening session on property taxes in Omaha on Sunday, July 21, 2024. From left, State Sens. Carol Blood, Christy Armendariz, Jane Raybould, Merv Riepe, Terrell McKinney, John Cavanaugh and Machaela Cavanaugh. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Separately, the conservative-leaning, free market-focused Platte Institute also proposed a budget alternative that includes freezing the school district property tax credits and a separate fund for property tax relief at current levels. That would save about $162 million over the next two years.

Cavanaughs budget amendments also would take $135 million from the planned Perkins County Canal in western Nebraska and about $150 million set aside for a new state prison. About $100 million would be invested in the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln for comprehensive renovation, modernization and improvement, while the other amount would be invested elsewhere.

Targeted investments

Among Cavanaughs top priorities is preserving or investing:

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$28.7 million for the Vocational and Life Skills Programming Fund.

$15.3 million for behavioral health.

$10 million for food banks.

$8 million for the Nebraska Water Sustainability Fund.

$8 million for the Education Future Fund (retaining an annual $250 million transfer).

$5 million for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Fund.

$5 million for the State Park Cash Revolving Fund.

$4 million for the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund.

$3.5 million for local public health departments.

$3 million for domestic violence housing.

$1.3 million for state specialized courts (such as problem-solving or veterans courts).

$1.2 million for the Economic Recovery Contingency Fund.

$1.2 million for court interpreters.

$999,422 for probation community corrections.

$500,000 for federally qualified health centers.

$373,840 for juvenile justice.

$284,738 for the Office of Public Guardian.

Cavanaugh proposes to also fund all state code agencies, those under the governors direct oversight, at each agencys full appropriations request. All other state agencies would get a budget increase of up to 2.5% next year. She declined to say what the overall spending increase would be compared to the proposed Appropriations Committee budget.

For example, Cavanaugh would give the University of Nebraska $50.6 million more than the Appropriations Committee proposed over the next two years  adding up to a $63.7 million bump for NU.

The Attorney Generals Office would be held flat, which comes as progressives such as Cavanaugh or State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln have scrutinized its spending.

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Similar to the advanced budget bills, Cavanaugh proposes to sweep money from at least 60 cash funds, but she declined to detail the total savings.

These are not just line items  they are lifelines, Cavanaugh said. Were choosing to invest in people, protect long-term reserves and lay a foundation for future prosperity.

We have to do what we can

Multiple senators said the Cavanaugh amendments were dead on arrival as property tax relief rises among a top issue for constituents, even though it is assessed locally.

State Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney meets with his staff on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. March 26, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Pillen, too, has set his sights on increased property tax relief after the budget is balanced, saying in a recent interview with the Nebraska Examiner that he is 100% confident that the Legislature can balance the budget and keep growth in statewide property taxes flat. That comes in the face of what has in two of the past three years been an annual increase of $300 million.

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Last year, for the first time in 26 years, property taxes decreased by $6 million from a $5.3 billion total.

State Sen. Paul Strommen of Sidney, a freshman on the Appropriations Committee, said he has learned this year that part of his committees role is balancing taxes and state services, not choosing one over another. Like many senators, he said the top concern for constituents is tax relief.

At the end of the day, we just have to figure out what we can do to balance all of that, Strommen said. Not everybodys going to be happy, but we have to do what we can.

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Death row inmate Benjamin Ritchie appeals to the Indiana Parole Board during a clemency hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Screenshot of livestream)

Indiana death row inmate Benjamin Ritchie expressed remorse and shed tears as he pleaded Monday for the states parole board to spare his life.

Ritchie faces a May 20 execution date for the 2000 killing of Beech Grover law enforcement officer William Toney. The condemned man has been on death row since his conviction in 2002.

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With clemency, the governor  in tandem with Indianas Parole Board  can elect to commute a death sentence to life imprisonment or grant a pardon for a criminal offense.

Benjamin Ritchie (Mugshot from the Indiana Department of Correction)

The five-member board heard from only Ritchie Monday morning and will make a final recommendation after a second hearing scheduled for next week.

That night  was a train that left the station with no brakes, and multiple bad decisions led to losing the life of a man that should be here today, Ritchie said during the meeting, which was live-streamed to the public. A small audience, including some members of the victims family and two correctional officers, were also present.

Ritchie sat before the board  flanked by two of his lawyers  in a meeting room at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. His hands were shackled. A cross necklace hung around his neck.

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The horrible actions that I took  theres not a night that doesnt go by that I dont think about that person, he continued. I was just a kid  I didnt care about myself, I didnt care about anybody  nothing  Ive ruined my life and other peoples lives, and Im so sorry for that night.

Another clemency hearing is scheduled for May 12 in Indianapolis. Friends and family of the slain police officer are expected to testify against Ritchies clemency petition at that meeting.

After both hearings, the parole board will submit a recommendation for or against clemency to Gov. Mike Braun.

He will then make the final decision about whether to commute Ritchies death sentence to life in prison without parole. There is no timetable for the decision.

I am so sorry

Gwen Horth, chairwoman of the parole board, said the hour-long meeting was an opportunity for Ritchie to share whatever you want to make sure we hear amid the clemency deliberations.

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I mean, I can read all of this, Horth said, referring to piles of case documents. But youre an eyewitness to all of it. And as I think back to that Sept. 29, that Friday night in 2000  we want to hear your decision-making that ultimately lost a life.

Per court documents, the underlying crime began as a police pursuit of a stolen van on Sept. 29, 2000. Toney later pursued Ritchie on foot. Ritchie ultimately fired four shots at the officer.

Board members asked Ritchie to retell his side of what happened and questioned him about his thinking before and during the fatal event.

I was just a kid  I didn't care about myself, I didnt care about anybody  nothing.  Ive ruined my life and other people's lives, and Im so sorry for that night.

 Indiana death row inmate Benjamin Ritchie

Ritchie said that on the night of the incident, he was with a group trying to steal rims from car dealers. They took a van and parked it at an apartment complex. When they went back to get the van, a police officer pulled in behind them.

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Everything sped up then. It was like if you had a fast-forward button on a movie, and you hit the button, everything sped out of control, Ritchie said.

I ended up hitting and killing him. Thats something I have to live with every day. I wish I could take that back, Ritchie continued, crying. I dont blame him. He was doing his job. I should have never been in a stolen car. I should never have had a gun. I should have just did the right thing when I got out.

Ritchie additionally apologized to Toneys family  and specifically regretted his treatment of the officers widow, Dee Dee. Toney was also survived by two daughters.

At the 2002 sentencing hearing, while Dee Dee Toney read her victim impact statement, she was repeatedly interrupted by Ritchie, who laughed and later called her a b**ch when she said Ritchie was a coward.

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I wish I could go back to the day in court, because that mans wife deserved to say everything she needed to say to me, and that punk kid should have just kept his mouth shut and let her say whatever she needed to say, because that was her right, Ritchie said. I had no business mouthing off to that lady.  I just wish I could go back to that kid and tell him to keep his damn mouth shut, to take it like a man.

Ritchies pleas for life sentence, not execution

Still, the board asked Ritchie how he could guarantee that hed be able to live productively and not detract from society if allowed to carry out a life sentence in prison.

The inmate said his decision skills were below par as a young man, but now, at 44, I can definitely say Im not the young man I was then.

For years, Ritchie didnt take credit for his actions and was in a dark hole. But since receiving mental health counseling in prison, hes learned coping mechanisms and gotten control of himself.

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Im just not that kid I was 25 years ago. That kid was lost. He needed guidance, and I have guidance now, Ritchie added. I have a strong, positive family unit now  something I didnt have back then. I have people that talk to me everyday and help me everyday to cope.

He told the parole board he would never hurt anybody again, and that hes never attacked a correctional officer, not one time. He admitted, however, to having past issues with other inmates.

I had to cover myself with tattoos because Im in a land of predators, Ritchie said, with visible tattoos covering his neck and arms.

During incarceration, hes learned to cut hair and give others tattoos. Ritchie said he uses those skills as opportunities to talk to younger inmates.

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I try to be encouraging  I try to help, he said. I wish I had that guy that pulled me to the side, because you dont listen to guys in suits. Theyre going to listen to the old convict, washed up, tattooed.

What I did was horrible. But its a blessing, because William Toneys life could best be served by me helping other guys, Ritchie reiterated. Im never going to go home. Im OK with that. But if Im in here, Im trying to help guys not reoffend, not come back to this system.

Ritchie further stated that he crave(s) education and is currently cramming for an upcoming GED exam. He said hed always struggled academically but recalled thriving at a summer boot camp as a teenager and wished he would have that structure throughout more of his formative years.

And while it wavers from time to time, Ritchie said hes developed a stronger faith as hes aged.

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I dont want to be one of those fake Christians that only prays to God when you need his help, but, you dont get nowhere if you dont try sometimes, he told the board. So, I just try to take it day by day and just ask God to give me strength to make it through one more day.

Hoth maintained that  no matter the boards clemency recommendation  you are set free in your faith. She suggested, as well, that Ritchies execution could serve as a deterrent for other crimes against law enforcement.

If thats the case, Id be OK with it, too, he said. After taking so much, whatever I can do to give back, thats what Ill do.

How clemency works

Ritchies clemency petition, signed by the inmate on April 22, argued that he was born with a severely damaged brain due to prenatal alcohol exposure.

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His mother drank nearly every day during her pregnancy with Ben. She also smoked marijuana daily and took other drugs, according to the filing. Lawyers additionally noted that a geneticist diagnosed Ritchie with Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), meaning his brain damage limits Bens functioning to that similar to a person with intellectual disability.

Last week, the states high court justices rejected a request by Ritchies defense team for a new hearing to reconsider the inmates request for post-conviction relief. The justices additionally denied a request for a stay which would have delayed the execution.

The Indiana Constitution gives the governor exclusive authority to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons for all offenses  including capital crimes  except for treason and impeachment. The parole board is tasked by state law with assisting in that process.

The board, specifically, conducts an investigation into the merits of a clemency petition, which reduces an inmates punishment but does not overturn a conviction or declare the person innocent.

Three clemencies have been granted in Indiana since 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita requested an execution date for Ritchie last fall.

Executions were put on hold for 15 years in Indiana until convicted killer Joseph Corcoran was put to death in December. The state paid $900,000 for execution drugs but wont say how much was purchased.

Ritchie and six other men remain on the states death row at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

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DUBAI (Reuters) - British maritime security firm Ambrey reported on Tuesday that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had launched a drone attack on facilities at Port Sudan, targeting the container terminal and escalating a two-year-long conflict.

Ambrey said it had obtained video footage showing damage to the terminal and civilian infrastructure, reportedly leaving the city without power.

No damage to merchant vessels was reported, but Ambrey noted significant GPS disruptions in the area.

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Explosions and fires rocked Sudan's main port city and wartime capital Port Sudan on Tuesday, a witness said, part of a days-long drone assault that has torched the biggest fuel depots, damaging the most important gateway for foreign aid.

Port Sudan 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 Tala Ramadan and Ahmed Elimam,; Editing by Louise Heavens and Bernadette Baum)
ST. LOUIS  A Florissant, Missouri, man appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, a day after his arrest for stealing copper wiring at an Ameren substation in Midtown St. Louis.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the theft occurred overnight Monday at the Midtown Power Substation, located in the 500 block of South Spring Avenue.

Officers were dispatched to the substation just after 3:50 a.m. after receiving reports of three men cutting wiring and loading it onto the back of a pickup truck.

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When police arrived at the substation, they saw a black pickup parked and several cable cords, steel panels, and copper wiring in the bed of the truck. Officers found one of the men, identified Buck M. Wheelehan, 35, curled up in a ball on the passenger floor.

An Ameren Missouri representative estimated the damage caused by Wheelehan and his cohorts at $80,000.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Wheelehan with stealing  $750 or more and first-degree property damage. Wheelehan was jailed without bond.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Advocates and survivors of heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke will join caregivers, researchers and volunteers at the State Capitol Tuesday for the American Heart Associations annual Lobby Day event.

There, they will talk with lawmakers about policies that lead to longer, healthier lives  including funding for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and healthy meals in Michigan schools.

6 News anchors Jorma Duran and Megan Viecelli talked with Remi Monaghan and Amanda Klein from the American Heart Association to learn more.

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An American tourist's visit to the Colosseum in Rome took a turn for the terrifying after the man impaled himself on a fence and was left dangling and screaming in pain, while other visitors looked on in horror, according to Italian news outlets.

The gruesome incident took place around 5 p.m. Friday, when the 47-year-old American attempted to climb over a fence in Piazza del Colosseo, presumably to get a closer look at the historic Roman amphitheater, according to reporting by Il Messaggero.

The man fell and was skewered by the sharp metal bars of the fence. He began screaming and bleeding profusely until he became unconscious, the newspaper reported.

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An ambulance rushed to the scene, and medics found that the man had suffered a severe injury in his lower back that was preventing him from moving. They administered a sedative before carefully detaching him and applying a tight bandage to the wound.

It took around 20 minutes to detach and stabilize the tourist, according to Il Messaggero. He was then taken to a local hospital in critical condition. He underwent emergency surgery and received 80 stitches to close the wound.

"It was terrible," a tourist told the newspaper in Italian. "I saw that man impaled on a railing and he couldn't free himself."

The man's identity has not been released, but he is reported to also be a resident of Taiwan, according to Il Messaggero. The man was unable to speak for several hours but was questioned by Italian law enforcement on Sunday, the outlet reported.

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Although this may have been the bloodiest incident involving American tourists at the historic monument, it is far from the first.

In 2015, two California women, ages 21 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of carving the letters "J" and "N" into a brick wall inside the Colosseum and then posing for selfies in front of their handiwork. They were charged with aggravated damage to a building of historical interest.

In 2021, two American men, ages 24 and 25, were fined approximately $900 each for breaking into the Colosseum before dawn to drink beers inside.

The Colosseum dates back to 72 A.D. and was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, a place where thousands gathered to watch gladiators fight. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited by millions of tourists a year.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EIA cuts 2026 forecast for Azerbaijans oil production

Photo: EIA

Azerbaijans oil production is forecast to gradually decline in 2026, according to the latest outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The revised figures reflect a modest downward adjustment, as output trends lower after a more stable 2025.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Severson Dells Nature Center is asking for the publics help in light of funding cuts authorized by the Trump administration.

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered AmeriCorps, a federal agency that funds community service and volunteerism, to cut $400 million in grants after the White House found AmeriCorps had failed 8 consecutive audits.

We got notification from the Illinois Department of Human Services at the end of the day last Monday, that our AmeriCorps grant had been terminated, effective immediately, said Ann Wasser, Severson Dells executive director.

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Six members of the staff were given a stop-work order last week.

Wasser said the Nature Center relies on AmeriCorps stipended volunteers for a variety of programs they offer at no cost.

They were providing habitat restoration. They were engaging volunteers in collecting environmental data. They were doing outreach programs in school. They were doing afterschool programs, Wasser said.

Without those workers, education programs manager Andrea Wallace Noble said Severson Dells will struggle to keep offering those services.

These programs are possible because we have so many amazing AmeriCorps members. And on days like today, when we have field trips out, we have to scramble with this last-minute notice of AmeriCorps getting pulled so suddenly to find the staffing to cover the programs, Noble said.

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Wasser said that without the AmeriCorps volunteers, Severson Dells will need help from the community.

Were relying on volunteerism now more than ever. And if anyones interested, theyre welcome to help out with our programs by volunteering to lead hikes with children or even some of our other events, like clearing out honeysuckle from our woods, she added.

Severson Dells is located at 8786 Montague Road.

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An Atlanta institution that has been molding and mentoring children for close to 70 years just got a $10 million makeover.

Channel 2s Berndt Petersen was at the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA, one of the citys oldest YMCAs, where the facility has been made new again to honor one of its favorite sons.

Along Campbellton Road in Southwest Atlanta, the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA has helped raise the kids right for 66 years.

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At Mondays ceremony, former Atlanta Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young spoke about its importance.

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I grew up in the YMCA, Young said. I think since I was in the YMCA, since I was five years old.

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Thats close to nine decades for the former ambassador, the last few of them, right here.

At the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, renamed in their honor in 2007, this year saw a $10 million renovation.

That meant the site got a gymnasium upgrade, a brand new wellness center, new classrooms, locker rooms and more.

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At the YMCA, children learn to swim, as well as how to be responsible and fulfill leadership roles.

Young said without a place like the YMCA, he wouldnt be where he is today.

Its institutions like the Y that start with them when theyre three or four years old and bring them right on up the line, he said.

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Mainers will have a familiar name on their ballots in 2026, with the son of longtime Sen. Angus King  Angus King III  running for governor next year.

The 54-year-old King, who most recently served as the president of a renewable energy company, told POLITICO hes running because people are struggling, or they are scared.

Weve got a whole host of challenges ahead of us that are making it challenging to live every day, King said, citing his work in the private sector and his ability to build things that solve problems and help people.

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Unlike his father, a longtime independent, King III will run in the states Democratic primary. Asked why hes running with the party and not following in his fathers footsteps, King said: Ive got a pretty easy answer for that one: Im a Democrat.

The contest for the Democratic nominee for governor could be a crowded one. So far, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is Kings only official opponent. But former Senate President Troy Jackson, who formed an exploratory committee in March, and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) have long been rumored as strong potential candidates.

King is hoping his father's independent credentials and high name recognition will help him in the state that often rewards those who buck their parties.

For sure, Ive got independent blood in my veins  and most Mainers do too, King said, saying the state needs someone pragmatic and moderate in charge. Hes entering the race with support from his dad, who served as the states governor from 1995 to 2003 and has been in the Senate since 2013. The elder King said his son would be one of the "top two governors named Angus ever" in a statement.

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As King launches his bid for governor, Democrats are still in search of a strong candidate willing to take on Sen. Susan Collins next year. The longtime Maine Republican looks to be vulnerable in some early Democratic polling, but she has not yet attracted a top-tier challenger. Golden, who once worked for Collins, has said he won't run against his former boss.

The announcement comes as incumbent Gov. Janet Mills is term-limited. Kings bid is his first shot at public office, something he is planning to embrace on the trail. But he also is quick to tout his fathers legacy in the state.

There are very few genuinely inspirational politicians in America right now, and I happen to be lucky enough to have grown up with one of them, King said.
ANNISTON  The Anniston Star officially reopened its doors Monday at a new downtown location, marking a return to the heart of the city after more than two decades at McClellan.

The newspapers new home at 1118 Noble St. is situated near several civic and commercial landmarks, including restaurants, the federal courthouse, Anniston City Hall and the Calhoun County Courthouse.

"I'm just thrilled with this," said Blucher Ehringhaus, publisher and president of The Star. "We're just elated to be back downtown, where there's so much action."

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Ehringhaus said the move represents a return to the papers roots.

Since the paper has so much history in the downtown region, we feel like this is definitely coming home for us.

The Star's move follows an announcement earlier this year during the Calhoun County Chamber and Visitors Centers annual meeting. At that event, John Fry, co-publisher and vice president of Consolidated Publishing  The Stars parent company  said the relocation aligns with the newspapers hyper-local focus and commitment to serving east Alabama communities through locally driven journalism.

To those of you who subscribe to The Anniston Star or one of its sister publications, I want to thank you, Fry said. I hope youve seen some changes. This is a community newspaper. Weve gotten rid of all of the national news, and now were very local-focused.

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The downtown location offers improved access and visibility, and leadership is already seeing promising signs.

We're thrilled to have found such a wonderful building, Ehringhaus said. We wanted to be more of a part of the community, and we feel like the best way to do that is to have relocated downtown. We want to be in the community for a long time and be a long-term partner in the community.

The Star had operated from McClellan since 2002, when the newspaper built a 78,060-square-foot complex to house its office and manufacturing operations. As the company shifted toward digital publishing, it gradually occupied less of the space. The McClellan property was listed for sale in June 2023 and was sold earlier this year to Howard Core, a musical instrument distributor.

Operations continued without interruption throughout the move.

Fry encouraged former readers to reconnect with the paper.

We publish nine times a week  two print editions and a daily digital, he said. Theres local news going out all the time.
Austin Public Health officials on Tuesday said an El Paso resident was infectious with measles while visiting Austin in late April. One confirmed location the person visited was Terry Blacks Barbecue on Barton Springs Road sometime between 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

Health officials said the case is separate from a measles case reported last month involving a Travis County resident and underscores the importance of communitywide vaccination and awareness.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Anyone who visited Terry Blacks during that time should monitor for symptoms of measles through May 17, including:

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Fever

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes

Rash that typically begins on the face and spreads

Small white spots inside the mouth

If symptoms develop, you should stay home and avoid contact with others, call your health care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. If you do not have a provider, call 512-972-5555 for assistance.

Measles is a concern because 90% of people exposed to the virus who have not been vaccinated or do not have natural immunity will become infected after being exposed. It is one of the most infectious diseases. The virus can live on the surfaces of a room for two hours after an exposure.

More: Second measles case reported in Austin

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The first case of measles reported this year in Austin was an unvaccinated infant who was exposed to measles while traveling overseas. The infant's family were all vaccinated and quarantined to prevent spreading the disease.

On April 25, Austin Public Health announced they were investigating a second reported case of measles. Officials said the case involved a vaccinated adult who might have been exposed to the virus while traveling within the United States. That person visited several public locations in Austin while infectious. People who were at those sites during the listed times should monitor for symptoms through May 11:

Office building, 300 Colorado St.  April 16, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Maaribu Coffee, 1413 South First St.  April 17, 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Curras Grill, 614 E. Oltorf St.  April 17, 5:45 to 9:30 p.m.

Starbucks, 1920 E. Riverside Drive  April 18, 10:08 a.m. to 12:08 p.m.

UPS Store, 2407 S. Congress Ave., Suite E  April 19, 1 to 5 p.m.

Hestia, 607 W. Third St., Suite 105  April 19, 5:45 to 11 p.m.

Walgreens, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Building B  April 20, 8:45 a.m. to noon.

Pueblo Viejo, 2410 E. Riverside Drive, Suite H-8  April 20, 8:45 a.m. to noon.

CareNow, 1920 E. Riverside Drive, Suite A110  April 20, 8 a.m. to noon.

A first dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93% protection against measles after two weeks, and a second dose provides about 97% protection.

Where can you get the measles vaccine?

Austin Public Health is continuing to provide the measles vaccine (known as MMR for measles, mumps and rubella) at its mobile clinics, as well as brick and mortar locations.

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Adults who have not been vaccinated previously can receive the MMR vaccine. A first dose provides about 93% protection after two weeks, and a second dose provides about 97% protection.

How do I know if I have immunity?

People born before 1957 are presumed to have immunity because of the amount of measles that was present during that time. People born after that time need to make sure they have been vaccinated with two doses. If you were born between 1957 and 1968, you might not have immunity because the vaccine at the time didn't use a live virus.

Vaccine protection does wane over time. You can get a blood test to check your immunity level to be sure. If you have been pregnant in the last 30 years, you have already had your titer check for rubella, which is in the MMR vaccine and would have been told if you did not have immunity.

Statesman staff reporter Nicole Villalpando contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Another person infected with measles visited Austin in late April
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Anti-trans athlete activist Riley Gaines will be returning to San Francisco State University Tuesday. Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, has appeared at SFSU twice before.

Memorably, a 2023 event resulted in a large protest that led to Gaines sheltering inside a classroom for several hours while police dispersed protesters. Gaines returned to SFSU last month for an event hosted by SFSUs Turning Point USA chapter.

Political activist and former competitive swimmer Riley Gaines (C) watches as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing the No Men in Womens Sports executive order in the East Room at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

That event went off mostly without controversy, apart from a demonstration outside and a single protester being removed, according to SFSUs Golden Gate Xpress bilingual student publication.

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On Tuesday, Gaines will be back at SFSU accompanying right-wing political provocateur Charlie Kirk on his The American Comeback Tour. Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA and has been an outspoken supporter of the Trump administration.

According to Golden Gate Xpress, Gaines was a late addition to Tuesdays event, which was originally going to feature Kirk on his own. Gaines was added to the bill per her own request, according to SFSU Turning Point USA chapter president, Takuma Sugawara.

Turning Point USA executive director Charlie Kirk speaks during Turning Point USAs AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 22, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Im not sure what her motives are behind it, Sugawara told the student paper. But its great to have her and Kirk on campus, so people can have those conversations and ask both of them questions.

On Monday, five people were arrested on the Portland State University campus at an event Gaines was appearing at. Gaines appearance was not affiliated with the university, police told KRON4s sister station KOIN.

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Kirk, an avowed Christian-nationalist who has stated, There is no separation of church and state, was recently a guest on California Gov. Gavin Newsoms podcast.

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Deputies in Williamson County chased an 18-year-old wanted out of Georgia after he allegedly stalked and harassed a Spring Hill woman.

According to officials, the incident began after the Spring Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Williamson County Sheriffs Office to find a young man, later identified as 18-year-old Baker Zahar of Atlanta, Georgia.

Bodycam video obtained by News 2 shows the moments deputies chased Zahar along I-840 West on Friday, May 2 as he drove at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour in a Honda Civic.

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Suspected serial killer convicted of 1991 murder in Spring Hill

At one point, video captured a deputy spike the vehicles tires. Within minutes, the tires began to shred near the Goose Creek Bypass. Authorities reported thats when Zahar went off the roadway and crashed.

As seen on video, Zahar got out of the vehicle and ran away as a deputy chased behind him.

That is just insane, anyone could have been killed, said WSCO Captain Becky Coyle. This is the kind of stuff we got to put a stop to.

A deputy reportedly tracked the 18-year-old to a wood line, where he was found hiding in a thorny thicket and claimed to have a bomb.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

When the deputy instructed Zahar to show his hands, the 18-year-old ran deeper into the darkness instead.

Officials said the teen was found minutes later in a Goose Creek neighborhood. Zahar was then taken into custody at gunpoint.

The 18-year-old allegedly told deputies that he lived in the area. While sitting in the back of the squad car, he then asked law enforcement why they were being so nice to him.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Its a clear example of how well Williamson County deputies work together, added Coyle. If you are looking to do crime, dont come to Williamson County. Their training is excellent and they are going to find you.

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Zahar was charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated stalking, evading arrest, theft of property, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and speeding.

Booking records show he is being held in Williamson County Jail on a $750,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Associated Press and four other media companies argue in a federal lawsuit that Indiana's ban on reporters attending state-sanctioned executions violates the public's constitutional right to an independent and unsanitized description of a sensitive and contentious government action.

The complaint, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis, comes two weeks before the scheduled execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who was condemned for the September 2000 fatal shooting of Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney during a foot chase.

It maintains that the law omitting news media from the state's list of permitted witnesses improperly prevents the taxpayers from receiving an unbiased review of the death penalty's implementation.

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I don't think it's about wanting to witness this act  I'm sure it's not a pleasant experience, said Kristopher Cundiff of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which is representing the plaintiffs. It's about having a representative standing in the shoes of the public to provide an account of what happened that comes from a neutral party.

Named as defendants are Ron Neal, superintendent of Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, which houses the death chamber, and Lloyd Arnold, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction.

Department spokesperson Annie Goeller said she cannot comment on pending lawsuits.

Among 27 states with death penalty laws, Indiana is one of two that bar media witnesses. The other, Wyoming, has conducted just one execution in the last half-century.

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The AP aims to attend every execution in the U.S. to provide an accurate and unconstrained description for taxpayers. The news organization has repeatedly been on hand to report botched attempts.

In December, Joseph Corcoran became the first person put to death in Indiana in 15 years because of a nationwide scarcity of lethal-injection drugs. Ritchie is scheduled for the death chamber on May 20. Five more await execution in Indiana, according to the lawsuit.

The media groups contend that the Indiana law violates the First Amendment's guarantee that the public has "a qualified right of access to certain government proceedings.

It also notes that the law, which allows attendance by as many as five friends or relatives chosen by the condemned and up to eight members of the victim's family, improperly treats them more favorably than the media.

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A hearing has not been scheduled.

Joining the AP in pressing the lawsuit are Gannett Co., the nation's largest local newspaper operation with Indiana outlets in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Bloomington and South Bend; and TEGNA Inc., which operates WTHR-13 in Indianapolis.

The other plaintiffs are Circle Broadcasting, whose WISH-TV is a statewide network, and States Newsroom, which operates the nonprofit Indiana Capital Chronicle.

It was the Capital Chronicle that ensured media representation at the December execution, as Corcoran chose one of its reporters as a witness.

___

This story was first published on May 6, 2025. It was updated on May 9, 2025, to correct the name of the lead plaintiffs attorney. He is Kristopher Cundiff, not Kristopher Cundriff.
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Sally Lopez is a fifth-grade teacher at Oliver Brown Elementary School in Manhattan.

Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, Lopez went to Kansas City Kansas Community College before transferring to K-State and graduating with a bachelors in Elementary Education in 2021.

Her dedication to learn and be the best teacher she can doesnt end there; in 2023 she completed her masters in curriculum and instruction.

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A big reason that I wanted to become a teacher was to be the representation that lacked when I was in school, Lopez said. I didnt have teachers that looked like me when I was in elementary school, and it wasnt until middle school when I started to have teachers that look like me it really made an impact on my desire to go to school and my performance in school.

TDC Learning Centers in Topeka to soon close, teachers and parents given short notice

With four years of teaching under her belt, all of which at Oliver Brown, Ms. Lopez says its the close-knit and supportive community in Manhattan that has allowed her to be the teacher she is today.

Ive really loved every moment of teaching here. she said. I think starting my teaching career here was the best choice I could have made. The connections that Ive been able to make with families and the community has really boosted my ability to teach and teach well.

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Principal Amber Cook would have to agree, saying the relationships that Lopez has been able to make with her students help not only her teaching, but improves the learning in the classroom as well.

She allows for students to be seen and heard in her classroom in a way that provides them to be their authentic self while still providing them with good direction and continuing to help them improve as learners but also as individuals and as people, Cook said.

Becoming a pro at what you do doesnt happen overnight. It takes time, and there will be bumps along the way.

Kansas gov. warns of $1 billion Medicaid cuts, Republican retaliates with fearmongering accusation

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For both current and future teachers, 27 News asked Ms. Lopez for advice she has to help you grow.

Dont be afraid to make mistakes, Lopez said. You cant grow and learn unless you make mistakes, and so failed lessons and botched interactions is the only way youre going to grow and be a better educator, so just dont be afraid to make mistakes.

Throughout her career, Ms. Lopez has been able to create a teacher TikTok, giving people a funny dose of what it means to be a teacher. You can follow her at @lopgur.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The 5th Senior Officials Meeting and the 4th Ministerial Meeting on Tourism of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation were held in Cairo, Egypt, from May 5 to 6, 2025, Trend reports.

The event brought together tourism ministers and heads of relevant agencies from the organization's member states. Azerbaijan was represented by a delegation led by Kanan Guluzade, Advisor to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency.

In his address, Kanan Guluzade highlighted the government's commitment to tourism as one of the main sectors of the economy, stating that Azerbaijan has hosted several large-scale international events in recent years, reflecting the country's growing profile as a global tourism destination.

Guluzade also underlined Azerbaijans pivotal role in integrating tourism into the global climate dialogue, noting that for the first time in COP history, tourism will be included as a key item on the climate negotiations agendaan achievement made possible through Azerbaijans initiative as the host country of COP29. He informed attendees about the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in the Tourism Sector, which has already received support from over 70 countries. He invited D-8 member states to endorse and join the declaration.

Guluzade further extended an invitation to participants to attend the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to be held in Baku in 2026. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is ready to enhance tourism cooperation with D-8 member countries within the framework of the organization.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the "Cairo Declaration on D-8 Tourism Cooperation 2025" was adopted. This declaration outlines mutual cooperation in the field of tourism and aims to create new opportunities for regional development among member countries. Additionally, the Turkish city of Antalya was designated as the D-8 Tourism City for 2025.
This story was originally published on The Narwhal on April 22, a publication about the natural world in Canada.



Dustin Patar

The Narwhal



Iqaluit has long been a stop on federal election campaigns. But over the last few months, as Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh each visited the Nunavut capital, something was different. While the stops still offered snowy photo opportunities, they seemed like more than a ticked box for an election campaign. In 2025, Nunavut, and the Arctic more broadly, is a serious talking point.



Front-runners Carney and Poilievre have made splashy promises about Arctic sovereignty, which for them means increased military might and resource development, both requiring new infrastructure they promise will be a boon to local communities. But this isnt the first time residents of Inuit Nunangat  the Inuit homelands in Canada  have been under a spotlight wielded by politicians and industry leaders. Like other Arctic states, Canadas interest in its northern territories ebbs and flows, driven by geopolitics and trade. While increased attention can be a boon, it can also cause significant harm.



Since 1977, the Inuit Circumpolar Council has provided Inuit across Canada, Alaska, Chukotka (Russia) and Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)  the circumpolar North, or Inuit Nunaat  with a unified voice on the global stage. Today, it represents approximately 180,000 Inuit and is chaired by Sara Olsvig of Kalaallit Nunaat.

Sara Olsvig of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, left, with Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, in 2024. (William Alan Swanson / UN Environment Programme)

Olsvig spoke with The Narwhal last week about this current geopolitical moment, what those on the ground think about all the Arctic talk right now and how sovereignty for Inuit means self-determination is non-negotiable.



We are here as Inuit and we will be here in the future. Weve been here for time immemorial, Olsvig said. We are working every day, step by step, to develop our societies in the way that we want to see them develop. Home rule and self-government arrangements  those are things that we are not backing down from.



This interview has been edited for length and clarity.



The Inuit Circumpolar Council was founded during the Cold War to provide Inuit across the circumpolar North with a platform to present a unified voice on issues ranging from the climate to global affairs.



Yet here we are nearly 50 years later and Arctic Sovereignty is back in the spotlight in a big way. How is what is happening now different? Or is it?



It is different. When the Inuit Circumpolar Council was founded in 1977, we were able to meet as Inuit from Kalaallit Nunaat, Canada and Alaska. And one of the first things that Inuit did was to call on the then-Soviet Union to allow Inuit from Chukotka to become members of our organization. What Inuit were able to do was to work through diplomacy, sometimes quiet diplomacy, to create those connections.



Our shared organization, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, has been an extremely good diplomat, so to speak. We have conducted Indigenous diplomacy to re-establish those connections people-to-people, human connections between Inuit across four very, very different nation states, with four or more very, very different self-government arrangements.

Self-government of Inuit was never something that dropped down from heaven to us. It was not something that was granted us. These are achievements that we built ourselves through our own diplomatic efforts, Sara Olsvig of the Inuit Circumpolar Council said. (Dustin Patar, The Narwhal)

Thats the big difference today, I would say. We have a Kalaallit Nunaat which has its own parliament and government, strives to become an independent state, is asserting its rights as a nation. We have other arrangements across Inuit Nunaat in Canada, different arrangements in Alaska and a whole other arrangement in Chukotka. And I think its really important to say that all of these arrangements and self-government of Inuit was never something that dropped down from heaven to us. It was not something that was granted us. These are achievements that we built ourselves through our own diplomatic efforts.



Today we also have an international recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and our right of self-determination affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We live under very different international institutional and legal frameworks than we did 50 years ago.



Talk around Arctic sovereignty can come from a country wanting to assert its dominance over its Arctic territories, or from Inuit sovereignty and self-determination. Which Arctic sovereignty are we hearing about right now?



Theres always been some level of pressure from the nation-states that do approach the Arctic as some kind of new frontier, more as a source of resource and expansion than an inhabited region where peoples have lived for for time immemorial.



When we talk about sovereignty seen from an Inuit perspective, its always important for us to reconfirm and assert the fact that we were here for time immemorial. We have been here before state borders were drawn on maps, before different waves of settlers came in and out of the Arctic. Inuit have thrived and survived and lived here, regardless of whatever kinds of acts of securitization or acts of sovereignty in a state-centered way have happened.



I always get quite proud to know that Inuit leaders for many, many decades have had the skills to navigate those different spheres of how you view the world, how you can act side-by-side with states who pursue a certain kind of sovereignty at the same time as not losing our inherent Indigeneity and Inuit way of living, an Inuit way of conceiving and thinking of sovereignty. Those things can coexist. We have bandwidth in our heads and as Inuit to navigate those things. States and others think that Indigenous Peoples dont think about hard security issues or Westphalian state sovereignty and so on. But thats not true. Thats exactly what we have been navigating in our assertion of our rights.



Much of the driving force behind the Arctic sovereignty and security conversations comes from southerners, extraction and shipping industry leaders and politicians who live outside of the Arctic. No one community across the Arctic is the same, but when you speak with Inuit around the circumpolar North, do your conversations sound remotely similar to what were seeing in headlines?



Its exactly correct what youre saying, that no Inuit community is the same. We have very different relationships with the states within which we live, very different relationships with the military organizations of those states. Some Inuit organizations and rights holder organizations and so forth work in close partnerships with the defense of the state they live in, making a lot of their income from servicing the defense and military presence in those regions. In Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland, the agreements about U.S. military presence here were done before we had any say in international relations. Nevertheless, the government of Kalaallit Nunaat has paved its way into making this not a bilateral U.S.-Denmark relation, but a trilateral relation between Kalaallit Nunaat, Denmark and the U.S.

A snowmobile with qamutiik in tow passes by the St. Georges Society Cliffs outside of Arctic Bay, Nvt. Inuit have thrived and survived and lived here, regardless of whatever kinds of acts of securitization or acts of sovereignty in a state-centered way have happened, Sara Olsvig of the Inuit Circumpolar Council said. (Dustin Patar, The Narwhal)

Across Inuit Nunaat broadly from Chukotka, Alaska, Canada, we have quite different views on nationhood. When I speak to Canadian or Alaskan Inuit, they might have a different view on their sense of nationality [or the] presence of military in our homelands. What is cross-cutting for all Inuit is our right of self-determination. That we ourselves are those to decide what relationship we want with the military presence. We do not want to see repetition of historical events, such as forceful displacement of people of Inuit in relation to creating new military installations. We do not want to see a militarization where we are not included in decision-making.



The bottom line is that there is no such thing as saying, You have a self-determination, but only to this line. We also have self-determination on those areas that states would consider hard security or sovereignty, and therefore we still have some way to go in terms of working with our states to fully implement our rights of self-determination.



Countries are driving a global Arctic security conversation, but what is being discussed on the local level? Are there different priorities, such as health, housing, and food security?



Thats a question that speaks to the importance of remembering that we have the bandwidth to encompass both. We do conceive of other forms of security in our societies as being related to our human security  access to health services, access to infrastructure and so forth. All of those things are deeply related to our human security, as are the more hard security issues. One thing does not exclude the other. And if we as Inuit do not continue to have our focus on both, we know that, especially on the hard security issues, these decisions will continue to be taken without us.



In 1977, when the council was founded, one of our first resolutions, 7711, talked about how we as Inuit want our region to be peaceful, to be used for peaceful purposes only. We reaffirmed that resolution in 2022. And I think if we as Arctic Indigenous peoples didnt say so, who would? But we do say it with open eyes and open ears, knowing whats going on around us. These past months here in Kalaallit Nunaat, I can say that hard security issues are also something that people talk about on the streets and over coffee.



Discussions about access to critical minerals and Arctic shipping routes  like the Northwest Passage, which itself is a 175-year-old conversation  are not new. How much of todays dialogue about these topics are driven by the clear effects of climate change in the Arctic?



I often see the narrative that, you know, ice is melting and the resources are suddenly available. Thats not how it is here in Kalaallit Nunaat. Theres been mapping of the resources of Kalaallit Nunaat for centuries. We have a high degree of knowledge about what resources are here.



I think the big difference across Inuit Nunaat is, again, the level of how concretely we can exercise our right of self-determination into terms of deciding to utilize those resources, extract those resources or not. We here in Kalaallit Nunaat have full self-determination on whether to mine or not. The whole resource extraction question became a cornerstone in the economic relationship between Kalaallit Nunaat and Denmark with the self-government agreement from 2009. Thats not the case for all Inuit. The basic principle of the questions of resource extraction is that no projects go ahead without free, prior, informed consent obtained before starting.



I would say the same about shipping. Inuit are ship owners. Inuit are big fish company owners. We are dependent on being able to navigate the seas we have, which we have done for millennia and we have transitioned into huge, successful businesses. Thats also why Inuit Circumpolar Council worked so hard to become part of the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement, to sit with states and make sure that no decisions are taken without us. So when we talk about shipping lanes, I think that on one hand, in some mainstream media its a bit exaggerated and on the other hand, it sounds as if its another one of those, Arctic frontiers where people will go because nobodys ever been there. But thats not true.



What we need to do is to make sure that everybody who goes to the waters across Inuit Nunaat do so in a way that least harms the environment, biodiversity, our flora and fauna. We are working to influence that through the International Maritime Organization, demanding that ships make less noise, because underwater radiated noise will affect our marine mammals and then that will then affect our access to hunting. This is about us asserting our seat at the table to inform the regulations on how shipping is conducted.



Part of the global push for critical minerals is an economic response to climate change. Government and industry says mining is essential to extract minerals such as high-quality ore that requires less energy to turn into steel, or the components needed for electric vehicles.



On one hand, this resource extraction could potentially help efforts to curb climate change globally, while providing jobs and increasing infrastructure locally. On the other hand, such projects have significantly harmed culture and the environment in the past and pose similar risks now. How can situations like this be navigated in a meaningful and respectful way?



I was honored last year to take part in the United Nations Secretary Generals panel on critical energy transition minerals, as one of two Indigenous persons on the panel, together with the former chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum, Mejia Montalvo. It was a tough job, but we got the outcome document of this panels work to include full recognition of the rights of Indigenous Peoples the right of self-determination, regardless of the worlds pressure. Even calls from other places in the world saying you have better regulation, so we will do less human rights violations if we mine in your region than in this region. In spite of all this pressure, and maybe even exactly because of all this pressure, what we must remember is that we have a right to say no.



If we dont want a uranium mine, well say no, like we did in Kalaallit Nunaat, or the people in south Greenland did. If we see that theres a need for a specific mineral, lets talk about it. In the end, if the Indigenous Peoples in mind are saying, Thats not the road we want to take, that needs to be respected.



At the Conference of Parties last year, in Baku, there was a fellow Indigenous woman from Belize, who represents a people that want to transition over to solar panels. And she raised a really interesting question  how can she make sure that the minerals that were used to produce the solar panels have not been extracted by violating other Indigenous Peoples rights? And that question, to me, pinpointed the issue: we have to work with an industry which has a terrible track record.



So we need to change the industry, make the industry accountable. And how do we do that? Well we make sure that we can trace where the minerals come from, that those who are involved in producing and exporting and so on are made accountable in terms of human rights. Thats going to be a huge task, but that was the recommendation coming out of the panel. And of course, to ramp up circularity. Remove some of the pressure by ensuring that we have reuse of minerals.



The point of departure in this panels work was that 55 per cent, at least, of the known deposits are on or near Indigenous Peoples land, so we have no option but to address it. We all know as Inuit that our lands are rich. So this is something that we will have in front of us to discuss and decide upon in many years to come.



What I hope for everyone is that we find ways of doing this that doesnt divide us. Weve been through tough times here in Kalaallit Nunaat discussing that possible uranium mine. I belong to those who do not want to do uranium mining, but Ive met with fellow Inuit and citizens who did want to do uranium mining, who were in trouble in terms of employment and income. So these paradoxes and dilemmas we will meet time and time again, and we need to approach them in a good way where we can reach a common understanding of what our different positions are and find the best way ahead.



Over the last few months, the world has become a little more volatile. The Inuit Circumpolar Council operates in four countries, with some projects, like protecting the waters of Pikialasorsuaq, or the North Water Polynya, literally spanning borders. How impacted has the council been by this shift?



Its different from case to case, so particularly on the Pikialasorsuaq initiative between Kalaallit Nunaat and Canada, it seems that our governments are pursuing a positive development. We are supporting that. It might be different in other areas of Inuit Nunaat  we have yet to see exactly whats going to be the situation. As you know, elections have taken place, are taking place and new administrations or old administrations are getting in place.



I do want to point to Inuit Circumpolar Council Alaska, which recently convened an Alaskan Inuit leadership summit with very, very strong and clear statements coming out of it. Its important to say that there is no such thing as a better colonizer. Each of us have very complex relationships with the states around us and you cannot compare and say that its better to be Inuk here or there. This is the time where we stand side by side, shoulder by shoulder, and do not allow ourselves to be pitted against each other.



Was there anything else youd like to add?



These are the times where we should all consider increasing our international engagement. This is the time where we go to the international venues and make our voices heard, assert our seat at the table. Thats something that I hope to see more of in the future, more Inuit youth, more Inuit leadership, more Inuit knowledge-holders to go out there and speak on behalf of our interests so that we can implement what we have been saying for so many years  nothing about us without us.
COOPER COUNTY, Mo.  A woman from Arizona was arrested in Cooper County, Missouri, on Saturday, May 3, after Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers found 26 pounds of cocaine and heroin in her car, along with an eight-month-old child.

Joanna Fabian Rivera, 33, from Maricopa, Arizona, is charged with two counts of first-degree trafficking of drugs and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Rivera has pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

The probable cause statement says an MSHP trooper stopped a Chrysler Pacifica at a gas station in Boonville for driving too close behind a tractor-trailer on eastbound Interstate 70 Saturday afternoon.

Joanna Fabian Rivera mugshot (Courtesy: Cooper County Sheriffs Office)

The driver  identified as Rivera  said she rented the Chrysler in Arizona and was going to Ohio.

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CDC: Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry in Missouri and other states

The trooper stated they observed Rivera seemingly in distress, breathing and speaking rapidly and deviating from the troopers questions. An eight-month-old child was also seen in the rear seat, with Rivera saying the child was hers.

The trooper asked to search the car, but Rivera denied the request. A K9 officer was brought to the scene and detected illegal drugs inside the vehicle.

Authorities found a suitcase in the car containing three packages of heroin weighing nine pounds and six packages of cocaine weighing 17 pounds, according to online court documents.

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Rivera was taken to the Cooper County Detention Center with a $200,000 cash-only bond. The child in the car was released to the Division of Family Services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The plan to build a new prison in Franklin County received pushback on Monday from a state legislator.

Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest) sent a letter to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders asking for the reallocation of funds for the Franklin County Prison Project to shift to expanding a different prison facility.

Arkansas Sheriffs Association head explains support for proposed prison

King is opposed to the proposed Franklin County prison.

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If youre going to build a mega-prison in a community, its going to change their DNA, King said about the planned 3,000-bed prison.

The letter urged a new approach.

During a 2023 legislative session, lawmakers approved $75 million in capital improvement funds for the Department of Corrections. That money is now being used to lay the groundwork for a prison in Franklin County. A bill to provide the additional funding needed for the $825 million facility was withdrawn during the 2025 legislative session after it failed to pass in six successive Senate votes.

Arkansas prison appropriation bill for Franklin County fails in Senate

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King said the $75 million was intended to expand the existing facility at the 700-bed North Central Unit at Calico Rock in Izard County, a plan he believes would be both faster and more cost-effective.

There are much better solutions out there economically to address the overcrowding issue, King said.

Franklin County local Adam Watson supports Senator Kings letter.

The people dont want the project in its current iteration. It doesnt mean theyre against building a prison, Watson said. This iteration of the prison project is shortsighted, is going to cost everybody way too much money, and not going to be a success in its current form.

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Arkansas Dept. of Corrections outlines new budget toward Franklin County prison plan

Sanders said previously that the state needs more prison capacity and that Franklin County is the best location for a new prison. She said there is widespread support for the prison among legislators and local officials across the state.

A spokesperson for the governor said that she stands with Arkansas law enforcement officials to end a system that grants the early release of repeat violent offenders.

Governor Sanders stands with Arkansas sheriffs, county judges, law enforcement, and a large majority of legislators in support of a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County to help end the failed system of catch-and-early-release of repeat violent offenders, the statement said.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
You asked, we answered: 10 recent stories based on Pierce County readers' questions

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

Many of our stories start with questions from readers. This list of recent stories based on reader questions includes a look at whether someone was covering up unmarked graves in a Pierce County cemetery. The News Tribune also chased recent tips about a military plane over the Key Peninsula and an ongoing library catalog outage. You can submit story ideas and questions for reporters by emailing newstips@thenewstribune.com.

Waughop Lake, on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Lakewood, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: ARE CITY EFFORTS TO TREAT TOXIC ALGAE AT THIS PIERCE COUNTY LAKE WORKING? WHAT WE KNOW

For decades agricultural waste and manure was dumped into this lake, which has caused issues for the city today. | Published March 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Tombstones are visible in Potters Field Cemetery, where more than 1,600 people were buried, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 2: TACOMA CEMETERY HOLDS MORE THAN 1,600 PEOPLE. ARE THEIR GRAVES BEING COVERED UP?

Many of their names have been lost to history. | Published April 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The first C-17 lands on the newly resurfaced runway at McChord Field on Monday. By Sara Hoerichs

NO. 3: SEE MILITARY PLANE OVER KEY PENINSULA ON SUNDAY NIGHT? HERES WHAT IT WAS

The U.S. Air Force said a C-17 was returning from an overseas mission. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The Melody Apartments has been the source of many issues since a structural fire in 2020 and its remaining tenats continue to face issues, on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Lakewood, Wash. By Brian Hayes

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NO. 4: PIERCE COUNTY APARTMENTS WERE UNSAFE FOR YEARS. WHY DID PEOPLE STILL LIVE THERE?

After a fire in 2020, property owners made repairs without obtaining the necessary permits, city says. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Tacoma, WA, Mayor Victoria Woodards.

NO. 5: TACOMA MAYOR ACCEPTED PAID TRIP TO ISRAEL FROM ADVOCACY GROUP AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE

Victoria Woodards, who has said she supports a ceasefire in Gaza, joined a delegation of U.S. mayors in Israel for seven days last week. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Evan Aeschlimann stands in the alley behind his home,him and his wife were informed its part of a proposed Local Improvement District that would require them having to pay more than $16K for a project to pave it, on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 6: YEARS AGO, TACOMA NEIGHBORS WANTED ALLEY FIXED. PLANS RETURN CAUSED AN UPROAR

If it can be six years later that this is coming up, can it be 20 years later? one neighbor told The News Tribune. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shea Johnson

Chantell Harmon Reed has been tapped as the new director of public health for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

NO. 7: HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR UNDER FIRE FOR ALLEGED TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Tacoma-Pierce County public health director has been in her role for about a year. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The new, interim Lakewood Public Library is finally set to open soon, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Lakewood, Wash. By Brian Hayes

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NO. 8: PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CATALOG HAS BEEN DOWN A WEEK. HERES WHAT WE KNOW

The Tacoma News Tribune received multiple tips from readers wondering what is going on. | Published April 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Aspire 11, located at 1011 S. 11th St. in Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood, broke ground in 2022, and construction was wrapping up in Spring 2025. The corner building that includes Manifesto Coffee, Goodfellas Barbers and 1022 South J remained standing, but the sidewalk on J Street was incomplete on April 8, 2025. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 9: HILLTOP COCKTAIL LOUNGE, AMID NEIGHBORHOOD CONSTRUCTION, CLOSES AFTER A YEAR

The bars new owners faced an uphill challenge taking over a well-known haunt, but some have wondered if construction was a factor in its demise. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

Chef Gerold Castro has opened Lechon Loco at 3511 McKinley Ave. in Tacoma with an all-day menu of Filipino breakfast plus lunch and dinner. It joins his Auburn restaurant, West Hill Deli. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 10: FILIPINO RESTAURANT OPENS WITH UBE FRENCH TOAST, ADOBO FRIED RICE, MORE

The owner of a Filipino-American diner in Auburn brings years of cooking experience to Tacoma. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



The asteroid 99942 Apophis is headed for a close flyby with Earth on April 13, 2029, and space agencies are coordinating efforts to study the object during this the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

NASAs extended asteroid mission, now called OSIRIS-APEX, will reach the asteroid after its flyby. ESAs complementary RAMSES mission will study the asteroid with a different suite of instruments before and during Apophis approach.

Earlier this month, JAXA also detailed efforts for its DESTINY+ mission to possibly swing by Apophis on its way to 3200 Phaethon (another asteroid).

Science is a collaborative process, and for evidence of this fact, look no further than 99942, the doomsday-asteroid-turned-scientific-opportunity, Apophis. Named for the Egyptian serpent god, Apophis will make a rendezvous with Earth on April 13, 2029. It will pass even closer to Earth than some geosynchronous satellites, and space agencies around the world are gearing up to visit the object as it passes by.

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NASAs mission, in a way, is already in progress. The agencys OSIRIS-REx missionhaving successfully visited the asteroid Bennu in 2020 and returning a sample three years laterhas now evolved into OSIRIS-APEX (Apophis Explorer) as it gears up for a visit with Apophis in June of 2029. Simultaneously, the European Space Agencys Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSESnice acronym work there) will complement NASAs mission.

Set for launch in April of 2028, RAMSES will contain a suite of distinct scientific toolsincluding a low-frequency radar, gravimeter, and landerand will actually arrive at Apophis before and during its buzz by Earth. OSIRIS-APEX, on the other hand, will be one hour behind Apophis on April 13th. It will officially reach its target in June, and will study the asteroid for 18 months.

ESA and NASA arent the only ones interested in this flyby event. As New Scientist reports, the Japanese space agency JAXA is planning its Demonstration of Space Technology for Interplanetary Voyage with Phaethon Flyby Dust Science (DESTINY+...this acronym is more tortured) also has plans for Apophis. As its name suggests, DESTINY+s primary mission is the 3200 Phaethon, but on the spacecrafts journey toward this asteroid, itll make a flyby of Apophis in 2029 as well.

This trio of space missions arrives as space agencies have gotten serious about investigating planetary defense strategiesjust in case one of the thousands of near-Earth objects comes within a threatening range. NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was a major success on this front, altering the path of Dimorphos, which is a minor planet-moon of the asteroid Didymos. This work was further complimented by OSIRIS-REx, which gave scientists an unprecedented glimpse of an asteroids composition.

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Interestingly, the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) is also developing methods for planetary salvation. Although not visiting Apophis directly, China plans to swing by another asteroid2015 XF261, which stretches some 30 meters wideand will perform a kinetic impactor approach similar to the DART mission. According to Space News, Li Mingtaon (director of the space science system engineering at the CNSA) said that 2029 will be the year of asteroid awareness and planetary defense.

Science is getting serious about protecting Earth from one of its largest celestial dangers, and itll take worldwide cooperation to protect the planet we love.

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NAIROBI (Reuters) -A bombing attack on a Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital and pharmacy in South Sudan over the weekend was deliberate and may amount to a war crime, the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said on Tuesday.

MSF said on Saturday that at least seven people had been killed and 20 wounded in South Sudan's Fangak county when a bomb was dropped on the pharmacy, burning it to the ground and damaging the hospital, followed by another drone attack on Old Fangak, a town in the Greater Upper Nile region.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, which came on the heels of air strikes and heavy clashes in the region in recent months between national forces and an ethnic militia allegedly allied with First Vice President Riek Machar.

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"This was not a tragic accident. It was a calculated, unlawful attack on a protected medical facility," Yasmin Sooka, chair of the commission, said in a statement.

"The aerial bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and could amount to a war crime ...

"Targeting medical facilities and services violates the Geneva Conventions and represents a direct assault on foundations of humanitarian action that are intended to protect civilians in conflict zones."

Information Minister Michael Makuei did not respond to requests for comment.

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South Sudan has officially been at peace since a deal in 2018 ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and fighters loyal to Machar.

But the house arrest of Machar in March on accusations of trying to start a rebellion has sparked international concern that conflict could reignite.

(Reporting by Nairoobi Newsroom; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Kevin Liffey)
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, May 6. The First Deputy Head of the Customs Services of Tajikistan Azim Tursunzoda, and the Deputy Head of the Iranian Customs Administration, Abolfazl Akbarpour, discussed key issues of customs cooperation, Trend reports.

The sides met within the frame of the 17th session of the Tajikistan-Iran Joint Intergovernmental Commission, held in Shiraz.

In the course of the meeting, the sides exchanged views on information exchange, joint efforts to combat smuggling, and simplifying customs procedures. Parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and implementing specific measures to promote external trade.

In January 2025, Tajikistan and Iran signed a memorandum of cooperation on customs training, which aims to enhance bilateral relations in the customs field, improve the professional skills of specialists, and foster mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2025, the bilateral trade turnover reached $110.6 million, a 42.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
By Susanna Twidale

LONDON (Reuters) -British naturalist David Attenborough says there is hope for the future of the planet's oceans despite the scale of their damage in his new film which premiered on Tuesday evening with King Charles in attendance.

In his latest work "Ocean", Attenborough, one of the world's best-known nature broadcasters and filmmakers whose work spans seven decades, charts the challenges faced by the seas over his lifetime, from destructive industrial fishing practices to mass coral reef bleaching.

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"After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea," he says in a trailer of the movie.

Its full release in cinemas on Thursday coincides with Attenborough's 99th birthday.

"When David Attenborough started there were two TV channels and everybody knew him as the voice of nature. Now there are hundreds of channels, social media but yet he is still the voice for nature," Enric Sala, an executive producer of the film and National Geographic Pristine Seas founder, said in an interview.

Tuesday's evening premiere in London, which was also attended by other guests including former U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and actress and model Cara Delevingne, followed a daytime screening for students and teachers which was also watched by Prince William, although he did not speak at the event.

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The heir-to-the throne, like his father King Charles, has championed protecting the planet launching his multi-million Earthshot Prize in 2020, to help spur novel environmental solutions.

Attenborough has also forged a strong relationship with the royal family and is a supporter of the Earthshot prize and filmed a documentary in 2018 with the late Queen Elizabeth, "The Queens Green Planet".

Sala said it was important to showcase Attenborough's film to younger viewers.

"We hope that the younger generations coming to the screening today are going to feel so inspired that they will want to be the David Attenborough of the future," Sala said.

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Despite depicting the bleak current state of the health of the ocean, discoveries of restored seabeds during filming offer hope.

"The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined, it can bounce back to life," Attenborough says in the film.

"If we save the sea we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet I'm sure nothing is more important."

The film's release comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean conference in June where it is hoped more countries will ratify a 2023 agreement to protect ocean biodiversity, which currently lacks sufficient signatories to come into force.

(Reporting By Susanna Twidale; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Tomasz Janowski)
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT)  Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and the North Carolina Justice Academy honored North Carolinas fallen officers and their families at the 40th Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony.

This is an annual ceremony that pays tribute to officers who died in the line of duty last year as well as the family members of officers who died in service in previous years.

These officers gave their life in service to this state and its people, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said. Im grateful to be able to have spent time with their families and their colleagues today to honor our fallen officers and to express our gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of every public safety officer. I thank the North Carolina Justice Academy and the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office for hosting this moving memorial.

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Russ Ferguson, United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, was the guest speaker for this years ceremony. Ferguson was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi in March 2025, and served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for 32 counties across western N.C., including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

It is a privilege to spend time today doing publicly what we in law enforcement do every day  honor our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect others, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson said. We are so thankful for our brave law enforcement officers and their families for the risks they endure on a daily basis to protect our community.

The officers who died in service to the people of North Carolina last year were:

Deputy Christopher Shayne Johnson, Harnett County Sheriffs Office.

Investigator William Alden Elliott, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Officer Joshua Eyer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Investigator Samuel Poloche, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, U.S. Marshals Service.

Major Michelle Lynn Quintero, Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Deputy Charles James Jim Lau, Macon County Sheriffs Office.

Officer Michael Horan, Greensboro Police Department.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Aurora City Council is set to discuss a measure at its Monday night meeting that would help address unmanned aircraft systems that could potentially be launched over restricted areas of the Buckley Space Force Base.

According to Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, the council will be asked to ratify a memorandum of understanding between the city of Aurora, Buckley Space Force Base and the Denver Field Office of the FBI. The MOU will state that all three groups have agreed that Aurora will assist, respond, detect, detain and investigate unmanned aerial systems, aka drones.

Aurora City Council may change public comment rules

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In December, Coloradans were reporting mysterious drones near their homes. FOX31s Ashley Michels looked into the matter and learned that similar drone sightings were reported in December 2019. One Aurora resident described seeing bright lights that were not in a plane formation, and an Elizabeth resident recorded drone lights above their home.

Michels spoke to Chad Kendall, a professor of aviation at Metropolitan State University of Denver, who said it can be difficult to tell drones from airplanes, apart from how the machine is moving.

Coffman wrote on Facebook on Monday that the drones subject to the MOU would be flown over restricted areas above Buckley since the drones would be launched from surrounding areas outside of the base by individuals working on behalf of foreign adversaries.

He said there has been an increase in reports of drones used to gather intelligence on U.S. military installations.

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Aurora must work with the Department of Defense and the FBI to do all we can to help protect the sensitive missions at the base that our critical to our national security, Coffman wrote.

Aurora City Council is scheduled to meet Monday, May 5, at 6:45 p.m. The resolution is first on the consent calendar for resolutions and ordinances.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Running into a burning building is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. Yet, firefighters do it every day to help save lives and property.

But theres a silent danger firefighters face after putting out those fires  cancer. The World Health Organization classified firefighting as a carcinogenic profession, because of the exposure to cancer causing chemicals.

On Monday, the Austin Fire Department and Austin Public Safety Wellness Center provided an update on firefighter cancer prevention efforts at the public safety meeting.

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Cancer rates have been fairly high within the firefighter population, said Austin Public Safety Wellness Center Clinic Administrator Heather Arispe.

Arispe said they do health checks for firefighters and other first responders.

We also provide skin cancer screenings through a third party, Arispe said. They provide screenings monthly in our facility.

AFD Chief of Staff Rob Vires said they have supplies to help clean off quickly.

They have wipes that they can use on scene to get the bulk of the contaminants off and then return back to the station, Vires said. Within an hour, theyre supposed to have taken a shower to get the rest of the contaminants off of them.

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Vires said one of their main focuses is to identify exposures to the cancer causing chemical PFAS. He said it was in the foam they used at the Austin airport. After working several years on this, Vires said theyre almost done changing all of the units out.

I think by the end of this year, Austin Bergstrom Airport will be completely PFAs free, as far as foam and the apparatus themselves. AFD Chief of Staff Rob Vires

Arispe said they were also able to conduct PFAS tests for about 78 firefighters through a grant. She said the tests are pretty expensive, so they were limited on how many they could perform.

Prevalence of early cancers in firefighters

Other fire departments in Central Texas are also focusing on cancer prevention.

Kyle Fire Department opens new station, improving emergency response in underserved area amid growth

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In April, KXAN reported on the Kyle Fire Departments new station incorporating smart infrastructure and green building elements that were designed in partnership with Texas State Universitys Connected Infrastructure for Education, Demonstration and Applied Research Consortium (CIEDAR) program.

Hays County ESD No. 5 Commissioner Susan Meckel said the fire department will work with TXST to study the impact fighting fires can have on someones health.

Theres unfortunately a prevalence of early cancers in firefighters. A lot of it has to do with their exposures on scenes, Meckel said. For this particular station, weve installed some ports and sensors. So we have Texas State students that are monitoring what comes off of our firefighters, what comes off of our equipment when we return from fires.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a missing 9-year-old girl, concerned for her welfare after her mother was accused of locking another child in a closet for weeks at a time, according to an arrest affidavit.

Ava Marie Gonzales was last seen by family in December 2017, when she was 2 years old. She was in the custody of her mother, Virginia Gonzales, at the time, police said. She was not reported missing, according to detectives.

The mother was arrested last month on a Serious Injury to a Child charge after officers responded to an apartment on Ross Road in Del Valle for a welfare check. A 911 caller said she found her 7-year-old granddaughter, Avas younger sibling, malnourished, soiled and barricaded in a bedroom closet, according to an arrest affidavit.

Mugshot of Virginia Gonzales (Courtesy Austin Police Department)

The grandmother told police that other children in the home were ordered to put the girl in the closet because she had issues controlling her bladder and was always getting into stuff, which the grandmother clarified meant she was trying to eat things she was not supposed to, the affidavit said.

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The girl was taken to Dell Childrens Medical Center, where she was found to weigh 29 pounds, the affidavit said. She had dark-colored spots covering her body that medical staff said were signs of malnourishment, police said. She also made comments that her bones hurt.

An older sibling told police the girl would eat a hotdog/corndog in the morning and in the evening and would only receive half a cup of water, according to the affidavit. The pantry, fridge and freezer were all found to be stocked with a variety of food items, police said.

The closet had no light or air circulation and was about 4 foot 9 inches by 1 foot 10 inches. Other items in the closet meant the girl had even less space, according to the affidavit. Boxes placed in front of the closet door to barricade the girl inside had a combined weight of more than 75 pounds, police said.

Police are now asking for the publics helping finding Ava.

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Austin Police Departments Missing Persons detectives are seriously concerned about Avas welfare given the circumstances in which Avas 7-year-old sibling was found, Det. Russell Constable, with APDs Child Abuse Unit, said in a Tuesday press conference.

Photos of Ava Marie Gonzales (Courtesy Austin Police Department)

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to email ava@austintexas.gov. You can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 512-572-8477.

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Austin police are searching for a 9-year-old girl last seen seven years ago but never reported missing. Police learned of her disappearance when her mother was arrested in April in a case involving another child.

Ava Marie Gonzales was last seen with her mother, Virginia Gonzales, in December 2017 when Ava was 2, police Detective Russell Constable said Tuesday at a news conference.

Virginia Gonzales, 33, was charged with injury to a child after police were alerted April 3 that another of Gonzales' daughters, a 7-year-old girl who weighed 29 pounds, had been locked in a closet at Gonzales' apartment for several weeks, according to an arrest affidavit. Six other healthy children were found in Gonzales' home in the 5500 block of Ross Road in Southeast Austin, the affidavit said. During the investigation, police discovered Ava Marie Gonzales was missing.

Ava Marie Gonzales as a 2-year-old, when she was last seen in 2017.

No new charges were added in the case of the missing girl.

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Constable declined to say what Gonzales' other children said about Ava Marie Gonzales. Virginia Gonzales had provided "conflicting information" to different family members about her, Constable said.

"We have information showing she was born to Virginia, but we don't know where she is now," said Constable. He said police have not positively identified Ava's father.

Austin police released a photo of what Ava might look like now as a 9-year-old.

Anyone with information on the girl is asked to email ava@austintexas.gov or to provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 512-572-8477.

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The children's grandmother was the one who alerted police about Gonzales' 7-year-old daughter being locked in a closet, the affidavit said. She said she went to Gonzales' apartment on April 3 and found the malnourished girl inside a closet that was blocked from the outside by 75 pounds of boxes, the affidavit said. It said Virginia Gonzales was not home at the time because she had been arrested for possession of marijuana. The grandmother told police the 7-year-old girl had been healthy when she had stayed with her last year, the affidavit said.

This is an image of what Ava Marie Gonzales might look like now as a 9-year-old, police said. She was last seen in 2017.

One of the older children later told police that Virginia Gonzales had told him to put the girl in the closet because the 7-year-old had trouble controlling her bladder, the document said. He said the girl had been in the closet for a month, ate two hotdogs a day and only received half a cup of water, according to the affidavit.

It said police found the pantry, refrigerator and freezer at the apartment were stocked with a variety of food, including hamburger meat, bread, fruit, cheese and yogurt.

The other children in the apartment were ages 14, 10, 8, 4, 3 and 2, the document said. None of the children had ever been to school, Constable said Tuesday. They were all healthy, the affidavit said.

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The 7-year-old girl was taken to Dell Children's Medical Center, where doctors found "evidence of moderate to severe cerebral atrophy from her prolonged malnutrition," the affidavit said. Doctors said she would never recover from her brain injury caused by the starvation, the document said.

Virginia Gonzales was being held Tuesday in the Travis County Jail with bail set at $75,000. A Department of Family and Protective Services spokeswoman declined to comment about whether the agency had previously investigated Virginia Gonzales, saying the investigations are confidential. The agency is investigating the case and all seven children have been placed in foster care, the spokeswoman, Marissa Gonzales, said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: APD searching for girl last seen in 2017, never reported missing
May 5Austin Utilities has announced the retirement of Keven Maxa, engineering supervisor with 24 years of service effective June 30.

Maxa joined Austin Utilities in 2000 and has been the Engineering Supervisor ever since. Prior to his career with AU, Keven was employed at Owatonna Public Utilities for over 10 years in the Engineering Department.

"Thank you to Keven for his long-term career at Austin Utilities," said Mark Nibaur, General Manager at Austin Utilities. "We greatly appreciate his leadership to better serve our community. We wish Keven the best in his retirement."

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During his tenure, Maxa has seen many changes in the engineering field, most notably how much the use of technology has increased both in the office and in the field.

Maxa has dedicated significant time to serving on numerous local and state boards. For 24 years, he organized the local Dig Safe meetings, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to utility safety. He served as president of the Prairieland Utility Coordinating Committee (PUCC) from 2004 to 2008 and again from 2012 through 2025. Additionally, he was an active member for the 216D Gopher One-Call Statue Review Committee from 2003 to 2025.

In his retirement, Maxa hopes to do a lot of traveling and check off some locations on his bucket list. He plans to visit all 50 states. He's also looking forward to spending more time with family.

"Keven has been a cornerstone and trusted resource at AU for many years," said Utility Operations Director Alex Bumgardner. "His dedication to continuously improving our infrastructure and his unwavering commitment to our customers will be deeply missed. We wish him a very happy next chapter in retirement."
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) -Austintown Township trustees voted Monday to end the police departments K-9 program.

Before trustees unanimously voted to retire two of its K-9s, Patrolman Jason Murzda asked for a delay.

I would just respectfully ask that you guys maybe table the idea of dismantling our K-9. This way maybe Brad and I can sit down and talk further with you, Murzda said.

Patrolman Murzdas K-9 is named Gunney. Patrolman Brad McFaddens K9 is Eras. Murzda told the trustees how he started the K-9 program when he worked in Struthers.

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I did it through donations. And since that time, they kept it running the way I had it going. Theyre now up to three dogs, and its self-sustained, Murzda said.

Chief Valorie Delmont supported the elimination of the K-9s  though she would later say it was a cut she did not want to make but shes looking to save money.

If we ended the program by early retirement, that would save approximately $10,000 this year and $20,000 next year, Delmont said.

Austintown Trustee Bruce Shepas told Patrolmen Murzda and McFadden that the K-9 retirements take effect July 6, and the trustees could revote to keep the unit.

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I know that we talked about things, and you (Murzda) had some very good points about raising the money, Shepas said. So, I challenge you and McFadden to make it happen. Find an alternative way of funding. Talk to your union, consider what we discussed. You got two months, Shepas said.

Each Patrolman was given the opportunity to buy their dogs for $1.

Also at the meeting, trustees released a written opinion from the Mahoning County Prosecutors Office concerning the recent hiring of an assistant fiscal officer at $95,000 a year. The opinion was that the trustees must approve the hiring.

Since it was previously a union position, it may also have to be filled, and the new assistant can not do what was union work.

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Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) said on Tuesday it has launched a sweeping review of the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, submitting hundreds of parliamentary inquiries into the rationale and consequences of the measures imposed.

The populist opposition party filed a total of 827 inquiries across various ministries, targeting what it describes as overreach during the Covid-19 crisis.

FPO leader Herbert Kickl framed the move as a "major parliamentary offensive," calling the government's pandemic response the greatest attack on fundamental rights and freedoms that this republic has ever seen."

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Kickl accused the former coalition of the conservative Peoples Party (OVP) and the Greens of attempting to establish a "totalitarian state of emergency." Throughout the pandemic, the FPO positioned itself as a vocal critic of lockdowns and other public health restrictions.

The former government leaders have since admitted mistakes, but justified their coronavirus policy based on the knowledge available at the time about the dangers of the virus.

The OVP of current Chancellor Christian Stocker charged that the FPO is paralysing the administration with the hundreds of inquiries. In a statement, OVP Secretary General Nico Marchetti described it as a case of political abuse of parliamentary oversight.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports.

Vladimir Putin once again expressed his sincere condolences over the loss of life as a result of the explosion at the port of Shahid Rajaee on April 26, 2025.

Masoud Pezeshkian, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Russian side for prompt assistance in eliminating the consequences of the disaster, noting the high professionalism of the Russian EMERCOM specialists.

The Iranian President also warmly congratulated Vladimir Putin and all citizens of Russia on the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The parties discussed issues of further development of Russian-Iranian cooperation on the basis of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two countries signed during the official visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia on January 17. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of mutually beneficial trade and investment ties, including through the implementation of major joint projects in the field of transport and energy.

The sides exchanged views on topical international and regional issues, including the progress of negotiations between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, on the Iranian nuclear program. The Russian side's readiness to promote this dialog in order to reach a fair agreement based on the principles of international law was confirmed.

The Presidents agreed to intensify joint work on comprehensive strengthening of Russian-Iranian practical cooperation and coordination in the foreign policy area.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A Thruston man was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including wanton endangerment, criminal mischief and multiple drug charges after authorities say he shot a gun at an occupied home last week.

According to a release, Daviess County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to reports of a disturbance at a residence in the 5500 block of Ky 144 on May 1. After making contact with the reporting party, deputies say they learned that Christopher Claypool, 61, had been a guest at the home, but was told to leave after getting into an argument with the homeowner. A few minutes after he was told to leave, the homeowner reported hearing several gunshots outside of the home, and that bullets came into the room he was in, causing damage to items in the room.

Deputies say they were unable to locate Claypool, but a search warrant was executed at his home. During the search of the home, authorities say several drugs and drug-related items were seized.

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Claypool was located on May 2 and later booked into the Daviess County Detention Center. He was charged with wanton endangerment, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, criminal mischief, violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO, prescription controlled not in proper container, Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and two counts of illegal possession of a legend drug.

No one was reported injured from the shooting.

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Authorities are searching for a man who escaped from the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Monday shortly after a judge ordered him detained while awaiting trial, according to the Cook County sheriffs office.

Richard Donta Cotton, 32, appeared before Judge William Gamboney about 12:30 p.m. at the courthouse on multiple gun felony charges, according to court records. He walked into the courthouse after he was summoned to appear for a detention hearing, the sheriffs office said. He was not in custody prior to the hearing.

After Gamboney made his decision, he ordered deputies to take Cotton into custody, the sheriffs office said, but Cotton asked to give some belongings to a relative.

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As he approached the relative, he began to run and ran out of the courtroom and exited the courthouse, the statement said.

A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs police at 847-635-1188 or dial 911.
UPDATE: GCSO officials said the missing man has been safely located.



GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Deputies in Georgetown County are searching for a missing 62-year-old man.

Charles Chucky Myers was last seen Thursday, May 1, at his home on Sheba Drive in Plantersville. According to the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office, Myers told his family he was headed to Georgetown, but his family did not know who drove him.

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He is five feet nine inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark and light blue flannel shirt with blue jeans.

If you see Myers, call 843-546-5102.

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It takes some doing to be aware of a serious national security threat but to decide that it would be better not to properly address it. For years, there have been widespread demands for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps  a shadowy organisation that manages to combine Islamic fanaticism and terrorist ambitions with all the training, equipment and support of a modern nation-state  to be booted out of Britain. Yet the Government has turned a deaf ear.

Last week, Iran came as close as it has ever been to carrying out a mass atrocity on British soil, with its agents only thwarted within hours of the attack in a major counter-terror operation. Still there are no serious moves to ban the organisation on our shores. What are we waiting for?

Its not like the mechanisms arent there. In 2023, we proscribed the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary outfit, and the following year, the terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir was added to the list. Neither of these come anywhere close to the threat posed by Iran.

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The danger has been mounting for years. In 2022, the director general of MI5 revealed that Iranian spooks  a sophisticated adversary  had attempted ten assassinations in our country within the preceding 12 months.

Iran projects threat to the UK directly, through its aggressive intelligence services, Ken McCallum said in his annual speech on national security. At its sharpest, this includes ambitions to kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime.

Iran, McCallum said, was the state actor which most frequently crosses into terrorism. That same year, two British-Iranian broadcasters were notified of an assassination plot and armed police were deployed to the channels studios. Here was another Skripal incident waiting to happen. Decisive action came there none.

The following year, Matt Jukes, head of counter-terrorism policing at the Met, revealed that the security services had foiled 15 abduction and murder plots by the IRGC. The dissident Iranian broadcaster in question was forced to move to the United States, where the IRGC is indeed banned, after further warnings about the safety of its staff. It is hard not to gain the impression of the despairing security services playing Whac-A-Mole while the Government ponders other things.

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Last March, a dissident Iranian journalist, Pouria Zeraati, was stabbed outside his home in London by Eastern European mercenaries on the payroll of Tehran, a common technique to cover their tracks. Once again, a chorus of voices pleaded with the Government to ban the IRGC. Before rising to power, David Lammy even pledged to do so. Yet once he had entered office, such ambitions evaporated.

The threat from Tehran is not only faced by dissidents, who have been threatened with guns  with guns  in our cities. In 2023, the then-security minister, Tom Tugendhat, confirmed that Iran had been mapping prominent Jews in Britain as a preparation for future lethal operations to be carried out as a strategic means of exerting pressure on Israel when the time came. Were Jewish institutions the targets of last weeks plot? So far we do not know.

Still the complacency held. A few months later, the Jewish Chronicle revealed that British universities had been helping Iran to develop cutting-edge drone technology with a military application. During Prime Ministers Questions, Rishi Sunak announced a probe. Whatever his intentions, this immediately entered the long grass and has now been completely forgotten.

The question of banning the IRGC has always involved a tussle between the Home Office and the Foreign Office, with the latter blocking attempts to take the matter seriously. The arguments made by the diplomats are as sophisticated as they are flimsy, and speak volumes about the condition of the establishment today.

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Firstly, they say, Tehran may retaliate by closing Britains embassy in the city, which is necessary not just for diplomacy but also for espionage. To this, we need only respond: come on.

Secondly, they have traditionally worried that banning the group would set us at odds with our European allies, allowing Iran to exploit this disunity. During the nuclear negotiations, when Joe Biden was doggedly pursuing a policy of appeasement, Britain was  believe it or not  the most hawkish voice in the room. With the Donald in the Oval Office, however, such hesitations seem rather passe.

Lastly, they fear that setting a new precedent of banning an organ of a nation-state would allow campaigners to demand similar treatment for allies like Israel. To which we must say: for Gods sake, toughen up, please.

What all of this boils down to is a mealy-mouthed range of excuses that seek to place Rolls Royce diplomacy and bureaucratic hand-wringing above the urgent requirements of national security. True, the Government has recently listed the IRGC in the highest category of a new foreign influence register, while Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, is considering further steps.

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But all of this amounts to unnecessary convolution when all we need to do is grow a spine. Otherwise, we may be heading for the mother of all I told you so moments, and that is one that nobody will relish.

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Bear Butte is near Sturgis in western South Dakota. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

Lawmakers reinstated a rule Tuesday to prohibit the spreading of human remains at Bear Butte State Park in western South Dakota.

The rule was originally set in 2002 after tribal leaders worked with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to ban the practice. Bear Butte, called Mato Paha in Lakota, is a spiritual site for Native American tribes.

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The 4,426-foot solitary mountain on the plains near Sturgis is a national historic landmark, and the area surrounding it became a state park in 1961. A ceremonial area and special campground are reserved for religious purposes, and visitors are asked to respect the area.

The department and lawmakers inadvertently repealed the ban in 2019 when they changed several other rules simultaneously, said Jeff VanMeeteren, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation with the department. Tribal leaders requested the mistake be fixed, he said.

Bear Butte is a sacred worship area by the tribes, and the leaving of human remains is just not an acceptable thing in their culture, VanMeeteren said.

South Dakotans can spread burial ashes at other state parks, VanMeeteren told lawmakers, as long as they get a burial permit and seek permission from the department.

The legislative Rules Review Committee unanimously approved the change.

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Popular brewery Bang the Drum and SLO City Church will have to vacate the property at 1150 Laurel Lane after the city denied an appeal Monday that could have potentially staved off eviction.

A vacate notice was issued to the buildings tenants March 10 claiming because ongoing construction had lapsed at the warehouse property, it was unsafe and unfit for occupation.

In the months since then, supporters have urged the city to try to find solutions that would not result in the tenants having to leave the property.

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Developer Patrick Smith, writing on behalf of property owner Laurel Creek LP, submitted an appeal of the eviction order March 19, claiming the citys concerns about the safety of the property were generally unfounded.

That appeal was heard by the citys Construction Board of Appeals on Monday afternoon, in front of a crowd of roughly two dozen people  some of whom continued to urge the board for alternative solutions.

Will Bang the Drum be evicted? Fate of popular SLO brewery may be decided Monday

The writing was on the wall, however, as the boards sole power Monday was in determining whether the citys building official had erred in issuing the initial March 10 order to vacate.

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Ultimately, board members said he had not  and they additionally had some strong words for the property owners.

Were all here today due to inaction on the part of the property owner, board chair Niel Dilworth said toward the conclusion of the lengthy hearing. Quite frankly, Mr. Smith, youve made a lot of promises you havent been able to keep.

Exposed wrapping material can be seen at the entrance to Bang the Drum brewery, at the building at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo in March 2025. The tenants have been told they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions.

Building official calls SLO property citys greatest ... unaddressed public safety threat

In a lengthy report issued Friday ahead of Mondays hearing, city staff recommended the Construction Board of Appeals reject the appeal and uphold the order for tenants to vacate 1150 Laurel Lane.

The Board of Appeals hears appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the citys chief building official and fire marshal.

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During the hearing Monday, chief building official Michael Loew detailed some of the conditions that prompted him to declare the property unsafe, unlawful, unfit for human occupancy and ... dangerous and issue the vacate notice to tenants.

Its my assessment as chief building official that this building presents the greatest known active and unaddressed public safety threat that currently exists within our citys built environment, Loew said.

A rutted gravel road leads to Bang the Drum Brewery as seen from Laurel Lane. The tenants at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo were told in March 2025 that they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions. This includes the popular Bang the Drum brewery and SLO City Church, both of which moved into the partially completed building during the COVID pandemic.

Chief among those was incomplete fire suppression and safety work at the property that put tenants and visitors at risk.

According to the staff report, work on required fire walls  essentially fire-resistant barriers meant to prevent the spread of flames  was never completed, and inspectors confirmed dozens of missing or capped sprinkler heads throughout the buildings fire suppression system, but particularly on the side of the building that houses Bang the Drum and several offices.

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The buildings water system has also been using a temporary fire pump for two years after its main one suffered several breaks.

Bang the Drum brewery, SLO church told to move after building declared unsafe

The fire safety concerns were extensive enough that Fire Marshal Josh Daniel said he would not feel comfortable sending first responders into the building in the event of an emergency.

It is not reasonable to ask our firefighters to go into a building that we already know is not safe and not structurally sound, he said.

During his presentation, Loew also said the property was in a state of advanced disrepair with portions of the building exposed to the elements, short-term additions to the outside walls that have deteriorated and an accumulation of junk and debris.

Bundles of wood are piled on the side of the building at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo, whose tenants have been told they have to vacate due to unsafe construction conditions. This includes the popular Bang the Drum brewery and SLO City Church, both of which moved into the partially completed building during the COVID pandemic.

Furthermore, the property has an extensive history of expired work permits, with 18 permits having lapsed since the project began in 2020, he said.

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In the meantime, temporary certificates of occupancy for several of the units at the building  including the one for Bang the Drum that the business was unknowingly operating under  expired, and permanent ones cannot be issued unless the previously permitted work is completed.

By late 2023, construction had visibly stopped, following multiple extensions on the (temporary occupancy certificates) he said. Throughout 2024, site inspections and reports confirmed that the building had been effectively abandoned by contractors and was left in an open state of decline.

1150 Laurel Lane Staff Report by Kaytlyn Leslie on Scribd

Loew noted that the last official inspection of the site took place in September 2023.

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He added that he was not unsympathetic to the plight of the 1150 Laurel Lane tenants, however.

I couldnt be more proud of being a part of a community that has a bar and a church in the same building, Loew joked. Its really, really a wonderful thing to have in our community, and I think speaks a lot about our community and who we are. And it is one of the most difficult decisions that I have to make in this role.

At the end of the day, however, Loew said the primary duty of the city was to ensure the safety of everybody at the site.

The concern that I have, particularly for this neighborhood, for the community as a whole, is what is going to happen with this site if this building is going to be left in this continued open nature and without progress continuing, Loew said.

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In light of these findings, he and other city staff found there was not sufficient evidence to support the appeal and recommended the board deny it on Monday.

Exposed wrapping material can be seen at the entrance to Bang the Drum brewery, at the building at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo in March 2025. The tenants have been told they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions.

Work is ongoing to bring building up to code, Laurel Lane architect says

In the appeal, Smith asserted that the majority of the citys safety concerns were unfounded  notably saying that the building was not structurally compromised  and said that required work at the site has been ongoing.

This included spending nearly $1 million over three months on needed construction and safety work, he wrote.

We acknowledge that this work still needs to be completed but believe that there must be a more reasonable approach to ensuring safety of the tenants in the meantime besides forcing the tenants to vacate the building, he wrote.

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Laurel Creek LP appeal of SLO eviction notice by Kaytlyn Leslie on Scribd

In the hearing Monday, architect Thom Jess of Arris Studio Architects spoke on behalf of the property owners, describing how construction was getting back on track at the Laurel Lane property after a series of funding issues and lender issues waylaid the project.

Those issues have since been resolved, he said.

Actually, the notice was a big kick in the rear to get this resolved from the banks perspective, Jess said. So we have much better footing now, and were really moving in the right direction. Work has proceeded.

The tenants at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo were told in March 2025 that they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions. This includes the popular Bang the Drum brewery and SLO City Church, both of which moved into the partially completed building during the COVID pandemic.

That includes closing up one of the buildings unfinished walls, sealing other areas that have temporary material covers and completing work on the propertys fire suppression line.

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He also noted that there was a plan to finish the buildings sprinkler system, with only one of the bottom floor units and several of the unfinished apartments on the south side of the building remaining to be installed.

In all, Jess said the plan is for all the work on the fire safety elements to be completed within 30 to 60 days, and all essential work to be completed within about 90 days.

Jess also reiterated the appeals assertion that though the building was unfinished, the property has not suffered any significant degradation from the stalled work.

He called the citys assertions to the contrary largely conjecture.

Many of the claims are either inaccurate or rely on conjecture to reach a conclusion that this building is dangerous and unfit for tenant occupancy, he said. We respectfully request that the board consider both intent and specific language of the code of health and appellants appeal, rescind the current order to vacate and authorize the city to renew the temporary certificates of occupancy.

Exposed wrapping material can be seen on the building at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo in March 2025. The tenants, including Bang the Drum brewery and SLO City Church, have been told they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions.

We are not in control, SLO building official says of stalled project

The architects rosy timeline had some members of the audience urging the board to consider allowing tenants to stay in place throughout the construction.

We have active construction going on, SLO City Church member Kathy Borland said during the meeting. We have a plan. So lets give it till July 1 and see if theyve completed everything theyve said and and then revisit where where were at.

Loew, however, characterized the timeline as optimistic and said previous contact with the property owners had resulted in unfulfilled guarantees of work being completed within similar time frames.

These are discussions that I had with the ownership group all of last year, he said. And in November when the temporary certificates of occupancy expired, I didnt just say were done working with you  we actually sent a team of board inspectors out to survey this site and verified that it was in a state of decline.

Loew said at the time, he was told it would be 90 days, and that work would be done by May 1. The permits on that work have since expired, he said.

So we are hopeful as a city organization that this project will pick back up, will continue, he said. But ultimately, we are not the driver and we are not in control.

Exposed wrapping material can be seen on the rear and west side of the building at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo in March 2025. The tenants, including Bang the Drum brewery and SLO City Church, have been told they have to vacate the property due to unsafe construction conditions.

Bang the Drum owner says will celebrate the moments we have left at Laurel Lane property

What the board was in control of, however, was whether it felt there was merit to the appeal or not.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to deny the appeal, though at least one member said he was hopeful the project would now have the push to get back on track.

Theres a lot of moving parts here, folks, a lot of things going on, a lot of complexity, board member Craig Smith said during discussion. The Building Department has bent over backwards. The Fire Department has been very, very cooperative. For lack of a better word, I would really like to put the emphasis and put the discussion on essentially, how to make this work. And I think it can.

Whether the project construction continues as planned now, Mondays decision marked a major blow for the buildings tenants who must now vacate the site and figure out next steps.

According to city spokesperson Whitney Szentesi, the city will now enforce the order, which could result in daily fines against the property owner per violation assessed for each unit occupied. She said it will also continue to make staff available to tenants to help with any questions or provide support finding new locations.

We understand that there are beloved organizations operating in that unsafe building, which is why this issue is so important, Szentesi said.

In September 2021, Bang the Drum owner Noelle DuBois reopened Brewery in its new location at the back side of a 17.5-acre business complex at 1150 Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo.

Bang the Drum owner Noelle Dubois previously told The Tribune she planned to stay in the space until roughly May 9.

I will say that every day that has passed without concrete information on the stability and longevity of our occupancy has made it increasingly difficult to keep the business in a position to pivot and continue operating after our May 9th deadline, Dubois told The Tribune in an email Monday morning.

As the writing forms on the walls, we have been appreciating each other and what this space has provided, she continued. It is bittersweet to hear all of the comments of love and encouragement.

Bang the Drum asks SLO for more time before eviction. The best fighting chance

Dubois said she is now looking to the future of her beloved business.

Whatever happens next will take some time, she said. We want to make sure we do it right. And that also means finding a place or a concept that lights us up so we not only have the energy to build it but we do it thoughtfully.

She concluded: For now, we will celebrate the moments we have left at Laurel Lane, amongst the redwoods and perpetual construction, and plan little ways we can connect with our community.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Bangladeshs ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to the country from London on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment, adding to pressure for its interim leaders to hold elections.

The South Asian country has been under a government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a students-led mass uprising in August last year.

Zia, Hasinas archrival, and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been pushing Yunus' government to hold a national election in December to return the country to democratic rule.

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Under Hasina, many opposition political parties including Zias BNP had either boycotted the polls or accused the authorities of rigging them. Many welcomed Hasina's overthrow as a chance to return to democratic elections, but suspicion and uncertainty have surfaced in recent months about the new government's commitment to hold elections soon. It has said the next election will be held in either December or by June next year, depending on the extent of reforms in various sectors.

Her elder son, Tarique Rahman, leads the party as acting chief from exile in London.

After Zia landed at 10:43 a.m., she was greeted by senior party leaders at Dhaka's main airport. Zia, sitting in a wheelchair, smiled as she repeatedly raised her right hand to receive greetings.

Crowds gathered outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to welcome the returning leader, amid tight security. Thousands of supporters, many carrying Bangladesh and BNP flags, waited along about a 9-kilometer stretch of road leading to her house in Dhaka's upscale Gulshan area.

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Accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, Zia arrived on a special air ambulance arranged by Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who also arranged her transport to London in January. Zia suffers from various serious health conditions and she has not attended any public gatherings.

Zias physical presence in the country has huge symbolic value for her party while Hasina is in exile in India.

Ahead of her arrival, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tuesday her return will help Bangladesh restore the democratic process.

"This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zias return will facilitate the path to democratic transition, Fakhrul told reporters.

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Zia and Hasina have alternately ruled the country as prime ministers since 1991 when the country returned to a democracy after the ouster of authoritarian President H.M. Ershad.

Zia served the country as prime minister three times, twice for full five-year terms and once for just a few months.

During Hasina's 15 years in power, Zia was tried and jailed for 17 years in two corruption cases. Her party said the charges against Zia were politically motivated, an allegation Hasina's government denied. Later, Zia was released from jail on condition that she not leave the country.

Zia is the widow of former military chief-turned-president Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981. Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh's independence struggle against Pakistan in 1971.
May 5WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans won control of the House, Senate and White House in 2024 on a campaign promise to conduct "mass deportations" unlike the United States has ever seen.

While Trump pledged to deport "millions and millions" of immigrants in his address to Congress in March, his administration got off to a relatively slow start, with fewer deportations in February than under former President Joe Biden a year earlier, as NBC News reported based on data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But after the number of migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally reached a historic high under Biden, that number fell in March to its lowest level since the government started releasing the data in 2000.

In an interview at the Capitol on Thursday, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, attributed that dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings partly to the high-profile arrests and deportations the administration has carried out, with broad support from Republicans even as judges appointed by Trump and previous GOP presidents find many of the moves unlawful.

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"I think if the Trump administration was elected to do anything, it was to crack down on illegal immigration," Baumgartner said. "In the big picture, they're making a lot of success on that. If you want the signature accomplishment of the Trump administration in the first 100 days and why people put Republicans in charge, it was to try to bring some common sense and some reasonableness to this out-of-control illegal immigration situation."

Democrats see Trump's policies as lawless, immoral and authoritarian  anything but common sense  even while some Democratic politicos have been reluctant to engage in a political battle over immigration, an issue they worry is favorable to Republicans. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., showed no such reluctance when she took to the Senate floor for a speech on Wednesday.

"Over the past month we have seen a wave of righteous outrage across the country in response to President Trump's completely lawless move to disappear hundreds of people to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador, without even the barest semblance of due process," Murray said, before enumerating some of the recent cases that have enraged Democrats, stoked fear among immigrants and reinforced the strongman image that drew many supporters to Trump.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has sent more than 200 Venezuelan men to the prison in El Salvador, claiming without presenting evidence in court that they are all gang members and "terrorists" and invoking an 18th-century law and claiming that their unlawful entry into the United States constituted an act of war by their home country. A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas rejected that argument in a ruling Thursday, after the Supreme Court in April blocked the administration from using the wartime authority to deport others and ruled that the men have a right to appear before a judge.

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It sent a Salvadoran man to that same prison despite a judge's order barring his deportation there, then admitted the mistake, but has refused to let him return to his family in Maryland even after the Supreme Court ordered the government to "facilitate" his return and Trump admitted he had the power to do so, contradicting his own administration's position. The government has claimed the man, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, is a member of the MS-13 gang but hasn't presented evidence in court to back up the allegation, which he denies.

It sent three U.S. citizen children to Honduras when their mothers were deported, including a 4-year-old with cancer who was removed without access to vital medicines, according to the families' lawyers, who denied the government's claim that the mothers wanted to take their children with them. Another of the American children was sent to Honduras despite the 2-year-old girl's father filing an emergency petition to keep her with him in the United States, prompting a Trump-appointed federal judge in Louisiana to say he had a "strong suspicion that the government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process."

The administration's crackdown on immigrants has extended beyond those living in the country illegally, encompassing foreign students with lawful permanent resident status who protested Israel's war in Gaza.

Trump has signed 181 immigration-related executive orders in the first 100 days of his second term, compared to just 30 such actions in the same period of his first term, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Some of those actions have sought to remove protections for as many as 4 million immigrants who have been allowed to live in the country under humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status and other programs, according to MPI.

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Crackdown, but possible reform

The pace of the deportations and the lack of court hearings for the affected immigrants have raised concerns among civil liberties advocates that the rights of immigrants and even U.S. citizens could be violated in Trump's aggressive push to fulfill a signature campaign promise. But Republicans from the Northwest and across the country have largely dismissed concerns about the lack of due process.

In a brief interview at the Capitol on Thursday, Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, called the recent removals of U.S. citizen children "pretty technical problems" and said that anyone who comes to the United States illegally should be deported.

"Not really," Simpson said when asked if he was concerned that immigrants aren't getting their day in court. "Due process is for American citizens."

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Simpson has long been an advocate of immigration reform for farmworkers, about half of whom are unauthorized immigrants, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates. The Idaho Dairymen's Association has estimated that as much as 90% of the workforce in the Gem State's dairy industry doesn't have legal status, largely as a result of Congress failing to overhaul the nation's immigration laws for nearly 40 years.

Simpson said he had met on Wednesday with representatives of agriculture and labor groups and expected that legislation would be introduced "in the next couple of weeks." The GOP lawmaker said he had urged the groups not to back away from the compromise they had reached years earlier  a bipartisan bill that passed the Democratic-majority House in 2021  and suggested that Trump's success in reducing illegal border crossings had removed the biggest sticking point to getting the bill passed in the Senate.

"The biggest problem was anytime you brought up the word 'immigration,' the border killed you, what was going on down there," Simpson said. "That's kind of been put behind us now, and I think people are willing to sit down and talk."

Baumgartner said he sees "sanctuary" policies  such as the Keep Washington Working Act, which limits how state and local law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal immigration authorities  as the biggest impediment to Congress getting back to the negotiating table to reform the nation's immigration laws.

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"It would just be better for the entire country to listen to the will of the voters, get serious about this issue, and once you secure the border, then we can have comprehensive immigration reform," the Spokane congressman said.

Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, agreed that reforming immigration law for farmworkers is important and said Trump's actions have shown that cracking down on the border doesn't require Congress passing new laws. But he said in a brief interview Thursday that although agricultural workforce reform is "really needed," it's also "so political and so polarized that it's unlikely."

Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he isn't concerned about the deportation and imprisonment of Abrego Garcia, whom he called an MS-13 gang member. The Salvadoran man entered the United States illegally at age 16, citing fear of gang violence in his home country, and a judge later gave him a legal status that specifically barred his deportation to El Salvador.

"It's exactly where he should be," Risch said of the prison in El Salvador, which is notorious for its inhumane conditions. The senator said he had no doubt that Abrego Garcia is a gang member  a claim the government has never proven in court  but said that's irrelevant to the deportation.

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"He was here illegally," Risch said. "It's not whether he was a gang member or not a gang member. You cannot come to America illegally. It's against the law. We are a nation of laws. Period."

Asked about the U.S. citizen children who were sent to Honduras, Risch said the children hadn't been deported but rather were taken by their deported Honduran mothers. Lawyers for the two families have said the mothers wanted their children to remain with relatives in the United States, contradicting the Trump administration's claims.

"Everybody's entitled to due process, but due process is different for different people," Risch said. "I mean, when you're talking about immigration removal, that due process is much, much more attenuated than a United States citizen gets when they're charged with a crime and get a jury trial and everything else."

Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an immigration expert at the Migration Policy Institute, said that what constitutes due process in immigration court does indeed differ from civil and criminal court. But even in expedited removal proceedings, she said, a detained immigrant has the right to appear before a judge.

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In a 7-2 decision April 19, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from removing more Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. Earlier in the month, the high court ruled that noncitizens have the right to challenge their detention and deportation in court, which wasn't possible for many of the men imprisoned in El Salvador.

Asked for his position on the controversial deportations, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said in a statement that he supports Trump's actions.

"Millions of Americans are rightly concerned with the explosion of illegal immigration our country saw under the previous Administration, which contributed to an influx of deadly fentanyl into our country and an untold number of unvetted criminals," Crapo said. "We must use all available tools to secure our borders and enforce immigration laws. I support the Trump Administration's efforts to do so."

Immigration politics

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Deportations from the United States reached their high-water mark under former President Barack Obama, a Democrat who focused his administration's enforcement efforts on immigrants with criminal records. Pointing to that fact, Baumgartner lamented that immigration enforcement is no longer a bipartisan issue.

"As the Democrat base has become more extreme on the issue  in part, I think, as a reaction to President Trump, where they felt they had to oppose Trump on all levels  the Biden administration came in and essentially opened the border and let in somewhere between 11 and 12 million folks into the country, or more," he said.

The actual number of unauthorized immigrants who entered the United States during Biden's tenure is a matter of some dispute, partly because official numbers don't include so-called "gotaways" who evade law enforcement after crossing the border. The Migration Policy Institute found that about 5.8 million migrants were allowed into the United States under the Biden administration. During the same period, U.S. Border Patrol recorded 8.6 million migrant encounters, a statistic that counts people more than once if they try to re-enter the United States after being deported.

Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez, a Democrat whose southwest Washington district voted for Trump in each of the last three presidential elections and has occasionally voted with Republicans on immigration-related bills, said in a statement that a "false choice is being perpetuated in Washington, D.C. between fighting organized criminal activity and protecting due process."

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"Fear is being stoked on both sides to drive us apart, when most folks in Southwest Washington agree that we can both fight for public safety and ensure criminal convictions come from courts, not presidential decrees," she said. "Just as we need to know who is entering our country, we also need to know who we're sending out and why. We have courts for a reason, and with our system of due process, the courts are able to effectively assess allegations and reach fair adjudications under the law."

Rep. Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside, who has led immigration reform efforts for farmworkers and is one of the few Republicans who has backed legislation to give legal status to so-called "dreamers" who entered the United States unlawfully as children, said in written responses to a series of questions that Abrego Garcia's legal status should be left to the courts.

"If Mr. Garcia was here legally and has committed no crimes, he has rights under the laws of the United States," Newhouse said.

Newhouse said he opposed the imprisonment of U.S. citizens in El Salvador, an idea Trump has suggested publicly, but said that unauthorized immigrants should be deported.

Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
Bavarian Premier Markus Soder on Tuesday warned of the consequences for German democracy after his conservative ally Friedrich Merz failed to be elected chancellor in parliament.

"This morning shows that we are in a serious situation. A serious situation for our country, but also for democracy," said Soder in Munich.

Soder's Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) is in alliance with Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) at the national level.

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The conservative bloc signed a coalition agreement with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) on Monday to form the next government in Berlin, but Merz's unexpected failure to secure an absolute majority in Tuesday's parliamentary vote was a shock.

"We need stability now more than ever and were unable to achieve it today," said Soder, warning that the "consequences are unforeseeable."

Nevertheless, the Bavarian leader said that it was important to remain "reasonable" amid the uncertainty.

"Everything can still be solved, everything can still be cured," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Iran and Qatar are keen to develop freight and transit infrastructure within the framework of the North-South International Transport Corridor, Trend reports.

This matter was the central topic of discussion during a meeting today in Doha between Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of Iran reported that the meeting focused on the signing of an international transport agreement between the two countries, increasing freight cooperation between Iran's Bushehr port and Qatari ports, and the creation of new cargo and passenger ferry routes.

The discussions also covered the Ashgabat agreement on freight transportation and the enhancement of the Turkiye-Iran-Qatar freight transport cooperation. Other key topics included bilateral cooperation in air transport and other matters of mutual interest.

The foundation of the International North-South Transport Corridor was laid on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000. In total, 13 countries have ratified the agreement, including Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Russia, Turkiye, etc. The aim of setting up a corridor is to cut down the delivery time of cargo from India to Russia, along with Northern and Western Europe. The delivery time on the current route is dragging its feet at over six weeks; however, it's anticipated to be trimmed down to three weeks through the International North-South Transport Corridor.

To facilitate the integration of Azerbaijan Railways with the Iranian rail infrastructure within the designated corridor, the Qazvin-Rasht rail link, spanning 175 kilometers, was officially commissioned on March 6, 2019. The Rasht-Astara rail corridor is slated for development within the geopolitical confines of the Iranian territory.

The north-south corridor has three directions in the territory of Iran. Eastern direction: Turkmenistan and Central Asian countries; Middle direction: other countries across the Caspian Sea; Western direction: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern European countries.

On May 17, 2023, Russia and Iran signed an agreement to build the Rasht-Astara railroad line in Gilan Province, northern Iran. The 163-kilometer-long Rasht-Astara railway line will house nine stations. The completion of this railroad will enhance the North-South international corridor and connect Iran's railroad network to the Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. Under the agreement, the Russian side is to spend 1.6 billion euro on the construction of this railroad. This railroad is planned to be built and completed within 48 months.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Three years ago, the Chipola complex wildfires burned more than 30,000 acres in Bay, Gulf, and Calhoun counties.

No one declared a burn ban prior to the fire, even though conditions were extremely dry. Ever since the destructive Chipola complex fires in 2022, Bay County officials said theyve been working on an ordinance to regulate open burning.

County commissioners made a swift motion to adopt the ordinance Tuesday morning.

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So what this is designed to do is this in the event that we get into a drought situation, that itll allow us to be able to implement a temporary burn ban throughout the county, Chief of Emergency Services Matthew Lindewirth said.

The ordinance allows the county manager to declare a temporary ban on open burning, creating a non-emergent path for preventative action. Certain conditions must exist to declare the ban.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI for Bay County, must be at 500 or higher.

So it takes the duff and it takes the temperature. Whens the last time it rained? So basically, how much water is in there? And its kind of calculates how quickly the fuel will burn, and then ignite and then spread. And so when it gets to 500 is when would implement the ban, and then once its below 500 for seven days or longer, it will then, you know, automatically rescind, Lindewirth added.

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Other key conditions include the Florida Forest Service suspending burn authorizations, the National Weather Service issuing a red flag warning, and if firefighting resources are depleted after several active days.

The ban would cover burning of trash, debris, bonfires, campfires, outdoor fireplaces, or chimneys.

Setting off fireworks is considered open burning in this instance. But with anything, there are some exemptions.

Such as grilling on an attended and contained, gas or charcoal grill, government-led operations, and other activities permitted by the Florida Forest Service or the DEP.

Failure to comply with the ordinance could result in second-degree misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 60 days of jail time. And fines for first offenders.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Panama City, FLA (WMBB)  The Bay County Commission has voted to expand the Panama City-St. Andrews Redevelopment area following a request by the Panama City Commission. A community redevelopment area, or CRA, is an area declared under Florida statute to be blighted. When improvements are made to that area, any property taxes gained as a result of the improvements, known as incremental revenue, are given to the CRA to continue to re-invest in the blighted area. There are multiple CRAs in Bay County, including those found in Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach.

Panama City formally voted on the expansion on April 8th. Under the negotiated agreement, Bay County will retain 26% of the incremental revenue generated by the parcels in the expanded area. The new boundaries expand the CRA westwards along US98 to the 23rd street interchange, north along Beck Avenue to the train tracks just past 20th street, and eastwards along US98 to Gulf Avenue. The expansion totals 672 acres of land.

A study by the City of Panama City in December of 2024 found the area to be the definition of slum and blight. The study says the expansion is needed due to conditions in the area that endanger life or property as well as defective or inadequate street layout, parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation facilities. Additionally, the study says that property in the area has failed to increase in value over the 5 years prior.

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Under Florida law, CRAs will sunset. The St. Andrews CRA was previously set to expire in 2039, however, todays vote means Bay County agreed with Panama City to extend the expiration of the St. Andrews CRA to 2044.

You can view the CRA study from December in the file below.

CRA-StudyDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PALMETTO, Fla. (WFLA)  The landscape across Manatee County is changing, especially east of Interstate 75.

Along Moccasin Wallow Road in Palmetto, there is construction and new developments coming up around virtually every corner.

Argument at St. Pete grocery store leads to shooting, police say

People are moving down from up north. It is booming. It is a good thing and then again, traffic is getting well, you know, it is busy, said Palmetto resident Michael McEligot.

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To help accommodate the fast-growing area, work is underway to bring a new hospital to the area.

BayCare Hospital Manatee will be the countys only not-for-profit hospital and the only hospital north of the Manatee River.

Officials celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony last week.

North of the river, the growth is phenomenal. There is construction everywhere and we are excited to be able to serve the community there. Our commitment is to serve the community wherever we are and we are just really thrilled to be a partner in Manatee, said Kimberly Guy, chief operating officer of BayCare Health System.

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The hospital is slated to open in 2028 with 154 beds. Guy said the property has the potential to meet the needs of the community if the growth continues.

We will open a full service hospital with 154 beds and those beds can expand to probably 184 within 18 months up to 600 eventually if we ever needed to be that big. Guy said. We will have all services such as general surgery, orthopedic, urology, gastroenterology, cardiology and obstetrics.

The hospital is also planning to open with a level two neonatal intensive care unit.

What we have learned is more than 50% of moms in Manatee County leave the county for delivery, and they want to have an option where they can have that extra care in the situation where they might need something unique, so being able to open with a neonatal intensive care unit really distinguishes us, the C.O.O. said.

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In addition to the hospital, a BayCare Health Hub is also coming to the property along Moccasin Wallow Road. It will be a total of 45,000 square feet of space offering both primary and specialty services such as outpatient laboratory services and imaging services including 3T MRI, radiology, PET CT, mammography, DEXA and ultrasound. The Health Hub is set to open in 2026.

Residents in the region are relieved knowing they will have access to critical care close to home.

It is definitely needed, Palmetto resident Jeannie Melendez said. Right now, we have options, but depending on traffic and we all know that second count right. To bring that type of ahospital that is literally a mile from my house is really comforting.

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The BBC has admitted to a misstep in editorial standards after a radio show failed to properly challenge claims made by Prince Harry during an interview last week.

The British broadcaster said Radio 4s Today show did not interrogate the Duke of Sussexs claim that removing his UK security was an establishment stitch-up.

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Prince Harry sat down for an interview with BBC News last week after losing a legal appeal to reinstate his UK security. He criticized King Charles III for failing to resolve the issue.

In a statement, the BBC said: Claims were repeated that the process had been an establishment stitch-up and we failed to properly challenge this and other allegations.

Specifically, the BBC said Today failed to reflect the position of the Home Office, which is responsible for the security arrangements, and Buckingham Palace. This was a lapse in our usual high editorial standards, the BBC added.

During the interview, the Duke of Sussex said he wanted to reconcile with his loved ones, even though he acknowledged that they may never forgive his actions since 2020.

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I would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore, life is precious, Prince Harry said. I dont know how much longer my father has [left to live]. He wont speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile.

The Duke of Sussex, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020, said the decision to remove his automatic royal security would prevent him from bringing his children to the UK. I love my country, I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done and I think that its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland, he said.

In a statement on the case, the Home Office said: We are pleased that the court has found in favour of the governments position in this case. The UK governments protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals security.

Buckingham Palace added: All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.

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TALLINN, Estonia (AP)  Authorities in Belarus opened a criminal case against a 78-year-old activist who became the face of the countrys pro-democracy protests in 2020, a rights organization said Tuesday.

Retired geologist Nina Bahinskaya was charged with repeatedly violating Belarus laws on holding and organizing protests, Belarus Viasna human rights center said.

Authorities accused Bahinskaya of repeatedly walking the streets of the Belarusian capital displaying symbols striped with white, red and white: the same colors used by Belarus pro-democracy opposition. If found guilty, the activist faces up to three years in prison.

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Bahinskaya is one of the most recognizable faces of Belarus pro-democracy movement, which reached its peak during mass protests in the summer of 2020, shortly after the countrys authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, was declared president for a sixth consecutive term.

Observers widely condemned the vote as rigged. In March, Lukashenko was sworn in to a seventh term.

Bahinskayas defiance and caustic tongue quickly has made her a popular opposition figure. When told by police in 2020 that she was violating a government ban on unauthorized demonstrations, she simply responded, Im taking a walk  a snappy reply that was adopted by thousands and chanted at demonstrations.

I noticed that the riot police more rarely beat protesters when they see elderly people among them, she told The Associated Press at the time. So I come out to protest as a defender, an observer and a witness. Im psychologically and intellectually stronger than the police. Even among those who detained me, there were people who respected me.

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The 2020 protests triggered a wave of police violence from Belarusian security services, and political repression that has engulfed the country of 9.5 million people.

More than 65,000 people have been arrested, thousands have been beaten by police, and independent media and nongovernmental organizations have been shut down and outlawed, prompting condemnation and sanctions from the West.

Belarus holds about 1,200 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. At least six political prisoners have died in prison, according to human rights activists.

Bahinskaya has been previously detained on multiple occasions, collecting fines totaling 7,200 Belarusian rubles (about $2,400).

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As part of the case against her, Bahinskaya was detained in early May and taken for a forced psychiatric examination, Viasna said. In April, U.N. experts reported that Belarusian authorities had resumed the Soviet practice of forced psychiatric treatment as a punishment for political dissent, and that at least 33 cases of punitive psychiatry had already been recorded against political prisoners.

Bahinskaya is a symbol of resistance to totalitarianism within the country, and it is important for the authorities to break her, Viasna representative Pavel Sapelka told the AP. This is a show case against an elderly person who has dedicated her entire life to the fight for freedom.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who lives and works in exile in Lithuania, also condemned the case.

Today, the regime is still afraid of Nina Bahinskayas courage, Tsikhanouskaya said. For decades, Nina has stood up to tyranny.
William Schonemann was a pastor in New River, Ariz.

His manner of death has been ruled a homicide

Police say the case has "specific and unique circumstances"

An Arizona community is reeling after a beloved pastor was found dead, reportedly with his body posed last month.

William Schonemann, 76, was found slain in his home in New River, Ariz., on April 28, the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

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His death was determined to be a homicide by the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office. A cause of death was not released to the public.

The sheriff's office said evidence at the scene suggested there may have been foul play.

As the investigation continues, more details are unfolding about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Schonemanns body was reportedly posed when it was found by investigators: It had been spread out and his hands were reportedly pinned to the wall, FOX 10 reported, citing unspecified sources. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office told PEOPLE they have not released any such details to the public.



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There are "specific and unique circumstances to this case," the sheriff's office said in their statement, without elaborating further.

Schonemanns wife died in 2022, per AZ Central. It wasnt clear if he lived alone at the time of his death.

Known to many as Bill, the popular pastor was a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, AZ Central reported.

He was also known for his love for fixing cars and put together his own vehicles, his son Randall Schonemann told the outlet. The two once worked on restoring an airplane over several weeks, Schonemann's wife Crystal said.

"The happiness he showed just getting to walk around an airport getting his steps in. The creativity of all the machines he built," Randall said in a statement to 12 News, speaking of his father's "positive impact on people everywhere he went."

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William's death has left the community in grief and fear.

Im just wondering was it some random person? Was it someone he knows?, his friend Eric Archer said, according to AZ Family. Im just curious what happened and why. I just cant imagine someone hurting Bill, in any matter for any reason.



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The sheriff's office said there is no threat to the community and it's an isolated incident; they did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for information on whether William knew the alleged killer.



No suspect or person of interest had been announced.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A local school district is mourning the loss of a beloved staff member, after a deadly crash in Miami County over the weekend.

According to the Piqua Post of OSP, troopers responded to a crash on Interstate 75 near mile post 66 in Monroe Township, Miami County, which ultimately involved three vehicles and left one person dead and two others injured.

28-year-old Jennifer Korleski was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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In a Facebook post Sunday, Tipp City Schools announced that Korleski was a staff member at Tippecanoe Middle School, and sent condolences to her family and friends.

Tipp City Schools extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Korleski, a beloved staff member at Tippecanoe Middle School, who tragically passed away this weekend. Jennifer was known for her kindness, encouragement, and genuine care for students. She made a meaningful impact at TMS, always supporting students and helping them 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. Tipp City Schools said in the post.

The first crash occurred on the interstate as Korleski, who was driving a Saturn, collided with the rear of a Ford.

The Ford overturned and traveled off the right side of the road while the Saturn became disabled and came to rest in the left lane of the road. The Saturn was then hit by a Jeep. This second crash is being investigated separately.

The crashes are under investigation by the Piqua Post of OSP.

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The benchmark diesel price used as the basis for most fuel surcharges fell Monday for the fourth consecutive week, as global oil markets are eyeing the possibility of a market share war that could overwhelm buyers with supplies looking for a home.

The Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration price of $3.497 a gallon, down 1.7 cents, is at its lowest level since just before Christmas 2024. Four weeks of declines have dropped the price by 14.2 cents during that period.

The DOE/EIA price is now released on Tuesdays, but its effective date is Monday, one day earlier.

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The latest decline in the DOE/EIA benchmark number comes as the price of ultra low sulfur diesel on the CME commodity exchange has declined significantly in the past week. A settlement Monday of $1.9598 was the lowest since May 20, 2021, and marked a decline of 15.25 cents per gallon in just six trading days. However, some of that decline could also be attributed to the expiration of the May contract on April 30 and the June contract becoming the front month the following day. The market structure known as backwardation has prices for future delivery at a level less than current prices. But what is known as the rollover only accounted for a few cents of the decline in those six days.

Prices rose Tuesday. At approximately 11:30 a.m., ULSD on CME was up 5.42 cents a gallon to $2.0287.

But the biggest story in oil markets in the past week is clearly bearish. It is the decision by the OPEC+ group, and Saudi Arabia in particular, to go ahead with putting more production on to a market that has seen the global crude benchmark grade, Brent, decline to just more than $60 a barrel after being solidly above $70 as recently as early April.

As S&P Global Commodity Insights reported, the countries that are in the OPEC+ group that had voluntary production cuts in place agreed over the weekend to increase their individual quotas in June more than they had planned, the second month in a row that they will accelerate easing their combined 2.2 million b/d of cuts, SPGCI said in its reporting.

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OPEC+ is a group of oil-exporting countries consisting of OPEC and several non-OPEC oil exporters nominally led by Russia. According to SPGCI, the OPEC communique on its decision cited current healthy market fundamentals as a reason for its increased output. It added that estimates of global inventories suggest they are tight for this time of year by historic standards.

According to SPGCI, the increase out of the eight countries that agreed to a quota increase is 411,000 barrels a day, effective in June.

With increases on the market from April and May, according to a report from Reuters, higher supplies are now 960,000 barrels per day out of a total cut of 2.2 million.

This report from Axios reflects a prevailing view among oil market observers: Saudi Arabia is determined to curry favor with President Donald Trump, and helping to push down oil prices can accomplish that goal even if that hurts its own finances.

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But this report in The New York Times, quoting an analyst from the Energy Aspects research firm, gave another reason: The Saudis have reached the end of their patience with other nations in OPEC+ that are not observing their quota. A fight for market share will always benefit the kingdom and its lower costs of production.

Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next week.

The view from Saudi Arabia, in particular, is that they no longer want to be the ones carrying the heaviest burden if other countries in the group are not showing sufficient commitment to doing their part, Richard Bronze, the head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, said in the Times article.

More articles by John Kingston

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Werner CEO Leathers confronts losses, outlines plans to bounce back

2 more charged in death of Louisiana staged truck accident witness

New decline on weak earnings delivers fresh pain to Wabash stock

The post Benchmark diesel price falls fourth straight week amid price war fears appeared first on FreightWaves.
Sixty years ago, Bennetts opened in downtown Cleburne. On April 24, the store celebrated its 60th anniversary with an after-hours party.

Its a real honor to have been a part of this from the start, co-owner Gary Bennett said. My dad and mom started this in the beginning, just the two of them, and dad borrowed the cash from an insurance policy to start his business and enough for us to live on here for a year. We had business the first couple of weeks, so we knew that it was going to be OK. He was a hard worker, and did a lot of things, chamber and community stuff. He knew that it means a lot, that you identify with a lot of people and get to know people. Thats what makes it important, all the people.

Before the party began, the Johnson County Historical Commission recognized the recent addition of a historical plaque at Bennetts.

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Melissa and Gary more than deserve this plaque, Johnson County Historical Plaque/Texas Historical Marker Chair Nita Redmon said.

Redmon read a letter from the JCHC Chair Sandra Neeley, who was unable to attend.

Theres likely not one long-time resident who hasnt had a program, invitation, copy, or even a gift that came from Bennett, Redmon wrote. On this special day in the life of the historic downtown business in Cleburne, Texas, we join our citizens of Cleburne and Johnson County as they reflect on the many, many years of Bennetts being a part of the community.

Johnson County Judge Chris Boedeker and Cleburne Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones were among the guests that turned out to honor the Bennetts.

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Were really excited to celebrate Bennetts after 60 years, Boedeker said. I think you all are a fixture of downtown. I think we owe a lot to you guys for everything that we see around here. I know your involvement goes beyond just the store but also the Downtown Association, and your involvement in getting businesses to cooperate, work together and invest in downtown.

A Cleburne native, Jones said that when he moved back and brought his insurance business to Cleburne, the late Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Cathy Marchel impressed on him the importance of getting involved with the chamber.

Thats how I came to know you both, he said to the Bennetts. Folks like you are a real catalyst for change. Youre what Cleburne needs more of, not only as downtown grows and continues to grow, but as other business owners like myself come into town and need some guidance on the right way to do things. You just have this way of conducting your business and your staff has that aura about them that just gives folks what you dont get out of a textbook. Theres no way to describe it.

Chamber board President Aaron Siler thanked the Bennetts for their continued chamber participation.

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As chamber members and business owners, we understand what an amazing honor this is to have 60 years of business, he said. Running a business is hard. It means youre working all the time. It means when someone doesnt show up for work, youre the one thats working.

Bennetts is more than just printing, pens and papers, Siler said.

Its about people, and its about relationships, and its about giving back and supporting the community, he said. This is more than just a business. This is a fabric of our community. It is a cornerstone sitting right here on the corner downtown. People and businesses depend on places like this, like you, providing this to our community.

Melissa Bennett said when her family moved to Cleburne in fifth grade she was not impressed.

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I hated this town, she said. I hated everything about it. I hated the buildings. I hated the old stuff. I hated all of it, and it gradually kind of grew on me.

Both her parents taught her that it is important to give back to the community.

Luckily, the family I married into believed the exact same thing  that we are truly better together, she said.
May 6Becoming Medical Center Health System's Chief Medical Officer is a little bit like a homecoming for Dr. Timothy Benton.

Benton was nearby as regional dean of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine.

After being at Tech since 2012, he started his new position at the end of April. So far, Benton said the experience has been excellent.

"It's a little bit of a homecoming for me. I've been part of the medical staff here for 13 years, and know the physicians, know the administration, and have enjoyed my work here over those 13 years," Benton said.

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In his role at Texas Tech, Benton knew many of the people he is now working with, but it is a change in dynamics.

There are about 500 doctors and advanced practice providers who have privileges at MCH, Benton said.

"Having worked with the people of Medical Center for a number of years, it's an easy transition for me. The people are friendly and warm and accepting. (They) seem to be pretty accommodating for me at this point, but it is a little different, because I'm taking on a new role instead of practicing as a physician. Now, I'll be working closer with the physicians, not in a supervisory role, but helping to settle things for them, issues for them, and working in a servant role," Benton said.

Benton said the key aspect of the chief medical officer role is to be a liaison between the physicians and the administration, to help in quality healthcare delivery and help ease some of the burdens for the physicians. "That's one of my goals, is to try to help restore the doctor-patient relationship.

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"It's there already, but in modern medicine, there are a lot of business things that get in between the patient and the doctor at times. I want to be that bridge between the business and the patient care too. I think there's a ton of opportunity here. The medical staff is tremendous. Many are nationally certified in certain areas in particular, like our cardiology division, and there's tremendous opportunity. I want to help serve the people alongside those positions, there'll be a lot of work in quality and you know, that's managed and looked at nationally through Medicare and CMS. I'll be working a lot with that. But also Medical Center Health System is the center of this community in Ector County. I look forward to working broadly across the community in healthcare delivery," Benton said.

Benton said he was vice chief of staff with Dr. Donald Davenport during COVID-19 for two years.

"During the pandemic ... I was actually vice chief of staff, and hospital was without a CMO. So myself and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Davenport, took on that role to help manage the care delivery through the pandemic time. That is some experience already in the role, so I'm coming in knowing some about it," Benton said.

He added that he doesn't see much of a switch from what he was doing at TTUHSC to Medical Center.

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"It is obviously a different title and a different place and a different building that I will go to. However, it's really, I think, continuing the work that ... I've done here for years, over the last 13 years. This is the primary teaching hospital for the residents and students, and that'll be part of my role in CMO is working with Texas Tech still, and providing that teaching environment and teaching hospital for them. I see us working together, as we always have ... between Texas Tech and Medical Center in delivering for this community and this region, I think it's just an extension of the partnership," Benton said.

He added that he will go to work every day with many of the same people so it won't be much different in that regard.

"My role will be a little different where I won't be in the classroom teaching so much and rounding with medical students and residents. I hope ... to continue a lot of the community work that we've done in partnership and also continue in the realm of research. There's a lot of things going on, programs in partnership with Medical Center that I was a part of with Texas Tech that I think we can continue forward with this community," Benton said.

The last few years as regional dean, Benton said he didn't practice much but he still had a few patients he would see in clinic.

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"I think this will open the door actually, for me to be in clinic a little more. Texas Tech has asked me to supervise residents in the clinic periodically. I think I will still be doing that. I do miss patient care, but I think the role now is take care of the people who take care of the patients, and that way still delivering patient care," Benton said.

He noted that he is looking forward to bridging any divides that have popped up between patients and doctors over the last five years due to COVID.

"I think one thing that COVID showed us is that technology can play a role. However, technology can be a barrier, too. I see some opportunities of how we can help restore the doctor-patient relationship through technology. And by that, I don't mean AI opportunities to do diagnosis, although there's some of that in radiology and psychiatry, but more so in taking some of the administrative burdens off of the physicians. I think there's a lot of opportunity in applying technology in that way, and monitoring and controlling quality and just gathering the data and information in the background for them. That is something that I'm looking forward to, hopefully working with Medical Center in that way is better application of technology. That's something we learned in the pandemic that is out there for us, but it also can be a barrier, too so we have to be cautious," Benton said.

He noted that having partnerships with colleges and universities, both locally and regionally, is critical because that is the pipeline for future generations of caregivers whether it's doctors or nurses.

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"That's something I'm very proud of my work over the last 13 years here, and hope to continue those relationships and building the pipeline for what we really need in the Permian Basin, and that's more healthcare workers," Benton said.

This is Benton's 31st year in medicine.

"The first decade was in practice. Things have changed a lot in the last two decades, and there's a lot that they have to do, and administrative work and charting work. But I think there's opportunity to bring technology into that, to help them. That's something I would like to help them with, to restore their time with their patients. All of us, me included, went into this to spend time with patients and caring for patients. We need to figure ways to help them get back to that," he added.

"We are beyond thrilled to have someone of Dr. Benton's stature join our team as CMO," Russell Tippin, President & CEO, Medical Center Health System, said in a news release. "He has been an incredible partner with us during his time at Texas Tech and we look forward to having his leadership as we navigate into the future of healthcare."

Benton earned his medical degree from the TTUHSC School of Medicine in 1994, before completing his residency in Family Medicine from the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler. In addition, he completed a faculty development fellowship from the Keck School of Medicine with the University of Southern California in 2006.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Iran is waiting for an official announcement from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, regarding the date and location of the next round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the US, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said, Trend reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Mohajerani noted that there are no roadblocks on Irans end to keeping the dialogue rolling. Since these discussions are not direct, the mediator remains actively engaged in managing the process, she noted.

She also explained that hiccups in scheduling the next round of talks have been caused by a perfect storm of logistical and technical issues.

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.

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HARRISBURG, Pa.  Throughout the era of politics dominated by President Donald Trump, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has offered the same advice to the Democratic Party over and over again: Simply trying to stop what Trump is doing isnt enough.

This time, though, theres a chance the party might actually listen. As Sanders campaigns across the country, attracting tens of thousands of people at rallies in GOP-held congressional districts, the party is seeing its approval ratings slip to record lows. Combined with the mutual embrace between Trump and some of the worlds richest people, the stage is set for the 83-year-old Sanders to shape the partys direction in an unprecedented way.

The American people, I think, not only want resistance to Trump, but I think they want what the Democratic Party in the last many years has not given them, and that is an agenda that speaks to the needs of the working class, because its not good enough, Sanders told HuffPost in an exclusive sit-down interview with HuffPost following his rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Friday.

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Oh, well, you know, Trump is a terrible guy, he continued, mimicking other critics of the president. Fine. You know, the majority of American people understand that. Whats your alternative? Why did Trump get elected? What do you have to say to a worker today whos making 14 bucks an hour, who cant afford health care? Tell me what you have to say. What do you have to say to kids who would like to go to college, who cant afford to go to college?

Sanders rising influence does not mean the entire party is going to embrace his call for Medicare for All or free college. But it may mean even moderates take a closer look at his anti-establishment style and relentless focus on economic policy as a way to combat swing voters belief Democrats are too close to feckless institutions and too obsessed with culture war issues.

We viewed people like Bernie as an outlier threat to the institutional Democratic Party, when in fact what he was talking about and is still talking about is the crossover message. And it pulls Trump voters back into the Democratic coalition, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said in an interview last month.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaks at the Fighting Oligarchy rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 2. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Sanders spoke Friday to a packed hall of about 4,000 people, his 12th stop on a tour that began in March alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who appears poised to inherit the mantle of his grassroots movement. Their focus has been on marshaling anti-Trump energy and directing it at Republican-held congressional districts whose incumbents have shied away from engaging with angry constituents at public town halls, critical battlegrounds Democrats are hoping to flip in next years midterm elections.

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But the tour, while mainly a response to Trump, is also a reaction to anger on the left toward a perceived vacuum of Democratic leadership at the national level. Congressional Democrats, hampered by minorities in both legislative chambers, were shell-shocked by the breakneck pace of Trumps policies and initially slow-footed organizing against them. Theyve woken up in recent weeks, with Democratic governors like JB Pritzker of Illinois and Andy Beshear of Kentucky speaking out on the national stage, and Cory Booker of New Jersey and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland making their influence felt in the Senate and abroad.

Attendees who spoke with HuffPost at Sanders rally in Harrisburg have noticed, mentioning the names of Pritzker, Booker and Ocasio-Cortez as Democrats who they feel are adequately stepping up. But others still dont believe the opposition party is meeting the moment, yearning for more aggressive pushback even if Democrats have little power in Washington right now.

Some of them arent doing jack, said Cameron Cluelow, a steelworker from York. Democrats that are also taking corporate money are just as bad as Republicans. You cant be resisting Trump if youre going to do the same thing that hes doing.

Victoria Slobodian, a social worker from Camp Hill, said Democrats inaction is allowing it to happen.

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I am seeing more people speaking out now, but had they done that in the beginning, and had a strong stance, I really feel like it wouldnt be as bad as it is now, she added, expressing fears about GOP attacks against Medicaid and other public services designed to support the vulnerable.

Other prominent figures within the Democratic Party like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who are both potential 2028 presidential contenders, are taking a different approach to Trump: engaging him and his administration when the moment calls for it or when it stands to benefit their constituents. Whitmer, in particular, has raised eyebrows by appearing with the president in the Oval Office, even sharing a hug with him, moves that yielded a win for her state, including a new fighter jet mission at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Ive gotta put the people in Michigan first over my self-interest, over maybe what people assume are gonna be my political interests, Whitmer explained last week in an interview with the popular liberal podcast Pod Save America.

Sanders approach hasnt escaped critiques, either. A pair of Democratic senators from battleground states  Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania  suggested their fellow Senate colleague and other Trump critics ought to stop using the term oligarchy in relation to Trumps billionaire Cabinet because it doesnt resonate with voters outside of coastal areas.

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That dig was met with a brusque dismissal from Sanders.

Well, jeez. We had 36,000 people out in Los Angeles, 34,000 people in Colorado. We had 30,000 people in Folsom, California, which is kind of a rural area. I think the American people are not quite as dumb as Ms. Slotkin thinks they are, Sanders said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press last month.

A person wears an ''AOC 2028'' hat in support of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Fighting Oligarchy Tour in Harrisburg on May 2. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Faiz Shakir, a top adviser to Sanders, also responded to Fetterman on Sunday, saying he ought to be put in the category of Democrats who wants to talk down to people [and who] think theyre just too dumb to understand the general notions of powerful elites running this country.

Outside Fridays rally in Harrisburg, vendors hawked anti-Trump resistance merchandise for sale that included images of Sanders, as well as hats with the letters AOC 2028 emblazoned on them, advocating for a future presidential run by the 35-year-old congresswoman from New York. Ukrainian blue and yellow flags flew atop parked cars while attendees who wore Gulf of Mexico shirts in defiance of Trumps name change for the basin posed for photos from the media.

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Attendees, many of whom had never been to a political rally before, said they came out to hear from Sanders out of anger and anxiety, and as a way to make a stand themselves.

Im worried for myself and for my other friends who look like me, because people are getting deported who arent even criminals or anything at all. They just go, Oh thats what you look like? Put you in the gulag. Its awful, its terrible, Jozlynn Ayers, a retail worker in Harrisburg, told HuffPost.

I cant watch the news anymore, added Nancy Michaelian, a nurse from Harrisburg. Its unreal to me that the Congress has laid down and given up all responsibility. Its mind-blowing.

Related...
Leaders in Utah can help more women and families thrive through increasing access and affordability of child care, improving womens professional opportunities, and helping parents and nonparents have better work-life balance. (Photo by Kohei Hara/Getty Images)

In the state of Utah, we typically talk about WalletHubs Best & Worst States for Womens Equality, which we have continuously ranked dead last (50th of 50) for 10 years running. But recently I share a more positive ranking (still not the best, but at least better, that is focused on WalletHubs Best & Worst States for Women (34th of 51st, including the District of Columbia).

WalletHubs Best & Worst States for Work Moms is another state-by-state ranking that just came out in the last week, and Utah ranks 27th of 51 (not terrible). For this ranking, WalletHub categorizes their findings into three main categories  Child Care Rank, Professional Opportunities Rank, and Work-Life Balance Rank  with a total of 17 key metrics that are each weighted differently. WalletHub pulls their data from a variety of sources that include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Child Care Aware of America, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Council for Community and Economic Research, Institute for Womens Policy Research, National Partnership for Women & Families, Knee Regulatory Research Center, and WalletHub research.

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The top 10 states include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and New York, while the bottom five include Louisiana, Alabama, Nevada, Mississippi, and New Mexico.

Although not published in their online report, I was able to obtain more detailed data directly from WalletHub. Let me share what I found.

Child care

First, Utah currently ranks 27th for the Child Care Rank category. I have included the state rankings for each indicator within this category below (1=best state and 51=worst state).

Day care quality: 27 Child care costs (adjusted for the median womens salary): 6 Pediatricians per capita: 40 School system quality (based on WalletHubs States with the Best & Worst School Systems ranking): 15 Share of nationally accredited child care centers: 50 Number of child care workers per total number of children: 46

Professional opportunities rank

Secondly, Utah ranks 48th in Professional Opportunities Rank, which comes from the sum of the following indicators (1=best state and 51=worst state):

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Gender pay gap: 50 Ratio of female executive to male executives: 51 Median womens salary: 30 ($48,412) Share of working women living with economic security: 30 Share of families in poverty: 3 Female unemployment rate: 37 Gender-representation gap in different economic sectors: 49 WalletHub Best States for Working from Home ranking: 2

Work-life balance rank

Thirdly, Utah ranks 12th in Work-Life Balance Rank, which comes from the sum of the following indicators (1=best state and 51=worst state):

Parental-leave policy score: 43 Average length of a womans work week: 1 Womens average commute time: 10

I appreciate that Utah is doing well in some areas, although several of these do not align with data gathered from other sources. Utah does the best in these rankings in the following metrics: child-care costs, school-system quality, share of families in poverty, WalletHub Best States for Working from Home ranking, average length of a womans work week, and womens average commute time.

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However, the ones I continue to be particularly concerned about include Utahs pediatricians per capita, share of nationally accredited child care centers, number of child care workers per total number of children, gender pay gap, ratio of female executives to male executives, gender-representation gap in different economic sectors, and parental-leave policy score. There is still much more work to be done in these and other areas.

Of course, these rankings only give us certain pieces of the puzzle in better understanding how women and families are doing in Utah. It can be easy to be dismissive of reports like this that dont tell the whole story. But with more data and information we can be more strategic in finding ways to ensure that our residents and families can better thrive.

To do this, a key effort linking together all partners and individuals interested in improving Utah is A Bolder Way Forward. We welcome all Utahns into this work. The research is clear: leaders in Utah can help more women and families thrive through increasing access and affordability of child care, improving womens professional opportunities, and helping parents and nonparents have better work-life balance.

If Utahns truly believe that families come first, then lets continue our work toward making that true in all settings!
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  Student-made banners are piecing together often untold stories from Illinois history.

The African American Experience class at Mount Zion High School is wrapping up its 12th year of instruction. For their final project this semester, students looked back on under-represented stories of Black history throughout the state and beyond.

Is my car seat installed safely? Macon Co. Health Dept. has answers:

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The 12 banners give a comprehensive timeline through African American culture.

Awareness is the best thing that you can do for your community and for others, Mount Zion senior Lexie Damery said. As a white woman, I need to put myself in other peoples shoes because if I dont learn something, I cant change whats wrong.

Damery and about 25 other students spent nine months researching before Mondays presentation. From an era defined by slavery, to social movements that continue to leave a mark, the posters highlight resilience and work to inspire change.

Beyond the headlines, not in the history textbooks typically [were telling] stories of triumph, tragedy and the part Illinois played in all that, history teacher Richard Hansen said.

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Its not a new concept for Mount Zion. Although the class is more than a decade old, it continues to inspire young adults as they prepare to head into the real world.

We hope that these stories spark conversations, bring about awareness [and] educate folks so that they can make their communities better places to live in and identity with each other in a new way, Hansen said.

Millikin University pens partnership with Heartland Community College

The hope is that by giving students a chance to look back on history, their eyes can be opened to the possibilities of a new future.

It was a very tough class to sit through, Damery said. We talked about a lot of things I didnt know, but there are things that are very hard to hear. I just think its important that we just love each other and I hope that learning about our past we learn how to be a little nicer.

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Hansen said the posters are headed to Chicago and all over the state in the coming months. They should be back in Central Illinois in about two years to join past years of student projects.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VATICAN CITY (AP)  Cardinals wrapped up their pre-conclave meetings Tuesday, trying to identify a possible new pope who could follow Pope Francis and make the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church credible and relevant today, especially to young people.

Although they come from 70 different countries, the 133 cardinal electors seem fundamentally united in insisting that the question before them isn't so much whether the church gets its first Asian or African pontiff, or a conservative or progressive. Rather, they say the primary task facing them when the conclave opens Wednesday is to find a pope who can be both a pastor and a teacher, a bridge who can unite the church and preach peace.

We need a superman! said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore.

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It is indeed a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financial scandals that have harmed the churchs reputation and the secularizing trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organized religion. Add to that the Holy Sees dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible.

Francis named 108 of the 133 electors and selected cardinals in his image. But there is an element of uncertainty about the election since many of them didn't know one another before last week, meaning they haven't had much time to suss out who among them is best suited to lead the 1.4-billion-strong church.

The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis' fisherman's ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.

The cardinals will begin trying to find the new pope Wednesday afternoon, when those princes of the church walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel to the meditative chant of the Litany of the Saints. Theyll take their oaths of secrecy under the daunting vision of heaven and hell in Michelangelos Last Judgment, hear a meditation from a senior cardinal, and then most likely cast their first ballot.

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Assuming no candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the cardinals will retire for the day and return on Thursday. They will have two ballots in the morning and then two in the afternoon, until a winner is found.

Asked what the priorities of the cardinal electors were, Goh told reporters this week that the No. 1 issue was that the new pope must be able to spread the Catholic faith and make the church relevant in todays time. How to reach out to young people, how to show a face of love, joy and hope.

A pope for the future

But beyond that, there are some real-world geopolitical concerns to take into consideration. The Catholic Church is growing in Africa and Asia, both in numbers of baptized faithful and vocations to the priesthood and womens religious orders. It is shrinking in traditionally Catholic bastions of Europe, with empty churches and the faithful formally leaving the church in places like Germany, many citing the abuse scandals.

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Asia is ripe for evangelization and the harvest of vocations, said the Rev. Robert Reyes, who studied in the seminary with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Filipino prelate considered a contender to be the first Asian pope.

But should the pope necessarily reflect the new face of the Catholic Church, and inspire the faithful especially in the parts of the world where the momentum of growth is already underway? Does it even matter?

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, and the region still counts the majority of the world's Catholics.

Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the retired archbishop of Mumbai, said the church needs to become more Asian, culturally and spiritually.

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The center of gravity of the world is shifting toward Asia, he said. The Asian church has much to give to the world.

At 80, Gracias wont be participating in the conclave, but India has four cardinal-electors, and overall Asia counts 23, making it the second-biggest voting bloc after Europe, which has 53 (or likely 52, given that one is not expected to participate for health reasons).

One of the big geopolitical issues facing the cardinals is China and the plight of the estimated 12 million Chinese Catholics there.

Under Francis, the Vatican in 2018 inked a controversial agreement with Beijing governing the appointment of bishops, which many conservatives decried as a sellout of the underground Chinese Catholics who had remained loyal to Rome during decades of communist persecution. The Vatican has defended the accord as the best deal it could get, but it remains to be seen if Francis' successor will keep the policy.

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The church in Africa

According to Vatican statistics, Catholics represent 3.3% of the population in Asia, but their numbers are growing, especially in terms of seminarians, as they are in Africa, where Catholics represent about 20% of the population.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo, said he is in Rome to elect a pope for all the world's Catholics.

I am not here for the Congo, I am not here for Africa, I am here for the universal church. That is our concern, the universal church, he told reporters. When we are done, I will return to Kinshasa and I will put back on my archbishop of Kinshasa hat and the struggle continues.

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Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the chatty French-born archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, lamented last week that there hadn't been enough time for the cardinals to get to know one another, since many of them had never met before and hail from 70 countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history.

Every day, I say to myself, Ah! Oh my God! There we have it! he said.

The role of the Holy Spirit

For the cardinals, there is also the belief that they are guided by the Holy Spirit.

There is a famous quote attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1997, in comments to a Bavarian television station. The future Pope Benedict XVI said the Holy Spirit acted like a good educator in a conclave, allowing cardinals to freely choose a pope without dictating the precise candidate.

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Probably the only assurance he offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined, Ratzinger reportedly said. There are too many contrary instances of popes the Holy Spirit would obviously not have picked.

___

Associated Press correspondent Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, and Silvia Stellacci, Trisha Thomas and Giovanna Dell'Orto in Rome contributed.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, authored a bill that would ban Oklahoma's colleges and universities from using state funds for DEI policies or jobs. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  After two hours of debate and discussion, House lawmakers on Tuesday sent legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitt that would ban Oklahoma colleges and universities from using state funds for diversity, equity and inclusion jobs, activities or programs.

If signed by Stitt, Senate Bill 796, authored by Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, would also prevent institutions from requiring DEI statements on applications, the disclosure of pronouns and training related to diversity, equity or inclusion. Schools would have until July 1, 2026, to comply.

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Despite criticisms that the bill would claw back advancements in civil rights and inclusion, it advanced from the House and Senate with party line votes as proponents argued outcomes should be based on merit.

Crosswhite Hader said DEI has forced students in Oklahoma to take courses or classes that are irrelevant to their degree, prolonging the time and cost of obtaining a postsecondary degree.

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, said DEI discriminates against white men and punishes people who work hard.

The older generation, we got over these racial issues as a society decades ago, before some of you were even born, Fetgatter said.  The older generations, we used to laugh at each other and how stupid our history was.

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A former teacher, Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, said he blames DEI policies for the discrimination of a white student. He said the student was bullied for being the only white child in the classroom.

But Democrats said they worried a DEI ban would bleed into inclusion programs like Oklahoma Promise, a scholarship program for qualified low-income students, and would limit opportunities for underrepresented populations.

Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, said she feared the legislation would negatively impact students with disabilities and their ability to be included in courses, activities and job searches.

Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said it took until 2015 for her to be elected as the first Asian American woman in the Oklahoma Legislature. She said its not an indictment of a lack of capable Asian American women, but a lack of representation.

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Programs designed to increase inclusion and equity were part of the reason Munson said she was able to be elected to the Legislature.

Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, said her own father attended a segregated school, an example of how such exclusions affect people today.

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State Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville speaks riding a May 2024 debate (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

Missouri lawmakers passed a bill Monday evening to establish a fund to pay for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with a traumatic brain injury and facing post-traumatic stress disorder to help prevent suicide and opioid addiction.

With a unanimous 33-0 vote, Missouri senators sent the bill to the governor for his approval.

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It was remarkable to hear the testimonials, said state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, during the Monday Senate debate. And we just want to set this up to where veterans dont have to go broke to receive a treatment that virtually has zero side effects and only true benefit.

The House passed the bill, which was sponsored by state Rep. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, in April with a 156 to 1 vote. Brattin sponsored a companion bill in the Senate.

The bottom line is, there are too many veterans that are taking their lives, Brown said during the House debate in April. They dont see a way out. They cant deal with it. And I think the oxygen therapy certainly will help and maybe even is the answer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the goal of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to get more oxygen to tissues damaged by disease, injury or other factors. Patients enter a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, where the air pressure is increased up to three times higher than normal air pressure. The lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.

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The bill directs the Missouri Veterans Commission to compile an annual report with data about the treatment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its effectiveness.

On Monday, Brattin said he and other senators were moved to hear how the treatment offers veterans an alternative to a giant bag full of prescription drugs that they have to remain on.

Thats what weve seen with these veteran treatments, Brattin said. Its just basically prescribing a whole bunch of these drugs that have massive side effects and get that veteran potentially addicted or hooked on to these to remain a functioning member of society.

Dale Lutzen, a retired senior master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force and a legislative advocate for the non-profit TreatNOW, was among those who testified about the treatment during a committee hearing in January. Lutzen said that veterans with traumatic brain injuries or PTSD are typically given prescription drugs that treat symptoms but dont cure the brain injury.

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As an alternative to drugs, hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates brain wound healing and it can reverse soft tissue and neurocognitive damage, Lutzen said. This treatment allows patients to experience recovery of cognitive and neurological functioning without surgery or drugs.

Despite numerous studies that prove its efficacy, he said the treatment is not on Medicares approved list and is therefore not covered.

At its most basic level, (the legislation) gives veterans, who have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or PTSD, the right to receive the treatment as prescribed by a doctor, he said.

Lutzen has been pushing for the last four years to get the fund established, he said. Last year, the bill passed in the House but stalled in the Senate.

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According to the bills fiscal analysis, the cost of reimbursing hyperbaric facilities for the necessary treatments could exceed $5 million annually. The funds will come from any appropriations, gifts, bequests, or public or private donations, the bill states.

State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Democrat from Columbia, attempted to offer an amendment directing the state to conduct a study on using psilocybin  also known as magic mushrooms  to treat depression, substance use or as part end-of-life care among veterans.

The provision comes from a bill Webber sponsored and one thats been filed for the last three years. In 2023, the House voted overwhelmingly in support of the idea but it never made its way to the Senate for a full vote. This year, Webbers bill passed out of the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee.

However, it was quickly blocked by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon of Ash Grove who said he would rather the bill go through without any potentially risky amendments that would compromise the effort.

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Seeing the possibility that Moon might talk on it for a while, Webber said hed withdraw his amendment and asked to speak with Moon directly about supporting the psilocybin bill.

Webber added that like Brattin, he was moved by the testimony he heard about the oxygen treatment.

When you find something like that and theres something that provides relief for some people, Webber said, then it would be a shame not to try to expand access to it.
Conservative pundit Bill OReilly attacked President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope less than a week after attending Pope Francis funeral.

That was just dopey, OReilly told NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert during Mondays On Balance. There was no excuse for that The guy just died, you know?

The president sparked outrage among the MAGA faithful with an AI-generated image of himself wearing papal robes and mitre, and joked with reporters that he would like to be the next pope.

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He shared the image on his Truth Social account on Friday, May 2, after attending Francis funeral in Rome the previous Saturday.

He thought it was funny, OReilly said. Some people do think its funny, but hes the president. I wouldve advised against it had I been consulted, which I was not.

The former Fox News legend said: I didnt think it was smart because it offended a lot of elderly Catholics who voted for him.

There is 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. https://t.co/ortxbkDlT5  NYS Catholic Conference (@NYSCatholicConf) May 3, 2025

He wasnt the first Republican strategist to blast Trumps decision to depict himself as pope. Karl Rove also roasted Trumps choice during a Sunday interview with Fox News.

Tweeting out a picture of you as the pope is deeply offensive to a great many people, he said.

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The New York State Catholic Conference had issued a statement earlier in the day, saying, There is 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.

Trump has nevertheless doubled down on the image, telling reporters on Monday that Catholics who were offended cant take a joke, PBS reported.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Pope Francis funeral, on April 26, 2025. Less than one week later, he shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal attire. / Nathan Howard / Reuters

I had nothing to do with it, he added. Thats not me that did it.

Asked if Trump was flailing, OReilly told NewsNation that Trump seemed tired.

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That leads to statements that maybe you want to take back, he said, like Trumps dismissive comments last week about the effects of his trade war with China.

CEOs of American retail giants have warned that prices will spike and shelves will remain empty if the president doesnt lower the 145 percent import duty he has imposed on goods from China.

Somebody said, Oh, the shelves are gonna be open, Trump told reporters during a Cabinet meeting last week. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more.

The president announced universal and

Asked about the strategy behind the comments, OReilly said, There is no strategy.

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Donald Trump is not a calculated speaker, he continued. He doesnt sit around with his advisers saying, What should I say? He says anything he wants to say. Rich guys say anything they want to say. And since he fits into the category, from the time hes been 7 years old, hes said whatever he wants to say.

OReilly said he personally thought Trump was not trying to be an Ebenezer Scrooge and was instead asking Americans to sacrifice a little bit in order to bring China to its economic knees.

I think thats what the comment was, he said. But who the deuce knows? The worse thing was the pope picture. That was really beyond the pale.
The Milwaukee County Courthouse (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

A bipartisan group of 150 former federal and state judges criticized the FBIs arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan late last month in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The letter, sent on Monday, takes issue with the way federal officials publicized Dugans arrest and used it in an attempt to intimidate the judiciary system across the country.

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Dugan was arrested and charged with two federal crimes after she directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz  a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant who appeared in Dugans courtroom on misdemeanor battery charges  to use a side exit when a group of federal agents came to arrest him as part of an immigration enforcement action.

Dugan herself was arrested a week after Flores-Ruiz, accused of impeding the federal agents. Trump administration l officials quickly drew attention to Dugans arrest outside the court. FBI Director Kash Patel posted about the arrest on X and later posted a photo of Dugan in handcuffs being walked out of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Bondi appeared on cable news to call judges who resist the Trump administration deranged.

bondi-letter

The letter states that if Dugans case were an emergency she would have been arrested sooner, and since it wasnt an emergency she didnt need to be perp walked out of the courthouse. She could have been issued a summons to appear before a federal judge, which is common practice in other white-collar criminal cases, according to the letter.

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The circumstances of Judge Dugans arrest make it clear that it was nothing but an effort to threaten and intimidate the state and federal judiciaries into submitting to the Administration, instead of interpreting the Constitution and laws of the United States, the letter states. This cynical effort undermines the rule of law and destroys the trust the American people have in the nations judges to administer justice in the courtrooms and in the halls of justice across the land.

Retired Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge Janine Geske is among the letters signers.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  National Nurses Week is from May 6-12, and the Birmingham Black Nurses Association honored a pioneer Monday.

In Kelly Ingram Park, members placed a wreath at the monument of Pauline Bray Fletcher, who was the first Black registered nurse in Alabama. She was born in Franklin County, Georgia, in 1884.

Esquire piece on Alabama mayor who took his life after being outed for secret online life wins Pulitzer Prize

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Officials with the BBNA said they want Fletchers life and legacy to bring about a new generation of nurses.

If young people can see us celebrating how wonderful nurses are, what nurses do, that can inspire young nurses to come into the field, said BBNA President Theresa Rodgers.

Fletcher created Camp Fletcher in the Bessemer area in 1926. Its still open as a summer 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 CBS 42.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Birmingham officials are fighting to keep control of the states largest water board, alleging in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday that a new bill shifting power to Alabamas Republican leadership and majority-white suburbs constitutes blatant racial discrimination.

The bill redistributes power from Birmingham city officials  who currently appoint a majority of the nine-person board  to the governor, the lieutenant governor and the surrounding suburbs that are also in the board's jurisdiction. Board members approve rate hikes and manage infrastructure projects for the utilitys 770,000 customers.

The bill's sponsors said the move was necessary to correct mismanagement and improve the system's efficiency. The legislation passed 66-27 along party lines in the state House last week and now goes to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey s desk.

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The federal lawsuit names the governor as a defendant, and seeks a temporary restraining order that would prevent the bill from going into effect. The suit says the bill would violate the equal protection clause, the voting rights act and both the state and federal constitution.

Mayor Randall Woodfin, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, called the bill "unconstitutional on its face at a press conference Tuesday.

Five counties rely on the Birmingham Water Works Board. Over 40% of customers are concentrated in the city of Birmingham, and 91% are in Jefferson County. The new system would give more weight to Jefferson County's neighboring areas that have only a fraction of the customers, but which house some of the reservoirs that supply the system.

Woodfin said this would deny Jefferson County residents the opportunity for democratic input about the system's governance.

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We live in America, representation matters. It matters at all levels of government  the federal level, the state level, the local level, Woodfin said.

Proponents of the bill say aging infrastructure and a lack of investment mean residents pay for water that just gets leaked out of old pipes. The utility has been accused of ethics scandals and AL.com has reported on wasteful spending and costly errors in distributing bills.

"So many elected officials have been getting so many complaints, and Im sure yours have too, about the quality and the price of Birmingham water, said Republican Rep. Jim Carns, who represents Blount County, one of the places that would appoint a board member if the bill becomes law.

City council members said Tuesday that legislators dramatically exaggerated how much water was leaking out of the system.

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The implication that any perceived problems with the Water Works Boards management are due to the majority of Board members being appointed by Birmingham is wholly unsupported, the complaint said.

A lawyer for the city said the goal is for the governor to send the bill back to the legislature to make appropriate changes  but didnt specify what those changes are. The lawsuit echoes testimony from state legislators who opposed the bill before it passed.

We have not officially been served," said Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for the governor. "However, we are aware of the lawsuit and are reviewing this highly unusual attempt to stop the governor form signing a bill passed by the legislature.

____

Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Irans fundamental red lines in indirect nuclear negotiations with the US remain unchanged, said the Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, Trend reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Mohajerani emphasized that the talks are all about nuclear matters, and Iran is sticking to its guns regarding the red lines it has laid out time and again.

She noted that for the past two decades, Irans stance has remained consistent. Iran has never retreated from its rightful position.

The spokesperson reiterated that Iran views nuclear energy as essential for peaceful purposes and for meeting its domestic energy needs.

For this reason, Iran has taken part in several rounds of talks and maintains that the other side must now prove the credibility of its position, Mohajerani added.

Three rounds of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US regarding Irans nuclear program were held on April 12, 19, and 26. These discussions, conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, involved Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi leading the Iranian delegation, while the US delegation was led by the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The first and 3rd rounds took place in Muscat, Oman, while the 2nd round was held in Rome, Italy.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Roman Catholics around the world will be watching and waiting for a sign from the Vatican starting Wednesday as members of the College of Cardinals gather to select the next Pope.

All around the Diocese of Youngstown, churches held services to pray for those who will be part of the Conclave. Bishop David Bonnar led the Tuesday afternoon Mass at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. He compared the liturgical readings to the work to be done by the Cardinals in Rome.

No doubt in these days, especially these days of meetings. The Cardinal electors have been looking for a sign or some indication as to what the Holy Spirit desires, Bonnar said.

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The Bishop urged Catholics in the Diocese to pray for those who will be electing the new Pope in Rome, as well as for the new Pontiff once he is selected.

We pray that each elector will be filled with the holy spirit, may they entrust their spirit into the hands of the lord, always keeping their eyes fixed on him, the bread of life, Bonner said.

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Authorities have spent over a year looking for a 6-year-old Black girl who went missing in South Africa. However, authorities recently identified the person who was behind her disappearance which turned this missing persons case into a straight up human trafficking investigation. The suspect in question is an even bigger plot twist to this story.

Joshlin Smithwent missing from outside her home in Saldanha Bay near Cape Town, South Africa, in February of 2024, per BBCs report. Her disappearance sparked a nationwide search. The community came out to support the girls mother, Kelly Smith, and even volunteered to help authorities look for the girl, per ABC News. On every news station circulated the picture of the girl smiling at the camera, with golden skin, bright green eyes and pigtails with big bo-bos on the ends.

However, the investigation into her vanishing revealed that this wasnt a case of a child wandering off and ending up in the wrong hands. Police suspected she was sold.

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Smith was eventually arrested in connection to her daughters disappearance. She claimed she left the girl with her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and hadnt seen her again, per SkyNews. However, prosecutors claimed Smith and her daughter were last seen getting into a white vehicle with a bag of clothes the day she vanished, the report says. After Smith was implicated in her daughters own disappearance, the support she received quickly turned into protests, demanding answers on where Joshlin was taken.

Smith was taken to trial on kidnapping and trafficking charges in March. Witness testimonies revealed a horrifying suggestion on what happened to Joshlin. A local pastor testified that back in 2023, Smith had talks of selling her kids for 20,000 rand a pop ($1,100 in USD), per BBC. The report also says Joshlins teacher took the stand, claiming Smith told her as community members searched restlessly for the girl, Joshlin was already on a ship, inside a container and on her way to West Africa.

In the most startling testimony, Lourentia Lombaard, Smiths neighbor, claimed Smith told her shed done something silly and sold the girl to a traditional healer or sangoma who wanted her for her eyes and skin, per BBC. The report says these healers are known for making traditional cures and crafting good luck charms from bodily parts.

On Friday, May 2, after these damning testimonies, a jury found the mother guilty of her charges. A jury also convicted Appollis, Smiths boyfriend, and their friend Steveno van Rhyn, on the same charges in connection to Joshlins disappearance.

However, while justice has been served on one front, police still have no idea where Joshlin is.

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BLOUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)  The Blountsville Town Council is calling on the mayor to resign. The council unanimously voted Monday night to furlough three city employees to help save the town from financial issues.

The council decided the court clerk, one employee from the street department and one from the park department will be furloughed in an effort to reconcile the towns debt. Though no specific employees were named, one man believes he will be the one cut from the street department.

It seems like a retaliation thing, but Im going to leave that to them, Eric Frailey said.

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Frailey said hes worked for the street department for the last four years after leaving the parks and recreation department. Frailey believes the retaliation is coming from an unsuccessful attempt to help the town council get money for the town. Frailey said a councilmember approached him a few months ago to ask a friend for a $500,000 donation to the town.

In my opinion, I dont know if its legal, but it should be unethical to ask your employees to approach their friend to help them with money, Frailey said. [My friend] said that they didnt like how that particular councilmember approached them, how they kept harassing her, how they pushed and pushed and pushed, and she told me that I dont like the guy. Hes a snake. I dont trust him, and Im not going to give the town any money.'

Esquire piece on Alabama mayor who took his life after being outed for secret online life wins Pulitzer Prize

These financial issues go back to missing Retirement Systems of Alabama employee payments discovered in November. Councilmember Tyler Cantrell said it started following the paper trail and learned there were also four months of missed trash bills as well as money moved between accounts without council approval.

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This could have happened to anyone. We are not the only ones, Cantrell said. You can go to county commissions, other municipalities they trust the numbers that are given to them, and most of them are not running to the bank to cross examine the actual numbers. I personally believe the town has a light at the end of the tunnel and will be in much better shape next February. The citizens deserve to have a much better understanding of what is happening.

The council said the state review is ongoing. Its unsure of when it will be completed.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Meet Judah, a sweet and adorable 7-week-old pup looking for a family to call his own.

Judah arrived at Caddo Parish Animal Services on April 14th and has been adapting well. However, he is ready for someone to fall in love with his ocean blue eyes and take him home to start making memories.

Judah is a Catahoula Leopard Dog-Terrier-mix, and according to Caddo Parish Animal Services, the breed mix suggests that with the right training, these pups will be intelligent, loyal and gentle members of the family.

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Kim Freeman, Adoption and Volunteer Coordinator, says Judah will grow into a medium to large size adult, so a fenced yard and active families will suit him best.

If you are interested in adopting Judah, just visit Caddo Parish Animal Services at 1500 Monty Street, pay the $50 adoption fee and fill out some paperwork. Youll be in and out the door with your new companion in no time!

Keep in mind, Caddo Parish Animal Services is hosting an Empty the Shelter event this Saturday May 10th, and adoptions will be half the price.

For more information, visit Caddo Parish Animal Services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Bluebell Road Health Plaza in Cedar Falls. (Photo via Google Earth)

The Iowa Board of Physician Assistants has suspended the license of a practitioner who is currently facing multiple criminal charges alleging he sexually assaulted female patients.

Late last year, the board issued an emergency order suspending the license of James Haag, who was practicing occupational medicine at MercyOnes Bluebell Road Family Medicine in Cedar Falls. As part of his work there, Haag performed job-related physicals for individuals who worked at a local business.

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The board alleges that in July 2024, Haag examined four patients for purposes of their employment. In each case, the patients were allegedly instructed to disrobe and Haag conducted the initial portion of the exams without the presence of a nurse or other observer.

During the course of each examination, the board alleges, Haag removed each patients robe and made physical contact with the patients genitals. In some instances, the board alleges, he used his hands, while in others he pressed his fully clothed pelvic area into the patients genitals or backside.

The board alleges Haag also made inappropriate contact with multiple patients breasts during the course of their examinations. In multiple instances, where the patients attempted to cover themselves, (Haag) swatted their hands away, the board alleges.

Haag was charged by the board with knowingly engaging in unethical conduct or a practice harmful or detrimental to the public, and with willful or repeated violations of state regulations.

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In issuing its emergency order, the board cited Haags predatory actions towards his patients (that) constitute a threat to public health. In its order, the board alleged Haag sexually assaulted multiple patients in his care and that he posed an immediate danger to the public health, safety and welfare.

Earlier this year, Haag was criminally charged in connection with the alleged assaults. He is currently facing two counts of sexual abuse, two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, and three counts of simple assault.

Haag has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2025.

When a board investigator asked Haag about the allegations, the board says, Haag replied with one word: Lies. He denied all of the allegations, including touching the womens breasts, pushing their hands away when they tried to hold their gowns closed or retie their gowns, and touching the womens vaginal area.

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Board records indicate it is MercyOnes policy that clinic patients disrobe and wear a gown during employment physicals, but are allowed to wear bras, underwear and socks underneath the gown.

Board: Haag used his position of power

At a February hearing on the licensing board charges, Haag testified that he always requests a chaperone be in the room during a female hernia exam for his own protection since the procedure involves touching a womans lower pelvic area.

Board records indicate that after one employee of Cedar Stone Senior Living in Cedar Falls had an employment physical performed by Haag, she called a colleague in tears, stating that she believed she had been sexually assaulted.

The colleague also received an employment physical from Haag and later told a co-worker that she, too, felt she had been sexually assaulted.

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Eventually, two Cedar Falls police officers spoke to the women. Cedar Stone Senior Living then asked all of its employees to report whether they had experienced anything unusual during their exams. Two additional women came forward, saying they felt uncomfortable or violated during their physicals by Haag.

Hearing testimony indicated that while a chaperone entered the room during the four womens physicals, it was typically after Haag had already performed the portion of the exam that was most concerning to the women.

The board concluded that the four women were credible and consistent in their allegations.

As for Haag, the board said that by his own admission, Haag spent several minutes alone in an exam room with female patients prior to requesting a chaperones presence.

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It is not lost on the board that Haags meticulous documentation of a chaperones presence is in stark contrast to his careless documentation of a medical exam itself, the board noted in its ruling. Haag testified about his careless approach to documenting a physical, stating that he at times checks a box on a medical form indicating that he has performed a certain part of a medical exam even though he has not. Haag also received low marks on performance evaluations for his documentation practices. On the other hand, Haag was meticulous about obtaining chaperone signatures on his medical forms, even writing the word chaperone next to a signature if the chaperone forgot to write it herself.

Having determined that Haag had inappropriately touched the four patients, the board concluded Haags conduct was unethical and warranted a three-year suspension of his license.

Haag used his position of power as a medical professional to inappropriately touch vulnerable female patients, patients that were required to undergo a physical in order to maintain employment, the board stated in its ruling.

Prior to any reinstatement of his physician assistants license, Haag will have to undergo a clinical competence assessment at the Center of Personalized Education for Professionals.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Nine bodies have been recovered in Portland metro rivers so far in 2025, including a kayaker who disappeared over the Willamette Falls in April.

The body of Marcelus Rodriguez, who jumped out of his kayak and tried to swim to shore before disappearing over Willamette Falls late on April 12, was found Sunday along the shore in a Gladstone park. He was 20.

As the temperatures keep rising, officials said, there will likely be more bodies recovered in area waters.

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North Portland ralliers: We are not a Sacrifice Zone

Eight of the bodies were recovered by the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and one by Clackamas County deputies in the past two months.

Those bodies were found:

Portland Fire & Rescue assisted on search missions for these bodies and said theres a reason so many bodies are resurfacing at this time.

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With the temperature change, you get water density changes and buoyancy factors change within the bodies that are in the river at the river bottom, said PFR Lt. Rick Graves. And as the density changes, as the buoyancy factor changes, they just simply float to the surface Its a pretty normal occurrence for us.

Portland Fire & Rescue Lt. Rick Graves, May 5, 2025 (KOIN)

Graves said bodies will be on the surface of the river for a period of time and then theyll just basically sink directly down. In fact, if you have a spot (where someone was) last seen, you could go downstream about 10-12 feet and go straight down. Oftentimes thats right where theyll be.

And as temperatures rise, more people get out onto the river to fish or boat, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office said. That brings more eyes on the water to spot a body.

Auto prowling incident now tied to Vancouver weekend shooting

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Graves also said the big boats that come in for Fleet Week stirs up the entire bottom. That sometimes will allow a few more bodies to rise to the surface.

Authorities also told KOIN 6 News this number of bodies found this year is common.

In 2017, the sheriffs office said they recover an average of 30-50 bodies from area rivers each year. KOIN 6 News asked if that number has increased over time and have not yet had a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PERRY COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  A boil water notice has been issued for the Town of Richton.

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), water system officials notified the agency about a system-wide pressure loss.

William Carey community invited to name new Hattiesburg fire engine

The alert affects 920 customers (571 connections) served by the Town of Richton.

The water system will notify customers when the boil water is lifted. Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

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By the Book is a series where journalists discuss their works of fiction and non-fiction.

When tragedy strikes, first responders are always the first on the scene. But the physical and emotional toll that comes with reacting to emergencies in real time can take their toll over the days, weeks, and years in the field.

Thats why Fox News Media correspondent Johnny Joey Jones set out to collect responders stories in his latest book, Behind the Badge: Answering the Call to Serve on Americas Homefront. TVNewser has your exclusive first look at the cover of the book, out on shelves on June 17. Its the 15th release from Fox News Books, the networks publishing arm.

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"The experience of a first responder is more traumatic than most Americans realize, Jones tells us. They drive through their battlefield every day.

Courtesy Fox News Media

The same intersection where they turn to take their kids to school is where they've seen countless car crashes and lives lost, he adds. Their church sits next to a building where they could get everyone out of fire.

Among the past and present responders profiled in Behind the Badge are Arizona sheriff Mark Lamb, Florida police deputy Katelyn Kotfila, former medic Vincent Vargas, and firefighter Keith Dempsey, who also happens to be Jones brother-in-law.

Before joining Fox News, Jones served in the Marine Corps and lost both of his legs above the knee during a deployment in Afghanistan. (His Fox colleague, Benjamin Hall, was also severely injured in a war zone, and has written about his experience.) Since returning to civilian life, he has been involved in various veterans causes. His previous book, 2023s Unbroken Bonds of Battle, tells the story of some of the soldiers he met abroad.

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Behind the Badge brings his cause stateside, shining a spotlight on the private and public battles that first responders face every day.

The book lets them tell their stories in their words and gives us a glimpse into the price they pay to keep us safe, Jones says.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to wire fraud and theft connected to a federal funds program.

Fernandes Anderson, 46, of Boston, was indicted in December 2024. She currently serves as City Councilor for Bostons District 7, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and a portion of the South End. She was first elected in November 2021 and was re-elected in 2023.

Damage caused by suspected vandalism at South Hadley High School

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Charging documents stated that Fernandes Anderson hired two of her immediate family members as salaried employees on her staff in 2022, which city councilors are prohibited by law from doing. As a result, Fernandes Anderson was required to terminate their employment in August 2022.

In May 2023, the Massachusetts Ethics Commission also notified Fernandes Anderson that it was seeking a civil penalty payment of $5,000 from her as a result of the violation.

In November 2022, Fernandes Anderson emailed a City of Boston employee to notify them that she was hiring an employee. This employee was a relative of Fernandes Anderson, but she falsely reported that they were not related.

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The charging documents further stated that in early to mid-2023, Fernandes Anderson reportedly faced financial struggles, including the outstanding payment to the Ethics Commission. In May 2023, she told her employed relative that she would give them a large bonus if they gave a portion of it back to her.

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A $13,000 bonus check was processed for the employee without disclosing to other City of Boston employees the repayment arrangement. The check was deposited on May 26, 2023, and Fernandes Anderson instructed the employee to make three separate cash withdrawals over the following weeks.

After the final withdrawal, Fernandes Anderson and her relative met in a bathroom at Boston City Hall on June 9, 2023, where she reportedly received $7,000 in cash from her relative.

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The signed plea agreement stated that Fernandes Anderson also used funds from her campaign account for her personal benefit, and for tax years 2021-2023, she used fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS.

Fernandes Anderson omitted approximately $11,000 in income that she earned from a Massachusetts-based corporation from her tax return in 2021, willfully omitted campaign funds in 2022 and 2023, and willfully omitted the $7,000 kickback that she received from her relative from her 2023 tax return.

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On Monday, Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. Her scheduling is sentenced for July 29.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday suggested Republicans wont be impeaching judges anytime soon, contrary to demands from President Donald Trump and other members of their party.

Trump and his allies have called for the impeachment of a federal judge who tried to halt some of the administrations most controversial deportations, and several House Republicans have drafted articles of impeachment.

Johnson said he wouldnt rule out impeaching a judge, but also that its only happened 15 times in U.S. history and it would be hard to win a vote in the House.

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Its a very high burden, and frankly, as far as high crimes and misdemeanors, I mean, the last federal judge who was impeached I think was caught like, you know, taking cash in an envelope, Johnson said. Its like, its got to be a pretty brazen offense, a real open crime that everybody could agree to.

After Trump called for the impeachment of James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) filed impeachment articles. Boasbergs high crimes and misdemeanors? Second-guessing Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals to a prison in El Salvador. Gills articles have 22 Republican co-sponsors.

We will not stand by as radical activist Judge James Boasberg tramples on the Constitution out of political spite for the president, Gill said in a release.

Several other federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have questioned Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act, which allows the president to remove alien enemies during times of war. Last week, a U.S. district judge in Texas said the Trump administration acted unlawfully since theres been no actual war, no invasion of the United States.

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While Johnson pooh-poohed impeachment, he has sought to support the presidents criticism of federal judges, who have issued dozens of temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions halting Trumps policies. Last month the House passed legislation by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) that would limit the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions.

I think that is a very common sense standard, and one that would kind of get back to the original intent and eliminate the ability of just one activist [judge] to just stop everything, Johnson said.

Related...
Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed Monday that he will not run against incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026.

I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family, Kemp said in part.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

With the governors decision announced, expect the field to get crowded.

There will be a broad and spirited GOP primary for senator, a little bit more lively than for the Democratic side where Sen. Jon Ossoff will not have a primary opposition, political analyst Bill Crane said on Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m.

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Ossoffs campaign released a statement that said in part that he is well-prepared to defeat any challenger.

While none of the following have announced campaigns, heres a look at potential candidates for the GOP primary and how some of them reacted to Kemps news.

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter

Carter represents Georgias 1st Congressional District along the states coast. He was first elected to Congress in the 2014 election.

He previously considered running for U.S. Senate against Sen. Raphael Warnock before eventual GOP nominee Herschel Walker entered the race.

Carter is one of President Donald Trumps biggest supporters in Georgia.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins

Collins represents Georgias 10th Congressional District.

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In a statement, Collins said that he had urged Kemp to run for the Senate.

Georgia needs leadership that matches the values of our state. Im disappointed that my efforts to persuade the governor were not successful, and I wish he and his family the best in whatever the Lord has in store for them, he said.

Collins, another one of Trumps biggest backers in Georgia, said he would encourage all interested parties to fully commit and invest.

U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick

McCormick represents Georgias 7th Congressional District after district lines were redrawn.

Ryan Mahoney, a political adviser to McCormick, told the Associated Press that its no surprise that hardworking Georgians would want him to run.

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He said McCormick would decide at the appropriate time.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

Greene, who represents Georgias 14th Congressional District, has said in the past that she would consider running for U.S. Senate or the Georgia governors office.

At the White House last week, Greene told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that all options are open to me.

Greene has fully backed Trump going back to his first term.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger

Raffensperger succeeded Kemp as secretary of state. Will he take his place as a potential GOP candidate for Senate?

All options are on the table, Raffenspergers spokesperson Jordan Fuchs told the AP.

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Raffensperger does have a history of tangling with Trump, going back to the presidents infamous call to find 11,000 votes. Whether the president would support a potential Raffensperger bid for Senate remains to be seen.

Insurance Commissioner John King

Kemp appointed King as Georgia Insurance Commissioner when former commissioner Jim Beck was removed in 2019.

King won re-election in 2022 after he defeated a Trump-backed candidate in the primary.

King called Kemp the best governor in America and said he is grateful for his friendship and leadership.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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It was inevitable that VE Day 80 would carry an added freight of poignancy. This was the last big anniversary when the Allies defeat of Nazi Germany could be described as within living memory. The old boys and girls who can recall active service are now 99, 100 and, in the case of Alan Kennett, who played a key role in Mondays procession, closing on 101.

Although they rose splendidly to the occasion (Marbles all present and correct, Sir!), none is likely to be here for the 90th so we are at that point where mortal recollection slips into the pages of history. When I was a child, there were men who could still bear shellshocked witness to Passchendaele and Ypres (Wipers they called it, in true, cheeky Tommy style, as if trying to befriend the horror). Now, the voices of the Second great war fall silent one by one, until soon none are left. From now on, folks, its up to you and me. Those of us left behind must not only honour the almost unimaginable sacrifice of the greatest generation (if we cant fill the potholes how would we have fared against Rommel?), but try to keep the flame of the freedom they won for us burning brightly.

I dont think were doing too well so far, do you? In fact, if the ghosts of hundreds of thousands of British soldiers, sailors and airmen could be brought back for a day I reckon theyd look around the old place and ask, What the hell have you done with our country  is this really what we died for?

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I wouldnt put it as crudely as the person on X/Twitter who said that the VE Day commemorations were like sticking lipstick on the pig of a country which is failing. But, for the first time in a long line of great national occasions, I did find myself wondering about the lack of substance behind the show.

Here in Britain we do pomp and pageantry and procession brilliantly, swooned one royal expert on the BBC. And we do, oh, we do. The 1,300 troops and associated representatives assembled on the central green in Parliament Square were immaculate as ever. (Just before 3am on Saturday, they left Wellington Barracks for a rehearsal; Im a bit of a bagpipe agnostic, but a massed band playing Scotland the Brave through the dark, empty streets is truly thrilling.)

On Monday lunchtime, the matchless mellow, nostalgic warmth of military brass performing wartime favourites (And a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square, Therell be bluebirds over...) fell silent as the Garrison Sergeant Major (immensely tall and wide, towering fur busby) paused and saluted before a seated Alan Kennett (flanked by Amy and Olivia, two charming RAF cadets; with those wholesome looks and shiny apple-cheeks they could have served alongside the young Princess Elizabeth).

Good afternoon, Sir, said the Sgt Maj.

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Good afternoon.

Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago. May I have your permission to start the parade, Sir, please?

Carry on!, our oldest soldier, our centenarian, our centurion from a bygone age, replied and if there was a dry eye in the land, Id be surprised. Im watching the VE Day parade. Crying, a friend texted. Timothy Spall so moving.

So moving, and very well judged. The actor gave a marvellous rendition of Winston Churchills Second Ministry of Health Speech on May 8 1945. Physically much slighter than the rotund and orotund Churchill, Spall did not attempt an impersonation of the great man, but he had perfected the attitude and the voice, the cigar-cracked timbre of his imperishable eloquence.

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My dear friends, this is your hour, this is not the victory of a party or any class  its the victory of the great British nation as a whole. I say that, in the long years to come, not only will the people of this island, but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we have done and they will say, Do not despair. Do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straight forward and die if need be. Unconquered.

Imagine hearing those words for the first time as the blackout curtains were taken down, and the light streamed in. How on earth did we go from a titan like Churchill with his iron-clad patriotic resolve, his soaring mastery of the English language, to the managerial nonentity (Let me be very clear) sitting behind the King in the royal box?

Some may say its not fair to compare Sir Keir Starmer to this countrys greatest leader, but we are, nonetheless, entitled to wonder how, eight decades later, that victory of the great British nation as a whole has been squandered and betrayed.

Starmers Britain, with its non-crime hate incidents and its summary arrest and imprisonment of far-Right opponents who dare to object to the slaughter of our children and the industrial-scale rape of white, working class girls, not to mention the vile weekly displays of Jew-hatred on its streets, increasingly seems to me to have more in common with the regime that we defeated.

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Wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, is it really here? That parrot is deceased.

Of course it was deeply touching to see the lovely Wales children shyly shake the hand of a veteran and Prince George listening intently to another soldier reminisce. (George and Charlottes much-missed late great-grandfather, Philip, who gave distinguished service himself, would have been 103 in April; their mother, Kate, proudly wore an RAF insignia as a brooch, while Queen Camilla sported her late war-hero fathers regimental badge.)

But, please, lets not give ourselves false comfort. Despite the headlines about large crowds and the usual gushing about the ceremonial and the RAF flypast (sadly it was too windy for a Spitfire), this VE Day was notably less well-attended than previous such events. A colleague reported that trains on the Piccadilly line, normally full to overflowing on royal and national occasions, were half-empty. Blame, at least in part, the extraordinary amount of security and the difficulties people had getting through the ironically nicknamed peace barriers which now block Londons bridges, park entrances and thoroughfares to deter terrorist attacks.

One of the delights we can usually count on are all those bonkers monarchists who camp overnight, their little folding chairs, silly hats and bunting overflowing the pavements; English eccentricity on exuberant display. Not this time. There were no cheering spectators around the Cenotaph (how heartbreakingly beautiful it looked draped in a giant Union flag) or even in Parliament Square as the troops strutted their stuff practically alone. It felt like a church service without a congregation; eerie and a bit melancholy.

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Back in 1945, who could have foreseen that a future commemoration of the defeat of our enemy abroad would be spoilt by measures to combat an enemy within? (The arrest of an Iranian/Islamist terror cell over the weekend symbolic of all that has gone wrong. How the hell were they even allowed in?)

And try explaining to the 25,000 men of the British 50th Division who landed on Gold beach on D-Day that, in the first five months of 2025 alone, 10,000 undocumented foreign males of fighting age came ashore on Englands southern coast and were rewarded with bed and board and free gym membership.

We shall fight them on our beaches, we shall defend our island That was Churchills solemn vow. Except were not allowed to now. No fighting invaders on beaches; some judge in Strasbourg wouldnt like it. Sorry for letting you down, gentlemen.

High security and the terrorist threat arent the only reason thousands stayed away, I think. As the development economist Paul Collier recently pointed out, the population of London is no greater than it was 60 years ago, but more than half the current population is foreign born.

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Something rather drastic has happened to the indigenous population, says Prof Collier. I cannot think of another capital city where the indigenous population has more than halved in half a century.

The more migrants the merrier narrative, promoted by successive governments to artificially inflate the economy while driving down per-capita prosperity, is under huge strain. As are the myriad co-operations that make a society function. We know that, dont we? It hurts our secret souls, it threatens everything we hold dear. Its the reason one wit on X could quip of London: Not many Brits live there any more.

The establishment, including King Charles, are enthusiasts for multiculturalism which, unfortunately if not unforeseeably, appears to have the side-effects of eroding support for the monarchy and for the nation. Dont get me wrong. Some immigrants, and the children of immigrants, are among our most patriotic people. Look at that Jamaican-British airman, now in his late-nineties, who told the BBC with such pride about his wartime service and the deep bond he enjoyed with his band of brothers. (Relish too the fact that US servicemen who came over here to help had to be told that Britons did not regard black men as inferior and our girls would dance with whom they pleased.)

And yet its a fact that millions who now live here have no affiliation to the UK, no ties of blood or sentiment, no clue about bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover or bagpipes or Scotland the Brave. They do not smile, as the rest of us smiled, when they see Princess Anne in her brown uniform with the cinched waist and jaunty cap, so like the one worn by her mother, our beloved late Queen, when she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) as a driver and mechanic. (Anne, the best Queen we never had. Anne, the hardest working member of the Royal family who, despite a kidnap attempt, has the same level of security as that whingebucket Prince Harry.)

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Nor do their throats constrict when they listen to the swelling chords of The Dam Busters March or hear the thunderous thrum of a Lancaster bomber, with its four Merlin engines, leading the flypast over Buckingham Palace. It almost seems to be hardwired into the British psyche, that sound. As if we know instinctively those magnificent men in their flying machines kept us safe.

And how did we repay them, eh? By todays Royal Air Force discriminating against white male applicants (until they realised the diversity hires were struggling to meet the standard necessary to fly the planes). By the Prime Minister warmongering to distract from his own domestic unpopularity and threatening boots on the ground in Ukraine when our armed forces are shockingly depleted and, despite receiving a 6 per cent pay rise, thousands are quitting, presumably because they no longer want to fight for a country that gives benefits to its enemies and treats its own people with contempt.

How long would you give them against the Russians, what was once one of the greatest armies the world had ever seen? A month? A fortnight before they were obliterated? Some experts say a week.

It would have been far easier to write a piece this week that went along with the nostalgic delusion, which raved uncritically about how well we do these things instead of pointing out the Potemkin pageant. But I love my country, and I will not lie to her. She deserves the truth. The greatest generation did not make sacrifices barely comprehensible to the modern mind to see Britain reduced to a husk of her former self. They who paid the ultimate price did not expect their homeland to be invaded and altered beyond recognition, their traditions trashed, their culture eroded, while complacent and complicit governments did nothing.

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Therell always be an England, they sang. Well, it turns out they were wrong; the liberal, globalist, no-borders class had other ideas. As the victors over Nazi Germany pass from this world into the history books, from now on, folks, its up to you and me to fight for the freedom they won for us, for the amazing country they saved.

It may feel too daunting right now. With so much going wrong, you bet it does. But our young people are good, as their great-grandparents were good, and, like dear George and Charlotte, they need inspiration and instruction from history. Britons are lucky. This happy breed, we will always have Churchills words, a slender handrail to hold onto in the darkest hour: In the long years to come, not only will the people of this island, but of the world  look back to what we have done and they will say, Do not despair. Do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straight forward and die if need be.

Unconquered.

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DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Two Brooklyn men were arrested last week after a statewide investigation into a stolen vehicle and attempting to evade arrest in Delaware County, Sheriff Craig DeMund announced Tuesday.

On April 26, a vehicle with a Washington state license plate was reported stolen in Brooklyn. The next day, the Town of Colchester Police Department contacted the Delaware County Communications Center to attempt a traffic stop of a vehicle that failed to pull over while going over the speed limit, traveling towards the Village of Walton on State Highway 206.

The vehicle lost control when trying to make a right turn onto Bridge Street, hitting the curb, sidewalk and retaining wall of the bridge. The driver and passenger in the car, identified as Johnny Mackinsdixon,19, and Bless King, 24, both of Brooklyn, fled the scene but were soon arrested by Sheriffs deputies.

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Mackinsdixon was charged with one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. He was additionally issued multiple traffic violations

King was charged with one count of Obstruction of Governmental Administration.

Both were also arrested by the Town of Colchester Police Department on charges stemming from their jurisdiction related to the incident. Both were turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where they were remanded on $10,000 cash Bail.

Sheriff DeMund credits Walton residents in lending a helping hand leading to the location and arrests of Mackinsdixon and King.

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The 6-week-old baby was found lying in her bassinet. Her 2-year-old-sister was found curled into a ball behind a nearby couch.

Their grandmother was just feet away, face down on the kitchen floor. And their mother was lying in a pool of blood in the dining room.

All four had been shot and brutally beaten to death inside their home in Miramar on April 30, 1997, in one of South Floridas most shocking mass murders. The crime scene was made more terrifying by a cryptic message the killer scrawled across a wall near the victims that demanded drug money.

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Twenty-eight years later, the case remains unsolved as members of the victims family call on Miramar police officials to finally make a move on a suspect.

The Altidor massacre is featured in a new six-episode season of the podcast Felonious Florida, produced by the South Florida Sun Sentinel in partnership with Wondery and Amazon.

Using exclusive access to the full case file, the podcast retraces the steps of detectives from the Miramar Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as they hunt for the person who murdered Theresia Laverne, 69, her daughter, Marie Altidor, 30, and Maries daughters, 2-year-old Samantha and 6-week-old Sabrina.

From almost the start, investigators considered George Altidor  husband, father, and son-in-law of the victims  to be a person of interest. And they still consider him to be a suspect today.

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But the podcast reveals gaps in the early days of the investigation that could have uncovered critical evidence. Members of the victims family say in the series that those gaps have helped allow the killer to elude justice.

The bottom line is, Miramar Police Department has not moved on this case, Myrlaine Salter, a cousin of Marie Altidor, says in the series. They have a plethora of circumstantial evidence  and Ive seen cases tried and won with less  they havent done it.

George Altidor told detectives that when he left for work that Wednesday morning, his family was alive and well. But when he tried checking on them by phone in the early afternoon from his job at a marine air conditioning plant in Hialeah, nobody answered.

Altidor then called his sisters husband, Rochener Seraphin, who lived a mile away in Pembroke Pines, and asked him to drive to the Altidor house on South Crescent Drive.

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About 5 p.m., Seraphin and his 12-year-old son found the front door to the Altidor home unlocked and discovered the bodies inside. Marie Altidor and her mother had been shot and beaten to death with a weapon later determined to be a hammer. The two Altidor girls had been beaten on their heads repeatedly.

Investigators, led by Miramar Detective Ron Peluso, found inconsistencies in Altidors story and they struggled to assemble a complete timeline of the murders.

The podcast reveals that Altidor was deceptive in several answers about the murders during a polygraph test and Peluso says that Altidor had outright lied to them during hourslong questioning after the discovery of his familys massacre.

A lot of people would tell me hes a hard-working man, he works for the family, he loves his family, he wouldnt do anything wrong,' Peluso says. Well, believe me, you dont know what happens behind closed doors. And that was this particular case. This guy was a Jekyll and Hyde. Behind closed doors, he was a completely different person.

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The podcast uses never-before-released audio recordings of police interviews from the investigation. In one recording, Altidors first wife, Jose Yanick Fede, tells detectives that Altidor was jealous, controlling and manipulative to her.

Altidor secretly recorded Fedes phone conversations and threatened her repeatedly with a gun that he often kept under a pillow on their bed, Fede says in the recordings.

Detectives concluded that Altidor was equally controlling of his second wife, Marie, who had become withdrawn and paranoid, according to her family and FBI documents revealed in the podcast.

The most significant piece of evidence in the murders was the message that was written on the wall of the Altidors family room above the bodies of Samantha and Sabrina. The message, written with a black marker, said I want my 100,000 / They stole my drugs.

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A warrant required George Altidor to provide samples of his handwriting for comparison to the writing on the wall, but analysts from state and county crime labs could not determine if they matched. An analysis by a Boca Raton-based handwriting expert brought in by the podcast was also inconclusive.

Theres no doubt theres some minor similarities, but not enough to say Im conclusively giving you my opinion that its the same writer, the analyst, Elyn Bryan, says in the series. There are similarities. We need more than just a handful of little similarities.

Still, investigators for years zeroed in on Altidor, compiling a significant amount of circumstantial evidence against him. But they lacked enough physical evidence to bring charges and were stymied by a highly debated alibi that Altidors lawyers said proved he was not the killer.

Phone records revealed that a call had been placed from inside the Altidor home at 7:09 a.m. on the day of the murders to a distant relative of Marie Altidor. The caller claimed to be Marie, delivering news of Sabrinas recent birth. The call was critical to the timeline because Altidor said he was already on his 30-minute commute to work, where he arrived at 7:30, proving his family was murdered after he left.

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But the podcast reveals that the relative who took the call, Helene Mondestin, of Silver Springs, Maryland, was not totally certain the caller was, in fact, Marie Altidor. And Altidors family said it would have been highly unusual for Marie to have called at such an early hour  if at all.

Technology at the time could not be used to prove one way or another who really made that phone call. And investigators were not able to disprove George Altidors claim that he was commuting at the time of the call.

That killed that case, that phone call right there, Peluso, the lead investigator, says in the podcast. How do you get around that phone call?

The case was declared cold in December 2000, but opened again seven years later by a new Miramar Police detective who spent years reexamining the evidence.

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This is one of those cases that always kind of stuck with me, cold-case Detective Danny Smith says in the podcast. You had four innocent people that were brutally, savagely murdered and there were no answers. So I think this is one of those things that just kind of is always gnawing at the back of an investigators mind  and especially with two kids involved, two young children.

Smiths investigation revealed that five years after the murders, George Altidor had remarried. His new wife, Florence Daudin, was a woman Altidor had visited the night before his family was murdered. In 1997, he told investigators he had gone there to work on her air conditioner.

Shortly after they married, George and Florence Altidor moved to Broken Arrow, Okla., a quiet suburb of Tulsa, where they continue to live today. Altidor has not cooperated with the investigation since October 1997.

Despite years of reinvestigating the Altidor murders, Smith was unable to uncover new evidence that could move the case forward. He retired from the Miramar Police Department in late 2024.

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Of all the cases that Ive worked and been assigned and investigated there are a small handful that have that are unsolved, that remain unsolved. This is the one case that Ive never put away, Smith says in the series.

Members of the Laverne family, all of whom immigrated to the U.S. from Haiti, say they believe theres more that the Miramar Police could do to bring justice for the victims.

If Im putting one and one together, I think there is a piece missing in the puzzle. And that piece is Florence Daudin, which is Georges wife today, Marie Altidors sister, Alberthe Mardy, says in the podcast. Why havent you interviewed Florence?

The podcast reveals that Daudin was never interviewed by detectives in 1997, despite obvious connections  she was likely the last one to have seen Altidor before his family was murdered.

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Salter, Marie Altidors cousin, says the family believes there is enough evidence to move forward on the case and is frustrated with what they see as inaction.

I dont want to attend another memorial. I dont want to attend another prayer circle. I dont want to attend anything. Because theres nothing new to bring to the table. Everything that needs to be brought to the table, its on the table, Salter said. Now, what are you gonna do with it?

Marie Florent-Carre, another cousin of Marie Altidor, said the family believes the case should be handed over to the state attorney for a formal review, or to a grand jury to consider possible charges. Every year that goes by, she says, only deepens their pain.

Its like you take a wound that never healed and then you poke it with a needle constantly, Florent-Carre says in the podcast. We are appealing to the Miramar police to pass this on and let the justice system do its job.

The disagreement over the status of the case has driven a painful wedge between the Laverne family and the investigators with whom they have worked so closely for decades.

But, Smith says in the series, that the departments hands are tied.

Its frustrating. I know its frustrating for them, and its frustrating for us as investigators. But for me to take someones freedom and liberty away without probable cause is not the way our justice system works. We do not have probable cause to arrest, Smith says.

Despite considering George Altidor a suspect for 28 years, his alibi has been unbreakable.

Theres a lot of circumstantial evidence out there, but the bottom line is that there was a phone call placed from the residence the morning that the crime scene was discovered. And at that time George was already at work when that phone call was placed  or he was nearby work, Smith says.

View images and video from Altidor murder files, including crime scene photos, at FeloniousFlorida.com.

Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss says that a lead detective has not been assigned to replace Smith on the case but his department will follow up on every lead that comes in. He appealed for anyone with information to come forward, no matter how unimportant they may believe their information to be.

If youre holding on to this information for whatever reason, I think you have an obligation not only to this family, but to your conscience, Moss says. And so if you have information, please, we not only ask and implore, we beg you to give us that information so that we can provide closure to this family. As long as this case remains open, unsolved, this will be a case that the Miramar Police Department will continue to look into and put resources to.

Members of the Laverne family, in the podcast, say that although they hope somebody with information comes forward, a passive approach to the investigation isnt going to break the case.

Four people were murdered and nothing has ever been done, Salter says. You have a six-week-old little angel that never even had a chance. You have a two-year-old thats as innocent as they come. If youre not doing it for the adults, do it for the two innocent children that had absolutely no business being killed by anyone.

I want justice for my mom, my sister, and my two little nieces, Mardy says. Mostly the children, Samantha and Sabrina. We just want justice for them. And I feel like the killer is still on the loose. Thats my hope. One day, the investigators will come up with something and say okay, we got him.

Miramar Police ask anyone with information on the Altidor murder case to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. You can also send tips to the Felonious Florida podcast at feedback@feloniousflorida.com.
AUSTIN / BRYAN, Texas (FOX 44)  Bryan is one of a handful of Texas cities receiving mitigation funds from the Texas General Land Office (GLO).

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced Tuesday that the GLO approved $45,027,000 in regional funds to improve critical infrastructure  including roads, drainage, water detention, and sewer systems in Fayette and Nueces counties. The funds will also support projects in Bryan, Missouri City, Patton Village, and Seguin. The GLO prioritized local input through the Regional Mitigation Program in order to ensure funding addresses the unique needs of each community and region.

Below is a breakdown of how the funds will be distributed:

Table For Regional MIT $45 Mil

For more detailed project descriptions, you can visit the Regional Mitigation Program webpage and click on Approved Regional Mitigation Program Project Descriptions under Regional Mitigation Program Approved Projects in the drop down menu.

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There is currently a patchwork of state laws and parts of federal legislation governing the current landscape, as there remains no one federal law regulating internet privacy. (Photo Bill Hinton/Getty Images)

The Maine Legislature is again considering enacting a comprehensive data privacy law.

Last session, after a dozen public meetings, countless hours of behind-the-scenes work and sizable lobbying influence from Big Tech, the Legislature rejected two competing data privacy proposals, which the bills this session build upon.

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The sponsors of three proposals heard in the Judiciary Committee on Monday each described their legislation as a means to put Mainers in control of their personal information, however the bills diverge on how best to do so.

The key difference between the versions remains the same: how they limit data collection.

LD 1822, sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn (D-Falmouth), uses a standard called data minimization, which limits companies to collecting only information directly relevant and necessary for their operations. Maines attorney general and privacy advocates testified in favor of this version last session and again on Monday, pushing for a plan that would make Maines regulations on companies that collect online consumer information among the strictest in the country.

Conversely, the version that was backed by businesses and technology companies last session is the basis for LD 1088, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Henderson (R-Rumford), and LD 1224, sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts (D-South Berwick) and bipartisan co-sponsors. These bills use a consent-based model, which allows companies to collect the data theyd like so long as its disclosed in the terms and conditions consumers agree to.

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Other tensions that arose last year regarding how to approach enforcement and exemptions, as well as whether to repeal Maines current internet service provider-specific law to instead regulate all businesses under one comprehensive law, are among the key points of division among proposals this session.

There is currently a patchwork of state laws and parts of federal legislation governing the current landscape, as there remains no one federal law regulating internet privacy, despite several proposals.

Because of this, all of the bill sponsors highlighted the importance of enacting a law that is interoperable among other states, though argued for different reasons why their version would best allow for it.

The bills last session morphed considerably as lawmakers attempted, though ultimately failed, to reach agreement on one proposal and the same tedious work is expected again this session.

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As Henderson put it on Monday, I am happy to be here but I also want to offer condolences to everyone who now has to sit through more privacy bills, and if you have not had the honor of doing so, welcome and buckle up.

Data collection

The average consumer is likely more familiar with the data collection approach in the Republican and bipartisan measures, LD 1088 and LD 1224, which rely on privacy notices that consumers must agree to before accessing a website or app. Data collection can still occur in that case, whereas LD 1822  which only has Democratic cosponsors  would prohibit businesses from collecting certain information.

The arguments for and against each largely felt like deja vu, with businesses and tech groups on one side and privacy advocates and civil rights groups on the other.

Testifying in favor of LD 1822, Maine Assistant Attorney General Brendan ONeil said data minimization would reduce consumer burden and better align data practices with what consumers expect. Health care providers and immigrant rights groups also argued explicit bans on sensitive data are crucial.

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We know from firsthand accounts in Maine that immigrants avoid accessing healthcare, education or even emergency assistance because they fear where that information may end up, said Ruben Torres, policy lead for the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition.

Representatives of Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood argued data minimization would shore up Maines shield law, noting they currently hear from patients who fear data logged in menstrual tracking apps could be used in legal action in states where abortion and other sexual reproductive health care is banned.

All three bills approach personal and sensitive data differently.

LD 1088 and LD 1224 would limit the collection of personal data to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary to provide the product or service requested by the consumer, and require whats collected to be disclosed in a privacy notice.

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However, the bills would require affirmative, informed consent for the collection of sensitive data, such as information about a consumers sexual orientation, immigration status and geolocation data  though how that would differ from a privacy notice was not clear on Monday.

LD 1822 would limit the collection of personal data to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to provide the product or service requested by the consumer, but that the collection of sensitive data must be limited to only what is strictly necessary.

Last year, the bill Kuhn modeled hers after had also also regulated the use of data, which this version does not, much to the disappointment of privacy advocates.

Kuhn also made some changes based on concerns raised by businesses last year that data minimization would limit their ability to do targeted advertising and limit reach to new consumers. Essentially, the version this year now ensures small businesses that have to stretch their advertising dollars can access ad exchanges, which are marketplaces where companies can buy and sell advertising.

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Of note, while more supportive of LD 1088 and LD 1224, L.L. Bean did not testify against the data minimization bill this year.

Now neither for nor against, Christy Van Voorhees, legal counsel for the Freeport-based retail giant, said Kuhns version is very close to something they could get behind but that the data minimization standard still raises concerns that she hopes lawmakers can clarify.

This is a very challenging time for businesses, Van Voorhees added, and I hope that thats taken into account.

Interoperability

Last session, business interests argued in favor of enacting a law most consistent with those adopted by other states, whereas consumer advocates maintained that greater protections should not be sacrificed for consistencys sake.

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More than a dozen states have modeled their laws off of one first passed in Connecticut, the model LD 1088 and LD 1224 use.

Patrick Woodcock, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, said the group has sent a letter to Maines congressional delegation requesting change on the federal level, however, absent that, we would strongly encourage the committee to avoid anything that puts Maine businesses at a disadvantage.

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However, this session the interoperability argument has become more muddled, as Kuhn pointed out that some of the states that have adopted the Connecticut model are now amending their laws to bring them closer to the data minimization standard.

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Also, Maryland passed a law last year that is very similar to Kuhns proposal. Marylands move marks a divergence from the years-long trend of state-level proposals being watered down. Lawmakers in Connecticut have also proposed an amendment to change its standard to match Marylands data minimization model.

We should settle on interoperability that actually is protecting consumers, Kuhn said. She added, If you think of Wayne Gretzsky: wheres the puck going? This is where the puck is going.

Building off of that analogy, Woodcock argued its unclear where the puck is going because there remains ambiguity in how Maryland law will be implemented and how companies will comply.

That was also the view shared by other business interests, including Charlie Sultan, an attorney representing the Maine Association of Insurance Companies, who argued a pending amendment is only that, an example of lawmakers advocating for a position but not a change that the state has officially made.

Exemptions

During floor debates last year, the most common critique from Republicans was that the version with more data minimization offered too many exemptions to several types of companies, such as higher education, banks, hospital systems and nonprofits.

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That remains a key difference between the two buckets of data privacy bills being considered this year.

While Kuhn said on Monday that in an ideal world a data privacy law would not have entity level exemptions, she included the exemptions for certain businesses settled on in negotiations last year.

I felt it was very important to the business community that we not ask people to come back here and relitigate all of those, Kuhn said. She also noted that her bill includes previously proposed data-level exemptions, which exempt regulated data maintained by a company but require that company to otherwise comply with the privacy law.

Overall, her more stringent proposal has more data minimization and, as a result, offers more exemptions to the law. Meanwhile, the more business-friendly proposals do not have as much minimization, leading to fewer exemptions.

One key difference between LD 1088 and LD 1224, however, is that the former would repeal the current law governing the privacy of internet consumers, which was enacted in 2019.

The version favored by businesses and tech last year initially proposed such a repeal but later removed it as a concession made during negotiations. Henderson is pushing for the repeal again. So is Senate Minority leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook).

Also on Monday, the Judiciary Committee heard LD 1284, sponsored by Stewart, which would solely repeal that law.

Advocating against the repeal, Michael Kebede, policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, said the internet provider law affords stronger protections than those proposed in Hendersons bill and LD 1224.

But Stewart said the fact that lawmakers are considering a comprehensive data privacy law underscores the need for a different approach.

Privacy today is no longer just a technology or telecom issue, Stewart said. Its a legal issue, a civil rights issue and a consumer protection issue. The fact that the Legislature itself has recognized this complexity is a signal that we can no longer afford to treat privacy as if it starts and ends with [internet service providers].

Enforcement

Through the course of deliberations last session, the data privacy proposals ended up taking a very similar approach to enforcement. This year the proposals are all starting out largely in agreement in this regard.

All bills only allow enforcement through the Maine Attorney Generals Office, rather than allowing people who feel their privacy has been violated to take a company to court, known as a private right of action.

Again, were going to honor that negotiated conclusion, Kuhn said on Monday.

The Maine Attorney Generals Office and the ACLU of Maine still urged the committee to consider adding a private right of action.

In contrast to the other proposals, Kuhns bill also includes a cure period, so that businesses have an opportunity to comply without facing consequences.

All three bills would require the Attorney General to regularly submit reports on enforcement to inform the Legislature on any amendments that might need to be made, which has been the approach in Connecticut and other states.

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AVON LAKE, Ohio (WJW)  Theres a new push to install seatbelts on school buses in one local district.

Avon Lake resident Dr. Rudy Breglia called on Avon Lake City Council Monday night to pass a resolution that would support seatbelts in school buses and compel the Avon Lake School District to conduct another Seat Belt Pilot Program.

Microplastic dangers: What to know about tiny particles in our bodies

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Because the last pilot program they ran didnt have the requirement that children had to use the seatbelts that were available, Breglia said.

Back in 2019, Avon Lake added two school buses with lap and shoulder restraints as part of a pilot program.

Ultimately, the district decided it wasnt sustainable. Meanwhile, Breglia has continued his efforts to get schools to buckle up.

WJW photo

The reason I approached city council was because they share responsibility with the school district to provide safety for the children during transportation, said Breglia.

Breglia said the resolution would also support House Bill 3, the school bus safety act.

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The house version will appropriate 25 million to the idea of bus safety, said State Rep. Joe Miller of District 53.

Miller said the grant money from HB 3 could be used by a district to purchase seat belts.

I think each district needs to make decision for themselves to decide the best way to keep children safe on the bus, Miller said.

1 dead after small plane crashes in Ashland County

The Avon Lake School District did not return phone calls seeking comment on the resolution Monday night.

Avon Lake City Council is expected to vote on the resolution in two weeks. Meanwhile House Bill 3 has been assigned to committee in the statehouse.

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DUNMORE  Bucktown Market  a new marketplace selling everything from swords to cleaning products, and trains to Harley-Davidson parts  presents a new opportunity for local vendors.

Everything is different, co-owner Joseph Fernandes said.  After Sugermans (Marketplace) closed, it left hundreds of vendors without anywhere to go  many who spent five to 10 years there. Our first calls were to the people we knew were up there.

The new market at 1237 Prescott Ave. in the borough gave some vendors a reason to start selling their goods again, Fernandes added.

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This has changed a lot of peoples outlook, he said. People who felt defeated are reinvigorated. And some people came out of retirement because its right in their backyard.

This building, constructed in 1919, which originally served as a silk mill now gives artisans a chance to sell handmade crafts.

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The inside of Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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PokAmon cards in a vendors booth at Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A vendors booth at Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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A vendors booth at Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Co-owner Gabrielle Percival hold Monkey the goat in Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Co-owners Gabrielle Percival and Joseph Fernandes at Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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The inside of Bucktown Market in Dunmore on Monday, May 5, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

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Dunmore Mayor Max Conway praised the owners for taking the initiative to bring the new business into the borough.

It gives folks who dont have the ability to get an actual storefront an opportunity to get their products out in front of folks, which I think is a big benefit, he said. And from what I was told, theyre going to try to make it bigger and better and I understand there will be food on the weekends. It seems like a nice way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning and afternoon, looking at antiques and crafts people are selling.

While the revitalization around Dunmore Corners gets a lot of attention, Conway also feels good about progress happening in other areas of town.

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We have Schiels Market which took over for Riccardos in that section of Dunmore, which has been a huge hit, and now we have this (market), and we have Schautz Stadium right there, too, he said. To see (development) kind of sprouting out in other neighborhoods is such a positive for the borough and the people who live here.

Bucktown Market first opened its doors this past weekend and both Fernandes and the approximately 30 vendors were overwhelmed by the support.

We had a bigger turnout than we expected and all our vendors were very pleased with it, he said. This is nine months in the making  a lot of late nights and planning and expenses, but this (past) weekend made it all worth it.

The monthly rent cost for vendors breaks down to about $30 per day, Fernandes said. We try to keep it as economical as possible, he said.

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In addition to hosting a food truck on weekends, Fernandes noted plans are in the works to conduct events like a mobile petting zoo with mini-animals, including goats, ponies and donkeys.

He also believes some vendors appreciate the social aspect of the market as much as making sales.

Everyone really gets along well, Fernandes said. Theyre all talkers and they just love to be here. Its like a little community. We really want to get people interested in their personal stories because everyone in here has a really great story, and I think that will appeal to a lot of people.
MILAN, Italy, May 6. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today welcomed Turkiye as its newest regional member, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan, Italy.

In a ceremony during ADBs 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov said Turkiyes transition to regional membership would provide the country with development opportunities through access to ADBs financial resources, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. A nonsovereign operations framework agreement was also signed.

Turkiye joined ADB as a nonregional member in 1991. With its new status, Turkiye becomes eligible for ADBs ordinary capital resources lending and full participation in ADBs operations.

Turkiyes borrowing levels will be determined by factors including demand and project readiness. ADB expects to begin lending operations following approval of an Interim Country Partnership Strategy, 20252027, expected in September 2025.

Turkiyes Twelfth Development Plan, 20242028, will guide ADBs engagement with the country. Priority areas include resilience and regional connectivitysuch as water and urban development as well as agriculture and natural resourcessustainable infrastructure, and financial inclusion. Opportunities for cofinancing with other development partners are also being explored, along with the mobilization of private sector capital.
NORTH CORNWALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Officials have confirmed that a new Buffalo Wild Wings will soon be opening in Lebanon County.

Earlier this week, a Buffalo Wild Wings official confirmed that a new restaurant will soon open at 1960 Quentin Road in Lebanon County. The new location will be near Jersey Mikes and Tractor Supply.

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According to the Buffalo Wild Wings representative, the new restaurant will boast 2,200 square feet of space.

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Dauphin County Buffalo Wild Wings closing for good

We are thrilled to introduce the Buffalo Wild Wings GO brand in the Lebanon Valley, our first location in Lebanon, said Dip Shah, General Manager and Operator of 8XL Restaurant Group. GO makes it easy and convenient to get Buffalo Wild Wings fan favorites for pickup or delivery. We look forward to opening this spring!

There is still no word on when the new restaurant will officially open.

ABC27 News will keep you updated 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.
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office says a newly formed Health & Wellness section will provide support to the overall physical, mental, and emotional health of members of JSO.

It includes things like peer support, counseling services, the critical incident stress management team, K9 and military spouse support, along with chaplain services.

The newly formed section will be headed by Commander Randi Glossman, who recently served as the commander of Patrol District 3.

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Read: Police, FWC tracking black bear spotted in downtown St. Augustine

We have to build trust with our agency, says Glossman.

One of the things, unfortunately, within law enforcement is the stigma that it is not okay to say that Im not okay, and we have to fix that, says Glossman. We have to show our employees that its okay to come forward and say, I need help, whether its Im having feelings of either suicide. Or I need help getting through, getting over a call Ive been to, or Im having problems at home with my spouse or my boyfriend or my girlfriend, Im having problems with my children. I mean, were human.

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Glossman spoke highly of previous beneficial trainings for JSO that deal with mental health topics like the POWER program .

We wanna have a healthy agency because we are better serving our community when were healthier. We see things better, we make better decisions, says Glossman.

Recently, JSO has had two separate officer-involved shootings.

Read: Jacksonville leaders hold heated discussion about alleged illegal gun registry investigation

On Sunday, an officer shot and killed a man after a chaotic encounter between police stemming from a domestic disturbance on Normandy Blvd.

On Friday, an officer shot and killed a man who police say attacked two people with butcher knives on Jillian Drive near Ricker Road.

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We have tons of resources available, not only through our agency, with peer support, we have critical incidents stress management teams, we have a an officer-involved shooting team that goes out anytime those those incidents happen and they help our officers through these processes and in addition to that we have resources outside of our agency that do the same or similar things, says Glossman.

Funding-wise, like any other JSO funding entity, the section will have to go through the city council, and the sheriff would have to ask for this to be included in JSOs budget.

Next year, I am hopeful that we will have a robust budget that we ask city council for because we do want to initiate a lot of programs that will help our officers, because, like we just mentioned, when were healthy, the city will be healthy, says Glossman.

JSO says there will also be other forms of employee assistance designed to proactively help JSO employees and their familys wellbeing.

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A burger van has been shut for being too close to a primary schools, under Government anti-obesity rules.

Sam Carroll, 21, and Aaron Millar, 21, were denied permission to sell smash burgers from the car park of the Dunkirk Hall pub in Leyland, Lancashire.

South Ribble borough council turned down the application because the pub is less than a mile of four primary schools and one nursery.

The local authority cited the Governments national planning policy framework which says takeaways outside of town centres should not be within walking distance of schools or places where children and young people congregate.

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Mr Carroll and Mr Millar, owners of the Smokies burger van, said they rarely served pupils because under-18s are not allowed on the pubs premises unless accompanied by an adult.

It is isnt often kids come and get a burger after school  especially while in uniform, Mr Carroll said. If a child does come up to the van they are usually with their parents who are enjoying their evening at the pub.

Theyll order for them, normally getting the kid one of our kids meals.

Mr Carroll and Mr Millar own Smokies burger van, but have been told they have to move - SWNS/Lee Mclean

Demi Scott, the manager of Dunkirk Hall, said: If a child came onto the premises by themselves, we would turn them away. We legally cant have them here.

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We dont want to lose Smokies. The community they have brought has been super beneficial keeping us going in the tougher months.

They are no hassle at all very polite. They have never taken a step wrong. The van is out of the way of the building so I dont see what the problem is. I really hope it comes to a fair conclusion.

Mr Carroll and Mr Millar started their catering business in 2023, and moved to Dunkirk Hall from The Red Lion in Longton, Lancashire, in November last year.

The entrepreneurs applied for planning permission for their trailer to occupy the site in January.

But in April, they were told the council would refuse permission because of the anti-obesity guidance preventing takeaways being within 10 minutes walking distance from schools.

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Debbie Roberts, a council planning officer, admitted that walking distance was subjective but in a report to councillors on the planning committee, said the van would likely breach the rule.

She also said that the visual appearance of the van would cause harm to the Grade II-listed pub.

The council said the van would cause harm to the appearance of the Dunkirk Hall pub - SWNS/Lee Mclean

Councillors voted to refuse the planning application last month.

Smokies, which is continuing to trade, now has six months to appeal against the decision or vacate the premises.

It took less than 10 minutes for them to decide that we had to move on from the location, Mr Carroll said. It felt like instant disregard.

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The community love our food. They go out of their way to tell us how much they enjoy it and leaving reviews. We are a small business which has grown so much thanks to the word of mouth of our customers.

We dont want to have to fire our staff. They have done nothing wrong. We will do whatever it takes to keep it open - we want to work with the council to come to work and work out a way.

Mr Millar and Mr Carroll hope to work with the council to agree a compromise allowing them to keep trading.

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Bus driver Ruize Bell, 63, reportedly saved his passengers as he suffered a fatal heart attack during his shift on April 30

The bus operator "was able to pull over and stop and park safely" before he died, according to reports

Bell is being described as a "hero" by his loved ones and the local bus community



A Maryland bus driver who had a fatal heart attack during his shift managed to save his passengers first in a quick-thinking move.

Father of 10 Ruize Bell, 63, suffered a heart attack while driving his passengers in Gaithersburg on the morning of April 30. He was able to pull the bus over to the side of the road safely before he sadly died, NBC Washington reported.

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The Ride On operator was driving south on Interstate 355 when he had a heart attack, according to the outlet. He is now described as a hero by those who loved him following his final selfless act on the job.

He was a hero for his family and for the Gaithersburg depot in general. He was just an all-around to me, a superman, transit bus operator Jennifer Beckwith, who worked as Bells bus supervisor on Ride On, told NBC Washington.

Bell had been working as a transit operator for Montgomery County since 2012. He was also a union member and had an elected role at the municipal and county government employees' organization, per the outlet.

Montgomery County Maryland Department of Transportation Ruize Bell suffered a fatal heart attack on April 30 Ruize Bell suffered a fatal heart attack on April 30

Related: Ohio Bus Driver Praised for Saving 15 Students from School Bus After It Abruptly Burst into Flames

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While Bells family is grieving, they are also proud of him and his actions in his last moments.

Bells daughter Zhane told 7KPLC, He was actually able to pull over and stop and park it safely. I was like, Dang, thats my dad. Because no matter what, he thought about everybody else before himself.

Its the toughest thing well probably ever have to go through, but I know hes still here and I know he would want us all to be strong, she continued. He loved driving the bus  Just to see how everybodys pouring in all the love and everything, calling him a hero, is really, really warming inside.

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.

Montgomery County (MD)Department of Transportation Ride On/Facebook A Montgomery County Ride On Bus A Montgomery County Ride On Bus

Related: Alabama Bus Driver Allegedly Fell Asleep Before Crash That Injured 6 Students

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Latika Ochieng, who also worked as Bells supervisor, said his quick-thinking last decision before passing away really spoke to his character.

"To be suffering his own tragedy and to still think about protecting other people. I dont think people know how that couldve gone in so many other ways, Ochieng told 7KPLC.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich shared his condolences to Bells family in a statement, saying, That kind of calm under pressure tells you a lot about the person he was, per NBC Washington.

Bell is survived by his wife, six daughters and four sons, according to the outlet.

Read the original article on People
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A stretch of Business 85 was closed in both directions Tuesday morning due to downed wires in Spartanburg County.

The wires were down across the roadway between Exit 2A (Interstate 26) and Exit 1 (College Drive) at around 9:40 a.m.

Traffic was being detoured around the closure.

The road reopened around 10:30 a.m.

Duke Energy is reporting hundreds of customers without power in the area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office is investigating a murder-suicide case in Keithville.

Two injured by bullet fragments in Webster Parish shooting

Officials reported that four individuals were pronounced dead following an incident that took place on Monday, May 5. Deputies were dispatched to the 10000 block of Mustang Circle shortly before 7:00 a.m. due to concerns for a residents welfare. Upon arrival, they encountered a suspect who refused to engage with them. Moments later, the officers heard a gunshot coming from inside the residence.

10000 block of Mustang Circle in Keithville. Police investigating murder-suicide

Shortly after, officers used a drone to search the home, where they found several individuals, including the suspect, deceased. An investigation is underway to determine the motive. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Dozens of California breweries have received global recognition, with some of their products being named the best in the world.

The 2025 World Beer Cup, an international competition organized by the not-for-profit Brewers Association, took place this past week in Indianapolis.

Billing itself as the Olympics of Beer, this years competition was held over 14 sessions, spanning seven days with 256 judges from 37 different countries. Winners were announced May 1.

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The World Beer Cup competition continues to showcase the global industrys dedication to innovative craftsmanship, diverse flavors, and technical excellence, said Chris Williams, World Beer Cup competition director.

In total, more than 8,000 beers from 1,761 breweries and cideries were entered into the World Beer Cup for consideration. The breweries came from all different corners of the globe, with 49 nations represented.

Winners celebrate during the 2025 World Beer Cup in Indianapolis on May 1, 2025.

At the end of the judging period, 349 awards were given out to beers in their respective categories, with three beers per category bestowed with the bronze, silver and gold awards.

Among them, six breweries in the greater Los Angeles area, three in Orange and three in Los Angeles counties, received the prestigious gold awards for their beers.

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Anaheim-based Golden Road Brewing won for its Mango Cart in the Fruit Wheat Beer category, while fellow Anaheim brewery Brewery X claimed gold for Super Slap in the American-Style India Pale Ale category. Oranges Everywhere Brewery was awarded gold for Shifted Visions in the Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale category.

The team from Golden Road Brewing in Anaheim poses after receiving a Gold distinction at the 2025 World Beer Cup in Indianapolis on May 1, 2025. (Golden Road Brewing)

From Los Angeles, Arts District Brewing Co. earned top honors for Through The Roof in the International Pale Ale category; Claremont Craft Ales won Gold in the Experimental India Pale Ale category for its beer, Pepper & Peaches; and San Fernando Brewing Co. took Gold for Dr. Sleep in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer category.

Of the hundreds of beers to receive awards, 76 were brewed in the state of California, representing 55 unique breweries.

The full list of California breweries to receive awards, and their respective categories, is below:

American-Belgo-Style Ale

Bronze  Picked Last, Fieldwork Brewing Co.  Berkeley

American-Style Amber Lager

Bronze  Chismosa, Old Caz Beer  Rohnert Park

American-Style Amber/Red Ale

Gold  Singing Coyote, Mountain Rambler Brewery  Bishop

Silver  Matador Red, 818 Brewing  Canoga Park

American-Style Black Ale or American-Style Stout

Bronze  Blackside Snap, Riip Beer Co.  Huntington Beach

American-Style Cream Ale

Gold  Bold Rush, Drakes Brewing Co.  San Leandro

Silver  Amendment Lager, 21st Amendment  San Leandro

American-Style India Pale Ale

Gold  Super Slap, Brewery X  Anaheim

Silver  Party Crusher, Beachwood Brewing  Huntington Beach

American-Style Lager

Bronze  Home Run Jack, 14 Cannons  Westlake Village

American-Style Pale Ale

Gold  Necrocat, Ghost Town Brewing  Oakland

Bronze  MadeWest Pale, MadeWest Brewing Co.  Ventura

American-Style Pilsener

Bronze  Gold Country Pilsner, Auburn Alehouse  Auburn

American-Style Sour Ale

Gold  Howzit Punch, Alvarado Street Brewery  Salinas

Bronze  Tropic Desert, Other Brother Beer Co.  Seaside

American-Style Strong Pale Ale

Gold  Mordant, Ghost Town Brewing  Oakland

Bronze  Gold Label Mai Tai P.A., Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill  Monterey

Australian-Style Pale Ale

Silver  XPA, Craft Coast  San Marcos

Bronze  Hows the Serenity, Original Pattern Brewing  Oakland

Barley Wine-Style Ale

Bronze  Lower De Boom, 21st Amendment  San Leandro

Belgian Fruit Beer

Bronze  Funk Yeah Peach, Beachwood Blendery  Huntington Beach

Belgian-Style Blonde Ale

Bronze  Rector 2025, Absolution Brewing Co.  Torrance

Belgian-Style Quadrupel

Silver  Traced in Air, Bartlett Hall  San Francisco

Belgian-Style Sour Ale

Bronze  Funk Yeah, Beachwood Blendery  Huntington Beach

Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale

Silver  Damnation, Russian River Brewing Co.  Windsor

Brett Beer

Silver  Pear Saison, Firestone Walker Brewing  Paso Robles

British-Style Imperial Stout

Bronze  Ravens Revenge, Beachwood Brewing  Huntington Beach

Chili Beer

Gold  Pyros Prost, Hop Dogma  Half Moon Bay

Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout

Bronze  Lucky 4 Leaf, Danville Brewing Co.  Danville

Classic Saison

Silver  Plough & Harrow, ISM Brewing  Long Beach

Coffee Stout or Porter

Gold  Midnight Sea, Morgan Territory Brewing  Tracy

Silver  Dusk Til Dawn, Pizza Port San Clemente  San Clemente

Dessert Stout or Pastry Stout

Bronze  Happy Almonds, Moksa Brewing Co.  Rocklin

Dortmunder/Export or German-Style Oktoberfest

Gold  The Cushman, Morgan Territory Brewing  Tracy

English Ale

Gold  Union Jack, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.  Paso Robles

English-Style Brown Ale

Silver  Oscar Wanted a Brown Ale, Pizza Port Solana Beach  Solana Beach

Experimental Beer

Silver  Big Trouble in Little Tokyo, Angel City Brewery  Los Angeles

Experimental India Pale Ale

Gold  Pepper & Peaches, Claremont Craft Ales  Claremont

Extra Special Bitter

Gold  Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.  Chico

Fruit Wheat Beer

Gold  Mango Cart, Golden Road Brewing Anaheim  Anaheim

Fruited Cider

Bronze  Guava Hard Cider, Coronado Brewing Co.  San Diego

German-Style Koelsch

Silver  Mongers Choice, Docent Brewing  San Juan Capistrano

German-Style Maerzen or Franconian-Style Rotbier

Silver  Red Vespa, Unsung Brewing Co.  Tustin

German-Style Pilsener

Bronze  Planks, MadeWest Brewing Co.  Ventura

German-Style Schwarzbier

Silver  Schwarzbier, Pizza Port Imperial Beach  Imperial Beach

Gose

Bronze  SMBW Basil Lemongrass Gose, Santa Monica Brew Works  Santa Monica

Herb and Spice Beer

Silver  Burma Ale, Alameda Brewing  Alameda

Honey Beer

Silver  Miss Behave, Moonraker Brewing  Cameron Park

Hoppy Lager

Silver  Super Smash, Unsung Brewing Co.  Tustin

Bronze  Krispi Kiwi, Far Field Beer Co.  Lawndale

Hoppy Non-Alcohol Beer

Gold  Trail Pass Hazy IPA, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.  Chico

Imperial India Pale Ale

Silver  Fall On In, MadeWest Brewing Co.  Ventura

Bronze  House of Fu!, North Park Beer Co.  San Diego

International Pale Ale

Gold  Through The Roof, Arts District Brewing Co.  Los Angeles

International-Style Lager

Gold  Yamagata, Original Pattern Brewing  Oakland

Silver  Otaku Hyper Dry, GameCraft Brewing  Laguna Hills

Italian-Style Pilsener

Gold  STS Pils, Russian River Brewing Co.  Windsor

Silver  Hamburghini, ISM Brewing  Long Beach

Bronze  Pivo, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.  Paso Robles

Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale

Gold  Juice Master, Shred Beer Co.  Rocklin

Silver  Contains No Juice, Alvarado Street Brewery  Salinas

Juicy or Hazy India Pale Ale

Gold  Shifted Visions, Everywhere  Orange

Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale

Bronze  Hop Magee, Danville Brewing Co.  Danville

Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale

Bronze  MadeWest Hazy IPA, MadeWest Brewing Co.  Ventura

New Zealand-Style India Pale Ale

Gold  Perverse Inverse, Ghost Town Brewing  Oakland

Bronze  Modern Love, TapRoom Beer Co.  San Diego

Other Strong Beer

Gold  Imperial Dark Mast, Pond Farm Brewing Co.  San Rafael

Robust Porter

Gold  Ossuary, Ghost Town Brewing  Oakland

Bronze  Blimp Hangar Porter, Tustin Brewing Co.  Tustin

Session India Pale Ale

Gold  Micro Blaster, Shred Beer Co.  Rocklin

Silver  Hefty Fee, Docent Brewing  San Juan Capistrano

South German-Style Dunkel Weizen

Bronze  Junk In Da Trunkel Dunkel, Pizza Port Ocean Beach  San Diego

Strong Red Ale

Silver  Side Hike, Kern River Brewing Co.  Kernville

Bronze  Imperial Red, Track 7 Brewing Co.  Sacramento

West Coast-Style India Pale Ale

Silver  Chasmic Absorption Through Whirlpools of Disarray, Ghost Town Brewing  Oakland

Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer

Gold  Dr. Sleep, San Fernando Brewing Co.  San Fernando

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This roster of 2025 winners represents the pinnacle of craft brewing and cideries, demonstrating whats achievable through dedication and passion, Williams said. They have once again helped set the standard for excellence in their craft, inspiring innovation and fostering healthy competition within the industry.

The 2025 World Beer Cup was the 16th in the competitions history. The international event was founded in 1996 and was held every two years until it adopted an annual format in 2022.

The full list of this years winners 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 KTLA.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. India has carried out strikes on several civilian sites, including mosques, in parts of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, a diplomatic source in Islamabad told Trend.

The Indian Air Force launched long-range missiles at Pakistan, they say.

According to initial reports, one child has been killed and several civilians, including women, have been injured. Some of the wounded are in critical condition. We will take appropriate and decisive measures in response to this attack, the source said.

India had already launched missile strikes on three Pakistani cities. The attacks targeted Bahawalpur in Punjab province, as well as the cities of Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir.

Earlier, Pakistan announced it was closing its airspace to all flights for 48 hours.
Just a day after Donald Trump revealed his plan to impose 100% tariffs on any and all films produced in foreign lands, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday he wants to collaborate with the president to create a $7.5 billion federal tax incentive to help the film industry.

Many in the industry have pushed for years for a federal film subsidy to counter runaway production, as film jobs have been lured by incentives in Canada, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. In the U.S., tax credit programs are currently offered only at the state level.

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America continues to be a film powerhouse, and California is all in to bring more production here, Newsom said in a statement to Variety on Monday. Building on our successful state program, were eager to partner with the Trump administration to further strengthen domestic production and Make America Film Again.

Although Newsom is willing to work with Trump on this new tax incentive, Trump may not be so eager. On Monday, Trump took a shot at the California statesman during an Oval Office press conference, deeming him grossly incompetent for allowing the American film industry to slip.

Our film industry has been decimated by other countries, taking them out, Trump said. And also by incompetence. Like in Los Angeles, the governor is a grossly incompetent man. Hes just allowed it to be taken away from, yknow, Hollywood. Hollywood doesnt do very much of that business.

Last October, Newsom pledged to increase Californias film incentive from $330 million a year to $750 million. At the time, Newsom suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris, if elected president, might support a federal film film incentive. The proposed state expansion is working its way through the state Legislature.

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California Sen. Adam Schiff also said Monday that he is working on legislation to implement a federal film incentive, and said he looked forward to working with Republicans on the issue. Hollywood unions would also welcome a tax credit at the national level to compete head-on with other countries.

Newsoms proposal comes hot on the heels of Trumps bombshell plan for Hollywood, which would slap heavy tariffs on films produced outside the States. Trump deemed foreign productions a national security threat to the American movie industry, not only because they draw filmmakers out to other markets but also bring messaging and propaganda into American theaters.

The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death, Trump wrote Sunday night in a Truth Social post. 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!

Shortly after Trump went public with the plan, a White House spokesperson clarified that it was still very much in the development stage, and that no official decisions had been made.

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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, said spokesman Kush Desai.

This did not stop Hollywood from becoming engulfed with outrage and confusion, with many unsure of what to make of Trumps vague and sweeping proposal. The stock market reacted immediately with widespread dips in the entertainment sector. Lionsgate Studios dropped 4.1%, Warner Bros. Discovery went down 2%, Netflix dipped 1.9% and Paramount declined 1.6%.

Trumps tariff plan would face numerous legal and practical obstacles. The law he has relied on to impose earlier tariffs, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, cannot be used to impede the flow of informational materials including films.

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In America's largest Catholic parish, you can feel the intimacy of grief left after the death of Pope Francis.

"All eyes are on holy mother church. Her shepherd is gone and now we're seeking a new shepherd," said Father Alex Chavez, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo in Visalia, California, where Sunday services routinely fill all 3,200 seats.

Since the death of Pope Francis, many Catholics around the world are faced with the same question: What are the qualities they hope to see in the next pope?

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"Just convey the truth clearly, allowing us, those on the front lines, to deal with the obstacles that people come with," Father Chaves hopes.

Father Jose Maria Carrillo, 29, is among the church's next generation of clerics. When asked what personal attributes he's looking for in the next pope, Carrillo said, "The same humility that our Holy Father portrayed."

As for Deacon Nemesio Santana, who is set to be ordained later this month, he's looking for someone who emulates the late Pope Francis. Hoping whoever is anointed has, "that love for the people, to take care of the people,"

Visalia sits in California's San Joaquin Valley. Rich in farmland, it's one of the world's breadbaskets.

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At St. Charles, the majority immigrant congregation is why two of the three Sunday masses are always held in Spanish. Many of the congregants saw Pope Francis as their spiritual champion.

Chavez estimated that roughly 15% to 20% of the congregation is in the country illegally. He said their hope is that the next pope "conveys the same Christ-like message that the pope is there to voice their concern in a global setting."

As for the search who will be in charge of delivering that message, "We could be just as political as our nation's politicians, but we trust at the end of all that politics that the Holy Spirit will prevail," Chavez said.

In this profound moment of faith, priests and parishioners alike look for light in the shadows of the conclave.

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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
On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of legislators in Sacramento released a letter urging California's congressional delegation to protect the embattled Head Start program and reject any proposed Trump administration cuts.

The letter, which was signed by more than three-quarters of state lawmakers, said they are "deeply alarmed" by a growing list of cuts to the federal early childhood program under the Trump administration  including the threat of total elimination  and asked that Congress "reject any proposals that weaken or eliminate Head Start."

That is probably the most bipartisan letter and issue that we have worked on in years, and it is all to protect and save our Head Start program," Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Sunnyvale) said at a news conference. At least 17 Republican legislators, many representing rural areas, the Central Valley and Orange County, signed the letter.

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Head Start also enjoys overwhelming public support across the political spectrum, with 74% of President Trump's voters in support of the program, according to an April survey of more than 1,000 registered voters nationwide. The poll by the firm UpOne Insights was conducted on behalf of First Five Years Fund, which lobbies Congress on early childhood education.

Read more: With Head Start in jeopardy, Trump administration threatens child care for 800,000 kids

California receives $1.5 billion annually for Head Start. The program provides child care, education, medical care and nutritious meals to more than 80,000 low-income children from birth through age 5 in the state and employs about 26,000 workers.

Because of recent cuts and threats, nearly 1,000 Head Start employees in California have already received pink slips, Ahrens said.

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Two of the legislators who spoke at the conference  Ahrens and Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas)  had attended Head Start programs themselves. I still distinctly remember eating fresh fruit for the first time in my life, because the Head Start program offers free breakfast," Ahrens said.

In rural districts, such as Modoc, Siskiyou, and Lassen counties, "Head Start isn't just one option among many. A lot of times, it's the only option," said Hadwick, who represents these areas. "I fully believe that we need to cut our budget and cut the waste. I just hope that we don't do it on the backs of low-income, working families and our children.

"Access to reliable early education supports parents to work or pursue training, and early childhood jobs many held by women of color  support community well-being and economic mobility," the legislators wrote in the letter. Already, a shortage of child-care access "is estimated to cost California "$17 billion in lost productivity and economic output" annually, they wrote, and cuts to Head Start would "exacerbate this loss."

Read more: ACLU sues to halt Trump administration attacks on Head Start child-care program

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Last month, an early version of Trump's budget proposed eliminating the Head Start program entirely. That proposal appeared to have been withdrawn in the "skinny" presidential budget plan released last week, but the administration has undercut the program repeatedly.

In January, an executive order to temporarily freeze all federal financial aid left Head Start staff suddenly unable to access the funds they had been promised. In February, scores of federal staffers were laid off at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start in Washington, D.C. And in April, the administration announced that five of the 12 regional offices managing relationships with Head Start grantees would be closed immediately and all employees laid off, including Region 9, which covers four states, including California.

This article is part of The Times early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. For more information about the initiative and its philanthropic funders, go to latimes.com/earlyed.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(FOX40.COM)  The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released 3.5 million juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon into the Sacramento River amid a struggle to boost the fish population.

 Video Above: Underwater device to help endangered fish in Sacramento is up and running

The salmon were released into the main stem in mid-April near Redding and Butte City, according to CDFW. The fish originated from increased production at CDFWs hatchery operations at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery. CDFW-operated salmon hatcheries historically have supported populations on their home rivers elsewhere in the Central Valley.

Nearly 3.5 million juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon were released into the main stem of the Sacramento River amid a struggle to boost the fish population./CDFW

We strongly support the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes bold decision to release salmon smolts directly into the main stem of the Sacramento River  a historic first that gives juvenile fish a fighting chance at survival, said Scott Artis, executive director at Golden State Salmon Association.

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He added, With Sacramento fall-run Chinook returns at crisis levels, and fishing families and businesses having been impacted since 2023, this innovative move is exactly the kind of action we need.

Northern California river receives endangered salmon for first time in 80 years

Last month, for the third year in a row, the federal Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the closure of all commercial salmon fishing in California, according to CDFW. Additionally, it recommended an extremely limited ocean sport fishing season due to the continued low abundance of salmon populations.

CDFW said that while fisheries managers are seeing some positive signs for fall-run Chinook salmon in other parts of the Central Valley, due in part to increased hatchery production from state-operated hatcheries and better in-river conditions with wetter years, returns to the main stem of the Sacramento River remain at concerningly low levels.

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President Trump calls for infamous Alcatraz prison to be reopened in California

The naturally spawning Sacramento River salmon populations have been the primary driver of Californias commercial and recreational salmon fisheries for decades, said Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief. Poor spawning and migration conditions for fall-run Chinook during the past two droughts have resulted in low returning adult numbers the last three years.

He added, These low adult returns not only affected fishing seasons but also reduced the number of spawning adults and, consequently, the number of juvenile salmon available to take advantage of the good river conditions to rebound this part of the run.

Sacramento River salmon releases are being timed with increases in water flows that have been shown to improve survival in their journey to the Pacific Ocean, according to CDFW.

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The juvenile salmon released into the Sacramento River are expected to imprint on the main stem during their migration to the ocean, which in three years upon their return to freshwater is expected to increase the number of adults utilizing important natural spawning areas within the main stem.

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Demanding to know what happened to missing cats like Linky, a 12-year-old tabby, Julie, a calico, Tarzan a black-and-white moggy and Charlie, another tabby, a baying mob descended on a house in a quiet street in Santa Ana.

The residents of the California town, rocked by allegations of a serial cat killer in their midst, feel they have been provoked into taking matters into their own hands.

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The only problem is the man they were seeking to confront did not live in the home.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, whom locals suspect is behind the spate of disappearances, was arrested on April 23.

Police said he was detained after being positively identified by witnesses.

Upon searching his home, officers found the bodies of dozens of cats, according to Natalie Garcia, the Public Information Officer (PIO).

Mr Oliveros was charged with animal cruelty offences, carrying a potential three-year jail term.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros is accused of committing animal cruelty offences

But to the fury of the local community fearing for the safety of their few remaining pets, he was last month released on a $20,000 bail.

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In southern California the main threat to wandering cats is traffic and predatory beasts such as coyotes.

But in the town of Santa Ana, around 30 miles south of Los Angeles, as many as 30 beloved pets are missing, feared dead.

Sarai Gold, who is heading the campaign to put Mr Acosta Oliveros behind bars, told The Telegraph that locals think the number of victims could be more than 75.

They are terrified that number will rise after the man they claim is behind the killings was released on bail, she said.

At a vigil for the pets on April 26 candles were lit to mark each of the victims, but things soon turned violent.

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Surrounding a house, protesters carried signs accusing the suspect of having blood on his hands.

One sign read: Hoy gatos, manana humanos (today cats, tomorrow humans).

Credit: X/yoits_mojica

Dramatic footage captured by a local news channel shows one man clad in black hurling a rock at the home, meanwhile someone with a megaphone shouts: Your community is watching your every move, as blue police lights illuminate the scene.

Other neighbours can be seen appearing to try to pull down a fence, while a separate clip, posted online, shows a woman wearing white cat ears wailing in the street over the loss of her beloved pet.

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I miss my cat, I love my cat, she sobs.

Things came to a head when the homeowner was allegedly pepper sprayed by one of the angry mob.

He was arrested and then they let him go. People are out for blood and I could not agree more, a witness posted on Nextdoor after the night of violence.

Mr Acosta Oliveros being arrested

Another told Fox11: The peaceful protesting wasnt so peaceful. Theyre scaring kids here. Its scaring the whole family.

I dont think it needs to be like this. I think it should have remained a vigil I knew itd be a protest, but I didnt think Id get violent, a third local told the network.

However, the property targeted by the angry mob was not, as it had been rumoured, the home of Mr Acosta Oliveross brother, where he had been staying, but of someone related to the suspects brother-in-law.

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The incident prompted local police to issue a stark warning. While we support the communitys right to peacefully assemble, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or any threats to public safety, a spokesman said in a statement.

Any damage to life or property will have consequences, and those engaging in criminal behaviour will be held accountable.

Tensions continue to run high within the community as rumours abound of the creatures gruesome deaths.

A cat called Felix is feared dead

According to Ms Gold, the cat killer lured some of his victims with catnip-laced food.

She claims the creatures bodies were found by investigators in a fire pit and there was such a stench.

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Other reports paint an increasingly horrific picture. Local news reported one cat was allegedly found hanging from a tree. Another, whose jaw was broken, was dumped in a skip, it was claimed.

There are unconfirmed rumours that some of the cats were skinned.

Some locals believe cats were killed with a stamp to the head, others say they were injected with an unknown substance, according to KTLA Five.

There are claims people saw cats snatched from their neighbours driveways, meanwhile grainy CCTV footage, obtained by NBC News, appears to show a man reaching down to coax a creature from beneath a car into his arms.

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I saw this same man grab [my] neighbours cat, inject it with a needle and some sort of substance. I saw him and yelled, hey...to get his attention, one person wrote on the platform Nextdoor.

He got up and ran, jumped in his truck and left. And from what we know that cat died, and the owner went and put in a police report.

A cat called Mochi is also believed to have been killed

Jennifer Corales wrote on the site she had seen the man picking up a cat and driving away with it, following the man in the car.

We followed him at a distance and called the police. The police just told us to stay where we were until they arrived and not to follow him because we did not know how dangerous this person could be, she said.

We are devastated

Police have not commented on the state any of the cats were found in.

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Amid the horror is a heartbroken community, with owners bereft at the loss of their pets.

Edith Fuentes, who lost her cat, told Fox 11: We are devastated, just to think about what this man did to her.

Every time we think about it, we sit down and we cry, because your pets become like a part of your family.

Jennifer Corrales added: Ive had [my cat] since he was a baby. I bottle-fed him...Hes been with me since a few weeks old. I dont know what he might have done to my cat.

Anger has been directed at Todd Spitzer, the Republican District Attorney, following Mr Acosta Oliveross release.

That he was released so quickly is a travesty, said Meredith Kirby, an organiser with OC Community Cats, a local animal welfare group.

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This man has a terrifying history of harming and even killing innocent cats, posing a very personal and real threat to my own feline friends, Vanessa Rodriguez wrote online.

Our quiet community has been shattered by the horrifying actions of Mr Oliveros shocking as it may be, hes out on the streets while our pets live in fear, she added.

The Santa Ana police department was contacted for comment.

Mr Oliveros is set to attend court on May 22.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A state senator is calling for two top state leaders to resign after allegations of derogatory comments, demeaning comments to staff and an alleged cover up.

Ewa Beach Senator Kurt Fevella said he was recently notified of complaints against Isaac Choy, a former state representative whos acting chief administrative officer and VP of finance of Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Ala Moana acid attack survivor: I want to say be brave

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The allegations say Choy created a hostile work environment by making derogatory comments about Hawaiians and belittling female board members.

Visiting paradise comes with a price: 8 things to know about Hawaiis new tax

Very disturbing, said Sen. Kurt Fevella, (R) Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, Iroquois Point. But most disturbing is that complaints were made to HR. Two female board members had made complaints to the AG on their complaints about how he treat females in the workplace. Very chauvanist of him.

From traffic tickets to wills: Hawaiis free legal help starts May 4

Fevella sent a letter on May 1 to the Attorney Generals office, asking for an investigation. Now he wants Choy gone.

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Im asking the HTA board, Todd Apo, and the rest of the board members to come to a conclusion to let Isaac go, said Fevella.

Lawmakers take aim on e-bikes following egregious civil disobedience, in Ewa Beach

In a statement, HTAs interim president and CEO Caroline Anderson said we are committed to be an organization informed by Native Hawaiian values and always strive to provide a workplace where our staff and partners feel safe, valued, and respected.

She continued saying we take this situation seriously and will resolve it responsibly.

Fevellas also demanding DBEDT Director James Tokioka to be dismissed as well, because he said Tokioka knew about Choy, but did nothing.

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In a statement, Tokioka said he spoke to then-HTA president and CEO Daniel Nahoopii about the issue in August 2023, when the incident happened.

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Tokioka said a month later, he checked back to see if Choy had been reprimanded. Nahoopii said no so Tokioka took it upon himself to formally write up a warning against Choy, which Nahoopii was notified of, and which Nahoopii took no further action on.

A spokesperson for the Governor said Green has directed the AGs office to investigate and identify any appropriate next steps.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Some people are calling Tennessee state laws into question following public outrage over the sentencing of a former Blount County teacher.

Joseph Dalton pleaded guilty to multiple counts of offensive touching of his students. He was sentenced to six months of supervised probation. The sentence sparked protests in Blount County, with many saying the punishment doesnt fit the crime.

Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond released a statement in which he agreed that the sentence was insufficient. However, he said the lesser charge was due to how state laws are written.

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Were getting double whammied right now: Local union president reacts to planned UPS layoffs

Desmond said no evidence in the case met the standard for sexual battery, therefore Dalton could only be charged with offensive touching, which is a Class B misdemeanor.

If there was a sexual offense, they would have charged a sexual offense, 6 News Legal Analyst Greg Isaacs explained. This isnt a loophole, what happened was an individual was charged with offensive touching because simply, thats what the proof was.

Desmond said the law is insufficient and he would support legislation to amend it. State Representative Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) said the laws arent to blame.

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He needs to do his job and stop blaming others. Were passing laws every time. Our prisons are swelling because of the laws that we are doing to try and be tough on crime, he said.

Blount County Commission Chairman Jared Anderson has introduced a resolution asking lawmakers to change the law surrounding offensive touching.

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One of the issues with that statute is that it doesnt make any distinction between physical contact with an adult and physical contact with a child, and I think that that needs to be fixed, he said.

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Anderson also wants lawmakers to up the charge to a higher misdemeanor or a felony. He also wants those charged with this crime to be ineligible for judicial diversion.

Dalton was granted judicial diversion by the judge, despite Desmonds arguments against it. This gives Dalton the chance to have the case expunged from public record if he meets with the requirements of his probation.

That happens in every misdemeanor case if youre eligible, typically, but this was not an agreed upon disposition, this was a decision made by a criminal court judge, Isaacs said.

McKenzie said Desmond still played a role in the light sentence.

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He chose to plead that out, McKenzie said. Thats a poor plea, I think the judge needs to have his record looked at, that was not appropriate.

Republican leaders have expressed interest in working to improve the law. State Rep. Tom Stinnett told 6 News he already has plans to meet with the DA. While State Senator Richard Briggs and State Rep. Jeremy Faison said theyd support any measure to protect children.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

Andersons resolution will be discussed by the commission on Thursday. It should be noted that if this resolution passes, it wont change any state laws. It will simply be an official ask to state lawmakers to take that action.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
The fascists are taking over Britain! That is the view of much of Europes mainstream media following Reforms stunning electoral performance on Thursday. From Spains El Mundo to Frances Le Monde to Italys main broadcaster, Rai, all describe Reform as a far-Right party. According to the French edition of the Huffington Post, voters turned to the far-Right Reform because of disillusionment about the lack of results on economic growth, illegal immigration figures and ailing public services.

In 2025 this is what passes for far-Right in the narrow minds of much of Europes mainstream media. This time last year a coalition of Left-wing, Green and centrist parties in the EU issued a communique as the European elections loomed. It was timed to coincide with the 79th anniversary of VE Day, and the statement declared: We are facing a crucial moment in the history of our European project, where once more the far Right is attempting to bring back the darkest pages of our history, challenging everything we built and poisoning our democracies.

This overlooked an uncomfortable truth: the wave of anti-Semitism that has swept Europe since October 2023 has not come from the far-Right. It is not they who are burning down synagogues and hunting Jews in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. But this is by-the-by for much of Europes mainstream media. For them, the bogeyman remains the far-Right and Nigel Farage is the latest incarnation.

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The Western European press is adopting the same strategy of shaming it has deployed with varying degrees of success in Italy, Spain, France and Germany. It cries far-Right and unearths the fascist roots of the parties of Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni.

Among the founders of the French National Front in 1972 was a man who had served in the Nazi SS during the war; Melonis Brothers of Italy party is descended from the Italian Social Movement, created in 1946 by fascist supporters of Benito Mussolini. In Spain, the Vox Party has been described by the BBC as a nationalist throwback to the era of dictator Francisco Franco.

But conjuring up the past wont work with Reform and Nigel Farage. Fascism never took off in Britain in the 1930s. In his essay England Your England, George Orwell attributed this to the fact that the British, while not as intellectual as the rest of Europe, had a stronger sense of individual liberty. They also loathed regimentation. No party rallies, no Youth Movements, no coloured shirts, no Jew-baiting, wrote Orwell. The average Brit also despised and mocked the swaggering officer type, the jingle of spurs and the crash of boots.

The aristocrat Oswald Moseley was of this type. He founded the British Union of Fascists in 1932 but they were never anything more than a fringe outfit. He and his Blackshirts were famously chased out of East London in 1936 in what was dubbed the Battle of Cable Street.

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In analysing last weeks election results in England, Spains El Mundo newspaper warns that Farage could become Prime Minister unless the Conservatives and Labour unite in a kind of German-style grand coalition to prevent it.

Its not just in Germany where mainstream parties have formed expedient coalitions to keep far-Right parties at bay. It has also happened recently in France, Spain, Austria and Holland.

But British politics is not as grubby. The Tories and Labour will never form a coalition, and, frankly, even if they did there is still a good chance they would lose to Reform  such is the fury felt towards these two parties.

Coalitions are effective in Europe because of what happened in the 1930s and 40s. The political and media elite justify them because they are a bulwark against the return of fascism.

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In last summers French parliamentary elections, prime minister, Gabriel Attal, declared it the moral duty of every French citizen to vote against Le Pens National Rally; even if it meant casting a ballot for the far-left La France Insoumise, a party feared by the vast majority of Frances Jews.

This tyranny of morality wont work in Britain because Reform has no fascist skeletons in its cupboard. Unlike, one might say, Labour and the Conservatives. Oswald Moseley began his political career as a Tory MP in 1918 before crossing the floor and serving in Ramsay MacDonalds Labour Government.

Of course, any intelligent and honest person knows that this doesnt mean the Tories or Labour have anything to be ashamed about. Just as any intelligent and honest person knows that there is nothing shameful about voting for Reform because they are not far-Right.

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CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Almost a week after powerful storms swept through parts of Central Pennsylvania, dozens of residents in Cambria County havent had their power restored yet.

Tom Davis, the Executive Director of the Cambria County Department of Emergency Services, said FirstEnergy notified the department that 61 people remain without power. That number decreased from the original 25,000 of Penelecs customers that were impacted.

The first responders in Cambria County have truly been busy since last Tuesday. We have been getting multiple updates every day from the electric companies letting us know the current situation. The outages in the county, which I know have been a strain on a lot of people, so I can assure you the utility companies are working as fast as they can, and they let us know they are, Davis said.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Nearly 5,000 utility workers deployed across PA to restore power after Tuesdays storm

Line workers from utilities and contract companies from as far as Alabama, Illinois, Rhode Island and Massachusetts assisted local crews in fixing the power.

It was an enormous effort. They had 95% of those customers back on with power by Saturday afternoon. Which is huge, because youre not just flipping switches to turn things on. You are clearing trees away. Youre putting wire back into the air. Youre putting new poles up, youre repairing cross arms. And theres just an enormous amount of work to be done, Todd Meyers, a FirstEnergy Corp. Spokesperson, said.

Meyers noted that last weeks storm was the worst FirstEnergy has experienced in 15 years.

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On Monday morning, REA Energy also notified WTAJ that only four of their customers in Cambria County were without power. They expect the repairs to be completed by the end of Monday.

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For the FirstEnergy customers in Cambria County, power should be restored by Monday night.

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The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race reminds me of better days when candidates treated each other with respect and offered positive visions for the future. Yes, there was once a time when candidates could disagree without being disagreeable, as evidenced by two hard-fought races during my career.

In 1966, I ran in the Republican primary against incumbent Louis Romell to represent a rural district in the Wisconsin Assembly. Louis began serving in the Legislature in 1947 but hadnt risen to a leadership position. Wisconsin needed a new generation of conservative leaders who would keep taxes low and protect our rural communities, and I believed I could do better.

Louis may have taken his reelection for granted because he took an extended vacation that summer while I went door to door in Adams, Juneau and Marquette counties. I met thousands of farmers, small business owners, factory workers and retired persons who shared concerns for their families and communities. I listened, honed my message and used their views to set an agenda for when I got to Madison.

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Opinion: Here's what you told us about Wisconsin Supreme Court race

I liked Louis and didnt disparage him on the trail or in the press. Instead, hard work and a positive message propelled me to a primary win with 57 percent of the vote and 72 percent in the general election. When the Assembly met in January 1967 with Republicans in charge, I nominated Louis to serve as the houses Sergeant at Arms. We remained friends until he passed in 1987.

I ran against Tony Earl for governor but still considered him a friend

I ran against another friend in 1986 when I challenged Tony Earl for the governorship. Tony and I served together in the Legislature beginning in 1969, a time when Republicans and Democrats fought fiercely for their principles and policies in the Capitol during the day, and then crossed the street to drink beer together at the Park Motor Inn at night. Like me, Tony quickly rose into leadership in his caucus and looked forward to a promising future.

Tonys governorship was plagued by a stagnant economy and difficult budgets. He and the Democrats in charge of the Legislature had raised taxes to fix the states fiscal woes and that issue became a problem for him when reelection time came around. In contrast, I opposed tax increases and questioned Tonys plan to locate a prison in downtown Milwaukee. Our campaigns focused on issues, and the voters ultimately chose my vision for the state.

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Tony and I continued to discuss important issues even after our hard fought race. In particular, Tony had a national reputation on water policy and I shared his vision for the future of the Great Lakes. I named him as my representative on the new Great Lakes Protection Fund and asked him to find ways to improve water quality across the basin. I trusted Tony to make good decisions and his leadership led to investments that continue to serve Wisconsin and the entire region. My last conversation with my friend Tony was at his apartment in Madison, not long before he died in 2023.

Supreme Court campaign featured vicious and sickening attacks

Louis and Tony came to mind as I watched the recent Supreme Court race with disgust. I have no doubt both court candidates are well-intentioned public servants, but the nature of todays politics pushed them to engage in vicious, sickening attacks that went beyond questioning their opponents qualifications to disparaging their ethics and morality.

Do I believe Susan Crawford or Brad Schimel think child rapists should be given light sentences and released back into the community to reoffend? Of course not. But $100 million of negative, nauseating advertising went on the air to make us all believe just that.

Opinion: Musk, billionaires took over Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The joke is on us.

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I am not so naive to propose turning back the clock to some idealized version of 1966 when candidates ran campaigns that focused on issues. Campaigning has always been a rough business where candidates occasionally have to throw and take an elbow. But I join the many voters today who are sick of the politics of personal destruction that tear down an opponent rather than uplift us with ideas and positive visions for the future.

Wisconsin is more than a year away from the next round of statewide elections that will determine who controls the governorship and Legislature. I hope my fellow citizens will use that time to insist that candidates focus on issues and treat their opponents with respect. Unless voters demand better, we can expect campaigns to spiral deeper into the abyss of vitriol and destruction.

By the way, if candidates have $100 million to throw into negative advertising, they might consider putting that money to better use by building hospitals and schools. Okay, there I go being naive.

Tommy G. Thompson was elected governor of Wisconsin four times, serving from 1987 to 2001. In 2001, he became Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a post he held for four years. He previously served in the State Assembly from 1967 to his election as governor.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Unless voters demand better, campaigns will spiral deeper | Opinion
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. U.S. President Donald Trump described Indias attack on Pakistan as a shame, Trend reports.

It is a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking into the Oval [Office]. I guess people knew something was going to happen, based on a little bit of the past.

Theyve been fighting for a long timemany, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly, he said at a briefing.

India had already launched missile strikes on three Pakistani cities. The attacks targeted Bahawalpur in Punjab province, as well as the cities of Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir.

Earlier, Pakistan announced it was closing its airspace to all flights for 48 hours.
Tom Campbell has been appointed North Dakota's USDA Rural Development state director. (Photo provided by USDA Rural Development)

A former Republican state senator in North Dakota has been appointed to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development state director.

Tom Campbell, whose family built the Campbell Farms potato growing enterprise in the Grafton area, also has experience with real estate and banking, a news release from the USDA said.

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Campbell served in the North Dakota Senate from 2013 to 2018. He ran for the U.S. House in 2018 and again in 2024 after first announcing a run for governor last year. He suspended his campaign for House in March 2024.

USDA Rural Development is involved in areas such as housing, internet access and supplying water in rural areas.

The mission of Rural Development is vital to our communities, and I am eager to connect with the leaders and stakeholders throughout our great state, Campbell said in a news release.

Campbell succeeds Erin Oban, who served as state director under President Joe Biden.

Brad Thykeson, who served as state executive director for the Farm Service Agency in North Dakota during President Donald Trumps first term, has returned to that position.

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FSA administers commodity, credit, disaster assistance and other programs for farmers.

Marcy Svenningsen led the North Dakota FSA office under the Biden administration.

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Sitting next to President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney got the clip he wanted Canadians to see: him telling Trump that Canada is not for sale. But over the course of the 33-minute exchange in front of reporters in the freshly gilded Oval Office, Carney had to wait patiently as Trump repeatedly made lengthy pitches for why Canada should be the USs 51st state.

It was a meeting that Trump repeatedly described as friendly but his words told a different story. The awkward tone was set moments before the tete-a-tete began, as Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. was giving Canada FREE Military Protection and that the U.S. doesnt need energy, lumber from Canada or cars built there. We dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain, Trump wrote.

It was Carneys first visit to the White House since he led the Canadian Liberal Party last week to victory over the Conservatives to run the government. Trump opened the meeting by calling Carney a very good person and complimented him on his race, noting that Carney's Liberal Party had previously been behind in the polls. Trump called Carneys win one of the greatest comebacks in the history of politics, maybe even greater than mine. Carney returned the compliments, saying Trump was a "transformational president and praising Trumps relentless focus on the American worker, securing your borders as well as ending the scourge of fentanyl and securing the world.

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But Carney started to shift uncomfortably when Trump was asked if he still believes Canada should be the 51st US state. Trump argued Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better security and better health care,if they joined the US.

Carney was ready with a response that tried to appeal to Trumps experience buying and selling buildings. As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. The one were sitting in right now. You know, Buckingham Palace, which you visited as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign last several months, it is not for salewont be for sale, ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.

Carney said his government is committed to increasing its investment in Canadas security and working to defend the Arctic. But later on in their meeting, Trump came back to his conviction that one day Canada would become part of the US. Never say never, Trump said, at which point, Carney could be seen mouthing the word "never" five times as reporters shouted questions.

In justifying his push for expanding the U.S., Trump described himself as artistic and liking the shape of the larger border when the two countries are joined on a map. This is not necessarily a one-day deal. This is over a period of time they have to make that decision, Trump said.

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Carney jumped in. Respectfully, Canadianss view on this is not going to changeon the 51st state.

Since he came to office, Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from Canada and 25% tariffs on cars and some auto parts. Tariffs on several other resources including potash used in crop fertilizers are at 10%. In retaliation, Canada set targeted 25% tariffs on beer, orange juice, peanut butter, wine and spirits and appliances and other goods.

The two countries plan to negotiate those rates in a sweeping talks that could also reopen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in July 2020. Trump said Tuesday that hed be willing to eliminate the USMCA altogether. We do have a negotiation coming up over the next year or so to adjust it or terminate it, Trump said. For his part, Carney described USMCA as the basis for a broader negotiation and said some things about it are going to have to change.

As Trump continued to insist that Canada could one day merge with the U.S., the American President seemed to sense there was a risk this meeting could turn into a full-blown confrontation like the now infamous Oval Office meeting in February, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to agree to a ceasefire with Russia without security guarantees from the U.S.

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This is very friendly, Trump said, as if saying the word itself would make it so. "This is not going to be likewe had another little blow up with somebody elsethat was a much different thing. This is a very friendly conversation.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The News

Canadas new Prime Minister Mark Carney met US President Donald Trump Tuesday at the White House, marking the Canadian leaders first foreign visit since his electoral victory based around a campaign promise to stand up to Trump.

Carney has said he hopes to forge a new bilateral economic and security relationship with Washington, and this first in-person meeting with Trump represents an early test of that ambition.

Canada is not for sale, Carney told Trump Tuesday, even as the US president repeated his taunt that Canada should become the 51st state.

Canadians expect that [Carney] will not be subservient, one expert told Time Magazine: If Trump gets out of line ... its Carneys job to shake his head and say, Well, no, I dont agree.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in the White House Tuesday that Canada would not submit to U.S. ownership. Donald Trump, however, wouldnt back down.

As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale, Carney said. Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, its not for sale. It wont be for sale ever.

Never say never, Trump said, telling reporters that only time would tell while seated inches away from the Canadian leader. I had many things that people said were not doable but ended up being doable.

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Carney won Canadas top leadership post in April in large part due to his staunch position against Trumps growing threats to annex the country.

In the months leading up to the election, Canadas Liberal Party was believed to be on its deathbed. But that all changed with Trumps tariff talk, which radically ramped up anti-American sentiment amongst Canadian voters, alongside Trumps bizarre and public ambitions to occupy Canada.

Trump has actively aggressed U.S. relations with Canada since his first term. Recent rhetoric about annexing Canada to become the U.S.s 51st state has not played well with the Canadian people or its leaders, causing some residents of the country to candidly dub Trump an asshole.

Responding to reporters Tuesday, Trump said there was nothing that Carney could say or do to lift his tariffs on Canada. Its just the way it is, Trump said when asked why he wouldnt budge.

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Carney appeared disturbed by the admission, interjecting to respond to several of Trumps prior points.

Respectfully, Canadians view on this is not going to change, on the 51st state, Carney said as Trump grimaced beside him. Secondly, we are the largest client of the United States. In the totality of all the goods, we are the largest state. We have a tremendous auto sector between the two of us.

You know, 50 percent of the cars that come from Canada is American, thats unlike anywhere else in the world, the prime minister continued, gesturing to the reporter who inquired about tariffs. This will take some time and some discussions, and thats why were here, to have those discussions, and thats represented by whos sitting around the table.

Trump was quick to respond. See, the conflict thisand this is very friendly, this is not going to be like we had another little blow up with somebody else, that was a much differentthis is a very friendly conversation, he said. We want to make our own cars, we dont really want cars from Canada.

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At some point, it wont make economic sense for Canada to make those cars, Trump continued, claiming that the U.S. would make its own steel. We really dont want Canadian steel, and we dont want Canadian aluminium and various other things because we want to be able to do it ourself.

Trump then continued to lie about the two countrys trade situation, equating Canadas trade deficits with the United States with subsidies. Trade deficits are indicators that Americas neighbors are purchasing more of its goods than they sell in return. In 2023, that differentialor deficitwas nearly $41 billion with Canada, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Shortly afterward, Trump abruptly ended the meeting, refusing to allow Carney another opportunity to respond to the American press.

This story has been updated.
Canadas newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney met Tuesday with President Donald Trump amid major tensions over the trade war and Trumps push to annex the northern neighbor as a 51st state.

Carney, who won election last week on a platform of confronting Trumps threats, sought to strike a more cordial tone in the planned face-to-face Oval Office meeting between leaders of the two longtime close allies.

The two leaders showered praise on one another before the closed-door meeting.

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Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person, Trump said. We have a lot of things in common.

Youre a transformational president, Carney responded. Ive been elected similarly to transform Canada.

Carney squirmed a bit as Trump riffed on his contentious plan to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

There are some places that are never for sale. Having met with the owners of Canada  its not for sale and it will never be for sale, Carney said.

Never say never, Trump retorted with a smile. Time will tell.

Carney has stressed that he was elected to stand up to the mercurial U.S. president and that Canada is in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. The former central banker said he expects difficult but constructive conversations.

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Minutes before Carneys arrival, Trump set a contentious tone by accusing Canada of freeloading on trade and the nations geopolitical alliance.

We dont need anything they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need everything from us, Trump wrote on his social media site.

Trump told reporters on Monday that he wasnt sure why Carney was visiting.

Minutes before Carneys arrival, Trump set a contentious tone by accusing Canada of freeloading on trade and the nations geopolitical alliance.

We dont need anything they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need everything from us, Trump wrote on his social media site.

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Trump told reporters on Monday that he wasnt sure why Carney was visiting.

Trump has frayed a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

The widespread north-of-the-border outrage provoked by Trumps bellicose rhetoric powered Carneys Liberal Party to a stunning comeback victory over the right-wing opposition party.

Trump has repeatedly threatened that he intends to make Canada the 51st state and says he is deadly serious. Just Sunday, Trump called the border an artificial line that prevents the two nations from forming a beautiful country.

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Trumps openly adversarial approach with allies and rivals alike has raised big questions for Carney and other world leaders on how to manage relations with Trump.

Some world leaders, such as the United Kingdoms prime minister, Keir Starmer, engaged in a charm offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the other hand, wound up getting into a shouting match with Trump after challenging his stance on the Russian invasion.

Trump says the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada even though corporations have worked for decades to integrate supply chains between the two nations.

Nearly 25% of the oil the U.S. consumes comes from the province of Alberta. Almost every state along the northern border, including upstate New York, relies heavily on trade with Canada.

Trump has also disparaged Canadas military commitments despite a hand-in-glove partnership that stretched from from the beaches of Normandy in World War II to the fight against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced off in the Oval Office on Tuesday and showed no signs of retreating from their gaping differences in an ongoing trade war that has shattered decades of trust between the two countries.

The two kept it civil, but as for Trumps calls to make Canada the 51st state, Carney insisted his nation was not for sale and Trump shot back, time will tell.

Asked by a reporter if there was anything Carney could tell him to lift his tariffs of as much as 25% on Canada, Trump bluntly said: No.

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The U.S. president added for emphasis, Just the way it is.

Carney acknowledged that no bit of rhetoric on tariffs would be enough to sway Trump, saying that this is a bigger discussion."

There are much bigger forces involved, the Canadian leader continued. And this will take some time and some discussions. And that's why we're here, to have those discussions."

The meeting between the two leaders showcased the full spectrum of Trump's unique mix of aggression, hospitality and stubbornness.

Shortly before Carney's arrival, Trump insulted Canada by posting on social media that the United States didn't need ANYTHING from its northern neighbor, only to then turn on the charm and praise Carney's election win in person before showing his obstinance on matters of policy substance.

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Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump, even as he has preserved the calm demeanor of an economist who has led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom.

At times, Carney struggled to interject his views and raised his hand to talk as Trump held forth at length and veered between topics, touching on California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and teasing a great upcoming announcement that's not necessarily on trade.

Trump offended Canada's sense of pride and friendship by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods. The outrage provoked by Trump enabled Carneys Liberal Party to score a stunning comeback victory last month as the trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty have outraged voters.

Trump said the two would not discuss making Canada part of the U.S., even as he insisted the idea would lead to lower taxes for Canadians.

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Its not for sale, Carney said. It wont be for sale. Ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.

Trump persisted by saying that the United States did not want to buy autos from Canada, even if the vehicles were also assembled in America. The U.S. leader insisted that the $63 billion trade deficit in goods  which he inflated to $200 billion  was a subsidy that needed to come an end.

The meeting never devolved into the outburst that the public saw in Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was berated by the U.S. president and his team for not being sufficiently deferential. Nor did it have the ease of Trump's sit down with the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who invited Trump for a visit provided by King Charles III.

Carney later described his conversation with Trump as wide ranging and constructive, telling reporters that the prospect is there for positive negotiations but there would be zigs and zags. Carney said he stressed the value that Canadian companies and factories created for U.S. automakers while stressing that it was unfair to assume one meeting could resolve any differences.

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I wouldnt have expected white smoke coming out of this meeting, Carney said after the Tuesday meeting, referencing the signal that a new pope has been selected.

Carney said that he privately asked Trump to stop calling Canada the 51st state during their meeting. But when pressed on how Trump responded, the Canadian prime minister said: Hes the president. Hes his own person.

Trump was later asked if he would give Carney the same governor nickname that he had put on Trudeau. The nickname was a slight meant to imply that Canada's leader would eventually be just one of many U.S. governors.

As far as calling him Gov. Carney, no, I havent done that yet, and maybe I wont, Trump said. I did have a lot of fun with Trudeau. But I think this is, this is a big step. Its a good step up for Canada.

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Trump added that the meeting with Carney had been great and that he thought the ongoing relationship would be strong.

A senior Canadian government official said the president asked Carney his perspective on a variety of foreign policy issues including Iran, Russia, Ukraine and China. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, said Trump was looking forward to the G-7 meeting in Alberta, Canada.

The stakes of the meeting were high and the messages beforehand mixed. Trump told reporters on Monday that he wasn't quite sure why Carney was visiting.

Im not sure what he wants to see me about, Trump said. But I guess he wants to make a deal.

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U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick further stoked doubts about their interest in repairing the relationship with Canada in a Monday interview on Fox Business Network's Kudlow show.

Asked if the U.S. could make a deal with Canada, Lutnick called the country a socialist regime that has been basically feeding off America." Lutnick said Tuesday's meeting would be fascinating.

Carney, at a Friday news conference ahead of his trip, said the talks would focus on immediate trade pressures and the broader economic and national security relationships. He said his government would fight to get the best deal for Canada and take all the time necessary to do so, even as Canada pursues a parallel set of talks to deepen relations with other allies and lessen its commitments with the U.S.

Trump has maintained that the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada. He is actively going after a Canadian auto sector built largely by U.S. companies, saying, Theyre stopping work in Mexico, and theyre stopping work in Canada, and theyre all moving here. He also said the U.S. doesnt need Canadas energy  though nearly one-fourth of the oil that the U.S. consumes daily comes from the province of Alberta.

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The president has also disparaged Canada's military commitments despite a partnership that ranges from the beaches of Normandy in World War II to remote stretches of Afghanistan. He said on Tuesday with Carney that the U.S. would continue to provide national security support to Canada.

Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and tariffs on other products outside the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, in some cases ostensibly to address relatively low volumes of fentanyl intercepted at the northern border. That has jeopardized a closely entwined trade relationship as Canada sees an increasing need to build relations with the European Union and other nations.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canadas exports go to the U.S.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Donald Trump will welcome Canadas newly elected prime minister to the White House Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting amid the two countries ongoing tariff battle.

The prime ministers first visit to the White House comes after the Canadian people largely elected him on the platform of standing up to President Trump.

Hes coming to see me. Im not sure what he wants to see me about, said Trump.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will have his first meeting with President Trump at the White House where the top trading partners plan to talk tariffs.

I guess he wants to make a deal. Everybody does, said Trump.

U.S. tariffs against Canadian exports include vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum, which could raise prices for Americans on new and used cars, repairs and insurance.

We need to continue to work closely with the administration on a comprehensive set of policies to support our shared vision of that healthy and growing auto industry, said Ford CEO Jim Farley.

Ford CEO Jim Farley touted his companys domestic production, but the automaker continues to rely on engines from Canada.

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For us, its not a huge change because we already source almost all of our parts in the U.S., said Farley.

President Trump also announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside of the U.S.

Canada is one of many countries that offers tax incentives major film companies use.

Our film industry has been decimated by other countries, said Trump.

The Houses top Democrat, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, calls the presidents latest tariff threat a distraction.

All the random stuff that gets thrown out there, I mean, its just hard to take it seriously, said Jeffries.

Six governors have also invited top Canadian leaders to visit their states to discuss the impact of the presidents tariffs.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Doctors are calling it a health emergency: A new study found harmful, cancer-causing chemicals in some synthetic braiding hair products.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2s Audrey Washington spoke with health experts and social justice scholars about why those harmful products are mostly marketed to Black women.

The report about cancer-causing chemicals found in synthetic braiding hair is sending shockwaves through the beauty industry.

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But now some health professionals believe these products that are targeted to Black women and girls specifically are a form of environmental racism.

You can dress it up or down because of the curls, said hairstylist Dionne James, talking about a style of hair braids.

RELATED STORY:

I was scared: Synthetic braiding hair linked to cancer-causing chemicals

By now, most of us have seen the flashy beauty supply ads usually displayed in Black neighborhoods that promote braiding hair products.

But recently some of those products were tested and the results are disturbing.

Not knowing if I may be a candidate with cancer in the future or now, I dont know, said James.

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A Consumer Reports study found cancer-causing chemicals in all 10 brands of braiding hair tested, and three had the chemical benzene.

So, benzene is mostly linked to leukemia, said chemist and Emory University Professor of Environ mental Health Carmen Marsit, Ph.D.

He explained how the chemical disrupts the body.

And its this chemical that can go in and bind to your DNA and lead to mutations. And so, with that it could go on to form a cancer, said Marsit.

We reached out to all 10 companies whose products were tested.

Only two responded.

Magic Fingers sent this statement:

Magic Fingers is proud of the trusted and top-quality hair products we provide to our customers. Our customers know they can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance. The unusual testing methods employed by Consumer Reports do not fairly match the real-world way that our customers use our Braiding Hair.

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Sensationnel sent this statement:

At Sensationnel, we pride ourselves on producing the finest quality hair products on the market, and we are constantly evaluating our materials and processes with customer safety in mind.

The claims and conclusions presented by the Consumer Reports study are unfounded and misleading. Its study used a harsh and unusual testing methodology on hair braiding products that are clearly not intended for ingestion. We strongly disagree with the claims Consumer Reports makes about the potential risk to consumers that could arise from the safe and common use of our products.

We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products, and our company urges consumers to continue to confidently use Sensationnel products.

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But Marsit said benzene does not need to be ingested in order to be harmful.

Its near your face, so thats in your breathing zone, said Marsit.

In 2024, Washington first spoke with Marsit after the FDA proposed a ban on certain chemical hair straighteners that were found to cause cancer.

Those products were mostly marketed to and used by Black women and girls.

Washington asked if the placement of these products in majority Black communities a form of environmental racism.

I think it plays a big part. I mean, its really, its really a history of these types of products being marketed to Black women, said Marsit.

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I would definitely say that racism is at the core with regards to when any time a particular group is disproportionately impacted, discriminated against having particular life chances and is around race, said Morehouse College Professor Taura Taylor, Ph.D.

So, this is in my mind a public health emergency, said dermatologist Dr. Alia Brown.

She has treated patients who developed serious scalp and hand rashes from synthetic braids.

She said the rashes combined with the new cancer risks should sound health alarms nationwide.

Unfortunately, there also are some biases that exist with healthcare and people of color and disparities, said Dr. Brown.

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Hairstylist Dionna James said she developed health issues after decades of braiding and inhaling fumes from synthetic hair.

I have suffered from benign tumors, so now Im starting to think that maybe it may correlate to the hair, said James.

Is this braiding hair poisoning Black women? asked Washington.

Of course it is, answered Dr. Abayomi Jones, a physician and attorney who has done research on harmful hair care products in the Black community.

These manufacturers and producers, they understand what is in these products, but the consumer doesnt understand. So, its a blatant pulling the wool over our eyes, said Dr. Jones.

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Most of the synthetic hair used for braiding is bought in bulk from overseas where regulations are different.

Health experts said it is best for the consumer to purchase organic hair made with banana fibers.

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Over 250,000 Afghan refugees return home from Pakistan, Iran in April: UNHCR

Xinhua) 15:55, May 05, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu)
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Hey, computer, leave them kids alone! We should start singing a new tune. Well, at least an old one with new lyrics. That's because we're finally seeing some momentum on getting cellphones out of America's classrooms. It's also happening in Europe.

Now is a good time to take it a step further. Let's get rid of screens.

Businessman and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a similar idea in a recent op-ed titled, "Kids are spending too much class time on laptops."

"Technologists," as Bloomberg calls them, have pushed screens in front of our children in 90% of American schools. Technologists include think tank researchers, government officials and computer manufacturers  or people, who, I imagine, probably see other humans as walking lines of JavaScript code.

In any case, these techies assumed that devices like desktops, laptops and tablets "would allow for curricula to be tailored around student needs, empowering them to learn at their own pace and raising achievement levels. It hasn't worked," Bloomberg writes.

He provides numbers in support, but do you really need them? Suffice it to say that, as Bloomberg adds, "test scores are near historic lows." America is falling further behind other developed countries in math and reading (blah, blah, blah). Sadly, this shouldn't be news to anyone anymore.

Like in so many other areas of American life, companies with a financial interest are busily promoting their wares (in this case software and hardware), oblivious to or willfully ignorant of the ill effects on users.

While tech continues to tighten its grip on education, schools have lost sight of the bigger picture. They've outsourced to IT companies not only the products and services used in their classrooms, but also the idea of what a "meaningful" education should entail.

Ah meaningful  such a warm and fuzzy word. What does meaningful mean in this context?

Let's answer that by way of experiment. The next time you're intimate with a screen for the next 20 minutes or six hours (depending on your ability to digitally zombify), take note of what you remember. Maybe it's just me, but I don't remember much.

After a haze of scrolling, YouTube, headline scanning and a frantic search for any other burst of newness  much of which is algorithmically decided on my behalf  all I'm left with is a big bag of undigested tidbits, as well as something akin to Catholic guilt (let's call it Analog guilt) for being seduced into a colossal time suck.

But kids in school use computers in a focused way, to zero in on cognitive-building tasks, the technologists would say in perfect Silicon Valley-ese.

Two issues with that.

One, when you watch young people or anyone with their faces pressed into a screen, it appears that they are utterly absorbed or "focused" on what they are doing. And this can genuinely be so. They might even be focusing on one task, amazing as that seems. But what are screens doing more of  helping us focus or fragmenting that focus?

Increasingly, the latter is winning out. That's because screens excite our urge to "see what else is going on." They encourage multitasking, which is now baked into our technological cake/world. Screens combined with the internet give you infinite options as well as anxiety about missing out (FOMO). Skeptical? Then count how many windows you have open on your computer, or how many apps are running on your smartphone.

Granted, schools use blocking software to keep students focused  good for them  but our students' ability to "zero in" has already been gravely damaged because of their screen habits outside of school. They can't even get through an entire book. And who can blame them? Most of us suffer from this to varying degrees.

In his new book, "The Sirens' Call," MSNBC host Chris Hayes describes how the "slot-machine model" has become the dominant one of our age. Powerful IT companies have invested enormous sums of money trying to solve a big human "dilemma": It's easy to gain someone's attention (just pass gas loudly in public), but how do you hold it?

"Slot machines hold our attention by grabbing it for just a little bit while we wait for the spinning to stop, and then repeating that same brief but intense process over and over," Hayes writes. Paradoxically, the slot machine model keeps us engaged by slicing and dicing our attention spans. It's at work in video games, social media (the endless feed), and in so many apps and computer programs. It's almost mandatory that tech companies adopt it if they want to compete in our attention-deficit age.

But here is the second and more important objection to the technologists' contention that screens should be integral to education (and this reconnects to the meaningful bit above): Screens simply detract from our face-to-face time together on this revolving rock. They fritter away our memories or just prevent us from making memories. And memories are often made doing in-person things with other people.

Bloomberg alludes to this, which is why he should run for president again:

"Some of the most powerful educational interactions occur when a caring, well-trained teacher can look into a student's eyes and help them see and understand new ideas. Machines often don't have that power."

Solutions? Easy. And low cost. Our dear old friends from a bygone era  pure social time with other humans and books  are the answer. Books are self-enclosed worlds better suited to helping us concentrate. We can get lost in them, especially when there isn't anything flashing, pulsating or beeping in the background.

Yes, what we need is a total detox from screens in schools. Plato's Academy resurrected. If today's technology is supposedly so "intuitive," then let the kids have at it later on, and outside of school. They won't have a problem figuring it out.

Let's look at the issue as we would our investments. We really need to diversify our portfolio. In school, students should enjoy pure social time. They should also use books to build mental muscle for sustained focus. This will serve them well for life, but also for the insanely paced tech world to follow.

Our schools should be a refuge from digital life before students become fully engrossed in it.

Terrance J. Mintner is a news editor and writer based in the U.S. Midwest. He writes a newsletter on Substack called Feral Brain.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given, said the country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports.

"The cunning enemy has carried out cowardly attacks on five locations in Pakistan. Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given.

The entire nation stands with the Pakistani armed forces, and the morale and spirit of the entire Pakistani nation are high. The Pakistani nation and the Pakistani armed forces know how to deal with the enemy. We will never allow the enemy to succeed in their nefarious goals," PM Sharif wrote on his page on X.

India had already launched missile strikes on three Pakistani cities. The attacks targeted Bahawalpur in Punjab province, as well as the cities of Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir.

Earlier, Pakistan announced it was closing its airspace to all flights for 48 hours.
ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4)  The two candidates for the chair of the state republican party faced off in a largely cordial debate over several party issues in a debate organized by Washington County Republican Women.

Chair elections, which usually happen in off years between midterm and presidential elections, are held to decide party leadership and are held along with other party official races. These races occur every two years, and this year, two candidates are vying for the Chairmanship of the Utah Republican Party.

Utah GOP delegates to vote on stripping party membership for candidates who gather signatures

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Phil Lyman, who previously was a state legislator and Republican Convention candidate for Governor in 2024, is seeking to unseat incumbent Rob Axson, who has served in the role since he was elected in the 2023 state convention.

Both men met each other at a debate hosted in St. George Monday evening where several issues were covered that are prevalent in state republican politics, including preserving the convention process, logistics for caucus, and party unity. The debate was largely cordial between both candidates, with only subtle jabs exchanged in discussing if the party had done enough to preserve the convention process.

Debate on party support of the Convention system

I do believe that its important to ask what are the things that you are unwilling to do, Axson said to those in attendance in response that the party hadnt done enough to preserve the convention system. Am I willing to push back against the Governor? Yes I am. Have I done it? Yes, I have. Am I willing to break the law? No, I am not.

Lyman, though not mentioning Axson by name, suggested that the party should have done more in supporting convention candidates during the 2024 election cycle.

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Suspect killed in Orem officer-involved shooting

It would have made a huge difference, Lyman stated in reference to wanting Axson as a filer on a lawsuit he filed to reveal signature packets by Gov. Spencer Coxs campaign. And I wished the party would have joined on that because its not my primary, it belongs to the Republican party.

Debate on logistics for caucus night

Another topic of the debate was logistics, and how to prepare for caucus night, and strengthening the caucus system. Axson began saying that constant engagement was needed in order to keep the system strong.

There were some logistical issues and there were some challenges, Axson said in reference to the 2024 caucus night. I am a big believer that you have to learn the lessons that were easy lessons and good lessons and replicate those. But you also have to be willing to learn the lessons that come with difficulty.

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Salt Lake City library workers officially unionize, move to bargain ahead of ban

Axson also mentioned how he is still in favor of a repeal of S.B. 54, which allows candidates to gather signatures as an alternative to the convention system. Lyman shared this view, saying the law nullifies the work state delegates do at convention.

That is a system that has been turned on its head deliberately by people who want to usurp our republican primary system, Lyman stated. When that happens, then you get people going to caucus saying whats the point?'

Debate on party unity

The first questions asked to both candidates at the debate was regarding the factions in the party and how they would unite them.

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Axson pointed out that sticking to the party platform was the best way to unite the factions, saying that the principles are what matter.

We have a lot of people, lot of different perspectives. A Utah Republican may look different in Washington County, or San Juan County, versus somebody in Salt Lake County or Davis County, and that needs to be okay, Axson began. As long as we are focused on the principles.

Lyman focused on discontent spread by parasitic elites and other threats within the party itself. Saying that its those at the top calling the shots for themselves rather than the people at the bottom.

Utah Legislature decides not to override governors vetoes

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Our problem is not a threat from the democrats, its a threat from the republicans themselves, Lyman began. The elite that call the shots  they want to control things. They are called the parasitic elite. They want stadiums, they want benefits, they want to control the world. They want to bring in policies that give them control over the whole apparatus. Its not about the people on the left or people on the right at that point, its about people that are calling the shots.

Upcoming election

Many more issues were discussed at the debate relating to fundraising, judicial activism, and proposals at state convention. The upcoming election is set to be at the State Convention on May 17, held at the UCCU Center.

Alongside the chair election, other party leadership roles are up for grabs. Party secretary has two candidates seeking the office. Incumbent Stafford Sievert will face off against challenger Olivia Williams. Two offices are running unopposed, this includes the current vice chair, Melanie Monester, and the office of Treasurer, where former Salt Lake County GOP party chair, Chris Null, is running unopposed.

Latest headlines:

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A chorus of sharp gasps and breathless sobs was the soundtrack to a chilly May evening in downtown Glendale as the community rallied around the family of a man who was lost in a restaurant gunfight.

"I'm sorry, Milo," his friends kept repeating, each time more desperate and heartbroken than the last.

"He can't be gone," others said. The crew of 10 or so close-knit friends huddled around Milo's memorial at the site he was killed.

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Milo Suniga, 21, was one of three killed May 4 during a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Behind the brightly lit "Welcome to Glendale" sign, hundreds of people gathered in the parking lot of El Camaron Gigante for a candlelight vigil, the perimeter of the lot flanked by a motorcycle club. The tears of family, friends and community members stained the ground where three people were killed and five others injured.

Milo was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught in the crossfire, his cousin, Veronica Tarango, said. He wasn't a violent or confrontational person, she said.

"He lived every day like it was his last," Tarango told The Arizona Republic at the vigil May 6. "He enjoyed every second of his life."

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Milo was a proud Mexican and Native American man, who loved his community and learning about his culture, Tarango said. He was sarcastic, funny, loving and caring. A true gentleman, Tarango said. He was raised that way, according to his dad, Angel Suniga.

Milo's passion was in building and restoring cars, something that brought him out to the event which featured lowriders, Angel said. The father and son worked on cars together, and Milo hoped to continue working with cars as a career after college.

Police said shots were fired by multiple people in the parking lot outside of El Camaron Gigante, a mariscos and steak restaurant, as a Cinco de Mayo celebration happened inside the venue. Brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, were killed, along with Milo.

Police have not said what role the three played in the fight, if any. Milo's family maintained that he was a bystander.

'Not something you would think'

Milo and his family were Glendale natives and occasionally visited El Camaron Gigante. Tarango said the incident came as a shock.

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"It's not something you would think ever would happen, you know?" she said.

The celebration organizers routinely host neighborhood gatherings in the area. On A Sunday Afternoon, which also goes by OASA, describes itself as a "lifestyle brand staying true to the culture and all things Chicano." The group said its events were made to create a safe space for friends and families.

"That safety was taken from us last night, and we will never take that lightly," On A Sunday Afternoon leaders said in a statement. "Our thoughts remain with those grieving, and our commitment to our community has never been stronger."

While police have called the shooting an isolated incident, stemming from bad blood between those involved, it has brought national attention to an area of Glendale that has for years struggled to regain its footing as a destination for shopping and dining.

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Some local business owners appeared to shrug off the incident, with the owner of the Black Sheep coffee shop, Lynn Frederick, saying, Its Glendale." The restaurant where the May 4 shooting occurred, El Camaron Gigante, has had numerous police calls in the year since it opened, including a stabbing March 30.

"We're not immune to violence," said former Glendale Councilmember Jamie Aldama. "(But), this isn't indicative of the West Valley."

Glendale police are still searching for the suspects in the shooting. Milo's father pushed for justice, believing it will come only after police make an arrest.

"He was a very good kid," Angel said. "That's who he was...and I just want justice for him."

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Republic reporters Helen Rummel, Richard Ruelas and Shawn Raymundo contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Community gathers for candlelight vigil after Glendale mass shooting
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  One person is injured after a car crashed into a tree on Saint Paul Street Monday evening.

According to Rochester police, officers responded to Saint Paul Street around 4:45 p.m. and found one care into a tree on the west side of the roadway.

Police said the 44-year-old driver of the car was trapped inside due to extensive damage. RFD extricated the driver, and he was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

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Following an investigation, police said the driver was traveling North at fast speeds on Saint Paul Street before crossing into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and striking the curb, sending the vehicle airborne. The vehicle then struck a sign and a tree, coming to a stop.

St Paul st is blocked off to traffic between Huntington park and Avenue A after a car crashed into a tree. No word yet on injuries, but appears only one vehicle is involved in the crash. @News_8 pic.twitter.com/SSqQXqefMc  Emalee Burkhard (@EmaleeBurkhard) May 5, 2025

Saint Paul Street was blocked off between Huntington Park and Avenue A. The roadway has since re-opened.

No other injuries have been reported as a result of the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BELLEVUE, Ill. (WMBD)  One person was hospitalized after their vehicle left the road and struck a sign, overturning the car.

The Illinois State Police said that at 4:06 p.m. on Monday, May 5, a vehicle that was headed westbound on Interstate 474 near Bellevue, for unknown reasons, crossed the center median and into oncoming traffic, said Rodger Goines, a state police spokesman.

The vehicle then left the roadway altogether, traveled up the embankment before hitting an Illinois Department of Transportation sign, which overturned the vehicle, Goines said.

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The driver was taken to an area hospital with unspecified injuries, he said.

Traffic on I-474 has slowed down, but all lanes are still open, he said.

The crash is still under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Spartanburg, S.C. (WSPA)- Theres a fundraiser in Spartanburg where you can help raise money for veterans who need home repairs or even a new home.

Its happening at Parks Chevrolet 1051 Asheville Highway in Spartanburg, S.C. on May 24 from 9-3.

Parks Chevrolet is partnering with Hub City corvette club and the nonprofit Vettes for Vets to help veterans.

Vettes for Vets was founded in Charleston by veterans to give back to the military community by providing veterans in need of home repairs.

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The founder is a decorated Marine veteran, small business owner and Corvette-owner and enthusiast, Jason Dornes.

Register now for $25 or $30 day of and judging happens at 11 and awards go out at 2.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
An Italian cardinal once tainted by a secret deal with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops has emerged as the favourite to be elected pope.

Pietro Parolin, 70, is a seasoned diplomat who served under Pope Francis as secretary of state  effectively the prime minister of the Vatican City State.

The odds of him being elected as the successor to the late pope when 133 cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday at the start of the conclave are now at 9/4, according to British bookmaker William Hill.

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Cardinal Parolin has moved ahead of the previous favourite, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, despite some in the Catholic Church being highly critical of the confidential accord that he negotiated with Chinas authoritarian regime.

Catholics in China are split into two camps  those who are members of an underground church that is loyal to Rome and the pope, and those who belong to a state-sanctioned church that refuses to accept the authority of the pontiff.

Under the deal, struck in 2018 and since renewed several times, Chinese officials were given some input into bishops who are appointed by the Vatican. Critics said the agreement sold out those Catholics who are loyal to Rome and represented a capitulation to Beijing.

But that has not stopped the cardinal from moving to the front of the pack as cardinals from around the world prepare to vote in the first round of the conclave on Wednesday afternoon.

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If I had to put all my money on red, its Parolin, Parolin, Parolin. I am pretty certain that he will win, a Vatican insider told The Telegraph.

He is attractive because everybody knows him. Everyone has encountered him as a gentle, friendly, balanced, agreeable diplomatic person who knows his way around the Vatican, who has handled things for 10 years. He is reliable and he is not too aggressively Right and not too aggressively Left.

If he becomes pope there will be no trouble, no problems, no crisis. He is not going to be a charismatic pope, he will be very dry and diplomatic. But people are looking for safety  we had surprises and charisma for 12 years (under Francis). People want to see the Vatican repaired. They want order to be restored.

A cardinal who is a member of the Curia, the Holy Sees governing body, said: Parolin is looking like he has the best hand to play. Hes not a divisive candidate and he is picking up votes. The Americans have faith in him. And as a moderate, he can reassure the conservatives on preserving the traditions of the Church. He can also guarantee to the progressives that he wont roll back Franciss initiatives, he told La Stampa newspaper. He is seen as a first among equals rather than someone who wants to be in command on his own.

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The conclave is notoriously hard to predict  particularly this time around.

Not only is it the largest conclave in history, in terms of the number of cardinals who are eligible to vote, they also represent huge geographical diversity, coming from more than 70 countries.

Of the 133 cardinal electors, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis. Many had not met each other before they were summoned to Rome for his funeral and the conclave.

Adding to the unpredictability is the fact that there are two other black marks against Cardinal Parolin.

He was involved  but not charged  in a disastrous Vatican project to buy a former Harrods showroom in London and turn it into luxury flats, a botched deal that resulted in the loss of tens of millions of pounds.

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And he has been accused of withholding incriminating Church records relating to Catholic clergy who sexually abused children.

The American watchdog Bishop Accountability claims that requests for information about priests who were accused of sexual abuse went through his office and were frequently blocked.

It can be fairly said that no Church official in the world has played as pivotal a role in withholding information about sex crimes from civil authorities than Cardinal Parolin, said Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of the watchdog.

But to his supporters, Cardinal Parolin is a consummate statesman who would help heal the divisions created by Franciss often unpredictable style of governance and his confusing declarations on issues such as blessings for same-sex couples and the role of gay people in the Church.

Papacy could return to Italy

His election would return the papacy to Italy after nearly 50 years and three consecutive foreign popes: the Polish John Paul II, the German Pope Benedict XVI and the Argentinian Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

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Cardinals on Tuesday held their 12th and final meeting ahead of the conclave. They discussed the reforms launched by Pope Francis, the battle against clergy sex abuse, transparency in the Vaticans finances and divisions within the Catholic Church. During the meeting, Pope Franciss fishermans ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final rites of the transition from his pontificate to the next.

Just before the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican will jam all telecommunications devices, the governorate of the city state announced.

Cardinals are forbidden from using mobile phones, tablets or any other form of communication during the conclave, which is held behind closed doors.

Any breach of the rules results in immediate excommunication.

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The use of telecommunications will resume once a new pope is elected with the words Habemus papam  Latin for we have a pope.

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(NewsNation)  Cardinals continued to weigh priorities for the future of the Catholic Church on Tuesday as faithful around the world await Wednesdays conclave and the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney  the traditional signal that a new pope has been elected.

Conclaves typically span several days, with multiple rounds of voting, before a candidate secures the necessary two-thirds majority to become pope.

Heres the schedule for the week as the Cardinals work toward their decision:

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On Monday, cardinals held two rounds of meetings, addressing several issues, including divisions within the Church.

Conclave: Unlocking the Mystery, a NewsNation special report

A final round of discussions will be held Tuesday, with the first official vote expected Wednesday.

If no candidate achieves the two-thirds threshold, four votes will be held each day starting Thursday. After three days of voting, a pause will be taken for prayer and reflection. If 33 rounds pass without a consensus, a runoff between the top two candidates will take place.

According to the Vatican, 180 cardinals, including 132 electors, participated in Mondays meeting. A 133rd elector is present in Rome but did not attend. Two cardinals, one from Spain and another from Kenya, will not participate in the conclave due to health issues.

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Conclave true in spirit to papal elections: Entertainment editor

Cardinals address divisions in church

One of the key topics raised Monday was the strong concern over divisions within the church, a Vatican spokesperson told Reuters. This may refer to contentious issues such as Pope Francis decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples and to initiate discussions about the role of women in the church.

Since the day after Francis death, the cardinals have been meeting almost daily to reflect on the direction of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, with participation gradually increasing.

During the conclave, the cardinals are housed in two Vatican guest houses and are sequestered from outside communication until a new pope is chosen.

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Betting on next pope gains popularity ahead of the conclave

How long can the voting process take?

Some cardinals have expressed its in their best interest for the process to move as swiftly as possible.

Francis conclave was notably quick, lasting around 24 hours. Pope Benedicts conclave in 2005 took two days.

The October 1978 conclave that elected Pope John Paul II was also relatively brief. But if we look further back, the 1268 conclave, which elected Pope Gregory X, stretched on for nearly three years.

Since 1900, the longest conclave has lasted five days, providing some context for what onlookers might expect in the coming days.

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Reuters contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
By Joshua McElwee and Crispian Balmer

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Cardinals who will take part in the secret conclave to elect a new Catholic pope began checking into two Vatican hotels on Tuesday, where they will be barred from contact with the outside world as they decide who should succeed Pope Francis.

The conclave will start behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with all cardinals under the age of 80 able to vote on who should be the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.

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The race to succeed Francis, who died last month, is seen as wide open. Although a few names have been cited as possible front-runners, several of the 133 cardinals expected to vote in the conclave have said they do not know who will become the next pope.

"I have no guess," Cardinal Robert McElroy said during a visit to a parish in Rome on Monday evening.

The conclave process is "profound and mysterious," said McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, D.C. "I can give you no insights into who is ahead," he said.

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.

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Conclaves are often spread out over several days, with multiple votes held before a contender wins the necessary two-thirds majority to become pope.

During the conclave period, the voting cardinals will stay in two Vatican guesthouses and take an oath to remain out of contact with anyone not participating in the secret vote.

GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE

Francis had a priority of appointing cardinals from countries that had never had them before, such as Haiti, South Sudan and Myanmar.

This conclave will be the most geographically diverse in the Church's 2,000-year history, with clerics from 70 countries taking part.

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Japanese Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi told La Repubblica newspaper that many of the 23 cardinals from Asia voting in the conclave planned to vote as a block.

He contrasted their strategy with that of the 53 cardinals from Europe, who are known to vote in terms of individual countries or other personal preferences.

"We Asians are probably more unanimous in supporting one or two candidates ... we will see which name will come out as the leading candidate," said Kikuchi.

The cardinals, who have been meeting at the Vatican ahead of the conclave nearly every day since April 22 to discuss matters facing the global Church, held the last of those pre-conclave assemblies on Tuesday.

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In a statement released after the meeting, the clerics lamented ongoing conflicts "in Ukraine, the Middle East, and many other parts of the world."

"We make a heartfelt appeal to all parties involved to reach a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible and to negotiate, without preconditions and further delays, the long-desired peace by the populations involved," they said.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the cardinals also discussed on Tuesday what kind of characteristics they hope to see in the next pope.

Some cardinals said the new pontiff should continue Francis' focus on social justice issues, such as addressing global climate change, and spoke of "having a pope of mercy and hope", said Bruni.

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French Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco said the estimated 400,000 people who attended Francis' funeral and burial procession on April 26 had indicated that Catholics wanted the new pope to be like Francis.

"We need a pastor," Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. "At Francis' funeral, this is what the people asked of us: give us a pastor."

(Reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Alexandra Hudson and Gareth Jones)
The College of Cardinals has gathered in the Vatican for the final meeting before the conclave to elect a new pope begins.

All cardinals in the Catholic Church are allowed to participate one last time in the so-called General Congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote for a new pope and therefore permitted in the conclave, the secret meeting which starts on Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel.

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It is expected that 133 eligible cardinals - the electors - from around the world will take part in the conclave.

Meanwhile, all the cardinals have arrived in Rome.

The crowd in front of the Vatican gates was large on Tuesday.

For dozens of journalists, it was one of the last opportunities to ask the cardinals about their expectations. However, they appeared very reserved. Many did not walk to the Vatican despite the short distances but arrived by car. "A moment of peace!" one of the cardinals requested.

The election is being followed with great interest worldwide, even in countries without a large Catholic population. There are an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

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During the conclave, the cardinals are strictly isolated from the outside world in order to elect a successor to pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

A two-thirds majority is required for the election of a new pope. There is no time limit. In recent times however, conclaves have usually concluded after two or three days.

Shortly after the new pope is elected - indicated by white smoke billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel - an official will pronounce the Latin phrase "habemus papam" (We have a pope) from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, with the name of the new pontiff. The new pope then steps forward to appear before the public for the first time.

Italian police officers and journalists stand outside a guest house where non-Vatican cardinals are staying. The conclave to elect a new pope begins on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the cardinals meet for the last time to prepare for the election and discuss the profile of a possible successor to the late Pope Francis. Oliver Weiken/dpa
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The Russian Defense Ministry's air defense forces shot down 19 drones heading toward Moscow from various directions, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his Telegram channel, Trend reports.

According to him, attacks by five drones were repelled, and emergency services are working at the sites where the debris fell.

Later it became known that 14 more drones had been destroyed. One of them fell in the area of Kashirskoye Highway.
Caribbean culture and emerging leadership will be in the spotlight as leaders from five Caribbean nations will gather in Delaware for a landmark event celebrating heritage, innovation and professional growth. Aimed at transforming traditional business networks and fostering next-generation Caribbean-American leadership, the two-day conference will unfold on June 6 and 7.

The celebration will include a gala at the Delaware Historical Society and a professional leadership conference at OperaDelaware.

The summit, organized by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast, will bring together a diplomatic delegation in Delaware for the first time to focus on Caribbean-centered business and cultural initiatives.

Christopher Chaplin, Jamaicas Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, speaks at the African Diaspora Finance and Investment Conference at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center near New Castle on Feb. 22, 2025.

In a gathering highlighting the growing influence of Caribbean-American leadership on the region's economic and cultural landscape, the invited attendees include the ambassador of the Bahamas to the United Nations; the consular generals from Hait, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago; and the consulate general from Guyana.

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OPENING SOON: Delaware's newest library reimagines community learning. Here's a sneak peek

Empowering Caribbean American professionals

The event arrives at a pivotal moment for Caribbean American professionals in the region, according to Lexi Whilby, founder and executive director of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast. Whilby noted that young entrepreneurs and professionals in the area face barriers in accessing capital and breaking into industries where diverse representation remains limited. This event is meant to demonstrate how collective effort and shared culture can unlock new opportunities.

Lexi Whilby, founder and executive director of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast.

Panels and networking sessions will explore how Caribbean American leaders are using technology, storytelling and collaboration to build businesses and networks that reflect their identities.

Organizers also describe the summit as a dynamic cultural and professional exchange, bringing Caribbean Americans and allies together for an immersive experience centered on identity, leadership and impact.

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For more information, visit the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast website.

You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Caribbean professionals to gather for Delaware leadership conference
By David Ljunggren and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House on Tuesday for his first talks with Donald Trump and bluntly told the U.S. president that Canada would never be for sale.

Carney, who won the April 28 election on a promise to push back against U.S. tariffs and talk of annexation, later said he had also asked Trump to stop referring in public to Canada as the 51st state.

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Overall, Carney termed the meeting as constructive, and said the two sides would start serious talks on a new relationship he insists is needed in the wake of the tariffs.

Trump told reporters the meeting was "great" and noted that he and Carney get along.

"I think the relationship is going to be very strong."

Although Carney has repeatedly called Trump's actions a betrayal, the two leaders showed little animosity during an opening session at the Oval Office where both men praised each other in front of reporters before meeting privately.

Trump said the two sides would not be discussing Canada becoming part of the United States, but said it would be "a wonderful marriage."

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Carney put down the annexation idea firmly.

"It's not for sale, it won't be for sale - ever," he said.

"Never say never, never say never," Trump said.

Trump, whose tariff policy has rattled world markets, had said he and Carney would discuss "tough points," an allusion to the president's belief that the United States can do without Canadian products, a point that he made at length during the Oval Office conversation.

The meeting never appeared at risk of degenerating into the acrimonious exchanges that marked the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in February. That encounter has served as a warning for other world leaders about the delicate dance they face in negotiating with Trump.

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"Regardless of anything, we're going to be friends with Canada. Canada is a very special place to me," Trump said before the private meeting with Carney, adding that the United States would always protect Canada.

The Canadian dollar rose to a near seven-month high against its U.S. counterpart as investors assessed Carney's visit.

PROGRESS MADE: CARNEY

Carney's Liberal Party promised voters it would create a new bilateral economic and security relationship with Washington and diversify an economy heavily dependent on exports to the U.S.

"We made progress. We had very comprehensive tangible exchanges and there will be meetings between ministers and officials," Carney later told a press conference, saying he would meet Trump at a G7 summit in Canada in mid-June.

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Given the potential for missteps and unpredictable reactions from Trump, the sense of relief among Canadian officials was clear. One senior member of the delegation told Reuters the meeting was "a 10 out of 10."

Ahead of the visit, Carney played down expectations of a breakthrough in the talks. Indeed, when Trump was asked if Carney could say anything to persuade him to lift tariffs, he replied, "No."

A senior Canadian government official said Carney told Trump over lunch the tariffs did not make sense.

Carney told reporters he had asked Trump to stop referring to Canada as the 51st state on the grounds it was "not useful."

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"But the president will say what he wants," he said.

Carney's comments about a new economic relationship had cast into doubt the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which Trump signed during his first White House term but has distanced himself from. It is due to be reviewed in 2026.

Carney steered clear of suggesting a major revamp, saying only that some things about the pact needed to be changed, while Trump described the agreement as "fine" and "great for all countries."

In a Truth Social post just before the leaders met, Trump reiterated complaints about the trading relationship.

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"We don't need their cars, we don't need their energy, we don't need their lumber, we don't need anything they have, other than their friendship," Trump wrote.

During the meeting, Trump repeated concerns about what he called the huge U.S. deficit with Canada. Canada's merchandise trade surplus was C$102.3 billion ($74.25 billion) in 2024, due mostly to American imports of Canadian oil.

Canada is the U.S.' second-largest individual trading partner after Mexico, and the largest export market for U.S. goods. More than $760 billion in goods flowed between the two countries last year.

The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday said Canada's goods trade surplus with the U.S. narrowed to a five-month low in March, the month when Trump's tariffs on imported steel and aluminum took effect. Canadian exports to the U.S. plunged by $3.7 billion, the second-largest drop on record.

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Trump in March imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports and then slapped another 25% tariff on cars and parts that did not comply with the USMCA.

(With additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Jeff Mason and Doina Chiacu in Washington, Promit Mukherjee in Ottawa; Editing by Nia Williams and Rod Nickel)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump that Canada is not for sale Tuesday during an Oval Office meeting where both leaders tried to downplay the rising tensions between the neighbors.

Trump agreed it takes two to tango but persisted with a soft sales pitch, repeating the phrase never say never as he touted benefits to Canada if it were to join the U.S. as a 51st state  such as potential tax cuts for Canadian citizens.

The first substantive encounter between the newly elected Canadian leader and Trump, whose antagonism of Canada helped Carney gain political support, involved mostly gestures of friendship and pledges from both sides to reset the trade relationship. But the public portion of their remarks did not reveal specifics of what shape a pact might take  and the impasse over Trumps tariffs remained obvious.

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Were going to be friends with Canada, Trump said, seated beside Carney in the Oval Office after an initial exchange of pleasantries that belied the hostile back-and-forth between the two leaders over the last several weeks.

As reporters questions about tariffs cut through the warm platitudes, Trump prefaced his explanation of his trade war by saying that his comments were meant to be very friendly and said that this meeting was not going to wind up like his Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February that devolved into an acrimonious back and forth.

But when asked if there was anything Carney could say to him to convince him to lift tariffs on Canadian automobiles, steel and aluminum, Trump responded flatly: No.

Trump sought to inject some levity at the meetings outset, joking about how Carney, who was elected prime minister just over a week ago, rode a surge of anti-American sentiment to victory in an election his Liberal party had been expected to lose.

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I think I was probably the greatest thing to happen to him, but I cant take full credit, Trump said, likening the new prime ministers comeback to his own and calling him a very talented person, a very good person. He added that he and the new prime minister had a lot of things in common as well as some tough points to go over.



Carney, in his first comments, followed the usual template visiting heads of state have employed with Trump  leaning heavily on flattery. He described Trump as a transformational president and stated that he was similarly elected to transform Canada.

But Carney made abundantly clear that  even after stating during the election that the close U.S.-Canada relationship is over  he was at the White House to extend an olive branch.

The history of Canada and the U.S. is: Were stronger when we work together and theres many opportunities to work together and I look forward to addressing those issues that we have, but also to finding those areas of mutual cooperation, Carney said.

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Trump responded with approval: Very nice statement.

While taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged that his icy relationship with Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, had impacted the broader bilateral relationship. And he praised Canadas efforts to invest more in security and defense.

Carney, for all his outward warmth, articulated some firmness on trade issues, telling Trump that his current tariff regime on Canada was taking advantage of the current U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade pact he negotiated during his first term.

Stating his interest in a broader negotiation, Carney asserted that USMCA was going to have to change.

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Trump demurred when asked what might change with USMCA, stating that the initial discussions would focus more on concepts.

As reporters continued to press on the issue, the daylight between the two leaders on trade grew more apparent. Carney asserted that Canada is the largest client of the U.S. and noted that most automobiles manufactured in Canada are partly built in the U.S., or vice versa.



This is a bigger discussion and this will take some time and some discussions, Carney said. Thats why were here.

Trump, prefacing that his comments were friendly, explained that his tariff regime was indeed about driving more manufacturing to the U.S. and away from Canada. We want to make our own cars. We dont really want cars from Canada, Trump said. And we dont want steel from Canada, because we make our own steel.

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While he sought to avoid any escalation, other Canadian politicians were more pointed about Trumps hostile stance toward a long-time ally.

Even the Trump supporters are saying, This is crazy what hes doing, Ottawa premier Doug Ford said Tuesday morning in a speech. This guys tumbled to 39 percent, Ford said of Donald Trumps approval ratings. I cant wait for the midterms, and well fix his little red wagon.

Ford specifically took issue with Trumps contention, reiterated in the presidents social media post just prior to Carneys White House arrival , that America doesnt need Canada.

Really? Ford said. I guess you dont need our high-grade nickel  or the uranium coming from Saskatchewan.

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He continued: Imagine if they didnt have the uranium, they wouldnt have any nuclear power down there.  What would they do if they didnt have our electricity  1.5 million homes and businesses in New York and Minnesota and Michigan  they wouldnt have any power.

Sue Allan contributed this report.
When President Donald Trump welcomes his new Canadian counterpart to the White House on Tuesday, among the questions looming over their Oval Office encounter will be whether Trump will agree to attend a major summit Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting next month in Alberta.

Trump and his aides have not made a final decision on attending the Group of 7 meeting in Kananaskis scheduled for mid-June, according to three US officials familiar with the matter. American presidents have long attended the yearly conference of the advanced economies, and skipping it would amount to a major step away from the alliance system Trump has openly disregarded since taking office.

For Carney, Tuesdays high-stakes meeting will provide a chance to discuss the G7 along with a host of cross-border issues that have caused US-Canada ties to collapse since Trump took office.

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Canada has never taken for granted the fact that President Trump would attend the G7, a Canadian government official told CNN ahead of the meeting, adding a successful G7 summit with all members in attendance remains a priority for Canada. Tuesdays meeting at the White House, Canadian officials believe, will be the strongest indicator of whether Trump is likely to attend.

Trumps ongoing trade war and threats to Canadas sovereignty played major roles in the national election that propelled Carneys Liberal Party to victory last month.

The new prime minister has said the new Trump era amounts to an end to the old relationship between the neighboring countries. Hes called for a reassessment of trade and security ties amid the threats from the White House.

Carneys invitation to King Charles III, Canadas head of state, later this month has also been viewed as strategic pushback against Trumps territorial aspirations. In announcing the plans, Carney said the kings visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country.

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Still, for all of his forceful pushback against Trump during this years campaign, Carney appears on better footing with Trump than his predecessor Justin Trudeau, whom Trump mocked as Governor Trudeau in a nod to his ambitions to make Canada the 51st state.

Trump still talks about taking over the United States northern neighbor but has dropped the moniker when referring to the countrys new leader. He told NBCs Meet the Press in an interview that aired over the weekend he couldnt foresee using military force to take Canada, but that if it became a state it would be cherished.

And he has been on the hunt for new trade deals as he looks to shift his messaging beyond the tariffs to major economic wins.

Speaking a day ahead of Carneys visit, Trump was vague about what precisely he hoped to discuss.

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Hes coming to see me. Im not sure what he wants to see me about, but I guess he wants to make a deal, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Indeed, trade is poised to assume an outsized role in the talks after Trump imposed a series of tariffs on Canadian exports, including steel, aluminum and auto parts.

Canada is approaching the encounter cautiously, not setting any expectation except to have a good meeting that can improve relations between allies, officials from the country said. They acknowledged that as the visitors to the White House, they were not in a position to set the meetings agenda, though they said trade and security issues were likely to be discussed.

While Canadian officials expect to remind Trump that he negotiated and signed the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during his first term  and that he is breaking a deal he committed to by imposing new tariffs on national security grounds  they dont expect major breakthroughs on the tariffs.

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Im not pretending those discussions will be easy, Carney said last week when he announced the trip to visit Trump. There will be zigs and zags, ups and downs.

Should Trump decide to skip next months G7, it would undoubtedly be a down.

Carney, as previous summit hosts have done since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, hopes to use the gathering in part to coordinate a unified response to the conflict, Canadian officials say. He has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a potential cause of irritation for Trump, who has clashed with Zelensky in the past, although they had a more amicable meeting in Rome last month.

Canadian officials dispute that Carneys invitation to Zelensky was a risk.

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We dont see why this would be a deal breaker for the president; its a balancing act and we are committed to discussing key issues at the G7, one official said.

While Trumps team has begun taking preliminary steps to prepare for his possible attendance at the gathering, including sending an advance team to scout the location, US officials said this week he had not decided whether to go. During his first term, Trump repeatedly questioned in private why he needed to travel to G7 summits at all, believing them a waste of his time.

Now, one US official told CNN that Trump was more eager to ramp up his domestic travel in the coming weeks, as opposed to a focus on international trips. Hell go abroad next week with visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Officials also said there had not yet been a decision on whether Trump would attend the NATO summit at the Hague in June, although he discussed the summit with Secretary General Mark Rutte when he visited the White House last month.

The last G7 hosted by Canada ended in disarray when Trump withdrew his signature from a final communique and lashed out at then-Prime Minister Trudeau as he left early on Air Force One. That summit, held in 2018, became famous for a photograph of world leaders looming over Trump as he sat cross-armed with a smirk.

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Trump doubted whether it was really necessary to attend the next years G7, held on the French Atlantic coast in Biarritz. When he arrived, he argued with world leaders at a dinner underneath the lighthouse over his desire to re-admit Russia to the group.

This year, as Trump imposes new tariffs and again floats the prospect of allowing Moscow back in, the G7 summit could again prove contentious.

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Two federal judges in high-profile deportation cases have asked the Trump administration to show cause why it should not be held in contempt of court over its appointees refusal to follow court orders. Are we finally getting some sort of pushback on the administrations seemingly calculated strategy of moving fast and breaking so many laws that its hard for opponents to keep up?

That there is abundant evidence of contempt, in both the legal and the colloquial sense, can hardly be denied. But the administrations defiance of court orders is less likely to come across as a single calamitous event, like the collapse of a dam, than it is to take the form of an extremely tedious cat and mouse game. And when you look at how a contempt showdown is likely to work, its hard to get ones hopes upyet such a showdown could still serve a useful purpose.

In March, Judge James Boasberg convened a hearing to decide whether removing hundreds of detained individuals to El Salvador was lawful, only to discover that planes carrying out the mission took off after the hearing began. The governments lawyers argued that theyd been under no obligation to turn the planes around because, at that point, hed given an oral order and not put it into writing. Afterward, Salvadorean strongman Nayib Bukele mocked the authority of the U.S. courts by tweeting Oopsie  too late alongside a laughing emoji, whichto make matters more gallingwas then shared by the accounts of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump adviser Elon Musk.

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All in all, Boasberg wrote in a 46-page memorandum opinion, the available evidence strongly suggests a desire to outrun the equitable reach of the Judiciary, while the administrations simultaneous messaging deliberately and gleefully signaled willful disobedience.

Scarcely less blatant was the contempt in the other high-profile case, that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly renditioned to El Salvador despite a court order. Along with an unconvincing quibble about what was meant by a Supreme Court order to facilitate Abrego Garcias returnthe Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice took the view that doing nothing at all constituted compliancethe departments then stonewalled Judge Paula Xinis subsequent orders to furnish more information, in what Xinis found was deliberate evasion and a willful and bad faith refusal to comply.

As in the case before Judge Boasberg, the administration seemed intent on taunting the court on social media, with an April 18 White House post declaring that Abrego Garcia was never coming back, and Trump and Bukele themselves staging a wink-wink buddy act each pretending that the other would have to be the one to decide to free him. In a later interview, Trump appeared to undercut his own earlier line by conceding that he could get Abrego Garcia back.

Its hard to escape the conclusion that the Trump administration actually wants the judges in these cases to hold them in contemptand, by extension, that it thinks it would win such a showdown. Would it?

Courts have some impressive powers they can wheel out against contempt, but the chance that they will use them purely to punish smirks, memes or emojis is basically zero. Executive departments and agencies constitute whats called a coordinate branch of government, and every federal judge is likely to handle them with utmost caution, even when the respect seems to run only one way.

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Judges Boasberg, Xinis, and those that come after are therefore likely to build a meticulous record and ground any contempt orders on noncompliant actions rather than mere insolent words or attitudes.

Further, court orders commonly bring with them at least gray areas and uncertainties defendants can exploit. Typical among these are quibbles about wording, and claims that a certain result cant be achieved, takes more time, or requires cooperation from someone not subject to the orderall issues that in fact have arisen in the rendition cases.

Sanctions against individuals are among the most important contempt powers, but to assign them judges need to find out who, exactly, are the decision makers. Part of the Trump administrations hardball approach has been to blur lines of authority and the identity of responsible persons, a tactic also seen in suits seeking to restrain Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Judges can unleash some genuinely formidable sanctions against recalcitrant private litigantsmost of which dont work nearly as well when aimed at agencies of the federal government. A classic contempt sanction, for example, is escalating fines that mount for each day or week the target fails to comply. If a court tries this against an employee of a defiant federal agency, the agency will presumably reimburse him. Should it hit the agency itself with a fine large enough to give the agency pause instead of an individual, what happens next? If the agency is acting at the behest of the White House, does it seek reimbursement from the general treasury? Or, alternatively, might it cut popular programs and blame that on the court? Either way, the money would in some sense just get shifted from the taxpayers left pocket to their rightnot exactly a finely tuned incentive.

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Courts faced with defiant private litigants can simply threaten to decide the underlying lawsuit against them. Thats not so easy when the government is a litigant, since judges will feel a responsibility to see the underlying dispute resolved in the way that is most consistent with law and its public purposes, not just the way that makes the government feel punished.

Courts can and do imprison private litigants, and occasionally state and local officials, for contempt. In most cases the premise is that the one behind bars has the key to the jail in his own pocket since complying with the order results in release. One case readers may remember is from Kentucky in 2015, when a federal judge briefly jailed county clerk Kim Davis, who was refusing to comply with an injunction requiring her to issue same-sex marriage licenses following the Supreme Courts Obergefell decision. Davis could clear the contempt either by issuing the licenses or by quitting the clerk job, and did in fact go free after a deal was struck enabling other county employees to issue those licenses.

What they would do to a county clerk, the federal courts would think long and hard before doing to a Cabinet secretary.

Back in 1951, the general rule that courts dont jail federal officials for contempt nearly had a striking exception. In a case called Land v. Dollar, the Truman Justice Department had resisted obeying a court order to return to its former private owners a shipping company that had fallen into federal hands. The judge threatened to order the imprisonment of no less than the secretary of commerce, a Cabinet official. When the dispute reached the Supreme Court, one of the more far-seeing justices of that era, Robert Jackson, wrote to say that the court should exercise utmost care lest it appear to be indifferent to a claim of official disobedience. After all, Jackson pointed out, the court did not hesitate to let stand strict contempt sanctions levied against everyday litigants who defied court orders. Nor was waffling a proper response: that some of the Nations high officials are guilty of contempt of court is not wholesome. The evil influence of such an example will be increased by delay.

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But Jackson was writing only for himself, not for the court. The court majority found grounds to stall enforcement of the sanction and the case subsequently went away when the parties settled.

Yale law professor Nicholas R. Parrillo tells the story of Land v. Dollar in a comprehensive (and these days amazingly timely) 2018 Harvard Law Review article exploring what has happened over the years when federal judges have used their contempt powers against misbehaving agencies.

There werent all that many, Parrillo found. And when they did arise, judges almost never resorted to jailing agency leadership. In the two cases where [federal] officials were actually jailed, it was for only a few hours. Nor did courts often successfully hit agencies or their officials with fines.

As Justice Robert Jackson observed, this all marks quite a contrast to the jeopardy that ordinary people face when a judge considers them recalcitrant. In a 2008 article in the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, Elizabeth G. Patterson wrote that thousands of people are jailed each day in the United States for failure to pay child support, and while a variety of different laws contribute to that fact, both civil and criminal contempt are important among them. Every day, ordinary people around the country learn the hard way that you just dont disobey a court orderat least unless your paychecks are signed by Donald Trump.

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What leaves federal agencies in such a pampered position is not so much the inhibition of the trial judges as what Parrillo calls the virtually complete unwillingness of the higher courts to back up those judges sanctions, at times swooping down at the eleventh hour to rescue an agency from incurring a budget-straining fine or its top official from being thrown in jail. In practice, he found the appeals courts unfailingly thwart sanctions in all but a few minor instances. They are particularly hostile toward even transient imprisonment of officialsin one instance removing a trial judge from a case, citing bias.

Its not that the appeals courts have declared that agencies or their officials enjoy some sort of formal immunity from contempt penalties; indeed, Parrillo finds, theyve bent over backward to avoid making any such pronouncement. Instead they prefer to seize on narrow, technical, and one-off issues to stall threatened penalties, sometimes waiting until the last minute to do so. The Supreme Court itself has had little to say.

You might think this makes seeking contempt sanctions against the government a pointless game, destined to fail. But thats not how Parrillo sees the tale. On a practical level, he says, agencies did often turn around their misbehavior after a contempt finding. He thinks this relates to a shaming effect: Agencies found it publicly embarrassing to have that kind of spotlight shone on them and adjusted their behavior so as to end the case.

Parrillo was writing in 2018. And the obvious thing thats changed since then is that we have an administration filled with appointees whose collective superpower seems to be invulnerability to shaming, and which plays to a base that is ready to see defiance of court orders as needed toughness.

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We have to expect, therefore, that Trump agencies will move even further into open defiance than they have yet done. This will probably not be uniform across issue areas; even as the administration has insulted and impeded judges in the alien removal cases, it has quietly complied with judges orders in some other areas, perhaps because it doesnt see those other areas as fit-for-Fox base-pleasers.

Even if the administration escapes tangible sanctions for contempt, as it likely will do for the foreseeable future, it may nonetheless pay a price. (For what its worth, its generally assumed that a president can pardon criminal but not civil contempt.) That price may be diffuse and hard to measure but no less real.

To begin with, its relations with the courts, including the Supreme Court, are likely to deteriorate further. Legal commentators have lately been discussing whats called the presumption of regularity that the government enjoys in court, the baseline assumption that government officials act lawfully and in good faith, as Alan Rozenshtein calls it, and that the representations government lawyers make as to the facts and the governments motivations are accurate. This presumption helps the government win many cases in court; it helped the first Trump administration win some big cases, as commentator Dan Epps has noted.

It took more than two centuries for federal government lawyers to build up that trust before the federal judiciary. Its taking only weeks for the second Trump administration to squander it.

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Besides setting a tone with judges, formal contempt findings will educate the public. Polls indicate that defying court orders, especially when the Supreme Court has weighed in, is quite unpopular even with Republicans, and deeply unpopular among voters generally.

And yet, as weve already seen in the rendition cases, nonlawyers often find it hard to cut through the yes-you-did, no-I-didnt bickering to feel sure of whether the defiant side has genuinely crossed a line into violating the courts order. Thats where theres no substitute for a formal finding of contempt, made after appropriate inquiry and especially if it withstands appeal. Such a finding lays down that line for all to see: Yes, it announces, the administration has defied the federal courts.

And then well know where we stand.

Read more at The Dispatch

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The Carroll Companies are at it again in downtown Greensboro.

On Monday, they broke ground on their latest project, a multi-use space for a hotel, rooftop restaurant, apartments and retail space.

Picture this: you are at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts for a show, and afterward, you make the walk to the corner of Eugene Street and Bellemeade Street. Right there, you walk into your hotel, but before going to bed, you can go up to the rooftop restaurant for some dessert and drinks. Its all part of the vision to make downtown a destination.

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We have had our eyes on this site for some time, said Roy Carroll from The Carroll Companies.

He went through long negotiations with Guilford County to get the property and the City of Greensboro to build the parking deck, but its all done.

I have instructed our team to get going, Carroll said.

There is no need to wait any longer, despite the challenges ahead with tariffs and construction costs.

The tariffs have definitely been impactful on this project and other projects, but the reality is the timing is right. We feel good about the project. We like our plans  We are ready to move forward, Carroll said.

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The AC Marriott hotel will have 150 rooms, which is more than the 108 rooms across the street at the Hyatt Place, which was built just a few years ago.

We have  over 10,000 hotel rooms here in Greensboro proper. I think having them accessible to the destination they want to travel to is important, said Henri Fourrier, the president of the Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Its a draw for visitors, but locals will benefit as well.

Not only is Mr. Carroll and Carroll Companies helping us with enhanced property tax, but we are also getting enhanced occupancy tax, and that really is what enables us to do other things  It is what makes the citys budget healthy along with the county, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said.

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A massive project like this gets the word out to other developers that Greensboro is growing.

That is my hope. It shouldnt just be one developer  My hope there is 6 other developers that look at this and say, Hey. Maybe we need to invest our money in downtown Greensboro also, Carroll said.

There is already some equipment out, and you can expect to see crews working in the next 30 days. It will take about two years to complete the hotel and rooftop restaurant.

Sometime in that two-year window, the second phase will start to build the apartments and retail space.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Colombian authorities said Monday they had captured more than 200 members of the country's biggest drug cartel, which is accused of murdering two dozen security force members in the past month.

The Gulf Clan was born out of the right-wing paramilitary groups that fought leftist guerrillas in the 1990s before turning their attention to the cocaine trade.

President Gustavo Petro has accused the group, with which he suspended peace talks in early 2023, of devising a strategy to "systematically murder" members of the security forces.

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Armed forces chief Franciso Cubides told a news conference on Monday the security forces had responded by arresting 217 members of the clan since April 15.

He added that 15 other suspected drug traffickers had been shot dead in raids that had netted 6.8 tons of drugs, 123 firearms and more than 15,000 rounds of ammunition.

Sixteen police officers and five soldiers have been killed in attacks blamed on what Petro has called the Gulf Clan's "pistol plan."

Cubides said the attacks were part of a "desperate response" by armed groups to the "overwhelming" setbacks they were suffering at the hands of the police and military in the north and west of the country.

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The cartel paid its members "between 10 and 15 million (Colombian pesos, between $2,300 and 3,500) for some dead police officers," Interior Minister Armando Benedetti told a weekly government cabinet meeting.

Eight members of Colombia's Gulf Clan drug cartel were killed in clashes with security forces in April 2015, the army said. / Credit: Colombia Army

The Gulf Clan, which engages in illegal gold mining, racketeering and migrant smuggling, is believed to number about 7,500 members, according to government estimates. The group's "primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities," according to the U.S. State Department.

Last month, the police and the DEA killed a man dubbed "Chirimoya," one of the cartel's five commanders, as well as eight other members of the group.

The Gulf Clan is one of several cartels recently designated as foreign terrorist groups by the United States. In 2022, the Gulf Clan shut down dozens of towns in northern Colombia for four days in reaction to its leader being extradited to the U.S. for trial.

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The arrests come as Colombia suffers its worst outburst of violence since the leftist FARC guerrilla army, one of the world's oldest rebel movements, signed a peace deal with the government in 2016.

Benedetti admitted last month that Petro's strategy of pursuing "total peace" by engaging in dialogue with the country's various armed groups had not borne fruit.

On Petro's watch, several armed groups, particularly the Gulf Clan, have grown stronger, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez admitted recently in an AFP interview.

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A former Washington Post editorial cartoonist won a Pulitzer Prize on Monday, four months after resigning from her position because of the publications stance on her art critiquing billionaire media executives subservience to President Donald Trump.

Ann Telnaes won in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category 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, according to the Pulitzer Prize announcement.

The finalists in the category included Ernesto Barbieri and Jess Ruliffson of The Boston Globe and Iran Martinez, Steve Breen, Jamie Self and Giovanni Moujaes of inewsource.org in San Diego.

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Telnaes work also won her the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning. Likewise, she was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist for illustrated reporting and commentary in 2022.

Telnaes began working for The Washington Post in 2008. However, in January, she publicly parted ways with the publication after a dispute about her work, which she explained in a post on Substack.

I have had editorial feedback and productive conversationsand some differencesabout cartoons I have submitted for publication, but in all that time Ive never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now, she wrote.

To be clear, there have been instances where sketches have been rejected or revisions requested, but never because of the point of view inherent in the cartoons commentary. Thats a game changerand dangerous for a free press, she warned.

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Telnaes published a draft of the cartoon in question on the Substack article. It depicted five individuals  including Washington Post owner, Jeff Bezos; Facebook and Meta founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg; Open AI CEO Sam Altman CEO; Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong; and the Walt Disney Company/ABC News, illustrated as Mickey Mouse  bending the knee to a giant figure atop multiple steps, presumably President Donald Trump.

Several of the individuals in the image were holding up money to the figure, while Mickey Mouse was completely kneeling on the floor. One of the individuals in the image was holding lipstick and puckering its lips as if to kiss the throne, the ground, or the giant figures shoes.

Ahead of the 2024 election, The Post announced that it would be breaking with the publications decades-long tradition of endorsing a presidential candidate. The move resulted in a loss of 250,000 subscribers and multiple resignations at the outlet.

While critics slammed the decision, arguing that no endorsement in this election was in fact an endorsement of Trump and his harmful policy proposals, billionaire WaPo owner Jeff Bezos, who also founded Amazon and Blue Origin, claimed it was necessary to thwart any public perception that the outlet is biased.

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We must be accurate, and we must be believed to be accurate, Bezos wrote in an opinion piece in October. Its a bitter pill to swallow, but we are failing on the second requirement. Most people believe the media is biased. Anyone who doesnt see this is paying scant attention to reality, and those who fight reality lose.

Trump has since applauded Bezos for his work at The Washington Post.

I think a guy like Bezos has ... Ive gotten to know him. I think hes trying to do a real job. Jeff Bezos is trying to do a real job with The Washington Post, and that wasnt happening before, Trump claimed in March.

HuffPost reached out to both Telnaes and The Washington Post for comment.

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The Washington Post also won a Pulitzer in the Breaking News Reporting category this year for its coverage of the July assassination attempt against Trump.

Related...
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. The fourth round of US-Iran talks on Tehran's nuclear program could take place this weekend, May 10-11, US Presidential Special Representative Stephen Witkoff said, Trend reports.

Witkoff said the United States is seeking to reach agreement on a fourth round of nuclear talks with Iran this weekend.

"If this does not happen, it will only be because of the president's [US Donald Trump] trip to the Middle East," he said.
The corruption case of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff Cade Cothren hit a snag on May 6 as defense lawyers formally moved for a mistrial.

The issue came after prosecutors mistakenly played part of recorded interview between Casada and FBI agents that was supposed to be redacted for jurors.

Prosecutors admitted the error and jurors were sent home for the day, as defense lawyers for Casada and Cothren discussed whether to move for a mistrial.

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Federal District Judge Eli Richardson, who will ultimately decide whether to declare a mistrial, said the error was understandable but seriousness.

We just cant have an error like this, he said.

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada arrives with his attorneys at the Fred D. Thompson Courthouse for his trial on federal charges ranging from theft to money laundering conspiracy Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. Casada and his former top aide Cade Cothren face 20 fraud related charges that could to decades in prison.

Casada and Cothren each face up to 20 years in prison for charges connected to an alleged bribery scheme involving a shadowy political mailer company that was used by Republican state lawmakers.

Prosecutors allege that Cothren formed a mailer company called Phoenix Solutions to hide his identity after he was fired and blacklisted following a lewd and racist texting scandal. He then allegedly conspired with Casada to pressure fellow lawmakers into using the mailer company in return for kickbacks.

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The defense has argued the case is a form of political payback from the current House speaker.

Jurors on May 5 heard a two-and-half hour recording of FBI agents grilling Casada in his home about Cothren and Phoenix Solutions.

In the FBI interview, Casada mentions that current House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, would not have approved the states contract with Phoenix Solutions had he known that Cothren was involved.

Prosecutors had agreed not to play that part for jurors.

Defense lawyers were concerned that the statement could be prejudicial to Cothren under a legal term called the Bruton issue, where the statement of one co-defendant implicates another co-defendant.

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In lieu of pushing for a mistrial, attorneys were also considering possibly modifying juror instructions.

The trial is now in its third week. A mistrial would mean the case would start over with a new jury.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Glen Casada, Cade Cothren lawyers seek mistrial in TN corruption case
Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, arriving at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville on April 30, 2025, initially told FBI agents he wasn't sure who was behind Phoenix Solutions before changing his story. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada admitted to knowing his former top aide was behind a secretly-run political vendor after being told it was a federal crime to lie to the FBI.

When FBI agents raided his Franklin home on Jan. 8, 2021 in a prelude to a federal indictment on fraud and kickback charges, Casada initially told FBI agents he didnt think his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, ran Phoenix Solutions.

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Maybe he does something for them. Thats just my opinion, Casada said on the audiotape prosecutors played as the corruption trial entered its third week in Nashvilles federal court.

But after FBI agent Austin Barger notified him it was illegal to lie to federal agents, Casada changed his story.

Yes, I knew Phoenix Solutions was Cade, and I knew the state didnt know it was Cade, Casada said on the audiotape.

Testimony last week from former Rep. Robin Smith of Hixson, who pleaded guilty in the case and cooperated with federal authorities, showed she, Casada and Cothren met at an upscale Nashville bar in late 2019 and came up with the plan to make money on House constituent mailers and campaign and Republican Caucus work through Phoenix Solutions, which Cothren would operate. She described the postage and printing program for House members as low-hanging fruit.

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Yes, I knew Phoenix Solutions was Cade, and I knew the state didnt know it was Cade.

 Former House Speaker Glen Casada

Casada told FBI agents he and Smith recruited business from House members and turned it over to Cothren, who had resigned from his chief of staff post in spring of 2019 in the midst of a racist and sexist texting scandal. Casada stepped down from the House speakership in August that year after a no-confidence vote by the House Republican Caucus.

Casada also admitted to FBI agents that Cothren couldnt deal directly with House members. Lawmakers such as former Rep. Patsy Hazlewood and Republican Rep. Jay Reedy of Erin testified early in the trial they wouldnt have done business with Phoenix Solutions if theyd known Cothren was running it.

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Early in his interview with federal agents, Casada also said he had only heard of Phoenix Solutions, but then acknowledged the company did some of his constituent mailers and told the agents, My brains not working this morning.

His story continued to shift during the interview, as he said Phoenix Solutions may be something Cades doing, then added he didnt know who was behind the vendor and didnt know Matthew Phoenix, the bogus name for the companys owner.

Numerous documents introduced in court showed Cothren was owner of the New Mexico-based company. The defense has acknowledged that Cothren ran the company.

In addition, Casada told agents that morning he would collect a check from the state for constituent mailer work done for lawmakers and send it to Phoenix Solutions, which would write a check back to him as his commission. Casada and Smith made 25% each, and Cothren collected 30%, with the rest of the money going back into the company, according to previous testimony.

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Federal prosecutors last week introduced evidence showing how the money flowed in the alleged money laundering scheme.

Reviving the 2019 voucher vote

When FBI agents raided Cothrens Nashville home in January 2021, he told them he might have done things differently in looking back on his seven years working in the Tennessee Legislature.

I lied for members up there for years, said Cade Cothren to FBI agents, on audio that was played in federal court on Monday. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

I lied for members up there for years, to cover up their actions, Cothren said on the audiotape.

Yet he said hard work helped pass Gov. Bill Lees first voucher program that provides funds to low-income students in Metro Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga to enroll in private schools. Cothren said he never offered anything for lawmakers campaigns to encourage them to vote for the bill, only projects for their districts.

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Casada held the vote board open for 45 minutes that April day after a tie roiled the House. He and Cothren worked the chamber for one more vote and eventually passed the measure when Republican Rep. Jason Zachary of Knoxville agreed to vote for it as long as Knox County Schools was removed as a voucher district.

Former Democratic Rep. John Mark Windle has said he was offered a promotion to general in the National Guard in return for his vote. Casada has denied making the offer, though one lawmaker, former Rep. Kent Calfee, said he heard Casada say on the House balcony he was going to call the governors office to see if he could get Windle a promotion from colonel.

Cothren told FBI agents it came from a person in another office who had no business having a conversation like that, not from him or Casada. Cothren also termed it as very innocent. He declined to identify the individual.

It was a stupid conversation that never should have taken place, Cothren said on the recording.

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The Catholic Church's cardinals issued an urgent appeal for peace on Tuesday, one day before they retreat into the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.

In a joint statement, they called on all warring parties worldwide to "achieve a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible."

The statement, released by the Vatican, said the cardinals note "with regret" that there has been no "progress in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and many other parts of the world."

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On the contrary, they said, attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population.

The cardinals called for ceasefires "without preconditions and without further delay" in order to negotiate "the peace long desired by the affected populations and the whole world."

They also appealed to believers, asking them to intensify their prayers for a just and lasting peace.

The statement was delivered during the General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, the last meeting of the cardinals before the start of the conclave.

Starting on Wednesday, eligible cardinals under the age of 80 are to vote to elect a successor to pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
Among the roughly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, many are keenly anticipating the upcoming Vatican conclave at which members of the College of Cardinals will elect a successor to Pope Francis. At a university in the United States, a Black township in South Africa and other far-flung locations, The Associated Press asked nine of them what they hope to see from a new pope.

___

Nadia Makuc, 20, a junior at Princeton University in New Jersey

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Makuc goes to Mass daily at the campus chapel. At a recent service, she joined other young Catholics in a prayer for the cardinals voting in the conclave.

Im hoping that we have a leader who can just really share the Christian message of mercy and forgiveness, as well as joy and hope, she said after the service, where a photo of Francis was displayed. Thats something Pope Francis was really good about  spreading the joy and hope found in Christs resurrection.

She also hopes the next pope will fight for the protection of life from conception to natural death.

The new pope should be someone whos really able to be a witness to the culture of life, said Makuc, co-president of the Aquinas Institute, the universitys Catholic campus ministry.

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As a young American, theres a real want for guidance. ... We kind of look at the political system of America and neither party feels like a home to Catholics, she said. As we face such a political division, a pope who can bring peace and unity is whats most important.

By Luis Andres Henao in Princeton.

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Alicler Medina, 35, a Venezuelan journalist living in Argentina

Medina said Francis sought to bring youth closer to the church, and his successor should be, even more so, the pope of the young.

I expect the same from the new pope: that he calls young people together, that he brings them closer to God, because I feel we live in a society that has lost many of its values; and that he brings them closer to their families, that he reminds them of their principles.  Now we see animal abuse, family abuse, bullying.

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The next pontiff, he added, should have the openness of Francis but the love that John Paul II expressed.

By Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires.

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Mercyline Bunoro, 64, a mother of 7 in Nairobi, Kenya

Buboiro has been a Catholic since birth. She hopes the next pope will continue to embrace everyone regardless of their background and sexual orientation.

Human rights groups in Kenya have expressed concerns about discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. But Bunoro says being gay is Gods wish and they shouldn't be spurned by the church.

The mother of seven lives in a Nairobi slum, earning a living through menial work such as washing clothes and cleaning.

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Bunoro says more cardinals should be appointed from Africa so the continent has more say in Vatican leadership decisions.

By Brian Inganga in Nairobi.

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Christoph Rudinger, 49, an educator from Linz, Austria

Rudinger, who teaches at the university of education of the Diocese of Linz in Austria, was in Berlin to prepare a field trip for his students.

Sitting outside St. Hedwigs Cathedral in Berlin's historic center, Rudinger said his paramount hope for the next pope is to have an open mind.

I expect the pope to have open arms, to have open hands for the concerns of the people who approach him, regardless of whether they're Catholic or not, he said.

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He hopes the next pope will tackle difficult issues, such as the role of women in the church and whether they can become priests.

For many Austrian Catholics, he said, its important the pope hear their concerns about a priest shortage in their region and the possible abolition of celibacy as a requirement for ordination.

By Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin.

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Beatrice Rakoma, 64, a pensioner in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rakoma lives in Alexandra, a mostly Black township in Johannesburg, and is president of the Catholic Womens League of Alexandra. She spoke to the AP at a memorial service for Pope Francis at a Catholic church in Soweto last week, when she wore a dress adorned with his image.

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Rakoma said she would celebrate if the new pope is the first ever from sub-Saharan Africa. But more important, she said, is that he continue with Pope Francis message of encouraging unity among the world's people.

Its not about color, race or gender, Rakoma said. Whichever pope will be elected, it has to be about the glory of God, not about being whichever cultural, race or gender background you come from."

"The new pope must take over from Pope Francis, lead the way, and walk in his footsteps.

By Alfonso Nqunjana in Johannesburg.

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Carlo Caniglia, 60, a civil servant from Mantova, Italy

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Caniglia said he's not a frequent churchgoer in his hometown of Mantova but goes for baptisms, weddings or funerals, plus Easter and Christmas services.

If the Catholic Church wants to survive in this fast-changing world, it needs to change and the pope needs to lead that way, said Caniglia, adding that the new pope must address issues such as gender equality in the church and discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Pope Francis did a good job regarding those topics and I want the next pope to continue that way, said Caniglia, who spoke to the AP while visiting Berlin with his wife. He thinks it would be nice if the next pope did not come from Europe, but perhaps from Asia or Africa.

I know many Catholics would have a problem with a Black pope but I dont think its a problem at all, he said.

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By Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin

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Marlen Onal, 58, church volunteer from Quezon, Philippines

In Asia's largest Catholic nation, long plagued by poverty and inequality, Onal longs for a successor to Francis, who, like him, would reach out to societys margins.

Francis embrace of the poor, sick and neglected refocused global attention on their plight and prompted many clergy to venture beyond church confines and emulate his example, Onal said.

"Hopefully the successor will be like him or somebody who can do even more, Onal said. The next pope should be truly pro-poor, open-minded to all the issues in the world like poverty and the LGBTQ issue.

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Onal serves as a volunteer leader for a church in the Manila region led by a locally prominent priest and human rights activist, the Rev. Robert Reyes. Onal and other volunteers have helped Reyes hold street Masses and Bible-reading sessions in slum neighborhoods.

By Jim Gomez in Manila

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Santiago Dijkstra, 36, a systems engineer in Buenos Aires

Dijkstra said he hopes the next pope maintains the same culture as his predecessor, Francis, instead of going back 80 years and once again punish people who think differently or are different from what the Church believes.

He said the new leader of the Catholic Church should strive to be inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, as the late Argentine pontiff did.

He also said he hoped for a pope with Francis simpleness, that would advocate for a more accessible Church, free of internal corruption.

With the money the Vatican has, poverty would be easily resolved, and I dont see them using that money to help.

by Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires

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Bernard Anka, 65, a grocer and Maronite Catholic in Lebanon

Anka says he's concerned that Christians worldwide are moving away from the church and hopes the new pope strives to bring them back to the fold.

The owner of a grocery shop in Beirut, Anka worries that many young people in Lebanon and elsewhere are straying from the church as smartphones open a wider world to them.

The church is very weak in the face of what we are living through, he said.

Christians make up a third of Lebanons population of 6 million, the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East. The country is coming out of the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war that left over 4,000 dead.

The work of the new pope should be to bring back the happiness, confidence and internal peace, Anka said. Christians used to go and face life without fear.

By Bassem Mroue in Beirut

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced a Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry.

Seven people in six states have gotten sick from Salmonella infections.

The CDC says backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella even if they look healthy and clean.

You can get sick from touching your backyard poultry, or anything in their environment, and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing the germs.

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Health officials recommend that you always wash your hands for 20 seconds after touching birds, their supplies, or collecting eggs.

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They say to use a pair of dedicated shoes or boots to tend to the birds, and do not wear them inside your house.

You should not let children younger than five years old touch the birds or anything in the area where they live.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, a fever, and stomach cramps somewhere between six hours and six days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days.

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Children younger than five, adults age 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

Two people have gotten sick in Missouri, and one person has gotten sick in Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Utah.

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Oklahoma students wont have access to their cellphones while at school and will have fewer virtual school days under bills signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, and Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, worked for two years toward the passage of Senate Bill 139. The new law will require public school districts to limit student cellphone use during the school day  from bell to bell  for the entire 2025-26 school year. After that, district officials will have the flexibility to adjust their cellphone policies as they see fit.

Seifried said the law is aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments for students.

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This will allow teachers to focus entirely on educating our kids while students can concentrate on learning as much as possible," she said. "After two years of hard work on this issue, Im thrilled to see this legislation become law, and Im confident students, parents and teachers will see immediate benefits once the new school year begins."

Under the new law, district cellphone policies must make exceptions for students who need their phones to manage a medical condition and allow phone use in emergencies. Additionally, districts must clearly outline disciplinary actions for students who violate a school's phone-free policy.

Virtual-days bill signed over objections of some rural schools

Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, authored Senate Bill 758, which will restrict Oklahoma school districts to only two virtual days per school year that can count toward the 180-day or 1,080-hour school year instructional requirement.

The new law will require each district school board to approve a local virtual instruction plan that addresses special education services, nutrition for students who receive free or reduced lunches, transportation access to career tech programs and an assessment of students internet accessibility.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the measure was important to him and thanked Thompson for making the bill a priority.

A bill limiting virtual days in Oklahoma schools, authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, of Edmond, has been signed into law.

I truly believe the best place for our kids to learn is in the classroom," Paxton said. "Once this becomes law, it will help with learning, social skills and working parents who have to schedule their lives around arbitrary virtual learning days.

Thompson spent two legislative sessions shepherding the bill, but she has received considerable pushback from leaders of small, rural school districts, some of which offer four-day school weeks  with either a virtual day or an off day on the fifth day  as incentives to attract teachers to work in their districts.

Erika Buzzard Wright, the founder of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition, called Stitts decision to sign the bill a significant setback for rural school districts. She said voices from rural schools were "completely ignored throughout the legislative process and said the new law effectively strips local districts of the ability to make decisions that best serve their students.

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This is a slap in the face to local control  especially for rural districts that have worked tirelessly to attract and retain qualified educators, Wright said. Our schools are already competing with neighboring states that not only offer better pay, but also embrace flexible, innovative school calendars.

She predicted schools located near Oklahomas borders with other states will have teachers poached as a result.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When will Oklahoma's cellphone ban in schools begin? What to know
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Two Centerville seniors received annual Washington Township Community Service awards on Monday.

Both Barrett LeMaster and Paige Rose were honored with a proclamation by Washington Township elected officials and given an award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship is funded by Washington Township elected officials, the Centerville High School National Honor Society, Washington Township and Judy Blair, in memory of her husband, Terry Blair.

Photo via Washington Township.

Barrett LeMaster has been a member of Centerville High Schools Octagon Club all four years of high school. He is serving as the vice president this year. He is also on the student council, in the National Honor Society and worked in the BOLD (Building Our Lives Drug and Alcohol Free) program. LeMaster has completed over 150 hours of service and tutoring.

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What inspired me to start volunteering was my older brother, Cooper, said LeMaster. Growing up, I looked up to him  like most little brothers do. We volunteered together all the way through his high school graduation in 2023. His example showed me the impact that giving back can have  not just on others, but on yourself as well. Since then, its been important to me to carry that forward and inspire others to get involved too.

LeMaster has advocated for Diabetes Dayton being selected as a beneficiary of the Spirit Chain fundraising competition. Which has raised over $217,000 for the charity in the last two school years.

LeMaster shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. which has inspired him throughout his volunteering journey. Lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?, LeMaster said. It reminds me that the way we serve others defines not only the impact we make, but also who we are.

Thousands of new fish introduced to Deer Meadow Pond

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Paige Rose has been involved in multiple community-oriented groups, including Key Club, Octagon Club and Operation Smile. Rose has written thank you cards to veterans, made blankets for Dayton Area Refugees, decorated pumpkins for hospitalized children, created decorations for elderly residents at St. Leonards and made cards/sock puppets for children in the hospital who suffer from cleft lip.

Rose has played a key role in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society campaign. For which she and her friends raised over $80,000 and completed over 65 community service hours.

Through my volunteering, I have learned that I am more compassionate and empathetic than I thought, said Rose. I have learned that I am a good listener and that I can really make a difference in what I do. Volunteering has taught me to always look for ways to support and help others and to appreciate my community around me.

Rose also donates blood, tutored Hispanic children in English through the El Puente program, and participated in her schools Hope Squad. She is the co-president of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club.

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Growing up in Centerville, I have been constantly surrounded by a vibrant, supportive community. Centerville inspired me to want to give back to my community and be a part of something bigger, said Rose.

Dayton library hosts veteran services and health programs

The Community Service Award was established by the Washington Township Trustees to recognize student volunteers and public service. Students are selected by the advisors for Centerville High Schools service organizations: Key Club, Octagon Club, Interact Club and National Honor Society.

In every great community, there are individuals whose commitment and service will be felt for years to come. We proudly recognize these students for embodying the very spirit of service that makes our community thrive, said Trustee President Scott Paulson.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Volunteers play a crucial role in aiding first responders during emergency events. On Monday, a new group of residents geared up to join the Bay County community emergency response team or CERT.

The free training course began earlier Monday evening at the Bay County Center of Operations. Participants in the course learn responsibilities like first aid, CPR, assessing fire risks, preparing for disasters, mitigation, and lots more.

While Monday was just day one, those in attendance gained a solid understanding of how they can contribute to a communitys overall resilience after tragedy strikes.

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Having CERT volunteers boots on the ground frees up boots on the ground for other first responders.

No department wants to be spread too thin in the face of a disaster, and Bay County is no stranger to disasters or the contributions of CERT members.

Destination Panama City celebrates National Tourism Week

Weve done several things with the cold weather we had back with the snow, we helped run the warming center. We also had Rivercamps where they had the water contamination. We went out and handed out water and showers and things of that nature. So its giving back to the community and showing them that theres somebody out there that can help them out, CERT Coordinator Chris Tucker said.

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Tucker said hes excited to build the CERT up with new members, each of whom brings their own unique background and experiences to the table.

Participants will learn a variety of topics in the course before taking their training into the field.

They will do four days of evening classes. Then well go out this coming Saturday, and well do what we call a practical solution to some of those skills from first aid to what we call cribbing. If theres somebody stuck under something, to help them get out, fire, put out some used fire extinguishers so they have some fire extinguisher training. So this kind of all comes to an end Saturday morning here. Its a four-hour practical, using the skills that they learned this week in class, Tucker added.

Tucker said its all about passing knowledge on and knowing it will go back into the community.

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A lot of it is self-preparedness. So in your homes, how to get ready for storms if they happen and after storms, how to really help yourself and your neighbors is the big part, Tucker said.

Bay County Fire Rescue Captain Travis Williams educated attendees on the dos and donts of aiding in fire response.

And participants got a chance to get more hands on. Everybody should have a disaster preparedness plan, especially with the influx of severe weather in our area.

To check out Bay Countys disaster preparedness guide or to learn about upcoming emergency management classes, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The Bennett Administration Center in Downtown Urbana is filling up as county officials begin moving into their offices. Many departments will soon officially call the building home, if they dont already.

The Sheriffs Department is finishing up the move as they begin to fill offices and conference rooms on the fourth floor.

Responding to domestic violence: Champaign Co. Sheriff reacts after weekend stabbing

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Dustin Heuerman, the sheriff, feels the building is designed for more effective conversations, meetings and to move them into the future. Plus, there is new technology theyve already started using.

Now, a lot of our investigations have to be audio and video recorded. Instead of putting a body camera on a desk, we have high-tech equipment to help us audio and video record those interviews and interrogations, he said.

The previous sheriffs office next door is officially closed. The moving process is finishing up and he said its set to be demolished in June 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A legendary figure in the world of Patek Philippe collecting and a trusted advisor to some of the most prestigious private collections, John Reardon unveils his very first watch creation  a timepiece shaped by heritage, style, and quiet simplicity, designed to be worn every day. An exclusive launch event at the Dennison + Collectability Pop-Up at the Sous Les Toiles Gallery during Madison Avenue Watch Week, from May 610 in New York City.

This marks Collectabilitys very first venture into watch creation  and also Dennisons first-ever collaboration. Just six months ago, Dennison Watch Company re-emerged on the scene. Since then, its A.L.D. watches  featuring cushion-shaped cases, inspired '70s flair, and striking natural stone dials  have garnered industry-wide attention. Offered at an attractive price point, under 700 CHF, they stand out for their distinctive blend of style, authenticity, and accessibility.

John Reardon, globally recognized expert on Patek Philippe, former International Head of Watches at Christies, and founder of Collectability, had never previously lent his name to a watch project. It was at Dennison that he found the ideal balance of elegant simplicity, heritage, and quiet style  a watch with character and wearability, designed for the everyday.

Dennison x Collectability  Dennison

Today, Dennison Watch Company announces its first collaboration  with none other than Collectability. Together, they unveil an exclusive limited-edition timepiece, inspired by a dial that pays direct tribute to one of Reardons favorite models from his private collection.

Founded in 1874, Dennison is one of the historic names in Anglo-American watchmaking. For nearly a century, the company produced cases for some of the most prestigious Swiss brands  including Rolex, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre  before stepping out of the spotlight. Today, the brand reconnects with its rich legacy through timepieces designed by celebrated Swiss designer Emmanuel Gueit, the creative force behind the Royal Oak Offshore and the Rolex 1908.

This special Dennison x Collectability edition is the result of a true meeting of minds  a collaboration conceived in Geneva during Auctions Week, where Collectabilitys John Reardon and Dennisons Director Stephane Cheikh bonded over a shared love for bold case designs and vibrant dials.

Dennison x Collectability  Dennison

So impressed was Reardon by the quality and price of Dennisons inaugural A.L.D. Collection that he purchased one for himself  and for each of his children. That encounter sparked the idea: a watch that would capture the spirit of a bygone era with a distinctly modern twist.

John Reardon comments: "This collaboration breaks the mold, offering a design and price point that make the perfect watch not a future aspiration but an immediate reality. Its not for the next generation. Its for NOW."

Stephane Cheikh adds: "We were thrilled that Dennisons first collaboration was with Collectability  true experts in the watch world who not only understood our rich heritage but also embraced the renewed spirit of our brand."

Emmanuel Gueit notes: "The shape. The difference between Dennison and the other brands is the shape. It is bringing the old shape back alive, back upfront again. Something different."



A Limited Edition Built for Everyday Elegance

Available in both stainless steel and gold PVD, the Dennison + Collectability watch combines timeless elegance with daily wearability. Its modern two-tone sunray dial draws inspiration from the rarest pieces in Collectabilitys archives, evoking the design language of the 1960s and 1970s while maintaining the aesthetic blueprint of Dennisons acclaimed A.L.D. Collection by Emmanuel Gueit.

Dennison x Collectability  Dennison

Crafted for collectors who appreciate heritage, design, and immediacy, this timepiece redefines what it means to own a classic.

Pre-orders open online from May 6  this modern cushion-form watch is ready to wear now. The collaboration will be celebrated at the Dennison + Collectability Pop-Up at the Sous Les Toiles Gallery during Madison Avenue Watch Week, May 610 in New York City.

For over a century, Dennison quietly shaped watchmaking history by crafting cases for iconic timepieces. Now, in partnership with Collectability  the trusted source for vintage Patek Philippe  Dennison continues its legacy with a bold new offering.


FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)  Friedrich Merz's unprecedented failure to win election as German chancellor in the first round of voting in parliament  though he won in the second  raised doubts about his new government's ability to carry through on plans to push Europe's largest economy out of stagnation.

Tuesday's stumble at the start of his new coalition government between his Union bloc and the Social Democrats added uncertainty around the future of an economy that hasn't seen significant growth since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Above all, Merz had been expected to end the squabbling over spending and budgets that plagued predecessor Olaf Scholz's unruly three-party coalition that collapsed in November. His Feb. 23 election win and coalition deal seemed to provide assurance that his government could end policy paralysis and confront challenges including lagging investment in pro-growth projects, choking bureaucracy and a lack of skilled labor.

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But the first-round flop in parliament raised questions about how solid Merz's majority would be and whether it can pass reforms to raise growth after two years of shrinking output. The outgoing government predicted zero growth for this year.

The failed vote, and fact that it came out of the blue, have already weakened Merz significantly," said Franziska Palmas, senior Europe economist at Capital Economics.

His promise to run a much more efficient and conflict-free government ... looks much less credible now. And delivering on his economic proposals, including a big increase in defense and infrastructure spending, corporate tax cuts, bureaucracy cuts and digitalization, will be more difficult than expected, Palmas added.

Merzs coalition has 328 members in the new parliament. The fact that he received only 310 votes on the first secret ballot  when he needed a majority of 316 out of 630 votes  led to speculation that some fiscally conservative legislators are resisting his post-election decision to loosen Germany's constitutional limit on deficit spending and set up a 500 billion euro fund to spend on infrastructure such as bridges, schools and rail lines.

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Those measures were passed in the outgoing parliament.

Merz won election with 325 votes on the second try, but significant damage has been done. He is taking office with two black eyes and shaky knees, said Andrea Roemmele, professor of communications in politics and civil society at Berlin's Hertie School.

Hope that the government will quickly push ahead with new investments and reforms has been shattered, said Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING bank: Todays events show that not everyone seems to have understood the sense of urgency and the need to have a functioning government.

For years, the debt limits constrained spending on infrastructure and was ultimately blamed for slowing growth. On top of that, China has gone from a lucrative export market for German companies to a competitor in German specialties such as autos and industrial machinery. Extensive permissions processes are blamed for slowing new business projects, while the loss of cheap Russian natural gas due to the invasion of Ukraine has raised energy costs for businesses.

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While the vote was a bad surprise," some of the tough decisions on spending and the debt limit were already taken care of in the outgoing parliament, said Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg bank. The extra fiscal space exists ... today's upset will probably not affect the way the additional money for defense and infrastructure is allocated in a major way.

Schmieding noted that most votes in parliament are not by secret ballot, which could prevent some of the coalition members who spurned Merz from voting against bills in parliament.

The decision to set up the infrastructure fund outside the debt limit had raised hope for more government spending and an exit from stagnation. Those hopes were dampened April 2 when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a slew of new tariffs on almost all U.S. trading partners, including a 20% tariff on goods from the European Union.

That immediately added to the headwinds for Germany's export-dominated economy, amid uncertainty over whether EU officials can negotiate a lower tariff rate during the 90-day pause institute by Trump before the tariffs take effect.
Michigan's Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins Morning Joe to discuss her new book 'The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High,' which details her rise in politics and an evening in December 2020 when armed protesters descended onto her doorstep, threatening her family. Secretary Benson also discusses her bid for governor.
In a remote area of Papua New Guinea, the staff at Nazarene General Hospital serve relentlessly.

The 134-bed facility is the only medical center in the area, which has a population roughly equal to Reading.

Its workers treat nearly 60,000 patients every year, performing major surgeries, overseeing births, and providing lifesaving treatments.

But life isnt always the outcome.

I was present when a toddler passed away from respiratory distress, said chaplain David Troxler, who recently took a mission trip to the hospital in the highlands of the island nation. It has an impact, how the staff handle a difficult death, a patient theyve seen and cared for.

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For those who treat injuries for a living, failing to save a life presents its own kind of wound.

Helping hospital staff manage the stress of critical incidents, like the tragic death of a patient, is why Troxler, a chaplain at Reading Hospital, made the trip to Kudjip, Papua New Guinea.

The mission trip

Troxler was part of an 18-person mission group from the Church of the Nazarene who headed overseas from March 1 to March 14.

The team, based in Philadelphia, was split in two groups  Troxlers group was tasked with assisting at Nazarene General Hospital.

Another group built an outpatient clinic in Bana, Papua New Guinea.

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Troxler said he trained chaplains, nurses and administrators at the hospital in stress management techniques.

Troxler trained local chaplains and hospital staff in Papua New Guinea on how to manage emotions after tragic deaths and other high-stress incidents. (Courtesy of Tower Health)

He said wards there can often contain up to 30 people without significant dividers, and families often stay with patients and help provide basic care, like food and laundry.

Troxler noted that Papua New Guinea is a young country.

Something like 40 percent of the population is under the age of 25, Troxler said. There are children everywhere; we saw that in quite a few places.

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The country is also diverse, with over 800 languages spoken among the populace.

Basically, every village and every mountainside has a different language, Troxler said. There is tribal warfare still going on. We didnt experience that when we were there, thankfully, but (the hospital) does get people who are caught up in machete fightsThose can be especially difficult times to deal with.

Reading Hospital chaplain David Troxler makes the trek to Nazarene General Hospital in Kudjip, Papua New Guinea. (Courtesy of Tower Health)

Managing the impacts of tragedy

Troxler trained chaplains and hospital staff at Nazarene in critical incident stress management, or CISM, an evidence-backed method for first responders and emergency workers to manage the emotional turmoil that accompanies particularly stressful critical incidents.

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He said that he first learned CISM during the COVID pandemic, when staff at the Reading Hospital connected with Johns Hopkins Hospital to receive training.

COVID was obviously causing a lot of stress, Troxler said.

He noted that hospital workers often acted as surrogate families for patients during COVID, since visitation was difficult.

We did everything we could to be supportive to patients at those times, Troxler said. But it took a toll on staff.

The R.M. Palmer Chocolate Factory explosion in West Reading in March 2023  which left 10 people injured and seven dead  was another incident that required CISM care for staff at the Reading Hospital.

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We do (CISMs) on a regular basis, Troxler noted. Often for a pediatric death, or a significant community event, like a house fire, the stress has a multiplying effect on staff, especially when theyve built rapport with the patients and their families.

CISM involves ad hoc debriefings, or meetings with staff, Troxler said. They follow a set format that allows workers to share their experiences and come to terms with their emotions.

We talk about what people experienced when they first heard about a (critical event), their initial thoughts and feelings Troxler said. We talk the worst moments. Sometimes the worst moment is seeing a loved one that is suffering because of the patient.

He said one case that required a CISM involved a nurse who recently had a baby and was treating an infant who died in the neonatal intensive care ward.

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Shes having her own emotions by seeing what was going on with this other infant, Troxler said. So, its processing how we deal with our own emotions.

The goal, Troxler said, is to work through the emotions surrounding tragedy in a way that allows staff to keep providing the care that patients rely on.

He said much of the process involves positive reinforcement, like acknowledging the skillsets of staff members and how they contribute to care.

Everyone that cares for patients has different roles, but we have one purpose together, Troxler said.

CISM debriefings usually involve seven or eight staff members but can be done in larger groups or even one-on-one, Troxler noted.

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Lessons from overseas

He said he taught chaplains in Papua New Guinea how to build a rapport to better support staff and encourage CISM.

One chaplain came to me afterward and said, weve never had training for chaplains here in Papua New Guinea, Troxler said. They were thrilled. I think (the training) is going to pay dividends for them in the long term, theyll be able to share (the training) with other hospitals.

He noted that the trip came about after he met with a doctor at Nazarene General Hospital while taking an online class in 2023.

Thats how the conversation started, Troxler said. There had not been a mission to (the hospital) since before COVID. So there was a plan two years in the making to get a team to go.

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Troxler said the trip made him realize the commonality inherent in the work that medical professionals do, no matter their location in the world.

The journey also reminded him of the value that chaplains add to the medical setting.

Were in the background until were needed, Troxler said. We provide treatment and care that touches aspects that medical care doesnt. The spiritual aspects of life. Those questions of purpose in life. We deal with that.

He noted that no one comes to the hospital on a good day, and chaplains are tasked with making a difference at a time when something has gone wrong.

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People have life-changing questions when a tragedy happens, Troxler said. We only have this time in between when theyre admitted and discharged to help provide people with something they can take home besides medicine and therapies. Some value and purpose in their life.

Troxler noted that he would love to go back to Papua New Guinea or other places to teach CISM, but he doesnt have any trips planned yet.

Chaplain David Troxler inside the chapel at Reading Hospital. (Courtesy of Tower Health)
Louisiana legislators may eliminate the ability of the public to confidentially or anonymously file complaints about unethical behavior by government workers and elected officials. (Julie O'Donoghue/Louisiana Illuminator)

Investigations into public officials for alleged misconduct could be significantly blunted under a proposal moving forward in the Louisiana Legislature. The bill targets the same process used to bring ethics charges against Gov. Jeff Landry two years ago.

The House of Representatives voted 96-0 Monday for House Bill 674, sponsored by Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia. It would give elected officials and government employees more tools to push back on a state ethics investigation. The legislation will now be heard in the Senate.

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Members of the Louisiana Board of Ethics said the measure would make it harder for the state to pursue charges over ethical misconduct.

At 30 pages, the bill is complex and makes dozens of changes to procedures and policies. Yet not one state representative asked a question about it on the House floor Monday before members voted to approve it.

Beaullieu said lawmakers from both parties are frustrated with the ethics board, which has been accused of harassing public officials and lacking transparency.

The legislation was drafted with the help of Stephen Gele, an attorney representing Landry in his negotiations with the ethics board over his charges from 2023. Landry did not disclose flights he took on a political donors private plane to Hawaii while attorney general in 2021, although state law required him to do so.

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Gele said Beaullieus bill wouldnt impact the outcome of Landrys pending charges because it would only apply to complaints and investigations that occur after the legislation passes.

Advocates for government transparency have expressed concerns, however. Last week, Ethics Administrator David Bordelon also described the proposed new investigative process as skewed in favor of a public servant accused of wrongdoing.

It presents some sort of questionable standards, Bordelon told state ethics board members at their meeting Friday during a lengthy discussion on the legislation.



The ethics board oversees the enforcement of campaign finance laws and the state ethics code for public employees, elected officials and lobbyists. Anyone from a public school teacher to the governor can be subject of one of its investigations.

Bordelon said witnesses and people interviewed by the ethics staff during an investigation might be less forthcoming if changes in the bill are adopted. Under the legislation, the board would be required to turn over witness statements and documents it secures early in the investigative process, even if the board chooses not to pursue charges.



It is very much going to change how we obtain the documents and how we present the documents, Bordelon said.

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The ethics board will also have less time to decide whether to issue charges over an ethics violation under Beaullieus legislation. Currently, the board has a year from when it receives a sworn complaint about an alleged ethical violation to bring charges or once the board votes to investigate a potential violation.

House Bill 674 would add several more steps to that process by allowing the subject of the complaint to object and respond to accusations more often during the boards deliberations.



They are lopping off a couple of months, minimum, ethics board member Alfred Butch Speer said. Former Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed Speer to the board after he had served as clerk of the Louisiana House for 35 years.

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Bordelon agreed. From the staff level, we will need to have investigations done quicker, he said.

Speer is worried the legislation would let subjects facing ethics charges run out the clock on investigations by stalling on depositions and other time-consuming procedures allowed under the bill. He suggested the legislature look at giving the ethics board two years to issue charges instead of adding more steps to the process.

If they drag their feet long enough, then we run out of time, Speer said.



Retired Judge Vanessa Whipple, an ethics board appointee of Gov. Landry, said shes worried the bill would allow any district court in the state to intervene in an ethics investigation so long as a witness in the case lived in its jurisdiction. Currently, ethics cases that reach a state judge on appeal are handled in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, where the ethics board is located.



Whipple said this provision could result in district and appellate courts issuing conflicting decisions on ethics matters.



The proposed changes would also require the ethics board to expand its staff, especially if they are expected to present in district courts across the state, Whipple added. The board would likely need at least one more attorney and possibly more support workers, she said.



Bordelon said a financial analysis of the bill he provided to the legislature indicates the changes would cost $100,000 annually.

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Before the House vote, Beaullieu made one adjustment to his bill in response to complaints from government transparency advocates. He removed a provision that would have required a district court judge to halt subpoenas for an investigation if they annoyed, embarrassed or oppressed a witness.

Last year, Landry and lawmakers made changes to the ethics board that give the governor more control over its members. Landry now gets to select his board appointees directly. Previously, he could only pick them from lists the leaders of Louisianas private colleges and universities provided  a provision meant to insulate the board from political pressure.

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The arrest of a Minnesota state trooper on child sexual assault allegations last week was called "one of the most vile and predatory offenses imaginable," and the criminal complaint detailing the charges reveals just how horrifying the accusations are.

Jeremy Plonski, 29, of Shakopee, was hired by the Minnesota State Patrol in 2022 and has since been placed on leave following his May 1 arrest. He remains in custody at the Sherburne County Jail and has been charged by the state with first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the federal charges, Plonski recorded himself on video sexually assaulting an infant girl and sent "four or five" videos of him committing the crimes to a user he had befriended on Kik, a social media messenger service.

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One of the videos was obtained by FBI agents in Houston, Texas, with the complaint saying Plonski's "face is fully visible in the video" as he carried about heinous acts in his Shakopee home.

Plonski was interviewed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and he allegedly admitted to being in a "dominant/submissive" relationship with the Kik user, with Plonski operating in a "submissive" role, the charges claim. He allegedly sent the videos at the user's request.

Jeremy PlonskiSherburne County Jail

Plonski told investigators that the sexual assaults occurred in 2022 and that "he ceased all sexual contact with Victim and has not touched her since," the complaint reads.

"This is abhorrentto Minnesota as a whole and to our law enforcement community in particular," said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Lisa Kirkpatrick.

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Alvin M Winston Sr., a special agent with the FBI Minneapolis, called the allegations against Plonski "horrifying and a gross betrayal of public trust."

FOX9 reports that Plonski has been a member of the Minnesota National Guard since 2013 and he was deployed to Egypt in 2016-17 and to Kuwait and Syria in 2021-22.
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR)  Lynchburg Police have released new and upgraded charges in the September 2024 shooting deaths of two Lynchburg Residents.

On Monday September 30, 2024, 33-year-old Nathaniel Pridemore was identified as the suspect in the death of 19-year-old Cash Gaudio after a shooting that occurred on Fairlea Court.

LPD identifies victim, makes arrest in connection to Fairlea Court homicide

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Pridemore faces one upgraded charge of Aggravated Murder and one new charge of Shooting in Committing or Attempting a Felony, according to LPD.

Pridemore also faces the following charges in connection to shooting and killing his presumed partner, 36-year-old Christina Hamilton, a home on Turnbridge Road on the same day:

Aggravated Murder (Code of Virginia  18.2-31)

Use or Display of Firearm in Committing Felony (Code of Virginia  18.2-53.1)

Discharging Firearms or Missiles Within or at Building or Dwelling House (Code of Virginia  18.2-279)

Shooting in Committing or Attempting a Felony (Code of Virginia  18.2-53)

Investigations continue into three homicides in Lynchburg

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Pridemore remains in custody without bond pending trial.

Anyone who has information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Bond (434) 455-6161 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  The City of Charleston Board of Appeals voted to reject Dockside townhome residents appeal on the order to evacuate. Residents at the townhomes were hoping that Monday night would be a step forward in moving back into their homes.



Back in February, residents at the Dockside Condominiums were ordered to evacuate due to structural concerns, and shortly afterwards, the residents in the townhomes surrounding the tower were ordered to evacuate as well.



Everything I own is still inside the house. I dont have a bed, I dont have cook wear, I dont have all my clothes  I had to buy this suit today to come to court, said Ryan Earhart, a property owner at the townhomes.

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This afternoon, residents appealed that order. They said the citys decision to include the townhomes in the evacuation order lacks consistency, saying an evacuation of the nearby international African American Museum and Liberty Square was not ordered. Theyre also claiming they have not been provided proof from an engineer that the townhomes would be impacted if the condominium tower were to collapse. They also said now the condominium is evacuated, a new investigation is needed.



The order didnt take into account once the Dockside tower has been evacuated it changes the severity of the loads and whether or not the tower is actually in danger of collapse and that has not been properly investigated, said Craig Rogers, an engineer consultant for Origin Cause.

A report provided by engineering firm WJE does cite that surrounding structures like the townhomes could be at risk in the event of a collapse.

Residents gave emotional testimonies to the board citing the economic and emotional distress the evacuation has caused,



Ive lived here 22 years. These people are my friends and to see our friends in pain is very hard. The timing of this is very unknown a lot of people had retired already and this was their final home, said Earhart.

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Residents say they will likely go to a court of appeals to continue appealing the order to evacuate.



What were asking for is a fair hearing and a right to be heard and the ability to present our case, but the most important part of the legal system is we can confront our accusers, said Earhart.



The townhomes are in the process of moving out. Similar to those moving out of the tower, there is a schedule for townhome owners to move out.





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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  After years of complaints and investigations, a repairman accused of taking money for jobs he never completes has been arrested again.

This most recent arrest stems from a 2024 case in Rowan County involving an elderly couple who said John Jackson took payment for an appliance repair and never returned. It mirrors many other reports Queen City News has followed for over five years.

He took $1,600 for a fridge repair and vanished, one victim previously told QCN.

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PREVIOUS: Banned NC repairman strikes again in South Carolina

Despite a state ban from the North Carolina Attorney General barring him from doing or advertising repair work, some customers said Jackson is still operating under the radar.

Jackson has been released on a $5,000 bond and faces multiple fraud charges.

Authorities are urging the public to verify contractors before hiring.

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[Democrats] have a new person named [Jasmine] Crockett, Trump told NBC News Kristen Welker while speaking about the state of the Democratic party. I watched her speak the other day, and shes definitely a low IQ person. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

On Sunday, President Donald Trump sat down for a wide-ranging interview with NBCs Meet the Press, and in characteristic form, he took some time to call out his haters.

[Democrats] have a new person named [Jasmine] Crockett, Trump told NBC News Kristen Welker while speaking about the state of the Democratic party. I watched her speak the other day, and shes definitely a low-IQ person.

Crockett, who represents Texas in the House of Representatives and frequently criticizes the president, has become a target of Trump as her star has risen among the Democrats.

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Trumps remarks on Sunday mirror comments he made about her back in March, when he said, Shes a lowlife, and shes a very low-IQ person.

As shes done in the past, Crockett responded directly to the presidents taunts, writing on X on Sunday: For you to be in charge of the WHOLE country, you sure do have my name in your mouth a lot. Every time you say my name, youre reminding the world that youre terrified of smart, bold Black women telling the truth and holding you accountable. So keep talking...

Trump has long held up IQ as the be-all, end-all measure of self-worth. (Hes equally obsessed with good genes, and others  usually migrants  bad genes.) But when hes claiming a critic is a low-IQ person or individual, its usually a Black woman hes targeting.

I listened to President Trump call Rep. Jasmine Crockett a low IQ individual and I realized I had heard that before, so put the question to ChatGPT, NPR Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me host Peter Sagal wrote on Bluesky Sunday, alongside a screengrab of his results: ChatGPT pointed out that Trump had called Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) an extraordinarily low IQ person while repeatedly lobbing low IQ barbs at Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump has called Rep. Maxine Waters and former Vice President Kamala Harris "low IQ" in the past. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Sagal isnt the first to notice this habit. As David Smith of the Guardian noted in 2018, Trump has insulted the intelligence of male critics  calling former Sen. Mitt Romney one of the dumbest candidates in the history of the GOP and the late Sen. John McCain a dummy  but hes just as likely to deem them a pompous ass or a loser.

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When its Black public figures hes attacking, he tends to denigrate them on the basis of their intelligence alone.

Throughout the presidential election, Trump derided Harris, his opponent, as dumb, mentally unfit, slow and stupid, and of course, an extremely low-IQ person.

In March, he also suggested Rep. Al Green (D-Texas)  another low-IQ individual in Trumps book and a Black man  should be forced to take an IQ test after the congressman was removed from the presidents address to Congress and later censured by the House.

High-IQ individuals are also intriguing to Trump, but theyre almost always white like him: Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and Trump adviser, is a seriously high-IQ individual. (So is Musks son, X, according to Trump, though hes just 5.) In 2016, Trump said his Cabinet  which only had three people of color in leading positions  had by far the highest IQ of any Cabinet ever assembled.

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And Trump loves to trumpet his own IQ, calling it one of the highest. The president has also called himself a very stable genius on multiple occasions.

The presidents mode of speech  the markedly different way he speaks about Black peoples intelligence versus white peoples  reeks of racism, said Carrie Gillon, a linguist and the cohost of Vocal Fries, a podcast about linguistic discrimination.

Its absolutely evident that he thinks Black people have lower IQs than white people  and believes IQ is an important and real way to measure intelligence, and that there is only one kind of intelligence, Gillon told HuffPost.

The history of IQ is racist and eugenicist, and would take a lot to unpack, Gillon noted. But ultimately: Talking about IQ, particularly in this way, is racist, she said.

When IQ tests were introduced in the 20th century, eugenicists and ethnocentrics latched onto them to argue that a persons intelligence was influenced by their biology. (Eugenics  a pseudoscientific idea thats experiencing an unnerving resurgence  is broadly defined as the use of selective breeding to improve the human race.)

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They held up the apparent gaps these tests illuminated between ethnic minorities and whites or between low- and high-income groups, Daphne Oluwaseun Martschenko, an assistant professor at the Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics, wrote in The Conversation in 2017.

In their darkest moments, IQ tests became a powerful way to exclude and control marginalised communities using empirical and scientific language, Oluwaseun Martschenko wrote.

Supporters of eugenic ideologies in the 1900s used IQ tests to identify idiots, imbeciles, and the feebleminded, she explained. These were people, eugenicists argued, who threatened to dilute the White Anglo-Saxon genetic stock of America.

Today, critics of IQ tests have argued that the cultural specificity of intelligence makes the tests biased toward the environment they were developed in, which is, more often than not, white and Western societies.

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Whats interesting to Megan Figueroa, a linguist at the University of Arizona, and the co-host of The Vocal Fries, is the compliments Trump does extend to famous Black people.

I find it striking how it compares with how he talked about Deion Sanders phenomenal genes, Figueroa said. He believes that Black people can have so-called good genes when it comes to sports, but otherwise are low-IQ individuals. Its just blatant racism.

Since Crockett is a low-IQ person, her criticisms of him dont even require a response, theyre invalid and unimportant, said Jennifer Mercieca, author of "Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump." Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Jennifer Mercieca, author of Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump, sees Trumps insult of Crockett as just another example of his use of an ad hominem attack to dodge criticism and accountability.

By using this rhetorical strategy  one of his favorites  hes able to avoid the issue being debated or the criticism and rerouting our attention to the person who made the criticism,  said Mercieca, a professor in the department of communication and journalism at Texas A&M University.

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Since Crockett is a low IQ person, her criticisms of him dont even require a response, theyre invalid and unimportant, she said. This allows Trump to insult his opposition without ever having to answer the question. Its a strategy that works the same way whether there is a racial dynamic or not.

For her part, Crockett hasnt shied away from engaging directly with the presidents schoolyard ad hominems.

Last month, while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Crockett said she would absolutely take an IQ test publicly, head to head against the president.

The Texas lawmaker also gives the president a taste of his own medicine at times, which may be why shes gotten under his skin so much lately.

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Not mincing words during a House Oversight Committee hearing last September, Crockett called Trump simpleminded and under-qualified.

Related...
What are the current challenges of chronometry for De Bethune? WorldTempus sat down with master watchmaker and co-founder Denis Flageollet. Where standards no longer make sense, the real research begins.

Spring 2025, just past 2 p.m. (it is watch week, after all). Im seated across from Denis Flageollet, and were sipping a strong, rich espressothe signature touch of any meeting with the Sainte-Croix-based brand. Today, the watchmaker is presenting the DB25 XS Monopusher Chronograph, a new iteration of one of the brands key complications, now in a 40 mm case. For context, De Bethunes first two models in 2002 were chronographs, including the 44 mm DB8and many more followed.

Monopusher Chronograph DB25 XS  De Bethune

A chronograph means precision. But how do you measure it? Denis Flageollet explains his approach: Standards and certifications are limited to the analysis of 5 to 7 fixed positions. Yet todays technology could allow for so much more. Standards serve the industry. But for those who want to go further, they become constraints. As an example, Flageollet recalls how his first tourbillon watch, the DB25T Regulator Tourbillon (2011), was ineligible from the Concours de Chronometrie. The reason? The tourbillon cage must rotate in exactly one minute. But mine rotated in 30 seconds at high frequencymore reliable and more precise! An anecdotealmost absurdthat speaks volumes about his vision of time measurement, one that breaks free from the norms and conveniences of the industry. This approach is reflected throughout his work: he takes nothing for grantednot mechanisms, not materials, not aesthetics, not even the end userin pursuit of watches rich in meaning and innovation.

A New Vision of Precision

In his book Alchimie Horlogere (Favre Editions, 2022), Denis Flageollet highlights the need to update the way we view chronometry: The major challenge is to lay the groundwork for a new generation of mechanical watches, better performing and better suited to modern life. [] Wristwatches are subject to increasingly varied demands. [] Moreover, a certain routine has stifled watchmaking development, missing out on the many advances made in other technologies.

Artisan  De Bethune

While watchmaking often leans toward conservatism, De Bethune follows its own path. At the end of 2022, the brand opened a new chapter in accuracy with its Sensorial Chronometry Project. Over the course of two weeks, the buyer wears a test watch that collects up to 2 million data points per hour. These data enable a fully personalized fine-tuning, based on how the wearer actually uses the watchfar removed from the theoretical averages that exist only in machines. A personalized report, delivered with the watch, details the data used for adjustment. What matters to me is the added value for the client, who benefits from a truly bespoke service, explains Flageollet. This service is available on requestbut limited to just 5 watches per year due to the time required for adjustment.

Mechanical Arm Test  De Bethune

Toward the Balance Spring of the Future

One major obstacle in improving chronometry remained: testing the balance springan essential component for precision. All suppliers produce the same type of balance springs. At the moment, it's very difficult to alter their thickness by even a few microns. But I want to test other cross-sections, says Flageollet. Thats why were setting up our own in-house production of balance springsnot just in terms of alloys, but in cross-sections that I believe are better suited to optimizing chronometry. This opens a whole new field of research for a watchmaker who continues to challenge conventions. In his pursuit of precision, Denis Flageollet is, in a way, returning the mechanical watch to its true exploratory spirit.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Navy, Marine, and Air Force personnel are all participating in the first checkered flag exercise of 2025.

Over 1,100 service members and dozens of aircraft are at Tyndall Air Force Base for the two-week operation.

They come to Tyndall to take advantage of the 300 by 700 nautical mile Gulf range.

Our area that we play in is from New Orleans all the way to Tampa. The reason that we have this exercise is so we can integrate as a one flight because the Marines and Navy, and Air Force all do the same thing. But we all talk a different way to get the job done. So, were training to talk the same language when were fighting our near-peer, Checkered Flag Operations and Maintenance Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Bateman said.

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The exercise allows pilot and flight crews to train and integrate tactics on a larger scale and more realistic environment.

Harrison Avenue between 4th and 5th Street will reopen to vehicle traffic on Monday

The operation uses newer 5th-generation and older 4th-generation fighters. Both classifications have at least some stealth or radar-jamming characteristics.

Its one of the Department of Defenses largest air-to-air combat exercises.

I love this exercise. Its probably the best job Ive ever had in my life. I get to do the actual job satisfaction portion of my career. You do a lot of training, you do a lot of this is how we do, this is how we do, this is how we do and in these scenarios, other than going downrange and actually being in air war, you you get to be as close as you can to that wartime atmosphere, Bateman added.

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Each exercise requires seven months of planning, followed by a month of post-exercise reviews.

Checkered flag happens twice a year, and the next exercise is in six months.

Flights began last Wednesday and will continue until next Wednesday. They dont fly on the weekends. You can expect to see action in the skies from about 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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A program created to improve Black student achievement, discipline and sense of belonging in Chicago Public Schools is under investigation by the Trump administration.

The U.S. Education Departments Office for Civil Rights announced on April 29 that the districts Black Student Success Plan violates federal law because it discriminates against students on the basis of race.

The plan, released in February, outlines strategies over the next five years to improve Black students daily learning experiences and life outcomes.

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Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Teachers Union president, said in a statement Tuesday that the plan was developed to address the man-made educational achievement gap for Black students caused by inequitable policies such as redlining.

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We expect CPS to stand up against this baseless investigation  and we call on our city and state leaders to take real action to protect our students and schools, Davis Gates said.

An Illinois law signed in 2023 required the Chicago Board of Education to create a Black Student Achievement Committee and develop a plan to bring about academic parity between Black children and their peers.

The plan was based on the groups recommendations, which include providing comprehensive resources for Black students academic and social-emotional needs and partnering with historically Black colleges and universities to create a teacher pipeline.

The plans main goals include doubling the number of Black male educators, reducing out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for Black students by 40% and increasing Black history and culture in classrooms.

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LAUSD Overhauls $120 Million Black Students Program After Activists File Complaint

The investigation into the plan is based on a complaint by conservative Virginia-based advocate Defending Education, which targeted a similar program last year in the Los Angeles Unified School District called the Black Student Achievement Plan. A district spokesperson said Thursday that Los Angeles Unified resolved the complaint by opening the plans services to all students.

The Education Department said in a press release Tuesday that the Chicago plan violates federal law by focusing on remedial measures only for Black students, despite acknowledging that Chicago students of all races struggle academically. Its the latest move by the Trump administration to eliminate school diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Craig Trainor, the departments acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement that the administration wont allow federal funds to be used in this pernicious and unlawful manner.

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The department previously said government funds were at risk for states and school districts that didnt agree to end DEI programs. Last month, federal judges blocked the department from withholding federal funds because of DEI.

A Chicago Public Schools spokesperson said Thursday that the district will not comment on pending or ongoing investigations.
It feels good to spare a little money for a good cause or for someone in need, which is exactly what a Chicago woman thought she had done until she realized shed been scammed.

Heather Radin was standing in the Chicago neighborhood of Wicker Park when she was approached by two young boys, claiming their brother had been killed and their family needed money to be able to lay him to rest.

@plaement()

"I'm a sucker for any bleeding-heart thing," she told CBS News Chicago.

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So, Radin tried to give the boys $10 cash, but they insisted she use Apple Pay. After she tapped her card and the boys took off, she realized $5,000 had been transferred out of her account.

Unfortunately, shes not the only victim of a tap-to-pay or card skimming scam.

A scam on the rise

Another Chicago woman told CBS News that she was approached outside of a grocery store when she was asked by two young men for money to help pay for their brothers funeral. Like Radin, Monica Wieske said they wouldnt take the cash that she offered. Tap to pay, they claimed, was the only way.

And right after she tapped, Wieske also got a notification that nearly $5,000 was taken out of her account.

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In January, Chicago couple Drew and Leilani were approached in a Target with the same tale: Our brother died, we cant afford the funeral, are you willing to spare some money?

Once they gave $20 via Apple Pay after the scammers refused to accept cash, Drew learned that nearly $5,000 had been taken. But this time, the notification came right after he tapped, and he decided to take matters into his own hands.

"I looked down at my phone and realized that they took close to $5,000 instead of $20. I said to myself, 'Oh, hell no,' and turned and started chasing them," said Drew, who didnt want CBS News to use his last name.

Drew told CBS reporters that he chased the men down and actually jumped into their car as they tried to get away. He says he suffered a broken rib and punctured lung after being thrown from the car as the boys accelerated the vehicle to get away.

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While the couple eventually got their money back, Radin hasnt been so lucky. She filed a police report and contacted her bank, Goldman Sachs, but she says as of late April she hadnt gotten a dollar back.

In a statement to CBS, a representative from Goldman Sachs said, "While we do not comment on specific customers, our customers' safety and security are a top priority. We work quickly to review any fraud claims and regularly provide provisional credits during the review process. There is an allotted timeline for fraud investigations, and we aim to resolve any disputes as quickly as possible."

Meanwhile, Wieske fought with her bank, Fifth Third, for months. CBS News reached out to them for an explanation and just before their scheduled interview with Wieske, the bank gave her the money back.

@plaement()

How to be protected against tap-to-pay scams

Scammers can be well trained in emotional manipulation, and its easy for a story such as a siblings funeral to tug at the heartstrings. While there are many people out there who truly need help, there are steps you can take to stay vigilant and ensure you arent giving your money to a scam.

On the spot tap-to-pay requests are a red flag

Refusing cash after asking for a donation is already a red flag, and immediately having a tap-to-pay request ready to go should raise more alarm bells. If the requester truly has an online donation fund set up, ask for a legit website or fundraising page started by family or official organizers that you can donate to later.

Verify the organization and funeral home

In Radin and Wieskes cases, they were both approached by young boys. Ask to speak with an older family member to confirm the boys are out fundraising before making any donations. It may feel awkward, but also consider asking which funeral home or director they are using for the service in an extra bid for more confirming information.

Consider reserving donations for official platforms

Informal requests for donations through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo or other quick tap-to-pay platforms are red flags. Instead, ask if there is an official fundraising page through GoFundMe or, say, through a funeral homes website.

Set tap-to-pay limits

Setting a limit for online transactions ensures that scammers cant change the amount to thousands of dollars right before the transaction goes through. Additionally, set up a PIN or another authentication for any payment to be authorized.

Set payment alerts

Make sure to set up notifications for any payment activity so, like Drew, you can catch the scam quickly. But, confronting the crooks like he did is not worth the risk. Rather, immediately notify your bank and the authorities.

@plaement()

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
May 5A 9-year-old child on an electric bicycle was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea Saturday afternoon for a suspected minor injury after being struck by a minivan on Fountain Street near the intersection with Fifth Avenue.

Police stated David Patrick Boettcher, 56, of Blue Earth was driving a 2010 Chrysler van east on Fountain Street approaching Fifth Street at 4:46 p.m. when the child, Eighth Stary of Albert Lea, came into the road from the south. Boettcher was reportedly unable to stop in time, and the van struck the child.

Warrant served

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Deputies served a warrant at 7:25 p.m. Friday on Felipe Ambriz-Becerra, 34, in the Freeborn County jail, 411 S. Broadway.

Vehicle reported stolen, recovered

Deputies received a report at 12:29 p.m. Friday of a stolen vehicle at 7300 220th St. It was later recovered near West College Street and South First Avenue.

1 arrested for DWI

Deputies arrested Autumn Christine Olsen, 36, for driving while intoxicated after receiving a report at 5:43 p.m. Saturday of a careless driver near the intersection of Sorensen Road and U.S. Highway 65.

Scam reported

Deputies received a report at 8:56 p.m. Saturday of an individual who was scammed out of $300 using Apple gift cards on Central Avenue in Geneva.

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Windows broken out of vehicles

Deputies received a report at 10:28 a.m. Sunday of two vehicles with windows broken out at 216 W. Second St. Damage was believed to have occurred sometime overnight after 1 a.m.

1 turns self in on warrant

Brilayne Johnelle Garcia, 25, turned herself in on a warrant at 7:02 a.m. Friday at 411 S. Broadway.

Items stolen

Police received a report of a TV and purse that were stolen at 8:59 a.m. Friday at 718 1/2 Cedar Ave.

Tire reported slashed

Police received a report at 3:44 p.m. Friday of a tire that was slashed on a vehicle at 702 E. 13th St.

1 arrested on warrant

Police arrested Heather Marie Brigston, 34, on a Faribault County warrant at 7:37 p.m. Friday at 1510 Academy Ave.

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2 arrested for domestic assault

Police arrested Ethan Daniel Crews-Logan for domestic assault, fifth-degree assault and a domestic abuse no contact order violation at 9:54 p.m. Friday at 322 E. Fountain St.

Police arrested Zuleika Colon Luna, 34, for domestic assault at 2:47 a.m. Sunday at 328 E. Second St.

Window shot out of garage

Police received a report at 2:55 p.m. Sunday of a window that was believed to have been shot out of a garage at 2101 Harmony Ave. The damage was believed to have occurred the day before between 3 and 8 p.m.
(NewsNation)  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted to lawmakers the United States is not currently in negotiations with China when it comes to tariffs.

That comes contrary to President Donald Trumps repeated claims that China is ready to deal and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him to discuss trade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney: Canada wont be for sale ever

When asked about Bessents remarks, Trump again repeated his assertion that China wants to make a deal but admitted there have been no meetings.

Trump paused on other tariffs, kept Chinas in place

While the president put a pause on other tariffs, he has continued his 145% tariff on Chinese goods coming to the U.S. He also removed the de minimis exception that allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs, a policy relied on by both individual shoppers and small independent business owners.

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Film tariff announced, but US movies have a trade surplus

In response, China levied its own tariffs on U.S. goods as well as making deals with other countries for goods it typically imports from the U.S.

Xi has denied Trumps assertions that he is ready to deal, something that appeared to be confirmed by Bessents comments to lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee. He said the U.S. was in talks with major trading partners except for China.

Treasury secretary expects tariff deals with many countries by end of year

President Donald Trumps tariffs on China have led to warnings of high prices and shortages, with some warning that consumers could start seeing empty shelves. Trump has said, though, that multiple countries have been making deals to provide more favorable trade conditions.

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Supreme Court allows Trump administration to enforce trans military ban

Bessent also said that deals with some major trading partners were in the works, and he expects the majority of countries to reach a deal by the end of the year. However, that doesnt seem to include China.

Trump has also not backed down from his claim that tariffs will benefit the U.S. in the long run. Tariffs have already led to a significant slowdown in ships arriving at ports in the U.S.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING (Reuters) -President Xi Jinping said China was ready to work with European Union leaders to expand mutual openness and properly handle frictions and differences, the official news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

The remarks come on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union as they work to thaw ties amid global trade uncertainty fuelled by sweeping U.S. tariffs.

Xi did not mention the United States in his remarks, but Beijing has been keen to forge closer economic and political links with Europe to limit the damage from President Donald Trump's tariffs on most of its exports to the United States.

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"Healthy, stable China-EU ties not only promote mutual achievements, but also illuminate the world," he said.

Xi also called on the EU to jointly safeguard fairness and justice, and oppose unilateral bullying, describing their relations as one of the world's most influential, Xinhua added.

China said it would welcome visits by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at an appropriate time to jointly hold a new round of meeting of leaders of both sides.

China and the EU will hold high-level dialogues on strategy, economy and trade, green development and digitalisation among a series of events this year, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press conference on Tuesday.

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The ministry also confirmed that China and the European Parliament had decided to free up mutual exchanges.

Last week, the EU said China would lift sanctions on members of the European Parliament and its subcommittee on human rights. The sanctions were imposed in 2021 over Western measures against Chinese officials accused of the mass detention of Muslim Uyghurs in the far western region of Xinjiang.

"Under the current circumstances, both sides believe it is very important for China and Europe to strengthen dialogue and cooperation," Lin, the ministry spokesperson, told reporters.

He expressed confidence that renewed talks would "inject new impetus" in the development of China-EU relations.

(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen, Liz Lee and Shi Bu; Editing by Kate Mayberry and Clarence Fernandez)
By Andrew Osborn and Laurie Chen

(Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping flew into Moscow on Wednesday for talks with President Vladimir Putin and a pomp-filled visit that Kyiv has made clear it opposes after Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow shortly before he touched down.

Xi, whose country buys more Russian oil and gas than any other, and which has thrown Moscow an economic lifeline that has helped it navigate Western sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine, landed at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport soon after Russian authorities said they had brought down another Ukrainian drone outside the capital.

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It was the third day Ukraine has targeted Moscow with drones and one of Moscow's main airports was forced to temporarily suspend its activities less than three hours before Xi's arrival.

When asked during a news briefing about air attacks by both sides on each others' capitals, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry did not comment on Xi's trip, saying only that the "top priority" was to avoid an escalation in tensions.

The Kremlin said the attempted Ukrainian attacks on Moscow showed Kyiv's tendency to commit "acts of terrorism" and that Russia's intelligence services and military were doing everything necessary to ensure the security of upcoming World War Two commemorations which Xi is due to attend.

Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday that Russia had launched its own air attack on Kyiv overnight, killing a mother and her son. Russia says it only targets military objects.

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Xi is the most powerful world leader expected at a military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany.

His visit hands President Vladimir Putin an important diplomatic boost at a time when the Russian leader is keen to show his country is not isolated on the world stage. The Kremlin has touted Xi's presence, along with that of 28 other world leaders, as a sign of Russia's growing global authority.

But Ukraine's Foreign Ministry - in comments that seemed directed at China whose troops are due to march on Red Square - on Tuesday urged countries not to send their militaries to participate in the May 9 parade, saying such participation would go against some countries' declared neutrality in the war.

DRONES TARGETED MOSCOW

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Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that Russian air defence units had destroyed at least 14 Ukrainian drones headed for the Russian capital overnight. He later said at least two more had been brought down during the day.

Xi has called for talks to end the war in Ukraine and has accused the U.S. of stoking the war with weapons supplies to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has in the past urged him to try to persuade Putin to end the war.

Xi is due to hold talks with the Russian leader on Thursday and to join other world leaders for the parade on Friday.

His visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to push Moscow and Kyiv to find a way to end the war in Ukraine, with both sides blaming each other for a lack of progress.

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Locked in a tariff war with the United States, Xi is expected to sign numerous agreements to deepen an already tight strategic partnership with Moscow, which has consistently seen China crowned Russia's biggest trading partner.

Despite recent efforts under Trump to reset U.S.-Russia ties, Putin is expected to present a united front with Xi against Washington, whose dominance and "exceptionalism" both countries have questioned, arguing for a more multipolar world.

POST-WAR INTERNATIONAL ORDER

In a signed article published by Russian media on Wednesday, Xi wrote that China and Russia must "firmly maintain the post-war international order."

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"The two sides should jointly resist any attempt to disrupt and undermine China-Russia friendship and mutual trust," read the text of the article, Chinese state media reported.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the visit "one of the central events in Russian-Chinese relations this year."

"The World War Two focus is about the post-war international order and now the U.S. is dismantling or undermining it. So China and Russia will frame themselves as the defenders of the international order and the UN system, and oppose U.S. unilateralism and hegemony," said Yun Sun, a China politics analyst at the Stimson Center in Washington.

In their talks, Putin and Xi will discuss the "most sensitive" issues, including energy cooperation and the proposed but yet to be built Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to China, Yuri Ushakov, a top Kremlin aide, said.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Additional reporting by Laurie Chen and Liz Lee in Beijing and by Dmitry Antonov in MoscowWriting by Andrew OsbornEditing by Tomasz Janowski, Lincoln Feast, Sharon Singleton, William Maclean)
By Joe Cash

BEIJING (Reuters) -The sound of Chinese fighter jets roared over the Egyptian pyramids and could echo across the Middle East, as Beijing wrapped up military drills with Cairo aimed at chipping away at U.S. strategic influence in the volatile region.

China's military on Monday released videos of its fast jets, helicopters and transport planes flying high above the Sahara and hailing inaugural joint air force exercises with Egypt as "a signal of deepening military ties and shifting alliances".

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The joint exercises with one of the United States' biggest security partners come as Washington increasingly turns inward under President Donald Trump, allowing China to deepen ties across North Africa and invest billions in security projects.

"As Egypt looks beyond its traditional U.S. partnership, a new era of cooperation is taking flight over Cairo's skies," said a video released by the international division of state broadcaster CCTV, as a jet plane takes off into the night.

Global Times, a tabloid owned by the newspaper of the ruling Communist Party, People's Daily, said the "Eagles of Civilisation 2025" drills had established a foundation for various potential cooperation between the two countries' militaries at a time when Egypt is trying to upgrade its combat equipment, citing experts.

Analysts say the 18-day drills also help Egypt assert itself as a major regional power among the Arab nations and North Africa amid growing regional turbulence.

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"It's great public diplomacy for (China), particularly in the Middle East," said Eric Orlander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project. "It's what brings people in the door for them to sell drones, SAMs, light arms, transports, et cetera."

"A major regional power needs an Air Force, right?" he added.

Orlander cautioned that switching jet fighter systems is very expensive, and Washington could choose to withhold financial military support from Cairo if it upped its purchases of Chinese technologies.

But the United States - the primary security partner to Egypt, neighbouring Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states since the late seventies - has made large foreign cuts under Trump that have been keenly felt across the region.

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And with the Gaza crisis unfolding to its north-east, ethnic violence in Sudan to the south, and political instability in Libya to its west, Egypt finds itself squeezed on three fronts.

China has since pledged billions in fresh investment for projects such as satellite manufacturing facilities in Egypt capable of producing military-grade surveillance equipment.

Beijing's air force said the drills represented "a new starting point and a significant milestone in military cooperation between the two countries," in a statement marking their conclusion.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
(KRON)  California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers chased down and arrested a fleeing motorcyclist who allegedly popped a wheelie in front of officers on the Bay Bridge Saturday.

CHP officers responded to I-80 Saturday evening after a group of motorcyclists were seen taking part in inappropriate riding activities, CHP said. Arriving on scene, officers watched a black and purple Kawasaki performing the alleged wheelie and attempted to pull the rider over.

Driver flips $400,000 Lamborghini near Santa Cruz

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As CHP personnel positioned themselves strategically in the area and monitored the improper driving behavior of one of the riders within the group, a black Kawasaki motorcyclist was observed actively performing a wheelie, on I-80 eastbound, entering the I-880 southbound transition ramp, CHP said.

A Kawasaki motorcycle was towed and a man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly popped a wheelie on the Bay Bridge and fled from officers. (Photos courtesy of CHP)

The sergeant of the San Francisco CHP motorcycle unit activated his lights and sirens and pulled alongside the Kawasaki, CHP said. The rider allegedly exited the freeway and failed to stop.

Two more CHP motorcycle officers joined the chase and tracked the Kawasaki through city streets near the Port of Oakland before stopping and arresting the suspect.

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Eventually, this motorcycle rider made the right choice and pulled over before he or someone else could have potentially been hurt, CHP said. Red lights and siren, from a police vehicle or police motorcycle, require all drivers of any vehicle to yield to the right and stop. This is not a suggestion. What may have resulted in a minor traffic infraction and citation has now been escalated to a more serious offense based on the actions of this individual.

Roughly 50 vehicles towed in Oakland sideshow bust

The riders motorcycle was towed and taken to an impound yard.

Our public roadways are not a place for these activities to occur at any time of the day or night, CHP said. Your CHP San Francisco area personnel [are] committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways for all of the motoring public and will not tolerate improper driving behavior. Please drive responsibly.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Any baptized male can become pope. This simple principle stands out when addressing the survival of an institution whose reproduction does not depend on family succession. Medieval sources, however, describe the trauma that seating someone on the throne of Saint Peter entailed every few years  or months in particularly turbulent times. Papal elections in the Middle Ages were anything but orderly and predictable.

Some were decided by acclamation, others as a result of violent conflicts (that of Pope Damasus in the 4th century ended with 120 corpses in the streets of Rome in just one afternoon), others occurred within powerful Roman families who passed the office from father to son, some were imposed by lay rulers, others ended with popes and antipopes exercising power simultaneously.

When the German Emperor Henry III arrived in Rome to be crowned in 1046, he found himself faced with three popes. He deposed them all and installed a new one. History has sanctioned as legitimate popes those who won in battle and in the narrative, regardless of how the victory came about.

The primacy of the Bishop of Rome was consolidated over time, not without controversy, because the tradition of the apostles Peter and Paul survived there. At the end of the 4th century, he began to be called pope to distinguish him from all others. He was still theoretically appointed by the Roman community and consecrated by other bishops, but the election was always determined  depending on the various circumstances  by the balance or confrontation between factions of the clergy, the influence of the Roman nobility, the influence of family ties of some candidates or others, as well as by the pressure of political powers, particularly the emperors, whether Byzantine, Carolingian, or Germanic.

The Liber Pontificalis, a compilation of the lives of the popes written between the 6th and 9th centuries, reveals an almost incomprehensible range of cases and the particular instability of the papacy between the 7th and 9th centuries. It records pontificates lasting between 10 and 20 days, the acclamation of a member of the Roman aristocracy by the army as if he were an emperor, uncertainty during long periods of the seat lying vacant, depositions, and violent confrontations.

In the 10th century  the Iron Age of the papacy as many authors considered  few elections ended well. Propagandists of the Protestant Reformation in the 17th century exploited the excesses of a century they described as a papal pornocracy, amplifying the legend of the existence of Pope Joan, who was said to have passed herself off as a man, occupied the throne for two years, and died in childbirth in the middle of a procession.

In 100 years, there were 30 popes and antipopes; half of them died violently. There is evidence of an 18-year-old pope (John XII), of another who murdered his two predecessors (Sergius III), and of the so-called Cadaver Synod, the trial of the mummy of Pope Formosus, who, once condemned, was stripped of his papal insignia, mutilated, and thrown into the Tiber.

In April 1059, a decree by Nicholas II established that only cardinals could elect the pope, and that lay people were excluded. Other rules were established that were not always respected, such as the two-thirds qualified majority that remains in effect today.

The first confinement of cardinals occurred in 1198, at the time of the election of Innocent III. Upon the death of Gregory IX in 1241, the cardinals were confined to the Septizonium, at the foot of the Palatine. Many cardinals fell ill, and one died. According to the biographer of the future Innocent IV, food was scarce and sanitary conditions disastrous.

The death of Clement IV (1268) opened a 33-month period of sede vacante, the longest in history. Once the cardinals were installed in the palace at Viterbo, endless discord reigned among them. The desperate city dwellers then forced a solution by locking the cardinals up. A pope, Gregory X, was then elected.

Perhaps the traumatic nature of the election process led Gregory X to promulgate the bull Ubi periculum at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, which established the method of election and defined the conclave. Ten days after the popes death, the cardinals were to meet in the papal palace, where they were locked in (cum clavis) and forced to live together. The bull stipulated that the camerlengo would guard the keys and that, as a form of pressure, from the third day of confinement the cardinals would be deprived of food and drink.

Despite the importance for the future of the pontifical institution, few subsequent elections followed the decree. The establishment of the papacy in Avignon for more than 70 years and the so-called Western Schism, with its two sees, Rome and Avignon, each with its popes and antipopes and curias, revealed the enormous difficulty of regulating papal elections. The Council of Constance in 1415 ended the schism. The last Avignon pope, the Aragonese Benedict XIII, was deposed in 1417. The sede vacante was then declared, as so often after.

Ana Rodriguez is a Research Professor in the Department of Medieval Studies at the CSIC History Institute.

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A church school bus driver whose vehicle got stuck in the mud with 38 students on board was found to have blood alcohol content (BAC) almost three times above the legal limit, according to local sheriffs deputies.

Steven W Truelove, 55, was behind the wheel when the incident happened just after 9am on Monday morning at the intersection of Highway 50 and County Road 300 West in Indiana, roughly a mile west of the city of Washington, a town of of 12,500 citizens that lies southwest of Indianapolis, WISH TV reported.

The students were setting out on a Washington Catholic Schools field trip at the time and all 38 of their group, plus four adults accompanying them, were removed from the vehicle without injury.

Steven Truelove, who was arrested and charged with drink driving over Indiana school bus crash on Monday May 5 2025 (Daviess County Sheriff's Office)

Officers from the Daviess County Sheriffs Office, the Washington City Police Department and staff from Craneys Body Shop, a local business, arrived at the scene.

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Truelove was taken to Daviess Community Hospital for the BAC test, which registered as 0.221 when the legal limit in Indiana is 0.08, according to local sheriffs deputies.

He was subsequently charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and is currently being held at Daviess County Jail with no bond set, the Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

The bus in question, a yellow 2007 Freightliner, is owned by the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Church, which expressed its relief that no one was harmed in 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 church organization said in a statement.

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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.

There will be no further comment.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The city of Birmingham has filed a federal lawsuit against Alabama to halt the implementation of a bill that would effectively take the control of its water system largely out of its hands.

The bill, SB330, would make the Birmingham Water Works Board a regional board that would include members from different counties, despite over 90% of BWW customers being located in Jefferson County.

Missing Alabama 13-year-old found under blanket in vehicle during Arizona traffic stop

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To us, it is clear that SB330 is unconstitutional on its face, Woodfin said during a press conference prior to the Birmingham City Council meeting Tuesday.

Specifically, the bill would reorganize the board into seven positions, with Woodfin and the city being allowed to select two members. The other positions would be picked by Gov. Kay Ivey, Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth, Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens and representatives from Shelby and Blount Counties.

The bill, which awaits Gov. Kay Iveys signature to become law, overwhelmingly passed the Alabama Senate 66-27 last week.

Woodfin and other city officials have long been been critical of the bill, calling it a political power grab.

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This bill does not take politics out of the water works, it actually inserts more into the water works, Woodfin said.

Gina Maiola, communications director for Gov. Ivey, released the following statement to CBS 42:

We have not officially been served. However, we are aware of the lawsuit and are reviewing this highly unusual attempt to stop the governor from signing a bill passed by the Legislature.

Read the full lawsuit here:

Birmingham-Water-Works-LawsuitDownload

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 CBS 42.
LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11)  The issue of street vendor licenses will be center stage Tuesday in the New York City Council Chambers.

There is a public hearing on Intro 431, which would increase the number of food vendor supervisory licenses and general vendor licenses available each year for five years, and then it would lift the cap on food vendor supervisory licenses and general vendor licenses.

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Lawmakers are also considering Intro 408, which creates a division of NYC Small Business Services with educational and compliance services.

Mohamed Attia, the Managing Director of the Street Vendor Project, tells PIX11 News, Right now, what we have is not serving anyone. He said vendors who want to get a license cannot because he said more than 10 thousand names have been on the waiting list for many, many years. It is moving extremely slowly.

Albert Dalipi, with the Fordham Road Business Improvement District, tells PIX11 News they have a number of concerns about both legal and illegal street vendors. Dalipi said some vendors with the proper licenses are still breaking the law by over-extending the areas they are allowed to be in. He said, Theres an organized crime component to it as well, where thieves will go into stores, steal items, and sell them on the street for half the cost. Between the retail theft, the illegal dumping, and the street vending, its been a problem.

Dalipi added that increasing the number of licenses means the City Council needs to also increase funding for enforcement. He said, Were not anti-street vending; its just that the situation has gotten out of control. DSNY has done a great job, but theyre understaffed, so at this point.

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Alejandro Jimenez, the Manager of the Food Fair on Jerome Avenue, said street vendors hurt brick and mortar shops since items are cheaper on the street. Jimenez told PIX11 News, Were losing a lot of jobs. Its just not fair for us, its not fair for the business, its not fair for our employees.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The City of Galesburg celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, by planting a Swamp White Oak at King Elementary School, according to a news release.

The event was held at 10:30 a.m. and featured participation from Heather Barkers fourth-grade class, along with many students, members of the Galesburg Tree Commission, and the citys forestry crew.

(The City of Galesburg)

The annual Arbor Day celebration highlights Galesburgs continued commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. The city has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 25 consecutive years by the Arbor Day Foundation, and this year received the Tree City Growth Award for the seventh time  the third year in a row.

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In addition to ongoing forestry efforts, Project 350, launched in 2022, continues to thrive. The initiative aimed to plant 70 trees annually in city parks and terraces over five years. The group of volunteers has planted over 480 trees in only three years and continues to plant trees throughout the city.

This years Arbor Day planting at King School was a wonderful reflection of our communitys dedication to sustainability and environmental education, said Don Miles, director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Galesburg. Involving students helps foster a lifelong appreciation for trees and their vital role in our ecosystem.

Arbor Day, observed annually on the last Friday in April in Illinois, began in 1872 in Nebraska with the planting of more than 1 million trees. The City of Galesburg is proud to continue this tradition and encourages all residents to join in celebrating the value trees bring to our environment and community, the release says.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The City of Gardner, Kansas, issued a statement Tuesday morning, giving residents of Aspen Place Apartments 48 hours to evacuate the complex due to unfit living conditions.

Missouri family, two Oklahoma teens among 8 killed in Franklin County crash

The complex, located at 101 Aspen St., was described as having a severely deteriorated and outdated water system, which was installed in the 1950s, resulting in multiple pipe ruptures over the years.

An eviction notice posted to the outside of the Aspen Place Apartments by the City of Gardner, Kansas, after tenants were given 48 hours to move out due to "unfit" living conditions on Tuesday, May 6. 2025.

Additionally, the city said that these problems have resulted in the complex no longer having sufficient water flow to aid in emergency response services, like putting out fires.

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The complex was also described as having deteriorating roadways, impacting emergency response teams and hindering fire trucks and ambulances from accessing the complex safely.

As a result of these findings, the city is telling residents they must leave the premises within the next 48 hours. The citys statement elaborates further, saying:

Residents must vacate their units within 48 hours of receiving the notice.

After 48 hours, units may only be accessed during daylight hours to retrieve personal belongings.

Remaining in any unit beyond this timeframe is strictly prohibited.

The city said a resource list has been given to residents to help them during this period of transition.

A condemnation form was given to the residents of Aspen Place Apartments by the City of Gardner, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after the city found the apartment to be unfit for habitation.

Tenants are encouraged to review their renters insurance policies and utilize community services.

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The city understands the hardship this causes and does not make this decision lightly, said City Administrator Jim Pruetting. However, continuing to allow residents to live in these conditions would be unsafe and irresponsible.

Following the notice from the city, a spokesperson with Aspen Place Apartments released a statement about the condemnation. It said:

The City of Gardner today issued a Notice of Condemnation to the residents of Aspen Place Apartments in Gardner, Kansas. The Notice came without warning or advance notice to the management company or this property. It appears that this action by the City was precipitated by an incident on Saturday where a fire truck responding to an emergency call got stuck on one of the access roads. This Property was purchased by the ownership group in May of [2022]. Since the purchase the management company began to experience water pressure problems and it became necessary to repair water line breaks. The Owner engaged an engineering group to study the problem and develop a plan for total replacement of the water lines in the Property. The management coordinated with the City regarding the proposed plan. At the time of the condemnation notice, the engineering plans for the overhaul of the water line system was already in process. The overhaul of the water line system is a major project involving great expense and the ownership group is prepared to proceed with the project. The management company has offered available apartments in its other projects to tenants to relocate. The City has given the tenants 48 hours to vacate the Property and management is working diligently to assist in the vacation of the Property. The management companys contractor was on site and prepared to repair the waterline break when the Gardner Police arrived to serve the Condemnation Notice on the Tenants, but insisted that those repairs not proceed. The ownership group is committed to assist its tenants during this unfortunate time and will proceed with the complete overhaul of the water line system. We believe absent the unfortunate incident with the fire truck, the water line system overhaul would have proceeded in its course and the measurers taken by the City would have been unnecessary, however, it is committed to cooperate with the City to resolve this situation. Aspen Place Apartments

Second person charged with murder in KC sports reporter Adan Manzanos death

If you are a resident and have any questions, comments or concerns, the city says to call this number: (913) 884-2700.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The union representing about 800 workers with the City of Portland is preparing for a potential strike after declaring an impasse in contract negotiations.

The City of Portland Professional Workers Union announced their intentions Monday after more than a year of bargaining with city representatives for layoff protections, compensation, and a new remote work policy.

Bodies found in Portland area rivers pretty normal occurrence

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The City pushes unions to the point of striking in order to secure reasonable, fair contracts. This is an expensive and unnecessary pattern that they should end, Union President Kari Koch said. We dont want to have to shut down important government functions to get a respectful deal, but if the City forces us to, we will.

The union is required to take a 30-day cooling off period before beginning their strike, which is expected to start as early as June 2025.

According to the CPPW, the strike could impact essential services which are handled by these city workers. The union said these workers run grants and contracts, manage payroll, handle emergency and crisis communications, conduct public outreach, analyze budgets, and keep the city in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

One union worker, a victims advocate with the Portland Police Bureau, said her staff members have experienced burnout due to staff turnover that could be managed with a new contract.

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Were seeking equity with other City workers and fair compensation for hours worked, Jessica Irvine said. The detectives I work alongside are compensated for on-call time they work, but we are not.

Car on Highway 26 erupts in flames during morning rush hour in Portland

The union also shares that the bargaining and mediation processes in 2025 has cost the city $100,000 in taxpayer money.

This also comes as Mayor Keith Wilson proposed a new $8.54 billion city budget Monday morning, sharing that the citys general fund faces an oncoming budget shortfall of $93 million, as estimated in February 2025.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The City of San Diego is working to replace old EV chargers at parks, beaches and libraries, and in celebration of National Clean Air Month, EV charging at City swap out locations will be free for the entire month of May.

Crews will be working starting Monday through May 23 to swap out old electric vehicle chargers with new ones at the following City locations:

Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center

Ocean Air Recreation Center

Hourglass Community Park

Nobel Fields and Recreation Center

South De Anza Cove Park

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

Mission Bay Park Bonita Cove

Ocean Beach Lifeguard Station

San Diego Zoo

Ruben H. Fleet Science Center

San Diego Central Library

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Thousands of volunteers to remove 100,000 pounds of litter in San Diego

The City of San Diego is encouraging the community to transition to zero-emission vehicles through its Public Electric Vehicle Charging Program (PEVCP), part of its Climate Action Plan Measure 2.3 goal of going net zero by 2035.

Part of the project, the City says EV charging will be free at the new chargers throughout May.

The Public Electric Vehicle Charging Program (PEVCP) site installations will take place in five categories.

Public EV chargers at City locations will be replaced

EV charger installation at public City facilities  libraries and recreation centers  are listed under priority one

EV charger installation at City workplaces  offices, police stations, fire stations and more  are listed under priority two

EV charger installation at new City facility construction projects will be determined by construction timeline

EV charger installation at other city properties will be determined by the vendor

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Brand new, all-electric San Diego library branch set to open

The City has entered into an exclusive 10-year concession agreement with EVerged to provide EV charging access to communities across the San Diego, which will be responsible for financing, designing, permitting, operating and maintaining EV chargers at City-owned parking lots.

The community can share their thoughts on EV charging in the City of San Diego with the EV Community Input Survey.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  For the past three years the City of Topeka has dedicated the month of May as Military Appreciation Month.

To celebrate this honor, Topeka West color guard presented the colors along side their drill team. Members from the USS Topeka submarine namesake committee presented the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned submarine.

27 News spoke to Mayor Padilla on why recognizing students entering the military is important and should be equally as recognized as veterans day.

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TDC Learning Centers in Topeka to soon close, teachers and parents given short notice

Everything that we have and enjoy is because of the service of our military, Padilla said. They have made it possible. They continue to make it possible for us. Its a big step. They give up an awful lot. They get a lot back. A lot of them become a career servicemen and women. And they learn skills they can translate into into the private sector as well. So it is extremely important to see that as a real career option. And one that Kansas appreciates.

The celebration and recognition doesnt stop there. A free performance from the U.S. Air Force Band the Airmen of Note was on Monday evening.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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The family of a US airman who was fatally shot by a Florida sheriffs deputy inside his own home in 2024 filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Tuesday over his killing.

The complaint filed in a Pensacola courthouse alleges Deputy Eddie Duran used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force when he shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson just seconds after the Black 23-year-old opened his apartment door on May 3, 2024. Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration.

Fortsons family is represented by Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney who has been involved in a number of cases involving law enforcement killings of Black people, including those of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and George Floyd.

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Duran has pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter with a firearm.

The complaint also details alleged failures by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office in training and supervision and claims staff at the apartment complex where Fortson lived provided misleading information that led to the fatal law enforcement response.

Duran came to Fortsons door in Fort Walton Beach in response to a report of a physical fight inside an apartment. A worker there identified Fortsons apartment as the location of a loud argument, according to sheriffs investigators.

Fortson, who was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, was alone at the time, talking with his girlfriend on a FaceTime video call.

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Durans body camera video showed what happened next.

The deputy pounded at the door repeatedly and yelled, Sheriffs office  open the door! Fortson opened the door with his legally purchased gun in his right hand, pointed to the ground.

The deputy said, Step back, then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor. Only then did the deputy yell, Drop the gun!

Deputies had never been called to Fortsons apartment before, 911 records show, but they had been called to a nearby unit 10 times in the previous eight months, including once for a domestic disturbance.

The fatal shooting renewed debate on police killings and race, and occurred against a wider backdrop of increased attention by the military to racial issues in its ranks.

It is highly unusual for Florida law enforcement officers to be charged for an on-duty killing. Convictions in such cases are even rarer.

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(Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current)

Clark County is making the case that Nevadans with non-violent marijuana convictions should not be automatically disqualified from becoming foster parents.

Over the years we have lost qualified, caring individuals due to former criminal records, particularly from marijuana convictions related to possession that were over 20 years old or longer. Ashley Kennedy, a lobbyist for Clark County, told state lawmakers. Such convictions no longer align with Nevadas current laws.

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Assembly Bill 107, which the county requested, would change that. It would allow people convicted of marijuana possession for amounts that are currently legal to become foster parents. It would also remove the automatic ban on fostering for anyone with a marijuana-related conviction more than 5 years old and not related to selling.

Currently, any conviction for possession, distribution or use of any controlled substance automatically disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent.

AB107 would not change other licensing requirements for foster parents, which include training, background checks, home inspections and home studies. The bill, sponsored by Las Vegas Democratic Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, received unanimous support from the Assembly and was heard by a Senate committee last week.

Kennedy said Clark County does not have formal data on the number of people who have been turned away by its family services department for having prior marijuana convictions, but anecdotally they believe it to be at least 10 families a year.

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She added that, while 10 may appear to be a small number, most foster care homes take in more than one child per year, meaning the impact is significantly larger. Many foster homes also take in multiple kids at the same time, child advocates noted.

The need for more foster care homes is great in Clark County and Nevada.

In Clark County alone, we have over 3,000 children in foster care on any given day but fewer than 900 licensed foster homes, said Kennedy.

Republican Assemblymember Ken Gray, who signed on as a cosponsor of the bill, said it could be a game changer. He added that Lyon County currently only has seven foster families.

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We have so few beds, he said. Not only do these kids have to be taken away from their parents, they have to be taken away from their communities sometimes, and put in other counties and other schools. Youre adding more damage on top of damage thats already been done.

He added, Even one or two homes in each county is going to make a significant difference.
Walter Wilhem Flegel, born in 1912 in Pagelinen, Insterburg province, East Prussia, a temporary worker at a sawmill in Chile, imprisoned for 11 years for theft in the Argentine province of Mendoza and finally an exemplary employee at a company in Buenos Aires, was Martin Bormann, Adolf Hitlers most trusted man, between September 23 and 30, 1960.

Flegels story captured the attention of Argentines as the world searched everywhere for Nazi leaders who had fled Germany after the fall of the Third Reich. A mysterious list alerted them that this humble German was none other than Bormann himself, who had vanished like a ghost on April 30, 1945, from the Fuhrers bunker and reappeared dozens of times in places as far apart as Moscow, Cape Town, Sydney, and Bariloche, in the Argentine Andes. Bormann was now hiding in a small wooden house he built with his own hands in Zarate, 100 kilometers from Buenos Aires, with his wife and three young daughters, whom he saw only once a week because he worked as a night watchman in the warehouses that Construcciones Claussen operated in the Argentine capital.

Police record of Flegel's arrest, September 23, 1960. Archivo de la Nacion

Flegel was famous for a week, much to his chagrin, as evidenced by the more than 100 pages devoted to his arrest in the Argentine police archives on the Nazi issue, declassified in 1992 and made available online last week at the initiative of Javier Mileis government. Among the hundreds of documents, the most notable are photos of a skinny man with a bony face, posing for the camera with a combination of surprise and stupor. The police report from that day describes Flegel as a man who expresses himself fluently and without inhibitions, revealing a moderate level of culture and the psyche of an ordinary man. The palpebral fissure [the eye opening] is small, the eyes are brown with a senile arch, the nose, with a somewhat concave back, ends in a point, vaguely reminiscent of a ducks beak, is of medium size, wrote the police expert. A little closer inspection reveals that Flegel is missing his right arm.

The man who was, supposedly, Bormann had arrived in Chile in 1930 as a crew member on a 10,000-ton cargo ship and dedicated himself to rural work. It was during these duties that in July 1931, a mills transmission belt tore off his entire right arm, the police report states. Given the difficulties in Chile, Flegel crossed the Andes mountain range to Argentina, on horseback, to the province of Mendoza. It was there that his situation became unbearable, which is why he had to turn to crime to survive. On one occasion, in April 1932, he attempted to rob a business and was discovered by one of the caretakers, whom he wounded with his revolver, reads one of the declassified documents.

Double-page spread from an Argentine newspaper chronicling Flegel's liberation, September 30, 1960. Archivo de la Nacion

Flegel was imprisoned until 1935, and once released, he stole a horse. The owner attacked him with whips, and Flegel defended himself with a revolver. Sentenced to six years in prison, he was released again in 1943. From then on, Flegels life was that of a nomad, earning a living as a street vendor, until, in 1944, Construcciones Claussen hired him as a night watchman. Sent by the company to Corrientes, on the border with Brazil and Paraguay, Flegel met Haydee Colinett, a 16-year-old girl whom he married in 1947 after having obtained the necessary permission from her father. In 1948, Flegel finally settled in Zarate, in the house where he would be arrested 12 years later by two plainclothes police officers. In his statement, he told police that he only dedicates himself to work, not attending meetings or clubs, nor does he frequent the neighborhood or socialize with fellow citizens.

The Argentine press had a field day with the fake Bormann. Today we know that the Nazi leader had been dead for 15 years when Flegel was imprisoned, but his arrest then brought the democratic government of Arturo Frondizi into the spotlight. The diplomatic messages sent by Germany to Buenos Aires are evidence of the interest the case aroused. Common sense, however, was on the side of the detainee: while his features could have caused some confusion, it would have been easy for the police to determine that Flegel was not Bormann, simply considering that the former is 48 years old and the latter 60, wrote the newspaper La Razon in an editorial.

From Germany came the testimony of a sister, while the Israeli tabloid press claimed there was no doubt Bormann had been caught in Argentina. The newspaper La Razon revealed from Argentina, based on sources that leave no room for doubt, that Bormann frequented a bar at 545 Lavalle Street in Buenos Aires. There, the Brown Eminence, the man in whom Hitler placed his trust, while sipping his favorite drink, beer, engaged in conversation with other leaders of the Third Reich, including Adolf Eichmann. According to the press, the testimony of Eichmann, who had fled to Argentina, was the source of the lead to Flegel, a fact that the Israeli government was keen to deny.

The unimpeachable source turned out to be an Italian doctor who had met Bormann in Munich and told La Razon that he had seen him several times at the bar on Lavalle Street, that he dressed elegantly, and that his artificial right hand was covered with a black leather glove. The newspaper concluded by lamenting that Argentina had been a refuge for Nazis, protected by powerful figures.

In the absence of social media, the residents of Zarate were responsible for fueling all kinds of fake news. In a box titled Doubts, a special correspondent stated that some obscure details suggested that Flegel, while not Bormann, could well be an individual linked to the Hitler regime. The journalist then quotes local resident Moises Fridman: The police came on Friday to protect Flegel, who was already surrounded by Israeli commandos. They knew his whereabouts because of Eichmanns denunciation. A certain H. Garcia, a public auctioneer, recounted that in 1952 Flegels wife told him that her husband had been a crew member of the battleship Graf Spee and that that was why he was prohibited from entering the country. The Nazi cruiser Graf Spee was scuttled by its captain in the Rio de la Plata on December 17, 1939, after Flegel had been in Argentina for almost a decade.

Photographs on Walter Flegel's police record, after his arrest for robbery in Mendoza. He was 20 years old and had already lost his right arm in Chile.

Bormanns fingerprints are not yet available [they would arrive from Germany only at the end of November], but it can now be established concretely that Walter Flegel is not Martin Bormann, declared Interior Minister Alfredo Vitolo on September 30, 1960. The main argument was that Flegel had been in Argentina since 1931. Then the political repercussions began. In an editorial dated October 5, the German-language newspaper Argentiniesches Tageblatt, published in Buenos Aires, wondered why the bluff of arresting Flegel. The newspaper emphasized that the arrest was based on a list of 20 names of Nazi war criminals residing in Argentina submitted to the government. And Flegel was consciously chosen from among those 20 names by certain people who had no desire to arrest real Nazi war criminals, the newspaper concluded.

On September 30, 1960, Flegel was finally released. Waiting for him at the entrance to the Federal Police headquarters were Engineer Claussen, who had always maintained his employees innocence, and dozens of journalists. Stunned by the questions, Flegel explained that he had encountered Hitler during a meeting in Allestein in 1927, but nothing more after that; that he only spoke poor German and Spanish; and that he wouldnt return to Germany because he didnt have the means to do so. The next day, the now-defunct Argentine newspaper El Mundo concluded its report thus: Yesterday, Flegel, a modest worker forged by hard work, returned to his routine as warehouse manager at the Claussen & Co. building at Alsina 465. It may be a desperately monotonous routine, but tranquility and anonymity are sometimes invaluable gifts.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Clay County Sheriffs Office is reporting problems with its text-to-911 system Monday afternoon.

We are currently experiencing some issues with text-to-911 on certain phone carriers, the sheriffs office said on X. Calls to 911 still work fine.

NTSB releases preliminary report of deadly gas explosion in Lexington

The sheriffs office said its working with the Mid-America Regional Council to resolve the issue.

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Its unclear when the sheriffs office expects the issue to be resolved.

Stay with FOX4 for the latest updates on this and other breaking news.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
After another nice, cool early morning well enjoy a warm, dry day. First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh is tracking signs of better rain chances ahead.

PODCAST: All the Weather, All the Time

Three Big Things to Know:

Bear Hunt: St. Augustine Police and FWC are tracking a bear that has been spotted early today in Downtown and south Lincolnville. Residents are urged to use caution. Black bears prefer to avoid people and will usually move on quickly.

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Bear Attack: Florida Fish and Wildlife says a bear is believed to have killed a man and his dog in a nature preserve. FWC officials said Monday the attack occurred near Jerome in Collier County east of Naples south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. FWC has not released the mans name and have not said precisely when the attack happened. Officials were using drones and searching for the bear that they believe is still in the area.

Butt Out: Jacksonville Beach City Council unanimously bans smoking on the beach. It was a unanimous vote last night. The ban does include e-cigarettes and vapes, however state law does not allow a ban on unfiltered cigars. Violators would be subject to a fine of up to $50. The beach smoking ban is effective immediately.

St. Johns County Commissioners are drafting restrictions on e-bikes, following recent injury incidents and a study showing the frequency of related injuries escalating annually in Florida. Action News Jax Finn Carlin breaks down some of the restrictions under consideration.

ALZHEIMERS: Decoding the Disease is fast approaching, May 16. Join WOKV for a free luncheon seminar discussing research, treatment, and care. Registration is required.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream in Worcester, a store known for its use of liquid nitrogen to instantly make ice cream, has been turned over to two new owners.

Jammie Geddis of Worcester and Turana Ismayilova of Boston are the new owners of the store on 44 Front St., taking the reins from the stores previous owner, Rita McCabe.

McCabe, who owns and operates another Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream franchise in Nashua, N.H., put the Worcester location up for sale because it was difficult to manage another ice cream store that requires an hour-long commute.

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Geddis and Ismayilova are exactly the people McCabe hoped she would find to take over the business.

In order for that location to thrive, it really needs someone local, McCabe said. So I am thrilled to death that someone will take it over and make it the success that it can.

The two have been learning the ropes from McCabe, including the process of using liquid nitrogen to instantly freeze the cream, flavors and toppings for the ice cream.

Customers can watch their ice cream instantly freeze in real-time.

No other ice cream shops are going to have a show, Geddis said of the store. It does taste really good.

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Ismayilova said she is excited to manage the store, which will continue to sell ice cream and smoothies, just as it did under McCabe. Ismayilova and Geddis also hope to offer customers new items on colder days, including coffee and homemade desserts, such as baklava.

We want to bring a fresh air to the place, Ismayilova said. Were going to do some touch up of ours.

Some of these touch-ups include adding larger, circular tables to the venue and getting rid of some small, square tables. Ismayilova is also considering adding high chairs to the store but will have to check with management first.

The two hope to re-open the store within two weeks.

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Geddis and Ismayilova have known each other for about three years, both working for Keller Williams Realty. Geddis first found out about Sub Zero Nitrogen years ago when he took his son there for ice cream.

When he found out the shop was up for sale, Geddis was interested and reached out to Ismayilova about working together to run the location.

Its a good opportunity, Geddis said. Im a real estate guy, so its about time, space and opportunity.

While neither had a background in food, Ismayilova said she was on board with working with Geddis.

Im always happy to work with Jammie, she said.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is located at 44 Front St. in Worcester.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
11:36 a.m.: Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Johnson presented the states rebuttal argument.

She told the jury that the first thing that must be addressed is the belief that the investigation is tainted.

A tainted investigation but when TBI gets involved, give them (defense attorneys) what they want to believe is their best piece of evidence  these mushrooms and credit cards that somehow justify Tyre Nichols getting beaten to death? questioned Johnson. Mushrooms that werent even in his system. Alcohol that was well below the legal limit. But a tainted investigation? Smoke and mirrors.

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Johnson told the jury that the incident was not about getting him (Nichols) handcuffed. She said it was about punishment for making them run and for making them pepper-spray themselves.

This is not an indictment against all police officers. Nobody is saying that its not a dangerous job, nobody is saying that it doesnt take bravery. But because its a dangerous job does not mean that you are immune from making criminal decisions, said Johnson.

She noted that Haley was still at the first scene when most of the kicks and punches were given to Nichols. By the time Haley arrived on the scene, Emmitt Martin kicked Nichols for the last time, but Haley ran in and said, beat that mans a**. He then kicked Nichols.

The defense wants you to believe that he kicked him in the shoulder. You watch the video and see, said Johnson.

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She said that once Haley ran onto the scene and kicked Nichols, Martin began kicking Nichols again.

Did you hear Haley try to intervene in any way? You didnt, she said.

Johnson played body camera footage from the officers talking after the altercation with Nichols.

Justin Smith had a whole lot to say that night. He wasnt experiencing tunnel vision. He could hear. He could see what was happening, said Johnson.

Footage of the beating was again played for the jury. Johnson pointed out that Smith could be heard saying hit him again in the background as Martin was punching Nichols.

Justin Smith was the first one who threw a punch at Tyre Nichols, said Johnson. And after that, you see all the big haymakers by Emmitt Martin.

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11:34 a.m.: Zummach finished his closing arguments.

The state will now present its rebuttal argument.

10:47 a.m.: Defense attorney Zummach is now presenting his closing arguments.

We are here because of choices Tyre Nichols made and Emmitt Martin made. Thats why were here, said Zummach.

Zummach said Smith did not know about the kicks to Nichols, he was focused on getting Nichols into custody.

Were not here about good people do bad things good people do good things. And Justin Smith didnt do anything different that night, said Zummach. He was doing the best that he could to help Tadarrius Bean get the handcuffs on and get Nichols in custody.

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Zummach told the jury that the incident was a deadly force situation because Nichols was actively fighting back against the officers, and somehow got 750 pounds of men off of him to get away.

Tyre Nichols made choices  speeding, running from police, fighting at the first scene, said Zummach. Tyre Nichols made these choices.

He then began questioning the IDs, debit, and credit cards found in Nichols car, along with many other factors in the investigation.

Dont tell me this investigation is not tainted, said Zummach.

He reminded the jury that prosecuting attorneys during their closing arguments said that the officers were not monsters, but sometimes good people do bad things.

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These were not a bunch of bullies, monsters. Of course, theyre not monsters, they are out here doing a job that none of us in here have the guts to do to try to keep the rest of us safe, Zummach said.

He mentioned crime rates in Memphis and noted many headlines seen across media outlets in the area and nationally, which highlight high crime in the area.

Do you think Justin Smith knew those things when he decided to go to work with a blown-out knee instead of staying at home? This guy with a college degree, with one of the most outstanding reputations at MPD and OCU. He knew what the risks were when he went into work, and he faced it, said Zummach.

Zummach stated that the only thing Justin was guilty of was being naive; he wanted to help people. He told the jury that Smith treated suspects with respect, then begged the jury to find Smith not guilty of the crimes he is accused of.

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He also reminded the jury that the use-of-force expert witness he presented said none of Smiths actions were unreasonable.

You heard all the audio and video. It was a fight. They didnt know who they were fighting. They had no idea what was in his car, said Zummach. They were just trying to get this guy in handcuffs.

10:15 a.m.: The jury was released for a brief break. When they return, Martin Zummach, Justin Smiths defense, will deliver his closing arguments.

9:08 a.m.: Demetrius Haleys attorney, Stephen Leffler, is presenting his closing arguments.

Leffler took the jury through a play-by-play of the first scene  the initial traffic stop. He played body camera footage from another officer on the scene, showing Haleys actions and Nichols alleged resistance to officers.

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He compared the timelines of the first and second scenes. He says many of Emmitt Martins strikes and kicks to Nichols head were while Haley was still on the first scene.

Leffler told the jury that when Haley arrived on the second scene, all he knew was that there was a traffic stop and Nichols resisted. Nichols would not cooperate, and Haley had to pepper-spray Nichols. Haley had limited vision at that time due to accidentally spraying himself.

Haley also knew that Nichols got away uncuffed and unsearched.

When he arrived, Leffler says Haley saw officers still struggling with Nichols, who had a hand that was still uncuffed, which again, was previously described by expert witnesses as a dangerous weapon.

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Leffler told the jury that Haley kicked Nichols right bicep to release his right hand, and shortly after, Nichols was handcuffed. He then explained one of the comments Haley made on the second scene.

The yelling of beat that mans a** has to be put in proper context, said Leffler.

He then told the jury that Haley made similar comments on the first scene, and they were all examples of verbal commands, which Leffler says is a step in the use of force continuum that officers are taught.

Leffler finished his final argument by urging the jury to find Haley not guilty of the many charges against him.

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Hes acting within his parameters. He cant know that he was unlawful, and it wasnt unlawful, and he shouldnt be convicted of it, said Leffler. When you go back to deliberate, find him not guilty on all these charges. Because nothing applies to the facts of this case.

***

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The state trial for three former Memphis Police Officers accused in Tyre Nichols death is coming to a close.

Closing arguments began on Monday, leaving only two defense attorneys to present their final statements on Tuesday. The jury is then expected to begin deliberations.

Well livestream the days events above and live blog them here all day.

The judge read the jury instructions on Monday morning, noting the initial charges and a long list of lesser charges the jury may choose from.

Each defendant  Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith  is charged with seven counts:

Count 1  Second Degree Murder (15-25 years)

Count 2  Aggravated Assault  Act in Concert (8-12 years)

Count 3  Aggravated Kidnapping (8-12 years)

Count 4  Aggravated Kidnapping (8-12 years)

Count 5  Official Misconduct (1-2 years)

Count 6  Official Misconduct (1-2 years)

Count 7  Official Oppression (1-2 years)

The jury is instructed to decide beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants are either guilty or not guilty of each count.

The state presented its final arguments first, focusing on Nichols last words to the officers  Help me, help me. State prosecuting attorney Melanie Headley said that though it is the officers duty to help, no one did.

She also recounted Desmond Mills testimony, highlighting his admission to reacting aggressively because he was angry after being sprayed with pepper spray. He was also an officer involved in the incident, but took plea deals at both the state and federal levels.

Closing arguments continue; jury deliberations to begin soon

Beans attorney, John Keith Perry, also delivered his closing arguments on Monday.

Perry noted that each of the use-of-force expert witnesses presented by the defense stated that Beans actions were reasonable. He spoke extensively on when only one of Nichols hands was in a handcuff, and how experts referred to it as a dangerous weapon when not attached to both wrists.

Haley and Smiths attorney will present their closing statements starting at 9 a.m. WREG will have live coverage of the trial on this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Were asking police for information on a suspect after one person was shot outside of a restaurant in west Charlotte early Tuesday morning.

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. at West End Tavern on Rozzelles Ferry Road, MEDIC confirmed to Channel 9. One victim was found and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The victim hasnt been identified yet.

Channel 9 went to the scene and saw the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department block off the business with crime scene tape.

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CMPD hasnt released any information about the suspected shooter or what led up to the violence. Well update this article when more details are available.

(VIDEO: Waxhaw woman found dead in South Carolina, suspect in custody)
How will the founder of The Awl make a mark at CNN?

The cable news network said Tuesday that it had hired Choire Sicha, the creator of the New York-based culture website which published daily ruminations on city weather under a motto of Be Less Stupid, to lead its new effort at editorial features.

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Sicha, who most recently was editor at large at New York magazine and also led the Styles desk at The New York Times, will join CNN as svp of features editorial on May 19. The move marks the latest hire at the brand as it attempts to reorient itself in the online news ecosystem with an eye toward developing subscription products  a big pivot for CNN, but one seen as a necessity as the channel looks past its linear TV roots. It also signals that the news outlet aims to compete on the Times turf.

In its hiring release, the cable brand touted the editors work specifically in the paid subscriber arena. Sicha was instrumental in transforming Styles focus towards subscriber recruitment and engagement and served as the editorial partner of the Timess advertising department, the network said.

After layoffs were made in January  about 6 percent of jobs, or 200 staffers  CNN has been stocking up on editorial talent, including many senior hires who had previously worked on its short-lived Jeff Zucker-era subscription product, CNN+. (That $300 million service, which was scrapped after less than a month, was a casualty of AT&Ts spinoff of parent Warner Bros. to Discovery in 2022.)

In April this year, the company rehired CNN+ alum Amanda Wills from The Wall Street Journal, as chief content officer, and a month earlier Nancy Han also rejoined the cable news outlet as svp, video editorial.

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Overseeing CNNs business is former New York Times president Mark Thompson, who in January outlined his moves including investing $70 million in digital (Some of that moneys going in product and tech, but a lot is also going into new high-quality journalism and storytelling, he wrote in a memo). And there are also plans afoot for a lifestyle-oriented digital product as well as a new standalone streaming service for the news brand outside of its parent company Warner Bros. Discoverys Max platform (which now has 117 million global subscribers).

Currently CNN has set aside a few news articles from its daily output  for instance, on Tuesday it has a news analysis titled Is China trying to make a move on Greenland or are Trumps fears overblown?  that are behind a paywall thats priced at $3.99 monthly. But a live TV subscription to CNN is still only available through a Pay TV provider or digital subscription service (like Hulu + Live TV) or on Max.

CNN could really be unique, Warners CEO David Zaslav said on an earnings call on March 4. And what Mark did for The New York Times, were fighting to have him do that for CNN. And I think, its important for us. And I think its important as you look at where do you go for trusted news around the world, particularly in an environment where AI exists.

Zaslav added, Were probably the only news company that has people everywhere in the world on the ground, the best journalists. We have to monetize that in a very different way.



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The Co-op has stopped taking card payments in some of its shops as it battles the fallout from a devastating cyber attack.

The retailer confirmed on Tuesday that some parts of its business have been limited to accepting cash only in response to the breach, which has wreaked havoc across the Co-ops systems and left it facing empty shelves.

Pictures of stores displaying handmade signs warning that customers will not be able to use their payment cards have already emerged on social media, although the retailer said it is hoping to restore digital payments later this morning.

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It is understood that the majority of shops are still accepting card payments.

Cash only at the Co-Op today. That's three in Manchester I've seen with similar signs. One directly opposite the HQ. pic.twitter.com/IlwIRXL19s  Peter Ruddick (@ruddick) May 5, 2025

It comes after the Co-op admitted on Friday that the hack was much more serious than first expected, confessing that millions of customers data had been stolen by a gang of cyber criminals.

A group known as DragonForce claimed responsibility for the attack, telling the BBC they had details of around 20m Co-op customers.

That was in stark contrast to the Co-ops initial claims that the attack only affected back office and call centre services.

DragonForce also claimed responsibility for similar breaches at both Marks & Spencer and Harrods, and threatened further attacks by claiming UK retailers were on its blacklist.

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The card issue emerged after the attack already made it difficult for the Co-op to secure some food and drink items, leading to empty shelves across its stores.

The retailer said that sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems meant some stores would not have their regular selection available.

The cyber attack has left Co-op shoppers facing empty shelves

Dalton Philips, the boss of Greencore, a major supplier of sandwiches to the retailer, said over the weekend it was having to resort to pen and paper methods to keep Co-op stocked up.

He told the BBC: In the absence of having all the systems speaking to each other, you revert to how it was 25 years ago.

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The DragonForce group is known for using ransomware to encrypt companies systems before demanding a payment in order to unlock them.

The attacks have also been linked to a gang known as Scattered Spider, a group said to be made up of British and American teenagers.

Stephen Bonner, deputy commissioner of the Information Commissioners Office, told the Today Programme on Tuesday that the chaos was a wake-up call to every organisation.

Co-op staff have been instructed to keep their cameras on during all virtual meetings amid fears of hackers gaining access to internal communications.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Doctors last week prescribed an insurance reform designed to save primary care practices and ensure patients get timely care. Insurers, though, say another mandate is the last thing Massachusetts needs when health care costs are already a big problem and are asking lawmakers to seek a second opinion.

Massachusetts has consistently struggled to rein in high and growing health care costs. The great expense of care and a dearth of primary care providers means that many people put off preventative care. That often means they eventually end up in more serious and more expensive situations that also further stress a strained hospital system.

Rep. Lindsay Sabadosas bill (H 1309) heard by the Financial Services Committee would require that so-called evaluation and management services be included as part of an insurers basic benefits package, making those services exempt from patient deductibles, according to a bill summary. The Northampton Democrat said it meant that several critical conditions would be included without co-pay or deductible, so that constituents can go in and get the health care that they need and not end up consistently in emergency rooms.

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Doctors whom Sabadosa introduced to testify Tuesday said high deductibles play a big part in keeping many people away from primary care that can decrease the cost of care over the long run.

Every time theres a cost-saving measure that doesnt think about how it affects primary care, it ultimately costs the health care system more, Dr. Kate Atkinson told the committee.

Doctors also said high deductibles end up hampering the very primary care practices that are already stressed by other factors.

What people dont understand is that many patients actually do not pay their bills and their deductibles, and in so doing, that shifts the cost to medical practices as well, Dr. Wayne Altman, who has a practice in Arlington and is chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Tufts Medical School, said, describing deductibles as a massive administrative burden for doctors offices. When people have primary care practices, what they really want to do is take care of their patients. They dont want to bill patients for deductibles. We just want to take care of our patients. And this gets in the way.

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Atkinson was clearly frustrated as she told lawmakers that she recently laid off 11 employees from her Western Mass. family medicine practice and is no longer offering Saturday hours. The Mass. Medical Society trustee said the legislation Sabadosa filed came from the organization and that this year was the seventh time shes testified on the issue.

It is really frustrating to come year after year and testify, and nothing has changed for primary care doctors in this state, nothing, she said. In all of the past decade that Ive been testifying, its become harder and harder to keep my practice afloat, Im on the edge of bankruptcy, and measures like this are minor measures for the insurance company, but would be a big effort to keep patients healthier and to keep my practice going, and not just mine.

Lora Pellegrini, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, said insurers are worried that Sabadosas bill and others the committee heard last week would drive up health care premiums for small businesses and individuals at a time when affordability is an urgent health care challenge for the state.

Each of these bills would impose new requirements solely on the fully-insured marketmade up primarily of small businesses and individualsexacerbating affordability challenges without reducing overall system costs, Pellegrini said.

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Pellegrini said that federal law, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, is such that the additional costs would not be required to be covered by self-insured companies, which account for almost 60% of the insurance market. Federal regulations also prohibit eliminating cost-sharing for many services through high-deductible health plans, the choice of nearly 43% of commercially-insured Bay Staters, she said.

MAHP said plans already cover medically necessary outpatient care consistent with state and federal laws, and that eliminating cost-sharing entirely would significantly drive up premiums. The group urged lawmakers to defer action on the idea until the Center for Health Information and Analysis could complete a full cost impact analysis.

Massachusetts is at a critical crossroads on health care affordability. With premiums continuing to rise, adding new mandates that increase costs for working families and small businesses takes us in the wrong direction, the insurers group leader said. MAHP urges the Legislature to protect affordability and oppose House Bill 1309, Senate Bill 764, House Bill 1227, and Senate Bill 809.

The other legislation that Pellegrini and MAHP opposed last week (H 1227 / S 809) would require the Group Insurance Commission, MassHealth and commercial health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker testing, which can be used to personalize treatment for cancer.

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With biomarker testing, this allows care providers and doctors to pinpoint exactly what kind of treatment is going to be the most effective for a patient going through this battle. It can eliminate treatments that are devastating, from causing a patient to suffer through that. And it can lead to better outcomes, better quality of life, and it can give us that precious gifts of time, bill sponsor Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne said. And were also seeing that this can have huge implications on other diseases beyond cancer, such as Alzheimers.

MAHP said that CHIA has estimated the biomarker testing mandate could increase health care costs by up to $35 million annually, with a five-year total expenditure surpassing $168 million. The group said the bill would impose the coverage without sufficient standards for clinical efficacy or value.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for the seven people who went missing after a panga with more than a dozen people on board overturned off the coast of Del Mar earlier this week.

The agency, in tandem with local authorities, scoured more than 520 square miles around Torrey Pines State Beach for hours to find the unaccounted-for passengers of the boat following the deadly incident.

According to Coast Guard officials, the decision to call off the search was made late Monday night. It is unclear whether the missing people will be presumed dead by local authorities.

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Carmel Valley residents push back against budget cuts

The panga was first discovered beached on the shore of Torrey Pines State Beach around 6 a.m. Monday. Surviving passengers of the boat said 18 people were on board when it flipped, prompting a major medical response from first responders.

Encinitas city officials said eighteen life jackets were also recovered at the beach, supporting the estimated total number of people on board.

At least three people were declared dead Monday, while four others were found at the scene in need of medical attention for injuries ranging from minor to critical. The condition of the injured passengers is unknown at this time.

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First responders took to air, land and sea to find the missing people, deploying the Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, Station San Diego 45-foot response boat-medium, Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircraft and the Cutter Sea Otter, among other resources.

U.S. Homeland Security Investigations officials have vowed to diligently investigate the incident, which authorities believe was a smuggling attempt, to identify and hold to account whoever is responsible.

This tragic maritime incident off the coast of San Diego is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by maritime smuggling, Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations said in a statement. This loss of life underscores why such criminal activity will never be tolerated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV)  Authorities executed search warrants in South Mississippi on May 3 for alleged illegal cockfighting and other criminal activity.

The investigation was led by the ICE Homeland Security Task Force and the Border Enforcement Security Task Force.

Woman shot during Cinco de Mayo celebration in Vicksburg

In addition to possible state and federal charges relating to animal fighting and gambling, other investigative areas included people who were in the country illegally, narcotics and weapons.

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In addition to the acts of animal cruelty perpetrated by the operators and encouraged by the participants, underground gambling operations such as these often have ties to other significant crimes including narcotics violations, money laundering, and acts of violence, said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. These crimes degrade the safety of our communities, and we are proud to be the ones stopping these illegal operations.

Authorities executed search warrants in South Mississippi on May 3 for alleged illegal cockfighting and other criminal activity. (Courtesy: ICE) Authorities executed search warrants in South Mississippi on May 3 for alleged illegal cockfighting and other criminal activity. (Courtesy: ICE) Authorities executed search warrants in South Mississippi on May 3 for alleged illegal cockfighting and other criminal activity. (Courtesy: ICE) Authorities executed search warrants in South Mississippi on May 3 for alleged illegal cockfighting and other criminal activity. (Courtesy: ICE)

According to officials, ICE Gulfport special agents and deportation officers are working to identify all encountered individuals, as well as checking immigration records.

ICE Gulfport plans to seek state and federal criminal or administrative charges as appropriate.

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No matter how rough the waves or how strong the wind, the haenyeo, or women of the sea, dont hesitate to dive into the icy waters surrounding the South Korean island of Jeju to collect abalone, seaweed, or sea urchins. They can travel to depths of 10 meters without breathing equipment, even while pregnant. What seems like an almost supernatural mastery of the ocean isnt just the result of training that begins at age 10. Part of their skills are written in their genes, suggests a new study in the journal Cell, which unravels the aura of mystery surrounding these octogenarian women who dive with a knife in hand wearing only goggles and fins.

University of Utah geneticist Melissa Ilardo and colleagues from the U.S., Denmark, and South Korea compared the traits of 30 female divers with those of 30 non-haenyeo individuals from the volcanic island, as well as 31 residents of the mainland. The researchers compared the participants heart rates and blood pressure at rest and during simulated dives, in which they held their breath while submerging their faces in containers of cold water.

The analysis published last Friday not only indicates that Jeju residents share an ancestral lineage, but also discovered two peculiar traits in the swimmers. Their heart rate slows significantly during diving, a response that has been observed in professional freediving swimmers. And behind this ability, scientists suspect, lies a genetic key yet to be fully explored.

South Korean haenyeo divers come out of the water after catching turban shells and abalones on November 6, 2015 in Jeju, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun (Getty Images)

We found an evolutionary adaptation that appears to reduce diastolic blood pressure [when the heart is at rest between beats]. We believe it somehow affects their blood vessels, making it safer for them to swim and hold their breath, even during pregnancy, Ilardo explains to EL PAIS. This variant was found in 33% of the participants on the volcanic island, but only in 7% of the participants in South Korea.

During the simulated dives, all participants showed a decrease in their heart rate, but in the haenyeo dives, it decreased by 18.8 beats per minute (bpm) on average, compared to a decrease of 12.6 bpm in the non-divers from Jeju. This gene influences vascular inflammation  how blood vessels respond to changes in blood pressure  and we believe that this is where the protective effect comes from, adds the studys lead author, a characteristic likely due to the divers training.

A haenyeo diver in the waters off Jeju Island. Jose Jeuland

Haenyeo not only challenge their own bodies with the pressure and physical exertion of diving, but they also face frigid temperatures, especially during the islands long, cold winters, which extend from December to mid-March. Despite this, these divers show a surprising tolerance for low temperatures.

What makes them so resilient? The studys authors suggest that this phenomenon could be explained by the presence of a gene that makes them less vulnerable to hypothermia, allowing them to withstand extreme underwater conditions without suffering the typical adverse effects of the cold.

A tradition that is at risk of disappearing

The tradition of female divers was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016. Haenyeo have been recognized not only for their physical prowess and contribution to the local economy, but also as an emblem of womens empowerment through matriarchal societies.

Knowledge and wisdom have been passed down from generation to generation, the Korean Cultural Center in Argentina tells EL PAIS. The haenyeo of Jeju Island have established a unique culture that values coexistence with nature through an ecological diving system, they note. Through his lens, French photographer Jose Jeuland, founder of Coco Creative Studio, has been fortunate enough to capture the essence of these women, whose tradition is disappearing.

Jeuland clearly remembers his first visit to Jeju. I rented a motorbike and toured the island. Every time I saw a haenyeo on the shore, I would stop. I would stand there, watching, trying to understand their routine, their lives, he says. What struck him most was the vitality emanating from these women, many of whom are between 60 and 80 years old.

Theyre healthy, active. They seem to have boundless energy. In many countries, when people retire, they tend to become more sedentary, but they continue to immerse themselves in the water, he says. They, on the other hand, remain healthy. For him, its clear that this activity not only keeps them alive, but also gives them a unique vitality.

On one of his visits, Jeuland had the opportunity to photograph a group of about 20 women. The next day, one of them died during a dive. Its a demanding activity, and since many of them are older, they can overexert themselves. Its tough, he says.

Every trip to the sea is part of a cycle that, for them, is as natural as breathing. For the haenyeo, the ocean is not just a workplace; its a life partner, an ally that has accompanied them from childhood to old age.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A new chicken chain will be coming to Colorado Springs as El Pollo Loco plans to move to a location on East Fillmore Street.

El Pollo Loco is a Mexican chicken chain that started in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975 and then expanded into the United States in Los Angeles in 1980. The chain has since grown to 500 locations in the U.S.

According to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD), El Pollo Loco will be moving into the old KFC on E. Fillmore St. near the Omelette Parlor between North Institute Street and North Arcadia Street.

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PPRBD said the renovation is slated to be a $1 million project.

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COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  Hundreds packed the Performing Arts Center to honor fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

It was never about the spotlight or notoriety for him, it was always about moving in silence and making a difference to protect his family, said Thomas DeChant, Deputy Brandon Sikes brother.

Monday, nearly every seat at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center was filled with members of law enforcement.

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Its a dangerous job but somebodys got to do it. Somebodys got to step in that gap and stand between us and evil. Deputy Brandon Sikes was one of those heroes, said Sheriff Clay Whittle, Columbia County Sheriffs Office.

Also a hero and what many would call a walking miracle is Deputy Gavin White. The night Deputy Sikes was killed, White was shot in the face. His dedication to be at Sikes funeral is a reflection of his bond for his fallen brother, a brother who gave his all.

Brandon cared for others. And he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their well being, said Pastor John Kenney, Quest Church

Sikes love for his community, and his family, was evident in all he did.

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A reminder that behind every badge is a hero whos willing to risk it all, for us.

608 is out of service. Dispatcher: 10-4. End of watch for car 608 on April 26th at 18:30 hours.

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Columbia University announced that nearly 180 staff members working on grants slashed by the Trump administration will be let go on Tuesday, as prominent universities across the country prepare for a long-term funding fight with the federal government.

The Ivy League institution said the cuts are a result of the "intense" financial strain brought on by the Trump administrations slashing of $400 million in the institution's federal funding, which the university is still negotiating to recover.

In the coming weeks and months, we will need to continue to take actions that preserve our financial flexibility and allow us to invest in areas that drive us forward, a letter from Claire Shipman, the universitys acting president, and others said. This is a deeply challenging time across all higher education, and we are attempting to navigate through tremendous ambiguity with precision, which will be imperfect at times.

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The approximately 180 people impacted by Tuesday's terminations reflect roughly 20 percent of the individuals who are funded in some way by the pulled grants, the letter said. Columbia has also launched a Research Stabilization Fund, to navigate future funding risks and support its scientific community.

Columbia has been a prominent target of President Donald Trumps attacks on major educational institutions, which the administration says is to combat perceived antisemitism on campuses following last years wave of pro-Palestinian student protests. The university is a subject of multiple federal investigations and is a focus for Trumps campaign to deport international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, including Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and green card holder who has been held by immigration law enforcement since March.

In March, the university caved to a series of demands issued by the Trump administration surrounding campus policies and governance, a precondition the administration set for its federal funding to be restored. However, the interim president who agreed to those demands has since stepped down.

While Columbia has bent the knee to Trump, other colleges, like Harvard University, continue to push back against his administrations efforts to reshape academic institutions.

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The Trump administration has launched repeated attacks against Harvard since it rejected a list of demands issued by the White House in April, including yanking over $2.2 billion in federal funding and threatening to revoke its tax exempt status. Harvard has since sued the Trump administration over the funding pull.

In its latest retaliatory measure, Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent a letter to Harvard on Monday, informing the Ivy League institution that it is ineligible to receive new research grants from the federal government.

Harvard University President Alan Garber has said that while hes not against pursuing efforts to increase ideological diversity on campus, the White Houses demands threaten Harvards academic freedom. Garber reiterated his stance on defying Trump, pointing to Columbias lack of success in negotiating with the White House, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published Tuesday.

What I have heard is that Columbia had still not resolved their issues with the federal government after many weeks of negotiations, so undoubtedly that has made institutions think that that may not always be the most promising path, Garber said during the interview, which was conducted last week.
(NewsNation)  Nearly 180 researchers working under now-terminated federal grants at Columbia University will soon receive notices of non-renewal or termination, school officials said in a statement Tuesday.

We do not make these decisions lightly. We are deeply committed, at Columbia, to the critical work of invention, innovation and discovery, the statement reads. The excellence of our research portfolio is fundamental to our identity, and we are determined to support it.

McMahon says Harvard is no longer eligible for new federal research grants

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The Trump administration previously canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the Ivy League school over what it called a failure to protect students from antisemitism. The campus was the scene of pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.

Columbia University had agreed to Trump administrations demands

University leadership called the financial strain caused by the cuts intense and said some departments are winding down activity but remain prepared to reestablish capabilities if support is restored.

On March 21, Columbia agreed to a list of demands from the Trump administration in order to restore funding. The terms included hiring more campus police, banning masks, a new definition of antisemitism and reforms to admissions practices.

Gov. Abbott signs Texas school choice bill into law

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Days later, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Columbia was on the right track toward again receiving federal funding.

Columbia officials also announced the creation of a Research Stabilization Fund, which aims to help obtain new awards and fund the continuation of ongoing research projects. Over the next year, scientists will be able to apply internally for temporary funding.

We are working on and planning for every eventuality, but the strain in the meantime, financially and on our research mission, is intense, the statement said Tuesday.

Harvard also facing demands from Trump administration

Other top institutions are facing the administrations demands, including Harvard. McMahon on Monday told the university in a letter that it will no longer be eligible for new research grants from the government, just days after Trump called for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status.

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China not negotiating tariffs with US, Scott Bessent says

The pause will only be on new research funding, according to an Education Department official, and will not impact other funding, like federal student aid. McMahon listed four things that Harvard will have to correct in order to apply for new grants. Those include:

Problems with antisemitism

Alleged race-based discrimination at the Harvard Law Review

The abandonment of rigor and academic excellence

A lack of viewpoint diversity on campus

The bottom line of the letter is the Trump administration wont stand by as taxpayer dollars are used to support policies that tolerate antisemitism or that support racist policies, the Education Department official said.

Columbia student arrested at citizenship interview

A Palestinian man who had led protests against the war in Gaza as a Columbia University student was arrested by immigration officials during an interview about finalizing his citizenship in April.

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Mohsen Mahdawi had been a legal permanent resident in the country for 10 years, but was arrested by ICE and taken to the Northwest State Correctional Facility, according to the Associated Press. After a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered his release.

Later, a judge also issued an order that barred the government from removing Mahdawi from the state or country. His lawyers have said he was detained for speaking out on Palestinian human rights.

Protesters gather outside federal court ahead of a hearing for Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man arrested at a Vermont immigration office during an interview about finalizing his U.S. citizenship and a legal permanent resident who led protests against the war in Gaza at Columbia University, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (AP Photo/Amanda Swinhart)

The government argues that Mahdawis detention is a constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process and that district courts are barred from hearing challenges to how and when such proceedings are begun.

District courts play no role in that process. Consequently, this Court lacks jurisdiction over Petitioners claims, which are all, at bottom, challenges to removal proceedings, wrote Michael Drescher, Vermonts acting U.S. attorney.

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An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled that the governments assertion that Khalils presence in the U.S. posed potentially serious foreign policy consequences satisfied the requirements for deportation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
(Reuters) - Columbia University said on Tuesday it was laying off dozens of researchers whose work was funded by U.S. government grants and contracts that President Donald Trump's administration canceled in March, citing antisemitic harassment on and near campus.

"We have had to make difficult choices and unfortunately, today, nearly 180 of our colleagues who have been working, in whole or in part, on impacted federal grants, will receive notices of non-renewal or termination," Columbia's interim president and other officials said in an open letter, citing an "intense" strain on the university's finances.

Columbia will keep trying to persuade the government to restore the funding, according to the letter. It did not specify which departments would lose researchers and infrastructure.

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The cuts came out of what Columbia's leaders said was more than $5 billion in grants committed to the university. Much of that funding went to healthcare and scientific research but Reuters could not verify the figures.

In March, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia and threatened to withhold billions more because of what it described as antisemitic harassment around the school's New York City campus.

Columbia has been the epicenter of a pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel student protest movement that roiled U.S. campuses over the last year and a half as Israel's war in Gaza raged.

On Monday, the Trump administration told Harvard University it would not get future federal funding until Harvard, the wealthiest and oldest U.S. college, agreed to the government's demands of how it should address campus antisemitism and other issues.

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Columbia had acquiesced to several Trump administration demands in an effort to get funds restored. The school promised to reform its disciplinary process, hire security officers with arrest powers and appoint an official with authority to review departments offering courses on the Middle East.

Harvard has sued to block the Trump administration from freezing billions of dollars in federal funding. It rejected a list of White House demands, saying these would undermine its independence.

An April Reuters/Ipsos poll found 57% of all respondents did not think the president should withhold funding from universities he disagreed with. Among Republican respondents, however, the same percentage thought he should withhold funds from such universities.

(Reporting by Julia Harte; Editing by Donna Bryson and David Gregorio)
Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital have agreed to a $750 million settlement of hundreds of sexual abuse claims by patients of disgraced and imprisoned former gynecologist Robert Hadden, bringing total legal payouts in civil cases involving the ex-doctor to over $1 billion, according to the plaintiffs' lawyer.

Hadden, now 66, was accused of molesting patients during a decades-long career at prestigious New York City hospitals including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian. He was convicted by a jury in 2023 of federal sex crime charges and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

The new settlements, approved by a Manhattan judge Monday, come in 576 legal cases against the Ivy League school, the hospital and others over the abuse by Hadden, plaintiffs' attorney Anthony T. DiPietro said.

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This victory is not just for the victims and survivors of Columbia University and The New York-Presbyterian Hospitals cover-up who bravely came forward, but for all of us who entrust medical institutions with our health care, DiPietro said in statement.

For far too long, Columbia and New York-Presbyterian have prioritized protecting their reputations over protecting their patients," he said. "This settlement sends a powerful message that were here to ensure that institutions covering up exploitation and abuse will be held fully accountable for their crimes.

DiPietro said the average payout to plaintiffs from the new settlement will be about $1.3 million. Columbia previously agreed to $277 million in settlements with more than 200 other plaintiffs over Hadden's sexual abuse, he said.

Columbia confirmed the settlement but not the amount Tuesday. Lawyers for the school and New York-Presbyterian did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

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As previously announced, Columbia is implementing a multi-pronged plan, including an external investigation, a survivors settlement fund, and a series of new and updated patient safety policies and programs to address the abuses of Robert Hadden," the university said in statement responding to an Associated Press message specifically asking about the $750 million deal.

We deeply regret the pain that his patients suffered, and this settlement is another step forward in our ongoing work and commitment to repair harm and support survivors, it said. "We commend the survivors for their bravery in coming forward.

New York-Presbyterian referred questions about the settlement to Columbia, saying the school employed Hadden.

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits, Laurie Maldonado, who sued Columbia, New York-Presbyterian, Hadden and others, said her case was not about money.

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It's about accountability, she said in a statement provided by DiPietro. "Columbia University enabled sadistic abuse, and now, theyve been forced to face the truth. We hope this sends a clear message to every institution: survivors will not be silenced, and those who protect abusers will be held responsible.

The Associated Press does not typically name victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, like Maldonado has.

Haddens accusers also included Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential candidate and New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, who said Hadden abused her when she was pregnant with her first child.

During Hadden's criminal trial, nine victims testified about how Hadden molested them during gynecology treatments, starting in the late 1980s, at prominent hospitals.

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Allegations of misconduct during examinations first surfaced in 2012. Hadden was indicted on state charges in 2014 as women kept coming forward. But in 2016, the office of the Manhattan district attorney at the time, Cyrus Vance Jr., allowed Hadden to plead guilty to two low-level felonies and a misdemeanor in a deal that required him to give up his medical license but did not require jail time and kept him out of the states sex offender registry.

Some of the women who had gone to state prosecutors were outraged, but their stories did not start receiving public attention until the #MeToo movement began gaining steam in 2017.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan got a grand jury indictment against Hadden in 2020, charges based on the fact that some patients at his New York offices had come into the city from other states.

In November 2023, Columbia and Columbia University Irving Medical Center announced they would be notifying 6,500 former patients of Hadden of his federal sex crime convictions and giving victims the opportunity to apply for compensation from a $100 million settlement fund. The deadline to apply has been extended to May 15.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The 2025 Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program, intended for teens and young adults, has begun taking applications.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson hopes applicants will benefit from a source of income and work experience by matching them with summer jobs at local government agencies. Participants will get occupational training from the Career Compass Academy, then will be matched with summer jobs at local government agencies and businesses.

The Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program participants will be placed in Community Reinvestment, Parks & Recreation, Columbus Civic Center, Homeland Security, Metra, Worksource Georgia-Area 14, Lets Grow STEM, MCSD, Columbus Water Works, and Davis Broadcasting.

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Part-time opportunities are available for program participants and potential program counselors. Recent 2025 graduates are being encouraged to apply.

Summer Youth Employment trainees will be paid $14.00 an hour and counselors will be paid $16.00 an hour.

Interested participants can apply at this link and can scan the QR code in the flyer below.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus leaders are cracking down on crime in the Hilltop.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced the results of the latest Clean and Safe Corridor Initiative on Monday. The initiative takes city resources and focuses them on a certain area, beyond the general services from Columbus. This is a more concentrated approach to really hone in on issues reported by the community.

We want children, seniors, families to feel safe in these corridors. And thats what this is all about, Ginther said.

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East Columbus development sparks resident concerns

Over the last two weeks, city resources have focused on Sullivant Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood.

This is a very much focused approach where we have all hands on deck for a set period of time, but what were going to follow up on this with is investing more in neighborhood and community groups that can kind of keep our momentum going, Ginther said.

City services picked up almost 18 tons of litter, patched potholes, and refreshed crosswalks. In the first week of the initiative, Columbus police recovered nine firearms, impounded 26 cars, worked 66 331 complaints, and conducted dozens of arrests.

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Rare Civil War flag sold at Columbus auction for $468,000

They went out and made a lot of traffic stops, made a lot of arrests on-view and on warrants, and we were able to get some dangerous people off the roads, Columbus Division of Police Deputy Chief Robert Sagle said.

Drugs were taken off the street. including some that police described as fentanyl related. Now, the Clean and Safe Corridor initiative will expand with the next focus on the Driving Park area and the Short North.

These initiatives just show when we work together how much can be accomplished, Sagle said.

The city said the services provided during this time are valued at $142,000 for labor, materials and equipment.

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Trial begins for truck driver charged in I-70 bus crash that killed six

The full list of what the city said was accomplished can be found below:

Safety

April 30 Zone 3 Operation Unity Results

69 on-view arrests, meaning arrests made by police officers who personally observed a crime being committed. Of the arrests, 41 were on-view felony arrests and 28 were on-view misdemeanor arrests.

40 wanted person arrests

Six arrests for engaging in prostitution

Two stolen vehicles recovered

Four firearms recovered

9.6g Methamphetamine, 3.6g Cocaine, 40g Crack Cocaine and 28g Marijuana recovered

Four search warrants executed

One Nuisance Abatement Group inspection

42 vehicles impounded

108 traffic citations issued

87 parking citations

38 311 complaints worked

146 crime prevention citizen contacts

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April 21  April 27 Sullivant Avenue commercial corridor law enforcement activities

21 on-view felony arrests

24 on-view misdemeanor arrests

40 wanted person arrests

Three soliciting arrests

Seven stolen vehicles recovered

Nine firearms recovered

1.1g Methamphetamine, 151.47g Cocaine, 4.62g Crack Cocaine and 1,882.07g Marijuana recovered

One search warrant executed

15 Nuisance Abatement Group inspection

26 vehicles impounded

43 traffic citations issued

90 parking citations

66 311 complaints worked

84 crime prevention citizen contacts

April 28  May 4 Sullivant Avenue commercial corridor law enforcement data will be available on May 7

Cleanliness and Beautification

17.82 tons of litter and bulk refuse, 1.4 tons of trash and 14 tires collected

73.5 man-hours of pothole patching

79.5 man-hours of ADA ramp cleaning

50 ground-mounted and overhead signs replaced

All eight intersections along the corridor had crosswalks, stop bars and lane control arrows refreshed

19 trees planted, 141 trees pruned, 3 dying and damaged trees removed, 785 feet of brush cut back and one tree grate leveled

Property Inspections

327 building inspections

55 friendly code enforcement letters issued, informing building owners how they may bring their properties up to code compliance

5 buildings referred for graffiti removal by the city

Small Business Support

47 businesses canvassed by the Office of Violence Prevention and Columbus Public Health to understand safety perceptions and concerns

Four days of office hours held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Hilltop branch to consult with small business owners and share funding and support resources available

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Perhaps the most frustrating thing about being a conservative critic of Trumpism is that you often start by agreeing with Trumpworld about ends while disagreeing about means.

This pleases nobody. The left, broadly speaking, considers the ends as illegitimate as the means, and the pro-Trump right thinks that if youre against the means you really dont desire the ends. Im against the abuse of power, even for my own side.

Read more: Column: President Trump's economic philosophy that only a leftist could love

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For instance, Ive argued for decades that liberal media bias is real and a problem. I think you can exaggerate the problem, particularly these days (Fox has dominated cable news for decades). But, yes, the MAGA crowd is right that much of the legacy media is often reflexively hostile to Republicans. But that doesnt mean I support the way Trumps Federal Communications Commission is bullying various media organizations for being critical of Trump, or that I applaud Trumps jihad against the Associated Press for refusing to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

Read more: Trump's popularity in a slump in California amid abuse-of-power concerns

Or consider Harvard. If you read its own report on the antisemitism situation at the university, its hard to disagree with many of the administrations criticisms. Harvard has been intolerant of internal dissent, and its educational philosophy has been absurdly left wing. For instance, a mandatory class for students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education has deployed a grotesque chart (page 150 of the report), The Pyramid of White Supremacy, equating free trade agreements with slavery, and colorblindness with racial profiling. It suggests that the Anti-Defamation League is engaging in coded rhetoric for genocide. Meanwhile, the Harvard Law Review seems to be practicing flat-out racial discrimination .

But as Charles Lane of the Free Press recently put it, Harvard had it coming. That doesnt mean Trump is right. Trump is not only threatening to withdraw billions in federal grants from Harvard, he wants to revoke the schools tax-exempt status. These are draconian remedies, raising a host of different ethical, prudential, legal, policy and constitutional issues. Suffice it to say, I think defunding cancer research to own the libs seems like overkill. Removing Harvards tax-exempt status is probably illegal . And even its not, its insane to do it via executive order, setting a precedent conservative will rue.

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Read more: Groups call on Trump administration to curb wasteful use of Colorado River water

I could make similar arguments about everything from Trumps threats to law firms to his attacks on NATO. Heck, Ive been in favor of annexing Greenland  peacefully!  for a long time. But I think threatening military force ( as he did again this weekend ) is grotesque.

The arguments are also good for making a point beyond Trump is awful.

The old story of liberal media bias has gotten worse, for a number of structural reasons . Back in the days when big newspapers, a few news magazines and three broadcast networks defined the mainstream media, audiences were broad and diverse. This encouraged news outlets to play it more down the middle. They didnt always succeed, but there were institutional safeguards and incentives to prevent straying too far left or right. For instance, advertisers for baby formula did not want to sponsor content

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that might offend any swath of the market.

Read more: Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies made overseas, surprising studios

Cable and the internet balkanized the media landscape. The incentive structure changed with it. Instead of seeking to appeal to a broad audience, outlets switched to a strategy of appealing to a sticky narrow slice that was more ideological. Liberals can see this plain as day with Fox News but strain to acknowledge the dynamic with MSNBC.

As journalism became more ideological, so did journalists. Many news organizations drew their talent from elite schools of the sort that taught The Pyramid of White Supremacy. It should be no surprise that their coverage of, say, the George Floyd protests was informed by their educational experience, often defending or downplaying the violent destruction of property. In the same way that fish dont know theyre wet, a lot of journalists couldnt see how far left their institutions had drifted. But conservatives could  and dreamed of punishing them for it.

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Read more: Column: Is Kilmar Abrego Garcia a criminal? Great question

The story of the universities is different, but a similar dynamic has been at play. Groupthink around a slew of ideological commitments festered. They lost sight of their own obligation to be institutions for all Americans. Much like the media, Harvard and others have exploited their traditional status to advance ideological agendas. And much like the media, they invoke their traditional status as a kind of forcefield against outside pressure or criticism. Harvard  and higher ed generally  abused their positions and invited an inevitable correction. The form of the Trump correction is as lamentable as the need for one is true.

Again, this view annoys people who see American politics as an endless war between heroes and villains. But it is that view that got us here.

@JonahDispatch

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.
There were no public arguments or insults. On the contrary, the first meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney proceeded with utmost politeness. However, the underlying disagreements over tariffs, trade relations, and Trumps interest in annexing Canada were laid bare, perhaps even more clearly than if the two had started shouting at each other. Gently but firmly, the former central banker of Canada and the U.K. settled the issue of Canadian sovereignty: There are places that are simply not for sale... [Canada] is not for sale. It wont be for sale. In response, Trump quipped: Never say never.

Neither the United States nor Canada had high expectations for this Tuesdays meeting in the Oval Office. Dont expect white smoke, Carney warned before the meeting.

The first meeting between the two was supposed to serve as a way to gauge the situation, as relations between the two neighbors, partners, and once almost mimetic allies, are at their lowest point in recent history. Trump demands that Canada become another state of the U.S. and wants to crush it with tariffs; while Carneys Liberal Party won last weeks election in Canada thanks to the sharp anti-Trump shift of an electorate that, just a few months ago, had decisively supported the Conservatives.

Canada is  or was, until Trump returned to the White House  the United Statess second-largest trading partner and its closest ally in a wide range of areas, from the economy and intelligence sharing, to academic collaboration and to national security. But the imposition of tariffs and the Republicans statements calling for Canada to become part of the United States have shattered that idyllic relationship. Carney himself made this clear upon taking office: The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over.

And immediately before welcoming Carney to the West Wing of the White House, Trump  who for months ridiculed Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, referring to him as Governor Trudeau  took to social media to fire back and set the tone for their meeting.

We dont need their Cars, we dont need their Energy, we dont need their Lumber, we dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain, he wrote. They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us!

Only 9% of Canadians support becoming part of the United States, while 85% flatly reject the idea, according to a March survey conducted by the pollster Leger. In response to growing tensions, many Canadians have begun boycotting U.S. consumer goods in favor of imports from other countries. Canadian tourism to the U.S. has dropped sharply, and the countrys new government is actively working to strengthen ties with other nations  particularly in Europe  in an effort to reduce reliance on Washington.

Following his victory in the April 28 election, Carney declared: We are over the shock over American betrayal. But we will never forget the lessons. He continued: America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never, ever happen.

The two nations are members of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the successor to the Clinton-era NAFTA. USMCA was renegotiated during Trumps first term and ratified in 2020. However, in early March  despite efforts at negotiations and diplomatic gestures  the White House imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. These were briefly suspended after Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged stronger efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking across their respective borders.

Currently, 25% U.S. tariffs remain on goods outside the scope of the USMCA, including steel and aluminum. Canadian softwood lumber faces a 14.54% tariff. In retaliation, Canada imposes a 25% tariff on roughly $22 billion worth of U.S. goods  from orange juice to home appliances  and an additional 25% on another $22 billion worth of metal imports. It also penalizes U.S. vehicles that do not meet USMCA requirements with a 25% tariff.

Before Tuesdays face-to-face meeting, Carney and Trump spoke by phone at least twice since Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader in March  the most recent call coming just one day after Carneys election win. Both governments described the conversations as constructive. I think were going to have a great relationship, Trump said on April 29, following their latest call.

Tariffs were expected to dominate the agenda in the Oval Office, the tone of the meeting was surrounded by less pageantry than Trumps previous encounters with world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron or British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

On Monday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox Business that a new trade agreement with Canada was possible, but warned that its really complex.

Canada is the largest buyer of U.S. exports, importing nearly $394.4 billion worth of goods ranging from energy and automobiles to agricultural products. Meanwhile, the U.S. is Canadas biggest trade partner, absorbing about three-quarters of Canadian exports  primarily steel, aluminum, and lumber.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners delivered this years State of the County address on Monday.

The presentation highlights the countys key accomplishments, investments and initiatives.

Local leaders discuss student safety, bussing solutions

Several topics were discussed, including the countys work in waste infrastructure, courthouse and jail renovations and human services.

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One thing the county pushed for was their continued efforts in the workforce, where they championed an increase in specialized job fairs.

The need is there, but we have to get people targeted to get them help, to make sure they have the credentials to be able to get the job, and we work very hard at that, said Commissioner Judy Dodge.

Just this past February, the county held a construction job fair which nearly 300 job seekers attended.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Workers pick tomatoes at a farm owned and operated by Pacific Tomato Growers on February 19, 2021 in Immokalee, Florida. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Lawmakers have endorsed a bill this session that would grant farmworkers in Maine the right to minimum wage and has the potential to finally make it off the governors desk.

The Legislatures Labor Committee voted 6-1 with multiple members absent to endorse LD 589, which would give agricultural workers the right to state minimum wage and mirrors the proposal Gov. Janet Mills put forward last session.

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Before committee members broke to caucus ahead of the vote, Senate co-chair Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot) said, This is the closest we have come and I hope were in a good place here to finally pass a basic minimum wage for agricultural workers.

There were two bills before the committee this session seeking to guarantee farmworkers the right to state minimum wage, since they are currently excluded from the section of law that provides a wage floor and overtime protections. Legally, they are only entitled to the $7.25 federal minimum wage; however, many farm owners say they pay workers even more than Maines minimum wage of $14.65 an hour.

Earlier this session, the Labor Committee also supported a bill that would allow agricultural employees to talk about wages, working conditions and other employment matters with other employees or the employer. That bill has received initial approval from the Senate, but was tabled in the House of Representatives Tuesday, pending a vote.

Farmworker rights have been an ongoing discussion in the state as Mills has vetoed multiple pieces of legislation over her tenure seeking to secure labor protections, including her own bill last session. She said she could no longer support that proposal after the committee reworked the bill to allow farmworkers to bring their own private action against employers for violations.

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House co-chair Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor) said Tuesday that as a self-described idealist, the legislation doesnt go as far as she would have liked, though ultimately supported the bill.

I realize in legislation that we have to crawl before we can walk sometimes, but weve been crawling for an awful long time, Roeder said.

When introducing LD 357 this session, Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) said he was appalled by the governors actions last year. His bill was identical to the one the Labor Committee supported last year, but this time bolstered with a Republican as the lead sponsor.

Though the committee voted unanimously not to support Bennetts bill, Tipping thanked him for following the committees work last session by introducing this measure.

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Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland) originally took a different approach from Bennett with LD 589, which initially removed language that exempted farmworkers from current statute, rather than create a new section of law. However, this was a sticking point for the agricultural industry who worried that any future changes to that section of law could overlook the unique qualities of farming.

After amending LD 589 to address those concerns, the proposals had just two key differences. The legislation from Talbot Ross does not include a private right of action, leaving it up to the Department of Labor and the Office of the Maine Attorney General to handle any wage violations.

Additionally, the amended version of LD 589 includes language clarifying that the changes that would result from this legislation could not be construed to mean that agricultural workers were losing any existing rights.

Tipping highlighted this language before casting his vote in support of the bill, saying that he interprets it to mean that farmworkers wont lose their right to bring private action against an employer for other violations, such as not being paid any wages.

Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said that based on conversations she has had with the governor, Mills seems to be on board with the amended version of LD 589.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  Voters may get the chance to weigh in on eliminating property taxes in the 2026 election. State lawmakers met for the first time in a new select committee to discuss property tax relief.

This process is not about ego or pride of authorship or credit. This is about bringing the very best proposals before the people of Florida so that they have an opportunity to decide their own fate, said House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami).

Seminole boater shares his encounter with Clearwater Ferry days before fatal crash

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As lawmakers head into an extended session for May, they will not only be negotiating the states budget, but property taxes may also be a focus point for many at the statehouse.



This property stuff needs to be addressed, said Gov. Ron DeSantis when he announced his plans for tax relief.

Property taxes are at the center of debate between the governor, House, and Senate leadership.



Several months ago, Gov. DeSantis introduced the exciting and provocative idea of abolishing property taxes in Florida, said Speaker Perez.

Why did Alcatraz close in the first place?

Speaker Perez called out DeSantis for putting the issue of property taxes on the table, but no policy or plan to carry it out.



However, in DeSantis proposal to eliminate property taxes, he said it would save $1,000 for homestead homeowners in the Sunshine State.

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But Speaker Perez wants to take matters into his own hands with a new select House Committee to dive deeper into the matter.



I expect this select committee to dive deep to ask the hard questions and to listen to the critics and get creative, said Speaker Perez.

Dangerous dogs bill holding owners liable for dog attacks, aggressive bites, closer to becoming law

Committee members already met for the first time Friday, May 2, discussing five proposals for property tax reform, all of which will require a constitutional amendment.

We have so much to do in such very little time, said State Rep. Vicki Lopez, co-chair of the select committee.

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House Speaker Perez shared information on each proposal so far:

Requiring every city, county and special district to hold a referendum on the elimination of homestead property taxes.

This would allow the taxpayers and the taxing authorities to have an open and honest conversation about what services they are receiving for their taxes and whether they wish to continue to pay those taxes. In the United States of America, no taxes should be levied unless the people choose to allow themselves to be taxed.

Creating a new $500,000 homestead property tax exemption for non-school property taxes. That $500,000 exemption would be increased to $1,000,000 for homeowners who are over 65 years of age or who have had a homestead in Florida for over 30 years.

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This proposal would provide expansive, broad-based property tax relief for working- and middle-class Floridians and provide enhanced protections for our seniors and long-term homeowners.

Authorizing the State Legislature to raise the amount of the homestead exemption by state statute.

This change would allow them to address issues related to property taxes without having to go to the ballot.

Enhancing Floridas assessment limitation caps for homestead and non-homestead properties. We could change the homestead assessment cap from 3% per year to 3% every three years. For non-homestead assessments, we would adjust the cap from 10% per year to 15% every three years.

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This proposal would not only provide Floridians with stability in their tax payments, but it would also significantly slow the growth of local government revenues and spending.

Prohibit the government from foreclosing on a homestead property for unpaid taxes.

One of the cornerstones of housing policy in Florida has been the sanctity of the homestead. This change would put the government on the same footing as private sector creditors and ensure that the government cannot kick any Floridian out of their home due to their inability to pay a tax.

I think we have to be really cautiously optimistic about efforts to reduce the tax burden. Were also realizing the end of the day, that our constituents wanna see responsive police, they wanna see responsive fighters, they want to see high-quality public education and road improvement. How do you pay for that? said State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando).

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The five proposals are just the starting point for lawmakers. Nothing is set in stone.

The committee will gather data throughout the spring, summer, and fall, to then introduce a House Joint Resolution or several resolutions that will be heard in week one at the start of the next session.



Speaker Perez said he intends to pass the House Property Tax plan in the first week of session in the new year and then head to the 2026 November ballot.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
More than 16,000 chemicals are used to produce plastics  and some are silently killing us.

Particularly worrisome is di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, or DEHP, a chemical used to soften plastic products. Colorless and nearly odorless, DEHP is found in everything from shower curtains and shoes to medical tubing and has long been linked to health harms like cancer.

New research indicates the class of chemicals is also causing deaths due to heart disease, particularly in developing countries. According to a peer-reviewed study published last week in The Lancet eBioMedicine, nearly 350,000 people died in 2018 from exposure to DEHP. The research represents the first global survey of cardiovascular mortality from the chemicals and attributes DEHP exposure from plastics to more than 13 percent of all deaths from heart disease among adults aged 55 to 64.

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One of the researchers most striking findings was a strong geographic disparity in DEHP exposure and related mortality rates. Residents of the Middle East and South Asia, for example, are exposed to up to six times more DEHP than their European counterparts. A greater share of these regions cardiovascular deaths was also attributable to the chemicals. Researchers found that in 2018, 10 percent of heart disease-related deaths in the United States and 8 percent in Europe were attributable to DEHP exposure. That figure was as high as 17 percent in the Middle East and South Asia and more than 13 percent in East Asia and the Pacific.

DEHP and other phthalates contribute to cardiovascular mortality in part because they are endocrine disrupters, meaning they interfere with the bodys hormones in ways that can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Phthalates also contribute to inflammation, another risk factor for heart disease, and they coexist with micro- and nanoplastics, which were shown in a groundbreaking study last year to increase peoples risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause.

DEHP-laden plastics are like a wrecking ball on human tissues, said Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at NYU Langone Health and one of the studys authors. He said policymakers should do more to reduce the use of DEHP in plastic materials, potentially including restrictions on the use of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, the type of plastic in which DEHP is most commonly found. Some typical products made of PVC include pipes, upholstery, and childrens toys, as well as  in some parts of the world  food packaging. Overuse of these products has contributed to widespread DEHP contamination in air, soil, and water.

The study suggests the geographical disparities may be attributable to regional differences in plastic production, chemical regulations, and underdeveloped waste management sectors. India, for example, is experiencing a surge in the manufacturing and use of plastic products, including PVC products, and it only recently began to restrict DEHP in food packaging.

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Many poorer countries also import plastic waste from abroad, creating another potential route for exposure. Countries including Malaysia, India, and Vietnam have received millions of tons of plastic waste from North America and Europe since 2021  sometimes illegally, according to analyses of global trade data from the nonprofit Basel Action Network. In 2021, the U.S. alone exported 1.2 billion pounds of plastic waste to developing countries. Much of this plastic may be burned or dumped into unregulated landfills, where it can release chemicals such as DEHP.

Three people in front of a table of plastic toys, including rubber duckies. The people hold signs saying "play it safe" and "reject PVC toys."

The paper builds on a rapidly growing body of evidence that the manufacturing, use, and disposal of plastic creates an outsize burden for the developing world. In 2023, an analysis from the nonprofit World Wide Fund for Nature found that the life-cycle costs of plastics are at least eight times higher for low- and middle-income countries than they are for high-income ones.

To reach their conclusions, Trasande and his team of researchers modeled phthalates contribution to cardiovascular mortality using a survey of phthalate concentrations in urine samples combined with causes of death 10 years later reported in the U.S. National Death Index. Then they looked at the total number of heart disease-related deaths in particular countries and regions and determined what fraction wouldnt have happened if it hadnt been for DEHP.

Tracey Woodruff, a professor of reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the new analysis, said the research was consistent with what other studies have found regarding health risks from phthalates. Last year, a study of one-third of the global population found that bisphenol A, or BPA  used in hard, clear plastic products like food storage containers  contributed to 5.4 million cases of heart disease and 346,000 strokes in 2015. The same study found that polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs  used as a flame retardant in electronics and some textiles  caused the loss of 11.7 million IQ points.

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DEHP is inconsistently regulated globally. The European Union restricts DEHP, along with several other phthalates, to no more than 0.1 percent by weight in childrens toys and clothing, and strictly limits its use in food-contact materials and cosmetics. China has similar restrictions, and Japan has banned DEHP from food packaging and childrens products since 2003. India passed legislation in 2022 limiting the amount of DEHP thats allowed to leach from food packaging.

The U.S. restricts DEHP in childrens toys and some food packaging but not in cosmetics. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration denied a petition from 11 public health and environmental groups to ban DEHP and seven other phthalates in food-contact materials outright.

Theres no evidence for a threshold at which phthalate exposures are safe, Trasande emphasized.

Trasande said his research could influence ongoing negotiations for the United Nations global plastics treaty, set to resume this August. The treatys mandate is to end plastic pollution, but delegates have increasingly turned their attention to hazardous chemicals in plastic products. Many scientists want the treaty to include lists of plastic types and plastic-related chemicals that must be limited or phased out. Both PVC and phthalates are top contenders for such lists.

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Woodruff said research like Trasandes should also drive home the need to limit overall plastic production, not just the chemicals used in plastics. That there are important health benefits from capping the amount of plastic production, she said. Lowering our exposure to these chemicals in plastics is going to be a critical part of reversing the trend of chronic disease in the U.S.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline This commonly used plastic chemical caused 350,000 heart disease-related deaths in 1 year on May 6, 2025.
HIGH POINT  The Community Clinic of High Point recently received accreditation from the N.C. Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, of which the clinic has been a member for more than 20 years.

The association is a network of 65 free and charitable clinics dedicated to improving the health and well-being of uninsured patients in North Carolina. The organization advocates for the uninsured, represents member clinics and their patients, and educates key stakeholders about the importance of meeting the needs of the uninsured.

Receiving accreditation from the NCAFCC is an honor and a testament to the hard work of our staff, volunteers and the community, said Molly Jordan, executive director of the Community Clinic of High Point. This partnership will expand our access to vital resources, strengthen our advocacy efforts, and help us continue to grow and continue to meet the needs of our patients.

Jordan praised clinic operations director Matt Ridenhour and former board members Glenda Billings and Carin Hiott for their hard work and diligence through the application process.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  As the population of older drivers grows in Rhode Island, AAA Northeast is hoping to support vibrant, healthy aging at its free Older and Wiser Driver Summit, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick next week.

Spokesperson Jillian Young joined 12 News at 4 to share more about the event. Anyone whos interested can register through Eventbrite at aaa.com/owdsummit.

Watch the full interview in the player above.

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27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
COURTESY PHOTO John Henry Felix died of end-stage renal disease early Monday morning at an independent-living facility in Hawaii Kai. He was 94.

COURTESY PHOTO John Henry Felix died of end-stage renal disease early Monday morning at an independent-living facility in Hawaii Kai. He was 94.

Former Honolulu City Council member John Henry Felixwho witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as a boy, became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15, later held court at the Pacific Club over back-to-back breakfast meetings, was a proud descendant of his Portuguese ancestry and active in multiple business and philanthropic endeavoursdied at his independent living facility in Hawaii Kai early Monday morning at the age of 94.

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Felix died of end-stage renal disease and would have turned 95 if he had reached his birthday on June 14, said his son, John Johnny  Morgan Felix.

Felix died at 4 a.m. Monday with Johnny and his daughter, Melinda DiCiro,  by his side, Johnny said.

Felix was still chair of Abilities Unlimited, which helps provide job training to people with physical and mental challenges, and was chair of the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, where he retired as chief operating officer Dec. 31.

Born June 14, 1930, Felix joined the Junior Red Cross Elementary at the age of 8 while attending Lincoln School.

His first assignment was to assemble ditty bags  (comfort kits ) for the children of war-torn China, according to his curriculum vitae.

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Felixs later interest in Hawaiis Civilian Air Patrol was inspired by his experience of witnessing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, said Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, former chair of the Hawaii Democratic Party, who considered Felix, a lifelong Republican, a mentor.

Santos-Tam succeeded Felix in 2019 as honorary Portuguese consul. Felix also served as honorary consul of Spain until 2022.

You could have this conversation with him without ever having it turn adversarial, which is something thats missing today,  Santos-Tam said. He came from a time where Republicans and Democrats had to work together and served on a Council where Republicans and Democrats had to work together. In the business and nonprofit community, everyone has to work together.

We had breakfast regularly to talk about the Portuguese community happenings in the world and locally. Up until the end, he was so involved in so many nonprofits and projects. Im still amazed that he had the energy and ability to be so involvedwith the Civilian Air Patrol, public health initiatives, the Red Cross locally and globally, you name it. Hes always had a passion for service.

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Even in his 90s, Felix would preside over separate breakfast meetings at the Pacific Club.

He had a table that was his, and people would come and would leave and the next person would come,  Santos-Tam said. The meetings would have an agenda, and there would be an outcome.

A Portuguese monument at Fort Street Mall bears Felixs name, and Santos-Tam said, Theres so many traces of John Henrys involvement everywhere you look in Honolulu.

Following Felixs 14-year career on the Council, then-Council Chair Ernie Martin appointed Felixa rail criticto the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation when we faced significant deficits,  Martin said. Who better than John Henry from a personal and business perspective ?

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Martin and Felix also shared their Portuguese heritage and served together on the board of Abilities Unlimited.

On the board and as its chair, Felix was very passionate and committed,  Martin said. He was always very active.

Former Council Chair Ikaika Anderson grew up hearing stories of Felix from his grandfather Whitney Anderson and uncle D.G. Andy  Anderson, who both grew up diving for coins in the Ala Wai Canal with Felix.

When he ran for governor as a Republican in the 1980s, Andy Anderson chose Felix as his lieutenant governor running mate.

As a boy, Ikaika Anderson remembered seeing Felix sign-waving for the City Council.

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Years later, at the age of 31, Anderson faced Felix in a special Council race in 2009 and was impressed that Felix was still enthusiastically sign-waving in his 80s.

The man was a tenacious campaigner,  Anderson said. At the debates he was sharp as a tack. It was tough to keep up with him. He was gracious but still sharp as a tack.

Later, as Council chair, Andersona Democratreached out to Felix to hear his ideas on complex issues like the city budget or tax rates because John Henry was a fiscal conservative,  Anderson said. Ive always known John Henry as a smart and savvy individual.

John Henry was old-school,  Anderson said. He liked to meet in person when people wanted to talk to him, and he would spend two hours with me.

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Felix initiated, supported and chaired a long list of organizations and causes that included the first water safety and first-aid class for Hansens disease patients at the Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai.

But his outreach extended throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Felix was drafted into the Army during the Korean War in 1952 and served in the combat infantry.

He later served in the 442nd Infantry Reserves, Hawaii Army National Guard as a colonel, and cared for refugees and prisoners of war in Vietnam as a civilian.

As chief of staff to Hawaiis last territorial governor, Republican William F. Quinn, Felix oversaw Hawaiis transition into statehood, which included everything from the Supreme Court to the Barber Commission, according to his curriculum vitae.

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He later led reforms to impose term limits and nonpartisan elections for the Honolulu City Council.

He wrote or co-authored books on a wide range of topics including volunteerism, leadership and management along with The UkuleleA Portuguese Gift to Hawaii,  The Portuguese in Hawaii  and The Portuguese Bi-Centennial in Hawaii.

When he more recently required dialysis treatment three times a week, Felix balked and insisted on driving himself, said his friend Karen Mukai.

He got so angry,  Mukai said. He said, Youre making me feel handicapped. Im driving myself. Then hed stop at the club for a martini.

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Felix is survived by wife Sandrine Belanger, son John Johnny  Morgan Felix, daughter Melinda DiCiro, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services are pending.

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Major U.S. employers are leaving more jobs unfilled and cutting back on hiring as economic worries amid President Donald Trumps global trade war cause them to hit pause.

Several major employers, including T. Rowe Price, JetBlue, Polaris, Harvard University and more, have paused hiring as they weather a turbulent economy, The Wall Street Journal reports. Others, including Union Pacific Railroad and insurance broker Marsh McLennan, have warned they could cut back on hiring as concerns grow.

Robert Mack, chief financial officer of Polaris, even told investors last week the company is instituting its recessionary playbook.

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This comes even after the latest job report defied expectations and showed hiring remains steady despite concerns over Trumps tariffs. Data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate remains at 4.2 percent.

Economist Brad Hershbein tells the Journal that people entering or re-entering the job market are having a harder time finding work, which may signal deterioration. Companies often pull back on hiring first when theyre feeling concerned about the future, he added.

Thats one place where they pull back first, Hershbein said. People are increasingly saying theyre nervous.

Major employers are leaving more jobs empty and pausing hiring as economic concerns rise amid President Donald Trumps global trade war (REUTERS)

While Trump has rebuked any claims his global trade war could spark a recession, concerns about an economic downturn as a result of his tariffs remain.

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Trump imposed 10 percent tariffs on goods from nearly every country earlier last month, and added extra levies depending on other nations trade relationships with the U.S. Days later, Trump issued a 90-day pause on the tariffs, though he continued his across-the-board 10 percent tariffs.

Days later, Trump issued a 90-day pause on the tariffs, though he continued his across-the-board 10 percent tariffs. He also continued all tariffs on imported cars and car parts, steel and aluminum, and raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent. China hit back, imposing a 125 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods.

Trump and his top trade negotiators later said they want to reach trade deals with 90 countries in as many days  but experts say theres no way thats possible.

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released last week showed Americans arent happy with his tariffs. Just 39 percent of respondents approved of his handling of the economy, which is his worst score ever. Nearly two-thirds also thought that grocery prices will increase, with nearly 60 percent saying that putting tariffs on imported goods hurts the economy.

That comes after a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll last month found just 34 percent of Americans say they support Trumps efforts to raise tariffs. Meanwhile, 64 percent of Americans told pollsters they disapprove of the tariffs, making it one of the least popular policy moves Trump has made in office.
Fusion energy startup Focused recently signed a deal that will hopefully lead to a new power plant in Germany, according to Reuters.

The non-binding memorandum of understanding includes the central German state of Hesse, energy conglomerate RWE, and support from the newly elected conservative federal government. Focused intends to start retrofitting RWE's retired nuclear power plant in the town of Biblis to produce fusion power. The plan is to complete the 1-gigawatt plant by 2035 at a maximum cost of $7.6 billion.

Focused CEO Scott Mercer said the lasers the company would be employing in Germany are 30 times more efficient than those in Focused's U.S. labs, per Reuters.

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Germany wound down its entire domestic nuclear energy production in the wake of public backlash from the Fukushima meltdown in 2011. As a result, Germany ended up increasing energy grid pollution by relying on gas to make up the difference. One estimate suggests that the country could have reduced its emissions by 73% if it had kept its nuclear power plants.

Fusion power, though promising, faces long construction timelines. If successful, it can produce a large amount of power to meet rising demands, operate more safely than traditional fission power, and produce waste that is much less radioactive than nuclear.

Displacing oil and gas power is a high priority because of the environmental benefits. The grid produces pollution that traps heat in the atmosphere, melts ice caps, and exacerbates extreme weather trends. Renewable sources like solar and wind can work alongside large-scale fusion projects to avoid those issues.

It may be a slow burn for fusion to take root in Germany, but there appears to be dedication to what "would be the beginning and the learning lesson towards building a supply chain for what would eventually be global deployment," Mercer told Reuters.

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"The seriousness of the federal government in Germany towards pursuing fusion as part of the energy mix is, frankly, two orders of magnitude higher than it has been in the U.S," he added.

Editor's note: This article was updated to reflect that the deal signed was a non-binding memorandum of understanding rather than imply it may be a binding one.

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In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele called it a regime of exception three years ago. In the United States, Donald Trump calls it a state of emergency. The former rebelled against his own people, the latter against immigrants within the country. Both promised to rid their respective nations of suspected criminals in a declared war on gangs. In their eagerness to detainand now also to deportthe two leaders have resorted to the same things: arresting people without warrants, creating arrest quotas for police and federal agents, using tattoos as evidence of ties to a criminal organization, and violating due process. The result in El Salvador is more than 85,000 new inmates who are part of the prison system with the highest incarceration rate in the world. In the United States, more than 66,000 migrants have been detained and some 65,000 deported, according to figures from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But even so, there is a big difference between one country and another, according to Juanita Goebertus, director of the Americas Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW): judicial independence.

Although Goebertus, a 41-year-old native of Colombia, has seen many innocent people imprisoned in Bukeles prisons or expelled from Trumps detention centers, she still places her faith in a system with separation of powers. In El Salvador, there is absolute co-optation of all public powers by the executive branch; there is a strategy to intimidate civil society and the independent press, she asserts. Today, the process of weakening the rule of law in the United States is different, because there is judicial independence, a separation of powers, regardless of the composition of the Supreme Court. Still, she warns: Much of what is at stake is the possibility that the Trump administration will take the very Latin American step of total disdain for judicial decisions, instead of maintaining the forms of a democracy that entails abiding by judicial rulings, even when they are contrary to its own wishes.

For the past three years, HRW members, while protecting their identities, have conducted fieldwork in El Salvador, where they have seen and documented firsthand accounts of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, disease, lack of medical care or food, beatings, burning and torture of all kinds, including against some of the 3,300 minors detained during the regime of exception. But so far, no member of the organization has been allowed access to the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), the mega-prison opened two years ago with the capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates.

The CECOT now not only represents terror for thousands of imprisoned Salvadorans, but is also a possible destination for those who dare to remain illegally in the United States. It was the place thatafter shaking hands with Trump at the White House and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in San SalvadorBukele placed at the service of the Republican administration so that, in exchange for a few million dollars, the alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang deported from the United States could be imprisoned.

However, El Salvador and its prison system are much more than CECOT, the brand-new prison that is in fact whitewashing the image of Bukeles prison system.

Question.There is talk of a violation of due process in deportations to El Salvador. Once there, they have no communication with family members or lawyers, and it is not known whether they are alive or dead.

Answer. We made the decision to classify the removal of Venezuelans to El Salvador as a forced disappearance, and we did not do so lightly. We have a very strict legal review process. We did this because, although a list of names has been published, neither the United States nor the Salvadoran government has corroborated that it is the official one. There are cases of people who do not show up on the list but who are no longer in the ICE database, and their families are searching for them. In practice, the legal definition of an enforced disappearance is met, which means that after an arrest, family members have no access to their whereabouts or situation. Then there is a process of stigmatization, especially with the Venezuelans, because it has been said that they are members of the Tren de Aragua. In 40 cases we have studied, most do not have criminal records, and the few that do are for traffic violations or immigration issues, not for links to organized crime.

Q. HRW has said the Trump administration should repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

A. The first thing is that its an anachronistic law, and furthermore, it was made for times of war. Legally, its feasible to repeal it; politically, its difficult. Im confident that the separation of powers still exists in the United States. At various federal levels, there have already been decisions ordering the suspension of this law. Of course, it will ultimately be the Supreme Court that decides whether or not its applicable. But I think the more the arbitrariness of these cases is exposed, the more evidence the Court should have to realize that its validity is absurd. Calling immigration a foreign invasion is far from realistic, not only because the number of people entering the border today is very low, but also because, at the times when the most people were entering, they were fleeing various situations. Thats not a foreign invasion.

Q. After 100 days of Trump in power, what would you highlight?

A. For Latin America, I would highlight the empowerment of the regions totalitarian leaders. Over the past few decades, the United States has played an important role in helping promote democracy, the separation of powers, and freedom of the press in the region. The biggest problem with whats happening with Trump is that it sends a message to authoritarian leaders that everything is fine: violating the separation of powers, coercing press freedom, restricting civic space by taking measures to prevent organizations from operating. This creates a very dangerous anti-rights climate in Latin America. The second issue is the issue of deportations. Its not that more people are being deported under Trump, but it does show how atrocious these deportations can be, supposedly to deter people who arrive in a situation of extreme vulnerability.

Q. And theres the trade war.

A. Its the use of tariffs as extortion. The United States commercial clout in Latin America is so great that it has managed to extort almost every country. Colombia has already agreed to the release of biometric data. Mexico is reportedly sharing immigration information. Panama and Costa Rica have taken in people from third countries, even with children. Multilateralism is losing ground, and the bilateral relationship is gaining ground, which is clearly achieved through extortion.

Q. Are these third countries involved in migration exchanges also responsible for what is happening?

A. A third country is supposed to be a place that, according to the United States, must guarantee asylum applications. Thats not happening in the case of Panama. It seems like Costa Rica is going to facilitate some asylum applications, because they sent families with children. Panama says that many of the people sent there have already left voluntarily, but the truth is that they have no other option. We were able to speak with several. We have the case of a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Turkey, and they were going to make her board a flight to China, and she said she was staying, that she wasnt leaving under any circumstances. All of this without access to translators; they put her on planes without knowing where they were sending her.

Q. What will happen to people already deported to El Salvador or to third countries?

A. If theres anything that can put a stop to the Trump administrations arbitrary actions, its the judicial system. Were pushing, in alliance with other groups, to continue litigation and start seeing judicial decisions that will force the Trump administration to manage the habeas corpus response, to publish the list of deportees, and to begin taking steps toward their release and return to the United States, in the best-case scenario.

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SURGOINSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Sixty acres of land along Stanley Valley Road in Hawkins County were recently purchased by NewEarth Nation Coalition, which plans to build a micronation on the property.

According to NewEarths website, the group values sovereignty and holistic living.

The micronation, called NewEarth Micronaton Tennessee, will be governed by freedom, self-sufficiency, and respect for nature, according to the website.

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Some Hawkins County residents are concerned with what ideologies the group may bring.

TDEC warns against eating catfish from Sullivan Co. reservoir

Matthew Williams, who lives near the property, spoke at a Hawkins County Commission meeting opposing the micronation.

They talk heavily about sovereign citizens, Williams said. Theyre also looking at scaling and buying more of the farmland here.

According to NewEarth, the plan for the micronation is to start small and grow with and through community relationships.

NewEarth also said the micronation will avail itself for knowledge and technology transfer to the local community.

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Williams said he has no problem with new people coming into the community but does have concerns about who may come because of the micronation.

Many of the people that live right here have recently, within the past five years, moved to this region and we all, we accept them, Williams said. Theyre not looking to change our beliefs. Theyre not looking to oppose the government. Theyre not looking for sideways ways of avoiding taxes.

According to its website, NewEarth Nation Coalition said it does plan on paying taxes.

Church Hill homicide suspect turns self in

Williams said he does not know anyone who wants the micronation to come in.

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Ive talked to several hundred community members and there is not one of them that is for or desires any reason for this group to be here, especially in the form that theyre wanting to develop their own micronation.

News Channel 11 reached out to NewEarth Micronation Tennessee but did not receive a response.

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The secretive election to choose a new pope will begin on May 7.

A group of 133 cardinals  the so-called Princes of the Church  will gather inside the Sistine Chapel at the heart of the Vatican to pick a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month of a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88.

What is a conclave?

The conclave is the arcane process of choosing the next pope. Cardinals from around the world will gather beneath the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel in the heart of the Vatican, where they will vote for Pope Franciss successor by secret ballot.

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The chapel will have been swept for bugs and other recording devices and cardinals will be banned from using laptops or mobile phones.

For the last conclave in 2013, which followed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, an oath of secrecy was taken by members of the Swiss Guard and Vatican gendarmerie, the city states police force, as well as the doctors and nurses who assisted elderly or infirm cardinals.

A Vatican master of ceremonies will pronounce the words Extra omnes (Everyone out), ordering staff and aides to leave the chapel so that only the cardinal electors remain.

When will the conclave begin?

The conclave will begin on May 7, the Vatican has confirmed. The centuries-old tradition must be held between 15 and 20 days after the Popes death.

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For a few days it will restore Romes ancient title  caput mundi or capital of the world  as 1.2 billion Catholics await the result of the election.

How many cardinals are there?

There are currently 252 cardinals, but only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.

This leaves 135 cardinals, coming from 71 different countries, with the decision to select the next pope.

How is the new pope elected?

The new pope will be elected by a secret ballot. The cardinals, known as princes of the Church, will be seated on chairs made of cherry wood behind 12 wooden tables covered in satin and cloth.

There will be a 13th table positioned in front of the altar, on which will be placed a silver urn into which the cardinals will cast their ballot papers.

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Each cardinal writes his choice on a ballot paper inscribed with the words Eligo in summum pontificem  I elect as Supreme Pontiff.

One ballot is held on the first day of the papal conclave.

For the rest of the conclave they will vote four times a day  twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon  burning their ballot papers after every second vote, until they reach a two-thirds majority.

What does the white smoke mean?

Two metal stoves are installed inside the 15th-century chapel, connected by a long metal pipe to the chimney on the roof.

One stove will be used for the burning of ballot papers after cardinals cast their votes, while the other will be used to emit coloured smoke  black to signify that the cardinals have yet to reach agreement, white to announce habemus papam  we have a Pope.

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Chemicals are used to create the different coloured smoke, although to avoid ambiguity, the white smoke that signifies a Pope has been elected will be accompanied by the ringing of St Peters bells.

White smoke coming from the chimney on the roof of the Vaticans Sistine Chapel signifies that a new pope has been elected - Gregorio Borgia/AP

Once the two-thirds majority has been achieved, the most senior cardinal will ask the chosen cardinal if he is prepared to become pope.

If the answer in Latin is Accepto (I Accept), he is taken into a side room known as the Stanza delle Lacrime, or Room of Tears, so named because many have wept at the enormity of the task they face.

There, he is given help to take off his scarlet cassock and change into the white vestments of the papacy.

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He also has to decide by what name he wishes to be called  the name-changing tradition dates back to the sixth century when a priest named Mercury who was elected pope felt his name was too pagan and changed it to John II.

When will the new pope be declared?

The senior cardinal will then step out onto the balcony of St Peters Basilica and declare in Latin: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus papam! (I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope!).

He will announce the name of the elected cardinal and the papal title he has chosen.

The new pope then gives his first blessing, watched by huge crowds in St Peters Square and on television by millions around the world.

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The ceremony to install the pope takes place a few days later.

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By Andrew Mills and Sonia Rolley

DOHA (Reuters) - The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have restarted peace talks in Qatar, sources said on Tuesday, part of a diplomatic effort to end fighting in Congo's war-ravaged east.

The two sides last met in Doha in April to discuss a deal that would end fighting this year that has killed thousands, displaced hundreds of thousands more and raised fears of a wider regional war.

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An official with knowledge of the talks in Doha told Reuters that the latest round began on May 3.

"The negotiations are being held in a positive atmosphere, and both parties have expressed optimism about the dialogue," said the official, who asked to remain anonymous.

However, two rebel sources said M23 had sent a lower-level delegation than in the earlier round last month, and complained that government delegations had not been empowered to make any decisions in Doha.

They also said government officials had not done enough on confidence-building measures such as the release of suspected M23 members held by Congo.

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A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. A source in Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi's office said Kinshasa's priority was peace and it was open to amnesty in some cases.

In statements released after last month's talks, both sides committed to ending acts of violence and hate speech and called on the Congolese people to support a ceasefire and help create a constructive environment for dialogue.

However, participants complained that the talks had quickly become bogged down in technical details.

Fighting in eastern Congo has since continued. The U.N. humanitarian office said on Tuesday that armed clashes in North Kivu province had displaced at least 30,000 people since Friday.

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WASHINGTON EYES MINERALS DEALS

Qatar has been involved in talks to end the ongoing flare-up of violence in eastern Congo, part of a conflict that goes back decades and is rooted in the Rwandan genocide, since brokering a surprise meeting between Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in March.

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.

Washington is also trying to broker peace between Congo and Rwanda, pushing for a deal along with bilateral economic packages with each country to be finalised by July.

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Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa, has said the bilateral deals would bring billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in critical minerals.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills and Sonia Rolley; Additional reporting by Ange Adihe Kasongo; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Aidan Lewis)
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  State lawmakers will gather at the Capitol to recognize International Firefighters Day, which fell over the weekend.

International Firefighters Day was this past Sunday. Its a day where people are encouraged to stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters past & present.

Wethersfield community honors and remembers fallen firefighter Robert Sharkevich

To honor this day in their way, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, fire chiefs and advocates, legislators, and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Personnel will meet at the capital on Tuesday.

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To release a new report on the state of firefighting in Connecticut

This report features a first-of-its-kind survey of career and volunteer fire departments in the state.

News 8 is told it will offer unique insights and recommendations. There were multiple memorials in honor of this over the weekend.

In Emmitsburg, Maryland, one tribute honored 70 firefighters who died in the line of duty last year and 70 more who died in previous years.

Wethersfield firefighter Robert Sharkevich, senior, was among those recognized for his service and sacrifice to his community.

The new report is being discussed at 11 a.m. at the capital.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  In a survey released by the Office of the State Comptroller on Tuesday, Connecticut has seen a reduction of firefighters decreased by over 50% in the last eight years.

The first of its kind, Special Examination on Firefighters survey assessed the number of departments and firefighters, both volunteer and career, in the state. It also showed demographic data.

Connecticut lawmakers commemorate International Firefighters Day

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In the last eight years, the number of firefighters in Connecticut has decreased by 50%, with an alarming decline of 62.7% for volunteer firefighters. The most recent estimate on firefighters was published in 2017, no organization is responsible for tracking the statistics.

According to the report, the speculation is that fewer young people are exposed to being a firefighter as a career path.

Connecticut is facing a firefighter recruitment and retention crisis, and this impacts every city

and town in our state, Comptroller Scanlon said in a written statement. This report is meant to be a call to action, and as the administrator of pensions and health insurance for thousands of firefighters, I am committed to working with the fire service and state and municipal leaders to find solutions that will keep our firefighters and our communities safe.

According to the survey, around 61% of fire departments in Connecticut are volunteer, and 16% are mostly volunteer. Volunteer fire departments are struggling to recruit young people because the intensive low pay out is not seen as practical.

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The number of career firefighters increased by about 6.5% in the same timeframe, according to the 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 WTNH.com.
By Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) - Conservative Friedrich Merz is set to be sworn in on Tuesday as Germany's new chancellor at a critical juncture as the economy battles its longest post-war downturn, relations with top security ally the United States fray and the far-right surges.

Lawmakers are widely expected to back Merz as chancellor in a vote in the lower house of parliament after his CDU/CSU conservatives, who won February's federal election, secured a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats.

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The pressure is on for Merz to show leadership after the implosion last November of outgoing SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition left a political vacuum at the heart of Europe even as it faced a myriad of crises.

"People have been asking Germany to lead for a long time, and there is no more space to not heed that call," said Sudha David-Wilp of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"Everything that had been undergirding post-war Germany in the past eight decades is no longer the case, whether it be open markets and free trade, whether it be the U.S. security presence in Europe."

A global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping import tariffs is threatening a third year of downturn in Europe's largest economy, which has already had to grapple with the end of cheap Russian gas since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and growing rivalry from China.

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Meanwhile Trump has threatened not to come to the aid of fellow members of the NATO defence alliance, prompting even transatlanticist Merz to question the reliability of the United States and urge Europe to improve its ability to defend itself.

The German coalition deal has mapped out plans to revive growth such as reducing a corporate tax and lowering energy prices. It also vows strong support for Ukraine and higher military spending.

NO GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE

While Merz is a veteran politician who started his career as a European lawmaker in the 1980s, he still has to prove his chops in power as he has never held a government office.

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After losing a power struggle to arch party rival Angela Merkel in 2002, he spent over a decade working in the private sector before finding his way back into top level politics.

A wealthy, Catholic west German lawyer and hobby pilot who served for four years as chairman of the German arm of fund manager BlackRock, Merz is widely considered the antithesis in both style and policy to the woman who led Germany for 16 years.

Where Merkel was an even-tempered pragmatist who shifted the conservatives more towards the centre, Merz is a provocative economic liberal who has pulled the bloc back to the right.

Merz's supporters highlight the fact he secured a historic fiscal package to boost spending on infrastructure and defence even before taking office.

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Critics say it was only necessary because of his erratic decision to push an anti-migration motion through parliament with the backing of the Alternative for Germany, breaking a taboo on cooperation with the far-right.

That decision boosted support for both the AfD and the far-left Left party, who together secured enough support to be able to block a loosening of Germany's fiscal rules in the next parliament.

"Merz remains a black box," said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING. "The U-turn on fiscal policies, as much needed as it was, still begs the question why Merz ruled it out during the elections, and does he really have a longer-term vision on the economy?"

COALITION PLANS

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With the AfD topping some recent polls, the new government's main challenge is clearly to restore confidence and trust in Germanys political centre, said Brzeski.

"If this government fails, the AfD will get more support in the next elections and could become part of any next government," he said.

Merz's designated cabinet reflects a belief in the need for expertise over political capital and a desire for renewal given the declining trust in the establishment, say analysts.

Only one minister from the previous government will retain his position: Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The rest of the cabinet are new appointees, many of them like the economy minister with private sector experience in the area they will now be governing.

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Conservative former federal judge J. Michael Luttig on Monday sounded the alarm over Donald Trumps recent remark that he doesnt know if he is obligated to uphold the U.S. Constitution, calling it perhaps the most important words ever spoken by a president of the United States.

Luttig, a longtime critic of Trumps anti-democratic rhetoric, told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace: The president always says whats on his mind with almost perfect clarity of what is on his mind. Now, sometimes whats on his mind is confusing, but the words that he chooses are perfectly clear as to his confusion.

He continued: The temptation here is to dismiss the presidents words as just another gaffe, of which he makes many. But I dont think that we should do that. Im quite confident that the president was saying what is on his mind and that is that he, the president of the United States, doesnt necessarily believe that he is obligated to uphold the Constitution of the United States, as it is interpreted by the Supreme Court.

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Luttig characterized Trumps statement as a form of constitutional denialism, the school of thought that argues the Constitution doesnt mean what the Supreme Court interprets it to be.

What Trump believes about his obligation to uphold the Constitution is one of, if not the single most important issue of our times, Luttig concluded.

Related...
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Now that REAL ID enforcement has begun for domestic air travel, some may wonder if its worth getting the Enhanced ID instead.

Similar to REAL ID, Enhanced ID can be used for domestic travel. However, it can also be used if travelers are returning from places like Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.

More Local News

With more travel flexibility, it comes with a slightly higher cost for the Enhanced ID. To upgrade, New York residents will have to pay $30 on top of regular transaction fees. REAL ID, on the other hand, has no additional cost aside from regular transaction fees.

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Whether travelers decide to get a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID, they can rest assured that both are compliant with the new federal guidelines.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Travelers heading to any airport in the United States now need either a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or a passport or risk delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, warns TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

Enhanced IDs are only available in five states that border Canada, including New York.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A woman is getting a whole new roof for free, while a company is showing what it means to be an Oklahoman. The homeowners original plan was to fix it one leak at a time.

The house is old! said Statia Rector.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma Company helps OKCPS Foundation support local students

Rector said her home, in northeast Oklahoma City, was built in the 1920s. First, it was her mothers home in the 1950s. Then Rector made it hers in the late 1980s. Rector, 95, said thats the last time they put on a new roof.

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If god has given you the years, then thank him for them, she said.

Last year, she got a leak in her ceiling above her bathtub. Then, a few months ago, another appeared in the dining room.

Thats the ceiling itself that youre seeing and the split there, she said while pointing out the spot in the ceiling. I just went and got a bucket.

Rector called her insurance, who found Joe Knapp with Excel Construction Group.

When you have a leak, its probably going to lead to a bigger problem said Knapp.

After inspecting the roof, Knapp said hed find one issue after another.

This roof was absolutely not up to code, multiple layers of shingles on top of rotted decking, said Knapp. The water was penetrating through the shingles.

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The fix is an expensive new roof.

I had already decided I was not going to put a roof on this old house, said Rector. Just fix the leaks when they happen.

Knapp talked to the company owners. They decided on a new $10,000 roof on the house, so to speak.

I put it in the hands of the Lord, said Rector.

LOCAL NEWS: BBB warns Oklahomans of REAL ID scams as deadline approaches

And I said, I guess God put me in a position to help you, so thats what were doing,' said Rector.

Monday, Knapps crews set to work adding new decking, new shingles, and proper ventilation.

Were going to give her a very permanent solution, said Knapp.

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The project wrapped up Monday afternoon. It was a real display of Red Dirt Readiness to help out an Oklahoman in need.

Getting it done freely never crossed my mind, said Rector.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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CARLISLE, Pennsylvania  Maj. Gen. David Hill was standing a few feet from where the Black Hawk helicopter en route from the Defense Department would soon be landing, at the lush green fields of the Army War College. Hill is the commandant of the prestigious military institution and had been preparing for days for something rare around here: a visit from the secretary of defense.

"I've been here for four years as the commandant of the Army War College. This is the first opportunity we've had to host the secretary of defense," Hill said with a broad smile, adding, "It is pretty cool."

Hill said that having Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth come to rural Pennsylvania is important because of the history of the Carlisle Barracks, where the campus is located. "This is a really special place," he said. "It's a 268-year-old military encampment that predates our nation, and it's been an integral part of our Army and our nation's history since 1757. And since 1951, the United States Army War College has been housed here."

Its mission is to preserve peace through intelligent preparation to repel aggression. At peak load, the student body is about 2,000. Its signature is a 10-month resident graduate degree program that certifies students in the highest level of joint professional military education.

This year's officer class drew not just U.S. military leaders from all branches and intelligence services  Hill said there are also military leaders attending from 77 different countries.

"There are 31 European nations represented here, as well as most of the Indo-Pacific nations represented, such as India, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia. There's a half-dozen from the African continent and a similar number from South America and Central America. Ukraine is here, and we have an officer from Israel and Lebanon here," Hill explained.

When Hegseth was minutes away, Hill left to greet the defense secretary and his team. As Hill walked away, he said, "Today is going to be a big day."

The handshake between Hill and Hegseth was warm. They motorcaded through the Claremont Gate and toward the Wheelock Bandstand, where 800 seats were set up outside for the defense secretary's speech. The overflow crowd exceeded 1,000, leaving several hundred standing in the grass as Hegseth took to the podium just in front of the old bandstand.

Whoever was running the sound turned up the volume for AC/DC entrance music. The senior military officers in attendance approved.

"Who dialed up 'Thunderstruck'? I didn't choose it, but I like it. Please take your seats. It might have to become SOP," Hegseth said as everyone in attendance, a sea of camouflage and uniforms, laughed. Hegseth was in his element: confident, assured and far from Washington, D.C.

Hegseth was there to mark the first 100 days of the Trump administration and share what he has accomplished at the Department of Defense. He bluntly acknowledged it had been bumpy in the wake of a series of leaks that have resulted in resignations and firings, not to mention unsubstantiated rumors that President Donald Trump is about to fire him.

"When President Trump called me to take this job, he told me first  he told me two things. The first was, 'Pete, you're going to have to be tough as s***  tough.' Boy, he was not kidding on that one. This job requires a steel spine, and that's fine," he said. For the next 28 minutes, he discussed a policy blueprint and vision that this White House sees for the military.

Afterward, in the same room where Army War College graduate and former five-star Gen. and President Dwight D. Eisenhower once gave a talk, Hegseth sat down with the Washington Examiner. He spoke about his recent controversies, his mission to reshape the military, the robust growth each service branch has seen since Trump took office, and how faith has kept him grounded.

Dressed in a navy blue suit, with a crisp red, white and blue pocket square and dark socks with green Army warriors, Hegseth said coming here and being able to articulate the department's focus at a hundred days while looking out at a group of men and women who are the future leaders of our formations meant a lot to him.

Hegseth said he spoke to those in attendance about restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence. He said that these men and women were on board despite having come up in a military filled with a woke quota mindset.

"They don't know how to react to it or whether to fully embrace it, and whether their commanders will support them in fully embracing it. So our job is to change the entirety of the culture so that they can truly lead with a warfighter ethos," he said, adding he could see their heads nodding in agreement as he spoke.

Since being announced as Trump's pick for defense secretary, Hegseth has faced resistance from the legacy press, Democrats and some Republicans, and his worst enemy of all: the very building he is set to reform.

The Pentagon's culture is legendary for its rigid hierarchy. Its home base in Crystal City, Virginia, has the population of a small city, 27,000, and directly employs 3.4 million people worldwide. And that doesn't even begin to count the contractors who work for the Defense Department, which some estimate to be just under 980,000 men and women across the globe.

It is a culture that does not like to be tinkered with.

"If you're here for the right reasons and you're not compromised and you're willing to be courageous and bold and speak clearly, and then you'll back POTUS, 100% you're a threat," he said.

"They knew that from the minute he chose me through my entire confirmation process, from the minute I walked into the building to the first initiatives we took, like DEI is dead at DOD," he said of the elimination of so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies at the agency.

Hegseth said during the 2024 campaign that Trump told him a couple of times he wanted him to work in the administration. His answer was always the same. "You're trying to save the republic," Hegseth said he told Trump. "If I can help you, count me in. That was sort of my stance."

When he got the call asking him to come down to Mar-a-Lago and interview or talk to the president for this position, he did two things: He told the team he would be there and spoke to his wife and said, "I don't know if this is the beginning of a weeklong process. I don't know if there are eight people in it. I don't know if it's just me. I don't know what the situation is, but if he asked me to take this job, I'm not going to hesitate." Hegseth said this was followed by a lot of prayer, something he emphasizes is profoundly important to him.

"I couldn't be here without the perspective of my relationship to Jesus. It's not otherwise sustainable. And also understanding that his will will be done and it's my job to put on the armor of God because that charts the course. I'm not claiming I'm a perfect person. I'm not claiming everything I've done in my life has been perfect, but man, my life has been changed by Jesus Christ," he said.

Hegseth isn't the first outsider to stir the wrath of the institutional DOD. On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld gave a Pentagon speech that declared war not on an adversary in hot spots around the globe but one in the very building he was standing in.

"This adversary is closer to home," Rumsfeld said. "It is the Pentagon bureaucracy  not the people, but the processes; not the civilians, but the systems; not the men and women in uniform, but the uniformity of thought and action we impose upon them."

He lambasted waste, duplicative duties, bloated bureaucracy and gridlock. He proposed streamlining finance and procurement systems and the consolidation or elimination of duplicate defense jobs.

Less than 24 hours later, the 9/11 attacks began at the Twin Towers in New York and went on to include a farm field in Somerset County and the Pentagon itself. Rumsfeld would tell me years later in an interview that he went into the job to be a reformer, something the two wars during his tenure would never let him fulfill.

Hegseth said the speech Rumsfeld gave, rattling DOD bureaucrats to their core, was very good. "In fact, it models a lot of things that we're going to do, and I commend him for that," Hegseth said. "I would argue that what we're doing is back to basics."

"It's actually not that complicated. If you set high standards, you maintain discipline, you empower commanders, you make sure they're focused on training and readiness. You focus on lethality, and you get the troops what they need. Military education becomes a fairly straightforward exercise," he said.

Hegseth argued that under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the military got confused and was running think tanks: "We're running basic training and we're running military academies, which are training privates, lieutenants, cadets, future leaders to the war college here. Your job is not to think about the grand social justice dynamics on another continent."

Hegseth said the job of the military is to ask questions such as, "How do I maneuver an infantry battalion or an infantry brigade in the modern context where now drones are vehicle killers?"

"That's what we study at the war colleges," Hegseth said. "That's what we study at West Point. That's what we should be studying: military history, engineering science."

The 44-year-old said people can claim that DEI is just a buzzword. "It is the exact opposite," Hegseth said. "It's actually become an ethos of a place, and it infects the entire inter-dynamics of the relationships."

His plan, from education to training, is to get back to basics: "It's what you are supposed to be able to do, navigate your ship, hit your target with artillery, and are you training for those things? And are you taking care of your people? And that's a big part of the tension also."

As for how the military has changed due to the electronic warfare and drone operations used during the war in Ukraine, he said there is a lot to learn.

"We have to absolutely learn from Ukraine. Warfare has made, in many ways, a leap in just a few years, which is emblematic of how technology changes so fast these days," he said. "So from the internet and computing to quantum computing to AI, everything's multiplying rapidly. Exponentially. So are battlefield capabilities. So are hypersonics, long-range drones, cheap drones, sophisticated drones, electronic warfare, directed energy, space, cyber, you name it. All of those components are coming to bear under how we fight."

The war in Ukraine also informs us of the viability of different platforms. "So, you pay for a lot," Hegseth said. "What if you're paying for lots of Humvees or lots of helicopters that in the next war are easily defeated by cheap drones? Then you're creating a situation where in previous wars, when dynamics change, it's when tactics didn't catch up with technology."

He pointed to when the machine gun was first introduced in World War I, noting, "We were still sending waves of men across fields, and the machine gun changed everything."

The 29th defense secretary said he believes we're at a point at which long-range drones, hypersonics and counter-air operations are all changing and contesting battle spaces differently from assumptions we had made in the past. "So places like the War College and elsewhere have to be learning from what's happening in Ukraine. And we are, we're learning a lot, and it's going to make our troops more lethal and survivable in the next conflict," he said.

Hegseth said there are many hot spots that keep him up at night, but the budget process consumes more of his time and thoughts than he anticipated. He said that how and what we spend are crucial: "If we don't get that right and we don't actually rebuild the military, then I don't want to look back 10 years from now and say, 'You know what? I didn't fight hard enough to make sure we had everything we needed to rebuild the military so that my kids and grandkids had the strongest military in the world.'"

"China's not messing around, and we either match and exceed them or we fall behind. My job is to match and exceed them, to deter them. And there are plenty of people with different priorities in this town. My job is to fight for the Defense Department for the president," he said.

The questions preoccupying Hegseth are, "Have we delivered enough on this? Are we spending enough on this? Have we reprioritized this? Because that legacy lasts a long time too. So yes, I'm looking at the intel and realizing what we have up against us. But the long term is, am I doing right by the warfighters with what we're funding?"

Hegseth said what the military looks like 10 years from now will be a direct result of what they do today.

"So we need to make some hard choices right now. What is our forced posture in Europe? How do we ensure we don't get bogged down in Middle Eastern wars that keep wanting to pull us back so we have clear, limited objectives?" he continued. "How do we prioritize the defense of our own homeland? And you see that on the southern border and Iron Dome. How do we protect our own backyard in the Southern Hemisphere? And all of that is in service to saying, 'Communist China, we want to be friends with you.' We don't want war, but we're going to be the strongest nation on Earth to ensure that that never happens."

Hegseth said that all takes real leadership, real choices and a real vision to keep going because the institution of the Defense Department or any bureaucracy wants to keep doing what it's been doing.

"We're going to have a national defense strategy coming out soon. We have an interim national defense strategy document, and I think that'll be a big legacy of what we leave behind, which is the world has changed. We can't take all the assumptions we've made during the Cold War or during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan because if we do, we will falter and we will have a 21st century dominated by the Communist Chinese."

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between.
Marcus Miller was working at a construction site in Akron, Ohio, when a wall fell on him, an official told PEOPLE

According to his obituary, Miller was scheduled to get married on May 7

"He was known for his easy going personality and ready smile, the tribute read

A 23-year-old Ohio man was just six days away from getting married before he died in a construction site accident.

Authorities were notified on Thursday, May 1, around 2:30 p.m., local time, about a construction site accident in the 300 block of White Pond Drive in Akron, CBS affiliate WOIO, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Akron Beacon Journal reported.

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Akron Police said that the victim was working at the site. The department added that workers heard a wall collapse and found the victim dead when they checked on him, according to WOIO.

Related: 3 Workers Die Falling More Than 60 Feet After Scaffolding Collapses at Construction Site

In a Tuesday, May 6, email to PEOPLE, Gary Guenther, chief investigator for the Summit County Medical Examiner, confirmed the victim's identity as Marcus Miller.

"Mr. Miller was working at a construction site when the framing of a wall fell on him," Guenther wrote. His cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death was described as an accident.

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Millers wedding to his fiancee was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 7, according to his obituary.

Related: Man Dies in 'Tragic Accident' at Construction Site While Grandfather Was Drilling: 'Killed Almost Instantly'

Marcus worked on a construction crew [and] was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was known for his easy going personality and ready smile, read the obituary about the Mt. Hope man.

He is survived by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life in the tragic accident at the construction site on White Pond Drive," Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said in a statement, the Akron Beacon Journal reported. These incidents are extremely difficult for everyone involved and have a significant impact on our community.

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Akron Mayor Shammas Malik addressed the tragedy, telling WOIO, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the construction worker who sadly lost their life in todays incident at the White Pond Development site.

Federal safety inspectors are expected to look into the matter, the Plain Dealer reported.

Related: Dads Showed Up to Work, Then Plunged to Their Deaths in Scaffolding Collapse. Now Their Families Are Suing

NBC affiliate WKYC reported that the incident occurred at the site of a $60 million redevelopment project.

PEOPLE contacted the Akron Police Department for additional information on Tuesday.



Read the original article on People
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  After a wet April, showers continue into May, leaving farm fields waterlogged, and farmers indoors.

Early in April, over 4.5 inches of rain fell in Dayton in just a few days, and since then the rain hasnt stopped, leaving farmers wishing for drier days.

With rain over the past several days, and more on the way, planting will have to wait for even longer, potentially leading to problems when harvesting.

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Its made it hard for us to get a lot of stuff on the ground that we need to, especially when we want to spread out our plantings to ensure a continuous harvest, said Logan Flatt, Monnins Fruit Farm manager.

To combat this, Monnins Fruit Farm has begun planting seedlings in a greenhouse, in hopes of the fields drying up enough to get them in the ground soon.

Right now, the soil is so wet and compacted that the roots really have a hard time diving down deep and really anchoring themselves into the ground, said Flatt. So its better to wait it out, hoping that the ground dries up a little bit and then get them on the ground.

To start the year, precipitation was below normal, but that didnt hurt strawberries from developing, and avoiding late frosts have the farm in prime position to pick berries by the end of the month.

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Looks like a great crop. Theres tons of blooms, little berries developing. So as long as theres no surprises, we should have a really good crop.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Del. Via Price, D-Nwport News, speaks outside of Virginia's Capitol on Feb. 7, 2025 to discuss her right-to-contraception bill amid a giant inflatable intrauterine device. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury)

Contraception access is an issue resonating loudly within Virginias public and political spheres this year and last week, it manifested through state lawmakers contrasting Virginias twice-failed attempt to protect access to birth control medications against a similar measure that recently sailed through neighboring Tennessees legislature.

For the second year in a row, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a right-to-contraception bill carried by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, who took to social media over the weekend to highlight how, unlike in the commonwealth, Tennessee lawmakers were able to come together and pass a bipartisan bill on the issue.

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When I mentioned Tennessee was able to get something done, it wasnt to say Virginia should become Tennessee, Price said in a call with The Mercury Monday. It was the fact that even Tennessee Republicans were willing to act on contraception.

Del. Michael Webert, R-Faquier, who is among leadership in the House Republican Caucus and who voted against Prices bill, replied directly to Price online, posting that hed be happy to work on a detailed version of the Tennessee bill if youre game.

This was after Garren Shipley, a communications director in the GOP House Caucus, suggested that had Prices bill mirrored Tennessees, shed have found 90 or more people willing to vote for it.

A lot of us had real concerns with the bill Delegate Price brought forward. It seemed much more concerned with setting up lawsuits than actually protecting contraception in law, Webert said Monday, in a statement relayed through Shipley.

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Webert was unavailable for a phone call Monday as he was busy with work on his farm. He texted The Mercury a picture of his cattle that were being rounded up for their annual vaccines.

I havent done a head count, but Im confident that our Republican caucus would bring at least 40 or more votes to the table for a bill like the one from Tennessee, Weberts statement said.

But Price emphasized that her bill would have legally protected peoples access to contraception if their rights were to be infringed.

People need to know that their leaders are going to stand up to protect their rights, she said.

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Tennessees bill says that the state unambiguously acknowledges the right of a healthcare provider, instead of an individual, to perform, and the right of a person to receive or use, fertility treatment and contraceptives in this state.

The bill goes on to clarify that the bill does not create an entitlement to the treatments, or to coverage or funding of them.

Prices bill, on the other hand, would create an avenue for individuals to sue if their access were denied.

The Virginia statute is broader and stronger than the Tennessee statute (when it comes to contraception), said Meredith Harbach, a law professor at the University of Richmond.

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While the Tennessee contraception bill also includes in vitro fertilization (a topic Virginia lawmakers in both parties have carried legislation on), Harbach emphasized that both Virginias and Tennessees bills were ways to offer state-level support for reproductive health care options.

She said the Tennessee bill is not especially controversial because it supports a person having a right to engage in fertility and contraception treatments, but stops short of legal cause of action. Meanwhile, Virginias bill establishes a state-level right for contraceptives and creates a cause of action to sue if that is infringed upon.

For Price, her bill was also personal, as contraception helps her treat her polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms. Beyond preventing unplanned pregnancies, contraception is used to treat conditions like Prices as well as endometriosis.

Harbach found it interesting to see Virginia Democrats employing a legal pathway that Texas Republicans had used in a state law allowing individuals a cause of action to sue people who perform abortions or assist in accessing them after six weeks of pregnancy.

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Just as the Texas law had been controversial among Democrats and reproductive rights advocates for its legal pathway, the lawsuit component in Price and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmonds bills have proven controversial among Virginias Republican Caucus.

Campaign talking points

The surge of discussion from Republicans on contraception access comes as GOP gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears remains largely silent about it and in a year where the states entire House of Delegates is up for election.

Earle-Sears technically weighed in on contraception earlier this year after Democratic maneuvering forced her to vote in the Senate on that chambers version of Prices bill. The Democratic Party of Virginia has pointed out Earle-Sears opposing vote in press releases for months. Her Democratic opponent, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, has said she will sign the bill into law if it comes to her as future governor.

Meanwhile, Virginia Democrats have stressed urgency on the matter as other states have pursued restrictions on contraception and congressional efforts to establish stronger safeguards have stalled. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested contraception access laws should be revisited after the court ruled to overturn federal abortion protections in 2022.

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Though state Republicans have largely dissented on contraception access and progressive reproductive health care measures, some GOP lawmakers have recently broken from the pack.

Webert recalled that Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, carried a bill to allow an income tax deduction for people seeking IVF treatment to start or continue their families. The bill did not advance this legislative session.

Taylor also sponsored a bill to affirm protections specifically for non-viable pregnancies. With no national definition, doctors handle non-viable pregnancies on a case-by-case basis.

Defined in Taylors bill, a nonviable pregnancy is one that cannot result in a live-born infant, including an ectopic pregnancy or failed intrauterine pregnancy.

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That bill also did not advance.

Taylor, who held her seat against her Democratic challenger Kimberly Pope Adams last time by 53 votes, faces her again this year. The seat is among several that are crucial to determine partisan control of the House.

With Democrats dominating both the House and Senate, some policies have been able to advance to the governor for his acceptance or veto purely on partisan lines this year.

Prices right-to-contraception bill advanced on a bipartisan basis before facing Youngkins rejection.

Virginia may not need a bill like Prices or Tennessees, if an effort to enshrine broader reproductive rights into the states constitution succeeds.

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Having passed the legislature once already, a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive health care ranging from abortions to contraception and in vitro fertilization must pass again next year before appearing as a ballot referendum for voters around the state to consider and vote on. That measure, however has advanced only because of a Democratic majority in both chambers, setting up as a potential key motivator as voters head to the polls this year.

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As immigration scholars, weve long studied the policies and politics that shape how people cross borders, build communities and seek opportunity. Weve interviewed families, analyzed survey data, collaborated with immigrant organizations, informed local governments and documented the complex ways in which immigration law shapes everyday life.

But recently, our inboxes have fewer queries for dispassionate data and more desperate questions about travel, safety and rights.

International students are asking us whether they should leave the country this summer to visit their families or to conduct research. After all, graduate students and researchers on student visas have seen their legal status revoked without explanation or due process , sometimes based on their political activity, social media posts or even old parking tickets . The State Department calls this policy catch and revoke  but lets name it for what it is: a tool of political intimidation and ideological surveillance.

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Read more: Trump administration offers unauthorized immigrants $1,000 to leave the country

And its not just students and scholars. Across Southern California, undocumented residents, legal permanent residents and their mixed-status family members are finding their lives torn apart by fear and uncertainty.

There are nearly a million undocumented immigrants living in Los Angeles County, and more than 200,000 in next-door Orange County. They are not newcomers: In Los Angeles, according to our most recent estimates at the USC Equity Research Institute, more than 70% have been in the U.S. for at least a decade. And these Californians who may have crossed the border without authorization or overstayed a visa are outnumbered by their immediate family members who are American citizens and lawful permanent residents.

These immigrants are not on the margins of society. They are our society. They are our neighbors, co-workers, community leaders and family members. They are raising their children in our school districts, running needed small businesses and helping to rebuild our region after fires ravaged our communities.

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Read more: Amid visa crackdown, foreign students in California and beyond reconsider summer travel

Now they are being detained or deported. Or they're simply slipping into the shadows, afraid to drive, afraid to go to work, afraid to drop their kids off at school. It is happening in Highland Park. In Lynwood. In Fullerton, where the daughter of one of us worries every morning what will happen to her friends and their families.

She seems to know what others need to recognize: The lives and fate of these mixed-status families are bound to ours by daily interactions and by the broader reality of what is at stake.

For this moment is a moral crisis  and a democratic one. Immigration enforcement has become the front line for testing how far our government can go in punishing, surveilling and silencing people. The federal government is amalgamating a multitude of big data sources from individual agencies , including the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security , the IRS and the Office of Refugee Resettlement, to target adults and children of various legal statuses. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also quietly building the infrastructure for mass detentions by resuscitating agreements with local police and state agencies across the nation to help in finding and removing immigrants.

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Read more: Californians see undocumented immigrants as essential to economy, poll finds

Legal permanent residents and citizens are being swept up as well . Just last week, ICE deported three U.S. citizen children  one of whom has a rare Stage 4 cancer  with their mothers. In another case, 20 armed ICE agents raided the home of a mother and her three daughters in Oklahoma City  all U.S. citizens  making them stand outside in the rain in their undergarments while ICE confiscated their electronics and life savings.

The mechanisms being used against immigrants  unprecedented levels of private data sharing across federal agencies, the building of a detention army, secretive visa revocations and the illegal detention of citizens  are the same ones that could be used to suppress dissent, limit freedoms and punish anyone who challenges government power. Watching the widely seen video of unidentified, masked operatives seizing Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk as she walks down a Massachusetts street puts us all on notice: Immigration enforcement is where authoritarian tactics are being sharpened and tested.

Thats why we are bolstered by the momentum of a movement built on solidarity, resistance and collective care. All over Southern California, we are seeing people rise up in defense of the immigrant community  not just in protests, but in practical, collective ways that make a difference in immigrants daily lives. School districts are adopting sanctuary policies. Principals are refusing to let ICE onto campuses . Mutual aid networks are offering legal support, emergency funds and community defense. Immigrant rights organizations are drawing huge crowds for Know Your Rights workshops. And neighbors are watching out for each other .

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Read more: Few migrants remain in the Darien Gap, but an environmental crisis has been left behind

This is what democracy looks like: people refusing to abandon each other.

Our public institutions  from city councils to school boards to universities  need to help. That means checking records and attendance daily to protect international students from wrongful deportation. It means legal support, public education, protective policies at the local and state level that shore up immigrant safety, and rapid response protocols when ICE is active in a neighborhood or region. It means treating people of all statuses as what they are: vital members of our communities.

Research can play a role. When misinformation spreads rapidly, carefully collected data allow us to challenge those who associate immigrants with crime, to track the erosion of civil liberties, to measure the human impact of enforcement. At a time when power is being wielded to punish, exclude and erode freedoms, research can help us hold institutions accountable, advocate for humane policy and affirm the dignity of those most under threat.

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But in this moment, the language of data and scholarly neutrality feels woefully inadequate. Our region has always formed a front line  for justice, for resistance, for possibility. We can allow fear and cruelty to rule, or we can continue to meet this moment with courage and clarity. In Los Angeles and Orange counties, where immigrants are so strongly woven into our existence, we understand: If immigrants are under attack, we all are. And when we fight for their freedom, we defend our own.

Jody Agius Vallejo and Manuel Pastor are professors of sociology at USC, where they direct the universitys Equity Research Institute.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The long flight delays and cancellations plaguing Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and spilling over to airports across the U.S. can be traced to a week ago when air traffic controllers temporarily lost communications with planes in the sky, according to the controllers union.

Crews in the Philadelphia air traffic control facility that lines up flights going in out and of Newark lost radar and communications with the planes on April 28, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The outage left controllers unable to see, hear, or talk to planes under their control, union spokesperson Galen Munroe said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the brief problem and said traffic into the Newark airport was reduced afterward as a precaution to ensure safety. But that move led to the widespread delays and canceled flights.

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After the breakdown, a number of controllers took leave under a contract provision that allows them to step away after experiencing a traumatic event on the job. Having those controllers on leave exacerbated staff shortages at the facility.

The flight disruptions that have trickled down to airports in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas renewed calls to upgrade aviation technology and infrastructure, and address the nationwide air traffic controller shortage, a problem the Trump administration has pledged to solve.

The whole system needs to be redone," Duffy said Tuesday at the White House. On Thursday, he plans to detail the administration's multibillion-dollar proposal to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system that has been in the works since the aftermath of the deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., in January. Congress will have to approve funding for that plan.

Controllers handling the planes in Newark lost communication for 30 seconds last week after the control centers primary communication line went down and a backup line failed to kick-in, he said.

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Backups when contact is lost

Former air traffic controllers said briefly losing contact with one plane was not uncommon but dropping communication with all of them would be unusual. Even then there are safeguards and backups. Duffy said that in this situation the backup line didnt immediately come online.

If the pilot doesnt respond right away, you dont have them set up where they could collide, said Jordan Morales, who worked 12 years as a controller before leaving the job in 2022.

During a total outage, the control center would call an adjacent facility to take over the air space, he said. Airplanes also have built-in systems that allow pilots to know whats around, he added.

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Its a tense moment, particularly if its at critical point in the flight, said Todd Yearly, who spent 13 years as a controller in Chicago.

Neither of the former controllers, though, said the latest trouble shook their confidence in flying. Safety was maintained that should be the story. In the moment when it mattered, they did their job, Yearly said.

Flight delays followed outage

After the communications outage, traffic was slowed in and out of the Newark airport, the nation's 12th busiest.

Travelers flying out of Newark on Tuesday said they were constantly checking for delays. Joseph Rierson, who was going to Spain with his wife, said they had tried to change plans.

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But they said the flights still scheduled and on time, so we couldnt do that yet, he said.

United Airlines, which operates the most flights out of Newark by far, cut 35 daily Newark flights from its schedule beginning Saturday. United CEO Scott Kirby said the technology used to manage the planes failed more than once last week.

Kirby said its clear Newark won't be able to handle the amount of planes currently operating there in the coming months. Last week, he called on the Federal Aviation Administration to limit arrival and departure slots at Newark  a practice used at three of the nations busiest airports where demand exceeds the airports capacity: Reagan National outside Washington and New York Citys LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports.

The union representing 55,000 flight attendants also has voiced concern, asking the airlines to cut flights operating out of Newark until the situation improves.

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The FAA moved the controllers responsible for the Newark airport from a facility in Long Island, New York, to Philadelphia last year partly to try to address chronic staffing shortages at the New York facility. But only 24 of the 33 controllers responsible for the Newark airspace made the transfer, leaving the Philadelphia facility shorthanded.

At the time of the move, controllers union questioned whether the FAA had the equipment and procedures to handle the complicated transfer. Last fall, The Air Current trade magazine reported on several radar failures in Philadelphia related to lines that send data from New York to Philadelphia.

The Trump administration has said it wants to supercharge the air traffic controller workforce and address the shortage of controllers. It announced a program last week to help recruit new controllers and give existing ones financial incentives not to retire early.

But it takes years to train new air traffic controllers and get them certified. Duffy has said he hopes that the new hiring efforts might be able to have the system fully staffed within three or four years.

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It is absolutely going get worse," David Soucie, a former FAA safety inspector, said in an interview. "And something needs to be done about it because of the fact that, first of all, it takes a long time to hire controllers and get them in place. And you cant just turn on a switch, you can just go to the closet and pull out a new air traffic controller and say, here you go, we got new people now.

___

Associated Press reporters Darlene Superville and Joseph Frederick contributed to this report.
In April 2019, Alfred Jermaine Arnold killed a Rockdale County woman. Now the Georgia Supreme Court has reaffirmed his conviction.

A Rockdale County jury indicted Arnold for the death of April Goolsby on charges of malice murder, felony murder predicated on aggravated assault, aggravated assault, arson and theft by taking.

He was found guilty on all counts in April 2023, but appealed his conviction, saying there wasnt enough evidence to support the guilty verdict.

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According to the Georgia Supreme Court, while Arnold filed a motion for a new trial, it was denied, and he appealed again due to claims that he wasnt properly informed of who prosecutors would bring to the stand before the trial.

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On Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled to affirm Arnolds conviction.

He remains convicted, found guilty of beating Goolsby to death on April 5 or April 6, 2019. Her body was not discovered until nearly a week later, when a neighbor went to check on Goolsby on April 12, 2019.

An investigation by the Rockdale County Sheriffs Office determined that Arnold had been staying at Goolsbys home for a few weeks after the two met at a liquor house in Conyers, court records say.

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Evidence at Goolsbys home showed that she had been beaten to death and then a fire was lit before being extinguished by someone, leaving residue behind, prosecutors argued. Bloody clothes were found in the home, as well as blood spatter on the wall and what officers said was a carjack near Goolsbys body.

As for what led to the incident, Arnold told the court at trial that he and Goolsby had a bit of a confrontation, and he was kicked out of the house.

The justices in the states highest court determined that Arnolds claims over evidence and testimony as grounds for dismissal could not stand and his conviction was affirmed.

The court also found that Arnold had not provided enough evidence to meet the burden of proving his previous trial was deficient.

As a result, Arnold lost his appeal and will have to serve out a life sentence, plus six years to run concurrently. He is not eligible for parole.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction of a Rochester mother accused of being responsible for her 3-year-old sons death in 2022.

On July 11, 2020, Rochester police officers responded to the area of Avenue C where they found three-year-old Marshall unresponsive. Marshall died in the hospital three days later after investigators discovered multiple, severe injuries.

Andrea Lipton trial begins: Mother charged with manslaughter in sons death

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Lipton allegedly left Marshall with caregiver Anthony Love, whom investigators say beat the child, leaving him with a ruptured spleen and pelvic fractures. Love is now serving 25 years in jail.

Prosecutors said Lipton allegedly contributed to her childs death after failing to seek medical attention when Marshall was in pain.

Lipton was originally found guilty for second degree manslaughter charges. She was sentenced to seven and a half years to 15 years in prison in 2022.

According to the Court of Appeals, statements made by Lipton during a videotaped interrogation on August 19, 2020, were erred in court, despite Lipton waving the right to remain silent.

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It is clear from a viewing of the interrogation video that defendant repeatedly stated in no uncertain terms that she no longer wished to answer any more questions from the investigators. There was nothing equivocal about defendants invocations of the right to remain silent, which were not scrupulously honored by the investigators, who continued the interrogation as if they did not hear what defendant had said, court documents stated.

Due to this conviction being overturned, a new trial for Lipton has been granted.

Full document from the court of appeals:

liptonDownload

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COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WGN)  Authorities in Cook County are searching for a man who ran from the courtroom and out of the courthouse during a hearing Monday afternoon.

The Cook County Sheriffs Office said just after 12:30 p.m., 32-year-old Richard Donta J. Cotton appeared in court for his scheduled hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse where a judge ordered him into custody on charges of possession of a weapon with a previous conviction and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon/vehicle with a previous conviction.

Channahon Police Department evacuated due to suspicious package

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After the judge read their decision, Cotton reportedly ran from the courtroom and left the courthouse. He currently remains at large and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, according to authorities.

(Photo: Cook County Sheriffs Office)

Cook County Sheriffs Police are working in coordination with the Chicago Police Department to find Cotton.

Anyone with information on Cottons whereabouts is asked to call the Cook County Sheriffs Office at 847-635-1188.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  In a world of trade wars, tariffs and tensions, foreign diplomats in Zimbabwe found a more lighthearted way to vie for supremacy: a cooking contest.

Ambassadors swapped briefing notes for recipes in the quest to win the second annual #ambassadorscookoff challenge in the southern African country last month. Their task was to produce the most delicious-looking version of a favorite local village dish of chicken with rice in a peanut butter sauce. The public voted online after the diplomats posted photos of their finished meals.

The atmosphere in international relations these days is a little bit tense, said France's ambassador to Zimbabwe and cook-off competitor Paul-Bertrand Barets. We are human beings. As diplomats, we want also to have some fun and to relax."

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Barets, in a blow for his food-famous nation, didn't win.

The crown went instead to Dutch Ambassador Margret Verwijk. Other contestants included ambassadors from Canada, the U.K., Australia, Turkey and flavor master Murad Baseer, the ambassador of Pakistan, whose meal took third place.

The dish the ambassadors were judged on has its own story.

It's made with what are known as road runner chickens  hardy free-range birds whose tough, flavorful meat is deemed by many to be tastier than that of commercially bred chickens. Known for scavenging and surviving in harsh rural conditions, the chickens are a staple of Zimbabwe village cuisine and often command high prices in urban restaurants.

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The cookoff organized by Zimbabwe's popular online foodie community TeamFulo encouraged the foreign envoys to do more than just cook a good meal.

They visited rural and township markets to source their ingredients, learned local cooking practices and immersed themselves in Zimbabwean food, humor and culture. From bargaining at the markets in the local Shona language to cooking on open fires with clay or iron pots, and even tossing in some Zimbabwean slang for flair, the contestants dived in and posted their progress on social media.

For Zimbabweans following online, it provided a rare chance to see foreign diplomats embrace local life with seemingly genuine interest and humility. Followers cheered the ambassadors on and assigned them Shona totems  symbols of kinship and respect.

Australian Ambassador Minoli Perera, whose dish took second place, knelt on a reed mat, blowing into a fire. She stirred a huge iron pot similar to those usually used for big rural feasts. Fans dubbed her Chihera, a revered totem associated with a lineage of assertive, independent women.

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One gushed: Ambassador, you are truly a daughter-in-law of Africa. I love it, I love it!

British Ambassador Pete Vowles was a fan favorite. Video of him roasting and pounding peanuts and preparing other ingredients was accompanied by his best Shona commentary for each step. His experience riding home in a packed public minibus while cradling a live road runner chicken like a trophy was a hilarious highlight.

Send us videos when you cook! women shouted to him at the market. He even prompted nostalgic comments from online followers like now you make me miss my rural home!

Vowles won the Choice Award, given to the ambassador who best connected with the public online and in person.

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You reminded us of the richness in our culinary traditions. You truly brought the spirit of community to life, said TeamFulo. Fulo is local slang for food.

Barets said his social media videos showing him chasing a chicken, shopping at a dusty market and demonstrating his kitchen skills gained attention and boosted interest in more formal posts on Frances diplomatic programs in Zimbabwe, which is enjoying improved relations with the United States and European Union following two decades of sanctions that are gradually being removed.

The cookoff provided a unique avenue to connect with ordinary Zimbabweans and convince them we are human beings and not statutes with neck ties, Barets said.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
South Los Angeles resident Shonte Dudley could not get a hold of her mother, Mable Bush, using the 92-year-old's usual phone for several months.

Bush, who lives in South L.A. near the Inglewood border, has kept the same number with AT&T for nearly 50 years. But sometime in September 2024, her landline stopped working. Dudley, 52, called the company, which told her someone had stolen the copper wire from the landline cables.

Service was recently restored, but Bush's family spent months worrying as both the landline  which is hooked to the woman's life alert service  and, at times, home cameras that they used to monitor movement inside the home were down.

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For eight months, Dudley spoke with her mother through a caregivers cellphone.

She said this was not the first time services had been down.

Its been on again, off again, Dudley said. If the phone and cameras are down, we have no way to communicate with Mommy. We have had this problem before, but it was never this long.

Read more: Copper thieves leave 6th Street Bridge  the 'Ribbon of Light'  completely in the dark

Dudley, who reached out to ABC7s On Your Side , said the reporter called the company on her behalf. A technician arrived at her mothers home the next day and, in a few hours, fixed the landline cables.

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Dudley  who says her landline and neighborhood streetlights also have been out periodically due to copper wire theft  believes it is only a matter of time before the issue resurfaces for her mom.

My moms neighbor who lives across the street, her phone was out too. I have several people from my church that are in Compton and South Los Angeles with their phones out, Dudley said.

Cora Brown, 72, told The Times her landline had been down since September 2024. Brown, who lives with her husband in South L.A. near Compton, stopped paying the phone bill about three months ago after their landline stopped working due to a copper wire theft.

I dont even remember how many times I called AT&T. Ive called and called and called and called, Brown said. The last few times, she said, she got no answer. "And they still send the bill.

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Brown received a bill for $537.38 on May 3.

Im sick of them, Brown said. Im considering switching.

Dudley said the bills also piled up while her mother's landline was down. Bush was on auto pay for a time, paying $124 a month for the inoperable landline. Dudley took her mother off auto pay and said AT&T sent gift cards to compensate for overpayment.

An AT&T spokesperson said the company had seen a recent increase in copper wire theft across South L.A., a neighborhood with almost 300,000 residents, according to the Department of City Planning in 2021. AT&Ts outage website reports multiple landlines down in L.A. due to cable damage, with some missing a scheduled repair date.

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Theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure are serious matters that disrupt essential services for our customers, public safety and the community at large. This is a growing problem in the area, and were working closely with public safety on our shared interest to combat copper theft in Los Angeles, AT&T said in a statement. We understand how frustrating copper theft is to our customers and its not an acceptable customer experience. We apologize for the inconvenience.

In 2024, the L.A. City Council created a task force in partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Bureau of Street Lighting to curb copper wire theft from public utilities. A total of 82 people were arrested , and more than 2,000 pounds of stolen copper wire were recovered.

Prior to the task force, the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and El Sereno saw their streetlights stripped of copper wire, leaving multiple blocks in the dark. City politicians estimated the repair costs to exceed $17 million.

Copper wire, the spokesperson said, is costly and difficult to source.

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In South Los Angeles, copper theft is a big issue, he said. To those that are affected, we offer our AT&T phone advanced product that relies on our wireless network or a broadband connection."

AT&Ts fiber-optic network, which is installed underground, uses thin, bundled glass fibers to provide internet service via light waves, according to AT&T .

Verizons Frontier network offered Hacienda Heights residents a similar fiber-optic service after copper wire thieves tampered with their landlines last year.

Customers like Dudley say they are not interested in wireless technology.

There have been suggestions, like installing cameras to find who is stealing the copper, that people have come up with, Dudley said. It doesnt seem like AT&T is trying to come up with a solution because they want to get rid of landline phones. So, they keep raising the price and dragging their feet about making repairs.

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Regina Costa, telecom policy director for the Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy organization focused on California utility services, echoed Dudleys sentiment.

People do want landlines, Costa said. Its ridiculous to think it would take customers that long for a service repair. But this is part of AT&Ts game plan to reduce their entire service in California, to just target the most profitable areas.

AT&T filed an application last year with the California Public Utilities Commission in an effort to rid itself of its obligation as a carrier of last resort. The company must provide basic phone service  which is commonly landline service  to any customer asking for it in a specific area, according to AT&T. The commission rejected the request.

The commission is looking to change the rules for carriers of last resort, but in the meantime, AT&T has gone to the Legislature to try to get them to do it for them, Costa said. They are running a bill, AB 470 , that would eliminate the obligation to render these services to its customers.

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AT&T did not comment on its efforts to eliminate its landline services.

Read more: 'Significant victory': More than 80 arrested in copper wire theft crackdown

Costa said landlines are essential during natural disasters. As AARP reports, advancements in phones and GPS technology, as well as other factors, have improved 911 support for cellphones. But when storms or fire knock out electricity, copper-wire landlines continue to work.

Im out in the woods in Sonoma County, where one of the 2020 fires got within a mile from here. We know that, if the power goes out, anyone with a [smartphone] is going to lose their service unless they have a copper landline, she said. So, these women are like the canary in a coal mine, they are a sign of what is really going on with this company. And there are thousands of Californians that have experienced the same thing.

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For Dudley, when it comes to her mother, landline phones provide a sense of safety.

There are people in their 80s or 90s who dont have someone to advocate for them. With no phone service, you can only stop by and see them, she said. But what if that person falls in the middle of the night? What if the house catches on fire? Or a gas leak. It's very dangerous.

AT&T is offering up to a $5,000 reward for specific and detailed information that leads to the arrest and conviction of copper cable thieves or the attempted sale or purchase of stolen copper cable from AT&T in the Los Angeles area, the spokesperson said. Tipsters can also call AT&T Global Security and Investigations at (800) 8074205.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  President Trump is not waiting for Boeing to upgrade Air Force One. Chief Transportation Correspondent and Pilot MayCay Beeler explains plans to overhaul a formerly used Boeing 747 as an interim Air Force One.

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A protester holds an Alberta flag and an inverted Canadian flag at a Rally for Alberta Independence outside the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton on May 3, 2025, following Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carneys federal election win. Credit - Artur WidakNurPhoto/Getty Images

Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney won election just over a week ago amid backlash to U.S. President Donald Trumps talk of annexing the country. But now, a threat to Canadas sovereignty is coming from within.

Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta, said in a livestream Monday that she would hold a referendum on the provinces separation next year if such a petition amasses the prerequisite support.

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Albertans have always been loyal, proud, and generous Canadianswe love Canada, Smith said, before launching into successive Canadian national governments for introducing destructive legislation and policies.

Smith clarified that the Albertan government will not push a vote on separating from Canada and that she personally does not support separation, but she asserted: If there is a successful citizen-led referendum petition that is able to gather the requisite number of signatures requesting such a question to be put on a referendum, our government will respect the democratic process and include that question on the 2026 provincial referendum ballot.

Heres what to know.

What are Albertas politics?

Alberta is a Canadian province with a population of about 5 million and that borders the U.S. state of Montana. The province is known for its vast oil and natural gas reserves, while mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction make up the largest proportion of the provinces economy, according to a government website.

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Alberta is a key driver of the Canadian economy. Its the leading producer of fossil fuels for the nation, accounting for 84% of total crude oil production and 61% of total natural gas production in 2023, and in 2024 Alberta was second to Ontario in terms of GDP growth contributions. Albertas per capita GDP is also the highest among the Canadian provinces.

The province is also considered a conservative stronghold: Smith belongs to the United Conservative Party, which has led the provincial government since 2019 and advocates for lower taxes and against a carbon tax. Alberta under Smith has challenged federal net-zero emissions timelines and clean energy regulations.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to reporters at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, 2025. Ben CurtisAP

Broadly, many Albertans oppose the national Liberal government, which has led Canada since 2015 and has pursued environmental policies that locals believe will stymie the provinces economic growth.

Smith said that under Liberal leadership, Ottawa has blocked pipelines, canceled multiple oil and gas projects, and introduced a carbon taxpolicies that she described as anti-energy, anti-agriculture, and anti-resource development.

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We dont ask for special treatment or handouts, Smith said in her statement on Monday. We just want to be free: free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have for the benefit of our families and future generations.

How would Alberta separate?

Following Carneys election, Albertans headed to their provincial legislature to protest the Liberals staying in power and to rally support for separation. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, some of the protesters were even seen carrying U.S. flags.

Most Albertans, according to a May 1 poll by Ottawa-based Nanos Research, believe that staying with Canada would be better for the economy. Only 1 in 10 respondents said that the province would be better off as part of the U.S.

But its not the first time calls for separation have emerged from Alberta, as the Western side of the nation has held grievances against central Canada and the federal government for decades. There were calls for Alberta separation over various domestic issues as far back as the 1970s, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

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Only one province, however, has actually held referenda on separating from Canada: Quebec, in 1980 and 1995, both of which showed a majority of Quebecois preferred to stay with Canada.

But leaving is not so easy as voting in favor of a referendum. Canadas constitution does not allow unilateral separation. Following the unsuccessful referenda on separation in Quebec, the federal government enacted the Clarity Act in 2000 on how to approach future referenda on provinces seeking independence from the country. The act stipulates that the national parliaments House of Commons determines if the referendum on a provinces independence demonstrates a clear expression of a will by a clear majority of the provincial population. Once determined, the provincial government can then negotiate with the federal government to amend the Canadian constitution to potentially allow its secession.

How has Mark Carney responded?

Shortly after Carneys election, the Prime Minister met with Smith, who wrote in a post on X on May 2 that the two discussed measures regarding Albertas economy and specific proposals for projects and legislative reforms that will significantly increase market access for Alberta oil and gas, agricultural products and other goods. Smith described the conversation with Carney as a positive first step.

Carney replied to Smiths post: Were both focused on bringing down the cost of living and increasing opportunities in the energy sector for hard working Albertans. I look forward to working togetherto break down interprovincial trade barriers and to build one strong Canadian economy.In her recent statement, Smith said that her provincial government will appoint a negotiating team to address those policies. She also said she will chair an Alberta Next panel, which will hold a series of town halls, to hear from Albertans about what they want for the future of the province.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Are grizzly bears crossing Utahs border again? Well, after 100 years, state wildlife experts believe its now on the table.

The last known grizzly bear in Utah was named Old Ephraim, and he was killed in 1923. But now, as grizzly bears have been spotted in Southwest Wyoming and are inching closer to Bear Lake, it brings the question of whether they may be finding their way to Utah again soon.

5-year-old found covered in blood, woman arrested for child abuse

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The closest Im aware of, it was about 30 miles, and again, thats not where grizzly bears are living, but thats sort of the closest that ones been recorded as they move around the greater Yellowstone, DWR Game Mammals Program Coordinator Darren Debloois said.

The state wildlife department says its because of conservation efforts. Grizzly bears are on the federal threatened species list. Fifty years ago, grizzly bear populations dropped to around 700 nationwide.

Now there are nearly 2,000 - and that could spill into Utah.

I wouldnt be surprised if we got one on a camera or something like that  They have been close, and so it wouldnt be super surprising, Debloois said.

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In Wyoming, they are more skeptical that Utahns may be seeing grizzly bears soon.

That bear that was seen just north of Kemmerer, theres still that potential that a bear will end up in the Southern Wyoming range, but the likelihood of one going to Utah is pretty low. But, it is a very interesting dynamic to see these bears continuing to disperse into places they havent been in a long time, Large Carnivore Section Supervisor for Wyoming Game and Fish, Dan Thompson, said.

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Any baptized man can become pope, but traditionally he (and it is always a he) is elected from the college of Cardinals. This year, possible contenders range from Francis liberal-leaning secretary of state, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, an ultra-conservative and outspoken critic of Francis. We could also see, for the first time, an American pope, a pope from Sub-Saharan Africa, or an Asian pope.

With campaigning frowned upon, consultations secretive, and coalitions in constant flux, it is impossible to predict an outcome or even a list of top contenders. The trash heaps of church history are littered with the carcasses of journalists who have tried to predict the next pope, wrote long-time Vatican analyst John L. Allen in the National Catholic Reporter in a prelude to a list of potential candidates to replace Pope John Paul II in 2005. As if to prove his point, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who greeted the world from the St. Peters balcony as Pope Benedict XVI a few days later, didnt even make Allens list. Argentinas Jorge Mario Bergoglio didbut it took another round before he was named Pope Francis in 2013, upon Benedicts resignation.

Read More: Who Leads the Catholic Church Between Popes?

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Several names have emerged from this weeks consultations in the Vatican as papabile, or pope-material, but at this point, they are more likely to represent characteristics the cardinals would like to see in the churchs next leader than any definitive choice. We list a few here.

Matteo Zuppi: An Insider

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrives for a mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary in Moscow on June 29, 2023. Olesya KurpyayevaAFP/Getty Images

Roman-born Zuppi, 69, is considered to be the most likely continuity candidatesomeone close to Francis, who is best equipped to cement his legacy. In 2015, Francis appointed Zuppi as Archbishop of Bologna, one of the most influential posts in Italy, and then made him president of an important bishops conference in 2022. In 2023, Francis tapped Zuppi to be his peace envoy for Ukrainian affairs. Short of pointing a finger and publicly shouting, This is my beloved son, upon whom my favor rests, its difficult to think of anything else a pontiff might do to signal that someone has his trust, wrote Allen in a recent profile. Zuppi is closely tied to SantEgidio, a powerful group of lay Catholics dedicated to social services that could give him an edge.

Read More: 10 Surprising Facts About Papal Conclaves

Cardinal Pietro Parolin: A Diplomat

Cardinal Pietro Parolin delivers his blessing to the faithful after leading a prayer for Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Feb. 24, 2025. Riccardo De LucaAnadolu/Getty Images

The Vaticans secretary of state since 2013, Parolin, 70, has been described by the Italian press as the natural heir to Pope Francis legacy. A seasoned diplomat for the Holy See who served in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Mexico, he is seen by Vatican insiders as a prudent moderate who, like Francis, has consistently focused on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian outreach. Parolin oversaw the implementation of 2018s controversial agreement with Chinas leadership that granted the Chinese Communist Party a role in naming new bishops in the country.

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That agreement was put to the test in late April, when Chinas state-sanctioned Catholic leadership unilaterally appointed two new bishops during the interregnum between Francis death and the election of a new pope. The Chinese appointmentsone of which was to replace a bishop already recognized by the Vaticanwill be among the new popes first diplomatic challenges and will underscore the need for a candidate who can handle the geopolitical challenges of our era. Theres a short list of cardinals one can seriously imagine sitting across a table from Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, or Vladimir Putin and holding his own, says Allen, who is now the editor of Crux, an online newspaper focused on the Catholic Church. Parolin, he adds, is one of them.

AP (Turkson: Malte Ossowski); Getty Images (Prevost: Franco Origlia; Zuppi: Stefano Spaziani; Parolin: Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu; Pizzaballa:Menahem Kahana); Reuters (Erdo: Alessandro Bianchi; Tagle: Eric Vandeville)

Robert Francis Prevost: An Outside Insider

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost leads rosary prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St Peter's Square on March 3, 2025 in Vatican City. Christopher FurlongGetty Images

An American has never been pope, and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Nonetheless, Prevost, 69, who served as head of Franciss main advisory group on picking new Bishops, benefits from broad name recognition that could give him an edge in a large group of electors with little common ground. Born in Chicago to a family with Italian, French, and Spanish roots, Prevost was dubbed The least American of the Americans by Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi in the influential Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Prevost served as a missionary in Peru for the early part of his career, before moving on to leadership positions in the Vatican, a range of experiences that solidify his credentials as a teacher, statesman, and governor.

Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle: Following in Francis' footsteps

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle attends a mass held for the late Pope Francis in St. Peters Basilica, on April 30, 2025 in Rome. Antonio MasielloGetty Images

The former archbishop of Manila, Tagle, 67, has been seen as a rising star in the church ever since his 1997 appointment to a select group of Catholic theologians who provide guidance to church leadership on key theological questions. Born in Manila, Tagle would be the Vaticans first Asian pope in the modern era (a handful of first-millennium Syrian popes could technically count as Asian), a strategic choice for a church whose growth is strongest in Asia and Africa.

But it is his charisma, his defense of the poor, his call to action against climate change, and his stance that the church has been too harsh on homosexuality, divorced couples, and unwed mothers that have many comparing him to Francis. He prefers to go by his nickname, Chito, instead of his clerical title, and stories abound of his lunches with beggars and his penchant for taking public transit to work. He is something of a Cardinal-influencer with an active presence and dedicated following on social media.

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Read More: Meet Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, a Top Contender to Succeed Pope Francis

Peter Turkson: A Progressive

Cardinal Peter Turkson pays his respects to the body of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 23, 2025. Riccardo De LucaAnadolu/Getty Images

Like Tagle, Turkson, 76, from Ghana, answers the growing demand for a leader who represents the Catholic Churchs new center of gravity in Africa and Asia. A close advisor to Francis on his seminal Laudato Si encyclical, which exhorted Catholics (and the world) to protect the planet from climate change, Turkson represents a continuation of Francis progressive environmental and social justice legacy, says Richard Lennan, a professor of Theology at Boston College. Turkson would be an absolutely intriguing choice. You don't want a showman, but you do want someone who's going to inspire people. He has a rock-solid commitment to social justice and gets his feet dirty. He ticks all of those Francis boxes.

Franciss progressive take on several areas of church doctrine, such as the blessing of same sex couples, and the ordination of women deacons has provoked criticism from other leaders of the African church, and their names Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Robert Sarah from Guinea, have also been raised as potential African successors in a more conservative vein.

Electing a non-Western Pope is not just about geographic representation, notes Brett C. Hoover, a Theology professor at Loyola Marymount University in California, but the fact that these candidates are more aware of bigger issues affecting the global church than the stuff that comes up in Western countries. [They are saying] Weve got poverty. Weve got our people moving around the world. Weve got environmental degradation. A pope from the peripheries, Like Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, is more likely to reflect those concerns, says Hoover.

Peter Erdo: A Traditionalist

Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo arrives at a meeting at the Synod Hall in the Vatican March 7, 2013. Alessandro BianchiReuters

Many in the church were unsettled by Francis progressive stance on key issues, such as his restrictions on the Latin mass, his willingness to open key positions to non-ordained priests, and his focus on listening to the catholic community as much as leading it. They will be looking for a candidate who embraces the more traditional leanings of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Erdo, 72, the archbishop of Budapest, fits that mold. He is opposed to granting communion to divorced or remarried Catholics, against giving blessings to gay couples, and he once said welcoming migrants could encourage human trafficking. He is diplomatic, cautious, and speaks or reads English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish, which gives him a linguistic edge in a polylingual contest. His elevation, however, could be interpreted as a flat rejection of Francis legacy, which might give many of the cardinals in the conclave pause, even if they agree in principle with his conservative stance.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa: A Compromise Candidate

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, gestures during an interview at the patriarchate headquarters in Jerusalem on April 22, 2025. Menahem KahanaAFP/Getty Images

Pizzaballa, from Italy, is the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, serving the Catholic Church in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Cyprus. He has earned recognition and trust for his ability to forge connections and understanding across the regions deep divides. That might be a selling point for electors seeking to bridge the churchs deepening divisions in the wake of the Francis era. Unlike many of the other candidates, he has steered clear of doctrinal debates, which could make him attractive to enough blocks within the college of cardinals to win the necessary two-thirds majority.

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His astute management of a financial crisis in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem will be appealing to those concerned about the Vaticans own parlous financial state. His age, however, could work against him: at 60, he would be embarking on what could be a decades-long papacy, something that few cardinals are willing to risk on a relative unknown.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Would higher taxes on alcohol reduce alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico? University of New Mexico researchers say yes. But the state hasnt changed the way it taxes alcohol for decades.

This weeks guests on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast:

Brady Horn, UNM Economics Professor and researcher

Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas, (D) Albuquerque

Horn and Sen. Maestas join Chris and Gabby to explain the alcohol tax researchs goal, the state funding behind it, and why its such a controversial issue in the legislature.

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Alcohol harms people in New Mexico more than in other states as it relates to deaths, explained Sen. Maestas. So we have the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the country. Alcohol is taxed extremely low nationally. Its shocking how low alcohol is taxed nationally. Its not even taxed the same as a normal commodity.

Whats the best way to tax alcohol in the first place? Could higher taxes impact the local economy in a good or bad way? Those questions and more are addressed in the full discussion above.

Horn also explains some of the ideas behind the social costs of alcohol and how it relates to taxes.

If I drink alcohol, it could have negative consequences on me, which is fine, explained Horn. But it also could have negative consequences towards other people. And thats what makes alcohol special and different.

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Horn added, Economists believe when a good has negative consequences on others, then some form of market intervention would be a good thing. However, getting consumers, business owners, and lawmakers to agree on what that market intervention should be, is another story.

Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others.

You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13.

Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.

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If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The potential successors to Pope Francis

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Archbishop of New York leaves mass for dead Pope Francis St Patricks Cathedral New York City 2025

KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, leaves a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York on April 22, 2025.

Update: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. has been selected as the new pope, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will meet beginning Wednesday in a papal conclave at the Vaticans Sistine Chapel to elect the successor to Pope Francis as the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics. One hundred thirty-three cardinals are expected to participate, and slightly more than 100 are electors, as only those under 80 can vote. A two-thirds majority of electors is required to select the new pope. Heres a look at 10 cardinals whove been mentioned as likely contenders, including possibilities for the first modern-day African or Asian pope and the first U.S. pope, although the majority of popes have been European and most of those Italian. Pope John Paul II, from Poland, was the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years, and Francis, from Argentina, was the first pope from Latin America. These potential popes range from LGBTQ-friendly, continuing the work of Francis, to deeply anti-LGBTQ+.

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Scroll on for more details on their records.

Pietro Parolin, Italy

JD Vance shaking hands with \u200bVatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on April 19, 2025, in Vatican City.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin is secretary of state at the Vatican, meaning he has essentially been Franciss deputy pope. He and Francis both met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance shortly before Franciss death. Parolin is mostly conservative when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues. He decried so-called gender ideology  really, the recognition of transgender identity  during a United Nations speech in 2024. He has criticized marriage equality, denouncing the Republic of Irelands 2015 popular vote in favor of it as a defeat for humanity. In 2024, he said the debate within the Catholic Church about blessings for same-sex couples  which Pope Francis approved, although he said these blessings should not resemble weddings  was a normal part of church life, like any debate. In 2023, he sent a letter to German Catholic leaders, who hoped to liberalize church teaching about homosexuality and the role of women, saying no such change was acceptable (Francis had also raised concerns about any change). In a 2019 meeting with international lawyers, Parolin declined to criticize conversion therapy or the criminalization of homosexuality, and Pope Francis did not remark on the topics afterward, as he had been expected to do, but the pope did speak out against criminalization in 2023. Parolin had a rare LGBTQ-supportive moment in a book published in 2023, in which he said gay priests should not be linked to the churchs sexual abuse crisis. Homosexual orientation cannot be considered as either cause or aspect typical of the abuser, he wrote. However, Parolin has recently been accused of mishandling sexual abuse cases.

Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Philippines

\u200bCardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle of Philippines

Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, of Philippines on the occasion of the opening of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on October 4, 2023.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is the former archbishop of Manila, Philippines; about 80 percent of the nations population is Catholic. He now holds a high-ranking position at the Vatican, overseeing missionary efforts. He is the leading papal candidate from Asia and would be the first Asian pope in modern times; there were a few popes from western Asia  the Middle East  in the earliest years of the church. Widely known by his nickname Chito, he is often called the Asian Francis for his ability to connect with the poor, his call for action against climate change and his criticism of the harsh stance adopted by Catholic clerics toward gay people, divorced people and unwed mothers, The New York Times reports. In an interview with Catholic outlet Crux in 2015, he echoed Franciss Who am I to judge? line about gay priests. He has some critics, who say he did not speak out strongly enough against clerical abuse (and he, like Parolin, has been accused of mishandling these accusations) or the so-called drug war conducted by Rodrigo Duterte when he was president of the Philippines. In the drug war, many people who were simply suspects were killed by vigilantes. Duterte, who left office three years ago, has been accused of crimes against humanity and now faces a trial before the International Criminal Court.

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Democratic Republic of Congo

\u200bCongolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu leads a mass

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Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu leads a mass in commemoration of the late Pope Francis at the Notre Dame du Congo Cathedral in Kinshasa on April 21, 2025.

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Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the top candidates to be the first African pope in more than 1,500 years. He opposes blessings for same-sex couples. As president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, he led a statement responding to Franciss approval of the blessings, saying, We, the African bishops, do not consider it appropriate for Africa to bless homosexual unions or same-sex couples because, in our context, this would cause confusion and would be in direct contradiction to the cultural ethos of African communities, according to the National Catholic Reporter. The church decreed that the blessings should not resemble marriage ceremonies and that the blessings were for the individuals, not the relationship, but the statement said the language remains too subtle for simple people to understand. He also has called same-sex unions intrinsically evil. For everyone except LGBTQ+ people, he has been a strong defender of democracy and human rights, unafraid to stand up to warlords and corruption, CNN reports. Additionally, he has endorsed religious pluralism. Let Protestants be Protestants and Muslims be Muslims, he said in 2020. We are going to work with them. But everyone has to keep their own identity.

Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Ghana

\u200bGhanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson Palm Sunday 2014 Vatican

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images

Ghanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson walks holding a palm during the Palm Sunday celebrations at St. Peter's Square in April 2014 at the Vatican.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, who is chancellor of two religious academies, is another possibility for the first modern African pope. He appears to be more LGBTQ-friendly than Besungu. In a BBC interview in 2023, while Ghanas parliament was discussing a bill imposing harsh penalties on LGBTQ+ people, Turkson said he felt homosexuality should not be treated as an offence, the British outlet reports. Legislators did pass the bill, calling for prison sentences of up to three years in prison for people identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for individuals forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups, but it did not receive presidential approval, so it did not become law. Turkson was the first cardinal from Ghana. He plays guitar and once performed in a funk band.

Matteo Zuppi, Italy

\u200bCardinal Matteo Zuppi Child Rights Protection Center Kyiv Ukraine

Kirill Chubotin/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images

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Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discusses the exchanges of the POWs and the deportation of Ukrainian children at the Child Rights Protection Center, Kyiv, Ukraine, 2023.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna, is much like Francis in his outreach to LGBTQ+ people. He supported Francis at every controversial turn during his papacy, from the decision in 2015 to open a cautious door to communion for Catholics who divorce and remarry outside the church  Zuppi called it a blow for closeness to people doing their best  to the 2024 authorization of blessings for people in same-sex unions, which he said placed the church on the horizon of mercy, Crux reports. He also wrote the foreword to the Italian edition of Father James Martins 2017 book Building a Bridge, which explores how the church and LGBTQ+ Catholics can find common ground. Zuppi has a record of being a peace-seeker around the world. Francis appointed him to lead a peace mission to Ukraine in 2023, and the cardinal was part of a group that helped negotiate an end to the civil war in Mozambique in 1992. Zuppi is arguably as close to a potential Pope Francis II as one will find among the plausible contenders, according to Crux.

Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, Philippines

cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David Bishop of Kalookan Philippines

Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images

New cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, Bishop of Kalookan, Philippines, poses after being elevated in a consistory celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on December 7, 2024.

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Cardinal Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, archbishop of Kalookan in the Philippines, is known as an advocate for social justice and inclusivity, much like Pope Francis. In 2020, David wrote a statement supporting Franciss endorsement of civil unions (but not marriage) for same-sex couples. He is not out to destroy our morals and orthodoxy, David said of Pope Francis. He just wants to do as Jesus himself did. He valued being kind and compassionate more than being right and righteous. The previous year, as president of the bishops conference in his nation, he had endorsed a bill to ban anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, but legislators did not pass it. He is an admirer of Pope Francis, who encouraged the Catholic Church to be a church that is accountable, a church that is transparent, a church that is open to evaluation, a church that is humbler and more inclusive, a church that is welcoming, a church that does not declare that the Eucharist is an exclusive meal for the righteous and the deserving, David told America, a Jesuit magazine, in January; he had been elevated to cardinal just the previous month. The Jesuits are a Catholic religious order, formally called the Society of Jesus, known for scholarship and progressive views; Francis was the first Jesuit pope, and David is Jesuit-trained. He was very outspoken against Rodrigo Dutertes supposed war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial executions, when Duterte was president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. David received death threats for his activism. He is also an advocate for environmentalism.

Joseph Tobin, USA

\u200bCardinal Joseph W. Tobin Mass in St. Peter's Square 2022 Vatican City

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Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin attends the 10th World Meeting of Families closing Mass in St. Peter's Square on June 25, 2022, in Vatican City.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, is known for his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, for whom he has held special masses. He endorsed Father James Martins Building a Bridge and in 2021 signed on to a statement with eight other American Catholic bishops in support of queer youth. All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates, says the statement, a joint effort of the clergy members and the Tyler Clementi Foundation. Speaking directly to young LGBTQ+ people, it adds, God created you, God loves you and God is on your side. He has been outspoken against sexism in the church, and he ran afoul of Franciss immediate predecessor, the conservative Pope Benedict XVI, because of it. In 2012, Benedict removed Tobin from a high-ranking position at the Vatican and sent him back to the U.S. to become archbishop of Indianapolis. There, Tobin continued his advocacy for the marginalized, once bucking then-Gov. Mike Pences ban on resettling Syrian refugees in Indiana. He became archbishop of Newark in 2016. He has consistently supported migrants and the poor, and he traveled to more than 70 countries in overseeing missionary efforts as the head of the Redemptorist order from 1997 to 2009.

Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, Japan

Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi leads Christmas Day Mass 2020 Tokyo Japan

Carl Court/Getty Images

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Archbishop of Tokyo Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi (center) leads Christmas Day Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral on December 25, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.

Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo, is supportive of LGBTQ+ people, having contributed to a 2023 book of essays titled LGBT and Christianity, which was edited by a gay United Church of Christ minister. In addition, the Tokyo archdiocese supports and promotes the LGBT Catholic Japan group, including its monthly Masses, notes New Ways Ministry, a U.S. group that advocates for LGBTQ+ equality in the Catholic Church. On other issues, he has urged Japans government to support a ban on nuclear weapons. Japan is the only country to have suffered a nuclear attack during wartime  the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 to end World War II. Kikuchio has worked around the world; he has done missionary work in Ghana and helped people fleeing Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. He is president of the executive board of Caritas, the international Catholic charitable organization.

Raymond Burke, USA

Raymond Leo Burke

Vatican Pool/Corbis via Getty Images

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke attends Pope Francis's address in the Vatican Clementine Hall, December 21, 2017.

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In contrast to Tobin, two other potential American popes, Cardinals Raymond Burke and Timothy Dolan, are intensely anti-LGBTQ+. Burke was bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, from 1995 to 2004, then archbishop of St. Louis for several years until he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to head the churchs highest court. Pope Francis removed Burke from that position in 2014, and in 2023, with Burke by then retired, Francis revoked his salary and his right to a subsidized apartment in the Vatican. Shortly before that, Burke and four other cardinals signed on to a document questioning Franciss stances on LGBTQ+ people and women priests. Among Burkes many anti-LGBTQ+ statements: In 2013, he said the U.S. Supreme Courts decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act would lead to death for individuals and eventually it will destroy our culture. The following year, he denounced a Vatican document that said there can be positive aspects to same-sex relationships and that the church should be more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. In 2015, he blamed gay priests and what he called a feminized Catholic Church for the widespread sexual abuse of children by clergy members. In March 2020, as many churches began holding services remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said faithful Catholics should attend Mass in person to fight changes in the culture, including recognition of transgender identity. Burke, a vaccine skeptic, later contracted COVID and had to be on a ventilator. Burke has also praised Donald Trump  and Trump has praised him.

Timothy Dolan, USA

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Archbishop of New York St Patricks Cathedral 2025

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Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, speaks during a mass for the late Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on April 22, 2025.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, also has a long and strong anti-LGBTQ+ record. In 2011, he opposed the marriage equality bill proposed in his state; it passed anyway. (In fairness, it should be noted that Pope Francis, when he was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, opposed a bill to establish marriage equality in Argentina  and it passed too. Its been reported that he tried to persuade other Catholic leaders in the country to support civil unions as an alternative, and he endorsed civil unions as pope  something Dolan remained uncomfortable with.) Unlike Francis, Dolan has done little to endear himself to LGBTQ+ people. In 2011, he also wrote to President Barack Obama criticizing Obamas decision not to defend DOMA in court and plan to repeal dont ask, dont tell. Dolan said these moves would escalate the threat to marriage and imperil the religious freedom of those who promote and defend marriage. Later that year, after New York passed the marriage equality bill, he said he wanted to help other states fight similar legislation. In 2013, Dolan downplayed the significance of Pope Franciss famous Who am I to judge? remark about gay priests and suggested the church merely has an image problem, saying on Meet the Press, Weve been caricatured as being antigay. In 2018, he appeared flummoxed by Franciss reported remarks to a gay man that God made you like this and loves you like this. Dolan said the man deserves Gods love, like everyone else, but he questioned whether people are born gay. Then last year, he was outraged that the funeral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili was held at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City. The leaders at St. Patricks said they were duped into allowing the service, and Dolan ordered them to hold a Mass of Reparation to make up for this supposedly sacrilegious event. And this year, Dolan was among the anti-LGBTQ+ clergy members praying at Donald Trumps inauguration.
TOKYO - Japan's former Emperor Akihito was admitted to a Tokyo hospital on Tuesday for a medical examination after an earlier checkup found signs of myocardial ischemia, the Imperial Household Agency said.

The 91-year-old will undergo a series of tests at University of Tokyo Hospital. He has not complained of any symptoms of myocardial ischemia, which reduces blood flow to heart muscles, according to the agency.

The last time the former emperor was hospitalized was in 2012 when he underwent a coronary-artery bypass surgery.

In 2022, he received treatment for heart failure. He stepped down from the Chrysanthemum Throne in April 2019, becoming the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around 200 years.

Related coverage:

Japan's former Emperor Akihito turns 91
May 6For Tim Pipher, opening a film studio in New Mexico was a no-brainer. Now, with President Trump's proposed tariffs on films made outside the United States, that could mean more advantages for filming in the state.

But "it could really go either way," said Pipher, owner of ABQ Castle Studios.

The president is authorizing the U.S. Department of Commerce to begin the process of instituting a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the U.S., he said in a May 4 post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

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"The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death," Trump wrote. He said incentives from foreign countries are pulling film operations overseas, contributing to the film slowdown in Hollywood and other local film hubs, as well as posing what he says is a threat to national security.

The proposed tariffs, which the White House said have not been formally decided, sent the nation's film industry into shock. It also had some questioning: What could this mean for New Mexico?

"On one hand, if there's an advantage to filming in New Mexico versus Canada or Bulgaria or the UK, that's going to help my business," Pipher said. "On the other hand ... if these foreign countries put on retaliatory tariffs to the point that American films can't be sold overseas, then that's going to hurt, and less productions will be done."

The announcement comes amid an industry-wide lull that started with the COVID-19 pandemic and was further fueled by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. While numbers don't yet exist for the current fiscal year's production count, New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham said the decline has been felt by the state's film industry in recent months.

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"Worldwide, there's been a contraction in the industry, and we're experiencing it just like everyone else," Graham said. "In addition to the slowdown worldwide ... a larger percentage of those productions that are happening have been going overseas."

New Mexico's film industry has seen a decline in productions since hitting a five-year peak of 109 productions in the 2022 fiscal year, according to a report from the New Mexico Film Office. That number dropped to 83 film projects in fiscal year 2023 and 62 film projects in fiscal year 2024.

The tariffs are a "bad idea" and would not work with intellectual property, said Milton Riess, the film department chair at Santa Fe Community College.

He said many U.S. production companies operate partially overseas, and many foreign companies have significant holdings in U.S. production companies. Oftentimes, he said, they might partner up to film something partially stateside and partially in other countries. He pondered how tariffs could tackle those complicated projects in today's highly globalized world.

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Cyndy McCrossen, film liaison for the Albuquerque Film Office, had a similar question. She added that tariffs aren't the solution to spurring more locally-made projects.

"You entice more people with a carrot than you do a stick," McCrossen said. "He's talking about all these wonderful packages that other countries provide. Well, we don't even have a national film office. ... The burden of incentives is now on the states. Why doesn't the federal government offer incentives?"

Some states offer incentives to productions as a means to ease costs  a mechanism that has boded well in recent years for New Mexico, which offers a film tax credit of up to 40% based on a variety of factors.

"New Mexico has a great incentive compared to California," said Pipher, who also owns a studio in Burbank, California. "It's also great, in my mind, compared to some of the other film hotspot states like Georgia."

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Georgia offers a base tax credit of 20%, but it's one that you have to sell, Pipher said. Whereas New Mexico's process is a lot simpler and more lucrative because "they're just going to write you a check," he said. The studio owner said New Mexico's tax incentive is what drew him to the state.

New Mexico's 25% base incentive compares "very favorably" with other states, Graham said.

The state can also offer additional credits based on other factors, like if a production utilizes a qualified production facility or films in rural parts of the state at least 60 miles outside of Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

"We compare favorably not only because of the money that they get back, but also because we have a world-class crew base and lots of folks that are at the top of their game that live and work here in New Mexico," Graham said. "We're really just focused on being ready and willing and able to produce here in New Mexico, and we'll take that as it comes."

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It's "too early to assess the full efficacy" of Trump's tariffs said Gannon Murphy, an executive with Cinelease Studios.

"We welcome the spotlight as a catalyst for robust and productive dialogue," Murphy said.
EXETER, R.I. (WPRI)  A former Exeter Jobs Corps mental health counselor has voluntarily surrendered her license to practice after an investigation revealed she was involved in a romantic relationship with a student, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The Health Department suspended Celine Vesceras license in August 2023 after receiving numerous complaints about her relationship with one of her patients, who had been living at the school and was under the age of 18 at the time.

Vescera is also accused of knowingly submitting false statements to the Health Department in an effort to conceal their relationship and impede their investigation, according to a consent order made public last week.

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Though Vesceras license subsequently expired last July, the consent order indicates that she is permanently surrendering her license to avoid an administrative hearing.

It does not appear that Vescera has been criminally charged in connection with the investigation.

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Stacy Stanford, regional senior manager of grassroots organization for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, speaks during a news conference held at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on May 6, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)

Fifteen years ago, Stacy Stanfords life was turned upside down when a car accident triggered what she called a storm of health issues, leaving me unemployed, uninsured and undiagnosed.

I was sick and scared, visiting free clinics and charity-care doctors, and leaving with more questions than answers, she said. One doctor was sure I had MS (multiple sclerosis). Another clinic worried it was early onset Parkinsons disease. But without health insurance, I couldnt afford the array of specialists and tests needed to find an answer.

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The mystery of her illness left her with no diagnosis, meaning she had no way to qualify for Medicaid at the time. She said its a sadly familiar story for many people with chronic illness, people with cancer or others that have had to endure a long, excruciating process just to get a diagnosis.

A supporter wears an I love Medicaid button during a news conference held at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on May 6, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)

I was clearly sick, visibly disabled, yet unable to prove myself to the state  leaving me ineligible for Medicaid, she said.

Stanford went on to become an activist who was key in the grassroots effort to get Medicaid expansion on Utahs ballot in 2018. Voters approved it, forcing the Republican Utah Legislature to expand Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Today, thanks to Medicaid expansion, the barrier to coverage is much lower, with Utahns now eligible based on their income, not relying on documentation of disability, Stanford said. This means disabled and chronically ill people are gaining access to care, without needing mountains of paperwork.

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That is, at least for now, she added.

More than a decade after fighting for Medicaid coverage, Stanford was back at it again, standing alongside at least two dozen other advocates on a drizzly Tuesday at Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake City. There, they held a news conference calling on state and federal leaders to protect Medicaid programs and stand against cuts that could jeopardize medical coverage for hundreds of thousands of Utahns and Americans.

As part of the federal budget reconciliation process, Republicans in Congress are eyeing at least $880 billion in Medicaid spending cuts, including per capital caps on federal Medicaid payments to states that expanded the program under the Affordable Car Act, The Hill reported.

Anticipating the GOP-controlled White House and Congress appetite to rein in Medicaid, Utah state officials are also preparing to re-submit the states work requirement on the states Medicaid expansion population, which totals an estimated 75,000 Utahns.

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Low-income, disability and health advocates have urged against state officials decision to reinstate the work requirements, saying it would impose administrative burdens on an already vulnerable population and could even result in loss of life-saving medical benefits for many.

On Tuesday, advocates joined together as the newly formed Protect Medicaid Utah Coalition, which launched a campaign seeking to highlight the importance of Medicaid in Utah and how devastating potential federal cuts could be. The coalition of advocacy groups includes:

The coalition estimated that federal cuts could result in a loss of $500 million for Utah Medicaid, loss of coverage for more than 10,000 Utahns with behavioral and mental health conditions, and it could put some 7,000 jobs at risk, including thousands in health care.

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Stanford  now regional senior manager of grassroots organization for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network  said cancer patients would also suffer from proposed cuts or work requirements.

A sign supporting Medicaid coverage is on display during a news conference held at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on May 6, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)

She pointed to an analysis that showed 1 in 10 people with a history of cancer rely on Medicaid for their health coverage, and a 2022 study that showed about 1 in 3 children diagnosed with cancer were enrolled in Medicaid at the time of their diagnosis.

Access to Medicaid increases cancer survival rates, increases the number of people who get cancer screenings and preventive services, helps more cancer patients and survivors get insurance coverage, leads to more early cancer diagnoses and helps people with cancer access timely treatment, she said. Protecting cancer patients means protecting Medicaid.

As for state leaders looking to impose work reporting requirements again, Stanford said that means patients will, again, need to prove on paper that they meet the requirements or the exemptions.

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This means applying for and documenting 48 job applications, she said. This means proving to the government that you are disabled  even though that definition is far from clear. This means paperwork getting between patients and treatment.

But especially for those who have a difficult time even getting a diagnosis, that adds an impossible barrier for medical coverage that could mean the difference between life and death, she said.

The reality of disease and disability is far from a clear-cut line between the sick and the well, she said. Someone can be incredibly ill, with no paperwork to prove it.  A person can spend years in pain, confined to a bed or a wheelchair, without having a diagnosis on paper from a physician. This is why its so important to eliminate as many barriers as possible between people and access to health care.

Bottom line, Stanford said there is simply no way to cut Medicaid without harming people with illnesses and disabilities.

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There is no exemption that could be added that would eliminate the burden of needing to prove ones health status to the government, she said. There is no way to separate the deserving from the undeserving when you are taking away peoples health care.

Evan Done, advocacy and public policy director for USARA, a group that advocates for Utahns recovering from substance abuse, said adding barriers to Medicaid coverage like work reporting requirements would be devastating for people who rely on medical treatment to manage their conditions, whether that be depression that sometimes prevents them from getting out of bed, or anxiety that makes it difficult to interact with case workers.

Threatening to remove health care, the very tool that people need to manage their conditions and become job ready, he said, is counterproductive and cruel.

Advocates hold signs in support of Medicaid during a news conference held at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on May 6, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch)

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved during its meeting on Monday, May 5, the formation of an arts committee and pilot arts program for each precinct.

The County is also taking steps to move forward with creating an arts master plan.

County Commissioner David Stouts office made the announcement.

Arts are critical for a healthy community. We have amazing creative talent in El Paso. The County is here to engage with them and support their efforts, Stout said in a news release. Especially in a community that doesnt have a lot of capital investment from outside, public art is an efficient, cost-effective way to invest in ourselves.

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Stouts office said there are several benefits to having a public art program  improving local sentiment and supporting tourism and travel to the area.

A 2017 study by America for the Arts said that El Paso sees an annual $103.4 million economic impact from the arts, and the arts support the equivalent of 4,000 jobs. The impact produces millions of dollars in combined revenue for restaurants, bars, hotels and motels, transportation and government, Stouts office said.

The El Paso County Arts Advisory Committee is being established as a pilot committee to provide advice to the County Commissioners Court and the Countys chief administrator to advance and enrich the arts and cultural activities and policies within El Paso County.

This includes developing and implementing an arts master plan, Stouts office said.

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El Paso County was put aside at least $100,000 for the arts master plan and $55,000 for each precinct and $55,000 countywide for arts programming, Stouts office said.

Monday, the County contracted with the El Paso Community Foundation to manage the arts programming.

Further, the County is procuring an agreement for an arts master plan, which the arts committee will have a role in developing, Stouts office said.

This action today is the result of discussions that began during Covid, when the arts became essential for people who were staying home and staying safe, but artists themselves were not able to work publicly, Stout said. I am proud of our administration for developing policy to address both the economic and community development aspect of public art, and grateful to the Court for ongoing support and for the vote today.

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The Michigan Court of Appeals has denied Ethan Crumbleys request to appeal his sentencing, upholding his life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The decision was made by a three-judge panel on Tuesday, May 6. The court cited a "lack of merit in the grounds presented" and also rejected Crumbleys motion to remand the case, which sought to have it sent back to a lower court for further review.

Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the November 2021 Oxford school shooting, pleaded guilty to all charges in 2022. In December 2024, an Oakland County judge denied his attempt to withdraw his guilty plea and reconsider his sentence.

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More: James Crumbley returns to court: I deserve a new trial, too

After the May 6 decision, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald issued a statement supporting the ruling and highlighting the severity of the crimes committed by Crumbley.

This ruling, first and foremost, reaffirms basic truths: On November 30, 2021, the shooter murdered Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling, he wounded seven others, and he terrorized an entire community," McDonald said. "The shooter had his day in court. A judge weighed the severity of his crimes and rendered a fair sentence."

She also pointed out that the tragedy could have been prevented, noting that both Crumbley and his parents had multiple opportunities to stop the shooting.

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As Judge Kwame Rowe said at sentencing, the shooter had multiple opportunities to make different decisions. He did not, McDonald added. As a society, we must start treating gun violence as the public health crisis that it is.

Attorneys for Crumbley could not immediately be reached.

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Appeals court rejects resentencing request from Oxford High shooter
A federal appeals court made no immediate decision Tuesday as it considered jurisdictional issues in the case of a Turkish Tufts University student who has been detained by immigration authorities for six weeks and a Palestinian student at Columbia University who was recently released from detention.

A judicial panel of the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New York, heard motions filed by the U.S. Justice Department regarding Rumeysa Ozturk and Mohsen Mahdawi. The department is appealing decisions made by two federal judges in Vermont.

Vermont judge considers jurisdiction in detained Tufts student case

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The Justice Department says Ozturk should not be brought to Vermont from a Louisiana detention center and that Mahdawi should be detained once again. It also wants to consolidate the students cases, saying they present similar legal questions.

Immigration court proceedings for Ozturk and Mahdawi are being conducted separately.

A district court judge in Vermont had ordered that Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student, be brought to the state by May 1 for hearings to determine whether she was illegally detained. Ozturks lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.

The appeals court paused that order last week in order to consider the governments motion arguing the immigration court in Louisiana has jurisdiction over Ozturks case, not the court in Vermont.

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During Tuesdays hearing, the judges questioned Justice Department lawyer Drew Ensign on why the government did not tell Ozturks lawyers where she was sooner. He cited operational security concerns.

They also questioned him over what the government said was Ozturks inability to name the immediate custodian in her plea for release, the person who has direct control and responsibility for someone who is detained. Ozturks lawyers named Patricia Hyde, Boston-based ICE enforcement and removal field office director.

Ensign said it should have been the warden of the Vermont jail, even though Ozturk was in transit there at the time.

Ozturk was seized by people who are not in uniform and who were masked and hooded, Judge Susan Carney said. And to all outward appearances, they could have been private actors.

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The government is also challenging another judges decision to release Mahdawi from detention in Vermont on April 30. Mahdawi led protests at Columbia University against Israels war in Gaza. He was arrested by immigration officials during an interview about finalizing his U.S. citizenship.

Mohsen Mahdawi will remain in Vermont, lawyers to continue fight next week

The judges questioned Ensigns arguments, asking him if an adverse decision is irreparable harm to the government.

Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isnt, it depends on how right the government feels it is? Judge Carney asked. Ensign argued that in the immigration context, the decision was sovereign injury, hurting the governments ability to carry out removals.

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Judge Barrington Parker Jr. also asked Ensign if the government contests that the speech in Ozturk and Mahdawis cases was protected speech. Ensign said the government has not taken a position on that.

Mahdawi, 34, has been a legal permanent resident for 10 years. He was in a Vermont state prison since April 14. In his release order, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said Mahdawi has raised a substantial claim that the government arrested him to stifle speech with which it disagrees.

Mahdawis release allows him to travel outside his home state of Vermont and attend graduation next month in New York. He recently completed coursework at Columbia and planned to begin a masters degree program there in the fall.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A federal appeals court upheld the racketeering convictions of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and an ex-lobbyist on Tuesday in a $60 million bribery scandal described as the largest corruption scheme in state history.

The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati represented a win for the Department of Justice, which had secured the convictions in March 2023 after a yearslong investigation. Householder, a Republican, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and lobbyist and former Ohio Republican Party chair Matt Borges was sentenced to five years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris said the appeals panels unanimous decision affirmed the strength of the governments evidence, the correctness of the jury instructions, and the fairness of the proceeding.

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Householder was convicted of masterminding a $60 million bribery scheme funded by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. to elect allies, secure power, pass a $1 billion bailout of two of its affiliated nuclear plants and then defend the bill, known as House Bill 6, from a repeal effort.

Prosecutors had described Borges primary role in the scheme as working to thwart a ballot campaign aimed at repealing the tainted legislation. Specifically, he was accused of paying $15,000 to someone who was helping spearhead the effort in order to get inside information. The referendum ultimately failed to make the ballot.

Scott Pullins, a long-time legal and personal adviser to Householder, called it a sad and disappointing day for both men and their families and supporters, and even a sadder day for constitutional free speech and the rule of law.

He said in a Substack post that Householder "raised undisclosed, unlimited donations for a 501c4 organization that supported him and his political allies  just as speakers before and after him have done. But the federal government singled only Mr. Householder out for prosecution.

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Householder has a couple long shot legal options remaining: He could ask for a review by the full Sixth Circuit, or seek whats known as certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court, hoping for consideration by the nations highest bench. Both types of requests are rarely granted.

A message seeking comment was left for Householder's criminal defense attorney.

Householder's appeal failed on all six claims he brought in hopes of a reprieve. He alleged erroneous jury instructions, insufficient and inadmissible evidence, violations of his right to counsel, judicial bias and that his sentence was unreasonable for the circumstances.

The 65-year-old Householder argued that the government was wrong in describing what he had engaged in as a bribery scheme. Instead, he cast the money that flowed from FirstEnergy into a network of secret dark money accounts that he controlled as legal campaign contributions. Federal prosecutors charged that the money was given to Householder in exchange for the passage of House Bill 6, providing the necessary quid pro quo to make his conduct illegal.

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Householder had also faulted U.S. District Judge Timothy Black in his appeal, asserting that he failed to properly instruct the jury that an agreement is necessary to prove bribery and that Householder needed to have agreed he would take action on a specific and focused question or matter at the time that agreement was struck.

The judicial panel said all of his claims failed.

Borges appeal hinged on three technical points of law. All failed, as well, though he could also ask for review by the full appellate court or the U.S. Supreme Court.

However, Circuit Judge Amul Thapar wrote in a concurring opinion that each of Borges' contentions raises tricky and unresolved issues in honest services fraud jurisprudence.

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And here, Borges has a good argument his conduct fell within a murky middle: perhaps objectionable, but not clearly illegal, he wrote. Until the Supreme Court revises its caselaw, however, we must follow its precedent.

Dennis Belli, Borges attorney, noted a part of Thapar's concurrence that said "(t)he Tinkerbell strategy  clap if you believe hes guilty  doesnt cut it when we think about criminal convictions.

'Tinkerbell strategy' aptly describes the prosecutions use of an alleged violation of a misdemeanor statute in the Ohio Elections Code to obtain a felony racketeering conviction of Borges in federal court, Belli said, noting that his client denies that the statute even applies to his conduct. I will be studying the 64-page ruling closely and thoughtfully, and will advise my client regarding his options going forward.

___

Bruce Shipkowski contributed to this report from Toms River, N.J.
(NewsNation)  Five years after COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide, a new book argues the extended closures caused unnecessary harm to American students and were driven more by politics than science.

In an interview on NewsNations Vargas Reports, author David Zweig discussed his book An Abundance of Caution, which examines the lasting impact of school closures during the pandemic.

Closing schools did not help anyone. It only harmed kids, Zweig said Monday. The evidence was clear before the pandemic; lots of academic literature explained why this would be the case.

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Trump admin. will defend FDA against abortion pill lawsuit

Zweig highlighted that 22 European countries reopened schools in April and May 2020, months before most American schools resumed in-person learning. He said this evidence was ignored or dismissed by our public health authorities and largely by the legacy media.

The author cited an example of what he calls politically-motivated decision-making: when the American Academy of Pediatrics reversed its guidance supporting school reopenings shortly after then-President Donald Trump posted on social media advocating for schools to reopen.

There was nothing that changed epidemiologically in that span of time for them to change the rules, Zweig said. It happened immediately after Trumps tweet.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene: Ill win Georgia governor or Senate seat

The book details various harms to children beyond academic setbacks, including increased child abuse cases that went unreported due to children being isolated from teachers who often identify and report abuse.

Zweig also discussed the impacts on extracurricular activities that provide crucial opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Zweig said medical professionals privately expressed concerns about school closures to him but feared speaking publicly against CDC guidance.

I approach this topic apolitically. Ive written for The New York Times, Zweig said. I am not a right-wing ideologue by any stretch.

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Studies now show American students suffered significant academic and emotional setbacks during the extended school closures compared to countries that reopened education systems earlier.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Cowley County commissioners are expected to consider a new ordinance Tuesday that would make public nudity a misdemeanor offense, following years of public complaints about a man frequently seen walking without clothing.

The proposed ordinance would allow law enforcement to charge violators with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.

The issue stems from repeated complaints about a local man who regularly takes walks in the nude. Despite ongoing public concern, no legal action has been taken, as the county sheriff has stated that Kansas nudity laws do not clearly apply in this case.

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Topeka man walks trail in the nude, legally

Commissioners say the new ordinance is intended to fill that legal gap and address growing frustration among residents. If passed, it would give local authorities clearer authority to act in cases of public nudity that fall outside existing state laws.

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WESTLAKE, Ohio (WJW)  The Avon Police Department alerted drivers to a traffic issue Monday morning.

Around 8 a.m., an Ohio Department of Transportation mower was involved in a traffic crash on eastbound I-90 at the Lorain County/Cuyahoga line, according to police.

Pilot of small plane identified in fatal Ashland County crash

The left lane was blocked for about an hour.

Avon police assisted Westlake police at the scene, according to a news alert.

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Avon police tell FOX 8 one person was transported from the scene. No word on their condition.

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OKEGAWA, Japan - The Japan Crane Game Association has begun offering certification courses in foreign languages as it seeks to tap into the growing popularity of the arcade game among international tourists.

The "Kuretatsu" certification, which commenced in 2015, evaluates basic claw crane game skills over three levels. Upon passing, participants receive a certificate and card, as well as special perks at affiliated arcades.

Last Friday, certification for the third, starting grade was held for the first time with Chinese interpretation at crane game warehouse chain Everyday's Okegawa branch in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo.

Twelve Chinese-speaking foreigners participated in the session, which taught 12 basic techniques for two-arm claws. All participants passed after successfully demonstrating at least eight of the techniques and received coupons to play for real prizes in the arcade.

"Many people think crane games are about luck, but Japanese crane games actually require a lot of skill," said Gu Qiuyan, an overseas marketing official at Toyo Corp., which operates the Everyday arcades.

A participant from China's Zhejiang Province, who said she has played crane games regularly since coming to Japan in 2019, noted that many of the setups are easier to win than back home, making them "very appealing."

"The course was easy to understand and detailed. There were techniques I knew of but had never tried in practice, so it was very informative," said the 23-year-old student, who asked to be referred to only as Wara.

MiraiMirai P, a popular crane game influencer from Beijing, who served as a special guest instructor for the day, shared techniques with participants and reflected on his journey into the hobby. "Japanese crane games are amazing. I want more people to know how fun they are," he said.

The association, launched in December 2014 by Toyo Corp.'s founder Hideo Nakamura, plans to extend the certification to foreigners from other countries in the future, aiming to hold courses in English and other languages around every three months.

"Crane games are becoming part of Japan's globally popular subculture as many machines offer prizes related to those interests," said Gu.

Related coverage:

Crane games keep grip on cultural relevance despite digital disruption

Capsule toys exclusive to Tokyo sumo summer tournament proving a hit
What started as a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a seasoned scamming crew accused of targeting dozens of victims across the country, including an elderly man in Moorpark.

The Ventura County Sheriffs Office announced on Monday that three suspects were driving through Garfield County, Colorado, on April 19 when they were stopped for an unrelated traffic violation.

Deputies saw felony arrest warrants for the suspects, took them into custody, and in the investigation that followed, detectives found at least 11 cases of the crew scamming people in Southern California, and then another 14 cases in New York since December 2023.

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The way these scams were orchestrated, according to officials, started by targeting elderly victims trying to use ATMs.

According to the sheriffs office, a 70-year-old Moorpark man was trying to withdraw money from an ATM at Bank of America on Dec. 27, 2024, around 11:30 a.m., when one of the suspects approached him.

The suspect offered to help the man by showing him the tap feature on the ATM, rather than inserting the ATM card into the machine.

Officials said that, unbeknownst to the man, the suspect swapped the victims ATM card with another ATM card.

Detectives purportedly found surveillance video that showed a second suspect, during this exchange, watching the victim then enter his PIN into the machine.

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With the victims ATM card and the knowledge of the victims PIN, the two male suspects and a third female suspect used the victims ATM card to make multiple withdrawals at various ATMs throughout Southern California for a total loss of $3,800, detailed the sheriffs office in a release.

In the following months, investigators identified the three crewmembers as Pedro Quispe, 61, Dawis Escribano, 40, and Estefani Falla, 25, all residents of New York.

All three suspects were extradited to Ventura County and await arraignment on $150,000 bail.

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Officials are crediting working smoke detectors with saving lives during a mobile home fire on Monday morning.

Firefighters responded to the area of 35 Indian Trail within the Plymouth Mobile Estates around 8:08 a.m. for a report of a structure fire, according to Fire Chief Neil Foley.

Arriving companies saw flames and thick, black smoke shooting from a one-story residence.

Due to working smoke detectors, officials say two people inside the home were able to safely escape.

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Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack on the flames and contained them within 30 minutes, according to authorities.

Extensive overhaul operations were conducted for several hours to make sure there were no hot spots and none of the other nearby homes were affected.

One of the occupants in the residence were transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth for evaluation.

There were no other reports of any injuries.

Thanks to working smoke detectors, the residents were alerted quickly and able to escape to safety before the fire spread, Chief Foley said. This is a powerful reminder to have working smoke detectors in your home, because they save lives."

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Investigators say the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious and the home is considered a total loss

The displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  A home in West Valley, that has frequently caught fire, was demolished Tuesday morning.

According to West Valley Fire Department, a fire was set inside of an abandoned home near 4000 South and 6000 West Monday afternoon at about 4:30 p.m. This is the second time crews have responded to a fire at the home in less than a week. A fire has started in the home three times total.

The next step will be to have extra patrols to be in the area, a spokesperson from West Valley City Fire Department said.

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5-year-old found covered in blood, woman arrested for child abuse

Authorities say arson investigators were on scene. They believe the suspect pried off wooden barriers to enter the home. Investigators also found wood piled in the center of the main floor that had been set ablaze.

Tuesday morning, a one-man-demolition crew was on scene tearing down the abandoned home.

A home in West Valley is demolished after catching fire three times. A West Valley Home was demolished Tuesday after being subject of arson investigation. A home in West Valley is demolished.

I got to have the fun today, Mark Seegmiller, an excavation contractor, told ABC4. Seegmiller, says Tuesdays morning rain helped keep dust levels down during the demolition.

According to Seegmiller, the foundation is recyclable and will be taken to a crusher to be reused. Were doing our environmental part.

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Matthew Drachman contributed to this report

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Monday at 11 a.m.

Susannah J. Brand, 26, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, embezzlement, contempt of court.

Destenee Latia Causey, 26, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for possession of methamphetamine.

Sondra Estes, 47, no address listed, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, Mississippi Department of Corrections warrant, open container.

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Luis Hernandez, 42, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a controlled substance, no drivers license, no insurance, open container.

James D. Kimble, 39, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony fleeing, reckless driving, careless driving, no drivers license, improper equipment, driving under the influence, open container.

Latoya Kirk, 31, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, aggravated domestic violence.

Zachary OBrian McDonald, 37, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for two counts of child abuse.

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Justin Tyler Nelson, 34, of Aberdeen, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, violation of probation.

Eric M. Powell, 42, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, failure to register as a sex offender.

Karla Sosa, 32, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for false pretense, possession of methamphetamine.

Bobby Terrell Stevens, 35, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, aggravated domestic violence.

Demarcus M. Walton, 27, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, felony taking of a motor vehicle.

Octavia Williams, 28, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for felony malicious mischief.

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Tiffanie B. Williams, 42, of Verona, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of methamphetamine.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

The following reports were filed Monday by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

An Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, woman said her dog was dropped off at a State Park Road, Mooreville, address Thursday night. She said the dog was stolen at a Loves Truck Stop in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 18, but she did not file a report with the Memphis Police Department.

A County Road 1349, Mooreville, man said someone tried to tamper with his medication. He said the package of medicine in the mailbox was already opened. None of the medicine was missing and the seal was not broken.

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A County Road 1151, Nettleton, man said a Black male showed up at his house around 7:45 p.m. The suspect was not making any sense, so they told him to leave. When the man went back in the house, he spotted the suspect walking toward the shop in the backyard. He walked back outside and told the suspect to get off his property. The suspect walked to the neighbors house.

A Limousine Drive man said for the last three weekends, a group of young males have been coming to the Herdtown subdivision and fishing in lakes that are clearly marked for residents only. One property owner approached them last weekend and asked them to leave and several members of the group got made with him.

A County Road 1409, Mooreville, man said he and his wife were awaken around 1 a.m. by their dog barking. They heard the sound of things being moved around outside the house. He looked out front but could not see anyone. He waited inside until deputies arrived. Nothing was missing, but things had in fact been moved around.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) made a wild geographical blunder at a House rules committee meeting on Monday when she suggested that San Diego borders the Gulf of Mexico.

Hageman went to bat for a bill  introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)  that looks to require federal laws, maps and other materials to rename the body of water to the Gulf of America.

I think another reason why we should change this to the Gulf of Amexi  of America versus the Gulf of Mexico is for over 40 years, the country of Mexico has been dumping raw sewage into the area near San Diego, California, Hageman declared.

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She went on to claim that both she and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin were recently in the area, adding that its a horrific situation and environmental catastrophe that Mexico refuses to fix.

That is another reason why we need to retake and claim ownership of this area and make sure people do know that it is the Gulf of America, she added.

Firstly, San Diego isnt remotely close to the Gulf and is well over 1,200 miles away from the body of water.

And while Zeldin visited San Diego last month, he was in town to examine a sewage crisis in the Tijuana River, which flows from Mexico to Southern California before emptying in the Pacific Ocean.

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The bill  which the GOP-majority committee advanced to the House floor  looks to codify an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, who in January called on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to take all appropriate actions in renaming the body of water for governmental use.

Hageman: I think another reason we should change the name to The Gulf of America is for over 40 years, Mexico has been dumping raw sewage in the area near San Diego Thats another reason we need to retake and claim ownership of this area pic.twitter.com/7VKXsYBHVH  Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025

Critics on X, formerly Twitter, swiftly clowned Hageman over her gaffe.

Please dear God someone show these people a map. https://t.co/SX0qkL8jKO  Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) May 5, 2025

ah yes the famous San Diego part of the Gulf of Mexico  Rancid Hellscape Participant (@TheGlare_TM) May 5, 2025

San Diego is not on the Gulf of Mexico.



How 



How 



Never mind. pic.twitter.com/skjJfVsnwn  Socrates2023 (@SocratesSword) May 5, 2025

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Maybe if you don't know the Gulf is on the other side of the continent from San Diego, you're too stupid to be a House member. https://t.co/DOOBiVTA1B  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) May 5, 2025

Mind you, these are the people trying to abolish the Department of Education. https://t.co/Fkh2epLNGE  R. Saoirse (@razzli_) May 5, 2025

The naming has literally nothing to do with international borders... MAGA logic 101  Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) May 5, 2025

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I remember when she said Kamala wasnt smart lol.   Dr. Travis L. Stokes, Ed.D. (@TRAVNATION80) May 5, 2025

So now they care about the environment?  https://t.co/09hALvuZuz  Rose Benson (@RoseBensonDC) May 5, 2025

Wyoming gave up Liz Cheney for this. https://t.co/qBEwqp45SH  John A. Daly (@JohnDalyBooks) May 5, 2025

Related...
President Donald Trump's administration has been exploring ways to increase the countrys birth rate, with the president himself saying he wouldn't mind being known as the "fertilization president."

But congressional Democrats and activists say Republicans have long overlooked the growing cost of having and raising children and ignore policy solutions that are readily available.

If you want to encourage families to have children and be serious about it, then you would work to lower costs, build economic security for families, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, an 18-term Democrat from Connecticut and a leading proponent of a federal paid family leave program, told NBC News.

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The fertility rate in the United States has declined overall since 2007, hitting a historic low in 2023 before plateauing the following year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But birth rates are declining globally, not just in the U.S.

The New York Times reported in April that some of the policy pitches being made to the Trump administration to encourage women to have more babies include giving mothers $5,000 in cash after they give birth and government-funded classes on menstrual cycles. And Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a memo this year ordering the department to prioritize funding for communities that have higher birth and marriage rates.

A senior White House official confirmed to NBC News that the administration is encouraging people to have babies, saying, Thats what we talked about during the campaign.

Asked at a White House event about the proposed "baby bonus," Trump told reporters that it sounds like a good idea to me."

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Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a co-chair of the bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group, said the effort would be laughable if it wasnt so sad.

Instead of a one-time payment, expanding the Child Tax Credit  which provides long-term tax breaks for some parents  would be a more reliable way to help families, said Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., leader of the congressional Dads Caucus.

Most costs are not one-time costs. When it comes to a kid, theyre ongoing every single month, Gomez said. The Child Tax Credit, if it was advanceable  that means, if it was paid monthly  it would have a huge impact on families.

Gomez pointed to Census data and a Care.com report that showed that the median housing cost as a percentage of income was 31% for renters and 21% for homeowners in 2024. Meanwhile, parents on average spent 29% of their savings on child care costs the same year.

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But the $2,000 annual Child Tax Credit approved under Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of the year, with the credit dropping to $1,000 for each qualifying child.

A group of Senate Democrats introduced a proposal last month to expand the credit to $6,360 annually for newborns, with the credit gradually lowering to $3,600 for children ages 6 through 17.

With Republicans controlling Congress, the bill faces strong headwinds. Some Senate Republicans, though, have signaled a willingness to raise the child tax credit in other ways as they consolidate plans to pass a major tax bill this session.

I dont know if they have a real appetite to do it, Gomez said of the Trump administration. Because the solutions are there. Like, people have been discussing them for a long time. Theyre not new. And if they were serious about it, they would look at those solutions.

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Erin Erenberg, the CEO and a co-founder of Chamber of Mothers, a nonpartisan nonprofit group that advocates for maternal and parental rights in the U.S., said her organization is hearing that women cannot afford to have children today.

"Thats not a cultural crisis. Thats a policy failure," she said. "Parenthood doesnt need to be incentivized  it needs to be supported every step of the way."

Erenberg went on to list the three policy proposals her group believes would invite motherhood: a federal paid leave program, investments in maternal health and access to affordable child care.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., who leads the Dads Caucus, took his son, Hodge, to work in 2023. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is at left. (Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters file)

In a statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, President Trump is proudly implementing policies to uplift American families, from securing order border to keep violent criminals out of our communities, to lowering taxes and the cost of living.

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DeLauro questioned whether the Trump administration is serious about its plans to encourage women to have more children, citing the other parts of his agenda that she said would hurt families.

One has to take a look at what some of the proposals are that really are barriers to encouraging women to have more children, families to have more children, DeLauro said, pointing to House Republicans efforts to pass a reconciliation bill that could cut $880 billion from Medicaid, a federal program that provides insurance for low-income families and children.

Theres a little incongruity here between talking about encouraging women to have more children and families to have more children and at the same time, really putting up enormous obstacles, she added.

Gomez made a similar point about Trumps plan to impose tariffs on the nations largest trading partners.

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My son goes through shoes like nobody elses business. And  thats every toddler, Gomez said. They just grow, grow and grow. ... From 1 years old to 5 years old, a toddler, on average, goes through 16 pairs of shoes, anywhere from $15 to $60 on average. And 99% of shoes bought, purchased in America are made outside of this country.

And then, when you start looking at cribs, car seats, strollers: Almost all of it is made outside this country, Gomez added. And youre going to impose a tariff thats going to increase the prices?

Asked about potential price hikes on goods for children as a result of the tariffs, Trump, in an interview that aired Sunday, told NBC's Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker: They dont need to have 30 dolls. They can have three. They dont need to have 250 pencils. They can have five.

When pressed about the rising cost of a common item for parents strollers  Trump dismissed it as less important.

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He replied, When you say strollers are going up, what kind of a thing? Im saying that gasoline is going down. Gasoline is thousands of times more important than a stroller."

Trump has also touted an executive order he signed in February that aimed to expand access to in vitro fertilization. At a Women's History Month event in March, he credited Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., with bringing the issue to his attention and said, "I'll be known as the fertilization president, and that's OK."

But the order he signed didn't make any changes to current policies, and also fell short of his promise on the campaign trail to either have the government pay for IVF treatments or mandate that insurance companies cover them.

The administration has also made cuts to federal programs to improve access to fertility treatments. A CDC team that tracked IVF success rates working across the country was gutted last month as part of wider government spending cuts.

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Pregnancy can also be dangerous; the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is 18.6 per 100,000 live births, among the highest of wealthy Western nations, and infant mortality is on the rise, according to the CDC. But the White House also cut funding to the largest womens health study in the nation.

What really matters is the things that are also happening simultaneously to undermine people having children, Houlahan said, citing the Trump administration cutting maternal child health programs, the proposed cut of Medicaid that covers 40% of all the births that happen in the United States, the kinds of things that are happening with CDC, the threats to things like Head Start.

All of those things at the same time as making a proposal as meaningless as a $5,000 credit and then at the same time destroying all of the support structures that would allow you to be able to have that child, Houlahan said. Its just completely bananas.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Nashville over the weekend sparked fear, confusion and frustration for Nashvilles immigrant community. Area organizations have demanded accountability.

They are Nashvillians. They are taxpayers, Metro Council Member for District 30, Sandra Sepulveda, said. They are the people building this city, [and] they are the people that make this city run.

Immigrant rights groups report ICE activity in Nashville

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Nashville is a community that welcomes all its residents, Luis Mata, Government Relations Manager with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition said. And what we saw was this arbitrary rounding up of parents on their way home.

Troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said they made around 150 traffic stops as part of a

public safety operation which they said were in areas with a history of serious traffic crashes and suspected gang activity. ICE authorities were also there, but there have been no answers about how ICE got involved.

Weve had deportations happening for months now, but its been [on a] very small-scale compared to what happened over the weekend, Sepulveda added.

THP troopers and ICE targeted a predominately Latino part of South Nashville.

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This reeks of racial profiling and unconstitutional discrimination, Mata said.

Theres certainly been a traumatic increase in the rate of people being detained, and I think you have a consequent level of reaction in the community by way of fear, Nashville immigration attorney, Steven Simerlein, explained.

Simerlein added that recent ICE activity happened outside his office on Nolensville Pike on Sunday morning.

In the aftermath, with many in the community feeling scared and angry, Simerlein told News 2 the best thing a concerned resident can do is seek legal help.

To some extent, fear is a product of ignorance as well as procrastination, Simerlein said. Ive met many clients who, really, have delayed far too long to see someone like me or practitioners who can offer them an assessment.

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Metros immigration council said that it would provide resources and advice to those affected by the weekends activity and any future ICE interactions.

Make sure not to sign anything without a lawyer present, make sure to record anything you can, and carry your valid US documents that you do have around with you, Sepulveda said.

Meanwhile, TIRRC said they are working to reunite families.

VIDEO: Mayor Freddie OConnell discusses ICE activity in Nashville

We are ensuring that everybody who was impacted, every person who was impacted, has their fair date in court and that families can be reunited as soon as possible, Mata said.

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However, Mata said the damage to Nashvilles sense of safety has already been done.

At the end of the day, this leads to trauma, isolation, and fear that weakens our collective fabric of our community, Mata said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man wanted on multiple warrants in Connecticut and an extraditable warrant in New York was charged with DUI last Friday when state police said he allegedly hit a motorist on Interstate 95 and took off from the scene.

The crash occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. when troopers were dispatched to I-95 North in the area of Exit 65 in Westbrook for a crash involving the driver of a black Nissan sedan who fled the area, according to Connecticut State Police. The caller alleged that the Nissan driver used the shoulder of the highway to pass them and collided with their vehicle.

While on the phone with state police, the individual said they were following the driver who was now headed off of Exit 71 in Old Lyme. A trooper on Route 156 that was heading toward I-95 saw a black Nissan pulling over in the shoulder of the oncoming lane with a silver sedan stopping behind it. The driver of the silver vehicle was the individual who contacted authorities and told state police they were not injured.

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State police said they found that the license plate on the Nissan belonged to another vehicle. Initially, the driver allegedly gave police someone elses name and date of birth and, without being prompted, claimed that he knew he was at fault for the crash and should not have taken off, according to state police.

State police alleged that the man showed signs of impairment, which included slow slurred speech and red eyes. He allegedly admitted to having alcohol before driving and failed field sobriety testing, state police said.

The man was arrested and taken to the Troop F state police barracks where his fingerprints were used to identify him as 32-year-old Henrry Zavalavillatoro of New Haven, according to state police. Police found that he had three warrants in Connecticut out for his arrest, each charging him with failure to appear in court. He also had an extraditable warrant out of New York.

Zavalavillatoro was charged with operating or parking an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of a marker or registration plate, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, evading responsibility involving property damage, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to maintain the proper lane on a limited access highway, criminal impersonation and interfering with an officer. He was also charged with three counts of second-degree failure to appear and as a fugitive from justice.

Zavalavillatoro was held on bonds totaling $118,000 and was expected to appear in New London Superior Court on Monday.
PRAGUE (AP)  A court in the Czech Republic blocked on Tuesday the government from signing a deal with South Koreas KHNP to build at least two nuclear reactors in country.

KHNP won a lucrative public tender last year, beating a competing bid by Frances EDF.

The two new reactors will be built at the existing Dukovany power plant in an effort for the country to wean itself off fossil fuels.

The contract between the dominant power company CEZ, where the Czech state has a majority stake, and the South Korean company was scheduled for Wednesday.

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EDF challenged the signing of the deal at the regional court in the second largest Czech city of Brno on Friday after the Czech anti-monopoly office dismissed its complaint about the tender.

The court said that the deal could not be signed before it rules on the EDF case, because then there would be no way to change it even if the French company won.

It is not clear when that might happen.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he believed the tender was correct and in line with law. CEZ said the Korean bid was the better one, and the tender was transparent and fair. EDF had no immediate comment.

The two new reactors will complement Dukovanys four 510-megawatt units that were completed in the 1980s. The government estimated they would each cost about 200 billion koruna ($9.1 billion).

The first new reactor is expected to become operational for a trial by 2036, the second about two years later.
TOKYO - The rush of travelers returning to Tokyo and other major cities peaked on Tuesday, the last day of the latter half of Japan's Golden Week holidays, with train stations and airports crowded with holidaymakers.

Tokyo's Haneda airport was bustling with travelers including families coming back from leisure trips. Kohei Takimoto, 40, who spent with his family around a week in Okinawa Prefecture, famous for its beaches, said, "I was able to refresh myself, both mentally and physically."

His 6-year-old daughter, Miyu, said, "The beach was beautiful and I had so much fun."

JR Shin-Osaka Station in western Japan was also packed.

Masanari Deguchi, 24, was returning to Kawasaki near Tokyo after a visit to his hometown of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. "Although it was hard to travel around since the holidays were not consecutive, I am glad I was able to relax here," Deguchi said.

The second half of Golden Week was a four-day holiday from Saturday, while the first half took place in late April.

Related coverage:

Holiday traffic rush hits Japan on 1st day of Golden Week 4-day break

No. of Golden Week holidaymakers to drop 6.9% as inflation bites
By Kinda Makieh and Firas Makdesi

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - A violent armed raid on a Damascus nightclub last week has fuelled fears of a threat to nightlife in the Syrian capital, despite condemnation by the Islamist-led authorities.

The new rulers have pledged to rule inclusively for all Syrias diverse religious and ethnic groups, but the challenges are becoming more evident, most especially since the killing in March of hundreds of members of the Alawite Muslim sect.

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The Interior Ministry said it had arrested "military elements" involved in the assault, partially captured on security camera footage, which shows people being hit with rifle butts outside the club. It was pursuing others.

Under Bashar al-Assad's rule, numerous bars operated in Damascus, though few were officially licensed to sell alcohol, their owners paying bribes to do so.

Since he was toppled as president last December by Islamist insurgents, many bars have continued operating.

But owners have told Reuters they have struggled to secure permission to import alcohol, and some have stopped serving it.

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The owner of another Damascus venue, who declined to be identified for security reasons, said last week's incident, and an unexplained one in which a woman was killed at another club at the weekend, had led other bars to close.

"We are certainly afraid to open," he said.

The security camera footage shows around two dozen armed men walking down an alley towards the club, Layali al-Sharq.

People are then seen running away as armed men stand in the alley striking them. A woman in a red dress is shoved violently into a parked motorcycle.

Reuters was able to confirm the location of the footage from the signage, floor and shops, which matched archive images.

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Although Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol, as an intoxicant, the new Islamist-led authorities have not issued any laws or orders pertaining to it.

Nevertheless, a temporary constitution approved in March upgraded the role of Islamic law in shaping legislation.

Asked in a BBC interview in December about his view on alcohol, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa said there were many issues he did not have the right to talk about because they were of a legal nature.

Bashar Mekki, the bar's lawyer, said government officials had urged it to reopen. He said it would do so once damage was repaired, noting that it has an official licence.

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In written answers to Reuters' questions, he thanked government officials for "sparing no effort" to resolve the incident, which he said occurred on April 29, and to recover stolen property.

The Interior Ministry said that "any transgression or assault against citizens or public facilities will be met with strict legal measures".

(Additional reporting by Aaron McNicholas in London; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Editors note: News 5 has updated this article to include the third suspects correct age.

UPDATE (11:15 a.m.): Daphne Police Department officials have released more information regarding the arrests of two people allegedly involved in a shooting at a local apartment complex.

According to officials, 18-year-old Skylar Jemison turned himself in to police. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of robbery in the first degree.

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A 16-year-old was picked up in Mobile by the U.S. Marshals and is charged with two counts of robbery in the first degree.

Police said they continue searching for a 17-year-old who is believed to be involved.

DPD Chief Brian Gulsby said the group of people were meeting up to purchase marijuana when the suspects attempted to pay with movie money. Thats when an argument began and shots were fired.

18-year-old Matthew Barnes is a senior at Daphne High School and is paralyzed. He remains in critical but stable condition.

20-year-old Demond Walker is also in critical but stable condition.

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DAPHNE, Ala. (WKRG)  Daphne Police Department officials have made two arrests in connection with a shooting that left two men injured at an apartment complex.

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New Admiral Semmes statue coming to Baldwin County

A 16-year-old was charged with robbery while an 18-year-old was charged with robbery and attempted murder, according to officials.

Officials said on April 29, 18-year-old Matthew Barnes and 20-year-old Demond Walker were shot while sitting inside of a minivan at the 10x Audubon Park Apartments.

One of the men was shot in the neck and the other was shot in the head. Both were taken to USA Hospital and put into the intensive care unit as they were both in critical condition.

Fairhope Pier temporarily closed for construction  what to know

Barnes and Walker are currently in stable condition.

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DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Darlington County authorities are increasing patrol near a Dollar General that has been the target of armed robberies within the last 30 days, the sheriffs office said Monday.

The sheriffs office is investigating the robberies, but also said it was taking proactive measures to deter future crime at the store. Increased patrols and additional deputies will be added to the shift, and the street crimes unit will assist the violent crimes unit in investigating the robberies.

The sheriffs office also said its signed memorandum of understanding agreements with Hartsville police, Darlington police, Lamar police, and Society Hill police. The agreements will allow agencies to respond to incidents in proximity to their city or town limits, which will ultimately reduce response times.

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The sheriffs office did not specify which Dollar General store the robberies happened at, but the agency said in early April it was looking for two people in connection with a robbery at the store on Marquis Highway near Hartsville.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriffs office at 843-398-4501. 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.

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The research teams Bright Line Watch tracks how confidence in democracy has shifted over the past decade, on a 0 to 100 scale. The dotted lines represents forecasted future value as of the most recent survey, and the figure shows mean values across 24 survey waves. Vertical error bars are 95% confidence intervals. (Source: Bright Line Watch, April 2025)

As President Donald Trump completes his first 100 days back in the White House  which were marked by a fire hose of controversial deportations, political retribution, and dramatic cuts to the federal government  political scientists and the general public alike are more concerned about democracy in the U.S. than they have been in at least seven years.

Thats the latest finding from Bright Line Watch, an initiative created by John Carey and Brendan Nyhan, both Dartmouth College professors, in partnership with professors Sue Stokes from the University of Chicago and Gretchen Helmke from the University of Rochester. The group has been tracking how political scientists and a representative sample of Americans view democracy in the U.S. since 2017 and 2018, respectively. Their latest report, released Monday, found confidence at new lows. Carey called the results troubling.

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Im more alarmed now than I have been at any point in the past, Carey said. And we did this work all through the first Trump term, through the Biden term as well. But the first couple months of the second Trump administration have been unlike anything weve seen before.

In April, the researchers expert sample  from which they typically receive around 500 to 800 responses from political science and government professors from across the U.S.  rated the state of U.S. democracy lower than they ever had before: an average of 53 on a scale of 1-100. For reference, their rating never dipped below 61 before Trump took office in January. However, from November  before Trump was inaugurated but after he was elected  to February the average expert rating plummeted from 67 to 55.

The general public gave U.S. democracy an average rating of 49 out of 100 on the same scale in April. Thats down from February, when the people gave it an average rating of 53. This is the first time its ever dipped below 50.

Confidence dropped among both Democrats and Republicans. For Democrats, the rating fell from 49 in February to 45 in April, while the Republicans rating fell from 59 to 56 during the same period. That marked the sharpest Republican rating decrease since November 2020 to January 2021, a time in which the U.S. Capitol was attacked, Trump exited the White House, and Congress impeached Trump for a second time.

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The survey also asked experts their views on Trump failing to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia after it erroneously deported the Maryland man to a Salvadoran prison, his executive order targeting the Democratic fundraising apparatus ActBlue, and his revoking of funds for some universities. In all three cases, more than three-quarters of the experts called the actions serious or extraordinary threats to democracy. Carey himself is also concerned about these developments.

The rate at which democratic transgressions are being done is so fast that its kind of hard to believe, Carey said. If you went back a month, obviously we wouldnt have been talking about those things, but we would have been talking about the arrest, for example, of student demonstrators. And if you went back two months, wed be talking about refusal to spend funds that had been appropriated by Congress. I mean, these are all things that are, if not unprecedented, they have very few precedents in American history. The list of transgressions is long, and things are happening so quickly that its easy to be focused just on whats in front of us this week.

They also asked experts to predict how democracy in the U.S. will look in the future. Careys takeaway: People are watching what is happening, and they dont think its going to end well.

I take the projected ratings with obviously more of a grain of salt, because theyre based on speculation, he said. But, weve been asking for those projections for the last three or four years now anyway, and the steepness of the decline is greater than what weve seen previously.

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Carey acknowledged that their expert sample likely leans heavily liberal because university professors are more often liberal than conservative. He also noted that over the course of their study, Democrats tended to rate democracy better when a Democrat was president while Republicans tended to rate democracy better when a Republican was president.

Part of whats going on, I think, in our most recent survey, is that most of these experts are Democrats, and they dont like what the Trump administration is doing, he said. But thats not all of it.

Carey believes theres more to it. He pointed out that throughout their research, both while Trump was president and Biden was president, the expert ratings were roughly 10 points higher than the general publics.

The reason, I think, for that is the experts tend to have a broader perspective, he said. They know whats going on at home, but they also tend to know much more than our public sample about what a democracy operates overseas. And you know, when you have that information, you tend to rate American democracy higher.

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After Trump was elected, expert ratings were still almost 10 points higher than the publics, but after his inauguration, they were only two points higher (55 to 53).

It wasnt just like Trump won the election, so they think democracy stinks, he said. It only kicked in once he became president and started to implement his policies.

Like the researchers he surveyed, Carey is concerned.

I consider Trump an authoritarian, he said. I wouldnt go so far as to say that our political system is an authoritarian political system yet, because I dont think Trump has centralized his authority to that degree. He hasnt demonstrated to me yet that he is unconstrained, but hes gone a lot further down that path than I would have predicted three months ago.  And Ive got my fingers crossed for how things are going to go in the coming months, but Im not confident anymore.

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The four release a report every few months and have been doing so since February 2017. Carey said it was his work not as a researcher of U.S. politics but of Latin American politics that inspired him to do this work. He said the four (Stokes and Helmke also studied Latin American politics) were corresponding during the 2016 election and noting similarities between the 2016 campaign and political moments in some Latin American democracies that have fallen to corruption.

There was a general consensus up until that election that democracy in some countries  and the U.S. would be included in that  was sort of indestructible, he said. And those perspectives started to change pretty dramatically that year.

Carey said the projects name, Bright Line Watch, is a reference to the groups initial motivation for this work.

Our question was, is there a line that, if its crossed, will prompt pushback on a massive scale from both sides of the political aisle, Carey said. Because we were watching all of these transgressions, and generally speaking, the other party would scream, but the co-partisans of whoever was committing the act were like, No, this looks OK to us. And theres a general and kind of theory among political scientists that goes way back that democracy is only stable if there are some bright lines that, when theyre transgressed, even co-partisans are going to resist. And so our question was, Can we find such a bright line in this current context? And I gotta say, in the years since we started the project, my confidence that there are such bright lines has diminished considerably.

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New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Hampshire Bulletin maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Dana Wormald for questions: info@newhampshirebulletin.com.
I love you so much. Well talk soon.

Thats what Wade Gittings mother tearfully told her son, who was convicted Monday of involuntary manslaughter in his brothers 2024 death. His mother, Geraldine Geri Gittings, was not allowed to hug her son as correctional officers led him away to begin serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

Wade Gittings (Scott County Jail)

The 42-year-old Davenport man heard the verdict and was sentenced within 45 minutes in a Scott County Court room. The jurors. who deliberated about two hours on Friday, continued deliberations at 9 a.m. Monday and had a verdict about 2 p.m.

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Before he was sentenced, Wade Gittings, who was supported by many friends and family members in the quiet courtroom, wept quietly as his mother Geraldine Geri Gittings briefly took the stand to give a victim statement.

Between sobs, she begged to have her son returned home. Im 65 years old, and Ive never been on my own, she said, adding that she has health issues and I just need him home.

I love you so much. Im so sorry this happened to us, she told her son, who wept while his mother spoke.

Involuntary manslaughter is a forcible felony, said Judge Patrick McElyea, who sentenced Gittings to a period not to exceed 10 years. He said Wade Gittings has the right to appeal the sentence.

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I think tragedy does sum up this case, McElyea said, adding Theres a consequence for what happened.

McElyea said he will leave it up to the Department of Corrections when Wade Gittings is to be released, and said Gittings may be eligible for parole before his sentence is discharged.

A fatal shooting in 2024

Shortly after 9 p.m. Jan. 26, 2024, in the 7200 block of Volquardsen Avenue, Davenport Police, Fire and Medic EMS responded to a residence for a report of gunfire and a victim.

In an earlier Scott County Court appearance, Our Quad Cities News heard Davenport Police Detective Evan Obert testify that, at the scene, Wade Gittings said he had shot his half-brother, Jevin E. Gittings, 26.

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Obert said a pistol was next to Wade Gittings in the living room, and there was a gun in Jevin Gittings room.

Obert said there had been an argument and then a fight between family members, before the shooting. The jury heard a recorded call for an ambulance, Geraldine Gittings screamed No! No! No! and I cant do this. I cant do this! while a dispatcher tried to talk to her as an ambulance was on its way.

Gittings at first faced a charge of first-degree murder.

Scott County exhibits in the Gittngs trial:

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The body of a young woman was discovered inside a rented house in Columbia, South Carolina, over the weekend, according to a press conference held by Columbia Police Department on Monday.

She was later identified as Logan Federico, a 22-year-old from Waxhaw, North Carolina, police said. Her cause of death was a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, according to Columbia Coroner Naida Rutherford.

The college student was spending the weekend with friends in a rented house in South Carolina when she was "randomly murdered by a career criminal" who was "on a spree of thefts, break-ins and credit card fraud," the CPD said.

PHOTO: A photograph of Logan Federico is shown during a press conference announcing her death and sharing the details of its circumstances on May 5, 2025. (Columbia Police Department)

Alexander Dickey, 30, allegedly broke into a neighboring home around 3 a.m. and stole a firearm, credit and debit cards, and keys to a vehicle, the CPD said.

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The suspect then allegedly entered the house where Federico was staying, entered her room, and shot her, police said, before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle.

Dickey is believed to have used the stolen cards to make purchases across Lexington County before his stolen vehicle broke down, officials said. He had it towed back to a residence in Lexington County, where investigators said they tracked him down.

MORE: 10-year-old girl struck, killed by tree that fell on her Atlanta home

When law enforcement closed in, Dickey fled into nearby woods, leading to a manhunt in severe weather conditions, police said. He later broke into another home and set it on fire, they added.

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Officers were able to extract Dickey through a window and take him into custody, the CPD said.

MORE: 2 brothers among 3 killed in shooting outside Glendale, Arizona, restaurant: Police

Federicos father, Steve Federico, spoke through tears during the press conference.

"I am Logan Haley Federico's father, better known as 'Dad,' or her hero. Unfortunately, that day, I could not be her hero," he said. "My daughter, I cherished. She was a strong, fun-loving individual who did what she wanted to do and was spicy."

"My daughter was working hard at school, working two jobs, to become a teacher. She loved and adored kids, children of all ages," he said. "The message I wanted to send to Dickey, who took my daughter's life -- this is from her: 'You can't kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body ... but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me.'"

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"Logan was not an intended target," Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said at the press conference, adding that her death "touches all of us in a way that it'll never leave us."

He said that the CPD issued warrants charging Dickey with murder, two counts of first-degree burglary, weapons possession and larceny. The Lexington County sheriff said Dickey was also charged with burglary first degree and arson second degree, and that he was denied bond.

'That day, I could not be her hero': Father says after daughter is fatally shot in South Carolina originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
May 6 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1863, Confederate forces commanded by Gen. Robert E. Lee routed Union troops under Gen. Joseph Hooker at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia.

In 1915, Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox hit his first major league home run in a game against the New York Yankees.

In 1935, in the depths of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order establishing the Works Progress Administration to provide work for the unemployed. Later known as the Work Projects Administration, the agency was dissolved in 1943 after building thousands of new schools, armories, stadiums, parks, and other recreational facilities, and improving existing sites such as the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, S.C.

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In 1937, the German passenger airship Hindenburg erupted in a fireball at Lakehurst, N.J., on its arrival from Europe after static electricity ignited the airship's flammable fabric skin. The disaster killed 35 of the 97 passengers and crew aboard the zeppelin.

Law enforcement officers stand watch in front of a house on Seymour Avenue in Cleveland where Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were found alive May 6, 2013, after having been held hostage for nearly 10 years. File Photo by David Maxwell/EPA

In 1940, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. A rare, first-edition of the novel fetched $48,000 at auction in 2007.

In 1954, 25-year-old British medical student Roger Bannister cracked track and field's most famous barrier, the 4-minute mile, during a meet at Oxford, England. His time: 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds.

A model takes to the catwalk during the presentation of Alexandre Vauthier's show as part of the Fall-Winter 2017-18 fashion collections in Paris on January 24, 2017. On May 6, 2017, French lawmakers passed a bill that requires models to provide a doctor's note to prove they are healthy. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI

File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

In 1994, the Channel Tunnel, a railway under the English Channel connecting Britain and France, was officially opened.

Syria's Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro (L) meets Pope John Paul II at the Great Umayyad Mosque in Damascus' old city where the Tomb of Saint John Baptist is located May 6, 2001. Pope John Paul made history by becoming the first pontiff ever to enter a mosque and urged Christians and Muslims to forgive each other for the past. File Photo by Khaledal-Hariri/UPI

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In 2001, John Paul II became the first pope to enter a mosque -- the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.

In 2006, the largest rebel group in Sudan's Darfur region and the government of Sudan signed a peace agreement ending their three-year armed conflict that claimed an estimated 200,000 lives.

The largest manmade object ever to fly, the 800-foot airship Hindenburg erupts in a fireball at Lakehurst, N.J., on its arrival from Europe on May 6, 1937. Static electricity ignited the airship's flammable fabric skin, and 37 seconds later the airship crashed to the ground, killing 35 of its 97 passengers and crew. This spectacle ended the era of the passenger airship. Photo by Sam Shere/INS/UPI

In 2009, Dave Bing, Hall of Fame star for the NBA's Detroit Pistons, was elected mayor of Detroit, succeeding the ousted Kwame Kilpatrick.

In 2010, British voters gave the Conservatives control of Parliament, ultimately making David Cameron, 43, Britain's youngest prime minister in almost 200 years.

File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI

In 2013, three women missing for 10 years were found alive in Cleveland. The man who had kept them as hostages pleaded guilty to charges including kidnapping and rape. He killed himself in prison.

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In 2017, French lawmakers passed a bill that requires models to provide a doctor's note to prove they are healthy, a bid to crack down on dangerously skinny models in the nation's highly competitive fashion industry.

In 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey in London in a lavish, eye-popping ceremony not seen in Britain in nearly 70 years.

In 2024, Columbia University handed out the Pulitzer Prizes, with journalism awards going to ProPublica, The New York Times, the Lookout Santa Cruz in California and The Washington Post.
CITY HALL, Manhattan (PIX11)  Thousands of families hoping to enroll their children in affordable daycare may soon be placed on a waitlist as a result of a funding fight over New Yorks child care voucher program.

New York City officials said they are being forced to pause new enrollments after state lawmakers in Albany did not deliver expected funding for the popular program.

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The vouchers cap daycare costs for low-income and some middle-income families at roughly $15 per week, making child care accessible to tens of thousands of households.

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This is a huge amount of uncertainty for thousands of New York families, said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. These childcare vouchers do so much good, so surely in a $250 billion budget, the state should fully fund this program.

City officials said they hoped to receive approximately $1 billion from the state to fund and continue to expand the program, especially after being encouraged to increase enrollment by state leaders. However, the state is now offering only $350 million in the upcoming budgetand only if the city matches that amount.

They are so needed, Mastro said. They are so vital. They are so important to families here in New York City and throughout the state.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Kathy Hochul defended the funding proposal, pointing out that the Governor has increased child care funding each year she has been in office. The city, the spokesperson said, has failed to cover a significant portion of rising costs.

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This status quo is unsustainable, and if we are serious about providing comprehensive, affordable child care for working families, then these costs must be a shared responsibility between the City and the State, the spokeswoman said in a statement.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

State officials have also suggested that Mayor Eric Adams and his team failed to raise the urgency of the issue during budget negotiations. City Hall, however, contends that there was clear communication with state leaders about the potential consequences of a funding gap.

Despite the high stakes, Adams himself downplayed the situation:

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Were going to land the plane. We always do, the mayor said. For three years in a row, we always figure this out. Were gonna land the plane. Were going to be all right.

Currently, the roughly 70,000 children already enrolled in the voucher program in NYC will not be affected. However, thousands of new families seeking assistance may be waitlisted unless additional funding is secured.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Multiple homes and at least one vehicle were struck by gunfire after a person was bitten by a dog Monday.

According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, police responded to a shots-fired call in the 300 block of Delaware Avenue in Dayton around 4:45 p.m. Monday.

The Dayton Police Department confirmed that the incident involved several parties and occurred after a female juvenile was bitten by a dog.

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The dog bite led to an argument that escalated into shots being fired between two groups of people. None of the individuals involved were hit by any of the shots fired.

The female juvenile was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries from the dog bite.

The initial investigation ultimately saw six firearms and other evidence seized by officers.

A male teen was taken into custody for allegedly obstructing official business, failing to disclose, carrying a concealed weapon, improperly discharging a firearm, and felonious assault.

Two adult males were also taken into custody for alleged felonious assault and improper discharge of a firearm.

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The Violent Offender Unit is continuing the investigation.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are mourning the sudden loss of one of their K-9s.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that K-9 Ogi had suddenly died on May 1.

President Trump announces 2027 NFL draft will be held in DC

Ogi was partnered with one of MPDs sergeants since Sept. 16, 2022, serving as an explosive detection dog.

He and his handler were deployed 69 times around D.C.

(Courtesy: Metropolitan Police Department)

(Courtesy: Metropolitan Police Department)

Ogi served with unwavering dedication, MPD stated in a post on Instagram. K-9 Ogis contributions and the impact he made during his service will never be forgotten. He was more than a working doghe was a trusted partner and beloved member of our MPD family.

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday she will visit India, Japan and Vietnam along with other countries in the coming weeks as part of tariff negotiations.

Rollins suggested to reporters at the White House that she will push those major U.S. trading partners to increase imports of American farm products and help rectify trade imbalances.

"Deals are being negotiated right now," Rollins said, "Next week, I'll be in England discussing these things. A few weeks after, I'll be in Italy, then soon after that, Vietnam, Japan and India."

"I'm reflective of a larger Cabinet effort on behalf of this president to get out into the world to expand the markets," she said, referring to Donald Trump, who has unleashed a series of hefty tariffs on foreign goods since taking office in January for a nonconsecutive second term.

Her remarks came after Japan and the United States held their second round of tariff negotiations at the ministerial level in Washington last week.

Japan's chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa agreed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other U.S. Cabinet members to hold intensive ministerial discussions from mid-May onward, with the aim of a "mutually beneficial deal" as early as June.

But sources with knowledge of the ongoing talks later said the two countries are far from narrowing differences over Trump's tariffs, including new 25 percent levies on car and auto parts imports.

Without providing details, Trump told reporters on Monday he plans to announce tariffs aimed at reviving the U.S. pharmaceutical sector within the next two weeks.

For Japan, removing the auto tariffs is particularly important, with officials in Tokyo saying they have no intention of reaching a deal with the Trump administration unless all its additional protectionist measures are reviewed.

Still, according to the sources, the Trump administration has refused to grant Japan a full exemption from the new tariffs, saying only the country-specific part of the so-called reciprocal duties will be negotiable.

Like almost all countries, Japan now faces a baseline tariff of 10 percent and sector-based duties such as those targeting the auto and steel industries.

The country-specific portion, which Trump put on hold until early July under a 90-day pause, differs for each U.S. trading partner. In the case of Japan, the additional rate is 14 percent.

On Monday, Rollins said the administration was "realigning an entire world economy around American products," and that the benefits to U.S. farmers and ranchers would outweigh impacts to "any other American producer and whatever they're producing."

Related coverage:

U.S. rejects Japan's exemption from "reciprocal" tariffs

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
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is searching for two persons of interest and a vehicle involved in a shooting that happened in Northwest on Saturday.

MPD said that just after 10:05 p.m., officers responded to the 2500 block of Ontario Rd. NW for a reported shooting.

Woodbridge man charged for raping young girl, police say

Officers found a man who had been shot. DC Fire and EMS transported the man to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

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Police released the above video of the persons of interest and car. Anyone with any information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

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The fight over a key internet protection for children is ramping up in Washington, where Big Tech companies are pinning the responsibility on each other as lawmakers push for stricter requirements.

After months of action in the states, age verification legislation made its way to Congress last week, when Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. John James (R-Mich.) introduced a bill that would put the onus on app stores run by Apple and Google to verify all users ages.

Kids cannot consent  and any company that exposes them to addictive or adult material should be held accountable, James said, adding the bill holds Big Tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores.

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The issue is uniquely pitting some of the countrys largest technology firms, including Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta, against other tech giants.

Meta is part of a new lobbying group, The Coalition for Competitive Mobile Experience, which launched in Washington last week with age verification on the app store as one of its main policy goals. The coalition is also focused on anticompetitive practices, and its executive director, Brandon Kressin, argued better age verification would exist if there was not a lack of competition among the app stores.

The coalition maintains app stores are best suited to handle age verification because they already have the age data, while Apple and Google argue the approach would still require sharing data with app-makers.

Lee and Jamess bill, titled the App Store Accountability Act, would be the first of its kind at the federal level. It would require app stores to determine a users age category, which differentiates age groups younger than 18, and then send the data to app developers.

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Parents or guardians would also need to give permission for users who are minors to access the app store. This is aimed at disrupting the child-to-stranger pipeline, Lee explained in an op-ed published in The Hill last week with Michael Toscano, director of the Family First Technology Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies.

The legislation tackles the grave danger of apps systemically misleading parents with deceptive ratings, funneling millions of children toward dangerous and inappropriate content, Lee and Toscano wrote.

The bill resembles efforts underway in several U.S. states, including Lees home state of Utah  the first in the country to pass a law putting the responsibility on app stores. The Utah law is slated to take effect Wednesday.

More than a dozen states proposed similar bills this year.

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It comes amid a broader push in Congress to pass kids online safety legislation after lawmakers failed to pass most related bills last term. The issue is hotly contested issue among lawmakers and policy groups, but consensus is hard to come by.

Lawmakers were handed a rare win last month with the passage of the Take It Down Act, a bill criminalizing deepfake revenge porn. It now heads to President Trumps desk, and he indicated earlier this year he would sign it.

Weve seen excitement in the tech policy space with the Take It Down ActThere was a significant moment and progress here that empowered Congress to [say], look, we can legislate here, said Andrew Zack, the policy manager for the nonprofit Family Online Safety Institute.

Still, Zack noted the age verification bill is partisan, and there is not yet a coalition in Congress to fully embrace the app store [as the] end all be all.

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The proposal could face hurdles even with Big Tech critics in Congress.

Age verification is largely ineffective, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told The Hill. It is so easily worked around by young people, who frankly think its laughable that we would rely on age verification to protect them.

Blumenthal was the co-lead on the Kids Online Safety Act, a bill to create regulations for the kinds of features tech and social media companies offer kids online. It has failed to pass in recent years but is expected to be reintroduced this session.

Meta, X and Snap quickly came out in support of the Lee-James bill, writing in a joint statement that parents would be spared the burden of repeated approvals and age verification requirements across the countless apps.

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Meta has taken heat for its platforms impact on children and is facing numerous lawsuits on the issue.

Less than a year after CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologized to families during a congressional hearing, Instagram rolled out new Teen Accounts, and said last month it is using artificial intelligence technology to detect accounts of teenagers posing as adults.

A Meta spokesperson pointed to these features while noting the most effective way to understand age is by obtaining.

In many policy conversations, these social media platforms are grouped together with tech giants Apple and Google. But this time, the two app store operators fall on the other side of the argument.

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Apple and Google contend exchanging data between stores and apps still risks adults and minors privacy.

In a February white paper, Apple argued a requirement to verify age on the actual app marketplace would make users hand over sensitive information when only a limited number of apps need such specific information for a small number of users.

That means giving us data like a drivers license, passport, or national identification number (such as a Social Security number), even if we dont need it, the company paper said. And because many kids in the U.S. dont have government-issued IDs, parents in the U.S. will have to provide even more sensitive documentation just to allow their child to access apps meant for children.

A Google spokesperson told The Hill the company believes in a shared responsibility between app stores and developers.

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Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Miss.), another Big Tech critic, chaffed at Apple and Googles argument.

Oh, of course Apple and Google say that theres no technology on Earth that can make this work. I mean, its ridiculous, he told The Hill.

While the federal proposal markets itself as boosting childrens safety, various tech advocacy groups warned it will not be an adequate solution and opens the doors to a host of privacy issues.

The Lee-James bill only says app stores will use commercially reasonable methods and does not provide specifics on methods.

This proposed solution is not proportional to the risk. It is not likely privacy preserving or secure. It is not rights respecting  and it appears more intrusive than effective, Zack said, noting it does not make clear how app stores would be expected to verify users ages.

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The bill suggests app ratings are sometimes inconsistent and misleading, so placing all age verification in one place would prevent children from accessing dangerous content. But tech observers said this ignores the host of other ways children are exposed, such as internet browsers and gaming systems.

A nationwide mandate that any one entity perform this task is just the wrong way to go about this, Matthew Schruers, the CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, told The Hill. Apple and Google, along with Meta, are members of the trade association.

If were only concerned about an app or kids accessing content through an app, that could completely miss a preinstalled internet browser where they might not ever have to go through age verification, he added.

Schruers argued conversations over what content is suitable for children are best around the kitchen table.

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Maureen Flatley, an adviser with Stop Child Predators, said the federal proposal usurps the responsibility of parents.

These decisions that are being now hoisted on the government should remain with parents and at the end of the day, not every kid is in the same place developmentally, Flatley said. I really feel that parents are probably the best people to determine whether or not their kids are ready for certain things.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Decatur City Council has voted to move past the final hiring steps and appoint Torry Mack as the next Decatur Police Chief.

Late in the councils regular meeting Monday, Councilman Billy Jackson introduced a resolution to appoint Mack police chief, moving past a few remaining steps in the hiring process. The council had previously expected to take up the appointment at its next meeting, but Jackson pushed to expedite the process.

Public comments paused for two weeks at Decatur City Council meetings

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Last meeting, I had asked to expedite this, He said. Were not in a typical situation by no stroke of the imagination.

The council approved a beginning salary of $151,413.72 annually for the new chief with reimbursement for certain moving expenses. The appointment is effective June 2, 2025.

The appointment was not on the councils original agenda for Monday, with Jackson introducing the resolution after the meetings last agenda item.

The last step of the hiring process left for the city was a background and credit check, which the city said was currently in progress. Jackson said he felt the city could move forward without finishing that process, due to Mack already being certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, or APOSTC. The certification process also involves a background check and a polygraph test, according to Jackson.

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Pedestrian identified from deadly overnight 18-wheeler accident in Morgan County

Council President Jacob Ladner said he supported going ahead and moving forward.

I do think obviously, we sped up the process to do interviews for a reason, he said, So I am ok with moving forward tonight.

Jackson also noted that APOSTC had given Mack a sterling recommendation, which gave him confidence in the decision.

The council did ask if Mack could start earlier, but Human Resource Director Richelle Sandlin said that June 2 was the earliest possible date due to him retiring from the Birmingham Police Department on March 30.

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Mack is currently a captain and commander of the Special Enforcement Division in the Birmingham Police Department.

Councilman Kyle Pike said he felt Mack was an impressive candidate for the job overall.

I cant say much more about the candidate that these guys havent already said, Pike said. I was thoroughly impressed with the interview.

The council ultimately approved the appointment 4-0.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Trump says he can use the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged criminal immigrants without due process because the U.S., he argues, is at war with a gang that is directed by Venezuela. However, the intelligence agencies say there is not enough evidence for this. MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin and New York Times DHS and Immigration Reporter Hamed Aleaziz join Katy Tur to discuss.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Campbell man charged in October with illegal dumping in the city must pay $2,000 in restitution as part of a plea agreement.

Read next: Fast-food staff call police to help stabbing victim: Report

Samuel Horvath, 30, pleaded guilty Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to three counts of vandalism, a fourth-degree felony, before Judge John Durkin.

Court records show instead of probation, Horvath must pay $2,000 in restitution. Court records also noted the sentence was agreed upon by the attorneys in the case, and Judge Durkin followed their recommendation.

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Horvath was originally charged with three counts of illegal or open dumping and burning, all fifth-degree felonies, but those charges were amended in exchange for his guilty plea.

Horvath is accused of dumping tires in 2022 under a bridge on McGuffey Road in Youngstown and also dumping solid waste somewhere in Youngstown.

A grand jury secretly indicted Horvath Oct. 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 WKBN.com.
The defense in the trial of former House Speaker Glen Casada, pictured on his way to court, and ex-aide Cade Cothren may request a mistrial. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

This story has been updated.

The defense teams for a former House speaker and former staffer requested a mistrial Tuesday in Tennessees political corruption trial, claiming prejudicial evidence was introduced to the jury, even if inadvertently.

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U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson is expected to rule on the request Wednesday morning after defense attorneys for former aide Cade Cothren and ex-House Speaker Glen Casada made their arguments for a mistrial, claiming audio played Monday was supposed to be redacted. Richardson sent the jury home earlier Tuesday before it could be seated.

In the audiotape portion that jurors werent supposed to hear, Casada told FBI agents who raided his Franklin home in January 2021 that Speaker Cameron Sexton didnt like Cothren and wouldnt have approved him as a constituent mail vendor if he knew Cothren was running Phoenix Solutions.

Sherwood argued that playing the statement for the jury made it more likely Cothren would be convicted. She claimed that Casadas words could be taken as if he were testifying against his co-defendant, a violation of Cothrens constitutional rights.

Casadas legal team joined in the mistrial request, saying the audio was prejudicial to their case as well.

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Richardson shied away from saying a motion for a mistrial would fail. But he said such errors have to be avoided.

Federal prosecutors played a tape of the FBIs interview of Casada from 2021 in which he reversed course and said he knew Cothren was behind Phoenix Solutions before a federal agent told him it is against federal law to lie to the FBI.

Casadas defense attorney, Ed Yarbrough, requested the audiotape be played in its entirety. That included Casadas reference to Sexton and a racist and sexist scandal that led to Cothrens resignation in the spring of 2019.

Casada and Cothren are charged with 20 counts of fraud, bribery and kickbacks in connection with a plan to tap into the states constituent mailer program through House members and then get into campaign and Republican Caucus business.

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Former Rep. Robin Smith, the third player in the plan, testified against Casada and Cothren last week, saying they wanted to start with the mail program because it was low-hanging fruit at a time no elections were being held.

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Each day brings new developments surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The latest: a lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, challenging Trump administration threats to strip funding from schools with DEI programs.

According to critics, DEI is a dangerous and divisive project, imbued with bias against White people. The hatred is palpable in some circles. DEI must DIE, writes Elon Musk.

What is it they find so vile?

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Detractors reduce DEI to racist rhetoric and bureaucratic bloat. The vision they invoke is an unkind caricature. A distortion. A fiction.

University of Michigan Regents reject these falsehoods as they affirm commitments to DEI, expanding access and opportunity. They explain, the University should be a place that welcomes talented and hard working students from a broad range of backgrounds with open arms, where students from Detroit to Alpena come and call home, and leave with a degree that changes their lives forever.

Having taught at Michigan for 25 years, I could not agree more.

More opinion: Removal of Harriet Tubman from Park Service website makes my blood boil

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One question on the minds of many: what exactly is (and isnt) DEI?

The acronym DEI refers to a wide range of values, aspirations, policies, practices, and procedures. We see them show up in many spaces, from higher education to healthcare to the Fortune 500. The goal is simple: to create conditions where people from all walks of life can thrive and do their best work.

Lets take a deeper dive.

Protesters waved signs and stood in solidarity in Market Square April 19, 2025 to again sound off on the Trump administrations deportations, executive orders, threats to federal funding and efforts to kill diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Starting with the 'D'

The diversity piece of DEI is about embracing difference. Americans differ on all sorts of attributes: gender, generation, geography, ancestry, ability, and military service (just to name a few). This blend of qualities gives the nation unique color and character.

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Many of our institutions, however, fail to reflect the diversity of our society. Case in point: today in the United States, men constitute approximately 49% of the population. At the same time, they make up 71% of the U.S. House of Representatives, 75% of the U.S. Senate, and (historically) 100% of all U.S. presidents.

Diversity policies help correct these imbalances. They break through biases and barriers that keep out qualified individuals. Bring more voices to the table. More skills to the team.

And diversity, we know from science, sparks innovation and excellence.

More opinion: I teach my U-M students about diversity, inclusion, loyalty, honesty and respect

Moving onto the 'E'

E is for equity, which boils down one thing: fairness. Its about fair treatment, access and process.

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I specialize in organizational science, where we talk about different types of fairness or justice in the workplace. Chief among them is distributive justice the perception that rewards like pay and promotions are doled out fairly. A related concept is procedural justice, or the sense that decisions are made fairly, transparently and ethically.

Those questioning the E" in DEI leave me puzzled. Who doesnt want to be treated fairly when they go to work or school? When they apply for a promotion? When they undergo performance evaluation? Who doesnt want these things for their children?

Arguing against the E means arguing for unfair pay, unearned rewards, and unethical decision-making.

And then theres the 'I'

I stands for inclusion. Inclusion, at its core, is about making the world more welcoming. Its about treating people with decency and respect. Even kindness. Its about being good humans to one another.

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Again, who wouldnt want these things? For themselves or their coworkers or their kids?

Inclusion is also about removing obstacles so that people can fully participate. This can show up, for example, in flexible arrangements for working parents. We saw this when Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna introduced a resolution in the U.S. House allowing new moms to vote remotely (aka proxy voting). Even Donald Trump supports this inclusive practice: I don't know why it's controversial, he told reporters.

We can also champion inclusion by making places accessible to people with disabilities. This allows them to contribute their full knowledge, skills and abilities. Refusing reasonable accommodations is unkind and (sometimes) unlawful. Its also unwise from a business perspective, resulting in loss of talent.

In a nutshell, DEI is about enacting measures to ensure everyone has a fair shot at making it through the door, and then being respected, supported, and valued when they get there. Its about cultivating spaces where all people  no matter who they are or where they come from  can flourish.

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Im still wondering how this is vile.

Myths and misconceptions

Part of the problem is rampant misinformation about DEI. Arent we talking about arbitrary quotas? Doesnt DEI undermine meritocracy? Isnt it only for women and minorities? The answers are no, no, and no.

Some mistakenly believe that diversity initiatives are nothing more than quotas. However, genuine DEI efforts focus on creating inclusive environments where varied perspectives are valued and merit is recognized. If the goal isto meet arbitrary numbers, then its not a good DEI program.

Another common misconception is that supporting DEI means sacrificing standards. People worry that diversity programs are pathways to mediocrity. Nothing could be farther from the truth. DEI helps ensure that individuals get ahead based on performance, not privilege. This brings us closer to true merit-based systems.

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Theres also the myth that diversity programs are only for certain people, particularly Black and Brown folks. That DEI is racism under a different name. In truth, the rewards of DEI cut across racial lines. Who doesnt benefit from fair selection, promotion, and compensation decisions? Who doesnt appreciate being fully seen and heard? Who doesnt want dignified conditions of work?

As I explained in an earlier article, DEI initiatives give organizations a competitive edge. This is backed up by data. For example, when policies and practices produce more diverse teams, those teams work harder and smarter. They are more innovative. More deliberative. More likely to land on novel solutions to tricky problems.

In short, diversity makes for better businesses, schools, and societies.

When this happens, everyone benefits.

Wait, isnt DEI illegal?

No, its not. Quoting Dr. Andrea Abrams, executive director of American Pride Rises, there is nothing illegal about being diverse, being equitable and being inclusive in what you do.

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In fact, many activities in the DEI space are required by law. DEI values are baked into statutes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. These laws protect against discrimination, advancing important DEI goals. They were passed by Congress, and no executive order can undo them.

To be clear: failing to follow the dictates of anti-discrimination statutes is illegal. Denying people employment or education because of their sex, gender, race, religion, or national origin (among other characteristics) is illegal.

DEI is not.

What would happen if DEI went away?

What if our institutions rid themselves of all things DEI? Suppose the University of Michigan dismantled all initiatives connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Many groups would suffer. For example, working-class white families would not find free tuition through the Go Blue Guarantee. First-generation college students would miss out on the supports of the First-Gen Gateway. Grand Rapids high schoolers would lose the college-prep programming of Wolverine Pathways.

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Related: University of Michigan, a longtime champion of progressive values, to close its DEI office

Without DEI, Michigans businesses would find it harder to attract and retain top talent. Young professionals increasingly prioritize working in spaces that value diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Loss of diversity would translate into loss of innovation. Fewer breakthroughs. Slower pace of advances in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.

People would find themselves navigating systems that are less equitable. Moving through spaces that are less welcoming. Working in teams that are less creative.

As Pete Buttigieg put it, The opposite of diversity is uniformity. The opposite of equity is inequity. The opposite of inclusion is exclusion.

None of this is good.

Centering humanity and dignity

For those tempted to jump on the anti-DEI bandwagon, remember there are people on the other side of this. Its an exceptionally callous human who smiles when someone loses their job. When a student doesnt find belonging. When an ill person is denied healthcare. Most Michiganders, I hope, would not wish these fates on others. But this is what follows when DEI programs fold.

I like to think most folks are not inherently cruel. Their disdain for DEI stems from misconception rather than malice.

Sure, there are those who oppose DEI because they dont want to see people of color (Latinas like me) in power. Sure, there are the Pete Hegseths of the world who say women should be barred from certain jobs. Sure, there are the Laura Loomers who say things so racist they get banned from social media. But most Americans, I hope, are not like this.

We live in a nation that strives for decency. Cares about kindness. Thinks fairness is important. These values so central to DEI are widespread throughout America  in red states and blue states and everywhere in between.

DEI is about centering humanity. Promoting equality. Creating spaces of dignity and respect.

Once we recognize these realities, we see that DEI is not so vile after all.

In fact, its kind of a good thing.

Lilia M. Cortina is University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor of Psychology, Womens and Gender Studies, and Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What you've been told about DEI is wrong | Opinion
A DeKalb County mother and her teenage son are among six people indicted on RICO charges following an investigation conducted by the Attorney Generals Organized Retail Crime Unit.

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A grand jury in Cherokee County indicted the group last month, but prosecutors did not discuss the details of the case until Monday morning.

This is just one step in our ongoing efforts to protect Georgia businesses and consumers from the rising threats of organized retail crime, said Attorney General Chris Carr. In Georgia, we wont look the other way  criminals will be held accountable. Were proud to be in this fight with District Attorney Susan Treadaway and all of our law enforcement partners, and we wont rest until these criminal networks are stopped once and for all.

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The indictment named Zachary Gaines, 19, of Rex, Rickey McKinney, 19, of Lithonia, Nakeyta McKinney, 49, of Lithonia, Antonio Pearson, 18, of Rex, Javon Dorsey, 21, of Powder Springs, and Travious Johnson, 20, of Jonesboro. All but one of the six defendants are charged with violating the states Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Johnson is charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. Gaines is also facing additional charges, including one count of refund fraud and one count of theft by deception, according to the indictment.

Cherokee County has no tolerance for organized retail crime, said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County. We are thankful for the partnership with Attorney General Chris Carr and the work of his Organized Retail Crime Unit as we work together to combat organized retail crime in our community.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Prosecutors accused the defendants of operating an organized retail crime scheme that targeted T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods locations in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. The indictment alleges that the group stole tens of thousands of dollars from the stores and then converted the stolen items into more than $40,000 in cash.

The indictment accused the defendants of using the following five-step plan to defraud the stores from June 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025:

Step One: The defendants are alleged to have shoplifted several high-end items, such as kitchen appliances or bedsheets, from a T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods store.

Step Two: The defendants are alleged to have traveled to a second T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods location to return those shoplifted items for store credit in the form of a gift card. As asserted in the indictment, the defendants completed this return using either a stolen I.D. card or that of another person.

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Step Three: The defendants are alleged to have traveled to a third T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods location, where they utilized the gift card and a debit card to purchase multiple items, often purses or perfumes. This process provides a receipt showing a debit card purchase.

Step Four: The defendants are alleged to have traveled to several different T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods locations to return these most recently purchased items. To complete these returns, the defendants are alleged to have used the receipt showing a partial debit card purchase, allowing for the entire refund to be processed to the debit card account.

Step Five: Once enough returns were processed, the defendants are alleged to have traveled to an ATM, where they used the debit card to withdraw the funds.

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On Monday, Channel 2s Michael Seiden spoke exclusively with the head of the Organized Retail Crime unit about the indictment and the investigation.

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This is the first indictment that we as a unit have done, said Timothy Ruffini, a former assistant Cobb County prosecutor who came to the AGs office in 2024 to lead and help with the launch of the new unit. Its not shoplifting. This is large-scale theft.

Ruffini declined to comment on the specifics of this case, citing the ongoing prosecution, but he said that its very common for these types of organized crime rings to be connected to larger criminal organizations.

It is seed money for human trafficking, as well as drugs, guns, and gangs, he added.

In Georgia alone, businesses are estimated to lose more than $3 billion to retail theft annually, according to the AGs office. It also includes $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs.

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Nationwide losses total over $125 billion, with nearly 76% of retailers reporting physical assault against an associate as a result of organized retail crime.

Defrauding businesses in our community is unacceptable, said State Rep. Brad Thomas, Chairman of the House Special Committee on Resource Management. Im grateful to the Attorney Generals Organized Retail Crime Unit for holding these bad actors accountable. Georgia is the No. 1 state to do business for a reason. We will not tolerate this behavior.
The travel season is ramping up for the second half of 2025, and travel is lower than expected for many major airlines, at least when it comes to domestic travel. A bevy of airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, are cutting back their capacity growth plans for the year, due to lower demand.

The upside of slow travel is that it often means less expensive plane tickets. Airfare costs for travelers went down 5.3% in March from last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data, so travelers are getting some savings. But, the negative side to that is that there are fewer options for travelers.

Now, Delta Air Lines is planning to cut seven routes later this year, according to The Points Guy and "confirmed by a carrier spokesperson."

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The affected routes include from Atlanta to Fresno, CA; Detroit to San Jose, CA; Minneapolis-St. Paul to Albuquerque; Minneapolis-St. Paul to Buffalo; Minneapolis-St. Paul to Fairbanks; Minneapolis-St. Paul to Great Falls, Montana; and Salt Lake City to Toronto. The cut route to Toronto reflects the lower demand for travel between the United States and Canada.

There is some good news, though. Delta is adding five new routes as the year progresses, including two new services: one from Salt Lake City to Little Rock, AR, and the other from Austin to Palm Springs, CA. "The Salt Lake City flights will operate daily beginning Sept. 8, while the new Austin service will operate seasonally in the winter on Saturdays starting Nov. 8," according to The Points Guy.

Delta has also ramped up its flights to Orlando, FL, which is one of the biggest travel spots in the U.S., thanks to Walt Disney World Resorts. The airline added seven new point-to-point routes to Orlando, according to The Points Guy.

Related: Delta Air Lines Announces Change for Passengers Starting Soon
Shattered glasses are seen after a U.S. airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. At least 14 people were injured in fresh U.S. airstrikes on Yemen's capital of Sanaa early Monday morning, local medics told Xinhua. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

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. 

A vehicle runs on a damaged street after a U.S. airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. 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. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

Broken windows are seen after a U.S. airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. 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. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Delta Air Lines must face a proposed class action by passengers who said it refused to offer full refunds after delaying or canceling their flights following a massive computer outage last July, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen in Atlanta said five of the nine plaintiffs may pursue breach of contract claims based on Delta's failure to refund.

The judge allowed a different group of five plaintiffs to pursue claims related to delayed and canceled flights under the Montreal Convention, a multilateral treaty.

Cohen dismissed the remaining claims, including those he said were preempted by federal law.

The July 19, 2024 outage stemmed from a flawed software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike that crashed more than 8 million computers and affected many Microsoft customers.

Disruptions eased the next day for many U.S. airlines but lasted longer at Delta, which canceled about 7,000 flights.

"This ruling is a major step forward for Delta passengers seeking accountability," Joseph Sauder, a lawyer for some of the plaintiffs, said in an email.

Neither Delta nor its lawyers immediately responded to requests for comment.

The Atlanta-based carrier had sought the dismissal of all claims, aside from one refund claim and international travelers' claims under the Montreal Convention.

Passengers accused Delta of failing to provide automatic refunds following the outage, and providing partial refunds only if they waived further legal claims.

One plaintiff, John Brennan of Florida, said he and his wife missed a $10,000 anniversary cruise after Delta stranded them in an Atlanta layover, yet the carrier offered just $219.45 in compensation.

Another plaintiff, Vittorio Muzzi of the Netherlands, said he spent 5,000 euros ($5,685) and his luggage was delayed 15 days after Delta scrapped his flight to Florida from Amsterdam, yet the carrier offered just 588 euros ($669) in compensation.

Delta has estimated that the outage cost $550 million in lost revenue and added costs, while saving $50 million of fuel.

The case is Bajra et al v Delta Air Lines, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, No. 24-03477.

(1 euro = $1.137)

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Bill Berkrot)
Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called on a federal watchdog Monday to launch an inquiry into a recent deal announced by the Trump familys crypto firm, raising concerns it could create an opening for foreign influence.

The company launched by President Trump and his sons, World Liberty Financial, revealed last week that its new stablecoin would be used to complete a $2 billion transaction between Emirati firm MGX and crypto exchange Binance.

The deal, if completed, would represent a staggering conflict of interest, one that may violate the Constitution and open our government to a startling degree of foreign influence and the potential for a quid pro quo that could endanger national security, Merkley and Warren wrote to Jamieson Greer, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics.

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The senators argued that World Liberty Financial could be used as a backdoor for foreign kickbacks and bribes given its connections to both the Trump family and the Witkoff family.

Steve Witkoff currently serves as Trumps special envoy to the Middle East. His son, Zach Witkoff, is a co-founder of World Liberty Financial.

The Trump and Witkoff families will likely indirectly receive hundreds of millions of dollars through the transaction, Merkley and Warren warned.

The Trumps and Witkoffs, in essence, are receiving a cut of the deal between an entity of a foreign government, MGX, and a private entity, Binance, with significant business before the U.S. government, they said. This creates the potential for significant conflicts of interest.

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The senators also underscored their concerns with both parties involved with the deal, noting that Binance previously settled criminal charges with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has reportedly sought a pardon for its convicted founder.

MGX has close ties to the government of the United Arab Emirates through its chairman, who serves as national security advisor and reportedly lobbied the Trump administration for lighter restrictions on advanced chip sales from U.S. companies.

In short, a crypto firm whose founder needs a pardon and a foreign government spymaker coveting sensitive U.S. technology plan to pay the Trump and Witkoff families hundreds of millions of dollars, Merkley and Warren wrote.

The opportunities for grift  in which the Trump Administration offers favors to the UAE or to Binance in exchange for their massive payouts  are mind-boggling, they added.

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Several House Democrats walked out of a hearing on cryptocurrency legislation Tuesday, after Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) objected over concerns about President Trumps recent ventures in the digital asset industry.

Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, sought to block the joint hearing between the panel and the House Agriculture Committee with her objection, sparking several tense minutes between lawmakers.

House Financial Services Chair French Hill (R-Ark.) slammed the move by the ranking member, accusing Waters of throwing a partisan wedge into bipartisan efforts to hash out market structure legislation for digital assets.

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Today, the ranking member has expressed concern about the conflicts of interest, which is why shes disrupted todays joint hearing, Hill said Tuesday. Through her actions today, the ranking member has thrown partisanship into what has historically been a strong, good working bipartisan relationship.

He argued that Waters had received ample notice about the joint hearing, noting that they had negotiated witnesses, determined a seating chart and discussed opening statements.

Thats a loss for our committees, the House and the public at large, though most of us that remain in this room will not sit idly by and abandon the urgent work we have before us that our committees have set out to do, Hill added.

Given the need for unanimous consent, lawmakers could not continue with an official joint hearing. However, House Republicans, as well as some Democrats, opted to remain and hold a more informal roundtable with the witnesses, who had already assembled in the hearing room.

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Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), ranking member on the House Financial Services Digital Assets Subcommittee, sought to lay out Democrats concerns with Trumps recent crypto moves.

However, he was cut off, as Republicans attempted to recognize Waters objection and move forward with their roundtable.

Its too bad for the ranking member that this is not a hearing, Digital Assets Subcommittee Chair Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) said. If it was a hearing, the ranking member would be protected by House rules.

Several House Democrats left the hearing room as the roundtable got underway to hold a separate hearing on Trumps crypto ties.

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As the president and his family have increasingly expanded their crypto portfolio, Democratic lawmakers and outside observers have voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Most recently, the Trump familys crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, announced that its new stablecoin would be used by Emirati firm MGX to conduct a $2 billion transaction with crypto exchange Binance.

Lynch, who had an opportunity to finish his remarks once the roundtable began, highlighted concerns about the newly unveiled deal.

I understand crypto. I understand the other issues here, he said. But this is a mechanism by which other people outside, foreign interests can actually influence our president. Not just this one, but in the future as well.

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The Digital Assets ranking member remained at the hearing, alongside a handful of other Democrats, including Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Craig emphasized the importance of Tuesdays discussion on market structure legislation while also backing up her Democratic colleagues concerns.

This is a really important conversation, Craig said. Im here because I think we need to be engaged and part of the discussion to agree on the rules of the road as they relate to crypto. It isnt going away, and we have a responsibility to be here and be part of the solution.

Its important, and its legitimate to call out the self-dealing from the Trump administration related to hawking meme coins from the White House, she continued. Its corrupt. Its wrong, and it makes this process of coming together to regulate crypto more partisan than it needs to be.

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Meanwhile, Waters and other House Democrats gathered in a separate room, with an alternate set of witnesses. Lynch joined the Democrats hearing after delivering his remarks at the roundtable.

I, in good faith, could not provide my consent because our Republican colleagues refuse to address the unprecedented conflicts of interest presented by President Donald Trump and his family, Waters said.

I am deeply concerned that Republicans arent just ignoring Trumps corruption, they are legitimizing Trump and his familys efforts to enrich themselves on the backs of average Americans, she added.

Waters effort to block the joint hearing came after Republican leaders released a discussion draft of market structure legislation Monday.

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A Democratic aide told the Hill that Waters had informed the chair she would not approve the joint hearing unless legislation included provisions to block Trump from profiting from the industry, which he declined to do.

She released a separate discussion draft of legislation Monday that would bar the president and members of Congress from owning crypto assets or firms.

Crypto legislation is facing new hurdles in both chambers of Congress. Several crypto-friendly Senate Democrats pulled their support from a stablecoin bill over the weekend, after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) sought to expedite a floor vote.

A Democratic aide told the Hill that Democratic lawmakers were blindsided by the floor text of the GENIUS Act, the Senate version of the stablecoin framework, which they had not seen prior to its release last week.

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Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), ranking member of the Senate Banking Digital Assets Subcommittee, accused Republicans of attempting to force through the legislation without further negotiation.

It seems they want us to suck it up and vote for this bill without our input, Gallego wrote in a post on X on Sunday. Thats not what we expected during this negotiation and not how I operate. Our statement makes clear we wont let them jam us. Looking forward to continuing to get this bill to a better place.

Senate leadership is preparing to bring the stablecoin bill to the floor Thursday, according to a source familiar with planning work.

Updated at 12:41 p.m. EDT

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Senate Democrats on Tuesday voiced continued concerns over President Donald Trumps pick to lead personnel policies at the Pentagon, casting him as a partisan firebrand who will undermine cohesion in the ranks.

But Anthony Tata  who is likely to be confirmed to the senior military post despite the concerns  offered a partial apology for past attacks on Democratic lawmakers during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, and promised to focus on issues like recruiting and retention in his next role.

I regret making those comments, Tata said. I can guarantee you that if confirmed, I will be an apolitical leader that is trying to take care of the men and women in uniform, their families and the Defense Departments civilians.

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Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions

Tata, 65, is a retired Army brigadier general who previously served as acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy during Trumps first administration.

Earlier this year, the president nominated him to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, overseeing a host of issues regarding force readiness, quality of life programs and military pay.

In 2020, Tata was forced to withdraw his nomination for the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy post because of inflammatory comments he made on social media and television shows.

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They included labeling former President Barack Obama as a terrorist leader and a secret Muslim believer, as well as numerous anti-Islamic comments. He also suggested that Democratic lawmakers and federal workers were engaging in conspiracies to undermine and kill Trump, and stated that former CIA Director John Brennan deserved to be executed.

Democrats on the committee expressed surprise that Tata was renominated by Trump this year, given those past controversies.

I respect and appreciate your military service, but your record of public statements and behavior toward individuals with whom you disagree politically is disqualifying for a position of this significance, said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., ranking member of the committee.

If confirmed, you would need to serve all members of the Department of Defense and their families, not just those whom you agree with politically. Your public record and past performance at the Pentagon do not inspire confidence in this regard.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., echoed those same concerns.

You seem to think that if a general or admiral was promoted during a Democratic administration, that person should be automatically fired, she said. Thats just a political purge.

But Republicans on the committee characterized Tatas past comments as little more than typically political rhetoric, accusing Democrats of engaging in similar hyperbole in the past.

They praised Tata as the right person for the leadership post at a time when the Trump administration is pushing major reforms throughout the military bureaucracy.

Tata said if confirmed, a primary focus will be on recruiting and retention within the ranks. He said part of the solution will be new programs to expose high school students to the idea of serving in the military, appealing to both the job benefits and patriotic motivations.

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He also promised his office will align personnel policies with national security imperatives on increasing lethality and the warrior ethos.

A committee vote on Tatas nomination is expected later this month. Republicans majority in the Senate means that he can be confirmed into the role without any Democratic support.

Several Democratic committee members have vowed to delay or complicate the Trump administrations senior Pentagon nominations over concerns about department staff cuts and programming reassignments, but they likely will not be able to halt the confirmations without support from their GOP colleagues.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Denver City Council voted unanimously Monday night to not renew its contract with tech surveillance company Flock, which just installed dozens of license plate reading cameras throughout the city last year.

The council cited several reasons for concern over the program, including uncertainty around who has access to the data.

More license plate readers led to arrests of over 100 suspects: Denver police

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Those cameras went into place early last year at nearly 70 intersections around Denver. Denver Police tell us they have been successful at helping solve crime, but the city felt the successes didnt outweigh their concerns about who has access to that data.

DPD says that since the cameras were installed last year, the cameras have contributed to 275 arrests, 180 recovered stolen vehicles and 29 recovered firearms. Councilmember Sarah Parady says it isnt enough to lessen her concerns over what she calls mass surveillance.

Of course it works, thats not the point, she said. If we put a tracker on every human being in Denver, we would solve every crime and we would get a whole lot of other bad, unintended consequences of that.

Mayor Mike Johnstons office agrees the program has been a success, citing a 40% drop in auto theft.

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However, it tells us that it asked the city council to vote down the contract renewal, providing FOX31 with this statement:

The Mayors Office and Department of Safety asked City Council to vote down contract 25-0413 with Flock Safety today. Denvers automatic license plate reader system has been a critical component of our strategy to address and drive down auto theft citywide. Just last year, we saw a 40% drop in auto theft, and the ALPR strategy has been a key driver of that success. However, we acknowledge that todays environment is much different than when the pilot began in early 2024, and there are new community concerns surrounding this technology. We appreciate the feedback from the many stakeholders, and look forward to continuing conversations with the community to discuss public safety benefits and ensure that we are addressing privacy and security concerns. As we continue these important conversations, we plan to continue our pilot of the Flock software. As Denver works to leverage responsible technology to improve public safety in our community, we plan to convene a task force to address concerns and ensure we are employing the best strategies to reduce crime. We look forward to a collaborative process with City Council and other stakeholders across the city. Denver Mayors Office

Councilmember Chris Hinds specifically mentioned the cameras abilities to track more than just license plates, but also car makes and models, even damage, as causing fear among Denver immigrants.

Aurora City Council implements changes to public comment rules

I want to know more about what information is shared, who can see this information, how it is used and who is protected from it in a time when many in our immigrant communities, among many others, are fearful, said Hinds. We must do better.

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Denver District Attorney John Walsh provided FOX31 with this statement:

Denvers Flock cameras have proven to be an effective tool for protecting public safety and combating auto theft. We look forward to working with the Mayors Office, the Department of Public Safety and the City Council to address any privacy and security issues related to their use, so as to enable the City to continue using this valuable system. Denver District Attorney John Walsh

Councilmember Serena Gonzales Gutierrez says the effectiveness isnt her issue.

I am, however, not as concerned with how DPD has access to this data, but rather outside law enforcement agencies as my colleague has mentioned and other jurisdictions across the state and country, including federal agencies and the possibility of others accessing this data improperly, she said.

Parady said the contract renewal would have cost around $600,000. The city expects the cameras to remain up as part of the pilot program through the end of the year.

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The video above shows WGNs previous report on the arrest of a man who was charged with an attack of two Jewish students on DePaul Universitys campus last year.

CHICAGO (WGN)  DePaul University introduced a new safety policy in hopes of curbing any masked harassment that may occur on campus.

The new identification verification policy requires students, faculty and staff to remove masks and face coverings when asked to do so by a Public Safety officer.

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The safety measure went into effect on Friday, May 2. The officer must have a clear reason for asking for the coverings to be removed.

The change addresses a gap in our policies and is a needed update for situations when officers must verify the identity of individuals on university property, Robert L. Manuel, DePauls president, said in a statement.

Manuel says the university has had masked harassment occur on campus in the past.

Notably, a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged in the targeted attack of two Jewish students on DePaul Universitys Lincoln Park campus in Nov. 2024.

The students eventually sued the university, alleging that the educational institution failed to protect them. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, April 2, seeks physical and emotional damages for the students.

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More: Person of interest in custody in attack of 2 Jewish students on DePaul campus

The policy says accommodations can be requested for medical or religious reasons but refusal to comply can result in disciplinary action or removal from campus.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Mercer County Sheriffs Deputy was recently recognized for the life-saving action he took to save a childs life.

Deputy and Corrections Officer Chad Etzler was home, off-duty from his shift on the evening of April 21. Soon enough, a neighbor ran to him saying that they thought their infant child was choking.

Etzler performed CPR on the child until EMS crews arrived and transported the child to an area hospital.

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Medical staff later determined that the child was suffering from an episode related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Thanks to the quick thinking and actions by Chad, that child`s life was saved, said Sheriff Doug Timmerman in a release via social media.

Etzler received the Life Saving Award for his efforts.

Photo courtesy of the Mercer County Sheriffs Office.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) -Tuesday is National Tourism Appreciation Day. Its right in the middle of National Travel and Tourism Week.

For the fifth year, Destination Panama City celebrated the occasion with a special event to thank the community.

The agency served more than 500 free lunches today at the downtown marina by Hotel Indigo and Harrisons Kitchen and Bar.

This is Destination Panama Citys 10th year of business. Besides lunch, they also handed out free swag, drinks, and music.

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Bozeman High breaks ground on exciting expansion for students

This actually marks the 10th year of Destination Panama City empowering community growth and economic stability through our tourism benefits. You can see that throughout the city. With all of the enhancements to downtown and the vitality in St. Andrews and really the business of 23rd street, you know, tourism in Bay County supports over 35,000 jobs and has over a $3 billion economic impact to our area, President and CEO of Destination Panama City Jennifer Vigil said.

If you missed Mondays event, you have another chance to celebrate National Tourism Week on Wednesday.

The Panama City Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau is sponsoring a party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the M.B. Miller County Pier. There will be free food, ice cream, and music.

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SYDNEY, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have uncovered extensive, previously undocumented tropical oyster reefs thriving across northern Australia, reshaping scientific understanding of coastal ecosystems, a Griffith University study said on Tuesday.

The study marks the first comprehensive mapping of these reefs, which span from Queensland's Gladstone region to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Western Australia. Some reefs stretch over five hectares and are visible via satellite imagery, said a press release from Griffith University.

Their discovery challenges long-held assumptions that oyster reefs were mainly temperate and highlights the urgent need to include them in conservation efforts, said the research lead Marina Richardson, a research fellow at Griffith's School of Environment and Science.

Oyster reefs are essential marine habitats made up of living oysters and their shells. Often called the "kidneys of the sea," they play a key role in coastal ecosystems by offering shelter for marine life, naturally filtering water, and helping to protect shorelines from erosion, according to Griffith University.

However, over 99 percent have disappeared from southern Australia, rendering them functionally extinct in those regions, according to the study published in Marine Environmental Research.

Using modern DNA tools, researchers identified the reef-building species as "Saccostrea Lineage B," a close relative of the Sydney rock oyster. Lineage B remains scientifically unnamed and was only recently reported in Queensland during a 2024 biodiversity survey, it said, adding more than 60 new reef sites have been located through a collaborative effort involving satellite technology and citizen scientists since June 2024.

"By understanding where these reefs are, how many are left and how they function, we can ensure that they're not left behind in the global restoration movement," Richardson said. 
Florida elementary and middle school students would be banned from using cell phones from "bell to bell" during the school day under a bill passed by the Florida Legislature along partisan lines on Friday, May 2.

High school students would still be permitted to use them during instructional time, but House Bill 1105, an omnibus education bill composed of several previously filed initiatives, also creates a pilot program in six counties to test banning phone use during the entire school day there as well.

In 2023, Florida became the first state to restrict students' cell phone use during class. Indiana and Ohio soon followed.

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Now, states are looking to block mobile phone use entirely, despite critics' concerns about emergencies  such as shootings  in school. Last week, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law similar to Florida's current rules, and New York is considering its own total ban.

Does HB 1105 Education ban phones in Florida schools?

If the bill goes into effect, elementary and middle school students may not use any wireless communications device during the school day.

In high school, students would be permitted to use wireless communications devices outside of instructional time or if directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes, in an area the teacher designates.

The bill does not say that students may not carry phones, only that they may not use them.

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Exemptions are included for students with medical requirements for the use of a wireless communications device "based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence."

Meanwhile, the Department of Education is directed to select six school districts representing two small, two medium, and two large counties to enact a school phone ban. By the end of 2026, they must provide a report on the effects of a total phone and tablet ban on student achievement and behavior and create a model policy based on their findings that other school districts and charter schools in Florida can adopt.

Students in those districts would not be permitted to use phones or personal electronic devices during the entire school day, while on school grounds, or while engaged in school activities off school grounds during the school day.

The pilot program's report must also report on the number of violations that include phone use for illegal activities, bullying, harassment, threatening, cheating, or capturing or displaying images or video of a student during a medical issue or "engaged in misconduct."

House education bill bans cell phone use, benefits charter schools

The ban was initially the focus of House Bill 949, filed by Rep. Demi Busatta, R-Coral Gables, but that bill was postponed indefinitely last week when language from it was included in the omnibus education bill.

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HB 1105 also makes it easier to convert public schools into charter schools by putting the decision to convert solely in the hands of a majority of parents, without input from teachers or administrators.

The bill also adds more benefits for charter schools, such as:

Allowing municipalities to apply to convert existing public schools into job engine charter schools  privately run charter schools designed to attract "job-priducing entities" to the area by creating curricula aligned with their needs  if the school scores less than an "A" from the state for five years in a row

Requiring school districts to share discretionary surtax revenue with charter schools

Allowing some private schools to build new facilities without seeking rezoning or adhering to mitigation requirements

A 2023 Pew Research Center analysis found that 72% of the high school teachers surveyed said cellphone usage in classrooms distracts students, although (unsurprisingly) 70% of students ages 13-17 said that phone use was generally more positive than negative and 45% said that smartphones benefited their educational experience. Nearly a quarter of the teens polled said phones made learning more difficult and 30% did not notice a difference.

What states ban cell phone use in schools?

Many other states, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Vermont have either considered or passed student phone use bans in the last couple of years.

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However, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a phone ban last year, saying schools were already handling the issue on their own. According to the Pew study, in 2024, 82% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. said their school or district already had some sort of cellphone policy in place.

Bans in other states range in severity, with some allowing phone use during lunch and in between classes. Some districts require students to bag their phones in sealed pouches or store them in lockers during school hours.

Critics of student phone bans worry that in case of emergencies, including school shootings, immediate communication between students and parents or law enforcement is vital.

A HUGE debate that comes up in our group is the fear of school shootings," said Jodie Sherrill, one of the main moderators in the Parenting in a Tech World forum. "Many parents argue they want their child to reach them in that tragic event; the parent wants to reach the child; perhaps they can help get them out, or even just to say I love you one last time.

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Phone bans: Do smartphone bans work if parents push back?

When would the student phone ban in Florida take effect?

If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis or allowed to become law without his signature, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2025.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida bans student cell phone use, here's when and where
Witness testimony from R&B singer Cassie Ventura continued Wednesday on day three of Sean Diddy Combs's sex trafficking trial. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul has spent the last seven months in a Brooklyn jail after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life in prison. A 12-member jury panel, which was finalized Monday morning, will decide his fate.

By day three of the trial, jurors have now seen the 2016 surveillance video of Combs assaulting Ventura, his then girlfriend, in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel several times. In addition to Ventura's testimony, jurors have also heard testimony from a hotel security manager who filled out an incident report about the 2016 hotel assault and a male escort who said he was paid by Ventura to have sex with her while Combs watched.

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Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, took the witness stand Tuesday morning and provided an emotional account of her tumultuous over-10-year relationship with Combs, which was frequently marked by violence and physical abuse.

She testified that Combs had control over many aspects of her life, including her appearance and career, as well as her participation in "freak offs," drug-fueled sexual encounters between Ventura and male escorts that would last for days while Combs watched. Ventura said she numbed herself with drugs before the "freak offs" and felt obligated to participate because she feared what Combs would do if she declined.

When asked how many times Combs beat her like he did in the 2016 video, she replied, "too many" to count.

What has Diddy been accused of?

According to the indictment, Combs  also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy  abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.

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It contains a litany of shocking allegations, claiming that for decades, Combs used his business empire to conduct freak offs, drug-fueled sex performances in which women were allegedly coerced to participate.

The Bad Boy Records founder is accused of arranging, directing and masturbating during these freak offs, which he would often record, sometimes unbeknownst to the victims. The freak offs would last for days with multiple sex workers involved.

Sean Combs at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Combs allegedly distributed drugs  including ketamine, ecstasy, GHB, psilocybin and methamphetamine  to the victims to keep them obedient and compliant. After the days-long sex sessions, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion, the indictment states.

Combss employees allegedly arranged for the sex workers to cross state lines. Theyd also allegedly book hotels, stock rooms with freak off supplies, including more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant and arrange for travel for victims. The recordings Combs made of the freak offs were used as collateral to ensure the silence of the victims, according to the indictment.

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The indictment also alleges that Combs used guns, kidnapping and arson to control his victims.

Who are Combs's accusers?

Cassie Ventura and Combs at the Met gala in 2018. (John Shearer/Getty Images)

No victims were identified by name in the indictment, but allegations involving Victim-1 appear to align with a March 2016 incident in which Combs was recorded on surveillance video hitting, kicking and throwing a vase at then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.

In a separate incident outlined in the indictment, Combs allegedly dangled a victim over an apartment balcony.

Who are Combss lawyers?

Attorney Marc Agnifilo outside federal court in New York, Sept. 18, 2024. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Combss legal team is led by veteran criminal defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who has experience in high-profile cases, having previously represented NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere and Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, among others.

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Combss other lawyers include Teny Geragos, Alexandra Shapiro and Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thug in a racketeering case in Georgia and was the subject of a recent New Yorker profile.

What will they argue?

Combs being arraigned on a superseding indictment in New York on March 14. (Courtroom sketch by Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

At a pretrial hearing last month, Agnifilo offered a preview of his defense, arguing Combs was engaged in a swinger lifestyle, and that the sexual behavior was consensual, even common.

"There's a lifestyle, call it swingers or whatever you will, that he thought was appropriate because it was common," Agnifilo said in court. "Many people think it's appropriate because it's common.

Agnifilo also argued that the incident captured on video with Ventura was not evidence of trafficking but of an isolated domestic dispute.

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"It's our defense to these charges that this was a toxic, loving 11-year relationship," Agnifilo said.

He had previously called the prosecution of Combs unjust.

He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal, Agnifilo said in a statement following his indictment. He looks forward to clearing his name in court.

Who are the prosecutors?

A team of eight U.S. attorneys is arguing the case for the government, including Emily Johnson, Madison Smyser, Mary Slavik, Meredith Foster and Mitzi Steiner, who are listed as the lead lawyers on the docket.

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The prosecution team also features Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey. In 2022, she helped secure a conviction against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse underage girls. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Who is the judge?

Arun Subramanian at his Senate confirmation hearing, Dec. 13, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images)

The judge overseeing the trial is Arun Subramanian, who was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by then-President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed by the Senate in 2023.

He is the first judge of South Asian descent to serve on the courts bench.

Subramanian, a Columbia Law School graduate who clerked for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was a partner at the Manhattan law firm Susman Godfrey, where he specialized in commercial and bankruptcy law.

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The Diddy case is believed to be his highest profile trial yet.

Who else is expected to testify?

NBC News reported that prosecutors are also expected to call Dawn Hughes, a forensic psychologist who testified at R. Kellys federal trial and at the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. Shes also expected to testify in Harvey Weinsteins retrial on sexual assault and rape charges.

Who else has been seen in the courtroom?

King Combs, right, son of Sean Combs, holds an umbrella for Janice Combs, mother of Sean Combs, as they arrive at federal court Wednesday. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Members of Combss family, including his mother, Janice Combs, his sons and his daughters, have appeared in the courtroom in support of Combs during the first few days of the trial.

Will the trial be televised?

No. The trial will not be televised, as broadcasting of federal court proceedings is generally prohibited.

How long is the trial supposed to last?

The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  A group of citizens in Mountain City is voicing its opposition to a future Bitcoin mining facility.

Nevada-based Clean Spark, one of the nations largest Bitcoin mining companies, would build on 50 acres at Highway 421 and Rainbow Road.

The facility would be located near a power substation of Mountain Electric Cooperative, which said money from the mining facility would make up for lost revenue from the closure of Parkdale Mills, a now-shuttered plant nearby.

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Community organizer Amelia Lopez Saltarelli said she and her group think the Bitcoin mining facility would negatively affect the quality of life more than the revenue is worth.

TCAT Elizabethton, Northeast State Community College launch Administrative Professional Technology pathway

We care about our land and our homes and our children, she said. If this comes in, its going to ruin Mountain City and our tourism and everything else that its part of. And then the health, a lot of us moved here from different states into this small community because of our health. And this takes that away. So, property values will go down. So, any money the city and county think theyre going to gain from property taxes after this companys done with us in three years or so, everythings going to go down. People are not going to be able to sell. Theyre going to move out. This could be just a slow death for our town.

Mountain City resident Aaron Cunningham told News Channel 11 during a Monday gathering that the group will attend Tuesdays Mountain City Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting to speak against the facilitys approval.

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I really think that the sound issues are preeminent for a quiet, rural town like Mountain City, he said. I think that people appreciate that aspect of living here most. And if that were interrupted with a constant hum, it would, it would be very, very damaging to the community.

According to Tuesdays BMA meeting agenda, Mayor Jerry Jordan has an agenda item dedicated to review and discussion of Bitcoin Mining proposal and recent site visit to Georgia facility.

The BMA meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall (210 South Church Street) in Mountain City.

Approval for the mining facility could be granted within the next 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
In the decades-long and often painful transition from Agricultural Reserve to suburbia, it's the private developer that's worn the bad-guy mantle. Heaven knows GL Homes has had that role, even as it continues to build high-priced gated communities along Lyons Road. But now there's a new "villain" accused of bringing unwanted development into a pristine part of Palm Beach County.

Who thought it would be one of the county's constitutional officers?

Yet, here's Anne Gannon, the county's longtime tax collector, pushing ahead with plans to build a new 23,000-square-foot service center on 4.2 acres of "Old Florida" farmland along Lyons Road just south of Atlantic Avenue. The new "DMV" is expected to open in 2027 and would processes motor vehicle transactions for new licenses, disabled parking permits, license reinstatements, title transfers and vehicle registrations. There would be space too for driver license tests.

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Needless to say, the new tax collector's office has drawn protests. In a letter to county commissioners, the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations is said to be "flabbergasted" about the facility's location and its impact on traffic. They've vowed to fight, seeing their cause to be not just a NIMBY but an affront to their zip code.

I understand the angst, but I have to stand with Anne on this one.

I mean, have you seen Lyons Road lately? That pristine part of the Ag Reserve is pretty much gone. What's left has either been encroached by commercial and residential development, or is up for sale. Like it or not, the area is fast becoming suburbia. A new county DMV office might as well be part of it.

County services needed in growing Ag Reserve community

To hear old timers tell it, there once was no Lyons Road. Just open fields. In 1998, the county began developing a master plan to preserve a portion of south county to enhance agricultural activity and environmental and water resources. Today, the Ag Reserve consists of 22,000 acres that is under siege by urban sprawl.

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Letter: Three strikes and youre out  unless youre developing Palm Beach County

It's not like county officials haven't played a role in the unincorporated area's growth west of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. They were the ones who okayed commercial development in the Ag Reserve along Atlantic Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. That's why those corridors are now home to fast-food chains, gas stations, grocery stores, movie theaters and storage facilities that have replaced sweet corn fields, horse farms, nurseries and open space.

Many of those same county officials saw the handwriting on the wall for Lyons Road, as gated communities now dot what was once farmland along the 10-mile stretch in the Ag Reserve between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Clint Moore Road, with the likelihood of more to come.

County tax collector is unfazed by opposition

Enter Anne Gannon who put down $4.3 million to buy the land. She's spent thousands more on development plans and traffic studies, which show that the recently widened stretch of Lyons Road can handle any traffic generated by the service center. She's unfazed by any opposition to the center and seems to have all the cards to get the deal done.

Rendering of what the new tax collector service, west of Delray Beach, would have looked like. Community opposition forced Tax Collector Anne Gannon to abandon the plans.

A county ordinance gives her the right to build the center without seeking county commission approval. If variances aren't needed, her plans can move forward without a public hearing before the county zoning commission, something she's trying to avoid by amending her proposal and simply seeking administrative approval from county planners.

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Opinion: What's slowing down Palm Beach County construction? I'll tell you.

"We are going to build," Gannon told Post reporter Mike Diamond.

There's a credible argument that one of the county's fastest growing communities could benefit from government services. It's that rationale that resulted in new county facilities along Lyons Road  a library at the Canyon Town Center off Boynton Beach Boulevard, a new fire station going up near the Valencia Sound community and now a new "DMV" that will save residents a seven-mile trip to the nearest tax collector service center in Gulfstream.

Douglas C. Lyons

Gannon saw a need and is trying to meet it. Knee-jerk opposition just doesn't cut it as the correct response.

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Douglas C. Lyons is an editorial writer and columnist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. He can be reached at dclyons@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: DMV, services needed in growing Palm Beach County community | Opinion
Big Hollow Lake, located near Mediapolis, is on Iowa's impaired water list for high algae, turbidity and pH levels. (Photo via Google Earth)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has prepared a plan to improve water quality at Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County and is now seeking public comments on the plan.

Big Hollow Lake was one of more than 700 segments on the DNRs 2024 list of impaired waters in the state. The lake was impaired with high levels of algae, turbidity, or cloudiness, and pH, all of which have an impact on lake recreation and aquatic life.

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Jim Hallmark led DNRs presentation of the plan, which is available online until June 2, and said these issues are a result of excess nutrients, primarily phosphorus, entering the watershed and then the lake.

Per the Clean Water Act, states must develop Total Maximum Daily Loads, or TMDLs, for impaired waters, which is a calculation of how much of a certain pollutant is allowed in a body of water. From the TMDL, the state also determines a pollutant reduction goal and sets load reductions for identified polluters.

DNR records show Big Hollow Lake has been impaired since at least 2016.

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The presentation included a pie chart of the share of existing total phosphorus, as it is allocated currently. Row crops account for 60% of the share. Hallmark said this is expected since the majority of the surrounding land is row crop farmland.

Nutrient runoff from row crops is considered non-point source pollution and is harder to regulate than point source polluters, who have permits with the DNR.

The existing phosphorus load for the lake is 7,414 pounds per year, and the TMDL goal is 2,188 pounds per year, or an approximately 70% reduction.

Our objective is to reduce the sediment runoff in the watershed reaching our waterbody of interest, Hallmark said.

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He said reducing the phosphorus in the lake would decrease algal blooms and pH spikes.

The TMDL also outlines strategies to meet the reduction goals.

Some of the options for nutrient reduction in the watershed include land management practices like cover crops, manure and nutrient management, perennial strips and reduced tillage. These strategies would keep the nutrients on the land, closer to where they are applied.

Other options could include structural mitigation practices, like wetlands, buffer zones or sediment basins, two of which were installed near the lake in 2024. These strategies would help to trap some of the nutrients before they end up in the lake.

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The final option could include in-lake remediation, including targeted dredging, where the water is lowered and sediment is removed from the bottom of the lake.

Locally, Des Moines County Conservation teamed with state and county partners to develop its own water quality project and encourage folks who live or own land in the watershed to implement some of the nutrient reduction strategies.

You are the first line of defense for the lakes water quality, the countys website reads.

Public comments on the DNRs TMDL must be submitted by June 2. After the comments are collected, the department will forward the final plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

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Public comments on the plan can be emailed to: tmdlcomments@dnr.iowa.gov

Or mailed to: James Hallmark, care of Iowa DNR, 6200 Park Ave, Suite 200, Des Moines, Iowa 50321

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This story has been updated with new information.

Cardinals from across the world have one task starting this week. Electing a new pope.

Pope Francis died at age 88 and served as pope for 12 years before his unexpected death on Easter Monday in 2025. Weeks after his sudden death, the papal conclave, made up of more than 100 Roman Catholic Cardinals from 71 different countries, is tasked with deciding who will be the next pope.

When does the conclave start?

Selecting the next pope is a long, sacred tradition that few have been privy to if they weren't the cardinals in the church selecting the next pope.

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Within 15-20 days of a pope's death, or retirement in some cases, the College of Cardinals will meet to select the new pope in what is called the papal conclave.

Cardinals will come together on Wednesday, May 7, to vote for a new pope.

Who decides who the new pope will be?

The voters consist of cardinals from all over the world who are less than 80 years old. Meaning, of the 252 cardinals, 138 are electors, according to the Vatican. For the vote though, 135 cardinals will sequester in the Sistine Chapel to vote on the successor to Francis

Cardinal electors meet in the Sistine Chapel and begin the secretive voting process for the next pope. Once it begins, the electors are sworn to silence and cannot communicate with the outside world.

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This lasts until a new pope is elected by at least two-thirds of the electors' votes.

When will the world know when a new pope is elected?

The sign for a new pope being elected is white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel.

If black smoke rises from the chapel, it means that no candidate has earned the required votes and voting with continue.

How can I keep up with the vote for the new pope?

This isn't a live event that will be streamed online inside the conclave, but you can keep up with what's happening outside.

Conclaves have always been a highly mysterious and secretive event. The cardinals will be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel and aren't allowed to communicate with anyone outside of the electors. So the world will know when a new pope is elected once white smoke rises from the chimney.

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One way you can keep up to date with what is happening is via the Catholic News Agency, which monitors all things surrounding the Vatican. You can find live updates at catholicnewsagency.com.

You can also watch USA TODAY's live stream of what is happening outside of the conclave starting at 6 a.m. ET on May 7 below or at their YouTube page.

How long will it take to decide on a new pope?

It took just 28 hours to choose Pope Francis in 2012, but it isn't always that quick.

In the 13th century, it took three years for cardinals to select Gregory X, but that's not something that we usually have to worry about in modern times. It could take a couple of days, though.

The longest conclave to occur in the 20th century was just five days

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When will there be a new pope? When does the conclave start?
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (L, Front) leaves the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party in Bucharest, Romania, on May 5, 2025. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).

The announcement comes as Romania's ruling PSD declared its decision to withdraw from the governing coalition.

"One of the two objectives of the governing coalition was not achieved, which means that the governing coalition lacks legitimacy - at least in its current composition," Ciolacu said, referencing the fallout after the first round of Romania's presidential election rerun on Sunday. Crin Antonescu, the presidential candidate representing the governing coalition, failed to secure a spot in the second-round runoff scheduled for May 18.

While the transition is underway, PSD ministers will remain in their positions temporarily as discussions continue with coalition partners - the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) - to establish interim governance arrangements, according to Ciolacu.

Interim President Ilie Bolojan formally acknowledged Ciolacu's resignation. According to a statement from the Presidential Administration, an interim prime minister will be appointed on Tuesday.

The interim cabinet may remain in place for up to 45 days, during which a new government must be formed. During this period, the interim cabinet is authorized only to manage routine public affairs until the newly appointed government members are sworn in.

The outgoing coalition, established in December 2024, comprised the PSD, PNL, UDMR, and representatives of Romania's national minorities. 

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu speaks to the media at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party in Bucharest, Romania, on May 5, 2025. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (C) speaks to the media at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party in Bucharest, Romania, on May 5, 2025. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu (C) speaks to the media at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party in Bucharest, Romania, on May 5, 2025. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
The federal government has terminated almost $2.5 billion in health care grant funds to the state of Florida.

About $1.7 billion of those funds had already been distributed, but $680 million had yet to be dispersed to state agencies and universities before the federal government began slashing grants under President Donald Trump's "Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending" memo.

And almost one-third of the number of awards, about $42 million in grants with almost $17 million in terminated funds, are explicitly for HIV research. Florida has the third highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country, according to 2022 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

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Those working to end the HIV epidemic say this cut in funding will have a "devastating impact."

A medical assistant tests blood drawn from a patient on National HIV Testing Day at a Planned Parenthood health center on June 27, 2017 in Miami, Florida.

"These are funds that we count on," said Rachel Klein, deputy executive director of the AIDS Institute. "We are so close to achieving an end to the epidemic, but it requires an investment in order to make that happen.

Data from the Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) system, which tracks obligated grant funds from the 12 divisions in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, shows approximately $2.49 billion in Florida grants that were shut down by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in March and April of this year.

Other than HIV prevention, the awards included funds for infectious disease control and prevention, childhood vaccines and immunizations, LGBTQ-related medical research and mental health. Some of the funds, like those allocated for childhood vaccines, were part of the American Rescue Plan, the 2021 economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in 2021 and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

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The recipients of the grants to combat HIV were all Florida universities: Florida State University, Florida International University, and both the University of Miami's medical school and Coral Gables campus. All funds were issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Florida Department of Health, and FSU, FIU and the University of Miami's medical school did not respond to a request for comment.

Tim Purcell and Doug Degenhardt with the North Florida chapter of the AIDS Memorial Quilt hang a banner on one of the balconies of Jacksonville's City Hall building atrium ahead of Friday's World AIDS Day ceremony. The City of Jacksonville commemorated World AIDS Day with a quilt ceremony put on by the Northeast Florida chapter of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and attended by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan who presented the 2023 City of Jacksonville Proclamation, officially designating December 1 as World AIDS Day in Jacksonville Friday morning in the atrium of City Hall. December 1, 2023.

The biggest chunk of unspent money was about $15 million for the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS interventions (ATN) at the Scientific Leadership Center at FSU.

In a LinkedIn post, Lisa Hightow-Weidman, the director of the university's Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, wrote that the termination letter said research programs based primarily on artificial and non-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 health, lengthen life, or reduce illness."

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Hightow-Weidman argued the program has allowed for the invention of life-saving treatments and HIV prevention medication like PrEP.

"The ATN is not a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiative and does not use arbitrary categories for our research," Hightow-Weidman said. "The ATN responds directly to disease burden, healthcare gaps, and population-level health threats using epidemiological data from all adolescents and young adults in the U.S."

Florida's own version of DOGE is also reviewing the state's universities and their grants. In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis said over a one-year term, the state will attempt to sunset 70 state boards and commissions, cut 900 positions, require universities to undergo independent reviews and audits and look into local government expenditures.

In late March and early April, the governor's office sent letters to universities, asking them to provide information about awarded grants and their research purposes and staffing. That data was due April 30.

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On May 5, Florida's DOGE announced it discovered a grant at the University of West Florida that has used over $800,000 in federal funding from the National Science Foundation entitled "Educating Science and Mathematics Majors to Teach with Social Justice Models in High-Needs Schools."

In a social media post, the agency alleged the funding aimed to" train math and science teachers on how to promote social justice and 'cultural responsiveness' in their classrooms."

"No Florida college or university should be focused on social justice or woke ideology over classical education," wrote DeSantis in a post on X.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DOGE cuts millions in funds for HIV research at Florida universities
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  State DMV officials are warning of lines at both the airport and DMV offices ahead of Wednesdays REAL ID deadline.

Chris Crabb with Oregon DMV said if you do not have a REAL ID card by the deadline, you will still be able to travel, but you need a form of ID that is REAL ID compliant.

VIDEO: Driver intentionally sideswipes motorcycle on Hwy 26 before fleeing

There are quite a few options that you can present at TSA and still get on a flight including a passport, military ID, tribal ID, permanent residence card, or even a foreign government issued passport. You can find a full list of acceptable forms here.

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Crabb said it is not mandatory that you have that REAL ID by the deadline, but traveling without it will not be convenient.

You should do everything you can to have some form of real, identifiable, REAL ID compliant identification to get on a plane on Wednesday, she said. If you dont, you will probably face much longer wait times and significantly more security, and you might not get on your flight.

Crabb said TSA has been telling the DMV people will most likely be able to get on their flights, but they are encouraging people to get to the airport early to make sure they get through, and to expect delays. Crabb said TSA is also saying the people who do not have a REAL ID can face additional screening.

They will probably have delayed lines, she said. And again, that depends if, you know, if a couple people show up on Wednesday without a real ID, probably not a big deal for the lines. If 10,000 people show up on Wednesday, that line is going to be significantly longer.

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Crabb said DMVs are still seeing record crowds as people try and get their REAL IDs. Her message if you need something at the DMV see if you can skip the office.

Unless you are getting a real ID, see if you can do your transaction another way, either by phone or by mail, she said. We have self-serve kiosks in Fred Myers across the state where you can renew your drivers registration, print your stickers out right there. See if theres another way to avoid having to be in a DMV office right now.

Bodies found in Portland area rivers pretty normal occurrence

It takes up to three weeks after your appointment to get your REAL ID card in the mail. In the past TSA has said they would not accept temporary cards as a form of REAL ID. But with the deadline days away, Crabb said it might be worth a try.

An example of a Real ID in Oregon, March 18, 2025 (ODOT)

If you are having a flight this week and youve got your real ID and you have that temporary card, were encouraging people to go ahead and bring that and bring your ID that has the punch card, something that just kind of shows that you have made the effort to get through this line, she said.

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Crabb said travelers should absolutely bring an alternate form of REAL ID in addition to their temporary cards just in case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The deadline to get a REAL ID is fast approaching after years of postponements and delays.

Starting May 7, your license or identification card will need to be REAL ID-compliant to fly domestically in the U.S.

Unfortunately, it doesnt seem like there will be another delay in the deadline this time. So, if youre confused about how to get a REAL ID, why you even need one in the first place, and what happens if you dont have one by May 7, here are some things to know:

What is a REAL ID?

Its a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that the DHS says is a more secure form of identification. Besides needing a REAL ID to fly domestically, you will also need one to access certain federal buildings and facilities.

Why is this happening?

When the REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005, it enacted a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the government set security standards for state-issued drivers licenses and IDs.

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REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of drivers licenses and identification cards, John Essig, the Transportation Security Administrations Security Director for airports in the New York City region said in a press release on April 3. The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

The REAL ID Act was supposed to begin rolling out in 2008, but has faced repeated delays due to state implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial director for Travel + Leisure. The combination of varying state processes and shifting deadlines has added to the overall confusion around REAL IDs and likely led some travelers to take the deadlines less seriously.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?

If youve gotten a new ID in the last few years, it could already be REAL ID-compliant.

I also hear from travelers who are confused as to whether or not they already have a REAL ID, Ruggiero said. Some people who have recently renewed their license may already have a compliant ID and not know it, so you may want to double-check yours before starting the process.

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A REAL ID-compliant drivers license has a symbol (in most states, a star) in the top corner of the card.

If you live in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington, its possible you could have an enhanced ID card instead, which permits you to both fly domestically and cross land and sea borders into Mexico and Canada from the U.S. It does not, however, allow you to fly into either of those countries.

Enhanced IDs will have an American flag icon, as well as the word enhanced at the top of the card.

If I dont have a REAL ID, how do I get one?

The requirements vary by state, so you will need to visit the website of your states drivers licensing agency to find out the specific steps, including whether youll need to make an appointment at a DMV and what documentation youll need when you get there.

What happens on May 7? What if I dont have a REAL ID by then?

If you dont have a REAL ID by the deadline and youre planning to board a domestic flight, you will need to bring your passport or another TSA-approved form of identification when you travel.

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TSA spokesperson Dan Velez told Boston 25 News that veterans can use a Department of Defense ID card. He says Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards will also be accepted, in addition to a passport.

Velez urged travelers without a REAL ID to get to the airport quite a bit earlier than normal.

What were going to do is identify individuals who do not have a REAL ID or are not REAL ID-compliant and kind of pull them out of the line, so that the folks who are REAL ID-compliant can go through, Velez explained. Were going to try to do this with as little interruption to operations as possible.

Otherwise, you could face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, warns TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

The deadline has already been pushed back so many times. Could it be delayed again?

In mid-April, a group of state senators from Kentucky asked the agency to delay implementing the new requirements yet again. They said the state has limited appointments available to people seeking the new cards and that there has been a rush to meet the May 7 deadline.

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However, Velez told the AP that the agency does not intend to delay the REAL ID deadline again.

As of late April, 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints were presenting acceptable identification, including a state-issued REAL ID, according to DHS.

How can Massachusetts residents register for an appointment to get a REAL ID?

Are you cleared for takeoff? Schedule an appointment at an RMV Service Center near you to upgrade to a REAL ID.

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The former Maine governor who has called himself Donald Trump before Donald Trump has launched a campaign to take over the seat held by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden.

Paul LePage, who served as governor of Maine from 2011 to 2019, on Monday announced a run for the states swingy second district, which Golden won last November by less than a point in a ranked-choice vote.

I do not need a job, I am running to protect our Maine jobs, LePage said in a statement on social media announcing his candidacy. I am running to serve the people of Maine and help the president fix Washington.

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The bombastic Republican, who regularly stoked controversy as governor, stepped aside after eight years overseeing the state and moved to Florida. He ran again for the post against Gov. Janet Mills in 2022, losing by nearly 13 points.

In 2019, shortly after leaving the governors mansion, LePage made headlines for suggesting that Democrats money came from Jewish donors, for the most part. In 2011, he initially refused to attend a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast, and told an enraged NAACP to kiss my butt when the organization complained.

Golden, a four-term House rep, has survived in his seat by tracking to the political center. President Donald Trump won the second district by around six points in 2020. LePage carried the district in his recent loss to Mills.

During the 2024 election, Golden did not endorse former Vice President Kamala Harris and hes banded with Republicans on energy policy.

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The Cook Political Report lists the seat as a tossup.

The entrenched interests are fighting President Trump at every turn as he works to fix problems, LePage said. We need more straight talk to help take back Washington. We need more real-world business experience, those who know how to create jobs.
Contributions to Luigi Mangiones legal defense fund surpassed $1 million on Tuesday, organizers of the crowdfunded effort said, boosted by more than 28,000 individual contributors giving a median donation of $20.

Mangione, who turned 27 Tuesday, faces state and federal charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel late last year.

In a statement announcing the financial milestone, organizers spun the windfall as a referendum on the American healthcare system.

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The fund has become one of the few uncensored public forums for people in America to share their grievances with our lethal for-profit healthcare system and the indefensible economic and political order that has imposed it upon us, they wrote.

Even as the legal system becomes weaponized in the service of the billionaire class, people across the world continue to insist on the right to due process and to oppose the obvious cruelty of the regimes attempt to kill him.

At the direction of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty on the charge of murder through use of a firearm.

He faces additional state charges in New York, including an act of terrorism, and a handful of counts in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested while eating breakfast at a McDonalds.

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Mangione pleaded not guilty to both the federal and state charges.

Bondi hit back at characterizations of Mangione as a folk hero of sorts last month when she announced plans to seek the death penalty, calling Thompsons killing an act of political violence.

Bondi said in a statement, Luigi Mangiones murder of Brian Thompson  an innocent man and father of two young children  was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.

Police said shell casings recovered at the scene of the shooting had the words delay, deny and depose inscribed on them, apparently a reference to tactics employed by health insurance companies to deny services and payments.

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Mangione was also found with a three-page manifesto that police said indicated he had ill will towards corporate America.

In a February statement, after the online fundraiser passed more than $300,000 in donations, Mangiones lawyers said he very much appreciates the outpouring of support.

Related...
Marie Laure Autefort had told everyone in Tremolat she loved Jean-Francois Guerrier, her brother said - SO_DORDOGNE

A French pensioner detained over the suspected murder of a British mother in the Dordogne was wrongly accused, her brother has told The Telegraph.

Philippe Monribot said his sister had fallen in love with a man who was thought to be having an affair with Karen Carter.

Mrs Carter was found stabbed to death outside her guest house in Tremolat a week ago.

Mr Monribot explained how police targeted his sibling because she had told everyone in the village she was in love with Jean-Francois Guerrier, who volunteered at a cafe with Mrs Carter.

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She went around Tremolat saying, Im in love, I dont have a husband any more. Im in love, her brother said.

Marie Laure Autefort, a 69-year-old retired carer and amateur genealogist, was detained by the French authorities and later released. She has since left the village of Tremolat, east of Bordeaux.

All I know is that shes in a very, very bad way and wont get over this accusation, Mr Monribot said.

Karen Carter, who was stabbed to death in the Dordogne, and her husband Alan, who is based in South Africa

She was easy prey, for the journalists, for the prosecutor, it was easy. She told everyone in Tremolat, I love Jean-Francois.

They destroyed her, destroyed her, the family is destroyed.

She couldnt say anything when she got out (of questioning). It was like coming out of Guantanamo.

0705 Dordogne murder

Mrs Carter, a 65-year-old mother of four, was found sprawled on the ground next to her car on April 29 with eight stab wounds to her chest, groin, arm and leg.

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Her body was discovered by Mr Guerrier, a 74-year-old retired Fujitsu executive from the village with whom she had allegedly been having an affair for several weeks.

Ms Autefort was released the day after she was detained when detectives examined her schedule.

She has now fled to Paris to escape the bad atmosphere of the village, Mr Monribot said.

Jean-Francois Guerrier, a retired Fujitsu executive, was said to be in a relationship with Karen Carter before she was stabbed to death

Over a cafe au lait outside the villages pizzeria, Mr Monribot said his sister was very, very far away in Paris... because she was wrongly accused.

Gesturing to the cobbled streets and the medieval church opposite, he said: She was beautiful, she was like France.

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French prosecutors leading the murder investigation said Mrs Carter had been in a relationship with Mr Guerrier for several weeks at the time of her death.

Mrs Carters husband, Alan Carter, who is travelling to Tremolat from his home 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 herself.

Mrs Carter and Mr Guerrier had previously been filmed dancing with each other at parties hosted at the Cafe Village, an eatery and community hub in Tremolat where they both regularly volunteered.

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Marie Laure Autefort had told everyone in Tremolat she loved Jean-Francois Guerrier, her sister said - SO_DORDOGNE

A French pensioner detained over the suspected murder of a British mother in the Dordogne was wrongly accused, her brother has told The Telegraph.

Philippe Monribot said his sister had fallen in love with a man who was thought to be having an affair with Karen Carter, found dead outside her guest house in the Dordogne

He explained how police targeted his sibling because she had told everyone in the village she was in love with Jean-Francois Guerrier, who volunteered at a cafe with Mrs Carter.

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She went around Tremolat saying, Im in love, I dont have a husband any more. Im in love, Mr Monribot said.

0705 Dordogne murder

Marie Laure Autefort, a 69-year-old retired carer and amateur genealogist, was detained by the French authorities and later released. She has since left the village of Tremolat, east of Bordeaux.



All I know is that shes in a very, very bad way and wont get over this accusation, Mr Monribot said.

Karen Carter, who was stabbed to death in the Dordogne, and her husband Alan, who is based in South Africa

She was easy prey, for the journalists, for the prosecutor, it was easy. She told everyone in Tremolat, I love Jean-Francois.

They destroyed her, destroyed her, the family is destroyed.

Like coming out of Guantanamo

She couldnt say anything when she got out (of questioning). It was like coming out of Guantanamo.

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Mrs Carter, a 65-year-old mother of four, was found sprawled on the ground next to her car on April 29 with eight stab wounds to her chest, groin, arm and leg.

Her body was discovered by Mr Guerrier, a 74-year-old retired Fujitsu executive from the village with whom she had allegedly been having an affair for several weeks.

Ms Autefort was released the day after she was detained when detectives examined her schedule.

She has now fled to Paris to escape the bad atmosphere of the village, Mr Monribot said.

Jean-Francois Guerrier, a retired Fujitsu executive, was said to be in a relationship with Karen Carter before she was stabbed to death

Over a cafe au lait outside the villages pizzeria, Mr Monribot said his sister was very, very far away in Paris... because she was wrongly accused.

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Gesturing to the cobbled streets and the medieval church opposite, he said: She was beautiful, she was like France.

French prosecutors leading the murder investigation said Mrs Carter had been in a relationship with Mr Guerrier for several weeks at the time of her death.

Mrs Carters husband, Alan Carter, who is travelling to Tremolat from his home 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 herself.

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Mrs Carter and Mr Guerrier had previously been filmed dancing with each other at parties hosted at the Cafe Village, an eatery and community hub in Tremolat where they both regularly volunteered.

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.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  This summer, both Winn-Dixie locations in Dothan will close, with a new name soon to follow.

A chain supermarket that some Dothan residents grew up on, as it has been in the city for at least 20 years.

I moved here in 99 and came over from Texas, my original home is in south Alabama, over in Butler County, but I have been going to Winn Dixie since I was a kid so we will see how it all pans out and hopefully its all for the best, said shopper Robert Wilson.

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Another shopper, Catherine Dawkins, says she will miss the quality of her beloved store.

Well, in a way, I hate it because I love to shop here, and its a good store to shop at, and everything is fresh, says Dawkins.

The two Dothan locations will be converted into Aldi. Currently, the closest Aldi is the store in Enterprise, which opened in November 2023.

This comes after Winn-Dixies parent company, Southeastern Grocers, bought back over 170 of its stores from Aldi earlier this year. In the deal, Aldi kept over 200 stores to convert them, two of which are the Dothan locations.

Dawkins says she never heard of Aldi before but may give it a chance one day, while Wilson, who has heard about it, says he is optimistic about the new store.

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I hope they maintain the good customer service that Winn Dixie is known for, not sure how the meat selection will be because thats a trademark for Winn Dixie, they are beef people and had a full-time butcher, but I hope it carries on to the next chain, well miss them, said Wilson.

But with the change, its unknown if the employees will be kept as Aldi employees or if they will have to look for another job.

Really hate for people to lose their job, said Dawkins.

There are economic ups and downs, and we just hope the best for all of those involved, Wilson told WDHN.

The closure will not go into effect until July, and the locations will stay closed for a few months while they are being remodeled.

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SARAJEVO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Closer cooperation between European countries and China is crucial in view of the instability caused by an unpredictable United States administration, a leading figure in Bosnian-Chinese relations stressed in a recent interview with Xinhua.

President of the Bosnian-Chinese Friendship Association Faruk Boric highlighted such challenges as geopolitical tensions, energy crises and the reorganization of global supply chains, saying: "It is time for Europe to awaken, reflect, and seize the opportunity to cooperate with China and other countries."

The European Union (EU) has traditionally been an ally of the United States, Boric said. However, this relationship has been undermined by U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable behavior, which has thrown the world into crisis.

"EU-China cooperation is not optional, but a shared responsibility bestowed by our time," the expert stressed.

Boric, who is also the executive director of the Center for Promotion and Development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), emphasized China's crucial role in stabilizing global supply chains, promoting green development, and enhancing connectivity.

China's path of modernization offers valuable lessons for the world, he underlined, particularly in addressing global issues such as unequal development, environmental challenges, and digital transformation.

Europe, with its strong technological capabilities and industrial foundation, stands to benefit greatly from increased collaboration with China, which will drive regional and global sustainable development. As two of the world's largest economies, the EU and China must overcome misunderstandings and seize the opportunity for cooperation, he added.

Boric also emphasized the role of BiH in building bridges between the EU and China. Although Bosnia is a small country, as a neighbor of the EU and a potential member of the bloc, Bosnia can offer a platform for pilot projects related to the BRI, he said.

As EU-China cooperation grows in areas including green energy, digital economy, and infrastructure, Boric expressed his confidence that Europe will adopt a more pragmatic, open approach to its relationship with China, moving away from external pressures. 
DENVER (KDVR)  A white male believed to be in his late teens to early 20s is being sought by the Douglas County Sheriffs Office following an alleged road rage incident in Highlands Ranch on April 30.

The sheriffs office wrote on X that the suspect, who was shown in photos that appeared to show he was driving a black Tesla without a visible license plate, nearly struck an unidentified female driver after reversing his vehicle aggressively in the wake of a minor traffic dispute.

Colorado third worst state for road rage, report says

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The suspect was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black beanie depicting the South Park cartoon character Cartman, according to photos posted by the sheriffs office.

An unknown white male suspected of a road rage incident in Highlands Ranch on April 30. (Credit: Douglas County Sheriffs Office).

The sheriffs office is asking for anyone who may recognize the individual or has information that can assist their investigation to contact Deputy Marc Werder by email at mwerder@dcsheriff.net.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dozens of social media influencers had to be rescued Saturday afternoon after the 63-foot Lamborghini yacht they were traveling on began to sink off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida.

All 32 people aboard were safely evacuated from the boat, and no injuries were reported, according to authorities.

The yacht  called the TNT, per the Miami Herald  started taking on water near Monument Island around 5 p.m., prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local marine patrol units.

U.S. Coast Guard crews and partner agencies responded to the 63-ft vessel taking on water near Monument Island. via Associated Press

Witnesses described a dramatic scene as first responders arrived.

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We saw, like, a bunch of cop boats, like police boats, and there was another yacht that was flipped over, completely vertical in the water, Rachel Miller told Miamis WSVN-TV.

Passengers on the sinking vessel, though, were reportedly nonchalant to any potential danger and continued filming and taking selfies because the boat was in shallow waters. Videos shared online showed one joking about the Titanic.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation. Some media reports have suggested the yacht could have been over capacity.

Commercial salvage is attempting to recover the vessel and isnt a hazard to navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard wrote on social media, adding a special thank you to the Good Samaritan boat operators in the vicinity who also rendered assistance.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation. via Associated Press

Related...
Ed Milibands net zero drive will damage growth while making no difference to overall carbon emissions, the boss of Britains biggest long-term savings firm has warned.

Sir Nicholas Lyons, chairman of Standard Life owner Phoenix, said the Governments decision to back away from North Sea oil and gas had made Britain less secure and more vulnerable to economic shocks.

High energy costs and a dependence on foreign imports have left Britain at a competitive disadvantage, according to the FTSE 100 chairman. He warned that the transition to net zero would weigh on the economy and urged Labour to reopen the North Sea to help lower energy prices.

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I think the transition to net zero delivers additional costs that will inhibit growth, the City grandee told The Telegraph.

We have a raging need to deliver growth in our economy, and the cost of energy is a competitive disadvantage. So solving that equation is going to be a very important part of it.

While Sir Nicholas said he believed in the shift towards clean energy, he added that this should not be at the expense of economic growth.

Its a very difficult balancing act to get right but youve got to get growth. It has to trump everything at the moment.

We have to look at the different costs of producing energy. And if we know that hydrocarbons are going to have to be part of the mix, I would rather we used cheaper natural resources that were producing domestically than importing.

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Britain relies on foreign supplies for roughly 40pc of its energy needs, a statistic that has left the economy exposed to fluctuations in energy prices  including at the start of Russias war in Ukraine.

Mr Miliband has argued that the best way to secure Britains energy system is to cut its reliance on oil and gas by shifting to a clean power system running on renewables by 2030. Labour has banned all new drilling licences in the North Sea as part of a pledge to hit net zero by 2050.

However, Sir Nicholas, who previously served as the Lord Mayor of London, argued that the decision to stop drilling for oil and gas in our waters before completing the shift to green energy was the wrong one.

He said: You see peaks from time to time in the cost of hydrocarbons that are caused by things that are completely out of our control. That is going to be an inhibitor on growth. I would rather that we had access to resources that are within our control.

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Norways energy minister told The Telegraph last week that it was likely Oslo would send fossil fuels to Britain for many decades.

Pressure on Government to change net zero stance

Sir Nicholass comments follow a series of high profile interventions on net zero, including a warning from Sir Tony Blair, who argued that limiting energy consumption and oil and gas production was doomed to fail.

Citing the former Labour prime ministers intervention, Sir Nicholas said: As the Tony Blair Institute said, hydrocarbons will remain part of the mix for several decades still to come. And as we think about national resilience, do we want to be an importer of oil or gas from abroad, or do we want to harvest the resources that weve got?

Both Reform and the Tories are piling pressure on Labour to change its stance on net zero, with the former declaring war on some projects in the countryside in the wake of its success in local elections.

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Labours union backers are also calling for the strategy to be redrawn, with the leaders of both Unite and GMB warning that the race to net zero is destroying jobs.

Sir Nicholas added that rushing to decarbonise would make little difference to global emissions.

He said: The fact of the matter is, the UK produces less than 1pc of the carbon emissions in the world. If we were perfect in our renewable energy and net zero goals, it would make no difference at all to the world at large.

It would give us the moral high ground to talk about this, and thats not to be underestimated. But we know that China, India and the US are where the biggest carbon emissions are produced.

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On Monday, a Government spokesman said: We are making the UK a clean energy superpower so we can take back control of our energy with home-grown power. That is how we can protect family finances and our national finances.

While oil and gas production will continue to play an important role for decades to come, the North Seas oil and gas reserves are already declining and we are working with industry to ensure a prosperous clean energy future.

This comes alongside Great British Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, which has already announced a 300m investment into British supply chains, unlocking significant investment and helping to create thousands of skilled jobs.

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JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  The Providence man accused of hitting a Johnston police officer with his car was arraigned Tuesday morning on multiple charges, including felony assault.

Damian Peterson, 28, allegedly drove at the officer during a reported disturbance  which escalated into an officer-involved shooting  on April 26 in the parking lot of the Shell gas station on Hartford Avenue.

PRIOR COVERAGE: Officer-involved shooting under investigation in Johnston

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In court, Johnston Detective Derek Patascandolo outlined the incident, saying officers responded around 11:30 p.m. and found Peterson sitting in a car backed into a parking space near the gas station. Officers learned he had an active state police warrant for obstruction and reckless driving, among other offenses.

According to Patascandolo, Peterson appeared nervous and was making furtive movements, prompting an officer to pull his cruiser in front of Petersons car.

As the officer got out of his vehicle, Peterson allegedly shifted into drive, despite verbal commands to stop and put the car in park. The officer then fired his service weapon.

WATCH: Bodycam video shows officer-involved shooting in Johnston

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Patascandolo said Peterson drove toward the officer, swerving at him and slamming into his legs, which knocked him onto his own cruiser and then to the ground. The officer fired four more shots at Petersons car.

Police said Peterson was hit once in the stomach, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. He continued driving but ultimately crashed in front of a restaurant across the street, where he was arrested.

Peterson was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for emergency surgery after Johnston police provided immediate medical assistance.

MORE: 4 shots fired at suspect who hit Johnston officer with car

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During a search of his car, police reportedly found 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, 1.7 grams of fentanyl, and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke crack cocaine.

Peterson is charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, reckless driving, obstruction, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and two counts of possession of controlled substances.

He is being held as a bail violator and faces charges out of Johnston and from state police.

Due to the nature of the felony charges, no plea was entered. The case was moved to superior court, where the state ordered Peterson held without bail.

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Hes due back in court on May 13.

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia intercepted 19 drones headed towards Moscow overnight on May 5-6, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on May 6.

This marks the second night in a row that drones reportedly targeted Russia's capital. The attacks come just days ahead of the city's Victory Day parade and Russia's proposed temporary ceasefire, set for May 7-9.

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According to the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Shot, debris from one of the drones hit a residential building in the southern part of the city, with the shockwave shattering windows on the upper floors and in a nearby flower shop.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on the alleged drone attack. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify Russia's claims at the time of publication.

Air defense units intercepted 19 drones flying towards Moscow from different directions, Sobyanin claimed. No casualties have been reported.

The drone threat triggered temporary shutdowns at the region's Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo airports. In addition to all four Moscow airports, restrictions were also introduced at the Grabtsevo airport in Russia's Kaluga Oblast.

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The reported attack comes the same week of Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which mark the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin has invited foreign guests to attend Moscow's Victory Day parade, though many Western officials have declined.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also unilaterally declared a "humanitarian truce" from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11. President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the proposal as a "theatrical performance," accusing Putin of manipulating the international community by declaring brief ceasefires that it has no intention of following.

Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire on all hostilities for 30 days, but Russia continues to refuse.

While Zelensky and other world leaders remain skeptical of Putin's three-day truce, U.S. President Donald Trump on May 5 praised the gesture, saying that the brief ceasefire "doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you know where we started from."

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Zelensky. warned on May 3 that Russia could stage provocations, such as "arsons, explosions, or other actions," around the Victory Day holiday and attempt to blame Ukraine.

Read also: France is sending Ukraine more AASM Hammer bombs  heres what they can do

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DURANGO, Colo. (KREX)  A man who was a well-known drug dealer in San Luis Valley was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after he pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Monte Vista man Blas Villa, 41, possessed nearly a pound of pure methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills over three incidents in 2023, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado.

Mr. Villa is a serial offender, said acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell. I thank our law enforcement partners for removing him and his deadly wares from the San Luis Valley.

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In August 2023, Villa and an associate were found in a Monte Vista home with large amounts of illegal drugs, a handgun, five cell phones, a scale with drug residue and over $13,000 in cash. During a search of his phone, law enforcement found photos of Villa posing with firearms and several pictures of fentanyl pills associated with a pill-counting app.

Villa consistently brought harm and poison to Colorado, and with his sentencing the state is that much safer, said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. The men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to take down people and organizations causing harm to Coloradans and those around the country.

Villa was initially charged in state court and bonded out of custody, but he was arrested once again for possessing heroin and meth in November 2023. He bonded out again until a month later when law enforcement pulled a vehicle driven by Villa and discovered over 2,500 fentanyl pills and distribution amounts of methamphetamine.

The removal of these dangerous drugs is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Monte Vista Police Department, specifically the dedicated work of our detective, in collaboration with key federal partners, said interim Monte Vista Police Chief Tyler Harford. This operation represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We remain committed to addressing this issue and protecting our residents.

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Before this case, Villa had 15 previous convictions including many felonies.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
(FOX40.COM)  An alleged drunk driver is the cause of a power outage that affected hundreds of Sacramento County SMUD customers Monday evening, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.

 Video Above: What to do after the power goes out

Around 5:41 p.m., the Citrus Heights Police Department responded to a collision between a vehicle and a power pole on Auburn Boulevard at Shadow Lane. When officers arrived at the scene, they said the vehicle and two power poles had significant damage.

Hundreds of SMUD customers lose power after crash in Sacramento County

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CHPD said they arrested a 36-year-old Sacramento man under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was treated at a local hospital as a precaution before being booked at the Sacramento County Jail.

Police said Auburn Boulevard at Shadow Lane is shut down in both directions while officials investigate the crash and clear the roadway of debris.



Witnesses to the collision can call the Citrus Heights Police Department at

916-727-5500.

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Catholic Clergy Defend Religious Liberty in Protecting Seal of Confession

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Confraternity of Catholic Clergy

May 6, 2025

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 6, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ --The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy categorically condemns Senate Bill 5375, signed into law by Washington state Governor Ferguson on May 2, 2025, which mandates priests to break the seal of confession if a penitent reveals information about possible child abuse. If he does not violate the sacred confidentiality of the sacrament, he can be imprisoned by this new legislation.

Father John Trigilio, president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national association of priests and deacons, said, Criminal prosecution must rely on constitutional methods to convict rather than violate the freedom of religion. District Attorneys and civil courts must respect and uphold the First Amendment (freedom of religion) as equally as the Fourth and Fifth Amendments (due process; no illegal search and seizure; no self-incrimination)

The Governor and State of Washington are not imposing the same breach of confidentiality to physicians or lawyers  just to priests. While the heinous crime of abusing minors must be vehemently condemned, the seal of confession is inviolable by divine law. Doctor/Patient and Attorney/Client privilege are honored and defended in law. Likewise, the absolute right of Priest/Penitent must be vigorously safeguarded as well.

Both the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1467) and the Code of Canon Law (#983, 1388) unequivocally state that the sacramental seal is a matter of faith as well as of discipline. The priest cannot reveal the identity or the contents of the confession. He must risk imprisonment or even death rather than betray the sacred trust. Furthermore, any priest who breaks the seal incurs automatic excommunication reserved to the Roman Pontiff.

As Catholic clergy committed to both the protection of children and the integrity of the sacraments, we affirm that these commitments are not in conflict. We encourage penitents to voluntarily report crimes to proper authorities, all while maintaining the sacred and inviolable seal of confession. It is not a question of either/or insofar as the state must choose between defending children or respecting religion. It has been and can continue to be both/and, not either/or, so neither should be in jeopardy.

SOURCE Confraternity of Catholic Clergy

CONTACT: Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, 619-800-8672, 814-580-5082 (mobile), catholic.clergy@gmail.com
BERLIN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Following Friedrich Merz's failed German Chancellor election, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn announced that a second round of voting will take place later Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple German media outlets expected the second round of voting to be held at 15:15 local time (1415 GMT).

Merz failed to secure the required majority in Tuesday morning's Bundestag vote, falling six votes short of the 316 needed to be elected chancellor.

The day before, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), had formally signed a coalition agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The CDU/CSU and the SPD had also successively announced their cabinet lists. 
By Yamam Al Shaar and Firas Makdesi

JARAMANA, Syria (Reuters) - Druze residents near Syria's capital are resisting a demand by the Islamist-led government to hand in their light weapons, saying authorities have yet to address fears of new attacks by Sunni Muslim militants after days of sectarian violence.

Clashes last week pitted Sunni fighters against armed Druze residents of the town of Jaramana southeast of Damascus, later spreading to another district near the capital and then south to the predominantly Druze province of Sweida.

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Such violence threatens the new government's control of Syria, where armed gangs are attacking religious minorities and Israel is stepping up its military intervention under the banner of protecting the Druze community.

Syrian authorities have negotiated deals to allow Druze fighters to protect their own areas as enlisted members of Syria's security forces, but this week asked that all weapons held by residents of these areas be turned in to the state.

"We told them, as soon as there is a state capable of regulating its forces, we'll have no problem handing in our weapons," said Makram Obeid, a member of the Jaramana committee that is negotiating with the Syrian government.

Obeid said his committee had told government officials it would be better for them to focus on disarming the gangs now harassing minorities.

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"It's our right to be scared, because we saw what happened in other areas," he told Reuters, an apparent reference to killings in March of hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority to which former President Bashar al-Assad belongs.

It was the deadliest episode of sectarian violence in years in Syria, where a 14-year war ended last December when rebels toppled Assad, who fled to Russia.

"People want to feel safe. It's enough to have (more than) 11 years of killing, strikes, and worries," Obeid said. "And we're coming to another phase that we thought, with the collapse of the regime, would leave us in a much better place. But until now, we don't feel reassured."

Fahad Haydar, a resident of Jaramana, echoed those fears.

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"These weapons that are turned against us - that's what we're afraid of. If those weapons get handed in, then we'll hand in ours," he told Reuters.

SEEKING GUARANTEES

Mowaffaq Abu Shash, a Druze cleric in Jaramana, said the Druze had already compromised enough.

"We take one step, they ask for a second. We take the second step, they ask for a third," he said. "We ask for a guarantee that what happened on the coast will not happen to us."

One influential Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajri, has called for international intervention to protect his community from Syria's leaders, whom he has branded "terrorists".

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The Druze, an Arab minority sect who practise a religion originally derived from Islam, live in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel has vowed to protect Syria's Druze militarily if they face threats.

Last week's violence was ignited by a voice recording purportedly cursing the Prophet Mohammad, which Sunni militants suspect was made by a Druze. More than a dozen people were killed in Jaramana before the violence spread west and south.

It also drew in Israel, which carried out a drone strike on what it said were fighters preparing to attack Druze in the town of Sahnaya, west of Jaramana. A Syrian security source told Reuters one member of the security forces was killed in the strike.

As the clashes reached Sweida province, Israel bombed near the presidential palace in Damascus - the clearest sign yet of its hostility towards Syria's new leaders.

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Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa once headed a branch of al Qaeda before renouncing ties to the group in 2016.

(Reporting by Yamam Al Shaar and Firas Makdesi, Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined his ambitions to radically transform air traffic control, one of President Trumps goals since returning to office, as mishaps have caused delays and fewer staff at major airports such as Newark Liberty International.

We are going to radically transform the way air traffic control looks, Duffy said Monday evening in an interview on Fox Newss The Ingraham Angle.

Were going to build a brand-new air traffic control system  from new telecom, to new radars, to new infrastructure. Were bringing on new air traffic controllers, the secretary, a former Fox News personality, continued. This has been a problem in the decades coming, and were going to fix it.

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Duffy said the full overhaul plan will be announced Thursday.

The move comes after air traffic controller screens went dark for 30 seconds last week at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, leading to a complete loss of communication between the controllers and the planes.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing controllers, said multiple workers are taking leave for trauma they endured, leading to significant delays at the airport.

Duffy addressed the situation in the Monday night interview, saying the primary communication line went down, and the backup didnt fire. He said there was no significant risk of collision during that time, since planes have built-in communication devices and GPS signals that allow the pilots to monitor air traffic.

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He noted both systems have since been fixed, but its a sign that we have a frail system in place.

The Transportation chief added that officials have slowed traffic at Newark Airport as a result, comparing the situation to driving down the road at 70 mph and you get white paint in your windshield, you slow down.

So, weve slowed the traffic down at Newark. Theres a runway thats under construction, and our primary goal is to make sure people are safe, Duffy said Monday.

When you have an incident like this, you want to make sure that people are safe, he added. And so, you just have less departures out of the airport until we feel comfortable and safe that the system isnt going to go down again.

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His remarks come as air traffic control shortages have been in headlines following significant airline incidents, including a deadly collision earlier this year between an Army helicopter and a passenger plane near the nations capital. Other accidents have also prompted lawmakers to propose funding to modernize the air traffic systems.

Workforce reductions at the Federal Aviation Administration have also raised concerns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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While its no surprise that President Donald Trump is undoing years of hard won national progress in combating discrimination, the decision by many corporations to cowardly follow suit is shameful.

Take North Carolina-based Duke Energy.

As researchers at the Energy and Policy Institute recently reported, Duke once held itself out as a leader in fighting injustice. Its former CEO led her presentation at a 2020 earnings call by stating quote issues surrounding racial equity and social justice are front and center, as they should be.

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Now, more than ever she continued, we are relying on these values to cultivate a workplace rooted in diversity and inclusion.

What a difference a few years make.

Today, the report notes, Duke has been busy scrubbing numerous references to diversity and inclusion from important corporate documents.

The bottom line: While some corporations are proudly reenforcing their commitment to fight discrimination, Duke bosses have sadly but predictably folded like a cheap suit. One suspects its a sign of their true colors.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Visit California released their Economic Impact of Travel Study, which reported visitors spent $16.6 billion in San Diego County in 2024, and with the summer months just around the corner, the countdown to the peak tourism season has already started for some San Diego businesses.

For now everythings kind of covered up, and then these will start getting put in the water here soon, said Eric Methot, the general manager of California Watersports, as he showed us one of the boats available for rent.

The peak travel season typically brings crowds of people to lounge on the beach or enjoy a few hours on a jet ski.

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It has some long days, but its fun, Methot said. No complaints when youre on the water and get to be in the sun.

But, the tourism authority predicts a flat year in leisure travel.

While San Diego could see a drop in business travel, there might be an increase in meetings and conventions because of the new Gaylord Pacific hotel in Chula Vista.

There has been a lot of economic uncertainty, so for businesses as well as leisure travel, when there are uncertain times, people tend to wait before they make decisions, said Kerri Kapich, the chief operating officer of the San Diego Tourism Authority.

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In spite of the predictions, Methot said its business as usual.

Theres a lot of speculation, a lot of things that people are saying but you kind of deal with those problems as they come, he said.

Since the pandemic, travel spending increased steadily with revenue rising from $16.4 billion in 2023 to $16.6 billion in 2024.

I think thats a testament to the city and how resilient it is, said Kevin Mansour, the managing director for Oram Hotels.

While hes prepared for an economic downturn, he expects bookings at his hotels to increase through the summer.

I think its a luxury that a lot of people will not want to cut off from their budgets, Mansour explained. I think theyll cut other things before they cut travel or instead of flying to Europe theyll fly to San Diego.

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Travel spending last year generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue, and Methot expects this year to be no different.

People come here to escape from everything thats going on, he said. They want to be here to go outside, be in the outdoors, and have fun.

The tourism authority plans to provide quarterly updates on the state of tourism in San Diego, but for now, it seems like business owners across the county are optimistic about the summer season.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's electoral court dismissed a request from the nation's biggest opposition party contesting the results of April's presidential election, a document published on Tuesday showed, leaving the group with no further recourse.

Incumbent President Daniel Noboa has already been widely recognized by international elections observers and the nation's electoral council as the winner of last month's run-off.

However, leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez, of the Citizens' Revolution party, decried the results as a product of fraud and her coalition had filed a series of challenges.

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The court ruling, dated Monday, said the opposition's request was unfounded.

Gonzalez's mentor, former President Rafael Correa, said on social media after the ruling was released that ballot boxes should be opened for a recount and repeated allegations that Noboa's victory was "impossible."

Noboa has scoffed at the fraud claims.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia)
Among Donald Trumps team of losers, few are more emblematic of how unbending loyalty outweighs political success than Ed Martin, the acting United States attorney for the District of Columbia.

Martin, 54, has never won an election for public office, despite running multiple times. His tenure as chairman of the Missouri Republican Party more than a decade ago was unremarkable, while his time as chief of staff to Missouris governor ended with Martin resigning amid a scandal. For years before Trump entered the political arena, Martin bounced around various conservative advocacy groups in Missouri and nationally without much in the way of real victories to his name.

But since 2016, Martin has attached himself, like a barnacle, to the hull of the Trump ship. For 10 years, he has been a prominent conservative defender of Trump in op-eds and media appearances. He later became a vocal proponent of the idea that the 2020 election had been stolen from Trump, attended the march on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and even represented January 6 defendants. When the House select committee investigating that event subpoenaed him, he refused to show up. For all this, he was rewarded with a post as the top federal prosecutor in the nations capital.

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Of course, Martins combative style and Stop the Steal past are big reasons his days in this particular office might be numbered. His statutorily limited time as an acting employee, defined as 120 days by the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, ends later this month on May 20. There are signs suggesting the Senate may not confirm him, especially since Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California placed a hold on his nomination last month, meaning Republicans will have to spend valuable floor time to get around this procedural block.

On Monday evening and with Martins deadline rapidly approaching, Trump himself lent his nominee support in a Truth Social post. Ed Martin is going through the approval process to be U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia. According to many but, in particular, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his approval is IMPERATIVE in terms of doing all that has to be done to SAVE LIVES and to, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN. This is a passion for Ed, more so than for almost anyone that I have seen, Trump posted. We are going to take our Country BACK, and FAST. Ed Martin will be a big player in doing so and, I hope, that the Republican Senators will make a commitment to his approval, which is now before them.

And for the past 100-plus days Martin, who did not respond to a request for comment, has been proving his commitment to MAGA. Hes tried to use his plum post at the Department of Justice as a blunt political force to fight Trumpian culture wars, threatening legal action against everyone from obscure medical journals to Wikipedia. In January, Martin dismissed all of the prosecutors in his office who had been working on January 6 riot cases. In a slavering letter to Elon Musk, Martin has offered staff resources to protect DOGE staffers and promised to pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people. And from his official DOJ Twitter account, he has amplified evidence-free claims that certain high-ranking foreign policy officials from the Biden administration have violated the law.

One of Martins most notorious actions came in February, when he sent a letter to the dean of the Georgetown University Law Center declaring the schools teaching and promotion of DEI (that is, diversity, equity, and inclusion) is unacceptable.

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At this time, you should know that no applicant for our fellows program, our summer internship, or employment in our office who is a student or affiliated with a law school or university that continues to teach and utilize DEI will be considered, Martin wrote.

William Treanor, the dean of the Jesuit universitys law school, replied in a letter that effectively told Martin to pound sand. The First Amendment, Treanor reminded him, protects Georgetown University from government interference in what and how it teaches.

This is a bedrock principle of constitutional law  recognized not only by the courts, but

by the administration in which you serve, the dean wrote. The Department of Education confirmed last week that it cannot restrict First Amendment rights and that it is statutorily prohibited from exercising control over the content of school curricula.

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Still, given his temporary status, Martins U.S. attorney tenure has so far been pretty much all hat and no cattle, a familiar dynamic for longtime observers of his political career. Born in New Jersey, Martin came to Missouri when he decided to attend Saint Louis Universitys law school. After graduating, he worked for the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the head of its human rights office. Ed did not understand the difference between charity and human rights, Angie OGorman, a staffer in the office whom Martin fired, later told St. Louis Magazine.

Following a few years of working in private practice, representing pro-life organizations and getting involved in conservative activism, Martin was hired in 2006 to serve as chief of staff to Matt Blunt, Missouris young, first-term Republican governor who found himself struggling in the polls and in need of a political bruiser.

Hes extraordinarily good at politics, Emily Lampkin, a conservative activist originally from St. Louis, told me. If I had to go into a political battle, Im totally taking Ed.

But in Blunts office, things went awry quickly. Martins habit of deleting his work emails, in apparent violation of the states sunshine government records law, raised the internal alarms of an attorney on Blunts staff, whom Martin subsequently fired. The attorney sued for wrongful termination, which prompted a media blitz to get access to the emails and a special investigation by the office of the Democratic attorney general. Martin, it turned out, was not only alleged to have violated the sunshine law but appeared to have used his official position to coordinate with outside political groups improperly. In November 2007, Martin resigned from his position without explanation, and Blunt soon after announced he would not run for reelection. (The investigation ended after Blunt left office, and without a conclusive report.)

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A few years later, Martin himself tried to run for office, coming tantalizingly close (by just a couple thousand votes) to defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan in 2010, otherwise a banner year for Republican House candidates. A few months later, Martin tried again, first setting his sights on challenging Sen. Claire McCaskill in the 2012 cycle before deciding instead to run for a different House seat held by Republican Todd Akin, who was running in the Senate race. Martin dropped out of the crowded House primary as well in order to run for state attorney general. He won the Republican primary but lost the general election to the incumbent, Democrat Chris Koster.

Apparently chastened out of a career as a candidate, Martin was elected chairman of the Missouri GOP in 2013, serving for a little over two years. In 2015 Martin got involved with the Eagle Forum, a longtime conservative advocacy group based in St. Louis and founded by the legendary activist Phyllis Schlafly. It was a collaboration doomed to divide the organization and the Schlafly family as soon as Martin took over as president of Eagle Forum in 2015.

A dispute arose over whom the organization should endorse in the Republican nomination for presidentsome of the board (including Anne Schlafly Cori, one of Schlaflys daughters) wanted to support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, but others preferred Trump, including Martin and several others among Schlaflys children. Schlaflys advanced age and cancer diagnosis complicated the story of who better represented the conservative icons views. The Eagle Forum board removed Martin, and he and the other pro-Trump members departed to start Phyllis Schaflys Eagles, a competing organization. For years, the Schlafly family was torn apart by the subsequent litigation.

Ed is a pathological liar, Cori told me recently. The youngest Schlafly child, who now chairs the Eagle Forum, has claimed that Martin took advantage of her mother in her final years to sway her toward Trump. The book Phyllis Schlafly coauthored with Martin, The Conservative Case for Trump published in September 2016 the day after she died.

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During Trumps first term, Martin was a dedicated pro-Trump voice on radio and TV, including a brief stint as an on-air contributor to CNN. In 2019, he gave elected office one more go, getting trounced in a longshot bid for a seat on the board of supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. But within two years, he would find his next calling as a prominent advocate for Trumps false claims about the 2020 election being stolen. Martin appeared at the January 6 rally on the Ellipse and later marched on the Capitol, though he did not appear to enter the building or break any laws that day. And he later represented January 6 defendants, including Proud Boys members, in court.

From there, his path was clear. Martin was named deputy director of the 2024 Republican National Committee platform committee, and had initially been named chief of staff at the Office of Management and Budget during Trumps transition last year before being tapped for the U.S. attorney role, despite having little apparent experience as a prosecutor.

Its been a long journey, but Martin finally made his way to the halls of power in Washington. And even if Schiffs hold on his nomination and Republican squeamishness about approving him means Martin has to leave office on May 20, its unlikely to be the last stop in this administration for the ambitious but long-struggling political figure.

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Ed Milibands net zero targets could derail Labours plans to build 1.5m new homes, experts have warned.

Labour is consulting on plans for almost every new home to be fitted with solar panels from 2027 as part of its drive to reach net zero.

But housebuilders have warned that proposals to require new homes to offset 40pc of their carbon footprint are unrealistic and could cause delays to building.

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It comes as one of Britains largest estate agents accused Labour of misunderstanding the relationship between housebuilding and wider market activity.

A report by Savills found that just 230,000 homes a year had been built in the last three years, leaving a shortfall of 70,000 homes compared to current targets.

Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, and Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, are also preparing to ban housebuilders from installing gas boilers in new homes  forcing them instead to fit heat pumps.

Adding solar panels to a semi-detached or terraced house could add up to 3,300 to the cost of building a new home, and could shave 1,000 a year off a typical household energy bill, according to official calculations.

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However, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) said it was unrealistic to expect north-facing homes to achieve 40pc coverage at full efficiency and capacity.

The body warned that companies would have to seek prior approval from councils in advance if they wanted to provide less than 40pc, a process that could slow the delivery of new-build homes.

The HBF said: The current wording suggests that subsequent consents need to be sought for those properties that dont deliver at 40pc. This scenario would see developers getting into granular detail on a plot by plot basis with the [electricity] network provider, local planning authority and building control bodies.

This would be an unrealistic and unsustainable scenario that would undermine the Governments ambitions regarding housing delivery and economic growth.

Labours 6.6bn pledge could be scaled back

Alternative proposals submitted to the Government suggest a more modest target of 20pc, the Financial Times reports.

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Chris Hewitt, of trade body Energy UK, told the paper fitting every new home with solar panels will boost energy security, cut bills and put us closer to reaching net zero.

It comes amid reports that Labours pledge to spend an additional 6.6bn on insulating homes could be scaled back in next months spending review.

Sir Keir Starmer pledged to fund the energy efficiency improvements for five million homes ahead of the election.

But ministers are reportedly weighing up whether the total funding for the scheme could be cut as Rachel Reeves struggles to balance the books, according to the FT.

The total funding earmarked for the scheme would have been spent over the course of the parliament, amounting to around 1.3bn every year for five years.

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Labour has increasingly found itself warring over net zero policies.

Last week, Sir Tony Blair accused the Government of asking households to make financial sacrifices and changes in lifestyle when they know that their impact on global emissions is minimal.

The Treasury declined to comment on speculation, adding that the autumn Budget allocated 3.4bn to the Warm Homes plan.

The Housing Department said: We have always been clear that we want solar panels on as many new homes as possible because they are a vital technology to help cut bills.

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When Democratic voters go to the polls next March, it will be the first time in three decades that Dick Durbin wont be on the primary ballot for the Senate seat he first won after Paul Simons retirement. They deserve the chance to select one of the many well-qualified hopefuls whove been waiting years for the 80-year-old Durbin to call it a day.

Instead, we see signs that Gov. JB Pritzker and his formidable staff are working on behalf of his lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, to clear the field for her  or at the very least to minimize the number of opponents as she seeks to succeed Durbin. The governor, of course, is within his rights to endorse anyone he pleases and even to put some of his personal billions to work for that candidate.

But as Illinois top Democrat, Pritzker also ought to encourage a fair and vigorous campaign, contested by multiple candidates, for the seat. These opportunities dont come along often, and the Democratic bench in Illinois has plenty of elected officials qualified for the U.S. Senate. This is no time for a coronation.

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So far, Stratton is the only Democrat whos announced her intention to run. Illinois House Democrats such as Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly are understood to be considering bids. Plenty others surely are contemplating a run as well.

One of those, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, announced Monday he would not be one of them, a surprise given that Frerichs (as he allowed in a letter explaining his decision) was believed to covet Durbins seat.

Its a little puzzling on the surface that no one else has disclosed their intentions so far. Then again, perhaps its not so baffling when considering Pritzkers full-throated backing for Stratton, his wealth, and a wide array of influential donors such as Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts who already are on board in Stratton campaign leadership positions. Durbins fellow senator, Tammy Duckworth, also quickly endorsed Stratton following Pritzkers announcement.

These are the hallmarks of trying to create an aura of inevitability. And they may well be having that effect.

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Democrats who before might have assumed they would jump into the fray quickly once Durbin bowed out can be forgiven for thinking harder now about giving up their current positions. Its clear they will have to take on not just a candidate with statewide name recognition but the Pritzker organization as well.

But trying to elbow out the competition does a disservice to Illinoisans.

Democrats make up the majority in Illinois, but they are hardly monolithic in their views. The partys progressive wing, of which Stratton is a prominent member, has in recent years been most prominent in Springfield and in the city of Chicago. But centrist Democrats always have been a large part of the coalition, and they now are taking issue far more vocally with progressive governance as deficits mount, taxes rise and economic activity stagnates.

At a time when Democrats nationally still are struggling to come to terms with President Donald Trump 2.0, as well as losing ground in the Senate and failing to capture the House, Illinois Democrats badly need a choice between the left and centrist strains of their party in the upcoming Senate election. Party leaders machinations shouldnt prevent voters from having a say in their partys direction when opportunity arises, as it has now with Durbins exit.

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Underwood, whos won four elections in a competitive district, is a good example of the more pragmatic wing. Krishnamoorthi, too, has worked actively with Republicans on legislation in Congress. He met last year with this board alongside then-GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin to solicit support for their bill to force a Chinese sale of TikTok.

Either or both of those candidates would be most welcome in the Senate race. Others too. There should be no efforts toward exclusion.

Since Trumps election, Pritzker has argued Democrats have little need to move to the center in order to better compete with the GOP and instead has urged fellow Democrats to fight more aggressively against Trumps agenda. Hes presumed to be teeing up a presidential run in 2028.

Putting his thumb on the scale of a Senate race in his state and propelling his progressive lieutenant governor to Senate victory would potentially be seen as evidence of Pritzkers own progressive legitimacy in the presidential race.

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But the governor should resist that surely tempting impulse and make clear that competition from all flavors of Democrats is good for the health of his party in his home state.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Americans are having fewer children, and the birth rate has dropped to historic lows  prompting declarations of a U.S. existential crisis, most notably and volubly from Elon Musk. But how worried should we actually be?

Heres the legitimate concern. The United States total fertility rate  which estimates the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime  fell to 1.62 in 2023, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population.

When a population begins to shrink, it defies the fundamental models of how societies grow and prosper. Growth signals strength and vitality; decline signals weakness and decay. Once growth stops, it can set off a downward spiral thats hard  or even impossible  to reverse.

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The U.S. fertility rate has steadily dropped over the past 15 years, hitting record lows in recent years. Theres a lot that factors into this phenomenon. Baby Boomers, a historically large generation, are dying off. COVID-19 brought a notable dip in lawful immigration rates, which have typically bolstered our population. Without new Americans, the Congressional Budget Office projects the U.S. population would begin to shrink by 2033, due to persistently low fertility rates.

So declining fertility rates certainly have broader implications for the U.S. Which brings up the question: Why are people having fewer babies?

In our opinion, one of the biggest  and most misunderstood  factors in this debate, is that its become prohibitively expensive to start a family. So as U.S. policymakers try to gin up another baby boom, they should ask themselves: Are the conditions right for women to want to have more kids?

The decision to have them is as much an act of love and good fortune as it is a calculation.

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Consider: Raising a child to age 17 costs an estimated $310,605 for a middle-class family, according to the Brookings Institution. Housing is the largest expense, followed by child care, transportation and food. That total doesnt even include college tuition, which, as weve written repeatedly, has grown prohibitively expensive. No wonder one recent survey showed that about a third of Americans arent planning to start a family because its too expensive.

Thats why were skeptical of increasingly aggressive campaigns from high-profile political figures urging Americans to have more kids  and to do so quickly.

Musk, the brilliant, controversial billionaire with 14 children by four women (assuming thats all), is among the most vocal pronatalists. At a rally last October, he urged Americans to just have kids, insisting itll work out. But while Musk warns of a declining America, he ignores the reality that its not that simple for regular people.

Some of the policy ideas floating around to spur another baby boom oversimplify the problem and ignore the realities facing modern families. Its not just the upfront cost of pregnancy and childbirth that deters people from starting a family  its more often the belief that choosing this option is not financially viable in the long run.

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The Trump administration has proposed a $5,000 baby bonus for first-time mothers. (Remember, the estimated cost of raising a child to age 17 is over $300,000.) A $5,000 check for each new mom would cost the government plenty, but wouldnt go incredibly far, potentially covering just several months worth of day care. Paid family leave is another idea floating around, and state lawmakers have introduced their own proposal to create a paid family leave program funded by a jobs tax. President Donald Trump also issued an executive order in February to explore ways to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of IVF.

The good news is that politicians are thinking about ways to make pregnancy and the postpartum period more doable. But these proposals often feel like well-meaning but shallow gestures  such as buying a child a shiny new toy while ignoring their need for food and shelter.

The real deterrents to starting a family are deeply embedded in how young Americans live, work and plan for the future.

Many men and women want children. The reality is that millennials and Gen Z are delaying marriage and childbearing due to economic uncertainty, student debt, housing costs and shifting social norms.

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Americans are marrying later than ever. In 1950, the median age at marriage was 20 for women and 23 for men. Today, its nearly 29 and 30, respectively. That shift reflects rising education and career investment, especially among women, as well as cultural changes in dating and expectations for financial security.

Thats triggered a much trickier  and tougher  path to parenthood for many couples. Women are having babies later in life than ever before. In 1970, the average American woman was almost 21 years old when she had her first baby. Today, the average age of first-time moms is over 27. This isnt surprising, given that women now earn the majority of college degrees in the U.S. and are increasingly prioritizing career stability before starting a family. But pregnancies later in life come with costs and challenges of their own.

Couples trying for kids in their late 30s and 40s are increasingly turning to hormonal treatments and IVF, both costly prospects often not covered by insurance. Over 40% of adults say they have used fertility treatments or know someone who has, a 33% increase from just five years earlier, according to Pew Research Center.

Pregnancy is hard on the body, and that stress increases with age. Blood volume spikes, weight gain strains joints and everyday activities become taxing. Still, many women work until delivery, then return to work just weeks later  often because paid leave is limited. Full recovery can take a year, yet most new mothers take approximately 10 weeks of leave.

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All of these things considered, the current situation isnt surprising.

If were facing an existential crisis as our fertility rate declines, were hardly alone. Many countries are in the same boat. Italy, for example, has an even lower fertility rate than the U.S. A few parts of the world  especially sub-Saharan Africa, as well as countries such as Afghanistan and Yemen  still have high fertility rates.

Longtime readers know we also believe in the liberty of the individual. That includes following your own path.

For many, that includes parenthood. Others lead equally meaningful lives without becoming parents. And while we are, like Musk, closely watching population trends, we believe the conversation requires deep introspection on whats driving down the fertility rate. Its not as simple as dangling cash at people and hoping they get pregnant.

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This board is made up of parents who love their children. Having them was the greatest blessing of our lives. But parenthood isnt the only path to meaning. As rhetoric about fertility rates escalates, its worth remembering that every persons choices are valid, whether or not they have kids.

But lets be clear: We should be doing everything we can to remove artificial barriers that prevent people who want a family from having children.

_____
ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Eight terrorists were killed in separate operations in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the military said on Monday.

The security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Bannu and Khyber districts of KP, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.

During the operation in North Waziristan district, three terrorists were killed during a clash between security forces and terrorists, said the ISPR statement.

In a separate encounter in South Waziristan, two terrorists were successfully neutralised, the ISPR said, adding that during an intense exchange of fire, a soldier also lost his life.

Three terrorists were also killed in security forces' intelligence-based operations in Bannu and Khyber districts of the province.

A huge cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of civilians in the area.

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate the presence of other terrorists from the area.

The military said the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country. 
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA)  Students from around Effingham County participated in Law Day last week.

The Effingham County Sheriffs Office said that the participating students arrived at the Government Center on Thursday morning, and were greeted by Resident Judge Bryan Kibler. Then, the students toured the underground transport hallway and the Effingham County Jail.

Effingham transitioning to new payment portal

Photos courtesy of Effingham County Sheriffs Office

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Students were also brought to Accuracy Firearms, an indoor range. There, they fired weapons and spoke with officers from the sheriffs office. After a Law Day program, Elks Lodge 1016 provided lunch for the students. Then, students went to various county offices to job shadow for the rest of the afternoon.

Law Day has been observed in the United States since 1958.

We hope that Law Day brought awareness to students about their local government and encourages them to vote and get involved in local elections, the sheriffs office said in a post on Facebook.

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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  El Salvador President Nayib Bukele ordered police via social media on Monday to arrest five heads of bus companies in the Central American country after they defied his order to offer free transport for a week following a major highway closure.

The order was another example of Bukele's heavy-handed tactics. The second-term leader has been accused of undermining democratic institutions, punishing dissenters and denying access to due process under a state of emergency that he declared in 2022 to battle the country's powerful street gangs. Despite the crackdown, the government has denied the country is a police state.

On Sunday, Bukele had announced via X that all bus fares for a week would be completely free due to construction the government was carrying out on one of the main highways running through San Salvador.

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The order resulted in widespread chaos on Monday, fueling long bus lines in the Salvadoran capital and overcrowded buses that skipped stops on a number of routes.

In response, Bukele ordered the capture of five heads of bus companies Monday, accusing them of sabotaging the country. He claimed that the government was covering 100% of the income they normally receive per day, but The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the information with bus drivers.

The National Civil Police should proceed with the arrest of the owners of the routes involved, Bukele wrote on a social media post. No one is above the law.

Later Monday, the country's federal police department posted photos of the handcuffed men surrounded by heavily armed officers, saying they had been detained for breach of duty, denial of assistance, and extortion, providing few details on their arrests.

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The National Transportation Committee, which represents the companies involved, said in a statement that they were surprised by the arrests. They blamed confusion on some routes on the fact that the free rides had been announced just a day earlier and they werent able to notify everyone.

Luis Regalado, a member of the trade group, said that many of the drivers are paid daily and were unclear on how they would be paid or by whom.

Lucio Vazquez, the groups secretary, appealed to Bukele, saying they had been partners with his administration. We are not saying that were not going to continue giving free service, he said.

It comes as Bukele has gained an international spotlight for detaining more than 200 Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. in a mega-prison for gangs despite objections by American judges and human rights groups.

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Lawyers contracted by the Venezuelan government asked Bukele on Monday for access to the imprisoned Venezuelans to have proof of life of the men who have been held incommunicado since they were delivered by the U.S. government in March.

In a letter sent to Bukeles office, they asked to be able to interview each of the Venezuelan prisoners. They also asked fundamental questions including what crimes they had been charged with and under whose jurisdiction they are.

The Trump administration had alleged the men were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. But in many cases the men had no apparent criminal history and relatives denied they had any gang ties.

Bukele last month offered the Venezuelan government the men in exchange for the release of an equal number of political prisoners. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro rejected the proposal.

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The lawyers had previously filed habeas corpus petitions for 30 of the Venezuelans.

Bukele, who has soaring popularity in El Salvador because of his harsh crackdown on the country's gangs, has faced sharp criticism for years by global leaders, lawyers and human rights groups, which accuse him of denying citizens due process, violating the country's constitution by seeking reelection and consolidating power.

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Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
An elderly man was arrested on Monday afternoon after he crashed through the front gates of actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air, according to police and multiple media outlets.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA that a call came into the station around 12:20 p.m., reporting a burglary suspect in the 900 block of Airole Way.

TMZ reported that Aniston was home when the suspect, only identified as a white male in his 70s, drove through her closed fence, likely causing a big scare for the celebrity.

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The LAPD said a security guard on the scene held the man in a prone restraint until police arrived.

According to TMZ, Anistons home security team rushed over and held the driver at gunpoint until the LAPD got to the scene. Police officers took the man into custody without incident.

Sky5 went to the actress home around 4 p.m. to examine any damage, and KTLAs Gil Leyvas reported seeing that the retractable arm of the front gate was broken off, resting on the ground behind the gate. While Sky5 was overhead, the gate was seen opening and closing manually.

Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5) Actress Jennifer Anistons home in Bel Air is seen here after an elderly man was arrested for crashing through her front gates while she was home. May 2025. (Sky5)

There was a victim who was home at the time, who was not injured, the LAPD said, unable to confirm it was the Friends star.

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Police did not provide further information about the suspect or the burglary call.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NBC4i.com will have live results on Tuesday night and programming beginning at 7:30 p.m. Watch livestreamed newscasts beginning at 7 p.m. on the new NBC4 Columbus streaming app.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio voters casting a ballot in Tuesdays primary and special election are deciding a myriad of local issues.

Polls are open until 7:30 p.m., and anyone in line when polls closed will be able to cast their vote. Each Ohio ballot features Issue 2, a proposed constitutional amendment to give out up to $250 million in bonds annually to fund local infrastructure projects, like building roads, bridges and water supply systems.

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Locally, Ohioans are deciding various primaries and municipal issues, from city council seats and judicial races to property taxes and library funding. School districts are hoping to find success, with the fate of bond issues and levies on the ballot. Columbus City Schools is facing a packed race of 10 school board candidates hoping to advance in Tuesdays primary.

To vote, residents will be required to provide one of the following photo IDs to cast their ballots:

Ohio drivers license

State of Ohio ID card

Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

U.S. military ID card

Ohio National Guard ID card

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

All photo IDs must include:

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An expiration date that has not passed

A photograph of the voter

The voters name, which must substantially conform to the voters name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book

If voters do not have any of the above forms of identification, they may cast a provisional ballot. However, for that ballot to be counted, voters must return to the board of elections no later than four days after Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification.

Voters who received absentee ballots must have had them postmarked for Monday, May 5, for them to be counted. If the voter didnt return the ballot via the postal service, it can be dropped off at their county board of elections before polls close on Tuesday.

Day 1 wraps in trial for truck driver charged in I-70 bus crash that killed six

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Any voter who requested an absentee ballot but decided to vote in person must fill out a provisional ballot. This is due to the absentee ballot being registered in the voters name with the board of elections.

Voters are encouraged to visit their county board of elections website (see below) for further information or to report issues, and to find out which races and issues theyll be voting in.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Polls for Ohios May Primary and Special Election open tomorrow.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, over the past week, people have been voting early and turning in their absentee ballots.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Voters around the Miami Valley shared why they voted early with News Center 7.

Its important to me to always vote, and early is convenient for me. Im retired! Yellow Springs resident Connie Crockett said.

Others commented on the issues that brought them to the polls.

Mostly the school issues. And Im not going to be in town on voting day, Beavercreek resident Dawn Combs said.

News Center 7 pulled data that shows they werent alone in voting early.

However, none of the local counties News Center 7s John Bedell asked were above 3% turnout for early voting:

Greene County: 2.8%

Miami County: 2.78%

Montgomery County: 1.3%

Warren County 1.2%

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We are expecting probably a lighter turnout than a lot of other elections, Montgomery County Board of Elections Deputy Director Russ Joseph said.

Last week, Montgomery County Board of Elections officials encouraged people to get out and vote.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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As it looks to remain relevant in a future that could see conflict with a great power like China, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is seeking to apply key lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, a high-ranking U.S. Air Force official told The War Zone. The ability to operate in a dense electronic warfare environment and to adapt very quickly to new tactical challenges, in particular, are great areas of interest, spurring a review of how the command views training and new acquisitions, the official said.

For the past two decades, AFSOCs arsenal of aircraft operated in largely benign electromagnetic combat environments, often guided by special tactics airmen on radios, in virtually uncontested airspace against insurgent groups possessing no electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

In Ukraine, both sides possess such robust EW abilities that each has resorted to fiber optic cables, impervious to jamming, for a significant portion of their FPV drone operations. Communications there are often highly degraded, and offensive and defensive measures are constantly being updated by the combatants in an endless game of whack-a-mole. Jammers exist on many individual vehicles, and GPS is also under constant electronic attack. Even U.S.-donated munitions like the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) have seen their effectiveness thwarted, at least in part, by EW.

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One of the major takeaways from Ukraine is figuring out how special operations forces (SOF) airpower can fight in environments that are heavily degraded, in terms of jamming, in terms of electronic warfare, electronic attack, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss planning issues. The command needs to increase our acumen and our skill set and our ability and capability and capacity to ensure EW success, both offensively and defensively.

U.S. Air Force aircrew, 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, maintain the U-28A Draco aircraft during Northern Strike 24-1, Jan. 25, 2024, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson) Master Sgt. Scott Thompson

In future GPS-denied environments, how do you have alternate [precision, navigation and timing] PNT? Resilient PNT? How do you fight and survive? Really, both of those sides of the coin in an environment like Ukraine have provided a wealth of information and lessons learned, and how you do that in an environment that is really unique to what weve seen over the last several decades?

The Russian Black Eye EW system that jams FPV and Mavic video is now in mass production and is appearing across the whole front.

This is a serious development for Ukraine as one system can shut down radio drone operations across an area of 2-4 km when located high enough.

1/ https://t.co/x3CCyU7sm6 pic.twitter.com/NYALxs21Lc  Roy  (@GrandpaRoy2) May 4, 2025

As a result of these takeaways, the official said AFSOC is considering changing the way it prepares for war.

Our people are a decisive advantage, more important than hardware, the official posited. So how do we train all the way from our ground forces, the Special Tactics units, how do we train them? How do we equip them to be relevant in the EW fight, but also then onto our platform? So were looking at, how do you leverage aircrew back onto certain platforms?  What platforms might require some of our combat systems officers to be put back into the crew complement? Once you do that, how are you training them to be effective from day one, as they come to us out of their initial qualification training, what systems are those?

AFSOC

Beyond how it utilizes its airmen, AFSOC is also rethinking its acquisition process, with an eye on becoming far more nimble in this regard than in the past.

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This need to really be proactive and dynamic, to change the capabilities of either the platforms or just jump from platform to platform, in terms of capability to respond to the dynamic environment that youre experiencing. Youve seen this probably plenty in your own reporting about how quickly both sides are adapting their capabilities to employ in combat, and the need to react to that rapidly. And so what that means to me, in the position that Im in, you start to think about how do I apply this to  we talk in terms of programs of record, but maybe I need to be talking about programs of capability, the official suggested.

Theres certainly your major platforms  But in some of the lower-level kinds of things  offensive asymmetric capabilities  what do you do there? You see  a lot of systems every day in that theater being employed, but if we are trying to plan to gain a capability, how are we flexibly able to determine what might be viable today that may not be viable, maybe in a few weeks or six months, or a year from now? So you want to have flexible programs of capability so that you can now leap to the thing that works today, may not work a year from now. So Ive got to be able to make that leap in a very dynamic, rapid way to be relevant on the battlefield.

A U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, conducts tactical air refueling from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules over Eastern Africa, Nov. 1, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Coddington) Staff Sgt. Edward Coddington

Moving away from so-called exquisite systems that are very complex, expensive, and time-consuming to build to more affordable and attritable ones is also a possibility for some mission sets and capability needs, according to the official.

Oftentimes, we think in terms of major weapon systems. Well, some of these capabilities we may need to think more of in terms of consumables, more like ammunition. That we can employ them [in a way] if we lose them, thats not a concern the way that it would be with a major weapon system platform, so that we can then either divest and move to the next thing, or weve employed them and weve lost some, and thats okay, too.

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As for programs of record, the official said that AFSOCs recent acceptance of the last of the AC-130J Ghostrider gunships and MC-130J Commando II transport/tankers it plans to purchase is something to be celebrated, and thats a great milestone. But that doesnt mean were anywhere near being done with the work that we would want to put into them to keep them relevant in the scenarios that youre asking about, certainly with what were learning.

An MC-130J Commando II. Sierra Nevada Corporation An AFSOC MC-130J Commando II. This particular example has gone through a number of recent upgrade programs, including one that adds the new Silent Knight terrain-following/terrain avoidance radar to the nose. Sierra Nevada Corporation

The need to be able to rapidly update these platforms and other systems to keep them relevant is growing larger by the day. Addressing this, too, via systemic procurement and development changes is also important, according to the official:

And then, in terms of the systems themselves, this is where were working with, both the service and SOCOM, where you have autonomous systems. You get into radios that we want to be software defined, so that you arent constantly chasing what I call the Box of the Month Club, where by the time you have laid a great deal of resourcing into a system, its got to be so dynamic that you arent vendor locked. Thereby, you need open systems architecture, you need modularity and this notion of government reference architectures between SOCOM and the Air Force, so that you can then rapidly iterate to change, in some cases, the actual functionality of the system itself to be responsive to now what youre seeing on the battlefield.

How are we training our people? Do we have the right systems on the airplanes? How are we integrating those with the broader SOF and joint force to make them relevant? Those are all really key foundational considerations that AFSOC is working on.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Vermont State Police said 11 people will be charged after the search of a Bethel residence early Monday.

Troopers served a search warrant at 2136 Christian Hill Road at around 6:15 a.m. as part of an investigation into a stolen car in Windsor County.

At least four people were inside the home at the time, police said. Two people came out when instructed, but two refused. A state police tactical unit sent a robot into the home sand used deployed gas and flash-bang devices to bring the other two people into custody. No injuries were reported.

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During the subsequent court-ordered search of the home, investigators discovered cocaine at the location along with several people wanted on various arrest warrants. VSP took the individuals into custody on the charges listed above.

Thomas M. Brooks, 412, Bethel, is due in court Tuesday Vermont on a DUI-drug charge. He was held on $300 bail at Southern State Correctional Facility

Gardner M. Moses, 56, Tunbridge, was cited and released for violation of condition of release

India R. Tweedie, 34, Bethel, was jailed on $1,000 bond on a Vermont warrant for violation of an abuse prevention order, violation of conditions of release, retail theft, fentanyl trafficking, cocaine trafficking, cruelty to animals.

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Brandin C. Durkee, 37, Royalton, is due in court June 17 for possession of cocaine.

Jesse Durkee, 40, Royalton, was held on $5,00 bail and will in court Tuesday on charges including assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful trespass.

Annette Ruotolo, 39, Royalton, was jailed at Southern State Correctional on $15,000 bail as a fugitive from justice in New Hampshire; she was wanted on probation violations for felony weapon and drug charges.

Ethan Farrar, 29, Paris, Me. is scheduled for court June 17 for alleged possession of cocaine.

Ayla M. Dartt, 36, Bethel, is scheduled for court June 17 for alleged possession of cocaine.

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Jennell Risbara, 28, Royalton, is scheduled for court June 17 for alleged possession of cocaine.

Marcus A. Hodges, East Hartford, Ct., is scheduled for court June 17 for alleged possession of cocaine.

Anthony Moore, 33, Hartford, Ct., is scheduled for court June 17 for alleged possession of cocaine.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wanda Barzee, who was convicted of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart and holding her captive for 9 months, is listed on Utahs Sex Offender Registry

Barzee is seen smiling in her most recent sex registry photo, which all offenders are required to update

On May 1, she was taken into custody after violating her parole

Wanda Barzee, the woman who helped hold Elizabeth Smart captive for nine months, is on Utahs Sex Offender Registry  and it appears that she couldnt be happier about it.

Barzee, 79, is seen beaming at the camera in an updated mugshot for the sex offender registry, which provides information to the public, law enforcement agencies, businesses and other entities about sex offenders in the state and is publicly available online.

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Those on the registry in Utah are required to check in twice a year - once on their birthday and then again exactly six months later. At those check-ins, they may take new photographs if their appearance is markedly different.

Barzee is now required to do weekly check-ins after her arrest for allegedly visiting parks in Salt Lake City, which she is restricted from doing due to her status as a registered sex offender.

George Frey/Getty Wanda Barzee appears during a review of her competence to stand trial for the June 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, September 16, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wanda Barzee appears during a review of her competence to stand trial for the June 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, September 16, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Related: Kidnapper Who Held Elizabeth Smart Captive for 9 Months Arrested After Police Say Sex Offender Visited Salt Lake City Parks

"Detectives developed information that Barzee had allegedly visited at least two parks in Salt Lake City, including Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, in violation of state law," Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the department, told PEOPLE.

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Barzee was later released on judicial orders. However, the SLCP said it will continue to monitor this situation moving forward as part of a joint effort with other agencies.

"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," Weisberg said.

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 was initially arrested with her husband, Brian David Mitchell, in 2003 after they kidnapped Smart in 2002 and held her captive for close to a year, moving between rundown houses and abandoned campsites in Utah and the San Diego area.

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During the time that Smart was held captive, she was subjected to near-daily sexual assaults by Mitchell. Smart discussed Barzee's participation in the assaults, saying she would encourage her husband and often be present while the teenager was being abused by Mitchell.

Steve Griffin-Pool/Getty Wanda Barzee enters Judge Judith Atherton's courtroom for her forced medication hearing February 16, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wanda Barzee enters Judge Judith Atherton's courtroom for her forced medication hearing February 16, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Related: The Family of Kidnapped Teen Elizabeth Smart Speaks in a 2003 PEOPLE Cover Story: Read It Here

The public was alerted to Mitchell and Barzee's identities after Smart's sister, who witnessed the kidnapping, recalled that the man whose voice she heard that night was the same man who had previously been hired to do work at the family's home.

Photos of Mitchell and Barzee then ran on America's Most Wanted around the same time the two started appearing in public with Smart, leading to a person recognizing the pair and contacting authorities.



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Despite being arrested in 2003, Barzee did not stand trial on federal charges until 2009 and state charges until 2010.

Before that, she had been deemed mentally unfit, and in 2006, a judge in Utah signed off on forcibly medicating Barzee in hopes that she might be competent to stand trial.

That seemed to work, and in 2009, she entered a guilty plea to federal charges of kidnapping and enticement of a minor.

She also struck a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to testify against Mitchell at his state and federal trials.

In 2010, she entered a guilty plea to aggravated kidnapping in Utah.

Barzee then went to Texas, where she served out her federal sentence until 2016, at which time she returned to Utah.

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Two years later, Barzee was released from prison, having gotten credit for the seven years she spent in custody before both her sentences.

That release date came as a surprise to Smart, who said in interviews at the time that she had not anticipated Barzee would be released from prison until 2024.

In a 2018 interview with CBS This Morning, Smart alleged that Barzee still worshipped Mitchell.

She told Gayle King that prison sources allegedly informed her that Barzee still carries around a "book of revelations" that Mitchell wrote while posing as a Christ-like religious figure.

"Hearing that she's still carrying that around and still holding onto me, holding onto that. I find that very discomforting," Smart said. "I think that she is a danger because, clearly, she hasn't let it go.

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"She is still a big threat, and not just to me but to the public in general," Smart said of Barzee. "I mean, to any person who's vulnerable out there."

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
Residents in a high-end Austin suburb arent happy about their neighbor, Elon Musk, whom they say has turned their quiet cul-de-sac into a thoroughfare of service workers and security all while the billionaire mogul flouts local ordinances.

According to a report from the New York Times, Musk bought the $6 million property in West Lake Hills, just outside Austin, Texas, in 2022 and has changed the character of the neighborhood ever since.

I call that place Fort Knox, Paul Hemmer, the president of the local neighborhood homeowners association, told the paper.

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Tesla CEO Musk purchased the house and two others in the area with the hopes of creating a compound for his 13 (and counting) children and their mothers. His team quickly got to work making changes, including building a fence around the property 10 feet taller than allowed without obtaining a permit.

Hemmer, one of Musks antagonists in the neighborhood saga, complained about all the noise and commotion since the billionaire made his home there, including transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses.

Musks decision to make changes before asking the local government for permission has gotten him in trouble, and he might have to take down his fence if he ultimately loses his challenges to local rules. People working on his behalf have asked for exceptions citing security concerns, and blamed a former employee for the errors.

Hemmer didnt buy that excuse. If you follow him at all in the news, hes always guilty of building stuff and then asking for permission later, he said.

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The neighbor also complained that he and other residents are under constant surveillance from Musks security, even when theyre on their own property. Hemmer said the security caught him peeing on his lawn.

The cameras got me, Mr. Hemmer said. Its scary they have guys sitting and watching me pee. They even once called the police claiming Hemmer was naked on the street, but Hemmer just said he was in his underwear on his lawn.

While the saga isnt over, it appears that local commissioners have turned on Musk and dont seem likely to grant him exceptions, the Times reported.

Im astounded the staff is putting forth any kind of suggestions we bend based on who is asking, one commissioner said.

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While billionaire Elon Musk is ripping through government agencies in Washington, DC, his cushy $6 million abode in a wealthy Austin suburb is tearing up local rules as well.

As the New York Times reports, Musk bought the six-bedroom mansion in West Lake Hills in 2022. The location was unusual for somebody requiring constant monitoring by an army of security guards, since it sits off a narrow public road in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

To beef up security, Musk erected a 16-foot chain-link fence around the property  which got the richest man in trouble with the local Zoning and Planning Commission, as it was a full ten feet taller than it was allowed to be. According to the NYT, the construction of the fence and a metal gate violated six city ordinances and didn't have any of the necessary permits.

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While Musk's staff have since tried to retroactively get permits and exceptions for the fence and gates, the process is still ongoing.

However, the disregard for rules has angered plenty of neighbors. Many have complained about the ruckus the billionaire's new home has caused, from constant traffic to workers coming and going at all hours of the day, per the NYT.

"Transporting service employees to other houses, leaving their cars on our quiet streets, hauling laundry to and fro to other houses has to stop," local resident Paul Hemmer wrote in a statement to the Zoning and Planning Commission.

The incident once again highlights Musk's notorious unwillingness to abide by rules that apply to ordinary people. His firms have broken an avalanche of rules and regulations over the years, an ask-for-forgiveness-not-permission approach that has landed them in plenty of legal trouble.

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The mercurial CEO has also attracted plenty of negative media attention due to his embrace of extremist views and gutting of the federal government. In other words, wherever he may call his home, chances are he's not the kind of neighbor anybody would like to have, no matter their circumstances or socioeconomic status.

Musk has also shown an increasingly paranoid streak, saying that he's constantly worried about being killed. As the Wall Street Journal reported last month, he told the mother of one of his youngest children that he's the "#2 after Trump for assassination."

"Only the paranoid survive," he added.

Musk's mansion is one of three buildings forming a "compound" for the many mothers of his many children. Per the NYT, his on-and-off-again girlfriend Claire "Grimes" Boucher once lived in the West Lake Hills house. Neuralink executive Shivon Zillis, with whom Musk has had four children, lives a ten-minute walk away.

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If he's trying to build a restful environment for his family, he's failing miserably, with his bulldozer approach to development ruffling many feathers in the community.

"I call that place Fort Knox," president of the neighborhood homeowners association Paul Hemmer, who has written complaints to the Zoning and Planning Commission, told the NYT.

"If you follow him at all in the news, hes always guilty of building stuff and then asking for permission later," he added.

A West Lake Hills City Council session on May 14 will debate Musk's disregard for zoning rules  and chances are, things could get heated.

More on Musk: MAGA Angry as Elon Musk's Grok AI Keeps Explaining Why Their Beliefs Are Factually Incorrect
Tourists visit the Fuzi (Confucius) Temple scenic area in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 1, 2025. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Chinese travelers spent billions during their May Day holiday trips, offering a snapshot of resilient consumer confidence and the vitality of the world's second-largest economy.

Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures.

As one of the busiest travel periods on the calendar, the holiday saw millions of Chinese people hit the road to visit family, explore domestic destinations or travel abroad. The surge in travel provided a boost to the transportation, tourism and retail sectors.

Tourism insiders hailed this May Day holiday the most vibrant in the past few years by different indications, pointing to strong data and robust market response.

In the past five days, highways were jammed, train tickets sold out within minutes, and major tourist destinations overflowed with visitors.

As the night fell, the energy remained high. In Guangxi, local governments hosted nighttime carnivals, dazzling light shows, and open-air concerts to revitalize the nightlife scene and encourage people to stay out longer and spend more.

Nationally recognized nighttime cultural and tourism zones registered nearly 76 million visits during the holiday, up 5.2 percent from a year ago, according to figures released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

This push to diversify the holiday experience wasn't limited to nighttime attractions. Across the country, local governments and tourism operators embraced technology to enhance convenience and comfort for the millions of travelers on the move.

In the city of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, an AI-powered peak-avoidance system helped visitors plan their routes more efficiently by analyzing real-time traffic and crowd data across the city's major attractions.

In Sichuan's Qingcheng Mountain scenic area, visitors encountered robotic exoskeletons designed to make trekking easier, along with drone delivery services that transported snacks and supplies to the mountains.

The surge in travel extended beyond China's borders. According to official data, China saw nearly 10.9 million inbound and outbound trips by Chinese and foreign nationals during the five-day break, an average of 2.18 million per day, up 28.7 percent from the same period last year.

The steady rebound in inbound tourism was fueled by growing interest from countries including Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom.

China's visa-free policies also played a role. A total of 380,000 foreigners entered China under such arrangements during the holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent.

To welcome more international travelers, China has expanded visa-free policies to allow longer stays and wider travel within the country with simplified visa procedures, and introduced new conveniences such as instant tax refunds for departing visitors.

Amid mounting global uncertainty, China has prioritized boosting consumption as a cornerstone of its economic growth. Policymakers at both the national and local levels have rolled out a series of targeted measures aimed at reviving household spending, with the service sector, which includes tourism, highlighted as a promising driver for this campaign.

Those efforts began bearing fruit. In the first quarter, China's total retail sales of consumer goods rose 4.6 percent year-on-year. Services consumption picked up pace as well, with service retail sales climbing 5 percent.

China's economy expanded by 5.4 percent in the first quarter compared to a year earlier, placing it among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. 

An aerial drone photo taken on May 3, 2025 shows tourists walking a pedestrian suspension bridge built in the Yimeng mountains in Linyi, east China's Shandong Province. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Wu Jiquan/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists watching a performance at a scenic spot in Yichang, central China's Hubei Province. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Zheng Jiayu/Xinhua)

Tourists take boats to visit the Huangyao ancient town in Zhaoping Couty, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 2, 2025. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Liao Zuping/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Qingming Bridge historical community in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Huan Yueliang/Xinhua)

Tourists enjoy leisure time at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China's Shandong Province, May 4, 2025. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Zhang Chunlei/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows tourists enjoying food at the Xiyanggu scenic spot in Zunhua City, north China's Hebei Province. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting a scenic spot in Rugao City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Chinese tourists made 314 million domestic trips and spent 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars) from May 1 to 5, marking 6.4 percent and 8 percent year-on-year rises respectively, according to official figures. (Photo by Wu Shujian/Xinhua)
Billionaire Elon Musk seems to be far more concerned about delivering humanity to Mars, a planet that's incredibly hostile to life, than ensuring we have a place to call our home over the next 100 years.

Instead of meaningfully addressing a growing climate crisis, he's pursued the stripping of environmental regulations, actions that could have devastating consequences for humanity in the short term.

In a new interview with Fox News, Musk attempted to justify his long-held plans for making humanity "interplanetary" by establishing a self-sustaining presence on Mars.

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"Mars is life insurance for life collectively," Musk said. "So, eventually, all life on Earth will be destroyed by the Sun. The Sun is gradually expanding, and so we do at some point need to be a multi-planet civilization because Earth will be incinerated."

But what Musk failed to mention was that this grim fate won't happen for another six billion years  making it an incredibly un-compelling reason to give up on the Earth now. After all, the Earth is currently only about 4.5 billion years old.

In other words, the looming environmental crisis is far bigger deal, happening vastly sooner, than billions-of-years-off concerns about the cosmic destruction of the Earth.

But while he played a major part in driving the popularity and adoption of electric vehicles, Musk has increasingly contributed to the dismantling of rules designed to curb emission levels, indicating a disregard for ensuring the longevity of humanity's original home.

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SpaceX has also flouted environmental rules, repeatedly dumping toxic wastewater into or near bodies of water in Texas. Its Starship launches have proven incredibly harmful to nearby vegetation and protected wildlife.

Musk has also thrown his weight behind president Donald Trump, who has called for the US to "drill, baby, drill" for more fossil fuels. In his first 100 days in office alone, greenhouse gas emissions have soared, according to a recent analysis.

Put simply, has Musk given up on Earth? Experts have long rung the alarm bells, warning that the climate crisis is nearing a point of no return.

Instead of acknowledging the issue, Musk is still pursuing his dream of building a city on Mars.

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In a tweet last month, the CEO promised that his space firm's gigantic Starship rocket will "hopefully depart for Mars at the end of next year with Optimus explorer robots!" referring to his car company Tesla's humanoid robots.

Of course, whether Musk's proclamations  which tend to be massively overconfident  will be realized that soon is as dubious as ever.

For one, the company has yet to successfully launch a Starship into space and return it safely to the ground.

Now that Musk has gathered a huge amount of influence in the White House, chances are NASA could soon move mountains and free up untold sums in funding to realize his plans to send humans to Mars.

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In the Trump administration's recently announced proposed budget for next year, the White House is looking to increase NASA's space exploration budget by roughly $1 billion in "new investments for Mars-focused programs."

Put it all together, and Musk has seemingly little interest in ensuring humanity's survival on planet Earth  even while he's hellbent on establishing a new city on an extremely deadly and unforgiving planet.

More on Elon Musk: Elon Musk Is Having Massive Drama With His Mansion's Neighbors
DONIPHAN, Mo.  The Doniphan Police Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory Tuesday for a teen that may be on his way to the St. Louis area.

According to police, 16-year-old Anthony James Guerra left his residence on Maple Street in the southern Missouri town of Doniphan Monday night around 11 p.m. A suicide note was left behind.

Officials believe Guerra may be heading to Troy, Missouri.

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Guerra is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighs 120 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a stocking cap, white hooded sweatshirt, and black pants.

The teen is driving a 1999 green Buick Park Avenue with the Missouri license plate of EM3R6R. The vehicle was last spotted at Vogel and West Outer roads in Arnold.

Anyone with Guerras whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Doniphan Police Department at 573-996-7123.

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ARCADIA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX)  What does it look like when an entire police department resigns? That is precisely what the town of Arcadia is facing. Trempealeau County Sheriff Brett Semingson explains, In recent weeks, the police officers down there have all left that agency for other opportunities that are going on, leaving them, leaving them without any police officers except for an interim police chief.



A clear reason why they left those positions hasnt been provided. However, what is known is that some of the officers took new jobs in fields other than enforcement. Semingson says, Its not just unique to Arcadia. A lot of smaller agencies or law enforcement in general across the board are struggling to keep their employees or find new employees.

What is unique to Arcadia is that so many left at similar times. A released statement from Arcadia Mayor John Kimmel said, in part, Many departments face staffing shortages or other issues, ours just happened all at once. Our situation in Arcadia is unique in that our former officers moved on to new careers in a relatively short time frame, which has presented us with both a challenge and an opportunity.

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According to Kimmel, that opportunity is to build a new department from the ground up. In the meantime, calls for help fall on the sheriffs office. Semingson says, (That) puts a lot of strain on my deputies because of the additional calls theyre taking, plus the normal routine that they handle here in the county

The sheriffs office is in Whitehall, and they are now forced to answer calls in Arcadia. Depending on where deputies are in the county, that could take 20 to 30 minutes. Semingson says, Some of these calls are going to be serious within the City of Arcadia and require rapid response times. And, you know, as a Sheriffs Office with the same staffing going on, were going to have longer response times to get to those emergencies.

Kimmel says the city hired Nic Scholl as the new chief of police. He is expected to continue to work on rebuilding the department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud.
GREENE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  An escaped murder suspect was recaptured in west Alabama after nearly two weeks on the run.

19-year-old Eddie Jordan Jr. was one of two suspects connected to a murder that took place in Tarrant on January 22. Additionally, Birmingham police stated Jones was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Demaryius Antoine Cherry on February 5.

Jordan was initially caught by Tarrant police and U.S. Marshals on April 25, and he was taken to UAB Hospital to be treated before being booked into jail.

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However, Tarrant detectives received a call later that night he had escaped custody. Details of how he escaped are limited at this time.

Billboard honoring Tony Mitchell placed in Walker County

U.S. Marshals, alongside members of Birmingham police, SWAT, and Tuscaloosa police, captured Jones in Eutaw early Tuesday morning. Jordan is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail on charges of murder, 1st degree assault, discharging a firearm into an occupied building, and escape.

An additional suspect in the Tarrant homicide, Javarious Durome Russell Jr, was arrested days after Jordans initial arrest.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
The European Union is considering opening the door for British bankers and lawyers to ply their trade on the Continent.

Fresh legislation being prepared by the European Commission could pave the way for common rules for the recognition and validation of qualifications and skills of third-country nationals as early as next year.

But the deal is unlikely to feature as part of the post-Brexit reset as eurocrats dig their heels in on offering Sir Keir Starmer a bespoke agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

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Brussels insiders say the package is more general than what has been demanded by British negotiators ahead of a joint summit in London on May 19.

It was proposed in a single market strategy document drawn up by Stephane Sejourne, the French European Commission executive vice-president.

Ahead of its election victory last summer, Labour pledged to secure a mutual recognition agreement for professional qualifications to help open up markets for UK service exporters in its manifesto.

British businesses have been pushing for the Government to broker a deal that would give professionals the ability to work in the EU since Brexit.

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Rachel Reeves raised the prospect of such an agreement in direct talks with her EU counterparts at a meeting of Eurogroup finance ministers late last year.

Rachel Reeves met Eurogroup finance ministers to broker a deal to help UK professionals - Jonathan Brady/Reuters

The Chancellor argued that trade barriers like this had been created by Brexit and dismantling them could boost both Britains and the EUs faltering economies.

But in Brussels, British negotiators have failed to convince their counterparts that professional qualifications should be included as part of the wider reset talks.

The Telegraph understands that the EU could be holding out on the topic to see if there are any further concessions to be gained from the UK.

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Neither side has been willing to compromise  making any deal relaxing visa restrictions for business people travelling to either the EU or UK unlikely.

The EU has already secured multi-year access to British fishing waters and the outline of a youth mobility pact as the price for the reset.

Progress downplayed

At a meeting of EU ambassadors last week, a number of countries rowed in hard behind a demand that would make any reset agreement contingent on a deal which would guarantee EU nationals aged under 30 the rights to live and work in the UK, and vice-versa.

In exchange, Britain will gain access to a 150 billion (127 billion) EU defence fund being drawn up and an agreement to dynamically align food and veterinary standards in order to ease trade restrictions on agricultural products.

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Maros Sefcovic, the EUs lead Brexit negotiator, appeared to downplay any progress in talks with Britain in a speech to the European Parliament on Monday.

He mentioned trade just four times in the short speech, in reference to the post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed between Britain and Brussels.

The top eurocrat said further work was needed to secure the veterinary and animal health agreement being discussed.

Key words used by the UK Government, like economy and growth, were also omitted from his address to MEPs.

David Henig, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy think tank, said: There is a definite pushback from the commission to the UK under way and this speech could be a signal of trouble ahead.

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David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, will travel to Warsaw on Wednesday to hold talks with EU foreign ministers to soothe tensions ahead of the summit in London later this month, a European source said.

We are working hand-in-hand with our European allies to build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Europe. Together, we will stand firm against aggression, defend our shared values, and deliver lasting peace, Mr Lammy 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.
The European Commission on Tuesday unveiled plans to stop all imports of Russian gas to the European Union by the end of 2027 in an effort to end the bloc's energy dependence on Moscow.

Under the proposal, a ban on new contracts and short-term deliveries, so-called spot contracts, is to take effect by the end of 2025. Existing long-term contracts are to be phased out by the end of 2027.

"Today, the European Union sends a very clear message to Russia: No more," said EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jrgensen, presenting the plans in the French city of Strasbourg.

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"No more will we indirectly help fill up the war chest in Kremlin," he added.

Two-thirds of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline gas imports are based on long-term contracts, prompting the commission to propose a two-step ban.

"A phased approach to eliminating Russian gas imports would allow markets to better adjust and minimize market impact and potential implications for security of supply," a commission document read.

"The commission will ensure that the measures to eliminate Russian gas imports will be designed in a manner that minimizes economic impact on market actors."

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The EU's executive branch said it would follow up with a legal proposal on the gas import ban in June.

A majority of member states would have to back the proposal in order for the bans to be implemented, Jrgensen said.

"This is not a small thing. This is not without challenges, but it can be done, and we will deliver in a gradual, coordinated way, supporting member states where and when it is necessary," he added.

The EU already agreed in 2022 to stop importing Russian gas by 2027, however the target was not binding.

Gas supplies from Russia still accounted for almost 19% of all imports in 2024, according to the commission.

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As of this year, however, global LNG supplies are forecast to grow rapidly while demand is expected to decrease, a market dynamic that would more easily allow EU states to opt for different suppliers, the commission argues.

Ending the EU's dependency on Russian fuel imports became a priority for the bloc following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Since then, the EU has diversified its energy supply and reduced energy imports from Russia, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"The war in Ukraine has brutally exposed the risks of blackmail, economic coercion and price shocks," she said.

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"It is now time for Europe to completely cut off its energy ties with an unreliable supplier. And energy that comes to our continent should not pay for a war of aggression against Ukraine," she stated.

Extensive import bans on Russian coal and oil are already in place.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic warned on Tuesday that the United States might impose new tariffs on European exports, targeting up to 97% of exported goods.

In addition to an ongoing investigation on lumber, the US administration recently opened six further investigation to determine the effect of imports on national security, said Sefcovic.

The additional targeted sectors include pharmaceutical products, semiconductors, critical minerals, and trucks and truck parts, he said, addressing the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg.

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If all these investigations lead to additional tariffs, 97% of EU exports to the US would be subject to import duties representing a trade volume of 549 billion ($622.8 billion), he said.

"The situation as such is not acceptable, and we cannot afford to stay idle," Sefcovic said.

The trade commissioner reiterated the EU's ambition to find a negotiated solution with the US.

"We now need the US to show its readiness to make progress towards a fair and balanced solution," he said.

In addition to pursuing talks, Brussels was "preparing for litigation to preserve and reinforce the multilateral rules-based trading system," Sefcovic said, and accelerating free-trade negotiations with other global trading partners.

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"The US represents 13% of global trade. It's a lot. But we must not forget about the remaining 87%," he said.

In April US President Donald Trump paused special levies on imports from most trading partners including the EU for 90 days, prompting the bloc to suspend its planned countertariffs to allow for further talks.
By Julia Payne

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission proposed adding more individuals and over 100 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet to its 17th package of sanctions against Moscow, EU diplomats said on Tuesday.

An exemption from sanctions on the Russian oil and gas project Sakhalin-2 will be extended to June next year, one of the sources said, owing to its importance to Japan.

The proposal has come sooner than expected, they said, and has been kept "simple". Member states were not informally consulted in advance on the contents, which has been the norm for previous Russian measures. Countries are expected to agree on the proposal quickly with the first discussions due to take place on Wednesday.

In mid-April, sources said the Commission's work on new measures was moving slowly and any new restrictions were not expected to materialise until June.

The sources said the package contains tighter export controls on goods that can be repurposed by Russia's military and advanced technologies along with the listing of more shadow fleet vessels. Moscow has built up a vast fleet operating outside of western networks to export its oil and buy ammunition.

One of the sources added that over 50 individuals and entities would be sanctioned, including five in China. Further, new measures would target 31 companies helping Russia's military or involved in sanctions evasion, of which 13 are outside Russia.

One of the sources added the aim was to show the 27-member bloc can "still agree on something against Russia" after repeated veto threats from Hungary's Russia-friendly government on Russia sanctions.

France's foreign minister told news agency AFP last week the EU would try to coordinate the timing of its next package with the United States.

Officials in Washington have finalised new economic sanctions against Russia to intensify pressure on Moscow to embrace U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts to end its war in Ukraine. However, it was not immediately clear whether Trump would sign off on the new restrictions, which include new targets such as Russia's gas behemoth Gazprom.

(Reporting by Julia Payne; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is under no pressure to accept an unfair tariff deal with the United States, its trade chief said on Tuesday, adding that it was being contacted by other countries seeking to forge closer trade ties with the 27-nation bloc.

The EU faces 25% U.S. import tariffs on its steel, aluminium and cars and so-called "reciprocal" tariffs of 10% for almost all other goods, a levy that could rise to 20% after President Donald Trump's 90-day pause expires on July 8.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the EU would use the pause to prepare further rebalancing measures and ensure a level playing field if talks failed.

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"All options remain on the table here," he told the European Parliament.

While the EU's clear preference was to negotiate a solution with the United States, he said Washington now needed to show its readiness to make progress towards a fair and balanced agreement.

"We do not feel weak. We do not feel under undue pressure to accept a deal, which would not be fair for us," Sefcovic said.

The commissioner said U.S. tariffs now covered 70% of EU goods trade to the United States and that could rise to 97% after further U.S. investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and other products.

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He said the EU was also focused on the 87% of global trade not conducted with the U.S., pointing to the bloc's negotiations with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

"I can tell you that our phones are not stopping ringing all the time because everyone wants to accelerate free trade agreement negotiations with us," he said.

The comment evoked language from the White House, which has said it has received a flood of calls from governments seeking to cut deals and reduce the impact of Trump's tariffs, which have roiled markets and raised fears of a global economic downturn.

The European Union has suspended its own countermeasures against the U.S. steel tariffs to give room for negotiations, although they appear not to have made much progress.

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Sefcovic said the EU would also guard against possible surges of imports due to trade diverted by Trump's tariff wall, adding that a task force set up to monitor trade diversion would produce its first results in mid-May.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Joe Bavier)
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China's northern regions will continue to experience very little precipitation over the next 10 days, while the country's southern areas are bracing for storms, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Tuesday.

From Wednesday to Friday, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the country's southern regions. Some areas may also experience rainstorms, which could lead to waterlogging in low-lying farmlands, the NMC said.

The center emphasized the importance of ensuring that ditches and channels remain unobstructed and the need to drain excess moisture promptly after rainfall to promote the growth of wheat and rapeseed.

Meanwhile, drought conditions are persisting in some areas of the country. The NMC issued a yellow alert for drought on Tuesday -- warning that severe drought conditions exist in provincial-level regions such as northwest China's Shaanxi, Henan in central China, Jiangsu in the east and Guangxi in south China.

The center advised relevant authorities in drought-affected areas to closely monitor weather developments and, if conditions permit, carry out artificial rain enhancement to alleviate the drought.

China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union should halt imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027 to deprive President Vladimir Putin of revenue that helps fuel his war on Ukraine, the blocs executive branch said Tuesday.

Under a detailed plan to be presented next month, the European Commission would seek to ban new gas contracts with Russia by the end of this year and phase out existing ones still in use in the 27-nation EU by the end of 2027.

Putin has shown that he doesnt mind weaponizing gas, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jrgensen said as he outlined the plan. We do not want to fill up his war chest and support his war economy because who knows which countries will be next.

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Jrgensen said the EU had completely cut coal purchases from Russia and drastically lowered oil and gas imports since the war on Ukraine began in 2022, but that 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) in energy revenue still reached Moscow every month last year.

I am a little bit embarrassed that last year we still paid 23 billion euros ($26 billion) to Russia whilst they are in war with our friends in Ukraine, Jrgensen told reporters in Strasbourg, France.

The EU says it has cut gas imports from 45% to 19%, and oil from 27% to 3%, of its prewar levels. But that still makes it Russias biggest gas client, with pipelines in operation across the Black Sea, Belarus, and Turkey, according to the Energy and Clean Air think tank.

Ten countries continue to import energy from Russia. Those that still take its gas via pipelines include Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. Austria, Poland and the Baltic countries  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  have phased out their imports.

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Hungary and Slovakia  whose leaders are considered to be Putins closest allies in Europe  have blocked EU military assistance to Ukraine, and are sure to oppose the commissions gas plans.

However, the EUs executive branch appears determined not to let them veto the plan and is ready to propose a system that would only have to be endorsed by about two-thirds of the 27 member countries, and possibly by the European Parliament.

Jrgensen said that by the end of this year, each country would be required to submit plans showing how they intend to stop imports of Russian energy and that existing spot market contracts would be banned, measures that would eliminate one-third of imports.

He conceded that the plan would face challenges but said that it would be introduced in a gradual, coordinated way, with EU support being provided if needed to those countries that are hardest hit.

Russia is a threat to all of us. Therefore, we must act, Jrgensen said.

___

McNeil contributed to this report from Barcelona, Spain.
By Kate Abnett and Lili Bayer

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will next month propose legal measures to phase out the EU's imports of all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027, it said on Tuesday.

The European Union vowed to end its decades-old energy relations with former top gas supplier Russia after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The EU executive will present a legal proposal in June to ban remaining Russian gas and liquefied natural gas imports under existing contracts by end-2027, it said in plans published on Tuesday.

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The Commission will also propose in June a ban on Russian gas imports under new deals and existing spot contracts by the end of 2025.

"Since February 2022, we've actually spent more money buying fossil fuels from Russia in the EU than we've given in aid to Ukraine," said EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.

"Obviously, that will not stand," he said.

The U.S. is pushing Russia for a peace deal with Ukraine, which, if reached, may reopen the door for Russian energy. But while executives in some EU industries have signalled support for a return to Russian gas, Jorgensen said even if there was a peace deal, it would be unwise to rely on Russian imports again.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said excluding Russian energy was against the EU's own interests.

"They reduce the competitive environment, preferring more expensive goods from the United States and other countries. One can only hope that the next generation of European politicians will evaluate the situation more soberly," Peskov said.

Around 19% of Europe's gas still comes from Russia, via the TurkStream pipeline and LNG shipments - down from roughly 45% before 2022.

Brussels has signalled willingness to buy more U.S. LNG to replace Russian volumes, which President Donald Trump has demanded the EU do to shrink its trade surplus with the United States.

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A draft of the EU plan was previously reported by Reuters.

APPROVAL NEEDED

New EU legislative proposals need approval from the European Parliament and a reinforced majority of EU countries.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Russian coal and most oil imports, but not on gas due to opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, which receive Russian pipeline supplies and say switching to alternatives would hike energy prices. Sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries.

The Commission did not specify what legal options it will use to ban Russian gas. Jorgensen said the proposals would amount to "force majeure" - an unforeseeable event that can release companies from a contract.

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Lawyers have said, however, it would be difficult to invoke this without exposing gas buyers to penalties or arbitration. European buyers have "take-or-pay" contracts with Gazprom, which require those that refuse deliveries to pay for much of the contracted gas.

France's TotalEnergies and Engie, which have long-term Russian gas contracts, declined to immediately comment. Russia's two top gas companies, Gazprom and Novatek, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

A spokesperson for German company Uniper, which was once Europe's largest Russian gas importer and nearly collapsed after Moscow slashed supplies in 2022, said it no longer had Russian contracts, and would examine the EU proposals.

Owing to new LNG supply projects due online from 2026 in countries including the U.S. and Qatar, the Commission said phasing out Russian gas would have a limited impact on European energy prices.

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The EU is also betting on renewable energy to slash its fossil fuel use.

The EU imported 32 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas via pipeline and 20 bcm of Russian LNG last year. Overall, two-thirds of this supply is under long-term contracts, and the rest uncontracted "spot" purchases.

The Commission will also propose trade measures on imports of Russian enriched uranium. Jorgensen said this would de facto mean a levy or tax.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett and Lili Bayer in Brussels; additional reporting by America Hernandez in Paris and Christoph Steitz in FrankfurtEditing by Tomasz Janowski, Bernadette Baum and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Europe launched a $566 million fund to lure scientists as Trump slashes research budgets.

Its Commission President called the rollback of scientific support a "gigantic miscalculation."

Researchers told BI that federal cuts could trigger a brain drain with long-term negative consequences.

Europe is making an aggressive play for global scientific talent, and is actively aiming at US researchers.

Speaking at the Sorbonne University in Paris on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a $566 million funding package designed to turn Europe into a global hub for scientific research. French President Emmanuel Macron promoted the initiative on LinkedIn last month.

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The move comes just weeks after the Trump administration froze or slashed billions of dollars in federal funding for US universities and research institutions, triggering hiring freezes, layoffs, and fears of a long-term brain drain.

Without naming the US or Trump, von der Leyen took direct aim at cuts to research budgets, calling the rollback of scientific support "a gigantic miscalculation."

"Science holds the key to our future," she said. "Because as threats rise across the world, Europe will not compromise on its principles. Europe must remain the home of academic and scientific freedom."

The new "Choose Europe" initiative includes "super grants" for top-tier scientists through the European Council Research, longer contracts and expanded incentives for early-career scientists, and doubled relocation bonuses for researchers who choose the EU as their base.

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"To every researcher, at home or abroad, to every young girl and boy who dreams of a life in science," von der Leyen said, "our message is clear: Choose Science. Choose Europe."

American researchers, scientists, and education policy experts told BI last week that Trump's freezing of billions of federal dollars could trigger a brain drain, weakening the US position as a global science leader.

The National Institutes of Health , which was one of the organizations to have funding cut, has supported 174 Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Many fear that those kinds of breakthroughs are now at risk.

Shutting off funding so abruptly "absolutely endangers the United States' position as the global leader in medical research," said Peter Lurie, a researcher suing the Trump administration for cutting National Institutes of Health funding for various projects, including research on Alzheimer's, reproductive health, cancer, and diabetes.

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"And for that, we will pay," Lurie told BI last week.

The Trump administration has already frozen $2.3 billion in federal funding to Harvard University, suspended dozens of federal research grants at Princeton University, and signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.

Glenn Altschuler, a professor of American studies at Cornell University, told BI last week that the cuts' long-term impact on US scientific innovation could be devastating.

"It'll take a very long time to come back," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greece was urged Tuesday to implement stronger legal safeguards at its borders and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to summary returns" as reports of illegal deportations of migrants continue despite mounting international criticism.

Michael OFlaherty, the Council of Europes commissioner for human rights, issued the recommendations following a visit to Greece in February.

The commissioner is concerned about the allegations received during his visit regarding persistent practices of summary returns  also referred to as pushbacks or informal forced returns  at both land and maritime borders, the Council of Europe memorandum said.

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Returning people without carrying out an individual identification procedure prevents member states from establishing whether they may be sending them back to human rights abuses, it added.

It said OFlaherty noted that the number of allegations had dropped in recent months.

Athens has consistently denied the pushback allegations, maintaining that its border control measures comply with international law.

In a written response to the commissioner, the Greek Police said its officers are involved only in the lawful prevention of illegal border crossings while migrants are still in Turkish territory and have not yet reached Greece.

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The pushback allegations gained legal significance after the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Greece in January, finding that Athens had violated European human rights conventions by systematically expelling migrants without due process.

The Greek government is tightening its migration policies. Migration Minister Makis Voridis has announced plans to extend the maximum detention period for rejected asylum seekers from 18 month to 24 months.

The illegal migrant whose asylum application is rejected and who nevertheless does not leave for his country will face a much more unfavorable institutional environment than exists today  essentially to encourage voluntary departure, Voridis told the Action 24 TV news channel.

On Tuesday, the coast guard reported rescuing 158 migrants from three dinghies south of the island of Crete, with assistance from nearby commercial vessels and Frontex, the European Unions border protection agency.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Strasbourg, France, the Council of Europe is an international organization dedicated to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It has 46 member states.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was one of the first leaders to congratulate new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after he was elected by lawmakers to the position on Tuesday.

Von der Leyen, who like Merz is a member of Germany's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), described him as "a true friend and expert on Europe," in a German-language post on X.

"We will work together for a strong and more competitive Europe," von der Leyen wrote, adding: "I look forward to close cooperation!"

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Merz's election on Tuesday came following a major stumble, seeing him fail to secure the necessary majority in a first vote by secret ballot in parliament.

He then secured enough backing in a hastily organized second round, on a dramatic day for German politics that may already have set the tone for his first weeks in office.

European Council President Antonio Costa also extended his "warm congratulations."

"I am looking forward to our work together on an ambitious common European agenda," he wrote in English and German on X.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  An Evansville man with a previous conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after authorities say he used Instagram to obtain sexually explicit material involving minors.

According to court documents, Instagram reported to authorities on April 3, 2023, that an account owned by William Virgil Russell, II, 33, had accessed a video depicting an adult male attempting to sexually assault a minor. During an investigation, authorities say they found additional child sexual abuse material during a review of the account, as well as posts by Russell soliciting underage videos saying he was looking for under 12 to buy from and freaks with young kids or siblings.

Evansville teacher accused of sexual misconduct with a student in custody

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Authorities say they searched Russells home on September 26, 2023, and uncovered 21 sexually explicit images involving minors. In addition to the images reportedly found, investigators also say they uncovered numerous chat session transcripts in which he describes himself as a pedophile and he preferred toddlers. Russell reportedly asked women to provide him with nude and sexually explicit images of their children, often offering to pay money for the images.

At the time of the offenses, Russell was already a registered sex offender based on a felony conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material in Warrick County.

Every parent should know that social media apps like Instagram are not safe spaces for young children and are often hunting grounds for predators who seek gratification from their exploitation, said Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana John Childress.

Russell was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after he plead guilty to possession of sexually explicit material involving minors. Following his sentence, Russell will continue to remain registered as a sex offender wherever he lives, works or goes to school.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Superintendent Dr. David Smith will deliver his final State of the Schools address today.

Hopkins County Schools appoints next superintendent

The address will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Evansville at the Riverfront Event Center at Ballys starting at noon. Dr. Smith is retiring from the EVSC after 43 years, the last 14 of which he served as Superintendent. Dr. Smith announced his retirement in January, and his last day on the job will be July 1. A new superintendent is expected to be named sometime this month.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A former active-duty U.S. Army member from Springfield was convicted of sexually abusing a child from 2005 to 2008 in Honduras, beginning when the child was four years old.

John Michael Bradley, 65, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor less than 12 years old and one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a former place after the first day of a jury trial following the first witness testimony.

Bradley was federally indicted in December 2023 for his criminal conduct with a minor while he was stationed in Honduras in 2005 and 2006 and when he returned as a civilian in 2007 and 2008.

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Damage assessments continue after last weeks severe weather

According to the federal court, Bradley admitted in his guilty plea that he met the child while in Honduras as a member of the U.S. Army and sexually abused the child over three years. He also admitted to returning to Honduras after his military service was over to perform sexual acts with the minor victim.

Now, as an adult, the victim reported these crimes to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division in 2021.

Bradley was also previously convicted in federal court in 2019 for possession of child pornography.

Bradley is facing at least 30 years to life in prison without parole under federal statutes. A sentencing hearing for Bradley will be scheduled at a later date.

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Andrii Smyrnov, the former deputy head of the President's Office, was released from custody on bail of Hr 18 million ($433,000), Suspilne news outlet reported on May 6, citing the High Anti-Corruption Court.

A day earlier, the High Anti-Corruption Court imposed a pre-trial restraint on Smyrnov in the form of detention with the right to post bail of Hr 18 million ($435,000) until May 22.

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."

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Smyrnov is under investigation for allegedly legalizing illicit assets and accepting a bribe worth $100,000.

Smyrnov held the position of the President's Office deputy head from September 2019 until March 2024, when President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed him without naming a reason.

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.

According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), Smyrnov acquired assets worth more than Hr 17 million ($408,000) between 2020-2022, although he officially reported his salary and savings for the time period as Hr 1.3 million ($31,200).

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Smyrnov reportedly purchased two luxury cars, two motorcycles, several parking spaces, an apartment in Lviv, and a land plot in Zakarpattia Oblast.

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 ($156,000) 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.

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Read also: Who are Russias allies, and can Kremlins war machine survive without them?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China will levy anti-dumping duties on imports of cypermethrin originating in India for a period of five years from Wednesday, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

An investigation has shown that imports of cypermethrin from India have involved dumping, which caused substantial damage to the domestic cypermethrin industry, and determined a causal link between these dumping practices and material injury.

Anti-dumping duty rates will range from 48.4 percent to 166.2 percent.

Cypermethrin is used primarily in the agriculture sector to produce insecticides for pest control in the cultivation of cotton, fruit trees, vegetables, tobacco, corn and flowers. 
A now-former Isanti police officer was sentenced to one year and one day in prison Monday for sending a lewd photo to his friends 13-year-old daughter through Snapchat and  after her friend saw it  telling her to say it was not his.

Nicholas Martells victim told the court that she trusted him because he was a police officer and her dads best friend. She said her dad shared her cellphone number with Martell because he would be someone she could trust and talk with about her struggles with her mental health.

But over time, Martell abused that trust, she said in a victim impact statement read by Assistant Anoka County Attorney Kelly Sinton. The night before her 14th birthday, Martell commented on a Snapchat photo she posted while working out at a gym, asking why she and her friend had their butts covered up by their T-shirts. His comment about our butts made us think ew that was gross,  the girl said.

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Martell then played into my vulnerability with bribery, she said, adding he knew that she was addicted to vaping at the time. He told me that if I uncovered my butt that he would buy me a vape, she said. So what did I do? I said okay, and I uncovered my butt to get the nicotine I craved.

Later that night, about 20 minutes before her 14th birthday, Martell texted the girl on Snapchat and asked me if I wanted to see it, she said. When I replied with, I dont care and not a yes or no he sent her a picture of his penis.

Martell, 31, of Isanti, was charged in Anoka County District Court in August with one count of distributing via electronic communication sexually explicit material to children. The Anoka County Attorneys Office handled the case for Isanti County to avoid a perceived conflict of interest.

Martell admitted to the offense in February and his sentence was agreed upon as part of a plea agreement with the prosecution. As part of his plea, Martell acknowledged aggravating factors: the victim was particularly vulnerable because of her age and mental health; his abuse of authority as a police officer; and that he reached out afterward and asked her to lie. With his plea, a federal indictment relating to transfer of obscene material to a minor would not be pursued.

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The sentence is an upward departure from state sentencing guidelines because the presumptive sentence for Martell, who has no prior criminal offenses, is a stayed 15-month prison term.

Martell was hired by the Isanti Police Department as an officer on Feb. 27, 2023, and let go shortly after the charge was filed. He was a St. Paul police officer for five years prior to joining Isanti police.

He asked the girl if she liked it

The criminal complaint says the girls father contacted law enforcement on Aug. 3 to report that his friend, Martell, had sent a penis photo to his daughter on July 27.

The father had previously reached out to Martell to help with her mental health because she was being bullied at school and had depression, according to the plea document.

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Law enforcement interviewed the Isanti girl, who initially was reluctant to discuss her communications or relationship with Martell. She ultimately said that prior to sending the photo, Martell had asked her if she wanted to see it. After sending the photo, Martell asked the girl if she liked it.

The next day, Martell apologized for sending the photo and asked her not to tell anyone.

The girl sent Martell a message letting him know that one of her friends had seen the photo and that her friend was upset. Martell messaged the girl through Snapchat, telling her that she needs to call me alone.

She called Martell, who was on-duty, and her friend recorded the conversation. At the beginning of the call he asked if she was alone and then asked her to tell the friend that it was a different Nick who sent the photo.

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Martell then pleaded with the girl, saying that he could go to prison because of the photo. The girl ended the call, telling him that her sister was coming upstairs. He later messaged the girl and asked when they could talk again.

Law enforcement examined the girls cellphone and Martells and requested search warrants from Snapchat to conduct a forensic analysis, but from what was presently viewable, the complaint states, it is clear that the communication was far more extensive than initially disclosed by (the girl) both on the day the photograph was sent and in the days and months prior.

He truly disgusts me

The victims father said he had met Martell while they both had worked as security officers at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. They became friends and their families got to know each other.

Your Honor, Nick took complete advantage of my middle daughter, he said. And whats sad is that he admitted to using his authority to gain access to her through being a police officer, and my best friend.

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The girl told the court that Martell stopped over for dinner several times while he was on-duty. One time, Martell commented on her physical features while standing at my counter in my own home, she said, adding her dad was home at the time. Another night, he stopped by while on-duty and while her parents were at a wedding. Martell vaped in her bedroom, leaving after her friends mother asked why he was there.

Your Honor, if I can be honest, he truly disgusts me, the victim said. He is no best friend to my father and definitely no man of law. He took my self-love and my dignity away.

Martells attorney, Christa Groshek, told the court he denies allegations that he was grooming the girl and that he has taken responsibility for sending the photo. Upon pleading guilty, Groshek told the Pioneer Press that he was drunk when he sent the photo.

Before hearing his sentence, Martell apologized to the girl and her family. I know what I did was wrong. And I pray for you guys each and every day, morning and night, that you guys can truly heal and recover from this and get past this, he said. He will receive 75 days of credit for time already served in custody.

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Judge Melissa Saterbak told Martell that his comments in his psychosexual evaluation and presentence investigation makes it very clear that you dont accept the full responsibility of your actions.

There absolutely was grooming behavior here, Saterbak said. The fact that you dont recognize that and dont admit it is going to be problematic for you in the future if you cant learn how to handle that or deal with it.

After the sentencing, attorney Lori Peterson said she is representing the victim and her family in a lawsuit they plan to file against Martell and the city of Isanti within the next week.
Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has returned to Dhaka after four months of medical treatment in the British capital, London, raising pressure on the countrys interim government to set a date for national elections.

Zias return on Tuesday came at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, which has been governed by an interim administration since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year.

Zias presence in the country has huge symbolic value for her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while her archrival Hasina is in exile in India.

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This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zias return will facilitate the path to democratic transition, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Thousands of supporters gathered outside Dhakas main airport and along the road leading to her house to welcome Zia, who has spent recent years in and out of hospital. She was seen sitting in a wheelchair at the airport. The 78-year-old BNP leader smiled as she repeatedly raised her right hand to receive greetings.

Police escort former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias motorcade as she leaves the airport after arriving from London, May 6, 2025 [Mahud Hossain Opu/AP Photo]

A three-time prime minister  twice for full five-year terms and once for just a few months  and Hasinas chief political rival was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison on charges of fund embezzlement from charitable trusts. The charges were brought during Hasinas rule and were widely viewed by the BNP as politically motivated.

In January, Bangladeshs Supreme Court acquitted Zia, overturning a 10-year sentence and clearing her of any wrongdoing. The ruling followed a separate November 2024 acquittal in another high-profile case, in which Zia had been accused of misappropriating more than $260,000 from a second trust during her last term in office.

Election date

While Zia had already been released from prison, her arrival in Bangladesh will intensify calls on the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to announce a clear date for national elections.

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Bangladeshs authorities have pledged to hold elections by either December this year or June next year, depending on the pace of reforms.

Zia is the widow of former military ruler Ziaur Rahman, assassinated in 1981, and became the countrys first female prime minister, and one of the first women world leaders from South Asia.

Zias elder son, Tarique Rahman, leads the BNP as acting chief from exile in London.

Hasina, the last elected prime minister, is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladeshs war of independence from Pakistan in 1971.




VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  At Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Beach, Ms. Iwalani Wilson is celebrating 20 years as a teacher.

Shes teaching 6th grade social studies. 10 On Your Side visited her energetic classroom recently. Wilson makes sure every student is cared for and understands class material. Just recently, she was awarded the STEAM grant to bring science, technology, engineering and math experiences to every kid in the 6th grade.

So we wrote a grant, and we got $5,000 to integrate STEAM into social studies. So, like, for instance, today were doing an Ozobot lesson. So theyre little  these cute little coding robots. And, weve been studying abolitionism. And so in order to check what students have learned, theyre going to have to answer questions and code their robot and theyll know if they got the questions correct, said Ms. Wilson.

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In Ms. Wilsons classroom, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zone in order to grow and develop. She creates an inclusive and engaging environment for students to learn new skills. Ms. Wilson believes in making learning fun  where kids can actually apply what theyve learned.

Thats my goal, in teaching is to create global citizens that can go into the world, and interact. I love what I do because I love my kiddos. and I want them, like I said, to go out into the world like I teach history, but Im also teaching the future mechanics, the future doctors, the future teachers and lawyers and nurses and plumbers, said Ms. Wilson.

The school says that Ms. Wilson has developed, high quality professional learning designed to break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wilson runs the You Belong club, helping minority students feel seen and heard.

Ms. Wilson encourages and parents and students to continue to support teachers and value education.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
By Dan Levine and Leah Douglas

(Reuters) -An aide to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking more information about three vaccines recommended by a panel of outside experts last month, according to documents reviewed by Reuters and two sources familiar with the situation.

The advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had made recommendations regarding the use of separate shots approved to help protect against RSV, meningitis and chikungunya. The CDC is not required to adopt their recommendations, but when it does, they become guidelines for medical practitioners to follow.

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Dr. William Reyn Archer III joined the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees CDC, as a counselor in the secretary's office after Kennedy took over in February, HHS records show. A critic of vaccines on social media for the past several years, Archer served as Texas state health commissioner in the late 1990s.

Archers hiring and activity at HHS have not previously been reported. His role reviewing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations is the latest indication of how Kennedy, who has spent decades raising doubts about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, is reshaping U.S. policy.

HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said the agency "will ensure that all recommendations adhere to the Gold Standard of Science."

As part of his HHS role, Archer has in recent days posed questions to the CDC about the advisory committee recommendations, according to the documents and the two sources.

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One recommendation would expand eligibility for RSV vaccines made by Pfizer and GSK to high-risk adults aged 50-59 from a current threshold age of at least 60 years.

In response, Archer asked for more justification of the expansion given what he described as a possible decline in efficacy with a second dose, according to the documents and two sources.

At the ACIP meeting, a GSK representative presented clinical trial results the company described as showing robust immune responses following re-vaccination.

However, antibody levels did not surpass those of the first dose, as often occurs with other vaccines. HHS did not say what data prompted Archer to question second dose efficacy.

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A GSK spokesperson said the data showed waning efficacy of a single dose over time, but not enough to justify re-vaccination yet. A Pfizer spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

ACIP also voted to recommend expanded use of GSK's vaccine for meningitis, and Archer questioned how providers administer it.

In addition, ACIP recommended the use of a new chikungunya vaccine from Bavarian Nordic, which Archer has not disputed. However, Kennedy's aide asked for more information about a recommendation to expand the use of a vaccine for the mosquito-borne virus made by Valneva, the documents show.

Archer also asked to know what adjuvants and platforms are being used for all the vaccines discussed at the ACIP meeting, and their length of immunity.

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FROM TEXAS TO WASHINGTON

Kennedy is currently reviewing the latest ACIP recommendations in the absence of a CDC director, and it is unclear whether the HHS secretary will ultimately sign off on them.

The decision will impact public health and major drug companies. Pfizer and GSK last month touted ACIPs vote to lower the age at which adults can be eligible for their respective RSV vaccines, decisions that affect whether insurers will likely pay for them. The FDA previously approved the age expansion.

Kennedy says he is not opposed to vaccination, but described them as a personal choice in the midst of a large U.S. measles outbreak mostly among the unvaccinated. Kennedy argues that the nation's health bureaucracy should focus on chronic illness.

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Archer is a trained obstetrician who served in the early 1990s as a deputy assistant secretary of HHS under the administration of George H.W. Bush. At HHS, he helped implement a so-called gag rule restricting medical providers at federally-funded clinics from advising patients on abortion, according to court documents and media reports.

He was appointed by then-Texas Governor George W. Bush to serve as commissioner of the state's Department of Health. He resigned in 2000 after a Black administrator in the department secretly recorded him making comments about her race, according to an Associated Press report at the time.

Archer later served as chief of staff for Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska from 2016 to 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Fortenberry, who opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates during his tenure, was subsequently charged with lying to federal authorities about a campaign donation. The Justice Department dropped those charges after President Donald Trump took office in January.

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On his personal Facebook page, Archer posted repeatedly from 2020 to 2022 about the "limitations" of the COVID vaccine, Reuters found. In a deleted post on X, accessed with the Internet Archive, Archer said as Texas health commissioner he felt pressure to support vaccine mandates without "scientific counterfactual.

"My own son developed autism in early years then took his life at 16," he said in the post, which linked to a Trump campaign ad critical of the measles vaccine.

Kennedy had long promoted a debunked link between vaccines and autism, contrary to scientific evidence, and last month promised a study to determine the cause of the condition.

(Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco and Leah Douglas in Washington; Additional reporting by Michael Erman in New York; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot)
By Erin Banco, Phil Stewart, Gram Slattery and Mike Stone

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Roughly a week after Donald Trump started his second term as president, the U.S. military issued an order to three freight airlines operating out of Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and a U.S. base in Qatar: Stop 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weaponry and bound for Ukraine.

In a matter of hours, frantic questions reached Washington from Ukrainians in Kyiv and from officials in Poland, where the shipments were coordinated. Who had ordered the U.S. Transportation Command, known as TRANSCOM, to halt the flights? Was it a permanent pause on all aid? Or just some?

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Top national security officials  in the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department  couldnt provide answers. Within one week, flights were back in the air.

The verbal order originated from the office of Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, according to TRANSCOM records reviewed by Reuters. A TRANSCOM spokesperson said the command received the order via the Pentagon's Joint Staff.

The cancelations came after Trump wrapped up a January 30 Oval Office meeting about Ukraine that included Hegseth and other top national security officials, according to three sources familiar with the situation. During the meeting, the idea of stopping Ukraine aid came up, said two people with knowledge of the meeting, but the president issued no instruction to stop aid to Ukraine.

The president was unaware of Hegseths order, as were other top national security officials in the meeting, according to two sources briefed on the private White House discussions and another with direct knowledge of the matter.

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Asked to comment on this report, the White House told Reuters that Hegseth had followed a directive from Trump to pause aid to Ukraine, which it said was the administration's position at the time. It did not explain why, according to those who spoke to Reuters, top national security officials in the normal decision making process didnt know about the order or why it was so swiftly reversed.

Negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine War has been a complex and fluid situation. We are not going to detail every conversation among top administration officials throughout the process, said Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokeswoman. The bottom line is the war is much closer to an end today than it was when President Trump took office.

The cancelations cost TRANSCOM $2.2 million, according to the records reviewed by Reuters. In response to a request for comment, TRANSCOM said that the total cost was $1.6 million  11 flights were canceled but one incurred no charge.

An order halting military aid authorized under the Biden administration went into effect officially a month later, on March 4, with a White House announcement.

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The story of how flights were canceled, detailed by Reuters for the first time, points to an at-times haphazard policy-making process within the Trump administration and a command structure that is unclear even to its own ranking members.

The multiday pause of the flights, confirmed by five people with knowledge of it, also shows confusion in how the administration has created and implemented national security policy. At the Pentagon, the disarray is an open secret, with many current and former officials saying the department is plagued by internal disagreements on foreign policy, deep-seated grudges, and inexperienced staff.

Reuters couldnt establish exactly when Hegseths office ordered the freight flights canceled. Two sources said Ukrainian and European officials began asking about the pause on February 2. The TRANSCOM records indicate that there was a verbal order from SECDEF  the secretary of defense  that stopped the flights and that they had resumed by February 5.

This is consistent with the administration's policy to move fast, break things and sort it out later. That is their managing philosophy, said Mark Cancian, a retired Marine officer and defense expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. That is great for Silicon Valley. But when youre talking about institutions that have been around for hundreds of years, you are going to run into problems.

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The stop in shipments caused consternation in Kyiv.

The Ukrainians quickly asked the administration through multiple channels but had difficulty obtaining any useful information, according to a Ukrainian official with direct knowledge of the situation. In later conversations with the Ukrainians, the administration wrote off the pause as internal politics, said the source. Ukrainian officials did not respond to requests for comment.

The shipping of American weapons to Ukraine requires sign-off from multiple agencies and can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the size of the cargo. The majority of U.S. military assistance goes through a logistics hub in Poland before being picked up by Ukrainian representatives and transported into the country.

That hub can hold shipments for extended periods of time. Its not clear if the 11 canceled flights were the only ones scheduled that week in February, how much aid was already stockpiled in Poland and if it continued to flow into Ukraine despite the U.S. military's orders.

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The revelations come at a time of upheaval in the department. Several of Hegseths top advisers were escorted from the building April 15 after being accused of unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The secretary continues to face scrutiny, including from Congress, about his own communications. Previously hes attributed allegations of upheaval to disgruntled employees.

The canceled flights contained weapons that had long been approved by the Biden administration, authorized by lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Reuters couldnt determine if Hegseth or his team knew how the order to TRANSCOM would play out or that the order would be a substantial change in U.S. policy on Ukraine. Three sources familiar with the situation said Hegseth misinterpreted discussions with the president about Ukraine policy and aid shipments without elaborating further.

Four other people briefed on the situation said a small cadre of staffers inside the Pentagon, many of whom have never held a government job and who have for years spoken out against U.S. aid to Ukraine, advised Hegseth to consider pausing aid to the country.

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Two people familiar with the matter denied there was a true cutoff in aid. One of them described it as a logistical pause.

(They) just wanted to get a handle on what was going on and people, as a result, misinterpreted that as: You need to stop everything, said one.

FLIGHTS CANCELED

According to two sources with knowledge of the meeting, Hegseth arrived at the January 30 Oval Office meeting with Trump with a memo drafted by some of his top policy advisers, advocating that their boss push the White House to consider pausing weapons deliveries to Ukraine to gain leverage in peace negotiations with Russia.

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The sources said the secretary attended the meeting with other top officials involved in Ukraine policy, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg. The group broadly discussed U.S. policy on Ukraine and Russia, including potentially tightening sanctions on Moscow.

Its not clear the extent to which Hegseth proposed stopping aid during the meeting, but the idea came up in discussions, said one of the sources and another person familiar with the meeting.

Since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, the U.S. had approved billions of dollars worth of military aid to Ukraine. Most was delivered under the Biden administration. But a few shipments remained in the pipeline, scheduled into this summer.

Trump had threatened to freeze aid repeatedly on the campaign trail, but had yet to do so. And during the meeting, he again declined to stop aid to Ukraine or order Hegseth to implement any policy changes when it came to sending equipment to Kyiv, the sources said.

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An order effectively freezing any military support for an ally would normally be discussed intensively among top national security officials and approved by the president. It requires the coordination of multiple agencies and often multiple freight companies.

None of that discussion or coordination happened when Hegseths office canceled the scheduled flights carrying American artillery shells and ammunition to Poland from Al Udeid military base in Qatar and the Dover U.S. military base in Delaware, three of the sources said.

The pause came as Ukraines military was struggling to fend off Russian forces in eastern Ukraine and in the consequential battle for the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian forces were losing ground and have since all but been expelled.

Close Trump advisers got tipped off to the pause by Pentagon staffers and discussed with the president whether to restore the aid shipments, according to two sources. By then, TRANSCOM had canceled 11 flights, according to the records reviewed by Reuters. Some media outlets, including Reuters, wrote about the pause but Hegseths role was previously unknown.

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Its unclear if Trump subsequently questioned or reprimanded Hegseth. One source with direct knowledge of the matter said National Security Adviser Waltz ultimately intervened to reverse the cancelations. Waltz was forced out on Thursday and is expected to be nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

GROWING INFIGHTING

When Trump entered office, aid to Ukraine continued flowing and he pledged to work with Ukraine and Russia to end the war  or at the very least broker a ceasefire.

Two of his most prominent envoys, Kellogg, a supporter of Kyiv who worked with Trump in his first administration, and Steve Witkoff, a real-estate magnate and close friend of the president, set out to negotiate with both parties.

Separately, at the Pentagon, some of Hegseths policy advisers privately started drafting proposals to pull back American support for Ukraine, according to two sources briefed on the matter.

That group of staffers align themselves closely with the anti-interventionist philosophy.

Some have previously advised Republican lawmakers advocating for an America-first approach to foreign policy and have called publicly, in writings and talks, for the U.S. to pull back from military commitments in the Mideast and Europe  a view similarly held by Vice President JD Vance. Several have advocated that the U.S. instead focus on China.

Supporters of the staffers have slammed those pushing back on the anti-interventionist movement in the administration, claiming Vance and others are merely trying to save the lives of people living in warzones like Ukraine and prevent future American military deaths.

The infighting has complicated the policy-making process, according to a person familiar with the matter and four other sources. At a time when Kellogg and Witkoff are trying to broker a peace deal with Russia and Ukraine, the staffers have advocated behind the scenes for the U.S. to draw back its support for Kyiv  a policy that has angered Ukrainian officials and pressured European allies to fill the gap, five people with knowledge of the situation said.

Washington has signed a deal with Kyiv for rights to its rare earth minerals  an agreement U.S. officials say is an attempt to recoup money America has spent to prop up Ukraines war effort.

At least one of the staffers who had previously pushed for the administration to pull back its support for Kyiv, Dan Caldwell, was escorted out of the Pentagon for a leak he claims never happened. Caldwell, a veteran, served as one of Hegseths chief advisers, including on Ukraine.

Despite the brief pause in February and the longer one that began in early March, the Trump administration has resumed sending the last of the aid approved under U.S. President Joe Biden. No new policy has been announced.

(This story has been corrected to say that the U.S. base is in Qatar, not United Arab Emirates, in paragraph 31)

(Reporting by Erin Banco, Phil Stewart, Gram Slattery and Mike Stone. Editing by Don Durfee and Lori Hinnant.)
Exempting overtime pay from taxes may sound good, but it is a dangerous gimmick that hurts some workers, columnist Juan Carlos Ordonez says. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Someone should have spent a bit more time studying the implications of exempting overtime pay from taxes. They would have discovered what a bad idea it is.

Both the Trump administration and lawmakers in Oregon have called for eliminating taxes on all income earned from overtime pay. While such a move might sound like a way to support hardworking Oregonians, the reality is that this policy would harm the vast majority of workers while opening new avenues for the rich to game the tax system.

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Overtime laws require employers to pay workers a premium, usually time-and-a-half, for hours worked beyond 40 per week. This rule applies only to workers paid on an hourly basis, excluding salaried workers.

The purpose of overtime pay is to discourage employers from requiring employees to work excessively. The rule was one of the great victories of the labor movement in the 1930s. Before then, many workers toiled long days in factories, to the detriment of their health.

Generally, people dont work overtime because they want to. They do so because their jobs dont pay enough or because their employer demands it. Most people would rather have more time to spend with their families, pursue a hobby, or just rest. Exempting overtime from taxes might incentivize some workers to work more, but it would come at a cost. What workers really need are jobs that pay more.

Exempting overtime from taxes would introduce more inequities into the tax system, giving a tax break to some workers but not others. Many workers cannot receive overtime pay because they are salaried employees, because they juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, or because they have caretaking responsibilities at home.

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To illustrate some of the unfairness, consider three different workers:

First, we have Jose, an hourly worker working 40 hours per week at $20 an hour. That amounts to $41,600 in a year. He also works 10 hours of overtime per week, adding another $15,600 to his yearly income, for a total of $57,200. With overtime pay exempt from taxes, Jose would only pay taxes on $41,600.

Second, we have Larry. He works two part-time jobs to make ends meet. Both jobs total 55 hours per week and the pay averages out to $20 per hour. Though Larry works more hours than Jose, his yearly income is the same. Yet Larry would pay significantly more taxes.

Finally, Mary is a salaried employee, not subject to overtime pay. She also puts in an average of 50 hours per week, and her annual salary is roughly equal to that of Jose. She gets no tax break.

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By its very nature, exempting overtime pay is unfair, giving a tax benefit to some workers but not others working just as hard.

It also creates another tax loophole for the rich to exploit. A CEO with a salary of $5.6 million, for example, would have a new incentive to change her compensation from salary to hourly and maximize overtime hours. She could set her hourly pay at $20,000. At 40 hours per week, she would make about $4 million. Working 10 hours per week in overtime, she would add another $1.6 million to her annual income. But because overtime is not taxed, she would pay not a penny in taxes on that $1.6 million.

This gaming of the system wouldnt be limited to CEOs. Its not hard to imagine highly paid professionals like lawyers at big law firms or financial advisers exploiting this new loophole.

On top of the inequities the rule would create, exempting overtime pay from taxation would shrink the revenue available to invest in our communities. Over time, this kind of carve-out could siphon off hundreds of millions of dollars from schools, health care, and other vital public services that benefit all Oregonians.

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The bottom line is that exempting overtime pay would only benefit a narrow slice of workers, putting all other workers at a disadvantage. CEOs and highly paid professionals would be in the best position to exploit such a rule. Meanwhile, all Oregonians would bear the cost in the form of fewer resources for schools and other public services.

What would truly help workers is better pay. Lawmakers in Washington D.C. and Salem can do a lot in that regard, not least removing the obstacles that workers face in bargaining collectively for better wages and working conditions.

Exempting overtime pay from taxes is a gimmick, not a real solution for what ails hardworking Oregonians.



SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A budget book for Nebraska's fiscal years between 2025 and 2027 sits on a lawmaker's desk. April 29, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Its crunch time for state lawmakers to rightsize Nebraskas budget, by no later than May 15. Senators since November are considering a nearly $850 million combined in new revenue streams, cuts to state spending and scrounging for loose cash funds in the states couch cushions.

Those figures appear to represent senators goals to close the states budget gap, with about $710 million of the changes coming from the Appropriations Committees decisions on spending and cash transfers, the final scope of which remains a moving target with future amendments planned.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, center, and State Sen. Rob Clements speak about investing $1 billion in an Education Future Fund. July 2023. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Lawmakers will head to the floor Tuesday saying they still need to close a $262 million projected budget deficit for the next two years. But the real figure is likely much larger.

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In January, when the state faced an initial $433 million projected budget deficit, Speaker John Arch of La Vista said solving the states budget woes would without a doubt be the defining issue of 2025.

Lawmakers must maintain a minimum reserve based on the beginning cash balance for the biennium and estimated net receipts for the two-year period, which is accounted for in the budget bills.

Getting to zero

A significant portion of the projected deficit is a result of Nebraska taking on more of the Medicaid costs that the federal government previously picked up  the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, or FMAP  which is based on a states average per capita income compared to the national average.

Proposed budget bills, other proposals to help fill the budget hole

Mainline budget advanced to the floor (LBs 260-264):

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Net spending decreased versus the amount projected in November: $193.6 million.

Cash fund sweeps to general fund: $160.4 million.

Investment earnings: $50.3 million.

Fewer transfers to cash funds: $39.6 million.

Other bills already passed this session:

LB 645 (Sen. Beau Ballard) to change school retirement plan contributions: $84 million.

LB 650 (Sen. Brad von Gillern) to reduce or defund various tax incentives: $52 million.

LB 208 (von Gillern) to change sales tax collection fees and confidentiality: $1.2 million.

LB 478 (General Affairs Committee) to change the Nebraska Liquor Control Act: $20,000.

Proposed second-round debate amendment:

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New cash fund sweeps or decreased state spending: $135 million.

Cash Reserve Fund transfer: $132 million.

The Medicaid changes left Nebraska on the hook for nearly $300 million more over the next two years, and $55 million for the remaining part of the current fiscal year. The reductions would have been worse if not for a federal disaster-recovery adjustment following a string of Arbor Day tornadoes last year.

The states increased share of Medicaid funding is unrelated to budget talks in Congress, including potential cuts to Medicaid. And it is only part of the story of Nebraskas budget deficit.

The other part comes from revenue projections, as the state faced two revised economic forecasts since the deficit was identified in November. In that time, the state now projects to collect a net $215 million in less revenue than anticipated from this fiscal year through June 30, 2027.

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Members of the Appropriations Committee and legislative fiscal staff have largely declined to say what the starting point for the current deficit is before the proposed budget bills or other bills that have already passed this session.

If the budget bills  Legislative Bills 260-264  are passed with an expected amendment during second-round debate to fill the remaining budget hole, lawmakers anticipate having about $5 million left to spend.

About $2 million of that wiggle room has been eyed to raise judges salaries by 1.5% each of the next two years, as provided in LB 513, and roughly $2 million is being eyed to cover approved state claims in LB 534.

The Appropriations Committee

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Appropriations Committee, said he felt good overall about the budget and praised his committee for what he said was a fair job of not lashing anybody severely. He said many state agency budgets were left flat instead of being cut. However, state employees still got negotiated salary and health insurance increases.

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Im a little bit amazed at how well they did, Clements said, noting the increased Medicaid costs. Im pleased with what we were able to get done without doing anything drastic.

However, not all members of the committee were impressed.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, a first-time Appropriations Committee member, said she had trouble finding the right words to describe the process. She said instead of finding creative solutions, the committee stuck close to proposals from the governor. Cavanaugh has suggested closing the deficit, at least in part, by looking at what the state spends on property tax relief or how much revenue the state is losing via income tax rate reductions for top earners.

It has been a much more limiting process than I thought, not very flexible, Cavanaugh said. I thought that we would do more work as a committee to create a budget that we felt represented Nebraska values.

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The budget as advanced by the Appropriations Committee two weeks ago has the following major changes compared to November:

$193.6 million less spending than originally projected.

$160.4 million in sweeps of various cash funds or other transfers to the states main pocketbook (such as $27.7 million from the Water Recreation Enhancement Fund, $20.5 million from the Economic Development Cash Fund, $15 million from the Economic Recovery Contingency Fund, $13.5 million from the Site and Building Development Fund, $12 million from the Intern Nebraska Cash Fund, $10.2 million from the Youth Outdoor Recreation Fund, $8.6 million from the Health and Human Services Cash Fund, $7 million from the Vehicle Title & Registration System Replacement Fund, $4.4 million from the Jobs and Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) Fund and $4 million from the Lead Service Line Fund).

$50.3 million in investment earnings (such as from the Perkins County Canal Fund, Inland Port Authority Fund, 911 Service System Fund, Economic Recovery Contingency Fund and the Nebraska Capital Construction Fund).

$39.6 million in fewer transfers to existing cash funds ($22 million less to the Water Sustainability Fund, $16 million less to the Education Future Fund and $5 million less to the Property Tax Credit Fund, but $2 million more to the Public Advocacy Cash Fund).

Speaker John Arch of La Vista and State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha and Ben Hansen of Blair, from left, meet on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Other bills and a future amendment

Four additional bills lawmakers passed this session have already helped shrink the deficit. The two main ones are Legislative Bill 645 from State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln and LB 650 from State Sen. Brad von Gillern, which together save the state an additional $136 million.

Ballard, chair of the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee, brought LB 645 to lower annual state contributions to the school retirement plan for most school employees when the plan nears full funding. It is expected to lead to about $84 million in savings over the next two years, if the pension plan remains at more than 98% funded for the first year and is 100% funded in the second, as currently anticipated.

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Von Gillern, chair of the Revenue Committee, brought LB 650 to reduce or defund recently passed tax incentives, including some supported by Gov. Jim Pillen, to the tune of about $52 million in savings.

Taken together, that left lawmakers grappling with a gap of $262 million to close, which the Appropriations Committee met last Thursday to brainstorm ways to narrow. Those final deliberations will be discussed during the second round of debate on the budget.

The largest change made Thursday is $135 million in more cash fund sweeps or reduced spending, notably $3 million less spent on the Nebraska Supreme Court and $4.4 million less on the University of Nebraska than the committee previously approved.

State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn, center, flanked by State Sens. Beau Ballard of Lincoln and Mike McDonnell of Omaha. Aug. 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

An additional $132 million will also be transferred out of the cash reserves to help balance the budget. After the changes, about $689 million would be left in that rainy day fund.

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Legislative leadership has already rebuffed ideas to take funds away from the pending Perkins County Canal in western Nebraska or to pause the lowering of income tax rates.

Plymouth State Sen. Tom Brandts LB 171 would pause the already approved income tax rate reductions for two years to allow the state to catch its breath.

But Pillen, von Gillern and Clements all argued that doing so could hurt rather than help the state.

University of Nebraska budget woes exemplify challenging budget environment

The University of Nebraska has faced a whirlwind with its budget, first requesting a 3% increase for both of the next two years, which was rejected by the Appropriations Committee in its preliminary budget report this February.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sits in his office in the Nebraska State Capitol. April 29, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Instead, the committee adopted the suggestion of Gov. Jim Pillen to cut NUs state-aided budget by 2% cut in the first year and kept NU at the lower level in the second year.

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The committee revised the NU budget last month, giving the university a 1.25% increase next year and keeping the NU budget flat in the following year. With the committees changes, the Appropriations Committee spent $46 million more than Pillens budget after NU President Jeffrey Gold and Pillen negotiated. Part of what led to the change was uncertainty about federal funding.

The committee again reconsidered NUs budget last week  with a suggestion from the Legislative Fiscal Office to possibly hold NU flat in the first year and give the university a bump in the second.

An effort to maintain the previously approved increase failed, but in a last-minute negotiation, senators agreed to halve next years increase. Instead of an agreed $17.4 million bump over the next two years, NU would get about $13.1 million more the next two years than it currently does.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. Sept. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Gold has said that the less-than-anticipated state dollars could lead to tuition increases and additional hardships as officials weigh a path forward later this year. He said last month the change would unfortunately, force us to have some very serious discussions regarding tuition in each year at the upcoming biennium and, thereafter, some very serious discussions about belt-tightening and further budgetary reduction across all of the campuses, colleges and institutes in the state.

Pillen, who last week told the Examiner he respects the heck of Gold and is a Dr. Gold fan, said the two have had conversations of a needed strategic reimagination at the university, such as eliminating duplicative programs or reviewing programs with more instructors than students.

Before becoming governor in 2023, Pillen served 10 years on the NU Board of Regents.

If youre in education and your solution is more money, more people, Im not on your team, Pillen said, repeating efforts to end unfunded mandates for schools. Im 100% on education.

Advocates for the University of Nebraska system join at the Nebraska State Capitol for the annual I Love NU Day. In the front row, from left, is NU President Jeffrey Gold, State Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln and Student Regent Ishani Adidam (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Student Regent Pranita Devaraju (University of Nebraska Medical Center), Student Regent Elizabeth Herbin (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Student Regent Sam Schroeder (University of Nebraska at Kearney), State Sen. Teresa Ibach, Chancellor Joanne Li (UNO), interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies (UNMC) and interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak (UNK). April 2, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
(WTAJ)  I thought he was joking, is what four different teenagers and young adults told the Centre County Courts when asked why they didnt report their friend for his plan to attack State College High school sooner.

Braeden Phillips, who is accused of planning an attack on State High, was in court last week. At that hearing, teens and young adults told attorneys they didnt report the threats sooner because they didnt take them seriously.

While older adults in the room seemed shocked by this answer, Melissa Nelson, a K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment expert, said that response could be because the threat felt like a shock to their system.

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If we were talking about any other topic that adolescents have to wrap their brain around, and responding to, Is this something thats normal? Is this abnormal? Is this something that will get a friend into trouble or not? Is this something that sits right with me that makes me not feel well, when I frame it, just even without the context of what were specifically talking about, which is targeted violence, Nelson said. We we can maybe, understand a little bit more that adolescents in face have a hard time sorting through that.

Nelson said many teens are becoming desensitized to extreme violence because of how prevalent violence is on social media.

There are entire websites and people out there wanting to make jokes about this or engage with children and adolescents to desensitize them to acts of violence in a way where they dont think its a big deal anymore, Nelson said.

The best was to prevent school attacks is to have open conversations with your kids and teens, according to Nelson. She said there are online tools provided through the Cyberbullying Research Center and trainings through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help identify concerning language and behavior. And Nelson said that when in doubt, still speak out.

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I would rather, you know, you be wrong. Prove me wrong. That what Im reporting to you with the school or what Im reporting to you in law enforcement is an overreaction in schools. A lot enforcement prefer in this space overreaction rather than on the reaction, Nelson 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Once thought to be extinct, the woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) was miraculously spotted on the rocky cliffs of Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India.

Thanks to research efforts conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) in the Miyar Valley for another initiative to assess the local snow leopard population, a woolly flying squirrel was unexpectedly captured by one of the many camera traps set up for the project, Mathrubhumi reported.

Secondary Photo Credit: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department

"It's a significant milestone in conservation efforts," a spokesman said.

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If you are not familiar with the woolly flying squirrel, the species went unseen for 70 years until a rediscovery in the early 1990s. Since then, it has been rare and elusive.

As Mathrubhumi noted, "with fragile habitats like these under increasing pressure, the importance of protecting such unique ecosystems has never been clearer." The rediscovery of the woolly flying squirrel is not only exciting but is also a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve the habitats that support such rare species.

These recent efforts by the HPFD in Himachal Pradesh to monitor local wildlife, including spotting the rare woolly flying squirrel, underscore the value of conservation for both nature and local communities.

Trail cameras, like those used in this project, are powerful tools that help experts gauge the health of endangered species and document the success of rehabilitation efforts. Protecting these fragile mountain habitats helps to ensure clean water, reduces the risk of landslides, and supports sustainable livelihood through ecotourism and research.

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Smart management of our environment and its creatures can help ensure the survival of more species, which has a profound impact on human well-being, including the stability of our food supply. In this way, conservation not only preserves ecosystems but also promotes a safer, more stable future for the people living in these areas.

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.
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday rolled out 20 measures to optimize its public employment services system, aiming to improve the availability, equality and professional quality of such services.

A set of guidelines issued by five government authorities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, call for the provision of local or easily accessible public employment services for urban and rural workers and employers.

The guidelines underscore the importance of releasing comprehensive employment information and providing precise career introduction and guidance services, while improving the management of both employment and unemployment.

They state that the types and degrees of difficulties that people face in seeking employment should be identified accurately so that targeted services can be provided.

They also call for cities and counties to enhance their comprehensive capability to provide full-chain public employment services. 
By Thomas Escritt

BERLIN (Reuters) - Friedrich Merz's failure on Tuesday to win the required absolute majority in parliament to be elected chancellor of Germany leaves him weakened but not yet defeated.

Here is the procedure for electing a successor to the outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz:

FIRST ATTEMPT

Article 63 of Germany's constitution, the Basic Law, says that, to become chancellor, a candidate in the first round needs to win an absolute majority in the Bundestag or lower house. Merz won 310 votes, short of the 316 that constitute an absolute majority in the chamber of 630 members.

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Together, his conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democrats, his intended coalition partners, should command 328 votes. In other words, 18 members of his intended governing majority failed to vote for him.

Before Merz, no chancellor in postwar history had failed to secure parliament's backing at the first attempt.

NEXT VOTE

Parliament now has 14 days to elect a chancellor under the same system.

The newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that there would not be another attempt on Tuesday, and several legislators confirmed that this was also their understanding.

PARLIAMENTARY ARITHMETIC

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In principle, alternative candidates could be proposed at any stage, but parliamentary arithmetic means that the conservatives and the SPD are the only two-way bloc that can command a majority without the far-right Alternative for Germany.

Proposing any other candidate would likely require extensive renegotiation, possibly involving a third party such as the Greens, who would demand concessions of their own. Sharing power with the AfD is a taboo for the established parties.

Merz, who allowed an anti-immigration resolution to pass with the AfD's backing before the election, is unlikely to want to start his term relying for support on a party that he has pledged to shun and that was officially designated "right-wing extremist" this week.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS

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If, after 14 days, Merz has still failed to win an outright majority, he can be elected in a new round by a simple majority of those voting.

At this stage, Merz would be certain to win if, after a bruising series of lost votes, he managed to hang on to the backing he had at the outset.

Until the impasse is resolved, Scholz remains in office as acting chancellor.

(Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Multiple explosions have been heard and a huge fire has erupted in Port Sudan, as the war between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rocks the previously quiet city for a third day.

Dark plumes of smoke could be seen on Tuesday emerging from the vicinity of the countrys main maritime port following the attacks on the city, a major hub for the army and the place where hundreds of thousands of displaced people have sought refuge during the two-year conflict.

(Al Jazeera)

Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, reporting from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, said residents in the port city reported that attack drones launched by the RSF hit multiple locations, including a fuel depot, Port Sudan International Airport, a power station and a hotel.

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According to the residents, they believe that it was drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces  once again. They targeted a fuel depot in the city but also around the port and the air base, Morgan said.

The national electricity company confirmed drones hit Port Sudans main power substation, causing a blackout across the city.

The hotel reported to have been hit is located near government buildings, including the Presidential Guest House, where the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, receives visitors and has his offices, Morgan noted.

Civilians have been evacuated from the airport and the hotel, Morgan said, adding that many of them are panicking as they try to seek refuge in other parts of the city that have become a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the war.

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The conflict between Sudans army and the RSF has created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, one likely to be worsened by these latest attacks on Port Sudan, where the United Nations and aid agencies, as well as army-aligned government ministries, have set up headquarters.

Attacks on the Red Sea coastal city, which began on Sunday, represent a sharp escalation in fighting, as Port Sudan had remained untouched by ground or air attacks until this week.

On Sunday, a military base in the city, near the countrys only functioning international airport, was struck by drones, which was followed by the targeting on Monday of fuel depots in the city. In both cases, military sources blamed the RSF.

The attacks came after a military source said the army had destroyed an aircraft and weapons depots in the RSF-controlled Nyala airport. The RSF did not claim responsibility for the attacks.

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Morgan said that up until last week, Sudans army had the upper hand, and were in control of most of Sudans capital, Khartoum and large swathes of the country as its forces were pushing into the western regions, including Darfur and West Kordofan, which the RSF largely controls.

She said that the recent attacks by the RSF on logistical and supply hubs under the control of Sudans army have been an attempt to try to balance the situation and minimise the possibilities of attacks on the areas the RSF controls in western Sudan.

The attacks this week drew condemnation from neighbours Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as expressions of concern from the UN.

The war between the army and RSF began in April 2023, triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian government.

The conflict has displaced more than 12 million people in Sudan and pushed half the population into acute hunger, according to the UN.




The extent of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths use of Signal at the Pentagon has been laid bare in a new report that claims he prefers the app to the departments official communication channels.

Hegseths use of Signal to discuss sensitive military plans in Yemen first came to light in March but now the Wall Street Journal reports that he also used the app to liaise with aides daily about official Pentagon business and was participating in at least a dozen chats.

Among the most sensitive messages Hegseth reportedly sent on the app was to instruct aides to inform U.S. allies overseas about an unfolding military operation, according to the newspaper, citing two people familiar with his management.

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The former Fox News host reportedly sent the messages from an unsecured line in his Pentagon office from his personal phone.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been using the Signal app extensively at the Pentagon, according to a report. Hegseth used the app to discuss daily operations at the Defense Department because he preferred it to the Pentagons official communication channels. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The newspaper also reported that Hegseths military aide, Marine Col. Ricky Buria, was given access to his phone and communicated the messages about Marchs attack on Houthis in Yemen with Hegseths wife, brother and personal attorney.

The Independent has contacted the Pentagon for comment.

The extent of Hegseths use of the app follows President Donald Trumps ousting of national security adviser Mike Waltz after the Signalgate scandal. Waltz created the infamous group chat, where Hegseth shared sensitive military plans, and inadvertently added The Atlantics editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. Waltz has been shifted from his post and named Trumps nominee to serve as United Nations ambassador.

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Trump has continued to stand by Hegseth and said in an interview Sunday with NBCs Meet the Press that his job is totally safe.

Intelligence experts said the use of the app, particularly on personal phones, is risky.

Signal is considered unclassified by the government for a reason, Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior U.S. intelligence officer, told the Journal. Its clear that U.S. government systems are having a hard time keeping up with the required pace of business.

The Pentagon warned against the use of nongovernmental apps for official business in a 2023 memo.

In one instance, Hegseth used Signal to instruct aides to inform foreign governments about unfolding military operations, according to the Journal. President Donald Trump has continued to stand by Hegseth. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Unmanaged 'messaging apps,' including any app with a chat feature, regardless of the primary function, are NOT authorized to access, transmit, process non-public DoD information, the memo said. This includes but is not limited to messaging, gaming, and social media apps. (i.e., iMessage, WhatsApps, Signal). It noted that an exception must be submitted for use only if the app is critical to fulfilling mission operations.

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The Defense Departments acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, is currently investigating whether Hegseth broke any rules regarding the sharing of classified information on the app. Hegseth has repeatedly denied sharing classified information.

The messages Hegseth sent to the group that included the journalist were sent on March 15 and contained a detailed timeline of when U.S. forces would strike Houthi targets. Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME, one of the messages Hegseth wrote that day said.

At 2:10 p.m., more F-18s were to launch, Hegseth wrote. 1415: Strike Drones on Target (THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier Trigger Based targets), Hegseth wrote in another update.

The latest revelations about Hegseths use of the app follows reports that he had it installed on his office computer because of the Pentagons patchy cell phone service.

Hegseth directed the installation of the encrypted app on a desktop Pentagon computer as a work-around that enabled him to use Signal in a classified space, the Washington Post reported last month. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied the claim in a statement to The Independent at the time.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-Team has learned a hearing has been set next week for the suspect in the murder of Aliza Sherman.

The extradition hearing Gregory Moore is set for May 14 at 1:30 in Williamson County, Texas.

Pilot of small plane identified in fatal Ashland County crash

A spokesperson for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors office says a prosecutor from their office will be at the extradition hearing.

Aliza Sherman (WJW photo) Aliza Sherman Daughter reflects on Cleveland Clinic nurse Aliza Sherman's murder, 10 years later (Courtesy: Justice for Aliza Sherman Facebook page)

Prosecutors added they look forward to Gregory Moores eventual return to Cuyahoga County.

Gregory Moore (Credit: Williamson County, Texas, Jail)

Sherman was murdered in March 2013 outside her attorneys office in downtown Cleveland. The case remained unsolved for 12 years

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On Friday, Moore was secretly indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on several charges, including aggravated murder, conspiracy and kidnapping. He was arrested at a relatives home near Austin, Texas.

He is being held in jail in Williamson County.

Authorities said the motive for the murder was that Moore was not prepared for Aliza Shermans divorce trial.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Even a telehealth appointment could qualify for a "facility fee," the author writes. (Photo by Getty Images)

Have you ever heard of a facility fee?

Even if you havent, Ill bet that youve been charged one without even realizing it.

Facility fees are becoming more and more common as a way for large hospital systems to charge extra for basic appointments at the clinics they own, driving up the cost of health care.

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I learned about facility fees in April of 2024, after my husband took our 3-year-old daughter to a follow-up appointment for stomach pain. The clinic took her vital signs and then she played with cars on the floor while my husband and the doctor discussed her medication, eating habits, etc. It was a basic appointment that lasted about 15 minutes.

We were shocked when the bill came. We had a $201 charge for the doctors services, which made sense. But the bill also included a $423 charge for outpatient hospital services.

You can imagine our confusion since our child didnt set foot inside a hospital for this appointment. After several rounds of customer service calls to both our health insurance and M Health Fairview, we learned that this charge was a facility fee that M Health Fairview was allowed to charge us because the clinic was affiliated with a hospital.

No extra care or services were provided for this fee, and the clinic is not physically located within a hospital.

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Traditionally, facility fees have been used by hospitals to cover the extraordinary cost of running a highly complicated, 24/7 facility.

But in recent years, large hospital-owned systems have begun charging these fees at their affiliated clinics for routine care.

The consolidation of medical care exacerbates the problem. A 2024 study by the Public Interest Research Group found that When hospitals acquire independent clinics and physician practices, the new owner can raise prices at those practices by charging facility fees under the new hospital affiliation. As a result, individuals and families now face these additional charges in the same clinics and doctors offices they have been going to for years.

A separate 2022 study found that because of facility fees, patients with commercial health insurance pay an average of 45% more for appointments in hospital outpatient departments compared to the same services provided in freestanding physician offices.

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Current state law offers inadequate protection against this practice. Minnesota law requires providers to notify patients in advance of an appointment that they may be charged a facility fee, potentially resulting in a higher out-of-pocket expense.

This even applies to telehealth appointments as well, so you dont even have to set foot in a facility to be charged this facility fee.

The law also requires the facility to post the information on their website and in spaces accessible by patients. I asked M Health Fairview when they notified me of this charge, and their reply was that the sign at the front desk is the notification.

This bare-bones notification requirement puts the entire burden on the patient to notice and understand the sign, then do the legwork of calling their insurance company to see if they may be on the hook for an extra fee of an unknown amount.

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Additionally, a complicated sign in English is not adequate notification for anyone who is visually impaired or who does not read English. Finally, while my metro-located family has the luxury of choice and were able to find another provider for our daughter who does not charge this fee, families in Greater Minnesota may not have that opportunity and end up geographically trapped into paying these higher costs.

These facility fees are another way for Minnesotans to be price-gouged out of getting the basic health care they need.

That is why Im working with my state legislators to ban hospital-affiliated clinics from charging facility fees for routine clinical care and telehealth appointments.

Some may argue that this ban (HF1312/SF1503) would take away an important revenue stream that pays for facilities, but the proposed bill does not affect facility fees for emergency care or inpatient hospital care. Additionally, state law cannot supersede federal law, so this change will not impact Medicaid/Medicare payments to facilities.

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There is still a larger debate to be had about our healthcare system and how it is funded. Major structural issues need to be addressed, not just in Minnesota, but nationwide.

In the meantime, this bill will help protect patients from a predatory billing practice.
Claim:

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered online content related to World War II nurse Ruby Bradley removed and President Donald Trump called her a loser.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

We are only able to verify public information. There is no public record of Trump making such a comment and the Department of Defense confirmed via email that "the department is not taking down content related to Ruby Bradley."

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In early May 2025, rumors spread across multiple platforms  including Facebook (archived), Bluesky (archived) and X (archived), that the DOD removed content related to Ruby Bradley, a highly decorated nurse who served in World War II. The posts also claimed U.S. President Donald Trump called the veteran a "loser." Bradley, who spent 37 months as a prisoner of war during her service, received 34 medals for her service during WWII and the Korean War.

https://x.com/VudiXhymshiti/status/1918893661577777328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1918893661577777328%7Ctwgr%5E600e6c087c0ce8fc1951c402b55804097141d0cc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnownews.com%2Fworld%2Fus%2Fus-news%2Fdid-donald-trump-call-ruby-bradley-a-loser-delete-her-service-record-fact-check-article-151562836

One post linked to a Substack article that is no longer available, which may have been the source of the claim.

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The rumor came in the wake of Trump's executive order to eliminate programs associated with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security; government officials either deleted, deleted and then restored or deleted and then restored with edits numerous webpages on history the U.S. government previously featured.

None of the posts linked above provided a source or evidence, and no reputable news source reported on such a removal or that Trump called Bradley a "loser." Google search results for Trump's alleged comment at the time of this writing show only the repeated claim on social media or articles debunking the claim, and "Ruby Bradley" on Trump's Truth Social account yields no results (archived).

We reached out to the DOD, and they responded via email, "The department is not taking down content related to Ruby Bradley."

The rumor likely stems from both alleged and verified comments Trump has made in the past referring to veterans as "losers," including the late senator John McCain. "He's not a war hero. He is a war hero 'cause he was captured. I like people who weren't captured," Trump said in 2008 (minute 5:52).

Sources:

'Did Donald Trump Call Ruby Bradley A "Loser," Delete Her Service Record? Fact Check'. Times Now, 5 May 2025, https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/did-donald-trump-call-ruby-bradley-a-loser-delete-her-service-record-fact-check-article-151562836.

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'Fact Check: Did Trump Call Legendary US Army Nurse Ruby Bradley a "loser" and Delete Her Service Record?' MEAWW News, https://news.meaww.com/fact-check-did-trump-call-legendary-us-army-nurse-ruby-bradley-a-loser-and-delete-her-service-record. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Office of Medical History - Ruby G. Bradley, Colonel, U.S. Army Nurse Corps. 8 Nov. 2017, https://web.archive.org/web/20171108093816/http://history.amedd.army.mil/ancwebsite/bradley/bradley.html.

PerryCook, Taija. 'A Running List of Trump's Executive Orders'. Snopes, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//tracker/trump-executive-orders-list/.

Posts About Removal Of Ruby Bradley's Service History: What We Know | Lead Stories. 5 May 2025, https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/05/posts-about-removal-of-ruby-bradleys-service-history-what-we-know.html.

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Presidential Candidate Donald Trump at the Family Leadership Summit | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2016/presidential-candidate-donald-trump-at-the-family-leadership-summit/407791. Accessed 5 May 2025.

'Restoring America's Fighting Force'. The White House, 28 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-americas-fighting-force/.

Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are 'Losers' and 'Suckers' - The Atlantic. 1 Apr. 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20230401023100/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/09/trump-americans-who-died-at-war-are-losers-and-suckers/615997/.

'Trump's Truth'. Trump's Truth, https://trumpstruth.org/search?query=ruby%20bradley. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Wazer, Caroline. '15 Rumors We've Investigated about Trump Administration's Changes to Government Websites'. Snopes, 25 Mar. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//collections/trump-government-websites-dei/.
Claim:

Oklahoma instituted updated academic standards in 2025 requiring schools to teach high school students that widespread fraud impacted the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Rating:

Rating: True

In late April and early May 2025, a rumor spread online that Oklahoma would soon require schools to teach students that widespread voter fraud occurred during the 2020 presidential election, echoing baseless conspiracy theories promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to explain why he lost that election to former President Joe Biden.

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"Next school year, thousands of high school students in Oklahoma will be required to learn about Trump's debunked claims that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud," said one X post by independent reporter Judd Legum. "The lesson will not be part of a course on conspiracy theories, but an official component of the new social studies curriculum."

1. Next school year, thousands of high school students in Oklahoma will be required to learn about Trump's debunked claims that the 2020 election was tainted by fraud.



The lesson will not be part of a course on conspiracy theories, but an official component of the new social pic.twitter.com/zXsjuqpAtc  Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) May 1, 2025

Similar claims spread on platforms like Facebook, Reddit and Bluesky; many posts alleged the state's Department of Education head, Republican Superintendent Ryan Walters, was responsible for the new curriculum requirements.

Oklahoma's new social studies standards for high school students, which take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, do, in fact, require students to learn about so-called "discrepancies" in the 2020 election. The updated guidelines list examples for these discrepancies, all of which are theories not based in evidence  and many of which Snopes has independently debunked. Thus, we rate this claim true.

Walters did not immediately return a request for comment left for the agency's spokesperson. In an April 29 statement on X, Walters called the new benchmarks a "major victory" for the state.

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"The most unapologetically conservative, pro-America social studies standards in the nation are moving forward," Walters' post said. "These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination."

Oklahoma's new educational standards

Oklahoma's 2025 social studies standards are available here. See Page 118 for the academic benchmarks outlined under "United States History" for 9th through 12th grade, which clearly require students to study debunked claims of election fraud, but with the perspective that these theories are legitimate, rather than misinformation.

Here is the relevant language from the document:

Identify discrepancies in 2020 elections results by looking at graphs and other information, including the sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, the security risks of mail-in balloting, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters, and the unprecedented contradiction of "bellwether county" trends.

Oklahoma's new academic benchmarks are available for download on the Oklahoma State Board of Education's webpage under the "Handouts" section for the Feb. 27, 2025, meeting in a document titled "22725 Final SS OAS 2-27" (which presumably stands for "Feb. 27, 2025, Final Social Studies Oklahoma Academic Standards Feb. 27").

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Snopes has repeatedly debunked many of these supposed 2020 election "discrepancies" listed in Oklahoma's new learning targets, including supposed mail-in ballot security issues and the idea that "sudden batch dumps" of voting ballots or an "unforeseen record number of voters" indicates fraud. We have also previously explained that delayed ballot counting doesn't mean voter fraud is happening. Peer-reviewed research published in the National Academy of Sciences' journal shows that trends for so-called "bellwether counties"  areas in the United States which often choose the winning presidential candidate  were not unusual during the 2020 election.

A timeline for approval

In Oklahoma, the state Department of Education releases proposed updated social studies standards every six years, which the Oklahoma State Board of Education and the Oklahoma Legislature are, in theory, supposed to approve in order for them to go into effect.

But if the Legislature takes no action, then the draft rules will go into effect by default 30 days after they are proposed, per state law on academic standards and their review:

If the Legislature fails to adopt a joint resolution within thirty (30) legislative days following submission of the standards, the standards shall be deemed approved.

That is what happened in this case: Oklahoma's Republican-controlled Legislature did not take action by the May 1 deadline, allowing the new language to go into effect. Attempts by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to block Walters' effort failed to pass.

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Initial draft language available for public comment differs; that document, dated Dec. 14, 2024, and available on the official Oklahoma State Department of Education website, simply directs students to "examine issues related to the election of 2020 and its outcome" (see Page 118 here).

According to Oklahoma Voice, a news outlet focused on the state's government, several State Board of Education officials said they were unaware of last-minute changes in the document when they voted, including the added 2020 election-fraud language.

The new learning targets also call for teaching the controversial theory that COVID-19 began in a Chinese laboratory as undisputed fact, as well as describing the "challenges and accomplishments" of Biden's administration (see Page 118.)

Sources:

" Bill Information for HJR 1030 ." Oklegislature.gov, www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HJR1030&session=2500. Accessed 5 May 2025.

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" Bill Information for SJR 20 ." Oklegislature.gov, www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SJR20&Session=2500. Accessed 5 May 2025.

"2024 Oklahoma Statutes :: Title 70. Schools :: 70-11-103.6a-1. Legislative Review of Standards  Final Approval." Justia Law, law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-70/section-70-11-103-6a-1/. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Echter, Brandon. "The 2020 Election Collection: Mail-in Voting." Snopes.com, Snopes, 25 Sept. 2020, www.snopes.com/collections/2020-election-mail-in-voting/?collection=271588. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Eggers, Andrew C., et al. "No Evidence for Systematic Voter Fraud: A Guide to Statistical Claims about the 2020 Election." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118, no. 45, Nov. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2103619118.

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Izzo, Jack. "There's Still No Evidence of Systematic Voter Fraud in the 2020 Election." Snopes.com, Snopes, 27 June 2024, www.snopes.com/collections/no-systematic-voter-fraud-2020/. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Mikkelson, David. "Debunking Trump Tweets: Biden's 143K Vote 'Dump' in Wisconsin." Snopes.com, Snopes, 18 Nov. 2020, www.snopes.com/fact-check/wisconsin-vote-dump/?collection=285005. Accessed 5 May 2025.

---. "Debunking Trump Tweets: Popular Vote Totals Indicative of 'Rigged Election'?" Snopes.com, Snopes, 16 Dec. 2020, www.snopes.com/fact-check/popular-vote-totals-rigged/. Accessed 5 May 2025.

"New Standards Review and Revision Process." Oklahoma State Department of Education (265), oklahoma.gov/education/services/standards-learning/oklahoma-academic-standards/new-standards.html. Accessed 5 May 2025.

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Nuria Martinez-Keel. "Oklahoma Board Members Say They Had 'No Idea' of Changes to Social Studies Standards before Vote  Oklahoma Voice." Oklahoma Voice, States Newsroom, 24 Apr. 2025, oklahomavoice.com/2025/04/24/oklahoma-board-members-say-they-had-no-idea-of-changes-to-social-studies-standards-before-vote/. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Oklahoma State Department of Education. "OAS-SS Public Comment - Google Drive." Google Drive, Dec. 2024, drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qupDrHVtLHnKBNN5cmA_RZubfdJrXvqm. Accessed 5 May 2025.

---. "Oklahoma Academic Standards SOCIAL STUDIES." Snopes.com, 27 Feb. 2025, media.snopes.com/2025/05/22725_final_ss_oas_2-27.pdf. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Rascouet-Paz, Anna. "Delayed Vote Totals Don't Mean Voter Fraud Is Happening." Snopes.com, Snopes, 29 Oct. 2024, www.snopes.com/news/2024/10/29/delayed-vote-totals-fraud/. Accessed 5 May 2025.

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"Senate Democrats Urge Rejection of OSDE Social Studies Standards before Clock Runs out | Oklahoma Senate." Oksenate.gov, 21 Apr. 2025, oksenate.gov/press-releases/senate-democrats-urge-rejection-osde-social-studies-standards-clock-runs-out?back=/node. Accessed 5 May 2025.

"State Board of Education." Oklahoma State Department of Education (265), oklahoma.gov/education/state-board-of-education.html. Accessed 5 May 2025.

Walters, Ryan. "Today Is a Major Victory for Oklahoma Families and for the Truth. After Months of Democrats and the Teachers Unions Lying and Attacking, the Most Unapologetically Conservative, Pro-America Social Studies Standards in the Nation Are Moving Forward. For Nearly a Year, We Engaged in a Thoughtful, Transparent Process to Deliver Standards That Teach Students Factual History, Including the Realities of the 2020 Election, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the Threat Posed by Communist China. These Reforms Will Reset Our Classrooms back to Educating Our Children without Liberal Indoctrination. As Part of These Standards, the Bible Will Now Be Recognized as a Foundational Text, Helping Students Understand Its Undeniable Influence on Our Nation's History and Values. We're Proud to Defend These Standards, and We Will Continue to Stand up for Honest, Pr." X (Formerly Twitter), 29 Apr. 2025, x.com/RyanWalters_/status/1917347084698804338. Accessed 5 May 2025.
(Reuters) - Some global airlines have again halted their flights to and from Tel Aviv after a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards Israel on May 4 landed near the country's main international airport.

Foreign airlines had begun to resume flights to Israel after a ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas in January. Many carriers had halted them for much of the last year and a half since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Below are carriers that have again cancelled their flights:

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AEGEAN AIRLINES

The Greek airline said it will operate as usual from May 19, including flight A3928 on May 18.

AIRBALTIC

Latvia's airBaltic said it had cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 20.

AIR FRANCE-KLM

The group's Dutch arm KLM suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 30.

AIR INDIA

The Indian flag carrier said that flights to and from Tel Aviv would remain suspended until May 25.

DELTA AIR LINES

The U.S. carrier said its flights to and from Tel Aviv may be impacted between May 4 and May 25.

IAG

IAG-owned British Airways has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until June 14.

IAG's low-cost airline, Iberia Express, has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until May 31.

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ITA AIRWAYS

The Italian carrier has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 25.

LOT

The Polish carrier has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until May 19.

LUFTHANSA GROUP

The German airline group has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv through May 25.

RYANAIR

Europe's biggest budget airline has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 4.

UNITED AIRLINES

The Chicago-based airline said its flights to and from Tel Aviv may be impacted between May 4 and May 18.

(Reporting by Tiago Brandao in Gdansk; editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Milla Nissi-Prussak)
By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission will next month propose legal measures to phase out the EU's imports of all Russian gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027, it said on Tuesday.

Here are the key details:

GAS AND LNG

Russia was Europe's top gas supplier before its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, providing around 45% of the European Union's gas. That share plunged to 19% last year, and the EU has vowed to eliminate it altogether in response to the war.

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The European Commission will in June present legal proposals to ban new Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) deals, and ban EU imports under existing spot contracts by the end of 2025, it said in plans published on Tuesday.

The Commission will also propose next month to ban imports under existing long-term contracts by the end of 2027. Companies including TotalEnergies and Spain's Naturgy have Russian LNG contracts that extend into the 2030s.

The EU plans would affect countries including Hungary and Slovakia, which still receive Russian gas via pipelines, and countries including Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain, which buy Russian LNG.

Others, including Poland and the Baltic states, already stopped buying Russian gas.

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To attempt to better track imports from Russia, the Commission will also propose rules obliging companies to disclose the volumes and duration of their Russian gas contracts.

OIL

Unlike with gas, the EU has imposed sanctions on most Russian oil imports, with exceptions for Slovakia and Hungary. Those countries, which have sought to maintain close political ties to Russia, have threatened to block gas sanctions, which they say would drive up energy prices.

The EU will propose requirements for Slovakia and Hungary to produce national plans for how they will quit Russian oil by end-2027. The two countries still import more than 80% of their oil from Russia.

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Just 3% of total EU oil imports now come from Russia, compared with around 27% before the Ukraine war.

Member countries will also be required to present national plans for phasing out Russian gas by end-2027, the Commission said.

NUCLEAR FUEL

The European Commission will in June propose trade measures targeting Russian enriched uranium. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said this would amount to a tax or levy on imports.

The Commission did not specify any phase-out date for Russian uranium imports.

Five EU countries - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary and Slovakia - have Russian-designed reactors set up to run on Russian fuel. While all except for Hungary have signed contracts for alternative supplies since 2022, years-long wait times mean they are not able to immediately switch.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The European Commission's legal proposals, due in June, will require approval from the European Parliament and a qualified majority of member states - meaning one or two countries cannot block the plans.

EU countries and lawmakers will need to fast-track these negotiations, if the ban on new Russian gas deals is to apply by the end of the year.

The effectiveness of the EU measures will depend on the legal options used, which the Commission did not specify on Tuesday. Jorgensen said the proposals would amount to "force majeure" - an unforeseeable event that companies could use as grounds to exit gas contracts.

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Lawyers have warned, however, that in the absence of sanctions, it will be difficult for buyers to exit gas contracts using force majeure, without facing financial penalties or arbitration.

The EU imported 32 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas via pipeline and 20 bcm of Russian LNG last year. Two-thirds was under long-term contracts, and the rest uncontracted "spot" purchases.

(Reporting by Kate AbnettEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India said it attacked nine sites in Pakistan including in the disputed territory of Kashmir on Wednesday in response to the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, on its part of Kashmir last month that it blamed on Pakistan.

Pakistan said its response to the Indian missile strikes was underway.

India's latest action adds to a long list of military conflicts between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Here is a look at some of the key clashes:

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1947: FIRST WAR OVER KASHMIR

Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan were born in August 1947 after the British ceded colonial control of the subcontinent, and months later the two new countries were at war for control over the scenic Himalayan territory of Kashmir.

India claimed Kashmir as its then Hindu ruler acceded to Delhi, while Pakistan cited popular support from the region's Muslim majority as a basis for its claim.

Fighting raged for months, until the United Nations intervened to establish a ceasefire line in 1949, leaving both countries with control of a part of the territory. Both still claim the entire region.

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1965: SECOND WAR OVER KASHMIR

Still seeking control over Kashmir, Pakistani forces crossed into India's portion of the disputed region, in response to which India launched a military incursion across the boundary.

The fighting spread outside Kashmir into many settled boundary areas, seeing pitched battles involving both ground and air forces, and some of the biggest tank battles in history.

1971: WAR OVER EAST PAKISTAN

The neighbours fought their third war over Pakistan's eastern wing, where regional groups were seeking independence from the federal government.

Thousands of people died in the conflict, which ended in India helping the region secede, creating the independent country Bangladesh.

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1999: KARGIL WAR

The countries faced off in the high-altitude region of Kargil after Pakistani troops infiltrated Indian-administered Kashmir. It was the first clash since both officially gained nuclear weapons capability, raising the risks of a catastrophic war.

Both sides suffered hundreds of casualties before Indian forces reclaimed the territory, and international intervention stopped the fighting.

2016: URI ATTACK

India said it conducted "surgical strikes" on alleged Islamist militant launchpads in Pakistani territory after gunmen stormed an Indian military base in Kashmir's Uri region.

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Islamabad said there had been no Indian incursion into its territory and there was no retaliation by Pakistani forces.

2019: PULWAMA ATTACK

India conducted air strikes on what it said was a militant training camp near the Pakistani town of Balakot in response to a suicide car bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama area.

Pakistan, which said the planes had bombed an empty hillside and not a camp, launched a retaliatory incursion into Indian airspace that led to a dogfight between the two air forces, leading to the capture of an Indian pilot.

The situation cooled after he was released days later.

(Compiled by Asif Shahzad in Islamabad and Sakshi Dayal in New Delhi; Editing by YP Rajesh, Gibran Peshimam and Stephen Coates)
PHNOM PENH, May 6 (Xinhua) -- E-commerce market contributed 1.51 billion U.S. dollars, or 6.68 percent, to Cambodia's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, said a Ministry of Commerce's iTrade Bulletin on Tuesday.

The bulletin projected that the e-commerce revenue in the kingdom would rise to 1.78 billion dollars in 2025.

"Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram dominate online sales," the bulletin said.

With the total population of 17 million, the Southeast Asian country has 11.65 million Facebook users and 9.96 million TikTok subscribers, it added.

The e-commerce sector has boomed in recent years thanks to the rapid growth of Internet subscribers and mobile payment users.

The bulletin said the country had approximately 21.9 million internet subscribers, with most of them having access to online platforms via smartphones.

Also, the kingdom had registered about 30 million e-wallet accounts as of 2024.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the e-commerce market was convenient, fast, reliable, and safe for consumers.

"We consider e-commerce as a potential sector to help boost Cambodia's economic growth in the long run," he told Xinhua.

Jack Lee, secretary of the Digital Economy Professional Association of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, said e-commerce became popular in Cambodia thanks to the rapid increase in internet users and digital payments.

"Many Cambodian businesses rely on Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram to sell products, making social commerce a dominant trend," he told Xinhua recently.

Lee, who is also the chief executive officer of online marketplace Smile Shop in Cambodia, said Cambodia's 4G internet coverage is over 80 percent of the country's land area, providing a solid foundation for e-commerce growth. 
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Cardinals enter a conclave on Wednesday to choose a new pope, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.

The secret election appears wide open but here are some of the names, in alphabetical order, being talked about as possible successors to Pope Francis, who died last month.

CARDINAL JEAN-MARC AVELINE

Aveline, 66, the archbishop of Marseille, is known for his easy-going nature, readiness to crack jokes and ideological proximity to Francis, especially on immigration and relations with the Muslim world. He has a doctorate in theology and a degree in philosophy.

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Born in Algeria to a family of Spanish immigrants who moved to France after Algerian independence, he has lived most of his life in Marseille, a port city that has been a crossroads of cultures and religions for centuries.

Under Francis, Aveline became bishop in 2013, archbishop in 2019 and a cardinal three years later. His standing was boosted in September 2023 when he organised an international Church conference on Mediterranean issues attended by Pope Francis.

Aveline would become the first French pope since the 14th century and the youngest pope since John Paul II.

CARDINAL CHARLES MAUNG BO

Charles Maung Bo, 76, broke new ground in 2015 when Pope Francis appointed him as the first Catholic cardinal from Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

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In an interview with the Vatican News website after Francis died, he praised the late pope for reaching out to vulnerable and marginalised people.

"His papacy embodied a living parable - a witness to a Church that must not reside in palaces while the world languishes outside its gates," he said.

However, Bo is a somewhat divisive figure at home - even within the war-torn country's Catholic minority, which makes up around 1% of its population of 55 million people - because of his dealings with its military leadership, in charge since 2021.

His father, a farmer, died when he was two and he was raised by his mother before being taken in by the Salesians in Mandalay from the age of eight.

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He enrolled in a Salesian seminary as a teenager and was ordained as a priest in 1976. He was nominated archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, in 2003.

CARDINAL PETER ERDO

Erdo, 72, from Hungary, would be seen as a compromise candidate, someone from the conservative camp who has built bridges with Francis' progressive world.

He was considered a contender in the 2013 conclave thanks to extensive Church contacts in Europe and Africa and the fact that he was seen as a pioneer of the New Evangelisation drive to rekindle the Catholic faith in secularized nations, a priority for many.

A conservative in theology, he is seen as pragmatic and never clashed openly with Francis, unlike other tradition-minded clerics.

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He did, however, raise eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Francis' call for churches to take in refugees, saying this would amount to human trafficking, seemingly aligning himself with Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

An expert in Church law, Erdo became a bishop in his 40s and a cardinal in 2003 when he was 51, making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals until 2010.

He has excellent Italian, and also speaks German, French, Spanish and Russian.

CARDINAL MARIO GRECH

Grech, 68, comes from Gozo, a tiny island that is part of Malta, the smallest country in the European Union. He was appointed by Pope Francis to be secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, a heavyweight position within the Vatican.

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Initially viewed as a conservative, Grech has become a torchbearer for Francis' reforms, becoming more open to issues such as LGBT rights and Holy Communion for divorcees.

"We are going through a period of change. And to me, this is a very positive thing," he told the Malta Today newspaper in 2018.

Grech's allies say he has friends in both the conservative and moderate camps and, because of his high-profile role, he is known by many cardinals, an advantage in a conclave where so many cardinals are relative unknowns to each other.

CARDINAL CRISTOBAL LOPEZ ROMERO

The Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, 72, known for his extensive missionary work and strong advocacy for migrants, has made clear that he does not want to be pope.

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"If I see any serious danger of that happening, I'll start running from Rome," he joked in the run-up to the conclave. Yet his name has repeatedly come up amongst Church watchers as a possible contender.

He is seen to embody Francis' focus on the "peripheries" and interreligious dialogue, particularly with Islam, and is a member of the Salesian religious order, which makes the education and evangelization of young people, especially the poor, a priority.

Lopez Romero has spent decades ministering in North Africa, and before that Latin America, notably in Paraguay, where he worked from 1984-2003.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

A 70-year-old Italian, Parolin is seen as a compromise candidate between progressives and conservatives. He has been a Church diplomat for most of his life and served as Pope Francis' secretary of state since 2013.

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The position is similar to that of a prime minister and secretaries of state are often called the "deputy pope" because they rank second to the pontiff in the Vatican hierarchy.

Parolin served as deputy foreign minister under Pope Benedict, who in 2009 appointed him the Vatican's ambassador in Venezuela, where he defended the Church against moves to weaken it by then-President Hugo Chavez.

He was also the main architect of the Vatican's rapprochement with China and Vietnam. Conservatives have attacked him for an agreement on the appointment of bishops in communist China. He has defended the agreement saying that while it was not perfect, it avoided a schism.

Parolin was never a noisy activist in the Church's so-called culture wars, which centred on issues such as abortion and gay rights, although he did once condemn the legalisation of same-sex marriage in many countries as "a defeat for humanity".

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Parolin would return the papacy to the Italians for the first time since 1978.

CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST

Prevost, 69, an American who has spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, is a relative unknown on the global stage. Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he has given few media interviews and rarely speaks in public.

Originally from Chicago, he has attracted interest from his peers because of his quiet style and support for Francis' 12-year papacy, especially his commitment to social justice issues.

Prevost served as a bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.

Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world's bishops.

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Prevost said during a 2023 Vatican press conference: "Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church."

CARDINAL LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE

Tagle, a Filipino, aged 67, is often called the "Asian Francis" because of his easy laugh and commitment to social justice. If elected he would be the first pontiff from Asia.

On paper, Tagle, who prefers his nickname "Chito", seems to have all the boxes ticked to qualify as pope. He has had decades of pastoral experience since his ordination to the priesthood in 1982. He gained administrative experience, first as bishop of Imus and then as archbishop of Manila. Pope Benedict made him a cardinal in 2012.

In a move seen by some as a strategy by Francis to give Tagle some Vatican experience, the pope in 2019 appointed him head of the Church's missionary arm, formally known as the Dicastery for Evangelisation.

Between 2015 and 2022, he was leader of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of more than 160 Catholic relief and development organisations. Francis fired its entire leadership in 2022 following accusations of staff bullying. Tagle's role was mostly ceremonial and he was not involved in day-to-day operations at the organisation and was apparently not himself accused of wrongdoing, but he was removed from his post.

CARDINAL MATTEO MARIA ZUPPI

When Zuppi, 69, became archbishop of Bologna in 2015, national media referred to him as the "Italian Bergoglio", due to his affinity with Francis, the Argentine pope born Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Zuppi is known as a "street priest" who focuses on migrants and the poor, and cares little about pomp and protocol. He goes by the name of "Father Matteo", and in Bologna often uses a bicycle rather than an official car.

If he were made pope, conservatives would likely view him with suspicion. Victims of Church sex abuse might also object to him, since the Italian Catholic Church, which he has led since 2022, has been slow to investigate and confront the issue.

The Italian cardinal is closely associated with the Community of Sant'Egidio, a global peace and justice Catholic group based in Rome. The group brokered a 1992 peace agreement that ended a 17-year-old civil war in Mozambique, with Zuppi acting as one of the mediators.

He has engaged in more diplomacy in recent years as papal envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Zuppi would be the first Italian pope since 1978.

(Reporting and writing by Philip Pullella, Crispian Balmer, Alvise Armellini, Joshua McElwee in Rome, Chris Scicluna in Malta and Keith Weir in London; Editing by Frances Kerry and Janet Lawrence)
This story has been updated to correct a misspelling.

SAN ANTONIO  Has there ever been another Texas artist like the recently deceased Michael Tracy?

The sculptor, painter and maker of rare objects  as well as sometime magus who oversaw fantastically staged rituals  lived his life as an expansive art project, especially since 1978, when he established sprawling studios and residences in tiny San Ygnacio, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.

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"He was big, much bigger than life," says retired graphic artist Lorne Loganbill, who got to know and admire Tracy during the 1990s. "His art was big, his opinions were big, his passions were big. His studios and living spaces were full of sights, sounds and smells that were overpowering, earthy and exciting. Art, religious iconography and crumbling relics of different cultures accented his panels, canvases, bronzes and over-sized mesquite furniture, and created a warm and welcoming environment  with an edge of danger."

We'll get back to that "edge of danger" soon.

More to do in San Antonio: Do visit the Pearl District, a jewel among the city's tourist sites

Now admirers and detractors, veterans and rookies alike can experience a slice of Tracy's visions through "Michael Tracy: The Elegy of Distance," a right-sized exhibit at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio through July 27.

Originally from Ohio, Michael Tracy earned degrees from St. Edward's University and the University of Texas at Austin. In 1978, he set up sprawling studios in San Ygnacio, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border. This is Tracy at the Zaragosa Dominguez Studio, Jan. 21, 2015.

What will we see at the McNay Museum?

The McNay  a former residence that sits atop a gorgeously landscaped hillside that has been expanded during the past decades to include modern galleries and other amenities  is the natural venue for this show, in part because the museum was the first to give Tracy an exhibit in 1971.

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In addition, while Tracy's former home base in San Ygnacio lies 200 miles south in Zapata County, San Antonio is a natural cultural gateway to South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

Michael Tracy's expansive work draws from ancient traditions, especially Catholic iconography. In the foreground at the McNay Art Museum is "Resurrection" (1980-2000).

This is by no means a comprehensive retrospective. Many of the pieces installed in the six galleries at the McNay date from this century. You will not stumble on any photographic or video evidence of his startling performances, for instance, or see any of his truly monumental work, which could encompass the entire village of San Ygnacio.

Instead, "The Elegy of Distance" satisfies a hunger for his densely saturated art in confined, but not crowded spaces. If you access the McNay through the main lobby and walk past the "Sport and Spectator" exhibit, you are faced with a choice of entries. Each preliminary room  one introduced in Spanish, the other in English  instantly confronts the viewer with sensory overload in the form of multiple paintings grouped in series.

The first thing one notices are the colors. Lots of colors that, in a knee-jerk way, might remind one of India, Mexico  or maybe a counterculture festival in the 1960s. Look a little closer to see the vast topographies of accumulated acrylic paint on wood panels. One can't help wondering how Tracy manipulated the paint so that it resembles sculptural clay. It might take a few seconds to focus on the faint images of objects and symbols hidden in the mounds of paint.

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Take the time.

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The next three rooms are devoted mostly to Tracy's sculpture, some of which has been mixed with other elements for muscular, aggregated works of art. Here the artist's Catholic iconography is not subtle. Altars, hearts, medals, relics and architectural remnants pile up, often pierced by knives, spikes, scissors or swords.

Rarely overstated, Tracy weaves in references to border policies, forced labor, social justice or environmental disaster.

This is our invitation to the artist's "danger zone": A type of faith that is obsessed with death, pain, blood, sacrifice, guilt, fear, decay, martyrdom and bodily harm. At the same time, one absorbs the baroque beauty of it all, the layers upon layers of feeling and visions materialized. He once wrote: To carve an aesthetic out of realization of pain, suffering and death  can one live doing that?

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The final room functions like a devotional chapel. The lighting is low and the walls are dark. Directional lighting picks out paintings and sculpture, but also two benches hewn from mesquite and backed by the instantly recognizable Tracy grillwork.

Spend time here. Echoes of Houston's Rothko Chapel are unavoidable. But while the viewer is invited to contemplate the unseen infinite within Mark Rothko's finely graded fields of color, one is more likely to peer deeply into Tracy's images to engage actively with the religious symbolism. Tracy has absorbed an immediate, heavy, visceral form of Catholicism, or in some cases, Hinduism or Indigenous spiritual traditions.

Intense, electric colors saturate Michael Tracy's paintings, informed in part by his travels in South Asia and Latin America. Although the thickly encrusted paintings look entirely abstract from a distance, they contain ghostly images of real objects and religious symbols.

Who was artist Michael Tracy?

Although Tracy was discovered and rediscovered by art commentators from the East and West Coasts, this artistic "maximalist," as Glasstire digital magazine aptly called him in a tribute article, remained for much of his career a Texas phenomenon.

A native of Ohio, Tracy earned his first college degree at St. Edward's University in Austin. After study back in Ohio at the Cleveland Institute of Art, he picked up his MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. Residences in Galveston and other charismatic spots  as well as travels to South Asia and Latin America  seemed to lead indirectly to his studio, home and party life in San Ygnacio, a town of 500 or so souls on the Rio Grande.

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More on San Antonio: Not the Alamo: Fields near San Antonio yield evidence of deadliest battle in Texas history

Although he devoted much of his later life to preserving the historical fabric of that town, while bringing artists from around the world to work there, not all locals liked him, especially when masses of his admirers gathered to take part in rituals such as "The River Pierce: Sacrifice II" in 1990, which included nude participants covered in mud, or the ritual burning of the artist's cross-like "Cruz: La Pasion" (1982-1987).

Tracy soaked it all up, missing almost nothing about his stretch of the border.

Living on the northern edge of the Rio Grande, on what officially is the edge of Latin America has had immeasurable impact on my life and work," Tracy wrote. "I have had a front-row seat in the ongoing drama of two distinct cultures hemorrhaging into each other; the physical migration itself, the cultural nullity, the sociological angst and despair, and the legal miasma. The monstrous political cynicism has infected my soul and heart, and probably my body.

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For those who have followed Tracy's career  which faded in the 21st century, I'm not sure why  you will be delighted to know that the McNay team, led by curator Rene Paul Barilleaux, has assembled many pieces that have never before have been exhibited in public, displayed side-by-side with older works.

Part of me, of course, longs to see a more comprehensive exhibit, that the visitor could absorb bit by bit over the course of months. That might happen in the future with help from the Michael Tracy Foundation  and the related River Pierce Foundation  both directed by Christopher Rincon. On the other hand, I'm grateful for the highly selective show at the McNay, which is just about the right size to absorb such overwhelming art on a pleasant spring afternoon.

"Although the artist withdrew from the museum and gallery ecosystem for years, the issues his work addresses have become increasingly urgent," Barilleaux says. "The McNay's exhibition will bring attention to this significant American artist's work, introducing a new generation to him."

Michael Barnes writes about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. He can be reached at mbarnes@statesman.com. Sign up for the free weekly digital newsletter, "Think, Texas," at statesman.com/newsletters.

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The name of the town San Ygnacio was misspelled in a previous version of this post.

One room in the Michael Tracy exhibit at the McNay Art Museum combines the Texas artist's paintings, sculpture and furniture, which one can use for contemplation.

'Michael Tracy: The Elegy of Distance'

When: Through July 27

Where: McNay Art Museum, 6000 North New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio

Tickets: Up to $20 (multiple discounts available)

Info: mcnayart.org/

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texan Michael Tracys legacy lives on at McNay Museum in San Antonio
A Southern California man has been arrested again for allegedly practicing medicine and treating patients despite holding no medical license to do so.

Nitun Nate Dayalghai Ahir, 44, now of Thousand Oaks, was arraigned Monday in Ventura County for practicing medicine without a license. Ahir was out on bail at the time following a previous arrest for the same alleged crime last month.

According to the Ventura County District Attorneys Office, Ahir represented himself as a doctor at Regen Spine & Nerve in Ventura. Despite his previous charges, Ahir returned to the business and began treating patients again just days after his arrest, according to complaints submitted to the D.A.s Office.

Nitun Nate Dayalghai Ahir, 43, of Thousand Oaks. (Ventura County District Attorneys Office)

As per the terms of his previous release, Ahir was explicitly told not to provide any medical services to any patients, offer any services or take any payments, or else hed be taken back into custody.

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He now faces a new crop of charges for practicing medicine without a license, as well as a charge for using the term Doctor and the Dr. prefix to imply he is a licensed medical professional.

According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Ahir holds no medical license in California, including as a doctor, surgeon, nurse, nurse practitioner, chiropractor or otherwise. He is also not a licensed physician in any other state, officials said.

Fake doctor accused of performing unlicensed surgery

Between the two arrests, Ahir faces charges for practicing medicine without a license, as well as charges of identity theft and theft from an elderly or dependent adult.

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The charges include special circumstances that accuse him of targeting particularly vulnerable victims in a well-planned and sophisticated scheme that involved him violating a position of trust.

After posting $50,000 bail, Ahir is out of custody again and is due back in court on June 25, the D.A.s 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 KTLA.
(QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Millions of Americans fought the Vietnam War.

Fifty years ago, the war effectively ended with the fall of Saigon as the communist offensive overran the city on April 30, 1975. It was a hectic, chaotic, and dangerous time as American troops scrambled to get out of the country to safety.

That included thousands of Vietnamese orphan babies to the United States in those last days in what became known as Operation Baby Lift.

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One of those orphans that made it out alive now lives and thrives in Gaston County.

Family, faith, and connecting to his roots from a war-torn world where he was born are whats most important to Jason Keyser

Its a natural affinity that I have for the culture of the people, even the pho, the soup that is kind of a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. I think its in my bloodstream somehow because when I go to local pho shops around Charlotte, its like theres something that connects me to the culture, to the people, to my heritage, Keyser said.

He lives a fulfilling life, running a successful computer business outside Charlotte and a bustling coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh City. But it wasnt always that way.

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A lot of my growing-up years, I didnt really want to care about Vietnam and my heritage. I think a lot of orphans feel like the stories in their mind that they create are better than the stories that they may find out, Keyser said.

One story Keyser heard often was that of the C-5 crash carrying hundreds of Vietnamese babies.

When I was told the story, I was like, Well, how does that apply to me?' Keyser asked.

And then came the stunning revelation: he was supposed to be on that very plane.

Sister Mary Nell, the nun who took care of me, said, Well, you and three other children were actually taken off that airplane before it ever took off. And I was like, Wow, howd that happen? She goes, Well, in your case, you had severe dysentery, and so we needed to take you off the plane because you would not have made the flight out of the country,' Keyser said.

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Saved by fate, Keyser was put on another transport the following week, headed for the US. With him, only some medical records.

E-4, is there a plane seat that I had? So they knew that, you know, I was that guy with this set of documents because a lot of orphans dont have documentation, Keyser said.

Keyser was adopted by a family in San Francisco. He grew up with a brother and a sister.

They always raised me as a Christian, and I always knew that my life had some meaning to it. 

But, as time went on, Keyser began to question who he was and where he came from.

I had, you know, thoughts of suicide. And Ive talked to a lot of other orphans, not just from Vietnam, over the years, and it is the sort of somewhat survivor syndrome. Why did I survive and not everybody else? Keyser said.

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But he got through it, leaving those questions in the past until the birth of his son Adam.

I helped give birth to him, uh, which was a really cool experience too. But when Adam came out, I kind of thought to myself, Hey, this is the first biological connection I have in this world that I know of, right? Yeah, it really did change me, Keyser said.

Keyser immersed himself in unlocking the secrets of his past, traveling as often as he could to Vietnam, visiting the orphanage where he was left so many years ago.

Keyser learned that the communists destroyed most of the records during the fall of Saigon. But, his journey led him to his true calling in life, helping other orphans.

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Right now, we have programs in Ukraine and in Uganda, Africa. And then last year, we started a coffee shop in Vietnam. We run a business because we use our business skills, and then were able to work with the missions in or from orphanages in those countries and try to give a better future for some of these orphans that would maybe not be able to be adopted or get out of the country, Keyser said.

A purposeful, meaningful life that has come full circle for Keyser.

I think its important to make sure the story gets logged for a couple of reasons. One is so my children understand who they are, where half of them came from, and to make sure that all these, like, miraculous stories live on. And I think the other is what Ive found in the last five years or so, is theres a lot of orphans that dont know how to cope with their situation, Keyser 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 Queen City News.
A Niagara Falls man has been charged in the April 15 death of an Amherst woman at a People Inc. facility in the Town of Tonawanda.

Daniel J. Abbotoy, 26, of Niagara Falls, was arraigned Monday before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of first-degree manslaughter (Class B violent felony).

The Erie County District Attorney Office said about noon on April 1, Abbotoy intentionally caused serious physical injury to the woman, another disability program participant, according to the DAs office, which resulted in her death. The victim, 56-year-old Diana Robinson of Amherst, died at ECMC on April 15.

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Abbotoy was initially arraigned before Tonawanda Town Court Justice J. Mark Gruber on one count of first-degree assault (Class B violent felony). He was held without bail pending the results of a forensic examination.

The forensic examination was recently completed and Abbotoy was found not competent to proceed to trial. On Monday, Justice Givens signed a temporary order of commitment, which requires Abbotoy to remain in the custody of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities until he is returned to competency. The matter is scheduled for a report back on Aug. 6.

Keane commended Detective Mark Muscoreil, Detective Frank DiRienzo and members of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. DAbate of the Felony Trials Bureau and Senior Trial Counsel/Training Chief Colleen Curtin Gable.
Families of the victims who were killed on May 4 in a mass shooting that occurred at a crowded dance party launched GoFundMe campaigns to help fund funeral arrangements.

A fight escalated into a deadly shootout in the parking lot of El Camaron Gigante at North 57th Drive and West Lamar Road near historic downtown Glendale.

Three people, including a pair of brothers, were killed and five others injured.

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A candlelight vigil was planned for 6:30 p.m. on May 6 at Murphy Park. The park is in downtown Glendale at the intersection of West Glendale Avenue and North 58th Avenue, about two blocks from the shooting site.

GoFundMe pages ask for help amid heartbreak

Regenea LaRoche, who said she was the mother of brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, said her heart was broken.

Damien leaves behind a 6-month-old baby, and Chris is the father of a 4-year-old autistic son and a 2-year-old daughter, LaRoche wrote on GoFundMe. We are struggling to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. Were asking for support to help lay them to rest and to care for the young children they left behind. Any donation, prayer, or share means the world.

A screenshot of the GoFundMe page for brothers Damien Anthony Sproule and Christopher Juaquin Sproule who were killed in a shooting in a Glendale restaurant parking lot.

The GoFundMe had raised nearly $2,500 as of 1 p.m. on May 6 with a goal of $15,000. The page featured photos of the brothers together and with their children.

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LaRoche spoke with The Arizona Republic May 6 and said her family was devastated by the loss of Damien and Christopher. LaRoche, their stepmother, said they attended the lowrider event to make friends as they had recently gotten into lowriders as a hobby.

Jamey Suniga, a family member of Milo Christopher Suniga, 21, also posted a GoFundMe requesting donations to help with funeral expenses.

We all know what an amazing kid Milo was and he would do anything for anyone with no questions asked, the post said. All support would be greatly appreciated and accepted with love.

A screenshot of the GoFundMe page for Milo Christopher Suniga, who was killed in a shooting in a Glendale restaurant parking lot.

The post said a funeral service had not been scheduled but that information would be shared once its established.

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The GoFundMe had raised over $4,500 with a goal of $7,500.

Suniga did not immediately respond to The Republic, as of May 6.

Glendale police still searching for shooting suspects

Glendale police investigators were working to identify suspects and had not made any arrests by the early afternoon on May 6.

Detectives are actively working this case and are continuing to ask the public to provide any and all information that could lead them to make an arrest, Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said.

Santiago said the incident was isolated and stemmed from the people involved in the fight having a history of bad blood between them. He said it was unknown how the people feuding knew each other.

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Officers detained multiple people after arriving on the scene Sunday night, Santiago said.

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.

He encouraged anyone with information about the incident to anonymously upload any videos or photos they have of the incident to a web portal. Santiago said people can also share tips by calling the department at 623-930-3000.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell.

(This story has been updated to add more information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Families of Glendale shooting victims ask for donations
DENVER (KDVR)  Nearly a year after Marcie Fairchild disappeared, her family says they still have no answers.

The Denver mother of five, an Indigenous woman who was subject to a Missing Indigenous Person Alert, vanished in late May 2024. In February, her remains were identified after being found along Cherry Creek, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search, but not to the familys fight for justice.

3 charged after man killed, body set on fire in Colorado canyon: DAs office

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She was our mom, she was a beautiful, wonderful person and for her to be, you know, treated and left she didnt deserve to go like that, you know. She didnt deserve to be left outside for months and months like that, said Sommr Fairchild, Marcies daughter.

According to her family, Marcie was last seen on May 28, 2024, after finishing a shift at work. The last known communication came early the next morning.

There was one call after that, around three in the morning to my niece, who was spending the night over there that night  and that was May 29, early in the morning. And then from there, it was just nothing, said Sommr.

Her phone and other belongings were still inside her home on the 1400 block of Poplar Street, but there were no confirmed sightings or solid leads in the weeks and months that followed.

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She didnt take anything she ended up leaving her phone, which I thought was kind of weird, Sommr added.

Man missing in Conejos County since Wednesday, car found Thursday

Frustrated by what they describe as a lack of communication and action from authorities, the family launched a GoFundMe page titled Bring Marcie Fairchild Home, hoping to raise money for a private investigator.

I did a lot of the finding out answers and investigating myself, and I didnt really get a lot of help from the missing persons department. It took weeks for responses  even when I would come into town, Im calling and emailing, calling and emailing, Sommr said. But once I was going around her house and the neighborhoods, and different things, I could tell that there wasnt anybody from the police department asking questions.

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In February 2025, Denver police confirmed the remains found along Cherry Creek were those of Marcie Fairchild. While the discovery brought closure to the question of her disappearance, it raised new ones about what happened to her and who may be responsible.

Thats honestly one of the hardest thingsnot just the fact that she is deceased, but the fact of how she was found. That her body was just outside somewhere, Sommr said.

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We just really want to know what happened to her, you know. We cant change what did happen, but we just dont have any answers still.

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FOX31 reached out to Denver Police, who confirmed the case remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The family is urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact authorities. The GoFundMe page supporting their efforts is linked 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 FOX31 Denver.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Members of Michigans Native American community gathered on the steps of the State Capitol on Monday, sharing personal stories and calling for legislative action on Red Dress Day, a day of memorial for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

Indigenous activist brings awareness to violence in native communities

Red Dress Day, often known as Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Day, is recognized across the U.S. and Canada and calls on individuals to wear red and raise more awareness for the injustice and violence faced by Native women and their families.

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), acts of violence against Native communities far exceed national averages. The BIA estimates that there are around 4,200 missing and murdered cases that have gone unsolved.

While the day is named after women, organizers of Mondays gathering at the Capitol pointed out that Indigenous men and boys also experience violence. A 2022 report from the Congressional Research Service found that 82% of Native men experience violence, and 84% of women.

Mondays gathering was small and intimate, with a mix of emotions on display. Around two dozen attendees shared food and laughs, and braided each others hair while mourning lost loved ones and demanding justice.

One woman recounted the story of the murder of her sister, Janice. She told the crowd that her sister was murdered in Lansing in 2019 and her murderer was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prisonbut that wasnt enough.

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I didnt understand that. Why 25 years, when everybody else was given life? she said.

The woman and her sign for her sister, Janice. (WLNS)

We were taken off our rez and apprehended when I was 5 and she was 9. She met her mom at her funeral, the woman said. My mom came up here and buried her daughter that she never met.

One of the attendees took to the steps and expressed disappointment in the state government for its perceived inaction on issues such as human trafficking and child abduction, laying sage, tobacco, and an amethyst stone at the doors.

In front of our Capitol building, so these people in charge who are failing to act will gain some purity, they said. I will lay this right in front of their door.

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The now-expedited Line 5 pipeline tunnel project was also a topic of discussion at the gathering, with organizers distributing lawn signs calling to Keep Oil Out of the Great Lakes.

Shut Down Line 5 Pipeline signs were passed out at the gathering. (WLNS)

Michigans Native community has long called for the shutdown of Enbridges Line 5 tunnel project, joined by environmental activists in calling the pipeline a danger to the Great Lakes and the Anishinaabe communities whose land the pipeline runs through.

Organizers say the gathering was accompanied by drum circles, prayer, yoga, and a water ceremony at the Adado Riverfront Park.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates the People's Action Party (PAP) on its victory in the Singaporean general election, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Singapore's ruling party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, secured a clear mandate in Saturday's general election, winning 65.57 percent of the popular vote.

Noting that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, Lin said China attaches great importance to the development of China-Singapore relations.

China is willing to work with the new government of Singapore to enhance communication and exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and promote the continued elevation of the all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership between the two countries, Lin said. 
The family of a 25-year-old man is calling for the staff members involved in an incident that led to his in-custody death at an Ohio jail in March to be charged with murder.

Ten Montgomery County Jail employees have been put on paid administrative leave since the Montgomery County coroner ruled the manner of Christian Blacks death as homicide, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said in a statement.

Black was arrested and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on March 23, according to Ryan Julison, a spokesperson for the law firm representing his family.

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The next day, jail employees intervened after Black began forcefully and repeatedly striking his head against the door of his cell, Streck said.

Montgomery County Jail employees overpower Ohio inmate Christian Black. (WDTN)

Security camera video the familys lawyers presented at a news conference Monday shows officers standing outside a cell as Black repeatedly punches the door. He seems to forcefully bang his head against the door at least four times.

Well acknowledge at this point you can see in the video Christians having a crisis and well recognize that law enforcement does have to go in there and find a way to keep him from harming himself, attorney Robert Gresham said. But our issue begins when they go into that particular cell, and they ultimately make a number of errors and decisions that amount to what we believe to be deliberate indifference and unlawful use of force.

The sheriff on Tuesday declined to address specific details from the case, citing an ongoing investigation.

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From the outset of this tragic situation, I have made it a priority to be as transparent as possible with Christian Blacks family and the citizens of Montgomery County, while also respecting the integrity of the independent investigation that I requested," Streck said. "My office continues to fully cooperate with investigators and remains committed to transparency once the process is complete.

The video shows five officers entering the cell and struggling with Black. In the cell, Gresham said, officers pepper-sprayed him and shocked him with a stun gun. The video played at the news conference, however, does not clearly show that.

The video shows officers take Black out of the cell, pin him to the ground and eventually handcuff him with his hands behind his back before they put him on a safety restraint chair.

On the chair, the struggle continues, with officers placing an anti-spit mask on Black and pushing his torso forward in an apparent effort to be able to remove the handcuffs and restrain his arms on the chair, the video shows.

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You can see by the pressure officers are putting on him, my understanding is thats going to make it almost impossible for him to breathe, Gresham said.

The video shows Blacks body apparently going limp as officers raise his torso back up and strap his arms to the chair.

Attorney Michael Wright said, Hes dead at this point.

Christian Black's parents, Misti Black, left, and Kenya Black, right, listen to their attorney Michael Wright in Dayton, Ohio, on Monday. (WDTN)

Streck, the sheriff, said Black lost consciousness on the chair. Medical staff members performed CPR before he was taken to a hospital, Streck said.

Two days later, on March 26, Black was pronounced dead.

In all, 10 officers were involved at different points between the time they entered the cell and the time they eventually restrained Black to the chair, according to the videos of the interaction played by his familys attorneys.

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In a report from the coroners office, Chief Deputy Coroner Sean Swiatkowski said the cause of death was most likely mechanical and positional asphyxia and ruled the manner of death as homicide, Streck said.

Gresham said Black was in the mental health area of the facility. Wright added that staff members did not attempt lifesaving aid until 13 minutes after they entered the cell.

These officers didnt do anything that they were supposed to do here. They know better. They should do better, Gresham said. We dont think any further than George Floyd to know how positional asphyxiation works.

Misti Black, Christians mother, said the incident never should have happened.

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Now, every time I see the video, its knowing that Im going to see him take his last breath, she said.

After he was informed of the likely cause of death, Streck said he placed all 10 employees involved in the incident on paid administrative leave.

Because Mr. Black was in critical condition and physical force was used to restrain him, I requested that the Dayton Police Department respond to investigate the incident and submit their findings to prosecutors for review, Streck said. This leave is a procedural step and does not imply guilt, misconduct, or policy violations.

Dayton police confirmed that detectives are investigating the use of force incident.

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Detectives assigned to the Homicide Unit are actively investigating this incident involving the death of Christian Black and at the conclusion of the investigation will present the case to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office, police spokesperson James Rider said in a statement.

The Black familys attorneys are conducting an independent investigation, as well, and Wright said they are asking for the 10 staff members to be arrested, indicted and convicted for the murder of Christian Black.

Streck said that the sheriffs office will fully cooperate with all independent investigations and that once the criminal investigations are complete, there will be a thorough internal review and investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A 15-year-old admitted in court to fatally shooting Levonte Hyde and was also forgiven by Hyde's family.

As part of a plea deal between prosecutors and his lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, the teen was sentenced to six years in a youth prison on May 6.

In exchange for his plea, the prosecutors agreed not to push for the case to be moved to adult court. The murder and felonious assault charges were also reduced to an involuntary manslaughter charge.

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Assistant prosecutor Taryn Brown said Hyde and the teen's mother had an altercation on Feb. 20. The mother called the teen and told him what had happened, Brown said, then the teen retrieved a handgun from a locked box.

Brown said that when Hyde and the teen's mother arrived on Pasadena Avenue, the teen said, "Move, mom."

Then he fired 12 times at Hyde, Brown said. Hyde was taken to an area hospital, where he later died.

Bennett argued that the teen was reacting to Hyde's violence. The lawyer said that the teen's mother had been beaten to a pulp.

Court documents show Hyde was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence against the teen's mother. The documents state Hyde punched the woman in the face multiple times while driving in South Cumminsville.

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The teen's mother and multiple family members of Hyde were in Hamilton County juvenile court Judge Stacey Degraffenreid's courtroom for the final hearing. The tension spilled over multiple times as the families spoke to each other. Deputies had to step in to silence them more than once.

While Degraffenreid read through the documents related to the case and asked him questions, the teen responded quietly with "yes, ma'am."

At one point, he started crying and dropped his head to the table. The judge took a break.

"Breathe," the teen's mother said. "It's OK. Breathe."

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Throughout the hearing, she cried as well.

At the end of the hearing, Hyde's mother spoke to the teen. She said she had spoken to her son and the teen's mother multiple times about not arguing and fighting in front of their kids.

"I'm not mad at you," she said. "It's not your fault. It's their fault. If he was here, I'd tell him that too."

Hyde's brother told the teen he also forgave him and said he shouldn't have been put in an adult situation. He told the teen to make the best of the situation.

"Keep your head up. Keep your chest up," the brother said. "You'll be good."

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In a statement to the press after the hearing, Bennett said that he and his family are pleased that the case stayed in juvenile court and believe the charge of involuntary manslaughter is fair.

"(He) was distraught about the repeated, violent, physical beating of his mother at the hands of her boyfriend. He had enough. Therefore, he retrieved a gun and killed him."

Bennett said the teen will be able to return to society in a few years and be a law-abiding, productive citizen.

The 15-year-old has been held at the Hamilton County Youth Center for about 75 days. He was arrested within 24 hours of the shooting.

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During earlier hearings, the teen's teacher and other administrators from Aiken High School came to court to speak in support of him. He had never had contact with juvenile court before.

As he left court, beginning his journey to one of three youth prisons in Ohio, his mother told him he loved him.

As the teen was being escorted in the hall in handcuffs, Hyde's mother said, "Grandma is praying for you."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Family of Levonte Hyde forgives teen who fatally shot him in February
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) will allocate US$150 million to support rural communities in Ukraine affected by the war. It has announced the launch of a two-year Emergency and Early Recovery Response Plan (EERRP).

Source: press service for FAO, as reported by Ukrinform news agency

Details: The plan for 20252026 aims to assist more than 500,000 vulnerable people. By resuming their work, affected farmers will contribute to ensuring the countrys food security.

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FAO plans to provide agricultural resources to the most vulnerable rural households and small-scale farmers affected by the war. The plan also includes clearing agricultural land of explosive remnants.

It also covers long-term early recovery measures, including support for production capacity, access to markets and the provision of technical assistance.

"This plan comes at a time when Ukrainian farmers are still facing enormous challenges  from mined fields and destroyed infrastructure to limited access to markets. Through the EERRP 20252026, FAO continues supporting Ukraines efforts to address the impact of the war, particularly in rural areas near the front line," said Mohammed Azouqa, acting Head of the FAO Office in Ukraine.

The World Banks data indicates that damages and losses in Ukraines agricultural sector from February 2022 to December 2024 are estimated at nearly US$84 billion. The irrigation sector alone sustained damage worth US$1.6 billion. Warehouses, farms, perennial crops, equipment and harvested products were destroyed.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that the annual application process for Ukrainian farmers to join the programme for compensating the cost of demining farmland had begun. The state budget has allocated UAH 1 billion (about US$24 million) for this programme.

It was also reported that the government extended funding for the state programme supporting farmers cultivating up to 120 hectares of land or keeping up to 100 cows, 500 goats and/or sheep.

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has welcomed conservative leader Friedrich Merz failing to be elected the country's next chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel said the result, which saw Merz falling short by six votes of the required absolute majority, showed the "weak foundation" the conservative leader's coalition with the Social Democrats was built on.

Merz had been damaged from the start, the first secretary of the AfD's parliamentary group, Bernd Baumann, said in a video posted on X.

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He had "paid the price for all his machinations in the run-up to the election, for the monstrous election fraud that had never been seen before."

Baumann said the next round of voting would likely be scheduled for Wednesday.

The AfD is the biggest opposition party after coming second behind Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) in February's early elections.

After striking a coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD) last month, Merz was looking to be elected chancellor on Tuesday, the final hurdle for the new government to take office.

In the run-up to the vote, Merz had already drawn criticism including from within his own ranks, with some accusing him of watering down the party stance in order to achieve a deal with the SPD.

In March, the presumptive coalition drew ire from the opposition when pushing through major constitutional reform through the old parliament to enable a massive boost in defence and infrastructure investment.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)- Police responded to help a stabbing victim on Thursday, according to a report.

Read next: Ohio primary election: Whats on the ballot, and where can I vote?

Police were called by employees of a fast-food restaurant on the 1000 block of West Market Street in Warren.

Police were told by the victim that he was stabbed on the railroad tracks on Nevada Street SW. The victim described the man who stabbed him as 510, skinny, and in his 50s. Police were told that the suspect was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. The victim told police that the suspect wanted his wallet and slashed him in the face.

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Police reports said that the victim gave the suspect an unknown amount of money and credit cards. Reports said that the suspect fled from the scene.

When the victim went to a fast-food restaurant to get food, employees called police due to the man being injured and bleeding. The victim was taken to the hospital.

No one has been arrested in this case, and no further information is 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 WKBN.com.
A battle is brewing over who gets to plug into the Midwests power grid first.

Utilities and state regulators are backing a plan that would fast-track certain new fossil-gas power plants while leaving hundreds of gigawatts of competitively bid solar, wind, and battery projects mired in the boglike interconnection queue. They argue its an important emergency measure to prevent the risk of major outages on what is the U.S.s largest transmission grid.

But opponents say letting these gas plants cut in line would worsen grid bottlenecks and undermine cheaper and cleaner energy while failing to protect the grid. Theyre asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject the proposal, dubbed the Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS), which was filed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator in March and is now under FERC review.

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ERAS would allow utilities regulated at the state level to obtain a grid connection in 90 days for shovel-ready and dispatchable power plants. It would not extend that same option to third-party developers, raising concerns that the ERAS proposal would undermine energy market competition in the MISO region, which covers about 45 million people spread across 15 U.S. states from Louisiana to North Dakota.

That 90-day pathway is a much faster timeline for grid connection than the average wait time of 3.5 years for projects stuck in MISOs grid interconnection queue. These projects, most of which are clean-energy installations proposed by independent energy developers, total over 300 gigawatts.

MISO isnt the only one exploring emergency measures to solve a mounting grid interconnection problem. Grid operators across the country are struggling to add enough new generation capacity to replace closing coal plants, meet fast-growing demand for electricity, and protect customers from losing power during winter cold snaps and summer heat waves.

But MISOs challenges may be even greater than those of other regions, according to data it has collected and shared with the North American Electric Reliability Corp., which oversees the nations electric system. MISO was the only grid region in North America to rank as high-risk in NERCs latest reliability assessment, published in December.



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Facing such acute risk, MISO has proposed ERAS as an urgently needed but temporary stop-gap to address near term resource adequacy and reliability needs, Andrew Witmeier, MISOs director of resource utilization, said in testimony filed with FERC in March.

Major utilities and most state regulators across the MISO region support the grid operators plan. Entergy, which operates utilities in MISOs southern region, wrote in comments to FERC that the ERAS process is needed to solve an immediate and critical problem in MISOs existing interconnection process: its current interconnection queue backlogs unreasonably impede the ability of new generation to come online and serve growing customer needs.

But critics ranging from clean energy groups and environmental advocates to eight former FERC commissioners say the ERAS proposal is shot through with flaws, both in its emergency framing and its proposed solution. Setting up the separate fast-track process proposed in ERAS could cause significant and lasting damage, injecting massive disruption to MISOs already overburdened queue process, Carrie Zalewski, vice president of markets and transmission for the American Clean Power Association trade group, said in an April statement.

At the same time, new solar, wind, and battery resources are being interconnected at a faster pace than before  largely due to improvements MISO has instituted over the past few years. Keeping up that good work is the best way to solve MISOs long-term problems, said Greg Wannier, senior attorney with the Sierra Club Environmental Law Program.

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MISO has been talking for years about this emergency, he said. But when you look at the amount of new generation waiting in the interconnection queue to join up, and the projected accreditation value of those resources, the emergency doesnt match up at all.

Checking in on the emergency

A report from consultancy The Brattle Group, conducted on behalf of energy developer NextEra Energy, supports that perspective, finding that MISOs grid-emergency concerns are overstated for two primary reasons: outdated load forecasts and a limited scope of potential new resources in MISOs calculations.

Part of the problem is that MISO is using old data to inform its calculations, said Michael Hagerty, a principal at Brattle. That out-of-date information comes from a survey run by MISO and the Organization of MISO States (OMS), an organization representing state utility regulators. The latest MISO-OMS survey was completed in June 2024  and since then, a lot of new data has come in that ought to be considered, Hagerty said.

Its not necessarily a fault of their process that newer data hasnt come into MISOs plan, he said. But its an implication of how quickly things are charging.

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One big change has to do with MISOs load forecasts, which predict how much more electricity customers will need in future years, Hagerty said. As with much of the country, MISOs load forecasts ballooned in recent years in response to a surge in data-center expansion plans  but now those forecasts are deflating as industry analysts get a better handle on which data centers will actually be built and where.

Grid operators, MISO included, have become more sophisticated in their projection of data center load growth, Hagerty said. In December, MISO provided an update to its load-growth data showing a reduction in data center growth expectations, as its become apparent that data centers are seeking multiple places and might not develop them all.

But MISOs ERAS proposal continues to rely on its earlier, higher forecasts, Hagerty said. The Data Center Coalition, a trade group representing a wide range of tech companies and data center developers, filed comments in April in support of the ERAS proposal, calling it an additional tool that MISO can leverage to accommodate new large loads interconnecting in a timely manner.

Furthermore, in October FERC approved MISOs new capacity accreditation method for determining the value that different forms of energy provide to the grid. While the methodologies in question are complicated in the extreme, Hagerty highlighted a few important high-level changes.

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First, MISO reduced the value of thermal generators  gas, coal, and nuclear power plants  largely to reflect their risk of failing to perform during extreme weather events, particularly intense cold. Second, it increased the value of solar, wind, and batteries through the application of a new methodology called direct loss of load.

MISOs June 2024 survey data didnt incorporate these new values. But Brattles analysis did and found that the increasing amounts of solar, wind, and batteries awaiting interconnection to MISOs grid have greater value than what the ERAS proposal reflects.

The June 2024 MISO-OMS survey also relied on historical rates of things coming online, Hagerty said, including data from 2020 to 2022  a period that encompasses the Covid pandemic shutdowns and supply chain disruptions.

Brattle took a more up-to-date view of how much proposed solar, wind, and batteries MISO can expect to successfully interconnect in the coming years, he said. That pushed up its expectations for successful generator interconnection agreements, which move projects from the waiting line to the next step of getting connected to the grid.

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Hagertys team also forecast that MISO could expand on its already successful application of surplus interconnection service, which allows companies to add new resources to an existing project with spare grid space, such as tacking battery storage onto a solar farm.

Another bucket of new resources can come from generation replacement service, which uses the grid interconnections of shuttering power plants to connect new resources. Xcel Energy, a Minnesota utility within MISO, has taken advantage of this process, building a large solar-plus-storage project near the site of a retiring coal power plant.

Taken together, these opportunities add up to more than enough new grid capacity to meet the new power demand MISO forecasts into the end of the decade, according to Brattles report.

Significant new resources will in fact be necessary, Hagerty said. Thankfully there are a lot of resources that can be developed and are being developed through existing interconnection processes that can serve MISOs future needs.

Why ERAS could make things worse

Not only is the ERAS proposal unnecessary, Hagerty said, but it wont help MISO achieve its goals. In fact, its likely to make things worse.

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Thats because the proposal ignores a key lever for reducing interconnection logjams: Making better use of existing grid capacity.

Grid capacity is scarce in the U.S. Regulators and grid operators are pushing to fix that by building more transmission lines, and MISO specifically is undertaking one of the countrys most ambitious transmission buildouts. But new transmission can take up to a decade to build, meaning that for now grid operators and utilities have to make better use of their existing grid capacity.

MISO is also improving its interconnection processes. For example, MISO has been using software tools to streamline complex grid studies  an innovation that has won accolades from FERC. That can help bring more projects online faster within existing capacity limits.

But MISOs ERAS proposal lacks requirements to coordinate the selection of fast-tracked power plants with an analysis of where the MISO grid has extra headroom to accommodate them. That creates the risk that ERAS projects will be able to move ahead even if MISO later determines that they will cause even more grid congestion on an already congested system.

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That, in turn, could force MISO to reject grid interconnection requests from projects that have been patiently waiting for years for a shot at being considered  or force them to absorb multi-million-dollar grid-upgrade costs to get online. That poses a significant risk of imposing higher interconnection costs and slower interconnection timelines on MISOs existing interconnection customers, Sierra Club and other environmental groups said in a protest filed with FERC.

Nor does ERAS force projects to be built quickly enough to solve the grid problems it was ostensibly designed to solve, Sierra Clubs Wannier said. While the plan does set a three-year deadline to connect to the grid, it also allows utilities to seek a further three-year extension, which means they might not start generating power before 2031  years after MISOs stated end-of-decade reliability concerns.

And even if utilities wanted to build these power plants ASAP, its not clear they would be able to. Recent reports indicate that manufacturers of power-plant gas turbines, such as GE Vernova, Siemens, and Mitsubishi, are fully booked through the end of the decade, with no excess production capacity available.

In the meantime, those ERAS projects would be clogging up grid capacity that other resources could use, including solar, wind, and batteries, which can be built much faster.

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That could turn ERAS into a second, unmanageable queue that would paralyze the MISO interconnection process, clean energy developers including Clearway Energy Group, EDF Renewables, Enel Green Power North America, and NextEra stated in a protest filed with FERC.

Similar concerns are dogging other proposals to fast-track gas-fired power plants to solve grid challenges in PJM Interconnection, which manages the transmission grid and energy markets for a region including all or part of 13 states and Washington, D.C. But critics of MISOs ERAS proposal say that its even more problematic than the PJM proposal, which FERC approved in February.

Thats because PJMs fast-track regime, dubbed its Reliability Resource Initiative, is a one-time deal, Wannier said, allowing up to 50 projects to seek expedited interconnection in a single window of applications. MISOs ERAS, by contrast, will allow utilities to propose new power plants for the fast-track process four times per year for the next three and a half years, and could be extended past that deadline, he said.

MISO has limited staff time and engineering capabilities, he said. The more time they commit to the ERAS process, the more time the rest of the projects in the queue will be delayed.

State regulators must approve any ERAS proposal, which could help prevent crowding the queue with projects that are unlikely to be built in the near term. But as Wannier pointed out, regulators will face pressure to back proposals that let utilities off the hook for the costs of upgrading the grid to support the power plants theyre planning. While such lenience could reduce the costs that are passed through to utility customers, that dynamic may clog queues and raise power costs across MISO at large.

The way that MISO has structured it, utilities are set up to be free riders on the transmission system  which creates an incentive for utilities to put as many projects as they can into this ERAS process, Wannier said.

Breaking the competitive compact

MISO spokesperson Brandon Morris said that the ERAS process was developed collaboratively with state regulators in the MISO footprint to meet the urgent need to move projects through the interconnection queue, including projects needed due to accelerating load growth driven by data centers.

Were focused on completing these projects as quickly as possible while continuing to make improvements to interconnection queue processes, Morris said.

But Morris declined to comment on concerns that eight former FERC commissioners  both Democrats and Republicans  raised in an April letter to the federal agency. They wrote that the ERAS plan runs counter to everything FERC has tried to do to preserve open access since the Commissions landmark issuance of Order No. 888.

Order No. 888 refers to rules FERC created in 1996, which require traditional utilities that own and operate their own power plants and serve customers in their territories to allow non-utility parties to connect new grid resources. That rule was necessary because regulated utilities earn a guaranteed profit on every dollar they spend building new power plants, and thus have a built-in incentive to fight third-party power plants that compete with them.

This incentive lies at the heart of many of the conflicts between state-regulated utilities and independent energy project developers  and its at the center of the ERAS debate as well. The former FERC commissioners warned that ERAS preferential treatment for utility power-plant proposals will undermine competition in MISO leading to higher costs for customers, by erecting unduly discriminatory barriers against projects that arent sponsored by utilities.

While its theoretically possible for third-party developers to propose ERAS projects, the reality of the situation is Kafkaesque. Developers need to secure customers for their power before getting approval to interconnect. But every independent power project needs an interconnection agreement before it can close power deals, making that option unworkable, the former commissioners wrote.

It has been nearly 30 years since FERC first planted the flag of open access when the Commission issued Order No. 888, the commissioners wrote. We have come too far to reverse course now.


FBI officials say they are growing increasingly concerned about a loose network of violent predators who befriend teenagers through popular online platforms and then coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior -- pushing victims to create graphic pornography, harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or even die by suicide.

The online predators, part of the network known as "764," demand victims send them photos and videos of it all, so the shocking content can be shared with fellow 764 followers or used to extort victims for more. Some of the predators even host "watch parties" for others to watch them torment victims live online, according to authorities.

"We see a lot of bad things, but this is one of the most disturbing things we're seeing," said FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the head of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, which is now leading many of the U.S. government's investigations tied to 764.

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MORE: Experts say more needs to be done to help protect children from online predators

The FBI has more than 250 such investigations currently underway, with every single one of its 55 field offices across the country handling a 764-related case, Scott told ABC News in an exclusive interview.

He said the FBI has seen some victims as young as nine, and federal authorities have indicated there could be thousands of victims around the world.

'Nihilistic violent extremists'

"[It's] very scary and frightening," the Connecticut mother of a teen girl caught up in 764 told ABC News.

"It was very difficult to process, because we didn't raise her to engage in that kind of activity," said the mother, speaking on the condition that ABC News not name her or her daughter.

PHOTO: A sign is seen on the outskirts of Vernon, Connecticut, May 1, 2025. (ABC News)

Last year, in classic New England town of Vernon, Connecticut, local police arrested the girl -- a former honor roll student -- for conspiring with a 764 devotee overseas to direct bomb threats at her own community. When police searched her devices, they found pornographic photos of her, photos depicting self-mutilation, and photos of her paying homage to 764.

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As Scott described it, one of the main goals of 764 and similar networks is to "sow chaos" and "bring down society."

That's why the FBI's Counterterrorism Division and the Justice Department's National Security Division are now looking at 764 and its offshoots as a potential form of domestic terrorism, even coining a new term to characterize the most heinous actors: "nihilistic violent extremists."

"The more gore, the more violence ... that raises their stature within the groups," Scott said. "So it's sort of a badge of honor within some of these groups to actually do the most harm to victims."

According to an ABC News review of cases across the country, over the past few years, state and federal authorities have arrested at least 15 people on child pornography or weapons-related charges, and accused them in court of being associated with 764.

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In one of those federal cases, a 24-year-old Arkansas man, Jairo Tinajero, plotted to murder a 14-year-old girl who started resisting his demands. When he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and child pornography charges three months ago, Tinajero said he believed the murder would raise his stature within the 764 network. His sentencing is set for August.

MORE: Video FBI warns of uptick in financial 'sextortion' among teen boys

In another federal case, 19-year-old Jack Rocker of Tampa amassed a collection of more than 8,300 videos and images that the Justice Department called "some of the most horrific, evil content available on the Internet." He pleaded guilty in January to possessing child sexual abuse material and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

While amassing his collection, Rocker organized his digital content into folders with titles such as "764" and "kkk-racist." Another folder, called "trophies," contained photos of victims who carved his online monikers into their bodies -- a form of self-mutilation known as "fan signing." He also had a folder titled "ISIS," referring to the international terrorist organization that produced barbaric beheading videos.

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Followers of the 764 network share all sorts of violent content with their victims, while some also glorify past mass-casualty attacks such as the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, or introduce victims to other extreme ideologies like neo-Nazism or Satanism, according to authorities.

"They want to desensitize these young people so that nothing really disturbs them anymore," Scott said.

Just two weeks ago, the Justice Department announced the arrest of a 20-year-old North Carolina man, Prasan Nepal, for allegedly operating an elite online club dedicated to promoting 764, extorting young victims, and producing horrific content. He has yet to be arraigned.

PHOTO: An undated photo shows Bradley Cadenhead, the founder of the initial '764' group, who is serving an 80-year prison sentence in Texas after pleading guilty to several child pornography-related charges. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

In charging documents, the Justice Department said Nepal helped launch 764 with its Texas-based founder more than four years ago.

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Though charging documents don't identify the founder by name, federal law enforcement sources identified him to ABC News as Bradley Cadenhead, who is serving an 80-year-prison sentence in Texas after pleading guilty to several child pornography-related charges in 2023.

According to court documents, Cadenhead launched his new online community on the social platform Discord and called it "764" because at the time -- when he was 15 -- he lived in Stephenville, Texas, where the ZIP code begins with the numbers 764.

'It's everywhere'

Since the launch of the initial 764 group, which garnered a couple of hundred Discord followers, 764 has become a global movement, with an array of offshoots and subgroups that often rebrand and change their names to help keep social media companies and law enforcement from tracking them.

The original 764 was itself an offshoot of previous extremist and gore-focused groups online.

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"Think of this less as a group, and think of it more as an ideology," Vernon police detective Tommy Van Tasel said of 764 and similar networks. "It doesn't matter what they're called. There are a lot of actors out there ... encouraging this type of behavior. So it's everywhere. It's in every community."

Indeed, the young Connecticut girl that Van Tasel would eventually investigate was sucked into 764 by a man overseas.

Reflecting what her family described as a typical 764-related encounter, the girl met him on the popular online gaming platform Roblox, and then they began communicating more regularly online, including on Discord, which caters to gamers.

The man convinced her he was her boyfriend, and she sent him sexual photos of herself -- the types of images that 764 adherents threaten to share widely if victims don't comply with their escalating demands.

PHOTO: An undated photo found by Vernon, Connecticut, police on the devices of a 17-year-old girl associated with the online network 764 shows a Barbie Doll marked with '764.' (Vernon Police Department)

According to police, she had produced an assortment of 764-related content, including a photo of a nude Barbie doll marked with "764" on its forehead; photos depicting her cutting herself; and a note, written in her blood, calling her supposed boyfriend "a god."

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"They felt like they owned her," the girl's mother said.

And, fearing even further extortion, the girl began participating in some of the same threatening behavior that she had endured herself, according to Van Tasel.

Scott said it's common to "have victims who then become subjects" by perpetrating acts "on behalf of the individual who victimized them."

According to her family, the Connecticut girl was trained to hack into Roblox accounts and lock them -- which allowed her to make demands of account owners if they wanted their accounts back. And she allegedly helped direct a series of threats that rattled Vernon-area schools for three months in late 2023 and early last year.

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"I have placed two explosives in front of Rockville High School, and if they fail to detonate, I'm going to walk into there and I'm just going to shoot every kid I see," a male with a British accent claimed during a call to Vernon police in late January 2024.

PHOTO: Rockville High School in Vernon, Connecticut, is seen on May 1, 2025. (ABC News)

Those threats led Van Tasel to the girl whose mother spoke with ABC News. The girl was arrested on conspiracy-related charges and referred to juvenile court.

But even before her arrest, she had started to resist some of the demands that were being directed at her. As a result, her family's home was bombarded by incidents of so-called "swatting," when false reports of crimes or violence try to induce SWAT teams to respond to a location in an effort to intimidate targets there.

"One time ... they had surrounded our whole house," the girl's mother said. "And then that kept going on and on."

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Scott said swatting is a common tactic used by adherents of 764 and similar networks when they don't get compliance.

The man at the heart of the Connecticut girl's ordeal is still under investigation by authorities, according to Van Tasel.

'Be on the lookout'

Van Tasel and Scott offered several tips to parents worried about whether their children could fall victim to 764. In particular, they said parents should watch what their children are doing on applications and online games.

A spokesperson for Roblox agreed, saying in a statement to ABC News that parents should "engage in open conversations about online safety," especially because 764 is "known for using a variety of online platforms" to evade online safeguards.

A Discord spokesperson, meanwhile, said that 764 is "an industry-wide issue," and that the "horrific actions of 764 have no place on Discord or in society."

Both spokespeople said each of their companies is "committed" to providing a safe and secure online environment for users, with both noting that each company uses technology to remove harmful content and, by policy, prohibits behavior endangering children.

Discord added that "behind the scenes" it made "proactive disclosures of information to law enforcement" and, "where possible," assisted authorities in building the case against Nepal, who allegedly helped launch 764.

PHOTO: Vernon Police Department detective Tommy Van Tasel is seen in his office, May 5, 2025 (Courtesy Tommy Van Tasel)

Van Tasel and Scott said parents should also look out for changes in their children's activities or personality, and watch for questionable injuries to family pets or evidence of self-harm.

Scott said that if a child is wearing long-sleeved clothing or trying to cover up their body on hot days, that could be a sign of self-harm.

"Just be on the lookout for any of those things that are alarming, and just have in the back of your mind that this may all be a result of what is happening online," Van Tasel said, urging parents to call law enforcement if they have concerns.

As for the Connecticut girl caught up in 764, her mother told ABC News that she cooperated with authorities, the case against her is "almost resolved," and she's now "back on track" after getting help.

"Back to having friends, back to attending activities," her mother said. "Not quite back to where she was when it all began, but she's getting there."

FBI has opened 250 investigations tied to violent online network '764' that preys on teens, top official says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Imagine believing youre protected by a new health insurance planonly to discover, amid a medical emergency, that youre entirely uninsured. This unsettling scenario is becoming increasingly common across the United States, so much so that the FBI has issued a nationwide alert about a surge in fraudulent discount medical insurance schemes that have already cost Americans, including seniors, millions of dollars.

Unmasking the Scam

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is sounding the alarm on a nationwide medical insurance fraud. This scheme involves individuals being targeted with what appear to be affordable medical insurance plans. However, these offers are misleading or entirely fraudulent, promising reduced rates while delivering no health coverage at all. The FBI emphasizes the significant financial damage, noting that Americans are losing millions to this deception annually.

The Modus Operandi

These scams typically start with unwanted calls, texts, or emails from unfamiliar entities pitching special deals or discounted medical insurance. Scammers prey on individuals seeking more affordable coverage by impersonating legitimate insurance companies. They often employ high-pressure tactics, urging immediate sign-up with promises of limited-time rates or free add-ons to secure enrollment. Once someone subscribes, the fraudulent company either vanishes or, more devastatingly, fails to provide any actual insurance benefits when needed.

Real-Life Examples

The FBI points out that these insurance schemes are happening across the United States, with victims from multiple states reporting devastating financial losses. The scams vary in method but share common tactics: false promises, high-pressure sales, and no real coverage when its needed most. Here are some real-life examples cited by the FBI:

1. Washington State Crackdown

State officials in Washington issued a cease-and-desist order against a discount medical insurance company after receiving over 100 complaints. Victims said the company misrepresented coverage details, failed to pay any medical costs, and refused to issue promised refunds upon cancellation. To make matters worse, the company continued to withdraw funds from customers accounts without authorization. Operating under multiple business names, this company was linked to several incidents, including the two below:

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A Pennsylvania couple was lured into signing up for a discount medical insurance plan they believed was from a reputable national provider. Pressured to act fast or lose a limited-time discount, they enrolled. But after an ER visit and a check-up with their family doctor, they were shocked to learn none of the services were covered. They were stuck with the full medical bill, having been misled about their plans benefits.

Another Pennsylvania resident was approached by someone claiming to offer a more affordable health plan than the one he currently had. The representative promised he would receive a refund for his existing plan once he switched, but after enrolling, no refund came, and further inquiries were ignored. The deal was contingent on acting quickly, pressuring him to make a hasty decision that cost him money and coverage.

2. Deceptive Offers in Texas

A Texas man responded to an advertisement claiming to offer gas and grocery assistance for senior citizens. He was told he needed to enroll in a dental plan to receive the aid. After doing so, he attempted to cancel the policy, but customer service directed him to email his request, emails that went unanswered. Ultimately, he had to cancel his credit card just to stop the recurring charges.

3. Surgical Costs Denied in Maryland

A Maryland man was promised substantial savings if he paid upfront for a full year of health coverage. He was told his regular doctors and hospitals were included in the plan, with minimal co-pays: $20 for office visits and $50 for urgent care. But after undergoing emergency surgery, he discovered the hospital did not accept his insurance, and he was left with a $7,000 medical bill.

How to Protect Yourself from Medical Insurance Scams

The FBI has issued a series of important tips to help consumers avoid falling victim to fraudulent medical insurance offers. Heres what you can do to stay safe:

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Verify the Source: Make sure the insurance plan is offered by a legitimate, licensed provider. You can confirm a companys credentials through your states insurance commissioner or check its reputation with the Better Business Bureau.

Confirm Provider Acceptance: Before enrolling, contact your current doctors and healthcare providers to ensure they accept the plan youre considering.

Request and Review Policy Documents: If youre not sent any policy documents, consider it a red flag. If documents are provided, read them carefullyincluding the fine printto fully understand what is (and isnt) covered.

Avoid Upfront Payments: Be wary of companies demanding large payments upfront or using high-pressure sales tactics to rush your decision.

Trust Your Instincts: Do your own research. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you believe youve been targeted or victimized by a similar medical insurance scam, report the incident to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Source: FBI

Read the original article on GEEKSPIN.

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Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (Photo by: WEWS/WCPO.)

A panel of federal court judges has upheld the convictions of former House Speaker Larry Householder and former Republican leader Matt Borges for their roles in the largest public corruption scheme in state history.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the jury was correct in finding Householder guilty of racketeering and accepting a $61 million bribe in exchange for legislation to give utility company FirstEnergy a $1 billion bailout, named H.B. 6, at the expense of taxpayers.

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The court also found that the jury was justified in finding Borges guilty in his role in the scandal, including attempting to bribe an FBI informant with $15,000 before threatening to blow his house up.

Because each defendants arguments fail, we uphold their convictions, the court wrote.

In March 2023, a jury found that Householder and former GOP leader Matt Borges, beyond a reasonable doubt, participated in the racketeering scheme that left four men guilty, with another dead by suicide.

In late June of that year, federal Judge Timothy Black sentenced Householder to 20 years in prison. Borges got five years. The two surviving defendants  Jeff Longstreth and Juan Cespedes  took plea agreements early on in exchange for helping the FBI, and are still awaiting their sentencing. The feds are asking for a maximum of six months for them.

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At the end of 2023, the former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Sam Randazzo, pleaded not guilty after being charged with a dozen crimes related to bribery and embezzlement after he allegedly received more than $4.3 million from FirstEnergy. The utility company has already admitted to bribery.

In April 2024, Randazzo became the second defendant accused in the scandal to die by suicide. Neil Clark, a lobbyist who was accused of bribery, killed himself after pleading not guilty in 2021.

Householders attorney Scott Pullins, sent WEWS/OCJ the following statement:

Today is a sad and disappointing day for Mr. Householder, Mr. Borges, and their families and supporters. But it is even a sadder day for constitutional free speech and the rule of law.

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Mr. Householder, like former Ohio Speakers Cliff Rosenberger and Ryan Smith, and current Speaker Matt Huffman, raised undisclosed, unlimited donations for a 501c4 organization that supported him and his political allies. But the federal government singled only Mr. Householder out for prosecution.

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In the H.B. 6 matter, Mr. Householder led one House in the legislative branch of state government. To pass H.B. 6, it required the support of former Senate President Larry Obhof and his chamber, along with the support of Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted. All received undisclosed, corporate donations from First Energy and worked closely with them to pass H.B. 6. But the federal government singled only Mr. Householder out for prosecution.

After reading the P.G. Sittenfeld case, and now this decision, it has become clear that the Sixth Circuit believes that the Supreme Court must act to clarify the law more clearly around political donations and bribery. We hope and fervently pray that they will do so. Free speech must apply equally to all and cannot be left to the whims and egos of individual U.S. attorneys.

The decision  Householder

Going through each of Householders arguments, the appellate judges swiftly dismissed the claims.

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The evidence showed that Householder agreed to commit and did commit  extortion and honest services fraud  the decision states. The jurors also heard no shortage of evidence that the conspirators knew that they were doing wrong.

The court lambasted Householder for arguing he didnt commit a crime.

Whats more, Householder tried to conceal his tracks along the way. It began with the web of secret 501(c)(4) entities. He tried to cajole another representative into deleting text messages about House Bill 6. He deleted his call logs with Yost during the referendum saga,

And he gave unequivocally false testimony, according to the district court, the appellate judges said.

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In sum, Householder committed multiple RICO predicates when he solicited and received payments from FirstEnergy in exchange for specific official action, the court decision stated.

What about when it comes to the former speakers point of view?

Householder offers a slate of arguments to the contrary, the appeals court wrote. They fail.

The appellate judges detailed how the former speaker did, indeed, commit crimes, and the jury was well aware of all the dinners he went to, money he accepted, and scare tactics he used to try to keep people quiet.

Householder, in his appeal, said it wasnt fair that audio recordings of him were played in court because they were irrelevant and unfairly prejudicial.

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In a recording obtained by WEWS/OCJ, Householder threatened state Reps. Dave Greenspan and Scott Lipps, who didnt support him, saying: If youre going to f with me, Im going to f with your kids.

This deeply disturbed jury foreman Jarrod Haines, who did an exclusive interview following the trial.

Due to the fact that the defense did not object to these recordings being played during the trial, and because they clearly meet the standard of admittance, the appellate judges wrote that Householders unpalatable language aligned with lots of evidence that the jury received of Householder and his co-conspirators foul language. These recordings wouldnt have unduly prejudiced him.

It was clear during the trial that Householders attorneys were going to use judicial bias in the appeals process.

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U.S. District Judge Timothy Black, a Democrat nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2009, has been in the legal profession for more than four decades. He got his first spot on the bench in 1994, joining the Hamilton County Municipal Court. During his ten-year tenure on the trial court, he decided to run for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court in 2000.

This campaign was brought up 22 or so years later by Householders attorney Mark Marein before the jury entered the room during the trial. The Cleveland-based lawyer argued that the judge doesnt like them. We all collectively believe that the court holds animosity toward us, Marein said. I question whether (Black) should be presiding over this.

Black said he clearly didnt have bias. Householder said this wasnt true, adding that he received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The appellate court agreed with Black.

It also wasnt fair that the court found Householder to have committed perjury, Householders attorneys said.

The decision  Borges

The court found that Borges was aware of the crimes he committed.

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There is ample evidence that Borges knew and agreed to facilitate the illegal activity involved in the Householder enterprise, the appellate judges wrote.

Jury foreman Haines said he kept an open mind the entire trial, but the overwhelming amount of evidence was undeniable, he said. Borges was easier for the jury to decide on, according to Haines.

Whistleblower Tyler Fehrman testified that Borges tried to bribe him, and the FBI had the video.

It was just kind of an a-ha moment, Haines said of Fehrmans testimony. It was key for him to take the stand, for sure.

This included a jarring quote from Borges telling the whistleblower that if he told anyone about the bribe, he would blow up his house.

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Borges was part of the scheme due to his role in the referendum effort to repeal H.B. 6. The beneficiaries of H.B. 6 knew that citizens wanted it gone, since they didnt want to increase their bills for a failing company, details of the trial laid out. Borges, as proved in court, tried to bribe Fehrman to give details on the repeal effort.

Borges argued that testimony by several witnesses was prejudicial against him.

Borges, for his part, argues that the evidence was unduly prejudicial because it conveyed gangster-style conduct that the average juror would associate with racketeering,' the appellate court wrote. But such conclusory labels dont help his case.

Fehrman sent WEWS/OCJ the following statement:

The Federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of Larry Householder and Matt Borges  who continue to refuse to accept any responsibility for what a judge and jury found them guilty of just a few years ago. Titles like Speaker of the House and GOP Chairman carry weight  but not quite as much weight as Convicted Felon, which Householder and Borges both earned. They continue to attempt to gaslight Ohioans by claiming its just politics. These two individuals are proof of what so many people already know: our political system is broken and thrives on greed and power  instead of a focus on changing lives and serving people. Im incredibly glad that the appeals court made the right decision  and chose to require that these two pay the price for their crimes. No one is above the law  not even convicted felons Larry Householder and Matt Borges.

Moving forward

The judges encouraged the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit several cases that could help Householders appeal  arguing that separate public corruption cases could cast doubt on the convictions due to differing legality, semantics and scope of what corruption is.

Meanwhile, Householder is attempting to get clemency, his attorney Scott Pullins told WEWS/OCJ after the November election.

The justice system can be turned as a weapon against people for political purposes, the lawyer said.

Householders team believes that the FBI was politically motivated in arresting the former speaker.

This argument could appeal to the president, Case Western Reserve University criminal law professor Mike Benza said.

One of the things that we know that President-elect (Donald) Trump is interested in is what he sees as political forces working in the Department of Justice, especially targeting Republicans, Benza said.

Householder knows Trump well and spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention. They kept in touch throughout the years, Pullins said.

Paula Christian from WCPO contributed to this story.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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ZAGREB, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani criticized the U.S. tariffs at the Croatian-Italian Economic Forum in Zagreb on Tuesday.

"The U.S. tariffs benefit no one," Tajani said, adding that because of American tariffs, the European Union (EU) countries must find new friendly countries and regions, and the EU's internal market has already produced "excellent results."

"We are counting on relations with Zagreb -- you are a friendly country to us," Tajani said.

Meanwhile, Tajani said that Croatia and Italy share many initiatives in foreign policy, including the accession of all Western Balkan countries into the EU, and Italy welcomes more Croatian companies to participate in the Italian economy.

For his part, Croatian Minisiter of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman said Croatia and Italy are bound by strong economic and political ties, and last year, Italy was Croatia's second most important foreign trade partner and its fifth-largest investor.

Croatian Minister of Economy Ante Susnjar hailed the bilateral cooperation and said Croatia and Italy are considering a strategic project of laying an undersea electrical cable connecting the coasts of the two countries. 
Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months. More than 4,000 staff vacancies. A $3 billion repair backlog.

And now, a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!  the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago.

Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing, chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities, Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as The Rock.

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Trump declared in a social media post Sunday that a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz will house the nations most ruthless and violent Offenders. It will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE," he wrote on Truth Social.

Newly appointed Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said Monday that the agency will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the Presidents agenda and that he has 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, Marshall said in a statement, echoing Trumps post. We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission.

Alcatraz was once an exemplar

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Alcatraz, a 22-acre (8.9 hectare) islet with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, was once the crown jewel of the federal prison system and home to some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly.

But skyrocketing repair and supply costs compelled the Justice Department to close the prison in 1963, just 29 years after it opened, and the Bureau of Prisons has long since replaced Alcatraz with modern penitentiaries, including a maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado.

The former and perhaps future penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction and a national historic landmark. Its controlled by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, meaning the Bureau of Prisons could be in for an interagency tug of war if it tries to wrest away control of the island.

Trumps Alcatraz directive is yet another challenge for the Bureau of Prisons as it struggles to fix lingering problems while responding to the presidents priorities on incarceration and immigrant detention. The agencys mission, as redefined under Trump, includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.

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The problems at the Bureau of Prisons transcend administrations and facilities.

An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons over the last few years, including widespread criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, the free flow of guns, drugs and other contraband, and severe understaffing that has hampered responses to emergencies.

Last year, then-President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency. It remains the Justice Departments largest agency, with more than 30,000 employees, 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about $8 billion, but the Trump administrations cost-cutting measures have eliminated some pay bonuses that were credited with retaining and attracting new staff.

That has resulted in long overtime shifts for some workers and the continued use of a policy known as augmentation, where prison nurses, cooks, teachers and other workers are pressed into duty to guard inmates.

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Infrastructure is buckling, too. A Bureau of Prisons official told Congress at a hearing in February that more than 4,000 beds within the system  the equivalent of at least two full prisons  are unusable because of dangerous conditions like leaking or failing roofs, mold, asbestos or lead.

Deaths have plagued the federal prison system

Since mid-March, 11 federal prison inmates have died. They include David Knezevich, a 37-year-old Florida businessman who was found dead April 28 in a suspected suicide at a federal jail in Miami. He was awaiting trial on charges he kidnapped and killed his estranged wife in Spain.

And on April 24, inmate Ramadhan Jaabir Justice was killed in a fight at the federal penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana, where he was serving a nearly 11-year sentence for a conviction related to an armed robbery.

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As Trump was ordering Alcatrazs reopening Sunday, correctional officers at the same Miami jail were fighting to curb the spread of tuberculosis and COVID-19, isolating inmates after they tested positive for the diseases. Last month, immigration detainees at the facility ripped out a fire sprinkler and flooded a holding cell during a lengthy intake process.

Meanwhile, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Alcatraz, the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, has sat idle for more than a year after the Bureau of Prisons cleared it of inmates in the wake of rampant sexual abuse by employees, including the warden.

In December, the agency made the closure permanent and idled six prison camps across the country to address significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources.

While Trump hails Alcatraz as a paragon of the federal prison systems cherished past, other facilities stand as reminders of its recent troubles.

They include the federal jail in Manhattan, which remains idle after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide there in 2019 exposed deep flaws in its operations, and a troubled federal lockup in Brooklyn, where 23 inmates have been charged in recent months with crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to the stabbing last month of a man convicted in the killing of hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  On Monday, a United States District Judge ruled that the North Carolina State Board of Election must certify the results of last Novembers election in the race for the seat on the state Supreme Court.

Incumbent Allison Riggs, a Democrat, was declared the winner after canvassing was completed on Dec. 10. Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin, however, has repeatedly called for reviews as well as for thousands of ballotsincluding those of overseas military membersto be thrown out.

Previously: US Court of Appeals temporarily blocks NC ruling to throw out Supreme Court votes

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In his ruling in favor of Riggs, the state Board of Election and VoteVets Action Fund Parties, Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II said throwing out those absentee ballots was a violation of those voters rights.

It is ordered, adjudged and decreed that the 1. Retroactive invalidation of absentee ballots cast by overseas military and civilian voters violates those voters substantive due process rights; 2. The cure process violates the equal protection rights of overseas military and civilian voters; and 3. The lack of any notice or opportunity for eligible voters to contest their mistaken designation as Never Residents violates procedural due process and represents an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote.

The ruling said the courts order is stayed for seven days, during which Griffin has another opportunity to file an appeal.

Related: Ad calls on Judge Griffin to concede November election, former NC Governor McCrory speaks out

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Today, we won, Riggs said in a statement Monday night, noting the ruling came exactly six months after the November election. Im proud to continue upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as North Carolinas Supreme Court Justice.

The federal judges decision comes almost two weeks after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit temporarily blocked a North Carolina Court of Appeals April 4 decision in favor of Griffin, saying that over 65,000 votes were liable to be thrown out. On April 11, the NC Supreme Court ruled those ballots must be counted.

The back-and-forth battle between Griffin and the courts has frustrated some major players in his own party, with even former NC Governor Pat McCrory calling for Griffin to concede in recent weeks.

In their statements, both Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton noted a judge appointed by President Donald Trump ruled against Griffin.

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Todays order from a Trump-appointed chief U.S. District Court judge must bring an endonce and for allto Republicans attempts to overturn a free and fair election and disenfranchise lawful North Carolina voters months after they cast their ballots, Martin said in his statement. Allison Riggs won this election.

Todays decision is a victory for the tens of thousands of North Carolinians targeted by disgraced candidate Jefferson Griffin and Republicans in suit after baseless suit, he continued in his statement. Its a victory for voters across the state.

Since November 2024, the nation has watched the North Carolina Supreme Court race, dreading the ramifications for our democracy should Republicans prevail in their scheme to steal an election. People decide electionsnot politicians. Today, a Trump-appointed judge confirmed what North Carolinians have known since Election Day: Justice Allison Riggs belongs on the state Supreme Court as voters already decided in the 2024 election.

Clayton said in her statement, This is a victory for all of the voters across the state that fought to ensure the power of elections belongs to the people and not politicians. Todays decision from a Trump-appointed Judge confirms what we already knew: that Justice Allison Riggs won the election fair and square  and Griffins claims are baseless and illegal.

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Its not courts or politicians who determine who leads our state, she said in her statement. Its voters who decide elections. Justice Riggs is the rightfully elected justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

CBS 17 has reached to Griffins attorneys and the North Carolina Republican Party for statements on the ruling.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs enters the House chamber ahead of Gov. Josh Stein's State of the State address on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Republican Judge Jefferson Griffins attempt to throw out votes on military and overseas absentee ballots is unconstitutional, federal District Judge Richard Myers ruled Monday.

In a 68-page ruling, Myers said the state Board of Elections should certify the election results based on the tally of all eligible votes in November, which means Democratic incumbent Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs would prevail in the race for the seat on the high court over Griffin. Her 734-vote lead over Griffin was confirmed in two recounts. Myers stayed his order for seven days to give Griffin time to appeal.

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Riggs said in a statement Monday night that the ruling is a vindication for voters.

Today, we won, her statement said. Im proud to continue upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as North Carolinas Supreme Court Justice.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Myers II (File photo)

In the long-running dispute over voter eligibility, Griffin, a judge on the state Court of Appeals, was seeking to throw out more than 60,000 votes covering three categories of voters.

The largest group of voters, more than 60,000, were people who Griffin claimed were not properly registered because they did not provide a partial Social Security number or drivers license number on their voter registration applications. Over the months, voters came forward to say they did provide those numbers, but the digits did not appear on the statewide database due to typos or data mismatches.

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The state Supreme Court majority said those votes should count.

Griffin also challenged military and overseas absentee voters in a handful of Democratic counties for not providing photo ID with their ballots. The state Board of Elections did not require any military and overseas absentee voters to send in photo ID.

The state Supreme Court majority said the absentee voters Griffin challenged needed to submit a photo within 30 days of notification if they wanted their votes to count.

Myers, a Trump nominee, wrote that the state Board of Elections should not follow the Supreme Courts orders. Retroactively invalidating military and overseas voters ballots violates those voters due process rights, and the cure process violates their equal protection rights, he wrote.

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Requiring military and overseas absentee voters in one county to undertake additional efforts to have their votes counted while similar voters in other counties dont have to make that same effort is a constitutional violation of the Equal Protection Clause, Myers wrote.

Overseas military and civilian voters followed the rules as they existed at the time of the election, but the retroactive change in voting procedure at issue here deprives them of their fundamental right to have their votes counted, he wrote.

Griffin challenged a few hundred votes from people who said they had never lived in North Carolina but were connected to the state through their parents. The Supreme Court majority ruled that those votes should not be counted.

The state had counted votes from what Griffin called never residents for years without controversy. A reporter writing for The Assembly found that some of the never residents on Griffins list live in the state. Griffin did not want the state Board of Elections to give those voters a chance prove their residency before throwing out their votes.

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Myers said the state has an interest in limiting the right to vote to bone fide residents, but it shouldnt risk throwing out votes from people who live in the state.

[T]he court finds that post-election ballot disqualification for individuals erroneously designated as Never Residents constitutes a substantial burden on the right

to vote, Myers wrote.

Myers ruled that election rules cannot be changed after the fact, writing:

[T]his case concerns whether the federal Constitution permits a state to alter the rules of an election after the fact and apply those changes retroactively to only a select group of voters, and in so doing treat those voters differently than other similarly situated individuals. This case is also about whether a state may redefine its class of eligible voters but offer no process to those who may have been misclassified as ineligible.

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To this court, the answer to each of those questions is no.

Myers ruling comes six months to the day after the Nov. 5, 2024 election. It also comes a few days before the state Board of Elections holds its first meeting with a new Republican majority.

Before this year, the governor appointed members to the Board of Elections, and the governors party held three seats on the five member board.

Last week, state Auditor Dave Boliek appointed the board with a Republican majority under a new law that strips governors of their appointment power. Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, is appealing.

The Democratic majority on the Board of Elections resisted throwing out votes as Griffin wanted.
A federal judge refused on Tuesday to wipe away her order that the Trump administration facilitate the return of a 20-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador but agreed to put the directive on hold so the government can appeal it.

The decision by US District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, who was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump in 2019, comes nearly two weeks after she first ruled that the government had violated a court settlement protecting some young migrants with pending asylum claims when it deported the man, who is referred to only as Cristian in court filings, in mid-March.

Since that time, administration officials have done virtually nothing to comply with her directive that it facilitate Cristians return to the US from the mega-prison in El Salvador where he was sent so he can have his asylum application resolved.

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The Trump administration asked the judge earlier this week to wipe away her April 23 order, arguing the government had made an indicative decision that Cristians asylum application would be denied if he returned to the US based on its claim that hes a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

But Gallagher on Tuesday noted that the indicative decision is far from a final decision on Cristians asylum application and that such a determination essentially prejudges the outcome of the asylum proceeding.

Speaking from the bench during a hearing in Baltimore, Gallagher was critical of the administrations apparent willingness to trample over Cristians due process rights  zeroing in on an issue that has been at the center of Trumps push to quickly deport scores of migrants from the US.

It may be that the result here for Cristian is no asylum, she said. But the settlement agreement says that we dont just get to skip to the end.

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Process is important, Gallagher continued. We go through the process; people are entitled to that.

Though Gallagher said she would not wipe away her order, she agreed to put it on hold for 48 hours to give the Justice Department time to appeal it to the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cristian was part of the group of migrants deported in March under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th century wartime authority that Trump invoked so he could quickly remove some migrants. But Gallagher has noted that the settlement agreement Cristian is part of, which was finalized in November, did not include an exception for any use of that law.

In a similar case that has garnered more public attention, the Trump administration has been in a weekslong standoff with another federal judge in Maryland over her order that it facilitate the return of a man who was unlawfully deported in March.

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That man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was also sent to the El Salvador prison, known as CECOT, in violation of a 2019 court order that said he could not be deported to that country. The judge overseeing that case is currently conducting an expedited fact-finding process to determine what the administration is doing to comply with her directive.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Officials with the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office announced the seizure of a car wash in Central City on Monday, May 5.

The district attorneys office reported that the seizure follows a months-long investigation into alleged drug activity and trafficking at the Five Star Auto Spa in Central City with Homeland Security Investigations, the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

District Attorney Jason Williams office stated that the area was the subject of several neighborhood complaints.

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What Louisiana residents should know ahead of REAL ID deadline

At a Monday news conference, Williams described the car wash as a front for criminal activities.

Let me be clear, this was not just a car wash. It was a front for illicit narcotics distribution and other criminal activities that have for far too long harmed the families and businesses in this neighborhood, said Williams.

According to the district attorneys office, its New Orleans Data Informed Community Engagement Program was used to find where crimes were happening in the area and talk with neighbors about solutions.

Orleans Parish law enforcement millage renewal passes by two votes

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This case is a textbook example of how data, community voice and law enforcement coordination can come together to disrupt criminal activity at its roots, said Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office Director of Strategic Initiatives Daniel Shanks.

Williams office reported that 10 people were arrested, and guns and drug money were found during a search in April.

Willams also noted the seizure was part of violence prevention strategy to shut down business that act as criminal fronts before tragedy strikes.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
The U.S. Department of Justice said cash and drugs, pictured here, were seized in Santa Fe and Albuquerque New Mexico in the country's largest ever fentanyl bust in April, 2025 (Courtesy U.S. District Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico)

The U.S. government on Tuesday announced drug trafficking and conspiracy charges against 17 people  at least six in New Mexico  in what U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi is calling the largest fentanyl bust in our nations history.

At a news conference in Washington D.C., U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Ryan Ellison said prosecutors have filed conspiracy, illicit fentanyl distribution, firearms and immigration charges as a result of the bust.

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He also said the alleged drug trafficking organization is one of the largest and most dangerous fentanyl operations in United States history  spanning New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah  and distributes drugs throughout the western United States.

We will not tolerate those who profit from poisoning American citizens, Ellison said.

Bondi said the organization is affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel operating out of Mexico, and when authorities arrested its alleged leader, Heriberto Salazar Amaya, they found millions of dollars in cash and vehicles. She said he insulated himself from the drugs, which agents found in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Utah.

Asked for specifics on how the defendants were captured, Bondi said the investigation is ongoing and she wont reveal police sources or methods.

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In court records, two Drug Enforcement Administration special agents characterized three New Mexico defendants David Anesi, Vincent Montoya and Francisco Garcia as high-volume drug traffickers in the Albuquerque area, and Phillip Lovato as a significant customer in Santa Fe.

The U.S. Department of Justice said cash and drugs, pictured here, were seized in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the countrys largest ever fentanyl bust in April, 2025 (Courtesy U.S. District Attorneys Office, District of New Mexico)

They also named Roberta Herrera as Montoyas significant other who has been observed participating in drug transactions with him, and allege that Misael Lopez-Rubio rented out a storage unit in Albuquerque to use as a stash location.

DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy noted that the organizations drug distribution had probably caused someone to die.

Since 2018, New Mexico has experienced a dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths associated with prescription drug use and, more recently, use of illicit fentanyl, according to the state Department of Health. Overall, deaths in the state attributed to drug overdose have fallen in the last two years.

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Overall, authorities seized 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder; approximately $4.4 million in cash; approximately 79 pounds of methamphetamine; approximately 7.5 kilograms of cocaine; approximately 4.5 kilograms of heroin; approximately 41 firearms; and approximately 4.1 million fentanyl pills, according to court records.

Ellison said in Albuquerque alone, police found 2.7 million fentanyl pills; 11.5 kilograms of concentrated fentanyl powder; seven pounds of methamphetamine; multiple kilograms of heroin and cocaine; 41 firearms; more than $600,000 in cash and numerous luxury vehicles.

When we catch you  all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars, Bondi said. There will be no negotiating, and we will lock you up for as long as humanly possible. We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members including brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends.

DOJ prosecuting, not deporting, defendants who arent citizens

Bondi said six of the people charged are living in the U.S. unlawfully. A detention order for Lopez-Rubio indicates that he will be held until trial, in part, because he lacks legal status in the U.S. and is subject to removal or deportation after any prison sentence.

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When asked how shes deciding whether to prosecute or deport any defendants who lack U.S. citizenship, Bondi said its based on their potential prison sentences, if theyre convicted.

I want them to stay in our prisons as long as possible, Bondi said. Theres a very big risk  we all know  releasing someone, especially to Mexico. Sending them back to Mexico, who knows, they could attempt to get through our borders. Not under Donald Trump, I doubt. But theyre also part of a major drug trafficking ring in Mexico, so sending them back to Mexico to continue on with their drug business isnt going to happen under this administration.

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Charlotte residents may soon pay more to the city despite property tax rates staying flat.

City Manager Marcus Jones proposed budget, presented to the City Council Monday night, doesnt include a property tax increase. But it proposes fee hikes for some city services to help make up for stagnant sales tax revenues, Jones said.

The budget proposal also shakes up the structure of the citys Animal Care and Control department after years of advocacy from local volunteers. City employees also are poised to get a pay raise.

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Council members will spend the coming weeks finalizing the budget ahead of the start of fiscal year 2026 on July 1.

Fees up, property taxes level

Mondays proposed budget confirmed comments from city staff at the City Councils January retreat that they didnt plan to raise property taxes in fiscal year 2026.

The city upped property taxes for the first time in six years last summer, raising the rate by 1.37 cents to 27.41 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Property taxes apply to peoples homes as well as items such as cars or other vehicles.

But with essentially no growth in sales tax revenue, Jones said fee increases for some city services and trimming spending where possible are necessary to balance the budget.

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There are really two levers that we can pull when we start to talk about the budget: How can we increase revenues, or how can we reduce expenditures? he told reporters Monday. On the revenue side, we had a big challenge this year.

The City of Charlotte is asking residents to take their waste to the curb Wednesday night and leave it there until collected as a winter storm approaches.

The proposed budget calls for multiple increases over the next four years to Solid Waste Services curbside fee. The fee would increase by $16.25 in the next new fiscal year, about $1.35 a month.

Fee increases will also raise Charlotte Water bills by about $5.47 a month under the proposed budget, and Storm Water Services bills by about 67 cents a month.

Changes to Animal Care and Control

Jones also announced the city will move Animal Care and Control out from under the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to instead become part of the citys General Services department. He said its part of efforts to improve operational efficiencies.

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A coalition of animal shelter volunteers spoke out during public forums at City Council meetings throughout the last two years to call for, among other changes, an independent Animal Care and Control. Some advocates and staff previously told the Observer they felt moving the department out from under CMPD would speed up funding requests, improve volunteer experience and increase staff pay.

The City Council in late 2024 approved a rezoning request for a new animal shelter and adoption center in the Yorkmount neighborhood to help alleviate overcrowding at existing facilities.

We continue to have the facility in our plan, Jones told council members.

Pay raises for city employees

All city employees will get at least a 3% pay raise, Jones said. Hourly employees will get a 4% raise, and the city will raise its minimum wage to $24 an hour, a salary of $49,920 for full-time employees.

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Some employees, including those with a commercial drivers license or who work second or third shift schedules, will be eligible for additional 2.5% raises.

Police and fire department employees also will get at least a 3% raise under the proposed budget, and many will receive at least a 6.5% raise, Jones said.

Monitoring federal spending cuts

Shake-ups to federal spending by the Trump administration didnt have a significant impact on the proposed budget, Jones told reporters.

But, he cautioned, that doesnt mean things wont change if there are more cuts, especially to longstanding grant programs the city has previously received funding from.

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We have a team that continues to monitor the impact of those cuts on us, Jones said.

Whats next for Charlotte budget?

Charlotte leaders are still weeks away from finalizing their next budget.

Council members will hold a public hearing to get feedback from residents on the proposed budget during their evening meeting May 12.

Theyll meet again on May 19 for a budget adjustments meeting  where council members make their own suggestions for what to add, remove or change in the proposed budget  and on May 29 for straw votes on budget items.

The City Council is scheduled to vote to adopt a full budget June 9.
The fifth season of Felonious Florida covers the murders of four members of the Altidor family in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997.

These photos chronicle the story in Episode 1. Links to photos from additional episodes can be found at the end of this article.

Episode 1: Crescent Drive

Nothing could prepare police officers for the scene at the Altidor home on South Crescent Drive. Just inside, they find a tiny baby, bloody and cold, in a bassinet. A few steps farther in, the grim reality unfolds: three more family members  one just a toddler  brutally murdered. The horrifying crime shocks the neighborhood and sparks a massive manhunt for the killer behind this quadruple murder.

Listen to Episode 1 now.

The home formerly owned by the Altidor family is seen today at the corner of Midland Place and South Crescent Drive in Miramar, Florida. (David Schutz/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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The gold Toyota Camry driven by Rochener Seraphin, the brother-in-law of George Altidor, is parked in the driveway of the Altidor home on the evening of April 30, 1997, shortly after Seraphin and his 12-year-old son discovered the bodies. (Miramar Police Department)

Rochener Seraphin sits in a car while being questioned by Miramar homicide Det. Ron Peluso outside the Altidor home shortly after the discovery of the bodies. (Wolfson Archives)

The 12-year-old son of Rochener Seraphin waits in a police vehicle after discovering the murder scene. (Wolfson Archives)

Patrick James, seen being interviewed by a reporter, lived next door to the Altidors and called 911 after Seraphin discovered the bodies at about 5 p.m. (Wolfson Archives)

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Miramar Police Officer Edgar Gallardo, left, and Sgt. John Thomson responded to the 911 call from Patrick James and were the first officers to enter the home.

Stunned neighbors in the Knowles community of Miramar gather with the media in front of the Altidor home shortly after the crime scene was discovered. Shown is neighbor Lynda Noel speaking to reporters. (File/Lou Toman/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

VIDEO: Lt. Bill Guess of the Miramar Police Department gives reporters their first briefing at the Altidor home on April 30, 1997. Guess initially said three people had been found inside the home  Theresia Laverne, her daughter Marie Altidor, and Maries 6-week-old daughter, Sabrina. A short time later, a fourth body was found  Maries 2-year-old daughter, Samantha. (Wolfson Archives)

Killed in the Altidor home in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997, were (clockwise from top left) Theresia Laverne, her daughter Marie Altidor, and Maries two young daughters, Sabrina and Samantha. (Sun Sentinel file photos)

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VIDEO: George Altidor arrives home shortly after 5 p.m. on April 30, 1997, after finding out that his family had been killed in the house. Altidor told police he hadnt been able to reach his family by phone from work and had called his brother-in-law, Rochener Seraphin, to ask him to check on them. (Wolfson Archives)

The black Toyota pickup truck driven by George Altidor is shown in a crime scene photograph taken by Miramar police. Altidor said he was at work on April 30, 1997, when his family was murdered. (Miramar Police Department)

A police diagram of the Altidor home on South Crescent Drive shows the locations of the four victims.

A police photograph shows the inside of the Altidor home, looking from the front entrance down the hallway toward the family room. Sabrina Altidor was found dead in her bassinet in front of the television set, which was on. (Miramar Police Department)

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On the wall of the Altidors family room, officers discovered a message scrawled by the killer.

I want my 100,000 drug money

They stole my drugs

Officers who went through the Altidor home discovered a door leading from the guest bathroom to the pool had been left open. There were no signs of forced entry on the door. (Miramar Police Department)

George Altidors home office contained several desks, computer equipment, paperwork, a television set and video tapes. When the first officers at the scene encountered the door locked from the inside, they forced it open to search for suspects or victims. (Miramar Police Department)

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The body of 2-year-old Samantha Altidor was discovered in a tiny corner of the family room  in front of a paneled wall where a couch and reclining chair came together. The killers message was written on the wall above her. The corner of 6-week-old Sabrinas bassinet can be seen in the lower right of the photograph. (Miramar Police Department)

Crime scene technicians from the Broward Sheriffs Office take photos and videos of the Altidor home. (File/Lou Toman/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

VIDEO: Investigators from the Broward Sheriffs Office recorded a walkthrough of the crime scene outside and inside the Altidor home. This version has been redacted to edit out graphic and disturbing scenes. (Miramar Police Department)

The body of one of the victims is removed from the Altidor home by members of the Broward County Medical Examiners Office in this clip from a TV news video. (Wolfson Archives)

Photos from more episodes

Episode 1: Crescent Drive (current episode) Episode 2: Secrets Episode 3: Overkill Episode 4: Time of Death Episode 5: The Wall Episode 6: George and Florence

David Schutz is the host and producer of Felonious Florida and managing editor of the Sun Sentinel. He can be reached at dschutz@sunsentinel.com.
The fifth season of Felonious Florida covers the murders of four members of the Altidor family in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997. These photos chronicle the story in Episode 2. Links to photos from additional episodes can be found at the end of this article.

Episode 2: Secrets

From a rural mountain village in Haiti to the sun-soaked streets of South Florida, Marie Laverne chases the promise of a better life. A chance encounter with a man from her past, George Altidor, leads to marriage and a picture-perfect family. But beneath the surface, something was not right. In the months leading up to her murder, friends and family noticed unsettling changes in Marie  signs of fear, distress, and secrets she never got the chance to share.

Listen to Episode 2 now.

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Theresia Laverne and her daughter, Marie Altidor, came from a rural mountain village in Haiti called Thomonde, about 90 miles outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Theresia and Marie, along with Maries daughters, Samantha and Sabrina, were murdered in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997. (1997 file photos/Michael Malone/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Theresia Laverne traveled from Haiti to the United States frequently to attend family events. In the spring of 1997, she was staying with her daughter, Marie Altidor, to help the family after Marie had given birth to her daughter, Sabrina. She was set to return to Haiti on Saturday, May 3, but was murdered three days before her flight.

Shortly after Marie Carmel Laverne immigrated to South Florida, she bumped into a man her family knew from Haiti, George Altidor. During their chance encounter at a mall in North Miami Beach, they exchanged numbers and began a relationship.

WATCH: On February 12th, 1994, George Altidor married Marie Laverne at Casa de Alabanza church in Miami.

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Just over 10 months after George and Marie were married, Marie gave birth to Samantha Altidor, left, on Dec. 29, 1994. The Altidors second daughter, Sabrina, right, was born on March 20, 1997.

The Altidors bought the four-bedroom home at 8801 S. Crescent Dr. in Miramar in July of 1995 for $118,000.

George Altidor is seen in a photo taken at Miramar police headquarters hours after the the discovery of the bodies of his wife, daughters and mother-in-law. Altidor was questioned by detectives into the morning hours, saying he couldnt think of anybody who would want to harm him or his family.

Photos from more episodes

Episode 1: Crescent Drive Episode 2: Secrets (current episode) Episode 3: Overkill Episode 4: Time of Death Episode 5: The Wall Episode 6: George and Florence

David Schutz is the host and producer of Felonious Florida and managing editor of the Sun Sentinel. He can be reached at dschutz@sunsentinel.com.
The fifth season of Felonious Florida covers the murders of four members of the Altidor family in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997. These photos chronicle the story in Episode 3. Links to photos from additional episodes can be found at the end of this article.

Episode 3: Overkill

As detectives piece together the events of the Altidor murders, they are struck by the brutality and chilling efficiency of the killer. In a matter of seconds, each victim was eliminated. The few clues left behind seem intentionally designed to mislead investigators into thinking the attack was a home invasion. But detectives arent so easily fooled and suspect the murders were personal.

Listen to Episode 3 now.

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As the community absorbs the heartbreak of the Altidor murders, investigators begin the daunting task of piecing together the crime. Below, Lori Gacitna, of Miramar, places a teddy bear, an angel and a letter in front of the Altidor home. (Sun Sentinel file photo)

The living room and front door of the Altidor home are pictured in a crime scene photograph. (Miramar Police Department)

Fingerprint powder covers the walls and floor of the dining room at the Altidor home. Marie Altidor was found lying in a pool of blood on the floor, just out of view to the right of the table, in front of the sliding-glass door that leads to the pool. (Miramar Police Department)

The front hallway of the Altidor home in Miramar, Florida, is seen covered with fingerprint powder and evidence markers. The legs of the bassinet where 6-week-old Sabrina Altidor was found dead can be seen at the top of the photo. (Miramar Police Department)

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The pantry doors in the Altidor kitchen were covered with blood spatter from Theresia Laverne, who was found shot and beaten to death on the floor on the other side of the table. Also visible are trajectory strings which investigators used to recreate the paths of bullets fired in the kitchen. It is believed that after Theresia was killed, Marie Altidor began to enter the kitchen through the doorway to the left of the refrigerator, then fled back into the dining room. (Miramar Police Department)

The attack on Theresia Laverne was so violent that blood castoff from a hammer was found up on the ceiling of the kitchen. (Miramar Police Department)

A crime scene photo shows the yellow trajectory string that marks the path of a bullet that struck Marie Altidor. The bullet passed through the wall of the dining room, and ended up in the bedroom on the other side of the wall. (Miramar Police Department)

Officers discovered that a door leading from the guest bathroom to the pool area in the Altidors backyard had been left open, with no signs of forced entry. (Miramar Police Department)

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The view of the open bathroom door from the pool area. The sliding-glass doors on the right side of the photo, seen covered in fingerprint powder, lead to the dining room. Marie Altidors body was found on the floor on the other side of the doors. (Miramar Police Department)

This is the spot in the family room where 2-year-old Samantha Altidor was hiding, surrounded by her toys, when she was killed. In this photo, the sofa has been pulled back by investigators to reveal Samanthas hiding spot. (Miramar Police Department)

George Altidors private home office, which was found locked by the first officers on the scene, was cluttered with documents, equipment, video tapes and more. (Miramar Police Department)

The backyard of the Altidor home, where a neighbors dog can be seen on the other side of the fence. Out of view of the photo, womens clothing was found strewn in the Altidors yard. (Miramar Police Department)

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The autopsy report for 2-year-old Samantha Altidor showed the large amount of blunt-force trauma that killed her. (Miramar Police Department)

One of the bullets that hit Marie Altidor is in the Miramar Police Departments evidence file. Marie was shot four times before her head was beaten repeatedly with a hammer. (Miramar Police Department)

Photos from more episodes

Episode 1: Crescent Drive Episode 2: Secrets Episode 3: Overkill (current episode) Episode 4: Time of Death Episode 5: The Wall Episode 6: George and Florence

David Schutz is the host and producer of Felonious Florida and managing editor of the Sun Sentinel. He can be reached at dschutz@sunsentinel.com.
LOS ANGELES, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Mattel, the U.S. toymaker of Barbie dolls, said Monday it is pausing its full-year financial forecast due to sweeping U.S. tariff hikes and may increase prices on some toys sold in the country.

"The volatile macroeconomic environment and evolving U.S. tariff landscape" makes it "difficult to predict consumer spending and Mattel's U.S. sales in the remainder of the year and holiday season," Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said during the company's first-quarter earnings call.

To offset higher costs related to high tariffs, the California-based company said price increases on toys are "necessary."

Mattel executives said the toymaker had joined the rest of the toy industry in lobbying for zero tariffs on toys, but it must prepare for what is likely to be a long period of high tariffs on goods made in China and other economies. China currently accounts for 40 percent of Mattel's global production.

"Toys are foundational to a child's growth and development," Kreiz said. "Zero tariffs for toys give the greatest number of children and families access to play."

The U.S. toy industry is increasingly concerned about the impact of Washington's high tariffs. The country imports about 80 percent of all its toys from China, according to data from the Toy Association. 
The fifth season of Felonious Florida covers the murders of four members of the Altidor family in Miramar, Florida, on April 30, 1997. These photos chronicle the story in Episode 5. Links to photos from additional episodes can be found at the end of this article.

Episode 5: The Wall

A chilling message scrawled on a wall of the Altidor home becomes the key clue in the case  not for what it says, but for its secrets that science may be able to unlock. Disturbing details from Georges past begin to surface. Detectives discover a mysterious phone call made from inside the Altidor house on the day of the murders that grinds the investigation to a frustrating halt.

Listen to Episode 5 now.

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A section of wall from the Altidor home, where the killer scrawled a message about drug money, was cut out by investigators to be preserved and tested. (Miramar Police Department)

The section of wall removed from the Altidor home has been stored at the Miramar Police Departments Property and Evidence building for nearly three decades. The message on the wall read: I want my 100,000 drug money | They stole my drugs. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

A closeup of the wall, which is protected by a sheet of plexiglass and a wood frame, shows signs of the testing that has been conducted over the years  including cuttings taken for a chemical analysis of the ink and test circles to compare tool markings with markers found in the Altidor home. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Forensic scientists conduct an M-Vac procedure on the section of wall from the crime scene in an attempt to collect DNA evidence. (Miramar Police Department)

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Four black markers were found at the crime scene  three in the kitchen and one in a pocket on the drivers side door of George Altidors Toyota pickup truck (bottom right). The ink from the markers and tool markings on their felt tips were compared to the writing on the wall. (Miramar Police Department)

A judge ordered George Altidor to provide samples of his handwriting to be compared to the handwriting in the message on the wall of his family room. Altidor created dozens of samples under the supervision of Miramar detectives and a prosecutor from the Broward State Attorneys Office. Below are all of the samples written by Altidor that day.

A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. Show Caption1 of 68A sample of the handwriting provided by George Altidor during the investigation into the 1997 murders of his family. Expand

A Miami Herald front-page story details the mysterious phone call made from inside the Altidor home on the day of the murders.

Photos from more episodes

Episode 1: Crescent Drive Episode 2: Secrets Episode 3: Overkill Episode 4: Time of Death Episode 5: The Wall (current episode) Episode 6: George and Florence

David Schutz is the host and producer of Felonious Florida and managing editor of the Sun Sentinel. He can be reached at dschutz@sunsentinel.com.
A woman who was driving a vehicle in the city of Orange early Tuesday morning was shot and killed, according to police.

The Orange Police Department stated that, around 12:30 a.m., a Honda SUV that was traveling south on Highland Street approaching Del Mar Avenue was shot at. The area in which the shooting occurred is a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Meats Avenue and North Tustin Street, directly adjacent to the 55 Freeway.

Officers find missing girl, arrest human trafficking suspect in Los Angeles

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An unknown male suspect shot multiple rounds into the car, Orange police said on social media. The driver, a female adult, was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement at the scene of a fatal shooting that took place in the city of Orange on May 6, 2025. (FB/Orange Police Dept.)

She was not immediately identified by name.

Hepatitis A outbreak declared in Los Angeles County

A passenger inside the vehicle, also listed as an adult woman, was sitting in the front seat but was not hurt in the incident, authorities said.

After opening fire, the male suspect fled on foot, officials elaborated.

Video from the scene taken by KTLA photojournalist Dan Lunsford shows a silver Honda SUV that had collided with a red Nissan SUV, causing the latter vehicle to hit a parked pickup truck.

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No further details were provided by law enforcement. Officers remained on scene well into Tuesday morning investigating.

Anyone with information surrounding the fatal shooting is encouraged to contact the Orange Police Department by calling 714-744-7571.

Nancy Fontan and Vanessa Garcia 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.
The Houses push for property tax cuts will be ineffective, Gov. Ron DeSantis said, slamming the chambers move late in the legislative session towards passing one of his top priorities.

DeSantis has clashed repeatedly with House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, on a number of issues, including tax cuts. Perez prefers a large, permanent reduction in the state sales tax; DeSantis has grown frustrated with lawmakers for not pressing forward with property tax cut plans.

I want a Florida-first tax policy. I dont want a Canadian-first tax policy, DeSantis said at an event in Miami on May 6.

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Cutting the sales tax benefits the tourists, the Canadians, the snowbirds, DeSantis said, arguing it would help Floridians more to cut property taxes because that is the one thing that is pinching people.

Perez has made cutting the sales tax central to his budget plan. He initially wanted to slash it from 6% to 5.25%, saving consumers about $5 billion per year.

That wasnt accepted by the Senate, however, leading the chambers to deadlock over the budget, requiring an extended session to complete the budget. A tentative framework to cut the sales tax by $1.6 billion was agreed to by the chambers, and lawmakers are poised to return May 12 to finish budget negotiations.

After feuding with DeSantis for most of the session, Perez on April 29 created a special, or "select," committee to review ways to cut taxes for property owners. In doing so, Perez chided DeSantis for floating the idea of eliminating property taxes completely without releasing a formal plan.

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Unfortunately, as the weeks have gone by, the Governor has not yet come forward with any specific answers to those questions or with a specific plan or with actual bill language, Perez said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (left), House Speaker Daniel Perez.

The panels first meeting was May 2, the scheduled last day of the regular session, and it featured 37 members  a number DeSantis derided.

If you have a legislative body that is creating a 37-member committee, theyre not doing that because they want to give you property tax relief. Theyre doing that to try to kill property tax relief. So this is a total dog and pony show. This is not anything thats credible, DeSantis said.

When I want something done I do it, I dont put a committee of 37 people together where theyre not going to be able to agree on anything.

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Perez directed the committee to study five specific ideas dealing with property taxes, and return with a plan that can be voted out of the House the first week of the 2026 regular session. Those ideas are:

Requiring all local governments to hold referendums on eliminating homestead property taxes.

Raising the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $500,000 for non-school taxes, with a $1 million exemption for homestead owners over 65 who have had a homestead in Florida for 30 years.

Allowing the Legislature to raise the homestead exemption by law instead of needing a constitutional amendment.

Hardening existing caps on annual increases in assessments by making the 3% cap for homestead properties apply every three years and by raising the 10% cap for non-homestead properties to 15% per year.

Banning the government from foreclosing on a homestead property for unpaid taxes.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. DeSantis rips House over late-session tax cut effort
Melissa Lewis holds her three-month-old baby Twyla at a screening and event in support of Alaska infant learning programs at the Gold Town Theater in Juneau on Apr 29, 2025. She said while her baby is not showing signs of delays or needing intervention services, they attended the event to support the cause and more state funding and support for early childhood programs. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

It was a pediatrician that first referred Laura Perez, now a mother of four, to an infant learning program in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for her first son, who at almost 2 years old was showing some signs of developmental delays.

It was more subtle with my oldest, but as it turned out, he was autistic, but hes smart as a whip, she said. Not only was Perez able to receive support from a developmental specialist for him, but also to enroll his next three siblings at earlier ages, in the following years.

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They caught some of the social, emotional issues my oldest was having, and they caught some physical issues that with my second child, hes got wonky ankles, which was, causing him to be a lot more clumsy. And  you know, Im not a medical person, she said. Its done so much good. It helped catch so much more, so much faster, and the faster you can intervene, the better the outcomes are.

Infant learning programs provide early intervention services for families and children, from infancy to age 3, who are experiencing developmental delays. Interventions can include play and movement therapies, as well as language stimulation techniques, for children. In addition, parents can receive education and training on child development.

An estimated 1,800 Alaskan families are served each year by 17 infant learning programs across the state, funded by the state of Alaska and federal Medicaid, at no cost to families.

Perez and her family received support with speech, physical and occupational therapies. She said her second child is now an active prekindergartner at Big Lake Elementary. Hes doing math! Hes throwing multiplication at us, she said, laughing. Im like, you just turned 5, sir.

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Perez joined a group of advocates in Juneau to meet with legislators and attend the debut of a new short film that shows a week in the life of the staff at the Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults Inc. infant learning program.

The April 29 screening drew a large crowd to the Gold Town Theater, including over a dozen lawmakers from Anchorage and the Mat-Su regions. Advocates are urging legislators to pass Senate Bill 178, to expand eligibility, and increase state general funds for these programs.

The film was made by filmmaker Joshua Albeza Branstetter and advocate, writer and executive producer Laura Norton-Cruz.

Yulia Smith, a developmental specialist with the Mat-Su Valley infant learning program, and subject of the short film about the program, is seen in a playroom with a young participant (Photo courtesy of Joshua Albeza Branstetter)

The film follows Yulia Smith, a developmental specialist making house calls in Mat-Su, sitting on floors with toddlers, and talking with mothers rocking infants. She discusses successes of early interventions, and ongoing challenges for the infant learning program.

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Really, the beauty of this work is we get to influence the life of a child in the very first few years of their life, Smith said. Theres so much we can do with early intervention to influence that further life of a child.  And it all starts from when youre born, really.

Smith herself became a developmental specialist after receiving services from the Mat-Su program for her son, who was later diagnosed with autism. She wanted to become one of the specialists and supporters for families like hers. Because I had never known what autism was until then. And I was growing through quite a grieving process, in terms of what does that mean for my son and my family, she said. Now looking back, I needed her as much as my son needed her. And I wanted to do that for other families.

Under current state law, infants and toddlers must show a 50% delay to be eligible for infant learning programs. Smith describes how that forces the Mat-Su program to turn families away, telling them to come back in six months for reevaluation, sensitive weeks and months in a childs brain development.

Under the new proposed legislation, eligibility would be changed to a 25% delay, so that more children and families would be eligible for these types of interventions.

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Norton-Cruz, who is also a social worker, produced the film, which was funded by the Mat-Su Health Foundation. She said expanding eligibility would open services to families. It would also reinstate eligibility for babies born prematurely or with low birth weight, after the state changed the guidance to remove them last year.

I witnessed that when we were filming. They went and visited a child in foster care who had been exposed to alcohol prenatally, Norton-Cruz said, and he did not meet the 50% delay eligibility requirement at 1 year old. So he had to be un-enrolled from the services, despite the services having made a really significant difference in his first 12 months, because he had been enrolled out of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). So they helped him, and then they had to let him go. And a lot of those families who get un-enrolled come back, and they come back with more significant delays.

The film also shows staff grappling with heavy case loads, back-to-back home visits, and discussion of the growing demand from families, as the Mat-Su has the fastest growing population in the state.

Advocates and families are urging lawmakers to increase state funding for infant learning programs, which is funded through the Alaska Department of Health at $7.4 million in state funding last year.

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It hasnt been increased in 11 years, Norton-Cruz said. So the amount that the state provides has stayed the same, while costs have gone up.  In rural regions, airplane costs have gone up. Health insurance costs have gotten up. And the funding has remained flat.

This year, the Alaska House added $5.7 million to early intervention and infant learning programs, but that addition was deleted by the Senate Finance Committee in its version of the operating budget. Committee leaders have said they are aiming to constrain spending in preparation for several financial challenges they expect the state to face over the next year.

Norton-Cruz said an increase to infant learning programs would be an essential investment that legislators should fight for this year on a final budget vote.

If they continue to flat fund, it is a divestment, right, especially as federal funds disappear, she said. (It) is a divestment from children. And if you divest from children, things will get worse. Children will have worse outcomes in childhood, in adolescence and in adulthood, and that will be expensive  quality of life gets worse, she added.

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She said these interventions also help reduce the costs and childrens need for services later in life, including hospitalizations and special education services in school.

In the final weeks of the legislative session, advocates are hoping to gather support for SB 178 to expand eligibility for children, which is currently being heard in the Senate Health and Social Services Committee.

Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the roles Joshua Albeza Branstetter and Laura Norton-Cruz played in making the film.

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Finesse2Tymes has been arrested once again, this time for allegedly violating the terms of his probation following a series of legal setbacks and reported infractions.

According to TMZ, the Memphis rapper turned himself in to federal authorities on Friday (May 2). The arrest stems from the 31-year-olds reported failure to comply with the conditions of his release, including multiple failed drug tests and the surfacing of new criminal charges.

Specifically, Finesse2Tymes is alleged to have tested positive for marijuana in both 2022 and again in 2024  a direct violation of his probation terms.

Finesse2tymes performs live onstage during Broccoli City Festival Day 1 at RFK Stadium on July 15, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Compounding the situation is an arrest earlier this year, when the rapper was charged with making terroristic threats against the mother of his former artist, King. The woman alleged that Finesse2Tymes threatened to brandish a firearm during a heated dispute involving a minor.

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Finesse2Tymes history with the criminal justice system is well-documented. A key figure in the Mob Ties collective, he was released from prison in 2022 after serving nearly four years of a five-year sentence for illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Finesse2tymes attends the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Adding further legal pressure, the rapper is also facing a civil lawsuit from his former driver, Ernest Flores. Flores alleges he was shot in the head during a 2023 incident at a Georgia event where Finesse2Tymes was performing.

According to the lawsuit, Flores claims the rapper failed to properly manage the crowd and that the venues owners ignored the risks posed by the large turnout. At least five people were reportedly wounded during the chaotic aftermath of the event.

Finesse2Tymes is expected to appear in court again on May 8 for a hearing regarding his probation violation.

In this image released on June 25, Finesse2Tymes preforms during the BET Awards 2023 Pre-Show at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

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Westland fire officials are investigating a violent, natural gas explosion this week that blew apart a small, unoccupied house the night of May 5, sending a loud boom and shockwaves throughout the neighborhood.

It was the latest metro Detroit gas explosion in the past two months.

The blast, at the 800-square-foot home in the 3100 block of Calhoun Court, went off just before 7 p.m., the chief said, adding no one was inside, and as a result, there were no injuries.

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Fire investigators were still sifting through the rubble May 6 to try to determine how the explosion started, Fire Chief Darrell Stampler said, but there was no doubt that the blast was caused by natural gas.

"We dont have everything figured out yet because there hadnt been anybody in that home," the chief told the Free Press. "They were doing a remodel of the house, but there hadnt been anybody in there for at least a couple of weeks."

More: Powerful apartment building explosion injures 12, including children, in Detroit

There was also no furniture in the home, he said, which likely mitigated the blasts damage.

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In television reports, neighbors described the blast as a flicker of light and a loud kaboom.

Neighbor Shayla Juarez told WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) that young children had been living in the home and "it wouldve been very devastating if someone was in there," adding "it wouldve been a really sad situation."

In late March, a blast in a Detroit apartment building injured a dozen people, including six children, and made national news. It was caused by a natural gas leak. At least two of those harmed were hospitalized in critical condition, fire officials said.

And a few days later, a gas explosion in the tight-knit community of Southgate destroyed one house, leaving almost nothing standing, and set another home on fire.

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The couple who lived in the home that was destroyed  a 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man  were badly burned and rushed to the hospital for treatment. The woman, however, died from her injuries.

Gas leaks, Westlands fire chief said, are nothing to trifle with, and he urged anyone who might smell gas not to hesitate to act, even if they arent sure. He added that if that happens, all the occupants should get out and call 911.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: In Westland, gas explosion blows apart small house
An elderly man and his dog were killed in a black bear attack in the unincorporated Collier County community of Jerome, Florida, on May 5.

Robert Markel's daughter reportedly called 911 at 7:15 a.m. after she witnessed a bear kill her father's dog.

There was no sign of Markel and his camper was in disarray, with the mattress off the bed and items scattered throughout the trailer, according to a police report.

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No blood was reportedly found inside the camper, but Markel's bloodied wallet, pants and t-shirt were found about 20 yards away in a wooded area.

Markel, 89, of Jerome, was found dead on the property, about 100 yards from the dog. He was likely mauled earlier that morning, Florida Fish and Wildlife officer Jorge Renaud said.

Police report: Florida bear attack victim dragged from ransacked camper in deadly mauling

It is the first time a bear has killed a human in recorded Florida history, FWC confirmed.

Wildlife officials killed at least three bears near Markel's property and officials are working to confirm whether any of those bears were involved in the maulings. A necropsy and testing of other evidence, including DNA analysis, will be conducted at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

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Here's everything to know about the deadly black bear attack in Florida:

Man and dog killed by black bear in Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife is investigating after a man and a dog died in a black bear attack on May 5, 2025, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Collier County.

At 7:07 a.m., the Collier County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a potential bear mauling on State Road 29 in Jerome, Florida, between Naples and Everglades City.

Upon their arrival, deputies found Robert Markel, 89, and his dog had been fatally mauled on Markel's property.

Markel's daughter witnessed the dog being fatally mauled by a bear and notified authorities.

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Markel's body was found several hundred yards away from the dog. Officials believe he was killed about two hours before the dog was attacked.

Markel and the dog had been home alone at the time of Markel's mauling.

"When there's a loss of life, we're all affected by this, we're very sorry that this occurred," FWC public information officer Tyson Matthews said.

Officials reportedly took DNA samples at the scene. Three bears were killed and hauled from nearby woods. Necropsies on the animals and evidence testing is pending.

According to an FWC email, wildlife officials have "secured the perimeter and several traps and cameras were placed throughout the area last night. Three bears were killed by FWC personnel. DNA samples from the scene and the three bears have been sent to Gainesville for testing, and we are awaiting those results."

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What we know May 6: FWC takes bears for DNA analysis after deadly attack in rural Collier County

Where was the bear attack in Florida? Where is Jerome, FL in Collier County?

The deadly bear attack happened in the small, unincorporated Collier County community of Jerome, Florida.

Jerome is located just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, along State Road 29, about 42 miles southeast of Naples and 13 miles northeast of Everglades City.

Jerome was once home to the C.J. Jones Lumber Mill. In the 1940s, the mill was the largest steam-powered sawmill in the southeastern United States, according to the Collier County Museum. Fire destroyed the mill on Dec. 5, 1956.

Was the bear in the deadly Florida attack shot and killed? Where?

Three bears were killed and hauled from the wooded area near the site of the deadly mauling.

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Officials said the bears were transported to the University of Florida in Gainesville for testing, but could not confirm any of them were involved in the deaths.

DNA samples were taken at the scene and necropsies will be conducted in Gainesville on all bears suspected in the attack.

Florida bear attack: What to know about FWC wildlife necropsy facility in Gainesville

Was Collier County attack the first time a person was killed by a bear in Florida?

FWC Executive Director Roger Young confirmed that Markel and his dog died from bear attacks, the first time in recorded Florida history that a black bear has killed a human.

How to protect yourself: Was Collier County bear attack the first person killed by a bear in Florida?

Are bears common in Collier County, Florida?

Wild bears are found in almost half of Florida, according to the FWC.

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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.

Black bears in Florida: Where they're often spotted, how to avoid them

How many bear attacks are there in Florida each year?

Here are FWC's documented incidents of physical contact between a person and a black bear in Florida, excluding vehicle strikes:

2/15/2025: Silver Springs, Marion County

12/20/2024: Orange City, Volusia County

11/13/2024: Apopka, Orange County

11/24/2023: Pierson, Volusia County

11/24/2023: Osceola National Forest, Baker County

4/3/2023: Belleview, Marion County

9/10/2022: Longwood, Seminole County

7/12/2022: Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County

5/2/2022: Hog Valley, Marion County

4/26/2022: Altoona, Lake County

4/4/2022: Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County

1/22/2022: Altoona, Lake County

1/19/2022: Daytona Beach, Volusia County

1/13/2022: DeBary, Volusia County

11/3/2020: Fort Braden, Leon County

3/31/2020: Ocala, Marion County

9/10/2019: Longwood, Seminole County

3/30/2019: Deland, Volusia County

12/24/2018: Fort McCoy, Marion County

5/14/2018: Longwood, Seminole County

1/9/2018: Naples, Collier County

9/8/2017: Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County

1/28/2017: Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa County

1/29/2016: Apopka, Orange County

10/23/2015: Eastpoint, Franklin County

10/5/2015: Orange City, Volusia County

8/27/2015: Shalimar, Okaloosa County

12/21/2014: Eastpoint, Franklin County

12/3/2014: Lake Mary, Seminole County

4/12/2014: Lake Mary, Seminole County

12/2/2013: Longwood, Seminole County

3/16/2012: Longwood, Seminole County

7/7/2011: Tyndall AFB, Bay County

12/10/2009: Longwood, Seminole County

9/19/2009: Mt. Dora, Lake County

7/24/2009: Longwood, Seminole County

7/12/2009: Ft. Myers, Lee County

2008: Naples, Collier County

11/14/2007: Astor, Lake County

2007: Paisley, Lake County

1/5/2006: Paisley, Lake County

2006: Hog Valley, Marion County

Are Florida black bears aggressive?

Florida black bears are typically quiet and shy, but have the potential to seriously harm or kill people, per FWC.

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While it is rare for bears to injure people in Florida, people have been bitten and scratched by bears defending themselves, cubs, or food sources.

According to FWC, "if a bear feels threatened, they may clack their teeth together, moan, blow, huff, or stomp the ground. They may bluff charge (run toward you and then stop before reaching you). These are all ways the bear is showing you it is as uncomfortable with the situation and it wants you to give it some space. These are NOT indications of aggressive intent or an imminent attack. Truly predatory or aggressive black bears are rare and generally silent."

What to do when encountering a black bear?

FWC recommends the following if you encounter a bear in Florida:

If you see a bear from a distance:

Enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear, if your presence changes the bear's behavior you are too close.

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If you encounter a bear at close range:

Remain standing upright

Speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice

Back up slowly toward a secure area, be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route

Avoid direct eye contact - bears and other animals may view this as aggressive behavior

Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear

Do not:

Make any sudden or abrupt movements

Run - running can trigger a chase instinct and bears can sprint up to 35 mph

Play dead - black bears eat things that play dead or are dead

Climb a tree - black bears can climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds

Approach or surprise a bear, especially one that may be injured

If a black bear attacks you:

Fight back aggressively. People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands!

Can you shoot a bear in Florida?

The Self Defense Act of 2024 allows for the taking of bears without any penalties under specific circumstances:

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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.

Did you know?: There is a bear 'Self-Defense Act' in Florida

When was the last Florida bear hunt? Can you hunt black bears in Florida?

Florida is considering the return of a bear hunt to cull the population.

FWC had three virtual public feedback meetings in April for the proposed return of the bear hunt.

The draft of the proposal that will be presented to commissioners is expected to be ready for public review by Wednesday, May 7.

The last black bear hunt happened in 2015. The planned 7-day hunt was shut down at the end of the second day after nearly 300 bears were killed, with hunters hitting nearly triple the kill limit in the Panhandle region.

There was a public outcry at how quickly the bears were killed and reports of hunters baiting bears.

Florida bear hunt: Conversation is passionate. Here's what both sides are saying about it

Contributing: Tayeba Hussein, Tomas Rodriguez, Andrew West, Mark H. Bickel, C. A. Bridges, Naples Daily News, USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida bear attack: Everything to know man, dog killed in Jerome, FL
The Russian battleship Oslyabya had a grand legacy. Named for a Russian hero, the vessel was little more than two years old when it went into battle against the Japanese in the Russian Far East. It would end up making history, but not for the reasons the Russian Empire would hope for. Its first naval engagement would be its last. Steaming into the 1905 Battle of Tsushima against the Imperial Japanese fleet, it would become famous as the first modern steel battleship to be sunk solely by enemy guns.

The Battle of Tsushima went about as well for Russia as the rest of its ill-fated war against Japan, which is to say: not at all. On paper, the war shouldnt have been such a complete drubbing for the Russians. Both sides utilized similar, modernized technology, had a roughly similar number of troops available to fight and as a result, inflicted a horrendously similar number of casualties. But in naval terms, the number of Russian ships in its various fleets should have outmatched the Japanese  but that did not happen.

In fact, the opposite happened. Twice.

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Japan was a relative newcomer to the modern world, but its military modernized and grew at a rapid pace, and that includes its leadership. Japan rocked Chinas world in the First Sino-Japanese War that ended in 1895, acquiring control of Korea and the Liaodong Peninsula with its warm water port of Port Arthur. Russia, Germany and France forced the Japanese out of China, and thats when Japan got the idea that the Europeans werent taking their empire seriously and had to be taught a lesson. When Japan offered to recognize Russian dominance in Manchuria in exchange for Russian recognition of Japans dominance of Korea, the Russians not only rejected it but suggested that Japan cede Korea.

Thats when Imperial Japan went for the sucker punch it would soon be famous for. It launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur in February 1904 and then laid siege to the city. In a war that would see upwards of 200,000 Japanese killed or wounded and 250,000 Russians killed or wounded, the Russian leadership would not win a single battle. Despite the Russian Empires massive population, large military and nearly unlimited resources, all of that stuff was in Europe and the railroad to the Pacific wasnt finished yet. When the Japanese crippled the Russian Far East Fleet at Port Arthur, Tsar Nicholas II had to send his largely untested Baltic Sea Fleet to the Pacific.

Under the command of Adm. Zinovy Rozhestvensky, the Baltic Fleet almost immediately fired on ships it thought were Japanese torpedo boats in the North Sea. Those enemy warships turned out to be British fishing boats. Two British sailors were killed along with two Russians (somehow). The Russians even managed to mistake their own ships for Japanese vessels and fired on each other. The British would decide not to go to war over it, but the new Russian battleships opted to go around Africas Cape of Good Hope, rather than steam through the British-controlled Suez Canal.

The Baltic Sea Fleets mission to relieve the Siege of Port Arthur would ultimately fail, mostly because it took seven months to get to the Sea of Japan. The city had fallen to the Japanese by then, and the battleships in port were sunk by Japanese land artillery. After steaming 18,000 nautical miles to the theater of war, the Russians werent really in the best shape to do battle with Japans veteran sailors and battleships. They were poorly maintained, many were old, and almost all of them were gathering microorganisms on their hulls, slowing them down and reducing their maneuverability. To be fair, they werent looking to fight; they wanted to slip past and head to Vladivostok to regroup  but they tried the fastest, shortest, and most dangerous route past Japan: the Tsushima Strait.

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So, of course, a Japanese cruiser caught them, then sent a telegram to Adm. Togo Heihachiro, who went to sea with his entire fleet. It took six hours to catch up to the Russian fleet and less than an hour for Japan to cross the Russians T, which meant the Japanese could fire full broadsides while the Russians could reply only with their forward batteries. Just 90 minutes into the battle, the Oslyabya, flagship of Rear Adm. Baron Dmitry von Folkersam, was sunk by Japans guns, the first modern steel battleship to go down that way. Folkersam went down with the ship, which is probably another historic first.

By the time the sun went down on May 27, 1905, Adm. Rozhestvensky was unconscious and the Russians had lost four battleships. Torpedo boats and destroyers harassed the Russians throughout the night (because the Russians decided to use their searchlights to try to find the enemy, giving away their positions in the dark). The next morning, what was left of the Russian ships tried to retreat but they were outclassed. They surrendered.

Along with the Oslyabya, the Russians lost five more battleships during the Battle of Tsushima, as well as a littoral battleship and 14 other vessels. Two battleships, two coastal battleships, and a destroyer were captured, and more than 11,000 Russian sailors were killed or captured. The Battle of Tsushima also featured the first time wireless telegraph was a decisive part of the battle, as it signaled the Japanese fleet the Russians were present. The defeat forced Russia to sue for peace, setting the stage for Japans rise as a true imperial power.
Five former members of Greater Manchester Polices vice squad have been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual exploitation of a young girl more than 50 years ago.

The arrests were made after a woman came forward claiming she had been abused in the 1960s when she was a teenager.

Detectives spent months trying to identify the alleged abusers before making a series of arrests.

The retired officers, who are aged between 73 and 81, have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct.

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Those under suspicion are understood to be former members of a special police unit that was set up to safeguard sex workers in Manchester in the 1960s.

After being questioned all five were released on conditional bail.

No abuser is immune from justice

Asst Chief Constable Steph Parker said: We commend the womans courage for coming forward and supporting this investigation. We do not underestimate how difficult it is for her to relive details of this horrendous abuse decades on from the time it was happening.

Im sure the public will be as troubled as I am that five former officers are suspected of being involved in the abuse of a woman when she was a vulnerable child and adult who needed their protection.

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No abuser is immune from justice and time is no barrier. The GMP of today is absolutely committed to ensuring victims are listened to and supported, regardless of who committed these offences and how long ago it occurred.

Our investigation will go to all necessary lengths to uncover the full facts of these allegations and to ensure any offenders are rightly brought to justice.

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.
All four international airports around Moscow temporarily suspended flights Tuesday as Russian forces intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones fired at almost a dozen Russian regions, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said.

Nine other regional Russian airports also temporarily stopped operating as drones struck areas along the border with Ukraine and deeper inside Russia, according to Russia's civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, and the Defense Ministry. The Moscow region was later attacked for a second time, with the capital's major airports of Vnukovo and Domodedovo forced to ground flights again, while the city's air defenses intercepted three drones, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

The drone assaults threatened a planned unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in the more than three-year war announced by President Vladimir Putin to coincide with celebrations in Moscow marking Victory Day in World War II.

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The day celebrating Moscows defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 is Russias biggest secular holiday. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and others will gather in the Russian capital on Thursday for the 80th anniversary and watch a parade featuring thousands of troops accompanied by tanks and missiles.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry urged foreign countries not to send military representatives to take part in the parade, as some have in the past. None is officially confirmed for this years event.

Ukraine will regard the participation of foreign military personnel as an affront to the memory of the victory over Nazism, to the memory of millions of Ukrainian front-line soldiers who liberated our country and all of Europe from Nazism eight decades ago, a statement on the ministrys website said.

Security is expected to be tight. Russian officials have warned that internet access could be restricted in Moscow during the celebrations and have told residents not to set off fireworks.

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Putin last week declared the brief unilateral truce on humanitarian grounds from May 8. Ukraine has demanded a longer ceasefire.

Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by insisting on far-reaching conditions. Ukraine has accepted that proposal, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the brief truce doesnt sound like much, but its  a lot if you knew where we started from.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that ceasefire orders had been issued to Russian troops, but soldiers would retaliate if fired upon.

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Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia swapped hundreds of captured soldiers in one of the largest exchanges since Moscows full-scale invasion started in February 2022. The last exchange was on April 19.

Zelenskyy and Russias Defense Ministry said they each received 205 soldiers in the swap. Both sides said the United Arab Emirates had mediated the exchange, as on previous occasions.

The long-range strikes by both sides continued, however. Ukraine has used increasingly sophisticated, domestically produced drones to compensate for having a smaller army than Russia along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, and to take the war onto Russian soil with long-range strikes.

Russia has used Shahed drones as well as 3,000-pound (1,300-kilogram) glide bombs, artillery and cruise and ballistic missiles against Ukraine.

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Two people were injured in Russia's Kursk region, according to local Gov. Alexander Khinshtein, and some damage was reported in the Voronezh region.

The Russian reports couldnt be independently verified.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 136 strike and decoy drones overnight.

Russian forces fired at least 20 Shahed drones at Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city near the border with Russia, injuring four people, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.

The drones started a fire at the biggest market in Kharkiv, Barabashovo, destroying and damaging around 100 market stalls, he said.

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Seven civilians were hurt elsewhere in the Kharkiv region by Russian glide bombs and drones, Syniehubov said.

Three people were also killed when a Russian ballistic missile hit the Ukrainian city of Sumy Tuesday evening, acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said. One woman died at the scene, while two more people died due to injuries at a hospital, he said.

In Kramatorsk, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Russian Shahed drones killed one person and injured two others, Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko wrote on Facebook. The drones targeted residential and industrial areas of the city, he said.

In the Odesa region, Russian drones struck residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, killing one person, regional head Oleh Kiper wrote on Telegram.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Eagles Wings Spearheads Historic Israel Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

Senator Cory Booker, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, White House Faith Office Representative Jennifer Korn

More than 300 pastors, rabbis, and political and social leaders attended the kickoff event on the evening of May 5 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.

Event leaders and organizers: Bishop Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings and Dr. Susan Michael of the American Christian Leaders for Israel

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Eagles Wings

May 6, 2025

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Eagles Wings and its advocacy arm, the Israel Christian Nexus, led by Bishop Robert Stearns, launched Israel Advocacy Day this week in the nations capital. Held in partnership with the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) and led by Dr. Susan Michael, Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA, the summit continues a growing movement of strategic interfaith gatherings on behalf of the Jewish people and the state of Israel.

From May 57, over 300 rabbis, pastors, and civic leaders convened to demonstrate their unified support for Israel and to forge deeper relationships among their communities as they advocate for robust U.S. policy in support of the Jewish state.

Dr. Susan Michael spoke to the roots and urgency of this coalition:

American Christian Leaders for Israel was born out of an urgent need to stop the 2015 deal that President Barack Obama struck with Iran over their uranium enrichment program. We are just as committed today as we were 10 years ago to talk about the existential threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. President Donald Trumps call for a total dismantlement of Irans nuclear program earlier this week is one we welcome and support. Now is the time to leverage Irans weakened economy and stop its unchecked aggression against the U.S. and Israel.

Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and former vice president of the World Jewish Congress, highlighted the leadership driving the movement:

My dear friend Bishop Robert Stearns is one of the most capable and forward-thinking faith leaders of our generation. His commitment to Jewish-Christian friendship, and to respect and peace for the whole human family, is inspiring and unparalleled.

These leaders, representing diverse political and religious perspectives, are united by a singular purpose: to strengthen support for Israel and the Jewish people in this critical hour.

On Tuesday, May 6, the summit continues with high-level meetings on Capitol Hill, including private sessions with Representative Scott Peters of California and Representatives Ritchie Torres of New York.

This growing coalition through the Israel Christian Nexus has rapidly become the largest known partnership of Jewish, Christian, and secular pro-Israel leaders convening in Washington to promote bipartisan, faith-based support for Israel. New leaders are joining these efforts daily.

With the goal of encouraging pro-Israel policies, the organizers launched the Israel Christian Nexus pastors network to facilitate and strengthen support for Israel throughout the year, among the denominations and organizations represented. The launch event was attended by influential leaders from religious and governmental sectors to underscore the importance of a united stand on behalf of Israel. Participating organizations included the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, the Israel Allies Foundation, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, and many others.

At the livestreamed launch event on May 5, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised the initiative, stating:

Bishop Stearns and all of youI just applaud what you're doing. Standing without apology right now, we have to speak with moral clarity, with conviction, and with consistency like never before, because the times call for that.

Later in the evening, Senator Cory Booker of New Jerseywho was in Israel during the October 7 attacksoffered deeply personal and stirring remarks:

The relationship between Israel and America is not a political oneit is a spiritual one. And I believe in the power of God Almighty, and we, His children, must make His love real on earth.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, echoed this sense of shared purpose:

The NHCLC and our tens of thousands of churches across the United States and Latin America are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my dear friend Bishop Robert Stearns, the Israel Christian Nexus, and our other coalition partners. Together, we are building an unshakable firewall against the rising tide of antisemitism and standing boldly on behalf of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. This is more than allianceit is a shared covenant rooted in our biblical mandate to bless Israel and seek justice.

The Israel Christian Nexus is founded on three pillars: education, relationship, and advocacy. These values will guide ongoing collaboration, outreach, and training for the growing network of faith leaders.

Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles Wings and president of the Israel Christian Nexus, concluded:

This unprecedented interfaith, bipartisan, and multi-denominational gathering of pastors and rabbis marks a historic moment in American historya moment in which we unite across our differences for the higher calling of human dignity and the common good. Together, we stand resolute against the existential threat of a nuclear Iran and the rising tide of antisemitism. Setting aside our important distinctions, we walk a shared path of peace and solidarityagainst hate and toward hope. This coalition stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when people of faith and conscience unite with clarity of purpose and unwavering resolve.

The newly launched Nexus pastors network also includes the opportunity for Christian leaders to participate in curated tours of Israel. Past participants frequently report that these visits dramatically deepened their understanding and galvanized their commitment to supporting Israel. Many return with congregants, multiplying the long-term impact.

To learn more about these groundbreaking efforts in Washington, D.C., and around the nationas well as the many additional initiatives of Eagles Wingsvisit eagleswings.org and israelchristiannexus.org.

SOURCE Eagles Wings

CONTACT:

Micah Wood, mwood@eagleswings.org

Stephen Jenks, sjenks@eagleswings.org

office@eagleswings.org, 716-759-1058
GAZA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The proposed model of distribution by Israel "falls far short of addressing the devastating hunger" in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said Tuesday.

"The manmade and politically motivated starvation in Gaza is an expression of absolute cruelty," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on the social media platform X.

"It cannot be addressed by weaponizing humanitarian assistance," Lazzarini added. "Humanitarian agencies have a set of principles to ensure assistance is delivered to all those in need, without exception."

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 UN has warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, reporting increasing signs of acute hunger, particularly among children.

In a recent press release, 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 non-governmental organizations to operate independently. 
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Florence Bank has announced the promotion of Amanda Constantilos of Belchertown to manager of its King Street branch, highlighting her nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry.

Constantilos began her career at Florence Bank in 2016 as a senior teller and has since held roles including teller operations manager at the Granby branch, as well as customer service representative and assistant branch manager in Hadley. She officially stepped into her new leadership role in May.

Marketing veteran Nick Papachristou appointed to Berkshire South Board of Trustees

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With 19 years of experience in banking, Constantilos is recognized for her strengths in customer service, communication, problem-solving, and employee development.

In her new position, Constantilos will lead the King Street branchs operations and team development efforts, with a focus on both customer relationships and community involvement.

I will make sure our customers feel welcome and taken care of from the moment they walk in, she said. Its about building real relationships and helping our community with big and small needs.

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity praised Constantilos for her continued commitment to the banks mission.

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We appreciate Amandas dedication to our customers, and we are proud to see her growing as a bank leader, Garrity said.

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.
When looking to see whats on the horizon for bad governance in Florida, its a good idea to look toward Texas.

Legislative actions enacted in the Lone Star State frequently serve as inspiration for Florida lawmakers.

It was Texas that passed the near-abortion-ban bill that Florida copied. It was Texas that gave Florida lawmakers the idea to make it illegal for local jurisdictions to mandate water breaks for outside workers during the summer months.

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And it was Texas that gave Florida the idea to cast aside First Amendment concerns by allowing religious chaplains to serve as counselors in public schools.

Its a two-way street. Sometimes Texas lawmakers adopt our bad ideas, like the way Texas copied our laws against vaccine mandates.

And sometimes we work on bad ideas at the same time  like the chemtrails legislation going on currently in both state legislatures.

The chemtrails bills imagine that sinister government theys are intentionally poisoning us from the skies, and controlling the paths of hurricanes for political reasons.

Laws based on unfounded conspiracy theories are a shared passion with Florida and Texas.

Texas shares Florida love of conspiracy based legislation with FURRIES Act

But I gotta say that Texas recently took a giant leap ahead of Florida. And it makes me concerned that this is what well be seeing soon in our state.

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Opinion: Gov. DeSantis, Florida lawmakers help spread 'chemtrails' conspiracy theory

Im talking about the FURRIES Act, a piece of legislation thats backed by Texas governor and is moving through the state legislature.

FURRIES stands for "Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education". The legislation is based on the imaginary occurrences of public schools providing litter boxes for students who identify as cats.

The FURRIES Act in Texas would make it illegal for students using a litter box for the passing of stool, urine, or other human byproducts in school. The bill also bans students from licking oneself or others for the purpose of grooming or maintenance.

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Its silent on coughing up hairballs.

The primary sponsor of the bill, Republican state Rep. Stan Gerdes, cant name a single school in Texas, which is a really big state, where litter boxes were installed in student restrooms or classrooms. But that didnt stop him.

I was informed that this is happening in districts across the state, and they do not have tools to prohibit these types of distractions," he said.

Furries attend Anthrocon 2023, one of the world's largest anthropomorphic conventions celebrating the furry subculture, in which people dress up or roleplay as animal characters, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2023.

Public school aren't giving students kitty litter boxes. That doesn't matter to Texas nor Florida.

It doesnt have to be true to be useful for Gov. Greg Abbott as he goes around the state championing school choice over traditional public schools.

In some small rural sections of school districts in the state of Texas, they have in their schools, what are called furries, Abbott told an audience of Christian pastors after the bill was filed. Kids go to school dressed up as cats with litter boxes in their classrooms.

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The misinformation campaign over litter boxes in public schools to accommodate students who identify as cats began four years ago in Canada and has been spreading in right-wing circles  including by Vice President JD Vance in his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign  despite being debunked over and over again.

Opinion Woke alert! Political indoctrination (right-wing) now on syllabus at New College

Youd think thered be just one photo or one principal owning up to it if it were real.

The myth got a big boost by podcaster Joe Rogan, who told the millions in his audience that a friends wife told him all about the litter boxes in her school where she taught.

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When Rogan was pressed for details, the story fell apart, and he admitted, I dont think they actually did it.

A furry passes by some events near the windows during Phoenix Fan Fusion at the Convention Center downtown on May 24, 2024, in Phoenix.

The litter box story has already popped up in Florida politics. Last year, Erika Picard, a Pinellas County School Board candidate aligned with the Moms for Liberty, used it as an example of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) run amok in public schools.

When you hear about kids identifying as whatever, and were now accommodating them with a kitty litter box in the bathroom, thats a problem, Picard said at a candidate forum.

And I have actually talked to families that have had that happen in their kids classroom. Its insanity. Its crazy, right?

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Its crazy, all right. And Texas is showing Florida the way. Once again.

Get ready. If I were a betting man, Id say some statewide kitty litter legislation is in our future.

Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached via email at FCerabino@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Florida join Texas fight against 'FURRIES' in schools? | Opinion
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  For Floridians whove faced repeated flooding, the state offered a possible solution: make their homes more storm-resistant with financial help from the new Elevate Florida program.

But how likely are some of those hurricane-stricken homeowners to get the help they need?

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8 on Your Side

The deadline to apply for the Elevate Florida program was in April. People like Nancy Biddle, who owns property in St. Pete beach, are waiting to hear if help is on the way or if funding cuts could leave them high and dry.

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News article leads to another charge against former New College official: MCSO

The front two apartments they would become garage and storage, and then the second flood would be built above it which would be the new apartments, Biddle said.

Last years hurricane season left Biddle with a hefty bill. Biddle owned three apartments in St. Pete Beach. Biddles sister lived in one; she rented out the other two.

Now, she needs to get all three repaired, but because of the damage done, code inspectors have determined she will need to make major changes to stormproof them against future hurricanes. The cost of making those improvements is not cheap.

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Right around $400,000, she said.

Thats why Biddle was thrilled to hear about the launch of Elevate Florida  a program designed to help people that need to do more than just fix whats broken. They need to renovate their properties, sometimes even redesign them completely to raise them above flood waters or storm surge.

I just thought that is fabulous, Biddle said. The state is doing something to help people.

Kevin Guthrie is the executive director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. In March, Guthrie told 8 On Your Side that the goal of Elevate Florida was to start raising homes in flood-prone areas by this summer.

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Not only is it going to help get people out of the floodway, by getting them out of the floodway, thats going to reduce their flood insurance premiums, Guthrie said.

In Nancy Biddles case, the program could cover at least 75% of the cost to raise her apartments. If she is approved. Biddle applied Feb. 14 and has been waiting ever since.

I got an email once its in process, but I havent heard anything from the lease at least three months, she said.

The state is relying on $400 million in federal funds to pay for the program. Elevate Florida stopped accepting new applications on April 11, citing funding limitations.

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That same day, the Federal Emergency Management Agency eliminated $300 million in funding for another program meant to help make communities across Florida less vulnerable to storms. It was called the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, or BRIC.

In a statement, a FEMA spokesperson wrote: The BRIC program was yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program. It was more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.

Ethan Frey of the Florida Policy Institute  a non-partisan, not-for-profit think tank  said eliminating programs like BRIC can leave Florida less prepared when the next hurricane comes.

Theyve cut numerous programs that fund Floridas emergency response network, Frey said.

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Frey said a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to unfreeze federal funding, meaning its possible the needed funds can flow soon, but Biddle worried that Elevate Florida could face the same fate as BRIC.

Im not really sure where this goes, Biddle said. If this, as the government program has ended, were kind of right back where we started.

I think theyre right to be worried, Frey said. Its in that same category of funding that the administration right now is labeling as waste fraud and abuse and so its definitely at risk and a lot of the FEMA funding is still frozen from what we understand. Most of these programs are still held up.

With hurricane season less than a month away, time is running out for Biddle to storm proof her property. She knows she has to adapt. She just hopes she can get some help doing it.

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We live in Florida, she said. Its what happens and theres no denying that we have to be productive in how we change the way we live.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management did not respond to our questions about the future of the Elevate Florida program, but they did issue a statement online that if more funding becomes available, the portal may reopen for more people to apply.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Floridians scared of "chemtrails" will soon have a way to voice their concerns about these streaks in the sky.

On May 6, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would sign (SB 56), which would prohibit "geoengineering and weather modification activities" in Florida, including cloud seeding. It's the process of releasing tiny particles into the air to increase precipitation, a practice used in arid parts of the Southwestern United States like Utah to increase the water supply.

The Senate's bill tracking website showed that the measure still had not been sent to the governor's desk. He will have "seven consecutive days" to act once he receives it, under the state constitution; lawmakers extended the yearly regular session because they did not reach agreement on the state budget. They're expected to return to Tallahassee May 12.

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"Florida is not a testing ground for geoengineering," DeSantis posted on X. "We already do not permit this type of activity, but we are going the next step to ensure it does not happen in this state.

"As soon as it reaches my desk, I will be signing the recently passed Senate Bill 56 to prohibit the release of chemicals into our skies to alter the weather or atmosphere. The Free State of Florida means freedom from governments or private actors unilaterally applying chemicals or geoengineering to people or public spaces."

Even though the federal government has stated it does not modify the weather and that solar geoengineering is "nonexistent," Florida's elected officials this session backed legislation that plays into a decades-old conspiracy theory that the government is spreading chemicals in the air, in some cases to control people's minds.

Contrails on a cool March day are seen over the skies of Melbourne, Florida.

"We have a right to know what is being introduced into our atmosphere and what the potential ramifications are," added Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Coral Gables, the bill's sponsor, at an event with DeSantis in Miami. "We must demand accountability and oversight to ensure that the pursuit of technological solutions do not overcome at the expense of our health, environment and our future."

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Marla Maples, President Donald Trump's ex-wife, advocated for the bill, Garcia said, and Maples was at the bill signing. At the start of her comments, Garcia appeared to faint after asking for a moment to sit down, but minutes later finished her speech at the lectern.

"We are sending a powerful message to the nation and the world that we prioritize the health of our environment and the right of our citizens to clean, unmanipulated skies," she said. DeSantis called Garcia "determined" for leading the effort to pass the legislation.

What are 'chemtrails'?

As previously reported, some believe cloud seeding, contrails and "chemtrails" are all intertwined. (The term contrail is a portmanteau of "condensation" and "trail"; chemtrail is "chemical" and "trail.")

Contrails are the line-shaped clouds visible behind aircraft engines under certain atmospheric conditions. They happen when hot, humid air from the engines condenses into ice crystals in the cold air, the National Weather Service says. Some, however, believe these are "chemtrails," or evidence of the government researching solar geoengineering, a theoretical practice which would modify the atmosphere to shade Earths surface by reflecting sunlight back into space.

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Tennessee became the first state last year to enact a law banning geoengineering. Other states followed suit, including Kentucky and Arizona. Iowa also is considering it.

In Florida, the bill will prohibit: "The injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.""

It will also require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to track complaints and information from residents with concerns about "chemtrails."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has debunked the "chemtrail" conspiracy and other myths, like the government has the possibility to modify hurricanes. "No technology exists that can create, destroy, modify, strengthen or steer hurricanes in any way, shape or form," NOAA says.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis to ban weather modification, track 'chemtrail' complaints
Police in Collier County, Florida are investigating what appears to be a bear attack that took the life of a man and one dog.

According to The New York Times, the police were contacted just after 7 a.m. on Monday morning regarding a fatal wildlife attack in an unincorporated area just north of Everglades City, Florida. As of Monday afternoon, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said the animal involved in the attack was likely still in the area, leading them to issue a warning: Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, and avoid the area.

Related: Video Shows Man Narrowly Escaping Polar Bear Attack

Authorities have yet to release any of the specifics regarding the incident, including the mans name, age, or the circumstances surrounding the suspected attack. The victims cause of death has yet to be determined.

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According to the commission, Florida is home to more than 4,000 black bears, some of whom live in Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida, which is close to where the attack occurred. While bears have been known to wander into residential areas, presumably in search of food, bear-on-human attacks are rare. Since 2006, The New York Times noted, only 42 encounters of a bear making contact with a human have been documented, meaning an average of 2.2 per year.

Related: Viral Video Shows Man in Bear Costume Take on Real Black Bear

The commission has a page on its website dedicated to what to do in the event of encountering a bear. In addition to standing upright, they advise that you speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice; back up slowly toward a secure area, be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route; avoid direct eye contactbears and other animals may view this as aggressive behavior; stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear.

What shouldnt you do? Run, play dead, approach the animal, or make any sudden movements. Most importantly, do not try to flee the animal by climbing into a tree. According to the commission, black bears can climb 100 feet up a tree in 30 seconds. Now you know.
Are you REAL ID-ready? You have less than 48 hours to do so.

Starting tomorrow, every traveler over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card (or a valid passport or passport card) to board a commercial aircraft within the United States.

A REAL ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver's license or ID that meets new security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11. The deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Here's what Florida travelers should know.

When will REAL ID be enforced? See deadline

Starting on May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card will be required for any adult U.S. resident to:

Board federally regulated commercial aircraft

Access federal government facilities or military installations

Enter nuclear power plants

Fortunately, you probably already have one. You're already good to go if you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID in Florida?

Florida drivers licenses and state-issued IDs that are REAL ID compliant have white stars in gold circles at the top right.

Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant.

What do I do if I don't have a REAL ID? How do I get a REAL ID in Florida?

You'll need to make an appointment at a local driver's license service center or tax collector's office if:

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You don't already have a REAL ID card or your existing ID is not REAL ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025

Your name has changed by marriage, divorce, or court order since the last time you got a card

What do I need to get a REAL ID card in Florida?

Youll need to bring original copies of primary documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status, and date of birth. You can find the list of accepted documents here.

NOTE: Birth certificates must be issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not considered certified documents and will not be accepted.

There are different document lists for immigrants, non-immigrants, and Canadians wanting a REAL ID card.

If my Florida driver's license is not REAL ID compliant, can I renew it online?

No. You'll need to present identification documents in person to receive your REAL ID card, but after that, you can renew online.

How much is a REAL ID card in Florida?

The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including a learners permit) is $48, a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75 and endorsements are $7 each.

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The fee for an ID Card is $25. Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.

Can't get a REAL ID by deadline? See alternative identifications

According to the Transportation Security Administration, these are the acceptable forms of REAL ID:

State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)

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

Permanent resident card

Border crossing 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

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: REAL ID in Florida: See May deadline, alternative identifications
A 69-year-old Florida woman says shes stuck in bureaucratic limbo  and its all because of one missing document from half a century ago.

Jane Schleppenbach, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, recently moved to Interlachen from Washington State and tried to transfer her drivers license to Florida. But she was denied a Real ID because she couldnt produce a copy of her first marriage certificate  from when she got married at age 18 in Colorado.

I had everything except a copy of my first marriage license from 50 years ago, Schleppenbach told Action News Jax.

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Without that piece of paper, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles wont issue her a Real ID  something Americans will need starting May 7 to board domestic flights, enter certain federal buildings, and access military bases.

Schleppenbach says shes searched military archives, called counties, and even had a clerk check microfilm  but no record of the marriage exists.

Read: Back-to-back e-bike crashes involving children prompt safety crackdown in St. Johns County

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I called the county and they looked in their microfilm and they didnt have it. They didnt have anything like that, she said.

Dont change your name  because if anything gets messed up, I look at it kind of as a harassment, she said. Women face more issues due to name changes tied to marriage or divorce.

Read: Student loan collections have resumed: What borrowers in default need to know

The DMV requires proof of all name changes to ensure identities match across official documents  a process that can be especially difficult for women and older adults with long histories.

Schleppenbach says the system is unfairly stacked against people like her.

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It makes me feel kind of oppressed. Its a very cumbersome thing, that you have to have all these different things, she said.

Action News Jax has reached out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for answers about how these rules affect seniors and women  and is still waiting to hear back.

She said shes still working to meet the deadline and hopes her story raises awareness  and helps others avoid the same frustrating roadblock.

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Former Chancellor Angela Merkel was among several special guests watching on from the gallery as parliament prepared to elect conservative Friedrich Merz as chancellor.

Merkel and Merz - both members of the Christian Democrats (CDU) - fell out after Merkel gained the party leadership in 2002, with Merz gradually withdrawing from politics to pursue a career in corporate law before returning after Merkel's retirement in 2021.

Merkel has since congratulated her former rival on his February election win, and wished him "good fortune."

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Wearing a pale yellow blazer, Merkel briefly got up, smiled and waved to assembled lawmakers when Bundestag President Julia Klockner welcomed her to Tuesday's session.

Merkel was sat next to Rita Sussmuth, who served as president of the Bundestag from 1988 to 1998.

Other guests included the president of the upper house, Anke Rehlinger, and the German parliament's commissioner for the armed forces, Eva Hogl.

Angela Merkel (R), former German Chancellor, talks in the gallery before the election of the Chancellor in the Bundestag. The election and swearing-in of the Chancellor and the new Federal Government takes place in the Bundestag. Michael Kappeler/dpa
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged a former Murray County school bus driver with one felony count of grooming a minor.

On Thursday, April 24, the Murray County Sheriffs Office requested the GBI investigate Kenneth Knight, 55, of Dalton, Georgia, after allegations surfaced about him having inappropriate contact with students.

Knight was booked into the Murray County Adult Detention Center.

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The Murray County Sheriffs Office issued the following statement: "On April 23rd, 2025, a complaint was brought to the School Resource Officers attention regarding unprofessional conduct of a Murray County School Bus Driver after the morning route was completed.

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The initial report was processed and the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region One was requested. The school bus driver was not allowed to complete an afternoon route and was terminated on the 24th of April."

Anyone with information about Knight is encouraged to submit a tip by calling 800-597-8477 or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Once the GBIs investigation is completed, the case will be given to the Murray County District Attorneys Office for prosecution.

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STRASBOURG, France, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) doesn't feel pressured to yield to an imbalanced trade agreement with the United States, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

"We do not feel weak. We do not feel under undue pressure to accept a deal which would not be fair for us," Sefcovic told the European Parliament, emphasizing that the EU had already tested and put forward proposals to the United States.

"As you can imagine, it's not easy," he noted, adding that despite the EU's sincere efforts, the negotiations with the U.S. may ultimately fail to reach a successful outcome.

The EU is currently subject to 25 percent U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, along with 10 percent reciprocal tariffs on most other exports. The bloc has been preparing for the possible end of a 90-day tariff truce, after which these levies could rise to 20 percent when the pause expires on July 8.

Sefcovic reiterated that the EU is prepared to reintroduce rebalancing measures if negotiations fail. "We are preparing for the possible and might-be-needed rebalancing," he said, referring to retaliatory tariffs the EU had initially suspended to allow room for talks.

Sefcovic also signaled that the EU may pursue legal action against U.S. tariffs through the World Trade Organization, describing the tariffs as "simply unjust, unfair, and in total breach of international commercial law."

He noted that beyond the transatlantic relationship, the EU is diversifying efforts to expand its trade ties with other global partners, emphasizing the need to tap into the 87 percent of global trade that does not involve the United States.

In recent months, the bloc has advanced or finalized trade agreements with the South American trade bloc Mercosur, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, in clear steps toward diversifying its economic partnerships. 
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A former investigator with the Houston County Sheriffs Office accused of stealing cash evidence related to a bank robbery will not face prison.

Court records show Chris Summerlin was granted the pre-trial diversion after pleading guilty and coming to an agreement with the District Attorneys Office and the Houston County Sheriffs Office before an indictment.

The District Attorneys Office tells WDHN that Summerlin has already paid restitution and has been ordered to take theft classes. He also had to forfeit his Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training certification.

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In August 2024, Summerlin was charged with theft of property in the second degree.

If Summerlin completes all requirements for the diversion program and is not arrested again, the charges will be dismissed.

Former Houston County deputy arrested on theft charges

According to the DAs office, Sumerlin was accused of stealing approximately $2,200 in cash evidence from the Houston County Sheriffs Office.

The stolen cash had been recovered from a 2022 bank robbery in Ashford. The theft was discovered when the HCSO tried to return around $5,000 in stolen cash to MidSouth Bank, and investigators found the $2,200 missing.

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Reports show that shortly before Summerlin turned himself in, he had been fired from the HCSOs Criminal Investigation Division after an internal investigation into the missing money.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A former Las Vegas police officer in prison for killing a woman in 1997 refused to attend his parole hearing Monday.

Arthur Sewell, 58, a former Las Vegas Metro police officer, began serving a six to 15-year prison sentence in 2023 after entering a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter with the use of a deadly weapon enhancement.

Nadia Iverson, 20, died of a gunshot wound in May 1997. Her body was found inside a home under construction in downtown Las Vegas. An investigation revealed that Iverson may have been sexually assaulted.

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Iversons family was at Mondays hearing to object to Sewells early release. In a small hearing room in Las Vegas, a live video feed appeared to show an empty chair at Ely State Prison, unoccupied by Sewell, who parole board officials said refused to attend the hearing.

Former Las Vegas police officer up for parole in womans 1997 killing

Iversons family flew in from Pennsylvania at their own expense to argue against Sewells release and were able to speak to the parole board despite Sewells absence Monday.

As you see today, he is not present, Marie Coker, Iversons sister, told the board. Which honestly is a relief for every one of us. We were actually rejoicing in the hallway. Because its hard. I believe Arther Sewell became a police officer not to serve and protect, but to serve himself.

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After the hearing, Coker spoke exclusively with the 8 News Now Investigators, and called Sewell arrogant, unremorseful, smug, narcissistic.

Not seeing him was an act of, a silver lining, for us to be spared seeing  because we knew what we were going to see, Coker said. You know. Time and time again, every hearing, the lemon look on his face. The angry  I mean, pure evil on his eyes. I just, just knowing that that was the last person she saw is so grieving to me.

The hearing officer said the parole board considered Sewell a low risk, which according to the Nevada Parole Risk Assessment form on the boards website, is anywhere from 0-6. The hearing officer said Sewell is a three.

After approximately a seven-minute hearing, he said a case worker would have the boards decision within two to three weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
(WHTM)  A former city administrator who misused more than half a million dollars that was supposed to be used for transit projects was sentenced Monday.

William Nichols, 72, of Williamsport, was sentenced by Judge Scott Evans to spend a year on probation after he pled guilty to felony charges of theft  failing to make required disposition of funds and tampering with public record/information, online court records state.

Nichols was charged in September 2024 in Dauphin County following an investigation that was handled by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

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Nichols was the Williamsport City Administrator, and part of his responsibilities was overseeing funding for the River Valley Transit, a public transit authority.

Rite Aid files for bankruptcy again: What to know, and how it could impact you

The funds were from PennDOT, which is headquartered in Harrisburg, thus him being charged in Dauphin County.

The AGs Office said he misused more than $500,000 from 2012 to 2020 that was supposed to be for transit projects.

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However, the AGs Office said that he never used any of the citys funds for himself.

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Investigators looked at years worth of records from the city and River Valley Transit.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo confirmed last week that she is looking into running for president in 2028.

Raimondo served as the 40th Secretary of Commerce in the Biden Administration.

She told a past advisor to former President Obama that she may be a future presidential candidate during a convention at the University of Chicago.

In the video above, Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joined Joe Cortese on 12 News This Morning to discuss the announcement and Raimondos chances.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The District Attorney General for the 31st Judicial District of Tennessee announced that a former wrestler known to fans as The Dumpster faces an indictment for an attempted child sex crime charge.

District Attorney Chris Stanford announced that Michael Droese, known to World Wrestling Federation fans as Duke The Dumpster Droese, was indicted on one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor following intervention from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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On April 21, 2024, Droese allegedly used a Coinbase account to try to purchase child sexual assault material from the Dark Web, Stanford said in a press release, but the transaction was flagged and terminated before the transaction could be completed. The FBI received a tip from Coinbase regarding Droeses attempt to purchase the CSAM. On March 19, the Warren County Sheriffs Office received a tip from the FBI about the alleged conduct.

On March 24, Stanford said he requested help from the TBIs Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to further investigate Droese. Stanford added that within weeks, a special agent presented him with sound investigative findings and he charged Droese.

Bail was set by the Circuit Court at $10,000 and Droese reportedly turned himself in to the Warren County Sheriffs Department where he was booked and immediately released upon paying bond.

All sexual related crimes against children occurring in Warren or Van Buren counties will be aggressively prosecuted by my office, no matter who you are, Stanford said in a press release. Be forewarned.

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Additionally, Droese was reportedly employed as a DUI coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program. Stanford said Droese had served within the program for years in various capacities, but added that at no point in his service was he given a job duty that mandated contact with children. All program participants are adults  with no exceptions.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Upon learning about the indictment, the director of the program reportedly told Stanford that Droese was terminated from his employment effective immediately.

Droeses arraignment has been set for May 28.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
May 5SWANTON  Fort Jennings native Jayden Saxton was one of nine Ohio 5th Congressional students nominated and recognized by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) on their acceptance to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies at 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio National Guard, Sunday.

Saxton will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Each student received offers of appointment for the Class of 2029.

"I thank each and every student for stepping up to serve our country, and I know they will do well as they embark on this new journey," Latta said in a press release.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK)  UT Health East Texas partnered with Four Seasons Womens Health on Monday, advancing their skills in personalized care for women across East Texas.

East Texas mom of 8 pursues healthcare track at TJC after nurses help save her husbands life

UT Health East Texas will continue health practices at their current 2017 Rickety Lane location in Tyler, which will now serve as part of UT Health East Texas Womens Services. This team will practice advanced obstetrics and gynecology care, according to UT Health East Texas.

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Four Seasons Womens Health physicians are also employees of the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine which allows them to share their expertise by educating future physicians. The chair of womens health at UT Tyler School of Medicine Department, Dr. Sherilyn A. Willis, will supervise faculty development for both the School of Medicine and the care team.

The transition will introduce Epic, an electronic health record system, while also providing services such as comprehensive obstetric and genecology care, contraception counseling, infertility evaluation and high-risk pregnancy care.

Rep. Harris bill to make Texas Nuclear Capitol of the World passes State House

For more information visit UTHealthEastTexas.com or call 903-533-8811.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  FOX 16 News officially announced the promotion of Arkansas Storm Team meteorologist Joel Young as the stations new Chief Meteorologist.

Joel brings more than a decade of experience to the Arkansas Storm Team. His work has earned him certification through the American Meteorological Society, an Emmy nomination and AP awards.

Since graduating from Mississippi State University in 2012, he has served in Sioux Falls, SD; Biloxi, MS; Tupelo, MS and Memphis, TN.

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Joel joined the Arkansas Storm Team in March of 2022 and has worked to keep Arkansans weather aware ever since.

Im so grateful for the trust thats been placed in me, and even more grateful to work alongside a team as talented and dedicated as this one, Joel said when asked how he feels in this new role. Im proud to represent FOX 16 and to continue building on the strength of the Arkansas Storm Team.

To catch him when hes off air, you can follow him on Twitter at @joel_off_air, on Instagram at @joel_off_air or on Facebook at @JoelOffAir.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
UPDATE (3:14 pm, May 8) : 22-year-old Daniel Namutereza of Utica has received two new charges stemming from his three stabbings over the weekend.

From the Amazon warehouse incident, Namutereza picked up additional charges of:

second-degree Assault, a Class D Violent Felony, and

fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class A Misdemeanor.

UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Utica Police arrested a man on Monday who allegedly stabbed a convenience store clerk  along with a pedestrian and an Amazon warehouse employee  over the weekend.

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On Sunday, May 4, at approximately 4:55 pm, Utica Police officers and firefighters were called to the 600 block of Bleecker Street regarding a stabbing. Upon their arrival, they spoke with people who stated an unknown male  later identified as 22-year-old Daniel Namutereza of Utica  entered the convenience store and attempted to make a purchase there, which was declined on his credit card.

According to police, Namutereza attempted to make a smaller purchase, at which point he began to argue with the clerk. As the argument escalated, Namutereza brandished a knife and stabbed the clerk in the face.

Namutereza then exited the store and stabbed another pedestrian without provocation. He then fled the scene on foot.

Later in the day, as officers were interviewing victims from the previous incidents, a report came in that a male similar to Namutereza was threatening patrons of the North Utica plaza with a knife. He fled on foot before officers were able to respond to the area.

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On Monday, May 5, the New York/New Jersey Marshals Regional Task Force provided the Utica Police with information on Namuterezas identity. With that information, both forces were able to conduct surveillance of his residence. When Namutereza exited the residence, he was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Utica Police Department

Namutereza was also a suspect in an incident at the Amazon Warehouse in Frankfort earlier in the day. According to the Rome Sentinel, at approximately 3 am that same day, Namutereza allegedly stabbed an Amazon associate, also in the face. Their identity has not been released, nor has their condition.

Namutereza was charged with:

First-degree Attempted Assault, a Class B Violent Felony,

second-degree Assault, a Class D Violent Felony, and

fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class A Misdemeanor.

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Utica Police have said additional charges are likely as the investigation continues. None of the victims identities or current conditions have been released.

Utica Police were also assisted in the investigation by the Town of Frankfort Police, as well as security officers at the Amazon Warehouse in Frankfort.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Twenty-six fallen law enforcement officers from Madison County will be honored in this ceremony.

The ceremony will take place on Wednesday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6 Memorial Wall on the south side of the Madison County Courthouse. The ceremony is said to start at 6 p.m. and is supposed to last around one hour.

FOP is encouraging the public to attend to remember the fallen officers.

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Speakers at this memorial are said to include Lodge Spokesman Donny Shaw, Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles, Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon.

The following fallen officers will be honored:

Deputy U.S. Marshal John Byron Hardie

United States Department of Justice  United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, December 8, 1880

Hardie was 31 when he was killed. He was shot and killed in Marshall County while he and two other federal agents tried to serve a warrant for illicit distilling. FPD said the agents approached several men and when Hardie identified himself and said one of the men had a warrant, one of the men opened fire and Hardie was hit in the head with a shotgun bullet. One of the other agents was hit in the leg as he tried to take cover.

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Officer William J. Street

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, October 8, 1883

Street was 42 when he was killed. He served a 10-year tour and was a Confederate Civil War Veteran who served in Russells 4th Alabama Cavalry as a private. Street was killed when he was hit in the head with an axe as he investigated a disturbance at a home near the citys fairgrounds at Holmes Avenue and Pulaski Pike. When Street arrived at the house, he found it was occupied by a man. As Street began to leave the house, another man who was hidden in a closet came up behind Street and hit him on the head with an axe. He died as a result of the impact. FOP said the killer was taken from the jail by an angry mob of citizens and lynched.

Deputy Tim Anderson

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, July 7, 1887

Anderson was killed as he brought an inmate breakfast to their cell. FOP said the inmate, 20, was in prison for robbery and arson, grabbed the iron fastening used to lock his cell and attacked Anderson, beating him upside the head. Anderson was killed almost instantly, the Officer Down Memorial Page says. The inmate who killed Anderson was seriously wounded in 1888 when he was awaiting trial. ODMP says the inmate tried to attack another jailer in the Madison County Jail. That inmate was committed and died in the Searcy Mental Hospital in Nov. 1920.

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Constable William A. Russell, Jr.

Madison Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Sunday, November 22, 1903

Russell was 65 when he was killed. He was killed when he was hit on the head by a woman wielding an axe while he tried to serve court papers to the woman. The papers were the result of the womans failure to pay for furniture. The 33-year-old woman was charged with Russells murder and sentenced to life in prison. She later died in prison in 1905 from tuberculosis. Russell had previously served as a deputy for the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Officer Frank McKissack

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Friday, May 26, 1916

McKissack was 31 when he was killed. He served a 3-year tour. McKissack was shot and killed as he and another HPD officer tried to stop two boys who were trying to hop on an outbound train near the Huntsville Depot around 2:20 a.m. One of the suspects opened fire on the officers, hitting McKissack in the chest. Despite the wound, McKissack opened fire back and wounded the suspect who shot him. The 17-year-old was taken into custody by McKissacks partner. The teen was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, but was pardoned by Governor B. M. Miller in 1932.

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Deputy Sheriff J. C. (James Crawford) Drake

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, December 11, 1928

Drake was 42 when he was killed. Drake was shot as he tried to serve a civil paper on a man. The said man was in possession of another persons mule, and a bond had been issued to have the mule returned to the owner. As Drake tried to deliver the bond, the suspect opened fire on him, killing him. The suspect was never arrested.

Deputy Sheriff Hugh Craft

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Wednesday, June 12, 1929

Craft was 55 when he was killed. FOP said Craft was assassinated because of his previous work as a federal prohibition agent. Craft was driving from his farm in Gurley to Huntsville when he was ambushed and shot in the face with a shotgun. The two suspects then shot him in the head with a pistol before fleeing. Weeks later, one of the suspects was arrested and charged with murder, but was later released due to a lack of evidence. Deputy Craft had recently retired as a federal prohibition agent before being appointed a deputy sheriff in Madison County. He had previously served as the chief of police of the Gurley Police Department.

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Deputy Sheriff William Thomas McMinn

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, October 7, 1939

McMinn was killed when he was shot in the back while trying to serve a warrant at a community dance. Two suspects were arrested for McMinns murder. One of the suspects was found guilty and the second was acquitted of the murder. Both suspects were later shot to death by angry citizens.

Officer Ewell B. Starr

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, December 5, 1953

Starr was 36 when he was killed. He served a 3-year tour. Starr died from his injuries in a motorcycle crash while on duty. A vehicle pulled in front of him at Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street as he was responding to an accident, which caused the collision. Officer Starr had served with the Huntsville Police Department for three years.

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Officer Alan S. Logel, Jr.

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, November 19, 1956

Logel was 40 when he was killed. He was also a military veteran. Unfortunately, Logel had a heart attack as a result of a stressful incident while on duty at Wellman Avenue at Coleman Street NE. He was killed as a result of this health incident.

Police Chief Emmett C. Bright

New Hope Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, November 7, 1957

Bright was 54 when he was killed. He was shot as he and another officer tried to arrest a man on drunk and disorderly charges. As the officers were trying to wrestle the man into a patrol car, two men approached with a shotgun, demanding that the officers let their friend go. However, they then shot Bright three times and both suspects were arrested a few hours later. Both suspects were convicted of second-degree murder in 1958. The suspect who shot Bright was sentenced to 15 years in prison and the other suspect was sentenced to 13 years.

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Police Officer Charles E. Drake, Jr.

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, July 23, 1962

Drake Jr. was 27 when he was killed. He also served a 3-year tour. Drake Jr. was killed in a motorcycle accident while responding to another accident on Highway 72. He was driving on Jordan Lane when another vehicle turned in front of him, causing the collision.

Police Officer Preston R. Butler

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Friday, June 3, 1966

Butler was 27 when he was killed. He also served a 5-year tour. Butler died from his injuries from a motorcycle crash while en route to another accident call three weeks prior. The fuel tank ruptured and Butler was trapped beneath the motorcycle while on the parkway near Oakwood Avenue. He suffered burns over 90% of his body and was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

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Police Officer William T. Gaskin

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, August 27, 1968

Gaskin was 22 when he was killed. Gaskin was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Toll Gate Road. He radioed to dispatch that he was making the stop and was found with gunshot wounds by other officers who arrived on the scene. He was still holding the suspects drivers license when he was found. The suspect was committed to a mental institution, where he was stabbed to death two years later.

Police Officer Gaskin was a U.S. Army veteran who had only served with the Huntsville Police Department for three months.

Investigator Kenneth James McDonald

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, May 26, 1975

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McDonald was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer after responding to a shots fired call. While he and other deputies arrived, they found an elderly man shooting at a utility worker. A running gun battle started and McDonald was killed in the exchange.

Police Officer Billy Fred Clardy, Jr.

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Wednesday, May 3, 1978

Clardy was 26 years old when he was killed. He was involved in a single-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 72 at the intersection with Old Gurley Road while en route to meet another officer. His vehicle left the roadway and hit a rock wall when he was killed. Officer Clardy had served with the Huntsville Police Department for three years.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Robert Lewis

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, November 1, 1994

Lewis was shot and killed when he and two other deputies tried to serve commitment papers on a mentally ill suspect. The suspect was waiting for the officers to arrive with a shotgun and binoculars. When the deputies arrived, knocked on the door and identified themselves, the suspect opened fire and killed Lewis. The suspect also shot Deputy Billy Thrower, who was able to return fire and kill the suspect.

Deputy Sheriff Billy Joe Thrower

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Sunday, September 17, 1995

Thrower was 41 when he was killed. He died from his injuries from the same incident that killed Deputy Lewis in 1994. The suspect was waiting for the officers to arrive with a shotgun and binoculars. When the deputies arrived, knocked on the door and identified themselves, the suspect opened fire and killed Lewis. While he was injured, Thrower was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Thrower had been with the agency for 16 years.

Trooper Willis Von Moore

Alabama Department of Public Safety, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, February 26, 1996

Moore was 34 when he was killed. He died in a vehicle crash while responding to another crash call north of Huntsville. He was driving with his emergency equipment activated when he was forced into the guardrail by several cars who refused to grant him the right of way as he approached a bridge on Route 431, north of Bob Wallace Lane. The guardrail impaled the patrol car through the steering column. Emergency workers freed Moore by cutting away the roof of the patrol car and then rushed him to the hospital. He died as a result of the injuries later that night. No charges were filed against the driver who pulled in front of him. Moore had served with the Alabama Department of Public Safety for one year.

Deputy Sheriff Haskel Gene McLane

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, May 31, 2001

McLane was 53 when he was killed. He died in a vehicle wreck while trying to locate an armed, drunk man who was threatening another person. The suspect was reported to be driving to a house and McLane was trying to stop him. He spotted the vehicle that fit the description and began to chase it on a curvy road. His vehicle slid off the roadway and hit a tree on the drivers door at West Limestone Road, west of Hazel Green. Deputy McLane was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Madison County Sheriffs Department for nine years.

Police Officer Daniel Howard Golden

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, August 29, 2005

Golden was 27 when he was killed. He was shot when he responded to a domestic disturbance call at a restaurant on Jordan Lane. Golden was shot in the head when he arrived on the scene and was taken to Huntsville Hospital, where he later died. One suspect, identified by the FOP as an illegal alien, was taken into custody at the scene and was charged with capital murder. He was sentenced to death, but in 2015, he committed suicide by hanging himself in his prison cell. Officer Golden had served with the Huntsville Police Department for three years and was

assigned to the West Precinct.

Police Officer William Eric Freeman

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, December 15, 2007

Freeman was 36 when he was killed. He was shot when he and his partner responded to an accident on Bailey Cove Road near Weatherly Road around 8:45 p.m. on December 14, 2007. When they arrived on the scene, they found one of the subjects sitting on a curb. As the officers approached the subject and tried to arrest him for DUI, the man showed a handgun and shot Freeman in the face. The other officer, with the help of two bystanders, was able to contain the suspect and take him into custody. The suspect was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Freeman was taken to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries the next morning. Officer Freeman had served with the Huntsville Police Department for 3 years.

Police Officer Keith ONeal Earle

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Monday, April 9, 2018

Earle was 46 when he was killed. He died from his injuries sustained in a vehicle crash on March 26, 2018, at the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Grizzard Road. He was taken to the Huntsville Hospital, where he died. Officer Earle had served with the Huntsville Police Department for 25 years.

Agent Billy Fred Clardy, III

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Friday, December 6, 2019

Clardy III was 48 when he was killed. He was shot while participating in a narcotics operation with the HIDTA Gulf Coast Task Force. The task force was conducting a buy-bust operation at a home on Levert Street near the intersection of Oakwood Avenue. The agents tried to take the suspect into custody as the man delivered a large amount of narcotics at the house. The suspect immediately opened fire, hitting Clardy in an area not protected by his vest. The man, 42, fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody shortly after. He was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death.

Agent Clardy was a U.S. Army veteran. He had served with the Huntsville Police Department for

14 years and had previously served with the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, the Ardmore

Police Department, and the Fayetteville, Tennessee, Police Department. Agent Clardys father, Police Officer Billy Clardy, Jr., was also killed in the line of duty while serving with the Huntsville Police Department. Officer Clardy, Jr., was killed in a vehicle crash on May 3rd, 1978.

Investigator Steven Ray Finley

Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama

End of Watch Friday, January 14, 2022

Finley was 59 when he died. Finley died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Investigator Finley was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Madison County

Sheriffs Office for 29 years.

Police Officer Garrett Crumby

Huntsville Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Crumby was 36 when he was killed. While responding to a shots-fired call on Governors House Drive, Crumby was shot. A female called 911 and reported that she had been shot. When Crumby and another officer responded, they were ambushed by the subject. Both officers were taken to Huntsville Hospital, where Crumby died from his injuries and the other was in critical condition. The subject was taken into custody and charged with capital murder of a law enforcement officer. Officer Crumby had served with the Huntsville Police Department for three years and previously served with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for eight years.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MACAO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The tourism office of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government said on Tuesday that, according to preliminary statistics, the SAR had welcomed 849,819 visitors on May 1-5, a 40.7 percent increase compared to last year.

The average number of daily visitors was around 170,000, exceeding the 158,000 daily average from 2019, the office said, noting on May 2, the number of visitors reached nearly 222,000, setting a new record for the highest single-day visitor arrival since the pandemic.

Industry sources also revealed that the average hotel occupancy rate in Macao during the holiday period was 94.1 percent, an increase of five percentage points compared to last year. 
Donald Trump has now been president (again) for 100 days. Trump is not a humble man. It should be no surprise that he is trumpeting his accomplishments very loudly. As Trump sees them, his great accomplishments include being a great man of history who has left an indelible mark on the trajectory of the United States and the world.

Donald Trump, who was declared a de facto king or emperor by the right-wing extremist justices on the Supreme Court, has more power than any American president before him, and he is using it to advance his political and personal goals. Trump has been mostly successful in crushing, bending and smashing Americas democratic norms and institutions and the larger culture to fit his will.

Donald Trump, both directly and indirectly, is using his return to the presidency to further increase his already vast amounts of wealth and financial power. This is a conflict of interest and extreme moral hazard that has no precedent in modern American history. If politics is fundamentally the realm of affluence and influence, Donald Trump has both in extreme abundance.

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In a series of interviews, speeches, and other communications marking his 100 day return, Trump has announced that he has not made any mistakes and I run the country and the world. Trump told his MAGA people at a celebratory rally in Michigan that, Were here tonight in the heartland of our nation to celebrate the most successful first 100 days of any administration in the history of our country.Weve just gotten started. You havent even seen anything yet. On Thursday, Trump delivered the commencement speech at the University of Alabama. He told the audience that, They all hated me in my first term, and now theyre kissing my a**. Its amazing. Its nicer this way.

In an Oval Office meeting with his Cabinet and other senior advisors to commemorate his 100 days back in power, they took turns praising their Dear Leader. North Koreas ruler Kim Jong Un would have been envious. Donald Trump was in his element; Trump recently told The Atlantic magazine that, "Im having a lot of fun, considering what I do.You know, what I do is such serious stuff.

Donald Trump is receiving narcissistic fuel in abundance. It would be a first-order error in reasoning and inference to separate Trumps style of personalist rule and autocracy from his personality and mind. They are entangled with one another in a synergistic relationship.

Trumps views of his accomplishments are not shared by the American people. A series of public opinion polls have shown that across a range of major issues (the economy, immigration, democracy and the rule of law, safety and security, etc.) the American people view Trumps first 100 days very negatively, if not as being an outright disaster. In total, Donald Trumps polling numbers are the worst in 80 years for an American president at this early point in his tenure. For example, a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll shows that a plurality of Americans give Donald Trump a failing grade, an F, for his first 100 days back in power. In a new poll from PRRI, a majority of Americans describe Trump as being a dictator. However, a new poll from Pew Research Center shows Donald that Trump is still loved by members of the (White) Christian right. Pews findings include how, In addition to approving of Trumps job, 57% of White evangelical Protestants say they trust what he says more than what previous presidents said while in office.

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These huge divides in American public opinion and politics will decide the future of American democracy and freedom.

In an attempt to gain a better perspective and insights on Donald Trumps first 100 days back in power, what may happen next, and what has already been lost, I reached out to a range of leading experts. I also asked them the following question: If these first 100 days of Trumps administration are indeed the good times as compared to what will come next, what do they want to prepare the American people for?

This is the third part of a three-part series.

Ryan Wiggins is Chief of Staff for the Lincoln Project where she previously served as the Communications Director. Before joining The Lincoln Project, Ryan ran Full Contact Strategies, a political media consulting firm specializing in political strategy, campaign communication, crisis communications, public affairs, issues management and media relations.

I am angry and upset over how Trump and his administration and MAGA are wrecking our economy, destroying the Western alliance, and removing America from its leadership position in the world. They are incompetent, vengeful and dont give a damn about the country. The country is less safe and less strong now because of what theyve done in the first 100 days.

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And Im not alone. The polls show that independents who helped Trump win the election are getting buyers remorse, as his poll numbers are dropping to lows that Trump has never seen before.

The chaos, confusion, and absolute incompetence are exactly what we thought we would see. Trump and his forces are whipsawing the markets and peoples 401ks, defying court orders, and on a revenge tour. Theyve been using Project 2025 as their playbook to hammer the governments operations.

These are the good times, and things will only get much, much worse with Trump as president. Trump is going to step on the gas for revenge and retribution - especially if his poll numbers keep dropping. Trump wont go quietly; he will burn it all down this time by defying court orders and imposing his terrible economic policies. Trump is starting to display the authoritarianism the Lincoln Project warned about  thats only going to get worse. And Trump is already priming the public for a run in 2028, something that is blatantly unconstitutional.

Robert P. Jones is the president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller "The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future," as well as "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity."

By nature, Im generally an optimistic person. Im anything but alarmist. But, just 100 days in, its clear that Donald Trump presents a clear danger to the future of American democracy. As Trump is slowly but surely steering our country toward authoritarianism, the divides in the country can no longer be understood with the traditional labels of Republican versus Democrat, conservative versus liberal. Given the clear Constitutional crisis in which we already find ourselves, if we are going to survive as a nation resembling anything like the principles outlined in our founding documents, the political battle lines are going to have to be mentally redrawn, in the short run, as MAGA authoritarianism versus democracy. That will take, on the most difficult end, a coalition standing up for democracy that includes a courageous minority of Republicans and Republican elected officials, along with majorities of independent voters and the engagement of approximately 40% of Americans who sat out the previous election.

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PRRIs new poll on Trumps first 100 days, just released yesterday, shows that we may be seeing the beginning of such an awakening. Like a raft of other polls, PRRI finds Trumps job approval at 40%, the lowest of any president not named Trump at the 100-day mark since World War II. Notably, Trumps favorability has dropped 12 points among Latinos (from 39% to 27%), and a whopping 19 points among Latino Protestants (from 51% to 32%), two-thirds of whom voted for him in 2024.

This much is also crystal clear: White Christian groups  particularly white evangelical Protestants but also majorities of white non-evangelical Protestants and white Catholics  are the groups responsible for allowing Trumps return to power and for continuing to lend him support and legitimacy. White Christian groups and the three in ten Americans who support Christian nationalism are the principal groups continuing to hold majority favorable views of Trump.

Even as someone who lives in D.C. and has tracking politics as part of my job description, Ive been surprised at the pace of the destruction and the transparency of the grift and power grab by Trump and his administration. Particularly, Ive been surprised at the way Trump has treated executive orders like kingly decrees for the digital age, declaring nonexistent emergencies to broaden his power, undermining the basic tenets of the rule of law like due process, and even attacking established constitutional principles like birthright citizenship. According to the American Presidency Project, he has issued 143 executive orders in 100 days. By comparison, Joe Biden only issued 162 executive orders during his entire term, and the last Republican president, George W. Bush, issued only 118 in his final term.

Most notably, the new PRRI survey shows an American public that may be waking up to the danger Trump represents to the nations founding principles. In PRRIs recent poll, a majority (52%) of Americans  including 87% of Democrats, 56% of independents, and even 17% of Republicans  believe that Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy. Two-thirds (68%) of non-voters who expressed regret for their decision not to vote, and even a majority (55%) of the small number of Trump voters who now say they regret voting for Trump, also agree that Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited.

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I wouldnt say these are the good times. Id say these are the liminal times, when it still may be possible to pull the United States back from the abyss. For those with eyes to see, the signs are already there. In her blistering dissent in the case involving the hundreds of Venezuelans Trump deported to the Salvadoran gulag, Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor has already warned us that the implication of the governments position is that not only noncitizens but also United States citizens could be taken off the streets, forced onto planes, and confined to foreign prisons with no opportunity for redress if judicial review is denied unlawfully before removal. My own book, "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity," was one of 381 books recently banned by the government at the US Naval Academy for espousing improper ideology."

Unless the public sends a strong message to Trump and this regime sooner than later, we need to prepare for scenes I never thought wed see in my lifetime: militarized internment camps (which an alarming 62% of Republicans support), jailed journalists, politically-motivated disappearances and deportations of US citizens by ICE and the FBI, book burnings, and the other trappings of fascist regimes. If we allow Trump to celebrate such outrages to democracy alongside the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, there may be no turning back.

David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist and former elected official. His new book is "Saving Democracy: A User's Manual for Every American."

While the daily barrage of extremist and authoritarian actions can feel overwhelming, I feel better than after the first 20 days, or 50 days.

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2025 is the year where we are most vulnerable to the anti-democratic onslaught and the far rights flood the zone strategy. The more those who value democracy can stop and/or delay now, the closer we get to an election cycle that gives us the opportunity to hold politicians accountable through campaigns, and then put a hard stop on the White House by regaining the House.

Every month of delay and every mistake Trump makes helps. And he keeps making them. For example, by overusing executive orders and acting beyond the law and his authority, hes overreached in a way that will ultimately doom many of his actions. (And thus far, the federal judiciary is largely holding the line.) By appointing unqualified people, Trump has undermined confidence in his leadership.

This is happening as the protest movement is growing in size and scope. And polls reflect that Trump is rapidly losing the support of the American people, including on issues that traditionally favor Republicans, such as the economy and immigration. Those are major red flags for Republican politicians, especially those on the ballot in 26.

I wrote an entire book predicting what would happen in 2025 based upon Trumps promises and the details of Project 2025. Most of what I imagined is happening. It is not a surprise. They literally told us what they were going to do in great detail, planned it all last year, and are now doing much of it (although often sloppily, as I wrote above).

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We are in the same fight for a fully representative democracy that has marked our entire nation's history. And that history tells us that the arc of the moral universe doesnt magically bend towards justice  it bends in the direction of whoever is pushing it harder. But when the side fighting for democracy unites and keeps pushing, it has always prevailed.

D. Earl Stephens is the author of Toxic Tales: A Caustic Collection of Donald J. Trumps Very Important Letters." His website is Enough Already.

The once-powerful United States of America is in a free fall not seen in modern history, and there is absolutely no reason to believe we will ever return to anything resembling respectability or gain back the trust we lost as a country when just enough of us played with fire and elected Trump as president for a second time. Now we watch as the political arsonists who voted for Trump get burned from playing with matches. They were told about the horrible things that would happen if Trump again ascended to the White House, but they chose to vote for him anyway. MAGA has illustrated there is no known pain or sacrifice to our civil liberties or pocketbooks that they wont absorb just for the satisfaction of watching some poor kid of color go without something they dont think he or she should have.

As for the good times? Our air, water, earned benefits, peace, public safety, civil rights, and human rights are all under immediate threat. Worse? This is only the beginning of what Trump and his administration and various agents and followers are going to unleash. Their carefully planned goal: to break the American people.

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The insults, the attacks, the endless provocations, and the thrashing of our Constitution will continue daily. All this carefully planned evil will be aimed at exactly one thing: breaking us.

One of the big mistakes of Joe Bidens presidency was this notion that everything was going to be OK, and that his idea of America matched the actual circumstances of America.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

If I had a dollar for every time Biden said this, Id fold up shop and move to Tahiti: We are the United States of America  there's nothing we can't do if we do it together. We just have to remember who we are. That was pre-2016, magical thinking.

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At some point, Trump will do something so heinous  so anti-America  so dangerous  that the people who truly love our country will be forced to participate in massive nationwide protests. That is in many ways the best case. The worst case is we just go quietly into the dark, gloomy night and become an authoritarian country, where we have zero rights or say in how we are governed. Its coming, sure as I am typing this.

Donald Trump will do anything to stay in power. I mean that literally anything. If you dont think that Trump will use all his power and that of the United States government against the American people to stay in power, you are naive and foolish, and probably in some leadership position in the Democratic Party.

Investigative reporter Heidi Siegmund Cuda writes about U.S. politics and culture for Byline Times and Byline Supplement.

The American nightmare that I and many other reporters spent a decade warning everyone about came true. It did happen here. And I feel sad. As a mother, I wasnt able to protect my children from this authoritarian nightmare.

I often wish I could wake up from this nightmare to a world where America is still aligned with its post-World War II allies and not a global threat to democratic nations, but denying reality isnt helpful. At least Europe and Canada understand how dangerous America is and are offering safe harbor for many of our scientists and academics.

I predicted America would become like Russia in the 90s when the oligarchs ran the politicians, violent and lawless, and here we are. I do have hope that the regime will collapse under the weight of its own corruption. Even though I know the cruelty is the point, witnessing due process evaporate is still surreal. How many people wrongfully arrested and deported will it take before the mass protests begin? If this pace of events continues from the first 100 days of Trumps second administration, nothing good will happen for a very long time in the United States.

M. Steven Fish is a professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley. Fish has appeared on BBC, CNN and other major networks, and has published in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Foreign Policy, among others. His new book is Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming the Nation, and Restoring Democracy's Edge.

Of course, Im hating the sight of democracy under attack, but now is no time to mourn and fret. Im heartened by the prospect that the Democrats might finally realize that their old ways of operating have failed. November 2024 provided definitive proof that the Democrats have got to try to make public opinion rather than just reading polls and telling voters what we think they want to hear. We have to ridicule and humble Trump rather than calling on everyone to quake in their boots and be overcome by the vapors in the face of Trumps attacks. Weve got to project a star-spangled narrative that hammers at Trumps treasonous betrayal of our leadership of the free world to turn our country into a pathetic junior partner in Vladimir Putins anti-American Autocracy International.

Im neither shocked nor awed by Trumps onslaught against democracy. Its true that Trump has been swifter and more aggressive in his efforts to destroy it than any other autocrat in recent decades. But that could be his Achilles heel. Russias Putin, Hungarys Viktor Orban, Indias Narendra Modi, and other successful autocratizers took years to do what Trump has tried to do in a few months. They acted methodically, taking out their opponents and removing institutional barriers to their supremacy one at a time to let public and elite opinion adjust, all while carrying out deft media campaigns to convince the folks that what they were doing was in the national interest. This mode of operation is not as shocking, and thats the point. These autocratizers consolidated their gains incrementally, thereby minimizing public outrage, dampening counter-mobilization, soothing and coopting key elites, and generally making everything they were doing feel normal.

Trump is doing just the opposite. Hes consolidating nothing as he strikes out in all directions at once. Consequently, he often backs down shortly after initiating an attack or a new policy. The courts  even the Supreme Court  are increasingly ruling against his most egregious actions. Liberal civil society is coming to life and popular demonstrations are breaking out on a scale we havent seen in America for decades.

Fellow right-wing populists around the world who looked to Trump for inspiration are suddenly treating him like kryptonite. At home Trump is setting records for the lowest personal approval ratings  as well as the lowest approval on policy matters  ever recorded for a president 100 days into his term. Is Trumps onslaught shocking? Maybe. Awesome? Hardly. Incompetent? Definitely. Trump has dealt real blows to democracy, but theres nothing he and his MAGA Republican party that places loyalty to Trump above loyalty to and love of country have done that we cant undo. Whether we succeed depends on us.

There are some signs that some Democrats are finally getting the message that they need to fight back, hard, against Trump. This gives me some hope amid such darkness and peril. Unsurprisingly, the bolder figures are reaping the political benefits. For example, Bernie Sanders and AOC have been barnstorming the country together and pledging no surrender. They are drawing crowds of tens of thousands  even in small towns in deep red states and districts.

Sen. Cory Bookers 25-hour speech in Congress was another great conflict-embracing move.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills is meeting every threat Trump makes to her state by telling Trump things like see you in court, and I have spent the better part of my career listening to loud men talk tough to disguise their weakness. Mills is even standing up for causes, like trans athletes, that most Mainers  and Democrats nationwidedont support. All the better for her: Like Gov. Andy Beshear imposing COVID masking mandates and marching in pride parades in Kentucky, Mills is earning a raft of positive national attention for her temerity and commitment to principle. Little known to many other Democratic officeholders, people want to be led, not petitioned. Boldness and leadership are what matter  ones positions on the issues be damned.
Friedrich Merz is set to be elected Germany's new chancellor on Tuesday, as his new administration takes office hoping to restore the country's waning economic fortunes and revitalize Berlin's role in Europe.

Merz is due to replace outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz after a vote in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, with a result expected at around 9:30 am (0730 GMT).

The 69-year-old is then due to be sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier along with his 17 Cabinet ministers.

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The new government is set to take office exactly six months after Scholz's unhappy three-way coalition imploded, triggering early elections in February.

Merz's conservative bloc - made up of his Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - emerged as the winner and is now set to govern in coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats.

The coalition partners hold 328 of the 630 seats in the Bundestag, with Merz requiring an absolute majority to be elected chancellor.

A defeat - which would throw the German political system into unknown waters - is seen as extremely unlikely, especially given the threat from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second in February's poll and has surged in recent opinion polls.

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The incoming German government faces a long list of urgent challenges, ranging from reviving an economy beset by two consecutive years of recession to navigating the shockwaves of the apparent shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

Domestically, the coalition will be expected to make good on its promise to limit irregular migration and cut bureaucracy, while it could also face calls to ban the AfD after the domestic intelligence service last week classified the party as "confirmed right-wing extremist."
Friedrich Merz was meant to be riding to Europes rescue. Instead, he has fallen flat on his face.

The chancellor-in-waiting was forced to stay in waiting, after a humiliating defeat on Tuesday in a vote to elect him that should have been a formality.

It is the first time in modern German history that such an election has been lost after a coalition agreement has been struck.

The conservative CDU (Christian Democratic Union) leader was stabbed in the back by six MPs  either from his party, their SPD coalition allies, or a mixture of both.

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Victory in an unprecedented second vote after God knows what arm-twisting and recriminations cannot erase the damage of a defeat that exposed the unstable foundations on which Mr Merzs leadership was built.

Six MPs unexpectedly turned against Friedrich Merz in the Bundestag vote, all from his own coalition - Markus Schreiber/AP

He had planned a major diplomatic tour of European capitals this week after his coronation.

That has been overshadowed and undermined as the inquest begins and the hunt for the rebels is launched.

The government of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, collapsed in November, just as Donald Trump won re-election to the White House.

Europe and Britain have been waiting for Mr Merz to take the helm ever since.

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Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron forged ahead with their plans for a coalition of nations willing to support Ukraine in peace talks with Russia.

Germany would be an indispensable ally, especially with Mr Merz making all the right noises about defence spending and standing by Ukraine.

With Paris and Berlin working in tandem for the first time in years, EU efforts to spend more on weapons and arms manufacturing would gain vital impetus.

Mr Merz won Februarys federal election by promising decisive action to tackle the many challenges facing Germany.

He said he would reboot the failing economy, modernise the army, reclaim Germanys leadership role in Europe and take on Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin.

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Germans turned to Mr Merz to sweep away the years of dithering under Mr Scholz and the endless infighting of his dysfunctional coalition led by the SPD (Social Democratic Party).

After Tuesdays chancellery result, Mr Scholz was filmed in the Bundestag reacting with a wry smile.

Credit: phoenix vor ort/kanzlerwahl

Mr Merz styled himself as a no-nonsense executive who promised to bring the macho style of his private sector experience to the chancellorship.

He started well by winning a vote to bust long-standing debt rules. This paved the way for more defence spending to deter future Russian aggression.

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In a neat piece of political footwork, the vote was held in the outgoing parliament to ensure the votes for the controversial measure.

But such canny work is now just a memory, as it becomes clear the years of coalition infighting are not over after all.

Disappointing February result

The seeds of doubt were sown in Februarys election, when Mr Merz won a 28.52 per cent share. It was a victory, but not as handsome as the CDU had hoped, or needed to drive through its more radical policies.

Angela Merkels worst election result in 16 years in power leading the CDU was 32.9 per cent. The CDU was hoping for more than 30 per cent or even 35.

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Mr Merzs hand in the coalition negotiations with the SPD was weakened. For now, no one knows who the rebels are and whether they are furious at CDU compromises or SPD ones.

Its no secret there are deep divides in both parties, and the whole of Germany, over Ukraine policy.

There are politicians who would happily go back to the days of the rich German economy being powered by cheap Russian gas.

Moscow will surely claim this bloody nose for Mr Merz is punishment for his tough talk on Ukraine.

The election of Friedrich Merz as chancellor should have been a painless coronation - Markus Schreiber/AP

Mr Merz had no choice but to deal with the centre-Left, which came third in the election behind the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is now the main opposition.

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He refused to breach the firewall shutting the extremist party out from coalition talks, which saw him called anti-democratic by JD Vance.

Last week, German domestic intelligence announced that the AfD was a proven extremist far-Right party, leading to a renewal of calls to ban it.

Elon Musk campaigned for the AfD in the federal election. It would be no surprise if he claimed Mr Merzs humiliation was somehow tied to the row over that pro-Putin and anti-migrant party.

As for Mr Merz, he hit out hard at the Trump administration on election night in February, accusing it of meddling in the vote and warning that Nato could be dead by June.

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CDU spinners will claim this is a temporary setback, but Mr Merz now looks like less of a leader than, as Mr Trump might say, a loser.

Germanys Mr Tough has become Mr Trousers-round-his-ankles.

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Fundraiser supports Baton Rouge groups mentoring program

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge is hosting its annual Sneaker Soiree: Kicks for a Cause Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10.

The group has a mentoring program centered around young male students in grades 6-12. The fundraiser will provide scholarships to 13 seniors this year and fund other program initiatives. Students in the program learn about financial literacy, career readiness, leadership and so much more.

The group offers collegiate support as well to students at Southern University and Louisiana State University, and the group provides services to female students, too.

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The fundraiser is set for 8 p.m. at LAuberge Casino & Hotel. Click here for more information about the organization and its fundraiser.

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(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order to restrict funding for gain-of-function research, which official documents deemed as dangerous and a potential harbinger of catastrophic consequences.

The long-debated science, also called dual-use research, consists of experiments on viruses and pathogens and extends into genetic modification.

Typically, gain-of-function research aims to breed germs that are more viral or transmissible than previous strains in order to understand how it spreads, and what could counter such germs.

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More than 900 measles cases confirmed in US, with illnesses now reported in 29 states: CDC

Proponents of the research say experiments allow scientists to get a clearer understanding of the genetic makeup of potential pandemic-causers, while opponents point to lab leaks as a deterrent.

The debate is one Trump is familiar with. In 2014, federal funding was stopped for any research that could make influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or severe acute respiratory syndrome more transmissible, NPR reported at the time.

The first Trump administration lifted that ban in 2017, along with new panel approval guidelines to regulate which experiments got the green light. Biden further tightened the research rules in 2024 following an expert panels vote.

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Now, the White House is asking the Office of Science and Technology Police to replace the Biden-era policy on the topic, which it claims had insufficient levels of oversight.

The order outlines the plan to restrict funding for the research both at home and abroad, including in countries of concern like China.

What is the Yuka app, and how does it rate products health?

It comes after a final congressional report on COVID-19 in December determined the virus likely emerged from a lab accident in China.

But many scientists  including five governmental bodies who completed assessments in 2021  favored COVID-19 as having natural origins, as research initially suggested.

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Samuel Scarpino, director of Northeastern Universitys Institute for Experiential AI, told the universitys newsroom that risk analysis has morphed from a scientific question to one of policy.

We know that we have learned things from these experiments. We know that they are potentially risky, he says. The question is whether what we learn is valuable enough to offset the risks. Thats a question the policymakers we elect have to answer.

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ANSON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Chants and signs were outside of the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, to protest the alleged mistreatment of migrants inside as part of President Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts.

Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th-century wartime law

Protestors, like Trish Hankins, want their voice to be heard. Hankins said she wants detainees to have due process.

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We cant determine who needs to be in jail if they havent been to court. I just think that everybody should be afraid. If somebody doesnt have due rights, nobodys going to have any rights, Hankins said.

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They are claiming mistreatment of detainees and advocating for due process for individuals held at the Bluebonnet Detention Center. Jessica Solis traveled from San Antonio to voice her concerns in response to the viral SOS picture seen by a drone flying over the facility.

We are seeing videos of detainees pleading for their families. Theyre being forced to sign papers, that theyre being treated inhumanely, that theyre going to be sent to prison camps in El Salvador instead of being sent home, Solis expressed.

Congressman Jodey Arrington visits ICE Detention Facility in Anson

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Attendees shared their stories and opinions on the matter, including Sammy Garcia, who left work to show his support.

When you think about the men that are being treated as horribly as theyre being treated, where they have to put up with making an S.O.S., you have to understand that theyre desperate. Theyre choosing to go after the weakest of us all, Garcia said to the crowd.

No counterprotestors were present. The Anson Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety had a barricade around the facility.

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Within two minutes, a woman called 911 reporting a man was pointing a gun at tourists outside the Michael Jackson Childhood Home in Gary.

The property  at 2300 Jackson Street  for years has been one of the citys most popular tourist attractions.

That day, Deputy Prosecutors Tara Villarreal and Chris Bruno allege Oasia Barnes used it to target an unsuspecting local man and his 16-year-old daughter.

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Is anyone in danger, the dispatcher asks.

The girl, the woman responds.

Barnes, 69, of Gary, was charged in August with several felonies, including Level 1 felony rape.

Prosecutors added gun, habitual offender and repeat sexual offender enhancements, which would add additional time if convicted.

Defense lawyer Robert Varga said Monday the evidence  including police statements, identification, hospital records, and DNA  didnt conclusively match up.

The victims father told Gary Police Detective Olivia Vasquez he was snapping pictures at the tourist attraction in the citys Midtown section on Aug. 9, when Barnes walked up and stuck a handgun toward his daughters ribs demanding money.

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The man gave him about $300.

When Barnes told him he needed a ride, the father said he could take their vehicle. Barnes said he wanted to have sex with the pretty girl, according to the affidavit. He threatened to kill her if they didnt get in the car.

In the car, Barnes repeatedly threatened to shoot them both. He directed the man to an alley behind an abandoned home. At first, he said he wanted to watch the girl do sex things to her father, and threatened to kill the man if she didnt. The father told him she didnt want to do it.

Barnes got out of the car with the girl.

The father said he thought about running over Barnes, but didnt want to hit the girl. The man ran to Maryland Street and called 911.

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Police later found the 16-year-old girl sitting with Barnes on a basement stairwell on the 2200 block of Washington Street. Barnes was arrested with a black Taurus handgun. The teen said he kidnapped her.

The girl told investigators that Barnes forced her to touch his genitals at gunpoint as they got into her fathers vehicle. When Barnes got her out of the vehicle, he forced her at gunpoint to perform a sex act.

As the father got out of the car, Barnes flashed the gun and told him to get back in the car.

On Monday, jurors saw bodycam footage from Gary Police Officer Tatum, who responded first to the home on the 2200 block of Washington Street where the girl, Barnes and another man were found on the back porch. She was eating food.

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Were just hanging out, Barnes claimed.

Where are you from, Tatum asked the girl.

New York, she responded.

What are you doing here, Tatum responded.

I was visiting Michael Jacksons house, she said.

He radioed that he found the missing girl. Tatum testified he handcuffed Barnes and took a gun off him. The other man was arrested, but not charged, according to public court filings. The man got a call while at Brothers Keeper and walked to the Washington Street home. He is not mentioned in Barnes original charging affidavit.

Did she appear to be held at gunpoint or crying, Varga asked on cross-examination. No, Tatum responded.

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Earlier, jurors heard a 911 call from a man who said he got a cell phone notification from his video security system from the Washington Street home that three people were on the back porch.

Court documents indicate Barnes, a.k.a. Osia, got 70 years in 1985 for a raping a woman, 23, by knifepoint. Indiana law at the time required inmates to serve 50% of the sentence. He was released in March 2024 and faces a parole violation  i.e. possibly more prison time  in that case, according to an Indiana Department of Corrections spokesman.

Barnes also was convicted for a August 1971 rape and May 1978 battery, according to documents filed in April.

In the battery case, he was originally charged with attempted rape. On appeal, a court reversed the attempted rape conviction in 1980 because of a typo in the court transcript that changed the meaning of the victims testimony, newspaper archives show. Barnes was accused of attacking a woman, 24, in the Gary National Bank bathroom.

The trial continues this week.

mcolias@post-trib.com
From the moment Donald Trump proclaimed 100% tariffs on movies produced in foreign lands, a throw-down with Gavin Newsom was inevitable. Now the California governor wants Trump to get behind a national tax incentives program similar to what other nations have been using for years, but with a lot more zeros at the end.

As the Golden State moves to increase its own film and TV tax credit program to $750 million annually, Newsom wants the feds to put their money where their MAGA is to the tune of $7.5 billion.

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California built the film industry  and were ready to bring even more jobs home, the governor said Monday night on social media after that $7.5 billion figure got out. Weve proven what strong state incentives can do. Now its time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again.

California built the film industry  and were ready to bring even more jobs home.



Weve proven what strong state incentives can do. Now its time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again.@POTUS, lets get it done.  Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 6, 2025

There has been no response to Newsoms big-bucks scheme from the White House, yet.

This fluid situation started Sunday when Trump posted a tariffs-bellowing WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! on social medial. Then, on the White House lawn, he slagged Newsom, a Democrat, as a grossly incompetent governor who let Hollywood fall apart and runaway production run amok. Next, Newsoms office declared that POTUS had no authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to hit anyone making films abroad with tariffs.

Later today, as the details of the former Apprentice host plan were not forthcoming, it became public that Trumps Special Ambassador to Hollywood Jon Voight had put forth a Make Hollywood Great Again proposal based on tax incentives and more.

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For most of Sunday and Monday, the word out of the governors office was wait-and-see when it came to the specifics and impact of the tariff plan from the often impulsive Trump. At the same time, behind closed doors, it became clear Newsom wasnt enjoying the waiting part of wait-and-see as events picked up steam back in DC.

On one level, this flurry of proposals to address ills that have been festering in California and domestically for years is more posturing than problem solving. It will take a tremendous act of bipartisan political will to get a national tax incentive out of committee on Capitol Hill anytime soon and signed into law by Trump. And, tariffs are pretty much DOA once the lawsuits start flying fast and furious. To that, take down the heat and the reality is somewhere between Netflixs Ted Sarandos sending out a note today to the streamers staff essentially telling them to stay cool, and Trump having a bargaining chip in his pocket for talks Tuesday with Hollywood North PM Mark Carney.

Still, ambitious two-term Democrat Newsom knows talking about tax incentives nationally hits all the right notes. Conveniently dovetailing into some of the notions offered this weekend to Trump at Mar-a-Lago by Oscar winner Voight and his team, Newsoms pitch of a national tax incentive for big-screen and small-screen production is clearly aimed to appeal to Trumps bigger-is-better inclinations.

Of note, there were rumblings during last years bitter election that then Vice President and California native Kamala Harris would entertain a federal incentive program for the film and TV industry if elected. Also, Trumps sworn foe, now-senator and former Burbank congressman Adam Schiff, said Monday that he is crafting his own federal incentive plan to help California TV and film industry workers. As much as it may play well with the GOP-leaning Teamsters, Trump may not want to be seen as inheriting ideas from the ex-VP and one of the Democrats who tried to impeach him.

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However, insisting he had no desire to hurt the industry, Trump earlier today stated at a White House photo-op that he was going to meet with Timseltown executives over his tariffs trial balloon. Contacted Monday by Deadline, studios and streamers indicated they had heard nothing from the administration about any sit-down.

Instead, in a classic case of real politick in action, they may be getting calls and texts from Sacramento.

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SANAA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 39 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province on Monday, health authorities run by the Houthi militant group said Tuesday in a statement.

On Monday, Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV reported 48 Israeli airstrikes targeting the Red Sea province, which hit the port city of Hodeidah, its airport, a cement factory, and military sites northeast of the city. Local residents told Xinhua that the strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure.

The Tuesday statement by the Houthis, which was obtained by Xinhua, said that three people were killed and 35 others injured in the airstrike on the cement factory, and another one was killed and four others were injured in the airstrike on the port.

The Israeli military has confirmed the airstrikes, saying they were launched "in response to repeated assaults" by the Houthis against Israel.

The Israeli airstrikes followed a Houthi missile attack on Sunday near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, which resulted in eight injuries.

The Houthis said the missile attack was a retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the Houthis and their ally, Iran, following the missile attack.

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 claimed that it would halt its attacks if Israel ends its military campaign and blockade against Gaza. 
Gavin Newsom said he's ready to team up with Trump to revitalize America's film industry.

"Now it's time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again," Newsom wrote on X.

Newsom's remarks come after Trump said he was considering imposing a 100% tariff on movies made outside the US.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said he is ready to team up with President Donald Trump to rejuvenate America's film industry.

"Now it's time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again. @POTUS, let's get it done," Newsom wrote in an X post on Monday night.

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Newsom also said California is "ready to bring even more jobs home," adding that the state "built the film industry."

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Newsom said the state is "eager to partner with the Trump administration to further strengthen domestic production and Make America Film Again."

"America continues to be a film powerhouse, and California is all in to bring more production here," Newsom's spokesperson told Business Insider.

Newsom's remarks come a day after Trump said he was considering imposing a 100% tariff on movies made outside the US.

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In a Truth Social post published on Sunday, Trump said the US film industry is "DYING a very fast death" while other countries were using incentives to lure American filmmakers to shoot their movies outside the US.

"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," Trump wrote in his post.

On Monday, actor Jon Voight and his manager, Steve Paul, said they presented Trump with a "comprehensive plan" to "make Hollywood great again."

Voight and Paul's proposal includes "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."

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The pair also called for a "focus on job training" and imposing "tariffs in certain limited circumstances." They added that the White House is reviewing the proposal.

Newsom and Trump have had a strained relationship.

Last month, Newsom filed a lawsuit in San Francisco federal court challenging Trump's tariffs, calling them "unlawful and unprecedented."

When deadly wildfires ravaged Los Angeles in January, Trump attributed blame in part to Newsom.

"The fires in Los Angeles may go down, in dollar amount, as the worst in the History of our Country," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in January.

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"Let this serve, and be emblematic, of the gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo," Trump added.

Newsom's term as governor ends in about two years, and he is widely seen as a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

Unlike most presidential hopefuls, Newsom has sought to engage his political opponents directly.

In February, Newsom started his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," which has featured guests like Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influencer, and Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A gay volunteer was banned from a railway group after expressing his gender-critical views on email and social media.

Matthew Toomer, 48, was thrown out of West Midlands Railways Adopt a Station scheme after he privately contacted company bosses to express concern about its Progress Pride train.

WMR rebranded one of its trains last summer with a rainbow diamond motif that bares similarities to the Progress Pride flag, which features a yellow diamond. It was also named Hurst Street after the Birmingham road at the centre of the citys Gay Village.

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Mr Toomer commented on a social media post about the rebranded train, asking if it would return to its natural state once the event is over.

In response, he was summoned to a meeting and told that his views do not align with [WMRs] values and mission. He was banned from the Redditch station volunteer group.

Mr Toomer said: As a gay man myself, I want to stress that this wasnt about objecting to visibility. My concern was the increasing tendency of public transport organisations to take visible positions on divisive issues.

The Progress Pride flag has become associated with particular ideological stances  particularly around gender  which not everyone, including many within the LGB community, fully endorse.

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My position was simply that public services should remain neutral and welcoming to everyone.

The new train was named Hurst Street ahead of Birmingham Pride last summer - West Midlands Trains

The Free Speech Union (FSU), which represents the volunteer, has written to the rail operator to warn it that punishing Mr Toomer in this way unjustifiably restricts his freedom of expression, and that it is contrary to WMRs stated values of diversity, equality and inclusion.

Rebekah Brown, a case officer at the FSU, called on the train company to apologise for this vindictive decision and reinstate him.

Instead a spokesman claimed to The Telegraph that Mr Toomers social media activity in general felt problematic.

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The WMR spokesman said: Our company has a proud culture of inclusion and allyship.

We believe the views Mr Toomer has expressed on social media on a range of subjects are at odds with these values and could be harmful or offensive to our colleagues, customers or other volunteers.

We have therefore asked that Mr Toomer no longer volunteers on behalf of West Midlands Railway.

When asked to point out examples of allegedly problematic posts by Mr Toomer, the spokesman failed to do so.

Majority of WMR customers will agree with Mr Toomer

Ms Brown, the FSU case officer, said: WMR should focus on delivering a working service for their passengers, not compelling every volunteer to be a fellow traveller for corporate wokery.

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I expect the vast majority of West Midlands Railways customers will agree with Mr Toomer, not with WMRs enforced ideological orthodoxy.

A train company has no business acting as the arbiter of permissible opinion for volunteers, with these chilling consequences for individuals freedom of speech in their daily lives.

Train companies efforts to align themselves with political ideologies have caused a number of controversies.

Last year Government-owned LNER prompted outrage after a senior manager trawled through a passengers social media account to find material to justify refusing to answer her questions about the cost of a similar Pride train rebrand.

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Similarly, Avanti West Coast triggered a row after a racial diversity-themed wrapping of one of its trains.

Unlike the well-known rainbow Gay Pride flag, the Progress Pride flag is associated with the pro-transgender political movement.

This campaigns for the view that men who wish to call themselves women  that is, changing their gender to become trans women  must be treated as if they had been born female.

This political stance was dealt a fatal blow by the Supreme Court a few weeks ago when the countrys most senior judges ruled that such trans women are not women, and are therefore not allowed to use womens facilities such as public toilets and changing rooms.

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Securing lawful access to such areas is a key focus of pro-transgender campaigners and lobbyists.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A memorial was held Monday morning to honor Rep. Gene Ward, one of Hawaiis longest serving lawmakers.

Loved ones and lawmakers packed The Kings Chapel in Niu Valley to remember Ward, who died one month ago at the age of 82, just days after resigning from the state House of Representatives.

Former Rep. Gene Ward passes away at 82

He served for decades and was widely respected across party lines.

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Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said, though they argued fiercely on the house floor they were still friends outside of the capitol.

He would stand up, make an argument and that would make me want to stand up, make an argument against him and we would be fighting the whole time. Then afterwards he would come up to me and go okay, remember now, Kaiser High School needs that gym, Lt. Gov. Luke told those gathered.

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Governor Green has yet to name Wards replacement.

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Germany's lower house of parliament on Tuesday convened for the election of Friedrich Merz as the country's new chancellor.

Merz requires an absolute majority of votes in the 630-seat Bundestag to succeed the outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz.

The incoming coalition - made up of Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - holds 328 seats in the Bundestag.

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Shortly before the vote, representatives from the conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group and the SPD said all their lawmakers are in attendance, making Merz's election all but certain.

If he does obtain a majority, Merz is then due to be sworn in as German chancellor by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at his official residence, Bellevue Palace, in Berlin later on Tuesday.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (L) speaks with acting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag during the election of the Chancellor. The election and swearing-in of the German Chancellor and the new German Government takes place in the Bundestag. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (R) speaks with acting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag during the election of the Chancellor. The election and swearing-in of the German Chancellor and the new German Government takes place in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Germany's new administration under freshly-elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to convene for a first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday night, dpa learnt from government sources.

It had initially been unclear when the new government would convene, after Merz suffered a historic defeat when seeking to be elected chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament earlier on Tuesday.

An unprecedented failure in Germany's post-war history, the stumble caused a significant delay in proceedings, with lawmakers convening again hours later to cast their ballots for a second time.

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This time Merz managed to secure the required absolute majority in the 630-seat lower house, winning nine more votes than needed.

He has since been sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and was due to give his oath of office in parliament, before his 17 ministers are set to be sworn in.
German Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki will not face perjury charges in connection with allegations of abuse by Catholic priests, the Cologne public prosecutor's office said on Tuesday.

Woelki, who serves as archbishop of Cologne, has faced investigations for more than two years over claims he made false remarks in a sworn statement about when he became aware of the allegations in his archdiocese.

Investigators found that Woelki - who is due to participate in the conclave to choose a successor to pope Francis in the Vatican this week - did make false statements, but out of negligence, and not intentionally.

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The investigations into him have now been dropped, the prosecutors said, but Woelki must pay 26,000 ($29,450) to a charitable organization.

In one case, Woelki claimed that he first dealt with allegations against deceased priest Winfried Pilz in June 2022.

However, according to the public prosecutor's office, his WhatsApp account showed that he was aware of the case in 2019 at the latest.

Ultimately, however, it could not be proven with the necessary certainty that he remembered his actions when he submitted his affidavit in 2022.

In a hearing before the Cologne Regional Court in 2023, Woelki also made a statement over separate sexual assaults that was deemed "objectively untrue" by prosecutors.

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Woelki's statement that he had signed a letter dealing with the matter without having read it was "refuted on the basis of numerous pieces of evidence."

However, intentional behaviour could not be proven with the necessary certainty, the prosecutors added.

The main reason for the decision not to press charges against Woelki was that the 68-year-old cleric had no previous criminal record, the prosecutors said.

In the course of the investigation, the archbishop's residence in Cologne was searched in 2023.

The Cologne Regional Court and Woelki have both approved the prosecutors' decision.

Woelki is already in Rome ahead of the papal conclave, which is due to begin on Wednesday.

He is one of over 130 cardinals eligible to elect the new pontiff.
German legal experts are investigating whether a second round of voting to elect a chancellor is possible on Tuesday, after conservative leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure an absolute majority in the first round in a shock result.

Merz's incoming coalition - comprised of his Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - is seeking advice over the question, party sources told dpa.

Merz earlier received 310 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, falling six votes short of the necessary majority.

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According to initial assessments by the German president's office, the Bundestag administration and the Justice Ministry, a second vote would be possible on Tuesday under constitutional law.

The conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD are currently holding talks with the opposition Greens and The Left to determine the course of events.

CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn said the coalition partners have already decided to nominate Merz as chancellor again in the second round of voting.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz leaves the CDU/CSU parliamentary group office in the Bundestag after failing the first round of voting in the election for Chancellor. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Germany has a new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appointed the country's 17 ministers on a dramatic day in Berlin.

Steinmeier handed out certificates of appointment to each of the ministers at the Bellevue Palace in the German capital, his official residence.

The administration - a coalition between Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - takes office exactly six months after former chancellor Olaf Scholz's government imploded, triggering early elections in February.

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However, Merz's government is off to a bumpy start, with the 69-year-old having earlier required a second round of voting in parliament to secure an absolute majority and get elected as chancellor.

The historic defeat in the first round came despite Merz's incoming coalition holding 328 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, well above the threshold for a majority.

After appointing the new Cabinet, Steinmeier addressed Merz:

"Dear Mr Chancellor, in democracy, some days pass with a little more turmoil than the public may expect, so, with a little delay, I would like to congratulate you once again from the bottom of my heart on your election."

He also congratulated the new ministers, reminding them that "together, you are taking on great responsibility for our country, for the citizens, for our future."

The newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) takes the oath of office before Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner during the swearing-in ceremony in the Bundestag. Christoph Soeder/dpa
Friedrich Merzs failure to clinch a Bundestag majority sent shockwaves through German assets on Tuesday, raising questions about the country's political stability as economic clouds darken over Europes largest economy.

The DAX 40 index slumped 1.5% to 22,924 points by late morning in Frankfurt, threatening to snap a nine-day winning streak. Eurozone-wide losses followed, with the Euro Stoxx 50 index down 1.1% at 5,225.

German government bonds also moved sharply. Benchmark 10-year bund yields rose to 2.54%, the highest since mid-April. The euro slipped from $1.1350 to $1.1310.

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"His setback adds fresh uncertainty to Germanys export-driven economy, which is already under pressure from shifting US trade policies," said Welt's Holger Zschapitz.

"The DAX corrects, said Daniel Lacalle, chief economist at Tressis. Germany voted for change. Politicians decided to keep everything unchanged. Now, the coalition of industry and economic destruction cannot even agree to vote a chancellor.

What went wrong in the Bundestag?

Merz, the leader of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, had secured a post-election coalition agreement with the Social Democrats.

Yet in a stunning reversal, he received just 310 of the 316 votes needed in the Bundestag to officially become chancellor. It is the first time in postwar Germany that a presumptive chancellor has failed to gain parliamentary approval after a successful coalition deal.

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The outcome of the vote sent parliamentary groups scrambling.

According to German law, a second vote must take place within two weeks. If no majority emerges again, a third round may proceed with a simple majority. Failing that, the president has the power to dissolve the Bundestag and call fresh elections.

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High hopes, now in limbo

Merz had campaigned on a bold, business-friendly agenda to revive Germanys stagnant economy. His coalition plan included a 500 billion infrastructure investment package, a pledge of unlimited defence spending capacity, and a clear alignment with Ukraine in Russia's ongoing all-out war against its neighbour.

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That programme, heavily anticipated by markets, now hangs in the balance.

Merz had been scheduled to travel to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday to meet with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, aiming to bolster European defence coordination. That trip has been postponed indefinitely, further fuelling perceptions of disarray.

Germanys industrial heavyweights were the first to feel the fallout. Rheinmetall AG, the top-performing DAX stock of 2025 amid soaring defence demand, fell 2%. Siemens, MTU Aero Engines, Porsche AG, BASF, Infineon, and Daimler Truck Holding AG all shed about 2.5%.

Only two DAX members emerged in positive territory: Fresenius Medical Care (+3.8%) and Symrise (+0.2%).
JERUSALEM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military on Tuesday warned it is preparing to launch an airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, urging civilians in the area to evacuate immediately. 
Germanys Friedrich Merz has formally become chancellor at the second attempt, hours after an unprecedented defeat signaled deep discontent within his coalition.

In a hastily organized session on Tuesday afternoon, 325 lawmakers voted to approve his appointment  more than the 316 he required.

Merz, who won an election in February and unveiled a ruling coalition last month, had fallen six votes short earlier in the day, a stunning setback that marked another twist in a tortuous period of uncertainty for the country.

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He was finally approved as chancellor by Germanys president and sworn in at the Bundestag on Tuesday afternoon. But his tenure will start on an unstable footing: The days votes not only revealed reluctance inside his coalition, but gave the insurgent far-right AfD party a new opportunity to ruffle the political establishment.

Merzs Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party won an election in February, but failed to pick up enough seats to govern outright  an outcome that is commonplace in Germanys diverse political environment.

He last month announced he would form a coalition with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), a rare fusing of Germanys two establishment groups that ensured the AfD  which came second in the February poll  would remain locked out of power. It extended the so-called firewall, a blockade against far-right groups that German politicians have kept in place since after World War II, but which has become increasingly tenuous.

The coalition has 328 seats in total, and the vote to approve a chancellor is usually a formality; never before in modern German history had a chancellor-in-waiting failed to win. But on Tuesday, on what was set to be a day of celebration, Merzs future was briefly plunged into uncertainty.

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His defeat, which had been entirely unexpected, came after weeks of attacks against his bloc from the AfD and from the increasingly intrusive Trump administration. And it exposed the early cracks within a marriage of convenience between the CDU and the SPD.

Because the vote was held by secret ballot, it was not immediately clear  and might never be known  who had defected from Merzs camp.

Complicated in-tray

It is a rocky start for a leader who has promised to pursue an aggressive agenda.

Merz won a two-thirds parliamentary majority in March to change Germanys constitutional debt brake, a mechanism to limit government borrowing. He intends to give renewed impetus to a 2022 German security policy change dubbed Zeitenwende  turning point in English  that was initiated by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and would see Berlin turbocharge its defense spending in an effort to modernize an ageing military.

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That push was given greater urgency after US President Donald Trumps administration threatened to end American support for Ukraine and withdraw security guarantees for Europe. Moments after he won Tuesdays second vote, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to keep the effort at the top of his agenda.

We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that well see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs, Zelensky posted on X. This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake  and it will depend on our unity.

Merz unveiled his coalition last month, but Tuesday revealed cracks in his support. - Annegret Hilse/Reuters

US State Department congratulated Merz, saying it would continue to work with Germany and its next government to ensure the security of the United States and Europe.

Merz will have to deal with disruption from the far-right AfD, which came second in Februarys election and is now topping some opinion polls. The group quickly pounced on the parliamentary uncertainty on Tuesday morning, calling for fresh elections. We are ready for government responsibility. And we call for common sense to prevail, its leader Alice Weidel said. Merz should resign immediately.

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It is a complicated in-tray for the new leader, who was was born in 1955 into a conservative, Catholic family in in central Germany, and who joined the CDUs youth wing while still in school. He entered politics full-time in 1989, when he was elected to the European Parliament at the age of 33.

After serving one term as an MEP, Merz, a married father-of-three, was elected to the Bundestag  Germanys parliament  and established himself as a leader in financial policy. In 2003, he famously argued that German tax rules should be simple enough to calculate on the back of a beer coaster.

A feud with former leader Angela Merkel led him to leave politics, and Merz worked for years as a lawyer in the private sector, before returning to take control of the party in 2022.

CNNs Claudia Otto, Stephanie Halasz and Sophie Tanno contributed reporting

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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.

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The move came after the BfV on Friday released a lengthy internal 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 Weidel sharply criticized classification of her party as right-wing extremist.

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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, addressing 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 AfD as right-wing extremist, which gives the intelligence service broader surveillance powers over the party, has sparked renewed debate on whether the German parliament should move to ban it.

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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

Germany's 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.

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Incoming justice minister Stefanie Hubig, a Social Democrat, said she wants to discuss the AfD quickly after taking office.

No blanket consequences for civil servants who support AfD

Germany's soon-to-be interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, stressed that the AfD's classification as right-wing extremist would not lead to automatic disciplinary measures against civil servants affiliated with the party.

"There will be no blanket consequences for civil servants who declare their support for the AfD," Dobrindt of the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union told the Bild newspaper.

Dobrindt argued that each case involving public servants must be assessed individually. "The loyalty to the constitution that is required of civil servants can only be considered on a case-by-case basis," he said.

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.

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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.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected by lawmakers as the country's new chancellor on Tuesday, hours after suffering a humiliating defeat in a first round of voting on an extraordinary day in Berlin.

Merz secured the necessary absolute majority to succeed outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the second round of voting, receiving 325 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

The earlier failure was a major embarrassment for Merz, who became the first candidate to fall at the final hurdle to becoming chancellor in post-war German history.

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His incoming coalition - comprised of his Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - holds 328 seats in the new Bundestag, but Merz won the backing of only 310 lawmakers in the first vote, falling short of the required absolute majority by six votes.

Leading politicians were visibly shocked by the result as it was announced in the Bundestag, with many filing out of the chamber without comment and speculation rife as to which lawmakers opposed Merz in the secret ballot.

But Merz's allies quickly rallied around him, and after hours of frantic consultations between lawmakers, the 69-year-old prevailed in a second round.

He is now set to be formally sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

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The astonishing turn of events came two and a half months after Merz's CDU/CSU bloc won February's parliamentary elections, which were triggered when Scholz's unhappy three-way coalition imploded in November.

Following weeks of negotiations, the conservatives and the SPD forged a coalition agreement that was approved by all three parties and formally signed in Berlin on Monday, paving the way for Merz's long-awaited ascent to the summit of German politics.

But Tuesday's events could leave him severely weakened both at home and abroad as he seeks to rebuild the country's struggling economy and restore Berlin's leadership in Europe.

His unexpected defeat laid bare the shaky foundations of his grip on power, with his coalition holding only a slight majority in parliament, having earned less than 45% cumulatively in February's election.

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Merz was ultimately reliant on support from the opposition Greens and The Left to pass a procedural motion for the second round of voting to be held on Tuesday, further exposing his weakness.

The parliamentary chaos could also prove a boon for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which soared to second place in February's vote on the back of discontent over migration and the ailing economy.

The anti-immigrant party - which was deemed "confirmed right-wing extremist" by domestic intelligence last week - has surged further in opinion polls, with some surveys now putting it ahead of Merz's conservative bloc.

The dramatic day could undermine faith in Merz, who has never held a government post in his decades in politics, as Germany faces a list of pressing challenges, from the struggling economy to US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected by lawmakers as the country's 10th chancellor on Tuesday, hours after suffering a humiliating defeat in a first round of voting on an extraordinary day in Berlin.

Merz secured the necessary absolute majority to succeed Olaf Scholz in a hastily organized second round, receiving 325 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament.

The earlier failure was a major embarrassment for Merz, who became the first candidate to fall at the final hurdle to becoming chancellor - a vote which is normally just a formality - in post-war German history.

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His incoming coalition - comprised of his Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - holds 328 seats in the new Bundestag, but Merz won the backing of only 310 lawmakers in the first vote, falling short of the required absolute majority by six votes.

Leading politicians were visibly shocked by the result as it was announced in the Bundestag, with many filing out of the chamber without comment and speculation rife as to which lawmakers opposed Merz in the secret ballot.

But Merz's allies quickly rallied around him, and after hours of frantic consultations between lawmakers, the 69-year-old prevailed in a second round, securing nine more votes than needed.

He was then formally sworn in by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, before he headed back to the Bundestag to take his oath of office.

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According to government sources, despite the delay in proceedings, the new Cabinet, which was formally appointed by Steinmeier as well, is set to convene for a first session late Tuesday.

The astonishing turn of events came two and a half months after Merz's CDU/CSU bloc won February's parliamentary elections, which were triggered when Scholz's unhappy three-way coalition imploded in November.

Following weeks of negotiations, the conservatives and the SPD forged a coalition agreement that was approved by all three parties and formally signed in Berlin on Monday, paving the way for Merz's long-awaited ascent to the summit of German politics.

But Tuesday's events could leave him severely weakened, both at home and abroad, by casting doubt about the stability of his government as he seeks to rebuild the country's struggling economy and restore Berlin's leadership in Europe.

Europe welcomes 'true friend'

As Merz was breathing a sigh of relief, congratulations started coming in from abroad, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a fellow CDU politician, hailing him as "a true friend and expert on Europe."

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"We will work together for a strong and more competitive Europe," von der Leyen wrote in German on X, adding: "I look forward to close cooperation!"

French President Emmanuel Macron, who observers speculate might get along better with Merz than he did with his predecessor Scholz, said that "it is up to us to make the Franco-German engine and reflex stronger than ever."

"It is up to us to accelerate our European agenda for sovereignty, security and competitiveness," he wrote on X in French.

Merz is set to head to Paris on Wednesday to meet with Macron on his inaugural trip abroad, while he also plans to travel to Warsaw, another European diplomatic heavyweight.

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In another congratulatory post that included a German-language version, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended his best wishes.

"We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that we'll see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs" under Merz's government, he added.

"This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake  and it will depend on our unity."

Under Scholz's centre-left administration, Germany became Ukraine's second-biggest supplier of weapons behind the United States.

However Kiev repeatedly criticized Scholz over his reluctance to provide German-made long-range Taurus missiles, with Merz signalling he would be open to doing so.

Rocky road ahead

Merz's unexpected initial defeat laid bare the shaky foundations of his grip on power, with his coalition holding only a slight majority in parliament, having earned less than 45% cumulatively in February's election.

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Merz was ultimately reliant on support from the opposition Greens and The Left to pass a procedural motion for the second round of voting to be held on Tuesday, further exposing his weakness.

The parliamentary chaos could also prove a boon for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which soared to second place in February's vote on the back of discontent over migration and the ailing economy.

The anti-immigrant party - which was deemed "confirmed right-wing extremist" by domestic intelligence last week - has surged further in opinion polls, with some surveys now putting it ahead of Merz's conservative bloc.

The dramatic day could undermine faith in Merz, who has never held a government post in his decades in politics, as Germany faces a list of pressing challenges, from the struggling economy to US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

The newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) takes the oath of office before Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner during the swearing-in ceremony in the Bundestag. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz on Tuesday failed to be elected chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament, a historic first that has sent shockwaves through Berlin and beyond.

Merz failed to receive the necessary absolute majority of 316 votes in the 630-seat lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, the final hurdle for his planned coalition government with the Social Democrats to take office.

With Merz and his allies having swiftly left the chamber, presumably to discuss next steps, what does this mean for the country and what happens next?

Scholz to continue in acting capacity

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz received an official farewell ceremony on Monday evening, but he is now to remain in office until a new chancellor is sworn in.

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According to Article 69 of Germany's Basic Law, the de facto constitution, a chancellor is obliged to continue in office "until the appointment of their successor."

His Cabinet will also remain in office in a caretaker capacity, meaning Germany will still be with a government.

When is the next vote and will Merz run again?

According to the government, all 18 times chancellors were elected since 1949, they received the required absolute majority in the first round of voting, meaning Merz's failure to do so is unprecedented.

If there is no absolute majority in the first round, the Bundestag has 14 days in which it can elect a chancellor in as many rounds of voting as desired, Article 63 of the Basic Law states.

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If Merz believes he might be more successful in a second round, he can stand again any time, but other candidates could technically run as well.

They are all still required to achieve an absolute majority of 316 votes.

And what if that still doesn't produce a chancellor?

If no one succeeds in garnering an absolute majority within two weeks from the first vote, the bar is significantly lowered, with only a simple majority needed to be elected chancellor.

If no one is elected in the second phase of voting, parliament must hold "a new ballot without delay, in which the person receiving the most votes shall be elected," according to the Basic Law.

If Merz, or someone else, is elected by a simple majority, the president must appoint them as chancellor within seven days, or alternatively call new elections and dissolve the Bundestag.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz leaves the CDU/CSU parliamentary group office in the Bundestag after failing the first round of voting in the election for Chancellor. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (C) reacts in the Bundestag after failing the first round of voting in the election for Chancellor. Michael Kappeler/dpa
The leader of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Lars Klingbeil, believes conservative Friedrich Merz will garner enough support from lawmakers to become chancellor in a second round of voting, after falling short by just six votes hours earlier.

Klingbeil said Merz's conservative bloc and the SPD - which agreed to form Germany's next coalition government - as well as the opposition Greens and The Left party had agreed to request a second round of voting to take place in the afternoon.

"And I assume that the necessary majority will now be there in the second round of voting to make Friedrich Merz the next federal chancellor of our country," Klingbeil told reporters.

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In view of the international situation, Germany's economic difficulties and the increasing polarization in the country, it was important that Germany gets a stable government that can work very quickly in reliable structures, the SPD leader, who was set to become vice chancellor, said.

The second round of voting is scheduled to take place at 3:15 pm (1315 GMT).

Jens Spahn, leader of the conservative parliamentary group, also noted the importance of the upcoming high-stakes vote, after Merz became the first-ever candidate to fall at the final hurdle to become chancellor in Germany's post-war history.

"The whole of Europe - maybe even the whole world - is watching this second round," he said.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) The month of May began with nine fallen officers honored at the Illinois Annual Memorial Ceremonies inside the State Library.

This years event marked the 40th anniversary of the Illinois Police Officer Memorial, which is held every first Thursday of May to pay tribute to law enforcement who died in the line of duty.

The event brought together law enforcement officers, family members, and leaders from across the state to show their support for the families who are mourning their loved ones.

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Illinois AG sues to stop dismantling of Health and Human Services department

This years ceremony began with a lineup of squad cars from around the state driving from the State Fairgrounds to the memorial church. Afterwards, speeches were given by state leaders, including Governor J.B. Pritzker.

They woke up every single day knowing that they may be called on to face extreme uncertainty, that they may be required to put themselves in harms way to save another, Pritzker said. No tribute or memorial could ever recognize them enough to repay the debt that we owe to these heroes. But weve gathered today in unity to honor their sacrifice and to affirm to you and to their brothers and sisters in law enforcement that they will never be forgottenthat what they have given for us will never be in vain. Were here to honor their memories and uphold their legacies.

The themes from many other officials, including Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, focused on honoring the sacrifice, supporting the grieving families, and uniting.

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Six Illinois women honored with 2025 Order of Lincoln

Vice President of Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors Michael McTighe held a prayer before his speech. He later shared the story of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in 2021.

Its to remind our families that we will never forget their loved one, and their sacrifice is already too much to bear, McTighe said. And to remind our families that no matter whether its one year or 20 years, all our cops will be here to remember your loved one and never forget them.

The ceremonies included a 21-gun salute as well as a reading of all the fallen officers names, their departments, and the day they died to keep their memories alive.

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The 2024 Honorees were:

Deputy Cristina Musil, DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, EOW March 29, 2024

Sergeant Andrew J. Faught, Illinois Department of Corrections, EOW April 8, 2024

Officer Luis Miguel Huesca, Chicago Police, EOW April 21, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Rafael Wordlaw, Cook County Corrections, EOW July 30, 2024

Officer James B. Crowley, Chicago Police, EOW Aug. 22, 2024

Trooper Corey Steven Thompsen, Illinois State Police, EOW Oct. 18, 2024

Officer Enrique Martinez, Chicago Police, EOW Nov. 4, 2024

Detective Allen Marcus Reddins, Oak Park Police, EOW Nov. 29, 2024

Trooper Clay Matthew Carns, Illinois State Police, EOW Dec. 23, 2024

For the first time in the memorials history, K-9 officers were also recognized. In total, 21 police service dogs were honored. Three died last year, with some honorees dated back to 1965.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Senora Scott met up with San Angelo Area Foundation Community Engagement and Marketing VP Janet Karcher to talk about this years San Angelo Gives.

Karcher shared that 2025 marks the 11th anniversary of San Angelo Gives.

We kicked off our 11th year of San Angelo Gives and our community has truly responded with heartfelt generosity, she said. And so we are excited to see what the day holds.

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Karcher explained that people can give to local organizations through the San Angelo Gives website. Donors are able to search to find the organization they want to support.

Each gift is amplified by others, so your gift goes a little bit further and then you can also help win extra cash for your favorite causes as well, she said.

As of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, over $1 million has been raised for San Angelo Gives.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the opening of a symposium to study the first volume of selected works of Xi Jinping on economy, May 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday urged efforts to deepen the understanding and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Economy, and strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee over economic work.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the opening of a seminar dedicated to the study of the first volume of selected works of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on economy.

Noting that Xi Jinping Thought on Economy has opened new horizons in Marxist political economy, Ding stressed that it is necessary to deeply grasp the core essence and practical requirements of the thought and comprehensively advance Chinese modernization through high-quality development.

The centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core is the fundamental guarantee for China's economic ship to ride the wind and break the waves, and to sail steadily and far, Ding said.

Officials at all levels must attach even greater importance to doing economic work with political consciousness, continuously enhance their working capabilities, and ensure that the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee are effectively implemented, Ding added.

Participants at the seminar included leading officials from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments of the central and state organs, relevant people's organizations, and centrally-administered financial institutions, enterprises, and universities. 
If you have a Gmail account, you should be on the lookout for an "extremely sophisticated" scam that could leave your account at risk.

The scam involves cybercriminals creating emails that appear to be official messages coming from Google. They use those emails to persuade people into handing over their Google account credentials and take over their accounts.

The scam was first identified and spread by Nick Johnson, the lead developer of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). He called the attack "extremely sophisticated." He also warned that, given that it exploits a flaw in Google's infrastructure, there's a chance we could see more of these attacks.

Recently I was targeted by an extremely sophisticated phishing attack, and I want to highlight it here. It exploits a vulnerability in Google's infrastructure, and given their refusal to fix it, we're likely to see it a lot more. Here's the email I got: pic.twitter.com/tScmxj3um6  nick.eth (@nicksdjohnson) April 16, 2025

"Recently I was targeted by an extremely sophisticated phishing attack, and I want to highlight it here. It exploits a vulnerability in Google's infrastructure, and given their refusal to fix it, we're likely to see it a lot more," Johnson wrote in his post on X.

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The email, which Johnson shared, appeared to warn potential victims about a subpoena enticing them to click on a link in the email.

"This notice is to alert you that a subpoena was issued to Google LLC by a law enforcement that seeks retrieval of information contained in your Google Account," the email from the Cybercriminals read. "To examine the case materials or take measures to submit a protest, please do so in the provided Google Support Case."

As Johnson explains, the email directed people to the URL sites.google.com instead of accounts.google.com. They look similar, but there is a very important difference: anyone with a Google account can create a website on sites.google.com, which is what the cybercriminals did to try to mimic the official Google site.

If the victim clicked either Upload additional documents or View case, they were redirected to an exact copy of the Google sign-in page designed to steal their login credentials.

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In order to avoid scams like this, Malwarebytes Labs had a few suggestions:

Dont follow links in unsolicited emails or on unexpected websites

Carefully look at the email headers when you receive an unexpected mail

Verify the legitimacy of such emails through another, independent method

Dont use your Google account (or Facebook for that matter) to log in at other sites and services. Instead create an account on the service itself.

So next time you get an email like this, be careful before clicking any links or entering your login credentials.
In recognition of World Water Day on March 22, Google released its 2025 Water Stewardship Project Portfolio and announced new initiatives and collaborations to help safeguard the world's water supply and support global agriculture.

The United Nations' World Water Day, held every March 22, raises awareness concerning global freshwater availability.

Google's plans add to the goal it set in 2021 to replenish 120% of the water used in its offices and to cool data centers by 2030.

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Some of the ways Google said it would do that included "working with the Colorado River Indian Tribes project" to decrease the water taken from Lake Mead, "installing rainwater harvesting systems" in Dublin, Ireland, and "investing in efforts to remove water-thirsty invasive species" in Los Angeles.

In the project portfolio, Google reported that since then, it has joined 112 initiatives it predicts could reproduce 8 billion gallons of water per year by 2030.

According to ESG Dive, "Google said in the March 22 release that the projects collectively replenished around 4.5 billion gallons of water in 2024 alone."

The second part of this announcement concerned new partnerships to assist agricultural areas. The four initiatives in France, Taiwan, California, and Chile all seek to create new, efficient ways of collecting or supplying water for irrigation.

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This will support the farming industry and the people whose livelihoods depend on it, ultimately keeping the food supply steady and lowering prices for average consumers.

The USDA Economic Research Service explains that "irrigated crop production helps to support local rural economies in many areas of the U.S., and contributes to the Nation's livestock, food processing, transportation, and energy sectors."

This action on Google's part is indicative of a growing number of brands that seek to lower the impact they have on the environment by launching eco-friendly initiatives.

Companies like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Rolex have all gotten on board by introducing innovative ways to help.

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Kate Brandt, Google's chief sustainability officer, ended on a pensive note in her 2021 blog post outlining Google's plans.

"When it comes to protecting the future of our planet and the resources we rely on, there's a lot to be done," Brandt said. "We'll keep looking for ways we can use our products and expertise to be good water stewards and partner with others to address these critical and shared water challenges."

Hopefully, Google is headed in that direction.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
A Pride flag flies in front of Boise City Hall, just blocks from the Idaho Capitol. The flag flies below the citys 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A Pride flag flies in front of Boise City Hall, just blocks from the Idaho Capitol. The flag flies below the citys 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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.

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.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
The door to the old Supreme Court Chamber at the Montana Capitol. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

In the final hours of Montanas 2025 Legislative session, a long, drawn-out war over whether to allow the states highest elected judges to run with partisan affiliation had its final battle.

Judicial reform was a stated priority for the GOP-dominated Legislature this session, an idea backed by Gov. Greg Gianforte. In particular, he sought to have state Supreme Court justices elected on a partisan basis, instead of the current, nonpartisan elections.

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Many Republicans said a party affiliation would offer voters transparency to better understand the candidates on the ballot, while opponents of the idea said politicizing the court system would lead hurt a justices impartiality.

Even recently elected Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson, a more conservative member of the states highest bench, warned lawmakers against making the judiciary partisan.

Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court Cory Swanson addresses a joint session of the Montana Legislature on Feb. 17, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

Lawmakers seemed to take Swansons words to heart, killing a half-dozen bills that proposed different ways to bring about the partisan change to the judiciary branch. But during the last two weeks of the session, Gianforte remained optimistic, telling the press repeatedly that there was still time.

On the morning of April 30, the last day of the session, during a round of votes on a few final pieces of legislation, House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, received a text. And then another.

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The governors office, a lobbyist told her, was planning to attach an amendment to House Bill 710, a bill titled Generally Revise Laws Related to the Judiciary, that would have made Supreme Court races partisan.

The governors office did not respond to requests for comment on this story. However, in Montana, a governor can make a suggestion to a bill with an amendatory veto, meaning its a suggestion until its approved by the state House and Senate.

Sullivan said she never saw the specific amendment  though a previously published gubernatorial amendment to another bill would have allowed Supreme Court candidates run with a partisan affiliation  but she confirmed the governors office was working on a similar amendment.

The amendatory veto would have dropped the drastic and much debated issue in the closing moments of a long Legislature that had been in session nearly constantly since Jan. 2.

House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, gives a press conference following the adjournment of the 69th Montana Legislature on April 30, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

And she wasnt going to have it.

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I was going to leave, she told the Daily Montanan.

Using her own legislative power, Sullivan sent word back that if the governor proposed the change, she was ready to stand up and make the motion to sine die, adjourning the Legislature on the spot. If the Legislature adjourned right then and there, it would have ended the process of reforming the judiciary  and halted several other key bills Republicans supported.

One of the few bills left for the chamber to vote on included final approval of one of the major property tax bills, which gave Sullivan additional leverage in her threat to leave. With 42 Democrats, she only needed nine Republicans who wanted to end the session, and 39 had opposed the property tax bill. She could tank that bill to keep partisan elections at bay.

There still would have been a property tax relief bill  another one had already passed  but the bills were linked and Sullivan said it would have created difficulties in the implementation.

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It was the last thing I wanted to do, she told the Daily Montanan. But something as explosive as that issue was all session why do it in a governors amendment at the end unless youre trying to play games and cause chaos?

Ultimately, through discussions with other legislators including Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, the architect behind the property tax bill and close legislative ally of Gianforte, the governors amendment never materialized.

The Legislature adjourned hours later, and in 2026, an open seat for the Montana Supreme Court will be decided in a nonpartisan election  even though some politicians question that.

We have nonpartisan races in Montana in name only, Gianforte said during an April 17 press conference. We should call a spade a spade, and attribute them to the party from which they come.

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The last-minute attempt to implement changes to the judicial system was super irritating to Sullivan.

How many times do we have to vote on the same bill? she said. It was a fitting end for a session of playing whack-a-mole with partisan judges and it was my last whack-a-mole moment that was about to come in at the last minute.

During the interim, the Senate Special Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform requested nearly 30 bill drafts related to changing the judicial branch, including one, Senate Bill 42, which would have required judges at every level to run with partisan affiliation.

During the sessions 85 days, an additional four bills hit the floor with various versions of partisan elections, along with adjacent bills allowing political parties to fund judicial candidates and allow candidates to take part in political events.

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But among the 150 lawmakers, the appetite for injecting additional politics into the court system wasnt there  at least not for a majority of legislators.

Lawmakers voted against all five bills directly changing how judges are elected  some voted down in the House, others by the Senate.

In fact, from the original 27 bills that came from the interim committee, only a handful were sent to the governors desk.

Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, speaks to the Senate Republican caucus after it elected him to be Senate Majority Leader for the 2025 session at a meeting on Nov. 14, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Ill say this, what we do have is a great foundation for reform, Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, who served on the committee, told reporters after the session adjourned. I think that judicial reform is critical, continuously. Its important for our judges to have accountability. Its important for preventative transparency, and what we did this session helps start that process.

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Among the bills that passed was Senate Bill 40, which requires that any closed meetings involving judicial deliberations be recorded and made public once a case is finalized; Senate Bill 41, which ensures that when a district court judge is substituted from a case, the process for replacing them is randomized; and Senate Bill 45, which establishes a judicial performance commission that will evaluate justices and give the public more insight into their effectiveness.

You all know, when it comes to voting for judges, it is very difficult to know who they are, what their track record is, and how they rule on the bench. This bill will give greater transparency to that, McGillvray said.

Another win for the GOP majority was passage of House Bill 39, which allows political parties to donate to judicial candidates, offering at least a little bit of partisanship into elections.

I think we had a good session on judicial reform, McGillvray said. Were undaunted in our efforts to continue that, and we will do so next session.
Speaker Mike Johnson is running into some resistance from fellow House Republicans on a bill to codify President Donald Trumps push to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon said Tuesday he will oppose the vote later this week, which is expected in the House Thursday, complicating matters for Johnson and GOP leaders in their slim majority.

At this point in the week, two GOP leadership sources told CNN they still believe the bill can pass, though Johnson cannot afford to lose many more votes. Few, if any, Democrats are expected to vote for the bill, according to multiple Democratic members and senior aides.

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It just seems juvenile, Bacon told CNN. Were the United States of America. Were not Kaiser Wilhelms Germany or Napoleons France. I just  were better than this. It just sounds like a sophomore thing to do.

The bill, which was authored by Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, would require federal agencies to update all maps and documents with the Gulf of America instead of the Gulf of Mexico.

Bacon is not the only House Republican who is throwing cold water on the measure.

The issue came up during a heated meeting of House Republicans on Monday night, in which Bacon, along with Reps. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin and Jay Obernolte of California, criticized the bill, according to a person in the room.

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House Majority Whip Tom Emmer then urged members not to choose this issue as their hill to die on, that person said.

The White House seized on the issue in recent weeks in a dispute with The Associated Press that has led to court involvement. As a global news outlet with customers all around the world, the AP said it will continue using the name Gulf of Mexico in its news coverage and influential stylebook while still acknowledging the new Gulf of America name.

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GOSHEN  A trio of Goshen firefighters with decades of service were diagnosed with cancer around the same time a few years ago, a common occupational hazard in an already dangerous job.

One of them retired and one of them is still with the department. The third, Assistant EMS Chief Bruce Nethercutt, died two years ago at 53.

The city unveiled the south-side station named in Nethercutts honor on the two-year anniversary of his death Friday. Nethercutt died on May 2, 2023, after a one-year fight with what was determined to be job-related cancer.

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Were not here just to dedicate a building, were honoring a life that made a quiet, lasting difference. A life defined not by titles or attention, but by steady service to others, Mayor Gina Leichty said during the dedication at Station 3 on College Avenue, where Nethercutt served as house captain for several years.

Bruce didnt ask us to remember him this way. In fact, his parting words were, Take care of each other, Leichty said. But his message is exactly why we need to remember him this way. Because in naming this building after him, were also lifting up the ideals he lived by and the entire team he served with.

Fire Chief Anthony Powell remembered Nethercutt as a family man who set a standard that his colleagues still follow.

Chief Nethercutt was many things: He was a husband, he was a father, he was a grandfather, he was a son. And to all of us here at the Goshen Fire Department, he was truly a brother, Powell said. Throughout his distinguished career, Bruce embodied the very best of who we aspire to be. A leader who served with compassion, strength and unwavering commitment.

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Nethercutts name is inscribed on the Indiana Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Indianapolis and the International Association of Fire Fighters Memorial Wall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both honor firefighters who died while on duty.

The sacrifices Bruce made for this community are immeasurable, Powell said. Ultimately, he gave his life in the line of duty, sacrificing himself through job-acquired cancer to protect the citizens of Goshen.

Dont go through what I went through

The International Association of Firefighters considers cancer the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths. It says almost three-quarters of active-duty deaths among members in 2023 were due to cancer.

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Powell explained that much of the risk is due to the chemicals contained in many home furnishings these days. He said crew members now take extra caution to remove residue from equipment or exposed skin when returning from a fire, and gear is kept isolated from the living quarters in a station inside a negative-pressure room.

Where previously, your furnitures and everything were made of wood, natural wood products, now theyre made with a lot of glue and a lot of synthetic materials, he said. Some of the things that were doing to help prevent that is, we have wipes that we wipe our skin down thats exposed. Our gear is bagged on scene and then brought back and washed in our extractors here. Just trying to do some preventative measures.

The material that firefighters use is another hazard, such as fire-retardant spray applied to gear or the foam that can be sprayed on a blaze. Powell said they no longer use a type of foam that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are linked to harmful effects on humans and animals.

The Elkhart Fire Department, where multiple firefighters have also been diagnosed with cancer in recent years, stopped using PFAS-containing foam in 2020. The same year, 38-year-old Travis Mahoney died of lung cancer after being diagnosed only a few months earlier.

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Battalion Chief Scott McDowell was one of the Goshen firefighters who was diagnosed around the same time as Nethercutt. Its an illness that firefighters are predisposed to, said McDowell, who returned to work after being cleared by his oncologist following treatment.

I had Stage 5 throat cancer. Multiple surgeries and all that mess, and chemo and radiation, and obviously rehab. Its been a long two years, he said. I can retire, Ill have 32 years on the job in August. I enjoy the job, enjoy the profession, Im not ready to call it quits yet. As long as my health stays good, Im here as long as I can.

McDowell said he tries to impress on younger members of the department the need to keep their guard up around potential carcinogenic hazards.

I get on the rookies about wearing their air packs a little bit longer than what we used to back in the old days, just because of all the chemicals. You just think, with a house fire, off-gasses, the plastics, the synthetics, he said. Basically, old days, you wore an air pack, but youd take them off pretty quick. Theyre heavy, uncomfortable. I teach the young guys, if you think youre done with one bottle, you put another one on. Because I dont want anybody to go through what I went through.

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He said being smart about the risks can mean something as simple as washing their hands before eating a snack while at a scene long-term, or changing out of their gear and showering as quickly as they can when they get back.

Trying to be smarter about the contaminants on your gear, on your clothes, on your hands. Awareness, I guess, of the cancer issue in the fire service and being proactive. Hopefully somebody can be here longer than I can, he said. If I can teach somebody, one, tell them my story and two, like, Hey, I remember when Chief McDowell said wash your hands before you eat the donut. Little things like that. Is it going to happen overnight? Nope. But over 32 years, it got me. And it got Bruce.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Governor Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on May 7 in honor of a Kentucky soldier who died in World War II, but whose remains were only identified last summer. This soldier was from Central City.

Officials say U.S. Army Pfc. Kenneth D. Burgess, 29, was a member of Company B, 4th Ranger Battalion, Darbys Rangers, in the Mediterranean Theater. He was reported missing in action following a patrol toward the village of Sala, Italy, on September 25, 1943.

Public meeting to discuss Exit 58 of the Western KY Pkwy

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A graveside service and interment with military honors will take place on Wednesday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City. Eyewitness News will have a crew at the graveside service on May 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Gov. Kay Ivey delivers the State of the State address to the Alabama Legislature in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Ivey on Tuesday said she had signed the state's two budgets into law. (Will McLelland for Alabama Reflector)

Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday signed Alabamas budgets for the 2026 fiscal year.

The Education Trust Fund (ETF) will provide nearly $10 billion in funding for the states various education programs and agencies, and is a 6% increase over the previous year. The General Fund budget totals $3.7 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, a 10% increase ($347 million) over the current budget.

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Both budgets go into effect on Oct. 1.

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Ivey said in a statement that the budgets are an investment in the states education.

The budgets we made official this morning will continue investing in proven programs like the Literacy and Numeracy Acts. It will support our Turnaround Schools initiative to target some of our lowest performing schools. It will continue allowing these successful education reform policies to take shape while taking an active approach to do everything we can to support students, teachers and parents, Ivey said in a statement.

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The ETF budget includes a $99.2 million increase for the Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan. There are no pay raises for education employees in the budget. It also includes $9.6 million to support a newly enacted parental leave policy for state and education staff and $15.6 million designated for an employee injury compensation program. It includes significant funding boosts for key programs: AMSTI would increase by 31% ($32.2 million), ARI by 6.4% ($9 million) and transportation by approximately 9.1% ($40 million).

The budget also provides $180 million for the CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like program that provides tax credits for nonpublic education expenses, including private school tuition. The program was initially slated to receive $100 million. Over two-thirds of applicants for the CHOOSE Act come from private schools or are homeschooled.

The General Fund budget includes a $223.8 million (19%) increase over the current year for the Medicaid Agency, totaling $1.18 billion; a $90.1 million (11%) increase for the Alabama Department of Corrections, for a total of $826.7 million; a $4.7 million (3%) increase for the Alabama Department of Human Resources, totaling $148.9 million; and a $4.7 million (2%) increase for the Alabama Department of Mental Health, totally $244 million.

Funding for the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles was reduced from $94.5 million to $90.6 million, a 4.1% decrease, in the Senate due to some lawmakers concerns over low parole rates and responsiveness from board members. The amendment also made the boards funding conditional on the development of parole release guidelines. The board has faced criticism for significantly lower parole rates since 2017.

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The state is also increasing its contribution to employee health insurance. For each education employee, the PEEHIP contribution will go up from $800 to $904, and the SEIB contribution for each state employee will increase from $997 to $1,025.

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WASHINGTON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced on Monday that it will pay illegal immigrants in the United States 1,000 dollars plus their travel expenses if they leave voluntarily, in an effort to step up its mass deportation.

"Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) Home App," the department said in a statement.

"Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of 1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app," the statement read.

The department noted that even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that self-deportation using the app will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 percent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is 17,121 dollars.

"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 Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In a recent rally speech in Michigan, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed his first 100 days in office were the most successful of any U.S. administration in history, citing policies like increased deportations of illegal immigrants as key achievements.

Despite Trump claiming victory, mass deportations remain below targets due to logistical, legal, and diplomatic constraints.

"One area where the administration appears to be failing to meet its enforcement goals is in the number of deportations," according to a recent analysis published by the Brookings Institution.

"The numbers of deportations remain modest, but the chilling effects are potentially severe," the analysis said.

Meanwhile, many experts expressed concerns about the implications of the administration's immigration policies.

"Americans worry about immigrants crossing the border illegally, so that has been a good issue for (Trump) politically. But polls show that people don't like his approach and feel he has been deporting people without any due process," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. 
Gov. Mike Braun has signed his first two-year state budget as governor, enshrining a sweeping set of cuts that reflect belt-tightening amid national economic uncertainty.

The budget also contends with growing Medicaid expenses while continuing to cut state income taxes. In the final few days of session, state lawmakers came up with even more cuts, as well as a $2 increase in the cigarette tax, in order to make up for a late-stage $2 billion anticipated revenue gap brought on by federal policies such as tariffs that wreaked havoc on the financial markets.

Some of those last-minute cuts include the elimination of $7.4 million in state funding for public media stations, including local affiliates of PBS and National Public Radio, and a drastic reduction in the state's investment in preventative local public health programming.

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Legislative session: Indiana lawmakers passed the state budget over night. Here are the biggest winners and losers

Lawmakers also expanded the private school voucher program to be universal, regardless of a family's income, in the 2026-27 school year. They also expanded oversight over state elected officials, like by requiring travel reports and routing some of the secretary of state's dedicated funds through the General Assembly.

Every agency was directed to find 5% in cuts, and this is broadly reflected in the budget, with exceptions for the Department of Child Services and the Department of Corrections. But some departments and programs took larger hits. Here are some examples:

Office of Secretary of State: 14% cut from the 2023-25 budget

Indiana Destination Development Corporation: 85% cut

Indiana Economic Development Corporation: 30% cut

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: 64% cut, chiefly by eliminating funding for the "Housing First" program

Local public health initiative: 64% cut

State Board of Education: 85% cut

Preventative maintenance and repairs for many correctional facilities, state parks and state hospitals: Eliminated

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Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17.

Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter,Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gov. Mike Braun signed his first budget. Here are the biggest cuts
As of July 1, it'll be against the law to fluoridate water in Florida.

On May 6 in Miami, Gov. Ron DeSantis, accompanied by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, said he's signing the "Florida Farm Bill" (SB 700), which prevents local municipalities from adding fluoride to their water.

The legislation also does other things like add consumer protections and establish the Florida Aquaculture Foundation, but the removal of fluoride from local water supplies is what has gotten the most attention.

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Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, making it more resistant to acid from bacteria and sugary foods. Dental and health care experts say taking it out of the public water supply could lead to an increase in dental problems, such as cavities, which could affect poorer, often rural populations without dental insurance or otherwise limited in access to dental care.

But during his press conference, behind a sign that said "Free State of Florida," DeSantis said: "It's forced medication when they're jamming fluoride into your water supply."

The bill itself doesn't explicitly mention fluoride, but rather bans certain additives in the water system.

Water is pictured flowing into a glass from a kitchen faucet.

DeSantis spent time blasting former chief medical adviser to the United States Anthony Fauci and the Covid-19 vaccine before talking about "studies that have raised concerns about physical and mental health risks that have been associated with over exposure to fluoride."

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Earlier in the day, Miami-Dade County commissioners also voted to override Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's veto and proceed with plans to remove fluoride from the county's water supply.

"I think they voted the right way, so thank you," DeSantis said. "For the counties that voted the other way, the legislation that we'll sign is going to answer that question."

The legislative move to nix fluoride additive from Florida's drinking water isn't a surprise, as Ladapo, who heads the Florida Department of Health, has backed arguments the American Dental Association call "dangerous." Bill supporters maintain fluoride is naturally occurring in water sources and adding more is unnecessary.

In November, Ladapo told communities to stop fluoridating their drinking water, citing concerns over fluoride causing "adverse effects in children reducing IQ, cognitive impairment, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder."

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo talks about the possible harm of adding fluoride to public water at a Bartow City Commission workshop Feb. 18

But the Florida Dental Association issued a statement saying Ladapo's guidance against fluoride was "based on flawed and unscientific reports" and said it continues to "support ... community water fluoridation as an effective tool in reducing dental decay."

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called community water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements in the 20th century.

Earlier this year, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride. Florida soon will become the second.

This is a developing news story and has been updated. Check back later for more.

Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida will ban adding fluoride to water when DeSantis signs new law
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT)  Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order to establish the Governors Teacher Advisory Committee on National Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The goal of this committee is to advise the Governor on issues related to education and serve as education ambassadors throughout the state.

Click here to watch Governor Steins video message celebrating Teacher Appreciation Day.

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Our students are our future, and high-quality teachers make all the difference in their education, Governor Josh Stein said. I am proud to celebrate teachers this week and all year by calling for raising teacher pay and investing in support staff so teachers can focus on teaching. I am grateful for the teachers who are stepping up as leaders on the Governors Teacher Advisory Committee, and I look forward to their expertise guiding our state forward.

Every day, the incredible teachers across our state dedicate themselves to helping their students succeed, giving them the skills they need to be resilient, capable, and ready, Chair of the Governors Teacher Advisory Committee and 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Rachel Candaso said. Public schools are a launch pad for life, and I am proud to represent the people who champion our students.

Click here to read Governor Steins executive order establishing the Governors Teacher Advisory Committee.

Here are the members of the Advisory Council:

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Rachel Candaso, Chair, Wellcome Middle School, Pitt County Schools.

Amanda Aguayo, Gravelly Hill Middle School, Orange County Schools.

Tayler Bomar, Greenlee Primary School, Mitchell County Schools.

Emily Burrus, Pisgah High School, Haywood County Schools.

Elyse Cannon McRae, South Central High School, Pitt County Schools.

Bobbie Cavnar, South Point High School, Gaston County Schools.

Summer Espinosa, W.R. Odell Primary School, Cabarrus County Schools.

Tamika Farmer, G.W. Carver Elementary School, Edgecombe County Public Schools.

Emma Geist, Davis Drive Middle School, Wake County Public School System.

Chanel Jones, Broadview Middle School, Alamance-Burlington School System.

Yaronda Kilgo, Wingate Elementary School, Union County Public Schools.

Christian Martin, HJ MacDonald Middle School, Craven County Schools.

Dr. Anthony Martin, East Columbus Junior/Senior High School, Columbus County Schools.

Marisha Merchant, White Oak High School, Onslow County Schools.

Hannah Moon, Laney High School, New Hanover County Schools.

Lindsay Phillips, Mountain Island Charter School.

Lydia Sale, West Elementary School, Swain County Schools.

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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 period 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 Hamas and secure the release of the hostages the Palestinian militant organization is still holding.

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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.

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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.

Palestinians report dozens dead in latest Israeli strikes

Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip on Monday resulted in dozens killed, the Hamas-controlled civil defence said.

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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 strip, 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.

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.

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This report also could not be independently verified, and the Israeli military did not immediately comment on the matter when asked.

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 Israel's plans.

"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."

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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."

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.

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Israel has been preventing aid deliveries from reaching Gaza for more than two months, with catastrophic consequences for residents.

The security Cabinet eventually agreed to distribute aid using private security companies, an approach the UN 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. Another minister agreed with him.

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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 Gazans 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.

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."
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Governor Kathy Hochul is granting Upstate University Hospital the full $450 million requested for its new emergency department, her office confirmed to NewsChannel 9.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 6, her office said: Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality health care where and when they need it most. With Micron on the horizon, Central New York is poised for tremendous growth and SUNY Upstate must be ready to serve the tens of thousands of people who will call this region home. That is why Governor Hochul worked with the Legislature to deliver a budget that protects access to care and positions SUNY Upstate to meet the needs of the future with $450 million for its proposed expansion.

The $450 million allocation is more than the $200 million Governor Hochul initially proposed in a draft version of the budget. She stood by the initial amount in two interviews with NewsChannel 9, once in January and again in April.

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All along, the State Legislature advocated for the higher amount and included the full figure in both budget drafts passed by each chamber.

The hospitals plan is to build an emergency department four times the current size in a yet-to-be-finalized location across the street from the facility. The expansion will come with more beds, more capacity for mental health emergencies and an enhanced burn unit.

One key desire is to separate walk-ins with less serious emergencies from the Level 1 Trauma patients who are rushed in.

In March, leaders from Upstate Medical University discussed the project on NewsChannel 9s Newsmakers.

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Whats behind it is an incredibly deep infrastructure of specialists that are on 24/7, said Dr. Robert Corona, explaining the complexities of any emergency department deserving of the Level 1 Trauma title. You have head trauma, you need a neurosurgeon. You have cardiac trauma, you need a heart surgeon. Abdominal trauma, you need general traumatic surgeons.

You have to have a backup team, said Dr. Dewan, because trauma often comes in multiples.

He said, Thats why theres only five trauma centers in the state that do Level 1 trauma for children and adults. Were very fortunate to have one in Syracuse.

Tuesday, State Senator Chris Ryan was the first to indicate that the full funding was moving forward.

State Senator Chris Ryans Full Statement

Central New York is on the moveand with $119 million invested in critical water infrastructure directly tied to Micron, and $450 million in full funding for SUNY Upstate Medical University, were laying the foundation for sustained, long-term growth. These investments are not just numberstheyre a signal that New York is serious about meeting the demands of a booming regional economy. From preparing our water systems to support high-tech manufacturing, to expanding our medical research and healthcare capacity, were making sure Central New York can handle the growth weve worked so hard to achieve. These bold steps are about more than progresstheyre about jobs, innovation, and securing a thriving future for the families and communities of this region.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted former Pennsylvania Governors, First Ladies, and First families at the Governors Residence in Harrisburg on Monday.

According to a post by Governor Shapiro on X, the gathering was to show appreciation for the support from former first families after the attack on the Governors Residence in April.

Lori and I are so proud to serve as Governor and First Lady of our great Commonwealth. In the wake of the arson at the Governors Residence, weve been uplifted by the support of former Governors, First Ladies, and First Families. Were proud to take up the baton from those who came before us and carry it forward  and as we gathered tonight, we pledged to support the Residence together for generations to come. Governor Shapiro via X

Photo from the Pennsylvania Governors Office

Former Senator Bob Casey, whose late father served as Pennsylvanias governor, also joined the gathering of former first families.

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The former Governors and First Ladies issued a statement following the attack, saying they would be involved in helping restore their once home to its former glory.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Penbrook, was charged after he allegedly set fire to the Governors Residence using Molotov cocktails made from gasoline and beer bottles on Sunday, April 13. Balmer allegedly scaled the fence, broke multiple windows with a hammer, and threw bottles inside.

Restorations began quickly following the attack, with updated security measures recommended. Governor Shapiro and his wife were able to return to the residence a week later to host the annual Easter egg hunt.

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A grandmother in Australia is likely facing "serious charges" police have said, after her two young grandsons were found dead at a property in the town of Coonabarabran, according to reports

The boys, aged 6 and 7, were found deceased after New South Wales police responded following a welfare check, per an initial news release

The woman, who reportedly self-harmed, is currently at a mental health facility, according to local media outlet 9 News

A grandmother in Australia will likely face "serious charges" after her grandsons, aged 6 and 7, were found dead, according to reports.

On Monday, May 5, New South Wales officers "attended a home on Emu Lane, Coonabarabran, following reports of a concern for welfare," police said in an initial news release.

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"Upon arrival, police officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District located two boys  aged 6 and 7  deceased inside the home," the release said.

"The woman  aged 66  was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under hospital guard," police added, per the release.

The younger child was found in a front bedroom of the property, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, while the body of the 7-year-old was found in another bedroom, citing NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland, who spoke to reporters on Tuesday, May 6. The outlet reported that one of the boys had been diagnosed with cancer.

Google Maps A grandmother has been arrested after two young boys were found dead in Coonabarabran, Australia A grandmother has been arrested after two young boys were found dead in Coonabarabran, Australia

The grandmother had reportedly self-harmed, the outlet reported. According to 9 News Australia, citing Holland, the suspect was initially taken to Dubbo Hospital and has since been transferred to a mental health facility in Orange.

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Upon release, she will be handed back to police custody where it is likely she will face serious charges, Holland told reporters, per the Sydney Morning Herald, stating that it could be days or weeks before she's released.

Holland said police have been treating the incident as an alleged double murder, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

"It's a confronting tragedy that should not have occurred," the officer said, per the outlet. "These things shock small country towns  The death of one child is bad enough, the death of two is just incomprehensible."

NSW Police Force/Facebook A photo of NSW Police Force vehicles A photo of NSW Police Force vehicles

ABC reported that the boys' grandmother was their sole carer, adding that they had moved to Coonabarabran around 11 months ago from the NSW Central Coast. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the boys had been living with their grandmother after the state removed them from their parents care several years ago.

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"The biological parents have been advised, along with the other set of grandparents," Holland told reporters, per ABC.

"Anyone confronted with the death of one child  let alone two  in these sorts of circumstances would be struggling," he added, per ABC.

"It was a very confronting situation for the young police officers involved," Holland said of the officers who discovered the two boys, per 9 News Australia, adding that one is back at work, but the second is "not doing well."

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Police previously said that 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.

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NSW Premier Chris Minns told the Sydney Morning Herald of the tragedy, 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."

I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends and teachers," Minns added, per the outlet.

I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event," he shared.

NSW Police had no additional updates to add at this stage when contacted by PEOPLE on Tuesday, May 6.



Read the original article on People
GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  Greece schools will soon be using body and bag scanners similar to those in airports for students entering school.

The Greece Central School District produced a pamphlet describing the change.

As News 8 previously reported, the district will use the new system to detect weapons and cell phones, which are banned in Greece schools.

The pamphlet says students will place their items in the bag scanner before walking through the body scanner.

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Both scanners can detect unauthorized items while also alerting employees where in a bag or on the body that item is located.

The district says students will never be touched the process, though an employee may use a wand after the body scanner sends out an alert.

Students should expect some delay upon arrival as staff and students get used to the new system.

The district told News 8 two secondary schools will receive the new system in May with other schools to follow next school year.

Should a student be found to have a cell phone, they will be required to place them in a Yondr pouch and wont be able to access the phone until the end of the school day.

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All students will be required to go through the scanners.

The district will be holding a family information night on May 21 at 6:30 pm at the Arcadia Middle School Cafeteria.

In addition to new technology and a cell phone ban, Greece offers a program designed help students and parents navigate the digital world.

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday the people of Greenland should be able to make their own choices free from external pressure, following repeated Trump administration calls for the Arctic territory to become part of the United States.

Speaking in a debate on Greenland in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Kallas did not criticise President Donald Trump or the United States by name but she stressed that "borders are inviolable and territorial integrity must be respected".

"The future and the destiny of Greenland can only be decided by the Greenland people. They should be able to make their choices free from outside pressure or external interference," Kallas said.

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During the debate, multiple lawmakers condemned Trump explicitly for repeatedly declaring that he wants Greenland - a semi-autonomous territory of European Union member Denmark - to become part of the United States.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by GV De Clercq)
Environmental groups are demanding that the Trump administration exercise the federal governments authority to curb wasteful water use in an effort to address the Colorado Rivers chronic water shortages.

In a petition submitted Tuesday, the Natural Resources Defense Council and nine other groups called for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to enforce a provision of federal regulations stating that water deliveries in California, Arizona and Nevada will not exceed those reasonably required for beneficial use.

The petition takes aim in particular at wasteful water practices in agriculture, which accounts for about three-fourths of water diversions from the Colorado River, said Mark Gold, the council's director of water scarcity solutions.

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"There is definitely a great deal of room for improvement in the agricultural sector," Gold said. One example of waste, he said, is flood-irrigating farm fields year-round in the desert to grow water-intensive crops such as hay.

Alfalfa and other types of hay are used to feed cattle and other livestock, and in recent years they have been exported in growing quantities to China, Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The export of these water-intensive crops is akin to exporting water itself, a resource that is urgently required domestically, leaders of the environmental groups wrote in the petition. They added that much of the Southern California farmland that relies on Colorado River water is either fully or partially irrigated via flood irrigation, which uses much more water than drip and sprinkler irrigation.

Read more: Hay grown for cattle consumes nearly half the water drawn from Colorado River, study finds

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Farmers and managers of agricultural water agencies, such as Californias Imperial Irrigation District, have taken part in water-saving programs . Growers have said they are willing to shift to more water-efficient irrigation systems to free up water and boost reservoir levels, so long as they are paid enough to help foot the bill.

Those in agriculture, however, also have pointed out that in many areas they hold water rights dating back more than a century, which entitles them to a higher priority in allocations and cutbacks. And many farmers have said they would oppose schemes in which a government agency might attempt to dictate which crops they plant.

Leaders of the groups that submitted the petition  among them Los Angeles Waterkeeper, Orange County Coastkeeper and the Utah Rivers Council  suggested in it that the government should also consider wasteful water use in cities and industries.

A farm worker controls water for iceberg lettuce using the old "flooding" style of irrigation. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

They pointed to the watering of purely ornamental grass in cities, as well as inefficient industrial processes that use more water than needed due to outdated evaporative cooling systems.

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The Colorado River provides water for cities from Denver to Los Angeles, 30 Native tribes and farming communities from the Rocky Mountains to northern Mexico.

Gold called the "beneficial use" provision a very important tool in ensuring a sustainable future for the Colorado River, and the 40 million people who rely on it.

The Bureau of Reclamation has the authority and obligation to stop the waste and protect this precious resource," he said.

The river has long been overused, and its reservoirs have declined dramatically amid persistent dry conditions since 2000. The average flow of the river has shrunk about 20% since 2000, and scientists have estimated that roughly half of that decline has been caused by global warming driven by the burning of fossil fuels.

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Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the rivers two largest reservoirs, are both 33% full.

The seven states that rely on the river are under growing pressure to negotiate new rules for dealing with shortages after 2026, when the current rules expire. But those talks have been at an impasse , with persistent disagreements pitting representatives of the three states in the rivers lower basin  California, Arizona and Nevada  against the four states in the rivers upper basin  Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Some water managers and experts have previously suggested that the federal government should secure necessary water cutbacks by laying down a definition that separates beneficial use of water from unreasonable water waste. The environmental groups legal petition is thought to be the first such attempt to compel federal officials to act on that authority.

The water levels of the Colorado River are dwindling due to climate change, and this trend is expected to persist and worsen, the environmental groups said in the petition, adding that unless the federal government changes its approach to water deliveries in California, Arizona and Nevada, where the regulations apply, the growing disparity between supply and demand will lead to a severe crisis.

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Read more: 'Zero progress': Western states at impasse in talks on Colorado River water shortages

Much of the Colorado Rivers water is used for agriculture. In a study published last year, researchers found that alfalfa and other cattle-feed crops consume 46% of the water that is diverted from the river, accounting for nearly two-thirds of agricultural water use. The research also found that agriculture is the dominant user of Colorado River water, accounting for 74% of the water that is diverted.

The petition focuses on a federal regulation titled Part 417 , which requires the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure that its deliveries of water in the three lower basin states will not exceed those reasonably required for beneficial use."

Our findings are that the Bureau is not adhering to this requirement, said an email from Cara Horowitz, director of UCLAs Frank G. Wells Environmental Law Clinic, which is representing the groups.

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We hope the Bureau will see the urgency of improving its water delivery process to avoid wasting Colorado River water, especially given how constrained our supply is, Horowitz said. But if it doesn't, we're prepared to consider next steps, including litigation.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KHARTOUM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including an international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. 
One year ago, on May 5, 2024, a gunman was seen on camera walking up to North Braddock Pastor Glenn Germany during his sermon, pointing a gun at him and pulling the trigger. The gun jammed.

Deacon Clarence McCallister, who was running the livestream, didnt hesitate. He ran up to the suspect and tackled him.

>>> Man arrested after trying to shoot pastor during sermon in North Braddock, state police say

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The heart-stopping and chilling video thats been seen across the country still haunts Pastor Germany.

Every day Im learning something that I didnt feel before, and its still a healing process, Germany said.

Police arrested Bernard Polite. Polite is accused of killing his cousin, Derek Polite, about three hours before he walked into Jesus Dwelling Place Church and tried to shoot the pastor.

Pastor Germany said Polite told him the voices in his head told him to do it.

The pastor visited Polite in jail several times to see if he could help him in any way. Germany said the last time he saw Polite was in November, when the alleged gunman had a disturbing message for him.

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He let me know that he still wanted to kill me and wished he had killed me, Germany said.

Channel 11s Antoinette DelBel asked, How does that make you feel?

Uncomfortable, to be honest with you, Germany said.

Since then, Germany has been taking action to make parishioners at Jesus Dwelling Place feel secure.

The pastor is working on adding safety measures, including new heavy-duty doors, installing cameras outside and inside, and more lighting, but the church needs help.

Its a lot of work, Germany said. Were a small church thats still doing what we can do in the community, but were struggling.

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The church was approved for a state grant, but they need to raise $24,000 to get it. Germany said theyre about halfway there and hoped a GoFundMe page would have gained more attention.

We wished that we had more donations coming in, but we dont, he said. That GoFundMe, we didnt get much support for that at all.

Even though its been a year since his brush with death, the pastor said the gravity of it recently hit him all over again. He added that hes going to continue to work toward healing.

I got a family, and we have to be protected as well and that thing wears on me more than anything, Germany said.

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Polite is waiting to be sentenced. The pastor is waiting to find out Polites next court date is, and plans on being there.

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The Ukrainian Air Force has released a photo of an F-16 fighter jet that performed impressively in repelling a Russian attack on the night of Tuesday 56 May.

Source: press service for the Ukrainian Air Force Command

Quote: "Morning of 6 May 2025. The hunters for the Shahed [loitering munitions] are coming home...

There is only one missile left under the wings of this F-16. This means that five AIM-9s have reached their targets!

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We express our gratitude to the Ukrainian pilots for the performance and for the lives saved!"

Details: Russian attacks are usually repelled by Ukrainian warplanes, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups.

Background: Ukraine's Air Force reported that since the evening of 5 May, Russia had attacked Ukraine with 136 loitering munitions and various types of decoy drones. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed 54 drones, while a further 70 disappeared from radar.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Politicians love phrases such as breaking the mould even when what theyre talking about is really pretty run-of-the-mill stuff. However, one result from nearly six decades ago still fits that accolade: the Hamilton by-election of 1967 where a Glasgow lawyer, Winnie Ewing, smashed the mould of the day and transformed politics by adding a dangerous new ingredient  Scottish independence and the break-up of Britain.

In less than a month from now, there is a chance of another assault on the political norm, ironically again in Hamilton  even if it does have the towns of Larkhall and Stonehouse added to its original title. Can Nigel Farage and Reform UK emulate the late Winnie Ewing and the Scottish National Party and write not just a new chapter but a new book in our political history?

The success of Madame Ecosse  Ewings nickname when she subsequently won a seat in the European Parliament  may have been short-lived as an MP but it was a victory that scared senior Labour and Conservative politicians rigid. It moved the Scottish National Party onto centre stage after thirty years in the doldrums  barring one solitary win in 1945  and saw it steadily create demand for devolution and become the government of a devolved Scotland, as well as almost winning the independence referendum in 2014. The 1967 Hamilton by-election victory is still viewed with something approaching awe among politicians and historians who remember when Mrs Ewing smashed Labours northern fortress.

0502 How Scottish Parliament could look

She won against one of Labours leading lights, Tom Fraser, a former minister in the then Labour government.

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Can Farage and Reform get close to that win? Its an extremely tall order.

After winning the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, Farage boasted that we had seen the end of two party politics. I dont know where hes been but the SDP/Lib Dem Alliance were trumpeting that claim forty years ago and it fizzled out. But thanks in no small measure to Winnie Ewing, Scotland has long been a multi-party state and with Reform entering the lists its perhaps now six, after SNP, Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem and Greens.

Its a crowded field that does nobody much good, except the nationalists because the SNP have an unhappy tendency to always win around thirty per cent of the electorate, leaving the rest to share out whats left. And so, as the various Unionists continue to take votes off each other the SNP smirks all the way to the ballot box, claiming it has a mandate for independence.

Reform has a decent candidate for the by election on June 5, an architect and former Tory councillor. But then both Tory and Labour candidates are well-known local figures, too, whereas the SNP candidate lost twice last year to Labour. However, a factor hugely in her favour is that she is seeking to be the successor to SNP minister and long serving MSP, Christina McKelvie  an extremely popular local politician. I would imagine that McKelvies picture on SNP posters will more than match the impact of Mr Farage on Reform ones.

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While the political world will be watching to see if Reforms encouraging poll results translate into another triumph for them in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, current betting is that the SNP will win.

If thats the case, Labour and Sir Keir Starmer cant afford to be third. If they dont win, they simply must finish ahead of Reform.

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HAMPDEN, Mass. (WWLP)  The Hampden Police Department is seeking the publics help in identifying a larceny suspect.

Thousands of tickets to be distributed to students for Worlds Largest Pancake Breakfast

The larceny took place at Monson Savings Bank on Sunday at around 12:40 p.m.. The suspect appears to be driving a pickup truck. Detective Jason Roath of the Hampden Police Department told 22News that a newly planted tree was taken from the banks front lawn.

Hampden Police Department Hampden Police Department

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Detective Roath at 413-566-8011, extension 6212.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Jeffrey Zizz, a man accused of kidnapping and murdering an 82-year-old woman he worked for, has pleaded not guilty to all four counts against him.

Zizz was arraigned on May 6 in Thurston County Superior Court, about a month after his arrest.

He is accused of kidnapping and murdering 82-year-old Marcia Norman.

About a week after she was reported missing, her body was found partially encased in cement under a shed Zizz was working on.

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Zizz has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a deadly weapon/aggravating circumstances, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains.

He has entered a plea of not guilty on all counts.

Zizz did not speak during his arraignment.

Zizz as a suspect

Early on in the investigation, detectives named Zizz as a person of interest, believing he was the last person to see her alive.

Phone records from Marcia indicate that she had asked Zizz to come over for dinner on the day she was last seen. Zizz worked as a handyman for Marcia.

When detectives learned he may have been the last person to see her, Marcias son told police of an alleged troubling incident that his mother had told him:

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Marcia told her son about an incident that had happened several months prior with Zizz entering the home when she was asleep. Her son stated that she was startled by Zizz in the middle of the night when she was sleeping and awoke to him standing at the foot of her bed. Marcia stated that she told Zizz that it was inappropriate for him to be there and that he needed to leave. Marcia told her son that she spoke with Zizz later and made it clear to him that they were to keep a professional relationship; he was not to cross those boundaries again. He advised that this was not reported to law enforcement, court documents detailed.

ALSO READ: Docs: Handyman used tools in alleged kidnapping, murder of 82-year-old Tenino woman

When questioned about what he was doing on April 1, Zizz told officers that he went straight home after dinner with Marcia, according to court documents.

However, court documents say officers found surveillance footage of Zizzs truck leaving the area of her home a few times in the early morning of April 2. He later claimed he went back for tools and his trailer, according to investigators.

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During the course of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant to search Zizzs home and found a five-page typed letter, which appeared to be a meticulously planned out burglary/sexual assault of an adult woman, identified as a customer, court documents said.

Apprehension of Zizz and locating Marcia

According to court documents, Zizz allegedly took a roommates truck to Montana, which the roommate reported as stolen.

Troopers in Idaho found the vehicle in a rural area near Missoula, Montana but Zizz was not in it.

On April 7, found and arrested for violating probation for an unrelated child molestation charge.

He was extradited to Washington.

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On April 8, a search warrant was executed to search Zizzs truck in Washington. According to court documents, cadaver dogs detected the presence of human decomposition in that truck.

The dogs also searched a construction site in Olympia that Zizz had been working at, and GPS had placed him there, according to court documents.

Those dogs also scented to human decomposition, and Marcia was found under a shed that Zizz was working on.

According to court documents, the owner of the shed was a friend of Marcias, who hired Zizz at her suggestion.

During the autopsy, it was discovered that Velcro strips were wrapped around Marcias wrists and ankles, and there was evidence that she had been bound before her death.

Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma as well as penetrating injuries to her head. Charging documents say a nail gun was used, but it was not specified how.
Conservative politician Johann Wadephul, due to become Germany's next foreign minister, has come out in defence of party leader Friedrich Merz, who failed to be elected chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament on Tuesday.

While Merz is the first chancellor candidate ever to fail at the final hurdle, Wadephul noted that it has taken several rounds of voting for German state premiers to be elected in the past.

"That has also happened in other states. And who is still talking today about whether it worked in the first or second round of voting," the Christian Democrat politician said in Berlin when asked whether Merz was now politically damaged.

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Wadephul also expressed his regret that Merz failed to secure the absolute majority of at least 316 votes in the 630-seat lower house.

In the end, the vote, held by secret ballot, was a decision based on conscience, which "unfortunately turned out the way it did," Wadephul added.

Now lawmakers will have "to take another look at themselves," he said, adding that he was "confident" that Merz would succeed in the next round.
The fight between two of Americas most prominent institutions  the federal government and Harvard University  is getting personal.

While President Donald Trump and Harvard President Alan Garber have been trading public barbs amid the legal battle over academic freedom and $2.2 billion in federal funding, hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman this week trained his criticism on the top official of Harvards governing board:

The mismanagement here, Ackman, a frequent critic of his alma mater, told CNBC, is (with) Penny Pritzker.

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Pritzker, 66, a Harvard alumna, former Democratic Cabinet official and one of the worlds richest people, in 2022 became the leader of the Harvard Corporation, the board in charge of university operations. The role makes her the equivalent of Harvards board chairperson, with Garber as the universitys top administrative officer  whom the board wields the power to hire and fire.

Pritzkers tenure as the corporations senior fellow largely has been defined by the issue now at the crux of the Republican White Houses threats to pull even more money from the nations oldest and wealthiest college: Harvards handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment and protests over the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israels retaliatory siege of Gaza.

Taking office in January 2024, Garber called it an extraordinarily painful and disorienting time, and since then, disciplinary and academic policy changes have been made, with more recommended just last week by university task forces that spent 16 months probing antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias on campus.

But Ackman wants more: Its time for a change in leadership in the board at Harvard, he said this week.

Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, speaks Tuesday about higher education and Harvard University at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California. - Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

I think Bill (Ackman) was spot on, Education Secretary Linda McMahon told CNBC in a Tuesday interview that aired Wednesday. And so I would hope that they would see the need to have some change there, but well see what they do.

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McMahon sent a letter to Garber Monday evening conveying the university is no longer eligible for grants from the federal government due to consistent violations of its own legal duties. McMahons letter also notes Ackman has called for Pritzkers resignation, citing his conclusion that any serious corporation would have removed her after a litany of recent failings.

In response, Harvard leadership said it is standing by Pritzker. We applaud her dedicated stewardship and her leadership at a time when Harvard is committed both to strengthening our campus culture and protecting the academic freedom, research and innovation that benefits millions of Americans, Garber and the Harvard Corporation said to the Wall Street Journal in a statement. When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Pritzker referred CNN to the statement in The Journal.

As the heat on the Boston-area Ivy League school and other US colleges intensifies  and the freeze on Harvards federal funds is likely to stay in place well into summer  Pritzker now faces a tough fight for both her prestigious Harvard role and the future of the university from which she earned her bachelors in economics 44 years ago.

Pritzker has spent decades in the public eye

No one would accuse Penny Pritzker of fearing the spotlight.

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After serving as Barack Obamas commerce secretary from 2013 to 2017, the great-granddaughter of a Ukrainian-Jewish immigrant became President Joe Bidens point person on Ukraines economic recovery, using the position as a bully pulpit to call for coordinated help for the country as its war against Russia has dragged on.

Her public footprint as the singular senior fellow of the Harvard Corporation has been lighter. Although Pritzker frequently attends town halls and public functions, she does not often grant wide-ranging interviews about the university. One of the few she has given was to the universitys own public relations department in December, weeks before Trumps second inauguration.

Lets not sugarcoat it  its been a painful and challenging year for Harvard, and I believe its important to acknowledge that even as weve begun to build for the future, Pritzker said. Weve faced relentless scrutiny about every aspect of the University, from stakeholders inside and outside the institution.

Harvard and Pritzker did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

Secretary of State John Kerry, left, speaks in 2016 with Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker at a joint news conference. - Manish Swarup/AP/File

Pritzker, meanwhile, is one of the worlds richest women, with a net worth of $4 billion, slightly ahead of her younger brother, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois, according to Forbes. Their father, Don, was president of the familys Hyatt hotel chain, turning it into an international conglomerate, and in 2014, Penny Pritzker founded PSP Partners, which owns a large portfolio of real estate, marketing and information technology businesses.

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The family remains among the most powerful in Chicago, and Pritzker has served on the boards of prominent Chicago-based companies, including Wrigley, TransUnion and LaSalle Bank.

Pritzkers worked, and tangled, with Trump

The Pritzker family is also no stranger to Trump, with contentious connections going back decades.

In the 1970s, when Penny Pritzkers uncle Jay was operating the Hyatt chain, it signed a deal with Trump to buy a failing hotel in New York and rebrand it as the Grand Hyatt, marking Trumps first major development in Manhattan.

The partnership soured over the next decade, and Trump sued the family in 1993, claiming it had taken advantage of his financial struggles.

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They attacked me when I was down, Trump told the Chicago Tribune that year. Now Im doing great again and its my turn. I always said, the first time I got back on my feet, the Pritzkers would be the first people Id go after.

After two years of legal wrangling and lawsuits, Trump and Jay Pritzker settled in 1995, The New York Times reported.

Pritzkers time in Harvard leadership marked by criticism

Ackmans rebuke this week wasnt the first time Pritzker has faced a call to resign.

After leading the search process that led to Claudine Gay being named Harvard president  and its first Black top executive  in late 2022, Pritzker said: We are confident Claudine will be a thoughtful, principled, and inspiring president for all of Harvard.

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But by early 2024, Gay had come under withering criticism inside and outside the institution after she was called to testify about antisemitism on campus. Asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate Harvards rules against bullying and harassment, Gay responded, It can be, depending on the context.

Gay later apologized, but backlash from donors and separate plagiarism allegations ultimately forced her to resign.

As the controversy bubbled, Pritzker did not speak publicly, and her silence was deafening, management expert and Harvard graduate Jeffrey Sonnenfeld told CNN at the time.

Pritzker later did not apologize for the work of the search committee that chose Gay.

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We consulted extensively and considered a wide range of candidates before selecting Claudine Gay, who was unanimously selected as the right choice at that time, Pritzker said in her interview with Harvards public relations unit.

The emergence of Harvard as a leader in the fight for academic independence has caused some critics to reassess Pritzker.

The decision of Harvard President Alan Garber to take a stand by rejecting the Trump administrations demands, and the strong leadership of Harvards board, led by Chair Penny Pritzker  is a watershed moment, said a Time magazine op-ed cowritten by Sonnenfeld last month.

Harvard Corporation is at center of White House showdown

The Harvard Corporation  whose members choose replacements after their colleagues serve up to two six-year terms, the student-run Harvard Crimson has reported  is known for secrecy in its decision-making. As a private university, it does not have to hold public meetings, so what little is known about Pritzkers leadership has come from news releases and leaks.

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Early in the second Trump administration, Harvard officials had been in discussions with federal officials about how to address antisemitism on campus, something the university has acknowledged is a legitimate concern.

But after the White House sent a letter April 11 to Garber and Pritzker with demands ranging from school governance to the elimination of diversity initiatives in return for federal money, Pritzker wanted to fight, The New York Times reported last month, citing people briefed on the decision.

Then, Garber alone on April 14 released a sharply worded public statement, saying in part, The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks April 30 during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/File

The Trump administration responded furiously that same day, with the governments Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announcing the $2.2 billion freeze and saying: Harvards statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nations most prestigious universities and colleges  that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws.

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Harvards public refusal of Trumps demands, Ackman asserted this week, was a counterproductive move that led to an unnecessary legal fight, as the university soon sued the government to restore its funding.

It should have said, President Trump, you make some good points, Ackman told CNBC, adding, He wants to make a deal.

Pritzker last week publicly acknowledged the criticism Harvard has faced but also argued greater government oversight is not the answer.

I think in general, across the country, people dont want our federal government running our universities and our colleges, she said at the Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit.

Now, people inside and outside Harvard are watching to see if Pritzker, an athlete who has frequently competed in triathlons, can outrun another round of fierce criticism.

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BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged congratulations with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU).

In his message, Xi said China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, two major forces promoting multi-polarization, two major markets supporting globalization and two major civilizations advocating diversity.

Xi noted that since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 50 years ago, China and the EU have maintained close exchanges across various levels and sectors, saying that the accomplishments of their dialogue and cooperation are fruitful, cultural and people-to-people exchanges vibrant, and multilateral coordination productive.

He added that China-EU relations have become one of the most influential bilateral relations in the world, contributing greatly to enhancing the well-being of their people, and promoting world peace and development.

Noting that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and human society is once again at a critical crossroads, Xi said a healthy and stable China-EU relationship not only promotes mutual achievements, but also illuminates the world.

Xi said he highly regards the development of China-EU relations, and is ready to work with Costa and von der Leyen to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to review the experience drawn from the development of ties, deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, strengthen partnership, expand mutual openness, properly handle frictions and differences, and work toward an even brighter future for China-EU relations.

He also called on both sides to remain committed to multilateralism, uphold fairness and justice, oppose unilateralism and bullying, join forces in addressing global challenges, and jointly build an equitable and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization, so as to make greater contributions to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

For their part, EU leaders said over the past 50 years, China has achieved the most rapid and sustained economic growth in history, noting that the EU and China have forged extensive ties, become each other's most important trading partners and contributed to the well-being of their people and the prosperity of their economies.

Against the backdrop of global uncertainty and geopolitical shifts, the EU, they said, stands ready to deepen its partnership with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, work hand in hand to address common challenges, and promote global peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Costa and von der Leyen.

In his message, Li said that China is willing to work with the EU to uphold the comprehensive strategic partnership, make bilateral relations more stable, constructive, reciprocal and global, and inject greater stability and positive energy into the world.

For their part, EU leaders noted that over the past 50 years, EU-China relations have continued to deepen and expand.

They said that the EU is willing to work with China to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, and to uphold multilateralism and a stable international order. 
The Trump White House is ramping up its fight against one of the top Ivy League schools in the country  Harvard University.

On Monday, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joined the fray by sending a letter to Harvard saying they should no longer apply for federal grants.

This follows President Donald Trumps message that his administration would be taking away Harvards Tax Exempt Status, in a social media post last week. Its what they deserve!

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It is unclear if Trump has the power to do this, and conservatives like Utah Gov. Spencer Cox have argued it is a dangerous precedent to set.

In the letter from McMahon to Harvard, she says the university has not followed the Supreme Courts mandate to end racial preferences in admissions.

McMahon also echoes billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who criticized the Harvard Corporation over the leadership of senior fellow Penny Pritzker, a billionaire who was the Commerce secretary during the Obama administration and is sister to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

McMahons letter also says Harvard invites foreign students into the U.S. who engage in violent behavior and show contempt for the United States of America.

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Given these and other concerning allegations, this letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided, McMahons letter says.

The letter lists several demands previously made by the Trump administration to the university, including ending racial preferences in admissions and hiring, disciplinary reform and consistent accountability for students and student groups, and cooperating with law enforcement.

Should Harvard give in to Trumps demands?

Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University, told CBS News in an interview that aired Sunday that this war between President Donald Trump and Harvard is unlikely to end until the school gives into the White Houses demands.

I think (Trumps) end game is to try to get the university to bend the knee, Summers said.

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Harvards had 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 an undersecretary at the Treasury Department under former President Bill Clinton.

But, Summers called what Trump is doing to Harvard extortion.

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.

In response to Summers, a White House spokesman told CBS News, The real threat to higher education comes when places like Harvard let their students civil rights get trampled.

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President Trump is standing up for every student denied an education or safe campus because left-wing universities fail to protect their civil rights, the spokesperson added.

What happened between the Trump administration and Harvard?

The battle between the progressive educational institution and the Trump administration, which is determined to bring viewpoint diversity to higher ed, has escalated in recent weeks.

Back in March, the Trump White House sent Harvard a letter warning of an impending investigation should the university not address antisemitism on the Harvard campus.

Harvard returned to the table with a list of reforms it was ready to introduce. But in another letter a month later, Trump officials said Harvard hadnt done enough and suggested changing the leadership structure, implementing merit-based hiring and admissions, and introducing viewpoint diversity.

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Harvard declined. The University will not surrender its independence or its constitutional rights, Harvard President Alan M. Garber wrote amid the negotiations.

Then-Harvard University Provost Alan Garber applauds during commencement exercises, Thursday, May 28, 2015, in Cambridge, Mass. Garber is now president of Harvard University. | Steven Senne

When the Ivy League school rejected the Trump White Houses demands, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funds, including grants. Harvard is fighting back: It sued the administration alleging they were in the violation of the First Amendment and Civil Rights Act.

Will Harvard win in court?

Aside from arguing violations of basic constitutional rights, the university will argue that the government didnt adhere to the Administrative Procedure Act, which helps oversee the rules and processes for various agencies.

But Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, told Semafor that he believes the presidents office can withhold federal funding, or make adjustments if the recipients of government grants dont meet requirements.

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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, he said.

Lee served as a lawyer and federal prosecutor before becoming a senator.

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, Lee noted.

That law allows the president to rescind funds but only with the approval of Congress.

Lee said he has become less and less enamored with this law.

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Partly because he thinks the president should be able to consider the money appropriated by Congress as the maximum limit, or ceiling, rather than the minimum, or 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, he added.

So thats why I think wed be better off without the Impoundment Control Act. But its still law.

Harvards disappointing report on antisemitism

Last week, the university released an internal report on instances of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.

It detailed accounts of Jewish and Muslim students struggling to cope with the war between Israel and Hamas while facing fears over their security and censorship on campus.

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Garber, the Harvard president, in a letter called the past academic year disappointing and painful.

Some students reported being pushed by their peers to the periphery of campus life because of who they are or what they believe, eroding our shared sense of community in the process, Garber wrote.

But thats not all. This internal report details instances when Jewish students were silenced, excluded and even shunned by their peers while the faculty encouraged anti-Israel protests, as The Atlantic reported.

The bullying and harassment surged following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Garber told alumni on a call last week that the White House sanctions against the university wont particularly aid us in the fight against antisemitism, as CNN reported.

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Harvard isnt facing a singular threat. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem threatened to revoke the Ivy League schools ability to enroll international students  about 27% of its total enrollment. Meanwhile, the Education Department is investigating the universitys gifts and contracts disclosure reports.

The White House is also telling universities to get rid of diversity, equity and inclusion practices and is deporting or canceling the visas of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, as the Deseret News previously reported.
Harvard University on Monday blasted the Trump administration over its declaration that the Ivy League school may no longer pursue federal research grants, framing the plan to disqualify the university from this financial support as retaliatory.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent a blistering letter on Monday addressed to Harvard President Alan Garber, accusing the elite institution of engaging in a systematic pattern of violating federal law, and suggesting that it should therefore face consequences.

This letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided, she wrote. Harvard will cease to be a publicly funded institution, and can instead operate as a privately-funded institution, drawing on its colossal endowment, and raising money from its large base of wealthy alumni.

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A senior Education Department official told CBS News this wouldnt impact federal student loan funding and Pell grants.

In response to her letter, Harvard accused the White House of seeking to illegally withhold funding for lifesaving research and innovation in retaliation against Harvard for filing its lawsuit.

Harvard will continue to comply with the law, promote and encourage respect for viewpoint diversity, and combat antisemitism in our community, said a spokesperson for the university. Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure.

McMahon accused Harvard of engaging in ugly racism in its undergraduate and graduate schools, and even within the Harvard Law Review itself, among other things.

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McMahons letter also condemned the schools admission requirements and its decision to previously bring on former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as fellows at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

This is only the latest chapter in the showdown between Harvard and this White House.

Last week, Trump said he was planning to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status  a move the university said had no legal basis. This followed the institutions decision to file a lawsuit against his administration after the government froze billions of dollars in federal grants under the pretext of fighting antisemitism on campus and so-called diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

Oral arguments in this case have been scheduled for July 21.

Related...
TOWN CREEK, Ala. (WHNT)  Lawrence County School officials say Hatton Elementary School was put on lockdown Monday afternoon after a student was found with an airsoft gun.

According to a post on the schools Facebook page, a student safety concern involving a possible weapon on campus was reported shortly before dismissal, causing the school to go into lockdown as a precaution.

The system said law enforcement and school officials responded quickly and, after a search, recovered an airsoft gun.

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Airsoft guns are replica spring or air-powered firearms that fire plastic pellets that are generally not lethal.

Lawrence County Superintendent Dr. Jon Bret Smith told News 19 that no students or staff were in danger during the incident.

We are grateful for the quick and professional response of our School Resource Officer, who ensured the situation was resolved safely and efficiently, the school said. As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.

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HAYS, Kan. (KSNW)Water was released Monday morning from the Cedar Bluff Reservoir to aid Russell and Hays, which face drought conditions that city leaders expect to worsen. Leaders from both cities said this is only a band-aid, not a long-term solution.

Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said this is the first time in more than a decade theyve pulled water from Cedar Bluff Reservoir. He said the reservoir is not a viable solution moving forward because water levels are chronically low.

Dougherty said legal challenges have prolonged their attempts to pull water from the R9 Ranch.

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Pulling from Cedar Bluff Reservoir is a very inefficient way to replenish the wellfields, he said.

Dougherty said lawsuits have tied up construction on a pipeline that would pull water from land owned by Hays and Russell in Edwards County. This has led to a decade of delays for what he believes will eventually be a 50-75 year-plus answer.

It is frustrating that were forced to look at a source that really isnt sustainable moving forward, and its really not viable for the long term, Dougherty said. When we have a renewable and sustainable resource that we own, just because a group of irrigators doesnt like it and has money to spend on lawyers, theyve been able to gum it up for 10 years.

Its a frustration shared by Russell Mayor Jim Cross.

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Every time we think we get things going our way, theres another lawsuit, another appeal, to another judge, and then back and forth, through the water office, he said.

Cross said that while not ideal, they expect better results from this Cedar Bluff release than their last go-around, believing they timed it almost perfectly.

In 2013, it became a point that we were so desperate we had to release it. When you do that, when the weather is too hot, it doesnt come downstream too far, he said.

Its a temporary solution with an unclear future water source for residents.

If the citys legal challenges are clear, a bid could come out early next year. Construction on the pipeline would then take two years. The earliest the two cities could start pulling water from it would be 2028.

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City leaders do not expect any impacts on recreational activities this summer at the reservoir, given that the water is coming from reserve pools.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Spencer County Health Department is putting out a warning to those who may be selling meals out of their homes.

Officials say its been brought to their attention that meals are being made and sold out of unauthorized private homes.

They say, per Indiana code, private homes are prohibited from being used for retail food establishment operations.

Officials say there is a $100 fine per day for selling food without a permit.

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For more information, contact the Spencer County Health Department at 812-649-4441.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  As the hours tick down until the polls close Tuesday night for the Mayoral Primary in Youngstown, incumbent Tito Brown is focused on this day before on polling places in the city.

Its just about, you know, preparation for poll workers, making sure everythings in place, Brown said. But also making sure, we make sure the message is Go out and vote.'

While Brown is seeking his third term in office, his challenger is in the middle of her second term on City Council and says these last days and hours have been both interesting and inspiring.

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I have great friends and a great team around me, Turner said. Were out and knocking on doors, talking to people, enjoying ourselves in the community. Really what I normally do, just a little bit more.

Despite all the effort, election workers are predicting a turnout of no more than 10% of the citys registered voters. Still, the candidates are doing what they can to get out the vote.

I say, Youngstown, dont leave it up to chance,' Turner said. Come out no matter what party youre affiliated with and pull the ticket and vote.

I encourage people to vote no matter who theyre voting for, Brown said. I want them to vote for me, but I want them to exercise that right.

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The one who gets to move on to the next level could be known Tuesday night.

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Pete Hegseth has already displayed a predictable lack of competence in his role as defense secretary, but its not just a sloppy use of Signal chats that has forced the White House to do damage control on his behalf. According to a Tuesday report from Reuters, early in his tenure Hegseth cancelled military aid to Ukraine without a direct order from President Donald Trump.

The pause, which Hegseth ordered just days after Trump was sworn in, led the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) to ground 11 flights moving weapons and artillery to Ukraine. According to Reuters, when Ukrainian and Polish officials reached out to the White House to ask what was going on, officials in the Pentagon, State Department, and the presidents office caught unaware that any such pause had been ordered.

Records reviewed by Reuters showed that Hegseth had given a verbal order to halt the weapons shipments shortly after attending an Oval Office meeting where cutting military aid to Ukraine was discussed  but not ordered. The order was quickly reversed, and until now the incident was effectively hushed away.

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The White House claimed that Hegseth had followed a directive from Trump aligned with the administrations policy towards Ukraine at that time, but other sources who spoke to Reuters and were aware of the events as they unfolded said U.S. National Security Officials and others who would typically be involved in such a decision had no idea the order had been made.

Its another instance in which sloppy communication problems  either in excess or absence  have caused embarrassment to the defense secretary and the administration. Hegseth was already in hot water after revelations that he shared sensitive attack plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen in two Signal group chats. According to a Monday report from The Wall Street Journal, Hegseth has used Signal  which is only approved for extremely limited, unclassified communication use by the Pentagon  much more extensively than previously known.

Sources who spoke to the WSJ say the defense secretary has made over a dozen Signal chats to discuss all manner of DOD policy and issues with relevant parties  including representatives from foreign governments and partner nations. According to the sources, Hegseth has used Signal to discuss potentially sensitive information both on his personal phone, and on unsecure lines in the Pentagon. In other instances, its Marine Col. Ricky Buria  a Hegseth aide  who posts information onto Hegseths Signal chats on his behalf. Buria was, according to sources, the individual who posed air strike plans against the Houthis in a chat with Hegseths wife and brother.

The Department of Defense has invested vast fortunes in the creation of secure internal and external communications networks to protect against intentional and inadvertent leaks, or outright hacking and espionage. Hegseth, however, seems to prefer the convenience of a third-party application. Aides and others the secretary messages via Signal told the WSJ that theyre sometimes forced to go away from their desks and hunt for a place within the Pentagon where they get enough cell service to respond on the application.

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The Pentagon will continue to exist in a state of uncertainty so long as Hegseth is at its helm. On Monday, the defense secretary ordered that the number of four-star generals and admirals in the military be cut by 20 percent across the board.

Secretary Hegseth has shown an eagerness to dismiss military leaders without cause, and I will be skeptical of the rationale for these plans until he explains them before the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told NBC News.

Trump has repeatedly insisted hes sticking by Hegseth, despite all of the controversy. He told The Atlantic recently that hes spoken to Hegseth about his issues, and that hes confident the man he put in charge of the United States military will get it toegether.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered military planners to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals in the military by 20%, a move that could axe eight or nine positions for senior officers from across the five military branches.

This is not a slash and burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers, Hegseth said in a video released Monday evening introducing the memo, dubbed General/Flag Officer Reductions. Its gonna be done carefully. But its gonna be done expeditiously.

In a memo posted on the Pentagons public website, Hegseth ordered a minimum 20% reduction of 4-star positions across the Active Component and among general officers in the National Guard  a cut which could equate to the reduction of eight or nine positions, which would require the elimination of major service-wide organizations or reducing the role of running them to three-star officers or below. The memo also called for an additional minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officers across the military.

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Four-star general or admiral is the highest rank a military officer can achieve, though, unlike more common military ranks, it is not earned independently on the merits of an officers career. Rather, about 40 specific jobs across the military are specified as requiring a four-star general or admiral, and an officer is promoted to that rank when chosen for one of those roles.

Most recently, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine was promoted to four-star general from two-star in order to assume the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

Hegseth said the military currently has 44 positions for generals and admirals in the highest rank, though the DOD personnel websites March report on current force structures said the military had 38 4-stars on active duty and one  an Air National Guard general  in the reserves (by comparison, the military has 150 three-star officers, 263 two-stars and 366 one-star officers).

Twelve four-star officers serve in the Pentagon on the Joint Chiefs of Staff  the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and the chief and vice chief of each service branch. Those positions are the only four-star jobs in both the Space Force and Marine Corps.

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Close to a dozen other four-star generals and admirals oversee so-called unified combatant commands. Those include both major regional commands like U.S. Central Command and Southern Command, along with commands focused on particular areas of expertise, like U.S. Special Operations Command or U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees all U.S. nuclear forces.

The Army, Navy and Air Force each have several more four-stars who oversee broad areas of each service, like the Armys training and material components, or all the Air Force units in the Pacific.

A Pentagon spokesperson did not respond to questions from Task & Purpose on the timeline of the cuts or whether each service would decide for itself where the cuts would come to, instead citing Hegseths video announcement.

The latest on Task & Purpose
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office ordered a temporary halt of military aid flights to Ukraine in early February without notifying the White House, Reuters reported on May 6, citing unnamed sources.

The suspension reportedly affected 11 shipments of artillery shells and weapons from Dover Air Force Base and a U.S. base in the United Arab Emirates.

The order, issued about a week after U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term, caused immediate concern in Kyiv and among officials in Poland, who contacted Washington for answers.

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Top national security officials at the White House, Pentagon, and State Department were unaware of the decision and could not respond to inquiries.

The flights resumed Feb. 5, after a three-day pause, following an alleged intervention from U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, one source said.

Reuters reported in February that the United States briefly halted weapons shipments to Ukraine while the new White House administration debated its policies toward Kyiv.

The verbal order reportedly originated from Hegseth's office after a Jan. 30 Oval Office meeting on Ukraine, where cutting off aid was discussed but not approved by Trump.

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Four people familiar with the matter told Reuters a small group of Pentagon staffers, many with long-standing opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine, had advised Hegseth to suspend assistance.

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The president and other senior officials remained unaware of the suspension until Ukrainian and European partners raised concerns. The canceled flights reportedly cost U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) $2.2 million.

The weapons had been previously approved under the former President Joe Biden's administration and authorized by Congress. Since Trump's second term began in January, no new aid packages have been approved.

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The U.S. temporarily halted military supplies for Ukraine in March before restarting them after Kyiv agreed to the truce plan during talks in Jeddah on March 11.

In an April 13 interview with CBS News, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the U.S. to provide air defense support, saying Ukraine is ready to purchase 10 U.S.-made Patriot systems for $15 billion to protect major cities.

Read also: Kyivs air defense increasingly under pressure amid missile shortage

"We will find the money and pay for everything," Zelensky said, emphasizing Ukraine's intention to buy, not request, additional systems.

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Trump rejected the request the next day, accusing Ukraine of "always looking to purchase missiles" and falsely blaming Kyiv for instigating the war.

Trump has not clarified whether U.S. military aid will continue if his peace talks with Russia fail, fueling concern among allies over Washington's long-term commitment.

A Patriot air defense system based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine after refurbishment, the New York Times reported on May 4, citing four unnamed current and former U.S. officials.

Moscow has refused a 30-day ceasefire, demanding extraordinary concessions, including a halt to all foreign military aid to Ukraine.

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Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Los Angeles County has declared a communitywide outbreak of hepatitis A, a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to lasting liver damage or even death.

Although cases of hepatitis A are nothing new in the region, health officials are expressing alarm at the prevalence of the disease and who is becoming infected.

Last year's total of 136 confirmed cases was the highest in the county in at least a decade, officials say, and more than double the number seen in 2023. Case counts have continued to climb throughout the early part of this year.

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Seven deaths have been linked to the 13-month-old outbreak.

Historically, hepatitis A infections in L.A. County largely have been identified in homeless people, as limited access to toilets and handwashing facilities can help the disease spread more easily, county health officials say. But this year, most infections have been reported among people who aren't homeless, and who haven't recently traveled or used illicit drugs, which are other common risk factors.

Read more: Hepatitis A spreading among Los Angeles homeless population, health officials say

The ongoing increase in hepatitis A cases signals that quick action is needed to protect public health, Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer, said in a statement Monday, urging people to get vaccinated against the disease.

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Over the first three months of this year, 29 cases were reported, double the total seen during the same period last year.

The highly contagious virus is found in the stools and blood of infected people, and can be contracted by unknowingly ingesting contaminated food and drinks. Using drugs with, caring for or having sexual contact with an infected person are also common means of infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of confirmed cases in L.A. County is almost certainly an understatement of the disease's true prevalence, as infections can go undiagnosed. Even so, this outbreak already far surpasses what had been L.A. County's most significant hepatitis A outbreak in the last decade, when 87 confirmed cases were reported in 2017.

Read more: Hepatitis A scare at Men's Central Jail led to more than 1,500 vaccinations

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"We definitely think that the outbreak is bigger than the numbers imply," said Dr. Sharon Balter, director of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention in L.A. County. Balter urged healthcare providers to test for hepatitis A if they think a patient's symptoms are consistent with the disease.

The outbreak also has started to make itself apparent in L.A. County wastewater data, Balter said. Officials had been hopeful that a decline in viral levels in late 2024 suggested the outbreak was easing, but they have started to increase again.

Wastewater surveillance gives a better idea of the true scale of hepatitis A's presence in the community, Balter said, because "many people may not present for care when they're infected"  either because they're asymptomatic or they don't have access to healthcare.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine. Among adults, infection usually results in symptoms, with jaundice occurring in more than 70% of patients, according to the CDC. Among children younger than 6, about 70% of infections are asymptomatic.

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Most people will fully recover from the disease, "but it can occasionally result in liver failure and death," Balter said.

Read more: L.A. County investigating reported hepatitis A case at Beverly Hills Whole Foods

Genetic analysis indicates that the strain identified in this outbreak has primarily been found in L.A. County, said Dr. Prabhu Gounder, medical director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health's viral hepatitis unit. A few cases linked to this strain also have been confirmed in Orange and San Bernardino counties.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis A, which was recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for young children starting in 1996 in areas with the highest rates of disease, and then in 2006 for all children.

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"The vaccine is very effective," Gounder said.

The CDC recommends that all children be vaccinated for hepatitis A at age 1 or 2. The shots are administered as a two-dose schedule, given at least six months apart. Older children and adults also can be vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A has never been required as a condition of entry to California's kindergartens or child-care centers, however.

"This does mean that there's a large cohort of adults who may not have been vaccinated," Balter said.

Read more: Some diners at Monterey Park restaurant may have been exposed to hepatitis A

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Because of the outbreak, the L.A. County Department of Public Health strongly encourages hepatitis A vaccinations for:



Any L.A. County resident who has not previously been vaccinated and is seeking protection;

People experiencing homelessness;

People using drugs, including noninjection drugs.

"It's a very safe, very effective vaccine. You can get it through your [healthcare] provider, or you can just go to a pharmacy," Balter said. Millions of hepatitis A vaccination doses have been given since the 1990s, the CDC says.

People experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs "should especially get the vaccine," Balter said.

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If you don't know whether you've been vaccinated, it's still safe to get  even if it means possibly being vaccinated again.

"You should just go and get vaccinated if you're not sure," Balter said.

If you've already had both vaccine doses, there is no need to get additional shots, with some exceptions. A bone marrow transplant patient may need to get re-vaccinated, for instance.

Another way to protect yourself is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing and eating food, Balter said.

Read more: How San Diego's hepatitis A outbreak became the worst the U.S. has seen in decades

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"If you're going to use hand sanitizer, really, we're looking for hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol or more, and a lot of hand sanitizers don't," Balter said, noting that lower-alcohol options don't always eliminate the virus.

It can take 15 to 50 days between exposure and illness, according to the CDC. Mild hepatitis A illness can last one to two weeks, but a severely disabling illness can last several months. About 10% to 15% of infected people "have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over six to nine months," the CDC said.

Because of the lengthy incubation time, "we really have to get ahead of this," Gounder said. "Right now, what we're seeing [are cases resulting from] exposure that happened seven weeks ago."

Hepatitis A can be challenging to diagnose because early symptoms might be mistaken for gastroenteritis or stomach flu, Gounder said. More apparent signs of infection, such as yellow eyes, may emerge later  but possibly only after a test for the virus starts showing as negative.

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Diseases similar to hepatitis A have been described in records since ancient times, but the virus was isolated in the 1970s. Hepatitis A was far more common before a highly effective vaccine was licensed for use in the U.S. in 1995.

Hepatitis A case rates fell 95.5% from 1996 to 2011, according to the CDC, but a resurgence was recorded starting in 2016 "due to widespread outbreaks among persons reporting drug use and homelessness."

One area that saw a substantial spread of the disease was San Diego County, which recorded 20 deaths and 592 cases during an outbreak that started in 2016 and ended in 2018.

The 2017 hepatitis A outbreak in L.A. County "ended with a tremendous effort" by public health officials to make the vaccine available to at-risk people and increase public awareness of the disease, Balter said.

Read more: CDC to slash infectious-disease funding for states; California impact uncertain

Of the 165 hepatitis A cases in L.A. County recorded since last year, most were adults, officials said. "These are people who probably did not get vaccinated previously, and for whatever reason, weren't exposed when they were children," Balter said.

Detecting the scope of the current outbreak through wastewater data has been valuable, officials say. Federal budget cutbacks, however, could affect such services in the future.

"Absolutely, we're concerned about the impacts of [reduced federal] funding on our ability to protect L.A. County from things like hepatitis A outbreaks," Balter said.

A recently released federal budget proposal would significantly cut or eliminate a number of grants  such as those for epidemiology laboratory capacity and hospital preparedness, Balter said.

Read more: California and other states sue to block Trump administration cuts to health department

"These would really impact our ability to track an illness and, especially, to respond to it. So we are definitely very concerned about that," Balter said.

Another worry is the threat of reduced funding for vaccines. If funds are cut, "we will lose a substantial source of free vaccines that we need to increase immunity, which is ultimately what needs to happen to stop this outbreak," Gounder said.

Residents with insurance can get the hepatitis A vaccine through their healthcare providers and retail pharmacies. Uninsured and underinsured residents can get vaccinated through L.A. County's public health clinics. Free mobile clinic vaccines are also available for those who are homeless. For more information, residents can call the Department of Public Health at (833) 540-0473 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

After a known hepatitis A exposure, an unvaccinated person still can get vaccinated to help avoid infection. Health officials say older adults and those with weakened immune systems also could benefit from receiving immunoglobulin.

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.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on May 5, 2025. Baghaei said on Monday that Iran will not seek to militarize its nuclear program. (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Iran will not seek to militarize its nuclear program.

"If the American side is honest in its request that the Islamic Republic of Iran should not have a nuclear bomb, many of the issues will be resolvable," he made the remarks at a weekly press conference.

"This is because we have already clearly declared and proved in practice that we have in no way been seeking to militarize our nuclear program and will not seek to do so," Baghaei added.

Commenting on recent U.S. sanctions on Iran and the ongoing negotiations between the two countries, the spokesman said the "contradictory" messages sent by U.S. officials would not affect Iran's determination to insist upon its principled positions.

Iran's position regarding its right to make peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a fixed one and based on international law, Baghaei said.

He noted that Iran was ready to enter and continue a dialogue-based diplomatic path to resolve the issues pertaining to its nuclear program and the removal of U.S. sanctions.

The delegations of Iran and the United States have so far held three rounds of indirect negotiations with mediation from Oman. The first and third rounds were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and April 26, with the second one in Rome on April 19.

The fourth round, which was scheduled for May 3 in Rome, was postponed to an unspecified date owing to what Oman described as "logistical reasons." 
Police are investigating a disturbing discovery made by parents at a popular dance studio in Hermosa Beach over the weekend.

Officers were called to the Hermosa School of Dance and Music on the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, after the concealed cameras were found in wicker baskets placed inside the schools unisex bathrooms.

It is unknown how long the cameras had been there, but they were immediately removed from the restrooms, which staff, parents and students use, the Hermosa Beach Police Department stated in a news release.

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Liliana Somma, who has owned the dance school for over 25 years, said she was shocked and heartbroken over the discovery. Somma said she is working with police to find out who is responsible and has hired a company to perform a sweep of the studio.

The Hermosa School of Dance and Music is seen on May 5, 2025. (KTLA)

We just installed devices that now will pick up any cameras, and mothers can buy these and bring them, even when they go to the mall, in a fitting room  you just need to be aware, Somma told KTLA.

Police have yet to make any arrests or identify any suspects in the incident at the dance school, where students range from 2 to 18 years old.

HBPD detectives are actively investigating all available leads to identify and hold accountable the individual(s) responsible for this disturbing act, police said.

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Anyone with information was asked to contact the Police Department at 310-318-0360.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The next time you go for a walk, you may be tempted to look for buried gold. A hike in the Czech Republic turned into an accidental treasure hunt for two men who stumbled upon a buried trove of riches.

In February, two men were trekking through the foothills of the Krkonose Mountains, located near the Polish border in the northern region of the Czech Republic, when they discovered a canister filled with hundreds of shiny gold coins. Nearby, an iron box was found with more treasures, including cigarette cases, bracelets, a comb, and a chain with a key.

The men handed over the findings to the Museum of East Bohemia, where archaeologists are now analyzing the discoveries, according to an April 25 Facebook post. Together, the items weigh more than 15 pounds and could be worth as much as $340,000. Under Czech law, the hikers may receive up to 10 percent of the treasures value as a reward, TVP World reports.

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Related: 14 Valuable Collectibles to Look for in Thrift Stores

The can contained 598 coins neatly arranged into 11 columns and wrapped in black cloth, weighing more than 8 pounds. The coins were stamped with dates ranging from 1808 to 1915. Some coins also bear countermarks, indicating that they were reissued in 1921 in an area of Yugoslavia most likely encompassing modern-day Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Artnet. The coins originated from various countries such as France, Turkey, Belgium, Romania, Italy, and Russia.

The reason the treasure was buried is unknown. Miroslav Novak, head of the archaeological department of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, told Czech Radio that it's possible the treasure belonged to one of the thousands of Czech or Jewish people who fled during World War II to escape persecution. He notes that it could also be linked to "monetary reform," referring to the monetary reform forced upon Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union in 1953.

While it remains unclear who hid the stash and why it was never retrieved, experts believe it was hidden because the coins are gold. "It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins. Its not about what the coins could buythats not what mattered. It was deliberately hidden because it was precious metal," the Museum of Eastern Bohemia's coin expert, Vojtech Bradle, told Czech Radio.



Read the original article on Martha Stewart
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Historians, veterans, and Rockford residents gathered at Veterans Memorial Hall to learn more about the history of local abolitionists at a Civil War Roundtable.

The event was hosted by Vietnam veteran Stanley Campbell, who brought along newspapers from the 1830s, which were used to spread the message about the horrors of slavery faced in the South.

Campbell said that even some Northerners opposed abolishing slavery, being unwilling to rock the boat of their newly-founded country.

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It was hard to be an abolitionist, even in the North, before the Civil War, Campbell said. Even those who spoke out against slavery were persecuted in the North, and they werent even allowed in the South. They were just like booted out, arrested, tarred and feathered, if not outright killed.

The Civil War Roundtable is held weekly and open to the public.

Veterans Memorial Hall is located at 211 N. Main Street.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Prosecutors in Karen Reads second murder case focused Monday on another witness who told the court they heard Read repeatedly utter the words I hit him after finding her Boston police officer boyfriend dead in the snow.

Firefighter Katie McLaughlin is the third person to testify this trial that Read repeatedly said I hit him that morning.

Prosecutors believe Read, 45, backed her SUV into OKeefe, 46, and left him to die after dropping him off at a party hosted by a fellow officer. Her lawyers say she was framed in a police conspiracy and that someone inside the home that night in January 2022 must have killed him.

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A mistrial was declared last year. Reads second trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene has appeared to be similar so far.

SEE ALSO: Boston officers mom gives tearful testimony

Reads words being used against her

McLaughlin said she asked Read that morning for basic information  OKeefes age and medical history, and whether he had suffered significant trauma  when Read told her: I hit him. I hit him. A woman standing next to Read, later identified as Jennifer McCabe, told Read to calm down, but Read repeated the phrase, McLaughlin said.

A police officer then said you what? and Read repeated the phrase a fourth time, I hit him, she 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)

Prosecutor Hank Brennan then showed the jury police dash camera video showing McLaughlin, McCabe and Read in apparent conversation together. McLaughlin said she returned then to an ambulance and sharing what Read had said with her colleagues.

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Brennan also questioned McLaughlin about her relationship with Caitlin Albert, whose family lived at house where OKeefes body was found on the front lawn. McLaughlin acknowledged that they were high school classmates and had some of the same friends but that the two were not close.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson, who grilled McLaughlin about that relationship in the first trial, challenged her again, telling jurors that she and Albert were in the same friend group, attended the same baby shower and had gone on beach trips and weekend getaways together. He showed a series of photos that put them together.

Your relationship with Caitlin Albert is far more than simply somebody that you went high school with, isnt that true? he asked. McLaughlin responded that she had already clarified their relationship.

Investigator from scene questioned

Both sides questioned a former Canton police lieutenant about evidence-gathering at the scene. In the first trial, Lt. Paul Gallagher testified about the use of red Solo cups to gather OKeefes blood, and a leaf blower to clear snow.

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Gallagher agreed this time that a plastic cup is not normally used to collect evidence, but he said the circumstances required quick thinking and improvisation.

If we didnt collect that biological matter, we werent going to get that biological matter, Gallagher said.

Questioning McCabes testimony

Last week, much of the attention was on the testimony of McCabe.

Jackson tried to convince the jury that McCabes testimony has shifted over time, leaving out key details.

McCabe, he said, never mentioned that she called her sister just before OKeefe was found in the snow  something she denied. The two also sparred over what she told former State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator, about a broken taillight on Reads vehicle. Jackson said McCabe told Proctor that it was cracked. I said it was broken and cracked and it was missing pieces, she countered.

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When Jackson challenged her about her route to the house that morning, McCabe sounded exasperated.

I was in shock, she told the court. So a lot of things from that day are foggy. Certain things, certain details I may have forgotten.

RELATED: Defense disputes key witness testimony in Karen Read retrial

Jackson responded that all of your testimony over the last several days is based on that memory that you just described to these jurors, correct?

There are certain things Ill never forget, McCabe shot back.

Jackson accused McCabe and other witnesses of coordinating their stories in the hours and days after OKeefe died. He brought up a group chat in which McCabe and several others acknowledged listening to a police interview of another witness, Kerry Roberts, who also was with Read and McCabe that morning.

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In the text that we just saw, you were colluding with other witnesses, Jackson declared, and then pressed on, suggesting she had listened to Roberts interview to shape her own version of events. She denied it.

MORE: Karen Read Trial

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UPDATE: The Clark County Coroners office identified the pedestrian as 64-year-old Gary Quarino.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A pedestrian died following a hit-and-run crash in Summerlin that may have involved a commercial vehicle.

The crash happened on Monday shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the 10250 block of Charleston Boulevard near Town Center Drive.

LVMPD investigates a deadly hit-and-run crash on Park Run Drive on May 5, 2025. (KLAS)

Las Vegas Metro police told 8 News Now a 64-year-old man was found unresponsive near the area, and later determined he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene of the crash.

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Police said it appears the man was hit by a commercial truck as he crossed a private drive on Park Run Drive.

Due to the police investigation, Park Run Drive between Town Center Drive and Hualapai Way was closed Monday night.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Daily Show host Jon Stewart said President Donald Trump uses outrageous claims, statements and memes to help cover up the worst parts of his policies.

To get to substantive policy questions, you have to face down the fire hose of his nonsense and bullshit that moves you off track, Stewart said. His frenetic nature that means we all end up suffering from a kind of secondhand ADHD, a viral cloud of his unfocused weaving that gives all of us brain fog.

So Stewart developed a chart to determine which of the things its OK to get upset about, and which things are just him fucking off.

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For example, over the weekend, Trump declared that he wanted to reopen Alcatraz, which is currently a national park and museum, as a prison for the nations worst offenders.

Stewart warned Americans not to take the bait on Alcatraz and get caught up in the distraction as Trump intends.

Its just a stupid thing to keep us occupied, to lose focus on his actual policies, Stewart said, adding that it was OK to ignore this one.

Then, his voice rising, he took the bait anyway: But why would you wanna reopen Alcatraz? What the fuck is that?

He did see one reason Trump might want to move forward with the plan.

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I guess any opportunity for Trump to open a prison and simultaneously close a museum is too good to pass up, he said.

But one statement broke Stewarts chart: Trump declaring over the weekend that he didnt know if he needed to uphold the due process rights guaranteed in the Constitution.

Stewart had to unfold his chart to reveal a new level and show how off-the-charts that claim was.

Holy shit thats not OK! he declared, and rolled footage of Trump at his inauguration taking the oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Preserve, protect and defend, i.e., uphold, Stewart said. Its not optional. It is not an opportunity for you to lawyer-shop loopholes to our nations founding document. You took an oath.

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He said Trump uses stories about Alcatraz and memes of himself as the pope to distract from bigger issues, such as this one, and more.

While were chasing Pope and Alcatraz stories, the Trump administration has gutted funding for Americas food banks, Stewart said. Theyve hollowed out the FAA to the point where Newark Airport is basically inoperable, and not in its usual way. And then theres this.

He played a news clip showing the Trump administration just laid off nearly everyone at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, which, among other things, provides healthcare for 9/11 first responders.

Motherfucker! said Stewart, who has long been an advocate for 9/11 first responders. Do you know how bad you have to be to make the lives of sick 9/11 responders worse? The Trump administration is now No. 2 on the 9/11 evil power rankings. Al Qaeda is still No. 1, but youre closing the gap.

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See more in his Monday night monologue:

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ALBANY  Albany Police Chief Michael Persleys words summed up the intent of three speakers selected to offer messages during the 74th annual National Day of Prayer, held on the plaza of the downtown Albany-Dougherty Government Center.

We come as people of faith, asked to speak about promises, not problems, Persley said to a group of some 65 individuals who came to take part in the annual Day of Prayer, sponsored locally by the Albany-Dougherty National Prayer Committee, a volunteer group that sponsors the annual Day of Prayer and Mayors Prayer Breakfast each year to offer members of the community opportunities to pray for their leaders.

Larry Price, the volunteer chair of ALDON, told those gathered for the event that they are commanded Biblically to to pray for their leaders.

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Today is about hope, Price said. Its about trusting in God. And its about coming together as a community to pray for our city and our county leaders.

The theme for the event came from Romans 15:13, which says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joining Persley as featured speakers for the Day of Prayer were Anastasia Franklin, worship leader of Christ Church of Albany, and Mark Lane, area director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each spoke of how people of faith can bring about dramatic changes in a community beset by troubling issues.

Our leaders are held accountable by God, and I urge you to fervently pray for them, not just today but every day, Franklin said.

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Added Lane, My prayer is that our community leaders experience the hope that is found in Christ alone. When faith is directed toward the future, we can call it hope.

Persley said hope grows within families, communities and churches.

The family is the first place where hope is nurtured, and community offers an opportunity of shared grace, the APD chief said. And church is the launchpad for change. These churches, it must be noted, are not just sanctified on Sunday; theyre a lighthouse for the lost Monday through Saturday.

After the speakers delivered their brief messages and prayers, those assembled gathered in groups of three to eight to pray in clusters.

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They took into the short prayer session a thought offered by Persley: Albany doesnt need more fear; it needs more hope.

ALDON already has scheduled the date for the 75th National Day of Prayer: May 1, 2026.
Toxic algae blooms along the California coast have been a problem off and on for the past four years, but whats been happening in recent months is unprecedented. This is now one of the largest harmful algae blooms ever recorded in this region and has led to thousands of marine animals and birds becoming sick or dying in recent months.

This includes at least two whale species, dolphins, birds and the biggest numbers have been from sea lions.

Its horrific, Glenn Gray, CEO of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), told weather.com. The number of dead dolphins we've gotten this year is just off the charts. We're all dealing with numbers within a two-month period of time that would normally represent the number of responses we would make in a year. It's been the worst thats on record in terms of how it's affecting the animals and the different species of animals.

The toxin is called domoic acid poisoning, which is a neurotoxin produced by an algae called Pseudo-nitzschia. It attacks the nervous system of marine life, either killing them or making them appear disoriented, according to scientists at the PMMC.

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It's like having a seizure, explained Gray. I compare it to a pet having a seizure. It's very similar and heart-wrenching because the sea lions are kind and gentle. They're playing with each other and then the next moment, they're seizing.

Gray explains that if these sea lions seize for more than 30 seconds, theres a good chance they will suffer irreversible damage to their brain. He says they can become unbalanced and stay very unpredictable and potentially dangerous to others.

Whats happening is that the domoic acid is collecting in the smaller fish species that the larger animals are feeding on. Scientists have revealed that this toxin is spreading throughout the food web, which is impacting more and more species, including whales.

Each of these whale deaths is heartbreaking, and also deeply telling, said Keith Matassa, CEO and Founder of the Ocean Animal Response & Research Alliance (OARRA). Whales are sentinels of ocean health, and their suffering signals a larger ecological imbalance driven by intensifying harmful algal blooms. These events are no longer isolated, theyre increasing in scope, scale, frequency, and severity.

Recent California Wildfires Possibly Played A Role

While no official scientific studies have been completed yet, the recent wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, could be contributing to the toxins. The fire burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures. Scientists are currently investigating whether the fire retardant used to fight the fires could be contributing to the magnitude of this algae bloom.

The toxic algae is essentially fed by pollution, explained Gray. If you look at the fire retardant, the pink substance that was dumped, the two active ingredients of that are water and fertilizer.

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Shortly after the fires, atmospheric river conditions brought a lot of rain, and scientists are concerned that all the nutrient fertilizer that ran off into the ocean is a contributing factor. They are also looking into what negative contributions the runoff of charred debris may have had as well.

Were running from daylight to sunset, from one end of the county to the other," said Gray. It's just been crazy with respect to the number of animals we have in our hospital. Our staff and our volunteers are putting in 14-18 hour days.

What To Do If You Encounter A Sick Marine Animal

Algae blooms have been more frequent and more severe in the last few decades because of warmer ocean temperatures being driven by climate change. But added pollutants only exacerbate the situation.

And while marine life is at the mercy of Mother Nature as to when this bloom will weaken, scientists worry about the impacts of this dragging out much longer.

I'm worried that if this continues all the way through June as the last one did, there's just gonna be a lot more fatalities, said Gray.

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NOAA fisheries and their network rely on the public as its eyes and ears, urging beachgoers and others to report stranded animals to the Network hotline at 866-767-6114.

The PMMC says beachgoers should also make sure to stay clear of stranded animals and keep their pets away from marine mammals. These animals can bite and may carry diseases that may be harmful to humans and pets.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.
FREEPORT, Fla. (WMBB) In 2018, Kate Holland bought a ranch off Highway 20 in Freeport. She planned to open a wedding and event venue, a coffee shop, and a bistro. Over the last seven years, shes managed to open some of the businesses.

But she said shes had to defend herself against hundreds of code complaints as well as Walton Countys code compliance officers.

I built a wedding venue, and that was very controversial. I got a development order back in 2018, and its just been a catalog of issues. Weve opened a coffee shop that was controversial. Our pavilion, that we built again, was controversial. The bistro they tried to revoke my liquor license, which they have no right to do. Its just really, I believe, to make me leave, Holland said.

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Horse Power Pavilion files legal complaint

In December 2021, Walton County Director of Planning Mac Carpenter denied Horse Power Pavilion a less than minor amendment to their development order without any discussion or attempts to resolve the matter.

Throughout the process, Holland said shes had to open and close the bistro, wedding venue, and restaurant several times.

My wedding venue was approved, and my development order. Somebody appealed the development order. So, my wedding venue empty for two years. The pavilion that we built, the building department signed off on it, and we opened. And after nine months, we were shut down for allegedly not having the correct permits, which still has never been addressed, Holland said.

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So, in 2023, Holland filed a lawsuit against the county for harassment. On Tuesday, both parties will try to settle it all during mediation.

Horse Power Pavilion faces longer legal battle with Walton County

Im going to go to the mediation, and Im going to hope theyre going to try and resolve this madness. But if they dont, then we have to go to court because Im told the truth has to play across the board, not just for me, but for other people as well, Holland said.

If mediation goes as planned, Holland said she will be reimbursed for damages to her business and reputation. While Holland tried to resolve the legal battle, she is still open for business.

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Walton County officials declined News 13s request for an interview, saying they dont comment on pending lawsuits.

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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.
WELLINGTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- A New Zealand lawmaker is pushing for legislation that would ban children under 16 from accessing social media in a move that could see the country follow Australia's lead in tightening regulations on digital platforms.

New Zealand National Party MP Catherine Wedd has introduced a member's bill that would require social media companies to verify users' ages and block minors from creating accounts.

Platforms could face financial penalties for non-compliance and would be obligated to take "all reasonable steps" to ensure users are at least 16 years old, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported on Tuesday.

"My Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill is about protecting young people from bullying, inappropriate content and social media addiction by restricting access for under 16-year-olds," RNZ quoted Wedd as saying.

The bill is backed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who said he is open to adopting it as a government bill, a move that would fast-track its progress through parliament.

"It's not a political issue. It's actually a New Zealand issue," Luxon said, adding he is seeking bipartisan support.

The proposed law is modeled on legislation currently being implemented in Australia. If passed, it would allow the responsible minister to classify specific platforms as age-restricted and require a formal review three years after coming into force to evaluate its impact.

The Australian bill of social media ban for children under 16, the first in the world, passed the senate in November 2024. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An 11-year-old is being hailed as a hero after saving her family from a house fire caused by lightning last week.

The fire happened the morning of April 30 near Southeast 89th Street and Sooner Road. Oklahoma City Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, but the family home burned almost all the way to the ground.

News 4 spoke with the Eggleston family Monday, who own the home. Jamie Eggleston said she was at home with her daughter Mandy and her son Ryan at the time. Her husband Kevin was in Texas.

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Before I go on any trip, I always ask my daughter to take care of my son and my wife, said Kevin Eggleston.

Eggleston didnt imagine that promise would have to be acted on in the way that it was. Mandy said she watching television in the familys theater room when she heard a loud boom.

SE Oklahoma City home destroyed by fire after lightning strike

I ran to my mom and my little brother to ask if they were ok, said Mandy.

Jamie and Ryan said the noise woke them up from their beds, and they both realized lightning had directly hit their home. They described looking outside of their windows and seeing visible damage in their yard, as well as smoke that started to fill the home.

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Just felt like a night, I was in some nightmare, said Jamie.

Mandy told News 4 here family was the only things on her mind, saying she had to abandon her belonging and even her family pets to get them out as quickly as possible. She said she really put in extra effort to save Jamie, who sprained her ankle trying to escape.

I remember pushing her out the door, said Mandy. When I got to the door, the door was locked. So I was fidgeting with the thing to get it open.

In all of the chaos, Mandy says she kept her calm enough to remember to do one important task.

I ran to grab my phone to call 911, said Mandy.

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Mandy said they took the family to the hospital to get checked, and while she was there she stayed in adult mode; answering numerous text and phone calls from friends and family checking on their well-being.

The Egglestons reunited and thanked first responders who helped their family for the first time Monday since the fire. Battalion Chief Greg Lindsay praised Mandys heroism.

What Mandy did is a very adult thing, said Lindsay. She got everybody out and they stayed out of the house.

Lindsay says parents should be having conversations with their kids about fire safety as soon as theyre old enough to understand. He said its also important families establish meeting places for fire emergencies to make sure everyone is accounted for during a fire.

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Kevin told News 4 hes just grateful crews and his own daughter kept their promises to protect.

They were really looking out for my family, said Kevin. It was great.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A Maryland state flag flies outside the State House in Annapolis. (File photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

House Republicans on Monday called on Gov. Wes Moore (D) to veto four bills that would increase state fees on various licenses, permits and other filings.

The letter from the 39-member House Republican Caucus was released a day before Moore was scheduled to hold his third post-legislative bill signing of the 2025 session.

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On numerous occasions, you have indicated your concerns about the impact federal actions can have on Maryland families and businesses, the caucus wrote in its letter to Moore. We would respectfully submit that the hundreds of new or increased taxes and fees Marylands families and businesses have had to absorb over the last several years have had a more significant and immediate impact on every Marylander.

None of the bills objected to in the letter are among the 193 set to be signed during a noon ceremony Tuesday. Moore has until May 27 to decide to sign, veto or allow bills to become law without his signature.

As Gov. Moore reviews the hundreds of bills put forward this session, he will continue to work with the state legislature, local leaders, and all partners involved to ensure that we are signing legislation that will make Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive, and the state that serves, a Moore spokesperson said in an email.

Included on the Republican list are four bills: Senate Bills 250 and 425, which increase Maryland Department of Environment fees, and allow the state to collect fees on coal combustion byproducts from former coal plant operators, respectively; and House Bills 719 and 796, which raise boat title, license and other fees, and increase the cost to file a foreclosure action, respectively.

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Some fees of the Department of the Environment fees in SB 250 have not been increased since the 1990s.

Combined, all four bills are projected to bring in tens of millions in additional revenues. Much of that money is earmarked for specific programs such as the clean air and private dam restoration funds.

The caucus, in its letter, noted a budget containing numerous taxes and fees, representing the largest tax increase in  state history in addition to the fees contained in the four bills.

The budget passed this year by the General Assembly includes roughly $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases. That package includes a new 3% sales tax on data and IT services.

Our citizens need a break from the state governments relentless attack on their wallets, the caucus wrote in its letter.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The City of Pittsfield is hosting a housing resource fair on Thursday.

Attendees will be able to meet with local housing organizations to discuss affordable housing options and rental assistance.

Co-pays, deductibles targeted by health care reform bill

The purpose of the fair is to bring together community organizations and the residents they serve to create meaningful community connections and provide support for those in need, said Kim Borden, chairperson of the citys Homeless Advisory Committee. We are building upon the

success of previous housing resource fairs.

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Anyone who is currently trying to access stable housing is being asked to attend. It is taking place at Persip Park between 10 a.m. and noon.

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.
ASHFORD, Ala. (WDHN)  Amanda and Jason Boyd lost their dream home, but it could have been a lot worse if it werent for a Good Samaritan.

The fire started Friday afternoon at their home off Bluff Springs Road in Ashford with three young girls and seven animals inside.

A Good Samaritan was driving by the home and noticed the fire under the carport and jumped into action.

He got up here and knocked on the door, Jason said. They came to the door and were able to get out.

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Everyone was able to make it out just seconds before two propane tanks exploded near the carport, which spread the fire.

They had a little friend here, too. Luckily, she was here and driving her car, and had parked her up front, Amanda said. So they were able to get all the animals in the car with them and pull out and get to safety.

Jason and Amanda, who had been living in the home with their daughters for 8 months, had left for work when their daughter called to let them know their house was on fire.

Got back, and the house was totally engulfed in flames, Jason said. Its surreal watching 49 years of your life go up in smoke, I mean, it was everything, and this was our dream home.

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Multiple fire crews from several agencies responded and eventually put out the fire.

Luckily, no one was injured, but the home has been labeled a total loss.

An investigation into the cause is ongoing, while the Boyd family looks for a way to move forward from the tragedy.

Our friend group and family are absolutely amazing, Jason said. Everybody has put their lives on the line to help us. We have a friend who graciously offered their camper to us, so were going to be staying in that for a little bit while we rebuild. Its going to be a long process, but we are going to get through it.

If you are interested in helping the Boyd family, click here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have threatened Israel with retaliation following Israel's strike on the airport in Yemen's capital Sanaa on Tuesday, which the rebel group said killed three and wounded at least 35.

The attacks "will not go unanswered," said the Houthi's political bureau in a statement. The Houthi-aligned TV channel described the attacks as "Israeli-American," though the United States has not commented on the strikes.

The casualty figures were provided by the Houthi health ministry.

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Israel said its attacks on the Houthis, which in addition to Tuesday's airport strike included several attacks on Monday, were in response to Houthi attacks on Israel including a missile launched on Sunday that landed near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

On Monday, the Israeli military attacked the port in Hudaydah and a cement factory

Israel said its strike on the airport disabled the facility and "dismantled Houthi terrorist infrastructure" on the site, according to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Telegram. It said runways and aircraft had also been hit.

"The airport served as a central hub for the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons and operatives," the IDF said.

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In addition, the IDF said it had struck several power plants in the area, as well as a concrete plant north of Sanaa, which serves as a "significant resource for the Houthi terrorist regime."

The Houthis said the two days of attacks on the airport and other infrastructure show that Israel's aim is to impose a siege on the Yemeni people.

Yemen's civil war and regional context

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for 10 years, leaving the country effectively divided. The Houthi militia controls large areas in the north, including the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hudaydah, while the internationally recognized government controls the south.

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The conflict escalated after the unprecedented massacre carried out by Hamas and other Islamist groups in southern Israel in October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in some 250 hostages being taken to Gaza. The Houthis have since expressed solidarity with Hamas, further intensifying tensions in the region

UN condemnation

The attacks prompted criticism from Hans Grundberg, the United Nations' special envory for Yemen.

It marks "a grave escalation in an already fragile and volatile regional context," he wrote on X, while calling for the parties to return to dialogue and stop inflicting harm on civilians.

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Meanwhile on the conflict on the ground continued on Tuesday, with Hamas stating that ceasefire-for-hostages talks between it and Israel is pointless, given Israel's blockade on aid into the coastal territory.

"In light of the hunger war that Israel is waging in the Gaza Strip, negotiations or engaging with new proposals make no sense," said Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas' political bureau.

He did not clarify whether Hamas would resume talks with Israel if the blockade of aid deliveries was lifted.

Israel has not allowed aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip since March, accusing Hamas of seizing aid supplies and selling them at a profit to the civilian population, and using the proceeds to fund its members and weapons.

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Israel's security Cabinet recently decided to allow deliveries to the Gaza Strip again, but under a new mechanism to prevent Hamas from benefiting from the supplies.

According to information from the Washington Post newspaper, goods are to be distributed to families at up to six centres in the Gaza Strip.

US security firms are expected to oversee the process. It remains unclear when goods might begin to reach the embattled coastal region under this new system.

The security Cabinet on Monday approved a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified period of time, according to government sources. Tens of thousands of reservists are being mobilized for the large-scale offensive.

Relocation of Palestinians

The plan reportedly also includes moving the Palestinian population from the north to the south of the territory.

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The government has stated that its goal is to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages held by the Islamist extremists.

However, far-right politicians are also pushing for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza, which Israel withdrew from 20 years ago.

On Tuesday, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, said for him an Israeli victory in Gaza would mean its complete destruction and the displacement of its residents.

Speaking at a settler conference in the West Bank, Smotrich responded to a question about what victory in the Gaza war would look like for him.

"Gaza completely destroyed," he said. Smotrich further stated that residents should be concentrated in a "humanitarian zone" in the far south of the coastal strip, south of the former Israeli settlement of Morag. From there, they should leave Gaza in large numbers and move to other countries.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development started offering information Monday about federal assistance for Southwest Virginia residents still recovering from the flooding and winter storms that hit the region between Feb. 2 and Feb. 18.

President Trump issued a major disaster declaration April 4 for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is now offering assistance.

HUD is here to support Virginians as they rebuild their homes, communities, and businesses following the severe winter storms and flooding, said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Disaster response is a foundational part of our mission-minded approach to serving American communities as they work to rebuild.

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears came April 10 to Tazewell County and spoke at a roundtable discussion about flood mitigation and helping flood survivors. Both Youngkin and Earle-Sears spoke about how the declaration launched Public Assistance for counties including Bland, Buchanan and Tazewell as well as Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Lee, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Washington, and Wise Counties and the City of Bristol,Va.

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, Youngkin said Monday. Thank you to Secretary Turner and his team for their strong partnership supporting Virginians adversely impacted by these storms.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, 9th District, said parts of Southwest Virginia are still recovering from storms and flooding.

The resulting damage to businesses and homes impacted many people in Southwest Virginia who were in the middle of recovering from Hurricane Helene, Griffith said. Secretary Turners announcement to extend natural disaster aid and financial flexibility resources to Southwest Virginia will help our communities access vital recovery services.

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Effective immediately HUD is:

 Providing financial flexibility- A 90-day moratorium is issued on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. 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 Federal Housing Administration homeowners visit the Federal Housing Administration Disaster Relief site.

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 Making mortgage insurance available - When homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that required reconstruction or complete replacement, HUDs Section 203(h) program provides Federal Housing Administration insurance to disaster victims. Borrowers from participating housing administration- approved lenders are eligible for 100% 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.

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 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 Major Disaster Declartion.

 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. Applicants 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.

People who believe their rights have been violated should file a fair housing complaint with HUD, agency officials said.

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They 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 if a complaint is filed more than one year after the last discriminatory act. People 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.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  An old rule is being quietly restored that prohibits leaving human remains of any kind at Bear Butte State Park.

South Dakota Parks Division director Jeff Van Meeteren presented it on Tuesday to the Legislatures Rules Review Committee.

Delivery team saves mom from deadly complication

Van Meeteren explained that the ban was originally adopted in 2002 at the request of tribal groups but was inadvertently repealed in 2019.

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Bear Butte is a sacred worship area by the tribes. Leaving of human remains is not an acceptable thing in their culture, he said.

No one else spoke on Tuesday for or against the ban being put back into effect.

But a lawmaker had an admittedly odd question.

Republican Sen. Taffy Howard asked, Do we allow this in other state parks?

Van Meeteren replied, Yes, we do allow it.

He explained that people are required to get a burial permit and then seek permission from the landowner, which would be the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

But you can basically spread ashes on any state property in the state, as long as you technically do those two things, Van Meeteren said.

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Democratic Rep. Erik Muckey said he appreciated that someone caught that the rule had been repealed.

Its nice to be able to see good partnership with our tribal nations to make sure were honoring their wishes and Im glad we caught this, so thank you for bringing this to our attention, Muckey said.

Republican Rep. Roger DeGroot said he had the same question as Howard about whether people can leave remains like ashes.

A lot of people go to their favorite lake and they put their ashes out, DeGroot said. He added, I think its far overdue to put this back in place.

Under state law, each rule is effective 20 days after filing with the South Dakota Secretary of State office.

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Street racing increased over last few years

The panel also cleared rules proposed for:

Raising camping fees at the State Fair.

Creating a new foster licensure pathway for kinship foster homes.

Changing various Wildlife Division regulations for waterfowl hunting, prairie elk hunting, mountain lion hunting and boating rules.

Updating real estate appraisal certification rules.

Expanding who can clear or replace logic boards in video-lottery terminals.

Amending state Division of Insurance rules to reflect the 2025 Medicare Supplement coverage amounts set by the federal government.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Niagara Falls neighborhood is shaken after police uncovered human remains boarded up under basement stairs in a home on Orleans Avenue.

Just hearing about it wouldve been shocking. Living next door is insane. Living next to ghosts, said Antonnio Passauer, who lives next door to the home where human remains were found.

It was crazy to think human remains, found in the basement? Wow, said Thomas Owens, who lives across the street.

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Police told WIVB News 4 that 61-year-old Richard Fox, who was once a tenant in the home on Orleans Avenue, is a person of interest. Fox is already accused of murdering two Buffalo women.

Authorities accuse Fox of killing 50-year-old Marquita Mull in 2021 and dumping her body off a trail in Chautauqua County.

Hes also accused of killing Cassandra Watson, who was last seen alive in Buffalo in 2003 or 2004. She was around 40 years old when she went missing.

Fox is currently held behind bars awaiting trial in the murders of Mull and Watson.

According to state records, Fox was also previously convicted of two sex crimes. In 1993, he was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl and served 18 months to three years in prison. The second sex crime was in 2005; he was convicted of raping a 42-year-old Buffalo woman and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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It shocked me. I had conversations in the past and seemed like a normal, ordinary person, a working man. He never gave off a violent vibe, Owens said.

That couldve been one of my daughters. They couldve not made it in the house and its just as close as right next door, said Courtney Lamar, who lives next door to the home.

The remains are at the Erie County Medical Examiners Office pending an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Niagara Falls police at 716-286-4553.

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Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.

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BAGHDAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Monday reiterated Iraq's firm stance on supporting Lebanon in the face of its ongoing crises, said a statement issued by al-Sudani's media office.

Al-Sudani made the remarks during talks with visiting Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi, where they discussed boosting bilateral cooperation in various fields, the statement said.

Al-Sudani "emphasized Iraq's continued commitment to providing support and solidarity, especially in confronting the ongoing Israeli aggression and any threats to Lebanon's security and sovereignty," it said.

The Lebanese delegation affirmed their government's keenness to strengthen cooperation with Iraq, emphasizing its strategic role in supporting Lebanon and enhancing collaboration, especially in telecommunications and joint investment. 
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A group of U.S. senators wants Congress' watchdog agency to investigate whether controls on humanitarian aid deliveries by Israel and other foreign governments violate U.S. law, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

The six senators - Chris Van Hollen, Dick Durbin, Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Peter Welch - wrote to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro asking him to launch an investigation by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office of the U.S. government's implementation of laws regarding the delivery of humanitarian assistance. All of the senators are Democrats except Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats.

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"In Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, Burma, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Gaza, vital humanitarian assistance such as food, medical equipment, water purification systems, and other lifesaving goods have been blocked or restricted, directly and indirectly, by state and non-state actors," they said in a letter, dated Monday and seen by Reuters, referring to Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Leahy Laws.

The Leahy Laws prohibit the supply of U.S. assistance to any foreign security force unit implicated in gross violations of human rights, including torture and extrajudicial killing. Section 620I bars assistance for countries that impede delivery of humanitarian aid.

Much recent concern has focused on Gaza. The United Nations and Palestinian representatives at the International Court of Justice have accused Israel of breaking international law by refusing to let aid into Gaza, after Israel began on March 2 to cut off all supplies to the 2.3 million residents of the Palestinian enclave. Israel has defended its blockade against aid entering Gaza, alleging that Hamas steals supplies intended for the civilian population and distributes them to its own forces, an allegation that Hamas denies.

Activists have long argued that the United States disregards its own laws in sending military and other assistance abroad.

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Concern about civilians in Gaza has risen since Republican President Donald Trump, who is a staunch supporter of Israel, began his second term on January 20.

Aid workers also have accused Sudanese paramilitaries of constraining aid deliveries in territories where it is seeking to cement its control.

Rights groups sounded alarms on Monday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet approved plans for an expanded offensive against the Palestinian militant group Hamas that might include seizing the entire Gaza Strip and controlling aid.

The war in Gaza followed Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage.

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Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Matthew Lewis)
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Hundreds of people, including street vendors and elected officials, are protesting outside of City Hall on Tuesday to demand that lawmakers make it easier for people to get a legal vending license.

The City Council is holding a public hearing on Intro 431. If passed, it would increase the number of food and general vendor licenses available each year for five years.

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The current cap on licenses would go away after the five-year period.

The Street Vendors Project said the current limit on licenses leaves many vendors with no choice, but business leaders argue if the city makes it easier for vendors to get legal licenses, it also needs to make sure everyone is playing by the same rules.

The rally outside City Hall starts at 9 a.m., with the hearing at 10 a.m. Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will be among those attending.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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Hundreds of homes across England have been left sitting empty as a growing bottleneck of building safety checks prevents residents from moving in.

Safety checks on high-rise buildings have been dragging on for months, leaving completed flats unable to be sold. 71 buildings are stuck in the system awaiting approvals, collectively representing hundreds of homes.

The delays threaten to undermine Angela Rayners ambitions to provide the biggest boost to affordable housebuilding in a generation. The Housing Secretary has pledged to build 1.5m new homes before the end of parliament, but red tape means many could be left sitting empty.

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Builders affected by the delays include Wembley Park developer Quintain and student housing company Unite Group.

One buyer, who did not wish to be named, told The Telegraph he had been waiting for his flat purchase in south-west London to complete since November.

It just beggars belief. Its so frustrating, he said. There are quite a few high-rise buildings here that have been completed for a while and are still standing empty.

The buyers property is in a high-rise with around 100 flats. He has had to find somewhere to rent until he can move in and does not know how long he will need to stay in temporary accommodation.

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He said: Its affecting a lot of people. Every development has its social housing components, so [applicants] are also sitting around and waiting.

Investors are going to be wary where the whole gateway process is adding another 15 to 18 months. Suppliers and companies are on hold. I want them to put up curtains and build a kitchen island, but theyve been on hold for months.

Following the Grenfell fire in 2017, a new system was introduced to inspect the safety of high-rise housing projects more rigorously. Buildings taller than 18 metres must now pass three gateway inspection stages, overseen by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

A new system to rigorously inspect the safety of high-rise housing projects was introduced following the Grenfell fire in 2017 - Jonathan Brady/PA

Completed buildings must pass a final check, known as Gateway 3. However, only 10 out of 81 high-rise housing projects that have applied for Gateway 3 checks have passed since the system was introduced in October 2023, according to figures from the Governments Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

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There are a further 1,000 homes across the country stuck in the stage known as Gateway 2, which applies to projects that have already gained planning consent but need safety sign-offs before they can start construction.

The BSR is legally required to process applications within 12 weeks, but developers have warned that some projects have been awaiting sign-off for more than 40 weeks at the second stage. It is estimated that the system is causing delays of up to 18 months.

Tim Galloway, deputy director of the HSE, blamed the delays on shortcomings from developers. The body has rejected roughly 70pc of applications, around half of which he said lacked the information needed to pass. The remainder fell short of safety standards.

However, Mr Galloway conceded that the BSR had too few staff and admitted that many developers did not understand what was required of them.

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The BSR is tackling the delays by hiring more staff and forming a working group with housebuilders. Mr Galloway claimed the average processing time for an application had now been reduced to 18 weeks.

Mr Galloway said: Im desperate for people to get into the homes that they have potentially bought and paid for, are waiting for and need.

He added: None of us want people in buildings they dont feel safe in.

A representative for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said the department was aware of the issues. It has funded the BSR with 2.1m to help clear backlogs.

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EVANS, Ga. (WJBF)  Deputy Brandon Sikes was on the hearts and minds of thousands in Columbia County on Monday.

Thats why many people decided to spend part of their morning showing support, and paying their respects.

The processional route went from the Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Home to the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.

Hundreds lined the streets leading up to the PAC, watching as law enforcement agencies around the CSRA and the Peach State passed by.

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For some like Mike and Connie Bias, being there was a must.

We come from a family of law enforcement, fire department people. Weve been taught our whole life that they sacrificeand we know what he sacrificed for us, said Bias.

I wish it was under better circumstances, but he serves us, protects us, and he deserves our respect, her husband said.

Some of them showed support for Deputy Sikes after they say he personally helped them while on duty.

Deputy Sikes came all the way across town to help my daughter one time when she was in a situation where she was getting attacked by dogs. He was just a wonderful person. I never met him myself, but Ive just heard so many things. Cops are just not appreciated, said Patricia Agner.

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For many, showing law enforcement that appreciation was the bottom line.

Richardine Mims says its personal for her, as her son works for a local fire department.

For them to go out there every day and not to know if theyre coming back, we just have to support them, and give them what they need to continue to protect us as citizens, said Mims.

They do a lot of good for the community. We can sleep safe at night because of people like Deputy Sikes, Jill Harpe said.

While some who showed up didnt know Deputy Sikes personally, they say his sacrifice and service to the community is something theyll always be grateful for.

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(FOX40.COM)  Hundreds of SMUD customers are without power after a vehicle crashed into some of its equipment Monday evening.

 Video Above: What to do after the power goes out?

Around 7:30 p.m., nearly 800 SMUD customers in Sacramento County experienced a power outage after an alleged drunk driver crashed into a utility pole. Areas affected include Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Arden-Arcade.

Hundreds of SMD customers lost power on May 5, 2025./SMUD Outage Map

SMUD estimated that power will be restored around 11:45 p.m.

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Some local restaurants saw a boom in business Monday night as the Erie community celebrated Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo is a time for people to sit back with a taco and a margarita, but the holiday is also a huge day for Mexican restaurants.

Reporter Tyler Gallagher live at El Amigo in celebration of Cinco de Mayo

The fifth of May is known as Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. and Mexico, and Monday evening, people lined up outside of El Amigo on State Street to celebrate the holiday with an authentic Mexican meal.

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We celebrate every Cinco de Mayo, and its a popular fiesta; we call it a fiesta like a party. People come and drink at the restaurant, have some nice food, have some nice drinks, and everything. So, I think this is the bigger, like, busy day in the year, said Alex Villatoro, a manager at El Amigo.

Villatoro said the staff at El Amigo has been preparing for Cinco de Mayo for three weeks, stocking up on food and drinks before the holiday rush.

And sure enough, the holiday rush did come, with customers filling every seat in the restaurant at dinner time and even forming a line outside waiting to get their share of the Mexican holiday.

Former NASCAR Kyle Pettys Charity Ride caravan stops in Erie

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You could just hear the chatter around me, this place is packed right now, almost every single table is occupied, but El Amigo isnt the only place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo around the Erie community.

Were so busy, so Im very grateful right now. If you can see, theres a lot of cars and weve had a full house since like 11 a.m. I thought it was going to be slow because its monday. I thought everybody would be at work or something, but its been so busy, I dont know what happened today, said Leonardo Leal, a manager at El Canelo.

Customers also lined up for a table at El Canelo on West 12th Street, waiting for a chance to cheers a margarita with some friends.

And Leal said they dont take busy days like this for granted.

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State police in Erie pay tribute to fallen troopers across PA

Like five months ago, I thought it was going to be the end of El Canelo because we were slow and no clients, probably like 10 tables in the whole day, but yeah, were getting better, he went on to say.

Leal said El Canelo has different promotions every day of the week for customers looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo anytime.

Both restaurant managers said the holiday was an overall success for their businesses.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Boston neighborhood group is calling for more speed humps and school bus monitors after a 5-year-old boy was hit and killed by a school bus in Hyde Park last week.

Lens Arthur Joseph, 5, of Hyde Park, died the afternoon of April 28 when he was struck by a school bus near 107 Washington St., according to the Boston Police Department. There have been no further updates in the investigation as of May 6, the department said.

A week after Josephs death, the West Fairmount Hill Community Group  which supports community projects and initiatives for Hyde Park  announced it would host an open gathering to advocate for street safety.

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We cannot allow this tragedy to ever happen again, a statement from West Fairmount Hill read. The group has been devastated over the loss of Josephs precious life.

" ... we gather to advocate for our community and loved ones to be safe. We will ask our elected officials to support our requests," the statement read.

At the meeting, the group will call for specific traffic-calming measures for Hyde Park, such as speed humps.

The group also seeks bus monitors on elementary school buses and other safety measures that are recommended, a statement from West Fairmount Hill read.

The community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 13 at Moynihan Park, near the Wakefield Avenue or Faraday Street entrances. If it rains, the gathering will be held at the Boston Police Academy on Williams Avenue.

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A sign-up page for the meeting can be found at this link.

Last week, Boston city councilors demanded urgent pedestrian and transportation safety reforms after Josephs death.

At-large City Councilor Henry Santana called for a full review of transportation systems and safety protocols the day after the 5-year-old was killed. He plans to file for a hearing on street safety related to his death as the investigation develops.

During a City Council meeting on Wednesday, District 5 City Councilor Enrique Pepen urged the administration to take this serious.

Pepen already has plans in place to push for faster installation of speed humps and other traffic-calming measures in Hyde Park during a hearing on street projects scheduled for June 9.

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Joseph, 5, was remembered for his big dreams and an imagination beyond his years in a GoFundMe created to support his family.

At only 3 years old, Lens could say with confidence I want to be a pilot. By 5 years old, the vision had changed and he told anyone that would listen, I want to be a cop, his uncle, Ricardo Joseph, wrote.

The boys smile would light up the room and his energy was unmatched, Ricardo Joseph wrote.

Lens was so funny and witty that he would make all of us laugh out loud with a joke or comment and then look at him, wondering how did he come up with it, his loved ones said.

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Lens loved running around outside and playing with his siblings and cousins. He loved watching planes fly, and seeing fast cars. Lens was a beautiful, curious, and intelligent boy taken from us too soon.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
CHICAGO - Gov. J.B. Pritzkers speech in New Hampshire last week was greeted by the media as yet another stirring call to arms for the rudderless Democratic Party.

"Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption - but I am now," Pritzker thundered. "These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box."

Republicans protested that the governor came close to inciting political violence - and they have a point, given the attempts to assassinate Donald Trump, the dangerous attacks on Tesla, and the near-kidnapping of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

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However, what Pritzker had to say in his speech before channeling Maxine Waters infamous call to harass Republicansshould not be overlooked. It raises an important question: Is Pritzker delusional, a liar, or merely hyperbolic?

Hyperbole, lies, and delusions are all forms of falsehoods, but of different magnitudes. The first are exaggerated claims not meant to be taken literally. Trump himself is no stranger to this oratorical device. Lies are exaggerations or falsehoods the speaker wants others to believe - and, while shameful, are a too-frequent feature of modern political discourses. Delusions are false beliefs at odds with observable reality.

Jerry Seinfelds "Soup Nazi" is an example of hyperbolic name calling. Seinfeld and his audience understood it was an exaggeration so grotesque that it was funny. No one thought the soup guy was actually a member of the SS. Jussie Smolletts claim that MAGA bros assaulted him was a lie, albeit a calculated, elaborate, and harmful hoax. The Salem witch trials were the terrible consequence of a mass delusion.

So, is Pritzker channeling Seinfeld, Smollett, or Cotton Mather?

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"Its wrong to snatch a person off the street and ship them to a foreign gulag with no chance to defend themselves in a court of law," Pritzker said.

"Standing for the idea that the government doesnt have the right to kidnap you without due process is arguably the most effective campaign slogan in history," he said before adding, "Today its an immigrant with a tattoo, tomorrow its a citizen whose Facebook post annoys Donald Trump."

He went on in this vein for a while:

"Our retirees dont deserve to be left destitute by a Social Security Administration decimated by Elon Musk."

"Our citizens dont deserve to lose health care coverage because Republicans want to hand a tax cut to billionaires."

"Our federal workers dont deserve to have, well, a 19-year-old DOGE bro called Big Balls destroy their careers."

"Autistic kids and adults who are loving contributors to our society dont deserve to be stigmatized by a weird nepo baby who once stashed a dead bear in the back of his car."

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This is all absurd.

Activists have brought hundreds of lawsuits on behalf of illegal migrants, as Democrats fight to keep criminals and gang members from being deported. Long-standing immigration laws set forth the process thats due to non-U.S. citizens before they are deported - processes pursuant to which prior presidents of both political parties deported millions of non-citizens.

Theres not the slightest suggestion that Republicans (who have been fighting Big Tech censorship) support criminalizing Facebook posts. To the contrary, Vice President J.D. Vance was widely criticized by Democrats for condemning Britain and Germany for criminalizing Facebook posts.

Not a single person receiving Social Security payments legally is losing their government pension. Improving efficiency, eliminating waste, and rooting out fraud protects retirees and strengthens the system.

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No American receiving health care legally will lose health care coverage. And preventing states (like Illinois) from providing health care to noncitizens under Medicaid will result in more funding to cover health care for U.S. citizens.

There will be no tax cut for high earners in the budget reconciliation; the existing rate structure will be maintained.

Trump is reducing federal employment through buyouts, layoffs, and dismissals to improve government efficiency (i.e., doing more with fewer workers) and to redirect government policy (i.e., eliminating DEI).

In his speech, Pritzker also accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of nepotism. Thats rich coming from the heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune who used inherited money to buy his way into office. In any case, its the opposite of nepotism for the scion of Democrat royalty to become a Republican leader. And Kennedy is trying to stop the autism epidemic, not shame autistic people.

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So, everything Pritzker said in New Hampshire was obviously false. Whats interesting to consider is: What does he, and what does his audience, actually believe about these topics?

When asked by Jen Psaki on MSNBC about his speech, Pritzker replied with yet another apocalyptic fantasy: "We are in a perilous moment in this country," he replied. "There is, I mean, tumult around everyone in this country. We have had our economic rights taken away, we have had our civil rights taken away, and its only been a hundred days."

Consider further that in February, Pritzker - who helped build the Illinois Holocaust Museum - compared the new Trump Administration to the Third Reich, volunteering that he didnt make the comparison to Nazis lightly.

Put it all together, and it sounds like Pritzker is channeling Jussie Smollett, not Jerry Seinfeld. Hes not trying to entertain, and I think he knows better. He wants to frighten and anger people. He wants outrage, not knowing smiles.

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Theres a worst-case scenario, however. What if the governor of Illinois, and apparent 2028 presidential candidate, is delusional and believes his falsehoods? He wouldnt be alone - and thats even more scary. In a world in which many progressives believe Luigi Mangione is a hero, Pritzkers lies in the cause of his ambition to be the Democratic Partys nominee for president are more outrageous - and more perilous - than Smolletts lies to make himself a civil rights icon.

Richard Porter is the former National Committeeman to the RNC from Illinois.
San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, left, talks with relief pitcher Hayden Birdsong, right, during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Dansby Swanson, right, celebrates with first base coach Jose Javier (65) after hitting a two-run single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner, right, celebrates with Nicky Lopez, left, after scoring on a two-run single by Dansby Swanson during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants. in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Carson Kelly, left, celebrates with manager Craig Counsell, right, after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Carson Kelly, right, celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run as San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, left, reacts during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Carson Kelly, right, celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run as San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, left, reacts during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, left, talks with relief pitcher Hayden Birdsong, right, during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Dansby Swanson, right, celebrates with first base coach Jose Javier (65) after hitting a two-run single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner, right, celebrates with Nicky Lopez, left, after scoring on a two-run single by Dansby Swanson during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants. in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Carson Kelly, left, celebrates with manager Craig Counsell, right, after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago Cubs' Carson Kelly, right, celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run as San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, left, reacts during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP)  Ian Happ homered and drove in three runs, helping Matthew Boyd and the Chicago Cubs beat the sloppy San Francisco Giants 9-2 on Monday night.

Carson Kelly also went deep, sparking Chicago's five-run sixth inning with a leadoff drive for his eighth homer. Happ added a sacrifice fly and Seiya Suzuki singled in two more runs in the decisive outburst.

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Boyd (3-2) pitched six innings of two-run ball as the NL Central leaders won for the fourth time in five games. The left-hander struck out seven and walked none.

San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames and five-time Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman each committed two errors, contributing to six unearned runs for Chicago in the opener of a three-game set.

Luis Matos hit a tying two-run homer for the Giants in the fourth, but the Cubs responded with two runs in the bottom half.

Landen Roupp (2-3) struck out the first two batters before Pete Crow-Armstrong reached on an error on Chapman. Nico Hoerner then singled and swiped second ahead of Dansby Swanson's two-run single to left.

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Swanson had three hits and scored twice. He is batting .462 (12 for 26) during a seven-game hitting streak.

Key moment

Kyle Tucker's sixth-inning walk loaded the bases before Suzuki greeted Spencer Bivens with a grounder into left field, driving in Swanson and Nicky Lopez for a 9-2 lead.

Key stat

Boyd has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his seven starts this season.

Up next

Justin Verlander (0-2, 4.38 ERA) starts for San Francisco on Tuesday, and Colin Rea (2-0, 1.46 ERA) pitches for Chicago.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China commends and congratulates Togo on the successful completion of its political transition, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Togo's election of its new president and the first president of its Council of Ministers, which followed a constitutional amendment that came into effect in the West African country in 2024, formally transitioning Togo from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary system.

During the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China and Togo elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, Lin said.

He noted that China attaches great importance to its relations with Togo, and is willing to work with the country's new government to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing summit, strengthen exchange and cooperation in various fields, and promote the continuous development of China-Togo relations.

Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove was elected by the Togolese parliament on Saturday as the country's new president. He will succeed Faure Gnassingbe, who was sworn in earlier on Saturday as president of Togo's Council of Ministers.

Under Togo's new constitution, a president is elected by parliament to perform a largely ceremonial role over a four-year term, renewable once.

The constitution has also introduced a new position, president of the Council of Ministers, which is to be held by the leader of the political party or coalition that wins a majority of seats in a parliamentary election. The position has a six-year mandate and considerable power in the management of government affairs. 
Inside the death chamber at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. (Photo provided by the Indiana Department of Correction)

The Indiana Capital Chronicle and four other news entities filed a lawsuit Monday evening challenging the states prohibition against press witnesses for state executions.

Alongside the Associated Press, Circle City Broadcasting, Gannett and Tegna, the outlets allege that the ban violates the First Amendment and limits public accountability. Circle City Broadcasting owns WISH-TV, Gannett owns the Indianapolis Star and eight other outlets, and Tegna owns WTHR. Reporters from all five entities have covered portions of the case and the Associated Press regularly covers executions nationwide.

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Indiana is one of only two states with the death penalty that prohibits media witnesses.

Senior Reporter Casey Smith witnessed Decembers state execution of Joseph Corcoran  via the condemned mans guest list.

The federal government carries out executions at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, which allows for up to ten news representatives.

Relevant background

State law limits attendance at executions to: the warden, a wardens designated assistant, the prison physician, another physician, a spiritual advisor, a prison chaplain, five friends or relatives of the inmate and eight members of the victims family.

The last category is further limited to family members who are 18 years of age or older and are either a spouse, child, parent, grandparent or sibling.

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News reporters, meanwhile, are granted access to a designated area but not permitted to directly witness the states actions.

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Indianas statutory prohibition on providing access to news reporters at its executions has limited the publics understanding of these proceedings, the filing says.

In 1985, the Indiana execution of William Vandriver went awry, but public details were scant. Vandiver was electrocuted four times over 17 minutes before he was pronounced dead  outrageous, his attorney said. Indianas 1996 execution of Tommy Smith by lethal injection had a 35-minute delay due to a misplaced catheter.

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Corcorans December execution was the states first attempt in 15 years. With the exception of Smith, news media reported on the event from the prison parking lot.

Another execution is slated May 20 for Benjamin Ritchie, who was convicted of killing a Beech Grove law enforcement officer in 2002. Six other men are waiting on death row.

Plaintiffs each intend to cover future executions scheduled in Indiana, including by sending their reporters to directly observe proceedings in the execution chamber. Plaintiffs intend to publish the observations of their reporters who witness those in-person proceedings, the lawsuit says.

As such, the ICC and the other news organizations urge the federal court to rule that the prohibition is unconstitutional and issue an injunction against enforcement.

Attorneys with the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press are representing the five news entities.

ECF 1 - Complaint

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  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 County 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Metro Councilmembers representing South Nashville are responding to Sundays public safety operation, saying the traffic stops are an example of racial profiling designed to instill fear in the community.

These are our neighbors. These are our small business owners. These are our laborers. These are people who help to make Nashville what it is, and to see our federal government constantly attacking some of the most vulnerable people in our community, is beyond infuriating, Metro Council member Jeff Preptit told News 2.

Metro Councilmember Prepti said the operation is a direct targeting of Black and Brown motorists and poses a threat to the American Dream.

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PREVIOUS: Immigrant rights groups report ICE activity in Nashville

While the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) says their operation was based on data involving serious crashes and gang-related activity, Metro Council member Ginny Welsch says she believes the traffic stops were pretextual and aimed toward a specific group.

This is the lowest hanging fruit that you can look at someone and on the outside decide theres a good chance they might be X, Y, or Z, and were going to take this action against them. Its unconstitutional, its immoral, its unconscionable, and it cannot be accepted or tolerated in a civil society, Welsch told News 2.

Sundays operation comes just one day before the Trump administration rolled out a plan to offer undocumented immigrants $1,000 if they self-deport.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Its designed to be shocking and frightening so that people will remove themselves from situations, maybe self deportIts designed to put fear in peoples lives and to let people know that the big hand of the government can come down and snatch your life away from you in a heartbeat, Welsch added.

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The Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise shines in the sunlight on Jan. 7, 2025. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The 2025 Idaho legislative session may be over, but its impact on our children will last far longer  and not for the better.

As the session dragged past its intended adjournment, one thing became painfully clear: Idahos children were not a priority. Legislators found time to debate flags and push culture war bills into classrooms, but when it came to supporting our youngest citizens  those who will one day inherit this state  they failed.

School buildings continue to crumble, special education remains underfunded, and child care providers are forced to operate under weaker safety standards due to legislative rollbacks. Meanwhile, children from undocumented families were denied food assistance, school lunches, and even health care through Medicaid  all because of their parents immigration status. These policies dont just hurt children  they compromise the future of Idaho.

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Instead of focusing on real issues, our lawmakers catered to special interests and pushed another round of income tax cuts  our fifth in four years. Its true that everyone likes tax cuts. But we must ask: at what cost?

Since 2022, these income tax cuts have drained nearly $1.9 billion from Idahos budget, with another $948 million lost annually moving forward. Thats $2.8 billion in permanent revenue gone by the end of 2025funds that could have been invested in updating schools, expanding health care, and keeping property taxes in check. This year alone, the Legislature cut $87 million from public education, let a $205 working families tax credit expire, and slashed $15 million from affordable housing while passing yet another tax cut that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Idahoans.

The numbers dont lie: Idahos wealthiest 1% received an average tax break of over $15,000. The average Idaho family? Just $337. And now, with the expiration of the Child Tax Credit, most families will actually see a tax increase.

This is not responsible governance, its a reckless redistribution of resources upward, leaving working families to bear the burden.

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At Idaho Children Are Primary, we believe lawmakers should be judged on a simple question: Is this good for kids? Thats why we publish our Kids Matter Index (KMI), a non-partisan scorecard tracking legislators votes on bills affecting children  from school funding and day care licensing to Medicaid and public assistance.

This years results are sobering. Only 25% of legislators scored 80% or higher  a strong pro-child record. Thats down from 30% last year and 40% the year before. Meanwhile, 65% of lawmakers scored below 69%. The trend is unmistakable: Idahos Legislature is prioritizing children less and less each year.

And those who did stand up for children? Many were punished at the ballot box. In the 2024 primaries, several legislators with strong KMI scores were replaced by candidates backed by out-of-state money and extreme ideologies.

This should alarm every Idahoan. Our childrens futures are being shaped not just by what laws passbut by who we elect to make those laws.

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So what can we do?

First, hold your legislators accountable. Ask them how they voted. Ask why. If their priorities dont align with your values, let them know  and vote accordingly. You can find your legislator at the Idaho State Legislatures Whos My Legislator? tool.

Second, engage with your community. Talk to neighbors, attend town halls, and show up to school board meetings. Real change starts locally.

Third, pay close attention to the 2026 May primary election. Thats when many key decisions are made  often by just a few hundred votes. Use tools like the Kids Matter Index to learn how your lawmakers vote, not just what they say.

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Idahos constitution is clear: All political power is inherent in the people. If our representatives wont prioritize kids, its time we elect ones who will.

Idahos children deserve better. Our families deserve better. And Idahos future depends on the choices we make today. Lets ensure our lawmakers choose our children  by choosing our lawmakers wisely.

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Cenk Uygur, founder and host of The Young Turks, joins NewsNation to discuss this years Met Gala  an exclusive, elite event that chose superfine tailoring of Black style as its theme.

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A Mexican national in the U.S. illegally since 1990 faces federal charges for allegedly stealing his daughters Social Security number to falsely claim citizenship, open a business bank account and get a temporary Hawaii identification card.

The daughter of Samuel Angel Nieto, aka Angel Nieto  and Angel David Nieto Garcia,  a native of Mazatlan, Mexico, told Homeland Security Investigations agents that she first discovered her father stole her identity when she filed taxes at the age of 18.

Her refund was sent to child support services in Hawaii, where Nieto allegedly fathered a son with another woman. Two of Nietos ex-wives also allegedly told federal agents his mother and he are from Mexico.

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Nieto allegedly claimed he was born in California and is believed to be 49 years old.

He was charged April 24 by federal criminal complaint with one count of making a false statement within the jurisdiction of a U.S. agency, three counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, four counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of making a false statement to a federally insured financial institution.

Nieto submitted to detention Monday, according to federal court records. U.S. Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter granted the governments motion to detain him without bail until trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case. Nieto is being represented by the office of the Federal Public Defender.

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Nietos daughter told federal agents that she has suffered poor credit and that creditors have called her multiple times  looking for her father.

Nieto allegedly entered the U.S. on July 17, 1990, on a tourist visa with his grandmother on a flight to Los Angeles, according to federal court documents.

There is probable cause to believe that Nieto is not a United States citizen.

Additionally, there is probable cause that Nieto entered the United States on a non immigrant visa and remained in the country in violation of immigration law,  wrote the HSI agent.

In December 2022 the HSI special agent in charge of Honolulus Financial Investigations Group received intelligence from the Honolulu Police Department regarding several complaints to HPD against Nieto,  according to court records.

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An affidavit authored by an HSI agent did not reveal what information HPD shared with federal agents.

On June 8, 2022, Nieto allegedly used his daughters Social Security number in submitting a State of Hawaii Identification Card Application for a REAL ID compliant Hawaii State Identification Card from the State of Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles,  according to the affidavit.

Nieto allegedly did willfully represent himself  as an American during the application process.

On July 22, 2022, Nieto allegedly used his daughters Social Security number to deceive and influence First Hawaiian Bank  to approve an application for a business debit card on behalf of his general contracting business, Mi Tortuga LLC.

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Nieto incorporated the domestic limited-liability company in 2017, and it remains active, according to records kept with the state Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

On Oct. 2 he allegedly used his daughters information on a state of Hawaii identification card application and was issued a limited-purpose state ID card.

Federal agents allegedly have documentation that includes various applications that all ask Are you a United States citizen ? to which Nieto left a check mark in the answer box labeled Yes.

Federal agents searched Nietos criminal history in Idaho, Arizona and California, according to court rec ords, but did not disclose any offenses.
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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the executive order sows chaos, when businesses need clear regulations to effectively operate.

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.

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.

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.

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Elsewhere, political leaders are trying to rapidly increase wind energy. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmerannounced 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.

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.

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ILLINOIS (WCIA)  A group of 20 attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, are suing the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop the dismantling of HHS.

Raoul announced the lawsuit on Monday. In a news release, he said that thousands of federal health works have been fired, important programs have ended, and states have faced a mounting health crisis without federal support.

Illinois Attorney General joins lawsuit to stop closure of US Dept. of Education

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Raoul and the attorneys general argue that HHS has been robbed of the resources needed to serve the American people. Now, theyre asking the court to halt further dismantling, and to restore key programs.

Since its founding, HHS has administered crucial offices and programs dedicated to protecting and advancing the health and well-being of all Americans. Programs like Head Start are critical to ensuring all children have access to resources that put them on an early path to success. And tracking diseases like the measles is more important than ever, Raoul said. I am proud to once again stand with my colleagues, this time urging the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization and restore critical health services Illinoisans and all Americans depend on.

Illinois Attorney General urges Congress to block halt of health research, protections

In March, Kennedy restructured the departments 28 agencies into 15. He also announced mass firings, and reduced the departments employees from 85,000 to 65,000. In April, 10,000 HHS employees were fired, and half of the HHSs regional offices were closed.

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Raoul added that the changes have wrecked havoc. Shut downs, such as the surveillance programs for black lung disease, the federal mask approval laboratory (which provides access to N95 masks), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have led to a lack of protection for workers, and have reduced or halted the federal governments ability to monitor diseases.

In the lawsuit, the coalition also said that hundreds working on mental health and addiction treatment have been fired. This includes half of the workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). All SAMHSA regional offices have been closed.

Illinois AG files lawsuit against Trump admins efforts to reduce federal agencies

These closures have also put pregnant people and newborns at risk. The entire CDC maternal health team has been fired, and Head Start centers could face closures.

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Raoul and the coalition argue that these actions implicate hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. And, that by taking these actions without congressional approval, the administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers and undermining the laws and budgets enacted by Congress to protect public health.

This lawsuit comes after a coalition of 24 attorneys general filed a suit against the Trump admiration for cutting billions of dollars in health grants to states. A temporary restraining order was administered on April 4.

Joining Attorney General Raoul in filing this most recent lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

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BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- During the five-day May Day holiday, Chinese travelers took an estimated 314 million domestic trips, marking a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Tourist spending also saw a notable rise, reaching 180.3 billion yuan (roughly 25 billion U.S. dollars), an 8 percent year-on-year jump that highlights the sustained vitality of consumer activity.

The May Day holiday, running from May 1 to 5, is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year. During this time, millions of Chinese travelers hit the road to visit family, explore domestic destinations, or venture abroad. This surge in travel provides a boost to the transportation, tourism and retail sectors. 
CHICAGO  South suburban U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly on Tuesday became the second candidate to enter whats expected to be a crowded field to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, setting up a potential Democratic proxy battle with Gov. JB Pritzker.

Kellys announcement that she is vying for the Senate seat comes two weeks after Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launched her campaign last month with the backing of Pritzker, her two-time running mate.

The race for the partys nomination to replace Durbin, a Springfield Democrat who was an ally of Kellys and announced in April that he would not seek a sixth term, isnt the first time Kelly has faced off against a candidate backed by the billionaire governor and his political apparatus.

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After working with Durbin in 2021 to defeat a Pritzker-backed candidate and become the first woman and first Black official to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois, Kelly dropped her bid to retain the seat a year later when allies of the governor rallied behind his handpicked state party leader, state Rep. Elizabeth Lisa Hernandez of Cicero.

Kelly now enters a race in which her only declared opponent already has the backing of two of the states top Democrats: Pritzker and the states other senator, Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates. Durbin told reporters last month that he intended to make an endorsement in the race only in an extreme case.

In a 2-minute video announcing her candidacy and released early Tuesday morning, Kelly said shes undaunted in the face of a challenge.

You could say Ive been an underdog my whole life, Kelly said, referencing her upbringing helping out in her familys mom-and-pop grocery store before putting herself through college at Bradley University in Peoria.

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After working at the hospital where my kids were born and at a child abuse prevention center as a counselor and mental health professional, Kelly said, she turned to politics.

Against all odds and (with) every pundit counting me out, I ran for state representative against a 10-year incumbent and won, Kelly said of her victory over state Rep. Harold Murphy in the 2002 Democratic primary.

Despite Stratton having big-name backing, Kelly has a head start in fundraising, at least through her main campaign fund. She ended the most recent reporting period on March 31 with $2 million in the bank, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Stratton, on the other hand, didnt report raising any money for her new Senate campaign fund, although a large influx of cash from Pritzker is expected. Still, Stratton is barred from using any of the roughly $97,000 left in her state campaign fund for the Senate race because of stricter contribution limits at the federal level. The lieutenant governor and former one-term state representative in January also launched a federal political action committee, Level Up, that has yet to report raising any funds.

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This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. Ive never backed down  not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for whats right, Kelly said in a news release accompanying her announcement.

Kelly has not faced a serious primary or general election challenge in races for her current seat representing Illinois 2nd Congressional District since winning a 15-way special primary and subsequent general election in 2013 to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who resigned the previous year before going to federal prison.

Other Democrats considering joining next years Senate race include U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Lauren Underwood of Naperville. So far, no Republicans have declared, but U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood has acknowledged hes considering it.

During her time in Congress, Kelly has focused on issues including gun violence and health care.

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Her work on gun control, including the release of a periodic congressional report on gun violence in America, was a major focus of her campaign launch, with Kelly highlighting how early in her tenure in Washington she stopped standing for moments of silence in Congress after mass shootings.

The next time, someone else sat down with me, and then another, until a moment of silence felt more like an echo of inaction, Kelly says in the video.

Shes running for the Senate to fight for health care that doesnt bankrupt families, for wages that lift people up, for housing thats affordable, for neighborhoods safe from gun violence, she says. These are the issues and the people Im fighting for.

Assuming Kelly stays in the race, she will be unable to hold her seat in the U.S. House, with her Senate bid setting up a potentially fierce competition among Democrats for her current seat.

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Kellys years representing the 2nd District, which in its current configuration runs south along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Indiana border from 43rd Street on Chicagos South Side to Danville in central Illinois, may lend Kelly some small credence with downstate voters in a primary race expected to feature candidates who all live in Chicago or its suburbs.

Before being elected to Congress, Kelly spent four terms in the state House and was chief of staff to then-Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and chief administrative officer for Cook County under President Toni Preckwinkle.

As part of a recent effort by congressional Democrats to hold town hall meetings in districts represented by Republicans, Kelly held an event last month at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, which sits in the deep-red district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Hindsboro.

In her only previous bid for statewide office, Kelly lost the 2010 race for state treasurer to Republican Dan Rutherford by a little more than 4 percentage points. But no member of the GOP has won a statewide election in Illinois since Bruce Rauner was elected governor more than a decade ago.

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A member of the Democratic National Committee, Kelly also has strong allies among the Congressional Black Caucus, whose political arm backed her unsuccessful bid to remain the chair of the state party in Illinois.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Bacon lovers: rejoice!

While National Bacon Day is celebrated in December, we in Illinois will celebrate the candy of meats on May 7th, thanks to a Senate Joint Resolution.

Legislators approved the resolution, aimed at celebrating Illinois pork production, which is ranked as 4th in the U.S.

The pork industry in the state supports over 30,000 jobs and creates $13.8 billion for the economy.

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The Illinois Pork Producers Association will go to the state capitol on Wednesday for the inaugural celebration.

According to the text of the resolution, Illinois Bacon Dayinvites all Illinoisans to thank a pig farmer by enjoying some delicious slices of bacon.

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CHICAGO  Less than a day after long-serving U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced she was not running for reelection next year, Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine on Tuesday became the first elected official to join the race to become the next representative from Illinois' 9th Congressional District.

Fine, a longtime resident of Glenview, may end up part of a crowded primary field of Far North Side, and north and northwest suburban Democrats running to replace the 14-term Schakowsky in the strong Democratic district. A progressive critic of the far right and social media content creator, Kat Abughazaleh, had already announced she was joining the race even before Schakowsky said she planned to retire. Abughazaleh also has a head start in fundraising for next years race. The primary will be held on March 17.

We are at a historical moment, where our rights are under attack by a President who is selling out working families to line the pockets of his wealthy cronies, Fine said in a statement announcing her campaign. Ive spent my career fighting that fight, passing historic legislation that puts people over special interests.

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Fine traces her political career back to her husbands involvement in a 2010 car accident and her ensuing fight with health insurance companies, which she says led her to a mission to reform the system.

Last year, she sponsored part of Gov. JB Pritzkers health insurance reform package to ban short-term junk health insurance plans. She is chair of the Senate committee covering mental health and vice chair of the committee on insurance.

When she first joined the state Senate in 2018, after five years in the House, Fine filled the seat vacated by Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who may also run for the 9th Congressional District seat. Biss vacated the seat to run for governor in 2018, losing to JB Pritzker. He was first elected Evanston mayor in 2021 and was reelected earlier this year.

Fine represents a more traditional choice than Abughazaleh, who just moved to Illinois last year and is looking to leverage her national platform criticizing the far right online. So far, Abughazalehs campaign strategy has focused largely on holding a number of small community events, but due in large part to her online presence she raised about $379,000 in the first quarter of 2025, according to federal elections disclosures.

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Just hours after Schakowsky announced she would not seek a 15th term, Abughazaleh wrote an email to supporters that criticized traditional national Democratic Party leaders response to President Donald Trumps first three months in office.

Im running for Congress because its time to do more  the same old s isnt working, Abughazaleh wrote in the email. No matter what party leadership says, strongly worded letters arent enough, and symbolic gestures like wearing matching colors and holding up quippy signs arent adequate responses to far-right extremism.

Both Abughazaleh and Fine applauded Schakowskys legacy after the congresswoman announced her plans to step aside from the seat shes held since 1999. Schakowsky, speaking to reporters on Monday, declined to endorse a successor.

Fine joined the race with endorsements from state Reps. Tracy Katz Muhl and Margaret Croke, state Sens. Mary Edly-Allen and Laura Murphy, and Lake County Board chair Sandy Hart, among others, according to her campaign announcement.

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The publication Jewish Insider, which reported the news of Fines announcement early Tuesday, described her as a Jewish pro-Israel favorite in the race. Schakowsky is also Jewish and a staunch supporter of Israel.

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State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce dodged questions on Monday about where Secretary of State Marco Rubio stands on due process rights.

CNNs Kasie Hunt  while referring to the hundreds of immigrants, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who were deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador without due process  asked if Rubio believes noncitizens are entitled to due process rights as laid out in the Constitution.

Well, theres  theres always, of course, due process, replied Bruce, who was a Fox News contributor before joining President Donald Trumps administration. These are individuals who have either violated our laws or their visas have been removed and they have to be removed from the country.

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Hunt interjected to note that Trump seemed to question whether he backs people being entitled to due process rights over the weekend.

She then asked whether Rubio has spoken to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about Abrego Garcia, whose return to the United States has yet to occur as the Trump administration continues to defy a Supreme Court order to facilitate such a move.

Bruce repeatedly declined to answer Hunts questions about her boss, claiming she wasnt going to speak on the nature of the secretarys daily work or which world leaders he speaks to.

But youre the spokeswoman for the State Department! I mean, with all due respect, like , Hunt stressed.

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Yes, but that doesnt mean that  just, just a minute. That doesnt mean Im the gossiper for the State Department, Bruce replied.

Bruce later claimed she was telling the host the nature of what she can speak about which  she argued  does not include the day-to-day operations or choices the secretary of state makes.

Thats not going to happen, she said.

We clearly know this [case] is in the forefront for the State Department and the forefront for the secretary of state, she added. But youre not going to get the nature of the details of negotiations, diplomacy or the decisions the secretary makes during his day.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado lawmakers have moved to pass a controversial immigration rights bill.

The bills passage comes even after Colorado and Denver face a lawsuit from the Department of Justice over so-called sanctuary city and state laws.

Colorado House passes immigration protections after DOJ sues for sanctuary policies

The bill is now headed to Governor Jared Polis desk. The bill is drawing widespread support from the majority party, while the minority party is urging caution.

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A bill that would require federal agents to obtain warrants to carry out immigrant raids in sensitive places is heading to the governors desk. Representatives passed the bill on Saturday, Senators approved changes made in the House Monday morning. Democratic sponsors said its important this bill passes now after the president made controversial remarks about due process this weekend.

If the Constitution protects us all, then we in Colorado have the opportunity with this vote today to demonstrate and affirm that the Constitution does in fact protect us all. That due process actually does extend to everyone, said Senator Julie Gonzales.

Republicans, on the other hand, said the bill goes too far and worry it could put a target on the state.

It is my considered opinion and I will be a resolute and remaining no vote on this particular bill, that in fact this bill goes beyond due process. It has in it elements where you can wipe away a prior guilty plea. There are elements in this bill that provide privilege and advantage that I do not believe are appropriate. I will remain a no vote on 276, said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen.

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DOJ sues Colorado, Denver for so-called sanctuary laws

News came down that the federal Department of Justice had sued the state on Friday as representatives debated the bill. Attorneys for the government argue that laws in Colorado and Denver interfere with and discriminate against the federal governments enforcement of federal immigration law.

Governor Jared Polis has maintained that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. He and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston have said the state and city follow all local and federal laws. The governor did add that if courts find any Colorado law is not valid, then the state will follow the ruling.

The Governors Office sent over a statement in reaction to the bills passage:

The Governors Office has been working with legislators, as well as stakeholders, including law enforcement, throughout the process on SB25-276 to help ensure it doesnt interfere with our federal law enforcement partnerships. The State of Colorado is not a sanctuary state and works closely with federal and local law enforcement regularly to make Colorado safer. Governor Polis continues urging Congress to secure the border and do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform. Spokesperson for the Office of the Governor

Lawmakers did remove a portion of the bill that would have stopped officers from having access to private areas of jails.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) announced its inaugural list of at-risk historic buildings as part of its newest local advocacy initiative, Historic Savannah Foundations Endangered Places. The nonprofit organizations Spring 2025 list consists of six properties threatened by demolition, neglect, lack of maintenance, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy within Chatham County.

HSFs Endangered Places Program called upon the community to nominate properties with local architectural, cultural or historical significance. The organization received many nominations for buildings and locations.

The Spring 2025 list of HSFs Endangered Places includes:

LePageville Memorial Cemetery (c.1885)

The LePageville community and burial ground are important to the history of Savannah and Chatham County. Records estimate that at least 500 people were buried at LePageville between 1885 and 1967. Originally part of Brewton Hill Plantation, this land also served as the site of the Battle of Brewton Hill on December 29, 1778 during the American Revolutionary War, and later became known as Causton Bluff Plantation in 1852.

Nicholson Baptist Church (c.1870-1890)

Located at 13319 Old Coffee Bluff Road, the Nicholsonboro Baptist Church (formerly Nickersonville Baptist Church) was established in 1850 on St. Catherines Island on the plantation of Jacob Waldburg. Approximately 200 formerly enslaved Africans migrated to the mainland in 1868 following the rescinding of General Shermans Field Order #15. The first Praise House was constructed in 1870, and a second sanctuary was built in 1890. The Georgia Historical Society recognized the churchs importance to the Nicholsonboro community with a historic marker in 1978, and the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The Roche Walker House (c.1891)

The Roche Walker House, located at 123 East Henry Street, was constructed in 1891 for Florence M. Roche and lumber mill supplier Patrick C. Roche. The deed was in Mrs. Roches name, which was unusual for the time. By 1900, the house was sold to William T. Walker, who owned a successful furniture company on Broughton Street. The Walkers lived at the residence for over 20 years, and alterations were made to the property in 1959.

John B. Berry House (c.1856)

The John B. Berry House at 127 East Gordon Street is a contributing building to Savannahs National Historic Landmark District that has long suffered deferred maintenance and neglect. The home was completed in 1856 and remains an intact example of hall-parlor configuration and Italianate-style architecture. According to Ethos Preservation, a large wood, three-story porch was added to the west facade of the building between 1898 and 1916. The porch was bricked to create an enclosed addition between 1937 and 1954. The original ornamentation remains intact, including window crowns, a prominent bay window and quoins.

Station 6 Firehouse (c.1900)

Located at 2202 Barnard Street, the Station 6 Firehouse was built in 1900 by W. M. Armitage and opened on April 20, 1901 with a clock tower in the western corner of the front pedimented gable. The two-story brick structure was extensively renovated from 1956 to 1957. In the 1970s, the station housed Squad 6 and served as homebase for Engine 6, Truck 6, beginning in 1976. In 1979, the department started the Station Relocation Project, which ultimately led to the relocation of Station 6 to Liberty Parkway in 1983. Today, the building serves as a private residence.

Isaiah Davenport Tenement House (c.1814)

This historic home at 124 Houston Street overlooking Greene Square is particularly significant to Historic Savannah Foundation due to its connection to master builder Isaiah Davenport, who held this property for 14 years until his death in 1827. Davenport purchased all of Lot 18 from Catherine Bourke on April 22, 1813. Further research would need to be completed to determine if the Davenport family ever lived at 124 Houston Street, however it seems unlikely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Aftab Ahmed and Sarita Chaganti Singh

SRINAGAR (Reuters) - India has advanced the start date of four under-construction hydropower projects in the Kashmir region by months after suspending a water-sharing treaty with Pakistan that had slowed progress, according to an industry source and a government document.

The updated schedule for the projects, whose construction Pakistan generally opposes because it fears it would lead to less water downstream, is another sign of how India is trying to take advantage of its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 following a deadly attack in Kashmir last month.

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India has said two of the "terrorists" who killed 26 men at a popular tourist site in Kashmir on April 22 came from Pakistan, and has taken a series of diplomatic and economic steps against Islamabad as ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours nosedive.

Islamabad has denied any role in the attack, threatened legal action over the suspension, and said any "attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan ... will be considered as an act of war". Pakistan depends on the Indus system for 80% of its farms and most of its hydroelectric output.

The armies have exchanged small arms fire across the border every night for nearly two weeks and Pakistan says India is on the verge of a military assault.

New Delhi has so far ignored Pakistan's threats and made moves that have already throttled water supplies to Pakistan, including by running maintenance work to raise the holding capacity of two operational hydroelectric plants in the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has asked authorities to clear hurdles to speedy construction of four hydro projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 megawatts, according to the document, an undated list made by the power ministry and reviewed by Reuters.

The four projects are: Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW) and Ratle (850 MW). All of them are on the Chenab River, whose waters are mainly meant for Pakistan but India is allowed to build run-of-water hydro projects without any significant storage.

State-run NHPC, India's biggest hydropower company, is building all the projects. They are due to start between June 2026 and August 2028, the document shows.

Various agencies, including those looking at law enforcement and labour supply, have been asked to help speed up the work, according to the document.

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NHPC and the Indian ministries of power, water resources and foreign affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Pakistan's Indus River System Authority said its officials held a meeting on Monday and "noted with concern unanimously that a sudden decrease in River Chenab inflows at Marala (the headworks that regulates flow) due to short supply by India would result in more shortages" for summer crops.

Downstream reservoirs would be used pragmatically "keeping in view the crisis created by Indian short supplies in the Chenab River", the authority said in a statement late on Monday.

'PLANS FOR MORE'

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India's water minister vowed last month to "ensure no drop of the Indus River's water reaches Pakistan".

The Indian industry source said there had been several meetings of officials from various private and government agencies with the power ministry in the past week about projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Generally, instructions to fast-track existing projects like this mean that the government wants to plan new ones," said the source, who declined to be identified since the issue was sensitive.

In total, India wants work expedited on a total of seven projects with a combined capacity of 7 gigawatts, costing about 400 billion rupees (about $4.73 billion). Reuters could not identify all the projects.

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Pakistan and India are already in dispute over Ratle in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. The dispute is about the pondage, or small water storage area, the turbine design and some other specifications.

The water treaty had required New Delhi to share with Islamabad extensive details on projects on the three Indus rivers meant for Pakistan - the Indus itself, the Chenab and the Jhelum. Modi's government has been seeking a modification of the treaty citing India's population growth and the need for more cleaner forms of energy like hydropower.

While government officials and experts on both sides had said India would not be able to stop water flows immediately, as the treaty allowed it only to build plants which do not require significant storage dams, a Pakistan official said flows from the Chenab river had already fallen drastically.

Since Sunday, the water flow has fallen by 90% from usual levels, Muhammad Khalid Idrees Rana, a spokesperson for Pakistan's Indus River System Authority, told Bloomberg News.

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A source at Pakistan's Indus authority said there have been major swings in Chenab flow since Sunday, when water at the Marala headworks was 31,000 cusecs, then fell to 3,100 cusecs on Monday, and was now back up to 25,000.

"The variations in the water supply are because of India's work at (some hydro projects)," said the source. "They can do these variations where they stop water and then dump. The magnitude of these variations can't cause major damage ... but they do impact the canals."

(Reporting by Aftab Ahmed in Srinagar and Sarita Chaganti Singh in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
India fired several missiles into Pakistan overnight on Tuesday, according to Pakistan, which said it is responding to the "act of war."

The attacks, labeled Operation Sindoor, targeted nine sites of "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Indian Defense Ministry.

No Pakistani military facilities were targeted, the Indian Defense Ministry said, calling their actions "focused, measured and non-escalatory."

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The Pakistani army said India struck six locations, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur. At least eight people were killed, including a 3-year-old, and another 35 injured, according to the Pakistani army, which claimed civilian buildings were targeted.

PHOTO: A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir, May 7, 2025. (Stringer via Reuters)

PHOTO: Army soldiers examine a building damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. (M.D. Mughal/AP)

Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said in a statement that "Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given."

The Pakistani army said it is responding from the "air and ground."

India has blamed Pakistan for a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region that occurred in April. The militant attack, known as the Pahalgam incident, left 26 people dead in Indian-held Kashmir.

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MORE: India is planning military action against Pakistan in coming days, Pakistani official says

Following the overnight strikes, the Indian army said, "Justice is served."

Pakistan said in late April it had credible evidence India intended to carry out military action against Pakistan in the coming days, according to Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

PHOTO: In this photo released by the Inter Services Public Relations, a person injured in a suspected Indian missile attack, receives treatment at a hospital in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, May 7, 2025. (Inter Services Public Relations via AP)

President Donald Trump responded to India's missile attack at the Oval Office, calling it "a shame."

"Just heard about it," Trump said when asked by a reporter for his reaction to the strikes. "I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time."

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Trump added, 'I just hope it ends very quickly."

PHOTO: Security personnel cordon-off a street as local residents evacuate their homes near the site of a strike in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. (Sajjad Qayyum/AFP via Getty Images)

The State Department said it is "closely monitoring developments."

"We are aware of the reports, however we have no assessment to offer at this time," a State Department official said.

The Trump administration has been supportive of Indias concerns over terrorism and pushed Pakistan to publicly condemn last month's attack in Kashmir.

State Department officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been working to contain retaliation from India.

ABC News' Habibullah Khan and Shannon K. Kingston contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Pakistan says it is responding to 'act of war' after India missile strikes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
OSLO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Norway's seafood exports reached a record high in April despite global trade uncertainty and falling salmon prices, supported by strong demand in key markets such as China and the United States, the Norwegian Seafood Council said on Tuesday.

Seafood exports totaled 14.3 billion Norwegian kroner (1.33 billion U.S. dollars) in April, up 2 percent from the same month last year, marking the highest export value for April on record.

"Norway has never before exported seafood for a higher value in the month of April," said Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council. "The growth is due to increased export volumes and rising demand for Norwegian salmon in important markets such as the United States and China."

Exports to China rose 14 percent year-on-year to 913.8 million Norwegian kroner in April, which Chramer attributed to strong underlying growth in the Chinese salmon market and competitive pricing of Norwegian salmon.

"We are now seeing a shift in the flow of salmon from Europe to overseas markets such as Asia and the United States," Chramer said, adding that warmer sea temperatures and fewer biological challenges contributed to a higher volume of superior-quality salmon, offsetting falling prices.

The United States continued to lead in value growth for the fourth consecutive month. Exports to the U.S. reached 1.4 billion Norwegian kroner in April, an increase of 23 percent compared with the same period last year.

"April was characterized by a lot of noise and uncertainty related to the introduction of increased tariffs to the United States," Chramer noted. "It is too early to conclude what effect this will have on Norwegian seafood exports."

From January to April, Norway's seafood exports reached 58.5 billion Norwegian kroner, up 7.3 percent compared to the same period in 2024, according to the council. (1 Norwegian krone = 0.096 U.S. dollar) 
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan said Wednesday it will avenge those killed by India's missile strikes that New Delhi called retaliation for last months massacre of Indian tourists in India-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan called the strikes an act of war and claimed it downed several Indian fighter jets.

The missiles killed 31 people, including women and children, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the countrys Punjab province, Pakistan's military said. The strikes targeted at least nine sites where terrorist attacks against India have been planned, Indias Defense Ministry said. Two mosques were hit.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country would avenge the dead but gave no details, fanning fears of all-out conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. Already, its their worst confrontation since 2019, when they came close to war.

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A heavy exchange of fire continued to follow the missile strikes, and officials in each country confirmed people killed. Sharif commended the armed forces for shooting down five Indian jets, which he said were hit after they fired their missiles but while still in Indian airspace.

There was no comment from India, but three planes fell onto villages in India-controlled territory, according to police and residents.

Tensions have soared between the neighbors since the April attack in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. Some survivors told Indian media that gunmen in some cases singled out Hindu men and shot them at close range.

India accuses Pakistan of being behind the attack, which was claimed by a militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance. India has said the group is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a disbanded Pakistani militant group that New Delhi long accused of being backed by Pakistan.

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Islamabad denies involvement.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.

In the wake of the massacre, the rivals have expelled each others diplomats and nationals, closed their borders and shuttered airspace. India has also suspended a critical water-sharing treaty with Pakistan.

The risk of war

Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given, the prime minister said, and later accused India of acting out of arrogance.

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The country's National Security Committee said Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defense, at a time, place and manner of its choosing.

The statement said the strikes were carried out on the false pretext of the presence of imaginary terrorist camps and said they killed civilians. The prime minister said he had attended the funeral of a 7-year-old boy.

South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman said the strikes were some of the highest-intensity ones from India on its rival in years and that Pakistans response would surely pack a punch as well.

These are two strong militaries that, even with nuclear weapons as a deterrent, are not afraid to deploy sizeable levels of conventional military force against each other, Kugelman said. The escalation risks are real."

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In 2019, the countries came close to war after a Kashmiri insurgent rammed an explosive-laden car into a bus carrying Indian soldiers, killing 40. India responded with airstrikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the escalating conflict so terrible and urged both sides to stop the violence.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint because the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, according to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Neighboring China also called for calm. Beijing is the largest investor in Pakistan by far and has multiple border disputes with India, including one in the northeastern part of the Kashmir region.

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Several Indian states held civil defense drills Wednesday to train civilians and security personnel to respond in case of attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi postponed his upcoming trip to Norway, Croatia and the Netherlands.

Scenes of panic and destruction

The missile strikes hit six locations and the dead included women and children, said Pakistans military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif.

Officials said another 57 people were injured, and five more people were killed in Pakistan during exchanges of fire later in the day along the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

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Sharif late Wednesday said the exchanges of fire continued.

In Muzaffarabad, the main city of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, resident Abdul Sammad said he heard several explosions as blasts ripped through houses. He saw people running in panic, and authorities immediately cut power to the area.

We were afraid the next missile might hit our house, said Mohammad Ashraf, another resident.

Indian jets damaged infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to Sharif, the military spokesman, calling it a violation of international norms.

The strikes also hit close to at least two sites previously tied to militant groups that have since been banned, according to Pakistan.

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One hit Subhan Mosque in Punjabs Bahawalpur city, killing 13 people, according to Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a nearby hospital.

The mosque is near a seminary that was once the central office of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group outlawed in 2002. Officials say the group has had no operational presence at the site since then.

Another missile hit a mosque in Muridke in Punjab, damaging it. A building located nearby served as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba until 2013, when Pakistan banned the militant group and arrested its founder.

Indias Defense Ministry called the strikes focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature," adding that no Pakistan military facilities have been targeted.

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Indian politicians from various political parties praised the operation, which was named Sindoor, a Hindi word for the vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women on their foreheads and hair. It was a reference to the women whose husbands were killed in front of them in the Kashmir attack.

Planes fall on villages

Indian police and medics said 12 civilians were killed and at least 40 wounded by Pakistani shelling in Poonch district near the highly militarized de facto border. At least 10 civilians were also injured in Kashmirs Uri sector, police said.

Shortly after Indias strikes, aircraft fell in three villages: two in India-controlled Kashmir, a third in India's own Punjab state.

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Debris from one plane was scattered across one village, including in a school and a mosque compound, according to police and residents.

There was a huge fire in the sky. Then we heard several blasts also, said Mohammed Yousuf Dar, a resident of Wuyan village in India-controlled Kashmir.

Another aircraft fell in an open field in Bhardha Kalan village. Resident Sachin Kumar said he heard massive blasts and saw a huge ball of fire. He said he and several others rushed to the scene, where they saw Indian soldiers carry away the pilots.

A third aircraft crashed in a field in Punjab, a police officer told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

___

This story has been updated to correct that all three planes did not fall in India-controlled Kashmir. Two fell in India-controlled Kashmir, while a third fell in India's Punjab state.

___

Saaliq and Roy reported from New Delhi, and Hussain reported from Srinagar, India. Associated Press writers Ishfaq Hussian in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan; Babar Dogar in Lahore, Pakistan; Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan; Huizhong Wu in Bangkok and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this story.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India launched attacks on suspected militant camps in Pakistan on Wednesday in response to the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists in Indian Kashmir last month.

Pakistan said its response to India's missile strike was underway.

Here is a look at the tit-for-tat measures the two countries have announced in the aftermath of the violence:

WHAT HAPPENED?

Gunmen opened fire in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist attraction in Kashmir's Pahalgam area, on the afternoon of April 22, killing 26 people and wounding several others before fleeing into the surrounding pine forests.

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WHY DOES INDIA SAY PAKISTAN IS INVOLVED?

The two countries both claim Kashmir in full, but rule it in part. India has long accused Pakistan of helping Islamist separatists who have battled security forces in its part of the territory - accusations Islamabad denies.

India says it has identified the three attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, as "terrorists" waging a violent revolt against Indian rule in Muslim-majority Kashmir.

HOW HAS PAKISTAN RESPONDED?

Pakistan has denied any involvement and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a transparent, credible and neutral investigation into the attack. He also urged the U.S. to impress upon India to "dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly".

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The head of the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir called for international mediation and said his administration was preparing a humanitarian response in case of further escalation.

WHAT MEASURES HAVE THE COUNTRIES TAKEN?

* India and Pakistan have closed their airspace to each other's airlines.

* Both countries have closed the only open land border they share, and suspended special South Asian visas that enabled people to travel between them.

* They have declared each other's defence advisors in missions in New Delhi and Islamabad persona non grata, and reduced the strength of their embassies.

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* India has suspended a critical treaty that regulated the sharing of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. Pakistan has warned that any attempt to stop or divert the water will be considered an act of war and met with "full force".

* Pakistan has paused all bilateral agreements and suspended all trade with India, including to and from any third country.

(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh, Sanjeev Miglani and Stephen Coates)
By Shivangi Acharya and Alistair Smout

NEW DELHI/LONDON (Reuters) -Britain and India clinched a long-coveted free trade pact on Tuesday after tariff turmoil sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump forced the two sides to hasten efforts to increase their trade in whisky, cars and food.

The deal, between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies, has been concluded after three years of stop-start negotiations and aims to increase bilateral trade by a further 25.5 billion pounds ($34 billion) by 2040.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the trade deal was "ambitious and mutually beneficial". British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the strengthened alliance would reduce trade barriers in a "new era for trade".

Trump's tariffs have prompted countries across the world to redouble efforts to seek new trade partners and people familiar with the UK-India talks said the turmoil had sharpened the focus to get a deal done.

The deal, which will lower tariffs on goods such as whisky, allow British firms to compete for Indian contracts and Indian workers to more easily work in Britain, is significant for both economies.

It marks India opening up its long-guarded markets, including automobiles, setting an early example for the South Asian nation's likely approach to dealing with major Western powers such as the U.S. and the European Union.

It also represents Britain's most significant trade deal since it left the EU in 2020, though the projected boost to British economic output from the deal, of 4.8 billion pounds a year by 2040, is small compared to the country's gross domestic product of 2.6 trillion pounds in 2024.

India's trade ministry said 99% of Indian exports would benefit from zero duty under the deal, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90% of its tariff lines.

STOP-START

Talks over a free trade deal between India and Britain were initially launched in January 2022, and became a symbol of Britain's hopes for its independent trade policy after Brexit.

But negotiations were stop-start, with Britain having four different prime ministers since that launch date and elections in both countries last year.

Britain's Labour Party, elected last July, moved rapidly to conclude a deal after restarting negotiations in February, with last-minute talks between the countries' trade ministers in London last week enough to get it over the line.

Britain's Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the deal was a "beacon of hope amidst the spectre of protectionism".
May 5RUSSELLS POINT  The Cobblestone Hotel and Suites will celebrate its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at 211 Lincoln Blvd., Russells Point.

According to a media release, this hotel is the first constructed in Logan County in more than 25 years, and the first hotel at Indian Lake since the 1970s, when the last hotel supporting the amusement park area was torn down.

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Susan Montoya Bryan and Michael Warren

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  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.

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Some parents said they were using Monday's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day to make sure children understand what's at stake. Others  like Geraldine Toya of Jemez Pueblo, whose daughter Shawna was killed in 2021, and Lynette Pino of Tesuque Pueblo, whose son Darian Nevayaktewa disappeared in 2008  showed up to demand answers and help other survivors.

"We'll keep pushing and I have faith we will find him and bring him home," said Erica Leno, Darian's cousin. "Using any and all resources, we will find him."

Many young women who covered their mouths with bright red handprints vowed to speak for those who have been silenced. Justice Department data show Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to be homicide victims than the national average. Among the latest: Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache teen who went missing from a group home in January. Her mother wasn't told for a week. Her remains were found months later.

What 'the talk' means to Indigenous people

Lisa Mulligan, of the Forest County Potawatomi, carries the MMIP 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, warning them that her father was killed and another relative was a victim of sex trafficking.

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"That's why I ride for it," Milligan said. "I don't want it to happen to anyone else."

Christina Castro, of Taos Pueblo, has a 12-year-old daughter. Navajo Nation citizen Joylana Begay-Kroupa has a 10-year-old son. They too have shared anguished reality checks, hoping to protect their children and foster change.

"Indigenous people don't have the luxury about NOT talking to our daughters about violence against girls. I've 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.

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Self-defense classes are planned at the collective and at the Phoenix Indian Center, a social services hub for Indigenous people in Arizona's capital.

"I always go into auntie mode. You automatically want to protect your nieces and your nephews and your children," said Begay-Kroupa, the center's chief executive. "Unfortunately in Indigenous communities, we've seen this type of suffering occur over and over again."

She said she doesn't hold back information when speaking with her young son.

"We have relatives that have gone missing, and we just don't know where they're at," Begay-Kroupa said. "He wants to understand why, where'd they go and what happened to them."

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Yaretzi Ortega, a 15-year-old from the Gila River Indian Community who wore the red handprint Saturday, said her parents tried to shelter her, but as she asked questions, she too got "the talk."

"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 aren't 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 can't find their loved ones," Paddock said.

Years of advocacy have produced slow results

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.

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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 Nation member, has advocated for better alerts since the delayed response to the 2016 kidnapping and murder of her daughter, Ashlynne Mike. Several years later, 76 percent of the tribes responding to a survey said they were participating, but some state alert coordinators said they still didn't 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 Women's Resource Center. In it, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland noted over 84 percent of Native American men and women experience violence in their lifetimes.

___

Warren reported from Atlanta, Georgia. AP contributors include Matt York in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In the last year, the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians  Kizh Nation has worked to protect its cultural sites from more than 850 land development projects around the Los Angeles Basin, thanks to a 2014 state law that allows tribes to give input during projects environmental review processes.

Now, its chief fears that a newly proposed bill could significantly limit how the tribe  and dozens of others still without federal recognition  could participate.

This is an atrocity, said Andrew Salas, chairperson of the Kizh Nation. Lets not call it a bill. [Its] an erasure of non-federally recognized tribes in California. Theyre taking away our sovereignty. Theyre taking away our civil rights. Theyre taking away our voice.

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The new bill, AB 52, was proposed by state Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and co-sponsored by three federally recognized tribes: the Pechanga Band of Indians, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake. Supporters say the amendments would strengthen and reaffirm tribes rights to protect their resources, granted by the 2014 law of the same name.

This bill is about protecting tribal cultural resources and affirming that tribes  both federally and non-federally recognized  are the experts on our own heritage, Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band, said in a statement.

But shortly after the bill was substantively introduced in mid-March, tribes without federal recognition noticed that while federally recognized tribes would hold a right to full government-to-government consultations, their tribes  still sovereign nations  would be considered additional consulting parties, a legal term that includes affected organizations, businesses and members of the public.

The original AB 52 is a keystone piece of legislation on California Indigenous rights, representing one of the primary means tribes have to protect their cultural resources  such as cemeteries, sacred spaces and historic villages  from land development within their territories.

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The new bill would require that tribes ancestral knowledge carry more weight than archaeologists and environmental consultants when it comes to tribes cultural resources. It would also explicitly require the state to maintain its lists of tribes  including both federally recognized and non-federally recognized  that many pieces of California Indigenous law rely on.

Yet, Indigenous scholars and leaders within non-federally recognized tribes say the new differences between how tribes with and without federal recognition can participate amount to a violation of their basic rights, including their sovereignty.

They say the language could allow tribes with federal recognition to overstep their territory and consult on neighboring non-federally recognized tribes cultural resources.

I dont want a tribe whos 200 miles away from my tribal territory to get engaged in my ancestral lands, said Rudy Ortega, president of the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. We know the ancestral territory, we know the landscape, we know our history.

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The bills sponsors say the new amendments arent designed to declare who deserves recognition and who doesnt  and the difference in language is simply a reflection of the reality of which tribes have federal recognition and which dont.

Tribal cultural resources and the recognition of tribes as distinct political entities are fundamental pillars of our tribal sovereignty, the Graton Rancheria and Pechanga Band tribes said in a joint statement. It is critical that this bill protect and reaffirm the sovereignty and government-to-government relationship between the State of California and federally recognized tribes.

In practice, supporters say, there would be little difference between how tribes with and without federal recognition consulted with California government agencies. But for tribes without federal recognition  who argue theres no reason to apply federal tribal distinctions to state law  that provides little comfort.

The clash began mid-March when a friend of Salas  also a scientist who consults on environmental reviews  noticed the language changing the status of non-federally recognized tribes amid the collections of other amendments to the process.

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Salas friend alerted him over the phone: Be aware, Im telling you  look it up.

He immediately alerted everyone in the tribe's office in Covina. When the tribe began reaching out to other governments, it became clear the bill was unanticipated. Lead agencies didnt know about it; the city, the county  nobody knew about it," Salas said.

Word quickly spread through tribal leaders across the state. None of the tribes without federal recognition interviewed by The Times said Aguiar-Currys office had reached out to consult them on the new bill before it was published.

Input from federally and non-federally recognized tribes informed the bill in print, Aguiar-Currys office said in a statement to The Times. Weve received feedback, we recognized the bill language started in a place that did not wholly reflect our intent  which is that all tribes  be invited to participate in the consultation process.

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The non-federally recognized tribes quickly began forming coalitions and voicing their opposition. At least 70 tribes, organizations and cities had opposed the amendments by April 25.

The following Monday, Aguiar-Curry announced she would table the bill until the start of 2026, but remained committed to pursuing it.

The decision to make this a two-year bill is in direct response to the need for more time and space to respectfully engage all well-intended stakeholders, her office said in a statement. Come January, well move a bill forward that represents those thoughtful efforts.

Many tribes without federal recognition still see a long road ahead.

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I dont have a huge sense of victory, said Mona Tucker, chair of the yak titu titu yak tihini Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region. Hopefully the Assembly person, Aguiar-Curry, will engage with us, with a group of tribes that do not have federal acknowledgment, so that there can be some compromise here. Because to exclude us is a violation of our human rights.

Salas would rather see the amendments killed entirely.

We thank Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry for at least putting it on hold for now; however, this is not the end, he said. We are asking that she  completely and urgently and respectfully  withdraw the amendment.

Government-to-government consultations are often detailed and long-term relationships in which tribes work behind the scenes to share knowledge and work directly with land developers to protect the tribes resources.

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Last year, the environmental review process helped the Kizh Nation win one of the largest land returns in Southern California history for a tribe without federal recognition.

Read more: California city approves development project near Earth's oldest living oak tree

When a developer in Jurupa Valley proposed a nearly 1,700-house development that threatened nearby significant cultural spaces, the Kizh Nation entered a years-long consultation with the developers behind the scenes. Eventually, the developers agreed to maintain a 510-acre conservation area on the property, to be cared for by the Tribe.

Similarly, it was one of these tribal consultations that reignited the cultural burn practices of the ytt Northern Chumash Tribe. In 2024  for the first time in the more than 150 years since the state outlawed cultural burning  the Tribe conducted burns along the Central Coast with the support of Cal Fire.

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Read more: California tribe enters first-of-its-kind agreement with the state to practice cultural burns

California has 109 federally recognized tribes. But it also has more than 55 tribes without recognition. Thats because federal recognition is often a decades-long and arduous process that requires verifying the Indigenous lineage of each tribal member and documenting the continuous government operations of the tribe since 1900.

And tribes in what is now California  which was colonized not once but three times  have a uniquely complex and shattered history. Since 1978, 81 California tribal groups have sought federal recognition. So far, only one has been successful, and five were denied  more than any other state.

Read more: Why so many California Indians lack the federal recognition given to other Native Americans

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For this reason, AB 52 and other keystone pieces of California Indigenous law  such as those that allow tribes to give input on city planning and take care of ancestral remains  use a list of tribes created by the state that includes tribes both with and without federal recognition.

Leaders of tribes without federal recognition saw the last few weeks AB 52 flash point as an opportunity to build momentum for greater protections and rights for all tribes in California.

What does the world look like Oct. 10, 1492? said Joey Williams, president of the Coalition of California State Tribes and vice chairman of the Kern Valley Indian Community. Here in California, there were about 190 autonomous governments of villages and languages and self-determined people  sovereign people that are liberated, that are free.

Williams helped form the Coalition of California State Tribes in 2022 to fight for that vision.

We just want that for our tribal people, he said. We want them to have access to all that sovereignty, self-determination  and full acknowledgment by the federal government and state government.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(KRON)  An industrial worker was killed during a workplace accident on Monday in Brentwood, according to the Brentwood Police Department (BPD). Officers received a call around 3:35 p.m. at Dainty Avenue and Walnut Boulevard.

The worker was badly injured from an accident involving a skid loader, BPD said. He later died at the scene of the construction site.

The victim was described to be a 54-year-old man from Petaluma who was working on a repaving project at a nearby parking lot, according to Brentwood police.

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Crews control large fire at Valero oil refinery in Benicia

A fatal incident happened on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Brentwood. (Image: Art Ray)

The incident is under investigation, and a coroner was called to the scene. BPD said it will release details as the investigation progresses.

This story will be updated as KRON4 learns more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Musicians perform during the 2025 Taihu Jazz Festival at the Taihu Stage Art Center, a branch of China's National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, capital of China, April 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Meiqi)

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- At a Chinese international jazz festival that wrapped up on Monday, musicians from across the world delivered a dazzling fusion of jazz and cross-cultural collaborations.

The 2025 Taihu Jazz Festival, which was held at the Taihu Stage Art Center, a branch of China's National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, attracted over 200 musicians from nine countries.

As Yannick Rieu, a renowned Canadian saxophonist, noted in an interview with Xinhua, "Jazz is a vibrant musical form that transcends borders and differences."

During the festival, Rieu presented a jazz quartet centered around the theme of integration, in which he especially included an adaptation of the Chinese folk song "Yimeng Mountain." "The song deeply moved me -- from the first listen, I felt an intimate emotional connection."

While recomposing the song, the musician strove to preserve its soul and infuse it with jazz's signature freedom and improvisation, allowing Eastern and Western voices to naturally blend together.

"From majestic landscapes to unique folk traditions and vibrant regional music, China's rich and diverse culture is an endless source of inspiration for me," said Rieu, who has traveled and performed in China nearly 20 times since 2006.

Over the years, he has witnessed China's rapid evolution -- not only in its infrastructure but also in its thriving arts scene. "New festivals, music schools and clubs are springing up in China, nurturing a wave of exceptional young musicians eager to blend jazz with their own cultural identity," he said.

Li Xiaochuan, a rising star in the Chinese jazz scene, stands out as a talented trumpet player and composer. This time at the Taihu festival, he merged not only traditional Chinese instruments but also artificial intelligence (AI) into his composition and performance.

"We must dare to experiment, distill our insights, and share them with students and audiences, sparking fresh perspectives through transformative musical experiences," said Li, who is also an associate professor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, stressing the importance to embrace AI in music education and performance.

"Jazz should never become museum music -- it must speak with a contemporary voice," he added.

Li's opinion is echoed by Argentinian pianist Adrian Hugo Iaies and his trio members. For them, the term jazz, which originated in the West, is more of a tool or musical approach rather than a precise style after years of constant evolving, expanding and changing.

"The music I wrote for the trio is music that has a very strong connection with Argentinian traditions. It's music that sounds in our towns and households," he said.

Meanwhile, at the festival, HAYA, a world-renowned music band rooted in Chinese ethnic music, such as Mongolian, Kazakh and Tibetan music, showcased the vitality of traditional sounds by blending them with modern elements.

"Music is a universal language of all peoples," said Zhang Quansheng, founder and Morin Khuur player of HAYA, adding that it is vital to draw upon the strengths of diverse musical traditions.

In recent years, China has been endeavoring to promote music exchanges with the rest of the world. "Culture knows no borders. We'll continue to build a highland of jazz in China to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding," said Guan Jianbo, vice president of the NCPA. 

Yannick Rieu (L), a renowned Canadian saxophonist, performs during the 2025 Taihu Jazz Festival at the sub-venue in Langfang, north China's Hebei Province, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua)
A federal lawsuit has been filed by several news outlets seeking access to executions in Indiana, one of only two states that bars journalists from attending.

On May 5, 2025, five media outlets represented by the Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press filed a complaint in the Southern District of Indiana against the state's highest-ranking prison officials, who are charged with carrying out the media ban.

The plaintiffs  the Associated Press, States Newsroom, Circle City Broadcasting, Tegna and Gannett, which owns IndyStar and several other Indiana publications  argue that excluding media from executions violates the First Amendment's guarantee of a free press, in turn limiting the public's ability to understand the proceedings.

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In nearly every other death-penalty state, media representatives can gather firsthand information and serve as "surrogates for the public." The complaint cites Associated Press reporters' eyewitness accounts of botched executions in Idaho and Alabama.

"This coverage required reporter access to witness execution proceedings first-hand. A lack of access leaves the public with an incomplete understanding of the proceedings," the lawsuit reads.

Wyoming, the only other state that prohibits media witnesses from executions, has not carried out the death penalty since 1992, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

The lawsuit asks for the court to permit a media representative to attend executions.

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In December 2024, Indiana carried out its first execution in 15 years. Journalist Casey Smith of the Indiana Capital Chronicle was able to attend, but only because she was one of the five people invited by the condemned man, Joseph Corcoran. Even then, the lawsuit says, Smith and other witnesses had little visibility and had to rely on a prison official to report Corcoran's last words.

The filing comes just about two weeks before the scheduled execution of Benjamin Ritchie, who was convicted of killing a Beech Grove police officer in 2002.

Ritchie requested a stay of the execution so he could pursue more legal claims alleging prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective counsel and a suspected diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The Indiana Supreme Court rejected that bid last month in an evenly divided vote and was obligated to schedule a date for the execution.

Ritchie is one of seven people currently on Indiana's death row. Three federal death row inmates remain at the maximum-security prison in Terre Haute.

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Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyStar, other media outlets sue for access to executions
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and organizations like Mental Health America and local officials are bringing new initiatives to Terre Haute.

Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer is encouraging residents to step outside and join his Move for Mental Health initiative.

Every Monday, in the month of May, we are going to get out and walk, Switzer said. Either in a Vigo County Park or somewhere where we can just get together and have a conversation to raise awareness for mental health.

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Switzer said, here in Vigo County, many people struggle with both physical and mental health.

We know were ranked in the bottom half of the state when it comes to health outcomes, so were trying to put those two things together, Switzer said. Working on your physical health and mental health together, in hopes of improving your lifestyle.

Mental Health America has provided prevention programs, education, and housing in Vigo County for the last 75 years. Leaders of the organization, like Raye Rauckman, said taking care of basic necessities allows time and energy for mental health.

When youre living on the street you dont have access to take a shower, you dont know where your next meal is going to be, you dont even know where you can use the bathroom, Rauckman said. Having a home offers you that opportunity to really focus on the other areas such as mental healthcare, physical healthcare, and working towards goals beyond just surviving every day.

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Rauckman said, during this month, Mental Health America wants everyone to know help is available.

If you need help, ask for it, Rauckman said. If someone has a question or you need to know more about a place you can get services, were always willing to help. If you need advocacy to help, get those services, were willing to help.

If you are interested in joining Commissioner Switzer for Strides with Switzer, the first walk is Monday, May 5th, at 6:00 p.m. at Dewey Point.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(INSIDE CALIFORNIA POLITICS)  This week on Inside California Politics, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Coper discussed the failure of an Assembly Bill 379 meant to make it a felony to solicit sex from 16- and 17-year-olds.

Political reporter Eytan Wallace goes in-depth on the bill and the response from the Democratic leadership.

Political strategists Ed Emerson and Tim Rosales talk about AB379 and former Vice President Kamala Harriss speech in San Francisco earlier this week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
(Photo: Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)

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.

Conservative North Carolina lawmakers appear to be taking a cue from the Trump administration, proposing to slash more than 25 jobs and to eliminate key programs for environmental justice, environmental education and clean energy, state budget documents show.

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Those cuts alone would total nearly $736,000. Meanwhile, the Republican-held Environmental Management Commission would get its own five-member staff with a $700,000 budget.

North Carolinians deserve a state government that works for them, said Rep. John Torbett, a co-chair of the Interim House Select Committee on Government Efficiency, in a press release. Unfortunately, our government agencies and public universities have been bogged down by bad policies and programs, like DEI, limiting their ability to enact their core purpose: serving citizens.

Like the Trump administration, which in March closed environmental justice offices within the Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina lawmakers have used the proposed state budget to eliminate a similar program within the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

Former DEQ Secretary Michael Regan established several environmental justice initiatives after he was appointed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper in 2017. Regan became EPA administrator in 2021 under President Joe Biden, and served until last year.

Former DEQ Secretary Michael Regan, pictured here in 2018 at a meeting of opponents of offshore drilling, prioritized environmental justice in North Carolina during his tenure. He later became EPA Administrator. (Photo: Lisa Sorg/Inside Climate News)

The $385,000 budget item covers three full-time employees plus program expenses. The environmental justice program encourages community participation in public hearings, including translation and interpretation services for non-English speakers. Program officials also meet privately with community groups and environmental organizations about their concerns.

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As part of a 2016 civil rights settlement, the program also developed a statewide mapping system for the public to view pollution sources, census data and health statistics for neighboring communities. Officials analyze census information and other data to produce environmental justice reports on the impacts of new and existing pollution sources on low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Some environmental groups have criticized the program for failing to stop new polluting industries from locating in EJ neighborhoods, but they hoped the crew of new top officials would be more effective.

It appeared that they were making a very concerted effort to have a team at DEQ who could be responsive, who understood the issues, and you know, would hopefully do a better job or do the right thing in comparison to what, theyve had for so many years, said Sherri White-Williamson, co-founder of EJCAN. She also sits on the governors EJ Advisory Council.

With its new five-member, $700,000 staff, the Environmental Management Commission is composed of 15 political appointees and currently held by a Republican majority. It recently refused to implement legally enforceable limits for PFAS in rivers, lakes and streams. Instead, at industrys urging, it chose to advance a weaker minimization rule.

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The budget also would eliminate DEQs environmental education program, including two staff and the education certification program. In a plea for public support on its website, the nonprofit Environmental Educators of North Carolina noted that the program has helped thousands of teachers, students and budding naturalists to understand and address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Its a small investment with a massive impact, the website says. Eliminating this office would undermine decades of progress in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

State lawmakers want to eliminate the position held by Jennifer Mundt, assistant secretary of Clean Energy Economic Development. (Photo: NC Department of Commerce)

Nor would the state Department of Commerce be spared: The budget would eliminate the Office of Clean Energy Economic Development (CEED), whose deputy secretary, Jennifer Mundt, also represents the agency on the Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Patrice Bethea, spokesperson for the Commerce Department, told Inside Climate News in an email that the program is critical to advancing North Carolinas economy.

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The program helps to position North Carolina in a new era of demand for energy generation, as corporate citizens increasingly demand reduced carbon footprints, and the rise of AI and data centers are demanding ever increasing power loads, Bethea said.

Because of CEEDs work, North Carolina is a leading candidate for several clean energy projects. The Canadian company Opsun, which builds structures for solar panels, recently announced it will locate its first U.S. facility in High Point, in Guilford County.

CEED also participated in the N.C. Taskforce on Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies to recruit that industrys manufacturing jobs to the state.

However, Duke Energys proposed revisions to its carbon plan, as well as the federal governments disdain for solar and wind power, have changed the landscape of clean energy.

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Bethea said the CEED program has recently transitioned its focus to a broader energy strategy  as we move to carbon neutrality over the next 25 years.

Duke Energy has emphasized a similar all of the above approacha continued reliance on natural gas, plus nuclear energy, hydropower and renewablesin its proposal to delay its decarbonization goals.

A different measure, Senate Bill 261, would allow Duke Energy to forgo a legally required benchmark of 70 percent in carbon reductions by 2030 over 2005 levels. Since the utility says it cant make the 2030 deadline, it instead wants to be held accountable only for the final goal: carbon-neutral by 2050.

The bill cleared the Senate but languished in the House. Now the provision has been tucked into the 660-page state budget, increasing its chances of becoming law.

The Senate passed the budget in mid-April and sent it to the House, where it will go through that chambers Appropriations and Finance committees. The full legislature has until June 20 to send a final version to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating after a person was shot on Anthes Drive early Tuesday morning.

The shooting was reported just after 4 a.m. in the 100 block of Anthes Drive.

(WKRN) (WKRN)

Authorities said a man was shot in the left thigh and taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His injuries were reportedly non-life-threatening.

Investigators recovered a 9mm cartridge casing and a handgun at the scene.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to Metro Police, the victim told officers he was smoking fentanyl with a group of people when an unknown man walked up and shot him. He stated he did not want to press charges against the suspect.

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No additional information was released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The sky above the Iowa Capitol was crossed by contrails on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capitol Dispatch)

Though an agreement is yet to be reached on state spending for the upcoming fiscal year, the Senate Appropriations Committee moved four bills forward in a Tuesday meeting.

Senators passed four budget bills through the appropriations committee Tuesday, making them available for floor debate in the chamber. This does not mean the issues causing budget bills to stall  disagreements in spending between the two chambers and calls by some senators to pass legislation related to eminent domain  have been resolved.

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The four bills all passed 13-9, with all Democrats and two Republicans, Sens. Sandy Salmon and David Sires, voted against. Other GOP members of the appropriations committee, including Sens. Dave Rowley and Dennis Guth, had signed onto the letter sent to Senate leadership saying they would oppose the passage of budget bills unless pipeline legislation was brought to the floor for debate, but they did not oppose the measures in the committee meeting.

Though the bills did not receive full support from the majority party, the Senate spending bills on the states education, health and human services, judicial, and Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) budgets all passed the committee.

The education and HHS appropriations bills  Senate Study Bill 1231 and Senate Study Bill 1237 respectively  are both measures where House Republicans have put forward a different budget target than Senate Republicans. Much of the focus in budget disagreements has been centered on House Republicans ask for $14 million to continue pay supplements for education support staff, primarily paraeducators, a provision in the House standings bill.

Neither the House nor Senate appropriations committees have moved on the standings appropriations bill yet. But there are other areas of disagreement. The House education appropriations bill, House Study Bill 337, includes an $8 million increase for community colleges that is not in the Senate bill.

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The committee advanced the Senate version of this bill without comments on the funding difference between the two chambers. However, Democrats did criticize the overall lack of funding increases going to the states higher education system  including community colleges  in the budget bill, saying the spending proposal will lead to cost increases for Iowa families sending students to Iowa colleges and universities.

Sen. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, said she cant think of a time in the history of funding education that no new funding has gone to the states regent universities, community colleges and Iowa tuition grants. She said she found the proposal to keep funding for higher education at the same level as the current fiscal year disturbing, as the states higher education system is critical for meeting the states workforce needs and improving personal income growth.

At a time when we have, by your definition, plenty of money, it disturbs me that this particular budget comes with very little increase, Winckler said.  Its historic, and you need to be aware of when you vote for this budget, if you do, that you are underfunding the future of Iowans and the workforce.

Sen. Jesse Green, R-Boone, said the budget keeps steady funding towards higher education. He also said he was shocked after being elected to the Legislature to learn we subsidize college education to the amount that we actually do, and said the current budget better aligns with Iowa voters expectations for state spending.

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This year, Ill admit, when I was on the campaign trail, I had a lot of constituents ask to shrink government, literally asked us to shrink government, and here we have a status quo budget, Green said. So  I think this aligns with our targets. I think this aligns with what Iowans are expecting of us at this point in time, they expect us to put more money into their hands than in the government.

Differences over nursing homes, Medicaid

The Senate health and human services budget bill also has differences when compared to its House companion, House Study Bill 342. The House version has $9 million more, a total of $25 million, for nursing facility provider reimbursement rate adjustments while the Senate allocated $16 million. Another difference is the inclusion of language stating Iowas Medicaid program funding shall not be used for sex reassignment surgery or treatment related to an individuals gender dysphoria diagnosis.

Blocking Medicaid coverage for transgender Iowans is something the Republican-controlled Legislature has attempted to enact before, but similar measures were struck down in courts. Supporters said this years provision would be legal as Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a measure that removed gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, one of the legal protections cited in court decisions.

But Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Marion, said the provision would still be found unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause, pointing to the 2021 district court ruling that found a similar law prohibiting Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care violated state civil rights laws and the Iowa constitution.

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It restricts (Medicaid coverage) based on someones identity as transgender or non-gender conforming, and that is wrong and unconstitutional under Equal Protection, Donahue said.

The Senate language goes further than previous Iowa laws, as it applies to all medical treatment related to a persons gender dysphoria diagnosis. Keenan Crow, policy and advocacy director at One Iowa, said this provision could prevent transgender Iowans on Medicaid from accessing mental health care or other medical services not related to medically transitioning.

Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, said last week House Republicans support a restriction on Medicaid coverage for sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy, but would take up language that would not affect mental health care access for individuals with gender dysphoria.

The Senate Appropriations Committee did not make or recommend any amendments to the bills passed Tuesday, meaning changes would come on the Senate floor during debate on these or other areas of contention.

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Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, the appropriations committee chair, asked for committee members to be prepared for another meeting to discuss the standings bill and any other remaining legislation as soon as compromises are reached. He said that could be as early as Thursday, but that negotiations could take longer.

This is always kind of a time we have to be ready and able just to meet when we can meet if we want to try to get out of here as soon as we can, Kraayenbrink said.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A U.S. judge declined on Tuesday to allow an Iranian-born engineer to be released on bail while he awaits trial on charges related to a deadly drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan carried out by Iran-backed militants last year.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled that the risk that Mahdi Sadeghi might flee was too great to allow him to be released on bond while he awaited trial on charges that he engaged in a scheme to violate U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

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"The seriousness of the charges and the weight of the evidence against Sadeghi give him incentive to flee if he is released, and Sadeghi's dual citizenship and connections to Iran give him the means to do so," she wrote.

The decision overturned a federal magistrate judge's determination in March that Sadeghi, a resident of Natick, Massachusetts, could be released on a $100,000 bond so long as he was subject to home incarceration with location monitoring.

Prosecutors had initially been open to a potential bail package for Sadeghi. But they shifted in mid-January to pushing for his continued detention after the Italian government released his co-defendant, Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, and allowed him to return to Iran.

That occurred after Iran released an Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Tehran three days after the men were arrested. Prosecutors argued the events signaled Iran might take steps to help Sadeghi flee.

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A lawyer for Sadeghi did not respond to a request for comment. Sadeghi had pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors allege that Abedini headed an Iranian firm whose primary client was Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that made the navigation system used in its military drone program.

That system was used in an unmanned drone that struck a U.S. outpost in Jordan called Tower 22 in January 2024, prosecutors said. The attack killed three U.S. service members and injured 47 others.

Sadeghi, while working at the semiconductor company Analog Devices in Massachusetts, helped Abedini secure technology that was transferred to Iran, prosecutors alleged.

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The technology Abedini obtained included the same type of electronic components used in the drone navigation system, prosecutors said.

Iran has denied involvement in last year's attack and had dismissed accusations that it imprisoned Sala to pressure Italy into releasing Abedini.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
JAKARTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia remains committed to its plan to phase out oversized and overloaded trucks in an effort to improve safety on highways and toll roads.

The country's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, expressed hope on Tuesday that the archipelago would eliminate oversized and overloaded trucks by next year, as his ministry is drafting a presidential regulation on logistics and supply chain management.

According to him, the use of such trucks is highly problematic, not only leading to fatal traffic accidents but also causing significant road damage.

He stated that the regulation is expected to be issued soon.

"Hopefully, this regulation will drastically reduce the number of accidents, fatalities, and material losses caused by these incidents," the senior minister said.

Deadly road accidents are common in the Southeast Asian country due to overloading, poor road conditions, and reckless driving.

In February, eight people were killed in West Java province after an overloaded truck suffered brake failure, colliding with two cars at a tollgate and causing severe damage. 
Israel has hit the main international airport of Yemens rebel-held capital Sanaa, fully disabling the civilian facility, according to the Israeli army.

Tuesdays attacks that also targeted a concrete factory and several power stations in and around Sanaa came in response to Sundays ballistic missile strike near Tel Avivs Ben Gurion International Airport, the Israeli military statement said.

The army claimed that the airport served as a central hub for the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons and operatives.

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The operation was approved by the Commander of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff, it said. The military added that it would continue to act and strike with force any group that poses a threat to Israel.

The attacks have killed at least three people, the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said, citing the health ministry. More than 30 people have been wounded, it added.

In a statement, the Houthi political bureau denounced the Israeli attacks as further evidence of the countrys bankruptcy.

Targeting Yemeni ports, Sanaa airport, cement factories, and power plants aims to impose a blockade on the Yemeni people, the statement said. The Houthis added that Israeli and US attacks on Yemen will not go unanswered and will not deter Yemen from continuing its support for Gaza.

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Reporting from Sanaa, Al Jazeeras Mohammed al-Attab said the impact of the attacks on infrastructure remains unclear.

Pure vandalism

Sultan Barakat, a professor in public policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, says Sanaa International Airport is not a big strategic target and that Israeli claims it is being used to receive supplies from Iran are simply not true.

I think its pure vandalism, to be honest. The airport in Sanaa is not a normal airport. Its under a huge restriction from the United Nations, from the Saudis, from the coalition  its under sanctions, Barakat told Al Jazeera.

He added that attacking the airport will only hinder the operations of the United Nations and humanitarian agencies in one of the poorest countries in the world.

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Footage of the aftermath of the airport attack, verified by Al Jazeeras Sanad fact-checking unit, shows large clouds of dark smoke rising into the air over the capital.

Earlier, the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV confirmed that among the sites targeted is a cement factory to the north of the capital and a power station in the Bani al-Harith area.





The attacks come less than 24 hours after Israel bombed the countrys key Hodeidah port, killing at least one person and wounding 35 others.

The Houthi media office said at least six strikes hit the crucial Hodeidah port. Others hit a cement factory in the district of Bajil, 55km (34 miles) northeast of Hodeidah, the group added.

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The Israeli military said the strikes sought to undercut the Houthi military industry, claiming the factory is an economic resource for the Houthis and used to build tunnels and military infrastructure.

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. The group says that it acts in support of the Palestinians in Gaza and that its attacks will stop only when there is a permanent ceasefire in the enclave.

Although the Houthis paused attacks during a fragile ceasefire in Gaza this year, they resumed their operations after Israel cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumed its offensive in March.

The United States military under US President Donald Trump has launched an intensified campaign of air strikes on war-torn Yemen since March 15.

Israel has repeatedly struck Yemen, killing dozens of people, including women and children.
The Israeli military on Tuesday launched an attack on Yemen's Sana'a International Airport and other civilian sites, claiming they were used by Houthi militants.

The strike came two days after a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthis landed near Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.

PHOTO: Smoke billows after an Israeli airstrike on Houthi infrastructure, in Sana'a, Yemen, May 6, 2025. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters)

MORE: Israel PM says Houthis threaten the 'whole world' after strike near Tel Aviv airport

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The Israel Defense Forces said on Tuesday that the central Yemen airport "is used by the Houthi terrorist organization for the transfer of weapons and operatives, and is regularly operated by the Houthi regime for terrorist purposes."

The airport strike led "to its complete shutdown," the IDF said. Israel also targeted power stations and a concrete factory, which it accused the Houthis of using to build tunnels and military infrastructure.

PHOTO: Smoke billows after an Israeli airstrike on Houthi infrastructure, in Sana'a, Yemen, May 6, 2025. (Khaled Abdullah/Reuters)

"This is another example of the Houthi terrorist organization's use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist operations," an IDF spokesperson said in a statement.

Avichay Adraee, the Israel Defense Forces' Arabic spokesperson, posted an evacuation warning on social media prior to the strike.

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"We call upon you to evacuate the airport area -- Sana'a International Airport -- immediately and warn everyone in your vicinity of the need to evacuate this area immediately," Adraee said. "Failure to evacuate and move away from the place exposes you to danger."

Israel attacks Yemen airport after Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv airport originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Israel is using President Trumps upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf as a deadline for Hamas to release hostages and strike a ceasefire deal, threatening to take over the Gaza Strip and occupy it in the long term.

Trump is scheduled to travel to the region on May 16. Israels security Cabinet on Sunday approved the military operation called Operation Gideons Chariots, warning Hamas it has 10 days to release the remaining hostages; about two dozen are believed to be alive.

While the European Union on Monday expressed its concern over the plan, which it said threatened to worsen suffering among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Trump administration put out a statement blaming Hamas for the resumption of hostilities after a brief ceasefire.

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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, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement.

That threat, first delivered in early January, was viewed as a critical moment in securing a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas that lasted for six weeks between January and March and saw the release of 33 hostages.

But theres little indication that the Trump administrations efforts are moving the two sides back to the negotiating table after that ceasefire crumbled and Israel again scaled up forces in the territory.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, is also juggling meetings in Russia over its war in Ukraine and talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

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The State Department did not answer questions about when Witkoff last engaged in talks to free the hostages or if another person was taking the lead in talks. Special envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler held direct talks with Hamas in March to free the American hostages.

Israel has seen limited success in freeing hostages through military force, while an estimated 133 people have been released through negotiations. Hamas, under military pressure, has also killed hostages before the Israeli military could reach their locations.

Families of the remaining hostages and other critics are sounding the alarm over the impact Israels expanded military operation would have on hostage release efforts.

There are approximately 24 living hostages held by Hamas, part of the original 251 people kidnapped from southern Israel during its Oct. 7, 2023, attack, when the U.S.-designated terrorist group also killed about 1,200 people. Hamas is holding the bodies of 35 others. There is one living American, Edan Alexander, and the bodies of four other Americans still in Gaza.

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The decision yesterday of the Israeli government to expand the ground warfare in Gaza does not coincide with the goals of the war as most of the Israeli people see it, said Ephraim Sneh, a reserve brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces, and a member of the Commanders for Israels Security movement.

The movement is in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus determination to prioritize prosecuting the war over negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

What the majority, the vast majority of Israel wants is to bring the hostages back, bring them home and quickly, Sneh said in a briefing with reporters on Monday organized by MediaCentral, a nonprofit, Jerusalem-based media liaison center.

The resumption of fighting in Gaza will not do it, on the contrary it puts the hostages under high risk that they will not survive the fighting. And of course they will not bring Hamas any closer to any exchange deal we are talking about.

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Palestinians living in Gaza are also enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, made worse after Israel imposed a humanitarian aid blockade beginning last month. The blockade was meant to increase pressure on Hamas to reach a deal on the hostage release.

But despite Israel depleting Hamass forces over 19 months of war, the militant group is still exercising its authority among the Palestinian population, battling and executing armed gangs looting humanitarian aid.

Trump, responding to a question on whether he supports Israels expanded military operation, said Monday that the U.S. is going to help the people of Gaza get some food. People are starving, and were going to help them get some food.  Theyre being treated very badly by Hamas.

Israel said part of its military operation is to push the enclaves 2.1 million-people population into a more concentrated area in the south and set up a humanitarian aid distribution system.

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But the United Nations Humanitarian Country Team  which leads coordinated relief efforts across the occupied Palestinian territory  said this plan violated fundamental humanitarian principles, by replacing nongovernmental organizations distributing aid with Israeli soldiers.

This is dangerous, driving civilians into militarised zones to collect rations, threatening lives, including those of humanitarian workers, the U.N. said, warning it would also exacerbate forced displacement across the strip.

Fred Fleitz, vice chair of the American security program with the America First Policy Center, a home for officials from Trumps first term, said Israel is escalating the stakes in Gaza as leverage to Arab and Gulf partners to find a serious, workable plan to replace Hamas.

Israeli officials have rejected an Egyptian proposal for a peace plan as untenable, even as Arab and Gulf countries have put their support behind that plan.

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This pressure from Israel may get various parties to double down on better plans, Fleitz said.

The divide between Israel and the U.S. on one side, and Gulf and Arab countries on the other, over how to deal with Gaza is a major obstacle to Trumps ambitions to broker ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Fleitz said its probably the goal for the Trump administration to make clear to Arab and Gulf states that its doing what it can to end the war, but that normalization shouldnt be collateral damage.

The Palestinians werent given a veto over that agreement when Trump was president the first time, and my guess is that Trump officials will make the case they shouldnt be given that veto, Fleitz said. Now, the Palestinians have an option to end this war, which they began, and if they dont, why should the rest of the Arab world pay a price?

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But Riyadh is adamant that a permanent ceasefire and pathway to Palestinian self-governance is essential before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman can even broach a topic of normal diplomatic ties with Israel.

It will almost certainly be near the top of the agenda when Trump meets the crown prince and other Gulf leaders later this month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Israel has restricted Palestinians access to 70 percent of Gaza, either by declaring large areas as no-go zones or issuing forced displacement orders, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In southern Gaza, much of Rafah governorate has been declared a no-go zone, placed under forced displacement orders by the Israeli military since late March. In the north, nearly all of Gaza City is under similar orders, with only small pockets in the northwest still exempt. Entire areas east of the Shujayea neighbourhood and along the Israeli border have been declared a restricted zone.

The animated map below shows how Israels military has expanded its forced displacement orders since breaking the ceasefire on March 18.

Israels Gaza occupation plan

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gazas more than two million people will be moved in a new ground offensive that will involve Israeli troops holding on to seized territory, establishing a sustained presence in Gaza.

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This follows the unanimous approval by Netanyahus cabinet to call up 60,000 reservists and place the Israeli military in control of delivering food and other essential supplies to Gazas starving population.





Israel prioritising territorial control

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza, Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum said Palestinians view the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza and reoccupation of much of its territorial landscape as a form of collective punishment and an attempt to change the demographic and political map of Gaza.

Many Palestinians understand that Israel is prioritising territorial control over any political solution, and many shared their fear and panic regarding the possibility of not being able to return to their homes.

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They also believe that Israel is trying not just to dismantle the military capabilities of Hamas, as the Israeli military spokesperson and Netanyahu have stated, but they are also trying to empty Gaza of its residents and to suffocate civilians.

Israel will do this by using humanitarian language alongside military tactics, including an expanded ground offensive and tightening its grip on the flow of aid to Gaza.

But there was a general and clear sentiment of defiance among many Palestinians. Social media is filled with messages of resilience and people saying they will not leave Gaza, whatever the cost.

Gaza facing extreme risk of famine

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) says Gaza is facing extreme risk of famine with no food remaining in markets and aid distribution centres.

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Israeli human rights group BTselem has accused Israel of using starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza. Half of those being starved by Israel are children, the prominent rights group said.

[On] the nutritional front, the population is facing once again an extreme risk of famine, the PRCS said in its latest situation update.

Interactive_Gaza_What starvation does to the body

There is an inability to meet even the minimum daily needs of over a million displaced people, it said.

The PRCSs food stocks allocated for displaced people are now completely depleted, with limited quantities of legumes being distributed to community kitchens to cover some of the basic needs of displaced individuals.

Since Israel broke the nearly two-month-long ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, its military has killed at least 2,459 Palestinians in Gaza, bringing the total number of confirmed killed in the besieged Strip to 52,567.
The Israeli military has called on people in Yemen to leave the international airport in the capital Sanaa immediately to avoid putting themselves in danger, following a missile attack near Tel Aviv airport.

In a post in Arabic on X, a military spokesman called on people to inform everyone in the area about the "urgent warning."

Israel attacked dozens of targets belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the country on Monday evening, resulting in fatalities, according to the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry.

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The strikes came one day after the Houthis fired a missile at the Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz to threaten the militia with "sevenfold" retaliation.

The Houthis themselves threatened to continue disrupting air traffic to Israel.

A civil war has been raging in Yemen for 10 years, effectively dividing the country. The Houthis control large areas in the north, including the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hudaydah, while the internationally recognized government controls the south.

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israel and international merchant ships in support of its Palestinian ally, Hamas, since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
JERUSALEM (AP)  The Israeli military bombed the airport in Yemen's rebel-held capital Tuesday, claiming to have disabled the airfield in an attack that left commercial aircraft burning on the tarmac as its fighter jets struck power plants and other targets.

The rare daytime attack on Sanaa, held by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels since 2014, came as part of a second day of Israeli airstrikes in response to a Houthi ballistic missile striking the grounds of Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis described the Israeli attacks as killing at least seven people and wounding 74 others over two days.

But the future of American attacks on the Houthis, who have pledged to continue to target Israel, was thrown into question after U.S. President Donald Trump said America would stop striking the Houthis. Trump described the rebels as having capitulated and agreed to stop targeting shipping in the Red Sea, though the rebels did not specifically acknowledge such a pledge.

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We indirectly informed the Americans that the continued escalation will affect the criminal Trumps visit to the region, and we have not informed them of anything else," said Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthis supreme political council, in a statement carried by the rebel-controlled SABA news agency early Wednesday. Trump is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates next week.

Badr al-Busaidi, the foreign minister of Oman who mediated between the U.S. and the Houthis, also is mediating between America and Iran over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Today's news about the situation in the Red Sea means that diplomatic efforts have lead to the end to the conflict between the US and Ansar Allah in Yemen, al-Busaidi wrote on the social platform X, using another name for the Houthis. They will no longer target each other, ensuring freedom of navigation for international commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Israeli attack leaves Sanaa airport in ruins

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The strikes in Sanaa came shortly after Israels military warned on social media that people should leave the area immediately, saying that failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives. The explosions from the strikes echoed across Sanaa, sending the public fleeing to find cover as thick black smoke rose over the skyline.

The Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel later aired footage from the airport, showing its terminal's windows blown out, with concrete blocks exposed and a fire burning inside. On its runway, aircraft associated with the state carrier Yemenia burned.

The airline later said three of its planes had been taken out of service in the attack, though those abroad in Jordan were untouched. The Israeli strike came after its flight to Amman on Tuesday took off.

Other strikes hit a cement plant and power plants, the Houthis and Israelis both said. On Monday, Israel targeted Houthi rebels in Yemens Red Sea province of Hodeida, hitting a key port there and another cement factory.

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Israels defense minister, Israel Katz, said the strike should be seen as a warning to the head of the Iranian octopus, which he said bears direct responsibility for attacks by the Houthis against Israel.

The Israeli airstrikes involved some 50 bombs and dozens of aircraft, the Israeli military said. It also required mid-air refueling to reach Sanaa, showing their reach also to Iran as Israel has threatened to strike Tehran's nuclear enrichment sites.

Houthi attacks on Israel linked to war in Gaza

Sundays missile attack struck an access road near Israels main airport near Tel Aviv, briefly halting flights and commuter traffic. Four people were slightly injured. It was the first time a missile struck the grounds of Ben-Gurion airport since the October 2023 start of the war in Gaza. While most missiles launched by the Houthis have been intercepted, some missiles and drones have penetrated Israels air defenses.

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The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in Gaza in solidarity with Palestinians there, while also targeting commercial and naval vessels on the Red Sea. That raised their profile both at home amid Yemen's decadelong war and abroad as the last member of Irans self-described Axis of Resistance capable of launching regular attacks on Israel.

The U.N. special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said the latest strikes carried out on Israel and Yemens airport marked a grave escalation in an already fragile and volatile regional context. He urged the parties to show restraint.

In March, Trump had vowed to use overwhelming lethal force after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on ships sailing off Yemen in response to Israels mounting another blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Trump told reporters Tuesday that the U.S. will stop the bombings. They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word that they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. Trump added, I think thats very positive. They were knocking out a lot of ships.

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Data from Lloyd's List suggests larger shipping firms are slowly beginning to return to the Red Sea, though traffic through the waterway that once saw $1 trillion in goods a year pass through it remains low.

Israel has repeatedly targeted the Houthis. It 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 missile targeted Ben-Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning to the country. In December, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in Hodeida.

Also Tuesday, Israel continued its strikes in Gaza. At least 18 people were killed, including children, when a school sheltering displaced people was hit in Bureij, according to Khalil Al- Dokran, spokesperson for al-Aqsa Hospital, where some of the bodies were taken.

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___

Gambrell contributed from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report.
Israel's far-right Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich said Tuesday that a victory for Israel in Gaza would mean the Palestinian territory being "entirely destroyed" before its inhabitants depart for other countries.



"Gaza will be entirely destroyed, civilians will be sent to... the south to a humanitarian zone without Hamas or terrorism, and from there they will start to leave in great numbers to third countries," the firebrand top official said at a conference on Jewish settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israel's plan to seize control of the Gaza Strip has sparked renewed fears, but for many of the territory's residents, the most immediate existential threat remains the specter of famine amid a months-long Israeli blockade on all goods entering the enclave, which is home to more than 2 million people.



The plan to expand military operations, approved by Israel's security cabinet late Sunday night, includes holding territories in the besieged Gaza Strip and moving the population south "for their protection," according to Israeli officials.

But Gaza residents told the AFP news agency that they did not expect the new offensive would make any significant changes to the already dire humanitarian situation in the small coastal territory.

Residents of the area examine the rubble of buildings following an Israeli attack on Nuseirat Refugee Camp, in Gaza City, on May 6, 2025. / Credit: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

"Israel has not stopped the war, the killing, the bombing, the destruction, the siege, and the starvation  every day  so how can they talk about expanding military operations?" Awni Awad, 39, told AFP.



Awad, who lives in a tent in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis after being displaced by Israeli evacuation orders, said that his situation was already "catastrophic and tragic."



"I call on the world to witness the famine that grows and spreads every day," he said.



The U.N.'s World Food Program in late April said it had depleted all its foods stocks in Gaza due to Israel's blockade on all supplies since March 2.



Aya al-Skafy, a resident of Gaza City, told AFP her baby died because of malnutrition and medicine shortages last week.



"She was four months old and weighed 2.8 kilograms (6.2 pounds), which is very little. Medicine was not available," she said. "Due to severe malnutrition, she suffered from blood acidity, liver and kidney failure, and many other complications. Her hair and nails also fell out due to malnutrition."



Umm Hashem al-Saqqa, another Gaza City resident, fears her 5-year-old son might face a similar fate, but is powerless to do anything about it.



"Hashem suffers from iron deficiency anemia. He is constantly pale and lacks balance, and is unable to walk due to malnutrition," she told AFP. "There is no food, no medicine, and no nutritional supplements. The markets are empty of food, and the government clinics and pharmacies have nothing."

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Israeli officials have denied a hunger crisis in Gaza,



Gaza City resident Mohammed al-Shawa, 65, said that Israel's new military roadmap changes little as it already controls most of Gaza.



"The Israeli announcement about expanding military operations in Gaza is just talk for the media, because the entire Gaza Strip is occupied, and there is no safe area in Gaza," he said.



The U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairscb estimates that 69% of Gaza has now been either incorporated into one of Israel's buffer zones, or is subject to evacuation orders.



That number rises to 100% in the southern governorate of Rafah, where over 230,000 people lived before the war but which has now been entirely declared a no-go zone.



"There is no food, no medicine, and the announcement of an aid distribution plan is just to distract the world and mislead global public opinion," Shawa said, referring to reports of a new Israeli plan for humanitarian aid delivery that has yet to be implemented.



"The reality is that Israel is killing Palestinians in Gaza by bombing, shooting, or through starvation and denial of medical treatment," he said.

Israeli officials consistently blame Hamas, which has long been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union, for all the suffering in Gaza, accusing it of stealing humanitarian aid for its own purposes, which the group denies.

Displaced Palestinians, including children, crowd to receive hot meals distributed by charities in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, on May 6, 2025. / Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

Israel's hardline Minister of Defense Israel Katz said in mid-April, about a month into the blockade, that the policy aimed at pressuring Hamas to capitulate and release the hostages would not change.

"Israel's policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population," he said. "No one is currently planning to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and there are no preparations to enable such aid."

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That was followed on April 23 by a flat denial from the Israeli Foreign Ministry of any hunger crisis in Gaza whatsoever.

"Israel is monitoring the situation on the ground, and there is no shortage of aid in Gaza," ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said in a statement posted on social media, rejecting accusations that Israel was using food as a weapon of collective punishment against Gaza's civilian population.

"According to Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, a side is not obliged to allow in aid if it is 'likely to assist the military or economic efforts of the enemy,'" Marmorstein said. "Hamas hijacked the humanitarian aid to rebuild its terror machine."

Smotrich praised the new plan for Gaza on Monday and evoked a proposal previously floated by President Trump to displace the territory's residents elsewhere.



He said he would push for the plan's completion until "Hamas is defeated, Gaza is fully occupied, and Trump's historical plan is implemented, with Gaza refugees resettled in other countries."

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  An Israeli plan to seize the Gaza Strip and expand the military operation has alarmed many in the region. Palestinians are exhausted and hopeless, pummeled by 19 months of heavy bombing. Families of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza are terrified that the possibility of a ceasefire is slipping further away.

Whats left for you to bomb? asked Moaz Kahlout, a displaced man from Gaza City who said many resort to GPS to locate the rubble of homes wiped out in the war.

Israeli officials said Monday that Cabinet ministers approved the plan to seize Gaza and remain in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time  news that came hours after the military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.

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Details of the plan were not formally announced, and its exact timing and implementation were not clear. It may be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that three more hostages have been confirmed dead, leaving 21 still believed alive.

Israels ensuing offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, who dont distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count.

They destroyed us, displaced us and killed us, said Enshirah Bahloul, a woman from the southern city of Khan Younis. We want safety and peace in this world. We do not want to remain homeless, hungry, and thirsty.

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Some Israelis are also opposed to the plan. Hundreds of people protested outside the parliament Monday as the government opened for its summer session. One person was arrested.

Families of hostages held in Gaza are afraid of what an expanded military operation or seizure could mean for their relatives.

I dont see the expansion of the war as a solution  it led us absolutely nowhere before. It feels like deja vu from the year ago, said Adi Alexander, father of Israeli-American Edan Alexander, a soldier captured in the Oct. 7 attack.

The father is pinning some hopes on Trumps visit to the Middle East, set for next week. Israeli leaders have said they don't plan to expand the operation in Gaza until after Trumps visit, leaving the door open for a possible deal. Trump isn't expected to visit Israel, but he and other American officials have frequently spoken about Edan Alexander, the last American-Israeli held in Gaza who is still believed to be alive.

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Moshe Lavi, the brother-in-law of Omri Miran, 48, the oldest hostage still believed to be alive, said the family was concerned about the plan.

We hope its merely a signal to Hamas that Israel is serious in its goal to dismantle its governmental and military capabilities as a leverage for negotiations, but its unclear whether this is an end or a means, he said.

Meanwhile, every day, dozens of Palestinians gather outside a charity kitchen that distributes hot meals to displaced families in southern Gaza. Children thrust pots or buckets forward, pushing and shoving in a desperate attempt to bring food to their families.

What should we do? asked Sara Younis, a woman from the southernmost city of Rafah, as she waited for a hot meal for her children. Theres no food, no flour, nothing.

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Israel cut off Gaza from all imports in early March, leading to dire shortages of food, medicine and other supplies. Israel says the goal is to pressure Hamas to free the remaining hostages.

Aid organizations have warned that malnutrition and hunger are becoming increasingly prevalent in Gaza. The United Nations says the vast majority of the population relies on aid.

Aid groups have expressed concerns that gains to avert famine made during this year's ceasefire have been diminishing.

Like most aid groups in Gaza, Tikeya has run out of most food and has cooked almost exclusively pasta for the past two weeks.

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Nidal Abu Helal, a displaced man from Rafah who works at the charity, said that the group is increasingly concerned that people, especially children, will die of starvation.

Were not afraid of dying from missiles," he said. "Were afraid that our children will die of hunger in front of us.

___

Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Samy Magdy contributed from Cairo.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, said on Tuesday that for him an Israeli victory in Gaza would mean its complete destruction and the displacement of its residents.

Speaking at a settler conference in the West Bank, Smotrich responded to a question about what victory in the Gaza war would look like for him.

"Gaza completely destroyed," he said. Smotrich further stated that residents should be concentrated in a "humanitarian zone" in the far south of the coastal strip, south of the former Israeli settlement of Morag. From there, they should leave Gaza in large numbers and move to other countries.

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The minister claimed that within six months, there would no longer be any Hamas presence in Gaza.

Israel plans to permanently occupy Gaza

The Israeli government has instructed the army to capture the Gaza Strip and maintain a long-term occupation. Tens of thousands of reservists are being mobilized for the large-scale offensive.

According to government sources, the plan also includes moving the Palestinian population from the north to the south of the territory. The government has stated that its goal is to defeat the Palestinian Islamist terrorist organization Hamas and secure the release of hostages held by the Islamist extremists.

However, far-right politicians like Smotrich are also pushing for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza, which Israel withdrew from 20 years ago.
Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool (R) talks with Huang Shifang, the new Chinese ambassador to Mauritius, in Port Louis, Mauritius, on May 5, 2025.(Chinese Embassy in Mauritius/Handout via Xinhua)

PORT LOUIS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool has expressed his hope to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation with China in areas such as economy, trade, and tourism, leveraging frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement.

Gokhool made the remarks on Monday while receiving the credentials of Huang Shifang, the new Chinese ambassador to Mauritius.

He highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Mauritius and China, reaffirming that Mauritius attaches great importance to its relationship with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle.

For her part, Huang pledged to faithfully fulfill her duties, implement the shared vision of the heads of state of the two countries, enhance political mutual trust, and expand pragmatic cooperation across various fields, with the aim of opening a new chapter in the strategic partnership between China and Mauritius.

Huang arrived in Mauritius on May 2. 
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Ithaca man now faces charges after police say he stole items from a house in the City of Ithaca on Monday.

Don C. Butler, 59, was arrested on Monday, May 5, on the charges of burglary in the second degree (class C felony) and petit larceny (class A misdemeanor) as stated in a release from the Ithaca Police Department.

Bradford County man sentenced prison time for drug-related charges

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Police say Butlers charges come after officers from the Ithaca Police Department were called to a house in the 100 Block of Prospect Street around 12:35 p.m. on Monday, after a person inside the home reported a burglary in progress. Following a description provided by the resident, police said they stopped a man, later identified as Butler, on E Clinton St near Turner Place, who had stolen property from inside the home. The resident later confirmed Butler as the man who had been in their home, and upon his arrest, he was identified by police.

Ulster man sentenced for theft of weapon in Bradford County

Following the investigation, police say Butler was charged with the above-listed crimes. As a result, he had his charges read to him in court and is being held at the Tompkins County Jail without bail.

IPD is asking anyone with information about this incident to call the police department at (607)-272-3245, the administration at (607)-272-9973, the tip line at (607)-3300, or email the anonymous tip line at www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County could start licensing tow companies. Its a FOX4 follow up to our coverage of predatory tow companies taking advantage of unsuspecting drivers.

Three of the four counties that include the city have such an ordinance for this. As of Monday afternoon, the county did not.

Franklin County crash kills 8 people, including high school student from Oklahoma

Despite that, the county legislature heard from tow companies and attorneys who represent them that said the fees the county was proposing were too much. In the original ordinance, early Monday afternoon, a fee for a tow company to operate in the county would have been $1,000 a year plus $250 per vehicle that they have.

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If you look at your neighbors to the north in Platte County and Clay County, their fees there are anywhere between $75 to $100 dollars per business, Porto Law Firm founder Nicholas Porto said to a Jackson County Committee Monday afternoon. So, Jackson County is, you know, conservatively ten times that amount.

Porto was representing people like Jared Innis, the president of the Missouri Tow Truck Association, who also owns All Star Towing. Tuesday, April 29, FOX4 found out that the city cant require a business license or permit for a tow company. Only a county can. Regardless, Innis did not like the large amount the county was proposing.

If my business was totally located here in Jackson County, my fee would be right at $10,000 a year for a business license, and we pay a couple hundred to the other two counties, Innis said.

I mean, its got the making of a lot of these other counties, but it just stretches it a little bit too far in our estimation, Porto continued right after that. So its a good start.

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Then, Republican Legislator Sean Smith and Democratic Legislator Megan Marshall said that there was an amended ordinance being proposed that would cut down the licensing to $500 a year per business instead of $1,000.

But even at $500, I mean, $500 is literally five times what Clay County charges for the same things, Porto replied.

The committee advanced the ordinance with a recommendation of not passing it. Then, at the legislative meeting that same afternoon, FOX4 learned more about the ordinance changes. Companies will have to pay that $500 licensing fee. Theyll also have to pay $100 per vehicle they use instead of $250. That ordinance passed by a vote of 9-0.

Second person charged with murder in KC sports reporter Adan Manzanos death

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When it comes to the much larger amounts Jackson County could charge, than say a county like Clay, Democratic Legislative Chair DaRon McGee said you have to look at the population of Jackson County. It is more than 2 1/2 times the size of Clay County.

So, our residents are much higher in population than the other surrounding communities around us, he said. So, I think that the fee structure is appropriate with our large urban size.

There is no word whether Democratic County Executive Frank White will sign this. He was not at the committee or full legislative meeting. If he does, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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Jacksonville City Council members on Monday gathered to discuss whats being called an illegal gun registry.

Action News Jax first broke the story Thursday, after Councilman Nick Howland claimed the city was documenting any visitors carrying concealed weapons into two city buildings.

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The citys top lawyer, General Counsel Michael Fackler, addressed leaders at the Rules Committee meeting. He said the city has hired outside counsel to represent the city during the course of an investigation by the State Attorneys Office.

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Since July 1st, 2023, Florida law has prevented local governments from prohibiting legal gun owners from carrying concealed in government buildings.

Its the same day that Mayor Donna Deegan officially came into office.

Florida statute says A state governmental agency or local government...may not knowingly and willfully keep or cause to be kept any list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or any list, record, or registry of the owners of those firearms.

Read: Florida woman denied Real ID over missing 50-year-old marriage record

During the meeting on Monday, Fackler stated his office first learned of the alleged illegal gun registry on April 21st and hired outside legal representation that same day. The next day, Fackler said that they received subpoenas from the State Attorneys Office, but he did not review them.

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This was something that Councilman Ron Salem pushed back on.

I dont see how you can hire an outside attorney before you even understood the subpoenas and what they were looking for.

Fackler also acknowledged that the outside counsel, local criminal defense firm Bedell, is partnered with defense attorney Hank Coxe -- Facklers father-in-law.

Fackler confirmed that the process of noting people with a gun into the city buildings has since stopped.

Read: MOSH doors will open one last time on August 31st

During the meeting, City Councilman Jimmy Peluso claimed the registry was discussed at a prior meeting with the council two years ago, as they discussed the new law with agencies that handle city building security.

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All of you who were sitting up here then, just like you are sitting up here now, nobody said a word about it. I remember I was sitting in this seat, during that time, so all of a sudden for people to claim that oh wow, theres this awful registry that came out of nowhere. No, no, we learned about it in 2023 and none of you said anything.

Action News Jax Ben Becker later looked to verify Pelusos claim and contacted City Council Chief of Public Information Teresa Eichner. She said a meeting on July 25, 2023 that was closed to the public  otherwise known as a shade meeting - only discussed active shooter training for council members and staff and that a registry was never discussed.

Peluso later acknowledged in a series of text messages with Becker that he misspoke during the meeting.

Action News Jax reached out to the State Attorneys Office to confirm the investigation. They said they cannot confirm anything at this time.

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Japans Emperor Emeritus Akihito will be admitted to hospital for heart tests on Tuesday, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing the Imperial Household Agency.

Akihito, 91, who is retired, is the father of Emperor Naruhito. He abdicated from the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, seven years after he had heart bypass surgery.

The former emperor will undergo tests at the University of Tokyo Hospital after signs of myocardial ischemia were found during a regular checkup last month, NHK reported, citing the Imperial Household Agency. The condition reduces blood flow to the heart muscle.

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Akihito, who ascended to the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in 1989, became the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to abdicate his post.

He cited health reasons for standing down, having undergone heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer in the years preceding his abdication.

A man prepared to break with tradition, Akihito was the first Japanese emperor to marry a commoner, speak to his subjects live on television, and be hands-on in raising his children.

The emperor is a ceremonial but revered figure in Japans constitutional monarchy. It is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back 14 centuries.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) turned her attention to Donald Trump putting the Constitution through a paper shredder on Monday when asked about the president calling her a low-IQ person in his interview with Meet the Press.

Trump  who has previously hit Crockett and othertop Black female Democrats with a low-IQ label  used the description for the congresswoman in the same Meet the Press interview where he declared that he doesnt know whether he backs due process rights.

That led Crockett to one conclusion on Monday.

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I think that this should not be partisan, this should be right versus wrong, the congresswoman told CNNs Jake Tapper.

A lot of the things that this administration is doing, they dont have anything to do with partisanship. This is right versus wrong and right now, they are consistently wrong.

Crockett appeared on the network moments after Tapper spoke with Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard University who called the presidents remarks totally ridiculous and dangerous.

The fact that you just got done engaging in a conversation where we have a president of the United States who has no idea about the oath that he just took on Jan. 20th, tells me everything that I need to know, Crockett said.

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She went on to argue that Trump didnt have good sense to simply say that he will follow the Constitution, and while he took an oath to defend the document, his apparent disregard for it has become a problem.

On Sunday, Crockett responded to Trumps low-IQ jab on social media, stressing that he has her name in his mouth a lot despite being in charge of the WHOLE country.

Every time you say my name, youre reminding the world that youre terrified of smart, bold Black women telling the truth and holding you accountable, she wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

So keep talking

H/T: Raw Story

Related...
DOLTON, Ill. (WGN)  Its the dawn of a new era in Dolton, as Mayor-elect Jason House was sworn in at Village Hall.

Our resiliency and unity brought us to a new and brighter day in the Village of Dolton, House said after being sworn in.

House, a lifelong Dolton resident, underwent the ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday night, alongside a new board of trustees.

In the leadup to his election, House campaigned on a platform where he vowed to be transparent with village residents and those with an eye on Dolton.

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Now that he is officially the Mayor of Dolton, House has his eyes set on balancing the villages general fund and creating economic developments. He told WGN News, Dolton has already approved 75 business licenses and ten liquor licenses over the last three months.

We are going to be efficient with our spending. Let me clarify that. When I say debt-free [I mean] in our general fund, House said. We still have pension debts that are enormous and will take a lot of time.

With House set to get to work, his mayoralship also officially brings an end to the tumultuous Tiffany Henyard era in the south suburban village.

I wish Mr. House the best and everything he said hed do, he does, Ro Morgan said. Most politicians tell you one thing and do another  very rarely do they live up to it.

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Doltons residents weighed in Monday afternoon ahead of Houses ceremony, offering their thoughts on the past several years and what theyre hoping to see with new politicians in place.

I didnt vote. I didnt get a chance, but I would have, Marvin Martin said. We need change. Its just a shame but now, we have a new beginning and anything is possible now.

Henyards tenure as both mayor of Dolton and Thornton Township supervisor was plagued by scandal. The self-proclaimed super mayor made headlines for lavish spending connected to her administration on cross-country trips and concerts, a brawl that broke out at a township board meeting, and an independent investigation from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot that shed light on how far Dolton fell into debt while she was at the wheel of the village, among numerous examples.

It got real crazy: The inside story of bad blood that boiled over into a brawl during a Thornton Township board meeting

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They said she did a lot of illegal stuff. My thinking is if she was that bad, shed be in jail. At least she should be if she broke the law like that, Morgan said. She did good things and some of the bad things are apparent. At this point, the people couldnt deal with any more and voted her out.

In Dolton, House notched a landslide victory over Henyard in Februarys Democratic Primary, where he claimed almost 90% of the vote. In the election that followed, House defeated Casundra Hopson-Jordan, 3,171 votes to 152, in Doltons mayoral race.

State Sen. Napoleon Harris wins Thornton Township supervisor seat, Jason House victorious in Dolton mayoral race

In Thornton Township, State Senator Napoleon Harris won the Democratic nomination for township supervisor after a December 2024 caucus and a failed legal challenge from Henyard that followed. Harris won that race by claiming 74.4% of the vote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
While a flurry of journalistic and social media attention over the past four years has associated Dolton with chaos, financial mismanagement and secrecy, Jason House pointed to a more positive result of Tiffany Henyards leadership after he was sworn in as her replacement Monday night.

Unity, the new mayor said, was top of mind at the Royal Estates Assisted Living Ballroom, where as many as 500 people gathered to celebrate new beginnings for the village of just over 20,000 residents.

Thats whats really going to grow this moment to its culmination. And thats what its going to take for us to work together, House said.

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House was the last of five elected Dolton officials to take the oath of office, swearing to support both the Illinois and United States constitutions.

Following their oath, each inaugurated official stood to a roar of applause and spoke optimistically about Doltons future, promising to lead with transparency and collaborating to achieve a set of goals outlined by House.

They included achieving financial stability, including erasing debt incurred by the village over the next four years. During its final meeting before new leaderships swearing in, the board voted to conduct an audit of Doltons finances mainly focusing on spending in the villages Police, Water and Housing departments.

Since Henyard took office, the village has been delinquent in filing annual financial reports and audits with the state comptrollers office. House said his team is concerned about potential mismanagement inherited from Henyards administration, but the villages finances are an uncertainty that were prepared for.

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Were going to seek the funding that we need. Were going to get it. Were going to make the tough decisions collectively as a board that are necessary, House said.

Other priorities included welcoming businesses to grow the village economy, creating a culture of professionalism in village government, cleaning up the streets and improving safety.

Dolton residents Vivian Allen and Jessie Jones, who have spoken out against Henyards administration, both said theyre excited about the change in leadership and trust Houses administration to fulfill its promises to improve life for community members.

Theyve been fighting from day one, Jones, 68, said outside of the ballroom.

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Jones said she plans to continue attending meetings despite Henyards exit, and encourages others to do the same.

I feel love and passion and comfort, she said. Everything is slowing down, but theres still work to do.

Henyard did not attend the special meeting and celebration, marking her fifth and final consecutive absence as mayor. However, staunch supporter of the former supervisor Trustee Andrew Holmes, who had also become a frequent absentee, showed up as did past Henyard ally Trustee Stan Brown.

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who the board hired last year to investigate Henyard and the villages finances, was a guest of honor as was Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones. Henyard remains under federal investigation

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Federal investigators have at least twice before visited Doltons Village Hall in search of documents, including expense reimbursements and other payments made to Henyard. No charges have been filed.

House ousted Henyard, who he and two other reelected board members ran alongside four years ago, with 88% of the vote in the villages Democratic primary. In the April 1 general election, he received more than 95% of the vote over Independent mayoral candidate Casundra Hopson-Jordan.

Those reelected included Alison Key as clerk and Kiana Belcher and Brittney Norwood as trustees. Edward Ed Steave, who lost a 2023 bid for reelection, was also ushered into office on Houses slate

In Thornton Township, Henyard sought reelection as supervisor but was unable to get her name on the ballot. State Sen. Napoleon Harris gained the Democratic nomination during a caucus in December and sailed through the general election with 74% of the vote.

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Members of his slate also elected to the board include Trustee Christopher Gonzalez and newly elected members Byron D. Stanley, Valeria Stubbs and Mary Avent.

The inauguration ceremony for the Township Board is from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 19 at 333 East 162nd St., South Holland.

ostevens@chicagotribune.com
WATERTOWWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a two-year girl late last year.

According to the Watertown Police Department, they responded just before 11 a.m. December 6 to 935 State St, Apartment 1 to reports of an unconscious, unresponsive child. Authorities had determined the death occurred under suspicious circumstances.

Watertown PD releases name of child that died under suspicious circumstances

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The female was identified as Aurora Wiles who resided at 935 State St. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma by the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office.

On May 1, a Jefferson County Grand Jury indicted 36-year-old Thomas Everett Rose II of Watertown and 24-year-old Sarah Waterman of Calcium were charged. Waterman was the childs mother.

Rose is facing the following charges:

Second-degree murder

First-degree manslaughter

Second-degree manslaughter

First-degree assault

Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child

Waterman was charged with the following:

Criminally negligent homicide

Endangering the welfare of a child

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Both were arraigned in Jefferson County Court with Rose remanded to the Jefferson County Jail at $100,000 and Waterman on $15,000 bail.

Watertown Police were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, the New York State Police, the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office, the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office, Guilfoyle Ambulance, Jefferson County Child Protective Services, the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, the Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York, and the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management 911 Dispatch Center.

Thomas Rose

Sarah Waterman

(Courtesy of Watertown Police Department)

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JEFFERSONVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Montgomery County man was arrested in April after being accused of distributing explicit images of minors online.

Kentucky State Police announced on Monday, May 5, that Mark Hamilton, 39, is facing 14 counts of distributing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The Internet Crimes Against Children branch of KSP began its investigation after finding images of minors reportedly uploaded to a file-sharing website by Hamilton, officials said.

State police officials said that, on April 30, Hamiltons home in Jeffersonville was searched, and equipment was taken to a forensic laboratory to be examined.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

KSP said he was also charged with 12 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance during the investigation.

He was booked into the Montgomery County Regional Jail, according to the jail website.

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TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11)  The saga of cutting down on New Jerseys energy costs continues.

In a lengthy 2 and a half hour meeting of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, lawmakers discussed a list of Democrat-authored bills aimed at solving New Jerseys long-term energy cost problems.

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Almost all of the bills discussed in committee on Monday have to do in some form with the State Board of Public Utilities, or BPU, and the role it plays in energy bill prices.

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The BPUs job is to regulate and oversee utilities. Earlier this year, the BPU approved a 17 to 20 percent energy rate hike effective June 1st, citing increased energy demand.

One bill discussed Monday would prohibit the BPU from approving electric rate increases without a full review.

Another would require the BPU to study the effects data centers have on utility rates; these, among other bills.

Listen, they work very hard, said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D  ATU Committee Chair). Do they need more staff? Are they operating properly? We need to look into our state departments that are out there. The board is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, so they are under the auspices, just like New Jerseys Economic Development Authority. We have an investment entity thats out there, we need to keep our eyes on them.

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More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Republicans say that while theyre on board with some of the bills presented Monday, none of them address how New Jersey can save people money on their energy bills right now.

Weve got high bills right now, weve got bills going up 20 percent in June. This affects every constituent across the State. Its not regionalized, its not one legislative district, the whole State is being impacted by this, said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-NJ 12th District). We have bills right now that would eliminate sales tax on gas and electricity. That would save a percent on the bill. So if the bills going up 20 percent, we can offset it by 7 percent with that one bill alone.

Environmental organizations, like the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, are happy to at least see lawmakers on both sides of the aisle chipping away at the issue.

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There are many different points of view, said Anjuli Ramos, director of the Sierra Clubs NJ chapter. I would argue the facts and the facts are not opinions, but I am really thankful that the legislature at large is actually quite putting a lot of energy and time into this.

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KABUL, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotic police have detained 13 suspected drug smugglers and seized 50 kg of illicit drugs in east Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs reported on Tuesday.

The contraband, which included hashish and stimulant tablets, was seized during a series of discovery operations carried out by the police over the past week on the outskirts of the province, the report said.

In the fight against illicit drug use, police have rounded up 40 drug users in the provinces of Balkh, Panjshir, Parwan and Ghazni and shifted them to rehabilitation centers for treatment.

In addition, over the past 24 hours, police apprehended 23 people on the charge of involvement in criminal activities, including theft and kidnapping in nine provinces.

The Afghan interim government has vowed to fight illicit drugs, drug production and trafficking across the country. 
Jewish members of Iowa's higher education community have signed a letter speaking out against negative actions toward universities in the name of protecting Jewish students. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

A group of Jewish faculty, staff, students and alumni from colleges and universities across Iowa have penned a letter condemning actions taken against public higher education in the name of fighting antisemitism and protecting the Jewish community.

University of Iowa professor Lisa Heineman said her institution has not faced direct attacks on academic freedom, for which she is happy, but hits to other universities are felt on the UI campus.

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Heineman said she drafted the letter because of universities seeing funding cuts and other threats and international student visas falling under danger with claims of protecting Jewish communities on college campuses.

Even threats to other universities are threats to us, right, because, if members of a campus community, including students, get the message that they might get into trouble with political speech, thats effectively clamping down on speech, Heineman said. Even if there hasnt been specific action on our campuses, the overall environment of you might be penalized for political speech has a huge impact on our campuses.

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Nearly 90 people signed the statement, including some associated with the UI, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Coe College, Grinnell College and Cornell College. Heineman said it has spread mainly through word of mouth in the week since its release.

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According to the statement, those who signed it did so to dispel misconceptions that are being wielded by people with little knowledge of academia to weaken university life and harm our students. While they acknowledged that antisemitism, like many biases, is present in universities, the letter stated we can report that broad-stroke portrayals of universities as hotbeds of antisemitism do not reflect our lived experience.

Limiting free and academic speech, including that relating to Israel and Palestine, as well as revoking international students visas and threatening universities with funding cuts in the name of Jewish students is dangerous and wrong, the letter stated.

International students across Iowa have seen their Student and Exchange Visitor Program status and visa status change multiple times over past weeks, as confirmed by state universities, community colleges and private institutions.

Its really clear that its kind of hitting a nerve with people in a lot of different spaces, and they range from retired professors down to undergraduates, Heineman said. So the reception has been very, very good.

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Those who signed onto the statement hold views across the political spectrum, it stated, and have varied perspectives as Jewish people or those with Jewish ancestry, but they are joined under the belief that a distorted view of antisemitism must not be used as a cudgel to silence the vigorous exchange of ideas that lies at the heart of university life.

Heineman said there were two main goals behind releasing the statement and urging others to sign on: to show Iowans that these problems arent just doing damage at large, elite universities, and tell Iowa lawmakers serving at the federal level the same thing.

It can be easy for Iowans to believe that actions taking place at the national level wont trickle down to the state and its residents, Heineman said, but the threats to constitutional liberties shes seeing arent skipping the Midwest.

For the Congress members representing Iowa on the national stage, Heineman said she wants to see them take this information and be more proactive about protecting the state and the rights of those in it.

I want to motivate Iowans to defend the work of their amazing universities and colleges, even if that work is sometimes controversial, Heineman said.

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Josephine Baker and her handler, Jacques Abtey left Les Milandes by car for the train station early on November 25, 1940. Abtey was in full disguise as Bakers secretary. She was wrapped in a huge fur coat. The intelligence they were carrying was well hidden. Paul Paillole [a French secret service chief] had instructed them to note down everything he had given them in code, using invisible ink. Abtey therefore transcribed some of the most sensitive intelligence onto Bakers music scores using invisible ink and carried the sheets in his briefcase. After a wearisome day of traveling by train, by nightfall they had reached Pau, in the southwest of the country. After an overnight stop, they left Pau at 8 a.m. and commenced the spectacular journey to Canfranc.

Baker and Abtey were the only passengers to alight from the train on the deserted platform of this monumental international border train station. Known at the time as the Titanic of the mountains, it was designed to be the second largest railway building in Europe (after Leipzig station). Originally opened in July 1928, the grandiose 120-meter-long, three-story, Art Deco main building, with 365 windows and 156 doors, had been intended as the new gateway to Spain. Despite its luxury hotel with lavish furnishings and marble staircases, since its inauguration, it had failed to generate the expected commercial and passenger traffic. From 1936 and the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, General Francos frequent extended periods of border closure had brought rail traffic to a standstill. Canfranc finally reopened in March 1940, but it remained relatively unknown and less frequented than the other border crossing points from France into Spain, like Cerbere and Hendaye. Baker and Abtey were banking on the fact that its remote mountainous location would mean that their presence might attract less attention, and that they would be able to dispense with border controls swiftly and unobserved. There is no record of Abtey and Bakers reactions to this unique and exceptional place, but as they disembarked and made their way down the lengthy platform to get to the border controls, they must have been struck by the decor of the station and the drama of its location, surrounded by 2,500-meter mountain peaks. Or perhaps their thoughts were elsewhere. Would they be found out at the border and prevented from continuing their journey?

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As they presented their passports for inspection, Josephines appearance, dressed as she was in her magnificent fur coat, had an immediate impact and threw everything into disarray. Everyone rushed to speak to her. French customs officers, Spanish customs officers, French and Spanish border police, the stationmaster and all his staff, railway workers and officials all mobbed the star. Some even ran to fetch their wives and children, so that they too could share in the excitement of her presence among them. Meanwhile, Abtey, keeping a respectful distance, as was appropriate to maintain his cover as her secretary, was able to pass through the controls completely unnoticed with the vital intelligence in his briefcase. No one gave him a second glance.

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Once the formalities had been completed, they were free to make their way to the Madrid train. As the Spanish railway gauge was broader than the French, their train left from a different platform to the one they had arrived at. They found seats and settled in for the journey, reaching the Spanish capital several hours later with no mishaps. In Madrid, there was no room on the fast train to Lisbon; fortunately, however, they were able to secure flights instead. There was a tense moment at the airports passenger controls, when Abteys name was checked by officials against a list of suspicious individuals. While he knew that the identity he was traveling under was a recent fabrication that had only been in existence for a matter of days, he still felt anxious. He noted that the border controls in Madrid were policed much more robustly than at Canfranc. The Nazi presence was apparent everywhere, with several planes sporting swastikas parked on the airfield. He finally passed through without incident. Once again, Josephines presence caused a stir; but despite a good deal of fuss, they soon boarded the flight and attempted to relax.

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At Lisbon airport, they navigated the border controls without difficulty and took a car to the city. The outbreak of the war had totally transformed the fortunes of Portugals capital city. When France fell, Lisbon became a centre of wartime activities and intrigues. It had acted as a huge transit centre for the countless refugees who had fled in the wake of the Nazi armies. Many still filled the citys hotels, waiting and hoping for the visas they needed to continue their journeys to safety and away from Occupied Europe. Lisbon was one of the few European cities in which both the Allies and the Axis powers could operate openly.

It was in this atmosphere that Baker and Abtey circulated freely during their visit. They knew that many German agents were present in the city, but it was nonetheless a more relaxed and less ominous atmosphere than in Vichy France. These German agents were powerless to do anything other than observe. Undeterred, Josephine played her role to perfection. She smiled and chatted to the journalists, who were keen to know more about her plans and the reasons for her presence in the city:

Yes, she was stopping over in Lisbon en route to Rio, where she had a commitment. Yes, she had performed at the front  She had seen some tragic situations  No she had not been back to Paris since the beginning of the Occupation  No, she did not like the Germans 

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Her photo adorned the front pages of the national daily papers, and she put on a thoroughly convincing show of being the star that she undoubtedly was. Wartime Lisbon offered her the perfect stage, and she was feted across the city, including at the Belgian and British embassies. Importantly, she kept her distance from Abtey, as it would have been disastrous for the German agents to have seen them together, in case he was recognized.

While Baker enjoyed the attentions of the various celebrities and diplomatic officials who flanked her wherever she went, Abtey took steps to progress their mission. He recognized several of the agents operating in the city, both German and British, and approached one of the latter, who he thought might help him gain access to British intelligence. He chose well. The agent secured him an appointment with the British air attache at the British embassy on November 28, 1940. At the meeting, Abtey explained the nature of his mission with Baker and passed on his considerable intelligence dossiers. In the discussions, he placed particular emphasis on their desire to get to London to join de Gaulle. His British interlocuter promised to convey the dossiers and the substance of their exchange to London, and asked him to return to the embassy in a few days, once the diplomat had spoken to the relevant parties. At his second meeting at the Lisbon embassy some four days later, Abtey was told that the news from London was very positive. British intelligence was keen to renew its working relations with him and Paillole. However, rather than invite Abtey and Baker to continue to Londonas they had been anticipatingthe attache indicated that London would prefer it if they returned to France and collaborated with Pailloles team, to put in place an underground network to collect and transmit information.





Josephine Baker's Secret War: The African American Star Who Fought for France and Freedom

at amazon.com

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Abtey was almost certainly disappointed that they would not be able to proceed to England, but he must also have grasped the importance of the role that he and Baker were being asked to play. He swiftly conveyed the news to Baker, and they agreed that she should return to France to inform Paillole of their successful interactions and the substance of the British plan. Abtey would remain in Lisbon and follow her once he had been fully briefed about how the proposed intelligence network would operate. Once she had completed her Lisbon performances, Baker immediately left for France.

Excerpted from Josephine Bakers Secret War by Hanna Diamond, published May 6, 2025, by Yale University Press. Copyright  2025 by Hanna Diamond. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission.

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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Attorneys for an ex-federal prosecutor accused of stabbing a man after a crash on the Howard Frankland Bridge maintain the charges against him should be thrown out.

Patrick Scruggs, a former assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, was on his way to work on Sept. 26, 2023, when traffic stopped in front of him on the bridge.

People want answers: Attorney for family in Clearwater ferry crash voices concern

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A car driven by Blake Sharp had stopped in the middle of a lane on the bridge. Sharp had passed out and another driver was pounding on his window, trying to get him to wake up.

Sharp then tried to drive away and hit Scruggs car in the process.

On Friday, Scruggs testified that he wanted to stop the car from driving away.

He hit my car, and it was really jarring, and the next thing I knew, I could hear, it sounded like crunching metal and plastic. My car was nudging and moving forward, Scruggs said.

Several people used their cell phones to record video of the events as they unfolded.

Witnesses said Scruggs appeared enraged as he took out a knife, shattered Sharps window and then Scruggs proceeded to stab Sharp as he sat inside his car.

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Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide told the court on Monday, Scruggs had no reason to stab Sharp.

The defendant was not acting as a reasonably prudent person, when he acted on the bridge, and the threat as he perceived and even testified to here on Friday evening was not an imminent threat, Vonderheide said.

Evidence shows Sharp was not armed and the state emphasized that in court on Monday.

Did he have a weapon in his hand? No, he didnt have a weapon in his hand. Did he have a weapon in his car? No, he didnt have a weapon in his car. He had his tools, Vonderheide said.

Defense attorneys say Scruggs was in fear for his life when he took out his knife.

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As you see in that body camera video, Mr. Scruggs feels like his life is in danger and he is protecting himself and others, said Defense Attorney John Nohlgren.

Judge Keith Meyer said he will issue a ruling on the stand your ground defense at a later time.

Scruggs faces charges of aggravated battery and assault if the stand your ground defense is not allowed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rodney Hinton Jr. sat in his car on a Clifton-area street the afternoon of May 2, apparently thinking about how his son was fatally shot the previous day by a Cincinnati police officer.

Hinton paused, saw a Hamilton County sheriffs deputy standing next to a traffic signal box on Martin Luther King Drive near the entrance to Burnet Woods, then accelerated directly at the deputy, according to testimony by a Cincinnati police detective.

Detective Carl Beebe said there were no indications that Hinton tried to stop or avoid Deputy Larry Henderson.

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Beebe said Hinton made an intentional decision to drive directly at Deputy Henderson and strike him and kill him."

That detailed testimony came on May 6 at a hearing in Hamilton County Municipal Court. Prosecutors were seeking to have Hinton  who is charged with aggravated murder  held without bond while his case is pending. Under state law, a hearing must be held before a judge can order a defendant held without bond.

Judge Tyrone Yates ordered Hinton, 38, to be held without bond at the Clermont County Jail, where he has been housed since his arrest. Yates said in court that jailing Hinton was for both his safety and the safety of the community.

The hearing was paused briefly because of an outburst by a man who claimed to be Hinton's brother. Deputies swarmed the man and escorted him out of the courtroom, and the proceedings continued without any other interruptions.

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An attorney representing Hinton's family has asked the public not to rush to judgment while investigations into the police shooting play out.

Hinton 'agitated' after seeing video of son being shot by police

According to Beebes testimony, Hinton and other family members went to the Cincinnati police building on Linn Street the morning of May 2 to watch bodycam video that showed a confrontation with Hintons son in East Price Hill that ended with an officer fatally shooting him.

Ryan Hinton, 18, died at the scene, officials said.

Rodney Hinton Jr. was so upset (and) agitated that other family members were concerned about his emotional state and did not want him driving, Beebe testified.

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At about 10:30 a.m., Hinton and his family left the meeting with police. They drove him around, according to Beebe, and then returned to the police buildings parking lot to pick up Hintons car  a Ford Focus.

Hinton drove out of the parking lot at approximately 12:50 p.m.

Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates has ordered Rodney Hinton Jr. to be held without bond while he awaits trial in the May 2 killing of a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy.

Detective: Hinton 'accelerated' into deputy

Within minutes, Hinton was in the Clifton area.

From Clifton Avenue, he turned on eastbound Martin Luther King Drive into slow-moving traffic.

At some point, Hinton moved into the left, straight lane before pulling into a painted median, according to Beebe, near the entrance to Burnet Woods. He stopped just ahead of the intersection where Henderson, who was wearing an orange vest over his uniform, was standing.

Scene of the May 2 crash near the University of Cincinnati's campus that killed Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson.

Hinton then accelerated quickly," crossed into the opposite lanes and struck Henderson, Beebe said. Hintons car then crashed into a utility pole.

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Henderson was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died.

Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Nelson told Yates that a video from a vehicle camera shows what happened.

Hinton deliberately ran into the first police officer he saw, Nelson said.

Attorney points to 'mental health issue'

Hintons attorney, Clyde Bennett II, said Hinton was not in his right mind and should be treated like any other mentally ill person.

"There is a giant mental health issue," Bennett said, adding that what happened was "classic, mental illness, criminal conduct."

Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates has ordered Rodney Hinton Jr. to be held without bond while he awaits trial in the May 2 killing of a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy.

Bennett said he intends to ask for a mental competency evaluation. He also asked that Hinton receive mental health treatment at the Clermont County Jail.

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A grand jury will hear the case by May 12 and decide if Hinton will face charges in addition to aggravated murder.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lawyer: Rodney Hinton Jr. not in 'right mind' when he killed deputy
A federal judge expressed sympathy on Tuesday for thousands of federal employees who were suddenly fired by the Trump administration earlier this year, but he also voiced skepticism about whether reinstating them to their jobs was a proper remedy and questioned what the courts could ultimately do.

Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson made the comments during a hearing in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, as part of a lawsuit brought by 19 states and the District of Columbia. The suit alleges the states were harmed by the mass firings of probationary workers, because states did not have warnings required by law to help them prepare for the unemployed.

Part of me thinks that the voters may be the ones to render a final verdict on this," Wilkinson said. There are limits to what the courts can do, but there are also gigantic political costs to throwing out so many employees, and in one sense the final verdict may be one for the voters to render. Im not saying thats the whole answer, but maybe its a part of it.

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While a federal judge in Baltimore issued an order in March to require the federal government to reinstate the employees, the federal appeals court halted it. The states are seeking further review as the lawsuit plays out, but Wilkinson said full reinstatement of the employees sounded like an overly broad remedy during Tuesday's hearing.

Caroline Van Zile, the solicitor general of the District of Columbia, argued that the District of Columbia and states have been harmed due to the lack of 60 days' notice and information about layoffs required in the law when the federal government conducts a reduction in force. The time and information was set by Congress to help states respond, she said.

They have made us the ones responding to unemployment crises like this, not the federal government  the states," Van Zile said. "We are the ones left holding the bags by statute, and thats exactly why they gave us this right to information.

But Sarah Welch, an attorney for the appellants, said information has been provided, and she also contended that the probationary employees in question were not dismissed due to what's known as a reduction in force, which triggers the 60-day warning and information requirements that the states say they did not receive.

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These agencies did not conduct (reductions in force.) They havent eliminated positions, and theres been not a shred of evidence that agencies through the terminations of probationary employees that are challenged here have eliminated a single position or changed their agency functions, which would be the calling cards of a RIF," Welch said.

Probationary workers have been targeted for layoffs across the federal government because theyre usually new to the job and lack full civil service protection.

While expressing sympathy for the workers, Wilkinson said "there seems to be a disconnect between the harm alleged and the remedy imposed.

The remedy has to be tailored to the violation, and here the remedy is very broad, and much broader than the actual violation, and as just as a basic matter of equity, thats a difficult proposition," the judge said.

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But Van Zile said she believed U.S. District Judge James Bredar got it right in his order, when he said that agencies can't engage in far-reaching illegal activity "and then complain that the remedy is too burdensome.

They are the ones who terminated 24,000 employees in a single go," Van Zile said. "That harm was wrought on the states. We had no agency, no way to avoid that harm.

Bredar was one of two judges appointed by Democratic presidents who found that the Trump administration violated federal laws in carrying out the terminations at 20 agencies in the states that sued.

The Supreme Court blocked another order from U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco, finding that nonprofit groups lacked legal standing to sue over the firing of probationary workers.

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During Tuesday's hearing, Wilkinson also questioned whether reinstating the employees would give states too much influence over the composition of the federal workforce. While the judge said he has sympathy for how individuals have been affected, "theres a real question here of what the federal remedy could be that wouldnt really significantly damage the federal governments control over the composition of its own workforce.

The states suing the Trump administration in the Baltimore case are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin, along with Washington, D.C.
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected the Trump administration's argument that a 20-year-old Venezuelan man deported to El Salvador, whose removal violated a previous court settlement, should not be returned to the U.S. because his asylum application would be denied.

During the hearing in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher -- who last month ordered the government to facilitate the return of the man, identified as Cristian in court filings -- said that a 2024 settlement agreement requires Cristian to be present in the U.S. to be able to argue his case for asylum.

In her opinion last month, Judge Gallagher referenced the case of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and said that "like Judge [Paula] Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristian's return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties' binding Settlement Agreement."

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MORE: Trump-appointed judge orders return of 2nd migrant deported to El Salvador

The class action case from 2019 was filed on behalf of individuals who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and later sought asylum.

The group sued the government to be able to have their asylum applications adjudicated while they remained in the United States. The parties settled in 2024.

Attorneys for the Department of Justice say Cristian is a member of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua and argued that because U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued an "Indicative Asylum Decision" last week declaring that Cristian's asylum application would be denied, the order to return him should be dismissed.

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"The Indicative asylum decision makes clear that if Cristian asylum application is more or less moot, his claim to asylum is moot," said DOJ attorney Richard Ingebretsen.

PHOTO: Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center prison, in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, obtained Mar. 16, 2025. (Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia via Reuters)

Judge Gallagher, however, pushed back on that argument and said the indicative ruling submitted by the Trump administration "prejudges the outcome of the asylum proceeding with no ability for Cristian or his legal representatives to provide any input into the process."

"We don't skip to the end and say we all know how this is going to end up, so there's no point in going through this process," Judge Gallagher said. "We go through the process. People are entitled to that. And there was a process that was specifically bargained for in this agreement."

"Due process is important," she said.

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Judge Gallagher declined the government's request to vacate her order requiring Cristian's return and said that she will issue a 48-hour stay to allow the government to file an appeal with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If no appeal is filed, the judge said she will amend her order to set a timetable for the government to facilitate Cristian's return and order status updates.

"There is some urgency here," Judge Gallagher said. "We have a 20-year-old young man who's been in prison in El Salvador for almost two months."

When asked, Ingebretsen declined to say what steps, if any, have been taken to comply with the judge's order to facilitate Cristian's return, but added that the defendants and the State Department are aware of the order.

Kevin DeJong, an attorney representing Cristian, said that he is concerned the government is making an effort to "significantly delay compliance with the court's order."

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DeJong added that he received notice last week from the government that another class member "was improperly removed" under Title 8 authorities.

"I will flag your honor that in fact, they notified us 15 days after that class member had been removed," DeJong told the judge.

DeJong said that he is considering what legal strategy to employ for that particular class member.

Judge rejects DOJ's argument against return of deported Venezuelan man to US originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The judge in Karen Reads retrial on Tuesday allowed a motion from the prosecution to prohibit the defense from referencing the death of Sanda Birchmore during witness testimony unless a door is opened.

New ruling in the Karen Read Case:

Judge Cannone has "allowed" prosecution motion to prohibit defense from referencing Sandra Birchmore case "unless door is opened" - meaning unless it comes in another way. pic.twitter.com/o4KUNg1KvI  Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) May 6, 2025

A filing in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court signed by Judge Beverly Cannone states, Questioning an officers involvement in an unrelated death investigation particularly one remote in time and circumstance, is irrelevent, would have no tendency to prove any material issue in this case, is speculative, and would confuse the jury.

The motion comes as multiple first responders, including current and former members of the Canton Police Department, take the stand in Reads second trial.

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Birchmore, 23, was pregnant with Stoughton Police Department detective Matthew Farwells child when she was found dead inside her Canton apartment in February 2021.

Farwell is accused of sexually exploiting Birchmore when she was underage and then trying to make her death look like a suicide after she told him she was pregnant.

Canton is also where Read is accused of striking John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her SUV and leaving him to die alone in a blizzard outside of a house party at the home of fellow officer Brian Albert following a night of drinking.

OKeefe was found dead in the snow outside 34 Fairview Road on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

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Both the Birchmore and Read cases were investigated by the Canton Police Department and Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Norfolk District Attorneys Office. They were also looked into on the federal level.

The motion adds, Testimony about this unrelated death investigation would result in a trial within a trial, with much of the information being inadmissible, confidential, or offered with a proper foundation.

Prosecutors allege Read intentionally backed into OKeefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense has claimed that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

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Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

Read the full ruling:

Judge rules defense can't reference Sandra Birchmore case by Boston 25 Desk

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SEATTLE (AP)  A judge on Monday ordered the Trump administration to admit some 12,000 refugees into the United States under a court order partially blocking the president's efforts to suspend the nation's refugee admissions program.

The order from U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead followed arguments from the Justice Department and refugee resettlement agencies over how to interpret a federal appeals court ruling that significantly narrowed an earlier decision from Whitehead.

During a hearing last week, the administration said it should only have to process 160 refugees into the country and that it would likely appeal any order requiring it to admit thousands. But the judge dismissed the government's analysis, saying it required not just reading between the lines of the 9th Circuit's ruling, "but hallucinating new text that simply is not there.

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This Court will not entertain the Governments result-oriented rewriting of a judicial order that clearly says what it says, Whitehead wrote Monday. The Government is free, of course, to seek further clarification from the Ninth Circuit. But the Government is not free to disobey statutory and constitutional law  and the direct orders of this Court and the Ninth Circuit  while it seeks such clarification.

The refugee program, created by Congress in 1980, is a form of legal migration to the U.S. for people displaced by war, natural disaster or persecution  a process that often takes years and involves significant vetting. It is different from asylum, by which people newly arrived in the U.S. can seek permission to remain because they fear persecution in their home country.

Upon beginning his second term on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending the program.

That triggered a lawsuit by individual refugees whose efforts to resettle in the U.S. have been halted as well as major refugee aid groups, who argued that they have had to lay off staff. The groups said the administration froze their funding for processing refugee applications overseas and providing support, such as short-term rental assistance for those already in the U.S.

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Whitehead, a 2023 appointee of former President Joe Biden, blocked enforcement of Trump's order, saying it amounted to an effective nullification of congressional will in setting up the nations refugee admissions program.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely put Whitehead's decision on hold in March, finding that the administration was likely to win the case given the president's broad authority to determine who is allowed to enter the country.

But the appeals court also said the government should continue processing those who had already been approved for travel to the U.S., some of whom had upended their lives abroad by selling property or quitting their jobs. Such people had relied on promises made by the federal government that they would be admitted, the court found.

The appeals court said the government must continue processing refugees who already had arranged and confirmable travel plans before Jan. 20 to come to the U.S. The Justice Department put the number of refugees in that category at about 12,000.

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During a hearing last week over how to interpret and enforce the appeals court ruling, Justice Department lawyer David Kim said the government took it to mean that the only refugees who should be processed for entry to the U.S. are those who were scheduled to travel to the U.S. within two weeks of Trump's order. There were far fewer refugees who met that definition  just 160, the department said.

The judge and lawyers for refugee resettlement organizations disagreed with the government's reading. They noted that nothing in the 9th Circuit's order suggested a two-week window. Instead, Whitehead said, the order should apply to any refugees who had been approved to come to the U.S. and had established travel plans  regardless of when that travel was scheduled for.

Whitehead ordered the administration within the next seven days to instruct agency offices and staff, including U.S. embassies, to resume processing the cases of refugees who are protected by the court order. He also told the government to immediately take steps to facilitate admission to the U.S. for those refugees whose clearances, including medical and security authorizations, have not yet lapsed.
As court battles over the Trump administration's revocation of foreign student visas heat up, a federal judge in Boston is considering the question of whether those in the United States who are not citizens are protected under the same constitutional right to free speech as U.S. citizens.

During a court hearing in Massachusetts preparing for a trial in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's student visa revocation, Judge William Young suggested that it is "not clear" to him that noncitizens have the "full rights to free speech" that citizens have, as the Trump administration attempts to use the speech of some international students to justify their deportations.

"I find that that's assumed by a number of my colleagues in related cases that deal with free speech in the lower courts, but I'm not clear that noncitizens have, I will call them, the full rights to free speech that a citizen has," the Reagan-appointed judge said.

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"I'm hopeful we don't get to it in this case, but I don't see how that will work if a noncitizen has the same rights as a citizen to speak about these matters," the judge said, suggesting the question should be answered by the Supreme Court.

PHOTO: People gather for a rally in support of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and Columbia University student activist Mohsen Mahdawi in Foley Square on May 06, 2025 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

MORE: Mohsen Mahdawi, Columbia student freed by ICE, feared citizenship interview was a 'trap'

In March, the American Association of University Professors, the Middle East Studies Association and other organizations representing academics and students at universities, including Harvard University, sued the Trump administration, claiming the government's recent efforts to revoke visas and detain and deport pro-Palestinian activists have "created a climate of repression and fear on university campuses."

The groups have accused the Trump administration of "terrorizing students and faculty for their exercise of First Amendment rights," while the government has sought to throw out the case, dismissing the claim that the Trump administration is enforcing a policy of "ideological deportations."

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The case is expected to proceed to a trial in July.

During Tuesday's hearing, Young stressed this is "truly a free speech case," explaining that both high-ranking officials, including the president, and their critics are protected under free speech, no matter how "brutal, coarse, demeaning" the speech might be.

He also specified that he considers pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of the state of Israel, as well as antisemitism, free speech because hate speech is not prohibited under the First Amendment.

What the court aims to find through the trial, the judge said, is whether the federal government committed any "retribution" against people for their speech to a chilling effect, which the plaintiffs claim and the government denies.

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"We're going to have to figure out what happened -- what is it that the plaintiffs say is actual retribution against speakers?" Young said.

PHOTO: Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released the Palestinian student activist, April 30, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (Amanda Swinhart/AP)

MORE: What we know about the foreign college students targeted for deportation

The judge added that he is also seeking detailed explanations from the government on its visa revocation, detention and deportation process.

"When we get down to the level of ICE enforcement agents  I want to know what was going on. Why were they armed or masked or not or identified or not -- all of that. What was going on and why? Who set that out? Who set up this business with the Mahdawi in Vermont?" the judge said, referring to the case of Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, who was arrested at a citizenship interview and was recently released.

Judge questions whether noncitizens have same free speech protections as US citizens originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SOFIA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Tuesday called for a boost to defense investment, in order to modernize the country's armed forces.

Speaking at the traditional Army Day parade in the capital Sofia, Radev announced: "Today we finally said goodbye to the illusion that membership in defense alliances without developing our own defense capabilities is a sufficient condition for guaranteeing security."

Bulgaria has been under the pressure from its obligations and commitments as a member of NATO, and its Armed Forces have been the focus of the country's financial policy, Radev said at the event.

The parade was also attended by the country's Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov, Parliament Speaker Nataliya Kiselova, members of parliament, senior military staff and thousands of citizens.

"We are facing new challenges: to transform money for the army into modern defense capabilities and a high level of interoperability with our allies," said the president, who is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the country's armed forces.

"This requires a sharp increase in defense investment," added Radev, who was a professional jet fighter pilot until 2016, when he retired from the army as commander of the Bulgarian Air Force. Shortly afterwards, he was elected president of his country.

A high level of professionalism, clear strategy, and transparency are also required to meet these new challenges, Radev added.

With the participation of some 700 soldiers, the parade was opened in the traditional manner by a Mi-17 helicopter carrying the national flag, escorted by two AS-532 AL Cougar helicopters.

May 6 was officially nominated Day of the Bulgarian Army in 1880, just after the country's liberation from Ottoman rule.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said on Monday that a defense budget of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) is not sufficient to meet the country's needs. Therefore, the state, political leadership and the public need to be convinced that a budget of 3-3.5 percent is the minimum for ensuring the modernization of the country's armed forces. 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP)  A judge urged jurors to keep working Tuesday after they said they couldn't reach a unanimous verdict in the murder trial of a Michigan police officer who fatally shot a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant minutes after a routine traffic stop.

Talk things over in the spirit of fairness and frankness. ... By reasoning the matter out, jurors can often reach agreement," Kent County Judge Christina Mims said.

Christopher Schurr has claimed self-defense in the killing of Patrick Lyoya following a brief foot chase and fierce physical struggle in a Grand Rapids residential neighborhood in 2022.

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Schurr, 34, is charged with second-degree murder, but the jury can also consider a lesser charge of manslaughter. After a pep talk from the judge, jurors resumed discussions and will return again Wednesday. Deliberations began Monday afternoon.

Lyoyas mother rocked side to side in her seat as the judge spoke. Schurr and his wife left the courtroom holding hands.

The shooting on a cool, rainy spring morning was recorded on video. Schurr was on top of Lyoya and had lost control of a Taser to him. He repeatedly ordered Lyoya to drop the weapon and to stop resisting before he shot him in the back of the head.

In his closing argument, prosecutor Chris Becker said Lyoya was no saint, noting his resistance, a high blood-alcohol level and his lack of a driver's license.

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But none of those are executable offenses, Becker told the jury.

Defense attorney Matthew Borgula said Schurr genuinely feared for his life after losing control of his Taser, which is designed to temporarily incapacitate someone with electric current.

Christopher Schurr was at work, and he was faced with the toughest decision of his life in half a second, Borgula said.

Schurr was fired from the Grand Rapids department.

The shooting prompted protests in the city, and demonstrators on both sides have stood outside the courthouse during the trial with signs that say, Stand with Schurr and Justice for Patrick.

Civil rights groups decried the shooting as more aggression against Black people in the U.S. by white officers.
Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr seen on a courthouse monitor, as he stands trial on second-degree murder charges in the death of Patrick Lyoya. May, 2, 2025 | Sarah Leach

GRAND RAPIDS  Jury deliberations entered a second day Tuesday in Kent Countys 17th Circuit Court in the second-degree murder trial of a white ex-Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot a Black motorist following a 2022 traffic stop.

Jury deliberations have been ongoing for about eight hours over two days in the trial of Christopher Schurr, now 34, who could face up to life in prison if convicted for the shooting death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya.

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Schurr pulled Lyoya, a Congolese immigrant, over for having a license plate that didnt match the car he was driving on April 4, 2022. When Lyoya couldnt produce a drivers license, Schurr attempted to place him under arrest. The motorist then ran and Schurr tackled him to the ground. Schurr then attempted to tase Lyoya, but was too close and the motorist deflected the probes. The two then wrestled briefly over the Taser when the officer pulled out his handgun and fatally shot Lyoya in the back of the head.

Prosecutors have argued that Schurr made several questionable decisions during the incident, including opting to chase Lyoya, which put his back to the pulled-over vehicle that still had an unidentified passenger in the front seat.

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The passenger, Aime Tuyishme, testified early last week that he got out of Lyoyas car after the officer tackle his friend; he then pulled out his cellphone to record the incident, which became a key piece of evidence during the trial.

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Prosecution experts also criticized Schurrs decision to deploy the Taser within an arms length of Lyoya  the close proximity allowed the motorist to prevent proper deployment and created a struggle over the device. They also said the shooting was unjustified, as Lyoya was face down on the ground with Schurr atop him when the shooting took place.

Patrick did some dumb, bad things, but the defendant did some things, too. There are critical mistakes that occurred  that a reasonable officer wouldnt make these decisions, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said in his closing argument Monday.

Schurrs defense team has maintained that the officer genuinely feared for his life when Lyoya was able to gain possession of the Taser. Although he was lying on the ground facing away, Schurr, who took the stand Friday, said Lyoya was pushing himself back up and was attempting to turn around, prompting Schurr to use deadly force.

At some point, I thought he was going to turn on me and use it on me, Schurr said. If I had waited for him to point (the Taser) at me, it would be too late. I thought I was gonna die.

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Defense experts testified during the six-day trial that Schurr was in a high-stress situation that quickly physically depleted him and affected his decision-making abilities. GRPD officers who trained Schurr while he was with the department said any officer in a similar situation would have made the same decision.

I think a reasonable officer would perform the same way in the same situation, GRPD Captain David Siver testified Wednesday.

Schurr was fired from the Grand Rapids Police Department after he was charged in the shooting in June 2022.

In December 2022, Lyoyas family filed a $100 million civil lawsuit in federal court against the city of Grand Rapids and Schurr. In August 2023, a judge dismissed the case against the city, but allowed the litigation to proceed against Schurr.
The viral hotel video of Sean Diddy Combs  first published by CNN in May 2024  has already shaped public perception around his criminal sex trafficking case.

Court began Monday, May 5, in Manhattans Southern District, months after his September 2024 arrest on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Now, the court faces a near-impossible task: seating an impartial jury for a case everyones been hearing about for almost a year. CNNs grainy surveillance footage appeared to show Diddy, 55, chasing his then-girlfriend, Cassie, through a Los Angeles hotel hallway, grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground and kicking her multiple times. He then picks up her belongings and hurled an object in her direction before walking away.

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Judge Arun Subramanian made it clear that there should be no characterization of public perception regarding Mr. Combs while the hotel video is shown to the jury. The court expects to present the original surveillance footage (not the edited version aired by CNN) after ruling that the videos relevance outweighs any potential prejudice raised by Diddys defense team.

Were not going to be able to have a jury that hasnt seen any of this footage, the judge said on Monday.

While Us Weekly can confirm that nearly a dozen potential jurors mentioned seeing the hotel video, not one of them said it skewed their perception of Diddy and the case at large. The video was disturbing, one juror said, and it was unsettling to watch, but I dont know the full story. Even more said they read headlines on social media, but few knew substantial details.

Diddy Trial Begins in New York City: Daily Updates From Inside the Courtroom

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The only wrong answer is the truth not told, the judge repeatedly told jurors, otherwise its all right answers.

Other potential jurors took up time by focusing on insufficient biases. One juror, a teacher from the Bronx, talked about the time she got caught shoplifting from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (she stole a wand) and noted she'd liked a social media post from a stand-up comedian who made a baby oil joke about Diddy.

The docuseries The Fall of Diddy, released in January, also came up multiple times during jury questioning after one potential juror said she works at HBO. While the series originally aired on Investigation Discovery, it is now available to stream via HBO's Max service.

HBO has a very negative documentary about Mr. Combs and this case, the defense argued. Judge Subramanian said he had no knowledge of the series. The prosecution pushed back, noting that HBO has a huge amount of content and arguing that affiliation with the network alone shouldnt disqualify a juror.

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Diddys Legal Troubles Detailed in Multiple Documentaries: Biggest Revelations

Judge Subramanian made it clear hes eager to get the case moving. Court didnt break until 5:27 p.m., and if jury selection wraps by Wednesday, opening arguments will begin Monday, May 12.

While questioning jurors who expressed uncertainty around upcoming summer plans, Subramanian urged them to be honest about their commitment, noting he expects the trial to run about eight weeks. Court will break only for holidays, and both parties agree it should conclude before the 4th of July. I share that expectation, the judge said.

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Court will resume tomorrow morning, swiftly piecing together the jury that will ultimately determine Diddy's fate.

Diddy was arrested in September 2024 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied all of the allegations against him.

Cassie Reportedly Set to Testify in Diddy Trial: Revisit Her Shocking Allegations

We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorneys Office, Diddys attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a statement at the time. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.

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Since his arrest, Diddy has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His four requests for bail were denied by the judge.

The music moguls arrest came nearly one year after Cassie, 38, filed a lawsuit against him accusing him of sexual and physical abuse throughout their relationship, which lasted off and on from 2007 to 2018. Diddy denied her claims in a statement shared by his attorney.

Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations, Diddys lawyer Ben Brafman said at the time.

One day after the suit was filed, Diddy and Cassie settled out of court. In May 2024, CNN published the hotel surveillance video of Diddy kicking and grabbing Cassie in 2016. He later apologized for his actions in a video shared via Instagram.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
SCRANTON  A jury found Shelton Miles guilty of first-degree murder for killing a customer at the Sunoco on North Main Avenue during a robbery on March 7, 2024.

Jurors deliberated for just over an hour Monday afternoon after the prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments in the morning.

During a weeklong trial, prosecution witnesses focused on the facts of the case that were mainly undisputed by both sides. Prosecutors showed jurors a video of Miles, 65, of 401 W. Market St., shooting Jose Miguel Tatis-Camilo of Hazleton, stepping over his body, shooting cashier Gopi Soni in the thigh, filling his pockets with cash and then fleeing the scene.

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District Attorney Brian Gallagher addresses the media after Shelton Miles was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of another man in March of 2024. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)

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.

In his charge to the jury before deliberations, Lackawanna County Judge Terrence R. Nealon told them that in addition to a verdict of guilty or not guilty, jurors could also find Miles not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty, but mentally ill.

In addition to finding Miles guilty of first-degree murder, the jury found him guilty of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault and theft. Following the verdict, District Attorney Brian Gallagher said he was not surprised at the speed with which the jury returned with a guilty verdict.

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The verdict, he said, sent a clear message that crime would not be tolerated in Lackawanna County. He credited his team at the district attorneys office and Scranton police with working together to bring the case to a guilty verdict.

But Gallagher said it was difficult to be truly happy about the victory, because it involved the death of an innocent young man and injury to a young woman who was simply trying to do her job and make her life better.

Science vs. facts

Prosecution witnesses focused on the facts of the case, which were undisputed by both sides.

Defense attorneys said Miles had been suffering from dementia and had reached out for help just weeks before the crime, when he told a doctor he was confused and had periods of forgetfulness.

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During his closing argument, defense attorney Curt Parkins said his case was predicated on the science of the case.

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?

He emphasized that defense expert Jeffrey Fremont, a psychologist, did extensive cognitive testing of Miles and concluded that he was cognitively impaired and had a reduced intellectual capacity.

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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.

She told jurors Miles had spent hours gambling at a convenience store, before deciding he wanted to go to a casino and do some real gambling.

The robbery, she said, was his effort to get money to fund that trip to the casino.

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She described Miles actions on the night of the murder as planned, prepared and premeditated.

Nealon said had Miles been found guilty of only first-degree murder, a sentence of life in prison could have been imposed Monday. But, because Miles was found guilty on other counts there would be a presentencing report and sentencing would be imposed within 90 days.
Jury selection began Monday for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan.

Prospective jurors were shown a list of 200 names that could be mentioned during the trial.

Combs has denied the charges and other allegations of sexual abuse.

Jury selection for Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking case is underway this week, and it has offered a glimpse of which celebrities may be name-dropped at the trial.

During day one of jury selection in Manhattan federal court on Monday, prospective jurors were shown a list of some 200 names of people who the judge said could at least be mentioned during the trial, which is expected to last eight weeks. No jurors were selected by the end of the day on Monday.

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Like Combs' "white party" extravaganzas of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the trial is expected to feature celebrities  at least by name, if not in person.

Combs was indicted in September on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied the charges against him and all other allegations of sexual abuse. If convicted on all charges, Combs could face up to life in prison.

Each prospective juror is being asked if they personally know anyone on the list. The list has not been made public, but some famous names were revealed during jury selection on Monday.

Notable figures included on the list were:

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Also on the list were members of the Combs family and several of Combs' exes and accusers, including:

Late longtime girlfriend Kim Porter

Rapper Yung Miami

R&B singer and key witness Cassie Ventura

Reps for Ye, Kid Cudi, Austin, Gibson, Pierre, O'Day, London, Williams, Yung Miami, and the Combs family did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Business Insider.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' son Justin Dior Combs, right, arrives at court for his dad's trial. Adam Gray/Getty Images

Ventura's attorneys declined to comment.

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Richard's lawyer, Lisa Bloom, who was in the courtroom during jury selection, also declined to comment. Richard sued Combs last year, accusing him of sexual assault.

At the time, an attorney for Combs said in a statement that Combs was "shocked and disappointed" by the lawsuit.

"In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a payday  conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Business Insider has learned that Jordan, the "Black Panther" actor, was referenced in the November 2023 lawsuit Ventura filed against Combs, accusing Combs of rape. The case quickly resulted in a settlement.

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At one point during Ventura and Combs' on-again, off-again relationship, Ventura's lawsuit said in 2015 that she "began a flirtatious relationship with an actor." BI has confirmed that the actor is Jordan.

"She spent New Years Eve with this actor, but Combs soon found out," the lawsuit said, alleging that Combs then "called the actor and threatened him."

Jordan is not expected to appear as a witness during Combs' trial.

Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, was also mentioned in Ventura's lawsuit. The suit suggested that Combs was responsible for blowing up a car that belonged to the rapper in 2012 after Combs learned of a "brief relationship" that Kid Cudi and Ventura had.

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Ventura is expected to be the star witness in Combs' trial. She is referred to as "Victim-1" in the indictment.

Being included on the list of names shown to potential jurors does not mean that these people will be called to testify, but that their names may be mentioned during the trial.

Not one of the more than 30 prospects questioned on Monday said they knew anyone on the list personally.

Many told the judge they'd never heard of any of the people, while several said the only one they'd heard of was Ye or Kanye West.

The witness lists for both sides have not been made public.

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Jury selection in the high-profile trial is projected to take several days.

At the center of the indictment against Combs are accusations he orchestrated "Freak Offs," which prosecutors describe in court papers as "elaborate and produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded."

Prosecutors say that during the sessions, Combs "used force, threats of force, and coercion" to get female victims to engage in sex acts with male commercial sex workers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The U.S. Department of Justice has been quietly investigating a Tennessee traffic stop in 2022 involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man at the center of a high-profile court battle over his mistaken deportation from Maryland to El Salvador by the Trump administration, ABC News has learned.

Federal investigators involved in the inquiry recently spoke with a convicted felon in an Alabama prison and questioned him about potential connections to Abrego Garcia, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The inmate, Jose Ramon Hernandez-Reyes, 38, was the registered owner of a vehicle driven by Abrego Garcia when he was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in late 2022, according to the sources. Abrego Garcia was pulled over for speeding in a vehicle with eight passengers and told police they'd been working construction in Missouri.

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MORE: Newly released video shows Abrego Garcia's 2022 Tennessee traffic stop

Federal agents investigating the Tennessee incident appeared late last month at the Federal Correctional Institution in Talladega, Alabama, to question Hernandez-Reyes, who had an attorney present and was granted limited immunity, sources familiar with the interview said.

PHOTO: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025. (Abrego Garcia Family via Reuters)

Hernandez-Reyes told investigators that he previously operated a "taxi service" based in Baltimore. He claimed to have met Abrego Garcia around 2015 and claimed to have hired him on multiple occasions to transport undocumented migrants from Texas to various locations in the United States, the sources told ABC News. The frequency and time frame of the alleged trips was not immediately clear.

It's unclear whether prosecutors will ultimately gather enough evidence to bring charges against Abrego Garcia. The interview of Hernandez-Reyes, however, appears to be a new and aggressive step in the government's efforts to gather potentially incriminating information about Abrego Garcia's background -- even as it resists calls for him to be provided typical protections to respond to such accusations through the American legal system.

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A spokesperson for the Department of Justice declined to comment.

According to body camera footage of the 2022 traffic stop, the Tennessee troopers -- after questioning Abrego Garcia -- discussed among themselves their suspicions of human trafficking because nine people were traveling without luggage, but Abrego Garcia was not ticketed or charged. When asked to provide proof of insurance, Abrego Garcia told officers he would have to call his boss because he didn't know where the insurance card was in the car. Audio from the police footage cuts out briefly after an officer asks Abrego Garcia who owned the vehicle.

The officers ultimately issued no speeding ticket and allowed Abrego Garcia to drive on with just a warning about an expired driver's license, according to a report about the stop released last month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, in a statement last month, said troopers had contacted federal authorities before making that decision.

"The Tennessee Highway Patrol can confirm a 2022 traffic stop of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was stopped for speeding on I-40," a Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesperson said. "Per standard protocol, the THP contacted federal law enforcement authorities with the Biden-era FBI -- the agency of jurisdiction -- who made the decision not to detain him."

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MORE: Trump says 'I could' get Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador

An attorney for Abrego Garcia, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said last week that he saw no evidence of a crime in the Tennessee traffic stop.

"But the point is not the traffic stop -- it's that Mr. Abrego Garcia deserves his day in court. Bring him back to the United States," Sandoval-Moshenberg said. "I have represented Kilmar Abrego Garcia for more than a month, and this bodycam video is the first time I've heard his voice. He has been denied the most basic protections of due process -- no phone call to his lawyer, no call to his wife or child, and no opportunity to be heard," he said.

Sandoval-Moshenberg, when reached Monday by ABC News, declined further comment.

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When details of the Tennessee traffic stop were first publicized, Abrego Garcia's wife said her husband sometimes transported groups of fellow construction workers between job sites.

PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen meets Kilmar Abrego Garcia at a location given as El Salvador, in this image released April 17, 2025. (Senator Chris Van Hollen/X via Reuters)

"Unfortunately, Kilmar is currently imprisoned without contact with the outside world, which means he cannot respond to the claims," Jennifer Vasquez Sura said in mid-April.

The Trump administration in recent weeks has been publicizing Abrego Garcia's interactions with police over the years, despite a lack of corresponding criminal charges. And now the incident in Tennessee nearly three years ago is under renewed scrutiny by the Justice Department, sources tell ABC News, just as the litigation over his erroneous deportation enters a critical stage.

The administration faces deadlines this week to answer discovery requests about what steps officials have taken to comply with a district judge's order -- affirmed by the US Supreme Court -- to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S. Four U.S. officials are also set to be deposed this week by lawyers for Abrego-Garcia.

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Abrego Garcia's expulsion in March to El Salvador violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded him from deportation to his native country, according to immigration court records. The judge had determined that Abrego Garcia would likely face persecution there by local gangs that had terrorized him and his family.

Abrego Garcia was initially sent to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison but is now believed to be held in a different facility.

MORE: Timeline: Wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

Last month, after Abrego Garcia's family filed a lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S. The Supreme Court affirmed that ruling on April 10.

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Hernandez-Reyes, who was not present during the 2022 Tennessee traffic stop, was charged in 2020 in a 7-count federal indictment for unlawful transportation of undocumented immigrants within the U.S. According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez-Reyes had rented a minivan that was pulled over by police in Gautier, Mississippi, and found with a total of nine undocumented occupants. Abrego Garcia was not among them.

Hernandez-Reyes allegedly admitted he was in the U.S. illegally and told federal investigators from the Department of Homeland Security that he had previously lived in Maryland but had since moved to Houston. He said he operated a Texas-based business transporting people throughout the U.S. for $350 per person. In June 2020, he pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful transportation of an alien and was sentenced to 18 months in prison and subsequently deported, according to court records.

He was found back in the U.S. in late 2022 when he was charged in Montgomery County, Texas, with illegal discharge of a firearm, according to state court records.

After serving time in Texas he was charged federally with illegally reentering the U.S. after previously being convicted of a felony. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months.

Justice Department investigating 2022 Abrego Garcia traffic stop: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)In March, Louisiana voters rejected an amendment that would allow fifteen-year-olds to be prosecuted as adults. However, the voters will was not enough to stop the Louisiana Legislature from advancing a bill that would do precisely what was overwhelmingly voted against.

Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart, Sr., highlighted Senate Bill 74, authored by Senator Alan Seabaugh of Caddo Parish, in his monthly newsletter and expressed his opinion that the legislation ignores the hard work done by prosecutors, judges, and others at Caddo Juvenile Services.

If passed, the bill would prosecute felony offenses committed by juveniles 15 and over in district court. Juvenile felony offenses committed by youth under 15 or misdemeanor offenses would still be presided over by juvenile courts. Under current law, district attorneys have jurisdiction over which offenders should be transferred to adult court and which the juvenile system believes can be restored, which is the stated purpose of the juvenile justice system.

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Watch: Confronting the Plague of Juvenile Crime

The bill deletes our Caddo Parish Juvenile Court as having exclusive jurisdiction of juvenile matters. This legislation, if passed, authored with no explanation by the filer, a local legislator, is the effective beginning of the end of our Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, Stewart said in a statement.

Stewart highlighted the Parishs long history of strong and effective juvenile court in Caddo Parish. In his writing, the district attorney highlights that the cases he transfers to adult court for adult prosecution are not done so because he is dissatisfied with juvenile court judges, but because the juvenile defendant committed crimes for which the maximum juvenile sentence to age 21 is insufficient.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landrys administration has been echoing tough on crime since his inauguration last January. His first official act as governor was convening a special legislative session devoted to crime. During that time, legislators expanded the list of felonies that a juvenile case would be automatically transferred to adult court; they also lowered the age of adult prosecution to 17. Mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder and elimination of parole and suspension of sentence for many felonies also passed during the special session.

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So, to say Louisiana is soft on crime makes little sense to anyone paying attention. DA Stewarts concern is the unintended consequences including increased cost of expanding the cases heard in district court.

What will happen if more juvenile offenders are referred to district courts?

We are often advised by the Office of Juvenile Justice that we are the state leader in incarcerated juveniles. But to apply this proposed law in any form affects the entire state and Caddo Parish in a bad way, Stewart said. A DAs transfer of a 15 or 16-year-olds felony case from a juvenile court judge to an adult court judge, such as for felony theft for stealing an iPhone, would jam up the already crowded adult system.

Caddo DA highlights need for crime prevention, asks state leaders to create advisory panel

He said Caddo juvenile courts saw 610 felony cases in 2023 and 501 in 2024 and anticipates enormous pressure on any DA from victims and the public to try all juveniles before adult court judges, which they may perceive as tougher on crime, if SB74 passes.

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Although Seabaugh represents Caddo Parish, and Stewart heads the Caddo prosecutors office, the DA said the senator did not speak with him or the parishs juvenile or district court judges before drafting or introducing the legislation.

I continue to propose that legislators concerned about juvenile crime focus their efforts not on who is the judge, but on establishing programs for youth in at-risk communities, providing effective life-changing curriculum for troubled youth while in state custody, and programs providing post-incarceration supervision, mentorship, job skills, and support for crime-free living.

Data shows link between truancy and a life of crime

The change would affect district attorneys offices and put additional strain on public defenders, courts, and sheriffs offices across the state.

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The bill awaits a Senate Finance Committee hearing before advancing to the full Senate.

An interview request was made through Senator Seabaughs office, but no response was received when this story was published.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man is dead after a shooting in south Kansas City Monday night, according to Kansas City police.

The shooting happened just after 10:30 p.m. on U.S. 71 highway near 75th Street.

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According to police, drivers passing by called 911 after seeing a person lying in the road.

When police arrived, they found a young man who had been shot in the middle of the highway. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to KCPD.

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Police later identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter.

Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide. At this time, police say its unclear what led up to the shooting.

No arrests have been announced.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477 or call KCPDs Homicide Unit at 816-234-5043.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Royals are helping honor fallen KCFD firefighter and Paramedic Graham Hoffman on Monday night.

Hoffman, 29, was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, April 27, when prosecutors say a patient he was trying to help stabbed him.

Suspect facing federal gun charges after two Pettis County deputies shot

The patient was identified as Shanetta Bossell, who has been charged in Clay County with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, assault, resisting arrest and is being held on a $1 million bond, according to court records.

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The Royals posted on social media Monday night Standing with our community. Sending our love and support to the family of Graham Hoffman, and all of the members of the KCFD.

The players are wearing t-shirts with Hoffmans name and KCFD Station 42, Hoffmans last assignment.

Hoffman began his career with the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022. Prior to serving with KCFD, he started his firefighting career with the Belton Fire Department.

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The Royals start a four-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

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Water blackmail is one of the dirtiest tools used in conflicts. As you know, even predators do not attack watering holes, because water is the basis of life. And people, or rather, some countries, are at such a low level of consciousness that they are inferior to tigers and rhinos.





How India does it





The Indian government has announced that it is working to cut off the supply of water from the Indus River to Pakistan. As stated by the Minister of Water Resources of this country, Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, "so that not a single drop of water gets into Pakistan."

To this end, New Delhi has already announced that it is withdrawing from the agreement signed in September 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank. The treaty divided the Indus River and its tributaries between the neighbors and regulated the distribution of water. India received the right to use water from three eastern rivers - the Sutlej, Bisa and Ravi, and Pakistan - the western Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. He received 80 percent of the water from the Indus River, 20 percent remained in India. 80 percent of Pakistan's agriculture depends on the waters of the Indus, and diverting the stream would plunge the country into catastrophic drought, hunger and poverty.

This effect is probably expected in India. This country has decided to take advantage of the destruction of international law to deal with a long-time adversary. Fortunately, India is located upstream, that is, it is in an advantageous position. The sources of the rivers of the Indus basin are under her control. However, not everything is so simple, and the Indians will have to wait until the "dream" comes true. According to Indian experts, it will take decades to wait, because India does not have any suitable infrastructure and opportunities to deploy the Indus River right now. India will not be able to abruptly stop the flow to Pakistan, and it will not feel significant consequences for at least the next 30-50 years, DW quotes Indian experts. Despite the grandiose plans of the Modi government, the water cannot be stopped suddenly. Of course, now all efforts will be thrown at water projects, reservoirs and hydroelectric power plants in order to increase water intake, but the final result will not be achieved soon. If it can be achieved at all.

According to Reuters, if water flows become unstable, crops dependent on irrigation, such as wheat, rice and sugar cane, will suffer in Pakistan. Khalid Hussain Baas, Chairman of the National Farmers' Union of Pakistan, called India's actions an act of aggression. "This is a real war. We already don't have enough water because of climate change. There has been little precipitation this year, and the water level is already 20-25 percent lower than last year," he said.

Pakistan has warned that it would consider an attempt to stop the flow of water as an act of war. But that's all India seems to need. This country is clearly acting with someone's go-ahead. Someone who needs an explosion in a region dominated by China has allowed Delhi to withdraw from a treaty that has been strictly observed at all times, even during periods of hostilities.

According to the agreement, India, as a country located upstream of transboundary rivers, must share with Pakistan the hydrological data necessary for flood forecasting, irrigation planning and the formation of drinking water reserves. Now India is withdrawing from this obligation, although the treaty does not provide for a unilateral withdrawal from the agreements. In Islamabad, they say that the neighbor has not fulfilled his obligations to inform for a long time. "India was only sharing about 40 percent of the data even before it made the last statement," former Indus Waters Treaty Commissioner Shiraz Memon told the BBC.

At this stage, India cannot leave Pakistan completely without water, but it can flood territories along the Indus riverbed. It can flush silt from its reservoirs without prior warning, potentially causing damage downstream in Pakistan. And there is a lot of silt in the rivers originating in the Himalayas.





According to Indian media, India has already flooded its neighbor on April 26. Without warning, water was discharged into the Indus tributary, the Jhelum River, which led to a sharp rise in the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir. The water was released from the Uri hydroelectric dam. The unexpected discharge of water caused an emergency situation in Hattian County, forcing people living along the river banks to leave their homes. There are also reports of livestock deaths and crop damage.

In India, they rub their hands, rejoicing at the effect. Forgetting one very important fact - China is located even upstream, and the Indus originates in the mountains of Tibet. In addition, India is located in the basin of one of the largest waterways in South Asia, the Brahmaputra, which flows from China. It is important not to forget that China is an ally of Pakistan.

In 2016, when India tried to withdraw from the treaty for the first time, China blocked the Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge at the source of the Brahmaputra. At the end of 2020, the Chinese authorities announced the construction of a dam in the gorge, which should become the largest in the world. The project was approved in 2024, and the construction of the hydroelectric power station gives China almost complete control over the river, much of which is located in India. Although no statements of support were made for Islamabad, both New Delhi and other interested capitals saw a connection and pattern in the confluence of events. Beijing, as always, is peaceful and claims minimal environmental impact, but downstream they are very concerned that new hydraulic structures will give China serious control over the source.

The moral is this: in India, we must not forget that there is always a counteraction to any action.

How Armenia did it

And now let's move to our region and recall how Armenia, during the years of occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, turned the cross-border and Karabakh rivers into an instrument of pressure on its neighbor.

For almost thirty years of control over Azerbaijani lands, Armenia has made efforts to deprive Azerbaijani regions located in the lower reaches of the rivers outside the occupation zone of water or flood them.

The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly drawn the attention of international structures to these actions of the Armenian occupiers, which are completely contrary to the relevant international legislation. As a result of these efforts, during the PACE winter session in 2016, the report "The population of the border regions of Azerbaijan is deliberately deprived of water" was adopted, concerning the problems created by the occupiers to the Azerbaijani side in connection with the use of the resources of the Sarsang reservoir. The use of water, according to international conventions, is an integral element of human rights, and the use of transboundary bodies of water for purposes of blackmail and pressure is unacceptable.

Unfortunately, the adoption of this document has not changed anything either in the behavior of the Armenian side or in the attention to the problem of the same Parliamentary Assembly. The only way to change the situation was the military liberation of the territories and the return of control over reservoirs and waterworks by Azerbaijan.

At the height of the occupation, Yerevan was making plans to divert the water of the Armenian rivers flowing to Nakhchivan and the water of the Sarsang reservoir. This facility was built on the initiative of national leader Heydar Aliyev in 1976. Sarsang is the fourth largest reservoir in the country after Mingachevir, Shamkir and Araz hydroelectric power plants. Before the occupation, hundreds of thousands of hectares of agricultural land in Terter, Barda, Yevlakh, Goranboy, Agdam, and Agjabedi districts were irrigated with its water. In order to prevent water from flowing into these areas, during the years of occupation, plans were considered in Armenia to build a canal from the reservoir to irrigate the lands of the occupied Agder district by gravity. An estimate of $100 million was made, and the search for investors began. Our neighbors have always had a very diverse imagination, and the project did not stop there. In the vague future, it was planned to build hydroelectric power plants on the canal and even export (!) electricity obtained from water stolen from Azerbaijani regions.

Back in 2008, the Ministry of Ecology of Azerbaijan sounded the alarm in connection with the severe turbidity of the water in the Terter River and the mass death of fish. It turned out that the separatists had begun to clear the Sarsang reservoir of silt. The cleaning work was carried out by a Russian company. The wastewater was drained into a grater and sent downstream. Analyses performed during that period showed that 90 percent of the water was unusable, as ammonium was found in it. In addition to deliberately poisoning rivers, the Armenian side practiced abrupt discharge of water in winter and blocking it in summer, causing droughts and floods in areas in the unoccupied zone.

Almost all the years of the conflict in Armenia, they have been puzzling over how to make sure that the "Armenian rivers" do not flow into Azerbaijan. Armenian media reported on plans to build reservoirs in Tavush, which would dramatically reduce the amount of water entering Azerbaijani territory. "Not a drop of water for Azerbaijan!" was the slogan of the campaign. The occupiers intended to build 14 reservoirs and take tens of millions of cubic meters of water from transboundary rivers. But no money was found for this in Armenia, and none of the sympathizers dared to invest in this outrage.

I remember that Aramais Grigoryan, one of the former ministers of nature protection of Armenia during the time of Serzh Sargsyan, stated in an interview with journalists that Armenia was "sending the waters of the Azat River to Azerbaijan in vain." The minister does not know that rivers flow from top to bottom according to the laws of physics, and not with the permission of Yerevan.

After the 44-day war, realizing that the end was near, the separatists tried to destroy the reservoir. The Sarsang level has dropped by a record 25 meters due to unprecedented water intake for the needs of power plants. The Armenians tried to explain this act of ecocide as a "blockade" and blame the transformation of the reservoir into a puddle on Azerbaijan.

The Sarsang reservoir was saved only by the counter-terrorism operation of September 2023. A year later, the mirror area of the reservoir, which returned to Azerbaijani control, reached its maximum size in 10 years - 1,065 hectares.

What does international law say?

In 1996, the World Water Council began its activities with headquarters in Marseille. And the issues of using water during conflicts are regulated by the following documents:

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their three Protocols, adopted in 1977 and 2005, are now recognized as key international instruments aimed at protecting the rights of civilians in military conflicts.;

The Dublin Principles, signed under the auspices of the United Nations in 1992;

Helsinki Rules (Association of International Law), which provide the legal basis for the United Nations Water Convention, signed in Helsinki in 1992;

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo (Finland), 1991);

Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (Kiev, 2003);

On June 28, 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing "the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right.";

GA resolution A/RES/73/226 "Midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development", 2018-2028" (2018);

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/178 "Human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation" (2017).

In 2000, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the Water Resources Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) to end disputes and implement water resources management and protection based on balanced standards.

All these documents prohibit water blackmail and restriction of the supply of water to civilians during conflicts.

Did Armenia know about the existence of these documents? She's probably aware, but the impunity that this country has always enjoyed has allowed her to suffer from legal amnesia. Everything that was done was done openly, without looking back and without waiting to hear a shout. If not for the victorious war, the abuse of the aquatic environment in 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territories could have become irreversible. Once again, we were convinced that we need to resolve some issue, it is better to do it ourselves, rather than sacrificially wait for justice.

The Indian government is also unlikely to be very concerned about the existence of international bans on water blackmail.

It is not surprising that Armenia and India understood each other so well.
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)
Gov. Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, asked the Kansas' six representatives in Congress to oppose large-scale federal funding cuts to Medicaid. The program serves more than 440,000 Kansans who are elderly, children, pregnant women or disabled. In 2023 and 2024, Kelly toured the state pitching the idea of broadening access to Medicaid, including this appearance at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly joined three other Democratic governors Tuesday in denouncing movement by the Republican-led Congress to impose substantial cuts in federal funding of the Medicaid program providing health care to more than 70 million Americans.

Kelly, the chair of the Democratic Governors Association who has campaigned for expansion of Medicaid in Kansas, said the latest proposal in Congress would have a substantial effect on coverage for about 443,000 low-income seniors, children, pregnant mothers and people with disabilities in Kansas.

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Congressional Republicans new proposal is expected to slash Medicaid funding by billions of dollars over the next 10 years, threatening health coverage for millions of Americans who rely on this essential program, Kelly said. It would be particularly devastating for our rural providers and hospitals who are already struggling to keep their doors open.

Kelly said 64% of the states rural hospitals were at risk of closing and diminishing Medicaid funding would further strain those hospitals. She said the damage could come in the form of lower reimbursement rates to health providers or through growth of uncompensated care for individuals who lost coverage.

On Monday, Kelly said she sent letters to the five Republicans and one Democrat in the Kansas congressional delegation urging those lawmakers to resist pressure to vote for Medicaid cuts that would deny health care to the most vulnerable people in the state.

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.

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She said the decision by the Kansas Legislature to block expansion of eligibility for Medicaid meant the states hospitals currently carry a higher burden of charity care.

So far, the governor said, refusal to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act provisions broadening eligibility for Medicaid meant Kansas turned away approximately $7 billion in federal funding that would have flowed through the states health care economy during the past decade.

In response to the governors letter, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said her GOP colleagues in Congress should reject large federal cuts to Medicaid enacted to help pay for tax breaks to wealthy Americans.

I stand with Governor Kelly in urging all federal leaders to reject these devastating Medicaid cuts, the 3rd District Democrat said. Ive fought time and again to protect and expand Medicaid in Kansas because our families shouldnt have to pay more or travel farther just to get the health care they need.

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Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who indicated interest in running for state insurance commissioner, said President Donald Trump and his allies were working to the cost of Medicaid to make certain it was sustainable for years to come.

Our country cannot continue spending money like drunken sailors, Hawkins said. I applaud the Trump administration and those in our federal delegation for their efforts to preserve Medicaid.

He said it was wrong for states to enroll able-bodied adults in the Medicaid program designed for the frail, elderly and disabled as well as children. He endorsed imposition of work requirements for adults in Medicaid ranging in age from 18 to 60 who werent pregnant or disabled.

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, Hawkins said.

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In response to Hawkins, Kelly said the public should understand the GOPs maneuvering to roll back Medicaid spending was tied to the Trump administrations plan to extend federal tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Americans. The primary motivation of Medicaid cuts wouldnt be to balance the budget, the governor said.

Congress is not trying to balance the budget or reduce deficits, Kelly said. Or, if they are, they certainly shouldnt be doing (that) on the backs of our most vulnerable people. There are other ways to look for efficiencies in government.

Kelly took part in the Medicaid news conference with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who serves as vice chair of the DGA; New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham; and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, who is a physician.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The results are in for two Kansas school districts asking for millions to improve their buildings on Tuesday.

Preliminary numbers show that the bond proposal for Augusta Public Schools passed with 67% approving the proposed bond, and Ness City voters overwhelmingly voted down their school bond, with 74% saying no.

Augusta

In Augusta, residents had to decide whether to approve a $55 million school bond for USD 402 to make much-needed improvements to the second-oldest high school in Butler County.

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According to the unofficial results, the vote passed with 1,174 saying yes and 571 saying no.

The money will improve safety and security at all schools, expand fine arts facilities, build career and tech education classrooms, add new classrooms, add windows to existing classrooms (80% do not have any), improve the HVAC and electrical infrastructure, make additional upgrades and renovations to existing areas, modernize Augusta High School, and more.

Below is a tentative construction timeline:

The district says it will not increase the mill levy.

Whether it was for their grandchildren in the system or to keep up with a growing population, voters weighed in on why they voted for the bond.

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If we dont do it, I think were going to lose in the community  When we moved here, it was definitely a smaller town and the class sizes were relative to that, voter Kristina Langrehr said.

With open enrollment, some say keeping the schools in cutting-edge conditions is a way to compete with similarly sized districts.

I can remember them doing it when I was in high school in the50s .. and throughout the years even my grandchildren have seen improvements in their schools and everything. Im doing this for my great grandchildren, you know? voter Kenneth Brinkman said.

The district says a wider aim for the money is to partner with universities like WSU to strengthen their career and technical education programs for high schoolers.

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Click here for more information on the bond.

Ness City

In Ness County, voters in USD 303 had to decide on a $24 million bond to address longstanding facility challenges and aging infrastructure in Ness City Schools.

According to unofficial results shared by the district, the bond measure failed by a wide margin, with 507 voting no and just 179 in favor. In a brief statement, the district thanked those who contributed to the process and said the Board of Education will consider next steps in the coming months.

The proposal sought to fund improvements, including a new gymnasium, locker rooms, and a secure connector between the elementary and high school buildings, which currently sit across the street from one another. It also included plans for a storm shelter, ADA accessibility upgrades, and entrance renovations for improved security.

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Superintendent Derek Reinhardt previously said the bond was a response to years of deferred maintenance and temporary fixes. A similar effort more than a decade ago stalled amid a local economic downturn. Since then, rising construction costs and aging systems have added urgency to the districts plans.

Despite those concerns, voters turned down the measure. The school board is expected to revisit the issue in future meetings.

Goddard

Meanwhile, early in-person voting for Goddards bond election began Tuesday. The USD 265 district hopes voters approve $196 million for two new elementary schools and security upgrades. The Sedgwick County Election Office is open for those ballots from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, May 13. To learn more about the school bond, click here.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Prosecutors in Karen Reads second murder case on Tuesday introduced a series of angry voicemails that she left for her Boston police officer boyfriend in the hours before he was found in the snow.

These recordings, along with evidence of scores of missed calls to John OKeefe, followed testimony from a meteorologist who described the snow storm that night as a classic noreaster, and said freezing temperatures would have made the ground impenetrable.

Prosecutors say Read, 45, backed her SUV into OKeefe, 46, and left him to die after dropping him off at a party hosted by a fellow officer. Her lawyers say she was framed in a police conspiracy and that someone inside the home that night in January 2022 must have killed him.

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A mistrial was declared last year. Reads second trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene has appeared to be similar so far.

SEE ALSO: Boston officers mom gives tearful testimony

Was Karen Read angry or distraught?

Prosecutors called State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, who retrieved cellphone data from OKeefes phone.

He detailed how the data show Read called OKeefe nearly 30 times that morning. The first batch continued for nearly an hour after 12:35 a.m. Most were missed calls. She also left several profanity-laced emails, including one in which she accused OKeefe of sleeping with someone else and leaving his two adopted children home alone.

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John I (expletive) hate you, she yells in one voice message that was played to the jury.

The calls from Read resumed several hours later. Most didnt connect, but one voicemail just after 6 a.m. sounded like it came from the scene and included a muffled voice, apparently Reads, screaming and sounding distraught.

RELATED: Defense disputes key witness testimony in Karen Read retrial

Solo cups and cocktail glasses

On Tuesday, Canton Police Lt. Charles Rae testified police officers searched the site on the afternoon of Jan. 29, 2022. They found a shoe along the curb  OKeefe was missing a shoe when he was found  and six or seven pieces of a broken taillight. The pieces were red and clear, and prosecutors showed the jury images of them. The search was suspended that day because of darkness.

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Earlier in the day, former Canton Police Lt. Paul Gallagher finished up his testimony.

Both sides questioned Gallagher about evidence-gathering at the scene. In the first trial, Gallagher testified about the use of red Solo cups to gather OKeefes blood, and a leaf blower to clear snow.

Gallagher agreed this time that a plastic cup is not normally used to collect evidence, but he said the circumstances required quick thinking and improvisation.

If we didnt collect that biological matter, we werent going to get that biological matter, Gallagher said.

On cross-examination late Monday and early Tuesday, Jackson aggressively questioned Gallagher on the methods police used in the investigation.

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ALSO READ: Karen Reads words used against her in witness testimony

He questioned why police didnt search inside the Albert house nor interview the homeowner Brian Albert, who was also a Boston police officer. Gallagher responded they had no reason to do so, since nobody could put John OKeefe in the house including Ms. Read.

He also questioned why Gallagher didnt seek home security footage from a house across the street, which was owned by another police officer. Gallagher said he was familiar with that camera and believed it would only show the front step and front lawn of that house.

Jackson also sought to raise doubt about the chain of custody over evidence at the scene. He pressed Gallagher on the evidence collection, questioning why police didnt go back to the station to get proper equipment including swabs and an evidence bag. Instead, they relied on a neighbors cups, and transported the materials in a Stop & Shop bag to the station.

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With an evidence bag, you know exactly where it came from and who is handling it, Jackson said.

MORE: Karen Read Trial

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continues on Tuesday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

Read more: Recap of trial day 9

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.

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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

10:19 a.m. - No probable cause to search 34 Fairview

On re-direct from Brennan, Gallagher said Canton Police did not have probable cause to obtain a search warrant for 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022.

He explained that probable cause is evidence a crime was committed. Gallagher said there was no such evidence that morning.

Were you doing any favors for anyone that morning? Brennan asked.

Gallagher said he was not. Had there been probable cause, he would have searched the home, he said.

10:08 a.m. - Jackson concludes cross-examination

Gallagher faced a series of questions from Jackson about the storage of evidence in the case. During the cross-examination, jurors got to see several photos of the coagulated blood recovered from 34 Fairview Road in Solo cups.

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The cups were stored in a Stop and Shop bag, and neither was sealed, Gallagher said. The blood was photographed near Reads SUV, which Jackson described as a recipe for contamination.

But Gallagher said that wouldnt be true in the hands of a trained criminalist.

Still, he conceded he didnt have firsthand knowledge of how the blood was stored in between when it was recovered on Jan. 29 and when he turned it over to Massachusetts State Police on Feb. 1.

9:48 a.m. - Gallagher questioned about relationship with Brian Higgins

Jacksons cross-examination moved on to Gallaghers relationship with Brian Higgins, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who was inside 34 Fairview Road on the night of OKeefes death.

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Gallagher said he met Higgins in 2016 or 2017 when they worked on a wiretap investigation together. But he said he didnt know Higgins had been inside the home the night of OKeefes death until after Massachusetts State Police took over the case.

Higgins had an office inside the police station and a key card that let him into many areas of the station, including the sallyport where Reads SUV was stored.

Jackson pressed Gallagher about whether the vehicle should have been photographed. Gallagher said it wasnt his call.

When OKeefe died, the investigation was turned over to Massachusetts State Police.

9:32 a.m. - Gallagher details investigation

Under cross-examination from Jackson, Gallagher confirmed that he never found OKeefes hat or shoe at the scene, and, critically, never saw any pieces of cracked red taillight near his body. Thats despite blowing much of the snow away in a 50-square-foot area.

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He also confirmed he never sought a search warrant for 34 Fairview Road and never walked into the homes basement or garage.

The house had nothing to do with the incident based on the evidence at that time, Gallagher said.

But Jackson suggested the reason Gallagher and Canton Police didnt seek a warrant is because they knew the home was owned by a police officer.

Gallagher rejected the idea, telling Jackson he has executed search warrants at police officers homes before.

Brian Albert, the homeowner, got no special treatment, Gallagher said.

Jackson also pressed Gallagher about whether he ever sought surveillance camera footage from Tom Keleher, the Canton Police Departments deputy chief, who lives near 34 Fairview. Gallagher said he never did, because it wouldnt have been relevant.

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The camera only captures the front porch and lawn of Kelehers home, Gallagher said.

9:07 a.m. - Court opens

Like most trial days, Tuesday began with a sidebar conversation without the jury present. The jury entered after the lengthy sidebar, at which point 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.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Cleveland County Sheriffs Office are searching for a missing 59-year-old woman.

According to OHP, 59-year-old Keri Merriott was last seen in Norman on Sunday.

Kasey Alert for Keri Merriott. Image courtesy Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Merriot is said to have several medical conditions that require daily medications, and is described as 56 and 170 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. She may also be driving a silver 2020 Kia Soul with Oklahoma tag number MRE049.

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If you see Merriott, please call 911.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman was killed on April 27 after police say he was stabbed by a patient he was transporting to the hospital.

His death is reflective of an alarming national trend of violence against health care workers.

Kansas City firefighter-paramedic dies after patient stabs him in ambulance

Every day, both the EMS and emergency medicine communities face dangers, whether in the field or in the emergency department, the Missouri EMS Association (MEMSA) said in a letter sent to FOX4.

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A January 2024 poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) shows that 91% of emergency physicians said that they, or a colleague, were victims of violence in 2023.

Those numbers increase even more for our EMS colleagues, MEMSA said in its letter.

EMS personnel are 22 times more likely to be injured due to workplace violence than in other occupations, according to the 2019 Violence Against EMS Practitioners report.

Between 57% and 93% of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders reported having experienced an act of workplace violence at least once in their careers, according to a 2017 report released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Fire Administration.

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We need to be able to do our jobs of treating patients without the worry of being assaulted, Dr. Timothy Koboldt, president of the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians (MOCEP), said in the letter.

At least 248 people killed since 2003, data shows

In the private industry in 2023, 13 people classified under ambulatory health care services were killed due to violent acts  and approximately 141,500 people in ambulatory health care services and 10,100 in ambulance services were injured or became ill on the job. This is according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Based on available data from the bureau, dating as far back as 2003, an average of 13 people in ambulatory health care services are killed every year due to violence.

In total, 248 people were killed over a span of 18 years, from 2003 to 2023 (excluding 2011, 2016 and 2019), according to bureau data.

Violence against medical professionals on the rise, data shows

Medical professionals, in general, have been experiencing a rise in violence in recent years, according to data.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew by 63% from 2011 to 2018, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

A National Nurses United (NNU) report released in 2024 also found increased rates of violence experienced by nurses, with 45.5% of nurses reporting an increase in workplace violence on their unit from 2022 to 2023.

A study published in 2024 recognizes violence against health care workers as a globally growing problem.

Ive been stabbed by my patient: Local health care workers speak out

Some local health care and EMS workers are speaking out about the violence theyve experienced while on the job.

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We see the good and we see the bad, said EMT Megan Hall. And we experience a lot of assault and battery from our patients and sometimes their family members.

Hall has worked in the industry for more than nine years. Shes also experienced violence firsthand.

Ive been stabbed by my patient, she said. They didnt want to go to the hospital for a psych eval, and they thought that stabbing me would get them out of it.

Ive been punched in the face.

Hall said hurting the people who are there to help isnt the solution.

It might be a really bad day for you, but assaulting your health care provider isnt the best route to go. Its not their fault that this is happening, Hall said. Theyre just there to help.

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She is encouraging health care workers to advocate for themselves and others.

We need to start advocating for ourselves, she said. And we also need to advocate for other health care workers  not just EMTs, but nurses and doctors.

Hall believes violence and other challenges that first responders and health care workers face day-to-day could be pushing people away from the profession.

No one is coming into this job thinking, yeah, Im okay with being assaulted,' she said. Thats not what were here for. We want to help people.

So when everyone sees this happening, theyre stepping away. Theyre rethinking whether they want to be in this profession or not, and thats not good.

Whats the solution?

So, whats the solution? Is there a solution?

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Some experts recommend de-escalation techniques, self-defense training and the use of technology as methods to mitigate these risks.

Paul Paikowski, KCFDs EMS division chief, said hed like to see body cameras and body armor utilized.

We need to sit there and look at what are we doing currently and how do we need to change that to be better, he said. I am a huge believer in body cams. I am a huge believer in body armor.

Would it have saved Graham? No, but its going to sit there and say in court, look at this video; this is what happened.'

In the wake of Hoffmans death, theres also a growing push in Missouri to increase penalties for assaulting health care providers.

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KC medical director calls for zero tolerance in wake of deadly stabbing of paramedic

Several lawmakers have introduced, or plan to introduce, legislation to expand protections for first responders and medical professionals.

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) on Friday announced that he plans to introduce legislation to enhance penalties for crimes against first responders.

The life of Kansas City firefighter-paramedic, Graham Hoffman, was cut short at the hands of a known criminal who was released from custody shortly before this attack occurred, Senator Schmitt said. A tragedy such as this must never be allowed to happen again in Missouri or across the nation.

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Thats why I plan to introduce legislation to increase federal penalties for those who murder first responders in the-line-of-duty. First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe, its time we stand up to ensure they are protected from those who wish to do them harm.

MEMSA also supports efforts to protect health care workers from violence and has joined MOCEP in advocating for legislative action.

They are collectively asking Missouri legislators to vote yes on the health care workplace violence language currently in the Missouri legislature. It would require all hospitals to notify patients that assaulting or injuring a health care worker is a serious crime and offenders will be prosecuted.

We stand with our partners in urging Missouri legislators to prioritize the safety of frontline responders, stated MEMSA President Justin Duncan. EMS clinicians often work in unpredictable and hazardous environments, and they deserve the same protections and support as their colleagues in hospitals.

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It is imperative that we pass legislation to help keep health care workers safe, Dr. Koboldt added.

Previous coverage

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A solemn tribute was held Sunday evening and Monday morning in Sacramento honoring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Members of the Kern County Sheriffs Office Honor Guard were present at the State Peace Officer Memorial candlelight vigil Sunday in Sacramento. The two-day event is held in remembrance of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Romanian EBT theft suspect pleads no contest to all charges

The Kern County Sheriffs Office says they are proud to assist agencies across California in honoring fallen law enforcement.

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The ceremony featured a folding of the United States Flag, doves being released, and concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

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GAZA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Hamas has ruled out entering any new ceasefire or prisoner exchange negotiations with Israel without firm guarantees that the war will end, a senior Hamas official said on Tuesday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official told Xinhua, "Israel is exerting maximum pressure on Hamas to accept its controversial proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, only to resume hostilities later ... We will never accept such an agreement."

"We have officially conveyed our rejection to the mediators and made it clear that we will not engage in any negotiations unless there are guarantees that the war will come to a complete end," the official added.

He further accused Israel of employing starvation as a weapon of war in an attempt to force Hamas into concessions. "This form of collective punishment against Gaza's population will not serve Israel's objectives," the official said.

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 UN has warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, reporting increasing signs of acute hunger, particularly among children.

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.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would launch a new "intensive" offensive in the Strip, a plan approved by his security cabinet to escalate the ongoing campaign in Gaza.

Under the plan, Israel would expand the offensive to seize Gaza, control aid, and relocate the population to the south of the enclave.

Netanyahu said the goal was to "defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages."

More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since October 2023, including about 2,500 who have died since Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza on March 18, marking the end of a two-month ceasefire. 
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Pippa and Quince are the proud parents of the newest addition to the penguin display at the Great Plains Zoo. The little one doesnt have a name, yet. Its hard to get a look at him with two protective parents around, but Zoo veterinary staff checked him out and provided us with these photos.

As you can see hes a fuzzy grey unlike the tuxedoed pattern on mom and dad. The baby is a continuing legacy of the Zoos original penguins. Kim Miller takes care of the black and white birds.

2 vehicle crash ends in Lewis Garden Center

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From the way they walk to the way they talk everything is just unique, they are fun, they are dynamic, they can be very naughty, but they are just so lovable, said Miller.

The original colony at the Zoo came from SeaWorld. Doug Porter the director of the zoo at the time traveled to Orlando, Florida in 1988 aboard the KELOLAND airplane to pick up the black footed penguins.

Its a great comfort to come here to sea world and to be able to work with these people for a day like this. Its a great opportunity because they are the best in the business, said Porter in 1988.

Two of the 26 penguins were hand raised and were tame, Sea World staff carried Maynard and Doby to the van. Keloland reporter Mark Ferree went along for the trip.

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Keepers loaded the penguins into the plane, said their goodbyes to Doby and Maynard, once the 26 birds were loaded, Doug Porter, Gary Goldade and myself were aboard our pilot cranked the engine. In the cabin he also cranked the air conditioning. Black footed penguins like it cool, 59 degrees cool. As the plane lifted off the runway the flightless board took to the air. once up at altitude the birds got a last look at Sea World, before heading to their new roost in Sioux Falls.

The KELOLAND Plane arrived at the Sioux Falls airport and the penguins were taken to their new home. A little shy at first they eventually adjusted and quickly became a fan favorite.

A one-hundred-thousand-dollar check from Alene Delbridge covered the cost of the exhibit, the 20-thousand-dollar grant from City Bank paid for the penguins.

Now its a reality and we are so very happy about this so we are just hoping it will be something people will enjoy for years to come, said Alene Delbridge.

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And people did enjoy them and with the new generation of penguins even more years to come.

We know they are a fan favorite, so lets build them a new exhibit and this new exhibit is going to be interactive, said Audrey Otto-Pepper Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, COO

The new exhibit will be designed to give kids, as Zoo officials describe it, a nose-to-beak experience.

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Gov. Brian Kemp. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Monday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, a decision that could have a ripple effect on the re-election campaign for Sen. Jon Ossoff.

The Georgia governor announced his decision via social media that he would not run in the pivotal 2026 election in which he was seen as the early favorite to challenge Ossoff, who along with U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock won historic 2020 elections for Georgia Democrats.

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In a move to intensify its efforts to fundraise and campaign for candidates, the Democratic Party of Georgia elected Charlie Bailey as its chair on Saturday as it reenergizes the partys base following setbacks following the 2020 victories.

Kemp wrote in a statement posted on X Monday he has decided that running for U.S. Senate is not the right fit for him.

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, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first, Kemp wrote in the post.

I am confident we will be united in that important effort, and I look forward to electing the next generation of leaders up and down the ballot here in the Peach State who will keep our state and nation headed in the right direction in 2026 and beyond, Kemp said.

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Political analysts said Kemps decision not to run for the Senate makes sense since being a low ranking member of that chamber would be a step down from being governor.

They suggest that Kemp will reap significant financial rewards for public speaking on behalf of the Republican Party while also keeping his options open for a 2028 run for the White House.

Ossoffs U.S. Senate campaign manager Ellen Foster released a statement Monday following the Kemp announcement.

Sen. Jon Ossoff. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

As weve said for the past few months, Sen. Ossoff is well-prepared to defeat any challenger, Foster wrote. As Republicans scramble in the aftermath, our campaign will continue to build insurmountable momentum needed to win next November.

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Georgia Republican election strategist Brian Robinson said although Kemp was the top tier candidate in the Senate race, other GOP contenders have the opportunity to prove themselves in the primary to become the top candidate.

Robinson said he is not surprised about Kemps announcement Monday and dismissed the notion that despite high polling favorability ratings that Kemp was not a shoe-in to defeat Ossoff. The Republican senatorial candidate in 2026 will also have the opportunity to raise enough money and build a campaign platform to defeat Ossoff, Robinson said.

I think (Kemp) would have been miserable if he had won, Robinson said. I think he had other calculations as well. I think he can go make a lot of money. His network after being (Republican Governors Association chair) this year is going to be absolutely incredible and is worth millions of dollars. He can feather his nest to keep his options open for running in 2028. We dont know what the environment is going to be in 2026 with the White House occupying party always facing headwinds in midterms, and the political environment is one that we cant predict.

Robinson said the Republican crop of candidates will have the opportunity to win over the voters necessary to run a strong campaign against the Democratic incumbent.

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Charles Bullock, political science professor at the University of Georgia, said the Republican Senate candidate winner next year needs to be a candidate who can compete against Ossoff in Novembers general election.

Bullock agreed with Robinson that Kemps decision is likely influenced by Kemps ability to generate significant income and the uncertainty of the political climate in 2026.

It is not uncommon for the party in power in the White House to lose ground in the midterm elections, Bullock said.

Republicans and Democratic candidates are expected to use Trump-focused messages to build support for their partys candidates this year.

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Kemp was successful in securing Democratic votes in his 2022 campaign against Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams, Bullock said.

Bullock said the Ossoff campaign is likely turning hand-flips after Kemp turned down the Senate bid.

Bullock said that the Ossoff campaign is most likely hopeful that right-wing U.S. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene emerges as the top GOP candidate for Senate. Greene will be able to raise large sums of money for her campaign but he said that Greenes style could be problematic in a statewide race.

A Greene staffer declined to comment on her future political aspirations but said she is honored to have the support of Georgians.

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Governor Kemp has been a great governor for the state of Georgia, Greene said in a statement. I wish him and his family well in all their future endeavors.

Savannah Republican U.S. Rep Buddy Carter is another potential candidate who is well known in the region but will have to fight for name recognition in Atlanta, Bullock said.

The Atlanta area is where the bulk of the votes that result from the primary is going to come from and theyre going to spend money to get known in the Atlanta area, Bullock said. The same thing for Rep. Mike Collins or Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is probably the best known member of Congress but she is the kind of person that will have a harder time than others holding onto the white college-educated voters, which is decisive in Georgia.

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May 5ROCHESTER  About 25 workers at Rochester's Kemps ice cream plant picketed on Monday to spotlight contract negotiations between Teamsters Local 120's and the company's owner Dairy Farmers of America cooperative.

The previous three-year labor contract for the 173 union members who work at the facility at 406 N. Broadway Ave. ended on April 1. John Chappuis, business agent for Teamsters Local 120, said that the negotiation team has met with the company six times to discuss the contract.

As the negotiations drag on, the Teamsters 120 members voted over the weekend to authorize the possibility of a strike.

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Nick Fields, a machine operator who has worked at Kemps in Rochester for 16 years, stood in front of the plant and said that the overall situation is simple.

"We work hard," he said. "We just want an open conversation with the company. We want a good contract, and we're willing to fight for that."

Chappuis and Fields acknowledged tha t the previous contract was "a good deal" with "record wages," so that sets a high bar for this contract.

"You're never going to go backwards with a contract," said Chappuis.

Fields described some of the top issues that the Kemps employees are tracking in this contract.

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"We're still kind of digging out of the hole of being essential workers during the pandemic and what we went through with that," said Fields. "We'd always like to improve on health care. That never goes down, so we would like to try to stay ahead of that the best we can ... As far as wages, we'd like to just stay in line with what we have. But that depends on a lot of other things on the table."

He added that conditions in the freezer department, which has a temperature of minus 20, are currently changing in ways that make working in the freezer more difficult.

"We just want protections for our work," said Fields.

The Post Bulletin has reached out to DFA for comment about the negotiations, but DFA has not yet responded.

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Monday's picket in Rochester was part of a nationwide week of Teamsters' action. DFA is in negotiations with the union for 20 different collective bargaining agreements covering 2,000 workers. DFA has owned Kemps for 11 years.

Rochester is the primary site for Kemps' ice cream production. It produces roughly 126,000 gallons of ice cream and yogurt products a day. The milk churned to ice cream comes from dairies located within 200 miles of the plant.

The ice cream facility's history in Rochester dates back to the founding of the Parkin Ice Cream Co. of Rochester in 1911. Kemps Ice Cream Co. of Minneapolis was founded in 1914. Kemps was sold to Crescent Creamery in 1924.

Marigold Dairies of Rochester was founded in 1928 when W.R. Cammack, son of Crescent Creamery co-founder along with two former officers with the Vander Bie Ice Cream Co. of St. Paul, purchased Parkin Ice Cream.

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Kemps, Crescent Creamery and Marigold joined forces in 1961. In 1968, the Dutch company NV Wessanen Koninklijke Fabrieken bought Marigold Foods. National Dairy Holdings then purchased Marigold in 2001, and it was renamed as Kemps in 2002.

In 2004, HP Hood purchased Kemps and then sold it to DFA in 2011.
A New Kensington man who was killed during the Korean War was recently accounted for.

U.S. Army Pfc. Roland Lee Bowser, 20, was identified on March 21, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)

The agency says Bowser was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950, after his battalions fighting withdrawal from Unsan, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. After the war, returning prisoners reported he died in early June 1951 while in captivity at a North Korean camp.

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Then, in 1954, DPAA says the United Nations Command received a set of remains reportedly from the camp where Bowser died. They were unable to be identified and were eventually buried with other unidentified remains in 1956.

Those remains were disinterred in 2019 for analysis, which eventually led to them being identified as Bowser.

Bowser will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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Fancy Farm Picnic-goers stroll the grounds on Aug. 3, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Organizers announced Tuesday that Kentucky Chamber of Commerce CEO Ashli Watts will emcee the political speaking at this year's picnic. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Ashli Watts, the president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will be the emcee for the next Fancy Farm Picnic this August.

Ashli Watts (Provided by St. Jerome Picnic)

Held as a fundraiser for the St. Jerome Catholic Church in the far west Kentucky town of Fancy Farm, the picnic annually brings together Kentucky politicians for fiery stump speeches in front of a boisterous crowd. Picnic organizers announced that Watts would be the emcee for this years picnic in a Tuesday press release.

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Watts became the president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber in 2019. The organization represents more than 3,800 member businesses across the state and often brings together its members and Kentucky lawmakers for conversations about economic issues. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce spent the most out of any group to lobby the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 and 2025.

The picnics press release said that as leader of the Kentucky Chamber, Watts played a key role in the passage of landmark legislation including felony expungement, right-to-work, and tax reform measures.

Ashlis experience and poise make her the ideal choice to guide this years political speaking, said Steven Elder, the political chairman of the picnic. Her leadership and deep understanding of Kentuckys political landscape will bring energy, fairness, and insight to this years event.

The Fancy Farm Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2.

Emcees in recent years have included Lexingtons Father Jim Sichko and David Beck, president of Kentucky Venues.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who faces a tough re-election race in 2026, has informed the White House that he will not support Ed Martin, President Trumps choice to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, torpedoing the controversial nomination.

Martin is currently serving as the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and has coming under strong criticism for helping to organize the Stop the Steal movement after the 2020 election and for serving as defense counsel to people charged with Jan. 6-related crimes.

Tillis told reporters Tuesday morning that he will not support Martins nomination to remain as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia because of his advocacy for people convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes.

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A no vote from Tillis kills the nomination because Republicans have a 12-10 majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee and all Democrat on the panel also oppose Martins nomination. The nominee could not advance on an 11-11 deadlock.

If Mr. Martin were being put forth as a U.S. attorney for any district except the district where Jan. 6 happened, the protest happened, Id probably support him but not in this district, Tillis told reporter.

The North Carolina said he communicated his position to the White House.

At this point, Ive indicated to the White House I wouldnt support his nomination, he said.

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Martin met with Tillis Monday afternoon in an effort to allay the senators concerns, making the argument that many people charged and convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes were over-prosecuted.

But in the end Tillis and Martin couldnt see eye-to-eye on the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol, which forced the evacuation of Senate and House members as they convened to certify Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Most of my concerns relate to Jan. 6, Tillis said Tuesday. I think that anybody that breached the perimeter should have been imprisoned for some period of time, whether its 30 days or three years is debatable but I have no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on Jan. 6 and thats probably where most of the friction was.

Tillis said Martin argued to him that some people who were prosecuted for Jan. 6-related crimes got caught up in the crowd that entered the Capitol.

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We have to be very, very clear that what happened on Jan. 6 was wrong. It was not prompted or created by other people to put those people in trouble. They made a stupid decision and they disgraced the United States by absolutely destroying the Capitol, he said.

After Tillis announced his opposition, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said there isnt likely a path for the nominee to reach the floor.

I think that would suggest that hes probably not going to get out of committee, Thune said.

Martins position as acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia expires on May 20 and if the Senate doesnt confirm him by then, Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia would select his replacement.

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Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday that Martins nomination is effectively defeated.

Durbin said the FBI needed to conduct a background investigation of Martin this week for his nomination to proceed and the decision was made not to move forward given the strong bipartisan opposition to the nominee.

The decision was made last night not to move forward with the [background investigation,] he said.

Durbin said in practical terms, the nomination is dead in the water.

In strict legal terms, hes still interim [U.S. attorney] until the end of May, the 20th or 21st, and the district court judge then has the option to fill the interim vacancy when hes finished, he said.

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The writings on the wall, he has some problems in his own ranks, he added.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee filed a formal complaint against Martin with the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel in March, accusing him of possible prosecutorial misconduct.

Democrats complained that Martin while in private practice served as defense counsel in several cases related to the Jan. 6 attack and personally submitted a motion to dismiss felony and misdemeanor counts against Joseph Padilla and failed to recuse himself from the case as acting U.S. attorney creating an impermissible conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety by using his new government office to favor his client.

And they said that Martin appeared as defense counsel for another Jan. 6 defendant, William Chrestman, a member of the Proud Boys Kansas City chapter, who was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and threatening a federal officer.

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Tilliss opposition to the nominee is remarkable given Trumps effort to save Martin by intervening with Senate Republicans.

Trump defended Martin and urged GOP senators to support him in a post Monday on Truth Social.

The president argued that the embattled nominee is essential to his healthcare agenda, and cited the support of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

According to many but in, particular, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his approval is IMPERATIVE in terms of doing all that has to be done to SAVE LIVES and to, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN. This is a passion for Ed, more so than for almost anyone that I have seen, Trump posted.

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We are going to take our Country BACK and FAST. Ed Martin will be a big player in doing so and, I hope, that the Republican Senators will make a commitment to his approval, Trump wrote.

Tillis said he frequently talks to Trump but declined to comment on any specific conversation he had with the president about the nominee.

The president and I talk all the time, he said.

Tillis was outspoken in criticizing Trumps decision to grant blanket pardons to people convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the concerns about Martins nomination were more widespread than just Tillis.

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I think the concerns are more widespread. Sen. Tillis talked to me last night following an extensive interview he had had with Martin, she said.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), another member of the Judiciary Committee, was undecided about Martins nomination when asked about it Monday evening, noting to reporters that his paperwork hasnt even been cleared and its not scheduled for a vote.

The Texas senator, who faces a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, then announced Tuesday morning that he would back the nominee.

When he comes up for a vote, I intend to support him, he said. I tend to defer to the president on his choices.

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Paxton on Monday criticized Cornyn for trying to undermine President Trumps agenda by refusing to say whether he supports Martin.

Updated at 1:06 p.m.

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May 6 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's controversial nominee for U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia is not likely to get the job after a key GOP senator said Tuesday he won't support his confirmation.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he wouldn't support Ed Martin, a "Stop the Steal" organizer who has aligned himself with Jan. 6 defendants.

Martin is a hard-right activist who had no prosecutorial experience until he was named the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia by Trump on the day of the president's inauguration.

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Tillis said he was concerned that Martin's involvement in the defense of protesters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was too much to ignore despite the fact that Martin agreed that hundreds of individuals who were included in Trump's mass pardons should not have been exonerated.

Tillis is part of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees Martin's nomination, and consists of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Mathematically, should Tillis vote against, as all the Democrats are expected to do, it would end in an 11-11 tie, and his nomination would not be favorable when delivered to the full Senate.

"If Mr. Martin were being put forth as a U.S. attorney for any district except the district where Jan. 6 happened," Tillis said Tuesday, "I'd probably support him, but not in this district."

Martin has used his interim office to investigate the D.C. office's efforts in regard to Jan. 6 cases, and he fired and demoted several federal prosecutors who worked on Capitol attack cases. Martin's connection with a Jan. 6 rioter who the Justice Department had called "an avowed white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer" also provoked concerns during his nomination process.

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Trump posted to his Truth Social account Monday in support of Martin, and connected him to the health of the entire country, that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told him that Martin's "approval is imperative in terms of doing all that has to be done to save lives and to, make America healthy again," although it is unclear how Trump has attached Martin to health services.

"This is a passion for Ed," continued Trump, "I hope, that the Republican Senators will make a commitment to his approval, which is now before them. Ed is coming up on the deadline for voting and, if approved, he will not let you down."

However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that Martin's nomination could be in jeopardy.

"I think that would suggest that he's probably not going to get out of committee," Thune told reporters Tuesday when asked about Tillis is opposed to Martin's confirmation.

Martin's term as interim U.S. attorney expires near the end of May.
An elementary school in West Hills was briefly put on lockdown after an attempted kidnapping of a toddler unfolded just off campus grounds, police confirmed to KTLA.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. when family members of a student at Enadia Way Elementary School were walking to the campus to pick up their children.

In a message to families, school and district officials said that a man wearing a hospital bracelet followed the family from Sherman Way onto Royer Avenue and tried to kidnap their toddler.

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Fortunately, the mothers were able to wrestle their child from his arms, officials said.

Terrified, the family ran to the school and sheltered inside the main office where 911 was immediately called.

Enadia Way Elementary School in West Hills. (LAUSD)

School officials initiated the lockdown, delaying dismissal of students until officers with the Los Angeles Police Department gave the all clear.

High school senior killed by alleged DUI driver in Manhattan Beach identified

Police said that during the approximately 40-minute lockdown, a man, described as a heavyset Hispanic male, standing around 5 feet 10 inches tall, was taken into custody in connection with the incident.

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Officials said during the incident, school staff and faculty followed the lockdown procedures and were in constant communication, as well as being in contact with district operations and police.

I regret that I was not able to inform parents during the lockdown, but my main priority was safety of the children and staff until the LAPD gave us the all clear and the increasing number of parents arriving for dismissal was complicating matters, the schools principal said in the message.

The lockdown has since been lifted, and all operations are back to normal.

LAPD said an investigation into the incident is ongoing and that no further details were available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Florida black bears can be found in almost half of Florida.

In some areas, especially in Southwest and Central Florida and along the Panhandle, there's a high density where bears spend "a considerable amount of time," according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Interaction between people and bears is rare, but it does happen. Bears can and have showed up even in populated areas like neighborhoods and Disney World, where a bear shut down a large portion of the Magic Kingdom in 2023.

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A Jerome, Florida, man, and a dog may have been killed May 5 by a bear. If the investigation confirms the suspicions, it will be the first death by bear attack in Florida, according to the FWC.

If you encounter a bear in your yard, can you kill it? Here's what you should know.

Florida law lets residents stand their ground against bears

In June 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the The Self Defense Act of 2024. It allows for the taking of bears, without any penalties, under specific circumstances.

HB 87 ensures Floridians have the right to protect themselves, their families and pets from bears. This bill is about self defense. No Floridians should have to worry about the consequences of killing a bear when they, or their loved ones, are in danger, Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, told the USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida in 2024.

Can you shoot a bear in Florida?

The 2024 law allows "for the taking of bears, use of lethal force" if a person:

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The law does not allow someone who killed a bear to "possess, sell, or dispose" the dead bear or its parts. The FWC is charged with disposing of the bear.

Fines for violating the law's provisions can be $5,000.

Read HB 87 in its entirety

Florida bear attack in Collier County: Man, dog killed

Florida wildlife officials hauled a dead bear from the woods shortly before 9 p.m. May 5, more than 12 hours after Robert Markel and a dog were found dead in Jerome, a rural community south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Collier County.

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The bear and DNA from the scene will be sent to Gainesville for testing. Officials did not confirm the bear was the one involved in the attacks.

If the ongoing investigation confirms Markel was mauled by the suspected bear, it would be the first death by bear attack in Florida.

What to do if you encounter a bear in Florida?

FWC recommends the following if you encounter a bear in Florida:

From a distance:

Enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear, if your presence changes the bear's behavior you are too close

At close range:

Remain standing upright

Speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice

Back up slowly toward a secure area, be sure you are leaving the bear a clear escape route

Avoid direct eye contact. Bears and other animals may view this as aggressive behavior

Stop and hold your ground if your movement away seems to irritate instead of calm the bear

What should you do if a bear attacks you?

Fight back aggressively.

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People have successfully fended off black bear attacks using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands, according to FWC.

Will black bear hunt be held in Florida?

The FWC had three virtual public feedback meetings in April for the return of a bear hunt in Florida.

The draft of the proposal that will be presented to commissioners is expected to be ready for public review by Wednesday, May 7.

The proposal indicates 55 bears will be permitted for harvest from Lee, Collier and Hendry counties.

The last black bear hunt happened a decade ago, but the planned seven-day hunt was shut down at the end of the second day after nearly 300 bears were killed.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Can you shoot a bear in Florida? What to know about self defense law
ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the fuel tanker explosion that took place last week in Pakistan's southwest Noshki district has risen to 20 after several critically injured victims succumbed to their burn injuries, local police said on Tuesday.

According to police, 17 of the critically injured victims died over the past four days while undergoing treatment at Liaquat National Hospital in Karachi, the country's southern port city.

The explosion occurred on April 28 in Noshki, a district in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, after a tanker carrying petrol caught fire during welding repairs.

The explosion initially claimed the life of the tanker driver and left more than 60 people injured, many of whom sustained severe burns covering 70 to 80 percent of their bodies.

Due to limited healthcare facilities in the area, the provincial government airlifted 24 critically injured patients to Karachi for specialized treatment.

In an attempt to prevent a major tragedy, the driver had moved the tanker away from the truck terminal. However, a crowd gathered near the isolated vehicle shortly before it exploded, engulfing the area in flames, including a fire tender that had responded to the blaze. 
The Scoop

A new candidate is jumping into Maines gubernatorial race with a name that should be very familiar to voters: Angus King III.

King III, the son of Maine Sen. Angus King, told Semafor that hes running to succeed term-limited Gov. Janet Mills in 2026. Unlike his independent father, King is running for the Democratic nomination  joining what should be a competitive primary in a state where Republicans (except Susan Collins) have struggled to win key races over the past eight years.

In an interview, King emphasized both his appeal as a political outsider; he has not served in elected office, and has focused his career on clean energy and housing. Hes also candid about his easy endorsement from one of the states most popular politicians: his father, who just won a third term in the Senate and served two terms as governor.

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Thats a little bit like asking Wayne Gretzkys kid as he steps out on the ice: Do you think it helped you to have Wayne Gretzky as your dad? The answer is: Of course, King told Semafor when asked about the role of his fathers support.

He taught me how to bring people together, how to focus on what weve got in common, King added. Those are important pieces of who I am and how Id behave as governor.

Kings nickname as a child was Goose, though he said only people hes known for a long time call him by that name and added that unfortunately, pretty much everyone calls me Angus  just like his dad. Thats going to make for some pretty confusing times in Maine politics.

As for Mills, King said she has done a good job  and through some tough circumstances as governor. Mills became a national name after she publicly tangled with President Donald Trump over his efforts to bar transgender athletes from high school sports; Mills told Trump, See you in court, after he asked her to comply with his order.

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Asked for his view on the fight, King replied: Thats a complicated issue. As a parent, I understand why its such a hard issue. What I also understand, though, very deeply, is there is no circumstance where an adult should be bullying a kid. Thats just wrong. And I think weve got to solve these kinds of issues in a more constructive way.

Know More

Kings launch video emphasizes what hes built  and doesnt even mention Trump. He describes himself as pragmatic, moderate, and said though he dislikes political labels, I am a Democrat. That label, Im pretty comfortable with.

Asked how he might handle Trump, who threatened to freeze food funding slated for Maine schools, King said that if hes elected, hed work with Trump to improve the state, but that the role of the governor is both to serve but also to protect the people in the state of Maine. And if the president stands in the way of that, Ill stand up to him.

What President Trump is doing right now in the state of Maine  or attempted  frankly, is unprecedented, King III said. You could be an Independent or a Republican, or you could live in outer space. You would know its just not right to play politics with kids school lunches.

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The Trump administration and the state reached a deal resolving the food funding row last week.

Its far too early to figure out where King starts in a race thats still forming. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is already in the race, and several other well-known Democrats are weighing bids, including Rep. Jared Golden, a centrist Democrat who has experience winning over Trump voters. King III declined to comment on Golden.

Were going to have a great primary. I think there are people, some who have announced, some who I think are about to, whove had long careers in Augusta, King said. Im an outsider.

Notable
The November 2026 race for Wisconsin governor has its first confirmed candidate from a major political party: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.

Schoemann formally launched his campaign May 4 in West Bend after filing paperwork days earlier. He's the first Republican to announce a run for the seat held by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who hasn't yet said if he'll seek reelection.

Republican Josh Schoemann, the Washington County executive, announced he's running for governor on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Elderberry Manor in West Bend. He's the first candidate from a major party to become a candidate in the 2026 race.

In a video launching his campaign, Schoemann focused on issues like homeownership for young families, supporting small businesses, building infrastructure and reducing government spending and bureaucracy.

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"I can't promise you that we'll always agree, but I can promise you no one will ever outwork me to serve you," Schoemann said. "You deserve nothing less, because after all, we're neighbors."

Here's what to know about Schoemann, the first Republican to declare a run for governor:

How do you pronounce Josh Schoemann's last name?

Schoemann pronounces his last name SHOW-men.

What is Josh Schoemann's political experience?

Schoemann was elected Washington County executive in 2020, a first-time role in the county. He ran unopposed and won a second term in 2024. For six years prior, he served as county administrator and manager.

On his campaign website, Schoemann touts cutting property taxes by $1 million, reducing county staff by about 25% and expanding services like public safety and mental health. As county executive, he opposed mask mandates and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Schoemann's website says he "led the fight for election integrity," including funding a county-wide election audit and grants for extended early voting hours "so Madison and Milwaukee cant run up the score."

Each local government in Wisconsin sets its own hours and locations for early voting  Milwaukee and Madison offer multiple early voting locations, rather than one town or village hall like many suburban communities.

What is Josh Schoemann's military background?

Schoemann served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, according to this county executive bio. He earned an Army Commendation Medal during his tour and received an honorable discharge in 2008 from the Army National Guard.

Before serving in the military, Schoemann worked as a janitor in local schools and at Gib's on the Lake in Kewaunee County, according to his campaign video.

What is Josh Schoemann's platform?

Schoemann's website lists priorities like cutting waste and bureaucracy in government, ending "woke overreach" in education, launching statewide initiatives to promote community service and promoting mental and physical health for veterans and first responders.

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At his campaign launch, Schoemann criticized several of Evers' actions, including vetoing a bill that would reverse changes to the state's test scores, crafting school funding increases for 400 years and issuing guidance to federal employees who encounter federal immigration officials.

Republican Josh Schoemann, left, kisses his wife, Jodi, who introduced him at a rally where he announced he's running for governor on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Elderberry Manor in West Bend.

How old is Josh Schoemann?

Schoemann is 43.

Who is in Josh Schoemann's family?

Schoemann and his wife, Jodi, have two sons, Cael and Drake. They have two dogs, Liberty and Sconnie.

Where did Josh Schoemann go to college?

Schoemann earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, according to his LinkedIn profile, and a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.

Where is Josh Schoemann from?

Schoemann was born in Hartford, about 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, and now lives on a farm in Trenton. Schoemann's father was a Lutheran minister, and the family moved to small towns across Wisconsin, according to his campaign video.

Did Washington County vote for Donald Trump?

As some Milwaukee suburbs shift blue, Washington County remains solidly red. President Donald Trump won Washington County in 2024, taking about 68% of the vote, compared with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' 31%.

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That 36-point margin was Trump's highest in the three "WOW" counties  Trump's margin was 20 points in Waukesha County and 11 points in Ozaukee County.

In the state Supreme Court election, Washington County voted 66% for conservative candidate Brad Schimel and 34% for liberal candidate  and winner  Susan Crawford.

Ten counties flipped from Trump to Crawford in April, but Washington wasn't one of them. Schimel's margin was highest in Washington County compared with Waukesha and Ozaukee counties.

Does Josh Schoemann support Trump?

Schoemann didn't explicitly back Trump during his campaign launch speech, but referenced the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

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"President Trump has renewed the call for us to fight, fight, fight," Schoemann said, leading attendees in the chant.

What are Democrats saying about Josh Schoemann?

Democratic Party of Wisconsin executive director Sarah Abel characterized Schoemann as a "far-right Republican" that voters have rejected before.

"He has railed against funding for our public schools and continues to stand by Donald Trump and Elon Musk as they wreck the economy, force new tariff taxes and raise costs for consumers, gut health care for working families," Abel said.

"The last thing Wisconsin needs is another Donald Trump puppet at the helm who will undo all the progress weve made since 2018," she said, referring to the year Evers was elected governor.

Who else is running for governor in Wisconsin?

Evers hasn't said if he'll seek a third term. He's expected to announce his decision after the state budget is finalized sometime this summer, but it could come later in 2025. If Evers decides not to seek reelection, it'll likely kick off a competitive Democratic primary.

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Other Republicans are eyeing the seat. That includes Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman and Navy SEAL veteran Bill Berrien, who formed a political action committee in April. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany is also considering a run.

Alexander Kent from La Crosse also registered a campaign for governor as an independent candidate. Kent registered the committee under the name "Voter Directed Democracy," which is the title of a book he authored.

More: What will Wisconsin vote for in the 2026 elections? Supreme Court, governor's races will soon take shape

This story was updated to add a gallery.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Josh Schoemann, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor?
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  From Oscar winners to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and everything in between, the 2025 Knoxville Fanboy Expo will have no shortage of stars on offer this summer.

The event which brings well-known personalities from TV, movies, sports, comics, and more will return to the Knoxville Convention Center from July 11 to 13.

Repair work begins on Gay Street Bridge to restore pedestrian access

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Topping the list is Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and KISS Co-founder Gene Simmons, who will appear at the first two days of the event. Former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick will also be in attendance.

Fans of TV and movies will be lining up for many of the actors set to attend this years edition. The legendary William Shatner returns along with Academy Award winner Helen Hunt and Golden Globe Award recipient Alec Baldwin. Other notable actors include Billy Dee Williams, Elijah Wood of The Lord of the Rings, and Smallville star Tom Welling.

Lorraine Bracco, best known for her role as Dr. Jennifer Melfi on The Sopranos, and Gianni Russo from the iconic film The Godfather will be on hand to meet and greet fans of gangster movies and television. Cast members from shows like M*A*S*H, Dallas, Threes Company, Reno 911!, Bones, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer will all be there.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

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Wrestling fans can meet Kevin Von Erich of the famed Von Erich family, the subject of the 2023 hit movie The Iron Claw. WWE commentating greats Jim Ross and Jerry The King Lawler are also headed to Knoxville.

Visit fanboyexpo.com/knoxville for a complete list of celebrity guests and ticket information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has begun threatening Ukraine with an "adequate response" if it continues strikes during the so-called "three-day truce" unilaterally declared by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin in honour of Victory Day. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May  ed.]

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti

Details: Peskov stated that Putins "initiative" for a "truce" remains in effect and that the Kremlin leader supposedly gave the relevant order.

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He said Russian forces are to cease fire, but if there is no "reciprocity" and attempts to strike Russian positions or facilities continue, there will be an "adequate response" immediately.

Background:

The Kremlin reported that Putin had unilaterally declared a "truce" to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Putins statement regarding a "truce" from 8 to 10 May and stated that Ukraine needs not a temporary "truce" for the sake of a parade in Moscow but a full and immediate cessation of hostilities for at least 30 days.

US President Donald Trump said that Putins proposal for a so-called "three-day truce" is "a lot" compared to what was offered previously.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Kristen Vincent has nearly completed her 3rd year teaching 2nd grade at Tommy Smith Elementary.

Consistently exuding positivity and kindness to all, Vincent knows she has truly found her calling in life and a home.

I love working at Tommy Smith. Its honestly like working with a family dynamic, said Vincent. Everybody is super supportive and is here to help one another, no matter what, at the drop of a hat. Its just like working at Disneyland every day, honestly.

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Her co-workers say the reason why the school feels like Disneyland is all thanks to Vincent.

Kristen really is a shining light at our school, added Tommy Smith Elementary School Media Specialist Wendy Blundon. Shes always checking in on everyone. She makes sure everyone is having a good day. She just touches base, she communicates great, and shes just a great person to be around and to work with.

Lynn Haven Elementary counselor brings sunshine and encouragement to all

Vincent makes it a point to get on her students level.

Some of the most effective ways to do that is by incorporating interactive activities into her lessons.

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I like to incorporate real-world activities as well as hands-on activities with my teaching, because I feel like if kids are playing, theyre learning, said Vincent. You have to meet their needs and where their understanding is because they are kids. So, making learning, engaging, and fun is my number one priority.

All in all, those around Kristen truly love and appreciate working alongside her.

Kristen is kind, shes compassionate, she is loving and friendly, added Blundon. Shes just an all-around great teacher.

That is why Kristen Vincent is a Class Act.

If there is someone who you think is a Class Act, dont wait to nominate them today.

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All Panhandle school employees are eligible for this award.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tuesdays Top Stories

Tuesdays Five Facts

[1] Flooding for parts of New Mexico & chilly weather  Rain activity with high-elevation snow is widespread across Northern New Mexico with some strong thunderstorms in Eastern New Mexico. Daytime thunderstorms, although less potent, will form today. While temperatures will only reach the 30s to the low 50s for most northern areas, it will range from the upper 50s to the low 70s elsewhere. Leftover showers and high-elevation snow in the northern mountains are in store tomorrow, but conditions will eventually clear out with warmer air being accompanied by drier air to end of the week.

[2] Millions in opioid settlement funding allocated by Albuquerque City Council  Albuquerque City Councilors made a decision at Mondays city council meeting on how they will spend the millions of dollars awarded to the city from a settlement with major opioid companies. The more than $4.5 million will be used to expand the citys services for residents going through substance abuse disorders. The funds will support the first responder receiving area, a medical sobering center and micro-community recovery housing. In addition, the city will provide recovery housing options to people transitioning from incarceration.

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[3] Hobbs Police Department officer-involved shooting  New Mexico State Police are searching for a man they say was involved in a shooting with Hobbs Police. NMSP says Hobbs police officers attempted to stop a truck early Monday morning. They says the driver, identified as Justin Williams, attempted to flee before being stopped by police again at a different location. A press release says Williams attempted another getaway, striking an officers patrol unit with his truck. At least one officer fired their weapon as Williams got away. Anyone who may know the location of Williams is asked to contact police.

[4] City of Albuquerque unveils redevelopment plan for downtown  The City of Albuquerque has finalized its plan to revitalize downtown. The plan outlines what the city should change, such as adding more trees for shade, widening sidewalks and installing more art. The plan also includes using vacant buildings as pop-up shops and temporary retails stores and adding more way-finding kiosks to help people find parking.

[5] Students pursing trade careers highlighted by Valley High School  Valley High School in Albuquerque hosted a signing day event for its seniors who are committing to apprenticeships in trades such as mechanics, carpentry, welding and more. The event commemorated the students completion of three to four years in the schools Pathways program. The program allows students to participate in hands-on training in trades while earning their diplomas.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VATICAN CITY (KETK)  East Texas radio host and owner of KTBB Paul Gleiser is in Vatican City this week covering the start of the Papal Conclave on Wednesday.

IN FOCUS: Following the legacy of Pope Francis

The Catholic Churchs College of Cardinals will meet on Wednesday to begin their process of voting on a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.

The conclave could last weeks as the cardinals weigh different candidates from among their ranks. Gleiser spoke with Father Thomas Reese who said Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin is a leading candidate.

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Thomas added that predictions about how long the conclave could take or who will be elected are often wrong.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As the air defense missile stocks run low and the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine grows increasingly uncertain, Kyiv is under pressure to defend its sky.

The concerns mount as Russia scales up its aerial attacks across Ukraine, combining ballistic missiles and drones to overwhelm air defenses. Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, are "definitely facing a shortage of (air defense) missiles," a source in the Air Force told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said that Russia has "radically changed" its tactics by targeting central Ukraine with ballistic missiles  instead of cruise missiles  such as Iskanders and upgraded North Korean variants.

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"That's an entirely different level of threat," Khrapchynskyi told the Kyiv Independent.

While Kyiv remains the most protected city in Ukraine with the most prestigious Western air defense systems, the U.S.'s future steps and the worldwide shortage of air defense missiles due to their cost may impact its ability to protect civilians all over Ukraine, including the capital.

Among the most capable Western-provided air defense missiles manning Kyiv's sky is the U.S.-made Patriot, which the U.S. confirmed had been used to shoot down the first Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missile in May 2023.

The Patriot air defense systems have proved to be a game-changer for Ukraine, whose Air Force previously have had to rely on outdated Soviet-era versions to shoot down aerial targets.

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Ukraine currently has only eight Patriot systems, two of which are currently not in service, according to the New York Times, which also reported that an additional Patriot system is on its way to Ukraine from Israel as part of a previously arranged commitment.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in April that Ukraine is ready to purchase additional air defense systems to protect its sky better.

Patriot systems are seen at a military training area of Air Defence Missile Group 21 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, on May 29, 2024. (Bernd Wustneck / Picture Alliance via Getty Images)

The equipment  and most importantly, the ammunition  are limited in number to effectively use the mobile surface-to-air system for countering ballistic and cruise missiles, forcing Ukraine to conserve them even when Kyiv is under heavy attack, according to military experts interviewed.

Ukraine would ideally need at least two Patriot systems for every major city, such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro.

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Ukraine has to move its six operational Patriot systems, provided by Western allies over time, across the country to defend the sky from Russian missiles and drones, according to Ukrainian aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap.

Ukraine would ideally need at least two Patriot systems for every major city, such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro, to "more or less reliably" defend it using two radars to detect aerial threats, Kryvolap said.

There are seven cities across the country with a population of over 500,000 people, excluding Russian-occupied territories.

In a plea to Western allies to help defend civilians, Zelensky has repeatedly asked for more Patriots and ammunition for them. Details about the remaining missile stock remain unknown, as Kyiv has tightly guarded the information for operational security.

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The shortage of Patriot missiles persists worldwide, as production is complicated and expensive. Kryvolap said that the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin can only produce about 500 a year, which wouldn't be sufficient even if all the produced ammunition were allocated to Ukraine.

The company was awarded a government contract to increase the production of PAC-3 interceptors to 650 missiles per year in 2027.

Read also: Panic, screams, dead everywhere  Sumy in shock after double-tap missile attack kills 35

Kryvolap stressed that at least two Patriot missiles are needed to intercept a ballistic missile with "a more or less high probability."

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Meanwhile, Russia constantly attempts to improve its ballistic missiles, posing additional challenges for Ukraine, according to the Air Force. "The enemy is still modernizing ballistic missiles," its spokesman, Yuriy Ihnat, said in April.

Aviation expert Khrapchynskyi pointed out that the interceptor shortage had already become "critical" in 2024 when the delay in Western aid delivery coincided with Russia's deployment of a new combination tactic using Shahed-type drones, ballistic missiles, Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles.

Remains of a Russian Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile are displayed at an exhibition showing debris from missiles and drones used by Russia to attack Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 12, 2023. Fragments of various types of weapons are being studied at the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise. (Oleksii Samsonov / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

"We're facing a shortage of interceptors, limited coverage, and no system can hold out for long without constant resupply," Khrapchynskyi told the Kyiv Independent, underscoring that Ukraine would need at least eight or nine Patriot batteries in total, including at least three just for Kyiv.

"But even the best system is still just a platform. Without missiles, it's just blinking lights," he added.

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The sheer number of Russian attacks using ballistic missiles, which are "complex, fast, and often upgraded," have forced Ukraine into an increasingly tough situation, especially with the persisting risk that the U.S. could cut off its military aid to Kyiv again, according to the expert.

Ukraine's air defense capability would likely be the first to suffer should the U.S. withdraw from its military aid again, which could happen "in a matter of weeks," according to John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Defending cities against Russian and North Korean ballistic missiles without the Patriot interceptors would be "really hard," especially now with a larger number getting through, Hardie said.

The situation could get worse if Russia were to launch a prolonged and sustained missile campaign on Kyiv, launching 10 to 30 missiles a day for a few weeks with small intervals, especially from areas up north, such as Bryansk Oblast or Belarus, according to Polish military analyst Konrad Myzyka, director of the Poland-based Rochan military consultancy.

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Myzyka expects Kyiv's interception rate of ballistic missiles to decrease if Russia manages to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses.

The decrease in interception rates is, in turn, an increase in civilian lives lost.

Read also: Kyiv teenagers mourn their friend killed by Russian missile (PHOTOS)

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
For the Los Angeles County Fire Department, its a clear red line: firefighters cannot assault their neighbors.

That's why the department fired Adam Clint, a longtime Santa Clarita fire captain, whose heated off-duty dispute with a man a few doors down landed him with a felony assault conviction.

"By assaulting your neighbor and being convicted of a felony, you engaged in conduct unbecoming a fire captain," Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Ewald wrote in a January 2023 termination letter. "Your misconduct embarrassed and discredited the Department."

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But the Fire Department may soon have to take Clint back.

In February, the L.A. County Civil Service Commission voted unanimously to reinstate Clint, 51, and award him more than two years of back pay.

The commissioners found that there wasn't enough evidence to support accusations that Clint called his neighbor, who is Black, the N-word and brandished a gun before knocking him to the ground. They also found that Clint was stressed by the "aggressive" demeanor and "threatening" words of the neighbor, Robert Pope.

"His misconduct on July 3, 2021 was an isolated, uncharacteristic lapse in judgment not likely to be repeated," the commission's hearing officer wrote in his report, which recommended downgrading Clint's punishment to a 30-day suspension.

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The Fire Department is appealing the decision, filing a petition in L.A. County Superior Court on April 14 stating that it was "well within the Department's discretion" to fire Clint. It is unclear where Clint, who took home $295,000, including benefits, the year of the assault, would be assigned if he returns to the department.

Steve Haney, Clint's attorney, said his client feels deep remorse for hitting Pope but denies ever pointing a gun or calling him a racial slur. A judge reduced Clint's felony assault conviction to a misdemeanor, which was later expunged from his record.

"The guy doesnt have a racist bone in his body," said Haney, who questioned why the county was spending money on outside lawyers to keep Clint out of a job. "It's a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money."

In the last four years, the civil service commission has forced department heads to take back dozens of workers they had tried to fire  including sheriff's deputies, probation staffers and social workers  costing the county millions in back pay, records show.

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Read more: A proposal to give civilians more say in LAPD's disciplinary system could end up more lenient on officers

Of the roughly 65 employees the commission has moved to reinstate since 2021, nearly two-thirds were peace officers from the Sheriff's or Probation departments, according to a review of the commission's minutes and annual reports.

The commission is made up of five members, each appointed by an L.A. County supervisor, who serve for $150 a meeting.

The city of Los Angeles has a similar commission, as well as Board of Rights panels for police officer discipline. The union that represents rank-and-file Los Angeles Police Department officers successfully pushed for the passage of a ballot measure allowing for more civilians on Board of Rights panels after a study showed that civilians were routinely more lenient on problem cops than their fellow police officers were.

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John Donner, president of the county civil service commission, said he and his colleagues typically agree with the departments' disciplinary decisions. He characterized the relationship between county departments and the commission as pretty civil. In 2023, the commission upheld roughly three out of four disciplinary decisions.

After Jim McDonnell became sheriff in 2014, he started suing to challenge the commission's reinstatements of deputies who had been fired for lying, saying he did not know where to assign a deputy who would lack the credibility to testify in court.

Robert Luna, who has been sheriff since 2022, has not filed any petitions contesting the commission's decisions regarding his deputies, court records show.

Read more: L.A. County sheriff's deputies who lied continue to draw paychecks

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Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa has fought in court to overturn two commission decisions.

One involved an employee fired in 2021 for buying a lobster lunch for a minor who wasnt on her caseload and repeatedly visiting an imprisoned gang member without approval. A judge ordered the commission in April to reconsider that decision. In the other case, which is ongoing, a deputy was fired in 2019 after video footage showed he lied about a minor beating him up.

In 2022, the commission brought back probation bureau chief Hellen Carter, who was fired, in part, for lying to colleagues about being a psychiatrist, a coroner, a Pro Bass fisherman, a trauma surgeon, an Olympic swimmer, an acrobatic pilot and an Army vet who had lost 70% of her hearing from a bomb blast in Afghanistan, according to her disciplinary notice. The commission found that the decision to fire her was based on false and unreliable allegations.

The Probation Department sued to stop her reinstatement, saying she was a "blight and liability" and her behavior was "egregious and persistent (not quirky)." The department lost.

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Carter did not respond to an email. When she returned to the county in 2024, she collected more than half a million dollars in backpay, according to salary records.

The neighborhood spat spiraled out of control almost immediately.

On July 3, 2021, Pope's wife called him to say that Clint had just berated her for speeding on their Santa Clarita cul-de-sac.

Pope said he stopped by Clint's house, and the two got into a heated argument in the doorway, culminating with the captain pointing a gun at him and yelling to "get the f off my property," punctuated with a racial slur.

Clint went inside his house and reemerged with a gun, according to Pope. As Pope retreated to his car, where his two 14-year-old stepdaughters were waiting, Clint knocked him out from behind, leaving him on the ground until he regained consciousness, Pope said. He said he later discovered a footprint-shaped bruise on his back.

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Clint initially denied to sheriff's deputies that he had hit Pope, but later admitted to punching him in the head.

After giving a statement to the deputies that morning, Pope arrived at his sisters funeral, where he was supposed to be a pallbearer, just as everyone was leaving.

Tensions between Clint's and Pope's families worsened. In 2022, Clint sued Pope and his wife, Rozanna Avetyan, as well as L.A. County, arguing that the sheriff's deputies and fire officials were biased in favor of Pope based on his African American Ancestry. Clint also alleged in the lawsuit that he was not afforded due process, clearly due to his Caucasian race. The case was dismissed.

Pope sued a year later for battery. That case is ongoing.

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Pope and his wife said the family has struggled to move on from that day, becoming so reluctant to leave the house that they gave away their dogs so they wouldn't have to encounter Clint on walks. They eventually decided to move away.

I just dont understand how he got his job back, Pope said. It is just mind-blowing.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held phone talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the prevailing security situation in South Asia.

During the conversation, Sharif appreciated the UN chief's continued engagement and outreach efforts and welcomed his call for de-escalation as well as the need to avoid any confrontation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The Pakistani prime minister expressed his concern about India's "provocative rhetoric and war mongering".

He reiterated Pakistan's determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For his part, Guterres briefed Sharif on his efforts for peace and stability in the region, expressing his commitment to remain engaged with all interlocutors on the issue.

This was the second phone conversation between the two within a week.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22. 
Three people were hospitalized after a Los Angeles Police Department pursuit ended with a traffic crash in South Los Angeles on Monday.

What started the pursuit has not yet been disclosed, but it began just before 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of 87th Street and Central Avenue, according to Officer Im. The crash happened shortly thereafter.

Two vehicles, a white pickup truck and a dark-colored Honda hatchback, were visibly damaged and were still at the scene when Sky5 arrived.

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At least one person could be seen being loaded into an ambulance, though Im said ambulances were called for a total of two adults and one child.

Police have thus far declined to release more information.

Nidia Becerra 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Healthcare professionals rallied outside Sunrise Hospital on Monday, asking for improved working conditions amid ongoing contract negotiations.

Healthcare workers who spoke with 8 News Now said the hospitals refusal to meet their basic needs is threatening staff retention and compromising patient care across the region. They also told 8 News Now they want to see some accountability from the parent corporation, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).

We are the heart and soul of our hospital, and we matter, Medical Social Worker Genie Patrick said.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) workers stated that HCA Healthcare who owns Sunrise Hospital made $5.8 billion in profits last year, up nearly 10% from 2023.

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I dont know where that money is going, but its not going back to the patients or to the workers. We want better healthcare for our community, and I want HCA to step it up, Medical Social Worker Christina Hooper told 8 News Now.

The Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) provided 8 News Now with the following statement.

At Sunrise Health System, we believe a strong culture of respect and collaboration among our colleagues is critical to our mission. We value all members of our care teams, and we provide a safe environment for our patients. Since negotiations began last fall, we have bargained in good faith and we will continue to do so.  HCA Healthcare

There are nearly 300 Sunrise Hospital employees who told 8 News Now they want to work collaboratively with HCA to address their concerns, but if major progress is not made in union contract negotiations, they said they plan to hold a picket at the hospital.

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The local SEIU is the largest healthcare and public service union in Nevada, representing nearly 20,000 workers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge ordered a DNA test Monday in the paternity case of a sexual assault survivor who suspects his younger brother may be his son.

In 2015, Logan Gifford, who was 16 at the time, came forward to report sexual assault allegations involving his mother, Doreene Gifford, records said. Logan Gifford initially told police and later testified that his mother, Doreene Gifford, began sexually assaulting him when he was 10. Prosecutors alleged Doreene Gifford sexually assaulted her son for several years, later charging her with sexual assault with a minor and incest.

Doreene Gifford maintained her innocence and took an Alford plea on lesser charges, including attempted sex assault. An Alford plea, essentially a plea of no contest, means a defendant does not admit guilt, but believes prosecutors have enough evidence to convince a jury to convict.

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Earlier this year, Logan Gifford, who was caring for a younger sibling, filed a paternity case, asking a judge to order an advanced DNA test to determine who his brothers father is. On Monday, the judge issued the order for the test, Logan Gifford said.

The courts decision to order a DNA test marks a critical step forward in our journey toward truth, healing, and legal clarity, Logan Gifford said Monday. Its what weve been aiming for this whole time, and we appreciate the assistance weve received to get this far.

In late 2015, a Clark County judge sentenced Doreene Gifford to 8-20 years in prison, records said. The judge also ordered Doreene Gifford to register as a sex offender. The Nevada Parole Board granted Doreene Gifford parole last July. She was remanded into custody for a parole violation and later released, records said.

Before her sentencing in 2015, her attorney maintained his clients innocence.

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This decision is more than procedural, Logan Gifford said. It brings us closer to long-overdue answers and the possibility of medical direction and peace of mind for my brother, whose life has been affected by unanswered questions for far too long. I believe closure is now within reach for both of us. I also want to use this moment to call upon our broader community to begin an open and necessary conversation about the reform needed to support male survivors of sexual assault. We must commit to meaningful training for Child Protective Services (CPS) personnel to better identify and act on the subtle yet serious signs of family-based sexual abuse. Far too many suffer in silence due to systems that fail to recognize their pain.

It was not immediately clear Monday when the DNA test results would be available.

8 News Now does not identify sexual assault survivors unless they choose to publicly come forward. In that same regard, 8 News Now is not identifying Logan Giffords brother.

Resources:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: a service of RAINN: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

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Nevada Sexual Assault Support Services: 775-221-7600

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-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 KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge increased bail Monday to $1 million for the Las Vegas Metropolitan police sergeant charged in two separate criminal cases, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Sgt. Kevin Menon, 43, remained in custody Monday after Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel raised Menons bail and combined three cases into two. A different judge had set bail at $510,000 last month.

In his first case, the Clark County District Attorneys Office alleges Menon abused his power by creating fake scenarios that resulted in citizens, mainly Black men, being detained on the Las Vegas Strip.

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Police first arrested Menon on Aug. 30, 2024. Detectives said when they seized Menons electronic devices for that investigation, they found child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. This resulted in a second criminal case against Menon for child pornography-related charges.

In his third case, Menon allegedly set up recording devices in bathrooms in his home, prosecutors said. Natasha Menon and Tamara Russell, who live with Kevin Menon, insist they are not victims and submitted affidavits stating they were aware they were being recorded. In a previous hearing, a judge said she did not believe the women knew they were being recorded while using the toilet.

In court documents, Menon claims he tried to expose racism within the police department and that it is retaliating against him.

After his initial arrest, the department placed Menon on leave with pay and suspended his police powers pending an investigation. The department has since stopped paying him.

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It was not immediately clear if trials in the two cases would continue as scheduled 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 KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Southern Nevada Senior Law Program is offering free legal services to seniors across the valley through its monthly Ask-A-Lawyer Program.

Attorneys will meet with seniors and answer legal questions or assess a legal problem. The program aims to protect the rights, dignity, and independence of our most vulnerable through advocacy, education, and legal support.

At the Senior Law Program, we are able to make sure that they do not get taken advantage of, they dont get abused, and they can have their legal rights protected, Executive Director Diane Fearon said. [We offer] some immediate advice to that senior who doesnt know where to go or what to do.

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Seniors can receive free legal aid for estate planning, housing disputes, scams and fraud, and public benefits, among other pressing legal matters. Paul Thornton signed up for the Ask-A-Lawyer Program following his wifes death.

They talk about not only just the will as to who you want to be the beneficiary, Thornton said. They go over every detail. They make sure that you are leaving things to the people you want to. Its real comforting to know that my assets will go to the individuals that I have chosen to receive those.

Supervising attorney Chelsea Crowton has met with dozens of seniors throughout the program. She said the three most common issues are estate planning, elder exploitation, and scams, as well as consumer concerns.

Contract dispute, landlords, any type of merchant disputes, were resolving that in favor of the seniors, Crowton said.

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The Ask-A-Lawyer program brings Senior Law Program attorneys to select senior centers one day each month for four-hour sessions. Seniors can schedule free 30-minute consultations to discuss legal matters and receive critical legal guidance. If additional legal assistance is needed, the attorney will help schedule a follow-up appointment at SLPs office.

[Those five senior centers] serve a variety of needs where were dealing with seniors who are facing economic issues, housing instability, and food insecurity, Crowton said.

Southern Nevada Senior Law Program aims to ensure Southern Nevada seniors have access to the justice they deserve.

Its a pleasure to come into a place where they treat you, especially as a senior, as a human being, Thornton said.

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The free legal services are available at the following community centers:

Cora Coleman Senior Center (Clark County Parks & Recreation)

Doolittle Community Center (City of Las Vegas)

Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center (City of North Las Vegas)

West Flamingo Senior Center (Clark County Parks & Recreation)

Downtown Senior Center (City of Henderson)

Appointments are required and seniors are encouraged to contact their local centers program coordinator to schedule a consultation. For more information, visit Southern Nevada Senior Law Program  Empowering Seniors Through No-Cost Legal 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 KLAS.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced off in the Oval Office on Tuesday and showed no signs of retreating from their gaping differences in an ongoing trade war that has shattered decades of trust between the two countries.

The two kept it civil, but as for Trumps calls to make Canada the 51st state, Carney insisted his nation was not for sale and Trump shot back, time will tell.

The Latest:

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Carney brought golf gifts for Trump to White House meeting

The gifts Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney brought for the U.S. president included a Kananaskis Country Golf Course hat and some other golf gear from the resort, where Canada is set to host a G7 meeting in June.

Carney says he looks forward to welcoming Trump at the G7 summit.

2 judges shoot down Trumps use of 18th century wartime act

District Court Judges Alvin K. Hellerstein in New York and Charlotte N. Sweeney in Denver both ruled Tuesday that Trump improperly invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. They said he couldnt use the provision to designate a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, as a foreign invader.

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TdA may well be engaged in narcotics trafficking, but that is a criminal matter, not an invasion or predatory incursion, Hellerstein wrote.

The judges barred deportations from New York and Colorado under the provision. Another federal judge in South Texas prohibited removals from that area last week in a similar ruling.

US officials will meet with Chinese counterparts amid trade war

Top U.S. officials are set to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend in Switzerland, the administration announced Tuesday.

Its the first major talks between the two nations since Trump sparked a trade war between the two powers with stiff tariffs on imports.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their counterparts in Geneva in the most-senior known conversations between the countries in months. It comes amid growing U.S. market worry over the impact of the tariffs on the prices and supply of consumer goods.

Trump had claimed previously that the U.S. and China were holding negotiations on lowering tariffs, which Beijing has denied, saying Trump must first lower his stiff tariffs.

Officials say visitors to the US are welcome during the World Cup  at least to a point

Vice President JD Vance appeared with Trump and other top administration officials at a White House event trumpeting the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

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After Trump suggested foreigners traveling to the U.S. would have a seamless experience during every part of their visit, Vance added, Of course everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event.

But then the vice president added, I know well have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game. But, when the time is up, theyll have to go home. Otherwise, theyll have to talk to Secretary Noem.

That was a reference to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who also attended the event and has led the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added, Go on a road trip, see America, dont overstay your visa.

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Treasury secretary to meet with Swiss officials

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will travel to Switzerland Thursday for meetings with Swiss officials, according to a Treasury statement.

Treasury states that Bessent will also meet with Chinas lead representative on economic matters. Earlier in the day he testified on Capitol Hill to a House committee that the U.S. had not yet begun negotiations on tariffs with China.

I look forward to productive talks as we work towards rebalancing the international economic system towards better serving the interests of the United States, Bessent said.

Trump displays little awareness of possible trade deal with UK

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Asked about reports that Trumps team was reaching a deal that would limit the tariffs on goods from the United Kingdom, the president showed no awareness of the potential terms.

Theyre offering us concessions? Trump told reporters. I hope so. ... They do want to make a deal very badly.

Trump has previously said that his leverage in talks would be U.S. consumers, but he also appeared to suggest on Tuesday that foreign countries would also start buying more American-made goods.

I think that the United Kingdom, like every other country, they want to, they want to be, go shopping in the United States of America.

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Trump said he hopes fighting between India and Pakistan ends very quickly

When asked about the airstrikes India launched in Pakistani-controlled territory, Trump said hed just heard about it an said, Its a shame.

I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past, Trump said. Theyve been fighting for a long time. Theyve been fighting for many, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you really think about it.

He added: I just hope it ends very quickly.

Trump says 3 hostages held by Hamas have died, leaving only 21 believed to be alive

As of today, its 21, three have died, Trump said of the hostages being held by Hamas. He added, Theres 21 plus a lot of dead bodies and that authorities were working to recover the remains of the deceased.

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The presidents comments came as Israel approved plans on Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time.

If implemented, the move would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition.

Costs racked up for now-halted US operation against Houthis

The costs of the U.S. munitions used against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen since March 15 totaled more than $750 million, a U.S. official said.

The Trump administration has dropped more than 2,000 munitions on more than 1,000 targets, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details on the strikes.

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Trump said earlier Tuesday that hes ordering a halt to the U.S. airstrikes.

The total is only a fraction of the overall price of the operation. It doesnt account for the costs of operating two aircraft carriers, their accompanying warships or the flight hours of the aircraft.

It also doesnt include the Houthis destroying seven U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, at a cost of more than $30 million apiece, or the loss of an F/A-18 fighter jet and tug from the carrier USS Harry S. Truman when it maneuvered to avoid a Houthi missile and the jet fell off the carrier.

___

Associated Press reporter Tara Copp contributed.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff sworn in

President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance participated in an Oval Office swearing-in ceremony for Witkoff, who is a senior adviser and special envoy for the president.

Witkoff, a lawyer and friend of Trumps, was initially brought in to help the administration on Middle East matters. But Witkoffs portfolio has expanded to helping end the Russia-Ukraine war as well as negotiating the release of hostages in Gaza and the return of a detained American.

Trump calls removing Russia from the G7 foolish, but says he wont push to restore its membership

Trump is noting that the G7, a group of the worlds leading industrialized democracies, used to be the G8 before Russias membership was revoked.

Trump was asked by reporters whether he might want to invite Russia to rejoin when the U.S. hosts the gathering later in his presidency. Trump referenced Russias previous involvement in the group, and added that then-President Barack Obama was among the world leaders who pushed to remove the country.

Trump said he thought that decision was very foolish because its a group of people sitting around a table. Ive done it many times with them and you get to know it.

He even suggested that excluding Russia helped sparked its invasion of Ukraine, saying, because of that, maybe, millions of people are dying.

But when asked if the U.S. would push to invite Russia when it hots the G7, Trump responded, No, its not good timing. The U.S. is due to host the gathering in 2027.

Trump says he isnt calling the new Canadian prime minister a governor

Trump says he has yet to give Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the same governor nickname that he placed on Justin Trudeau, Carneys predecessor. The nickname was a slight meant to imply that Canadas leader would eventually be just one of many U.S. governors.

As far as calling him Gov. Carney, no, I havent done that yet, and maybe I wont, Trump said. I did have a lot of fun with Trudeau. But I think this is, this is a big step. Its a good step up for Canada.

Trump added that the Tuesday meeting with Carney had been great and that he thought the ongoing relationship would be strong.

Senators troubled over delivery of health care to Native Americans and Alaska Natives

In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the bipartisan trio of Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, expressed deep concerns over federal actions that diminish the quality of and access to health care at the Indian Health Service.

The senators said that while the IHS was itself exempt from a federal hiring freeze, it has impacted other positions that help the service provide health care and continues to exacerbate existing clinical staffing issues. Last month, President Trump extended the hiring freeze to July.

The group also said it seems HHS was not taking substantial input from tribes on its actions, including the shifting of staff and services.

The three lawmakers called on Kennedy to reevaluate all actions that jeopardize delivery of any health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Kennedy met with tribal leaders last month and called the service a top priority.

Trump says overseas visitors coming for the World Cup will have a seamless experience in the US

Trump says fans traveling from abroad for the World Cup will have a seamless experience, despite skepticism from some around the globe that they may not be welcome in the U.S.

The president said his government will ensure that those traveling to America to watch the competition have a seamless experience during every part of their visit. Some overseas travelers have scrapped plans to come to the U.S. given the Trump administrations aggressive policies toward its allies and other nations.

But Trump insisted during a White House event celebrating the 2026 World Cup  which will be played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico  that officials were working to make the World Cup an unprecedented success.

He added that the 2026 World Cup will be the best-run soccer tournament the world has ever seen.

US business group opposes the White House possibly ending tax treaty with China

The U.S.-China Business Council wrote to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to express its deep concern over the White Houses plan to review whether to suspend or end a tax treaty with China that has prevented double taxation on U.S. companies.

Should the tax treaty be terminated, U.S. companies doing business in China could face potentially higher tax rates and greater compliance burden in China, lessening or eliminating profits, the council wrote in the letter dated May 1. Ending the tax treaty also would disadvantage U.S. companies competing with others in the Chinese market, the council wrote.

A Feb. 21 White House memo said the U.S. would use all necessary legal instruments to further deter United States persons from investing in Chinas military-industrial sector.

Declassified intelligence memo contradicts Trumps claims linking gang to Venezuelan government

A newly declassified U.S. intelligence assessment finds no evidence of coordination between the Tren de Aragua gang and senior Venezuelan officials.

The redacted memo contradicts statements that the Trump administration has used to justify invoking the Alien Enemies Act and deporting Venezuelan immigrants it has labeled gang members.

While Venezuelas permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States, the memo says.

A spokesperson for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard rejected suggestions that the assessment contradicted Trump and noted the assessment did find links between the gang and mid- to lower-level Venezuelan officials.

 Read the full memo here

Carney describes meeting with Trump as constructive, but its just a start

Carney says he feels better about his countrys relations with the United States after meeting with Trump, but he didnt see one meeting resolving the issues set off by Trumps tariff hikes.

I wouldnt have expected white smoke coming out of this meeting, Carney told reporters after the Tuesday meeting, referencing the signal that a new pope has been selected.

Asked whether Carney had asked Trump to stop calling Canada the 51st U.S. state, Carney replied, Yes, today. As to whether Trump would stop the rhetoric, Carney said, I dont know. Hes the president. Hes his own person.

Trump is set to participate in a FIFA task force meeting

President Trump created the task force to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the globes premier soccer tournament to North America at a time when his on-again, off-again tariffs have ratcheted up tensions across the continent.

The task force, which Trump will chair, will coordinate the federal governments security and planning for the tournament, which is expected to draw millions of tourists to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 48-team tournament will pose challenges to the federal government when it comes to awarding visas to the players, officials and more than a million fans expected to visit.

Carney acknowledges uncomfortable body language with Trump

Asked about his at-times-uncomfortable body language during his meeting with Trump, Carney said: Im glad that you couldnt tell what was going through my mind.

Carney at times appeared to be looking at the floor and occasionally struggled to get a word in during his Oval Office meeting with Trump  even sometimes raising his hand.

Asked about that by reporters afterward, the prime minister said, Ive been careful always to distinguish between wish and reality.

Carney noted that Trump again referenced the idea that Canada could somehow become the 51st U.S. state. Carney said afterward he personally made it clear Canada wasnt for sale and said it was never going to happen.

I look forward and not back, and I think we established a good basis today, Carney said.

Carney calls talks with Trump wide-ranging and very constructive

In comments to reporters at the Canadian embassy in Washington after the closed-door meetings, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesdays talks marked the end of the beginning of the U.S. and Canada redefining their joint cooperative relationship.

The prime minister said now is the time to build both at home and overseas, including with the U.S.

Judge bars Trump administration from shrinking 3 agencies

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from dramatically shrinking the agencies, which fund libraries across the U.S., settle labor disputes with public sector workers and support state business contracting programs.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island said Trump cannot unilaterally end the funding and programs for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. All three agencies were established by Congress.

Trumps March 14 executive order directing them to cut as many staffers and programs as legally possible was arbitrary and capricious, McConnell wrote in Tuesdays order.

It also disregards the fundamental constitutional role of each of the branches of our federal government; specifically, it ignores the unshakable principles that Congress makes the law and appropriates funds, and the Executive implements the law Congress enacted and spends the funds Congress appropriated.

Twenty-one states sued over the executive order.

Trump Pentagon nominee under scrutiny in hearing for partisan comments

A retired U.S. brigadier general who failed to get through the confirmation process in the first Trump administration got renewed scrutiny for his political and anti-Islamic social media posts during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday.

Anthony Tata, a staunch supporter of the president, has been nominated to become the defense undersecretary for personnel. He was criticized for tweets in 2018 calling Islam the most oppressive violent religion I know of, and calling former President Barack Obama a terrorist leader and referring to him as Muslim. The tweets were later taken down.

 Read more about the hearing

Senate confirms Wall Street veteran to lead Social Security Administration

Frank Bisignano will be taking over at a turbulent time for the agency, which provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans. He was confirmed in a 53-47 vote.

Bisignanos confirmation came after a monthslong series of announcements at the SSA of mass federal worker layoffs, cuts to programs, office closures and a planned cut to nationwide Social Security phone services, which were eventually walked back.

Many of the changes are driven by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who said this week that he is preparing to wind down his role with the administration.

The upheaval has made Social Security a major focus of Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, who said in his first public speech since leaving office that Trump has taken a hatchet to the program.

State Department disbanding the Office of Palestinian Affairs at the US Embassy in Jerusalem

The State Department said the office will be folded back into the broader diplomatic mission.

The move will restore the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the embassy that President Trump created during his first term after moving the embassy from Tel Aviv and then closing down the consulate in Jerusalem, which had served as the main U.S. point of outreach to the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Affairs Unit reported directly to the U.S. ambassador to Israel, a move that was reversed in President Joe Bidens administration, which formalized it into an office that stepped up engagement with the Palestinians and reported directly to State Department headquarters in Washington.

The United States remains committed to its historic relationship with Israel, bolstering Israels security and securing peace to create a better life for the entire region, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. She did not mention how the change would affect relations with the Palestinian Authority.

As Trump battles elite colleges, House GOP looks to hike endowment tax by tenfold or more

The president's feud with Americas elite universities is lending momentum to Republicans on Capitol Hill who want to increase a tax on wealthy college endowments by tenfold or more.

House Republicans already were considering a hike in the tax on college endowments earnings from 1.4% to 14% as part of Trumps tax bill. As the president raises the stakes in his fight with Harvard, Columbia and other Ivy League schools, lawmakers are floating raising the rate as high as 21% in line with the corporate tax rate. It appears no decisions have been made.

 Read more about college endowments

White House confirms review of Smithsonian museums has begun

The White House confirmed in a statement that a review of Smithsonian properties is underway after an executive order calling for the removal of improper ideology.

We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian museums to assess alignment with the directives outlined in the executive order, Lindsey Halligan, a special assistant to the president, said in a statement. We are committed to transparency and will share updates as the review progresses.

Officials did not elaborate on the details of how the review is being carried out.

A pastor and veteran of the Civil Rights movement who loaned books to the museum told The Associated Press that his items would be reviewed by a panel to determine whether they will remain at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Supreme Court allows Trump ban on transgender members of the military to take effect, for now

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trumps administration to enforce a ban on transgender people in the military, while legal challenges proceed.

The court acted in the dispute over a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service.

The courts three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold.

Just after beginning his second term in January, Trump moved aggressively to roll back the rights of transgender people. Among the Republican presidents actions was an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life, and is harmful to military readiness.

Critic of drug industry and COVID-19 measures to lead FDA vaccine program

Dr. Vinay Prasad, a prominent critic of the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration, has been named to oversee the health agencys program for vaccines and biotech drugs.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced the appointment Tuesday in a message to agency staff, praising Prasads long and distinguished history in medicine.

Prasad is the latest in a series of medical contrarians and critics of COVID-19 measures to join the federal government under President Trump.

Unlike political roles such as FDA commissioner, the job Prasad is stepping into has traditionally been held by an FDA career scientist. His appointment raises new questions about whether vaccines and other new therapies will face additional scrutiny from regulators.

Prasad replaces Dr. Peter Marks, FDAs longtime vaccine chief who resigned in March after clashing with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over concerns about the safety of vaccinations.

Rwanda says its talking with the US about taking in third-country deportees. Heres why

Rwanda drew international attention, and some outrage, by agreeing to take in Britains rejected asylum-seekers in a plan that collapsed last year. Now Rwanda says it is talking with the Trump administration about a similar idea  and it might find more success.

The negotiations mark an expansion in U.S. efforts to deport people to countries other than their own. It has sent hundreds of Venezuelans and others to Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama but has yet to announce any major deals with governments in Africa, Asia or Europe.

Rwanda has argued that despite being one of Africas most densely populated countries, it has space to help alleviate what many countries in Europe  and the United States  consider to be a growing problem with unwanted migrants.

 Read more about Rwanda and third-country deportees

US trade deficit hits record high as businesses, consumers try to get ahead of Trump tariffs

The U.S. trade deficit soared to a record $140.5 billion in March as consumers and businesses alike tried to get ahead of the presidents latest and most sweeping tariffs, with federal data showing an enormous stockpiling of pharmaceutical products.

The deficit  which measures the gap between the value of goods and services the U.S. sells abroad against what it buys  has roughly doubled over the last year. In March 2024, Commerce Department records show, that gap was just under $68.6 billion.

According to federal data released Tuesday, exports for goods and services totaled about $278.5 billion in March, while imports climbed to nearly $419 billion. Thats up $0.5 billion and $17.8 billion, respectively, from February trade.

Consumer goods led the imports surge  increasing by $22.5 billion in March. And pharma products in particular climbed $20.9 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis noted, signaling fears about future levies.

Key Republican says he wont back Trumps pick for top DC prosecutor because of Jan. 6 ties

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis says he has told the White House he will not support Ed Martin, Trump's pickfor top federal prosecutor in Washington, stalling the nomination in the Senate weeks before the temporary appointment expires.

The North Carolina Republican told reporters Tuesday that he met with Martin and opposes the nomination because of his defense of rioters who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Martin, a leading figure in Trumps campaign to overturn the 2020 election, spoke at a rally on the eve of the violent riot and represented defendants who were prosecuted for the attack.

We have to be very, very clear that what happened on Jan. 6th was wrong, Tillis said. It was not prompted. It was not prompted or created by other people to put those people in trouble. They made a stupid decision, and they disgraced the United States by absolutely destroying the Capitol.

Disabled workers have faced prejudice. Now they face DOGE firings

For decades the federal government has positioned itself as committed to inclusive hiring and long-term retention across agencies. But as mass layoffs ripple through the federal workforce under President Trumps administration, disabled employees are among those being let go.

Amid the firings, rollbacks of accommodation guidance for businesses and skepticism of disability inclusion practices, advocates and experts wonder if the governments status as a model employer will hold true.

Trump has said he ended diversity, equity and inclusion programs because people should be hired based on work quality and merit alone.

However, under Schedule A, candidates already have to be qualified for the position with or without an accommodation. They dont get a job solely because they have a disability.

Disability advocates point to a slew of statements from Trump administration officials that indicate they view disabled workers as a liability.

 Read more about disabled workers in government

Second judge rules that Trumps use of 18th century wartime act was improper

Trump used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for only the fourth time in history, declaring that a Venezuelan gang had invaded the United States and its alleged members could be deported without regular legal process.

A Trump-appointed judge in Texas last week ruled the act cant be used against a gang. On Tuesday, District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York came to the same conclusion.

The gang, Hellerstein wrote, may well be engaged in narcotics trafficking, but that is a criminal matter, not an invasion or predatory incursion.

The media is dismissed as Carneys White House visit continues

The appearance with Carney grew increasingly uncomfortable as it continued, with Trump repeatedly asserting that the United States has been subsidizing Canada.

But the meeting never devolved like an earlier encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

We had another little blow up with someone else, Trump said. This is a very friendly conversation.

Trump digs at Democrats during his meeting with Carney

Trump, a former real estate developer, offered during the meeting with Carney to help former President Barack Obama build his presidential library.

Obama left office in 2017. His library is under construction in Chicago. Trump said its taking too long and that, in and of itself, is bad for the presidency.

If he wanted help, Id give him help, Trump said of Obama. Im a really good builder.

Trump also criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom over a project to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco by rail, calling it the worst cost overrun Ive ever seen.

___

This entry has been updated to correct the year Obama left office to 2017, not 2009.

Carney finally gets a word in

As Trump went on a long aside about former President Barack Obamas presidential library and California water issues before veering back to trade, Carney kept trying to get a word in, raising his hand about half a dozen times to try to interject.

Trump kept talking as reporters fired questions, holding forth with extended answers.

When the Canadian leader finally got to speak, he addressed Trumps repeated needling about making Canada a 51st U.S. state and said, Respectfully, Canadians view on this is not going to change.

Trump talks more on tariffs

Trump continued his tough talk on tariffs, saying other countries need to deal with the United States.

They want a piece of our market, he said. We dont care about their market.

He also said that other nations think of us as a super luxury store, a store that has the goods.

Trump also said that China wants to meet for trade talks. He didnt offer details but asserted that the Chinese are not doing business and that ships full of goods from China are turning around the Pacific Ocean.

Friendly vibe shrouds Trumps meeting with Canadas new leader

Trump had a lot of praise for Carney, despite the presidents desire to make Canada the 51st state in the U.S.

He complimented Carney on winning election and said Carney had helped himself with the debate.

I think Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person, Trump said.

At another point, when asked concessions he wants from Canada, Trump replied, friendship.

And at still another point in the Oval Office meeting, Trump said: I love Canada.

Carney rebuffs Trumps Oval Office push for 51st state, says Canada wont be for sale, ever

Trump said he was still interested in making Canada the 51st state, although he admitted it takes two to tango.

It would really be a wonderful marriage, the president said.

Carney responded by telling Trump that as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale.

The White House and Buckingham Palace arent, he said, and Canada is not for sale, it wont be for sale, ever.

Never say never, Trump said. Carney smiled and mouthed never, never, never.

Trump teases a very, very big announcement

The president told reporters that he will make his mystery announcement Thursday or Friday before his trip to the Middle East next week, though it wasnt clear if the announcement was related to the trip.

Trump wouldnt say what the announcement was about but said it will be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject.

Trump says US is halting airstrikes on Houthis rebels in Yemen

Trump says hes calling off any more air strikes against Yemens Houthis, saying the rebel faction has capitulated and doesnt want to fight anymore.

In March, Trumps administration launched strikes against Houthis rebels. But he told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, We will stop the bombings. They have capitulated but more importantly, we will take their word.

The president added, I think thats very positive. They were knocking out a lot of ships.

Meeting between Trump and Carney begins

Trump graciously welcomed Carney to the Oval Office, praising him as a very talented person, a very good person.

The U.S. leader said Carneys comeback victory in Canadas recent election was maybe even greater than mine.

Trump also gestured to the upgrades that hes made to the Oval Office, saying it was renovated with great love and 24 karat gold  that always helps too.

Carney opened by saying, Mr. President, Im on the edge of my seat.

Canadas new prime minister arrives at the White House for Trump meeting

Carney received a handshake and a couple of shoulder pats from the U.S. president.

Trump then turned toward the news media and did a fist pump, which Carney then emulated with a fist pump of his own.

The two leaders then entered the White House without exchanging any words for the gathered reporters.

Before Carneys arrival, Trump expressed doubts on social media about the benefits of an economic relationship with Canada.

Its a position that defies the underlying economic data as the United States depends on oil produced in Canada, in addition to an array of other goods that cross border trade makes more affordable in ways that benefit growth.

Just before Canadian PM arrives at White House, Trump says US doesnt need Canada

Just before meeting Carney, Trump posted on social media that the U.S. doesnt need autos, energy, lumber or ANYTHING from the United States northern neighbor.

I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Trump posted on Truth Social.

While Trump said he still welcomes Canadas friendship and hopes to maintain it, hes indicating despite economic data to the contrary that the United States would be fine without Canada.

The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence, Trump posted.

Homeland Security secretary says people will be allowed to fly even without REAL ID

Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel Tuesday that travelers who miss Wednesdays deadline to get the more secure ID cards should be prepared for extra scrutiny, but we will make sure its as seamless as possible.

Noem said 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply, and passports and tribal identification will be accepted at checkpoints.

Travelers who arent REAL ID compliant may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, she said.

Implementation of the REAL ID, a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card, has been repeatedly delayed since it was recommended by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005.

Treasury secretary says the United States will not default

Scott Bessent is testifying on the Hill this morning for the first time since his confirmation in January.

On the table for questions are tariffs, taxes, layoffs at the IRS, Department of Government Efficiency access to IRS data, national finances and more.

Bessent said the U.S. and China have not engaged in negotiations but as early as this week the U.S. will be announcing trade deals with some of the U.S. largest trading partners.

Bessent also spoke about Americas upcoming default date  what officials are calling the X-date.

Just as an outfielder running for a fly ball, we are on the warning track. When youre on the warning track, it means the wall is not that far away, he said. He added, however, that the U.S. will not default.

Republican member of Congress praises program cut by Trump administration

A Republican member of Congress says theres strong bipartisan support for a program designed to help communities protect against natural disasters and climate change.

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program was eliminated by the Trump administration in April.

Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a hearing Tuesday that the BRIC program has been extraordinarily helpful. He said he wants to know more about the departments plans to reform those grants.

US stocks sink again as more companies detail damage from Trumps trade war

Artificial intelligence mania is losing more steam and more companies are scrubbing forecasts amid Trumps tariffs uncertainty.

The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite were down more than 1% in morning trading. Palantir Technologies, which offers an AI platform for customers, was falling 13.5%, and Nvidia was down 2.4%.

House speaker responds to Trumps fewer dolls statement

Reporters caught up with Mike Johnson in a Capitol hallway on Monday, and one asked about Trump saying that some kids may have fewer dolls or pencils and stroller prices may go up as a result of his tariffs policy.

Is that the message that you want to send to the American public? the Republican leader was asked.

We had to disrupt the system and were gonna have the desired results, Johnson responded. So whatever short term of disruption there is or or discomfort, I think what hes trying to say there, I think, is that it will well pay off in the long run and I think that will happen sooner than many people anticipate.

Trump isnt backing down against media coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportation

Despicable. Unpatriotic. All wrong. No credibility. Sensationalistic. Disgusting.

All labels that Trump or his loyalists have used to describe media coverage of his administrations deportation of the asylum-seeker in Maryland to a Salvadoran prison.

With media covering Abrego Garcias removal as a test case about the absence of due process, the White House has attacked the mans character and said he shouldnt be allowed to stay, said Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of Hofstra Universitys communication school.

The song is the same, said former CNN Washington bureau chief Frank Sesno, but the volume is a lot louder.

 Read more about media coverage of the White House

One of Trumps golf courses in Scotland to host a European tour event

Trump International Golf Links Scotland will stage the Scottish Championship from Aug. 7-10 after being added to the 2025 schedule by the tour on Tuesday. The course also will return as a seniors tour host.

Trump Organization vice president Eric Trump called these back-to-back events a significant milestone. The course has a panoramic view of offshore wind turbines that Trump has criticized as unsightly view-spoilers for his luxury guests.

The other course, Trump Turnberry, hasnt staged a British Open since 2009, despite Trumps lobbying.

Carney said hell fight for Canada ahead of Trump meeting. Some said he should have stayed home

These Oval Office meetings have been challenging for world leaders. The United Kingdoms prime minister, Keir Starmer, engaged in a charm offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was met by Trump with anger.

Weve seen what he does. We saw what he did with Zelenskyy, said Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto. He would sure as hell try to do the same with Carney. Its not in Carneys interest. Its not in Canadas interest.

Carney said ahead of Tuesdays Oval Office encounter that he was elected specifically to stand up to the U.S. president, and that he expected theyll have difficult but constructive conversations at their White House lunch.

A bipartisan group of Trump critics launches the Cost Coalition

According to preliminary plans shared with The Associated Press, the coalitions messaging will include paid advertising, social media, press interviews and on-the-ground events with small business leaders, veterans and the faith community ahead of key elections.

Republican Terry Holt and Democrat Andrew Bates, both former presidential spokespersons, will lead communications. The nonprofit with a hybrid political action committee wont have to publicly disclose all its funding sources.

In 100 days, Donald Trump put the best-performing economy in the world on a crash course toward recession. Trumps tariffs  the biggest middle class tax hike in modern history  are making everyday prices skyrocket and wreaking havoc for businesses large and small, Holt and Bates said in a joint statement. Next up are grossly inflationary tax cuts for the wealthy that will only saddle future generations with staggering debt.

 Read more about the Cost Coalition
India fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory early Wednesday, calling it retaliation for last months massacre of tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. Pakistans leader called it an act of war.

Pakistan claimed it shot down several Indian aircraft, including three fighter jets that fell in India-controlled Kashmir and India's northern Punjab state. Pakistan says 31 people were killed, including women and children.

Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbors in their worst confrontation since 2019, when they came close to war. India said its missiles struck infrastructure used by militants linked to last month's attack. Two missiles hit mosques.

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India has accused Pakistan of backing the attack in Pahalgam, which Islamabad denies. The Kashmir region has been split between India and Pakistan since 1949 and is claimed by both in its entirety.

Here's the latest:

Trump calls the violence so terrible

U.S. President Donald Trump called the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan so terrible" and urged both sides to stop the violence.

My position is, I get along with both. I know both very well and I want to see them work it out," Trump said during an appearance in the Oval Office.

He added: If I can do anything to help, I will be there.

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Pakistan says exchanges of fire continue

Pakistans military says exchanges of fire continue late Wednesday along the Line of Control, the de facto border between it and India in Kashmir.

Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif condemned Indias deadly missile attack earlier in the day as cowardly and accused New Delhi of deliberately targeting non-military sites.

Sharif reported no casualties or losses among Pakistans forces and said all aircraft remain safe and operational.

Pakistani leader says deaths will be avenged

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is vowing that his country will avenge the 26 people his government says were killed by Indian airstrikes. He did not give details.

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In a televised address, Sharif said India acted out of arrogance, and he praised Pakistani armed forces efforts against a numerically superior enemy.

The prime minister said he had attended the funeral of one person killed, a 7-year-old boy.

Pakistan's prime minister praises military response to Indian jets

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Pakistans armed forces for their response to an attempted overnight incursion by Indian fighter jets, claiming that five Indian aircraft were downed after they released their payloads from Indian airspace.

In a speech to Parliament, Sharif said the Pakistan Air Force had been on high alert since India falsely tried to implicate Pakistan in the April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

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He said that though he offered an international probe into the attack, New Delhi did not respond to the proposal.

Sharif also claimed that on the night of April 29, Indian Rafale jets took off in a combat formation, but Pakistan successfully jammed their communications.

The enemy couldnt even understand what had happened to them and the Indian jets turned back, Sharif said.

Think tank warned recently of India-Pakistan nuclear threat

Indias and Pakistans ownership of nuclear weapons has deepened international worries about the longstanding rivalry and hostility between the two neighbors. At a nuclear conference in Washington last month, Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie Corporation, a leading private supporter of nuclear security efforts, singled out the Pakistan-India nuclear threat as one of the gravest in the world.

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While nuclear arms programs by the worlds leading economies get most of the attention, if I were a betting person I would say that the odds are of a first new nuclear detonation occurring in one of the other areas, say, India-Pakistan, Richardson said then.

India says its strikes on Pakistan were to avenge innocents

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Wednesday his government had exercised its right to respond while launching strikes in Pakistan to avenge the killings of innocent civilians on Indian soil last month.

We killed only those who killed our innocents, Singh said at a public program. Our strike was well-planned and executed with precision and sensitiveness. It was restricted to terror targets and dismantling terror infrastructure.

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China says it is ready to play a role in easing tensions

China expressed regret over military action taken by India on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved, and both are also neighbors of China, Lin said. China opposes all forms of terrorism and calls on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.

We are willing to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in easing the current tensions, he added.

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Britain urges Pakistan and India to talk directly and show restraint

Britain is urging Pakistan and India to talk to one another over their soaring tensions, saying nobody wins from further escalation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the U.K. is engaging urgently with both countries  encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

The U.K. government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward," Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

He said Britain  which has millions of citizens of Indian or Pakistani heritage  has close and unique relationships with both countries. I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins.

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Britain is advising its citizens against traveling to the border area between India and Pakistan or to the contested Kashmir region.

Indian PM postpones trip to Norway, Croatia and the Netherlands

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his upcoming official trip to Norway, Croatia and the Netherlands amid rising tensions with Pakistan. His trip was originally scheduled to start next week.

Pakistans top political and military leaders condemn Indian airstrikes, reserve the right to respond

Pakistans top political and military leaders on Wednesday condemned Indian airstrikes that they said killed 26 people.

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The National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said in a statement that the Indian strikes were carried out on the false pretext of the presence of imaginary terrorist camps and deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including mosques.

These unprovoked and unjustified attacks martyred innocent men, women and children, the statement said.

Pakistans military responded to the strikes, the statement added, by downing five Indian fighter jets and surveillance aircraft.

The government said Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defense, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing and that the armed forces have been authorized to take corresponding actions to avenge what it called a violation of the countrys sovereignty.

Indian military says attack lasted 25 minutes, says it showed restraint

Col. Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian army officer, said the Indian missile strikes started at 1.05 am and lasted for about 25 minutes. She said no military installations were targeted.

These military strikes were designed to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families, she said.

Another officer, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, said the strikes were undertaken through precision capability so that there was no collateral damage.

India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response, she said. However, it must be said that the Indian armed forces are fully prepared respond to Pakistani misadventures if any that will escalate the situation.

AP Photographer documents aircraft debris on school building in outskirts of Srinagar

Shortly after India said it fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory, AP photojournalist Dar Yasin received reports of a burning aircraft in the outskirts of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. It was still night and Yasin rushed to southern Wuyan village in Pampore area, where the incident occurred. At first, Indian forces did not allow him to reach the accident site. By the time he managed to find his way to the debris the sun was out. Dar saw few broken tree branches and mangled tin sheets of a schools roof that was damaged by the aircrafts impact and quicky began taking pictures. Dar said Indian forces did not allow him and other journalists to go near the debris. Later, local residents told him parts of the aircraft were also lying scattered some 500 meters away inside a mosque compound. Dar swiftly rushed to the second site and managed to get pictures of parts of the wreckage before Indian forces cordoned off the area. It is unclear whether the aircraft broke mid air or after falling on the ground. Locals told me they saw a huge ball of fire emerging from the accident site and the wreckage was burning for more than an hours, Dar said from the crash site. He said firefighters struggled to douse the resulting fires and worried onlookers captured the planes burning wreckage on their smartphones. Police and military officials later sealed off the area to clear the debris, Dar said.

Several Indian states hold security drills

Several Indian states will be conducting security drills on Wednesday, as fears of a wider conflict mount after Indias strikes in Pakistan.

The mock security drills were announced by Indias home ministry on Monday. The drills will include air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans, preparation for blackouts, and training people to respond in case of any hostile attacks, the ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan summons Indias charge daffaires called in for protest

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indias charge daffaires to lodge a strong protest over what it called unprovoked Indian strikes at multiple locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In a statement, it said the strikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of several civilians, including women and children.

The Indian diplomat was told that Indias blatant act of aggression constitutes a clear violation of Pakistans sovereignty, the statement said.

It said the Indian side was warned that such reckless behaviour poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Third aircraft crashes in Indias northern Punjab state

A third aircraft fell in a farm field in Indias northern Punjab state, a police office told AP on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. The officer did not provide further details.

___

By Associated Press Writer Sheikh Saaliq

Indian Foreign Secretary says strikes were preemptive after indications that new attacks planned

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in a news briefing in New Delhi accused Pakistan of failing to take demonstrable steps against terrorist infrastructure on its territory or on territory under its control following the April 22 attack.

He said the attack was driven by the objective of undermining the normalcy returning to Indian-controlled Kashmir. Instead, all it has indulged in is denial and allegations, Misri said and added that Pakistan also had well-deserved reputation as a haven for terrorists around the world.

Pakistan based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. There was thus a compulsion both to deter and to preempt, he said.

Pakistan says it shot down five Indian fighter jets

Pakistans military said Wednesday its air force shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft. he said at least 31 people had been killed around the country from the strikes and artillery exchanges.

Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif said the jets were downed from within Pakistani airspace in response to the strikes, which killed 26 civilians, women and children in multiple locations across the country, including women and children, in multiple locations across the country.

He said another five civilians were also killed along the Line of Control because of the shelling by the Indian force in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

He said Pakistan returned fire and destroyed some Indian posts. Indian police and medics said at least seven civilians were killed and 30 others wounded in the Pakistani firing.

Sharif also accused Indian forces of damaging infrastructure at a dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, calling it a violation of international norms.

Pakistan is responding to the Indian aggression, he said.

Indian police and medics say Pakistani artillery fire kills at least 7, wounds 30

Indian police and medics said at least seven civilians were killed and 30 others wounded in the Pakistani firing and shelling at multiple places across the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries.

There have been heavy exchanges of artillery fire along the Line of Control, authorities have said.

All the fatalities occurred in Poonch district which lies close to the highly militarized frontier. Officials said several homes also were damaged in the shelling.

The Indian army in a statement said Pakistani troops resorted to arbitrary firing, including gunfire and artillery shelling, along the Line of Control and their international border. It said it was responding in a proportionate manner.

Fighting disrupts flights between Taiwan and Europe

Ten passenger airline flights between Taiwan and Europe have been affected by the closure of Pakistan air space, airport authorities said Wednesday.

An EVA Air flight from Vienna to Taipei returned to Vienna, and five China Airlines flights that had departed for Europe stopped in Bangkok, a statement from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport said.

China Airlines also canceled a flight that had been scheduled to depart Wednesday morning for London.

Three other EVA Air flights between Europe and Taiwan were rerouted but were continuing to their destinations, the statement said.

China calls on Indian and Pakistan to show restraint

Beijing called on restraint from both sides Wednesday morning following Indias strike into Pakistan.

China expresses regret over Indias military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a statement. We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.

Beijing is the largest investor in Pakistan by far, with a $65 billion ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor project that spans across the country. China meanwhile also has multiple border claims disputed with India, with one of those claims in the northeastern part of the Kashmir region

Pakistani official says Indian missile strike on Bahawalpur mosque killed 13, including women and children

Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a hospital, said the death toll from the Indian missile strike on the Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur has jumped to 13, bringing the overall death toll from the Indian strikes across the country to 19.

Six people were killed in the Indian strikes and shelling in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to security officials. India said it struck infrastructure used by militants linked to last months massacre of tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. At least three civilians were also killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir by Pakistani shelling, the Indian army said in a statement.

Missiles fired from India struck multiple locations across Pakistan

Missiles fired from India struck multiple locations across Pakistan, damaging at least four mosques and a medical clinic, authorities said. One of the missiles hit a mosque in Muridke, a town near the eastern city of Lahore, damaging its structure.

A sprawling building located near the mosque in Muridke had previously served as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba until 2013, when Pakistan banned the group and took control of the seminaries, schools, and dispensaries run by a charity linked to LeT founder Hafiz Saeed.

Saeed is currently serving multiple prison sentences on terror financing charges.

In Bahawalpur, another missile struck a mosque adjacent to a religious seminary that once served as the central office of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group outlawed by former President Pervez Musharraf in 2002.

Officials say the group has had no operational presence at the site since the ban.

Muhammad Sabir, a resident who lives near the damaged Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, described the chaos that followed the strike.

I heard three or four loud explosions in a row, he said. He said he grabbed his family, and we ran to the nearby fields and lay down. Police and ambulances arrived shortly afterward, he added.

Schools closed in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have closed all schools, colleges and educational institutions in at least seven border areas of the region, officials said. Schools will also remain closed around Srinagar airport, they said.

Second aircraft reported to have crashed in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Another aircraft has reportedly crashed in an open field in a village close to the Line of Control in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Residents said the aircraft fell shortly after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan on early Wednesday.

Sachin Kumar, a local villager, told the Associated Press that he heard massive blasts followed by a huge ball of fire that lit his village, Bhardha Kalan near southern Akhnoor town.

Kumar said he and some villagers rushed to the scene and found two pilots in injured condition. Both were later taken away by the Indian army.

Aircraft crashes on a school building in the outskirts of main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir

An unknown aircraft has crashed on a school building in the outskirts of the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Police and residents said the aircraft fell in the early hours Wednesday, shortly after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan.

There was a huge fire in the sky. Then we heard several blasts also, said Mohammed Yousuf Dar, a local resident in southern Wuyan village in Pampore area, where the incident occurred.

Firefighters struggled for hours to extinguish the fires. Police and military officials sealed off the area immediately after the incident.

India says Pakistani army shelling kills 3

Indias army says three civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling into Indian-controlled Kashmir.

It says the Pakistani army resorted to arbitrary firing across the de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries.

Pakistan tells UN it reserves right to respond

Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Islamabad has informed the U.N. Security Council about the Indian attacks and the threat it poses to international peace and security.

The ministry says in a statement that the Security Council was told that Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately to this aggression at a time and place of its choosing.

Officials say India used precision strike weapons systems

Indian security officials say that army, navy and air force personnel used precision strike weapon systems, including drones, to carry out the strikes.

The officials said that intelligence agencies provided coordinates for the strikes and that all operations were executed from Indian territory.

The officials said the strikes targeted the headquarters of militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.

Rubio says he hopes the latest conflict ends quickly

The U.S. secretary of state says in a post on X that I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely.

Rubio continued: I echo @POTUSs comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution.

Trump said earlier Tuesday that he hopes the fighting ends very quickly and called it a shame.

Indian official says Prime Minister Modi monitored the operation

An Indian official says Prime Minister Narendra Modi monitored the operation against Pakistan through the night.

The government official says there were nine targets that were hit successfully.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasnt authorized to disclose details.

Pakistani official says eight killed and dozens injured

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, Pakistans military spokesperson, says India attacked six locations, killing eight people and injuring 38 others.

He said in televised remarks that five civilians were killed in Ahmedpur East in Punjab province and that three people were killed at other locations.

Sharig says that retaliatory action is being taken in response to the enemys attacks.

Emergency declared in hospitals in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

Waqar Noor, the regions interior minister, says authorities have declared an emergency in local hospitals.

In Muzaffarabad, the main city of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, resident Abdul Sammad says he heard several explosions and that some people were wounded in the attack.

He says people were running in panic and that authorities immediately cut the power, leading to a blackout.

Indian police say a woman is killed and a girl is injured during border fight

Police say a woman was killed and a girl was wounded in Indian-controlled Kashmir when Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged mortar and gunfire at several places along the highly militarized frontier.

A local doctor says the woman was killed in the Mankote area of the Poonch district.

The doctor spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

India says official spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Indias embassy in Washington says that Ajit Doval, the countrys national security adviser, has spoken U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly after the Indian strikes.

The Embassy says in a statement that Indias actions were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted.

Pakistan says a child was killed and 2 people injured in attack

A Pakistani official says one missile struck a mosque in the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, where a child was killed and a woman and man were injured.

The official and others say Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes but didnt provide any details.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Pakistan condemns what it calls Indian Air Force strikes on civilian areas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned what it calls a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression on civilian areas by the Indian Air Force.

It said Indian aircraft lunched strikes from Indian airspace, targeting civilian areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in Punjab province.

The ministry said in a statement that the attack reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and posed a significant threat to commercial air traffic. UN secretary-general calls for restraint

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement that Secretary General Antonio Guterres is calling for restraint from both countries.

The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, the statement read.

Pakistans defense minister condemns what he calls a cowardly act

Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has strongly condemned what he calls a cowardly act by India.

He told Pakistans Geo news channel that India had deliberately targeted civilian populations and a mosque.

This was a cowardly move by India, Asif said. We will also respond.

Indian army says Pakistan fired artillery along the border

The Indian army says in a statement that Pakistan fired artillery along whats known as the de facto border, or the Line of Control, in Bhimber Gali in India-controlled Kashmir.

It said Indias armed forces were responding appropriately in a calibrated manner.

Pakistans Sharif convenes national security committee

Pakistans prime minister has convened a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday morning, according to a government announcement.

Pakistan's prime minister calls Indian action an act of war

In a statement, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given.

Sharif said the entire nation stands with the Pakistan Armed Forces, and the morale and spirit of the Pakistani people are high.

The Pakistani nation and the Pakistan Armed Forces know very well how to deal with the enemy, he said. We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.
If youve ever taken the ferry to Alcatraz Island, you know that it's a special place. The crumbling cellblocks, the icy bay air, the echoes of its dark past, and voices of the prisoners recounting their stories in your ear through the audio tour. As you listen to the sound of prison cells being slammed, the immersive tour experience submerges you into an overwhelming feeling of isolation. Alcatraz is one of the darkest prisons in history and yet one of the most iconic stops in San Francisco, drawing over a million visitors a year.

Visitors walk through a cell block at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California, US, on Monday, May 5, 2025. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday that he has ordered the reopening of Alcatraz as a prison to "house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders." Photographer: Ethan Swope/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg/Getty Images

A cell at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California, US, on Monday, May 5, 2025. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday that he has ordered the reopening of Alcatraz as a prison to "house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders." Photographer: Ethan Swope/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg/Getty Images

However, the Alcatraz tourist attraction might revisit history. On Sunday, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that its time to "REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" adding 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."

Why Alcatraz?

Alcatraz once served as a high-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963, earning a reputation as one of the toughest lockups in the country. It was designed to hold inmates considered too dangerous or escape-prone for other facilities. Surrounded by cold, unforgiving waters, the island made escape nearly impossible and gave prisoners the isolating sense of being cut off from the rest of the world. Still, despite its fearsome reputation, Alcatraz held less than 1% of the federal prison population, typically housing between 260 and 275 inmates, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

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In the end, though, the islands extreme setting became its downfall. The cost of operating such a remote facility, where food, water, and supplies had to be shipped in was simply too high. Combined with deteriorating infrastructure, these factors led the government to shut it down in 1963.

Then in 1972, almost a decade after the prison closed, Congress designated Alcatraz Island as part of the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A year later, the site opened to the public and has since become one of the most visited destinations in the National Park system, drawing over a million visitors each year.

Can Alcatraz reopen as a prison?

Trumps plan would involve expanding and modernizing the facility. But whether its even feasible is unclear. The Bureau of Prisons is already facing budget pressures and planning to close several existing facilities. Still, the agencys director says theyre reviewing next steps and are open to restoring a powerful symbol of law, order, and justice.

In fact, the Bureau of Prisons once estimated that $35 million was needed just to keep it running, without factoring in daily expenses. Despite this, Trump said the facility could serve again as a high-security prison and hinted it could also house undocumented immigrants he says courts are blocking him from deporting.

The Future of Alcatraz

As of Sunday, President Trump has directed the Bureau of Prisons, along 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."

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In response to Trumps request, the Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said his agency would fully support the initiative, stating they will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the Presidents agenda. He added, USP Alcatraz has a rich history. We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law, order, and justice.

On the contrary, local leaders weren't as thrilled. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump's proposal "is not a serious one," noting on X that it is now "a major tourist attraction." Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsoms office dismissed it as a distraction.

Whether Alcatraz will reclaim its past as one of the most notorious prisons in American history remains to be seen. For now, the island continues to thrive as a historic destination, with guided tours, night visits, and a front-row view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Russia has stepped up its surveillance of NATOs military activity in the Baltic Sea and is carrying out shows of force and provocations, according to a report by Latvias Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) assessing Russias military activity near Latvia.

Source: European Pravda, citing Delfi, a Baltic states news website

Details: The threat assessment and annual review released by the service state that Russia is engaging in acts of provocation and intimidation, such as unauthorised airspace violations and aggressive approaches towards NATO aircraft and vessels, increasing the risk of accidental military incidents.

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The aim of such provocations is likely to intimidate and test the reactions of potential adversaries. At the same time, the report notes that attempts to discredit regional states and undermine their defence capabilities cannot be ruled out.

Latvian intelligence reports that in 2024, as part of a reform of Russias Armed Forces, the Western Military District  which borders Latvia  was reorganised into the newly formed Leningrad and Moscow Military Districts. MIDD explains that this was officially presented as a response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.

The report also notes that, alongside the war in Ukraine, Russia has begun, at least formally, creating new units and reorganising existing ones as part of its declared military reform plan.

For example, a new army corps has been formed in Karelia, and two motorised rifle brigades belonging to the 6th Combined Arms Army  stationed closest to Latvia  are to be transformed into divisions. A marine brigade of the Baltic Fleet, based in the Kaliningrad enclave, is also to be upgraded to a division.

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However, MIDD emphasises that the creation or expansion of these units does not currently indicate a real increase in military power near Latvias borders, as the bulk of Russias military resources remain focused on the war in Ukraine.

The report also highlights that since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces have faced limitations not only in strategic exercises but also in operational-tactical drills, likely due to shortages of personnel and equipment.

Russia and Belarus are expected to hold joint strategic drills called Zapad-2025 later this year, primarily on Belarusian territory. However, the scale and scope of the exercises will largely depend on the course of Russias war against Ukraine.

At the same time, the intelligence service stresses that under current conditions, Russia lacks the capability to launch another full-scale strategic land operation.

Background:

Media reports have previously noted growing concerns among Europeans that while efforts focus on ending Russias war in Ukraine, the Russians are quietly increasing activity along other parts of their border with Europe.

It has also been reported that the overwhelming majority of Germans fear Russia may attack other European countries.

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OKLAHOMA CITY  A legislative effort to increase incarceration time for felons convicted of accessory to murder was signed into law on Monday.

Lauria and Ashleys Law, passed both the Senate 38-5 and the House floor 76-11, and goes into effect Nov. 1.

This new law adds accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole consideration. Those convicted also would not be eligible to earn any credits that would reduce the sentence to below 85% of what was imposed.

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The Lauria and Ashleys Law references 16-year-old best friends Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman.

Ive fought for two years to get this legislation passed to keep a promise to the family members of these girls. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami

Several years ago, Bashore met Lauria Bibles family, including her mother, Lorene Bible, and Lorenes cousin, Lisa Brodrick. The Bible family was recognized the House last week, he said.

These women have been tireless in their search for Laurias remains and for justice for those involved in her murder, Bashore said.

This law cant bring the girls back or further punish the man accused of being an accessory in their murders, he said.

The law can at least give these families some peace that other families wont have to suffer as they have when people accused of similar crimes seemingly escape justice, Bashore said.

We are thrilled to have this small victory, not for our girls but for future families that may suffer as we have. Lauria and Ashley did not die in vain, and they will live on as girls who changed history and not just victims of a brutal crime. Lisa Brodrick

BACKGROUND

When people hear the names  Lauria and Ashley  they know they were at the center of one of the states most horrific crimes.

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Danny and Kathy Freeman, Ashleys parents, were shot to death, and their mobile home was set on fire on Dec. 30, 1999. Laura and Ashley were kidnapped from Freemans mobile home and taken to Picher, where authorities believe they tortured, raped, drugged, and killed. It is presumed their bodies were dumped in a Picher mine pit, but their remains have never been recovered.

Investigators believe Phil Welch, David Pennington, and Ronnie Buscik were behind the multiple deaths and kidnappings.

FILE  In this April 25, 2018, file photo, Ronnie Dean Busick arrives at the Craig County Jail in Vinita, Okla. A jury on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, found the Kansas man competent to stand trial on murder charges in the 1999 deaths of a northeast Oklahoma couple and the presumed deaths of their teenage daughter and her friend. (Sheila Stogsdill/Tulsa World via AP, File)

The only person convicted  Busick  who pleaded guilty in 2020 to a reduced charge of accessory to felony murder, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He served three years. Busick was credited with time served in the Craig County jail and good behavior, which shaved off five years from the 10-year sentence.

Phil Welch and David Pennington died before authorities could prosecute them.

If anyone has information on Ashley Freemans and Lauria Bibles disappearances, please contact the OSBI at 800.522.8017.

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Sri Lankans walk into a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025. Sri Lanka went for a long-delayed nationwide local government election on Tuesday for the first time in seven years. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka went for a long-delayed nationwide local government election on Tuesday for the first time in seven years. Over 17 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots to elect representatives to 339 local bodies across the island, according to the chairman of the country's election commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.

Voting was scheduled on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Sri Lankan police authorities said nearly 65,000 police officers have been deployed across the country to ensure public safety, with military support on standby if needed.

The election is seen as a litmus test for the government's popularity. According to the election commission, voters are eligible to vote to elect 8,287 members into 339 local government bodies, which include 28 municipal councils, 36 urban councils, and 275 pradeshiya sabhas.

Sri Lanka's ruling party, the National People's Power, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the United National Party, and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will take part in the election. 

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (L) is pictured near a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025. Sri Lanka went for a long-delayed nationwide local government election on Tuesday for the first time in seven years.

The election is seen as a litmus test for the government's popularity. According to the election commission, voters are eligible to vote to elect 8,287 members into 339 local government bodies, which include 28 municipal councils, 36 urban councils, and 275 pradeshiya sabhas. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

Sri Lankans vote at a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025. Sri Lanka went for a long-delayed nationwide local government election on Tuesday for the first time in seven years.

The election is seen as a litmus test for the government's popularity. According to the election commission, voters are eligible to vote to elect 8,287 members into 339 local government bodies, which include 28 municipal councils, 36 urban councils, and 275 pradeshiya sabhas. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

A voter shows his painted finger after voting near a polling station in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025. Sri Lanka went for a long-delayed nationwide local government election on Tuesday for the first time in seven years.

The election is seen as a litmus test for the government's popularity. According to the election commission, voters are eligible to vote to elect 8,287 members into 339 local government bodies, which include 28 municipal councils, 36 urban councils, and 275 pradeshiya sabhas. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)
WEST PLAINS, Mo.  The Howell County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) says they helped arrest Clayton Schafer, who is accused of kidnapping and domestic assault, in Taney County on Sunday, May 4.

Clayton Schafer mugshot (Courtesy: Taney County Sheriffs Office)

According to HCSO, they received a tip about Schafers location on Sunday, and Taney County deputies promptly took the suspect into custody at around 1:40 p.m. Officers with the Operation Relentless Pursuit Task Force have been searching for Schafer across southern Missouri since January, HCSO says.

Online court records state a warrant was issued for Schafer in January, charging him with first-degree kidnapping and second-degree domestic assault from an incident in West Plains on Nov. 6, 2024.

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20-year-old dies in side-by-side accident in Shannon County

According to the probable cause statement, Schafer allegedly bit his girlfriends left arm and threatened her after she tried to escape from him twice, telling her that if she did not get back in the vehicle, he would assault her. Authorities also noted while speaking to the victim that she was distressed and had a black eye from a previous incident.

Schafer will soon be extradited to Howell County to face his two felony charges.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma legislators said they were frustrated by the latest financial uncertainty with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).

Commissioner Allie Friesen spoke before a Select Committee to review the departments finances on Monday.

The latest concern was about how the department would make payroll through the end of June.

Come May 21st, we will need payroll support, said Friesen.

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She asked lawmakers to add $23 million to her budget to pay state employees through June.

The agency said it was still running into unresolved financial problems that it claims had been from years of financial neglect.

I have zero confidence that our finance team is able to tell me whether or not there are funds to be able to make payroll, said Michael Rupke, the departments project manager.

Lawmakers pressed Friesen on why she felt $23 million was an accurate number on the departments shortfalls.

Shocking email sent to legislators about payroll problems with ODMHSAS

I cant give you those answers right now, said Friesen.

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Senator Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City) said he was frustrated by what he heard during Mondays meeting.

Im at a point where I dont think were getting down to any significant number, said Rosino.

The legislature called for the joint chamber meeting after ODMHSAS reached out to lawmakers Thursday and state it would not be able to meet payroll. It was the first legislators had heard of problems with paychecks. Less than 24 hours later, the agency sent News 4 a statement that said, ODMHSAS will be making payroll as scheduled.

You have heard me say this several times publicly, said Rosino. I dont think they need more money. I dont I just dont think they have the sophistication to figure it out.

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After multiple attempts to get answers as to why there was a shortfall with no definite reason, lawmakers did not make a decision on approving any additional funds. They did promise employees would get paid one way or another.

This is how they feed their families, said House Majority Leader Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa). But also to our clinicians and our providers and the folks that need mental health services.

With only three weeks until the end of the session, time is running out for lawmakers to make a decision about the agencys finances since it would have an impact on the states budget. Lawson asked the department to come back with proven number for its supplement budget request before moving forward.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Massachusetts lawmakers are looking for an update from Stop & Shops parent company on the progress of its promises to lower grocery prices for Massachusetts residents.

In September 2024, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, along with Representatives Jim McGovern and Ayanna Pressley, addressed a letter to CEO Frans Muller of Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of Stop & Shop, concerning higher prices in minority and working-class communities in Massachusetts. These types of price discrepancies place significant burdens on already-struggling consumers.

Smithland Pet & Garden Centers to close all locations after 40 years in business

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A 2023 study by a group of Boston youth volunteers at the Hyde Square Task Force revealed that Stop & Shop was charging 18 percent more for groceries in a largely minority and working-class area of Bostons Jamaica Plain neighborhood, compared to the store location in Dedham, a more affluent suburb.

Lawmakers requested that Ahold Delhaize explain the reasons for the price difference and the pricing algorithms used by the company. They would also like to know if there are any steps taken to lower prices and improve consistency across all 124 Massachusetts locations.

Stop & Shop responded in December, saying they launched a multi-year strategy to invest in pricing and lower everyday prices across all our stores, including in each store in western Massachusetts and select locations in the Boston market, including the Jamaica Plain location.

The study group returned to the Stop & Shop locations and determined that the prices had been lowered however, they are still charging higher prices at the other inner Boston locations.

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Examples from Stop & Shop in Grove Hall, South Bay, and Mission Hill vs. Dedham included:

Stouffers Swedish meatballs were $1 more

Freschetta Pepperoni Pizza were $2 more

One pound of Black Label Hormel Bacon was $0.50 more

Its good news that Stop & Shop lowered prices at its Jamaica Plain store after we pushed them for relief, but were still seeing higher prices for families at other inner-city locations. Its no coincidence that working-class communities are getting stuck with sky-high prices, said Senator Warren. Were keeping up the pressure to make sure Stop & Shop isnt overcharging families for the food they work hard to put on the table.

Massachusetts lawmakers are requesting that Stop & Shop answer the following questions by May 14th on its promise to lower prices in all locations:

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Why does Stop & Shop still appear to be charging higher prices for groceries in low income communities in Massachusetts? In response to our September 30, 2024 letter, Stop & Shop said that it had launched a

multi-year strategy to invest in pricing and lower everyday prices across all our stores,

including in each store in western Massachusetts and select locations in the Boston

market, including the Jamaica Plain location. Please provide a summary of how this project has worked so far.

How did Stop & Shop select the Massachusetts store locations would be included in this strategy? Please list all of the Massachusetts store locations that were selected to be included in the price reductions.

Specifically, which select locations in the Boston market were included in this strategy? Please list each store location.

Were the Grove Hall, South Bay, and Mission Hill locations included in this strategy? If not, why not? Please provide, for the 18 items included in the Hyde Square Task Forces study, the five

highest and five lowest prices that they are currently being sold for in Massachusetts Stop

& Shop locations and provide the locations of each group of five. Since our September 30, 2024 letter, Stop & Shop appears to have closed seven store

locations in Massachusetts. What impact, if any, has this had on Stop & Shops pricing

decisions? Why did Stop & Shop decide to close these stores?

Warren, lawmakers_follow-up_letter_to_Stop & ShopDownload

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The House of Representatives voted to block California's ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035, hindering the state's planned progress over the next 10 years toward a cleaner future.

What's happening?

California was granted permission to introduce three policies in recent years that would help transition the state away from cars fueled by dirty energy and reduce the amount of air pollution put out.

These policies include a ban on gas-powered cars in the next decade, requirements among car dealerships to sell an increasing amount of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks over time, and efforts to minimize California's smog levels.

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Lawmakers, many of which are backed by the fossil fuel industry and major carmakers, voted 246-to-164 to stop California from implementing its policies, according to The New York Times.

After California introduced its gradual ban on gas-powered cars, 11 other states followed suit and adopted the policy. Now, with the vote to block the ban, these states may be affected too.

Why is California's gas-powered car ban important?

California's efforts to move toward electric vehicles would be good for human health and the planet. They are also setting the standard for other states, a number of which have followed suit.

The policies would reduce air pollution, mitigating the amount of heat-trapping gases that are warming the planet. California is especially impacted by the effects of extreme weather, as devastating wildfires have destroyed swaths of the state in recent years.

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The policies also protect us from smog that can damage the lungs, liver, and kidneys over time.

Electric vehicles can also save you money on gas and car maintenance, making the transition from gas to electric even more enticing for consumers.

However, federal lawmakers' decision to block these policies is a major setback in the fight toward a cleaner future. Lobbyists for dirty energy have applauded the effort, which is in line with President Donald Trump's stance against clean energy initiatives.

What's being done to protect California's gas-powered car ban?

The 1970 Clean Air Act allows California to receive waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency to enact stricter clean air standards than federal regulations because the state suffers from particularly high air pollution, according to the Times. Congress has never voted on California's past waivers.

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The House voted to block California's policies using the Congressional Review Act, which allows lawmakers to reverse agency regulations. Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who advises on procedure, found that California's waivers are not considered regulations that can be voted on under this act.

As a result, it doesn't appear that Congress has permission to ban California's policies. In any case, California is prepared to dispute the vote.

"We will fight this latest attack on California's power to protect its own residents," Senator Adam Schiff told the Times.

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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Blytheville police are looking for a man accused of stealing over $100,000 worth of items from several Arkansas cities.

Investigators said they found the stolen property in a shop building belonging to Kimbert Gregory Crafton outside Brookland, Arkansas.

Last month, Crafton and his girlfriend, Pippah Stull, were both arrested in connection with the theft of four lawn mowers from the Lowes in Blyethville on February 9.

Video of four lawn mowers being stolen from the Blyethville Lowes. Courtesy: Blytheville Police Department.

The theft was captured on camera, and according to police, Crafton and Stull were in possession of a silver trailer and a John Deere tractor used in the $14,000 lawn mower heist at the Lowes.

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The tractor also came back as stolen out of Sharp County, Arkansas.

The couple was released from the Mississippi County Jail on bond, but Blytheville police said evidence led detectives to Craftons shop building in Craighead County.

They said detectives served a search warrant on the shop and located numerous other stolen items from Paragould, Trumann, and Ash Flat, and three of the four lawn mowers stolen from Blytheville Lowes.

The theft recovery totaled approximately $101,698.20.

Kimbert Crafton. Courtesy: Blyethville Police Department

Crafton is now wanted for property theft.

If you have information about his location or other possible stolen equipment, contact Lt. John Nelson at 870-763-4411 or johnnelson@blythevillepd.org. You can remain anonymous.

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Lawrence ODonnell says Hollywood can relax about President Donald Trumps Sunday announcement that he would slap a 100% tariff on all movies made in foreign countries  because it will never happen.

The White House walked back Trumps statement Monday in the face of immense confusion and criticism from Hollywood insiders, telling TheWrap that no final decisions about foreign film tariffs had been made yet. 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, said White House spokesman Kush Desai.

ODonnell made it clear Monday night that he believes Trumps proposed film tariff will not come to fruition.

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Donald Trumps latest utter insanity on tariffs is about movies, the Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell host began, telling viewers that Trumps foreign movie tariff will never happen.

It will allow for some interesting, fun TV interviews, I suppose, [with] people from Hollywood who might be concerned about this, people in show business. But it is a complete waste of your time to even think about that very, very stupid statement by the President of the United States, ODonnell explained. No one at the Department of Commerce or the United States Trade Representative will even attempt to put that crazy idea in writing, because it is impossible to put it in legal language for any purpose of a tariff.

It is one of those idiotic Trump ideas that requires a depth of stupidity in its authorship that no one else in the history of American government [has] possessed, other than Donald Trump, the MSNBC anchor added.

You can watch ODonnells full segment on the topic in the video below.

Regarding Trumps remark that runaway production represents a national security threat, ODonnell said, The president does have an extremely limited authority to impose tariffs in response to a product that presents a national security threat to the United States. Thats why hes calling movies a national security threat.

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Trump is said to be reviewing a proposal from Special Ambassador Jon Voight that would help bring more productions back to America, following a meeting between Trump, Voight and the latters producing partner, Steven Paul, at Mar-a-Lago this past weekend. Voights proposal calls for the use of tariffs in certain limited circumstances, but mainly the establishment of federal incentives for production and post-production, infrastructure subsidies for theater owners and co-production treaties with foreign countries.

It is possible that something could come from Trumps review of Voights proposal, the latter of which comes at a time when many within Hollywood are decrying the decreased numbers of Hollywood productions throughout the United States, including in Los Angeles itself. ODonnell does not, however, see any reason for moviegoers or Hollywood workers to worry about Trumps proposed foreign film tariff.

The Trump movie tariff is so insane that it will never even find its way into a federal courtroom to be struck down instantaneously, as it would, because it is impossible to even write it. Even the most sycophantic Trump clowns working for him  to try to put that idiocy into legal language, even for them, is impossible, ODonnell concluded. Hollywood can relax. Movie theater operators dont have to worry. Moviegoers and movie watchers, theres nothing to see here. Its just more Trumpian nonsense.

The post Lawrence ODonnell Insists Trumps Foreign Movies Tariff Will Never Happen: Nothing to See Here | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell torched President Donald Trump on Monday for his stupid theories on international trade, the precarious tariffs he imposed on U.S. imports and all the contradictory answers he gave during Sundays Meet the Press interview.

ODonnell excoriated his falsehoods in a Last Word segment spanning 26 minutes.

Donald Trump talks repeatedly in the interview about how much money we were losing because of international trade, he said. We have never lost a penny because of international trade. Donald Trump said, We were losing hundreds of billions of dollars with China. Now, think about how very stupid and dishonest that statement is.

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Donald Trump is counting every penny we spend on imported products as lost money, ODonnell continued. That means every time we spend money, we are losing money, according to that theory.

ODonnell went on to blame this very stupid economic theory of international trade for Trumps documented aversion to paying people what he owes and for his indifference that Americans wont be able to cut costs by buying cheap foreign cars anymore.

ODonnell tried to parse the logic Monday, as filtered through Trumps illogical reasoning.

If I buy a Ford made in the United States, I havent lost money, said ODonnell. But if I buy a Kia made in South Korea, I have lost money, even if the Kia is cheaper than the Ford. What Donald Trump is incapable of understanding is that, at the end of that transaction, my life is richer now because I have a car.

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Trump announced steep international tariffs last month on all U.S. imports and imposed a 145% levy on Chinese goods. Economists warn the policies could spark a recession, while Trump has justified his trade war as a crusade to revive U.S. manufacturing.

Trump admitted last week that children might start being able to have only two dolls instead of 30 as a result, however, which certainly flies in the face of past assurances of economic freedom. He reiterated on Meet the Press Sunday that little girls dont need as many dolls as theyd like.

That was something Donald Trump never admitted on the campaign trail when he lied about tariffs every time he spoke about them, ODonnell said Monday. And now, every time Donald Trump talks about tariffs, he sounds stupider than the time before.

Donald Trump, seen here signing executive orders and proclamations Monday in the Oval Office, said the stupidest thing any president of the United States has ever said about Christmas or dolls, MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell said Monday. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The host reminded viewers that he dubbed Trump Donny 2 Dolls last week for saying the stupidest thing any president of the United States has ever said about Christmas or dolls  by simply dismissing fears of empty shelves by arguing kids dont need the toys.

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Trump has also been defying the U.S. Supreme Court by refusing to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who the Trump administration admitted was mistakenly deported, but the president was noncommittal when asked on Meet the Press if he has a duty to uphold the Constitution.

I dont know, Trump said Sunday, which ODonnell appeared to find most egregious of all.

Only one president of the United States in American history could possibly have said, I dont know, to the question, said the MSNBC host, adding: Every president prior to Donald Trump knew the answer to that question  is one word: Yes. Every one of them.

Watch the full Last Word segment below:

Related...
(This story was updated with new information.)

A new family has come forward to sue Indianapolis Public Schools and a former teacher and leadership at George Washington Carver Montessori School 87 over allegations that a 6-year-old girl faced weeks of mental and physical abuse that at one point required her to be rushed to the hospital.

The teacher at the center of this lawsuit, Julious Johnican, is the same educator who was accused a year earlier of creating a fight club-style atmosphere in his classroom, sometimes encouraging students to fight each other and recording it.

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The latest lawsuit alleges that a first grader in Johnicans class during the 2023-24 school year faced months of mental and physical abuse and bullying while under his care.

It also alleges that Johnican and school leadership failed to properly report or protect the girl, who is described as a special needs student, during her time at school.

In a statement, IPS media relations coordinator Marc Ransford said the district strongly disagrees with the claims put forward in this lawsuit.

The safety and security of our students and staff has been and will continue to be our top priority, the statement said. Because this is an active lawsuit, we will not comment further.

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According to the lawsuit, the girl arrived home with scratches, bruises and other marks during the first few weeks of school and told her mother that she and other students were pushed, kicked and thrown to the floor.

More on the previous case: Despite teacher's disturbing video, school officials and DCS failed to involve police

The lawsuit says that sometimes the abuse was from other students, and that staff did not intervene to stop or protect her, and that sometimes Johnican was encouraging or instigating the fighting.

The girl's mother met with Johnican on at least five occasions during the first eight weeks of school regarding her daughters injuries, the lawsuit notes. Johnican allegedly told her the girl was lying to get attention.

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One of the most severe incidents detailed in the lawsuit explained that the girl was pushed from monkey bars while at recess, which caused her to get a severe injury to her genital area that required surgery.

The lawsuit alleges school nursing staff downplayed the girl's injuries to her mother, failed to contact emergency medical personnel and failed to initiate any investigation or safety plan after the incident.

The harm suffered was not random  it is the foreseeable consequence when there is a school culture that ignores repeated warnings, dismisses concerns raised by families, and allows a dangerous environment to persist without intervention, said attorney Catherine Michael, one of the family's attorneys.

Johnican was later removed from the classroom in November 2023 after video of two boys fighting landed on social media, but the lawsuit alleges even after his removal, substitute teachers and other aids failed to take meaningful action to stop the bullying.

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In February 2024, the girl was allegedly stabbed in the hand with a pencil, after which the family withdrew her from the district.

The physical injuries are only part of the damage, said attorney Tammy Meyer. This child suffered from intense trauma, fear, and school-related anxiety and was out of school for months as a result. Once eager and full of joy, prior to being placed in a non-IPS school she cried at the thought of school. That kind of harm does not fade quickly and it did not have to happen.

The actions described in this case mirror closely the allegations laid out in the lawsuit filed by another School 87 parent of a special needs child filed April 16, 2024. That case got widespread attention due to a disturbing video in which the teacher appears to record one student attacking another with his approval.

The lawsuit connected to that instance was dropped on April 1, 2025, after both parties agreed to dismiss the case.

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Johnican still faces neglect charges brought on by the Marion County Prosecutors office in connection with that case.

The latest update: Year after lawsuit filed against IPS over viral 'fight club' video, case is dismissed

The lawsuit names the schools former principal, Mary Kapcoe, and former vice principal Finae Rent, both of whom were removed from the school not long after the initial lawsuit was filed last year.

Rent now works as an assistant principal at Eastwood Middle School in Washington Township.

IPS told IndyStar on May 6 that Kapcoe was still an employee of the district but is currently on administrative leave.

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The fallout of allegations brought forward last year caused many School 87 parents to come forward and detail concerns over the school's unsafe environment for children, an unsupportive workplace for teachers and leadership who failed to address the concerns of parents.

As a result, IPS board members created a mental health and school culture task force led by independent community leaders. In the coming months, they will work to evaluate each IPS school on its internal culture and emotional health, and create a report of their findings and actionable next steps.

The first meeting for the task force is set for 6 p.m., May 7, 2025 at the IPS board room at the John Morton-Finney Center for Educational Services, at 120 E. Walnut St.

IndyStar reporter Jade Jackson contributed to this reporting.

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Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IPS, 'fight club' teacher sued by another family alleging abuse
A lawsuit filed May 5, 2025, is challenging a Senate Bill 4 that eliminated the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Three advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit Monday in Douglas County District Court challenging the Kansas Legislatures attempt to arbitrarily reject advance ballots of voters if the mail system fails to deliver them by Election Day.

Kansas Appleseed, Loud Light and Disability Rights Center of Kansas are asking the court to find Senate Bill 4 unconstitutional. Defendants are Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew.

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SB 4, which the Legislature passed this year, disqualifies any mail-in ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Previously, mail-in ballots were counted if they were postmarked by Election Day and arrived within three days later.

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB4 but that veto was overturned in both chambers, with votes falling along party lines.

In a statement, the three advocacy organizations called SB 4 a deliberate and unconstitutional assault on Kansans fundamental right to vote.

This reckless law carelessly disregards the realities of postal delivery delays, which will disproportionately harm rural, elderly, and disabled voters, the statement said. Furthermore, this law deliberately undermines the will of Kansas voters who have increasingly chosen to vote by mail in recent election cycles.

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In the lawsuit, the advocacy organizations make a point that Kansans have been voting by mail ever since the Civil War. In 2017, the Legislature recognized that mail-in ballots arriving late deprived voters of their right to vote, and they instituted the three-day grace period.

During legislative debate on SB 4, former Rep. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, called the bill pure partisan politics. Statistics show far more Democrats than Republicans use mail-in ballots, and she noted the bills lack of funding for an education program that would inform citizens of the change.

More Democratic votes would be rejected than Republican votes, Mah said.

If you make this change and do not fund an education program, youre intentionally causing thousands of votes to be thrown out, she said. Thats voter suppression.

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The lawsuit said 32,000 mail-in ballots were received after Election Day in the 2020 general election during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2024 general election, 2,110 ballots arrived during the grace period.

In Douglas County, Shew said he rejected more than 200 ballots in the Aug. 6, 2024, primary for arriving after the grace period, even though they were postmarked in July, the lawsuit said.

SB 4s threat of disenfranchisement is particularly acute for some of Kansass most vulnerable populations, the lawsuit said. The elderly and Kansans with disabilities often have little to no choice but to vote by mail. And rural voters and voters who are temporarily out-of-state, such as many college students, will also be disproportionately affected because their mail is less likely to be delivered in a timely manner.

The lawsuit said the state of Kansas mails its ballots just 20 days before elections, unlike other states that send them out 30-45 days in advance. Kansas ties with Iowa as the two states with the shortest turnaround time, the filing said.

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SB 4 is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause that bans the state from arbitrarily rejecting voters ballots based on their geography and whether the post office did its job effectively, the lawsuit said.

Its due process clause requires that Kansas establish adequate procedures to ensure that voters have a reliable, fair, and effective method to cast their ballots, it said.
Attorney Ben Crump has announced that a lawsuit will be filed in the police shooting death of US airman Roger Fortson.

An Okaloosa County Sheriffs deputy shot and killed Fortson inside his apartment on May 3, 2024.

A news conference to announce the lawsuit will be held today in Walton, Florida.

Fortson grew up in DeKalb County.

Fortsons family said the officer used excessive force and that he should have known he was in the wrong apartment.

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Attorneys for the family said deputies were responding to reports of a domestic disturbance inside one of the apartments involving a man and a woman. They say the deputies ended up at the wrong apartment.

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The sheriffs office maintains that the deputy shot Fortson because he answered the door with a gun.

Fortson was shot by the deputy six times.

Police used excessive force in executing him, Crump said at a previous news conference. I mean, six shots. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! He pulled the trigger six times.

In the body camera video, Fortson, who was a registered owner of the gun, is holding the gun down, trained toward the floor. He was shot within a second of opening the door.

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An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

by Xinhua writer Hua Hongli

DAR ES SALAAM, May 5 (Xinhua) -- At the rim of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, mist still clings to the plains as herds of wildebeest and zebra roam below. From a newly built lookout platform, visitors from around the world now take in the sweeping view alongside signage in Swahili, English, and Chinese, a subtle but powerful sign of transformation.

The Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark, once on the verge of losing its UNESCO status, is experiencing a revival through China's first foreign-aid geological park project.

The project was launched in June 2023 after the park received a yellow card warning from UNESCO in 2022. Problems centered on poor visitor infrastructure and inadequate scientific content.

The effort combines scientific support and upgraded infrastructure to restore the park's global standing while boosting conservation, education, and tourism. China responded by providing both technical assistance, through the Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, and physical infrastructure, handled by the China Railway 25th Bureau Group.

"It was a new experience for everyone," said Xu Jiangbo, technical lead of the physical infrastructure project on site. "We had to work closely with our Tanzanian partners to solve logistical challenges, deal with the rainy season, and make every step count."

Much of the work has been completed, Xu noted, adding that a museum, designed as the landmark building of the geopark, is set to open in June this year, and digital displays, immersive storytelling, and scientific exhibits will introduce visitors to the evolution of the East African Rift Valley, the historical eruptive activity of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, and the Laetoli footprints.

The technical aid will be completed by November, featuring a geological heritage survey, museum exhibition design, and training of local staff.

Simon Moses, a 48-year-old local masonry technician, led a construction crew at the museum site. "I've learned so many new techniques. My Chinese supervisor explains everything clearly," he said.

Pride shone on his face as Moses gestured to the museum, which blends African tribal motifs with design inspirations from China's Temple of Heaven and Fujian Tulou residential architecture. The building also incorporates green technologies such as solar panels.

Further down the slope, Elisante Hando, a 31-year-old technician assistant, was installing lights in the museum. "I joined eight months ago and didn't know I would learn so much," he said. "Now, I know how to use new tools and techniques. I feel prepared for what comes after this project."

His words reflected a larger benefit -- capacity building for local youth. "This project is not just about building things; it's about building people," Elisante said.

Neema Mollel, 52, a hotel owner and former tour guide, saw more profound significance in the project. As a member of the Maasai community, she was grateful for how the project is preserving local heritage.

"Our traditions are tied to this land. Now tourists will not only see animals, but understand our stories," she said, adding that with better signage, roads, and visitor centers, tourists are staying longer, creating more business for local hotels and shops.

Kitoi Mbise, a geography teacher from Arusha, called the project a game-changer for education. "This park brings my classroom to life. When I teach about volcanoes or sustainable tourism, I can now point to a real place where it's happening."

Mbise said he will use the park to explain conservation, show how tourism can lift economies, and introduce students to fields like environmental science and digital mapping.

For Anna Keller, a 65-year-old German tourist, the changes are noticeable. "The facilities are clean, the signage is clear, and the culture is presented with respect. It makes the experience richer, not just more convenient," she said while touring the area with her husband.

Sun Kai, deputy director of the Southern Africa Geoscience Cooperation Center of the Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, expressed his belief that the project is more than just aid.

"It is a contribution of Chinese expertise to the global protection of geological heritage. And it shows what meaningful cooperation can look like," he said.

As the peak travel season approaches, Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark is more prepared than ever. Its spectacular volcanoes, ancient footprints, and wandering wildlife now share the spotlight with new stories, stories of partnership, learning, and respect. 

Sun Kai, deputy director of the Southern Africa Geoscience Cooperation Center of the Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, receives an interview with Xinhua at the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania, on April 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows a Chinese-built multilingual sign at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A worker works at the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania, on April 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Simon Moses, a 48-year-old local masonry technician, who leads a construction crew at the museum site, receives an interview with Xinhua at the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania, on April 26, 2025.(Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Xu Jiangbo, technical lead of the physical infrastructure project on site, receives an interview with Xinhua at the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania, on April 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows a Chinese-built multilingual sign at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the view of the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A panoramic drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the construction site of a museum at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark in Arusha region, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
Editors note: This story has been updated with additional reporting by The Associated Press.

The family of a U.S. airman who was shot by a Florida sheriffs deputy inside his own home sued the deputy, the sheriff and the owner of the airmans apartment complex on Tuesday, saying they want to ensure people are held accountable for his 2024 death.

The complaint alleges that Deputy Eddie Duran used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force when he shot Roger Fortson just seconds after the Black senior airman opened his apartment door in Fort Walton Beach on May 3, 2024. Duran was responding to a domestic disturbance report at Fortsons apartment that turned out to be false.

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I want accountability because he was 23. I want accountability because he had a life ahead of him. I want accountability because he was in his own home, said Fortsons mother, Meka Fortson, who wore a shirt emblazoned with an image of her son in his Air Force uniform while appearing with the familys attorney, Ben Crump, at a press conference to announce the wrongful death lawsuit.

The complaint filed in federal court in Pensacola details alleged failures by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office in training and supervision and claims that staff at the apartment complex where Fortson lived provided misleading information that led to the fatal law enforcement response.

Messages were left seeking comment from attorneys for Duran, a spokesperson for the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office and an agent for the apartment complexs management company.

Duran has pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter with a firearm in the shooting, which renewed debate on police killings and race, and occurred against a wider backdrop of increased attention by the military to racial issues in its ranks. Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration.

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The airmans mother said she has no faith in Okaloosa County, expressing doubt that Duran will get a real trial in the Florida Panhandle community where he worked as a law enforcement officer.

It is highly unusual for Florida law enforcement officers to be charged for an on-duty killing. Convictions in such cases are even rarer.

This is not policing. This is an unlawful execution, said Crump, a civil rights attorney who has been involved in a number of cases involving law enforcement killings of Black people, including those of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols and George Floyd.

We believe Rogers death was a result of a pattern and practice here in Okaloosa County, added Crump, who announced the lawsuit at a press conference at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach.

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Duran came to Fortsons door in response to a report of a physical fight inside an apartment. A worker at the complex had identified Fortsons apartment as the location of a loud argument, according to sheriffs investigators. Fortson, who was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, was alone at the time, talking with his girlfriend on a FaceTime video call.

Durans body camera video showed what happened next.

The deputy pounded at the door repeatedly and yelled, Sheriffs office  open the door! Fortson opened the door with his legally purchased gun in his right hand, pointed to the ground.

The deputy said, Step back, then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor. Only then did the deputy yell, Drop the gun!

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Deputies had never been called to Fortsons apartment before, 911 records show, but they had been called to a nearby unit 10 times in the previous eight months, including once for a domestic disturbance.

Crump defended Fortsons right to answer his door with his firearm in hand.

He had a right to the Second Amendment too  to protect his home, to protect his castle," Crump said. He didnt do anything wrong.

Associated Press writer Curt Anderson in Tampa contributed to this report. Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against a former Florida sheriff's deputy and others for the May 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

Former Okaloosa County Sheriffs Deputy Eddie Duran shot and killed Fortson, who was Black, at the door of Fortson's apartment. Duran has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. That criminal case is pending.

Crump outlined the lawsuit during a news conference Tuesday afternoon with Fortson family members in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

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What is the lawsuit about?

Crump says his lawsuit contends that Duran used excessive and unconstitutional deadly force in the shooting. It also outlines what it calls failures of training and supervision at the sheriff's office and claim the apartment complex where Fortson was shot provided misleading, unverified information that led to the violent response.

How did the shooting unfold?

Authorities say Duran had been directed to Fortsons Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false. After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. Authorities say Duran shot him multiple times before telling Fortson to drop the gun.

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Who is Eddie Duran?

Duran, 39, began his law enforcement career as a military police officer in the Army. An Oklahoma police department hired him in 2015 after his military discharge. He joined the Okaloosa County sheriffs office in 2019, resigned two years later and then rejoined the sheriffs office in 2023.

Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran after Fortson's death because an internal investigation concluded Duran's life was not in danger when he opened fire.

Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration.

Who was Roger Fortson?

Fortson grew up in Atlanta and joined the Air Force in 2019, the year he graduated from high school.

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The apartment complex where Fortson lived is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Hurlburt Field. He was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles was to load a gunships 30 mm and 105 mm weapons.

His death was one of a growing list of killings of Black people by law enforcement in their own homes. It also renewed debate over Floridas stand your ground law.

What is the status of the criminal case against Duran?

The case is in the pretrial hearing phase, with a hearing on motions set for May 20. Duran is out of jail on bond.

Who is Ben Crump?

Crump, 55, is a well-known Black attorney based in Tallahassee, Florida, who has worked on numerous high-profile civil right cases and wrongful death lawsuits. His cases have included those involving other Black people who have been killed by law enforcement, including Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Michael Brown.
The Trump administration on Monday revealed its opposition to an effort to restrict access to abortion pills in a legal brief that carried forward arguments made by the Biden administration.

Current Justice Department attorneys, like their predecessors, claim that a lawsuit from Idaho, Kansas and Missouri against the Food and Drug Administration was filed in the wrong court and therefore must be dismissed or transferred.

The states are free to pursue their claims in a district where venue is proper, federal attorneys wrote, per The Associated Press.

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As it stands, the case is in front of U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Texas judge known for his opposition to abortion who blocked access to the abortion pill nationwide while hearing a related lawsuit.

The next step in the (current) case will be for Judge Kacsmaryk to decide whether to dismiss it or allow it to proceed, The New York Times reported.

Trump administration on abortion

The Trump administrations Monday filing was surprising given that the Justice Department has abandoned many of the legal positions taken by the Biden administration in ongoing federal lawsuits.

The Trump administration has also undone many policies put in place under former President Joe Biden, including in the area of abortion rights.

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But Mondays filing does not necessarily mean that Trumps team will work to protect access to the abortion pill, mifepristone, in the long term, as a legal expert told The New York Times.

The brief does not comment on the merits of the legal challenge from Idaho, Kansas and Missouri. Instead, its focused on concepts like venue and standing.

I think the best way to read it is that theyre just buying time to figure out what to do about mifepristone, said Mary Ziegler, a law professor and abortion law expert at the University of California, Davis, to the Times, noting that President Donald Trump may want to pause his administrations push against abortion access until after the 2026 midterms.

Mifepristone lawsuits

The abortion pill lawsuit from Idaho, Kansas and Missouri grows out of a Supreme Court ruling from last year.

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In June, the justices unanimously ruled that doctors challenging the FDAs rules for mifepristone did not have legal standing to sue. The decision did not address the underlying claims about access to the drug, which is typically used in combination with misoprostol in at-home medication abortions.

State officials in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri essentially adopted the case from the doctors and reinvigorated their fight against mifepristone.

The three states (argued) they did have legal standing because access to the drug undermined their abortion laws, the AP reported.

The Trump administration, like the Biden administration before it, has questioned the states arguments on standing, explaining in its Monday filing that Idaho, Kansas and Missouri likely arent affected enough by the FDAs mifepristone guidelines to be able to sue.

The Trump administration has asked Judge Kacsmaryk to dismiss the case.
Demonstrators gathered outside of the Rhode Island State House to protest the deportation of Brown Medicine kidney doctor Rasha Alawieh on March 17, 2025 in Providence. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Attorneys for Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown Medicine kidney doctor deported to her native Lebanon in mid-March, continue to fight to bring her back.

An amended complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts Monday contends that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who refused entry to Alawieh at Boston Logan International Airport lacked the constitutional authority to deport her back to Lebanon. The amended complaint, unavailable electronically due to federal court rules limiting public access to in immigration cases, was shared by Alawiehs attorneys Tuesday.

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The Constitution requires that federal officials with significant power over peoples lives be appointed by the President or Department heads, to ensure oversight and accountability for their actions, Golnaz Fakhimi, legal director of Muslim Advocates, which is co-representing Alawieh in the case, said in a statement. For Dr. Alawieh, a visibly Muslim woman, the government has thumbed its nose at these Constitutional requirements.

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based immigration law firm Marzouk Law LLC is also representing Alawieh in the deportation case.

Alawieh, 34, was stopped by federal immigration authorities at Boston Logan International Airport on March 13 while heading back to Rhode Island after securing a coveted H-1B work visa from the U.S. Embassy in her native Beirut, according to court documents. An emergency petition filed by her cousin a day later sought to stop Alawieh from being deported from the airport, but Alawieh was already on a flight to Paris by the time the judges emergency order was received by customs officials.

Her abrupt deportation drew a mass protest outside the Rhode Island State House days later, but there has been little public outcry in the nearly two months since she was sent back to Lebanon. An initial hearing scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin on March 17 was canceled due to changes in Alawiehs legal representation.

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The updated complaint asks U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin to declare Alawiehs removal order unlawful, reinstate her H-1B work visa, and allow for removal proceedings before a federal immigration judge.

For Dr. Alawieh  someone with over six-and-a-half years of lawful presence and ties to the United States, seeking to return from brief travel abroad  due process requires the opportunity to be heard by an immigration judge, her lawyers said in a statement.

Ryan Brissette, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, declined to comment on the updated complaint Tuesday, saying the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

Airport customs officials found photos of various Hezbollah leaders on Alawiehs phone, according to court documents filed by the federal administration. Excerpts from the filings were shared on social media by U.S. Homeland Security. She also told customs officials when questioned that she attended a funeral event for the Islamist groups late leader, Hassan Nasrallah, the administration alleged.

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The stadium event held in Beirut on Feb. 23 drew hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Constitutional authority versus politics

Alawiehs lawyers acknowledged but gave little credence to Alawiehs religious and political beliefs as they pertain to her deportation. Instead, the updated complaint centers on whether customs officials had the power to decide whether she was allowed to enter the country or not.

The claims in this case do not concern the questioning, the amended complaint states. This case turns on whether the role and authority of CPB officers and the procedures they applied to their engagement with Dr. Alawieh violated the requirements of the Constitution.

The three federal customs officers stationed at Logan, two of whom are identified by last name only in the amended complaint, were not directly appointed by the president or Congress. Therefore, they lack authority to deport her  violating the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the lawsuit states.

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For well over a century the Supreme Court has made clear that the power to forbid the entrance of foreigners within its dominions, or to admit them only in such cases and upon such conditions as it may see fit to prescribe is a sovereign responsibility, the final determination of which is entrusted to executive officers, the complaint states. The unchecked devolution of this power to unappointed employees cannot be squared with the Appointments Clause.

The lawsuit also identifies as defendants the anonymous Boston field office director for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Peter Flores, acting commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Alawieh is among a growing number of immigrants, including some U.S. citizens and other visa holders, who have been detained and deported since Trump took office. Her case drew public interest in part due to her medical training  Alawieh is one of three transplant nephrologists in Rhode Island, providing life-saving care to patients who now have no doctor, the lawsuit contends.

Court documents reveal the Lebanese doctor had been working and studying in the United States since 2018. After finishing her residency at the American University of Beirut, Alawieh completed a series of fellowships in nephrology at Ohio State University, University of Washington and, most recently, Yale University.

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In June 2024, she was offered an assistant professorship through Brown Medicine Inc.s Division of Nephrology. The nonprofit, physician-led practice, which is affiliated with the Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine, offered to sponsor Alawiehs H-1B visa for the job. While her petition for the specialty work visa was approved in June 2024, she was not able to obtain the visa itself from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut until March of this year  the purpose of her visit home.

In addition to her job at Brown Medicine, the nonprofit, physician-led practice, which is affiliated with the Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Alawieh also had a clinical fellowship at Brown University, and consulted on cases out of Rhode Island Hospital, which is owned by Brown University Health.

Doctors, no matter where theyre from, are an integral part of our communities, Dr. Daniel Walden, a resident physician at Brown University who helped launch a petition to bring Dr. Alawieh back home, said in a statement Tuesday. Dr. Alawieh is a compassionate healthcare professional who provides much-needed care to our community. She has stood by her patients, her community, and her colleagues, and its our turn to stand up for her. We urge the prompt return of Dr. Alawieh so she can continue providing crucial healthcare to Rhode Island.

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LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU)  A Le Mars man, who was found guilty of choking a man to death earlier this year, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison.

On March 7, a Plymouth County jury found Reese Harms, 25, guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder for the death of Michael Roy Gomez, 44, of Merrill. Both counts are class B felonies.

Harms was sentenced for second-degree murder on May 2. During his sentencing, it was ordered that he would serve a 50-year prison sentence as well as pay $150,000 in restitution. He must also pay court and attorney fees.

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Harms was charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder after he assaulted Gomez on January 19, 2024. Gomez died in the hospital four days later.

Payment processing outage scheduled Tuesday in South Sioux City

Court documents stated Harms claimed he choked Gomez after being hit, but a witness said that Harms started choking the victim after Gomez said something that made Harms mad.

Harms pleaded not guilty to the charges in February 2024. His lawyer asked the court to dismiss the attempted murder charge, but his request was denied.

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LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU)  A Le Mars woman has submitted her plea in the case of the death of a young child.



Sexlyn Tataichy, 27, was facing second-degree murder, child endangerment resulting in death, and child endangerment charges. As a part of a plea agreement, she has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment resulting in death.



In April 2024, Le Mars police were called to a home on 3rd Avenue for a report of an unconscious child. The child, who was identified as a two-year-old boy, was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. An autopsy of the boy concluded the cause of death was homicide, and his body had been in the process of healing from multiple internal injuries.

Man sentenced for role in Sac County marijuana operation

Court documents claim Tataichy admitted, during an interview with police, that she would pinch, flick, and hit the child as a punishment.

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The plea agreement states Tataichy is subject to serve up to 50 years in prison and will be assessed to pay $150,000 in restitution. The other charges will be dismissed if the State agrees to sign the agreement.

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The Bahamian government appears to have signed off on a contract that directs most of the money paid for the services of four Cuban health professionals to a Cuban government entity while giving away its legal authority on key issues to the communist-ruled island, according to a copy obtained by a group monitoring Havanas medical missions abroad.

Bolstering the United States allegations of unfair labor practices in Cubas government-run medical missions, the 2023 contract required the Bahamian Ministry of Health and Wellness to pay $22,000 in monthly fees for the four workers services directly to the Cuban state company Comercializadora de Servicios Medicos Cubanos, or Trading Company of Cubas Medical Services.

But the four workers themselves  two medical specialists advisers, one computer sciences engineer and a health data specialist only received a monthly allowance between $990 and $1,200, for a total cost of $4,380, paid directly to them by Bahamian health authorities. Those stipends hover around the countrys minimum salary of $250 per week and were deemed enough to cover rent in the expensive islands, which The Bahamas did not provide for the Cuban workers.

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The leaked contract was published by Cuba Archive, a Miami-based non-profit group that monitors Cubas medical missions. The U.S. State Department has used the groups work to put together its annual human trafficking report. Last year, the State Department celebrated the groups director, Maria Werlau, as one of outstanding individuals around the world who are fighting to end human trafficking.

Forced labor

The Miami Herald has not independently verified the contents of the contract, which appeared to bear the signature of Bahamian Health Minister Michael Darville. The one-year contract appeared to have been signed in Havana in 2023, but the month and day were left blank in the copy obtained by Cuba Archive, which Werlau believes indicates the agreement is still in place. Four copies of the documents were signed.

While Cuba has promoted the medical brigades as a show of solidarity with other nations, the health workers have become a major source of foreign revenue in recent years. The purported agreement with The Bahamas had Cuba receiving between 84% and 92% of the money the Bahamas paid for the services of the Cuban workers. The Cuban state company also collected 50% of the overtime and bonuses paid by The Bahamas to the Cuban staffers.

Since 2020, the State Department has kept Cuba on the blacklist of countries that do not do enough to fight human trafficking and has cited the Cuban medical missions as an example of forced labor. Defectors from those missions have said their Cuban handlers confiscate their passports, limit their movements and pressure them to do political work on behalf of the Cuban government.

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Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expanded visa restrictions on Cuban officials involved with the medical missions to also apply to third-country officials contracting those services. That measure has created friction between U.S. and Caribbean leaders, many of whom have come to rely on Cuban doctors to fill critical gaps in their healthcare systems.

Gimenez calls for sanctions against countries that do not pay Cuban doctors directly

Concerns

The leaked document has added even more tensions ahead of a visit by Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis to Washington. He is expected to be among seven Caribbean leaders meeting with State Department officials on Tuesday, and the Cuban medical brigade is among the topics expected to come up alongside discussions about countering illegal immigration, drugs and firearm trafficking, disaster relief and border security.

Bahamian officials have not disputed the contracts authenticity.

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Davis, who previously acknowledged that a portion of the salaries of the Cuban doctors is sent to a Cuban agency, told reporters last month after the leak that he was speaking to the Cuban government about the concerns.

Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell, responded by questioning the motivations behind the leak of the contract, which he said could be part of a broader effort to influence Bahamian public policy and undermine national sovereignty.

The Bahamas government does not engage in any practice contrary to international labor norms. Lets make that abundantly clear, Mitchell said. He told lawmakers the government must resist forming policy based on subjective interpretations of untested material.

The Herald reached out to Darville and Mitchell. Mitchell said his comments were in the public domain and he had nothing more to add. Darville did not respond to a request for comment about whether Cuban professionals were indeed getting less than 20% of the funds the government was paying on their behalf and other legal details in the leaked contract.

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In March, Darville told the Nassau Guardian newspaper that two ophthalmologists, one retina specialist, one cataract specialist and one optometrist from Cuba are in the country. He also said there are three nurses and other support staff from Cuba.

At the time, Darville said The Bahamas Foreign Affairs Ministry was involved in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over its concerns about the medical brigade, which some Caribbean leaders think were settled during Rubios recent visit to Jamaica when the matter was raised with others in the region.

The services they provide in the country [are] needed, and so the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is presently back and forth with their counterparts in the United States ... because they want more clarity on what we are doing with these workers, because it seems as if there is this cloud that [there] is forced labor, and we dont believe so, Darville told the paper.

A month later, he traveled to Havana, where he met with Cuban Public Health Minister Jose Angel Portal to discuss their 20-year cooperation and the expansion of Cubas medical services in The Bahamas.

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During the dialogue, the ministers will discuss new strategies to expand specialized care in priority areas such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, cardiology and oncology, identified as sectors with growing demand, Cuban state outlet Cubadebate reported about the April 19 meeting.

The Trading Company of Cubas Medical Services is the Health Ministrys firm in charge of exporting medical services and selling health tourism packages. Its affiliation with the ministry is public knowledge.

While Caribbean governments have pushed back on Rubios assertion that the medical brigade program is a form of force labor, the contract signed by The Bahamas reinforces the notion and shows that the relationship is lopsided and favors Cuba.

Withdrawing doctors

Not only did Bahamian authorities sign away rights to discipline the professionals, leaving it in the hands of the Cuban state agency. They also let Cuba off the hook if any legal disagreement arises, according to a contract provision giving the Cuban government discretion about whether to comply with Bahamian laws.

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In case of disagreement, the law applicable to the contract is that of The Bahamas, the document says, but with a big caveat: provided that such legislation and its effects do not contravene the principles of the social, economic and political system of the Republic of Cuba.

The Cuban entity also had the power to withdraw the doctors at any time, the document shows. And if The Bahamas were to agree to U.S. requests to move away from the current contract to negotiate better terms for the Cuban doctors, the language in the document would still make The Bahamas liable for payments to the Cuban government.

The Cuban government seems to have planned specifically for this scenario. The document includes language that would make the Bahamian government still liable for its obligations under the agreement in the face of any provisions, regulations, proclamations, orders or actions... of foreign governments to the parties or others that in any way prevent or attempt to prevent... the complete performance of this agreement.

At least two other Caribbean governments that employ Cuban medical professionals say they do not have the same terms as the ones in The Bahamas contract. However, because contracts are not made public, the claims cannot be independently verified. The Bahamas agreement includes a confidentiality provision prohibiting the disclosure of its details for two years after its completion.

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Werlau told the Herald that it is not enough for governments to arrange to pay doctors in these missions directly, because Cuban authorities have concocted other schemes to confiscate most of the money. For example, in 2012, the head of a Cuban official educational mission in The Bahamas, another type of service offered by the Cuban government to other countries, sent an email detailing how the Cuban teachers were supposed to collect the salaries paid directly by Bahamian authorities and wire most of it back to Cuban authorities on the island.

Werlau said his organization had developed screening guidelines for foreign officials and human rights groups to discern whether Cuban doctors have been trafficked and urged foreign officials to publish the contracts.

If other nations need Cuban doctors, she said, they should hire them directly, as they do with any other foreign doctor who comes to practice in their country. They should pay them directly. The doctors should be able to bring their families. They should not be subject to all these restrictions through an intermediary that is a dictatorship.
The following article is by Nathan Prewett for the Trussville Tribune:

LEEDS, Ala. (Trussville Tribune)  The Leeds City Council held its first reading for a proposed redistricting of the city during a meeting on Monday, May 5.

Mayor David Miller began the discussion by saying the proposal had been met with some disagreements from the public prior to the meeting and clarified that he did not draw the redistricting map.

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The map was designed by the company ESRI Redistricting, he said, adding that each city is required to examine its district lines and make adjustments for population changes after a census is completed.

Its not a map that hardly anybody likes, Miller said. One of the complicating factors this time, unlike times past, is that were not allowed to use the datawe dont even have the data presented to us on the census down to the street level as we have had before.

He further explained that a new requirement is that changes are made by a census block, which he said was the smallest unit that can be used for determining district lines.

I dont like it, he said. I dont know anybody that does.

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Miller also pointed out that one of the problems is that it is required to have the lines drawn to have at least one minority district. Though this has been and would continue to be District 1, currently represented by Councilor Kenneth Washington, the line would have to be adjusted to make it a minority district. He said that the district contains a fair number of Hispanic residents.

Another requirement is to balance all of the districts within 5% of each other in terms of population, Miller said.

Councilor Eric Turner, who represents District 2, later pointed out that the new map would cause other districts to be mixed up.

A discussion at length followed that culminated in an agreement to pass a resolution hiring a consultant to advise the council with the hopes of creating a new map. A public work session involving the consultant will be scheduled in the future. A Facebook page for the city where updates may be seen can be found here.

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A copy of the map along with more information may be seen in the agenda packet online.

Additionally, the council approved a funding agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for a sidewalk project along Parkway Drive (US-78) from 7th Street to 9th Street and along 9th Street from 1st Avenue to Railroad Avenue.

City of Birmingham sues Alabama to stop law that would change Birmingham Water Works Board

The project is to redo the sidewalks to have them conform to Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA, Miller said. The council voted unanimously to accept $880,000 for the agreement.

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During public comments, Holly Pugh spoke of a complaint about buildings that are being used as storage units on Parkway Drive that she said was in violation of city codes as they are in a B2 zoning area, which prohibits storage units with few exceptions.

The use of these buildings is not only an eyesore to the city due to the amount of items stacked but also creates a hardship for the businesses around them, she said.

She said that she had reached out to the city about the matter but had either no reply or conflicting information. Miller said that the city inspector had recently left, causing it to fall through the cracks, but that another will be sent to evaluate the buildings to determine if they are in violation and may be addressed from there.

In other business the council

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Approved purchasing security equipment and vehicle package for the police department for a total of $12,140.25,

Accepted the fiscal year 2024 city audit as performed by Cork, Hill and Company

Authorized the 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday for July 18-20,

Appointed Joe White to the Leeds Water Works Board,

Adopted and ratified the November and October city expenditures and payables and

Approved waiving the building permit fee for a cemetery construction project by Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.

Leeds City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.

Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The surfing community lost another legend.

Clyde Aikau passed away Saturday, in his Waimanalo home, surrounded by his sister, Myra; wife, Eleni; and son, Haa.

From traffic tickets to wills: Hawaiis free legal help starts May 4

The Aikau family said his death came after a long hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

While that road was a difficult one, he never allowed it to get in the way of his eternal optimism and zest for life. He continued on with his family duties, supported his wifes dog boarding and training business, and ensured the success of his brothers event, the Aikau family said in a statement.

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Clyde was born in October 1949 in Kahului, Maui and was the youngest of six children. The Aikaus moved to Oahu ten years later.

Clyde said he started surfing in Waikiki around the age of 15 and was always surfing alongside his brother Eddie.

The two soon ventured toward the big waves on the North Shore, taking on Waimea Bay where Eddie became the first City and County lifeguard to work on the North Shore.

Not a single life was lost while he was guarding Waimea Bay.

In March 1978, Eddie joined the Hokulea as a crew member sailing to Tahiti. However, on its maiden voyage, the double-hulled voyaging canoe capsized south of Molokai. Eddie started paddling on a surfboard to go get help but he was never seen again.

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Incredible, familiar and young faces show up for The Eddie opening ceremony

Following his death, Clyde made it his mission to continue Eddies legacy and love for big waves and Hawaiian culture.

The contest has become the most prestigious surfing event in the world.

Clyde won it himself in 1986 in honor of his brother and he continued surfing in the event until 2016 at the age of 66.

In 2016, just before calling the competition on, Aikau told KHON2, Its just a privilege for me to ride one more time, and ride one more big one for Eddie. It was the last invitational that he competed in.

Clyde and Eddie were the closest of brothers, sharing a passion and commitment to family, Hawaiian culture, and the ocean. They both served as North Shore lifeguards; voyaged on Hokulea (separate voyages); rode giant winter waves at Waimea Bay; and were famous for their impromptu slack key guitar sessions that they shared with family and friends around the Islands and the world, the Aikau family said in a statement.

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Clyde Aikau was 75 years old.

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During President Donald Trumps March address to Congress, few if any Democrats stood or applauded his entrance or any of the many accomplishments he announced. Nor did many Democrats stand for the 13-year-old brain cancer survivor who wants to become a policeman. Not a single Senate Democrat voted to ban biological men from competing in womens sports.

If Democrats couldnt applaud or stand for a single accomplishment during the presidents speech, what does their party stand for? Democrats might have applauded had there been an award for diversity, equity and inclusion or rioting, burning and looting. Im certain the Democrats would have raucously celebrated a drag show for kids.

I believe Democrats reaction to the presidents address shows how demented the party truly is. The Democratic Party stands for absolutely nothing.

May God continue to bless America and keep our president safe.

Leon G. Smith

Maxatawny Township
VIENNA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China calls for strengthening international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space and continuously improving global governance, a Chinese envoy said here on Monday.

Li Song, China's permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, made the appeal at the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Li said that space technology is currently reshaping how humans explore the universe at an unprecedented speed, while posing new challenges for global space governance. The international community must uphold true multilateralism and oppose any form of unilateralism and bullying, Li said.

The Chinese envoy said that China has actively conducted international cooperation in space and shared the achievements of space development with the international community. For example, the first batch of experimental projects selected through China's collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs are being conducted aboard the Chinese space station, he said.

China is ready to make greater contributions to the peaceful uses of outer space and improving global governance, so that the achievements of outer space exploration can benefit all humankind, especially those from the Global South, Li said. 
State legislators are locked in a budget fight while billions in unspent COVID-19 relief funds sit idle. The federal government gave Pennsylvania billions in relief to help us recover from the COVID-19 crisis, but instead of using those funds to support struggling families, boost wages or invest in housing, health care and education, were hoarding them.

That money was meant to help communities bounce back, not sit in a rainy-day fund while we struggle in the face of a skyrocketing cost of living and economic instability.

Politicians tell us theres simply not enough funding for proven programs like Whole-Home Repairs that protect homeowners and tenants while creating good-paying jobs in our communities, while our state sits on $7 billion in reserves  more than the national median. Using just half of these reserve funds would allow us to invest in programs that will bring relief and opportunity to Pennsylvanias families.

We have a chance right now to put those leftover dollars to work and pave the way for long-term growth. Lets stop delaying and start investing in the future we deserve.

Sam Mattis

Muhlenberg Township
To the editor: The Catholic Church is in mourning for Pope Francis, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the modern era. During this time of reflection on his life, in blunders the president of the United States, posting an image of himself dressed up as a pope ( Trump draws criticism with AI image of himself as the pope ahead of the papal conclave, May 3). In doing this, he makes a juvenile effort to boost his ego and mocks our traditions of mourning and the selection of a new pope.

This image spits on our beliefs. Compounding this are the statements from President Trumps allies, some Catholic, either dismissing it or diminishing its obnoxious intent. It is one thing for non-Catholics to lampoon what we hold dear. But for the president of the United States to take part in this kind of behavior is beyond the bounds.

Peter Huisking, Pasadena

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..

To the editor: Trump, I can confidently say, was being uncharacteristically humble when he posted a picture of himself as pope. He really would have preferred to post a picture of himself as God.

Mort Tuchin, Poway, Calif.

..

To the editor: There isn't anyone more diametrically opposed to Pope Francis than Donald Trump at every level. Just the fact that he posted an image of himself as pope is considered sacrilegious by many.

Francis loved everyone equally and fought hard for immigrants rights. Trump is much more apt to take away peoples rights, especially those of immigrants. Once again, Trump is seeking a job he is woefully unqualified for.

Ron Diton, Upland, Calif.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: The criticism against the Disney company for the animatronic Walt Disney appears harsh and vacuous ( It keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered: Imagineers defend new Walt Disney robot, May 2). For thousands of years, civilizations have honored people by re-creating their likenesses  during and after their lives  through drawings, paintings, sculptures, etc. Early in Walt Disneys career, he used animation (from the Latin word animatio meaning a bestowing of life ) to re-create the likenesses of others, such as Rudolph Valentino on the big screen and, near the end of his career, an animatronic Abraham Lincoln  partly to honor his favorite president.

In that noble tradition, the Disney company is not only honoring one of their own but is also honoring one of our great Americans.

Brian Alters, Newport Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: President Trump wants to cut billions of dollars from programs that we Americans rely on  ones that combat climate change, support education, science and medical research, etc.  but he wants the government to fund a military parade celebrating his birthday that will likely cost tens of millions of dollars ( Army plans for a potential parade on Trumps birthday call for 6,600 soldiers, May 2).

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson says , President Trumps plan ensures every federal taxpayer dollar spent is used to serve the American people, not a bloated bureaucracy or partisan pet projects. If a parade for the presidents birthday isnt a partisan pet project, I dont know what is.

Sarah Tamor, Santa Monica

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To the editor: As a proud Vietnam veteran, I am appalled that Trump is planning a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., on his birthday. Ostensibly, the purpose of the parade is to honor the 250th birthday of the United States Army. However, Trump has repeatedly made comments disrespectful of those that have served and sacrificed for our country. I am hopeful that millions of Americans, and especially military veterans, will rise up in opposition to Trumps proposed ego parade.

Gary Vogt, Menifee, Calif.

..

To the editor: I do not support the use of my tax dollars to fund a ridiculous military parade. I do support funding for programs that help the poor, support education, scientific research and PBS and NPR.

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Laurie Jacobs, San Clemente

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To the editor: I suppose all those government cuts will help pay for this wondrous spectacle. After all, what could be better than taking food from the mouths of children to help pay for our rock stars special day? I can hardly contain my excitement.

Linda Cooper, Studio City

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Long Island police officer was stabbed and wounded while chasing a suspect early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Police said the Suffolk County cop was slashed in the leg and the chin during the pursuit in Amityville, Newsday reported. The officer was not publicly identified, and their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Officers responded to a 911 call around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, when a resident reported two men looking into parked cars in Amityville, according to WPIX. When the cops arrived, they cuffed one man but the other fled on foot.

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Officers quickly found the man nearby, but he then swung a knife and struck one officer, Newsday reported. Other cops quickly arrested the suspect.

The suspects have not been publicly identified, and charges are pending against both men.

This is yet another case of a violent perpetrator attempting to kill a Suffolk County Police Officer and almost succeeding, Suffolk Police Benevolent Association President Lou Civello told WABC. I commend these Officers for their bravery and quick action.

Earlier this year, Suffolk County officer Brendon Gallagher suffered life-threatening injuries in a car crash with a suspect driving nearly 100 mph, according to authorities. Gallagher was placed in a medically induced coma after the wreck but woke up about three weeks later.

The suspect, 29-year-old Cody Fisher, faces numerous charges in the case including assault on a police officer.
Libertarian Lauri Shillings. (Courtesy image)

Embattled Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales may have another challenger  a Libertarian  just four days after the Republican launched a reelection bid. Last month, Knox County Clerk Dave Shelton told Indy Politics he intended to run against Morales at the GOP convention.

Hamilton County Libertarian Party Chair Lauri Shillings announced she seeks her partys nomination in a Monday news release, after seeing very little in terms of working for Hoosiers from Morales.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales chats with voters at a campaign event in 2024. (Nathan Gotsch/Fort Wayne Politics)

Communities across Indiana want to know their tax dollars are not being wasted and their businesses are being well represented, Shillings said. That includes at the ballot box. Hoosiers need to be able to trust our state to hold free and fair elections and that starts with the Secretary of State.

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Morales trips to Hungary and India, liberal approach to spot bonuses and no-bid contracts, hiring of his brother-in-law and other missteps have prompted greater scrutiny from Indiana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The controversies could also boost competition for his post at the ballot box in 2026.

Shillings announcement included the launch of an exploratory committee. She plans to put together her team and release goals for the position in the coming weeks.

Shillings previously ran, unsuccessfully, in Indianas 5th Congressional District last year. She is a creative director at the University of Indianapolis and runs her own design firm.

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The Hoosier secretary of state oversees business and automobile dealer services, securities and elections. The race also determines ballot access for political parties.

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Jessica Eagle Star helps her son Noran across the monkey bars at the park in Winner on Aug. 29, 2023. Eagle Star has served as a state-licensed foster parent. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Lawmakers approved rule changes Tuesday to create a new license pathway for kinship foster care in the state, paid at the same rate as foster families.

The intent is to increase licensed kinship care, which is when children removed from their home due to suspected abuse and neglect are placed with relatives or close family friends instead of strangers. Just under 30% of South Dakota foster children were placed in kinship care last fiscal year, according to the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

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Currently, kinship caregivers dont receive the same amount of resources and financial support as foster parents, unless they become licensed foster parents themselves. That training is intensive, time consuming and potentially unrelated to the kins situation since theyre already familiar with the child.

When children have to be removed from their homes, prioritizing kinship care can improve academic, behavioral and mental health outcomes, and allow the children to stay within their culture and community, according to Child Trends, a research organization focused on child welfare.

Department of Social Services legal counsel Jeremy Lippert told lawmakers there is a shortage of foster homes in the state.

The objective of these changes is to help support families and remove barriers for families who provide care for kinship children by increasing available kinship placement resources, Lippert said.

As of last June, there were 824 licensed foster homes in the state and 1,710 children in the foster care system, according to the departments fiscal year 2024 numbers. Most guardianships  which is when a court appoints an adult as a childs caregiver  in the state are not within licensed foster care, Lippert added, so the changes could create a smoother transition from guardianship to adoption if a child cant be reunited with their parents and their guardian is already licensed for kinship care.

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The new pathway lightens training requirements for licensed kinship homes compared to traditional foster licensing, eliminates a physical health exam for applicants, and reduces the age of an eligible caregiver from 21 years old as a foster parent to 19 years old for a kinship caregiver. The reduction allows an adult sibling or relative to care for the children instead of placing them with older caregivers or strangers, said Becky Nelson, with the department.

The federal government set a requirement in 2023 that kinship and foster families be paid the same rate when caring for children, as a condition of states receiving federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance programs. Lippert told lawmakers the change in the rules meets those requirements.

Foster families in South Dakota receive about $600 per month for the average foster child, depending on their age.

The department projects 438 children will be placed in newly licensed kinship homes this year under the new rule, costing $3.8 million to pay daily foster care rates. The placements will cost $981,607 in general funds and $2.8 million in federal funds.

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Susan Schrader, child protection and Indian Child Welfare Act director for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, wrote a letter in support of the rule change. Her office works with more than 500 children living with unlicensed kinship families, she said.

Schrader said there are another 400 Oglala Sioux kinship families struggling to care for children without support from her office because they found the licensing process too difficult and cumbersome to navigate.

As of June 30, 2024, 72.5% of South Dakota foster children were Native American, according to the Department of Social Services. Native American children make up about 11% of the states child population, according to the federal Health and Human Services Department.

The legislative Rules Review Committee approved the changes in a 5-1 vote.

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Sen. Taffy Howard, R-Rapid City, was the lone vote against the change. She questioned if the rate parity requirement, without setting income limits for families, was a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. There are no income requirements for foster care payments currently.

She added that families can use other welfare programs through the state to receive the funding they need. Not all kinship caregivers who seek other financial assistance are applicable for the funding, department representatives said.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Of the 35 former employees at Lions Volunteer Blind Industries in Johnson City, 17 are blind or visually impaired, according to its CEO Trevor Southerland.

News Channel 11 reached out to Southerland after a former employee told News Channel 11 the company had closed. Southerland told News Channel 11 that due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), he was not able to do an interview, but sent in a statement from the company.

Susan Fields is legally blind and had worked at the company for years when she was told on April 11 that the Johnson City location was closing.

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I have what they call retinitis pigmentosa, she said. Its the opposite of Macular degeneration. I have my tunnel vision straight ahead. I dont have peripheral. I dont even see my hands moving.

When first diagnosed, Fields said she felt hopeless, until Lions Volunteer Blind Industries gave her back her self-esteem and a job.

The non-profit company headquartered in Morristown has had a mission to provide blind people the dignity of independence through employment since 1951.

Southerland said the closing was due to a change in the products the company makes:

LVBI is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1951. Since its inception, the mission has been To provide blind people the dignity of independence through employment. We have been one of the largest providers for employment to those with visually disabilities in Tennessee. For decades the Federal Government has been our primary customer. Throughout our history LVBI has had to remain flexible, expanding or contracting as budgets change in the federal landscape. The Board of Directors decided to remove military textiles from its product line. LVBI is focusing on two product lines in its Morristown location; industrial wipe paper towels and mattresses. By continuing operations in Morristown with these two product lines, we feel future growth can be achieved with consumer products versus relying on the military sector. The decision to downsize the organization didnt come lightly but continuing blind employment is our ultimate goal. This did result in the closing of LVBIs Johnson City location. LVBI offered each blind or visually impaired the opportunity to transfer to its Morristown location or help find employment at another non-profit that specializes in employment for those with visual disabilities. LVBIs business model is to support its mission, our mission is to provide blind employment. Trevor Southerland, Lions Volunteer Blind Industries

Southerland said the 35 employees at the Johnson City location were offered the option to transfer to Morristown. But Fields, who isnt allowed to drive, says that wont work for her.

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She said paying for a ride to Morristown would be more than $100 a day, and the only other choice would be to move, which is also not a feasible option since she lives with her adult son.

Fields is hoping another local company will give her and the other visually-impaired employees who lost their jobs a chance.

Blind people are, you know, the visually impaired, they can still work, maybe not quite as a sighted person can do, but we can still work if you give us a chance to do it, Fields said through tears.

She said shes working with the Department of Human Services to try and find another job that someone with her disability can do.

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Of the 35 workers who worked at the Johnson City plant, Southerland said that at this point, only one has agreed to the transfer to the Morristown facility.

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Lithuania will invest 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over the next decade to strengthen defenses along its borders with Russia and Belarus, the Defense Ministry announced on May 5.

Lithuania borders Russia's Kaliningrad exclave to the southwest and Belarus to the east and south. Tensions between NATO and Moscow have escalated since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The ministry said the initiative aims to "block and slow" a possible invasion. About 800 million euros ($905 million) will be allocated for the acquisition and installation of anti-tank mines to deter potential aggression.

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Western intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years, citing Russia's increasingly aggressive posture.

Lithuanian officials have prioritized the defense of the Suwalki Corridor, a strategic stretch connecting Lithuania to Poland, seen as vital for NATO's eastern flank.

A map of the Baltic Sea Region. (Lisa Kukharska/The Kyiv Independent)

In January, Vilnius announced plans to raise its defense spending to between 5% and 6% of GDP annually from 2026 to 2030, citing the threat of Russian aggression in the region.

On March 18, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland declared their intent to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, an international treaty banning anti-personnel mines.

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Moscow has reacted sharply to these moves. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin warned on April 15 that Poland and the Baltic states would be the "first to suffer" in a direct NATO-Russia conflict.

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.
Smoke rises after a drone attack in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 6, 2025. The drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including the international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. (Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information/Handout via Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including an international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses.

Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, the military has blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the drone attacks which started on Sunday.

A witness reported a massive explosion at a warehouse south of the city, while another witness said a drone targeted the Marina Hotel near the presidential complex.

An airport official, who declined to be named, told Xinhua that the civilian side of Port Sudan International Airport was struck, forcing the cancellation of all scheduled flights.

Activists released footage showing thick columns of smoke rising over Port Sudan, which has now endured drone attacks for three consecutive days.

In a related development, Sudan's Electricity Company announced that the Port Sudan power transformer station was also targeted by drones this morning, leading to a complete power outage.

"This is part of a systematic targeting of electricity stations, which negatively impacts services to citizens, including water and health services," the company said in a statement.

The Sudanese government has condemned what it described as "terrorist drone attacks."

"I have just visited the fuel depots at the southern port in Port Sudan, which were subjected to a criminal and terrorist attack this morning by drones launched by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia," Khalid Ali Aleisir, Sudanese government spokesman, said in a statement.

He assured that the country's civil defense forces and security agencies were fully carrying out their duties, stressing that the Sudanese people would not be intimidated by such unlawful acts.

The RSF has not yet commented on the attacks in Port Sudan.

On May 4, the RSF launched drone attacks on Port Sudan for the first time, targeting a military airbase and civilian facilities, while on May 5, drones attacked a fuel depot in the city, completely destroying it, according to the Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Since May 2023, key government institutions have been relocated to Port Sudan, which became the de facto administrative center of the country. Port Sudan also hosts UN agencies and shelters hundreds of thousands of displaced people. The city's international airport has been the hub for flights to and from the country.

Recently, the RSF has intensified drone attacks on military sites and vital facilities within army-controlled areas.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have made notable advances in recent months. In March 2025, the SAF recaptured central Khartoum, including the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport, and other strategic locations.

Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with the exact toll unknown. The International Organization for Migration estimates over 15 million people have been displaced in the conflict, both within Sudan and abroad. 

Smoke rises after a drone attack in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 6, 2025. The drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including the international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. (Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information/Handout via Xinhua)

Smoke rises after a drone attack in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 6, 2025. The drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including the international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. (Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information/Handout via Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a fire after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 6, 2025. The drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including the international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. (Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information/Handout via Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a fire after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 6, 2025. The drone attacks on Tuesday struck strategic sites in Port Sudan, a port city on the Red Sea in eastern Sudan, including the international airport, a hotel near the temporary presidential palace, and an oil export port, according to eyewitnesses. (Sudanese Ministry of Culture and Information/Handout via Xinhua)
May 6In a visit to Lewiston on Monday, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said Idaho is in good economic shape but spending and tax cuts pending in Congress could leave the state vulnerable to reduced revenue.

Idaho has been among the fastest growing states in the country over the past few years and the Legislature has used budget surpluses as justification for significant tax cuts. During the recently adjourned 2025 legislative session, lawmakers passed tax cuts that will reduce state income by $453 million.

Little, who submitted what he called a conservative budget seeking much more modest cuts  about $100 million worth  signed those tax bills. On Monday, he said the as-of-yet unknown details of tax cuts being debated by Congressional Republicans  such as the possibility that taxes would not be collected on tips, overtime or social security benefits  will play a role in the state's income.

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"We always adopt the federal tax code. We don't know what's going to be in that big, beautiful bill," he said referring to President Donald Trump's desire to extend tax cuts from his first term and fund his domestic agenda. "When we do that, our revenue projection might go down."

Nor does the state know the degree to which federal programs, some of which play outsized roles in the Gem State, may be cut. Little said Idaho does a good job in pitching in its own money to fund big-ticket items like schools, roads and infrastructure, and social safety net programs. But the federal government also helps pay for many of them and Trump is seeking to shrink the federal government's financial liabilities.

"Medicaid is a big one. If they change the FMAP (federal medical assistance percentage)  which is the federal government share of what they pay  if they change that a lot, that's going to be a big hit," Little said.

A federal budget blueprint calls for $880 million in cuts to Medicaid, a medical program for low-income and disabled people. Little said the state would seek a waiver for its Medicaid work requirement.

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"That might help us a little bit," he said.

Little said hypothetical revenue shortfalls would be softened by its savings account.

"We do have about 23% of our total state budget in a rainy day fund. It's not raining. We're the fastest growing state."

The governor touted the legislature's approval of more than $30 million to fund the Idaho Department of Water Resources and said it leaves the small agency in position to help the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District in its long-term goal of drawing water from the Clearwater River, solve water supply problems on the Palouse and deliver water from Dworshak Reservoir to the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery.

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Little said a new law will help shield Idaho's electricity companies and cooperatives from the sorts of lawsuits that have plagued some of the biggest investor-owned utilities in the West when power lines or other equipment cause fires.

"If you're a utility and you do everything right. You know you have your right-of-ways prepared. Your equipment is in good shape. There's going to be a limit to the amount of liability you have."

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Under President Donald Trumps executive order that was signed last Thursday it restricts federal funding from going to the national organizations of National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System.

For local public radio stations here in Little Rock like KUAR and KLRE, their funding could be impacted by the grants that are issued from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Most stations use that grant to pay for programming and the bulk of our programming comes from NPR, Little Rock Public Radio General Manager Jonathan Seaborn said.

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Arkansas PBS executive director leaving position in May

Restrictions on funding handed down by the Trump administration, Seaborn said, would mean they would still receive money from the CPB, but it would not be used to pay for programming.

We would have to figure out in our budget what to use those funds from CPB for, Seaborn said. Because there are still restrictions.

Seaborn said a certain percentage of those funds would have to be used for national programming, potentially leaving the door open for the station to pay for programming from American Public Media or Public Radio Exchange, but they could not be used for NPR programming directly.

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The bulk of the stations budget, for the most part, comes from small dollar donations from their members. Making up 50 to 60 percent of the money they take in.

GOP push for cuts to NPR, PBS gains steam but some are skeptical

Seaborn said they receive around $160,000 in federal funding annually which makes up 10 percent of their budget. He also said the station has already received their money for the fiscal year and they wouldnt be impacted until the next fiscal year.

Whether we could or couldnt spend that money, Seaborn said. Weve seen impoundment with other organizations and if something like that happens with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that would impact when we would get those funds and how we spend them.

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If things got tight and the station struggled to collect donations to support programming the decisions on programming cuts, services and affiliations would all be on the table, Seaborn said.

They all have degrees of pain, some of them very painful, some not as much but it is currently a season of planning, Seaborn said.

Trump-backed GOP effort targets federal funding for NPR, PBS

Seaborn said if a funding cut was handed down, the station would be left to decide which shows audiences respond the best to as to which they could not afford to cut, outside of their anchor core shows.

The complications for stations like KUAR, Seaborn said, is then filling the time on-air for a show that they would no longer be able to support without the federal grant funding.

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I guess we could run repeats, but then theres a lot less of a value to our listener if youre hearing the same programming, Seaborn said.

Trump executive order directs Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cut funding to NPR, PBS

As the station strategizes for any potential shortfalls in funding, over the short and long term and to keep the quality and frequency of programming Seaborn said theyre going to need to look to our members to make up that gap.

Beyond that we would be looking into any opportunities for corporate support, whether thats underwriting, show sponsorship whatever it may be, Seaborn said.

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Seaborn said roughly 20 percent of NPR stations across the nation serve a community where they are the only local new stations available. So if, or when, these cuts go through some communities, he said, would be left with no local public radio news.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds are weighted, Seaborn said. While we may receive ten percent of our budget from CPB, those rural small stations are receiving 20 to 30 percent of their budget through CPB.

With public broadcasters pressured by the Trump administration, PBS shuts down its diversity office

Seaborn said donations from the public will be critical this next year, and he encourages anyone interested in joining their push to stay on air to Protect My Public Media. An organization that provides tools, resources and an outlet for advocacy for public media broadcasting stations.

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NPR exists to be free to all and to serve that public, but it needs donations to survive and Im aware there are people who can give large amounts and theres people who are giving five dollars and its just as meaningful and just as helpful, Seaborn said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended the Special Operations Forces week at MacDill AFB.

Secretary Hegseth joins senior U.S. and partner nation special operations leaders and visits service members and command leadership at U.S. Central Command.

SOF conducts global special operations and activities as part of the Joint Force, in concert with the U.S. Government Interagency, according to USSOCOM.

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Pete Hegseth announced that SOF has eliminated more than 500 terrorists who have threatened the United States directly and, alongside global SOF partners, at least another 600 terrorists have been captured.

SOF has answered the call, and SOF has risen to the challenge every single time, Hegseth said.

According to Hegseth, President Trump has declared and delivered on a generational investment that would rebuild the military like Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s

Our goal is to put the best systems in the hands of our war fighters because, you, are war fighters should never be in a fair fight, Hegseth said.

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In a memo released on Monday, Hegseth announced he wants to cut the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals by at least 20 percent.

According to The Hill, as of 2023, there are only 37 four-star generals and admirals.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
CLAY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Two Liverpool High School students are now facing charges following an armed robbery investigation in the Town of Clay.

Deputies and Detectives from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office were called to Liverpool High School on Monday, May 5, to investigate a robbery that happened the night before off school grounds in the Town of Clay.

According to the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, their investigation found that a 17-year-old male arranged to buy a handgun from a 16-year-old male. During the meeting, the 17-year-old brought out a firearm and stole two handguns from the 16-year-old before fleeing the area.

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The sheriffs office said their detectives executed a search warrant at the 17-year-olds home in the City of Syracuse. Detectives found both guns, which were a 9mm semi-automatic ghost gun with a 30-round magazine and a .22 caliber semi-automatic HK assault-style handgun with an extended magazine.

Both students were taken into custody, arraigned, and remanded to the Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center.

The 17-year-old male was charged with:

Robbery in the First Degree

Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (two counts)

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

The 16-year-old male was charged with:

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (two counts)

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB)  On a cool spring morning, 35 local heroes from the World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Cold War eras set off to the nations capital for the trip of a lifetime.

Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight takes veterans on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C. throughout the year to see the memorials built to commemorate their courage. News 4 anchor Jordan Norkus and photojournalist Allison Staebell had the special privilege of joining them on Mission 19.

Theyre building that camaraderie again, theyre exchanging stories and its quite an emotional thing to see when these guys are talking, said Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight president Tom Petrie. Theyve just met each other and theyre like old friends.

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Its so grand to be with my veteran friends. I made a lot of pals here, said Navy veteran Timothy Trost. No matter what branch youre in, everyone has their great stories and thats the most fun. Were a big club.

The two-day journey of recognition began on Saturday, April 5. After embarking from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the veterans were greeted in Baltimore with a heros welcome.

I never got a homecoming. I came back in a medevac plane, so this is my homecoming, said Marine Corps veteran Sam Vitello. I started to cry. I dont cry  Marines dont cry. I started to cry because it really was something heartfelt. I was very happy.

We didnt get any of this before, said Army veteran Alvin Fiedler of Lockport. When I came home from Vietnam, we had to travel at night. We couldnt travel during the day.

Alvin Fiedler

U.S. Army, Vietnam War

What Fiedler experienced was something many veterans faced when they returned home.

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When I got out of the Navy 60 years ago, I attended college. When I walked on campus, they were burning flags, burning draft cards, dodging everything  and I put my life on the line for them, said Navy veteran Allan Monaco. But now, to see these people clapping, I could live with that.

Allan Monaco

U.S. Navy, Cold War

Stops on the tour included the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

To hear their stories in person, I just love that because its living history, said Air Force veteran Greg Klubek, Mission 19s chief medical officer. Its not in a book. Some of the things you hear are things youll never see in a book.

This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II. There were 16 million Americans who served, including George Morreale of Niagara Falls.

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They wouldnt even let me finish high school. They drafted me, Morreale said. My mother went to the draft board and pleaded with them, Look, hes only got three more months. Let him finish. Nope, we need him now. And I guess they really did need us.

Morreale served in the Army from 1944 to 1945.

I was young, I had no fear of death, Morreale said. I watched all those movies with John Wayne and the Marines and all that.

George Morreale

U.S. Army, World War II

At 99 years old, Morreale recalls the Battle of the Bulge. He spent days on end in a two-man foxhole in the dead of winter, surrounded by Germans.

It was a bad battle. It brings back a lot of sad memories for me. I cant really talk about it too much, Morreale said. You cant imagine what it was like  it was so cold, and the Germans were so smart. They had white sheets on their tanks, Christmas trees tied, and it was snowing so bad you couldnt see them, but you could hear them.

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Morreale described the other enemy: a bitter cold so brutal, his feet froze within his boots.

I froze my feet, my hands and everything, Morreale said. Thats why they discharged me. They said, Youre all through. A blessing sometimes comes in disguise or different ways, you know? Im lucky Im alive.

99-year-old U.S. Army veteran George Morreale talks with News 4s Jordan Norkus at the World War II Memorial in Washington

Each gold star within the World War II Memorial represents 100 Americans who died in the war  405,399 heroes  the true price of freedom.

One week, we lost 19,000 soldiers  one week, Morreale said. I was amazed at the wall of stars  and I thank God that Im able to come here.

Also part of the Greatest Generation is 97-year-old Leonard Bradley of East Aurora. He lived in Washington state and joined the Navy when Japan surrendered.

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I got stationed aboard a ship called the USS Rutland. We called it the old Rusty Rut, and it was rusty, too, Bradley said. We traveled all around the South Pacific picking up soldiers and Marines and bringing them home.

Leonard Bradley

U.S. Navy, World War II

Bradley was a mess cook before taking on chaplain duties.

They put me in the officers mess hall, so I got to eat good food, Bradley said. For the next number of months, I was foreseeably the assistant chaplain. But when the ship left port, there was no chaplain there. I was his assistant, so they assigned me to that job, which I didnt know anything about, really  I was not a commissioned officer. But at least we could have Sunday morning worship, say a few words, have a few songs and a prayer. We had a good time.

97-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Leonard Bradley talks with News 4s Jordan Norkus at the Air Force Memorial in Washington

At Arlington National Cemetery, our nations most hallowed ground, members of Mission 19 witnessed the Changing of the Guard and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with dignity and respect.

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To help lay the wreath was really an honor, Bradley said. Its a very emotional thing when I consider that tomb and all that it represents  taking the ride all through Arlington and seeing each of those white stones  the people they represent.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a reminder that freedom is not free. Though its referred to as the forgotten war, veterans like Robert Fetterhoff Sr. never forget.

I went in [the Army] in 53. I went over to Korea in 55 and I came out in 58, Fetterhoff said. A lot of people lost over there. Its a shame, you know, but I guess thats the price of war.

Robert Fetterhoff Sr.

U.S. Army, Cold War

Like Bradley, Fetterhoff found himself in the mess hall.

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I wasnt a cook originally. I was a truck driver for a while, Fetterhoff said. The guy that was in charge of the mess hall called me up one day and he says, Come on, youre gonna be a cook, and I said OK  nobody died from eating my food.

Fetterhoffs son joined him on Mission 19 as his Honor Flight guardian. Sharing the trip with him brought Fetterhoff to tears.

I wanted to bring him along because hes my oldest son, Fetterhoff said. I knew he would enjoy it.

U.S. Army veteran Robert Fetterhoff Sr. (right) stands with his son by the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington

Its heartwarming, it really is, Robert Fetterhoff Jr. said. Its been a heck of an experience. I never dreamed about coming here. I dont know a lot about this, but Im learning and its really something.

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Sometimes a veterans tenacity inspires the next generation of heroes. When Air Force veteran James Kestner of Springville stepped off the bus in Washington, he was surprised by his granddaughter, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Abigail Ballantyne.

I was just really excited to see him. Ive only seen him like twice in the last two and a half years, Ballantyne said. Hes never seen me in uniform. On top of that, he deserves it and he was a big inspiration for me joining the military. So I reached out to the Honor Flight people, who were absolutely amazing, and I asked if I could surprise him.

U.S. Air Force veteran James Kestner is surprised by his granddaughter, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Abigail Ballantyne, in Washington

Shes No. 1. She makes me very proud and shes doing wonderful in the Navy, Kestner said. Its hard to describe. Its wonderful. Thank you to whoever had a part in this. I had no clue.

This tour helps many veterans heal the scars of combat and remember comrades lost.

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The war stole all of my tomorrows, said Air Force veteran Lawrence Charles Jr. Vietnam was tough. I saw some things that no eyes should see.

Charles was a supply sergeant during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force veteran Lawrence Charles Jr. sits by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington

I had it rough. I got hit loading dead people. They came and told us that we have to go in the jungle to load bodies, Charles said. There was so much killing in 67 and 68  helicopters, bombs, gunshots  I was scared.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial bears the names of 58,318 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. With fingers to granite at Panel 47 West, Line 57, there was a touching reunion between Charles and his dear friend, Army Sgt. 1st Class Donald Welch.

A lot of them see that wall and feel [healing], Klubek said. Ive had a gentleman tell me, I feel so healed now that I was able to feel my best friend that died next to me, you know, it sends a bunch of healing for them.

We could be standing side by side in a foxhole and no matter what we think weve seen, our buddy next to us has seen it differently, said Army veteran Mattie McIntyre, a mental health counselor with Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. When I first got out of the military, I had a very good friend of mine who happened to be a counselor that told me one thing: you have to say it before you can own it, and you have to own it before you can fix it. So with PTSD or any type of post-traumatic stress or anything that all of the veterans face  to include myself  we have to say it, we have to own it. Opening up wounds so that they can heal from the inside out is what the Honor Flight is about  its about healing. Its about being there, helping and identifying.

Joseph Ruszala of Hamburg was part of the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, known as Tropic Lightning. He can attest to the closure one can find with Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight.

Its a game changer. PTSD wasnt a diagnosed condition until 1980. Before that, it was just  eat the pain, shake it off, Ruszala said. But this lets us get it out, and then we can enjoy [the trip] in the process. Its part of healing.

Joseph Ruszala

U.S. Army, Vietnam War

This was Ruszalas second Honor Flight tour.

I was on Mission 18 and I was on a mission there  I mean personally, Ruszala said. This one, I had a chance to really enjoy the monuments and the experience  to see it again in a softer light and to soak in all the detail I missed the first time. Its spectacular.

Ruszala returned for Mission 19 as an Honor Flight guardian to accompany a fellow brother-in-arms: Navy veteran Timothy Trost.

U.S. Navy veteran Timothy Trost (left) stands with his Honor Flight guardian, U.S. Army veteran Joseph Ruszala

I work at [Knox Farm State Park]. I cut the grass  633 acres  and [Trost] walks it every morning, Ruszala said. I would see him every morning and I would see his [Navy] hat  Id salute him, hed salute me and wed start telling stories. When I came back [from Mission 18], I was telling him about it at the park and he said, What is all that? I told him, Theyre looking for vets, do you wanna go? He said, Can I go? I said, Sure. So I gave him the paperwork and here we are. He didnt think it was possible but we did it.

Trosts service story began in Bermuda.

I joined the Navy 69 years ago. I was 17 years old, Trost said. We sailed the Atlantic and we flew the Atlantic looking for Russian submarines. My plane was a P5M seaplane. I have about 900 hours of flight time as an aircrew member. I did the radar, the radio and sub-hunting gear.

His treasured experience was at 1,500 feet among the clouds.

Timothy Trost

U.S. Navy, Cold War

In 1959, I was assigned to ZP1, Trost said. I was on the aircrew of the last active-duty blimp in the Navy. We flew it from Brunswick, Ga., to Lakehurst, N.J. It took us 18 hours and it was the greatest trip that I ever had.

He shared what it was like to be part of that aircrew.

Its very interesting to watch this whole blimp business, Trost said. The blimps are very hard to control because of the wind. We used to have enlisted pilots because no jet-fighter pilots wanted to train in a blimp, so we had all white-haired old guys. Theyre very difficult to fly because theyre still driven by cables. A blimp is 150 feet long and the cables go all the way back  its adventurous.

U.S. Navy veteran Timothy Trost talks with News 4s Jordan Norkus at the Air Force Memorial overlooking the Pentagon in Washington

From heroes in the sky to heroes under the sea. John Radens of Amherst is a docent at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. He was the only submariner on Mission 19.

I enlisted in the Navy and finished my 11 weeks in boot camp. Then I went to a school for fire control technicians  the people who fire the guns and aim the torpedoes, Radens said. I went to a destroyer in Norfolk, Va., the USS OHare. I saw the submarines at another pier and I walked over and said, Can I come aboard? They said, Sure. It was the kind of boat I ended up being on, a diesel-electric boat.

John Radens

U.S. Navy, Vietnam War

After submarine school, Radens joined the USS Sea Leopard crew. He was part of a special operation in the North Atlantic that remained classified until about 10 years ago.

That was the longest cruise we had. I thought it was a secret mission and  at the time  it was, Radens said. From Bergen, Norway, we went to the [Barents Sea] for 37 and a half days underwater. We would snorkel at night because we were a diesel boat, we couldnt make air like a nuclear boat. What was the mission? I didnt know what this mission was until after the mission. We would listen for Russian submarines and we would tape-record their propellers because propellers make a unique sound; they all do. So we were fingerprinting those Then we could take those tape-recordings, send them to the fleet, and thats how they would know the name of a Russian submarine and know which one it was.

Whether they silently roamed the ocean depths or ventured to unknown lands thousands of miles from home, together, the men of Mission 19 carry the weight of freedom and are woven together by the bond of brotherhood.

We all wore different uniforms, but we share a common thread  the same headaches we all went through  deployments, getting up early, things that our commanders put us through, Klubek said. Its a neat feeling to know that you all share a camaraderie, whether you wore one uniform or another, depending on the branch of service.

Anybody whos been in the service knows youre part of this highly dysfunctional group, Ruszala said. The militarys very, very disciplined and we have a job to do and we do it very, very well. But in between all of the good stuff, theres people from everywhere  and the guys who are looking at this will say, Oh yeah, there was this guy in my squad, he never wore socks, or something like that  and thats the glue that kind of binds the whole thing together when it tells a story. Thats the marrow of it.

The Honor Flight Network has been on this mission of gratitude for 20 years.

You protected us, so now its our chance to give back to you, Petrie said to the veterans before Mission 19s mail call distribution. When we put all this into it and we see all these smiles and hear the stories, we realize weve done a good thing for you guys.

The Buffalo hub and its volunteers have flown more than 670 veterans to D.C. at no cost since 2016.

The volunteers that help are amazing. They dont get paid. Theyre here all the time to guide you and tell you what to do and where to go, Fetterhoff Jr. said. Its just amazing. Were thankful for them.

The most amazing thing here is the staff. I cant believe the time and the hours they put in, Trost said. Theyre just so enthusiastic and its the most amazing experience because they put all this together  Im really grateful to them.

Veterans from Western New York, Northern Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario are encouraged to apply for future missions, as Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight is always accepting applications. The next flight will take place on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, followed by an all-female trip in October. There are also volunteer opportunities available.

I would encourage any vet thats out there, theyre looking for veterans  go, Ruszala said. And you Desert Storm and Afghanistan guys, your time is coming and when its coming, you go.

My era, we got welcomed with open arms, and unfortunately, their era did not. Its heartwarming to know that people still care, McIntyre said. Come on an Honor Flight. If youre a veteran, get here, fill out the application. If you wanna volunteer to be a guardian or anything with Honor Flight, do it because its worth it.

To those whove worn the nations uniform, welcome home  for its the land of the free because of the brave.

For the first time in like 53 years, I felt that the time I spent in the service was meaningful, Fiedler said.

Words cant express how I feel inside  its a wonderful thing, Morreale said. I feel like what I did, it wasnt wasted.

Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight Mission 19: Roundtable Discussion

* * *

Jordan Norkus is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning anchor who has been with the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Cleophus Cooksey, 43, is on trial in Arizona in connection with eight murders over a three-week span in 2017

Prosecutors plan to present physical evidence linking Cooksey to the crimes, arguing that most victims were killed while vulnerable

Cooksey has pleaded not guilty, and his defense claims the murders were random and unconnected, arguing there is no clear motive or premeditation

The trial against an Arizona man accused of carrying out eight murders over three weeks  culminating with the killing of his own mother  kicked off this week.

During opening statements, prosecutors said they would present evidence tying Cleophus Cooksey, 43, to each killing, the Associated Press and The Arizona Republic reported. Authorities say police found a gun used in several of the killings, a necklace belonging to one of the victims and the car keys of another victim found in an alley.

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Cookseys trial began Monday, more than seven years after the alleged killings due to pandemic-related delays, the outlet reported. If convicted, prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. Cooksey has pleaded not guilty and his defense has argued that the allegations against him are false.

Maricopa County Prosecutor Josh Maxwell opened the states case by projecting the names and faces of the eight people who were killed, according to The Arizona Republic. He told the jury that most of them were killed in vulnerable moments: sitting in a car, carrying groceries, at home with their families, walking alone.

Parker Smith and Andrew Remillard were the first victims, both shot while sitting inside a vehicle in a parking lot in November 2017, the AP reported. Less than a week later, Salim Richards, a security guard, was fatally shot on the way to his girlfriends apartment. Prosecutors argue that Cooksey and Richards got into a physical altercation and Cooksey allegedly walked away with Richards gun and necklace.

Latorrie Beckford and Kristopher Cameron were killed in separate apartment shootings at complexes in Glendale, per the outlet.

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Maria Villanueva was supposed to meet her boyfriend at his apartment in Glendale, but police say her body was found in a Phoenix alley after they say she was sexually assaulted. Cooksey, whose DNA was allegedly found on her body, drove away in her vehicle, the AP reported.

Cooksey was arrested in December 2017 after police responded to a call at his mothers home where they found him with blood on his hands, The Arizona Republic reported. Police then discovered blood on the walls and the bodies of his mother, Rene Cooksey, and her husband Edward Nunn.

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Cookseys lawyer, Robert Reinhardt, argued that the prosecution did not point to a motive, calling the killings random and unrelated, according to the outlet.

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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 in court, per the outlets.

Cookseys trial is expected to last more than eight months, according to the outlets, who cited a Maricopa County Superior Court spokesperson.

Read the original article on People
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY)  Get ready to give!

Give Local 757! is back. All day on May 6, 2025, organizations will be reaching out asking for your support.

If you dont already have a favorite nonprofit, the givelocal757.org website allows you to search for one that speaks to you. The dropdown menu has options from Animals to Youth. For 2025, the organization says 234 nonprofits are participating. They are all verified 501( c )(3) charitable nonprofits that are headquartered or provide services in Hampton Roads.

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Virginia Zoo raising money to upgrade veterinary equipment

10 On Your Sides Nick Broadway was in Newport News Tuesday morning at The Market, Thrive Peninsulas free grocery store, to discuss just how much money Thrive alone has raised during the Give Local 757 initiative.

As of 8:40 a.m., Thrive Peninsula was at the top of the list, with a grand total of $19,200 raised.

Thank you for giving and being a part of this mission, Angela York with Thrive Peninsula said. Its all neighbors lifting up other neighbors in need.

You can make a donation right from the Give Local 757! site or from the nonprofits website.

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There are several incentives for organizations. Click here to see this years prize pools. These cash grants will be awarded throughout the day.

Give Local 757! goes from midnight to midnight on May 6. You can also DONATE EARLY by clicking here.

This initiative is by the Peninsula Community Foundation.

Donations made through the Give Local 757! online portal are tax-deductible and cannot be refunded.

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(WKBN)  Farmers are anxious. Now, the only normal year in agriculture is in a greenhouse.

A dry winter has turned into a wet time right now. And farmers are keeping a close eye on it.

Weather plays a crucial role in farming.

You go down two inches where were putting that seed in, and its still almost like applesauce, said local farmer George Houk. Its still mud. So you dont want to plant into those conditions.

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Houk says seeds that go in the ground now would spend energy to stay alive, instead of germinating. The soil temperature is too low. Farmers want more sun to brighten their day, and help dry off that top surface.

If we get some sun and some breeze and get it dry enough to get our equipment across the field. Well get rolling and get it done in pretty short order.

Some farmers love to plant by May 10. Thats probably not going to happen with the wet conditions in many fields. Nobody wants to get a piece of equipment stuck in the mud. Planting now may mean the plant is not ready to handle the weather conditions that could come later this summer.

But if we have a normal summer pattern around here, where it gets dry, then the earlier you get it in, the farther along it is before it turns dry, the better. So its, its a roll of the dice, Houk said.

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Farmers dont like to gamble. They like a sure thing because of everything at stake. Waiting for better weather conditions is not easy. Especially not knowing whats ahead in June, July, or August. Theres one way to stay away from ruining the growing season.

You dont panic, Houk said. Because if you panic and you do something stupid, I guarantee things arent going to work out well.

Some farmers may have planted a small percentage of crops that could be out of sight in case it doesnt work out. If you see a field that has not been plowed, that farmer could practice no-till and plant right among what youre seeing now. As long as they can make a trench and put the seed in, it can come up.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  NAACP met with local leaders Monday to discuss the future of public transportation for Dayton Public Schools.

The meeting comes after recent concerns regarding children safety arose following a string of incidents at bus stops in the city  including the deadly shooting of a Dunbar High School student last month.

Students cannot be educated at our learning institutions, our high schools, if they dont make it to school, said Dr. Derrick Foward, NAACP Dayton Unit president

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Collaborate with us: DPS asks community to discuss transportation concerns

Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. and Rep. Phil Plummer met with the NAACP Dayton Unit to discuss a wide array of potential short and long term solutions for students.

There ought to be a way of transporting our kids safely from school to home, home to school, said Tom Roberts, NAACP Dayton Unit second vice president.

At the state level, changes could uproot the ways Dayton Public Schools get their kids to the classroom.

We heard from the legislature today that if the budget passes as it is today, there will be no bussing of students downtown, said Foward. DPS is going to have to make some kind of firm decisions working with the city of Dayton, not just DPS. Thats the whole reason we organized this meeting; to bring all the stakeholders together.

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An amendment to the Ohio legislatures newest budget bill would prohibit schools from using urban hubs for student transit if passed.

One solution favored by many was a student-only hub at Welcome Stadium and the Ponitz Center.

Although several solutions were brought up, nothing has been finalized. Another meeting is scheduled to discuss the topic again in two weeks.

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The original version of this story contained incorrect information stating RPD gun statistics were for April 2025, and we apologize. According to RPD, there were no homicides in the city of Roanoke in April. The story has been updated to reflect that the statistics are year-to-date for January through April 2025. We regret this error.

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Detectives with the Roanoke Police Department (RPD) continue to investigate a shooting off the 200 block of Market Street Southeast in downtown Roanoke that injured three people. It was not the only violent incident in the downtown area this year.

According to data from RPD, of the 47 total crimes to date in downtown Roanoke, four were aggravated assaults. That is two fewer in the same period last year. However, there were three gun-related homicides and six gun-related aggravated assaults in the city as of April, which is two and three more, respectively, than in 2024.

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All the incident times fall between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Downtown has gotten to be a bit scary, Karen Beckner, a Botetourt County resident who works downtown, said. I dont come down in the evenings, so during the day its not bad, but it is getting kind of scary and unsettling (at night).

Downtown store owners are afraid incidents like these can hurt business.

Three hurt in early Saturday morning shooting in Downtown Roanoke

Pauline Wood, the owner of Shades of Color downtown, said she is too familiar with the problem.

Im just surprised that theyre still doing it after weve had such an upgrade with officer Booth coming, and we have seen the difference he has made, Wood said. We were just quite surprised that this is happening again.

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It may be a problem that is difficult to solve, but some are hoping law enforcement can think of a solution soon.

We want to keep the area nice and clean, and we want it to be attractive for when people come because we are a tourist area down in this particular area, Wood said. Weve got all the hotels around us, so we have people come and spend a couple of days or a couple of weeks, and they want to come downtown, and they want to shop, but they want to feel safe when they come downtown.

WFXR reached out to RPD for an interview, but chief Scott Booth was unable to do one Monday.

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BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry on Tuesday said that recent reports that CK Hutchison has been granted permission to sell its global port assets other than those along the Panama Canal are unfounded.

"I would like to reiterate that the State Administration for Market Regulation has said it is paying close attention to the deal and will review it in accordance with the law. It has also said that all parties involved must refrain from taking any actions to evade the review, and no concentration of undertakings may proceed without approval, otherwise, legal liability will be incurred," spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news briefing.

The Chinese government will resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests in accordance with the law, and maintain market fairness and justice, Lin said, noting that the business activities of enterprises should abide by relevant laws and refrain from harming national interests. 
GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT)  Its Cinco de Mayo today and Mexican culture celebrates the victory over French armed forces in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Local restaurants in the area are preparing for their busiest day of the year.

Some restaurants like Plaza Azteca off Greenville Boulevard are offering specials as they expect large crowds throughout the day. Angel Hernandez, a manager at Plaza Azteca, says the restaurant is excited to offer a variety to their patrons.

For Cinco de Mayo, we do have our Mexican beers and a special on margaritas, Hernandez said. And also our food, which is our fajitas, chimichangas, burritos. And will say in case of the originals for today it is a special. Its a big day for us, really busy.

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Plaza Azteca will keep their doors open past 11p.m. The restaurant added that they are fully staffed and prepared for the Cinco de Mayo traffic.

Click the video above for more information.

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BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia hosted its 34th annual Tribute to Women Awards Banquet on May 1.

Five women across the region were honored for work that exemplifies the awards theme, Plant, Bloom, Thrive: Empowered Women Inspiring the Next Generation.

The celebration recognized trailblazers in award categories of Business/Finance, Healthcare, Mission Impact, STEAM/Education and Community Engagementfields where women continue to plant seeds of change, nurture growth and inspire others to flourish, the YWCA said in a news release. The honorees, nominated by organizations across the region, were celebrated for their dedication, vision, and impact.

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WETS-FM chief says federal funding critical

The following women were recognized at the awards:

Shelly Wiseman , Materials Manager at Strongwell  Business/Finance

Donna Bare , Financial Representative with Modern Woodmen of America  Community Engagement

Dr. Teresa Tyson , President and CEO of St. Marys Health Wagon  Healthcare

Dr. Theresa Burriss , Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Economic Development at Emory & Henry University  Mission Impact

Sonie Schermer, Founding Member and Board Member of Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center & Park  STEAM/Education

For more information on YWCA NETN and SWVA, click here or call 423-968-9444.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  North Syracuse-based restaurant CoreLife Eatery, known for its salads and healthy foods, has been ordered to pay almost $8 million for falsely claiming they were eligible for pandemic relief funds.

NewsChannel 9 has obtained a copy of the court documents that allege the restaurant lied about the number of restaurants it had in order to get pandemic relief funds.

Currently, CoreLife Eatery has 36 locations, with 15 in New York and three in Central New York.

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According to the lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice, Northern District of New York, they are ordering CoreLife Eatery to pay $7.8 million for falsely certifying its eligibility for a Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant.

Back in March of 2021, Congress moved forward with the American Rescue Plan Act as a continuation of the federal governments efforts to help provide relief to American individuals and businesses who were suffering as a result of the pandemic.

According to the filing, the Act allocated $28.6 billion toward an RRF, to be administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), that could grant qualifying restaurants and other eligible entities money awards equal to revenue losses caused by the pandemic. A restaurant was not an eligible entity if, as of March 13, 2020, it (together with its affiliated businesses) owned or operated more than 20 locations.

On May 3, 2021, CoreLife applied for an RRF grant for the amount of $3,904,686.55, but per the guidelines, they were actually ineligible as at the time, they had 29 locations.

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A question on the grants application asked if CoreLife owned or operated more than 20 locations as of March 13, 2020. A managing member responded to that question with no.

The filing stated that CoreLife has since admitted to, acknowledged, and accepted responsibility for the wrongdoings regarding the grant.

The chain also has locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky.

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Just last week, a London council member, the city clerk, and the police chief all resigned.

In December, 63-year-old Douglas Harless was killed by police who reportedly attempted to serve a search warrant at the wrong home.

At Mondays special-called City Council meeting, Acting Police Chief Bobby Day, who stepped in days ago, finally addressed the incident. Day said the Kentucky State Police is almost done with the investigation.

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Currently, the investigators are carefully reviewing all test results, forensic findings, and the finalized autopsy report alongside the full body of facts gathered. This also includes hours of recorded interviews that must be reviewed, transcribed, and properly memorialized within the investigated report, Day said.

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He said he does not have a timeline as to when the investigation will be completed.

Its important to understand that while we recognize the communitys desire for answers, the timeliness of the results is second to the completeness and the accuracy of this investigation. The ultimate goal is an investigation that is clear, thorough, and fully representative of the facts, Day said.

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Jamie Burns, who was protesting outside the meeting, said she still is not satisfied.

People in the LPD and the people in the administration, they know what happened that night; they know, and they can be doing things now to make us safe. They can be making sure that the PBA has the correct addresses, as they said, that was one of the issues, Burns said.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

I think that the majority of the public, you know, they need some answers, and I felt good about the response he gave tonight, Weddle said.

Burns said she and others are still waiting to hear how police will be held accountable.

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We want change; we want accountability. We want to make sure that my kids are not the next, my home is not the next, nobodys home should be the next, Burns said.

This is the third month in a row where the council has had a special-called meeting instead of their regular monthly meeting that allows for public comment.

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A Long Island school pleaded Monday with the Trump administration to jump into its ongoing fight to keep its Native American team name  with one week until a pivotal legal deadline.

Massapequa school officials sent a letter to Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon asking the feds to intervene in a legal case to preserve its Chiefs name and logo in the face of a New York State ban on Native American imagery.

In Massapequa, three things are certain: death, taxes and once a Chief, always a Chief, the districts attorney Oliver Roberts wrote in the 10-page letter.

Massapequa High School has asked Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to intervene in a legal battle over the schools Chiefs nickname. Getty Images

Massapequa High School risks losing state funding if it doesnt change its mascot by June. Massapequa Public Schools

The school has a May 12 deadline to file an amended complaint in its litigation against the Empire State and is supposed to rebrand from the Chiefs by the end of June or risk losing state funding.

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While most school districts capitulated to the States unconstitutional assault on history and tradition, Massapequa did not. Instead, we fought back, the letter states.

This is not just a local issue  Massapequa is now the battleground for the preservation of our history and values nationwide, it adds. Without the Departments intervention before these critical deadlines, the resulting harm to our educational institutions and cultural traditions will be irreversible.

President Trump has said publicly he supports keeping the name Chiefs and said he would direct the Education Department to get involved. The school said the deadlines call for immediate intervention.

President Trump wrote on TRUTH Social that Massapequa High School having to change its mascot ridiculous. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Massapequa has said the name Chiefs pays homage to the areas Indigenous roots and officials contend in its suit that New Yorks ban and several exemptions within it are discriminatory under the states Title VI as it targets Native American imagery but allows names such as the Fighting Irish or Vikings to remain in place.

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Massapequa has been fighting the state Board of Regents 2023 ban for two years, so far with little success.

In March, a judge ruled against the school district but the battle was given a boost when Trump railed against the ban on social media.

A chief logo seen on the front entrance to Massapequa High School. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population, Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that he would ask McMahon to fight for the towns mascot.

State Department of Education spokesperson JP OHare told The Post that the Board of Regents adopted the policy because some Native American names and images have been shown to perpetuate negative stereotypes.

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Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported, OHare said.

A mural on a wall next to the Long Island high school. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

He explained that districts are allowed to use Native American names and images so long as they are approved by tribal leaders  and blasted town education leaders for not engaging Indigenous leaders and a department Mascot Advisory Committee before suing over the matter.

John Kane, a Native activist and member of the states Indigenous Mascot Advisory Council, told The Post he does not approve of Massapequas mascot or name.

Using people for mascots is wrong, Kane previously told reporters. I dont know how you can use a stereotypical image of any group of people and not realize that its discriminatory.

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He pointed out that despite the districts claims of wanting to honor the areas heritage  the towns mascot and logo dont depict the correct type of Indigenous people who were native to the area.

Massapequa uses a Plains Indian headdress for the logo even though the Algonquin would have never even looked like that, he said.

The president, however, said that virtually everyone in the area is demanding the name be saved.

The U.S. Department of Education will not stand by as the state of New York attempts to rewrite history and deny the town of Massapequa the right to celebrate its heritage in its schools, McMahon said in a statement.

There are several mascots that refer to indigenous or ethnic groups  the Vikings, Fighting Irish, the Cowboys  and yet New York has specifically singled out Native American heritage. We will investigate this matter fully.
(NewsNation)  One Texas private school is using software powered by artificial intelligence to teach students core subjects in as little as two hours a day.

Alpha Schools Brownsville campus, which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, has adopted an AI-driven learning model aimed at accelerating academic progress while allowing more freedom to learn life skills such as public speaking, leadership and financial literacy

Students learn the core curriculum through an AI-assisted learning platform, while teachers focus on mentoring, emotional support and teaching practical life skills. In addition to the three Rs: Reading, writing and arithmetic, leaders emphasize what they call the four Cs: Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

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COVID school closures did lasting damage, new book finds

On Morning in America, Alpha School co-founder MacKenzie Price explained, Were using artificial intelligence to raise human intelligence. Our students receive highly personalized learning, and theyre able to complete their core curriculum in just two hours.

With core academics finished by lunchtime, the rest of the school day is dedicated to real-world learning. This includes activities like storytelling, teamwork, and exploring technology tools like AI. For example, kindergartners use an AI program called ChatABC! to learn.

Theyre getting to learn how to use AI tools to do things like research animals, and then they build dioramas, and theyre learning how to do prompt exercises for AI by writing instructions for their guide or their teacher to be able to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for example, Price explained.

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Can you make money off AI-written childrens books?

Addressing concerns from parents who worry their child might fall behind in an AI-based system, Price said that each student effectively has a personal tutor.

So, that fifth grade student who might come to us maybe missing some gaps from fourth or third grade, we can go and fill those gaps in, and then that fifth grade student who is farther ahead and should be doing sixth or seventh grade work, they can do that, she explained.

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Louisiana lawmakers may life restrictions on gifts for elected officials and government employees. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana lawmakers are quickly moving legislation that would dramatically expand the types of gifts elected officials and government employees could receive while doing their jobs.

House Bill 674, sponsored by Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, would eliminate a prohibition in state ethics law on public sector employees and elected leaders from receiving gifts in most circumstances.

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Instead, government employees would be able to receive any type of gift worth up to $100 per event with an annual cap of $200. They would be able to accept an additional $200 in seasonal or holiday food gifts for a total limit of $400 in gifts.

It seems to me that they have now changed this to allow a $100 gift for any purpose, ethics board member Alfred Butch Speer said during Fridays board meeting in discussion about the proposed ethics legislation.

Speer was the Louisiana House of Representatives clerk and general counsel for 35 years and appointed to the ethics board by former Gov. John Bel Edwards after he retired . In his former job, he was in charge of helping educate and advise legislators on ethics restrictions, including gift restrictions.

If Beaullieus bill passes, the higher threshold of gift giving would be open to most public employees, from local health inspectors and motor vehicle office workers to legislators and the governor.



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The only public employees with stricter gift restrictions might be K-12 teachers. An existing ban on public school educators receiving a gift over $25 per item from a student, with a maximum of $75 per year, would remain unchanged.



Does it create a situation where you are going to have a lot more gifts flying around the state? Absolutely, state Ethics Administrator David Bordelon told ethics board members.

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Beaullieu said in an interview that he was open to changing the gift-giving provision in his bill if requested. It also contains dozens of other ethics law changes unrelated to gifts.



The Louisiana House approved the bill 96-0 Monday, with no questions from representatives before they voted to advance it to the Senate.



Stephen Gele, a private attorney who works on ethics and campaign finance matters for Gov. Jeff Landry, helped write the legislation. He said the bill was crafted with input from the ethics board staff, civic organizations and public servants who have faced ethics investigations.

The states current zero tolerance for gift giving is excessive, punishes people who are acting ethically and creates confusion, he said. Criminal statutes exist to deal with people who abuse gift giving for the purpose of bribery and other corruption, according to Gele.



Prior absolute prohibitions lead to confusion, waste of public servant time, and therefore waste of taxpayer dollars, Gele said in a written statement Friday. HB 674 maintains prohibitions on public servants accepting gifts in amounts that would tend to create the appearance of corruption.

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Bordelon agreed there is a lot of confusion among government workers about gift giving. The ethics board staff has fielded calls from librarians, for example, about whether they can accept cookies from patrons for Librarian Appreciation Day. Several public servants have asked whether they are allowed to receive king cakes during Mardi Gras season.

We get a ton of phone calls about gifts, Bordelon said.

Yet Beaullieus bill might nullify other state laws that place restrictions on what food, drinks and promotional materials can be given to elected officials and public employees.

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Public servants are only able to accept the equivalent of $79 worth of food and drink at any single event they attend in person under the current law. The cap will go up to $81 in July because it is tied to the federal Consumer Price Index which has also increased.



If Beaullieus bill becomes law, the cap would automatically jump to $100 for food and drink at two events per year, or $200 per one event if seasonal or holiday food, is featured, Speer said.



The limitations on state employees and elected officials accepting promotional items, typically from lobbyists and industry groups, to just those that have no resale value, would also be lifted.



For example, business and industry groups that now give state lawmakers hats or plastic cups with their logos on them could possibly give out promotional items worth up to $100 during the legislative session.

Unlike some other spending, lobbyists and interest groups would not be required to publicly report their gifts or the elected officials and public employees who receive them under the bill, Speer said.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Louisiana is the most unaffordable state in the nation for auto insurance, according to state lawmakers, prompting a slate of reform bills aimed at lowering costs.

You can drive to Texas, Mississippi, or Arkansas, and sometimes cut your rates in half, and thats unacceptable, said Rep. Gabe Firment, who described the states auto insurance situation as a crisis.

Rep. Firmet said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier echoed the urgency.

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Were coming out of regular session. He recognized the urgency to do something about the automobile insurance crisis, said Firmet.

In response, a coalition of lawmakers has introduced insurance and legal reform legislation targeting what they said are the root causes of high premiums  excessive litigation, frequent bodily injury claims, and large jury verdicts that have driven insurers out of the market.

To put it in perspective: In 2021, in Louisiana, with a population of about 4.5 million, there were 66,000 bodily injury claims related to auto accidents, said Firment.

That same year, New York, with a population of 20 million, had just 60,000 such claims.

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The reform package includes proposals to cap certain damages, restrict payouts to claimants mostly at fault, repeal pro-plaintiff legal presumptions, and increase transparency in trials and billing. Other measures would limit attorney fees, reduce venue shopping, and address deceptive legal advertising and third-party litigation funding.

One such bill, House Bill 657 by Rep. Michael Carver, targets misleading legal ads. It is expected to reach the House floor this week.

Firment said that all bills  except those addressing unethical advertising and distracted driving  have already passed to the Senate. Lawmakers say they will continue pushing for reform as the bills move forward.

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Rep. Tony Bacala presents his bill. (Allison Allsop / Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana legislators are advancing a proposal with the goal of preventing tenured professors and critical employees from leaving Louisiana colleges and universities, but it lacks one enticement faculty and staff consider critical to keeping them on campus.

House Bill 24 by Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, would expand eligibility for the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) to include faculty at the states community and technical colleges. It also extends the period when employees can switch from a portable retirement plan to the fixed, pension style plan offered to most state employees.

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Qualifying campus faculty and employees would have seven years instead of five years , to choose between the two plans, aligning it with the typical timeline it takes for professors to earn tenure.

Bacalas bill incorporates most of the recommendations from a Board of Regents task force he helped form.

An increase in employer contributions to TRSL retirement plans was among the most anticipated portions of Bacalas bill. In its original state, it would have increased the minimum employer contribution to portable plan accounts from 6.2% to 8% of employee pay.

The contribution bump was removed from the bill because it would have increased state spending more than $11 million annually. It might be put back into the bill, Bacala said, if state forecasts recognize an increase in revenue that would give lawmakers more money to spend in the upcoming budget cycle.

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Louisiana has the lowest employer contribution rate for higher education employees among southeastern states, according to TRSL executive counsel Trey Roche. Louisianas average faculty pay also lags behind other states in the region.

Last year, lawmakers gave certain higher education employees a limited window to switch from the portable plan to defined benefits. According to the Board of Regents, 795 applied for the change as of the end of 2024.

Nearly 7,000 college and university faculty and staff members are enrolled in the states portable or optional retirement plan that allows them to take their accrued benefits with them if they choose to leave the state for another job. But as professors earn tenure and key personnel stay in place longer, the limited ability to switch over to the fixed benefit plan with a higher payout makes Louisiana less attractive for employees who want to finish their careers here.

In the past, the Teachers Retirement System has stymied attempts to change the optional retirement plan. While its board has not taken an official position on the bill, Bacala seemed confident its members would be on board.

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Bacalas bill has unanimously passed the House retirement and appropriations committees and will next be debated in the full House of Representatives.

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Southern England has been left reliant on French power after low winds curtailed domestic energy supplies.

More than half of the electricity used in the South East was imported on Tuesday morning, according to data from the National Energy System Operator. The bulk came from France, alongside imports from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Similarly, the North East also imported 52pc of its electricity, largely from Norway, as wind power contributed to just 2pc of the regions power.

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It comes amid mounting pressure on Ed Milibands clean power revolution, as the Energy Secretary has vowed to turbocharge the roll-out of renewables to hit net zero by 2050.

An increasing reliance on wind and solar has sparked fears of energy shortages across Britain, particularly after net zero was blamed for recent blackouts across Spain and Portugal.

Overall, around 25pc of the power consumed by the UK over the last 24 hours came from overseas, with France providing around 12.7pc.

The picture was, however, very different in the South West, where high levels of sunshine on Tuesday meant the region was drawing nearly 70pc of its electricity from solar.

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The UKs reliance on imported power has grown in recent years after the mass closure of coal and gas-fired power plants.

Strain on the UKs energy supplies has also been exacerbated by the power grids inability to transmit large swathes of power from northern wind farms to cities in the South.

Pressure often builds during periods of low wind, such as this week when speeds dropped to as low as 1mph.

The UKs growing reliance on electricity generated by its European neighbours is both politically awkward and expensive.

The system works via an expanding network of subsea, high-voltage power cables connecting the UK to France, Norway, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and Ireland.

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In theory, electricity can be exported or imported, but the UKs lack of reliable generation means the traffic is largely one-way.

This means the UK is increasingly reliant on costly energy imports from Europe, which are ultimately paid by consumers.

According to the Office for National Statistics, electricity imports cost the UK 3.1bn last year, up from 1.2bn in 2018.

Andrew Bowie, Tory MP, said: Far from providing energy security, Ed Milibands ideological obsession with net zero means that the UK has to pay extortionate prices to import electricity from other countries when the wind doesnt blow and the sun doesnt shine.

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Businesses and households in Britain need cheap, abundant, reliable energy. Ed Miliband and Labour are locking us into a system which is the opposite.

Chris Hewett, the chief executive of Solar Energy lobby group, argued the UK must build more wind and solar if it wanted to cut imports.

He said: The energy price crisis was driven by the surging cost of polluting natural gas, so to bring down prices and meet our greenhouse gas targets alike, we need to invest in more renewable energy.

That will have the added benefit of reducing reliance on importing power, while also offering a greater opportunity to export it, not to mention creating thousands of jobs.

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Barnaby Wharton, of Renewable UK, trade body for the wind energy industry, added: The UK is set to become a net exporter of electricity within the next few years, as we continue to install more renewables and upgrade our grid infrastructure.

We are well on our way to achieving this, with renewables already generating more than 50pc of the UKs electricity a year.

We need to focus on generating our own electricity from home-grown clean sources to boost our energy security and drive down bills for hard-pressed consumers.

The Department for Energy was contacted for comment.

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TEHRAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The fourth round of Iran-U.S. talks will be held in the Omani capital Muscat on Sunday, Nour News affiliated with the Iran's Supreme National Security Council quoted an informed official as saying on Tuesday.

The upcoming negotiations will center directly on humanitarian issues and certain security concerns of Iran and the United States, Nour News said.

The delegations of Iran and the United States, headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, have so far held three rounds of Oman-mediated talks on Tehran's nuclear program and the removal of Washington's sanctions. The first and third rounds were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and April 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19.

The fourth round, which was originally scheduled for May 3 in Rome, was postponed due to what Oman described as "logistical reasons."

Speaking at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran on Tuesday, Iran's government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Iran's red lines in the "indirect talks" with the United States are "fixed and clear."

"We will only talk about the nuclear issue and are committed to maintaining the red lines we have repeatedly mentioned in the past," she was quoted by Iran's official news agency IRNA as saying.

Iran considers nuclear energy necessary for achieving its peaceful purposes and meeting its energy needs, Mohajerani said, stressing that having access to nuclear energy is among the Iranian people's rights.

Iran has announced and proved in practice its commitment to the process of diplomacy, she said, calling on the United States to prove its positions.

Iran signed the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

The United States, led by President Donald Trump during his first term, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually reduce compliance with its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the agreement have not achieved substantial progress. 
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  The Lowes Foundation held a blue carpet event Tuesday morning to honor students committing to a future in skilled trades.

This event gave often overlooked students from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology the chance to walk the blue carpet as they committed to careers in the skilled trades such as carpentry, construction and electrical work. This was part of SkillsUSAs National Signing Day which honors thousands of students nationwide.

New events honors Knox County seniors joining the military after graduation

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We are so very excited to see people entering into the skilled trades, said Donna Neale, vice president of contact center operations at Lowes.

She explained that Signing Day is where students actually made the commitment to pursue the work in the skilled trades that the education youve just been exposed to and completed leads you to.

She talked about the need for and importance of workers in these trades.

Daniel Slaven, who studied HVAC and refrigeration, said the Signing Day was very encouraging. He was grateful for the support of Lowes and SkillsUSA.

New department seeking to take over Knox County Schools clothing center

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Its always exciting to me to see someone on their beginning journey of realizing a dream, Neale said. Im very proud of them.

The Lowes Foundation has awarded millions in grants to advocate for and help educate people in the skilled trades, a spokesperson explained.

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Sen. Chris Cournoyer, right, took the oath of office to serve as Iowa lieutenant governor Dec. 16, 2024 at the Iowa Capitol, led by Iowa Chief Justice Susan Christensen, left. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer announced Tuesday she will run for state auditor in the 2026 election.

The people of Iowa deserve an Auditor who will protect their dollars, keep politics out of the office, and bring a business-minded, results-oriented approach to every audit, Cournoyer said in a news release. Thats exactly what I intend to deliver.

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Cournoyer is currently Iowas lieutenant governor, serving under Gov. Kim Reynolds. She was appointed to the position in December 2024, months after former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned and became the president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association. Before joining the Reynolds administration, Cournoyer, of LeClaire, served as a state senator representing Iowa Senate District 35, winning reelection in the 2022.

After being appointed to replace Gregg in 2024, Cournoyer is set to serve out the remainder of his term, through 2026. But she will not be elected to serve a full term as Reynolds second-in-command, as the governor announced she will not seek reelection in April.

Cournoyer was considered a potential gubernatorial candidate in Republican primary field after serving with Reynolds, among other potential candidates like Attorney General Brenna Bird, House Speaker Pat Grassley and Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, though Cournoyer did not announce any intentions to run for the position. The lieutenant governors announcement that she will run for state auditor takes her out of this field as she seeks an office currently held by an expected Democratic gubernatorial candidate  Auditor Rob Sand.

Sand has not officially entered the gubernatorial race, but is expected to run after accumulating significant campaign funds heading into the 2026 election cycle. This means he will likely not face Cournoyer in a reelection race for state auditor  but Cournoyer criticized Sands time holding the position in her campaign announcement.

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As Iowa continues to cut taxes and streamline government, the Auditors Office must lead by example and serve as a true watchdog for the taxpayer  not a political weapon, Cournoyer said in a statement. Its time for an Auditor who prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and results over headlines and partisanship.

Sand is the only Democrat to hold statewide elected office in Iowa. As auditor, a position charged with auditing state agencies and launching investigations into government spending, Republicans have accused Sand of pursuing certain audits, like one into the states Education Savings Account program providing state funding for private school tuition and associated costs, because of his political opposition to program.

Cournoyer said an auditor should serve all Iowans  not just one party or one cause.

Taxpayer dollars should never be used to campaign, and oversight should never be driven by political bias, Cournoyer said.

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Sand has repeatedly pushed back against claims that certain audits are used for partisan purposes. He and Democrats in the Legislature have argued Republicans are curtailing the offices ability to perform its duties, because a Democrat holds the office, through recent laws restricting the auditors office access to certain information and ability to go to court.

Cournoyer said if elected, she would take steps to make the auditors office more efficient by integrating artificial intelligence technology into the auditing process, promoting the states transparency portal, and making the Auditors Office a home for recommendations emerging from the Governors DOGE Task Force on modernizing government operations.

Reynolds officially launched the state Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force in February, modeled after the federal DOGE headed by Elon Musk, to identify savings and areas for improvement in local and state government.

Cournoyer said she has experience working to improve government efficiency during her time in the Legislature as one of the leaders of Reynolds 2023 government realignment law that consolidated and cut the states 37 executive-level cabinet agencies to 16.

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Reynolds praised Cournoyer in a statement Tuesday and endorsed her in her campaign for auditor.

Chris is a true fiscal conservative with a strong record of improving government efficiencies and accountability, Reynolds said. Her background in technology and her unwavering commitment to taxpayers makes her an ideal watchdog every Iowan can trust. Iowans can rest assured Chris Cournoyer will always have their best interests at heart.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowas Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer announced she is running for Iowa State Auditor Tuesday morning.

Cournoyer, a Republican, was appointed Lt. Governor in December of 2024 by Gov. Kim Reynolds after the previous Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned in September 2024 to head the Iowa Bankers Association. WHO 13 News interviewed Lt. Governor Cournoyer on Tuesday morning about her decision, see the full segment below.

In Tuesdays campaign announcement, Cournoyer called for the Auditors Office to be used as a watchdog for taxpayers and not a political weapon.

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Its time for an Auditor who prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and results over headlines and partisanship, said Cournoyer.

Trone Garriott running for Iowas 3rd Congressional District

Iowas current State Auditor, Rob Sand, is the only Democrat to hold statewide office and has been critical of the Republican-controlled legislature and Gov. Reynolds for passing SF 478. The law restricts access by the Auditors office to certain state information it may be seeking during an audit.

Sand has not made a public announcement about his political plans for the future, but it is widely expected that he will run for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

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Sand for Iowa Spokesperson Sam Roecker released a statement in response to Cournoyers campaign announcement, Auditor Sand is proud of creating a tri-partisan leadership team that has always included people who contributed to his 2018 opponent, the government efficiency program they created, and the fact that they uncovered a record amount of misspent money in his first term before Senator Cournoyer and others created a new law that gutted their ability to find misspent money.

Gov. Reynolds is backing Cournoyer with her endorsement. Chris is a true fiscal conservative with a strong record of improving government efficiencies and accountability. Her background in technology and her unwavering commitment to taxpayers makes her an ideal watchdog every Iowan can trust. Iowans can rest assured Chris Cournoyer will always have their best interests at heart, stated Reynolds.

Cournoyer was serving in the Iowa Senate when she was tapped for the Lt. Gov. role. She has been in the Iowa Senate since 2019 with her latest term representing District 35 expiring in January of 2025. An advocate for STEM skills, Cournoyer is a member of the Iowa Governors STEM council. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from the University of Texas and is a website developer and designer.

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The defense fund for Luigi Mangione, created by the December 4 Legal Committee, has amassed more than $1 million in donations

Mangione is accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 and has been indicted on federal and state charges

The December 4 Legal Committee said the money raised will go toward expenses associated with all three" of his "pending criminal cases"

Luigi Mangiones official defense fund has officially crossed the $1 million mark.

The December 4 Legal Committee  which has been raising funds on GiveSendGo for Mangione's legal defense  announced in a press release shared with PEOPLE that they raised over $1 million from more than 28,000 individual contributions.

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On the crowdfunding website, the total currently amassed stands at $1.03 million. The December 4 Legal Committee noted in its release that the median donation from the public was $20  though large individual contributions have also helped get the total over the line.

In March 2025, a mystery donor gave a whopping $36,500 to the fund and explained in a comment that they did so after being surprised at the almost ubiquitous nature of support towards the suspect that I would expect to be quite bifurcated in this type of litigation.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Luigi Nicholas Mangione arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on December 23, 2024. Luigi Nicholas Mangione arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on December 23, 2024.

Related: Luigi Mangione Musical Set to Debut Next Month. The Entire Run Is Already Sold Out

There have been several other people who have donated over $20,000 to the fund, which will be used toward expenses associated with all three pending criminal cases against Mr. Mangione, per the release.

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Mangione, 27, is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot three times by a masked gunman outside of a Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4, 2024.

The gunman allegedly fled on an electric bike and disappeared into Central Park following the shooting, avoiding police and prompting a $10,000 reward for information leading to their capture. Detectives found the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" on the shell casings found at the scene, police sources told ABC News.

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Mangione was arrested by police at a McDonalds in Altoona, Penn. five days later on December 9. A law enforcement source told PEOPLE that investigators allegedly found a gun resembling the one used by Thompson's shooter, a silencer, a fake New Jersey ID used to book a stay at an Upper West Side hostel and a three-page "manifesto" in his possession during his arrest.

Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Luigi Mangione appears for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024 in New York City. Mangione, 26, was arraigned on state murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4. Luigi Mangione appears for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024 in New York City. Mangione, 26, was arraigned on state murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4.

A New York grand jury initially indicted Mangione on terrorism charges in December 2024, and this was later upgraded to federal murder charges. He was also indicted on four additional state charges, including two counts of stalking, one count of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense for an allegation that he used a silencer, per NBC News.

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Related: Should Luigi Mangione Plead Insanity in Court? Expert Gives Theory on What that Defense Could Mean

He has pleaded not guilty to the state and federal charges, according to CNN. Mangiones federal murder charges could land him the death penalty, and his state charges could also land him a maximum penalty of life in prison, per the outlet.

During his incarceration, the 27-year-old has received letters and photos of support from the public. He addressed the support in his first public statement in February, saying that he was "overwhelmed" and "grateful" for those who have written to him in jail.

The next hearing date in Mangione's federal case is scheduled for Dec. 5, at which a trial date will be determined, per NBC News.

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The official defense fund for Luigi Mangione soared past $1 million on Tuesday, which also happened to be his 27th birthday.

The fundraiser, which is still live on the platform GiveSendCo, has raked in more than $1.04 million, all of which will go toward covering expenses associated with the three pending criminal cases against Mangione in New York and Pennsylvania.

Organizers said the financial milestone marked a step forward in pursuing justice for Mr. Mangione, who is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for allegedly carrying out the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

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Thompson had been visiting the city from Minnesota for an investor conference sponsored by the insurance giant at The Residences by Hilton Club, where he was supposed to give a speech. Police said he was walking toward the venue the morning of Dec. 4 when he was ambushed by a masked gunman near W. 54th St. and Sixth Ave. He was pronounced dead a half hour later.

Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa. after days of dodging law enforcement. Police said he had a silencer and 3D-printed gun on him at the time matching three shell casings found at the murder scene.

The ammo had been marked with the words delay, deny and depose  a reference to the insurance industrys tactics for delaying claims and maximizing profits.

In the months he has spent at MDC in Brooklyn, Mangione has been inundated with letters from supporters all around the world.

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The massive pot of donations for his defense fund is made up of contributions from some 28,000 people, with a median offering of $20. Organizers said it shows how the fund has become one of the few uncensored public forums for people in America to share their grievances with our lethal for-profit health care system and the indefensible economic and political order that has imposed it upon us.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges. Hes due back in court on Dec. 5, when his federal trial date will be set.
The legal defense fund for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December, surpassed the $1 million mark in donations on Tuesday, organizers said.

The fundraising effort run through the online platform GiveSendGo had topped $1.04 million in donations by Tuesday afternoon.

Organizers said these contributions represent "a step forward in pursuing justice for Mr. Mangione" as donors showed "their grievances with our lethal for-profit healthcare system and the indefensible economic and political order that has imposed it upon us."

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"This milestone was reached because of the continued resonance of Mr. Mangiones story," Sam Beard, a spokesperson for the December 4 Legal Committee, said in a statement.

Organizers said they hope the fundraiser, which has received over 28,000 individual contributions with a median contribution of $20, reaches the $1.5 million mark.

The funds will cover expenses associated with all three pending criminal cases against Mangione in New York and Pennsylvania.

Mangione, who turned 27 on Tuesday, is facing both state and federal charges in New York in connection with the Dec. 4 slaying of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel.

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Thompson was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Groups investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown when he was shot from behind, authorities said.

After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He faces state charges in Pennsylvania for allegedly carrying an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification.

If convicted of federal charges, Mangione could be sentenced to death.

Thompson's slaying immediately launched an unseemly wave of support for his killer, days before Mangione was captured in Pennsylvania.

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A representative of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the donations.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Early next month, Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue will be once again hosting a barbecue event that helps support their animals.

The Luke Day Barbecue is an event hosted by Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue and NextHome TriState Realty. The titular Luke is NextHomes dog mascot, and the event celebrates his birthday by helping the animals at the rescue center.

During the event, Siouxlanders are encouraged to donate pet food items, cleaning supplies, or cash in order to help out Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue.

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Event-goers can enjoy a barbecue sandwich, chips, and a drink while hanging out with many of the cute animals at the rescue.

Ben Folds to play with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra in fall visit

If you meet an animal youd love to take home, there will be a raffle at the event where you could win the chance to have your adoption fee covered.

The Luke Day Barbecue will be taking place at the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center located at 2400 Hawkeye Drive on June 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his Tuesday election to Germany's top political job.

"It is up to us to make the Franco-German engine and reflex stronger than ever," Macron said in a post on X.

"It is up to us to accelerate our European agenda for sovereignty, security and competitiveness - for the French, for the Germans and for all Europeans," he added.

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Macron said he and Merz will work towards this on Wednesday at their meeting in Paris.

The new chancellor is expected to make his inaugural visit to the French capital, which, according to the Elysee Palace, is not a ceremonial visit but rather a first working session aimed at renewing and revitalizing Franco-German relations.

The aim is to "send a very strong and immediate signal that a renewal is taking place in Franco-German relations, both bilaterally and in terms of providing new momentum for Europe," Macron's office said.

The two leaders will discuss sovereignty, competitiveness and security. The agenda also includes resolving past disagreements, such as those related to energy policy.
Emmanuel Macron has come under fire for hosting Syrias jihadist president Ahmed al-Sharaa for the former Islamist rebels first European visit.

In the meeting on Wednesday, the French president will reiterate Frances support for the construction of a new Syria, a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society, according to the Elysee.

This meeting is part of Frances historic commitment to the Syrian people who aspire to peace and democracy, it added.

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But the Right-wing opposition in France have heavily criticised the invitation.

Marine Le Pen, the National Rally figurehead, wrote on X: Stupor and consternation, and described Mr Sharaa as a jihadist who has been through Daesh and al-Qaeda.

Denouncing what she called provocation and irresponsibility on the part of the French president, she added: Once again, Emmanuel Macron is damaging Frances image and discrediting its commitment, particularly to its allies, in the fight against Islamism.

The Islamist militias that have sown death among our compatriots in bloody attacks are massacring minorities, she said.

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Eric Ciotti, the hard-Right president of the UDR and a Le Pen ally, was also furious.

Emmanuel Macrons reception of the Islamist Syrian dictator in Paris is a mistake, he said. The decision was a fundamental error that contributes to the international recognition of an abominable regime, he said

Syrias new Islamist authorities, who have roots in al-Qaeda, have promised inclusive rule in the multi-confessional, multi-ethnic country.

But sectarian clashes in March in which more than 1,700 people, mostly Alawites, were killed in coastal areas led to widespread condemnation.

More recent clashes involving Druze fighters, as well as reports of abuses from NGOs, have also raised doubts about the interim governments ability to control extremists in its ranks.

In the meeting between the two leaders, Emmanuel Macron will reiterate Frances support for the construction of a new Syria - Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

Mr Macron first invited Syrias new interim leader to visit France in February after Islamist-led forces toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year.

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In March, he repeated the invitation but on condition that the Syrian president formed an inclusive government representing all components of civil society, describing his initial negotiations with the interim leaders as positive.

The Elysee on Tuesday insisted that during the meeting, Mr Macron would emphasise his demands on the Syrian government, primarily the stabilisation of the region, including Lebanon, and the fight against terrorism.

Reacting to opposition criticism, Jean-Noel Barrot, the French foreign minister, said: Not engaging in dialogue with these transitional leaders would be irresponsible towards the French people and, above all, would be rolling out the red carpet for Daesh.

The fight against terrorism, the control of migration flows, the control of drug trafficking, as well as the future of neighbouring Lebanon, on which Mr Macron has staked part of his diplomatic capital, all this is being played out in Syria, he told RTL.

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France in February organised a conference in Paris on the reconstruction of Syria, in the hope of steering the fragile transition in the right direction.

It also hopes to reap economic benefits from a rapprochement. Last week, logistics giant CMA CGM signed a 30-year contract with Damascus to develop and operate the port of Latakia, in the presence of Mr al-Sharaa.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
By Qabil Ashirov



An academic event organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Cuba was held at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev's birth.

Azernews reports that the event was attended by the leadership of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, representatives of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Committee, members of academic circles, as well as Cuban alumni who studied in Azerbaijan.

Noemi Rabaza, First Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, delivered a speech highlighting the history of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba, the friendly ties between the two countries, and their successful efforts and cooperation to further strengthen those relations. She emphasized Azerbaijans consistent support for Cuba in the UN General Assemblys annual votes on lifting the economic embargo against Cuba, a stance highly appreciated by the Cuban government and people. Rabaza also noted that the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev is held in high regard in Cuba, recalling his warm sentiments toward the country and his good relations with Cubas Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro.

Subsequently, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Cuba, Ruslan Rzayev, addressed the participants, providing a detailed account of Heydar Aliyevs invaluable services to Azerbaijan during both the Soviet era and the country's independence period. The ambassador spoke about Heydar Aliyev's leadership in independent Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it was thanks to his efforts that Azerbaijan emerged as a powerful state on the international stage. He noted that this political path is being successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev.

Professor Oscar Julian Villar Barroso of the University of Havana also gave a speech, discussing Heydar Aliyevs political legacy, his contributions during the Soviet period, and later, his work for an independent Azerbaijan. He elaborated on the major economic initiatives undertaken during the challenging early years of independence, when the country faced the Karabakh war and serious socio-economic difficulties. The speaker underlined that it was Heydar Aliyevs wise oil strategy that ensured the trade of Azerbaijans energy resources on international markets, establishing the country's current leadership role in the energy sector.

At the end of the event, a video about Heydar Aliyevs life and legacytranslated into Spanish with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Cubawas shown to the participants.
Zheng Hong, chief physician from the ophthalmology department of Sanming No. 1 Hospital, China's Fujian Province, checks the eyes of a patient at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

DAKAR, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Thiekouta Diouf, an 84-year-old Senegalese cataract patient, was overjoyed to regain sight after receiving a custom-made foldable intraocular lens implanted by Chinese doctors.

The free surgery was performed last Friday inside a mobile surgical unit stationed at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in western Senegal by Zhang Zhaode, a veteran ophthalmologist from east China's Fujian Province.

As medical staff helped Diouf off the operating table, a smile lit up his deeply wrinkled face. "The operation was comfortable. I felt no pain," he said. "Thanks to the Chinese doctors, I have hope of seeing again."

His operation marked the 3,603rd procedure completed under a cataract blindness prevention project jointly launched by the GX Foundation, a Chinese non-profit and non-governmental organization registered in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as the Fujian Provincial Health Commission.

According to a World Report on Vision published in 2019 by the World Health Organization, more than 2.2 billion people globally suffer from visual impairment or blindness. For at least one billion of them, these conditions were preventable or remain treatable. A lack of eye care resources, especially in low- and middle-income countries, remains one of the leading causes.

In Senegal, where the healthcare system remains underdeveloped and high ultraviolet exposure in the tropical savannah contributes to cataract development, the situation is particularly pressing. Many patients miss the optimal window for treatment due to limited medical services.

Senegal's Minister of Health and Social Action Ibrahima Sy described blindness and visual disorders as major public health issues, noting that nearly 165,000 people in the country are blind and more than 550,000 suffer from visual impairments caused by cataracts, trachoma, glaucoma, and other conditions.

"The situation is more serious than we had imagined," said Zheng Hong, chief physician from the ophthalmology department of Sanming No. 1 Hospital, Fujian. A month earlier, she and four colleagues had traveled over 10,000 km to reach this West African country.

"We initially planned to perform about 10 operations a day," Zheng said. "But faced with so many longing eyes, we all agreed to extend our working hours and now perform over 20 surgeries daily."

In the early hours of last Friday, the hospital corridors were jam-packed with patients from across the country. Local volunteers efficiently handled registrations and screenings.

"A friend from my village told me the Chinese doctors here are very skilled and capable of fixing our vision problems," said Saliou Diouf, 52, who had driven from a nearby rural area. He had lived with blurry vision for years, unable to access surgical treatment.

"We conduct thorough screenings for every patient," explained Zhang Caihua, chief physician from the ophthalmology department of Sanming No. 2 Hospital, Fujian. "Once cataracts are diagnosed, we customize intraocular lenses to suit each individual's eye condition."

In the screening room, Zhang, assisted by local doctors, used a keratometer and A/B-scan ophthalmologic ultrasound to collect patient data. "The patients are very cooperative during screening and surgery," she said while reviewing the day's registry. "When the bandages come off, some patients dance, others cry. That joy transcends all language barriers."

As the setting sun cast golden light over the Fatick hospital, a new group of patients received appointments for the next day's procedures. As the Chinese doctors boarded their minibus to return to their lodging, words of gratitude in Wolof, French, and Chinese echoed across the West African savannah.

At a closing ceremony held Monday in Dakar, Senegal's capital, to mark the end of the Fatick leg of the project and sign a renewed cooperation agreement, Leung Chun-ying, president of the GX Foundation, shared the project's progress.

Since its launch in October 2023, the initiative has dispatched seven specialized ophthalmology teams who have screened the eyes of more than 5,800 patients aged between 17 and 103, and conducted over 3,600 free cataract surgeries.

"For more than a year, we have shared Chinese medical expertise with the people of Senegal. In return, they have given us touching stories. Whether it's patients who have been blind for 30 years or centenarians, the joy of regaining sight deeply symbolizes Sino-Senegalese friendship," said Leung.

He added that after completing the mission in Fatick, the Foundation would continue its free operations in N'dioum in the Saint-Louis Region, northwestern Senegal.

At the ceremony, Li Yan, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Senegal, affirmed China's commitment to deepening humanitarian medical assistance to Senegal, delivering real and tangible benefits to the Senegalese people. 

Zhang Caihua (R), chief physician from the ophthalmology department of Sanming No. 2 Hospital, China's Fujian Province, receives a patient at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

Patients queue up to establish medical records at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

Zhang Zhaode (L), a veteran ophthalmologist from China's Fujian Province, performs a vision restoration surgery for a cataract patient at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

This photo taken on May 2, 2025 shows a mobile surgical vehicle at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)

A patient undergoes a vision examination at the Regional Hospital Center of Fatick in Fatick, Senegal, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan)
Donald Trump sat down with The Atlantic a couple of weeks ago, and when the discussion turned to his beleaguered defense secretary, the president offered support  in an awkwardly worded way. I think hes gonna get it together, Trump said about Pete Hegseth.

That might yet be true, but the hapless Pentagon chief apparently hasnt gotten it together yet.

While Hegseths entire tenure at the Department of Defense has been a shambolic mess, the last week has been especially brutal. Last Tuesday, for example, the secretary took steps to end the Pentagons Women, Peace and Security program, condemning it as a woke initiative championed by feminists and left-wing activists. What Hegseth apparently didnt know was that Trump championed the program, characterizing it as a key first-term accomplishment, after it was crafted by Marco Rubio and Kristi Noem  two of Hegseths Cabinet colleagues.

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One day later, The Washington Post published a deeply unflattering report about Hegseth elevating his third wife to an unorthodox role shaping Pentagon affairs, which has apparently not been well received within the department.

One day after that, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon inspector general decided to expand an investigation into Hegseths sharing of military plans to a second Signal chat that included his wife and brother.

As this week got underway, his troubles intensified: The Journal also reported that Hegseth used the Signal messaging app for official Pentagon business more extensively than had been previously disclosed, engaging in at least a dozen separate chats. Soon after, Reuters reported that Hegseth sparked widespread confusion among national security officials in January when he unilaterally halted an arms shipment to Ukraine, catching the White House off guard.

It was against this backdrop that the former Fox News personality did what hes done several times before: Hegseth advanced his ongoing purge of U.S. military leaders. The New York Times reported:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a 20 percent reduction of four-star officers  the militarys senior ranks  continuing the wide swath of job reductions and firings that have marked his three months at the helm of the Pentagon. In a memo on Monday, Mr. Hegseth also ordered a 10 percent reduction of overall general-level officers in the military, and a 20 percent cut of four-star positions in the National Guard.

Through these measures, we will uphold our position as the most lethal fighting force in the world, achieving peace through strength and ensuring greater efficiency, innovation and preparedness for achieving any challenge that lies ahead, the secretary said.

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Thats certainly one way to look at the developments. But as NBC News noted, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, indicated Hegseths explanation for the dismissals fell short.

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, Reed said in a statement. 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.

Secretary Hegseth has shown an eagerness to dismiss military leaders without cause, and I will be skeptical of the rationale for these plans until he explains them before the Armed Services Committee, Reed added.

The point about Hegseths eagerness to dismiss military leaders without cause was of particular interest because the recent pattern is so difficult to defend.

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Less than a month ago, for example, Hegseths Pentagon fired the commander of a base in Greenland, after she refuted remarks from Vice President JD Vance. Days earlier, Hegseth also ousted U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the only woman on NATOs military committee.

The broader purge also includes Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, who was both the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the director of the National Security Agency; Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. James Slife, former vice chief of staff of the Air Force; Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Adm. Lisa Franchetti; Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short; Lt. Gen. Joseph B. Berger III, the Armys top military lawyer; and Lt. Gen. Charles Plummer, the Air Forces top military lawyer.

Several weeks ago, five former defense secretaries  including retired Gen. Jim Mattis, Trumps first defense secretary  condemned the firings as reckless. Their joint letter, addressed to Congress, asked that the House and the Senate hold immediate hearings to assess the national security implications of the dismissals.

Hegseth and the administration appear to have ignored the concerns; the purge is ongoing; and GOP leaders on Capitol Hill have scheduled no such hearings.

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This post updates our related earlier coverage. The aforementioned reports from The Washington Post, Reuters and The Wall Street Journal have not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia is widely seen as one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the 2026 elections, but the latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll found him in a relatively strong position. In fact, in hypothetical matchups, only one Republican  two-term Gov. Brian Kemp  polled close to Ossoff among Georgia voters. (Click the link for more information on the polls methodology and margin of error.)

The survey was a timely reminder of why GOP officials have invested so much time and energy trying to convince the governor to run in next years midterm cycle, with Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the current chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, describing Kemp as the partys No. 1 recruit. As NBC News reported, however, the partys lobbying efforts didnt work.

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.

The governors announcement came roughly a month after former Gov. Chris Sununu announced that he, too, was rejecting pressure from GOP leaders and passing on New Hampshires open U.S. Senate race.

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The Bulwark had a good report on this, noting, In a not-so-distant past, governors would be much more inclined to launch bids for the United States Senate, seeing it as a logical next step in the accumulation of political power. But this year, the current is flowing in the opposite direction, as governors pass on Senate campaigns, and senators prepare to leave the Senate to run gubernatorial campaigns.

If all of this sounds at all familiar, its not your imagination. Ahead of the 2022 election cycle, Republican leaders approached a variety of incumbent and former governors  Arizonas Doug Ducey, Marylands Larry Hogan, New Hampshires Sununu and Vermonts Phil Scott  to launch Senate campaigns, but to no avail: They all said no.

To be sure, there are competing explanations for this. Its certainly possible, for example, that Republicans such as Kemp and Sununu expect 2026 to be a good year for Democrats, so theyve bowed out after acknowledging the direction of the prevailing winds. Similarly, its easy to believe that governors are looking at whats become of Congress, and theyre not finding a place theyre eager to spend the next several years.

Whatever the explanation, for GOP officials desperate to recruit top-tier talent in competitive races, its back to the drawing board.

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This is not to say that the 2026 map is favorable for Democrats  it most certainly is not  but the party has reason to be a bit more optimistic than it was before Kemps announcement.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Donald Trump is eager to fill out his autocratic profile with a display of military might in the form of a military parade. Anti-Trump activists are planning mass protests across the United States to make sure Trump Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, talks with Rachel Maddow about the effects protests are having on the Trump administration and the importance of local activism.
Theres an unfortunate pattern that has come to define Republican politics in the Trump era: The president will come up with a foolish idea; hell present the idea to the public as if it were brilliant; and it falls on GOP officials to quickly pretend that the emperor with no clothes is fully dressed.

Donald Trump thinks its time to rename the Gulf of Mexico? Republicans who never had the slightest interest in the body of water scrambled to follow the presidents lead. Trump wants to acquire Greenland? Republicans who were indifferent toward the island quickly insisted that Greenland be added to the United States.

With Alcatraz, the pattern is predictably intact.

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A couple of days ago, for reasons unknown, the president said he was directing a series of federal agencies to begin work on reopening Alcatraz  not as a national park thats popular with tourists, but as a working prison. Indeed, in Trumps vision, Alcatraz wont just be rebuilt, it will also be substantially enlarged for incoming inmates.

Even by Trump standards, this was, and remains, a bizarre idea. Its unnecessary, impractical, inefficient and spectacularly expensive in equal measure. The likelihood of officials actually implementing such an absurdity is effectively zero. The San Francisco Chronicle published a good report on this:

John Martini, an expert on Alcatraz history who served as a park ranger on the island in the 1970s, shortly after it opened to tourism, told the Chronicle that it would be impossible to reopen the cellblock because the building is totally inoperable, with no water or sewage, and electricity only in certain parts. It was falling apart and needed huge amounts of reconstruction, and that would have only brought it up to 1963 code, Martini said. It was always an extremely expensive place to run.

The same report went on to note that, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons, Alcatraz was nearly three times as expensive as other U.S. prisons to run, due largely to the fact that food, water and fuel had to arrive by boat.

If the discussion is to rebuild the prison building to hold people, I dont think that would be feasible, Martini added. It would have to be torn down and rebuilt.

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And yet, Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared on Fox Business the day after the president pitched the idea and said she supports reopening Alcatraz as a prison  in part because of the cost savings.

That was laughable, of course, but Bondi was hardly alone. A variety of GOP lawmakers, from the House and Senate, quickly threw their support behind the nonsensical proposal. Officials from the White House and administration soon followed, appearing on camera to tout the Alcatraz idea as if it were a serious and credible plan.

The director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons said he has begun exploring the next possible steps to comply with the presidents ridiculous directive.

For his part, the president was asked how he came up with this. As part of a long, rambling answer in which he claimed he was supposed to be a moviemaker, Trump eventually told reporters: It sort of represents something thats both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak. Its got a lot of qualities that are interesting.

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Or put another way, the president cant even speak about his own proposal in a coherent way.

I dont care that Trump presented a dumb idea that will almost certainly never come to fruition. I do care that much of his party is playing along, placating the president as if he were an intemperate toddler, blurring the line between policymaking and misguided fantasy.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Throughout Joe Bidens term as president, the White House made student loan debt relief a top domestic priority. Some of the Democratic administrations efforts were more successful than others, but it was not for lack of effort: Biden wouldve done more, were it not for ferocious pushback from Republicans and Republican-appointed judges.

The results led to odd pushback from Donald Trump, who declared during the 2024 campaign season that the Democratic White House was ALL TALK, AND NO ACTION on the issue of student loan debt forgiveness. That didnt make a whole lot of sense  Biden and his team took as many actions as they could under the law  but the then-candidate seemed eager to convince younger voters not to support the Democratic ticket because Republicans successfully derailed some of the Biden administrations efforts.

A year later, Trump is back in the Oval Office, and the pendulum has swung wildly in the opposite direction. The Wall Street Journal reported that the incumbent president and his team are starting to put millions of defaulted student-loan borrowers into collections Monday and threatening to confiscate their wages, tax refunds and federal benefits.

There are some five million borrowers whose loans are in default, many of whom havent made regular payments since the pandemic. Millions more are on the cusp of default, according to the Education Department. Nearly 200,000 defaulted borrowers will begin receiving notices from the Treasury Department Monday notifying them that benefits and tax refunds could be withheld as soon as a month from now, an Education Department spokesperson said. Wage garnishment could begin later this summer, the spokesperson added.

Voxs Patrick Reis had an excellent explainer on the recent history, noting that it was Trump who, as the Covid crisis wreaked havoc on the economy, initially halted requirements related to student loan repayments. A year later, Biden went far further, trying to wipe out the debts for millions of borrowers  right up until Republican-appointed justices on the U.S. Supreme Court balked.

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Even after that ruling, however, student loan borrowers were able to avoid penalties for missed payments. Last month, as my MSNBC colleague Jahan Jones noted, the Trump administration announced collections on loans that have not been paid would begin on May 5, and this week, that deadline arrived.

As for how many people will feel the effects, Vox explained, Almost 43 million Americans have student debt. Five million borrowers havent made a payment in 360 days, per the Education Department. More than 20 percent of borrowers havent made a payment in at least 90 days, according to the credit service TransUnion.

The hardships for many are likely to be dramatic.

As my MSNBC colleague Hayes Brown recently concluded, The Education Department is being systematically stripped of all the parts that help peoples lives in nonmonetary ways. Instead, all thats likely to be left soon is an agency dedicated to clawing back money from those who borrowed it for their chance at the American Dream but are finding their reality of bills and expenses hard to afford.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays edition of quick hits.

* An intensifying crisis: Explosions were heard early Wednesday in the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, residents said, two weeks after India vowed to retaliate against Pakistan over a terrorist attack that killed more than two dozen civilians.

* Ill be eager to learn more details about this: President Donald Trump says the U.S. will end airstrikes on Houthi militants in Yemen effective immediately. We will stop the bombings, Trump announced from the Oval Office. Trump ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who he tapped as his acting national security adviser last week, to pass on the message to the Iran-backed militant group.

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* Carney in the Oval Office: President Donald Trumps first meeting with Canadas new prime minister was far less confrontational than his interactions with the countrys previous leader, Justin Trudeau, even as Mark Carney reiterated on Tuesday that there is no way the country will become part of the United States.

* Why do this? "The Federal Aviation Administration halted the work of an outside panel of experts scrutinizing its management of air traffic control, a previously unreported move made just weeks after a fatal airliner crash near Washington raised questions about the agencys abilities to keep the skies safe."

* The three Democratic-appointed justices dissented in this case: The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trump to implement his ban on transgender people serving in the military. The justices granted an emergency request from the Trump administration to lift a nationwide injunction blocking the policy while litigation continues.

* For all of Trumps emphasis on the trade deficit, its getting bigger, not smaller: The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services soared to a record $140.5 billion in March. Year-to-date, the deficit has increased 92.6%, as companies and consumers rush to import goods before President Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs increase take hold on July 6.

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* Ed Martins nomination is in big trouble: Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he wouldnt support Ed Martin, President Donald Trumps nominee for U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, likely blocking the path to confirmation for the Stop the Steal organizer who had closely aligned himself with Jan. 6 defendants.

* Will the White House soon argue that clean air at national parks is overrated? The Trump administration has temporarily suspended an air-quality monitoring program at national parks across the country, according to an internal email obtained by The Washington Post and two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the decision is not public.

* Judge Hannah Dugans case: More than 150 former state and federal judges have signed a letter to Pam Bondi, the attorney general, condemning the Trump administrations escalating battles with the judiciary and calling the recent arrest of a sitting state court judge in Milwaukee an attempt to intimidate.

* Trump knows nothing about the image he chose to amplify and promoted by way of the White Houses official social media account: President Donald Trump says he knew nothing about an artificially generated image of him dressed as the pope that was posted to his Truth Social account over the weekend.

See you tomorrow.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In early March, Donald Trumps Justice Department raised eyebrows with an unexpected move: The DOJs civil division unexpectedly filed a brief in federal court, raising concerns about the criminal conviction of a former Colorado clerk named Tina Peters.

The effort didnt amount to much, but as NBC News reported, the presidents interest in the case has apparently intensified.

In a Truth Social post tonight, Trump called for former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters to be released from prison and said he was directing the Justice Department to take all necessary action to help secure her release.

In a bizarre online harangue, Trump rewrote recent history, claiming that Peters simply worked to expose and document Democrat [sic] Election Fraud. He added, Tina is an innocent Political Prisoner being horribly and unjustly punished in the form of Cruel and Unusual Punishment. This is a Communist persecution by the Radical Left Democrats to cover up their Election crimes and misdeeds in 2020.

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In case that werent quite enough, the president concluded, I am hereby directing the Department of Justice to take all necessary action to help secure the release of this hostage being held in a Colorado prison by the Democrats, for political reasons. FREE TINA PETERS, NOW!

At this point, some readers might be thinking, Her name sounds familiar, but Im not quite sure who Tina Peters is. So lets take a stroll down memory lane.

Peters was a county clerk in Colorado who eagerly embraced Trumps lies and conspiracy theories about his 2020 election defeat, but thats not all she did. Peters also acted on those lies and conspiracy theories, using someones security badge to allow a Mike Lindell associate to access county election equipment.

The apparent point of the endeavor was to leak election machinery data in pursuit of a conspiratorial plot that never existed in reality.

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Not surprisingly, Peters was caught and indicted. She pleaded not guilty, but after she and her attorney struggled to present a compelling defense, a Colorado jury convicted Peters, finding her guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state.

Ahead of sentencing, Peters showed no remorse. A judge ultimately sentenced her to nine years behind bars.

This was a state official, charged with state crimes, by state prosecutors, in a state court, with a state jury, overseen by a state judge, which necessarily means neither the president nor his Justice Department can overturn Peters criminal conviction.

But Trump apparently finds that unsatisfying; he wants to free his conspiratorial ally anyway; and hes willing to make up a series of ridiculous claims about her felonies as part of a public defense, up to and including accusing local prosecutors of overseeing a Communist persecution.

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Time will tell what, if anything, the Justice Department can do about Peters incarceration.

For all of the hysterical and baseless Republican conspiracy theories during Joe Bidens presidency about weaponized prosecutions and a two-tiered justice system, Trump and his team are creating the very conditions the GOP condemned. The incumbent president  through his scandalous pardons, his intervention in cases such as Peters and his willingness to sic prosecutors on his perceived political enemies  is going out of his way to make clear that his allies will be held to different legal standards than everyone else.

The brazenness is so plainly ridiculous, the Republican administration is hardly even trying to keep up appearances  and theres every reason to believe this will get worse in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa  The Madison County Auditor has abandoned an effort to challenge a Board of Supervisors decision that prevented her former campaign manager from being hired.

An attorney for Teri Kaczinski filed a motion to dismiss the claims she had made in a petition just hours before a Trial Scheduling Conference was expected to be held Monday morning. The petition for a writ of certiorari, filed on April 3, had formally requested the Iowa Supreme Court to review a March 26 decision by the BOS.

The issue surrounded a resolution to hire Leslie Beck as a part-time Second Deputy within the Auditors office for $27 an hour. This was a move that came after multiple efforts by Kaczinski to employ Beck using county funds. Those efforts included twice as an employee of the Auditors office and a third time as an employee of a third-party consulting agency that was hired by Auditor Kaczinski in late January for $250 an hour.

Leslie Beck speaking during public comments at a Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting in Feb. of 2025.

See corpse flower Stink Floyds rare bloom at Reiman Gardens in Ames

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Beck was Kaczinskis campaign manager during her run for the Auditors office, and also organized a monetary fundraiser for Supervisor Chair Heather Stancil. Stancil abstained from the vote. Supervisor Jessica Hobbs voted in favor of it, and Supervisor Diane Fitch voted against it, stating she was worried about transparency and the process by which Becks hiring had been previously handled. The vote created tension during a public BOS meeting, with Kaczinski calling in on a public line and mentioning a potential lawsuit. You can watch a clip of what unfolded below.

Kaczinskis court filing stated Fitchs vote against the approval of the resolution was on frivolous, trivial, minimal, arbitrary or capricious grounds. The board denied the claims of wrongdoing in its court filing in response (below).

2025.04.28-Defs-Response-to-Petition-for-Writ-of-Certiorari-1

WHO 13 stopped by the Auditors office on Monday to speak with Kaczinski about why she decided to dismiss the petition, but her office was closed. A sign on the door stated it was due to a meeting. Later in the morning, the office opened with several employees present. The employees stated Kaczinski was not expected to be in on Monday as she was out of the area for a meeting.

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WHO 13 left a voicemail and sent an email to Kaczinski, but has not yet heard back. When reached by phone, her attorney Philip Bubb of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A, had no comment.

WHO 13 also reached out to the BOS for comment. Supervisor Fitch said she was advised by legal representation not to comment. Supervisors Hobbs and Stancil did not respond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  The Madison Utilities Board has voted to hold a public hearing during its next meeting on whether the water system should discontinue adding fluoride to its water.

The decision came after a meeting that saw over a dozen people speak on the fluoride issue, with some in favor of discontinuing fluoridation and others opposing it.

Madison City Councilwoman Connie Spears, who sits on the utilities board as the councils representative, said the board can only take in public input to make the decision, as there isnt a way for the city to have a general vote on the matter under Alabama law.

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The only way you can add or subtract anything from the water supply is by a vote of the board, she said. Theres no mechanism for a public vote, but obviously we care what our customers think and we will listen to our customers.

MPD to host third annual Public Safety Training event

During a meeting on March 17, the Madison Utilities Board voted unanimously to stop adding additional fluoride as a part of the water treatment process. The board previously said the addition of fluoridation will officially end on June 16.

In a statement sent to News 19, the board said the decision was made because of concerns for employees health and safety and because of the way using hydrofluorosilicic acid impacted their treatment facilities. Hydrofluorosilicic acid is used to adjust the amounts of fluoride in water. Madison Utilities said using the acid was causing structural degradation to their facilities, leading to ongoing maintenance costs.

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The decision, however, has not been without controversy; last week, residents packed out a Madison City Council meeting to discuss the issue. Many residents expressed concern over a lack of fluoridation leading to negative impacts on dental health in the city, while others expressed opposition to fluoridation in general due to safety concerns.

The CDC suggests water systems add a fluoride dosage of 0.7 ppm to promote dental health. The Alabama Department of Public Health told News 19 last week that water systems in Alabama have used regulated levels of fluoride for over 70 years, and that it is a safe and effective way to decrease the number of cavities in a community, especially in children.

The utilities board meeting on Monday was similarly contentious, with some residents split on what they thought was the best way forward.

Ultimately, the board decided to have another public hearing on the issue before deciding whether to continue adding fluoride to the water or not. That hearing is scheduled to be on May 13 at 5:30 p.m.

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The board said it would announce the location at a later date due to the boards chambers not being big enough to accommodate a large crowd.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A coalition of attorneys general launched 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. (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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This story was originally published by Rhode Island Current. Like Maine Morning Star, Rhode Island Current 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.

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MANILA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed an agreement with 10 leading global insurers to mobilize up to 2.75 billion U.S. dollars of private capital to support the ADB's lending for sustainable growth in Asia and the Pacific.

The agreement would facilitate the growth of the private sector in the region and allow the ADB to increase its lending capacity to projects through the use of credit insurance, the Manila-based bank said in a press release.

"This partnership demonstrates how innovative risk-sharing can attract billions in private capital for sustainable development," said ADB Vice-President Bhargav Dasgupta.

By transferring credit risk to global insurers, the ADB boosts its lending capacity and creates a replicable model for reducing infrastructure investment risks in emerging markets, Dasgupta added.

This partnership highlights how insurance can mobilize private capital for climate-resilience and inclusive growth, said Dasgupta. 
There are more than 200 AmeriCorps volunteers in Maine. (AmeriCorps photo)

Three Maine organizations joined a nationwide coalition of nonprofits that sued the Trump administration in federal court Monday after being stripped of grant funding.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Maryland, seeks to block the administrations attempt to dismantle the AmeriCorps program without congressional authorization.

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In late April, the national service and volunteerism agency canceled nearly $400 million in grant program funding. The unexpected move is likely to shutter hundreds of programs across the country and end the work of more than 30,000 volunteers, according to Americas Service Commissions.

Democracy Maine  which is a collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Maine Education Fund, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections and Maine Students Vote  was awarded a one-year AmeriCorps planning grant to develop civic education programs in rural counties that it will no longer receive under those cuts, according to a news release from the organization.

The federal government flat-out cancelling grant money we were expecting to receive is not only illegal, but also directly hurts Mainers and our communities where we provide services, said Anna Kellar, executive director of Democracy Maine.

Kellar said they are urging the court to reverse this policy and release the already-granted funding so we can continue to do the civic education work that is so central to our mission.

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The lawsuit was filed by community organizations from across the U.S. along with individual youth plaintiffs who participate in AmeriCorps and the AmeriCorps Employees Union, AFSCME Local 2027. It is brought against AmeriCorps and its interim agency head Jennifer Bastress Tahmesebi, as well as Nate Cavanaugh, the agency team lead for the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.

A coalition of state attorneys general, including Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, last week also filed suit against the Trump administration in an effort to block its plan to shutter the domestic volunteer agency.

AmeriCorps distributes hundreds of millions of dollars so volunteers in all 50 states can run programs that increase education access, housing support, youth mentorship, elder care and more. According to the Portland Press Herald, there are more than 200 AmeriCorps volunteers in Maine.

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A 77-year-old man was seriously injured after being hit by a bicycle in Butler late Monday afternoon.

The crash happened at the intersection of North Main and Locust streets at around 4:21 p.m.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the victim in the street being treated by medics.

Police determined that three people were trying to cross the street when a bicyclist who was riding on Main Street hit the victim, knocking him to the ground.

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The victim was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. As of Tuesday morning, he was in serious but stable condition.

The man who was riding the bike then rode away from the scene, police said.

Officers used surveillance footage in the area to identify the bicyclist as 57-year-old Lee Hodgins, then tracked him down at his apartment.

Hodgins was taken to the police station to be interviewed, then eventually was taken into custody and charged with accidents involving death or serious bodily injury. He was taken to the Butler County Prison.

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GUILFORD COUNTY  A Guilford County man is under investigation and likely to be charged because he is accused of calling 911 falsely claiming to have fallen off a ledge at a Blue Ridge Parkway stop in Virginia, the Patrick County Sheriffs Office said.

The man called 911 about 9:40 p.m. April 28 and said he had fallen 25 feet off of a ledge at the Stuarts Knob area of Fairystone State Park. Sheriffs deputies and fire and EMS crews were sent to the remote area and found the man on a ledge. He told the rescuers he was injured and not able to move, Sheriff Dan Smith said.

At this point, we have four sheriffs deputies, a paramedic and a park ranger on the side of a bluff, trying to secure this person who is claiming that he cannot move, he said.

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A special operations team trained in rope rescue was called in, and a rescue helicopter was placed on standby.

Three volunteer firefighters repelled down the side of ledge, the man was placed in a rescue basket and then he was raised off of the ledge.

Smith said that rescue workers could find no visible injuries but took the man SOVAH Hopital in Martinsville, where he was released.

Under questioning, the man admitted that he had not fallen from 25 feet, Smith said.

Investigators learned that the man has a history in North Carolina of calling in false 911 reports claiming to be in need of rescue, Smith said.

Valuable resources were wasted, and countless lives were endangered on that night, all because of a lie, Smith said.

The man had not been charged as of Monday.
Video: Prior coverage.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The man who allegedly struck and killed a deputy with his car Friday will not receive bond.

According to WLWT, Judge Tyrone Yates declined to issue a bond for Rodney Hilton Jr., 38, who has been charged with aggravated murder in the death of retired Deputy Larry Henderson.

During the bond hearing, Cincinnati Police Officer Carl Beebe was called to the stand to testify.

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On Friday, Beebe was dispatched to the scene near the University of Cincinnati after Henderson was struck.

Beebe said that Henderson was patrolling traffic during the universitys graduation weekend at a control box. Henderson was said to be in full uniform and in a traffic vest.

Beebe testified that intersection footage is present, noting separate camera feeds that show the crash and its aftermath respectively.

Everyone says he accelerated and was traveling at a high rate of speed all the way up until he struck Deputy Henderson, Beebe said during the hearing.

Hinton didnt speak during the hearing.

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His lawyer, Clyde Bennett, told WLWT afterwards that the judges decision on bond was not a disappointing one. Bennett said that he believes that Hinton was mentally ill at the time of the incident and wants him to get treatment.

A grand jury session will happen on May 12.

For more on this story, check out WLWT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MABANK, Texas (KETK)  The Henderson County Sheriffs Office arrested a man for injury to an elderly individual, assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest in Mabank on Tuesday, April 29.

Man arrested for sexual assault of girl in Tyler Planet Fitness parking lot

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KETK, a sheriffs office deputy responded to a reported assault at a home on Zuni Street in Mabank at around 3:25 a.m. on Tuesday.

Mugshot of Forrest Outcalt, courtesy of the Henderson County Jail.

When the deputy arrived at the scene, he met with Forrest Outcalt, 40 of Mabank, on the porch of the home. The affidavit described that Outcalt told the deputy he had been in an argument with his roommate about him not paying bills on time. Outcalt stated he then went outside to leave the argument when his roommate followed him out and attacked him.

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The affidavit reports that Outcalt told the deputy he was so scared by his roommate that he slapped him in the face. The deputy then spoke with Outcults roommate, an 82-year-old man.

The 82-year-old was sitting inside the home and told the deputy that Outcalt had been coming into his room, slamming the door and yelling at him before Outcalt left the home. The affidavit described that the 82-year-old went into the kitchen and was heading back to his room when Outcalt came back inside, started yelling and then slapped him.

The deputy described the roommates left cheek as red from the slap and that the man felt dizzy after the slap. According to the affidavit, the deputy spoke with Outcalt again and he repeated that he was scared of his 82-year-old roommate when he slapped him.

Outcalt was then placed into custody inside of the back seat of the deputys patrol vehicle. The deputy reports in the affidavit that Outcalt began to hit his head against the cage in the vehicle and so the deputy request another deputy respond to the home with a WRAP restraint device.

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While the additional deputy was speaking with Outcalt, his arrest affidavit describes that he kicked the door of the vehicle into the deputys face. The two deputies then took Outcalt out of the vehicle, put him on the ground and placed him into the WRAP device. His affidavit alleges that he resisted this process by kicking and trying to stand up.

Henderson County Jail records show that Outcalt was arrested for resisting arrest or transportation, assaulting a peace officer and injury to an elderly person. His currently being held on a total bond of $155,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Decatur Police Department says a man was arrested Thursday for a theft from an Athens business that partially took place in Decatur.

DPD said in November 2024, an Athens business owner reported a theft of around $60,000, nearly $8,000 of which was reportedly stolen in Decatur City limits.

HPD provides data for weekend DUI checkpoint operation honoring Kathrynn Lively

The department said investigators eventually identified Griffin Scott Littlefield and Griffin Scott Littlefield II as suspects. DPD said it then obtained first-degree theft of property warrants for both Littlefields.

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According to the department, on May 1, Littlefield II was arrested by the Athens Police Department for the active warrant. DPD said he was transferred to Decatur Police custody and taken to the Morgan County Jail. According to jail records, he has been released on a $5,000 bond.

DPD said they continue to investigate, and the elder Littlefield still has an outstanding 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 WHNT.com.
Check here for updates from the May 6 bond hearing: Judge orders man charged with killing Hamilton County sheriff's deputy held without bond

A judge will decide whether the man accused of killing a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy with his vehicle will be released on bond.

Rodney Hinton Jr. is expected to appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court at 9 a.m. on May 6. He has been held without bond in the Clermont County Jail, east of Cincinnati, since the weekend.

Rodney Hinton, Jr., 38, was arraigned in Courtroom A at the Hamilton County Justice Center, Saturday, May 3. Hes charged with aggravated murder, after police say he hit a Hamilton County Sheriff deputy who was out of his vehicle directing traffic for the University of Cincinnati afternoon commencement.

Hinton is charged with aggravated murder after the death of Deputy Larry Henderson, who police say was struck by Hinton's vehicle while the deputy was directing traffic for a graduation ceremony May 2.

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The funeral arrangements for Henderson were announced for later in the week and include two public visitations and a public service.

The day before the crash, Hinton's son, Ryan Hinton, 18, was fatally shot by Cincinnati police during a stolen car investigation.

The bond hearing comes as Hinton's family has distanced itself from his actions as they seek more answers about the police shooting.

Here's what we know.

A Hamilton County Deputy Sheriff was struck by a car on Martin Luther King Drive near UC on Friday May 2. The car then crashed nearby.

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 on May 2. Henderson stood outside his vehicle to operate a traffic light near a University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony.

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First responders took the deputy and the driver to UC Medical Center. Both were in critical condition, officials said. Police later arrested Hinton at the hospital. Cincinnati police officials did not give an exact time of the arrest.

Henderson later died of his injuries.

More: Hamilton County sheriff's deputy death: A timeline of events

Who was Larry Henderson, the Hamilton County sheriff's deputy who was killed?

Henderson retired in December after 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.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson

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.

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Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey described him as a tremendous person.

More: Community mourns retired sheriff's deputy Larry Henderson, killed while directing traffic

Did the man taunt deputies at his last court appearance?

Questions have also arisen about Hinton's demeanor during his arraignment. Two police organizations claim the man taunted deputies during the court appearance.

Rodney Hinton, Jr., 38, was arraigned in Courtroom A at the Hamilton County Justice Center, Saturday, May 3, accused of aggravated murder.

In a clip that shows Hinton being escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the hearing, Hinton says something as the deputies stare at him but it's unclear whom he was speaking to or what he said.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on whether Hinton taunted deputies.

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More: Ohio law enforcement organizations demand GoFundMe remove Rodney Hinton Jr. fundraisers

How has the man's family responded to his case?

Hinton's family has distanced itself from his case, instead shifting the focus toward the ongoing investigation into the Cincinnati police shooting of his son, Ryan.

During a press conference May 5, the family's attorney, Michael Wright, said the focus is on getting answers about why police fatally shot Ryan.

More: 'Not that cut and dry': Family of Ryan Hinton, shot by Cincinnati police, seeks answers

Wright called the episode a tragedy and offered his condolences to the deputy but made clear a separate attorney is defending Hinton on his murder charge.

The family of Ryan Hinton speaks at a press conference held May 5, 2025. Hinton, 18, was fatally shot by Cincinnati police May 1. Pictured from left to right are Hinton's mother Toriyn Jackson, his maternal grandmother Tonya Larkin and the family's attorney Michael Wright.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Rodney Hinton in court today as family seeks answers after shooting
COVINGTON, Va. (WFXR)  The Covington Division of Police responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into an Exxon on Monday, May 5.

According to Covington PD, officers arrived at Durrant Road around 11:43 a.m. and found a red Ford Ranger that ran into the front of the building. The driver has been identified as Alleghany County resident Jacob Lee Elmore.

Charges upgraded for suspect in 2024 Lynchburg murder investigation

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While investigating, officers said Mr. Jacob seemed disoriented and allegedly detected the presence of what was believed to be marijuana in the vehicle.

Police executed field sobriety tests, and Jacob was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID).

Mr. Elmore spent the night at the Alleghany Regional Jail, and it is scheduled to appear before a judge for a bond hearing.

There were no injuries reported during the crash.

WFXR News will release new information when details become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
A bear thought to have killed an 88-year-old man and his dog is still on the loose hours after the tragedy on the edge of the Florida Everglades on Monday morning, say authorities.

More than two dozen investigative officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Collier County Sheriffs Office attended the scene off State Road 29, in the remote wooded unincorporated community of Jerome, about an hour's drive southeast of Fort Myers.

CCSO said they first received the 911 call regarding a suspected bear encounter at around 7 a.m.

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Longtime resident Robert Markel was found dead at the scene, within a few hundred yards of a dog that officials believe was killed some time later.

His daughter claims she witnessed the bear attack the dog, called 911, leading wildlife officials to discover Markel's body "a couple hundred yards away" from the dog's body.

If the cause of death is confirmed, it would be the first documented fatal bear attack in the history of Florida, according to Commission spokesperson Jorge Reynaud, though there was a nonfatal mauling by a bear in January.

More than two dozen Florida officials attended the scene. The bear is still believed to be on the loose (KHOU11/Youtube)

"We do know it was a bear attack. We don't know if it was the same bear or multiple bears," Reynaud told reporters at a press briefing on Markel Monday.

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Later, after a search involving aerial drones and bear traps, wildlife officials may have found the bear responsible.

According to the Naples Daily News, a cluster of apparent gunshots could be heard over the woods near Jerome on Monday evening, followed by officials hauling a dead bear out of the forest. It wasnt immediately clear who killed the bear.

Officials had earlier warned residents and visitors that the animal in question  most likely a Florida black bear, of which there are an estimated 4,050 in the Sunshine State  might still be on the prowl.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, and avoid the area," a Commission spokesperson said.

According to reports, officials believe that Markel was living with the dog in a rural Jerome area property including several homes, on the western fringe of the Big Cypress National Reserve.
Residents walk in the center of Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), May 5, 2025.

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

This photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows a street scene in the center of Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

A resident transports goods in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), May 5, 2025.

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

Residents purchase flour at a local market in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), May 5, 2025.

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

This photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows a street scene in the center of Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

A resident transports goods in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), May 5, 2025.

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)

Vendors sell vegetables at a local market in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), May 5, 2025.

The eastern DRC has been mired in decades of conflict, particularly offensives by the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebellion Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. Amid the shadows of conflicts, residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a key regional hub, are striving to maintain their daily lives. (Xinhua/Zheng Yangzi)
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Niles man arrested in connection with a theft at a substation pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Shawn Squires, 38, pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated trespassing and theft, according to information from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

Police were dispatched in February to a FirstEnergy substation on Belmont Avenue after the propertys alarm company detected three people throwing objects over the fence.

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Responding officers spotted a car leaving an access road to the substation, and after a short chase, arrested all three occupants, including Squires, who was the driver.

Investigators found stolen cables inside the vehicle, totalling about $7,000.

Squires will be sentenced following a background check.

Laurel Stone and Nadine Grimley contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Officers are investigating after a man was shot near Meridian Hill Park on Tuesday morning.

At around 8:15 a.m., D.C. police responded to the 2400 block of 15th St. NW for a reported shooting. However, when they arrived at the scene, they did not find anyone who had been shot, police said.

CVS on E Street in Northwest DC to close

A short time later, officers discovered that a man was at the hospital receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

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No arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning.

Police urge anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

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The knife-wielding man who was fatally shot by Chicago police officers in a senior living facility early Monday is believed to have stabbed a person to death in the same building hours before he was shot, Chicago Police Department officials said Tuesday.

CPD officers were called to the building in the 1400 block of East 75th Street in the South Shore neighborhood around 2:50 a.m. Monday for a report of a man with a knife threatening residents, according to police.

Police said they went to the fifth-floor unit where the man lived and tried to talk with him. The officers then used Tasers on the man, who had a knife, but the Taser shocks did not subdue him, according to police.

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The man kept advancing with a knife before he was shot, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, though his identity was not released Tuesday. A knife was recovered at the scene.

On Tuesday, CPD officials and the Cook County medical examiners office said another man, 58-year-old Keith Harding, was found fatally stabbed in another unit on the same floor of the building. His death was ruled a homicide, according to autopsy results released Tuesday.

A second police shooting also occurred early Monday in the Roseland neighborhood a few miles south. No fatalities were reported in that shooting, and CPD said the officers involved will be placed on desk duty for 30 days, in keeping with department policy, as the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigates both cases.
CHICAGO (WGN)  A drive-by shooting on the citys Southwest Side left a man dead on Monday night.

According to the Chicago police, the deadly shooting unfolded in the 5200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue, in Gage Park, just before 7:30 p.m.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officers said the victim, a 35-year-old man, was standing near the sidewalk in the area when an unknown vehicle approached and a person inside opened fire.

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The victim suffered gunshot wounds to his face and abdomen and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The medical examiner has identified the man as Mario Jaime.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and authorities said no arrests have been made.

An investigation into the deadly shooting is now underway.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Anyone with information on the stabbings is asked to contact CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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A man is dead after a shooting Monday night on Jacksonvilles Westside. Police were called to the 7400 block of Ricker Road at about 8:15 p.m. responding to a person shot.

Officer arrived to find an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department pronounced him dead at the scene, a Jacksonville police news release states.

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Police said multiple people of interest were detained at the scene. No arrests were announced.

At this time, the circumstances that led to the victims death are unknown, and the investigation into the associations of the people involved is continuing, the news release states.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the shooting call Jacksonville Sheriffs Office by phone at 904-630-0500, by email at jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org, or through Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS.

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The man struck in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash in Lowell on Friday is not likely to survive, an assistant prosecutor told a judge at the drivers arraignment on Monday, NBC 10 Boston reported.

Christopher Campbell, 30, of Billerica, was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of personal injury and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, carjacking, larceny of a motor vehicle, negligent operation and a marked lanes violation, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryans office previously said in a statement.

He appeared in Lowell District Court, where it was revealed that the man struck was out for a regular walk on Friday night, NBC reported.

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Now on life support at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, the man is not expected to recover, an assistant prosecutor told the judge, according to NBC.

Campbell was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on May 12.

At around 10:25 p.m. on Friday, Campbell crashed his Volkswagen Jetta into another car in the area of Boylston and Rogers Street in Lowell, Ryans office said. After the crash, Campbell got out of his car and began jumping and shouting on the hood of the other car.

Frightened, the other driver left her car before Campbell stole another drivers car, Ryans office said. Campbell drove the car on the sidewalk on Roger Street when he struck the man now hospitalized.

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Shortly after 11 p.m., Massachusetts State Police received several reports of a car with no lights on driving erratically and stopping in the left lane of I-495 south in Franklin, Ryans office said. A short time later, State Police received a report that the car had been hit by another car while it was stopped in the left lane.

Troopers responded to the scene and found the car abandoned, Ryans office said. During their investigation, troopers determined that the car was stolen from Lowell.

State Police and Franklin police established a perimeter and began a search for Campbell, who was found on the other side of the highway hunkered down in a culvert, Ryans office said. When he saw police, he yelled that he had a gun.

Franklin police then tased and arrested Campbell, Ryans office said.

More local crime stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
BALTIMORE (AP)  Kilmar Abrego Garcia has become a household name as the Trump administration is engaged in an intense legal campaign to keep him locked up in an El Salvador prison despite his mistaken deportation. But his case isn't the only one of its kind inching through the U.S. court system.

Nearly two months have passed since a 20-year-old Venezuelan native, known only as Cristian in court filings, was deported to El Salvador despite having a pending asylum application. Now his lawyers want to know if there are others like him.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher stopped short of ordering the Trump administration to produce a list of any others who are in the same legal situation as Cristian. But the judge made it clear during a hearing Tuesday that she won't second-guess her earlier order for the Trump administration to facilitate Cristians return to the U.S.

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Gallagher, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, said it is a fair inference that the administration has done nothing to comply with her April 23 decision. She gave the government until Thursday to appeal her ruling before she considers ordering specific steps to comply with the order.

Gallagher said the case isn't about whether Cristian is entitled to asylum if he is able to return to the U.S.

The issue is and always has been one of process, the judge said. People are entitled to that.

How does Cristian's case compare to Kilmar Abrego Garcia's?

Abrego Garcia and Cristian both were deported on March 15. Dozens of other people were flown from the U.S. to El Salvador after Trump issued a proclamation calling for the arrest and removal of Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime law.

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Cristian had been transferred into federal custody from a jail in Harris County, Texas, in January. Abrego Garcia was arrested in Maryland, where he lived with his wife  a U.S. citizen  and their children.

Unlike Cristian, Abrego Garcia is a native of El Salvador. A U.S. immigration judges order in 2019 protected him from being sent there because he likely faced persecution by local Salvadoran gangs that terrorized him and his family.

Gallagher ruled that the government violated a 2019 settlement agreement when it deported Cristian. She said she was guided by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruling that Trumps Republican administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

Standing by and taking no action is not facilitation, Gallagher wrote. In prior cases involving wrongfully removed individuals, courts have ordered, and the government has taken, affirmative steps toward facilitating return.

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Gallagher said her order requires the government to make a good faith request for the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody.

What's the latest on Abrego Garcia's case?

Xinis, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return. The judge set May deadlines this month for administration officials to testify under oath about what they have done to comply.

Abrego Garcia's attorneys said the administration was moving toward bringing him back when it asked for a pause in the court case last month.

We agreed to that request because we understood it to be made in good faith, the lawyers said in a news release. Unfortunately, one week later, it remains unclear what, if anything, the government has done in the past seven days to bring our client home to his family.

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What's next in Cristian's case?

The Justice Department is likely to appeal Gallagher's rulings in Cristian's favor. Any appeal would be heard by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In the meantime, Gallagher refused Tuesday to suspend her April 23 decision.

The judge scheduled Tuesday's hearing to find out what, if anything, the government has done to comply with her order to facilitate Cristian's return. Justice Department attorney Richard Ingebretsen merely told her that the State Department was notified of her ruling.

That is the extent of the information, Ingebretsen added.

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One of Cristian's attorneys, Kevin DeJong, dismissed that response as a non-answer and expressed concern that the administration is trying to avoid complying with the judge's order.

Ingebretsen said immigration officials have determined that Cristian isn't entitled to asylum. But the man's lawyers said he has a right to get a ruling on the merits of his asylum application by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Meanwhile, Cristian's lawyers want to know if the U.S. has deported other people who are covered by the same settlement that benefited him.

There may well be other class members removed and we don't know about it," DeJong said. It's not acceptable.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 29-year-old man who was riding a scooter was killed in a crash Monday night in Raytown, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The crash happened just before 9 p.m. on East Gregory Boulevard near Evanston Avenue in Raytown.

New detours starting for 69 Express project in Overland Park

According to a crash log from the highway patrol, the person driving the scooter was headed west on Gregory Boulevard, crossed the center of the road and then sideswiped an eastbound Lexus SUV.

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The driver of the scooter was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to MSHP. The victims name has not been released.

The Raytown Police Department assisted at the scene.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of a 25-year-old man in 2022.

Court records say that Fernando Gonzalez-Prado is facing 325 months in prison for second-degree intentional murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of Jarod Rogers a man who was killed in a shooting in Shawnee, Kansas. The sentencing took place late last week in Johnson County District Court.

Kansas City police investigate deadly shooting on 71 Highway

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Gonzalez-Prado is one of five individuals who were charged in Rogers death: Sabrina Clark, Roger Hernandez, Fernando Reyes-Lara and Kyleigh Guzman.

At the time of the shooting, nearly all suspects were teens, including Gonzalez-Prado.

Last year, Guzman was sentenced for second-degree murder and aggravated robbery after pleading guilty, as well. She will serve more than 12 years in prison for the crime, court records say.

According to previous reporting, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, officers responded to a welfare check at about 6:30 p.m. in a parking lot near Johnson Drive and Nieman Road in Shawnee.

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Upon arrival, officers found Rogers suffering from a gunshot wound and took him to a hospital.

Investigators said on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Olathe Police Department and Shawnee Police Department, were involved in a chase connected to the shooting.

Missouri family, two Oklahoma teens among 8 killed in Franklin County crash

The following Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, Shawnee police learned that someone in connection with the shooting had turned themselves in to the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, and another person was taken into custody.

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Later that same day, police confirmed all five suspects had been arrested.

Previous coverage said that Gonzalez Prado also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery in another case.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A 19-year-old man who pleaded guilty earlier this year for his role in an Austintown shooting death was sentenced Tuesday to 11 to 15 years in prison.

Read next: Fast-food staff call police to help stabbing victim: Report

Judge Maureen Sweeney in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court handed down the sentence to Ethan Richmond, who pleaded guilty March 26 to charges of voluntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony; and felonious assault, a second-degree felony, along with a firearm specification.

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The sentence was recommended by the attorneys in the case. Judge Sweeney went along with their recommendation.

Richmond was 17 when he was arrested and charged with the Sept. 6, 2023, shooting death of Vincent Tarver, 22, at the Compass West apartment complex in Austintown. He was originally charged in juvenile court before his case was bound over to a grand jury in common pleas court, and he was indicted as an adult.

A woman was wounded in the same shooting.

Defense attorney Lou DeFabio asked the judge to impose the sentencing recommendation. He said his client has never been in trouble, accepted responsibility and cooperated with prosecutors.

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DeFabio said the situation that led to the shooting was a full-out fight between groups of people and that his client was getting the worst of it.

The shooting was in the heat of the moment, DeFabio said.

Richmond declined to speak before his sentence was imposed.

Tarver was shot after a fight in the parking lot. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he died from his injuries. The woman who was wounded required surgery.

A co-defendant, Talim Mumin, 22, was sentenced Jan. 27 by Judge Sweeney to six to seven and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of complicity to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony; and complicity to felonious assault, a second-degree felony, along with firearm specifications.

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Prosecutors say that Richmond was the person who was the shooter. Reports said a witness told police she saw Mumin arguing with Tarver in the parking lot before shots were fired. Witnesses told police there was another male with Mumin who kept lifting up his shirt like he had a gun before shots were fired.

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DOHA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Foreign Ministry affirmed on Tuesday that mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza are ongoing despite the difficulty of the situation.

"We are still working to find new opportunities to reach a ceasefire agreement and to achieve a deal that leads to lasting peace in Gaza. We will continue our communication with all parties," Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari told a media briefing.

The joint mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States remain focused on ending the conflict in Gaza, Al Ansari said.

He urged the international community to intensify efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and stressed that humanitarian aid must not be used as a bargaining chip or a negotiation tool.

"Israel's policy of using aid as a weapon must stop," he said.

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. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 2,500 Palestinians.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that under a plan approved by his security cabinet, Israel would expand the offensive to seize Gaza, control aid, and relocate the population to the south of the enclave, with the aim to "defeat Hamas and, in the process, secure the release of the hostages."

Earlier on Tuesday, a senior Hamas official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that Hamas had ruled out entering any new ceasefire or prisoner exchange negotiations with Israel without firm guarantees that the war will end. 
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was sentenced in D.C. after selling narcotics near schools and possessing a gun as a felon, according to a release.

23-year-old John Parker, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty on March 5, to one count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute N, N-Dimethylpentylone near schools and to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

The designer synthetic stimulant was known as boot.

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Former University Park Mayor faces charges after sexually exploiting children for over a decade, authorities say

According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., United States Park Police officers saw a person approach Parker near 7th and H Streets, about 400 feet from a school, and hand Parker cash.

Parker then handed the person white powder. Officers followed Parker into a nearby drug store, where he was arrested.

During a search, officers recovered a loaded Ruger LCP semi-automatic pistol that was tucked in his pants. Parker was previously convicted in D.C. Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a license.

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In addition, police recovered a clear-knotted plastic bag which contained a white rock-like substance weighing 54.6 grams, a plastic bag that contained 75 clear capsules filled with a white rock-like substance, six purple capsules each containing a white rock-like substance and $211 in cash.

The bag was tested and confirmed to contain N, N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Parker was sentenced to 27 months, or just over two years, for the crimes. In addition, Parker was ordered to serve six years of supervised release.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren man who hasnt reported to his parole officer in over five years was sentenced Tuesday on an escape charge.

James Finlaw, 50, was sentenced to two years in prison.

The jury set a record in Trumbull County last week when it deliberated for only five minutes to reach a verdict in the case.

The case was prosecuted by Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Becker. Finlaw was represented by two public defenders.

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Finlaw was placed on parole after serving 18 months for an OVI felony conviction in 2019, which included a repeat offender specification, according to the prosecutors office.

Investigartos said he hadnt reported to his parole officer since 2020.

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SAC COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU)  A 42-year-old has been sentenced for his role in a marijuana grow operation after agreeing to plead guilty on Friday, April 25.

According to court documents, Keegan Cross, 42, was charged in 2024 for possessing marijuana with the intent to manufacture or deliver the substance in Schaller, Sac County. County deputies reported that, while they were executing a search warrant, they found more than 40 marijuana plants and growing supplies at a residence on South Perth Street.

Woman hospitalized after crash just outside of Norfolk

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Cross was previously convicted of possessing marijuana with intent to deliver in 2017 and manufacturing a controlled substance in 2018.

As a part of the agreement, Cross will be placed on probation for two years with a suspended prison sentence of up to 15 years minus time served. Additionally, he must pay $1,025 with a 15% surcharge in restitution.

Last month, the other person charged in the case, Glenda Turnquist, 65, was sentenced to probation as well.

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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Michigan man who helped carry out what prosecutors described as a violent comic book store robbery in Pennsylvania was sentenced.

Caleb Simpson, 36, of Michigan, will spend between 10.5 to 25 years in state prison after being sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office said.

Simpson pleaded guilty in March to robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated assault, prosecutors said.

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The owner of the Comic Collection Store was on a ladder when Simpson and Zackery Tucker, 23, also of Michigan, knocked him off after the duo entered the store Sept. 18, 2022, prosecutors said.

Tucker was already sentenced in March to spend between five and 12 years in state prison for his role in the robbery.

I wanted to punch her in the face, but I pooped on her car instead and went home: Pennsylvania woman arrested after viral road rage incident

The owner was then tied up while Simpson began hitting him with brass knuckles and threatening him with a knife, the DAs Office stated. The victim suffered multiple serious injuries that included contusions, broken teeth, ribs and lacerations.

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A laptop, cash, comic books, Pokemon cards, action figures and even the victims keys were stolen.

Prosecutors said recovered merchandise, DNA and clothing helped investigators to make arrests. The incident was captured on the stores surveillance video.

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Lower Southampton Township Police Department, along with Adrian Township Police Department in Michigan and Pennsylvania State Police, investigated the case.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown man was sentenced in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation in Salem.

Steven Watters pleaded guilty to obstructing official business, possession of a fentanyl-related compound, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Watters was immediately sentenced at his March plea hearing to nine months in prison. His license is also suspended for three years.

According to police, Watters was identified as the suspect in the vehicle theft that was reported by the Salem Police Department. Police said they tried to stop Watters in two separate pursuits.

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He was later found in a parked car at a store on Mahoning Avenue.

Watters told police at the time that he did not know that the vehicle was reported as stolen.

Michael Reiner contributed to this report.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man was shot in the leg after an argument about money at a travel stop in the airport area on Monday, Memphis police say.

On May 5, officers responded to an aggravated assault involving firearms discharged at a Loves Travel Stop at 3371 Lamar Avenue. The man was transported to Regional One in non-critical condition.

According to reports, a French man said a woman was arguing with him about money, and he told her he had no money to give her.

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The victim said he was then shot once in his left leg.

Car theft attempt turns into shooting at TJ Mulligans in Midtown: MPD

The complainant told police he was inside his car when he heard a gunshot, and he saw a silver sedan flee northbound on Lamar Avenue. He recorded the suspect leaving the travel stop.

A witness said that the victim was arguing with the woman outside the victims car when a man in a silver sedan stepped outside and shot the victim.

Officers identified the suspect vehicle as a silver 2017 Cadillac XTS.

Woman found shot in the middle of Lamar Avenue: Police

Police say that after the shooting, the woman got into the gray sedan and fled the scene. The woman was described with shoulder-length hair and black biker shorts.

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The witness said that the woman was initially inside the victims car in the front passenger seat.

According to reports, officers saw a purse and a condom in the front passenger seat of the victims vehicle, but it could not be processed because the vehicle was locked.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Marlboro County deputies arrested a man who led them on chase after threatening to kill someone and burn their house down, authorities said.

Lord Anthony Byrd is charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, failure to stop for a blue light, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.

Deputies responded to an Allen Ridge Road home in Blenheim on Saturday. During the incident, Byrd reportedly brandished a firearm and threatened to kill somebody and then set their residence on fire.

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Byrd, who left the residence before authorities arrived, was located on a nearby dirt road. Deputies said he refused to stop until the vehicle was disabled along Highway 34.

Byrd was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Marlboro County Detention Center, where he awaits a bond hearing.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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MANCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Clay County Sheriffs Office said a Manchester man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing multiple people, shoving a woman, and chasing a child.

The sheriffs office said deputies responded to a reported stabbing on Sunday, May 4, on Roots Branch Road when they were told the victims had already left for the hospital with stab wounds.

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According to a news release, when the deputies arrived, several individuals had 27-year-old Stephen Centers detained.

The sheriffs office said the deputies determined that Centers had gotten into an altercation where three victims had been stabbed, one female had been pushed down, and one small child had been chased by Centers with a knife.

The victims told deputies that Centers attacked a man from behind, cutting him on the neck, and then stabbed someone else in the shoulder. He also allegedly knocked down one victims grandmother, stabbed another person in the chest, and then chased a child with a knife in his hand.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

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Centers was charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, and first-degree assault. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 12.

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BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- During the five-day May Day holiday, museums across China recorded more than 60.49 million visits, setting a new record and marking a 17 percent increase year on year.

Also, national archaeological parks emerged as a major attraction, registering over 3.31 million visits across 55 parks from May 1 to 5, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

Visits to these parks rose 2.3 percent compared with the same period last year, with 11 parks each receiving more than 100,000 visits, the administration said. 
The day has finally arrived. REAL IDs are going into effect on May 7.

Starting that date, all passengers over the age of 18 boarding a commercial domestic flight will be required to have a REAL ID. The special ID also will be needed to enter certain federal buildings following the enforcement date.

If you don't yet have a star on your license, here's how to get one, the cost of a REAL ID and what happens if you didn't get your REAL ID by May 7.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver's license or state-issued identification card denoted by a small star in the top right-hand corner. These cards have enhanced security standards, including anti-counterfeiting technology, to prevent insider fraud, and use documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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REAL IDs are issued in Tennessee and all other U.S. states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Will there be a grace period for REAL ID?

The official answer: No.

If you don't have a REAL ID, you may be denied boarding for your flight.

That being said, the Transportation Security Administration does have "appropriate flexibility" when enforcing the REAL ID for the first two years of enforcement, according to the Federal Register. CNN reported that those without a REAL ID "will be notified of their non-compliance, then may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening."

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Appropriate flexibility was established in January to help the TSA establish a phased approach to enforcement.

"This flexibility allows agencies to begin card-based enforcement as part of a measured, responsible, and achievable plan leading to full enforcement of the REAL ID regulations," according to the final rule.

Will the REAL ID deadline be extended again?

No. The deadline to get your REAL ID is May 7, and there will not be more extensions.

Can I still travel in the U.S. without a REAL ID?

You may still be able to board your flight without a REAL ID. Here are other acceptable documents, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)

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

Permanent resident card

Border crossing 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

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What federal buildings do you need to access with a Real ID?

The REAL ID also will be required to enter certain federal facilities after the May 7 deadline.

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You may need a REAL ID or another approved piece of identification to enter military bases, nuclear power plants, along with other federal facilities. People should check to see if they need a REAL ID ahead of going to a facility.

What happens if you don't get your REAL ID by the deadline?

If you aren't planning on boarding a plane or visiting a nuclear power plant anytime soon, there is no worry about missing the May 7 deadline. Regular IDs will still be valid, except in the cases listed above. You can still apply for a REAL ID after the deadline.

Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you wont be denied from your flight or face travel delays! pic.twitter.com/x8IaQ4otyv  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 4, 2025

What do you need to get a REAL ID in Tennessee?

In order to get your REAL ID in Tennessee, you'll need to present proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Tennessee residency.

Anyone who has changed their name must provide certified legal documents supporting the name change.

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There are many different documents that could fulfill the requirements of proof of U.S. citizenship and/or Tennessee residency. A full list of acceptable documents to bring is available at tn.gov.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Tennessee?

A REAL ID costs around $28, the same rate as a standard Tennessee driver's license or photo ID.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: REAL ID: What TSA says will happen if you don't have one
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Its that time of year again for farmers to hit the fields, and according to local experts, this planting season is starting off great thanks to early precipitation.

Its a beautiful day today and farmers are taking full advantage of it. One producer even says hes nearly finished with planting already.

Well, planting season got off to an early start this year with the favorable conditions, good warm weather with ample moisture up to the start, said Randy Kroksh, an Akron farmer.

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So every fall and spring, we pull subsoil moisture tests and this spring, we really fell right into the average, said Leah Ten Napel, a field agronomist with Iowa State Extension and Outreach Program.

Morningside University receives $1.5M for track and field renovation

From mid-November 2024 to April 14, 2025, northwest Iowa received around five to eight inches of precipitation, which is a good start for farmers.

We need between 20 to 25 inches of moisture for our crops to grow, so if you know, our starting point, we keep track of how much we receive in the meantime, growers are just able to have a good idea of how their crop might turn out based on the amount of moisture were starting out with, said Ten Napel.

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Due to the soil moisture as well as the warmer temperatures, farmers were already out in these fields by mid-April.

These warmer conditions right now have just been ideal to get the crops in and to get them out of the ground much faster. Quite a bit of corn is up around in this area east of Akron, west of Le Mars, and I even see some bean fields that are coming up to, said Kroksh.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, portions of northwest Iowa are either abnormally dry or in moderate drought, and farmers are going need a bit more precipitation for a good harvest.

Ideally, wed have a good amount of rain spread throughout the growing season, so the crops arent ever stressed out because thats when we start to see the yield potential go down. And so if we just had a steady feed of rain, wed see some beautiful crops come out of it, said Ten Napel.

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Payment processing outage scheduled Tuesday in South Sioux City

We just have to pray to the Lord up there and hopefully gives us ample moisture and at this point in time, I mean, were okay, but we definitely are could use some moisture. As a farmer, you have to be optimistic, all the time, you just have to. You just have to pray that youre going to get enough rain and youre going to have a good crop and survive another year, said Kroksh.

Drivers are asked to take it slow driving up hills as to avoid getting into an accident with farmers.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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
Conspiracy theorist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) warned President Donald Trump that some of his closest insiders are lying to him.

And she said his MAGA base wont tolerate it.

Greene spoke to right-wing podcaster Steve Bannon, who has been in and out of Trumps circle over the years, about a social media post last week in which she railed against some of the administrations key foreign policy moves including the mineral rights deal in Ukraine and threats of military action against Iran.

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I represent the base and when Im frustrated and upset over the direction of things, you better be clear, the base is not happy, she wrote on X. When you are losing MTG, you are losing the base.

Bannon noted on his War Room podcast that some took that to mean theres a rift between Trump and his MAGA base.

She said on Monday thats not the case at all.

Its a lie. There is no wedge between the base and President Trump, she told Bannon. The wedge is between Congress and the establishment Republicans that are undermining the presidents agenda and also anyone that gets in the presidents ear and is lying to him about what he should be doing.

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She called last years election a mandate for Republican lawmakers to fully embrace Trumps MAGA agenda.

Washington, as usual, is tone-deaf and has not heard the message, she said, saying GOP figures who didnt support the presidents agenda during his first term are still working against him today.

They think they can manipulate the president, she said. But you cant manipulate the base.

See more of that conversation below:
DENVER (KDVR)  A Sunday night shooting in the 1900 block of Market Street is raising concerns after four people were injured, and neighbors say this is one of many violent incidents that began in a nearby parking lot.

The area is part of Denvers Union Station neighborhood and Ballpark District, which is home to many nightclubs, bars and other establishments. The shooting was reported by the Denver Police Department at about 9:24 p.m. on Sunday, with officials initially saying that only three people were injured.

Driver arrested after deadly crash involving electric scooter

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On Monday, FOX31 learned there was a fourth person who experienced a bullet graze and was transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle. One resident of a nearby apartment building told FOX31s Vicente Arenas that something has to be done to curtail crime in the Ballpark District.

Its sad and frustrating because maybe theres not enough police help to patrol the area, Downtown resident Derek Parks said.

A video obtained by FOX31 of the incident shows a person being lifted from a sidewalk and helped into a waiting SUV. But it was not clear if this person was hurt by gunfire.

Another video showed people running and yelling as they ran from the shooting scene. Arenas also spoke with several people who say this type of shooting is happening way too often. Another resident said gunfire and shootings are a common occurrence every weekend.

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The bars are the problem, unfortunately. I know they are huge, fun spot for everybody, but you are bringing people into the city that hang out there cause crime there, Downtown resident Alyssa Mance said.

In early April, the city of Denver established a new safety effort that included the area where the shootings have been a problem.

Denver to increase downtown police presence in effort to invigorate area

Safety is a top priority of our administration, which is why we recently launched the Safe Downtown Action Plan to bring more resources and patrols to our city center and ensure incidents like these are rare and isolated. We are glad to know all parties are expected to recover and know the Denver Police Department is working swiftly to bring those accountable to justice. As this is an ongoing investigation, we encourage you to reach out to DPD for additional information, A spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnstons office said in a written statement.

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This one was a little bit different because of the sounds of the gunshots were different, said downtown resident Monica Pagan. The first one was pop pop. But this one sounded more of an automatic.

Residents say a lot of the problems start in a large parking lot and are now circulating a petition to shut it down. They are not hopeful that shootings like this will slow down anytime soon.

The Denver Police Department turned down FOX31s request for an on-camera interview about the shooting. No word on any arrests so far.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A jury returned a guilty verdict for a Beltsville man who killed his friend in Georgetown in January.

The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USADC ) announced on May 5, that Ranje Reynolds was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and other related charges in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe, of Alexandria.

According to evidence presented in court, as of Jan. 31, 2022, Reynolds and Boothe were friends and worked together for two years at the marijuana dispensary on Eton Court. Despite their friendship, Reynolds and Boothe got into a fight that same evening at work.

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Man sentenced in DC after selling drugs near school

Officials said that around 6 p.m., Booth left the dispensary and went to the corner of 33rd and M Street to wait for his ride home. Thats when Reynolds followed Boothe outside and sat next to him.

Reynolds left, but returned moments later and shot Boothe in his eye, killing him.

After the shooting, Reynolds fled to Jamaica on Feb. 3. For several months, he was wanted in Washington, D.C. in connection with the shooting.

In August, Reynolds was arrested in Kingston, Jamaica. He was extradited back to the District in September.

Reynolds sentencing is scheduled for July 25.

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Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, left, with Gov. Wes Moore in file photo from September 2024. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) joined two more lawsuits Monday against the Trump administration and signed on to a motion seeking a preliminary injunction in a third case.

The legal actions are the latest in a now-familiar play by Democratic states to counter the rapid-fire changes to government agencies and programs coming from President Donald Trump (R) and billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. The states have repeatedly gone to court to challenge the legality of the moves, many of which they say the president does not have the authority to make.

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Brown has already led or joined more than two dozen suits against the administration since Trump was sworn into office Jan. 20, including taking the lead in a suit challenging the summary firing of thousands of probationary federal workers. A U.S. District judge in Greenbelt issued a preliminary injunction in that case on April 1, ordering 20 agencies to give workers their jobs back while the case went to trial.

The newest suits challenge the administrations plan to lay off thousands of workers at the Department of Health and Human Services, and to stop federal approval of wind-power projects across the country. The motion seeks to block the presidents order that would set strict new ID requirements for voting.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, Maryland joined with 18 other states and the District of Columbia challenging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s plans to slash staffing and close agencies at the department.

The suit, first reported in the Rhode Island Current, a part of the States Newsroom network, focused on the firing of 10,000 HHS workers and the shuttering of dozens of agencies in the department as part of Kennedys so-called Make America Healthy Again initiative.

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When termination notices went out on April 1, the suit says, employees were immediately expelled from their work email, laptops, and offices, work across the vast and complicated 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 suit said, just a fraction of the impact of the layoffs it cited.

The second suit Brown joined Monday, with 16 other states and the District of Columbia, targets an executive order Trump signed on his first day in office that ordered federal agencies to pause approvals, permits and loans for all wind energy projects both onshore and offshore.

The suit says Trumps order claims unspecified inadequacies in previous agency reviews of project applications and ordered an amorphous, redundant, extra-statutory, and multi-agency review of unknown duration of already approved plans. The order has stopped most wind-energy development in its tracks, the suit says.

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The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, cites a project that was under construction off Long Island, New York, when an order to cease all construction activities came on April 16 from the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, an agency within the Interior Department.

In September, the federal government approved an offshore wind project in Maryland. The suit claims U.S. Winds project would provide 1,710 megawatts of clean energy from a maximum of 114 turbines and create 13,600 jobs and more than $6 billion in economic benefits to the state.

The Trump Administrations outrageous and unlawful freeze on wind energy development is nothing short of a direct assault on Marylands future climate security and economic prosperity, Brown said in a statement announcing the suit.

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With this lawsuit, we are protecting the livelihoods of thousands of families and standing firm against President Trumps reckless attack on an industry that offers to secure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for every Marylander, he said.

Gov. Wes Moore (D) said in the statement that Trumps actions run counter to the states efforts to lower utility costs for Marylanders by increasing energy production through wind power. At a moment when families are feeling the strain of high energy bills, we should focus on cutting red tape, not halting critical infrastructure projects, Moore said.

Meanwhile, Brown joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general who filed a motion Monday for a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts seeking to block Trumps March 25 executive order that would impose sweeping voting restrictions nationwide.

If allowed ot take effect, Trumps order would require voters to prove their citizenship with a U.S. passport, a REAL ID, a military identification card, or a federal or state government-issued photo identification.

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Brown and the other attorneys general filed a lawsuit April 3 challenging the order.

The lawsuit underscores that the power to regulate elections rests exclusively with the states and Congress  not the President, Brown said in a statement released by his office Monday. The attorneys general argue that they are likely to win on the merits of their lawsuit, that their states have unique and profound interests at stake in the litigation, and that their states will suffer irreparable harms without court-ordered relief.

In all, 21 states and the District of Columbia are parties to the three actions today. In addition to Maryland, the states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
The boss of Southern Water has told households that they need to ration their water use because the region is drier than Sydney, Dallas, Marrakesh and Istanbul. Needless to say, given the appalling way most of these privatised companies have been run, Tim Mcmahon was denounced for blaming the consumer for the failings of his business. Why dont you repair the leaks properly and invest more in infrastructure before passing the buck, was a characteristic response.

But Mr Mcmahon has a point. We often forget that rainfall levels in London and the Home Counties are among the lowest in Europe. In some years, the annual total in Essex is even below that of Jerusalem. However, our rain normally falls throughout the year rather than in monsoon-like summer deluges, which means the reservoirs and aquifers are routinely replenished and the water retained.

Rain is needed, indeed expected, in winter and spring; yet the first four months of this year have been exceptionally arid. Some areas have had their driest start to the year in almost a century. We have seen heath fires raging and reservoirs emptying and it is just the start of May.

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Water is our most precious commodity yet we are reckless with its use because we always imagine there will be no shortages. When there are  as during the drought of 1976  and we have to use standpipes, everyone complains about the lack of resilience and then forgets about it once the heavens open again.

The population of England in 1976 was 46 million; today it is 57 million. Moreover, most of the increase has been in the very areas where rainfall is lowest. So the demand is growing while supply is not keeping up. Even in a normal rainfall year this would be problematic. In a drought, a crisis looms. Mr Mcmahon says the answer is to reduce demand by rationing, But the solution, surely, is to increase supply.

This country is cursed by short-termism in public policy and especially where water is concerned. It is more than 30 years since the last major reservoir was opened in England at Carsington in Derbyshire.

A four-decade planning battle has been waged over a new reservoir near Abingdon which would supply the parched South East. Southern Water is planning to construct a reservoir near Portsmouth but it will be years before it comes on stream.

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The Government has promised to speed up planning for new water projects, even as it seeks to build 1.5 million new homes, mostly in areas with shortages. If ever there was a failure of joined-up thinking, here it is. It is madness to keep building houses, mainly to meet the demands caused by years of mass immigration, if the water is running out.

There is an answer. Since our maritime climate brings great variations in rainfall, and parts of the country have copious amounts, we could move water from the places that have got it  but dont need so much  to drier, more populous parts that risk being left parched. Indeed, it is an answer that has been staring us in the face for more than 80 years.

A national water grid was proposed back in 1943 by the engineer J F Pownall. He produced plans for a canal running down the spine of England at the 310ft contour and connecting the most populated towns and cities. This Grand Contour Canal would have no locks, other than at the entry and exit points, and would serve as a grid able to distribute water around the country.

Grand Contour Canal - Energy X Change

Needless to say it never got built. A canal was seen as old hat in a world in thrall to the internal combustion engine and despite the fact that many countries have such schemes (as, indeed, did the Romans).

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It is another good idea that fell victim to the post-war insularity that has suffocated the life out of a country that was once adventurous and innovative but became tentative and lacking in ambition. The Grand Contour Canal joins the nuclear power stations we never built, the tidal energy we could have had and the bigger airports that never materialised (and never will).

We have a national grid for electricity, so why not a national water grid? It is hardly a new concept: the ancient Chinese built one nearly 2,000 years ago while aqueducts testify to Roman ingenuity in this field.

Yes, we can build more reservoirs, but they will take years. We could and should open more desalination plants beyond the one that currently lies dormant in east London. But the former cause major local issues, as Abingdon has found, while the latter are seen as inefficient and bad for the environment.

We dont need a Pownall-style scheme to use the existing river and canal systems much better to move water around. It already happens in some parts, such as the provision of water to Merseyside from north Wales.

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A study by the Institute of Civil Engineers a few years ago concluded that a grid is both feasible and cheaper than building new reservoirs in the South. One option is to tap the vast reservoirs in Wales and transfer the water from the Severn to the Thames through a pipeline or aqueduct linking the two rivers. Better still, use the existing canals.

Overall responsibility for policy lies with the National Rivers Authority and the Environment Agency, who are opposed to inter-regional transfers on grounds of cost (although it would be a fraction that of HS2). They decided as long ago as 2006 that the demand could be met by other means, such as new reservoirs, but have failed to take into consideration the huge population increase in the meantime.

Some objections are irrational, seeing the transfer of the Norths water to the South East as somehow unethical, though we move electricity and gas around without moral qualms.

It is simply a matter of time before a drought puts water resources under stress and everyone starts to ask why successive governments and their agencies did nothing to prepare. Thames Water expects demand in drought years in the South East to exceed supply by some 60 million litres per day by 2035, so where will it come from?

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While repairing leaks is important, it is not sufficient. It is one thing to face the prospect of power blackouts because of the net zero policy. Just wait until the water runs out.

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SANAA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes severely damaged Sanaa International Airport on Tuesday, destroying its runway, a passenger plane, and critical infrastructure, rendering the facility inoperable, an airport official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The strikes, which hit the Yemeni capital and nearby Amran province in the afternoon, killed three people and wounded at least 39, according to Houthi-run health authorities. Casualty figures were reported by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah TV.

Residents said fires raged for hours at two power stations in Sanaa, with flames visible into the night.

The Israeli military said the attacks were in retaliation for a missile strike launched by the Houthis on Sunday morning targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. That attack injured eight people and caused damage near the airport, according to Israeli authorities.

In a post on social media platform X, senior Houthi official Mohammed Ali al-Houthi vowed further retaliation, promising missile strikes against Israel "in the coming hours."

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been launching drones and missiles toward Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.

The group lacks modern air defence systems and has limited civil protection infrastructure. Cities under Houthi control, including Sanaa, are without public shelters, and key facilities such as the Sanaa airport serve as vital links for civilians, humanitarian operations, and diplomatic access. 
Acton police have placed a supervisor on administrative leave in connection with an investigation of a retired police officer from another community who faces an OUI charge, the police department said.

At around 12:41 a.m. on Saturday, two Acton police officers went to a liquor store parking lot on Main Street, the department said in a statement. The officers saw a 2024 Toyota Highlander with a severely flat passenger-side front tire running in the parking lot, with two people inside.

The officers, who requested that a supervisor meet with them at the parking lot, approached and the driver stepped out of the SUV, police said. The officers noticed the driver, a 64-year-old retired police officer from another community, had the smell of alcohol on his breath and saw an open can of Twisted Tea sitting in the SUVs cup holder.

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When the supervisor arrived, he took the driver home in Acton, police said. Another officer took the Acton mans passenger, a 55-year-old Acton woman, also to her home.

Acton police officials, including Chief James Cogan and Lt. Ed Lawton, decided to file two charges against the Acton man: operating under the influence and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, police said. He was expected to appear in Concord District Court. No criminal complaint was issued.

The supervisor was then placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation to look into how the supervisor handled the incident, police said.

Cogan said in the statement that the law applies to current and former members of law enforcement agencies.

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Our public rightly demands that we enforce the law evenly, and we will conduct a full and thorough review of the handling of the situation that unfolded early Saturday morning, Cogan said.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
A Holyoke man who is a registered sex offender is accused of having child pornography depicting children as young as three years old, the U.S. Attorney said.

Justin Ouimette, 34, a Level 1 sex offender, was charged with possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement on Monday.

Ouimette will make an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield at a later date, Foley said.

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In October 2022, Ouimette was convicted of possession of child pornography in Massachusetts Superior Court.

According to the charging documents, investigators allegedly found more than 200 files on Ouimettes electronic devices that appeared to depict child sex abuse material during a search of Ouimettes home and person in July 2024.

The electronic files included children as young as three years old, prosecutors said.

A search of Ouimettes Dropbox resulted in the discovery of an additional 200 files allegedly depicting child sex abuse material.

On July 25, 2024, Ouimette was issued a probation violation, and he was subsequently sentenced to one year incarceration, which he is currently serving.

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If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography as a registered sex offender, Ouimette faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(FOX40.COM)  Law enforcement in San Joaquin County hosted a zero-tolerance sideshow operation that led to a massive amount of citations, arrests, and vehicle impounds over Cinco De Mayo weekend.

 Video Above: California law enforcement seeks to crack down on sideshows

As the weather gets nicer, we tend to see more sideshow activity, Stockton Police Officer Omer Edhah told FOX40.com. We had seen sideshows in other cities starting up so we took a proactive zero-tolerance approach on the issue.

What is a sideshow and why is California law enforcement cracking down on them?

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The Stockton Police Department partnered with several agencies, including the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office, Manteca Police Department, Lathrop Police Department, and Escalon Police Department, to conduct enforcement in potential sideshow-known areas.

In just two days, Friday and Saturday, police made more than 700 traffic stops for violations or illegal modifications, issued 620 citations, impounded more than 155 vehicles, and made more than 33 arrests, according to SPD. Sundays results have not yet been released.

A zero-tolerance sideshow operation in San Joaquin County led to more than 700 traffic stops, 620 citations, 150 vehicle impounds, and 30 arrests./Stockton Police Department

A ton of work was done in the background weeks in advance, Edhah said.

Law enforcement said this time of year is typically the start of sideshow season. Because of this, additional sideshow crackdown operations are in the works.

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These sideshows can be dangerous to life and property, Edhah said. We have seen the criminal element introduced during these gatherings where shootings have occurred, and firearms and drugs being involved.

He added, Great property damage occurs to roadways and buildings during these sideshows. We want to thank the community for their continued support, and we want to send a message to sideshow participants that Stockton is not a place to conduct them.

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2 NEWS will be sharing results after polls close. Check back for updates.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Several local school districts have tax levies on the ballot tonight, which will determine which districts will see new construction or possible staffing cuts.

2 NEWS has been highlighting important tax levies in the weeks approaching the May 6 election. Learn more about each levy and their results as they come in.

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CLICK HERE to see LIVE election results and updates.

Beavercreek City Schools: FAILED

The Beavercreek City School District is asking voters for the second time to pass a bond issue to help build a new high school  something that school officials say would help address a major increase in student enrollment after several years of steadily increasing numbers.

The 4.9 mill bond issue would cost local homeowners $172 annually for each $100,000 of appraised real estate value.

Beavercreek bond issue would build new high school for growing district

Clark-Shawnee Local Schools: FAILED

Clark-Shawnee Local School District says that they have been spending in the negative, and this levy would allow them to operate with more breathing room.

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A majority of this levy will go to retaining the districts current faculty and staff. And if the levy does not pass, the school board has approved the creation of a plan to look at cuts across the district.

Greenon Local Schools: FAILED

Greenon Local Schools says their levy is needed to transform the district and provide quality education to students. The levy will go toward three areas for the district  a new transportation hub, the elementary school and a new space for its wrestling athletes.

If passed, this levy will cost homeowners $97 for every $100,000 of appraised property value.

Huber Heights City Schools: PASSED

The Huber Heights levy was a close one, with just nine votes passing the measure. Results are still unofficial and will likely go to a recount.

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Huber Heights City School District says the district is currently operating in a deficit, prompting an operating levy that could pull them out of the red.

Huber Heights residents will vote on a 6.9-mill operating levy that would generate $7.8 million to help the school district cover its day-to-day expenses. If it passes, the levy would cost residents about $242 a year for every $100,000 of appraised property value.

Millions of dollars on the line for Huber Heights schools this election

Mad River Local Schools: PASSED

Mad River Local School District says building maintenance is expensive and taking thousands of dollars from the schools general fund, when those dollars could be going to other resources for staff and students.

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This 2.9-mill levy would cost homeowners $100 per $100,000 of appraised property value.

Northmont Local Schools: PASSED

Northmont Local School District is facing even more cuts if their levy does not pass. With two failing levies on the ballot in 2023, the district had to cut over 40 positions.

This time, the levy asks for 3.44 mills for ten years in order to fund day-to-day operations, including maintaining teachers, clubs and transportation for the district. Residents would pay $120 for every $100,000 of appraised property value.

Oakwood Schools: PASSED

Oakwood School District says the proposed bond levy would fund upgrades across its facilities, improving safety while preserving the districts historic charm.

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Oakwood residents will vote on Issue 12, a 4.74-mill bond levy that would generate $40 million to upgrade school facilities. If it passes, the levy would cost residents about $166 a year for every $100,000 of property value.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
2 NEWS will be sharing results after polls close. Check back for updates.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  While primary elections have far fewer issues on the ballot, several important tax levies are at stake for local communities.

2 NEWS has been highlighting important tax levies in the weeks approaching the May 6 election. Learn more about each levy and find their results below as they come in.

Looking for school levy results? Click here.

Enon police levy: FAILED

The village of Enon has a property tax appearing on the ballot that if passed, will keep their police department running.

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A 1.75-mill property tax levy will help keep the towns police department in business for the next five years, costing taxpayers $61 dollars per $100,000 appraised property value.

Germantown Fire & EMS: PASSED

Germantowns fire department is stuck in a tough spot  its been 15 years since their last levy passed and this year, that funding levy from 2010 expires.

Currently, the station operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but a cut in funding this significant  to the tune of $630,000 out of their $1.3 million budget  could leave the station only operating 12 hours out of the day.

Sidney infrastructure improvements: FAILED

Sidney is looking to keep its roads safe and up to date this election day, with a street levy that would also help balance the citys budget.

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The levy itself isnt new to voters  in 2014, a five-year levy was passed at 0.25 percent levy on income, expiring in 2019. A 0.15 percent levy was then approved instead of another 0.25. This year, the city is looking to return to the status quo by bumping the tax back up to 0.25 percent.

Sugarcreek Twp. EMS: Projected to pass

The Sugarcreek Township Fire Department says they have not come to voters for funds in 10 years  but now, they need help to support their service to a growing community.

The 1 mill property tax levy would cost homeowners $35 per $100,000 of appraised property value. The money raised will go toward general operating expenses.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  May is National Foster Care Month. It is a time to bring attention to the foster care systems throughout our country.

Local organizations commence Operation Bag Drag to assist growing needs in foster care

In West Virginia, at any given time, there are more than five thousand eight hundred children in the foster care system.

Travis Wooten, Program Director at Necco Beckley, said even if every registered foster parent in the state took in the maximum number of children they could, there would still be children left without a foster home in West Virginia.

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He said the state is facing a foster parent shortage and its the children who are temporarily in foster care who are suffering.

Wooten said most of the time, the children who come into Necco, come in without anything.

No clothes, toys, or personal belongings of any kind.

He said even if youre not able to be a foster parent, there are still ways to help these kids.

Were always accepting donations. Our kids in care always need clothes. About 38% of kids in care are teens and most people often forget about them, said Wooten.

Wooten said these kids need luggage, just a backpack or duffel bag, to help them carry the few things they have.

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He said at the end of the day, these children just want normalcy.

I mean, these kids want normal lives. They want normal interactions, normal families. Just being able to provide that for them and see for the first time on their faces, no matter their age. One kid we had, it was their first time going into Walmart. They were twelve years old. It amazed them. I still find that story astounding, said Wooten.

Wooten encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent to reach out to Necco and see how you can make a difference in a childs life.

Park Middle School students spread positive affirmations

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If youre interested in learning about becoming a foster parent, please call (304) 250-1200.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles is voicing her support for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings amid reports that he may sue the city council.

Last week, Jennings announced that he was considering suing the city.

Sources said he felt unfairly targeted and suffered reputational damage.

This came after a dispute last year with former Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari over the style of protective vests worn by CMPD officers.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Top CMPD chief aides advised on complaint against city councilman

Sources told Channel 9 that city council members voted 5-2 to settle in closed session last week. However, it takes six votes.

It was understood that Mayor Lyles would call for another vote during that closed session.

But as Lyles and other council members were exiting the meeting, they declined to disclose what was discussed, citing attorney-client privilege.

A short while later, the mayor stated:

When we were talking about the fallen heroes, when we had the stadium climb. I had the opportunity to stand up and say, Chief Jennings is the best chief that I know. And should people be concerned about the relationship between him and the city council after talk of a settlement, I cant address what people are thinking about. I know what I think about, and I know that I stand with the chief.

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However, Chief Jennings has not filed a lawsuit yet.

Sources also said that if the city attorney has already been notified of the police chiefs claims and intentions, if the city council were to go ahead and vote to settle, the matter would be resolved quicker and more privately.

VIDEO: Top CMPD chief aides advised on complaint against city councilman
In a special meeting last week, Meadville Housing Authority addressed several sources of concern that have repeatedly been the focus of extended board discussion over the past six months.

Board members voted Thursday to request a conflict of interest waiver for its chair, to establish a social media presence and to approve temporary positions for two former employees as the authority works to fill several jobs on a long-term basis.

Im glad were moving forward with this stuff, authority Chair Joe Tompkins said in a phone interview Monday.

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The votes came at a specially called meeting that was announced in a legal ad in last Mondays edition of The Meadville Tribune.

Board members voted 2-1 to approve a waiver request from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which funds the authority, for a conflict of interest involving Tompkins. Board members Cena Kneubehl and Jane Osborne voted in favor of the request while Marcia Yohe opposed it. Tompkins abstained from the vote and Richard Zinn did not attend the meeting.

A similar waiver request was defeated last month when Zinn joined Yohe in opposing the move, resulting in a tie vote.

The conflict of interest arose because Tompkins wife, Julie Wilson, is executive director of the local housing nonprofit Common Roots, an agency that contracts with the Housing Authority for housing choice vouchers in the program commonly referred to as Section 8 housing.

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Board members also approved a social media policy that directs the authoritys executive director to have YouTube and Facebook pages created for the authority and to have meetings recorded and posted to the pages. Meeting agendas and minutes will also be posted to the Facebook page.

Like the conflict of interest, the notion of creating a social media presence for the authority has also consistently been raised in board meetings since November.

Can we start recording board meetings and putting them on the Housing Authority website? Kneubehl first asked during the Nov. 13 meeting. That way people who cant come and be here to hear whats going on can watch it later and go, Oh, OK, thats whats going on. Because then if they have concerns about what happened in the board meeting they can come to the next meeting.

Tompkins irony was evident Monday as he joked about the long road from concept to policy approval.

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It only took five months, he said with a laugh.

A similar proposal was defeated last month when the board split with Tompkins and Kneubehl in favor and Yohe and Zinn opposed after Osborne had left approximately two hours into a meeting that lasted nearly three hours.

The board also voted to hire the authoritys former Section 8 coordinator and an administrative assistant on a per diem basis. Neither position has been filled since the former staff members left their positions last year.

The board also voted to allow interim Executive Director Jon Ketcham to hire a new Section 8 coordinator who will be trained for the position by the former coordinator now working on a per diem basis.

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Movement was also evident on several other fronts. The board approved minutes from its Jan. 29 and March 12 meetings with changes proposed by Tompkins.

Kneubehl and Osoborne will form a committee to revise the boards bylaws, a topic that Kneubehl has raised several times in recent months, only to have Executive Director Vanessa Rockovich counter that the board by-laws were not a high-priority concern. The board voted to place Rockovich on temporary paid leave last month. Citing the advice of their attorney, board members declined to explain the motivation behind their move.

Board members will meet May 14 in the Holland Towers community room, 1120 Market St., for their next regular meeting.






Kate Middleton has the reins of power in the modern royal family, a royal biographer shared.

The Princess of Wales is especially responsible for a new way of parenting in the royal family, alongside husband Prince William.

Unlike generations before them, their kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis come first.







Kate Middleton wont be on the throne somedaythat duty will fall to her husband, Prince Williambut shell be right there beside him, and already is the leader in the royal family.

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Kate has the reins of power in a very subtle way, royal biographer Ingrid Seward told People for its new May 6 cover story. She has very strong views.

The monarchy has caught up with modern times, Seward continued, adding that The old rules of royalty have changed.

Getty Kate Middleton on October 19, 2021 Kate Middleton on October 19, 2021

Getty Kate Middleton on November 15, 2023 Kate Middleton on November 15, 2023

Among Kates deeply held beliefs is raising her kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis differently than royal parents have done in the past. Getting the family right is absolutely critical, particularly in terms of what the nation expects of them, a family friend told the outlet.

Just last month, Kate, William, and their three kids skipped the traditional royal family Easter service at St. Georges Chapel at Windsor in favor of spending the holiday on April 20 with her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, at the Wales family country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

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Kate appreciates the importance of having that family time, a source told People. In a way, its modernizing the monarchy.

Getty Images Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas morning service on December 25, 2024 Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas morning service on December 25, 2024

Getty Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, and Princess Charlotte on May 5, 2025 Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, and Princess Charlotte on May 5, 2025

In an article in The Times describing what William will be like as king someday, experts shared that Kate acts as a gatekeeper to William and is hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring and decision-making, and they approach it as a team.

Like the late Queen [Elizabeth] and Prince Philip and the King and Queen [Charles and Camilla], theyre a good double act, a source said of William and Kate.

Read the original article on InStyle
(Reuters) - The Texas health department has reported 702 cases of measles in the state on Tuesday, an increase of 19 cases since May 2, as the U.S. battles one of its worst outbreaks of the childhood disease.

As of May 1, a total of 935 confirmed measles cases were reported by 30 jurisdictions, with 12 outbreaks reported this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

Researchers have warned that the country is at a tipping point for the return of endemic measles, a quarter century after the disease was declared eradicated in the country.

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Cases in Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, increased to 403 from 396 since the last update, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.

New Mexico's health department reported 67 cases, unchanged from its last update. Most of the state's cases are from Lea County, adjacent to Gaines County in Texas.

(Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
By Helen Coster and Joseph Ax

NEW YORK (Reuters) - As cardinals gather in Rome this week to select the next pope, global news networks covering every twist and turn will be competing against a small but influential Catholic broadcaster based in the Alabama town of Irondale.

The Eternal Word Television Network was launched by a nun named Mother Angelica in the garage of the town's Our Lady of the Angels monastery in 1981.

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Since then, it has grown into a global media conglomerate with nearly a dozen TV stations, a book publishing division, a newspaper and radio affiliates. Along the way, it has emerged as a beacon for conservative Catholics and a potent voice in Trump-era politics -- not to mention an occasional critic of the late Pope Francis, who complained about it "bad-mouthing" him.

The majority of EWTN programming deals with the Catholic ministry: broadcasting Mass, specials on saints, rosary prayers and talk shows centered on family, marriage and faith.

But it also airs a sizable dose of news and political content, with a particular appeal to conservatives: President Donald Trump has appeared on the network several times, one of the network's top hosts is a Fox News contributor and another anchor just left EWTN for the Trump-friendly Newsmax.

"I think EWTN has a great deal of influence on certain portions of the Catholic population in the U.S.," said James Martin, an American Jesuit priest, writer and editor-at-large of America, the Jesuit magazine. "Many Catholics, even if they may not agree with their commentary at times, find them to be the place where they turn for church news and events."

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Martin said it was hard to know if it would have any influence on the conclave, which starts on Wednesday when cardinals gather to choose a successor to Francis. Participants are sworn to secrecy about discussions and votes, which could last for several days.

"I'm sure some of the cardinals watch," said Martin. "On the other hand, some of the cardinals, because of their cultural background, might be less inclined to listen because it's an American media company. So perhaps it's a wash."

EWTN's rise was mirrored in the United States by that of the evangelical right, as issues such as abortion and homosexuality became entwined with national politics during the culture wars of the Reagan era. Mother Angelica, the founder, who died in 2016, used her popular television show to criticize efforts to liberalize the church.

The network has proven adept at wedding "spiritual content and political news for conservative Catholics," according to Michelle Nickerson, a historian at Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit school.

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"EWTN is part of a broader expansion of conservative Christian media," she said.

Some of the network's programming was critical of Francis, who denounced Trump's mass deportation plans in February and broke from tradition by allowing priests to perform same-sex marriage blessings.

Francis took note of EWTN's criticism, telling a network reporter and cameraman in 2021 that EWTN "should stop bad-mouthing me," according to America, the Jesuit magazine.

Months later, addressing a gathering of Jesuits, he said, "There is, for example, a large Catholic television channel that has no hesitation in continually speaking ill of the pope. I personally deserve attacks and insults because I am a sinner, but the church does not deserve them."

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"They are the work of the devil," he added.

Montse Alvarado, president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, said EWTN gave Francis a platform by broadcasting his words and letting him speak for himself  a reflection of the network's love for him. She noted that Francis' comment was made in 2021, but he later gave his blessing to a movie made by the network's Irish unit.

"I doubt Pope Francis watched much TV," Alvarado said, adding that EWTN includes a diversity of opinion. "We are proud of our wall-to-wall coverage of the Church and Pope Francis's pontificate."

She described EWTN in an interview as an "apostolate", or having a mission from God. "Our mission is to defend the church, to share the teachings of the church with the world  and to use our talents to that end, to be a platform for other people who want to do the same," Alvarado said.

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READY FOR WHOEVER IS CHOSEN

From its headquarters in Irondale and broadcast studios in Washington, D.C. and Rome, EWTN operates 11 global TV channels 24 hours a day, as well as satellite and AM/FM radio affiliates, a book publishing division, the National Catholic Register newspaper and the Catholic News Agency, among other properties.

Since the last conclave in 2013, the non-profit EWTN, together with its three affiliates, has almost doubled its revenue -- to roughly $100 million in the fiscal year ending in June 2023, according to its most recent tax filings. EWTN and its affiliates generate revenue from advertising, sales of books and religious items, and donations, including from Catholic groups such as the Knights of Columbus and private foundations.

Still, its audience is narrow compared with mainstream broadcasters.

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EWTN's U.S. cable audience swells during coverage of Easter Sunday Mass and other special events, but is relatively small on a day-to-day basis, reaching an average of 21,500 daily U.S. households in 2024. That's about the same as five years earlier, according to Comscore data.

It draws additional viewers on its website, where visitors can stream content for free - roughly 174,000 average monthly unique viewers in 2024 - and reaches another 3.4 million subscribers and followers through its social media platforms.

Comscore said more than 40,000 U.S. households watched Francis' funeral on EWTN's cable channel, compared to more than 1 million on the ABC television network. An EWTN spokesperson said online streaming in English and Spanish combined had generated 30 million YouTube views since Francis' death.

Alvarado said that the company is focused on growing its audience outside the United States, where cable TV is not facing such steep declines; investing in streaming; and growing a younger audience on social media. She added, however, that EWTN does not monitor ratings because of Mother Angelica's insistence that they should work just as hard for one viewer as one million.

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EWTN has been covering the papal transition with daily live broadcasts in English, Spanish and four other languages. On May 7, it will increase to twice-daily broadcasts on cable and on social media for what it is calling "chimney watch" -- a nod to the smoke that will emerge from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel to signal whether a new pope has been selected. It is also producing more than 130 video packages about each of the cardinals.

"We're ready whoever comes through that window, whoever is announced when the white smoke goes up, we want to share with the world who that person is," Alvarado said. "Because ultimately, our fidelity is to the institution and whoever it is that's leading the church."

"That's our leader, too. That's our Papa," she added, using the Italian word for Pope.

Alvarado declined to comment on who might be the next pope.

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POLITICAL INFLUENCE

EWTN has a strong presence at the Vatican, where it has what is likely the largest Catholic newsroom in Rome, with dozens of print and TV journalists under the EWTN brand and the ACI brand. They publish in Italian, Spanish, and German, and there is a dedicated African news service.

Michael Warsaw, EWTN's chief executive, is also one of 21 official "consultors" for the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, which oversees all the Vatican's media entities.

Closer to home, EWTN is part of the growing U.S. conservative media ecosystem that has gained newfound access to the White House under Trump.

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Raymond Arroyo, the host of EWTN's political show and the network's most visible star, is a Fox News contributor who makes regular appearances on conservative commentator Laura Ingraham's program.

Arroyo has conducted friendly interviews with several members of the Trump administration in recent weeks, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and his "World Over" show has featured a recurring segment with a panel of Francis skeptics that criticized the recent pontificate. He has been broadcasting from Rome since Francis' death.

The White House did not answer questions about EWTN but said there was "no greater advocate for religious liberty and Christians" than Trump.

Trump, whose Truth Social account posted an AI-generated photo showing him as the pope over the weekend, has made a handful of appearances on EWTN, including a 2020 interview on EWTN News Nightly and an interview with Arroyo in October.

Alvarado said that Arroyo's show represents just one hour a week out of 24-hour daily programming, and that EWTN has had Francis on the network much more than Arroyo.

In November, Catholics voted for Trump 59%-39%, a 12 percentage point swing from 2020 when Catholic Joe Biden beat Trump, according to exit polling by Edison Research.

EWTN's content defies easy categorization, Alvarado said. Yet she acknowledges that EWTN is defined as conservative because of its stance on marriage and life.

"We're pro the immigrant and the poor and social services, universal health care, all of these things that you would put in a bucket of progressives or liberals," she said. "We also believe in supporting the family. We believe in taking care of life from the womb to the tomb  that would today be thrown in the conservative bucket."

(Reporting by Helen Coster and Joseph Ax in New York. Additional reporting by Joshua McElwee in Vatican City and Steve Holland in Washington. Editing by Paul Thomasch and Claudia Parsons)
Donald Trump/Truth Social

Donald Trump became combative with reporters Monday afternoon after being asked about backlash from Catholics after he posted an AI generated image himself as the Pope.

He also tried to throw his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, under the bus for the incident, saying that she thought it was cute.

Isnt that nice? Trump claimed his wife, who is Catholic, said when she saw the image.

The presidents comments came as he sought to distance himself from the digitally altered image that he shared on his Truth Social account late Friday.

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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, he claimed. Thats not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI. I know nothing about it. I just saw it last evening.

The president made the combative comments in response to a question from a Fox News reporter while he was speaking at the White House on Monday afternoon.

President Donald Trump tried to distance himself from an image he posted of himself as pope and argued it was a joke while speaking at the White House on May 5, 2025 amid backlash from Catholics over an image he shared on Truth Social. / Leah Millis/Reuters

After Trump posted the AI image of himself wearing a white cassock and papal headdress, it was then shared by the official White House account on X.

Some Catholics were not so happy about the image of you looking like the Pope, White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich started her question on Monday, but she was cut off by the president before she could finish the full sentence.

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The president claimed those who were not happy with it cant take a joke.

You dont mean the Catholics. You mean the fake news media the Catholics loved it, he argued.

After Trump brought up the first lady, he also joked on Monday that if he were to be the Pope, he would not be married.

Actually, I would not be able to be married though. That would be a lot, Trump said. To the best of my knowledge, Popes arent big on getting married, are they?

Trump shared the image just days before the conclave is set to begin electing the successor to the late Pope Francis. Some Catholics found his social media post to be in poor taste.

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Asked in a follow up question about the image going out on the White House account, the president responded give me a break and said someone did it in fun.

You have to have a little fun, dont you? he said.

Trump posted the image just days after he and the first lady attended Pope Francis funeral at the Vatican and while the formal mourning period was still underway.

The first lady revealed that she was Catholic for the first time after meeting Pope Francis back in 2017.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania attended Pope Frances' funeral at the Vatican in Rome on April 26, 2025. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

While Trump said the image was posted in jest, it struck a nerve with some Catholics over the weekend.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, was asked whether he was offended by the image ahead of delivering Mass in Rome on Sunday. He responded Well, it wasnt good. He then switched to Italian and said brutta figura which roughly means to make a fool of oneself.

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The Catholic bishops of New York also slammed the president posting the image with a response on X.

There is 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, they wrote.
Melania Trump is paying homage to a fellow first lady, helping to unveil a postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush.

The first lady will host a Thursday ceremony at the White House that will feature the first look at the U.S. Postal Service stamp dedicated to the wife of late former President George H.W. Bush.

Barbara Bush, the mother of former President George W. Bush, died in 2018 at 92.

The event in the East Room is poised to include Doro Bush Koch, the daughter of the former first couple, along with other friends and family members, acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino and George and Barbara Bush Foundation chief executive officer Alice Yates.

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The stamp-focused ode to Barbara Bush at the White House comes despite critical comments the late first lady reportedly made about President Trump. She referred to Trump as a symbol of greed according to a 2019 biography by journalist Susan Page.

Trump later responded to the criticism, saying he would expect it given his treatment of one of her sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), during the 2016 GOP presidential primary.

I have heard that she was nasty to me, but she should be. Look what I did to her sons, Trump said in 2019.

Its not the first time that a first lady has been saluted with a stamp in a gathering at the White House.

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In 2022, Jill Biden helped reveal a U.S. Postal Service forever stamp of Nancy Reagan.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BOSTON (SHNS)  State mental health care workers secured some job security in the final House budget but are staring down new uncertainty in the Senate Ways and Means Committee budget.

Ways and Means took no explicit action to maintain the Department of Mental Health case manager workforce, which Gov. Maura Healey proposed slashing in half from 340 to 170 individuals in her fiscal 2026 budget recommendation. Representatives blocked the layoffs within a mega-amendment to their budget last week.

Ways and Means Chair Sen. Michael Rodrigues said his team spent a lot of time talking about this, and deferred to an aide when asked if the committees budget would maintain the DMH jobs. Rodrigues later said the workforce volume supported by the budget is an administrative question that should be posed to DMH.

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This is the one where theres an active labor conversation going on between the administration and the DMH case workers union, SWM budget director Christopher Czepiel said during a briefing. So were proposing that we dont wade into that issue, and let the administration negotiate that. And if it needs to come back for supplemental funding at a later date, we would consider it then.

Rodrigues said mental health is a big priority for the Senate, and while case manager levels are uncertain in the Ways and Means budget he said the panel wants real robust mental health services.

Whats currently funded provides enough resources to serve the needs of the DMH community, the Westport Democrat said. If, who knows what contracts and negotiations with CBAs, we pass supplemental budgets all the time in order to deal with new collective bargaining agreements. And well be prepared to, if need be, we want to ensure that theres real robust mental health services in the commonwealth.

In response to a follow-up question from a reporter, Rodrigues replied he did not know whether the SWM budget cuts case managers.

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Czepiel chimed in, We dont explicitly prescribe language to that effect in here. It gives flexibility to the administration to manage those negotiations.

The House Ways and Means Committee budget also gave no relief to DMH case managers, as Chair Aaron Michlewitz similarly cited a collective bargaining conversation. He told reporters in mid-April that lawmakers will likely need to tackle the issue in a supplemental budget once the Healey administration and union members reach an agreement. The House then adopted a floor amendment stating that department case manager staffing levels shall not be reduced below fiscal year 2025 case manager staffing levels.

The threatened layoffs would save the state $12.4 million, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services has said. DMH Commissioner Brooke Doyle told lawmakers at a budget hearing her department is reshuffling resources to invest in strained inpatient psychiatric care.

SEIU Local 509, whose members recently took a vote of no-confidence in Doyle, is at odds with DMH over a more flexible care model for case managers as the state adapts to a potentially smaller workforce. Union President Dave Foley said the Healey administrations claims about the parties being engaged in negotiations are completely inaccurate and misleading.

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Let me be clear: while we have remained open to doing everything we can to save these services, the administration walked away from a series of conversations with DMH workers and union leadership several weeks ago after refusing to budge on these cuts, Foley said in a statement to the News Service Tuesday. The Governors continued effort to push a misleading narrative comes across as a delay to finding a real solution and pressuring us into accepting a deal that maintains a dangerous reduction in services. If this administration truly cares about mental health, they should be focused on stopping these cuts, not undermining our efforts to save these vital services.

Administration spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Foleys remarks.

The SWM budget directly saves hospitals and other health care facilities that Healey initially proposed shuttering to save costs. Like the House, SWM would maintain funding for three youth mental health treatment facilities for patients dealing with serious illnesses and safety issues.

State-run public health hospitals would receive $237.7 million under the SWM budget, with $31 million earmarked for operations at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton, which treats patients with severe disabilities. Healey, who paused her plan to close Pappas, had recommended $206.7 million for the account.

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The House Ways and Means Committee budget proposed $217 million to collectively fund all public health hospitals, with no clear distinction in money between Pappas, Tewksbury Hospital and Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. Representatives adopted an amendment to create a legislative commission to study the future of Pappas while keeping it open, with language also barring the state from cutting services or consolidating care with another hospital until that commission produces a report by the end of 2026.

Pocasset Mental Health Center, a 16-bed psychiatric hospital on Cape Cod that Healey also hit pause on shutting down, would receive $4.8 million under the SWM budget.

The HWM budget directed funding to maintain operations at Pocasset, but the committee did not specify an allocation for the facility within broader funding for DMH. Representatives steered an additional $50,000 to improve the mental health rooms at Pocasset through a budget amendment, though Rep. David Vieira had pushed for a bigger allocation of $200,000.

We want to ensure that those two very important mental health centers are not closed this fiscal year, Rodrigues said of Pappas and Pocasset.

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Budget amendments are due Friday, and senators are likely to file proposals to install additional protections or funding streams for DMH case managers, Pappas and Pocasset. Budget debate will kick off on May 20.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - German conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday in a second round of voting after his new alliance with the centre-left Social Democrats was dealt a surprise defeat in the first attempt.

Merz's failure to win parliamentary backing at the first time of asking was a first for post-war Germany and an embarrassment for a man who has promised to revive economic growth at a time of global turbulence.

His CDU/CSU alliance won February's federal election and secured a coalition deal with the center-left Social Democrats.

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Their deal has mapped out plans to revive growth, such as reducing corporate taxes and lowering energy prices. It is also promising strong support for Ukraine and higher military spending.

Merz, 69, who began his political career as a European lawmaker in 1989, has yet to demonstrate his leadership abilities in the political executive as his appointment marks his first time holding a government office.

Only one minister from the previous government will retain his position, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The rest of Merz's cabinet are new appointees, many with private-sector experience.

(Reporting Andreas Rinke and Thomas Seythal; editing by Matthias Williams)
By Madeline Chambers and Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) -German conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday in a second round of voting after an unprecedented defeat on the first attempt got his coalition government off to a wobbly start.

Merz, 69, who led his conservatives to a federal election victory in February and signed a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), won 325 votes, nine more than needed for an absolute majority, in the secret ballot.

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He had secured just 310 votes in the first round of voting, meaning at least 18 coalition lawmakers failed to back him.

The debacle will likely heighten mistrust between coalition partners, political analysts said, indicating a far-from-stable union at a time when Europe needs strong leadership from Germany, its largest economy.

"The whole of Europe looked to Berlin today in the hope that Germany would reassert itself as an anchor of stability and a pro-European powerhouse," said Jana Puglierin, head of the Berlin office of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. "That hope has been dashed."

Merz said he preferred to simply get down to work rather than puzzle over the motives of those who failed to back him in the first round.

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"I have no doubt, after today, that we will work together in this coalition with mutual trust," he told state broadcaster ARD, adding his top priorities were to secure the country's freedom and restore its economic competitiveness.

Merz takes office as Europe scrambles to agree security guarantees to offer Ukraine as part of any ceasefire deal with Russia and to negotiate a trade accord with the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump this year announced sweeping tariffs that threaten a third year of downturn for Germany, which has already had to grapple with the end of cheap Russian gas since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and growing rivalry from China.

The German coalition deal has mapped out plans to revive growth such as reducing a corporate tax and lowering energy prices. It also vows strong support for Ukraine and higher military spending.

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"We sincerely hope... that well see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on X. "This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake."

After Tuesday's vote, Merz headed to the nearby Bellevue Palace to be formally nominated by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before returning to the historic Reichstag building to take the oath of office, becoming Germany's 10th chancellor since the end of World War Two.

On Wednesday he makes his first trip as chancellor, to top allies France and Poland, in a bid to show Germany is back on the world stage following November's implosion of the previous SPD-led coalition, the countdown to the February election and then months of horse-trading.

On Thursday he will speak by phone with Trump - and could even meet him before the NATO meeting at the end of June, Merz told the broadcaster ZDF.

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EMBARRASSING START

Merz is known for his abrasive and erratic style, and his failure to win backing for his chancellorship at the first attempt was a first for post-war Germany.

Party insiders had said on Monday he would swiftly secure a majority despite grumbling in both coalition parties about cabinet nominations, policy compromises and a huge borrowing package pushed through the old parliament in its final days.

The two coalition parties have lost support since their already dismal performances in February - especially the CDU/CSU conservative bloc, due in part to frustration with Merz's decision to loosen borrowing limits despite campaign promises of fiscal rectitude.

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"As the votes are secret, we won't know the official reasons for the failed first round this morning," said Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro at ING Research. "But to us, it looks as though some MPs from the CDU/CSU wanted to show their clear dissatisfaction with Merz's U-turn on fiscal policy following the elections."

The only winner of Tuesday's debacle, according to Forsa pollster Manfred Guellner, was the far-right, anti-establishment Alternative for Germany (AfD), which came second in February and has topped some recent surveys.

"Trust in political institutions is being further damaged," he said.

Merz's designated cabinet reflects a belief in the need for expertise over political capital and a desire for renewal given that diminished trust in the establishment, say analysts. The economy minister and several other cabinet members are new appointees who have private sector experience in their specialized areas.

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Only one minister from the previous government will retain his position: Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

Some in Europe remain optimistic that Merz, a veteran politician who started his career as a European lawmaker in 1989, will be more Europe-minded than his predecessor, Social Democrat Olaf Scholz.

"Congratulations on your investiture, my dear Chancellor Friedrich Merz," wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on X. "It is now up to us to make sure that the Franco-German engine and combined decision-making is stronger than ever."

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, Madeline Chambers, Rene Wagner, Sarah Marsh, Andreas Rinke, Markus Wacket, Thomas Seythal, Thomas Escritt, Holger Hansen, Rachel More, Friederike Heine, Gianluca Semeraro; writing by Sarah Marsh; editing by Matthias Williams, Gareth Jones and David Gregorio)
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has held consultations with his closest allies, after he failed to be elected the country's new chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament.

The leader of the Social Democrats, Lars Klingbeil, the junior partner in the new coalition forged following February's federal elections, joined Merz in his office in the lower house, as did interior-minister-in-waiting Alexander Dobrindt.

Merz's family was also there, as was Bundestag President Julia Klockner, from Merz's Christian Democrats, who had read out out the shocking result moments earlier.

Thorsten Frei, due to become head of the chancellery, also joined the talks.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (C) leaves the CDU/CSU parliamentary group office in the Bundestag after failing the first round of voting in the election for Chancellor. Michael Kappeler/dpa
The new German government took office on Tuesday under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, less than three months after February's parliamentary elections.

Merz's administration - made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - replaces former chancellor Olaf Scholz's unahppy three-way coalition, which ultimately imploded in November.

The new government has a busy in-tray, taking office at a time of drastically shifting geopolitics amid two consecutive years of recession for the German economy.

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Tasked with leading Germany through its period of malaise is a new Cabinet made up of 17 ministers - seven each for the CDU and SPD, and three from the CSU.

Here is a selection of the most important faces in the German administration.

Chancellor: Friedrich Merz (CDU)

Merz took the helm as chancellor on Tuesday, fulfilling a decades-long dream of rising to the summit of German politics.

It's a personal triumph for the 69-year-old, a keen amateur pilot who staged an emphatic comeback in recent years after once being largely written off from the German political stage.

Merz tangled with former chancellor Angela Merkel for the CDU leadership at the turn of the millennium, but was pushed out of politics after losing the power struggle.

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He tenaciously fought his way back into the limelight after Merkel's retirement and secured victory for his conservative bloc in February's elections, cementing his path to the chancellery.

Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister: Lars Klingbeil (SPD)

Klingbeil consolidated 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.

The 47-year-old has formed an effective partnership with Merz and led the SPD in negotiations to form a coalition following the election.

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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.

Foreign Office: Johann Wadephul (CDU)

Johann Wadephul's nomination as foreign minister came as little surprise after he was spotted paying visits to top diplomats across Europe in April.

A trained lawyer and former soldier, the 62-year-old has served as a lawmaker for Merz's CDU since 2009. He will be the first CDU foreign minister in almost 60 years.

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Considered a confidant of Merz, Wadephul is expected to align his stance closely with the chancellor, unlike his predecessor Annalena Baerbock, who often charted her own course independently of Scholz.

A father of three, Wadephul hails from northern Germany and considers himself to be a family man, having married his high school girlfriend.

Economy Ministry: Katherina Reiche (CDU)

The CDU's pick for economy minister was unexpected. Katherina Reiche, 51, returns to politics following a years-long stint at German energy giant E.ON where she headed the subsidiary Westenergie.

Born in the former East Germany, Reiche was first elected to the German parliament in 1998 at the age of 25, and subsequently rose in the ranks, serving as deputy leader of the conservative parliamentary group from 2005 to 2009.

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During that time, she advocated for Germany to build new nuclear plants to avoid stumbling into an energy crisis, a demand that was not heeded, with Merkel's government instead deciding to phase out nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima accident.

Reiche, who studied chemistry, left parliament in 2015 to become chief executive of the German Association of Local Utilities, before taking a job with E.ON in 2019.

Defence Minister: Boris Pistorius (SPD)

The only holdover from Scholz's Cabinet, Boris Pistorius has become Germany's most popular politician since taking over the Defence Ministry in 2023.

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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.

Interior Ministry: Alexander Dobrindt (CSU)

Alexander Dobrindt from the CSU - the CDU's Bavarian sister party - is considered a skilful campaign manager and negotiator.

The 54-year-old, who served as the head of the CSU parliamentary group for several years, is also known as a conservative agitator, though he was reportedly vital in finding compromises with the Social Democrats in the coalition negotiations.

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During his time as transport minister under former chancellor Merkel from 2013 to 2017, he made headlines by suggesting the introduction of toll booths - a highly controversial undertaking in car-loving Germany.

As interior minister, he will be faced with the difficult task of implementing Merz's promise to curb migration.

Head of the chancellery: Thorsten Frei (CDU)

While it might not be as well known internationally, the post of head of the chancellery is a powerful one, effectively representing Merz's right-hand man.

By picking senior CDU lawmaker Frei for the post, Merz has opted to keep another ally close to him.

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Considered a hard, diligent worker well-versed in almost all political issues, Frei has served as a lawmaker since 2013.

Most recently, the 51-year-old served as the manager of the conservative parliamentary group.

A trained lawyer, Frei will be tasked with ensuring that the government runs smoothly and liaise with the federal states, though some observers have noted that he lacks government experience.

Development Minister: Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD)

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.

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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.

Designated German Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (R) and Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/ Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group Jens Spahn (L) applaud the newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the election of the Chancellor in the Bundestag. Christoph Soeder/dpa
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the German conservatives, has been elected as chancellor after winning the second of two votes in parliament on Tuesday, in a faltering start to his tenure.

In a day of unprecedented high drama for German politics, Mr Merz lost the initial vote on his appointment to the role after 18 unnamed MPs rebelled against him.

A shocked Mr Merz left the chamber of the Bundestag, the German parliament, to hold urgent talks between his centre-Right Christian Democrats (CDU) party and their coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), to find out who had betrayed him in the secret ballot.

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The Bundestag vote to approve a new chancellor is supposed to be a formality in Germany, as by that point the election winner should have already secured a stable majority.

A shocked Friedrich Merz reacts to the news that he had lost the initial vote - Markus Schreiber/PA

Mr Merzs defeat in the first ballot, in which he fell six votes short of an absolute majority, is unprecedented in Germanys political system, marking an embarrassing start to his tenure as chancellor.

After frantic talks between the CDU and SPD, a second vote was held in parliament on Tuesday afternoon that elected Mr Merz as chancellor with a slim majority of 325 votes.

The CDU chiefs party allies looked visibly relieved as the vote tally was read out, with one MP giving the new chancellor a hug.

Credit: Reuters / Deutscher Bundestag

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Mr Merz, a former banking executive, is a vocal supporter of Ukraine who plans to massively increase Berlins defence budget and make his country a major security power in Europe, under the slogan Germany is back.

He has also vowed to turn away asylum seekers from Germanys borders, in a response to a wave of terror attacks committed by migrants in the run-up to the February 2025 elections.

But the 69-year-old faces intense pressure from the far-Right Alternative for Germany [AfD] party, which won an unprecedented 20 per cent of the vote in the February election and is now the de facto opposition.

Speaking after Mr Merz was confirmed as chancellor, Bernd Baumann, an AfD MP, said the CDU chiefs defeat in the first round of voting showed that Germanys new government was starting out in extreme instability.

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It will remain unstable. That is the opposite of what Germany needs, Mr Baumann added, as Alice Weidel, his party leader, called for new elections and Mr Merzs resignation.

Mr Merz is now expected to embark on a tour of Warsaw, Paris and Brussels this week to reassure EU leaders that he can still run a strong and reliable government.

After his initial defeat, Mr Merz was mocked by fellow MPs for blundering into a political crisis before he had even been sworn in as chancellor.

Jan van Aken, the co-leader of the hard-Left Die Linke party told ARD, Germanys public broadcaster: If he cant even unite his own people here in the Berlin bubble, how is he supposed to unite the country? adding: The CDU must now ask itself whether Merz is the right man for the job.

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Olaf Scholz, the outgoing chancellor, was caught on camera in the chamber with a wry smile: his own three-way coalition, which collapsed six months ago, was also held back by constant political infighting.

Credit: phoenix vor ort/kanzlerwahl

Angela Merkel, a former CDU chancellor and rival of Mr Merz, was seen smiling in the Bundestag ahead of the first, unsuccessful vote. She left parliament before the second vote, in a possible sign of disapproval towards the CDUs current leader.

It remains unclear why Mr Merz failed in the first secret ballot  where he was just six votes short of a majority  though rumours in Berlin suggest that some MPs in the SPD, his coalition partner, may have withheld support to humiliate him.

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While the two centrist parties are set to govern together, tensions remain over Mr Merzs hawkish stance on Ukraine, including his willingness to provide Kyiv with Germanys Taurus missiles.

Urgent talks ensued among shocked CDU politicians after the initial result was announced - Markus Schreiber/AP

During the election campaign, Mr Merz also controversially relied on AfD votes to pass a symbolic motion in parliament on tougher border security measures in Germany.

The motion was tabled in response to a string of terror attacks committed in Munich, Mannheim and other cities by rejected asylum seekers. While the motion was not legally binding, it was widely viewed as an attempt by Mr Merz to bring down the firewall, a long term policy of not co-operating with the far-Right.

This may have alienated backbenchers in the SPD, especially now that the AfD has been classified by the German intelligence services as an extremist group, despite being the second-largest party in parliament.

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After he was sworn in as chancellor, EU allies congratulated Mr Merz despite the awkward beginning of his tenure. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said: It is up to us to make the Franco-German engine  stronger than ever.

Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, wrote in a post on social media: Congratulations @_FriedrichMerz! And see you tomorrow in Warsaw, chancellor.

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JAKARTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and the European Union are currently exploring a final agreement on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which is targeted for completion in the first half of 2025, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Tuesday.

A virtual meeting between Airlangga and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic was held on Monday, as a follow-up to previous discussions.

"We agreed to continue working together to seize the current momentum while upholding the rule of law," Airlangga said in a statement.

Sefcovic welcomed the progress of the recent meeting and described it as a positive signal for strengthening trade cooperation.

Both sides agreed to maintain intensive communication and resolve remaining technical issues to strengthen the foundation of economic cooperation in the face of global challenges.

A total of 19 rounds of talks have been held since 2016, covering trade in goods and services, investment, and regulatory harmonization. 
By Thomas Escritt and Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) - Friedrich Merz's unprecedented first-round failure in the vote to make him German chancellor on Tuesday gave a boost to the far-right AfD, which just days ago was reeling from being officially labelled an extremist threat to democracy.

At least 18 members of the conservative leader's coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats initially chose not to vote for him, highlighting the fragility of a government formed not out of choice or compatibility but out of a consensus decision to shut out the rising Alternative for Germany.

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The loveless coalition was the only two-party option left after second place in February's election went to the nationalist, anti-immigrant AfD, with whom all other parties refuse to work in an acknowledgment of Germany's traumatic Nazi past.

Its shaky confirmation, after a rapidly organised second vote, offers scant reassurance that it will be an improvement on its predecessor, a widely ridiculed and ineffective three-way SPD-Green-liberal rainbow government that lasted only three years.

"Merz is the first chancellor candidate to have failed in the first round," said a gleeful AfD leader Alice Weidel, calling for him to step down. "It shows you how weak this coalition of conservatives and the SPD is."

Even before Merz took office, conservative ratings have been falling as those of the AfD have risen.

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The AfD's strength in eastern Germany has already pushed several states there to the brink of ungovernability as other parties refuse to cooperate with it.

FAR-RIGHT AFD THRIVES ON INSTABILITY

The secrecy of the ballot meant it was not clear which lawmakers had denied Merz their votes. His team had to appeal to the Greens and even the Left party - far-left heirs to former East Germany's communists with whom the conservatives also ordinarily refuse to cooperate - to allow a rapid second vote.

But such instability feeds a sense of unjust exclusion among supporters of the AfD, which on Friday was digesting the prospect of funding losses and legal difficulties after security services confirmed its designation as extremist.

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"Trust in political institutions is being weakened further," said Manfred Guellner, head of pollsters Forsa. "The AfD is the winner from this debacle."The failure was also a personal setback for Merz, who was only elected Christian Democrat leader in 2022 after two unsuccessful bids in 2018 and 2021. A recent poll indicated that a third of his own voters see him as unfit to be chancellor.

"For the AfD, this sign of internal instability ... provides further opportunities to portray every other party as part of an establishment cartel that can only be swept aside by the far right," said Alex Clarkson, lecturer at King's College London.

"AfD leaders will hope to attract more national conservative-leaning voters frustrated with the compromises the CDU has had to accept."

Addressing parliament, AfD leaders appealed to voters already angered by Merz's decision to go back on election promises by agreeing to a trillion-euro debt package, with the Greens' backing, under pressure from the economic and geopolitical instability unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

"This government starts in extreme instability and it will remain unstable," said AfD caucus leader Bernd Baumann.

(Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Lonnie Quinn is back to work! The CBS New York meteorologist, 61, returned to television on Monday, May 5, after a long recovery period for a traumatic brain injury in March.

CBS Weather Correspondent Robert Marciano shared an Instagram post welcoming his friend and co-worker back to the studio. Marciano wrote, "happy to share that Lonnie Quinn is back to work today @cbsnewyork and @cbseveningnews !!"



He added, "This man is a good friend, a gifted weather pro, and all around great human. Its been a fun privilege to fill-in for him the last few weeks as he heals and works thru concussion recovery. We are all so psyched to have him healthy and back in action!! ."

Rob Marciano/Instagram Lonnie Quinn and Rob Marciano of CBS New York Lonnie Quinn and Rob Marciano of CBS New York

In the May 5 broadcast, Quinn said of reconnecting with his co-workers, "Listen, I missed you guys more than you know. I mean, this is a business where we're kind of connected to what we do, and I'm certainly connected with you guys."

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The newscast then played a wholesome video of Quinn reuniting with the entire newsroom, who were sure to give him a warm welcome back. Quinn provided new details on his long absence from the program.

Related: CBS Evening News Returns to N.Y.C. with a Twist: Inside the Making of a New, Dual-Anchor Broadcast (Exclusive)

In the May 5 broadcast, Quinn elaborated, "Once the MRI came back, and that's when the doctors came in and said, 'OK, well, this is actually a traumatic brain injury, not just a concussion. You've got to be out of work for six to eight weeks, and we just got to [stick to] rest and relaxation and get you back to it.' "

As Quinn previously explained, he "took a wallop on my head" in March, prompting a visit to the hospital and symptoms that he only discovered later on.

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Related: CBS Evening News Returns to N.Y.C. with a Twist: Inside the Making of a New, Dual-Anchor Broadcast (Exclusive)

"The big concern in the medical community, they want to see if there's a brain bleed because you can be dead in the morning if you don't treat that," Quinn said, confirming that he had a "negative" CT scan at the time. "So I was free to go home. And I got on with my life, as we all do when we bang our heads, right?"

Quinn also previously claimed that he could not see out of his left eye following his initial concussion. "There was no way I could go on. And then just as quickly as it began, it went away. It lasted maybe 15 minutes," Quinn said.

"I did the newscast. But that's when our news director  who really looks out for her people  said, 'OK, you're not driving home. We're gonna get you a car. You're going to the hospital.' "

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

At the hospital, Quinn followed up with a neurologist, who confirmed the severity of his injury via an MRI. The meteorologist also encouraged viewers to be mindful of taking the proper recovery time for head injuries. "When you bang your head, your brain recovers nicely, but it only recovers while the body is sleeping," he said.



Quinn serves as chief meteorologist for the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts on weekdays and can be seen on CBS Evening News.



Read the original article on People
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  Today is Tuesday, May 6. Heres a look at this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go.

A Watertown man is behind bars after police found meth, cash, and firearms during a search last Friday.

Watertown PD seize one pound of meth

Three years after shooting and killing a man  a judge has found Darrian Johnson guilty of first degree murder and other charges.

Darrian L. Johnson convicted of 2022 shooting death

Law enforcement officials continue to look for Cody Dittman, 35, for two different incidents that took place over a two-day period in multiple states, including South Dakota.

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Multi-state manhunt for suspect with felony charges

Warm temperatures and mainly dry conditions are the big headlines to watch in KELOLAND over the next few days.

Rain chance today far west; Turning windy, hot, and dry

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The owner of a Kansas City towing company and his mother pleaded not guilty Monday to 18 felony charges for illegal towing practices, court records show.

Donald Adamson, the owner of Metro Tow and Transport, and his mother, Lannette Adamson, were both charged with four counts of stealing, four counts of forgery, and one count of first-degree harassment in Jackson County.

The pair is accused of falsifying documents to illegally tow vehicles without proper authorization, charging victims large and illegal fees, and holding vehicles. The charges came after a months-long investigation following multiple complaints to Kansas City police stretching back several years, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in a news release when charges were announced on April 15.

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The Adamsons appeared in court on Monday with separate attorneys to enter their pleas. They are both scheduled to return to court for a settlement conference on June 11.

The two also have a pending case in Platte County where they are both charged with three felony counts of tampering with a motor vehicle and three felony counts of forgery.

There is also an investigation into felony property damage of a pole camera near the companys tow lot that was shot out in late March.

Someone in a black pickup truck, consistent with a 1996 to 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, was seen firing rounds at the camera. Five shell casings were collected from the scene near the camera, which is valued at more than $5,000. Metro Tow employees and Adamson are suspected in the shooting, prosecutors said.

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Two days after the announcement of charges, tow truck driver James Basham was charged with two counts of felony harassment for allegedly blocking two journalists in their car at Metro Tows lot.

Legislation comes after charges

The Adamsons arrests sparked quick reaction from local lawmakers who said the community has been victims of these practices for years.

The Kansas City City Council passed an ordinance on Thursday, sponsored by councilmember Darrell Curls, that includes establishing a towed vehicle owner bill of rights, an online system to report all tows and a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about illegal towing. Kansas City currently already has ordinances against non-consensual towing.

Officials must return to the council in 30 days with a status report.

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The Jackson County legislature is aiming to pass an ordinance that requires a tow license, registration, and penalties for companies that dont comply. The countys proposed ordinance, sponsored by legislators DaRon McGee and Venessa Huskey, will also require fees for its towing license.

Tow companies would have to pay Jackson County $1,000 per year and $250 per vehicle for a tow license at the beginning of next year.

Kansas City police also recently opened a tip line for victims of predatory towing, where they have received more than 100 complaints, spokesperson Cpt. Jake Becchina previously told The Star.

Previous reporting by Ilana Arougheti contributed to this article.
By Cassandra Garrison

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said on Tuesday he reached agreements with U.S. counterpart Brooke Rollins in a "friendly" meeting in Washington and met with tomato industry executives.

Berdegue did not elaborate in his post on X, but said the deals would benefit both countries.

He later posted again on X saying he met with more than two dozen representatives and companies involved in distributing Mexican tomatoes in the U.S.

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Washington has said it intends to withdraw from a bilateral agreement on Mexican tomato exports, citing its failure to protect domestic growers. A U.S. pullout would result in duties of nearly 20.91% on most Mexican tomato exports as of July 14.

"They highlighted the adverse effects of the measure adopted by the U.S. government, which will make tomatoes more expensive for consumers," Berdegue said about his meeting with executives.

Mexico's government said in April it hoped to begin talks to renew the agreement, and has been working to smooth out other recent tensions including the handling of a damaging pest called New World screwworm after the U.S. threatened to limit cattle imports from Mexico.

Screwworm can infest livestock, wildlife and in rare cases, people. Maggots from screwworm flies burrow into the skin of living animals, causing serious and often fatal damage.

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Frictions have also surfaced between the trading partners over a decades-old water sharing treaty under which Mexico has struggled to deliver on its obligations.

Last week, both governments announced an agreement that Mexico would increase its water shipments, which the U.S. has said are vital for Texas farmers.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Natalia Siniawksi and Richard Chang)
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Miami Township Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying two people who allegedly stole from Victorias Secret.

The incident happened on April 9, and officials said over $1,000 of merchandise was stolen from the store. View the video here.

Miami Township Police said the man is slender and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. He was wearing glasses, a black jacket, pants, shoes and a beanie. He appeared to be between 35 and 45 years old.

Photo via Miami Township PD.

Officials said the woman is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. She was wearing a black and white tracksuit with white sandals. She has shoulder-length black hair and appeared to be between the ages of 35 and 45 years old.

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Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Bens at 937-531-4065.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A man from Miamisburg pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding elderly people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The man, 53-year-old Ronald Scott Daley, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to both wire fraud and tax evasion related to a scheme to defraud clients, which included elderly people.

His plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of up to 60 months in prison.

Documents within the agreement state that Daley worked at a life insurance brokerage firm. He advised several elderly clients on life insurance and annuity products.

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For over eight years, from at least 2012 to 2020, Daley fraudulently convinced clients to withdraw certain assets from the insurance brokerage firm and then to deposit the funds into their own personal accounts. After that, he then influenced the clients to make payments to a bank account for an entity he controlled.

Local library to hold series on aging

Officials said he defrauded three victims of over $707,000. He also failed to file and pay taxes on this fraudulent income.

Daley will repay the approximately $707,000 in restitution as part of his conviction.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kelly A. Norris; Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Elena Iatarola; and Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations, Karen Wingerd, announced the guilty plea which was entered on May 5 before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.

2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
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/Michigan Advance)

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday that her office was dropping charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

On Sunday, Ono announced he would leave the university later this summer to become the president at the University of Florida.

Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor for questions: info@michiganadvance.com.

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Updated 6:02 p.m.

The Oxford High School shooters appeal for resentencing was denied Tuesday by a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals.

On November 30, 2021, Ethan Crumbley at age 15 opened fire at fellow students and teachers at Oxford High School in northern Oakland County, killing four students: Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Justin Shilling, 17, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17.

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A year later Crumbley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges for the killings of the students, as well as charges of attempted murder and terrorism causing death. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the highest criminal penalty in Michigan, in December 2023.

The State Appellate Defender Office, which represents the shooter, said in a news release last year that the office found evidence that doesnt support a life without parole sentence, though the shooter pleaded to the charged offenses.

This new evidence also sheds light on whether Ethan properly understood his plea when entered, and he is asking the court to review the plea process, the news release reads. Due process requires that every person who pleads must understand what they are doing, this is even more true when the person pleading is a child.

The Court of Appeals panel of judges denied the shooters request for appeal in a brief denial for lack of merit in the grounds presented, the decision reads.

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Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement Tuesday that the shooter had his day in court and now the court of appeals has affirmed that the consequences befit the severity of the crime.

This tragedy was completely avoidable. As Judge Kwame Rowe said at sentencing, the shooter had multiple opportunities to make different decisions. He did not. His parents too had multiple opportunities to prevent the shooting. They did not, McDonald said in the statement. As a society, we must start treating gun violence as the public health crisis that it is.

The shooters parents Jennifer and James Crumbley also faced criminal liability for the actions of their son, with both parents being convicted in 2024 on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their role in the killings. The pair who are both serving 10 to 15 year prison sentences, have been challenging their convictions, without success.

The story was updated with comment from Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

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State Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) discusses the way Medicaid cuts would impact Michigan's healthcare systems during a May 6, 2025 roundtable organized by the Michigan Democratic Party. | Kyle Davidson

As Congressional Republicans continue to mull federal funding cuts in support of President Donald Trumps planned tax cuts, the Michigan Democratic Party held a roundtable in Lansing calling on U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) to stand against these proposals.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel and state Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) sat down with Tyjuan Thirdgill, the organizing manager for Reproductive Freedom for all, and Susan Anderson, an Okemos resident, to discuss the ways cuts to Medicaid would impact their families alongside Michigan residents.

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Despite countless working Michiganders relying on Medicaid for healthcare and economic security, President Trump would rather support cuts to Medicaid and fund tax handouts to billionaires, Hertel said.

Since U.S. House Republicans adopted their budget resolution on April 10, Democrats have raised concerns about cuts to several government programs, with many looking to the Houses instructions to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and programs like Medicare.

The committee has been tasked with cutting $880 billion over the next 10 years, as Democratic representatives  including U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor), who serves on the committee  warned that this cannot be achieved without drastic reductions to Medicaid, which provides health coverage to low income adults and children.

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During a presentation to the Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of Health and Human Services in March, DHHS officials noted Michigan Medicaid makes up 34% of the states total budget, with 70% of funding for the states Medicaid program coming from the federal government.

At the roundtable, Anderson discussed her late husbands diagnosis with both leukemia and Parkinsons disease, which she said was due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving during the Vietnam War.

Susan Anderson, an Okemos, Mich. resident discusses how Medicaid helped pay for her husbands treatment during a May 6, 2025 roundtable hosted by the Michigan Democratic party. | Kyle Davidson

When her husband first fell ill, they couldnt afford to place him in a nursing home, so Anderson cared for him at home until he became more sick and was moved into a nursing home. Anderson and her husband could cover all but $2,000 of the monthly nursing home costs on their income.

We were forced then to go to Medicaid. Thank God it was there. Medicaid covered the extra $2,000 and he got the care he needed, Anderson said.

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Anderson expressed concern, not only for low-income individuals who already rely on Medicaid for care, but for middle class families as well.

Their mother, their father, their uncle, they will be affected. Their family will be affected, if these cuts take place because of the high cost of medical care today, Anderson said, calling on Barrett to pay attention to his constituents concerns.

Longjohn likened the United States healthcare system to a house of cards, as rising healthcare costs and the 25% turnover rate for healthcare workers create challenges in both accessing healthcare and keeping the system afloat.

I like to talk about it as a house of cards, because it really isnt a system you would have built on purpose, you know. But we have the system that we have, and, you know, my greatest concern is that when anyone pulls out a card, you know, the whole thing can go down. But Medicaid is one of those cards at the lowest level of the foundation of our healthcare system, Longjohn said, noting that 2.6 million Michiganders rely on Medicaid for their care.

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Thirdgill noted that 45% of pregnancies are paid for by Medicaid, before sharing his own story of fostering his three nieces. In Michigan, more than 1 million children use Medicaid for healthcare access, Thirdgill said, with his nieces being a part of that group. Without Medicaid, he would not be able to pay for his nieces healthcare.

Tyjuan Thirdgill, organizing manager at Reproductive Freedom For All, discusses how Medicaid cuts would impact his family during a May 6, 2025 roundtable hosted by the Michigan Democratic Party. | Kyle Davidson

My six-year-old niece who has ADHD and autism, we depend on Medicaid to pay for her therapy for her to be able to learn how to process all the emotions that shes dealing with and knowing why she reacts differently than her older and younger sister does, Thirdgill said. I dont understand how Representative Barrett can continue to ask us, who are already doing more with less, to take these cuts and to find more ways to make ends meet.

Michael Gordon, Barretts deputy chief of staff, told the Michigan Advance in a statement Congressman Barrett wants to protect benefits for those who need them while finding ways to streamline the program with a focus on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. This will help us protect the programs long-term viability and care for those who depend on these benefits.

However, Longjohn slammed Barrett and his Republican colleagues saying this argument ignores the real world consequences of cuts to Medicaid.

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Medicaid provides for 65% of long-term care in this state, so families who have older adults who are in long-term care facilities or assisted living without Medicaid, you know, youre going to have to foot the bill for that, Longjohn said.

While everyone wants the government to work more efficiently, there is a right way to do that through the inspectors general, Longjohn said.

When we pull that card out of the foundation of the house of cards that I was talking about earlier, we all end up paying because theres not a physician in the state by law that would turn away a pregnant mom in the emergency department who is ready to deliver or someone who needs emergency care, Longjohn said, pointing to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which guarantees access to medical services regardless of an individuals ability to pay.

He said the cuts could also lead to the loss of rural health centers and federally qualified health centers which offer services to disadvantaged communities, with both types of facilities serving larger shares of individuals on Medicaid, making the program vital for covering the cost of patient care.

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After the roundtable, Longjohn told the Michigan Advance that the state would be unable to make up any lost Medicaid funding due to the size and scale of the cuts being debated in Washington, D.C.

However, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has already begun taking action, Longjohn noted, with Whitmer directing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to prepare a report detailing how Medicaid cuts would impact the state.

That kind of contingency planning has to happen from the administration and, [Im] grateful that shes given them that directive to do that, because the worst case would be if we didnt have the ability to pivot, Longjohn said.

If there are significant cuts, but that funding comes back in another form, such as a block grant, that could also create issues as the state works to shift to a new form of funding.

State Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) discusses the way Medicaid cuts would impact Michigans healthcare systems during a May 6, 2025 roundtable organized by the Michigan Democratic Party. | Kyle Davidson

In the interim, individuals concerned about these cuts need to call attention to places where the levels can be pulled and pressure the people holding the levers  Barrett and his colleagues, Longjohn said.

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We can find a prescriber who is over prescribed, you know, a million dollars worth of claims in the Medicare and Medicaid system. That happens, but those people are prosecuted. but were talking about $880 billion, no one is even in the ballpark of that in terms of waste, fraud and abuse, Longjohn said. So we need to make sure that those representatives in D.C. who have their hand on their levers of power know that their constituents realize that theyre being disingenuous.
PHNOM PENH, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia attracted fixed-asset investment of 3.4 billion U.S. dollars in the first four months of 2025, up 34 percent compared to the same period of 2024, said a Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC)'s report released on Tuesday.

The Southeast Asian country approved 231 investment projects during the January-April period this year, up 80 percent from merely 128 projects in the same period of 2024, creating about 159,000 jobs, the CDC said.

Major projects included an auto garage equipment manufacturing factory, a car tire plant, a car assembly plant, an electric three-wheeler assembly plant, a medical equipment manufacturing factory, a solar power plant, a solar panel manufacturing factory, metal and aluminum processing plants, a dry port, and a tourism resort.

China remained the top foreign investor in the kingdom, the CDC said.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and Cambodia's bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates are key factors in attracting foreign direct investment.

"The RCEP agreement and other bilateral FTAs are magnets for foreign investors to Cambodia," he told Xinhua.

Sovicheat said new investments would bring new capital, technologies and job opportunities for Cambodian people. 
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Ahead of a nationally watched bid to become Michigans next governor, Democrat Jocelyn Benson is releasing a memoir this month that includes her first public discussion of a miscarriage she had about eight years ago  an experience she says will shape her commitment to increasing access to reproductive healthcare in the swing state.

Benson, Michigans secretary of state, is part of a crowded field seeking to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and shes the only woman in the running so far.

In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of Tuesday's release of her political memoir entitled, The Purposeful Warrior, Benson said miscarrying made her value easy access to reproductive health care in an emotional and difficult situation, something she wants to deliver for the state if elected.

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It opened my eyes to the need to not just protect reproductive freedom and rights, but actually make sure theyre real, said Benson.

Personal stories shaping policy

In a chapter entitled Grit and Grace, Benson describes finding out she was pregnant shortly after her sons first birthday and shortly before she launched her bid for secretary of state in 2017. Waves of worry over the timing and elation over becoming a mother of two ensued. But just a day later, she began to miscarry.

She writes about the doctors appointment during her eighth week of pregnancy where she learned about her options: surgery, medication or stillbirth and what to expect as her miscarriage continued. By the following morning, she had miscarried on her own.

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The emotional impact of that stays with you for your whole life, she told AP.

Benson said she struggled with shame and guilt, emotions she has learned many women experience.

I want to tell my story to say its OK to tell yours as well, she said.

In the years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, women seeking public office have shared personal stories of miscarriages and abortions. Democrats and Republicans alike have spoken about their pregnancies as reproductive and maternal health care became a central concern for Americans.

In Michigan, voters approved a ballot measure in 2022 to protect abortion access, in an election that also saw Democrats sweep statewide and legislative elections. But Benson said that protection isnt enough.

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Step one is to incentivize talented physicians to work in Michigan, she said. Step two is to bolster reproductive health care in rural Michigan, she said, suggesting mobile clinics that can reach remote areas.

She noted the recent closure of three Planned Parenthood locations in Michigan, including its only location in the Upper Peninsula. Some Planned Parenthood locations provide abortions in addition to services such as birth control, disease screenings and miscarriage management.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan leaders cited financial challenges exacerbated by a freeze of federal dollars for the closures. Federal law already prohibited taxpayer dollars from paying for most abortions.

A governor's race watched nationally

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Centering reproductive rights in the 2026 primary will be another test of the issues importance to Democratic voters. Benson will face Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the gubernatorial primary. Whitmer, who is term limited, has said she does not plan to endorse in the race.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Minority Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox are vying for the nomination and likely also the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

And the twist  Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, is pursuing the office as an independent. The move comes as Democrats lost considerable ground in the 2024 election. The state swung back to Trump in the 2024 election and Republicans gained a majority in the state House of Representatives, splitting control of the legislature.

Among anecdotes from her memoir that include her tenure as the state's chief election official during the 2020 election and her law career before, Benson took a swing at Duggan over his handling of the 2018 primary election for governor. She criticized him for not supporting Whitmer early in the race and encouraging other Democrats, who are men, to pursue a run, citing reporting in the New Yorker years later.

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I will never forget the message those efforts sent to women across our state, Benson wrote. She noted that her own primary campaign became tied to Whitmers by gender.

The argument went something like, surely we cant have more than one woman on the ticket at the same time, Benson wrote.

Bensons memoir comments on Duggan were first reported by the Detroit News. A spokesperson for Duggans campaign told the publication that the Detroit mayor endorsed Whitmer in the Democratic primary over two men.

___

The Associated Press women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. The 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.
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at May 5, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 5 drawing

Midday: 4-1-3

Evening: 9-8-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 5 drawing

Midday: 4-8-3-7

Evening: 6-6-1-4

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 5 drawing

03-26-30-32-39, Lucky Ball: 08

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 5 drawing

JC-AH-8D-6H-5S

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from May 5 drawing

02-07-21-34-37

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15-20-26-33-36

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from May 5 drawing

07-16-17-19-24-31-32-33-34-38-40-43-45-50-55-60-62-71-73-76-77-79

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:

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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:

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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 5, 2025
PONTIAC, Mich. (AP)  A Michigan court said Tuesday it won't accept an appeal from a school shooter who was sentenced to life in prison in 2023 for killing four students and wounding others.

The Court of Appeals turned down Ethan Crumbley's application for lack of merit in the grounds presented.

Crumbley pleaded guilty to the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. After he received a rare no-parole sentence, a new legal team asked a judge to set aside the life term and also allow Crumbley to withdraw the guilty plea.

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Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe said no. He said Crumbleys plea was knowingly, voluntarily, and accurately given.

Crumbley, now 19, was 15 when he committed the mass shooting on Nov. 30, 2021. Earlier that day, his parents were summoned to discuss violent drawings and agonizing phrases written on a math assignment. They didnt take him home, and no one checked his backpack for a gun.

Crumbley's appellate lawyers claim that his brain development was likely diminished by his mother's use of alcohol. Prosecutors, however, noted that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was not raised by a psychologist who testified on Crumbley's behalf during the sentencing phase.

His parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, are serving 10-year prison terms for involuntary manslaughter. They were accused of making a gun accessible at home and failing to foresee that the mass shooting was possible.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A new YMCA facility opened on Monday in Baton Rouge, and city leaders hope it brings more people to the Mid City area.

The slogan, Its fun to stay at the YMCA, can now become a reality with this state-of-the-art facility that includes new modern apartments.

Its a $30 million project that took three years to complete. City leaders and employees are celebrating the new achievement.



Carolyn Schwartzhoff works out at the Y and said shes excited to try the new pool and group exercise studio.

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The thing that excited me most is the second-floor indoor track, she mentioned.



She also has her eye on the new apartments near South Foster and Government.



The apartments are beautiful, very nice, and Im thinking, how can I move in?' Schwartzhoff said.

Christian Engle with Capital Area Development said having apartments on YMCA properties is a long-standing tradition.

These apartments are considered affordable housing, said Engle. Theyre geared toward people who are about an 80 percent median income here in the Baton Rouge area: teachers, policemen, firemen, or people new in their careers. This is where the original A.C. Lewis YMCA was. We did not want to walk away from history.

Engle said the old A.C. Lewis YMCA was completely torn down to make way for this modern new facility.

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The new YMCA also features a two-story gym and fitness center, several pools, a whirlpool, a steam room, and much more. The new facility is open daily on South Foster Drive.

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Action News Jax investigates a Middleburg mans claim that deputies took $4,000 from him during an arrest.

Willie Davis Jr. was arrested last September in Orange Park.

According to the arrest report, Davis Jr. told deputies he stopped at the food truck to get food and left the parking lot.

Deputies stated they saw Davis Jr. hit a black Mercedes as he left that parking lot, ripping off the entire front bumper of the vehicle.

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When the deputy pulled Davis, Jr. over and checked his car, the report said the deputy found fresh black paint markings, and that Davis Jr. was under the influence of alcohol.

Action News Jax learned the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

At the time of his arrest, the report said Davis Jr. had $4,000 in cash on him, which two deputies counted twice.

Then, of course, when he got to the jail, the amount that they deposited, by the actual jail records, they only gave the jailer $2,900, said Daniel Faherty, Davis Jr.s attorney.

Faherty said his client had $6,900 on him that night.

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Because of his business, because of other family and friends that had repaid him in cash for things that he had put on his credit card for them, said Faherty. He had just sold a set of wheels.

Read: Green Cove Springs considering plan to raise electric rates by 20% this year

Faherty said Davis Jr. is missing $4,000 and alleges deputies targeted him and took the cash.

He believes that the deputies on the scene saw him take a large sum of cash out of his pocket that he had on his person to buy his food, said Faherty.

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They have sent notices to the Clay County Sheriffs Office stating their intent to sue.

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The Clay County Sheriffs Office said it will not comment on this due to pending litigation. A spokesperson did confirm that there is an active internal affairs investigation into the complaint filed by Davis, Jr.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Midland Memorial Hospital is turning 75 this year, and they are celebrating with 75 Days of Wellness.

They are also recognizing decades of partnerships and health awareness, and hoping for an even healthier future, said Taylor Wiedenfeld, the Community Relations Coordinator for Midland Memorial Hospital.

That is why they are encouraging the community to count their steps and participate in their walking challenge, that involves taking at least 7,500 steps a day. Wiedenfeld shared that health doesnt have to be complicated, and that even some steps a day can lead to a healthier life.

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The Mayo Clinic shared that walking can help maintain a healthy body weight, and it can prevent or manage heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

If you would like some help counting your steps visit MMHs front desk where they are handing out free fitness tracking devices, at the hours they are open.

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An encrypted messaging app used by the Trump administration temporarily suspended its operations Monday after suffering a massive hack.

TeleMessage, a platform that archives messages sent through apps like Signal, became headline news last week when it was used by recently ousted national security adviser Mike Waltz during a Cabinet meeting. A photo of Waltzs TeleMessage inbox showed threads with Vice President JD Vance, State Secretary Marco Rubio, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard.

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, a company spokesperson told the Daily Beast. Out of an abundance of caution, all TeleMessage services have been temporarily suspended.

A photo captured Mike Waltz using TeleMessage, a Signal clone, during a Cabinet meeting last week. He was later booted as national security adviser. / Reuters

404 Media first reported the TeleMessage breach, verifying screenshots and information directly from the hacker.

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Although the hacker did not obtain messages exchanged by Cabinet members, they gained access to data held by Customs and Border Protection, cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, and financial institutions like Scotiabank, highlighting the risks of adding an archiving feature to secure end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal.

I would say the whole process took about 15-20 minutes. It wasnt much effort at all, the hacker told 404Media. If I could have found this in less than 30 minutes, then anybody else could too. And who knows how long its been vulnerable?

A Signal spokesperson told the tech news website that it cannot guarantee the privacy or security properties of unofficial versions of Signal.

TeleMessage is an Israeli-founded platform acquired by the U.S. company Smarsh last year. Smarsh says it allows customers in the public and private sectors to archive mobile communications and voice data, making them searchable and producible on-demand for audits and investigations.

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An archived version of the TeleMessage website, which was scrubbed at the start of the month, says it captures & records Signal calls, messages, deletions, including text, multimedia, files.

Signal became the center of controversy in March when The Atlantic editor in chief Jeffrey Goldberg revealed in a bombshell report that Waltz accidentally added him to a group chat of high-profile national security officials discussing a military strike in Yemen.

Waltz was booted as national security adviser in the wake of the scandal, though President Donald Trump said he would be nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations instead.

The White House has repeatedly defended top officials use of Signal, arguing that it is approved for government use. Trump, however, sang a different tune in a recent interview with Goldberg.

I think we learned: Maybe dont use Signal, okay? he told The Atlantic last month. If you want to know the truth. I would frankly tell these people not to use Signal, although its been used by a lot of people. But, whatever it is, whoever has it, whoever owns it, I wouldnt want to use it.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to cut the number of their highest-ranking officers -- four-star generals and admirals -- by at least 20%.

In a memo released Monday, Hegseth argued that senior leaders should be "unencumbered by unnecessary bureaucratic layers that hinder their growth and effectiveness" and "a critical step in this process is removing redundant force structure."

In addition to ordering the firing of a minimum of 20% of four-star positions on active duty, the memo also orders a similar reduction in the National Guard and at least a 10% cut across all generals and admirals in the military.

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Most of the military's four-star officers occupy top leadership positions within their respective services or oversee combatant commands across the world, and there are currently less than 40 on active duty, meaning that a 20% reduction would mean seven or eight cut positions.

Meanwhile, there are currently about 900 general and flag officers of all ranks in the military, meaning that the memo would result in around 90 cut jobs.

It is not clear from the memo whether these cuts would come by attrition -- meaning simply not replacing officers once they retire -- or firings. It is also not clear how any firings would be received by Congress, which authorizes the positions Hegseth now seems aimed at cutting.

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Hegseth's office was not able to clarify those issues when reached by Military.com on Monday. An official said "all we have on this is the memo for now."

In a video released on Monday evening, Hegseth argued that during World War II, the military had "a ratio of one general to 6,000 troops; today, it's one general to 1,400."

"More generals and admirals does not equal more success," Hegseth argued, noting the move "is not a slash-and-burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers."

However, Hegseth has not been shy about his desire to fire top officers even before he took office.

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CNN reported that in June 2023, Hegseth told radio host Hugh Hewitt that he thought around a third of the military's most senior officers are "actively complicit" in the politicization of the U.S. military.

Then, in a November appearance on a show hosted by Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL, Hegseth argued that "first of all, you've got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and you've got to fire -- I mean obviously you've got to bring in a new secretary of defense, but any general that was involved -- general, admiral, whatever -- that was involved in any of the DEI woke shit has got to go."

In the days after the election, The Associated Press reported there was a list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation, a conservative-backed group, that featured 20 general officers or senior admirals -- including a disproportionate number of female officers -- that they urged the Trump administration to fire.

Once he got into office, Hegseth started to make good on the promises.

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In late February, he fired Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy's first female chief, leaving the military without a single woman in a four-star general or admiral leadership position. He also fired the Air Force's second-highest officer, Gen. James Slife, as well as the judge advocates general of the Army, Navy and Air Force, who oversee the military justice system.

At the same time, President Donald Trump fired the Joint Chiefs chairman, Air Force Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown.

Hegseth went on to fire a three-star general, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short, who was appointed by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to act as the senior military assistant to the secretary. The role is typically seen as nonpartisan, and retaining a prior secretary's aide is a way to ensure a smooth transition of administrations.

Throughout all the firings, Hegseth and his office have not offered any meaningful explanation as to why any of the officers were slated for relief.

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In the past, some lawmakers in both parties have agreed the military is too top heavy. But it's unclear how Hegseth's effort will be received, particularly by Democrats when it comes against the backdrop of Hegseth and other Trump administration officials vowing to rid the military of "woke" officers.

-- Rebecca Kheel contributed to this story.

Related: Hegseth Works Hard to Portray Himself as a Man of the Troops. They Might Not Be Buying It.
HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN)  Millions of dollars are on the line for one of the Miami Valleys largest school districts.

As of 11 p.m., the Huber Heights Schools operating levy as passed by just nine votes. Results are still unofficial and will likely go through a recount, but school officials are breathing a sigh of relief for the time being.

On behalf of our Board of Education and our entire district, were very grateful to the community for showing us the support to continue doing the work, said Jason Enix, Huber Heights superintendent.

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Huber Heights schools facing $7M in cuts if levy fails

As election results roll in tonight, the district is hoping to do something they havent had to do in 20 years  pass an operational levy for 6.9 mills.

The levy would generate $7.8 million dollars each year to spend on the bare necessities, like staffing, curriculum and transportation for the district.

But in order to make that happen, Huber Heights taxpayers would need to pay $240 for every $100,000 of appraised property value every year.

School officials say they know its a lot to ask homeowners for, but something has to be done to keep the schools running.

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Were not looking to fund any new programs, this is not anything more than just trying to maintain our current status, said Enix.

The district would have to make over $7 million in cuts if the operational levy fails.

2 NEWS will share election results on this levy later this evening. Stay with 2 NEWS for updates.

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ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- At least five paramilitary personnel were killed and six others injured in a roadside bomb attack targeting a security convoy in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, security sources said.

The incident happened at about 11:45 a.m. local time (0645 GMT) in the Kachhi district, when an improvised explosive device struck a Frontier Corps convoy, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"The convoy, comprising six vehicles, was on a routine movement when the explosion took place, resulting in the deaths and injuries," officials confirmed.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.

The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. However, local security sources noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army-Azad faction (BLA-A) maintains a strong presence in the region, with several other small armed groups also believed to operate in the vicinity. 
The long-range FP-1 drone has been demonstrated at an event dedicated to Infantry Day, which was attended by a journalist from Oboronka, part of the Mezha media group.

Source: Mezha, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravdas holding company

Details: Information displayed at the stand indicates that the FP-1 drone is designed to strike enemy targets at strategic depth. It can carry a warhead of up to 120 kilograms and has a range of up to 1,600 kilometres. The weight of the warhead likely affects the maximum flight distance.

Long-range FP-1 drone

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"This drone is already being produced in very large volumes, and there is considerable interest from partners. This product was developed in Ukraine and scaled up very quickly. This is another thing we can share with our partners," said Anna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries.

Background: President Zelensky ordered the production of 30,000 long-range drones by 2025 last year. Oboronka reports that the contracting process started in autumn 2024.

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(NewsNation)  A Minnesota woman who admitted to using a racial slur against a Black child has received over $700,000 in donations after starting an online fundraiser.

Shiloh Hendrix identified herself as the woman in a viral video that showed her being confronted by a man, asking if she had called a child a racial slur.

Woman jumps from moving car on Las Vegas freeway as driver pulls meat cleaver: Police

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Hendrix not only conceded that she had used the term, but she repeated the slur to the man filming. Hendrix alleges the child took items from her sons bag.

According to NBC News, police are investigating the incident that occurred at a playground in Rochester, Minnesota.

Sharmarke Omar, 30, recorded the video and told NBC News that he saw Hendrix call the child of Somali heritage a racial slur. Omar said the child has autism and that he knows the boys parents, who were supervising their other three children at the time.

On Hendrixs GiveSendGo fundraising page, she said the child stole from her 18-month-old sons diaper bag, and has experienced great turmoil, along with her family.

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90s WWE wrestler accused of trying to buy child pornography in Tennessee

Hendrix also said on the site that she needs to relocate, and that her Social Security number, address and phone number had been leaked, along with other personal information.

GiveSendGo has said previously, in relation to a different matter, that it has opted not to determine who deserves a defense. As of Tuesday afternoon, the GiveSendGo fundraiser has raised over $700,000.

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Sen. Susan Pha, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and Sen. Eric Lucero, R-Saint Michael, present their bill aimed at reining in HOAs at a meeting of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention committee on March 12, 2025. Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer.

The Minnesota Senate approved legislation Tuesday that would cap homeowners association fines, require board members disclose conflicts of interest and establish new rules to settle contentious HOA disputes.

The bill (SF1750) now heads to the House.

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More than 1.5 million Minnesotans belong to an HOA, and the majority of newly-constructed homes are in HOAs. The Reformer has reported on the stories of homeowners who were surprised with huge bills for repairs they didnt think were necessary. At least one property management company also owns a construction firm, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

Last year, the Legislature put together a working group of lawmakers, homeowners, property management companies and other stakeholders to come up with recommendations for HOA reforms.

Many of those suggestions were incorporated into the bill.

The legislation would require HOA boards or property managers to solicit at least three written bids for all repair jobs valued at more than $50,000.

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It would also block cities from requiring HOAs as a condition for approving a housing development.

Some of the provisions are aimed at increasing transparency: HOAs must create and distribute a schedule of fines and fees, and they must adopt a dispute resolution process so homeowners have an opportunity to contest fines.

It would also provide a path for dissolving HOAs, particularly in communities of single-family detached homes with no shared property, like a community center or pool.

Some senators  Republicans and Democrats  expressed concerns over the burden of the new regulations on HOA boards, which are usually staffed by volunteers. For HOAs that hire property management companies to run their daily operations, homeowners may see increased fees as the property managers bring the community documents into compliance with the new laws.

HOAs wield enormous power  setting rules, levying fines, and even initiating foreclosures  yet they operate with little oversight and often without the basic transparency we expect from any governing body, said Sen. Susan Pha, DFL-Brooklyn Park, one of the authors of the bill.
The Miracle Riders are in the middle of their ride across the country to help raise funds for Columbus State Universitys Nursing Program. The Riders took off from Columbus, Georgia on Friday, May 2nd.

This years theme for the Miracle Ride is the Pony Express. The Riders will travel to different homes and hand deliver letters to people across the nation that have a connection to Chattahoochee Valley. On Saturday, May 3rd, the Riders delivered Mary Bowen Banes in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Marys younger brother, Thomas Spanky Bowen, was an officer with the Columbus Police Department. Spanky was killed in the line of duty. The letter was from a friend of Marys in Columbus, Georgia. Rick Stinson, who knew Officer Bowen well, spoke about the emtional delivery and how it honored his friends memory.

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One of the things I think is important is that sometimes we forget what it does to the family of the officer. What they have to go through so its good to remember them. And I know for myself it brought back all the things that I had to go through. So it was very touching, said Stinson.



The Miracle Riders have supported the Columbus State University School of Nursing since 2021. Thats when they established a multi-year fundraising goal of $1 million to enhance the schools pediatric nursing program. To date they have raised $600,000 toward that goal through three separate rides.

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Everyone who follows American politics is going to spend a lot of time thinking about presidential and judicial power over the next few years. But to really understand the coming clashes between the president and the courts, and the constitutional environment in which theyre taking place, we have to pay attention to what isnt happening in our system of government almost as much as to what is.

Congress is not doing its job, and the vacuum that its dereliction has created is encouraging presidential and judicial overreach. Congresss weakness is our deepest constitutional problem, because it is not a function of one mans whims and wont pass with one administrations term. It is an institutional dynamic that has disordered our politics for a generation. It results from choices that members of Congress have made, and only those members can improve the situation. It is hard to imagine any meaningful constitutional renewal in America unless they do.

A weak Congress is not the norm in the American system, and a Congress this weak would surely have surprised the authors of the Constitution. They were far more concerned about excessive congressional strength, worrying it might muscle out the executive and the judiciary. In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates, James Madison wrote. Looking around at the 13 state governments in the late 18th century, he observed that the legislative department is everywhere extending the sphere of its activity, and drawing all power into its impetuous vortex.

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[Yuval Levin: What is wrong with Congress (and how to fix it)]

The growth of American government and the complexity of modern life gradually empowered our presidents and the tangle of administrative agencies that surrounds them. But that did not mean that Congress had to fade into the background. Into the late 20th century, the national legislature aggressively asserted itself, extending its oversight powers over a growing administrative state and battling presidents for preeminence. When the courts got drawn into constitutional battles, they tended to revolve around personal rights and the reach of the Fourteenth Amendment, while struggles over the structural Constitution and the separation of powers were generally wars between Congress and the president. Even in the late 1980s, scholars of our system could warn of an imperial Congress and a fettered presidency. And in 1995, Republicans under Newt Gingrich were determined to use their new congressional majorities to keep the president constrained.

The reasons for the subsequent decline in Congresss stature and assertiveness are complex, but some of the very measures Gingrich took to consolidate power on Capitol Hill contributed to the trends we are witnessing now. Gingrich advanced an almost-parliamentary model of the House of Representatives. He empowered the speaker and majority leader at the expense of the policy-focused committees, and set in motion a process that robbed most members of the opportunity for meaningful legislative work. His moves dramatically accelerated what was by then a 20-year trend toward the centralization of authority in the hands of congressional leaders. House leaders of both parties have pushed further in that direction in this century, and the Senate has largely followed suit. These efforts were intended to make Congress more effective, but in practice, they rendered most legislators almost irrelevant.

As a result, many ambitious members of Congress have concluded that their path to prominence must run not through policy expertise and bargaining in committees but through political performance art on social media and punditry on cable news. Our broader political culture has pushed in the same direction, encouraging performative partisanship. And the narrowing of congressional majorities has put a premium on party loyalty, further empowering leaders, and leaving many members wary of the cross-partisan bargaining that is the essence of legislative work.

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Because it has become less capable of functioning as a venue for legislative negotiation, a centralized, party-disciplined Congress has naturally come to understand itself as ancillary to the presidency. These days, when Congress is in the hands of the presidents party (as it has been at the beginning of every new presidency since Bill Clintons three decades ago), it tends to recede into the background, sometimes working to pass the presidents agenda but mostly serving as a venue for commentary on his performance. When it is not in the hands of the presidents party, Congress becomes a focal point for opposition, but still not for legislation.

In his first 100 days, Donald Trump signed only five bills into lawfewer than any other modern president. In a period rife with constitutional conflict in Washington, the first branch has done essentially nothing.

This willful passivity renders the rest of what happens in our government largely symbolic. The president cant actually advance much durable, substantive policy change in the absence of congressional action. The ostentatious parades of executive orders that now mark the beginning of every new presidency are just attempts to cover up that frustrating reality. As Republican deficit hawks have learned in recent months, DOGE can only talk about spending cuts: If Congress doesnt act, the budget doesnt change.

The same is true of regulatory reform. President Trump is testing the boundaries of his power to rein in the independent agencies that Republicans have complained about for years, but it is far from clear if much of what he is doing will endure. Congress could achieve such change well within the boundaries of its undisputed powers. It just hasnt moved to do it. The judiciary has been trying to press this point for years. The Supreme Courts administrative-law decisions over the past half decade have all sought to create space for Congress to reassert itself against regulatory agencies. But all the Court can do is create opportunities for such reassertion; it cant make Congress act.

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[Read: Why isnt Congress doing anything?]

The policy terrain of the Trump era is also rife with opportunities for legislative action, if only Congress would seize them. Trump has made tariffs an organizing principle of his economic policies, for instance, and in ways that many congressional Republicans disapprove of. Tariff policy plainly belongs to Congressthe Constitution could not be clearer about that. Legislators have delegated broad emergency powers to the president to set tariff rates, but could withdraw that delegation, or refashion it as they choose, anytime they want. If members are unhappy about Trumps tariffs (as large majorities in both houses appear to be), they can do something about them, but Republican leaders have chosen not to. House Republicans even changed the rules of their chamber so that they couldnt vote on a repeal of Trumps tariff authoritiesrobbing themselves of power rather than using it.

Some of the presidents advisers are eager to push Congress even further aside in the coming years and insist on the executives power to impound federal moneythat is, to decline to spend funds appropriated by Congress that the president would rather not spend. This is an affront to the legislatures most fundamental power. The administration is basically challenging Congress to a duel that the legislative branch cannot decline without surrendering its honor.

But surrendering its honor, and its power and ambition, is precisely what Congress has been doing for two decades. As long as Congress wont do its job, the other branches will keep overreachingmaking it harder for them to do their proper jobs as well, and leaving the countrys most significant challenges unresolved.

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Our Constitution created a republican form of government, and Madison was right to insist that, in such a government, the legislative power necessarily predominates. As long as Congress declines to at least try to predominate, though, our system will not work as intended.

And Congress has only itself to blame. It has grown weak because its weakness is what its members want. There is no shortage of ideas for how to fix what now ails the institution. But all of them share one flaw: They will succeed only if legislators choose to pursue them. Congress cannot regain its strength until its members want it to.

So for all that we will rightly worry about presidential power in the next few years, we cannot break out of our constitutional bind without looking down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol. Anyone contemplating where to seek change or how to direct reformist energies should take notice of a counterintuitive yet inescapable fact: Addressing the overreach of the judicial or executive branches requires first changing what members of Congress want.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
(FOX40.COM)  A California woman who had been missing for several days was found dead on Monday afternoon.

 Video Above: What should you do if someone you love goes missing?

Kelsy Ramos, 44, was reported missing on May 2. According to the Turlock Police Department, she was last seen by family at 10:30 a.m. in Newman and last known to be in Turlock around 10:55 a.m. Police said her vehicle, a white 2017 Nissan Versa, was found in Fresno around 3:23 p.m. the same day.

Missing woman, Kelsy Ramos, 44, was found dead on May 5, 2025./Turlock Police Department

It is with deep sadness that we share an update in the missing person investigation involving Kelsy Ramos, TPD said on social media. Earlier today, we were contacted by the Selma Police Department, who were investigating a call involving a deceased person. The individual matched the description of our missing person.

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TPD said it traveled to Selma and confirmed the identity of Ramos. The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, however, police said there were no signs of foul play. An investigation is underway.

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PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN)  Indigenous communities face a higher risk of murder, sexual assault, trafficking and abduction, according to the State of Oregon, which said its committed to addressing the root cause of violence against them.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared May 5 to be Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. The governor encouraged people to wear red in honor of indigenous people who were taken from the families  and families who continue to search for them.

Last year, the First Lady and I had the honor of visiting all nine sovereign Tribal nations. Today we honor the Indigenous women, girls, men, and two-spirit relatives who have been taken from their families, Kotek said in a statement. We stand with communities who grieve, who continue to search, and who keep memories alive through red dresses, ceremony, and advocacy.

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Amanda Freeman, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and founder of Ampkwa Advocacy, told KOIN 6 News a lack of resources contributes to why Indigenous women, specifically, are disproportionately impacted by crime.

Nearly 90% of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and that is probably every Native woman we know, Freeman said. We matter and our people are not disposable. We are not something that can be just thrown away and just forget that its happening everyday. We are going missing at a rate that is unacceptable  and Im doing what I can.

Freeman said Ampkwa Advocacy is supporting Indigenous communities through educational campaigns, awareness walks and safety programs.

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LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A Mississippi man has been sentenced in connection to the death of a one-year-old child.

The Oxford Eagle reported Matthew Brown entered a plea agreement that reduced his charge from capital murder to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 12 years suspended.

Two arrested for Gulfport home invasion incident

With one year of credit from time already served, the newspaper reported Brown will serve an additional seven years. He will be on supervised probation for seven years, followed by five years of unsupervised probation.

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On March 22, 2024, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office responded to a call regarding an unresponsive child on County Road 520. When they arrived they began to perform life-saving measures. The baby later died at a Memphis hospital.

According to investigators, the child, who was not related to Brown, suffered head trauma and had bruises on his body.

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By Qabil Ashirov



Belarus has gifted a special-purpose vehicle to support municipal services in the city of Aghdam.

The vehicle was officially handed over during a visit to Aghdam by Prime Minister of Belarus Aleksandr Turchin, who was accompanied by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

During their tour of the Aghdam Industrial Park, Prime Minister Turchin presented the vehicle to the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service operating in the liberated districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend.

This visit forms part of the broader official trip by the Belarusian Prime Minister to Azerbaijans territories that were recently liberated from occupation.
A vendor checks carpets at a store in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 7, 2025. Afghanistan has exported carpets worth more than 15 million U.S. dollars over the past year, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported carpets worth more than 15 million U.S. dollars over the past year, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, said.

"Afghanistan exported 3,632 tons of carpet worth 15.2 million U.S. dollars in the year 1403 (in the Persian calendar commenced from March 21, 2025) to several countries," the state-owned Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) cited Jawad on Tuesday as saying.

The Afghanistan-made carpet as the main export item of the country, according to the official had been exported to Pakistan, Iran, India, Germany, Canada, Holland, Saudi Arabia and several more countries.

The hand-woven Afghan carpet is popular worldwide and the carpet weaving art as a key traditional industry reportedly provided job opportunities for more than 1.2 million people, mostly women in the war-ravaged Afghanistan. 

A man weaves a carpet in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 7, 2025.

Afghanistan has exported carpets worth more than 15 million U.S. dollars over the past year, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A carpet vendor presents a hand-woven carpet at his store in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 7, 2025.

Afghanistan has exported carpets worth more than 15 million U.S. dollars over the past year, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, said. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, as pictured September 26, 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The Missouri House passed a higher education bill loaded up with amendments on a 94-36 vote Monday evening, advancing largely bipartisan proposals as the end of session nears.

The bill heads back to the Senate, where lawmakers can either send it to the governor or request a conference committee to work out differences between the chambers.

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The legislation passed the Senate as a short bill barring Missouri colleges from punishing student groups for their beliefs. The House Emerging Issues Committee, whose Democratic members voiced concerns about the underlying bill, added other higher education legislation and anti-discrimination provisions.

And Monday, the House approved 10 additional amendments, such as a proposal that would grant in-state tuition to active-duty military from out of state serving in Missouri. Many of the amendments were heard on the House floor earlier in session and spurred little discussion Monday.

But a piece added in committee led to heated debate Monday about how to define antisemitism. The legislation includes a piece that would require higher education institutions to monitor for antisemetic incidents.

Critics worry it would bar criticism of the Israeli government, pointing to the bills adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances working definition of antisemitism and its examples. State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from Huntleigh and the provisions sponsor, amended the piece to clarify that the definition was not legally binding.

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State Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a St. Louis Democrat, said she likes the idea of opposing antisemitism but could not support something that would limit criticism of Israel.

Were going to write a law that says it is non-legally binding, she said. Please make that make sense.

She attempted to amend the bill to allow for a more concise definition of antisemitism while removing the Israel language but was not called upon until after the piece was amended by Hruza. The House ruled in a point of order that she could not offer her amendment.

Walsh Moore voted in opposition to the overall bill because of this piece.

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I hate that I have to do this because there is so much good in this bill, but to me, this is the poison pill, she said.

Other proposals added in the House include a provision that would require Missouris public universities to coordinate on transferable 60-credit-hour degree programs in five areas of study.

Missouri State University would also be able to offer an undergraduate degree in veterinary technology and doctorates of philosophy other than in engineering.

State law currently limits some degree programs to the University of Missouri, including all doctorates of philosophy.

Bills filed this year sought to open the programs to universities statewide, but the legislation was narrowed during negotiations to only give Missouri State increased authority and continued the University of Missouri Systems exclusivity over some programs like engineering.

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The amendments were not limited to higher education, with K-12 provisions added like a bill seeking to limit the presence of lead in school drinking water and a provision that would protect K-12 private schools from litigation because of single-sex restroom policies.

State Rep. Willard Haley, an Eldon Republican, added an education package he sponsored to the bill, saying he believes time ran out for it.

Im afraid that we dont have time to get (the bill) through the Senate, so Im adding it on to this as an amendment, he said.

The amendment includes reimbursement of expenses for career-tech students and a requirement for universities to give credit for certain scores on International Baccalaureate exams.

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The Senate must pass the bills before the legislation can make it to the governors desk for final approval. With multiple Senate priorities still outstanding, opportunities for other bills to get debate in that chamber are limited.

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May 6Odessa City Councilman Eddie Mitchell said he plans to apologize during his 11 a.m. news conference at City Hall to the citizens of Odessa.

Mitchell said he will not take questions because of the racial overtones that have occurred on the Facebook page of Odessa Headlines.

"I want to apologize for things I said and I want people to know that I will make the motion to table this ordinance change that has caused all of this."

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Mitchell is referring to a recent letter from the Planning and Zoning department that went out to citizens that may have led some to think their mobile homes would not be allowed in Odessa. City council voted to send the matter to the zoning board, which voted it down after a packed room came out to urge them to vote no.

Mitchell had a number of back and forths on social media with Odessans about the ordinance.

"I do apologize for language I have used and this is not what I intended. I am passionate about my neighborhood and the city of Odessa."

He said he will make a motion at the next city council meeting on Tuesday and he will urge other councilmembers to vote to table the item. "We need to have town halls and let the people of Odessa have their say. People are upset that letter went out and I don't want people to be mad at me because I'm passionate and I love Odessa and I'm too loud but I am always available to talk to anyone. Come talk to me. Let's work on change together."

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He said the fake news site Odessa Headlines has stirred up racial tension over the matter. Last night a comment on the site called Mitchell the N word.

"There won't be any questions today because Odessa Headlines has turned this into a racial problem. It shouldn't be like this in Odessa," Mitchell said.

He said he looks forward to working with his District 1 neighbors and all Odessans to come up with positive solutions to zoning issues.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Mobile man accused of robbing the Quik Pick on St. Stephens Road has been arrested, News 5 has learned.

Former Mobile police officer turns himself in after deadly 2024 motorcycle crash

According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers responded to the convenience store at 2311 St. Stephens Road Friday at about 5:43 p.m. in reference to a robbery.

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When officers arrived, they learned a man had punched the clerk when he was confronted while attempting to leave the store with stolen items, the release said.

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The suspect was still at the store when officers arrived, the release said.

Joseph Bass (Courtesy of the Mobile County Sheriffs Office)

3 new stores to open in the Eastern Shore Centre

Joseph Bass, 49, of Mobile, was arrested and charged with robbery, according to police.

He was taken to Metro Jail, the release 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 WKRG News 5.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Spencer Goidel, a 33-year-old federal worker in Boca Raton, Florida, with autism, knew what he could be losing when he got laid off from his job as an equal employment opportunity specialist at the IRS.

Because of his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, Goidel had been able to secure his spot as one of more than 500,000 disabled workers in the federal government under Schedule A, which allows federal agencies to bypass the traditional hiring process and pick a qualified candidate from a pool of people with certain disabilities.

His job, he said, was accommodating and enriching, and he wonders if hell ever get another one like that in the private sector.

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A lot of people who are disabled, they came to the federal government because it was a model employer for disabled individuals, and now they have nowhere else to go, he told The Associated Press.

The irony, he says, is that his job was to help resolve workers' harassment claims before they escalated into full-blown lawsuits against the government. So much for reducing waste, he says.

A model employer for disabled workers

For decades, the federal government has positioned itself as being committed to inclusive hiring and long-term retention across agencies. But as mass layoffs ripple through the federal workforce under President Donald Trumps Republican administration, disabled employees are among those being let go.

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Amid the firings, rollbacks of accommodation guidance for businesses and skepticism of disability inclusion practices, advocates and experts wonder if the governments status as a model employer will hold true.

Trump has said he ended diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the government because people should be hired based on work quality and merit alone.

However, under Schedule A, candidates already have to be qualified for the position with or without an accommodation. They dont get a job solely because they have a disability.

Disability advocates point to a slew of statements from Trump administration officials that indicate they view disabled workers as a liability to the government.

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Trump criticized the federal governments inclusion efforts in January when a midair collision between a plane and a helicopter near Reagan National Airport killed 67 people. Without evidence, he blamed the Federal Aviation Administrations targeted hiring of people with disabilities for the crash, saying that only psychologically superior air traffic controllers should work for the agency.

How the private sector responds

Kelly McCullough, legal director at Disability Law Colorado, said the messaging from the Trump administration could affect how seriously the private sector takes on disability inclusion efforts. Recently, she said, the nonprofit has received an uptick in disability discrimination complaints.

It does make me wonder, if the federal government is setting this example, challenging these ideas of inclusion that have (had) long-standing support from the government  is that trickling down? she said. Is that messaging getting to employers in other contexts?

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Trump also rescinded a Biden-era executive order that required federal agencies to create action plans to hire more diverse staff, including those with disabilities. The order calls diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, or DEIA, efforts illegal and says they violate the text and spirit of civil rights.

The Trump administrations other actions have caused consternation, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s dismantling of the Administration for Community Living, an agency that serves disabled and aging adults. HHS officials also floated - and walked back - a plan to create a registry of people with autism.

Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, which advocates for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, said she is concerned about the impact the massive reductions in the federal workforce will have on government services for all Americans as well as the loss of opportunities for workers with disabilities.

Im really worried  where are these folks going to go? Whos going to hire them?" she asked.

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Employment gaps for disabled people have been an issue across the federal and private sectors for years. When the Labor Department began recording disability status in its employment trends in the Current Population Survey in 2009, just 30% of disabled people between ages 16 and 64 were working at least part time. Thats compared with 71% of people without a disability.

Last year, employment rates for disabled people hit a record high of 38%, but the decades-old disparities still persisted: 75% of people without disabilities were employed that year.

Making disability hiring a federal priority

Disability hiring in the federal government became a prominent effort in the 1970s, shortly after the passing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits disability discrimination in federal agencies. Expectations to hire disabled people expanded from there.

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In 2014, Democratic President Barack Obamas administration began requiring that federal contractors meet specific goals related to hiring disabled people.

Three years later, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated rules under the Rehabilitation Act. The new rules required federal agencies to set hiring goals for people with disabilities and create plans to help them get jobs and promotions.

Anupa Iyer Geevarghese worked as a disability policy adviser at the EEOC when officials updated the regulations. She said it increased progress in ensuring that disabled people had equitable opportunities in the federal workforce. She now worries that progress will be undone as the Trump administration shows little interest in continuing inclusion efforts.

I think, unfortunately, there are still perceptions about the knowledge, skill and abilities of people with disabilities, she said. As a whole, were still, as a community, still perceived as people who cant do their jobs, are unqualified, who are uneducated and are incapable  we thought we had combated it, but we are still fighting that fight.

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Abby Tighe, a former public health adviser at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, was among thousands of federal probationary workers terminated in February. Tighe, 30, has a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, which may eventually affect her ability to walk independently.

I really truly understand how other people who are using a chair or using some kind of assistance device might be really concerned about that next stage of employment when they cant interview and hide their disability at the same time, she said.

Laid-off federal workers with disabilities worry about the future

Some also worry that disabled federal workers may have been disproportionately hurt by the terminations. Tighe and Goidel were hired through Schedule A, which allows a probationary period of up to two years. Other federal employees typically have one year of probation.

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Tighe suspects that if she hadnt been hired through the special hiring authority, she might still have a job, given that no one else on her team was let go.

Goidel, who was converted to permanent status with full tenure in 2019, says his employment with the federal government motivated him to continue his education and pursue a master's degree in employment law. He says the decision to slash jobs at the IRS EEO office will mean there are fewer federal workers able to investigate harassment claims and that could result in more litigation against the government.

The White House is promoting its efforts to provide services for disabled individuals and veterans.

In an email to The Associated Press, a White House official pointed to student loan forgiveness for completely disabled veterans and record low unemployment for people with disabilities during Trumps first term. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, also noted that a multiagency task force was created in 2018 to focus on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

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HHS also announced plans for the Administration for Community Living to release more than $1 billion in funding to states to address nutrition, daily living assistance, chronic disease management and more.

Goidel says he hopes the Trump administration realizes what it's losing with the layoffs.

Theyre taking away peoples opportunities, and theyre taking away peoples livelihoods," he said. Theyre also hurting people who may need a little extra help to get over the finish line and have that upward mobility.

___

Hunter reported from Atlanta.
The Columbia University student and green card holder who was detained in Vermont by Immigration and Customs Enforcement told ABC News that he was about to sign a document saying he was willing to take the Pledge of Allegiance, one of the final steps in the process to become a U.S. citizen, when masked agents suddenly arrested him.

In an interview nearly a week after a federal judge ordered him released from detention while his case proceeds, Mohsen Mahdawi recounted his arrest and detainment, saying that he feared his citizenship interview was a "trap" and that he's concerned that democracy in the U.S. is under attack.

"It was a moment of like, should I be happy or should I be cautious when I received the notice?" Mahdawi told ABC News about receiving the notice for his citizenship interview. "And I sense that this might be a trap. And for sure, indeed, it was an alarm bell where I directly reached out to my legal team in order to navigate, you know, the pros and cons and this risk that I think that I may lose my freedom."

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MORE: 'I am not afraid of you,' Columbia student says of Trump after release from ICE

Mahdawi said that, as he was completing his interview, "at that moment, [I had] very strong feelings of, 'Oh my god, things are working out. And then they came into the office ... and you can imagine the feeling between, I am being excited to receive the citizenship, and then feeling of betraying disappointment."

A Department of Homeland Security official pushed back on concerns that the interview may have been a trap staged to detain Mahdawi.

"The Department does not 'stage' interviews or any other type of adjudication," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "If an alien is seeking a benefit, they will almost assuredly be interviewed. If the alien is subject to detention, that alien will almost assuredly be detained. One has no bearing on the other."

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"Illegal aliens do not have a right to roam freely in our country, nor do they have a right to elude federal authorities," McLaughlin said.

PHOTO: Mohsen Mahdawi speaks outside the courthouse after a judge released the Palestinian student activist, April 30, 2025 in Burlington, Vt. (Amanda Swinhart/AP)

Mahdawi, who co-founded a university organization called the Palestinian Student Union with detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, was born in a refugee camp in the West Bank before moving in 2014 to the U.S. where he has been a legal resident for 10 years.

His lawyers believe that, like Khalil, he is being targeted by the Trump administration under Immigration and Nationality Act section 237(a)(4)(C)(i), which asserts that the secretary of state can deem a person deportable if they have reasonable ground to believe that the person's presence or activities in the U.S. could have adverse foreign policy consequences.

In response to the government's allegations against him, Mahdawi and his lawyers have firmly refuted allegations that he ever threatened Israelis or those of the Jewish faith. He told ABC News he has been advocating for peace and protesting against the war in Gaza.

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"So for them to accuse me of this is not going to work, because I am a person who actually has condemned antisemitism," Mahdawi said. "And I believe that the fight against antisemitism and the fight to free Palestine go hand in hand, because, as Martin Luther King said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

After his arrest at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vermont, where he was undergoing his citizenship interview, Mahdawi said he was quickly put in handcuffs, but was not given a reason for why he was being detained.

"The first thing they've done is they isolated me from my lawyer, separated me from my lawyer," Mahdawi said of his arrest. "They did not show us any paperwork they had on them. I told them, 'I am a peaceful man and I will collaborate.'"

MORE: Columbia University associate of Mahmoud Khalil arrested by DHS

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Mahdawi claims ICE officials were planning to send him to Louisiana where Khalil is detained, but missed the flight by a few minutes. His lawyers, who crafted several habeas petitions in anticipation that he could be detained, filed an emergency request for a temporary restraining order, which a federal judge granted.

"They were preparing to send me to Louisiana," Mahdawi said. "They had my flight tickets really printed, and two agents came to take me ... to ship me on a commercial flight from Burlington Airport to New York and from New York to Louisiana."

At his bail hearing last week, the Department of Justice argued against Mahdawi's release, saying that during a 2015 FBI investigation, a gun shop owner alleged that Mahdawi had claimed to have built machine guns in the West Bank to kill Jews, proving that he was a threat. According to a police report obtained by ABC News from Windsor Police in Vermont, a "concerned citizen" alleged that Mahdawi "seemed to have knowledge about gun design and function."

But that investigation was closed and Mahdawi was never charged with any crime, a point that Judge Geoffrey Crawford highlighted when he ordered Mahdawi's release last week.

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During the hearing, the federal judge said that while the allegations were "shocking," he noted that because the FBI at the time decided to close the case, he understood that to mean that the FBI came to the conclusion that the allegations made by the gun shop owner and the other individual were unfounded claims.

MORE: Columbia students naturalization interview before ICE arrest was last step to citizenship, his lawyer says

Judge Crawford noted during last week's hearing that Mahdawi had received letters of support from over 90 community members, including from members of the Jewish community, adding that "people who have in a consistent pattern described him as peaceful."

The judge also said Mahdawi had "made substantial claims that his detention was in retaliation for his protected speech."

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Mahdawi told ABC News that his Buddhist faith has kept him grounded as his immigration and federal cases continue to play out in court and the threat of deportation still lingers.

He said he believes "everybody should be alert and alarmed" that the Trump administration targeted him for his advocacy.

"We are at a very critical time," Mahdawi said. "What is happening in America is going to affect the rest of the world. The attack on democracy that guarantees many rights for people, democracy that has established international order and human rights, is a very dangerous phenomenon."

During the interview, Mahdawi said he first experienced true freedom when he moved to the United States -- a feeling he claims to still have despite his legal battle.

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"They can put me in prison, but my spirit is free, and the free spirit is a spirit that does not give up on the idea of justice," he said. "The free spirit is a spirit that empathizes with everyone, including its oppressor, so I do feel free."

Mohsen Mahdawi, Columbia student freed by ICE, feared citizenship interview was a 'trap' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The front page of the Butte Miner on July 13, 1904, announcing the marriage of copper king William Andrews Clark and Anna LaChappelle. The announcement also noted their daughter, Audree, who later died of meningitis. The marriage rocked Butte and was scandalous because Clark was nearly 30 years older, and had alleged that they'd been married since 1901.

Montana knows as well as any state in the union what it looks like when millionaires decide to control the narrative. When Marcus Daly and William Clark, and later Augustus Heinze, were competing for who had the biggest mine shaft, one of their primary weapons was control of the press. Each man spent millions to buy or start newspapers, hire top-notch writers, editors and cartoonists from back East, and then buy up competing publications.

At first, their reasons for pouring all of this money into these papers was to badmouth the other guy, or dispute whatever propaganda was coming out against them. But once Daly died and Heinze left the state, the newspaper industry in Montana came exclusively under the control of Amalgamated Copper Company, which used its power to fight against every effort the miners made to gain a foothold in the fight for better working conditions, workable wages and more safety regulations. So rather than take care of the workers, these men spent millions fighting each other, and then fighting the truth, when it probably would have cost them a lot less money to simply give everyone a reasonable raise.

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We have seen echoes of this pattern play out ever since, as it has become part of the playbook of every autocrat who ever walked the earth. One of the first pages in the playbook is to control the narrative, and we see it playing out now, with the most recent maneuver by our current commander-in-chief who signed an executive order to eliminate funding for National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting System, two entities that President Donald J. Trump has always targeted as enemies of the state, simply because they dont fawn over him, but actually do their due diligence and strive to tell the truth.

Pat Harrison, the CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which includes both NPR and PBS, made a statement pointing out that In creating CPB, Congress expressly forbade any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States to exercise any direction, supervision or control over educational television or radio broadcasting or over CPB or any of its grantees or contractors.

Katherine Maher, the President of NPR, stated that Americas founders knew that an informed public is essential to a functioning democracy, and that commitment to serve an informed public is the heart of NPRs mission.

So what we have is a another classic example of a person in power trying to find a way around the law and intimidate the press into silence. Its been part of Trumps strategy from the beginning, and it has also played out in the way he has handled the press corps during White House press conferences. We all know about how he banned the Associated Press, one of the most highly regarded journalism organizations in the country, after it refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

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As the newspaper industry continues to suffer the worst gutting in its history, we have seen too many of these publications fall into the hands of Trumps fellow oligarchs, with Jeff Bezos taking over the Washington Post, and Rupert Murdoch taking over the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. Murdoch is of course the brainchild behind the one news organization that has served Trump more faithfully than anyone, Fox News. And then there is the most powerful oligarch of them all at the moment, Elon Musk, who reinstated Trump to Twitter when he first bought the company. Not only did he dump millions of his own dollars into the Trump campaign, but that earned him a place on the public stage where he has dismantled many of the institutions and government agencies toward which he held a personal grudge, under the auspices of waste, fraud and abuse. In Trumps world, anything that goes against his agenda qualifies, and that includes the arts, which have taken a beating under Musks DOGE.

Meanwhile Congress, which has clearly fallen under the Trump spell, does nothing about any of this, leaving most of America in the same position as miners during the early 20th century in Montana.

When the Speculator Mine Disaster struck in 1917, killing 169 men, the Amalgamated press machine shifted into high gear, beating away any suggestions that they were responsible for the accident, or that they were obligated to make any changes to their safety standards. This precedent, of doubling down when youre wrong, has become standard fare in todays America, and once again, it is the people who have been impacted most, by DOGE, and by the most egregious of Trumps policies, who are suffering the most. And it is also those people who are most likely to support the man.
Matthew Brown and Hannah Schoenbaum

Associated Press

HELENA, Mont.  Following Montana Republicans' dominance in the fall election, a group of GOP lawmakers kicked off the 2025 Legislature with an unexpected move: ceding power to Democrats.

The minority took full advantage, remaking legislative committees and banding with a handful of moderate Republicans to thwart GOP leaders' efforts to make Montana's judicial system more partisan. Similar alliances bolstered Medicaid expansion, raised teacher pay and passed a state budget increase that includes investments in affordable housing and health care.

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The partnership seemed to defy divisions between America's two major political parties that have played out in Washington, D.C., and in many statehouses. But it may prove fleeting if elections in the Big Sky State continue mirroring national trends that have hardened party lines. Montana's conservative and moderate Republicans alike express allegiance to President Donald Trump.

Lawmakers meet for just a few months every two years inside Montana's Capitol, perched on a hill overlooking Helena, a city of about 35,000 people founded during an 1864 gold rush. It remains a true citizen legislature, opening the playing field for compromise, said political analyst Jeremy Johnson.

"Montana's becoming an outlier on how a state legislature is operating with this sort of dynamic," said Johnson, an associate professor at Carroll College.

A 'weird' session for Republicans

As lawmakers wrapped up the session Wednesday, GOP legislative leaders went home frustrated at their failure to remodel the state's judiciary, rein in spending or fix rising property taxes.

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Republican Sen. Barry Usher, a GOP whip, said the majority got "steamrolled" during the 85-day session.

Republicans did band to impose more restrictions on transgender people and pass an income tax cut that Democrats decried as a handout to the wealthy. But conservative Republicans frequently found themselves sidelined as their moderate colleagues hammered out deals with Democrats on health care, education, taxes and other mainstays of government, effectively forming a new majority.

Republican Senate President Matt Regier repeatedly called the turn of events "weird."

"There's always politics. You're jockeying for control," Regier said in an interview. "But I think at the end of the day, what's weird about it is that I think the conservative faction has been largely left out of conversations, left out of a seat at the table."

Moderates unbowed by rebukes

Republican leaders tried to shame party members they viewed as defectors, censuring nine senators in February. In April, the party declared it would no longer recognize those lawmakers as Republicans and would stop funding or otherwise supporting their campaigns.

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The senators were unbowed and have continued to side with Democrats on key votes.

"Really all we did is make sure everybody was treated fairly," said Sen. Josh Kassmier, one of the nine lawmakers.

They were not alone in bucking party leadership: The defeat of Republican proposals to make Montana's judicial system more partisan came in the state House, where GOP moderates hold sway.

Libertarian tendencies that transcend party

Moderates have gotten some political cover from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who has appeared with them at public events. "Every single person who was elected to the Legislature is representing their constituents," Gianforte replied when asked if party infighting was squandering its mandate from voters.

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Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers said Montana's embrace of libertarianism  as seen in its aversion to big government and its tradition of gun ownership  transcends party lines.

Montanans "don't want just hyperpartisan battles where there are winners and losers, because then there are winners and losers among our citizens too," Flowers said.

Nationwide, Republicans control both legislative chambers in 27 states, versus 17 for Democrats. Republicans have held more statehouse seats and chambers than Democrats since 2002, and the political lines have become more static in the last several election cycles with fewer chambers flipping control, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

But in states with partisan control, factions often emerge.

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In Wyoming, the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus of Republicans holds its first majority in a U.S. statehouse and passed substantial property tax cuts and bans on diversity programs this year. Its members' differences with mainstream Republicans have become more consequential than those between Republicans and the state's few Democrats.

In states like Oklahoma and South Carolina, mainstream Republicans still hold majorities but fend off challenges from both the left and the far-right.

A tradition of bipartisanship

Until recently, Montana had a tradition of "ticket splitting"  electing a mix of Democrats and Republicans to higher office. That forced state lawmakers to work together out of necessity.

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Both parties joined this year to establish an Indigenous People's Day in Montana, finding compromise after a decade of failed attempts. In contrast, Trump said this week that he would not follow his predecessor's practice of recognizing Indigenous People's Day nationally.

"Every legislative session I've asked myself, 'Are we going to see this bipartisan effort, particularly without having a Democratic governor anymore?'" said Johnson, referring to former Gov. Steve Bullock, who left office in 2021 after serving two terms. "And, so far, the answer is yes. You have this group that keeps reemerging. I don't know how much longer it will keep happening that way."

___

Schoenbaum reported from Salt Lake City.
MONTICELLO, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Monticello community is mourning the loss of a fourth-grade girl, who died after being injured in a car crash last week.

Wayne County Schools announced on Facebook that Caroline Alvarez, a student at Monticello Elementary, died as a result of her injuries. Interim Superintendent Brian Dishman called the loss of Caroline a tragic loss for the school district.

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In the announcement, Dishman confirmed that Monticello Elementary has had counselors and support staff available for students and employees since the accident.

Wayne County Schools will do all we can to support and care for our school community while we mourn this tragic loss, wrote Dishman.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A bipartisan group of more than 150 former federal and state judges sharply criticized the Trump administration for its handling of the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan in a May 5 letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Dugan was arrested at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 25, handcuffed behind her back and later ankle-shackled at the federal courthouse on charges she helped an undocumented immigrant evade arrest after an appearance in her courtroom a week earlier.

"Seeing a judge handcuffed, photographed and perp walked highlights the authoritarian playbook of the Trump administration," said Nancy Gertner, a former federal judge and Democratic President Bill Clinton appointee who helped write and signed the letter. "It is something we should never tolerate in the United States."

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More: Judge Hannah Dugan has all-star legal team, including 'LeBron James of lawyers'

Another lead signer, J. Michael Luttig, a conservative former federal appeals court judge, said: "I have spent my career upholding the Constitution. I never imagined I'd see a judge treated like this in America. The arrest and prosecution of judges is where rule by law ends and authoritarianism begins. The judiciary is the last obstacle to a president with designs on tyrannical rule."

Retired Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske also signed the letter.

Chad Gilmartin, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice, responded by pointing to a comment by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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"It doesnt matter what line of work you are in, if you break the law we will follow the facts and prosecute you," Bondi wrote on April 25, the day of Dugan's arrest. "Under President Trumps leadership, this administration will always fight for victims."

The FBI, which oversaw the arrest in Milwaukee, has declined to comment.

But on April 25, FBI Director Kash Patel quickly boasted about Dugan's arrest, posting a photograph of the handcuffed judge being led away. "No one is above the law," he wrote on X.

No one is above the law pic.twitter.com/TSrQ4GNMdA  FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 26, 2025

White House spokesman Kush Desai said in an email, "In this administration, anyone who commits crimes exposes themselves to criminal liability."

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Six former Wisconsin federal prosecutors interviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the way Dugan was arrested was unusual and unnecessary, especially the handcuffed "perp walk" the ankle shackles and the social media post by the head of the FBI.

Daniel Bice of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hannah Dugan arrest criticized in retired judges' letter to Pam Bondi
Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed into law Senate Bill 154, which states that if a student asks to be referred to by pronouns different from their biological sex or to be referred to by a different name, that the teacher must tell the students parent, even if the teacher believes the student may be in danger if they do so. (Getty Images)

Now that Gov. Patrick Morrisey has finished his actions on all of the bills passed during the legislative session, we can finally say its officially over.

On Wednesday, he vetoed six bills  because of financial reasons  and signed some of the most controversial bills from the session into law.

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Morrisey was so proud of signing a voter ID bill into law, he held a news conference at the Capitol. He even had a little sign on his lectern that said ELECTION INTEGRITY. (Memo to self: Put in a public records request to find out how much is this administration spending on these signs for every event? Talk about financial waste.)

House Bill 3016 will require that voters provide some sort of photo identification when they vote at the polls. Even the governor said during his ceremonial signing of the bill that he and other legislators acknowledge that voter fraud is not widespread in West Virginia.

Voter fraud is extremely rare. Not only that, but voter impersonation is virtually nonexistent. Research has found that many instances of fraud are actually clerical errors or bad data matching practices.

Voter ID laws only prevent in-person voter impersonation, which according to the Brennan Center, is extremely low at 0.00004.% The report noted that its more likely that a voter would be struck by lightning than impersonating someone else at the polls.

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What voter ID laws actually do is suppress voting access for older people, low-income individuals and people of color  who tend to lean more Democratic than Republican.

In another blow to marginalized groups, Morrisey also signed his legislation to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in West Virginia. This was one of his first executive orders he made on his second day in office. The only thing surprising about this is that he didnt sign it sooner.

Possibly the most dangerous bill signed into law was Senate Bill 154, which prohibits instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill states that if a student asks to be referred to by pronouns different from their biological sex or to be referred to by a different name, that the teacher must tell the students parents. Even if the teacher believes the student may be in danger if they do so, they are still required to report it or the parents can bring legal action against the school.

Its disappointing that this bill was sponsored by a public school teacher. Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, has introduced several bills to help teachers and students, but this legislation will put children in danger.

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In cases like these, a teacher would be faced with choosing between following this new law or putting their students life at risk, said Andrew Schneider, executive director of the LGBTQ civil rights organization Fairness WV.

Teachers know better than anyone that not all parents are accepting of their children and that school may be the only safe space for them, or a teacher could be the only safe adult they can talk to.

Transgender people are much more likely to be abused by their immediate family and kicked out of the home, leading to depression, increased risk of suicide and substance abuse, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Trans youth, despite being a small percentage of the population, are overrepresented in the foster care system, juvenile detention centers and homeless shelters.

Is it really worth telling a childs parents they want to go by a different pronoun or name when doing so can result in that child becoming homeless or dead?

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About 54% of transgender and nonbinary children found their school to be gender-affirming, and reported lower rates of attempting suicide, according to the Trevor Projects 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The survey also found that LGBTQ+ children who said they lived in accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate as those who said their communities were very unaccepting.

A child cannot learn if they dont feel safe or respected. Accepting a childs preferred name, nickname or pronoun is a great way to create a supportive learning place.

While its true that lawmakers took up  and even  passed other measures, that this was a priority in a session where much more needed to be done to help West Virginians, is ridiculous. For instance, they did nothing to fix health insurance for public employees, which has been a mess for years. No, thousands more of taxpayers money will be used for Morriseys special session to address that issue.

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The wreckage of a bus is seen after an accident at Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed.

The incident involved a bus operated by the Antar Lintas Sumatra (ALS) company, traveling the Medan-Jakarta route. The bus reportedly lost control and overturned after experiencing a brake failure.

"The ALS bus experienced brake failure while moving at high speed. It failed to negotiate a bend and rolled over," said Arkes Refagus, head of the transport department in Padang Panjang.

He added that the bus rolled to the left and struck the fence of a house. "The driver survived as he was seated on the right side, while the bus overturned to the left," Refagus told Xinhua.

According to Refagus, the bus was carrying 25 passengers. All the victims were transported to two local hospitals. 

People stand near the wreckage of a bus after an accident at Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

People stand near the wreckage of a bus after an accident at Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

The wreckage of a bus is seen after an accident at Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

Officials collect data of the victims of a bus accident at a hospital in Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

Injured passengers of a bus accident receive medical treatment at a hospital in Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

An injured passenger (R) of a bus accident receives medical treatment at a hospital in Padang Panjang in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 6, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)

Relatives and officers transfer the coffin of a victim to an ambulance at Bhayangkara Hospital in Padang, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, May 7, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on Tuesday morning, an official confirmed. (Photo by Andri Mardiansyah/Xinhua)
Marisa Jackson and her son, Maxwell, 10, live in Kanawha County. Jackson said her son, who has a genetic condition, will be put at risk if public schools must now accept children who have not been vaccinated. (Lauren Love | Courtesy photo)

West Virginias strict school immunization laws still stand after the state House of Delegates voted down a key Senate measure during the 2025 regular legislative session that would have permitted broad religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions for families.

Although that bill didnt pass, an executive order issued by Gov. Patrick Morrisey directs state health officials to offer a religious exemption to the states school-age immunization requirements. Morrisey made it clear on Friday that public schools must comply, and the state health department told West Virginia Watch on Monday that every school, including private schools, should be following the governors executive order.

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The Department of Health treats all applications for religious exemptions the same, whether they come from a parent of a child enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school or daycare center, a spokesperson for the department said.

Morriseys unorthodox power move to bypass lawmakers has prompted a fractured response among the states public and private schools and spurred confusion among parents. The issue is likely to end up in court.

And already, various schools are saying they dont plan to follow the governors order until the state law changes.

The Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston  which operates 24 schools throughout the state  will not accept religious exemptions for required school vaccinations despite the executive order, said Tim Bishop, communications director for the church.

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Neither will the Linsley School, a private boarding school in Wheeling with 400 students.

Since the Legislature has not changed the state law and no religious exemption is provided in West Virginia law, we will continue enforcing vaccine requirements, Justin Zimmerman, Linsleys head of school, wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch. As an independent and private boarding school with students from 24 countries and multiple states, the immunizations required under current law help to protect our community.

Private school isnt an option for 10 year-old Maxwell Jackson, who is diagnosed with FOXG-1 syndrome, a hereditary genetic condition that requires him to use a wheelchair and feeding tube full time. Maxwell, who lives in Kanawha County, requires a full-time nurse and other accommodations available only in public school.

Marisa Jackson, his mother, said that the syndrome also suppresses Maxwells immune system. A common cold can turn into pneumonia, she said. Now, as the nation is experiencing a wave of measles cases, Jackson, 42, worries about her sons future should the executive order stand.

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The governor is saying, No, Im going to do this because this is what I want, she said, noting that elected lawmakers declined to loosen the states vaccination requirements. [Morrisey] is not representing the people of West Virginia.

Morrisey forces public schools to comply

According to Morriseys executive order, a writing signed by the objector is enough to establish a religious exemption to the states vaccination mandates. It doesnt require a signature from a doctor or religious leader.

Families in West Virginia are already using executive order to bypass the states school vaccination requirements. As of March, DoH had approved 186 vaccine exemption requests.

As students are enrolling for the coming year, state schools Superintendent Michele Blatt issued a memo May 2 to county superintendents recommending that students not be allowed to attend schools next year without the required vaccinations.

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We are faced with the fact that state law has not been changed by the Legislature and there is no religious exemption provided for in West Virginia law, Blatt wrote.

Wood County school nurse Alisa Shepler said the memo from Blatt was a solid document that told them how to move forward with vaccination requirements in public schools. Prior to that, she said, nurses werent sure what the state policy was on immunizations following the legislative session.

When that memo came out Friday, I can guarantee that every school nurse in that whole State of West Virginia did a happy dance, she said.

Before the day was over, Blatt rescinded the memo at the request of Morrisey. She is now working with the governors office to issue clear guidance to schools about how to comply with the executive order.

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The Governors office has informed me that the West Virginia Department of Health will continue to review and grant religious exemptions to compulsory school vaccine requirements, and counties should honor those exemption requests that have been duly granted, Blatt wrote in a statement.

Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, issued a statement Monday, saying that the governors orders cant be trumped by bureaucrats.

Superintendent Blatts memo was wrong, both legally and morally, Hess Crouse wrote in a statement. School boards do not have the legal authority to defy the Executive Branch, and no bureaucrat has the power to erase parental rights with a single-page memo.

Shepler said she was highly disappointed with the about face.

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I went from like, Thank goodness we have, like, clear, solid directions, to I cant believe this just happened, she said.

Chandra Adkins, a mother and leader of West Virginians for Health Freedom leader, said schools currently enrolling students havent been informing families about the new religious exemption option.

Additionally, she said that parents who have already used the religious exemption under the executive order are concerned about its future.

Because the law didnt pass, theres a lot of confusion, said Adkins, who lives in Beckley. Parents are scared, and they want their kids to go to school, and if they utilize the exemption now, they want them to be able to go to school in the fall. People shouldnt have to worry that a state agency is coming after them.

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Jackson said the changes to school immunization requirements may force her son, Maxwell, to now learn strictly from home.

He couldnt be around peers his own age, she said.

Taking a page out of President Trumps playbook

West Virginias school vaccination law is one of the strictest in the nation. All states require that students attending school be vaccinated for certain infectious diseases. Until this year, the state was one of only five states that allow only medical exemptions  not religious or philosophical exemptions to those vaccine requirements.

Adkins, whose group has around 4,000 members, said parents should be informed of their rights.

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People should have informed consent, she said.

Morrisey asked the GOP-led legislature to codify his executive order. Without the change to state law, he said that the exemption is being lawfully permitted through the Equal Protection for Religion Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice in 2023.

Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, said that after the memos on Friday, the only way to resolve the issue is through litigation. Someone needs to file a lawsuit to strike down the governors executive order, he said.

The Legislature does have authority and the governor does not. I think thats clear, Garcia said. But the governor is kind of taking a page out of President [Donald] Trumps playbook of just either ignoring or violating the law when it doesnt suit his policy preferences. And I think hes on a course to make someone or some entity challenge him, and hes going to keep doing what hes doing until that happens.

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Russia set up large screens and a stage at a border crossing with Estonia to blast its Victory Day commemorations to Kremlin sympathisers on the other side.

Footage showed the installations pointing directly at Estonia from the Russian end of the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Narva River and links the Estonian city of Narva with Ivangorod.

A giant stage is decorated with a picture of a Red Army soldier along with the phrases We Remember! and 1945-2025.

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The screens are adorned with the ribbon of St George  a Russian military symbol commonly used to show support for the invasion of Ukraine.

Narva is a Russian-speaking city with a majority ethnic Russian population, and Vladimir Putin has a history of sending propaganda over the border.

Russia is preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany on Friday with celebrations that officials in Moscow have promised to be the grandest ever.

Xi Jinping will be among 20 world leaders attending the main parade in Moscows Red Square  designed to show off Moscows military might  despite security concerns and the cancellations of events elsewhere in Russia. His three-day visit will be used to discuss the development of the two countries strategic partnership, the Kremlin says.

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The Russian capital was forced to close all of its airports after Moscow was targeted by a swarm of Ukrainian drones for the second night in a row.

Credit: X / nexta_tv

At least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow from different directions, causing no major destruction or injuries, said Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of the city.

Flights were halted at all four of Moscows airports for several hours and a number of regional airports were closed, Russias aviation watchdog said.

At least 105 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed over 11 regions, according to Russias defence ministry. Ukrainian drone attacks on Monday had also disrupted flights to the city.

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has said that his country cannot guarantee the safety of foreign delegations joining the celebrations in Moscow.

Our position is very simple for all countries travelling to Russia on May 9. We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation, because we dont know what Russia will do these days, he said.

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety for 20 world leaders attending Victory Day parades in the Russian capital - Eva Korinkova

Putin last week declared a three-day ceasefire between May 8 and 10 to coincide with the event.

But Mr Zelensky has dismissed the 72-hour truce offer as a theatrical performance designed to protect Moscow during the parade. Instead, he called on Russia to commit to a US-proposed immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

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Xi will be joined by Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, and several of Putins European allies, including Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president.

Robert Fico, the Slovakian prime minister, said he would also be in Moscow for the occasion, despite Kaja Kallas, the EUs top diplomat, warning the unions member states against attending.

But uncertainty still surrounds Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian president, who had pledged to attend but has suddenly fallen ill. Brussels had warned Mr Vucic that his presence would violate EU membership criteria and could risk hurting Serbias accession process to the 27-member bloc.

Indias Narendra Modi will not attend the parade because of the growing tensions with Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir last month.

A Russian army convoy made up of tanks and other military vehicles travel through central Moscow during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade - ALEXANDER NEMENOV

Victory Day is one of the most important dates in Russias calendar, acting as a tribute to the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany, in which 27 million Soviet citizens died.

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During Putins 25 years in power, he has helped turn May 9 into a grandiose nationwide event celebrating patriotism, statehood and the military, which has swelled in size since the start of the war in Ukraine.

A large military parade will take place on Moscows Red Square, where Putin addresses the nation. Smaller regional parades will take place across the country.

But the deployment of most of Russias military hardware and personnel has limited the scale of the parade and festivities in the past three years.

Air threats every night

Moscow has also not ruled out that North Korean troops  thousands of which helped Russia oust Ukrainian forces from its Kursk region  will take part in the Red Square parade for the first time.

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The Kremlin has also been forced to cancel the Victory Day parade on the occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea for the third year in a row, citing security concerns.

The southern Russian region of Krasnador has also called off the celebrations. An air threat is announced almost every night. Of course, we cannot risk the residents of Krasnodar, those who come to the parade, the participants in the parade, said Mikhail Razvozhaev, Krasnadors regional governor .

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WARE, Mass. (WWLP)  Birds were chirping and there was little traffic on Main Street in Ware Monday morning, despite the damage of the weekend storm.

Saturdays storm left power lines down and pulled trees out of the ground in several neighborhoods. One business on Main Street told 22News they never lost power. Needle Therapy, a local tattoo shop, said business is back to usual.

Springfield continues storm cleanup after heavy rainfall

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Over the weekend, the Ware Fire Department responded to over 30 calls within 24 hours with limited staffing. High winds ripped trees completely out of the ground, some landing on local cars. Branches were also stuck in between power lines, wires blocking the road, making it difficult to get home.

At one point on Saturday, more than 14,000 homes were without power across the state, including several homes in Ware. On Monday morning, wires were still down on Old Gilbertville Road. Cumberland Farms in Palmer never lost power.

People who did lose power in the surrounding areas did come to our business to buy excess amount of things like water and milk, said Eric Olivera of Ware.

A typically quiet Ware received support from crews in nearby towns, as resources are limited. Ware Fire said no one was hurt during the weekend storm. Currently, about five homes in Ware are without power.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A three-vehicle crash that injured two motorcyclists last week in Lebanon County is under investigation, police said.

A man riding a 2004 Yamaha motorcycle crossed into the other lane and crashed into a car on North Fort Zellers Road, near North Kalbach Road in Newmanstown, just before 7:30 pm. on Thursday, Millcreek Township Police said Monday.

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The motorcyclist continued and crashed into a 2024 Yamaha motorcycle, police said.

Both riders were taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries, police said. Meanwhile, the driver of the car was not hurt.

Helmets were also worn by both motorcyclists, police noted.

The crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety is seeking the communitys help in identifying a person of interest connected to an assault.

MSU Police say in a Facebook post that the assault occurred during a commencement ceremony at the Breslin Center on May 4.

Person of interest (MSU Police and Public Safety) Person of interest (MSU Police and Public Safety)

Police report that it was a physical assault, but have not confirmed any additional details. Police are also not confirming when during the day it happened or how many victims were involved.

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If you have any information, contact Detective Martha Brushaber at BrushaberM@police.msu.edu or 517-884-9414.

You can also submit an anonymous tip by texting MSUPD to CRIMES (274637), or Crime Stoppers of Mid Michigan at 517-483-STOP (7867).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Tariffs on imported Chinese goods are now at 145%, so how much more can West Virginians expect to pay?

Despite previous claims that the economic impact of tariffs on Americans would be temporary, President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Americans should buy less to make up for the associated rising costs. For West Virginians, however, the cost hikes may not have as much of an impact as in some other states.

A ranking published by Investors Observer last week said that West Virginia imported approximately $193 million in goods from China in 2024, which is only 4% of the states imports. Those imports also only made up about 4% worth of West Virginias gross domestic product (GDP).

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By comparison, California, which has the highest percentage of Chinese imports, gets 25% of its imports from China, totaling $122 billion in 2024.

Previous Coverage

In a ranking of all states, West Virginia is the 6th least reliant on Chinese imports. However, West Virginians will still likely see inflated costs on consumer goods and Chinese products, including from popular bargain shopping websites like Shein and Temu.

West Virginia could also be impacted by retaliatory tariffs on coal from China; China raised the tariff on goods imported from the U.S. to 125% last month.

The states expected to see the least impact from tariffs on Chinese imports are Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota and Vermont, according to a ranking from Investor Observer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Multiple women who authorities said endured unimaginable trauma were rescued following an undercover human trafficking investigation in Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said its investigation revealed that two women and a possible third victim were being controlled by Deune Dukes, 38, with drugs and physical violence.

PHOTOS: 32 rescued after 63-foot Lamborghini yacht sinks in Florida

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According to investigators, Dukes forced the victims to engage in sexual acts in exchange for drugs. Detectives noted that at least two of the women had visible bruises.

Authorities believe Dukes may have also been grooming a fourth victim but had not forced her to perform sexual acts at the time of his arrest on April 1, the sheriffs office said.

Body camera video showed deputies placing Dukes into handcuffs in the backyard of a home that afternoon.

A search of Dukes home turned up multiple drugs, including methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine, MDMA and Suboxone patches, according to authorities.

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He also had multiple active warrants due to failing to appear in court for previous drug, battery and theft charges.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Offices most recent investigation resulted in the following charges against Dukes:

Coerce for commercial sex act by human trafficking (x2)

Deriving support from proceeds of prostitution (x2)

Trafficking in amphetamine 28 to 200 grams

Possession of cocaine

Possession of controlled substance (x2)

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Officials said Selah Freedom, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit based in Florida, offered the victims support after their rescue.

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Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes we confront, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. These survivors endured unimaginable trauma. Our top priority is protecting the vulnerable and making sure every predator responsible is held fully accountable.

Anyone with information about human trafficking or in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office immediately at 813-247-8200.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  Detectives with the Midwest City Police Department are asking

for the public to assist in a larceny investigation.

MWC PD seeks public help in larceny investigation, Image courtesy Midwest City Police Department MWC PD seeks public help in larceny investigation, Image courtesy Midwest City Police Department MWC PD seeks public help in larceny investigation, Image courtesy Midwest City Police Department MWC PD seeks public help in larceny investigation, Image courtesy Midwest City Police Department

Authorities say, the male (shown above) in photos is wanted for questioning regarding a larceny

which occurred on 4.08.2025.

Multiple people shot during fight in NW OKC

If you recognize this man or his vehicle, which appears to be a matte gray Dodge Durango with black wheels, you are encouraged to contact (405) 739-1328.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
KABUL, May 6 (Xinhua) -- At least three commuters lost their lives and 33 others sustained injuries as a passenger bus turned turtle in north Afghanistan's Samangan province, the provincial police office said in a statement on Tuesday.

The mishap took place in the province's Khalm district, along the highway linking the capital Kabul with the northern Balkh province on Tuesday morning. The ill-fated bus was heading from Kabul to the northern Jawzjan province.

All the injured have been shifted to the provincial hospital of Samangan province for treatment, the statement said.

Reckless driving was blamed for the road accident. 
After Myanmar was struck by a powerful earthquake on March 28, the leader of the countrys military junta, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, issued a rare call for international aid. Teams of rescue workers were sent from across the region, with the bulk of support provided by China, India and Myanmars fellow member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

Previous military juntas in Myanmar have been known to refuse foreign help after disasters. It therefore came as a surprise to some that this inward-looking regime, which toppled the democratically elected government led by the National League for Democracy, or NLD, in a 2021 coup, should issue such a plea.

Certainly the vast scale of devastation from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake played a role. The quake left almost 4,000 people dead and more than 5,000 injured, according to the latest reports. Near the epicenter in the central region of Sagaing, the destruction was extensive, with the countrys second-largest city, Mandalay, among the hardest-hit areas. Hundreds of buildings there were flattened, leaving many people trapped under rubble.

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Yet there was arguably more than just the scale of the damage that prompted the call for help: The earthquake struck at a time when the junta was seeking legitimacy and recognition from abroad to shore up its fragile rule, after years of military losses at the hands of resistance forces.

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For their part, regional states also appear keen to resume engagement with the junta and step up their faltering diplomatic efforts to end Myanmars post-coup conflict. In this sense, the earthquake may provide an opportunity to welcome Min Aung Hlaing back from isolation, in a way that previously would not have been politically tenable. ASEAN, with Malaysia as its chair for 2025, has made moves in this direction after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok alongside former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in mid-April.

That follows the juntas improved relations over the past year with neighboring powers China and India, both of which want a return to stability along their borders and aim to retain their strategic stakes in Myanmar, including large-scale infrastructure projects. Combined with those earlier efforts, the unfolding post-earthquake outreach by ASEAN leaders could yet offer the junta a lifeline. It also reflects the cold reality that the junta, which still enjoys a firm grip on Naypyidaw and central areas of the country, remains a primary actor that external powers must deal with if they are to influence events on the ground.

Anwars Outreach

ASEANs efforts to influence the trajectory in Myanmar over the past four years have made no headway. A five-point consensus agreed by the bloc in April 2021, just months after the coup, has served as little more than a loose plan for envisioned peace talks that have never taken place. The nonbinding consensus calls for the cessation of violence and dialogue among all parties, mediated by an ASEAN special envoy. Yet given ASEANs principle of non-interference, it is effectively worthless without the juntas compliance, which has not been forthcoming. Instead, the regimes lack of engagement with the plan led ASEAN to bar senior figures from the junta-run governmentknown as the State Administration Council, or SACfrom attending high-level meetings of the bloc.

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In December, however, the blocs foreign ministers reportedly held frank discussions on how to move forward on Myanmar, with Thailand indicating for the first time that ASEAN may ultimately have no choice but to engage with the junta whether or not the regime is seen as legitimate in Myanmar. Indications of a shifting approach were further visible at the start of Malaysias tenure as ASEANs rotating chair in January. After a regional meeting held in Langkawi that month, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told reporters that his government wants to know what Myanmar has in mind, though he was careful to add that halting violence must be the priority before any political resolution.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Anwar felt empowered to go further with this outreach, opening a direct dialogue channel with Min Aung Hlaing for the first time. During their April 17 meeting in Bangkokthe first between an ASEAN chair and the junta leader since the coupAnwar said that, in addition to talks on humanitarian aid, he had discussed the importance of returning the country to normalcy and pushed for the extension of a temporary ceasefire declared by the junta from April 2-22. Yet despite Anwar receiving assurances from Min Aung Hlaing, the ceasefire was extended only for a short period, until April 30. The regime had declared its initial 20-day halt to fighting in response to earlier, unilateral ceasefires announced by forces affiliated with the opposition National Unity Government, or NUG, and by the Three Brotherhood Alliance of powerful ethnic rebel groups in Shan state. However, sporadic fighting has still been reported, including junta airstrikes on opposition-held areas, with aerial attacks continuing even after Anwars pleas.

Anwar held virtual talks with NUG representatives on April 18 and said ASEAN would look to maintain dialogue with both sides going forward. Yet critics argue that the junta should not be given a platform equal to the NUG, which includes elected NLD politicians who were ousted by the coup. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, or APHRa body composed of progressive regional lawmakerswarned that the Bangkok talks with Min Aung Hlaing risked legitimizing a regime responsible for widespread atrocities and undermined efforts to restore democracy. It added that the people of Myanmar have made their rejection of the Juntas rule abundantly clear.

It is reasonable to assume that with Malaysia taking part in the talks and Thailand playing host, two of the most liberal-minded states in ASEAN are open to further engagement directly with the junta, absent preconditions. It is difficult to foresee any of the other seven ASEAN member stateswith several authoritarian regimes among themstanding in the way of future talks.

Regional Powers

Such considerations for China have never been a problem. Until last year, though, Beijing had kept the junta at arms length and provided tacit approval for rebel offensives against regime troops along its border. Beijing did not object, for example, when two powerful members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance with which it has long had close tiesthe Taang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAAlaunched the most audacious assault of the war in late 2023. Known as Operation 1027, the offensive saw rebels quickly capture swathes of territory in Shan state, eventually taking the regional capital, Lashio, last August. Yet reports suggest rebels are now preparing to hand the city back to the junta in a deal brokered by China.

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Fearing state collapse, and in a move to shore up the juntas status as the main power base in Myanmar, China has sought to reverse some of the gains of Operation 1027 and prevent rebels in the powerful Shan alliance from moving into central Myanmar, where NUG-affiliated armed groups have struggled to make inroads against the junta. After the fall of Lashio, China reportedly shut down trade along the border with rebel-held territories in eastern Myanmar, stemming the flow of weapons, ammunition and basic goods. In addition, power, water and internet connectivity were temporarily cut to the MNDAAs stronghold of Kokang. Chinese pressure was ultimately successful in reining in the rebels, leading to a ceasefire in Shan, while ensuring the juntas rule in the central plains.

As Beijings support for the rebel factions has waned, it has begun to more publicly back the junta. After four years of conflict, China appears to have calculated that Min Aung Hlaing is sticking around and is key to ensuring a stable environment for its Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure projects in the country. These include a planned railway and energy pipelines that will provide a shortcut connecting China to the Indian Ocean.

Beijing has also thrown its weight behind the juntas plan to hold an election by early 2026 as a resolution to the ongoing political crisis. Many observers, though, consider that any such poll would be illegitimate, as the juntas main rival, the NLD, was dissolved in 2023 after failing to register under the regimes new rules on political parties. As a result, the political forces participating in the vote would likely be a collection of military proxies, with no real opposition representation. At best, this would leave Myanmar as a quasi-democracy with the generals still pulling the levers of power. But its unclear what this would resolve, as the military has already tried releasing its grip on Myanmar once and did not like the outcome, allowing the NLD to govern after winning elections in 2015 and 2020, only to reverse course with its coup just months after the second vote.

Meanwhile, after initially adopting a wait-and-see approach following the coup, India has also signaled its willingness to engage with the junta, although to a lesser extent than Beijing. Last June, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar urged his Myanmar counterpart Than Swe to ensure that Indias investment projects in the country, including in conflict-wracked Rakhine state, were protected. Just days after the earthquake, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of a regional summit for Bay of Bengal countries, also the first such meeting since before the coup. While not supporting the juntas planned elections per se, Modi indicated that democracy should be restored and that any such polls should be inclusive and credible. He also stressed that there was no military solution to the crisis that has unfolded since 2021.

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Indias reason for maintaining a stake in Myanmar is clear. For New Delhi, Naypyidaws closer relations with Beijing are a concern given the two Asian giants strategic rivalry. India also has an obvious interest in maintaining stability along its 1,000-mile-long border with Myanmar in the northeast, mirroring Chinas own concerns on the other side of the country. Like China, too, India has concluded that the junta is still the primary actor to deal with. Indias outreach will likely be aided by Myanmars narrow range of allies, as New Delhi could provide a useful counter to overreliance on China as well as on longstanding supporter Russia.

That these actors, and ASEAN, have provided the bulk of aid to Myanmar in the aftermath of Marchs earthquake is no surprise. It reflects not only their capabilities and geographical proximity, but also a willingness to cooperate with the junta. The United States, once a major donor, has abandoned its leading role under U.S. President Donald Trump, while European states are wary of sending aid via the regime in Naypyidaw.

More broadly, the U.S. and Europe are preoccupied with their own disputes and the war in Ukraine. It is no surprise that many in Myanmars pro-democracy resistance movement feel abandoned by the West, despite decades of support for Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD. In the context of external efforts to help end Myanmars conflict, it is only willing regional powers that really matterpresenting both the junta and the Myanmar people with few other options.

Michael Hart is a writer and researcher covering conflict and postwar issues in Southeast Asia. He has researched for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), and has contributed to publications including World Politics Review, The Diplomat, and Asia Sentinel. He is Editorial and Social Media Coordinator at The Pacific Review journal, based at the University of Warwick.

More Asia Coverage:

Read all of our the Asia-Pacific region coverage here.

The post Myanmars Earthquake Is Handing the Junta a Path Out of Isolation appeared first on World Politics Review.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  In-N-Out has confirmed another property in Albuquerque that it is possibly considering building a restaurant on.

The 2.19-acre commercial lot is located on Albuquerques west side, off of Coors Boulevard and just south of St Josephs Drive. According to Bernalillo County Property Records, In-N-Out Burger owns the lot.

A representative for the burger chain said it is still too early to tell if they will be able to build at that location.

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We are very early in the pre-development process and are simply not able to predict when, or even if, we will be able to obtain the approvals necessary to construct a store at 3811 Coors Blvd. NW., but we remain hopeful that we will be able to serve that community in the future, Mike Abbate, vice president of store development, wrote in an email to KRQE.

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The dirt lot owned by In-N-Out is situated next to more vacant land that other companies, such as 7 Brew coffee shop, are starting to build on. Across St Josephs Drive sit Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Blakes Lotaburger, Verizon, and The Learning Experience day care center.

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Last week, Abbate confirmed that the company is also eyeing property near Cottonwood Mall to build a drive-through restaurant. However, that plan is also not set in stone, he explained.

In-N-Out first announced that it would expand to New Mexico in 2023, saying it would open in Albuquerque in 2027. Shortly after that announcement, UNM disclosed that an In-N-Out restaurant would be built on the universitys South Campus on the northeast corner of Gibson and I-25.

New Mexicans currently have to travel out of state to eat at the burger chain.

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ROME (AP)  The first clue of the next pope's direction will be the name the winner chooses.

The announcement Habemus Papam  We have a pope"  from the balcony of St. Peters Basilica is followed first by the revelation of the new pontiff's baptismal name, in Latin, followed by his papal name, wrought with meaning.

A Pope Francis II would signify continuity with the late pontiff's pastoral legacy and his prioritizing of the marginalized. Francis himself quipped that his successor would be John XXIV, after the progressive Vatican II-era pope. The most popular papal name of the 20th century, Pius, would be a clear signal that a traditionalist is taking back the throne of St. Peter.

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In the deepest recesses of their mind, when they start the conclave, everyone will walk in there with a name in their head," said Natalia Imperatori-Lee, chair of religious studies at Manhattan University.

History of papal names

For most of the Catholic Church's first millennium, popes used their given names. The first exception was the 6th century Roman Mercurius, who had been named for a pagan god and chose the more appropriate name of John II.

The practice of adopting a new name became ingrained during the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose names of early church bishops out of a desire to signify continuity," said the Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University.

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For many centuries, new popes tended to choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to cardinal. John was the most popular, chosen by 23 popes, followed by Benedict and Gregory, each with 16.

Only starting in the mid-20th century did new popes begin to choose names signaling the aim of their papacy, Regoli said.

Even now, as we are waiting for the new pope, the name with which he will present himself will help us to understand the horizon towards which he wants to proceed," Regoli said.

Some names have been out of use for centuries, like Urban or Innocent.

I dont think anyone will pick Innocent, Imperatori-Lee said, given the abuse and other scandals that have rocked the church. I dont think that would be the right choice."

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Recent names

FRANCIS: Pope Francis, elected in 2013, took the name of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility, life of poverty and love of all creatures. With it, Francis signaled a papacy focused on those who are often seen as outsiders, including the poor, prisoners and the LGBTQ+ community, while promoting peace, brotherhood and care of the environment.

BENEDICT: Last chosen by German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, elected in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted to pay homage to Benedict XV, who led the church during World War I and dedicated himself to healing the rifts of war, and to the 6th century St. Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, who helped spread Christianity throughout Europe. One of Benedict XVIs priorities was trying to revive the faith in Europe. If we get a Benedict, then we will know that the cardinals chose to see Francis as an anomaly," Imperatori-Lee said.

JOHN PAUL: The papacy's first composite name was chosen by Cardinal Albino Luciani in 1978 to honor Pope John XXIII, who opened the Vatican Council II process that reformed the Catholic Church, and Paul VI, who closed it. The name signaled a commitment to reforms, including sidelining the Latin Mass in favor of local languages and opening to other faiths, most significantly Judaism. John Paul Is papacy lasted just 33 days. Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who succeeded him, chose the name John Paul II.

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JOHN: Chosen 23 times by popes, most recently in 1958 by Pope John XXIII. John can refer to St. John the Apostle, one of Jesus' 12 apostles and the author of one of the Gospels, or St. John the Baptist, the prophet who baptized Jesus. John the XXIII was a pope that no one expected a lot from, but had a colossal impact on the church," Imperatori-Lee said. So that could be a sign of what they want their pontificate to be like."

PAUL: Chosen six times, most recently in 1963 by Paul VI. St. Paul the Apostle spread the teachings of Jesus in the 1st century.

PIUS: It is associated with popes known for their traditionalist, anti-reform bent. Pius IX ordered the kidnapping of the Jewish boy Edgardo Mortara in 1858 and raised him Catholic in the Vatican after learning he had been secretly baptized by a housekeeper; Pius X was the early 20th century anti-modernist who inspired the anti-Vatican II schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X; Pius XII was the World War II-era pope criticized for not speaking out sufficiently about the Holocaust. "It is now a name that is hostage to some Catholic groups that can be considered traditionalists," Regoli said.

New directions

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A new pope is free to choose a name never used before, as Francis did.

This would open a new season and could mean that his program is not in line with any of his predecessors, so an even more personalized program," Regoli said.

Imperatori-Lee suggested another name that might signal a continuation of Francis' legacy: Ignatius, for the founder of Francis' Jesuit order.

It would be interesting," she said. "We've never had one of those."
New Mexico has significantly improved funding and enrollment in preschool, according to a recently released national report. (Photo courtesy of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department)

New Mexicos national rankings for preschool education have improved significantly due to increases in enrollment and funding, according to a recently released report.

The National Institute for Early Education Research, a nonpartisan research organization established at Rutgers University, released its 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook last week, which looks at access to preschool, quality of programs and state funding. According to the report, New Mexico pre-K served record high percentages of children aged 3 and 4 between 2023 and 2024. The state improved to sixth in the country for preschool accessibility for 3-year-olds to 12th in the country for access for 4-year-olds  New Mexico was 13th in both areas in the previous report.

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New Mexico also moved from 14th to fifth in the country for state spending per child. The total amount spent by the state more than doubled from the previous year to nearly $212.9 million, which translated to about $13,200 per child, according to the report.

The state appropriated nearly $100 million to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department from the Land Grant Permanent Fund, further increasing funding to pre-K programs, Head Start and other community-based programs. New Mexico was one of six states to increase funding by more than $100 million between 2023 and 2024, according to the report.

These investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure that every child in New Mexico has access to high-quality, world-class early education and care, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success, Early Childhood Education and Care Department Sec. Elizabeth Groginsky told Source in a written statement.

She said the NIEER reports findings reflect the steps the state has taken toward a cradle-to-career education system for New Mexico children. She added that legislative investments have funded 20,375 preschool slots for fiscal year 2026.

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Kate Noble, president and CEO of advocacy organization Growing Up New Mexico, told Source NM that the $100 million appropriation was the largest increase in funding to early childhood in the states history.

New Mexico has, I think, been fortunate to have an administration and Legislature that really understands the importance of investing in early childhood, and theyve been willing to make significant commitments, Noble said. Its not just funding the system properly thats important, but its also the way that we havebeen holding it and talking about it in our communities.

Noble said expansions to funding play important roles in increasing enrollment, expanding classroom capacity and investing in teachers, but the idea of universal pre-K remains rooted in New Mexico communities. The state now has a cycle, she said, of expanding funding, expanding community knowledge and engagement and therefore, expanding child participation.

We have this sort of social appreciation for it that has also shifted measurably over the past six years since the Early Childhood Education and Care Department came into existence, Noble said.

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The NIEER report also looks at several benchmarks such as teacher qualifications, class sizes, learning standards and health screenings. New Mexico met nine out of 10 benchmarks. The state fell short of the benchmark for all early education teachers to have a bachelor of arts degree.

When states put money into quality preschool programs, they are investing in childrens futures and can expect to see strong returns on their investments. New Mexico leaders have put the right quality standards and per-pupil funding levels in place to ensure that pre-K programs adequately support childrens development and result in the lasting gains that ultimately deliver savings for taxpayers, W. Steven Barnett, NIEERs senior director and founder, said in a statement.

Noble said theres no question that New Mexico is a leader in expanding early childhood education in its thinking, in its rhetoric and in its actions. She added that the state should also start seeing the investments made in early childhood start to translate into positive outcomes as children grow and make their way through the educational system.

Investment without quality is not going to get us anywhere, she said. It does take time because children need to grow, but we have studied pre-K. It does have positive outcomes that extend into school-age years. And New Mexico has made significant investments and really should start to reap the benefits of what weve done.

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Noble told Source that she believes the state needs to show a similar focus on home visiting, a program that supports families and can often be a first step in screening for developmental delays in children aged 0 to 3. Home visitors can then refer families for early intervention to help mitigate delays before a child enters K-12 school. She said there also needs to be a focus on early childhood workforce in the state through professional development and increased wages to reflect the benefit to society they provide.

Groginsky told Source that the state is working to support educators through a pay parity program, matching compensation between early childhood teachers and K-12 teachers based on credentials and experience.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  This Saturday, the National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive takes place. This initiative happens every second Saturday in May.

Mail carriers collect non-perishable food items from peoples mailboxes to deliver to local food pantries. The United States Postal Service invites residents nationwide to donate these non-perishable foods by placing them in a bag near their mailbox.

Rural offices participate voluntarily, to find out if your office is taking part in stamping out hunger click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
May 6AUSTIN  The Nature Conservancy in Texas (TNC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are pleased to announce the purchase of Heath Canyon Ranch, a 671-acre property located just outside Big Bend National Park.

TNC purchased the property, which will be managed by TPWD as part of the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA), for nearly $1.2 million with funding from Horizon Foundation, WoodNext Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation.

"We are thrilled that the property is now in the hands of TPWD, and that this beautiful location along the river will continue to be available for the enjoyment of Texans and visitors alike while ensuring the protection of the habitat for wildlife to thrive," said Suzanne Scott, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas.

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The acquisition of Heath Canyon Ranch is a significant step toward ongoing conservation efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems across West Texas while also providing Texans with access to park lands for recreation.

"We are fortunate to have TNC as a conservation partner and through their generous support, TPWD is able to grow our public lands footprint," said Alan Cain, TPWD Wildlife Division Director. "The Heath Canyon addition will expand outdoor recreational opportunities from river access, to hiking, wildlife viewing and public hunting. We are excited for Texans to enjoy this unique property."

Located between Big Bend National Park, Black Gap WMA, other state-owned lands and the nearly 10,000-acre Brushy Canyon Preserve, Heath Canyon Ranch once created a considerable gap in a vast area of protected lands. Its purchase preserves a tract of high quality, relatively unaltered wildlife habitat surrounded by other protected areas. This place of high ecological diversity serves as a refuge for a variety of species, including more than 250 plant species  several of which are found nowhere else on earth.

The property also includes 1.2 miles of river frontage on a stretch of the Rio Grande that flows year-round and is an important site for public access to protected lands in the area. The ranch is the only take-out point for the popular Boquillas Canyon multi-day river trip through Big Bend National Park and one of the only river access points for the remote and scenic Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande  Texas' only designated National Wild and Scenic River. TPWD and NPS plan to establish a long-term natural resource management plan and a system for providing sustainable low-impact public access.

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"Black Gap WMA looks forward to continuing to work with all our neighbors and partners that helped with this purchase and can't express enough how excited we are to acquire this property," said Travis Smith, TPWD Black Gap WMA Biologist. "This is an amazing addition to the WMA and will not only ensure river access for future generations but protect a very unique habitat."

Jeff Francell, Associate Director of Land Protection for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, shared, "As a former river guide, I am extremely pleased that The Nature Conservancy, along with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and several private foundations, were able to work so quickly to secure the property, funding and long-term management of this critical natural resource and public access point to the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande River."

TNC, TPWD and NPS have a long history of working together to accomplish large-scale land and water protection in the Big Bend area, including the expansion of the national park. This project has helped further successful conservation work in a region that hosts one of the nation's most important ecosystems and contains immense biological and cultural resources.
(Photo: Wichayada Suwanachun/Getty Images)

Ivermectin would be available without prescription from North Carolina pharmacists under a bill moving quickly through the state House.

The drug is FDA-approved for use to treat parasitic infections and skin conditions. It is also used to treat parasitic infections in animals. Ivermectin for humans is now available only by prescription.

The drug became more widely used during the pandemic as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccines, and some claimed it helped prevent COVID infections.

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Though some small, early studies suggested ivermectin could be an effective COVID treatment, larger clinical trials found that it does not help.

State legislatures this year are interested in allowing greater access to the drug.

Rep. Jonathan Almond (R-Cabarrus), House Bill 618s lead sponsor, said 14 states are considering similar bills. At least three states, Idaho, Tennessee, and Arkansas, have laws allowing purchases without prescriptions.

Tennessee has had its law since 2022. Governors in Idaho and Arkansas signed ivermectin laws this year.

The renewed interest is fueled by right-wing influencers, the New York Times reported.

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Though North Carolina buyers would not need ivermectin prescriptions, they would need to ask pharmacists for it.

Its about access, Almond said. Costs to obtain ivermectin would be lower because people would not need to see a doctor for a prescription, he said.

Allowing over-the-counter ivermectin purchases would be a sharp departure from the states position during the pandemic. The former state health director sent a letter to doctors in 2021 cautioning them about prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID.

Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) questioned whether using ivermectin with a prescription is safe. Studies show that there can be severe side effects using this drug without a prescription or doctors oversight, she said.

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The FDA warns that taking ivermectin in large doses can be dangerous, and even at approved doses it can interact with other medications.

During the pandemic, poison control centers reported spikes in calls for ivermectin overdoses, NPR reported. People boasted of purchasing ivermectin meant for animals from tractor supply stores.

Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort) read a list of side effects, and suggested ivermectins side effects were not as severe as those for aspirin.

There are a lot of people who take ivermectin, he said. I can tell you that I know a number of people personally who took ivermectin during COVID. And they got immediate relief as a result of taking ivermectin.

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The bill had enough votes to move out of the House Judiciary 3 and House Rules Committees on Tuesday on its way to the House floor.

Three speakers told the Judiciary Committee ivermectin improved their health. It would be safer for people to buy it at pharmacies rather than from overseas suppliers or animal feed stores, they said.

Kathy Page of Alamance County said ivermectin helped her recover from serious illnesses. She has taken ivermectin prescribed by a holistic doctor for about a year, she said, and imagines she may continue for the rest of her life.

Purchases from the pharmacy are safer than buying ivermectin meant for animals and having to figure out the human dosage, she told the committee.
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A Brevard man was sentenced to serve between six to 12 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman while she slept in 2023.

Related video: Violent crime statistics

The Transylvania County District Attorney sentenced 29-year-old Antonio Lajuan Lucas to the minimum term of 73 months and a maximum term of 148 months after Lucas pleaded guilty just before jury selection.

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According to reports, Lucas was charged with second-degree sexual offense.

An investigation and court records said that on May 11, 2023, the victim attended an overnight birthday party and woke to find Lucas digitally penetrating her, despite not being romantically involved and only knowing Lucas as an acquaintance.

A release from the district attorney said two more women came forward with similar stories involving Lucas.

When someone sexually violates a person, helpless or not, they will be prosecuted accordingly, said Andrew Murray, District Attorney for Henderson, Polk and Transylvania Counties. Prison is the appropriate place for a man who preys on women when sleeping.

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Lucas will have to register as a sex offender for 30 years after his release.

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A gavel rests upon an open law book. (Getty Images)

LINCOLN  More than a dozen state lawyers groups have signed onto to a letter affirming an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, including the preservation of an independent judiciary and a right to a legal defense.

The letter, drafted by the officers of the Nebraska Bar Association and released on Law Day, May 1, was designed to respond to the noise created about the meaning of the rule of law stirred up by actions of the Trump administration in recent weeks, a designated spokesman of the lawyers group said.

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This isnt pointed at any particular issue or any particular case. This is what Nebraska lawyers say, when you hear talk about the rule of law, said Ken Hartman, an Omaha attorney and president-elect designate of the Bar Association.

Theres just a lot of noise out there about the rule of law, in a lot of different ways, Hartman said. This is what we see as the core principles of the rule of law.

Statement doesnt name Trump

The Bars statement  which doesnt name Trump  comes as some legal groups have criticized steps taken by President Donald Trump and his second administration, including the disregard of a U.S. Supreme Court order to return a Maryland man wrongly deported, the hasty deportation of 200 other men to a prison in El Salvador and the perp walk arrest of a Wisconsin judge.

The statement comes a week after several current and former law professors at the University of Nebraska College of Law signed a letter stating that the rule of law was in peril and urged the states congressional delegation to take steps to safeguard it.

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Hartman said Bar officials were unaware of the NU law professors letter. He did acknowledge, though, that the issuance of the letter was not a normal part of recognizing Law Day, and was in response to a perception that the rule of law was under attack.

We think its important that Nebraskans know what we as lawyers think, he said.

Principles of legal system matter

The letter, signed by 12 other legal associations in the state and the deans of the states two law schools, outlines four foundational principles that uphold our democratic republic: the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and the right to a vigorous defense.

Upon our admission to the practice of law, Nebraska lawyers take an oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Nebraska, the lawyers wrote. Regardless of practice area, political affiliation, or position, the undersigned organizations are united in their defense of the rule of law and these core principles of our constitution and justice system.

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The law cannot defend itself; the rule of law endures because of the vigilance and commitment of those sworn to uphold it, the letter concludes.

Judges, it states, should be free from political pressure or fear of reprisal.

Everyone, it states, is entitled to a fair hearing and a vigorous defense  regardless of their popularity, public opinion or the nature of the legal issue at hand.

It called the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government the cornerstone of our constitutional framework that serves as a check and balance that prevents abuse.

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Everyone stands subject and accountable to the law, the letter read.

Recent events spurred reaction

The Trump administration has come under fire from some for disregarding the high courts order directing it to facilitate the return of the Maryland man wrongfully detained and flown to a prison in El Salvador  a deportation the administration later conceded was an administrative error.

Others have questioned whether those flown to the El Salvador prison were denied constitutionally guaranteed due process rights that require the government to provide evidence in court showing why someone should be deported, and allowing those targeted a chance to contest and rebut the evidence.

Trump has also retaliated against some private law firms that represented people challenging him and his administrations actions. Some law firms cut deals with the president and others challenged him.

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More recently, controversy stirred after a Wisconsin judge was arrested by the FBI for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant in her courtroom avoid arrest  an arrest that was highly publicized, leading some to say it was intended to intimidate judges.

Hartman said that once the Bar Associations officers drafted the letter, other legal groups were invited to sign on. He said he could recall only one group, the Omaha Bar Association, that did not sign on. But Hartman said he was unclear if it was because of a timing issue or because they didnt agree.

Nebraska Bar Association letter

Besides the Bar Association, those signing the letter were:

Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys

Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association

Nebraska Defense Counsel Association

Adams County Bar Association

Buffalo County Bar Association

Dawson County Bar Association

Dodge County Bar Association

Lincoln Bar Association

Sarpy County Bar Association

Saunders County Bar Association

Scotts Bluff County Bar Association

Legal Aid of Nebraska

Richard Moberly, (in his individual capacity) Dean, University of Nebraska College of Law

Joshua P. Fershee (in his individual capacity) Dean, Creighton University School of Law

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DHAKA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh and Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help safe migration from the South Asian country.

Bangladeshi Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi signed the deal in Dhaka on Tuesday.

One of key outcomes of Piantedosi's visit to Dhaka was the signing of the MoU on Migration and Mobility between the two governments, according to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Piantedosi concluded his two-day visit to Dhaka on Tuesday, which was described as a reaffirmation of longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Italy, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and common interests.

For Bangladesh, the MoU reflects the government's commitment to expand overseas labor markets, secure remittance inflows, and improve lives through legal migration pathways.

The MoU will help Italy ease labor shortages while promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Currently, some 400,000 Bangladeshis live and work in Italy. A total of 2,589 Bangladeshis have reportedly arrived in Italy through the Mediterranean during January and February of this year, a sharp increase from 1,206 over the same period in 2024. 
Nehring's Sendik's on Downer, an east side grocery store and bar, has been closed by the Milwaukee Health Department following discovery of rodent activity during recent inspections.

The health department said the business, located at 2643 N. Downer Ave., was closed May 5. Officials described a growing rodent problem over the last three weeks.

Nehring's Sendik's on Downer was closed by the health department following pest activity.

During a routine inspection on April 15, officials found rodent droppings in a basement storage area away from food, according to an inspection report. On April 29, a reinspection revealed expanded rodent activity in the dry food storage area, a report says.

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The health department warned owners that any further spread would lead to closure.

Then, on May 5, inspectors discovered fresh mouse and rat droppings throughout the basement storage and first-floor areas, including the kitchen and retail space, prompting the closure by the health department, according to a report.

John and Anne Nehring purchased the store from Tony Sendik in 2013. The Sendik family had owned the store since 1929. The Nehrings couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

The health department said the Nehrings have been advised to clean and sanitize all affected areas and work with a licensed pest control provider. The health department will then do a reinspection to see if the store can be reopened.

This story was updated to add a photo gallery.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nehring's Sendik's on Downer in Milwaukee closed for pest activity
Proposed legislation in North Carolina that would allow utility Duke Energy to charge customers for power plants still under construction is taking heat from opponents across the political spectrum, in part because similar schemes have left residents in neighboring states holding the bag for pricey abandoned nuclear projects.

The failed expansion of South Carolinas V.C. Summer nuclear plant is the most notable example. After nearly a decade of ballooning costs and construction delays, utilities gave up on the project in 2017, and consumers are still paying down a $9 billion price tag.

The pay-up-front provision was a key factor leading to the catastrophe on the customer side, South Carolina Rep. Nathan Ballentine, a Republican, wrote in a recent opinion piece for The Butner-Creedmoor News, a North Carolina outlet.

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We learned the hard way that this type of provision benefits only the utility, while the cost of its failure is borne by every hardworking family and business that pay their electric bills, Ballentine says in the April 29 article. Let the experience that rocked South Carolina be a cautionary tale for North Carolinas Senate Bill 261.

Ballentine isnt the only conservative sounding the alarm about SB 261. National nonprofit Conservatives for a Clean Energy Future released a poll last week in which 650 likely North Carolina voters were asked if they supported or opposed legislation to allow utilities to charge residents for up-front plant construction costs. More than three-fourths said they opposed, including 75% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 77% of unaffiliated voters.

North Carolina voters of every kind oppose putting consumers on the hook for risky spending on power plants that might never produce a single watt of energy, Dee Stewart, whose political consulting firm conducted the poll, said in a news release. You dont buy a house until its built, and you dont pay for a car before its available.  Lawmakers would be wise to reject this ill-advised proposal.

Meanwhile, clean energy advocates believe the bill would likely sweeten Dukes appetite for large new gas plants more so than nuclear ones. That could make the legislation, which also aims to erase the utilitys obligation to cut carbon emissions by 2030, a double whammy for climate progress.

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SB 261 has passed the Senate and is now in the House committee on rules and operations. The text of the bill was also inserted into the Senates version of the state budget, which awaits action in the House Appropriations Committee.

How North Carolina pays for power plants today

A basic tenet of the utility regulatory compact is that shareholders bear the risk and cost of power plant construction. In exchange, these investors are guaranteed a customer base that repays them, plus profit, once facilities are producing electricity.

This dynamic has long disfavored nuclear power, with its protracted construction timelines, astronomical costs, and episodic concerns about safety. Especially since the fracking boom began some two decades ago, Wall Street has judged natural gas the better bet.

This century, only two new nuclear projects have made it across the finish line in the U.S. The most recent, Southern Co.s Vogtle plant in Georgia, came fully online last year, with the utility finishing the second of two reactors that were about seven years behind schedule and $16 billion over budget.

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Vogtle was made possible partly by policymakers who scrambled the regulatory compact, allowing investors to recoup their outlays as the plant was under construction and to shift the burden of cost overruns to consumers. Thanks to similar policies in other states, the Southeast is dotted with examples of customers still paying for nuclear forays that never came to fruition.

North Carolina already allows Duke to recoup ongoing construction costs for plants but only after regulators scrutinize those plans via a general rate case  a heavily-litigated and time-consuming process that currently occurs about every three years.

By contrast, SB 261 would allow Duke to seek rate increases as often as every 12 months to recoup outlays for building baseload plants, which can provide electricity around the clock. While regulators would still have to ensure the charges were prudent, they would do so without a full picture of the utilitys finances. Many experts believe such single-issue ratemaking can be worse for consumers than the holistic approach.

Legislation could harm states nuclear energy aspirations

Duke has no plans for a large, Vogtle-style nuclear reactor right now, and the earliest it envisions bringing a small modular reactor online is in 2035, according to its latest long-range plans. Thats part of why Justin Somelofske, senior regulatory counsel for the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, said the construction-cost provision will likely benefit plans to build gas plants in the near term.

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As power demand grows nationwide, Duke and other utilities are all trying to build more gas plants, Somelofske said. That is going to constrain the supply chain and increase the demand for these turbines and units and run up costs.

Duke could be eager to see those costs recouped annually rather than waiting for a general rate case. The effect, said Somelofske, is that SB 261 could pave the way for more carbon-based resources powering our grid.

Then there is the other part of the bill, which would erase the 2030 deadline by which Duke must cut its carbon pollution 70% from 2005 levels. Regulators have already allowed the company to plan to miss the date by about five years. It must still reach carbon neutrality by 2050, but without a midway target, advocates believe Duke is likely to build gas plants to meet baseload needs.

In modeling the bills impact, North Carolinas consumer advocacy agency, Public Staff, estimated that Duke would build half as much nuclear energy by 2035 as the utility recently projected in its long-term plan, according to Tyler Norris, a Duke University doctoral fellow who previously worked as a solar developer and as a special advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Repealing the interim standard significantly weakens the rationale for nuclear deployment in the 2030s, Norris wrote in March in his Power & Policy newsletter.

Advocates say it also decreases the rationale for building solar, wind, and other renewables. What the interim target does, said Somelofske, is require the utility to scrutinize all the best available technologies that can be deployed in the near term and interim term and not wait until we're past the point of no return on climate change and meeting the 2050 deadline.

Still, arguments about the climate crisis arent likely to carry the day in a General Assembly where Republicans are just one vote shy of a supermajority and the ability to override vetoes from Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat. The fate of SB 261 will likely hinge on the level of support for the cost-recovery provision, and even some of the bills backers want to see that section amended.

Kevin Martin, head of the manufacturing and industry trade group Carolina Utility Customers Association, previously told Canary Media that SB 261 needs more guardrails to protect customers, although he also said his group is directionally supportive of the bill.

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Testifying on behalf of the conservative John Locke Foundation, lobbyist Drew Heath told the Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee that his organization supports the bill, but it wants clarification on the section allowing Duke to charge customers for the up-front cost of power plants.

We have questions about the cost-recovery system, Jon Sanders, director of the foundations Center for Food, Power, and Life, told Canary Media. We are curious what may happen to that aspect in House debates.


Paul Murphy, a senior director with Orsted, discusses the assembly of offshore wind turbine components for the Revolution Wind project at ProvPort in June 2024. A new federal lawsuit co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha alleges the Trump administration's orders and actions have derailed the nascent wind industry. (Photo by Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)

Rhode Islands laws, along with its economy, energy prices and resilience against climate change, hinge upon offshore wind projects now at risk under President Donald Trumps administration, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha contends.

Which is why Neronha joined with 17 other Democratic attorneys general in asking a federal judge to block the federal administration from its unlawful attempt to halt the offshore wind sector.

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The 101-page federal lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts on Monday marks the latest in a frenzy of legal challenges attacking Trump policies regarding education, immigration, research funding, public health, and grants and aid to state governments, among others.

Mere hours after taking office, this President issued an executive order reaffirming his commitment to dismantling substantial clean energy progress in this country, Neronha said in a statement Monday. 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. 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.

The complaint argues that Trump and federal agencies violated separation of powers protections under the Administrative Procedure Act in reversing longstanding federal policy to promote offshore wind. It also contends the named defendants  including the U.S. departments of interior, agriculture, energy, treasury and commerce and their secretaries and the bureaus of land management and ocean energy management and their directors  violated federal environmental laws enshrining proper permitting and approval proceedings to protect clean air, endangered species and the ocean floor.

Renewable energy, including wind-powered electricity, has enjoyed bipartisan support dating back to the early oughts under President George H. W. Bushs administration, which saw the industry grow by 400%. During Trumps first term in office, federal agencies charged with overseeing leasing and permitting for offshore wind projects held seven auctions for new offshore wind leases and granted multiple leases to project developers, the lawsuit states.

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Yet when Trump took office on Jan. 20, he issued a memo indefinitely pausing federal reviews and approvals for offshore wind projects. The amorphous redundant, extra-statutory, and multi-agency review wreaked havoc on the nascent industry almost immediately, the lawsuit states.

The Wind Directive has stopped most wind-energy development in its tracks, despite the fact that wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the countrys electricity, the complaint states.

The 17 other attorneys general who joined the lawsuit with Neronha represent Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.

They have asked a federal judge to declare Trumps Jan. 20 memo unlawful and stop the named federal agencies and cabinet directors from delaying or preventing wind energy development.

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Matthew Nies, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice, declined to comment on the lawsuit in an emailed response Tuesday.

Offshore wind turbine blades being unloaded at the Port of Davisville in North Kingstown in 2023. (Courtesy Quonset Development Corporation)

SouthCoast Wind review pushed back

In Rhode Island, where construction on the 704-megawatt Revolution Wind project was already underway after securing all requisite federal and state approvals, advocates remained initially optimistic.

Rhode Island Energy was also in the midst of negotiations to buy another 200 megawatts of nameplate capacity wind electricity from a second project, SouthCoast Wind, at the time of Trumps Jan. 20 memo. The wind project to be built off the coast of Marthas Vineyard had already received seven out of 10 federal permits at the time. But suddenly, the expected completion date for its remaining federal reviews was extended, from March 27, 2025, to June 26, 2025, according to the lawsuit.

Rhode Island Energy has since pushed back its contract signing date with SouthCoast Wind developers, with multiple parties citing uncertainty in federal policy as one reason for the longer-than-anticipated negotiations. The utility company, along with companies in Massachusetts, now expects to finalize the deals setting energy purchase prices by June 30.

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We are watching this latest development, along with many others, to see how it may impact the development of the SouthCoast Wind project, Caroline Pretyman, a Rhode Island Energy spokesperson, said of the lawsuit in an emailed response Tuesday.

Headwinds slowing the offshore wind industry intensified last month, after the U.S. Department of Interior ordered developers of an already-permitted wind project off New York, Empire Wind, to halt construction. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in the April 16 directive that the project, approved under the Biden administration, was rushed and its approval granted without sufficient analysis.

Meaghan Wims, a spokesperson for Revolution Wind, declined to comment on any correspondence from federal agencies to the project developer in an email on April 18. Wims said there were no additional updates when contacted again Tuesday. The project being built off the coast of Block Island is expected to be completed in 2026, according to its website.

SouthCoast Wind in response to inquiries last month after the Empire Wind directive referred back to its federal online permitting dashboard. The dashboard shows an expected June 25 completion date for all remaining permits under review  the same as was listed prior to the Empire Wind stop-work order.

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A spokesperson for SouthCoast Wind also did not immediately respond to follow-up questions Tuesday.

Wind-powered electricity set to grow Rhode Islands clean energy portfolio is critical to meet its climate change goals, codified under the 2021 Act on Climate Law and a 2022 law requiring the state achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2033.

The Wind Directive also harms Rhode Islands ability to protect its residents, as part of a broader effort, from the growing impacts of climate change, the complaint states. As outlined above, delaying or preventing development of new wind energy in the region prevents New England states, including Rhode Island, from bringing new energy resources online that are important to ensure a reliable grid and cleaner renewable energy, and to combat the price volatility related to continued reliance on fossil fuels in the region.

Updated to include a comment from Rhode Island Energy and Meaghan Wims, a spokesperson for the Revolution Wind project.

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Delays and cancellations continued to upend operations at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said some air traffic controllers are taking time off following recent outages.

The turmoil also comes after United Airlines said over the weekend that it would cut 35 daily flights from the airport located not far from New York City.

Inbound flight delays have hit an average of 2 hours and 41 minutes, per officials.

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Heres what to know about the situation:

How did the delays begin?

On April 28, air traffic controllers briefly lost communication  for about 90 seconds  with planes at Newark Airport.

Controllers at a Philadelphia control center, who were responsible for monitoring air traffic in and out of the airport, lost radar and communications with the flights. They were unable to see, hear, or talk to them, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said, according to The New York Times.

The blackout and communication breakdown led to hundreds of flights being delayed or canceled. Three dozen flights were also diverted that day, said Aidan ODonnell, the general manager of New Jersey airports, the Times reported.

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The situation worsened when air traffic controllers took absences under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which allows federal workers who are injured or experience a trauma on the job to take time off.

Airline response

In a letter to customers Friday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby highlighted the tension between his company and the FAA in regard to efforts to permanently and structurally fix the agency. Those challenges boiled over last week, he said.

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, he wrote.

Kirby said the issues were compounded when about 20 percent of the airports air traffic controllers took their absence. He warned customers that Newark Airport cannot handle the number of incoming and outgoing planes in the next weeks and months without adequate staff.

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The United executive said the airline was looking to minimize the impact the staffing and technology issues the Newark Airport will have on customers when announcing the airline would cut 35 daily flights to the region.

He said the companys been urging the government for years to limit flights to what specific airports can realistically handle. Kirby shared that he recently spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and said he was pleased the Trump administration had a proposal for modernizing the FAA.

Trump administration action

Since taking office earlier this year, the Trump administration has sought to fix the FAAs outdated air traffic control system and address the shortage of controllers.

Duffy previously announced the efforts and unveiled a program that would recruit new controllers while incentivizing existing ones not to leave their positions, despite previous caps on how long they could stay in the role.

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In a statement Monday, the FAA said it was working to make sure current telecommunications equipment is more reliable in the New York area.

Frequent equipment and telecommunications outages can be stressful for controllers, the agency said, noting some who work at Newark have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages.

FAA officials said while the agency cannot replace the controllers who took a leave of absence quickly, it continues to train controllers who will one day be assigned to the Newark area.

Duffy said earlier this week that he and President Trump are going to radically transform air traffic control by building a brand new system that is the envy of the world. He outlined some of the priorities in an interview with Fox News on Monday and suggested more details would emerge Thursday.

Outdated technology worsening issue

The FAA has admitted that its technology systems are outdated and in need of updating.

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According to a March report from Forbes, 92 percent of the FAAs budget is spent on maintaining obsolete technologies, including floppy disks.

A Government Accountability Office report from 2024 found that the FAA urgently needed to modernize its aging systems, noting that many platforms managing air traffic were unsustainable. The FAA then determined that 51 of its 138 systems were unsustainable due to outdated technology or products.

The agency has been slow to modernize the most critical and at-risk systems, the report said, noting that some modernization efforts would not be completed for six to 13 years.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) released a budget reconciliation proposal that would allocate $15 billion to modernize the FAAs air traffic control technology.

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Duffy has stated that he intends to supercharge staffing amid shortages and direct funding to updating the FAAs systems.

He said during a Monday interview that the Newark-area primary communication line and backup had been fixed but the outage showed the country has a frail system in place.

Updated at 11:30 a.m. EDT

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U.S. spy agencies do not believe that the Venezuelan government has authority over the Tren de Aragua ganga development that directly contradicts Trumps justification for his illegal, extrajudicial deportations of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador.

While Venezuelas permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States, a memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence read, according to The New York Times.

Trump has been claiming the exact opposite since he invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in March to summarily round up Venezuelan immigrants and deport them without basic due process.

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Trump first invoked the wartime powers act in March, asserting that this is a time of war. Because Biden allowed millions of people, many of them criminals, many of them at the highest level. Other nations emptied their jails into the United States, its an invasion. These are criminals, many many criminals  murderers, drug dealers at the highest level, drug lords. People from mental institutions. Thats an invasion. He also said Tren de Aragua gang members were committing crimes in the United States at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

The memo directly delegitimizes his argument, further confirming that Trump is operating well outside the bounds of his executive powers.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  In Rome, the Cardinals are gathering for the final time before electing the New Pope. Meetings at the Vatican have been underway since last week, and the 133 Cardinals participating in the voting have been preparing. Theyre expected to take their Oaths of Secrecy before they cast their first ballots.

How long was the longest conclave? Facts about the secret voting to elect a pope

The Sistine Chapel has already undergone a week-long transformation following the funeral of Pope Francis. As tradition dictates, all windows in the Conclave zone are darkened to guarantee privacy, and nearly 80 access points around the perimeter were sealed with lead.

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Father Mark Gantley, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Honolulu said its hard to know how long the Conclave is expected to last because of the fact, he says, that many of the Cardinals dont know each other. If there is a clear front runner, then it could be quick. But Pope Francis appointed many cardinals from the peripheries  from remote locations. Pope Francis also chose to meet with a smaller number of cardinals for regular advice rather than the whole College of Cardinals. This is more practical, but as a result the cardinals gathered less frequently and havent gotten to know each other, other than those who work at the Vatican.

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Father Gantley said the Conclave has relevance to the people of Hawaii.

He explained the biggest significance is that the new Pope will be appointing Hawaiis new Bishop. Bishop Silva, the Bishop of Honolulu for the past 20 years, turned 75 this past August and was required by Canon Law to submit his letter of resignation to the Holy Father, which he did. Of course, he could still be with us another couple of years, as these things take time. Bishop Silva was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and is in line with the bishops appointed by Pope Benedict. Pope Francis appointed Bishops of a different style. So, Father Gantley said it will be interesting to see what will happen.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
With the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the worlds attention now turns to who will replace him.

Predicting who will be chosen as the next leader of the worlds 1.2 billion Catholics is notoriously fraught with difficulties. In theory, any baptised Catholic male could be made Pope.

In practice, however, the next pontiff will likely be drawn from the cardinals who will gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican for the secret papal election known as the conclave.

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After Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013, very few Vatican observers predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina would be elected as Pope Francis.

This time around, there are no stand-out candidates, making the guessing game even more challenging.

But there are names of potential papabile (likely candidates for the papacy) swirling around the corridors of the Vatican.

Their diverse origins reflect the vast global reach of the Catholic Church.

The contest is likely to come down to a battle between progressives who applaud the late popes comparatively liberal stance on divorcees, gays and the plight of refugees, and conservatives who loathed his agenda.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67

The frontrunner in the betting markets would be the first Asian pope.

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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, is a name often mentioned among liberals within the Catholic Church.

Dubbed the Asian Francis for his good humour and progressive views, he has some of Pope Francis humility  at the seminary in the Philippines where he lived for about 20 years, his room had no air-conditioning or television.

Even when made a bishop, he eschewed a car and went to work in a bus or jeepney.

Edward Pentin, a Vatican expert and the author of The Next Pope: The Leading Cardinal Candidates, said: Five or six years ago, he was Pope Franciss favourite to succeed him. Hes head of the important new super-dicastery for evangelisation. Hes quite a strong contender. And hes still relatively young,

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His age may count against him, however  cardinals are wary of appointing a relatively young man because his papacy could last decades, thwarting their own ambitions and squeezing their chances of one day being elected.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76

A key adviser to Pope Francis on issues such as climate change and social justice, Cardinal Peter Turkson would be the first black pope.

Born in Ghana, Pope John Paul II appointed him archbishop of Cape Coast in 1992 and, 11 years later, made him the first cardinal in the history of the West African state.

Promotions continued under John Pauls successor, Benedict, who brought him to the Vatican in 2009 and made him the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace  the body that promotes social justice, human rights and world peace.

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In that role, he was one of the Popes closest advisers on issues such as climate change and drew much attention by attending conferences such as the Davos Economic Forum.

Pope Francis merged Cardinal Turksons department in 2016 with three other offices, leading to what some saw as a power struggle between him and another cardinal.

Cardinal Turkson resigned from that role in 2021 and was appointed to head two pontifical academies on sciences and social sciences.

In 2023, he told the BBC he prayed against the possibility that he would be elected Pope, but some of his detractors said given his media appearances, it appeared he was campaigning for the job.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72

For the conservatives, there is Peter Erdo, a Hungarian cardinal and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.

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Mr Pentin said: Erdo is a leading contender for the conservative wing of the Church. People like him because he is a strong canonist  hes proficient in Church law.

Many Catholics feel that the Church needs to be brought back from a sense of ecclesiastical lawlessness that evolved under Francis. Erdo would be a safe pair of hands.

He ranks as a conservative in theology, and in speeches throughout Europe, he stresses the Christian roots of the continent. However, he is also seen to be pragmatic and never clashed openly with Francis, unlike other tradition-minded clerics.

That said, he raised eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Pope Francis call for churches to take in refugees, saying this would amount to human trafficking  seemingly aligning himself with Hungarys nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70

Pietro Parolin, the current secretary of state for the Vatican  in effect, its prime minister  is also considered to be a leading candidate.

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His profile rose during the Ukraine war as the Vatican presented itself as an honest broker that could eventually mediate with Moscow to bring the conflict to a close.

Thomas Reese, an American Catholic priest and the author of Inside the Vatican, said: Hes a very competent diplomat.

Hes been the brains behind Pope Francis international diplomacy. He doesnt put a foot wrong.

He is tarnished, however, by a property scandal in which the Vatican lost millions of euros through the bungled purchase of a former Harrods showroom in London.

Questions will be raised about whether he was incompetent or delegated responsibility to subordinates. Either way, something went wrong, and he was the boss. Theres an ongoing trial, so it could overshadow his papacy, said Father Reese, who is also a columnist for Religion News Service.

Other candidates

Another Italian in the mix is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, the Archbishop of Bologna, a progressive who is regarded as having been close to Francis. The 69-year-old is closely affiliated with the Sant Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic charity that was influential under Francis.

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Cardinal Zuppi has extensive experience of conflict resolution. He was part of SantEgidios team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambiques civil war in the 1990s and was named Francis peace envoy for the war in Ukraine, shuttling between Kyiv, Washington, Moscow and Beijing.

He was appointed a cardinal in 2019 and is regarded as a progressive in the mould of Francis. His relative youth may count against him  cardinals could be wary of appointing someone whose papacy could last for many years, concerned that the direction he takes the Church would become too entrenched.

Aside from Cardinal Parolin and Cardinal Zuppi, there is a third Italian name coming to the fore: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a 59-year-old Franciscan who is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He is Italian but has broad experience of the wider world, having spent decades in the Middle East.

He speaks Italian, Hebrew and English. His long years observing the Israel-Palestine conflict mean he is an expert at interfaith dialogue and mediation. He could be seen as a bridge between East and West. Francis appointed him a cardinal in 2023.

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There has never been a Pope from North America but some Vatican observers think Cardinal Robert Prevost may be in with a chance. Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old has plenty of experience working in the global south  he was a missionary in Peru and then an archbishop.

He is currently the head of the Vaticans powerful dicastery (department) for bishops, in charge of vetting nominations for bishops around the world. But like Cardinal Zuppi, his relative youth may weigh against him  cardinals could be reluctant to choose a pope who could reign for a couple of decades.

Cardinal Jose Tolentino Calaca de Mendonca is a candidate from the liberal wing of the Church. He comes from the Portuguese island of Madeira and was appointed by Pope Francis as head of a department for culture and education.

Staying within Europe, Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, the secretary-general of the Synod of bishops, is thought to have a decent chance of landing the top job.

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He is seen as having been close to Pope Francis but a conservative at heart, meaning he could fit the bill as a compromise candidate.

Another African who is being mentioned is Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, who has criticised gender ideology and denounced Islamic radicalism.

Other names of papabile (literally pope-able) cardinals include Jean-Marc Aveline from France, Joseph Tobin from the US, Juan Jose Omella Omella, the archbishop of Barcelona, and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo who, if elected, would become the first black pope.

Forecasting a winner is a risky business

Since Pope Francis was elected in 2013, he has appointed about two-thirds of the cardinals who are eligible to elect the next pope.

Close to half the cardinals are now from the global south. They have issues that are different to issues in Europe and the US. Theyre concerned about global warming, poverty, civil wars, corruption in government, said Father Reese.

All politics is local. Every cardinal wants to know how the next pope will be viewed in their country. Is he someone who will listen to me, who speaks my language? They could choose a cardinal from the global south.

Vatican rules state that cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority when they gather to vote in the conclave, which is held inside the Sistine Chapel. For now, there is no leading candidate.

There are so many variables, and the process is so opaque, that forecasting a winner is a risky business.



Last time around, when Benedict XVI resigned, I predicted that there was no way they would elect a Jesuit pope. They went ahead and elected a Jesuit pope. It proved how poor our understanding was, said Father Reese.

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DUBAI (Reuters) -A fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is likely to take place over the weekend in the capital of Oman, with Iranian state media pointing to May 11 as a probable date.

Iran's Nournews outlet was the first to report the resumption of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks for Sunday, citing an unnamed official.

Cautioning that the timing was not yet finalised, an Iranian source close to the negotiating team told Reuters: "The talks will take place over two days in Muscat, either on Saturday and Sunday or Sunday and Monday."

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Initially scheduled for May 3 in Rome, the fourth round of negotiations was postponed with mediator Oman citing "logistical reasons".

Top U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff also said Washington was trying to hold the next round of talks this weekend, according to the news site Axios, a day after Iran's foreign ministry reiterated Tehran's commitment to diplomacy with Washington.

Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday discussed the progress in talks between Iran and the United States with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said.

Putin said Russia was ready to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the U.S. to reach a fair agreement.

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Western countries say Iran's nuclear programme is geared towards producing weapons, whereas Iran insists it is purely for civilian purposes.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, has threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached with his administration to resolve the long-standing dispute.

"This is a very important time for Iran," Trump told reporters on Tuesday.

"They can't have a nuclear weapon and if they choose to go a different route, it's going to be a very sad thing, and it's something we don't want to have to do, but we have no choice," he said.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Dubai Newsroom; additional reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Kevin Liffey and Nia Williams)
Senior doctors have warned of an alarming threat to patient safety after figures showed that more than a million elderly people endure long waits in A&E.

A report from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) found that rising numbers of elderly and frail people are stuck in A&E, often on trolleys in corridors.

Figures obtained by RCEM under freedom of information rules show that 1.15 million people aged 60 or over waited more than 12 hours to be transferred, admitted or discharged in Englands major A&E departments last year.

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This is an increase on the 991,068 who waited 12 hours in 2023, and about three times the figure of 305,619 for 2019, the PA news agency reported.

The research also found that the likelihood of experiencing a 12-hour wait in an emergency department increased with the age of the patient.

People aged 60 to 69 had a 15 per cent chance of waiting 12 hours or more, whereas for those aged 90 and above the likelihood rose to 33 per cent.

The Royal College of Physicians earlier this year called for a zero-tolerance approach to |NHS hospital corridor care.

The RCEM, which has been looking in detail at the care older people receive, also found that many are missing out on vital checks in A&E.

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Its Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) study used data from 149 emergency departments about 24,865 patients.

Among patients over 75, the research found insufficient screening for three common conditions which frequently affect older people.

Although there have been some improvements, the report found:

Only 16 per cent of patients were screened for delirium  a reversible condition linked to increased risk of death and indicated by a sudden change in mental function.

On average, fewer than half (48 per cent) of patients were screened for their risk of falls.

Just over half (56 per cent) were screened for general frailty, which, if picked up early, can lead to prompt extra support in hospital and at home.

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The report recommended changes, including front door frailty screening in every A&E. This is already being introduced across Scotland.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the RCEM, said: The healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable patients  more than a million last year. These people are our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents.

They arent receiving the level of care they need, as they endure the longest stays in our emergency departments, often suffering degrading and dehumanising corridor care.

Its an alarming threat to patient safety. We know long stays are dangerous, especially for those who are elderly, and puts peoples lives at risk.

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He added: As our QIP highlights, more needs to be done to improve their care  vital tests need to get under way as soon as they arrive to inform the care they need and mitigate the risk of another visit to the emergency department.

There are good pockets of practice, and emergency medicine clinicians are trying their best to deliver the care they need. Its the system thats the issue, and will continue to disproportionally affect older people unless governments across the UK make A&E a political priority.

Dr Anu Mitra, the project lead of RCEMs care of older people QIP, said: Older people make up a large proportion of attendances to the emergency department, bringing greater health complexities and evolving care needs.

In the backdrop of worsening crowding and increasing long stays, emergency clinicians need to ensure they maintain the basic elements of care and comfort for older patients.

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Its been encouraging to see that, despite the challenging environments emergency medicine clinicians are working in, there has already been improvements in ensuring these patients are receiving the assessments they need. Its vital we continue this work for this vulnerable patient cohort, to meet their needs and provide the level of care they deserve.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: It is unacceptable that older people are waiting up to 12 hours or more in A&E.

This Government is investing 26 billion in the NHS and social care over the next two years, has ended the resident doctor strikes so staff are on the frontline and is committed to cutting A&E waiting times so patients are seen faster.

Through our 10-year health plan, we will ensure that patients, including older people, are seen promptly in A&E, waiting times continue to come down and more people get a GP appointment.

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NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri suggested locomotive engineers' wage proposal is not "grounded in reality" ahead of a possible strike next week. (Photo by Edwin J. Torres/N.J. Governors Office)

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri railed against the agencys locomotive engineers union before Assembly lawmakers Monday ahead of a looming strike, saying their request for larger pay increases puts them at odds with economic realities.

The NJ Transit Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen could strike as early as May 16 if the two sides do not reach an accord. Theyve remained at odds over the level of wage hikes, with engineers seeking increases that would bring their average salary to $190,000, while the agency has pushed for a contract that would bring that wage up to $172,000.

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If theres any citizen, private or government, in this environment whod get a $25,000 pay raise and say, No, no, thats not good enough, does that sound like a group of people who are grounded in reality, or more importantly, on what is actually happening in the world we live in? Kolluri told the Assemblys budget committee.

In written responses to questions asked through the Office of Legislative Services, NJ Transit warned it could face cost increases as a result of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, though it said it lacks the information needed to gauge the impact tariffs would have.

The agency said it had not lost any federal funding to date but warned of significant service reductions and drastic cost cutting if the federal government reduces its funding. NJ Transit is set to receive $334 million, about 10.5% of its total budget, in federal dollars for preventative maintenance in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

But its the strike that could provide the more immediate threat to the agency.

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Locomotive engineers have argued the higher salaries are necessary to compete with rail operators in New York.

A federal board that oversaw the dispute at an earlier stage found NJ Transit engineers were paid at least $10 less per hour than counterparts at Amtrak, the Long Island Railroad, and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad, though it found engineers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority were paid roughly 10% less than NJ Transit engineers.

The conclusion is that they live in New Jersey, they work in New Jersey, but they want to get paid like they live and work in New York, Kolluri said. Nice dream, isnt it?

A spokesperson for the union did not return a request for comment. Tom Haas, the unions general chairman representing engineers at NJ Transit, last week said in a statement that its NJ Transit that is not recognizing economic reality. The agencys engineers are leaving to find jobs at railroads that will pay them more, putting NJ Transit at risk of a severe shortage of people to run its trains, Haas said.

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It costs roughly $250,000 to train an engineer, and it takes time. High churn rates are not a good way to keep a railroad running. The better answer is to pay a competitive wage to help with both recruitment and retention, he said.

Mark Wallace, who ascended to become the unions national president on May 1, on Sunday warned his members will likely be on strike at New Jersey Transit this month.

Though NJ Transit and the union negotiated a contract earlier this year, locomotive engineers overwhelmingly rejected the agreement when it was put to a vote in April.

Kolluri has said the engineers contract proposal would require NJ Transit to raise fares by 17%, increase collections from a new corporate business tax that funds the agency by 27%, or drastically cut services to afford the engineers proposed wages.

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Union officials have said Kolluri has overstated the cost of their proposal.

The agency last week unveiled a mitigation plan for an eventual strike. That plan relies on bus trips from four designated park-and-ride lots but would only handle about 20% of the agencys daily rail riders. Kolluri on Monday repeated his plea that those who can work from home do so.

He added that New Yorks congestion pricing tolls on certain crossings into Manhattan would not fill any of the agencys forthcoming fiscal needs, warning that the steep tolls had not meaningfully increased ridership on NJ Transit trains.

In January, our numbers were down. In February, it was up by 3%, and were back to even par in March, Kolluri said.There arent any wild fluctuations because of congestion pricing.

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BERLIN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Friedrich Merz from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was elected German chancellor on Tuesday afternoon's second-round Bundestag voting. In the first round, Merz failed to secure a required majority in the parliament.

A total of 325 members of Germany's Bundestag, the country's lower house of parliament, voted for Merz, surpassing the 316 seats needed. In the first round earlier on Tuesday, Merz received 310 votes. He is also the first chancellor candidate since World War II to fail to be elected in the first round.

After the failure in the first round, Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner interrupted the plenary session. Parliamentary groups of political parties had hours of discussions before deciding to hold the second round of voting.

Following the election results, Merz headed for the Federal President's official residence, Schloss Bellevue, to be formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Merz will officially assume the office of federal chancellor and lead the new government formed by the Union bloc (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). 
May 5SANTA FE  The motive behind New Mexico lawmakers' official acts is irrelevant when it comes to determining whether they can be the target of lawsuits, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday.

The unanimous ruling by the state's highest court establishes  for the first time  the scope of legislative immunity, a doctrine that protects legislators from facing legal claims over their job-related actions.

It comes nearly five months after the Supreme Court ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the state Senate's top-ranking Democrat by a former senator who alleged he had been illegally retaliated against. The court indicated at the time it planned to issue a longer written ruling at a later date.

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The top Democrat, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque, had asked the Supreme Court to intervene after a state District Court judge denied Stewart's initial motion to dismiss the case, saying her motives needed to be scrutinized.

The case was filed by ex-Sen. Jacob Candelaria of Albuquerque in April 2022, several months before he resigned from the Senate.

In his lawsuit, he argued Stewart violated the state's Human Rights Act by moving his Senate seat and Capitol office location following his criticism of her behind-the-scenes handling of a personnel investigation involving a top legislative staffer.

However, the New Mexico Supreme Court in its Monday opinion ruled that Stewart was shielded by legislative immunity since her actions involved legislative resources and that her motive, or intent, for moving Candelaria's seat and office location was not relevant.

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"When legislative immunity applies, recourse is found not in the courts, but at the ballot box," Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson wrote in the court's ruling, which also cited cases in other states.

The Supreme Court also ordered District Court Judge Daniel Ramczyk of Albuquerque to dismiss Candelaria's original complaint.

While New Mexico's legislative immunity provision had been largely untested in the courts, the similar issue of presidential immunity has been a hot-button issue.

The U.S. Supreme Court in July 2024 ruled that former presidents can not be criminally prosecuted for acts taken while in office. The ruling hinged on the actions of Donald Trump, who then won election last November to a new four-year term.

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Specifically, New Mexico's Constitution says legislators shall not be "questioned in any other place for any speech or debate or for any vote cast in either house."

The state Constitution also protects lawmakers from arrest during legislative sessions, with certain exceptions.

In all, 43 states including New Mexico have constitutions that provide legislative immunity by protecting legislators from executive or judicial action, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
ORLANDO, Fla.  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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The crime scene around King Park in Milwaukee, where Sam Sharpe was killed by out-of-state police from Ohio. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

The Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office announced Monday that five officers from the Columbus, Ohio, police department will not be charged in the fatal shooting of Sam Sharpe, a man who was killed by the out-of-state officers during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 16.

Sharpe, 43, returned to Milwaukees King Park, where he was living in a tent for the last time to gather his belongings and his dog Ices to avoid a man whod allegedly begun harassing and threatening him, according to Sharpes family. Sharpe, who was remembered as positive and well-liked by other King Park residents, shared a fragile sense of shelter and community with numerous other unhoused locals. But when he encountered his alleged harasser that summer day, a confrontation ensued which ended in a volley of gunfire from police officers deployed to Milwaukee as part of the security force for the RNC.

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.

The day before the shooting, a group of housing rights activists, who had slept in King Park overnight, marched on the RNC. Law enforcement officials said after the shooting that the prior days protest had drawn the officers to King Park. Body camera footage showed the officers standing together just before the shooting, then noticing a fight occurring in the distance. The officers immediately unholstered their weapons and sprinted over, yelling commands before unleashing a torrent of gunfire.

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The district attorneys May 5 letter detailing the decision not to issue charges states that five officers fired a total of 23 times. Each of the officers  identified as Sgt. Adam Groves and officers Nick Mason, Austin Enos, Karl Eiginger, and Canaan Dick  told investigators that they feared that Sharpe, who was armed with knives, was an imminent threat to the other person in the confrontation, identified only as AB in the district attorneys letter.

Within hours people gathered at the scene to mourn Sharpe, who was known and beloved by housing outreach advocates and his family. Body camera and surveillance footage leaked online, and people were already beginning to discuss the fact that Sharpe had been the Columbus PDs eighth fatal shooting so far in 2024. Milwaukee police Chief Jeffrey Norman held a press conference, saying that the officers had acted to save a life.

The investigation found that the officers use of deadly force was justified under Wisconsin law, to prevent imminent harm to a civilian, that Sharpe ignored commands to drop the knives he was carrying and that the officers had a reasonable fear for the civilians safety.

Milwaukee PD officials said prior to the convention that their intent was to have out-of-state officers placed in positions where theyre not necessarily forward facing, and that outside officers were to be accompanied by Milwaukee officers, and were not to make arrests unless in urgent circumstances where local officers werent available.

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The investigation of Sharpes killing was led by the Greenfield PD as part of the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team (MAIT), a local task force which investigates officer-involved deaths. Angelique Sharpe, Sams sister, recounted the day that detectives came to her mothers home, escorted by Milwaukee officers. The department was already receiving criticism for not having accompanied the Columbus officers at King Park.

Police officers stand watch during the March on the RNC 2024 (Photo | Isiah Holmes)

They didnt really care, Angelique Sharpe told Wisconsin Examiner. The detectives had few answers to the familys questions, she said. After Sharpes death, his family said that he had been living in the park doing street preaching for the unhoused community, when he began getting harassed by a man who allegedly threatened to destroy his tent and harm his dog. Sharpe was generally in good spirits, his family said, but he suffered from illness including multiple sclerosis. Sharpe had returned to the park to gather his things and leave that day, his sister said, armed with knives because he was worried about his safety.

Angelique Sharpe told Wisconsin Examiner that MAIT detectives seemed uninterested in what she feels is important context. I feel like nobody has really investigated this case fully for what it was. The only thing that they cared about was the actual shooting itself. Not anything that led up to it. Not why any of them were in the street, what led up to that, or what happened, or verifying that he was robbed and beat up, Angelique said. Nobody checked any of that stuff or cared about any of that stuff. All they cared about was the police [were] justified in the few seconds  and I just dont feel like they was justified, because they shouldve never been there.

Angelique blames the Columbus officers, who she feels acted in haste, as well as Milwaukee officials who assured residents ahead of the RNC that out-of-state law enforcement would not patrol neighborhoods unsupervised. The whole case was handled poorly, she said.

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The fallout from the shooting continues to weigh on the Sharpe family. Sams dog Ices was taken by animal control, much to the dismay of Sharpes family. Ices was eventually returned, and later found a new owner.

Shortly after Sam died, someone mailed what appeared to be online court records of people with the last name Sharpe to the family, with a mocking letter saying another criminal off the street, Angelique told Wisconsin Examiner. Months passed before the family was able to obtain a death certificate, and organize a proper funeral for Sam, because of the ongoing investigation. Angelique said their mothers health declined as the whole ordeal took a toll.

Chalk art near where Sam Sharp was killed by out-of-state police from Ohio in King Park. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)

In a press release put out by the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Angelique Sharpe stated that her brother was found to have been shot 23 times, yet sustained 34 wounds. The math aint matching, she said. Its a miscarriage of justice and gross neglect of oversight on the part of MPD, who lied to the public to let killer cops run loose in one of the most vulnerable communities in our city. My brothers blood is on your hands regardless of the law continuing to support murderers behind badges.

After the district attorney received MAITs investigation for review, prosecutors met with Sharpes family members and their attorneys at the Greenfield Police Department. It became clear to the family that prosecutors were leaning toward not charging the officers, and that the shooting officers had retained lawyers. All of the involved officers refused to have their interviews recorded.

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Attorney Nate Cade, who represents the Sharpe family, said that a lack of recorded interviews is a common frustration, as police investigated by MAIT have the option to forego them. They dont record, they dictate what they think they hear, Cade told Wisconsin Examiner. Cade agrees with the Sharpe family that the lack of a Milwaukee police escort for the Columbus officers led to an avoidable escalation.

Tents around King Park in Milwaukee. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)

The Sharpe family is considering bringing a civil case. Protest actions are planned in the coming days.

From the moment it was announced that the RNC would be held in Milwaukee, the community was clear, the Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression said in a press release, we do not want outside law enforcement agencies unleashed on our community. The Alliance blamed local officials, including Mayor Calvalier Johnson and Chief Norman, for welcoming the RNC to Milwaukee.

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Hamas will no longer engage in ceasefire negotiations with Israel, seeing no point in doing so as long as the hunger war and extermination war continues on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian groups senior official.

Basem Naim told the AFP news agency on Tuesday that the international community must pressure the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings in Gaza.

There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip, he said.

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Naims remarks came a day after Netanyahu said the population of the enclave will be moved in an upcoming expanded military operation by Israeli forces that would reportedly entail the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories.

Nearly all of Gazas 2.3 million residents have been displaced multiple times since Israel began its war on the Palestinian enclave in October 2023.

Total blockade

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has grown increasingly dire since a total blockade was imposed by Israel on March 2, causing widespread food shortages as Israel carries out deadly attacks across the enclave.

Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said Palestinians are struggling to find food to feed their children with some forced to eat expired or rotten food, while others cannot find any form of sustenance.

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The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said this week that food supplies in Gaza have now completely run out in both local markets and humanitarian distribution centres.

The population is once again at extreme risk of famine, the PRCS said in its latest situation update. There is an inability to meet even the minimum daily needs of over a million displaced people.

According to the PRCS, only limited quantities of legumes are currently being distributed to community kitchens, as all previously stocked aid has been depleted.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) echoed these concerns, calling for the immediate entry of humanitarian aid and warning against its politicisation.

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The level of need among civilians in Gaza right now is overwhelming, said ICRC spokesperson Christian Cardon.

Under international humanitarian law, Israel has an obligation to use all means available to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population under its control are met, he added.

[Al Jazeera]

Awad, 39, who lives in a tent in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, told Al Jazeera on Monday that Israel has not stopped the war, the killing, the bombing, the destruction, the siege and the starvation  every day  so how can they talk about expanding military operations?

I call on the world to witness the famine that grows and spreads every day, he said.

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Aya al-Skafy, a resident of Gaza City, told Al Jazeera on Monday that her baby died because of malnutrition and medicine shortages last week.

She was four months old and weighed 2.8kg [6.2lb]. Because of severe malnutrition, she suffered from blood acidity, liver and kidney failure, and many other complications. Her hair and nails also fell out due to malnutrition.

Israeli plans

According to leaked plans, Israels government reportedly wants to severely restrict the way food is distributed in Gaza and is proposing that United States companies take over distribution from the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies.

Under the plan, Palestinian families would be allowed to take one food parcel a week in designated hubs in southern Gaza, and Israel would permit 60 trucks to enter the Gaza Strip every day  just one-tenth of whats needed, according to experts.

Aid groups in the UN have rejected this plan, saying its a pressure tactic to further reinforce control over life-saving supplies.




BALTIMORE  A federal judge rejected a white supremacists request to be tried again after the Florida resident was convicted of a conspiracy charge stemming from a plot to disrupt the Baltimore-area power grid.

Lawyers for Brandon Clint Russell, 29, had filed the motion for a new trial after the Department of Justice revealed additional payments by the FBI to an undercover informant who testified as a witness.

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar wrote in his opinion last week that the timing of the undisclosed payment, over $7,000 in expenses paid on the first day of jury selection, raises some concern. But the judge did not believe the payment was serious enough to overturn the guilty verdict and re-try Russell.

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The witness, who testified that he exchanged instant messages with Russell about putting holes in transformers to disrupt the power grid, had disclosed during the trial that the FBI had been paying him for several years as a confidential informant. A federal contractor by day, the witness testified that he had been paid roughly $70,000 over the course of four years by identifying illegal activity in online spaces for the FBI.

The Justice Department disclosed the additional $7,000 payment in March, over a month after jurors found Russell guilty, and said it was for the informants services and expenses for his trial preparation. Russells lawyers argued the informant had committed perjury by failing to disclose the additional payment, and wrote that they werent able to cross-examine him regarding his untruthful testimony.

Bredar wrote in his opinion that he was satisfied the jurys verdict against Russell was just and that there was no reasonable probability that a different result would have [been] obtained had the jury been informed of the [additional] payment.

The judge cautioned in his opinion that the additional payment, about 10% of what the informant had disclosed to jurors, was just on the threshold of significance.

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Russell is scheduled to be sentenced in June, though his lawyers have also asked Bredar to delay the sentencing hearing by a month. Bredar had not ruled on that motion as of Monday afternoon.

_________
Anti-fracking activists put up signs outside the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management meeting on Aug. 12 (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

There was no vote on whether 4,360 acres of land at Egypt Valley Wildlife Area would be approved to move forward to bidding for fracking during Mondays Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting.

I propose to bring this nomination up for discussion only today, OGLMC Chair Theresa White said.

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There was no discussion among the four other members of the commission.

Two other pieces of land on the agenda up for a vote were also brought up only for discussion by White  382 acres of land in Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area in Belmont and Harrison counties owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and nearly 10 acres of land along State Route 821 in Guernsey County owned by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

There was no discussion among the commissioners on these pieces of land either. All three nominations will be up for discussion again at the next OGLMC meeting.

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Fracking is the process of injecting liquid into the ground at a high pressure to extract oil or gas.

In a rare move, the commissioners denied a nomination for 52.619 acres of land in Belmont County along the right-of-way of State Route 7.

I want to point everyone to the comments we received from ODOT stating that they do not own the fee simple mineral rights for four of the parcels involved in this nomination, White said. I believe the statute is clear that we cannot approve a portion of a nomination. It has to be the whole thing. So as such, it would be my recommendation that we deny the nomination.

The commissioners unanimously voted to deny the nomination from moving forward.

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OGLMC did approve two areas of land to move forward to bidding for fracking during Mondays meeting.

The pieces of land are 3.64 acres in Valley Run Wildlife Area owned by the ODNR and less than an acre in Harrison County along the right-of-way along State Route 151 owned by ODOT. The nominations that were approved will go out to bid in July.

Mondays meeting started with about a 20 minute presentation from the Ohio Attorney Generals Office on procurement collusion.

It is a standard presentation that Ohio agencies may request, ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung said in an email. The OGLMC had the presentation during its public meeting to be transparent and to provide the information to the commission which is tasked with evaluating and awarding bids.

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A handful of people spoke out against fracking before the meeting started.

Fracking will cost us much more than it is ever worth, said Leatra Harper, managing director of the FreshWater Accountability Project. When the economic, environmental and public health harms from fracking can no longer be denied, and it is too late, what will your conscience tell you?

There were approximately 2,000 incidents associated with oil and gas wells in Ohio from 2015-2023, according to FracTracker Alliance  a nonprofit that collects data on fracking pipelines.

Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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The odds that President Donald Trumps controversial nominee to serve as US attorney for Washington, DC, reaches confirmation are rapidly diminishing as he faces public pushback from a key Republican on Capitol Hill.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a GOP swing vote, informed the White House on Monday he would not support the presidents nominee, Ed Martin, for the job.

Tillis, who serves on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee responsible for advancing Martin to a full Senate vote, also met with Martin Monday. Given the narrow margins on the panel, Tillis opposition could be enough to derail his nomination.

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The White House insists it is standing by Martin, with the president personally lobbying lawmakers to support him. If the nomination were to fail, it would stand as a significant blow to the administration and a rare instance of congressional Republicans breaking with the president over a high-profile pick.

Last week, Tillis told CNN he has serious questions about the nomination, given Martins previous comments denigrating police officers who defended the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack.

Most of my concerns are related to January 6, and he built a compelling case on some of the 15, 12 prosecutions that were probably heat of the moment bad decisions, he said Tuesday, adding: Where we probably have a difference is I think anybody that breached the perimeter should have been in prison for some period of time.

Martin did not appear on the agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committees meeting Thursday, setting him up to miss a critical deadline to be confirmed before his interim position expires on May 20.

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I want to put people on the agenda that I can help the president be successful in his nominees. And thats all I can say at this point. And if you want any other information, youre going to have to ask other members, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said of the panel not considering the nomination later this week.

Pressed on whether he did not think Martin could clear a committee vote, Grassley said, Im not saying that, Im just saying that I put people on the agenda when I can help the presidents nominees to be successful.

GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who serve on the panel, have privately expressed concerns about supporting Martin, as CNN has previously reported. But Cornyn, who faces a tough reelection battle, said Tuesday he would vote for Martin if he came up for a committee vote.

The president won an election on November the fifth, and I think hes entitled to some deference on his choices, Cornyn said.

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But upon learning that Tillis was against Martins nomination, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that would suggest that hes not probably going to get out of committee.

The Republican leader said he would not put the nomination up for full Senate consideration if it failed to make it out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Obviously, we would cross that bridge if and when we came to it, but it sounds like hes got problems committee-level, he told CNN.

Despite the setbacks over the past 24 hours, the White House is remaining bullish on Martins nomination.

The president has been making calls to Republican senators on Martins behalf, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, and Trump officials are consulting with legislative advisors Tuesday on possible next steps to try to move the nomination forward.

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Ed Martin is a fantastic U.S. Attorney for D.C. and will continue to implement the Presidents law-and-order agenda in Washington, White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said in a statement Tuesday. He is the right man for the job and we look forward to his confirmation.

Martins nomination process has been riddled with controversies since the president formally nominated him to the job in March.

Martin has had to update his mandated disclosure to Congress detailing all of his past media appearances at least three times after his initial filing failed to report appearances he had made in the past few years, including many on far-right outlets and Russian-state media.

He has also had to answer for his previous praise of a Capitol rioter who is an alleged Nazi sympathizer, despite his more recent denouncement. And he did not recall some of his most controversial past statements in response to a series of questions under oath put to him by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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During his short tenure as acting US attorney, Martin has drawn attention for having referred to the nations largest office of federal prosecutors as President Trumps [sic] lawyers, and demoting senior attorneys who worked on January 6, 2021, Capitol riot cases.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Ted Barrett contributed to this report.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Hundreds of workers and leaders at nonprofits across Massachusetts overwhelmingly agreed that the Bay State will fare worse under the Trump administration, voicing concerns about funding cuts and heightened stress on vulnerable populations.

New survey results published Monday by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, The Boston Foundation and MassINC Polling Group found that only 2% of nonprofit staff polled feel Massachusetts will be a little better off or much better off with President Donald Trump in office.

Ninety-one percent of respondents said the Bay State will be a little worse off or much worse off, with more than three in four selecting the latter, more dramatic assessment.

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Jim Klocke, CEO of the Mass. Nonprofit Network, described the results as indicative of an existential threat.

The nonprofit sector is under attack, as are other pillars of civil society, Klocke said at an event to unpack the survey. We have a long, hard road to travel, but we as a sector, we also have a lot of great strengths that we can bring to this work.

Nearly six in 10 organizations covered by the survey receive federal funding. Asked how their nonprofits work would be affected by the Trump administration, 31% said they think the administrations policies will impact the populations they serve professionally, 16% said federal policy conflicts with their organizations mission or values, and 11% described fear, anxiety or low morale as a result of the Trump administration.

The survey involved 523 respondents and ran between Feb. 25 and March 24. MassINC Polling Group President Steve Koczela said in that span, many nonprofit workers feared potential Trump administration actions and funding cuts that have since become reality.

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About 8% of respondents said they had lost federal funding during that February-to-March survey window. MassINC senior research associate Zayna Basma-Doyle added we anticipate that number would be a lot higher if we did the survey right now.

Koczela also said the pessimistic trend remained consistent across different facets of the nonprofit sector.

It varies only a little bit when you look at different nonprofits based on which populations they serve. In other words, they all pretty much  this is kind of the shape for all types of nonprofits and whoever they serve and whatever their mission is, Koczela said. Youre seeing 75 to 85% [think Massachusetts will be] much worse off, and 90 to 95% saying some variation of worse off.

More than 500,000 Bay Staters work at nonprofits, according to Klocke, who said more than 1.1 million residents also made charitable donations to nonprofits last year and hundreds of thousands more served as volunteers, board members and advisors.

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During his first four months in office, Trump has ramped up immigration enforcement, moved to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and sought to slow clean energy development such as offshore wind, many of which are ideas on which he campaigned.

Hes also pushed to curtail federal spending, including on grants and programs that both nonprofits and state governments use to help build their own budgets.

Its really not only federal dollars, because as federal dollars shift, the shape of the need shifts, and the shape of where philanthropic dollars go shifts  [thats] what a lot of nonprofit leaders are anticipating, Koczela said.

Most nonprofit workers who participated in the survey said they expect to face higher demand for programs and services they offer under Trump, and nine in 10 said the administration will make it harder to do their jobs.

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Diane Yentel, president of the National Council of Nonprofits, said at Mondays event she sees no way for the nonprofit sector to end this year in a neutral place.

Theres no way to end the year more or less where we started, Yentel said. Well either end the year somewhere on a spectrum of harm, from somewhat harmed to really potentially decimated, or I really believe we can end it strengthened in the way that we respond to this moment.

The National Council of Nonprofits is part of two lawsuits challenging the Trump administrations actions, Yentel said, and is also crafting communications strategies to help navigate a response to the upheaval.

Other nonprofit leaders are similarly fashioning their responses. Shanique Rodriguez, executive director of the Massachusetts Voter Table, said her group is looking at pulling together rapid response funding alongside partner groups like Lawyers for Civil Rights.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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North Korea will allow the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia the privilege of moving to Pyongyang.

Being permitted to move to the capital is a rare honour under the authoritarian rule of Kim Jong-un, the countrys authoritarian leader, and is likely a calculated move to limit criticism of his regime by the relatives of the dead, experts have said.

One analyst suggested the offer may also be a way of concentrating families and reducing the spread of rumours about the losses that North Korean forces have suffered and the conditions they endured fighting in Vladimir Putins armies.

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Pyongyang will build a monument commemorating the fallen, reports claim.

A report by the Seoul-based South and North Development Institute claimed that the government of Kim Jong-un is considering granting capital residency rights to families of the war dead after it became apparent that there is a groundswell of public anger over the dispatch of troops to the war against Ukraine.

Relatives of the deceased will reportedly be given homes in the newly developed suburbs of Songshin and Hwasong - KNS/KCNA

Quoting sources in the North, the report said the relatives would be given homes in the newly developed suburbs of Songshin and Hwasong.

Rah Jong-yil, a former diplomat and senior South Korean intelligence officer, said: Ordinarily, it is an enormous privilege to be able to live in Pyongyang as only the elite in North Korean society are permitted to live there or even enter the city.

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But it is also easy to see this as a means of controlling the families, he added. Having these people all in one place means it is easier to stop the rumours spreading around the country and privilege is also something that can be taken away.

Reports claim North Korean troops have been killed while fighting Ukrainian forces in Russias Kursk border region

Reports of North Koreans fighting on Russias behalf date back to October 2024. But North Korean state-run media only officially reported that troops had been deployed on April 28.

As many as 15,000 personnel are believed to have been sent to the front, with South Korean intelligence estimating that 600 have been killed and a further 4,100 injured.

Announcing the North Korean contribution to the liberation of Russias Kursk region after an extended incursion by Ukrainian troops last year, Kim said: They all fought for justice and are heroes, representatives of the honour of their country.

Sense of solidarity

In a statement, Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader, expressed his appreciation for the assistance of Pyongyangs forces, saying: Our Korean friends acted out of a sense of solidarity, justice and genuine comradeship.

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In another indication that the regime is bracing the public for the consequences of deploying units in Europe, state-run media reported that the Kaesong Disabled Soldiers Medical Appliances Factory has been wonderfully renovated.

Kim took benevolent measures to modernise the factory and expand its production capacity, it added.

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Yang Libai (L), leader of the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta, offers health consultations to a woman in Swieqi, Malta, on May 6, 2025. The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

VALLETTA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday.

The event began with a lecture by Tang Limei, a member of the medical team, who introduced Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. Following Tang's demonstration, attendees enthusiastically took part in the practice.

After the lecture, the medical team offered a range of services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, personalized health consultations, and the distribution of free medical supplies.

"I found the event very interesting," said 72-year-old Christine Cuschieri. "Practicing Baduanjin is not only good for older people but also beneficial for the younger people. I plan to continue practicing it at home. I'm sure it will be very helpful."

"I would love to see more events like this," said 79-year-old Marie Louise. "It was very good and helpful." Louise, who previously received acupuncture at Malta's state-run Mater Dei Hospital, said she is considering trying the treatment again to relieve neck pain.

Josette Mifsud, 73, described the event as a "new experience." "We really enjoyed the Baduanjin exercises. It was very beneficial," she said. It was her first time learning about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and she expressed hope to continue practicing at home. She also suggested that more local councils consider organizing similar events due to their value for public health.

The MRCTCM was established by the Chinese and Maltese governments in 1994. To date, 20 Chinese medical teams comprising over 100 doctors, have provided TCM treatments to approximately 250,000 Maltese patients. 

Members of the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta offer health consultations to local residents in Swieqi, Malta, on May 6, 2025. The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday.

The event began with a lecture by Tang Limei, a member of the medical team, who introduced Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. Following Tang's demonstration, attendees enthusiastically took part in the practice.

After the lecture, the medical team offered a range of services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, personalized health consultations, and the distribution of free medical supplies. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

Tang Limei, a member of the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta, gives a lecture on Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits, in Swieqi, Malta, on May 6, 2025. The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday.

The event began with a lecture by Tang Limei, a member of the medical team, who introduced Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. Following Tang's demonstration, attendees enthusiastically took part in the practice.

After the lecture, the medical team offered a range of services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, personalized health consultations, and the distribution of free medical supplies. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

Zhou Wenting (1st R), a member of the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta, distributes medicinal plasters in Swieqi, Malta, on May 6, 2025. The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday.

The event began with a lecture by Tang Limei, a member of the medical team, who introduced Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. Following Tang's demonstration, attendees enthusiastically took part in the practice.

After the lecture, the medical team offered a range of services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, personalized health consultations, and the distribution of free medical supplies. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)

Tang Limei, a member of the 20th Chinese medical team for Malta, gives a lecture on Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits, in Swieqi, Malta, on May 6, 2025. The 20th Chinese medical team from the Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (MRCTCM) provided free clinical services to residents at the Swieqi Local Council in eastern Malta on Tuesday.

The event began with a lecture by Tang Limei, a member of the medical team, who introduced Baduanjin, a traditional form of Chinese aerobic exercise known for its health benefits. Following Tang's demonstration, attendees enthusiastically took part in the practice.

After the lecture, the medical team offered a range of services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, personalized health consultations, and the distribution of free medical supplies. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian)
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Give for Good, powered by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, is here.

Bossier Citys Renesting Project nonprofit executive director wins 2025s Remarkable Woman of the Year

The annual 24-hour online giving challenge event will occur on Tuesday, May 6. The day will raise thousands of unrestricted dollars for local nonprofit organizations and raise awareness of their essential work in the community.

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According to Give for Good, in 2024, over $2.94 million was raised during Give for Good, which went directly to nonprofits in our area. More than 9,000 gifts were made to distribute to over 222 organizations.

In 2025, you can donate to 232 Give for Good organizations.

KTAL NEWS NOW had an opportunity to talk with Emily Jo Manchester Sanden, the 2025 Remarkable Woman winner and Executive Director of the Renesting Project, about Give for Good.

Its an amazing event. It truly showcases the power of this region and the support that our incredible community has for the nonprofits in this area, said Manchester Sanden.

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Renesting Project is asking the community to donate on Give for Good to continue its mission of gathering and distributing gently used furniture and household items for those in need in Northwest Louisiana.

Its easy to donate, and anyone from any state can do so. Donations can be any size, from $10 and up. The online platform provider charges a 2.8% processing fee, but you can cover those fees so that the nonprofits can receive as much funding as possible.

Many local organizations need help from our community. It is never too late to help donate monetarily and volunteer your 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 KTALnews.com.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' office says a meeting in Boston with Canadian leaders could happen in 'the near future,' according to a news release. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

The leaders of six 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 Maine Gov. Janet Mills office.

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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.

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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%.

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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.

Maine Morning Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maine Morning Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lauren McCauley for questions: info@mainemorningstar.com.

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The First Student bus yard in Providence as seen from Route 10. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Redistricting school bus regions in Rhode Island could save approximately $3.5 million, according to the final report of the special legislative commission studying the statewide school bus transportation system.

The 13-member joint commission found the student transportation networks five regions are based on an outdated map of vocational high schools, as detailed in the report finalized April 16 but uploaded to the General Assembly website last week. The report suggests increasing the number of regions to nine serving students who attend schools outside the district where they live.

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It is clear to us as Co-Chairs that the statewide student transportation system in Rhode Island is not efficient, and the significant cost to municipalities is not sustainable, Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. Linda Ujifusa, both Portsmouth Democrats, wrote in their introduction to the report.

The report summarizes the commissions recommendations after eight months of meetings. Legislation in June 2024 created the commission, which began meeting in August and convened for the last time on April 7. Commissioners included six members of the General Assembly plus representatives from unions, school districts, state agencies, plus a student representative.

The commissions main object of the study was the statewide transportation system managed by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Debuting in 2009, the system coordinates transit for kids attending public, private, parochial, and charter schools, plus career and technical education (CTE) centers and special education programs. Participating school districts primarily fund the program, with RIDE collecting and dispensing payments via a restricted receipt account to pay third-party bus companies like Dattco and First Student.

Municipalities participate in the program unless they apply for an exemption. The statewide transportation system does not bus students who attend school in the district where they live.

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Rhode Island is one of a small number of states that provides unrestricted, fully-subsidized student transportation for children in private and parochial schools, the report notes.

But the networks five-region model is based on the location of CTE schools in 1977  a much different landscape from the present day. There were only 10 state-owned Career and Technical Centers in 1977; there are over 250 CTE programs statewide today.

On average, CTE and private school students now travel 7-mile routes to their schools, with some routes over 20 miles.

Redistricting bills central to the commissions vision have been introduced in both chambers. Cortvriend introduced the House bill on April 11. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing, but will go before the House Committee on Finance. The Senate, which is catching up after a weeks pause due to the April 21 death of former Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, will hear Ujifusas bill, S0972, in its education committee on Wednesday.

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Cortvriend and Ujifusa represent the East Bay, which is disproportionately affected by the statewide system as it belongs to the colossally sized Region 3, which includes Providence and other urban municipalities.

Eighty-five percent of private school transportation comes out of Region 3, placing a financial burden on public schools in this region, particularly Bristol-Warren at the southern end, resulting in some of the highest transportation costs in the state, the report noted.

RIDE data cited in the final report suggested the cost of transporting students outside their home districts could reach $40 million in this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The states overall K-12 transit bill could exceed $140 million when accounting for in-district transportation provided locally, according to the RIDE numbers.

The proposed nine smaller transportation zones could eliminate 30 buses from the statewide fleet and save $3.5 million in transit costs by reducing long-haul routes across bridges and transportation regions.

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The nine regions specified in Cortvriend and Ujifusas bills are:

Region 1 would stay the same and include Burrillville, North Smithfield, Cumberland and Woonsocket.

Region 2 would lose Coventry and West Greenwich to include only Warwick, West Warwick and East Greenwich.

Region 3 which previously spanned a huge swath of the state from the East Bay to Smithfield, would shrink and concentrate on the urban core and consist of Jonhston, Cranston and Providence.

Region 4 currently encompasses all of Washington County plus Jamestown and West Greenwich. Under the new proposal, it would consist of Exeter, Jamestown, Narragansett, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and West Greenwich. (New Shoreham, which would fall under Region 4, is not part of the statewide system according to RIDEs website.)

Region 5 stays the same: Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Newport.

Region 6 is new and would serve Barrington, Bristol, Warren and East Providence, formerly in Region 3.

Region 7 also new, would include Lincoln, Smithfield, North Providence, Central Falls and Pawtucket.

Region 8 would include Glocester, Foster, Scituate, and Coventry.

Region 9 would include Charlestown, Hopkinton, Richmond, and Westerly.

The changes wouldnt happen overnight: A grandfather clause would ease the transition by allowing private school students receiving transport before the end of 2025 to continue under the current model until July 1, 2029, the start of fiscal year 2030.

Alternatively, the state could create a new region for the East Bay within the existing system, then eventually move to the larger redistricting plan if local stakeholders agree.

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The commission also wants to see more vans transporting students, as theyre cost-effective compared to minibuses, especially when serving routes with fewer students. A van is about $26,000 cheaper than a minibus, and school districts could save an approximate $750,000 annually if they replaced a few dozen minibuses with vans. Rhode Islands school transit fleet now uses 150 vans.

Legislation to increase the number of students a van can carry from eight to 10 passed the House on March 25 and heads to the Senate for concurrence. The companion Senate bill by Ujifusa is slated for a Senate floor vote on Tuesday.

The reports slate of 13 recommendations were crafted nearly unanimously. Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr., a Warwick Democrat, objected to seven of them.

Solomon was concerned about unintended consequences of the redistricting at the commissions final meeting. Solomon said potential savings would essentially be passed on to the parents and families who are ultimately going to have to transport their children to schools that may be within those districts, especially families who send their children to private schools.

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Youre suggesting, maybe if these lines were tweaked in a different way, that maybe you would be more open. Is that what I hear you saying? Cortvriend asked Solomon.

Im not comfortable with any of them right now, Solomon said with a laugh.

Solomons concerns echoed written testimonies submitted during the commissions tenure from private and parochial schools and families who decried the possible loss of bus services as unfair

Families who choose private education still pay taxes that support public schools, yet this proposal would effectively penalize them by removing a critical service their tax dollars help fund, Bonnie Cook, a Burrillville parent, wrote in a letter to the commission.

A map from the school transportation commissions report shows a possibility for redistricting the states out-of-district transportation regions. (Screenshot)

Emily Copeland, who served as designee on the committee for the Rhode Island School Superintendents Association, urged the commission at its final meeting not to water down the redistricting ideas, which she said had been well-received by public school committees across the state.

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If youre a taxpayer in whatever region youre in, obviously you can go to schools in those regions, but that doesnt mean you get transported halfway across the state, Copeland said, arguing the recommendation is not meant to deprive private school students.

I dont think we should water it down, Cortvriend said. I just think we might have to acknowledge there are multiple opinions.

A footnote in the final report states asterisks are added to the seven recommendations opposed by Solomon.

Exorcising ghost riders

The study commission also investigated ghost riders, or students who sign up for statewide bus service but never actually use it. These students exert a phantom presence on the statewide system, the commission discovered, as routes and stops are planned with these no-shows in mind.

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Mario Carreno, chief operations officer at RIDE who served as the agencys designee, told his fellow commissioners that 550 students signed up last year and never took the bus.

Thats the size of some small districts, he said at the April 7 meeting.

Lilian Cordero Gagnon, a student at the Gordon School in East Providence and the commissions student representative, offered that its not always clear who families need to contact.

I personally have had a friend who signed up for the bus, but that ended up not doing it, and Im pretty sure she contacted the school, but the bus had been going to her stop for the first couple of months, and still opening the door, waiting a couple minutes and then leaving, Gagnon told the commission.

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Carreno said parents need to call RIDE transit officials to remove a student from the list. He agreed that communication between RIDE, schools and families could be improved.

The full report is available on the General Assembly website, along with all other documents submitted and reviewed over the course of the commissions meetings.

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Any day now, a massive stellar blast could light up the night sky so brightly, you won't even need a telescope to see it.

Sound familiar? In case you're wondering, yes, this is the same so-called nova explosion that astronomers have been patiently waiting for for months.

In June 2024, scientists first alerted the public about T Coronae Borealis, a binary star system that could go nova "any day now." Then one month came and went, followed by another, and another, and another  until ... nothing.

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But at last! Excitement has once again been growing after NASA released a May 2025 skywatching guide reminding eager spectators that the distant explosion and its light is still definitely going to reach us here on Earth.

We're still just not sure exactly when.

Here's what we know about T Coronae Borealis, dubbed the "Blaze Star," and why this nova is considered a "once-in-a-lifetime" event.

When can people see a rare nova explosion in 2025? When will we see a star system 'go nova?'

It isn't exactly clear just when stargazers will be able to see T Coronae Borealis go nova, but NASA's guide said it will likely be "in the coming months."

That may seem frustratingly vague, but it turns out, predicting just when the explosion will occur and how long it will take for its resulting light to travel 3,000 light-years to be visible on Earth isn't an exact science.

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Astronomers with the Planetary Society had predicted a 70% chance T-Cor would go nova by September 2024 and a 95% chance that it would go off by the end of 2024.

That, of course, didn't happen.

So what's changed? Astronomers recently observed the star dimming suddenly, much as it did right before it last went nova.

A red giant star and white dwarf orbit each other in this animation of a nova similar to T Coronae Borealis.

Will the the bright nova be visible from Earth?

T Coronae Borealis is normally too faint to see without a telescope, but the explosion caused by the nova will be so massive, spectators should be able to look up and see it with the naked eye.

When the event becomes visible on Earth, the nova will be as bright as the North Star, known as Polaris, Preston Dyches, who hosts NASA's "What's Up," a monthly video series that describes what's happening in the night sky, wrote for NASA's skywatching guide.

How to find T Coronae Borealis, the 'Blaze Star,' in the night sky

T Coronae Borealis is located among a horseshoe-shaped curve of stars in the constellation Corona Borealis, or the Northern Crown."

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Stargazers should have luck spotting it between the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere  Arcturus and Vega  using the Big Dippers handle to point them to the right part of the sky. This part of the sky should be visible from pretty much anywhere on Earth except for the far south, close to Antarctica, according to the Planetary Society.

The below celestial charts provided by NASA should provide a visual aid:

A sky chart indicating how to locate the constellation Corona Borealis between the bright stars Arcturus and Vega. The Big Dipper's handle points in the direction of Corona Borealis.

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.

What will the nova look like?

The nova wont look like an explosion, but like a new star that wasnt there before.

For this reason, Dyches recommends that viewers practice looking for it location on a clear, dark night before the nova so they'll be easily able to spot the new addition to the sky when it does become visible.

How long will the nova last?

When the nova finally does occur, it won't stay bright for long, likely flaring in peak brightness for only a few days, according to NASA.

What causes a star to go nova?

In simple terms, a nova event is when energy explodes from a white dwarf star.

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But the events can only occur in binary star systems like T Coronae Borealis, which contains a red giant star and a smaller white dwarf star. Because the two stars are gravitationally bound to and in orbit around each other, the white dwarf star  similar in size to Earth but with the mass of the sun  can siphon off the larger star's energy.

Eventually, the fuel on the white dwarf's surface gets hot enough to trigger a thermonuclear explosion  releasing a giant burst of radiation. In fact, the explosions are so powerful, that the Planetary Society compares them to a hydrogen bomb  though the events pose no danger to Earth or even the stars themselves.

Instead, the pattern of build-up and explosion continues to repeat. This differs from a supernova, a one-time event that "completely destroys whatever object triggered it," according to the Planetary Society.

When did T Coronae Borealis last go nova?

About every 80 years, the white dwarf in the T Coronae Borealis binary star system accumulates so much of the red giant stars hydrogen that it ignites a thermonuclear explosion.

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That last happened in 1946 and is due to happen again soon.

The red giant stars outer atmosphere is once again "all puffed up," Dyches wrote for NASA, and the dwarf star is close enough that its gravity continually captures some of its hydrogen.

After the impending nova, the event is not predicted again for another 80 years or so.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Is a nova explosion finally about to happen? NASA says it's likely
Millions of college students are eligible for SNAP benefits but a U.S. Government Accountability Office report says two-thirds arent receiving the benefits, with a lack of awareness an issue.

One Niagara University student has been working to change that.

Jaime Lechner, a graduating political science and international studies major from Grand Island, drafted a bill to help college students statewide find out if they are eligible for the benefits.

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Its a very common sense thing to do, Lechner said.

The bill would require the state to create an information resource regarding SNAP for college students and require the state and educational institutions to notify students if they are eligible. It does not have any impact on the state budget by using already existing information channels to conduct outreach.

Inspiration came after she went on a 2023 advocacy trip to Washington DC, urging Congress to pass the Opportunity to End College Hunger Act. That requires higher education institutions to provide notice to students receiving work-study assistance about their eligibility for SNAP benefits.

That bill was referred to the House Education and the Workforce subcommittee where nothing has happened to it since, but it would provide the basis for her bill later on.

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During the following summer, Lechner wanted to do more and looked into the benefits. She spent about three hours one day calling the state and Niagara and Erie county phone numbers for SNAP benefits getting all the information she could.

Once she had all that, she presented it to the campus financial aid department which produced a booklet to distribute around campus. That information is also present on the schools financial aid website, detailing criteria of who is eligible and how to apply.

During that period, Lechners father encouraged her to go further.

I was talking to my dad about the work Im doing and he goes, Why arent all colleges doing this?  Lechner said. I didnt have an answer.

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Awareness of SNAP benefits could be a big benefit for college students.

People think because college is a prestigious thing, people can afford food and stuff, and thats not necessarily always the case, Lechner said, noting rising costs and disappearing federal scholarships.

The bills first sponsor is Phara Souffrant Forrest, who represents the State Assemblys 57th District in Brooklyn. After it gets introduced, it would be referred to a committee and be active legislation through June of next year.

Along with Niagara University, organizations supporting Lechners bill include the League of Women Voters of Buffalo-Niagara, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Chautauqua counties, FeedMore WNY, Feeding New York State, and the Field & Fork Network.

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Jaimes work on this project epitomizes the goals of our department and the mission of the university, said Jamie Pimlott, an associate professor of political science. To see a student ask a question  why dont more college-age students know about potential SNAP benefits?  then, independent of any class assignment, dedicate considerable time and effort not just to answer that question, but also to propose and implement a solution, is inspiring.

As SNAP is a federal program run by the USDA, there have been proposals from the Trump administration to make cuts, something the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said would put millions of Americans at risk of not having enough to eat. Lechner said that given the strict eligibility requirements for college students to be on the program, like those getting 50% or more of meals through a college meal plan, any cuts would not have a major impact.
(Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Nursing)

The Iowa Board of Nursing has declined to issue a license to a Davenport woman who is on probation after being convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Board records indicate Alizia M. Gary, who has been working as a certified nursing assistant in Davenport, graduated from the licensed practical nurse program at Scott Community College in August 2024 and applied for licensure with the board.

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Board records indicate that on April 9, 2024, Gary pleaded guilty to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Gary allegedly told board investigators she had opened a bank account and allowed another individual to deposit funds there using stolen checks. Late last year, Gary was sentenced to one day of imprisonment and two years of supervised probation. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $126,455.

At a board hearing on the matter, Gary allegedly explained the bank fraud was just a one-time thing that she engaged in because she needed money for car repairs, and she submitted several letters from friends and associates who reported she is compassionate, generous, and a reliably hard worker.

Recently, the board voted to deny Garys application for licensure, concluding there has not been a satisfactory showing that (she) has been rehabilitated. The board noted that there simply has not been enough passage of time since her conviction last year and observed that she had served only two months of probation at the time of her board hearing.

If Gary is able to stay conviction-free and submit letters of reference from her employers, her application for licensure may be viewed more favorably by the board in the future, the board stated.

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Last month, the board agreed to license another Scott County woman, Chelsea Gless, after she had been convicted of bilking dozens of people out of $2.9 million in a precious-metals scheme. Gless pleaded guilty to one count of felony mail fraud, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $2,935,906 in restitution.

After her release from prison in November 2023, Gless received an associates degree in nursing from Scott Community College. Last month, the board agreed to issue Gless a license to work in Iowa as a registered nurse, subject to monitoring and three years of probationary status.

As part of that agreement, board has barred Gless from working in any setting, such as a nursing home, where patients are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, and where she might have access to patients financial information.

Other nursing board actions

Other recent actions by the Board of Nursing include sanctions against these licensees:

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 Thomas Kendall, a registered nurse who was charged recently with committing an act that might adversely affect the welfare of a patient. The board alleges that Kendall, who has been licensed in Iowa since 1997, failed to administer CPR services to a patient in his care on Jan. 18, 2024, despite medical records indicating CPR was to be given in such cases.

The board says it discovered the incident while conducting some sort of unspecified survey of Kendalls employer in early 2024. The board has not publicly identified the employer or indicated whether the patient survived. The board recently agreed to settle the matter by issuing Kendall a warning.

In 2012, the board charged Kendall with professional incompetence, unethical conduct by committing an act that might adversely affect a patient, and unethical conduct by failing to assess a patient or accurately document their status.

The charges stemmed from allegations that on Feb. 14, 2012, Kendall failed to administer medication to a patient as ordered by a physician, completed written patient assessments on patients prior to performing any actual assessments, and failed to fully perform assessments. The case was resolved with a settlement agreement that required Kendall to complete 30 hours of additional training.

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 Donella Chadwick-Kermeen, a registered nurse who was charged recently with failing to properly assess patients or document their prescriptions in patient records. The board alleged that over a period of six months, Chadwick-Kermeen prescribed and then injected patients with GLP-1 medications, which are typically used to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss, without complying with nursing regulations.

The board settled the case by requiring Chadwick-Kermeen to complete an unspecified number of courses on the topic of ethics and documentation. In 2017, the board issued Chadwick-Kermeen a warning for violating patient privacy after accusing her of accessing, for no official purpose, the medical records of three family members and one friend while working in an acute care hospital.

 Jackie Anderson, a registered nurse who is alleged to have violated the terms of her contract with the Iowa Nurse Assistance Program Committee, an organization that assists nurses with substance abuse issues. According to the board, Anderson tested positive for amphetamine on Sept. 20, 2024; failed to call in for chemical screening; was dishonest when stating her reasons for not calling in; fabricated the existence of a sponsor so that a prior cease-practice order would be lifted; falsified documentation of her attendance at sobriety meetings; and used substances she had agreed to refrain from using without a valid prescription. Anderson recently agreed to voluntarily surrender her license.

 Elizabeth Kirkman, a registered nurse who was working at an assisted living facility in February 2024 when she allegedly falsified records indicating she had completed an assessment on a resident during a time when she was not present to do such an assessment. Kirkman was fired by the facility, according to the board. In resolving the case, the board placed Kirkmans license on probation for one year.

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 Hailey Hein-Booton, a registered nurse who in 2023 was charged with excessive use of alcohol based on a first-offense drunken driving conviction in 2022. In December 2023, while working at Perry Lutheran Home, she was charged with second-offense drunken driving and child endangerment. As a result of the boards action after her first arrest, Hein-Booton underwent a substance abuse evaluation in January 2024, and the evaluator, unaware of the second arrest, concluded there was no need for substance abuse treatment.

The board then charged Hein-Booton with excessive use of alcohol in a manner that might impair her ability to practice. Recently, the board resolved the case by ordering Hein-Booton to submit to another evaluation. The boards order states that if she does not qualify for assistance through the Iowa Practitioner Health Program, her license to practice nursing will be placed on probation for two years, during which time her practice will be monitored.
Last year, the S-EBT program delivered about $37 million in benefits to nearly 312,000 children, with about 80% of those benefits being fully utilized. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Thousands of children in Nevada will start receiving federal nutrition benefits this month designed to cover school meals missed during summer vacation.

About 280,000 children in Nevada will automatically receive a one-time payment of $120 starting May 17, thanks to a federal nutrition program known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT).

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Congress passed bipartisan legislation in late 2022, making S-EBT permanent for states that opt-in, including Nevada. The federal program now permanently provides families with $40 each summer month per eligible child to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, or other authorized retailers.

Last year, the S-EBT program delivered about $37 million in benefits to nearly 312,000 children, with about 80% of those benefits being fully utilized.

In order to automatically qualify for the S-EBT program, a child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals due to their participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will also automatically qualify for S-EBT, even if they do not attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

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Children on Medicaid in a household with an income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level also automatically qualify for S-EBT, regardless of which school they attend.

Children participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) can also be automatically eligible for the S-EBT program.

Families can check to see if their child was automatically enrolled into the program through an online portal at Access Nevada starting May 17.

Not automatically eligible? Apply anyway.

Households that are not automatically eligible are still encouraged to apply for the S-EBT program starting May 17, when applications open on the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services website.

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While most Nevada Summer EBT eligible families will automatically receive the Summer EBT benefit, there is a group of income eligible families that must submit an application.

Last year, a total of 6,347 families not automatically eligible for S-EBT applied for the program, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Of those applicants, 2,690 were ultimately determined eligible for the summer food benefits, or about 42% of all applicants.

David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, said even more families were likely eligible last year, but never applied. He found that only 9% of potentially eligible households in Nevada submitted applications, leaving about $8.4 million in benefits on the table.

Only a handful of Summer EBT eligible families submitted applications last year, Rubel said. Using a formula from USDA, the potential number was 70,400 families.

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However, those funds are now lost. S-EBT is a one-time benefit tied to a specific school year and cannot be retroactively applied for or claimed for previous years, according to the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

The Summer EBT money wont get distributed and spent this summer unless families know about it, Rubel said.

Nevada wasnt the only state to lose out on benefits. Rubel looked at 14 states potential number of applications vs. applications submitted and found that the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20% of potential applicants.

How benefits will be distributed

Eligible households that participate in SNAP or TANF will automatically receive their S-EBT benefits starting May 17 on existing EBT cards if the guardian listed by the Nevada Department of Education in the Summer 2024 program file remains the same.

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Families that qualified last year can also receive benefits on their existing S-EBT cards issued last year, the programs inaugural year. Families that need a replacement card can request a replacement S-EBT card from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Replacement S-EBT cards may take 2-3 weeks to receive.

Children receiving benefits for the first time will be mailed a S-EBT card to the address of the guardian listed in the schools registration system for the 2024-2025 school year. Mailed S-EBT cards may take 2-3 weeks to receive.

S-EBT benefits expire 122 days after they become available. If the benefits are not used within 122 days, they will be removed from the card and cannot be replaced, per federal regulations.

For additional details on eligibility, benefit usage timelines, or how to apply, families are encouraged to visit the DWSS Summer EBT webpage and review the program FAQs.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning "life-threatening flash flooding" in Austin as heavy rain drenches the city.

Currently, a massive storm system hovers over much of the country, threatening millions with large hail, tornadoes and flash flooding. A jammed-up weather pattern called an omega block is hanging over the country is to blame, dumping heavy rain, with some areas of Texas expecting up to 8 inches of rainfall this week.

The warning comes only hours after a tragic incident in Brenham, where a 10-year-old girl was swept away by floodwaters Monday afternoon.

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The weather office already issued a tornado watch for the same area this morning, which is set to expire later this afternoon around 4 p.m.

"Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen," a statement from the National Weather Service reads. "Additional rainfall amounts up to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly."

Warning vs watch: What is a flash flood warning?

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the National Weather Service. It doesn't guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible. Areas north of Dallas to the Red River will remain under flood watch until 7 a.m., according to the NWS in Fort Worth.

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If youre in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately.

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Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren't receiving rain, the National Weather Service warns.

Remember: "Turn around, don't drown."

Where is the flash flood warning?

Several parts of Central Texas face a flash flood warning that is set to expire at 2:30 p.m. Among the locations: Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Taylor, Granger, Serenada, Windemere, Anderson Mill, Leander, Hutto, Lakeway, Lago Vista, Hudson Bend, Bartlett, Liberty Hill, Jarrell, Weir and Georgetown Dam.

Texas weather watches and warnings

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Flash flood warning issued alert for Austin area. What it means
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Cellphones will soon be banned at New York schools from bell-to-bell next year, thanks to the policys inclusion in the states 2026 budget.

Hochul recently announced that state lawmakers reached an agreement on the 2026 state budget to allow the cellphone ban to move forward, but the full budget has not yet been adopted.

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On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the ban will start next September, but it has not yet been determined how schools will lock up phones.

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The state will provide $13.5 million to schools across New York to implement the policy. Each school will create its own enforcement policy, and must offer students a way to contact their parents, Hochul said.

New York will be the largest state to have a cellphone ban, Hochul said.

No more memes instead of math, Hochul said. Theyre now going to be focused.

Organizers with New York State United Teachers joined Hochul Tuesday to voice their support for the ban, and polling has shown that a majority of New York voters support the policy.

Watch Gov. Kathy Hochuls full remarks in the video player above.

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Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ISTANBUL, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye is keen to significantly enhance its tourism services by offering diverse experiences and aims to attract 1 million Chinese tourists by the end of this year, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in a written interview with Xinhua.

"We are working on many initiatives in the tourism sector simultaneously to ensure that our Chinese guests can experience the beauty of our country, feel at home, and host more and more Chinese guests every year," Ersoy said.

According to data from the ministry, Turkiye has seen a sharp increase in the number of Chinese tourists in recent years. In 2024, nearly 410,000 Chinese tourists visited the country, marking a nearly 65 percent increase from the previous year.

Outdoor and scenic tours remain the most popular themes, while food experiences, cultural and historical sites, beach resorts and wellness tourism also draw strong interest among Chinese tourists, he said.

"In response, Turkiye is spotlighting a broader array of destinations, including Silk Road routes that span the country, and offering unique experiences such as Night Museums and gastronomic tours," Ersoy said.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkiye boasts world-renowned destinations such as Istanbul, its vibrant cultural hub; Cappadocia in central Anatolia, famed for its unique fairy chimneys; and Pamukkale, celebrated for its thermal travertine terraces.

The minister also pointed out that Turkiye is enhancing its infrastructure to better cater to Chinese visitors, such as offering Chinese-language support.

"Istanbul airport, which is the entry point for our Chinese visitors, holds the China Friendly certification," he said. "Additionally, we continue our efforts to offer Chinese language courses in Tourism Vocational Schools and increase the number of Chinese-speaking tour guides."

The ministry also created active accounts on social platforms which allow Turkiye to engage directly with Chinese travelers and promote the country's diverse tourism offerings, Ersoy added.

A total of 21 sites in Turkiye are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to Ersoy, these historical landmarks that bear the legacy of great civilizations offer Chinese tourists a truly unique and unforgettable cultural experience.

"We look forward to welcoming more Chinese friends to Turkiye," Ersoy said, adding that he hopes they can personally experience the country's rich culture and renowned hospitality. 
Amtrak officials announced late Tuesday theyd be pushing back the start of work on the East River Tunnel by two weeks  a day after Mayor Adams joined a growing chorus of elected leaders calling on the federal railroad to halt its plans to close a quarter of the tunnels rail tubes for repair, a project Democrats and Republicans alike worry will wreak havoc on the Long Island Rail Road.

In a letter to Gov. Hochul on Tuesday evening, Amtrak President Roger Harris acknowledged the concerns, and said a related MTA project was running behind schedule.

[We] are working with our partners at MTA and NJ Transit to move the start of construction by two weeks to May 23, he wrote.

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The East River Tunnel, owned by Amtrak and first opened in 1910, consists of four tubes linking Manhattan and Queens. Two of the tubes primarily serve the LIRR, allowing its service to Penn Station. The other two tubes are used by Amtrak for service on the Northeast Corridor, and by NJ Transit for storage of commuter trains in Queens Sunnyside Yard.

The two non-LIRR tubes were damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and corrosion from salt water has led to signal and power problems. Amtraks plan had been to shut down the damaged tubes, one at a time, for 13 months each, starting Friday.

The federal railroad plans a full renovation of the tubes  gutting them and replacing the wiring, tracks, bench walls and other structures.

But the brass at the LIRR  the tunnels primary user  say that will overload the remaining three tunnels to the extent that there will be no room for error in the railroads schedule.

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The slightest deviation could have significant impacts to our operations reliability, including possible shutdowns of service depending on the issue, LIRR President Rob Free told the MTAs board last week.

During the outage, the 461 LIRR trains that use the tunnel each day would need to compete for slots in just three tubes with Amtrak passenger trains headed to and from Boston via the Hell Gate line, as well as out-of-service NJ Transit trains that continue from Penn Station each morning to wait at the Sunnyside Yard for the afternoon rush.

In his letter to Hochul, Harris said he wanted to meet with the governor and MTA leadership in the coming days  not to change the railroads plans, but to assure New Yorkers that his railroad could pull it off.

Any other solution would be an expensive, short-term Band-Aid and a disservice to passengers and taxpayers, he wrote.

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We would like to work with you to take advantage of the time created by the delay to refocus on collaborative mitigation solutions.

The delay comes a day after Adams sent a letter to President Trumps transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, joining the chorus and calling on the feds to direct Amtrak to stand down and adopt a work plan that would keep the tunnel open during the workday.

Amtrak has refused to listen to reason, even though New York elected officials across the political spectrum  including [Democratic] Gov. Kathy Hochul, [Republican] Rep. Mike Lawler and [Republican] Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman  have implored Amtrak to come to its senses and back away from this misguided closure plan, Adams wrote in the letter, obtained by the Daily News.

The MTA has requested that Amtrak opt for a method that would close a tube on nights and weekends only, replacing wiring components and leaving structural portions like the concrete bench walls in place.

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The MTA begrudgingly adopted a similar solution in 2019, averting a planned 15-month shutdown of the L trains Canarsie line tunnel  which had also been flooded by Sandy.

But in an open letter last week, Amtraks Harris said the two projects had little in common.

The differences between the Canarsie Tunnel and the East River Tunnels are substantial, the Amtrak boss wrote.

The 12,000-volt AC cables that power trains in the East River Tunnel are encased in concrete bench walls to ensure safety and fire protection, unlike the 600-volt DC cables in the Canarsie Tunnel, which were relocated to wall-mounted racks. Amtrak evaluated the same  approach but found it could not meet required fire ratings or egress space standards.

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In his Monday letter, the mayor pushed back on Amtraks assertion, citing a 2020 report by independent experts at London Bridge Associates  who studied similar repairs required on the East River Tunnels sister structure, the North River Tunnel between New Jersey and Penn Station.

[Leading] engineering experts, including London Bridge Associates, have affirmed the viability of an incremental approach that allows the fourth tunnel to remain open during the day, including all rush-hour periods, while repairs are done at night and on weekends, thereby avoiding any potential problems, Adams wrote.

As the plan currently stands, the East River Tunnels Tube No. 1 is set to be taken out of service first for a week of prep work. The tube will then be put back into service while Tube No. 2 is closed for similar work.

Within weeks, according to Amtraks plan, Tube No. 2 will be closed for major construction set to last until 2026.
Questions about the future of the U.S. Air Forces new OA-1K Skyraider II continue to swirl amid an ongoing shift toward preparing for potential peer conflicts and away from counter-insurgency and other low-intensity operations for which the special operations light attack aircraft was originally envisioned. Whether or not the program could be axed as part of a Pentagon-wide realignment of priorities under President Donald Trump is now also a topic of great interest.

A high-ranking Air Force official recently talked at length about the OA-1K, including what roles it could play in a future high-end fight in the Pacific, with TWZs Howard Altman, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss planning issues. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) took delivery of the first Skyraider II in April and expects to eventually receive 75 of the aircraft in total. The two-seat, single-engine turboprops official nickname, which is a callback to the famed A-1 Skyraider that U.S. forces flew during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, was announced in February.

The way that the OA-1K will look on day one is not how probably the OA-1K will look on day 1,000, the Air Force official said. As we field it, it will continue to iterate based on the requirements that our supported forces articulate to us. Were intimately involved with all of those forces, even as we speak, on shaping the initial and then also the growing requirements that Im sure that we will find for that platform going forward.

The OA-1K was designed to be very flexible. A big element of the platform is, again, this notion of modularity, [and] open systems architecture, they continued. What that does for us is, on a given mission, you might put certain types of capabilities [on the aircraft]  those could be ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] capabilities,  strike capabilities  you may have more of one than the other, depending on the day or the mission requirement of the supported force. But then the next day, that may change, and you can rapidly swap out what the capabilities are of the platform on a given mission.

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The original core vision for the OA-1K was an aircraft capable of performing close air support, armed overwatch, and ISR missions, primarily in support of special operations forces, and while operating in permissive airspace. SOCOMs Armed Overwatch program, which resulted in the Skyraider II, kicked off in 2020, but leveraged many years of other abortive light attack aircraft programs and related test and evaluation efforts that had been heavily driven by the demands of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) era.

Another key goal for the Armed Overwatch program was to help free up tactical combat jets, bombers, and other aircraft that had been employed in these roles, in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, for more demanding and/or higher-priority missions, while reducing costly wear and tear on those platforms from constant and of short-endurance sorties. A light attack aircraft like the OA-1K would also have the benefit of being able to be pushed forward with a minimal logistics footprint to far-flung locations, even ones with next to no infrastructure. This, in turn, would put them closer to operating areas, reducing travel time and increasing on-station availability, all without the need for already heavily in-demand tanker support.

However, SOCOM selected the OA-1K as the winner of the Armed Overwatch competition in 2022, by which time the U.S. military had withdrawn from Afghanistan and the larger pivot to preparing for high-end operations, with a particular eye toward the Pacific, was in full swing. U.S. forces expect to face increasingly far more capable and longer-ranged air defenses in any large-scale conflict, especially in the region against China. The Air Force has explicitly warned about the potential threat of anti-air missiles able to reach targets up to 1,000 miles away emerging in the coming decades. This, in turn, has already called into question the relevance of the Skyraider II, as well as other special operations aircraft more tailored toward lower-end contingencies.

An OA-1K. L3Harris

So how could we support them [friendly forces] if its in the Pacific or anywhere else? The OA-1K certainly has some roles and missions that can [provide] support there. And then in a large-scale combat operation, we are looking at, in partnership with other components of SOCOM [U.S. Special Operations Command], what are some of the things that it could do, they added. Can it employ air-launched effects, at range, at standoff, in a flexible way that would provide value?

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Launched effect is a catch-all that the U.S. military uses to refer broadly to uncrewed aerial systems that can be launched from air, ground, and maritime platforms, and be configured as one-way attackers or to perform other non-kinetic missions, including electronic warfare, ISR, and signal relay. The term reflects increasingly blurry lines between multiple categories of aerial systems, especially traditional cruise missiles and long-range kamikaze drones.

The Air Force official that TWZ spoke to did not elaborate on what kinds of launched effects the OA-1K might carry in the future, but there is a growing array of relevant designs already in various stages of development within the U.S. military, as well as by private industry. SOCOM also has a Small Cruise Missile (SCM) program, primarily intended to provide new standoff strike capability for the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, but that could be applicable to other platforms like the Skyraider II. The AC-130J is another AFSOC platform facing questions about its relevance in future high-end fights.

In 2023, L3Harris, the prime contractor for the Skyraider II, also said it had modeled potential loadouts for the aircraft that included AGM-84 Harpoons and AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Ranges (JASSM-ER), according to National Defense Magazine. The AGM-84 and AGM-158B are traditional air-launched anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, respectively. L3Harris had also done that modeling work independently of its contracts with SOCOM. The aforementioned SCM program and others like it within the U.S. military are also heavily focused on offering lower-cost alternatives to munitions like the Harpoon and JASSM-ER.

L3Harris has put forward GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) and GBU-53/B StormBreakers, also known as Small Diameter Bomb IIs (SDB II), as potential future armament options for the OA-1K. The GBU-39/B and GBU-53/B both offer a degree of standoff capability, and the ability to engage static and moving targets over dozens of miles.

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Otherwise, the prospective loadouts that have been put forward for the OA-1K to date align with the original lower-intensity mission focus and center on a mix of non-standoff precision munitions. These include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser-guided 70mm rockets, and 500-pound GBU-12 laser-guided bombs. Pods to allow the Skyraider II to launch stores from Common Launch Tubes (CLT), which could include precision-guided missiles and bombs, as well as air-launched drones, have been put forward, as well. The OA-1K will also be able to carry podded sensor systems.

A loadout diagram for the Air Tractor AT-802U light attack aircraft, which the OA-1K is based on. Air Tractor

For the Skyraider II, launched effects with standoff range could open up additional possibilities when it comes to operational employment of the aircraft.

The next point that I would make there is thats where we start to get into things like Adaptive Airborne Enterprise. We get into enhanced precision effects, the Air Force official we talked to said in response to a question regarding the future of the AC-130J that they also said was relevant to the OA-1K. So this is where we start talking about our platforms. And we are putting capabilities on them that now make them more flexible and enable them to provide support to the joint force and SOF [special operations forces]  in a number of environments.

Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) is an overarching term for concepts of operations that AFSOC has been refining for some years now that focus on increasing deployability by reducing personnel and logistics footprints, as well as the collaborative employment of capabilities. A2E work so far has focused heavily on the MQ-9 Reaper drone, but the Air Force has made clear in the past that the concept extends to other aerial platforms, crewed and uncrewed, as well as friendly ground and maritime forces.

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Another key element of A2E has been exploring how capabilities can be employed across areas of increasing risk, as highlighted in the graphic below. This is particularly relevant for a platform like the OA-1K, which could deploy launched effects from permissive airspace, but to support operations in adjacent higher-risk areas. Skyraider IIs could potentially be pushed to forward operating locations where they could conduct similar operations from within the bubble of friendly defenses. Related concepts of operations have been put forward by the U.S. Army and other branches of the U.S. military in recent years with a particular eye toward ensuring the relevance of less survivable platforms in higher-end conflicts.

A graphic depicting an operational vision (OV) for the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) involving collaboration between platforms and forces across permissive, contested, and denied areas. USAF

The OA-1Ks deployability and small operational footprint could help make it difficult for enemy forces to target, in general. The aircraft might also be useful for providing more localized force protection and surveillance around forward operating locations like island outposts, which could include counter-drone patrols. In particular, the APKWS II rockets that are expected to be in the Skyraider IIs arsenal are already proving themselves to be valuable air-to-air weapons against drones, with their capabilities in this regard set to expand further.

U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75" Rockets.#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025

The high-ranking Air Force official also stressed to TWZ that SOCOM and AFSOC still expect to be tasked with the kinds of lower-intensity missions and crisis response scenarios in environments with more permissive airspace that led to the acquisition of the OA-1K in the first place.

We still have this requirement on the SOCOM side of the house to do counter-terrorism, crisis response, counter-VEO [violent extremist organization missions]. And really, that was the notion of the OA-1K originally, [it] was a cost-effective platform in the counter-violent extremism environment, they said. So that still is a relevant mission set.

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They also highlighted how continuing to engage with allies and partners in the Pacific region on lower-intensity fights where the OA-1K is relevant remains an important way of building military-to-military relationships that could extend into a future major conflict.

Now you start to think about competition and building relationships with allies and partners. And theres all the lead-up to something someday, where theres just this notion of strengthening relationships, they explained. How do you train with partner nations? Many of them still have their own counter-VEO concerns, they also have their own counter-terrorism/crisis response concerns. How could we support them if its in the Pacific or anywhere else?

USAF

The Air Force has also raised the possibility of utilizing OA-1Ks closer to home, including in support of border security missions. Since January, President Donald Trumps administration has significantly expanded U.S. military support to civilian law enforcement agencies along the southern border with Mexico, as well as surrounding bodies of water. The Skyraider II would offer a lower-cost alternative to the MQ-9 Reapers that have been supporting those operations, as well as augment higher-end ISR platforms now in use, or even supplant them in more limited ways. They could also supplement U.S. Customs and Border Protection ISR aircraft.

There are additional questions surrounding the OA-1K beyond just AFSOC plans to employ the aircraft. The Air Forces stated plan is to leverage personnel and other resources from the divestment of U-28A Draco and MC-12 turboprop-powered crewed ISR aircraft to help field the Skyraider II. At the same time, the service, along with SOCOM, insists that the OA-1K is not intended as a direct replacement for those aircraft. SOCOM and AFSOC have faced criticism, including from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a Congressional watchdog, over how these force structure decisions were made and the potential for resulting gaps in ISR capacity.

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Right now, our focus, really, at this point, is ensuring that the OA-1K is on time, the Air Force official told us when asked about any plans for a more direct replacement for the U-28As and MC-12s.

An MC-12W Liberty, in front, and a U-28A Draco, behind. Air National Guard Andrew LaMoreaux

The Pentagons top leadership under Trump is also promising a major realignment of priorities in the proposed defense budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year. This is already having major impacts on various programs, especially within the U.S. Army, and other efforts across the services could be staring down major cuts, if not outright cancellation.

I really dont have any info for you there, the Air Force official told us when asked about any concerns that the OA-1K could be on the chopping block, especially over questions about its future relevance in high-end conflicts. I, frankly, dont know, and I dont have any indication that the program is going to get canceled. Weve got our birds that continue to deliver. Were focused on, how do we get the crews trained? How do we get it outfitted to be able to make its first push down range to meet SOCOM requirements? And, you know, theres all kinds of speculation about budgets and whatnot out there, but right now, our focus is really not on that. Its about fielding the combat capability.

In the meantime, the Air Force is looking at launched effects with standoff range and other new capabilities, as well as concepts of operations to go with them, as potential paths to help keep its new OA-1K light attack aircraft relevant in various contexts going forward.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
David Attenborough turns 99 on Thursday  though his latest film, which opens in cinemas that very day, is a timely release in more ways than one. Next month in France, world governments will convene for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference  at which, his film argues, the futures of the worlds undersea habitats and their many inhabitants will be at stake.

This cracking campaigning documentary makes a galvanising case for action  and without lobbing its audience overboard with an anchor weight of hopelessness yoked to their heels. It first shows the otherworldly splendour and variegation of our planets sea life, then sets out the overfishing crisis that mortally threatens it, before suggesting an achievable-sounding rescue plan that can be quickly enacted with enough political will and public support. (Probably in the opposite order.)

Weve done something similar before, our host reminds us in that unmistakable voice like butter being spread across hot toast. In the 1970s, commercial whaling had reduced the global population of those wondrous mammals to one per cent of its original levels. All hope for their survival seemed lost  until ordinary people became sufficiently moved by the creatures plight that it suddenly wasnt.

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Positioning the push to end overfishing as the greatest opportunity for humanity in my lifetime, Attenborough, who delivers his narration perched on a groyne on a beach grey enough to be British, enters his 100th year on the planet with an optimistic glow. And its infectious  thanks in no small part to the eye-widening wonder and patient craftsmanship of the film built around it.

Attenboroughs oeuvre has featured numerous scenes like the ones in Ocean before. But theyre freshened here both by the 4K photography, by turns painterly and crisp, and the sense of scale conferred by the cinema screen itself. A sequence of zooplankton feasting on phytoplankton  which probably occurred within about a thimbles worth of seawater, tops  resembles a pitched battle from a trippy sci-fi epic. A swarm of spindly lobster larvae looks less like a group of actual living beings than their Into the Spider-Verse animated counterparts.

Such microscopic spectacles were mysteries until fairly recently  but then our understanding of the oceans overall, Attenborough argues, have altered immeasurably over the course of his career as a naturalist. Directors Toby Nowlan, Colin Butfield and Keith Scholey deftly stitch that shift in perspective into a number of scenes. Weve all seen banks of seaweed before, but Im not sure Ive ever seen them photographed in rolling top-down vistas, as if they were forests. (Which, of course, Ocean reminds us, they are.) The sense of mystery about the world beneath the waves is both embraced and dispelled: subaquatic mountain ranges are plotted on maps, recasting these vast empty spaces between continents as landscapes in their own right.

Ocean with David Attenborough - Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios

Attenboroughs narration  poetic, erudite, neat  guides the audience through a number of harrowing scenes, many of which lay bare the destruction wreaked by industrial trawlers on environments formed over centuries, then torn up in seconds by the scrape of a chain-weighted net. Yet the nuance of the argument isnt lost. Fishing and overfishing are different things: the struggle isnt positioned as industry versus conservation so much as humanity versus a far-reaching disaster thats still avoidable, just. For all human parties concerned, more fish in the sea would be good news, and their ecosystem hasnt had its chips quite yet.

PG cert, 95 min; in cinemas from Thursday May 8; airing on Sunday June 8 at 8pm on National Geographic and streaming the same day on Disney+

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ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Ector County jury has convicted an Odessa man of murder in connection with the 2022 death of Arely Sotelo Navarrette. Samuel Adrian Chavira was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday afternoon.

According to court records, on January 8, 2022, deputies with the Ector County Sheriffs Office were called to the 11000 block of W Layla after someone called 911 to report a disturbance. At the scene, deputies found Chavira in the front yard of the home and then found Navarrette dead on the floor of the master bedroom.

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Investigators said Chavira admitted to shooting Navarrette during an argument.

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Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), says that Ukraine has made significant progress in fighting corruption.

Source: Cormann at the presentation of the OECD's review of Ukraine on Tuesday in Kyiv, European Pravda reports, citing Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We are impressed by how publicly and openly the government approaches these tasks, despite the aggressive war. You have made significant progress in the fight against corruption, and I can say that the integrity system is very important for the community to trust you, for business to trust you, and this will help to rebuild the country after the war."

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Details: He noted that the OECD hopes the fight against corruption will continue.

He also emphasised that all indicators of public integrity are submitted by the Ukrainian government, which confirms that Ukraine genuinely wants to build institutions that demonstrate the commitment of not only the leadership, but also the entire nation to combat corruption.

"In certain key areas, you have almost reached the OECD average," said Cormann.

Meanwhile, he said that the system of state audit and corruption risk management should be strengthened.

The OECD Secretary-General also stressed that the lobbying register should be launched as soon as possible and must be accessible to all.

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"Overall, Ukraine has reduced its corruption risks. It is conducting further training and retraining of its specialists... This also applies to the private sector, but it should also apply to small and medium-sized businesses, so that they also play their role in the fight against corruption. So, we will continue to build with you a strong foundation for our further work in the fight against corruption in order to ensure the successful implementation of all the measures we are talking about," said Cormann

Background:

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, believes that Ukraine will be able to open at least one negotiating cluster before the end of Polands presidency of the EU Council.

Ukraine and the EU Commission initially had ambitious plans for the pace of accession talks in 2025, but the process has been hindered by Hungarys veto. Recently, there have been indications that Moldova and Ukraine could be separated on their path to EU membership.

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When Sir Keir Starmer wrote to industry regulators over Christmas, he demanded that they produce proposals to prioritise growth and facilitate investment. His criticism of the status quo was explicit  this is a shared endeavour in which we all have a stake, and therefore we would like your support in delivering it.

As the chief executive of a recent entrant to the media market, GB News, I know all too well how difficult it can be to negotiate the regulatory system in the UK. The rules are incredibly complex, applied inconsistently and confusingly also open to interpretation.

These are all qualities you would seek to avoid if you wanted to drive investment and growth in a sector.

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In February, the High Court overturned an Ofcom ruling against our network  identifying that Ofcom had misapplied its own rules relating to news programmes. Investigations into LBC, Talk, Local TV and GB News were dropped.

But if you thought the High Courts decision finally brought some clarity to these rules, youd be mistaken because Ofcoms immediate response was to announce that it was now going to consult over changes to the very rules it had got wrong in order to impose further restrictions on how news can be presented.

Rather than use this moment to re-evaluate its position and consider how it might support the reasonable development of the UK broadcast sector, the regulator has chosen to erect more barriers and impose more restrictive measures.

Of course, there will be a consultation process, but the ultimate decision sits back with the regulator, which the court found doesnt understand its own rules.

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At GB News, weve strived to pioneer new ideas in a broadcast media space that has not seen change for more than three decades. Along the way weve created 250 jobs and broken countless stories on the national stage.

Now regulations will be proposed to make this challenge even harder for budding newcomers than it was for us when we first got started in 2021.

The mentality of regulation by stringent opposition under this system  akin to prisoner and jailer  simply will not work to create the positive environment that can generate investment and growth.

Instead, with the Prime Ministers notion of shared interest in mind, we propose a different model: regulation by collaboration.

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I would encourage Ofcom to convene a meeting with commercial broadcasters and the Government in the near future to establish a regulatory regime that maintains protections for audiences, but also fosters growth, drives investment, strengthens freedom of expression and plurality of views.

Ofcoms decision to review elements of the broadcast code creates the perfect opportunity for this.

Fortunately, there is potential synergy between the interests of British audiences and the economy. With the appropriate care and clearly aligned objectives, we could deliver regulation that would bring about much-needed investment in UK broadcasting and have a lasting impact on the economy.

The opportunity in the broadcast sector is clear. Ofcoms own figures show that the audience share for public service broadcasters is on the wane, while commercial competitors generated more than 10bn in revenue in 2023. This is an industry ripe for growth.

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Further, if the same mentality was adopted across the other state regulated industries, we could trigger a wave of growth and investment in the UK.

Progress is already under way in some quarters. The Financial Conduct Authority has scrapped 100 pages of outdated regulations to reduce the burdens on the businesses it regulates.

Whatever your view of this Government, it is clear that it has identified that industry regulators can act as a huge hurdle on the path to growth and investment, and is attempting to take steps to rectify the situation.

Now it is on us to act in that spirit. Lets get the commercial broadcast industry, regulator and Government together to consider our issues.

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By rethinking the outdated model of oppositional regulation and uniting behind our common causes, we can deliver growth and investment in the economy and a better service for the people of Britain.

Angelos Frangopoulos is chief executive of GB News

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(NewsNation) Republican Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna says the Trump administration likely calculated that its less expensive to pay migrants $1,000 to leave than to house them and pay for deportation flights. Were hoping people will do the right thing and self-deport, she adds.

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A missing girl was found during the arrest of a human trafficking suspect in Los Angeles, police announced Monday.

The Anaheim Police Department said the investigation into this case began on April 28, when the 17-year-old victim was reported missing from her Irvine home.

Orange County investigators learned that the teen, whose identity was not released, was possibly being exploited for purposes of commercialized sex.

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Officials launched a human trafficking investigation and began searching for the missing girl.

The next day, April 29, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force found the missing girl and her trafficker together in Los Angeles.

Details on the arrest are limited, but police identified the suspect as Alex Polidore, 23, of Hawthorne, and noted that he is a convicted felon.

Alex Polidore, 23, of Hawthorne, is seen here in an undated booking photo for his human trafficking arrest in April 2025. (Anaheim PD)

Investigators recovered the girl, whose health status was not immediately provided, and booked Polidore at the Anaheim Police Department Detention Facility for a parole violation and multiple human trafficking offenses.

On May 1, the Orange County District Attorneys Office formally charged Polidore with human trafficking of a minor. Police said he remains in custody on $1 million bail.

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Police said that if you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888 or contact your local law enforcement department.

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Droughts in Montana have made lake water levels so low that they are affecting bird migration patterns.

Birds must find other places to stop along their routes, and local tourism has been impacted.

What's happening?

As KRTV reported, North Central Montana's Freezeout Lake is a popular birdwatching spot because it's a migratory pit stop. Swans, geese, and other waterfowl commonly stop at Freezeout Lake while traveling north to the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic.

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This pattern typically draws hundreds of spectators to watch the flocks descend upon the lake. But with water levels so low, wildlife experts expect far fewer birds.

"So far, this year the snow pack's a little better; it's still below average," said Brent Lonner, a wildlife biologist for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. "It's better than last year, but it's going to take time to really build that back up. So, when folks do come out this year, if you do, you'll notice that especially the north part of the main part of Freezeout is fairly dry."

Why are low lake levels important?

Low lake levels impact fish populations by reducing their habitats and forcing them to move to less optimal waters. They also impact bird migration patterns. Low water levels can increase shoreline erosion via sediment transport changes, too.

Other impacts of low lake levels are reduced recreational opportunities, less hydroelectric power generation, and a drop in tourism, which negatively affects local economies.

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Lake levels directly result from the changing global climate and prolonged droughts.

However, some communities are finding hope in lake levels rising back up to normal after droughts end or due to conservation efforts. Encouraging examples include Eagle Lake and Lake Shasta in Northern California and Lake Mead between Nevada and Arizona.

What's being done to support migratory birds?

In Montana, local authorities remind Freezeout Lake visitors that they need a conservation license to view the migratory birds and attend the Wild Wings Festival. The festival features a weekend of free events, educational programs, and guided tours. Requiring a license to attend helps control the number of people in the area and conserve state lands.

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.

In other places, conservation efforts are being implemented to help mitigate the impacts of low lake levels on migratory birds. Wetland drought relief programs, habitat restoration grants, and water supply programs are collaborative efforts that help protect bird populations in changing environments.

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As an individual, you can help protect migratory birds by following park rules when you visit birdwatching spots and other natural areas. Always stay a safe distance from birds and all wildlife to leave them and their remaining habitats undisturbed.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Portland police released the charges for five people who were arrested during a Riley Gaines event at the Portland State campus.

On Monday evening, Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer who has been outspoken in her opposition to transgender athletes in sports, appeared at an event on campus, at the same time several counter programming events were happening, according to Portland State officials.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Portland police said they arrested five people for various crimes; however, at the time, they didnt release the charges.

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On Tuesday morning, officials shared a full list, including the ages and charges:

27, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

34, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree

24, Harassment

20, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

25, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

The Riley Gaines event was organized by a third party, the Leadership Institute of Arlington, Va. While some students were involved in planning the event, this outside organization arranged the venue reservation and paid a room rental fee at the Smith Memorial Student Union, PSU spokesperson Katy Swordfisk said in a statement to KOIN 6 News. PSU is a public institution that supports free speech and free expression, even when the views expressed run counter to the beliefs and values held by many individuals in our community.

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BERLIN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union's candidate for German chancellor, failed to secure the required majority in Tuesday's Bundestag vote, falling six votes short of the 316 needed to be elected chancellor.

Merz received 310 votes in the secret ballot. A total of 621 out of 630 members of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, cast their votes, one of which was invalid.

Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner interrupted the plenary session after the voting results were announced.

The discussions of parliamentary groups are still ongoing. However, multiple German media suggested that there won't be another round of voting Tuesday. 
An increase in marine animal deaths in Florida is stirring concern among wildlife officials. While the actual cause remains a mystery, Brevard County neighbors suggest that it could be related to a recently completed dredging project and may negatively affect humans and animals, Fox 35 Orlando reported.

What's happening?

According to local news sources, beachgoers and conservationists have noticed more sick and dead animals on the beaches of Brevard County in recent months. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reported 26 fish kills. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society has recorded 141 stranded turtles this year, exceeding the five-year average of 36.2 strandings per year. Officials can't seem to pinpoint an exact cause for the spike in cases, but neighbors say it started around the same time as a dredging project aimed at restoring damage to the beaches after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole.

"It wasn't like this before this dredging started," resident Jeanne Abright told Fox 38 Orlando.

Why does it matter?

Because officials aren't sure why these marine animals continue to wash ashore sick and dead, it's difficult to know the direct impacts on human populations in the area.

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However, if locals are right about the correlation to the dredging project, beachgoers are at risk. The increase in sick and dead animals could suggest water contamination, which can be caused by dredging, according to Aquaread. With Brevard County seeing nearly $3 billion in tourist spending in 2023, per Florida Today, locals and visitors alike could be in danger.

What's the solution?

Luckily, the Brevard County dredging project wrapped up in March, per DredgingToday.com. But with an active hurricane season predicted for 2025 by The Weather Channel, more could be on the way. Many Florida residents and conservationists are speaking out against dredging, per WPTV. In the meantime, scientists are developing methods to replenish marine animal populations that have been negatively affected by environmental factors.

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PARMA HEIGHTS, OH  JANUARY 26: Ukrainians Marta and Taras Chaban who fled the violence of the war pose for a portrait at the library where they take English classes twice a week, January 26, 2023, at the Cuyahoga County Public Library - Parma Heights Branch, in Parma Heights, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)

A panel of economists overwhelmingly said that if federal and state cuts to public library funding become reality, it will harm human capital  knowledge and skill that can be used as an economic resource. A smaller majority said it would also reduce the states economic output.

The budget proposed by the Republican-controlled Ohio House would spend almost $91 million less on public libraries than the draft proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine, reports the Ohio Library Council.

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Additionally, the Ohio House changed how library funding is allocated, the library council said last month. Instead of receiving 1.7% of the states General Revenue Fund (GRF)as established in permanent lawthe Public Library Fund (PLF) would become a line-item appropriation. This change could put future library funding at greater risk, as line-item appropriations are more vulnerable to elimination.

In addition, a group led by Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, has moved to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal grant-making agency with a budget of $290 million a year.

Benjamin Franklin in 1731 invented the library as we know it, Smithsonian Magazine reported last year. Thats when he founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, which was cheap enough for average people to join and improve themselves.

Franklin himself was self-taught and would go on to be the most famous American in the world. He knew that access to books and other materials had vast potential as an improving, democratizing force.

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These libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans, Smithsonian Magazine quoted Franklin as saying. And they made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries.

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In 1833, the first completely tax-supported library opened in New Hampshire. Between 1886 and 1919, industrialist Andrew Carnegie put up money to open more than 1,600 public libraries, then nearly half of the free public libraries in the United States. More than 100 of the Carnegie libraries opened in Ohio.

A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people, the Ohio History Connection quotes Carnegie as saying. It is a never failing spring in the desert.

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As did Franklin, Carnegie believed that public libraries were fundamental to a functioning democracy.

There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the free public library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration, he said.

Not able to afford college, future President Harry Truman was a voracious reader of American history. He later claimed that by the time he was 14, he had read every book in the Independence, Mo., Public Library.

Not all readers become leaders, Truman said. But all leaders must be readers.

In 2025, public libraries offer more than books. Theyre an important economic resource, especially for underserved Americans, the American Library Association said last month.

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Public libraries are essential infrastructure in every American community, and that especially is so during times of economic uncertainty, the group said. The elimination of federal funding for public libraries will be felt in every community across the country, and particularly in rural areas. Public libraries provide people with job skills training, entrepreneurship support, homeschooling and education materials, and access to food services that are at risk without federal funding. As many people face job reductions and layoffs, there is an increased need for the services libraries provide to help people improve workforce skills.

In Ohio, Scioto Analysis put several questions about library funding to a panel of 14 economists.

Asked if cutting funding from Ohios public libraries will reduce human capital development of Ohio residents, 11 said it would, one said it wouldnt and two were uncertain.

In the comments section of the survey, Kevin Egan of the University of Toledo spoke of weekly library visits with his kids.

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Every time we went to the public library it was full of citizens utilizing its resources: many different types of human capital development beyond just reading, including public access to computers for online job applications and resume preparation; study rooms for students to prepare for their classes and do homework, helpful staff to locate whatever you are interested in learning, Egan wrote.

The only economist who said cutting library funding would not sap human capital was David Brasington of the University of Cincinnati.

Other sources of information have made libraries redundant or replaced them, he wrote.

A strong majority of the economists also agreed that cutting funding from Ohios public libraries will reduce statewide economic output in the long run.

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Nine agreed, two disagreed and three were uncertain.

Im not clear how much libraries will increase economic output, and it is probably hard to measure, but Im sure they help at least a little bit, said Jonathan Andreas of Bluffton University. This was one reason Andrew Carnegie spent a large portion of his fortune on libraries.

Brasington strongly disagreed.

Libraries are increasingly irrelevant in the information age, he said.

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The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

The future is far from certain for the Ohio Elections Commission after House budget drafters moved to eliminate the agency. Now the state Senate gets its turn to tweak the two-year spending plan.

OEC executive director Phil Richter went before a Senate committee last week to make the case for his agency.

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The Ohio Elections Commission is a seven-member body that operates as an independent agency with oversight of campaign finance laws. The governor appoints three Democrats and three Republicans who in turn select the unaffiliated seventh member of the commission.

Richter warned state senators that turning campaign finance laws over to an official appointed by the secretary of state or the county board of elections will create chaos.

Instead of one statewide decision-making body, there will be 89 separate applications of Ohios campaign finance laws, he said. Instead of one bipartisan, collegial panel, there could be 89 separate decisions made along party lines.

Richter added the new responsibilities could create an unfunded mandate for the offices that would begin handling campaign finance cases. He also noted the Ohio House version of the budget zeroes out funding for the commission starting in July, but doesnt actually abolish the agency until Jan. 1 next year.

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It is unconscionable to me, Richter said, that the current budget would expect the commission and its staff to work for six months without any funding.

Critics argue the commission process is too slow and too burdensome for many of the people that come before it. They contend the process itself  driving multiple times to Columbus to sit for hearings  is more punitive than the OECs eventual fines.

State Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, whos leading the House budget process has been on the receiving end of a long-running campaign finance complaint.

Ive had a four-year front row seat to how inept this process is, he said in an interview last month.

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Far from seeing that as a conflict of interest, he argued those who have spent years being drug through the mud are the best ones to reform an agency.

Lawmakers questions

State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson, D-Toledo, asked if the Houses plan would lead to a patchwork of decisions.

Thats a very real possibility, Richter said, adding that it would be challenge to have the same office running elections and judging campaign finance violations and still deal in an independent, nonpartisan, unbiased way.

The committee chairman, state Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, wondered what was so bad about the Houses plan. He described serving on a board that got advice from the county prosecutor.

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Whats the problem with that model, as long as they have an assistant prosecutor who has knowledge of election laws? he asked.

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Richter argued the commission would be putting itself into a situation where that partisan factor is always there.

Without an independent voice to break a potential tie between the two Democrats and two Republicans on a board, he said, decisions could easily break along partisan lines.

State Sen. Kyle Koehler, R-Springfield, complained about candidates putting up untruthful signs. As a hypothetical, he described hearing complaints about a candidate using a sign describing themselves as a commissioner when they havent yet won office.

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The commission is not going to look at it for 45 to 60 days  that person is either going to be elected or lose their election by the time it happens, Koehler said. Its almost as if, again, Ive said these words: Theres really nothing you can do.

Richter acknowledged his frustration but explained theres little the commission can do following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Ohios law against false campaign statements.

Koehler pressed Richter to ensure the commission holds people accountable. He argued too many candidates get fines that amount to a slap on the wrist for significant violations.

I dont know what the Senate is going to do, Koehler said about the possibility of restoring funding for the Ohio Elections Commission. If that happens, Im just going to say that I hope the election commission uses more teeth.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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Hundreds of students protested against Senate Bill 1 on Ohio States campus on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

A series of executive orders by President Donald Trump targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have many companies and organizations scurrying to determine if they need to change or even scrap their diversity and inclusion policies. Those in Ohio may even be more worried and confused, due to a new state law that prohibits DEI in public higher education.

This confusion is likely exacerbated by the fact that, as any labor and employment lawyer will attest, there is no standard definition of DEI in the human resources universe  leaving much to interpretation. What is certain is that sweeping changes to DEI are underway, and Ohios private companies need to quickly come up to speed on what may be required of them soon.

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A good place to start is a review of a series of presidential orders in January. Although these orders target primarily federal agencies and their contractors, federal agencies are directed to submit reports identifying private sector companies with the most egregious and discriminatory DEI programs. As a result, several high-profile companies  including Meta, Target, Walmart, Google and PepsiCo  either reduced or eliminated their DEI programs.

Then, in late March, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation banning DEI programs at the states public colleges and universities. Before the bill even passed the Ohio legislature, the states largest school  Ohio State University  closed two campus offices focused on DEI and eliminated more than a dozen staff positions. Other schools, including the University of Cincinnati and Miami University, followed suit once the ink was dry on the legislation.

While the new state law doesnt target Ohios private employers, it has left some wondering if they, too, will be required to scale back or end their DEI initiatives. This confusion isnt helped by the fact that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)  whose job it is to investigate complaints of discrimination and sue employers who violate federal employment discrimination laws  is itself in disarray after the commissions two Democrats were fired in January.

Yet, there are some recent technical assistance documents from the EEOC that, while not as impactful as commission regulations and guidelines, provide insights to employers on how they should consider various DEI questions. In a newly released document titled What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work, the agency poses a series of questions and responses that may be helpful to companies.

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Some of the questions and answers are well-known to many corporate HR specialists and employment lawyers, such as whether an individual can file a federal discrimination lawsuit related to DEI at their work without taking any other steps. The answer is no, because an individual must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC, which then must complete an administrative process before the person can file a federal lawsuit.

Another question asks whether protections under federal Title VII only apply to individuals who are part of a minority group. Again, the answer is no, because these protections apply equally to all workers, the EEOC states, and different treatment based on race, sex, or another protected characteristic can be unlawful discrimination, no matter which employees or applicants are harmed.

Other questions have sound answers, but may not be reflective of actual practice in some workplaces. For example, in response to the question, When is a DEI initiative, policy, program, or practice unlawful under Title VII, the EEOC provides several examples of such unlawful conduct, including separating workers into groups based on race, sex or another protected class for administering DEI or other training.

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The agency notes that employers should provide training and mentoring that provides workers of all backgrounds the opportunity, skill, experience, and information necessary to perform well, and to ascend to upper-level jobs.

In truth, however, Im fairly certain this practice has taken place at some companies  and recently.

A different question asks whether a client preference or request for diversity is a defense against intentional race discrimination. The answer is no, with the EEOC stating a client or customer preference is not a defense to race or color discrimination and basing employment decisions on the racial preferences of clients, customers, or coworkers constitutes intentional race discrimination.

The EEOC goes on to say that employment decisions based on the discriminatory preferences of clients, customers, or coworkers are just as unlawful as decisions based on an employers own discriminatory preferences.

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That certainly sounds like the correct legal answer. However, in everyday business, it is not unusual for some clients/customers to require their vendors to provide race information of their employees, with the insinuation of stacking accounts with minority employees.

Even more confused? All the more reason Ohio companies should, against this backdrop of anti-DEI measures, immediately begin reviewing their DEI initiatives and programs, as well as information about those programs posted on their websites, in public filings and social media.

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May 5LIMA  Chris Wade was one of 16 graduates honored at the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal's Ohio Fire Academy graduation ceremony Friday in Reynoldsburg, according to a press release.

Wade will take the skills he learned in the academy back to Lima, according to the release.

"Overall, this has been a great experience," Wade said. "I came in not really knowing a whole lot about EMS, but they have great instructors here. They really took the time to break things down for us and make concepts easier for us to understand. Because of that, I feel a lot more confident going forward."

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According to the release, the Academy's training program lasted 166 hours over six weeks.

"We're incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of this outstanding graduating class," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio is encouraging residents to explore their career options this week during In-Demand Jobs Week, a statewide recognition of the jobs, industries, and skills that are in demand in the state.

In-Demand Jobs Week is a great opportunity for us to spread the word about the many good-paying career opportunities and industries that are available throughout Ohio, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder said in a press release. Through OhioMeansJobs.com or the OhioMeansJobs Centers, Ohioans have many resources to help them find their next great opportunity.

According to ODJFS, in-demand jobs are defined by offering a median wage of $21.52 an hour and there are at least 650 annual job openings.

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Some of the top jobs listed in the state include:

Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor Trailer

Assemblers and Fabricators

Construction Laborers

Electricians

Machinists

Software Developers

Registered Nurses

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

Computer Network Support Specialist

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Sheet Metal Workers

Engine and other Machine Assemblers

Tool and Die Maker

Ohioans interested in finding out more about in-demand careers can visit the Ohio Means Jobs website by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  First News Senior reporter Gerry Ricciutti talked with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose ahead of Tuesdays primary.

LaRose talked about what voters can expect heading into the election.

Really, there wont be anything new, LaRose said. Itll be what voters are accustomed to. You know, show your ID, cast your ballot. You walk out with your voter sticker. Its going to be a very convenient experience for you.

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LaRose said they are expecting no lines and few crowds at polling locations.

Really, no reason to skip out on this opportunity to make your voice heard, he said.

Many Ohio voters have already cast their ballots through early and absentee voting. Absentee voters have through Monday to get the ballot postmarked.

You cannot take your absentee ballot to your polling location, LaRose said.

Voters can find their polling locations online.

Bring a smile to thank those hardworking election officials, really tens of thousands of our fellow Ohioans that are helping around Election Day once again for our voters throughout the state, LaRose said.

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And what about a Real ID? Will that have an impact on voters tomorrow  LaRose says no.

None whatsoever. The Real ID is a good thing to have. I got mine over a decade ago. You need it board an aircraft or enter federal facilities. Its a smarter thing to get, but that doesnt have any impact on voting any current state ID as long as they get its one of those acceptableauthorized state ID or drivers license, a military ID, a passport, etc. Those will be fine as long as theyre current. And thats what youll need when you go to vote, LaRose said.

Election officials in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties have said they are expecting a light turnout, with some communities having only one or two issues on the ballot. In fact, low turnout is expected across the state, LaRose said.

What weve seen in those even-numbered years, 2020 to 2024, were all record-breaking years. Those odd-numbered years  like 2025, when were voting on local contests or in this case, the statewide issue. We do tend to see that lower turnout. But thats, again, just another reason why every vote makes a difference. These local elections tend to come down to really small numbers, and theres no reason not to maybe take 15 minutes on your way to work or on your way home from work during your lunch break and make sure that your voice is heard..



Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Oil prices play a crucial role in Russia's budget and the Russian economy overall, but Russian national interests take precedence above all else, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Peskov was commenting on remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that President Vladimir Putin might be more inclined to resolve the conflict in Ukraine following the recent drop in oil prices.

"Oil prices cannot be a factor that can influence Russia's attitude towards its national interests," Peskov said. "Russia's national interests are above all else, above any oil prices."

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Russia, Peskov said, was working with OPEC+ to ensure prices remained at an optimal level.

"Of course, the international oil price is a very important factor for budget formation in our country and for the Russian economy as a whole," Peskov said.

"It remains relevant, and here, of course, Russia, as you know, has been working in the OPEC+ format for a long time to maintain prices at an optimal level. Excessively high prices and very low prices, of course, adversely affect the global economy as a whole, so this work continues here."

When asked about efforts to find a settlement to end the Ukraine war, Peskov said that work was continuing with the United States.

(Reporting by Dmitry AntonovWriting by Maxim Rodionov; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Tribal officials of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe voiced support for Sawyer County Judge Monica Isham after she criticized the recent arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. In an April 25 email to state judges, Isham announced she would stop holding court unless she received guidance or support from the state regarding Dugans arrest.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board commends Judge (Monica) Isham for her bravery in advocating for justice, fairness and safety not only for herself, but for all who serve in the judiciary system, tribal officials wrote in a statement on May 2.

Dugan was charged with obstructing justice for allegedly trying to help someone avoid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from her courtroom. Dugan has since been barred by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

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I have no intention of allowing anyone to be taken out of my courtroom by ICE and sent to a concentration camp, especially without due process, Isham wrote in the April 25 email. If this costs me my job or gets me arrested then at least I know did the right thing.

Isham is a member of the Lac Courte Oreille Ojibwe Band, which has a 76,000-acre reservation in Sawyer County in northern Wisconsin. She is the first woman and Indigenous person to be elected to serve as a circuit court judge in Sawyer County.

Since Jan. 20, Isham wrote in the email she has endured racial attacks in her courtroom, including being called an immigrant" and told she has "no jurisdiction over White people." Isham reported hearing a potential juror declare they wouldn't follow orders from a person of color and would find a Black or Brown person guilty if they were a defendant.

Ishams email has sparked a wave of criticism from national conservative media and pundits, with some online posts containing threatening messages.

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Tribal officials praised Isham as a respected member of the tribe and urged state officials to uphold recently passed bipartisan bills aimed at ensuring the safety of judges.

To be able to make fair and impartial decisions that are supported by facts, law and the applicable constitution judges must not fear for their safety, tribal officials wrote. There must be civility and professional respect for our judicial institutions even when one may disagree with a judicial decision or rule.

The tribe is the largest employer in Sawyer County, mostly through its casinos, hotel, convenience stores, gas stations and cranberry operation.

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ojibwe tribe backs Sawyer County judge who criticized Dugan arrest
BUDAPEST, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Tuesday strongly criticized a proposed European Commission plan to end imports of Russian energy, noting that it would jeopardize Hungary's energy security.

Speaking in Tiszaujvaros, Szijjarto said the proposal would place an undue burden on Hungary. Excluding Russian energy sources would cause serious difficulties for several European economies, undermine the competitiveness of European businesses, and drive up energy prices, he said.

The European Commission on Tuesday unveiled a new roadmap to end the European Union's (EU) reliance on Russian gas by 2027. The REPowerEU Roadmap sets out a phased and coordinated plan to halt imports of Russian natural gas, oil, and nuclear materials across the 27-member bloc, according to a press release by the Commission.

Under the proposal, the EU would immediately stop signing new contracts for Russian gas and terminate all existing spot market deals by the end of 2025. All remaining Russian gas imports would cease by the end of 2027.

Szijjarto warned that the move would infringe on national sovereignty. He emphasized that EU member states have the right to determine their own energy sources and suppliers, pointing out the practical limitations imposed by existing pipeline infrastructure. 
In the new school year, thousands of Oklahoma students will be required to learn about 2020 election fraud conspiracy theories as part of a new curriculum developed by the state's controversial superintendent, Ryan Walters. Walters, who has come under fire in recent months for an effort to require Oklahoma classrooms to stock Bibles and display the Ten Commandments, has said that the addition "empowers students to investigate and understand the electoral process."

Under the state's new curriculum, high school students will be taught to "identify discrepancies in 2020 elections results by looking at graphs and other information, including the sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, the security risks of mail-in balloting, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters, and the unprecedented contradiction of 'bellwether county' trends."

While it's not necessarily unreasonable to want students to learn about the dispute over the 2020 election, the standards' framing of the controversy (which turned up no evidence of election interference) and Walters' comments about it make it clear that teachers are meant to shed doubt on the veracity of the election.

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"The purpose of the standard is simple: we want students to think for themselves, not be spoon-fed left wing propaganda," Walters said in a statement to The Washington Post in March. "Students deserve to examine every aspect of our elections, including the legitimate concerns raised by millions of Americans in 2020."

The standards also contain passages directing teachers to ensure that students can "identify the source of the COVID-19 pandemic from a Chinese lab," and "explain the effects of the Trump tax cuts, child tax credit, border enforcement efforts."

The standards quickly sparked controversy when they were first published in February, especially when Walters admitted he added the 2020 election fraud section after the release of an earlier version for public comment. After the state Senate defeated an effort from a Republican lawmaker to stop the election denial section of the standards from being implemented, Walters announced on April 29 that the state would move forward with "the most unapologetically conservative, pro-America social studies standards in the nation."

The curriculum change is just one of a battery of recent attempts to inject partisan politics into public school curricula. While blue states have faced criticism from the right for injecting critical race theory into the classroom, many red states have engaged in far more galling efforts to politicize classroom instruction. Louisiana attempted to mandate that classrooms display posters of the Ten Commandments before being stopped in federal court. Oklahoma, under Walters' tutelage, has gone so far as to require classrooms to stock Biblesand teach from them.

The post New Oklahoma Curriculum Requires Students To Learn 2020 Election Fraud Conspiracies appeared first on Reason.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Republican Party has added several new priorities to its party platform, including opposing funding increases for public schools, banning 5G technology and eliminating mail-in and early voting.

Oklahoma Republicans hold every statewide elected office and a supermajority in the Legislature, giving them more leverage to pass their policy priorities through the legislature without as much need to makes comprises with democrats.

At the state GOP convention in Oklahoma City over the weekend, the party elected Charity Linch as its new chair and voted on the updated platform.

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Members also voted to make some changes to the policy priorities listed in its official platform.

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The platform now includes calls to abolish the state income tax, abolish the minimum wage, abolish the Federal Reserve, and oppose any increased state funding for government schools.

When News 4 asked Linch to explain the specifics of that last point, Linch said she was not yet familiar with the details.

No, I have not had a chance to review that, Linch said. So, no, I cannot. The party does support public schools. I believe that they just dont want the government overreach. The federal government telling us what to do. It should be locally run. It should be state run.

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When asked whether Oklahoma Republicans would support legislation to stop funding increases for public schools, Linch wasnt sure.

I dont know. The party would have to see, Linch said. I would say that would have to go for the vote, go to the vote and see how the people felt.

Another item added to the platform was support for the elimination of all 5G technology.

It affects sleep. It affects rhythms in your body. There is studies where it can be the cause of some cancers, Linch said.

Those claims, widely spread by conspiracy theorists during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been repeatedly debunked by scientists around the world, including those with the National Institute of Health, whose studies found no confirmed evidence that 5G frequencies are hazardous to human health.

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The updated platform also includes support for day of, in person voting with limited exceptions, meaning no early voting and no mail-in voting.

I do believe that Oklahoma is one of these states that has the best election system in the country, probably the very best, Linch said. And it is still susceptible to challenges and susceptible to cheating. And so how do you make sure there cant be cheating? You take away all of the factors that would allow it.

Linch could not cite any specific examples of widespread voter fraud in Oklahoma.

The state election board has told News 4 numerous times there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Oklahoma.

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We need to have a conversation around the table, Linch said. So if you cant get there on the same day, why is that? And perhaps we need to just discuss parameters.

Democrats, including state Sen. Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City) have concerns about the platform.

Im not hearing from my constituents that they want, you know, funding to remain flat for public education, Hicks said. I have not been contacted about eliminating 5G technology.

You have a supermajority in both chambers. In the Senate, there are 40 Republicans to eight Democrats, Hicks said. And so when you are considering the implications of what a party is adopting into its platform, I think every Oklahoman should be concerned that at some point those priorities will rise to the level of the problems that are being presented in this chamber as real problems.

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However, when it comes to reducing political divisiveness, Hicks and Linch actually agree on a solution.

What I would urge folks to do is to take it off your phone and get out in your community, Hicks said.

Quit going to social media and just trying to rile up a problem and instead try to come to a solution, Linch said.

Making sure that you are really connecting with people in real life about the situations that are most important to you, Hicks said.

If we have the conversations and we get past pride, I think we will get more done, Linch said.

Linch also emphasized that just because something is included in the party platform does not mean every Republican supports it  only that a majority of those present at the convention voted in favor.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt visits a chemistry classroom at the Jenks Public Schools Math and Science Center on Nov. 13 while visiting schools with cellphone restrictions. Stitt signed a bill into law Monday to implement a yearlong cellphone ban in all Oklahoma public schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law a yearlong ban on student cellphone use in all Oklahoma public schools.

Oklahoma will join 11 other states that have implemented similar statewide restrictions. Some school districts in the state enforce a similar policy already.

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Stitt signed Senate Bill 139 on Monday to implement the bell to bell ban for the 2025-26 school year. The restriction becomes optional for districts in the 2026-27 school year and thereafter.

While the yearlong ban is in place, each districts school board must adopt a policy restricting students from using cellphones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, smart headphones and smart glasses from the first bell ringing in the instructional day until final dismissal. The policy must outline disciplinary procedures for enforcing the rule.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, center, and Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller, right, listen during a Nov. 13 roundtable discussion with students about a cellphone ban at the Bixby Ninth Grade Center. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

School-issued or school-approved devices used for classroom instruction are still allowed under the law. Districts could permit cellphone use for emergencies and for students who need it to monitor a health issue.

Stitt previously urged public schools to find cost-neutral ways to make classrooms cellphone free to reverse a worrying trend of distraction, bullying and learning difficulties.

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Were seeing classrooms across the country struggle with the influx of cellphone use by students, Stitt said in a statement Tuesday. Thats why I issued my cellphone free school challenge in the fall. We want kids to be focused and present while theyre with their teachers, and this legislation helps promote an environment conducive to learning.

Before the 2025 legislative session began, state lawmakers met with mental health researchers who warned about the negative effect and addictive impact of digital media on youth. They also spoke with Oklahoma educators who said their schools saw better student behavior after banning cellphones.

Meanwhile, Stitt visited schools that already have these restrictions in place, where students and educators spoke favorably about their school rules.

Among the nations largest teachers union, 90% of members said they support cellphone restrictions during class time, and 83% favored prohibiting cellphone and personal device usage for the entire school day, according to a National Education Association survey.

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U.S. adults reported broad support for classroom cellphone restrictions in middle and high schools, but only a third of American adults said they support extending these bans for the whole school day, the Pew Research Center found.

Support for SB 139 wasnt overwhelming among Oklahoma lawmakers, either. The state Senate passed the bill with a 30-15 vote, and the House approved it 51-39.

The House also passed a similar school cellphone ban, House Bill 1276, that would allow districts to opt out of the policy. SB 139 allows no such option until after a year.

Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, wrote Senate Bill 139 to implement a mandatory yearlong ban on cellphones in schools. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

This will allow teachers to focus entirely on educating our kids while students can concentrate on learning as much as possible, an author of both bills, Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, said. After two years of hard work on this issue, Im thrilled to see this legislation become law, and Im confident students, parents and teachers will see immediate benefits once the new school year begins.

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HB 1276 is unlikely to advance in the Senate now that SB 139 has the governors signature, Seifried said.

The bills House author, Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, called the measure a try it before you buy it type of policy.

I appreciate Gov. Stitt signing SB 139 to remove the distractions of cellphones from our schools and give our kids their childhood back, Caldwell said Tuesday.

The governor on Monday also signed into law a restriction on virtual school days. Senate Bill 758 will limit districts to using a maximum of two online instruction days per school year.

Kids learn best in the classroom, said Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, who wrote the bill. Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but weve seen them become a go-to solution in some districts  and thats not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.

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With less than a month to go in this year's legislative session, hope is running out that any concrete action will be taken to improve our state's public schools, which are among the worst in the nation.

In fact, just the opposite may be happening. Legislators are on the brink of making our education crisis even worse.

A bill backed by Senate Education Committee Chair Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, to give teachers another raise to help address our critical shortage is being shelved. More important to legislators, it seems, is making sure enough money is available for a small percentage cut in the state income-tax rate that won't be of much help to average Oklahomans.

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Instead of better pay to fix the problem of not having enough experienced teachers to go around, the Legislature is proposing in House Bill 2125 to expand an existing program to allow untrained instructors in pre-K through third-grade classrooms. These non-certified teachers are called "adjuncts," but a better name might be "babysitters," since they are unlikely to make a dent in our dismal math and reading scores.

Superintendent Ryan Walters at the Oklahoma State Education Board meeting at the Oliver Hodge Building, Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Districts like Oklahoma City Public Schools have a "grow your own" program to get more qualified teachers in classrooms. Those programs create a pathway to eventual college certification and training. But let's be clear: Pre-K through third-grade "adjuncts" are not like the part-time college professors who may not have a post-graduate degree but bring years of experiential learning to a college classroom. Instead, they are academically untrained to meet the learning needs of students who come from a variety of backgrounds.

More: Youngest students in Oklahoma schools need qualified teachers  not beginners | Opinion

Maybe the Legislature thinks curriculum changes proposed by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters will help. Among other things, those changes require social studies teachers to emphasize more strongly how much of an influence the Bible was on those who established our nation in the 1700s. Teachers also will be required to give special attention to claims that the 2020 election was "stolen" from President Donald Trump. Both areas are purely subjective and require no formal training for instruction  or some might argue, indoctrination.

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Senators could have had a voice in modifying Walters' plans, but chose not to vote on a proposal to reject the standards, allowing them to take effect. Oklahoma already has thousands of alternatively certified teachers in classrooms. What's needed are qualified, certified teachers well versed in how to help kids reach their full potential by third grade.

Oklahoma's kids should always be our lawmakers' priority. They deserve a world-class education with highly certified teachers, not watered down instruction from inexperienced "adjuncts." Sadly, 2025 is turning out to be a year of inaction on the part of both Walters and the Legislature toward improving our schools. Oklahoma is still in a ditch labeled "49th in education." HB 2125 has not yet been heard in the Senate. We urge the Senate to reject the "adjunct" plan and seek a permanent, sustainable path that brings training and experience into classrooms so students can boast improved education outcomes.

This editorial was written by William C. Wertz, and represents the position of The Oklahoman editorial board, which includes deputy opinion editor Wertz, opinion editor Clytie Bunyan and executive editor Ray Rivera.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Legislature on track to make public schools worse | Editorial
The Heartland Flyer pulls into the Norman Station, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth could end if Texas lawmakers decline to fund that states share, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission was told Monday.

Texas is having a little bit of trouble working that into their legislative budget, and were optimistic that will happen, but we are going to continue to very closely monitor it, said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Department of Transportation executive director.

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The Heartland Flyer, an Amtrak route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, is a jointly funded partnership between Texas and Oklahoma. Oklahomas portion for 2025 is $4.5 million, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

If Texas was unable to fund its portion, the Heartland Flyer would cease operations, as early as June, Gatz said.

Weve been through a few other times with similar conditions with Texas, and theyve always come through, Gatz said. So, were not necessarily in a panic yet, but we are monitoring closely.

A spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation said his agency does not comment on pending legislation.

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The Heartland Flyer is extremely important to a growing state and growing metropolitan area like Oklahoma City, Gatz said.

It offers an alternate mode of transportation for people that may choose not to fly or drive or may not have the means to travel to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Gatz said.

If the route is shut down, it will impact ongoing efforts to expand the passenger train route between Fort Worth, Oklahoma City and Newton, Kan., Gatz said.

I think it changes that dynamic dramatically to the point that if the Flyer didnt exist south to Dallas, Fort Worth, then it pretty much negates all of the work thats been done so far on projecting what that route might look like, Gatz said.

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Expanding the line into Kansas would allow travelers to connect with other major passenger train routes. Extending the route into Kansas and connecting it to other locations would require funding through the Federal Railroad Administration, Gatz said.

The Heartland Flyer makes stops in Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville and Forth Worth. It travels 206 miles between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.

The service was reestablished in 1999 after ending in 1979, Gatz said.

Ridership has fluctuated over the years, but last year it was 81,918, according to ODOT.

Prices vary depending on travel times, but a round trip ticket from Oklahoma City to Forth Worth on Saturday costs $64.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) arrested a 25-year-old man after he threatened a victim with a handgun during a road rage incident.

At around 12:26 p.m. on May 5, the Colorado Springs Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call where the victim of a road rage situation called and reported that a man had exited their car and threatened them with a gun at Platte Avenue and Arrawanna Street, near North Academy Boulevard.

The victim was able to provide a description of the car and license plate number. According to CSPD, about 20 minutes later, an officer encountered the suspect at Fountain Boulevard and Murray Boulevard, where a high-risk stop was conducted.

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The driver, 25-year-old Kyle Harvey, was arrested, and a handgun was recovered.

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A woman in Chico, California, thought she was protecting her bank account from hackers. Instead, she wired $54,000 straight into the hands of scammers impersonating her bank.

It all started when her Facebook business page was taken down  and quickly escalated into a sophisticated fraud involving spoofed phone numbers, false urgency and a scammer who knew just what to say.

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Now shes warning others not to trust caller ID  and to never wire money to someone you dont know. She shared her story with Action News Now.

Heres what happened to her and how to avoid the same mistakes.

Scammers fake caller IDs with spoofed numbers

The woman said her trouble started when her Facebook business page was suddenly taken down. She found what appeared to be a customer service number  a red flag, as Facebook does not offer phone support  and called for help.

The person who answered said her page was hacked and now her bank account was at risk  and said they'd call Golden 1 Credit Union on the woman's behalf to help protect her.

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Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for  and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Shortly after, someone who claimed to work for Golden 1s fraud department and who identified himself as 'Patrick' called her. The caller ID made it look like he was with the credit union.

In fact, the scammers had spoofed the phone number with a false description so that 'Golden 1' would show up on the caller ID.

'Patrick' claimed someone was trying to withdraw $54,000 from her account. He said she needed to wire $54,000 to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) account.

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She followed his instructions. That's when she got a real call from a woman who legitimately worked for Golden 1s fraud unit.

I said, Is there someone who works there named Patrick? And she said, No, the woman recalled.

And thats when the whole thing unfolded that I had been defrauded of $54,000.

The scammers actually "helped" her recover her Facebook business page, likely as a way to build trust.

But as for the money? She told reporters she doesnt expect to get it back. The FBI, FTC and financial institutions involved in the transfer are now investigating the wire transfers.

How to avoid sophisticated scams

The scammers were sophisticated and deliberate. They built both a sense of trust and urgency. Here's how to protect yourself from increasingly convincing scams.

Don't trust caller ID

Scammers can spoof phone numbers, emails and websites to make them appear real. Don't assume they are. Research the real contact information to confirm theyre legitimate.

Never wire money to protect your funds

No legitimate financial institution, government agency, law enforcement organization or fraud department will ask you to wire money to safeguard your account. Most accounts are already protected under federal regulations and your bank can often stop suspicious withdrawals before theyre processed.

Know how organizations handle phone support

Facebook does not offer live phone support so if you are urged to call a number for Facebook help, its likely a scam. Be equally suspicious of phone calls from the FBI or FTC. Those organizations are unlikely to call you.

Don't give out personal information on incoming calls

Even if the call seems legitimate, hang up and call back using a number youve looked up yourself  like the one on the back of your debit card. Remember, incoming numbers and caller ID information can be manipulated.

Still suspicious? Visit your bank in person

If youre worried about your bank account, visit a branch and talk to a real person. A bank employee can help protect your finances and is likely familiar with common types of bank fraud.

Ask a trusted family or friend for help

Scammers often try to isolate their victims and tell them not to talk to anyone else. That should always be a red flag. If you suspect youre being scammed, speak with a loved one. They can help you spot scams and provide a second opinion.

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If you are scammed, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Internet Crime Complaint Center website, IC3.gov. Alerting your bank immediately may improve your chances of recovering funds.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  One person was killed Monday afternoon in a shooting in Anderson County.

According to Anderson County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to the scene of a shooting on Checkerberry Lane in Pendleton around 4:21 p.m.

The Anderson County Coroners Office said 41-year-old Jerrico Roshean Fruster was treated on scene but died from his injuries at 4:49 p.m.

The cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide.

FILE  Detectives at the scene of s hooting that occurred Monday afternoon on Chuckberry Drive in Pendleton, S.C. on May 5, 2025. (WSPA File Photo) Bystanders embrace as investigators cars are at the scene of a fatal shooting that occurred on Chuckberry Drive on Monday afternoon in Pendleton, S.C on May 5, 2025. (WSPA File Photo)

The sheriffs office said a person of interest has been detained.

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Deputies said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date with 7NEWS on the air and online as more information is made available.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A 37-year-old man is dead following a crash in southeast Wichita. It happened shortly before 4 p.m. Monday at George Washington Boulevard Drive and East Aloma Street.

Suspect in Wichita cannon theft said his life was in danger: affidavit

Wichita police said at the scene that a man was heading north on George Washington Drive, which runs parallel to the boulevard at a high rate of speed in a pickup truck, when he crashed into a tree.

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The department says firefighters and EMS attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Joshua Mann.

Police say they are still investigating what led to the crash to determine what happened.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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There are plenty of inspiring quotes from Warren Buffett out there in the business world. Scott Morgan/Reuters

Warren Buffett has shared life and business advice throughout his long career.

His lessons apply to everything from the business world to family life.

The billionaire said he plans to step down from Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year.

Warren Buffett has dropped a lot of advice gems throughout his 55 years at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway.

Buffett said Saturday that he'd be stepping down as CEO by the end of 2025. And in addition to his legacy with the company, he's also left behind countless nuggets of wisdom for anyone from high-powered leaders to those working their way up the corporate ladder.

The 94-year-old spent about 70 years teaching investment classes, and his mentorship has expanded over time to include life lessons. Buffett has previously said that he gets something out of sharing knowledge, too.

"Teaching, like writing, has helped me develop and clarify my own thoughts," Buffett said in a 2020 address to graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Here are some of Buffet's best nuggets of wisdom.

Quality of life advice

"I would focus on the things that have been good in your life rather than the bad things that happen, because bad things do happen," Buffett said at Berkshire's annual meeting Saturday, Morningstar reported. "It can often be a wonderful life even with some bad breaks." "Hugely wealthy parents should leave their children enough so they can do anything but not enough that they can do nothing," Buffett wrote in a letter to shareholders in 2024. A famous quote that's often attributed to Buffett is, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." "Don't confuse the cost of living with the standard of living," Buffett told Alice Schroeder in "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life." "If I get tough on myself about philanthropy, I remember what Warren Buffett said to us originally, which is, 'You're working on the problems society left behind, and they left them behind for a reason. They are hard, right? So don't be so tough on yourself,'" longtime friend Melinda French Gates wrote in a memoir.

Career advice
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Police are investigating an apparent stabbing that has left one person injured and another detained by responding officers early Tuesday morning, May 6.

Brent Weisberg, a spokesman for the Salt Lake City Police Department, said they received reports of a stabbing just after 4:30 a.m. in the area of 1200 West and California Avenue.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found one person with injuries who was then treated by medical personnel on the scene. Weisberg told ABC4.com that the cause of the injury is unknown at this time and the Salt Lake City Police Department cant confirm it was from a stabbing.

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The victim was taken to the hospital for further treatment, though the injury appears to require minimal, non-urgent care.

Weisberg said one person has been detained as part of the ongoing investigation and detectives are working to determine if there is an outstanding suspect. Police believe there is no risk to the public at this time.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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It took two goes for Friedrich Merz to be elected Chancellor of Germany today. This is a huge blow to his authority, for three reasons.

First, it is unprecedented. In the 76-year history of the postwar Federal Republic, no chancellor has required more than one vote to gain an absolute majority, currently 316 members of the Bundestag. At the first attempt, Merz received the support of just 310 of the 328 members of the coalition. He did manage to reach the threshold at the second time of asking, but his leadership is now irreversibly weakened.

Second, the blow to Merzs prestige will undermine his ability to unite Europe behind Ukraine and against the emerging Trump-Putin rapprochement. After years of dithering by his predecessor Olaf Scholz, Germanys allies had hoped that Merz would revive Europes largest economy and mobilise its arms industry to resist the Russian threat. But he clearly faces fierce resistance.

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Merz was elected in February against a background of war and recession with a mandate for radical change. Before taking office, he built a consensus for reform of the debt brake to allow the government to borrow up to a trillion euros for defence and infrastructure. Even then, to do so he had to offer concessions to the Greens.

Which brings us to the third issue: as he attempts to manage his unruly coalition, Merzs defeat this morning may be a harbinger of future losses. He may be forced to rely on the Greens again for support to push his governments programme through. They would demand concessions in return. Germanys new government may end up pursuing policies very like the old one  exactly the claim of the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is continuing to rise in the polls.

From a British perspective, the lesson is clear: it is easy to promise change, as Labour did last year, but delivering it is hard. And if the mainstream parties fail, there is always a populist one waiting in the wings.

Merzs first challenge will be to find out who voted against him  and thus who his enemies are within the coalition. To British eyes, the idea of a secret ballot in the Commons to elect a prime minister seems bizarre. Parliamentary votes are usually open and recorded in Hansard. But Hitlers ghost haunts Berlin to this day. In 1933, the Nazis secured the necessary majority to introduce the notorious Enabling Act by intimidating their opponents. The secret ballot is intended to ensure that deputies obey their consciences in electing a chancellor, rather than an aspiring dictator.

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After todays humiliation, Merzs foes on the Right are exultant. The AfD leader Alice Weidel is relishing the schadenfreude after last weeks decision by the BVS (the German equivalent of MI5) to place her party under surveillance as an extremist organisation.

Senior members of the Trump Administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have openly denounced this measure. Like Elon Musk, they have made their sympathies for the AfD plain, depriving the lifelong Atlanticist Merz of his political anchor.

Having elected a coalition of the unwilling only two months ago, Germans are already feeling buyers remorse. The centrist parties who so nearly sabotaged their own leader before he could take office may find that voters are tempted instead by a nascent movement of authoritarians, many of whom admire Trump, Putin and even Hitler.

Friedrich Merzs bold bid to emulate past role models, such as Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl, may now have been vitiated by petty party politics. The alternative offered by the AfD, though, amounts to a repudiation of the democratic principles that underpinned West Germanys postwar prosperity and brought down the Berlin Wall in 1989.

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Germany is a nation torn between the unpalatable and the unspeakable. Before too many fatal parallels with the Weimar Republic re-emerge, it is high time for the entitled elites of Berlin to give Chancellor Merz his chance.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man in Ontario was shot and killed early Tuesday morning, according to the Wayne County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded to Brookway Crescent in the Town of Ontario for reports of a person shot. They found 61-year-old James Sharpstene dead with a gunshot wound to his torso.

One woman was found at the home and was taken in for questioning. At this time, there have been no charges, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Deputies say this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

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OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)  Rod Sias was Chief Administrative Officer during the Reggie Tatum administration and has direct experience and understanding of Opelousas infrastructure. When sat down to discuss ideas on how to improve the infrastructure, he laid out some ideas that include effective plan development and an understood effort from both officials and residents.

We have an incredibly old infrastructure that has not been upgraded in a planned, systematic way, and our millage rate has not kept up with the times, Sias said.

Sias says the infrastructure ultimately needs to be rebuilt. However, these projects need funding, and millage rates in the city were approved in the 60s and 70s, when the infrastructure was still new. Sias says tax rates are also disproportionate in the city, causing more issues.

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We have that with some of the high sales tax in the area, but some of the lowest property taxes, we got the sixth lowest military rate in terms of supporting schools and infrastructure in the state of Louisiana, he explained. A lot of people are complaining, that say their property owners really arent paying their fair share. Sales tax falls disproportionately on families with young children, the elderly and the poor.

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Sias says a healthy city is measured in healthy schools, healthy parks, safe environments and improved qualities of life. If things are to get better, its going to take revenue for the city and proper planning from leaders, putting the responsibility on everyone in the city operating as a team.

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This is a complex problem and its not going to be solved by people bringing politics and bashing, he said. This is about people who care about Opelousas wanting to come together regardless of their differences and do whats best for the city. Opelousas is the third oldest city in the state of Louisiana, and its got a history worth saving. Weve got to get past our differences and pointing the fingers and find a way to get this thing done.

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As a liberal, I have had countless conversations where I try to talk about how to fix an inept Congress, only to have someone bring up former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) stock-trading activity.

It is natural to get defensive and try to discount those attacks as whataboutism. But when you attack the Republicans as oligarch-friendly, you become a bit of a hypocrite when you ignore that the Democrats are just as much fat cats as anyone else. The Republicans may be Garfield, but the Democrats are Heathcliff.

Democrats might be looking at poll numbers now and gleefully entertaining fantasies of the upcoming midterm elections. But they also should look at their own numbers and realize that President Trumps terrible numbers dont alleviate the fact that they arent liked either. One of those reasons is that Democrats havent really walked the walk when it comes to running an incorruptible government. One of their biggest faults is stock trading.

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Stock-trading by members of Congress should be illegal, or at least done through a blind trust. Over 80 percent of Americans feel this way. In these divided times, that is an astounding display of unity, and for good reason.

Americans believe that senators and members of Congress are passing laws and enacting policies that will affect their stock portfolios instead of protecting the welfare of Americans. Going back to Pelosi, I had a friend confidently tell me years ago that Pelosis stock portfolio had outperformed Warren Buffets. I laughed in his face, because it sounded completely preposterous. But guess what? Its true. Not only did her portfolio (managed by her husband) have a rate of return more than twice that of the Oracle of Omaha, it also outperformed most Wall Street hedge funds.

You can even follow her buying and selling history and try to help your own retirement fund. But it is a problem that Democrats increasingly like to put their head in the sand in. When they wonder why disaffected voters still turn to a populist like Trump, they must look in the mirror at some point.

When Luigi Mangioni was arrested for killing the CEO of United Healthcare, many of our politicians showed just how out-of-touch they were when it came to private insurance companies. But is one of the reasons that many of our politicians owned United Healthcare stock? Politicians from Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) made money off United Healthcare. I am sure both have constituents who have suffered from continued problems that private health care has brought on Americans. Should we have to wonder whether they are slow to change things because it helps them get rich?

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United Healthcare also spends millions in lobbying and donates to political campaigns to protect the profits it makes from citizens. I can also tell you that in a utopian world, members of Congress should also stop taking lobbyist money and corporate donations but we can cross that bridge later. For now, Democrats can do something that would endear them to the public while also putting Republicans in a pretty horrible position.

Members of Congress will not realistically stop trading stocks  even though they should. But a good way for Democrats to build back public trust as they take on the Republicans in the midterms and in 2028 would be to take the moral high ground. All members of the Democratic caucus should voluntarily put their investments into blind trusts.

In 2012, during the Republican primary to challenge Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich attacked former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for investing in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while Americans lost their homes during the housing crisis. Romney responded, saying that his investments were in a blind trust and not under his control, while also calling out Gingrich for also having the same investments. It was a great debate moment, but more importantly, it showed that a rich man like Romney could be trusted to run the government without enriching himself.

This should be obvious but the Democrats, who should be leading the way, are doing everything to not lead. President Biden waited until December 2024, after Trump won, to support a ban on stock trading. I mean, what was the point of that?

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has a chance to lead on this. He hasnt made a stock trade since 2021, and he can be the one to get every Democrat to put their portfolios in the hand of a trustee or to divest. Doing so can and will ensure that the Democrats have a moral high ground when they go after Trump from now until November 2026.

As a Marine veteran, I cant help but think of the words of the two-time Medal of Honor recipient, Smedley Butler. In 1935, Butler wrote I spent 33 years in active military service as a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. As an Iraq War veteran, I cant help but think the same thing. The Republican defense budget proposal is now $1 trillion. Who in Congress owns the military contractors who will benefit most?

If the Democrats truly care about earning back the publics trust, a good first step is to differentiate themselves from Trump and the Republicans and either stop trading in stocks or put their investments into blind trusts. Their political future depends on it.

Jos Joseph is a masters candidate at the Harvard Extension School at Harvard University. He is a Marine veteran who served in Iraq and lives in Anaheim, Calif.

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On Monday, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sent Harvard University an unhinged letter, which she also posted to X, decreeing that the higher education institution could no longer apply for government grants, presumably to do things like find cures for cancer and other diseases.

Opening the letter with the statement that the federal government has a sacred responsibility to be a wise and important steward of American taxpayer dollars, McMahon claims the university is being run poorly and engages in race-based preferences in admissions and hiring. She also asserts that the university has rejected common-sense reforms urged by the administration, including committing to a return to merit-based admission and hiring.

The ultimate punishment for these transgressions is the following: Given these and other concerning allegations, this letter is to inform you that Harvard should no longer seek GRANTS from the federal government, since none will be provided.

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McMahons letter came just days after a federal judge in Washington, D.C. issued a stinging rebuke to the Trump administration in the first significant decision in a case involving the free-speech rights of a private law firm.

Judge Beryl Howell found the administrations retributive actions against the Perkins Coie law firm violated the First Amendment, which should have sent a signal to the administration that efforts to punish private institutions for practices and policies the administration does not favor cannot withstand constitutional challenge. But that hasnt stopped the administration from renewing its attacks on Harvard University.

Before the decision, President Donald Trump claimed his administration would rescind the tax-exempt status of Harvard, a move that would clearly be illegal. Instead of scaling back its attacks on Harvard in light of the Perkins Coie decision, however, the administration has doubled down.

But the attack on Harvard is on even shakier legal and constitutional ground than the administrations attacks on law firms. American universities enjoy strong First Amendment rights that protect what they teach, who they hire and how they operate. The McMahon letter  which purports to operate as notice to the university that Harvard need not apply for federal research grants  is meant to deter the university from seeking federal funding. I doubt that it will.

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At the same time, it sends a clear message to federal agencies, like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, that they should reject any application coming from Harvard. And it does so under the banner of purporting to further merit-based admissions and hiring practices. But even the administrations supposed cure involves what? Decision-making that is not based on merit.

Indeed, according to McMahons letter, Harvard should not bother applying for federal grants because none will be forthcoming. Such decisions would not be based on the merit of those applications or the research teams behind them, but on the administrations grudge against the university.

So, lodging a litany of claims that Harvard is making decisions not on merit but based on diversity, equity and inclusion, will ultimately lead to funding decisions by the federal government that are not based on merit. As a result, should such policies go into effect, we wont have the most qualified researchers addressing some of the worlds thorniest public health problems, only those who are approved by the administrations political leadership.

The university is already suing the administration over prior cuts in grants that violate the First Amendment rights of the university and over failing to follow the administrative procedures for cutting such funds required under the law. Add this most recent attack to the basis for the lawsuit. Harvard should also challenge the mere threat from President Trump that the university should lose its tax-exempt status, which, standing alone, violates federal law as well.

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Harvard should continue to resist such efforts and can fully expect to have not just its day in court, but a victorious one at that. In the meantime, what will be lost should federal agencies actually follow McMahons directive? What public health projects will go unfunded? What new research on life-saving cures will end because of the administrations most recent fit?

Harvard should challenge, and courts should review, this most recent attack on Harvard to not just stem a further erosion of First Amendment freedoms, but to preserve the national interest in having the best researchers working on our most important public health challenges.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
At a Cabinet meeting in late April, Attorney General Pam Bondi lavishly praised Donald Trump for saving 75% of the American populace. Since you have been in office, President Trump, your DOJ agencies have seized more than 22 million fentanyl pills  3,400 kilos of fentanyl, she gushed. Turning to the cameras, she added that the seizures saved  are you ready for this, media?  258 million lives. 258 million of the 340 million people living in America were miraculously saved thanks to Trumps singular genius, Bondi apparently believes.

As Bondi counts lives saved in her imagination, in the real world the Trump administration is doing the opposite. A draft budget proposal for the Department of Health and Human Services would cut funding to a crucial program that equips first responders with naloxone. The opioid antagonist, which can be snorted or injected, instantly jolts a person awake and restores breathing if theyve overdosed. Its not pleasant  the user goes into instant withdrawal  but it works in minutes to reverse an overdose and save the users life.

The $56 million annual grant, FR-CARA (First Responder Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act), dispensed 101,000 kits to first responders in fiscal year 2023. As many as 77,000 first responders were trained in their proper use. If youre in harm reduction, public health or first response  theres a good chance youve benefited from it, says former prosecutor and harm reduction specialist Chad Sabora.

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First synthesized in 1960, naxolone was approved for overdose treatment in 1971. Its introduction, unfortunately, coincided with the beginning of the war on drugs, preventing widespread use despite its efficacy. For decades, users had to get prescriptions from their doctors, who were often reluctant to dispense naloxone due to stigma about drug use.

But most studies  with some exceptions  have shown that increased access doesnt promote substance abuse. In the mid-aughts, local programs that dispensed naloxone began to pop up around the country. Efforts to equip and train first responders also gained traction. In 2013, the Obama administration declared that the drug should be in the patrol cars of every law enforcement professional across the nation. FR-CARA began accepting applications in 2017.

Though Trump has made battling fentanyl a centerpiece of his presidency, his actual strategy leaves much to be desired. Hes blasted Canada for its alleged role in the fentanyl crisis, even though less than 1% of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes through Canada. He offered to send U.S. troops to Mexico to battle the cartels, a plan politely rejected by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Fentanyl is a major justification for the China tariffs that dictate how many dolls your kids get to have. And more broadly, Trump has used the opioid crisis to vilify asylum-seekers and immigrants who come across Americas southern border, even though 86.2% of people charged with fentanyl trafficking in 2021 were U.S. citizens.

Naloxone, in fact, is a simpler fix to fentanyl deaths than upending the global economy or a military strikes against Mexican cartels. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an astonishing 24% drop in opioid overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in September 2024, compared to the previous year. Public health authorities are hesitant to draw definitive conclusions just yet, but most cite increased access to naloxone for drug users and programs that supply first responders with the medication. Naloxone is a silver bullet for opioid overdose, AmandaLynn Reese, chief program officer for the nonprofit Harm Reduction Ohio, told The Washington Post.

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Alice Bell, project director at a Pittsburg harm reduction clinic, notes that prior to federal funding for naloxone, harm reduction programs mostly relied on private donations and volunteers. FR-CARA has helped put the lifesaving medication in the hands of police, firefighters and EMTs. And federal funding plays a crucial role because naloxone is easily accessed in some parts of the country, but difficult to get in others.

Bell recalls heartbreaking conversations with the families of dead people before naloxone was more accessible: Parents learning about naloxone would say, You mean to tell me if I would have had this, my child would still be alive today?

Quite simply, the cuts are a matter of life and death. Last year, nationally, over 100,000 people died of overdose, Bell says. It represents an obvious disregard for peoples lives and for the families and people who love them.

We know that naloxone saves lives, she says. If there is less access, more people will die.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Donald Trumps proposal to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz prison for incarcerating Americas most ruthless and violent offenders has all the hallmarks of his cruel and reactionary political style. It would be inefficient and impractical, and its primary purpose would be to build a horrifying spectacle out of degrading people whom he deems worthless.

Alcatraz, a 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay, was the site of a 19th century military fortress and then a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. As NBC News reports, According to a National Park Service study, it was initially deemed unfit to serve as a federal institution because of its small size, isolated location and lack of fresh water. However, Sanford Bates, the director of the Bureau of Prisons in 1933, later found it an ideal place of confinement for about 200 of the most desperate or irredeemable types. It was formally opened as a federal penitentiary the next year.

The people sent to Alcatraz prison were considered violent and dangerous or escape risks, or they were inmates who proved themselves noncompliant at other prisons. It housed infamous gangsters, including Al Capone and George Machine-Gun Kelly. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, Alcatraz prisoners had four rights: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Everything else was a privilege that had to be earned. It was meant to be impossible to escape from, and despite numerous storied attempts, no official successful escapes have been documented (although five prisoners were listed missing and presumed drowned.) The Bureau of Prisons website summarized the penitentiary as designed to be a prison systems prison. Since it was shuttered, it has become a national park and a tourist destination.

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay in 2024. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images file)

Alcatraz has an iconic status as a site of subjugation and isolation in the popular American imagination  and thats exactly why Trump is interested in it. It sort of represents something thats both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak, Trump told reporters in a stretch of speech that sounded more like literary analysis than policy appraisal. Its got a lot of qualities that are interesting. In his statement announcing the move on Truth Social, Trump also focused on symbolism and presented a reopening of Alcatraz as a way to revive traditions of carceral brutality. 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.

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It wasnt clear from his announcement what kind of population he envisions locking up there, but in his Truth Social post he pledged 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 also later told reporters it was just an idea he had.

A National Park Service ranger walks down "Broadway" in the main cell block on Alcatraz Island in 2007. (Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images file)

This interest in Alcatraz is peak Trump in that its symbolic power far outweighs its literal capacity to significantly change anything about American law and order. Alcatrazs average prison population was less than 300 inmates when it was in service; even an expanded facility couldnt fit that many more people onto the remote island.

Given the costs of renovating and operating the place, reopening Alcatraz would also fly in the face of Trumps purported efficiency agenda. Alcatraz was shut down as a prison precisely because it cost too much to maintain  the facilities cost triple the money of other federal prisons, and estimated restoration fees were prohibitively expensive back when it was running. And subsequent attempts to revive it were shot down in part because its practicality and value as a tourist site outweighed its capacity to serve as a prison, as USA Today explains: In 1981, Alcatraz Island was one of 14 sites evaluated as the Reagan Administration searched for a location to hold 10,000 to 20,000 Cuban detainees during the Mariel Boatlift. However, the site was rejected because of its lack of utilities, historic nature and popularity as a tourist destination."

A cell at the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. The chiseled air vent is a reminder of an attempted prison escape in 1962. (Robert Alexander / Getty Images file)

The impracticality of Alcatraz is beside the point for our reality television star president. Like sending undocumented migrants to a vicious mega-prison in El Salvador, the point is the optics of dominating people deemed to be deviants. Mass incarceration and dangerously powerful police forces arent sufficient for Trump. He wants to do something spectacular and dramatic to induce an atmosphere of even more fear and cruelty.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, in her Capitol office on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

A bill making its way through the Oregon Legislature would prevent new planned communities from banning manufactured and modular homes.

House Bill 3144 would not impact existing communities, only new communities moving forward. Manufactured units would still be subject to the same design requirements of other homes in a community.

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While successfully addressing the crisis will take many types of creative solutions, frankly, this bill is an easy one, bill sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, told the Senate Committee on Housing and Development on Monday afternoon.

Marsh is the chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness. She represents Jackson County, one of the areas hardest hit when high winds during Labor Day in 2020 contributed to the spread of five megafires. The 2020 Labor Day fires spread across more than 1 million acres, and thousands of homes burned down in Marshs district  ultimately exacerbating the existing affordable housing shortage.

The fires destroyed 18 mobile home parks in the Rogue Valley, wiping out more than 1,500 manufactured homes in Marshs district. Before the fires, Marshs district had the highest number of manufactured homes of any House district.

There are more than 140,000 manufactured homes in Oregon, according to Bill Van Vliet, the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing executive director.

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Oregon has both a housing crisis and an affordability crisis, he told the committee. To solve those, we need to remove barriers that unnecessarily prevent the use of existing lower-cost solutions such as manufactured and modular homes. 

Thousands of homes were destroyed by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. (Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr)

Oregon bill would extend grants for mobile home park, marina tenants

House Bill 3144 also extends the date that manufactured home park tenants and marina residents can receive grants meant to help them receive legal representation during a dispute with a landlord to January 2031. Mobile home park residents in Oregon fund these grants through a $10 annual fee which supports the Manufactured and Marina Communities Resource Center.

These programs are paid for by manufactured park tenants, and there is enough money in the fund to pay for at least another two years, Marsh said. Finding a tenant lawyer is difficult, and this program allows them access to critical representation.

Lane County legal aid attorney and Oregon State Tenants Association vice president John VanLandingham testified in favor of the bill.

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VanLandingham said most people living in mobile home parks across Oregon own their homes but rent the land. They pay property taxes, but theyre tenants, he said. Individuals living in floating homes operate similarly.

The bill already passed the House in a 49-7 vote. To become a law, the Senate committee must vote to advance the bill to the Senate floor during a work session at a later date. If passed by the Senate, it would head to Gov. Tina Koteks desk where she may sign the bill into law, allow the bill to become law without her signature or veto the bill.

There would be no financial impact to the state, Marsh said.

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Investment company 3G Capital has reached an agreement to acquire the global footwear brand Skechers at a price of $63.00 per share.

The transaction is valued at approximately $9.42bn, as reported by Reuters.

Under the terms of the deal, Skechers' shareholders have the option to receive $57.00 in cash and one unlisted, non-transferable equity unit in a new, privately held entity that will become Skechers' parent company post-transaction.

Headquartered in Southern California, Skechers offers lifestyle and performance footwear, clothing, and accessories.

The brand's distribution channels include department stores, specialty retailers, direct sales via skechers.com, and its network of over 5,300 retail outlets worldwide, contributing to its annual revenue of $9bn.

In the first financial quarter of 2025, Skechers achieved record-breaking sales of $2.41bn, a 7.1% increase from the previous year's first-quarter earnings of $2.25bn.

Skechers chair and chief executive officer Robert Greenberg said: With a proven track record, Skechers is entering its next chapter in partnership with the global investment firm 3G Capital. Given their remarkable history of facilitating the success of some of the most iconic global consumer businesses, we believe this partnership will support our talented team as they execute their expertise to meet the needs of our consumers and customers while enabling the companys long-term growth.

Post-acquisition, Skechers aims to maintain its strategic focus on product innovation, international expansion, direct-to-consumer channels, domestic wholesale growth, and investments in global distribution and technology infrastructure.

The Skechers Board has given unanimous consent to the acquisition, which awaits customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The anticipated closure is set for the third quarter of 2025.

Skechers' senior management will oversee the transition with support from 3G Capital's team. The company will continue under the leadership of Robert Greenberg as chair and CEO alongside president Michael Greenberg and the existing management team from its Manhattan Beach headquarters.

Following the deal's finalisation, Skechers will transition to a privately held entity and will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

3G Capital co-founder and co-managing partner Alex Behring and co-managing partner Daniel Schwartz said: We are thrilled to be partnering with Skechers and look forward to working with an entrepreneur of Roberts calibre and the talented Skechers team. Skechers is an iconic, founder-led brand with a track record of creativity and innovation. We have immense admiration for the business that this team has built, and look forward to supporting the Companys next chapter. Our team at 3G Capital is built to partner with companies like Skechers.
OREGON, Ill. (WTVO)  A 23-year-old man from Oregon, Illinois, has been charged with arson after police were called to a house fire last Thursday.

According to the Oregon Police Department, officers responded to the fire call in the 800 block of S. 8th Street on Thursday, May 1st.

Firefighters reported seeing heavy smoke showing from 3 sides of the building when first responders arrived on the scene.

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Matthew Thoreson was later arrested on the charge of aggravated arson.

He was booked into the Ogle County Jail and was arraigned on May 5th. Public records show Thoreson is still in custody.

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Orlando city commissioner Tony Ortiz has switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, citing his disagreement with GOP positions on issues ranging from immigration to banning certain books in schools to dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

Ortiz, a retired police officer and U.S. Marine veteran, has served on the city commission for 17 years, representing a majority-Hispanic district spanning the Conway area and the Semoran Boulevard corridor. He said he formally filed the paperwork Monday.

The Republican party is not the Republican party I signed up with, said Ortiz, who had described himself previously as a Ronald Reagan Republican.

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Ortiz also confirmed rumors that hes considering a run for mayor once Buddy Dyer leaves office after 2027  but said his party flip had nothing to do with that potential pursuit.

This has to do with my conviction, he said.

So far, Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat, is the only candidate who has filed paperwork. Orange County remains a Democratic stronghold, with about 96,000 more Democrats than Republicans.

Orlandos city council and mayor are non-partisan positions. Before his switch, Ortiz was one of two registered Republicans on the seven-member panel along with Jim Gray.

In switching from the political right to left, Ortiz is bucking a recent trend in Florida politics of Democratic elected officials leaving the party. Last month, state Sen. Jason Pizzo, who was the Senates top Democrat, left the party to have no party affiliation. Prior to him, two state representatives who were elected as Democrats announced theyd switched to Republican ahead of the legislative session.

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In a commentary he submitted to the Orlando Sentinel announcing his party change, he listed attacks on Medicaid expansion and the erosion of social safety nets as well as political theater used to target the LGBTQ+ community, punish public school teachers and erase inclusive history from classrooms as among his motivations to change sides.

Ortiz has been outspoken in defending immigrants, and pushed the city council to pass the so-called Trust Act in 2018, which bans city cops and employees from inquiring a persons immigration status if they arent accused of a crime. The policy came under fire from Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier last month as a sanctuary policy, but remains in place.

And let me say this clearly: the marginalization of Latinos and immigrants  many of whom have helped build this country and proudly served in its defense  is not leadership. Its fear-based politics, he wrote. Immigrants are the backbone of countless industries in this country. They work the fields under the blazing sun to ensure we have food on our tables. They take on the jobs many others refuse to do  often with dignity, resilience and little recognition.

Ortiz has been elected to his last three terms without an opponent.

rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com
BEREA, Ohio (WJW)  Residents of a Berea home escaped a house fire that broke out early Tuesday morning.

The Berea Fire Department responded to the home at 72 Sprague Rd. around 1:40 a.m.

1 dead after small plane crashes in Ashland County

Smoke could be seen coming from the home and flames appeared to be inside the residence. Visible damage included a charred roof and siding.

The Berea Fire Department had help from surrounding communities to fight the fire.

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No injuries were reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  In 2025, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company celebrates 105 years in business, marking the milestone with a ribbon cutting and open house for their new office space and can production line.

As part of a two-phase project, the 67,750-square-foot manufacturing facility and the first can line were completed in Spring 2024, while the 47,625-square-foot office space was finalized in March.

The new can line created 50 jobs and is expected to produce 9.3 million cases in 2025, according to a press release.

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Photos courtesy of Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Like many small, family-owned businesses, the Rice family never expected that when they started bottling beverages in Springfield in 1920, their company would develop into what it is today, said Sally Hargis, vice president, chairman, and a third-generation business owner. Our growth and success are thanks to our more than 875 associates, who take great pride in their work and the products we create, as well as to our customers and consumers who enjoy 650 varieties of refreshing Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Paincourtville man accused of attacking a grocery store worker in 2018 pleaded guilty to second-degree battery.

According to District Attorney Ricky Babins office, Bryant Tunson, 50, was arrested on Feb. 3, 2018, after a grocery store employee was found with a head wound and other injuries. Investigators said there was a confrontation after Tunson was seen shoplifting. The employee was struck multiple times.

A sentencing date was deferred pending a pre-sentence investigation.

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Baton Rouge man who pleaded guilty to child porn sentenced to 4 years in prison

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan's air force has shot down two Indian jets, says state-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials.
FAIRMONT  Marion County students continue to wrestle with math and to a lesser degree, literacy, in SAT benchmark testing.

"As we said in coming off the pandemic, it will take us three or four years to get students back to the point where they have those basic skills they missed in face-to-face instruction," School Superintendent Donna Heston said to the Board of Education on Monday.

Heston said the school system has started to climb out the dip in SAT benchmarks since the pandemic. The spread of a lethal virus led to the necessity of virtual in-home instruction. However, schools around the country are reporting lower math and literacy proficiency from students as a result.

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Heston said Marion County Schools has done a lot to target students who fell behind as a result of the pandemic and worked on improving their proficiency in math and literacy.

Heston presented some preliminary data Monday. Heston said East Fairmont High students showed a strong 5% improvements in English Language Arts, while math remained stable. At Fairmont Senior High, students experienced modest growth in English Language Arts, but a sharp 8% decline in math.

English proficency at North Marion High declined by nine points but math improved slightly. Districtwide, English language and math proficiency declined slightly, but within the margin of error. Heston said these preliminary reports show that while East Fairmont continues to strengthen in literacy, Fairmont Senior and North Marion continue to face some challenges in math and ELA.

Heston cautioned that the data only reflects one day of a student's academic life and that in comparison overall, Marion County is one the better districts in the entire state. Last year, the county was among the Top 10 performing districts in the state, she said.

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Board Member Donna Costello questioned how long the impact form the pandemic would last on student academic scores. Heston acknowledged it can't all be blamed on the pandemic. She said a number of indicators such as school option play a role. The State's Hope Scholarship program is sold as a school choice program, but could remove $315 million from public education if all private and homeschool students enroll. The program adds those students to the program next year. This effectively defunds public schools. For the 2024-25 school year, the Hope voucher program removed $4.9 million from Marion County Schools.

Heston added the format of the test is another factor.

"It sends home to us in looking at how we prepare students and use the PSAT," Heston said.

As for what the school system is doing to improve scores, Heston said they are working on integrating math and science skills so both disciplines aren't taught in isolation. Students are taught to connect those subjects to the real world. She said the district is in heavy discussion at all levels, from the classroom to central office, on how to bring up test scores.

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Board members also haggled with Heston over whether or not there would be a standalone budget workshop this year. Costello and Board Member James Saunders created a makeshift front to press for a session separate from a typical Board of Education meeting.

Heston argued there wasn't a need for a separate session because a regular session would provide the necessary time and opportunity to field questions about the budget. She also indicated a regular session would be open to the public. Sanders pushed back, saying they weren't saying to hold a meeting behind closed doors. Heston pointed out a meeting limit had been imposed by the state legislature for how many meetings a school board would be compensated for.

She added voters and residents are expecting a regular meeting on May 19 at the appointed time, rather than a special line up. Board President George Boyles told board members to give him their preference by Thursday.

Boyles and School Treasurer Scott Reider briefly discussed one potential stumbling block for next year's budget in the hallway after the meeting ended. After Reider reached out to the state for next year's estimated budget numbers, he was told to use the numbers from the last year. With all the changes at the federal level and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, Boyles said there was a lot of uncertainty regarding how much the federal issue was going to impact the amount of money schools receive next year.

The next board meeting is scheduled for May 19.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Residents of Shreveport are invited to an important panel discussion addressing past racial issues.

St. Marks Cathedral invites the public to its Bridging the Gap event. The panel discussion will bring together Reverend Avery Hamilton and Dean Woods. Both men had ancestors who stood on opposite sides of the tragic Colfax Massacre of 1873.

Civil rights icon Dave Dennis on how his activism grew in the 1960s

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According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the Colfax Massacre happened in Colfax, Louisiana, on April 13, 1872, when an armed group of white supremacists attacked a courthouse guarded by a mostly-black militia. A bloodbath ensued as the militia surrendered and the white supremacists carried out a day-long terror that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 black men. In the end, 97 members of the white mob were indicted, but only nine men were charged with violating the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871, which intended to guarantee the right of freed men.

Sam Cooke wrote A Change Is Gonna Come because of an incident in Shreveport

Hamilton and Woods will share how they formed an unlikely friendship rooted in truth and healing. The event is free and open to the public. The panel discussion will be held on Thursday, May 8, at St. Marks Cathedral, at the corner of Kings Highway and Fairfield. The event starts at 6:00 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
MIDNIGHT EMBARGO - please schedule for 6.15am

by Telegraph Reporters

A parking boss appeared to blame drivers for record numbers of tickets, with some 41,000 handed out in Britain each day.

Will Hurley, chief executive of trade body the International Parking Community (IPC), insisted that private parking companies dont want to issue parking charges.

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

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They chase vehicle owners for alleged infringements in private car parks, such as at shopping centres, leisure facilities and motorway service areas.

The firms issue parking charge notices (PCNs) - which are invoices or demands for money - when they claim someone has breached the land owners rules, for example not entering their registration correctly into a machine, overstaying or not parking within a bay.

Each ticket can be up to 100, with a minimum discount of 40 per cent if paid within 14 days.

It is easy to beat the system for anyone who believes parking operators may attempt to profit by sending them a PCN, Mr Hurley said.

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He went on: If youre thinking about it, just dont park in a way that gets a parking charge.

If youre really that upset by it, just follow the signs. If the signs are unclear, go and park somewhere else.

He added: Parking operators dont want to issue charges. They want people to park where they need to, when they need to.

In the six months to the end of September 2024, car park management companies made 7.2 million requests to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for vehicle keeper records, which they use to send PCNs.

That is up 12 per cent from the same period a year earlier and represents an average of 41,000 requests per day.

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In the six months to the end of September 2019 the average daily rate was 24,000.

The figures are indicative of the number of PCNs being issued by private companies.

The IPC insists the jump in tickets is directly linked to the number of UK locations being managed by parking companies being more than five times higher than in 2012, and a 21 per cent increase in the number of registered vehicles over the same period.

It emerged last month that many drivers are being sent tickets they claim are unfair because of how some payment machines operate, with one campaigner claiming the devices are set up to trap people.

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Some machines which require users to input their vehicle registration accept payment after only one letter being entered.

This has led to multiple cases of drivers paying the required parking fee but still being sent a PCN when their vehicle was detected by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Mr Hurley said I dont think thats helpful and revealed he wants to see the issue eradicated as part of payment machine minimum standards being developed by the IPC.

He continued: I believe that the minimum thing that should happen if youre required to put a registration number in, is you should be required to confirm your registration number before you go on to the payment bit.

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How quickly can that be implicated across 50,000 locations in the country?

Not overnight, but weve got to take steps in that direction.

A Bill to enable the introduction of a Government-backed code for private parking companies received royal assent under the Conservative government in March 2019.

The code was withdrawn in June 2022 after a legal challenge by parking companies.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has said it will set out further details on re-introducing the code as soon as possible.

Mr Hurley insisted that theres nobody thats supported the Government more than us in terms of introducing a single code of practice.

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Simon Williams, the RAC head of policy, said: If private companies really dont want to issue tickets, they should make their signs clearer and easier to understand.

Avoiding a charge is the opposite of easy in some locations.

Weve heard stories of machines that arent working, as well as ones that skip ahead to payment after entering one or two numbers or letters, or ones that record different letters to those keyed in.

The fact remains the Governments code of practice needs to be brought in as soon as possible.

Mr Williams also called for the parking industry to be transparent about the number of complaints it receives from drivers who believe theyve been treated unfairly.

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Parliament will host a Westminster Hall debate on the sector on Tuesday.

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This story was originally published on Grocery Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Grocery Dive newsletter.

April was a busy month for executive changes in the grocery industry, with several companies making C-suite additions.

Dollar Tree and Ahold Delhaize USA both welcomed new chief supply chain officers, while Giant Eagles convenience store unit saw the exit of its president.

Heres a roundup of notable executive shifts that took place in April.

Ahold Delhaize USA makes three C-suite changes

The U.S. arm of the Dutch grocery company welcomed a new CIO, chief supply chain officer and chief commercial and digital officer in April.

A professional headshot.

The company announced the hiring of Ann Dozier as its CIO. She will oversee IT with a focus on supporting its U.S. banners omnichannel businesses as well as the parent companys Growing Together strategy. Dozier, who joined Ahold Delhaize USA on Feb. 17, most recently worked as senior vice president and chief information and technology officer for Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits.

Ahold Delhaize USA also unveiled the promotions of Sanja Krajnovic to chief supply chain officer and Keith Nicks to chief commercial and digital officer.

Dollar Tree names new chief supply chain officer

Headshot of Roxanne Weng

The discount retailer named Roxanne Weng as its chief supply chain officer following the retirement of Mike Kindy. Weng most recently served as Ulines vice president of creative operations and spent over 30 years at Walgreens, sister site Retail Dive reported. In a statement, Weng said she will focus on ensuring stores remain reliably stocked.

Her hiring follows a string of recent executive changes at Dollar Tree, including its appointment of Michael Creedon as CEO and the arrival of a new CFO in March.

Giant Eagles c-store president flies the coop

Terri Micklin announced via email that she has left her role as president of GetGo Cafe + Market, the convenience store arm of Giant Eagle. Its unclear if Micklin left of her own accord or if the company parted ways with her.

Micklins departure comes as GetGo prepares to integrate with Alimentation Couche-Tard, which agreed last summer to acquire GetGo for $1.6 billion. Micklin and Giant Eagle confirmed that GetGo Vice President of Operations Mike Maraldo will lead the future business unit.

Brookshire Grocery Company makes two C-suite appointments

The grocery company promoted Jerry LeClair to chief operating officer and hired Mandy Tomlin as executive vice president and CFO. LeClair, who joined BGCs executive team in 2019, will oversee retail operations, marketing, category management, merchandising, logistics and facility services. He previously held senior roles at Albertsons, Harris Teeter and Giant Eagle, according to the announcement.
Ukraine's parliamentary committee on foreign policy has backed the ratification of the minerals deal with the U.S., lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said on May 6.

The agreement, signed on April 30, establishes a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington and grants the U.S. special access to projects developing Ukraine's natural resources.

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, will vote on the agreement's ratification on May 8.

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Eleven members of the foreign policy committee supported the decision; one abstained from voting, and two others did not participate, according to Zhelezniak.

Following the signing of the agreement between Kyiv and Washington, the parties did not disclose details on how the Reconstruction Investment Fund will work, except that it will be managed in an equal partnership, with both sides contributing.

Earlier, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that future military aid from the U.S. could count as contributions to the fund, but previous assistance is not included.

Before parliament votes to ratify the minerals deal, Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will hold separate meetings with members of the Verkhovna Rada from each faction, the news outlet Suspilne reported.

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The meetings with Svyrydenko will take place on May 6 and 7, and will allow lawmakers to ask questions and learn more about the details of the agreement.

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 countries 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.

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

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A federal judge has sentenced a Loxahatchee woman described as the ringleader of a South Florida Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme to five years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno imposed the sentenced upon Raisha Kelly, 44, during a sentencing hearing on May 2 in Miami. He also ordered that Kelly's prison sentence be followed by three years of supervised release, and that she pay $443,895 in restitution.

Kelly, a resident of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, was convicted at trial in February on 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

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At trial, prosecutors alleged that she conspired with 13 people to submit fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications, receiving a 25% kickback from the loan applicants. Court records showed that she made about $106,649 as a result of orchestrating the conspiracy.

'Columbine vibe': Acreage man's school shooting remarks date back to 2021 arrest

'Dummy' email accounts help shield Paycheck Protection Fraud

The Paycheck Protection Program was part of an economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in March 2020 to help small businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It provided businesses with fewer than 300 employees with money to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. The program ended in May 2021.

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From the courts: Ukrainian mother, daughter living in Boynton charged with illegal voting in 2024 election

Prosecutors said Kelly's co-conspirators submitted loan applications which falsely misrepresented that the applicants had sole proprietorship businesses, and the amount of annual revenues that those businesses received.

Kelly concealed her involvement by creating a series of dummy email accounts for herself and each of the applicants. She also applied for her own Paycheck Protection Program loans in which she fraudulently mispresented the amount of income her business received.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

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Kelly recruited and conspired with multiple individuals to submit Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan applications that falsely and fraudulently misrepresented that the applicants had sole proprietorship businesses, and the amount of annual revenue received by these purported sole proprietorship businesses. In support of these applications on behalf of each individual, Kelly submitted falsified tax returns. Kelly orchestrated this scheme in return for a 25 percent kickback from the loan applicants. Kelly concealed her involvement in the scheme by creating a series of dummy email accounts for herself and each of the applicantsall to entirely disguise her own involvement in the false and fraudulent application. Kelly also applied for her own PPP loans in which she also falsely and fraudulently mispresented the amount of income her own business received. At trial, it was proven that the defendant made approximately $106,649 as a result of orchestrating this conspiracy involving thirteen individuals.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: South Florida woman sentenced for Paycheck Protection Program fraud
Former Vice President Mike Pence warned of a price shock and other consequences of President Trumps new tariff policy in an interview that aired Monday on CNN.

I do have a concern that when the so-called 90-day pause comes off, that even the administration has conceded that there may be a price shock in the economy  and there may be shortages, Pence told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on her show, referencing a pause for 90 days on reciprocal tariffs against American trading partners implemented last month.

His comments follow Trumps recent statements about the rising price of certain items amid his tariffs, including a 145 percent tariff on China.

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Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally, Trump said.

The presidents tariff policy in his first few months of his second term has rattled markets across the globe, strained relationships with longtime allies such as the European Union and Canada and raised economic anxieties.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are set to meet Tuesday amid heightened tensions over trade between their respective countries.

After securing victory in a recent Canadian election, Carney said the U.S. president has fundamentally changed the world in the last few months, noting sweeping tariffs and a proposal from Trump to merge Canada with the U.S.

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As Ive been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country, Carney said in an Ottawa victory speech last month. These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never  ever happen.

But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed, he added.

Pence said in his CNN interview with Collins that he does have concerns  with the presidents call for broad-based tariffs against friend and foe alike, that ultimately the administration is advancing policies that are not targeted at countries that have been abusing our trade relationship.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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May 5WILKES-BARRE  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation this week announced that the number of people who lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways decreased to 1,127 in 2024  the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928 and 82 less than in 2023.

"While this decrease in fatalities is certainly good news, even one life lost is one too many," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "PennDOT will continue to work with our partners to decrease traffic deaths through education and outreach, but we will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together. Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt can save your life in a crash."

PennDOT annually invests approximately $32.4 million statewide in federal grant funds in behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

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In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements.

Approximately $591 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 392 unique safety projects from 2020 to 2024. During that same time, another $50 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at over a thousand locations  which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips, warning signs and pavement markings and high-friction surface treatments.

The number of fatalities in impaired driver crashes dropped from 429 in 2023 to 342 last year.

PennDOT annually distributes more than $6.2 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement. Impaired driving mobilizations include coordinated enforcement as well as education campaigns that aim to eliminate driving under the influence.

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Impaired driving enforcement goes beyond checking for alcohol impairment. Law enforcement also work to identify motorists impaired by illegal drugs and prescription medication or some combination of these. Pennsylvania has more than 260 Drug Recognition Experts or specially trained officers who look for impaired drivers and assist in DUI investigations when drug-impaired driving is suspected.

Fatalities in lane departure crashes dropped from 629 in 2023 to 537 last year. This decrease continues a long-term trend of reducing lane departure fatalities.

PennDOT's Low-Cost Safety Improvement Program has implemented safety countermeasures at thousands of locations over the last 15 years. These include rumble strips, high friction surface treatments, high-tension cable median barriers and advanced curve warning through signs and pavement markings.

While fatalities for most types of crashes were down in 2024, some types saw increases. Fatalities in intersection crashes increased to 321  up from 301 in 2023.

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Fatalities in crashes at intersections with a stop sign also increased from 98 in 2023 to 111 last year.

PennDOT regularly reviews factors in fatal crashes at intersections and works to improve safety at intersections with stop signs by addressing issues like sight and stopping distance.

For information on PennDOT's highway safety initiatives, visit penndot.pa.gov/safety.

Courts launch sexual violence awareness campaign

In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month in April, the Pennsylvania Courts recently launched a new digital ad campaign to inform the public about the resources available for survivors who seek the courts' assistance.

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Sexual violence involves any forced or manipulated sexual activity without consent. Nationally, one in five women and one in 71 men will experience sexual assault, with one in four girls and one in six boys assaulted before age 18.

The Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act, enacted in 2015, provides a civil remedy for survivors who may not qualify for a Protection from Abuse Order.

Specifically, survivors may seek a special type of protection order called a Sexual Violence Protection Order to guard against further abuse, even if no criminal charges have been filed. Unlike a PFA, an SVPO doesn't require an intimate or household relationship with the abuser.

Survivors in need of support are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect at 1-888-772-7227 or visit https://www.pcar.org.

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Landmark adult-use cannabis legislation introduced

Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, officially introduced long-awaited legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania  a proposal designed to center public health, repair communities harmed by prohibition and create a stable, sustainable market.

The Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200) was approved by the House Health Committee Monday by a 14-12 party line vote and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

"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 we've learned  that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians."

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With 24 states  including nearly all of Pennsylvania's neighbors  having already legalized recreational cannabis, and public opinion overwhelmingly in support, the lawmakers say the commonwealth cannot afford to wait any longer.

The next step for the legislation is consideration by the House Health Committee Frankel chairs.

"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."

Key priorities of the bill include:

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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.

As structured in the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, the hybrid marketplace is projected to bring in more than a half-billion dollars for the Commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits.

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Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors

Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas.

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m.

David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults.

"Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims," Walsh said. "Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes."

Registration is required. Call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Michaura Pittman works every school day at Manual High to make sure she actively listens to her students. She wants them to feel seen and heard.

Its pretty cool to be able to help them with their academics, help them socially and emotionally, as well as preparing for college, said Counselor Michaura Pittman. I remember being in this position my senior year waiting to start my college career so its pretty cool to be on the other end helping students through that.

Shes spent six years as a counselor within Peoria Public Schools district. The last two of those at Manual, which she said is a full circle moment.

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Its very rewarding to be able to pour into the lives of students who are in the same neighborhoods that I live in or grew up in, said Pittman. Its very rewarding to be able to serve alongside the many of staff members at PPS.

Pittman recently received the 40 Leaders under 40 Award for her dedication to helping Peoria youth. She said shes proud of her impact, both professionally and personally.

Its very fulfilling to be able to help students in the capacity that my school counselors once helped me with, said Pittman. Im able to help in a manner that they may not have those resources and Im able to provide those resources, so its very fulfilling.

She wants to leave a positive legacy for the students who walk through Manuals halls and in the community through her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

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When they look back on their high school years here at Manual High School, [I hope] that they remember me as being a influential role model in their lives. As someone who helped pave the way for them. Someone who will help motivate and encourage them along the way to accomplish their goals.

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Pete Hegseth said he wants to cut the number of general and flag officers in the US military.

"More generals and admirals does not equal more success," Hegseth said.

Hegseth said the cuts are "not a slash and burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he wants to "streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions" in the US military.

In a memo published Monday, Hegseth said he wanted to reduce the number of four-star positions in the active-duty military and the number of general officers in the National Guard by at least 20%. He also called for a further reduction in general and flag officers by at least 10%.

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"More generals and admirals does not equal more success. Now, this is not a slash-and-burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers. Nothing could be further from the truth," Hegseth said in a video he posted on X on Monday.

Hegseth said the proposed cuts were part of a "deliberative process" between his department and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to maximize "strategic readiness and operational effectiveness by making prudent reductions in the general and flag officer ranks."

Hegseth said in his video that the US has "44 four-star and flag officers," as compared to in World War Two, when the US had "17 four and five-star generals."

The US military had 37 four-star officers as of September 2023, per a report the Congressional Research Service published in March 2024.

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When approached for comment, a representative for the Defense Department directed Business Insider to Hegseth's X video.

Introducing the Less Generals More GIs Policy. pic.twitter.com/bQLRL2MqSC  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) May 5, 2025

This isn't the first time Hegseth has sought to cut defense spending.

In March, Hegseth said the Defense Department was terminating over $580 million in programs, contracts, and grants that Elon Musk's cost-cutting outfit, DOGE, identified as wasteful spending.

Musk had previously taken aim at the Defense Department's $841 billion budget in an op-ed he co-wrote with Vivek Ramaswamy for The Wall Street Journal in November. Ramaswamy was co-leader of DOGE at the time but left DOGE in January.

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"The Pentagon recently failed its seventh consecutive audit, suggesting that the agency's leadership has little idea how its annual budget of more than $800 billion is spent," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote.

Last month, Hegseth said the Pentagon would be cutting its IT and consulting contracts with companies like Accenture and Deloitte. He said the contracts "represent $5.1 billion in wasteful spending" and cutting them would result in nearly $4 billion in savings.

"So we want to thank our friends at DOGE. We want to thank all the folks here that have helped us unpack this, reveal it, and we're excited to make these cuts on behalf of you, the taxpayer, and the warfighters at the Department," Hegseth said in a video on X where he announced the contract terminations.

May 7, 1:05 a.m.  This story has been updated with a response from the Defense Department.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  An eighth person has died months after the crash of a medical transport plane in Philadelphia, city officials said Tuesday.

Dominique Goods-Burke, who was in a vehicle hit by debris when the plane crashed in northeast Philadelphia, died on April 27, the city Medical Examiner's Office confirmed. She had been out shopping with her fiance, Steven Dreuitt, who died after their vehicle was engulfed in flames on Jan. 31, and his son who suffered severe burns, according to news reports.

Goods-Burke died at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, a spokesperson for the Medical Examiner's Office said. She was 34.

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Colleagues at the cafe where she worked declined to comment on Tuesday. They told WTXF-TV, which first reported her death, that she was a beloved employee who worked as a baking supervisor.

"She was an amazing mom, she was an incredible baker, she held this place together, Meg Hagele, the founder of High Point Cafe, told the station.

The crash, which took place on a Friday evening near a busy intersection, killed all six people on the Learjet 55 air ambulance, including a girl who was traveling home after receiving medical treatment in Philadelphia. All six people aboard were from Mexico.

Officials said that about two dozen people were injured on the ground and more than a dozen homes were damaged or destroyed.

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The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash, said the voice recorder on the plane was not working.

The Philadelphia crash came two days after a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., killed 67 people, the deadliest U.S. air disaster in a generation.

___

This story was first published on May 6, 2025. It was updated on May 7, 2025 to reflect the health department's revised information on the hospital where Dominique Goods-Burke died. She died at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, not Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Shivansh Tiwary

(Reuters) -Billionaire investor Bill Ackman said on Monday that he raised his stake in real estate company Howard Hughes, realizing a long-held dream of creating a diversified holding company modeled after legendary investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Ackman put another $900 million investment into Howard Hughes, raising his stake in The Woodlands, Texas-headquartered company to 46.9% from 37.6%. The shares climbed nearly 3%.

The company, which has created master-planned communities in places including Texas, Hawaii and Nevada, will now concentrate on buying controlling stakes in smaller businesses.

"We believe HHH is a superb platform to build a faster-growing, high-returning holding company that will acquire control of companies that meet Pershing Square's criteria for business quality and durable growth," Ackman said, referring to his hedge fund company Pershing Square Capital Management.

Days earlier nonagenarian Warren Buffett, long one of Ackman's professional role models, announced plans to step down as Berkshire Hathaway's chief executive at the end of the year. Ackman and members of his firm were attending Buffett's shareholder meeting in Omaha where he unveiled his plans.

Ackman began his career as a corporate activist by pressuring companies such as Canadian Pacific Railway to improve performance, and was on Howard Hughes' board for more than a decade before stepping down from the chairman's role last year.

He will now rejoin as executive chairman, while Ryan Israel, a Pershing Square partner and its chief investment officer, will also become Howard Hughes' chief investment officer.

There has been some friction between the company and other shareholders. The company had rejected Ackman's previous offer of $900 million for 10 million shares, which would have raised Pershing's stake in the company to 48%, calling the proposal "not acceptable in its current form."

The leadership team at Howard Hughes, led by CEO David O'Reilly, will remain intact, with expanded roles and responsibilities, while other employees will see no changes.

Pershing Square has agreed to cap its voting power in Howard Hughes at 40% and limit its beneficial ownership to 47%, the companies said.

Ackman has assured investors the move will not impact how his investment portfolios buy and sell stakes in companies. The firm's flagship Pershing Square Holdings will continue to buy large stakes in large companies, while Howard Hughes will buy controlling stakes in small companies, he said on a conference call in February.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in Beverly Hills and Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  The lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, are now arguing that body cam footage from Altoona Police Department shows that despite officers telling him he was not in custody, he had no way to leave.

Mangiones defense team filed a motion in his New York first-degree murder case arguing that new photos taken from body cam footage of his December arrest indicate Mangiones constitutional rights were violated.

The photos show Mangione sitting at a table in the back corner of the restaurant with two officers blocking the only way for him to leave the table. His lawyers claim he was questioned by police for 20 minutes and patted down twice before being read his Miranda Rights, and that, by New York law, his statements made during the arrest should not be allowed in court.

Blair County DA responds to motion that Altoona officers arrested Luigi Mangione without cause

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Mangiones lawyers claim police told him they were there because hed been sitting in the restaurant for 40 minutes. McDonalds does have a 30-minute policy in place at select locations, but lawyers argue the only reason so many officers responded to the McDonalds isnt because he was loitering, but because the first officer on-scene reported he was 100% sure Mangione was the shooter in Thompsons murder, noting police only arrived on-scene after an employee at the McDonalds called police to report Mangione for looking like that suspect.

The defense argues that the search of Mangiones backpack further violated his rights, arguing that there were no circumstances that constituted police conducting a warrantless search of the backpack. In the motion, Mangiones lawyers wrote that it was only once an officer conducting the search she had made a potentially devastating mistake by thoroughly searching the backpack of a murder suspect in a significant New York press case without a warrant, she suddenly stated that she was searching through the backpack at McDonalds to make sure there wasnt a bomb or anything in here. However, Mangiones defense team notes that the bomb squad was never called and the McDonalds was not evacuated over concerns of a bomb, but that another officer did tell the officer conducting the search that they probably need a search warrant for it.

Defense attorneys claim that some of the body cam footage is missing including 20 seconds of when Mangione was being questioned by a police when an officer placed his hand over his body cam and the 11 minutes during which the backpack was transferred from the McDonalds to the Altoona Police Department Precinct. The motion goes on the state that once that officers body cam footage resumes, it shows her immediately re-opening and closing the backpack compartments she already searched and then opening the front compartment of the backpack as if she was specifically looking for something. Instantly, she found a handgun in the front compartment.

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Last week, the Blair County District Attorneys Office defended the arrest and local charges against Mangione, which include a firearm violation for the gun found in the backpack.

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Pierce County is one of several local governments filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new requirements tied to federal grant funding.

This Administration is placing new terms and conditions on local governments that are unlawful and coercive, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said in a statement. Our departments and community partners want to provide people [with] safe housing and services. These contracts are designed to coerce our participation in extreme political agendas.

Pierce Countys homelessness response relies heavily on federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Last year HUD announced Pierce County would receive more than $4.9 million to renew or continue 10 different housing and homeless programs through 2025.

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Pierce County Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore told The News Tribune the grant award ensures housing and support services for hundreds of very vulnerable people.

She said the Trump administration has tied requirements onto HUD-funded contracts, posing significant risk and harm to both the county and service providers.

Moore said the requirements are related to immigration, gender ideology, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as abortion care.

On May 2, a coalition of eight local governments, including King County and Pierce County, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the Trump administrations HUD and the Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration.

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According to the legal complaint, the administrations grant requirements outline that no local government that receives funding under this grant may use that funding in a manner that by design or effect facilitates the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration or abets policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation.

The lawsuit also notes orders signed from the administration which seek to ensure grant funds do not promote gender ideology, and to prevent any programs which promote DEI.

The plaintiffs claim terms such as gender ideology and DEI are over-broad and too difficult to define. They also argue enforcing the requirements would put them at risk of violating anti-discrimination laws.

For example, if King County agreed to the administrations demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, any violation of the federal terms could make the county liable to the federal government for three times the amount of the grant  further endangering critical services for county residents, King County said in a statement regarding the lawsuit.

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Moore said the grant requirements are unlike any Pierce County has seen in other federal contracts.

They are too broad, vague and risky, she told The News Tribune. Its common for contracts to include restrictions on how organizations can use grant funds, but these new requirements restrict activities of the entire organization or program.

She also said requirements such as ones that prohibit funds from being used in a matter that supports sanctuary policies that protect undocumented immigrants directly conflict with state laws.

Moore said Washingtons Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) limits local law enforcements role in immigration enforcement, but one of the administrations executive order demands local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. KWW prohibits such cooperation without a judicial warrant, directly opposing the order.

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The lawsuit states that new funding stipulations added by the heads of federal agencies are unconstitutional and an overreach by the executive branch, which does not have the authority to change federal grant conditions without Congress explicit approval.

Other local governments that joined in filing the legal complaint include the cities of New York, Boston and San Francisco.

The coalition of local governments also filed for a temporary restraining order on May 5 that, if granted, would block HUD and the FTA from imposing or enforcing the unauthorized grant conditions. The filers anticipate a court ruling by the end of the week.
The Indian government has condemned an auction of ancient Indian gems and issued a legal notice to stop the unethical sale of the relics, which it said should be treated as the sacred body of the Buddha.

New Delhis Ministry of Culture said the auction of the Piprahwa gems in Hong Kong, scheduled for Wednesday, violates Indian and international laws as well as United Nations conventions and demanded their repatriation to India for preservation and religious veneration.

The legal writ was served to the Sothebys auction house and Chris Peppe, one of three heirs of William Claxton Peppe, a British colonial landowner who in 1898 excavated the gems on his northern Indian estate and kept them as family heirlooms.

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A letter posted on the Ministry of Cultures Instagram account said Peppe, a Los Angeles-based TV director, lacked the authority to sell the relics. Sothebys, by holding the auction, was participating in continued colonial exploitation, it added.

The ministry does not believe the relics should go under the hammer, saying the gems constitute inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.

What are the Piprahwa gems?

The Piprahwa gems date back to the Mauryan Empire, circa 240 to 200 BC. They have been described by Sothebys as one of the most astonishing archaeological finds of the modern era and of unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance.

The precious stones consist of thousands of pearls, rubies, topazes, sapphires and patterned gold worked into jewels and maintained in their natural forms.

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They were originally buried in a dome-shaped funeral monument called a stupa in Piprahwa in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, Indias largest state.

They are believed to be mixed with some of the cremated remains of the Buddha, who died about 480 BC.

The British crown claimed William Peppes find under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and the bones and ash were given to the Buddhist monarch King Chulalongkorn of Siam in present-day Thailand.

Most of the 1,800 gems went to what is now the Indian Museum in Kolkata. But Peppe was permitted to retain about a fifth of them, some of which were described as duplicates by British colonial administrators at the time.

What the controversy is about

The gems are expected to sell for 100 million Hong Kong dollars (US$13m) at Sothebys in Hong Kong on Wednesday. But the sale has raised eyebrows.

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Commentators argued that the Piprahwa gems are the heritage of both the Buddhas descendants and of Buddhists worldwide.

Are the relics of the Buddha a commodity that can be treated like a work of art to be sold on the market? Naman Ahuja, a Delhi-based art historian, told the BBC. And since they arent, how is the seller ethically authorised to auction them?

Since the seller is termed the custodian, I would like to ask  custodian on whose behalf? Does custodianship permit them now to sell these relics? he asked.

For its part, Indias government has called on Sothebys and Chris Peppe to halt the sale of the gems, issue a public apology to Buddhists worldwide and to provide a full disclosure of the provenance of the relics.

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Failure to comply, according to the letter on the Ministry of Cultures Instagram page, would result in legal proceedings in Indian and Hong Kong courts and through international bodies for violations of cultural heritage laws.

The ministry added that it would launch a public campaign highlighting Sothebys role in perpetuating colonial injustice and becoming a party to [the] unethical sale of religious relics.

It said the sellers had no right to alienate or misappropriate the asset,  an extraordinary heritage of humanity where custodianship would include not just safe upkeep but also an unflinching sentiment of veneration towards these relics.

The letter also noted that the relics of the Buddha cannot be treated as specimens but as the sacred body and originally interred offerings to the sacred body of the Buddha and the proposed auction offends the sentiments of over 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

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Earlier this year, Chris Peppe told the BBC that his family explored donating the ancient gems. However, he said an auction seemed the fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists.

He also wrote a post on Sothebys website in February in which he said: I wanted the power of these gems to reach everyone, Buddhist or not.

After this weeks private sale, he said, I hope that many people will be able to see the gems and connect with the Buddhists who gave them over two thousand years ago, with our shared human experience of wonder and awe and with the Buddha and his teachings.

Have such auctions been controversial in the past?

Museums in the West have rarely been forced by legal rulings to give up artefacts taken from the Global South during colonial rule. However, some have handed stolen objects back to their countries of origin under public pressure

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In 2022, for instance, six artefacts looted by British soldiers 125 years ago from Benin City in what is now Nigeria were repatriated from the Horniman Museum in South London to Nigerias National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

That same year, Germany handed over two Benin Bronzes and more than 1,000 other items from its museums to Nigeria. It was wrong to take the bronzes, and it was wrong to keep them, said Annalena Baerbock, Germanys foreign minister.

But instances of successful repatriations are far outnumbered by private auctions of stolen artefacts. In 2020, for instance, Christies went ahead with the sale of Igbo statues that Nigerian museum officials said were stolen during the countrys civil war in the 1960s.

Another high-profile case was the sale of a 3,000-year-old quartzite head of the Egyptian boy king Tutankhamun, auctioned off in the United Kingdom despite an outcry in Egypt, which claimed the piece was likely removed from the country illegally.

Countless antiquities are sold off every year by exclusive auction houses, denying many developing countries their historical patronage.
GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT)- ECU graduation is this weekend and Pitt Community College is the following weekend. With the busy transition period in Greenville, some graduates will try to get their start in the workforce. Greenville ENC Alliance explained that it actually may be beneficial for young professionals to start their careers in Greenville.

CEO and President, Josh Lewis, says that both colleges produce the types of talent that the industry in Greenville relies on. Bio-tech and the healthcare field are some of the many industries that provide entry-level roles with hands on experience. Thats because start-up companies like Boviet Solar and Nypro, as well as ECU Health. And workforce dynamos ready to welcome grads with open arms.

We have a lot of life science companies, and we had two major announcements last year with Nypro and Boviet and they are both scaling up at a fast rate here in the coming years, said Lewis.

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With health care, ECU Health is one of the largest health care providers in Eastern North Carolina. Thousands of employees constantly looking for new talent, and so, if youre a student and youre graduating in this area, I think this is a great place to look for opportunities from a cost perspective, from a location perspective. And youve already put down some roots here.

Greenville ENC Alliance also has more information on the landscape of Pitt County. For more information, click on their Growing in Greenville website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa could be a contender to be Pope Francis' successor, some experts say

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem offered himself in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas back in 2023

Pizzaballa is an experienced diplomat and one of three Italian cardinals seen as a possible papal contender, an expert tells PEOPLE

As the world waits for Pope Francis successor to be chosen, some say Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a legitimate contender.

The 60-year-old Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has lived in the city since 1990, navigating a politically charged region and three major religions with grace, according to the New York Times. Although many people may have only heard of him recently (for one, his last name has inspired a number of memes), he previously made news when he offered himself up in exchange for children taken hostage by Hamas after their October 2023 attack on southern Israel. At the time, he had been a cardinal for just two weeks.

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"Anything, if this can lead to freedom and bring those children back home, no problem," he said while speaking with Vatican reporters. "On my part, absolute willingness."

Reflecting on the reaction during a subsequent interview with CNN, Pizzaballa acknowledged that what he said that day was very naive" and noted that his comments were not universally well-received. Why Israeli children and not for the Palestinian children? My answer was also for them Im ready. No problem," he told the outlet.

Related: Pope Francis Buried at St. Mary Major, a Church with 'Very Beautiful' Connection to His Faith

Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Pope Francis presented the red biretta hat to Cardinal Pizzaballa on Sept. 30, 2023 at the Vatican. Pope Francis presented the red biretta hat to Cardinal Pizzaballa on Sept. 30, 2023 at the Vatican.

Two weeks before Francis death on April 21, the cardinal spoke more about the war that has brought widespread devastation to Gaza.

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Every man of faith has questions, including myself, said Pizzaballa, according to CNN. You are so frustrated from the situation, and you ask, Where are you? to God. Where are you? Then I come to myself and I understand the question should be, Where is man now? What have we done with our humanity?

We cannot consider God guilty of what we are doing, he said, according to CNN.

Throughout his lifetime, Pope Francis was outspoken in his criticism of Israel, called for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and, in a final gift, sent his popemobile to serve as a health clinic for children in Gaza.

Related: Nun Who Broke Vatican Protocol to Mourn Friend Pope Francis Remembers Him as a 'Brother'

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Pizzaballa, who grew up in poverty in northern Italy, has developed a reputation for his kindness to the poor and his ability to build connections between peoples. While he isnt based in the Vatican, his respect for traditional aspects of church practice have softened the perspective of some conservatives, the Times reported.

The cardinals connection to Italy, the storied seat of the Catholic Church for many centuries, also helps his chances.

Carmine Soprano, a Vatican analyst and UN consultant, tells PEOPLE that the three Italian candidates, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Pizzaballa, were all "quite close to Francis."

Each of the candidates would, "in different ways, represent a continuation of his progressive agenda," Soprano adds.

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 expert explains that Pizzaballa is one of the most experienced people in the church in issues regarding the Middle East.

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These three are not only perceived to be Francis-friendly, and therefore progressive, but also to be extremely skilled diplomats, Soprano continues. So, their election might signify that the Conclave is looking for someone who is not only trying to continue Francis progressive agenda, but also has the skills and the Vatican inside knowledge that will almost certainly be required to push that agenda forward.

However, as other experts have told PEOPLE, when it comes to the conclave, anything can happen  and oftentimes, those seen as a frontrunners don't end up becoming pope.



Related: Who Will Be the Next Pope? Experts Say 'Anything Can Happen' (Exclusive)

If elected as pope, its his faith that will see him through.

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Faith is the only thing you can grasp, you can keep alive, in your life, Pizzaballa previously told CNN. He added, faith is a way to transcend yourself, to go beyond yourself. Faith is to believe in someone else.



Read the original article on People
The news this week that the Government is overhauling long overdue plans for Britains defence against an armed Russian attack is welcome, but will almost certainly be met with fierce resistance from the bean counters in the civil service who actually run this country and her defences.

Detailed plans are now being worked on to update the current strategy of how Britain will defend against a direct armed Russian attack  a scenario long consigned by many to the annals of the Cold War.

Since Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine, however, Whitehall officials have rightly decided that given the increased frequency of Russian submarine and air force incursions closer and closer to British waters, these now long outdated plans require finally dusting off.

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The threat cannot be overstated enough. Russias seemingly unstoppable war machine is growing, not slowing down. A potential peace of sorts on the horizon in Ukraine will only allow Putin more time and space to rapidly build up military capabilities and threaten our European allies.

Chief amongst Putins targets will be those who have supported Ukraine the most. The UK can proudly and rightly lay claim to Ukraines strongest ally  first to send anti-tank Javelin missiles; first to send main battle tanks; and amongst the first to send long-range ballistic missiles that can target Russian territory: the continued harassment of the UK can be the minimum that the British Government can expect from a vengeful Russia.

The more serious threat is of a direct attack. The likelihood of this rises each time Nato is perceived to be fractured, weak, and not acting in unison. So far, Natos strength and unity has broadly held.

But under a new highly unpredictable administration in Washington set to withdraw from the European security architecture, this will be a real test of Natos resolve over the coming years, with Putin firmly watching for any sign of weakness that he can exploit militarily.

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The problem that the UK finds itself in is after years  almost decades  of underinvestment in defence, there are now significant gaps in capabilities. The conventional gaps are nothing short of mind-blowing: a reduction in one third in our tanks; a lack of operational submarines and frigates; and despite world-leading F35B fighter jets, the RAF only have half the original operational requirement.

On a more positive note we are investing more into emerging and disruptive technologies. The new dragonfire laser directed energy weapon is on course to be deployed on Royal Navy ships; our defensive and offensive cyber capabilities are emerging as world-leading; and we are finally pioneering industry-wide advances in drone technology and human-machine teaming to keep pace with modern warfare trends.

However, despite some welcome recent advances in military spending uplift, we will still fall far short of matching capabilities with the emerging threats facing the UK. Planning for a direct Russian attack on these shores will require sizeable increases in spending which the Treasury are almost certain to rule out.

In particular replacing depleted ammunition stockpiles; societal resilience; cyber defence for the NHS, national energy and transport infrastructure; and chronic gaps in our air defences, which will all require billions extra if this Government is serious about planning for an attack by Russia.

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Whilst the Treasury will be reluctant to spend that money, we simply cannot afford not to after years of waste and underinvestment. Defence is the first priority of the Government, and it must act accordingly.

Robert Clark is a Defence Fellow at the Yorktown Institute, a security think-tank in Washington, DC. Prior to this he was in the British military for 16 years

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Newly released audio captured the last communication between a pilot and air traffic control moments before a plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood, killing two people and a dog.

It was just before 2 p.m. on Saturday when a small plane crashed into two houses in the Wood Ranch community, killing the people and animal on board while spreading fire and destruction to nearby homes.

Some pilots suspected weather may have been a factor, and while its too early to tell what exactly went wrong, the newly surfaced recording will help investigators.

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I need vectors, the pilot is heard saying in the audio from Live ATC. The plane keeps turning on me.

626 Bravo, the air traffic controller replies. Youre coming and broken and unreadable.

The controller tried twice more to make contact, but then the radio went silent.

Filmed soon after, nearby Ring security footage captured a slim view of the plane crashing into the side of two homes, erupting into destruction with a loud bang.

Ring camera footage shows the moment a small plane crashed into Simi Valley homes. May 2025. (Arman Hovakemian)

Residents were inside the homes at the time, but were able to evacuate before the flames broke out.

Something was off because he was just hitting the gas on and off and going in circles very, very low, said Arnaldo Gonzalez, a Simi Valley resident.

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KTLAs Jennifer McGraw spoke with neighbors and witnesses on Monday, hearing that the plane was registered to Paul Berkovitz, a pilot who rescued dogs with his plane, and that the dog involved in the crash was possibly one of those rescued.

In addition, although officials have not released or confirmed the victims identities, several social media posts suggested Berkovitz was the pilot on board.

Berkovitz was the owner and builder of the Vans RV-10 kit plane that the FAA said crashed into the Simi Valley homes.

Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (KNN) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (KNN) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (KNN) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (KNN) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (RMG News) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (RMG News) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (RMG News) Crews on the scene after a small plane crashed into a Simi Valley neighborhood. May 2025. (Citizen.com)

A Vans RV-10 crashed near High Meadow Street and Wood Ranch Parkway in Simi Valley, California, around 2:10 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 3, explained the FAA in a statement. The plane departed from William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster and was heading to Camarillo Airport. The FAA and NTSB will investigate.

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Attorney General Andrew Bailey answers reporters' questions on Jan. 13 in the Missouri Capitol. Bailey has been fighting a series of challenges of his civil investigative demands as he seeks to investigate gender-affirming care in Missouri (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must turn over documents about gender-affirming care to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an appeals court ruled Tuesday morning.

Bailey has been looking into the use of cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers and gender-transition surgeries for minors in the state since March 2023, when a former case worker at the Washington University Transgender Center claimed the center rushed children into treatment.

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As part of his probe into Washington University and other providers, Baileys office sent civil investigative demands to Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Washington University in St. Louis and the states two branches of Planned Parenthood  all of which have fought to protect patient information.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, which oversees clinics in St. Louis and southwest Missouri, refused to turn over documents to Bailey, challenging his request as a misuse of Missouris consumer protection law and a violation of federal patient privacy law.

A St. Louis Circuit Court judge ruled last year that the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act allows the attorney general to investigate deceptive medical practices but doesnt supersede HIPAA.

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, protects patients from providers disclosing their personally identifiable health information.

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For Bailey to get certain records from Planned Parenthood, Circuit Court Judge Michael F. Stelzer ruled in April of last year, patients would have to sign away their HIPAA rights.

But Tuesdays judgment, written by Judge Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey of Missouris Eastern District Court of Appeals, said HIPAA doesnt prevent Planned Parenthood from providing de-identified records. Additionally, Planned Parenthood didnt provide the attorney general a privilege log, or a list of exceptions to Baileys requests, to assess each claim.

A Western District Court of Appeals ruling filed in April against Missouris other Planned Parenthood affiliate also took issue with the lack of a privilege log.

In both cases, the appellate courts rejected the notion that Planned Parenthood was exempt from the entire investigative demand, but further court proceedings can assess whether some of the attorney generals 54 requests are protected from disclosure.

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Crucially, a blanket HIPAA-based objection does not make the CID unenforceable, Navarro-McKelvey wrote in Tuesdays ruling. As the burden is on (Planned Parenthood Great Rivers) as the covered entity to comply with HIPAA when responding to subpoenas.

Planned Parenthoods attorney, Matthew Eddy, argued the opposite in a circuit court hearing last June, saying the Attorney Generals Office must prove exceptions to HIPAA in its request.

The Eastern District Court of Appeals will soon hear patient-privacy arguments in a separate lawsuit between Bailey and Washington University. The cases arguments in circuit court established that unredacted patient information was exempt from Baileys demands and some data was irrelevant to his search.

Among his requests to Washington University, Baileys office asked for access to all electronic health records of clients.

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Bailey appealed that decision, saying his access to the information was inevitable under state law.

While we are disappointed with the courts decision, we are evaluating our next steps as this is just another political attack against the bodily autonomy and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming Missourians, said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO Planned Parenthood Great Rivers. As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will continue to support our gender affirming care patients across the St. Louis region and Missouri Ozarks while ensuring our patients health information remains secure and protected.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A plea deal is reached in an attempted murder case in Evansville.

Dailand Bailey was set to go to trial on Monday but that was cancelled.

His sentencing is set for May 29.

Authorities say Bailey shot a woman in the 800 block of Virginia Street in 2023.

Bailey is booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail on a $1 million bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A Massachusetts man was sentenced to federal prison on Monday for intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in New Hampshire communities, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack said.

Jose Toledo, 31, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release, McCormack said. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro handed down his sentence.

Toledo pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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Those who choose to traffic drugs and arm themselves while doing so, like the defendant, are putting our communities in danger, said McCormack. Todays sentence reflects not only the severity of drug trafficking crimes involving dangerous weapons, but the continued threat that such activity poses to the community.

Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division, said in a statement that his agency is committed to investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and individuals like Mr. Toledo who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine to the citizens of New Hampshire.

Todays sentence not only holds Mr. Toldeo accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs to profit and destroy peoples lives, Belleau said.

DEAs top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison, Belleau said.

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In December 2023, a confidential witness working on behalf of law enforcement ordered methamphetamine and fentanyl from Toledo, prosecutors said.

Toledo drove from Massachusetts into New Hampshire with the intention of delivering nearly a pound of methamphetamine and almost 300 grams of fentanyl to the confidential witness, prosecutors said.

Instead, law enforcement stopped Toledo in New Hampshire and seized the drugs from him.

When locating the drugs, investigators found them in a hidden compartment in Toledos vehicle, with a loaded firearm, prosecutors said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Russia is attempting an "unprecedented" interference campaign in Poland's presidential election, Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said on May 6, Reuters reported.

Poland will hold presidential elections on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1, as the country faces key debates over social policy, migration, and national security that could shape its political trajectory.

Speaking at a defense conference, Gawkowski said Russia is spreading disinformation and launching hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure to paralyze normal state functions.

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He said the attacks target water utilities, combined heat and power plants, power supply facilities, and public administration. The Russian cyber threat level in Poland has more than doubled compared to 2024.

"Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen such incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," Gawkowski said.

Poland has emerged as one of Ukraine's staunchest allies since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying military, humanitarian, and economic assistance.

Moscow has also interfered in Romania's 2024 presidential election through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and funding for far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.

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The Polish election features candidates across the political spectrum, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and Poland 2050 leader Szymon Holownia.

Some candidates have expressed views or associations perceived as pro-Russian.

Far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen, while not explicitly pro-Russian, has ties to nationalist circles skeptical of Poland's pro-Western stance. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the ruling Law and Justice party, has faced criticism for statements perceived as sympathetic to Russia.

Read also: Polish right takes hard line on Ukraine ahead of presidential vote

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (WKBN)  Poland High School graduate and current Robert Morris University softball standout Mary Brant was named Horizon League Co-Freshman of the Year.

The Horizon League announced its softball postseason awards on Tuesday afternoon.

She is currently seventh in the conference with a .352 batting average.

In addition, she is third in the league in home runs with 10 and sixth in RBIs with 36.

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Brant has also piled up 9 doubles and three triples for the Colonials in her first season in the college ranks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
By Karol Badohal

WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland is facing an unprecedented attempt by Russia to interfere in its presidential election, the digital affairs minister said on Tuesday, as the first round of voting looms on May 18.

Poland says its role as a hub for aid to Ukraine has made it a target for Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and disinformation, and it has been on high alert for interference, especially after Romania cancelled a presidential election in December due to alleged Russian meddling.

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"During the current presidential elections in Poland, we are facing an unprecedented attempt to interfere in the electoral process from the Russian side," Krzysztof Gawkowski told a defence conference.

"This is being done ... (by) spreading disinformation in combination with hybrid attacks on Polish critical infrastructure in order to paralyse the normal functioning of the state."

Russia has repeatedly denied accusations that it interferes in foreign elections.

Gawkowski said that Polish water and sewage companies, heat and power plants and state administration bodies had all been attacked, and that Russian involvement in such attacks had more than doubled this year.

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"Today in Poland, during every minute of my speech, a dozen or so incidents targeting critical infrastructure were recorded," he said.

The Russian embassy in Warsaw declined to comment on the matter and recommended asking Gawkowski to "provide evidence for his insinuation".

Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed foreign actors for a cyberattack on the IT systems of his Civic Platform party in April. Since last year, Poland has notably reported cyberattacks on its space agency and the state news agency.

Warsaw and its allies have also alleged that Moscow is behind acts of arson and sabotage around Europe. Russia dismisses these allegations.

(Reporting by Karol Badohal, Pawel Florkiewicz, writing by Alan Charlish; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Kevin Liffey)
Polish President Andrzej Duda urged U.S. President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Russia to force an end to its war against Ukraine, Politico reported on May 5.

Duda said the U.S. has tools that can effectively influence the Kremlin, arguing that only Trump has real leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"America can use various economic instruments to force Russia to respect certain actions," Duda told the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network.

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He added that Trump has "the right tools to block Putin's fundamental interests" and is capable of implementing "very radical, very harsh" measures.

The call comes as Trump has repeatedly threatens to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia but has yet to implement concrete measures since taking office.

Shortly after his inauguration, Trump warned Moscow that the U.S. could "do it the easy way or the hard way," referring to potential economic penalties.

Duda suggested that Trump has "seen the reality" after recent developments with Putin and is now positioned to push for serious negotiations.

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Kyiv has long urged Washington to intensify pressure on Moscow. Trump himself has recently expressed frustration with Russia's unwillingness to negotiate, saying on April 26 that Putin might be "tapping me along" and is uninterested in ending the war.

"He (Trump) can see what his (Putin's) position is and to what extent he is ready to engage in serious talks about ending the war," Duda said. "The President of the United States has the means at his disposal to force Russia to comply."

Ukraine has signaled readiness for a full 30-day ceasefire since early March, contingent on reciprocal terms from Russia. Moscow has refused a full truce unless Ukraine accepts extraordinary concessions, including halting all foreign military aid.

Support for stronger measures is growing in Washington. At least 72 U.S. senators are prepared to back severe sanctions and steep tariffs targeting Russia and countries supporting its energy exports, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters on May 1.

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The proposed bill includes new penalties on Russia and 500% tariffs on imports from nations buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium if Putin avoids serious peace talks.

Trump, in a May 4 interview with NBC News, said the U.S. may consider additional sanctions if Russia does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine.

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.
UPDATE: Police shared this video of the black bear spotted Tuesday morning in St. Augustine. See below

*This story is developing. Refresh this article for updates.

UPDATE: St. Augustine police posted a photo of the bear on its Facebook page with the following message:

Bear sighting Downtown/Lincolnville

Law Enforcement is currently on scene with the bear in a secluded area in south Lincolnville.

Please use caution if you encounter this Bear!!

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its important to keep a respectful distance and never run. Black bears prefer to avoid people and will usually move on quickly

*This story is developing. Refresh this article for updates.

Theres a large police presence in downtown St. Augustine on Tuesday morning. St. Augustine police told Action News Jax theyre monitoring a black bear that was spotted downtown.

Police said just after 7 a.m. that the bear has moved into the Lincolnville area and Florida Fish & Wildlife on enroute to tranquilize and move the animal.

*This story is developing. Refresh this article for updates.

Read: Man, dog killed in suspected black bear attack in Southwest Florida

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Police are searching for the person who hid multiple cameras in a Hermosa Beach dance studio bathroom used by children, parents and employees.

A parent made the disturbing discovery Saturday morning at the dance studio in the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard, the Hermosa Beach Police Department announced in a news release.

Police officers arrived at the studio around 9:30 a.m. and found that multiple cameras were hidden in bathrooms at the studio. The parent who found the cameras turned them over to staff who then contacted police, according to authorities.

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The bathrooms, which are used by parents, students and employees, are unisex. Students who attend the dance studio range from 2 to 18 years old, police said.

"We understand the concern this incident may cause in our community  particularly among parents and families  and we want to assure residents that we are addressing this matter with the utmost seriousness," the Hermosa Beach Police Department said in a statement.

Police said the cameras were hidden in wicker baskets in the bathrooms.

Read more: Student turns camera on man who snuck into a women's bathroom in SoCal campus

The owner of School of Dance and Music, Liliana Somma, confirmed with news station ABC7 that the cameras were located at her business. She said that she has lost some customers due to the incident. Somma noted that she has been in business for 25 years and that the studio has more than a thousand students.

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Somma told the news station that she has hired a company to inspect for other hidden devices at her business.

"Also, we bought these regular sweeping devices that we're going to be doing throughout the day, which I think everyone should be doing," Somma told the news station. "But that's what we're going to be doing. That's newly purchased. We also added cameras in the hallway so we can see who is coming in and out of the studio itself."

Anyone with information can contact detectives at the Hermosa Beach Police Department at (310) 318-0360.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  An investigation is underway into an armed carjacking that happened in Providence Monday afternoon, according to police.

Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department, told 12 News it appears a man threatened the victim with a gun after forcing his way into the vehicle on Atwells Avenue.

Vega said the stolen vehicle was later found unoccupied and confirmed two suspects are in custody.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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1 /3 VIDEO COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE Video surveillance shows two male suspects wanted for allegedly breaking into Radford High School 's "Ram Shop " in Salt Lake.

2 /3 VIDEO COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE Video surveillance shows two male suspects wanted for allegedly breaking into Radford High School 's "Ram Shop " in Salt Lake.

COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT Suspect No. 1 is described as an unknown male with medium build, black hair and tan complexion. He was wearing a black shirt, black and red shorts, and black shoes. Suspect No. 2 is described as an unknown male with medium build, short hair, and tan complexion. He was wearing a red shirt, black shorts and black and white shoes.

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3 /3 COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT Suspect No. 1 is described as an unknown male with medium build, black hair and tan complexion. He was wearing a black shirt, black and red shorts, and black shoes. Suspect No. 2 is described as an unknown male with medium build, short hair, and tan complexion. He was wearing a red shirt, black shorts and black and white shoes.

COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT Suspect No. 1 is described as an unknown male with medium build, black hair and tan complexion. He was wearing a black shirt, black and red shorts, and black shoes. Suspect No. 2 is described as an unknown male with medium build, short hair, and tan complexion. He was wearing a red shirt, black shorts and black and white shoes.

Honolulu police have released video surveillance and images of two male suspects wanted for allegedly breaking into Radford High Schools Ram Shop  in Salt Lake and taking various items.

The Ram Shop  sells Radford High School merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies and other gear.

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Police said at about 1 :10 a.m. last Wednesday, or April 30, the two suspects broke in and took merchandise, then fled in an unknown direction.

Suspect No. 1 is described as an unknown male with medium build, black hair and tan complexion. He was wearing a black shirt, black and red shorts, and black shoes.

Suspect No. 2 is described as an unknown male with medium build, short hair, and tan complexion. He was wearing a red shirt, black shorts and black and white shoes.

Anyone with information should the Honolulu Police Department Criminal Investigation Division with Na Maka 25 /0578  in the email.

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Anonymous tips can also be submitted to at 808-955-8300 or the P3 Tips app.

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CHICAGO  Authorities in Chicago are asking for help identifying an individual who officers say has been spotted performing lude acts near a West Side bus stop where schoolchildren were waiting.

According to police, a man was spotted exposing himself to school children as they waited for their school bus, two days in a row, in the 2000 block of West 23rd Street, in the Heart of Chicago, on the citys West Side.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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Officers said during the incidents, which unfolded just before 7 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, the man was spotted sticking his tongue out to the victims in an attempt to get their attention while performing lude acts.

A search is now underway for the person responsible.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Offices believe the individual is a heavy-set Hispanic man with short dark hair. At the time of the incident, officers said the man was seen wearing a red jacket.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

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Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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Defence technology company Anduril Industries has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Klas, an edge computing and tactical communications services provider.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition will add Klas rugged hardware to Andurils suite of autonomous systems and networked defence technologies.

It is expected to enhance the companys ability to provide faster, more resilient and seamlessly integrated solutions for challenging, front-line operational environments.

Klas will continue its operations in Ireland and the US, with plans to expand manufacturing to meet demand across Anduril's portfolio.

The acquisition also establishes Andurils first office in Dublin, expanding its international presence in Europe, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.

Anduril said: Modern defence operations require compute and connectivity that go wherever the mission doesnot just where the infrastructure allows.

Klas offers Voyager line, a modular family of compute and networking systems designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Voyager is already part of Andurils Menace systems, supporting operations across ground, maritime, and air domains.

This acquisition builds on that foundation, Anduril said.

The company added: Every autonomous system is only as capable as the compute and comms it carriestogether, they form the nervous system that enables real-time decision-making, coordination, and mission execution.

By combining Andurils Lattice software platform, autonomy, and sensor capabilities with Klas infrastructure, the company aims to deliver lightweight, mission-tailored systems that are faster to deploy, easier to maintain, and more resilient.

This is expected to allow Anduril to adapt edge compute and communications to specific mission needs, reducing integration risk and accelerating technology deployment.

In December, Anduril entered a strategic partnership with OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT and cutting-edge models such as GPT-4o, to strengthen AI capabilities for US national security.

The initiative focuses on embedding OpenAIs advanced AI technology into Andurils defence platforms and its Lattice operating system, with a particular emphasis on improving counter-unmanned aircraft systems performance.

"Anduril Industries to acquire Klas " was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)  Police in Kentucky are seeking the publics help with finding a missing man last seen in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

The Elkton Police Department says Hopkins Taylor left his Kentucky home on April 23 and made contact with police in Carlisle on April 24.

Taylor, who police say has dementia, was taken to the Americas Best Value Inn on Harrisburg Pike, but there are no records of him checking in.

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Taylor is believed to have driven to Pennsylvania in a white Dodge Ram pickup truck, but he does not have his vehicle or cell phone.

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Police say Taylor has a faded scar on the center of his forehead and is possibly wearing a US Army veteran hat.

Anyone with information on Taylors whereabouts is asked to contact the Elkton Police Department at 270-265-9879 ext. 204, or a local police department.

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A retired NYPD officer appears to have taken his own life on Lido Beach Monday morning, a source tells The Post  the latest in an alarming number of law enforcement suicides on Long Island.

Nassau County police confirmed they discovered a body on the Hempstead beach Monday, but have yet to identify the person or release many details about the incident.

Cops admitted they believe the death was a suicide.

A retired NYPD officer appears to have taken his own life on Lido Beach Monday morning. Dennis A. Clark

A source close to the investigation said the male victim was a former New York City cop who came to the beach and fatally shot himself with a handgun during the early morning hours.

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Its a sad situation that were not really looking to report on, Nassau police told The Post.

If an autopsy confirms the self-inflicted killing, it would mark the seventh police officer to commit suicide in New York state this year.

At its current pace, the state is on track to see more than 20 police suicides by the end of 2025  far surpassing 2024s total of 13.

A source close to the investigation said the male victim was a former New York City cop who fatally shot himself during the early morning hours. Dennis A. Clark

The numbers are alarming, which is why our mental health should be a priority, Nassau County PBA President Tommy Shevlin told The Post.

Just last month, Shevlin blew the whistle on police suicides across the state, with more than half now coming out of Long Island.

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We are in the midst of a quiet crisis, Suffolk County PBA President Lou Civello previously said.

In Suffolk, four officers took their own lives last year. Allfour of the Long Island police suicides this year have occurred in Nassau.

The suicide rate among law enforcement is 60% higher than the average population, Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged on X last year, in allocating $13 million toward mental health support for cops across the state.

At its current pace, the state is on track to see more than 20 police suicides by the end of 2025  far surpassing 2024s total of 13. Christopher Sadowski

But the police union presidents believe more is needed, urging Albany to pass the Lt. Joseph Banish Mental Health Act that would create a mental health support program for officers.

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This legislation is not just necessary  its long overdue, Civello said.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
ENDWELL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Local law enforcement and their supporters heard a pair of powerful reflections from the wives of fallen officers on Tuesday.

The Southern Tier Law Enforcement Memorial Association continued its Police Week commemorations with its annual memorial breakfast at Endwell Greens.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Binghamton Patrolman Lee Barta.

Barta was ambushed and shot in the back while searching for a teenager who had absconded from a work release program. He left behind his wife Mary, 6-year-old son Danny and 15-month-old daughter Kelly.

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On the day of his funeral, Mary found out that she was pregnant with their third child, Patrick.

Mary recalled how fellow officers supported her and her family during a period of intense grief.

My husband gave his life in the service to others. Its a loss that echoes through our family and our hearts every single day. In the midst of that heartbreak, I felt surrounded by support. The community didnt let me grieve alone. You carried me, you continued to carry me and my family, said Mary Barta.

The event also honored the life of Endicott Police Officer Sean Ahern.

Ahern died from bacterial complications from the flu in March of last year at the age of 45. And while his death was not in the line of duty, it was still devastating to his fellow officers and the broader police community.

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Aherns widow Lindsay says local law enforcement stepped up to support her and her four kids.

We went from not knowing how we would pay our bills to thousands of people showing up at events to support us. I went from late night phone calls to my mom about having to sell our house to early morning phone calls about Tunnels to Towers paying off our mortgage. Your entire community wrapped its arms around our family, and youve never let go, said Lindsay Ahern.

This year, a 39th name has been added to the memorial wall, Edward Kulik, a veteran of both New York State Police and the Johnson City Police Department.

Kulik died in 2021 from cancer linked to his work at Ground Zero.

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Later this week, STLEMA will hold a cornhole tournament on Friday evening and a Police Community Day outside Dicks House of Sport from 11 to 3 on Saturday.

Find a schedule at Facebook.com/PoliceWeek.

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Polish President Andrzej Duda has appealed to his US counterpart Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Russia to force it to end the war against Ukraine. He believes Trump is the only person capable of making Putin come to the negotiating table.

Source: Duda in an interview with the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, as reported by Politico

Details: Duda stated on Monday 5 May that the US has tools at its disposal that can effectively influence the Kremlin. He believes only Trump has real leverage over Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

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Quote: "America can use various economic instruments to force Russia to respect certain actions. So if anyone is in a position to force Vladimir Putin to make peace, it is America, the president of the United States."

Details: Duda emphasised that Trump had "seen the reality" after his latest discussions with Putin and has "the right tools to block Putin's fundamental interests".

Quote: "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."

Details: Duda's comments reflect the hopes of many European leaders who are placing their expectations on Trump to use his influence on Moscow, since so far his pressure has mainly been directed at Ukraine.

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Trump, in particular, has stated that Ukraine will not become a NATO member and has proposed peace options that included recognising Crimea as part of Russia.

Since returning to major politics, Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. As part of this strategy, he sent his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for talks, but these meetings did not result in any easing of Russian demands.

Quote from Politico: "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."

Background:

According to Reuters, US officials have prepared some new economic sanctions against Russia.

The US Department of State stated that the US would "adjust its approach" to its involvement in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and planned to take a less active role, although it would not distance itself from the issue.

Republican Lindsey Graham, one of Donald Trump's key allies in the US Senate, proposed a bill that would introduce new sanctions against Russia and 500% tariffs on oil, gas and aluminium imports from countries that trade with Russia.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico is a unique place, and there are many things that make it stand out from the rest of the United States. KRQE asked viewers via social media what they thought was the strangest thing theyve noticed about the Land of Enchantment.

News 13 viewers say the strangest thing about New Mexico is the weather. New Mexico experiences a wide variety of weather phenomena, from haboobs to heavy snow. One of the most common weather patterns in the state is all the darn wind. New Mexico often experiences powerful winds that fuel dust storms, wildfires, and blizzards, all due to changes in air pressure. The weather around New Mexico can also change on a whim, sometimes feeling like four seasons in a single day. One viewer notes, You can ski at Ski Apache and sunbathe at White Sands on the same day.

Haboob blows over Deming on March 3, 2025

The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire burns south of Las Vegas, N.M., Saturday, May 7, 2022

Las Vegas snow | Courtesy of Mark Montoya November 7, 2024

POLL: What are New Mexicans planting in their gardens this year?

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Another aspect of New Mexico that viewers consider strange is its wildlife. The state bird, the roadrunner, is fairly easy to spot, as their population has nearly doubled in the last 60 years. These cute but strange little creatures typically run at 15 miles per hour, can consume venomous prey, and can only fly for short distances. Another common sight is the coyote. New Mexico is home to 16 subspecies, and theyre more likely to be seen in winter. Porcupines have been known to roam the Bosque. While it has been incredibly rare to see one in New Mexico, Mexican wolves are beginning to return to their original habitat. Vinagaroons, weirdly wonderful little creatures, also known as whip scorpions, are native to the area. Even a pelican has been spotted in Santa Fe.

State bird: Chaparral, commonly called the roadrunner | Photo Courtesy: NM Sec. of State

Mexican Wolf | Courtesy: ABQ BioPark

Coyote in New Mexico | Courtesy New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

One strange phenomenon is synonymous with New Mexico: aliens. Roswell, in particular, has long been associated with many UFO crashes. Many viewers describe their own supernatural encounters and unexplainable sights, typically seeing strange lights in the sky. The Very Large Array, an astronomy observatory in Socorro County, has been used multiple times as a filming location depicting extraterrestrial contact. A viewer calls it the quietest, most disconcerting thing I have ever seen. Love the science, but its freaky.

The Very Large Array

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FILE  A sign directs travelers to the start of the 1947 UFO Crash Site Tours in Roswell, N.M., June 10, 1997. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File)

From White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico boasts a great variety of geography. One viewer says, The strangest thing Ive seen is the trees growing over by the Fire and Ice caves. So twisted and wildly beautiful. Another viewer mentioned the Four Corners Monument, the point where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

White Sands | Adobe Stock

Hundreds of cave formations are shown decorating the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Dec. 18, 2010. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File)

Shiprock rock formation in the Four Corners region of the New Mexico desert. (Adobe Spark)

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Poll: Where is the best place to go hiking in New Mexico?

Another unique feature: New Mexico is the only U.S. state (besides Georgia) to share a name with another country. Naturally, this leads to some confusion for Americans living outside the state. One viewer finds it strange that NM is the only state that requires the license plates to have USA on [them] because the rest of the country has no clue we are one of the 50 states.

KRQE New Mexico license plate | KRQE media file

KRQE New Mexico license plate | KRQE media file

KRQE New Mexico license plate | KRQE media file

One thing that many viewers notice as strange about the Land of Enchantment is chile in or on top of most foods. The state questionRed or green?is something every New Mexican has heard asked before. One viewer had to learn to order cheese pizza without green chili. Another viewer mentions the apple pie. If you go to Pie Town, yes, an actual town, the pie has apple, green chile, and pine nuts. Its not bad, but green chile goes in everything there. The chile industry has had an important impact on the economy of the state, as New Mexico is the nations largest chile pepper grower. New Mexico is also the only state to have a state aroma, Green Chile Roasting in the Fall. Another notable staple of New Mexican cuisine is the breakfast burrito. The breakfast burrito originated at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the 1970s and can now be found almost anywhere in the state. One viewer wonders, Why is everyone obsessed with breakfast burritos?

Bosque Chile Fest

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Breakfast Burrito | Adobe Stock

Poll: Who has the best burrito at the Balloon Fiesta?

Every part of the U.S. has a distinct accent or dialect, and New Mexico is no different. One of the most commonly answered local lingo is adding the word all before adjectives, like all crazy, all funny, all perfect, etc. A viewer notices locals tend to say get down from the car instead of get out. Saven is seven, elaven is eleven, A la! means Holy cow! and every soda is a Coke, says one viewer.

Who can forget the tumbleweed snowman? Lack of snowfall leads to some creative solutions. This Albuquerque staple comes back every winter, and the tradition is starting to expand to other areas of the state, with a new addition in Socorro.

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority put up its Tumbleweed Snowman on Nov. 28, 2023. (KRQE)

Socorro tumbleweed snowman created by Jerry Gutierrez.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
SINGAPORE (AP)  Singapore's long-ruling Peoples Action Party won another landslide in Saturdays general elections, extending its 66-year unbroken rule in a huge boost for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong who took power a year ago.

The Election Department announced the PAP won 82 Parliamentary seats after vote counting ended. The party had earlier won five seats uncontested, giving it 87 out of a total 97 seats. The opposition Workers Party maintained its 10 seats.

The PAP's popular vote rose to 65.6%, up from a near-record low of 61% in 2020 polls. Jubilant supporters of the PAP, which had ruled Singapore since 1959, gathered in stadiums waved flags and cheered in celebration.

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A U.S.-trained economist who is also finance minister, Wongs appeal for a resounding mandate to steer trade-reliant Singapore through economic troubles following U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff hikes has hit home. The government has lowered its growth forecast and warned of a possible recession.

Wong, 52, said he was humbled and grateful for the solid mandate for the PAP. He acknowledged voters' desire to have more alternative voices in government, but said a strong PAP team was needed to tackle challenges ahead.

The results will put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world, he said.

Eugene Tan, a law professor at the Singapore Management University, said the opposition's failure to make further inroads after 2020 was a surprise. Singapore voters played their cards close to their chest. Today, they indicated that their trust is with a party that has delivered over the years, he said.

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Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong to become the city-state's fourth leader. Lee stepped down in May 2024 after two decades at the helm but remained in the Cabinet as a senior minister. His retirement as premier ended a family dynasty started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapores first leader, who built the former colonial backwater into one of the worlds richest nations during 31 years in office.

The PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity, but tight government control and the rising cost of living in one of the worlds most expensive cities also has led to growing unhappiness, especially among younger voters. Widening income disparity, increasingly unaffordable housing, overcrowding and restrictions on free speech have loosened the PAPs grip on power.

The opposition says giving it a stronger presence in Parliament will allow a more balanced political system and greater accountability. But they face an uphill task, often hamstrung by a lack of resources, fragmented support and a lack of unity. Critics said gerrymandering also gives the PAP an advantage.

Pritam Singh, leader of the Workers Party, acknowledged it was a tough contest and vowed to continue the fight for a more balanced Parliament. The slate is wiped clean, we start work again tomorrow, and we go again, he said.

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Bilateral defense and security ties

The United States government offered its congratulations to Singapore and Wong.

In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. and Singapore had shared a strong and enduring strategic partnership and a commitment to a secure, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region" for almost 60 years.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the newly elected government and Prime Minister Wong to strengthen economic growth and our bilateral defense and security ties, which benefit Americans, Singaporeans, and others across the region, Rubio said.

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While the Workers Party failed to expand its presence, it had consolidated its support with increased share vote in some areas, said Southeast Asia political analyst Bridget Welsh. Other smaller opposition parties however, failed to make a breakthrough.

Welsh said voters opted for stability amid concerns over global volatility due to sweeping U.S. tariffs. Wong's more approachable leadership in engaging younger voters and efforts to renew PAP by bringing in about a-third of new faces also helped swung votes, she said.

I call this the Wong and Trump effect, she said. The issue of economic insecurity really did reinforce his mandate.
Mitsubishi Motors is still shipping cars from Japan to Baltimore, even as Trump administration tariffs take hold. But none of the cars are headed to customers  yet.

For now, the Japanese automaker is holding the vehicles it sends to the Port of Baltimore and three other U.S. ports  in Florida, California and Washington  at those facilities, spokesman Jeremy Barnes said in an email Friday.

We will continue to evaluate this situation and will make the decision to release vehicles at the appropriate time, Barnes said.

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The delay is due to President Donald Trumps 25% tariffs on autos and certain parts. Automakers dont pay a tariff on their imported vehicles until they remove them from port facilities, and some are choosing to leave their products in limbo as they assess their final costs and whether to add import fees to the price tags or to absorb the tariffs.

The auto manufacturers are individually making decisions on how they want to proceed, said Richard Scher, a spokesman for the Maryland Port Administration, which oversees the ports public marine terminals. While the auto tariffs took effect April 3, the Trump administration offered some relief in partial reimbursements for vehicles that go through final assembly in the U.S.

Mitsubishi has been offloading and holding vehicles at Dundalk Marine Terminal, one of the ports public terminals, since April 8, Scher said. Volkswagen, which ships Audi vehicles to the ports private Tradepoint Atlantic terminal in Sparrows Point has been doing the same, he said.

Mitsubishi is storing cars at the port outside areas designated as foreign trade zones, which are exempt from tariffs and other taxes, and was required to pay the 25% levy, according to the port. Barnes, the company spokesman, declined to comment on the storage location or duties paid, saying the decision was made to hold autos to evaluate the longevity and impact of the tariffs on our business.

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Audi offloads cars at a marine terminal on the former site of Bethlehem Steel. A spokeswoman for the carmaker did not directly say whether tariffs were why the vehicles remained at the port.

We are focused on ensuring that dealers have the right inventory to meet customer demand, said Michele Lucarelli of Audi of America, Inc.

Tradepoint does have several active foreign trade zones, said terminal spokesman Aaron Tomarchio, but does not manage any of the zones related to Audi or other automakers.

The facility operates several zones for bulk cargo, or goods shipped without individual packaging, and break-bulk cargo that cant fit in standard containers.

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Those foreign trade zones have been fairly full with the onshoring of cargo we have seen over the last couple of months, he said.

Baltimores port handled the second-highest volume of cars and light trucks of all U.S. ports last year, slipping from the top spot after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The port was shut down for weeks after the freighter Dali struck the bridge in late March 2024, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers. The wreckage blocked access to most cargo vessels.

About 85% of all vehicles handled at the Port of Baltimore are imported.

General Motors, one of the ports top auto importers, cut its profit forecast Thursday and said tariff costs are expected to eat away up to $5 billion.

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The port is also bracing for impacts to its container shipping business, especially from China. That nation is the source of 40% of inbound containers to the U.S. overall, and is facing tariffs of as much as 145%.

Import fees are charged based on when goods were loaded on a ship, prior to the voyage to the U.S. Vessels that departed Asia after tariffs took effect wont arrive until at least sometime this month on the West Coast and sometime in June on the East Coast, said John D. McCown, a shipping expert and non-resident senior fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy.

In terms of volume for the Port of Baltimore, container volume in June is going to be the first real tangible indication of that, McCown said.

McCown estimates that the year-over-year change in container cargo at U.S. ports will be pronounced, with an overall reduction of 25% and the share of imports from China shrinking.

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That commerce isnt going to happen, he said.

Instead, Chinese companies may shift production to affiliates in Vietnam. And U.S. shippers may divert shipments through Canada and Mexico. All of these changes could hurt cargo volume and dock workers at ports in Baltimore and elsewhere, he said.

I think these overall tariffs frankly are just going to be massive and a nightmare, he said. Once people start to see the impact of these, there will be pressure to rethink this.
PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN)  The city of Portland is looking to double their fees on new developers.

Several Sumner County cities are discussing impact fees as a way to mitigate their growth. However, Portland has implemented fees for years, having been grandfathered in by the state.

Portland currently charges only half of what a financial study determined they could, totaling just over $1,600 per single-family home. Meanwhile, neighboring cities like Gallatin want to enact impact fees of their own but are being rejected by the state.

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APRIL 2025 | Gallatins push to enact fees on developers shot down by state

For Portland, charging the full feeover $3,000would help fund, primarily, public safety in their growing community. But one local realtor believes it would also damage their housing market.

I understand the citys need for them, but they add to the cost of homes, and we already have a problem with that, explained Ann Blackburn, a realtor and member of Portlands planning commission. The median price of homes is about $375,000 in Portland. Five years ago, it was $210,000. So theyre already going up.

Its going to price people out of being able to buy a home, Blackburn continued. Right now we have 14,000 people that live in Portland, approximately. We have 50,000 people that come to Portland to work. Thats a lot of people that cant afford to live here already!

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$145K income needed to buy median-priced home in Middle Tennessee market, report says

While growth always comes with a cost, Blackburn said there are better ways for Portland to increase their funds, without hindering a residents chance to buy a house.

I personally believe they should wait until after our primary election to see if the optional sales tax gets passed, because it actually goes to the exact same thing, said Blackburn. That impact fee it doesnt just affect that. You increase the price of a house, it increases existing homes also. And homeowners insurance and property taxes all go up, on everyone.

News 2 spoke with multiple developers and realtors who work in Portland, and they each mentioned the challenges or different fees they already have to deal with from the city.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

One realtor referred to Portlands system as simply pay to play.

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News 2 reached out to Portlands Vice Mayor and another councilmember for a comment but did not hear back at the time of this publication.

Portlands city council held their second reading for raising the impact fees on Monday evening.

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An education technology company says information has been deleted after North Carolina student and teacher records were compromised in a hack.

We reported earlier this year when PowerSchool was breached on Dec. 19. Hackers took information like addresses, Social Security numbers, and contact information.

The company now reports that the data was deleted, after the alleged hacker said so. Thats according to WRAL in Raleigh.

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WRAL reports that PowerSchool paid a ransom and then watched a video of the hacker deleting data.

The breach affected school districts across the Carolinas, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

PowerSchool is offering two years of free identity protection and credit monitoring to those affected.

(VIDEO >> Its scary: Scammers show up in person after saying victims accounts were hacked)
Aleah McPherson's bank account is $8,265 lighter these days. Sadly, the funds disappeared after she fell for a scam by someone impersonating a Wells Fargo employee, leaving McPherson and her fiance devastated by the loss.

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"That was my savings. That was actually what I have been working for a while," McPherson told Fox 5 Atlanta last month. She hopes that her story will serve as a warning to others so that they don't fall victim to similar fraud and be left without their hard-earned money.

How a phone scam led to a huge loss

According to McPherson, the trouble started when she received a phone call from a 1-800 number associated with Wells Fargo to alert her to a serious problem. "Wells Fargo bank informed me there was fraudulent activity," she said. "They will call you if there's fraudulent activity on your account, so I didn't think there was anything out of the ordinary. I've had this happen before."

The scammer told McPherson she'd have to transfer her money out of her account to keep it safe while an investigation was carried out. McPherson believed she'd confirmed that she was actually talking to her bank, so she followed their instructions and emptied her bank account, sending the money via Zelle and a Chase digital wallet.

Although she thought moving the funds would protect them while Wells Fargo investigated the fraud, the reality is that the money disappeared into the accounts of the scammers.

Adding insult to injury, she also explained that the scammers mocked her for falling for their tricks. "Once you're done talking to them, they're all laughing in the background. They are telling you that youve been scammed and laughing."

Sadly, McPherson is one of many who have fallen victim to scams in which thieves pretend to be trusted organizations, including financial institutions or government agencies. These scams are called phishing or spoofing scams, and the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report revealed 193,407 complaints about them during the year, with victims collectively losing over $70 million.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) is asking the community for help identifying a vehicle of interest following an assault on the citys east side on April 2.

According to PPD, the assault occurred just before 8 p.m. on April 2 at the intersection of 12th Street and North Kingston Avenue, near Mitchell Park on the east side.

PPD released an image of a possible vehicle of interest, which appears to be a dark-colored SUV:

Courtesy: Pueblo Police Department

PPD is asking anyone with information on the assault or anyone who recognizes the car to contact Detective Danelle Romero at (719) 601-7820 or Pueblo Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-7867 (STOP). You can also submit a tip at PuebloCrimeStoppers.com.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) The annual Pray for the Cure event is at Salem Lutheran Church, 1700 W. War Memorial Drive in Peoria, May 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Two cancer survivors, Leah Grebner, and Judy Hendricks, told WMBD This Morning more about it.

Pray for a Cure is a unique spiritual and emotional care event that recognizes faith and family as key factors contributing to the wellness for cancer patients as they journey through their diagnosis and treatment. Its a service of prayers, music, guest speakers, and connection with other families and friends going through the journey.

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This years Peoria Pray for a Cure event is May 8, at 6:30 p.m., at Salem Lutheran Church, 1700 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, and everyone of any denomination is welcome, Grebner said its open to anybody that wants to pray.

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Dolly Vilsack, center, shares a big laugh with her daughter Alice, left, and sister Marney. (Photo courtesy of Christie Vilsack)

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I only knew my mother-in-law for a short time, but she gave me three gifts: a husband, a prayer and a mother-in-law hack.

Dolly Vilsack loved and accepted me for loving her son, whom shed brought home from a Catholic orphanage when he was six months old. She and Toms dad, who she called Buddy, said they chose him like they would the Thanksgiving turkey, the plump one. Im glad they did. Dolly also loved God and trusted her Catholic faith to help her defeat her dependence on alcohol, save herself and reunite her family. For that I am also grateful.

The Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

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It was the prayer she learned when she joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1964 after leaving her family and committing herself to rehabilitation.

Before taking me home to meet his parents in the spring of 1969, our freshman year in college, Tom told me about his mothers struggles with alcohol. Westerns on TV and the movies provided me with plenty of stereotypes of drunks, but Id never known an alcoholic.

I wasnt quite sure what to expect when I got to Pittsburgh, but it wasnt the chic woman in a simple sheath dress, spectator pumps and chunky gold earrings. She worked at Mellon Bank, a job she had taken after sobriety. She was a small person with a big laugh. And she had a faith that gave meaning to the word for me. She and Toms dad had separated when he was in junior high, but they were back together when I met them, and they accepted me immediately.

In small towns where we dont have much ethnic diversity, we often identify by church affiliation. In my hometown most people were Protestants, including a few of us Episcopalians. Next to Saint Alphonsus was the Catholic grade school complete with nuns in habits. Even though we didnt go to school together, I knew all the Catholic girls, because they were part of my Girl Scout troop, and they would later join us in public high school.

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In confirmation class at the Episcopal Church, I learned how King Henry defied the Pope and started his own church so he could divorce or behead his wives with impunity. It was also that year I got involved in politics campaigning for John Kennedy, not because he was a Catholic but because he was a Democrat.

The boyfriend

When I met Tom Vilsack in college, he seemed different, because hed grown up in a city and attended a private boarding school for boys, not because he was a Catholic. Ironically, when we met, he had gotten his mother back just as I had lost mine to cancer. Their illnesses had a lasting effect on both of us.

Dolly and Tom Vilsack with Christie at his Hamilton College graduation. (Photo courtesy of Christie Vilsack)

What triggered Dollys alcoholism isnt as important as what transformed it into something she could live with. At her lowest point, on Christmas Eve 1963, she left her family and committed to recovery. She took her sobriety seriously, joined AA, and for the rest of her life attended meetings becoming a sponsor to others who needed her help.

When she asked me to go with her to an AA meeting one evening, I knew that I was family. I learned about the importance of her Catholic faith to her recovery, about the importance of AAs 12 steps that lead to sobriety, and the necessity of asking forgiveness. I learned the Serenity Prayer, the only prayer Ive ever really needed.

The mother-in-law hack

Tom and I married at Saint Michaels Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. I asked the Catholic priest to help officiate, but he told me hed rather go fishing. You can imagine my mother-in-law wasnt happy that her son hadnt landed the priest. Then Tom got the time wrong for mass, so his extended family arrived at the church just as mass ended. Not an auspicious start. As far as his mother was concerned, it was his fault, not mine.

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I didnt convert, and she never once said anything to me about it. Now that Im a mother-in-law myself, I have come to appreciate how she lived the Serenity Prayer, how she accepted me and my decisions without judgment.

In the four years she was my mother-in-law, we only came to Pittsburgh once for Christmas. It was then I learned that Christmas was her time to celebrate renewal, resilience, and reconciliation. Every Christmas she wrote a letter to someone who had made a difference in her life that year, a tradition Ive tried to continue.

She experienced the joy of grandchildren, Toms niece and nephew. She loved going to the Jersey Shore, something they did as a family before her illness. She made great brownies that Ill never be able to reproduce. She managed to snag an autograph for Tom of Steeler star, Franco Harris, when he came to her desk at Mellon bank one day. But I regret that she never got to know our children.

Soon after I got pregnant, we learned that she had brain cancer. We came to Pittsburgh to pack her possessions in a U-Haul which Tom drove to his sisters home near Philadelphia. I drove behind him with Dolly in her little blue VW Bug. As we crossed the state, she experienced a series of small seizures, but we were able to talk. She asked me if Id be willing to raise our children Catholic. The answer was an easy yes. I valued my own religious education, and I wanted that for our children. It made sense for Tom to lead the effort. Only now do I understand how hard it must have been for her to ask.

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She died a few months later just before our first son was born, but she is with me every day as I say her prayer.

I often say jokingly that the Serenity Prayer got me through 25 years of politics. It did. But its also gotten me through the personal and professional highs and lows of everyday life. Serenity is elusive. It comes and goes, stays for a moment, a day, sometimes longer, but finding serenity is a constant search and it requires faith, and faith is sometimes hard to come by in troubling times. And wisdom, thats even harder. Im still practicing.

The pope

I came to like Pope Francis. Im glad he lived long enough to affect real change in the Catholic Church. He brought a different culture and perspective to the job. I liked that he tried to be open to ideas and people who are different, that he opened his heart to those the church had previously rejected or turned away.

We were invited to the Obama White House in his honor, and Tom got to meet him. Oh Dolly, you would have loved it. You know Tom would have prepped for the moment, a Catholic boy who knows his catechism and wants to impress. He had it all planned out, what he would say to Pope Francis, quoting the Beatitudes, blessings that talk about the poor in spirit, the peacemakers, the mournful, meek and hungry. But he became tongue-tied and sputtered.

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The president, standing beside him, had his back. Your holiness, Tom feeds the children, he said. The pope beamed; the president smiled; Tom looked humbled. The photographer snapped the photo.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, right, meets Pope Francis at the White House with President Barack Obama. (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)

If theres a heaven, as you understand it, Dolly, I hope you were looking down that day. You did something good bringing that baby home, loving him and helping him to understand the concept of redemption. You taught him never to give up on himself or others, including you.

If youre looking in our window this morning, youll see him talking with our grandson about the purpose of confession and contrition as he helps prepare him for confirmation. We both kept our promise to you.

As for being a mother-in-law, I know that how-to books have been written about the subject, but I dont need them. I had you.

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This column was originally published by Christie Vilsacks blog Common Ground. It is shared here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative. It has been updated to correct the credit on the photo with Pope Francis.

Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the Iowa Writers Collaborative and member authors blogs to support their work.
This is the area in the East Mountains near Albuquerque where PNM warned in March it would shut off power preemptively to prevent wildfires. (It ended up not doing so.) The Public Regulation Commission is hosting a workshop Thursday with state power utilities to explain the protocol for "public safety power shutoffs." (Map courtesy PNM)

As New Mexico electrical companies increasingly consider using proactive power shutoffs as a way to prevent wildfires, the states utility regulator announced a series of workshops aimed at helping the public better understand why theyre necessary and what to expect if they occur.

PNM, the states biggest electrical provider, did its first-ever public safety power shutoff in Las Vegas on April 17, cutting off power to about 2,300 customers amid high winds and dry conditions. Officials said at the time that theyd do so only as a last resort to protect lives and property from the threat of wildfire.

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On May 8, the PRC is hosting a workshop in Santa Fe with PNM and two of the states other investor-owned utilities, El Paso Electric Company and Southwestern Public Service Company, to present an overview of Public Safety Power Shutoff strategies, customer notification processes, and mitigation planning expenditures, according to a news release.

Also slated to attend are officials from the state energy department, who will provide a breakdown of what state agencies can do to mitigate the threat of wildfire as well as lessons learned in the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in 2022 and the South Fork Fire in 2024.

Attendees will also receive a presentation on legislative actions related to wildfire risk during the most recent session, such as a memorial requesting the creation of a wildfire study group. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed a bill creating funds for wildfire suppression.

In June 2022, as the two biggest wildfires in New Mexico history were burning, the PRC opened a formal inquiry to evaluate vegetation management plans and other wildfire protection practices for the purpose of reviewing the assumptions, methods, and standards underpinning these plans, to identify best practices, and to obtain recommendations for best practices in wildfire management. The forthcoming workshops stem from that case, according to a news release.

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Also in summer 2022, the McBride Fire in Ruidoso caused the deaths of an elderly couple and destroyed several hundred structures. Investigators later determined the cause to be a tree falling onto an electrical line PNM maintained. Lawyers on behalf of fire victims have sued PNM, alleging it was negligent, though PNM denies any liability.

Earlier this year, the Mogote Hill Fire near Wagon Mound burned 21,000 acres. It was also caused by an electrical utility, according to state officials.

Read more here about the workshop. The other three are scheduled for July 17, Sept. 15 and Oct. 23.
The newest Italian restaurant on the block is getting ready for a July opening and looking to hire staff.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse, an expansive Italian restaurant at the former Big Rock Chophouse in Birmingham, is looking to fill 100 positions ahead of its opening. Positions the restaurant is looking to fill include servers, positions for servers, bartenders, guest services, line cooks and other jobs.

Nearly two years in the making, the project from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants was originally expected to open in 2024 at 245 S. Eton St., in Birminghams rail district.

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More: Menu Highlight: Mortadella is having a moment

Located in the historic Grand Trunk Railway Station, Big Rock Italian Chophouse will be open for dinner service and is expected to pair a premium steakhouse experience with upscale Italian cuisine.

In late 2021, Big Rock Chophouse was sold and closed by longtime owners Norm and Bonnie LePage.

Big Rock Chophouse in Birmingham, which closed in 2021, will be the new home of an upscale Italian eatery.

This new project, reportedly a $10 million investment, is a joint venture between Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and local investor partners, including Tom Celani and Dario Bergamo.

Announced in summer 2023 as an 11,000-square-foot restaurant, the space will have seating for nearly 400 guests, including seating for 100 outdoors. There will be three bars and multiple private dining rooms. A highlight of the property is the VIP Rock Cigar Club featuring cigar lockers and a private entrance.

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More: Dining club adds Detroit chapter, memberships and tickets now available

Interested candidates can apply in person from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays at the Reserve, 325 S. Eton St., in Birmingham or online at bigrockitalianchophouse.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Big Rock Italian Chophouse hiring for 100 positions: How to apply
The BBC has issued a clarification over Radio 4s Today show concerning its coverage of the broadcasters recent Prince Harry interview.

In the bombshell conversation, which aired on Friday after the prince lost his appeal for higher security protections in the U.K., he called the outcome of his case a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up and revealed that his father, King Charles III, wont speak to him because of it. However, he said he would love reconciliation with the royal family.

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In a new statement, the BBC said that Radio 4s Today show should have challenged Harrys claim of an establishment stitch-up in its coverage of the interview. Claims were repeated that the process had been an establishment stitch-up and we failed to properly challenge this and other allegations, the clarification reads. This case is ultimately the responsibility of the Home Office and we should have reflected their statement.

The BBC then published the Home Offices statement as follows: We are pleased that the Court has found in favor of the Governments position in this case. The U.K. Governments protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals security.

The clarification also refers to Buckingham Palaces statement on the interview, which was included in BBC News reporting on the matter: All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.

In conclusion, the BBC called it a lapse in our usual high editorial standards.

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The program in question featured an interview with former close protection officer Richard Aitch, who responded to the news of the BBCs clarification in a post on X. There should not be any need to apologise @BBCNews for opinion based interviews, he wrote. Absence of a threat and risk assessment on #PrinceHarry where the focus is on legal process influenced by the recommendations of a committee that is not independent, it defines stitch up.'

Elsewhere in the interview, the prince said he is devastated about losing the appeal, which concerned a judges decision last year to uphold the downgrading of his U.K. security arrangements after he and wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from royal duties. In the case, which has been ongoing for four years, Harrys lawyer argued that the prince was singled out for unjustified and inferior treatment and that higher protection is necessary since he and his family still receive security threats. However, the ruling made on Friday stated that the princes sense of grievance did not translate into a legal argument. Because of the loss, Harry told the BBC that its unlikely hell ever permanently return to the U.K.

I dont see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, he said. And the things that theyre going to miss is, well, everything. I love my country. I always have, despite what some people in that country have done  And I think its quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland.

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Prince Archie, the eldest child of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is celebrating his 6th birthday.

Meghan took to Instagram Tuesday to mark her son's birthday, sharing a photo of Archie looking out at the ocean with the sun in front of him.

"Our son. Our sun. Happy 6th birthday to Archie!," Meghan captioned the photo. "Thank you for all of the love, prayers, and warm wishes for our sweet boy. Hes six! Where did the time go?"

PHOTO: Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, shared a photo of her son Archie on Instagram on May 6, 2025, to mark his sixth birthday. (@meghan/Instagram)

Meghan also shared a detail about the family's birthday celebration for Archie, adding in the caption, "(And for all of you who came to celebrate with us at his party last weekend, thank you for making his birthday so incredibly special )"

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Archie, a grandchild of King Charles III, was born on May 6, 2019, in London.

PHOTO: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England. (Dominic Lipinski/ WPA Pool via Getty Images)

He now lives in California with his parents and younger sister, Lilibet.

Harry and Meghan have made a point of keeping both their children largely out of the spotlight since stepping away from their senior royal roles in 2020.

Meghan Markle shares rare family photo of Prince Harry and their kids on Instagram

Since re-joining Instagram earlier this year, Meghan has shared more behind-the-scenes glimpses of her kids' lives, including a recent photo showing Harry holding Archie's hand while carrying Lili on his shoulders.

Archie's birthday this year falls just days after Harry lost a yearslong legal battle over the security protection he and his family receive in the United Kingdom.

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In an interview with the BBC after the May 2 ruling, Harry said he does not picture himself returning to the U.K. with his family in light of the court's decision.

"I can't see a world in which ... I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, and the things that they're going to miss is, well, everything," Harry said. "I love my country. ... I miss the U.K. I miss parts of the U.K., of course I do, and I think that it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland."

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle are parents of 2: What to know about their kids

The family of four is not known to have traveled to the U.K. together since 2022, when they attended Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Harry's grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's son Archie turns 6 originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Prince Harry has given an interview to the BBC saying that he does not know how much longer his father has. The Prince also said that he can now not see a world in which he would bring his wife and children to the UK following a ruling today on his security.

I would love reconciliation with my familyLife is precious, the Prince said in the interview broadcast by the BBC today. I dont now how much longer my father has. He wont speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.

Harrys words show just how out in the cold the Prince now is when it comes to information about his fathers health. Buckingham Palace has given very few updates on King Charles since he announced last February that he has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, other than to confirm that his treatment is ongoing.

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Today, three Appeal Court judges announced their verdict that Harry has lost his appeal to challenge the decision over his security arrangements. Since stepping back as a working royal, his security in the UK has been determined on a case by case basis. The Prince brought a legal action in 2021 over how that decision was made and has previously said that he does not feel safe bringing his family to the UK without guaranteed police protection.

I cant see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point, Harry told the BBC today. The thing that theyre going to miss is, well everything. He added, I love my country, I always have doneI miss the UK. I think that its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland.

The Prince emphasized just how low relations have become with some family members. Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book, of course they will never forgive me for lots of things, he said.

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While Prince Harry is on the outside with his family, his ex, Cressida Bonas, enjoys the access he craves.

The embattled prince's former partner is reportedly an ally of the crown amid his ongoing debacle with the Royal Family, his father, and the British media.

Prince Harry seeks to reconcile things with his estranged father, King Charles, following the appeal court's recent judgment on reinstating his security in the United Kingdom.

Prince Harry's Ex Is Still On Talking Terms With His Cousins And Brother

Fred Duval / MEGA

Prince Harry's relationship with Cressida spanned two years, from 2012 to 2014, and despite their amicable split, Cressida has "remained tight" with Harry's family, according to an insider.

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Cressida also remains particularly close to Princess Eugenie and has friendly relations with Beatrice, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.

Her easygoing nature reportedly makes her well-liked, and she is often invited to royal events, including Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. In the words of the palace insider:

"She avoids gossip and drama and is someone that's known to blend well with any group."

Despite her cordial relationship with the royal family, there seems to be no tension between Cressida and Meghan. Although the emergence of Cressida's podcast around the same time as Meghan's upcoming project might create some complications.

"You'd think Meghan would have been bothered having her at the wedding, but if she was, she never let it show. And she doesn't seem to take any issue with Cressida being so cozy with his family," the source noted to In Touch.

Inside Prince Harry And Cressida Bonas' Romantic History

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Their two-year romance began after Princess Eugenie introduced them. Harry later shared details in his memoir, "Spare," where he recounted a "painfully awkward" first kiss that ultimately led to a deep emotional connection.

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Cressida reportedly supported Harry during difficult moments, including discussions about his mother, Princess Diana, bringing him to tears for the first time since her passing.

"It was cathartic, it accelerated our bond and added an element rare in past relationships: immense gratitude," the prince explained in his book. Though they shared a strong bond, Harry felt that their relationship lacked the lasting love necessary for a future together, leading to their breakup.

Cressida eventually found love with Harry Wentworth-Stanley. The duo married in 2020 and are currently expecting their second child together.

The Duke Of Sussex Is Open To Repairing The Broken Bond With His Father, King Charles

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The prince may now borrow a page from Cressida's books of amicable living. He is reportedly now interested in fixing things with his estranged family after his loss in court.

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As shared by The Blast, the prince's relationship with the royal family has been strained since he stepped back as a working royal in 2020 and participated in a revealing interview with Oprah.

This tension further escalated with the release of his Netflix documentary with Meghan and his memoir. In light of his father's declining health, Harry now feels it may be pointless to continue the conflict.

He emphasized the importance of family, stating, "Life is precious," especially since King Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. However, he believes that reconciliation is complicated by the King's refusal to communicate with him.

Harry attributed the development to his legal battle with the Home Office over security matters. Despite these challenges, the father-of-two remains hopeful for a resolution.

Prince Harry Cites The King's Influence As A Tool To Solve His Misery

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Prince Harry's denial plainly means the existing arrangement set by the Home Office will remain unchanged. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful that the situation could be resolved with some intervention from King Charles.

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Harry suggests that while the King may not need to intervene directly, allowing the experts to manage the security matters could make a difference. However, reports indicate that the royal family has clarified that the King lacks the authority to grant police protection.

The royal family maintains that its staff member is only part of the government's Royal and VIP Executive Committee. Additionally, the royal palace also issued a statement implying disapproval of Harry's attempt to overturn the court's earlier decision.

The palace emphasized that the courts have thoroughly reviewed these issues multiple times and reached consistent conclusions.

Meghan Markle Reflects On Their Struggles In The Early Days Of Their Relationship

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In her first podcast interview with Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics, Meghan opened up about her life with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in Montecito.

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According to The Blast, she reflected on the early days of their relationship, hinting at the challenges they faced behind the scenes. Meghan described their experience as finding themselves "in the trenches" soon after they started dating, suggesting a difficult dynamic with the royal family.

She recalled the initial excitement of their romance, stating, "You have to imagine, at the beginning, it's all butterflies," but noted that they quickly faced significant struggles.

On her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, she described the experience as a "shock to the system." She admitted that she initially thought Harry was joking when he informed her about the need to curtsy.

Now, seven years later, Meghan feels they have reached a new stage in their relationship, enjoying a renewed sense of connection akin to a honeymoon period.

Will Prince Harry ever reconcile with his family?
But beyond the factory floor, tariffs are creating jobs in the auto companies' logistics and procurement areas, often dubbed supply chain management.

Stellantis said in early April it would temporarily lay off some 900 workers at Michigan and Indiana plants in connection with tariffs. In March, steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs idled its Dearborn operations , laying off 600, due to tariffs.

Miller said that since the tariffs started taking effect earlier this year, they have led to the elimination of some jobs and creation of others.

Any time theres uncertainty, theres more value to derive insights out of data, and thats exactly what youre seeing now," said Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.

In short, the auto industry faces big supply chain challenges that only those who are experts at data analysis and manipulation can help solve.

The frenzy to find these data wizards is a reaction to President Donald Trump enacting 25% tariffs on imported cars and certain car parts. Trump softened the blow of those tariffs  the taxes importers pay to bring goods across international borders  with two executive orders on April 29. They tweaked his original mandate, giving automakers who assemble cars in the United States some relief from the duties they will pay on imported parts. But the relief is minor and the tax remains costly until automakers figure out how to source more parts within the United States.

"Supply chain professionals have become the new margin protectors," Capone told the Detroit Free Press. "What Im feeling in the market right now is a real sense of  I dont want to say desperation, that might be too strong of a word  but of concern. The competition for resources is fierce, especially when you have the intersection of data science and automotive supply chain. Those people are very valuable right now.

Capone is CEO of Qlik , a company that makes artificial intelligence-based tools that help other companies analyze data. He is well-versed in supply chain management and said the demand for those two specific jobs has grown exponentially in recent months, including at the Detroit Three.

Mike Capone gets at least three calls a week in his suburban Philadelphia office from automakers or suppliers seeking his advice on where to hire data engineers and data scientists. Their tone is urgent and they're willing to be flexible on remote work or other perks.

Story Continues

Mike Capone is CEO of Qlik, a company that provides data and an analytics automated intelligence platform. He is seeing increased demand by auto companies to hire data scientists and data engineers.

"Anything like a tariff shock is going to lead to a variety of outcomes. Some firms will benefit. Others will be cutting back on people," Miller said. "I can see it being some companies may see a surge of interest in their products or offerings."

At Qlik, for example, Capone said demand for the company's products is rising.

Ford is 'always on the look out' for data scientists

Ford Motor Co. established its Global Data Insights and Analytics team in 2015, said spokesman Said Deep. That team  which is global but also works out of Dearborn  provides data and analytical insights to help Ford leaders make decisions on everything from manufacturing and research to marketing and customer service.

"Our team is well prepared and supply chain, and tariffs are in their wheelhouse," Deep said. He declined, for competitive reasons, to share the number of data scientists and data engineers Ford currently employs. "Could we hire more people? We're always looking. We've got a good team and feel well prepared in where we need to be right now in what is facing the industry. But you're always on the lookout. You want to keep advancing the team."

Deep noted that one part of Ford's global data team recently won first place in the 2025 Innovative Applications in Analytics Awards for its work in innovative analytical solutions within the company. One example of how those solutions were used was in influencing Ford's decision to remove parallel park assist from cars. That decision resulted in "substantial cost savings" for Ford, Deep said.

At Stellantis, the automaker indicating it, too, is looking to add data specialists, but it declined to provide any details.

"Stellantis recognizes the value data scientists can bring to optimizing supply chain operations and has partnered with industry-leading third-party experts in this field to help us identify areas for further improvement," spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said in an emailed statement to the Free Press.

Asked if it plans to hire more data specialists, General Motors spokesperson Tara Kuhnen provided the Detroit Free Press with this statement: "For years now, GM has leveraged data science to enhance operations, vehicle technology and innovation. Our AI capabilities drive improvements across manufacturing, supply chain and product development. For example, we've developed models that help dealers optimize inventory and pricing. The Chief Data and Analytics Office harnesses extensive datasets to improve customer insights and in-vehicle experiences, making data science a cornerstone of our growth strategy."

Not hiring data scientists? 'Gosh, that's a problem'

In March, the ADP National Employment Report indicated that private sector employment increased by 155,000 jobs and within that, the manufacturing sector added 21,000 jobs. Capone believes many of those 21,000 additional jobs likely indicate that companies are hiring more supply chain experts to help navigate tariffs.

Other supply chain experts concur with Capone's observation. While they could not quantify it with a number, the experts anecdotally report a thirst from nearly every automaker and many auto parts suppliers to add data scientists and data engineers to their rosters.

Because tariffs are happening, all the manufacturers are forced to rethink their supply chain, not just the nimbleness, but the resilience, said Manish Kapoor, a former FedEx and Amazon executive who is now CEO of Growth Catalyst Group, a global supply chain solutions company based in Los Angeles.

Manish Kapoor, CEO of Growth Catalyst Group, a global supply chain solutions company based in Los Angeles.

Kapoor told the Free Press his company is looking to add 10 to 12 data scientists this year to be located in India and Asia. He said automakers should be using them too to help design a supply chain thats adaptable to the volatile global environment this year.

"To do that they need to apply data and for that they need data scientists," Kapoor said. "They should be hiring them. If theyre not  gosh, thats a problem. You should be hiring data scientists to survive.

A data engineer vs. a data scientist

Data scientists and data engineers are not fresh-out-of-college undergrads found at career fairs. These are post-graduate degree, seasoned professionals.

A data engineer is a specialist who designs, builds and maintains the systems that collect, store and process data, MSU's Miller said. The system allows the company to access and use the data for analysis and business planning. A data engineer ensures the quality and efficiency of the data infrastructure and they are adept at gathering data from all kinds of sources and assuring it is quality data.

Data scientists are like detectives who turn data, or information, into a plan of action. They use their expertise in statistics, programming and domains to analyze and draw insight from data, Miller said. They develop models to help companies solve problems and make better decisions.

These two jobs are critical for the auto industry because even the automakers that assemble their cars in the United States source the parts from all over the globe, Capone said. So unwinding that global supply chain to accommodate tariffs is a herculean task, he said.

"Data and analytics are needed to actually figure out whats practical and whats reasonable," Capone said. "Were not going to reverse supply chains so that every part and every last bit of assembly happens in the U.S. in the near term. It just cant happen. If we endeavor to do that, it would be a multiyear thing and then wed have to look at the cost basis to do that and what it would do to the prices of the finished products that we build."

But that task is giving certain professionals job security. A Qlik Tariffs Survey conducted by Wakefield Research from Feb. 24 through March 7 found that 76% of supply chain management professionals said the presence of new tariffs has increased their job security. The survey was conducted among 500 U.S. supply chain and procurement executives across the retail & wholesale, automotive, manufacturing, aerospace and health care industries.

Expensive, but worth it

The jobs of a data scientist and data engineer are so complex, they demand people with master's degrees and PhDs and often years of experience. These are people fluent with navigating complex data systems and writing advanced coding, Miller said.

That level of expertise makes them expensive. Capone and Miller said the average annual salary for a data engineer or data scientist can range from $150,000 to more than $500,000 depending on experience, the job responsibilities and their geographical location. But, they said, these specialists can quickly pay for themselves.

Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.

As an example, Miller said many big companies spend more than $1 billion a year in trucking costs. If a good data specialist can find efficiencies that shave off even 1% of those costs, that's a $10 million savings.

Capone said his company has heard from customers that data scientists and data engineers have helped them to take $20 million to $40 million of costs out of already-efficient supply chains. For that reason, most auto companies are presently willing to pay generous salaries for the talent, he said.

I havent seen much of a limit (on salaries). At the end of the day, a few highly talented, very expensive data scientists  if you can save millions of dollars on your supply chain  the payback is instantaneous," Capone said. "For the right people, theyre willing to pay quite a bit."

What they are able to do

Also, a good data scientist is going to be able to do various activities, Miller added, including data handling and processing.

"That's essentially stitching together five or six data sources into a data frame ... to do data analysis," Miller said. "Many will be proficient in predictive modeling, machine learning approaches and other techniques. Some will bring an operations research background, which is where you get into the skills needed to solve facility location problems.

That means solving issues such as where to build a new factory based on a variety of datapoints, including how close to necessary resources it will be located and the costs to get supplies there.

"They would be the folks who are in a position to help and advise to say, 'Given what current production capabilities are today and where tariffs are at, where would we best be positioned to have production take place to fulfill our needs?' " Miller said.

A recent example, he said, was in early April when GM decided to increase light-duty truck production in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and reduce pickup production in Mexico to avoid tariffs.

"Thats the type of decision data scientists help make," Miller said.

The importance of being proactive

Capone said another reason that data specialists are so hot right now is because they don't just help companies make smarter decisions; they help them to make proactive decisions too.

"That is especially useful in these black swan situations where everything shifts under us," Capone said. "That was COVID, that was the Suez Canal being blocked and now weve got an unprecedented level of global trade strife with tariffs."

In March 2021, a container vessel ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking traffic in both directions for six days. It resulted in a disruption to global trade for weeks. During COVID, U.S. automakers idled their domestic factories for several weeks, causing a disruption to the supply chain, while they figured out how to safely bring workers back inside the plants.

Capone declined to name Qlik's clients. But asked if the Detroit automakers are among those looking to add data specialists and use Qlik's software, he said, "1,000%. Many of them already use our software, and some of them are even on our advisory board to help us with our product vision and strategy, and yes, theyre all looking. I dont know an automaker right now whos not looking to hire more data analytics and data science capabilities."

Kapoor added that the demand for data scientists and data engineers will only escalate because when the presidential administration changes in a few years, which could mean changes to the supply side again. That will mean auto companies must look at suddenly figuring out what to buy more of or buy less of  and perhaps even buy from a different source. It is all going to be data-based planning using AI, Kapoor said adding, "This is not a gut-feel decision you can make."

Capone agreed, adding that the changing world created by tariffs demands competitive data analysis.

"This is really the only the way to do it," Capone said. "If youre not being proactive about it, by the time Trump makes the next announcement, youre reacting and your competitors may have figured it out already and are way ahead of you."

Staff writer Eric D. Lawrence contributed to this article.

Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: From factory layoffs to data science: Tariffs are reshaping auto jobs






As he is known to do, Prince Louis stole the show with his cheeky antics on May 5, when he and siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte made a surprise appearance alongside their parents Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Wales family of five attended events in honor of VE Day, which ended World War II in Europe 80 years ago.

At one hilarious moment, Louis mocked George fixing his hair with an exaggerated gesture mimicking his older brother.







Another royal engagement, another chance for Prince Louis to steal the showwhich he did with aplomb on May 5 as he attended VE Day commemorations alongside his parents Prince William and Kate Middleton and his older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

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On Monday, the youngest of the Prince and Princess of Wales three children drew laughs when tugging on his dads military uniform, making faces on the Buckingham Palace balcony (where he and his family took in a flypast, including the Red Arrows), and poking fun at Georges hair flipsomehow all made funnier because Louis is currently missing his two front teeth.

Getty Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

Getty Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

As 11-year-old George fixed his hair in the wind, 7-year-old Louis mocked Georges gesture, smoothing his own hair back in a cheeky, exaggerated imitation. Louis then exhaled so forcefully that his hair blew up in a self-created mini breeze.

Getty Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

Getty Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince George and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

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The hilarious moment was captured on live TV for the world to enjoy. Elsewhere during the military procession, Louis reportedly asked Williamwho was seated on the other side of himWasnt this supposed to be fun? according to The Suns lip reader Nicola Hickling.

It is, son, William calmly responded. Its not going to be long, and I want you to be taking an interest.

Getty Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

Youll never forget this, William added. They will come along here, then head towards there, and well make our way back.

Getty Prince William and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025 Prince William and Prince Louis on May 5, 2025

George, Charlotte, and Louis appearance at the VE Day commemorations on Monday was a surprise, and kickstarted a week of tributes to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day in World War II on May 8.

Read the original article on InStyle
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Gov. JB Pritzker made an appeal to Canadians, inviting them to vacation in Illinois, amid tensions between the two countries.

I dont blame anyone from Canada whose appetite for visiting the U.S. might have soured, with our current president and the shameful way hes represented us on the national stage as of late. But as Governor, and self-designated chief marketing officer of Illinois, I want to reassure you that were as eager as ever to have you come here, said Pritzker in a video message released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

From Rockford to Carbondale, Illinois is full of people ready to show you why the Land of Lincoln is so great, Pritzker said.

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Trump has splintered a decades-old alliance by saying he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and levying steep tariffs against an essential partner in the manufacturing of autos and the supply of oil, electricity and other goods.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump welcomed Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney, to the White House.

I just want to congratulate you, Trump told Carney on his election win as they met in front of reporters. Ran a really great race. I watched the debate. I thought you were excellent.

Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump.

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Here in Illinois, were ready and eager to prove that Midwest nice is the closest thing to Canadian hospitality you can get south of Windsor. As you head south through our shared Great Lakes, we are ready to welcome you to the middle of everything, Pritzker said to potential Canadian visitors.

According to Tourism Economics, Illinois welcomed 112 million visitors in 2023, generating $4.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.

However, at an Illinois Senate Special Committee on Tourism, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association said the state had been seeing a year-over-year decline in occupancy, citing Chicago as the lowest hotel occupancy rate of the top 10 convention markets.

Tourism Economics also estimated a 9% decline in international arrivals for the remainder of 2025.

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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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
SEATTLE (AP)  Police arrested about 30 pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a University of Washington engineering building and demanded the school break ties with Boeing.

Students from the group Super UW moved into the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in Seattle on Monday evening and unofficially renamed it after Shaban al-Dalou, a teenage engineering student who was killed along with his mother after an Israeli airstrike caused an inferno outside of a Gaza hospital.

The students demanded that the university sever all ties with Boeing, including returning any Boeing donations and barring the company's employees from teaching at or otherwise influencing the school.

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Boeing has donated over $100 million to UW since 1917, including $10 million for the engineering building, The Seattle Times reported. Because of Boeings donation, the aviation manufacturer was granted naming rights for the buildings second level.

Boeing is a key supplier to the Israeli Defense Forces, and the country has received more military aid from the U.S. than any other country since World War II.

Were hoping to remove the influence of Boeing and other manufacturing companies from our educational space, period, and were hoping to expose the repressive tactics of the university, Super UW spokesperson Eric Horford told KOMO News.

People dressed in black blocked the front of the building with furniture and used dumpsters to block a nearby road, university officials said.

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UW police worked with Seattle police to clear the building at around 10:30 p.m., UW spokesperson Victor Balta said in a statement. The people were taken into custody on charges of trespassing, property destruction and disorderly conduct, he said. Their cases have been referred to the King County prosecutors.

Any students identified will be referred to the Student Conduct Office, Balta said.

The U.S. Department of Education said in a statement Tuesday that the incident will be investigated.

The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism appreciates the universitys strong statement condemning last nights violence and applauds the quick action by law enforcement officers to remove violent criminals from the university campus, the statement said. While these are good first steps, the university must do more to deter future violence and guarantee that Jewish students have a safe and productive learning environment."

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The Trump administration has argued universities have allowed antisemitism to go unchecked at campus protests against Israels war in Gaza and has opened investigations at colleges, frozen federal funding and detained and deported several foreign students with ties to pro-Palestinian protests.

Additionally, Israels government on Monday approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza. Twenty-one of them are still believed to be alive.

Israels ensuing offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, who dont distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count.
Dozens of protesters were arrested at the University of Washington (UW) on Monday night after occupying a building in a protest over Israels military actions in Gaza.

The pro-Palestinian activists targeted the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB), partially funded with a $10m donation from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing, with the students demanding the university sever its ties with the aircraft manufacturer.

In November, the Israeli defence ministry signed an agreement to acquire 25 next generation F-15 fighter jets from Boeing.

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The groups behind the action, named Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER) UW, called on the university to rename the IEB after Shaban al-Dalou, who was a student killed in airstrikes on Gaza.

Eric Horford, a spokesman for the group, told KOMO News: Were hoping to remove the influence of Boeing and other manufacturing companies from our educational space, period.

The demonstrators want to the university to the rename the building (KOMO News)

We are here to negotiate with the university, and we are hoping theyll hear us and speak with us.

The occupation duly began at around 5pm on Monday, according to CNN, with students refusing to leave the facility at closing time and hanging a banner from a second storey window honoring Al-Dalou.

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A group wearing black clothing blockaded the entrance with stacked chairs, according to KOMO, while others overturned and set alight dumpsters to block off nearby Jefferson Road as the organizers delivered water, coolers and chairs to support the participants.

The protesters were removed at around 11pm.

Individuals who mostly covered their faces blocked access to two streets outside the building, blocked entrances and exits to the building and ignited fires in two dumpsters on a street outside, UW spokesman Victor Balta said in a statement.

Burning dumpsters used as a blockade during student protest at the University of Washington on Monday May 5 2025 (KOMO News)

After officers from Washington State Patrols Rapid Deployment Teams entered the building along with campus police and Seattle police at approximately 11pm, around 30 individuals were arrested, according to Balta.

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People gathered outside listening to music and chanting were also ordered to disperse by law enforcement.

Ensuing charges such as trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct and conspiracy would be referred to county prosecutors, as well as the Student Conduct Office, Balta said.

SUPER UW is a suspended student group at the university, he added, denouncing its statement about the occupation as antisemitic and declaring: The university will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior and will continue to oppose antisemitism in all its forms.
A massive sinkhole just feet off of Route 30 in between Latrobe and Ligonier will soon be a thing of the past.

Unity Township was alerted to the massive sinkhole nearly nine years ago by the Fred Rogers family.

It was going to cost a lot of money to actually fix, and whose responsibility was it? asked Mike OBarto, Unity Township supervisor.

It took a lot of time trying to figure out how to fix this sinkhole. But how exactly did it start?

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Material connecting two culverts from a stream into the Loyalhanna Creek under Route 30, installed more than 80 years ago, failed.

You can see some of those rusted beams at the site, which were dug out from the sinkhole.

It just couldnt hold up the dirt 30 feet above it, and it just dropped down, and thats what created that sinkhole, said Jane Menchyk with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Last year, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which owns the land, was able to get $300,000 in state grant funding.

That grant is huge, because we wouldnt be able to facilitate a project like this, OBarto said.

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With that grant money and private funding, phase one of the nearly $720,000 project is now underway.

Crews are working to stabilize the ground in the area. Theyve also installed a large pump to divert the stream underground to a different drain into the Loyalhanna Creek.

While it was not immediately threatening Route 30, it was at the top of the township and the Conservancys minds, especially after the mine-related sinkhole in the township last December.,

We felt it could take one situation, one extreme weather event, as we experienced recently, where we could see more expansion, Menchyk said.

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The second phase of the project will install new underground connectors for the stream. Then theyll fill the area back in with dirt and put in a manhole for crews to be able to access and repair in the future.

The conservancy said traffic on Route 30 shouldnt be impacted. A small part of Fred Rogers Drive, however, is closed.

Hopefully, well have a point where we will have no more sinkhole by end of summer, early fall.

To learn more about the project, click here.

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Federal prosecutors want a judge to admonish a lawyer helping Diddy, who also co-hosts a TMZ podcast.

The attorney, Mark Geragos, said on his "2 Angry Men" podcast that Sean Combs has a "violent temper."

Geragos appeared to be clued in, correctly predicting another legal hire Combs would make.

Federal prosecutors asked the judge overseeing Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial to admonish a lawyer advising his defense, arguing it was inappropriate for the attorney to discuss the case on his TMZ podcast.

The lawyer, Mark Geragos, co-hosts the "2 Angry Men" podcast with Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ.

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In an episode posted online Friday, Geragos discussed a key piece of evidence expected to be shown at trial  a security video showing Combs beating his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway  and described it as "character assassination."

"You give the prosecution props," Geragos said on the podcast. "It's a prosecution by proxy."

Geragos said footage of the video that previously aired on CNN was edited in a misleading way.

The original footage, a version of which is expected to be shown in the trial, may back up a version of events presented by Combs's lawyers, he said.

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"I've known Sean for a long time. He has a violent temper, especially when you combine it with the drug use," Geragos said on the podcast. "But that isn't what he's charged with."

In court, Combs's legal team has said that Ventura hit Combs in the head during an argument and then left the hotel room with a bag of his clothing, leading him to chase her in the hallway.

"Have you ever had a situation where your significant other took your cellphone?" Geragos said. "And does that take you from 0 to 60 really quick?"

Geragos hasn't filed court papers indicating he's representing Combs. But he has been in the courtroom sitting with Combs's legal team during jury selection on Monday and Tuesday.

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Prosecutors said Geragos's "apparent role as an advisor to the defendant and the defense team" means his podcast comments violated a rule about lawyers giving "extrajudicial statements" while the case is ongoing.

"The need for the Court's admonishment is necessary given that as recently as three days ago, Mr. Geragos spoke at length about the trial in this case in his podcast called '2 Angry Men,' Mr. Geragos's podcast with Harvey Levin, the creator of the tabloid news organization TMZ," prosecutors wrote in their Tuesday letter.

Combs has appeared to be deeply involved in the jury selection process. On Tuesday, he was in constant conversation with his two lawyers beside him and nodded when particular jurors told the judge they believed they could serve fairly.

On the podcast, Geragos said he would continue to discuss the Combs case in future episodes. Neither Geragos nor representatives for TMZ immediately responded to Business requests for comment from Business Insider.

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Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have accused Combs of sex trafficking women, using the resources of his record label and other businesses to stage "freak offs"  elaborate, drug-fueled sexual performances. He has denied the charges and all allegations of sexual abuse.

Ventura, who dated Combs for about a decade, is expected to testify in the criminal trial as a victim. Combs previously settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit she filed against him.

In the "2 Angry Men" podcast episode, Geragos discussed other elements of the case, including what he expected from jury selection and how the prosecutors would handle the case.

"You've got a six-pack of white women," Geragos said of the all-female prosecution team.

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He also said he hasn't been able to get information from his daughter Teny Geragos, an attorney at the law firm Agnifilo Intrater, who is representing Combs and has formally filed the appropriate papers to do so.

"You raise it through college and you get nothing," Levin joked.

"I can put it through college and I get not only nothing, I get a lot of pushback," Mark Geragos responded.

Nonetheless, during the Friday podcast episode, Geragos appeared to be clued in on the case behind the scenes.

According to Levin, Combs' legal team "really, really wanted to get a female Black lawyer  I think for kind of obvious reasons" but weren't able to hire one.

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Geragos pushed back.

"Well, I'm telling you, I'm not so sure that you're right. I'll leave it at that," Geragos said. "I'm not going to speak out of school, but I've heard very strong rumors."

On Tuesday afternoon, another lawyer filed an appearance to represent Combs: Nicole Westmoreland. She is Black.

Westmoreland previously represented Quamarvious Nichols, a codefendant of rapper Young Thug who pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in Atlanta last year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Have you ever received a text like this? Please verify that $953 at Walmart is from your debit card. How about this one? Did you permit a $1459 withdrawal from DoorDash?

Spam text messages have surged nationally over the last few years. There was one month last year in which 19 billion spam texts were received in just 30 days, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The more common ones were seeing in East Tennessee are text alert scams. Executives with TVA Credit Union said scammers are trying to make their way into customers accounts through messages that pretend there has been a recent transaction.

Six men facing charges after undercover human trafficking sting in Morristown

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Tiffany Jenkins, a card services manager at TVA Employees Credit Union, said the verification text for the $953 charge is the type of scam their members are reporting.

They have received a call or text impersonating the Credit Union or somebody else that they do business with, said Jenkins. When you click the link, it typically is going to take you to a fake website to try to get more of your information or ask to remote into your device.

In one scam, the credit union member is being told a $532 charge is being declined in Columbus, Ohio.

If you respond to the text, you are really not in any danger if you say yes or no. It is what happens after that, said Denise ODell, the vice president of Electronic Services for TVA Employees Credit Union. If you say yes or no, the fraudster is probably going to immediately contact you or ask you to contact him. And you are going to have a sense of urgency.

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New department seeking to take over Knox County Schools clothing center

Theyll take advantage of the stress or panic thinking your money is at risk, she continued. So they will push for members to do something out of the ordinary.

What youll be urged to do is send your credit card information. The scammer will ask for your online banking username and, finally, your password information. The TVA Employees Credit Union hands out fliers to its members warning about various types of scams.

We also do notifications when something new comes. If there is a password reset, or you register a new device. We will send notifications out for that just to help you be more aware if anything suspicious is happening on your account, said ODell.

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Your credit union or bank may want you to verify information. Here is what they ask: Where did you open your account? How long have you had your account? If you have direct deposit, where does it come from?

We try to stick to account-based questions if you are calling the credit union. Something that is not likely to be phished if there is a data breach. We wont ask you for your social, your date of birth, said Jenkins.

Knox County prosecutor fired over social media posts, DAs office to review all cases

If you clicked on that link sent by the scammer, what do you do next?

Call the credit union directly. We will never be upset about that. We will be thankful that we stopped it before things got worse, said ODell.

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If youre sent a text by your credit union or bank, and asked to click a link or download an attachment in which youre asked to provide your payment information, or your personal information, pause, and ask yourself, Does what theyre asking make sense? Of course, it doesnt! Your best bet is to hang up or delete the text, and, if youre worried, call your financial institution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Trump administrations deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador  and its failure to bring him back to the U.S.  has sparked a fierce courtroom battle and a public firestorm.

But there is a second man who, according to a judge, was also improperly deported to El Salvador and must be returned.

His case has received far less attention than Abrego Garcias, and most details about him  including his name  have been kept confidential in the court fight over his deportation.

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But POLITICO has identified him as Daniel Lozano-Camargo, a 20-year-old citizen of Venezuela who was living in Houston and running a car detailing business until March 15, when the Trump administration declared him an alien enemy and swiftly deported him to an El Salvador prison along with hundreds of other men.

Lozano-Camargos case is emblematic of many of the men caught up in President Donald Trumps unusual  and legally questionable  invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. Like many of the Venezuelans expelled under the wartime authority, he contends he came to the U.S. to escape persecution in his home country. And also like many of the other deportees, his family members believe he was accused of being a Venezuelan gang member primarily because of his tattoos.

Lozano-Camargo has had at least two brushes with the law for low-level drug crimes, but his family insists he has no ties to Tren de Aragua, the Venezuelan gang that Trump says is invading the United States. The Trump administration has not made public evidence to back up its claims about Lozano-Camargos gang affiliation, although some passages in court filings are under seal.



My son isn't one of Tren de Aragua, his mother, Daniela Camargo, declared in a tearful Facebook video. Anyone who knows my son knows he's innocent. Lozano-Camargos lawyers did not answer questions about their client. His mother and girlfriend did not immediately respond to inquiries.

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Crucially, Lozano-Camargo was also covered by a 2024 legal settlement that barred immigration authorities from deporting him while his request for asylum was pending. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, the Trump-appointed judge who approved that settlement, ruled last month that Lozano-Camargos deportation violated the agreement.

Gallagher ordered the administration to facilitate Lozano-Camargos return, but the Trump administration is resisting that demand. In a court filing released Monday, the Justice Department called Lozano-Camargo a member of a violent terrorist gang and said that disqualifies him from asylum in the U.S.

Under those circumstances, bringing Lozano-Camargo back to the U.S. would no longer serve any legal or practical purpose, DOJ lawyers wrote.

Gallagher is set to hold a hearing on the issue Tuesday in her Baltimore courtroom.

The administration revealed his identity in court doc metadata

In public court filings, Lozano-Camargo is referred to only as Cristian. Gallagher approved the use of the pseudonym at the request of immigrant-rights lawyers handling the case. Her order applies only to the parties and their attorneys, but not to others not involved in the litigation.

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Gallagher wrote in her ruling last month that Cristian was fleeing danger and threats in Venezuela. He and other similarly situated immigrants, the judge added, clearly face the risk of retaliatory harm in their home country, as well as in detention in El Salvador and potentially within the United States, if their identities are made public.

However, metadata embedded ina government filing in the case included Lozano-Camargos full name. While the name was blacked out in the remainder of the declaration from Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Robert Cerna, the document included details about a drug conviction in January that enabled POLITICO to further confirm Lozano-Camargos identity.

POLITICO also identified social media posts from Lozano-Camargos family members asking for more publicity about his case in the hopes of bringing him back to the United States.

POLITICO sent emails to lawyers representing Lozano-Camargo notifying them that this article would name their client and include other details about his life. POLITICO also provided his attorneys an opportunity to provide specific reasons why his connection to the court case should be kept confidential given the attention his deportation already garnered.

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Lozano-Camargos lawyers did not address those questions. Instead, they sent a statement saying the government has an obligation to allow Lozano-Camargo and other immigrants to pursue their asylum claims in the U.S.

We filed this motion to hold the government accountable to the promises it made to the Court and to the thousands of vulnerable young people whose futures depend on the integrity of this process, the attorneys wrote. We are grateful that the court upheld the rights of Cristian and other class members to pursue their asylum claims safely in the United States.

Lozano-Camargos mother and girlfriend did not respond to messages Monday seeking comment.

Two arrests for drug possession before being deported

Court records in Texas show officials arrested Lozano-Camargo twice in the last year for cocaine possession. In June, Houston police arrested him and charged him with having between one and four grams of cocaine. He was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond, which was revoked after he missed a court date in October.

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In November, the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Lozano-Camargo again and charged him with possession of less than a gram of cocaine. His bail was set at $2,500, which he appears not to have been able to raise.

In January, Lozano-Camargo pleaded guilty to a reduced felony drug charge as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, given credit for 63 days already served and transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which had filed a so-called detainer claiming he was in the country illegally.

However, Lozano-Camargo had a valid work permit. He also had an asylum application pending, which meant he shouldnt have been deported until that application was resolved, immigrant rights advocates said. Gallagher agreed.

His deportation, the judge wrote on April 23, violated the plain terms of the Settlement Agreement and fundamental tenets of contract law. She was referring to the November 2024 settlement  approved by a formal court order  in which the U.S. government agreed not to deport people who came to the U.S. as unaccompanied minors until their asylum claims are fully adjudicated.

A similar saga: Kilmar Abrego Garcias case

Gallaghers ruling marked the second time that courts have declared that the Trump administration violated pre-existing court orders by deporting people to a notorious El Salvador prison in March.

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The first occurred in the case of Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland with his U.S. citizen wife and children. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled that the administration had disobeyed a 2019 immigration-court order barring the government from deporting Abrego Garcia to El Salvador because he faced a risk of violence there. The Supreme Court upheld Xinis order directing the administration to facilitate his return, and the high court made clear that Abrego Garcias deportation was illegal.

Now, Xinis, an Obama appointee, is conducting an intense fact-finding inquiry into the administrations failure to bring him back.

Abrego Garcia and Lozano-Camargo were both on the same set of deportation flights on March 15 that have drawn enormous scrutiny because they left the country with little or no due process for the men aboard. But unlike with Lozano-Camargo, the administration did not invoke the Alien Enemies Act as a basis for Abrego Garcias deportation. (Trumps AEA proclamation covers only Venezuelans, and Abrego Garcia is a native of El Salvador.)

Both men were taken to the Salvadoran prison known as CECOT, a Spanish acronym for the Terrorism Confinement Center, although authorities later moved Abrego Garcia to a different jail after his case drew international attention.

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Lozano-Camargo, whose plight has received much less public attention, is believed to still be in CECOT.

Lozano-Camargos family has pleaded for help

While Lozano-Camargos identity was concealed  albeit imperfectly  in court documents, the fact that he was among the Venezuelans expelled on the controversial March 15 flights has been widely publicized. Profiles and photos of Lozano-Camargo appeared inThe Guardian and ina Venezuela-based online news outlet, El Estimulo.

In addition, he appears ona U.S. government listof names of the 238 Venezuelan men on the deportation flights that was published by CBSs 60 Minutes. The press coverage led to his story appearing ona Facebook page featuring the Disappeared, which says, Please share Daniel's story, it could save his life.

Lozano-Camargo grew up in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and lived with an uncle in Colombia before making his way to the U.S. in 2022 when he was 17, according to the accounts. Cernas declaration says Lozano-Camargo acknowledged entering the U.S. without legal permission. He spent time in a center for underage migrants until he turned 18, a court filing said.

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In Houston, Lozano-Camargo ran his own business washing cars and advertised his services on Facebook, according to the articles. He also helped his girlfriend raise her young daughter, who was born a few months after the couple met. A court filing from one of his lawyers likewise says he worked detailing vehicles and was raising his girlfriends daughter as his own child.

The news accounts about Lozano-Camargo attribute his detention to immigration authorities suspicions about his tattoos. Among them are a rose, hands in prayer and the name of his girlfriends daughter and his grandmother.

His mother and grandmother all denied in the news accounts that he was a member of any gang.

In the emotional video that his mother, Daniela Camargo, posted on Facebook four days after the deportation flights in March, she said her son had called her regularly while he was in immigration detention in the U.S. and they both expected him to be deported to Venezuela.

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It turns out that  the one who's surprised is me: They took him to El Salvador, as if they were animals, as if my son were a criminal, just for having tattoos on his body, she said in Spanish. My son only came to this country to have a better future.  The only mistake we've ever made, the only crime we've ever committed, was crossing into this country.

Camargo also asked for publicity for her sons plight.

Please investigate, she said. I hope you will help me spread this video.

News accounts about Lozano-Camargo say his grandmother and girlfriend did not know for sure he was at CECOT until the 60 Minutes list appeared online.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Providence Mayor Brett Smiley will head to Israel for a week beginning on Wednesday.

Smiley spokesperson Anthony Vega told 12 News that the mayor was invited by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island to join a group of community leaders from across Rhode Island on the trip abroad.

The trip serves as an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to learn more about the heritage and culture of the region and a chance to strengthen the relationship between Israel and Rhode Island, Vega said.

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No taxpayer funds are being spent, according to Vega. He said the trip is being funded partially by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and partially by the mayor personally.

Last year, Smiley told 12 News he had converted to Judaism over the summer.

Its been a source of great comfort for me and a really happy development in my life, Smiley said in a Dec. 2024 interview. And it was one of these things that was really just for me.

MORE: Providence mayor explains why he converted to Judaism

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island President & CEO Adam Greenman told 12 News the alliance organizes a trip to Israel every few years.

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The trip is designed to give participants the opportunity to see the country first-hand, to better understand the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, and to speak with journalists, scholars, political leaders, and business leaders in Israeli society, Greenman said.

In addition to visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Greenman said this years trip will include a visit to Bethlehem to speak with Palestinians about the conflict, as well as a visit to the Nova Music Festival site, which was attacked on Oct. 7, 2023.

Travel to Israel was halted at the countrys main international airport on Sunday, after a missile was launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. The attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport came hours before Israeli cabinet ministers were set to vote on whether to intensify military operations in Gaza.

On Monday, officials said Israel approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, according to the Associated Press.

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Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Car prowlers discovered a garage opener and used it to break into a home and shoot and kill a man in Washington, police said.

Authorities responded May 3 at about 4:10 a.m., the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release.

Before the shooting, people had been seen looking into vehicles in the area, including in the mans driveway where his rental car was parked, police said.

The prowlers found his garage opener, police said, and used the key to get into the garage where they were confronted by the man.

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Police said the prowlers shot and killed him shortly after the confrontation.

The suspects fled the area, and police said they are working to identify them.

It appears the incident was random, police said.

The mans identity hasnt been released, pending results from the medical examiners office.

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Mattel, the US-based toy manufacturer behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, has withdrawn its annual financial forecast for 2025, citing uncertainties stemming from new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China and other Asian countries.

The company has indicated that it may raise prices on some products in the US market to offset increased costs resulting from these tariffs.

Tariffs prompt strategic adjustments

The Trump administration recently introduced a 10% tariff on all imports from China, where Mattel sources just under 40% of its products.

This move has disrupted global supply chains and increased input costs for the toy industry. In response, Mattel is considering price increases and has announced plans to cut back on promotions and discounts in the US market.

The company is also accelerating efforts to diversify its manufacturing footprint, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese production.

Financial performance amid challenges

Despite the challenging environment, Mattel reported first-quarter net sales of $827 million, surpassing analyst expectations.

However, the company posted a net loss of $40 million for the quarter, attributed to rising expenses linked to the tariffs. Mattel has increased its cost-savings target for the year to $80 million, up from the previous goal of $60 million.

The company also repurchased $160 million in shares during the first quarter, maintaining its $600 million share buyback plan for 2025.

Industry-wide implications

The toy industry is grappling with the broader impact of the tariffs, which have raised concerns about higher consumer prices and potential product shortages, especially during the crucial holiday season.

Mattel's CEO, Ynon Kreiz, has expressed support for the Toy Association's advocacy of zero tariffs on toys, highlighting the industry's challenges in maintaining affordable pricing for consumers.

Competitor Hasbro has also acknowledged the potential impact of the tariffs but has maintained its financial forecasts, citing strong performance in its gaming segment.

As the trade tensions continue, Mattel and other toy manufacturers are navigating a complex landscape, balancing cost management strategies with efforts to minimize the impact on consumers.

Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis. Request a free demo for GlobalDatas Strategic Intelligence here.

"Barbie maker to hike prices on US toys amid Trump tariffs" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.
Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee Chairperson Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) speaks at a rally with public transportation agency executives on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Peter Hall/Capital-Star)

As the commonwealths two largest public transportation systems barrel toward fiscal crises and sweeping service cuts, Pennsylvania lawmakers approved legislation Monday to direct nearly $300 million in new funding to transit agencies in the next state budget.

The bill reflects Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros budget proposal to provide the first increase in the states contribution to mass transit in over a decade. It would increase the share of state sales tax revenue dedicated to transit by 1.75% to provide an additional $1.5 billion for transit over the next five years.

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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which operates bus and rail service in the Philadelphia region, and Pittsburgh Rapid Transit (PRT), have both announced that without the states help to close budget deficits, they will have no choice but to drastically cut service starting this summer.

During a rally with transit executives Monday at the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said he recently rode along with his father, a PRT bus driver and saw firsthand that public transit is vital to workers, students, people with disabilities and seniors.

We cant leave these folks standing along the roadside waiting for a bus that never comes because we failed to act here in Harrisburg. That would be bad for the people of Pennsylvania. It would be bad for business here in Pennsylvania, Davis said, citing a claim by the American Public Transportation Association that every dollar spent on public transportation generates $5 in economic activity.

Shapiro also pushed for more transit funding last session, and though the plan won bipartisan support in the House, it was not considered in the GOP-controlled Senate. Republican leaders in both chambers have steadfastly opposed the increase, saying it is unsustainable and called for alternative funding sources, reforms and privatization.

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In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) said while he recognizes the importance of transit to the states economy, taxpayers should have assurance that the billions the state spends provides safe, reliable and efficient transportation. He also said GOP lawmakers want similar investments in highways and other modes of transportation that serve rural communities.

Reintroduced this session as House Bill 1364, the legislation passed 16-10 Monday in the House Transportation Committee. It now heads to the full House for a vote. Republican Reps. Shelby Labs and Kathleen Tomlinson, who represent parts of the Philadelphia suburbs with SEPTA service in Bucks County, broke ranks to vote in favor of the bill.

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At the rally, Transportation Committee Chairperson Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) expressed frustration at the Senates inaction last session.

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We showed today  that transportation and transit funding is a bipartisan issue, Neilson said.

He added that transit is too important and the need is too urgent to wait for other sources of revenue that have been proposed, such as the taxation of so-called skill games and recreational marijuana legalization, both of which Shapiros budget includes.

We cant gamble for transit. We cant wait for somebody to fix the gaming machines or somebody to do marijuana  these agencies needed money yesterday, not tomorrow, Neilson said.

Facing a $213 million deficit in July, SEPTA is planning to eliminate 50 bus routes, five regional rail lines, one metro line and reduce or modify more than a dozen other services. It would also raise fares 20%. PRT has a $100 million shortfall and plans a 35% service reduction and a 9% fare increase.

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Both agencies say theres nothing left to cut but service.

Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre), the ranking Republican transportation committee member, asked during Mondays committee meeting whether the additional transit funding would be offset by reductions in other spending.

Committee Executive Director Kyle Wagonseller said the additional money would come from year over year increases in sales tax collection. The 6% tax on most goods and services purchased in Pennsylvania generated about $340 million more in 2024 than in 2023, Wagonseller said.

Benninghoff told the Capital-Star after the meeting that he wasnt satisfied with the answer. He noted the transit funding legislation increases the percentage of sales tax dedicated to transit, rather than a set amount, leaving a smaller percentage of the revenue available for other uses..

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Somebodys ox is getting gored. Its not extra money sitting around, Benninghoof said.

In addition to the sales tax reallocation, House and Senate lawmakers have proposed generating additional transit funding by raising the states rental car fee from $2 to $6.50, car lease fee from 3% to 5%, and establishing a 6% excise tax on ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

These small increases add up to big investments, said Sen. Lindsay Williams (D-Allegheny), who is also a PRT board member and a sponsor of the Transit Funding for All package. It means that our most vulnerable neighbors can have meaningful, dignified lives and continue to live independently through public transit and access ride services.

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The Pulitzer Prize board rebuked billionaire Jeff Bezos on Monday by awarding the Pulitzer for illustrated reporting and commentary to the former Washington Post cartoonist who quit the paper after her cartoon was scrapped.

Ann Telnaes won the award, considered the highest honor in journalism, four months after she revealed that a cartoon showing Bezos and other tech billionaires genuflecting to Donald Trump was killed by the newspapers then-opinions editor David Shipley.

The Pulitzer board commended Telnaes 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. The award recognized largely Trump-focused cartoons from throughout last year.

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Telnaes did not respond to an immediate request for comment. The award comes as the Post has gone through months of turmoil over Bezos machinations, which has seen top reporters, columnists, and editors leave.

From left to right: Ann Telnaes (Subject); Laura Nix (Director), Hanne Phlypo (Producer),

Telnaes wrote in January that the decision to kill her cartoon, which she attributed to its point of view, was a game changer that was dangerous for a free press. The decision ended her 17-year tenure at the paper, which she joined in 2008.

Shipley said in January that the decision stemmed solely from a desire to avoid repetition, as the paper had already published and commissioned multiple pieces on the subject.

Shipley left the Post in February after Bezos sought to refocus the section on free markets and personal liberties, a decision Shipley opposed. The paper is currently searching for a new opinions editor.

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The award is Telnaes second Pulitzer after first winning for her editorial cartoons in 2001. The Post also won a Pulitzer on Monday for its coverage of the July assassination attempt of Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and was a finalist for its coverage of Hurricane Helene and Israels deadly actions in Gaza.

The Pulitzers are distributed annually by Columbia University and a board that includes top editors from the Boston Globe, The New Yorker, and Semafor. Trump has been locked in a lawsuit with the Pulitzer Prize Board over its 2018 awards to The New York Times and the Post for their coverage about Russian influence in the 2016 election, which the board affirmed in 2022. Trump claimed the boards affirmation was defamatory.
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has spoken out against the White House's stance on the war in Ukraine, saying its actions have "only emboldened Russia" despite efforts to bring about a ceasefire.

"If the last three years teaches us anything, its that (Russian President) Vladimir Putin doesnt want peace; he wants Ukraine," Pence said in an interview with CNN published on May 5.

"And the fact that we are now nearly two months following a ceasefire agreement that Ukraine has agreed to and Russia continues to delay and give excuses confirms that point," he added.

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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.

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.

While Trump has so far resisted applying any real pressure on the Kremlin, has has been willing to temporarily turn off military aid and stop intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Criticizing the approach, Pence said Putin "only understands power."

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"Its the reason why, in this moment, we need to make it clear that the United States is going to continue to lead the free world, to provide Ukraine with the military support they need to repel the Russian invasion and achieve a just and lasting peace," he said.

"The wavering support the administration has shown over the last few months, I believe, has only emboldened Russia."

Instead of agreeing to the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in March, the Kremlin has instead unilaterally declared its own partial truces.

Putin on April 28 announced a so-called "humanitarian truce" from May 7-9, during Moscow's Victory Day celebrations.

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Despite being from what the White House had originally called for, Trump on May 5 hailed it as a significant step towards a peace settlement.

"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.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Putin's announcement as a "theatrical performance" rather than a serious move towards peace.

In his interview with CNN, Pence also warned of the long-term consequences of not achieving a just peace in Ukraine.

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"This is not just about Ukraine for me. I really do believe that if Vladimir Putin overruns Ukraine, its just a matter of time before he crosses a border where our men and women in uniform are going to have to go fight him," he said.

"I hold to that old Reagan doctrine that if youre willing to fight our enemies on your soil, well give you the means to fight them there so we dont have to fight them."

Read also: France is sending Ukraine more AASM Hammer bombs  heres what they can do against Russian forces

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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, the Russian leader 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, Putin said, referring to the year the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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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 governor reports three dead in Ukrainian attacks

Three people were killed by Ukrainian attacks in the Kursk border region, local governor Alexander Khinshtein said on Monday.

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Two women died when a Ukrainian drone hit a car carrying five people, the official wrote on Telegram. One man and two other women suffered bruises and abrasions.

One man was killed in another attack on a car, according to Khinshtein.

Following the surprise Ukrainian advance into the region last summer, the Russian military claimed at the end of April that Kursk had been "completely liberated."

However, Kiev rejects this and says it still holds part of the territory.

"The buffer zone that the Ukrainian defense forces have created in the border areas remains relevant now," Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi posted on Facebook.

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The operation, which has been ongoing for nine months, had achieved most of its objectives, Syrskyi claimed.

On Monday morning, Russian military bloggers reported a new advance by small Ukrainian units into the Kursk region near the village of Tyotkino.

The reports have not yet been officially confirmed in Moscow or Kiev.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years.

As part of its defensive campaign, it has also been attacking targets in Russia, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The casualties and damage are dwarfed by the devastating consequences of Russia's war on the Ukrainian side.

Officials say drones shot down near Moscow, airport briefly closed

Early on Monday, Russian authorities reported a drone attack in the Moscow region, with four unmanned aerial vehicles shot down over the city of Podolsk, south of the capital.

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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.

There have been 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 has rejected the offer.

Instead, Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square - which marks the end of World War II and is celebrated in Russia on May 9.

The ceasefire is scheduled to start at 12 am Thursday (2100 GMT Wednesday) and end at 12 am on Sunday (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.
LONDON (Reuters) - The Tower of London was adorned with a flood of ceramic poppies as part of Britain's commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, in a display which was visited by Britain's Queen Camilla on Tuesday.

Poppies, the symbol of remembrance in Britain, were installed in their thousands to form a bright red cascade flowing from one corner of the 950-year-old White Tower onto the grass below.

"They become a metaphor for the spilled blood of all those who died in the war," designer Tom Piper said.

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The government has planned a series of events in the run-up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which took effect on May 8, 1945.

Camilla visited the display, "planted" a poppy and met staff there.

On Monday, she joined her husband King Charles, heir to the throne Prince William and his family, along with veterans and crowds to watch a military parade and flypast outside Buckingham Palace.

The new commemorative display of 30,000 ceramic poppies follows a previous installation in 2014 which remembered lives lost during World War One. Named "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red", it was visited by the late Queen Elizabeth.

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The Tower of London, located on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman fortress which, like many parts of London, was bombed during World War Two.

The poppies, which were made by artist Paul Cummins, will be on display until November 11.

(Reporting by Christina Anagnostopoulos; editing by Sarah Young and Ewan Harwood)
The Rhode Island Board of Elections approved dates for a Senate District 4 special election and deadlines leading up to it during its meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Screenshot)

The countdown has begun to fill the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerios seat. A timeline with a July 8 primary followed by an Aug. 5 general special election was approved by the Rhode Island Board of Elections Tuesday.

Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat, died on April 21 at age 76. His death opens up the Senate District 4 seat representing North Providence and a small section of northern Providence, which Ruggerio has represented for the last 40 years.

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The election panels unanimous vote Tuesday laying out a calendar for the special election came immediately, without discussion.

State law requires open seats to be filled 70 to 90 days after a vacancy occurs. However, there is flexibility to push the election later within the calendar year if it is doubtful that the successor will be chosen in time to complete the legislative session. The primary and election dates were chosen so that schools  which will be on summer recess  could be used as polling places, and to give local election administrators time to advertise, Miguel Nunez, executive director for the Board of Elections, said during the meeting Tuesday.

Candidates must declare their intent to seek the state office during a two-day window on May 29 and 30, based on the primary date the state elections panel set Tuesday. Declared candidates have till June 5 to turn in at least 100 signatures of registered district voters to their local board of canvassers.

Already, contenders are filling out the potential field, with one  former state Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell  confirming her candidacy in a May 2 Facebook post.

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North Providence and Providence needs a Senator with: experience, passion, purpose and a proven track record of fighting and winning for all of us, Ranglin-Vassell, a Providence Democrat, wrote. North Providence and Providence needs a Senator who will listen and to and take all of our voices and concerns to the State House.North Providence and Providence need a Senator who will fight for our shared values.

The 64-year-old Providence Public Schools teacher served three terms representing House District 6 before opting not to seek reelection in 2022.

She did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment Tuesday.

Flowers are placed at the desk now covered where the late Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio sat and cast votes while representing Senate District 4 on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, during the first Senate session since his death on Monday, April 21. (Photo by Nikki Silva/Rhode Island Current)

North Providence Town Council President Dino Autiello and Councilman Stefano Famiglietti have both indicated they are considering a run for the open seat, according to news reports.

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The final decision has not been made, Famiglietti said in a phone interview Tuesday. The Council President and I are very close. We both have a forward-looking and passionate vision for the town of North Providence, so that being said, I think both of us want to get on the same page to see which one of us is going to run. Its going to be one of us. It will not be both.

Famiglietti, 33, is an associate attorney at Providence law firm Coia & Lepore Ltd., and has served on the North Providence Town Council since 2018.

Autiello did not immediately return inquiries for comment Tuesday.

The 42-year-old town council president formerly worked for the Rhode Island Senate as a policy analyst and deputy director of constituent services and one was one of the pallbearers at Ruggerios funeral Mass. He now serves as director of community and government relations for the University of Rhode Island Foundation.

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Another potential Democratic candidate is Lenny Cioe, a nurse at Blackstone Valley Community Health Center who unsuccessfully challenged Ruggerio in the last three Democratic primaries.

Right now I am putting together a team, Cioe, 65, said Tuesday. I have to give it a lot of thought. But I havent made a final decision yet.

No Republican candidates have emerged so far.

The district is nearly evenly split between registered Democrats and independents, who comprise 45% and 44%, respectively, of its 22,300 registered voters as of May, according to data with the Rhode Island Department of State. The remaining 11% of voters are registered Republicans.

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Voters have until June 8 to register, or disaffiliate, ahead of the July 8 primary election. Early voting is set to begin June 18, running through July 7.

State lawmakers serve two-year terms and make $19,817 a year.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  While five candidates were on the ballot hoping to make it to the next round for becoming a Dayton City Commissioner, only four are advancing.

The candidates for city commission on the May 6 ballot were:

The top four candidates with the most votes are advancing to the November election. Unofficial results show Valerie Duncan is the candidate with the least amount of votes for the May 6 election.

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In November, only two will be be elected commissioners for the city.

To find a detailed list of results, 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.
Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Jonny Greenwood was due to play two shows with Israel-born musician Dudu Tassa in the UK in June.

However, the two have confirmed that the concerts at Bristol Beacon's Lantern Hall and London's Hackney Church will no longer go ahead after the venues decided it was "not safe to proceed".

Greenwood and Tassa posted a joint statement addressing the cancellations: The venues and their blameless staff have received enough credible threats to conclude that its not safe to proceed.

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The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi), a member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, welcomed the cancellations, claiming the performances would have "whitewashed" the war in Gaza.

Forcing musicians not to perform and denying people who want to hear them an opportunity to do so is self-evidently a method of censorship and silencing, continued the statement by Greenwood and Tassa. Intimidating venues into pulling our shows wont help achieve the peace and justice everyone in the Middle East deserves. This cancellation will be hailed as a victory by the campaigners behind it, but we see nothing to celebrate and dont find that anything positive has been achieved.

We believe art exists above and beyond politics; that art seeks to establish the common identity of musicians across borders in the Middle East should be encouraged, not decried; and that artists should be free to express themselves regardless of their citizenship or their religion  and certainly regardless of the decisions made by their governments.

The statement also referenced the statement signed by more than 100 artists regarding Belfast rap trio Kneecap.

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UK politicians have been trying to pressure music festivals to remove Kneecap from festival line-ups this summer over alleged concert footage showing them calling for the death of Conservative MPs and appearing to support Hamas and Hezbollah.

Quoting the artists statement expressing opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom, Greenwood and Tassa said: We have no judgement to pass on Kneecap but note how sad it is that those supporting their freedom of expression are the same ones most determined to restrict ours.

Greenwood has collaborated with Tassa for many years, and released the album Jarak Qaribak with him in 2023.

Their statement also said: "We agree completely with people who ask 'How can this be more important than what's happening in Gaza and Israel?' They're right - it isn't. How could it be? What, in anyone's upcoming cultural life, is?"

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Greenwood also faced opposition from pro-Palestinian groups last year after performing with Tassa in Tel Aviv amid the war in Gaza.

Greenwood reacted to the controversy at the time by writing: Ive been collaborating with Dudu and releasing music with him since 2008  and working privately long before that. I think an artistic project that combines Arab and Jewish musicians is worthwhile. And one that reminds everyone that the Jewish cultural roots in countries like Iraq and Yemen go back for thousands of years, is also important.

Anyway, no art is as important as stopping all the death and suffering around us. How can it be? But doing nothing seems a worse option. And silencing Israeli artists for being born Jewish in Israel doesnt seem like any way to reach an understanding between the two sides of this apparently endless conflict.

Greenwood concluded: So: thats why Im making music with this band. Youre welcome to disagree with, or ignore, what we do but I hope you now understand what the true motivation is, and can react to the music without suspicion or hate.
Many of us enjoyed a nice start to the week yesterday but we are about to get into another active stretch. Rainfall impacting Texas and Oklahoma early this morning is heading in our direction.

Rain will mainly impact Southwest Kansas and Northwestern Oklahoma through mid-morning. Showers will continue to push into more of the Sunflower State through the rest of the morning and during the afternoon.

While some embedded rumbles of thunder will be possible, severe weather is not expected. Rainfall will be heavy at times and a Flood Watch for our Oklahoma Counties will remain in effect until 1am.

Between the moisture and the cloud cover, this will keep us cooler than average. Most high temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s. A few 70s will be possible closer to Northeast Kansas where it will not be as damp during the day.

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Showers and non-severe storms last through the night. Even after the Flood Watch expires, rainfall will still be heavy at times.

Rain is likely Wednesday too and will be scattered. There will be some breaks in the rain but it will still contribute to a slower commute. Severe weather is not expected Wednesday.

Damp conditions will aid in keeping temperatures cool. Wednesdays high temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s.

Shower and storm coverage will not be as widespread and will start to break up a bit more Wednesday night and Thursday. It will not be completely dry though.

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Rain chances will be at their lowest on Friday and this is when we will conclude this next active stretch.

Dry conditions will last through the weekend and early next week with temperatures warming back up.

KSN Storm Track 3 Forecast from Meteorologist Ronelle Williams:

Wichita:

Today: Mostly cloudy, breezy. 60% chance of showers and storms. Hi: 67 Wind: E 10-20

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. 80% chance of showers and storms. Lo: 54 Wind: E/NE 5-15

Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy. 70% chance of showers and storms. Hi: 64 Wind: NE 8-18

Tomorrow Night: Mostly cloudy. 50% chance of showers and storms. Lo: 53 Wind: NE/NW 8-18

Wichita Weekly

Thu: Hi: 68 Lo: 52 Mostly cloudy. 60% chance of showers and storms.

Fri: Hi: 73 Lo: 50 Mostly to partly cloudy. 20% chance of showers.

Sat: Hi: 77 Lo: 50 Mosty sunny to partly cloudy.

Sun: Hi: 78 Lo: 55 Mostly sunny, breezy.

Mon: Hi: 80 Lo: 58 Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, windy.

Tue: Hi: 81 Lo: 60 Partly cloudy, breezy.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Beyond Risk Topco has consolidated and rebranded its three businesses specialising in employee healthcare benefits insurance under a single brand name, Beyond Health.

This consolidation integrates the operational and underwriting strengths of SL Management Partners (SLMP), BeyondRe Stop Loss Insurance Services and the Beyond Health programme.

The consolidated brand, Beyond Health, operates an employee health benefits group captive programme with numerous cells within HatterasRe and is managed by BevCap Management.

SLMP is a managing general underwriter in the medical stop loss domain, offering stop loss and claims solutions.

BeyondRe Stop Loss Insurance Services is an underwriter of stop loss captive programmes, functioning as part of BevCap.

The executive leadership includes SLMP founders Steve Solomon and Robert Lang, who became part of Beyond Risk in 2024.

It also bring together BevCap's Healthcare Captives division president John Kirke, BeyondRe chief underwriter and managing director Steve McFarland, and BevCap CEO and Beyond Risk board member Lance Abbott.

The merger is expected to enhance Beyond Health's operational scalability, with improvements in underwriting capabilities, systems integration and optimisation of back-office functions.

The rebranding process for SLMP and Beyond Health will progress over the coming months.

Abbott said: "This rebrand and collaboration perfectly aligns with our vision for Beyond Health, BevCap and the Beyond Risk suite of medical stop loss services. By uniting our teams and leveraging our collective expertise, we are creating a more efficient, scalable platform that can better address the evolving needs of our carrier partners and clients."

Beyond Health's offerings encompass healthcare benefit solutions for workforces.

These services are provided through BevCap Management, which includes the BeyondRe division, and SLMP, both of which are part of the Beyond Risk group of companies.

"Beyond Risk merges three employee healthcare benefits insurance businesses " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Its been a rainy week in Connecticut and its only Tuesday.

Several inches of rain has fallen across parts of the state since Saturday, with totals expected to go up thanks to the heavy rain coming through Tuesday afternoon.

Soggy today, slight improvements tomorrow

As of Tuesday, a FLOOD WATCH remains in effect for northern Connecticut while a FLOOD WARNING is up due to minor flooding along the Still River in Brookfield, the Housatonic River at Stevenson, and the Connecticut River at Hartford.

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Here are the totals as of midday Tuesday:

Prospect 5.69

Bristol 4.05

Madison 3.67

Wallingford 2.97

Old Lyme 2.35

Berlin 2.24

Rainfall totals as of midday May 6, 2025.

We cant rule out a passing shower or two Wednesday, but there will be breaks of sunshine and milder temperatures.

As of midday Wednesday, the totals had been updated to:

Bristol 5.51

Southington 4.77

Waterbury 4.50

Madison 4.36

Winsted 4.13

Wethersfield 3.92

Wallingford 3.68

New Milford 3.54

Middlefield 3.28

Hebron 2.72

Bradley International Airport 2.62

Norwich 2.58

Colchester 2.53

Durham 2.47

New London 2.44

Griswold 2.39

Manchester 2.29

East Killingly 2.15

Norwalk 2.13

Staffordville 2.01

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Rain returns on Friday, but well dry out nicely for Mothers Day weekend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Monday, May 5 marked the National Day of Awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women and men in the U.S.

Many people in Colorado are honoring those killed or still missing and say there is more work to be done. The Haseya Advocate Program in Colorado Springs said around 28% of Native American homicide cases remain unsolved in Colorado, and in Colorado Springs specifically, around 6% of cases involving indigenous people also remain unresolved.

A lot of the stories it does bring in emotion, hearing about aunties and cousins, daughters, sons, fathers going missing or being murdered, said Shauna Jackson, a volunteer at Haseya Advocate Program.

Haseya Advocate Program is a native woman-led organization, which helps indigenous survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Pikes Peak Region. On Sunday, the organization held a rally in Downtown Colorado Springs to raise awareness.

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There was a lot of tears [Sunday], it was heavy and very emotional for a lot of folks, said Monycka Snowbird, the Director of Haseya Advocacy Center.

During Sundays rally, people held signs with photos of Native Americans who have experienced abuse.

Almost every single one of our cases that were tracking also experienced domestic violence or sexual assault immediately prior to being killed or going missing, said Snowbird.

Jackson attested that she has personally been victim to the mistreatment.

I am a survivor myself, and its definitely something thats led me into working in this specific area with domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, all of that, because being a survivor, it is a big emotional connection. I didnt have a voice, and I wasnt heard, and it was hard to admit to myself that I was a survivor, said Jackson.

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Colorado breaks a national trend when it comes to violence against Native American peopleHaseya Advocate Program said more men are killed or go missing in our state than women, which is not typical in the U.S.

When they started tracking this, it was always missing and murdered indigenous girls or missing murdered indigenous women, but what were finding is that its more men than our women or girls, said Snowbird.

People who attended Sundays rally said its about more than statistics or data; its about getting the word out, and letting people know how serious the issue is.

Theyre carrying several signs because they have cousins and aunts who are all missing from different parts of their family, said Jackson.

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Advocates say you can help by speaking up if you know something, and push law enforcement to investigate cold cases involving native people.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The Charleston County School District provided an update Tuesday regarding a cybersecurity incident that occurred in July 2024.

The district said it conducted a thorough investigation with external cybersecurity experts and found that a cybercriminal group known as RansomHub gained unauthorized access for roughly four days, July 16-19, impacting 20,653 students and staff dating back to 2005.

When the incident was discovered, CCSD said it acted immediately to contain the threat, secure its network, and initiate a detailed forensic review.

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While the district does not publicly disclose specific vulnerabilities or methods used in the breach, we can confirm that the exploited vulnerability has been fully remediated, and our systems have undergone significant security upgrades to prevent future incidents, the district said in a news release.

The district said it did not pay a ransom or engage in negotiations with the cybercriminals at any point.

Personal information compromised in the breach varied by individual. The district said it completed an exhaustive review to identify and notify those individuals whose information was affected.

Notifications were recently mailed directly to impacted individuals and included specific details on the types of information involved, along with tailored guidance, CCSD said.

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The district said it is offering complimentary identity protection services, including credit monitoring, identity theft recovery assistance, and a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy to support those affected.

District officials said individuals who were confirmed to have been impacted and received a letter are encouraged to take advantage of the protection services and to contact the dedicated call center at 1-877-522-6813 with any questions.

Representatives will be available to provide assistance on that line between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
RAYNE, La. (KLFY)  A Rayne Police officer was shot and killed Monday afternoon sources confirm.

According to the Acadia Parish Sheriffs Office, the shooting took the life of Lt. Allen Noochie Credeur.

The shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute on East Harrop Street in Rayne, officials said. A witness told KLFY News 10 one of their family members was stabbed at the home. During the standoff is when the officer was accidentally shot according to sources with the City of Rayne.

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No other details have been released.

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RAYNE, La. (KLFY)  Rayne Police Lt. Allen Noochie Credeur was killed by a fellow officer Monday, according to Rayne Police Chief Carroll Stelly.

In a post on the Rayne Police official Facebook page, Stelly said Credeur was killed by friendly fire.

With deepest sorrow and heavy hearts, the Rayne Police Department announces the tragic loss of Lt. Allen Noochie Credeur, age 49, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 1:27 PM while executing a search warrant related to a violent crime, the post read.

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According to the post, officers were attempting to locate a suspect in a recent stabbing.

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Lt. Credeur was struck by friendly fire and, despite immediate medical attention, succumbed to his injuries on the scene, Stelly said. This devastating accident has shaken the entire department and community.

Allen Noochie Credeur

The incident is being investigated by Louisiana State Police.

Lt. Credeurs legacy of service, compassion, and leadership will never be forgotten, Stelly said. He gave this city everything he hadand we are forever grateful.

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NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India said it attacked Pakistan early on Wednesday following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir last month. Pakistan reported eight deaths and said it was responding to the Indian strikes.

This is what global leaders have said about the latest hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours:

U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

"It's a shame. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades. I hope it ends very quickly."

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U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO

"I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo @POTUS's comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution."

SPOKESPERSON FOR U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES

"The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."

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JAPAN CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY YOSHIMASA HAYASHI

"In regard to the terrorist act that occurred in Kashmir on April 22, our country firmly condemns such acts of terrorism. Furthermore, we express strong concern that this situation may lead to further retaliatory exchanges and escalate into a full-scale military conflict. For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue."

CHINA FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON

"China finds India's military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation."

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BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER DAVID LAMMY

"Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward. We need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure protection of civilians."

RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON

"We are deeply concerned about the escalation of military confrontation between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack near Pahalgam. We call on the parties involved to exercise restraint in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the region."

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FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER JEAN-NOEL BARROT

"We call on India as well as on Pakistan to show restraint in order to avoid escalation. Nobody has anything to gain from prolonged confrontation between India and Pakistan. These are two major military powers, that is why we call for restraint"

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FOREIGN MINISTRY

"Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace."

ISRAEL'S AMBASSADOR TO INDIA REUVEN AZAR

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"Israel supports India's right for self defense. Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent."

EGYPT FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

"Egypt (is) following with great concern the current developments between India and Pakistan, calling on both sides to exercise the highest levels of restraint and uphold dialogue through diplomatic channels. The ministry stressed the need to exert efforts to defuse the crisis and avoid further escalation."

(Compiled by Krishna N. Das, Tanvi Mehta and Surbhi Misra; Editing by Sumana Nandy, Stephen Coates, Rashmi Aich and Saad Sayeed)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  As federal enforcement of REAL IDs gets closer, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices have been busier.

Federal enforcement begins on Wednesday, May 7, and there were multiple times on when the Kenny Road BMV location in Columbus seemed busy inside and people were choosing to wait outside.

I didnt even want to go inside, customer Aaron Nesbitt said. I am not too claustrophobic but theres nowhere for me to stand in there.

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Nesbitt used the Get In Line online feature which helped him out; he was there to get his REAL ID.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 with the intention of improving national security. Enforcement was delayed several times, but starting Wednesday, licenses will need to be REAL ID compliant to use them for boarding a flight.

The compliant REAL ID have a star in the top right corner.

Its my own doing, kicking myself in the butt because I thought I had it, I was 99.95% sure I had it, but come to find out I looked at it last Friday and didnt have that little star, Nesbitt said.

He is flying to visit family in a few weeks, which is why he decided to submit what he needed for a REAL ID on Monday.

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Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said theres no reason to rush in for a REAL ID if you are not flying soon.

I would really tell people, unless you have immediate travel plans, I would not come in right now, Normal said. Were seeing probably about a 30% increase in traffic at our offices, so if youre not immediately traveling, this is something you can wait to get, wait until next week, or the week after or even wait until your regular renewal date if you can.

For BMV business which doesnt require coming into the office, he encouraged people to get it done online. He said Ohio is right around the national average with 57% of the states 9.5 million licenses and IDs being REAL ID compliant. He emphasized that people can still get their REAL IDs after May 7; that date is just when enforcement begins.

More information about whats needed to get a REAL ID or what you can use to fly if you do not have one can be found here.

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A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson shared the following statement with NBC4 about what people should do if they are waiting for their REAL ID to arrive and what federal properties will require them:

Temporary paper IDs alone are not accepted at the checkpoint. Passengers who are waiting for their REAL ID to arrive should check the full list of acceptable IDs (here) to see if they have another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport. If they do not, and their non-compliant legacy ID was returned to them, they should bring it to the checkpoint. These passengers may face additional screening.

After May 7, 2025, visitors seeking access to federal facilities that require proof of ID to enter using their state-issued drivers licenses or identification cards must present a REAL ID-compliant ID. Facilities choosing to implement the REAL ID deadline through a phased approach will provide additional information about the approach on their website.

When planning a visit to a federal facility or military base, visitors should contact the facility to determine what identification requirements are and what other forms of ID will be accepted.

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Starting on May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable identification is required for anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal government facilities.

On the weekend before the deadline, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation saw an influx of Pennsylvania residents complete the process and receive a REAL ID-enhanced driver's license.

Normally closed on Mondays, the PennDOT Driver License Center in Erie at the Summit Township Plaza at 7200 Peach St. was opened an extra day May 5 for the purpose of REAL ID's only.

Less than 1 in 3 PA residents have a REAL ID

PennDOT Press Officer Aimee Inama said over the weekend of May 2, driver license centers in the state of Pennsylvania issued more than 9,000 REAL IDs, and 28.2% of Pennsylvania residents now have a REAL ID.

A woman enters the PennDOT Driver License Center in Summit Township on May 5, 2025. Normally closed on Mondays, the license center was open only for REAL ID transactions, with new federal regulations going into effect.

Inama said she still expects an influx of Pennsylvania residents going to their local driver license center to receive a REAL ID as the deadline approaches.

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"We've seen an increase in the number of people, but that was to be expected," Inama said. "We are ready and willing to help anyone who comes in with the proper documentation looking for a REAL ID."

REAL ID application process fairly smooth

Allison Horn, 34, was able to obtain her Real ID at the PennDOT Driver License Center in Summit Township on May 5, 2025. Normally closed on Mondays, the license center was open only for REAL ID transactions, with new federal regulations going into effect.

PennDOT officials have noted that the process has been fairly smooth with some setbacks.

In Erie, some residents left the driver license center upset or frustrated because an issue could not get them a REAL ID.

Those issues included an error with their Social Security number or having to provide proper documentation for a change in their last name.

Depending on when residents went to the driver license center, the process was either fairly smooth or involved a wait.

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"It took us about 15 minutes," Allison Horn, a Cambridge Springs resident, said on May 5. "It was really quick. It was so much better. We were really worried when we got here and then we got here and were like, 'Oh, we're done already, that was quick.' I feel relieved."

On the morning of May 3 around 8 a.m., the line to get into the Driver License Center spanned all the way down the Summit Township Plaza toward Goodwill.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a security enhanced driver's license or state issued photo ID meeting the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005.

A REAL ID will include a star, a flag or will say "enhanced" on the card.

What happens if you don't have a REAL ID by May 7?

A woman enters the PennDOT Driver License Center in Summit Township on May 5, 2025. Normally closed on Mondays, the license center was open only for REAL ID transactions, with new federal regulations going into effect.

Inama says that getting a REAL ID is optional, however, if you are looking to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal government facilities after May 6, you will need a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification.

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The alternative forms of identification include a U.S. passport (with state-issued ID), U.S. passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler card or military ID.

Learn more about REAL ID's and the process by visiting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's website.

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: REAL ID requirement date approaches. What PennDOT expects to come
(NEXSTAR)  The REAL ID enforcement deadline officially begins on Wednesday, May 7, meaning those without a compliant ID may have a more complicated time boarding flights, entering nuclear power plants and certain other federal buildings.

While the enforcement date has been delayed several times over the last few years, the impending deadline has brought lines and hours-long waits to local DMVs.

The good news is, if you dont have a domestic flight scheduled anytime soon, you likely do not have to rush to join any of those lines. And even if you do have a domestic flight in the coming weeks, you dont necessarily need a new drivers license or state ID to fly.

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Heres what you need to know about the REAL ID requirement, and who may not need one right away.

You may already have a REAL ID

More than 80% of travelers already have an ID that complies with the REAL ID requirements, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel on Tuesday.

Many states have been issuing compliant cards for years. If there is a star on your drivers license or state ID card, you have a REAL ID-compliant card. The star may be black or gold, completely filled in or just the outline. Either way, youre compliant.

This undated photo provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue shows Kansas new drivers license design meant to comply with federal identification requirements for airport security purposes. (Kansas Department of Revenue via AP)

Some states  Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont  issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and enhanced drivers licenses (Washington only issues the latter). State-enhanced drivers licenses are marked with a flag rather than a star and include a chip that can make it easier to enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. REAL IDs cannot be used for crossing the borders.

Can you fly without a REAL ID?

The short answer is yes. Youll be able to use any of the alternate approved forms of identification listed below.

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If you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or another accepted form of ID, you may still be able to fly.

The TSA says that, without an ID, you may be asked by one of its officers to complete an identity verification process. During this process, identifying information about you, like your name and address, will be collected to confirm your identity. Once confirmed, you will be allowed into the security checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.

Can TSA stop you for marijuana in your luggage?

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed, the TSA says.

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If your flight is international, you will still need a passport, plus any additional visas or travel documents, as a REAL ID does not replace or substitute a passport.

Other IDs accepted at security checkpoints

Noem noted that passports and tribal identification will be accepted in place of REAL IDs at security checkpoints on Wednesday. TSA has listed several additional forms of identification that will also get you through the checkpoints:

U.S. passport card

Foreign government-issued passport

Veteran Health Identification Card

DHS trusted traveler cards

Department of Defense ID (including those issued to dependents)

Permanent resident card

Border crossing card

HSPD-12 PIV cards

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

Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification while flying within the U.S.

Can you still get a REAL ID after Wednesday, May 7?

Yes, REAL IDs will still be issued even after the May 7 enforcement date.

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If you are hoping to get a REAL ID, youll want to make sure you have the necessary documentation.

Still need a REAL ID? Heres what to know

At minimum, youll need to prove your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address for your principal residence, and your lawful status.

Where you dont need a REAL ID

As daunting as the deadline may sound, you will, most likely, not need a REAL ID in your day-to-day life (unless youre flying or entering certain federal facilities). REAL IDs are optional.

You do not need a REAL ID to:

Drive

Vote

Buy alcohol

Enter a post office, Social Security office, or other federal facilities that otherwise do not require an ID

Apply for or receive federal benefits youre entitled to, like Social Security of Veterans Affairs benefits

Receive care at hospitals

Enter a courthouse

Serve jury duty or participate in other law enforcement proceedings or investigations

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Generally, if you are flying domestically or visiting nuclear power plants, military bases, or other sites with federal ID requirements, you may need a REAL ID. If you arent doing any of those activities, you may not need to rush out for a new ID.

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.
Sir Keir Starmer knows full well how angry the public is about the grooming gangs scandal. So why didnt he sack Lucy Powell for the jaw-dropping comments she made on Radio 4? According to the BBC, its because Downing Street accepts Powells apology and her explanation that her comments did not reflect her views on the issue.

Surely, though, theres a far simpler reason. The Prime Minister couldnt sack her, because hed previously made a very similar comment himself.

Lets compare the two. First, heres what Ms Powell  a senior Labour minister  said on Any Questions? last Friday. When her fellow panellist Tim Montgomerie, a member of Nigel Farages Reform UK, asked whether shed seen a new documentary about the grooming gangs, she snorted: Oh, you want to blow that little trumpet now, do you? Lets get that dog whistle out, shall we, yeah?

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Now lets remind ourselves what Sir Keir said in January. When asked by journalists about the highly inconvenient return of the grooming gangs scandal to the public eye, the Prime Minister claimed that his political opponents were calling for inquiries because they want to jump on a bandwagon of the far Right.

Like Ms Powell on Any Questions?, Sir Keir was plainly suggesting that conservative figures who dare to raise the subject of the grooming gangs must have some dishonourable, and very likely racist, motive. If anything, Sir Keirs comments were more insulting than Ms Powells. Jump on a bandwagon of the far Right is stronger language than dog whistle.

Lucy Powell has kept her job despite the furore surrounding her comments about a grooming gangs inquiry - Anadolu

At any rate, given that Sir Keir did not immediately resign in disgrace, he could hardly have expected one of his ministers to do it. So at least, for once, hes being consistent.

All the same, I somehow doubt that many voters will give him much credit for it. Instead, I suspect, quite a few voters will read her comments, recall his, and say to themselves: This is what they all think, isnt it? Maybe not all of them are stupid enough to say it out loud. But in private, I bet they all think its a dog whistle even to mention the mass rape of white, working-class girls. And I bet they all think its far-Right to want a full national inquiry into how it happened, and why it took so long to expose. Which presumably means they think most of us plebs are far-Right, too.

Are Israelis allowed free expression, too?

Todays cultural elite are often accused of being a pack of virtue-signalling Left-wing hypocrites. This is of course horribly unfair. So thank goodness they now have the perfect opportunity to prove their critics wrong.

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As we reported at the weekend, Dudu Tassa  a musician from Israel  had been due to play two concerts in Britain this summer with Radioheads Jonny Greenwood. Following pressure from anti-Israel activists, however, theyve been cancelled. In a statement, the PACBI (Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel) declared that Palestinians welcome the cancellation, because the concerts would have helped to artwash genocide.

Presumably our cultural elite will be rushing to condemn this statement. Only last week, after all, more than 100 of Britains leading pop stars signed an open letter deploring what they called a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform the band Kneecap. This Belfast rap trio had seen several of their shows cancelled following the emergence of concert footage in which a member of the group appears to shout, Up Hamas, up Hezbollah! In response, the 100-plus pop stars leapt immediately to Kneecaps defence  and proclaimed: As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.

Men of peace? Former Sinn Fein leader joins his fans from Kneecap

No doubt, therefore, these same 100-plus pop stars will be equally disgusted by the PACBI. They must be absolutely livid about what they will surely call a clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform this Israeli musician.

In fact, given how passionately committed these pop stars are to their principles, I wouldnt be surprised if every single one of them invites Mr Tassa to join them on tour  regardless of what they may think about Israels actions in Gaza, or Mr Tassas own opinions on the subject. As they so nobly put it in their open letter about Kneecap, the question of agreeing with an artists political views is irrelevant, because it is the duty of key leadership figures in the music industry to actively defend artistic freedom of expression  rather than seek to silence views which oppose their own.

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These pop stars are people of honour and integrity, so I cant wait to read their open letter in defence of Mr Tassa. At the time of writing this column, I have not yet seen any sign of such a document, but I expect it will be along any moment now.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines while aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday

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This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with:

The chart of the day

What we're watching

What we're reading

Economic data releases and earnings

The Big Tech trade is alive and well.

That's one lesson from this earnings season, in which the market's biggest tech companies are outperforming the rest of the S&P 500 despite tariff woes  or perhaps because of them  making what has been the market's hottest trade also now its safest.

Investors were reminded of that dynamic as they put up impressive earnings beats.

Excluding Nvidia (NVDA), which is set to report at the end of this month, earnings from the other six members of the "Magnificent Seven" surpassed consensus estimates by 16%, according to data from Bank of America published Monday. That's well above the more modest 4% beat that the rest of the benchmark index has registered so far.

This solid earnings showing from the tech giants has also lifted the S&P as a whole, which is set to exceed estimates for first quarter EPS by 12% over last year, according to BofA's equity and quant strategy team led by Savita Subramanian.

Sure, the tech sector is well off its highs from February. A gut punch from DeepSeek served as a painful reality check and offered an opening for an "I told you so" moment from market observers who have been critical of sky-high valuations.

But what's followed has been a push for US tech supremacy that appears to have bolstered the case for AI investments. "Hyperscalers confirmed an intact AI investment cycle," the Bank of America note read. True even if capital expenditures growth from these so-called hyperscalers is slowing.

During this earnings season, Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) reiterated their spending plans.

Meta (META) raised its full-year capital expenditure estimate.

And Amazon (AMZN) highlighted that its AI business revenue continues to grow by triple digits year over year.

Overall, capex for the hyperscaler group grew by 62% this quarter compared to the same period last year, according to the note, with capex projected to rise by 35% for the year.

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We wrote last week that the outlooks from Big Tech leaders would be even more important to the overall market than is typical.

With uncertainty stemming from Trump's tariff proposals still leaving investors and companies uneasy, this isn't exactly a business-as-usual moment. In many respects, forging ahead with ambitious plans in times of uncertainty is an outsized marker of success.
If Reform UK, newly emboldened by its local election triumphs, is serious about Downing Street, then it will have to do something fairly drastic about its economic policies.

As things stand, they are a mixture of magic money tree fantasy and unworkable wishful thinking. If ever enacted in their unadulterated form, they would quickly result in another Liz Truss moment, or similarly, the sort of market-led pushback that forced Donald Trump to pause his tariff plans.

People backed Reform largely as a form of protest, and because they had lost faith in the ability of the two main parties to deliver on the big issues of our time  public services, immigration and the cost of living.

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There was also widespread fury among some traditional Labour voters at means-testing the winter fuel allowance and the reduction in disability benefits.

No doubt there were other, more local, issues at play too. But it is that sense of the nation losing its way and a consequent yearning for alternatives that Reform has been so successful at exploiting.

It is, however, one thing to mobilise the frustrations of voters and quite another to govern.

Criticism is easy, particularly with this government. Less than a year into power and the wheels are already flying off. Workable solutions are another matter entirely, and Reform does not yet have them.

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Most nationalist movements start life on the Right of the political spectrum, in that they tend to be strongly pro-enterprise, free-spirited and anti-big government.

But then in pursuit of the popular vote, they progressively shift leftwards and end up as big state interventionists.

Its what happened to the Scottish National Party, which in its original form wanted independence partly as a way of making the Scots stand on their own two feet, free of the English teat.

Yet today the party is a high-tax, big-government mix of holier-than-thou wokery which excuses its own incompetence and corruption by constantly blaming Westminster for all of Scotlands manifest ills.

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Wokery will plainly never come to define what Reform stands for. But already we see the telltale signs of drift leftwards so as to broaden the partys electoral appeal.

No more so than with the National Health Service. Long gone is Nigel Farages one-time flirtation with the idea of social insurance as a way of funding better universal healthcare.

Instead, Reform has embraced the depressingly familiar political consensus that no party in Britain can ever achieve power except by worshipping at the feet of our precious taxpayer-funded NHS.

What counts for the partys manifesto  Our contract with you  is basically just an all-things-to-all-men wish list.

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In a perfect world, much of it would be very welcome. There is lots of stuff in there that almost any government would want to do were it able. But it is also hopelessly unrealistic.

As a platform for government, it has been wildly undercosted and seems wholly to ignore the uncomfortable fact that Britain is already sinking under mountainous public debts swollen by Covid to 100pc of GDP.

Britain is broken, but it is also essentially bankrupt. If it were as easy as Reform makes out, does it not seem likely that it would already have been tried?

There is a good reason that no other party has promised to eliminate all NHS waiting lists within two years, and thats because the NHS has never managed the feat of wiping out waiting lists in its entire history, never mind eliminating them in just two years.

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Since this is a piece about economics, Ill focus on Reforms proposals for tax and spend. But similar obstacles stand in the way of much of the rest of the partys agenda.

The extra 17bn of NHS funding Reform promised at the time of the last election has already been exceeded by Labour, but progress in reducing waiting lists is still glacial.

Its unclear whether that 17bn now comes on top of the 25bn of additional funding Labour has since announced, but if it does, where is the money going to come from?

The same can be asked of much of the rest of Reforms agenda, including the costs of increasing the starter threshold for income tax to 20,000 and the threshold at which higher rate taxes begin to 70,000.

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Any scope Reform might have had in meeting these commitments by halving the foreign aid budget has been eroded by Labour, which has already slashed the foreign aid budget to pay for higher defence spending.

In all, Reform is proposing tax cuts that it costs at nearly 90bn per year, and spending increases of 50bn per year. This would all be paid for via 150bn a year of reductions in other spending, covering public services, debt interest and working-age benefits.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) suggests that Reform is both wildly underestimating the costs of its tax cuts, and overestimating the amounts that can be saved through cuts in spending.

Moreover, argues the IFS, where Reform does plan to increase spending  such as extra funding for the NHS  it would cost a lot more than budgeted to achieve the partys objectives.

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The biggest spending cut would come from the roughly 35bn that is paid to commercial banks on so-called central bank reserves.

To Reform, it seems outrageous that at a time when public services are being severely squeezed by fiscal constraints, some 35bn of taxpayers money is being spent annually on debt interest to commercial banks on deposits held at the Bank of England, and Reform plans to stop paying it altogether.

Its one of those instances where the populist Right meets the populist Left. Both advocate the same thing. Richard Murphy, an ultra-Left economist, was trumpeting this magic money tree wheeze long before Reform stumbled across it.

In any case, it plays to a common, anti-finance, populist trope. But it is also not as far out as it seems.

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The idea has also won support from some perfectly respectable economists including two former deputy governors of the Bank of England. Whats more, both the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan already practise some measure of it.

There are nonetheless big drawbacks, and however you dress it up, any such manoeuvre would be regarded as a government default, further undermining already fragile fiscal credibility. It would also raise considerably less than Reform is banking on, and the savings would steadily reduce over time.

For now, Reforms main appeal is both that it is neither Labour nor the Conservatives and that it plans to come down hard on immigration. The rest is largely for the birds.

Much work to be done, I fear, before Reform can reasonably aspire to lasting government.

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Mothers Day offers an opportunity to reflect on what motherhood means in different religions and cultures. As a scholar of Buddhism and gender, I know how complicated Buddhist attitudes toward mothers can be.

The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, taught that family ties were obstacles to enlightenment. According to the Buddha, attachment to family causes suffering because family relationships eventually end and cannot offer lasting contentment. The main goal of Buddhism is to break the cycle of rebirth, which is characterized by suffering.

However, one family tie remained important for the Buddha  his relationship with his mother. Even after the Buddha left home, he continued to honor two mother figures  his biological mother, Maya, and his foster mother, known as Mahaprajapati Gautami in Sanskrit and Mahapajapati Gotami in the Pali language, which was used for early Buddhist scriptures in ancient India. These women played key roles in the Buddhas life story, and they continue to inspire Buddhists today. Mahaprajapati specifically inspires women as the first Buddhist nun.

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Many Buddhist scriptures describe reproduction and pregnancy in negative terms because they continue the cycle of rebirth. But Buddhist scriptures also express love and gratitude for mothers, especially the Buddhas two mother figures.

Maya, the birth mother

Maya and Mahaprajapati were sisters who both married the Buddhas father, Suddhodana, who ruled the region of Kapilavastu along the India-Nepal border. Mayas name means illusion, which refers to a Hindu and Buddhist concept that the material world conceals the true nature of reality.

Miracles related to Maya appear throughout stories of the future Buddha Siddharthas conception, gestation and delivery. Siddhartha is the Buddha of the current world cycle, but in Buddhist tradition there were other Buddhas in the past and there will be more Buddhas in the future. Each one goes through many rebirths before they attain Buddhahood, and each Buddhas final rebirth follows the same pattern. According to Buddhist texts, Buddhas-to-be wait for the right time to be born, they choose their own parents, and they are not conceived through sexual intercourse.

Early Buddhist texts claim that Siddhartha chose Maya as his mother because of her purity and entered her right side in the form of an elephant while she was sleeping. According to some Buddhist scriptures, during Mayas pregnancy the future Buddha never actually touched her womb, which was considered impure in early Indian Buddhism. When Siddhartha was born, he is said to have emerged from Mayas right side as she stood, holding onto a tree branch.

Maya died seven days after her sons birth, meaning that she did not live to see him become an enlightened Buddha. As the Buddha, even though Siddhartha encouraged his followers to leave domestic life and cut family ties, he never forgot his birth mother.

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Thanks to her good karma, Maya had been reborn in the heavens as a god, but in Buddhism gods are not as spiritually advanced as Buddhas. The Buddha used his spiritual powers to travel to the heavens, where he preached to Maya and encouraged her progress on the Buddhist path.

One Chinese text claims that Maya spontaneously lactated upon hearing her sons words, showing that the bond between mother and son remained strong even after her death.

Mahaprajapati, the foster mother

Siddharthas aunt Mahaprajapati became his foster mother after Maya died. She cared for the young Siddhartha and breastfed him, having just given birth to her own biological son, Nanda.

When Siddhartha was preparing to leave home to follow a spiritual path, the chariot driver tried to convince him to stay by reminding Siddhartha how Mahaprajapati nursed him and telling Siddhartha he should be grateful for her motherly kindness.

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Siddhartha left home anyway, which caused Mahaprajapati to collapse out of grief. According to the Mahavastu, the earliest Sanskrit biography of the Buddha, her eyes, as a result of her tears and grief, had become covered as with scales, and she had become blind. It was only after Siddhartha returned as the Buddha that her sight was restored.

At around the same time as the Buddhas return to his kingdom of Kapilavastu, his father Suddhodana died, making Mahaprajapati a widow. The books with rules for Buddhist monks and nuns, known as the Vinaya, report that Mahaprajapati approached the Buddha to ask whether women like her, as well as women whose husbands had become monks, could leave home to join the Buddhas monastic order.

The Buddha eventually agreed to this request but warned that including women as nuns would cut short the lifespan of Buddhist teachings in the world from 1,000 years to 500 years. Mahaprajapati became the first Buddhist nun, reaching enlightenment before passing away at the age of 120.

Scholars of Buddhism do not necessarily treat this episode as literally true, but instead see it as a reflection of mixed attitudes toward admitting women as nuns in the early Buddhist community. These mixed attitudes can still be seen today  for example, in the unwillingness to reinstate the order of nuns in Southeast Asia, which died out centuries ago.

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In Buddhism, nuns must be ordained by a group of 10 fully ordained monks and fully ordained nuns. An order of nuns still survives in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, where Mahayana Buddhism is practiced. However, the monastic leaders in Southeast Asia, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, decided that Mahayana nuns could not ordain Theravada nuns, leaving countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar without fully ordained nuns.

Legacies of the Buddhas mothers

Both Maya and Mahaprajapati were loving mothers in the Buddhas life story, but it is Mahaprajapati who has remained more of an inspiration for Buddhist women.

Reiko Ohnuma, a scholar of South Asian Buddhism, argues that Maya is remembered in Buddhist tradition as an idealized, if passive, maternal figure. Her death shortly after the future Buddhas birth serves as a reminder that life is impermanent and characterized by suffering.

In contrast, Mahaprajapati lived a full life and played an active role in both raising the future Buddha and in advocating for women to join the monastic community. Early Buddhists may not have fully supported the inclusion of women in the Buddhist monastic community, but the nuns order was established nonetheless.

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Mahaprajapati made this opportunity possible thanks to her unique position as the Buddhas foster mother.

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: Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee

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Megan Bryson 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.
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.

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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. Shes also been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and skipped both of his inaugurations.

Schakowsky said Monday that shes 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.

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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 Schakowskys 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.

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LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Congressman John Mannion will host a town hall meeting next Monday in Liverpool, his office confirms to NewsChannel 9.

Only constituents of New Yorks 22nd Congressional District who register in advance can attend. A request form will be available on the congressmans website.

Because of the divisive state of politics and the current complexities of the federal government, some town halls by members of Congress across the country have turned into heated exchanges.

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Because of security restrictions on Mannions event, the congressional office isnt sharing the exact location yet.

The district consists of all of Onondaga and Madison Counties and portions of Cortland, Cayuga and Oneida Counties.

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Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) announced Tuesday that shes running for retiring Sen. Dick Durbins (D-Ill.) seat, becoming the latest prominent Illinois Democrat to make a bid.

Im Robin Kelly. You could say Ive been an underdog my whole life, the House Democrat said in a video posted on the social platform X launching her Senate bid.

Kelly painted herself as a politician who has consistently defied the odds, including by ousting a 10-year incumbent Republican state House member in 2002 and winning a crowded 2013 Democratic primary for Illinoiss 2nd Congressional District over former Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.), who previously received an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association.

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Kelly also used her video to tout her record, particularly her work on a sit-in in Congress over gun control legislation and her efforts toward extending Medicaid for new mothers.

But our situation now? This is a whole different moment. Thats why Im running for the United States Senate, Kelly said in the video. To fight for health care that doesnt bankrupt families. For wages that lift people up. For housing thats affordable. For neighborhoods safe from gun violence.

Kelly has spent a dozen years representing Illinoiss 2nd District, which is a unique mix of urban, suburban and rural.

Shes the latest major Democrat to announce a bid for the Durbins seat. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) has also announced a bid for the seat, and shes received the backing of both Gov. JB Pritzker (D) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)

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Other House Democrats that could very likely join the primary include Illinois Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) could make a bid on the GOP side.

Given the political leanings of the state, whoever wins the Democratic primary for Durbins seat is seen as the heavy favorite to win in the general election.

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The tariffs that President Donald Trump announced on April 2 on virtually all imports would cost about $3.1 trillion over the next 10 yearsand would be a $2,100 tax increase per household in 2025 alone by the Tax Foundation's estimatemaking them one of the largest tax increases in American history if they ever take full effect.

But the Constitution makes it clear that only Congress has the power to raise taxes, and Rep. Suzan DelBene (DWash.) believes Trump is overstepping his authority. In February, she introduced a bill prohibiting presidents from using emergency economic powers to levy tariffs without congressional consent. That might not stop Trump from tryingbut it would force Republican lawmakers to make an uncomfortable choice: defy Trump or give approval to a huge tax hike on businesses and consumers.

DelBene sat down with Reason's Eric Boehm in March to discuss the impact of tariffs and the role Congress should play in setting trade policy.

Q: Your district is not far from the Canadian border. What are you hearing from your constituents about these tariffs?

A: When [Trump] has tariffs like this in place, he's actually impacting domestic manufacturers who need pieces of their product to come from Canada or Mexico. This impacts auto manufacturers. It impacts aerospace, which is big in my district. And sometimes folks are selling their parts to Canada or Mexico as part of production that might be happening there. So it's incredibly disruptive, and that's just manufacturing.

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And I might point out it's easy to break things. It's easy to take markets away. It's hard to get it back. And so this idea that you could just turn these on and turn them off and nothing changes is absolutely untrue. Folks will take years and years to try to recover market access. And just the threat of tariffs has already impacted U.S. businesses' ability to export to these countries.

Q: Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to levy those tariffs. Is there an emergency that requires this action?

A: First of all, these are allies. These are not hostile foreign nations. And we have a trade agreement with both [Mexico and Canada]. So I have legislation to make it clear that Congress actually has the authority when it comes to tariffs and trade and taxesand that if the president, any president, wants to put in place such broad tariffs, they have to come to Congress and get approval from Congress. That's what the Constitution says.

And again, these are our allies. There's a trade agreement, and it has a dispute settlement [clause]. So, if you think there's something that needs to be addressed, you should be using the existing trade agreement that's in place to address any disputes there might be. He has not done that. He went straight to declaring these sweeping tariffs that are going to be devastating economically for families across the country.

Q: There has been a trend, going back decades, of Congress off-loading authority over trade to the executive branch. Do you think that was a mistake?

A: I do. I think Congress has to make sure it exerts this authority. We need it to be clear in statute. And this isn't a statement about any particular administration. When we talk about taxes and whether or not we raise or lower taxes, Congress has authority there. Congress is an independent, coequal branch of government, and Congress needs to say, "These are not things that the executive branch gets to decide unilaterally."

Q: Do you think Democrats should be more skeptical of executive power?

A: Absolutely. I've been very vocal about congressional authority under a Democratic president or now under a Republican president. And frankly, there are a lot of Republican members of the House who were very vocal under President [Joe] Biden about how important it was for Congress to have a say. And they're silent now. So that's where the hypocrisy is.

This interview has been condensed and edited for style and clarity.

The post Rep. Suzan DelBene on Tariffs, Trade Policy, and Congressional Authority appeared first on Reason.com.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on May 5 announced that it had facilitated Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash's escape from Russia to France.

"I fled  I had no other choice. Journalism no longer exists in Russia," Barabash told reporters in Paris on May 5.

Barabash escaped house arrest on April 21. She was placed under house arrest by a Moscow court for posting "fake news" on her Facebook account about the war in Ukraine, her son Yurii Barabash said on Feb. 27.

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RSF held a press conference alongside Barabash at its headquarters in Paris, announcing her whereabouts for the first time since she escaped house arrest on April 21.

"Her escape from Russia is one of the most perilous operations RSF has been involved in since the draconian Russian laws of March 2022. It sends a clear message to the Kremlin: free voices that dare to speak the truth about the war in Ukraine cannot be silenced," RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin said.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin toughened its grip on dissent, passing laws in March 2022 that prohibit what authorities label as "false" criticism of Russia's war.

Barabash has Ukrainian ancestry and was born in Kharkiv.

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"(You) bastards bomb a country, raze entire cities to the ground, kill hundreds of children, shoot at peaceful people for no reason, keep Mariupol under a blockade, deprive millions of people of a normal life, and force them to leave for foreign countries. For what? For the sake of friendship with Ukraine? You are Evil on a planetary scale," Barabash said in 2022.

She was detained for posting criticism of Russia's war on Facebook, Russian court documents say. Barabash could have faced up to 10 years in a Russian prison.

Russia has gone after journalists in Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories. Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna disappeared in August 2023. She died after being tortured in Russian captivity. Roschyna's body was returned to Ukraine in February with missing organs.

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.
State Auditor Dave Boliek has appointed (left to right) Stacy Clyde Eggers IV, Francis DeLuca, and former state Senator Bob Rucho to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. (File photos)

There is a good case to be made that North Carolinas constitution provides for the election of too many statewide offices. This is especially true given that elections for the 10 Council of State offices take place during presidential election years when the ballot is long, and many voters know little-to-nothing about most candidates.

What purpose it serves for the state to hold partisan elections to fill mostly bureaucratic positions like those held by the commissioners of labor, insurance and agriculture  other than perhaps to provide platforms for politicians to run for other, more desirable offices, or to secure lifetime employment  is hard to articulate. Likewise, secretary of state  an office that just two individuals have occupied for 81 of the last 89 years  is another strong candidate to become an appointed office.

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The argument in favor of partisan elections for five slots  governor, lt. governor, attorney general, treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction  is more obvious.

And that leaves one other office: the historically obscure position of auditor. The idea of providing the auditor  the states accountant  with a mandate from voters and some independent authority arguably makes some sense.

The national website Ballotpedia describes the position this way:

The auditor is a state-level position in 48 states that supervises and has administrative rights over the accounting and financial functions of the state. Additionally, auditors act as watchdogs over other state agencies, performing internal government audits and investigating fraud allegations.

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Most states have an auditor. A little less than half fill the office with a partisan election. Several other states elect (and vest similar authority in) an office known as the controller.

All that said, if youre like the vast majority of North Carolina voters, the choice you made last November in the auditors race was pretty low on your list of election priorities. Indeed, if Beth Wood  the Democratic CPA who was elected in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020  had not been forced to resign in 2023 in the aftermath of a post-holiday party car wreck, it seems likely that she would have prevailed in a fifth consecutive snooze of an election.

Woods resignation, however, provided Republicans with an opening and they seized upon it by nominating Dave Boliek, an ambitious lawyer and former Democrat with a familiar name (his father was a Triangle area TV news reporter for many years).

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During the 2024 campaign, Boliek ran on a typical platform  promising to be a nonpartisan watchdog who would leave the political party affiliation at the door. But, as the saying goes, that was then, and this is now.

And as it turned out, for Republican lawmakers looking for ways to seize more powers from Gov. Josh Stein, Bolieks victory in the contest turned out to be a convenient tool. Thanks to a bill rammed through during last falls post-election lame duck session, during which the GOP still maintained veto-proof supermajorities, Boliek was gifted with new powers that have absolutely nothing to do with the auditors traditional role  including bizarrely enough, appointing the state Board of Elections.

And last week, following an unsigned ruling from the overwhelmingly Republican state Court of Appeals blessing the transfer, the man who promised to be a nonpartisan watchdog did an about-face.

In addition to reappointing current Republican election board member Stacy Four Eggers, Boliek tabbed two of the most partisan right-wing ideologues imaginable from the states firmament of conservative politicos: Robert Rucho and Francis X. Deluca.

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Rucho is a Matthews dentist and former state senator who, among other things, oversaw partisan gerrymandering as the chair of the Senate Elections Committee and helped shepherd the infamous 2013 Monster Voting Law through the Senate  a law whose voter ID provision, according to a federal court, sought to suppress the participation by Black voters with surgical precision.

Meanwhile, DeLuca is a one-time congressional candidate and former boss of the right-wing Pope-Civitas Institute  a group that long and passionately championed dozens of extreme (and sometimes downright strange) causes, including most relevantly, making it much harder for North Carolinians to vote.

All in all, its an amazing and absurd situation. A regulatory agency long and logically overseen by the states chief executive has been turned over to the states accountant for no reason other than blatant partisanship. No other state grants its auditor such power. One shudders to think of the staffing and policy changes that are in the offing. Senate GOP leader Phil Bergers minions will no doubt be conveying a long list in short order.

Republican defenders claim that enacting such a shift is well within the legislatures lawmaking authority, but ultimately, it makes no more sense, logically or legally, to place the auditor in charge of elections than it would to hand the duty to the agriculture commissioner  especially when voters had no inkling of the shift when they cast their ballots. Unfortunately, for Republican lawmakers bent on shamelessly seizing power at every turn, logic and the will of voters is rarely of much interest these days.
Rep. Cory Mills Bronze Star for heroism has been brought into question by five of the men who served with him.

The Florida representative was awarded the star for providing life-saving care to his fellow soldiers under intense enemy fire in Iraq in 2003 despite the great risk to his own life, according to a Monday report from NOTUS. The outlet cited a Department of the Army Form 638, which recommended Mills for the accolade.

But those whom he purportedly saved have no recollection of him doing so.

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He didnt save my life, Private First Class Joe Heit told NOTUS. I dont recall him being there, either.

Mills was awarded the star for heroism he displayed in 2003. / Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images

Heit is named as one of the soldiers Mills saved on the recommendation form along with Corporal Alan Babin.

Heit further claimed that his injuries were not life-threatening despite Mills recommendation form describing them as such.

Henry Barbe, a medic who helped evacuate Babin, also told NOTUS that he has no recollection of Mills being at the scene.

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.

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Platoon sergeant, Sergeant First Class Chris Painter also questioned his account, telling NOTUS, I can pretty much confirm 100% Cory Mills was not up at the bridges at the location of everything.

Some soldiers claimed they don't recall Mills being at the scene. / MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

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, he added.

In a statement to NOTUS, Mills said: No soldier writes their own DA Form 638. It is a recommendation for [an] award and soldiers cannot recommend themselves. The form must be reviewed and signed by commanding officers.

I was on the ground, but Im not in a position to dispute different recollections during chaotic wartime events. The DA Form 638 was reviewed and signed by commanding officers, he added, noting that it was true that Heit did not have life-threatening injuries.

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Mills office did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment.

Mills enlisted in the Army in 1999 and was honorably discharged in August 2003. He was elected to Congress in 2022 and has been an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, even attending his hush money trial last summer.
We recently published a list of ChatGPT Stock Advice: Top 12 Stock Recommendations. In this article, we will take a look at where Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) stands against other top stock recommendations by ChatGPT.

After a two-year surge of 53%, the stock market has been taken for a wild ride in 2025, driven by uncertainties surrounding the escalating trade wars. As of the close of business on May 2, the broad market index was down by 3.31% year-to-date.

READ ALSO: 11 Worst Performing Stocks in S&P 500 So Far in 2025 and 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 10 Years.

A New York-based investment banking firm recently projected positive but muted returns for 2025. However, it added that the continued adoption of AI could lead to a strong rally. The company also pointed out how bull markets have historically produced mediocre results in the third year, although not usually negative.

Trends over the past decades also show that sustained high returns are uncommon. Following the strong back-to-back performance in the 1920s, markets went down sharply in 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Then, after recovering in 1935 and 1936, they took a giant step back again a year later.

Over the years, many investors have turned toward ChatGPT for investment advice, including how the markets would respond to news headlines, statements from the Federal Reserve, or any other event that could cause share price movements. A 2023 survey revealed that about 53% of the Millennials, 50% of Gen Z, and 46% of Gen X respondents had used the AI chatbot for investing advice.

In contrast, older Americans were found to be more skeptical of the recommendations, with just 25% of the Baby Boomers using ChatGPT to buy stocks. Collectively, about 47% of all survey respondents had used the platform for stock recommendations. Among them, 69% stated they would consider using ChatGPT for investment advice in the future as well.

While the reliability of ChatGPT to provide accurate and up-to-date information has repeatedly come under question from most financial analysts, a professor at the University of Florida in 2023 claimed that the chatbot may be able to predict stock movements. Alejandro Lopez-Lira used the platform to parse negative and positive headlines for stocks and predict returns for the following day, and was surprised to find how good the results were.

Whether or not tools like ChatGPT are effective in stock recommendations remains a debate. However, they can be useful for new investors looking for financial education and researching companies they want to invest in.
WASHINGTON  Republicans may have just tanked President Donald Trumps controversial nominee for U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters Tuesday that he informed the White House that I wouldnt support his nomination. It only takes one Republican in this committee to sink a nominee, assuming all Democrats vote no, which in this case, they would have. Martins nomination appears dead.

Tillis had already been raising concerns with Martin, a pro-MAGA election denier whos been D.C.s interim U.S. attorney since January, when Trump appointed him to the post.

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Martin, who previously had no prosecutorial experience, has essentially spent the last few months proving his loyalty to Trump. He fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors involved in criminal cases tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. He dropped cases against Jan. 6 defendants. He launched probes into Trumps political enemies.

He also failed to disclose to the judiciary panel that he appeared on Russian state media more than 150 times from 2016 to 2024, something he was required to disclose. As recently as Monday, Martin had written to the committee again  for the fourth time  listing off dozens of media appearances he previously didnt tell them about.

Heres his Monday letter, obtained by HuffPost:

In his brief time as D.C.s interim U.S. attorney, Martin has drawn opposition from 100 former assistant U.S. attorneys and faced at least four disciplinary complaints filed by the D.C. and Missouri bars.

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Tillis said Tuesday his reason for opposing Martin was ultimately because he was nominated to be the U.S. attorney in the district where the Jan. 6 insurrection happened  and where Martin dropped cases against people who participated in it.

Im thinking about future January 6ths, the North Carolina Republican told HuffPost. If there is, we got to make it very clear, you come into the Capitol, youre going to get fined. Youre going to prison. You made a bad mistake.

Beyond Tillis opposition, or perhaps because of it, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who chairs the judiciary panel, didnt put Martin on the agenda for an upcoming business meeting on Thursday. That means the earliest the committee could hold a vote on Martins nomination, if they even plan to, is May 22, per committee rules.

Except Martins interim appointment expires on May 20. After that, the judges who serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia can appoint someone else to the spot.

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Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond and an expert on the federal nominations process, said theres no way the judges on D.C.s district court will pick Martin for the job, given his role in dismissing the cases of Jan. 6 defendants.

Trust me, the [District of D.C.] judges who wasted 4 years trying the J6 rioters will NOT be electing Ed Martin, Tobias said in an email.

Asked Tuesday why he didnt put Martin on this weeks schedule, Grassley gave a rambling response to a CNN reporter: All I can say is, as the chairman of the committee  I want to put people on the agenda, that I can help the president be successful in his nominees. And thats all I can say at this point.

Ed Martin's nomination to be U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia looks like it's over. The Washington Post via Getty Images

Its up to the White House to decide whether to keep pressuring Republicans to push ahead with Martin, or to move on. The president posted a confusing messageon social media late Monday about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. really hoping Martin gets confirmed.

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According to many but, in particular, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., his approval is IMPERATIVE in terms of doing all that has to be done to SAVE LIVES and to, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN, Trump said. Ed is coming up on the deadline for Voting and, if approved, HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.

Its certainly possible other Republicans dont want to vote for Martin, but for now are quietly hiding behind Tillis. One source close to the nominations process, who requested anonymity to speak freely, said Martin doesnt appear to have the votes to be confirmed in the committee or on the Senate floor.

The White House signaled Trump isnt giving up on getting Martin confirmed.

Ed Martin is a fantastic U.S. Attorney for D.C. and will continue to implement the Presidents law-and-order agenda in Washington, White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said in a statement. He is the right man for the job and we look forward to his confirmation.
A Wichita protester waving an effigy of the severed head of Donald Trump has the local Republican Party leadership outraged.

Youre probably saying: So what? Those guys are always outraged about something  and usually, its something inconsequential like a City Hall proclamation they disagree with.

And youd be right.

But John Whitmer, the head, if you will, of the Sedgwick County Republican Party, took a picture of a guy at one of Wichitas regular street protests over the weekend, carrying what appears to be a Styrofoam wig head with a Trump mask stretched over it, and what looks like possibly cherry furniture stain dripping from its ear.

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I wasnt there, so I have no idea who this guy is or why he was doing what he was doing. If I had to guess, Id say its probably some sort of silly homage to comedian Kathy Griffin, whose career was shut down by right-wing cancel culture after she displayed a similarly gruesome item on social media in 2017.

If I had been there, I probably wouldnt have bothered to talk to him.

Some random Joe carrying a fake severed head at a street protest doesnt exactly seem super-newsworthy, compared to say, the Trump administration cutting funding for adult advocates for children abused in the Kansas foster care system, which also happened last week.

But you never can tell what will catch the public eye in year five of the Reign of Trump.

Picture gets 300,000 views on X

In the interest of I do this so you dont have to, I took a dip into the cesspool of seething rage that used to be called Twitter before Elon Musk bought it and renamed it X.

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Whitmer posted his pic there and its gotten him about 300,000 views. If that boosts traffic to Whitmers right-wing talk show on KNSS, good for him.

But Whitmer being Whitmer, he decided to call me out over this, personally and repeatedly.

He started Sunday on his shows Facebook page: Dion Lefler, is THIS peaceful protest? he asked.

He followed up with Facebook comments on a story I posted Monday about the continuing controversy over Wichita City Council proclamations. The flap was sparked by the council approving a ceremonial proclamation honoring Transgender Day of Visibility, and it continues to be fueled by an ongoing and embarrassing effort by far-right Republicans to punish one of their council members for voting for it.

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In the comments on my story, Whitmer reposted his picture of Severed Head Guy with the comment: Come on Dion, THIS should have been your story but instead you keep rehashing this nonsense?

Chiming in was Hunter Larkin, the on-again-off-again former mayor of Goddard and poster boy for corruption in local government: Its because Dion is one of those California liberals that hates America. Its that simple.

A Grand Old (pity) Party

OK, kiddies. You serve, Ill volley.

This may surprise you, but I have nothing to do with Severed Head Guy and Im not a fan of protest by effigy, whoevers doing it.

It doesnt convince anyone of anything, and only inspires nut jobs to do increasingly nutty things.

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The first thing this flap reminded me of was March of last year, when an official Republican Party fundraising event in Johnson County offered Republicans the chance to punch, hit and kick a martial arts mannequin with a Joe Biden mask and a Lets Go Brandon T-shirt (if you dont know what that means, Google it).

In the interest of civil discourse, its worth noting that the keynoter for that event was Ted Nugent, whose most popular song since the 70s is a delightful ditty called F--- Joe Biden, and who revived his flagging career via violent political rhetoric targeting Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and rank-and-file Democrats.

When someone mentioned the Johnson County incident during Whitmers GOP pity party, he decided to bear a little false witness against me.

When they punched the Biden dummy, Whitmer wrote, many in the GOP condemned them, including myself and Dion Lefler EVISCERATED them in the Wichita Eagle, this leftist carries around Trumps bloody severed head and nobody says a peep... #Hypocrites.

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Meanwhile Dion Lefler (checks notes) didnt write anything about the Johnson County Republicans getting their jollies through simulated elder abuse.

The Eagle ran two stories on the incident.

 The first one was a column by opinion correspondent Joel Mathis, before the event, questioning the partys judgment for even having a fundraiser featuring the Motor City Madman. It noted that The Nuge would be accompanied by disgraced and disbarred former Kansas attorney general Phill Kline, arguably the worst attorney general in Kansas history (although current AG Kris Kobach is doing his best to overtake him).

 The other was a short news story on the mannequin beating from our sister paper, the Kansas City Star, after the fact.

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No evisceration of the GOP occurred, and we can safely put the story of Severed Head Guy in the ongoing Republican political file labeled We dish it out, but we cant take it.

Its become a big part of the Republican brand in the Age of Trump: Cheer on GOP celebrities who say and do the most outrageous things, then cry victimhood when some obscure member of the opposition responds in kind.

To John Whitmer, Hunter Larkin, and anyone else clutching their pearls at this moment in time, I offer this advice:

Get over yourself.
Its a tired exercise to imagine how Republicans might react if Barack Obama or Joe Biden was guilty of any of the gaffes Donald Trump commits on a daily basis  but imagine for a second how conservatives would react if Obama or Biden had been asked during a high-profile interview whether they feel its their duty as president to uphold the Constitution, and they responded, I dont know.

Such is how Trump responded on Sunday when Kristen Welker of NBC News pressed him on his administrations refusal to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia  a Maryland man the administration deported without due process  back from El Salvador, including after the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that the administration must facilitate his return. Trump has largely tried to wash his hands of anything to do with the situation, repeatedly saying its up to his lawyers, which is how he describes the Justice Department.

Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States, as president? Welker asked Trump after he pleaded ignorance about whether everyone in America has a right to due process, a constitutional right.

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I dont know, Trump replied. I have to respond by saying again that I have brilliant lawyers that work for me. 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.

Regardless of any alternate interpretations of the Supreme Courts ruling  which several federal courts have excoriated the administration for failing to honor  its hard to think of an easier question for a president to answer than whether they should uphold the Constitution, which Trump pledged to preserve, protect, and defend as part of his swearing-in ceremony.

Trump didnt say, Yes, however, or, Of course, but in this case, or some other hedge. He said, I dont know  about upholding the nations founding document, one that conservatives hold so dear that Trump included it in the Bible hes selling with country star Lee Greenwood. Now, hes saying the Constitution is only important so long as it doesnt interfere with his political goals.

Trump later on Sunday posted his intention to reopen Alcatraz and an inscrutable call to place tariffs on foreign films. These absurd directives garnered more media attention than the president shrugging at the importance of the Constitution.

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Republicans have largely avoided the issue. Rolling Stone reached out to all 53 Republican senators asking for comment and didnt receive a response from a single one of them. The only Republican who seemed to criticize Trumps comments is Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who posted on Monday, 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?

The Republicans who have been asked about Trumps dismissal of the Constitution have largely responded by defending Trump. Look, I think the president knows he needs to uphold the Constitution, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) told CNN.

Does he, though? It really, really seems like he doesnt. Hes taken countless blatantly unconstitutional actions since taking office. He recently told Time that he wouldnt 100 percent agree that the United States should be ruled by laws, not men. He constantly muses about being king and staying in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit. What evidence is there that Trump cares one iota about upholding the Constitution?

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) responded similarly, telling CNN he wasnt concerned about the presidents comments: I dont think the president ever inferred that he didnt want to uphold the Constitution of the United States. [He said] Im going to make sure that we agree with the Supreme Court ruling. When they rule on it and say it is or isnt constitutional, they will abide by that.

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Trump did infer that he might not uphold the Constitution, the Supreme Court has already ruled, and the administration is not abiding by the ruling  but Trumps allies have little recourse other than this type of gaslighting. Jesse Watters, for example, tried to claim on Fox News that the media was taking Trumps comments out of context, describing a hoax to make it seem like its unsure about upholding the Constitution. Watters then simply played the clip of Trump flatly saying, I dont know, when asked about upholding the Constitution.

The Trump administration isnt offering much coherence, either. Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, was asked on Monday who is responsible for educating the president on his responsibility under Article 5 of the Constitution, which lays out the requirement for due process. I think the president is one of the  if not the  most knowledgeable presidents weve ever had, he said, adding that Trump is a game changer. Trumps other chief border hawk, White House aide Stephen Miller, told Fox News that Trump is actually saving the Constitution, saying it requires him to stop any invasion of the United States.



Miller  who has repeatedly attacked the federal judges who have blocked Trumps deportation agenda  has also argued, falsely, that the Constitution does not afford due process to undocumented immigrants, writing earlier on Monday: Due process guarantees the rights of a criminal defendant facing prosecution, not an illegal alien facing deportation.

Miller might make his points with conviction, but its just more gaslighting from an administration  and a modern conservative movement  that is wholly incapable of offering anything resembling a good-faith defense of their appointed leaders innumerable public affronts to Americas foundational values and rank unfitness for office.

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The Constitution specifically enshrines due process for any person  not any citizen  in the states jurisdiction. Trump might not know this, but Miller and those in Trumps Justice Department certainly do, as does the Supreme Court  which has already ruled on this question, reiterating the constitutional requirement of due process for the undocumented last month after Trump shipped hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador without due process.

Republicans know it, too, and if any other president waffled about upholding the Constitution the way Trump did on Sunday, theyd be taking to the streets calling for their ouster. Theyve decided instead to reinforce that they care about placating Trump more than they care about the Constitution by not saying anything at all.

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The search for a 10-year-old Texas girl swept away in floodwaters ended in tragedy Tuesday. During a news conference with her mother present, Brenham Fire Chief Mark Donovan held back tears as he announced that Devah Woods' body was found around 10 a.m. local time.

Dive teams located Woods' body and she was recovered by members of the Brenham Police Department. Lieutenant Steven Eilert said "We have taken care of her as much as we could, our hearts go out to Woods' family." He added that an investigation was underway and police would not be releasing further details about the death for now.

The 10-year-old was last seen alive on Monday afternoon near Firemans Park in the city of Brenham. In a social media post, the citys fire department said several people nearby tried to reach her as fast-moving floodwaters kept rising amid storms hitting Houston and surrounding areas.

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A police officer also attempted a rescue but was swept away by the rapidly rising water and had to be rescued downstream. That officer was treated by EMS on the scene.

(MORE: Severe Weather, Flooding Threat Persists In South)

More than 16 agencies were part of the search on land and water. Late into Monday night, teams used drones with thermal imaging and specially trained canines.

The water rescue operations were suspended around 10 p.m. as another round of heavy thunderstorms moved into the area. The fire department asked the community to "keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers."

Woods was a student at Brenham Elementary and as the search for resumed early Tuesday morning, the Brenham Independent School District announced that counseling services were being made available to students and staff.

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The same weather system that caused Monday's flooding was expected to produce more flooding rainfall through Tuesday night, especially from eastern Texas into Louisiana and southern Mississippi, where localized rainfall totals could be up to a half-foot.

Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce added that eastern Texas could also see severe storms that spawn a few tornadoes Tuesday afternoon and evening. See a more detailed forecast here.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  We are a step closer to finding out the future of the old Weed school property in Augustas Sand Hills neighborhood. Tonight, community members met to talk about whats next.

At Monday nights meeting, the Sand Hills community members agreed to convert the old Weed School into 40 affordable housing units.

The new plan also calls for retail and community spacea change from the original plans that called for 44 senior apartment units.

This neighborhood has been extremely clear that they wanted something in this neighborhood that spoke to the future, said Jordan Johnson, District 1 Commissioner. That preserved their history, but they wanted something nice.

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This meeting allowed the residents to speak amongst themselves before voting.

This meeting, we opened up with questions, and we stepped out of the room to let the neighborhood have a conversation about what they wanted for their community, said Johnson.

Audrey Woods lives in Sand Hills and went to Weed School. She is happy that something will be brought back to the area and is hopeful it will return to what it once was.

Im very much pleased with what has taken place here tonight, and Im looking forward to the project moving forward and Sand Hills begin to smile again, said Dr. Audrey Jones Wood, Resident.

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A pastor from a church in the area is glad this project finally will be moving forward.

I think it was a productive meeting, said Victor R. Thomas, Pastor. Moving forward, weve been kicking this can down the road for a long time, and now its time to open up this can and see whats in it. Yeah, so were excited and glad that the meeting turned out the way it did. A lot of people in the community came.

The full Commission will vote on this decision at their meeting on 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 WJBF.
DETROIT (AP)  Congress has voted to kill a Biden-era rule requiring rubber tire makers to clean up planet-warming emissions from their manufacturing processes in the U.S.

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules for the rubber tire industry, specifically previously unregulated rubber processing, last November through amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Tires are made of chemicals, compounds and materials that release greenhouse gases, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, experts say.

Republican Virginia Congressman Morgan Griffith, alongside South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, also Republicans, introduced a resolution to undo the rules earlier this year and it advanced through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to reverse recently adopted federal agency rules with a simple majority vote in each chamber. The vote passed in the House on March 5 and the Senate on Tuesday. The measure heads to the presidents desk for signing next.

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Like many of the regulations issued during the waning days of the Biden-Harris Administration, the rubber tire manufacturing emission standard utilized questionable emissions data and pointed to negligible health benefits as justification for the rule, Griffith said in a statement Tuesday. He said the rule did not serve public health.

The standards regulate other so-called "source categories including asbestos, asphalt roofing processing and manufacturing, dry cleaning, petroleum refineries, other chemical production and processes and more, which  in addition to the environmental concerns  can cause cancer and other serious health problems, according to the EPA.

The rubber rule resulted from a court decision that required the EPA to address unregulated emissions from source categories upon the agency's technology reviews as required by the Clean Air Act. Plaintiffs in the case included the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, a nonprofit organization representing communities located near historically dirty air. Another case, led by the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League based in South Carolina, also called out the EPA for missing sources of HAPs and said it did not set rules in a timely manner.

Aimed at meeting Clean Air Act requirements, the EPA said at the time that the rubber rule changes would cut total hydrocarbons and filterable particulate matter  or solids that can be captured on a filter, known as fPM  emissions by approximately 171 tons per year.

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Scott previously said the rule was a last-minute Biden EPA regulation that was based on questionable data and imposes onerous one-size-fits-all pollution controls.

The industry argues that tire factories would be required to install costly new air pollution control equipment that could harm American manufacturing jobs.

The nation is home to major tire makers including Michelin North America, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, and Goodyear, in Akron, Ohio. The two companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The measure marks the latest of this administration's efforts to deregulate industry in the name of bolstering American manufacturing. The EPA first said it would reconsider National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants regulations for rubber tire manufacturing and other notable industries as part of a 31-action deregulation blitz announced on March 12. Republicans have generally been using the Congressional Review Act to wage an assault on the previous administration's many efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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In a statement to The Associated Press, the EPA said: Once a law, EPA will work expeditiously to rescind the overly burdensome rule, noting agency Administrator Lee Zeldin's recent efforts speaking specifically with the South Carolina manufacturing industry on issues such as this one.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association said the vote reduces financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities.

Tire manufacturers have long understood and complied with" existing standards, Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of the industry group said in a statement. To the group, the November rule "creates an adverse environmental impact, while imposing significant financial burdens on tire manufacturing facilities and providing negligible, if any, benefits.

But Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, called the measure yet another of many attempts to unravel protections for human health and the environment and part of an endless quest to accommodate the countries biggest polluters.

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Ahead of Tuesday's vote, Whitehouse said on the Senate floor that the resolution would deny clean air protections to the American people with particular harm to American children whose lungs and brains, still developing, are most vulnerable to the effects of these pollutants.

___

Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.

___

Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.

___

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.
Any attempt by the Russians to restart the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) should be regarded as an act of nuclear terror.

Source: Oleh Korikov, Head of Ukraine's State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, in a report at a meeting of the International Nuclear Regulators' Association (INRA)

Details: Korikov warned that, under current conditions, such a move could have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.

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Quote from Korikov: "At present, the emergency preparedness and response system is not functioning at ZNPP, early warning and radiation monitoring systems are not functioning. There is no reliable water supply and stable external power supply at Zaporizhzhia NPP, no proper maintenance of safety systems and safety-critical systems and no qualified personnel. The Russian military, which is stationed at ZNPP, continues to militarise the plant."

Details: In addition, the Russians have significantly restricted the activities of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. They unilaterally decide whether to grant requested access, prohibit direct communication with staff, and withhold complete information about the condition of systems and equipment.

Background:

Recently, Russia's nuclear energy giant Rosatom stated that Moscow is now open to discussing a potential US presence at the ZNPP. Until then, the Russians had categorically refused to engage on this issue.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that the proposal for US control over the ZNPP raises many complex questions. However, he described a potential scenario in which the United States and Ukraine jointly oversee the plant as acceptable, though no such proposals have been put forward.

Earlier, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi suggested that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant could resume operations within a few months after the end of hostilities.

However, fully restarting all six reactors may take over a year, as they are currently all shut down.

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The European Commission finalised its proposal for the 17th package of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday 6 May, proposing to expand the list of sanctioned individuals and stepping up efforts to counter Moscow's shadow fleet used to bypass Western sanctions.

Source: Reuters, citing three European diplomats, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sources told Reuters that the proposal tightens export controls on dual-use goods and advanced technologies.

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One source added that the European Commission is proposing sanctions against more than 50 individuals and entities, including five based in China, as well as 31 companies that support the Russian military or are involved in circumventing existing restrictions.

The proposal also includes blacklisting over 100 vessels as part of the fight against Russia's shadow fleet, Reuters reports.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is proposing to extend the sanctions exemption for the Russian Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project until June 2026 because of its importance to Japan.

A Reuters source explained that the goal is to show that the 27 EU members "still agree on something against Russia" after repeated veto threats from Hungary.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia would be prepared for the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting to be held in May 2025.

Jean-Noel Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated that the EU wants to prepare and adopt its next package of sanctions against Russia in coordination with the United States.

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The order to temporarily suspend the shipment of US military aid to Ukraine came from the office of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House was unaware of the decision.

Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: About a week after Donald Trump began his second term as US president, the US military instructed three cargo carriers based at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and a US base in the United Arab Emirates to halt 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weapons bound for Ukraine.

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Within hours, Washington received panicked questions from Ukrainian officials in Kyiv and from coordination centres in Poland. Who had ordered US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) to halt the flights? Was it a full suspension of aid, or just a partial one?

Top national security officials at the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department could not provide answers. The flights resumed a week later.

TRANSCOM records reviewed by Reuters indicate the verbal order came from the office of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The shipment halt followed a 30 January Oval Office meeting on Ukraine attended by Hegseth and other senior national security officials. Three sources familiar with the matter said the idea of halting aid to Ukraine was raised during the meeting, but Trump gave no instruction to do so.

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Trump was unaware of Hegseths order, as were other top national security officials who attended the meeting, two sources familiar with closed-door discussions at the White House and a third source with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

Those who spoke with Reuters said it remained unclear why the usual decision-making officials were kept out of the loop and why the order was quickly reversed.

TRANSCOM said the cancelled flights cost US$2.2 million.

An official halt to Biden-approved military aid to Ukraine came later, on 4 March, following a White House announcement and a controversial Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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The story of the cancelled flights, described in detail for the first time by Reuters, highlights what appeared to be a chaotic decision-making process in the Trump administration and a chain of command that even top officials struggled to understand.

Reuters was unable to determine the exact date Hegseths office issued the cancellation order. Two sources said Ukrainian and European officials began making enquiries on 2 February. TRANSCOM confirmed that it had received a verbal instruction from SECDEF  the Secretary of Defense  to stop the flights, which resumed on 5 February.

In subsequent conversations with Ukrainian officials, the US administration attributed the pause to "internal policy", one source said.

These revelations come amid turbulence within the Pentagon. Several of Hegseths top advisers were escorted out of the building on 15 April over allegations of unauthorised disclosure of classified information. Hegseth remains under scrutiny, including from Congress, regarding his communications. He has previously blamed unrest on disgruntled staff.

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The cancelled flights contained weapons that had long been approved by the Biden administration and authorised by Congress.

Reuters could not confirm whether Hegseth or his team understood how the order would be carried out or that it would represent a significant shift in US policy on Ukraine. Three sources familiar with the matter said Hegseth had misinterpreted the presidents position on Ukraine policy and aid delivery.

Four other individuals familiar with the situation said a small group of Pentagon staffers  many of whom had never held government positions and had long opposed US assistance to Ukraine  had advised Hegseth to consider suspending the aid.

Two sources denied that aid had actually been suspended. One of them described it as a logistical pause.

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While several media outlets, including Reuters, previously reported on the aid delay, Hegseths direct role had not been known until now.

It remains unclear whether Trump later questioned Hegseths actions or reprimanded him. One source directly familiar with the matter said that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz eventually intervened to overturn the order.

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We recently published a list of ChatGPT Stock Advice: Top 12 Stock Recommendations. In this article, we will take a look at where The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) stands against other top stock recommendations by ChatGPT.

After a two-year surge of 53%, the stock market has been taken for a wild ride in 2025, driven by uncertainties surrounding the escalating trade wars. As of the close of business on May 2, the broad market index was down by 3.31% year-to-date.

READ ALSO: 11 Worst Performing Stocks in S&P 500 So Far in 2025 and 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 10 Years.

A New York-based investment banking firm recently projected positive but muted returns for 2025. However, it added that the continued adoption of AI could lead to a strong rally. The company also pointed out how bull markets have historically produced mediocre results in the third year, although not usually negative.

Trends over the past decades also show that sustained high returns are uncommon. Following the strong back-to-back performance in the 1920s, markets went down sharply in 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Then, after recovering in 1935 and 1936, they took a giant step back again a year later.

Over the years, many investors have turned toward ChatGPT for investment advice, including how the markets would respond to news headlines, statements from the Federal Reserve, or any other event that could cause share price movements. A 2023 survey revealed that about 53% of the Millennials, 50% of Gen Z, and 46% of Gen X respondents had used the AI chatbot for investing advice.

In contrast, older Americans were found to be more skeptical of the recommendations, with just 25% of the Baby Boomers using ChatGPT to buy stocks. Collectively, about 47% of all survey respondents had used the platform for stock recommendations. Among them, 69% stated they would consider using ChatGPT for investment advice in the future as well.

While the reliability of ChatGPT to provide accurate and up-to-date information has repeatedly come under question from most financial analysts, a professor at the University of Florida in 2023 claimed that the chatbot may be able to predict stock movements. Alejandro Lopez-Lira used the platform to parse negative and positive headlines for stocks and predict returns for the following day, and was surprised to find how good the results were.

Whether or not tools like ChatGPT are effective in stock recommendations remains a debate. However, they can be useful for new investors looking for financial education and researching companies they want to invest in.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a Politico Magazine article published Monday that the king of Jordan cut us off regarding a pledge to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children.

Two months ago, King Abdullah II of Jordan pledged to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children from Gaza, but Kennedy said Jordan took 44, and then theyve cut us off.

I would encourage him to put the welfare of these children first and put the politics aside, Kennedy said, seemingly referring to the king.

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While at the White House earlier this year, Abdullah said he believed that the president is very happy that we do this thing with 2,000 children as quickly as possible.

I believe that the president is looking forward to getting a group of us Arabs here to discuss the overall plan, he added.

Gaza has faced dire conditions and mass death amid Israels strikes amid its war with Hamas that began in October 2023.

Early Monday, Israeli Cabinet members approved a plan to take control of the Gaza Strip for a length of time that was not specified, letting down hope that a ceasefire with Hamas could come soon.

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The late Pope Franciss popemobile is set to serve as a Gaza childrens health clinic in a final wish from the pontiff who died last month, according to Vatican News. The News reported Monday that the conversion of the pontiffs popemobile was a final request from Francis for Gaza residents.

The Hill has reached out to Jordans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for comment.

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Rite Aid is again seeking bankruptcy protection as the struggling drugstore chain says it will try to sell substantially all of its assets.

The company said Monday that its stores will remain open as it returns to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

The company said it will work to ensure that customer prescriptions are transferred to other pharmacies as it goes through the sale process. The drugstore chain has lined up from some of its lenders $1.94 billion in new financing which help fund it through the sale and bankruptcy proceedings.

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The company initially filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2023, with plans to sell parts of its business and restructure. The company ran more than 2,300 stores in 17 states before the filing.

Rite Aid said then that its initial voluntary Chapter 11 filing would allow it to slash debt and resolve litigation. The company sold its relatively small pharmacy benefits management business, Elixir Solutions, for around $576 million.

Rite Aid emerged from Chapter 11 nearly a year later as a private company. The drugstore chain said in a statement that it came out of the process stronger, with a rightsized store footprint, more efficient operating model, significantly less debt and additional financial resources.

Rite Aids creditors took ownership of the chain, which shrank to 1,245 stores in 15 states, according to its website.

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A spokeswoman said in March that the company was laser focused on its retail pharmacies, including restocking its stores.

But in early May, empty white shelves dotted a store that sits a few miles from Rite Aids corporate headquarters in Philadelphia. The only rolls of wrapping paper in the store were some Christmas-themed offerings that leaned next to empty shelf space beneath a sign advertising Great Value!

The location also had a limited selection of profitable beauty products and drugstore staples such as Qtips and cotton balls.

Retail analyst Neil Saunders said such a look encourages shoppers not to return.

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Theyre actively pushing customers away, said Saunders, managing director of the consulting and data analysis firm GlobalData.

Rite Aid was attempting to turn around its business in a tough environment for drugstores. Major chains and independent pharmacies have been closing stores and struggling with several challenges.

Prescription profitability has grown tight. The chains also are dealing with increased theft, court settlements over opioid prescriptions and shoppers who are drifting more to online shopping and discount retailers.

Walgreens, which has more than six times as many stores as Rite Aid, agreed in March to be acquired by the private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

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Philadelphia-based Rite Aid was founded in 1962 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as Thrif D Discount Center. The company had struggled with debt, posted annual losses for several years and was cutting costs and closing stores well before its initial bankruptcy filing.

Rite Aid also explored sale offers.

Walgreens attempted to buy it for about $9.4 billion a decade ago, when Rite Aid ran more than 4,600 stores. But the larger drugstore chain eventually scaled back its ambition and bought less than half that total to get the deal past antitrust regulators.

In 2018, Rite Aid called off a separate merger with the grocer Albertsons.

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There are no Rite Aids left in Rhode Island, but there are locations in the nearby cities of Fall River and New Bedford.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  When the weather gets warmer, Siouxlanders will tend to see more bulldozers out as construction season gets underway in both Nebraska and Iowa.

Weve got a lot of work going on on Highway 75 and 77 on the east side of our state from Lyons to Decatur said Kevin Domoagalla with the Nebraska DOT

Domogalla added that construction season is well underway in Nebraska. One big project they are heavily focused on is a $70 million lane expansion on Highway 275 all the way to West Point.

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Were doing a four lane, a two plus two, were expanding Highway 75 to a two-hour expressway. Weve got the first segment of it started between Highway 57 and Wisner, Domogalla said.

Many farmers nearly done with planting; agronomists release soil moisture survey

In Sioux City, Sarah Tracy with the Iowa DOT said that projects happening here in Siouxland will primarily be bridge repairs.

In the Siouxland area, theres a few major road construction projects that people will see on I-29. Theres some bridge repairs being made; that is the bridge that goes into Nebraska. The contractor is making good progress on that, and they will switch lanes with the width restriction. Thats coming up in the next couple of weeks, Tracy with the Iowa DOT

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On top of the bridge repairs, the one thing thats been on Sioux City residents minds are the latest update on the Gordon Drive viaduct, Tracy expressed that the wheels are in motion in repairing it, but will to lead some road closures coming soon.

The slip ramp from Gordon Drive to Lewis Boulevard, that will be closed and that is associated with archeological work that needs to be done for the Gordon Drive by that project. Definitely steps are moving forward to get to the point where were replacing the drive viaduct, Tracy said.

Both Tracy and Domogalla said the projects will not cause any detour.

Detours? No, intermittent lane closures though. So, just drivers be aware that there will be lane closures associated with these projects, Tracy said.

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Our goal is to not have to detour traffic. We try to do it under traffic, so that does not inconvenience people quite so much, said Domogalla.

And with projects underway, Domogalla wants to remind folks to not be distracted when driving through a construction zone.

Sioux City City Council votes on changes to DEI policies

Whenever youre in a construction zone, put your phone down, focus on the act of driving, and keep an eye out for people, keep an eye out for equipment, Domogalla said.

The Gordon Drive viaduct slip ramp closure will begin a little after the Fourth of July, and the Highway 275 lane expansion is scheduled to finish in 2029.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A suspect in an early Tuesday morning gas station robbery and another individual are believed to have fled on an intercity bus, according to authorities.

Around 3:40 a.m. Tuesday morning, officers received a report of a robbery at a convenience store in the 200 block of Shelby Avenue in East Nashville.

Alleged drunk driver crashes with MNPD patrol car in East Nashville, officials say

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Officials said two people, including one employee, were inside the locked building when the suspect approached and began knocking on the door. The employee told authorities that he instructed the other person not to unlock the door, but the individual let him in regardless.

The suspect reportedly approached the employee and used a phone cord to tie him up in the restroom.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The other individual who was in the store with the employee reportedly opened the safe for the suspect, and the pair left for the Greyhound bus station. Officers said they boarded a bus heading west, though the exact destination was not shared.

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The Tennessee Highway Patrol was alerted to the situation, and a search for the bus is reportedly underway.

No additional information was immediately released.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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CHICAGO  Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly is joining a growing field of Democrats vying for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Dick Durbin.

This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. Ive never backed down  not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for whats right. Kelly said in a statement announcing her bid.

Kelly joins Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who jumped into the contest last month and has been endorsed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Gov. JB Pritzker. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is also expected to announce his bid, and Rep. Lauren Underwood continues to eye the seat.

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In a potentially crowded field, Kelly will need to call on relationships with Democrats across Illinois that she built as a state party chair, along with leaning on a long legislative resume that has taken her from Springfield to Washington.

Kelly is no stranger to tough primary contests. She was first elected to Congress in 2013, winning a high-profile special election for the seat held by former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who had resigned amid controversy. Kelly emerged victorious from a 16-candidate Democratic primary field.

She is also a former two-term state representative who went on to serve as chief of staff to then-Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. When he sought another public office, Kelly ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer.

She counts former President Barack Obama as a friend, having served in Springfield with him at the same time.

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Kellys congressional race in 2013 drew national attention when billionaire New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg entered the fray to call attention to the problem of gun violence.

Bloombergs super PAC spent more than $1 million against Debbie Halvorson, a former Democratic congresswoman who was cut out of her district when the lines were redrawn. She had received a positive rating from the National Rifle Association, while Kelly  a New York native who campaigned on supporting tougher restrictions on guns  celebrated getting a poor rating from the NRA.

Once in Congress, Kelly led a sit-in on the House floor to protest inaction on gun violence and co-sponsored landmark legislation protecting victims of domestic violence.

Today, Kelly, who just turned 69, is a member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and sits on the health subcommittee, where she has focused on maternal health  especially among Black women. She represents a heavily Democratic district with a high concentration of African American residents.

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Kelly has just over $2 million cash on hand, according to the latest Federal Election Commission reports.

Fundraising will be key in the 2026 Senate race to succeed the retiring Durbin. Stratton has not yet had to report her fundraising numbers but could get a boost from Pritzker, a billionaire who could single-handedly reshape the money race. She currently has about $100,000 in her state campaign account. A PAC started earlier this year to support Stratton has also not revealed its fundraising numbers.

Underwood has about $1.2 million in the bank, and Krishnamoorthi has reported more than $19 million cash on hand.
May 5ROCHESTER  A Rochester man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Kevyn Bradley Heath, 28, faced five felony charges, including three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count each of using a child in pornographic work and dissemination of child pornography.

Heath pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct on Monday, May 5, in Olmsted County District Court. In exchange for his plea, all other charges were dismissed.

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"I fully understand how inadequate the word sorry is, but I am truly sorry for my actions and the pain I have caused," Heath wrote in a letter to the court.

Olmsted County District Judge Kathy Wallace ordered Heath to serve a 14-year prison sentence followed by 10 years of probation.

Heath was also federally charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse materials in 2024. After pleading guilty to producing CSAM, Heath was sentenced to 21 years in a federal prison and was ordered to pay $106,000 for restitution.

The district court sentence will be served concurrently with the federal sentence issued in March.

According to the criminal complaint in district court, Rochester police received a tip in February 2024 relating to a video of suspected CSAM. In multiple chats and messages, Heath describes multiple sex acts and attempted sex acts with a child who is younger than 3 and uploaded multiple photos of himself, including one of himself with the child, the complaint said.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Monday is Cinco De Mayo, in which Americans indulge in Mexican culture, although some Hispanic residents feel the holiday, which celebrates the Mexican armys victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, has become too commercialized.

As the Latino population grew in the United States, Cinco de Mayo became a commercialized holiday and then started, as you can see, today, we celebrate by trying to indulge ourselves with Mexican food, with margaritas, with other stuff, said Ricardo Montoya Picazo, vice president of the Greater Rockford Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Battle of Puebla was a five-day battle during the French-Mexican War.

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We, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, want to ensure that that is a reference that were looking outside of the commercialized aspect, but were looking at the historical component of why this battle happened, said Picazo. What is the meaning of this victory, and what was the meaning for the Mexican people, trying to declare their independence and sovereignty?

The Chamber said it supports the celebration of Latino and Mexican culture, but hopes that residents are also supporting local Hispanic-owned businesses.

There are other businesses that can maybe have a special or something like that, service industry, or completely unrelated to food or drinking. We have so many businesses in our Hispanic community that were not just restaurants and tacos, Sully Cadengo, president of the Chamber, said.

Its more than just having a margarita. Its about understanding the Mexican people and their culture and why the Battle of Puebla is celebrated, Picazo added.

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While Cinco De Mayo celebrates the victory in battle, Mexicans celebrate September 16th as Mexican Independence Day.

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By Leah Douglas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at a Senate hearing on Tuesday defended downsizing the USDA and potential cuts to international food aid programs, but said the agency does not plan to close any of its 4,500 offices that serve farmers.

The USDA has lost more than 15,000 staff to financial incentive programs offered by the administration of President Donald Trump as part of his effort with billionaire ally Elon Musk to shrink the size of the federal workforce.

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Trump's budget proposal released on May 2 would cut $4.5 billion from the USDA, including steep cuts to conservation, rural development and research programs.

About 1,100 of those leaving USDA worked at the Farm Services Agency, which administers farm loans and provides technical support to farmers at its locations around the country, according to a USDA briefing for Congressional staff. Two-thirds of those were employees working at the county level.

Testifying before the agriculture subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rollins said, "it is not in our plan" to close any FSA offices. She said USDA is working to develop online technical assistance that may mean less reliance on in-person services in the future.

Trump's budget would cut $358 million from the FSA, and suggested that some of its locations are "underutilized, resulting in waste."

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Rollins said the agency is recruiting to rehire staff to critical roles that were vacated, including for FSA county offices, wildland firefighters in the U.S. Forest Service, and staff at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which handles animal disease outbreaks like bird flu.

Several hundred requests to enroll in the financial incentive for voluntary departures program were declined because the staff roles were too important, she said.

"Have we done it perfectly? No," she said of the staff moves.

The budget also would eliminate the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, Food for Progress and Food for Peace food aid programs, which send U.S. commodities abroad.

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Rollins defended the potential cuts as part of the administration's effort to make the agency more efficient. But Rollins said she has had "very initial conversations" with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the USDA assuming control of the Food for Peace program, which has historically been administered by USAID.

Rollins also said an announcement would be forthcoming from the USDA in the coming weeks about plans to relocate the agency outside of Washington, D.C.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington, Editing by Franklin Paul and Marguerita Choy)
We recently published a list of ChatGPT Stock Advice: Top 12 Stock Recommendations. In this article, we will take a look at where Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) stands against other top stock recommendations by ChatGPT.

After a two-year surge of 53%, the stock market has been taken for a wild ride in 2025, driven by uncertainties surrounding the escalating trade wars. As of the close of business on May 2, the broad market index was down by 3.31% year-to-date.

READ ALSO: 11 Worst Performing Stocks in S&P 500 So Far in 2025 and 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 10 Years.

A New York-based investment banking firm recently projected positive but muted returns for 2025. However, it added that the continued adoption of AI could lead to a strong rally. The company also pointed out how bull markets have historically produced mediocre results in the third year, although not usually negative.

Trends over the past decades also show that sustained high returns are uncommon. Following the strong back-to-back performance in the 1920s, markets went down sharply in 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Then, after recovering in 1935 and 1936, they took a giant step back again a year later.

Over the years, many investors have turned toward ChatGPT for investment advice, including how the markets would respond to news headlines, statements from the Federal Reserve, or any other event that could cause share price movements. A 2023 survey revealed that about 53% of the Millennials, 50% of Gen Z, and 46% of Gen X respondents had used the AI chatbot for investing advice.

In contrast, older Americans were found to be more skeptical of the recommendations, with just 25% of the Baby Boomers using ChatGPT to buy stocks. Collectively, about 47% of all survey respondents had used the platform for stock recommendations. Among them, 69% stated they would consider using ChatGPT for investment advice in the future as well.

While the reliability of ChatGPT to provide accurate and up-to-date information has repeatedly come under question from most financial analysts, a professor at the University of Florida in 2023 claimed that the chatbot may be able to predict stock movements. Alejandro Lopez-Lira used the platform to parse negative and positive headlines for stocks and predict returns for the following day, and was surprised to find how good the results were.

Whether or not tools like ChatGPT are effective in stock recommendations remains a debate. However, they can be useful for new investors looking for financial education and researching companies they want to invest in.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's hard-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said on Tuesday that if elected he would propose compensatory measures to U.S. President Donald Trump to mitigate the impact on Romanian companies of potential U.S. trade tariffs.

The eurosceptic Simion decisively swept the ballot on Sunday, with some 41% of votes, triggering the resignation of leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of the pro-Western coalition government.

Simion will face Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent centrist, in a May 18 run-off. The election is seen as a test of the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism in the EU.

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Romania's leu currency fell more than 2% on Tuesday, past the key 5 per euro level for the first time, and most of its international sovereign bonds continued to slide.

"Naturally, it would be impossible to negotiate a reduction in customs tariffs exclusively for Romania, as our country is part of the European single market and is bound by the same customs regulations as other EU member states," Simion told a conference on Tuesday.

"However, I plan to propose other compensatory measures to President Trump to mitigate the impact of this increase on Romania. Specifically, I will advocate for the enhancement of American investments in Romania."

"While President Trump and I both advocate for free markets, we recognize that governments have various mechanisms to support this goal, such as through assistance from Exim Bank USA."

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Simion also said he aimed to consult with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of few European leaders he admires.

"Should I be elected, I will undoubtedly advocate for Romanian interests akin to how President Donald J. Trump supports American interests," Simion added.

"However, our respective interests converge, presenting an opportune scenario whereby my potential presidency would significantly favor American investments and enterprises in Romania."

Simion 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.

His victory could isolate Romania, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, political observers said.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Seoul-born and Los Angeles-raised chef Roy Choi garnered a fast following when he established Korean American taco truck, Kogi, in 2008. The Netflix cooking series host is also owner, co-founder and chef of Tacos Por Vida in L.A. and Best Friend at Park MGM in Las Vegas. His bestselling book, The Choi of Cooking (released April 15), creates flavorful yet healthy takes on dishes like Kimchi Philly Cheesesteak. Here, he discusses why he shifted to healthy eating  and why it doesnt mean giving up your favorite foods.

Choi's latest book, The Choi of Cooking, released April 15.Courtesy of Clarkson Potter/Publishers

Q: How did you begin building your brand in L.A.?



A: Kogi was a happy accident. We all got fired around the time the economy crashed, and a friend of mine  who I worked with at the Beverly Hilton  pitched the idea: Korean BBQ in a taco, [from a truck] parked outside the clubs. It cracked open a door that had always been there. I grew up around tacos, burritos, lowriding culture, Korean food. When people bit into [the taco], it tasted like our L.A.: Pico Union, Koreatown, East Hollywood, South L.A. That bite defined a city that hadnt really had its signature dish yet.



Q: Your first book, L.A. Son, was as much memoir as cookbook. With The Choi of Cooking, youre again blending recipes with personal wisdom, but this time through the lens of balance and sustainability. What inspired this shift?



A: L.A. Son was a time stamp of everything up to the Kogi days. Since then, Ive grown a lot  lost friends to health issues and seen firsthand how processed food impacts our communities. My own health hit a breaking point. This book is about finding that middle space: creating comfort food with more intention but still flavor-forward, still soulful. Not Erewhon, but not junk either. Its for the working-class side of L.A. that deserves wellness too.

GO GREEN Chef Roy Choi packs veggies into his dishes, like green bean and chicken stir-fry.Courtesy of Bobby Fisher

Q: How does this book challenge conventional ideas of healthy eating?



A: A lot of wellness media only shows the final picture: perfect skin, yoga pants, beautiful people. But not everyone is there yet. This book meets people where they are. You can still have a burger or a hot dog  not everything has to be 100% healthy. Maybe its butcher-made, or on artisan bread, or with homemade relish and mustard. Its about taking steps, not leaps.



Q: Whats one small step from your book that could make the biggest impact on how people eat?



A: Flavor agents. People dont want to eat whole raw vegetables. But if you take those same veggies and puree them like guacamole or a salsa, thats creating a flavor agent. Keep these in the refrigerator. Then, you can put these flavor agents on and youre getting vegetables and nutrients. But youre getting them in a way that you want to eat them, because theyre full of deliciousness.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester police are searching for the vehicle and driver involved in a crash on Ames Street early Tuesday morning.

According to RPD, a light pole in the 300 block of Ames Street was struck by a vehicle, which did not remain at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Officers are asking anyone with information on this crash to call 911.

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On the steps of the Cass County Courthouse, a debate broke out Tuesday after the county board failed to give final approval to a route for a proposed hike-bike trail across the eastern Nebraska county. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

PLATTSMOUTH, Nebraska  Its back to the drawing board for a long-sought recreation trail across Cass County that would connect bike-hike trails from Lincoln and Omaha.

On Tuesday, the Cass County Board failed to vote on a preferred route for the trail, reversing course from last fall when the five-member board  with a slightly different makeup  voted 3-2 to approve an interlocal agreement with trail developers.

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That agreement included affirmation of a 10-mile route recommended after a years worth of public meetings, a route that paralleled mostly sparsely traveled gravel roads between the end of the Mo-Pac Trail at Wabash and the end of a trail just south of the Platte River near South Bend.

Uncertain future

It left uncertain what route, if any, the county board might approve, and whether $8.3 million in state funds allocated by the Legislature to help build it would be expended by a deadline at the end of 2028.

Supporters and opponents of a recreation trail proposed to link other trails from Omaha and Lincoln again filled the Cass County Board meeting room on Tuesday. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

Trail supporters, who have worked two decades to provide a connector trail across the rural county, expressed bitter disappointment after leaving the nearly one-hour long meeting, with one terming what had happened a cluster.

Im not an attorney, but I dont know how the county can back out (of its previous agreement) without some legal consequences, said Julie Harris, executive director of one pro-trail group, Bike-Walk Nebraska.

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But one trail opponent, who owns land along the preferred route selected in November, said a delay was appropriate.

I think they should prove that they have the funding before they start construction, said Judy Stroy of Murdock.

She referred to a gap in financing the preferred route for the trail, referred to as Route D. It has been estimated to cost about $15 million, about $7 million less than what the state has contributed.

Donor support

During the meeting, Mike Sousek of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, which is developing the trail, said he had obtained a signed agreement with a Mo-Pac Trail Alliance supporting the Cass County connector that those groups would cover the gap in funding with private donations.

This trail just south of the Lied Bridge crossing the Platte River ends in a few hundred feet. A proposed new trail across Cass County would link it with a trail out of Lincoln. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

There are no plans, Sousek told commissioners, to utilize property tax dollars to build the trail. He added that he expected the final cost of Route D would come in at less than $15 million, perhaps in the $10-12 million range.

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Sousek said that recent discussions had reduced the number of driveways that the trail would cross from nine to three. He said that Route D  which roughly follows 334th Street, a north-south, gravel road  had been picked because it features the fewest residences and crosses the fewest driveways.

But despite those assurances, commissioners failed to approve or reaffirm a route for the trail Tuesday  a vote that had been postponed from April so that commissioners, including two new members who joined the board after the November election, could obtain more information about the exact route.

A motion to approve Route D failed due to the lack of a second, as did a motion to postpone the vote again until May 20. Commissioners on Tuesday made no other motions for alternative routes. Three other paths had been studied by a consultant.

Lack of action

Cass County Attorney Chris Perrone said that despite the lack of action on Tuesday, the interlocal agreement between the county and NRD remains in effect, and that commissioners, at a future meeting, could move to approve a pathway for it. The county is not contributing financially to the project, but because the trail would utilize county right of way  ditches along county roads  it must approve a route.

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(The board) is not saying no to the trail  youre just saying youre not ready to pick a route, Perrone said to a packed meeting room of trail friends and foes.

Sousek, of the NRD, told commissioners after the vote that he needed some guidance about what the problems were with Route D, the route recommended by a consultant and seemingly backed by the board in November.

What is the problem with Route D? he asked. Id like a direction?

Sousek noted that the NRD had spent a considerable amount of money and time considering four routes for the trail over the past year.

Commissioner concerns

Eventually, Commissioner Terry Dasher, who was elected in November, said he had visited the preferred route with a tape measure and was concerned that the 8-foot-wide limestone trail would not fit in the roadside ditches.

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Commissioner Duane Murdoch, who voted no on the interlocal agreement in November, also voiced concerns about who would be liable if a bicyclist had an accident on the trail due to ruts from heavy equipment crossing it or from flying corn stalks from nearby harvesting equipment.

Cass County Board member Dan Stohlmann, also elected in November, spoke against Route D as well.

The discussion then turned to why the most westward pathway, Route A, wasnt selected. That route, which generally follows Nebraska Highway 1 from Elmwood to Murdock and then north to South Bend.

Commissioners said it would give more economic opportunity to Murdock because it would not bypass the town. There also appeared to be a wider right of way on which to build a trail, said critics of Route D.

Costliest route

Route A was projected to be the most expensive, at $24 million, and Sousek said it was rejected due to high cost, the prospect that some property tax dollars might be necessary to complete it and higher traffic counts. There also was an issue of whether the State of Nebraska would allow the use of its right of way, he said.

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Eventually, Commissioner Alex DeGarmo, the chair of the board and the only clear supporter of Route D, was able to convince fellow commissioners to form a subcommittee to try and work out an acceptable route. Murdoch, a trail skeptic, also was appointed to the subcommittee.

Harris, of Bike-Walk Nebraska, said that in her mind, many of the issues raised by critics of the trail had already been asked and answered, and that commissioners, over the past month, had plenty of opportunities to ask additional questions and had not.

Im very frustrated, she said. I just think we need to regroup and talk about a path forward.

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Russian air defense allegedly shot down three drones heading toward Moscow on May 6, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.

The news 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.

During the attack, temporary restrictions were imposed on air traffic over Moscow, as well as over the Russian cities of Kaluga, Tambov, Yaroslavl, and Nizhny Novgorod.

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The independent Russian Telegram channel Astra published a video and photos allegedly taken after the drones were downed. The footage purportedly shows the wreckage of a drone.

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The Ukrainian government has not commented on the alleged drone attack. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify Russia's claims at the time of publication.

Overnight on May 6, Russia also reported intercepting 19 drones headed toward Moscow, marking the second consecutive night that drones reportedly targeted the Russian capital.

Read also: Kyivs air defense increasingly under pressure amid missile shortage

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian air defence forces repelled dozens of Ukrainian drones that attacked Moscow and other parts of the country on Tuesday, the defence ministry said.

In two evening posts on Telegram, the defence ministry listed sites where 70 drones were intercepted in various regions including Moscow, central Russia and Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula in the Black Sea annexed by Russia in 2014.

Russia's aviation authority halted flights at two of Moscow's airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, on Tuesday evening.

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The biggest numbers were downed near Russia's western border with Ukraine -- 31 in Kursk province and 14 in Bryansk province, the ministry said. The Bryansk governor said one woman there was killed by a drone.

The ministry report cited two Ukrainian drones repelled over Moscow while 11 were intercepted in the regions of Kaluga and Tula about 180 km (112 miles) south of Moscow.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in separate Telegram posts that eight drones targeting the capital were downed.

"Today, throughout the day, Defence Ministry air defence units have been repelling enemy drones," the Moscow mayor said.

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Several Russian media outlets shared videos purportedly showing debris from one of the downed drones in the city of Noginsk, east of the Russian capital.

The drone attacks came days before President Vladimir Putin hosts several world leaders in Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman)
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's air defence units were trying repel a missile attack on Kyiv, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital said early on Wednesday after a series of explosions shook the city.

Reuters' witnesses said they heard a series of loud blasts soon after 1 a.m. local time.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Valentyn Ogirenko in Kyiv; Writing by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Chris Reese)
MOSCOW (AP)  The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China at the end of August and beginning of September, reciprocating Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Russia this week to attend festivities marking Victory Day in World War II.

Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the visit will be part of a good tradition, in which Xi visits Moscow to attend celebrations of Russia's defeat over Nazi Germany in May 1945, and Putin travels to China to attend events marking the Allied defeat of Japan.

This was the case 10 years ago, in 2015, and this will be the case this year, Ushakov said.

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On Sept. 3, Beijing is set to host an event marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which China refers to as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

In 2015, China marked the 70th anniversary of its role in the defeat of Japan with a massive military parade involving more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military equipment and 200 military aircraft.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier this year announced that China and Russia would jointly mark this years anniversary.

Putin last visited China a year ago, in his first foreign trip after being sworn in for his fifth term in office. He also went in October 2023 and in February 2022, weeks before the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

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Xis visit to Russia will be his third since then. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlins contentions that Russias action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China because of Western sanctions. Chinas increased trade with Russia has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.

Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

Xi last visited Russia in September 2024 for a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies. He paid a state visit to Russia in March 2023. The two leaders also met in Kazakhstan in July 2024.

___

Associated Press writer Simina Mistreaunu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin early on Tuesday reported new drone attacks on the Russian capital.

At least 18 unmanned aerial vehicles on their way to Moscow from different directions were shot down by air defence forces, Sobyanin said on Telegram. Debris from a drone fell onto a motorway, but so far there have been no reports of serious damage or injuries.

Authorities reported that Ukrainian drones had been intercepted over the Voronezh and Penza regions. Initially, no damage or injuries were reported from there either.

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For safety reasons, air traffic at Moscow's four airports, Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky, was temporarily suspended, according to the Russian news agency TASS, which cited aviation authority Rosaviatsiya.

Additionally, air traffic was also temporarily suspended at airports in Kaluga, some 200 kilometres south-west of Moscow, Saratov, some 850 kilometres south-east of the capital, and Volgograd, some 1,000 kilometres south-east of Moscow.

The information cannot be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Ukraine reported a Russian drone attack on the city of Kharkiv. A residential building caught fire, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

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Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years. As part of its defensive campaign, it has also been attacking targets in Russia, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The casualties and damage are dwarfed by the devastating consequences of the conflict on the Ukrainian side.

There have been 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 has accepted. However, Putin has rejected the plan.

Instead, Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square - which marks the end of World War II and is celebrated in Russia on May 9.

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The ceasefire is scheduled to start at 12 am Thursday (2100 GMT Wednesday) and end at 12 am on Sunday (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.
A Russian ballistic missile struck civilian infrastructure in the city of Sumy on 6 May, killing 3 people.

Source: Oleh Hryhorov, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook; Kordon.Media, online media outlet in Sumy Oblast; the Sumy City Council

Details: The outskirts of Sumy were attacked by Russian forces at around 17:30.

"Early reports indicate that the enemy targeted civilian infrastructure with a ballistic missile. The aftermath of the Russian attack is being clarified," Hryhorov wrote.

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Kordon.Media reported that a child was killed at the scene of the strike, and that there are injured individuals as well. Later, the Sumy City Council clarified that the deceased was not a child but a 20-year-old woman.

At 19:46, Hryhorov reported that three people were killed in the strike.

"The Russians took the lives of a 6-year-old boy, a 20-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Four children and four injured adults are now in medical institutions. Two are in extremely serious condition," Hryhorov wrote.

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We recently published a list of Billionaire Bill Ackmans 7 Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) stands against other billionaire Bill Ackmans stock picks with huge upside potential.

Known commonly as Bill Ackman, William Albert Ackman is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pershing Square, a hedge fund renowned for its focused investment strategy and high-conviction portfolio. Ackman is known for maintaining a highly concentrated investment approach, often holding stakes in only 8 to 12 companies at any given time. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, Pershing Squares portfolio was valued at $12.66 billion and included ten stocks, with over 50% of the funds capital concentrated in just the top four investments. This exemplifies Ackmans commitment to identifying and capitalizing on undervalued opportunities, favoring companies that he believes are mispriced in relation to their intrinsic, long-term value.

Ackmans investment philosophy has largely centered on value-based principles and activist strategies. His ability to identify market inefficiencies and apply pressure for change has yielded significant returns in the past. Pershing Squares portfolio selections typically reflect this strategy, with a strong emphasis on companies with solid fundamentals and potential for operational or financial turnaround.

In early 2024, Ackman took a notable step by launching a U.S. closed-end fund named Pershing Square USA, Ltd. However, the initial public offering (IPO) of the fund was abruptly canceled just one day after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The cancellation followed an unexpected drop in valuation from an intended $25 billion to just $2 billion. Following the cancellation, Ackman posted on the social media platform X that the firm would report back once we are ready to launch a revised transaction, suggesting that Pershing Square USA may still proceed in the future without a traditional stock exchange listing.

Ackmans active engagement with both market trends and political developments illustrates his multifaceted approach to investing. As Pershing Square continues to evolve, close attention is being paid to the stocks within its concentrated portfolio, particularly those with the highest upside potential in light of current economic and political tailwinds.

Our Methodology

For this list, we searched through Pershing Squares Q4 2024 13F filings to identify billionaire Bill Ackmans stock picks with the highest upside potential. We compiled the equities with upside potential higher than 12% at the time of writing this article and analyzed why they stood out as sound potential investments. Finally, we ranked the stocks based on the ascending order of their upside potential. To assist readers with more context, we mentioned the hedge fund sentiment around each stock using data from 1,009 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Russian military behavior in the Baltic Sea region is "increasing the threat of accidental military incidents," Latvias Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has said in a new report.

The annual report, cited by Latvian media on May 6, said Russia is using aggressive tactics such as unauthorized airspace incursions and close encounters with NATO ships and aircraft.

"The purpose of the provocations is most likely to intimidate and test the potential opponent, while attempts to discredit the reactions and defense capabilities of the countries of the region are not excluded," it said.

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These actions, MIDD says, are "increasing the threat of accidental military incidents."

Russia's Baltic Sea Fleet has its headquarters and main base in Kaliningrad Oblast which has access to the Baltic Sea. The headquarters of the Russian Admiralty is based in St. Petersburg, also located on the Baltic Sea.

A map of the Baltic Sea Region. (Lisa Kukharska/The Kyiv Independent)

Russia has restructured its military presence along its Baltic flank. The former Western Military District, which bordered Latvia, has been split into the newly formed Leningrad and Moscow Military Districts. This was officially presented as a response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, according to MIDD.

Despite ongoing reforms, including the formation of a new army corps and the reorganization of old ones in Karelia and Kaliningrad, MIDD said that these changes have not yet resulted in a significant boost in Russias combat power near Latvia. Most of Russias military resources remain involved in the war in Ukraine.

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MIDD highlighted a sharp reduction in large-scale exercises due to equipment and manpower shortages. Nevertheless, Russia and Belarus are planning to hold the Zapad 2025 (West 2025) joint military exercises later this year, as part of a long-standing series of drills held every two years since 2009.

The most recent iteration, Zapad-2021, involved over 200,000 participants and served as a prelude to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia is committed to a long-term militarization strategy, according to the report, and Moscow plans to expand its armed forces from one to 1.5 million personnel, with much of the focus on its western flank.

While such goals may take years, or even a decade, to fully realize, Latvia should expect a gradual increase in troop presence near its borders after the intensity of hostilities in Ukraine decreases, it said.

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The report also stresses that Russia's wartime economy is likely to remain in place. The shift away from peacetime economic priorities reinforces a sustained need for external confrontation and military expansion, making Moscows aggressive foreign policy not just a strategic choice but a domestic necessity, the MIDD added.

Read also: Why the Baltic States fear Russias Kaliningrad exclave

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story.

Russian forces launched a missile attack against a suburb of Sumy on May 6, killing three and injuring seven people, the local military administration reported.

According to the preliminary information, Russian troops used a ballistic missile, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration said. It was launched at around 5:30 p.m. local time, targeting civilian infrastructure.

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A 20-year-old woman was killed at the scene of the attack. A six-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man died on the way to the hospital, according to the administration.

Most of the injured are children, according to the authorities.

Further details about the attack are being clarified.

Sumy Oblast is a northeastern region that borders Russia's Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts. Sumy Oblast residents often experience multiple attacks per day, with border areas suffering from artillery and glide bomb attacks, and the regional capital of Sumy coming under missile and drone strikes.

Most recently, Russia has been deploying small assault groups to infiltrate the region in a bid to expand the front line.

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Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front

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Russian troops have executed three captured Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: Investigators have determined that three Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen were performing combat missions at a position near the village of Novopil in the Velyka Novosilka hromada of the Volnovakha district on 3 May. Russian troops surrounded the Ukrainian defenders during an assault, forcing them to lay down their arms and surrender. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

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Upon realising that the Ukrainians could not resist, Russian troops executed them with automatic weapons.

Quote: "The intentional killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and qualifies as a serious international crime.

Urgent investigative and search operations are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the incident."

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The Russian troops attacked the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast seven times on the morning of 6 May, killing one person and injuring two others.

Source: Oleksandr Honcharenko, Head of Kramatorsk City Military Administration, on Facebook

Quote from Oleksandr Honcharenko: "Kramatorsk suffered seven enemy attacks... One person was killed and two others injured."

Details: Honcharenko added that one of those who were injured in the attacks is in a critical condition. Early reports indicate that all the strikes targeted the industrial area.

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Russia has attacked Ukraine with 136 attack UAVs and other types of decoy drones since the evening of 5 May. A total of 54 drones were destroyed, another 70 disappeared from radar, and one drone is still in the air. Combat efforts to shoot it down are ongoing.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "As of 10:30, 54 Shahed-type attack UAVs (other types of drones) have been confirmed shot down in the east, north, south and centre of the country. 70 enemy decoy drones have disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects)."

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Details: The Russian attack affected Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

The Russians launched drones from the Russian cities of Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from the city of Primorsk in the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The air attack was repelled by Ukrainian aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian defence forces.

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The Russians have attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with guided bombs, drones and artillery, damaging infrastructure, business premises and residential buildings in various districts.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Russian forces attacked the Novopavlivka hromada in the Synelnykove district last night. They used guided bombs. Infrastructure facilities were damaged. No injuries reported. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

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The enemy also struck the district in the morning, targeting business premises in the Ilarionove hromada. Details are being confirmed."

Details: In addition, the Russians shelled the Myrove hromada in the Nikopol district overnight. They struck the Marhanets hromada with a drone in the morning.

Lysak said there were no casualties.

"An air-raid warning is in effect in the oblast. Please stay in a safe place," he concluded.

Later, Lysak added that a man had been injured in the morning strike on the Ilarionove hromada.

"He has been hospitalised in a critical condition. Doctors are providing all the necessary treatment," he reported.

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Russian forces shelled the village of Komyshany in Kherson Oblast on 6 May, killing a woman.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "At around 11:00, the enemy attacked the village with artillery. Sadly, a 55-year-old woman received fatal injuries as a result of the shelling."

Details: Prokudin expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who had been killed.

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The data of the oblast military administration indicates that over the past 24 hours, 33 settlements in the oblast, including the city of Kherson, were under the Russian drone attacks, artillery shelling and airstrikes.

Russian troops targeted social infrastructure and residential areas of settlements in the oblast, damaging two apartment buildings and nine houses. The Russians also damaged a cell tower, gas pipelines, a warehouse and cars.

One person was killed and three others injured as a result of the Russian attacks.

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May 5AUSTIN  A criminal illegal immigrant wanted for sexually abusing a child is this month's Featured Fugitive. Kevin Galileo Morales Saravia has been added to the 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List and the reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 during the month of May if the tip is received this month.

According to a Texas Department of Transportation news release, Kevin Galileo Morales Saravia, 28, a criminal illegal immigrant from El Salvador, has been wanted out of Harris County since February 2025 for indecency with a child by sexual contact. In 2014, he was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) in Texas and detained for approximately one month before being released.

Morales Saravia is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. He has ties to Harris County, including the city of Houston. More information about Morales Saravia or updates in the event of his arrest can be found here.

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Funded by the Governor's Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas' 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2025, DPS and other agencies have arrested 27 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including seven sex offenders and nine criminal illegal immigrantswith $25,000 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

 Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

 Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.

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 Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the "SUBMIT A TIP" link (under the "About" section).

All tips are anonymous  regardless of how they are submitted  and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists  with photos  on the DPS website.
A woman and her girlfriend were thrown out of a luxurious five-star hotel after a security guard allegedly accused her of being a man using a female bathroom.

Ansley Baker and her partner, Liz Victor, were at the Liberty Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, attending a Kentucky Derby party on Saturday.

The couple was using the womens restroom in the foyer when they heard a bang on the stall doors, they told CBS News Boston.

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Baker said she was in one of the stalls as Victor waited around the corner near the sinks. The hotel says that security was alerted by several women that the couple was sharing a single stall. Baker and Victor deny being in the same stall.

The male security guard allegedly began urging Baker, who was born a woman and identifies as a woman, to get out of the bathroom and accused her of being a man

All of a sudden there was banging on the door, Baker told the local news station. I pulled my shorts up. I hadn't even tied them. One of the security guards was there telling me to get out of the bathroom, that I was a man in the women's bathroom. I said, I'm a woman.

The couple was allegedly kicked out of The Liberty Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday (Google Street View)

Baker was eventually escorted out of the bathroom to what she said were other women waiting in line, saying get him out of here and hes a creep, referring to Baker.

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Tempers began to fray when the security guard allegedly asked the women for identification to check their gender in the lobby.

After handing over their ID and repeating that Baker was a woman, the couple claims they were told to leave the hotel.

Literally, left on the sidewalk, both of us crying and shaking, Victor told Fox News affiliate Boston 25.

The Liberty Hotel said that it is conducting an internal investigation and reached out to the couple on Monday afternoon.

The bathroom was cleared out as two adults in one stall are not permitted. After leaving the bathroom, a member of the couple from the stall put their hands on our security team and it was then that they were removed from the premises, the hotel said in its statement.

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Victor alleged that it was blatantly obvious that only one person was in the stall.

If that's what he thought the issue was once he opened the stall door, obviously there was only one person in there, so it should've been case closed, she said. Let her tie up her shorts and go about her day.

In an updated statement Tuesday, a spokesperson for the hotel said that it had concluded its investigation and the security officer is being suspended from their position immediately.

All staff members will be required to complete mandatory training on inclusive practices and guest interaction protocols, it added. The hotel said it will be donating to a local LGBTQ+ organization it has partnered with on May 17, which marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

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The Liberty Hotel is and always will be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and a place where everyone is welcome and celebrated, it added.

The couple said they have alerted Bostons Mayor Michelle Wus office about their experience to prevent anyone else from a similar situation.
By Tom Sims

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Commerzbank employee representatives are calling on staff to protest against a possible takeover by the Italian bank UniCredit, signalling that resistance to any deal remains fierce.

The event is scheduled two hours before the German lender's annual general meeting on May 15.

"We want to make it clear once again how important Commerzbank's independence is and that we know how to defend it," said a letter from employee representatives announcing the protest.

"Be there too, it's up to all of us!" said the letter, seen by Reuters.

Handelsblatt first reported the protest plans.

Last year, UniCredit disclosed it had amassed a sizeable stake in Commerzbank, eliciting concerns from employees, as well as Commerzbank management and top German government officials.

Commerzbank and UniCredit declined to comment on the protest.

Andrea Orcel, UniCredit CEO, shocked Germany's corporate and political establishment last year when the Italian bank snapped up a hefty stake in Commerzbank and began pushing for a tie-up in a bold attempt at a pan-European bank merger.

UniCredit's pursuit of Commerzbank has become a test of Germany's resolve to fend off foreign suitors and prevent its financial centre in Frankfurt from losing one of its few remaining big commercial banks.

Orcel has said he would wait until a new government was in place in Berlin after a recent election before acting further. He has also recently said he may need to wait until 2027 to make a decision on whether to pursue a deal.

(Reporting by Tom Sims, editing by Thomas Seythal and Tomasz Janowski)
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  One of San Angelos largest fundraising events will be held on Tuesday, May 6, providing citizens a chance to maximize their donations impact on nonprofits throughout the city. Heres what you need to know about San Angelo Gives 2025.

According to the events website, San Angelo Gives is a powerful 24-hour, online giving event that connects the Concho Valley with community nonprofits to reinforce the value of both local philanthropic giving and community engagement. The event is hosted by the San Angelo Area Foundation.

The Foundations mission is to grow philanthropy in San Angelo and surrounding counties by connecting people who care with causes that matter, the event website reads.

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During the event, those who wish to give can visit the San Angelo Gives websites donation webpage to find and donate to a nonprofit of their choice. As of the time of publication, there are approximately 256 organizations to which donations may be made.

The nonprofits and the amount of funds raised for them can be tracked throughout the day using the website.

LOCAL nonprofits involvement in the event will give members of our community the chance to find and support an organization whose mission aligns with their passion, the San Angelo Gives website reads.

San Angelo Gives also features a unique prize system sponsored by businesses from across the Concho Valley that allows causes to earn additional sums of money on top of their donations based off certain criteria, such as having the most amount of money donated within a given set of hours.

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San Angelo Gives has raised over $22 million since 2015, as per its website. During last years event, which was also San Angelo Gives 10-year anniversary, $4,025,052 was raised across 10,736 donations given to 253 organizations.

Early giving opened for the 2025 event on April 22.

For more information about San Angelo Gives or to donate during the event, visit sanangelogives.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
San Francisco is joining a coalition of local governments to sue the Trump administration over new requirements which, they say, could threaten hundreds of millions of dollars in federal homelessness grants.

Nearly 2,000 people in the Bay Area city alone could lose their subsidies and face eviction if the federal funding is cut off, San Francisco officials argued in a Monday court filing.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in a U.S. District Court in Seattle, aims to prevent the administration from adding strings to Department of Housing and Urban Development funding related to DEI, immigration enforcement, abortion and "gender ideology," arguing the agency lacks the authority to do so without congressional approval. The coalition also includes Santa Clara County, two counties in Washington state, Boston, New York City and Columbus, Ohio.

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"The Trump administration is trying to impose grant conditions that are that are unlawful," San Francisco District Attorney David Chiu said in an interview Monday. "From our perspective, these conditions blatantly violate the Constitution and endanger people's lives, and we need to oppose those efforts and stand up in court for this funding in our communities."

San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing receives more than $56 million dollars from HUD in the form of 35 program grants, according to the Monday filing. The money mostly goes toward rental assistance and supportive services to house chronically homeless residents.

Chiu said local governments around the country had been engaging in "intense discussion" in recent weeks over the new funding strings. He said his office is bringing the lawsuit instead of Attorney General Rob Bonta because "it's local jurisdictions that are experiencing it and can prove the harm."
(KRON)  A popular Italian restaurant in San Jose Is struggling to reopen after nearly burning down last summer, due to delays to delays in insurance and construction.

Tony Di Maggios Pizza off Monterey Road and the Capitol Expressway has remained closed since the restaurant suffered a roof fire. Pizza shop owner Jack Di Maggio told KRON 4 that the fire started after construction crews ruptured a wire while installing a new air-conditioning unit.

I just want to get open, Di Maggio said. Its been a long 10 months. Weve been struggling lately so we just wanna get back open, make food, do what weve been doing for pretty much my whole life.

Tony Di Maggios Pizza in San Jose. (KRON4)

Biotech company once valued at $700 million slashes entire workforce

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The pizza shop has lost more than $600,000 in sales since the closure, Di Maggio said.

The restaurant has served San Jose customers for 50 years. Di Maggio hopes to reopen in May or June.

Watch KRON4 reporter Jack Molmuds full report in the video above.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The San Marcos Police Department is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian that happened Saturday night in the 4200 block of State Highway 123.

Officers responded to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian around 10:46 p.m. in the southbound lanes of SH 123, just south of Skylark Lane. According to a press release from SMPD, officers found 33-year-old Michael Lamar Rucker, of Georgia, dead in the roadway.

According to officials, Rucker was hit by two separate vehicles and the vehicle involved in the initial crash left the scene before officers arrived. The pedestrian was hit by a second vehicle, but the driver remained on scene and cooperated with police, the release stated. Investigators are working to identify the driver of the first vehicle involved in the crash.

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Found at the scene was a right-side mirror part from a white pickup truck consistent with an early 2000s Ford. The mirror cap featured a custom-painted rose design, the release detailed.

San Marcos Police Department searching for a suspect in fatal hit-and-run crash on State Highway 123 (Photo: San Marcos Police Department)

We are working diligently to identify the driver who left the scene, said Sergeant Tony Scott, with the Collision Investigation Team.

Scott said the team is examining all physical evidence with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Were also working to locate any potential surveillance or dash cam video.

San Marcos PD is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash, has video from that area Saturday night or has information about the suspect to contact Scott at 512-753-2114. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Hays County Crime Stoppers.

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We want to bring closure to the victims family, Scott said. If anyone saw anything, no matter how small, please come forward.

This marks the second traffic fatality in San Marcos in 2025.

This investigation is ongoing, and no further information was available as of Monday.

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia is set to discuss a potential agreement with the United States about cooperation in the fields of mining and mineral resources, the Saudi cabinet said in a statement reported by the country's state news agency on Tuesday.

The statement did not provide the details of the "memorandum", which it said would be negotiated by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the United States Department of Energy.

The statement comes ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia next week.

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Saudi Arabia has been rapidly expanding its mining sector as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification program, which aims to wean the economy off of oil, with gold, phosphate rock and bauxite its main resources.

The kingdom has also announced discoveries of extensive domestic resources and last year Saudi officials nearly doubled their estimate for the kingdom's minerals reserves to $2.5 trillion, largely due to the addition of rare earths.

Reuters reported in April that Saudi Arabias flagship mining company Ma'aden is considering choosing at least one of four foreign firms, including a U.S. company, to form a rare earths processing partnership.

Ma'aden is weighing a partnership with U.S.-based MP Materials, China's Shenghe Resources, Australia's Lynas Rare Earths, or Canada's Neo Performance Materials sources told Reuters.

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Saudi Arabia has also grown its international mining presence, launching a joint venture between its sovereign wealth fund and Ma'aden, called Manara Minerals to invest in mining assets abroad.

Manara's first major foray abroad was a deal to become a 10% shareholder in Vale's $26 billion copper and nickel spin-off Vale Base Metals in 2023.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Yousef Saba; Editing by Jan Harvey and Tomasz Janowski)
Twenty-five years ago, as I left Auschwitz, I was certain I would never set foot in a concentration camp again. As the granddaughter of a survivor, I felt a duty to witness and to honour  but I knew that what I saw during those few days in Poland would remain etched in my memory forever. And I was right. I remember so clearly stepping into those cramped barracks, seeing the blue residue of Zyklon B on the gas chamber walls, walking the railway tracks that had carried thousands of Jews on a catastrophic one-way journey. Certain memories time cannot erode.

Yet fast forward a few decades, and I find myself visiting a concentration camp again  Bergen-Belsen. This time, my motivation is not to see, but to hear  from survivors themselves. The opportunity to visit the camps alongside those who lived through those dark chapters of history is becoming ever more rare. But to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation by British troops  and ahead of VE Day  survivors (as well as dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis) have gathered at the former concentration camp.

Among them are Bergen-Belsen survivors Mala Tribich and Susan Pollack, both gravely ill with malnutrition and typhus when they were liberated in April 1945. Susan, 14 at the time, has never returned to Bergen-Belsen  until today.

Mala Tribich (left) and Susan Pollack, survivors of unimaginable horrors, gather to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belsen - Blake Ezra Photography 2025

She still remembers that moment of liberation in painful detail. I was starving, and I wasnt able to walk any more, she tells me, her eyes watery with age and memory.

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So I crawled out [of the barracks]. I crawled out to die. There were so many rotting bodies to be seen everywhere. Her tone softens: Then a pair of gentle hands lifted me up. And who was that? A British soldier. Does she remember what went through her mind at that moment? It was a miracle, she says.

At 94, she is still a walking miracle. When I first meet her, it is 6am and she is striding through Stansted Airport clutching a stick that seems to be struggling to keep up with her. Shes resplendent, even at such an ungodly hour, in a pretty pink pullover and matching lipstick. We are flying to Hanover and then driving the hour-long journey to Bergen-Belsen as part of the UK delegation organised by Ajex (the Jewish Military Association).

Eighty years ago, when the British freed the people from that hell on earth, they didnt just bring skeletons back from the brink of death; they restored humanity and dignity. As a British Jew, its a piece of history that fills me with both pride and gratitude. The first troops to enter the camp were from the 63rd Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery, under the command of Lt Col Richard Taylor, accompanied by a loudspeaker truck from the Intelligence Corps.

Britains Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, joins survivors and dignitaries to pay tribute to all those murdered at the camp - Blake Ezra Photography 2025

Amongst them was Sgt Norman Turgel, a Jewish officer in the British army. His son, sitting alongside me at the ceremony today, tells the story of how Norman came across a young woman in the camp, who, despite her own unbearable grief and frailty, was helping to nurse other survivors.

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That woman was my mother, he says. They formed a bond that turned into love, something almost unimaginable in a place built for death. Six weeks later they were married  his mother, Gina, wearing a wedding dress sewed from British military silks, gifted from Normans comrades.

Meanwhile, British veteran Stanley Fisher from the West Midlands, who was unable to make the journey (hes 100 years old), recalls his experience in a message. I fought through France and all the way to northern Germany, eventually stationed very close to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where I witnessed horrors that have stayed with me all my life.

By the time Bergen-Belsen was liberated, around 70,000 people had already died there, mainly due to disease or starvation. Albrecht Weinberg, a 100-year-old survivor from Germany, remembers the moment British soldiers arrived. He had been deported to Bergen-Belsen on a wagon.

An 80ft-tall stone obelisk stands as a tribute to the tens of thousands who perished at the camp - Blake Ezra Photography 2025

Our bodies were tipped out, he says. Two days later, a tank drove in. I thought, Now Ill finally be freed by death, but it was British soldiers coming to liberate us. He was a 20-year-old man at the time, but weighed only 4st 7lb.

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Over afternoon refreshments, Susan explains what perhaps needs no explanation  why she has never returned. Bergen-Belsen, for me, was a place of death, she tells me, leaning in, her voice low, her words hesitant. Of suffering.

Today, very little of the camp remains. The site is barren, save for a memorial obelisk, but grass mounds now mark the locations of mass graves, with thousands buried beneath each.

Susan shares a memory from her arrival here in 1944. Among the walking skeletons, she recognised an old friend and neighbour from her hometown of Felsogod in Hungary. Susans father had been taken by the Nazis early in the war, and she had been separated from her mother and brother while at Auschwitz. So the familiar face must have been a comfort to that teenage girl, and the memory still swirls in her mind more than 80 years later.

She recognised me and asked, Do you think Im going to survive? The following day, I went back to see her, but she had lice all over her. In the camp, lice spread typhus. A look tells me what I need not ask. Very few survived in Bergen-Belsen, she says simply.

Bergen-Belsen, for me, was a place of death: More than 50 members of Susans family were murdered during the Holocaust, including her mother - Blake Ezra Photography

Susan (then Zsuzsanna Blau) was one of those who did  just  but she was alone. More than 50 members of her family had been murdered. She later discovered her mother had been gassed at Auschwitz. Her brother survived but never mentally recovered. He had been made to work as a Sonderkommando (work units made up of death camp prisoners), shovelling dead bodies from the gas chambers to the ovens.

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Recalling those early years after liberation, Susan says: They were very difficult times. Here I am, a youngster. I dont speak English. I have no support and no financial help because I had no relatives.

She was sent to Sweden to recover and was then taken to Canada, where she met fellow survivor Abraham Pollack. He liked me. Then we became friends. And we shared many similar experiences, so we understood each other. Susan was 18 when they got married but says they didnt know many people; her husband had to pay two people at work to be their witnesses. Im here now because of my husband. He used to work two shifts every day, she says.

Her philosophy has always been to look forward. She had three children and in 1963 the family moved to London, where she worked as a librarian and eventually got a degree in history, aged 60. It was only later in life she started to work with organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust to share her experiences and educate.

I know little of my own familys experiences, one generation always wanting to protect the next from their horrific memories, except that my grandfather Brian, originally from Pabianice in Poland, was in Buchenwald when he was liberated. He passed away when my father was 14, so I never had the chance to meet him. My grandmother, also from Pabianice, moved to London before the war, but her mother and sister survived Auschwitz, passing off as sisters.

Naomi Greenaway at Bergen-Belsen - Blake Ezra Photography

One of the only details of their experience that I know is that they lived in relentless fear  not only day-to-day, but second-to-second. They knew any moment could be their last. My grandmothers other sister, Yadja, was gassed in a lorry, and most of the large extended family perished. But her cousin, Helen Aronson, was one of the few survivors of the odz Ghetto  she celebrated her 98th birthday last week. She survived by hiding underground when the Nazis came to liquidate the ghetto.

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Like Susan, every life to emerge from those camps was miraculous. Being part of that legacy means I will always feel gratitude for being here, but it also feels like it comes with responsibility  to ensure memories are kept alive and lessons are never forgotten.

As we file off the plane in London, I take a moment to sit with Susan, still perky at the end of an 18-hour day. With a warm smile and an invitation to pop over to her house for tea, she tells me shes happy she made the decision to go. I am too  and I hope to help keep the memories shes shared with me alive, as the collective voice of the survivors becomes ever quieter. Like that visit to Auschwitz 25 years ago, Susans story will always be with me.

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A bill touted as enabling South Carolina to meet future energy needs is drawing renewed criticism following changes approved Thursday, May 1, 2025, by the House. (File Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

With only three days left in this years legislative session, the Senate will consider troubling changes to the energy bill adopted by the House of Representatives.

These changes will harm South Carolina ratepayers and property owners unless senators stand firm on the version they passed last month. These surprising House changes represent a betrayal of the public trust and should be soundly defeated by the Senate.

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According to news reports, the House approved changes late last Thursday afternoon that were negotiated outside the public eye.

Key Senate leaders werent even consulted about these significant changes.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and Sen. Chip Campsen, chairman of the Fish Game and Forestry Committee  two who led the energy bill through the Senate in a serious examination  should be commended for their efforts.

Unfortunately, neither senator was consulted, they told reporters, even though they were instrumental in adding consumer protections to the Senates version of the bill.

By removing those protections, the House version would allow electric utilities to build new gas pipelines across South Carolina without having to give landowners notice in advance of seeking state permits and would also allow new data centers to be built without requiring them to pay their fair share of interconnection costs.

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The House amendment was approved without any meaningful debate on the floor.

Now the Senate has the ability to summarily reject all of these House changes.

The Senate worked long and hard to fashion a reasonable compromise to what the House passed in February. If these utilities want to stick it to our states ratepayers and landowners, then let them go home without an energy bill.

If you care about keeping electric utility bills affordable and fair, if you think that new data centers should be required to pay their fair share of costs to connect to the grid, if you care about getting prior written notice before a new gas pipeline is authorized across your private property, then you better pay attention.

We need more transparency, accountability and fairness when it comes to protecting our ratepayers and private landowners in South Carolina.

Let us know what you think...
Conservative school board candidates across Texas suffered an array of defeats in Saturdays local elections, marking a clear setback for the Republican-aligned movement to shape how grade school curriculums and library books confront issues of race, sex and gender.

The sweeping losses for conservative school board hopefuls also served as an early sign of potential backlash to the nascent administration of President Donald Trump, ahead of a 2026 midterm in which a number of statewide offices will be on the ballot. Midterm elections historically have spelled trouble for the incumbent presidents party in down-ballot races.

Saturdays elections saw the defeat of numerous conservative school board trustees in the Tarrant County suburbs surrounding Fort Worth, the epicenter of the states recent culture war fights over how students should learn about race and gender. All seven school board candidates in contested races who were endorsed by the Tarrant County Republican Party lost their elections.

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The fight dates back to 2022, when a network of conservative donors and groups led by Patriot Mobile Action  a North Texas Christian nationalist PAC funded by a cellphone company  backed a slate of 11 school board candidates around the area, 10 of whom won their elections. That included major gains on the Mansfield ISD board, where the newfound conservative majority gave itself oversight over which library books could be added to school shelves, presaging a proposal now making its way through the Legislature.

All three Mansfield ISD trustees up for reelection Saturday had been backed by Patriot Mobile Action and were endorsed this year by the Tarrant County GOP; all three lost their reelection bids. The partys pick for Mansfield mayor, Julie Short, also failed to unseat incumbent Michael Evans.

Conservatives also racked up losses on the nearby Arlington, Grapevine-Colleyville and Keller ISD boards. Keller ISD trustees have drawn statewide attention over a 2022 policy that, in practice, allowed community members to block proposed book purchases.

Conservative activist Carlos Turcios called the results horrible news.

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The Radical DEI Left has flipped the conservative school board. Mansfield ISD has capitulated to the DEI-LGBTQ Left. Prayers, Turcios wrote on social media, adding that Mansfield has gone to Hell.

Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French said the losses came after an election in which the party did more than we have ever done in terms of voter contact.

We will have to analyze who turned out and who didnt before we know everything. But, it seems the average Republican just doesnt care about local elections, French said, adding that he believes some GOP voters felt no urgency locally after Trumps election, because Trump is winning on so many issues.

Though school board elections are nonpartisan and have traditionally been sleepy, low-budget affairs, they have been seized by the hyperpolarized and partisan fervor once restricted to national politics  making Saturdays elections all but nonpartisan in name only. Still, Jon Taylor, a political science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, cautioned both parties against reading too much into the results, given that this weekends scant voter participation was not indicative of who will turn out in next years midterms.

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I'm not convinced that somehow, reading the tea leaves, this will be a big year for the Democrats in 26 because of what happened in local elections with 3% to 7% turnout, Taylor said. That said, if I were the Republicans, I would be at least a little bit worried that in a low-information, low-turnout election, the doctrinaire, far-right, almost Christian nationalist conservatives didn't fare well.

The conservative school board wipeout also extended to the Houston area, where the Katy ISD board president, Victor Perez, was ousted by a longtime educator who campaigned on shifting the boards focus away from culture war battles. Perezs tenure on the board has been defined by book bans and policies requiring students to use the bathroom that aligns with their sex assigned at birth, along with requiring school staff to tell parents if a student asks to be identified as transgender, change his or her name, or use different pronouns at school.

Such policies typically passed on 4-3 votes, with Perez among the majority.

In nearby Fort Bend ISD, voters also ushered in a new majority coalition that opposes the far-reaching book removal policy approved by the board last year.

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Texas Republican Party Chair Abraham George acknowledged the party's poor performance but vowed the GOP would rebound.

"The local elections, endorsements, we didn't do very good. But we will continue to fight that battle in Texas," George said in a livestream on social media Monday. "We will continue to work with the local county parties to continue to have good candidates on the ballot. And it's a process. Nothing is overnight."

Runoff in San Antonio

It was not universally bad news for conservatives, who will have a chance for redemption in the San Antonio mayoral race after Rolando Pablos  a former Texas secretary of state who has framed himself as the top fiscal conservative option for voters  advanced to a June runoff. Pablos was appointed secretary of state by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2017 and was tapped for the Public Utility Commission by Abbotts GOP predecessor, Rick Perry. His campaign has been bolstered by a local conservative group, the Texas Economic Fund, whose political strategist previously served as Abbotts political director.

Running in a field of 27 candidates, Pablos received nearly 17% of the vote in Saturdays contest  good for second place and a spot in the runoff against first-place finisher Gina Ortiz Jones, who tallied 27%. Jones is a former Democratic congressional candidate who served as undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force under the Biden administration.

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Pablos wasted no time framing Jones as a continuation of the status quo under the current city government helmed by term-limited Mayor Ron Nirenberg. In a statement Saturday evening, he pointed to the poor showing from incumbent San Antonio City Council members running for mayor  none finished higher than fourth  as evidence that voters had rejected business as usual.

San Antonio now has a clear choice, and I am confident they will reject Gina Jones for what she represents: more of the same, failed leadership from the San Antonio political machine that has left poverty rates in stagnation and caused businesses to pass over the Alamo city due to the radical, misplaced policy priorities that are completely out of line with the values of San Antonians, Pablos said in the statement.

Jones kept her election night watch party closed to media and did not issue a public statement Saturday, though she told the San Antonio Report that we know the work is not done.

Weve got 30 [days] ahead of us to continue to show voters what I look forward to doing, in concert with the rest of the City Council, to make sure we move our city forward, Jones said.

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Taylor said Jones is not actually a City Hall insider and noted that, no matter who wins, the next mayor will be the first without prior City Council experience since Phil Hardberger, who was first elected mayor in 2005. Regardless, Taylor said, Pablos attack linking Jones to the political machine could play well among his base in the conservative areas of San Antonio, where participation tends to be more reliable in low-turnout municipal races.

Those are the kind of voters that are likely going to turn out in higher numbers than the younger voters Gina Ortiz Jones has been focusing on, Taylor said.

Disclosure: Texas Secretary of State and University of Texas at San Antonio have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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.
Commonwealth LNG has announced a 20-year sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with a prominent Asian energy corporation.

The deal involves the purchase of one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Commonwealth's 9.5mtpa LNG facility under development in Cameron, Louisiana, US.

The Asian buyer, a major player in the global energy market, is involved extensively across the oil and gas value chain.

The SPA's full effectiveness is contingent upon meeting customary conditions including a final investment decision (FID) on the project.

Commonwealth chairman and managing partner of Kimmeridge Ben Dell said: This offtake agreement marks another important milestone for Commonwealth as we work toward a final investment later this year and the first offtake planned for 2029.

We look forward to working with this buyer, a long-standing leader in LNG, as we further our integrated wellhead-to-water strategy in delivering LNG to critical markets around the world.

Phase one of the LNG project is set to inject more than $11bn into Louisiana's economy and is projected to generate around $3.5bn in annual export revenue.

At the height of its construction phase, the facility is expected to employ roughly 2,000 workers and offer approximately 275 high-paying jobs upon commencement of operations in late 2029.

Commonwealth is owned by Kimmeridge SoTex Holdco, a subsidiary of Kimmeridge, an asset manager dedicated to the energy sector.

Kimmeridge SoTex Holdco also owns Kimmeridge Texas Gas, an upstream natural gas development company.

Through these entities, Kimmeridge is establishing the US' first integrated gas independent, aiming to deliver cost-effective natural gas and cater to the increasing global demand for responsibly produced LNG.

In related news, Petronas is reportedly in advanced talks with Commonwealth LNG to secure a long-term LNG supply from the same Louisiana facility, with discussions revolving around a minimum supply of 1mtpa.

"Commonwealth LNG signs 20-year LNG supply agreement with Asian energy company" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Tiny pieces of plastic might be aging us from the inside out. A new scientific review published in Food and Chemical Toxicology suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics may accelerate aging at the cellular level. Scientists are investigating how these particles, found in water, food, and dust, affect the body over time.

What's happening?

These plastic particles are so small that they can enter the body through eating, breathing, or skin contact. To find out their impact on human health, researchers analyzed numerous studies and reports on the subject.

They found that microplastics and nanoplastics can disrupt cell function and make them less efficient. Specifically, they may interfere with cell mitochondria, which give cells energy, Medical News Today explained. Mitochondria also play a big role in how we age, as another study detailed. When they stop working the way they should, it can affect how the body manages energy and stress. That extra strain can wear down cells over time and raise the risk of age-related health problems such as heart disease and memory loss.

Why is this research important?

Understanding the link between plastic and health can help protect people from long-term harm. However, experts are still learning exactly how microplastics and nanoplastics can influence aging and age-related disease.

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"We know that they are there and are transported throughout the body, but we don't know yet if they can cross the blood-brain barrier," said Sherri Mason, an environmental chemist and microplastics expert, per Earth.com. If they can cross that barrier, they could increase the risk of cognitive issues and dementia, Nature explained.

With more research like this, scientists may be able to identify how microplastics and nanoplastics put already vulnerable people, including older adults and those with chronic health issues, even more at risk. Over time, this could spark the creation of new medical screening tools and public health policies to slow or prevent aging tied to plastic exposure.

What's being done about microplastics and nanoplastics?

This study is far from the first conducted on microplastics and nanoplastics. New research found that microplastics reduced blood flow to the brains of mice, and another study suggests that inhaling microplastics exposes humans to a spectrum of respiratory disorders. Experts are pointing out the many environmental and health hazards associated with plastic.

Unfortunately, these plastic particles are everywhere. In the environment, microplastics pollute oceans, soil, and waterways, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

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In response to growing concerns surrounding plastic, some governments and communities have taken action to limit plastic pollution and microplastic exposure. For example, European Union member states have banned certain single-use plastics, per the European Commission, and Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering a plastic bag ban for stores.

You can also make a difference at home by committing to using less plastic. Store food in glass containers and avoid microwaving food in plastic containers to limit your exposure.

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.
A new scientific study revealed that Earth's North and South Poles could shift by more than 89 feet by the year 2100.

Melting ice due to our planet's overheating is moving these geographic poles, possibly affecting spacecraft and satellite navigation.

What's happening?

As Live Science reported, rising temperatures are melting glaciers and sheets of ice, causing water to be redistributed worldwide. This movement is shifting Earth's axis of rotation and relocating its poles.

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Federal Institute of Technology Zurich researchers made these assessments after studying Earth's polar motion and the impacts of melting ice. They examined various optimistic and pessimistic climatic scenarios between now and 2100, publishing their report in Geophysical Research Letters.

The primary factor in these shifts is melting ice sheets in Greenland, followed by ice melt in the Antarctic and global glaciers.

"This effect is somewhat surpassing the effect of glacial isostatic adjustment, which is the effect of solid Earth rebound after the termination of the last ice age," study co-author Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi explained to Live Science. "... This means that what humans have done has somewhat shifted the pole more than the effect of ice ages."

Why are Earth's polar shifts important?

The researchers' findings are significant because they demonstrate the catastrophic effects of human activities on our planet.

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Human-induced climate change is supercharging extreme weather events and changing the geography and movement of Earth. While extreme weather events have always existed, rising global temperatures are making them more powerful and dangerous. Studies such as this help dispel myths that the climate crisis isn't real or impacting us now.

There are also broader implications for the safety and efficiency of satellite and spacecraft navigation.

Experts use Earth's rotational axis as a reference point to map a spacecraft's location. With the axis shifting over time, it could be more challenging to determine accurately where spacecraft are flying.

In their report, the researchers also noted the concerns of sea level changes and Earth's surface deformation due to polar motion changes.

What's being done about Earth's geographic changes?

The team recommended further examination of paleoclimate data to assess how Earth's North and South Poles have shifted during past climatic changes over millions of years. This information could help us understand the scale of human impact on Earth's poles.

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Future studies may also help scientists and governments plan for satellite navigation adaptations and enhance disaster preparedness responses.

As an individual, you can do your part to mitigate the impacts on our changing planet by educating yourself about critical climate issues and sharing what you learn with others.

You can also set a good example for others by living a clean, green, sustainable life. Examples include taking public transportation instead of driving, researching community solar programs, and donating to climate causes that are important to you.

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.
This spring, keep an eye out for endangered Michigan monkeyflowers  rare, aquatic wildflowers  if you're heading to northern Michigan.

Michigan's only fully endemic, or native, plant, the Michigan monkeyflower is a federally recognized endangered species, according to Michigan State University Extension. Limited numbers of the plant, a member of the figwort family, have been reported in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula and southern Upper Peninsula in recent years.

Here's what to know.

What is the Michigan monkeyflower?

The Michigan monkeyflower is an aquatic to semi-aquatic wildflower, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

When does the Michigan monkeyflower bloom?

The perennial typically flowers between mid-June and August and sometimes lasts until October, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says.

A monkeyflower plant in bloom.

Where has monkeyflower been found in Michigan?

The Michigan monkeyflower is only found in northern Michigan, around the Straits of Mackinac and Grand Traverse areas along the Great Lakes shorelines, said the Michigan Natural Features Inventory of Michigan State University Extension.

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In the Lower Peninsula, Leelanau County along Lake Michigan in the northwest, there were three reported occurrences of plants, with the plant last observed in 2022. Nearby Benzie County has one reported occurrence, last observed in 2018.

Farther north, Charlevoix County reported five occurrences, last observed in 2023. The nearby Emmet County saw four occurrences, with the plant last observed in 2022. Adjacent to the east, Cheboygan County had five occurrences, last observed in 2022.

In the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac County reported four occurrences, with the plant last observed in 2023.

Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed, the MSU Extension said.

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A 2012 report from the USFWS found the plant growing in 23 sites.

What does the Michigan monkeyflower look like?

The Michigan monkeyflower has rounded, opposite leaves with course and toothed edges, and tubular flowers with yellow petals and a red-spotted lower lip, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said.

Dark green shaded areas show where Michigan monkeyflower has been located.

In what habitat does the Michigan monkeyflower grow?

The aquatic to semi-aquatic plant lives in cold, calcareous (containing calcium carbonate or chalky) springs, seeps and streams water among northern white-cedar trees and at the base of bluffs near the Great Lakes shorelines, MSU Extension said. The Michigan monkeyflower grows in sand and mucky soil amid cold, flowing spring water, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website says.

More: It's tulip time in Holland. What to know before you visit

How did the Michigan monkeyflower become endangered?

The Michigan monkeyflower is a federally recognized endangered plant species in the U.S., according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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The plant joined the federal list of endangered species in 1990, the University of Michigan Herbarium said. Threats to the Michigan monkeyflower include road construction and development that could disrupt the plant's habitat, the Michigan Nature Association said. Other threats include groundwater pumping, diversion, storms and high lake levels, iNaturalist noted.

The Michigan monkeyflower's small population and many of the plants being on private property can complicate conservation efforts, the Michigan Nature Association said.

In addition to Michigan and U.S. designations, the plant's global rank is critically imperiled.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Monkeyflower is endangered. Where it might be found in 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week in a case that could prove seismic for students with disabilities who claim their schools have discriminated against them. If the family that brought the original lawsuit loses, cases filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act  the portion of the law that governs many in-school accommodations  could become extraordinarily difficult to win.

A ruling in favor of Osseo Area Schools, located in suburban Minneapolis, would mean students who claim their rights were violated will have to prove their school systems acted in bad faith or gross misjudgment  a higher standard than deliberate indifference, which the law requires in other disability discrimination cases.

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An estimated 1.5 million public school students receive disability accommodations under the ADA, ranging from modified academic materials  such as simplifying a text or supplying curriculum via a specialized device  to making classrooms, bathrooms and other school spaces accessible to wheelchair users and others. The law governs accessibility, while disabled childrens educational rights are guaranteed by a different measure, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.

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Teenager Ava Tharpe has a severe form of epilepsy that causes frequent seizures during the morning. While planning to move from Kentucky to Minnesota in 2015, when she was in fourth grade, her parents sought out a school district that would agree to start her classes at noon and extend them into the evening. After the family relocated, the district reneged, saying it was unwilling to provide services outside the normal school day.

When the Supreme Court accepted the case, the districts position had consistently been that disability discrimination suits had to prove the school system acted out of ill intent. Osseo argued that the legal standard, which plaintiffs have been held to in some federal court circuits but not others, applied only to K-12 students.

But in the brief it submitted before the April 28 hearing, the district widened its argument, saying that a showing of bad faith is required in all ADA cases, not just those involving schools.

The statutes do not impose liability for nondiscriminatory, good-faith denials of requested accommodations, the document asserts, adding that the high court should not subject Americas 100,000 public schools and countless other state and local entities and federal-funding recipients to the deliberate indifference standard.

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The hearing erupted in verbal fireworks after the districts attorney accused the lawyers representing the federal government, which has sided with the family, of lying in saying that the district had shifted its argument. Justice Neil Gorsuch snapped back, and several minutes of heated debate ensued.

Later in the hearing, Justice Amy Coney Barrett characterized the districts shift as a pretty big sea change, according to an account posted by SCOTUS Blog, which also reported Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was all but incredulous that the district argued that the ADA does not necessarily require accommodations for people with disabilities.

Osseo officials declined to comment on the case, citing Tharpes right to privacy. The school district educates nearly 21,000 students, including 3,000 students with disabilities who have the right to education from birth through age 22, it said in a comment to The 74. Were committed to the principles and the ideals expressed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Tharpe family initially filed a complaint with state education officials under the IDEA, which guarantees disabled pupils a free and appropriate public education. Noting that the girl had a right to a full school day, even if it extended into the evening, a state administrative law judge found that Avas educational rights had been violated.

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When the district appealed that ruling in federal district court, the family filed a second suit under the ADA. In March 2024, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that the familys IDEA rights had been violated. But the appellate court rejected the ADA discrimination claim, ruling the Tharpes had not proven the district acted in bad faith.

The Supreme Courts eventual ruling should not impact IDEA, which governs whether children with disabilities are entitled to special education services enabling them to make adequate progress toward their goals.

By contrast, the ADA requires equal access to school and an equal opportunity to learn once they are there, explains Ellen Saideman, one of the authors of a friend of the court brief submitted by the Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys and several other disability advocacy groups. They argue that a ruling in the districts favor would unfairly subject schoolchildren to a much higher legal bar than other people who need accommodations.

To illustrate the difference, she cites a 2004 ADA case, Tennessee vs. Lane, brought by someone who had to crawl up the stairs to get into a Tennessee courthouse that didnt have an elevator. Under the gross misjudgment standard, there wouldnt be a claim.

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The building was built before the ADA was passed, so it wasnt built with any discriminatory intent, says Saideman. Under deliberate indifference, they know a person has a disability and there are other people who have disabilities who cant go up the stairs. If they dont fix it, then there could be a claim.

One of the ADAs original drafters, former Rep. Tony Coelho of California, also submitted a brief arguing that Congress intent was that families of disabled children have the same rights, no more, no less, that are provided all other groups  including the right to seek relief under Section 504 [and] the ADA.

A decision is expected in June or July, near the end of the courts current term.
Sean Combs at Howard University on October 20, 2023 in Washington, DC. - Credit: Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images/Sean "Diddy" Combs

Follow all our Sean Combs trial coverage

Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos hasnt officially joined Sean Combs defense team, but he was present in court for the start of jury selection Monday, and prosecutors want him barred from publicly stating his opinions about the case.

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In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian filed Tuesday, federal prosecutors said Combs official, seven-lawyer defense team appeared to consult with Mark Geragos during court proceedings Monday, leading them to conclude the media-savvy lawyer  known for representing high-profile clients such as Michael Jackson, Chris Brown and the Menendez Brothers  is acting as an advisor. They said Geragos recently spoke about the case on a podcast and teased that he would discuss it again in an upcoming episode.

The need for the courts admonishment is necessary given that as recently as three days ago, Mr. Geragos spoke at length about the trial in this case in his podcast called 2 Angry Men, Mr. Geragoss podcast with Harvey Levin, the creator of the tabloid news organization TMZ, the letter from prosecutors reads. The prosecutors called out Geragos comments about the surveillance video recorded inside the Intercontinental Hotel that shows Combs beating his ex-girlfriend Casandra Cassie Ventura in 2016. Geragos said the governments planned use of the video during trial amounted to character assassination.

Prosecutors also took issue with Geragos stating on the podcast that the makeup of the prosecution team  six women  could look like youre prosecuting a cause.

The letter pointed to local rules in the Southern District of New York that state lawyers involved in trials should refrain from making out-of-court statements that could prejudice jurors. Such statements include opinions about an accuseds guilt or innocence or the merits of the case or the evidence in the case.

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Some statements are allowed, however, such as announcements, without further comment, that an accused person denies the charges. (Neither Combs defense team nor a rep for Geragos immediately replied to requests for comment.)

In a closed-door meeting with Geragos later in the day Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian reportedly told the lawyer that his comments had crossed a line. I think referring to the prosecution in this case as a six-pack of white women is outrageous, the judge said, according to a transcript of the meeting obtained by the New York Post. This would not be tolerated in any court from any lawyer anywhere across the nation.

Geragos reportedly told the judge that hes in frequent contact with Combs, and that the indicted music mogul believes hes being targeted because he is Black. I think when youve got a Black man whos being prosecuted, and the client feels like hes being targeted, its a  its an observation, Geragos responded, according to The Post.

The judge reportedly said he plans to listen to Geragos on future episodes of the 2 Angry Men podcast to monitor him. Im going to be watching, and Im going to be listening. All right? You have one more listener for your podcast, the judge said, according to TMZ.

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Combs, 55, was arrested last September and immediately pleaded not guilty to allegations he trafficked multiple women under a criminal enterprise that used violence, threats, and manipulation to fulfill his sexual gratification. The Bad Boy Records founder has been in custody since then and repeatedly denied bail.

The initial indictment largely mirrored the bombshell rape and trafficking lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023. Prosecutors didnt identify Ventura by name, but her lawyers attended his first court appearance, and shes widely known to be Victim 1. Prosecutors have said Victim 1 was willing to proceed with her full name at trial. A third superseding indictment was filed last month. Combs is now facing five felony counts of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The criminal trial is expected to last eight weeks, with opening statements set to begin Monday.

This story was updated May 7, 2025, with Judge Arun Subramanians response to the request.

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Sean "Diddy" Combs made an unexpected 9-word statement during the first day of his trial in New York City.

The media mogul and rapper was in court for jury selection on May 5, 2025, in his high-profile case.

Im sorry, your honor, Im a little nervous today," Combs told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, making a rare statement in court, according to NBC News.

According to NBC News, the statement came after Combs' defense attorney "asked for a quick bathroom break," with the judge suggesting waiting. "I'm a machine," the judge responded, NBC News reported.

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Because Combs has been incarcerated for months without bail, the public hasn't heard much from him directly.

In another big moment on day one of the trial, some A-list actors' and rappers' names were dropped in court, when prospective jurors were read a list of names and asked whether they recognized them. The other celebrities have not been accused of criminal wrongdoing, however.

The Associated Press reported that "three dozen" prospective jurors were questioned on day one of the trial. Opening statements will likely take place the following week, The AP reported. About half of the jurors were excused for various reasons by the end of the day, according to The AP. They were questioned about their biases on the high-profile case.

According to NBC News, Combs also "hugged and shook hands with his attorney."

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Television cameras are not allowed in federal courtrooms, but the AP reported that Combs' appearance has changed in jail; he now has a goatee. The goatee and his hair are both "almost full gray" because the jail doesn't allow dye, AP reported, adding that Combs was clad in court in a "sweater over a white collared shirt and gray slacks."

The indictment accuses Combs of a series of very serious crimes, which he has denied. He stands accused of having engaged in or attempting to engage in sex trafficking, obstructing justice, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and bribery, the indictment says.

The indictment accuses Comb of abusing, threatening, and coercing women and others "for decades." Prosecutors say that he "relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled--creating a criminal enterprise."

Prosecutors will have to prove this in court beyond a reasonable doubt, however, and Combs has denied the accusations and even rejected a plea deal offered before the trial got underway, CBS News reported.

Related: The Surprise A-List Actors Named at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Trial

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CHICAGO (WGN)  The search continues this week for a teen girl who Chicago police say has been missing from her home for several days.

According to officers, 14-year-old Angely Torres-Piquet has been missing since around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers said the teen girl was last seen in the 2300 block of South Damen Avenue on the citys West Side.

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Torres-Piquet, who stands around 5-foot-4 and weighs around 163 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 14-year-old Angely Torres-Piquet, who police say has been missing since around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Authorities provided updates on the missing teens disappearance in a news release sent out on Saturday afternoon but did not say what she was last spotted wearing.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 14-year-old Angely Torres-Piquet is asked to contact the CPD Area One Detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 official search is underway for a 10-year-old girl who went missing amid flooding in Brenham, Texas, due to severe storms on Monday, May 5

The girl was reportedly heading home from school with her sibling when she was swept away by rapidly rising waters in the area

Multiple search and rescue teams are searching for the child on the ground and in the water, the Brenham Fire Department said

Authorities are searching for a 10-year-old girl who is missing amid flooding in Texas.

The child was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters in Brenham, due to severe storms in the area, at around 4:25 p.m. local time on Monday, May 5, the Brenham Fire Department stated in a news release on Facebook.

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The City of Brenham Fire Department, in coordination with approximately 12 supporting agencies, is actively searching for a school-aged female who was swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters at approximately 4:25 p.m. today, the fire department said.

Two Swift Water Rescue teams are currently searching the area near the Burleson Street Bridge. The coordinated search effort extends from the bridge toward Old Independence Road, with multiple agencies assisting in ground and water operations.

The Brenham Fire Department said 14 agencies are searching for the missing girl along the creek banks, while the Texas Task Force One and Washington County Search and Rescue are searching in the water.

Brenham Fire Department/Facebook A Brenham Fire Department truck A Brenham Fire Department truck

Related: Teacher Mourns 9-Year-Old Who Died After Being Swept Away in Flood While Walking to School Bus Stop

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The child, whose identity has not been released at this time, was on her way home from school with her sibling when the creek waters rose rapidly and swept her away, KBTX and ABC News reported. The sibling went to find help during the incident and is safe, according to the outlets.



The Brenham Fire Department said several rescue attempts were made by people nearby, along with the Brenham Police Department, per the release.

As of 10:00 p.m. local time on Monday, the search and rescue operations in the water were temporarily scaled back due to another band of heavy thunderstorms moving through the area, the fire department said.

Throughout the night, land-based search teams, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and specially trained canines will continue the search for the missing 10-year-old, authorities added in an update on Facebook.

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Search and rescue teams will resume operations at 6:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, May 6.

Brenham Fire Department/Facebook An image of some of the flooding in Brenham, Texas An image of some of the flooding in Brenham, Texas

Related: Mother and 7-Year-Old Daughter Dead After Being Swept Away in Flood Waters

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Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura told KBTX, The response has been phenomenal but it's such a swift water and it's going to be difficult now with the light conditions going away. My heart goes out to [the family], I mean, this is just something that shouldn't happen.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Brenham Fire Department for additional information.



Read the original article on People
Firefighters rescued a group of ducklings trapped in a storm drain in the Madison Park neighborhood and safely reunited them with their mother, according to the Seattle Fire Department.

Crews from Engine 34 responded around 3:30 p.m. Monday to the 3800 block of East Newton Street after receiving a call about ducklings stuck in a drain.

Firefighters located the ducklings inside the storm system and used a bucket to carefully lift them out one by one.

Once the animals were safely out, the crew was able to return them to their waiting mother nearby.

No injuries were reported.
The supply chain unit of German parcel and logistics giant DHL has acquired IDS Fulfillment to bolster its e-commerce service offerings to small and midsize customers in the United States, the company announced on Tuesday.

The deal brings more than 1.3 million square feet of public warehouse and distribution space under the DHL umbrella, including facilities in Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, Atlanta and Plainfield, Indiana, where IDS is headquartered. DHL Supply Chain also gains a diverse customer portfolio, including small-and-medium enterprises, and fulfillment expertise.

DHL said it will retain IDS local managers to ensure service continuity for customers. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

E-Commerce has been a growth driver for DHL in recent years and is an important focus in our Strategy 2030 agenda, said Patrick Kelleher, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, in a news release. The acquisition of IDS Fulfillment not only expands our operational footprint but also ensures small and midsized companies have access to our state-of-the-art logistics solutions designed for their specific requirements.

IDS represents the second e-commerce acquisition for DHL Supply Chain this year. In January, it acquired North Carolina-based Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, the largest reverse logistics provider for e-commerce retailers in North America.

This marks the second e-commerce acquisition for DHL Supply Chain in 2025, having acquired Inmars reverse logistics business in January, making it the largest returns processing provider in North America.

With global e-commerce set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% per annum by 2029, DHL is targeting investments that further expand our capabilities to meet the needs of this growing segment and make our network and solutions easily accessible to businesses of all sizes. IDS Fulfillment complements our existing DHL fulfillment network, enhancing our ability to offer seamless global eCommerce solutions with local expertise and reach, said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO for DHL Supply Chain.

The move is especially timely, he added, as more multinational companies are looking to establish fulfillment capabilities in North America.

The U.S. government on Friday canceled the de minimis provision for low-value shipments entering the country from China and Hong Kong, forcing e-commerce sellers to pay 145% tariffs on individual orders that previously were allowed to enter the country duty-free. Chinese marketplaces like Temu, Shein and Alibaba, as well as other retailers, are setting up distribution operations in the U.S. with inventory sourced domestically or shipped in bulk by ocean to mitigate the impact of duties and other import fees.
Pro-Palestinian protesters staged a takeover on the University of Washington campus on Monday night, and 30 of them were arrested.

The group blocked off streets, set fire to dumpsters, and occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in protest to the war in Gaza as well as urging UW to cut ties with Boeing.

The protest was organized by the group Super U-Dub, and they say that Boeing spent 10 million dollars on the new engineering building and allege some of its use is connected to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

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Demonstrations began at 5 p.m. and by around 11:30 p.m., police began to remove and arrest some who refused to leave the engineering building.

About 30 people who occupied the building were arrested for trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy to commit all three.

The charges will be referred to the King County Prosecutors Office. Any students identified as being involved will also be referred to the Student Conduct Office.

In a statement from UW, they told KIRO 7:

The UW is committed to maintaining a secure learning and research environment, and strongly condemns this illegal building occupation and the antisemitic statement that was issued by a suspended student group Monday. The University will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior and will continue to oppose antisemitism in all its forms.

This is a developing story, check back to KIRO7.com for updates.
Another suspect has been charged with killing a Kansas City-based reporter during Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

Via the Associated Press, Louisiana authorities announced on Monday that Rickey White, 34, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Adan Manzano, a reporter and anchor for Telemundo.

White is the alleged accomplice of 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who was charged in March. That same month, White was arrested in Florida on robbery and fraud charges related to Manzano's murder. White was then extradited to Louisiana.

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Attorney Kevin Boshea, who represents White, told the AP that he has not been informed of the murder charge.

"I don't think he's guilty of the other crimes, so how can he be guilty of murder?" Boshea said.

An autopsy revealed that Manzano died while face down in a pillow, after ingesting alcohol and Xanax. Surveillance video showed Manzano and Colbert entering Manzano's hotel room on the day he died. Colbert left an hour later. Police say she then used Manzano's credit cards to make purchases in the area.

As noted by the AP, Louisiana law defines second-degree murder as, in part, distributing drugs that cause death or committing certain crimes, like robbery, that result in death.

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Authorities said that Manzano had no prescription for Xanax, and that Xanax was found at Colbert's home.

The murder charge against White could potentially result in a plea deal in exchange for testimony that would be used to convict Colbert. Or, if the evidence is deemed to be strong enough, prosecutors could try to get a murder conviction of both defendants.
CHICAGO  A resident was found stabbed to death at a South Side living facility and Chicago police have ruled his death a homicide, believing the victim was murdered by a knife-wielding man who was shot and killed by officers at the same living facility early Monday morning.

Authorities say resident Keith Harding, 58, was found dead several hours after the fatal police shooting, with cuts on his arm and neck, in a room just a few doors down from where officers opened fire.

Me and him, we came up together and wow, I didnt believe it was Keith, one resident, who did not wish to be identified, said. Its unbelievable, and the police were lined all the way down the street.

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Police initially opened a death investigation and re-classified it to a homicide on Tuesday afternoon.

Just before 3 a.m. Monday, police were called to the Grand Regency of Jackson Park Supportive Living facility, located in the 1400 block of East 75th Street in Grand Crossing, for reports of a man with a knife threatening people inside the facility.

Knife-wielding man fatally shot by police at living facility in Grand Crossing, CPD says

Police say officers located the mans unit inside the facility and confronted him, ordering him to drop the knife. They deployed their Tasers, but the man  still armed with a knife  was not subdued and advanced at officers, at which time they shot him, according to CPD. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his identity has not yet been released.

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Residents described Harding as quiet and someone who kept to himself. He was also reportedly a Jahovahs Witness.

I knew [Keith], another resident, who did not wish to be identified, said. I might find me another place to stay, a lot of deaths happening here.

Police continue to investigate the officer-involved fatal shooting, and the Chicago Police Department says theres body-camera footage of the incident.

Residents also said there are security cameras inside the facility.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The specifics of the incident, including the comprehensive use-of-force investigation, are being investigated by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (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.

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WGN-TV reached back out to building management Tuesday, but has not yet heard back.

Concerns about facility

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. The cousin reportedly told family members he feels unsafe.

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, a relative of the aforementioned cousin, said.

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Cook County authorities searching for man who fled courthouse after court ruling

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
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A rendering of the room where numerous snuff tubes were discovered at the Chavin archaeological site in Peru. | Credit: Miguel G. Ortiz Mestanza

Archaeologists in Peru have discovered a 2,500-year-old secret drug room filled with hollowed-out bird bones containing traces of psychedelic snuff and tobacco. The presence of the "snuff tubes" in a hidden room suggests the elite held secret, drug-fueled rituals in pre-Inca times.

"The tubes are analogous to the rolled-up bills that high-rollers snort cocaine through in the movies," Daniel Contreras , an archaeologist at the University of Florida, told Live Science in an email.

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In a study published Monday (May 5) in the journal PNAS , Contreras and a team of archaeologists analyzed the chemical residue in 23 bone and shell artifacts from the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar in the north-central highlands of Peru. They set out to investigate a long-standing assumption that rituals at the site involved psychoactive substances.

This study is the first to show the specific drugs that were inhaled at Chavin, where ritual activity was high but there was little direct evidence of drug use.

Chavin was a major center of ritual activity between 1200 B.C. and 400 B.C., before the birth of the Inca empire. The complex included stone structures built around open plazas. As people added to the buildings over the centuries, several rooms became interior spaces called galleries.

Related: Secret ancient Andean passageways may have been used in rituals involving psychedelics

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One particular gallery was sealed around 500 B.C. and not opened again until archaeological excavation in 2017. When archaeologists explored the gallery, they discovered 23 artifacts carved from animal bone and shell into tubes and spoons.

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Bone tubes against a black background

Snuff tubes carved from hollow bones found at the Chavin archaeological site in Peru.

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Black-and-white line drawing of pre-Inca art with yellow highlighting psychoactive plants.

Psychoactive plants depicted in art at the archaeological site of Chavin in Peru include vilca (top left).

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View of Chavin archaeological site in Peru. The ground is brown with scrubby trees and mountains rising in the background.

A view of the archaeological site of Chavin in Peru

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3D model of ancient Chavin showing large rectangular buildings around a plaza.

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A rendering of Chavin at its height, including several monumental buildings around a large plaza.

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Mountains in Peru with a llama in the foreground

A llama stands in front of the archaeological site of Chavin in Peru.

An analysis of the chemical residue on the artifacts revealed that six contained the organic compounds nicotine, likely from tobacco, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring hallucinogenic drug commonly found in ayahuasca tea .

Further microbotanical analysis showed that four of the artifacts once contained roots of wild Nicotiana species and the DMT-containing seeds and leaves of vilca (Anadenanthera colubrina), which were likely dried, toasted and ground up to produce a potent snuff.

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"The tubes would have been used  we think  as inhalers," Contreras said, "for taking the snuff through the nose."

The bone snuff tubes, which may have been made from the wings of a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), were also concentrated in restricted-access areas of Chavin, suggesting that psychoactive substance use was controlled by select participants, the researchers noted in the study.

Because only a handful of people could fit in the small gallery areas at Chavin, the researchers think drug use reinforced the social hierarchy, creating an elite class separate from the workers who built Chavin's impressive monuments.

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Massive circular tomb filled with battle-scarred people unearthed in Peru

1,500-year-old tomb in Peru holds human sacrifices, including strangled son next to father's remains, genetic analysis reveals

1,300-year-old throne room of powerful Moche queen discovered in Peru

"One of the ways that inequality was justified or naturalized was through ideology  through the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea," Contreras said in a statement.

Controlled access to ritual drug use also may help to explain a major social transition in the ancient Andes  from more egalitarian societies to the more hierarchical Tiwanaku, Wari and Inca empires.

These results suggest that additional work is needed to fully understand the importance of psychoactive substances in the ancient Andes, the researchers wrote.
CHICAGO  State Senator Laura Fine announced Tuesday that she is running for Illinois 9th Congressional District, just a day after Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced that she would not be seeking reelection.

Ive spent my career fighting that fight, passing historic legislation that puts people over special interests, Fine said in a release shared on Tuesday morning. I want to build on Congresswoman Jan Schakowskys legacy, serving as a steadfast progressive representative for Illinois 9th.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly enters race to replace Durbin

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Fine said she is pledging to bring her years of experience fighting for Illinois families to the halls of Washington.

Fine, a Glenview native, represented the 17th district of Illinois between 2013 and 2019. She assumed her current role in 2019.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The states 9th Congressional District covers parts of Cook and McHenry counties.

Fines announcement comes just a day after Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who has served the states 9th Congressional District since 1999, announced that she would not seek another term.

Fine is just the latest to join the race. Last week, Chicagoan Justin Ford, announced his bid for the seat.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, looks at her computer screen during Senate proceedings on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill that would permit cities to allow employees and elected officials to carry concealed firearms inside municipal buildings despite concerns it could increase gun violence.

House Bill 1095 would give local officials to decide if they want their employees to have the option of allowing concealed firearms, said Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, the Senate author.

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She said county employees have been allowed the same right since 2017, and there hasnt been an incident.

Gillespie said it is a right, not a privilege, to carry firearms.

Bad guys dont ask for permission, Gillespie said. So, it is making people that choose to carry more safe.

But Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, questioned what evidence there is that such a move would make those facilities safer as opposed to more volatile.

Hicks said the measure may impact the comfort of constituents, including children, survivors of violence and those with trauma, who may feel intimidated or unsafe interacting with armed government personnel.

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She said the bill prioritizes political ideology over public safety.

In doing so, it sends a message that we are more concerned about expanding access to firearms than preserving trust in our public institutions, Hicks said. The unintended consequences of this bill are real and irreversible.

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said that last year, 458 people were killed in their workplace by guns. The vast majority of those were employees killing fellow workers, Kirt said.

She said the measure exposes citizens to more workplace violence and dangerous environments.

Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said studies indicate that having firearms in a building, often with people who are not trained, increased the risk of suicide and homicide.

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Impusive actions, when there are firearms in a building, tend to have more fatal consequences, Brooks said.

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, who supported the measure, said it was a local control issue.

It was Benjamin Franklin who said that those who would sacrifice necessary freedom for temporary security deserve neither, Bullard said.

Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, said every individual has a moral right to defend themselves.

When seconds count, police police are minutes away. Vote for freedom, he said.

The bill passed by a vote of 39-8 and returns to the House for consideration.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Wall Street veteran Frank Bisignano was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday to lead the Social Security Administration, taking over at a turbulent time for the agency that provides benefits to more than 70 million Americans.

The Senate confirmed Bisignano in a 53-47 vote.

Bisignano's confirmation comes after a months-long series of announcements at the Social Security Administration of mass federal worker layoffs, cuts to programs, office closures and a planned cut to nationwide Social Security phone services, which were eventually walked back.

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Many of the changes are driven by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who said this week that he is preparing to wind down his role with the administration. The upheaval has made Social Security a major focus of Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, who said in his first public speech since leaving office that Republican President Donald Trump has taken a hatchet to the program.

Bisignano, a self-professed DOGE person, has served as chair of Fiserv, a payments and financial services tech firm since 2020. He is a one-time defender of corporate policies to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Bisignano takes over from the agencys acting commissioner, DOGE supporter Leland Dudek. Bisignano's term ends in January 2031.

Asked during his March confirmation hearing whether Social Security should be privatized, Bisignano responded: Ive never heard a word of it, and Ive never thought about it.

Democrats and activists have for weeks railed against Bisignano's confirmation, holding rallies and other events protesting his nomination.

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During the final roll call vote, Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden called Bisignano unfit to be the steward of Americans Social Security benefits. Wyden said Trump wants Bisignano to gut Social security, and that Republicans who support Bisignano's confirmation would be to responsible if their grandmother misses a Social Security check and cant pay rent.

By confirming Mr. Bisignano, the Senate will be signing a death sentence to Social Security as we know it today, Wyden said.

The chaos at the the agency began shortly after acting commissioner Michelle King stepped down in February, a move that came after DOGE sought access to Social Security recipient information. That prompted a lawsuit by labor unions and retirees, who asked a federal court to issue an emergency order limiting DOGEs access to Social Security data.

Most recently, the full panel of judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 9-6 not to lift restrictions on the access that DOGE has to Social Security systems containing personal data on millions of Americans.

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Also in February, the agency announced plans to cut 7,000 people from the agency payroll through layoffs, employee reassignments and an offer of voluntary separation agreements, as part of an intensified effort to shrink the size of the federal workforce.

Dudek also announced a plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients while simultaneously closing government offices. That sparked a furor among lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are worried that the government is placing unnecessary barriers in front of an already vulnerable population. That plan has since been rolled back.

The SSA provides benefits to roughly 72.5 million people, including retirees and children.
WASHINGTON  The Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration despite strong opposition from Democrats concerned about cuts to the safety net program.

Bisignano, who led the Wisconsin-based payment and financial technology company Fiserv Inc., narrowly won confirmation May 6 on a 53-47 party-line vote. Democrats opposed his confirmation over what they framed as Bisignano's history of reducing companies workforces and his relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

The confirmation comes at an uncertain time for the Social Security Administration, which is in charge of disbursing monthly retirement and disability payments to more than 70 million Americans. The Trump administration has gone to court to give DOGE access to sensitive agency data, and the status of dozens of SSA field offices around the country are unclear as DOGE seeks to slash government spending.

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Bisignano was grilled over DOGE during his confirmation hearing in March after previously describing himself as fundamentally a DOGE person.

The top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee at the time accused Bisignano of lying to the committee when he said he had no contact with DOGE, citing a whistleblower letter that claimed Bisignano was involved in onboarding a DOGE employee at the SSA before his confirmation. Bisignano at the time denied involvement in hiring decisions.

Senate Republicans, meanwhile, have backed Bisignano and touted his background in the private sector  he held top posts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup before joining Fiserv in 2020.

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo, who leads the Finance Committee, recently said Bisignano has the experience needed to lead this important agency." Crapo dismissed Bisignanos alleged connections to DOGEs work at the SSA, noting the whistleblower letter was anonymous.

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The Social Security Administration needs steady, Senate-confirmed leadership, Crapo said. Mr. Bisignano would bring decades-long focus on customer service and operational excellence to the Social Security Administration.

Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson during Bisignanos hearing said: I cant imagine finding a more qualified individual for this position.

In his testimony to senators, Bisignano said he would work on cutting call wait times for Social Security beneficiaries and suggested he had no plans to cut benefits. He told senators he believed he could lower those wait times to under a minute, suggesting artificial intelligence and other technology could play a role in the process.

He said he has never thought about privatizing Social Security.

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Still, Democrats in recent weeks pushed back on Bisignanos confirmation.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee who first raised concerns about the whistleblower letter, said Bisignano would bring more of the same chaos, lies and callous disregard for Americans who count on Social Security that the Trump Administration has brought to the agency through DOGE.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who opposed Bisignanos confirmation, recently signed onto a letter to SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek requesting the agency keep field offices open after DOGE listed several locations on its list of lease cancellations.

That list includes field office locations in Green Bay and Wausau, though local officials say those closures are partial cancellations and that the offices will remain open. In the case of Green Bay, for example, just one room in the office was closed, one city official and one union representative said.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, recently referred to Bisignano as the original Mr. Slash-and-Burn, noting layoffs at Bisignano's former companies. Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor ahead of the vote that confirming Bisignano "is literally putting the fox in the henhouse." He referred to Bisignano as a "DOGE fanatic."

"Mr. Bisignano would be one of the greatest threats to Social Security in its 90-year history, one of the greatest threats that we have ever had," Schumer said in his floor speech. "If Mr. Bisignano is confirmed, Republicans will own all of the chaos he creates."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Senate confirms Fiserv's Frank Bisignano to lead Social Security
State Sen. Kurt Fevella called on Gov. Josh Green to seek the resignations of two top state officials from the two main state agencies overseeing tourism on Monday due to allegations of a hostile work environment, which he said included alleged racist and sexist comments against Native Hawaiians.

Fevella (R, Ewa Beach ), said, There is a toxic and hostile work environment at HTA. Because of the efforts to sweep this matter under the rug, I am calling for the resignations of James Toki oka, director of the (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism ), and Issac Choy, HTAs acting chief administrative officer.

The news conference followed a sign-waving in front of the state Capitol, which was attended by about a dozen people, and was a follow-up to a request that Fevella made Thursday to state Attorney General Anne E. Lopez to investigate complaints that Choy allegedly had referred to an HTA contractor, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, as dumb Hawaiians  and also was alleged to have demeaned and belittled  female HTA board members.

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Fevella also alleged that a hostile workplace contributed to the recent resignations of several HTA employees who were Native Hawaiian, including Daniel Naho op i, former interim HTA president, who resigned from HTA on March 21. Other recent resignations by Native Hawaiian staff have included Maka Casson-Fisher, HTA brand manager ; Iwalani Kaho ohanohano, HTA senior brand manger ;

Ilihia Gionson, HTA public affairs officer ; and most recently Kalani Ka ana ana, HTA chief stewardship officer and interim public affairs officer, whose resignation was effective Friday.

Choy responded to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in an email Monday saying, I deny Senator Fevellas false allegations. The Attorney General will investigate these matters, and I have been advised to reserve specific responses for the investigation.

Choy, a former state tax director and lawmaker who was elected to five terms in the House of Representatives serving the Manoa district from 2008 through 2018, joined HTA in 2023. For more than a year, he said, he has worked with staff, the Department of the Attorney General, other public bodies and the Legislature to report and resolve violations or suspected violations of law, rule or regulations and contracts executed by HTA.

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To protect against retaliation, the Attorney Generals office has acknowledged my staff and me as whistleblowers,  he said. It is unfortunate that the recent allegations appear to be in retaliation for the work done by me and the staff of the HTA Finance-Procurement Section.

When queried about the attorney generals involvement or Choys designation as a whistleblower,  Toni Schwartz, spokesperson for the Department of the Attorney General, said in an email Monday, The Department of the Attorney General will not make statements on the existence or status of possible pending investigations.

Makana McClellan, Greens director of communications, said in an email, The Governor has directed Attorney General Lopez and DHRD Director Hashimoto to thoroughly investigate these allegations, determine the facts and identify any appropriate next steps.

HTA board Chair Todd Apo said the board also is waiting for the attorney generals guidance.

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State Sen. Lynn DeCoite (D, Hana-East and Upcountry Maui-Molokai-Lanai-Kahoolawe ), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism, told the Star-Advertiser in a phone interview Monday, HTA is in the paper every week. Weve had many challenges with them. Im not going to second-guess what people are saying. I want accuracy and I want facts.

DeCoite added, Ive known Issac Choy for years and worked with him on countless numbers of bills as a female, and Ive never felt him to be sexist, and as a Hawaiian Ive never felt him to be racist towards me or when around other Hawaiians.

House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan (D, Waialua-Haleiwa-Punaluu ) said, The AGs Office is going to look into the situation, and I think its really premature to call for anyones resignation based off of allegations, which may or may not be true.

Choy said, I believe that the results of the AG investigation will confirm that the work done by me and the HTA Finance and Procurement staff has been and will continue to be in the best interests of HTA and the state and not racially discriminatory in any way.

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However, Tyler Gomes, administrator of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancements Kilohana, filed a complaint Nov. 25 alleging that Choy called Gomes and the rest of the CNHA team dumb Hawaiians  during an August 2023 meeting, and afterward embarked on a pattern of behavior that was race-based in its inequity.

Tokioka said Friday in an email that CNHA officials were not present at the August 2023 meeting but that he was there and that he had heard Choy use derogatory language during a conversation about CNHA with other HTA staff members.

He said that he placed a written warning in Choys personnel file in October 2024 after learning that Naho opi i, who was also present when the remark was made, had not taken further action. He said Choy apologized to staff, and the matter was considered resolved.

But Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, community leader and CNHA ambassador, who was at Fevellas action Monday, said, For too many years, Kanaka of Hawaii have allowed elephants in the room to multiply exponentially in both overt and covert waysnegatively impacting our existence in our homeland.

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During the news conference, Fevella alleged that Choy also had made unresolved racist and sexist remarks to two Native Hawaiian female board members and had threatened staff. He said DBEDTs human resources was aware of complaints, but alleged that Tokioka protected Choy because they were friends.

Tokioka told the Star-Advertiser in an email Monday, After allegations were made, the DBEDT human resources officer met with former interim HTA President &CEO Daniel Naho opi i on a number of occasions regarding the complaints. Mr. Naho opi i stated in numerous meetings with Deputy Attorney General John Cole present that he would address the allegations but did not follow up with VP of Finance Isaac Choy or anyone else.

Naho opi i told the Star-Advertiser on Saturday that a key reason he left HTA was that he was prevented from effectively addressing numerous complaints involving Choy, including two formal complaints from HTA board members, two complaints from HTA contractors, one formal complaint from an HTA employee and multiple other informal employee complaints.

Naho opi i said he felt threatened because Tokioka had tried to discipline him, unsuccessfully, after Naho opi i represented the HTA boards position on a bill in 2024 that was not aligned with DBEDTs position.
After President Donald Trump launched his tariff plans in early April, the stock market took a substantial dive. According to Business Insider, the S&P went down by 11%. Prior to this major stock market event, business mogul Elon Musk was the richest person in the world.

Discover More: Jeff Bezos Billion-Dollar Life: A Look at His Mansion Collection

Find Out: The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing

Afterward, Musk lost $135 billion. This was the first time in five months that his net worth had been below $300 billion.

Musk also notably spent $20 million in support for Brad Schimel (R-WI) in the Wisconsin court race. Schimel lost the race to Susan Crawford (D-WI).

With this much of his wealth lost, is Musk still the richest man in the world?

How Much is Musk Worth?

Even with his losses in the stock market, Musk has already rebounded to a net worth of $361.6 billion, according to Forbes. He still owns about 12% of Tesla (and thats excluding options), but he is using more than half of his shares as collateral on personal loans of more than $3 billion. Musk also owns about 42% of SpaceX, which is currently worth $350 billion. He also owns X and an estimated 54% of xAI.

For You: How Much Is Vice President JD Vance Worth? The Answer May Shock You

Is Musk Still the Richest Person Alive?

Musk is still on top, according to Forbes. Hes followed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who is worth $191.4 billion. Behind him is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg with a net worth of $173.4 billion. CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett comes in at number 4 with a net worth of $162.1 billion, and Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, rounds out the top five with a net worth of $160.6 billion.

Could Elon Musk Lose More Money This Year?

Its definitely possible. According to TechCrunch, Tesla has seen a 71% drop in sales since this time last year. Musk headed up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earlier this year, and DOGE has been to blame for the mass layoffs of federal workers, which has inspired many Tesla boycotts and protests all over the country.

Currently, Musk is pivoting from DOGE to trying to help Teslas reputation. Musk has talked about plans to make Tesla vehicles more affordable, and said he would reveal his plan in mid-2025, according to Business Insider. The more affordable car will most likely have self-driving capabilities and might be produced in China. He has also discussed launching robotaxis in Austin in June, according to Oregon Live.

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BOSTON (SHNS)  Senators came up with 317 ways in which theyd like to amend the Senate Ways and Means Committees nearly $1.3 billion transportation and education spending bill this week, and the MBTA zoning law is once again a popular target.

The committees supplemental budget (S 2512) backed by mostly excess income surtax revenues is on the Senate Calendar for debate Thursday. The package directs $613 million to education and $670 million to transportation. The $370 million billed for the MBTA is expected to be a common point of debate given the committees divergence from the roughly $790 million the House approved to go toward helping the T replenish its depleted deficiency fund and maintain service gains.

Senators from both parties want to make the debate also about the MBTA Communities Act, a 2021 law that passed without much fanfare at the time but has since become one of the tensest topics in state government. The law, which requires cities and towns with or near MBTA service to zone for multi-family housing by right in at least one reasonably sized district, was designed to help address the states housing supply shortage.

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Much of the public concern surrounding the law has revolved around Milton, a town deemed a rapid transit community because it hosts the light-rail Mattapan trolley, which some have argued is not equivalent to the rest of the Ts core transit system. House Speaker Ronald Mariano said last month the town had a point about this crazy little trolley car, but said he wasnt open to legislative action to change the situation.

Democrat Sen. William Driscoll of Milton will try to convince the Senate that some legislative action should be taken. His amendment #308 would amend the MBTA Communities Act to declare that the Mattapan High Speed Line shall not be considered a rapid transit modality, which could affect Miltons requirements under the law.

Republican Sen. Kelly Dooner of Taunton filed a small handful of MBTA Communities-related amendments, including one (#76) to exclude municipalities that have no MBTA service but are currently subject to the zoning law as adjacent communities from the law. A number of communities in her district are considered adjacent towns, including Seekonk, Rehoboth, Berkley, Raynham, Carver and Wareham.

Dooner is also seeking (#77) to give adjacent towns two extra years to come into compliance and (#78) to create five exemptions from the MBTA Communities Act, including if a communitys population is fewer than 8,000 people or if the town lacks basic infrastructure or sufficient state funding for infrastructure improvements.

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Minority Leader Bruce Tarr filed an amendment (#183) that would remove compliance with the MBTA Communities Act from the criteria that makes a city or town eligible for certain grant funding.

The Senate supplemental budget also attracted amendments that contemplate an expansion of MBTA service. Sen. Dylan Fernandes is pitching the idea (#163) of giving the T $25,000 specifically so it can perform a feasibility study of the cost of upgrades required for extending commuter rail service to Buzzards Bay station. Fernandes backed the rail expansion idea as a member of the House in 2023.

Sen. Michael Rush of West Roxbury is proposing (#132) to give the T $100,000 to study the feasibility of extending the Orange Line from its current terminus at Forest Hills Station to the existing Roslindale Village commuter rail station about 1.5 miles away.

Given that the supplemental budget is spending surtax revenue that must be used for education and transportation investments, many of the 317 amendments seek earmarks for specific local projects and needs.

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Others seek to boost state aid across the board, like a proposal (#3) from Tarr to create a $50 million Supplemental Local School District Grant Program to provide additional aid to school districts that are eligible for the minimum per-pupil aid from the state, and Republican Sen. Peter Durant of Spencer is looking to add $15 million for regional school transportation reimbursement (#87) and to add $50 million in supplemental Chapter 90 roadwork funding (#93).

President Donald Trumps tariffs could become a talking point in Thursdays debate. Sen. Michael Moore is proposing (#1) to require the attorney general to issue regulations declaring it to be an unfair and deceptive practice for any company to misrepresent or fail to disclose the nature, purpose, and amount of any import fees, import charges, or other import duties that would be imposed on the transaction due to the purchase in Massachusetts.

When the House debated its version of the surtax supplemental budget last month, House Speaker Ronald Mariano got a $25 million earmark for a parking garage at a medical facility in his Quincy hometown. For that earmark to become reality, it will need to either be added to the Senate plan or survive House-Senate negotiations over a compromise version.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Two teenagers face attempted armed robbery charges after deputies said they tried to rob a male victim at a business in Seneca Sunday.

Related video: is property crime going up in America?

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said deputies responded to a business on Sandifer Boulevard near Seneca Sunday morning following reports of a person with a weapon.

During the course of the investigation, deputies found evidence that 18-year-old Michael Shane Dale and a 14-year-old male entered the bathroom of the business after the male victim, according to a news release.

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Reports said Dale then pointed a firearm at the victim and ordered him to empty his pockets. According to reports, deputies found a 9mm handgun inside Dales vehicle.

Both Dale and the 14-year-old face charges of attempted armed robbery and pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Dale was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center just after 1 p.m. Sunday and denied bond on both charges, according to arrest warrants. He will appear before a Circuit Court Judge at a later time.

The 14-year-old, who has not been identified due to his age, was taken to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
In August 1934, the first group of inmates arrived at Alcatraz, the maximum-security prison perched on a small island in San Francisco Bay. The Big House on the Bay was the ultimate destination for some of the countrys most dangerous and wily criminals.



Prisoners deemed uncontrollable at other penal institutions were tamed by the severity of life at Alcatraz, while restless inmates who made a habit of breaking out of other prisons on the mainland found their days of easy escapes were over. Almost 40 tried, but no one ever successfully escaped the citadel perched on The Rock in the bay.

Despite closing in 1963, Alcatraz maintains its legendary reputation today among many. That includes President Donald Trump, who posted on social media Sunday that he is 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.

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At least for now, Alcatraz exists solely as a tourist attraction, its odd location and famous history still a magnet for visitors to San Francisco. Here are some of the most famous lawbreakers who once called the facility home.







Al Capone

Inmate No.: 85

Conviction: Tax evasion

Time Served at Alcatraz: 5 years (19341939)

By the time Al Capone arrived at Alcatraz on the morning of August 22, 1934, he was past his peak as a crime kingpin. Scarface was a few years into his 11-year term, handed down in 1931 after several lengthy court cases that focused more on his errant declaration of income than his reputation as a killer and bootlegger. At Atlanta Federal Prison, the convicted tax evader had what might be called the run of the place: furnishings in his cell, frequent visitors, and easily bribed guards.

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It was this favoritism that resulted in a transfer to Alcatraz. Here, the warden and guards were immune to his cash and influence, and Capone had to toe the line or face solitary confinement.

By the time of his arrival at Alcatraz, Capone was in a bad way. He was suffering withdrawal from cocaine addiction, and untreated venereal disease had begun to impair his body and mind. His last year at Alcatraz was spent in the prison hospital. The Capone who left Alcatraz in 1939 was a sickly, incoherent man who would live out his final 8 years in seclusion at his Florida mansion. He died of heart failure in 1947 at age 48.

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Machine Gun Kelly

Inmate No.: 117

Conviction: Kidnapping

Time Served at Alcatraz: 17 years (19341951)



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George Kelly Barnes was raised in a well-off Memphis household and even attended some college. A sudden marriage led him to drop out of school, and he got involved in bootlegging during Prohibition.

Kelly then met and married a more experienced criminal named Kathryn Thorne. Thorne groomed her new husband for success. She bought him a Thompson machine gun and, soon, the two robbed banks Bonnie and Clydestyle throughout the South. Word of Machine Gun Kelly spread.

The couple misstepped when they kidnapped an Oklahoma oil tycoon named Charles Urschel. They successfully obtained a $200,000 ransom and began to live large, but the Bureau of Investigation (soon to become the FBI) was on the case. In two months time, Kelly and Thorne were caught, convicted, and sentenced to life.

Kelly served his time at Alcatraz quietly. He was so well-behaved that other inmates began to refer to him as Pop. He worked in the office, served as an altar boy, and reportedly regretted his life of crime. When he left Alcatraz in 1951, however, it wasnt to go free; he was transferred to Leavenworth federal penitentiary, where he died in 1954 on his 59th birthday.

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Alvin Karpis

Inmate No.: 325

Conviction: Kidnapping

Time Served at Alcatraz: 26 years (19361962)

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Alvin Francis Karpavicz, later known by the last name Karpis, saw kidnapping as an easier way to make large sums of money than bank robbing. Called Creepy for his unsettling grin, the native Canadian became the brains behind the Barker family, a bank-robbing gang known for their viciousness during the early 1930s. In a relatively short time, Karpis became one of an elite group of public enemies that also included John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd.

Karpis and Ma Barkers boys worked with assorted accomplices to kidnap millionaire William Hamm for $100,000 in 1933. This job was so successful that they did it again, kidnapping a banker named Edward Bremer for $200,000. J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI made it his personal business to track down the offenders. Hoover personally took Karpis into custody in 1936 after agents barricaded his Plymouth Coupe on a street.

Karpis has the ignoble honor of being the longest-serving inmate at Alcatraz, outlasting its official use. Karpis finished his time elsewhere and was deported to Canada upon release in 1969. He died of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills in 1979 at age 72.

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Robert Birdman Stroud

Inmate No.: 594

Conviction: Murder

Time Served at Alcatraz: 17 years (19421959)



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Robert Stroud, the so-called Birdman of Alcatraz,

was made famous by a 1962 movie of the same name loosely based on his life and starring Burt Lancaster. This suggests Stroud raised birds at Alcatraz, but the prison didnt allow animals of any kind. Stroud actually conducted his experiments with canaries at Leavenworth.

Initially sent to McNeil Island for stabbing a bartender at age 21, Stroud was an unruly and dangerous inmate. He attacked fellow prisoners and did his utmost to sow dissension. At Leavenworth, he stabbed a guard to death, and his sentence was upgraded to life. Prison officials isolated Stroud and allowed him to pursue his interest in bird care to keep him occupied. Stroud wrote two well-regarded books on the topic.

After his transfer to Alcatraz, Stroud filled his time by writing Looking Outward: A History of the U.S. Prison System. He left Alcatraz for another prison in 1959 after his health began to fail and died four years later at age 73.

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Morton Sobell

Inmate No.: 996

Conviction: Conspiracy to commit espionage

Time served at Alcatraz: 5 years (19521958)

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New York City native Morton Sobell became one of the most infamous figures of the Cold War era for his connection to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Sobell befriended Julius after joining the Soviet-aligned Communist Party USA. Working for the aircraft and marine engineering division of General Electric in Schenectady, New York, after the start of World War II, Sobell began relaying secret military-related data to Rosenberg, prosecutors alleged.

Among the information connected to the Rosenbergs were documents about the Manhattan Project, the J. Robert Oppenheimerled U.S. initiative to create an atomic bomb. The couple was sentenced to death for conspiracy to commit espionage and later executed in 1953.



Sobell, who denied his guilt, received a 30-year prison term and was soon transferred to Alcatraz. He served time at multiple prisons before he was paroled in January 1969. Much later in 2008, Sobell admitted he had stolen classified military documents for the Soviet Union near the end of World War II and afterwardbut only about artillery and radar devices. He died at age 101 in January 2019.

Related: New Evidence Might Exonerate the Rosenbergs

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Whitey Bulger

Inmate No.: 1428

Conviction: Armed robbery

Time Served at Alcatraz: 3 years (19591962)

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James Whitey Bulger began his career of crime as a gang member in Boston in the early 1940s and eventually served prison stints for armed robbery and assault. His involvement in a long-running crime syndicate implicated him in almost 20 deaths.

Bulger served his first serious prison sentence at Atlanta. During his three years there, he voluntarily enrolled in the CIAs MK-Ultra program, an experimental mind control operation that involved hypnosis, hallucinogenic drugs, and even abuse. Bulger regretted participating in the experiments and happily left the program upon his transfer to Alcatraz in 1959.

Transferred again in 1962 and freed in 1965, Bulger became deeply enmeshed in Bostons Irish mob. Rising in rank to become one of the citys crime bosses, Bulger dominated the region in the 1970s and 80s with his gambling, bookmaking, and drug rackets.

In 1994, under investigation, Bulger went on the run and remained at large for 16 years, a longstanding fugitive on the FBIs Most Wanted list. In 2011, he was finally tracked down, and in late 2013, he was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms for various crimes. Inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in West Virginia killed 89-year-old Bulger shortly after his arrival there in 2018.

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Mickey Cohen

Inmate No.: 1518

Conviction: Tax evasion

Time Served at Alcatraz: About 1 year, on and off (19611963)

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Alcatraz wasnt very far from closing when Meyer Mickey Cohen made his two brief visits. Convicted of tax evasion for the second time in 10 years, Cohen served his time at Alcatraz in two parts; he was bailed out for six months in the middle, the only prisoner ever to be so removed. The bond was signed by Earl Warren, who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court under John F. Kennedy.

Born in New York, Cohen made his name in Los Angeles. Stints as a newsboy and boxer put him in touch with gambling interests. His willingness to do whatever was necessary made him indispensable to Bugsy Siegels Jewish mob. Under Siegels tutelage, Cohen rose up the ranks, privately eliminating anyone who stood in his way while publicly hobnobbing with Hollywood movie stars and running a string of legitimate businesses. A publicity hound, Cohen made good copy for the daily newspapers, brushing off several attempts on his life as comic inconveniences.

The fastidious Cohen referred to Alcatraz as a crumbling dungeon. When the prison closed in early 1963, he was transferred to Atlanta, where his luck finally ran out. An inmate with a grudge (some sources say a former Alcatraz inmate) smashed Cohen in the skull with a lead pipe. Cohen never walked unassisted again, and a bout with stomach cancer slowed him further. He died in 1976, four years after his release, at age 62.

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BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia's protesting university students are demanding a snap election after months of anti-corruption demonstrations that have shaken populist President Aleksandar Vucic's tight grip on power in the Balkan country.

A statement posted to a joint social media account late Monday said that an early vote is the only way out of a deep political crisis in Serbia triggered by a train station disaster that killed 16 people on Nov. 1, which was widely blamed on government corruption.

The station building in the northern city of Novi Sad had been renovated twice before its concrete canopy crashed on the people below. Critics said graft-fueled negligence and disrespect for safety rules caused the huge construction to collapse.

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The disaster sparked months of protests demanding justice and the rule of law, which have garnered huge support among Serbia's citizens drawing hundreds of thousands of people.

Government corruption is so deeply rooted in state institutions that they are unable perform their duties independently, the protesting students said. We believe that democracy is the only right way to solve a political crisis of such proportions.

A snap election would entail dissolving of the populist-dominated parliament and scheduling the early vote. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party leader and former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has rejected the idea, saying it would spell a disaster for the country.

Vucic, a right-wing populist whom critics accuse of stifling democratic freedoms, has alleged the student protesters were staging a color revolution under orders from the West. Vucic is formally saying he wants Serbia to join the European Union while boosting ties with Russia and China.

Serbias protesting students post statements and protest announcements on the joint social media account Students in Blockade. They have no leaders or spokespersons and make decisions at faculty plenary sessions.
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Seven Pakistan army soldiers were killed on Tuesday when their vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device in the troubled southwestern province of Balochistan, Pakistan's military said in a statement.

(Reporting by Saeed Shah, writing by Tanvi Mehta; Editing by YP Rajesh)
TODD COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN)  Several people, including students, were injured in a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus Tuesday morning in Southern Kentucky.

According to the Todd County School District, the bus driver and multiple students were injured. The driver of another vehicle was also injured.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

School officials said the Elkton Police Department, Todd County Sheriffs Department, Elkton-Todd County Fire Department and the Todd County Rescue Team have responded.

(Courtesy: WEKT Radio) (Courtesy: WEKT Radio) (Courtesy: WEKT Radio)

News 2 is working to obtain more information as the investigation continues.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Its a trend thats troubling to law enforcement leaders and the public: officers getting arrested for driving while intoxicated. Albuquerque Police Officer Jonathan Franco is the most recent, after he was arrested Saturday night for blowing over the legal limit at a Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) DWI checkpoint.

He is the third APD officer to be arrested on suspicion of DWI over the last year, following officer Truitt Bushnell, who was pulled over a day after Christmas, and whose case is still pending. Before that, APD officer Jordan Hernandez was arrested in June 2024, after state police pulled him over in his patrol unit driving about 112 miles per hour, according to court documents. Hernandez pled guilty to DWI.

DWI corruption case: Why cant we see officers plead guilty in federal court?

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New Mexico State Police have also seen another of their own put in handcuffs. Officer Hugo Diaz-Amaya was put on administrative leave after getting arrested in Rio Rancho last week. According to Rio Rancho police, Diaz-Amaya first crashed near the Santa Ana Casino, but kept driving. After crashing near the Casino, the officer crashed again next to a New Mexico Bank and Trust just down the road, knocking over road signs.

A breath test showed no alcohol in his system, but according to court documents, he admitted to taking muscle relaxers. He is the second NMSP officer accused of impaired driving this year. Former NMSP officer Rachel Hall resigned from the force after a deputy arrested her near Gallup for DWI and other charges in February.

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A proposal by the Trump administration to reorganize the Environmental Protection Agency targets divisions that house its climate change offices as well as Energy Star, a widely popular program designed to help lower energy costs for American households.

A chart of the proposed reorganization reviewed by The Times on Tuesday showed plans for vast changes to the Office of Air and Radiation, where the programs are currently held, among several other divisions. EPA is delivering organizational improvements to the personnel structure that will directly benefit the American people and better advance the agencys core mission, while Powering the Great American Comeback, the agency said.

Energy Star was at risk during the first Trump administration, when the EPA last faced an exodus of scientific talent, but ultimately survived. The program sets energy efficiency guidelines for the manufacturers of household products such as refrigerators, heat pumps and dishwashers, which then display the programs logo if they meet its standards.

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Earlier Tuesday, CNN and the Washington Post reported that the proposed restructuring would specifically eliminate Energy Star.

"Trumps plan to end the Energy Star program is a blow to American families and businesses everywhere," Ed Markey, a Democratic senator from Massachusetts, said on social media in response to the news. "This program has saved $500 billion in energy costs over the past 30 years. Energy efficiency isnt just an environmental solution  its an economic one."

Plans to eliminate the program could pose political challenges for a president who ran for office, in part, on promises to lower energy costs. We intend to slash prices by half within 12 months, at a maximum 18 months, Donald Trump said on the campaign trail last year about Americans energy bills.

Read more: Energy Star ratings are cheap, effective and popular. Why does Trump want to kill them?

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EPA staff members are undergoing a second round of deferred resignation offers, similar to buyouts, alongside their colleagues across several other government agencies. It is probably the last chance for career staff to leave willingly. A reorganization will enable the government to implement layoffs with greater discretion.

Changes at the Office of Air and Radiation could alter or compromise other critical programs within the division, such as the agencys efforts to monitor trends in air pollution throughout the country and provide energy resources to state, local and tribal governments, helping them improve local air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

But Lee Zeldin, President Trumps EPA administrator, said in a video released Friday that a new office to be formed in its place is intended to work with  not against  state, local and tribal air permitting agencies to improve processing of state implementation plans and resolving air permitting concerns.

The energy star logo is displayed on a freezer box. (Joshua A. Bickel / Associated Press)

We owe it to the American taxpayer to be as efficient as possible, said Zeldin, who characterized the restructuring proposal as an effort to bring the EPA down to Reagan-era staffing levels, saving $300 million a year by 2026. With these organizational improvements, we can assure the American people that we are dedicated to EPAs core mission of protecting human health and the environment.

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The Air and Radiation division also maintains the EPAs Office of Transportation and Air Quality, the primary body that monitors vehicle emissions throughout the country and sets national fuel efficiency standards  an office that often finds itself at odds with the California Air Resources Board.

And yet, perhaps the most dramatic cuts may be to the agencys main office devoted to understanding, tracking and combating climate change, which is housed under the same division set for a shuffle.

Read more: Trump's EPA nominee stays vague on plans as senators press him on climate views

The restructuring, if implemented, would go further in rolling back the U.S. fight against climate change than Trump did in his first term, when his EPA administrator, Andrew Wheeler, cast doubt on the threats posed by a warming planet.

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In April, the Trump administration fired a large group of scientists producing a major quadrennial U.S. report on climate change, called the National Climate Assessment, and moved to slash research funding at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House last week. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Zeldin has said he plans to cut at least 65% of the agencys total spending, after paring back its travel costs and office space, and placing the majority of its Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights staff on leave.

We will pursue efficiencies, Zeldin said. The American people can rest assured knowing that, with our EPA team, there will be zero tolerance for wasting even a penny of your taxpayer dollars.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Governor Shapiro and other state leaders gathered Monday night at the Capitol to honor Pennsylvanias fallen police officers.

The governor spoke at the annual memorial service organized by the Fraternal Order of Police.

Its a 30-year tradition.

Shapiro pointed out when Americans run from danger, our police officers do the exact opposite.

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He says the memorial is not just to remember their ultimate sacrifice, but also the lives they spent in public service.

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Renault CEO Luca de Meo and Stellantis chairman John Elkann have urged the European Union to implement more favourable rules for small cars as the declining profitability of these cars could lead to plant closures.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Elkann and de Meo emphasised that France, Italy, and Spain should spearhead the initiative, given the high demand for smaller, affordable cars in these countries.

However, they did not specify the exact regulations they want to applied to small cars.

de Meo was quoted by Reuters as saying: "What we are asking for is a differentiated regulation for smaller cars. There are too many rules designed for bigger and more expensive cars, which means we can't make smaller cars in acceptable profitability conditions.

He also noted that Renault and Stellantis, which together hold a 30% market share in Europe, are focused on producing affordable cars for European consumers.

In contrast, premium car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and some Volkswagen brands are more export-oriented, he added.

de Meo said: "(For them), Europe does count, but (their) priority is export. For the last 20 years, their logic has dictated market regulations. And the result is that European rules mean that our cars are ever more complex, ever heavier, ever more expensive, and most people simply can't afford them any more.

Elkann added: "At this rate, if the trajectory does not change, we will have to make some painful decisions for our production base over the next three years."

Last month, Stellantis reportedly halted production of Leapmotor T03 electric vehicle (EV) at its Tychy plant in Poland.

The company, however, has not specified the reasons behind the decision to halt production of the T03.

"EU urged to adopt favourable rules for small cars" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Shawnee County Commission voted unanimously to fine American Medical Response (AMR) for long response times on Monday, May 5.

AMR was late 273 times in February 2025, according to a report from the Shawnee County Ambulance Compliance officer. Out of those late responses, AMR was penalized $4,540 for 92 of the late responses in the four zones AMR operates.

Looking back at late response records, February 2025 saw the most late responses for the month on record. January 2025 had 85 penalties, a number last seen in January 2018.

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TDC Learning Centers in Topeka to soon close, teachers and parents given short notice

AMR must pay $10 for every minute over a predetermined response time for each zone, according to AMRs contract with Shawnee County. AMR is responsible for paying a fine for each month it fails to meet 80% of the calls for its zones. All calls over 45 minutes are fined $100 per minute in addition to the Zone 4 penalties.

Chart compiled by 27 News using Shawnee County Emergency Management compliance numbers going back to 2017.

Zone February On Time Percentage Number of Feb. late responses Penalties General Area 1 86.58% 205 $10 each minute past 15 minutes Central Topeka, East Topeka, North Topeka 2 57.45% 40 $10 each minute past 18 minutes Silver Lake, Montara, Washburn Rural 3 46.88% 17 $10 each minute past 20 minutes Auburn, Berryton, Dover 4 18.18% 9 $10 each minute past 22 minutes Rossville, Wakarusa

Contract C207-2016 as amended allows for penalties and fines for long responses, said Shawnee County Emergency Management Ambulance Compliance Officer Nelson Casteel. Depending on the location of the call, they are fined based on a response time matrix that has been in place since January 1, 2017. We require certain parameters to be met, and it is left up to them as to how they meet those parameters.

27 News reached out to Global Medical Response, the parent company of AMR in Topeka, about the fines. Public Relations Specialist Kelly Watson said money from the fines goes to a county fund that helps support improvements to the 911 and emergency medical response system.

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Kansas gov. warns of $1 billion Medicaid cuts, Republican retaliates with fearmongering accusation

While we continue to meet or exceed overall contractual response time requirements, which is arrival within the response times standards of the contract, at least 80% of time, isolated delays can occur, and frequently in our community those delays are tied to callers with injuries or illnesses that arent time sensitive or life threateningwe always prioritize patients with life-threatening emergencies first, causing longer responses to those that are not life threatening, Watson said.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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When Laurie Diane Potter, 54, of Temecula, Calif., disappeared without a trace in 2003, her husband, Jack Potter, began opening credit cards in her name and spending lavishly

Potter became enamored with a woman he met at a strip club and gave her extravagant gifts including a Hummer and a credit card with a $30,000 limit

Laurie Potter was never reported missing, the San Diego Sheriff's Office said

A California man convicted of discarding his murdered wifes severed legs in a dumpster before opening credit cards in her name and spending lavishly on a boat and a Hummer SUV for his new girlfriend he met at a strip club has learned his fate.

On Friday, May 2, Jack Potter, 72, was sentenced to 15 years-to-life in state prison for the 2003 murder of his wife, Laurie Diane Potter, 54, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement.

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This was a brutal, calculated murder that shattered the lives of Lauries loved ones, who then had to endure nearly 20 years of unanswered questions and unimaginable grief, DA Stephan said.

The gruesome crime came to the attention of law enforcement on Oct. 5, 2003, when a maintenance worker at the Country Hills Apartment complex in Rancho San Diego found a pair of severed human legs in a dumpster, PEOPLE previously reported.

The Medical Examiner's Office and the San Diego Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit "exhausted all traditional avenues of identifying the woman without success," the sheriff's office said in a release in 2021.

The case went cold until 2020, when the San Diego County Sheriffs Homicide Cold Case Team used investigative genetic genealogy for the first time to try to identify the victim, Stephan said.

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Using DNA from the legs, the Cold Case Team identified the woman's adult son, the sheriff's office said in the release. Through DNA, the victim was positively identified as Laurie Diane Potter and the Cold Case Team began an intensive investigation into Laurie's life, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators learned that in 2003, Laurie was a resident of Temecula, married to Jack Dennis Potter, and had never been reported missing, the sheriff's office said. "The investigation revealed substantial and convincing evidence that Jack murdered Laurie," it said.

Related: Calif. Man Charged with Murder 17 Years After Wife's Legs Were Found in Dumpster

Potter was arrested in 2021 in connection with his wifes death. In February 2025, a month before his trial was set to begin, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and confessed to smothering his wife to death.

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Details of the lavish life Potter led after his wifes legs were found came to light during grand jury proceedings in August 2024.

Jurors heard how Potter became obsessed in 2003 with a woman he met at a strip clubwho shared the same first name as his wife, Stephan said.

Within weeks of Lauries legs being discovered, Potter opened multiple credit accounts and made extravagant purchases, including a new pick-up truck, a Hummer SUV, and a ski boat, Stephan said.

He gave the Hummer and boat to his new girlfriend, rented her an apartment in Corona Hills, and provided her with a credit card carrying a $30,000 limit.

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Over the years, Potter continued opening credit cards in Lauries name and fraudulently filing Family Court documents claiming he had contacted his wife about the proceedingsyears after she had been murdered, Stephan said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

He went to Family Court to sell the family home in Temecula and pocket all profits, Stephan said.

This case is a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice never stops, said DA Stephan. And neither does the grief of those who lose someone to violence. Today, we honor Lauries memory and stand with her family in their long-awaited moment of justice.



Read the original article on People
May 5DIXON  A Dixon woman faces several charges in connection with a multi-vehicle crash about 7 p.m. Sunday on state Route 2 near Plock Road, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Sandra L. Seeley, 52, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, improper traffic lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, according to a news release issued Monday afternoon.

Investigating deputies have determined that a 2013 GMC Acadia driven by Seeley, 52, was traveling east on Route 2 at a high rate of speed when she struck a 2014 Ford Fusion driven east by Elizabeth L. Elsasser, 18, of Mt. Morris.

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The collision caused the 2013 GMC Acadia to cross the median into westbound traffic, where it crashed into a 2012 Dodge Charger driven by Jason Kopitas, 37, of Ashton, according to the release.

All three drivers were checked by medical personnel at the scene, according to the release. Elsasser was taken to OSF St. Katherine Hospital in Dixon for treatment of minor injuries, according to the release.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Illinois State Police, Dixon Rural Fire Department and Advance EMS Ambulance Services.
Several homes were damaged after shots were fired during an argument in a Dayton neighborhood on Monday.

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Dayton Police were called to the 300 block of Delaware Avenue shortly before 5 p.m. on reports of shots fired.

Lt. Eric Sheldon said officers got to the scene and took everyone involved into custody as they investigated.

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Investigators learned that an 11-year-old girl had been bitten by a dog. This led to an argument that escalated to shots being fired between two groups.

No one was struck by this reckless gunfire, however multiple homes and at least one vehicle were struck, Sheldon said.

The child was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries from the dog bite.

Three people were arrested. A 17-year-old boy was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center for obstructing official business, failure to disclose, carrying a concealed weapon, improperly discharging a firearm, and felonious assault.

Two men, 21 and 20 years old, were booked into the Montgomery County Jail on felonious assault and improperly discharging a firearm charges.

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Six firearms and other pieces of evidence were found during the investigation.

The case remains under investigation by the Dayton Police Departments Violent Offender Unit.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Part of President Donald Trumps proposed budget eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts, an agency Congress established in 1965.

The NEA is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in the country. According to the NEA, it is updating its grant priorities, causing it to take back some of the grants awarded for 2025.

Disappointed is probably the word I would use, not really shocked, said Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema Executive Director Chloe Cook.

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Sidewalk has received federal funding from the NEA since 2009. For the 2025 fiscal year, Sidewalk had been approved for a $25,000 grant to go toward the Sidewalk Film Festival and associated public programming.

City of Birmingham sues Alabama to stop law that would change Birmingham Water Works Board

In an email notice to Sidewalk from the NEA on Friday, the project no longer aligns with the agencys new priorities.

The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nations rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President, the NEA stated in its notice to Sidewalk. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities.

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The NEA will now prioritize projects that elevate the Nations HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI 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, the notice continued. Funding is being allocated in a new direction in furtherance of the Administrations agenda.

Several of the things that were listed in that notification letter are really not things I think one could argue are arts related, Cook said.

The NEA stated groups have seven days after receiving the notice to appeal the decision if they feel the project meets one of the agencys new priorities. Sidewalk said it started the appeal paperwork Monday, three days after receiving its notice.

Were making the case that we tell Americas stories, Cook said. Every film, whether thats a two-minute short or a two-hour long feature film, is telling the story of somebody, some group of people, some business, some nonprofit organization.

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Judge denies citys request to stop Alabama from signing Birmingham Water Works Board bill, at least for now

At Sloss Furnaces, an eight-week metal arts apprenticeship is held for high school students every summer. It has received an NEA grant for this program almost every year since 2004.

Its a really unique opportunity for the students who are here to, outside of their school environment, get to be hands-on with metalwork and sculpture and get to explore a lot of different skills and processes that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to be exposed to unless they were in a trade job or went to school for something really specific, said Virginia Elliott, the metal arts director with the Sloss Furnaces Foundation.

Elliott said shes not received word one way or another whether it will still get the $25,000 grant it was awarded this year. With the program starting June 1, she said some changes are already being made just in case the funding doesnt come through.

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The artist who made this piece teaches the students how to make large-scale sculpture, Elliott said. He was going to do a workshop on making maquettes for planning for public art, so it was going to be a week-long workshop. He was going to bring another piece down, and the students were going to help him install a piece, but I cant afford to pay him. I cant plan on paying him the stipend for that.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates and how they could impact Sioux City funding was a hot topic at the city council meeting Monday night.

The city council was presented three resolutions to alter current city language bringing it into compliance with a federal directive.

Several Sioux City residents came forward to voice their opposition.

While I truly understand the concern regarding federal transportation funding, but we can not and must not be bullied into abandoning our moral obligation to serve all citizens equitably, Ike Rayford, who serves as the Treasurer of the Sioux City NAACP, said. Im concerned now, I realize you have a difficult decision and it comes down to money. But I continue to hope.

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I continue to hope that there can be a way to get around some of these cuts being dictated in a country that should not be one that dictates at the local level, Caroline Goodwin, a Sioux City resident, said.

Council member Matthew OKane expressed agreement with the citizens that spoke. He suggested alternative solutions than the proposed recommendations. Alex Watters also understood the frustration and disappointment from the residents. However, he said hes responsible for tax payers dollars and it would be irresponsible to pass up these federal funding opportunities. Funding concerns were expressed by several council members, as the state legislature is proposing to overhaul Iowas property tax structure.

They come here and tell us that they really want to work with us and be our partner, but they go to Des Moines and vote entirely differently and its unfortunate, Mayor Bob Scott said. They limit the resources that we can have and they want to tie our hands on property taxes. They dont want to give any of their money back to supplement like Nebraska does the property taxes, but they want to tell us were collecting to much. Theyre sitting with how many billions, millions of dollars worth of reserves and were pretty much exhausted ours. So they cant say were sitting on reserves anymore, its terribly unfortunate.

Road construction season in both Iowa and Nebraska are underway

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After discussion on public comment, council members voted in favor of staff recommendations. Those included the following:

Reclassifying the position of diversity and inclusion coordinator to human resources specialist

Dissolving the inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee

Rescinding an inclusive language notice for the city

OKane voted no for all three items.

The city said a week before that they were looking at the possible steps to comply with the federal DEI mandates. It came as the directive from the U.S. DOT required anyone who receives grants from the department to discontinue programs or policies that rely on classifications prohibited under federal law, including certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission is hosting a walking tour of the northern downtown area Tuesday evening.

The event comes as part of the annual celebration of Historic Preservation Week.

Road construction season is underway in both Iowa and Nebraska

The stroll will begin at the Sioux City Public Museum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. Museum Archivist Tom Munson will guide the tour, which will focus on the history of the area as well as local architecture.

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The event is free and open to the public.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux City woman has pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement for her role in a scheme to obtain forgeries of car titles out of Iowa.

On April 30, Rhonda Vermilyea, 34, pleaded guilty to first-degree fraudulent practice, perjury, and first-degree theft in two cases. She had originally been charged with 13 counts of first-degree fraudulent practice, 12 counts of perjury, 15 counts of forgery, and one count of first-degree theft.

As part of the agreement, Vermilyea has agreed to a sentence of a suspended 25 consecutive years in prison. She must also pay $31,314.14 in restitution. She also agreed to serve five years of probation for each of the three counts.

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The official sentencing for Vermilyea is set for June 10.

Story continues below

Arresting court documents stated Vermilyea would forge the owners signature of the Sioux City towing company she worked for on abandoned vehicle affidavits from mid-2020 to January 2023. She would then allegedly supply those forged documents to Christopher Abelson so that he could obtain a fraudulent Iowa Dealers Title, allowing him to sell them. The two were charged in December 2023.

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Abelson has pleaded guilty and been sentenced as well. On June 7, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy, first-degree fraudulent practice and perjury as part of a plea agreement. He faced a count of conspiracy, 12 counts of first-degree fraudulent practice, and 12 counts of perjury. His guilty pleas were accepted on July 1, 2024.

On November 1, 2024, Abelson was sentenced to no more than 10 years in prison and $12,050 in fines. The prison time and $2,050 in fines were suspended. Abelson was also sentenced to four years of probation.

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Evansvilles Sixth Avenue Park could soon be up for sale, as city officials say it is underutilized.

The park used to be in a residential-based area, but as years passed, officials say it is now a commercial area. Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Danielle Crook says the park isnt used to its full potential, noting how funding could help the other parks in the city thrive.

Theres always limited funds to allocate in our neighborhood park improvement funding for example is allocated between all of our parks. Its not just designated, says Crook. There isnt a certain amount designated per park so being able to have the park board vote to sell this property this week, allows us to then take those proceeds and redistribute those to some of the other 46 parks that we have.

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Crook says its all about time, funds and resources. All 46 properties share the same maintenance staff and this would be one less park to mow and spend time at.

Residents can voice their opinions on the potential sale at Wednesdays Parks Board meeting which starts at noon inside the Civic Center. Commissioners will then vote on putting the park up for sale.

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ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) hosted its annual Memorial Breakfast today, honoring those lost in the line of duty.

Families, supporters and friends remembered about 167 officers, ranging in years from 1863 to 2024. This is also the 39th time this event has been held by SLMPD.

Colonel Lawrence OTooler, a former lieutenant who now serves as the executive director of Backstoppers, was the events keynote speaker.

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The sister of fallen St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer David Lee also attended the breakfast. Danielle Williams shared with FOX 2 the legacy Lee left for the community he served.

I didnt know how much of a help (Lee) was until the day he left this Earth, Williams said. People walk up to me just to tell me stories on how he always would make sure everyone was okay.

SLMPD Chief Robert Tracy noted the events turnout, with many attending the breakfast to pay their respect for the lives lost.

Locally, in St. Louis, to have this breakfast, supporters and all the families came together (and) never forgot the sacrifice, Tracy said.

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FedEx has redeployed another large freighter from its overnight parcel network to its daytime operation focused on deferred cargo as it pursues more business from freight forwarders.

The integrated parcel logistics company last week announced that it has added a nonstop flight between Liege, Belgium, and its global hub in Memphis, Tennessee, utilizing a Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. The new flight increases frequency on the route from five to eight times per week.

The 777s redeployment is part of a broader transformation of the air network that is designed to eliminate excess capacity amid a slowdown in parcel volumes, as well as reduce costs and improve customer service. A key part of the color-coded strategy involves segregating the fleet by product categories and demand requirements.

FedEx (NYSE: FDX) transferred the widebody aircraft from its Purple network, which operates at night moving express parcels, to its daytime Orange network geared toward premium international air cargo such as pharmaceuticals and automotive parts, spokesman Jonathan Lyons said.

Liege plays a central role in the Orange Network. With retimed flights and strong road connectivity, the site is ideally positioned to feed deferred and freight volumes into our European road network, offering efficient cross-border connections without relying solely on express timelines, he added in an email.

Streamlining FedExs air infrastructure has been in the works for two years but is gaining momentum following the September expiration of a large U.S. Postal Service contract.

The Purple network is oriented toward cross-border parcel customers willing to pay for the highest level of speed, with dedicated aircraft timed to arrive overnight at FedEx hubs for next-day delivery. Fewer large freight shipments are being mixed in to maximize aircraft density and sorting efficiency on the ground.

FedEx has targeted the $80 billion deferred airfreight market as an area for growth.

With Orange flights, FedEx is competing directly with all-cargo carriers for priority, high-yield international freight that is more profitable per pound than heavier, general consignments.

Orange flights are scheduled into primary and regional sortation centers during the daytime, when workers have more time to build dense pallets. The White network is for low-priority shipments booked on commercial passenger aircraft by FedExs freight forwarding arm.

Under the strategy, FedEx has repurposed its Liege terminal into a dedicated intercontinental freight hub for Europe. It also supports nonstop trans-Atlantic flights to Indianapolis and Oakland, California.
Slovakias prime minister went swimming in the Danube to quash fears over his health and prove that he is well enough to attend Vladimir Putins Victory Day parade.

Robert Fico posted a picture of himself in the water in a see-through top on social media after telling reporters that his health was none of your business.

There was speculation that he would cancel the trip to Moscow because of health issues linked to the May 2024 assassination attempt, in which he was shot five times at close range.

Robert Fico was shot at five times during an assassination attempt last year - AFP

Before making his post on X, Mr Fico maintained that he would still go to Russia for Fridays parade despite last minute changes to his schedule, including a planned trip to the UK.

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He addressed the press in a post on Monday: I was waiting for you this morning, where were you?

Just yesterday, the journalists were worried about whether I was even breathing and if I was capable of walking up the stairs to my office So this morning I invited them to the dam to warm up and go for a swim.

He added: I feel like they really need it. No one showed up. I get it  it was drizzling a bit and a bit chilly.

I WAS WAITING FOR YOU THIS MORNING, WHERE WERE YOU?



Just yesterday, the journalists were 'worried' about whether I was even breathing and if I was capable of walking up the stairs to my office



So this morning I invited them to the dam to warm up and go for a swim. I feel like pic.twitter.com/yLRnf9WTAr  Robert Fico  (@RobertFicoSVK) May 5, 2025

Aleksandar Vucic, Serbias president and the only other European politician expected to attend Putins parade, has cancelled after falling ill and being taken to hospital on Saturday.

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This increased speculation over Mr Ficos attendance at the event, which is traditionally used by Putin for propaganda purposes.

Mr Ficos attendance will be seen as breaking ranks among Nato and EU allies, but the populist said he wants to pay tribute to the Soviet solders who liberated his country in the Second World War.

The Left-wing nationalist has consistently echoed Kremlin talking points over the war in Ukraine.

He has criticised Volodymyr Zelensky as disrespectful for warning foreign leaders that Ukraine could not guarantee their safety if they went to the May 9 parade in Red Square.

Cadets march at a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade - Dmitri Lovetsky/AP

Putin has warned Russians not to set off fireworks to celebrate the event, a source of national pride, amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks.

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Twenty-nine world leaders, including Chinas Xi Jinping, Brazils Lula da Silva and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, are expected to attend the commemorations in Moscow in the coming days.

Military units from 13 countries, including China, will take part in the parade along with Russian troops.

Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, Min Aung Hlaing, the prime minister of Myanmar, Miguel Diaz-Canel, the Cuban president, and the heads of state of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are all attending.

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An 11-year-old boy was arrested Monday afternoon after reportedly showing up to Alderwood Middle School with two knives, according to the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded just after 3 p.m. to a report of a person with a weapon on the campus.

Classes had already been dismissed for the day, but the school implemented a modified lockdown for after-school programs.

When deputies arrived, they found the boy, who ran away but was quickly caught and taken into custody.

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Authorities say they recovered two knives from him.

The child is a former student of the Edmonds School District and had previously attended a nearby elementary school.

No one was injured, and deputies said there is no ongoing threat to students or staff.

The lockdown was lifted after the arrest.

The boy remains in custody, and the sheriffs office continues to investigate.
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Somerset man was arrested on Thursday, May 1, after drugs were reportedly found during a search of his home in March.

The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office said that the narcotics division received word of illegal drugs being sold at a home on Elihu Drive. After further investigation, evidence reportedly suggested that Nelson West, 54, was trafficking methamphetamine.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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On March 31, authorities searched his home and reportedly found 131.7 grams of methamphetamine in three separate baggies. Meth was also allegedly hidden in a bathroom compartment.

Meth reportedly found during search of Wests home (Pulaski County Sheriffs Office)

Marijuana, glass pipes, and more than $1,000 in cash were also found, per detectives.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

After obtaining an arrest warrant, authorities said they went to Wests home and knocked on the door, and could hear people scurrying around inside. West was reportedly found in the bathroom and subsequently arrested.

Records show he faces the following charges:

First-degree trafficking in a controlled substance: over 2 grams of methamphetamine

Possession of marijuana

Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia

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West was booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash bond. Hes due in court at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South Africas second biggest political party launched a legal challenge Tuesday against a new labor law aimed at boosting the hiring of Black people and other groups in some industries, arguing it is unconstitutional, discriminatory and could dampen foreign investment.

The challenge by the Democratic Alliance, or DA, takes aim at amendments to the Employment Equity Amendment Act that went into effect in January. Intended to force companies to diversify their staff, the new laws have divided the country's unity government, which includes the DA.

The measures have drawn fire from the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, who has cited racist laws as part of his reasons to cut financial aid to South Africa and offer to support the relocation of some of its white minority Afrikaner community to the U.S.

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The recent amendments give the labor minister the power to set numerical targets for the hiring of Black people, women and people with disabilities in sectors identified by the government as not reaching certain targets. Companies face fines for not reaching the targets.

Helen Zille, the federal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance, has described the new law as totalitarian and says it discriminates against other groups of South Africans while potentially discouraging foreign investment.

Jobs are created by companies that invest in South Africa. The draconian labor regime created by the Employment Equity Amendment Act will continue to drive away investment and predictably increase unemployment, Zille said.

She said the new law is aimed at using racial quotas to address the injustices of the past under the apartheid system of white minority rule, and that it would contribute to the country's unemployment rate, which now stands at over 32%. She said such discrimination in the past has failed to lift up marginalized groups.

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It is completely senseless to knowingly intensify a discriminatory regime that has already failed so spectacularly to empower economically marginalized people, Zille said.

Though South Africa's constitution allows some discrimination to make amends for the oppression Black people experienced during apartheid's enforced racial segregation, it must meet a fairness threshold that the DA argues is not met under the new measures, which it describes as draconian.

Official government statistics show that racial and gender disparities in the country's economy remain widespread more than 30 years after the end of apartheid.

The African National Congress party, which is the biggest party in the unity government after losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections, criticized the Democratic Alliance for its court challenge.

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The Employment Equity Act is not about quotas. It is about justice," ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said. It is about correcting structural imbalances in the economy and ensuring that all South Africans have a fair shot at opportunity.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ANC, defended the employment law in his weekly message to the nation on Monday, writing it was part of our effort to overcome the structural inequality of apartheid.

The clash over the law is the latest public spat between the two biggest parties in the unity government who remain ideologically opposed on many issues.

The parties also are divided on education and land reform policies aimed at addressing inequalities created under apartheid.

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Two weeks ago, the government withdrew plans to increase a value-added tax paid on consumer goods after the DA and most opposition parties opposed it and refused to vote for the budget which contained the tax increase.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified South Havens current interim police chief. It is Adam DeBoer. We regret the error, which has been fixed.

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  People packed a South Haven City Council meeting Monday after the police department saw two chiefs resign in just the first few months of the year.

More than a dozen people addressed the council, pushing back on how the process of finding a new police chief has gone.

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Dennis Honholt, South Havens most recent chief, resigned after the city said he did not leave his post in a department in Tennessee before his start date in Michigan. In the meantime, Adam DeBoer was appointed interim chief. He was introduced to the council Monday night.

South Haven announces interim police chief

At the meeting, some were calling for an investigation into the city managers handling of the chief search, saying Pat Carlotto, who has been with the South Haven Police Department for 25 years, was unfairly overlooked. People at the meeting said they dont want to see another search.

We watched this thing carry out with our police chief for the last, however many months. We watch games get played. We watched money be irresponsibly spent, and look where were still at, said Josh Gunnison, speaking against the police chief hiring process.

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Neither City Manager Kate Hosier nor Mayor Annie Brown had comment regarding the search for the next chief of police or concerns shared in public comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
MADRID (AP)  Workers in Spain may soon have 2.5 more hours of weekly rest after the government on Tuesday approved a bill that would reduce the workweek from 40 hours to 37.5 hours.

If enacted, the bill  which will now go to parliament  would benefit 12.5 million full-time and part-time private sector workers and is expected to improve productivity and reduce absenteeism, according to the Ministry of Labor.

Today, we are modernizing the world of labor and helping people to be a little happier, said Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz, who heads the left-wing party Sumar (Joining Forces).

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The measure, which already applies to civil servants and some other sectors, would mainly affect retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction, Diaz added.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's left-wing coalition government does not have a clear majority in parliament, where the bill must be approved for it to become law. The main trade unions have expressed support for the proposal, unlike business associations.

Sumar, the hard-left minority partner of Sanchezs Socialist Party, proposed the bill.

The Catalan nationalist party Junts (Together), an occasional ally of Sanchezs coalition, expressed concern over what it said would be negative consequences for small companies and the self-employed under a shorter working week.

The coalition will have to balance the demands of Junts and other smaller parties to get the bill passed.

Spain has had a 40-hour workweek since 1983, when it was reduced from 48 hours.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A long time Spartanburg County Council member has decided to leave for a new opportunity, to serve the State of South Carolina.

David Britt is a familiar face to many in Spartanburg County. He has been a champion of growth in Spartanburg as the Vice Chair of County Council and Chair of Economic Development, since he was elected in 1991.

I got elected basically to bring jobs to Spartanburg, I work in industry and have been since I graduated from Wofford, and thats what I love, Britt said. I love selling Spartanburg and bringing hope and opportunity to the residents.

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Now, Britt is closing the chapter on a decades-old-career.

Last Thursday, Britt was elected by the General Assembly to serve on the South Carolina Public Service Commission.

This is not something I was looking to do, Britt added. I had a group of people in Spartanburg and across the state that said, what you have done in Spartanburg County you need to be doing for the State of South Carolina.

Britt said it was a tough decision to make after serving on county council for nearly 35 years.

Now is a chance for me to have a lasting impact on the State of South Carolina, he said.

The Public Service Commission regulates public utilities and helps set rates for electric, water, natural gas, and wastewater companies.

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Britt believes as he steps down, Spartanburg County is in good hands.

We are in a great place compared to where we were in 1991, to where we are in 2025. I am convinced that this council and this community will not slow down and will continue to attract the very best companies in the world to come here and the very best people, Britt said.

On the Public Service Commission, Britt will represent the states fourth congressional district, which is made up of Spartanburg and Greenville Counties.

Britts last day on council will be May 19.

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VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Spectrum is supporting families in need across Broome County with its latest donation.

Spectrum has donated $1,000 to Good Neighbors, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity. The money was donated through Spectrums national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

The donation will help support Good Neighbors Nourishing Our Neighbors program. The initiative provides food and other essentials to those in need in the Broome County area.

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We are deeply grateful to Spectrum and the Employee Community Grants program for their generous support of our Nourishing Our Neighbors initiative. Said Krista Bunzey, Good Neighbors New York State Coordinator. This funding helps us continue our mission of delivering food and essential supplies to families across Broome County who are facing hardship. Its especially meaningful to receive this donation through a program that recognizes and uplifts the volunteer efforts of Spectrum employees. Partnerships like this are vital in creating a more resilient and compassionate community.

Since 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants has provided funding to over 591 nonprofits. Recipients help underserved residents meet basic needs, including providing food, shelter, clothing, job training and neighborhood safety.

Each awardee is nominated by one of the companys more than 101,000 U.S. employees who has volunteered with the organization for at least one year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Video: Separate coverage of Springfield.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Springfield is readying up for their annual Community Cleanup Day.

The city announced that this years event will happen Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will provide an opportunity to get rid of unwanted household materials.

Springfield removes homeless encampment from local park

Although most items are accepted  such as yard debris, mattresses, bulky furniture, outdoor items, electronics, clothing, general trash and tires  there are a few that will not be accepted as well.

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Non-residential or commercial waste

Chemicals or hazardous materials

Paint

Medical waste or pharmaceuticals

The event is free and available for residents of Springfield only.

A proof of residency is required when dropping off items, which can be dropped off behind the Clark County Public Library on Jefferson Street.

Call the Community Development Department at 937-324-7689 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Xi's historical insights into war and peace

Xinhua) 08:02, May 06, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping watches the military parade during the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, May 5 (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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) attends a presentation ceremony on which the Chinese government gives the "Zun of Peace" to the United Nations as a gift in New York, the United States, Sept. 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping straightens the ribbon on a flower basket during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) shakes hands with a Russian veteran in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Bank of America also noted that dividend-paying stocks helped stabilize portfolios during the turbulent month of March. As trade policy uncertainty under President Donald Trump rattled markets, value and dividend-oriented names held up better. In an April 11 report, BofAs quant strategist Nigel Tupper highlighted these trends and pointed to several top-performing dividend stocks during the markets choppy period.

According to analysts, investors can adopt a strategy that balances both income and growth by focusing on dividend growers. Historically, they have shown less volatility and often outperformed the broader market, including benchmarks like the S&P Equal Weight Index. A report from Guggenheim found that between May 2005 and December 2024, companies that initiated or raised their dividends achieved an average annual return of 10.5%, compared to just 5.5% for those that reduced or suspended payouts. By contrast, the overall market averaged a 10.4% return during the same period, slightly lagging behind the dividend growers. The report also emphasized that dividend growth strategies tend to perform well across different market environments, both bullish and bearish. This makes them a compelling option for investors seeking long-term returns while aiming to protect their portfolios during downturns.

Investor interest in stocks with reliable dividend growth remains strong due to long-term investment potential. As a result, many of these financially sound firms become targets for investors looking to manage risk without sacrificing growth. The Fidelity Equity-Income Fund and the Fidelity Global Equity Income Fund portfolios, managed by Ramona Persaud, seek stable dividend-paying firms with attractive valuations. She pointed out that declining interest rates tend to make dividend stocks more appealing than bonds due to relatively attractive yields. Indeed, Persaud argued lower rates could foster a more broad-based rally for stocks beyond the market gains, which have been largely concentrated on a handful of large-cap growth names. Her focus is on well-performing firms with reliable cash flows and strong, growing dividends.

Dividend Challengers refers to US-listed companies that have raised their dividends every year for a minimum of five, and less than ten, consecutive years. These companies have demonstrated a relatively recent commitment to sharing profits with shareholders through dividends. Investors usually gravitate towards such firms because historically, dividend growers outperform the returns of the broader market. Moreover, most of these firms have a track record of exhibiting lower price volatility, which makes them favorable to those looking for stable income.

We recently published a list of Dividend Challengers 2025: Top 25 . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT) stands against other dividend challenger stocks.

Story Continues

In March, as global equities fell -4.1% on concerns tariffs could increase and slow growth, the best performing global styles were Value and Dividends.

As investor interest in dividend-paying stocks continues to climb, many companies have responded by steadily boosting their payouts. According to a report from Janus Henderson, global dividend distributions hit a record $1.75 trillion in 2024, marking a 6.6% increase on an underlying basis. The total headline growth stood at 5.2%, slightly tempered by a decline in special one-time dividends and the impact of a stronger US dollar. Of the 49 countries tracked in the report, 17including key markets like the US, Canada, France, Japan, and Chinaachieved new highs in dividend payments. Overall, 88% of companies either raised or maintained their dividends during the year. Looking ahead, Janus Henderson expects global dividend payouts to grow by 5.0% on a headline basis in the coming year, reaching another record of $1.83 trillion. Despite ongoing currency pressures from a strong dollar, the firm projects underlying growth to edge slightly higher to about 5.1%.

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (FCPT): One of the Top Dividend Challengers in 2025

A REIT Retail company representative discussing the portfolio growth with a tenant.

Our Methodology

For this list, we looked at a group of dividend challengers, recognized for consistently increasing dividends for 5 consecutive years, but for less than 10 years. From this list, we chose companies with the highest dividend yields as of April 29 and arranged them in order from lowest to highest yield.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with hedge funds. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT)

Dividend Yield as of April 29: 5.10%

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT) is a California-based real estate investment trust company that specializes in owning and leasing restaurant and retail properties. The company regularly expands its portfolio through new acquisitions. Recent purchases include a Chuys property from Darden for $2.9 million, an Outback Steakhouse for $1.6 million, and an auto service property for $5.3 million. These additions help diversify its holdings and support Four Corners ability to raise its dividend. The stock has surged by over 4% since the start of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2025, Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT) reported revenue of $71.4 million, which showed a 7.5% YoY growth and also beat analysts estimates by $3.54 million. However, the companys EPS of $0.26 missed the consensus marginally by $0.01. Rental revenue rose 8.4% year-over-year to $63.5 million, which included $63.2 million in cash rents and $0.2 million from straight-line and other non-cash rent adjustments.

As of March 31, 2025, Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT)s rental portfolio comprised 1,221 properties spread across 47 states. The portfolio was 99.4% occupied based on square footage, with tenants under long-term net leases averaging about 7.3 years remaining. The company maintained a solid cash position. FCPT had around $617 million in available liquidity, which included $22 million in cash and cash equivalents, expected net proceeds of about $245 million from existing forward sale agreements, and $350 million in available capacity under its revolving credit facility.

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FCPT) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.355 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.10%, as of April 29. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past eight consecutive years.

Overall, FCPT ranks 7th on our dividend challengers list. While we acknowledge the potential of FCPT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than FCPT but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
SPRINGFIELD  Will Demarski walked out of the citys Forestry Operation Center on Monday as the proud owner of a free hornbeam shade sapling that he plans to plant in the yard of his newly bought home.

I just moved to Springfield and purchased a house in Liberty Heights, and Im trying to improve my yard, he said.

The tree is one of about 180 that Eversource distributed for free to residents in the city on Monday, in a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, to improve the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change, said Mike Babineau, vegetation management supervisor for Eversource.

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But Eversource, which spends a lot of time trimming trees to protect power lines, wants people to plant trees in the right spot. Those receiving plants through the tree giveaway first logged onto a portal, found their property and identified the right plant for the right location to help with energy conservation and avoid conflicts with power lines, said Babineau.

Those who had a spot near a power line, for example, were advised to select from a number of small trees or shrubs. Those who were hoping to cut down on air conditioning needs were advised to plant a larger deciduous shade tree on the west or southwest sides of their home, he said.

The portal was easy to use, said Rhonda Hall-Reynolds, a teacher, who found her ideal tree and place to plant it.

While on her lunch break, the Springfield teacher picked up her elderberry tree and is excited to reap the benefits of the berries as it matures.

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I wanted to make sure I planted something that is beneficial to my family and our health, she said. We need to replenish green space to reduce asthma rates.

This is the second year Eversource has selected a half-dozen communities  two each in the states it operates, in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts  to distribute a total of 1,000 trees and bushes. The utility typically selects environmental justice communities with a lot of open space that could use some regreening, Babineau said.

The company had a variety of plants, ranging from large shrubs, such as blueberry and witch hazel, to trees like hazelnut and kousa dogwood, so there were plenty of choices to fit different properties, he said.

The company spent about $50,000 this year on the program, which it hopes to make an annual one, to help cities and towns that need to expand their tree canopy, said Sean Redding, director of vegetation management for Eversource.

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Mayor Domenic J. Sarno greeted people picking up trees on Monday and thanked the company for selecting the city as a spot for Eversources public service program. He added Springfield has had the designation of being a tree city for four decades.

I am very proud of our citys commitment to tree planting, conservation and environmental stewardship. Not only do additional tree plantings bring vibrancy and enhance our neighborhoods and quality of life, increasing our treescape is essential for air quality and climate resilience, he said.

In fact, this is just one program that helps the city and residents plant trees. Springfield was the recipient of a five-year state Greening the Gateway cities grant that provided $1.5 million to plant some 2,600 trees in the city on public and private land between 2018 and 2023, said Alex Sherman, the city forester.

That grant was renewed last year with a $1.8 million five-year award, which will allow another 3,000 trees to be planted on public and private property, he said.

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Currently, there are about 500 trees available to residents who can call the citys 311 line for more information. In this program, the citys forestry department visits a home of an interested resident, evaluates the property for the best location for the new tree, gives them a choice of species to fit that location and plants the tree, Sherman said.

The key is to plant the right tree in the right place, he said. You want to know the size of the mature tree, so if you plant it in your yard in a location where it will have enough room to grow to a full size.

Lou Kornet ended up leaving with a new serviceberry. Not only was it recommended for his yard, it also has an interesting, albeit somewhat morbid history. When people were unable to bury loved ones who died in the winter because the ground was frozen, they used the serviceberry blooms as a sign that the ground had thawed enough to dig a grave, he said.

This is great. We need to plant more and more trees. Its good for the environment, he said.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Sharon Lavigne, founder of the environmental justice group Rise St. James, holds a sign while pointing out where her property was damaged by high wind during Hurricane Francine. (Drew Costley/ Verite News)

As a resident of St. James Parish, Barbara Washington is already surrounded by plastics manufacturers, chemical companies and natural gas refineries that populate the parish. But the local government is looking to pave the way for more industry  at the expense of her communitys health, she told Verite News.

Washington, a co-founder of environmental justice group Inclusive Louisiana, spoke with Verite days after the parish council voted to approve two motions that showed their support for growing the presence of the petrochemical industry in town last month.

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The council approved at its April 2 meeting property tax exemptions for Air Products and Chemicals, along with a resolution expressing support for Formosas efforts to bring a plastics plant to the parish. The developments come as the Trump administration pulls support for environmental justice communities around the United States and threatens to roll back environmental regulations that could protect communities like the one Washington lives in.

Despite a federal court reopening a lawsuit brought by Inclusive Louisiana and other local environmentalists that could pause new industrial development, Washington said it feels overwhelming to fight against various industrial projects at once. That it doesnt slow her down, though.

Weve been here before the plants ever came here, Washington said. And we know something is wrong, and we keep saying its wrong, and they keep ignoring us.

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St. James Parish is located in an area known as Cancer Alley for its disproportionately high cancer rates. Elevated cancer rates in parishes in the industrial corridor that stretches from New Orleans to Baton Rouge have been attributed to high levels of toxic air pollution from nearby facilities by researchers from Tulane University. Most of those facilities are located in predominantly-Black neighborhoods, which environmental justice activists have argued violates residents civil rights.

The segregated and racialized land use system of St. James Parish is directly traceable to land use methods necessary to the system of chattel slavery and the subsequent periods of violence, dispossession, and residential segregation white people carried out during the post-Reconstruction periods of neo-slavery and Jim Crow, the lawsuit reads.

Washington said the recent council votes came at the expense of the parishs public health and infrastructure. The council unanimously voted to grant Air Products & Chemicals, a petrochemical company in Convent, property tax breaks through the Industrial Tax Exemption program for the next decade. Washington said she was dissatisfied with the parish councils decision.

And here we see that our highways are really in need of fixing, Washington said. The burden of all of this falls on the community when they dont pay their fair share of taxes.

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Air Products has resumed use of machinery that converts methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the cleaner fuel hydrogen, which had been sitting idle since 2020, said Art George, a spokesman for the company. The plant where the machinery, called a natural gas reformer, is located is a part of the companys Gulf Coast hydrogen gas pipeline system, according to a state database.

The pipeline delivers refined hydrogen gas across the coast, making it the largest hydrogen pipeline system in the world, George said. But the reformer in Convent also produces gases that speed up climate change such as carbon dioxide and pose dangers to human health such as carbon monoxide.

We feel left out, because every time we go to the council meeting or the planning commission, it seems like their minds have already been made up [to be] pro-industry, Washington said. They tell us that theyre looking at the economic impact, but theyre looking at wealth, and we are looking at health.

The St. James Parish Council also voted to symbolically voice support for a controversial petrochemical complex that would be one of the largest in the world if completed. Formosas Sunshine Project would manufacture plastic items and emit known carcinogens like ethylene oxide, benzene and formaldehyde into the nearby community, a predominantly Black residential neighborhood in St. James Fifth District. The project has faced several delays due to lawsuits and permitting issues.

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Anthony AJ Jasmin, the council parish representative for 5th district, introduced the resolution reaffirming the parish governments support for Formosa with the support of Parish President Pete Dufresne. All but one parish councilmember  Donald Nash, who represents the 7th district  voted yes on the resolution.

Sharon Lavigne, the founder of environmental justice organization RISE St. James, is one of Jasmins constituents. She said she was disappointed by the resolution he introduced.

It felt like a betrayal, she said. I feel like he let us down.

St. James Parish Council members did not respond to requests for comment.

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The communities around the proposed Formosa plant are already at high risk of exposure to toxic air releases, according to the Environmental Protection Agencys EJScreen, an environmental justice mapping tool that was taken down by the Trump administration in February.

As a citizen of St. James Parish, naturally, me being here with all of the toxic pollution that we are breathing and getting sick from and dying from cancer, Im very disappointed in them passing a resolution that will continue to harm our air, our water and our land, Washington said.

The parish council passed the resolution despite the troubled economic outlook for plastic production. An April report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analytics recommended that Formosa abandon its project in St. James. Oversaturation in the plastics market, slow industrial growth and shifts to sustainable goods contribute to the poor projections for the project and the polyethylene sector as a whole, the report reads, and the companys performance has declined over the past four years.

Despite the bleak picture painted by the report, a Formosa spokesperson, Janile Parks, reaffirmed the companys commitment to the project.

FG is disappointed by the delays the project has faced, but remains confident that all permits were properly issued, Parks said in a statement. We do not intend to give up the fight for this important economic development project that will benefit the people of St. James Parish and Louisiana.

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But Formosas claim that it has all the permits necessary for construction is misleading, said Mike Brown, an Earthjustice attorney. Earthjustice represents Rise St. James in their lawsuit against Formosa.

Brown said Formosa cant meet the newer and stricter standards for fine particulate matter and ethylene oxide emissions, which means that the company might not be able to renew expired permits. And although the Trump administration announced last month that the EPA is working to roll back standards for particulate matter, Brown said that effort might take years.

Formosa also cannot begin construction until it receive a wetlands permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2021, the Army Corps ordered Formosa to complete a full environmental review of the project, a complex process that takes years to complete.

Parks did not respond to questions about whether or not the environmental review process had even begun, or when it is set to finish. She said the project has been paused for the past four years while Formosa works with the Army Corps.

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Lavigne said Rise St. James will do everything in its power to stop Formosa from completing the plans, including calling on other organizations and activists to join.

Were not gonna roll over and say, Oh no, we lost, Lavigne said. We will still fight. If we lose, we will continue to fight.

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This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
ST. LOUIS  A chop shop operator appeared in federal court Monday and admitted aiding car thieves connected to a St. Louis gang.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Jorge Alberto Luviano-Martinez, 41, admitted running an illegal business in the 2900 block of Cass Avenue where stolen cars could be scrapped or altered.

According to court documents, members of the Big 5 gang discussed obtaining electronic keys from Luviano-Martinez to be used on stolen vehicles, and switching VIN numbers on other stolen cars.

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On June 10, 2024, investigators with St. Louis City and County police, along with the FBI and members of ICE, conducted a court-approved search of the chop shop. Investigators found eight stolen vehicles. One vehicle had its VIN number removed and another had its VIN replaced with a new number.

Before the search warrant was served, law enforcement saw Luviano-Martinez leave the garage in a stolen Jeep. Police attempted a traffic stop, but Luviano-Martinez fled. He drove down a dead end street trying to escape police. After realizing he was stuck, Luviano-Martinez scaled a fence to run on foot, but he was arrested.

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Luviano-Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of operating a chop shop. Hell be sentenced in August and faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  St. Louis County Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith will hold a news conference on Tuesday, May 6, to discuss her first 100 days in office and highlight key reforms.

Price Smith is expected to focus on reforms aimed at enhancing public safety, increasing efficiency, and improving accountability within her office. The news conference will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Louis County Justice Center.

We reinstated our violent crime unit the afternoon that I was sworn in, Price Smith said. That is currently up and running. It reviews violent crime in real time.

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One of Price Smiths first actions was reinstating the countys violent crime unit, which reviews violent crime cases in real time to prevent delays in processing repeat offenders.

Price Smiths office achieved its first jury conviction for murder, with Rodney Collins sentenced to life in prison for the August 2023 killing of William Gholson. Price Smiths office claims it also reduced a significant backlog of cases by 43 percent and has brought on three veteran federal prosecutors to lead the homicide team.

Man claims he crashed stolen car to rid it of a demon

In addition to prosecutorial reforms, Price Smiths office has saved taxpayers $18,000 by identifying unused office technology, such as iPads and iPhones, that were still active but hadnt been tracked or turned in.

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Price Smith emphasized the importance of re-imagining resource usage, stating, We definitely dont have increased funding.

Looking ahead, Price Smith aims to continue community outreach, streamline courtroom processes, and focus on removing repeat violent offenders from the streets.

Price Smiths efforts in her first 100 days have focused on improving efficiency and accountability in the prosecutors office, with significant strides in reducing case backlogs and enhancing public safety measures.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.

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ST. LOUIS  Cinema St. Louis and the Hi-Pointe THeater announced that their $20,000 NEA grant for the 2025 St. Louis International Film Festival has been withdrawnjust months before the November event.

The Trump Administration began canceling grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, which caused the theater to lose 12% of its Annual Festival Budget.

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Its devastating. Ive been an arts lover since I was a kid, and to know that education through the arts that has been a thread through the cultural fabric of this country since at least the 60s could potentially be going away, its a huge loss for this country and every community across America, said Bree Maniscalco, executive director of Cinema St. Louis & Hi-Pointe Theater.

Cinema St. Louis says it will now rely more heavily on volunteers, reduce travel budgets for filmmakers and may cut back on the number of free films.

Filmmaker Dana Christian, who showcased a short film last year honoring Fergusons 10-year anniversary, says this loss hurts deeply.

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As a minority in the creative space to do this full time, we are always searching and trying to pull to try to get things funded Luckily I do this full time but some of my colleagues, they work parting jobs and they have to come out of their pockets, Christian said.

The timing comes just ahead of Give STL Day this Thursday.

Cinema St. Louis is launching a 35 for 35 campaign to raise $35,000 in support of 35mm film programming.

Despite the cuts, the festival will go on November 6 to the 16.

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ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis woman faces a felony charge after she allegedly made dozens of 911 calls and threatened to blow up a police station, according to court documents obtained by FOX 2.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Davida Goerke, 51, with one count of a terrorist threat in the second degree.

Court documents state that Goerke made 29 phone calls from her cellphone to 911 from May 2 to May 5.

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Man claims he crashed stolen car to rid it of a demon

The documents allege that Goerke called 911 asking for police to respond to her address, giving her address to a 911 operator. When asked why she needed police, in at least one specific phone call, she reportedly responded to send police or she would blow up the police station the next day.

Some time later, police identified the caller as Goerke based on the address provided in phone calls.

Authorities have requested a warrant for Goerkes arrest and have issued no bond upon arrest. Court documents did not make it immediately clear if she was in custody as of Tuesday.

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Not long after being elected to the St. Paul City Council, HwaJeong Kim was appointed as the capital citys representative to the League of Minnesota Cities, the states largest municipal membership association. The organization brings together city leaders to discuss legislative bills, salary surveys and employee hiring and retention strategies, among other issues facing municipalities.

Kim, who is the city councils vice president, was sworn in as a voting member of the leagues board of directors in February 2024, but missed the next months meeting. She has also missed almost every meeting since.

In all, Kim has attended two of the 10 league meetings held from February of last year through February of this year, and none since April 2024, according to meeting minutes available online. Thats almost a solid consecutive year of monthly absences.

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St. Paul City Council Member Rebecca Noecker, who became council president in February, said Kim had frequent scheduling conflicts and another council member will soon step into the role.

We were recently informed by the city of St. Paul that councilmember Kim is no longer the citys representative to the league board due to some reshuffling of committee assignments on their end, said Donald Reeder, a spokesperson for the league, in an April 30 email. We have not yet confirmed a replacement.

We also recognize that board members (typically councilors, mayors, and administrative staff from a variety of cities) wear many hats in their own communities and often have scheduling conflicts that do not permit them to attend all meetings or league activities, Reeder wrote.

Kim did not return a reporters phone call and email on April 21 and a follow-up phone call and email on May 2, or a text message on May 5. A receptionist at City Hall said she does not work from the office on Mondays as the role is part-time.

City council attendance

Kims attendance at the regular weekly meetings of the city council has been more up and down, but her frequent lateness and absences have not gone unnoticed by voters, some of whom have noted her outside duties as the executive director of a get-out-the-vote organization. So far this year, from Jan. 1 through the end of April, she has missed more than a fourth of the councils regularly-scheduled Wednesday afternoon meetings  or four out of 15 weekly voting sessions.

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Kim, who represents the Ward 5 communities of Como and the North End, was one of two council members absent from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carters State of the City address on April 21, even though it was held at the new North End Community Center, a $31 million rec center and community hub that opened last month within her own political ward.

I do know she really wanted to be at the North End Community Center for the mayors speech but she had a long-planned trip, so they had the grand opening a few days earlier and she was at that, said Amy Brendmoen, a former city council president who previously represented Ward 5.

Kim was also absent from the city council meeting on April 23, where a sizable line of Ward 5 homeowners arrived to object to tree removal near Como Lake for a sidewalk project that will leave them shouldering assessments of $10,000 or more.

It is a little frustrating that all of us took time off work and our council member isnt even here, said Osage street homeowner Nathan Rue, addressing the council during the hearing. Were just going to have to come back again.

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Noecker explained to the line of homeowners that the public hearing will resume in early May, by which time Kim  whom she said was out of the country on vacation  would be there in person to hear their concerns. Noecker assured them that Kim would also watch the video recording of their remarks.

I will be calling on you to step down

For some, that wasnt good enough. In a recent email to the Ward 5 office, Parkview Avenue resident Jane Sommerville noted that Kim is the executive director of Minnesota Voice, a progressive nonprofit dedicated to voter registration, civic engagement and training community organizers. While serving on the city council is officially a part-time job, and nothing bars outside employment, its unusual for council members to split their time doing something as time-consuming as running an outside organization. The council position pays about $77,000 annually.

It is unclear to me how you can maintain two jobs concurrently, especially one as demanding as City Council Vice Chair, wrote Sommerville, in a recent email to Kims office. On Nov. 12  you attended a meeting at North Dale Recreation Center regarding the street project. However, you stood in the corner, did not introduce yourself, engage with your constituency, answer questions, nor appear to write down any questions. It was quite unclear why you were even there.

Sommerville was one of four plaintiffs in an unsuccessful legal action against the city aimed at blocking tree removal from Parkview Avenue. She noted that before the lawsuit was filed, residents of the impacted area had reached out to the Ward 5 council office by phone and email over the course of several months.

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Some neighbors received generic or templated responses from your office, and a few received emails from your staff, Sommerville wrote. No one received a response from you specifically. Neighbors have invited you to come out and meet with us. You have likewise not responded nor come to our block to meet with us.

I will be calling on you to step down in your role as City Council representative for Ward 5, Sommerville added. We deserve better.

Kim isnt alone in her council absences. Last year, she attended 37 of the councils 43 weekly meetings, or about 86%. That still put her ahead of Council Member Anika Bowie, who attended 36 meetings. Nelsie Yang attended 29 meetings after a 12-week maternity leave. The full council was together last year about 44% of the time  or 60% not counting Yangs maternity leave.

Kim, a former legislative aide to Brendmoen, won the election to the Ward 5 seat in November 2023 with 2,745 votes, or 52% of the vote in a four-way race that included David Greenwood-Sanchez, Pam Tollefson and Nate Nins. St. Paul has since moved to an even-year calendar for municipal elections, shifting the next full council election to November 2028.

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May 5The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) of Austin has announced the 32nd annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive to be held on May 10.

They will hold their drive in conjunction with the 33rd national carrier food drive, which is conducted each year on the second Saturday in May. Carriers will be delivering bags donated by Hy-Vee the week of the food drive.

In over three decades, letter carriers nationally have collected nearly two billion pounds of food to help feed the hungry. Nationally, carriers set a record collecting 11 million pounds in 2024, and Austin area letter carriers collected food and financial donations equaling over 19,000 pounds of food.

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Carriers are asking residents of Austin to place nonperishable food items in bags near their mailboxes for a carrier or volunteer to pick up on May 10. The donations are then delivered to the local food shelf. In Austin, it's the Salvation Army.

To ensure all food donated is collected, they ask residents to have their food out at the mailbox by 9 a.m. However, if that is inconvenient or if they forget, carriers will collect the food whenever residents get it out, including the Friday before or Monday after.

This is a rain or shine event. Donations can also be left at the Salvation Army or the Post Office. Monetary gifts are accepted but checks should be made out to the Salvation Army. Residents can donate directly to the Austin food shelf using https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ northern/austin/.

Residents in rural areas should check with their local post office on how to donate. In the past, food drives have been held in Rochester, Albert Lea and Mason City.

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The two most vulnerable groups in America and Mower County for food insecurity are children and the elderly.

According to the Hometown Food Security Project, Mower's food insecurity rate is 8.4%, a number that is growing and currently exceeds the state average of 6%. It also reports that 1 in 7 kids are food insecure within the county and among those 60 and over, it is estimated that 24% of the population is considered food insecure.

Those struggling to make ends meet tend to buy the cheapest least healthy food to stretch their income making healthy donations to food shelves vitally important.

Stacy Wisemore, food shelf director at the Austin Salvation Army, said the items most needed include: canned beans, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat, peanut butter, mac and cheese, cereals, rice, pasta and soups.
CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The National Association of Letter Carriers holds the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive every May. This year, the effort takes place on Saturday, May 10.

Residents will receive bags that they can fill with non-perishable, healthy food items and put the bag next to their mailbox. Mail carriers and volunteers will collect the bags and then distribute the food to local agencies.

In Clay County, food collected will be split among three agencies: the Clay County Emergency Food Pantry, Saint Vincent de Paul and the Senior Center. Clay County Emergency Food Pantry CEO Mike Robinson said USDA program cuts, higher food prices and increased food demand during the summer months are reasons why donations are crucial at this time.

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If you look across the statistics, one out of five are food insecure, and so when you look at whats going on, the price of food and the capability of people to be able to buy the food, this will supplement and take care of that need, said Robinson.

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive started back in 1993.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  After multiple traffic stops involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement happened in South Nashville this weekend, News 2 has worked to get responses from Tennessee lawmakers.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a public safety operation with federal authorities this weekend. Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) said that he and other Democrats sent a letter to the THP to see if the operation was done at the request of the federal government or the state government.

Its cruel; its an abuse of power: Community leaders address rising fears and concerns about ICE

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Children were left abandoned. Personal property has been left abandoned. People are without their family members. Right now, there appears to be no due process whatsoever. We know of no subpoenas that were issued or served involved in this raid, Clemmons said. Every Tennessean should be concerned. There is nothing limiting the federal government right now from coming and picking anyone of us up off the road for any reason whatsoever apparently and detaining us with no excuse whatsoever.

The letter, written by the Davidson County Legislative Delegation, is addressed to Commissioner Jeff Long with the Department of Homeland Security and Colonel Matt Perry with the THP. The letter seeks to better understand the States involvement in the operation.

A spokesperson told News 2 that a Republican legislator would speak on the matter later this week.

They just separated us: Woman details traffic stop after she and fiance were allegedly pulled over by ICE

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News 2 also reached out to Governor Bill Lees office for comment on the safety operation. A spokesperson said in a statement:

Tennessee has a long track record of stepping up to secure our Nations borders and strengthening public safety. President Trump made it clear that states would play a major role in enforcing immigration laws and removing the most violent offenders, and Americans overwhelmingly elected him to do so.

In partnership with the General Assembly, Gov. Lee established the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division to strengthen the states ability to identify and address the presence of individuals in Tennessee who are subject to final orders of removal or who are violent criminal offenders in the country unlawfully.

Questions regarding law enforcement operations and the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division should be referred to the Department of Safety.

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On Tuesday, News 2 spoke with Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) on the matter. He said he believes the safety operation was in response to a 2024 immigration report by the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

Tennessee Highway Patrol used that data, they did not target someone based off of color or race. They pulled people over because they violated the law through a traffic stop and those traffic stops, through the technology that we have today, led to discovering individuals that were in this country illegally, Cepicky said. It was very sad to see the mayor of Nashville and some of my Democratic colleagues standing with criminals.

The Tennessee House Republican Caucus also sent a statement on the arrests Tuesday:

Tennessee will have zero tolerance for those who prove to be a threat to public safety, whether here legally or illegally.

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Republicans in the General Assembly in 2024 proudly provided law enforcement agencies at every level across this state with the authority to work with the appropriate federal authorities when they encounter someone who is determined to be in this country illegally. By providing these tools and enacting new measures this year, we aim to demagnetize Tennessee from the burdens created by the Biden administrations disastrous national security policies.

We fully support the arrest of anyone who is violating our laws. We have great confidence in the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, as well as our law enforcement partners across this state, to professionally carry out their sworn duties.

Nashville residents should be highly concerned that their elected Democrat leaders choose to prioritize the well-being of criminals who are here illegally over their law-abiding constituents. The Democrat Partys pro-criminal, pro-illegal immigration, defund-the police agenda and disdain for the rule of law have left communities defenseless and families shattered. They have truly lost their way.

Tennesseans deserve a government that understands its sacred obligation to prioritize the safety, security, financial and economic well-being of those who are lawfully here. Tennessee Republicans are committed to delivering exactly that.

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We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) stands against the other monopoly stocks.

Morgan Stanley believes the bull market might not be finished, and the S&P 500 might close the year with single-digit gains. There can be further declines in the S&P 500, which can result in attractive entry points. Historically, when stocks decline 15%, the average returns after a year tend to be attractive, says Morgan Stanley. Furthermore, the returns are even more attractive when a 20% drop becomes an entry point. That being said, a major risk to the broader equity market can be a resurgence of inflation and the US Fed increasing rates, along with tariff impacts.

S&P 500 Can Deliver Single-Digit Returns

Morgan Stanley Investment Managements Applied Equity Team believes that 2025 can be a pause year for the broader S&P 500, posting single-digit gains. This remains consistent with the firms outlook, which was shared at the beginning of the year, suggesting that 3rd year of a bull market tends to deliver mediocrebut positive returns, together with increased volatility. Analyzing 12 times since 1950 that the broader S&P 500 declined a minimum of 20% from its peak, there was a recession in 9 of such instances, says the investment firm. In the current instance, the combination of the market decline or the recession talk appeared to be sufficient to spur a policy response.

READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In.

Pockets of Opportunities

Morgan Stanley believes that stocks can retest lows seen in early April. The base case outlook is for gains in 2025, and the market is open 251 days a year. If stocks decline 20% or more, the investment firm opines that investors will do well to consider increasing the equity allocations more aggressively. In the 12 times since 1950 in which the S&P 500 fell 20%, the average subsequent 1-year return with that fall as an entry point is 19%. Fidelity International believes that, in this market, which is characterised by increased uncertainty, a focus on dividends as a component of total return can offer support.

Furthermore, the firm believes that it is critical to combine an emphasis on high-quality businesses with valuation discipline in a bid to avoid overpaying for companies and have a better chance of generating strong long-term returns. In difficult market environments, earnings resilience remains critical. This doesnt mean a top-down allocation to defensive industries, but selecting companies possessing resilient business models throughout a broad range of sectors with the help of detailed bottom-up analysis. Owning resilient businesses, diversified across industries, leads to increased earnings persistence as compared to the broader market indices, says Fidelity International.
Three fires converged in 2020, destroying over 1,500 structures in the Santiam Canyon, which included massive destruction to the city of Detroit, shown here. A partnership between the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety could help Oregonians harden homes and create defensible space to spare them from burning up in a wildfire. (Photo courtesy of Oregon State University)

Oregons State Fire Marshal is collaborating with a nonprofit backed by the insurance industry to help Oregonians protect their homes from burning and keep their premiums from rising.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple signed a memorandum of agreement Friday with Roy Wright, CEO of the South Carolina-based Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, which oversees the Wildfire Prepared certification program. The program offers homeowners in California, and now Oregon, certificates for undertaking specific wildfire prevention work around their homes.

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In turn, insurers could incorporate certification into their calculus for rates and premiums, helping to curb the rising cost of property insurance, which has grown 30% since 2020, according to the states Department of Consumer and Business Services. For Gov. Tina Kotek, the memorandum is about making sure Oregonians can keep getting property insurance, period.

What I think is important for us is that we continue to have insurance for our homeowners here, despite the wildfire risk. Thats not true in other states, she said at a news conference Monday. We also want the price to come down, but at a minimum we need to have insurance for our homeowners.

The California Department of Insurance requires insurance companies operating in the state to offer discounts for wildfire mitigation work. The Oregon Legislature hasnt passed similar requirements, but Kotek said thats not necessary yet.

We still have an insurance market. California is really struggling to maintain insurance coverage. Thats not our issue right now, she said. I think by working with the insurance industry and (implementing) best practices for communities, were going to have a different relationship than they have in California.

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Besides offering certificates for wildfire prevention work, the state and the association will partner on research, educational opportunities for Oregonians around home hardening and defensible space and offering post-wildfire analysis.

Getting certified

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an independent nonprofit backed by major insurers including State Farm and Farmers Insurance, offers two different Wildfire Prepared certificates: one for older homes being retrofitted to withstand fire and one for newer homes being built to withstand fires.

The certificates apply only to single-family homes three stories or less, and the person who applies for the certification has to own the home. Townhomes, condos, multiplexes and apartment buildings are not eligible, and the process cant be started by a renter.

The main requirement homeowners must meet is clearing a 5-foot buffer around the home and any deck, leaving no combustible material. That means no trees, overhanging branches, mulch, grass, turf, wood or vinyl fencing can be within 5 feet of a home or deck.

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After work is completed, homeowners submit $125 along with an application that includes photos of their work. Inspectors at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety review the photos and, if approved, a third party inspector follows up to visit and confirm the work has been done, or document what more should be done.

Homeowners who are certified must submit photos annually showing they are maintaining their defensible space buffer and they must get recertified every three years.

In a news release, Oregons Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi said the certification should eventually help Oregonians keep and afford insurance.

When consumers and the state invest in reducing wildfire risk, insurers  guided by data and science  should reflect that progress in rating and underwriting, helping to keep coverage available and affordable for Oregonians, he said.

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Investment or incentives from the Legislature that might help Oregonians with the costs of home hardening, however, has lagged. In 2021, following the catastrophic 2020 Labor Day Fires, the Legislature allocated more than $30 million to help Oregonians with home hardening. By 2023, the Legislature allocated about 10% of that.

A 2024 grant program from the State Fire Marshals Office that provided $250 grants to help Oregonians afford defensible space landscaping is no longer available, according to Kassie Keller, an agency spokesperson.

Kotek said helping Oregonians afford to prevent wildfires from burning up their homes is still a priority for her.

The sessions not over yet, she said. Im going to continue to fight for dedicated dollars, and frankly new dollars, to help have more of these community-based grants to help not only individual homeowners harden and be protected from wildfire, but the whole community.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A two-day event to encourage unity in the Black community is making its way to New Orleans this week.

The nationwide tour is a movement uniting organizers, educators, artists, and everyday people to co-create and strengthen long-term power in Black communities. Some of the programming initiatives will include community forums, policy discussions, and cultural events leading up to a national Black Agenda and a Juneteenth General Assembly.

It is a love letter to Black America in some ways. It is our intent to go around the country and love on our communities in very authentic ways. To convene about the urgency of now and the things that are taking place around the country and in Louisiana, said activist Gary Chambers Jr.

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Journalist Joy Reid said to bridge the gap between the Black community and media, its time to listen to the needs and wants.

One of the things we dont do enough in media is ask Black folks what they need and talk to Black people. I think what you do is talk to Black people a lot, but we dont have a lot of conversations, said Reid.

Chambers says the State of the People POWER Tour will be giving away $10K in utility relief. Theyre paying Entergy bills for families with a disconnect notice up to $250, while funds last. The only requirement is that you attend one of the tour dates in New Orleans.

The tour visits 12 cities across 10 states. To learn more about the tour stop on May 8-9 in New Orleans, visit the State of the People website to RSVP.

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Attendees can expect workshops, town hall meetings, and hear from other Louisiana leaders, activists, and journalists. Those include:

Angela Rye, President and CEO of IMPACT Strategies

Joy Reid, Journalist

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of NAACP

LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter

Pastor Mike McBride, Executive Director of Live Free USA

Gary Chambers, Jr., Activist/Strategist

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
May 5A New Mexico State Police officer was allegedly under the influence of pain medicine when he was in two crashes in Rio Rancho on Friday.

Hugo Diaz Amaya, 33, of Rio Rancho, is charged with driving while under the influence of drugs, first offense, two counts of reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of accidents. He was released on personal recognizance, according to court records.

Diaz Amaya's arrest is the second involving a local police officer in two days. Albuquerque Police Officer Jonathan Franco was arrested at a DWI checkpoint on Saturday night.

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Diaz Amaya was placed on administrative leave and "appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation," NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said in a statement.

"I want to make it clear no one is above the law, especially those of us who have sworn to uphold it," Weisler said. "While my officers are human, and make mistakes, they are also held to a higher standard because of the trust placed in them by the community."

At 3:08 p.m. Friday, the Rio Rancho Police Department responded to a call for an agency assist.

When officers arrived, they found a crashed truck at the intersection of Enchanted Hills NE and Jaeger NE, according to a statement of probable cause filed in Sandoval County Magistrate Court.

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Officers learned Diaz Amaya was involved in two crashes, police said. The first took place on U.S. 550 between N.M. 528 and Santa Ana Star Casino, where he drove onto oncoming traffic forcing another vehicle to swerve off the road, according to the statement of probable cause.

The second crash happened near New Mexico Bank and Trust in the 7800 block of Enchanted Hills, near N.M. 528, where he hit road signs and multiple curbs, police said.

Diaz Amaya told officers he crashed near the casino and did not stop because he did not have insurance; however, he denied crashing near the bank, the probable cause states.

Police said Diaz Amaya had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and almost fell over while walking. He told police he took medicine for back pain Thursday night, according to the statement of probable cause. Diaz Amaya then failed the standard field sobriety test, police said.

"I recognize that incidents like this can damage public confidence, and I will continue to stay committed to holding all my officers accountable for their actions," Weisler said. "His conduct does not reflect the values and integrity that define a New Mexico State Police officer. Those who tarnish this badge have no place in this agency."
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez and Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart and the rest of the Legislative Council on Monday voted to create the Federal Infrastructure Funds and Stability Interim Committee. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)

The highest-ranking lawmaker in the New Mexico Senate cannot be sued for reassigning a senators office and seat in the chamber because they were legitimate legislative actions, the states high court said Monday.

In 2021, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) moved then-Sen. Jacob Candelarias (DTS-Albuquerque) seat on the Senate floor and his Senate office location in the Roundhouse.

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In a complaint filed in a district court in 2022, Candelaria alleged Stewarts actions had been retaliatory for his public criticism of her vote against terminating the executive director, at the time, of the Legislation Education Study Committee, who was facing allegations of unlawful workplace discrimination.

In a unanimous opinion written by Chief Justice David Thomson, the New Mexico Supreme Court said Stewart is entitled to immunity from legal liability because her actions fall under the speech and debate clause in the New Mexico Constitution. The justices noted that it was the first time the states appeals courts have ever been asked to interpret the clause.

Mondays opinion offered the legal explanation for the justices earlier verbal ruling in the case, which they made in December after hearing arguments from both sides.

While the decision on this case was delivered last year, its good to have closure on this issue with the delivery of a written opinion from the Supreme Court, Stewart told Source NM in a statement. Our Constitutions Speech or Debate Clause outlines what constitutes legitimate, protected legislative activities, and the Supreme Courts affirmation now makes it clear once and for all.

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Second Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Ramczyk in September 2024 concluded that he needed to examine Stewarts motives for her actions against Candelaria before he could decide whether she was entitled to legislative immunity.

The Supreme Court said Ramczyks reasoning was wrong because of a long-established legal principle that courts cant question lawmakers motive or intent. The justices sent the case back to him, telling him to dismiss it, and he did so on Dec. 16, according to court records.

The justices wrote that Stewarts motive is irrelevant and moving Candelarias office and floor seat are both legitimate legislative activities in her role as president of the Senate.

Private actions, just like those brought by the executive branch, divert legislators attention from their work and bring judicial power to bear, imperiling legislative independence, the justices wrote.

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A request for comment from Candelaria was not returned as of publication time.

Candelaria argued that New Mexicos Constitution only protects lawmakers from liability for officials acts requiring a vote; however, the justices wrote that he misinterpreted part of the speech and debate clause to limit lawmakers immunity when it was really providing an additional ground for immunity.

Candelaria also argued that Stewarts changes to his office and seating arrangements werent integral to the Senates deliberations because earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, senators had been allowed to participate and vote in committee meetings and floor sessions remotely.

The justices disagreed, saying the pandemic required the Senate to change its procedures in unprecedented ways, and they refused to rule on legislative immunity based on those changes.

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Candelaria, first elected in 2013, frequently clashed with Senate leadership and changed his party affiliation in late 2021 from Democrat to independent. He resigned from the Senate in 2022.

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STEELTON, Pa. (WHTM)  Places like Naples Pizza get a lot of business from employees at the Cleveland-Cliffs plant. Local restaurants are worried about losing customers once the facility idles in June and more than 500 employees lose their jobs.

Pietro Cangialosi says his heart sank when he heard about the layoffs. He knows plant workers by name when they come into Naples Pizza.

Its about a good 30 to 40 of them per day for lunch, so lets just say on the low end, $5 per customer, its a nice little chunk of change, says Cangialosi.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

Naples Pizza has been around since 1974. Nestas Jamaican Food Trailer opened up down the street just days before the layoffs were announced. Owner Edith Proctor says theyve already served steelworkers.

Its gonna affect the community, its gonna affect the workers, theres families, Proctor says. Theres kids that the guys support and stuff and theyve been working at it for a long time.

Nestas and Naples both hope theres a solution to help the future of the plant and its employees. Steelton Mayor Ciera Dent told abc27 she would be meeting with Cleveland-Cliffs to gain clarity Monday night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Stephen Anthony Steve Lamantia, 85 of Warren, entered into eternal life Thursday evening, April 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren.

Steve was born on January 25, 1940, in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of Joseph Frank and Violet Marie (Dintino) Lamantia.

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Steve was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati.

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He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served five years.

His career began with the Ohio State Highway Patrol as cadet dispatcher in Steubenville. Upon graduating from the patrol 63rd academy class, he spent 30 years in the field 1963  1993, serving as trooper for the Warren Post, assistant post commander, sergeant, for the Steubenville post, post commander, lieutenant, for the Lebanon post, staff lieutenant, assistant commander, for the warren district and in June 1985, assumed command of the warren district as captain, his position at retirement. He was also a graduate of the FBI academy, Quantico, Virginia.

From 1993  2003, Steve served as chief of the Howland police department. From 2004  2006, he subcontracted to work with an aerospace and defense contractor in Washington DC/Virginia area. During that period he also was a licensed private investigator, under the Ohio department of public safety, division of homeland security. From 2007  2009 he worked for the Ohio attorney general as interim superintendent of BCI and then deputy director of Ohio organized crime investigations commission, finally retiring after a career of 40+ years.

Steves God and his family, was the very essence of his existence. His care and love of them was deep and constant his entire life.

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He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 33 years, Sandra (Szepietowski) Lamantia of Warren; daughters, Melissa (Scott) Moore, Stephanie Santell and Michelle Lamantia, all of Lebanon, Ohio; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brother, Guy (Theresa) Lamantia of Steubenville and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Besides his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy.

The family honored him with private services in Steubenville, at Mosti funeral home, with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to the Lamantia family.

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Arrangements handled by Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Anthony Steve Lamantia, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 7 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Sioux Falls police say street racing has increased over the last few years with the growth of Sioux Falls.

Both the city and the state are cracking down on street, exhibition and drag racing.

Incredibly distasteful says TenHaken to Trumps AI Pope photo

In March, the legislature passed Senate Bill 116, which makes speed racing a class 1 or 2 misdemeanor for drivers and a class 6 felony for race organizers. This law will go into effect on July 1.

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The Sioux Falls City Council also passed an ordinance in March that lifts the ban on exhibition driving on private property if the group has a permit authorized by the police department.

Sgt. Travis Olson said the ordinance allows people to continue their hobbies under a safe and official capacity. The intent of the ordinance is to hopefully keep racers and exhibition drivers off public streets.

Before, any form of excessive engine noise, speeding or tire screeching was in violation of the city laws, even on private property. Under the new ordinance, groups must apply for a temporary permit to hold their events on private property. They must also have insurance and safety officers present.

No permits for these driving events will be issued between the hours of 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Although its hard to pinpoint exactly how many calls the police get for street racing or how many attempts police make to shut it down, Olson did say that the problem has been increasing over the last few years.

Burbank, SD mom runs all 6 World Marathon Majors

He also said its difficult to respond to these complaints because the groups tend to race quickly and leave the area before law enforcement arrives. It can be hard to track the frequency of the speed racing, because there can be various reports, like a noise complaint or speeding.

These incidents arent in isolated areas in Sioux Falls either, Olson added. He did say that a lot of activity occurs on 57th Street, and that 69th Street and Veterans Parkway are also popular spots.

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The truth is we get complaints on it from all over the city, he said.

Olson wanted to remind the public that exhibition, speed and drag racing is not legal on any public roads in Sioux Falls. He also pointed out that there are drag strips for legal vehicle racing shortly outside of Sioux Falls at the Thunder Valley Dragway and I-90 Speedway.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
GUILFORD COUNTY  Guilford County Schools stands to lose $9 million in federal grant funds supporting mental health services for students because the Trump administration says the grants promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

The U.S. Department of Education notified recipients of its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program in an April 29 letter that its canceling $1 million in funding at the end of 2025.

The School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program was authorized by Congress in 2022 in response to the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers.

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Surveys of students since the COVID-19 pandemic have found rising levels of depression and loneliness and rising percentages of those who have considered or attempted suicide.

GCS was awarded a $14.8 million multiyear grant in January 2023 to deliver direct mental health services to students and to increase the capacity of school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists and licensed mental health clinicians. The grant pays for 75% of the cost of these efforts, with GCS contributing the remaining $3.7 million.

Since the grants inception, GCS has served over 2,000 students in more than 20,000 mental health sessions, supported by nearly 50 clinicians either directly employed or contracted through grant funding, GCS said in a prepared statement Monday.

Plans are currently in place to use the remaining grant funds in the 2025-26 school year to expand methods and resources for identifying students in need of mental health support, the statement said.

Although grant funding is confirmed through December 2025, under USDOE guidelines, GCS will appeal the decision not to extend the grant beyond that point, the statement said.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  At least one student, maybe more, are facing possible charges for their part in what is being described as a large disturbance.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Monday at Tommy Oliver Stadium. According to school officials, the students were there as spectators for the countywide middle school track meet when a fight broke out.

99-year-old homeowner dies after Jackson County house fire

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Police came in and broke up the fight. According to a statement from Bay district schools, those students involved are currently in the custody of law enforcement.

Their parents and guardians have been contacted. The statement went on to thank police for their quick response and that the district will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Police on the scene said there were no weapons involved and no one was injured. News 13 will have more information on this incident as soon as its available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
(Reuters) -Hong Kong launched a scheme on Tuesday to offer smoother listings for tech companies on its stock exchange, as it looks to capitalize on Chinese companies' growing appetite to raise funds offshore.

The new "technology enterprises channel" will make new listings easier for specialist technology and biotechnology firms, the bourse operator and Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission said in a joint statement.

Under the scheme, the exchange, a unit of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, will provide guidance on the eligibility and suitability for listing for prospective companies.

Applicants can confidentially file for initial public offerings, as disclosures of their operational strategies may pose heightened risk compared to other industries, the statement said.

It also allows tech firms to list with a weighted voting rights (WVR) structure, which allows companies to hold shares that carry extra voting rights, provided they meet certain requirements.

Hong Kong is the main destination for mainland Chinese firms looking to raise capital offshore, and bankers have said that mainland firms, mainly those in the tech sector, are accelerating plans to raise money offshore.

Hong Kong authorities had first announced the technology enterprises channel in February.

(Reporting by Aaditya Govind Rao in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill)
President Donald Trump has been in office for more than three months, but he is still constantly bringing up his predecessor. Whether its casting blame or aspersions, Trump cant stop talking about former President Joe Biden. In recent weeks, hes mentioned Biden when asked about the stock market, the war in Gaza, what hes doing to end Russias invasion of Ukraine, and his decision to send Venezuelan men to a prison in El Salvador.

On Friday, NBCs Kristen Welker asked Trump when hell take responsibility for the performance of the U.S. economy. I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy, Trump said. It was one of about 20 mentions of Biden Trump made in the interview, according to the transcript. The previous week, Trump mentioned Biden a dozen times during an interview with TIME.

In the Trump White House's first 100 days, Biden was the fifth most frequently used word, according to a TIME analysis of transcripts of his public remarks and those of key spokespeople. The former Presidents last name was uttered more than border and just less than the word deal. The most frequently used word was great, followed by American and tariff. To come up with the tally, TIME used an AI algorithm to analyze 92 events where Trump made on-camera remarks as well as press briefings his top officials held at the White House.

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Andrew Bates, Bidens former senior deputy White House press secretary, views the constant blaming of his former boss as "counterproductive" for Trump. The economy was better off when Joe Biden left officeTrump actively damaged it, and so every time he says Joe Bidens name it just makes people remember a time when the economy was better, Bates says.

Yet Trump appears more than happy to continue blaming Biden for bad economic news. After the Commerce Department released data last week showing the gross domestic product shrank slightly in the first quarter, Trump said This is Biden, and then made clear a similar response may be coming in July. You could even say the next quarter is sort of Biden.

Polls suggest the public is likely to connect any upcoming economic troubles to Trumps trade war. Gallup polling released in late April found that 70% of Americans believe Trumps new tariffs will cost the U.S. more than they generate in the short term. And 89% of American adults believe the tariffs will likely result in higher prices.

In recent weeks, Biden has started stepping back into the spotlight. In mid-April, he gave a speech in which he criticized Trumps haphazard firings and cost cuttings in the federal government, saying Trumps administration is shooting first and aiming later and described Trumps first months in office as being full of damage and destruction to programs that serve veterans and seniors. On Thursday, Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden will join the hosts of ABCs The View.

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Bidens return to the national stage comes ahead of the release of multiple books looking at how his aides grappled with questions about his mental acuity during his time in office. At the end of May, CNNs Jake Tapper and Axioss Alex Thompson plan to publish Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. The Wall Street Journals Josh Dawsey, The New York Times Tyler Pager and the Washington Posts Isaac Arnsdorf teamed up to write 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, which is slated for early July.

Amy Bucknam and Man Sum Lai contributed reporting.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
CAIRO (AP)  Sudans paramilitary unleashed drones on the Red Sea city of Port Sudan early Tuesday, hitting key targets there, including the airport, the port and a hotel, military officials said. The barrage was the second such attack this week on a city that had been a hub for people fleeing Sudan's two-year war.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the extent of damage. Local media reported loud sounds of explosions and fires at the port and the airport. Footage circulating online showed thick smoke rising over the area.

The attack on Port Sudan, which also serves as an interim seat for Sudan's military-allied government, underscores that after two years of fighting, the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are still capable of threatening each others territory.

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The RSF drones struck early in the morning, said two Sudanese military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Information Minister Khalid Aleiser visited the southern part of the port, where he said fuel tanks were hit in the attack. He slammed the United Arab Emirates, saying it was arming the paramilitary RSF.

We will continue our legitimate battle, he said as flames and thick smoke billowed behind him.

The UAE rejected the accusation and condemned the attacks. In comments to The Associated Press, the countrys Foreign Ministry on the Sudanese government to de-escalate, disengage and negotiate to end the war.

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Later Tuesday, Sudans Security and Defence Council, the highest decision-making body in the military-backed government, said it was severing ties with the UAE over its alleged support of the RSF.

In a statement, the council, chaired by military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, said it was recalling its diplomatic mission to the wealthy Arab Gulf nation.

Abdel-Rahman al-Nour, a Port Sudan resident, said he woke up to strong explosions and saw fires and plumes of black smoke rising over the port. Mshaashir Ahmed, a local journalist living in Port Sudan, said fires were still burning late Tuesday morning in the southern vicinity of the maritime port.

The attack apparently disrupted air traffic at the airport, with Cairo airport data in neighboring Egypt showing that three Port Sudan-bound flights were canceled on Tuesday.

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Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC taken Tuesday show several fuel tanks ablaze about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of downtown Port Sudan, on a farm identified as belonging to the state-owned Sudan National Petroleum Corp. Thick black smoke is seen rising into the sky.

Other tanks burned at the Port Sudan refinery at the city's port as well, satellite images showed.

This was not the first time the oil industry was targeted. In January, fighting around Sudans largest oil refinery set it ablaze as Sudans military ultimately pushed the RSF from the site north of the capital, Khartoum.

The RSF did not release any statements on the attack. On Sunday, the paramilitary force struck Port Sudan for the first time in the war, briefly disrupting air traffic in the citys airport, which has been the main entry point for the country in the last two years.

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A military ammunition warehouse in the Othman Daqna airbase in the city was also hit, setting off a fire that burned for two days.

Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, expressed concerns Tuesday about the attacks on Port Sudan civilian infrastructure, calling them serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Such attacks will deepen humanitarian suffering and needs, as well as exacerbate the already severe access and logistical challenges, she said in a statement.

When the fighting in Sudan broke out, the focus of the battles initially was in Khartoum, which turned into a war zone. Within weeks, Port Sudan, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) to the east of Khartoum, turned into a safe haven for the displaced and those fleeing the war. Many aid missions and U.N. agencies moved their offices there.

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The attacks on Port Sudan are also seen as retaliation after the Sudanese military earlier this month struck the Nyala airport in South Darfur, which the paramilitary RSF has turned into a base and where it gets shipments of arms, including drones.

A U.N. panel of experts said in 2024 that cargo planes carrying weapons, ammunition and medical support to the RSF flew from the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. The UAE denies the claim. Sudan's military is backed by Egypt.

Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023, when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF exploded into open warfare in Khartoum. From there, the fighting spread to other parts of 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 four million who crossed into neighboring countries. It also pushed parts of the country into famine.

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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 the western Darfur region, according to the United Nations and international rights groups.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
Sue Stapely, who has died aged 78, began her career with the BBC, working on shows including Doctor Who and Z Cars; she retrained as a solicitor and in 1989 she joined the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors, to head its media relations operation, helping to turn the society into an effective lobbying organisation.

Along the way, as a member of the SDP, she stood as a candidate for the party in the 1987 general election and was the first national chair of the 300 Group, which aimed to encourage more women into politics. Later on she worked pro bono on behalf of the campaign to free Sally Clark, the 37-year-old solicitor convicted in 1999 of the murder of her two infant sons. The convictions were eventually overturned in 2003, though Sally Clark never recovered from the experience and was found dead at her home in 2007.

Susan Sly was born on July 11 1946 to Stanley Sly and Kathleen, nee MacIvor, and joined the BBC in 1966. During her time with Doctor Who she was an uncredited directors assistant on The Invasion (1968), in which the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, takes on an army of Cybermen. She was involved in the scene in which the cyborgs march down the steps outside St Pauls Cathedral, even talking her partner into one of the costumes.

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In 1972 she worked, again uncredited, on the series The Curse of Peladon, with the third Doctor, Jon Pertwee. I recall vividly Alpha Centauri and a range of rather louche monsters and some fairly dodgy special effects, as well as rather too much time spent in the cold water tank in Ealing Studios filming fight sequences, she told the Law Society Gazette.

Sally and Stephen Clark, 1999: Sue Stapely offered her help pro bono in co-ordinating media interest in the case of Sally Clark - David Burges

In 1968 she married Simon Stapely, and after leaving the BBC to start a family in 1973 she studied law at Kingston University, and at the College of Law, where she qualified as a solicitor while her two sons were still young. After working for several years as a manager at various Citizens Advice Bureaux, she joined the solicitors Heald Nickinson, where she became a partner, heading its family law department and setting up its public affairs department.

In 1987 she was selected as SDP candidate for the safe Conservative seat of Chertsey and Walton, and expressed optimism that more women would be returned at the general election. When Mrs Thatcher was made prime minister many women were delighted, she said, but they see her style of government now and her total refusal to promote women as unhelpful.

When the Law Society hired her to blow the dust off its PR in 1989, following the introduction of the 1988 Legal Services Act, which opened up legal services to a wider range of professionals, she jumped at the chance to head a new press and parliamentary unit.

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She pioneered the Law Societys Make a Will Week annual event, which gave some stuffier members of the profession the vapours when it was launched in 1991. Solicitors were encouraged to don lycra suits and pose as a Superman-style comic book character, Will Power, and dispatched to their local supermarkets to hand out promotional literature in a joint project with Safeway.

She then launched a battle to save legal aid, in response to the Lord Chancellors cuts to legal-aid eligibility levels, holding fringe meetings at party conferences and revitalising the Societys network of public relations and parliamentary liaison officers. In 1992 the campaign drew 2,000 solicitors to a lobby of Parliament.

Three years later she came up with the idea of National Law Week, to show the positive side of the legal profession and to have some fun at the same time. The first event saw more than 1,500 lawyers donning tracksuits for a three-and-a-half-mile run through the City; others threw open their doors to offer free legal advice, visited schools to explain the law and legal rights to young people, or went abseiling or go-karting, donated blood, or performed on stage to raise funds for charity.

In 1972 she worked with the third Doctor, Jon Pertwee (pictured), recalling a range of rather louche monsters and some fairly dodgy special effects - Alamy

Shortly after she took up her role at the Law Society, Sue Stapely wrote to her old employers to beg the Archers scriptwriters to inject some professional dynamism into the terminally dull Ambridge solicitor Mark Hebden. She was invited to a meeting, became an adviser  and she remained on board long after Hebdens demise. She advised the scriptwriters on everything from agricultural tenancies, to the creation of the Asian female lawyer Usha Gupta, to the three-month imprisonment of mother-of-two Susan Carter for harbouring her fugitive brother Clive, which inspired the national Free the Ambridge One campaign.

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It all got to a heady peak when I got a call from Michael Howard, who had returned from a trip abroad to be greeted by the constituent who started the campaign, requesting he overturn the sentence, she recalled. Instead she provided the then Home Secretary with details of similar cases, all of which involved equally harsh sentences.

A regular contributor to programmes like Any Questions? and Womans Hour, Sue Stapely became famous within the profession for her media relations training courses. After one such event, a practice partner wrote to her to say that while the experience had been stimulating and challenging, [a certain partner] is, on the whole, as well as can be expected. The men in white coats are optimistic that he will be available to sign letters and file his post within a few days.

In 1994 she published Media Relations for Lawyers (republished and updated in 2003), which included such sage advice as Stop pumping out press releases like shotgun blasts; Stop patronising journalists. Some of them arent as smart as you, but some are even smarter; and Never lie, for as soon as your lies are spotted (and they will be) you will be permanently discredited.

Sue Stapely left the Law Society in 1995 following reports of strained relations with its newly elected president Martin Mears, and moved into reputation management as a director of the consultants Fishburn Hedges. She also did work for Edge International and Quiller Consultants, in addition to running her own consultancy from 2001.

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That year, suspecting a miscarriage of justice, she offered her help pro bono in co-ordinating media interest in the case of Sally Clark, who had been widely reviled in the media after being found guilty of murdering her two infant sons. The tide began to turn in May 2001 when, following a failed first appeal, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, in an unprecedented move, decided not to strike Sally Clark off the Roll of Solicitors. Sue Stapely used this decision as a launchpad for discussing a potential miscarriage of justice with the media.

Subsequent investigations of the facts in the case and support from individual journalists and medical experts raised questions about the validity of the statistical and medical evidence used in Sallys trial. Then in July 2002, when the news broke that the case had been sent back to the Court of Appeal, Sue Stapely put the brakes on all media activity to ensure that the case was not jeopardised.

Silence was maintained until the appeal was heard in January 2003, when Sally Clarks conviction was overturned. Edward Fennell in The Times described Sue Stapelys work on behalf of the campaign as outstanding.

Among an extensive CV of voluntary activities, Sue Stapely served as a governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company, chairman of Playground Proms (bringing classical music to schools in deprived areas) and a trustee of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. She was a founding board member of the Media Standards Trust and raised funds for homeless and childrens charities.

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Sue Stapelys marriage to Simon Stapely was dissolved in 2002, and in 2012 she married David Fitt. He survives her with the two sons of her first marriage.

Sue Stapely, born July 11 1946, died April 29 2025

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Malakal, South Sudan  One morning in mid-April, Nyandeng Meeth was fetching water from a borehole in Mat town, in South Sudans Jonglei State, before heading home to cook for her nine children and open her small street stall.

Suddenly, the sound of gunfire and shelling tore through the familiarity and routine of the 50-year-old mothers everyday life. She remembers the town being plunged into chaos as people scrambled to save what they could  their families or a few belongings.

Afraid for her children, Meeth rushed home. I [had] left the children at home when I went to fetch water, she said. I ran home, but when I returned, there was no one. Along with the rest of the community, the nine siblings aged 7 to 15 had fled.

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The attacks, reportedly by Sudan Peoples Liberation Army-in-Opposition forces (SPLA-IO), were part of a broader escalation in fighting between government forces  the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF)  and opposition troops, including the White Army group aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar.

Since late February, violence has swept across Jonglei and Upper Nile states, displacing more than 130,000 people. Aerial bombardments and fighter raids have since emptied entire towns, disrupted aid and cut off vital trade routes from neighbouring Ethiopia.

The fighting is also prompting the countrys worst cholera outbreak in two decades, aid groups say, as patients fled medical centres where they were receiving treatment when the conflict broke out, spreading the disease in the process.

But for Meeth, recent events have revived the terror she felt nearly a decade ago, during an earlier phase of the conflict, when her husband was killed.

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In 2013, just two years after South Sudan became an independent country, a civil war erupted between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Machar. The war killed an estimated 400,000 people and displaced 2.5 million  more than a fifth of the population.

Meeths husband, who was a soldier, was killed in 2015.

Though a peace agreement was signed between the warring factions in 2018, disagreements over fulfilling the deal, including delayed elections, have kept the rivalry brewing.

Unresolved political disputes have driven cycles of violence over the years. But things escalated this year with clashes between government forces and opposition fighter groups, and the arrests of opposition leaders including Machar. The United Nations has warned that the country could be on the brink of a return to a full-scale civil war.

South Sudans President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar during a meeting in Juba, South Sudan, in October 2019 after a peace agreement was signed [File: Jok Solomun/Reuters]

My life in Mat was better

On that mid-April day in Mat town, more explosions rang out around Meeth, who had still not located her children. She ran towards the Sobat River, where panicked residents scrambled to flee across to neighbouring Upper Nile State.

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In the crowd, she spotted her youngest daughter, 7, running alone towards the riverbank. She grabbed her hand, climbed into a canoe, and crossed, not knowing whether her eight other children had survived.

They landed in Panam, a town in Panyikang County in Upper Nile, about 2km (1.2 miles) from their home, where thousands of displaced families who have fled bouts of conflict from previous years are gathered, with little access to food, water, or medical care.

Meeth said she spent two anxious nights there, unable to eat or rest. If your child is lost, you cant be happy; even when I get food, I didnt feel like eating it, she said, sitting beneath a coconut tree that has now become her shelter.

Volunteers from the Panam community searched along the riverbanks and through the surrounding bushes for missing people. After two days, Meeths eight other children were found.

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Some of them hid in the river, while others stayed under the shades of trees, Meeth said, explaining that her children could still hear gunfire from where they were, so they hid out of fear.

The ordeal had taken a toll on them. Their skin, she said, had gone pale from hunger and exposure, and their bodies were covered in mosquito bites.

Now, she and her children sleep under the coconut trees along the river, surviving on the roots of yellow water lilies and other wild plants, as fighting is still preventing aid access.

Before the latest wave of violence, Meeth supported her family in Mat by selling tea, sugar, and other household essentials from an informal stall. Sometimes, relatives returning from fishing would share their catch, helping feed the family when drought or floods ruined their harvest.

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But the fighting has taken what little she had. My life in Mat was better because I had shelter, I had a mosquito net and shoes, and access to a hospital, she said. I had two goats but had to leave them, she added, saying relatives who fled Mat after she did told her the rebels had stolen her livestock.

People who were displaced by a recent round of clashes, in Mat, Jonglei State [Courtesy of Peter Matai, RRC Coordinator of Pigi County]

Life is very difficult

Even before the latest wave of fighting, daily life in South Sudan was marked by hardship.

The country ranks among the worlds poorest, and a recent World Bank report estimates that 92 percent of the population lives in poverty and nearly 7.7 million are facing crisis, emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger.

Not far from the Meeth family in Panam, 70-year-old Nyankhor Ayuel sat under the shade of another coconut tree with her seven children.

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They fled from Khorfulus in Jongleis Pigi County in April.

We were sitting at home with the children. We had already prepared food, and as we started eating, the shelling started, she said. We ran without any luggage or food.

Though they escaped the immediate violence, Ayuel said hunger and illness now pose a different kind of threat. Pregnant and nursing mothers, she said, are suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting due to lack of access to clean water and food.

Life is very difficult, she told Al Jazeera. Theres no food or medical facilities where we are staying.

For families like Zechariah Monywut Chuols, who also fled Khorfulus, hardship has only deepened.

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The 57-year-old father of 12 had just started building a permanent home for his family when the shelling began. I was at home digging the foundation when it started. We ran to the riverbank and got into canoes, he said.

Now, like so many others in Panam, Chuol and his family live under the trees, surviving on coconut water and whatever fruits they can find along the Sobat River.

If hunger could kill like sickness, many people would have already died, he said.

South Sudan soldiers patrol the street in Juba, in February 2025 [Brian Inganga/AP]

A fragile future

Across South Sudan, more than 9.3 million people  three-quarters of the population  require humanitarian assistance, according to the UN. Nearly half of them are children.

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The conflicts in Upper Nile and Jonglei have brought all aid efforts to a ground halt. Aerial bombardment and danger forced aid agencies to withdraw staff, shut down cholera treatment centres, and stop aid deliveries.

This weekend, the deliberate bombing of [a Doctors Without Borders] hospital in Old Fangak in Jonglei killed several people, the medical charity known by its French initials, MSF, said.

Last month, the World Food Programme (WFP) paused operations in several areas due to access constraints.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, South Sudan country director for WFP, said physical access can be challenging at the best of times. But with active conflict, WFP cannot go up, we cannot go down the river. And these are areas where there are no roads, no cars, no trucks, she told a UN press briefing at the time.

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According to Peter Matai, director of the government-run Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, which works with international organisations to support the internally displaced, more than 30,000 people who fled violence in Pigi County are now sheltering in displacement sites such as Panam, where aid has yet to arrive.

Weve reported the situation to both the state government and international organisations, said Matai. But several weeks into the fighting, aid agencies are still waiting for clearance from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to access displacement sites and deliver aid.

With the violence ongoing and humanitarian access limited, thousands of displaced families remain in limbo, caught between conflict, disease and hunger  uncertain when, or if, it will be safe to return home.

For Meeth, who also serves as a deacon in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, all she can do now is pray for her childrens safety, and hope that others will step in to help.

We are suffering, she said. We need our people living abroad to hear that we are in a bad situation. They should help us provide for our needs.

This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.




SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Piedmont man is in the Meade County Jail accused of leading Summerset police on a chase on Saturday.

Fire destroys 8 units of 16-unit garage in Rapid City

John Perez, 18, of Piedmont, was arrested after a chase ended at Sacora Station, authorities said. The chase started with a traffic stop.

Perez is facing a list of charges, including aggravated, eluding and resisting arrest.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  You have until Friday to donate to a used book drive benefiting The Statesman, Lincoln High Schools student newspaper.

Ellie Quinn is a junior at Lincoln High School. During her two years with newspaper, she says she has grown as a journalist.

I think being with people who also like doing journalism and who appreciate it, I think it makes it easier to bounce ideas off of each other, and I think that it just makes creating good journalism easier, Quinn said.

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New season starts Sunday at Husets Speedway

To help Quinn and the rest of the staff continue publishing quality work, shes encouraging you to donate books to the newspapers first book drive.

Its important because were going to be raising money that were going to use next year to print our issues because theyve gotten a little bit more expensive, Quinn said.

This is just a fraction of the at least 800 books donated already. Theyll be sold at the end of the month.

Our booster rep, Emily Geraets, was the kind of person behind the idea. She thought that itd be a great way to not only fundraise for The Statesman, but to promote literacy, which is all about journalism and reading, The Statesman advisor Katie Kroeze said.

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Kroeze hopes to receive 1,000 books. Its all to keep young journalists thriving.

These kids love it. You should see them come in. They enjoy being here. They enjoy doing the newspaper and creating these stories, so it would be a great support to our community and our school, Kroeze said.

Having that budget will allow us to have more creative liberties with what were publishing. Itll just create more opportunities to learn and to explore different aspects of journalism, Quinn said.

You can drop books off at the administrative doors at the the high school. Theyre accepting books from any genre but ask that you dont give away baby books, textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias or magazines.

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The sale will take place at Lincoln on May 30 starting at 4 p.m. and May 31 starting at 8 a.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 KELOLAND.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed President Donald Trumps administration to enforce a ban on transgender people in the military, while legal challenges proceed.

The court acted in the dispute over a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service and could lead to the expulsion of experienced, decorated officers.

The courts three liberal justices said they would have kept the policy on hold. Neither the justices in the majority or dissent explained their votes, which is not uncommon in emergency appeals.

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Just after beginning his second term in January, Trump moved aggressively to roll back the rights of transgender people. Among the Republican presidents actions was an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life and is harmful to military readiness.

In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy in February that gave the military services 30 days to figure out how they would seek out and identify transgender service members to remove them from the force. Those actions had been stalled by the lawsuits.

No More Trans @ DoD, Hegseth wrote in a post on X following Tuesday's Supreme Court order. Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind. No more pronouns, he told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. No more dudes in dresses. Were done with that s-.

The Defense Department said Tuesday that officials are currently determining the next steps, but officials were not aware of any actions being taken right away.

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Three federal judges had ruled against the ban.

In the case the justices acted on Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, had ruled for seven long-serving transgender military members who say that the ban is insulting and discriminatory and that their firing would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations. A prospective service member also sued.

The individual service members who challenged the ban together have amassed more than 70 medals in 115 years of service, their lawyers wrote. The lead plaintiff is Emily Shilling, a Navy commander with nearly 20 years of service, including as a combat pilot who flew 60 missions in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The Trump administration offered no explanation as to why transgender troops, who have been able to serve openly over the past four years with no evidence of problems, should suddenly be banned, Settle wrote. The judge is an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush and is a former captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps.

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Settle imposed a nationwide hold on the policy and a federal appeals court rejected the administrations emergency plea. The Justice Department then turned to the Supreme Court.

The policy also has been blocked by a federal judge in the nations capital, but that ruling has been temporarily halted by a federal appeals court, which heard arguments last month. The three-judge panel, which includes two judges appointed by Trump during his first term, appeared to be in favor of the administrations position.

In a more limited ruling, a judge in New Jersey also has barred the Air Force from removing two transgender men, saying they showed their separation would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations that no monetary settlement could repair.

The LGBTQ rights groups Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation called the high court order a devastating blow to dedicated and highly qualified service members.

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"By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice. Transgender individuals meet the same standards and demonstrate the same values as all who serve. We remain steadfast in our belief that this ban violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection and will ultimately be struck down, the groups said in a statement.

The federal appeals court in San Francisco will hear the administration's appeal in a process that will play out over several months at least. All the while, though, the transgender ban will remain in place under the Supreme Court order.

In 2016, during Barack Obamas presidency, a Defense Department policy permitted transgender people to serve openly in the military. During Trumps first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obamas Democratic administration.

The Supreme Court allowed that ban to take effect. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, scrapped it when he took office.

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The rules the Defense Department wants to enforce contain no exceptions.

The policy during Trumps first term and the new one are materially indistinguishable, Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the justices, though lawyers for the service members who sued disagreed.

Thousands of transgender people serve in the military, but they represent less than 1% of the 2.1 million troops serving.

A senior defense official said in February that they believe there are about 4,200 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria currently serving in the active duty, National Guard and Reserves.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues, said that between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million.

___

Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.
JPMorgan Chase has shut down its fundraising platform Capital Connect more than two years after launching the unit, four people familiar with the situation said. The bank chose to discontinue the service late in 2024, and quietly pulled the plug on the Capital Connect website soon after.

JPMorgan launched Capital Connect in late 2022 as a platform to help entrepreneurs connect with venture capital firms. For JPMorgan, Capital Connect was a way to deepen its relationship to VC investors, similar to how Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) had deep ties to the venture community.

Capital Connect didnt work as planned, but the banks ties to venture capital and its plans to dive further into the innovation economy remain, one of the people, who declined to speak on the record, said.

JPMorgan Chase is still committed to helping emerging companies raise money but has opted to do that through its existing banking relationships rather than the Capital Connect platform, the person said. Any client who signed up on Capital Connect, or was in the midst of a fundraise, is still being served, they said.

A JPMorgan spokesman declined to comment.

The launch of Capital Connect came shortly after JPM acquired Global Shares, of Ireland, which provides software to manage employee stock plans. A year later, the bank scooped up data analytics provider Aumni. Global Shares was integrated into Capital Connect, while its unclear if Aumni was, but the units spoke to each other, the first person said.

Capital Connect had competition, [and] it didn't really reach a state where it had bespoke value to offer all ends of the marketplace, one entrepreneur said.

JPMorgan Chase is now using the Capital Connect platform and infrastructure for another business, which it plans to announce in the coming months, the person said. Global Shares has been rebranded and is now known as J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions. JPM has also redeployed most of the 200 people who worked at Capital Connect into other parts of the company, including J.P. Morgans global banking business, which builds digital products and services.

Even though Capital Connect didnt work, venture capital and the startup ecosystem remain a key growth area for JPMorgan. The bank has more than 500 bankers in its innovation economy business that supports the needs of nearly 10,000 clients, including venture-backed companies and investors.

JPMorgan Chases efforts to build out its venture footprint also includes the acquisition of First Republic, which, along with SVB, catered to the VC and startup community. (SVB collapsed in March 2023 and was sold to First Citizens bank two months later.) JPM has also picked up many of SVBs customers. John China, the former head of technology banking at SVB, joined JPMorgan in July 2023, where he is cohead of innovation economy, commercial banking. In late April, JPMorgan promoted Andrew Kresse to co-lead the innovation economy business, succeeding Melissa Smith who was promoted, along with Matt Sable, earlier this year to oversee all of commercial banking.
In a blow to transgender service members across the U.S. military, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the Trump administrations request to allow its ban on transgender troops to be enforced while litigation is pending.

In the brief order in the case known as Shilling v. United States, the justices did not expand on their decision. The order only noted that Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Kentanji Brown Jackson would have denied the Trump administrations emergency request to lift nationwide injunctions placed on the ban by lower courts.

In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive orderpurporting to improve military readiness by banning service members who expressed a gender identity different from the one assigned to them at birth.

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In an apparent dig at former President Joe Bidens decision in 2021 to rescind the ban on transgender troops that Trump instituted in his first term, Trumps executive order this year claimed that the U.S. Armed Forces had been afflicted with radical gender ideology.

Until Bidens executive order, the Supreme Court had allowed Trumps ban on transgender troops to go into effect as litigation unfolded.

Trumps executive order in January did not mention the word transgender; instead, it claimed without any supporting evidence that expressing a false gender identity divergent from an individuals sex means that the person cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service including lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity and integrity.

Following Trumps order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy in February that used similar language, banning anyone who had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or had undergone evaluation for it from serving. Gender dysphoria is defined as the distress a person feels when their physical body doesnt match up with their gender identity. Per Hegseths memo, anyone impacted by the ban would be fired by late March unless they could secure a waiver to stay enlisted.

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A series of civil lawsuits from transgender troops  many of them highly decorated  popped up in numerous states as a result. Among the first was one filed in Washington state by U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling, a transgender woman who has spent 20 years in the military, served tours of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and has passed rigorous physical and psychological evaluations.

Shilling, joined by five other transgender service members, claimed the new policies lacked any legitimate function, and worse, were steeped in unfounded prejudice.

Transgender service members were being punished for expressing their gender, and that expression, Shillings lawyers argued, is a guaranteed First Amendment right.

Justice Department lawyers have argued the ban is not targeting transgender people but only those diagnosed with gender dysphoria. But when U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle put an injunction on the ban, he noted that though Trumps order and Hegseths memo scrupulously avoided using the word transgender, common sense and binding authority defeat the governments claim that it does not discriminate against transgender people.

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In practice, the ban amounted to a de facto blanket prohibition on transgender service, Settle wrote, because the Defense Department had failed to show that it took studies or data on the reliability of transgender service members into any real consideration when crafting its policy, whether that data was positive, neutral or negative, Settle wrote.

This point was driven home by another judge presiding over a similar lawsuit brought by trans service members in Washington, D.C.

Over a series of hearings in the case Talbott v. Trump this spring, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes pored over claims the Defense Department used to craft its policy around troops with gender dysphoria. Reyes told the government it had cherry picked information to fit its narrative that trans service members were untrustworthy or incapable of serving as well or better than their cisgender counterparts. The governments narrative, she said, screams animus, a term for hostility to a given class of people.

Lawyers for the Trump administration have replied by alleging a lack of deference by the courts to the U.S. military.

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When he first asked the Supreme Court to halt the injunction on the trans military ban, Solicitor General John Sauer  once a personal lawyer to Trump  said the district courts had usurp[ed] the Executive Branchs authority to determine who may serve in the Nations armed forces.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has yet to decide whether the nationwide injunction granted by Reyes should be put on hold or not. A ruling is imminent.
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to remove thousands of active-duty members of the military because they are transgender.

The justices on Tuesday granted an appeal from President Trump's lawyers and set aside orders for now from judges who had blocked the new policy set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The court issued a brief order and did not explain its reasons. The three liberals  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  dissented and said they voted to deny the appeal.

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The decision is consistent with the court's deference to the military. But trans rights advocates called it a "purge" of active-duty troops who have served honorably.

Following Trump's lead, Hegseth issued a memo on Feb. 26 that said individuals who have a "diagnosis or history" of gender dysphoria are "incompatible" with military service.

It is unclear how many transgender people are serving in the U.S. armed forces. Past estimates said the number was greater than 15,000, but the Defense Department said its new policies would apply to 4,240 people on active duty.

Read more: Transgender people working in U.S. government see peril under Trump

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Although the administration contended the new policy was not a "ban," it calls for the removal of those who underwent a gender transition.

Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation called the ruling "a devastating blow to transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation's defense. By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice."

The court's order allows the Defense Department to begin enforcing its new policy even while the legal challenges against it proceed in the lower courts.

Upon taking office in January, Trump complained in an executive order that U.S. armed forces had been "recently afflicted with a radical gender ideology." He said the Defense Department must "establish high standards of troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity and integrity." It would be "inconsistent" with those standards to have "individuals with gender dysphoria," he said.

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Seven transgender service members who filed suit in Seattle said Trump's decree was based on "animus" and ignored evidence that they had served honorably and well.

The lead plaintiff, Cmdr. Emily Shilling, has been a Navy pilot for 19 years and flown more than 60 combat missions. She transitioned within the Navy in 2021 under a policy set by the Biden administration.

U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, an appointee of President George W. Bush, ruled that this new "blanket prohibition on transgender service" was discriminatory and outdated. It relied on concerns raised by military leaders before transgender troops were permitted to serve openly, he said.

Shilling has "1,750 flight hours in high performance Navy jets  including the F/A-18 Super Hornet  and has earned three air medals," the judge said. "Yet absent an injunction, she will be promptly discharged solely because she is transgender."

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He said the government "provided no evidence" that "military readiness or unit cohesion" had been "adversely impacted by open transgender service."

Settle not only ruled for the plaintiffs but imposed a nationwide bar against the new policy. His ruling followed a similar decision by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington.

When the 9th Circuit refused to lift the nationwide order against Trump's ban on transgender troops, the administration asked the Supreme Court to weigh in.

In his appeal, Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer accused the judges of overstepping their authority and "usurping the Executive Branchs authority to determine who may serve in the Nations armed forces."

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He said the military has long disqualified service members based on "hundreds of medical conditions" including asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure as well as eating disorders or autism.

Read more: Transgender troops are now being identified for removal under Pentagon orders

Sauer told the court that a Defense Department study said troops with gender dysphoria are more likely to be "non-deployable" for significant periods of time and may need costly medical care.

He noted the court in 2018 had set aside challenges to a similar order from the first Trump administration restricting service by transgender persons, and he said the court should do the same again.

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In response, the transgender troops said the court should stand back for now and "preserve the status quo" while the appeals are heard in the lower courts.

"Equal service by openly transgender service members has improved our militarys readiness, lethality, and unit cohesion, while discharging transgender service members from our Armed Forces would harm all three," they told the court. "For nearly a decade, across multiple administrations, thousands of transgender people have openly served in our military with dedication, honor, and distinction."

LGBTQ+ rights advocates described the new order as a purge.

The Trump administration "is asking for a shocking, unprecedented purge of thousands of current service members for a reason unrelated to their ability to serve, said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. This type of mass purge has never before happened in our nations history."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The trans military ban is just one of several actions Trump has taken against the transgender community. Credit - Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Trumps trangender military ban can be enforced while legal challenges proceed, effectively barring trans servicemembers from serving in the military.

The 6-3 decision overturned the injunction issued by a U.S. District Court, which prevented the policy from taking place.

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In January, Trump signed an Executive Order entitled Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, saying that transgender troops did not meet the standard required of the armed forces, and directed the Department of Defense to enact a ban.

A mans assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member, the Executive Order says. Trump signed a similar order during his previous term in 2017, which President Joe Biden reversed four years later.

The decision regarding United States v. Shilling is separate from two other lawsuits that also address the ban: Talbott v. USA and Ireland v. Hegseth, which were filed by the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) in January, under the argument that the order violates equal protection laws.

The Supreme Courts decision to allow the military ban to go into effect is devastating for the thousands of qualified transgender servicemembers who have met the standards and are serving honorably, putting their lives on the line for their country every single day, said GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender and Queer Rights Jennifer Levi. Todays decision only adds to the chaos and destruction caused by this administration. Its not the end of the case, but the havoc it will wreak is devastating and irreparable. History will confirm the weight of the injustice done today.

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The trans military ban is just one of several actions Trump has taken against the transgender communitysigning other Executive Orders barring them from updating their gender markers on their federal documents, and threatening to cut federal funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming-care for minors.

Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented in the ruling.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
President Donald Trump can proceed with his plan to ban transgender people from the military, including by removing transgender troops currently serving, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

The order  delivered over the dissent of the three liberal justices  lifted a lower-court judges ruling that had paused the administrations ban, concluding it was likely unconstitutional and based on distortions of limited research on the subject. The Trump administration had argued that the courts are required to nearly always defer to the militarys determinations about readiness, lethality and unit cohesion.

Neither the majority nor the dissenters provided any reasoning for their positions.

The order, which followed an emergency appeal from the Trump administration, is not a final ruling on the issue, but will remain in place as litigation proceeds.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The suspect involved in the shooting of two Pettis County, Missouri deputies is now facing federal gun charges.

Court documents say 62-year-old James Joseph Elsea had a previous felon conviction and isnt allowed to have a gun.

NTSB releases preliminary report of deadly gas explosion in Lexington

Those documents also say the ATF believes the gun was transported over state line.

On Friday, May 2, the Pettis County Sheriffs Office was serving a drug-related warrant at a home where Elsea was.

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The documents go on to say when deputies tried to cut into the front door, Elsea shot at the deputies four times, striking them.

Both deputies are expected to fully recover.

Elsea had an initial appearance in federal court on Monday. He will have a detention hearing Tuesday morning.

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The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting.

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May 5WILKES-BARRE  A man who supplied pain medications to Jessica Ann Lockwood was publicly named her killer during a news conference Monday.

Terence Leroy Ray, 55, is accused of fatally beating and shooting Lockwood, 39, inside his residence at 137 Muir Ave., Hazleton, before dumping her body he set on fire on Club 40 Road in Hazleton on April 27, according to court records.

Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, Hazleton City Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Marsh made the announcement when a criminal complaint charging Ray with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence and abuse of corpse was released. The criminal complaint was filed April 29 under seal.

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Sanguedolce said the intense investigation by Hazleton police, Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton and county detectives allege Ray's Ford Explorer was recorded by surveillance cameras leaving his residence and traveling to Club 40 Road before returning to his home in the early morning hours on April 27.

Shortly after Lockwood's body was found, investigators served a search warrant at Ray's residence where, Sanguedolce said, evidence to Lockwood's murder, including an earring, was found in the basement.

Lockwood's body was found when the Hazleton City Fire Department responded to a report of a possible mannequin on fire on Club 40 Road near East Broad Street at about 7 a.m. April 27.

Upon arriving at the fire, firefighters discovered Lockwood's body wrapped in a tarp after the fire was extinguished.

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The tarp protected Lockwood's body, who had an earring in one ear that matched the earring found in Ray's residence, court records say.

An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Charles Seibert revealed Lockwood died from blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound to her chest. The manner of death was ruled a homicide by Luzerne County Acting Coroner Kaitlin Keating.

Sanguedolce said Lockwood was reported missing by her family when she failed to pick up her son on April 26. A cell phone tracker located Lockwood's phone on state Route 424 hours after she was reported missing.

Investigators say text messages from Lockwood's phone revealed she was conversing with "Og," who was identified as Ray, regarding the purchase of pain medications, court records allege.

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Lockwood's husband, James Anthony Lockwood, 34, told investigators his wife purchased pain medications from Og due to an addiction caused by neck surgeries.

Lockwood's last text message was recorded at 2:33 p.m. on April 26, stating she had to pick up her son.

Evidence found at Ray's residence include a pool of dried blood, blonde hair that matched Lockwood's, one earring, a trash bag covered in blood and a torn piece of clothing that matched fabric wrapped round Lockwood's legs, court records say.

Court records say surveillance footage showed Ray moving Lockwood's 2022 Honda from his residence to about a block away at 3 p.m. April 26.

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Hours after Lockwood's body was found, Ray told a person known to police, "I (expletive) bad. I won't see you guys again," according to court records.

Ray's cell phone has been turned off as Sanguedolce believes he obtained another unknown vehicle to flee the area.

"Mr. Ray is believed to have fled Luzerne County and is out of the area and is currently being pursued by police of many jurisdictions. Anyone with information of Mr. Ray's whereabouts is asked to call Hazleton City police at 570-450-2080," Sanguedolce said.

Court records allege Ray's wife and children may be in his company.
OREM, Utah (ABC4)  One person is dead in Orem after police shot the suspect late Monday night, according to the Utah County Sheriffs Office.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., officers with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force arrived at an area near 800 E 400 N to serve a search warrant. During the incident, officers shot and injured the suspect.

Authorities attempted life-saving measures and called for an ambulance but the suspect was declared dead at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.

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The Utah County Officer-Involved Protocol Team is currently investigating the incident.

While details on what led to the shooting have not yet been released, officers with Utah County Major Crimes typically investigate drug trafficking organizations, gang activity, and violent crimes.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

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[Watch in the player above: How to survive an animal attack]

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  A 46-year-old woman told police she was stabbed by another woman, then attacked by her pit bull.

Police responded just after 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, to the 1000 block of Burkhardt Avenue, according to a news release.

Skeletal remains found in Akron identified as 22-year-old man who went missing in 2024

The woman said she had been arguing with the other woman, identified as Nicole Posey, 51, of Akron. The victim claimed Posey stabbed her multiple times with a knife, then ordered her pit bull to attack.

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The victim suffered serious physical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Posey fled the scene and now has a warrant out for her arrest, according to the release.

Driver arrested after allegedly ramming into Akron apartment building, police cars

Akron Municipal Court records show Posey now faces felony counts of assault and strangulation as well as a misdemeanor count for the alleged dog attack.

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Recent fires at the former site of a school in Waltham are being investigated as arson, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshals office said Tuesday.

Fire officials said there have been four fires at the former Fernald School since December.

Firefighters responded to the most recent fire on April 19. Crews found heavy flames in both the Schoolhouse/Gym and the other the Manual Training Building. The fire went to four alarms and firefighters battled the flames for more than six hours before finally getting it under control.

After examining both structures, investigators from the Waltham Fire Department, Waltham Police Department, and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshals office believe the fires were set intentionally and separately.

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These buildings were vacant, but any structure fire is inherently dangerous, said Chief Mullin. Firefighters confronted heavy smoke and flames venting out the windows. They were present when the roof of one building collapsed and the first floor of another collapsed into the basement. First responders, curious onlookers, and even the person or persons responsible could have been injured or worse.

Investigators believe the April 19 fires could be related to two fires; the first on December 14, 2024, that caused minor damage to the Chapel of the Holy Innocents. The second was reported in the late morning of January 18, 2025, at Chipman Hall, causing catastrophic damage that included a roof collapse.

All four fires took place on Saturdays.

The Fernald Development Center, established in 1848, was the fi rst institution that served people with developmental disabilities in the Western Hemisphere.

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Anyone with knowledge of the fires is asked to share it with investigators by calling the Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 1-800-682-9229. A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information that helps investigators solve the crime.

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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.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON)  A victim disappeared in the ocean after jumping from a cliff near a surf spot, known as Steamer Lane, on the westside of Santa Cruz.

Witnesses reported that two swimmers were struggling to swim back to shore after they jumped off the cliff at 4:45 p.m. Sunday. Other witnesses said the swimmers were actually surfers. Surfers typically paddle out at Steamer Lane by jumping off the cliff next to the Santa Cruz Lighthouse.

Witnesses said one victim was able to eventually swim back to the beach.

(Photo courtesy Santa Cruz City Fire Department)

Additional reports from observers advised one subject was able to self extricate, and the other possibly submerged, the Santa Cruz City Fire Department wrote.

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A massive search-and-rescue effort was launched in the waters around Its Beach and Steamer Lane for the missing victim. The U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, harbor patrol, local lifeguards, and multiple fire departments were dispatched.

Man vanishes after jumping off Santa Cruz cliff at Wilder Ranch State Park

Specialized search patterns were conducted in the area where the victim was last seen, along with drone operations for assistance. After over an hour of an extensive search, it was determined to conclude the search from shore. Coast Guard units remained on scene to search the area with both aircraft and a vessel, SCCFD wrote.

Officials said the possibly submerged victim was not found.

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Syracuse Utah Temple open set to begin this week

SYRACUSE, Utah (ABC4)  The open house at the Syracuse Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set to begin later this week.

The First Presidency announced the dates for the open house back in January, along with its dedication date, which will be on Sunday, June 8th. That dedication will take place in one session according to the Church.

TIMELINE: The year-long debate surrounding the now-approved Fairview Texas Temple

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Church Newsroom says that the Prophet and President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, announced the Syracuse Utah Temple during the April 2020 general conference.

Temples are a crowning part of the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Gods goodness and generosity, He is bringing the blessings of the temple closer to His children everywhere, he said during the conference.

The temple in the city of Syracuse will be the 31st temple in Utah, either in operation, under renovation, under construction or announced, the Church states. The temple will also be Davis Countys third, joining the Bountiful Utah temple and the Layton Utah temple, Layton being dedicated last year.

Invited guests will be taken on an early tour on Thursday and Friday before the public is allowed to step into the newly completed temple on Saturday.

What are temples?

Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are referred to by members as Houses of the Lord, according to the Church website. Members hold the entire property of Temples sacred, from the grounds outside to what is inside and what happens inside.

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From the very beginning, there have been sacred places upon the earth where God has communed with His children. They were designated by God and hallowed by His presence as places where He would teach and bless His children, the Church says on its site.

The Church teaches that throughout biblical history, the Tabernacle carried around was a portable temple. The Church also points to several additional scriptures from the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, which mention temples on several occasions.

What happens here?

Inside the Temple, members of the Church seek to draw closer to God by making covenants and performing saving ordinances from themselves or members of their family who have passed on. These temples are typically only open to members who have a temple recommend card.

Members believe that through the temple endowment ceremony, they can be endowed power from on high, which appears in Luke 24:49.

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Those who are endowed in the house of the Lord receive a gift of Gods priesthood power by virtue of their covenant, along with a gift of knowledge to know how to draw upon that power, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson, has said.

The Endowment is one of many things that can happen inside a Latter-day Saint temple. In the LDS church, members can also baptize family members who have passed away and confirm them as members of the Church if they wish to accept them in the spirit world.

Sealings for marriage and family sealings can also be performed in the temple.

Unlike marriages that last only until death do you part, temple sealings ensure that death cannot separate loved ones. For marriages to continue after death, they must be sealed in the right place and with the right authority. The right place is the temple and the right authority is the priesthood of God, the Church teaches.

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What occurs in the sealing is outlined in Matthew 16:19, the Church states.

The Church says that children born into a sealed temple marriage are children born in the covenant, thus, they are part of an eternal family, based upon their faithfulness. Sealings are only performed in temples.

Some may ask about those children not born in the covenant, the Church teaches that they too can become part of an eternal family.

Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents are sealed to one another, the Church says.

Can the public go inside?

The answer is both yes and no. In this case, the answer is yes, because this is an open house.

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When a temple is complete, the Church opens the building to the public for an open house. During these open houses, the public can walk through the temple and see all the rooms from the baptistry to the celestial room.

After the open house and dedication of the temple to the Lord, the temple is open to members in good standing meaning, the person possesses a temple recommend card.

Temples dotting the world

There are currently over 350 temples across the world that have been announced, are operational, or are presently under construction  over 180 of those have been announced by President Russell M. Nelson.

The first temple of the latter days was constructed in Kirtland, Ohio beginning in 1833. The temple took three years to complete and was dedicated in 1836. According to the Church, in what is now canonized in section 110 of Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the LDS Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house.

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It is said by the LDS Church that Moses, Elias, and Elijah also appeared before them and gave them the keys to gather the scattered, keys of the Abrahamic covenant and the sealing keys from Elijah.

The church built temples in Kirtland, Nauvoo, Ill., and announced temples in Independence, Mo., Adam-ondi-Ahman, Mo. (or Spring Hill, Mo.), and Far West, Mo. The following Missouri temples were never built, some have cornerstones laid while the Spring Hill site is just a field. The Nauvoo one was burned down in 1848 and rebuilt on its original property in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Once in Utah, Latter-day Saints were able to establish temples in Salt Lake, St. George, Logan, and Manti. The Church still constantly is building and announcing temples all over the world.

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French President Emmanuel Macron will host Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Paris on Wednesday for his first visit to Europe, according to the Elysee Palace - even though al-Sharaa is still listed on an EU terror list.

Macron will once again reaffirm France's support for the establishment of a new, free, stable and sovereign Syria, where all parts of Syrian society are respected, the Elysee Palace said on Tuesday.

The French president is also expected to remind the interim president of his demands on the Syrian government: These include, above all, stabilizing the region, particularly neighbouring Lebanon, and combating terrorism.

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A coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (Organization for the Liberation of the Levant, HTS) ousted Syria's long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive in early December. HTS leader al-Sharaa was appointed interim president, while al-Assad fled to Moscow.

Although al-Sharaa has since renounced both al-Qaeda and Islamic State, doubts remain as to whether he has fully abandoned extremist ideology.

Al-Sharaa under pressure to protect minorities

The new Syrian leader is under increasing pressure to safeguard the rights of Christians, Alawites and other religious minorities. The majority of Syrians, like al-Sharaa and his allies, are Sunni Muslims.

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Recently, Syria has seen intense fighting between members of the Druze minority and Sunni militias. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 100 people were killed in these clashes.

In early March, the interim government also launched a military operation in response to attacks by al-Assad loyalists. The fighting resulted in the deaths of hundreds of uninvolved members of the Alawite minority.
President Donald Trump addressed on May 5 the image of him dressed as the pope shared on social media, laughing it off amid questions of Catholic offense at the image.

"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. That's 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," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office, USA TODAY reported.

On May 2, a scuffle started over the apparent artificial intelligence-created image shared by the White House and Trump's official social media accounts.

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Less than two weeks after Pope Francis died, at about 10:30 p.m. May 2, 2025, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social what appears to be an artificial intelligence rendering of Trump as pope, with the traditional white vestments, white and gold mitre, and a large gold crucifix around his neck.

It comes as cardinals from around the world head to the Vatican to select the next pope. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, and Trump attended the funeral along with First Lady Melania Trump on April 26, which was Melania Trump's 55th birthday.

"They can't take a joke," Trump said of the media. "The Catholic's (sic) loved it."

On May 5, Trump told reporters he "had nothing to do with it."

See the Trump as Pope image, rebuked by some Catholic leaders

Despite Trump's nonchalance about the photo, some leaders in the Catholic church did not appreciate the image.

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"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."

Francis had also been critical of the Trump administration before his passing, saying the immigration crackdown was a "disgrace," according to Reuters, in one example.

Trump said wife Melania, a Catholic, liked the AI photo

Talking to reporters about the image, Trump brought up First Lady Melania Trump and said, "Actually, my wife thought it was cute. She said, 'Isn't that nice?'"

"Actually, I would not be able to be married, though," he said. "To the best of my knowledge, popes aren't big on being married, are they? Not that we know of."

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Trump is not a Catholic. He used to identify as a Presbyterian, but in 2020 he told Religion News Service he began considering himself a non-denominational Christian.

Melania Trump, however, made news in 2017 when she met Francis and revealed she is Catholic when asking the pontiff to bless her rosary beads. The Trumps married in January 2005 at Bethesda-By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida, near his private club, Mar-a-Lago. Over the years, the president and his wife have attended Easter services there.

When is the 2025 papal conclave?

The papal conclave is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The cardinals will convene for Mass at St. Peter's Basilica to pray for the wisdom needed to choose the next pope.

There is no deadline to choose the next pope, but the longest conclave in modern history lasted five days in 1903.

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When a new pope is elected by receiving two-thirds of the votes and accepting the position, white smoke will billow from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new pope.

Contributing: Anthony Robledo, John Bacon, Antonio Fins, USA TODAY Network

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: When does conclave start? About viral, 'maybe AI' Trump pope photo
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP)  A magistrate court in Tanzania on Tuesday ordered that an opposition leader who was charged with treason last month be brought to court in person next month after he went on hunger strike to protest against virtual hearings.

Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9 after calling for electoral reforms before a general election in October and was charged with treason, a charge for which bail isn't available.

Lissus party, Chadema, has been outspoken about electoral reforms, arrests and detentions of opposition politicians before the vote in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking election after serving out her predecessors term in office.

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Chadema officials were arrested last month as they drove to court for a scheduled hearing of Lissus treason case. They were later released without being charged.

The magistrate's court on Tuesday ordered prison authorities to present Lissu for a hearing of his case on May 19.

The magistrate said that members of the public will be allowed to attend the hearing, unlike last months session which the public was barred from by the police.

This will be the first time that Lissu will appear in court in person since his arrest. The last hearing was canceled after he protested against a virtual hearing.

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Over the weekend, Lissus lawyers had said that he would embark on a hunger strike to demand that his case is heard in court and not virtually.

Senior lawyer Peter Kibatala, who is one of 31 lawyers on the case, said that they weren't allowed to speak freely with their client in prison.

The last time we were forced to conduct our conversation in English, Kibatala said.

Human rights activists have accused the government of Hassan of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims.

In 2017, three years before the last election, Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times. His party has been critical of laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzanias independence in 1961.
The offshore wind staging area at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal. (Photo courtesy Port of Virginia)

By Katherine Hafner/WHRO

Dominion Energy expects to pay more to complete the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project because of the Trump administrations new taxes on imported goods including monopile foundations and turbine towers.

The $10.8 billion offshore wind farm about 30 miles off the Virginia Beach coast will be the nations largest, consisting of 176 turbines that generate about 2.6 gigawatts of electricity, or enough to power up to 660,000 homes.

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Dominion CEO Bob Blue told investors last week that if current tariffs continue through construction of the project late next year, the utility would expect about $500 million in added costs.

Of course, changes to future tariff policy could affect these estimates, he said. Its difficult to fully assess the impact tariffs may have to the projects final cost, as actual costs incurred are dependent upon the tariff requirements and rates, if any, at the time of delivery of the specific component.

So far, import taxes have increased project costs by about $4 million, Blue said.

Thats on top of other rising costs Dominion announced earlier this year . The utility said in February that the initial price tag of the project, $9.8 billion, jumped by nearly 10% because of higher costs from building onshore electrical interconnection and network upgrades mandated by the regional electric grid operator.

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Under a settlement approved by state regulators a few years ago, Dominion is only allowed to surcharge customers for about half of the additional costs.

As a result, the utility said the average household in Virginia can expect to pay about 43 more cents per month over the life of the wind farm.

To account for an expected $120 million in added tariff costs through the end of the next quarter, Dominion now plans to add another 4 cents to monthly energy bills.

Let me be clear: CVOW remains one of the most affordable sources of energy for our customers, Blue said Thursday.

He said the company does not anticipate problems with actually receiving materials needed for the wind farm including turbines from Siemens Gamesa, a Spanish-German subsidiary of Siemens Energy that is the worlds largest maker of offshore wind turbines. Its just added costs while doing so.

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Dominion is about halfway through constructing the project and plans to finish on time late next year. Its expected to start generating electricity by early next year.

The Virginia offshore wind project is one of only a handful that are fully permitted and under construction along the East Coast, as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to halt the industry .

Dominion is also fending off a lawsuit from a coalition of conservative groups that argue federal officials failed to adequately consider the wind farms potential impacts on endangered whales .

The company says its permitting process was rigorous and that several measures are in place to protect whales, including trained observers who watch for marine mammals and bubble curtains to dampen the sound of underwater construction.

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Its unclear whether the federal government under Trump will continue to defend the Virginia Beach project in court. The governments lawyers are expected to file their latest response to the lawsuit later this summer.

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Taxpayers face a bill of 5m a month to house Afghans refused asylum as Yvette Cooper struggles to return them to the Taliban-run state.

The Home Office, led by Ms Cooper, has started rejecting as many as three in five asylum applications from Afghans after changing guidance last year.

Guidance issued in August states that there is limited evidence that all groups are at real risk of persecution from the Taliban and one cannot qualify for asylum based on based on a vague, or no specific, fear of the militant ruling group.

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Asylum refusals with the right to appeal have since surged from 70 in 2023 to 2,666 last year, by far the highest annual total since the Taliban returned to power after Western forces left in 2021.

However, the majority of those refused asylum are expected to appeal and taxpayers will have to foot an additional bill of around 56m a year to support Afghans families while they await a decision, according to Telegraph analysis.

The Home Office, led by Yvette Cooper, has started rejecting as many as three in five asylum applications from Afghans - Marcin Nowak/Anadolu via Getty Images

Three in four appeal decision

Between 2004 and 2021, three in four of all asylum seekers who were rejected appealed the decision. If three in four of the 2,666 people who were rejected last year appealed and waited one year for the outcome, the taxpayer would face costs of 4.7m  based on National Audit Office estimates of the costs.

Appeals can take years to go through backlogged tribunals, with taxpayers in most cases obligated to cover accommodation and support costs.

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Afghan asylum seekers who unsuccessfully exhaust the appeal process will likely still remain in Britain for years to come regardless, as the British Government has no returns agreement with Kabul.

No country recognises the fundamentalist Islamic government in Afghanistan, which has been condemned for announcing it would resume publicly flogging and stoning women accused of adultery to death.

Marley Morris, from the Institute of Public Policy, said: If the Government wants to meet its target on exiting asylum hotels, then it needs to look at the refusals of Afghans. [It is] a group who are likely to appeal, may well win and even if they dont, they cant be returned anyway.

He warned the situation may also leave thousands of people vulnerable to exploitation by crime gangs if they are left in limbo for years.

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Jamie Bell, a solicitor at Duncan Lewis, said: Its all a complete mess. It could take a number of years for this to get sorted out. In the meantime, the amount of people arriving, claiming asylum, being refused, being stuck in the court system, is going to get higher and higher.

It might take between one and two years for the cases to go to court. I would be confident that a lot of people who appeal will win. What is the point in overburdening the system and putting people through that?

On Monday, a Home Office spokesman said: These figures are purely speculative and based on historical data, which may not accurately reflect future costs.

This Government has been clear about its intent to remove people with no right to be here, evidenced through a surge in the number of returns  since coming into power we have removed 24,000 people with no right to be in the UK, as well as increased asylum decision making by 52pc.

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And to help stop lengthy legal battles and move failed asylum seekers out of hotels faster, the courts will be given a new 24-week target to decide appeals brought by those receiving accommodation support, or who are foreign offenders.

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Logan Federico, 22, was fatally shot after returning home from a night out with friends in South Carolina, police said. (Columbia Police Department )

An aspiring teacher visiting friends at the University of South Carolina became the unintentional victim of a fatal shooting after a robber on a multi-day crime spree shot her dead during a home invasion, cops say.

Logan Federico, 22, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, died from a fatal gunshot wound to the chest after returning home from a night out with friends on May 3, the Columbia Police Department said on Monday.

Federico encountered 30-year-old Alexander Dickey while he was breaking into homes near the university  including the one where she was staying with friends  and shot her, authorities said.

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Logan was a true victim. She was a helpless victim. She was not an intended target, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said during a press conference.

The 22-year-old had no other obvious signs of trauma, authorities added.

Logan Federico, 22, was fatally shot after returning home from a night out with friends in South Carolina, police said. (Columbia Police Department)

Her father, Stephen Federico, described his daughter as a strong, fun-loving individual who loved Taylor Swift and was studying to become a teacher.

The message I want to send to Dickey, who took my daughters life. This is from her: You cant kill my spirit. You might be able to kill my body, but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me, he said.

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After shooting Federico, Dickey fled the scene in a car he stole from a neighboring home, police said.

Dickey, who has an extensive criminal history, had gone on a multi-day crime spree, using credit and debit cards stolen from nearby homes to go on a shopping spree, Holbrook said.

Eventually, his getaway car broke down and Dickey had it towed to a friends home in Gaston, South Carolina, where police later found him breaking into a home.

Alexander Dickey, 30, was arrested and charged with murder, police said. (Lexington County Detention Center)

He was arrested after breaking into the home and allegedly setting it on fire.

Dickey faces a slew of charges related to the crimes, including murder, burglary and grand larceny. He was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center following his arrest and was denied bond.

Hes a true convict and he deserves to be in jail for the rest of his life, Holbrook said.
President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on April 2 sent shockwaves across global financial markets and continues to weigh on market sentiment. Economists are now warning of an increased risk of recession as nations respond with retaliatory duties against the US. JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) in April raised its odds of recession to 60% from 40%, citing supply-chain shocks due to tariffs.

Tariffs and trade wars between major countries are now taking a real toll on businesses. An entrepreneur in early April asked small business owners on Reddit particularly those importing products and raw materials how they are navigating the impact of tariffs.

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Our Customers May Just Stop Buying'

The original poster said he's been selling pottery products imported from Poland for the last 20 years. He said European products are subject to tariffs of around 20%, and that puts his business in jeopardy. Asked if he could move production to the US, the Redditor said he's selling a traditional Polish folk art product that cannot be developed elsewhere.

"Our product is a want not a need, so we can raise the price but our customers may just stop buying," he added.

His post received over 250 comments, with many small business owners sharing the problems and concerns they are facing due to new tariff policies.

Trending: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you? Tax deferring is their number one strategy.

Heading Towards a Major Economic Disaster'

A small business owner called Trump's tariffs a "disaster" as the core raw material for his business is subject to 25% to 46% duties. He said he's is unable to operate a domestic manufacturing plant for raw material in the US because Americans are "simply unwilling to do this job anymore." He said immigration-related restrictions are also causing difficulties for him to find the necessary workforce.

"The concept of trying to encourage domestic production by creating tariffs while also pursuing immigration policies that make finding a reliable labor force in the US impossible is just nonsensical," he added.

Another commenter said he will probably go out of business and is unable to do anything about it.
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  A teacher at Hartvigsen School has been named Educator of the Year by the Discovery Education Awards.

Seyyed Sharifi is a special education teacher at Hartvigsen School in Taylorsville. He teaches post-high school students, aged 18  22, and educates them on life skills. He has previously been named Granite School Districts 2024 Teacher of the Year. In a press release from Granite School District, they share some of the qualities that went into Sharifi being honored as Educator of the Year.

Seyyed prioritizes trust and connection to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Recognizing that traditional instruction methods dont always meet the needs of students with diverse abilities, he brings creativity and technology into the classroom, Granite School District shared in the release.

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Volunteers to assemble period kits for Utah students ahead of summer break

Discovery Education Awards selects five teachers across the nation to be honored as their Educator of the Year. There are also awards for the District of the Year and School of the Year.

Sharifi was honored this afternoon at the school. In an interview with ABC4, he shared his feelings about being the recipient of the award. He reflected on how winning this award was meaningful not only to him but to his family.

For me, its about my familys legacy. Both my mother and my father were teachers in Kabul, Afghanistan, and when they came here, they had to leave the profession behind, Sharifi stated. It was a way to kind of heal that family lineage Its kind of a sacred act to me, to teach.

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Sharifi says his teaching method is focused on independence. He works with virtual reality equipment and hands-on projects to help educate his students on life skills.

I try to cultivate independence  thats really the heartbeat of our classroom, Sharifi said. What got me here is that, is just really empowering the students to live their lives to the fullest.

What are the different safety protocols in Utah schools?

The Educator of the Year wasnt always an educator, though. Sharifi shared that his career began somewhere different, but he found his way to special education.

I did sales for a long time, I made a lot of money doing that, but I wasnt able to sleep at night, Sharifi said. This job has allowed me to provide for my family for me, its a noble way to earn a living.

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For those considering a career like Sharifis, he encourages whoever is interested to join him.

We need more special educators. If you are thinking about special ed, come. Its a rewarding career. The kids are lovely, Sharifi stated.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)The TDC Learning Centers have been providing generations of care since 1963. But now, due to unpaid balances, the non-profit will close its doors for the final time on Friday, May 9.

With less than a weeks notice, teachers and parents are scrambling to figure out next steps.

Im shocked, a little frustrated that you said Friday and thats in four days, parent, Kyla Benavides said. I dont know what to do from here.

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A last-minute closure isnt the only inconvenience thats hit the TDC as of late. According to the non-profits director, Elizabeth Nelson, teachers are getting duped out of their hard-earned money.

Kansas professor weighs in on Trumps 100% foreign film tariffs

Nelson told 27 News that theyve only received one week of pay in their last paycheck and having their paid time off taken away, making it hard to get by.

With not getting paid on time at first, and then with only getting half the pay for this last week, it was really hard because a lot of people had bills to pay because it was the first of the month, Assistant Toddler Teacher, Jaden Paige said.

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During this challenging time, Nelson said that communication with the board has been frustrating.

Basically, communicating the best I can with the board, and when I ask, Im not really getting any responses from them, Nelson said. Weve actually taken all ideas and suggestions from them, and its still not working out.

Emporia invites businesses to exporter roundtable

With an alleged lack of transparency from the board, it even has parents taking action into their own hands.

I find incredibly problematic, parent, Lauren Edelman said. I myself sent some emails earlier today expressing my frustration and my concern with the lack of communication and the lack of transparency.

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27 News reached out to Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas about the TDC closures. The organization said if you have a child who uses their services, and are scrambling to find a new daycare service, you can call them at (785)357-5171 and they will help you do just that.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
If you know a teacher or have a loved one whos a teacher, the perfect time to show them you appreciate all they do is right around the corner. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, which always falls in May, starts on Monday, May 5.

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 freebies to be had.

Heres how Teacher Appreciation Week started, when it is and some freebies and discounts for teachers this year.

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: When, what is it?

Teacher Appreciation Week has been around in the U.S. since 1986, but started as a single day in the 1950s.

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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.

This year, Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday, May 5 and ends on Friday, May 9.

Teacher advice: Effort beats skill. Never give a gun to a duck. 25 times teachers gave us the best advice.

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.

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Teacher Appreciation Day is always celebrated on the Tuesday of that week, which is May 6 this year.

Teacher freebies, discounts: Does Chick-fil-A do anything for Teacher Appreciation Week?

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.

And 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.

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Heres a list of some 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.

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.

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

Chipotle Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway

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 the get a free burrito e-card.

Hilton and Embassy Suites by Hilton

Teachers can get deals this summer at six Florida properties  Miami (use booking code PK5), Miami Beach (code P1), Deerfield Beach (code PL5), Fort Lauderdale (code PL5), Tampa (code TEAP) and Tampa (convention center; code TEP).

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 (May 5-9), the fast-food chain has three exclusive deals for members of the Sonic Teachers Circle rewards program  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, download the Sonic app (then create an account, go into Settings, tap Profile icon, tap Account and select "I'm a Teacher").

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Restaurant deals, store discounts
Ashlie Crosson has always loved the classroom.

Growing up in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, as one of seven kids of divorced parents, I found school to be this place of stability, while some other parts of my life were in transition and in changes, Crosson told The 74 in a recent interview.

I was a pretty natural student most of the time, she added, but it was mostly because I had incredible teachers who invested in their students so far beyond what is expected of the job.

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She said she can remember all the way back to a kindergarten teacher who wrote her letters over the summer because shed be her teacher again in first grade. I think I looked at that and said, This is an incredibly rewarding way to spend a life.

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It became a 14-year career that rewarded Crosson back  and on the national stage. The AP English teacher and high school journalism advisor was named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year April 29 by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The award, which follows her earning the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year title, allows Crosson to spend the next year traveling across the country as an ambassador to fellow educators.

Ashlie Crosson is interviewed on CBS Mornings on April 29 after being unveiled as the winner of the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. (CBS Mornings)

Shell step away from her hometown high school five years after she went back there to answer this higher calling to return to the place that made me into a successful adult and into somebody who had found joy and happiness in their adult life.

Crosson, a first-generation college graduate, was selected from a pool of 56 local winners who were narrowed down to three other finalists: American Samoas Mikaela Saelua, an English language teacher who is the first finalist from the seven islands in the programs history; Washington, D.C.s Jazzmyne Townsend, an elementary school special education teacher and childrens book author; and Colorados Janet Renee Damon, a high school history teacher at a transfer school who runs a school-based podcast program focused on mental health disparities.

Related

Fostering Culture & Belonging: Reflections from Teacher of the Year Finalists

Ashlie is an authentic, self-reflective leader who uses her experiences to help elevate her students into successful careers and life after high school, the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee said in a statement. She is also a strong and passionate representative for educators, using her voice to help people understand the weight of the teaching profession and the gravity of what teachers do.

Crosson said she grounds the bulk of her classroom work in real-world connections and projects, which allow her students to explore English from a careers-based perspective, while also building understanding and empathy for people of diverse backgrounds across the world.

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This is perhaps most apparent in her 10th-grade elective course called Survival Stories, which she began designing as a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow. In it, she wants her students to consider sweeping questions like, What problems are we trying to solve and in what ways do we need to communicate across borders?

To keep the course accessible and age appropriate, all the material from non-fiction texts and memoirs, to podcasts and films  come from the voices of teens and adolescents. This allows her students, Crosson said, to have, really authentic and approachable conversations about things that can feel really big and really unapproachable.

Mifflin County, Pennsylvania (Mifflin County PA Official Website)

In todays political climate, traversing some of these charged topics in rural Mifflin  an almost exclusively white town of just over 46,000, where almost 80% of the vote went to President Donald Trump in 2024  might seem daunting. Crossons approach is to begin with texts that take place as far from central Philadelphia as possible, so that by the time students reach stories from their own community  some of which they may have otherwise met with preconceived notions  they are able to analyze them with more nuance, greater empathy and a stronger text-based knowledge.

We are all here, going through our own human experience, Crosson said. She wants her students to ask,  How do I relate to these people? How do I better understand these people? Because at the end of the day, my students also want to be better understood. So theres a reciprocity there.

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When her students come to her with challenging political questions  for example about Trumps recent executive orders looking to eradicate any focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in schools  she encourages them to return to the facts, asking, What are the actual details?

Related

The Education Department Asked for Reports of DEI. It Might Get Something Else

Im able to keep my opinions out of things because Im also first asking my students to put their opinions on pause, she said, so that we have a chance to become more informed about things and have a better, more well-rounded understanding of whats going on before we start trying to figure out our feelings about it.

In addition to Survival Stories, Crosson teaches AP English Language and Composition and 10th-grade English, while also running the schools journalism elective. At the newspaper and district magazine, called the Pawprint, she functions more as a boss and editor than teacher, she said, a position she cherishes, especially since a number of the high schoolers end up going into journalism.

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If students are basically getting simulations of future careers, I love that. And I love facilitating that.

Related

Best Stories by USC Student Journalists of 2024

Crossons classroom is covered with colorful student artwork from floor to ceiling and one corner hosts the One Word Board,where students place the word that will most motivate and inspire them throughout the year.

In a video for CBS Mornings, her students were asked to choose five words to describe Crosson: joyful, funny, caring, energetic (but not too much), passionate and dedicated were among their picks.

One student said she sees Crosson as a safe space. Another said that whenever she spots students struggling, Shell try to make you better as a student and [in] doing that you also learn lessons in how to take help and help others. So I think it makes students better people.

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Along with her teaching responsibilities, Crosson serves as the communications chair for her unions negotiating team, assists with the schools Positive Behavior Interventions and Support programming, leads the districts international student trips and co-hosts The PL Playbook, a podcast dedicated to teachers professional learning.

When asked her favorite book to teach, Crosson laughed and said, I honestly think that every book becomes my favorite book.

There are some books that Ive taught for 10 years, she continued and so now theres so many different colored pens [on the pages]. The book is the timeline of my teaching career. And theres something really beautiful about that.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  To thank local nurses and teachers for their hard work and kindness, Applebees Neighborhood Bar and Grill locations are offering special deals this week.

Westfield to celebrate National Nurses Week with glowing red lights throughout the city

Select Applebees locations owned by the Flynn Group announced that through Saturday, teachers and nurses will be able to enjoy a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree. This offer is meant to show appreciation during both Teacher Appreciation Week and Nurses Appreciation Week, acknowledging the dedication of professionals in both fields.

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To claim this offer, nurses and teachers must mention the promotion at a participating location and present a valid badge verifying their position.

Gratitude and respect are the driving forces behind this initiative, said Dan Krebsbach, President of Flynn Applebees. Teachers and nurses are pillars of our communitieseducators shape the future through their unwavering dedication to students, while nurses provide compassionate care that saves lives every day. Their work is challenging and often overwhelming, so we hope this offer allows them to feel recognized and valued for their incredible contributions to society.

Participating locations in western Massachusetts include:

Chicopee

Greenfield

Hadley

Pittsfield

Springfield

Westfield

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  The state attorney general told the FOX 8 I-Team that more than 6,000 hours of work and new technology led agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to file charges in the murder case of Aliza Sherman.

On Monday, Attorney General Dave Yost said the alleged killer, former divorce attorney Gregory Moore, left an electronic trail.

Skeletal remains found in Akron identified as 22-year-old man who went missing in 2024

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We were able to create a geospatial map with geography and time and it led to the truth that had long been obscured, Yost said. We have been learning as law enforcement how to use these kinds of records. Also, part of it is just the sheer ability to analyze it. The analytical tools in 2025 are very different than they were in 2013.

Sherman was murdered in March 2013 outside her attorneys office in downtown Cleveland. The case remained unsolved for 12 years.

Yost said that this was a massive case for BCI. He said agents started investigating the case in 2021, at the request of Cleveland police.

On Friday, Moore was secretly indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on several charges, including aggravated murder, conspiracy and kidnapping.

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The purpose of Aliza Shermans kidnapping was to obstruct Judge Rosemary Grdina Gold from conducting the trial in the divorce case of Sanford Sherman v. Aliza Sherman, the indictment states. The scheme to use telecommunications devices and/or services to kidnap Aliza Sherman began on or about January 3, 2013, when Gregory Moore and at least one other unnamed individual learned that the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office (CCPO) was investigating Moores cell phone usage in 2012 when bomb threats were called into courthouses where Moore was scheduled to be in trial. The bomb threats on January 18, 2012, May 30, 2012, July 10, 2012, were part of a pattern of behavior Moore exhibited to delay court appearances he was scheduled to attend in the calendar year of 2012, a pattern that members of Stafford Law Co. were aware of on January 3, 2013, and which continued from January 3 up to and including March 24, 2013. Within a day of when Moore and said other individual(s) learned of the CCPO investigation, Moore obtained a new cellular phone on the Stafford Law Verizon business account and was given control of a 4G Mobile Broadband device (mobile hot spot) that was also on the Stafford Law Verizon business account by an individual with authority to make such changes to devices on the firms account. This change to the mobile hot spot facilitated Moores ability to perform the overt acts in furtherance of the kidnapping of Aliza Sherman in a manner calculated to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Authorities said the motive for the murder was that Moore was not prepared for Aliza Shermans divorce trial.

In 2016, the I-Team questioned Moore about the murder, asking if he was prepared to take her divorce case to trial. He declined to answer.

They had billed $100,000 on this divorce case and the trial date had been moved several times previously and it wasnt likely to be moved again, Yost said. He wasnt ready to go to trial.

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The indictment further notes that either Moore or an unknown co-conspirator approached Sherman from E. 12 St., circled behind her, chased her from 55 Erieview to 75 Erieview, and then stabbed her over ten times.

Moore was arrested near Austin, Texas, on Friday, at a relatives home. He is being held in jail in Texas and is expected to have an extradition hearing soon. A date for that hearing has not yet been set.

Cuyahoga County officials said once he is brought back to Ohio, he will be in court to face to the murder charges.

Suspect stabbed woman, ordered pit bull to attack

Jan Lash, one of Shermans good friends, said she was stunned to learn an arrest had finally been made.

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Personally, I thought there would have been an arrest right away, Lash told the I-Team on Monday. So Im looking forward to hearing the truth and getting my questions answered. Theres so much that doesnt make sense. That doesnt change the fact my best friend isnt here.

BCI agents searched Moores Summit County home on Friday. Yost said agents are still working with the Cuyahoga County prosecutors office on the case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Teamsters have thrown their support behind Donald Trumps plan to save Hollywood, which sent most of the industry into a tizzy Monday after the President proposed 100% tariffs on movies made outside the U.S.

We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads. This is a strong step toward finally reining in the studios un-American addiction to outsourcing our members work, Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien and Teamsters Motion Picture Division Director Lindsay Dougherty said in a joint statement.

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As noted in the statement, the Teamsters  along with IATSE, LiUNA! and other unions that represent below-the-line workers in Hollywood  have been sounding the alarm on runaway production for years. Crews are often the most impacted by overseas production, since they are usually hired locally unlike many above-the-line workers like actors and directors.

For years, Hollywood studios have hollowed out the industry by following Corporate Americas crooked playbook of outsourcing good union jobs. Studios chase cheap production costs overseas while gutting the American workforce that built the film and TV industry, OBrien and Dougherty continued in their statement. These gigantic corporations line their pockets by recklessly cutting corners, abandoning American crews, and exploiting tax loopholes abroad. While these companies get rich fleeing to other countries and gaming the system, our members have gotten screwed over.

It should be no surprise that the Teamsters would be among the loudest supporters of the Trump administrations move, since the union has been leaning heavily toward the GOP in recent years. In July, OBrien made history as the first Teamster ever to speak at the Republican National Convention, warning in his speech that his members are not beholden to anyone or any party.

OBrien also said he doesnt care about getting criticized for the decision to speak at the RNC, regardless of the unions long track record of Democratic support prior to last year. The Teamsters boss did not speak at the DNC.

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The Teamsters statement comes after both IATSE and SAG-AFTRA also offered tepid support for the Presidents desire to increase production in the United States. However, IATSE made it clear that it does not support a broad tariff on international production, given that the union represents workers across both the U.S. and Canada.

Instead, IATSE President Matthew Loeb, like many others in Hollywood, called for a federal film tax credit that would incentivize studios to return, rather than penalize them. Monday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the calls for a federal funding initiative, challenging the Trump administration to allocate $7.5B to a national tax incentive. Newsoms call to action comes as the Golden State moves to increase its own film and TV tax credit program to $750 million annually.

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CHICAGO  Aldermen once again delayed an expected vote Monday on whether Chicago police should get the power to implement snap curfews to try to force large youth gatherings to break up.

The City Councils Public Safety Committee had been expected to vote on the measure at its afternoon meeting, but Ald. Brian Hopkins said early in the day it would not go forward. Too many aldermen planned to attend U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowskys afternoon announcement, where she said she would not seek re-election, he said.

But Hopkins touted listening sessions that he attended with teens and another where Mayor Brandon Johnson listened to Streeterville residents as the downtown alderman promised to push the measure forward before late May.

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The clock is ticking for supporters of the curfew measure to pass something, because they see it as important to give police added power to deal with the takeovers that tend to be more common during warmer summer months.

And while he defended the need for new curfew powers, Hopkins, 2nd, echoed Johnson in calling for more money to be spent on young people. He called for park fieldhouses to be opened later into the night and throughout weekends.

What we need is not only programs for youth, but activities that are productive and that are an alternative to engaging in the kind of lawless teen takeovers thats the problem, Hopkins said.

Hopkins initially proposed a downtown 8 p.m. teen curfew  two hours earlier than Chicagos 10 p.m. citywide teen curfew  last year and again in March after two large teen gatherings in his ward ended in shootings.

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He is now proposing an ordinance that would grant Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Garien Gatewood the power to declare curfews together throughout the city as so-called teen trend gatherings pop up or are being planned.

He called off a vote last week in the committee, where the final tally was expected to be close. And he backed off a move to get the full council to consider his first version last month to instead push forward his updated curfew effort.

Johnson opposed the initial measure but has not taken a clear stance on the curfew power aldermen might soon give his administration. Asked about the expected vote Monday morning, he promised to do what works and said we cannot succumb to elements or practices that just dont prove to be effective.

There is no empirical evidence that lowering the curfew is going to reduce or eliminate those types of incidents, Johnson said. We want to prevent these types of occurrences from happening. And everything we do on the front end, we dont have to scramble on the back end.

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Speaking alongside Hopkins on Monday in praise of the ongoing discussions with residents and young people alike, state Rep. La Shawn Ford dodged when asked if he supported Hopkins current proposal[cq comment=the current ordinance ].

I support the idea of coming up with a solution they still got to land the plane, he said. You cannot not do anything.

Ford added that he would like to see young Chicagoans get free access to programs in the citys parks. Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry said government partners are willing to come in to offer everything from theater classes to dental service, but he added that young people get should get to help decide what opportunities they get.

Our youth dont want to be told what they should know. They want to be able to tell us what we need to know, Lowry said. But as we go forward with this initiative, we cannot have trends. The trends must end.

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Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and anti-violence organization GoodKids MadCity have criticized the proposed curfew power as an overly strong and potentially illegal crackdown. Johnson, too, has alluded to legal issues.

In a letter to aldermen, the City Councils Office of Financial Analysis said Chicago can anticipate potential litigation costs because ACLU Illinois shared a letter signed by 20 additional civil liberties groups suggesting potential intent to sue over proposed curfew.

ACLU Illinois spokesperson Ed Yohnka expressed concern last week that police could use the temporary curfew power to crack down on protesters.

Could this be abused in a way that could curtail that right? Absolutely, he said. And then even more broadly than that, young people have the right to be in every part of the city.

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Hopkins brushed those concerns aside Monday and called lawyers opposed to the measure anti-police political activists.

There is absolutely zero concern about the constitutional validity of this ordinance by every one of the attorneys that was involved in it, he said.

____
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee vetoed the first bill of his administration, knocking back a piece of legislation that would have given the state parole board more discretion to deny parole to state prisoners.

The legislation would have allowed the Board of Parole to reject parole requests based solely on the crime the person committed, without considering other factors such as behavior during incarceration or the completion of education programs.

Currently, the board can only reject parole based on the seriousness of the crime for certain violent and sexual offenses.

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In a letter to GOP leaders, Lee said Senate Bill 455 would unwind a "meaningful part" of a 2021 criminal justice reform act that received bipartisan support in the legislature.

"Together we recognized that the vast majority of offenders will return to our communities, and their successful reentry impacts the safety of every neighborhood for the better," Lee said in a May 5 letter notifying the Senate and House speakers of his veto decision. "Two years later, Tennessee achieved the lowest recidivism rate in state history, meaning fewer crimes and fewer victims. And I am confident that the Board of Parole and other safeguards ensure parole is awarded appropriately. (SB 455) unwinds a meaningful part of the Reentry Success Act, which is a step backwards from safer Tennessee communities."

Gov. Bill Lee speaks during a press conference on the last day of session at The Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The veto was a surprising move for Lee, who has previously resisted striking down any legislation in the first six years since he took office in 2019.

The historic veto also came on a bill that passed quietly and quickly through the General Assembly this year.

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Lee's veto puts him at odds with the Republican supermajority in both chambers, who voted in favor of the legislation and now have the power to override his veto.

House sponsor Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, said he looks forward to working with the General Assembly "to override the governor's veto when we return in January."

Ive dedicated my entire career to protecting my community and Im proud to carry that mission forward in the Tennessee House of Representatives," Scarbrough said in a statement. "While I have deep respect for Governor Lee, I am both surprised and disappointed by his decision to veto this bill. This legislation addresses critical gaps in our parole system while strengthening public safety and confidence, ensuring that serious offenses are not minimized."

Lawmakers could call themselves back into session to override the veto or move to do so at the beginning of the 2026 legislative session, which would be Lee's last as governor. In Tennessee, lawmakers can override a gubernatorial veto by simple majority.

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Though surprising given his reticence to use the veto prior, Lee's actions align with some criminal justice reform he sought earlier in his administration to divert people away from prison and expand support for people leaving custody.

Lee has sometimes clashed with GOP lawmakers in the past over this reform legislation, particularly over measures that might increase prison populations or decrease incentives designed for rehabilitation.

After passing the 2021 reform legislation, Lee locked heads with General Assembly leadership in 2022 over a controversial "truth in sentencing" bill, which effectively lengthened some prison sentences in the state.

The governor declined to sign the legislation, allowing it to take effect without his signature.

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Senate Bill 455 moved quickly through the General Assembly this year and passed both chambers with no floor debates, which typically happen on controversial legislation. Votes fell along party lines, with most Democrats voting against the bill.

Sen. Paul Rose, R-Sparta, said in March he sponsored the bill at the request of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

"The parole board should be given the greatest discretion to determine which among those inmates deserve to be kept from among us and those which can be released back into society," District Attorney General Conference executive director Stephen Crump said in a March committee hearing.

Crump said some "significant offenses" were not included in the current statute, including reckless homicide, carjacking and continuous sexual abuse of a child.

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In the Senate Judiciary Committee, some senators expressed concern with allowing the parole board to block parole without considering other factors. Sen. Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield, said the sentencing structure is "designed to dangle carrots in front of inmates, so they'll behave to get out."

"We're trying to incentivize people to behave, to rehabilitate themselves, to learn a skill, whatever the thing might be to get out," Roberts said. "I'm struggling with why are we giving the parole board more discretion to say no to people, instead of less."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Gov. Bill Lee issues first-ever veto, blocking parole board bill
Marriott's first quarter was driven by a strong international performance, even as U.S. hotel demand growth showed signs of moderation.

"After January and February results were stronger than we expected, demand in the U.S. did soften in March, primarily due to a 10% year-over-year decline in U.S. government RevPAR [revenue per available room]," said president and CEO Anthony Capuano during a Tuesday earnings call.

In the quarter, the world's largest hotel operator saw RevPAR increase 4.1% worldwide. International markets were strongest. RevPAR in India rose 16%, and in Japan, it rose 17%.

"March had almost a bit of a one-time impact from the shock of government layoffs, as well as a lot of tariff announcements," said CFO Leeny Oberg. "We're not assuming a recession scenario."

The company saw the most strength in full-service luxury hotels and resorts and the most weakness at its limited-service properties. Executives chalked that up to economic uncertainty weighing on middle-class consumers rather than high-income travelers trading down to cheaper hotels.

Easter impact. Many hotel analysts have been puzzling over how to make year-over-year comparisons for the quarter when the Easter holiday shifted from March to April. Marriott estimated Easter to have contributed about "250 basis points" to the company's performance.

If you excluded Easter's absence, in March, RevPAR went up 1% in the U.S. and Canada and more in Europe, and in April, it went up even more, according to the company's first estimates.

Changed 2025 Outlook

Marriott trimmed its full-year outlook, projecting worldwide RevPAR to grow between 1.5% and 3.5%, citing "somewhat softer expectations" in the U.S. and Canada.

A main factor was an expected reduction in U.S. government spending on hotels. Last year, U.S. government travel spending contributed around 4% of room nights at American and Canadian hotels.

The hospitality giant's outlook adjustment was "significantly smaller than Hiltons," according to analysts at Bernstein Research, who noted that "Marriott now expects to lead its U.S. asset-light peers for 2025 RevPAR growth."

Recession sensitivity. Marriott said its outlook assumes there is no recession. But even a recession happens, executives thought their business was more insulated from a sharp downward swing than in the past, partly because of shifting demographics.

About 30% of the U.S. population is now over 55 years old, and this group has broadly benefited from a rise in household net worth.
Gov. Bill Lee, pictured March 20, 2025, issued his first veto in his six-plus years in office on May 5, 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued the first veto of his six-plus years Monday against a measure that would have expanded authority of the state Probation and Parole Board.

Lee sent a veto letter to the speakers of the House and Senate saying he is returning SB455/HB527 because the new bill would be a step backwards from the advances of the Reentry Success Act of 2021.

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That measure passed overwhelmingly with a single no vote because we all know we cannot tackle crime without tackling recidivism. Together we recognized that the vast majority of offenders will return to our communities, and their successful reentry impacts the safety of every neighborhood for the better, Lee said.

The governor said two years after the Reentry Success Act passed, the state recorded its lowest recidivism rate in history, the rate for which convicts return to prison, meaning fewer crimes and fewer victims. Lee added he is confident the board and other safeguards can make sure parole is awarded appropriately.

Current statute allows the parole board  which is appointed by the governor  to deny parole based solely on the seriousness of the offense for 22 violent felonies. The bill seeks to broaden that authority beyond those crimes.

Sen. Paul Rose, photographed at Cordell Hull Legislative Office Building. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Republican Rep. Rick Scarbrough of Oak Ridge and Republican Sen. Paul Rose of Covington passed the bill with little debate along party lines, 75-16 in the House and 22-4 in the Senate.

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Scarbrough, former police chief of Clinton in East Tennessee, issued a statement saying he had dedicated his career to protecting his community and in January 2026 would work to override the veto, which takes a simple majority of the House and Senate.

While I have deep respect for Gov. Lee, I am both surprised and disappointed by his decision to veto this bill, Scarbrough said. This legislation addresses critical gaps in our parole system while strengthening public safety and confidence, ensuring that serious offenses arent minimized.

The law currently allows the parole boards finding to be the sole basis for denial for offenses including murder, voluntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, especially aggravated robbery, rape of a child and sexual battery.

The bill increases the number of offenses for which the board would be able to revoke parole and probation, including aggravated assault resulting in death, fentanyl delivering resulting in death or injury, reckless homicide, carjacking, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a first responder, reckless endangerment and several other offenses such as money laundering, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, terrorism offenses, abuse of a corpse and official misconduct/oppression.

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In a March Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Rose said the bill allows the parole board to have more discretion in granting or denying parole in situations where releasing the inmate might erode public confidence in the legal system and signal that certain crimes arent taken seriously.

The bill gained support from the Tennessee District Attorney General Conference.

The parole board should be given the greatest discretion to determine which among those inmates deserve to be kept from among us, and those which can be released back into society, Executive Director Stephen Crump said at the hearing.

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Tennessee State University has named James Sexton as its new interim band director.

The historically Black, public university in Nashville announced the move in a May 6 news release. Sexton's new role is a promotion from his longtime position as assistant director of the Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands. Sexton said he counts it an honor to take on leadership of the marching band.

"I am committed to upholding its proud traditions while enhancing the dynamic performances that define the AOB," Sexton said in the release.

James Sexton leads the Aristocrat of Bands during the Tennessee State University Homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn.

The university also named Dwight Pope as its new director of cheer and dance, where he will oversee the Sophisticated Ladies dance team.

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"His extensive experience will be invaluable in guiding the continued success and elevation of TSU's dance program while continuing to elevate the cheer team," the release said.

The news comes after TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker removed previous band director Reggie McDonald from his position in January. Tucker said the school launched an investigation into McDonald's travel requestions and advances and his compliance with TSU policies and procedures. McDonald, who worked for TSU for 23 years, was ultimately fired from his role as band director but remains on administrative leave with full pay pending completion of due process for tenured faculty.

The news of Sexton and Pope's appointments was met with excitement by university leaders.

"Both the Aristocrat of Bands and TSU Sophisticated Ladies boasts a long and distinguished history of performances," Vice President for Student Affairs Bridgett Golman said in the release. "They are each a significant source of pride for Tennessee State University and the broader Nashville community."

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A search for a permanent band director is underway. More information on the Aristocrat of Bands can be found at TNstate.edu/music/aristocrats.

Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on Twitter or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.

This story has been updated to add a photo.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State University: James Sexton named interim band director
There are signs of hope in the opioid crisis here in Tennessee. The question now is how to build on this progress and ultimately defeat a scourge that has devastated lives, families and entire communities across our state.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tennessee recorded a nearly 32% percent decline in overdose deaths between November 2023 (when the toll was 3,891 lives lost) and November 2024 (2,651). Thats an even steeper drop than the 26.5% decrease nationally during the same period, and the trend appears to be continuing.

Opioid treatment programs help patients gain stability and employment

Many factors are driving this welcome news, including the wider availability of Naloxone (better known by its commercial name Narcan), which rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, as well as the states investment in public education, evidence-based treatment programs, and community response efforts.

Jaime Harper, director of faith-based initiatives for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, left, speaks about the opioid crisis with Julie Barnes, director of substance use services, Mental Health Co-op during a community opioid briefing at Metro Nashville Health Department.

Were also seeing the benefits of federal and state regulatory changes over the last year. These reforms improve access to telehealth, mobile units, and greater flexibility in take-home doses of methadone at opioid treatment programs (or OTPs).

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These treatment programs are critical, as patients also receive behavioral counseling, medical appointments, and case management from skilled professionals.

Opinion: My son died of an opioid overdose. I'm running for Congress to end this crisis

At the 13 outpatient OTPs I oversee in Tennessee, its clear that this combination is working. Patients can devote more time to family and work, spend less time commuting to treatment, and gain greater confidence in managing their opioid use disorder (or OUD). Thats crucial at a time when fentanyl is still widely available and far more lethal than other opioids.

For someone with OUD, getting into and staying in treatment can quite literally be lifesaving. But getting people the treatment they need also depends on their ability to pay. Thats why its essential that Congress preserve current levels of Medicaid funding for people with OUD.

Medicaid cuts and restrictions can derail progress in opioid fight

Approximately 1,600 of the roughly 6,400 patients we serve at any given time rely on Medicaid. Thats down from 1,800 patients in the early part of last year, which was just prior to the end of broader COVID-era Medicaid coverage. While state grants fill some gaps, financial burdens can put patients at risk for not seeking care, or leaving treatment early.

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Proposals in Congress to require more people to work to qualify for Medicaid must be carefully considered. Many people living with opioid addiction are in crisis and struggle to get or hold down a job. But when theyre in treatment, and their lives stabilize because of it, they are more likely to work.

An internal Behavioral Health Group analysis shows that 63% of Medicaid patients in Tennessee (45% nationwide) report an improvement in employment status after entering treatment.

Other ways to provide support for patients with OUD include aligning Medicaid reimbursement with the Medicare model and aligning state and federal guidelines to keep treatment decisions between patients and their medical and behavioral health providers.

These are just a few of the proven steps we can  and must  take to build on the progress were seeing in the fight against opioid addiction. Failing to act will cost lives we could otherwise save, and it could delay our efforts to overcome one of the greatest public health crises of our time.

Amanda Karistai, Vice President of Operations for Behavioral Health Group

Amanda Karistai, MBA, LCSW-BACS, is Vice President of Operations for Behavioral Health Group (BHG), which manages the largest network of opioid treatment programs across Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: We need a strong Medicaid to keep fighting the opioid crisis | Opinion
A truck driver was dramatically rescued from his cab after a crash left it dangling over the side of a highway bridge in Kentucky.

The terrified motorist called and told a 911 operator Im just hanging over the bridge, I dont want to die while hanging from the elevated highway on Interstate 65, just south of the Kennedy Bridge in Louisville.

Emergency authorities took about half-an-hour to rescue the man, who had stayed on the emergency phone line for a gruelling 18 minutes until the Louisville Fire Department (LFD) arrived.

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In audio from the 911 call, released by the Louisville Metro Government, the driver tells the operator: Will you guys please help me, Im about to... Im about to fall down from the bridge.

The truck's cab hangs over the edge of Kennedy Bridge on Interstate 65 near Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday May 4 2025 (WHAS11)

Im really afraid to move in the truck right now.

At one point during the call, the trucker makes a heartbreaking request of the dispatcher, who is striving to keep him calm, by saying: Please, if I dont survive, can you just leave the recording for my family?

Arriving on the Kennedy Bridge to find the semi-truck dangling up to 20ft above Interstates 64 and 71, its trailer jack-knifed behind it, rope specialists at LFD lowered a rescuer down over the cab to retrieve the stricken driver.

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Video of the triumphant rescue effort, subsequently released by the emergency services, showed the rescuer being carefully positioned over the cab before descending to help the driver into a secure harness and slowly hauling him to safety.

If you can imagine when youre on an interstate, its a highly, highly dangerous position to set up any type of operation, fire chief Brian ONeill said in the aftermath of the incident.

The driver was taken to hospital as a precaution but appeared not to have sustained any serious physical injury as a result of his ordeal.

Our citys first responders worked together quickly to help save the driver, the LFD said in its Facebook post describing the incident.

A rescuer saves a truck diver after his cab was left hanging from the Kennedy Bridge near Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday May 4 2025 (Louisville Fire Department)

It takes everyone to perform this brave act, from the 911 call center fielding the call for help, to dispatching Louisville Fire, [Louisville Metro Police Department] LMPD blocking traffic during the rescue, and [Emergency Medical Services] EMS transporting the semi-truck driver to the hospital.

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We are one Louisville. Were also grateful to report the driver wasnt hurt in the crash and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Thank you to our incredible first responders!

Authorities have yet to reveal what caused the driver to lose control on the highway but have said an investigation is underway.

The episode follows a similar disaster last year on the nearby George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, connecting Louisville with southern Indiana, which saw a female driver left suspended over the Ohio River for 40 minutes before being freed.
EAGLE PASS  President Donald Trumps threatened tariffs, attacks on social programs and crackdown on illegal immigration have unsettled some residents along the Texas-Mexico border, a region that overwhelmingly supported his re-election.

Historically Democratic and overwhelmingly Hispanic, border voters flipped in favor of Trump in November, with 12 of Texas' 14 border counties going to the GOP, up from five in 2016.

As Trumps second term hits the 100-day mark, that support is facing some challenges. While some voters who supported Trump remain confident in his agenda, others say they worry that, beyond border security, the presidents policies do not always align with the complex binational economic realities facing border cities from Brownsville to El Paso and beyond.

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Nowhere does that seem truer than in Eagle Pass, seat of Maverick County, which in recent years became the epicenter of the migrant crush on the border  and of state and federal efforts to contain it. On some days in the fall of 2023, Eagle Pass  population 26,000  saw as many as 4,000 migrants cross the border each day.

Residents remember the strangers among them, long lines at international bridges and numbers so big that trade and foot traffic, the lifeline of border communities, were halted so Border Patrol agents could manage the spike in arrivals. The town was overwhelmed.

It was crazy, crazy, said Monica J. Cruz, who is headed for a mayoral runoff after this past Saturday's city election.

A mailbox is the sight of a Trump sign in the neighborhood near the Seco Mines that will be in the direct path of the proposed private trade bridge between Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass on April 29.

Against that backdrop, Trump won Maverick County with 58% of the vote. That reversed decades of Democratic political hegemony in the county, where 94% of residents identify as Latino or Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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Trumps local support has faced some headwinds during his first three months in office, as his administration has implemented a whirlwind of policy changes.

The situation was mirrored in the Eagle Pass mayoral race, where the three candidates  Jesus Casas, Aaron Valdez and Cruz  walked a thin line as they navigated the shifting political climate.

None of the three were openly critical of either Trump or the Democratic Party. They all applauded the improved border enforcement since Trump returned to office  but also said they worried about the economic impact Trumps threatened tariffs could have on the region.

Casas said there is growing angst in Eagle Pass over the potential tariffs, which could heavily affect trade with Mexico. Texas accounted for $540 billion of the nearly $900 billion in U.S.-Mexico trade last year, according to U.S. trade figures.

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Part of me thinks the president really does have a plan, that he and the administration know what they are doing. But if thats so, its very important that they communicate the plan to us, Casas said as he and his competitors politicked recently outside a gym that serves as the citys early voting center. My concern going into 100 days is tariffs and our relationship with Mexico and Canada. We are all part of North America, and we need to take care of the neighborhood.

Valdez, who is headed for a mayoral runoff election with Cruz, said he was worried about the economic impact on Piedras Negras, the much larger city just across the Mexican border from Eagle Pass.

From left are Aaron Valdez, Monica J. Cruz and Jesus Casas, all Eagle Pass mayoral candidates for 2025. As they have campaigned ahead of the May 3 election, all three have largely avoided criticizing President Donald Trump's policies. Trump won 58% of the votes in Maverick County in the November presidential election.

Mexico, Piedras Negras, is our lifeline, our blood, he said. They are more than neighbors. They are family. When they hurt, we hurt even more. Im worried about the economic uncertainty.

Jessica Rey Ramon, an Army veteran who won a seat on the Eagle Pass City Council, said she supports the steps the Trump administration and state government have taken to secure the border.

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But Ramon questioned the $11.7 billion spent on Operation Lone Star, the state governments border enforcement effort that has included National Guard troops, state troopers, land barriers and buoys in the Rio Grande. Even now, with migrant encounters less than 35 per day, troops and DPS troopers remain.

Its been excessive, Ramon said. There needs to be a better balance.

Alicia Martinez, a lab technician in Eagle Pass and Ramons campaign manager, said her city went all out to help migrants but they never showed any appreciation.

Here I am trying to put my own children through school, and our taxes were not going to our community, but for migrants. It was wasteful, she said.

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In his first 100 days, Martinez said, Mr. Trump has fixed that and Im grateful.

Erosion in support?

Trump won 45% of the Latino vote nationally in November, and he did even better in Texas, taking 55% of the Latino vote, according to exit polls from the Associated Press and CNN.

However, a flurry of polls released between April 21-25 showed a dip in Trumps approval ratings on some issues. A Fox News poll found 55% of respondents give him high marks on border security, but those who said they approved of his performance on the economy only amounted to 38%.

A dog walks by a portion of border wall that was funded and built by Gov. Greg Abbott in Del Rio on April 22.

Mark Jones, a Rice University political scientist, said while strong support related to security persists for Trump across Texas and in the border counties, there are signs of erosion of support over more draconian efforts like the deportation of children, U.S. citizens and deepening worries about Trumps trade policies.

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The more we see the impact on jobs and prices, the more you can expect that erosion to grow, especially along the border, Jones said. Americans vote with their pocketbooks. Americans will always choose cheaper products over rhetoric.

Separately, a poll by the Pew Research Center found Trump with a 27% approval rating among Hispanics nationally. In a post on social media site Blue Sky, GOP political consultant Mike Madrid described that as a complete collapse among the fastest growing group of GOP supporters.

The economic challenges facing the area have had a real-world impact on Ron Barrio, an El Paso resident and customs broker at a Santa Teresa International Export and Import Livestock Crossing just over the state line in New Mexico.

In March, Barrio and his colleagues worried as Trump declared a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and then rescinded it. The tariff placed on Mexican goods disrupted operations, leading to a steep decline in imports. Barrio, who helps move cattle between the U.S. and Mexico, said he lost more than $70,000.

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Barrio, who describes himself as a diehard Trump supporter, said a Trump flag he had on display in his office didnt sit well with some money-losing clients, one of whom lost $100,000 in just those three days, he said. Barrio said he quietly rolled up the MAGA flag and put it out of sight.

I need to give him (Trump) some time and 100 days is not enough, he said. If by the end of the year things dont look better, Ill consider my alternatives.

Daniel Manzanares, director of the Santa Teresa International Export and Import Livestock Crossing, was less optimistic.

A year? The way things are going, well be done by then, he said.

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The concerns run from Eagle Pass to Brownsville to El Paso  communities where the federal government plays an outsized role, employing thousands in key jobs, including the Border Patrol.

Buoys used to deter migrant crossings in the Rio Grande River sit on the lawn of the recently reopened Shelby Park in Eagle Pass on April 29.

Still, some community leaders in border counties insist support remains strong for Trump and his agenda.

Trump has been really good. Hes restored a sense of security and common sense, said Enriqueta Queta Diaz, 82, former county judge of Maverick County and a longtime Republican leader.

Our hospital was packed with illegals. It was a burden to us because they were tying up the health care we needed, the law enforcement to keep us safe, Diaz said.

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Residents were scared because migrants broke into our home, she said. There was fear.

Shifting political ground

As residents and local leaders sort through the changing political climate, the border has become an even bigger prop, a magnet for politicians looking for a way to shape narratives.

Recently, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dropped in unannounced in New Mexico to visit troops on the border, standing in front of a tank. TV cameras rolled. A few days later, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Paso for a few hours. Among her activities: Riding an ATV, picking up dust, with the border wall behind her.

When the theater is installed, it becomes hard to dismantle, said retired educator Jessie F. Fuentes, who has been fighting the state to allow access to the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass. He supplements his income by running a small kayaking tour on the river.

Once you let them inside your house, its tough to kick them out, he said. They just wont leave.

Throughout the Rio Grande Valley, where voters shifted to Trump in November, Democratic politicians have been rattled by the shifting political tides.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat, said shes making a point to spend more time at home in her district.

It has been heartbreaking to see many recent immigrants applaud the Trump administrations mass deportations, Escobar told a group of reporters from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Weve seen Latino members of our community applaud the militarization of our border without understanding the impact on their own civil liberties  that is the real challenge.

Weeks after Trump took office, there were protests in the Valley over immigration raids at local businesses. The demonstrations highlight how this region is particularly affected by some of Trumps policies.

The ethos of the Valley for a long time has been economic vibrancy, largely through immigration and through robust bilateral trade, said Alvaro Corral, a political science professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, in Brownsville. Whether its tariffs, whether its deportations, I think that the direction of the Trump administration really is anathema to what the Rio Grande Valley has been for the last 30 years.

In Del Rio, the end of the migrant rush ripples through the economy, social service agencies and political jockeying. Contract buses that once shuttled migrants away from the border stand idle. The Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalitions migrant processing center sits empty. Only three migrant encounters were reported in the county on one April day. Hotel rooms are again available  sans price-gouging.

And a half-built wall remains unfinished, something that irks Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez. The absence of large numbers of migrants might prove temporary, said Martinez, a Democrat who eked out a narrow victory in November.

Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez gives a tour of the border wall that was funded and built by Gov. Greg Abbott in Del Rio on April 22.

Martinez said his path to victory in November was talking with people in local H-E-B stores, Whataburgers and coffee shops. That can be a lesson to other Democrats in the politically divided region, he said.

You have to know the people you represent, Martinez said. Make sure they understand you will never abandon them. Hold your ground and stand for what you believe in. Its that simple.

Freelance Correspondent Gaige Davila contributed from the Rio Grande Valley.

About This Story

This story was co-published with Puente News Collaborative, a bilingual nonprofit newsroom, convener and funder dedicated to high-quality, fact-based news and information from the U.S.-Mexico border.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas border residents voted overwhelmingly for Trump. Are they happy?
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  As the clock expired on the 88th Legislative Session, property tax relief was left on the chopping block. Governor Greg Abbott cited the failure to pass property tax relief as a reason behind numerous vetoes. Abbott ended up calling multiple special sessions dedicated towards property tax relief.

On Monday, during the Texas House Ways and Means Committee, Chair Morgan Meyer, R-Dallas, announced there wont be a repeat of last session.

We have reached an agreement with the Senate as it relates to tax relief, Meyer announced from the dais. He had just left a pair of bills increasing the homestead exemption  Senate Bill 4 and Senate Joint Resolution 2  pending in committee. [Senate Local Government Chair Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston will] lay out a committee substitute for Business Personal Property (BPP) exemption  well be doing that at $125,000. Then we are passing these homestead exemption bills from Senator Bettencourt as is.

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State of Texas: Lottery on life support as Lt. Governor calls for ending commission

Meyers House Bill 9 initially proposed to increase the BPP exemption to $250,000 from $2,500. Bettencourts updated version was sent to the Senate floor with a 9-0 vote on Monday. The BPP exemption allows homeowners to write off parts of their property if used for their business.

Its only Monday, but a great start to small business week at the Capitol! Proud to sponsor HB 9 & HJR 1 by House Chair @MorganMeyerTX in committee today, and passing them out on unanimous 7-0 votes!, Bettencourt posted on X. This helps all Texas businesses by dramatically increasing the BPP (Business Personal Property) exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 delivering ~$2,500 in avg. savings per @txbiz and my estimate, but especially for small business owners saving them their time as well as their money!

Bettencourt has two bills currently pending in Meyers committee. SB 4 increases the general homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, which will save Texas homeowners an average of $363.44, according to Bettencourt. Senate Bill 23 increases the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. Bettencourt estimates an extra $454.30 average savings for senior and disabled homeowners.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
ARCHER COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  Texas lawmakers are working to increase film production incentives this session to make Texas the next Hollywood.

One Texoman, whos a film liaison for Archer County, said this could be a big boost for our area given its film history.

Loco for Cinco Fest highlights art and culture with live mural painting

Its been more than 50 years since The Last Picture Show debuted on the big screen.

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Lawmakers are debating adding half a billion dollars to a new Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund every two years until 2035. Its the most lawmakers have allocated for productions since starting the incentive grant in 2007.

With potentially this big incentive package coming through the legislator, [could Texas be] like a big destination for future films?

I think so, Archer County Liaison Richard Shelley said.

Shelley has worked with production crews to scout areas within the county for possible film locations.

Theres a lot of activity, a lot of people ask what is there in Texas because its much cheaper to do it here, Shelley said.

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Texas is one of 37 states to offer film incentives. So this isnt new to the Lone Star State.

Its even garnered support from A-list actors from the Lone Star State.

This incentive is an investment in Texas in that it will create more income for the state that can be allocated to other places, where the moneys needed, Matthew McConaughey said as he spoke to a committee of lawmakers. Every grant dollar awarded returns to $4.69 to the state of Texas, and its a 469% ROI.

Houston native Dennis Quaid echoes McConaugheys remarks, saying this is a chance to create new jobs.

Hollywood has lost the narrative, Quaid said. [Its] an opportunity for Texas in a long-term commitment to become not a leader, but the leader in the film and television industry.

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Shelley said economic benefits will be felt throughout Texoma.

Any of these rural counties around Wichita Falls, theyre going to be the ones that they are going to get the biggest piece of money thats spent. They will hire local people to be in these movies, Shelley said.

Time ticks on lawmakers to pass the bill before the session ends.

Additional incentives are available to productions that film in rural areas of the state or hire a certain number of veterans for their cast and crew.

Currently, Senate Bill 22 is in the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism House Committee. Its companion bill, House Bill 4568, is pending in the same committee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
Last month, Clay Jackson was at a gas station near his home in Dallas when an attendant asked if he could offer up some legal advice to an immigrant family in the neighborhood.

A father was caught up in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid, and the mixed-status family with a U.S. citizen child wasnt sure what to do next.

Jackson agreed to give them informal pro bono support in his personal capacity, not as an in-house lawyer for Fidelity National Financial, a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 title insurance company.

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My goal was to try to find somebody just to be a conduit for them, to alleviate their immediate concerns and fear, give them just some basic understanding of what this is and how this may play out, and then try to find them with a good lawyer, he told The Independent.

Then two people he says appeared to be federal law enforcement agents visited Jackson himself.

Two plain-clothed agents appeared at his home and accused Jackson of obstructing an investigation, he said.

Jackson talked to formerWashington Post columnist Radley Balko about the people he believed were ICE agents arriving at his door. That article, which did not mention where Jackson worked, was published April 23.

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That same day, Jackson was fired.

The incident follows a series of actions from Donald Trumps administration targeting individual lawyers and firms that provided work for his perceived political enemies. Jackson fears ICEs threats and his abrupt termination could send a chilling effect preventing lawyers from pro bono work or even informal advice.

ICE agents appeared at the home of a Texas insurance attorney after he gave informal legal advice to an undocumented family, he tells The Independent (AP)

In one executive order last month, Trump accused pro bono immigration attorneys of working with their clients to conceal their past or lie about their circumstances when asserting their asylum claims in an attempt to circumvent immigration policies enacted to protect our national security and deceive the immigration authorities and courts into granting them undeserved relief.

That order also presses the attorney general to investigate immigration attorneys.

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Last month, Michigan attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration officers in an airport while returning from a family vacation. Boston attorney Bachir Atallah and his wife were detained at the Canadian border earlier this month.

A statement from Fidelity National Financial to The Independent noted that that the company does not discuss personal employment matters.

This is to protect employee privacy and confidentiality. However, I will note that Mr. Jackson is no longer with the company, the statement said.

Fidelitys chief legal officer Peter Sadowski told Bloomberg that Jackson was not terminated for speaking to a reporter or for giving advice to an immigration family. I cant comment further, given that this is an ongoing employment matter at the company, Sadowski told the outlet.

Clay Jackson was terminated following the publication of a story about ICE agents questioning him at his home after he spoke with an immigrant family (Clay Jackson)

On March 23, Jackson alerted his bosses that he was planning to speak with a journalist about ICE appearing at his home. He felt an obligation to speak out, he said, but he claims his boss appeared dismissive of his concerns.

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Theyre sending people to El Salvador without a court hearing. Every lawyer has to agree that every human being is entitled to due process. Thats the foundation of our profession, Jackson told The Independent.

If something were to happen to him, or to the family he spoke with, and he never alerted a reporter about what happened, it would devastate me, he said.

It was in good faith to be like, you know, heads up, this is happening, Im doing this because I feel like I need to do this for my conscience, and Im going to regret if I dont talk to this reporter, because this is an important thing, he said. Im not spray painting a federal building or something, Im just helping people in my community.

Jackson began to fear for his safety and sought a transfer from the Texas office, where he started working in 2023, to a branch in Chicago, where he has family.

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He said that request was denied, and said his employers warned him against providing legal advice outside the scope of supporting a client. He was warned that his messages about the incident and his communications with his boss suggested that he intended to resign  which he flatly denied.

Several more days passed, and the article was published. He sent an email to other litigators at his office with a copy of the article, telling them, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

Trump has signed several executive orders targeting law firms and attorneys who represented clients and positions against the president and his agenda (AP)

Roughly 90 minutes later, his access to work equipment and communications was cut off, he said. A courier knocked on his door that afternoon handing him a letter, telling him he was terminated for his unsatisfactory performance in violation of company policy.

Bill Foley, Fidelitys billionaire chair, donated at least $500,000 to Trumps campaign fundraising arms in 2020 and has supported each of the presidents campaigns. He supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary but donated $500,000 to Trumps campaign when he emerged as the nominee.

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Jackson  a former litigator with Tennessee-based firm Bass, Berry & Sims, who had previously worked with clients entangled in byzantine, often years-long immigration proceedings  says he viscerally understands how complicated, and terrifying, the countrys immigration system can be for people suddenly thrust into it.

Ive seen that fear. Ive seen that I dont know if my kids are going to be safe fear, he told The Independent.

You have to make a choice. The choice is to be humane or not, and thats why I do it, he said. And it wasn't because Im some raging liberal that hates immigration enforcement. I get it. Its been really messed up for decades. But what weve never had is people being sent to a gulag without a court hearing.

ICE did not return The Independents request for comment.
May 6AUSTIN  The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2013 murder of 51-year-old Lillian Desiree Descoteau in Harrison County. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information in this case is asked to please come forward.

According to a DPS news release, back on Oct. 7, 2013, Descoteau's partially nude body was found by two truck drivers near the FM 450 ramp onto IH-20, just south of Hallsville, Texas. She had been sexually assaulted, beaten and strangled. Descoteau's body was only clothed in a light blue pullover, a white bra and a shiny diamond stud earring in one ear. Before her death, Descoteau lived a transient lifestyle  living in many states across the country, including Alaska, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, Maryland and Louisiana. Descoteau's last known residence was Irving, Texas, where she worked as a commercial truck driver for a short time.

Funded by the Governor's Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for any Texas Rangers cold case listed on the DPS website  which provides information on more than 140 cases in an effort to garner public interest in unsolved or cold cases.

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To be eligible for cash rewards for this case, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of these two methods:

 Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

 Submit a tip online through this link only and select "Cold Cases Featured" and "Cold Case" in the type of crime and offense type sections.

As part of a DPS public awareness program, one case from the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation (Cold Case) Program will be featured bi-monthly in an effort to generate new investigative leads and bring attention to these cold cases. Texas Crime Stoppers rewards are increased up to $6,000 for featured cases in hopes of generating additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip is submitted before the next cold case is featured.

The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies investigating unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.
This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Restrictions on wind and solar development in Texas could increase wholesale power prices by 14% over the next 10 years and cause capacity shortfalls resulting in up to 3.1 GW of load shed in an extreme weather event, Aurora Energy Research said in an April 16 report prepared for the Texas Association of Business.

In a fully restricted renewables scenario, where no further wind and solar development occurs in Texas once todays late-stage projects are deployed, a typical 100-MW industrial customer would pay $6.3 million more for power each year by 2035, Aurora said. The typical households electricity costs would increase $225 per year, or about 10%.

The report highlights the importance of the Texas renewables industry in meeting expected load growth this decade while keeping prices in check and that renewables can make the system more reliable as opposed to less reliable  [which] tends to be overshadowed in discussions of the role they play on the grid, Auroras Head of US Central Olivier Beaufils said in an interview.

Dive Insight:

The biennial Texas legislature is considering several bills this session that would benefit new natural gas and other firm generation resources at the expense of renewables.

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In the past few weeks, the state Senate passed one bill imposing new fees and regulatory requirements on wind and solar projects and another requiring new renewables to be matched megawatt-for-megawatt with new dispatchable resources other than batteries. A third bill under consideration, but not yet passed, would retroactively require firm backup generation at wind and solar facilities.

The 2025 bills build on previous legislative efforts to blunt renewables rapid advance and incentivize dispatchable generation in the Electric Reliability Council of Texass territory. Though several proposals similar to those under consideration this year failed to advance out of the 2023 session, legislators did authorize the now-beleaguered Texas Energy Fund, which has seen 35% of its proposed dispatchable capacity canceled or withdrawn amid escalating project costs and supply chain challenges.

Energy issues moved to the forefront of the Texas policy conversation following the near-collapse of the ERCOT grid during Winter Storm Uri, a prolonged freeze that killed hundreds of Texans and left millions without power for days in February 2021.

That has created an opening for interests and people in Texas that maybe are less convinced of the free-market nature of ERCOT and would prefer to steer the state into picking specific technologies, Beaufils said. They are saying, OK, maybe this whole free-market thing hasnt been going the way we want it to go, so lets push the market.

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The Aurora team was not surprised to find that curtailing deployment of lower-cost wind and solar resources would increase power prices, Beaufils said. Auroras analysis showed lower average levelized, unsubsidized costs for both wind and solar-plus-battery projects than for any non-battery dispatchable alternative, including combined-cycle gas.

More interesting, Beaufils said, was the finding that reliability would also decline in Auroras restricted-renewables scenarios.

Aurora compared a business-as-usual central scenario, where current renewables projects in development deploy and market signals dictate future deployments, against two restricted scenarios. In the limited renewables scenario, renewables projects in late-stage development reach deployment and future projects deploy at 50% of the central scenario pace. The fully restricted renewables scenario sees no further renewables deployment after current late-stage development projects come online.

By 2035, an extreme weather event could prompt respective load sheds of 1.8 GW/6.7 GWh under the limited scenario and 3.1 GW/12.7 GWh under the fully restricted scenario, causing as much as $450 million in direct economic impacts, Aurora found.

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Key to Auroras analysis  and underscored by the Texas Energy Funds troubles  is a persistent shortfall in gas turbine manufacturing capacity, with major turbine OEMs like GE Vernova, Siemens and Mitsubishi Power quoting deliveries in 2029 and beyond, the report said.

You cant add an infinite amount of thermal generation to the system over the next five years, Beaufils said.

While Texas could add about 17 GW of thermal capacity through 2035 under both restricted-renewables scenarios, supply constraints could prevent up to 6.5 GW in further additions over the period, Aurora found.

Individual industrial customers might deploy behind-the-meter backup power or consider deploying microgrids to reduce grid dependence, but running on backup power is an expensive last resort and well-designed microgrids can take years to develop, Beaufils said. So the upshot of capacity shortfalls and structurally higher power prices in a restricted-renewables scenario is a state thats less attractive to invest in, he said.

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The last thing an industrial consumer would want is very high prices because theres less capacity on the system, Beaufils said.

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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.
Thank You for Your Service, Dan Lollis

(SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  Navy veteran Dan Lollis said he thought his time in the service would be a short stint.

Obviously, at the time, I didnt know I was going to spend 20 years and then retire, Lollis told 7 NEWS. I had no idea what I was going to do after high school, and I didnt have the means to go to college at the time. And obviously back then, Woodruff was not as built up as it is now.

His dad, an Army veteran, Lollis said he and a buddy signed up to join the Navy.

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I told the recruiter, I said I want something that would correlate to when I get out, Lollis shared.

And for him, that would be a Logistics Specialist First Class.

When the plane breaks, theyll come to us, and theyll send this paperwork to order parts and stuff for the engines, Lollis said. If anything breaks, it comes to us.

Lollis got his training for his specialty in Meridian, Mississippi.

At Aviation Storekeeper Aid School, and I was there for two months, Lollis said. And when I left there, then I went to Guam.

Then came deployment.

I checked onboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, he said.

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It was on one of Lollis many deployments that he would watch the Twin Towers come down.

Were sitting there looking at the TV, Lollis continued. And we saw the first plane hit the building and everybody at the table, our first reaction was, what movie is this?'

Lollis said he knew shortly that the United States would be going to war.

We were the first carrier to launch airstrikes in Afghanistan, he recounted. So all of us went up on the flight deck and watched the plane leave. F-18s. All the others loaded down with ammunition came back, and they were completely empty.

Lollis explained it was a lot of time away from family.

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My son was born when I was on the Reagan in 2007, he said. And I missed its first two birthdays because I was gone on deployment.

Lollis said he couldnt have done it without his wife.

As I say, a lot of military wives dont get enough recognition for taking care of the kids, said Lollis.

In 2012, he retired after a 20-year career.

I enjoyed my time in, like, I went all over the western part of the world. I mean, Hong Kong travel times, Singapore. I went to Dubai

Lollis says while it was hard at times, the Navy afforded him a lot.

By the tail end of my career, I started going to college, he said. And then after I retired, in 2015, I graduated with my bachelors degree.

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Lollis said the Navy gave him skills he still uses today.

Im still working in the logistics injury industry, and Im a defense contractor, Lollis explained. I would have to go around and audit parts and materials for the Department of Defense.

That, and being a dad and husband to his wife, Leanne, and kids, Kaiden and Danica.

Dan Lollis, thank you for your service.

To nominate a veteran like Dan Lollis to be featured in our Thank You for Your Service series, 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The third man indicted for the murder of a 72-year-old Ardmore woman in 2019 has been sentenced, according to court documents.

Three men, Khalib Holden, Adrian Lopez and Quintin Courtney, were all charged with the murder of Diane Ferguson Ballard in 2019. All three were charged with capital murder and first-degree robbery.

Khalib Holden (Madison Co. Sheriffs Office)

Holden was the final of the three to be sentenced. Court documents show that he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of felony murder and kept the original first-degree robbery charge. He was sentenced to 20 years for each count in the Alabama Department of Corrections for a total of 40 years to be served concurrently. He was also granted jail credit, according to the sentencing order.

Adrian Lopez (Madison Co. Sheriffs Office)

Lopez was sentenced first of the three in 2023. Court documents show that he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of murder and was sentenced to 40 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections and he was to receive jail credit for any time served thus far. Within his plea agreement, the charge of first-degree robbery was dismissed.

Quintin Courtney (Madison Co. Sheriffs Office)

Courtney was then sentenced in 2024. Court records show he also pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of murder, but was sentenced to 30 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections and was to receive credit for any and all time served thus far. Within his plea agreement, the charge of first-degree robbery was also dismissed.

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At the time of the murder, Holen was 18 years old, Lopez was 19 years old and Courtney was 20 years old.

The Madison County Sheriffs Office said that Ballard was killed during a fight during a drug transaction around 2 a.m. in the 5000 block of Elkwood Section Road near Ardmore on July 16, 2019.

Holden, Lopez and Courtney had gone to the home to buy drugs from Casen Boyd, court records show. While they were there, an altercation occurred between the three men and Boyd and shots were fired, in which Ballard was hit by a bullet and killed.

The arrests in Huntsville happened as deputies showed up in unmarked vehicles at the gas station next to Walmart on Hobbs Road. MCSO said their narcotics team got a tip and tracked the car to the Murphy USA gas station.

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Ballards family told News 19 that Diane was home with her grandson when they said four people had broken in. They said she died defending her home.

The three men all applied for youthful offender status, given their ages at the time of the murder. Both Lopez and Courtney had their youthful offender hearing on Feb. 11, 2022, and both were denied the status on Feb. 15, 2022. Holden had his youthful offender hearing on Nov. 19, 2021, and it was also denied at the same time as the other two.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Vatican City  All the Vatican staff who will be involved in the 2025 conclave to pick the late Pope Francis' successor  from the cleaners to the cooks and custodians  have taken their oath of secrecy. The punishment for leaking information about the ancient Catholic Church ritual is immediate excommunication.

The 133 cardinal electors tasked with electing the next pontiff took their own oaths on Wednesday, inside the Sistine Chapel, as the conclave officially got underway.

In the days prior, they were seen going in and out of meetings to discuss the merits of the men among their own ranks  any one of whom could be chosen as the next pope, the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

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Among the issues that differentiate the presumed frontrunners for the job are some extremely controversial topics for Catholics, including exactly how far the church should open its doors  if at all  to people like Andrea Rubera, his husband, and their three children.

Conclave officials sign the oath of confidentiality at the Apostolic Palace, May 6, 2025, in Vatican City, ahead of the conclave to select Pope Francis' successor. / Credit: Simone Risoluti/Getty

Rubera, who has been in his same-sex relationship for years, told CBS News that "when Pope Francis died, I cried."

A decade ago, Rubera and his husband were struggling over whether they could raise their kids Catholic. Then he got a phone call.

"So I answered, and it was: 'Mr. Rubera, are you busy at the moment, because I see you are you are not answering my calls, and this is Pope Francis.'"

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He recalled his surprise as the late pontiff asked if he could make time to talk. He did, and Francis encouraged the couple to behave like any other Catholic family. Rubera said he's worried that the next pope may not be as eager to welcome him and his family into the church.

"My personal fear is that our lives, our families, our rights, could be ... canceled," he said.

Another big issue facing the next pope will be the role of women in the church. There has been fierce debate within the Catholic community for years about whether women should be allowed to become deacons, and eventually even priests. That door, even during the relatively progressive reign of Pope Francis, remained firmly closed.

But Kate McElwee, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, told CBS News that, "on this question, women are not going to wait much longer."

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"Certainly there's a tipping point that we're facing," she said, predicting that if the Catholic Church doesn't offer new opportunities soon, "I think women will vote with their feet  they will no longer go and participate in the life of the church."

When the new pope is chosen behind the closed doors of the conclave, he'll adopt his chosen papal name and then be taken to an antechamber in the Sistine Chapel to put on his papal white robes.

That fitting room is called "La Stanza delle Lacrime," or, in English, "the room of tears"  for all the popes who have cried there over the centuries as the gravity of their calling sinks in.

Did the conclave pick a front-runner to be new pope?

Here are some of the front-runners to be the next pope

World awaits new pope after conclave's vote
EAST HARTFORD, Conn.  About 3,000 labor union members went on strike early Monday at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, as negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security broke down.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers were picketing at manufacturing locations in East Hartford and Middletown, after about 77% of nearly 2,100 union members voted to approve their first strike since 2001, union officials said. Their contract expired late Sunday.

Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so, David Sullivan, the unions eastern territory vice president, said in a statement. This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision  we will continue to fight for a fair contract.

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Picketing workers lined and crossed streets near the entrances to the East Hartford and Middletown plants on a rainy Monday morning. Many of the signs said I am on strike! against Pratt & Whitney, while some read Solidarity for Security and Together We Rise.

Some workers said they were concerned that the company may move jobs and manufacturing out of the state to its plants in Georgia.

Theyre not giving us job security. We need time to be here, union member Scott Westberg told WFSB-TV. We want to be in Connecticut a long time. Theyre trying to deteriorate the middle class, which is what we are. We are the blue collar.

Defense firms closely watching tariffs, but split on potential sting

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The company, a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based RTX Corp., called its latest wage and retirement proposal competitive, and said its workforce is among the most highly compensated in the region and industry.

Our message to union leaders throughout this thoughtful process has been simple: higher pay, better retirement savings, more days off and more flexibility, the company said in a statement. We have no immediate plans to resume negotiations at this time and we have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and to meet our customer commitments.

The strike comes as RTX faces a potential $850 million hit on profits this year because of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, if the tariff rates remain the same through the year. During its first-quarter earnings call on April 22, the company said its Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace subsidiaries would each shoulder just over $400 million of the potential tariffs hit.

RTX is predicting $83 billion to $84 billion in adjusted sales companywide in 2025. The companys first-quarter earnings were $1.5 billion. Pratt & Whitneys adjusted operating profit in the quarter was $590 million.

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The company said its latest contract proposal included an immediate 4% wage increase, followed by a 3.5% increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2027. It also included a $5,000 contract ratification bonus and enhanced pension and 401k plan benefits.

Pratt & Whitney makes engines for commercial and military jets, including the GTF line for Airbus commercial jets and the F135 for the militarys F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft fleet.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, both Democrats, issued a statement urging the company and union to continue negotiating. Members of Connecticuts all-Democratic congressional delegation and Democratic state lawmakers said they were supporting the union workers.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has warned that the threat from Russia is not limited to the war in Ukraine as it is increasingly manifesting itself in hybrid forms and is posing a danger to the whole of Europe.

Source: Schoof on X (Twitter)

Details: In his statement marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Schoof drew attention to the growing hybrid threats emanating from Russia.

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Quote: "In fact right now on the eastern edge of Europe we can see that Ukraine is heavily embroiled in a fight for its continued existence as a nation and for its own peace and security. The threat posed by Russia also extends beyond Ukraine and is increasingly manifesting itself in hybrid forms."

Details: Schoof expressed gratitude to Poland for its active role in strengthening European security and called on other European countries to do more to enhance defence capabilities at the national level.

Background: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the signing of a bilateral agreement in the field of security and military cooperation during his visit to the Netherlands on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of their liberation from Nazi occupation.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Just as Japan's top trade negotiator traveled to Washington for another round of tariff talks last week, a bipartisan delegation bearing the name of Japan-China Friendship wrapped up a visit to Beijing.

A week earlier, the head of the junior party in Japan's ruling coalition was in Beijing delivering a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Details of the letter are unknown, but the two sides discussed U.S. tariffs in addition to bilateral issues.

Among all U.S. allies being wooed by Beijing in its tariff stare-down with Washington, Japan stands out.

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It is a peculiar case not only for its staunch commitment to its alliance with the United States but also for its complicated and uneasy history with the neighboring Asian giant  particularly the war history from the 20th century that still casts a shadow over the politics of today.

On one hand, they are neighbors and they are important economic partners. Theres a lot that connects Japan and China, said Matthew Goodman, director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations. But on the other hand, I think there are limits to how far theyre going to lean into China.

While Japan won't walk away from its alliance with the United States, the linchpin of the Asian country's diplomacy and security policies, it's also true that the tariffs and uncertainty that Trump has created for Japan is really shaking things up in Tokyo, Goodman said.

Last month, President Donald Trump announced a 24% tariff on Japanese goods in a sweeping plan to levy duties on about 90 countries. The White House has since paused the tariffs but a 10% baseline duty on all countries except China, allowing time for negotiations. Still, Trump's 25% tax on aluminum, steel and auto exports have gone into effect for Japan.

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The tariff moves, as well as Trump's America First agenda, have cast doubts among the Japanese if the United States is still a dependable ally, while China is rallying support from tariff-threatened countries  including Japan.

In Beijing, Japan sees positive signs

When Tetsuo Saito led Japan's Komeito Party delegation to Beijing in late April, China hinted at difficulty in its tariff dispute with the United States, signaling its willingness to improve ties with Tokyo. An unnamed senior Chinese official said his country was "in trouble when discussing Trump's 145% tariff on Chinese products, according to Japanese reports.

Saito's visit was soon followed by that of the bipartisan delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union. Zhao Leji, Beijing's top legislator, told the delegation that China's National People's Congress would be willing to carry out various forms of dialogue and exchanges."

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Beijing did not lift a ban on Japan's seafood imports as the Japanese delegates hoped, but it signaled positive signs on its assessment of the safety of the discharges of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Beijing banned Japan's seafood products in 2023, citing those concerns.

Ties between Tokyo and Beijing have long been rocky. In the past several years, they squabbled not only over the seafood ban but also long-standing territorial disputes over the Senkaku, or Diaoyu, islands in the East China Sea, Beijing's growing military assertiveness and violence against Japanese nationals in China  an issue complicated by the nations' uneasy history.

Tokyo's closer ties with Washington during Joe Biden's presidency also upset Beijing, which saw it as part of the U.S. strategy to contain China and has lectured Tokyo to face squarely and reflect on the history of aggression.

An imperial power in Asia for centuries, China fell behind Japan in the 19th century when Japan began to embrace Western industrialization and grew into a formidable economic and military power. It invaded China in the 1930s and controlled the northeastern territory known as Manchuria. War atrocities, including the Nanking Massacre and the use of chemical and biological weapons and human medical experiments in Manchuria, have left deep scars in China. They have yet to be healed, though Japan's conservative politicians today still attempt to deny the aggression.

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Ishiba, elected Japan's prime minister in October, has a more neutral view on his country's wartime history than the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his two successors. Weeks after taking office, Ishiba held talks with Xi on the sidelines of a leaders' summit.

Chinese scholars, however, see Tokyo's recent engagements with Beijing as a pragmatic move to hedge against U.S. protectionism and not a long-term strategy for stability with China.

The odds are low for Japan to move into China's orbit, Goodman said. They have for a long time had to manage an important but challenging relationship with China," he said. And that is, again, a long-standing problem for Japan, going back centuries or millennia.

Seeking tariff deals and stable ties in the US

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While Japan might welcome the friendlier tone from Beijing, it is trying to stabilize Japan-U.S. relations under Trump's America First agenda, and it is hoping to settle the tariff dispute without confronting Washington, with an eye on preventing Beijing from exploiting any fallout in Japan-U.S. relations.

Japan was among the first countries to hold tariff talks with Washington. During the first round in mid-April, Trump inserted himself into the discussions, a sign of the high stakes for the United States to reach a deal with Japan. The Trump administration reportedly pushed for Japan to buy more U.S.-made cars and open its market to U.S. beef, rice and potatoes.

After the second round of negotiation in Washington last week, Ryosei Akazawa, the country's chief tariff negotiator, said he pushed Japan's request that the U.S. drop tariffs and was continuing efforts toward an agreement acceptable to both sides. He said Japan's auto industry was already hurting from the 25% tariff and that he needed to be thorough but fast.

Asked about China, Akazawa said only that his country keeps watching the U.S.-China tariff development with great interest." He noted Japan's deep trade ties with China.

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Competing in Southeast Asia

While China and Japan are working to mend ties, the two are also competing in the Southeast Asia region, where Trump has threatened high tariffs as well. The region is deeply integrated into China's supply chain but under pressure from the West to diversify and reduce its reliance on China. With younger and growing populations as compared to East Asia, the region is considered an important growth center.

Japan, as a major postwar development aid contributor, has gradually regained trust in the region, which also was scarred by Japan's World War II past.

On Wednesday, Ishiba returned from Vietnam and the Philippines after agreeing with their leaders to further strengthen security and economic ties. During the visit, Ishiba stressed Japans commitment to maintaining and strengthening a multilateral free-trade system in each country. Ishiba also had telephone talks with his Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts earlier this month about U.S. tariffs.

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Just weeks earlier, Xi was in Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, also stressing free trade and seeking stronger supply chains.

At a recent discussion at the Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute, Itsunori Onodera, Japan's governing party policy chief, warned of very unstable feelings among many Asian countries faced with high tariffs from the United States.

Theres a danger they might become more distant and become closer to China, Onodera said. This is not something that Japan wants, either.

___

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.
On Monday morning, just north of San Diegos premier beachbreak gladiator pit, Blacks Beach, a panga boat believed to be carrying over a dozen migrants capsized, resulting in catastrophe. The boat was discovered at Torrey Pines State Beach, and at this time, initial reports are showing that three people died, four were injured, and crews from the Coast Guard are searching for seven others.

As of now, officials are uncertain where the boat was coming from. However, according to U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey: They were not tourists. They are believed to be migrants.

Footage from the incident shows the boat attempting to navigate its way to shore through stormy conditions and decent-sized swell. As the boat approaches the coast, a wave slams it from the back. Then, it flips on its side, sending all the passengers overboard, and treading water for their lives.

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Hikers on the Torrey Pines State Beach bluff were the first to see the incident go down at around 6:30am on Monday morning. And according to 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.

Related: Boat Gets Totally Wrecked by Wave in Indonesia (Video)

Earlier this year, another migrant boat capsized while navigating the surf, also in San Diego. That time, it was in Ocean Beach. The boat was carrying over 20 people, and when it flipped in the lineup at Saratoga Avenue, just north of Ocean Beach Pier, surfers sprang into action to help. They pulled people onto their boards, and helped them to shore, where lifeguards assisted with CPR.

Speaking to the frequency that scenes like this happen, especially in San Diego County, since its so close to the border, lifeguard Lt. Rick Romero said: It happens on a weekly basis.

Related: Migrant Boat Capsizes in San Diego, Surfers Help Rescue (Video)
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  A picture that captures a wedding party also captures a father wrapped in love. He spent his last days with family members who altered their lives to care for him at home.

In health and in sickness, my mother would often sing, Give me my flowers while Im living. She died at home surrounded by her children. Another photo captures that last touch, COVID-19 style, as a son prepared to say goodbye for the last time to his mother, who had a vibrant lifestyle at a local facility.

In sharp contrast, how loved ones spend their last days in Medicare and Medicaid supported facilities is top of mind for local members of Congress. Rep. Rob Wittman, who represents voters in Virginias first congressional district, said he went through this with his parents.

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My parents were in these sorts of these facilities in the same area in Central Virginia, Wittman said. We experienced those things as a family. My parents experienced those things with their parents.

Wittman is looking into a facility in Chesterfield County, where there were not only complaints of poor conditions, but also, 16 employees were arrested late last year on allegations of elder abuse.

Ive seen these issues where, at the time, we were concerned, Wittman said. So when I hear about this again, it really hits home for us because I have experienced it and seen that when things arent done properly at these nursing homes, the patients there suffer. And not only do the patients suffer, but the families do too.

Rep. Rob Wittman

Wittman, along with Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, are calling on Dr. Mehmet Oz, president Trumps new point man on Medicare and Medicaid to not only look into how Medicare and Medicaid are spending tax dollars, but also how our loved ones are spending the last days, their last hours and their last minutes.

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A 2024 report from the Department of Health and Human Services showed, in one scheme, skilled nursing facilities overbilled the government by $1.7 million. Other crimes involve multi-million-dollar fraud schemes.

And thats a deep concern, Wittman said. So were going to continue to shine a light on this, continue to focus on this. And Im so glad to have Sen. Warner, Sen. Kaine, as part of our efforts to get this done.

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In this 2020 photo illustration, the TikTok app is displayed on an Apple iPhone. (Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A Pennsylvania Senate Committee unanimously approved a pair of bills during a meeting on Tuesday, including a proposal that would ban TikTok from being downloaded on state-owned networks and devices.

State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, the sponsor of Senate Bill 376, said that 34 states have already announced or enacted bans on state government agencies and employees using TikTok on state owned devices. Elected officials in Pennsylvania and beyond have expressed concern about the applications parent company, ByteDance, and its relationship with the Chinese government.

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As we hear more about cybersecurity attacks, it is imperative that Pennsylvania takes bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address those threats, Phillips-Hill said. The people of Pennsylvanias personal safety and our national security are threatened by cyber vulnerabilities of systems that support our daily lives.

The proposal would also require agencies, departments, commissions, and all government entities to remove the app from devices in an effort to ensure the state is safe from cyber security threats caused by foreign governments.

Last session, it was introduced as Senate Bill 379, and unanimously passed the state Senate in March 2023, although it was not approved on final passage by the state House. Some Pennsylvania elected officials, including state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, have already banned TikTok from being used on Treasury-issued devices.

The committee also unanimously approved Senate Bill 377, authored by Phillips-Hill, which would require that any state government purchase of computer hardware meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, standards for computer security in an effort to protect the states information technology.

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NIST guidelines consist of standards and best practices to manage cybersecurity related risk, Phillips-Hill said. This is a flexible and cost effective approach that helps to promote the protection and resilience of our IT.

The standards proposed in this legislation have already been adopted by the U.S. government in all of their IT procurements.
Everyone is in each others business. Its important, I believe, to ensure you get your own work done. It is a competitive industry, and every day I wake up and am careful not to phone it in. But I am constantly dismayed by how others treat the office like a social event, always popping off for lunch together (for two hours). My coworkers would step on each other to get ahead.

Another co-worker said she was, as I understood it, visiting a client when I knew for a fact that she was on a shoot for a private television campaign that was not related to her work. She took many such liberties, and it was the rest of us who would be forced to cover for her if we were asked about her whereabouts. I revealed this to a co-worker, who told our line manager, and this individual was let go shortly thereafter.

One colleague, who is in her early 20s and has only been here two months, asked me how I created my color palette for a recent client. I appreciate that she is hungry for knowledge and advancement, but Im 39, and I never leaned on older designers like that. I put myself through college and nobody ever handed me anything.

My male boss is married to a man, and I believe he would not support any employee who does not agree with his lifestyle. I am a Christian and try to live and let live. He treats his employees well for the most part, gives us creative freedom within certain parameters, and obviously has the last say in all our design proposals. He organizes after-work drinks when hes around, but I abstain.

I work as an interior designer at a boutique firm in a major metropolitan area. I earn six figures, and a very healthy commission. My clients are wealthy  they are the 1% who think I am there to cater to their every need. Money means nothing to my wealthy clients. One woman argued about light switches. I live in a one-bedroom condo with a terrace. My clients spend $10,000 on an antique credenza or $5,000 on a side table.

Story Continues

It sounds like you are in pain, and if you deal with that, you will be better positioned to put the many gifts and talents that you undoubtedly have to good use. - MarketWatch illustration

Dear Designing,

Maybe your coworkers are stepping around each other to get ahead.

People who are not kind to others are frequently not kind to themselves, either. Your unhappiness may not (all) be related to work. Theres no point in switching jobs if you are not free of the fear and resentment that affects how you perceive others. You feel under attack for everything from your beliefs to your position as a senior employee. It sounds like you are in pain, and if you deal with that first, you will be better positioned to put the many gifts and talents that you undoubtedly have to good use. You are obviously there for a reason. I suspect something else is going on here  anxiety, depression, melancholy, burnout  that you need to look at.

Be the change you want to see. Otherwise, Im sorry to say, your absence might be one way to improve the company culture, and this is not the best time to jump ship without another job lined up. U.S. businesses are pulling back on hiring. You sound best suited to working on your own terms. If you decide to find a new job, start again with the assumption that not everyone is out to undermine you, steal your ideas or persecute you for your religious beliefs. If you dont decide to quit, walk into your office tomorrow morning as if its your first day on a new job. See if that young designer needs help with anything. I bet she looks up to you. If she didnt, why on earth would she ask for your help?

Your workplace is full of people who are fully intent on living their lives according to their own worldview and values, which appear to be different from your own. You are surrounded by young, energetic and ambitious people who wish to learn from a more seasoned colleague, and you have a boss who wants to foster a culture of camaraderie and inclusivity. Not everyone wants to go to a bar after work, but you can abstain from the drinks and still appreciate that he is making an effort. You could also organize an office softball team.

Your bosss sexuality does not at all mean that he will have an issue with your religious beliefs, and he probably doesnt view his sexuality and marriage as a lifestyle. In fact, he may even admire you for your commitment to your religion, and if you practice the principles laid out in the Bible, you may find yourself more willing and able to help out when a younger co-worker asks for your guidance and advice. This is an opportunity for you to be a leader in order to eventually pass the baton  or, in this case, the drawing board  to those coming after you.

Youre laboring under a misapprehension: As a designer who goes into peoples homes, redoes the wiring, buys furniture and reimagines their entire living space in exchange for fees that would probably exceed the cost of the average home in the U.S., you are in fact paid to cater to their every whim. Literally, that is your job! Whether its light switches or toilet-roll holders, you are hired to provide a bespoke experience. I imagine this can be a stressful process and nerves can fray, and under the circumstances its important for both parties to be respectful.

Id be surprised if anyone, your boss included, has an issue or has made an issue of your religious beliefs. The Civil Rights Act sets out five protected classes: race; color; religion; sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity; and national origin. Other laws protect workers against discrimination based on age (for employees who are 40 or older); disability; and genetic information, including family medical history, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Its important to note that the Civil Rights Act does not protect from discrimination based on political speech or political affiliation.

If you look for the negative in others, you will surely find it.

Related: April Jobs Report: Little sign of damage from tariffs

More columns from Quentin Fottrell:

Theres not a lot of dignity in a dollar bill: I tip bartenders and coat-check people $1. Does that make me a cheapskate?

Im a veteran, 53, with 6 degrees and $245,000 in student debt. I plan to discharge my loans due to my disability when I hit $1 million.

My girlfriend and I are having a symbolic wedding. She does not want to lose her health benefits  and I dont want to lose my shirt. Is that wise?

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Estonias foreign minister wants the US and Europe to work together to push Russian President Vladimir Putin to the corner after US President Donald Trumps overtures revealed the Russian leader to be unserious about Ukraine peace talks.

Trump has offered Putin the way out  and Putin is not ready to take it, Margus Tsahkna told Semafor in an interview Monday on Capitol Hill, ahead of scheduled meetings with lawmakers in both parties.

Tsahkna called for the US and Europe to ratchet up pressure on Russia in the form of sanctions and to move forward with seizing frozen Russian assets in order to aid Ukraines eventual recovery from the war. He cited a bill that Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is putting together that would impose stringent new sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy.

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He also expressed concerns about Hungarys Viktor Orban potentially vetoing the next European Union renewal of Russia sanctions, suggesting that Trump could put pressure on Orban to prevent him from doing so.

Putin understands only the strong position, only the pressure, Tsahkna said. While he didnt fault Trump for engaging with Russia, Tsahkna said its clear that Putin is playing with the US and Europe.

Know More

Among the lawmakers Tsahkna said he will meet while hes in DC are Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He said hes prioritized trips to DC instead of Brussels this year because he feels its important to understand the thinking here and the debates, and to explain to US policymakers what Estonia is doing for European security.

Im very often here, said Tsahkna, who served as Estonias defense minister during the beginning of Trumps first term. Its my third or fourth time during the last 110 days.

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Researchers working to decipher the contents of a burned, still-rolled scroll have uncovered both the author and the title of the text nearly 2,000 years after it was buried in the Mount Vesuvius eruption.

The scroll  named PHerc. 172  is one of hundreds from the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, which was buried under volcanic debris when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, according to the Vesuvius Challenge, an initiative focused on decoding the texts of the Herculaneum scrolls without needing to unroll them.

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Preserved under mud and ash in a villa believed to have been once owned by the father-in-law of Julius Caesar, the scrolls were discovered by an Italian farmer in the 18th century.

Burned so badly they were carbonized, they are extremely fragile. Over the years, scholars have tried a range of methods to unroll them, including using weights, chemicals, gases and pulverization, though this often led to the scrolls being damaged or destroyed.

The Vesuvius Challenge was launched in 2023 to encourage researchers from around the world to try and decipher the scrolls by virtually unwrapping and decoding them.

PHerc. 172 was burned nearly 2,000 years ago, when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. - Vesuvius Challenge

Now, Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak, graduate students from Germanys University of Wurzburg, have uncovered the title and author of PHerc. 172. Vesuvius Challenge researcher Sean Johnson made the same discovery around the same time, and both findings were independently reviewed by the competitions papyrological team, according to a Tuesday press release from Oxford Universitys Bodleian Libraries, where the scroll is housed.

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The text deciphered identifies the scroll as On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus, according to the Vesuvius Challenge. It is a part of Philodemus ethical treatise known in full as On Vices and Their Opposite Virtues and In Whom They Are and About What, and could even be the first book in the series, though this is not yet clear.

Oxford Universitys Bodleian Libraries suggests that the book number could plausibly be read as an alpha, which would indicate that the scroll is book one in the series, but it could also be other numbers, such as a delta, which would mean it is book four.

Scholars have generally thought that the first book of On Vices was a text called On Flattery, but the content of PHerc. 172 does not correspond with this.

A scan of the inside of PHerc. 172, which cannot be physically unrolled or it could be damaged. - Vesuvius Challenge

The scroll was digitally unwrapped to reveal writing, which researchers are working to decode. - Vesuvius Challenge

Philodemus, according to the Bodleian Libraries, was an Epicurean philosopher whose teachings emphasise the pursuit of pleasure as central to a good life. The majority of the scrolls found preserved in the Herculaneum villa were his works, Bodleian Libraries said.

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Michael McOsker, a researcher in papyrology at University College London, who is also a member of the Vesuvius Challenge papyrology team, called the new discovery a very exciting development.

Other books from the On Vices and their Opposite Virtues are known from the papyri that were physically unrolled  best known are On Property Management (book 9, presumably the opposite virtue to greed) and On Arrogance (book 10, presumably the opposite vice to having a correct evaluation of yourself), but there are others too, McOsker said.

This will be a great opportunity to learn more about Philodemus ethical views and to get a better view of the On Vices as a whole, especially if it turns out to be the first book, McOsker said.

This find, the first time a scrolls title has been read, is the latest from the Vesuvius Challenge.

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In October 2023, the first full word from one of the unopened ancient papyri was decoded with the help of computer technology and advanced artificial intelligence. The word was  or porphyras, which is Greek for purple.

And in February, researchers investigating columns of text from PHerc. 172 identified the word , meaning disgust, which appears twice within a few columns of text, the Bodleian Libraries said.

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced that he will not run for Senate next year, dealing a massive blow to Republicans who saw him as a strong contender against Democrat Jon Ossoff.

The two-term governor, who cannot run for re-election in 2026, explained that being on that ballot is not the right decision for me and my family.

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, and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first, Kemp said in a statement Monday.

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Kemps decision could allow Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene an easier path to a general election matchup against Ossoff.

Greene views her chances in the GOP primary more favorably without Kemp, the Daily Caller reported last month.

Yet the MAGA congresswomanknown for all sorts of conspiraciescould have a more difficult time winning over moderates.

Its like wow, not necessarily the news we wanted to hear, former Cobb County GOP chair Jason Shepherd told Politico.

Whereas Greene managed just 37 percent support against Ossoffs 54 percent in a recent Atlanta Journal Constitution poll, Kemp edged out the Democrat, 49 percent to 46 percent.

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Showings like those helped make Kemp the GOPs number one recruit for Georgia, as National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott told Semafor in January.

Kemps electoral record was also encouraging for Republicans. He first won the governorship in the 2018 midterms and was reelected 2022both good years for Democrats. In the latter campaign, Kemp was also primaried by former Sen. David Perdue, who had President Donald Trumps support.

Yet the GOP will now have to look elsewhere to defeat Ossoffa prime target since his is one of two Democratic seats up for grabs in 2026 in a state Trump won.

The other seat, in Michigan, is held by Sen. Gary Peters, who is retiring.
Even President Donald Trumps congressional allies doubt the administration has the authority to send U.S. citizens who commit crimes to prisons overseas.

Last month, the president floated the idea of sending homegrowns to foreign prisons, such as El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, where the administration has placed undocumented immigrants, and even those with legal status,

But that suggestion amounts to deporting U.S. citizens, which is illegal.

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Even Trumps allies in the Senate agree that the president probably could not carry out that agenda.

President Donald Trump suggested last month that he would send homegrowns who commit crimes to foreign prisons (REUTERS)

Im not sure that would be constitutional. Youre talking about American citizens? I doubt that would hold up as something constitutional, Senator Ron Johnson told The Hill.

Constitutional experts previously told The Independent that there was no constitutional or statutory authority to send citizens to foreign prisons. If anything, sending citizens to foreign jails would violate the Constitutions human rights protections.

Senator Rand Paul similarly told The Hill, I cant imagine you can deport a citizen. I dont think you can incarcerate a citizen in another country, either.

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Senator Chuck Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Trump either has the authority to do it, or it isnt going to happen.

But it sounds to me like you cant deport citizens, Grassley said.

Paul implied that Trumps statement was just another one of the presidents exaggerated remarks to grab the medias attention.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said he did not believe Trump could incarcerate US citizens in other countries (REUTERS)

There are a lot of things that are said, over-the-top, for effect that arent serious proposals. But I dont know in this case. I cant imagine you can deport a citizen and/or incarcerate a citizen outside of the U.S., Paul told The Hill.

Trumps remarks were made last month during a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has happily taken Salvadoran nationals deported from the U.S. and thrown them in CECOT.

The homegrowns are next, the homegrowns. Youve got to build about five more places, Trump said.

Bukele responded, Yeah, we got space.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Top U.S. officials are set to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend in Switzerland in the first major talks between the two nations since President Donald Trump sparked a trade war with stiff tariffs on imports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their counterparts in Geneva in the most-senior known conversations between the two countries in months, the Trump administration announced Tuesday. It comes amid growing U.S. market worry over the impact of the tariffs on the prices and supply of consumer goods.

No country has been hit harder by Trumps trade war than China, the worlds biggest exporter and second largest economy. When Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs on April 2, China retaliated with tariffs of its own, a move that Trump viewed as demonstrating a lack of respect. The tariffs on each others goods have been mounting since then, with the U.S. tariffs against China now at 145% and China tariffs on the U.S. at 125%.

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American firms have already begun canceling orders from China, postponing expansion plans and hunkering down as a result of the tariff war.

After plans for the talks had been announced, Bessent said on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle that as the U.S. has engaged in negotiations with various trading partners, China has been the missing piece.

The current situation, he said, isnt sustainable ... especially on the Chinese side. He added that current high tariff levels were the equivalent of an embargo. We dont want to decouple. What we want is fair trade.

Trump had claimed previously that the U.S. and China were holding negotiations on lowering tariffs, which Beijing has denied, saying Trump must first lower his stiff tariffs.

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The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Tuesday confirmed the meeting between its vice premier and Bessent in Switzerland.

The Chinese side carefully evaluated the information from the U.S. side and decided to agree to have contact with the U.S. side after fully considering global expectations, Chinese interests and calls from U.S. businesses and consumers, said a ministry spokesperson.

The spokesperson said China would not "sacrifice its principles or global equity or justice in seeking any agreement.

Most economists have said the cost of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for autos, groceries, housing and other goods. And the higher prices are already becoming a burden on U.S. consumers, who are in the biggest economic funk since the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, economists say the risk of a recession is growing.

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Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade official and now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the upcoming meeting is a welcome development.

As the first face to face meeting between senior U.S. and Chinese officials since Trumps inauguration, its an important opportunity to have initial talks on unwinding some tariffs, mapping out a path forward, as well as raising concerns, Cutler said. We should not expect any quick victories  this will be a process that will take time.

In Switzerland, Bessent and Greer also plan to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, according to readouts from their respective offices.

Both Greer and Bessent had talked with their counterparts before the beginning of the trade war.

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Greer told Fox News Channel last month that he spoke with his Chinese counterpart for over an hour before the trade war started. I thought it was constructive, he said, adding: This is not a plan just to encircle China. Its a plan to fix the American economy, to have a greater share of manufacturing as GDP, to have real wages go up, to be producing things instead of having an economy thats financed by the government.

And Bessent in February spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to exchange views on the bilateral economic relationship, according to a Treasury news release.

___

Associated Press writer Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Top US officials to meet with Chinese officials this weekend in Switzerland in first major talks since Trump's trade war.
TOPEKA (KSNT) -This Cinco de Mayo, local students honored traditions through dance, food and music.

Holy Family Catholic School students spent the past few months learning traditional Mexican dances and preforming them for their families and friends. Jacob Torrez, a parent of one of the students who performed, acknowledges why its important to do these dances.

You know, you look back, and you see some heritage, some of the things that we dont ever really see other than, you know, at the Fiesta or something like that, Torrez said. You typically get to see dancing like this and music there.

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Another parent, Jennifer Holthaus, has been coming to this performance since her oldest child was in grade school. Her child is now 23-years-old.

Topeka ice hockey team name chosen

Its a good time to support the community and the school, and the kids have a lot of fun, Holthaus said. Its good to get together with the parents and the families.

Rosa Munoz, who is a PARA and one of the teachers who teaches the students these dances, shared why she does it.

Because of Covid, the traditions have kind of gotten lost, Munoz said. The other PARA Miss. Sandoval and myself wanting to bring back our tradition and culture to the school like it was before.

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This long-standing tradition is a chance for students and the community to connect with heritage, history and the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo.

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We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Moody's Corporation (NYSE:MCO) stands against the other monopoly stocks.

Morgan Stanley believes the bull market might not be finished, and the S&P 500 might close the year with single-digit gains. There can be further declines in the S&P 500, which can result in attractive entry points. Historically, when stocks decline 15%, the average returns after a year tend to be attractive, says Morgan Stanley. Furthermore, the returns are even more attractive when a 20% drop becomes an entry point. That being said, a major risk to the broader equity market can be a resurgence of inflation and the US Fed increasing rates, along with tariff impacts.

S&P 500 Can Deliver Single-Digit Returns

Morgan Stanley Investment Managements Applied Equity Team believes that 2025 can be a pause year for the broader S&P 500, posting single-digit gains. This remains consistent with the firms outlook, which was shared at the beginning of the year, suggesting that 3rd year of a bull market tends to deliver mediocrebut positive returns, together with increased volatility. Analyzing 12 times since 1950 that the broader S&P 500 declined a minimum of 20% from its peak, there was a recession in 9 of such instances, says the investment firm. In the current instance, the combination of the market decline or the recession talk appeared to be sufficient to spur a policy response.

READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In.

Pockets of Opportunities

Morgan Stanley believes that stocks can retest lows seen in early April. The base case outlook is for gains in 2025, and the market is open 251 days a year. If stocks decline 20% or more, the investment firm opines that investors will do well to consider increasing the equity allocations more aggressively. In the 12 times since 1950 in which the S&P 500 fell 20%, the average subsequent 1-year return with that fall as an entry point is 19%. Fidelity International believes that, in this market, which is characterised by increased uncertainty, a focus on dividends as a component of total return can offer support.

Furthermore, the firm believes that it is critical to combine an emphasis on high-quality businesses with valuation discipline in a bid to avoid overpaying for companies and have a better chance of generating strong long-term returns. In difficult market environments, earnings resilience remains critical. This doesnt mean a top-down allocation to defensive industries, but selecting companies possessing resilient business models throughout a broad range of sectors with the help of detailed bottom-up analysis. Owning resilient businesses, diversified across industries, leads to increased earnings persistence as compared to the broader market indices, says Fidelity International.
Video credit: Joe Visconti

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH)  Two lanes were closed for about an hour on Route 9 in New Britain Monday afternoon due to a tractor-trailer rollover, according to state police and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

2 transported to hospital after rollover crash in Brookfield

The incident happened in the area of exit 37. It is unclear whether or not there were injuries.

Additional information was not immediately available. Check back to News 8 for more details.

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Since the November election Mark Zuckerberg has been firmly in Donald Trumps corner, so it comes as no surprise that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has quietly switched sides when it comes to anti-trans speech on its platforms.

Last week, the companys Oversight Board upheld an earlier decision to allow anti-trans speech, such as the previously banned slur tranny, a move that rang alarm bells at GLAAD and among other LGBTQ activists and actors. (Under Elon Musks guidance, X removed protections around anti-trans language two years ago.)

In late April, the board reviewed rulings on two videos, one on Facebook in which a transgender woman is confronted for using the womens bathroom at a university, which featured the caption male student who thinks hes a girl. Meta found no violations.

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A second video of a transgender girl winning a track race, which was shared to Instagram, was captioned boy who thinks hes a girl, was reported by one Meta user but also deemed not to violate community standards. Both rulings were appealed, with the board agreeing to let the speech stand.

Metas decision sends a dangerous message that the voices and well-being of trans people are not worth protecting, Ash Lazarus Orr, Press Relations Manager at Advocates for Trans Equality, told TheWrap.

CIS folks should be extremely concerned, particularly women, because of the way that Meta has greenlit specific abuses that were previously banned, said trans activist and civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo. Now women can be referred to as property. A lot of these protections essentially are about whether society is willing to [stomach] horrific bigotry, Caraballo told TheWrap in an interview.

Obviously trans people and immigrants are the most vulnerable right now. Were the testing grounds for how theyre going to implement this on the broader population, Caraballo, who teaches at the Harvard Law School Cyberlaw Clinic continued. If theyre shown to back down on communities that theyve historically protected, theres no bottom of the barrel where theyre going to stop.

Grading Facebook: an F for safety

Meta rewrote its guidelines in January to avoid putting anyone who shares an anti-trans post in Facebook jail and to return to that fundamental commitment to free expression. In denying the appeals, the majority of the Board found there was not enough of a link between restricting these posts and preventing harm to transgender people, with neither creating a likely or imminent risk of incitement to violence.

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GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement in January. This is not free speech, this is harassment that dehumanizes a vulnerable group of people and said that these new policies endanger LGBTQ people.

For the last four years, the advocacy group has issued a Social Media Safety Index that gives a letter grade to platforms. For 2024, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Threads and X all received a grade of F, while TikTok earned only a slightly better D+.

Last year, GLAAD president Ellis wrote, America is at a critical juncture when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance and safety. We have record-high support for LGBTQ equality, yet we live in an unsafe America for LGBTQ people, especially for transgender people.

How social media has become more dangerous

Anti-Trans and anti-LGBTQ+ messages are not new, and posts including this content have only proliferated on social media. In fact, social media platforms have only magnified and expanded pre-existing hate to those susceptible to their content, Julianna Kirschner, a Ph.D., Lecturer at USC Annenberg told TheWrap.

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She added that allowing transphobic messaging only emboldens users who are already predisposed to compose and circulate messaging like this. She noted, When Elon Musk took over Twitter, now X, use of the N-word increased by over 500%. Users were merely testing the waters, and the platform has not been the same ever since.

Trans activist and journalist Imara Jones told TheWrap that, over the last decade, These platforms got even better at understanding their power, they got better at defining algorithms. Theyve gotten more dangerous over time, but you could see that that power was always there from the beginning. She mentioned historic moments like the Arab Spring in 2010 in which Twitter played a pivotal part in connecting people protesting corrupt governments.

I dont think a lot of people are as aware or outraged about this as they should be, because I think most people are still under the impression that this does not affect them.  Nicole Maines

These platforms can cause real world destruction on a massive scale, Jones told TheWrap, citing the 2024 United Kingdom riots that occurred after the stabbing deaths of three children. Online disinformation about the suspect led to racist attacks on immigrants as well as arson and looting. The week-long chaos was driven, in part, by Elon Musks declarations on X that civil war in the UK was inevitable.

At the time, Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed Musk for fanning the flames: Let me also say to large social media companies and those who run them: Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime, he said in a televised address in August 2024.

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Likewise, Caraballo referenced the 2017 massacre by Myanmar military against the Rohingya people, which, Amnesty International found in 2022, was fueled in part by unchecked hatred on Facebook.

The fear is that online hate speech will lead, as it so often has, to real-world violence. Online abuse doesnt stay online, trans writer Leah Juliett stated in a sobering Mashable essay this week. Videos like those deemed harmless by Meta strip trans people of dignity, spread dangerous misinformation, and fuel the kind of hate that has real, violent consequences, they wrote.

Juliette linked to disturbing stats, including the Human Rights Campaign announcing its first-ever state of emergency in 2023 for queer people in the US and its report that 36 trans women were murdered in the country in 2024, up from 33 the previous year.

X is the most dangerous platform, Bluesky the safest

Jones told TheWrap, that for the trans community, We all know that the most dangerous platform is Twitter, and that Facebook has felt exponentially less safe since anti-trans posts were no longer deemed to be harmful.

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Bluesky is definitely much better, because it isnt a receptive space for trolls and for people who wish to do others harm in that way, said Jones. While Bluesky did not respond to TheWrap for this article, one of their stated policies is treat others with respect and that harassment or abuse directed at a specific person or group, including but not limited to, sexual harassment and gender identity-based harassment is not allowed.

The good news is, that there are more and more spaces online that we are carving out for ourselves where we can share cat videos and bad dad jokes like we want to, said Yellowjackets actress Nicole Maines, urging fans to follow her on BlueSky.

Lazarus Orr of Advocates for Trans Equality added that keeping anti-trans messages online enables the normalization of violence, discrimination, and hate, making it more difficult for marginalized individuals to feel safe, heard, and respected.

They cited GLAADs 2022 report, which found that 84% of LGBTQ adults feel that current social media protections dont do enough to prevent discrimination, harassment, and disinformation. The report also found that 49% of trans and nonbinary people dont feel safe or welcome on social media platforms.

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I dont think a lot of people are as aware or outraged about this as they should be, because I think most people are still under the impression that this does not affect them, said Maines.

She added, These platforms have a responsibility to put their users first, and look out for their best interest, and that has been very clearly not the case when it comes to social media, especially in recent years as far right ideology continues to steamroll out of control.

Jones isnt optimistic that social media spaces will become any safer for trans people any time soon. Its going to get much worse, she predicted.

The post Trans Activists Are Alarmed That Metas Hate Speech Concessions Signal a More Dangerous Shift appeared first on TheWrap.
Video above: Brightline, high speed rail service to Tampa is critical, Mayor Castor says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization is looking for public input on a potential Brightline rail station in Tampa.

The survey asks participants about how they would travel to the station, what potential amenities they would like and if they would use Brightline for business or personal travel.

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This station is not just a stop, its a gateway, Wally Gallart, Transit Planner II of the Hillsborough TPO, said in a statement. We want to understand how people would prefer to travel to and from a Tampa Brightline station, and what types of transportation options would best support that experience.

There is no word yet on where a potential station would be built, but the TPO is exploring options in the greater downtown area. Tampa officials previously considered building the station in Ybor City.

The proposed Brightline route would connect Tampa and Orlando, giving travelers an alternative to frustrating traffic backups on Interstate 4. The connectivity between south and central Floridas major cultural centers  Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa  is expected to be a draw for both tourists and businesses, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in 2023.

The Hillsborough TPO plans to complete their study at the end of the year.

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JOPLIN, Mo.  It could be a long weekend a couple of hours away, or a full week at the beach.

Travel takes on a wide range of trips, and impacts the economy even right here in southwest Missouri.

This is my first time in Joplin. Yes, it will be my first time going through Missouri, said Maria Kyson, Louisiana traveler.

Maria Kyson is traveling Route 66 through Missouri and Oklahoma.

Were doing the whole week. We just stayed tonight here. In Catoosa, we stayed two nights, and then were going up towards St Louis. Well stay a couple of nights, said Kyson.

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She and her husband are just a small part of a much larger tourism picture for the Joplin area.

In 2024, Jasper and Newton County alone combined for hundreds of millions of dollars in spending from travelers.

The almost $450 million that comes into the two counties drops our taxes locally that we have to pay because its outside, money coming in and doing things like buying gas, buying food, attending attractions and events, and is that those impact our local markets, the local municipalities and the counties, said Patrick Tuttle, Joplin CVB dir.

Joplin CVB Director Patrick Tuttle points out the two counties have more attractions than you might think everything from fan favorites like Precious Moments and Jefferson Highway to other, much broader attractions.

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Route 66 has been around for 100 years now, is on the map and great draw. Weve got some national parks in the area, you know, Carver National Monuments great to have. The fish hatchery down in Neosho is a nationally known fish hatchery. Its a lot of small things put together to make the big picture, said Tuttle.

And while travel and tourism is great for the local economy, that also boosts the workforce.

Tourism related jobs account for more than eight thousand positions in a four county area.

Catering to tourists like Maria Kyson and what she calls her vintage travel on the Mother Road.

It shows you a lot of different things that you wouldnt see if you go to, you know, New York City, or LA or anything, youre not going to see, said Kyson.

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GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (WBOY)  This week marked Saundra Normans sixth or seventh trip to Guantanamo Bay to observe court proceedings in the case of Abd Al-Rahim Al-Nashiri, the accused mastermind behind the terrorist attack on the US Navy destroyer USS Cole in 2000.

Shes been to the military base in southern Cuba so many times that she has trouble keeping count. Normans son, Petty Officer First Class Kevin Rux, was one of 17 sailors killed when a bomb-laden small boat struck the ship while it was docked in Yemen.

On Monday morning, another round of pre-trial motions was set to be held for Al-Nashiri, but the military judge presiding over the case delayed the trial until June 2026 to allow defense attorneys more time to prepare. Al-Nashiri faces the death penalty.

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Bridgeport mayor plans legal response to former city manager

Another disappointment, said Mrs. Norman via text to 12 News Monday afternoon.

Al-Nashiris trial has been delayed several times since his arrest in 2002. Defense attorneys have previously argued that the evidence against Al-Nashiri was based on hearsay and torture.

Weve had (victims) parents who have died without seeing justice, Norman told 12 News in 2023. We just need to get this trial going. It keeps the wound open and it just doesnt get any easier.

Mrs. Norman and the surviving family members of the victims will spend the rest of the week together at the base.

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Kevin Ruxs body is buried at the National Cemetery in Taylor County. The bridge over Interstate 79 at Saltwell Road in Harrison County is named in his memory.

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The trial of a Syrian national accused of killing three people in a terror attack at a local festival in the western German city of Solingen is set to begin on May 27, a Dusseldorf court said on Tuesday.

Only identified as Issa Al H. under Germany's strict privacy laws, the 27-year-old Syrian is suspected of stabbing and killing three people and injuring 10 at the Solingen outdoor "Festival of Diversity" celebrating the city's 650th anniversary last year.

The Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court has admitted the federal prosecutor's indictment and scheduled 22 trial days until September 24, it said.

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Issa Al H. has been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, according to the indictment.

He is also accused of having pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

The terrorist militia has claimed responsibility for the attack on August 23, 2024. Issa Al H. has been in custody since then.

According to EU asylum rules, he was supposed to have been deported to Bulgaria by 2023, after requesting asylum there first. But when authorities sought to deport him, they were unable to locate him at the shelter for refugees where he was living at the time.

The attack is one of several last year that have fuelled debate about deportations of migrants and domestic security.

A committee of enquiry in the Dusseldorf state parliament is looking into why authorities failed to send Issa Al H. back to Bulgaria.
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH)  The trial for a truck driver who was charged in connection with a 2023 crash on Interstate 70 that left six people dead enters its second day on Tuesday.

Jacob McDonald, 61, of Zanesville, is facing 26 charges, including six third-degree felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, nine fourth-degree felony counts of vehicular assault and 11 first-degree misdemeanor counts of assault.

McDonald has opted for a bench trial in Licking County Common Pleas Court, meaning Judge David Branstool will decide his fate rather than a jury. Chief Felony Prosecutor Clifford Murphy will represent the state. Attorney Chris Brigdon will defend McDonald. Watch coverage from the first day of trial in the player above.

Courtesy Photo/NBC4 Viewer Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (NBC4) Courtesy Photo/NBC4 Viewer Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (NBC4) A fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (Courtesy photo/Adam Layton)

Follow along below for live updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
The Trump administration doubled down Monday on how it is viewing Venezuelan detainees in the US that could be subject to removal under the Alien Enemies Act, telling a federal judge in Pennsylvania one detainee isnt designated to be sent to a brutal Salvadoran prison under the wartime authority at this time but the administration could move quickly if it wanted.

Justice Department lawyer Michael Velchik argued the detainees status should be enough to keep a judge out of the matter at a hearing Monday in the federal court in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Yet he refused to say whether the detainees status could change if the administration believes that they are affiliated with the gang Tren de Aragua.

The hearing highlighted how quickly the Trump administration has moved in its hardline approach to undocumented immigrants, and how little time it has given detainees it believes are members of Tren de Aragua before moving them to other detention centers and putting them on planes. Court cases challenging the practices, including the hearing on Monday, have slowed down some deportations to the Salvadoran prison CECOT, and raised doubts over the Trump administrations willingness to give migrants due process.

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Is there any possibility even in the future, even in the slightest, that the federal authorities wouldnt change the detainees designation to make him what they say is an alien enemy who could be sent to the Salvadoran prison, federal Judge Stephanie Haines of the Western District of Pennsylvania asked.

Im not aware of any intent to do so, Velchik said in the hourlong court hearing Monday. I wouldnt want to concrete that.

The argument is the latest attempt by the Justice Department to defend Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act, which had never before been used outside of major wars. The Pennsylvania court hearing on Monday adds to a list of eight cases where judges are considering challenges from detained Venezuelan men who argue they shouldnt be sent to the CECOT prison in El Salvador, especially without immigration proceedings before they are loaded onto planes.

How Haines rules is likely to be notable, because she is both a Trump appointee to the federal bench, and she agreed to look at the Alien Enemies Act for a detainee who was held in Pennsylvania last month as well as others who pass through an immigration detention hub in central Pennsylvania.

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The unnamed detainee is facing more traditional immigration proceedings now, and the Trump administration has said in immigration papers he has a connection to Tren de Aragua. The man is being held in a Texas detention facility where other Venezuelans accused of being Tren de Aragua are also being held.

The exterior of the Terrorist Confinement Center as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives on March 26, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. - Alex Brandon/Pool/Getty Images

The Justice Department said on Monday theres no one in western Pennsylvania currently that the administration plans to send out of the country under the AEA.

The Trump administration also argued to Haines on Monday that if they change detainees statuses, the window to challenge can be fewer than two days. The lawyer said there could be 12 hours for detainees to say theyd like to challenge their removal from the US under the Alien Enemies Act, if they are designated as that, and another 24 hours to make initial filings in court.

I understand reasonable notice, but they have to be given time to challenge, Haines said during the hearing. How is that supposed to be done under either your 12- or 24-hour theory?

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The government believes this is reasonable, Velchik responded.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the detainee formerly in Pennsylvania, others potentially like him and several other men the administration aims to send to El Salvador, says thats not enough time. Theyve also said immigration authorities arent giving detainees clear enough direction on how to challenge their removal, if theyre about to be sent to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, in notices in their native language of Spanish.

Lee Gelernt of the ACLU argued at the hearing the detainees are being deprived of due process because the Alien Enemies Act is being used outside of typical immigration proceedings, and its also not a time of war where the US is being invaded by the country of Venezuela or a militarized Tren de Aragua gang.

Any ethnic, religious group could be tagged as one whose members could be subject to the Alien Enemies Act without due process proceedings before being sent to the foreign prison, Gelernt argued to the judge. That gets into very dangerous territory, he said. Theres really no question the prison in El Salvador is one of the most brutal prisons and engages in torture.

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Haines didnt tip her hand on how she would rule at the Monday hearing. Previously, she blocked the administration temporarily from deporting the detainee and others passing through her western Pennsylvania district whom the administration may want to send to El Salvador.

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Elon Musk apparently is not satisfied with the announcement that OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) would ensure its nonprofit remains in control of the artificial intelligence upstart.

Musk's lawyer, Marc Toberoff, said OpenAI's latest corporate reshuffling plan changes nothing about Musk's legal claims against the creator of ChatGPT, according to Reuters and Bloomberg.

Toberoff told the media outlets that transitioning OpenAI's profit-seeking limited liability company to a public benefit corporation amounts to a "transparent dodge" that fails to address the core issues in Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and that it "changes nothing."

Musk, who helped start OpenAI and is also the CEO of Tesla (TSLA), has alleged that transitioning OpenAI to a for-profit business would violate OpenAI's legal responsibility to carry out its original mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

According to Toberoff, OpenAI's new restructuring plan would still violate its mission if it continues to develop closed-source AI, rather than open-source AI, for the benefit of private parties.

Elon Musk, left, and Sam Altman, middle, in 2015. (Mike Windle/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)  Mike Windle via Getty Images

The problem for Musk, Toberoff said, according to the report, is that OpenAI's charitable assets have been, and still will be, transferred for the benefit of private persons, including Musk's co-founder and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Altman's investors, and Microsoft (MSFT).

Bloomberg reported that Microsoft has yet to sign off on the new OpenAI structure.

The decision is bound to impact Musk's ongoing litigation against the startup that on Thursday received a judge's permission to go forward on multiple claims.

Its unclear how the judge, Yvonne Gonzales Rogers, a federal district court judge in California's Northern District, will respond to OpenAI's about-face.

The judge ruled last week that some of Musk's claims against OpenAI could proceed to trial and prevented others from going forward. The case is currently set for trial in March 2026.

OpenAI began in 2015 as a nonprofit under the name OpenAI Inc., a nod to its mission of advancing humanity instead of pursuing profits. Musk helped fund OpenAI with a $45 million donation before leaving the organization.

Things got more complicated in 2019 when Altman and his team created a for-profit subsidiary to raise outside venture capital  including billions from Microsoft.

It was structured in such a way that the for-profit subsidiary, technically owned by a holding company owned by OpenAI employees and investors, remained under the control of the nonprofit and its board of directors while giving its biggest backer, Microsoft, no board seats and no voting power.
Back in 2019, Springfield was named the asthma capital for the number of cases and emergency room visits, something Mayor Sarno said the city has worked hard to improve. Now, with the termination of the $20 million grant, which he said his administration had worked hard to receive, Mayor Sarno said they will continue to fight.

We will, through Attorney General Andrea Campbell, pursue legal aspects to challenge this termination, Sarno said. There is no waste on this. This is something to deal with asthma.

The grant was not only going to help those with asthma, but also preventative efforts, with a large sum allotted to Revitalize CDC, an organization that helps those who require items for their homes to help them breathe and manage asthma symptoms.

When 22News spoke with President and CEO of Revitalize CDC Colleen Shanley-Loveless when the federal funds were first cut, she said that without the funding, the organization is unable to provide help to residents. Mayor Sarno said he is going to continue to fight for funding so the city can continue to improve for residents with asthma.

U.S. Senator Ed Markey also released the following statement regarding the termination of the EPA grant:

The Trump administration is attempting to steal $20 million dollars from the people of Springfield to fund tax breaks for billionaires. These funds were rightfully awarded through a rigorous review process to the Springfield community to help clean up polluted air and ease the burden of asthma that has long strangled children, seniors, and people of all ages as a result of generations of concentrated pollution.

One of the first awards of its kind in the nation, this grant includes initiatives to reduce reliance on dirty fossil fuels, expand the citys urban tree canopy to reduce heat and clean the air, remove hazardous pollutants and restore dilapidated housing stock, provide career training for good-paying HVAC-R technician jobs, and more.

Once named the asthma capital of the nation, the Springfield community has worked hard to address this challenge, and the federal government should be helping them in this important work, not trying to stop it. This termination is wrong, and we will continue our work to restore this funding for the people of Springfield.
The Department of Justice on Monday said a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration seeking to sharply restrict the abortion pill mifepristone should be dismissed, continuing the position of the Biden administration.

In a court filing, the Trump administration argued Idaho, Missouri and Kansas have no ties to Amarillo, Texas, where the lawsuit was filed. The states are free to file in their own districts, the DOJ said.

Aside from this litigation, the States do not dispute that their claims have no connection to the Northern District of Texas, the DOJ wrote. The states cannot keep alive a lawsuit in which the original plaintiffs were held to lack standing, those plaintiffs have now voluntarily dismissed their claims, and the States own claims have no connection to this District.

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The states did not file their own lawsuit but instead were granted the ability to intervene in a lawsuit first filed in 2022 by a group of anti-abortion physicians and medical associations.

Last year, the Supreme Court dismissed that lawsuit, saying that private parties had no legal basis to challenge access to mifepristone. The justices found the conservative doctors in the lawsuit did not show they had personally been harmed by the governments actions regulating mifepristone.

Mondays filing marks the first time the Trump administration has been asked to weigh in on the case.

The red states claim some of the FDA actions to loosen access to mifepristone allowed the pills to flood across their borders, endangering the lives of women and undermining their anti-abortion laws.

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The states are challenging the FDA actions that have loosened restrictions on the drug since 2016, including approving it for use in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and allowing it to be prescribed by telemedicine and sent through the mail.

The administration also urged dismissal based on timing, arguing the states challenge to FDAs 2016 actions is outside the six-year statute of limitations.

The FDA has repeatedly found that mifepristone is safe and that a medication abortion regimen that includes mifepristone and a second drug, misoprostol, is a safe and effective alternative to surgical abortions.

The Supreme Courts ruling on the case didnt address the underlying regulatory or safety issues the plaintiffs raised, instead deciding the case only on standing.

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Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford has been selected by the Trump administration to serve as the U.S. Department of Transportations assistant secretary of tribal affairs.

Crawford has served as chairman of the tribe for 15 years and will have to resign to serve in the new position. Tribal Vice Chairman Ken George, Jr., will serve as interim chairman until a special election May 10.

(Crawford) has been instrumental in helping us overcome countless obstacles and achieve numerous milestones, George said in a statement. His steady leadership, constant presence and unwavering commitment to the Potawatomi will most certainly be missed.

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Crawford succeeds Arlando Teller, a Navajo Nation citizen, who served as the U.S. DOTs first assistant secretary of tribal affairs after his 2023 appointment.

Last year, the Potawatomi Tribe became the first tribe in the state and fourth in the country to win autonomy in deciding its transportation needs.

Through the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program with the U.S. DOT, the tribe gained control over its infrastructure needs, instead of relying on federal planners to make construction decisions. Many of the tribe's transportation projects programs are still federally funded, but the new program means the tribe is able to implement its own 2025 infrastructure plan, like ATV routes with a tunnel under U.S. Highway 8 in Forest County.

It moves us away from a one size fits all approach thats often been imposed upon us, Crawford said at the time the self-governance program was signed.

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More: Potawatomi Tribe becomes first in Wisconsin to win self-governance in transportation needs

Potawatomi Tribe was a major donor to Republican Party in 2024

The Potawatomi Tribe has about 12,000 acres of reservation land primarily in Forest County in northeast Wisconsin. The tribe is one of the largest employers in Milwaukee County, mostly through its hotel and casino, and business development corporation in Brookfield.

In 2024, the Potawatomi Tribe was a major sponsor of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, contributing $1 million to the convention's nonpartisan Host Committee.

The tribe typically donates up to around $200,000 to both the Republican and the Democratic parties every year. A tribal spokesman said it would have contributed similarly to the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee had it not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic because of the potential economic impact to the city from these conventions.

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

(This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Potawatomi chairman resigns to serve on U.S. DOT
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - The Trump administration urged a U.S. appeals court on Tuesday to allow immigration authorities to continue to detain students at Tufts University and Columbia University who were arrested after engaging in pro-Palestinian advocacy on campus.

A lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice asked the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to pause lower-court orders requiring Tuft's Rumeysa Ozturk to be transferred to Vermont for a bail hearing on Friday and allowing Columbia's Mohsen Mahdawi to be released last week.

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Justice Department attorney Drew Ensign said those orders by two judges in Vermont should never have been issued, as Congress has made clear that any challenges to the government's decisions to deport someone must proceed in immigration court.

"The result is precisely what Congress took particular care to avoid: simultaneous proceedings in both immigration courts and district courts considering the same issues regarding the removal of aliens from the United States," he said.

He urged the court to allow the administration to avoid moving Ozturk from the Louisiana detention facility she is being held in and to allow immigration authorities to swiftly take Mahdawi back into custody.

But lawyers for Ozturk and Mahdawi countered that their lawsuits were not about the government's ability to seek their deportation but instead were focused on claims they were unlawfully detained for making constitutionally protected statements critical of Israel's actions during the Gaza war.

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Mahdawi, born in a refugee camp in the West Bank, said he was arrested last month upon arriving for an interview for his U.S. citizenship petition in Vermont in retaliation for his advocacy against Israel's war and role in student protests.

Lawyers for Ozturk, a Turkish national and PhD student, say she was arrested in March in Somerville, Massachusetts and shipped to Louisiana for detention after a brief stop in Vermont in violation of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

Her lawyers say she is being punished for co-authoring an opinion piece in Tufts' student newspaper that criticized the school's response to calls by students to divest from companies linked to Israel and to "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide."

"Rumeya Ozturk's case is unprecedented and shocking," said Esha Bhandari, her lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union. "She has been held behind bars for six weeks while her health deteriorates for writing an op-ed."

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Members of the three-judge panel appeared to struggle with whether immigration law stripped the courts of jurisdiction over the students' claims, with U.S. Circuit Judge Susan Carney calling the issue "difficult to untangle."

But she spoke critically of how Ozturk was arrested in the first place, saying she was "seized in Somerville on the streets by an unmarked vehicle and seized by people who are not in uniform and who are masked and hooded."

U.S. Circuit Judge Barrington Parker questioned whether under the administration's view of the law someone like Ozturk would be able to even challenge their detention if they believed they were being held due to a case of mistaken identity.

"How would she be able to challenge that without having to wait months and months in removal proceedings?" he asked.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
If the Trump administration wants to blame its predecessor for long wait times at the Social Security Administration, it might have a decent argument.

Under President Joe Biden, the agency already had historically low staffing levels, which meant it took longer for beneficiaries to get help by phone, email or even in person.

But that's not the argument the Trump administration made.

When asked by USA Today to respond to a report about long wait times and other delays for benefits, a spokesperson for acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek blamed Biden, citing the agencys prior work-from-home policy and advancing radical DEI and gender ideology over improving service for all Americans.

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In fact, the Trump administration has made delays worse by offering buyouts, changing data and issuing constantly changing directives that panicked Social Security recipients so much that some began taking benefits early.

Blaming DEI has become a pattern for the Trump administration. After a midair plane crash in Washington in Janaury, Donald Trump rushed to blame the crash on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk blamed the California wildfires on DEI. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blamed it for undermining the warrior ethos of our military. Trump has even blamed DEI for concerns about college accreditation.

DEI has become a scapegoat of convenience for the Trump administration, especially when the problem is being caused by its own policies. It's a political argument, made for the benefit of Trump's largely white and male base.

But when those arguments start to be made by the people in charge of making sure the checks go out on time, it's a bad sign.

Subscribe here to receive weekly updates on and expert insight into the key issues and figures defining Trumps second term.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Last week, a Donald Trump-appointed judge in Texas deemed the presidents invocation of the Alien Enemies Act unlawful. Blocking further deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members under that law, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. said the invocation didnt meet the legal standard demanded by the 1798 wartime law.

In doing so, Rodriguez emphasized that he wasnt delving into Trumps factual assertions underlying his invocation, including the claim that the Venezuelan government directs the gang Tren de Araguas actions. Even if those claims were true, the judge found, the government still didnt meet the legal standard, because the alleged conduct didnt qualify as an invasion or predatory incursion under the law.

But a newly declassified memo undercuts that factual claim, too, leaving both the legal and factual basis of Trumps invocation wanting.

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The New York Times reported that the memo, released Monday, confirms that U.S. intelligence agencies rejected a key claim President Trump put forth to justify invoking a wartime statute to summarily deport Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador. The Times reported that the memo states that spy agencies do not believe that the administration of Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro, controls a criminal gang, Tren de Aragua. That determination contradicts what Mr. Trump asserted when he invoked the deportation law, the Alien Enemies Act.

This latest news comes as another judge, in New York, ruled against Trumps invocation on Tuesday. Meanwhile, lawyers for people already sent to that Salvadoran prison are seeking their return in a case out of Washington, D.C., while the Supreme Court could weigh in at any time in yet another case on the subject (a different one from Texas).

Ultimately, the justices could need to resolve the underlying legality of Trumps invocation once and for all. The overall case against it is mounting.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The United States will stop strikes against Yemens Houthi group, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, after a nearly-two month bombing campaign.

Trump, ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, said the halt would start immediately. The Houthis approached the administration on Monday night indicating "they want to stop the fighting, he said.

The military has struck at least 800 targets in Yemen and killed hundreds of Houthis since March, according to U.S. Central Command.

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Trump framed the move as a handshake agreement to end the Pentagons bombing campaign in exchange for the Houthis no longer attacking American ships. Its not a deal, he said. They said, Please dont bomb us anymore and we're not going to attack your ships.

The threat of Houthi attacks on the Red Sea waterway has forced commercial ships to divert course, causing lengthy delays and extending maritime trading routes thousands of miles around the tip of Africa. A senior Houthi leader told DropSiteNews in April that the group would cease attacks if the Trump administration halted bombings.

But the arrangement is unlikely to calm tensions in the region if its limited to protecting American ships. Israel escalated strikes against the Houthis on Monday night with 20 fighter jets bombing the rebel-held port city of Hodeidah. Israeli forces were responding to a ballistic missile strike against the Jerusalem airport by the group. The Trump administration also labeled the Houthis a terror group in March, changing a Biden-era policy.

The Defense Department and U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The Houthis have launched more than 500 strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea and against Israel since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, according to the International Crisis Group, an independent conflict monitor. But Houthi strikes against the waterway have declined significantly in recent months, and the group hasnt targeted a commercial vessel since late December.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following Trumps announcement, said the Houthi strikes were a freedom of navigation issue.

These are a band of individuals with advanced weaponry that were threatening global shipping, he said. And the job was to get that to stop.

The Trump administrations military effort, dubbed Operation Rough Rider by the Pentagon, has helped reduce ballistic missile launches by 69 percent this year and cut launches of one-way attack drones by 55 percent.

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But the costs have continued to pile up with an extraordinary display of U.S. military force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group in the region and sent a second carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, in a major allocation of resources. The Pentagon also sent six B-2 bombers to the U.S. airbase at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean  a third of the entire U.S. fleet.

The strike halt comes before Trump heads to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week. Trump said he will make a "very, very big" and "positive" announcement before the trip, but did not specify what that would mean.
BALTIMORE  A federal judge on Tuesday refused to withdraw her order requiring the Trump administration to seek the return of a Venezuelan man deported to a notorious high-security prison in El Salvador in violation of a legal settlement.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher was unpersuaded by a highly unusual indicative ruling the Justice Department filed Sunday suggesting that the man  referred to in court as Cristian  was not eligible for asylum in the U.S. due to alleged gang ties. She said that document, prepared without his input or presence, is no substitute for an actual asylum hearing required under government regulations.

I dont think that this is a case about whether or not Cristian is going to eventually get asylum. Whether he ultimately receives asylum is not the issue. The issue is, and has always been, one of process, said Gallagher, a Trump appointee.

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Though the man has been referred to with a pseudonym in court, POLITICO identified him as Daniel Lozano-Camargo, a 20-year-old Venezuelan who allegedly crossed into the U.S. from Mexico without permission when he was 17. The U.S. government sent him to the El Salvador prison, known as CECOT, in March, after President Donald Trump deemed him an alien enemy.

But Gallagher ruled last month that the deportation was improper because Lozano-Camargo was covered by a 2024 court-approved settlement under which immigration authorities agreed not to deport people who came to the U.S. as unaccompanied minors until their asylum claims were fully adjudicated.

In her April 23 ruling, Gallagher ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Lozano-Camargos return to the United States. There is no public evidence yet that the administration has taken steps to comply.

In asking Gallagher to withdraw her order, the Justice Department submitted the indicative asylum determination  a document that said, in essence, that the U.S. government would not grant asylum to Lozano-Camargo even if he were returned to the U.S. and given a full hearing.

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But at a hearing Tuesday in her Baltimore courtroom, Gallagher rejected that argument. She said the indicative ruling produced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services essentially prejudges the outcome of Lozano-Camargos asylum proceedings before they take place. She compared it to a court deciding not to hold a jury trial because a suspect was caught red-handed or confessed.

Its not a substitute for the process that was due. Process is important, the judge said. We dont skip to the end and say, We all know how this is going to end up. My order requires that Cristian be returned to this country to get the process.

Gallagher put her earlier ruling on hold for 48 hours to allow the Trump administration to appeal, but said that if it doesnt do so or if a higher court doesnt instruct her to stop, she plans to demand that the government start giving her regular updates about the steps it is taking to bring Lozano-Camargo back. She also signaled she might require declarations under oath from U.S. government officials about their involvement.

There is some urgency here. We have a 20-year-old young man whos in prison in El Salvador for almost two months, the judge said.

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Lozano-Camargo, who had been living in Houston, is the second man aboard a set of controversial deportation flights in March to win an order from a federal judge requiring the administration to facilitate his return to the U.S. A different federal judge in Maryland, Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, ordered the administration to try to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who was living in Maryland and was deported despite an immigration-court order that he not be sent to El Salvador because he was likely to face violence there.

The Trump administration fought the Abrego Garcia order all the way to the Supreme Court. The justices left the general thrust of the directive in place, but ordered the judge to clarify part of it.

Gallagher is overseeing a class-action settlement the Biden administration reached in 2024 to resolve litigation lingering from Trumps first term over the treatment of unaccompanied minors in asylum proceedings. Part of the settlement bars the government from deporting those migrants before their asylum cases are adjudicated.

Lozano-Camargo had an asylum petition pending on March 15, when he was deported under Trumps order invoking the wartime Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Lozano-Camargos family has denied he is part of any gang.

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The Justice Department argued that Lozano-Camargos deportation did not violate the 2024 settlement because it only applied to deportations stemming from ordinary immigration proceedings  not deportations under other authorities, like the Alien Enemies Act. But Gallagher concluded there was no language in the agreement that contained such a limit.

During the hearing Tuesday, an attorney for the asylum seekers, Kevin DeJong, said the government had disclosed one other deportation of someone covered by the settlement, but that person was not yet seeking to enforce the agreement. He did not elaborate.

DeJong also asked Gallagher to require the government to produce a list of everyone covered by the class-action settlement who has been deported. The judge declined to do so.
A group of more than 150 retired state and federal judges criticized the Trump administrations repeated attacks on the judiciary, calling them an attempt to undermine the rule of law in a letter sent Monday to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The judges took issue with how the administration handled the April arrest of Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge accused of attempting to prevent federal agents from arresting an undocumented man outside her courtroom.

This latest action is yet another attempt to intimidate and threaten the judiciary after a series of rulings by judges appointed by presidents of both parties holding the Trump Administration accountable for its countless violations of the Constitution and laws of the United States, the judges wrote.

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FBI agents arrested Dugan, with FBI Director Kash Patel sharing a photo of her perp walk, while Bondi accused Dugan and other judges of being deranged soon after.

This attempt to intimidate the judiciary will fail, the judges added. The American people understand that the Constitution of the United States has made the nations judicial officers the guardians of the rule of law in our country, not the President.

The Independent has contacted the Justice Department for comment.

Trump administration has been accused of ignoring court orders as it pushes for record deportations (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

As The Independent has reported, there are increasing fears the Trump administration could prompt a constitutional crisis, given its repeated attacks and alleged disregard for the courts.

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The administration is accused of ignoring a federal court to turn around a series of deportation flights bound for El Salvador.

Immigration officials have also admitted deporting a man to that country despite an order barring action, a mistake the administration now argues it has no power to remedy even though the Supreme Court ordered Trump to facilitate his return.

After facing scrutiny from a judge over its El Salvador flights, Trump took to social media in March to personally attack the judge overseeing the case as a Radical Left Lunatic who didnt have the legitimacy to rule on immigration, while his administration sought to remove the official from the case.

The statements prompted a highly unusual public rebuke from Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, he said in a statement issued by the court. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's feud with America's elite universities is lending momentum to Republicans on Capitol Hill who want to increase a tax on wealthy college endowments by tenfold or more.

House Republicans already were considering a hike in the tax on college endowments' earnings from 1.4% to 14% as part of Trump's tax bill. As the president raises the stakes in his fight with Harvard, Columbia and other Ivy League schools, lawmakers are floating raising the rate as high as 21% in line with the corporate tax rate. It appears no decisions have been made.

In a letter blocking Harvard from new funding on Monday, the Trump administration drew attention to the school's largely tax-free $53 billion endowment, noting it's bigger than some nations' economies. Trump previously said he wants to see Harvard stripped of its tax-exempt status as he presses for reforms at colleges he accuses of indoctrinating students with radical left ideas.

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Similar rhetoric has been echoed by Republican lawmakers who question why wealthy colleges get tax breaks that businesses don't.

In a letter to Brown University last month, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, who has proposed legislation with the higher rate, said lawmakers are concerned about the priorities of universities that operate in a largely tax-free world. He questioned whether their endowments contribute to the public good.

Republicans appear to be chipping away at the long-held notion that colleges provide the kind of public benefit that deserves to be protected from heavy taxation. And it's happening just as the House looks to cut or offset $1.5 trillion in spending as part of the president's sweeping tax bill.

Endowment taxes were introduced in Trump's first administration

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Colleges werent taxed on their investment gains until Trumps 2017 tax package, which applied a 1.4% levy to schools that enroll at least 500 students and have $500,000 per full-time student in the bank.

A proposal floated by the House Ways and Means Committee in January called for a 14% endowment tax. Now lawmakers are looking at a 21% tax, among various options. As a senator, Vice President J.D. Vance proposed going further, to 35%.

In 2023, the current tax generated $380 million from 56 colleges.

Raising the tax to 14% would generate $10 billion for the federal government over 10 years, according to budget documents. On its own, it would have little impact on the Houses goals for slashing government spending.

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The momentum for an increase reflects a broader attack on higher education, said Steven Bloom, an assistant vice president of the American Council on Education, which represents the presidents of hundreds of colleges.

Its not a lot of money, so that cant be the motivating factor, Bloom said.

Multi-billion dollar endowments draw new scrutiny

Colleges see their endowments as stability for the future. The wealthiest ones run massive investment portfolios, and they usually draw about 5% of their returns to cover scholarships and other operating costs.

Critics say colleges have been allowed to amass huge, tax-free returns while charging students as much as $95,000 a year for tuition and fees. They point to Harvard, Yale and others with tens of billions stored away. In total, roughly 50 colleges have endowments worth more than $1 billion, while the vast majority are much smaller.

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The tax proposals heighten financial uncertainty for colleges, including some that already are drawing deeper into endowment reserves to make up for federal funding cuts or grappling with budget gaps amid enrollment decreases.

At Davidson College, the most modest proposal would add $11 million a year to the school's tax bill, which was about $1 million last year, President Douglas Hicks said in an interview.

That amount of money would be astronomical for our budget, he said.

Davidson is among a small group of colleges that don't consider students' income in admissions and agree to cover their full financial need. Hicks said the proposed tax hikes would take away the equivalent of full scholarships for up to 200 students.

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If leaders are trying to reform higher education, there are much better incentives, Hicks said.

Middlebury College in Vermont, a campus of about 3,000 students, cited the potential tax increase as a factor contributing to recent financial uncertainty. The school faces a budget deficit amid a dip in graduate school enrollment, but its opting not to pull more from its endowment over concerns of a tax hike.

Endowment tax increases that are currently under consideration could raise our tax bill from $1 million to $12 million, university leaders wrote in an April update.

___

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.
Terry Smith has achieved returns of more than 336pc in the past decade

Rachel Reeves should reverse tax rises to make the UK more attractive to investors, one of the Citys star fund managers has said.

Terry Smith said the Chancellor must do more to incentivise people to back Britain, including lowering levies and cutting red tape.

The stockpicker, who runs his investment firm Fundsmith from his home in Mauritius, also said Britain needed better companies to invest in.

There are only a handful of companies that I would regard as okay for me to invest in, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

There are large swathes of the UK market in things like oil and gas and banking and utilities that I just dont regard as of the quality required.

How do you get that? You probably reverse a lot of the policies that are in place with regard to taxation and regulation. You make it easier for people to do business and you dont tax them quite as much when they do it.

(That) would be my starting parameters for it, which is almost certainly diametrically the opposite of the current policy, I guess.

Mr Smith has achieved returns of more than 336pc in the past decade across his 25bn Fundsmith Equity fund.

He remains hopeful of achieving further gains despite the volatility caused by Donald Trumps trade war.

He said: We have been running money for 15 years, and over that period we have been successful in so far as we made a big positive return.

Lets imagine that we managed to do that for another 15 years, which I sincerely hope that we do, and we look back and say what were the top factors in what we achieved here?

Was it selecting good companies, not overpaying for them, being steadfast and not trading too much and uncurring costs, or was it predicting what happened with the Trump tariffs? I think its unlikely it will be the last factor.

Mr Smiths criticism of UK tax policy comes amid mounting criticism of the Chancellor.

Ms Reeves recently presided over 36bn of tax rises, including increased National Insurance contributions for employers and higher stamp duty payments.

Ms Reeves has also faced calls to lower capital gains tax rates after she used her October Budget last year to raise thresholds.

HMRC data show receipts fell to 13bn in the 12 months to March, down 10pc from 14.5bn in the same period last year.

A government spokesman said: We are a pro-business government, and we know the vital importance of small businesses to our economy and have already achieved a great deal in a short period of time.

We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances.
By Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump termed rising tension between India and Pakistan a shame, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to officials in the nuclear-armed rivals after India attacked several sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

India is an important U.S. partner for Washington, which aims to counter China's rising influence, while Pakistan remains an ally, despite its diminished importance after the U.S. withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan in 2021.

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Pakistan said it was mounting a response to India's military actions late on Tuesday, which followed an Islamist militant attack that killed 26 in the Indian-administered side of the Himalayan region on April 22.

"It's a shame, we just heard about it," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time."

He added, "I just hope it ends very quickly."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X he was monitoring the situation closely, while adding that Washington would continue to engage the Asian neighbors to reach a "peaceful resolution."

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The State Department said Rubio spoke to the national security advisers of both nations, urging "both to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation."

The Indian embassy in Washington said Ajit Doval, the Indian national security adviser, briefed Rubio about the military actions, which took place early on Wednesday in Asia.

In recent days, Washington urged the neighbors to work with each other to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a "responsible solution."

Top U.S. leaders, including Trump, offered support to India after the April 22 attack. American officials did not directly blame Pakistan.

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Last month analysts said Washington may leave India and Pakistan on their own in the early days of the tension, in part because it has a lot to deal with in achieving diplomatic goals in Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's war in Gaza.

India and Pakistan will figure out relations between themselves, Trump said on April 25: "They'll get it figured out one way or the other."

In recent days, the U.S. State Department has said it was in touch with both nations at multiple levels and Rubio also held telephone calls last week with them.

Both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan claim Muslim-majority Kashmir in full, with each controlling only part and having fought wars over the region.

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India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack. Pakistan denied the claims and called for a neutral investigation.

(Reporting by Steve Holland, Kanishka Singh, David Brunnstrom and Gram Slattery; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Clarence Fernandez)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday bluntly told President Donald Trump in the Oval Office that Canada is "not for sale" after Trump repeated his assertion it should become 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 what we can build together. And we have done that in the past."

Trump, though, still didn't let go of the idea.

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"Time will tell. It's only time. But I say never say never," Trump said in the tense exchange. "I've had many, many things that were not doable and they ended up being doable and only doable in a very friendly way."

MORE: Trump keeps talking about making Canada the 51st state. Is he serious?

Carney emphasized Canada's position "is not going to change" on the matter, before pivoting to trade talk.

Trump said there was nothing Carney could say during Tuesday's meeting that would get him to lift the tariffs, which include a 25% levy on Canadian goods that are not compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other levies on cars, oil, steel and aluminum.

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"That's just the way it is," Trump told reporters.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Carney, who just won an election to replace Justin Trudeau in no small part because of his anti-Trump platform, tried to persuade Trump that Canada is crucial to the U.S. as one of its biggest trading partners.

"There are much bigger forces involved," Carney said on trade. "And this will take some time in some discussions. And that's why we're here to have those discussions."

After Trump said "we don't do much business with Canada from our standpoint -- they do a lot of business with us," Carney pushed back, saying, "we are the largest client of the United States in in the totality of all the goods. So, we are the largest client of the United States."

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The historically friendly relationship between the U.S. and Canada has become strained under Trump due to his tariff war and takeover threat.

One advantage for Carney compared to his predecessor going into Tuesday's meeting was his lack of history with Trump. Trudeau left his post with a bruised relationship with the president, who Trump repeatedly trolled as "governor" rather than prime minister. The two leaders were unable to work out a tariff deal.

MORE: Mark Carney's Liberals win Canada election amid Trump's 51st state comments

Before the back-and-forth over Trump's push to make Canada the 51st state, the two men struck a fairly cordial tone at the start of their Oval Office encounter.

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Trump congratulated Carney for his win, saying "Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person."

"This is very friendly," Trump said of their sit-down. "This is not going to be like -- we had another little blowup with somebody else," Trump added, referencing his Oval Office spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump greets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as he arrives at the White House in Washington, May 6, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Still, a 25% tariff imposed by Trump remains in place for Canadian goods that are not compliant with the (USMCA) as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian oil imports and 25% tariff on all cars, auto parts, steel and aluminum.

Canada's retaliatory action includes a 25% tariff on vehicles imported from the U.S. that are not compliant with USMCA. In March, Canada imposed $21 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs were applied on items like American orange juice, whiskey, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles and certain pulp and paper products.

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Canada also has a lot to lose if Trump follows through with threat to impose 100% tariffs on films produced outside the U.S.

Trump continued to praise USMCA and said the U.S and Canada would have talks coming up over the next year to renegotiate or terminate the deal.

Carney said there were things they'd "have to change" in the agreement.

It is a basis for a broader negotiation. Some things about it are going to have to change. 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. There's other elements that have come, and that's part of what we're going to discuss, Carney said.

Carney says Canada 'not for sale' after Trump pushes 51st state in Oval Office meeting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Trump administration on Monday signaled it will continue the Biden administrations defense of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations allowing patients to access a widely used abortion pill by mail.

The Justice Department argued in a filing in Texas federal court that a group of three Republican-controlled states lacked the standing to challenge the rules, accusing Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho of trying to piggyback onto a lawsuit the Supreme Court already rejected.

The administration also claimed that if the states were able to challenge the abortion rules in Texas court, it could open the door for states to challenge any agency guidance based on highly abstract interests. Thats a likely topic of concern for the Trump White House given the scores of lawsuits from states the administration is facing over its own policies.

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The rules at issue in the suit come from a pair of 2016 and 2021 changes regulating access to mifepristone, a drug used in a majority of U.S. abortions, allowing patients to use the pills up to 10 weeks into their pregnancy, and to access the medicine by mail without first seeing a clinician in person.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a group of anti-abortion doctors, originally challenged both the FDAs approval of the drug and rules governing its access. But the Supreme Court last year threw out the suit for lack of standing, and the alliance dismissed its claims.

However, the three states sought to take over the suit, and the Biden administration motioned to dismiss the challenge again in January, shortly before Trump took office.

Lawsuit challenges rules regulating mifepristone, which is used in the majority of U.S. abortions (AP)

The states argue they have a right to sue over the FDA rules because, among other things, they could have to pay for Medicaid claims based on the small percentage of individuals who go to the emergency room for complications from the medicine.

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Previous administrations were guilty of creating a nationwide, abortion-by-mail schemedevoid of adequate safety regulations, the states argued in a February brief.

On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump said: Its always been my commitment that the FDA would not strip away access to the abortion pill.

In February, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr said the Department of Health and Human Services had plans to investigate the treatment.

Advocates argued the administrations defense was the bare minimum.

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, Julia Kaye, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, told The Independent in a statement, pointing to decades of scientific evidence backing mifepristones safety.

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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.

Alex Woodward contributed reporting to this story.
The local nonprofit behind plans to open a Minnesota Latino Museum in St. Paul say they'll continue on with their efforts despite losing a federal grant last week.

NPR reports the Trump Administration has begun canceling National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, impacting hundreds of arts organizations nationwide. The president revealed wider plans over the weekend to scrap the NEA entirely.

The email notifying groups who've had a grant withdrawn or terminated reads: "The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities."

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In a post on Instagram, the organizers behind the Minnesota Latino Museum said they learned Friday that their NEA grant had been terminated.

"Apparently, our work is no longer considered part of 'the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President,'" the post reads. "We will do what we can to recover the costs, and we will continue with our work regardless."

The group's goal is to open the museum building at the Harriet Island Regional Park in 2029.

Harriet Island Regional Park. File photo by Christine Schuster | Bring Me The News.

The space would feature two art galleries, spaces to focus on the social and cultural histories of Mexican communities in Minnesota, and areas focused on nature, agriculture and culinary traditions, according to organizer (Neo)Muralismos de Mexico (NMM).

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What's happening at the federal level could significantly reshape Minnesota's arts community, as grant cuts threaten the future of longstanding organizations.

In 2023, over 40 NEA grants were distributed in Minnesota.

Related: Where national arts grants will reach in Minnesota in 2023
President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that Tina Peters  a key supporter who was behind one of the most significant election security breaches in years  be freed from incarceration in Colorado, where shes serving a yearslong prison sentence.

Peters is a former county clerk found guilty on seven counts by a jury of her peers in state court last year.

In a Truth Social post Monday night, Trump referred to Peters prosecution as a Communist persecution by the Radical Left Democrats to cover up their Election crimes and misdeeds in 2020. He attacked Colorados Democratic attorney general, Phil Weiser, and demanded the Justice Department take all necessary action to help secure the release of this hostage being held in a Colorado prison by the Democrats, for political reasons.

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Trump said Peters, who he called an innocent Political Prisoner, had worked to expose and document Democrat Election Fraud  repeating his yearslong lie that he didnt actually lose the 2020 election but, rather, was the victim of an impossibly complex, nationwide fraud scheme.

What Peters actually did  while working as the elected county clerk in Mesa County, Colorado  was allow a computer analyst associated with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell into a secure in-person software update for the countys election machines, in yet another unsuccessful effort to sow doubt about Joe Bidens 2020 win.

Tina Peters, who at the time was serving as Mesa County, Colorado's clerk, talks to well-wishers at a 2022 rally in downtown Denver. via Associated Press

The analyst, former pro surfer and RVCA founder Conan Hayes, attended the software update, using the name and recently issued office badge of a Mesa County local. Images of the update process, known as a trusted build, were later shared online and at a 2021 symposium on the 2020 election results hosted by Lindell  around the same time state officials arrived at the Mesa County clerks office to investigate.

Ultimately, a Colorado jury convicted Peters on four felony counts (three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation) and three misdemeanors (official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state). Peters was acquitted on three felony counts, one each of identity theft, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation and criminal impersonation.

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The case represents one of the most significant U.S. election breaches to result from Trumps attack on the voting process. Prosecutors described Peters as a fox guarding the henhouse, and Colorado Judge Matthew Barrett sentenced her to nine years behind bars, calling her a charlatan whod peddled election snake oil.

Youre as defiant as a defendant as this court has ever seen, Barrett told Peters during sentencing.

Tina Peters is in prison because of her own actions, Weiser, whos running for the Democratic nomination to succeed term-limited Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, told HuffPost in a statement responding to Trumps Truth Social attack.

A grand jury indicted her and a trial jury found her guilty of breaking Colorados criminal laws. No one is above the law. The Colorado Attorney Generals Office will continue to defend this criminal conviction in post-conviction proceedings and on appeal. We are firm in pursuing justice for the people of the state of Colorado, protecting free and fair elections, and standing up for the rule of law.

A Grotesque Attempt To Weaponize The Rule Of Law

Despite the strong evidence, conviction and sentence against Peters  or maybe as a result of them  the Trump administration has since March made some unusually aggressive moves to help Peters.

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That month, the Justice Department took the unusual step of filing a statement of interest in a federal court case Peters has filed to challenge her ongoing detention while she appeals her state conviction.

Reasonable concerns have been raised about various aspects of Ms. Peters case, the filing read, urging the courts prompt and careful consideration of Peters habeas corpus petition. The filing also said the Justice Department was reviewing Peters conviction under an executive order from Trump concerning federal law enforcement  specifically whether Peters case was oriented more toward inflicting political pain than toward pursuing actual justice or legitimate governmental objectives.

Weisers office responded in a filing that the Justice Departments statement appeared to be a naked, political attempt to threaten or intimidate either this Court or the attorneys that prosecuted this matter. The filing also called the Trump administrations filing a grotesque attempt to weaponize the rule of law.

Respondent Attorney General is unaware of the United States ever filing a statement in a habeas application challenging the State of Colorados criminal proceedings, and the only interest it has articulated is a political concern wholly inappropriate in this judicial proceeding, the filing read, adding that the Trump administrations suggestion that there is a uniquely important interest in advocating for this individual  because of her political views  is unprecedented, highly problematic, and a threat to the rule of law.

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The Trump administration responded to the states filing with its own, saying Weisers office had baselessly assault[ed] the integrity of the Executive Branch while repeatedly referencing and denigrating Ms. Peters purported political beliefs in a manner remarkably incongruent with the seriousness of a habeas proceeding. The state responded that the administration was simply parrot[ting] arguments already advanced by Ms. Peters counsel.

At a hearing two weeks ago, Colorado Chief Deputy Attorney General Natalie Hanlon Leh said of the federal governments recent involvement in the case: This cannot become a new norm.

On Monday, federal Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak denied what he construed as the states motion to strike the Trump administrations statement of interest, calling it premature.

Varholak separately on Monday ordered Peters to demonstrate why her habeas corpus application was not a mixed petition  that is, improperly filed in federal court before she exhausted potential remedies in state court.

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Around the same time, Trump targeted the states judicial process on Truth Social.

Related...
Over the past week, international opprobrium against U.S. President Donald Trumps deportations of Venezuelan immigrants from the U.S. to El Salvadors mega-prison known as CECOT has gathered force. On Tuesday, a network of civil society organizations called on the United Nations to denounce Trumps agreement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to indefinitely detain the deportees. And on Wednesday, a coalition of 20 high-level U.N. experts also released a statement condemning the deportations and calling on the U.S. and El Salvador to reverse the policy.

Yet these condemnations could be made much stronger if couched in international criminal law instead of largely unenforceable human rights standards.

At the domestic level, U.S. lawyers and judges have argued these transferswhich polls show are already opposed by a majority of Americansviolate constitutional norms ensuring due process and prohibiting cruel punishment. But international experts note they also violate global standards. Some commentators are referring to the transfers as a form of illegal human trafficking. Some point to the norm of non-refoulement, by which a person cannot be returned or removed to a country where they face torture, persecution or other serious violations of human rights, all of which have been widely documented at CECOT. Some are concerned with the potential for Trump to disappear people into a prison system where they are denied communication with the outside world, including with their families and attorneys.

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If civil society groups really want to send a signal to the Trump administration, however, they should not simply ask nicely for the U.S. to change course based on these reasons, since Trump has demonstrated that he cares little about international norms and standards. Nor should they limit themselves to mobilizing U.N. member states to name and shame the Trump administration using scattershot terminology from human rights and refugee law, which lack teeth outside the court of global public opinion. Instead, international rights groups should mobilize U.N. member states to build an international criminal case against Trump by referring the situation in El Salvadors CECOT prison to the International Criminal Court.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

There is grounds for arguing that forcible transfers of this type are not just human rights violations: When systematic and widespread, they become crimes against humanity punishable by individual criminal prosecution. And while though the U.S. is not a party to the ICC, the nature of these actswhich involve cross-border transfers to a state that is a membercreates an avenue by which Trump and others could be indicted by the court. The possibility of individual criminal responsibility for these acts would also send a much stronger signal than mere shaming and put on notice those tasked with carrying out these orders as well.

To see why, lets begin with the legal concepts involved. At least three crimes against humanity listed in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court would seem to apply here. The first is enforced disappearance of persons, which is defined under the Rome Statutes Article 7(2a) as the arrest, detention or abduction of persons by, or with the authorization, support or acquiescence of, a State or a political organization, followed by a refusal to acknowledge that deprivation of freedom or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of those persons, with the intention of removing them from the protection of the law for a prolonged period of time.

An indictment would signal decisively to Americans that Trumps policy is not merely counter to international as well as domestic law but sufficiently egregious to warrant individual criminal responsibility.

This definition arguably fits the administrations logic pertaining to its deportations to CECOT, as well as the treatment of the nearly 300 Venezuelan nationals swept up by those policies. For example, Trumps March 15 Executive Order invoking the Alien Enemies Act for those deportations sought to authorize immediate removal of any noncitizen aged 14 or older who is from Venezuela and alleged, but not proven, to be a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. And in a 2023 interview, Stephen Millernow Trumps deputy chief of staffstated that using the act, which dates back to 1798, to justify the deportations allows you to suspend the due process that normally applies to a removal proceeding. Both of these claims have now been held up by legal challenges making their way through the domestic courts.

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Meanwhile, the Rome Statutes Article 7(2d) characterizes forcible transfer, defined as the forced displacement of the persons concerned by expulsion or other coercive acts from the area in which they are lawfully present, without grounds permitted under international law, as a crime against humanity. While this may not apply to those who are in the U.S. illegally or those deported after due process, it certainly applies to the arrest and expulsion of those without criminal records, which includes the majority of Venezuelans sent to CECOT so far; those with well-founded fears of persecution, like Andry Rose Hernandez Romero; and those with official protected status, like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, himself a Salvadoran national.

Finally, under international law, deportation must not just have lawful grounds that are lawfully demonstrated through lawful processes, but they must occur in a lawful manner. In fact, according to the Rome Statutes Article 7(1e), Imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty is a crime against humanity if carried out in violation of fundamental rules of international law on a widespread and systematic basis. To intentionally remove individuals to a third-party state to be imprisoned under abusive circumstances rather than to their own government is generally referred to by human rights attorneys as extraordinary rendition. While that term is not defined in treaty law, it refers to participation or complicity in inhumane acts at the nexus of enforced disappearance and forcible removal, which a wide network of international lawyers considers to be judiciable at the ICC.

Of course, all of this may seem academic considering that the U.S. is not now a party to the International Criminal Court and unlikely ever to become one, which therefore makes it not typically subject to the courts jurisdiction. Except in cases where a state voluntarily accepts jurisdiction or where the Security Council refers a case to the court, the ICC can usually only exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed by a national of a state party or committed on the territory of a state party. Generally, this leaves a huge gap in ICC jurisdiction for situations in which a nonmember state commits grave violations of international human rights or humanitarian law on its own territory unchecked by its own judicial institutions. So enforced disappearances inside the U.S. or the mass jailing of student protesters would likely escape the attention of the court, as did most of the egregious acts committed in Syrias civil war.

However, when those acts involve forcible transfer of populations across an international border, the calculus can change depending on the ratification status of the receiving state. For instance, the ICC opened an investigation into the Myanmar militarys persecution of the Rohingya, despite Myanmars nonparty status at the court, because that campaign caused a massive refugee displacement into neighboring Bangladesh, which isa party to the court. As a result, the courts prosecutor at the time argued that the crime of forced displacement took place on the territory of Bangladesh, even if the precipitating crimes occurred solely inside Myanmar. Similar arguments have been made on behalf of Syrian refugees who were displaced into Jordan by former dictator Bashir al-Assads use of torture and indiscriminate bombings during Syrias civil war, as well as on behalf of South Sudanese refugees displaced into Uganda by starvation tactics used during South Sudans civil war.

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So what actually matters in the CECOT case is not simply whether the U.S. is a party to the court, but whether El Salvador is a party to the court. And the answer to that question is yes: El Salvador ratified the ICC Statute in 2016. This means the court would be within its rights to open an investigation into the systematic, mass forcible transfer of individuals to CECOT.

Who might refer a case to the court? Obviously the Security Council will not, due to the veto the U.S. wields there. But international and civil society organizations, or even individuals, can refer matters to the court by making a submission through an online docket system. This wont guarantee a response, but it can trigger the Office of the Prosecutor, or OTP, to conduct a pre-investigation. If it does, the OTP must then convince the Pre-Trial Chambera panel of three elected judgesof the merits of the case in order to proceed. A more effective way to initiate an ICC investigation, however, is for member states themselves to issue the referral, which obligates the OTP to investigate and would be a clearer signal of international public opinion on the matter.

Of course, even an indictment, if one emerges, will not likely lead to quick accountability, unless the U.S. government made the decision to extradite Trump to the court. Thats not unheard of. Long-time Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic was extradited to the Hague by a successor government after he was toppled by a student movement. But thats not likely in the U.S., and even if indicted, sitting heads of state can easily evade capture by the court for long periods. Russian President Vladimir Putin, for example, has been largely unscathed by the ICCs indictment against him for forcibly removing children from Ukraine, partly because states that are party to the ICC have been reluctant to disinvite him from events or arrest him if he visits their countries.

Still, an indictment for forced displacement and other inhumane acts would signal decisively to Americans that Trumps policy is not merely counter to international as well as domestic law but sufficiently egregious to warrant individual criminal responsibility. This means individuals in federal agencies who follow the orders, as well as members of Trumps Cabinet complicit in executing them, could also potentially be subject to prosecution down the line, under the principles of universal jurisdiction in countries where they might travel. More broadly, an ICC indictment sets a symbolic standard that the behavior is unacceptable in the eyes of the international community.

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This would also be a signal to members of the U.S. military, who are required to disobey manifestly unlawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This will matter even more if Trump ultimately tries to deport U.S. citizens to El Salvador or declare martial law. But forcibly displacing large numbers of permanent residents and asylum-seekers from the U.S., and paying a dictator to pack undocumented immigrants into an inhumane prison, is already a crime against humanity. A referral to the ICC would help make this clearer to those whose actions count.

Charli Carpenter is a professor of political science and legal studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, specializing in human security and international law. She tweets at @charlicarpenter.

The post Trumps Deportations to El Salvador Are a Case for the ICC appeared first on World Politics Review.
On Monday, the Department of Education restarted collections for millions of student loans in default. This move is part of President Donald Trumps work to cut federal spending and end policies enacted former President Joe Biden, including widespread student loan forgiveness.

The Department of Education reported that more than 5 million borrowers in default will be affected immediately, while millions more former students are rapidly approaching the default threshold.

About 42.7 million former students owe over $1.6 trillion in debt  and only 38% of those borrowers are current on those loans.

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American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon told the media. The Biden administration misled borrowers. The executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to wipe debt away, nor do the loan balances simply disappear.

All this comes amid Trumps efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. About 2,000 DOE employees have been cut since January, when Trump took office for the second time.

The DOEs next steps

The Biden administration paused mandatory student loan repayment during the COVID-19 pandemic and then continued it throughout Bidens entire term. Biden also advertised student loan forgiveness during his presidential campaign and made efforts throughout his entire presidency to do so, but was blocked by the Supreme Court and Congress.

Interest accrual was also temporarily paused on student loans  meaning that borrowers owe less than they would have without Bidens interest pause.

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The Trump administration intends to first cajole borrowers to pay back their loans before employing more extreme measures. Federal Student Aid will send emails that urge borrowers to begin paying back their loans, while also pointing them toward repayment options.

Later in the summer of 2025, the FSA will start to order wage garnishment, meaning a borrowers employer will automatically withhold a portion of pay and send it to the federal government.

If youve defaulted on student loans or are close to defaulting on student loans, what should you know?

Federal student loans go into default after 270 days without payment. If youre in default or about to enter default, heres what may happen.

Defaulting on a loan is a lot more financially serious than slowly paying the loan.

Defaulting on a student loan causes loan acceleration, meaning that the unpaid balance of the loan and applicable interest both immediately become due.

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Tax refunds and federal benefit payments can be redirected from your bank account to the federal government; wages may be garnished, meaning employers might automatically withhold a portion of your pay and send it to your loan holder; and your default goes on your credit record, bringing down your credit score, which has serious implications for your future ability mortgage a house, buy a car or get a credit card.

Current students will become ineligible for additional federal financial aid. Their school might also withhold an official transcript.

In severe cases, loan holders may even take borrowers in default to court.

How do borrowers get out of default?

The Department of Education has made agencies available to help borrowers make up their debt. There are a couple options available for former students in default.

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Loan rehabilitation: Borrowers in default can rehabilitate their loans by making nine voluntary and uninterrupted payments over a 10-month period. By rehabilitation a loan, you become reeligible for federal student aid, the default will disappear from your credit history, wage garnishment will stop and federal benefits like tax refunds will resume.

Loan consolidation: Borrowers in default can consolidate one or more student loans into a federal Direct Consolidation Loan. This effectively restarts your loan, meaning you are no longer in default  but the default remains on your record. Further, you cant consolidate your loans if wage garnishments are already paying them back.

After getting out of default, borrowers can take additional efforts to stall their loan payments and earn income, including loan deferment, loan forbearance and income-driven repayment plans.

What do borrowers do if theyre out of money?

Student loan borrowers can declare bankruptcy, which allows student loans to be discharged. Such borrowers must successfully convince a court that undue hardship has prevented them from paying back their student loans.

If borrowers are unable to maintain a certain standard of living while also paying back student loans, and if they exhibit good-faith effort to repay the loan, they are then able to declare bankruptcy and shed their debt.
For years, Americans drew a sharp line between foreign and domestic policy, with broad agreement on US aims abroad even when there was furious disagreement about how the country should be governed at home. True, there were partisan differences on strategies to contain the Soviet Union. But there was a fundamental political consensus on the need to fund the military, on the crucial importance of Nato, and on the USs wider geopolitical ambitions.

Those days are as dead, buried, and rotting as Stalins corpse.

In todays America, foreign policy is firmly divided along partisan lines. Divisions between the parties are compounded by those within them. Democratic splits are deeper because the party has no leaders, agenda, or direction, aside from opposing Trump. Republican divisions are largely hidden because the president has reoriented his partys electoral base and can threaten the tenure of any opponent by backing his or her primary opponent.

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He has already notched up a huge success in an area closely linked to foreign policy. Trumps stringent policies on illegal immigration have clearly worked, with the bonus that Democrats have lined up on the unpopular side of that issue (mostly to appeal to their Leftist base). Under the new administration, the numbers trying to cross the border illegally have fallen by more than 90 per cent.

With the border closed, Trump is ramping up a massive effort to deport those already living in the US illegally, beginning with violent gang members. Self-deportation numbers are likely to be rising, and the administration is doing everything it can to encourage them. It has just unveiled an innovative programme to give self-deportees a free flight home and a $1,000 bonus.

The biggest beneficiaries, ironically, will be the Deep Blue cities and states whose budgets have been crushed by the influx of illegals.

Trumps trade policy has, meanwhile, not been the total disaster his critics like to claim. The White House is filled with contending voices, but a point man has now clearly emerged. Its Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, who has shown himself to be calm, mature, and to understand markets and especially the signals they give as the administration negotiates trade deals. The key to calming those markets, as both Bessent and Trump know, will be to quickly conclude several major framework bargains with large trading partners. Those will then become templates for still more deals.

Scott Bessent has shown himself to be calm, mature, and to understand markets amid Donald Trumps trade negotiations - Al Drago/Bloomberg

The outlier is China. Both Republicans and Democrats see the Communist regime as Americas most dangerous enemy, an assessment that points toward a strategic decoupling, which means far less American reliance on cheap goods from China. That decoupling will take time  supply chains have to be relocated, factories have to be built. But it is already happening. Apple, for instance, is already reported to be shifting iPhone production for the American market from China to India.

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This shift by foreign manufacturers, together with Trumps barriers to Chinas domestic exporters, presents a huge, long-term problem for Beijing, which has built its economy around exports, not domestic consumption. With exports flagging, China has tried to spark consumption with profligate government spending, fuelling a temporary boom in housing and infrastructure  and now a catastrophic bust. It will also try to redirect exports to Europe, which will block them, and move them secretly through third countries, which the US will detect and sanction.

Trump, who understands Chinas economic vulnerability, has ratcheted up the pressure with prohibitively high tariffs. He has built a Great Trade Wall against China. Beijing has reciprocated with tariffs on American imports, but those are far less effective than Trumps tariffs because China has been limiting imports for decades.

Trumps high tariffs hardly resolve the trade question, with China or any other partner, since it is unclear if he is using them primarily to get better deals (more trade), or to drive manufacturers back home (less trade, more tariff revenue). Trumps ambiguity on the goal may well reflect his own ambivalence. But it is also a powerful negotiating tactic.

Chinas main leverage is not high trade barriers  it already had them  but its control over much of the worlds supply of vital rare earth minerals. China would have another edge in negotiating with a democracy if Xis position were secure and the CCPs control were unassailable. Normally, dictators can outlast democracies in these wars of attrition. This time, however, Xis leadership appears vulnerable and party leaders are worried about unrest, thanks to rising unemployment.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in 2019 - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP

In fact, Xi is trapped. If he backs down to America, he looks weak. If he stands up strong, he risks economic collapse and political uprisings. So far, hes been strong, but has quietly lowered barriers on selected goods that China needs.

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This economic standoff between the worlds two largest economies leaves three big, unresolved questions. Who can hold out the longest in a trade war? Is Xis rule and even the CCPs control jeopardised if the economic downturn is sharp and prolonged? What does Trump really want from the trade talks? Does he want freer, fairer trade or does he want to decouple slowly from an avowed enemy? The answer is likely the latter, without incurring too much damage to the US economy.

On Ukraine, meanwhile, Trumps strategy also seems to be evolving, this time in response to Russian intransigence.

Continued military aid for Ukraine without US boots on the ground would have been an easy, bipartisan call in an earlier day. No more, especially among Republicans, who are tired of long and costly wars and remember Trumps campaign promise to end those military engagements.

Trumps position was reflected in Americas effort to mediate a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow. The US proffered a one-sided deal, giving Russia everything it occupied, including Crimea. Oddly enough, Ukraine didnt like it. Since Kyiv would be making all the concessions, thats who the US strong-armed.

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Incredibly, though, it was Putin who turned down the deal. He wants even more Ukrainian territory and has repeatedly said he wishes to extinguish the country as a sovereign nation. Hes believed to be running low on tanks and soldiers, but he clearly thinks he can outlast President Zelensky and win it all.

Moreover, it seems to be becoming clear to Trump that any deal with Putin is unreliable. He may promise a ceasefire but the Kremlin keeps lobbing missiles into civilian apartments. Trump has begun expressing frustration with the Russians.

The implication is that the only way Putin will yield is under intense military pressure. That means a concerted effort by the US and its Nato partners to supply arms, ammunition, and intelligence to Ukraine and help fund their indigenous efforts to build drones and missiles.

Supporting that effort would be politically difficult for Trump, given his campaign promises. But abandoning Ukraine would likely be even more costly, politically and diplomatically, especially if it led to Russian victory.

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Iran presents even harder choices, though the ultimate goal is clear. Both the Trump administration and Israels government have repeatedly said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. Indeed, all senior Israel politicians agree on that point.

They also want to eliminate the missiles to deliver the weapons. To satisfy those goals, a deal with Iran would require the mullahs to: declare all their nuclear enrichment and research facilities; eliminate all those facilities; eliminate Irans missile arsenal; and submit to on-going verification of all these steps, including snap inspections by a reliable third-party.

Iran, predictably, is trying to run out the clock on negotiations as it builds the weapons. Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu surely understand that, though its unclear if Trumps principal negotiator, Steve Witkoff, does.

But Trump is already increasing the pressure on Iran. He has reversed Bidens policy of economic appeasement. With this gusher of billions, Tehran funded proxy terror groups around the region, worked on its weapons programme, and paid off groups within Iran. Other than that, Bidens policy was a glorious success.

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Trump has not only snapped back the sanctions, he will apply them to third parties who buy Iranian oil. That means China. Unfortunately, this financial stranglehold will take time to work, and the world doesnt have that time if it is to prevent Iran from going nuclear.

Israel is apparently willing to attack Iranian nuclear sites on its own, even though it is thought to lack aircraft to carry the heaviest bunker-buster bombs needed to penetrate Irans underground enrichment facilities. Only the US has those mammoth planes. Anonymous reports are that Netanyahu was told no by the White House, which wants to give negotiations a chance. The question is what the US and Israel will do if those negotiations fail.

The impasse with Iran leaves Trump with three big decisions. How long can he wait  wait for the economic sanctions to cripple Iran, wait for regime opponents to rise up within the country, and wait for the mullahs to finally relinquish the nuclear programme they have pursued for decades? How long is Trump willing to restrain the Israelis, especially if US intelligence says the nuclear risks are growing ever worse? And, finally, will the US use its aircraft as part of any Israeli-led military effort?

Trump faces a series of hard questions with no easy answers. But even if he gets these big challenges right, his domestic critics are unlikely to give him any credit.

Charles Lipson is the Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago. His latest book is Free Speech 101: A Practical Guide for Students. He can be reached at charles.lipson@gmail.com

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IF THERE IS EVER A TIME WHEN the world needs sane, capable leadership from Washington, it is when India and Pakistan rattle their nuclear sabers at each other. The April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed twenty-six tourists immediately sparked a new Indo-Pakistani crisis and raised fears of a wider war. It remains an open question whether the Trump administration is equipped to play a helpful role.

There is a worrisome precedent for this sort of crisis. In 2016 and 2019, India responded to terrorist attacks with military operations against Pakistan. In 2019, Indian airstrikes on Pakistani soil were followed by the downing of Indian aircraft, the capture (and return) of an Indian pilot, Pakistani counterstrikes in India, an Indian friendly-fire incident, and threats of impending missile attacks. That the entire episode did not blow up further can be attributed mainly to dumb luck. An errant bomb, an unintended missile launch, or any number of other events could have pushed the two sides further up the ladder of nuclear escalation. Mistakes do happen: In March 2022 India accidentally shot a supersonic BrahMos missile into Pakistan.

According to the accounts of Trump administration officials working in 2019many of whom were initially distracted by separate high-level meetings then underway with North Korea and the Talibanit took some time for U.S. diplomats to encourage restraint from both New Delhi and Islamabad.

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Washingtons approach reflected conflicting U.S. interests. On the one hand, American officials were sympathetic to the plight of its strategic partner in India and fully cognizant that the United States would, if attacked as India had been, also want to lash out against terrorists and their backers. On the other hand, as the crisis wore on, they appreciated that India lacked low-risk military options to solve its security problem, that Pakistan was certain to respond to India with tit-for-tat attacks, and that the whole situation could quickly spiral into a major war.

In retrospect, that second problem should have been apparent at the start. This does not mean that Washington should have undermined Indias ability to deter or punish, but it does mean that everyone should have looked at least two moves ahead. What, for instance, would green-lighting an Indian air or missile strike on Pakistani soil lead to next? And after that?

In 2019, the Indian readout of a call between thenNational Security Advisor John Bolton and his counterpart in New Delhi read, Ambassador Bolton supported Indias right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism. He offered all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the attack promptly to justice. NSA Doval appreciated U.S. support. Whatever Bolton meant to convey by his words, in the region his comments were widely interpreted as a green light for India to strike Pakistan.

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If Washington had actually meant to forestall Indias punitive airstrikes (which came almost two weeks after the terrorist attack), the White House could have clarified its position publicly. Only after India hit Pakistan, Pakistan downed an Indian jet, andas former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo records in his 2023 memoirWashington heard that both India and Pakistan feared the other side was readying its nuclear forces did American diplomats more seriously assert themselves as go-betweens to calm nerves and help to bring the crisis to an end.

Today the situation looks even more volatile than in 2019. Anger and anguish in Indiaboth for the loss of life and the disruption to Prime Minister Narendra Modis high-stakes political project of pacifying Kashmiris running high. Modi switched from Hindi to English in a recent speech, emphasizing to global audiences his vow that India would identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers (meaning Pakistan). Both India and Pakistan have conducted missile tests, and there have been significant violations of the ceasefire implemented in 2021. India has put in abeyance a water-sharing agreement with Pakistan that dates to 1960, and Pakistan has similarly threatened to suspend a 1972 bilateral agreement on border management.

Perhaps in an ideal world, India could exact targeted revenge against the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (a persistent threat and the most plausible backers of the April attack), as Israel did last year against Hamass Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hasan Nasrallah in Lebanon, while also defending itself against likely Pakistani counterstrikes, also as Israelwith U.S. helpdid from Iran. But this seems far-fetched; India does not appear to enjoy Israels military superiority, either in terms of intelligence about its enemies or its defenses against counterstrikes.

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Now would be the time for Trump administration officials to speak with one clear voice, to urge India to think several steps ahead as it fights terrorists without prompting a war that no one wants and that might even create vulnerabilities for India against hostile Chinese forces deployed along their contested border. The United States holds no brief for anti-Indian terrorists and should have no patience for Pakistans continued support to them. The question, however, remains how best to go about improving security and deterrence. If the answers were easy, India would have found them already.

Thus far, however, Washington looks as if it may be internally divided over its policies. Vance and Rubio speak as if they are trying to balance public support for India, condemnation for the terrorists, and concerns about the dangers of escalation. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reverted to language that is being interpreted in India very much like Boltons 2019 comment that effectively endorsed Indias reprisals against Pakistan. Worst of all, a clearly preoccupied President Trump seems to believe he can somehow remove himself from this crisis, stating that theyll get it figured out one way or the other, and repeating a deeply misinformed quip that there have been tensions on that border for 1500 years.

We can hope that even more constructive work is being done behind the scenes. But for now, the situation continues to unfold, slow-motion-train-wreck style, with little evidence of the sort of creative, pro-active American leadership that might help avoid another war.

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Rite Aid announced on Monday, May 5 that it had begun Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

The company, which operates 1,240 stores across 15 states, said that customers will be able to access pharmacy services and that it is "working to facilitate a smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies."

"As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible," Schroeder said.

Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder pointed to financial challenges that "intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes" for the filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

Here's what we know about whether Rite Aid locations will close and what will happen to prescriptions.

Are Rite Aid stores closing?

The company announced that it has acquired $1.94 billion in new financing to keep stores operational during the bankruptcy proceedings and potential sale.

"During this process, Rite Aid customers can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations," the company said in a news release.

The filing marks the second time in less than two years Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy after a previous restructuring reducing the company's debt.

Reuters reports Rite Aid operated about 2,000 pharmacies in 2023 but now has 1,240 stores across the country, with recent closures impacting locations in Ohio and Michigan.

USA TODAY has reached out to Rite Aid for more information surrounding store closures in the wake of the bankruptcy announcement.

What will happen to Rite Aid prescriptions?

Rite Aid said it is working to transfer customer prescriptions to other pharmacies.

Customers can use the Rite Aid store locator tool to find contact information for their local store.

Will Rite Aid employees get laid off?

Employees will continue to receive pay though Bloomberg News reported earlier Monday that the company will cut jobs after failing to secure additional financing from its lenders, citing an internal letter from Schroeder.

Schroeder said that the company has received "meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors."

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Rite Aid closing stores? What will happen after bankruptcy filing?
Investing.com -- Ahead of his visit to the Middle East, President Trump has hinted at an upcoming significant announcement. He made this statement during a bilateral meeting with Canadas Prime Minister, Mark Carney. While the subject of the announcement remains undisclosed, Trump emphasized its positivity and importance.

Trump stated, "were going to have a very, very big announcement to make. Like as big as it gets...its going to be big and its very positive...And that announcement will be made either Thursday or Friday or Monday before we leave." He further clarified that the announcement does not necessarily pertain to trade matters.

In the same meeting, Trump also discussed ongoing talks with China. He highlighted that China is keen on negotiations and a meeting, despite the current halt in business activities between the two nations. Trump attributed this halt to the previous administrations incompetence, leading to a loss of $1 trillion to China in trade. He pointed out that the current situation is saving the US this amount, as Chinas economy is greatly suffering from the lack of trade with the US.

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Trump also touched on his approach to international trade, stating that he aims to assist countries rather than harm them. He called for countries to open up their economies and reduce their tariffs. As an example, he cited India, which agreed to drop its tariffs, one of the highest in the world, to zero. He emphasized that the US is open for business and that countries would pay for the privilege of trading with the US.

Following Trumps comments, the S&P 500 initially experienced a surge but later reversed its course. The index is down about 0.5%.

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday was set to host Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House amid tense bilateral relations between the two neighbours.

Ahead of the visit, Carney said that the meeting would focus on tariffs and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Trump, however, on Monday said he was "not sure" what Carney "wants to see me about. I guess he wants to make a deal. Everybody does."

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Carney won Canada's election on April 28 buoyed by his sharp anti-Trump stance.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada as the 51st state of the United States. He has also imposed high tariffs on the neighbouring country, whose economy is closely intertwined with that of the US.

Trump's remarks about annexation caused widespread outrage. In a television interview over the weekend, the US president said that it was "highly unlikely" that the US would reach a point where it would intervene with its military.

After his Liberal Party's victory in last week's parliamentary election, Carney promised to firmly oppose the aggressive policies of the US government.

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In his victory speech, Carney said: "President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us: That will never, ever happen."

"When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations and it will be with our full knowledge that we have many, many other options than the United States to build prosperity for all Canadians," Carney added.
President Donald Trumps promised cultural renaissance will begin with miseryspecifically, Les Miserables.

Trump plans to attend a performance of the musical at the Kennedy Center next month and host a private fundraising reception beforehand, marking the first performance he will attend at the center as president and his first effort to raise funds for the institution he now runs, two people familiar with the fundraiser told us.

In his first term, Trump rejected Washington, D.C.s most celebrated cultural institution, after artists protested his administration and threatened to boycott Kennedy Centerrelated events at the White House. But after returning to office this year, Trump took over the Kennedy Center, replacing board members and making himself chairprompting questions about whether the donations that sustain the institution would dry up. Now Trump, a prolific political fundraiser, is raising money for the center, which, like much of the rest of the citys institutions, he hopes to remake in his image.

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A letter sent to Kennedy Center board members announcing the June 11 pre-show fundraiser, which we obtained, urges each member to contribute $100,000. Weeks after taking office, Trump dismissed the Biden appointees on the board, replacing them with a group of his own supporters and staff, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Second Lady Usha Vance, Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, and Allison Lutnick, the wife of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

A separate draft invitation for other donors, which we also obtained, lists two levels of sponsorship for the event: a gold level for $2 million and a silver level for $100,000. Donors at both levels are offered a photo opportunity with Trump and admission to a VIP reception. The invite notes that Trump is not directly soliciting donations and will appear only as a special guest and friend of the center.

[Read: The Kennedy Center performers who didnt cancel]

The Kennedy Center declined to comment on the fundraiser. President Trump cares deeply about American arts and culture, which is why he is revitalizing historic institutions like the Kennedy Center to their former greatness, the White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.

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As part of the effort to raise money for the Kennedy Center, Trump allies have held private discussions about possibly asking that any settlement Trump reaches with CBS News include money earmarked for the Kennedy Center, one of the people familiar with the June fundraiser told us. Trump has sued CBS News for $20 billion, claiming that 60 Minutes selectively edited an interview this past fall with thenVice President Kamala Harris, Trumps 2024 opponent. Paramount, CBSs parent company, declined to comment.

The first three months of Trumps tenure overseeing the institution have been rocky. And it remains unclear just how Trumps vision for a MAGA-inflected Golden Age of Arts and Cultureas he put it on TruthSocial when he announced his takeoverwill fare. Several artistsincluding Lin-Manuel Miranda and Issa Raehave canceled scheduled performances for the upcoming 202526 season since Trump announced his takeover.

In March, Miranda, whose award-winning Hamilton was expected to appear at the Kennedy Center as part of its 250th-anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence, declared in a joint New York Times interview with Jeffrey Seller, the shows lead producer, that the latest action by Trump means its not the Kennedy Center as we knew it.

The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and were not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center, Miranda said. Were just not going to be part of it.

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The Kennedy Center under Trumps purview has also begun canceling some shows, including the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DCs performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, which was slated to be part of the centers Pride celebration.

In late March, the Kennedy Center proceeded as planned with its Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony, honoring the comedian Conan OBrien, who prompted applause when he used his speech, in part, to thank the Kennedy Centers outgoing president and board chair by name. Trumps takeover of the venue was a regular punch line throughout the event. The late-night host Stephen Colbert joked that the ousted Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad and the cartoon villain Skeletor had also recently joined the board. The comedian Sarah Silverman told OBrien from the stage, I miss the days when you were Americas only orange asshole.

Earlier in March, Vice President J. D. Vance and his wife, Usha, were booed as they took their seats for a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. Several days later, Trump made his first visit to the center for a board meeting, touring the space and declaring it to be in tremendous disrepair.

As is a lot of the rest of our country, most of it because of bad management, Trump said at the time.

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Weeks later, Yasmin Williams, a guitarist who has performed at the Kennedy Center, emailed Richard Grenell, the interim president installed by Trump, with concerns about performance cancellations. Grenell responded by saying that the performers who had canceled bookings did so because they couldnt be in the presence of republicans, according to screen grabs of the exchange that she posted online.

Your people also booed and harassed the vice president who simply wanted to enjoy music with his wife for a night. Who is the intolerant one? Grenell wrote back.

[Ryan Miller: Why I played the Kennedy Center]

The Kennedy Center typically receives annual federal appropriations of about $45 million, though it is not clear if that funding will continue in future Trump-signed budgets. The Office of Management and Budget, in a discretionary-spending proposal last week, called for entirely cutting funding for both the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, but it did not mention the separate funding streams for the Kennedy Center.

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Philanthropic donations have long formed a major part of the Kennedy Centers operating budget, and have been a point of concern among some supporters of the institution since Trump took over. In 2023, the center reported taking in about $85 million in contributions, grants, and other support beyond ticket and other sales.

In many ways, seeing Les Miserables is a fitting start for Trumps official Kennedy Center debut. He has long been a fan of the musicals soundtrack, which he has featured at his political rallies dating back to 2016. In February, the U.S. Army Choir performed Les Miserables Do You Hear the People Sing? at the 2025 White House Governors Ball.

At the time, the song selection prompted a range of reactions on social media, as people debated whether the songa protest anthem against tyrannywas chosen as an ironic troll of the new president or a genuine celebration of his return to power.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Which Kentucky Republican will be crowned with a coveted presidential endorsement? President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing executive orders on April 23, 2025. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon look on. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

While scrolling through my Bluesky feed recently I received a connection request on Signal from a user identified as White House. I accepted the request and got a notice that I was to be included in a Signal chat group called Kentucky Senate small group.

The group also included former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and 6th District U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, both declared candidates to replace the retiring Mitch McConnell of Kentucky in the U.S. Senate, along with CNN political commentator Scott Jennings and businessman Nate Morris, who are rumored to be considering that race.

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A message to the group said, Kentucky GOP Senate candidates: Please complete and return the attached questionnaire ASAP!

It continued, POTUS will use your responses in deciding whom to ENDORSE in the 2026 Republican Kentucky Senate primary. His endorsement will decide the race, so dont hold back in showing us how far you will go to get it. Self-abasement is highly encouraged! Repudiation of previously professed principles will be rewarded!

Heres the questionnaire:

Mitch McConnell may have helped in your political career, but he said President Trump was practically and morally responsible for provoking the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Are you willing to repudiate McConnell for this blasphemy? Trump called Jan. 6, 2021, a day of love. What did you love most about the insurrection? Trump pardoned persons convicted of assaulting police and seditious conspiracy. How do you praise those pardons while pretending to back the blue and support the Constitution? Trump is a convicted felon and an adjudicated sexual abuser and financial fraud. Can you fake cry while contending he was a victim? Trump says the 2020 election was rigged, but offers no evidence. Can you make some up? While claiming he won the 2020 election, Trump advocated termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution. What are some other reasons we should terminate the Constitution for Trumps sake? When asked recently, Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Trump replied, I dont know. Are you OK with that answer? Trumps first vice president, Mike Pence, refused to endorse him in 2024, saying, Anyone who puts himself above the Constitution should not be president. Can you make the case that Pence is a radical liberal communist? Which did you think was funnier, Trump mocking a disabled journalist or Trump calling Elaine Chao a racist name? Trump falsely blames Ukraine for starting the war with Russia. What are some other lies you will tell to help Putin? Trump took classified national security documents and stored them around his resort, including in a bathroom. Are you willing to say, I dont give a sh*t!? Trump supporters Elon Musk and Steve Bannon have given fascist salutes. Will you show us yours? At a recent cabinet meeting, MAGA hats were in place for every cabinet member. Will you wear one while campaigning like Trump does? If not, why not? John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general who served as Trumps chief of staff, said Trump thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs are all suckers because there is nothing in it for them.' Trump denies it. How would you convince people Kelly is the liar? Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Trump a wannabe dictator. Trump called Milley a traitor. Who has the better case? The value of Trumps meme coin jumped after he said the coins top holders would get a private gala dinner, an ultra-exclusive VIP reception and a special tour with him. How much meme coin can we put you down for? Can you keep a straight face while saying, Donald Trump is a good, decent, honest man, and I would be proud if my children grew up to be like him?

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With that, the chat initiator explained that he had meant to include Vice President J.D.Vance, but mistakenly typed JDD instead of JDV. He asked me if I would do him a solid and keep the mix-up on the down low.

And if I dont? I asked. He would lie about it, have me abducted by masked goons, deny me due process, and send me to a prison in El Salvador, came the response.

This column is satire, but for some people, including citizens and others who have done nothing wrong, that threat has proved all too real. Such Trump mass deportation practices are despicable, and often illegal, so Kentuckys Republican Senate hopefuls will probably support them with pride.

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President Donald Trump may have thought he was getting a legal war chest by threatening several major law firmsbut it seems the famed dealmaker didnt know exactly what he was signing on to.

In a series of letters to Representative Jamie Raskin and Senator Richard Blumenthal obtained by The Bulwark, several major law firms that cut deals with the Trump administration provided details on the terms of their agreementsand its looking like the president may have gotten the short end of the stick.

While the firms had reportedly agreed to provide millions of dollars of pro bono work for specific causes, many asserted that they had total authority over the selection of their clients.

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Allen Ovary Shearman Sterling LLP wrote that its agreement to provide $125 million in pro bono work does not call for, or permit, the administration or any other person or entity to determine what clients and matters the Firm takes on, whether they be pro bono matters or otherwise. The firm said it had simply agreed to provide free legal services across three specified areas, including assisting veterans, ensuring fairness in the justice system, and combatting antisemitism.

The Bulwark reported that other firms deals had similar stakes. Latham & Watkins wrote that it maintains its complete independence as to the clients and matters the firm takes on, while Simpson Thacher & Bartlett wrote that their agreement with the government did not dictate or restrict what pro bono matters we will take on moving forward. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft wrote that they have not and will not restrict our pro bono activities or the positions we take on behalf of those clients.

Nine law firms have signed deals with the president, promising nearly $1 billion in pro bono work.

Meanwhile, Trump has projected a far grander view of what he could call on firms to do for him. The president claimed that the major law firms who struck deals stood at the ready to help him make deals with foreign countries to alleviate the weight of his sweeping reciprocal tariffs. He also floated the idea of using his battalion of attorneys to help the coal industry. In the White House, discussions had begun about deploying lawyers at DOGE and the DOJ, The New York Times reported last month.

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Other firms seem to be using a different legalese to prevent themselves from being strong-armed by Trump. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP executive partner Jeremy London said that the firm had agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono work that the president and Skadden both support, which could potentially provide an out should the firm be remanded to work on a specific cause.

Last month, Raskin and Blumenthal penned letters to five major law firms they accused of being complicit in efforts to undermine the rule of law and demanded information on the deals.

A group of Democratic lawmakers sent another series of letters to law firms last month, warning that the Trump administrations scheme to use coercive and illegal measures to blackmail firms could potentially violate federal laws against bribery, defrauding the public, and even racketeering.

If the firms have truly maintained authority over selecting which clients they represent, and which matters they take up, then some of these concerns may be moot. However, the lawmakers raised the possibility that by signing a deal with Trump, the firms were opening themselves up to extortion, asking what each firm planned to do to ensure that the administration will not be able to require more from the firm beyond the provisions currently in place?
(NewsNation)  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney asserted his country wont be for sale ever, during an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

The two leaders marked their first face-to-face meeting since Canadas election mainly with cooperation.

Carney reiterated a previous statement made on social media where he said, Canada and the United States are strongest when we work together  and that work starts now.

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Trumps call to reopen Alcatraz faces daunting challenges

The Canadian leader said he is determined to transform Canada with a focus on economy and enhanced security on the border and in the Arctic.

Carney said that change will come from partnership with the U.S. and Trump, who he called a transformational president.

Canadas Carney, Trump address 51st state comments

But he did draw a line when it came to Trumps repeated calls to make Canada the 51st state.

I believe it would be a massive tax cut for the Canadian citizens  there would be a lot of advantages, Trump said, adding that the topic would not come up in discussion unless somebody wants to discuss it, referring to Carney.

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Travelers can fly without REAL ID for now, but with extra steps

Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign over the last several months, its not for sale, Carney said. It wont be for sale, ever. But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together.

A recent YouGov poll found that more than 60% of Canadians currently consider the U.S. an enemy or unfriendly.

US-Canada tariff tensions

The pairs call for teamwork was underscored by tension from Trumps unrelenting tariff threats. When asked about his ongoing worldwide levies, Trump said the United States needs the tariffs to prevent being ripped off.

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We dont have to sign deals. We can sign 25 deals right now, Howard [Lutnick], if we wanted, Trump said. They have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market.

Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions

Canada has long served as a top trading partner for the U.S.

During the Oval Office talk, Trump claimed the U.S. doesnt do a lot of business with Canada: They do a lot of business with us.

Last year, Canada was the top destination for American exports, resulting in more than $750 billion in trade for the U.S. In return, Canada is the third-largest source of U.S. imports.

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Carney clarified that there is not one specific industry or trade relationship that needs to change within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

This is a bigger discussion. There are much bigger forces involved. And this will take some time and some discussions, Carney said. And thats why were here, to have those discussions.

The White House visit comes amid an expected update from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on where international trade deals stand.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Trump on Monday met in the Oval Office with an American ballerina who was released from a Russian prison earlier this year as part of an exchange.

Trump spoke with Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual national who was detained last year on treason charges. The White House posted footage of the meeting, which was not opened up to members of the press.

Congratulations. Thats very nice. Thats a great honor, Trump can be heard telling Karelina. The president also asks how long Karelina was in prison.

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Karelina, a former ballet dancer, was arrested in February 2024 in Yekaterinburg and found guilty by a Russian court in August of treason for donating just north of $50 to a U.S.-based Ukrainian charity. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Karelina was released in exchange for Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian-German national.

The State Department previously determined Karelina, also known by the surname Khavana, was wrongfully detained. She was arrested after going back to Russia to visit her family.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Banco Santander has agreed to sell about 49% of its shares in its Polish banking business, Santander Polska, to Austrian bank Erste Group for 6.8bn($7.7bn).

In addition, Erste will acquire 50% of Santander Polskas asset management business (TFI) not currently owned by the bank for 0.2bn, bringing the total value of the all-cash transaction to 7bn($7.9m).

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, contingent upon customary conditions and regulatory approval.

Santander will retain around 13% of Santander Polska and plans to fully acquire Santander Consumer Bank Polska by purchasing the remaining 60% stake from Santander Polska before closing.

The agreed transaction price is 584 zlotys per share, representing a 7.5% premium to Santander Polskas 2 May 2025 closing price.

Erste will fund the all-cash purchase entirely with "internal resources", by cancelling its planned 700m share buyback and temporarily reducing its dividend payments.

Santander expects to make a 2bn net capital gain from the sale.

Alongside the equity transaction, Santander and Erste have agreed to enter a strategic cooperation covering Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) and payment services.

The collaboration will include a referral-based model allowing the institutions to leverage their respective regional strengths, offering localised solutions and market insights to corporate and institutional clients.

Santander will also provide Erste's clients with access to its global CIB platforms across the UK, Europe, and the Americas.

In the area of payments, the two banks intend to explore opportunities for Erste to utilise Santanders payment infrastructure, including services offered by Santanders PagoNxt platform, with the potential to expand access to Santander Polska post-transaction.

Following the transaction, Banco Santander aims to return part of the capital to shareholders.

It intends to distribute approximately 3.2bn via share buybacks, equivalent to 50% of the capital released.

This would contribute to the groups broader buyback goal of up to 10bn from 2025 and 2026 earnings and surplus capital, with the possibility of exceeding that target depending on market conditions and regulatory approval.

The bank anticipates the deal will be earnings per share accretive by 20272028, through a combination of organic growth, share repurchases, and selective acquisitions aligned with its strategic and return criteria.

Banco Santander executive chair Ana Botin stated: "This transaction is another key step in our strategic focus on shareholder value creation which is based on both accelerating our platform strategy through ONE Transformation and growing the group's scale in geographies with highly connected markets.
Reopening Alcatraz is such a quintessentially Trumpian idea that its a miracle the president didnt try to do it before.

Locking down offenders in tiny cells on an island surrounded by swirling, murderous currents would feed President Donald Trumps craving for macho spectacle.

Years after its closure in 1963, the prison became a pop culture icon with a lore spun from notorious tales of gangster inmates like Al Capone and movies featuring desperados and rough justice  long fascinations of the president. Its notorious legacy perfectly matches the ruthless imagery the White House is weaving as it pursues hardline criminal justice and mass deportation plans.

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Recommissioning the Rock would bolster Trumps own self-styled strongman aura and make him look merciless  the goal behind many White House policies. While liberals are likely to be horrified by the idea, those Trump supporters who respond to his dystopian theatrics might nod their heads and consider it common sense as a new home for the worst of the worst.

The president is not disguising the attraction of Alcatraz as an allegory for his leadership, calling the island a sad symbol, but its a symbol of law and order, on Sunday. On Monday he recalled for reporters at the White House that the former prison once held the most violent criminals in the world.

A seagull flies over Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island on July 2, 2003. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/File

A plan that will probably never take off

Of course, reviving Alcatraz, off San Francisco, as a federal prison is deeply impractical and could waste of millions of dollars at a time when Elon Musk has been slashing federal government funding. Bringing it up to modern standards  not necessarily for the inmates, but just to ensure prison officers whod have to work there are safe  would be a huge task. And the administrations cavalier approach to its deportations and the rule of law raises serious red flags about what kind of due process potential Alcatraz inmates could expect.

But Trumps administration has never been about good governance above all.

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If the presidents goal is to incarcerate the worst kind of offenders, he could choose the federal Supermax prison in Colorado, for instance  an isolated, spartan facility that shoe bomber Richard Reid, World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef and Oklahoma City co-conspirator Terry Nichols will never leave. But prisoners are sent to Supermax to disappear from public consciousness  thats part of the punishment, along with their multiple life sentences.

Trump has already tried to send undocumented migrants to Guantanamo Bay. He eyed a separate facility at the base on Cuba than the one that holds 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. But the dark connotations of the name were the point.

Reopening Alcatraz would be the ultimate iteration of this strategy, creating a living symbol of the presidents choreographed strength and his mockery of political correctness.

And even if years of administrative delays, legal challenges and other impediments mean Trump will never get the prison reopened, hes already got the headline.

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The plan would have another advantage for Trump. Alcatraz 2.0 would shame the psyche of one of the nations most liberal cities, which just happens to be home to a presidential nemesis  House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The California lawmaker dismissed Trumps latest wheeze with the scorn she reserves for her former adversary. 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, Pelosi wrote on X.

But could a president who admires dictators choose a better metaphor for his second administration than turning a tourist hot spot into a bleak gulag that revives the hard-knocks justice of a less enlightened age?

In this June 1, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump walks in Lafayette Park to visit outside St. John's Church across from the White House in Washington. - Patrick Semansky/AP

Trumps stunt politics sometimes backfires  but often works

Trumps presidencies often seem to unfold as a succession of televised stunts and outlandish concepts. In his first term, the idea that the former Apprentice stars tenure was an extended reality show became an overused cliche.

Late in that initial mandate, many of Trumps staged spectacles became increasingly troubling  like his march into Washingtons Lafayette Square when it had just been violently cleared of protesters. Senior aides alongside him included then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, who later apologized for taking part in a politicized photo-op, making an enemy of the president.

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Trumps rally on the Ellipse in Washington on January 6, 2021, meanwhile, set the stage for one of the darkest moments in American history  the assault on the US Capitol by his mob of MAGA supporters.

In the second term, the administrations political choreography has consciously struck authoritarian overtones. The president said I dont know over the weekend when asked by NBCs Kristen Welker whether he needs to uphold the Constitution. And Trump is planning to hold a military parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army on his own birthday  an event likely to recall the pageants of missiles and tanks beloved by former Soviet leaders.

Often, the presidents wild schemes seem calculated to distract. His notion to reopen Alcatraz might have been timed to draw attention from those remarks on NBC, or to try to make people forget that he still hasnt produced a single promised trade deal after repeatedly predicting imminent breakthroughs as the economy reels from his haphazard tariff wars. There is good reason for Trump to try to change the subject: the lack of any substantive talks with China, currently laboring under a 145% tariff imposed by a president piqued by Beijings retaliation, threatens to soon cause a major crisis.

At other times, Trump seems motivated simply by a love of the spotlight itself. His taste for pomp was sated by his state visit to see the late Queen Elizabeth II in his first term. King Charles III has invited him for a reprise.

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And Trumps summits with reclusive North Korean tyrant Kim Jong Un, whom hed previously mocked as little rocket man, count among the most stunning diplomatic occasions in recent decades. At one meeting, the president stepped into the hermit kingdom  creating a piece of history for himself. The photo-ops were amazing and transfixed the globe. But the summitry failed to achieve significant long-term breakthroughs eradicating the Norths missile and nuclear programs. Still, Trump could argue that no other modern president had any more luck pursuing traditional diplomacy, engagement or punishments for North Korea.

At other times, Trumps theatrical style backfired or offended. For example, when he stood in front of the CIAs Wall of Stars memorializing fallen officers and boasted about the size of his first inaugural crowd in 2017. On another occasion, Trump turned a Boy Scout Jamboree into a self-serving political rally.

But Trumps flair for the theatrical has also helped him alchemize extreme circumstances into political gold. The mug shot taken at a Georgia jail following one of his criminal indictments would have ended the career of any other politician. Trump used it as a launchpad for the most stunning political comeback in American history. And after cheating death at the hands of a would-be assassin, he had the presence of mind to rise to his feet, clench his fist and create one of the most indelible images in the history of the republic.

That moment was consistent with the common thread running through the presidents political performance art, which has an irresistible appeal to his base but reminds critics of a demagogue who disdains democracy. Whether hes signing executive orders on stage after his second inauguration, posing at the White House as a conquering hero after returning from hospital after surviving Covid-19, or sending undocumented migrants to El Salvador in shackles, Trump poses as a modern Caesar wielding ruthless power.

That mindset is what produced his order to the Bureau of Prisons to reopen Alcatraz.

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Donald Trumps braggadocio just upended one of his executive orders.

U.S. Judge Beryl Howell issued a permanent injunction against the president Friday night, ruling that his executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie was not only unconstitutional, but amounted to an unprecedented attack on the pillars of the judicial system.

No American President has ever before issued executive orders like the one at issue in this lawsuit targeting a prominent law firm with adverse actions to be executed by all Executive branch agencies but, in purpose and effect, this action draws from a playbook as old as Shakespeare, who penned the phrase: The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers, Howell wrote in a scathing 102-page opinion.

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Trump signed an executive order against Perkins Coie in March, revoking the firms security clearances and their access to government buildings, and nixing government contracts with the firm in part because they represented Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign.

But Howell dismantled the order based on Trumps own claims about forcing other law firms into submission. During an April 8 speech cited in Howells ruling, Trump peacocked that lots of law firms have been signing up with Trump.

$100 million, another $100 million, for damages that theyve done, Trump said at the time. But they give you $100 million and then they announce, We have done nothing wrong. And I agree, theyve done nothing wrong. But what the hell, theyve given me a lot of money considering theyve done nothing wrong.

Also at fault was deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, whose comments about another law firmSusman Godfreyincluded flaunting that the administration had effectively finagled upwards of a billion dollars in free legal work thanks to the executive branchs pressure campaign.

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Trump and Millers comments effectively proved that the president had singled firms out for retribution based on whether or not they were willing to cut a deal with the White House.

Perkins Coie said in a statement that the decision affirms core constitutional freedoms all Americans hold dear, including free speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without the fear of retribution.

It is unclear if the Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A retired U.S. brigadier general who failed to get through the confirmation process in the first Trump administration got renewed scrutiny for his political and anti-Islamic social media posts during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday .

Anthony Tata, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, has been nominated to become the defense undersecretary for personnel. His nomination to be defense undersecretary for policy in 2020 was stalled when senators canceled the hearing after a furor over remarks he made about Islam and other inflammatory comments.

Tata was criticized for tweets in 2018 calling Islam the most oppressive violent religion I know of, and calling former President Barack Obama a terrorist leader and referring to him as Muslim. The tweets were later taken down.

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I dont appreciate your partisan tweets, your partisan statements," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., during Tuesday's hearing, referring to remarks Tata made on Fox News in 2020. "I dont appreciate that because Im a Democrat, you say that I would support Hamas or Hezbollah or Iran.

Tata responded that, Those were out of character comments. I regret making those comments. Five years ago, I submitted an apology letter to this committee about those comments. I have 45 years of solutions-oriented leadership."

He said that if confirmed he'd focus on taking care of service members, their families and department civilians.

Tata also would be responsible for implementing and advising on planned cuts of thousands of civilian personnel and the recently ordered elimination of 10% to 20% of the general officer positions across the military.

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Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., spoke on behalf of Tata at the start of the hearing, acknowledging there would be some tough questions about Tonys past comments. But he said Tata learns from his mistakes, which is a testament of a good leader.

Democrats grilled Tata on whether he would support efforts by the Trump administration to purge military leaders it doesn't like or that it doesn't believe are loyal enough to the president.

You called for a complete purge of Pentagon leadership, including firing all four-star general officers and senior career civilian employees, said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. This gives me concern that you have a misguided, biased view of the military and civilian workforce that you would oversee.

Tata said those comments were in response to a published report that said senior generals and admirals were discussing how to resist Trump, adding that military leaders don't get to choose which lawful orders they follow. Reed said the report specified that the military officers were discussing what to do if Trump issued unlawful orders, such as requiring troops to conduct law enforcement duties in a U.S. city.

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If confirmed Tata also would be involved in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths plans to slash diversity and equity programs, review military standards and ban transgender men and women from serving.

He was asked if he would remove military leaders he considers woke or politically misguided for carrying out lawful orders during a past administration. Tata said he sees no reason why that would impact a promotion, and instead would base decisions on merit.

Tata, who had been a Fox News commentator, withdrew his name from consideration for the undersecretary job in August 2020, during the final months of Trump's presidency. He was then appointed by Trump to serve temporarily as the deputy undersecretary for defense policy, bypassing the hearing process.
By Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate panel will not move forward with President Donald Trumps pick for the top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. before his temporary appointment expires later this month, a source close to the nomination process told Reuters on Tuesday.

The decision means Ed Martin, who has been serving as the interim U.S. attorney in Washington since Trump returned to office in January, could at least temporarily have to leave his post.

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Martin has faced opposition over his conduct in office, political advocacy and support for people who took part in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who serves on the panel weighing his nomination, told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday that he would not support Martin.

"I have no tolerance for anybody that entered the building on January 6, and thats probably where most of the friction was," Tillis told reporters.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which must approve the nomination, is not expected to act until May 22 at the earliest, two days after Martin's 120-day interim appointment will expire, the source said.

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It marked a rare setback for a Trump nominee before the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, which has largely approved Trump's picks since his original choice for attorney general -- former Representative Matt Gaetz -- dropped out of the running.

"Ed Martin is a fantastic U.S. Attorney for D.C. and will continue to implement the President's law-and-order agenda in Washington," White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said.

Spokespeople for Martin and Senator Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the judiciary committee, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

U.S. law allows the federal District Court in Washington to appoint an interim U.S. attorney to serve until the Senate confirms a replacement. The court could decide to keep Martin in the role.

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Martin has presided over a turbulent period at the largest U.S. federal prosecutors office, which has included Trump's sweeping pardons for nearly all accused of participating in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, firings and demotions of prosecutors who worked on that investigation and unusual public threats to investigate people opposed to Trump and his administration.

'DOESN'T HAVE THE TEMPERAMENT'

"His record makes clear that he doesnt have the temperament or judgment for this job," Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the judiciary committee, said during a May 1 meeting.

Martin has touted a drop in violent crime in Washington during his tenure and portrayed himself as a crime fighter and loyal enforcer of Trumps agenda. His open embrace of Trump marked a departure from tradition for U.S. attorneys, who typically avoid political statements and operate with a degree of independence.

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In recent weeks, Martin moved a prosecutor tasked with handling local felony cases into his leadership team to assist with his confirmation, according to three people familiar with the matter. The people said it was unusual to assign a career prosecutor to work on a political matter.

Democrats called for a hearing on his nomination, a rare step for U.S. attorney roles, which typically are voted on without appearing before a Senate panel. Martin initially omitted prior appearances on Russian state-run media outlets in his written submissions to the committee.

Martin oversaw the dismissal of all pending cases stemming from the Capitol riot, including one against a defendant he represented as a defense attorney.

He sent letters to several Democratic lawmakers who he said could be investigated over political rhetoric that could be construed as threatening and vowed to investigate interference with Elon Musks government cost-cutting team.

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Martin previously defended three former January 6 defendants in court and was a supporter of Trumps false claims that the 2020 election had been stolen through voter fraud.

He faced criticism from Democrats over his ties to Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, an Army reservist convicted of storming the Capitol whom prosecutors described as a Nazi sympathizer, a claim Hale-Cusanelli's lawyer denied.

Martin did not represent Hale-Cusanelli, but praised him publicly as a great man and a foundation Martin headed presented him with an award in 2024.

Martin told the Senate panel in a written response that he condemned Hale-Cusanelli's past remarks and was not previously aware of them, even though the case received widespread attention.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone, Bill Berkrot and Alistair Bell)
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to reopen San Francisco Bay Areas notorious Alcatraz prison.

"It sorta represents something that's both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak  it's got a lot of qualities that are interesting, he told reporters Monday.

Once one of the worst prisons in the U.S., the facility has been closed since the early 1960s. About a decade later, the island and prison were added to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service and opened to the public as a historical landmark the following year before the We Hold the Rock protests.

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Now, Trump says its time to rebuild and lock up serial offenders on the rock island.

He directed the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders.

While the prison hasnt housed inmates for years, Alcatraz Island has been a home to thousands of nesting birds for even longer. Its in the name: Isle de los Alcatraces, or Island of the Seabirds.

President Donald Trump is moving to reopen one of the nations worst prisons. But Alcatraz is already occupied  by seabirds (Getty Images)

After the winding down of widespread overhunting at the beginning of the 20th century, populations have flourished there. Alcatraz is particularly suited for the birds, as its rocky, isolated from the mainland, and its surrounding waters are an abundant food source.

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There are black-crowned night herons near the cell house, western gulls at the parade ground, there are pigeon guillemots around the islands perimeter, and Brandts cormorants along its banks. Snowy egrets, California gulls, pelagic cormorants, and peregrine falcons are also found there.

From February to September, parts of the island are closed to the public to allow the breeding birds to nest.

There are several species of birds that rely on the island. Its isolated and rocky nature serves the seabirds well (AFP via Getty Images)

In February, western gulls raise their young below the Alcatraz lighthouse, and gulls build more than 500 nests there every year.

In April and May, the black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets construct their nests in shrubs, trees, and bushes. Seeing the Brandts cormorant  which spends most of its life far out to sea  is the real prize. As many as 2,000 pairs nest on Alcatraz every spring.

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Seabirds help us monitor marine ecosystems, contribute to the habita for other species, and bring important marine nutrients to islands.

Even without the risk of this critical habitat being upended, the birds are already threatened. Climate change is changing ocean circulation patterns and leading to disturbances in their food supply, according to the National Park Service, including anchovy fish.

"The food in the Bay Area is more stable than it would be out in the open ocean," Golden Gate National Recreation Area biologist Morgan Barnes told CBS News Bay Area. "Freshwater inputs into the bay will create a more stable food source."

A western gull feeds her grey speckled chicks. Western gulls raise their chicks below the lighthouse each spring (NPS)

Recent data also shows marine heatwaves and climate patterns, in addition to rising sea levels, are affecting these birds.

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In the absence of ensuring the protection of the winged residents of Alcatraz, the future remains bleak as humans continue to produce greenhouse gas emissions that turn up the heat. Protecting them now could be key to ensuring the survival of these species.

It's a completely inappropriate location for a maximum security prison, Golden Gate Bird Alliance Executive Director Glenn Phillips said in an email to The Independent. Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a congressionally designated National Park, and it would take an act of Congress to change that.
In his March address to Congress, President Donald Trump honored a Texas boy diagnosed with brain cancer. Amid bipartisan applause, he vowed to drive down childhood cancer rates through his Make America Healthy Again initiative.

A few days later, the administration quietly dropped a lawsuit to cut emissions from a Louisiana chemical plant linked to cancer.

At first glance, Trump appears to have fully embraced the MAHA movement championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. From proclaiming in his congressional speech a goal to get toxins out of our environment to launching a new commission to study cancer and other ailments, Trump has vowed to end what he calls an epidemic of chronic disease.

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But even as he extols MAHA, Trump has unleashed a slew of policies likely to make Americans less healthy. Hes slashing 20,000 full time positions from HHS and cutting more than $4 billion in indirect costs related to health research grants, including studies into treatment for Alzheimers and cancer. He also supported a GOP plan likely to kneecap Medicaid, a joint federal-state program that covers about 72 million Americans.

The contradictions raise doubts about the sincerity of Trumps support for the MAHA agenda and his administrations commitment to making a dent in chronic disease  conditions that afflict about 133 million Americans and account for roughly 90% of the $4.5 trillion spent annually in the U.S. on health care.

The administrations attention to chronic disease is also notable for its lack of focus on expanding health insurance. Research shows people with coverage have lower death rates; insurance provides free or low-cost preventive care that can help manage chronic disease and reduce risks of serious complications.

The layoffs at HHS, cuts to Medicaid, and reduction in research could all end up resulting in less healthy Americans, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF. Theyre talking about getting at the root causes of chronic disease. Less research and protections will undermine that goal. KFF is a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

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HHS leaders have said that they focused personnel cuts at agencies on redundant or unnecessary administrative positions. The administration has said the job cuts will save money and make HHS more responsive.

Streamlining bureaucracy and eliminating redundancies is how we deliver on the mission of Making America Healthy Again  not by preserving a bloated system thats failed to improve outcomes despite record spending, HHS spokesperson Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano said in an email.

Public health advocates say the staffing cuts run counter to the promise of a MAHA agenda dedicated to reducing chronic disease.

HHS declared that their mission is to Make America Healthy Again, said Sharon Gilmartin, executive director of Safe States Alliance, on a press call. The alliance is a nonprofit focused on preventing injury and violence. How can we do that when the people who have spent decades of their life combating the health issues of our nation are being tossed out with no notice?

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The HHS workforce reductions decimated divisions focused on chronic disease.

Gone is most of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions population health division, which conducted research and developed public health programs on chronic disease. Gone, too, are staffers at the National Institutes of Health who focused on Alzheimers research. After HHS staffers working on Alzheimers projects were put on administrative leave, the Alzheimers Association sounded the alarm about the cuts, saying in an April 1 statement that the reductions could cause irreversible damage.

And gone is the CDCs Office on Smoking and Health, which worked to protect the public from the harmful effects of tobacco use. The administration also gutted the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products, which enforces advertising restrictions. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the country.

Cuts to CDC and FDA tobacco control programs are devastating, Thomas Frieden, who served as director of the CDC from 2009 to 2017, said April 18 on the social media platform Bluesky.

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According to administration fact sheets and press releases, the staffing cuts will save $1.8 billion a year and shrink HHS workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. HHS will be retooled to focus on safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins, according to a March 27 press statement. The restructuring will improve Americans experience with HHS by making the agency more responsive and efficient, the statement said.

Roger Severino, a lawyer who led the HHS Office for Civil Rights during the previous Trump administration, said the job cuts are necessary because the HHS budget has grown while American health has declined.

If you want to Make America Healthy Again, you have to make HHS healthy again. You have to trim the bureaucratic fat, said Severino, who is now vice president of domestic policy at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative policy group. We havent seen chronic disease go down or obesity go down, while autism rates are up. If this were a private company, it would have gone bankrupt years ago.

But many public health experts question how the federal government will be able to respond to existing problems, as well as new health issues, with fewer employees and resources.

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Infectious diseases are one area of concern.

Trump, on the first day of his second term in office, withdrew the nation from the World Health Organization, which detects, monitors, and responds to emerging health threats. The U.S. has been the largest financial contributor to the organization.

Without membership, the U.S. may remain in the dark if the WHO identifies an emerging threat that could ultimately spread and become global. Spillover can happen: In 2014, an Ebola outbreak in West Africa led to 11 reported cases in the U.S. The WHO played a central role in developing infection-prevention protocols and provided logistical support to affected countries.

The evisceration of the U.S. Agency for International Development could also leave the nation more vulnerable because the agency worked with countries such as Vietnam on early detection of diseases including bird flu. The agency typically would have aided in the response to a current Ebola outbreak in Uganda, providing support that doctors say helped prevent spread in past outbreaks.

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The staffing reductions and frozen or canceled grants are having an immediate impact on the ability to respond to infectious outbreaks. Right now, for instance, Texas is in the throes of a measles outbreak, with more than 500 confirmed cases.

But the administrations funding cuts forced the Dallas County health department to lay off 11 full-time staff and 10 part-time staffers responsible for responding to such outbreaks, Philip Huang, director and health authority for the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, said at a press event.

The administration has also imperiled ongoing research, including studies and trials related to chronic disease.

Trump ended hundreds of research projects at the National Institutes of Health totaling more than $2 billion, including projects on HIV prevention drugs and Alzheimers disease research.

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Patients enrolled in NIH studies led by Plaintiffs face abrupt cancellations of treatment in which they have invested months of time with no explanation or plan for how to mitigate the harm, according to a federal lawsuit filed in Massachusetts by scientists and researchers.

The research being cut could potentially have supported Trumps pledge, when he honored the boy with brain cancer, to drive down rates of the disease. In the weeks since, however, Trumps administration announced plans to weaken automobile tailpipe emission standards. Trump slashed more than 400 grants to Columbia University, including millions earmarked for a cancer center.

Its making people sicker again. Now that would be a more honest bumper sticker, said Leslie Dach, a former Obama administration official who is the executive chair of Protect Our Care, which advocates for the Affordable Care Act. Theyre stopping research on vaccines and gutting health care programs that keep 100 million Americans healthy. Its all show. Its a bunch of junk.

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.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  President Donald Trumps support in Michigan has declined according to a new poll conducted by a Lansing firm.

EPIC MRA, a survey research firm, reports that President Trumps approval rating is declining in Michigan. According to the poll, 43% of participants gave Trump a favorable rating and 50% an unfavorable one.

These numbers have increased since February, with 46% of voters giving Trump a favorable rating and 49% giving him an unfavorable rating earlier this year.

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Of those polled, 41% support Trumps second-term actions and 56% do not.

The Hill reports that Trumps approval rating has dipped amid concerns over his handling of the economy and foreign policy.

Trump approval dips amid concerns over economy, foreign policy: Poll

Areas of concern for the president include economic and foreign policy, with voters disapproving of his actions on tariffs and in the Russia-Ukraine war, while voters continue to be divided on immigration and deportation policy, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a report shared with The Hill.

The poll of 600 likely voters in the November 2026 election was conducted by the Lansing firm EPIC MRA.

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The poll was conducted between April 28th and May 3rd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.

Statewide_April2025_Media_XtabsDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Donald Trump is continuing to suggest that Canada could divest itself of its own sovereignty and join the United States as the 51st American state over the continued objections of Canadas new prime minister, Mark Carney.

Carney, whose Liberal Party cruised to a victory over the rival Conservatives in last months parliamentary elections in part thanks to widespread disgust at Trumps suggestion that Canada could be annexed, as well as the trade war the U.S. president started against the longtime American ally, visited the Oval Office on Tuesday for his first-ever meeting with his U.S. counterpart.

Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Trump, he called the American leader transformational and praised his relentless focus on the American worker and efforts at securing your borders ... ending the scourge of fentanyl and other opioids and and securing the world.

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But when Trump was pressed on whether he still would like Canada to become part of the U.S., he refused to drop the line.

Mark Carney tells Trump Canada is 'not for sale' (AFP/Getty)

I do feel it's much better for Canada, but we're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it, he said.

Trump added that Canada becoming part of the United States would really be a wonderful marriage.

Carney, responding to Trump invoking his own background as a real estate developer while discussing why he would like to erase the longstanding U.S.-Canada border, told him that there are some places that are not for sale and said Canada remains one of those places.

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Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign over the last several months, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever, but the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together, he said.

Carney added that Trump had played a role in having revitalized NATO and pushing his country to playing our full weight in the 32-member bloc, at which point the American leader acknowledged that Ottawa had been stepping up the military participation by spending enough on defense as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product and called the increased spending a very important thing.

But Trump refused to concede Carneys point on his country not being up for sale, adding: But never say never.

Carney, sitting silently as the American president spoke, mouthed the word never to the television cameras trained on him.

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The sit-down between the Canadian head of government and the American head of state comes after a whirlwind first 100 days of Trumps second administration, during which he has inflamed once-cordial relations between the longtime allies by imposing successive waves of tariffs on Canadian goods and making a show of disrespect for Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

Trump took to calling the former Liberal Party leader governor as if he were already the head of an American state shortly after he won the 2024 presidential election and began proposing that Canada become the 51 state as a way of avoiding the tariffs he has touted as a solution for everything from trade imbalances to fentanyl trafficking across the largely unguarded frontier between the two countries.

Trudeau, in an effort to be conciliatory, rushed to the presidents Florida home to meet with him shortly after the election in hopes of quelling the discontent, but to no avail. Instead, he and his party grew more and more unpopular as Trumps attacks on him increased.

But Trudeau, who had spent nearly a decade in office, upended the table by announcing his resignation shortly before Trump was inaugurated. Carney was chosen as his successor pending last months parliamentary elections, and the prospect of new leadership  combined with a rally-around-the-flag effect in response to Trumps annexation talk and trade wars  caused the Liberal Party to reverse months of dismal polling and retain control of government in Ottawa.

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And even though the trade war he started has spooked financial markets and caused confidence in the U.S. to sink in an incredibly short period of time, Trump looks to be sticking to his guns on the value of taxing his own people.

He said Carneys refusal to consider surrendering his countrys sovereignty would not be a hindrance to trade talks as he inexplicably claimed that other governments would pay tariffs  which are taxes borne by American importers and passed on to consumers as higher prices  as a price paid to access American markets.

For the most part, we're just going to put down a number and say, This is what you're going to pay to shop. And it's going to be a very fair number. It'll be a low number. We're not looking to hurt countries. We want to help countries. We want to be friendly with countries ... We're going to say, in some cases, we want you to open up your country. In some cases we want you to drop your tariffs, he said.

So we're going to put down some numbers, and we're going to say our country is open for business, and they're going to come in and they're going to pay for the privilege of being able to shop in the United States of America. It's very simple.

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The Canadian leaders visit to the White House evoked for some observers the possibility of a blow-up along the lines of what had happened earlier this year when Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky sat down with Trump and left following an Oval Office shouting match with Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

But nothing of the sort transpired.

In a press conference at the Canadian embassy following the bilateral talks, Carney thanked Trump and his team for welcoming him to the White House for what he described as very constructive discussions.

I conveyed to the President today what our countries have long proven to be true, that Canada and the United States are stronger when we work together. We can get a better deal for our workers. We can create more opportunities for our businesses. We can build stronger economies across North America when we work together, he said.

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And really, today marked the end of the beginning of a process of the United States and Canada redefining that relationship of working together. The question is: How we will cooperate in the future, how we can build an economic and security relationship built on mutual respect, built on common interests, and that delivers transformational benefits to our economies?

Carney said the talks between him and Trump had been wide-ranging and stressed that they would continue when he hosts Trump and the other Group of Seven heads of government for their annual summit in Kananaskis, Alberta next month.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he'd welcome California Gov. Gavin Newsom launching a presidential bid  while ramping up his taunts of the governor's handling of the states controversial high-speed rail project and the Los Angeles wildfires.

Trump told reporters after a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Newsoms support for the decades-old rail project, which is eventually supposed to connect LA to the San Francisco Bay Area but has suffered from ballooning costs, makes him unelectable.

"I would love him to run for president," he said. "I'd love to see that, but I don't think he's going to be running because that one project alone  well, that, and the fires and a lot of other things  pretty much put him out of the race."

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Trump's remarks come days after he announced a push to reopen Alcatraz as a prison and just hours after Newsom called on Trump to partner with him to save Hollywood and the film industry across the United States.

Newsom's office in a statement slammed Trump for his tariff policies and own business failures and said walking away from high-speed rail now would give China an infrastructure advantage.

"Hard pass on fiscal tips from the self-described 'King of Debt' who ran a steak company, a casino, and a global economy  all into the ground," Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villasenor said in a statement. "With 50 major structures built, walking away now as we enter the track-laying phase would be reckless  wasting billions already invested and letting job-killers cede a generational infrastructure advantage to China."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said last month that the Federal Railroad Administration was close to completing an investigation into the California High-Speed Rail Authority's spending of grants awarded by the Biden administration and that if what many people have reported on is true, were going to pull the funding for this boondoggle endeavor.

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The project is now estimated to cost between $88 billion and $128 billion to complete, up from an original price tag of $33 billion when voters approved a financing bond in 2008. The two federal grants in question are a $3.1 billion award from 2023 and $1 billion from 2024  covering the projects work from Merced to Bakersfield.

"I've watched a lot of stupid people build a lot of stupid things, but that's the worst cost overrun I've ever seen," Trump said. "This government is not going to pay. I told our very great new secretary of Transportation  he's doing a good job, Sean Duffy  I said we're not going to pay for that thing."

Trump also referred to his January attempt to send more of the state's water to Southern California, which alarmed farmers and water managers who scrambled to react to the abrupt releases. "I sent in people to open up that water because he refused to do it," he said. "We just got him a lot of water."

California High-Speed Rail Authority officials called Trump's comments a distraction.

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"Despite the noise in Washington, Californias high-speed rail project is delivering real results," Carol Dahmen, HSRA's chief of strategic communications, said in a statement. "There is active civil construction along 119 miles in the Central Valley, resulting in over 15,000 construction jobs, and design and pre-construction activities are underway on the extensions to Merced and Bakersfield totaling 171 miles."

Project officials have downplayed the potential impact of a federal funding freeze, saying the project can withstand four years of Trump. But Newsom is also beginning budget talks with state lawmakers next week on whether to retain the project's main funding source: the sale of permits to industry under the state's carbon-trading program for greenhouse gases.
SLB and Subsea 7 have secured a substantial engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract from bp for the Ginger project offshore Trinidad and Tobago.

This marks the first project award under a global framework agreement between bp and the Subsea Integration Alliance, which includes SLB OneSubsea and Subsea 7.

The partnership aims to optimise system-level performance by fostering increased transparency and early engagement.

The novel commercial model outlined in the framework is designed to align incentives and drive accelerated value creation for all stakeholders throughout the lifespan of their joint projects.

SLB OneSubsea CEO Mads Hjelmeland said: When we first entered this long-term, strategic agreement with bp, it was with the intent of strengthening subsea project performance together. We believed that, by combining our skills, knowledge and experience more transparently, we could bring more projects over the line, more cost-effectively.

Unlocking FID [final investment decision] for Ginger is a significant win for this new way of working together and I am excited for what is ahead, for both Ginger and beyond.

For the Ginger EPCI project, SLB OneSubsea is set to deliver four standardised vertical monobore subsea trees and tubing hangers, with a focus on rapid delivery and installation.

Additionally, it will introduce the region's first high-integrity pressure protection system manifold, expected to result in significant safety, efficiency and environmental benefits.

Subsea 7 will contribute a diver-installed tie-in system, a flexible production flowline and related infrastructure.

The Ginger development is situated off Trinidad's south-east coast in waters reaching depths of up to 90m.

Subsea Integration Alliance CEO Olivier Blaringhem said: This is an exciting and important project for our novel global framework with bp, which expands our EPCI collaboration to Trinidad and Tobago. Through the capability and agility of our partners Subsea 7 and SLB OneSubsea, we provide key assets and expertise to create value for the long-term and deliver the best possible total cost of ownership on the Ginger project.

In a related development, Subsea 7 has been awarded a contract by Equinor for the Northern Lights phase two project in Norway.

Subsea 7's responsibilities will include the EPCI of a 5km CO pipeline, as well as the installation of satellite structures, umbilicals, tie-ins and pre-commissioning activities.

"SLB OneSubsea, Subsea7 awarded EPCI contract for offshore Trinidad and Tobago" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
President Trump bashed Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser (D) for the prosecution of former election clerk Tina Peters, who was found guilty of tampering with voting machines after the 2020 election the president lost to former President Biden.

Radical Left Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser ignores Illegals committing Violent Crimes like Rape and Murder in his State and, instead, jailed Tina Peters, a 69-year-old Gold Star mother who worked to expose and document Democrat Election Fraud, Trump wrote Monday night on Truth Social.

Tina is an innocent Political Prisoner being horribly and unjustly punished in the form of Cruel and Unusual Punishment, he added.

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The president called Peterss prosecution unjust and directed the Justice Department to help secure her release. Peters, who was a Mesa County clerk, is serving a nine-year sentence at La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, according to Colorado Public Radio.

This is a Communist persecution by the Radical Left Democrats to cover up their Election crimes and misdeeds in 2020. The same Democrat Party that flies to El Salvador to try to free an MS-13 Terrorist, is cruelly imprisoning, perhaps for life, a grandmother whose brave and heroic son gave his life for America, Trump continued in his post.

Colorado must end this unjust incarceration of an innocent American, the president wrote. I am hereby directing the Department of Justice to take all necessary action to help secure the release of this hostage being held in a Colorado prison by the Democrats, for political reasons. FREE TINA PETERS, NOW!

Peters was found guilty in August on seven counts convicting her for assisting in facilitating unauthorized access to voting equipment after the 2020 election, aiming to bolster Trumps claim the election results were illegitimate.

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Trumps Justice Department in March went to court to argue for Peterss release, and a federal judge is mulling whether he has jurisdiction to reject the departments filings, Colorado Public Radio reported.

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By Andrea Shalal, David Lawder and Laurie Chen

WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer will meet China's economic tsar He Lifeng in Switzerland this weekend for talks that could be the first step toward resolving a trade war disrupting the global economy.

News of the planned Geneva meeting, first announced by Washington late Tuesday, sent U.S. equity index futures higher. Stock markets in China and Hong Kong followed suit during Asian trading on Wednesday.

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The talks come after weeks of escalating tensions that have seen duties on goods imports between the world's two largest economies soar well beyond 100%, amounting to what Bessent on Tuesday described as the equivalent of a trade embargo.

The impasse, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump's decision last month to slap sweeping duties on dozens of other countries, has upended supply chains, roiled financial markets and stoked fears of a sharp downturn in global growth.

The negotiating teams convening in Switzerland, known for its neutrality, are expected to discuss reductions to the broader tariffs, two sources familiar with the planning said. The talks should also cover duties on specific products, export controls and Trump's decision to end de minimis exemptions on low-value imports, one of the sources added.

China's State Council did not immediately reply to a faxed request for comment.

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"My sense is this will be about de-escalation," Bessent told Fox News after the announcement. "We've got to de-escalate before we can move forward."

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson later confirmed that China had agreed to meet the U.S. envoys.

"On the basis of fully considering global expectations, China's interests, and the appeals of U.S. industry and consumers, China has decided to re-engage the U.S.," the spokesperson said, citing a proverb about actions speaking louder than words.

This is the first meeting between senior Chinese and U.S. officials since U.S. Senator Steve Daines met Premier Li Qiang in Beijing in March.

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Beijing has largely adopted a fiery rhetoric as tensions with Washington have ratcheted up, repeatedly saying it would not engage in negotiations unless the U.S. withdrew its tariffs.

Signaling a change in tack, however, China's commerce ministry on Friday said it was "evaluating" an offer from Washington to hold talks.

Asked about the apparent U-turn on Wednesday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily press conference that Beijing's "position of firmly opposing U.S. abuse of tariffs has not changed".

The stakes for China's economy are high, with its vast factory sector already bearing the brunt of the tariffs. Many analysts have downgraded their 2025 economic growth forecast for the Asian giant, while investment bank Nomura has warned the trade war could cost China up to 16 million jobs.

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China's central bank on Wednesday announced fresh monetary stimulus, flagging rate cuts and a liquidity injection into the banking system aimed at countering the economic impact of the duties.

Analysts described the move as measured and tactical.

"Theres almost certainly also an element of signaling to the U.S. government ahead of the upcoming meeting," said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics.

"The message is that Chinese officials are not panicked or scrambling to shore up economic growth, and theyre not going to be negotiating from a position of weakness."

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MIXED SIGNALS

U.S. officials have held a flurry of meetings with trading partners since the president announced a 10% tariff on most countries on April 2, along with higher tariff rates that will kick in on July 9, barring separate trade agreements.

Trump has also imposed 25% tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, 25% levies on Canada and Mexico, and 145% tariffs on China, with further duties expected on pharmaceuticals in coming weeks.

China retaliated by boosting its tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. The European Union is also readying countermeasures.

While Saturday's talks are aimed at easing tensions, it remains unclear how substantive they could prove, said Bo Zhengyuan, partner at Shanghai-based policy consultancy Plenum.

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"For more comprehensive geopolitical negotiations to be possible, tariffs would need to be lowered first - the key is whether both sides can agree on the extent and scope of tariff rollbacks, as well as on follow-up talks," Bo said.

Bessent told Fox News the two sides would work out during their meeting on Saturday "what to talk about."

"Look, we have a shared interest that this isn't sustainable," Bessent said. "And 145%, 125% is the equivalent of an embargo. We don't want to decouple. What we want is fair trade."

Trump and his trade team have sent mixed signals over progress in talks with major trading partners rushing to cement agreements with Washington and avoid the imposition of hefty import taxes on their goods.

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Bessent told lawmakers earlier in the day that the Trump administration was negotiating with 17 major trading partners and could announce trade agreements with some of them as early as this week.

Trump told reporters before a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that he and top administration officials will review potential trade deals over the next two weeks to decide which ones to accept.

U.S. and Britain have made progress towards a trade deal, a British official said, while Bessent has said many other countries including Indonesia have made good offers to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as subsidies.

Trump's moves on tariffs, which he says are aimed in part at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, are so far having an opposite effect, with the gap hitting a record in March as businesses rushed to import goods ahead of the levies.

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Notably, though, the U.S. trade deficit with China narrowed sharply as the crushing levies Trump has imposed cut deeply into Chinese imports.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Steve Holland and David Ljungren in Washington, David Lawder in Chicago, Jarrett Renshaw in Philadelphia, Laurie Chen, Liz Lee and Joe Cash in Beijing, and Catarina Demony in London; Writing by Andrea Shalal and John Geddie; Editing by Dan Burns, Howard Goller and Shri Navaratnam)
U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 5 that Russia has grown more willing to negotiate an end to its war against Ukraine following a sharp decline in oil prices.

"I think Russia, with the price of oil right now, oil has gone down, we are in a good position to settle, they want to settle. Ukraine wants to settle," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Oil and gas revenues accounted for nearly 30% of Russia's budget in January and February, according to government data cited by Bloomberg.

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The roughly $15-per-barrel drop since the start of the year has strained the Kremlin's finances, already burdened by soaring military expenditures in early 2025.

According to Reuters, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed on May 3 to a large production increase in June, further pressuring prices.

Despite Western sanctions and price caps aimed at curbing Moscow's oil revenues, energy exports remain a crucial funding source for Russia's war effort.

Trump claimed "we've come a long way" in negotiations and suggested a breakthrough could be imminent, adding, "Hopefully it will."

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Since early March, Ukraine has signaled readiness for a full 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees to reciprocal terms. Moscow has refused, demanding extraordinary concessions, including a halt to all foreign military aid to Ukraine.

Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions against Russia multiple times, but has not imposed concrete measures since taking office. Shortly after his inauguration, he warned Moscow that the U.S. could "do it the easy way or the hard way."

On April 26, Trump voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to negotiate, saying Putin might be "tapping me along" and uninterested in a deal.

Kyiv has repeatedly urged Washington to intensify economic pressure on Moscow.

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Read also: Ukraines drones target Moscow second night in a row, Russian official claims, ahead of Victory Day parade

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
UPDATE (May 8, 2025, 1:27 p.m. ET): Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church  and the first American pope  and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. White smoke rose out of the Sistine Chapels chimney Wednesday, signifying the conclaves selection of Pope Francis successor on the cardinals second day of voting.

President Donald Trump pleaded ignorance to an apparent AI-generated image depicting him as the pope that was posted to his and the White Houses social media accounts, accusing the media of fabricating the backlash over the image.

You mean they cant take a joke? You dont mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media, Trump told reporters Monday about the image, which shows him in papal clothing. No, the Catholics loved it.

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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.

Trumps Truth Social account and the White Houses X account both posted the image Friday night, sparking near-instant criticism from Catholics at home and abroad who said it was offensive.

There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President, the New York State Catholic Conference wrote in a post on X the next morning. 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 Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, told reporters Sunday that the image was in poor taste. I hope he didnt have anything to do with it, Dolan said about Trump. It wasnt good.

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Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also weighed in. In a post on X, Renzi wrote in Italian that the image offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown.

Trump also suggested Monday that he first saw the image last evening.

I think its the fake news media that  you know, theyre fakers, he added.

The purported AI image would not have been the first time Trump has suggested he should be pope. Earlier last week, when asked about the papal conclave, Trump said he was his own number one choice for the head of the Catholic Church.

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As my colleague Steve Benen has pointed out, Trump has tried to evade responsibility for a litany of problems during his second term. From national domestic issues  such as his immigration policy and the Signal group chat debacle  to smaller-scale controversies like the pope image, when faced with any degree of pushback, you can expect Trump to pass the buck.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Yemen's Houthi rebels have "capitulated" to the United States and have agreed to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea.

Trump, speaking at the White House, said that in return the US will end its bombing campaign against the Iran-aligned group "effective immediately."

"The Houthis have announced ... that they don't want to fight any more. They just don't want to fight. And we will honour that. And we will we will stop the bombings. And they have capitulated," he said alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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"They've said, 'Please don't bomb us any more. We're not going to attack your ships,'" Trump said.

The Houthis have yet to publicly comment.

Houthi militants have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since October 2023, in what they say is retaliation for Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip.

The threat led major shipping companies to avoid the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe and sailing the much longer journey around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead.

The Houthis have said they want to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, which followed the unprecedented massacre by the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas on October 7, 2023.

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Several countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, launched operations to protect ships in the region in response to the Houthi attacks. The US, Britain and Israel have launched several rounds of strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen in recent months.

The Houthi militia had earlier Tuesday threatened retaliation following Israeli attacks on the airport in the capital, Sanaa.

The attacks "will not go unanswered," said the Houthi's political bureau in a statement.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump said Tuesday that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, leaving only 21 believed to be still living.

As of today, its 21, three have died, Trump said of the hostages being held by Hamas, noting until recently it had been 24 people believed to be living. He did not elaborate on the identities of those now believed to be dead, nor how he had come to learn of their deaths. Theres 21, plus a lot of dead bodies," Trump said.

One American, Edan Alexander, had been among the 24 hostages believed to be alive, with the bodies of several other Americans also held by Hamas after its Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel.

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The presidents comments came as Israel approved plans Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, in a bid to recover the hostages and try to fulfill its war aims of destroying Hamas. If implemented, the move would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition.

Separately, the State Department said Tuesday that the U.S. embassy helped 17 U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents leave Gaza on Monday.

We thank our partners in the Israeli and Jordanian governments who made this departure possible, the department said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday in Washington.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he had called off the U.S. bombing campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen after the terrorist group told the Trump administration this week that they dont want to fight anymore.



Trump made the comments, which he described as very good news, while speaking to reporters from the Oval Office ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.



The Houthis have announced that they are not, or theyve announced to us at least, that they dont want to fight anymore. They just dont want to fight, and we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings, Trump said. They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore, and thats what the purpose of what we were doing.



The president added that his team had just found out about the developments, which he called very, very positive.



Israel conducted intensive strikes against the Houthis on Monday and Tuesday after the terror group struck Israels Ben Gurion Airport complex over the weekend, injuring six.



Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Political Council, told Bloomberg News that the group may stop attacking U.S. ships if the bombardment stops but we will definitely continue our operations in support to Gaza and that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and against Israel will not stop regardless of the consequences until the end of the aggression on Gaza and blockade on its people.



The foreign minister of Oman, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, said in a statement that recent discussions and contacts conducted by the Sultanate of Oman with the United States and the relevant authorities in Sanaa have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides. In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping.



Trump told reporters, They were not going to have a lot of ships going, as you know, sailing beautifully down the various seas. It wasnt just the canal, it was out of other places. And I will accept their word, and we are going to stop the bombing of the Houthis effective immediately, later adding in response to a question about the news, They dont want to be bombed anymore. I sort of thought that would happen.



Trump then turned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the change in strategy, who stated, This was always a freedom of navigation issue. These guys are a band of individuals with advanced weaponry that were threatening global shipping. And the job was to get that to stop, and if its going to stop, then we can stop. And so I think its an important development.




President Trump on Monday signed a series of health-focused executive actions, including one cracking down on gain-of-function research, which has been at the center of debates over how the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Trump signed the order, which White House officials said provides additional tools to enforce a ban on federal funding going toward gain-of-function research, and strengthens oversight mechanisms around it.

The field of research alters viruses to, in some cases, make them more potent or contagious for research purposes. Gain of function research in Wuhan, China, has been at the center of theories about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The conduct of this research does not protect us against pandemics as some people might say, Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, told reporters in the Oval Office. What it does is, theres always a danger that in doing this research it might leak out just by accident even and cause a pandemic.

Trump also signed an executive order intended to improve domestic manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. It streamlines the permitting processes around building pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, among other things.

The president has for weeks threatened to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals made overseas, arguing that key drugs should be manufactured domestically so that consumers are not reliant on foreign supply chains. Critics have warned it could lead to increased costs and shortages.

Were going to have a big announcement next week on some of this kind of thing, but more related to costs, Trump told reporters.

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Trump also signed a proclamation declaring May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

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Oil prices in Russia dropped to a two-year low, falling below $50 per barrel  about 40% lower than what was planned in the Russian budget, Reuters reported on May 6.

Reuters data shows that the average price for Russias Urals and ESPO crude blends fell to $48.9 per barrel, the lowest level since May 2023.

The Russian government had budgeted for a price of $82.6 per barrel for 2025.

On May 5, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Russia has grown more willing to negotiate an end to its war against Ukraine following a sharp decline in oil prices.

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"I think Russia, with the price of oil right now, oil has gone down, we are in a good position to settle, they want to settle. Ukraine wants to settle," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

As energy revenues remain Moscow's key source of financing its war against Ukraine, the price collapse comes at a critical moment for Russia. While Western sanctions didn't fully hamper Moscow's ability to sell its energy resources, falling prices might now squeeze its war budget.

The decline in energy prices led the government to revise its 2025 budget deficit forecast upward, from 0.5% to 1.7% of GDP, Reuters reports on May 1.

Due to the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has increased its defence spending for 2025 by 25%, raising it to 6.3% of GDP, the highest share since the Cold War.

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Oil and gas revenues accounted for nearly 30% of Russia's budget in January and February, according to government data cited by Bloomberg.

What's caused the drop in oil prices?



The current drop follows a larger decline in the wake of Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs which caused oil prices to drop drastically on April 7.

Ukraine has long been targeting Russian oil assets with drones in an attempt to deplete the Kremlin's oil revenue, but Trump did a more effective job by dragging the world into economic uncertainty.

Trumps actions sparked concerns of a global recession, leading global oil prices to plunge in anticipation of a slowdown in economic activity.

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The price drop ignited panic in Moscow, and the Kremlin is monitoring the "extremely turbulent, tense" situation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Interfax on April 7.

"Our economic authorities are monitoring this situation very closely and, of course, are doing and will do everything necessary to minimize the consequences of this international economic storm for our economy," he added.

That panic will only have increased since. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed on May 3 to a large production increase in June, further pressuring prices.

Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front

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Seattle-based legal tech startup Supio raised $60 million in a Series B funding round, aiming to enhance its AI-powered platform tailored for personal injury and mass tort law firms.

The startup recently announced that the round was led by Sapphire Ventures, with participation from Mayfield and Thomson Reuters Ventures, bringing Supios total funding to $91 million. The company previously raised $25 million in a Series A round in 2023, GeekWire reports. According to Supio, the funds will be used to scale engineering and product teams, expand marketing efforts, and further refine their platform's AI capabilities.

Don't Miss:

An AI That Understands the Complexity of Legal Documents

Supio's software is designed to help plaintiff-side law firms organize, filter, and analyze large volumes of unstructured data such as medical records, legal filings, and client communication, TechCrunch reports. The system applies specialized AI models to extract key information, flag inconsistencies, and structure timelines, processes that traditionally require hours of manual paralegal work.

Our growth since Series A confirms what we've believed all along  that specialized AI built for personal injury and mass tort law can transform how these practices operate, CEO Jerry Zhou said in the companys statement.

Supio said its AI has been adopted by several large firms including Hughes & Coleman, Daniel Stark, Whitley Law, and Thomas Law Offices. While exact usage metrics werent shared, the company reported a four-times increase in annual recurring revenue since August.

Trending: Donald Trump just announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure deal  here's how you can invest in the entertainment market's next big disruptor at $2.25 per share.

Strategic Growth and Legal Industry Validation

Thomson Reuters Ventures' participation in Supio's Series B reflects a targeted approach to investing in companies that align with its core markets and long-term strategy. "In the legal industry, personal injury and mass tort litigation demand specialized AI solutions designed specifically for these complex practice areas, and Supio addresses these unique challenges with both accuracy and depth," Tamara Steffens, managing director at Thomson Reuters Ventures, said in Supio's funding announcement. She added that the firm sees Supio's purpose-built platform as a critical tool for law practices aiming to improve case efficiency and outcomes at scale.
On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump dismissed the value of U.S.-Canada trade in a Truth Social post, specifically declaring that the United States doesnt need Canadian cars, energy, or lumber.

I look forward to meeting the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH  Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? We dont need their Cars, we dont need their Energy, we dont need their Lumber, we dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.

But fresh federal data, also released Tuesday, tells a very different story  one of rising U.S. demand for those exact goods.

Increasing imports of Canadian cars, lumber, and energy

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. goods trade deficit with Canada widened to $4.9 billion in March, up sharply from prior months. The surge was driven by higher imports of Canadian-made cars, crude oil, and finished wood products  the exact categories Trump dismissed.

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Automotive imports rose by $2.6 billion, including a $2.1 billion spike in passenger vehicles, many of which are assembled in Canada. Oil and lumber purchases also increased, contributing to a 14% month-over-month jump in the broader U.S. trade deficit, which hit a new monthly high of $140.5 billion in March.

Politically charged timing

Trumps comments came just hours before a high-stakes meeting with Carney, a Harvard- and Oxford-educated former central banker.

Carneys experience in economic crisis management is deep. He led the Bank of Canada through the 2008 financial crisis, chaired the Financial Stability Board after the meltdown, and helmed the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, steering the UK through Brexit and the early COVID era.

Now, Carney enters the Oval Office as a first-time elected leader tasked with negotiating U.S.-Canada ties. As the New York Times (NYT) reports, its a high-stakes encounter that could easily go sideways, with Trump having previously called Canada the 51st state, alleging that Canada depends heavily on U.S. trade and defense.

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Trumps claim that the U.S. is subsidizing Canada by $200 billion a year does not appear to be tethered to factual estimates, but the larger pattern is clear: political rhetoric colliding head-on with economic reality.

U.S. consumers and manufacturers remain deeply reliant on Canadian supply chains, especially in energy, timber, and autos. Even with the future of USMCA uncertain and tariff threats mounting, Canadas role in U.S. trade appears to be growing, not shrinking.

Beyond the rhetoric, a nuanced picture

Trump has long portrayed the U.S.-Canada trade relationship as one-sided  a supposed giveaway that leaves Americans footing the bill. But economists say trade deficits arent inherently bad and dont mean one country is losing. Trade deficits are capital surpluses, as former Reagan economist Art Laffer recently said on Fox Business (FOXA), meaning that dollars sent abroad for goods often come back as investment in U.S. assets, like stocks, bonds, or factories.

With one of the most tightly woven trading partnerships in the world, the picture of U.S.-Canadian trade is complex and nuanced, with goods often crossing the border multiple times during production. The U.S. typically runs a services surplus with Canada, and American firms rely heavily on Canadian supply chains in autos, energy, and materials, as the fresh BEA data suggests.

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Ever since Donald Trump arrived in the White House, British government ministers have done their utmost to rein in their previously stated antipathy towards the US president. Their aim has been to seek a good deal for Britain in the trade war started by Washington by eschewing any outright criticism of the administrations America First protectionism.

Unlike other leaders, notably Mark Carney in Canada and Emmanuel Macron in France, Sir Keir Starmer has resisted joining a chorus of anti-Trumpism and has even been praised by the president for his dogged fight on behalf of UK interests. There has been talk of an early trade deal between the two countries.

So Mr Trumps latest announcement of a 100 per cent tariff on foreign made films entering the US will come as a blow. The film industry is worth 1.4 billion to our economy and employs more than 195,000 people. Hollywood giants  including Netflix and Warner Bros  have all invested heavily in the UK in recent years. Mr Trump says they are given unfair state subsidies and should be taxed but tariffs could severely damage the industry.

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New analysis also shows that Britain faces a higher effective US tariff rate than the EU  11.6 per cent on average compared with 9.5 per cent  because many UK exports are subject to sector-specific levies above the 10 per cent base imposed on everyone. The 25 per cent tariffs on cars is particularly costly to Britain as they are our largest single export to the US. By contrast, a larger share of the EUs exports are shielded by exemptions for pharmaceutical exports.

These figures show the importance of securing some sort of trade agreement with Washington as soon as possible. But even if we do, will the American president honour it?

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President Trump is on shaky legal ground if he follows through on a plan to impose a 100% tariff on films produced in foreign lands. Experts agree that the pledge is legally dubious and also faces logistical hurdles.

How on earth are they going to enforce this? asks Schuyler Moore, a partner at Greenberg Glusker. The whole thing is a goofball  I cant imagine how theyre going to do this in practice.

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Since his tariff spree began in February, Trump has relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which gives him broad authority to regulate international trade in times of national emergency.

But the law includes specific allowances  called the Berman amendments  for the free flow of informational materials, including films.

The 1994 amendment made crystal clear that the president did not have the power under [IEEPA] to stop the flow of foreign audiovisual media, says Anupam Chander, a Georgetown University law professor.

The issue came up in 2020, when Trump sought to use IEEPA to ban TikTok. A federal judge granted an injunction, finding that the ban violated the Berman amendments. Congress had to pass a separate law explicitly authorizing the TikTok ban.

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Theres nothing in the law that allows him to bar movies instead of short videos, Chander says.

The White House has not spelled out the legal authority Trump would use to tariff foreign-made films. Less than 24 hours after announcing the decision in a post on Truth Social, the president was already tempering his tone. The administration has said that no final decisions have been made on the issue, and Trump will hold industry meetings before moving ahead.

Emily Kilcrease, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, says that IEEPA is the most legally risky path, due to the Berman amendments. But she says that Trump could seek to impose tariffs on foreign films under Section 301, which is meant to combat unfair trade practices, or Section 232, which allows for tariffs in cases of national security.

If I were advising him, I think he could do it with 301, Kilcrease says. To me, its the most clear legal basis.

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However, she noted it would take several months of investigation to authorize such tariffs.

I see a lot of challenges here, says Marney Cheek, an attorney who specializes in international trade at Covington & Burling. This is not a place where weve imposed tariffs in the past, so theres not a clear road map.

In his initial message, Trump alluded to national security concerns, saying foreign-made films pose an issue of messaging and propaganda. But runaway production has been a concern since the 1950s, so it would be hard to cast it as an emergent threat.

Its pretty far out there to suggest this is a security risk, says Steven Bank, a law professor at UCLA. Itd be hard to imagine it standing up in court on a national security basis.

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If Trump moves forward, a movie studio or other injured party could seek an injunction to block the tariffs. Even if they were allowed to go into effect, there are practical questions about what transactions would be affected. Tariffs are typically imposed on goods; films are services, which are transmitted digitally and not through ports of entry. Other countries have placed quotas on importation of Hollywood films, or imposed a ticket tax at theaters on foreign films.

Rep. Howard Berman, a Democrat from Los Angeles, was a champion of Hollywood over 15 terms in office. He offered his initial IEEPA amendment in 1988, after the government seized books and magazines from embargoed countries.

The fact that we disapprove of the government of a particular country ought not to inhibit our dialogue with the people who suffer under those governments, Berman said at the time. We are strongest and most influential when we embody the freedoms to which others aspire.

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President Donald Trump is opening a new salvo in his tariff war, targeting films made outside the U.S.

In a post Sunday night on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has authorized the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to slap 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 U.S. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!

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The White House said Monday that it was figuring out how to comply with the presidents wishes.

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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, said spokesperson Kush Desai.

Its common for both large and small films to include production in the U.S. and in other countries. Big-budget movies like the upcoming Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning, for instance, are shot around the world.

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Incentive programs for years have influenced where movies are shot, increasingly driving film production out of California and to other states and countries with favorable tax incentives, like Canada and the United Kingdom.

Yet Trumps tariffs are designed to lead consumers toward American products. And in movie theaters, 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 $2 billion this year. But even then, its sales came almost entirely from mainland China. In North America, it earned just $20.9 million.

In New Zealand, where successive governments have offered rebates and incentives in recent years to draw Hollywood films to the country, the film industry has generated billions of dollars in tourism revenue driven by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, which featured the countrys pristine and scenic vistas. More recently, the blockbuster Minecraft movie was filmed entirely in New Zealand, and U.S. productions in 2023 delivered $1.3 billion New Zealand dollars ($777 million) to the country in return for NZ$200 million in subsidies, according to government figures.

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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was awaiting more details of Trumps measures before commenting on them but would continue to pitch to filmmakers abroad, including in Indias Bollywood. Weve got an absolutely world class industry, he said. This is the best place to make movies, period, in the world.

The Motion Picture Association, which represents major U.S. film studios and streaming services, didnt immediately respond to messages Sunday evening.

The MPAs data shows how much Hollywood exports have dominated cinemas. According to the MPA, the American movies produced $22.6 billion in exports and $15.3 billion in trade surplus in 2023.

Trump, a Republican, 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.

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By unilaterally imposing tariffs, Trump 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 aluminum, with more imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be subject to new tariffs in the weeks ahead.

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!

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. Overall production in the U.S. was down 26% last year compared with 2021, according to data from ProdPro, which tracks production.

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The groups annual survey of executives, which asked about preferred filming locations, found no location in the U.S. made the top five, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Toronto, the U.K., 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 coronavirus pandemic. Last, October, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, proposed expanding Californias Film & Television Tax Credit program to $750 million annually, up from $330 million.

Other U.S. cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago and San Francisco have also used aggressive tax incentives to lure film and TV productions. Those programs can take the form of 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, 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.

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___

Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington and Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.

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Senate Democrats are balking at advancing landmark stablecoin legislation due to President Donald Trump's increasing personal benefits from his own crypto ties.

Over the weekend, Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat elected to represent Arizona with $10 million in backing from crypto super PAC Fairshake, warned with eight of his colleagues that they would not vote to advance the current version of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins of 2025 (GENIUS Act), the Senate's stablecoin bill. The Senate would need 60 votes to move forward with any legislation.

However, the bigger issue for the crypto industry may be the effect this new fight has on forthcoming market structure legislation. The stablecoin bill should ultimately still sail through Congress, one person who works with lawmakers and legislative aides told CoinDesk, but any slowing of ongoing momentum could threaten that bill, which in turn would likely delay any progress on market structure legislation intended to define how the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission are to oversee the industry. The market structure legislation  a bill the industry has demanded for years  would cover a much broader range of activities than just the stablecoin bill.

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Two recent announcements in particular may have raised Democrats' concern and led to this weekend's announcement: Trump's announcement of a dinner for the top holders of his memecoin and Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX's announcement it would use the Trump family-backed World Liberty Financial's USD1 stablecoin for an investment in Binance. Both suggest Trump himself may personally benefit to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, USA Today said.

Trump claimed he was not profiting from his crypto ventures during an interview with Meet the Press over the weekend.

"Im not profiting from anything," he said. "All Im doing is, I started this long before the election. I want crypto. I think cryptos important because if we dont do it, Chinas going to. And its new, its very popular, its very hot. If you look at the market, when the market went down, that stayed much stronger than other aspects of the market. But I want crypto because a lot of people, you know millions of people want it."

While Gallego's announcement was published over the weekend, Democrats have been concerned behind the scenes for a few days, with Sen. Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, warning Democrats to withhold support during a caucus meeting last week, CoinDesk confirmed. Axios first reported on this rift.

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One of the individuals who spoke to CoinDesk said they were concerned about how long the fight over Trump's involvement with crypto might drag out the legislative process for the stablecoin bill, what Democrats will need to be comfortable voting to advance the bill and whether or not the situation will prevent a market structure bill from advancing at all.

Gallego's statement, which was co-signed by Democrats Mark Warner, Raphael Warnock, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Catherine Cortez Masto, Andy Kim, Ben Ray Lujan, John Hickenlooper and Adam Schiff, said the lawmakers "recognize that the absence of regulation leaves consumers unprotected and vulnerable to predatory practices" and that there is a need for bipartisan legislation.

"However, the bill as it currently stands still has numerous issues that must be addressed, including adding stronger provisions on anti-money laundering, foreign issuers, national security, preserving the safety and soundness of our financial system and accountability for those who dont meet the acts requirements," the statement said.

Gallego, Warner, Kim and Blunt Rochester had previously joined Republicans in voting to advance the bill out of the Senate Banking Committee.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who leads the Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee, was far more blunt in a post on social media site Bluesky, saying the Senate should not pass a bill that would "facilitate this kind of corruption," referring to MGX's announcement  shared publicly by Eric Trump, one of the president's sons  last week.

"The Trump family stablecoin surged to 7th largest in the world because of a shady crypto deal with the United Arab Emirates  a foreign government that will give them a crazy amount of money," she said.

She wrote a joint letter with fellow Democrat Jeffrey Merkley to the acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics asking his office to investigate the MGX deal on Monday.

The stalling momentum isn't limited to the Senate. Earlier Monday, Rep. Maxine Waters, the leading Dem on the House Financial Services Committee, told the committee's chair she would block efforts to hold a joint hearing with the House Agriculture Committee addressing market structure issues.

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"Most of this is politics," wrote Jaret Seiberg, a financial-policy analyst with TD Cowen, in a Monday note to clients. He said that Trump's personal stake in crypto is making it hard for Democrats to back the stablecoin bill that would regulate his family's business. Even so, he predicted it'll still pass the Senate, though maybe not this week.

"The crypto lobby is politically powerful and has shown a willingness to devote its considerable resources to influencing Washington," Seiberg said. "It is hard for us to see why the Democrats would take on that fight when they can leverage significant concessions from the GOP on the stablecoin bill."

Lobbyists for the crypto industry seem alarmed about the last few days' announcements: A joint statement published Monday urged lawmakers to begin floor debate on the bill.

The statement, signed by Blockchain Association's outgoing CEO Kristin Smith, the Crypto Council for Innovation's acting CEO Ji Kim and the Digital Chamber's new CEO Cody Carbone, said a real regulatory framework would support stablecoin adoption and "dollar dominance in the digital economy."

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"We respectfully urge Senators to vote YES on the motion to proceed to consideration of the GENIUS Act, and move us one step closer to enacting a bipartisan stablecoin framework," the statement said.

Another lobbying organization, the National Venture Capital Association, also weighed in with a statement attributed to CEO Bobby Franklin asking the Senate to move the stablecoin bill forward.

"U.S. leadership in the digital economy depends on establishing a clear and consistent regulatory framework for stablecoins that fosters innovation, empowers entrepreneurs and helps build the next generation of financial technologies," the statement said. "A strong stablecoin framework will also support the venture capital industrys efforts to back groundbreaking companies and strengthen Americas global financial technology leadership."

Read more: U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill Unveiled by House Lawmakers
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in what could be one of the most contentious meetings between the neighboring countries leaders in years.

Canada is Americas second-biggest trading partner and one of its closest allies on many fronts, from national security to commerce. But Trumps aggressive tariff blitz in recent months has undermined that longstanding relationship  and inadvertently helped Carney consolidate political power.

In a stunning rebuke to Trump, Canadas Liberal Party, with Carney as its leader, won federal elections last week, putting the newly elected government on a collision course with the Trump administration. In a defiant post-election speech, Carney said we are over the shock of the American betrayal but we should never forget the lessons.

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Canada and the United States have shared free trade for decades, but Trumps sweeping tariffs upended that symbiotic relationship  and the damage Trumps trade war has inflicted on America is severe, as well.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Monday told Fox Business that a deal with Canada is possible but would be very complex.

Escalating trade tensions

Until February, the two countries were bound by the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, a deal brokered by Trump himself in his first term. The USMCA, ratified in 2020, replaced the quarter-century-old North American Free Trade Agreement.

But Trump changed that this year.

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In early March, a blanket 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada went into effect briefly before it was suspended after leaders from both countries promised to take more action to stem the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration into America. But a 25% tariff is still in place for imported goods from Mexico and Canada that are not compliant with the USMCA.

Trump has also announced 25% tariffs on all cars, steel and aluminum in recent months, as well as a tariff on auto parts.

Canada responded to Trumps actions with a 25% tariff on C$30 billion (or about $22 billion) worth of US imports, plus an additional 25% duty on C$29.8 billion (about $22 billion) in response to Trumps metal tariffs. Canada has also slapped tariffs on cars imported from the United States.

That trade war has huge repercussions for both economies.

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Canada accounts for 14% of all trade, according to government data. Canada is also the top country the US exports goods to  $349.4 billion in 2024  with the biggest exports being energy and cars.

Meanwhile, the United States is Canadas top destination for its exports  more than three-fourths of them  which include softwood lumber, steel and aluminum. About 30% of the softwood lumber consumed in the United States is imported, with Canada accounting for more than 80% of those imports.

Trumps trade war is already weighing on American businesses of all sizes. General Motors CEO Mary Barra said in an interview with CNN last week that tariffs will cost her company between $4 billion and $5 billion this year.

At the other end of the spectrum, Beth Fynbo Benike, owner of baby products company Busy Baby, told CNN that a container of goods to replenish her inventory will now cost her nearly $230,000 to arrive on US soil.

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The Federal Reserves latest Beige Book report, a periodic compilation of survey responses from businesses across the country, offered various accounts of American businesses noticing fewer Canadian tourists  which is taking a hit to their bottom line.

Some retailers and hospitality providers in Northern Washington and Southern California reported a material drop in cross-border tourism with Canada and Mexico, the report said.

Canadians are also opting to not purchase American-made products, forgoing Californian tomatoes for Italian tomatoes, Ohio-made pepperoni for meats produced in Ontario and Quebec and Coca Cola for sparkling water, sweetened with Canadian maple syrup.

We, as Canadians, we dont go out and try to create fights, Dylan Lobo, a Toronto resident who runs the online directory Made in Canada, told CNN in March. Its an attack on Canada.

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A divided Supreme Court will allow Donald Trumps administration to continue banning transgender service members while legal challenges against the policy continue.

An order from the nations highest court on Tuesday freezes a lower courts injunction that blocked the administration from removing trans service members across all branches of the U.S. military.

All three liberals on the court dissent.

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The ruling is a devastating blow to transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation's defense, according to a statement from Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which sued to block the policy on behalf of a group of trans service members.

The Supreme Court will allow, for now, a directive from Trump and Hegseth barring trans service members from the U.S. military while legal challenges play out (AP)

By allowing this discriminatory ban to take effect while our challenge continues, the Court has temporarily sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice, the groups added. Transgender individuals meet the same standards and demonstrate the same values as all who serve. We remain steadfast in our belief that this ban violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection and will ultimately be struck down.

The presidents January directive claims the adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individuals sex conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon leadership subsequently ordered military officials to identify all trans troops, which must be completed no later than June 25, according to a Pentagon memo. The order also immediately bans access to gender-affirming care for all trans service members.

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Pentagon guidance claims that the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.

In March, George W. Bush-appointed District Judge Benjamin Settle said the policy plainly discriminates and is not backed by any evidence to support the claims behind it.

The government provided no evidence supporting the conclusion that military readiness, unit cohesion, lethality, or any of the other touchstone phrases long used to exclude various groups from service have in fact been adversely impacted by open transgender service, he wrote. The Court can only find that there is none.

Settles decision marked the second nationwide injunction targeting the policy following lawsuits from actively serving trans service members and LGBT+ civil rights groups.

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During a federal court hearing in February, Washington, D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes condemned the presidents demeaning, biologically inaccurate and frankly ridiculous language in an executive order that revoked federal recognition of trans, nonbinary and intersex people  an order that has formed the basis for a flood of other actions from the administration targeting trans Americans.

Judge Reyes suggested that, taken together, Trumps executive orders against trans people scream animus, or are motivated by prejudice.

U.S Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Nicolas Talbott, center, is the lead plaintiff in one of two lawsuits from transgender service members seeking to overturn Trumps executive order that effectively removes them from the military (AFP/Getty)

Her injunction  which followed a lawsuit from more than 20 trans service members  is intended to maintain the status quo of military policy regarding transgender service that existed immediately before Trump issued his executive order, Reyes wrote.

Judge Reyes argues that a categorical ban on trans service members in the nations military discriminates based on transgender status and sex  and because it is soaked in animus.

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During an appeals court hearing last month, judges did not appear convinced by the governments arguments that the Pentagons policy doesnt ban trans service members per se but gender dysphoria diagnosis and healthcare.

Earlier this month, trans service members suing to overturn ban argued that they have served in our military for years with honor and distinction, they told the Supreme Court.

The Trump administration doesnt have any evidence that such service has negatively impacted military readiness or unit cohesion, nor can they identify any harm that would occur during the short time the preliminary injunction is in effect while their appeal is resolved, they added.

In a separate filing, a group of trans service members in a parallel case wrote to the court to warn that blocking those lower court orders would immediately trigger a harsh process of removal for thousands of transgender service members, causing reputational, professional, and constitutional harm that can never be undone.

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Once initiated, the shame and opprobrium of being forced into that process (even if later reversed) causes irreparable harm, they wrote.

Shannon Minter, legal director with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which represents plaintiffs in the first of lawsuits aimed at stopping Trumps policy, said the Supreme Courts decision has upended the lives of thousands of servicemembers without even the decency of explaining why.

As a result of this decision, reached without benefit of full briefing or argument, brave troops who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country will be targeted and forced into harsh administrative separation process usually reserved for misconduct, Minter said in a statement. They have proven themselves time and time again and met the same standards as every other soldier, deploying in critical positions around the globe. This is a deeply sad day for our country.
Donald Trump made a wild post Tuesday slamming Canada just moments before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived at the White House for a tense meeting to discuss tariffs.

I look forward to meeting the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTHWhy is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? Trump wrote in a post at 11:23 am on Truth Social.

We dont need their Cars, we dont need their Energy, we dont need their Lumber, we dont need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us! The Prime Minister will be arriving shortly and that will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.

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Carney arrived at the White House at Noon, according to NBC News.

Trumps meeting with Carney will be their first in-person interaction since Trump announced he would impose 25 percent on U.S. exports to Canada. The U.S. president has facilitated a rapid breakdown in relations between the neighboring countries, continually criticizing Canadas dependence on the U.S. and repeatedly joking that it should become the 51st state.

Carney responded to Trumps aggression in April, proclaiming that Canadas old relationship with the U.S. was over and that the country would begin seeking new trading partners.

After Carneys Liberal Party won Canadas national election late last month, he started out his new term by dissing Trump.

As I have been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. But these are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us, Carney said. That will never ever happen.
The fate of President Donald Trumps controversial nominee to serve as US attorney for Washington, DC, is in question as the president has been making calls to Republican senators on his behalf, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

Ed Martin did not appear on the agenda for the Senate Judiciary Committees meeting Thursday  a key deadline for him to be confirmed by May 20, when his interim position expires.

The White House, though, is not throwing in the towel, according to a source familiar with the process. Despite Martins diminishing odds that his nomination will advance to see a full Senate vote, Trump officials are consulting with legislative advisors on possible next steps to try to move his nomination forward.

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The White House and Department of Justice have shepherded Martin through what has so far been a turbulent confirmation, including helping him complete mandated disclosure forms and other paperwork.

But Trump, whose calls on Martins behalf have not been previously reported, may be needed to convince a handful of skeptical Republicans who are putting the nomination at risk.

As CNN previously reported, Martin failed to disclose nearly 200 media appearances in his initial disclosures last month, and claimed under oath he did not recall some of his most controversial past statements in response to a series of questions put to him by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Facing a potential collision course over one of Trumps favorite nominees and up against a ticking clock, a number of GOP senators have expressed concerns over Martins past controversies.

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A committee vote on Martins nomination has not yet been scheduled. Still, the White House remains confident that Martin will get confirmed, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee in charge of Martins nomination, said last week that Republicans needed more time to vet Martin and meet with him  a nod to the growing angst behind the scenes.

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told CNN last week he has serious questions about Martin, given his previous comments denigrating police officers who defended the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack.

I dont talk about that stuff, Tillis said when asked if the president had reached out to him.

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GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who also serve on the panel, have also privately expressed concerns about supporting Martin, a source familiar with the process told CNN. Cornyn told CNN on Monday that Trump had not reached out to him, and he declined to say how he would vote on the nomination.

Grassley told CNN last week that his panel still had not received the necessary paperwork from the FBI to move forward with Martins nomination. However, a committee aide told CNN Monday that all outstanding materials on Martin have now been received, including the FBI materials Grassley was waiting on.

Trump and his allies have a short window to get Martin over the finish line. If Republicans dont confirm him by May 20, there would be a new process to play out in picking a new nominee.

One option could be US District Judge James Boasberg appointing someone to become DCs top prosecutor. Boasberg, a Barack Obama appointee, has presided over a number of high-profile cases challenging Trump policies, drawing the ire of the president and his allies.

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After this story published on Monday evening, Trump posted about Martins confirmation battle on Truth Social writing that his approval is IMPERATIVE.

Top Justice Department officials, who had preferred another candidate for the job, have had to caution Martin about some of his public activities since taking on the job on an interim basis, sources briefed on the matter told CNN.

Despite growing blowback on the nomination, allies of Trump and Martin have made clear that the president has so far been thrilled with Martins job performance.

Martin is President Trumps favorite US Attorney, one source familiar with his nomination process previously told CNN.

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On top of Trumps direct calls to GOP senators, 23 Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley and Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Monday urging them to move forward on Martins confirmation, according to a copy shared with CNN. Trump ally Charlie Kirk also posted on X over the weekend about the need to successfully confirm Martin.

DOJ officials who may have wanted someone else for the job have come to terms with the fact that he is Trumps pick and are doing everything they can to help get him confirmed, sources briefed on the matter told CNN.

Martin has successfully implemented Trumps law and order agenda and been a fantastic U.S. Attorney for D.C., said Alex Pfeiffer, White House principal deputy communications director. The White House looks forward to his continued success in the role. Ed has shown he is the right man for the job.

Martins nomination process has been riddled with controversies since the president formally nominated him to the job in March.

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Martin has had to update his mandated disclosure to Congress detailing all of his past media appearances at least three times after his initial filing failed to report media appearances hes made in the past few years, including many on far-right outlets and Russian-state media. He has also had to answer for his previous praise of a Capitol rioter who is an alleged Nazi sympathizer, despite his more recent denouncement. And he did not recall some of his most controversial past statements in response to a series of questions under oath put to him by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

During his short tenure as acting US attorney, Martin has drawn attention for having referred to the nations largest office of federal prosecutors as President Trumps [sic] lawyers, and demoting senior attorneys who worked on January 6, 2021, Capitol riot cases.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Ted Barrett contributed to this report.

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Research and development (R&D) investment in the Swiss biotech sector grew in 2024, despite ongoing global funding struggles.

While many countries have seen a decline in investment in recent years, according to the Swiss Biotech Report 2025, investment into R&D in Switzerland reached SFr2.6bn ($3.16bn) in 2024, with private company investment accounting for SFr1.4bn of that.

Apart from R&D investment, companies in Switzerland raised SFr2.5bn in funds in 2024, a 22% increase on 2023. Revenues in the biotech sector were SFr7.2bn in 2024, slightly lower than SFr7.3bn in 2023.

Most pharma and biotech companies in Switzerland (95%) are private and in earlier stages of the development pipeline. The remaining 5%, including big pharma such as Roche and Novartis, are public. While the private fundraising market did relatively well in 2024, there were challenges in public markets, with no initial public offerings (IPOs) taking place by Swiss biotechs last year. The only capital market transaction in Switzerland in 2024 was a reverse merger transaction of Curatis.

The Swiss Biotech Report 2025, authored by the Swiss Biotech Association, EY and eight other partner organisations, was launched at the Swiss Biotech Day on 5-6 May in Basel.

The theme of the Swiss Biotech Report 2025, The Power of International Alliances, is pertinent given recent global political shifts favouring domestic operations. Last year, Swiss biotechs forged several partnerships with large pharma companies such as AC Immune and Takedas Alzheimers immunotherapy deal, Hayas long non-coding RNA therapy deal with Eli Lilly, and a partnership between Basilea and Innoviva to commercialise the formers antibiotic.

While the Basel-Landschaft-based Idorsia also signed a deal with Viatris centred on two Phase III assets in early 2024, the former did not later pay the required development costs due to low cash reserves, and consequently, agreed to accept a reduced future milestone payment.

Swiss Biotech Association CEO Michael Altorfer said: In an era when isolationist policies and me-first approaches have gained traction, Switzerlands collaborative model offers a compelling counterproposal. None of the Swiss biotech innovators develops a new product or technology for the Swiss market alone.

The reports theme also ties in with two key Swiss sector developments. Firstly, the Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse has assumed the chair of the Eureka innovation initiative - a network of 47 countries plus the European Commission (EC) - to expand non-dilutive global research grants. Secondly, Swissmedic, Switzerlands regulatory agency, will play a role in the Access Consortium, facilitating joint approvals across Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore and the UK.






President Trump has proposed turning Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary back into a working prison.

The island prison off the coast of San Francisco was shuttered in 1963 and eventually converted to a popular national park and tourist destination.

Experts say the idea of transforming Alcatraz from a tourist site back into a working prison is not feasible or realistic.







President Donald Trump had a busy Sunday evening on social media, announcing various plans he had for the country. One of his most discussed announcements was his intent to reopen and expand Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. This was obviously a surprising statementpartly because the prison is now an incredibly popular tourist destination. The island, located less than two miles off the coast of San Francisco, receives more than 1.4 million visitors each year, according to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

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The history of Alcatraz is long: it was a military fort, then military prison, before being converted into a federal prison between 1934 and 1963. During that time, famous inmates like Al Capone, Whitey Bulger, and Machine Gun Kelly were all incarcerated at the facility. In the years since its closure, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Now, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which offers daily guided tours and exhibits for tourists.

But the sites popularity isnt the only reason Alcatraz wont likely be turned back into a functioning prison any time soon, if ever. Alcatraz history expert and former park ranger John Marti told The San Francisco Chronicle that it would be basically impossible to turn the current structure into an operable prison, given its lack of water, sewage, and electricity.

If the discussion is to rebuild the prison building to hold people, I dont think that would be feasible, Martin told The Chronicle. It would have to be torn down and rebuilt.

Not only would it require an entire pricey overhaul, but it would be very expensive to run the penitentiary once it is opened. Former National Park Service director Jon Jarvis told Politico that it would be ridiculously expensive to operate as a prison. One of the main reasons the prison was closed in 1963 was that the operating costs for Alcatraz were three times more expensive than other prisons to run, according to USA Today.

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Then theres the matter of the legal protections Alcatraz Island now has given its status as a National Landmark. It would be a long process that would involve Congress to alter Alcatrazs status before any construction or renovations could occur.

In addition to the logistic and legal challenges of such a move, and Alcatrazs ongoing popularity with tourists, there is also political opposition. State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco, was one of several politicians to speak out. In addition to being deeply unhinged, this is an attack on the rule of law, Wiener said in a post on Instagram. Putting aside that Alcatraz is a museum & tourist attraction, this is both nuts & terrifying.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi echoed that sentiment, writing 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.

Right now, Trumps plans are a far, far stretch from becoming reality. If you plan on visiting Alcatraz, thats still entirely possible. In fact, you should plan on booking your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out. You can book tickets for the ferry ride to the island plus options for day, night, or behind the scenes tours, starting at around $50.

Everything else you need to know about the island can be found on the park service website at www.nps.gov/alca.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
A family supports a young child as he receives the MMR vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1 in Lubbock, Texas. Credit - Jan SonnenmairGetty Images

In March 2025, it was announced that the U.S. would no longer support international public health programs that vaccinated millions of children worldwide. This is a hit to children worldwide on top of the Trump administration cuts to U.S. AID programs that provided basic nutrition for hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. One may interpret these directives as a reflection that the current U.S. political leadership no longer believes that the U.S. has an obligation to non-American children. But one only needs to look at what is happening in the U.S. now to see that the lack of care for children at home, as the administration signals to cut the Vaccines for Children program, which supports disease-preventative efforts in the U.S.

Examining what has evolved from the culture wars of the past several years, one sees a slew of policies detrimental to children in many ways. Rather than reflecting mainstream pediatric and educational philosophy, these policies mirror the political creep of fringe groups and politicians to impose their viewpoints on other people's children. These policies impact infection control, education, nutrition, healthcare, and the environment.

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Front-page news is now dotted with reports of a resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections, including measles. But contrary to some, vaccinations have never been a matter of personal choice in this country, but rather a 100-year-old societal obligation to keep America safe. In fact, the majority of Americans support childhood vaccination (about 70%), according to a January 2025 report by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC). Yet, the measles outbreaks happening across the U.S. are predictable consequences of a well-funded anti-vaccine movement that has pushed for laws encouraging vaccine exemptions and the weakening of school vaccine requirements.

To the dismay of our nation's physicians, this movement now has a seat at the top of Health and Human Services (HHS) in RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine proponent. The fact that two unvaccinated children have died of measles, 17% of infected individuals are hospitalized, and children have been hospitalized with vitamin A toxicity, reportedly in response to RFK Jr. advocating vitamin treatment for measles, shows the consequences of fringe medical viewpoints on children. As the number of reported cases of measles in the U.S. nears 1000, and cases are now in half the states without a massive outcry and response from federal agencies, one can only ask if childhood deaths from measles will become the new normal.

The recently announced $11 billion in cuts of CDC funding will also impact health departments across the country, affecting not only COVID-19 relief programs but also state pediatric vaccine programs. Plans to reduce the HSS workforce by 10 thousand employees will also affect vaccination programs and infection surveillance. Thus, children in the U.S. will bear the consequences of needless infections, with medical, educational, economic, and lifelong consequences, and the nation may sadly soon learn what natural herd immunity looks like as vaccine-preventable illnesses spread across the country.

Pediatric healthcare is also under attack as never before. Americans may be surprised to learn that 48% of children in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid, which provides healthcare for these children. We now hear cries for hundreds of billions of dollars to be cut from Medicaid, claiming that these cuts will come from curtailing waste, fraud, and abuse. Yet, according to reports, this number is quite low. We also need to recognize the significant shortages in pediatric care providers, which will only worsen as provider payments are cut. What are the proposed alternatives for providing pediatric healthcare when Medicaid is cut?

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Whats more, there is a woeful shortage of pediatric dental care. This situation is even dire for children on Medicaid. And now, the scientifically unsound political campaign against water fluoridation is another example of an anti-pediatric fringe initiative to dismantle a public health success. There is no evidence that properly maintained levels of fluoride in drinking water provide anything but benefits through the reduction of dental cavities. Furthermore, the anti-fluoridation movement has not called for cavity prevention alternatives, such as fluoride supplements or varnishes, which are proposed to promote pediatric dental health or improve access to pediatric dental care.

It is also an uncomfortable reality that millions of children in America do not have enough food and would go to bed hungry if not for federally funded nutrition programs. The SNAP program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides billions of dollars in funding for school lunch programs and serves approximately 30% of school-age children in the US. However, this program is slated for large budget cuts. Additionally, procuring produce from local farmers was a key component to promote nutritious offerings in school lunch programs. However, despite RFK Jr.'s calls to promote healthy eating, the $1 billion local farmer procurement program has been eliminated.

This doesnt even begin to touch the intense effect cuts to reproductive care have on kids. The impact of abortion bans on teenage pregnancy and outcomes is now coming to light. These data show increases in teen pregnancies and an increase in newborn deaths. Yet, we are seeing attempts to restrict sex and birth control education in many states by conservative elements when more education is needed to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Read More: What Trump Has Done on Reproductive Health Care In His First 100 Days

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Much has been highlighted about the mental health problems our children are experiencing. It is too convenient to blame these issues on the unregulated proliferation of social media. There are multiple factors for mental health problems in the U.S., including the stress that society is under due to dizzying politics and culture warsnot to mention environmental degradation.

The past few decades of climate change have had an impact on society. Thus, there has been a rightful concern and regulation of environmental toxins in air, water, and food, as well as the impact of climate change on health. Numerous studies also show that environmental toxins disproportionately hurt children as compared to adults. Incredibly, looking to their future, children in Montana sued the state and won, arguing that the state needed to implement policies to mitigate the impact of climate change. Here, too, we are seeing the evisceration of policies that provide environmental protections for all of us, including children.

At the state level, we also see laws considered that will be detrimental to children. In response to a workforce shortage caused by the loss of immigrant workers, the Florida legislature is proposing legislation that will roll back child labor laws. The proposed bill will allow children as young as 14 years old to work overnight shifts on school days.

The impact of a singular pediatric-related policy change on infection prevention, nutrition, education, healthcare, or the environment would be dramatic. However, the cumulative effect of numerous collective policies that change in multiple ways simultaneously may be devastating.

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In 1963, President Kennedy said, For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.

Amidst the political chaos, which is sadly becoming the new norm, perhaps now is the time to step back and ask when America stopped cherishing its children.

Are we prepared for the answer and consequences?

Contact us at letters@time.com.
NASA's Space Launch System moon rocket, seen on its sole launch, in 2022, is on the budgetary chopping block. Credit - Getty Images

NASA has a funny way of framing bad news. On May 2, the White House released its topline budget numbers for fiscal year 2026 and the space agency was quick to respondwith applause.

President Trumps FY26 Budget Revitalizes Human Space Exploration, read a press release. In an included statement, acting NASA administrator Janet Petro said, This proposal includes investments to simultaneously pursue exploration of the Moon and Mars while still prioritizing critical science and technology research. I appreciate the Presidents continued support for NASAs mission and look forward to working closely with the administration and Congress to ensure we continue making progress toward achieving the impossible.

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The real impossibility, however, might be in figuring out how NASA will achieve much of anything at all with the draconian cuts the president proposed. Petro is right in touting a relatively modest 10% bump in funding for human space exploration, with $7 billion now proposed for missions to the moon and $1 billion for later travel to Mars. But beyond that, things get awfully bleak.

The Mars Sample Return Mission, which is currently underway, with the Perseverance rover collecting and caching soil and rock samples for return by a later robot craft, will be canceled. Twenty-seven sample tubes that have been sealed and left across the Martian surface like Easter eggs for that future rover to gather will be forever untouched. Those samples could have told us about possible conditions for ancient, or even extant, life on the once-watery worldpotential knowledge that will now be lost.

The Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket and the Orion spacecraft, both in development in one form or another since 2006, and both intended for crewed travel to the moon, will be scrapped too.

Also marked for elimination is the Gateway spacecraft, a small space station planned for lunar orbitdespite the first of its modules having already been built. Gateway was intended to provide rapid service to and from the surface of the moon for future visiting astronauts. Space science missions will be slashed by more than 50%, threateningamong other projectsthe Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which, like the Gateway module, is already mostly built. Roman is designed to answer deep and thrilling questions, regarding the habitability of exoplanetsor planets orbiting other starsand the nature of dark energy, which is thought to make up 68% of the universe and holds the key to its accelerating expansion.

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Read more: Inside NASAs Struggle to Launch America Back to the Moon

On top of all this, research into environmentally sustainable aviation technology is one of several climate scam programs, as the White House referred to it in a statement, which is also slated for cancellation. Consistent with new government-wide policies, any NASA DEI programs are also to be eliminated. Overall, NASA faces a 24% budget cut, from $24.8 billion in 2025 to $18.8 billion in 2026its lowest funding level since 2015.

No spin will change the fact that this would end critical missions, dramatically scale back the workforce, and risk our scientific leadership around the globe, said Rep. George Whitesides, a California Democrat and Vice Ranking Member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, on X. It is completely irresponsible, and I will fight it every way I can.

The proposed cuts are drastic, says Stephan McCandliss, research professor with the department of physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. They are devastating and, well, vicious, in terms of [being] unfriendly to science in general.

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The proposed cuts dont just represent opportunity costs, but the loss of sunk costs too. The SLS has already cost nearly $24 billion, with another $20 billion having gone to Orionmoney that will have been spent to no end if the two projects are cancelled. The Roman telescope, currently idling in a clean room at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, cost $4 billion. According to the General Accounting Office, $3.5 billion has been spent on Gateway, with the launch of the first module originally set for 2027.

All of this penury is something of a departure for President Trump, who presided over small but steady budget increases for NASAfrom just over $18 billion to just over $21 billionduring his first term. Space Agency funding rose further, to its near-$25 billion peak, under President Joe Biden, before the ax fell this week. The impending starvation rations, as always, have NASA veterans looking wistfully back at the space agencys golden era, during the space race with the former Soviet Union. Historically, NASAs peak funding year was 1966, when the agency was allotted $5.93 billionor $58.5 billion in 2025 dollars. That represented 4% of the governments overall budget. NASAs slice of the federal pie todaybefore the Trump cuts? Just 0.4%.

Read more: NASAs New, $4 Billion Space Telescope Will Unravel a Great Cosmic Mystery

The generous funding of the 1960s yielded impressive results. The U.S. launched 10 crewed flights in just 20 months during NASAs Gemini program in 1965 and 1966. From 1968 to 1972, eleven Apollo missions were launchednine of them either to lunar orbit or around the far side of the moon, and six of those proceeding down to the lunar surface. That was all while NASA maintained a robust pure science program, launching more than 20 missions to the moon, Mars, and Venus during the 1960s. Its the loss of those uncrewed science flights that worries some space experts the most.

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It's mortgaging the future, says Henry Hertzfeld, research professor at George Washington Universitys Space Policy Institute. It takes time to develop these programs, to build the instruments and, of course, to analyze the results.

I see a role for government in doing the science, says McCandliss. That's what government ought to dothe cutting edge stuff that isn't going to be commercially viable, but will in the long run, bring some surprising results.

The matter of commercial viabilitywith the private sector taking over a growing share of the work now being done by NASAseems to be driving much of the administrations budget proposals. The aging International Space Station (ISS) is set to be de-orbited in 2030 and NASA and the White House are looking for industry to bankroll and launch the next generation outpost. The budget reflects the upcoming transition to a more cost-effective, open commercial approach to human activities in low Earth orbit by  the safe decommissioning of the station and its replacement by commercial space stations, said NASA in its press release. Currently, NASA spends about $3 billion per year to operate the ISS. Privatization would eliminate that outlay.

Similarly, if SLS and Orion stand down, the move would clear the field for SpaceXs massive Starship rocket. SLS and Orion have flown just oncean uncrewed mission, known as Artemis I, in 2022. Current plans call for Artemis II to carry a crew of four on a circumlunar journey late next year, and Artemis III to follow with a crewed lunar landing before the end of the decade. Artemis IV and beyond were intended to help establish a long-term human presence at the south lunar pole, but the new proposed budget cancels those plans.

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Starship could be a worthy successor. The biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, Starship stands 40 stories tall and puts out 16.7 million pounds of thrust at launchnearly twice as much as the SLSs 8.8 million pounds. The single flight SLS has managed in the 20 years its been in development is dwarfed by the eight uncrewed launches Starship has had just since April of 2023. None of those launches has been fully successful, but the business model for SpaceX and its boss, Elon Musk, has always been to fly fast, fail fast, and fly again until you get it right. The unalloyed success of the companys smaller Falcon 9 rocket, which, with 467 successful flights, has become the worlds workhorse booster, stands as proof that that approach to R&D can work.

It's pretty amazing stuff that they've been doing, says McCandliss. When you have a devil-may-care leader who is willing to spend his own personal capital on these sorts of things, it's a different story [from what the government can do]. Musk has not been shy about trying to pursue his dreams, and he has the capital to do that.

If NASA has any hope of escaping the Trump Administrations proposed cuts its in the fact that they are just thatproposed. Presidential budgets are wish lists put forth to Congress, with lawmakers calling the final spending shots, and NASA has seen this movie beforemost recently and dramatically in 2010. Back then, President Barack Obama cancelled the space agencys Constellation programthe precursor of Artemis, which was aiming to have bootprints back on the moon as early as 2015. The move pulled the plug on both Orion and the SLSthe latter of which was then known as Ares V. But legislators from space-friendly states that depend on NASA for thousands of local jobsmost notably Texas, Florida, and Californiarebelled, and funding was restored for both vehicles.

Today, Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democratthe chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology respectivelyare being looked to for leadership to keep the lights on at NASA. Neither lawmaker has made a public statement yet on the proposed cuts and neither responded to a request from TIME for comment. Still, Capitol Hill will get the final word.

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The president proposes and Congress disposes, says McCandliss. I know that there's an awful lot of NASA centers that are in red states.

NASA is accountable to Congress for its funding and Congress is accountable to the voters in those red states and all of the others for their own jobs. Ultimately, Americans will get the space program they demand.

Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com.
In early May 2025, claims (archived) circulated that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration shut down a National Institutes of Health laboratory accused of killing beagles in the name of medical research.

 NEW: The Trump administration's NIH under Jay Bhattacharya has just closed its "brutal" beagle experimentation laboratory - Fox



It was accused of "brutally k*lling thousands of beagles for 40+ years." pic.twitter.com/99dmoZ6FXT  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 5, 2025

One popular X post, viewed more than 76,000 times at the time of this writing, read: "NEW: The Trump administration's NIH under Jay Bhattacharya has just closed its "brutal" beagle experimentation laboratory - Fox It was accused of 'brutally k*lling thousands of beagles for 40+ years.'"

The claim also appeared on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Reddit (archived) and TikTok (archived).

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Trump-appointed NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said during a "Fox and Friends" interview on May 4 that "we got rid of all the beagle experiments on the NIH campus." An NIH spokesperson said, "NIH can confirm that there is no dog research currently being conducted in the NIH Intramural Research Program (that's the research we do in-house)." Animal welfare groups celebrated the announcement, which they said included the NIH's last confirmed dog lab that carried out sepsis testing on beagles at the agency's campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

However, Bhattacharya did not give further details on how or when he shut down beagle experiments at the NIH's campus. Bodies that carry out animal testing rarely publicly advertise this fact, meaning that we also could not independently confirm animal welfare groups' claims that the sepsis testing lab was the last lab at NIH Bethesda carrying out experiments on beagles.

The NIH did not comment on what would happen to the animals currently in its care.

According to the White Coat Waste Project, a self-described bipartisan government watchdog seeking to end animal testing by the U.S. government, Bhattacharya's announcement brought an end to an almost 10-year-long campaign by the group to close what it called "the U.S. government's largest dog lab."

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The watchdog group claimed the lab "killed more than 2,133 beagles in brutal septic shock experiments." Sepsis occurs in humans when the immune system overreacts to an infection. It can cause organ failure and is life-threatening. Sepsis shock is the last stage of sepsis.

The group's investigation included an invoice from the animal breeder Envigo that showed it shipped beagles to the NIH in Bethesda. Envigo pleaded guilty to animal welfare and environmental crimes in 2024 and faced a $35 million fine. The company surrendered more than 4,000 beagles from its facility after federal regulators found it failed to provide adequate care for the animals.

Snopes has not independently verified the claims in the watchdog group's investigation.

Bhattacharya's announcement followed an NIH news release on April 29 in which the agency said it would prioritize "human-based research technologies" going forward and move away from animal testing.

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Bhattacharya said on "Fox and Friends" (at 2:33):

I put out a policy to make sure that when we use  when we have animals in research, that we look at alternatives. You know, it's very easy, for instance, to cure Alzheimer's in mice. But that doesn't  those things don't translate to humans. So we've put forward a policy to replace animals in research with other technological advances  AI and other tools  that translate better to human health. But then I'm getting  we got rid of all the beagle experiments on the NIH campus.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in April 2025 that it would phase out animal testing as well.

Snopes previously reported on whether the Environmental Protection Agency revived a promise from Trump's first term to end animal testing.

Sources:

"Contact Us." National Institutes of Health (NIH), 19 Dec. 2014, https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/contact-us.

McDonald, Allison. "WCW Investigation: NIH's Septic Shock Dog Lab (UPDATED)." White Coat Waste Project, 28 Feb. 2025, https://blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2025/02/28/wcw-investigation-nihs-septic-shock-dog-experiments/.

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"NIH to Prioritize Human-Based Research Technologies." National Institutes of Health (NIH), 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-prioritize-human-based-research-technologies.

Office of the Commissioner. "FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Animal Testing Requirement for Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Drugs." FDA, 10 Apr. 2025, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-plan-phase-out-animal-testing-requirement-monoclonal-antibodies-and-other-drugs.

PETA Staff. PETA Breakthrough! NIH Embraces Modern, Human-Relevant Sepsis Research. 5 May 2025, https://www.peta.org/blog/nih-funds-humane-sepsis-research/.

Roush, Ty. "Animal Breeder Envigo Fined Record-Setting $35 Million Over Mistreating Thousands Of Beagles." Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/06/03/animal-breeder-envigo-fined-record-setting-35-million-over-mistreating-thousands-of-beagles/. Accessed 6 May 2025.

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"Septic Shock: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23255-septic-shock. Accessed 6 May 2025.

"We Got Rid of All the Beagle Experiments on the NIH Campus, Says Dr. Jay Bhattacharya | Fox News Video." Fox News, 5 May 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6372346099112.



Updates:

May 7, 2025: This report was updated to include a statement from the NIH.
By Mike Scarcella

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Along with its constitutional arguments, law firm Perkins Coie wielded another powerful weapon in its legal battle with President Donald Trump: his own commentary spanning eight years.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on Friday struck down Trump's executive order targeting the firm. The judge decided that Trump's directive retaliated against Perkins Coie for its viewpoints and its past cases, violating the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against the government abridging freedom of speech.

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The 102-page decision returned again and again to statements that Trump made outside the actual executive order, from social media posts and comments in the Oval Office to off-the-cuff references to other law firms that made deals with him to avoid being targeted.

Legal experts said Howell's decision showed how Trump's stream of internet posts and unscripted comments have hampered his defense even as three other firms seek to overturn similar presidential orders. Trump has targeted firms that have employed or represented lawyers who have participated in previous state and federal investigations of him or have had clients who are political adversaries or have challenged his policies in court.

"Trump's online comments only make crystal clear what is pretty transparent on the face of the order - namely, that this is retaliation based on viewpoint and in violation of the First Amendment," New York University law professor Peter Shane said.

Beginning in 2017 and continuing through last month, Trump took to social media to lambaste Perkins Coie for allegedly working to steal the 2016 U.S. election for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, whose campaign that year was a client of the firm.

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Howell quoted from many of the 20 Trump statements that the firm included in its lawsuit.

"If I am elected, they will be brought to JUSTICE," Trump posted on social media during his 2024 campaign, referring to Perkins Coie.

After the Republican president returned to office in January and issued the Perkins Coie order on March 6, he came back to the same theme, Howell wrote in her decision.

"What they've done is, it's just terrible. It's weaponization, you could say, weaponization against a political opponent," Trump said at the White House ceremony signing the order targeting Perkins Coie.

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Trump's order suspended security clearances held by Perkins Coie's lawyers, sought to cancel federal contracts held by its clients and restricted its access by its lawyers to government officials.

Howell concluded that the directive violated the firm's constitutional rights not only to free speech but also to due process, which requires the government to use a fair legal procedure.

The White House and Justice Department have defended Trump's orders against Perkins Coie and other firms as lawful exercises of presidential power.

In a statement responding to Howell's ruling, the White House said the decision to grant a lawyer a security clearance "falls well beyond the judiciary's authority."

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A Justice Department representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on a possible appeal. Perkins Coie did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FREEWHEELING STYLE

Howell said she was careful not to tread on Trump's own free speech rights and did not intend to restrict his criticism of Perkins Coie or other firms. Trump's views are not the problem, Howell said, but rather what his administration seeks to do to the firm "based on that thinking."

Trump's social media habits and freewheeling style have posed challenges in court for him before.

In his first term, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed whether his inflammatory comments about Muslim immigrants during the 2016 presidential campaign showed his order restricting immigration from certain Muslim-majority countries was driven by animus rather than sound policy considerations. The court ultimately upheld Trump's immigration order in 2018.

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More recently, Washington-based U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in another case questioned the administration's refusal to provide details about deportation flights for alleged Venezuelan gang members, noting Trump himself posted a video on Truth Social that "portrayed a host of operational details."

Howell said Trump's comments about Perkins Coie and lawyers formerly associated with the firm provided "probative context" that helped show his order's retaliatory intent. The judge also pointed to statements Trump made about other firms that reached deals with him to avoid being targeted by the White House, finding that they bolstered Perkins Coie's retaliation claims.

Nine prominent firms - including Paul Weiss, Skadden Arps, Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis - have pledged nearly $1 billion in free legal services to the White House and made other concessions.

Howell said the deals and the ways Trump described them showed "the coercive power of such targeting" by his administration. The judge quoted Trump boasting that he had obtained "damages" from the firms, and cited similar comments by senior presidential aide Stephen Miller.

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"They've given me a lot of money considering they've done nothing wrong," Trump said in an April 8 speech. "And we'll use some of those people, some of those great firms, and they are great firms too - they just had a bad moment."

While some critics have accused the firms of capitulating to Trump, they have defended their deals, saying they did not compromise their principles.

Yale Law School professor Harold Koh called Howell's decision "a sweeping rejection" of the administration's arguments, and said judges in the other cases involving law firms probably would rule similarly.

Trump's statements may provide fodder for the judges who are expected to rule in the coming weeks on his executive order targeting the other firms, according to Shane.

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"I would expect the president's comments to similarly subvert other attempts by government lawyers to defend his overreach as somehow normal and neutrally justified," Shane said.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario, Amy Stevens and Will Dunham)
President Trump remains deeply unpopular in California after his first 100 days in office, with conservatives and liberals alike expressing concern that U.S. courts can effectively serve as a check on his power, according to a new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll co-sponsored by The Times.

Overall, the poll, conducted during the last week of April, found that 68% of registered voters in California disapprove of the presidents job performance and believe the country is on the wrong track.

Republicans in California, who make up roughly a quarter of registered voters, continue to support the presidents policies. But 65% of registered voters across the state believe that Trump's actions have "gone beyond his constitutional authority as president," including 24% of Republicans and 63% of independents, the poll found.

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Looking forward, voters said they lack confidence that the U.S. judicial system can serve as a check against Trump "should he overstep his constitutional authorities," with only 13% of total registered voters expressing strong confidence in the powers of the courts.

Read more: How Trump cuts will hit your post office, mail deliveries

Only 51% of voters who identified as strong conservatives, and 53% of registered Republicans, said they have any confidence in the judiciary's ability to check an overstepping president. And among the Republicans, just 27% said they are very confident.

Since Trump took office, officials in his administration have launched a series of attacks on district court judges who have ruled against them, and have slow-walked, if not explicitly defied, several court rulings, including one order from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the mistaken deportation of a Maryland man to a prison in El Salvador.

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The poll found that up to this point, 27% of voters believe Trump has operated within his constitutional authorities, while 65% do not.

Thats an interesting set of numbers, because you would think that the public would be standing behind the judicial system, said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley IGS Poll. Trump is really pushing the limits and testing the system.

Trump support is consistently low

Among all registered voters, 61% said they believe that Trumps second term will be worse than his first. Only 33% said the changes Trump is making to the federal government will have a positive impact on California.

The numbers, historically, kind of speak for themselves  theyre extremely low, greater than 2 to 1, disapproving of Trump in those first hundred days, DiCamillo said.

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Those numbers are consistent across demographics, with 68% of white voters, 64% of Latino voters, 79% of Black voters and 71% of Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in the state disapproving of the president's job performance.

Trump faced similarly low approval numbers among California voters throughout his first term, reaching a nadir during the summer of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when 71% of the state's registered voters disapproved of his job performance. At the time, only 29% approved of the president's record.

Read more: Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies made overseas, surprising studios

Few are missing Biden

Despite historic disapproval of Trump throughout the state, Californians are still looking back on President Biden's term with mixed emotions, the poll found.

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Asked to reflect on Biden's legacy, 31% of registered voters said that he would be remembered as an average president. Only 23% said his performance was above average, or among the best of any president, while 43% said it was below average, if not one of the worst.

It is a stark report card from one of the most heavily Democratic states in the nation, where 63.5% of voters cast ballots for Biden in 2020. In the 2024 election, after Biden dropped out of the race, 58.5% in the state cast votes for his vice president and a native Californian, Kamala Harris.

"The Biden numbers are more negative than positive," DiCamillo said. "Even when you look at the Democrats, they're not overwhelmingly of the view that he's done an above-average job."

"It's a very mediocre set of numbers," he added. "It's not a ringing endorsement as they look back on the Biden years."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
On Monday, President Donald Trump met with Russian-American Ksenia Karelina, a former ballerina who was arrested during a family trip to Russia last year for donating roughly $52 to support Ukrainian aid in 2022. She was later sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony for high treason.

Of course, Karelinas return to the U.S. is itself major news. Last month, after UFC CEO Dana White discussed Karelinas plight with Trump, the Trump administration negotiated a prisoner swap in which Karelina was released in exchange for Arthur Petrov, a German-Russian national indicted last year for allegedly exporting sensitive U.S.-sourced microelectronics. The release of the young ballerina was apparently important enough for Trump to involve the CIA  and ultimately resulted in the release of an alleged material supporter of the Russian military.

President @realDonaldTrump meets with Ksenia Karelina, American ballerina freed from Russian prison  pic.twitter.com/SQajPB2Far  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 5, 2025

That Karelina is no criminal and deserves to be back in Los Angeles, where she works as an aesthetician, is without question. But her much-heralded meeting with Trump makes me wonder why the administration isnt equally worked up about the liberty of another woman of Russian descent  one with a strikingly similar name.

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Kseniia Petrova, a Russian Harvard University scientist, has been stuck in a Louisiana immigration jail for more than two months now. And like Karelina, she is young (both women are in their early 30s) and has reportedly opposed Russias invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, both women fell afoul of Russian authorities within days of each other: Karelina made her donation on Feb. 24, 2022, the day Russia began its full-scale invasion; Petrova called for Russian President Vladimir Putins impeachment on her Facebook page on Feb. 27 and was arrested before she managed to escape to the country of Georgia and then the United States.

Most importantly, neither has committed any crime under U.S. law. Yet while Trump has embraced Karelina, his administration has punished Petrova, a Russian national employed at Harvard on a J-1 visa.

On Feb. 16, Petrova was detained upon returning to Boston from Paris and was later transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Vermont and then Louisiana. Her alleged offense? Failing to disclose on a customs form that she was carrying samples of frog embryos she had carried from France at the request of her boss at Harvard and purportedly lying about them, reported The New York Times. Petrova, in a statement provided by her legal team, denied providing any false information and took responsibility for not reviewing the requirements for customs paperwork.

Kseniia Petrova (left) has been in ICE custody since February. Ksenia Karelina (right) was released from a Russian prison last month.

To the extent that the embryos were required to be disclosed  something her legal team has challenged  such a lack of disclosure is usually remedied by a $500 fine. Instead, the Trump administration has put her into deportation proceedings; Petrova, for her part, immediately claimed asylum, noting that if deported to Russia, she would face retribution for her political views.

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Since then, Petrovas immigration case has been moving slowly with no resolution expected until 2026, according to her lead lawyer, Gregory Romanovsky. In the meantime, however, she has filed a federal lawsuit in Vermont seeking her immediate release and what Romanovsky describes as a critical hearing next week.

And her lawyers believe they have powerful evidence and arguments for her release, including:

a declaration from the head of her lab at Harvard, a scientist in his 80s, who attests that it would not have occurred to him to declare the embryos;

an expert declaration from a former Customs and Border Patrol official confirming that, under applicable regulations, frog embryos would not count at biological material that would need to be disclosed; and

existing immigration law and regulations, which establish that customs disclosure failures  even if willful, which they maintain Petrovas was not  are not a sufficient basis on which to revoke a visa.

Still, that begs the question of why Petrova was really detained, especially since a loss in federal court would mean many more months in immigration jail. Romanovsky believes the Trump administration is using immigration as a means to punish any alleged or perceived wrongdoing, however minor, because they can, and said that despite public perception that the U.S. has lax immigration laws, in actuality, the Immigration and Nationality Act and related laws are very harsh.

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The goal, he alleged, is to discourage people from coming to this country and to prompt them to leave on their own.

The fact that the Trump administration cant appreciate the similarities between Petrova and Karelina underscores what were seeing across the country: a chaotic and seemingly careless approach to immigration that only weakens our nation.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Turkeys intelligence service thwarted a remote attack using pagers last year in Lebanon, days after similar attacks by Israel killed dozens and wounded thousands, including members of Lebanons Hezbollah group, a Turkish daily and officials said Tuesday.

Daily Sabah reported that 1,300 pagers and 710 chargers rigged with explosives were confiscated inside a cargo shipment at Istanbul Airport that was on its way to Beirut from Hong Kong.

A Turkish security official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, confirmed the report but would not provide further details.

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In Beirut, Hezbollahs chief spokesman Youssef el-Zein told The Associated Press Tuesday that days after the Sept. 17 pagers attack in Lebanon and Syria, Hezbollah informed Turkish intelligence that a shipment of pagers was in Turkey and about to be sent to Lebanon.

El-Zein said Turkish authorities confiscated the pagers and most likely destroyed them. He had no further details.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Israel triggered the Sept. 17 attack when pagers all over Lebanon started beeping. The devices exploded even if a person carrying one failed to push buttons to read an incoming encrypted message.

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The next day, Israel activated walkie-talkies, some of which exploded at funerals for some of the people who were killed in the pager attacks.

The attacks marked a major escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah war that started after Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, triggering the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Although the Lebanon attack struck many Hezbollah members, civilians were also killed or wounded. At least 37 people were killed, including two children, and some 3,000 were wounded in the two-day explosions.

Daily Sabah said that acting on a tip that a shipment of pager devices would be in Istanbul to be delivered to Lebanon two days after the attacks, Turkish intelligence agents launched an operation.

The newspaper said that authorities discovered a shipment that arrived in Istanbul from Hong Kong one day before the Lebanon explosions. The cargo had 61 boxes and was scheduled to depart from Istanbul to Beirut on Sept. 27 through Istanbul Airport. The cargo was described as a shipment of food choppers, Daily Sabah said. Inside, authorities found 1,300 Gold Apollo brand pagers and 710 desktop chargers.

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After the pagers attack, Israel expanded the war against Hezbollah with strikes that killed nearly 500 people on Sept. 23, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. On Sept. 27, Israeli airstrikes on a southern suburb of Beirut killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader and one of its founding members, in the biggest blow for the Iran-backed group.

The war ended on Nov. 27, when a U.S.-brokered ceasefire went into effect.

____

Mroue reported from Beirut.
By Birsen Altayli and Jonathan Spicer

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Popular support for Ekrem Imamoglu, the Istanbul mayor whose arrest sparked Turkey's largest protests in a decade, has risen further above President Tayyip Erdogan since he was detained and jailed in March, opinion polls show.

Two surveys released in recent days suggest that Imamoglu's detention on March 19 has also reinforced views that he is Erdogan's main rival in any future presidential vote, even as he sits behind bars.

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The mayor was jailed on March 23 pending a hearing on corruption charges that he denies - a move that the opposition and some European leaders called politicised and anti-democratic, and which accelerated nationwide rallies.

Erdogan's government rejects the criticism and says the judiciary is independent.

It is unclear when Imamoglu, a two-term mayor, will have his day in court and whether he will be released. Investigations continue after he and more than 100 other officials from Turkey's largest city were detained on various charges.

Surveys conducted in April by Metropoll and Konda, two top pollsters, show Imamoglu topping Erdogan by a comfortable margin in a hypothetical head-to-head election - though a vote is not due until 2028.

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They also show that, since the mayor's arrest nearly two months ago, Turkish voters have grown more deeply polarised between Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) and Imamoglu's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

"If the election were held today, and Imamoglu and Erdogan went to the second round vote, Imamoglu would lead by seven (percentage) points," said Ozer Sencar, head of research at Metropoll, which put the mayor's support at 46.7% and the president's at 39.3%.

Metropoll found that both the CHP and the AKP had received a roughly five percentage point boost in support since March, to 34% and 33% respectively, due largely to previously undecided voters picking sides.

Last elected in 2023, Erdogan cannot run again under the law unless an early election is called and is backed by three-fifths of parliament, for which he would need support beyond his ruling conservative coalition.

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A CHP public petition calling for Imamoglu's freedom and early elections has surpassed 13 million signatures, according to Milliyet newspaper. The party did not respond when asked for the latest data.

'TWO-HORSE RACE'

Erdogan, who has run Turkey for 22 years, has said that corruption appears deeply entrenched in Imamoglu's former city administration and that the probe will be comprehensive, comments the CHP has slammed as another breach of judicial independence.

The Konda poll showed Imamoglu's support rising well past 40% in April, up from the previous month and sitting comfortably above Erdogan's in a hypothetical head-to-head vote, according to Aydin Erdem, the Istanbul firm's general manager.

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Erdogan leads when poll respondents were asked to select from a broader list of nine potential candidates, Konda found.

But the number of undecided voters dropped sharply in April from March, with most backing one of the two men, suggesting the mayor's jailing reinforced a "growing polarization" in politics and the potential future "two horse-race", Erdem said.

The Konda and Metropoll results were largely unpublished beyond clients. Some past survey results have shown Imamoglu's support at similarly elevated levels, including ahead of his decisive municipal election victory last year.

A day before Imamoglu was detained, authorities revoked his university degree, which is required by law for any presidential run. On the day he was jailed, the CHP elected him its official presidential candidate in a previously-scheduled party vote.

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The head of another pollster, Mehmet Ali Kulat of MAK, said the future success of Imamoglu and his CHP will hinge largely on whether other opposition parties, particularly the pro-Kurdish DEM Party that backed CHP in the past, lend their support.

DEM is in talks with the government to press for a peace deal with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has said it would dissolve after a call in February by its jailed leader to do so after a decades-long war with the Turkish state.

(Reporting by Birsen Altayli and Jonathan Spicer; Editing by Daren Butler and Gareth Jones)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A police pursuit early Tuesday morning ended in a crash involving a stolen vehicle near the 12-points area.

According to Lt. Justin Sears with the Terre Haute Police Department, officers attempted to pull over a car for multiple violations, the vehicle fled the scene, striking another vehicle, causing no injuries, before continuing eastbound on Maple Ave at a high rate of speed.

The suspect vehicle then left the roadway near North 26th St and came to a stop after crashing into a tree near North 28th Street. Both the driver and passenger were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

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After contacting the owner of the vehicle, investigators confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen.

Maple Avenue between North 26th and North 28th Streets is temporarily closed as Indiana State Police reconstruct the crash. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area at this time.

This is a developing story. WTWO will provide updates 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 MyWabashValley.com.
We recently published a list of 10 AI Stocks in the News Today. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) stands against other AI stocks in the news today.

The Trump administration may soon abandon the tiered approach to accessing advanced AI chips and replace it with a global licensing regime with government-to-government agreements. Developing such a structure would likely conform to President Donald Trumps broader trade strategy of making deals with individual countries. The US would then have an easier time leveraging the American-designed chips in negotiations.

There are some voices pushing for elimination of the tiers. I think its still a work in progress.  -Wilbur Ross, who served as Commerce secretary during the first Trump administration.

Changes to the Biden-era rule will potentially limit global access to AI chips and the tiers that previously helped determine how many advanced semiconductors a country could obtain.

READ NEXT: 12 AI Stocks Making Waves Today and 10 AI Stocks in the Spotlight This Week

Provided that the plans to change these rules follow through, these US chips would have the power to steer trade talks. The rule, known as the Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion, was issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in January. Companies must conform to its restrictions starting on May 15.

Other possible changes being considered in the Trump administration include a lower threshold for an exception to licensing. Currently, orders under the equivalent of about 1,700 of Nvidias H100 chips do not count toward country caps. Rather, the government needs to be notified of the order with no licence necessary.

The administration is considering making the cutoff orders under the equivalent of 500 H100 chips. All of these possible changes by the Trump administration aim to make the rules stronger yet simpler. However, a few experts are of the belief that removing the tiers would make the rule even more complicated.

Many companies and the industry as a whole dont approve of the rule in the first place, stating that limiting access to chips would provoke countries to buy from China instead. Seven Republican senators even sent a letter to Lutnick, the United States Secretary of Commerce, in mid-April to have the rule withdrawn. The letter stated that the restrictions would incentivize buyers, especially in Tier 2 countries, to turn to Chinas unregulated cheap substitutes.

For this article, we selected AI stocks by going through news articles, stock analysis, and press releases. These stocks are also popular among hedge funds. The hedge fund data is as of Q4 2024.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An apartment fire jolted neighbors awake on a Monday morning. The fire had kids in the community worried for their friends as they woke up to the loud fire alarms.

I didnt know if the fire would spread, would like touch the grass and spread to the other apartments. I was scared, said Titan Sharp, who lives nearby.

Oklahoma City fire crews rushed to the Wilshire Lofts apartment complex on Lyrewood Lane shortly after 7 a.m.

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My alarm didnt wake me up, the sirens woke me upI woke up and I was like what happened, said Serenity Sharp, who lives nearby.

LOCAL NEWS: Fire crews respond to house fire in Moore

NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR. NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR. NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR.

Kids in the neighborhood were hoping their friends who live near the flames were safe.

I asked my mom if I could go over there and I ran over here. I looked and I saw Amaya and Jamaya crying, said Serenity.

I ran over here too, and my friend, she was outside, and she said she might have to move somewhere else, said Howard Daniels, who also lives nearby.

Eight apartments were evacuated. Two of them were destroyed.

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Started in the downstairs unit. It did break out the window and vented up to the upstairs units, said John Chenoweth, the assistant PIO at OKC Fire.

There were no injuries and everyone made it out safely.

Make sure your smoke alarms are active. Make sure if you do see or hear a fire to exit as quickly as possible, said Chenoweth.

Right now its still unclear how this fire started, but crews 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Testimony resumed on the eighth day of the Tyre Nichols state criminal trial on May 6.

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.

Closing arguments are expected to wrap up today and the jury would then start deliberating.

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The Commercial Appeal has reporters in the courtroom and is delivering live updates to this story throughout the day. Follow along here as news starts to come from the trial.

The most recent updates are at the top of this file.

Jury deliberations begin just before 1 p.m.

Judge James Jones, Jr. excused the jury at 12:20 p.m., after the prosecution finished its rebuttal. They would not, however, be out of the courtroom for long. A brief recess was called, which ended at 12:33 p.m.

After the jury was seated, Jones told them all of the closing remarks had been heard. Jones issued a few more instructions to the jury before removing the alternates. This 15-person jury dwindled to a 14-person jury at some point during the week. Instead of having three people removed, the random drawing saw two removed.

Prosecuting and defense attorneys approach in a huddle to speak with Judge James Jones Jr. during the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The final jury was made up of eight women and four men. Each juror appeared to be white as they left the courtroom ahead of deliberations.

Prosecutor says officers wanted to 'punish' Nichols before handcuffing him

Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Johnson was the one to give the prosecutions rebuttal. She began by listing the force used on Nichols.

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This was not about getting Nichols in handcuffs. This was about punishing Tyre Nichols for making them run You can see at Castlegate that Tyre Nichols was fighting for his life, Johnson said.

She added that each of the officers could have stopped it, and that they had a duty to stop it, but they did not. She also called the defenses arguments smoke and mirrors.

Johnson refuted the allegation that Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation look into Nichols death because it would make a good news story.

Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Johnson delivers the states rebuttal to the three closing arguments from the defense during the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

They wanted TBI to hand over that evidence  mushrooms and credit cards  mushrooms and cards that warranted killing Nichols, Johnson said. Mushrooms that werent even in Tyre Nichols system.

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Johnson also said this case is not an indictment against all police officers, adding that just because its a dangerous job does not mean youre immune from criminal decisions. She said Nichols reaction to the so-called verbal judo  running from the scene  was a reasonable one.

She also said Nichols could have been cuffed at the first scene.

You heard them say that once the handcuffs go on, the fight is over. What if they dont want to handcuff him so they can punish him? Johnson said, saying that the attempts to handcuff Nichols were a show for the body cameras.

Then Johnson dug into what each defendant said at the scene. She began with Haleys beat that mans a** comment, but said the difference between that one and the threats to break your s*** at the first scene is that the officers did end up beating Nichols.

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She also pointed to Beans comments about Nichols eating them in reference to Martins punches after the beating. She played that footage for the jury again after reminding them of that.

Defense attorney Stephen Leffler delivers the closing remarks for his client former Memphis Police Department officer Demetrius Haley during the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

When it came to Smith, Johnson said that he had a whole lot to say that night.

He could hear, he could see what was happening, Johnson said of Smith, pointing to the words hit him, hit him on a PowerPoint behind her.

Those words were what Smith said to Desmond Mills, Jr. when he was about to hit Nichols with a baton.

Martin Zummach, Smiths attorney, seemed to object to this and the attorneys discussed something at the judges bench. After the conversation, Johnson went right back to describing the moment Smith told Mills to hit Nichols.

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"They were hearing those hits, they were seeing those hits," Johnson said. "They weren't affected by pepper spray."

Johnson went on to quote Smith as saying, We took turns giving him pieces, to note that he was aware of the force being used on Nichols. She also said Smith was the first officer to punch Nichols in what she described as a baby haymaker.

After that, you see all the big haymakers by Emmitt Martin, Johnson said.

Defense attorney Martin Zummach holds up a photo of his client, former Memphis Police Department officer Justin Smith Jr. in his police uniform, as he delivers his closing argument during the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Other footage also showed Smith saying he saw Martin hitting Nichols, Johnson said. She also referenced Smiths squeaky voice, something Zummach and Mills have said was distinctly Smiths voice.

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Audio of Mills saying, I thought we about to kill this man, was also played. Johnson emphasized the we in Mills sentence.

It doesnt take monsters to kill a man. All it takes is two soccer ball kicks to the head, three baton strikes, five punches to the head and then two more kicks to the head, and not one person saying stop, Johnson said. When the smoke clears and the mirrors break, the law remains.

Johnson assured the jury, at the end of her rebuttal, that they can rest easy convicting the three former officers.

Smith's attorney says convicting Smith has a negative impact on crime, policing ecosystem

Zummach, representing Smith, was the last defense attorney to give his closing argument. He led off showing a photo of Smith the day he graduated from the academy.

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This is Justin Smith on the best day of his life, as a freshly minted Memphis police officer, Zummach said.

His statement quickly moved into questioning the ecosystem of policing. He also pointed the finger at Nichols for running and Emmitt Martin III for punching Nichols in the face.

Martin Zummach, defense attorney for former Memphis Police Department officer Justin Smith Jr., holds up a pair of handcuffs as he makes his opening statement during the first day of the state criminal trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, April 28, 2025.

He also tried to tie a potential conviction of Smith  who he described as a good officer  to worsening crime. Zummach noted that surrounding jurisdictions allow their law enforcement to chase suspected criminals.

Zummach then rebuffed the idea that Smith and Bean were angry. He also took issue with prosecutors insinuating that Smith did not get pepper-sprayed by Desmond Mills, Jr., when Mills and Martin did.

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Justin didnt know about the kicks, he said, and emphasized the fact that Nichols could have been armed.

Smith also was not a good person who did a bad thing, but a good person who did a good thing, Zummach said. He also pointed to Smith chasing after a man who somehow got 750 pounds of men off his back.

This is not some guy worried about getting home for some sesame chicken, Zummach said about Nichols.

Zummach also returned to the ID and credit cards that were found in Nichols car. He said the cards were given back to Nichols family at the direction of the DAs office. He then pointed to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, who was sitting behind the prosecution team, and said it was Mulroys direction.

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There goes the narrative down the drain, Zummach said of what would happen if the cards were returned to their owners.

Former Memphis Police Department officers Justin Smith Jr. and Tadarrius Bean listen as they speak with their respective defense attorneys, Martin Zummach and John Keith Perry, prior to the start of the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

He also tried to tie Memphis near record-high violent crime rate, the record-high murder rate and Memphis Mayor Paul Youngs meeting with gang leaders into how the disbanding of the SCORPION Unit and trial for these former officers has impacted Memphis.

That insinuation saw Assistant District Attorney Melanie Headley ask to approach the bench, where attorneys had a sidebar conversation with Judge James Jones, Jr.. After that conversation, Zummach returned to characterizing Memphis as suffering from dangerously high crime rates.

Of course theyre not monsters, theyre doing a job that none of us have the guts to do. All Tyre Nichols had to do was say, Alright, Zummach said and put his hands behind his back. He might go to jail for a bit for what they found in his car.

Zummach went on to say the only thing Smith was guilty of was being naive.

Hes dealing with the worst people in Memphis and he treated the suspect with respect, Zummach said before saying he was going to beg that the jury stop the misery Justin Smith has been going through.

He also said the prosecution is hoping that the lesser included offenses will cause the jury to compromise on a lesser charge. Headley, as Zummach was alleging this is all a game for prosecutors, stood up and asked the judge to tell the jury that the lesser included offenses are the law in Tennessee.

Jones said he would remind the jury after Zummach finished his closing arguments.

Zummach also framed Nichols behavior the night he was beaten as fearing police finding what was in his car, not that he was in fear for his life because of the police.

Former Memphis Police Department officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith Jr. look on prior to the start of the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Justin Smiths reputation was that of compassion and care for others, Zummach said before talking again about the difficulty of being a Memphis police officer.

Turning his attention to the jury instructions, Zummach listed each page number where the list of offenses to convict or not convict Smith were located. For each charge, Zummach said, Please check not guilty.

I dont think youll find that Justin Smith had a bone in his body to intentionally wound Tyre Nichols, Zummach said, asking the jury if Smith was the type of person to hurt a suspect, ignore a suspect, allow a suspect to be hurt or to allow an officer to hurt a suspect.

Zummach also said that the audio from that night shows Smith was trying to get more people to the scene, that he was desperate for medical to get to Nichols.

In his final appeal to the jury, Zummach said a conviction will not heal the wounds from Nichols death.

Tyre Nichols is gone, convicting that man of a felony wont bring him back, Zummach said.

Jones, after Zummach sat down, explained that he was the one who decided what lesser-included charges were given to jurors. This came after Headleys objection during Zummachs closing.

Haley's attorney says Nichols 'didn't fit the profile' of a SCORPION Unit offender

The jury was brought in just after 9 a.m. With two more closing arguments and a rebuttal from prosecutors, the jury is likely going to start deliberating by midday.

After John Keith Perry gave an emotional plea to the jury on May 5, at points yelling and pounding displays, Stephen Leffler, representing Haley, was the first to give closing arguments May 6.

I guess we started off hot and are finishing cold, so if you average it out, weve been pretty comfortable, Leffler said of the courtroom temperature. The jury, some of whom have blankets again, chuckled. I promise not to use logic like that in my closing.

In their opening statement, Haleys defense attorneys said this case was about choices. Leffler, in his closing, said nothing had changed and pointed to the Memphis police use of force continuum. The continuum shows the levels of force that can be used, and the order that it escalates in.

Stephen Leffler, a defense attorney for former Memphis Police Department officer Demetrius Haley, listens as Haley whispers in his ear during the fifth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Friday, May 2, 2025.

When they are taught these concepts, they are not taught to follow these in lock-step. You follow these in the context of the situation, Leffler said. You could jump right to deadly force if needed.

Lefflers focus then shifted to talking about how dangerous the job of a SCORPION Unit officer was. He goes on to say that Nichols didnt fit that profile of someone the SCORPION Unit was interested in because he did not have a warrant for his arrest, nor was he in a stolen car.

Its tragic because if Mr. Nichols had pulled over and submitted to the blue lights, this may never have happened, Leffler said. "The encounter would have ended. He would have left. You wouldnt be here.

He added that Nichols, whether he knew it or not, was exhibiting suspicious behavior for the type of felony suspects the SCORPION Unit was interested in. Leffler then started to slowly play footage from the first traffic stop.

As the video went on, Leffler pointed out every instance of potential resistance from Nichols. That resistance, Leffler alleged, started as Haley tried to pull Nichols from the car.

Despite he was saying, OK, with his voice, he was not saying, OK, with his body. He was resisting, Leffler said.

Former officer Preston Hemphills body camera played, showing Haley at the first traffic stop. Every few seconds, Michael Stengel  Haleys other attorney  paused the video. Leffler read a time stamp and described the force being used on Nichols without Haley present at the second scene.

Leffler reado ff the punches, the kicks, the baton strikes that Nichols received, all before Haleys arrival.

Defense attorney Stephen Leffler puts his hand into a fist when discussing a punch while he delivers the closing remarks for his client former Memphis Police Department officer Demetrius Haley during the eighth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Leffler, again, discussed Haleys kick as calculated to release his arm from underneath him. He also attributed the beat that mans a** comment Haley made to verbal judo. He said the comment requires the extra context of Haley telling Nichols at the first scene that he would break your s***. That, according to Leffler, proves that all threats are made to convince Nichols to stop resisting.

In additional footage from the scene, Leffler slowly played Haleys kick. He said the kick was thought out and not brutal. He then showed Emmitt Martin IIIs kick and said, Watch this if you want to see brutal.

The context for all of these offenses, according to the state, is that officer Haley is being held responsible for the acts of others. In order to do that there has to be some involvement of officer Haley in the process as to where this offense was going, Leffler said.

He added that Haley was not doing anything other than standard police work, like trying to handcuff a suspect. According to Leffler, Haley believed he was working within the bounds of the MPD use of force continuum and not with the intention of killing Nichols.

There was no point in which officer Haley delivered any blunt force trauma to the head, Leffler said, citing the forensic pathologist expert he called, saying only direct trauma to the head caused Nichols death.

Leffler then went through each charge, and many of the lesser counts, and rebuked them as unproven by the prosecution.

When you go back to deliberate, find him not guilty on all of these charges, Leffler said before ending his statement.

What happened on the seventh day of trial?

The seventh day of trial saw the jury get their instructions on how they should deliberate, as well as the start of closing arguments in the case. The prosecution and defense counsel for one of the three accused officers delivered closing statements on May 5.

You can find full updates from the seventh day of trial in this story.

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.

Don Cameron, a use of force expert, watches the body camera footage of former Memphis Police Department officer Preston Hemphill as attorneys for both sides and the defendants look on during the sixth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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, RowVaughn Wells, was the first witness called to the stand.

You can find the full updates from the first day of the trial in this story.

RowVaughn Wells, the mother of Tyre Nichols, looks away as her son is visible in body camera footage being show in court during the fourth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

What happened to Tyre Nichols?

Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police officers in the evening hours of Jan. 7, 2023. The officers pulled him from his car and attempted to arrest him before he was able to escape.

Other officers found him and tackled him. While holding his arms, police punched, kicked, pepper-sprayed and hit Nichols with a baton. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition and died three days later.

Each of the officers charged in the case  Bean, Haley, Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr.  have already either been convicted or pleaded guilty in the federal criminal case.

Haley was convicted on all counts  using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent to Nichols' medical needs, witness tampering and conspiracy to witness tamper. Martin and Mills each pleaded guilty to using excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper ahead of the federal trial.

Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering, but were acquitted of the other three charges.

Sentencing for all five officers has been postponed until after the state criminal trial is completed.

Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tyre Nichols trial live blog: Jury deliberations underway
May 5WILKES-BARRE  Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said AAA is reminding Pennsylvanians that federal enforcement of REAL ID begins this week, requiring domestic air travelers to have a REAL ID or another form of federally acceptable identification.

Beginning Wednesday,

May 7,

all U.S. residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card or another form of federally accepted identification  such as a valid passport or military ID  to board domestic commercial flights.

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Last week, Mark C. Bailer, director of public safety at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, advised the Bi-County Airport Board to inform their constituents to be ready for the mandatory start of REAL ID.

"Customers without REAL ID will still be able to fly, but the process will be twice as long to get through security," Bailer said.

With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation secretary, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the American Automobile Association, recently encouraged Pennsylvanians to be prepared.

"Travelers should check their forms of identification to be sure it's acceptable when going through TSA security checkpoints," Tidwell said. "If air travel is in your future, especially this summer, obtaining a REAL ID ahead of time will ensure you don't experience any travel delays or postponements. A REAL ID or valid passport, will be required for all domestic flights beginning on May 7."

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What is REAL ID?

REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards used for specific federal purposes:

Boarding a domestic commercial flight.

Entering a secure federal building.

Accessing military installations.

REAL ID-compliant cards:

Feature a gold star.

Produced using the same security features as standard-issued products.

After March 2019, standard-issue, non-REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards will also look different. Per federal REAL ID regulations, non-REAL IDs must be clearly labeled with the words "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES."

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It is NOT necessary to have a REAL ID to:

Drive

Vote

Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you are entitled (Veterans' Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)

Visit the post office

Access hospitals

Access federal courts, testify in federal court, etc.

What is the process to apply for a REAL ID?

The first step in the process to receiving a REAL ID is verification. Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center or REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged.

Applicants need to bring the following documents:

An original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal OR a valid U.S. passport

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Social security card (can be laminated or unlaminated) in current legal name

Proof of legal name changes such as a certified marriage certificate or court order

Two proofs of address such as a current driver's license or ID card, a bank statement or utility bill less than 90 days old.

For info on required documents, visit PennDOT.gov/REALID.

Receiving your REAL ID

When you visit a PennDOT Driver License Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days.

When visiting a REAL ID Center to have your documents verified and imaged, you will receive your REAL ID at the time of service.

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If you have already had your documents verified and imaged, you can apply for a REAL ID online. Your REAL ID product will be mailed within 15 business days.

The REAL ID card costs $30 (one-time fee), plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID).

The time for the new card will be added to any time left on the existing card (driver's license or non-driver ID) so applicants won't lose time they previously purchased.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
A U.S. Army soldier was found dead on a riverbank several miles from an airbase in Honduras this weekend, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The body of 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano, 25, was found off base in Comayagua, a city in the west-central part of the country, the U.S. Army said. At 2:00 p.m. local time on May 3, a person reported finding a body on the banks of the Chiquito River, according to a newsletter from the Honduran National Police. Police immediately went to the scene, police said, and launched an investigation. During a search of the area, police found a damaged cell phone that allegedly belonged to Parisano, according to police.

Comayagua is about five miles from Soto Cano Air Base, where Parisano was stationed. Parisano was there on leave, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

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The Honduran National Police said that the agency had already identified suspects in the case, and ruled out robbery as a potential motive.

The investigation into Parisano's death is being led by the Honduran National Police, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Honduras and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Department, the Army and Honduran National Police both said.

1st Lt. Marciano Parisano. / Credit: U.S. Army

Parisano was a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot with the 1st Battalion, 228 Aviation Regiment, the Army said. He graduated from West Point in 2023, then attended aviation training school at Alabama's Fort Novosel. He earned the rank of 1st Lt. on Nov. 27, 2024. Soto Cano Air Base was his first duty station.

During his military career, Parisano was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge [gold], Air Assault Badge, and Army Aviation "wings," the Army said.

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"Our deepest sympathies are with the Parisano family and our Soto Cano family while we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano," said U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, in a statement.

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Trump says U.S. will stop bombing Houthis in Yemen after agreement
A declassified memo drafted by U.S. intelligence agencies contradicts President Donald Trump's claims that Venezuela's government controls the Tren de Aragua gang, an argument he has used to deport immigrants to an El Salvador prison.

The National Intelligence Council memo states that the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro allows criminal gangs to operate in its territory but that it is not orchestrating Tren de Araguas operations in the United States.

While Venezuelas permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States, according to the April 7 memo.

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The National Intelligence Director's Office released the memo in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation provided a copy to NBC News. Titled "Venezuela: Examining regime ties to Tren de Aragua," the declassified version of the five-page memo included some blacked out-words and passages.

The New York Times first reported on the memo Monday.

Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act after declaring Tren de Aragua an invading force. The law had only been used in wartime.

He and administration officials have said that the Tren de Aragua gang is operating under the guidance and direction of the Venezuelan regime.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (Cristian Hernandez / AP file)

TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela, Trump wrote in his proclamation invoking the act.

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The law has been used to summarily deport Venezuelans and other immigrants to a prison in El Salvador. The prison is notorious for its brutal and abusive conditions.

The intelligence community said it based its judgment about Tren de Aragua on Venezuelan law enforcement actions demonstrating the regime treats TDA as a threat; an uneasy mix of cooperation and confrontation, rather than top down directives characterizing the regimes ties to other armed groups; and the decentralized makeup of TDA that would make such a relationship logistically challenging.

The memo noted that FBI analysts took a slightly different view even though they agreed broadly with the assessment of the other intelligence agencies. FBI analysts assess some Venezuelan government officials facilitate TDA members migration from Venezuela to the United States and use members as proxies in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States to advance what they see as the Maduro regimes goal of destabilizing governments and undermining public safety in these countries, the memo said.

Peruvian police transfer a man alleged to be a member of Tren de Aragua in Lima in 2023. (Cris Bouroncle / AFP via Getty Images file)

The Washington Post first reported on the existence of the memo, and before that the Times reported that intelligence called into question assertions about the cartel and its ties to the Venezuelan government.

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The Trump administration has sharply criticized media coverage of the issue as misleading and announced leak investigations related to the Post and Times reporting. The Justice Department cited the media reporting as an impetus to roll back limits on leak investigations.

Lauren Harper of the Freedom of the Press Foundation said the memo undermines the administrations claims that the information in the document could pose a danger to public safety.

The Trump administration claimed that the leak of this memo was so dangerous that it necessitated opening criminal investigations and creating new, stricter rules around leaks to the media, Harper said in an email. We wanted to see if that was true  or if the Justice Department was weakening journalists protections to help hide a document that the public has an obvious right to see.

The declassified memo not only shows that the Maduro regime does not direct Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, it shows the DOJs new media rules are an excuse to target journalists, she said.

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But the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, said that the news media is twisting and manipulating intelligence assessments about foreign criminal gangs operating in the U.S. to undermine the President's agenda to keep the American people safe.

Illegal immigrant criminals have raped, tortured, and murdered Americans, and still, the propaganda media continues to operate as apologists for them, she said in an email relayed by a spokesperson.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence later issued a statement saying it fully supports the assessment that the foreign terrorist organization, Tren De Aragua, is acting with the support of the Maduro Regime, and thus subject to arrest, detention, and removal as alien enemies of the United States.

At a House Intelligence Committee hearing in March, Gabbard told lawmakers that there were conflicting findings on the ties between the gang and the regime. There are varied assessments that came from different intelligence community elements, she said.

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The ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, and Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, also a member of the committee, welcomed the memos release and said they had written a letter last month to Gabbard asking her to declassify it.

The lawmakers argued that the declassified assessment reinforced the finding of a federal judge last week that the administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act related to the Tren de Aragua gang was illegal.

The Democratic congressmen also wrote that Director Gabbard should explain why her public descriptions of this intelligence failed to correspond with the ICs findings.

They added: The most basic responsibility of the Director of National Intelligence is to speak truth to power and, where possible, the American people.

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Asked about the declassified memo, the Republican chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, said in an email that he fully supports President Trumps tireless efforts to protect Americans from brutal thugs who seek to invade our homeland and terrorize the American people.

Cotton added that he looks forward to journalists' "questioning his Democrat friends as to why they continue to defend foreigners who seek to do harm to their constituents."

Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the memo showed that the Maduro regime is not a sponsor of Tren de Aragua.

Its extremely concerning to see the DNI misrepresent nonpartisan Intelligence Community assessments, he said in a statement. Its even more alarming to see this happening as part of an effort to give legs to Donald Trumps unconstitutional attempts to expulse migrants without due process.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in an op-ed on Fox News website that it was irrelevant if Tren de Aragua was acting on the orders of the Maduro regime, arguing the regime had fostered its growth.

Whether TdA exclusively murders, smuggles drugs, and traffics illegal immigrants over our borders on the orders of Venezuelan leaders, or freelances for self-enrichment is beside the point, he wrote. It has killed on behalf of a hostile foreign government, that government has fostered its growth, and that government has encouraged it to invade the United States to advance its interests.

CORRECTION (May 6, 2025, 7 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the last name of the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. He is Mark Warner, not Warren.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The announcement that University of Michigan President Santa Ono will leave Ann Arbor to assume the presidency of the University of Florida has landed with an audible thud among many of us who have long supported this institution  not because we are surprised, but because we are disappointed.

Onos exit comes at a time when American higher education is under sustained political attack. Across the country, state legislatures have targeted public universities for daring to support diversity, equity and inclusion. They have passed laws restricting what faculty can teach and what students can learn. They have cut budgets and forced out educators for encouraging critical thought. And instead of defending academic freedom and speaking with clarity and courage, too many university leaders have chosen to stay quiet  to survive instead of lead. Sadly, Ono became one of them.

As a proud alumnus, current university staff member and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, I have always believed that public service  whether in uniform or in the academy  demands integrity and courage. Leaders dont just manage institutions. They shape them. They defend them. They make hard decisions and take risks for what is right, especially when its not easy or politically safe. Ono had that chance. But time and again, he did not meet the moment.

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At Michigan, we needed a president who would speak forcefully in defense of public education and academic freedom. What we got was a man who too often avoided confrontation  who offered platitudes when bold statements were needed and stayed silent when faculty, students and staff called for principled leadership.

University of Michigan president Santa Ono takes photos with students during the game against Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

When DEI programs came under attack, his statements lacked urgency and force. When regents and political commentators questioned the value of free inquiry or pressured the university to conform to narrow ideologies, Ono rarely pushed back.

His decision to accept the presidency at the University of Florida feels less like a bold next step and more like a strategic retreat. In Florida, he will face less scrutiny from the federal government, less resistance from conservative state leaders and fewer expectations to defend open inquiry. There, he can continue what he began here: playing dead.

Related: U-M's Santa Ono, leaving for University of Florida, gets mixed marks from students, staff

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Now, the University of Michigan is at a crossroads. As we begin the search for a new president, we must be clear-eyed about what kind of leader we need.

We need a president who will say clearly, when others wont, that DEI is not a threat to education  it is its foundation. That academic freedom is not optional  it is essential. That public universities are not playgrounds for political agendas  they are the beating heart of a democratic society.

As a veteran, I was taught that leadership means standing your ground when it matters most. That silence in the face of injustice is not neutral  it is surrender. And that when history calls, you do not hide.

The next president of the University of Michigan must be someone who will not hide  someone who will lead with clarity, integrity and the moral courage to stand tall when others bow. Michigan deserves no less.

Robert Rolls

Highland Park

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The letter writer does not represent the University of Michigan.

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response.

Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: University of Michigan president didn't have fight in him | Letters
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG)  The U.S. Navy will take efforts to remediate the Environmental Protection Agencys standards in private well waters near Pensacola Naval Air Station, Corry Station, and Saufley Field. The Navy held an open house at St. Anne Catholic Church to discuss the project thats been in the works since 2019.

Having requested the permission of property owners, the Navy began sampling drinking water for PFAS, toxic chemicals linked to cancer.

Once they get into the groundwater, they will move with the groundwater, and typically these were released on site near our airfields, and theyll move to the groundwater, and they can then move off the base into the private wells, NAVFAC Environmental Restoration Manager, Robert Fisher said.

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The Department of Defense set new policies in September of last year that prioritizes cleanup actions for federal drinking water. The Navy has begun testing the water and alerting homeowners whose private wells may be affected.

Anybody above the DoD interim treatment standard, were going to reach out to them and see if they will accept a whole house treatment system, said Fisher. This particular one is a two-phase treatment system. Its carbon and resin, and together, those will remove those PFAS compounds from water from their wells.

The Navy will cover all costs if homeowners choose the whole house treatment system. So far, no one in the Pensacola area has said no. The other option is to connect homes to the public water system.

Naval Captain Chandra Newman said the relationship between NAS Pensacola and the community has always been a priority.

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I am very proud and certainly very protective of our relationship with the community and so getting out here as the standards have changed in 2024, that we are getting back to readdress not only the homes that have already been tested, but the new area of homes that may require testing, said Newman.

We are prioritizing the homes that may have the highest level of impact to ensure that we get them connected to services or well filtration systems first and foremost. So, we will be here as long as we need to be, she added.

Another Naval meeting will be held, at the same location, Tuesday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again Tuesday evening, from 5-7 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 WKRG News 5.
An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets.

The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, unfolded at around 5 p.m. on May 2, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help.

The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported.

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He remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position while first responders were enroute, witnesses told the Italian outlet.

A general view shows people gathering at the Colosseum monument in Rome on April 7, 2023, prior to the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) prayer service as part of celebrations of the Holy Week.(Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) An ambulance in Rome, Italy, seen on March 14, 2025.. (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Romes San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound.

Gunman shoots 2 people at packed California campground, turns gun on self

The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine.

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It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Taiwan and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place.

Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction or, as Day Italian News reported, it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument.

Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the 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 KTLA.
AIM-listed Time Finance has reaffirmed that its financial performance for the financial year 2024-2025 is expected to be in line with current market expectations.

In a filing to the London Stock Exchange, the company outlined its forthcoming financial reporting schedule for the year ending 31 May 2025, indicating a steady trajectory underpinned by solid trading momentum observed throughout the year.

The company added that the strong performance seen in the first three quarters of the financial year continued through March and April 2025.

This sustained momentum has been driven by consistent demand from UK businesses for its diverse funding solutions, the company said.

As a result of the ongoing positive trading momentum, the board expressed confidence in the group's robust financial performance for the full year.

Furthermore, Time Finance said it plans to issue a trading update for the financial year ending 31 May 2025 on 26 June 2025.

The group will follow with the release of its full, audited final results and accompanying Annual Report and Financial Statements on 24 September 2025.

It will also provide a trading update for the first quarter of FY 2025/2026 at that time.

Time Finance provides flexible funding solutions to businesses across the UK.

It offers a range of financial products tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a primary focus on asset finance and invoice finance.

While the company mainly operates as an own-book lender, it can also broker deals when suitable, allowing it to manage business volumes effectively across different markets and economic conditions.

Last month, Time Finance provided a 500,000 ($664,850) asset-based finance facility to Red Security for expansion and acquisition.

During the same time, the company also appointed Danielle Lynch as relationship manager within its Invoice Finance division.

"Time Finance reaffirms positive outlook for FY 2024-2025" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.




NAIROBI (Reuters) -A Ugandan opposition activist, who President Yoweri Museveni's son said he had been holding captive in his basement, appears to have been tortured, the East African nation's justice minister said.

Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is Museveni's eldest child, said last week that he had detained Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard for opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Kainerugaba wrote on X that he had captured Mutwe "like a grasshopper" and was "using him as a punching bag".

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Mutwe was presented in court on Monday and remanded to custody on robbery charges, his lawyer said.

In a statement released late on Monday, Justice Minister Norbert Mao said Mutwe appeared in court "in a visibly weak condition and showing signs of having been tortured".

"Bringing illegally detained, brutalised and tortured suspects before the courts of law is an abuse of judicial processes," said Mao, the leader of an opposition party who was appointed justice minister in 2022.

He did not say who was responsible for Mutwe's condition but called on the courts to deal swiftly with the opposition figure's case.

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The National Unity Platform (NUP) - the party to which Mutwe belongs - said he went missing after being grabbed by uniformed armed men near the capital Kampala on April 27. On Thursday, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, a government body, ordered Kainerugaba to release him.

Reuters contacted a spokesperson for Uganda's defence forces seeking comment from Kainerugaba. He did not respond.

Mutwe's lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, said his client had told him he was tortured daily and electrocuted while being detained.

"He said immediately after his arrest he was detained in a home - it was a person's private home - and that they pushed him into a basement," Kazibwe told Reuters.

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"He said the people who were torturing him, he could not identify them because they had covered their faces."

Kainerugaba, who is widely viewed as being groomed to succeed his 80-year-old father, frequently makes incendiary comments on social media. In January, he wrote on X that he wanted to behead NUP leader Wine, Uganda's most prominent opposition leader.

Museveni has led Uganda since 1986 and is expected to stand for reelection next January.

His opponents and human rights activists have regularly accused Museveni's government of wide-ranging abuses, including abductions and illegal detentions, allegations he denies.

(Reporting by Nairobi Newsroom; Editing by Hereward Holland, Aaron Ross and Joe Bavier)
The Telegraph has learned that the United Kingdom is secretly preparing for a direct military attack by Russia  an updated secret homeland defence plan will determine the strategy for the first days after a strike on the UK territory by a hostile foreign state.

Source: European Pravda with reference to The Telegraph

Details: Officials have been instructed to update 20-year-old contingency plans that would put the country on a war footing following threats of attack from the Kremlin.

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A secret dossier will outline how the government will respond to a declaration of war, including bunkers to protect the government and the royal family, state service broadcasts and the stockpiling of resources.

Ministers fear that the UK will not only lose to Russia and its allies on the battlefield but will also be unprepared and poorly defended within the country.

The Kremlin has repeatedly threatened the UK with a direct attack for its support of Ukraine.

Experts have warned that the country is vulnerable to attacks on critical national infrastructure, including gas terminals, undersea cables, nuclear power plants and transport hubs.

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The updated secret homeland defence plan will include scenarios in which the UK is hit by conventional missiles, nuclear warheads or cyber attacks, which were a limited threat when the plan was last significantly updated in 2005.

Military strategies for the rail and road networks, ships, the postal system and telephone lines are expected to be considered. It is unlikely that this document will be made public in the coming decades, if at all.

A risk assessment published in January said a successful attack could result in the loss of civilian and emergency service personnel, cause serious economic damage and disrupt vital services.

The new UK plan is modelled on the War Book, a secret Cold War dossier containing instructions on how the government should respond to a nuclear strike, which was later published in the National Archives.

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The War Book contained evacuation plans for the prime minister and key members of the government, who would have been taken to a bunker in the Cotswolds in the event of a bombing of London. Queen Elizabeth II would have fled on the royal yacht.

Background:

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 25 February that from 2027, British funding for international aid would be cut from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income to finance increased defence spending.

This should allow the country to reach 2.5% of GDP in defence spending.

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British officials have been ordered to revise contingency plans that would place the country on war alert following repeated threats of attack from Russia, the Telegraph reported on May 6, citing unnamed sources.

The classified "homeland defense plan" outlines how the government would respond in the immediate aftermath of a strike on British territory by a hostile foreign nation.

The plan will detail government procedures in the event of a declaration of war, including securing bunkers for the government and royal family, ensuring the continuity of broadcast services, and stockpiling key resources.

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British ministers reportedly fear that, alongside potential battlefield losses to Russia and its allies, the U.K. remains underprepared and poorly defended domestically.

The updated document will account for scenarios involving conventional missiles, nuclear strikes, and cyberattacks  threats that were less prominent when the plan was last substantially revised before 2005.

The Cabinet Office's Resilience Directorate is leading the effort, providing guidance to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on wartime governance, including when officials should relocate to fortified shelters such as the Downing Street bunker or sites outside London.

Strategies covering national infrastructure, such as road and rail networks, maritime logistics, postal services, and telecommunications, are expected to be incorporated. A scenario involving simultaneous missile and cyberattacks has reportedly already been modeled.

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The updated plan draws inspiration from the Cold War-era "War Book," a previously secret dossier that included evacuation procedures for the Prime Minister, key officials, and Queen Elizabeth II.

The planning coincides with preparations for Britain's Strategic Defense Review, which will assess the state of the Armed Forces and include options to bolster homeland security, such as an expanded air defense system.

Britain has been one of Ukraine's strongest backers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. London has provided advanced weaponry, training for Ukrainian forces, and spearheaded diplomatic efforts supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.

The U.K. has pledged 4.5 billion pounds ($5.8 billion) for Ukraine in 2025, its largest annual contribution to date.

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Read also: Hegseth reportedly ordered Ukraine aid pause without Trumps knowledge

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Ukraine has brought back 205 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity on Infantry Day.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X(Twitter); Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War on Telegram

Quote: "Today, Ukraine has brought back 205 warriors. Young and older men from almost all types and branches of the Armed Forces. Defenders of Mariupol and the entire front line.

They have been scattered across many Russian regions, imprisoned within a system whose only purpose was to torment them and destroy their humanity."

Ukrainian servicemen brought back to Ukraine.

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Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Details: The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that this time the released servicemen include members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular the Navy, Air Force, Air Assault Forces, Territorial Defence Forces, as well as the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Ukrainian servicemen brought back to Ukraine.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Three Ukrainian officers and 202 soldiers and sergeants are returning home.

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The freed servicemen had been defending Ukraine on the Donetsk and Luhansk fronts, in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy and Kyiv oblasts, as well as those from the Mariupol garrison.

The prisoner swap, which took place on 6 May, is the fifth this year and the 64th since the start of the full-scale invasion. In total, within the framework of negotiations and exchanges since March 2022, the Coordination Headquarters has brought back 4,757 Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity.

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Ukraine secured the return of 205 soldiers in a one-for-one prisoner exchange with Russia that was mediated by the United Arab Emirates, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Telegram on May 6.

"Ukraine has returned 205 soldiers. Young men and adult men from almost all types and branches of the military. The defenders of Mariupol and the defenders of the entire front line," Zelensky wrote.

This marks the fifth known prisoner of war (POWs) swap of 2025 and the 64th since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

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"Every day, we fight for our people. We will definitely do everything to return each and every one of them," the president added.

The latest exchange follows a larger April 19 swap, when 277 Ukrainian soldiers returned home ahead of the Easter holiday.

Ukraine does not reveal the exact figures on how many Ukrainian POWs are held in Russia. According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, Russia holds over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians in detention.

In 2024, Kyiv proposed an all-for-all exchange of prisoners, but Moscow rejected the offer.

Read also: A night with the medics of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade on Kharkiv Oblast front

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Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for the second consecutive night on Monday, as the Russian capital prepared for Victory Day celebrations that Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Kremlin-friendly world leaders are expected to attend.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in a statement posted to Telegram on Tuesday that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down en route to the capital overnight. Another four drones were shot down near Moscow on Sunday night.

Sobyanin reported no casualties or serious damage, though said debris from drones fell on a major highway. Russian aviation authorities said flights were also suspended at four of the capital's airports.

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The drones shot down over Moscow were among the 202 craft intercepted across Russia over the previous 24 hours, Russia's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday morning.

PHOTO: Decorated Russian soldiers, participants in the military operation in Ukraine, march toward Red Square to attend a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on May 3, 2025. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Ukraine has continued its drone barrages into Russia as the country prepares to mark Victory Day on May 9 -- the annual celebration of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Celebrations will be held all over Russia, with the main event a military parade through Moscow overseen by President Vladimir Putin, top Kremlin officials and visiting world leaders -- among them Xi, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Ukraine's continued strikes have already forced Russian authorities in occupied Crimea to cancel their planned Victory Day parade, with Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev announcing the event would not go ahead due to security concerns, in a statement quoted by the state-run Tass news agency.

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In Moscow, meanwhile, authorities warned residents of possible restrictions on transport and mobile internet usage, Tass reported.

Putin last month announced a unilateral cease fire stretching from May 8 to 11 to coincide with Victory Day -- a proposal quickly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is pushing for a full 30-day ceasefire that he hopes will form a launch pad for a broader deal to end Russia's 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy this week said Putin's offer was part of a "theatrical performance," suggesting "it is impossible to build any plan for the next steps to end the war in two or three days."

MORE: Russia-Ukraine war cannot end until 'nuances' addressed, Kremlin says

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Zelenskyy has also warned that Kyiv could not guarantee the security of anyone traveling to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. "We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy told reporters, according to a report by Ukrainian news agency Interfax.

"They provide you with security; therefore, we won't give you any guarantees. Because we don't know what Russia will do these days," Zelenskyy continued, adding that Russia could also orchestrate provocations such as "arson, bombings and so on, only to blame us."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday that Putin's offer of a "festive truce" is still open, as quoted by Tass. Peskov said Moscow is yet to receive a response from Kyiv.

Russian long-range strikes into Ukraine, meanwhile, also continued overnight into Tuesday, with 11 people injured by a drone strike in Kharkiv, according to local administration head Oleg Synegubov.

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Ukraine's air force said in a post to Telegram that Russia launched 136 drones into the country overnight, of which 54 were shot down and 70 lost in flight without causing damage. Impacts were reported in the Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions, it said.

PHOTO: A man is pictured at the 'Barabashovo' market following a drone strike in Kharkiv on May 6, 2025. (Sergey Bobok/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine drones attack Moscow, disrupt Victory Day planning in Russia originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ukraine has stabilized the situation in the Pokrovsk direction of Donetsk Oblast, and in some areas seized the tactical initiative, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on May 6.

Pokrovsk, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Donetsk, remains one of the most fiercely contested sectors of the front, where Russia has concentrated its main offensive efforts since March.

"The Pokrovsk direction is one of the most difficult sections of the front... However, thanks to the courage and skillful actions of the soldiers of the Defense Forces, we managed to stabilize the situation in this operational zone in the Donetsk region and in some places seize the tactical initiative," Syrskyi said in a post on social media.

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Syrskyi highlighted the performance of the 425th separate assault regiment "Skala," describing it as a unit capable of effective active defense.

The regiment demonstrated its effectiveness earlier this year near the village of Shevchenko, approximately three kilometers southwest of Pokrovsk, and during the 2022 Kharkiv offensive, he said.

"Soldiers, sergeants, officers, you fulfill your tasks with honor. Ukraine believes in you, and you can always be relied on. Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to you," Syrskyi added.

The estimated Russian advance in the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of May 6, 2025, according to DeepState map. A black symbol marks Pokrovsk. (DeepState / OpenStreetMaps)

Ukrainian forces have liberated approximately 16 square kilometers (about 6.2 square miles) near Pokrovsk in recent weeks, Syrskyi announced on April 17.

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Russian forces have recently intensified attacks in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said on April 29.

While Donetsk Oblast has been the epicenter of Russian aggression since 2014, with escalation after the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russian troops have not yet crossed into neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Since early March, Ukraine has signaled readiness for a 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees to reciprocal terms. Moscow has refused, demanding extraordinary concessions, including a halt to all foreign military aid to Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraines drones target Moscow second night in a row, Russian official claims, ahead of Victory Day parade

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Ukrainian forces have stalled Russian attacks around the besieged eastern front line city of Pokrovsk, Ukraines military chief said.

Weve been able to stabilise the situation in this zone of operations, Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Tuesday on a visit to the front, calling it one of the most difficult sections of the war.

And in some places have seized back the tactical initiative, he added.

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Pokrovsk is a key logistics hub and a major obstacle to Vladimir Putins plan to capture the whole region of Donetsk.

It is surrounded on three sides by Russian forces but is still held by Ukraine, despite months of intensive Russian attacks that have only led to incremental advances.

Russias defence ministry claimed on Tuesday to have captured the village of Lysivka, just seven miles south of Pokrovsk. Ukraines military has not yet commented.

The battlefield claims come as Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for the second night in a row, forcing the temporary closure of all its airports.

Dozens of world leaders, including Xi Jinping, are expected to arrive in the Russian capital from tomorrow to take part in Russias May 9 Victory Day celebrations to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

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Russian officials have promised the parade in the citys Red Square will be the grandest ever, despite plenty of Russias military hardware having been deployed, and potentially destroyed, in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has warned foreign delegations visiting Moscow that Kyiv cannot be held responsible for what happens on Russian territory during the upcoming commemorations. He also urged foreign troops not to take part in the parade.

02:43 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

We will be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict.

02:42 PM BST

Kremlin says 29 foreign leaders to attend May 9 parade

The Kremlin said that 29 foreign leaders - among them Chinas Xi Jinping and Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva - will attend its May 9 parade.

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Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said troops from 13 countries - including China, Egypt, Vietnam, Myanmar and several ex-Soviet countries - will march in the Red Square parade.

Kyiv on Tuesday warned foreign troops not to march alongside Russian soldiers on Red Square, saying this would equate to sharing responsibility for Moscows actions in Ukraine.

02:30 PM BST

Moscow and Kyiv each release 205 POWs

Russia and Ukraine each released 205 captured soldiers in the fifth prisoner-of-war exchange since the beginning of the year.

Today, Ukraine has returned 205 soldiers. Young boys and men from almost all types and branches of the armed forces, Volodymyr Zelensky said.

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He said they included troops who defended Mariupol, which fell at the start of Moscows invasion in 2022 in one of the most brutal battles of the war.

As a result of negotiations, 205 Russian servicemen were returned, the Russian army said in a statement. In exchange, 205 prisoners of war of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were handed over, it added.

The exchange was brokered by the United Arab Emirates, Moscow said.

Ukrainian POWs in an unknown location of Ukraine after being exchanged - Ukraine's presidential press service

Ukrainian POWs hug after crossing the border into their homeland - Ukraine's presidential press service

02:17 PM BST

Drone attack halts Moscow flights day before Xi visit

Moscow was forced to close all of its airports after the Russian capital was targeted by a swarm of Ukrainian drones for a second night in a row.

The city is busy preparing for Victory Day celebrations to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two on Friday. Xi Jinping, among other world leaders, will be arriving in Moscow tomorrow for the event.

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At least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow from different directions, causing no major destruction or injuries, Sergei Sobyanin, Moscows mayor, said.

Flights were halted at all four airports serving Moscow for several hours and a number of regional airports were closed, Russias aviation watchdog said. The drone attacks on Monday had also disrupted flights to the city.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has said that Kyiv cannot be held responsible for what happens on Russian territory during the upcoming commemorations.

Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire for May 8-10 as the country commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet and Allied victory, with the grandest ever parade in Moscow promised by officials.

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Mr Zelensky has dismissed the 72-hour truce offer as a theatrical performance designed to protect Moscow during the parade, instead calling on Russia to commit to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

An apartment building in Moscow damaged by Ukraines overnight drone attack

02:05 PM BST

Watch: Anti-Putin protestor jumps into Moscow river

Credit: SOTAvision

01:58 PM BST

Mike Pence blasts Trump over handling of Ukraine war

Mike Pence, the former vice-president, has returned from political hibernation to blast Donald Trump over his actions in Ukraine.

Mr Pence, who served during Mr Trumps first administration, said the US presidents declining support for Ukraine has only emboldened Russia.

If the last three years teaches us anything, its that Vladimir Putin doesnt want peace; he wants Ukraine, Mr Pence told CNN.

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The wavering support the administration has shown over the last few months, I believe, has only emboldened Russia.

Mr Pence, who feuded with Trump after he certified the 2020 election in favour of Joe Biden, went on to warn that if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, he expects Russia to invade a Nato country.

This is not just about Ukraine for me. I really do believe that if Vladimir Putin overruns Ukraine, its just a matter of time before he crosses a border where our men and women in uniform are going to have to go fight him, he said.

01:50 PM BST

Kremlin: Oil prices crucial for Russia, but national interests come first

Oil prices play a crucial role in Russias budget and the Russian economy overall, but Russian national interests take precedence above all else, the Kremlin said.

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It was responding to Donald Trumps comments on Monday that Vladimir Putin may be more inclined to settle the conflict in Ukraine following the recent drop in oil prices (see 7.20am post).

Oil prices cannot be a factor that can influence Russias attitude towards its national interests, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said. Russias national interests are above all else, above any oil prices.

Russia is closely monitoring the global oil market and has long collaborated within the OPEC+ framework to maintain prices at an optimal level, Peskov added.

01:26 PM BST

US defence secretary blocked Ukraine aid without Trumps consent

The US defence secretary Pete Hegseth temporarily cancelled Ukraine aid without Donald Trumps permission, sources have claimed.

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A week after Mr Trump returned to the White House, the US military transport command (Transcom) issued an order to block 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weaponry bound for Ukraine.

The cancellations came after the president wrapped up a January 30 Oval Office meeting about Ukraine, during which he issued no instruction to halt US support, insiders told Reuters.

It has now emerged that the verbal order - which remained in place for a week - came from Mr Hegseth, according to Transcom records reviewed by Reuters.

The White House has denied the allegations, claiming that the defence secretary had followed a directive from the president to pause aid to Ukraine, which it said was the administrations position at the time.

It comes amid a string of security leaks from the department of defence, sparking concerns over Mr Hegseths ability to lead the department.

12:40 PM BST

Ukraine calls on foreign troops not to join Russias May 9 parade

Ukraines foreign ministry urged countries not to send any troops to take part in a military parade in Moscow on May 9.

The participation of foreign military personnel in this event is unacceptable and will be regarded by Ukraine as an outrage to the memory of the victory over Nazism, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

12:27 PM BST

North Korea grants families rare privileges to temper anger over war dead

North Korea will allow the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia the privilege of moving to Pyongyang, and build a monument to its fallen soldiers, it has been reported.

Being permitted to move to the capital is a rare honour under the authoritarian rule of Kim Jong-un, and is likely a calculated move to limit criticism of his regime by the relatives of the dead, experts have said.

One analyst also suggested the offer may also be a way of concentrating families and reducing the spread of rumours about the losses that North Korean forces have suffered and the conditions they endured fighting in Vladimir Putins armies.

A report by the Seoul-based South and North Development Institute claimed that the government of Kim Jong-un is considering granting capital residency rights to families of the war dead after it became apparent that there is a groundswell of public anger over the dispatch of troops to the war against Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is hoping the move will limit criticism of his regime by the relatives of the dead - KCNA

12:09 PM BST

Moscow claims capture of village near key town

Moscows troops have captured the settlement of Lysivka in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, Russian defence ministry has claimed.

The Telegraph could not independently confirm the battlefield report, which Ukraine has not yet commented on.

The village is just south of Pokrovsk, a key garrison town that is surrounded by Russian forces on all sides.

Earlier, we reported (see 9.30am post) that Ukraines military chief said his forces had stabilised the front line surrounding Pokrovsk, and in some places, seized back the tactical initiative.

11:42 AM BST

Watch: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow

Credit: Telegram/Supernova+

11:23 AM BST

Russia still planning 3-day ceasefire but will respond if attacked

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russian forces still planned to commit to a ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8-10 as per Vladimir Putins orders.

However, they would respond immediately if Ukrainian forces tried to strike Russian positions, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesman said.

He added that Kyiv had not responded to the proposal.

However, Ukraine has effectively rejected the 72-hour truce, with Volodymyr Zelensky calling it a game and manipulation, instead calling for Russia to commit to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

10:47 AM BST

North Korea sent nearly 15,000 workers to Russia

North Korea sent nearly 15,000 workers to Russia to cover a labour shortage in the country, according to South Korean intelligence.

The countrys declining birth rate paired with the hundreds of thousands killed fighting in Ukraine and the fleeing of military-aged men have fuelled a shortage of up to 1.5 million workers.

The UN Security Council bans the use of overseas North Korean migrant workers.

Last year, the number of North Koreans entering Russia increased by 12-fold from 2023, according to Moscow figures.

North Korea sent 12,000 soldiers to Russia to help expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk, with another 3,000 reinforcements sent this year to make up for the mass casualties.

Pyongyang has also been sending lethal weapons to Moscow, including ballistic missiles.

10:26 AM BST

Zelensky praises Ukraines infantry

Volodymyr Zelensky has praised the undeniable courage and strength of Ukraines infantrymen for holding the front line against Russian invaders.

Wherever a Ukrainian infantryman advances, the Ukrainian flag is raised, he wrote on X.

It is always our infantry who stand on the most difficult frontlines. They hold the defense, lead assaults, stop the enemy, and protect our land.

Today we honor the warriors who hold the line  for Ukraine's positions and for the Ukrainian state. Wherever a Ukrainian infantryman advances, the Ukrainian flag is raised.



It is always our infantry who stand on the most difficult frontlines. They hold the defense, lead pic.twitter.com/X8q2ld6uAi  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) May 6, 2025

10:12 AM BST

Russia launches 116 drones at Ukraine overnight

Ukraine shot down 42 Russian drones overnight, according to its air force.

Of the 116 drones launched in total, 21 were lost, it said, in reference to electronic warfare disrupting the drones paths. It did not state what happened to the remaining 53.

The attacks were focused on the regions of Sumy and Donetsk, the military added.

09:45 AM BST

Watch: Russia shows the destruction of Ukraines second incursion into Kursk

Credit: Russian Defence Ministry

09:30 AM BST

Weve stabilised Pokrovsk front, says Ukraine army chief

Ukraine has stabilised the sector of the frontline around the garrison town of Pokrovsk, where Russian forces have been attacking for months, Ukraines military chief said.

Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Tuesday: Weve been able to stabilise the situation in this zone of operations... and in some places have seized back the tactical initiative.

Pokrovsk is a key logistics hub in eastern Donetsk, considered a gateway town to the rest of the region Moscow is desperate to capture.

It is surrounded on three sides by Russian forces, but is still held by Ukraine, despite months of intensive Russian attacks that have only led to incremental changes on the front line.

09:12 AM BST

In pictures: Russian drones hit a market in Kharkiv

Firefighters work at the site of the Barabashovo market hit by Russian drone strike on May 6 - REUTERS

The fire raged throughout the morning, leaving the blackened shells of the market stalls - REUTERS

08:53 AM BST

What world leaders are headed to Moscow?

Leaders of around 20 countries, including Chinas Xi Jinping, have accepted invitations to join Moscows May 9 celebrations, according to the Kremlin.

Moscow has also not ruled out that North Korean troops - which helped Russia oust Ukrainian forces from its Kursk region - will take part in the Red Square parade for the first time.

Robert Fico, the Slovakian prime minister, said he would also be in Moscow for the occasion, despite the EUs top diplomat Kaja Kallas warning countries from the bloc against attending.

Mr Fico was rumoured to be unwell, but on Monday posted a picture of himself wild swimming to prove he was healthy and taunt the journalists behind the media reports.

Uncertainty still 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.

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president, and Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, are also expected to attend.

There are also major security fears owing to recent Ukrainian attacks on the capital, while Putin already cancelled the World War Two anniversary events in occupied Crimea due to safety concerns.

08:25 AM BST

Putin builds life-sized Reichstag replica for Victory Day re-enactment

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.

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 re-enactment play to be held at the replica building marks a shift in tone on Victory Day from one of solemnity to militarisation.

Credit: Telegram/TACC

08:17 AM BST

Ukraine attacks Kursk power station

Ukraine has attacked a major power station in Kursk amid reports of a second offensive into the western Russian region.

Power is yet to be restored to the town of Rylsk, 30 miles from the border with Ukraine, after Ukrainian forces hit its substation late on Monday, damaging two transformers, local authorities said.

On Monday, Russian war bloggers claimed Ukrainian troops fired missiles, blew up bridges, breached the border and crossed minefields in a fresh armoured assault.

Moscow claimed to have defeated the incursion, but Ukraines military, which has not commented directly on the reports, said it was still actively fighting in the region.

The Kremlin claimed last month to have expelled the last of Kyivs troops from Russian territory after seven months of fierce fighting  a claim Kyiv has repeatedly denied.

It comes as Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for a second night in a row as the capital prepares for its Victory Day celebrations. All of the citys airports were temporarily closed, but no damage was reported.

08:08 AM BST

Russia accuses Ukraine of killing 3 civilians in Kursk

Ukraines forces allegedly targeted civilians in their attack on Kursk, killing three people and injuring seven, the governor of the region said on Tuesday.

Yesterday and tonight alone, seven people were hospitalised due to attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and three more died, Alexander Khinshtein said.

He added that a 60-year-old woman had shrapnel wounds in her leg and a 59-year-old man was in serious condition with multiple lacerations.

Kursk residents who live near the Ukrainian border have been evacuated for their safety, local authorities said, while others have been told to take shelter in rooms without windows.

08:02 AM BST

Putin gears up for grandest Victory Day parade

Vladimir Putin will address the grandest ever annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Friday, evoking the Soviet Unions victory in World War Two to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine.

Officials promise that commemorations this year - the 80th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis - will be the grandest to date.

During the 25 years of Putins rule, the Kremlin turned May 9 into a holiday celebrating statehood and patriotism that is marked with a grand military parade on Red Square, where Putin addresses the nation.

The Russian leader has ordered a three-day truce in Ukraine to coincide with the event - which Kyiv has denounced as a ceasefire just for the parade.

Putin has used World War Two 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.

Moscows streets have been decked out with the Russian tricolour, while the vast majority of shops and restaurants have put up posters urging people to remember and show their pride in the Soviet victory.

Russian jets fly over the Red Square leaving trails of smoke in the colours of the Russian national flag during a Victory Day parade rehearsal - AP

A man rides a scooter in front of a star and inscription reading 1945 Hero City Moscow 2025 - Shutterstock

07:34 AM BST

Pictured: A seller sits outside a market destroyed by Russian drones

A vendor sits outside Barabashovo market after it was hit by Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, May 6 - REUTERS

07:24 AM BST

Ukrainian drones target Moscow for second straight night

A swarm of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for a second night in a row.

At least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow from different directions, causing no major destruction or injuries, Sergei Sobyanin, Moscows mayor, said on Telegram.

Flights were halted at all four airports in Moscow for several hours, Russias aviation watchdog said, adding that a number of regional airports were also closed.

According to reports, a drone struck an apartment building near a major road in the south of Moscow, smashing windows. There were no reports of casualties.

The consecutive attacks came as the capital prepares for its World War Two Victory Day celebrations.

Overall, Russia claimed it have downed 105 Ukrainian drones overnight.

07:20 AM BST

Putin wants to settle war after oil price slump, says Trump

Donald Trump has claimed that Vladimir Putin is more inclined towards peace after the recent fall in the price of oil.

I think Russia with the price of oil right now, oil has gone down, we are in a good position to settle, they want to settle. Ukraine wants to settle, The US president told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.

The price of oil - which drives the Russian economy - has fallen around $15 a barrel since the start of the year.

Weve come a long way, and, it could be something will happen, but hopefully it will, Mr Trump added.

The president noted that Putin had proposed a three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies victory over Nazi Germany. [It] doesnt sound like much but its a lot if you knew where we started from, Mr Trump said.

Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the 72-hour truce proposal as a theatrical performance designed to protect Moscow during its Victory Day celebrations and placate Washington.

07:12 AM BST

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Adding to the uncertainty, China announced in April 2025 that it would restrict exports of seven heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium, which are currently used in many EV motors. With China controlling around 60% of global rare earth elements (REE) mining and 90% of its processing, the US remains highly exposed in the event of prolonged trade escalation. US-built vehicles rely heavily on international supply chains  Tesla, for example, imports 20% to 25% of its components from other countries.

This plan has faced significant setbacks under the new administration. While continuing the decoupling from Chinese supply chains, President Trump recently imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods - which include EV components such as lithium-ion batteries. Unlike his predecessor, Trump has shown little interest in protecting the EV supply chain. These new tariffs are expected to sharply increase the cost of battery cells, drive up EV prices, and dampen domestic sales. This is particularly concerning given that China currently houses 75-85% of global lithium-ion battery cell production capacity.

To achieve this goal, the Biden Administration focused on infrastructure development, allocating $5bn under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to build a nationwide network of 500,000 high-speed EV charging stations by 2030, but also strengthening the domestic battery manufacturing sector. In fact, in September 2024, the US DoE announced over $3bn in funding for 25 projects across 14 states, aiming to enhance the production of advanced batteries and battery materials, with awardees including major companies such as Honeywell.

In 2024, the Biden administration imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and a 25% tariff on lithium-ion EV batteries. The aim was to safeguard US manufacturing while accelerating the decoupling from Chinese supply chains. Bidens vision was not only about reducing foreign reliance but also ensuring that the US could continue to manufacture EVs at scale. For example, Bidens Administration set an ambitious goal that 50% of all new vehicles sold in the US by 2030 would be battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

US EV manufacturers already struggle to keep up with cost-competitive Chinese EVs in terms of global sales, but its Trumps broader rollback of EV-friendly policies that poses the biggest threat to future domestic sales.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations have aimed to reduce US reliance on Chinese-made vehicles, but their strategies diverge significantly in terms of supporting the growth of the EV production from US automakers.

Story Continues

This creates a complicated dynamic for Tesla. While Elon Musk has generally aligned with President Trump on several issues, recent developments around tariff policy have exposed some friction. Musk has repeatedly expressed opposition to sweeping tariffs, which have disrupted global markets and hit Tesla especially hard, given its dependence on Chinese-made components. Teslas stock has since fallen nearly 50% from its December 2024 peak, underscoring the companys exposure to rising costs and shaken investor confidence.

Chinese automakers were already outpacing their US counterparts in terms of cost competitiveness. In particular, BYDs aggressive pricing and domestic supply chain advantages have enabled it to offer EVs at significantly lower prices. As a result, in Q4 2024, BYD officially surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, delivering 594,839 units, versus Teslas 491,062, marking the first time Tesla lost its quarterly global sales lead in the electric vehicle market since 2018. Moreover, the imposition of these tariffs has led to diplomatic friction, retaliatory tariffs and many consumers resisting purchasing US goods as a form of protest, which could further shrink the global market for American EVs.

In response to growing industry concerns, the Trump administration has granted temporary exemptions for certain automakers, particularly those relying on supply chains that run through Canada and Mexico. In March 2025, it issued a one-month reprieve from tariffs for companies including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, following backlash from major car manufacturers. Additionally, on the 29th of April, Trump suggested he would ease tariffs affecting car production costs after pressure from US-based automakers, stating he wanted to "take care of our car companies" in light of rising input costs and industry complaints. While this could offer some short-term relief for ICE vehicles, it does little to address the long-term challenges of EV supply chain localisation.

Shifting the US EV production supply chain away from China to other critical material-rich sources is an ongoing process. For example, while Tesla has made major investments in lithium-ion battery production at its Gigafactory in Nevada, most of the lithium originates from overseas, including China, South America, and Australia. Domestic lithium extraction projects, like those in Nevadas Thacker Pass or North Carolinas Piedmont Lithium project, are only a couple of years away from large-scale production, but permitting, environmental concerns, and infrastructure challenges may cause significant delays.

The US is ramping up domestic battery production, globally ranking second with a total of 91 lithium-ion EV battery plants due to come online between 2025 and 2032. These plants include both public and private projects, such as the US DoEs Blue Oval EV Battery Plant Development Program, with a project value of $9.2bn, and General Motors EV Transition Program, with a project value of $7.2bn. Yet the gap remains vast: in addition to its existing manufacturing capability, China currently has over 277 upcoming lithium-ion battery plants set to reach completion between 2025 and 2032 - more than triple the US total. This not only underscores the continued dominance of Chinese battery manufacturing despite growing US momentum, but also highlights how the US will unlikely be able to offset near-term supply chain disruptions and rising costs with its domestic production alone.

Beyond tariffs, the Trump administration's broader policy shifts are poised to significantly impact the US EV market. Notably, plans to ease fuel economy and CO reduction targets would reduce the pressure on automakers to invest in expensive electrification technologies or increase BEV sales, allowing them to focus on higher-profit combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, the administration's intent to eliminate the $7,500 federal EV tax credit - a move supported by Tesla but opposed by other automakers - could drastically reduce EV demand. These impending policy changes have already led to tangible setbacks in the industry. Several battery investments have already been delayed or canceled, including LG's Queen Creek plant in Arizona, planned for EV and energy storage batteries, and the HL-GA Battery Company plant in Georgia, set to supply Hyundai and Kia EVs, as companies reassess the viability of their EV strategies in the face of policy uncertainty.

As the situation continues to evolve amid ongoing trade negotiations and shifting tariff policies, there have been temporary exemptions granted for certain categories, for example, consumer electronics, including smartphones and laptops. Although examples like the above suggest Trump is willing to ease tariffs in specific sectors - including cars - these moves are not aimed at supporting EV supply chains in particular. As such, while traditional car manufacturers may benefit from short-term relief, the US EV market still faces significant obstacles. Trump's broader anti-EV stance, combined with policy rollbacks and the recent halting of domestic battery projects, will continue to present major headwinds to growth in this sector.

Map view of the number of upcoming Li-ion battery manufacturing plants for EVs, as of Q2 2025

Source: GlobalData Construction Database.

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"US electric vehicle market amid trade and policy uncertainty" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has stated that Ukraine's defence forces have stabilised the situation on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk Oblast and, in some areas, have even seized the tactical initiative.

Source: Syrskyi on social media

Quote: "The Pokrovsk front is one of the most difficult sections of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, thanks to the courage and skilful actions of our defence forces, we have managed to stabilise the situation in this operational zone in Donetsk Oblast and, in some areas, take over the tactical initiative."

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Details: During his working visit to the troops, the commander-in-chief presented awards to the 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skala, one of the units effectively using active defence tactics and destroying Russian forces.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on 5 May, Ukrainian troops stopped 78 Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk front in the vicinities of Sukha Balka, Stara Mykolaivka, Vodiane Druhe, Novotoretske, Shevchenko, Udachne, Uspenivka, Troitske, Kotlyarivka, Bohdanivka and Andriivka.

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A critical minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States has been ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Source: Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak

Details: Zhelezniak noted that the committee's decision included a key provision:

Any additional arrangements on establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund shall not contradict this Agreement.

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This Agreement is valid throughout the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

He added that 11 committee members voted in favour, one abstained and two were absent.

Zhelezniak also noted that a full parliamentary vote on ratification is set for 8 May.

Background:

On 1 May, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the minerals deal.

On 2 May, the Ukrainian government submitted the Kyiv-Washington agreement on the establishment of the Reconstruction Investment Fund to parliament for ratification.

On the same day, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed hope that parliament would ratify the minerals agreement with the US by 8 May.

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By David Brunnstrom and Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was very concerned about Indian attacks in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, his spokesperson said on Tuesday while calling for maximum military restraint from both nuclear-armed Asian neighbors.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Guterres said earlier this week even before India's military actions that tensions between India and Pakistan were "at their highest in years" after an April 22 Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed and which the U.N. chief condemned as an "awful terror attack."

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India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday Asia time and late Tuesday U.S. time, while Pakistan said it had shot down some Indian fighter jets in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the countries.

KEY QUOTES

"The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries," the U.N. chief's spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."

EARLIER COMMENTS

"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 control," Guterres said on Monday.

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Late last month, Guterres spoke separately with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and offered to support de-escalation efforts, his spokesperson said.

CONTEXT

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, with each controlling only part of it and having fought wars over it.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and Michael Perry)
BERLIN (Reuters) - The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Tuesday rejected a plan by Israeli authorities to shut down the existing aid system in Gaza.

"We do not accept a proposal and a plan that does not live up to the core fundamental humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independent delivery of aid," said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke in Geneva.

Israel's plan is "designed to further control and restrict supplies, which is the opposite of what is needed," Laerke added.

(Reporting by Friederike Heine; editing by Matthias Williams)
By Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam, Shivam Patel and Tanvi Mehta

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that water that previously was being sent outside the country would now be retained for internal use, days after New Delhi suspended a water-sharing pact with Pakistan.

"Earlier, water belonging to India was also going outside. Now India's water will flow in its share ... and be utilised for India itself," Modi said while speaking at an event in New Delhi.

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He did not elaborate.

Last month, India suspended a 1960 water-sharing pact that ensured supply to 80% of Pakistani farms following an attack in Indian Kashmir that targeted Hindu tourists, killing 26 people. India accused Pakistan of involvement, saying two of the three suspected attackers were Pakistani nationals.

Islamabad has denied the accusation, but says it is fully prepared to defend itself in case of attack, prompting world powers to call for a calming of tension.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have disagreed over use of the water from rivers that flow downstream from India into the Indus River basin in Pakistan.

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The Indus Waters Treaty, mediated by the World Bank and signed by India and Pakistan in September 1960, split the Indus and its tributaries between the two countries and regulated water sharing.

New Delhi said last month it would immediately suspend the treaty "until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism."

Pakistan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Islamabad has threatened international legal action over the suspension. "Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan ... will be considered as an act of war," it said.

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Reuters has reported that India has advanced the start date of four under-construction hydropower projects in the Kashmir region by months as well as begun work to boost reservoir holding capacity at two projects.

CIVIL DEFENCE DRILLS

On Tuesday, Pakistan's military said members of the Baloch Liberation Army, which it described as an "Indian proxy", targeted its vehicle with an improvised explosive device in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan.

The BLA is the strongest of a number of insurgent groups operating in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the statement.

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Other measures taken by the two countries include suspending trade, closing their airspace and reducing embassy staff.

On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised the need to avoid a military confrontation that could "easily spin out of control".

Pakistan has held two missile tests in three days and India has unveiled plans for civil defence drills to be conducted in several states on Wednesday, from sounding air raid sirens to evacuation plans.

Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. India is not, but New Delhi has been in talks with council members ahead of Monday's meeting.

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An Indian source familiar with the discussion said many members expressed concern that Pakistan's missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were "escalatory" factors.

On Tuesday, Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, along with the deputy prime minister, foreign and defence ministers, and the military chiefs, visited the headquarters of its top ISI spy agency.

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, although each controls only a part of the Himalayan region. They have fought two wars over Kashmir, and New Delhi accuses Pakistan of backing an uprising in Indian Kashmir that started in 1989 but has now waned.

Pakistan says it only offers diplomatic and moral support to a Kashmiri demand for self-determination.

(Reporting by Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam, Shivam Patel, Saeed Shah and Tanvi Mehta, Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh, Clarence Fernandez, Ros Russell and Leslie Adler)
GENEVA (AP)  The U.N. agency that fights HIV plans to slash its workforce by more than half and move many posts to cheaper locations as a result of drastic funding cuts from longtime donors in the United States, Asia and Europe, the agency and staffers told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

UNAIDS said the overall global AIDS response is facing a severe shock and many of the gains made in the past few decades are at risk of being reversed. It said the restructuring follows an independent panel's recommendations calling for downsizing its secretariat in Geneva while continuing to prioritize the most essential functions. It said it would maintain its presence in 36 countries.

Drastic U.S. cuts in assistance under the current Trump administration, part of wider cuts for global health, strike perhaps the biggest blow ever to the world's efforts to fight HIV.

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UNAIDS had previously warned that unless support to its HIV efforts are restored soon, more than 6 million additional people could die in the next four years and an additional 2,000 people per day could become infected with the virus that causes AIDS.

Employees were told at an internal town hall Tuesday that staff will be reduced to about 280 to 300 from about 600 currently, participants said.

UNAIDS officials were considering plans to move many posts to lower-cost locations where it already has offices: in Bonn, Germany; Nairobi, Kenya; or Johannesburg, South Africa  the country with the world's highest number of AIDS cases, agency spokesperson Charlotte Sector told the AP.

The agency was created in 1996, largely to address shortcomings in global HIV policy by another U.N. health agency, the World Health Organization, which continues to partially fund UNAIDS.

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The United States, under the second Trump administration, has sharply reduced or paused international funding and support for many U.N.-related organizations.

In an interview with the AP in February in response to the U.S. cuts, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped. She warned that more resistant strains of the disease could emerge.

Byanyima acknowledged some valid criticism regarding how HIV aid has been delivered and called it an opportunity to rethink and develop more efficient ways of delivering life-saving support.

According to its website, support from the United States contributed more than 40% of the UNAIDS core program and non-core activities that totaled about $214 million in 2023, the most recent year listed. Other top contributors included the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

___

AP Medical Writer Maria Cheng in London contributed to this report.
A man could face years in prison after a Georgia jury convicted him of possessing kilos of methamphetamine.

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On Monday, Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico was convicted of possession and attempt to posses with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of meth.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Georgia said Delgado-Celis is a Mexican national who was illegally living in Hazlehurst, Ga.

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According to court documents, in September 2024, Delgado-Celis tried to receive a package from Mexico that contained a horse saddle.

However, before Delgado-Celis got the saddle, law enforcement removed the saddle and found over two kilos of pure meth hidden inside it.

Authorities said the package was then delivered to Delgado-Celis under the pretense of a USPS delivery.

Delgado-Celis accepted the package and brought it into his house, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Delgado-Celis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

This conviction sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into our communities, said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama

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A new campaign is targeting Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish voters in Monsey, N.Y., with ads calling on voters to contact Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) to oppose proposals cutting Medicaid funding. But the group behind those ads has its own checkered history with Jewish community issues.



The ads, which are running both in Yiddish and English in local Jewishcommunity publications, direct viewers to a website to send a form email to their lawmakers, identifying themself as a member of the Jewish community and opposing cuts to Medicaid programs as particularly harmful to local Jewish communities. Republicans have said such cuts are likely as part of the upcoming budget reconciliation bill.



The campaign largely targets Lawler, who represents many of the Hasidic communities in Rockland County and has been fending off accusations from Democrats and liberal groups that he is backing cuts to Medicaid. He has pledged that he will never cast a vote that takes Medicaid away from eligible recipients who rely on this vital program, but instead wants to crack down on fraud within the program.



One of the groups behind those advertisements, healthcare union 1199SEIU, has a history of anti-Israel activism.



In December 2023, the group called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, while also condemning the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks and calling for the unconditional release of hostages. It suggested both Israel and Hamas had committed war crimes.



In October 2024, the group called for an arms embargo on Israel, saying, the Netanyahu government has used the October 7 atrocities to justify inexcusable destruction and killing in Gaza, creating an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the region.



It also condemned Israeli operations in Lebanon, while also accusing both Israel and Hezbollah of war crimes.



The national SEIU umbrella organization has criticized crackdowns on antisemitic activity on college campuses.



In their individual capacity, 1199SEIU staff and members have signed on to statements accusing Israel of genocide and supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. Some leaders inside the national SEIU organization expressed support for Hamas.



A Lawler spokesperson suggested that its hypocritical for the group to attempt to appeal to the Jewish community given its history of Israel criticism.



We strongly condemn SEIU1199 for targeting Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish voters in Rockland with blatantly false ads, a Lawler spokesperson said in a statement. The irony of SEIU1199 attempting to appeal to Jewish voters while having a history of supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, supporting pro-Hamas encampments on our universities, and pushing for an arms embargo on Israel is comical. SEIU1199 should immediately retract these advertisements and issue an apology.



1199SEIU did not respond to a request for comment.




The U.S. Justice Department is doubling down on its attempt to break up Google by asking a federal judge to force the company to part with some of the technology powering the company's digital ad network. The proposed dismantling coincides with an ongoing federal effort to separate Google's Chrome browser from its dominant search engine.

The government's latest proposal was filed late Monday in a Virginia federal court two-and-half weeks after a federal judge ruled that its lucrative digital ad network has been improperly abusing its market power to stifle competition to the detriment of online publishers.

In a 17-page filing, Justice Department lawyers argued that U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema should punish Google by ordering the company to offload its AdX business and DFP ad platform, tools that bring together advertisers, who want to market their products, and publishers, who want to sell commercial space on their sites, to bring in revenue.

The government also is seeking other restrictions, including a 10-year ban on Google from operating a digital ad exchange, to undercut the power of a recidivist monopolist.

Not surprisingly, it's an idea that Google vehemently plans to oppose when the penalty phase of the antitrust case known as remedy hearings  begins in late September. Google already has vowed to appeal Brinkema's ruling that the technology powering the ad network has been breaking the law, but can't do that until the judge rules on its punishment in a decision expected late this year or early next year.

The Justice Department's proposal would cause economic chaos and technological dysfunction resulting in harm to millions of advertisers and publishers, and in so doing, degrade the experience of internet users, Google said in a court filing late Monday.

In its counterproposal, Google outlined a plan that it believes will bring more transparency to its ad network and eventually foster more competition. Google proposed the appointment of a trustee to oversee its behavior for three years.

The attempt to tear down Google's ad network comes on top of the Justice Department's ongoing effort to have the company part with its popular Chrome browser and impose other restrictions to curtail the power of its ubiquitous search engine, which another federal judge branded an illegal monopoly in a ruling last August.

The remedy hearings in the search case are scheduled to conclude later this month, with a ruling from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta expected by Labor Day.

If the Justice Department is able to persuade the two different judges to order its proposed dismantling of Google, it would be the biggest breakup of a U.S. company since AT&T was forced to spin off its phone service into seven separate regional companies more than 40 years ago.
Days before last months gas explosion that killed a 5-year-old boy in Lexington, Missouri, Liberty Utilities sent a locator to mark all buried utilities where subcontractors would soon begin digging.

But the section of the line involved in the explosion was not identified or marked during this process, according to information released Monday afternoon in a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Just after 4 p.m. on April 9, the subcontractor who was among the crew helping install fiber optic cable in the area of Franklin Avenue and 17th Street began drilling into the unmarked section of a capped underground gas distribution main, the report said.

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The Alfra Construction work crew member operating the drill felt the drill strike an object, the preliminary report said. The work crew saw and smelled odorized natural gas being released.

More than three hours later, after neighbors had repeatedly reported smelling gas, the explosion occurred inside a home along Franklin Avenue near 17th Street, killing Alistair Lamb, 5, and severely injuring his father, Jacob Cunningham, and his sister, Camillia Cami Lamb, 10.

Five-year-pld Alistair Lamb (center), center, died on April 9 when his Lexington, Missouri home exploded due to a nearby gas leak. Ten-year-old Camillia Cami Lamb, left, and the childrens father Jacob Cunningham, right, survived the explosion with severe burns.

The work crews supervisor called 911 and 811  Missouris notification Call before you dig system  and reported a damaged gas line.

The Lexington Fire Department arrived soon after and personnel from Liberty Utilities, a subsidiary of Algonquin Power and Utilities Corporation, began arriving at about 4:39 p.m., the report said.

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Liberty Utilities personnel attempted to isolate the leak by squeezing off the main, the report said, but did not succeed in stopping the flow of gas.

Focus of NTSB investigation

Angry neighbors have questioned why no one called for homes in the area to be evacuated after numerous reports of gas odors.

But Mondays report revealed that people inside one business near the damaged pipe were asked to leave.

At the direction of Liberty Utilities, a business about 15 feet from the leak was evacuated before the explosion, the report said.

Yet, other nearby buildings and residences  including the destroyed and damaged ones  were not evacuated, the report said. Those locations were about 80 to 160 feet from the leak.

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In the days after the explosion, several neighbors told The Star they were disgusted and disappointed at what they see as the citys lax and negligent handling of a gas line break.

Photo immediately following an April 9 gas line explosion at 17th Street and Franklin Avenue in Lexington, Missouri. Cell photo snapped by Luke Peckham, 14, and shared from the cell phone of his father, Jacob Peckham.

For hours, they said, residents received no warnings of possible danger.

But no one in authority has responded to that criticism or explained why homes near the leak werent evacuated and whose call that was. City officials have said no one from Lexington could speak about the incident after the NTSB launched an investigation.

A spokeswoman with Liberty Utilities, the company whose line was damaged, also has referred all questions to the NTSB.

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The safety board continues its investigation. In Mondays report, the NTSB laid out what its future investigative activity will focus on.

That will include, the report said, looking at Liberty Utilities responses to 811 requests, leak and repair history and record keeping, as well as the local emergency response last month and evacuation procedures.

Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of Common Ground Alliance, the national association that publishes best practices for preventing damage to utility lines, issued a statement about Mondays report. Its a reminder, she said, that contacting 811 before digging is the first step  but not the only step.

Preventing damage to buried utilities takes everyone doing their part, including utility facility owners, locators and excavators, she said. Thats why best practices exist when digging around buried utility lines, to protect the lives of those working around utilities and the broader community.

Accurately locating and marking underground utilities relies on accurate maps of those utilities.  What already happened in Lexington cant be changed  but communities everywhere are relying on industry stakeholders to make changes and get this right.
SPARTANBURG, S.C (WSPA)  According to the United Way of the Piedmont, more than $400 million in grant funding to AmeriCorps services across the nation was abruptly cut by DOGE, impacting over 1,000 nonprofit and community organizations.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that works to provide disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, and more.

Without that, I mean, youre going to see a drastic reduction in the services that theyre able to offer, said Sarah Daniel, the Senior Director of Partnerships & Investments United Way.

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Eighteen programs across South Carolina, including ones with United Way of Greenville County and United Way of the Piedmont, were terminated due to a shift in federal priorities, according to Daniel.

She explained, Regardless of whether the funding comes back, were looking into ways that we can reverse that gap within our local community.

Since the start of the VISTA program in 2008, it has had over a $26 million economic impact.

Its a great return on investment, so its really disheartening to see that its not a priority, said Daniel. You know weve lost funding and our individuals in our community have lost their year of service and things like that.

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7News reached out to representative William Timmons (R-SC District 4), who is a member of the DOGE subcommittee.

We have a $36 trillion national debt and a $2 trillion annual deficit. We are diligently identifying waste, fraud, and abuse across government, Timmons said.

United Way said they dont believe there was fraud or mismanagement, especially in their chapter.

Its definitely frustrating and I understand the desire to make sure that were using taxpayer dollars efficiently, but I just dont know that this is that this is the right way to do it, Daniel said.

Two AmeriCorps NCCC teams, which focused on disaster recovery across Spartanburg County, were demobilized before the end of their service term.

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The United Way of the Piedmont said the teams provided 1,152 total hours toward disaster relief and debris removal, served 735 hours at VITA free tax prep community clinic and prepared 389 tax returns, resulting in $268,756 in total refunds for local families.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  The U.S. Army has paused flights near Reagan National Airport (DCA) after two aborted landings last week due to a Black Hawk helicopter flying near the Pentagon.

This comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted helicopters and airplanes from flying around Reagan National Airport except under rare circumstances.

The FAA confirmed three commercial flights had to abort their landings at DCA earlier Sunday while a police helicopter was on an urgent mission in that airspace.

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This airport was never meant to handle this large traffic, said passenger Bill King. Theres a lot of helicopter traffic coming up and down, so I know that control towers has their hands full.

Police helicopter forces 3 flights to change landings at Reagan National Airport

The aborted landings raised even more concerns after the midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army helicopter that killed 67 people.

I think this is kind of a repeat of the problem we just had, which caused the tragedy a few months back, said Aviation Attorney Jim Brachle. Its a congested airspace.

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I think there should better communication between the military and commercial I think that needs to be done, said passenger Arturo Lopez.

The U.S. Army commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion directed the unit to pause flight operations around DCA after the close calls on Thursday, two Army officials confirmed to the Associated Press.

Two flights abort landings at Reagan National Airport due to Black Hawk helicopter

The Army confirmed two commercial aircraft had to abort their landings because of a Black Hawk helicopter flying to the Pentagon.

Now, the Pentagons not on that route, its on the other side of the airport, and so there has to be a deep dive and look at not just that route because thats where the tragedy occurred, but around the entire airport, said Brachle.

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Some passengers say they wont let the recent incidents stop them from flying.

It didnt make me feel fearful or anxious, said Lopez. I still feel that I can trust the airlines and the pilots, but it does make you a little uncomfortable, I would say.

The United States Army says the incidents are under investigation and that it remains committed to aviation 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager, according to the Yuma Police Department.

Police said they received a notification from the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, which said an agent, 31-year-old Ramon Marquez, was sexually involved with a 16-year-old girl. The two knew each other, according to the police.

It was unknown how long the relationship lasted.

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Marquez was arrested around 8:45 a.m. May 5 in Wellton, Arizona, just east of Yuma, and booked on multiple felony offenses.

"CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe," the agency said in a statement. "An arrest is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

CBP did not say how long Marquez was employed.

No further information was released. Both CBP and Yuma police were investigating the incident, the agency confirmed.

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The Yuma Police Department urged anyone with information about the case to call 928-373-4767 or 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police say border agent had sexual relationship with 16-year-old girl
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) -The U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned U.S. citizens to avoid several locations in the capital due to information it received of threatened mass shootings on Tuesday and on May 16, prompting Honduran officials to launch an investigation.

In a short statement, the embassy said the three target locations mentioned in the threat were a school, a civic center and an unnamed mall in Tegucigalpa.

Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said in a post on X that the embassy had informed local officials through the corresponding diplomatic and security channels, adding these threats were being diligently looked into.

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"The intention to generate anxiety and fear in the Honduran people is worrying, more so in an election year," he said. "The necessary investigations will be carried out to apply the law to those responsible."

(Reporting by Joan Humberto Suazo in Tegucigalpa and Natalia Siniawski in Mexico City; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Kylie Madry and Sarah Morland)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. House of Representatives Democratic leaders on Tuesday are set to unveil a move to try to shield Medicaid and a food assistance program from cuts to offset the costs of President Donald Trump's tax cuts, according to three people familiar with the plan.

Democrats will begin a discharge petition for the bill that could force a vote on the House floor if a majority of lawmakers sign on to the petition. This will be a difficult process in the lower chamber currently held by Republicans 220-213.

(Reporting by Bo Erickson and Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone)
BANGKOK (AP)  An ethnic militia in southeastern Myanmar that has been sanctioned by the United States for alleged involvement in human trafficking and online scams on Tuesday denied the accusations.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Monday announced sanctions against the Karen National Army, or KNA, as well as its leader Col. Saw Chit Thu and his sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit. They are accused of facilitating cyber scams that harm U.S. citizens, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling, according to a Treasury Department statement.

Cyber scam operations, such as those run by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates, while depriving victims of their hard-earned savings and sense of security, said Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender. Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those who seek to profit from these criminal schemes.

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Those who are hired to carry out the scams have often been tricked into taking the jobs under false pretences and find themselves trapped in virtual slavery.

The sanctions block the targeted individuals and their companies from accessing money and assets under U.S. control, and prohibit U.S. citizens from providing financial services to them.

Saw Chit Thu has already been sanctioned by the European Union and the U.K. for profiting from scam compounds and human trafficking.

Lt. Col. Naing Maung Zaw, a spokesperson for the KNA  which operates as the Karen ethnic minoritys official Border Guard Force affiliated with Myanmars military government  said the groups activities are aimed at regional development and not related to cyber scams.

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He described the U.S. sanctions as a deliberate act of abasement by a powerful country over a weaker one.

They are doing it because they can, he told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Local militias in several border regions have de facto control in areas where their minority groups are dominant. The KNA controls Shwe Kokko and some areas in Myawaddy, on the border with Thailand in the state of Kayin, also known as Karen state.

Shwe Kokko and Myawaddy are known havens for criminal syndicates that have forced hundreds of thousands of people in Southeast Asia and elsewhere into helping run online scams, including romantic ploys, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Critics have accused the KNA of being involved in the criminal activities, at least to the extent of providing protection to the scam centers.

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Naing Maung Zaw said scam operations were carried out not only in areas controlled by the KNA but also in other places in Myawaddy.

He acknowledged that his group rented land to some businesses holding the property where scam centers were located and said the KNA would continue with its mass repatriation of the foreigners working in scam centers, which it carries out in cooperation with the military government.

He said 7,454 of 8,575 foreign scam workers have been repatriated through Thailand following a crackdown on the scam centers by Thailand, Myanmar and China in February.

Naing Maung Zaw said more than 10,000 people remain to be identified in the KNA-controlled areas, and the group will continue to work toward the elimination of scam activities.

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Kayin state, which is dominated by the Karen ethnic minority, has seen intense armed conflict since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military leaders, their suppliers and state-owned banks in connection with alleged human rights abuses
U.S. semi-transparent ETF model providers Precidian and Blue Tractor are positioning for business in Europe after both the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) and Luxembourg regulator (CSSF) relaxed their respective stances on transparency.

In the U.S., asset managers looking to deliver their investment strategies via an ETF without daily disclosure of full portfolio holdings must use one of the prescriptive models to have already received regulatory approval or develop their own.

Players such as Precidian, Blue Tractor and the New York Stock Exchangethe latter in conjunction with Natixishave developed semi-transparent ETF templates that they license to interested managers.

ETF Stream understands that Precidian is working towards a new structure that is acceptable for regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.

Semi-Transparent ETF Templates

Its U.S. ActiveShares model uses trusted agents, or Authorised Participant Representatives (APRs), to execute creations and redemptions. This is unlikely to satisfy the CBI and CSSFs requirements for disclosures to be made to liquidity providers in a "non-discriminatory" manner.

In Blue Tractors Shielded Alpha model, the portfolios constituents are disclosed, but published weightings deviate from actual weightings in a randomised fashion by up to 20%. A spokesperson for the firm told ETF Stream that it believes it has a place to play in the marketplace in Europe.

The New York Stock Exchange did not respond to a request for comment.

Fidelity and Eaton Vance, the latter a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, opted instead to rollout semi-transparent ETFs using internally developed structures.

As to whether either is looking at Europe, Fidelity did not respond to a request for comment, while Morgan Stanley declined to comment.

Since the first semi-transparent ETF launched in 2020, uptake from asset managers has been circumspect. Just 51 ETFs currently make use of reduced transparency rules in the U.S. according to figures from ETFGI, a data consultancy.

T. Rowe Price and American Century are among the bigger names to offer strategies in semi-transparent form.

A spokesperson from American Century told ETF Stream, While we are pleased to see the expanding regulatory support for actively managed ETFs across Ireland and Luxembourg and the opportunities that these changes may offer in the future, the near-term focus for our UCITS ETFs will be on strategies managed by Avantis Investors.

T. Rowe Price said it has nothing planned at present in Europe.

Reduced Transparency, Limited Demand

Since coming to market in 2020, ETFs with reduced transparency have struggled to attract widespread demand - in part because they are limited to investing only in U.S. securities.
U.S. intelligence agencies have undermined the rationale deployed by the Trump administration to use an 18th century wartime law to rapidly deport Venezuelan men to a notorious prison in El Salvador, according to a newly released memo.

Intelligence agencies concluded last month that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro doesnt direct the activities of Tren de Aragua, according to an internal memo released by a press freedom group and published Monday by The New York Times.

POLITICO obtained a copy of the memo from the Freedom of the Press Foundation.

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The findings by the agencies undercut President Donald Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act to declare that the U.S. is under invasion by a hostile foreign nation and, therefore, that suspected gang members can be rapidly deported without judicial review.

The National Intelligence Councils sense of the community memo found that Tren de Aragua likely takes advantage of widespread lawlessness under Maduro but has no direct ties to the government.

While Venezuelas permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States, the report found.

The intelligence agencies also challenged Trumps depiction of Tren de Aragua as a preeminent threat to national security, or even much of a criminal organization. The small size of TDAs cells, its focus on low skill criminal activities and its decentralized structure make it highly unlikely that TDA coordinates large volumes of human trafficking or migrant smuggling, said the April 7 memo, which the press organization obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

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The foundation said the memo confirmed earlier reporting by The Times and The Washington Post on Tren de Aragua and its relationship to the Venezuelan government and weakened the administrations assertion that the information was deeply sensitive and that its leak warranted criminal investigations.

The initial Washington Post and New York Times reporting about the leaked document made it crystal clear that releasing the record would be in the public interest, said Lauren Harper, the organizations Daniel Ellsberg chair on government secrecy. The ODNI FOIA office clearly agreed, and made the right decision to officially release the memo  in under two weeks.

Trump in March invoked the 1798 law to send about 250 men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Lawyers and news organizations have since determined that at least some of those who were deported had entered the U.S. legally, had no criminal history or had no connection to any gang activity despite administration claims to the contrary.

Also among the men was a Salvadoran living in Maryland, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported despite a judges order that he be allowed to stay in the U.S. in what a lawyer for the administration termed a mistake.

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Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act has been hotly contested by advocates and constrained several times by some of the countrys top judges  including conservatives.

The Supreme Court in April barred the White House from deporting more people under the Alien Enemies Act. The court ruled earlier that the Venezuelans deemed alien enemies by the White House must be allowed to file individual petitions challenging their deportations, a notion Trump has publicly challenged.

The White House and Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to a request for comment from POLITICO.

Just last week, a Trump-appointed judge deemed Trumps use of the AEA to conduct swift deportations illegal, ruling that it only applies when the country is facing an armed, organized attack, another setback for the administration and its deportation agenda.
The US intelligence community believes that the Venezuelan government is probably not directing the gang Tren de Araguas movements and operations inside the United States, according to a declassified assessment released on Monday that undercuts the Trump administrations key argument for invoking the Alien Enemies Act to speed up deportations.

According to the document, which was released to the Freedom of the Press Foundation under the Freedom of Information Act and provided to CNN, the intelligence community based its judgment largely on sometimes-lethal law enforcement action by the Venezuelan government against Tren de Aragua that shows it treats TDA as a threat as well as the fact that the group is so decentralized that any systemic relationship between the Maduro regime and the gang would be logistically challenging  and would likely be spotted by the US intelligence community.

The assessment, which was circulated in the US government in early April, has become a flashpoint in President Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which gives a president broad power to target and remove undocumented immigrants in times of war or when an enemy attempts an invasion or predatory incursion.

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Trump in March invoked the wartime law in part by declaring that TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.

A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas on Friday ruled that the president had unlawfully invoked the law, finding that the president cannot summarily declare that a foreign nation or government has threatened or perpetrated an invasion or predatory incursion of the United States, and blocking the administration from quickly deporting some alleged members of the Venezuelan gang.

The intelligence assessment acknowledged that the Maduro regime likely sometimes tolerates Tren de Araguas presence within its borders, with some individual government officials cooperating with the group for financial gain. And FBI analysts assessed that some number of Venezuelan government officials facilitate TdA members migration to the United States and use members as proxies there and in other countries to advance what they see as the Maduro regimes goal of destabilizing governments and undermining public safety in those countries, the assessment said.

But the broader intelligence community views it as highly unlikely that there is any strategic or consistent cooperation between the Maduro government and Tren de Aragua.

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Intelligence analysts also expressed skepticism about some of the law enforcement reporting that some members of the regime may have provided financial support to TdA, because it cannot verify the sources access  and because some of the claims have come from people detained in the United States, which could motivate them to make false allegations about their ties to the regime  to lessen any punishment by providing exculpatory of otherwise valuable information to US prosecutors, the report read.

In any event, the intelligence community has not observed the regime directing the TDA, including to push migrants to the United States, which would probably requirement extensive  coordination, and funding between regime entities and TDA leaders that we would collect, the assessment read.

Further, the assessment read, the small size of TDAs cells, its focus on low-skill criminal activities, and its decentralized structure make it highly unlikely that TDA coordinates large volumes of human trafficking or migrant smuggling.

The New York Times first reported on the declassified assessment. When reporting about the intelligence communitys view of the Maduro regimes relationship to Tren de Aragua first appeared after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, the administration cast the reporting as both inaccurate and classified, with the Justice Department announcing a leak investigation.

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The assessment released on Monday appears to broadly confirm the press reporting of the intelligence communitys views.

Illegal immigrant criminals have raped, tortured, and murdered Americans, and still, the propaganda media continues to operate as apologists for them, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said in a statement on Monday, when asked about the April assessment. It is outrageous that as President Trump and his administration work hard every day to make America safe by deporting these violent criminals, some in the media remain intent on twisting and manipulating intelligence assessments to undermine the Presidents agenda to keep the American people safe.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - A federal judge on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump's administration from firing workers and taking other steps to shut down federal agencies that fund museums and libraries, mediate labor disputes and support minority-owned businesses.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Providence, Rhode Island, agreed with 21 mostly Democrat-led states that Trump's March executive order directing that the agencies effectively be wiped out violated the U.S. Constitution.

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"This executive order ... ignores the unshakable principles that Congress makes the law and appropriates funds, and the Executive implements the law Congress enacted and spends the funds Congress appropriated," wrote McConnell, an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama.

The judge halted Trump's order from being implemented at the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service pending the outcome of the case.

McConnell did not order the agencies to take any specific steps. The judge told the states to consult with the Trump administration and submit a more detailed order for his approval.

Trump in his order directed that those agencies and four others be reduced "to the minimum presence and function required by law. A judge in Washington, D.C. last week had separately blocked the museum and library agency from being shut down.

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White House spokesman Davis Ingle said McConnell had defied U.S. Supreme Court precedent by blocking Trump from closing elements of the federal bureaucracy.

"The lower courts outrageous order will not be the last say on the matter," Ingle said in a statement.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, a Democrat whose office is leading the lawsuit, called the decision a critical win for the public.

When the Trump Administration attempts to dismantle these agencies, it is making a targeted, concerted effort to prohibit everyday people from accessing their full potential," Neronha said in a statement.

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Trump's executive order was part of his broader effort to dramatically shrink the federal government and slash government spending. Tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired, placed on leave indefinitely or accepted buyouts to leave their jobs.

At the three agencies involved in Tuesday's case, virtually all employees were placed on administrative leave shortly after Trump issued his executive order, according to court filings.

The states in their lawsuit filed in April say that because Congress created the agencies and set their funding levels, Trump had no power to order that their work be halted.

McConnell on Tuesday agreed. Federal law includes a mechanism for the president to return unneeded funding to Congress, the judge said, but Trump failed to follow that process.

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State libraries and museums have abandoned programs and implemented hiring freezes, business development offices are curbing training and other support programs, and state agencies have fewer options to mediate disputes with unions, McConnell said.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
A U.S. Marine died and another was rescued while hiking in northern Japan over the weekend, the Marine Corps confirmed Tuesday.

Cpl. Jason P. Cockrell and Cpl. Andre N. Dabrowski, both assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, went missing Friday while recreationally trekking Mount Furano in the Hokkaido prefecture of Japan.

Cockrell was discovered Saturday, according to the Marine Corps, and did not survive. Dabrowski was rescued, according to reports.

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We are all incredibly saddened by this loss, said Brig. Gen. Kevin G. Collins, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, in a statement. We are united in grief with their family, friends, and fellow Marines, and we will do everything we can to support them during this difficult time.

While the incident is under investigation, a spokesperson told Military Times that deteriorating weather conditions likely led to the Marines initial disappearance.

Airman uses military training to rescue skier during trip to the Alps

Japanese news network Hokkaido Broadcasting reported one of the Marines called local police at 4 p.m. local time Friday after becoming disoriented and separated by fog, according to Stars and Stripes. That Marine was found unharmed six hours later, 4,300 feet up a mountain road. The other Marine was found 4,600 feet up the mountain, lying on a trail, but died after being transported to a hospital, the same report said.

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Cockrell, originally from New Mexico, enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 8, 2022, and was serving as an automotive maintenance technician at the time of his death. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Korea Defense Service Medal.

Dabrowski also serves as an automotive maintenance technician and hails from Maryland.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Japanese authorities, local rescue teams, and all those involved in the search and recovery efforts, said Cap. Brett Vannier, spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Logistics Group.
South suburban U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly on Tuesday became the second candidate to enter whats expected to be a crowded field to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, setting up a potential Democratic proxy battle with Gov. JB Pritzker.

Kellys announcement that she is vying for the Senate seat comes two weeks after Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launched her campaign last month with the backing of Pritzker, her two-time running mate.

The race for the partys nomination to replace Durbin, a Springfield Democrat who was an ally of Kellys and announced in April that he would not seek a sixth term, isnt the first time Kelly has faced off against a candidate backed by the billionaire governor and his political apparatus.

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After working with Durbin in 2021 to defeat a Pritzker-backed candidate and become the first woman and first Black official to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois, Kelly dropped her bid to retain the seat a year later when allies of the governor rallied behind his handpicked state party leader, state Rep. Elizabeth Lisa Hernandez of Cicero.

Kelly now enters a race in which her only declared opponent already has the backing of two of the states top Democrats: Pritzker and the states other senator, Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates. Durbin told reporters last month that he intended to make an endorsement in the race only in an extreme case.

In a 2-minute video announcing her candidacy and released early Tuesday morning, Kelly said shes undaunted in the face of a challenge.

You could say Ive been an underdog my whole life, Kelly said, referencing her upbringing helping out in her familys mom-and-pop grocery store before putting herself through college at Bradley University in Peoria.

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After working at the hospital where my kids were born and at a child abuse prevention center as a counselor and mental health professional, Kelly said, she turned to politics.

Against all odds and (with) every pundit counting me out, I ran for state representative against a 10-year incumbent and won, Kelly said of her victory over state Rep. Harold Murphy in the 2002 Democratic primary.

Despite Stratton having big-name backing, Kelly has a head start in fundraising, at least through her main campaign fund. She ended the most recent reporting period on March 31 with $2 million in the bank, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Stratton, on the other hand, didnt report raising any money for her new Senate campaign fund, although a large influx of cash from Pritzker is expected. Still, Stratton is barred from using any of the roughly $97,000 left in her state campaign fund for the Senate race because of stricter contribution limits at the federal level. The lieutenant governor and former one-term state representative in January also launched a federal political action committee, Level Up, that has yet to report raising any funds.

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This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. Ive never backed down  not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for whats right, Kelly said in a news release accompanying her announcement.

Kelly has not faced a serious primary or general election challenge in races for her current seat representing Illinois 2nd Congressional District since winning a 15-way special primary and subsequent general election in 2013 to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who resigned the previous year before going to federal prison.

Other Democrats considering joining next years Senate race include U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Lauren Underwood of Naperville. So far, no Republicans have declared, but U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood has acknowledged hes considering it.

During her time in Congress, Kelly has focused on issues including gun violence and health care.

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Her work on gun control, including the release of a periodic congressional report on gun violence in America, was a major focus of her campaign launch, with Kelly highlighting how early in her tenure in Washington she stopped standing for moments of silence in Congress after mass shootings.

The next time, someone else sat down with me, and then another, until a moment of silence felt more like an echo of inaction, Kelly says in the video.

Shes running for the Senate to fight for health care that doesnt bankrupt families, for wages that lift people up, for housing thats affordable, for neighborhoods safe from gun violence, she says. These are the issues and the people Im fighting for.

Assuming Kelly stays in the race, she will be unable to hold her seat in the U.S. House, with her Senate bid setting up a potentially fierce competition among Democrats for her current seat.

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Kellys years representing the 2nd District, which in its current configuration runs south along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Indiana border from 43rd Street on Chicagos South Side to Danville in central Illinois, may lend Kelly some small credence with downstate voters in a primary race expected to feature candidates who all live in Chicago or its suburbs.

Before being elected to Congress, Kelly spent four terms in the state House and was chief of staff to then-Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and chief administrative officer for Cook County under President Toni Preckwinkle.

As part of a recent effort by congressional Democrats to hold town hall meetings in districts represented by Republicans, Kelly held an event last month at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, which sits in the deep-red district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Hindsboro.

In her only previous bid for statewide office, Kelly lost the 2010 race for state treasurer to Republican Dan Rutherford by a little more than 4 percentage points. But no member of the GOP has won a statewide election in Illinois since Bruce Rauner was elected governor more than a decade ago.

A member of the Democratic National Committee, Kelly also has strong allies among the Congressional Black Caucus, whose political arm backed her unsuccessful bid to remain the chair of the state party in Illinois.
(Reuters) -The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has ended its investigation into Morgan Stanley's cash sweep program for advisory accounts and will not pursue enforcement action, the Wall Street bank said in a filing dated Monday.

The bank had been in talks with the regulator since April last year.

Cash sweeps allow clients to earn a return on uninvested cash balances. Idle cash is automatically moved to an interest-bearing account or a money market fund, unless the account holder chooses to opt out.

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Such programs of several banks came under the scrutiny of the SEC, threatening their high-margin wealth management businesses.

In January, Merrill Lynch and two Wells Fargo advisory firms agreed to pay a combined $60 million in civil penalties to settle SEC charges over compliance failures tied to their cash sweep programs. The companies did not admit or deny the regulator's findings.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
By Tom Polansek

CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Josh Hawley said on Tuesday he launched an investigation into Tyson Foods after a former employee of the meat company alleged that children worked at one of its processing plants.

The meat industry has come under increased pressure from federal regulators and activists to adopt safer labor policies since kids hired by contractors were found doing dangerous jobs cleaning slaughterhouses in 2023.

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Hawley, in a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor, said Tyson's former employee claimed to have witnessed underage workers at the plant, which the senator did not identify.

The former employee, whom Hawley described as someone who oversaw plant safety but did not name, also received reports from hourly Tyson workers about children working in the plant, the letter said. It did not indicate when this allegedly occurred.

Tyson, which runs chicken, beef and pork plants across the country, said it prohibits anyone under 18 years old from working in its facilities. The company does not facilitate or excuse the use of child labor by third-party contractors, according to a statement.

Hawley said he opened an investigation in a Senate Judiciary Committee subcommittee he chairs and urged the Labor Department to do the same. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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In 2023, the Biden administration announced measures to crack down on child labor amid a steep rise in violations and investigative reports by Reuters and other news outlets on illegal employment of migrant minors in dangerous U.S. industries.

That year, the Labor Department found that more than 100 children had been illegally employed by Packers Sanitation Services Inc, a company that contracted with meatpackers to clean slaughterhouses. Some worked at Tyson plants, according to the department.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by Stephen Coates)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is closing the Office of Palestinian Affairs and merging it into the US embassy in Jerusalem, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Tuesday.

This decision will restore the first Trump term framework of a unified US diplomatic mission in Israels capital that reports to the US ambassador to Israel, Bruce said at a department briefing. Ambassador (Mike) Huckabee will take the steps necessary to implement the merger over the coming weeks.

Bruce claimed the closure of the office is not a reflection on any outreach or commitment to outreach to the people at the West Bank or to Gaza.

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It really is actually very similar to whats happening here with the bureaus, with our reorganization. It is making sure that the issues that are important are all working together right, are not segmented out so that the interests of the embassy  very, very much like the interests of our foreign aid and other actions  can work together in the Bureau as one entity, she said.

Still, it appeared to be a further downgrading of relations with the Palestinian people, especially since the announcement comes one day after Israel approved plans to expand its war in Gaza.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, One thing will be clear: there will be no in-and-out. After more than 18 months of war, Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south to protect them. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that we are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip.

Last week, Trump said he told Netanyahu, Weve got to be good to Gaza. But, so far, there has been no action to back up the rhetoric, with Israels complete blockade of Gaza entering its third month. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.

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In the first Trump administration, the US shuttered the consulate general in Jerusalem and reopened it as the Palestinian Affairs Unit, which operated under the embassy.

The consulate gave the Palestinian Authority a dedicated US representative and a direct line to Washington without going through the US ambassador to Israel. Such an arrangement, where Israelis and Palestinians had separate lines to Washington, was viewed as critical for the US to operate as an impartial broker between the two sides, especially in times of conflict.

But David Friedman, Trumps first ambassador to Israel during his first term and a staunch advocate of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, closed the consulate. The move made Friedman, who has openly criticized the idea of a Palestinian state, the primary intermediary for the Palestinians to talk to Washington.

The Biden administration did not reopen the consulate general despite claiming it would work to do so.

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Rubios move to close the Office of Palestinian Affairs appears to be a further step in sidelining the Palestinian ability to engage directly with the US government, especially through Huckabee, who has said in the past that theres really no such thing as a Palestinian.

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Donald Trump said the US would stop bombing Yemens Houthi rebels and claimed to have struck a deal with the Iran-backed terror group.

The US president said the group had capitulated after repeated American and Israeli airstrikes, and promised to stop firing missiles at commercial ships in the Red Sea.

They said please dont bomb us any more and were not going to attack your ships, Mr Trump said during a press conference with Mark Carney, the newly-elected prime minister of Canada.

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And I will accept their word, he added. And we are going to stop the bombing of the Houthis, effective immediately.

The announcement came ahead of a major trip to the Middle East by Mr Trump next week, in which he is set to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Smoke billows on the horizon after an Israeli air strike on Yemens Houthi-held capital Sanaa - MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP

Mr Trump is seeking deals to end the war in Gaza, normalise ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia and also limit Irans nuclear programme.

He told reporters in the Oval Office that he would soon make one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject.

The Houthis, who are backed and armed by Iran, began a campaign of missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea following the Hamas-led Oct 7 massacre in Israel in 2023.

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American airstrikes on the group, supported by British warplanes, began under Joe Biden, but in March the US began a new operation, named Rough Rider, and has since struck more than 1,000 targets, the Pentagon has said.

News of the deal came on the second day of Israeli airstrikes against the Houthis in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack on Sunday that hit Ben Gurion Airport.

Following strikes on the port city of Hudaydah on Monday, the IDF said it had completely disabled the Houthi-controlled airport in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.

Israeli officials said they were given no warning of the US-Houthi deal.

Credit: X / MOSSADil; X / kann_news; Reuters

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Mr Trump flies to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the Saudi-US Investment Forum, dubbed Maga in the desert, before visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

On Monday Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps Middle East envoy, told a reception in Washington: Very soon, we expect to hear many announcements related to the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

The principal Middle East diplomatic achievement of Mr Trumps first term, the accords normalised relations between Israel and the UAE and Israel and Bahrain.

Oman confirmed late on Tuesday it had mediated a ceasefire deal between the US and the Houthis. Mohammed al-Houthi, a senior Houthi leader, described it as a victory that separates American support for the temporary entity [Israel].

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However, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi spokesman and member of its political council, told Bloomberg News that the groups operations in Israel and the Red Sea will not stop regardless of the consequences until the end of the aggression on Gaza and blockade on its people.

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Vencora has expanded its presence in Australia with the acquisition of Data Action (DA), a provider of core and digital banking solutions.

The deal is Vencora's initial purchase of an Australian banking technology firm and expands the companys footprint in the region, complementing its existing insurance technology business, SSP.

Data Action was established in 1986 through a collaboration of eight local credit unions and is headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia.

The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions to financial institutions across the country.

It caters to a diverse clientele, which includes customer-owned banks, credit unions, challenger banks, and financial services membership organisations.

Currently, DA serves as a banking platform for challenger banks, managing more than five million customer accounts throughout Australia.

Operating nationally, Data Action employs staff in major cities such as Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Vencora portfolio manager Ateet Patel said: We are thrilled to welcome DA to Vencora. As a trusted technology partner to many of Australias challenger banks and financial institutions, DA brings a strong track record of innovation, and were excited to support the continued success and growth of DA and their clients.

DAs core and digital banking solutions, along with its technology services, perfectly complement our existing ecosystem, and todays acquisition demonstrates Vencoras strengthening position within Australia and the global banking technology industry.

With this acquisition, Data Action becomes the 18th brand under the Vencora umbrella.

The company will retain its brand identity and continue to function independently, while also benefiting from Vencora's industry knowledge and best practices.

In 2023, Vencora acquired Quarzo Tecnologia, which specialises in software solutions for employee associations, savings funds, mutual funds, and cooperatives in Central America.

Established in 1995, Quarzo is based in San Jose, Costa Rica. Its software, CODEAS, offers over 55 modules designed to automate and manage administrative, financial, accounting, and customer service functions.

"Vencora buys Australian banking technology firm Data Action" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Andrew Chung

(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday permitted President Donald Trump's administration to implement his ban on transgender people in the military, allowing the armed forces to discharge the thousands of current transgender troops and reject new recruits while legal challenges play out.

The court granted the Justice Department's request to lift a federal judge's nationwide order blocking the military from carrying out Trump's prohibition on transgender servicemembers. The Republican president's directive was one of a series of steps he has taken to curb transgender rights.

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The court's brief order was unsigned, as is typical in emergency matters that come before it. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority. Its three liberal justices - Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson - publicly dissented from the decision.

Seattle-based U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle earlier found that Trump's order likely violates the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.

Trump signed an executive order in January after returning to the presidency that reversed a policy implemented under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden that had allowed transgender troops to serve openly in the American armed forces. Biden said at the time that "America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride."

Trump's directive cast the gender identity of transgender people as a lie and asserted that they are unable to satisfy the standards needed for military service.

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"A man's assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member," Trump's directive stated.

LGBT rights groups Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which are helping represent plaintiffs challenging the ban, called the Supreme Court's decision a "devastating blow to transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to our nation's defense."

The court, they said, has "sanctioned a policy that has nothing to do with military readiness and everything to do with prejudice."

The court's decision on Tuesday did not resolve the legal merits of the case. The litigation will continue in lower courts and could return to the justices in the future.

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'READINESS AND LETHALITY'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on social media called Tuesday's decision a massive victory for Trump, adding that the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "are restoring a military that is focused on readiness and lethality - not DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) or woke gender ideology."

The Pentagon issued guidance to implement Trump's executive order, disqualifying from military service current troops and applicants with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria or who had undergone gender transition steps. The guidance allowed people to be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis if their service would directly support "warfighting capabilities."

Gender dysphoria is the clinical diagnosis for significant distress that can result from an incongruence between a person's gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.

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A U.S. defense official has told Reuters that as of late last year there were 4,240 U.S. active-duty and National Guard transgender troops. Transgender rights advocates have given higher estimates.

During his first term as president, Trump took aim at transgender military personnel with a more limited restriction. The Supreme Court in 2019 allowed the Pentagon to enforce Trump's transgender prohibition that had let certain personnel diagnosed with gender dysphoria after entering the military to continue to serve.

The lawsuit in which Settle acted was filed by seven active-duty transgender troops, a transgender man seeking to enlist and a civil rights advocacy group. Settle, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush, found that Trump's policy was "unsupported, dramatic and facially unfair," and said the administration provided no evidence of any harm resulting from transgender people serving the military.

U.S. CULTURE WARS

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Transgender rights are a flashpoint in the U.S. culture wars. Trump has targeted the rights of transgender people in a series of executive orders including one stating that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes, male and female, and that they are not changeable.

Trump also signed an order to end federal funding or support for healthcare that aids the transition of transgender youth and another one attempting to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports.

Hegseth has embraced conservative stances on culture war issues, including eliminating diversity initiatives at the Pentagon. Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Hegseth told a conference hosted by U.S. special operations forces: "No more pronouns, no more climate-change obsessions, no more emergency vaccine mandates, no more dudes in dresses."

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had declined the administration's request to put Settle's order on hold.

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In a separate case, Washington, D.C.-based U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes also had issued a nationwide injunction blocking Trump's ban while that litigation proceeds. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit placed that injunction temporarily on hold.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in a major transgender rights case by the end of June. The justices heard arguments on December 4 over the legality of a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, John Kruzel and Phil Stewart in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)
(KTLA)  An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets.

The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, happened at around 5 p.m. Friday, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help.

The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported.

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He remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position while first responders were en route, witnesses told the Italian outlet.

A general view shows people gathering at the Colosseum monument in Rome on April 7, 2023, prior to the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) prayer service as part of celebrations of the Holy Week.(Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) An ambulance in Rome, Italy, seen on March 14, 2025.. (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Romes San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound.

Gunman shoots 2 people at packed California campground, turns gun on self

The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine.

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It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Taiwan and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place.

Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction. Or, as Day Italian News reported, it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument.

Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the man.

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Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, has stated at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles that US President Donald Trump intends to use the agreement on mineral resources with Ukraine as a tool to pressure Russia in the context of peace negotiations.

Source: Milken Institute, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Bessent said that Trump had the idea for the mineral agreement and noted that the American leader was confident that it would yield several results.

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Bessent said that one result was additional leverage over the Russian leadership.

Quote from Bessent: "One, it would create more leverage for him with the Russian leadership when it was time to go to them."

Details: He also said that the idea was to sign an agreement that would show that "there is no daylight between the US and Ukrainian people".

Quote: "It would be a symbol to Ukrainian people that the US is still there. It would be a symbol to a tired American public, sceptical of more financial commitments, that it was possible to have a shared prosperity with Ukraine, and then it would, in essence, be a tacit security guarantee because of the economic partnership."

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Background:

On 30 April, Ukraine and the US signed a framework agreement on economic partnership. Earlier, European Pravda revealed the main details of the agreement, which mentions 57 minerals and US military aid.

US President Donald Trump said that the mineral agreement would give the US more than it had spent on Ukraine.

Recently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed his expectation that the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) would ratify the signed agreement on mineral resources with the US by 8 May.

At the moment, the so-called technical agreements, without which it is impossible to draw conclusions about the advisability of ratification and the long-term consequences of the agreement for Ukraine, have not been drafted, signed or published.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita Public Schools could have students using AI to complete assignments as soon as next year. The districts new AI policy is being presented to the school board on Monday night and is already facing pushback.

The district says students are already using AI to help with schoolwork. Officials say theyve been training teachers on how to customize lessons using the technology.

The new policy puts parameters around when and how teachers can instruct students to use AI to complete assignments. District leaders say AI is here, and they need to adapt.

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Being the largest school district in Kansas, weve got to lead the way in this in creating a safe environment for AI, as much as its going to change everything, right? Robert Dickson, CIO for Wichita Public Schools, said. Be able to practice it in a safe and secure manner.

Dickson says the district will have measures to protect students privacy.

Via Christi partners with high schools to expose students to health care careers

The union representing Wichita teachers has concerns about how the policy came about.

It would be amazing if they would talk to teachers first, because we have been active and involved in this process in United Teachers of Wichita, Mike Harris, the vice president of United Teachers of Wichita, said.

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Harris says the district hasnt engaged with the union on discussions about AI implementation. Hes worried theyre pushing through a policy without consulting educators first.

Harris says different teachers are at different levels of comfort with AI use. He says everyone has to be on board for implementation to work.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  One month after he was named the new president of the University of Southern Indiana, Steven Bridges had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with Shelley Kirk in the Eyewitness News studio.

During the interview, President Bridges discussed the state and federal scrutiny of higher education and the challenges and goals ahead for USI. You can find the entire interview in the video player above.

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  With Utah's first-in-the-nation ban on fluoride in public drinking water set to take effect Wednesday, dentists who treat children and low-income patients say they're bracing for an increase in tooth decay among the state's most vulnerable people.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed the law against the recommendation of many dentists and national health experts who warn removing fluoride will harm tooth development, especially in young patients without regular access to dental care.

Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride under a bill that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday he would sign soon. The Ohio and South Carolina legislatures are considering similar measures.

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Supporters of states efforts to ban fluoride said they did not dispute that it could have some benefits but thought people should not be given it by the government without their informed consent.

It really shouldnt be forced on people, DeSantis said.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has applauded Utah for being the first state to enact a ban and said he plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation nationwide.

Many patients not in the know

A majority of Utah water systems already did not add fluoride. The state ranked 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents receiving fluoridated water, with about 2 in 5 receiving it in 2022, according to CDC data. The law will impact about 1.6 million people in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in northern Utah who are losing fluoridation, state officials say.

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Dentists in Salt Lake City over the past week said many patients were unaware of the upcoming ban, and most did not realize the city had been adding fluoride to their drinking water for nearly two decades.

I did not know about a ban, said Noe Figueroa, a patient at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, a clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income residents. Well, thats not good. I dont think thats good at all.

At Donated Dental, providers expect their monthslong waitlist for children's procedures to grow significantly and their need for volunteer dentists to skyrocket. The effects of the ban in childrens teeth will likely be visible within the next year, said Sasha Harvey, the clinics executive director.

Fluoridated water is the great equalizer, Harvey said. It really benefits everybody, regardless of your age, gender, your ethnicity, your education level, your income level  it helps everyone.

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A public health achievement under scrutiny

The fluoridation process involves supplementing the low levels of fluoride that occur naturally in most water to reach the 0.7 milligrams per liter recommended by the CDC for cavity prevention. Water treatment plants dump fluoride into the water in liquid or powder form and often use dosing pumps to adjust the levels.

Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population receives fluoridated drinking water, according to health officials. It was long considered among the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

Fluoride fortifies teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC. Its especially important to children whose teeth are still developing. For some low-income families, public drinking water containing fluoride may be their only source of preventative dental care.

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Some supporters of the Utah law pointed to studies linking high levels of fluoride exposure to illness and low IQ in kids. The National Institutes of Health says its virtually impossible to get a toxic dose from fluoride added to water or toothpaste at standard levels.

Elaine Oaks, a Bountiful resident and trustee of her local water district, said it's not the role of government to decide that the entire population should receive fluoride in their drinking water. Individuals and parents should be able to make that decision for themselves, she said.

Before signing the bill, Cox said there is no difference in health outcomes between communities with and without fluoride  a statement Utah dentists say is false.

Any dentist can look in someones mouth in Utah and tell exactly where they grew up. Did you grow up in a fluoridated area or a non-fluoridated area? We can tell by the level of decay, said Dr. James Bekker, a pediatric dentist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

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Barriers to fluoride supplements

The law shifts responsibility to individuals, meaning all Utah residents will need to be proactive about their oral health, Harvey said. Most patients at her clinic only come in when a toothache becomes unbearable, and many cannot spare the few dollars a month needed to buy fluoride supplements to add to their drinking water at home.

Figueroa, the free dental clinic patient, said other expenses take priority.

Fluoride toothpaste alone is insufficient for children because it doesn't penetrate the tooth's outer layer, Bekker said. When a person regularly ingests fluoridated water, their saliva bathes the teeth in fluoride throughout the day and makes them stronger.

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Bekker said he recommends Utah parents add fluoride supplements to their childrens drinking water. But for families who dont visit doctors regularly, that may prove difficult.

Fluoride tablets require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. Utah providers are working to make the supplement accessible over the counter, but Bekker said that change may be months or years away.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The University of Texas Permian Basin recently honored eight teacher residency students at a pinning ceremony. According to organizers, this is the first time a ceremony has been held for these students in the five years of the program.

Students in the teacher residency program are employed full-time by a local school district and work in a classroom for two semesters with a mentor teacher.

UTPB has a teacher residency program that we do, said Marsha Bridges, the Teacher Education and Teacher Residency Site Coordinator. This is the fifth year that weve implemented this program. Teachers start, the school district actually employs them as a teacher resident, and they start at the very beginning. As soon as the teachers are supposed to show up, our teacher residents are there. They help prepare the classroom, help put the routines in place, and they slowly start co-teaching with that mentor teacher. It is a year long program, its not a typical 16 week program that your regular student teachers do.

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After completing the teacher residency seminar, students are certified and ready to teach in their own classrooms.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Bascom Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Ron Cogswell | used by permission of the photographer)

Madison attorney Shabnam Lotfi says her client, Krish Lal Isserdasani, was exceptionally responsible in the way he handled the news that the Trump administration had suddenly taken away his student visa.

Isserdasani, a 21-year-old computer engineering senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from India, was about a month out from his graduation on May 10 when he became one of thousands of students across the U.S. that had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records cancelled by the Trump administration. According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, SEVIS is a web-based system for maintaining information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the U.S. Once SEVIS records were canceled, students faced the termination of their student visas and their ability to remain in the U.S.

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UW-Madison notified students of the changes to their SEVIS status, warning them that status termination generally means an affected person should depart the United States immediately.

I admire him for acting quickly, Lotfi told the Wisconsin Examiner. He saw that his SEVIS record was terminated, immediately contacted the university to see what it means, did not attend classes for a week to figure out whats going on, [and] hired a lawyer immediately.

In April, U.S. District Judge William Conley issued a temporary restraining order blocking the government from terminating Isserdasanis SEVIS and from taking any further related actions. That order noted Isserdasani and his family had spent about $240,000 on his education, stood to lose $17,500 on the current semesters tuition and would be responsible for four months of rent on an apartment he would vacate if he was forced to leave the country.

With the temporary restraining order in place and providing some protection, Lotfi said he was able to resume attending classes.

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That doesnt necessarily mean he feels entirely welcome and free and comfortable, Lotfi said, but hes doing the best he can with the cards he has in the situation.

At the end of April, the Trump administration started reversing the cancellations. Administration attorneys said in court that they were working on developing a policy that would provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Lotfi said she is aware of what theyre thinking about and that if theyre trying to find a way to make the terminations lawful, that will likely be challenged again.

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

Lotfi said the Trump administrations step back from the cancellations is a win. This is not the first time she has fought a Trump order involving immigrants, having brought a challenge in 2018 to the Muslim travel ban during Trumps first term.

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It was a coalition of attorneys nationwide bringing so many [temporary restraining orders], so many lawsuits on behalf of so many students all at the same time  and the government not having any defense to any of it  that caused them to have to reevaluate, Lotfi said.

As of April 28, the 27 cancellations for UW-Madison students and alumni were reversed as were the 13 for UW-Milwaukee. However, the reversals are not the end of Isserdasanis case.

When it comes to his case, Lotfi said it appeared during a hearing last week that the government attorneys were not changing their plan to eject Isserdasani based on the administrations perceived change in stance on international students visas. She said the governments attorney indicated her clients SEVIS record was only active because of the temporary restraining order and that it was not related to any change in a government policy.

The government attorneys also indicated that they maintain their right to terminate his SEVIS record again in the future should that be necessary, Lotfi said. It certainly surprised me, and I think it surprised the court that they were taking that position.

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Lotfi noted that the government attorneys in Isserdasanis case have been arguing, based on a declaration by Andre Watson, a Trump Department of Homeland Security official, that the SEVIS record and a students visa status are not the same. She said no one is buying the argument.

The vast majority of judges nationwide are asking, then, why do you terminate the SEVIS record? What was the point of doing this? If you guys say that SEVIS and student status are not the same, does that mean that Mr. Isserdasani is in a lawful student status right now? Lotfi said. They wont say that. Theyll just say that the two are not the same, but they will not confirm that he is in a lawful student status with the SEVIS terminated.

The case challenges the cancellation of the record in several ways, including arguing that the government cannot just take away his status without due process  the ability for him to know why his SEVIS is being terminated and to challenge the termination  and arguing the cancellation was arbitrary and capricious.

Its not that Isserdasani failed to go to class. Its not that he had a criminal activity [or] he was convicted of criminal activity. Its just because his name [was] in a database, Lotfi said. In determining cancellations, the Trump administration had run international students names through an FBI database called the National Crime Information Center. It appeared that an arrest for disorderly conduct in November 2024 was the reason for Isserdasanis SEVIS cancellation, but charges were never pursued and he never had to appear in court.

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Lotfi said she and her client are waiting for the courts written decision on whether the temporary restraining order will be converted to a preliminary injunction, which would prevent actions by the government through the course of litigation. Then, she said, litigation will continue, which can take time.

It is in the interest of justice, and in the interest of the American people, that a final decision on the merits of the case is issued, Lotfi said.

Lotfi said people shouldnt accept the Trump administrations accusations against foreign students as true.

These students are in a foreign country. Many have learned a second language They are young and alone without family. They are following this countrys rules and regulations, and they didnt do anything wrong, Lotfi said. They dont deserve this.

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If its a U.S. citizen, we say innocent until proven guilty Why do we not have that same mindset when it comes to foreign nationals? she added. It just seems like any arrest for anything then thats guilt, and thats not the case. We would never allow that for any of our neighbors, so we should not accept the administrations description of international students having violated their status when they didnt.

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Jay O. Rothman, president of the University of Wisconsin System, speaks during the UW Board of Regents meeting hosted at Union South at the University of WisconsinMadison on Feb. 9, 2023. (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UWMadison)

As Congress is considering remaking the federal financial aid program, Wisconsin higher education leaders are warning that changes could significantly affect access to its campuses.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman wrote in a series of posts on social media last week that he is very disappointed by the potential cuts that could be made to student aid.

Federal fallout

As federal funding and systems dwindle, states are left to decide how and

whether to make up the difference.

Read the latest

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Congressional Republicans recently introduced a 103-page proposal that would overhaul the federal financial aid system with cuts meant to help support the extension of tax cuts. Changes would include reducing eligibility for Pell Grants by requiring students take more credit hours to qualify, capping the total amount of student loans one can take out annually and ending certain student loan programs.

The proposed changes come alongside the Trump administrations work to remake the system by moving the student loan portfolio from the Department of Education to Small Business Administration, even as both agencies have had significant layoffs, and seeking to eliminate loan relief for people working to support immigrants and trans kids.

Rothman said nearly half of the 164,400 students across University of Wisconsin campuses rely on federal aid to access the schools and noted that many of the students receiving the help are first-generation college students and low- to middle-income. He said federal financial aid has helped better the U.S. economy and allowed millions of people to improve their own lives.

It makes no sense for the US to narrow opportunities if our country wants to win the global War for Talent. Im dumbfounded that cutting educational opportunities would even be considered when our economic vibrancy is at stake, Rothman wrote. While the UWs are among the most affordable in the nation, many lower- and middle-class families rely upon federal financial aid to make these life-changing educational opportunities real.

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Rothman urged Congress to reevaluate the potential cuts in the federal budget, continuing his advocacy for keeping the UW accessible for current and future students.

In a letter to the Wisconsin Congressional delegation last month, Rothman noted that in the 2023-24 school year, 91,000 UW undergraduate students  or 59%  received some form of financial aid. The federal government distributed $130 million in Pell grants to about 23.4%, or 26,060 undergraduate students that year, delivering an average award of $5,000.

During that year, undergraduate and graduate students across the system received nearly $1.5 billion in financial aid, including $634 million in grants, $666 million in loans and $13 million in work-study funding.

Programs like the Pell Grant and other federal financial aid are critical to ensuring continued access and success for students who choose to pursue higher education, Rothman wrote to lawmakers. Indiscriminate cuts whether to research, financial aid or programs that provide student support are ultimately shortsighted and will negatively impact the next generation of Wisconsins workforce.

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Rothman is not the only leader who has expressed concerns about cuts to programs. During a hearing last month, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities President Eric Fulcomer told state lawmakers that cutting the Pell Grant or eliminating the Pell Grant would be devastating for our sector. He said private colleges could be looking at a 27% cut to enrollment.

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We recently compiled a list of the 12 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold For 10 Years. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) stands against the other stocks to buy and hold for 10 years.

When the stock market experiences a sharp decline, as it did after the Trump administration announced tariffs on its trade partners and China responded with retaliatory tariffs, many investors start looking into buying the dip. They start talking about buying stocks at temporarily lower prices with the hope that they will recover and bring gains in the future. There is often discussion in online communities like Reddit about whether to buy the dip.

READ ALSO: 13 Best Aggressive Growth Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best Electronic Components Stocks to Buy Now.

However, financial advisors urge clients to stick with long-term investment plans during market volatility. While buying cheap can be a good idea, experts warn that it is nearly impossible to try and time the market and wait for the perfect moment to buy at the lowest price.

Eric Roberge, certified financial planner and CEO of Beyond Your Hammock in Boston, says that it is impossible to time the market without simply getting lucky. Instead, he suggests sticking to a thoughtful, rules-based investment strategy that focuses not on short-term market swings but on your long-term goals.

Jay Spector, certified financial planner and co-chief executive officer of EverVest Financial in Scottsdale, Arizona, explains that when buying assets during a market downturn, it is important to have a disciplined approach. Some people may be tempted to wait in cash while looking to buy at rock-bottom prices. However, no one can predict where that bottom is.

Waiting on the sidelines could mean missing out and might not be the right strategy. Research has shown that some of the best returns can follow the biggest dips. Spector says that instead of hoping to buy at the absolute bottom, investors should consider dollar-cost averaging, which means investing a fixed amount of money at set intervals.

Most importantly, experts say that investors should know why they want to invest in the first place. Sticking to your long-term goals can be key to successful investing during times of uncertainty and market panic.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 12 best stocks to buy and hold for 10 years, we looked for stocks with strong growth potential. We used search terms like best stocks to buy and hold for 10 years and reviewed financial media reports and various online resources to compile a list of more than 30 stocks that investors can consider buying and holding for the next decade. Next, we focused on the top 12 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkeys Q4 2024 database of more than 1,000 elite hedge funds. Finally, the 12 best stocks to buy and hold for 10 years were ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q4 2024.
Amid rumors of layoffs, Vanderbilt University Medical Center officials acknowledged May 5 that "some positions have been eliminated," but declined to reveal how many employees will lose their jobs.

The cuts are in response to reductions in federal funding, according to an email from the hospital's chief communications officer John Howser. He declined to reveal the amount of money Vanderbilt expects to lose annually as President Donald Trump continues shrinking federal spending  including research aid from the National Institutes of Health.

The hospital initially acknowledged a hiring freeze for most research positions March 28, but declined to give specifics.

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"In response to recent administrative orders impacting financial resources for medical research, it is necessary for VUMC to strategically reduce research operating costs," Howser said in a March statement.

Both in March and in May, Howser said that despite the cuts, Vanderbilt is continued its efforts to provide health care to Tennesseans, citing a new 180-bed medical tower, the largest expansion in the medical center's history.

The hospital "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 tower," Howser said.

The federal cuts to National Institutes of Health grants also are expected to deliver a "crushing" blow to Meharry Medical College, its president and CEO, Dr. James Hildreth, told The Tennessean during a March interview. The renowned epidemiologist said he is bracing for up to a $30 million loss of funding, which could jeopardize jobs and vital medical research.

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The National Institutes of Health adopted a 15% cap on "indirect costs" for research, including equipment, laboratory space and utilities on Feb. 7.

Hildreth joined leaders at Vanderbilt's medical center and college, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis and at the University of Tennessee Health System in Knoxville to send a letter in February to the Tennessee congressional delegation expressing "grave concern" of the anticipated cuts that "will drastically reduce support for vital research infrastructure and activities in Tennessee."

Reporter Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached at bwarren@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville's Vanderbilt hospital cuts jobs amid NIH cuts
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Varsity Cinema is reaching out to the community for help after the Trump administration announced it would cut funding to the National Endowment for the Arts grants, an independent federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens community arts initiatives.

Annually, the Varsity Cinema received $20,000 from NEA grants, and used the money to create programming for the local community to enjoy.

For us that [money] represents two percent of our yearly budget, and those are funds that really go towards our community partnership programming, our special events where we might do things like have a filmmaker in person and events with local filmmakers, etc. Its that kind of support that allows us to do those kinds of things, said Ben Godar, Executive Director of The Varsity Cinema and Des Moines Film.

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Experience the dark side of the bloom when corpse flower named Stink Floyd blooms at Reiman Gardens

Now, without the money, the cinema is looking for the communitys help in making up the lost funds. The cinema created an online fundraiser where community members can donate to help the future of community events for the space.

In reaching out to our audience, were reaching out to, in many cases folks who could already be members, they could already be donors or maybe theyre just someone who likes to come and see films here. And were just saying hey, if you like what were doing, if you like the community partnership events, special events, these kind of things that are supported by this contributed revenue, please consider making a contribution here to help us make up that deficit and continuing the programming as expected, said Godar.

The Varsity Cinema has a long history in the Drake neighborhood. It originally opened in 1938, and recently underwent a massive $5 million renovation and reopened its doors in 2022.

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Recently, Des Moines Film, who owns and operated the cinema, purchased the building beside it for future expansions. Now, with cuts to their yearly budget, Godar says all arts groups will feel the effect.

I think its going to hurt no matter who it is. This isnt a situation where the federal government said they were changing the parameters for this down the road. These are existing grants that have been awarded that are being terminated. So, that really puts organizations like us behind the 8-Ball, said Godar.

Metro News:

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  An adult with ALS was injured and several pets died after a house fire at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Tuesday morning.

According to officials, just before 2 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 600 block of 16th Street at the Oceanfront for reports of a multi-family structure fire. Crews arrived to the scene to find heavy smoke and flames visible from a three-story multi-unit.

Virginia Beach 16th Street fire (Courtesy: VBFD) Virginia Beach 16th Street fire (Courtesy: VBFD) Virginia Beach 16th Street fire (Courtesy: VBFD) Virginia Beach 16th Street fire (Courtesy: VBFD)

Crews said one person was rescued from the third-story balcony and that two people were displaced as a result of the fire. One adult with ALS was taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General. One dog, one cat and two birds died due to the fire.

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The origin of the fire was determined to be on the first floor, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Red Cross was called to assist with the displaced individuals.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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Every year, VE Day gives the British public the rarest of gifts: an opportunity for unapologetic, unabashed pride in their country. Britains self-loathing is deep and pervasive. We tiptoe over virtually every aspect of our past, but on May 8, were permitted to wave flags, watch parades and enjoy a moment of licensed patriotism and unity.

Its also a celebration of predominantly white male heroes. Sanctimonious halfwits will spend the rest of the year attempting to shred former glories  tearing down statues of Edward Colston in a bizarre display of solidarity with Black Lives Matter, besmirching Winston Churchill, without whom Hitler would likely have prevailed, and reducing the legacy of Admiral Nelson to his moral failings by modern standards. But on VE Day, the great men of our history are safe.

This is desperately needed. Even those who ought to uphold and exalt our heritage are now denigrating it. Trump recently said that VE Day would be renamed Victory Day for World War Two because apparently America won both Wars, with nobody close to us in terms of strength, bravery or military brilliance. The Soviet Union suffered the loss of 24 million military and civilian lives during the conflict, 50 times Americas death toll. Yet Putin has turned that history into a grotesque propaganda tool utilised to justify aggression in Eastern Europe, repeatedly making baseless neo-Nazi claims to rationalise his illegal landgrab.

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Where there isnt outright misrepresentation, there is censorship. So the gravestone honouring Guy Gibsons dog is replaced to avoid giving prominence to an offensive term. The RAF Bomber Command is vilified, because soft liberals today naively believe large-scale conflicts can be fought without a single civilian casualty. As George Orwell wrote, those who abjure violence can only do so because others are committing violence on their behalf.

But those others are shrinking in number. Around 20 per cent more people are leaving the Armed Forces than joining each year. Yet we care more about diversity in recruitment than getting our military back to strength. The only response to a shortage of ethnic minorities is to penalise white applicants rather than thinking outside of the box.

The consequences are plain to see. The Air Force  the very same which unlawfully discriminated against white men  is now facing a pilot shortage. A serving Marine recently warned that standards were being lowered for female trainees. Aggressive diversity schemes, more committed to social engineering and righting previous injustices than keeping the country safe, are alienating the core group which is likely to join the military  white males. Why serve, when patriotism is a dirty word, when others are given special treatment because of their race or gender? Why serve when Kiplings famous words For its Tommy this, an Tommy that, an Chuck him out the brute! / But its Saviour of is country when the guns begin to shoot ring truer than ever?

The Telegraph this week reported that Britain is secretly preparing for a direct military attack by Russia amid fears that it is not ready for war. But the issue of readiness is not purely practical. Over 20 per cent of young people apparently now have a mental health issue  a figure likely to rise inexorably given the incentives provided by our welfare state. Ipsos polling yesterday revealed just 42 per cent of 18-34 year olds would be willing to fight for their country.

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Its hard to see how the relentless shaming of our national story will help restore our psychological readiness for war. Wouldnt it be better to teach our young people about Britains greatness? Of the achievements of white men of the past? How many young people know that Britain exported democracy, many sports, trains, jet engines, the telephone, the internet, the global lingua franca? Our economic, cultural and military triumphs?

Speaking to Prince George on Monday, D-Day veteran Alfred Littlefield said: Its very important you are here today. Its days like this that we should use to talk about things like this, so the younger generation can have some understanding. The passing of those who lived through the war, and of those who knew people who lived through the war will be significant. Once they have gone, it will be down to future generations to uphold pride in our history. Without it, we wont stand a chance against China or Russia.

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Venice has appealed to Jeff Bezos to sink some of his wealth into the city to stop it becoming a cultural Disneyland.

The billionaire founder of Amazon is having his star-studded wedding in the Italian city in June. He will marry Lauren Sanchez, a former television journalist, during a three-day event, with the guest list reportedly including Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria and Orlando Bloom.

It will be the biggest celebrity wedding at the World Heritage site since George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin a decade ago.

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Politicians in Venice have written an open letter to Mr Bezos, asking him to come to the rescue in one of the citys biggest challenges: a lack of affordable housing.

There has been a dramatic exodus of Venetians in recent decades, with many residents saying they can no longer afford the high property prices and rents.

Councillors want Mr Bezos to make a generous donation towards restoring the many public housing flats that are sitting empty and abandoned.

Venices most pressing need is for residents who live here permanently. The city is being overwhelmed by tourism  specifically, overtourism  which is eroding its authenticity, a group of councillors said in an open letter released on Tuesday.

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Venetians struggle to find available housing, as the overwhelming demand for tourist accommodation has led to the conversion of residential properties into short-term rentals.

Authorities in Venice are worried about the city becoming a cultural Disneyland - AP/Antonio Calanni

Venice has numerous apartments that have remained unoccupied for years because of a lack of funds to restore them, they said.

Ordinary Venetians, from teachers and firefighters to nurses and shop assistants, cannot afford to live in Venice, they complained.

The idea of Mr Bezos making a large contribution to Venice was first mooted by Diane von Furstenberg, the socialite and fashion designer.

Ms Von Furstenberg, who lives in the city, gave an interview to the Italian press recently in which she was asked about the Bezos wedding.

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Jeff is a friend. When I heard about his wedding I said to him, if you come and get married here, you should give Venice a big present. Asked if that should be a financial donation, she said: Yes.

Local politicians seized on the interview to send a message to Mr Bezos, who according to Forbes is now the third richest person in the world, with a net worth of more than $200 billion.

Mr Bezos is the worlds third richest man, something that hasnt gone unnoticed by authorities in Venice - AP/John Locher

They asked him to consider bestowing a significant gift on Venice ahead of, or after, his wedding.

Given your considerable resourcesI respectfully urge you to look beyond proposals that advocate for donations towards the restoration of artworks or architectural landmarks. I appeal to you to focus your attention on the issue of vacant public housing, said the letter, which was written by Giovanni Andrea Martini, a member of the city council.

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Addressing this fundamental need is crucial if you, like many of us, wish Venice to be not merely a delicate relic but a living, breathing city. Without such intervention, there is a genuine risk of Venice devolving into a mere Disneyland Park, devoid of its vibrant community.

Mr Bezos and his fiancee are expected to arrive in Venice on board his $500 million (386 million) yacht, the Koru.

Sporting three huge masts, it is the largest sailing yacht in the world at 410ft in length.

The nuptials come two years after Mr Bezos, 61, proposed to 55-year-old Ms Sanchez. He gave her a 20-carat diamond ring reportedly worth $2.5 million. Ms Sanchez later said she blacked out a bit when she first saw the ring.

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VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  Three years after a Vermilion County man was convicted of counterfeit charges, he has once again been convicted of counterfeiting, and sentenced to four years in prison.

48-year-old Jacob Kirkley of Bismarck was sentenced to four years in prison on May 2, for his second federal counterfeiting conviction. Kirkley was released from federal prison in May 2023, six months before committing his second counterfeit offense.

In December of 2024, WCIA reported that a federal jury returned five guilty verdicts of manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeited United States currency. Evidence presented in court indicates that on Dec. 7, 2023, Kirkley sold an undercover officer $1,000 of fake U.S. money that he made for $250. Later, Kirkley sold the same undercover officer another $6,000 in counterfeit U.S. money.

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Potomac man sentenced for creating, using counterfeit money

In January 2024, U.S. Secret Service and Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group agents got a search warrant for Kirkleys home and found additional counterfeit money, as well as items used to make counterfeit currency.

When Kirkley committed those offenses, he was on federal supervised release for a 2022 counterfeiting conviction. That stems from an incident in 2020 when a Vermilion County Sheriffs Deputy found over $20,000 of counterfeit U.S. currency in his truck. The deputy also learned Kirkley had passed counterfeit currency at Carnaghis Towing and McDonalds in Danville, and Dollar General in Tilton.

After searching Kirkleys hotel room at the Budget Inn in Danville, deputies found over $20,000 counterfeit U.S. currency, four printers, a paper cutter, and counterfeit-making tools. Kirkley served 27 months in federal prison and was serving three years of federal supervised release when he committed his latest offense.

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The government presented evidence that Kirkley violated his supervised release by testing positive for methamphetamine use on eight separate occasions.

And, the government said Kirkley had told the undercover officer that [his] names a red flag for any kind of . . . counterfeit material at all, that he learned how to use Bible paper to counterfeit currency in prison, and that he believed he would be screwed and would have the book thrown at him if he were caught counterfeiting again.

U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that Kirkley had not accepted responsibility for his crimes. Because of this, he followed the governments recommendation to impose a longer sentence.

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Kirkley was sentenced four years in prison, as well as an additional 18 months for violating his federal supervised release. Once he completes his five-and-a-half year sentence, he will be required to serve another three years of federal supervised release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
COLCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  President Donald Trump signed an executive order late last week aimed at slashing public subsidies to NPR and PBS, alleging bias in the broadcasters reporting.

Trumps order is calling on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private nonprofit created by Congress in 1967, to stop funding NPR and PBS. The CPBs budget this fiscal year, which was allocated by Congress, is about $535 million, which is doled out to local, independent stations across the country, including Vermont Public, the joint NPR and PBS affiliate in Colchester.

Vermont Public receives about 10 percent of its revenue, about $2 million, from the CPB, according to the station. Most of its budget is made up of donations from its 40,000 members, Vermont Public says.

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The federal funding also helps Vermont Public buy national programming and maintain broadcast infrastructure, the station says. It also contributes to Vermont Publics partnership with the New England News Collaborative, which serves the Northeast.

The network effect of the local-national partnership, all of these things are part of the beauty of public media, said Vermont Public CEO Vijay Singh in an interview with the Associated Press.

Singh says that, along with providing NPR and PBS to Vermonters, Vermont Public has a local newsroom and produces local content. And taking away even a small amount of its federal funding will harm our ability to make democracy in America healthier.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  The Mississippi Court of Appeals reversed two sexual battery convictions for a Vicksburg man.

According to court documents, a Warren County Circuit Court jury convicted Carl Deanthony Smith on two counts of sexual battery of a victim under 14 years of age and 10 counts of possession of child pornography.

Bond denied for suspect in Jackson mass shooting

In 2024, Smith was sentenced to serve two concurrent terms of life imprisonment in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for the two sexual battery convictions. He was also sentenced to serve 10 concurrent terms of 30 years for the 10 convictions of possession of child pornography.

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In his appeal, Smith argued that insufficient evidence supported his convictions for sexual battery. The Mississippi Court of Appeals ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support those two convictions.

Carl Smith (Courtesy: MDOC)

The court reversed Smiths two sexual-battery convictions and life sentences. The court rendered a judgment of acquittal.

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However, the court ruled that there was no error on the charges of possession of child pornography. The court affirmed Smiths 10 convictions of possession of child pornography and remanded the case to allow the circuit court to reconsider the sentencing on the affirmed convictions.

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YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The York County Coroners Office has identified the man who died after falling off the roof of the Utz factory in Hanover on Friday, May 2.

The York County Coroners Office said a subcontractor was setting up scaffolding to work on the roof when he fell through a skylight into a loading dock area below. The coroners office said the victim, identified as Trever Staten, 34, of Harrisburg, was taken to the UPMC Hanover Hospital.

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The coroners office responded to the hospital at 9:54 a.m. on Friday after Staten succumbed to his injuries.

The cause of death has been ruled blunt force injuries due to his fall, according to the coroners office. The coroners report lists the manner of death as an accident.

The Hanover Borough Police Department is investigating.

OSHA announced they are investigating the incident, and more information will be provided when available.

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After eight years of diligently paying her parents $1,000 a month towards the student loans they took out for her, Sarah from Philadelphia thought she was nearly debt free.

After all, $96,000 in total payments should have covered her initial balance, as well as the interest accumulated on these loans.

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However, on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show, the 29-year-old says she was shocked to discover that her parents now consider her debt to be part of one big student loans pot that also includes the student debt of her siblings. In other words, Sarah's parents expect her to keep paying for her siblings student loans.

Sarahs situation, according to Dave Ramsey, highlights how borrowing money from family can blur expectations in a relationship, and why the only solution is to have a blunt conversation about boundaries.

The bank of Mom and Dad can be tricky

A 2024 report from the Bank of America found that 46% of adult Gen Z Americans relied on financial assistance from their parents for expenses ranging from rent to debt repayments.

Like Sarah, many young adults in this cohort likely rely on Parent PLUS loans for student debt. Roughly 3.6 million Americans had a Parent PLUS loan with an aggregate balance of $114.3 billion as of 2025, according to Federal Student Aid. These loans represent roughly 7.1% of the total $1.62 trillion in student loan debt across the country.

Put simply, the bank of mom and dad is a huge source of education funding in America. However, these loans can often blur the lines between a parent-child and lender-borrower relationship  especially if the terms of the agreement are not well understood or communicated and both parties have different expectations.

For Sarah, Ramsey believes its fair for her to expect to only have to repay her loan. You don't have any legal obligation at all, Ramsey tells her. You do have a moral obligation because you promised to pay your part, but you did not promise to pay your siblings part.

In Ramsey's view, Sarah is dealing with a relationship issue rather than a financial one.

Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for  and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
BOSTON (WWLP)  The states office for Victim Assistance held an awards ceremony on Monday, honoring advocates who have made significant contributions to advancing victims rights and services.

The Bay States victim assistance services include shelters for domestic violence victims, training for direct service providers, victim compensation, legal assistance, and more.

The attorney general explained the importance of victims rights services, which have been available as a statewide effort since the 1984 enactment of the Victims Bill of Rights.

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We remain focused on the barriers and the challenges that crime victims are impacted by, and continue to work together to ensure that everyone impacted by crime in the commonwealth has access to support, said Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

Representative Kate Hogan received the legislator of the year award for her work in passing a bill preventing sexual abuse by fraud of medical providers in 2024.

Were all grateful to the many brave survivors, from the athletes in the headlines, to hopeful parents and very vulnerable patients, said Hogan.

Before this law was passed, medical providers could claim that inappropriate actions were part of legitimate treatment plans, leaving victims without a path forward in the courts.

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Other awardees included a doctor, a detective, and several advocates, all of whom work to support victims of crimes in Massachusetts.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The Columbus Division of Police is responding Monday after a viral social media post of a dog owner pleading with officers to allow her to take her dog to the veterinarian after it was shot by officers.

According to a statement from Columbus police, the incident happened Sunday at approximately 3:28 p.m. near Arlington Avenue and Bremen Street.

Day 1 wraps in trial for truck driver charged in I-70 bus crash that killed six

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Police said the dog was not on a leash and chased after a woman and her leashed dog. Body camera video shows the unleashed dog attacking the leased dog, with the woman attempting to get the dogs separated. At this point, the officer tells the woman to step away from the dogs and then fires two shots at the aggressive animal.

In its statement, the department writes, In an effort to stop the attack and protect both the leased dog and its owner from further harm, an officer discharged their firearm, fatally striking the aggressive dog.

In video posted to Facebook, a dog can be seen lying on the ground with its crying owner saying the dog is bleeding out after being shot.

An officer at the scene tells the woman that animal control must first release the dog before she can take it to the vet. In her post, the owner writes that she pleaded with police for nearly an hour to allow her to get medical treatment for the dog.

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Columbus targeting certain neighborhoods to crack down on crime

He was alert and still breathing and even the vets said if he was brought in sooner he had a good chance to survive, the post states.

Both social media posts have comments supporting both sides of the incident.

The dog was clearly in attack mode. No way to get them out of that mode.except they could have tased instead of shooting it twice, one commenter wrote on the police departments post.

This is traumatic. I am so sorry this happened, one person commented on the dog owners post.

19-month-old girl found dead in pond near Marysville

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Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant said an internal investigation will be conducted into the officers conduct.

We understand that any incident involving the use of force, especially involving animals, can be upsetting to the community, Bryant wrote in the departments statement. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Beach School Board is expected to hold a special session Tuesday night to discuss its previous vote on diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The session comes nearly a month after the school board voted to suspend DEI initiatives as part of a Jan. 29 executive order by the White House to cut federal education funding for schools who refuse to drop DEI programs.

VB board adopts resolution to suspend DEI initiatives

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Prior to tonights session, the school board held a meeting on April 22, where many students, parents and staffers shared their concerns on the decision to suspend the controversial policy.

VB school board gets earful on DEI decision

During the special session, school board members are expected to speak with legal council regarding the executive order, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on the basis of unconstitutionally vague guidance and violating the First Amendment rights of teachers.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at the School Administration Building School Board Room, located at 2512 George Mason Drive. The public is invited to observe the meeting, but seating is first-come-first-serve.

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The meeting will also be streamed on Zoom using the link here.

10 On Your Sides Markeshia Jackson will be in attendance and provide updates throughout the day.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Vermont Fish and Wildlife department warns that common wild turtles in Vermont, including painted turtles and snapping turtles, are not suitable pets.

Luke Groff, a VTF&W herpetologist, says that Capturing a wild turtle, even if only for a short time, is not only bad for that individual but it could hurt turtle populations as well.

Releasing captured turtles back into the wild can spread wildlife diseases and also affect the genetics of the local population.

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Removing turtles from the wild can have major consequences, especially in May and June during egg-laying season for some species.

The most common wild turtles in the state are snapping turtles and painted turtles, but rarer species also exist. Wood turtles, which remain in Vermont in small numbers, have reportedly lived in the area for 10,000 years. All varieties of turtles, regardless of appearance or type, should not be removed from their habitats.

Anyone interested in learning more about turtle breeds and animal safety can check out the VTF&W website or the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

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GRAFTON  To Nancy Goodpasture, of Fairmont, her mother Ginny Goodpasture was like many moms who cared for her children.

I mean to me, she was just the lady who gave me grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, Nancy Goodpasture said.

However, for a brief moment on Monday, Elizabeth Virginia Ginny Goddard Goodpasture, was among a list of 26 U.S. military veterans whose lives were celebrated as part of the 2025 West Virginia National Cemeteries Project that just finished its fourth year. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and managed by the West Virginia Humanities Council, the program is carried out each year with help from students at Grafton High, University High in Morgantown and graduate history student researchers at West Virginia University.

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This work matters. Remembering history matters, documenting history matters, knowing how we got here matters, Eric Waggoner, executive director of the W.Va. Humanities Council, told the approximately 65 guests Monday. That work is essential and important, and you guys are the ones who have done it once again this year.

Students conduct rigorous research on each veteran they are assigned and are then tasked with writing a biography of each veteran.

I never even thought to ask her about her military life, or anything, Nancy Goodpasture said. She was never that personal, so this brought a whole different aspect, well, to any of us.

Three students from University High spent most of the 2024-25 school year unearthing Ginny Goodpastures military history where she served as a World War II codebreaker, the word given those who intercepted and deciphered enemy communications, such as Enigma, which was used by the Germans. The code was used to gather intelligence about enemy troop movements, plans and strategies.

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After obtaining separate bachelors degrees in English and music, Ginny Goodpasture joined the U.S. Navy and served as an officer in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans where she coded and decoded military communications during World War II.

This years National Cemeteries Project had more participation than ever from family members of the military veterans who are interred in the two National Cemeteries in Taylor County. Nancy Goodpasture said this part of the program was rather helpful for her family.

My brother came in from Virginia, and we went to University High School and met with the students, she said. And it was really cool being able to do that.

The project begins each year with a list of names of veterans before assigning the students a veteran for whom they will write a biography.

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We basically look through the long list of names in each of these cemeteries every year, and we start doing research ahead of time to determine how much we can find on an individual veteran, W.Va. Humanities Council Program Officer Kyle Warmack said at the event held Monday at the Taylor County Historical & Genealogical Society offices. Thats the only real bar here to start off, is, what can we find to get started?

The 2025 West Virginia National Cemeteries Project marks the third year that Grafton High senior Karigan Wildroudt has taken part as a student-researcher. She said she cannot stop talking about the veteran she has been assigned each year. She also said working on the project brought history to life for her.

Before this project, of course, I appreciated my veterans. You know, I have brothers who are in the Navy, Wildroudt said. But, you know, reading their stories and seeing the sacrifices they made and how some of them were not able to graduate or graduated and then, sadly, passed away, makes me appreciate what I have and what am I able to get to today.

At this point in the life of the program, Warmack said the work the students did this year is still in draft form whereas, in previous years, at this point the biographies would be considered finished and ready to post online. He said one of the newer aspects this year is that the biographies are longer and more in-depth, an aspect that is gaining attention.

I actually know a West Virginia historian working on a book right now who uses these biographies in his research, so they are contributing in many, many ways, not only to our own community, but to how West Virginia remembers itself, Warmack said.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) delivers remarks during a committee hearing at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Feb. 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. She's among the lawmakers pushing back against the Trump administration's cuts to Department of Justice grants to states. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Washingtons U.S. senators are demanding the Trump administration reverse the cancellation of more than $50 million in grants for local public safety efforts.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice clawed back hundreds of federal grants reportedly totaling over $810 million nationwide.

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Washington was getting six of those grants, worth $55 million in total, according to Sen. Maria Cantwells office. The money was for work focused on helping abused and neglected children, reducing sexual assault in prisons and preventing gun violence.

Elsewhere, affected programs focused on bullying prevention, combating substance abuse and supporting people exiting incarceration. Its unclear how much of the money was still left to be spent at the time of the cuts.

A handful of grants related to victim services have since been restored, according to Reuters.

More than two dozen Democratic senators penned a letter last week calling on the Trump administration to reinstate the congressionally authorized funding. Both of Washingtons senators, Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray, signed onto the letter.

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These programs deliver critical resources to state, local, and community advocates who help people with addiction and protect kids, veterans, and victims of crime across the country, the senators wrote.

On Monday, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, including Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, similarly pleaded with Attorney General Pam Bondi to reinstate the federal grants.

The biggest chunk of rescinded local funding from the Office of Justice Programs was three grants totaling $48 million for the Seattle-based National CASA/GAL Association for work training court-appointed special advocates to represent children in legal proceedings.

The association said it received notice that the DOJ was immediately revoking its grants because they no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.

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It called on allies to write to their congressional representatives that the advocacy of court-appointed special advocates makes a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, many of whom are in foster care.

The association says it works with tens of thousands of volunteers and hundreds of affiliates in 49 states to serve over 200,000 children per year.

The Center for Children & Youth Justice lost $6 million from two grants to fund its violence prevention efforts focused on King County youth.

The loss of this funding means that CCYJs gun violence prevention work will be halted immediately, and they will no longer be able to provide protections for high-risk youth across King County, Jayapal wrote on the social media platform X.

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Another canceled $250,000 grant to the Washington state Department of Corrections went toward reducing sexual abuse in prison. The agency had already spent $234,000 of that money, so the impact of the rescission will be minimal, a spokesperson said.

The Department of Justice didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The rescinded grants are a familiar story in the early months of the second Trump administration and amid cutting efforts by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has already taken President Donald Trumps administration to court over canceled grants for public health and medical research, as well as a broad federal funding freeze in January.
(Photo by Getty Images)

President Trumps Department of Justice is investigating a new Washington state law that makes clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse, arguing it violates the First Amendment.



The state legislation was signed into law on Friday, May 2, by Gov. Bob Ferguson. It means church leaders will now be required to report child abuse or neglect to authorities, and unlike many other states, it mandates that clergy do so even if they learned of the allegations during a confession.

The Justice Department said it would open a civil rights investigation into the development and passage of the bill, which appears on its face to violate the First Amendment.

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In a statement Tuesday evening, Ferguson stood by the legislation.

We look forward to protecting Washington kids from sexual abuse in the face of this investigation from the Trump Administration, Ferguson said.

The bills passage came after three straight years of intense debate within the state Legislature, often spurred by strong opposition from Catholic lobbyists who opposed any requirement that priests report child abuse if the allegations were revealed during a confession.

The announcement from the DOJ expressed similar opposition, noting that the law includes no exception for the absolute seal of confidentiality that applies to Catholic Priests.

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But in signing the bill on Friday, Ferguson noted that as a Catholic himself, he believes the bill protects Washingtonians from abuse and harm.

I always have a personal perspective on this, Ferguson said. For me, this is very clear and important legislation.

State Sen. Noel Frame, who introduced the bill, rejected the notion that the bill is targeting Catholics, pointing out, as she has repeatedly in legislative hearings, that she introduced the legislation after reading InvestigateWests coverage of the way Jehovahs Witnesses hid sexual abuse for decades and how Washington was one of the few states that did not require clergy to report such allegations.

She also disagrees with the argument that the bill is a violation of the First Amendment.

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In its press release, the DOJ argues that the law singles out clergy by making them the only supervisors, as defined by state law, who may not rely on legal privileges to avoid reporting child abuse.

Perhaps they should read the bill, Frame quipped.

Under already-existing Washington state law, confessions to clergy were one of many so-called privileged communications, which includes doctor-patient confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. The new law specifies that when it comes to making a report of child abuse or neglect to authorities, the privileged communications statute no longer applies to clergy.

But Frame said that isnt singling clergy out. Domestic violence advocates, therapists and unions  all groups with privileged communications under state law  already lose the privilege in child abuse cases and still must follow mandatory reporting laws. Doctors can also be called to testify during judicial proceedings of child abuse cases. Clergy, meanwhile, still dont have to testify in court during such cases  the new law only applies to reporting information to authorities.

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A survivor of child sexual abuse herself, Frame, D-Seattle, first tried to make clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse in 2023.

She said ultimately she isnt too surprised at the news of the investigation.

I shouldnt be surprised that the Trump administration is launching an investigation into a law that seeks to protect children from child abuse and neglect, she said in an interview.

This article was first published by InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org), an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Wilson Criscione can be reached at wilson@investigatewest.org.
A new Washington law requires Catholic priests and other religious community leaders of different faiths to report potential child abuse to state authorities.

But does the law signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 2 raise constitutional issues?

The question is central to a new federal civil rights probe launched under President Donald Trumps Administration.

The Justice Department is investigating the passage of Washington State Senate Bill 5375, labeling the law in a May 5 news release as anti-Catholic.

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The agency said the law appears on its face to violate the First Amendment by not providing an exception for the absolute seal of confidentiality that applies to Catholic Priests.

In response to the Justice Department probe, Ferguson said in a statement to McClatchy News on May 6 that: We look forward to protecting Washington kids from sexual abuse in the face of this investigation from the Trump Administration.

The new state law will go into effect July 27, The News Tribune reported.

Are priests mandated reporters?

As part of the religious tradition of the Catholic faith, specifically the Sacrament of Reconciliation, priests are meant to keep any information shared during a confession private.

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With Washingtons new law, priests and other clergy members are now mandated reporters. That means theyre obligated to share any information on potential child abuse they become aware of.

In addition to priests, ordained ministers, rabbis and imams are listed as other examples of clergy members.

When any member of the clergyhas reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department, the law states.

The same goes for public employees in the state, including police officers, medical professionals and educators.

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However, the law makes an exception for public employees that doesnt apply to clergy members.

Except for members of the clergy, no one shall be required to report under this section when he or she obtains the information solely as a result of a privileged communication, the law says.

Though clergy members dont fall under this exception, they cant be required to testify in court about suspected child abuse, The Washington State Standard reported.

Sharon Valdes Huling, a member of the Catholic Accountability Project, a Seattle-based advocacy group, told McClatchy News on May 6 that the reason for this clause is theres a statute in Washington State law that already removes privileged communications for public employees  requiring them to testify in court when it involves the abuse of a child.

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Washington State Senate Bill 5375 does not require that clergy testify in court regarding their knowledge of child abuse, it only mandates that they report credible knowledge to authorities so that the abuse can be investigated and the child can be protected, Huling said in a statement.

Mary Dispenza, a founder of the Catholic Accountability Project, told The Washington State Standardthe law will ensure children will be safer.

The new statute isnt unique to Washington, as noted by the outlet.

States with similar laws

Several U.S. states have laws listing clergy members as mandated reporters, but the majority of those states allow exceptions for church leaders when it comes to communication related to their religious beliefs, including during religious confessions, according to a May 2023 report by the Child Welfare Information Gateway, a government-funded information service.

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Now, similar to New Hampshire and West Virginia, Washington wont allow clergy members to have that privilege, The Washington State Standard reported.

As of 2023, New Hampshire and West Virginia were the only two U.S. states with laws designating religious leaders as mandated reporters that dont allow exemptions for reporting child abuse, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateways report.

A few other states, such as North Carolina and Texas, dont explicitly list clergy as mandated reporters but may consider them as such, the report says. These states also dont allow exceptions for clergy members when it comes to cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.

In a statement provided to McClatchy News by Huling on behalf of the Clergy Accountability Coalition, the Catholic Accountability Projects interfaith coalition, the group said: As people of many faiths, we are deeply disappointed that the DOJ and the Catholic Church see this as anti-Catholic; it is not.

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The group said that similar laws in a few states, as well as Guam, a U.S. territory, have not been found to be unconstitutional.

WA State law ensures the confidentiality of those reporting child abuse, so there is no reason for clergy to be afraid of doing the right thing, and this law does not effect the privacy of the vast majority of Catholic confessions, the coalition said.

The Justice Department Civil Rights Division is leading the investigation into Washingtons new law and whether it violates freedom of religion under the First Amendment.

The full text of the law can be read here.

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Walkertown High School and Walkertown Middle School students finally returned to in-person classes on Monday following a fire in a high school classroom on April 29.

A fire started on a stovetop in a food-and-nutrition classroom at Walkertown High School about 6:30 p.m. last Tuesday and caused considerable damage to the classroom, Forsyth County Emergency Services said.

Crews spent the rest of the week clearing the damage, cleaning the duct work and running the air conditioning cto comfortably cool the full building.
(KRON)  An employee at an East Bay charter school accused of forcibly raping an underage student entered a plea of not guilty during a court appearance Monday. Gerard Michael Flaherty, an administrator at the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, was arrested last week for allegedly having sex with an underage student.

According to court filings, Flaherty, 43, is facing one count of Forcible Rape-Child Victim Over 14 Years, one count of Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony-Victim Under 18, and one count of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.

The filings state that on Feb. 19, 2025, Flaherty did unlawfully have and accomplish an act of sexual intercourse with a person, that was not his/her spouse, against said persons will, by means of force, violence, duress, menace and fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on said person and another.

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The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was a child 14 years of age and older, filings state.

Prosecutors are seeking an enhancement for Aggravated Circumstances, stating that Flaherty personally inflicted great bodily injury on the victim or another person in the commission of the present offense.

Prosecutors are also seeking an enhancement on the count of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse for a Special Allegation-Great Bodily Injury.

Flaherty will return to court on May 13 to set a date for the preliminary hearing of evidence against him, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorneys office. He is currently being held without bail.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The search continues for a man accused of being part of a group that violently attacked a woman, tying her up and beating her.

Its been five months since that attack, and Columbus police said the suspect, Mikell Taylor, 20, was part of a group that held the victim against her will and assaulted her multiple times, even using a gun.

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Investigators are tapping into the resources of the U.S. Marshals Service to bring Taylor to justice.

The Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team is continuing its efforts to keep the community safe. This time, the team is focused on a case that happened in Columbus North Linden neighborhood on the 1500 block of Aberdeen Avenue on Nov. 2, 2024.

Taylor is suspected of playing a role in the brutal attack of the female victim.

Just, just the fact that he tied her up and pistol-whipped her, you know, thats, thats a extremely violent act, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio Michal Black said. Thats someone that, thats capable of committing a heinous crime, that we need to get them off the streets as quickly as possible.

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Court records state the victim went to a home to resolve a dispute over money. At one point, five suspects started demanding money from her. When she couldnt produce the cash, investigators said the suspects carried her into the house and threw her down the stairs into the basement, tied her to a brick pillar and began striking her with pistols, hitting and kicking her.

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Black wants viewers to know Taylor is facing a charge of aggravated burglary.

I mean, if, if hes capable of doing this to one individual and were not able to apprehend him and keep him from committing another crime like this, it could happen to them, he said. It could happen to anyone.

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Investigators said the victim identified the other suspects by their street names, so their investigation continues. She was, however, able to pick Taylors photo out of a lineup.

Taylors last known address was on the 300 block of South Highland Avenue in the Hilltop section of Columbus.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service by clicking here. All tips may be made anonymously.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Warren city leaders want the state to investigate the former owner of Insight Trumbull Hospital.

Mayor Doug Franklin sent a letter to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, asking the Medicaid Fraud Unit to investigate Steward Health Care.

Franklin accuses Steward Health of illegally withholding Medicaid and Medicare funds from the hospital.

I think its criminal and Im clear about that. I think its criminal. I think anytime  and I read the statutes, the states statutes on Medicare and Medicaid  and I think it falls in that category, Franklin said.

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Franklin said he has not yet heard from the Attorney General but expects a prompt reply.

Insight bought the facility out of bankruptcy last year and has invested over $30 million but cant access the funds it needs to operate.

The hospital has since diverted services and furloughed staff.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Washington County mother has been convicted for her role in her 2-year-old daughters overdose after she swallowed several fentanyl pills, the Washington County District Attorneys Office announced Monday.

On May 1, a jury found Megan Meek guilty of second-degree assault.

The case stems from March 13, 2023, when Meek and her fiance, Bret Hollmann, started the day smoking fentanyl pills purchased by Hollmann, according to the Washington County District Attorneys Office, noting their 2-year-old daughter was with them at the time.

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Later in the day, Hollmann and Meek planned to take their daughter to a babysitter so they could go shopping, and stopped at a business on the way, officials said.

Meek went inside the store, and when she returned to the car, she put her bag  with multiple fentanyl pills and other drug paraphernalia  in the backseat within reach of the toddler.

According to the Washington County District Attorneys Office, the 2-year-old ended up swallowing several fentanyl pills.

Bodies found in Portland area rivers pretty normal occurrence

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After they arrived at their destination, Meek and Hollman noticed the child was overdosing, and when Beaverton police responded to the scene, she was unconscious, not breathing and had no detectable pulse, authorities said, noting officers told the parents their child needed her stomach pumped because she swallowed the pills.

Megan Elizabeth Meek, undated photo released May 5, 2025 (Washington County DA)

Officers were able to administer two doses of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and saved her life, the District Attorneys Office said, noting she overdosed again at the hospital because of the sheer amount of fentanyl in her system.

Officials said hospital staff had to keep the child on a Narcan drip for a full day to keep her alive.

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Hollmann admitted to officers that he bought the pills and was later caught smoking fentanyl at the hospital while his daughter was undergoing treatment and had to be removed from the facility, officials added.

Hollman was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree assault and unlawful possession of a schedule II controlled substance  substantial quantities.

In a press release announcing the conviction, the Washington County District Attorneys Office commended the life-saving efforts of Beaverton Police Department, Tualatin Fire & Rescue and hospital staff.

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A sentencing hearing is slated for August 20, 2025.

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Canadas newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit the White House on Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting with President Trump amid an ongoing trade battle between the North American neighbors.

Tensions between Ottawa and Washington have been strained by Trumps sweeping tariffs and his proposal for Canada to merge with the U.S.

Fresh off his election last week to succeed former leader Justin Trudeau, Carney has already warned that our old relationship, based on steadily increasing integration, is over. Meanwhile, Trump has signaled optimism ahead of the visit, predicting that the pair will have a great relationship.

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Heres what to watch as the two leaders sit down:

Tariff threat tit-for-tat

Trumps tariffs have roiled world markets and leaders alike, kickstarting trade showdowns with key allies.

In on-again, off-again moves over the past several weeks, Trump has levied tariffs against Canada, one of its top trading partners, and Canada has hit back with import taxes of its own.

Trump and Carney will meet Tuesday in Washington against the backdrop of their two nations contentious tit-for-tat over tariffs, and amid questions about what a deal could look like.

Hes coming to see me. Im not sure what he wants to see me about, but I guess he wants to make a deal  everybody does. They all want to make a deal because we have something they all want, Trump said Monday.

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Carney has said that a call with Trump last week was very constructive and signaled optimism about negotiations.

He respects, as others who are good negotiators  and hes one of the best negotiators  they respect strength. Thats why were building Canada strong, Carney said of Trump.

A YouGov survey of Canadians last month found that just 25 percent of Canadians considered the U.S. friendly or an ally amid the trade tensions. Twenty percent called their neighbor nation an enemy and 44 percent labeled it unfriendly.

Trumps 51st state talk

Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of a merger between the United States and Canada, suggesting that the independent nation should become the 51st state and drawing sharp pushback from Canadian leaders.

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He told Time magazine in an interview late last month that he was really not trolling with his territorial expansion talk, calling Canada an interesting case.

Were taking care of their military. Were taking care of every aspect of their lives, and we dont need them to make cars for us. In fact, we dont want them to make cars for us. We want to make our own cars. We dont need their lumber. We dont need their energy. We dont need anything from Canada. And I say the only way this thing really works is for Canada to become a state, the president claimed.

Carney, on the other hand, said last week that Trumps idea  which polls as an unpopular hypothetical in among Canadians  will never, ever happen under his watch.

The prime minister has also announced that King Charles will visit Canada later this month, a notable reminder that, while Canada is an independent nation, the monarch is its head of state.

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This historic honour matches the weight of our times, Carney said in a statement. Canada has a steadfast defender in our sovereign.

Reset after Trudeau

Carney used his victory speech last month to underscore that our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over.

As Ive been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country, Carney said. These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never  ever happen.

But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed, he added.

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Carney, a former central banker, became the Liberal Partys leader in March after Trudeaus resignation. He inherited the U.S-Canada tensions and tariffs, and Tuesdays meeting could also reveal whether hell receive the same ire Trump had pointed toward his predecessor.

Trump had jabbed at Trudeau, who served as prime minister for nearly a decade, as Canadas governor in a nod to his annexation ideas.

But Trump said during a Cabinet meeting last week that he thinks Washington and Ottawa are going to have a great relationship and described Carney as a very nice gentleman.

It was the one that hated Trump, I think, the least that won, Trump said.

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Trump has held meetings with several foreign officials at the White House since taking office in January, including one visit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that devolved into an Oval Office clash between the two leaders amid tensions over Russias ongoing war on Kyiv.

Now, as Carney makes his first stop in Washington since his election, the spotlight is on to see how he handles Trump and the simmering trade war.

The visit also comes just weeks before Canada is set to host this years G7 summit in June, the 50th anniversary of the world leaders conference.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The United States resumed water deliveries to Mexico after initially denying the request for the emergency transfer from the Colorado River, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Under a 1944 treaty, Mexico is expected to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to South Texas every five years. This five-year period ends in October, and so far, Mexico has delivered 530,730 acre-feet.

President Donald Trump last month posted on Truth Social, I will make sure Mexico doesnt violate our Treaties, and doesnt hurt our Texas farmers.

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The U.S. denied Mexicos request for an emergency transfer of water from the Colorado River. 90% of Tijuanas water comes from that river.

The Trump administration announced last week Mexico has agreed to surge water deliveries to the U.S. to make up for the deficit. The Mexican government said South Texas can expect up to 420,000 acre-feet of water over the next 5 months.

In return, Rollins said, the U.S. delivered water from the Colorado River.

Were kind of co-mingling things that have never been mingled before, said Professor Emeritus Steve Mumme from Colorado State University, a longtime U.S. Mexico water expert.

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Mumme said using the Colorado River as a bargaining chip risks alienating Mexico, as the U.S. tries to negotiate a shortage of water caused by drought.

There is a history of Mexico voluntarily participating in shortage sharing with the seven U.S. basin states on the Colorado river, Mumme said.

Those seven states are in negotiations to reduce water usage from the Colorado River as the levels continue to fall.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 43-year-old Watertown man is facing child pornography charges.

According to the Watertown Police Department, they arrested Shane Kirkby on a number of felony charges.

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Kirby was charged with the following:

Use of a child in a sexual performance

Promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child

First-degree obscenity

Promoting a sexual performance by a child

Possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child

Second-degree unlawful surveillance

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Authorities were called on the morning of March 17, 2024 to investigate a sex offense. Kirby is alleged to used hidden cameras to record other people without consent or knowledge.

A search warrant was executed and evidence was taken that led to the most recent charges.

He was arraigned in the Jefferson County Jail and remanded to the county jail on $10,000 bail.

Watertown PD was assisted by the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, the Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York, the New York State Police, and the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management 911 Dispatch Center.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A Watertown man is behind bars after police found meth, cash, and firearms during a search last Friday. A Facebook post from the Watertown police says during the search, about one pound of methamphetamine, $6,500 in cash, two firearms, and other items of evidentiary value were seized.

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Bradley James Raderschadt was arrested for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of controlled drug or substance, and possession of paraphernalia.

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Raderschadt is being held at the Codington County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Authorities say a college student from Waxhaw was murdered after a suspect allegedly broke into a Columbia home she was visiting early Sunday morning.

At a press conference Monday, Police Chief Skip Holbrook said 22-year-old Logan Federico was found dead at a home on Cypress Street around 11:15 a.m. Sunday. A minute later, there was a report of a stolen vehicle at an adjacent property.

Officers believed the death looked suspicious, and the autopsy report concluded she was shot in the chest, and there were no other signs of physical trauma.

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Elderly person found dead after fire at Union County home; one person escapes through window: Sheriffs Office

Holbrook said Federico was visiting friends who lived in the home, and she was not the intended target during the crime that occurred at 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

On Sunday afternoon, authorities from several jurisdictions arrested 30-year-old Alexander Dickey at a home in Lexington County. After allegedly committing the murder in Columbia, the suspect then fled in a stolen vehicle and made a string of purchases using stolen credit cards.

The Lexington County sheriff reported that law enforcement tracked him to a home in the Gaston community, south of Columbia. He says Dickey broke into the house, and when authorities began giving him commands, it was set on fire.

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After the arrest, Dickey was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

Dickey was charged with:

Murder

First-degree burglary

Possession of a weapon by a felon

Grand larceny

Grand larceny of a motor vehicle

Financial card theft

Holbrook called Dickey a career criminal.

Hes a true convict; he deserves to be in jail for the rest of his life, he said.

Dickey was denied bond for the burglary and arson charges out of Lexington County.

Federicos father, Stephen, said she was in school to become a teacher and was working two jobs. He said he was her daughters hero.

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That day, I could not be her hero, he said, fighting back tears. My daughter, I cherished. She was a strong, fun-loving individual, she did what she wanted to do, and was spicy.

Holbrook says theres still work to be done on this case, emphasizing there were 10 total victims, between the murder, theft, and fraud allegations.

I cannot say how proud I am of this time of the team thats worked on this case. No question, had they not pursued this with such vigor, we would not be standing here today. A truly remarkable effort.

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A gunman broke into a home where Logan Federico, 22, of Waxhaw, was staying in Columbia over the weekend and shot her to death, police said.

ALSO READ: SC mother continues to demand answers after her daughter found dead in Charlotte

The college student was visiting homes.

Police said Alexander Dickey, 30, broke into the home at about 3 a.m. on Saturday on Cypress Street.

He allegedly went into Logan Federicos room, where she was sleeping, and shot her in the chest.

A gunman broke into a home where Logan Federico, 22, of Waxhaw, was staying in Columbia over the weekend and shot her to death, police said

After the killing, Dickey is accused of going on a shopping spree using stolen credit cards. He also allegedly set a house on fire in Lexington County, which led to his arrest.

Angry

A friend told Channel 9 that Logan Federico was smart and will be missed.

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I think everyones still in shock, including myself, said her friend, Ashley Alexander. This is not the way that she was supposed to go. I cant even think about that. It makes me angry, super angry.

Alexander said on Tuesday that she was still in shock.

Logan Federico worked at Carolina Steel Sports Bar in Ballantyne and was supposed to show up at work on Saturday but didnt.

After a numerous amount of calls and texts, I saw in the caller ID Federico, and I said, Oh, theres Logan. I just knew it was her calling to tell me she was late for her shift and she was her dad. I just knew immediately something was wrong.

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Alexander said she is thinking of her friends family.

I want Logans family to know I cant imagine I know that your heart aches my heart is aching with you guys, Alexander said.

Cant kill my spirit

Logan Federico was a 2021 graduate of Marvin Ridge High School and was studying in college to be a teacher.

Her father said in a Monday news conference that he will never lose his love for his daughter.

You cant kill my spirit, said Steven Federico, the victims father. You might be able to kill my body, my physical but you cannot kill my love that my family and friends shared with me, my memories made with my daughter and my family and her friends will never die.

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Dickey faces multiple charges, including murder and burglary.

Dickey is still in the Lexington County jail.

Federicos family is raising money for her funeral. Click here to visit the GoFundMe.

VIDEO: SC mother continues to demand answers after her daughter found dead in Charlotte
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Weldon man who blasted a neighbor with a shotgun then went on the run has been sentenced to a life term in prison.

Jimmy Newman was found guilty last month of attempted murder and other charges. He was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life plus seven years, according to the District Attorneys Office.

The shooting victim survived despite being shot in the chest from 5 feet away, prosecutors said.

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Newman, 59, shot the other man on Oct. 13, 2024, after an argument the night before.

He fled in his truck and got rid of the gun, prosecutors said. Cellphone evidence showed he went east on Highway 178 before turning off his phone 10 minutes later.

The Searcy Police Department in Arkansas pulled him over nine days later for expired registration  hed put false plates on his truck and painted the vehicle a different color. Officers took him into custody after learning of his arrest warrant; they extradited him to California.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Voters across West Michigan weighed in on more than 50 local races and ballot proposals Tuesday, deciding on funding measures for public safety, schools, roads, libraries and infrastructure.

Not every community had something on the ballot, but many did  including several townships asking for new or renewed public safety millages.

See election results

In Allendale, a proposal from the school district requesting $88 million for district-wide upgrades failed for a second time. Upgrades proposed included a larger high school cafeteria, a new field house and a relocated wood shop. The bond would have kept the current tax rate steady at 12 mills through 2042.

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Allendale schools asking for $88 million bond for improvements

Voters in Ferris Township (Montcalm County), Woodland Township (Barry County), Emmett Township (Calhoun County) and Port Sheldon Township (Ottawa County) passed fire or public safety proposals aimed at increasing staffing and upgrading equipment. In Bridgeton Township (Newaygo County), a fire millage failed.

In Muskegon Township, officials asked voters to approve a 5.25 millage to replace a 2.68 millage that expired earlier this year  but voters rejected the proposal Tuesday.

Without the millage, township leaders previously told News 8 that general fund-backed services could suffer.

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Muskegon Township millage would support police, fire departments

We know this is a heavy burden on them especially right now, but were trying to provide them with the service that they deserve and thats going to keep us the safest, said Muskegon Township Supervisor Jennifer Hodges.

Several school districts also had bond or millage proposals on the ballot.

In Kent County, voters approved a bond for Northview Public Schools. Millages for Sparta Area Schools, Kentwood Public Schools, Forest Hills Public Schools and Caledonia Community Schools also passed.

In Kalamazoo County, Parchment voters rejected a school bond. The Parchment School Districts proposal would have increased the tax rate by about 1 mill overall.

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Voters in Otsego also rejected a school bond.

In Ottawa County, voters in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District passed a renewal of the existing 1.2 mills, as well as the restoration of 0.5 mills, for special education services.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Election results are available as they come in woodtv.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  In honor of National Nurses Week, the city of Westfield will be glowing red as part of a nationwide initiative recognizing nurses in the community.

Springfield Works launches pilot program to help those who exceed public assistance benefits

From May 6 to May 12, Westfield buildings will be lit up with red lights each night to celebrate the kindness and generosity of nurses in western Massachusetts. Over 100 buildings and landmarks across the country plan to participate in the #NursesLightUpTheSky initiative, led by the American Nurses Association.

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Nurses are essential to the health of our families and communities, and this week, we honor the impact they make across every corner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation, said Carmela Daniello, DNP, MS/MBA, RN, Executive Director of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts. Lighting up our skyline is just one way were shining a spotlight on the incredible work nurses do every single day.

The following locations in Westfield will be lit up throughout the week:

Baystate Noble Hospital (May 6-12)

The City of Westfield Department of Public Health (May 6-12)

Western Massachusetts Hospital (May 6-12)

Westfield State University School of Nursing (May 6)

For a full list of participating landmarks in the United States, visit nursingworld.org.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Elimination of some Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funds would buffet WETS-FM, Northeast Tennessees public radio station, but Station Director Chad Barrett said WETS is prepared if that day comes.

Barrett spoke to News Channel 11 a few days after President Donald Trumps May 1 executive order calling for a halt to any CPB funds going to either National Public Radio (NPR) or the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). CPB provides roughly half a billion dollars annually to those broadcasters, including indirectly through grants to local affiliate stations like WETS.

Barrett said his station spends that money, which comes in the form of Radio Community Service Grants, primarily on programming and part-time salaries.

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We get from CPB around  $100,000 per grant, Barrett said. That winds up being about 25 to 30% of annual revenue.

He said with CPB having been in the cross-hairs before, and because the station wants to avoid being reliant on grants, WETS has long prepared for a potential future without the funds.

I dont want to raise any alarms, Barrett said. This funding is crucial. It is critical. But we have fundraised in the past with the idea to weather certain storms like this.

Any grant, you cant bank on having it forever, even if it rolls over and over, you cant bank 100% on it, so we have that mentality when we fundraise, so we would be able to survive without CPB funding.

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Congressional hearings in March saw some lawmakers call NPR and PBS out for alleged liberal bias, and Trumps executive order called government funding of news media both outdated and unnecessary and corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence. It said neither broadcast company presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.

CPB money that WETS uses to purchase NPR programming is clearly an indirect funding of NPR thats prohibited. Whether the part-time positions the station uses CPB money for would also qualify as indirect funding to NPR is open to interpretation.

Barrett said WETS has CPB funding for the coming fiscal year, thats not something, from what I understand, that they can claw back or attempt to take back.

The executive order does say, however, that to the extent permitted by the 2024  General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria of the grants, the CPB board shall prohibit the parties subject to these provisions from funding NPR or PBS after the date of this order.

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Julie Newman, chief operating officer for PBS Appalachia, the countrys first all-digital public station, said PBS Appalachia doesnt qualify for CPB funding and therefore wouldnt be affected by any change.

Even so, we know federal funding is a lifeline for small stations like ours who are devoted to serving rural communities in meaningful and authentic ways, Newman wrote in a statement to News Channel. 11.

Our mission is to preserve the history and culture of Southwest Virginia, and we will continue to do so through the award-winning programs we create here and share with PBS member stations across the country.

Barrett said the biggest impact is likely to be felt at rural public radio stations. Many of those get much larger portions of their overall budgets from CPB.

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I believe in West Virginia, like Allegheny Mountain Radio, I believe they get 69 to 70% of their total budget from CPB, he said.

In 2024, WETS received $293,798 in state funding, $231,159 in listener and organization contributions and $93,689 from CPB. Those numbers were slightly higher in each category in 2023, including $110,725 from CPB.

WETS had about $1.46 million in cash at the end of 2024, which is less than two years worth of expenses.

Barrett said the station postponed its normal spring fundraiser, which is now set to begin May 17.

If people want to donate beforehand, they are always welcome to at wets.org. We also have resources available on the website for Protect My Public Media dot org, which talks about some of the threats to federal funding and better explains it than I ever could.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's military has stabilised the sector of the frontline around the town of Pokrovsk, where Russian forces have been attacking for months, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's top military commander, said on Tuesday.

In a post on social media platform Telegram, Syrskyi wrote: "We've been able to stabilise the situation in this zone of operations... and in some places have seized back the tactical initiative."

Pokrovsk is a logistics hub in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. It is surrounded on three sides by Russian forces, but is still held by Ukraine, despite months of intensive Russian attacks.

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If Russia were to seize or encircle Pokrovsk, it would advance its aim of seizing the remaining part of Donetsk region that is not controlled by Moscow.

Late last year, some people living in Ukrainian-controlled parts of the region said they were considering leaving, anticipating that Moscow would take Pokrovsk.

However, since the start of this year there have been only incremental changes in the front line around Pokrovsk.

(Reporting by Christian Lowe)
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel's plan to expand its Gaza offensive, displace people within the enclave and take control of aid distribution has horrified Gazans who already have endured multiple displacements and food shortages during 19 months of conflict.

Israel has been blocking all aid from entering Gaza since March 2 with the collapse of a two-month ceasefire with Hamas that had improved Gazans' access to food and medicine and allowed many of them to go home.

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For Aya, a 30-year-old Gaza City resident who returned home with her family during the ceasefire after months in the southern part of the strip, Israel's announcement on Monday raised fears of being killed or indefinitely displaced.

"Are we going to die this time?" she said in a message on a chat app.

"Are they going to displace us again? Are we going to end up in Rafah, and will this be the last time, or are they going to force us out of Gaza after Rafah?" she said, referring to the Rafah area in southern Gaza, next to Egypt's border.

Attending a funeral on Monday for several people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building in Gaza City, Mohammed al-Seikaly said things were so dire it was hard to imagine how Israel could further intensify its assault.

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"There is nothing left in the Gaza Strip that has not been struck by missiles and explosive barrels," he said. "I'm asking in front of the whole world: 'What's left to bomb?'"

On Tuesday, Israeli military strikes killed at least 46 Palestinians across Gaza, local health authorities said. Medics said at least 29 people, including women and children, were killed at a school housing displaced families in the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Medics said the school was hit twice within a few hours.

After the first airstrike, the Israeli military said it had struck terrorists operating from a command center used for storing weapons and planning and staging attacks against Israel. There was no immediate army comment after the second attack.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the expanded military operation would be "intensive" and involve holding seized territories and moving Palestinians "for their own safety".

DEARTH OF FOOD

One Israeli official said the plan would involve moving the civilian population southward and controlling aid distribution to prevent food from falling into the hands of Hamas, the Islamist militant group whose attack on Israel in October 2023 triggered Israel's military operation in Gaza.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs rejected the plan on Tuesday as "the opposite of what is needed".

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Tamer, a man from Khan Younis in the southern half of the Strip, said he feared Israel could impose its own triage system to decide who would get food.

"Will they arrest people and kill others before they let the rest into the areas they designate?" he said.

Gaza's 2.3 million people are struggling with a dearth of food, with many eating only once a day. The World Food Programme said on April 25 it had run out of food stocks in the Strip.

Flour often can't be found, but when a rare sack is available it can cost as much as $500, up from 25 shekels ($7) before the war, Aya said.

"They are starving us so we can agree to anything. We want an end to the war. Let them take their prisoners (Israeli hostages) and end the war. Enough," she added.

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Some residents have been eating weeds or leaves, while fishermen have turned to catching sea turtles and selling their meat.

Israeli officials have said there is still enough food in Gaza, though the head of Israel's military has warned the political leadership that supplies must be let in soon, public broadcaster Kan reported.

Hamas, which has run Gaza since 2007, accuses Israel of "using food as a weapon in its war against the people of Gaza".

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's campaign has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities, and reduced much of Gaza to ruins.

($1 = 3.6137 shekels)

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; additional reporting by Dawoud Abu Alkas in Gaza; editing by Estelle Shirbon, Aidan Lewis and Gareth Jones)
By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after the conclave of March 2013, few outside his native Argentina knew who he was or what kind of pope he might be.

When his papal name was announced, things became much clearer.

Taking the name of the 13th century St. Francis of Assisi, Bergoglio laid out a plan for his papacy.

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St. Francis had rejected wealth and wanted to care for the poor. He had taken care of animals and the environment and appealed movingly against the wars of his time. These traits would become key themes of the 12-year papacy of Pope Francis.

With 133 Catholic cardinals due to start their conclave on Wednesday to elect Francis' successor, the world awaits the moment when the new pontiff emerges onto that balcony. What name will be announced? What signal will it send?

John, the most common name chosen by past popes and a name Francis often suggested as one for his successor, would evoke a major figure of the 1960s.

Pope John XXIII (1958 to 1963) was known as a gregarious, smiling man, often referred to as "The Good Pope".

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He helped work behind the scenes to de-escalate the Cuban Missile Crisis and called the Second Vatican Council, a three-year assembly of the world's Catholic bishops that led to major reforms for the global institution.

Choosing the name Paul could honour Pope Paul VI (1963 to 1978), who came after John XXIII and was widely seen as a more cautious figure. He is generally seen as a careful consolidator, who firmed up some of John's reforms but also gave clear doctrinal answers.

Paul VI, for instance, was the author of a 1968 letter that broadly banned Catholics from using birth control.

Some cardinals say quietly that after Pope Francis, a new Pope Paul is exactly what is needed. Francis, the first pope from the Americas, was not always focused on clear doctrine and even made controversial decisions like allowing priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis.

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ANOTHER DOUBLE PAPAL NAME?

Other popular papal names have included Gregory, Clement, Leo and Pius.

There is also Benedict, which could honour Francis' conservative predecessor, Benedict XVI. Or it could honour Benedict XV (1914 to 1922), who spent his papacy pleading with European leaders to end the bloodshed of World War One.

A new pope could decide to be called Francis II, which would be taken as a clear signal that the new pontiff planned to continue with a similar agenda to the late pope.

Cardinal Albino Luciani, elected pope in 1978, decided he could not pick just one name. He chose John Paul, to honour both of his immediate predecessors.

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When Luciani died only 33 days later, the next pope, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, chose John Paul II (1978-2005), honouring all three most recent popes.

The new pope could also choose a double name. Something like John Francis would evoke the reforms of the 1960s and the global attraction of Francis, whose funeral and burial procession brought out crowds in Rome of some 400,000.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Janet Lawrence)
The White House creates AI slop of a weeping immigrant being deported, President Trump performs a mocking imitation of a trans weightlifter, the Pentagon wipes government webpages of the military achievements of nonwhite men  this is an administration that luxuriates in Fox News A block.

This attitude is so central to Trumps presidency that his administration presses on with its mean-spirited jokes  including smearing the wrongfully deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia  even as public sentiment seems to sour on the bit.

But this general embrace of the culture war stands in stark contrast to the administrations low-key triangulation on abortion. That mutedness was a feature of the 2024 campaign and has, somewhat surprisingly, continued into the early months of Trumps second term.

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On Monday, Trumps Justice Department slotted into a long-running, right-wing effort to get the abortion drug mifepristone restricted or yanked from the market altogether. Instead of joining forces with the red states challenging the drug, though, it largely picked up where the Biden administration had left off, arguing that the case should be dismissed.

This case, initially brought by anti-abortion doctors who wanted the drug restricted, reached the Supreme Court last summer. The justices ruled that the doctors lacked standing, as they were unable to prove that they were hurt by the Food and Drug Administrations current set of restrictions on mifepristone. A group of red states tried to take the doctors place back at District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks court, creating a glaring jurisdictional issue: None of the states had any connection to north Texas.

The three Intervenor-Plaintiff States  the States of Missouri, Idaho, and Kansas (the States)  do not dispute that their claims have no connection to the Northern District of Texas and that, if the States were to file their own suit in this District, that suit could not proceed due to improper venue, the Trump DOJ wrote Monday.

If thats where the brief ended, itd be a pretty paltry win for the abortion rights side. The case was only limping along because Kacsmaryk, a judge known for his extraordinary sympathy toward conservative causes, had control of it; the minute it reached another judge, it would likely be dismissed.

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But the administration went further, also poking holes in some of the states legal arguments. It raised an eyebrow at the very speculative theory of harm the states were pushing: that an earlier, more restrictive FDA regulatory regime should be put back into place to avoid some possible future conflict with state laws. It also echoed arguments made by the manufacturers of mifepristone that the window has elapsed for challenging the FDAs 2016 loosening of regulations.

Some legal observers theorize that the administrations unanticipated stance in the case boils down to its unwavering support for executive power, even when it creates odd bedfellows. It doesnt want its FDA to be hamstrung  including, perhaps, when it gins up its own reason to restrict mifepristone in the future.

Others think its a gambit to create cover while it pursues other avenues of restriction, pointing to a suspect study published by a right-wing think tank last week.

The Abortion Pill Harms Women: Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event, blares the headline of the paper from the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

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It bears many of the hallmarks of anti-abortion junk science  no peer review, refusal to publish the underlying data, an ad hoc expansion of definitions (undefined other, abortion-specific complications for half the patients they claim experienced severe adverse effects).

EPPC declined to publish its dataset when asked by HuffPost to do so, and told the outlet that the paper was not peer reviewed because the extensive pro-abortion bias in the peer-review process creates no opportunities to publish peer-reviewed analysis that offer major substantive critiques of the abortion pill or abortion.

Still, anti-abortion organizations and politicians glommed on.

The new reports uncovered today are disturbing. We urge the FDA under new leadership to take a fresh, hard look at the data and reinstate strong safeguards for women and girls, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America wrote in a statement.

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The science is clear: the abortion pill is not safe for women & never has been, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) tweeted.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), the tip of the spear for the anti-abortion movement in the Senate, wrote a Federalist op-ed citing the study as rationale to reimpose restrictions on mifepristone  specifically, to bring back the in-person dispensing requirements and to narrow who can dispense the medication and where. Hawley underscores in the piece how effective the Biden administrations loosening of dispensing restrictions has been, now that patients can get prescribed through telehealth and have the medication mailed to them. Some abortion rights groups have crafted systems to get the medication mailed to women living in states with abortion bans too.

We can stop this abortion-on-demand bonanza, Hawley wrote. At the very least, the Trump administration can, and should, reinstate the full complement of mifepristone safety regulations immediately.

He also wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Martin Makary after the papers release.

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Just last week, you said that you had no plans to take action on mifepristone. Yet during your confirmation hearing, you pledged to me that you would review the totality of the data and ongoing data to inform action on the drug, Hawley wrote. I urge you to follow this new data and take all appropriate action to restore critical safeguards on the use of mifepristone.

Makary earned headlines for the quote, though in his fuller remarks seemed to leave the door cracked to reimposing the restrictions a growing chorus of anti-abortion activists demand.

There is an ongoing set of data that is coming into the FDA on mifepristone, he said. So if the data suggests something or tells us that theres a real signal, we cant promise were not going to act on that data.
By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) -A lawyer who represented a government whistleblower in a case that led to U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment during his first term sued the Trump administration on Monday for revoking his U.S. security clearance, calling it "unconstitutional retaliation."

Lawyer Mark Zaid said in the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., that the administration's March decision to pull his clearance, which allows access to certain classified U.S. government information, was retribution for representing former U.S. Department of Homeland Security intelligence chief Brian Murphy.

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Murphy filed a whistleblower complaint in 2019 over Trump's alleged pressuring of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate then-U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter's activities in Ukraine. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump later that year for allegedly misusing his power against Biden, his political rival, in pressuring Ukraine. Trump was later acquitted of the impeachment charges by the Senate.

Zaid's lawsuit called the Trump administration's decision to rescind his security clearance a "dangerous, unconstitutional retaliation by the President of the United States against his perceived political enemies" that "eschews any semblance of due process."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump called Zaid a "sleazeball" at a Louisiana rally in 2019 and told reporters that he was a "disgrace" who "should be sued," according to the lawsuit.

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Trump rescinded Zaid's security clearance along with the security clearances of former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other political foes.

The lawsuit called the revocation "a bald-faced attack on a sacred constitutional guarantee: the right to petition the court or federal agencies on behalf of clients."

Zaid asked the court to declare the revocation unconstitutional and reinstate his clearance.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by Leigh Jones and Leslie Adler)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly blocked military aid flights to Ukraine within days after Donald Trump entered office without the administration knowing.

An order from the U.S. military told freight airlines at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and a U.S. base in Qatar to halt 11 flights loaded with artillery shells and other weapons bound for Ukraine, according to Reuters.

That verbal order reportedly came from Hegseths office, according to U.S. Transportation Command records reviewed by Reuters, sparking mass confusion across Washington, D.C. and in Kyiv, underscoring what officials and critics have warned is a Pentagon in disarray and driven by haphazard decision-making .

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered a pause of 11 flights with Ukraine aid shortly after Trump taking office, to the surprise of administration officials (REUTERS)

The pause in aid was previously reported, but Hegseths apparent direct role in making the call to halt the flights was not. The flights resumed several days later after then-national security adviser Mike Waltz intervened, according to Reuters.

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Hegseths decision reportedly followed an Oval Office meeting on January 30, though Trump did not explicitly direct Hegseth to freeze any aid. A formal order halting aid that was authorized under Joe Bidens administration went into effect roughly one month later, on March 4.

But the White House told Reuters that Hegseth was following Trumps directive, despite the apparent chaos and confusion among top national security officials who had no idea why the flights were grounded, and who ordered them.

Negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine War has been a complex and fluid situation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Reuters. We are not going to detail every conversation among top administration officials throughout the process  The bottom line is the war is much closer to an end today than it was when President Trump took office.

The pause in shipments also raised alarms in Ukraine, where officials had difficulties getting any answers from Trump administration officials through multiple channels, according to Reuters.

Ammunition, weapons and other equipment bound for Ukraine is loaded on military aircraft at Dover Air Force Base on Delaware on January 24 (VIA REUTERS)

The administration is standing firm behind Hegseth following widespread calls for his resignation and reports suggesting that the White House was considering other candidates for the job.

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Following a month of total chaos at the Pentagon, from mass firings to leaked Signal chats featuring top Trump administration officials discussing bombing campaigns in Yemen, there are very likely more shoes to drop in short order, according to John Ullyot, who resigned last month as a top Pentagon spokesperson.

The White House has denied reports suggesting that Hegseth could be replaced, but pressure from members of Congress and a firestorm of criticism have only accelerated since his appointment.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, has repeatedly blamed the press for any suggestion theres disorder inside the Pentagon while casting allegations from his own top aides as the work of disgruntled former employees.

What a big surprise that a bunch of a few leakers get fired and suddenly a bunch of hit pieces come out from the same media that peddled the Russia hoax [and] wont give back their Pulitzers  they got Pulitzers for a bunch of lies, Hegseth said from outside the White House on April 21.

This is what the media does, he said. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations.
Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.),Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Director Phil Roos announced a $290 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan. | Kyle Davidson

When the MI Healthy Climate conference kicked off earlier this month, anxieties around the nations climate policy likely plagued the minds of attendees, with President Donald Trump once again pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement and working to dismantle efforts to combat climate change and environmental injustice.

However, Michigan found itself in a similar position not so long ago, Phil Roos, the director of Michigans Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy told attendees while delivering the opening speech for the conference.

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When Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist took office in 2019, the U.S. was also working to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. However, Whitmer brought Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance, joining other states in their commitment to advancing the Paris Agreements goals.

Phil Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy at the 2024 Mi Healthy Climate Conference | Kyle Davidson

The Whitmer administration also assembled a council on climate solutions alongside the states environmental justice advisory council, Roos said, as the administration began to organize actions in state government around climate and justice, eventually looking at ways to capture the economic benefits associated with a transition to clean energy.

This culminated in the passage of the state 2023 clean energy package, which laid out specific goals in shifting Michigans energy supply to clean energy resources, with the goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs clean energy legislation at Detroits Eastern Market, Nov. 28, 2023 | Jon King

In 2024, EGLEs efforts shifted toward implementing this plan, getting clean energy into communities that would benefit from it the most through programs like the catalyst communities initiative and the MI Justice 40 Accelerator, which provided disadvantaged communities with support in accessing federal climate funding.

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And its not just the state helping to roll out and support climate action, Roos said.

Its also a local government effort and its nonprofits, its for-profits, its government, its all of the above and thats the way it has to be to make it work, Roos said.

While the 2024 election has led to anxieties around federal funding cuts, the turbulent dynamics of federal politics has some people asking whether the state should continue to work on environmental justice and climate.

What I wanted to say right now is we dont have any choice, Roos said, emphasizing that the science on climate hasnt changed.

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More than 99% of peer-reviewed studies on climate conclude that climate change is caused by human activity, up from 97% reported in a 2013 study examining the level of consensus in scientific studies on climate change.

The challenge that we have is as urgent and critical as it has ever been. We may have politics that have changed, but we, the people of Michigan, still need to be able to breathe clean air. We still have people in the state, wed kind of like to lower their electric fields. We have people whose basements have flooded and might want us to continue to upgrade our infrastructure to protect from the next and the next 100 year flood, Roos said.

There are businesses looking to capitalize on Michigans transition to renewables, Roos said, stressing that this effort cant wait. He later told the audience that just as Michigan began its healthy climate efforts without external and federal efforts, it can do so again today.

Speaking with the Michigan Advance on the second day of the conference, Roos remained optimistic on the states efforts to continue working towards the goals laid out in Whitmers MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she would stand by her climate goals amid a challenging federal landscape during the MI Healthy Climate Conference in Detroit on April 23, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

While the status of federal funding for a number of climate efforts remains uncertain, Roos noted that the Healthy Climate Plan predates the $145.4 billion authorized by former President Joe Biden to combat climate change.

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We know what has to be accomplished, Roos said.

We know what has to be achieved in different areas of the economy, society and we know that. I mean, we went after the federal funding because it was there and it can help accelerate certain aspects of the plan, but achieving those goals isnt primarily dependent on federal funding, Roos said.

When speaking with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on EGLE in March, Roos explained that 94% of the departments ongoing funding comes from restricted revenue sources and federal funding, meaning that they are legally obligated to spend those dollars for a set purpose. Federal funding also makes up the largest share of its budget, almost 40%, he said.

Roos told the Advance that the largest amount of that money comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the form of categorical grants. The EPA delegates certain activities, like protecting the air and water, and partially covers those costs, he explained.

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Thus far, the department has not seen signs that those funds will be cut, Roos said, and while there are federal funds that support efforts in the MI Healthy Climate plan, those are the minority.

EGLE has similarly felt confident enough to move forward with the launch of its home energy rebate program, which provides eligible households with up to $34,000 in rebates for energy efficiency upgrades to their home and appliances. The effort is supported by $211 million in federal dollars.

The other positive for Michigans climate efforts, is that the 2023 clean energy laws provide a legal standard for EGLEs efforts on renewable energy, Roos said, setting clear targets for greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency standards and goals for state energy regulators in evaluating electrical providers.

Funding is great and helpful, and we can accelerate certain elements of it, and we will take it and hope to have it still on some of these areas, but we will continue to find ways to achieve those goals. We may have to take little detours around the way, but so far were just charging forward, Roos said.

kyle
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
President Donald Trump and his top aides have settled on a decidedly non-Trumpian message for American businesses and consumers panicked by his trade war: Be patient.

Ahead of the next stage of economic fallout, that plea is already wearing thin.

U.S. manufacturers and retailers are bracing for a massive drop-off in goods arriving from China, as ports across the West Coast warn of a plunge in shipments not seen since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The looming repercussions have prompted a new round of warnings and lobbying from business groups desperate to dodge Trump's tariffs. But theres little reassurance as the White House tries to coalesce around a consistent communications strategy, even as key allies like truckers begin to feel the effects of supply-chain gaps.

A slump in arrivals at ports represents the first clear sign of supply chain disruption that industry players say could ripple to consumers over the next several weeks, sparking shortages and pushing prices higher for everyday goods like cars, furniture, clothes and even basic children's toys.

"That means fewer jobs, along with rising prices for consumers and businesses," said Gene Seroka, the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. "Consumers and manufacturers will face difficult decisions."

Seroka's port is anticipating a 35 percent decline in container deliveries this week, compared with the same point last year, as Trumps soaring tariffs start to take their toll. Several other ports across California, Washington state and Oregon are also seeing slowdowns  raising the prospect that the pain Trump has warned Americans they may have to endure could be weeks from turning real.

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Senior Trump aides on the White House's National Economic Council and in the Treasury Department are closely monitoring the disruption, according to one White House official granted anonymity to discuss internal strategy. But they've felt little need to do any major outreach so far.

Representatives for the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Oregon and a pair of ports in Washington state, as well as the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association that counts several marine terminals among its members, said Monday that they had not heard from any administration officials.

Other industries are also raising alarms over the damage they could soon suffer from the sudden deterioration in trade with China.

Toy giant Mattel announced Monday that it plans to raise prices on some products to account for the added cost of the tariffs. The Toy Association, which represents toy makers across the country, sponsored the White House Easter Egg Roll, hired a well-connected lobbying firm and has publicly pleaded with the administration for a reprieve from the tariffs, warning it's important to ensure "toys are available on retail shelves and available for the holiday season."

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Trump has shrugged it off, insisting children will be happy with fewer dolls this year amid his efforts to reorder the global economy

Trumps communication challenges are complicated by an underlying truth: He has no intention of abandoning his trade showdown with China, aides and advisers said. Thats forced officials to downplay the short-term impact even as Trump's top economic aides keep a close eye on the early fallout, while racing to nail down new trade agreements they hope can create fresh political and economic momentum that will overshadow the broader concerns.

Thats why you keep hearing the president preach patience, said one outside adviser to the White House, granted anonymity to discuss internal thinking. They want to get to conclusion on some of these trade deals, and frankly I think they are banking on the tax reform later this year to rescue some of the numbers in the intermediate to long-term.

White House officials in recent weeks have sought to build a more structured message around Trumps freewheeling tariff decisions, casting certain tariffs on allies as temporary leverage to renegotiate more beneficial trade deals and others  like those on specific items like steel  as a hardline policy shift meant to force manufacturing of critical products back to the U.S.

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Trump and top aides like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have expressed hope they can make substantial progress on at least one trade deal in the coming days, allowing the administration to hold it up as all-important evidence that their approach is working.

But in the interim, their efforts to sell the strategy have been complicated by the emerging economic consequences  and Trumps own dismissals of the potential pain.

The messaging that were going to have to go through some pain runs so counter to what Trump said during the campaign, said Doug Heye, a veteran GOP strategist. 'Were all going to take it on the chin for a while is not a slogan.

On Monday, Bessent made a notable attempt at course correction, telling an audience at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles that over the longer term, the result of the presidents economic plan will be more jobs, manufacturing and economic growth.

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This is the abundant vision he has for the future, Bessent said, emphasizing that over the long term the U.S. economy reliably gets back up even stronger than it was before.

Yet the White House has remained vague on when that brighter future will arrive, and how much collateral damage it may take to get there. Trump remains undeterred, abruptly announcing Sunday night that he now wants tariffs on foreign movies. And key to the White House's approach is a bet that the tariffs will take a faster toll on China's economy, forcing the nation to the negotiating table.

But economic experts and even some Trump allies are increasingly questioning how long the White House can stay a step ahead of severe political pain.

Some of the advisers to Trump are taking it very seriously, but that doesnt mean theyre saying that to him in those terms, said Ian Bremmer, president of nonpartisan risk assessment firm Eurasia Group, who has been in touch with U.S. and foreign officials about the tariff repercussions. Were the least patient country in the world.

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The slowdowns at West Coast ports are likely to hit a range of goods, potentially resulting in higher costs for some of the most visible products that Americans buy. The tariffs put on China also threaten to strain domestic small businesses that rely on imported materials from overseas.

At E-Blox, a family owned company in Illinois that makes educational toys, all shipments have been suspended until tariff levels come back down.

Everything's on hold, production, development, shipping, everything, said Joseph Seymour, the companys chief operating officer.

Seymour is a member of the Toy Association, which shortly after the election enlisted the Trump-tied lobbying firm Ballard Partners to plead its case on tariffs with White House aides, its trade office and the Commerce Department. But he hasnt seen much progress in the group's efforts to exempt toys, criticizing Trumps boasts about generating more revenue through the trade war as largely disadvantageous to businesses at home.

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Its not affecting China, Seymour said. Its affecting us right here.

The immediate repercussions are also weighing on more fundamental parts of the economy, port officials said. A John Deere shipment of cotton processing machinery thats traditionally sent to China each spring is on hold; a sign the trade war is affecting outbound cargo as well.

The slowdown will inevitably mean fewer ships coming and going, which means fewer shifts for longshoremen and fewer hauls for trucking firms. And while most American consumers might be able to afford a little more patience, truckers are already starting to feel the financial squeeze.

Were kind of in uncharted territory, said Sam Cho, a commissioner with the Port of Seattle. As far as dealing with essentially a global trade war, theres really no other way to put it.


To Americans, the romantic allure of the Sussexes is strong  theyre lovers against the odds; radicals in a regime of conformity; escapees from the fatherland to the free new world. Their noisy oft-proclaimed commitment to spreading goodness in the world, albeit between tell-all interviews and lucrative Netflix deals, was added catnip.

For a time. Now, it seems, the romance is fading, and Americans find that, after all, they prefer the good old Will to his younger brother: the Prince of Wales is now ranked number one among royals. The latest YouGov survey of American views about the Royal family found that the Prince of Wales enjoyed a 63 per cent positivity rating compared to the 56 per cent who felt very or fairly positive about the Duke of Sussex. Even more surprising given the immense wall of woke that defends the Duchess of Sussex is that she has slipped relative to the Princess of Wales and the King, the latter two not long ago seen as part of a stuffy, bigoted blob by the many millions who watched that 2020 Oprah interview.

I have my theories as to why this is so. Unlike Britain, the US, where I grew up, runs on philanthropy and the brash projects of the super-rich. But perhaps Americans are learning a new subtlety in their gung-ho approach to this kind of do-goodery. Perhaps they are realising, after years of the Sussexes noise, that its more attractive when it comes from pockets of hard-won billionaires, people who have lived the American dream and, for whatever mixture of motives, decide to give back. Those who are just rich, and living a life of luxury on (largely) daddys purse, complaining about it all the way, are perhaps a less appealing portal for philanthropy. America already has plenty of those.

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What it doesnt have plenty of, or any of, are royals, and least of all the Royal family. As Harry and Meghan blindly career about north America, flashing their cash, mostly in relation to themselves, their dubious commercial ideas, legal battles and their politics, they forget that the very entity they loathe so was actually what bestowed magic on them in the eyes of their adopted country.

In Dianas case, being the Princess of Wales made her charitable endeavours intoxicatingly charming  without that freighted backdrop of regalia and tradition, albeit an unhappy one, shed have been less influential, a socialite rather than a Princess.

Harry foolishly thought that he would be better able to pursue his aims, including his charitable ones, away from it all. But in doing so, he finds himself competing with a large tribe of wealthy coastal Americans.

The way to do philanthropy like an American is, of course, to move to America, live in a big mansion, talk a lot about your feelings and do plenty of TV. But to win hearts, it helps to be different, and there is no difference more winning than bearing the British royal insignia. What Americans are realising, it seems, is that sometimes good deeds can go with a more elevated service to a nation, and can lie in a quieter, more disciplined ethic of service. No complaining, plenty of duty, and lots and lots of tradition. It may be less flashy, less voguish, but in the end its even more effective and far more powerful.

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The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)

For a second year in a row, Washington police accountability advocates have seen their priorities fall flat in Olympia.

They entered this years session wanting to grant the attorney general stronger oversight of local police departments. They also wanted to create an independent prosecutor to handle cases when police use deadly force; restrict when officers can pull drivers over; block law enforcement from lying during interrogations; and set new standards for police chiefs and sheriffs.

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None of those proposals will become law this year. None even received votes from either chamber of the Washington Legislature, despite growing Democratic majorities.

This is the saddest time of my life, because this is the world I have to leave my children, said Nickeia Hunter, an advocate from the Coalition for Police Accountability, whose brother was killed by police. We have to stay on top of fighting for what we started.

Its a far cry from a few years ago when police accountability gained momentum in the Legislature in the wake of George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 and the social uprising that followed.

In the immediate aftermath, lawmakers passed a suite of laws to set additional guardrails for police. This included restricting when they could pursue people suspected of crimes  a move that drew such staunch pushback, lawmakers rolled back the policy last year.

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They also banned police from using chokeholds, created a statewide use of force database and established a first-of-its-kind Office of Independent Investigations to look into deadly force cases.

Legislators biggest move on policing this year was acquiescing to Gov. Bob Fergusons ask for $100 million to hire more officers, a request that drew frustration from many progressive Democrats.

Steve Strachan, the executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, noted that officials are still waiting to see how some of the big changes made in 2021 are playing out and called the shift since then a more balanced approach.

The difficult budget year also acted as a buzzsaw that sheared away police accountability bills that wouldve cost money.

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Meanwhile, fears of rising crime have emboldened opposition to policies believed to hinder officers trying to do their jobs. In 2023, the last year with available statewide data, the state saw a significant decrease in year-over-year violent crimes after years of increases, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

More broadly, this has all powered a pendulum swing in the establishment conversation from fixing policing to helping police.

Increased accountability helps everyone be able to do their job well, and to make sure that they have the supports and the infrastructure in place to do their job well, said Rep. Darya Farivar, a Seattle Democrat and leading police accountability proponent in the Legislature. It is, frankly, a little confusing to me why some folks dont seem to understand that.

A new sheriff in town

Fergusons rhetoric in his first few months in office played a part in the paradigm shift this year.

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Starting on the campaign trail and in his inaugural address, the new Democratic governor, who supported police accountability efforts while attorney general, was steadfast in his request for a new $100 million grant program to bring on more law enforcement officers. He hopes the money will turn the tide on Washingtons long-held last-place ranking nationwide in police staffing per capita.

After not including the funding in their initial proposals, Democrats relented under threat of veto to include it in the final budget thats now on the governors desk.

This sucked away some money that couldve been used for police oversight measures, said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma.

Strachan said that the funding tracks with the publics priorities.

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Theres a general consensus, I think, among a lot of residents in our state, that, yes, we want to make sure that law enforcement is doing a good job and is being fair and transparent, but also that we need more officers and we need to support public safety, he said.

Departments can use the $100 million for more than just officers on the beat. Under House Bill 2015, the money can also go toward peer counselors, behavioral health co-responders, training and other broader public safety efforts.

While Republicans generally supported the idea behind the grant program, many of them believe Washingtons police staffing difficulties are caused more by the states perceived hostility toward law enforcement than anything else.

The money also comes with strings.

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To access grant funding, for example, cities and counties need to either implement a new 0.1% sales tax for public safety or have already imposed a similar tax. They also need to follow state model policies as well as collect and report use of force data.

In a statement, Ferguson said increasing hiring and adopting police accountability measures are not mutually exclusive.

They can, and should, go hand in hand, the governor said. For example, HB 2015 creates a $100 million grant program to hire more law enforcement officers and contains strong accountability conditions for agencies that will receive the grants.

Ferguson has not yet approved the final budget or House Bill 2015. He has a couple weeks to do so.

Looking forward

Trudeau hopes once local law enforcement can address the staffing issue, the discussion can turn back to accountability.

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Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, plans to spend the interim before next years legislative session meeting with police officials. He wants to mend the relationship between Olympia and on-the-ground law enforcement.

Its, I believe, incumbent on me to do some repair work with the police community, because its been a pretty aggressive effort, all well meaning and I think good policy, but it needs to be done in a more collaborative fashion, said Goodman, the chair of the House Community Safety Committee.

Hunter, with the Coalition for Police Accountability, described the path forward as bleak.

But well be damned if we sit down and be like, Oh, were just going to have to have to accept it, she said.

With a short, 60-day legislative session in 2026, she isnt hopeful for major gains. But she and others plan to keep telling their stories in hopes of convincing people about the importance of the issue.






Prince Harry will head to Las Vegas on May 6 to take part in an event for The Diana Award, the only named award in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana.

May 6 also happens to be the sixth birthday of Harry and wife Meghan Markles son Prince Archie.

Harry also missed at least part of Archies fourth birthday in 2023, as Harry flew to the U.K. to watch his father King Charles coronation, which took place on the same day two years ago.







Much like two years ago when Prince Harry flew to the U.K. to attend his father King Charles coronation on May 6, 2023, the Duke of Sussex will be out of town for at least part of son Prince Archies birthday today.

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Archie, who was born on May 6, 2019, turns six years old on Tuesday, and Harry will be away from home for at least part of the day, traveling to Las Vegas for an important engagement connected to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Getty Princess Diana Princess Diana

Hello! reported that Harry is launching a new initiative in collaboration with The Diana Award, the only award named in honor of the late Princess of Wales, who died in a 1997 car accident. The young leaders Harry will meet with are recipients of The Legacy Award, recognizing their social action and humanitarian work, and the Duke of Sussex will meet with Sikander Sonny Khan, who hails from Michigan; Jamaicas Christina Williams; and Paul Phipps of Service Now at the Knowledge 2025 event.

Companies that invest in youth leadership today are cultivating the workforce, innovators, and consumers of tomorrow, said Dr. Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award. The Diana Award is proud to launch Pledge to Invest, an opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to make a strategic, measurable, and high-impact investment in the future of youth leadership.

For over 25 years, The Diana Award has invested in young people, empowering them to tackle the pressing issues of our time, she continued.

Courtesy of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in their 2024 holiday card Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in their 2024 holiday card

Getty Images Prince Harry on April 9, 2025 Prince Harry on April 9, 2025

Harrys last known trip to Las Vegas was quite a different one than the trip hes expected to undertake today. In 2012, Vegas was the site of a notorious party where compromising pictures of a naked prince emerged following a game of strip billiards with a group of young women, The Times reported. Harry later wrote of the incident in his 2023 memoir, Spare, writing, How had I let it happen? How had I been so stupid?

Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince William and Prince Harry on July 1, 2021 Prince William and Prince Harry on July 1, 2021

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The Diana Award is one of the few links Harry and older brother Prince William still have to one another, despite their ongoing rift. Both brothers are still associated with the award, although they have remained separate in their support for the initiative, according to The Times.

Read the original article on InStyle
City Works Eatery, a restaurant project by Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli on Tejon Street in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, is taking shape with a planned opening in early April.
Despite feigning ignorance of the constitutional order, its clear that President Trump wants to create extrajudicial methods for rounding up and holding migrants, end-running the multiple federal courts that have stymied or halted his exile flights over due process concerns. However, hes resorting to scary-sounding, centuries-old wartime laws like the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and the Insurrection Act of 1807, as well as crusty war terms like enemy combatant for his expansive, unchecked executive vision of crushing immigration  which can now be coupled with his astonishing announcement that he doesnt know if everyone in the U.S. is entitled to due process.

On his first day back in the White House, Trump signed an executive order (which he mistakenly thinks is an unreviewable decree) declaring an emergency at the U.S. southern border. That way his brain trust could contemplate the Insurrection Act as a possible response to immigration, which would let him deploy the military to enforce laws on U.S. soil. Trump also invoked the Alien Enemies Act to justify sending 137 of 261 alleged Venezuelan gang members to an El Salvadoran gulag. He is now reportedly looking into whether his administration can label suspected gang and cartel members inside the U.S. as enemy combatants. And for good measure, he has also declared that deportees are terrorists and that Tren de Aragua is a foreign terrorist organization akin to the Islamic State and Boko Haram. (TdA is actually more of a violent Venezuelan street gang with a handful of international nodes than a political terrorist group, but I digress.)

In reality, these semantics are just Trumps latest attempt to make deportations of migrants easy, quick and unreviewable (itself a tacit acknowledgement that simply disappearing a permanent resident like Kilmar Abrego Garcia is very likely illegal.) However, domestic or extraterritorial abduction, detention and/or transfer of human beings to other locations  whether Rwanda, Cuba or El Salvador  is a transparent attempt to circumvent our laws.

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The problem with all this Hegsethian warrior-speak is that we are not in a declared war or under a military invasion. Moreover, presidents and agency heads dont have the power to just proclaim one. Yet most of Trumps more controversial executive actions  especially when it comes to immigration  require the US to be on wartime footing because, outside of that dire context, they would be illegal, unconstitutional, or both. Even during wartime, things like kidnapping and extraordinary rendition violate U.S. law, the Geneva Conventions, and other international humanitarian treaties to which the U.S. is a signatory.

This is hardly the first time America has struggled with terminology in its treatment of detainees. Before 9/11, terrorist attacks were treated as crimes rather than acts of war. In the aftermath of 9/11, the labeling of terrorism as warfare gained both political and legal traction. The amorphous war on terrorism produced an equally indefinite vocabulary for terrorism suspects held by the United States or at its behest. Material witness? Enemy combatant? Criminal defendant? Terrorist? The multitude of terms spoke volumes about the indecision and uncertainty of the executive and judicial branches over what to call detainees being held by the United States both domestically and abroad.

The elasticity of terms like enemy combatant allowed the U.S. to more easily shuffle people back and forth between the military justice system and the civilian justice system, hold them for indefinite periods of time, and even physically mistreat them. Another possible bonus for Trump is that the designation would allow him to drone suspects labeled as enemy combatants outside the United States, including innocent Americans, which we have done in the past and which Ive condemned.

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Trump, who struggles with even a basic understanding of middle school level English and history, apparently thinks that he can ex post facto incantate legalistic-sounding phrases like perpetrating, attempting, or threatening an invasion or predatory incursion and magically shoehorn his rushed and hushed detentions and deportations of migrants into a law meant for members of a hostile foreign nation during armed conflict.

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Outsourcing pieces of our criminal justice system to other countries, whether its El Salvador or Rwanda (both of which have a dark history when it comes to human rights abuses), and imprisoning detainees in secret, violent prisons at Gitmo, CECOT, Alcatraz, or any other mecca of impunity is antithetical to democracy. Trump should visit the Supermax in Florence, Colorado (the Alcatraz of the Rockies) and Attica in New York. Our prisons are quite renowned for their own violence, excessive force, harsh conditions, remote locations, overcrowding and filth.

However, Trump is a maximalist, sadist, and xenophobe. I suspect that if he could, Trump would outsource our immigration machinery to places far worse than Gitmo, El Salvador and Rwanda, like Camp 14 in North Korea and Butyrka Prison in Russia. Bypassing immigration courts is not just a slippery slope, its a blind cliff dive into tyranny. Trump knows this better than anybody.
This year, Greece's annual infernos decided not to wait for the official start of wildfire season on May 1.

In the dry and warm month of March alone, the Greek fire service recorded around 1,359 outbreaks of forest and bushfires. Currently, a large area north-east of Athens is burning.

Stormy winds, as is often the case, are fuelling the flames near the village of Keratea, making it almost impossible for firefighters to contain the blaze.

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Is all this a glimpse of what lies ahead?

The government says it is better prepared than before, but is also warning about significant risks.

Images of stormy winds throwing walls of fire, 10 metres high, towards hotels in Greece were seen around the world in 2023. The sheer horror facing tourists in the country's holiday hotspots will be remembered by many considering a trip there this summer.

In July of 2023, some 20,000 tourists and residents in the south-east of the island of Rhodes needed to be evacuated in the space of just hours, followed by a days-long battle against the flames. The fires of 2023 showed that nothing would ever be the same again in Greece.

'The climate crisis is reality'

"We have to acknowledge that the worst is still ahead of us regarding the climate crisis, and we must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a visit to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection late in April.

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"The climate crisis is already a reality  with hotter and drier summers that encourage the spread of fires."

Nowadays, Greeks and tourists alike fear the destructive power of wildfires. Fans of the holiday island of Rhodes will not forget the massive fires that devastated the south-east of the island in 2023.

Officials say they are not only bolstering their fire departments, but also improving how they contact tourists in the event of nearby wildfires.

To protect tourists, civil protection authorities are now sending alerts to all smartphones  including those of foreigners  warning about fires, storm surges, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions.

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For all visitors to the country, it is crucial to follow the warnings issued by civil protection authorities, officials say.

At the same time, the Greek fire service has been reinforced and now includes around 18,000 personnel  20% more than two years ago. Additionally, 2,500 seasonal firefighters have been recruited.

The number of volunteer firefighters has reached approximately 4,500, with a further 5,500 volunteers from environmental, nature and animal protection organisations also contributing.

According to civil protection authorities, the country has about 85 firefighting planes and helicopters at its disposal this year. However, the majority of these aircraft are leased, while the countrys own fleet continues to shrink despite the high risk of fires, the daily newspaper Kathimerini recently criticized.

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This is partly due to the fact that many of the Canadair firefighting planes have been in service for decades and require constant maintenance, the newspaper reports. While seven new planes have been ordered, these will not be delivered until 2028 at the earliest.

Technology helps  but not always

Eighty drones are now in use to identify fire hotspots early. However, even modern technology cannot prevent every disaster.

During the devastating fires north-east of Athens last August, the first flames were detected by a drone immediately, and the first firefighting helicopter dropped its load over the fire within minutes  to no avail.

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Prolonged drought and strong winds allowed the fire to develop into the largest forest fire of the year.

Within days, more than 10,000 hectares of land were burned, over 40 villages had to be evacuated, one person lost their life, and many lost their homes.
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Wilson County Schools are once again in the middle of a culture war as an insurance policy change on gender reassignment for employees is up for discussion on Monday night.

According to Mondays agenda, the districts insurance company is asking the school district to include the language in their policy in order to be in compliance with laws and regulations that center around mental health.

Gender reassignment services is new language that the insurance company for Wilson County schools is strongly recommending the district include in its health plan for employees.

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I expect it to be a very heated debate, JC Bowman, Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, said.

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According to current and previous school board members, the language was excluded in the policy last year. Now their insurance company is strongly recommending removing that exclusion, or it could potentially face consequences.

Either side, there is going to be litigation possible on this, and so they are going to need to have discussion on where is the risk going to fall on? Bowman said.

The change would cover services and supplies provided in connection with gender transition when you have been diagnosed with gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria. Coverage would include, but is not limited to, sex change surgery, breast removal, hormone therapy, among a few other services.

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However, the question is what happens if the district decides not to cover these services?

You are in risk management in this business. There could be a group out there who does sue you because they dont want it covered, Bowman said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Bowman said Wilson County is one of a few dozen districts in the state that are self-funded. Self-funded, you control the costs a little better because you can exclude or include things.

However, he said another possibility is looking into other insurance options, such as the state plan, but that could mean costs would most likely go up and impact the overall budget.

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They are one of the best-run districts in the state, I think they will have discussion and debate prior to this decision, and it will be ongoing, Bowman said.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A federal judge on Monday ordered North Carolina election officials to certify a November election and confirm the narrow victory of a Democratic justice on the state Supreme Court. Democratic incumbent Associate Justice on the NC State Supreme court joins Morning Joe to discuss.
DENVER (KDVR)  Hundreds of flights arriving and departing Denver International Airport Monday evening were impacted by inclement weather as a storm system moved into the region.

As of 6:45 p.m., flight tracking website FlightAware was showing over 720 flights at the airport had been delayed, with five cancelled flights.

FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar

The majority of those delayed flights were headed into DIA, according to FlightAware, which showed 340 flights headed to DIA that were delayed and only 270 flights from the Mile High Citys airport that were delayed.

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The airport itself also issued a warning to passengers on Monday, noting that the inclement weather could mean delays Monday evening at the airport.

Please be sure to check with your airline before heading to the airport, DIA shared on X.

Wind speeds on Monday evening at DIA were steady at about 30 mph, but gusting to about 40 mph, according to National Weather Service data.

Events to road conditions: Potential impacts with Pinpoint Weather Alert Day Tuesday

Mondays weather precedes a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day on Tuesday thats warning Colorado residents of feet of snow in the mountains and upwards of an inch of rain in the metro area. Showers and storms are expected throughout Monday evening and night and some light snow could be seen in the higher elevations.

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Winds are expected to lighten Monday night, but will remain brisk, according to Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels.

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Audrey Backenberg was reported missing from Wisconsin in 1962, aged 20

She has recently been discovered alive and well, and living with a new name and a new husband

Backenberg was fleeing her allegedly abusive husband at the time of her disappearance

Audrey Backeberg, who was reported missing in 1962, was recently discovered alive and well. It has now been revealed that Backeberg had been living under a new name and had married a new husband.

The Sauk County Police Department issued a resolution for the missing person cold case on May 2. The Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy website reports that Backeberg was 20 years old and lived in Reedsburg, Wis., and fled her allegedly abusive husband, Ronald, at the time of her disappearance.

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Backeberg, now 82, has been living under a new identity and has since remarried. She cooperated with authorities in closing her own cold case, but declined to verify whether she shares children with her second husband. Detective Issac Hanson told the Chippewa Herald, I told her I wouldnt discuss her location because it is important to her. Based on the things that she told me, I think that she is confident in the decision that she made. [She] Did what she had to do, type thing."

Related: Body of Teen Who Went Missing with Brother During Duck Hunting Trip Found, Brother Remains Missing

A matter of days before her shocking disappearance, Backeberg  who shared two children with her allegedly abusive first husband per the Sauk County Sheriff's Office  filed a criminal complaint against Ronald, alleging hed battered her, leaving her with head injuries after threatening to kill her.

[She reported] her husband had loaded a couple of guns and put them into the trunk of his car and threatened to kill her, former Sauk County Sheriff Randy Stammen told the Baraboo News Republic in 2002 on the 40th anniversary of her disappearance.

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On the morning of July 7, 1962, Backeberg left her familys home to go pick up a paycheck at the local woolen mill. Backeberg never returned home, prompting her husband, Ronald, to contact her relatives to inquire about her whereabouts, but she was not subsequently seen for decades.

Related: A Complete Timeline of Missing Student Riley Strain's Disappearance

Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy noted that shortly after Backeberg went missing, a 14-year-old babysitter for the couple came forward and said that she and Backeberg hitchhiked to Madison, and then took a bus to Indianapolis. The babysitter later claimed she didnt want to return home after they arrived in Indianapolis. The woman was last seen walking near a bus stop.

In the decades since her disappearance, Backeberg did not contact any of her family members. Her mother died in 2023, while one of her children died in 2006. Hanson was assigned Backeberg's cold case in January, and digitized the documents associated with the case for the first time since 2002.

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The detective reached out to 20 family members and witnesses, and even used information from an Ancestry.com profile linked to Backeberg's sister, the Herald reports.

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It was just a bunch of puzzle pieces, Hanson told the outlet. It was just digging and digging and digging and digging, and kind of putting it all together.

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.



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Western Illinois University is known as an opportunity institution that helps students increase their social mobility. Taking it a step further, Western Illinois University is the first school to become a part of the Prepare for Illinois Future program.

(Evan Denton, OurQuadCities.com)

Its this access to affordable, high-quality test prep that can be the difference between that dream being realized, or that dream being deferred, said State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island.

The program covers costs of test prep for grad students, licensures, and career entrance exams in areas such as medicine, nursing, and cybersecurity.

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What it means is these students are increasing their earning potential, and very likely if they are going to school here in Illinois, they are able to stay here in Illinois and find that career in Illinois, Halpin said.



In two months, the program has saved students nearly $8 million in out-of-pocket costs.

Of all the investments that we can make as a state, investing in the next generations education, investing in that workforce is paramount, said Harrison Dehnert, a Western Illinois graduate student.

The program helps tear down barriers and ensure the costs are not a deterrent for students seeking to advance their academic endeavors, said Justin Schuch, Western Illinois Universitys vice president for student success.

The program doesnt just help the students, but also supports local businesses.

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The future success the Quad Cities depends on ensuring that students have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, said Chris Caves, a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Without them businesses struggle to find qualified talent, innovation stalls, and our community misses out on the full potential of the next generation.

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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Battalion Chief Tony Garrison of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department was selfless to the end. The 51-year-old died last fall while attempting to save lives during Hurricane Helene.

Widow Mary Garrison says his strong willingness to help was part of his DNA.

He was just a simple man; thats just the way he lived his life. He loved his family, and hes truly missed, she told Queen City News.

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More than seven months after the disaster, her husband was among those honored at the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Maryland.

Tonys family and fellow Fairview firefighters attended in his memory.

To have him honored this way, Im blessed to be able to travel up there and to be able to attend the service, said Mary.

The tribute remembered 70 first responders who died in the line of duty last year, and 70 more who died in previous years.

Thats just what embodies the values of fire service, said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Association. Thats why its so important to commemorate these men and women who have served so bravely and courageously.

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Garrison stepped up on September 27th of 2024, one of the darkest days imaginable

He went running out the door, there was no Goodbye, there was no Be careful, he went to do what he was trained to do, Mary remembers.

While Tony searched for loved ones during the storm with nephew Brandon Ruppe, both were overwhelmed by flooding and landslides and lost their lives.

Tonys son Dylan was also with them, but somehow, he survived.

He said, We were under the water. He said, I couldnt breathe. He said, I couldnt move. Hes a miracle, my son is a miracle, says Mary, reflecting on the wide range of emotions.

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That day, a total of 13 were killed in the Garren Creek community. Tony was one of 11 from the same family who died in the area known as Craigtown.

The victims included Lois and Jimmy Souther, and Dan and Evelyn Wright.

Months later, the Garrison familys bittersweet journey led to a somber ceremony, where fallen firefighters were announced.

Tony Ray Garrison, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department incorporated, his family heard, before being presented with a folded American flag.

Mary accepted it with their children Hannah and Dylan by her side.

Credit: National Fallen Firefighters Association

Im honored to do that for him, and for his memory, absolutely, she says.

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Truthfully, thats the only thing that gives me comfort, is that I know [Tony] was doing what [he was trained to do], said Mary.

Garrison was one of 11 North Carolina first responders honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Mary holds onto many memories of good times from their wedding day, moments with their family, and fishing. She even sent us a photo of him cutting his spaghetti with a pair of scissors.

Tonys love of life was matched by his sense of humor.

We had a first date that I will never forget. He took me bowling, but it was with his whole family. For a first date, I thought, Wow!

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Perhaps that first date was telling, because throughout his life, family mattered most.

Thats why at the height of disaster, Tony Garrison sprang to action.

That was just a testament to the kind of person he was he was going to help anybody that he could have, Mary says.

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Erin Patterson, who has been accused of feeding poisonous mushrooms to her estranged husband Simon Patterson's family, previously told a true crime Facebook group that she'd been "hiding powdered mushrooms" in her kids' food, according to witness testimony

Erin is on trial after three died from a Beef Wellington she served, which allegedly contained the deadly fungi

Weeks before the fatal lunch, the suspect, who has pleaded not guilty, asked the Facebook group members for advice on how to cook the dish, one member of the group testified

A woman who has been accused of feeding her estranged husbands family poisonous mushrooms previously bragged in a Facebook group about hiding mushrooms in her kids' food, according to witness testimony.

On Monday, May 5, witnesses testified about posts Erin Patterson, 50, made on a true crime group while taking the stand in Australia's Supreme Court of Victoria at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

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In one message that was shared in the courtroom, Erin wrote, Ive been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea." Witness Daniela Barkley testified that the message was from 2023, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Jason Edwards/Newspix via Getty Images Erin Patterson Erin Patterson

Related: Woman Accused of Killing In-Laws with Poisonous Mushrooms Has Some Attempted Murder Charges Dropped Ahead of Trial

Barkley also confirmed Erin had sent photographs of chopped-up button mushrooms to the group and had been "excited" about purchasing a food dehydrator.

Erin is on trial for the murder of three people and the attempted murder of another, per the BBC, after inviting her estranged husband Simon Pattersons parents, Don and Gail Patterson, 70, for lunch at her Leongatha, Australia house in July 2023.

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Erin also invited Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, to her lunch, where she served Beef Wellington that contained a deadly mushroom.

After the meal, Don, Gail and Heather were hospitalized and died within days. Ian was also affected but recovered weeks later. Erin has pleaded not guilty to the killings.

Barkley said via video link during the hearing that those in the Facebook group would often discuss cooking, claiming that Erin had previously asked for advice on how to cook Beef Wellington, according to the ABC.

Christine Hunt, another witness who knew Erin from the Facebook group, testified that Erin used three different names online: Erin Patterson, Erin Erin and Erin Erin Erin.

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"Erin asked the group if anyone had cooked Beef Wellington before and if they had any advice," Barkley said, the ABC reported, claiming that she believed Erin had asked for the advice "two weeks before the lunch."

JOEL CARRETT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Sole lunch survivor, Ian Wilkinson, is pictured on May 6, 2025 Sole lunch survivor, Ian Wilkinson, is pictured on May 6, 2025

Barkley said the last time the group had discussed the Beef Wellington had been toward the end of July after Erin had reportedly said she was finding it difficult to find "a cut of meat due to the expense," the ABC stated.

During questioning, Barkley told the trial Erin's life "appeared to revolve around her children," saying she thought "she was a wonderful mother," the outlet reported.

While giving testimony, Jenny Hay, another online friend of Erin's, said the suspect asked for advice about cooking Beef Wellington, according to 9 News. "Towards the end of July, Erin said she was making beef Wellington," she recalled, adding, "I think she was at the supermarket and she messaged us something about the beef that she was buying."

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Hay recalled Erin telling her the mushrooms came from an Asian grocer, the outlet noted.

On Tuesday, May 6, sole survivor Ian took the witness stand and testified that Erin had been eating from an "orangey tan" colored plate on the day of the lunch. He said that her guests had eaten from four gray plates, the BBC stated.

He recalled a doctor telling him and his wife that they were ill because of "suspected mushroom poisoning" after they were taken to the hospital.

"He was very frank. He said it is a very serious situation," Wilkinson added.

Speaking about Erin, Ian said, "She just seemed like a normal person to me. When we met things were friendly. We never had arguments or disputes. She just seemed like an ordinary person."

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Erin's lawyers claimed last week that the whole thing was "a terrible accident," per 9 News.

The Supreme Court of Victoria didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



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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)  The person killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 805 over the weekend has been identified.

Grasiela C. Gomez, 65, of Temecula, was announced as the deceased, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office.

The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m., just north of 43rd Street.

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Gomez was stopped in her vehicle on the shoulder of the highway when it was struck by another vehicle, medical officials said.

This was a mass casualty incident: Boat washes up at Torrey Pines State Beach

The vehicle that hit the silver Toyota sedan Gomez was in was described as a black Honda sedan driven by 27-year-old Markus Eugene Turner, per California Highway Patrol.

The crash caused a chain reaction as Turners vehicle also struck a blue Honda sedan and a white Toyota sedan.

Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Turner and the two passengers in his vehicle, along with the driver of the blue Honda sedan, were taken to a hospital for their injuries.

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Turner was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to authorities. He was booked into San Diego County Jail on multiple charges.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the CHP San Diego Area office at 858-293-6000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
El Pollo Loco, the popular Southern California restaurant chain known for its grilled chicken and fast-casual Tex-Mex fare, is coming to Colorado Springs.

The restaurant will move into the former KFC location at 825 E. Fillmore St. in central Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department announced in a Facebook post this week. Planned renovations for the project total more than $1 million.

El Pollo Loco on Wednesday confirmed plans for a Springs location.

"We've been working with a franchise partner to bring El Pollo Loco's signature, fire-grilled chicken to the Colorado Springs area," Tim Welsh, El Pollo Loco's chief development officer, said in a written statement. "We have secured a location and are excited for construction to be underway. While we can't commit to a specific opening date for this restaurant, we are optimistic that we will be serving fire-grilled chicken to the Pikes Peak community this summer."

The restaurant is being built more than four years after El Pollo Loco officials announced the company planned to expand to Colorado. In March 2021, the brand said it planned to open five locations in the Colorado Springs area and up to 15 in the Denver area.

El Pollo Loco currently operates two Colorado locations. The first, at 4698 Peoria St. in Denver, opened in November 2022; the second, at 5480 Wadsworth Bypass in Arvada, opened a year later in November 2023.

The company told The Gazette in March 2021 it first needed to find a franchisee to develop the Colorado Springs market before opening locally.

Residents shared their excitement on social media for El Pollo Loco to come to Colorado Springs.

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"This is great news!" Greg Austin wrote on the building department's Facebook post.

"Love this place," Leni Tamati wrote.

Based in Orange County, Calif., El Pollo Loco was founded by Juan Francisco Ochoa in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975. In December 1980, El Pollo Loco opened its first U.S. location in Los Angeles.

The Colorado Springs location could be El Pollo Loco's 500th store. According to reports, CEO Liz Williams said in a recent earnings call that the next restaurant the company opens will be its 500th  and it will be either in Colorado Springs or in Arizona.

"We'll know in just a couple of weeks," she said, according to the magazine Restaurant Business.

The company plans to open 10 new stores this year, the most since 2022, Restaurant Business reported. El Pollo Loco has planned locations in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas and Washington.

The chain is primarily known for its fast-casual Mexican fare, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and fire-grilled chicken. The menu also includes tacos, burritos, tostadas and sides such as chips with guacamole or queso, tortilla soup and sweet treats like cinnamon churros, a pastry made of fried dough and covered in sugar and cinnamon.

El Pollo Loco will join a slew of local, regional and national chicken concepts in the Colorado Springs market, many of which have opened in recent years. They include 92 Chicken, Angry Chicken, Birdcall, Bonchon, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-fil-A, Chicken Salad Chick, Daddy's Chicken Shack, Dave's Hot Chicken Wings, KFC, Popeyes, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Slim Chickens and Wingstop.

Some others have left Colorado Springs completely. After almost 35 years, the Hooters restaurant inside The Citadel mall on Colorado Springs' southeast side permanently closed in March; it was the only Hooters location in Colorado Springs. The company did not disclose the reason for Hooters' closure in Colorado Springs.

Wing Zone Hot Chicken & Wings closed just five months after it opened in the summer of 2024 in northern Colorado Springs. Its operating partner, Christen Sanders, told The Gazette poor sales, the restaurant's lack of street visibility and increasing business costs were partly responsible for the restaurant's November closure.
Police are investigating a woman seen on video brandishing a machete in two separate incidents of apparent road rage in Los Angeles County this year.

The most recent altercation took place on Saturday near Rosales Street and Borden Avenue in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Video shows the woman driving what appears to be an older model Toyota 4Runner arguing with another driver over who was following the other.

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I actually live around here, the woman driving the SUV says. The person recording the video responds, I live around here, too.

A woman is seen brandishing a machete in Sylmar on May 3, 2025. (RMG News)

The driver of the SUV can be seen holding a machete out of the window while telling the person to get the f away and then threatening to skin the other driver.

Skin me? the other driver says and then laughs as the woman drives away.

It was unclear what led to the confrontation, but Los Angeles Police Officers were called to the scene and took a report.

The same woman was apparently involved in a similar incident in February that was also captured on video in Santa Clarita.

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The driver in that video is seen making an obscene gesture before pointing the machete at the other driver in a threatening manner.

There was no information regarding why the two motorists were exchanging words.

It was unclear if police were actively searching for the SUV driver as part of their investigation.

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Rome, Italy  When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, he faced loud calls to expand the role of women within the Roman Catholic Church.

To some extent, he delivered. Francis opened key meetings to women; allowed them to senior roles within the powerful central bureaucracy of the Church; and appointed the first female head of the Vatican governorate. For some, these were giant strides for a deeply conservative institution. But to many others, Franciss moves fell short of what was needed to make the Church truly inclusive.

Now, as cardinals hold daily meetings before beginning the process of voting following his death on April 21, the role of women in the Church remains a divisive issue. When the cardinals finally emerge from their cocoon in the Vatican, will they have picked a pope who will build on Franciss changes  or someone who might roll them back?

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Women are not holding their breath, said Kate McElwee, the executive director of Womens Ordination Conference, a nonprofit focused on womens rights within Church institutions. There is some anxiety on whether the next papacy will see some backsliding on the progress because there is a real desire for the project of [womens] inclusion to continue.

The incomplete project

Franciss legacy, when it comes to women in the Church, is still up for debate.

He gave women the power to vote on issues related to the Church at the Synod of Bishops. He also appointed a dozen women to high-ranking positions, including Barbara Jatta as the director of the Vatican Museums, Sister Raffaella Petrini as the president of the powerful Vatican City State, and Sister Simona Brambilla as the first female prefect of a Vatican office overseeing religious orders for both men and women. Overall, throughout Pope Franciss papacy, the presence of women in the Churchs workforce rose from about 19 percent to 23.4 percent, according to Vatican figures.

But to some, these were just cosmetic changes. The pope did not move forward on the polarising issue of womens ordination, particularly as deacons or priests.

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In the Catholic Church, the role of a deacon involves certain religious functions, such as assisting during mass and performing baptism, but does not allow carrying out most sacraments.

Pope Francis set up two commissions  the first in 2016 and the second in 2020  to consider whether women could serve as deacons by studying if that was the case in the early centuries of the Church. The report produced by the first group was never released to the public as the commission was not able to agree on the issue, according to Francis, while the second never concluded its work. In 2024, during an interview with US broadcaster CBS, Pope Francis gave a flat no to the ordination of women deacons. But a few months later, he signed off on the final document of a synod, saying the issue should remain an open question.

It feels like he unlocked the door but didnt fully open it, McElwee said.

And as for women becoming priests, Pope John Paul II in 1994 issued a ban that has since been repeatedly reaffirmed.

Cardinals attend the Holy Mass on Divine Mercy, on the second day of mourning for Pope Francis, on April 27, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican [Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]

All-mens club

That underrepresentation is in stark display these days as members of an all-male body are discussing the fate of the Church. At pre-conclave meetings in Rome, cardinals are discussing what they believe are the core issues and priorities that a future pope should be able to tackle  from the Churchs sexual and financial scandals and the global crisis of faith to the ties with China and the importance of canon law.

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Most of the cardinals who will vote for the new pontiff inside the Sistine Chapel this week have been appointed by Pope Francis and are aligned with many aspects of his agenda, such as social justice, migration and climate change. Yet, observers say they have not spelled out their positions on women in the Church clearly.

In 2023, Cardinal Anders Arborelius, the bishop of Stockholm, Sweden, said it was important to see that there are other ways for women to serve the Church than ordained ministry. And in a speech at a pre-conclave meeting this week, Beniamino Stella, an Italian cardinal seen as close to the late pope, surprised fellow clergymen by accusing Francis of having created chaos in the Church by opening the governance of Vatican offices to men and women who were not part of the clergy.

Sister Marie, a nun who arrived in the Vatican from Marseille, France, awaiting the election of the new pope, agreed.

Everybody has their role and we are happy to stay at our place, which is not within the hierarchy of the Church, she said, asking her surname to be withheld. It [women as deacons or priests] would denaturalise the institution of the Church and the process of transmitting the faith, she said.

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There is also the conservative guard that was outraged by Franciss decision to appoint nonclerical people to top positions. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Repubblica last week, Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller from Germany, a leading conservative, noted how the Roman Curia  the administrative body of the Roman Catholic Church  is an ecclesiastical body that should not be managed by lay people, likely a criticism of Sister Brambillas appointment last year.

Cardinals walk in a procession to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican at the beginning of the conclave, April 18, 2005 [Osservatore Romano/AP Photo]

A reality already there

Still, the Church cannot afford to ignore the subject of women and their role any more, suggested Sabina Pavone, a professor of history of Christianity at the University of Naples LOrientale and member of the Italian Society of Historians.

There is an awareness that this topic needs to be addressed because it continues to be considered one of the hot topics, but how to address it  that is not clear yet, Pavone said.

The issue of womens inclusion in the Church is increasingly also a practical matter central to the very functioning of Catholic institutions, she pointed out. Women already run the show in many areas of the world, from managing parishes, supporting local healthcare systems and teaching, while fewer men are entering the priesthood in most places.

The Church has already changed, Pavone said. And the Church has to keep pace with this reality.




SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Some Jefferson High School students in Sioux Falls are showing off their patriotic pride by donating special gifts today to the Sioux Falls Veterans Community Project.

One by one, students donated wooden American flags that they built in class to a veteran living here at the Veterans Community Project, a village of tiny homes where a veteran can live with dignity and security.

I absolutely love kids and I saw the school bus show up and I have seen all these American flags and I was like, wow, I was like these kids are spot on, former Marine Eric Paxton said.

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Emilys Hope, EMT react to proposed naloxone cuts

The flags were a partnership between the school and Paradigm Construction and Lumber, who donated all the wood.

These flags took about four weeks to do, we started off with just some old lumber from construction sites, Cooper Dykstra said.

Their teacher says this is a lesson that cant be taught in the classroom.

One of the compasses of success we have at Jefferson is to serve and I wanted our students to be able to serve the community and by doing that we are serving the veterans here at the community project, Wood Tech teacher Steve Hirsch said.

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This is the fourth project for the Wood Tech class; they have one more left, but they say this one is probably the most meaningful.

Its always good to give back to people who sacrifice their time, Dykstra said. Were just giving it to them as a token of our gratitude.

Its completely amazing to feel like they actually care, you know they want to do something for their community or to give back to a few of us vets, it hits pretty hard, Paxton said.

So now, the veterans have a home

Like that would be perfect, Paxton said.

And so do their wooden flags.

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WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI)  The Woonsocket City Council passed two measures Monday addressing the homelessness crisis.

Councilors approved an ordinance to open a new homeless shelter, as well as another that bans encampments on city property.

The measures werent considered without input from residents, who showed up to express their concerns prior to the councils decision.

The main sticking point was over whether the mayor should have the authority to remove homeless encampments from city property.

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I think this is the best solution Ive heard, one residents said of the measure.

There has to be a better way, another resident said.

RELATED: New dashboard shows availability of shelter beds in RI

The measure would make camping on city property a punishable offense, with those who break the law two or more times being subject to a fine of up to $250.

The other measure would create a 50-bed shelter in a vacant city building off Cumberland Street, which would be funded by the Rhode Island Department of Housing.

Like it or not, the homeless are part of our community, a resident said. Shelters are not the end all, be all of solving the homelessness crisis.

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Encampments, while often formed out of necessity, are not sustainable, another resident noted. They pose safety concerns, for those residing in them and for the surrounding community.

Woonsocket City Council President Dan Gendron told 12 News that the measures were carefully crafted with the stakeholders in mind.

Gendron estimated that there are roughly 65 unhoused Woonsocket residents living in more than a dozen encampments across the city.

We want to give back to everybody, including the people in the encampments, Gendron said. But we also need to realize there are people who live here lawfully and peacefully  Its not fair to them. Its a balancing act.

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Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp said the removal of the current encampments wont happen overnight.

I will not be going in there with a sledgehammer, Beauchamp said. We will be going in there in a timely, humane way, and will give the encampments plenty of time to clean up.

This is the second time councilors have passed the measures, which means both will go into effect in 11 days.

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During the crucial early weeks of pregnancy, when fetal cells knit themselves into a brain and organs and fingers and lips, a steady flow of man-made chemicals pulses through the umbilical cord. Scientists once believed that the placenta filtered out most of these pollutants, but now they know that is not the case. Along with nutrients and oxygen, numerous synthetic substances travel to the womb, permeating the fetuss blood and tissues. This is why, from their very first moments of life, every American newborn carries a slew of synthetic chemicals in their body.

Crucially, many of these chemicals have never been tested for safety. Of those that have, some are known to cause cancer or impede fetal development. Others alter the levels of hormones in the womb, causing subtle changes to a babys brain and organs that may not be apparent at birth but can lead to a wide variety of ailments, including cancer, heart disease, infertility, early puberty, reduced IQ, and neurological disorders such as ADHD. How did we end up in this situation, where every child is born pre-polluted? The answer lies in Americas fervor for the synthetic materials that, beginning in the mid-20th century, reshaped our entire societyand in the cunning methods that chemical makers used to ensure their untrammeled spread.

It began in 1934, when the munitions company DuPont was struggling to rescue its reputation. A new blockbuster book, Merchants of Death, argued that the company had unduly influenced Americas decision to enter World War I, then reaped exorbitant profits by supplying its products to Americas enemies and Allied forces alike. Meanwhile, a congressional probe had uncovered a bizarre plotallegedly funded by DuPont and other companies that opposed the New Dealto overthrow the U.S. government and install a Mussolini-style dictatorship. Almost overnight, DuPont became a national pariah.

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In response, the company hired a legendary PR consultant who concluded that there was only one way DuPont could escape the controversy: by transforming itself in the publics mind from a maker of deadly munitions into a source of marvelous inventions that benefited the general public. In 1938, the company debuted the first of these revolutionary materials: nylon, which could be spun into fibers as strong as steel, as fine as the spiders web, a DuPont executive declared at the unveiling. The companys wildly popular exhibit at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair featured a shapely Miss Chemistry rising out of a test tube in a nylon evening gown and stockings. When nylon stockings went on sale in 1940, they sold out almost immediately.

But it wasnt until World War II that synthetics really took off. Faced with shortages of natural materials such as steel and rubber, the U.S. government spent huge sums developing synthetic materials and expanding the assembly lines of chemical companies so that they could produce the quantities needed for global warfare. After the conflict, industry transformed these substances into a cornucopia of household goods. The plastic polyethylene, used to coat radar cable during the war, became Tupperware, Hula-Hoops, and grocery bags. An exotic new family of chemicals developed through the top-secret Manhattan Project showed up in products such as Scotchgard fabric protector. These substances, known to scientists as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, gave ordinary goods uncanny resistance to grease, stains, water, and heat. They soon found their way into thousands of household items.

With the world suddenly awash in synthetics, people had access to a huge variety of low-cost goodsand this brought thousands of new chemicals into American homes. Most people didnt give much thought to the implications. But manufacturers sponsored research on the health effects of the new substances they were using, much of it performed in the laboratory of Robert Kehoe, a toxicologist with a quasi-religious faith in the power of technological progress to solve societys problems.

When I visited Kehoes archives at the University of Cincinnati, they were brimming with unpublished reports linking synthetic chemicals to a wide variety of health problems. Kehoe believed that the secrecy was justified. These chemicals, he argued in a 1963 essay that I found among his papers, would be desperately needed to feed, clothe and house those who will populate this bountiful land in succeeding generations. Given that the science was still developing, he wrote, focusing the publics attention on the chemicals toxicity would be neither wise nor kind.

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But by the 1950s, the emerging scientific consensus was that many man-made chemicals could disrupt key bodily functions, making them harmful at lower doses than ordinary poisons. A small but vocal group of activists began raising concerns about the lack of testing for chemicals in the food supply. They found an advocate in James Delaney, a Democratic congressman from New York, who formed a committee to investigate the issue. One of his lead witnesses was Wilhelm Hueper, a former DuPont pathologist who, according to his unpublished autobiography, had warned his employer of the link between synthetic chemicals and cancer as early as the 30s. During his testimony, Hueper argued that because synthetic compounds could be damaging in minuscule doses and the effects were cumulative, no level of exposure to them could be presumed safe. He advised the lawmakers to require that chemicals in food be tested for toxic and possibly carcinogenic properties, and to ban those that cause cancer.

The titans of American industry had other ideas. Aided by the PR firm that would later pioneer Big Tobaccos campaign to discredit the science on the harms of smoking, chemical companies lobbied lawmakers, hosted all-expenses-paid conferences for journalists, and placed pro-industry science materials in public-school classrooms, according to meetings minutes from the chemical industrys main trade association. These efforts paid off. In 1958, when Congress passed a law requiring safety testing for chemicals that wound up in food, the thousands of substances already in use were presumed to be safe and grandfathered in.

One of those substances was Teflon, which is made with PFAS, or forever chemicals, as they are now known. According to correspondence in Kehoes files, DuPont had previously avoided marketing it for use in most consumer goods because of toxicity concerns. Workers who inhaled Teflon fumes developed flu-like symptoms. When scientists in Kehoes lab exposed dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and mice to the gases Teflon emitted when heated, many died within minutes, according to an unpublished 1954 report. But because Teflons ingredients had been grandfathered in, the company no longer needed to prove its safety to the governmentonly its benefits to customers. In 1959, it invited a reporter from Popular Science to its Wilmington, Delaware, headquarters for a pancake demonstration using a prototype Teflon pan. According to the magazine, the cakes came out nicely brown and left no crusty residue, because the pan was lined with Teflon, a remarkable fluorocarbon plastic that was as slippery as ice on ice. By 1962, DuPont-branded Happy Pans were flying off store shelves.

That same year, the naturalist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, introducing the public to the disquieting idea that man-made chemicals were inundating peoples bodies. Most of the research Carson had drawn on wasnt new. It was the same data that scientists such as Hueperwhom Carson cited at lengthhad developed decades earlier, but Carson was the first to pull it all together for a broad audience. The grassroots environmental movement ignited by Silent Spring led to the creation of the EPA in 1970 and, six years later, the passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which gave the agency power to regulate chemicals. Thanks to aggressive industry lobbying, the law was appallingly lax. Manufacturers werent required to proactively test new chemicals for safety except in rare cases, and once again, existing chemicals were grandfathered in.

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By the time of the bills passage, DuPont and another manufacturer, the Minnesota-based 3M, had discovered that PFAS were accumulating in the blood of people around the country. Internal industry studies from this period showed that the chemicals refused to break down in the environmentmeaning that every molecule the companies produced would linger on the planet for millennia. The chemicals were also found to build up rapidly in the food chain and lead to devastating health effects in lab animals. One 1978 study of PFAS in monkeys had to be aborted two months early because all of the monkeys died.

When DuPont and 3M began investigating the chemicals effect on workers, the results were even more troubling. A 1981 study of pregnancy outcomes among women in DuPonts Teflon factory, which was later revealed through litigation, found that two of seven pregnant workers gave birth to babies with serious facial deformities, a statistically significant excess over the birth-defects rate in the general population. But rather than alerting employees or the public, the company simply abandoned the research.

A spokesperson for DuPont, which in 2015 spun off the division that made PFAS as part of a major restructuring, told me that he was not in a position to speak to products that were or are a part of businesses that are owned by other independent, publicly traded companies. A spokesperson for 3M said, Over the decades, 3M has shared significant information about PFAS, including by publishing many of its findings regarding PFAS in publicly available journals dating back to the 1970s, and added that 3M is on target to remove PFAS from its manufacturing globally by the end of 2025.

Limiting the use of PFAS now, however, doesnt change how far the chemicals, and their damages, have already spread. A large body of research by independent scientists has linked forever chemicals to serious health problems, including obesity, infertility, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, neurological problems, immune suppression, and life-threatening pregnancy complications. Researchers tracking the spread of PFAS have found that they suffuse the blood of polar bears in the Arctic, eagles in the American wilderness, and fish in the depths of the ocean. They permeate snow on Mount Everest and breast milk in rural Ghana. A 2022 study of rainwater around the world found that levels of the two best-known PFAS alone were high enough to endanger the health of people and ecosystems everywhere. Less than a century after these chemicals entered the world, nowhere is pristine.

This article has been adapted from Mariah Blakes forthcoming book, They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
LONDON (AP)  Cities from London to Moscow will be awash with parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day  the day Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces.

The surrender didnt end World War II because the war against Japan continued in the Far East. However, it was a moment of celebration for the servicemen and women who battled Adolf Hitlers armies, as well as civilians across Europe who had been bombed, invaded and subjugated since the invasion of Poland in 1939.

When the surrender was announced, people poured into the streets of London, New York and Paris to celebrate in what the BBC described as a mood of thanksgiving.

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Here's a look at the events leading up to V-E Day and its significance.

When is V-E Day?

While most Western countries celebrate the anniversary on May 8, thats not an easy question to answer.

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe, actually accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7, in a ceremony at Reims, France. Although the news had leaked out by that evening, the official announcement was delayed until the following day. The U.S., Britain and France were trying to work out differences with the Soviet Union, which felt the surrender didnt recognize the sacrifices its troops had made in securing victory.

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A second surrender document was signed around midnight on May 8 in Berlin, satisfying Soviet concerns. Russia celebrates what it calls Victory Day on May 9.

The path to victory

By the time France fell to the Nazi Blitzkrieg on June 25, 1940, Hitlers forces controlled most of Europe and were threatening to invade Britain.

But the war in Europe began to turn in early 1942, when the Soviet Red Army defeated German forces attempting to take Moscow. Hitler suffered another crushing defeat in February 1943, when German forces surrendered in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Invading the Soviet Union was probably not Hitlers best idea, said Rob Citino, distinguished fellow at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

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They were counterpunched in front of Moscow, and in a war that the Germans had taken very few casualties up to now they suddenly had added a million and they never recovered from it.

Then in 1944 the Western Allies and the Soviet Union launched twin offensives that forced Nazi Germany to fight for survival on two fronts. The Allies began their march across Europe with the D-Day landings in northern France on June 6, 1944. Two weeks later, the Soviets began their push toward Berlin.

As 1944 turned to 1945, victory is all but certain, Citino said. But something else is certain: There's still a lot of soldiers, a lot of military personnel, on both sides who are going to die.

The Red Army alone lost about 3 million soldiers in 1945, or about 70,000 a day, he estimated.

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The fall of Berlin

Soviet forces began their assault on Berlin on April 16, 1945, while the Allies were still fighting their way across western Germany.

With the city in ruins and the Red Army advancing street by street, Hitler retreated to his bunker under the Reich Chancellery, where he committed suicide on April 30. The last defenders finally surrendered on May 2.

Rolling surrenders

V-E-Day came after a series of surrenders.

The first came on April 29 at the Palace of Caserta, outside Naples, Italy where British Field Marshal Harold Alexander accepted the surrender of German and Italian forces in Italy and western Austria. Five days later, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery accepted the surrender of German forces in northwestern Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands at Luneberg Heath, south of Hamburg.

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Finally, there was the unconditional surrender of all Nazi forces in Europe that was signed first at Reims and again in Berlin.

A bittersweet moment

V-E Day was a time of reflection as well as celebration.

While many people lit bonfires and threw back the blackout curtains, others thought about what they had lost. The world also had to reckon with the Holocaust after the advancing armies uncovered the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps where millions of Jews were slaughtered.

It was just a big letting off (of) steam and a massive relief for so many people, said Dan Ellin, a historian at the University of Lincoln in the U.K. But then, of course, for others, there wasnt an awful lot to celebrate. For thousands of people, the victory was tinged with a sadness because for them, their loved ones were not going to come home.

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And V-E Day wasnt actually the end of the war. The Japanese were still fighting ferociously to defend their home against any invasion, and many Allied soldiers expected that they would be deployed to the Far East as soon as the war in Europe ended.

Everybody knows theres a big show left and the big show is going to be gigantic and its going to be bloody  , Citino said. And I bet you every single Allied soldier in Europe, after toasting victory in Europe, they sat down and said, Im going to Japan. This isnt over yet.

Most were spared another fight when Japan surrendered on Sept. 2, after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The veterans have their own thoughts on V-E Day

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Dorothea Barron, now 100, who served as a signaler in the Wrens, the Womens Royal Naval Service, remembers the sense of camaraderie as everyone banded together to defeat a common enemy.

Well, naturally, its something worth celebrating, because we had finally stopped the Germans from trying to get into England, she said. Because we were absolutely determined they weren't going to set foot in our country, absolutely, and we would have resisted, man, woman and child.''

Mervyn Kersh, also 100, said V-E Day should be a reminder to todays leaders that they must stand up to bullies and despots, wherever they may be.

You cant have peace without strength,'' he said. Its no good just remembering. Youve got to do something."



This story has been corrected to say the date of Japan's surrender was Sept. 2, not Aug. 2.
A ship that US and Philippine forces planned to sink beat them to it.

A former US World War II-era warship, which survived two of the Pacific Wars most important battles, was supposed to go down in a blaze of glory in a live-fire exercise off the western coast of the Philippines as part of annually held joint military drills.

Instead, before the bombs and missiles could fly, it slipped slowly beneath the South China Sea Monday morning, age and the ocean catching up to it before modern weaponry could decimate it.

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The ex-USS Brattleboro was to be the main target for the maritime strike (MARSTRIKE) portion of the annual US-Philippine Balikatan exercise, which began April 21 and runs to May 9.

The vessel was selected because it exceeded its service life and was no longer suitable for normal operations, according to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

A US Navy spokesperson told USNI News last month that the 81-year-old ship was to be the target for US Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter jets during the exercise. A report from the official Philippine News Agency (PNA) said it was to be hit by US and Philippine forces with a combination of anti-ship missiles, bombs and automatic cannon fire.

But as the 184-foot-long vessel was being towed to its station for the exercise, 35 miles west of Zambales province on the northern Philippine island of Luzon, it took on water, the Philippine military statement said.

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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, Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said, according to PNA. He said the vessel was not damaged while being towed.

The ship sank quietly at 7:20 a.m. local time near the spot where it was to be obliterated later in the day, according to the Philippine military.

Other elements of the MARSTRKE exercise would go on, the military statement said.

The Philippine and US joint task forces will rehearse virtual and constructive fire missions, the statement said, without detailing what elements were still scheduled as part of the drill. The combined force will still achieve its training objectives, it added.

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The Philippine military said there was no environmental danger from the sinking as the vessel had been cleaned before being towed out for the exercise.

A distinguished history

The sinking of the ex-USS Brattleboro was a quiet end for a ship that distinguished itself across decades.

In World War II, it participated in the battles of Leyte Gulf and Okinawa, two key US defeats of Imperial Japanese forces in 1944 and 1945 respectively.

The ship, designated as a submarine chaser, served in a key rescue and air defense role in the Battle of Leyte during the US invasion of the Philippines, according to the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC).

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Over the course of a month, it helped get more than 400 wounded soldiers from shore to larger hospital ships and shot down a Japanese aircraft, according to the NHHC.

After further combat around the island of Palau and later again in the Philippines, Brattleboro got orders to head to Okinawa to support the US invasion there in the spring of 1945.

The invasion of Okinawa commenced on April 1, and over the next 91 days, the subchaser treated over 200 badly wounded men and rescued in excess of 1,000 survivors of ships that sank, the NHC history says.

After being retired from US service in the mid-1960s, the ship was transferred to the South Vietnamese military in 1966.

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With the fall of Saigon in 1975, the then-South Vietnamese ship was transferred to the Philippines, where it was recommissioned as the Miguel Malvar  a hero of the Philippine revolution  in the Philippine Navy in 1977.

It was decommissioned in 2021.

Heightened tensions

Mondays 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, according to the Associated Press. The Philippines also claims the fishing atoll, which lies about 137 miles west of Zambales.

This years Balikatan, called shoulder-to-shoulder in Tagalag, involves more than 14,000 Filipino and US troops in exercises designed to be a full battle test between the two defense treaty allies in response to regional security concerns.

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China and the Philippines have faced increasing clashes in the waters near Scarborough Shoal in recent years, as China exerts its disputed sovereignty over the entirety of the vast South China Sea. And tensions between Beijing and Manila are their worst in years amid concerns of military conflict.

China has vehemently opposed such exercises involving US forces in or near the South China Sea.

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State Attorney Monique Worrell held a press conference Monday, attacking her predecessor, accusing him of mismanaging the office and leaving her with a mess of a budget.

Over 20 minutes, Worrell ticked through a list of offenses, starting from allowing senior staffers to walk away from their jobs with more than $90,000 in benefits payouts despite only working there for 16 months.

Department policy, she explained, is to only pay out after three years of service.

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Worrells other claims included Andrew Bain inflating salaries for people who returned to work under him, so that his right-hand person was making more than $200,000 per year.

She also said he allowed another staff member to transfer 480 hours of sick time to his office, instead of the maximum allowable 40 hours.

Other claims included suspicious contracts and time and money spent to prevent her from regaining the role after she won her election in November.

In all, Worrell said she had been left with an $849,000 hole in her budget that she said was unrecoverable. She said a full audit of her office is in the works, shes forgoing the hiring of senior administrators and shes asking for additional funding to get her office to the end of its fiscal year at the end of June.

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Worrell said she would not be attempting to investigate her predecessor or anyone who worked for him, calling it hypocritical to spend that money when she was already short.

WFTV reached out to Andrew Bains chief of staff for comment. Neither she nor the now-judge has responded.held a press conference Monday, attacking her predecessor

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A wrong-way driver on Highway 169 in southern Scott County died early Monday after crashing into a concrete median barrier, according to authorities.

The Minnesota State Patrol said the driver of the Ford F150 was traveling the wrong direction in the southbound lanes of the highway before the crash just before 4:30 a.m. at Delaware Avenue in Saint Lawrence Township.

The pickup truck became engulfed in flames after the collision, the patrol said.

Kurt Bauschardt via Flickr

A project to construct an interchange at Highway 169 and Delaware Avenue is currently underway.

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According to Scott County's website, a Delaware Avenue closure just south of Highway 169 took effect May 1 and detours are in effect.

However, authorities have not indicated that the construction was a factor in the crash.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee, the agency is currently working with the medical examiner's office to confirm the driver's identity.

Related: Gunfire at Jordan city park: Man in critical condition, no arrests

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
WVIA is scrambling to keep President Donald Trump from cutting federal funds the media outlet uses to operate.

Carla McCabe, the president and CEO of the PBS and NPR affiliate that serves Northeast Pennsylvania, said federal funds are vital, because removal puts the future of the entire system at risk.

She issued a statement regarding an order executed by Trump on Thursday aiming to cut federal funding to both networks.

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WVIAs PBS and NPR memberships include Channel 44 WVIA-TV, and its sister radio station, 89.9 WVIA-FM.

Federal funding represents about 20% of WVIAs budget, McCabe said. With it, we deliver independent journalism to the region, vital storytelling, enriching cultural programming, educational services on radio, television, online, and in the classroom and community.

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Carla McCabe, President and CEO of WVIA in Scranton, PA. (WVIA / Submitted)

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Democratic candidate Representative Matt Cartwright and his Republican challenger Rob Bresnahan Jr. exchange pleasantries prior to the start of the WVIA produced Pennsylvania 8th Congressional District Debate, held in October 2024.

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President Donald Trump issued an order to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to revoke federal funding to PBS and NPR on Thursday. The funding could have regional implications, specifically on Scranton's WVIA-TV and WVIA-FM's ability to provide programming, education and other services to Northeast Pennsylvania.

Show Caption

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Carla McCabe, President and CEO of WVIA in Scranton, PA. (WVIA / Submitted)

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The order, which the White House Office of Communications blasted via email to the media after 11 p.m. on Thursday night, stated that Trumps executive order instructed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to remove all federal funding from National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service.

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The order, titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media, cited that government funding of the news media outlets today is outdated and unnecessary, and corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence, and stated that tax dollars used to fund the outlets should be expected by Americans to fund only fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage.

McCabe said covering local history, local people, community events and environmental stories is part of the work the stations do, and without federal funding, there would be a negative impact on their service to the community, including the inability to deliver important supports for the areas youngest population.

WVIA provides critical education resources for 3-to-4-year old children in the region who do not attend preschool, McCabe said. In 2024, WVIA Education engaged more than 95,000 students through partnerships with local school districts, including early childhood education classroom visits and resources and vital career readiness resources for 5th through 12th graders.

McCabe said the organization Americas Public Television Stations, or APTS, is representing them and Americas 170 public television licensees in the federal legislative, regulatory and related matters in Washington, D.C.

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Kate Riley, the president and CEO of Americas Public Television Stations, issued a statement regarding Trumps order, saying the organization is deeply concerned by it, and that it defies the will of the American people, and would devastate public safety, educational and local service missions, citing emergency alerting capabilities and PBS KIDS educational programming, among others.

By eliminating funding for PBS and NPR, this executive order would destroy the local-national partnership that is essential to local public television stations ability to provide their communities with the mix of local, regional, independent and national programming that their communities rely on, Riley said, adding the outlets provide a lifeline in hundreds of communities.

We will be reviewing this executive order more closely and working to prevent the negative impact it would have on the public media system and the American people, the statement concluded.

In an email issued by the White House Office of Communications on Friday morning with the subject line, President Trump Finally Ends the Madness of NPR, PBS, a long list of programming examples of the trash that has passed for news at NPR and PBS were outlined.

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Among them are a childrens program that featured a drag queen named Lil Miss Hot Mess, in 2021 on PBS, a PBS-produced movie celebrating a transgender teenagers so-called changing gender identity, and Sesame Streets partnering with CNN on a one-sided narrative to address racism amid the Black Lives Matter riots.

NPR was criticized for exploring the racial origins of fat phobia, and for declaring that the Declaration of Independence contained flaws and deeply ingrained hypocrisies.

The email called PBS and NPR outlets entities that receive tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news.

McCabe did not elaborate on whether the cut in federal funding appeared to be vindictive.

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No comment, she said.

Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said her group is not a federal executive agency and is not subject to the presidents authority.

In creating CPB, Congress expressly forbade any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over educational television or radio broadcasting  , Harrison said.
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS)  WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital was reaccredited by the DNV for hip and knee replacements.

According to a press release from WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH), the hospital received a reaccreditation from DNV, Det Norske Veritas, for the hip and knee replacement program.

New treatment for arthritis pain offered at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital

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The reaccreditation from DNV, an independent certification body that is recognized worldwide, shows the dedication of PCH to provide high-quality and safe healthcare that also meets extensive international requirements.

The press release stated that reaccreditation ensures that PCH follows the necessary requirements. Due to being a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved accrediting organization, the DNV makes sure that hospitals follow the federal requirements for patient safety and care.

PCH, which according to the press release ranks seventh out of 73 hospitals for the amount of robotic assisted procedures in the area, including healthcare centers in Columbus, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Youngstown, and Erie, is the leasing provider in the Mountain State for Mako robotic joint replacement.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine celebrates 48th commencement ceremony

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More than 750 elective joint replacements were held at PCH in 2024, and the press release stated that more than 2,000 robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures were carried out at PCH to date. PCH was named a Top Performing Hospital for Total Knee Replacement in 2024, showing the PCHs dedication for high-quality robotic assisted-care in the southern part of the Mountain State, by US News and World Report.

Those who deal with constant hip or knee pain can go to PCH to get relief with the assistance of robotic-assisted surgery. The press release stated the advantages of the minimally invasive approach that robotic-assisted surgery involves includes smaller incisions, less pain, a quicker return to everyday activities, and less blood loss.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team fit a grizzly bear with a radio collar in 2016. Once a bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry. (Photo courtesy of the United States Geological Survey)

This story was first published by WyoFile on May 2, 2025.

CODY  Two days of discussion about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems grizzly population passed before anyone inquired about the status of the species the meeting was focused on.

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Under a court order in January, the Biden administrations Fish and Wildlife Service proposed continuing with Endangered Species Act protections in the Yellowstone region and all other portions of the Lower 48 where grizzlies reside. Shortly thereafter, pro-delisting leadership was installed by the Trump administration: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Brian Nesvik, a former Wyoming Game and Fish Department director whos now nominated to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For months, theres been little official word about whats going on with Fish and Wildlifes proposal, though the agency delayed the deadline for the public to provide feedback. In Cody this week, the topic was barely broached at the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committees semi-annual Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee meeting. It only came up because a member of the public, local resident Dewey Vanderhoff, asked where were at in the overall picture with delisting during the meetings closing minutes.

Matt Gould, the new leader of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, presents an update about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems population of bruins at a spring 2025 meeting in Cody. (Mike Koshmrl/WyoFile)

Hilary Cooley, Fish and Wildlifes grizzly bear recovery coordinator, pointed out the proposal on the table  and said she couldnt say much more.

As far as what happens with that proposal, were waiting for leadership to be installed, Cooley said. Acting leadership is not interested in making decisions right now.

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As of Friday, 27 pending nominees appeared above Nesvik on the U.S. Senates Executive Calendar, which suggests the wait could drag on. The Trump administration also appointed another Wyomingite  mule deer advocate Josh Coursey  to a high Fish and Wildlife Service post, albeit one that doesnt require Senate confirmation.

Even if expected Fish and Wildlife Service leaders dont attempt to pull back the existing continued-listing proposal administratively, legislative efforts are underway to delist grizzly bears, including from U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming.

DOGE impacts work of Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team

The gathering of Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear managers in Cody differed from typical meetings because of the turmoil and turnover the Trump administration has brought to the federal government via its Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. Most federal members of the committee attended remotely due to travel and spending restrictions. There were also new faces, goodbyes and discussion about what the diminished Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team can realistically accomplish going forward.

One way or another, the USGS is not going to have the resources theyve had in the past, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Administrator Ken McDonald told the group. At the November meeting, we better have a plan for the following spring.

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Biologist Matt Gould, the study teams new leader, told the group that, despite changes in capacity, the committees science arm will continue with grizzly monitoring, data collection and administering the new population model to assess bear numbers  last estimated at 1,050 in the ecosystems core.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Chief Warden Dan Smith presents longtime Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team leader Frank van Manen with a plaque commemorating a career devoted to grizzly bear recovery. (Mike Koshmrl/WyoFile)

The Cody meeting was the last as a full-time employee for Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team Leader Frank van Manen. The longtime federal biologist retired earlier than expected, though he is staying involved in an emeritus role. He helmed the group for 13 years.

I know there are some challenges ahead, but keep up the good fight, van Manen told the group. This endeavor has been successful for 50 years, for a good reason: Agencies working together.

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US newpapers The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times were among the top winners on Monday of this year's Pulitzer Prizes recognizing outstanding journalism.

The Washington Post received the award for Breaking News Reporting for its coverage of the attempted assassination of then US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The Wall Street Journal earned the Pulitzer for National Reporting for its exploration of tech billionaire Elon Musk's rapid ascent in US politics.

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The New York Times stood out with four wins. Its international team was recognized for reporting on the civil war in Sudan, while its local journalists were awarded for reports on rising drug deaths among Black communities in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Times also took home the prize for Explanatory Reporting for a deep dive into US military operations in Afghanistan.

Doug Mills, photographer for The New York Times, was recognized for his images of the Trump shooting attempt, including a photo capturing a bullet in mid-air.

News agency Reuters took home the Pulitzer for Investigative Reporting, awarded for its probing journalism on the deadly impact of the drug fentanyl.

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Ann Telnaes was awarded in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category after leaving The Washington Post following a dispute over an unpublished cartoon critical of Trump. Telnaes had been with the newspaper for 17 years.

Percival Everett's novel "James," a reimagining of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," was awarded the Pulitzer for Fiction.

The Non-Fiction prize went to Benjamin Nathans for "To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause," a chronicle of Russian dissidents since the 1960s.

The Pulitzer Prizes were awarded for the 109th time this year. The winners were picked by a jury based at New York's Columbia University.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the majority of the 91 bills the Democrat-controlled legislature passed back to his desk following Aprils reconvened session.

Legislation that will take effect July 1 included measures intended to improve access to maternal health care and education reforms. The Republican governor also again vetoed legislation that would mandate cultural competency training for medical professionals and remove tax exemptions for Confederate organizations.

Im signing the majority of these bills because they advance at least in part our shared mission to make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family, and future General Assembly sessions can improve the legislation, Youngkin said in a statement. In a divided government, no one is going to get 100 percent of what they want, and we must work across the aisle to serve the common interests of Virginians.

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Friday marked the final day for Youngkin to sign or veto legislation. The General Assembly accepted Youngkins amendments to 69 bills. The legislation he weighed in on Friday was the remaining bills where they had rejected the amendments. The governor vetoed 38 additional bills, bringing his total for the 2025 legislative session up to 195. Over his term, Youngkin vetoed 437 bills. By comparison, the previous seven governors vetoed a combined total of 436 bills, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

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Bills passed

Youngkin signed into law a number of health-related measures, including a bill that would require the Health Insurance Reform Commission to consider treatment for infertility as an essential health benefit and one that would establish a womens menstrual health program through the Department of Health.

On the maternal health front, a priority for both Democrats and Republicans this year, other legislation would include in the state plan for medical assistance services payment for 10 doula visits during pregnancy and after birth. Youngkin also signed legislation that will reestablish a task force on maternal health and create a public awareness campaign around postpartum depression. Another bill prohibits the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners in local and regional jails except in extreme circumstances  previously, the law only applied to state correctional facilities.

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The governor also signed the Save Local Pharmacies Act, which will require the Department of Medical Assistance Services to contract with a third-party administrator to serve as the state pharmacy benefits manager to administer all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients beginning in July of next year. Also taking effect next July, the Medical Debt Protection Act limits interest and late fees related to medical bills and prohibits going after people for medical debt by extreme measures like arrest, foreclosure and wage garnishment for people who meet certain financial assistance qualifications.

Other legislation included protections for minors who are making content for platforms like YouTube and TikTok  the bill requires children under 18 who are considered to be content creators through use of their likeness, name or photograph in videos, be compensated via a trust fund when they turn 18.

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Bills vetoed

Included in Youngkins latest vetoes were some familiar bills, such as one that would mandate cultural competency and unconscious bias training for medical professionals and another that would remove tax exemptions for Confederate organizations.

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The governor also vetoed a right to contraception bill that narrowly passed both chambers along party lines. Earlier this year, Democrats forced Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who presides over the Senate and is running for governor, to take a public stance against that legislation.

He also vetoed a bill that would have required school boards to alert parents about the importance of storing guns and prescription drugs safely in the home.

As I stated last year, this proposal is unnecessary for responsible parents and ineffective in persuading the irresponsible, Youngkin wrote in the veto statement. Furthermore, I do not believe it is the responsibility of a school district or school administrator to lecture parents on responsibilities of safe gun or prescription drug storage.

Youngkin had proposed tacking on to the bill Sages Law, which would have required schools to notify parents if their children were presenting as a gender other than what was listed on their birth certificate at school. That amendment was thrown out by House Speaker Don Scott, who said the rule was too far removed from the intention of the existing bill.

Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated German conservative leader Friedrich Merz on being elected by lawmakers as the country's new chancellor.

"I sincerely congratulate Friedrich Merz on his election as Germanys new Federal Chancellor," Zelensky wrote in a post on X published in English, German and Ukrainian.

"Ukraine is deeply grateful for the support of Germany and its people. Your helping hand has saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives," he added.

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"We sincerely hope that Germany will grow even stronger and that well see more German leadership in European and transatlantic affairs. This is especially important with the future of Europe at stake  and it will depend on our unity."

Under the previous centre-left administration of Olaf Scholz, Germany became Ukraine's second-biggest supplier of weapons behind the United States.

However Kiev repeatedly criticized Scholz over his reluctance to provide German-made long-range Taurus missiles, with Merz signalling he would be open to doing so.
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call on May 5 and thanked him for supporting Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing war.

"We appreciate that Germany plays a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine throughout the years of war. Ukraine is also grateful for your personal commitment," Zelensky said in a post to social media.

Scholz held power in Germany throughout Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, playing a key role in Europe's response to Russia's aggression. The leader has been praised for providing Ukraine with military aid and criticized for his cautious approach towards Russia.

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"There are many milestones to reflect upon: the Zeitenwende speech, the historic coffee break that helped open the way for Ukraines EU accession negotiations, three Patriot batteries and other air defense supplies  and much more," Zelensky said.

The Zeitenwende speech was made by Scholz just days after Russia began its full-scale war against Ukraine, affirming Germany's support for Ukraine and signaled a renewed commitment to defense.

Zelensky thanked Scholz for "standing for Ukraine" and described the relationship between the two leaders as "friendly."

"Thank you for your trusting partnership... My deepest appreciation for your courage, bravery and determination in the fight against Russian aggression. It remains clear: Ukraine can count on Germany," Scholz later said in response to Zelensky.

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Incoming German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz is set to take over the chancellery and has vowed to continue support for Ukraine.

Germany, on April 17, announced a military assistance package for Ukraine, including IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for Patriots.

Air defense systems are crucial amid Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, which regularly target civilian infrastructure.

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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  ZooTampa is mourning the loss of one its extremely rare big cats who spent eight years charming guests and his caretakers.

Walter, one of three endangered Florda panthers cared for by the zoo, passed away Monday after a sudden decline in health, officials said.

Man, dog found dead following bear encounter in South Florida, deputies say

Zoo staff said they noticed Walters health was declining late last week, and despite around-the-clock medical intervention, the beloved panthers condition only worsened.

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Walter was estimated to be around 12 years old when he arrived at the Zoo in 2017. He was found in Highlands County with severe injuries to his neck and paw from a snare trap.

Walter (Credit: ZooTampa)

Officials said they had to remove most of the panthers left paw in order to save his life. Unable to return to the wild, Walter was given a permanent home at ZooTampa.

Staff at the Zoo said Walters charming personality and charisma made him a favorite among guests, as well as the workers and volunteers who cared for him.

He also served as an ambassador for his species, with the story of how he came to be at the Zoo helping educate visitors on how they can peacefully coexist with nature, officials said.

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Florida panthers are listed as critically endangered due to dwindling populations and shrinking habitat. Officials estimate that there are currently less than 250 left in the wild.

His passing will be deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in the many connections he made, ZooTampa wrote in a social media post announcing Walters passing. Our thoughts are with the entire Zoo team, especially with the animal care professionals who cared for him.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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FILE - The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays output from ChatGPT, March 21, 2023, in Boston. Campaigns will be required to clearly state that political advertisements airing in Michigan were created with the use of artificial intelligence under legislation expected to be signed in the coming days by the Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The use of AI-generated deepfakes within 90 days of an election will be prohibited without a disclosure identifying the media as manipulated. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
Judge Elisabeth Tutsch administers the Washington State Bar Associations Oath of Attorney at the Law Day Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Yakima County Superior Court in Yakima, Wash.
Ben Anderson, Solid Rock Church pastor, and Lee Patke, executive director of Greccio Housing, give Gov. Jared Polis a tour of the affordable housing development The Village at Solid Rock in southeast Colorado Springs on Dec. 18.
A proposal to add school and special districts to the jurisdiction of the state's ethics commission was approved on a party-line vote from the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.
The Colorado Supreme Court hears a rebuttal from First Assistant Attorney General Wendy J. Ritz during arguments for People v. Rodriguez-Morelos as part of Courts in the Community at the Wolf Law building at University of Colorado Boulder on Oct. 24, 2024. The semi-annual event entails the Colorado Supreme Court hearing arguments before an audience of students throughout the state.
The Hungarian people, not the Ukrainian president, will decide on whether Ukraine joins the EU, Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister, said at a public forum.

Speaking in in Pecs, in southern Hungary, Szijjarto referred a Volodymyr Zelensky's recent statement that a majority of Hungarians were likely support his country's EU bid.



"It's not the president of Ukraine but the Hungarian people who will make the decision..." Szijjarto said.



He said the opposition Tisza Party backed Ukraine's bid as it was "a member of the most pro-Ukrainian party family in Europe, the European People's Party".



The minister said Brussels wanted to fast-track the accession process, and this would mean "tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian workers" flooding the Hungarian labour market, while "the Ukrainian mafia could use Hungary as a gateway".



Szijjarto said Hungarians could "prevent this" by voting in the upcoming referendum on the issue. Whatever the standpoint of Hungarians, "we will represent it," he added.



Meanwhile, responding to a journalist's question, he said it would be "bad news" if the US were to withdraw from the diplomatic settlement process, "but this is not the case for now".



"I gather they want to give the warring parties more space for negotiations, but I hope that we can also count on their help in the future, in the coming days, weeks and months," he said.



Orban: Ukraine's EU accession would not be 'a good deal'



Ukraine's accession to the European Union would not be "a good deal", Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Tuesday, adding that Ukraine would not add value to the bloc but bankrupt it.



Reacting to comments made by European People's Party leader Manfred Weber at a press conference today, Orban said that Hungary had been admitted to the EU because this had benefitted it members. "It was a good deal -- for Germany too, Herr Weber," the prime minister wrote in a post on Facebook.



Orban said that Ukraine's accession, in contrast, would not be "a good deal".



He added: "Sending Ukraine European money instead of using it to boost Europe's ailing economy would be a huge mistake. It's time European leaders represented the European people, Herr Weber!"



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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An Israeli national wanted by Poland's authorities for economic crimes has been detained in Budapest, police.hu said.

The 45 year old man is suspected of having operated an international crime ring from Krakow.



Polish police requested Hungarian assistance last month on learning that the suspect may be hiding in Budapest.



The Israeli man was detained in Budapest's downtown 6th district, the portal said, adding that a decision on his extradition to Poland is pending.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.
New Delhi: After the successful re-release of Tumbbad, Sohum Shah delivers another standout performance in Crazxy, a gripping thriller that has left audiences and critics alike thoroughly impressed. Directed by Girish Kohli and produced under Sohum Shah Films, the film is now trending on Amazon Prime Video, winning praise for its intense storytelling, strong performances, and meticulously crafted sequences.

What truly stole the spotlight was a nerve-wracking 12-minute scene where Sohums character, Abhimanyu, performs a remote surgery over a video callall while changing a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. This high-stakes moment had viewers on edge, not just for its cinematic tension but for its raw realism.

What many might not know is that every line spoken by the doctors in that scene was based on real medical dialogue. Director Girish Kohli shared, A lot of research went into this sequence. Everything from the surgical procedure to the possibility of failure or revival was rooted in reality. Its rare, but its real.

Adding to the authenticity, Sohum Shah personally learned how to change a car tire for the role. I learned it just for the scene. Id never changed a tire before, he admitted, underlining his commitment to realism.

With Crazxy, Shah once again proves his knack for choosing bold, unconventional stories that push the envelope, and the films rising popularity on OTT is a testament to that.
Patanjali claims it has become a trusted name in millions of homes across India. The company claims that in just a few years, this Ayurvedic and natural products brand has not only gained massive popularity, but also competed with major multinational companies. The company claims that the main reason behind this success is Patanjali's emphasis on natural products and its focus on improving people's health. Additionally, Patanjali claims that the trust people have in the brand has been strengthened by its chemical-free products, affordable prices, and the popularity of Baba Ramdev.

Patanjali claims its popularity can be seen in the fact that in 2017, it was considered the most trusted FMCG brand in India. That same year, it was also named the most attractive brand in the country.

Patanjalis Vision

Patanjali Ayurveda Limited was founded in 2006 by yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. The company claims its goal was to combine ancient Ayurvedic remedies with modern science and make them accessible to everyone. Patanjali claims it focused on Ayurvedic medicines and herbal products initially, but soon expanded into food items, drinks, beauty products, and home essentials.

What Makes Patanjali a Trusted Brand?

Natural and Ayurvedic Products

Patanjali claims one of its biggest attractions are its natural and Ayurvedic products. The company claims it uses ingredients like Ashwagandha, Aloe Vera, Shatavari, pure desi cow ghee, cow urine, and various other herbs. These ingredients are not only highly beneficial for health but also have no negative impact on the environment. With more people moving away from chemicals and refined products, Patanjali claims it offers a better, more natural alternative.

Swadeshi Connect: Connection with Indian Culture

Patanjali claims it promotes its products as being deeply rooted in traditional and cultural values. The company claims this connection with Indian culture has made the brand even more trustworthy for Indian consumers. As more people seek to connect with their roots, Patanjali claims it offers them the feeling of pride in using products that reflect Indias heritage. The company claims that using Swadeshi products gives people a sense of connection to their country and its ancient culture.

Chemical-Free Products

Patanjali claims its chemical-free products have made a distinct name for themselves not just in India, but globally. In today's world, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and prefer to avoid chemicals. The company claims that research shows consumers are increasingly interested in herbal and eco-friendly products with no side effects. Patanjali claims it addresses this need perfectly.

Affordable Products for Everyone

The company claims another major factor contributing to Patanjalis popularity is its affordable pricing. Patanjali claims its products are much more affordable compared to premium brands, making them accessible to the general public. The brand claims its products cater to all age groups, from children to the elderly. Patanjali claims its products have natural ingredients, so every member of the family can use them without any concerns. Patanjali claims this has helped it to become a brand that families trust.

Patanjali claims it has managed to build trust by offering high-quality, affordable, and natural products that people can rely on. The company cliams it continues to be a brand that many families in India turn to for their everyday needs.
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had 879.59 metric tonnes (MT) of gold at the end of March 2025, of which 511.99 metric tonnes were held domestically, the Central Bank informed on Monday.

While 348.62 metric tonnes of gold were kept in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 18.98 metric tonnes were held in the form of gold deposits.

In value terms (USD), the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from 9.32 per cent at end-September 2024 to about 11.70 per cent at end-March 2025, according to the RBIs Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves.

During the half-year period under review, reserves decreased from $705.78 billion in end-September 2024 to $630.61 billion at end-January 2025, and were at $668.33 billion at end-March 2025.

During the period between end-December 2023 and end-December 2024, the external assets increased by $79.7 billion and external liabilities increased by $76.1 billion.

The foreign currency assets comprise multi-currency assets that are held in multi-asset portfolios as per the existing norms, which conform to the best international practices followed in this regard.

At end-March 2025, out of the total FCA of $567.56 billion, $485.53 billion was invested in securities, $45.68 billion was deposited with other central banks and the BIS and the balance $36.34 billion comprised deposits with commercial banks overseas.

With the objective of exploring new strategies and products in reserve management while diversifying the portfolio, a small portion of the reserves is being managed by external asset managers, informed the RBI.

At the end of December 2024, foreign exchange reserves cover of imports (on a balance of payments basis) stood at 10.5 months (11.8 months at end-September 2024).

The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to reserves, which was 19.1 per cent at end-September 2024, increased to 22.0 per cent at end-December 2024.

The ratio of volatile capital flows (including cumulative portfolio inflows and outstanding short-term debt) to reserves increased from 67.8 per cent at end-September 2024 to 74.3 per cent at end-December 2024, the Bank informed.
New Delhi: The government launched the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) in 2015 to provide citizens with insurance coverage. The 2-lakh-rupee life insurance policy is available to anyone with an account with SBI, Post Office or any other bank.

This policy is offered by Life Insurance Company and all other life insurers who are ready to offer it on comparable terms and with the necessary approvals and collaborate with banks.

Who Can Avail Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana?

The PMJJBY is available to citizens who are 18 to 50. People who have bank accounts with SBI, Post Office or any other bank and agree to join or activate auto-debit can have this policy. Aadhaar would be the primary form of KYC for bank accounts.

The 2-lakh-rupee life insurance policy has a 12-month term that runs from 1 June to 31 May and is renewable. This guarantees coverage for the following year (June 1st to May 31st).

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: How To Stop Auto Debit Of Rs 436 Before May 31

This policy provides risk coverage up to Rs. 2 Lakh in the case the insured person dies for any reason. The annual premium varies based on the plan chosen and is Rs 436. It must be auto-debited from the subscriber's bank account on or before May 31 of each year.

If you are unable to continue with the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, you have the option to stop the yearly auto-debiting process from your bank account. To do this you need to visit the bank branch where your account is linked to the PMJJBY program. You can complete the necessary steps and ask for the PMJJBY premium payment to be stopped. Your policy will be automatically cancelled if the payment is not made on time.

Additionally, auto-debiting of the premium will not be possible if your bank account does not have the required amount. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana will be cancelled.
Ummul's journey is one of resilience and determination against all odds. Hailing from a poverty-stricken family in Rajasthan and raised in the slums of Delhi's Trilokpuri area, Ummul's early life was far from easy. Born with a rare bone disorder, her bones were extremely fragile, leading to 16 fractures and 8 surgeries during her childhood. Despite her physical challenges, she held on to a dream that seemed almost impossible to become a civil servant.

Family's discouragement towards studies

Her father, a street vendor selling clothes, struggled to make ends meet. Yet, Ummul remained determined to pursue her education. Although her family discouraged her from studying beyond the 10th grade due to financial constraints, Ummul made a courageous decision. She left home, choosing to live alone in the same slum, and began tutoring students to support herself and fund her education. An NGO provided her with support for her schooling up to the 10th grade.

Early education

Ummuls hard work paid off when she scored 91% in her 12th board exams, a remarkable achievement considering her circumstances. She went on to pursue her undergraduate degree from Gargi College, Delhi University, and then earned a Master's in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). She also enrolled in the MPhil/PhD program at JNU.

While studying, Ummul received a Rs 2,000 means-cum-merit scholarship, which relieved her of the need to give tuition classes. In 2013, she was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which provided her with Rs 25,000 per month, further supporting her academic journey.

UPSC CSE AIR Rank

Despite the challenges, Ummul never lost sight of her ultimate goal. She began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of the toughest exams in the country. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she cracked the exam in her first attempt, securing an All India Rank of 420 and fulfilling her dream of becoming an IAS officer in 2016.

Ummul's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams, no matter the obstacles life throws your way.
Mumbai: 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  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, The things we do, manthe things we do. There is never an easy day on 'Mission: Impossible'. I wouldnt have it any other way. This new movie is a gargantuan accomplishment.

Its 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 weve only been able to achieve what we have because of all the things that weve done in this series so far". Talking about the film franchise, and the sense of thrill, McQuarrie said, These are the cinematic ghosts were 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  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 hes willing to lose to save the world one final time. And just when you think you know where its 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.
The largest rideshare company in America said it will be forced to stop operations in Colorado if a bill that places certain regulations on transportation network companies becomes law.
Against the backdrop of increasing tensions between India and Pakistan after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a rather controversial astrological prophecy has fueled an argument. A number of Indian astrologers have purported, after going through Pakistan's horoscope, that the bordering nation can experience total breakdown by September 2025.

The tensions have aggravated following India's firm reactions, such as limiting water supply to Pakistan and future mock military exercises, which officials indicate as indications of India's preparedness. In such a background, the astrological prediction has made headlines.

What Astrologers Say

Astrologers claimed that the movements of the planets suggested a period of deep economic and military crisis for Pakistan. They claim:

Venus and Moon periods in Pakistan's horoscope are indicative of harmful influences.

The creation of "Ang-Bhang Yoga" after May 14 because of Jupiter's move into Gemini is thought to further destabilise Pakistan.

The effects of "Panchgrahi Yoga" and "Kaal Sarp Yoga" are expected to cause massive national losses.

Astrologer Raja Mishra goes to the extent of saying that by September 1, 2025, Pakistan may get divided into two because of increased internal conflict and instability.

Good Times Ahead For India

On the other hand, the astrologers predicted a robust and ascending phase for India. They assert: India's chart is presently under the influence of positive planetary positions.

The time up to September 2025 will be spent strengthening India's global image and territorial power.

A Warning Of Conflict

The occurrence of what is being called the "Khappar Yoga", is described as an extremely perilous alignment that may result in massive conflict or even war.

Disclaimer: These forecasts are based on astrological analysis and not on validated geopolitical analysis. Experts warn against making final judgments based on such predictions.
Amid tensions between India and Pakistan at the LoC following the Pahalgam terror attack, the latest meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was one of the day's biggest developments.

PM Modi and Doval held a one-on-one discussion lasting approximately 40 minutes. The meeting at the Prime Ministers residence raised questions about whether this meeting could mark the final nod toward a potential military response.

In todays episode of DNA, ZEE News elaborated and analysed the importance of the meeting and what its possible outcome is.

Watch Full Episode Here

What makes this meeting significant is its timing. It comes just before nationwide mock drills involving air raid sirens and shortly after an earlier meeting involving the Defence Secretary, PM Modi, and NSA Doval.

The discussions, sources suggest, are part of ongoing deliberations in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. With nearly two weeks having passed since the attack, public pressure and political momentum for retaliatory action against Pakistan have been mounting.

Pakistan, already rattled by the Indian Air Forces ongoing military drills, is reportedly unsettled by the series of high-level meetings in New Delhi. Todays Modi-Doval meeting is being viewed as a potential strategic checkpoint, possibly finalising preparations for a retaliatory operation.

In this closed-door session, PM Modi is said to have reaffirmed the military's mandate to act freely against terror threats. NSA Doval will continue to oversee the strategic coordination and intelligence flow necessary for the success of any military operation.

All major intelligence agencies are believed to be sharing critical inputs with the NSA, which is in turn refining operational readiness with the armed forces.

Over the past 24 hours, PM Modi and NSA Doval have met twice. On Monday, Doval and Home Secretary Govind Mohan joined the Prime Minister for a separate review of national security preparedness. That same day, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met with PM Modi for a meeting lasting over 30 minutes.

These back-to-back meetings indicate a flurry of high-level coordination ahead of an expected Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) session scheduled for tomorrow.

As per protocol, any decision to initiate or halt military action is taken by the CCS. While the President serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, it is the Prime Minister who historically announces decisions related to warjust as in 1999, 1971, 1965, and 1962.

With national sentiment intensifying and high-level consultations gaining pace, signs suggest that India may be inching closer to a decisive move.
Indo-Pak Tensions: Amid the rising tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam Terror attack, India has decided to conduct a mock drill across the country to boost civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry has decided to organise a Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised districts tomorrow, i.e. May 7. The Union Home Ministry has written to Chief Secretaries of states asking them to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories.

The exercise is planned up to the village level. "Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025," the letter said.

The primary objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with IAF, testing functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, training of civilians including students on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack and provision of crash blackout measures. Since the mock drill will be conducted across several states and at the village level, here are key things many civilians can experience for the first time:

* There will be Air Raid Warning Sirens, the first since the 1971 war. You must have heard/seen such sirens blazing in Israel when Hamas launched a missile attack on them. Now, such sirens will be blazing in India during the mock drill. The siren is basically a warning for civilians to take cover/shelter at a safe place to avoid bombing/missile attacks.

* During the mock drills, civilians, students, etc will be trained on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

* Provision of crash blackout measures will be implemented. It means provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations/ buildings will be made. Crash blackout measures" refer to emergency procedures designed to immediately reduce or eliminate visible light and other detectable signals from buildings, cities, or installations during hostile situationstypically air raids or attacks. The goal is to make targets less visible or completely invisible to enemy surveillance or targeting systems, especially at night.

* Updation of evacuation plan & its rehearsal: Civilians and police forces will train for an evacuation plan in case of any attack.

The Home Ministry had on May 2 written to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs about civil defence preparedness in the vulnerable areas and districts. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla had in January written to Chief Secretaries, urging them to personally look into and review civil defence set up in their states.

The Home Secretary had said that Civil Defence is an integral part of nation's passive defence strategy. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during their address at the 'Chintan Shivir', held at Surajkund, Haryana, in October 2022, had emphasized the importance of the Civil Defence preparedness in the country, especially in bordering and coastal areas.

Tensions have risen with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The government has said that the perpetrators will be given severe punishment.
Pahalgam Fallout: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held multiple meetings and calls with various dignitaries from around the world and from India after the gruesome terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. After the bloodbath, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated as the former initiated a series of punitive and diplomatic measures against the Islamic state.

Here are the top 10 developments in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack:

1- Pakistan had asked for a closed-door meeting as Indo-Pak tensions have been escalating in the region. But as per reports, there were no supporters of the Islamic nation, as the meeting concluded with no results, and there were no statements published either.

2- The Indian Army responded to unprovoked small-arms fire from Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 5 to the early hours of May 6, according to ANI, the Army said. The Pakistani Army had resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K.

3- PM Modi on Monday held a meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi. Earlier, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had also called on PM Modi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had met with the PM amid tensions.

4- PM Modi had chaired a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Doval, CDS, and the chiefs of all the Armed Forces of India. In the meeting, complete operational freedom was given to the armed forces to decide on the 'mode, targets, and timing of India's response'.

The high-level meetings between PM Modi and other authorities of India came in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror strike of April 22.

5- In another development, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to conduct a mock drill on May 7 across the nation to enhance the civil defence preparedness. The measures to be taken during the drills are- operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens, Training of civilians, students, etc.

6- After New Delhi announced that vessels flying the Pakistani flag would be barred from the Indian ports, Pakistan responded by banning Indian-flagged ships from accessing its ports.

India's barring of Pakistani ships from Indian ports was a part of a series of punitive measures against Pakistan.

7- India, on Monday, stopped the water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River briefly. Media reports also suggested that New Delhi was planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River.

8- After the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reached out to PM Modi to show support in India's fight against terrorism.

9- On April 23, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided on various measures, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism."

In addition, the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata, downgrading India's diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

10- Congress also showed solidarity with the victims' families of the Pahalgam attack and in a post on X said, "This is a time for demonstrating our collective will as a nation to teach Pakistan a lesson and curb terrorism decisively. The masterminds and perpetrators of this cowardly attack must face the full consequences of their actions. The Congress Party urges the Government of India to act with firmness, strategic clarity, and international coordination to isolate and penalise Pakistan for its continued export of terror into our territory."

The Pahalgam terror attack was one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
India-Pakistan LoC Tension: Hours after the Indian Army conducted precision strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK under 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhimber Gali hours after India, prompting a response from the Indian Army.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) posted: "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner."

Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing Artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch- Rajauri area.#IndianArmy is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner. pic.twitter.com/mbOXnQ5mMd  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025

The artillery fire from across the border came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'OPERATION SINDOOR', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," said an official statement from the Minister of Defence. Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.

Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and methods of execution, the Ministry of Defence said.

India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, targeting the roots of cross-border terror planning. Importantly, no Pakistani military facilities were hit, reflecting Indias calibrated and non-escalatory approach, the Ministry of Defence said in a post on X.

This operation underscores Indias resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation. A detailed briefing on the operation will follow later today, the post further stated.

New Delhis retaliation against Pakistan comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists. Following the dastardly attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given complete operational freedom to security forces.
The Indian Air Force will stage massive air exercises along the Pakistan border in Rajasthan, as per a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Wednesday night. The exercises will take off at 9:30 PM and run for about five-and-a-half hours. To facilitate the exercise, flights from airports near the border will be suspended temporarily.

The military exercises follow rising Indo-Pak tensions in the wake of the April terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 individualsprimarily civilianswere killed by militants affiliated with The Resistance Front, which is thought to be a proxy group of the proscribed Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The Indian government has claimed to have evidence that points towards Pakistan's deep state being involved in the attack. The air drills scheduled to take place soon are being viewed as a strong demonstration of India's military preparedness and strategic intentions.
Delhi NCR Mock Drill HIGHLIGHTS: In response to growing security concerns after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Delhi government will conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills across the city today, May 7. The nationwide drills, ordered by the Union Home Ministry, are part of Operation Abhyas, aimed at preparing citizens and authorities for potential hostile threats, including air raids.

In Delhi, the drills will take place at 55 key locations, including Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, Khan Market, and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi Cantonment. The exercises will simulate emergency situations like air raids with sirens, crash blackouts, fire emergencies, casualty evacuation, and even setting up temporary hospitals.

The mock drills will span all 11 revenue districts of Delhi, covering five spots in each district. Around 660 schools and 40 busy markets will be part of the preparedness exercise.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have stepped up security across the capital, especially in Central Delhi and Delhi Cantonment. Patrolling has increased during both day and night. A Long Range Acoustic Device (LARD) has been installed at the Police Headquarters near Parliament Street to support communication during emergencies.

Citizens are advised to stay calm, follow instructions, and avoid panic during the drills.
Jaipur Mock Drill HIGHLIGHTS: All states and union territories will carry out mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, in response to new and growing threats, especially after tensions with Pakistan increased following the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the recent developments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed all states and union territories to strengthen their civil defence measures. The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards has issued a notice highlighting the need to address "new and complex threats" and emphasised the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness.

The drills will involve sounding air-raid sirens, training people on how to protect themselves during a possible attack, and cleaning out old bunkers and trenches. A similar nationwide exercise was last seen about 50 years ago, just before the 1971 war with Pakistan, when civil defence drills were held to get citizens ready for possible air strikes.
Mumbai Mock Drill Live Update: In response to rising national security concerns and the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Mumbai is participating in a nationwide civil defence mock drill, Operation Abhyaas, today, May 7. The mock drills, being coordinated under the directive of the Union Home Ministry, simulate emergency situations such as air raids, blackouts, and wartime scenarios amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions. The Maharashtra Government, in collaboration with the Indian Army and Mumbai Police, is executing the drills across key locations in the city.

The Maharashtra Government, in collaboration with the Indian Army and Mumbai Police, is executing the drills across key locations in the city. The drills are scheduled between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, with air raid sirens sounding citywide at 4:00 PM. These sirens, lasting two minutes, will alert citizens to initiate safety protocols, including seeking shelter, turning off gas and electrical appliances, and remaining indoors.

The exercise involves 12 emergency services, including police, fire, medical response units, and municipal authorities. The focus is on enhancing coordination and readiness for any real-time threats. Blackout simulations will also take place, testing Mumbais ability to respond to aerial attack warnings.
India Attacks Pakistan / Operation Sindoor Highlights: In a decisive move aimed at avenging the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali national, India tonight launched precision military strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to an official statement released by the Indian Army, the operation  codenamed Operation Sindoor  targeted nine specific locations linked to the orchestration and planning of cross-border terror attacks. The strikes, carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, were described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature." The operation has been named 'Operation Sindoor' after only men were targetted in the Pahalgam attack and women were left alive. 'Sindoor' represents 'Suhaag' or marital status in Hindu religion and women wear 'Sindoor' to show that their husbands are alive.

No Pakistani military facilities were targeted, the statement emphasized. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and the method of execution. The action follows the brutal attack in Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists gunned down unarmed civilians in what officials have called one of the deadliest assaults in recent years. The Indian government had vowed accountability for the perpetrators, and todays operation signals a concrete step toward that promise. Military sources confirmed that the targeted sites were intelligence-verified terrorist infrastructure believed to be directly involved in planning and facilitating attacks within Indian territory. India has also communicated to the international community that the operation was aimed solely at eliminating terror infrastructure, with no intention of escalating hostilities with Pakistan. "These strikes are a message  clear and unambiguous  that India will not tolerate acts of terror against its citizens," said a senior defense official, speaking on background.

Stay Tuned For Live Updates: What is Operation Sindoor / India Attacks Pakistan / India Air Strikes POK Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad?
Pictured are U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Windsor Republican who represents Colorados 4th Congressional District, left, and Trisha Calvarese, the 2024 Democratic nominee in the district, who announced last week that she running again for the seat.
Mockdrill On May 7: After the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the government is planning one of the biggest civil defence mock drills in the countrys recent history. The exercise will take place on May 7 and is meant to test how ready India is to handle a hostile attack through different emergency situations.

This comes just weeks after 26 people, most of them tourists, were killed in a brutal attack in South Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly warned that those responsible will face punishment beyond their imagination.

Following the recent developments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed all states and Union Territories to strengthen their civil defence measures. The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards has issued a notice highlighting the need to address "new and complex threats" and emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness.

Here's the list of Rajasthan Districts:

Mockdrill On May 7: What will happen?

Activation and testing of air raid warning sirens to ensure readiness. Establishment and operational readiness of hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force. Deployment and staffing of primary and backup (shadow) control rooms. Conducting training sessions for civilians, including students, on civil defence procedures to stay safe during potential hostile attacks. Mobilisation of civil defence units, particularly warden services, firefighting teams, rescue operations, and supply depots. Implementation of emergency blackout protocols to enhance safety during crises.

The initiative includes a large network of district controllers, home guards, NCC cadets, NSS and NYKS volunteers, students from schools and colleges, along with various civilian agencies. It also highlights strong coordination with the Indian Armed Forces and local police.
In response to growing national security concerns, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Union Home Ministry has ordered all states and Union Territories to conduct comprehensive mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. These drills are aimed at strengthening civil defence preparedness across the country.

Focus On New And Complex Threats

The directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) comes in the wake of what it describes as new and complex threats to national security. The urgency stems from rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border and heightened terror activities, including the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

"In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times," said the letter from the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards. Further the letter added, "The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of civil defence mechanisms across all states and Union territories."

Mockdrill Preparations

- Activation and testing of air raid warning sirens to ensure readiness.

- Establishment and operational readiness of hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.

- Deployment and staffing of primary and backup (shadow) control rooms.

- Conducting training sessions for civilians, including students, on civil defence procedures to stay safe during potential hostile attacks.

- Mobilisation of civil defence units, particularly warden services, firefighting teams, rescue operations, and supply depots.

- Implementation of emergency blackout protocols to enhance safety during crises.

259 Districts to Participate Across India

A total of 259 districts across 35 states and Union Territories have been selected to participate in the May 7 mock drill. These districts have been chosen based on strategic importance and population density. A full list of the participating districts has been made available by the Home Ministry. Check Maharashtra Districts that have been selected for mock drill.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack

The decision follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 people, mostly tourists. More than a dozen others were injured in what has become one of the most devastating attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Following the incident, Indian security forces launched extensive search and cordon operations to locate and neutralize the perpetrators. Intelligence agencies have pointed to cross-border involvement, which has further intensified the Indo-Pak diplomatic strain.

The Home Ministry stated that the drills are intended to "boost community preparedness and resilience" by ensuring that both civilians and authorities are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any hostile incident. Schools, colleges, and local administrations have been instructed to fully cooperate in executing the drill.
In an unprecedented effort to strengthen national preparedness in the wake of mounting India-Pakistan tensions, the Centre has ordered all states and Union Territories to conduct an exhaustive civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, May 7. The drill, the first in its magnitude after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, comes on the heels of the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike that killed 26 people and is set amidst unabating cross-border firing.

What Is A Mock Drill?

A mock drill is a mock emergency response drill intended to prepare individuals to deal with crises like terrorist attacks, natural disasters, or mass accidents. The drills check coordination, preparedness, and reaction time, and assist in the identification of loopholes in emergency procedures.

What To Expect On May 7

The Union Home Ministry's advisory states that the mock drill will include:

Air Raid Sirens: Testing the effectiveness of sirens in warning the public of aerial danger.

Civilian Training: The participants will be trained to seek shelter, evacuate, and carry out simple civil defence activities.

Blackout Exercises: Some residents in specific locales might be requested to switch off light points to create conditions of an air raid.

Coordination with the Indian Air Force: Hotlines and wireless communications between civil and military authorities will be initiated and evaluated.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Drills will also mimic the defense of critical assets like airfields, oil refineries, and rail yards against aerial observation or attack.

Emergency Services Readiness: Firefighters, rescue squads, and control room operations will be tested.

Evacuation and First Aid: Civilians, including students, will be involved in evacuation drills and will be trained in first aid and firefighting.

Who Will Participate?

The drill will be undertaken in 244 civil defence districts, which include district administrations, civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, and student organisations.

At some places such as Ferozepur in Punjab, lights at cantonment areas were already cut off as part of advance blackout rehearsals.

The Centre has emphasised the significance of these drills as part of a larger strategy to get the population and infrastructure ready for possible security threats.
Hours after the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' and struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), several opposition leaders came out in support of the Army, praising the precision strikes across the border that came in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on X: "They asked about religion. Now suffer your karma. Indian Army." Aditya Thackeray also praised the action, saying, "Terrorism in all its forms has to be eliminated... Hit them, hard enough that terrorism doesn't stand a chance ever again. Jai Hind!" RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "Hail India! There should be neither terror nor separatism! We are proud of our brave soldiers and the Indian Army."

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reacted to 'Operation Sindoor', launched by the Indian Armed Forces to carry out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, "Bharat Mata ki Jai."

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also lauded the Indian Army. In a post on X, he wrote, "Jai Hind! Jai Hind Ki Sena!" However, Pakistan still violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhimber Gali area, just hours after India carried out the precision strikes. The Indian Army is responding "appropriately", officials said.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) stated: "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner." The artillery fire came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor -- a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Altogether, nine sites were targeted. "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution," the statement added.

According to the Ministry, these steps were taken in response to the "barbaric" Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government reiterated its commitment to hold those responsible accountable. A detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' will be held later today, the Ministry added. Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Indian Army said: "Justice is served. Jai Hind!". In an earlier post, the Army had written: "Ready to strike, trained to win."
Pakistan army on Wednesday confirmed that Indian missile attacks hit three areas within its border  Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Ahmed East in Bahawalpur. The incident represents a sharp escalation of regional tensions after the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India.

Speaking at a late-night media briefing, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated, "Some time ago, the cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpurs Ahmed East area, as well as in Kotli and Muzaffarabad."

He asserted that Indian planes had opened fire from within Indian airspace without violating Pakistani airspace. "All our air force aircraft are airborne," he stated. "Let me say it categorically: Pakistan will retaliate at a time and place of its own choosing." Damage assessments were still underway at the time of the briefing.

Local news outlets, such as the Express Tribune, confirmed a total blackout of power in Muzaffarabad after the strikes.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif further stated that a military confrontation with India was now "inevitable" and could take place "at any moment."

Simultaneously, India's Ministry of Defence declared the commencement of Operation Sindoor, aiming for nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the government in an official statement, the ministry stated, "Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities were targeted."

The strike, India alleged, was an immediate response to the "barbaric" terrorist attack at Pahalgam that martyred 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali national.

The Indian Army also updated on social media site X: "Justice is served. Jai Hind!"  indicating the military's happiness with the high-precision operation. Another update was: " ,  " (Ready to strike, trained to win).
India Retaliates Against Pakistan: After the Indian Army carried out missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a resolute response is already underway. He said that the entire nation stands united behind its armed forces, and our morale and resolve remain unshaken.

The treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished. Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack  a resolute response is already underway. The entire nation stands united behind its armed forces, and our morale and resolve remain unshaken, Sharif said in a post on X.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave officers and soldiers of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan and its forces are fully prepared to confront and defeat any threat with our strength and determination. The enemy will never be allowed to achieve its malicious aims, he further stated.

The treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished.

Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack  a resolute response is already underway.  Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2025

The remarks came as Pakistan confirmed that Indian missile strikes had hit three locations  Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and the Ahmed East area of Bahawalpur. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir is on high alert following the airstrikes, hampering flight service to and from Jammu and Kashmir.

Hours after India avenged the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 people, Indigo Airlines said that flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other places are impacted due to changing airspace conditions.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from #Srinagar, #Jammu, #Amritsar, #Leh, #Chandigarh and #Dharamshala are impacted. We request you to check your flight status at https://bit.ly/31paVKQ before reaching the airport, Indigo said in a post on X.

#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to changing airspace conditions in the region, our flights to and from #Srinagar, #Jammu, #Amritsar, #Leh, #Chandigarh and #Dharamshala are impacted. We request you to check your flight status at https://t.co/CjwsVzFov0 before reaching the airport.  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 6, 2025

Besides Indigo, SpiceJet also announced that due to the prevailing situation, airports are closed in parts of northern India, as a result of which flight services are hampered.

"Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status..., the airline said in a post on X.

Here Are Top Updates

1. According to the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), "Some time ago from now, India launched air strikes on the Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur's Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air." He noted that Pakistan Air Force jets were airborne in response, "Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing."

2. India's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the strikes were part of "Operation Sindoor", targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

3. The ministry stated, "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted." The operation followed the "barbaric" Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. A detailed briefing on the operation is expected later.

4. A heavy exchange of artillery fire is taking place at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Wednesday, after the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor to carry out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

5. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Armys late-night attack came in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed.

6. The government reiterated its commitment to hold those responsible accountable. A detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' will be held later today, the Ministry added. In a prior post on X, the Indian Army also said, "Justice is served. Jai Hind!"
In the wake of increased tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Army officials on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a Pakistani national from the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation into the matter.

This follows hot on the heels of another Pakistani citizen being arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) for crossing into India illegally in the Punjab district of Gurdaspur during the early hours of May 34. The man was intercepted by soldiers on routine patrol and subsequently handed over to Punjab Police for questioning.

The BSF that guards the 3,323-km India-Pakistan border  including portions along Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat  has been on high alert with rising tensions. The border is still one of the most sensitive areas in the country owing to regular ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.

In another incident on April 23, a BSF trooper crossed the International Border near Firozpur in Punjab inadvertently while on duty to guard local farmers working close to the fence. He was held by Pakistan Rangers. Officials stated that the crossing of the trooper was not intentional and that flag meetings, which normally settle such incidents, have not taken place due to Pakistan's non-cooperation in the prevailing tensions.

A BSF top official said, "Despite several requests, Pakistani Rangers have not responded to our flag meeting proposals. We believe their silence is linked to the fallout from the Pahalgam terror attack. We have formally lodged a protest and are making all efforts to ensure the safe return of our jawan."

Farmers along the border were also warned, and patrolling formations were strictly instructed to be more vigilant and not make accidental crossings.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress Chief, Mallikarjun Kharge has claimed that he read in newspapers that an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi three days before the heinous attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

In the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, 26 people lost their lives. Addressing the Samvidhan Bachao Rally in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Kharge also said that the government has accepted that there was an intelligence failure.

The Congress Leader said, There was an intelligence failure, the government has accepted it, and they will resolve it. If they knew this, why didn't they do anything?... I got information that 3 days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to PM Modi, and therefore he cancelled his programme to visit Kashmir, I also read this in a newspaper.

#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: During Samvidhan bachao rally, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, " There is intelligence failure, govt has accepted it and they will resolve it. If they knew this, why didn't they do anything?...I got information that 3 days before the attack, pic.twitter.com/xftdPJXgm5  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Also Read: From PM Modi Meetings To Mock Drill Amid Pak Tension  10 Key Updates After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Congress President's comments came as India and Pakistan's relations are tense after the Pahalgam terror attack.

In a tweet on the social media platform X, the grand old party Congress also showed solidarity with the victims' families of the Pahalgam attack and said that it was time to demonstrate collective will as a nation to teach Pakistan a lesson and curb terrorism decisively.

It added in the post that the party urges the Government of India to act with firmness, strategic clarity, and international coordination to isolate and penalise Pakistan for its continued export of terror into our territory.

BJP Reacts To Kharge's Claims

BJP leader CR Kesavan had reacted to Kharge's claims and demanded an "unconditional" apology from him.

He said, "He has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jaffar. His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Mr. Kharge's remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and cannot be forgiven. Everybody demands an unconditional apology from him, and he should also come clean on what kind of inputs he received to make such outrageous remarks."

#WATCH | On Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP leader CR Kesavan says, "He has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jaffar. His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Mr. Kharge's remarks are https://t.co/FdKQiue5Ak pic.twitter.com/Lzb1qnNbBC  ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2025

Indias Measures Against Pakistan

On April 23, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had informed that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided on several measures, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." India also downgraded its diplomatic ties with the Islamic nations as the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata.

India, on Monday, also stopped the water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River briefly. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also announced a mock drills on May 7 across the nation to enhance the civil defence preparedness.

(with ANI inputs)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, congratulating him on his party's landslide victory in Saturday's General Election. "Spoke with my friend Anthony Albanese to personally congratulate him on his partys historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

PM Modi had on Saturday congratulated Albanese on Labor's resounding win which saw the party bagging a haul of 92 lower house seats, only the third time in the history of the country that a party has won more than 90 seats.

"Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," PM Modi wrote on X.

Albanese, who also spoke with US President Donald Trump with talks focusing majorly on the issue of tariffs, announced Monday that his first overseas trip in his second term as Prime Minister would be to Indonesia.

Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart had met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November during which they also held the second Australia-India Annual Summit ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025.

Both Prime Ministers noted the significant progress made in strengthening bilateral ties across a range of important sectors  including climate change and renewable energy, trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, skills, mobility, science and technology, regional and multilateral cooperation, community and cultural links, and people-to-people ties.

Reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation, they had also reflected on the shared interests in the region, noting with satisfaction that closer bilateral engagement has benefited both nations and the broader region.

Both leaders have emphasised that Make in India and Future Made in Australia have complementarity and collaborative potential and could help create new jobs, unlock economic growth and secure our future prosperity in a changing world.

India and Australia are also members of the Quad grouping along with the United States and Japan.
KARNAL: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met with the family of Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini's wife, Suman Saini had on Sunday paid respects to the late Navy officer at a 'Shraddhanjali Sabha' organised by his family members at their residence in Karnal.

Addressing reporters after the ceremony, she said, "Today is a deeply sorrowful day. The family lost their beloved son, and I pray to God to give them strength. The terror attack of April 22 is beyond condemnation. The entire nation mourns this loss." Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job to the family member of Vinay Narwal.

Narwal, a native of Karnal, Haryana, was given an emotional farewell by family members last month. His father, Rajesh Narwa, and maternal uncle performed the last rites in the presence of hundreds. Narwal's father expressed faith in the government and said that the Union government would do justice, adding that the loss was "unbearable and irreplaceable."

Vinay Narwal had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Lt Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on leave and was in Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists opened fire. The widow of the deceased naval officer bid an emotional farewell during the solemn military ceremony, remembering her late husband as a man who live with honour and left behind a legacy of courage. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
The Denver-based federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected the government's attempt to suspend a trial judge's order that temporarily halted removals of alleged "alien enemies" from Colorado and imposed procedural safeguards enabling detainees to challenge their classifications.
A surprising incident surfaced from Uttar Pradeshs Hathras, where a man in a remote village was left in absolute disbelief after his account showed a bank balance comprising 36 digits.

The incident happened in April; Ajits account was debited twice for Rs 1,800 and Rs 1,400, respectively, the same day, according to an NDTV report.

What happened the very next day not only left Ajit and his family in shock but also took his entire village by surprise. The NDTV report stated that his bank balance on April 25 reflected a whopping Rs 1,00,13,56,00,00,01,39,54,21,00,23,56,00,00,01,39,542. This huge amount is easily more than many billionaires like Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani.

At first, Ajit and his wife saw the funny side of the incident and confessed that they were filled with happiness on seeing such an amount of money. However, their joy and glitter soon ended after they were engulfed by the fear of being targeted by fraudsters.

Ajit reached out to the banking merchant who told him that the credit was a technical glitch that was tracked to a branch in Jammu and Kashmir, the NDTV report stated.

When the problem was not solved and the same amount continued to reflect, he approached the police, who suggested he submit another application to the cybercrime division, the report stated. Ajit, whose account is now frozen following this incident, is now left worried about being defrauded.

The figure was beyond counting for Ajit, whose bank balance stood much higher than the net worth of the world's richest man and SpaceX CEO, pegged at Rs 2,84,17,69,27,10,400 by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a 14-digit figure.
Indo-Pak Border Flare-Up: Amid fresh outrage over the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 Indian tourists, India stands at a decisive crossroads: respond with overwhelming force or strike with smart, multi-domain precision. While a full-scale war with Pakistan may seem unlikely due to nuclear risks, India has a wide range of conventional and unconventional warfare optionseach carrying different levels of impact, escalation, and risk. Here's a clear-eyed look at how India could make Pakistan paywithout triggering a catastrophic conflict.

1. Conventional Full-Scale War: Risky but Dominant

Indias military advantage1.4 million troops vs. Pakistans 617,000offers clear superiority on paper. If war broke out along multiple fronts (Punjab, Rajasthan, LoC), India could aim to capture strategic territories or paralyze Pakistans military structure.

However, Pakistans first-use nuclear doctrine makes such a move incredibly risky. Any large-scale territorial advance could provoke nuclear retaliation.

Verdict: Technically feasible, but practically ruled out due to the nuclear red line.

2. Limited Conventional Conflict: Precision with Restraint

Localized clashes along the LoC or border areas, like Indias past surgical strikes or Kargil-style operations, offer tactical payback. These actions are meant to inflict pain without pushing for escalation.

Indias 2019 Balakot airstrikes post-Pulwama terror attack are a template: direct hits on terror infrastructure with minimal footprint.

Verdict: Most practical and proven optionbut still carries escalation risk if mismanaged.

3. Surgical Airstrikes & Missile Hits

Using fighter jets or cruise missiles (like BrahMos) to take out terror camps, military depots, or ISI assets inside Pakistan is an option with symbolic and strategic punch. Risk of pilots being captured (like in 2019) or collateral damage is high, but missile-only options reduce exposure.

Verdict: Feasible, and India has done it before. Must avoid civilian casualties to retain international support.

4. Covert Operations & Proxy Pressure

Indias RAW could ramp up intelligence-driven operations to target terror financiers or support dissident movements like Baloch separatists. Hard to prove, but high on impact and deniability. Could pressure Pakistan without public war declaration.

Verdict: Ongoing in shadows. Sustainable, but risks tit-for-tat escalation.

5. Naval Pressure in the Arabian Sea

A blockade of Karachi or destruction of key Pakistani naval assets would cripple their economy. Indias INS Vikrant, Scorpene-class submarines, and naval aviation could dominate sea battles.

Verdict: High-risk, high-reward. Could impact global trade and provoke massive escalation.

6. Economic Warfare: Choking the Lifelines

Indias 2025 suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty sent a bold signal. Trade bans, cutting off airspace, and lobbying for global sanctions can further squeeze Pakistan. With a $3.4 trillion economy, India holds massive leverage compared to Pakistans shrinking economy.

Verdict: Very effectiveand already in play. Escalation is minimal, but long-term retaliation possible.

7. Cyber Warfare: Hit Without a Trace

India can target Pakistans power grids, telecom systems, or financial networks using NTRO and allied agencies. Cyberwar is deniable and effective but could invite counterstrikes.

Verdict: Low-cost, high stealthperfect for asymmetric response.

8. Diplomatic Isolation: Weaponizing Global Influence

India is already using its strong global partnerships to brand Pakistan a terror sponsor and rally support. 2025 saw visa suspensions, trade restrictions, and pressure campaigns on platforms like the UN and G20.

Verdict: Long-term gamebut highly feasible and sustainable.

Final Take: No Boots Needed to Break Pakistan

India doesn't need to march into Islamabad to deliver a blow. Through calibrated force, economic pressure, covert operations, and global diplomacy, New Delhi can degrade Pakistans terror machinery without triggering nuclear war.

This is not about avoiding conflictit's about winning smartly.

From the skies of Balakot to the rivers of Indus, India has options.

The message is clear: act, retaliatebut dont stumble into all-out war.

(Girish Linganna is a Defence and Geopolitical Analyst based out of Bengaluru. He is also the Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. The views expressed in this article are of the author only.)
The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pok. The operation comes days after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali national.

Here is a video showing a missile landing in Bahawalpur.

Update: Live footage of the missile landing in Bahawalpur. https://t.co/EeiTsuda5F pic.twitter.com/aESLGbdjBe  Mahaz (@MahazOfficial1) May 6, 2025

Update: Masjid Tayyaba in Muridke was targeted. According to available details, civilians have lost their lives in both Bahawalpur and Muridke. More details awaited https://t.co/LQy8GsA2Cc pic.twitter.com/DvtqNnTU2n  Mahaz (@MahazOfficial1) May 6, 2025



As per the official statement released by the Indian Army, the operation  codenamed Operation Sindoor  targeted nine specific locations linked to the orchestration and planning of cross-border terror attacks.

The strikes, carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, were described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature."

Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has said that the US will make every effort to support India in its fight against terrorism. He called India a "very important" partner for the US in so many ways.

In his remarks at the Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill on Monday (local time), Johnson also spoke about the trade deal between India and the US and expressed hope that the trade negotiations will work out well between the two nations.

When asked about his message for India, which has been at the receiving end of cross-border terrorism for the past several decades, Mike Johnson said, "Look, we have great sympathy for what's happening over there, and we want to stand with our allies. I think India is a very important partner to us in so many ways. I hope that the trade negotiations will work out well between the two countries. No one asked me about tariffs, I'm glad. Yes, but a critically important relationship for us, and such a large population in such an important country. And India has to stand against terrorism there as well."

"We'll do everything we can in the US to support those efforts. And I think that's all part of this relationship as it develops. The Trump administration clearly understands the importance of that relationship and clearly understands the importance of the threat of terrorism. And so I think if that threat is increased, I think you'll see the administration, my belief is that they will focus more energy and resources and time to help assist with that. That's certainly our hope," he added.

The Trump administration has expressed support for India in its fight against terrorism following the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others.

On April 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism.

Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

In a statement, Tammy Bruce said, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today. The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia."

On April 23, US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on and offered his condolences at the loss of lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Trump condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this "heinous attack."

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror."
New Delhi: Actor Ajaz Khan has been booked by the Mumbai Police following a rape complaint filed by a woman against the Bigg Boss 7 fame actor. Authorities say Khan has been untraceable since the FIR was lodged at Charkop Police Station, with his phone switched off.

According to a report by The Times of India, police were unable to locate the actor, and his phone number became unreachable shortly after the FIR was filed.

An FIR has been registered at Charkop Police Station against actor Ajaz Khan for allegedly raping an actress. Police attempted to contact him after the case was filed, but his phone has been switched off. He is not in contact with the police. Officers went to his known location, but he was not present. A search is ongoing, said Mumbai Police in an official statement.

Ajaz Khan is no stranger to controversy. Most recently, he has drawn criticism for hosting the latest show on the Ullu app, House Arrest. The reality series, which features 12 contestants, nine women and three men confined in a luxury villa, has come under fire for its explicit content. Viral clips from the show show Khan instructing contestants to act out various Kamasutra positions, prompting significant backlash on social media.

As a result, the Amboli Police have issued summons to both Khan and the owner of the Ullu app for allegedly streaming obscene content online.
New Delhi: Taking forward the legacy of celebrated parents Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, Kaveri Kapur is all set to make her own niche space in the showbiz world. She made her debut with Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story earlier this year and is now looking forward to starring in Shekhar Kapur's Masoom 2 - sequel to 1983 classic Masoom. In an interview with Zee News Digital, she opened up music being her first love, acting and solid bond with parents.

Q. While growing up, did Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi's profession intrigue you?

A. Music has always intrigued me. I've been singing since I was six. and I wrote my first song at nine. That's something I've always been very, very passionate about. But in terms of acting, I didn't ever think I would be an actor. I was really, really very shy, like to the point where during school performances, I would cry before I had to go on stage. I didn't want to do drama in school. So while growing up, no, I didn't. I mean, of course, it intrigued me, as there were things about it that I found interesting, and I enjoyed watching them and experiencing it through them. But I never thought that I would be an actor. But as I got older, I grew into my personality more, shed that shyness and insecurity and I really started to develop a curiosity for it. That's when everything changed.

Q. What did you learn from Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story. How was the experience?

A. First of all, I learnt that I want to be an actor, that I have a passion for acting. I discovered this through the process of Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story. Since I was a complete beginner, I learnt a lot from Kunal sir as well as Vardhaan about acting and about the craft. Just being on set was an amazing experience. I had so much fun. I had such a great rapport with Kunal because I think he really understood my personality. He was able to give me the correct guidance based on my personality and my instinctive way of approaching acting.

Q. Masoom remains a classic, Masoom 2 would be a huge responsibility. Do you feel the pressure?

A. I definitely feel the weight of the responsibility and it is a bit intimidating. However, I know Im in the right hands and surrounded by people that are masters of their craft and I find a lot of comfort in that. I know Im going to learn a lot and Im also actively trying not to allow the pressure to get to me, because overthinking always tends to stifle my creativity.

Q. Tell us about your bond with mom and dad.

A. My bond with both my parents is pretty strong but quite different. My mum and I have a more traditional parent-child relationship whereas my father and I are so similar that weve become like friends now.

Q. Do you plan to pursue singing full-time along with acting in future?

A. 100%. Music is my first love and I dont think its something Ill ever give up. Songwriting is how I started to first explore my self, the world and my creativity. Its the space in which I feel most like myself.
Mumbai: Veteran actress Jaya Prada took to social media to share heartwarming glimpses of her light-hearted moments with Bollywood legend Dharmendra. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a sweet video, offering a glimpse into her warm camaraderie with Dharmendra.

In the heartwarming clip, the two legendary stars are seen sitting together on a couch, watching something on a phone, smiling, and engaging in a warm conversation. Their faces light up with smiles, reflecting the ease and affection of a long-standing friendship.

Sharing this heartfelt moment, Jaya wrote for the caption, The Lighter Moments With One & Only Legend Dharam Ji16 movies with Dharam Ji

1. Qayamat 1983

2. Insaaf Kaun Karega 1984

3. Dharm Aur Qanoon 1984

4. Ganga Tere Desh Mein 1988

5. Mardon Wali Baat 1988

6. Elaan-E-Jung 1989

7. Shehzaade 1989

8. Kanoon Ki Zanjeer 1990

9. Farishtay 1991

10. Kundan 1993

11. Paappi Devataa 1995

12. Maidan-E-Jung 1995

13. Veer 1995

14. Zulm-O-Sitam 1998

15. Loh Purush 1999

16. Nyaydaata 1999.

(sic) A few days ago, the actress had posted cheerful photos where she was seen striking poses with Dharmendra. Jaya captioned the post, Today met one of my most respected co-artists in Mumbai - none other superstar legend respected Dharmendra ji at his residence and refreshed many old memories Dharm ji I wish god you always be happy and healthy @aapkadharam.

 The 'Sholay' actor also posted their photos and wrote, Jaya prada, my lovely co - star came to see me today along with loving family friends of her .i am extremely happy to see them all.

(sic) Interestingly, Dharmendra and Jaya Prada have shared the screen in a string of successful films, creating a memorable on-screen pairing over the years. From action-packed dramas to emotional sagas, the duo has been part of several popular movies like "Insaaf Kaun Karega, Dharm Aur Qanoon, Ganga Tere Desh Mein, Mardon Wali Baat, and Maidan-E-Jung, among others.
New Delhi: Kunal Kapoor is making headlines once again, not just for his role in the gripping heist drama Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, but also for his powerful views on the future of Indian cinema. With several exciting projects in the pipeline, including the Telugu film Vishwambhara and a much-anticipated face-off with Yash in Ramayana, Kunal is proving himself to be a truly pan-India actor.

In a recent interview, Kunal shared his thoughts on breaking language and regional barriers in cinema. "I am an Indian actor shooting films across Indian industries," he said. "I dont see cinema through the lens of North, South, East, or West. These are divisions created for political purposes, not artistic ones. Politicians benefit from them, not storytellers."

Kunal emphasized that for creatives, storytelling should transcend boundaries. The whole country is our playground. Every story worth telling is our story, and every audience member is ours. When we stop seeing ourselves as regional actors and start thinking of ourselves as Indian storytellers, we tap into the full power of our shared creativity, he added.

Kapoor's career reflects this very ethos. After making a mark in Hindi cinema with films like Rang De Basanti, Aaja Nachle, and Dear Zindagi, he ventured into Malayalam cinema with Veeram in 2016 and Telugu with Devadas in 2018. Though selective with his roles, Kunal consistently chooses performances that resonate, earning both critical and audience acclaim.

Now, with Jewel Thief streaming and topping charts, Kunal continues to blur boundariesnot just as an actor, but as a passionate advocate for inclusive, pan-Indian storytelling.
New Delhi: A video of Shah Rukh Khan introducing himself on the red carpet of the Met Gala 2025 has gone viral, sparking admiration and surprise across social media. In the clip, the Bollywood superstar politely says, Hi, Im Shah Rukh, after being asked to introduce himself to Western journalists unfamiliar with his global stardom.

Watch The Video Here:

We have a little interview!



Im Shah Rukh



Like what he says about the event



pic.twitter.com/eu5qSKjNPp  SRK_x10 Lady Rathore (@010_srk) May 5, 2025

The brief exchange was part of his historic debut at the fashion event, making him the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet. Despite being one of the most recognisable names in global cinema, SRK approached the moment with humility, joking that he felt nervous and excited to be at the iconic venue.

Dressed in a striking black ensemble by renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Shah Rukh embodied the Mets 2025 theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and dress code, Tailored for You. His look featured a floor-length coat in Tasmanian superfine wool with monogrammed Japanese horn buttons, paired with a Bengal Tiger Head Cane crafted in 18k gold and encrusted with tourmalines, sapphires, and diamonds.

In another moment, SRK was seen chatting with Vogue correspondents, who asked him how it felt to make history. The actor replied modestly, giving full credit to Sabyasachi, who stood beside him: He convinced me to come. He also mentioned how comfortable and confident the outfit made him feel, noting he usually sticks to black and white.

Sabyasachi later shared photos of the ensemble on Instagram, calling Shah Rukh Khan a magician, superstar, and icon, and explaining that his design aimed to honour SRKs legendary status while celebrating the Black Dandy aesthetic.

The actors appearance not only celebrated Indian fashion on a world stage but also added a touch of humility and authenticity that won hearts online.
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother Nirmal Kapoor in a long, emotional note shared on his social media handle.

Nirmal Kapoor, mother of Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor and Boney Kapoor, passed away at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Friday. She was 90 years old.

Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared a carousel of pictures of her mother, with him and his family.

Anil also expressed gratitude for those who stood with the family during this tough time. "The love pouring in from all walks of life has been overwhelming. I truly don't have the words to express how deeply grateful we are," he wrote.

He added, "My mother touched so many lives, not just directly but through the people she nurtured, supported, and loved. She was one of those remarkable women who never stood in the spotlight but whose strength held everyone together. A silent pillar, always smiling, always caring, always bringing warmth to those around her."

The ace star said how his mother kept the "family close". "She was the glue that kept our family close, from our children to our grandchildren, and even our extended family and friends. Her love reached far and wide, and it's clear from the outpouring of messages and affection that she made a lasting impact on so many hearts," shared 'Animal' actor.

He concluded the post with, "A heartfelt thank you to everyone, especially from the film fraternity, for your kind words, prayers, and love. We're truly humbled and grateful."

Bollywood celebs, including Rani Mukerji, Farhan Akhtar, Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor and Karan Johar, among others, on Saturday(May 3) reached the funeral of Nirmal Kapoor, the mother of veteran actor Anil Kapoor, to pay their last respects in Mumbai.

Nirmal Kapoor breathed her last on Friday, May 2, following a brief hospitalisation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. She passed away at 90.

Nirmal's funeral took place at the Vile Parle Crematorium, located on SV Road in Mumbai.
Last week, a federal judge asked three different entities whether he had the authority to discard the United States' "statement of interest" in a civil case brought by convicted Mesa County clerk Tina Peters.
New Delhi: Saif Ali Khan continues to prove that great storytelling knows no boundariesbe it the big screen or OTT. Known for his versatility and refined choices, Saifs latest outing, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, is making serious waves on Netflix. Since its release, the high-octane thriller has climbed straight to the #1 spot in India, earning praise for its gripping narrative and standout performances.

Marking Saifs return to the thriller genre, Jewel Thief brings back the edge-of-your-seat energy fans loved in Sacred Games. Once again, audiences are drawn into the world of a complex, unpredictable characterthis time, a suave conman entangled in a dangerous diamond heist. With strong buzz and positive word-of-mouth, the films viewership is only expected to rise.

The film reunites Saif with a stellar ensemble cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta. Set against a backdrop of high-stakes crime and betrayal, the story follows Saifs character as hes recruited by a mafia boss (Ahlawat) to steal the legendary African Red Sun diamondwhile being hunted by a relentless cop played by Kapoor.

Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, and produced by Siddharth Anand, Jewel Thief is more than just a crime caperits another bold step in Saifs ongoing OTT journey. Having redefined streaming content with his game-changing role in Sacred Games back in 2018, Saif once again raises the bar with this slick, action-packed thriller.

With its fast-paced plot, layered characters, and stylish execution, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a must-watch for your weekend binge list.
New Delhi : Yami Gautam, one of Indian cinemas most versatile and respected actresses, has steadily carved a unique space for herself with a string of powerful performances across both theatrical releases and OTT platforms. From her breakout role in Vicky Donor (2012) to her recent success in Dhoom Dhaam, Yami has evolved into a leading force who can carry an entire film on her shoulders with ease and depth.

In a recent interview, Yami reflected on her journey and gave credit to the directors who have played a pivotal role in shaping her craft. Directors do shape your craft, and a good director will always push you. Cinema is indeed a directors medium, she shared, underscoring the influence of visionary filmmakers in helping her explore new layers of her talent.

Over the years, Yami has collaborated with some of the industrys most respected namesstarting with Shoojit Sircar in Vicky Donor, followed by Sriram Raghavan in Badlapur, Aditya Dhar in Uri: The Surgical Strike, and Amar Kaushik in Bala. Each of these collaborations has helped her tap into different facets of her acting range.

Her critically acclaimed performance in Article 370, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, further established her prowess, while A Thursday (directed by Behzad Khambata) and OMG 2 (helmed by Amit Rai) showcased her ability to tackle intense and layered characters. Up next, shes reportedly working with Suparn Varma on a project based on the real-life story of Shah Banoan exciting new chapter in her career.

With back-to-back successes and a growing list of bold, meaningful roles, Yamis journey is a testament to how strong collaborations with visionary directors can truly shape and elevate an actors craft.
India-Pakistan Tensions: The Government of India has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. During the mock drill, an air raid warning siren will be activated to simulate emergency conditions.

As part of the exercise, civiliansincluding school studentswill take part in training sessions designed to improve their preparedness and ability to protect themselves during hostile attacks. One common question that arises is: What is an air raid siren? How does it work, and will our smartphones respond to it? In this article, we will try to answer all your questions.

What Is An Air Raid Siren?

An air raid siren is a loud, distinctive alarm used to alert the public of imminent threats such as aerial attacks or missile strikes. In some situations, these sirens are also activated during natural disasters. Typically, the siren sounds for about 60 seconds, signaling people to seek immediate shelter. Once the air raid siren stops, it generally indicates that it is safe for people to leave their shelters and resume normal activities.

Air Raid Siren: How This Technology Works

The technology is expected to be used for the Indias mock drill siren remains unclear. However, globally, air raid sirens operate using various mechanismsranging from air-powered systems and electric devices to advanced electronic models. Air-powered sirens create loud sound waves by channeling air through spinning discs with small holes.

In contrast, electric sirens generate sound using diaphragms or horns. More recently, electronic sirens with built-in speakers have become increasingly common, delivering digitally controlled tones with improved accuracy. Many of these modern systems can also connect to radio frequencies, enabling broader and more efficient communication.

Air Raid Siren: Will Smartphones Issue Alerts During Mock Drill?

There has been speculation that smartphones might emit alerts during the mock drill. To understand this possibility, we looked at similar systems tested in other countries. For example, the UK tested an emergency mobile alert system two years ago in 2023. During the test, all 4G and 5G smartphones received an emergency message along with a loud beep and vibrationregardless of whether the phone was on silent mode. The alert lasted for approximately 10 seconds. Adding further, if your mobile phone is switched off, you will not receive the alert message.

Air Raid Sirens: Sound Patterns And Their Purpose

Air raid sirens typically use two distinct sound patterns to convey different messages. The first is a wailing or rising-and-falling tone, which lasts for one to three minutes. This wavering pitch signals an immediate threat, such as an airstrike or missile attack, and indicates that people should take shelter without delay. The second is a steady, flat tone that does not rise or fall. This "all clear" signal usually lasts about one minute and informs the public that the danger has passed and it is safe to come out of shelters and resume normal activities.
Three dead, several missing after a boat overturned near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, on Monday morning, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said. An Indian family was also affected, while two Indian children are missing.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Consulate said, "We are very sad to know about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, this morning. As per available information, three people died, nine went missing, and four were injured in the incident. An Indian family is also affected in this tragedy. While two Indian children are missing, the parents are undergoing treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla."

The Consulate, in coordination with the local authorities, is assisting the Indian family that was affected by the mishap.

"The Consulate is providing all necessary assistance to the affected Indian family in coordination with local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy," it added.

We are very sad to know about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, this morning. As per available information, three people died, nine went missing, and four were injured in the incident. An Indian  India in SF (@CGISFO) May 5, 2025

According to ANI, the accident occurred when a small panga-style boat capsized off the California coast. The parents of the affected Indian family are currently receiving treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, while the children are missing.

Rescue Operation By US Agencies

The authorities stated that the boat overturned in the surf around 6:30 am, about 15 miles from downtown San Diego. The US Coast Guard, US Border Patrol, California State Parks, Del Mar Lifeguards, and San Diego Sheriff's Department are some of the multiple agencies involved in the response.

A 45-foot rescue boat and a helicopter were deployed by the Coast Guard to assist with the search, which continued on Monday afternoon, according to CNN. 17 life jackets were found at the site, although the exact number of people on board could not be determined yet.

Previously, in 2023, in a similar incident, eight people died when two smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach amid dense fog. It was one of the deadliest human smuggling operations in the US.

(with agencies' inputs)
At least five paramilitary soldiers were killed and six others wounded in a fatal roadside bomb attack on a security convoy in Pakistan's volatile southwestern province of Balochistan on Tuesday, security sources said. The assault took place at approximately 11:45 AM local time in Kachhi district, when a Frontier Corps convoy on routine movement was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). One of the six vehicles in the convoy was hit by the explosion, resulting in serious casualties, confirmed officials, as quoted by news agency IANS.

Security troops quickly cordoned the area and initiated a search operation to arrest the attackers. The wounded personnel were taken to nearby hospitals, where a number were reported to be critical.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, security officials noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army-Azad (BLA-A) faction and other small armed groups operate actively in the region.

This attack follows a major incident last week when the Fateh Squad of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed Balochistans Mongochar area in Kalat district. During that assault, militants blocked the Quetta-Karachi highway, torched multiple government buildings including NADRA, the National Bank of Pakistan, and a Judicial Complex, and briefly seized control of the local market area. The BLA later claimed the operation as part of their ongoing struggle for liberation.

Balochistan has witnessed a surge in violence in recent months, with separatist groups intensifying attacks on state institutions and security forces, citing long-standing grievances over political marginalization and resource exploitation.

No organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Security officials, however, said that the Balochistan Liberation Army-Azad (BLA-A) faction and some other small extremist groups are actively working in the area.

This assault came on the heels of a massive attack last week when the BLA's Fateh Squad overrun Balochistan's Mongochar region in Kalat district. In that attack, militants disrupted the Quetta-Karachi highway, burnt several government complexes such as NADRA, the National Bank of Pakistan, and a Judicial Complex, and temporarily took control of the area around the local market. The BLA went on to own up to the operation as an extension of their "struggle for liberation."

Balochistan has seen an escalation of violence over the past few months, with separatist movements stepping up attacks on state institutions and security forces, complaining of historical grievances of political exclusion and exploitation of resources.
Pahalgam Terror Attack Fallout: Since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has been living in fear. There is growing concern in Pakistan that India may take military action at any moment. Now, Pakistans Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned the public that India could launch a military strike on the Line of Control (LoC) at any time. Last week, Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had made a similar claim, stating that they have credible evidence of an Indian military strike within the next 2436 hours.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Khawaja Asif said, There are reports that India could attack any point on the Line of Control. A strong response will be given to New Delhi. This statement comes at a time when tensions are running high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. On April 22, terrorists opened fire on unarmed tourists in Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 people and injuring several others.

Khawaja Asif also mentioned that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Asif said, Such an investigation will reveal whether India itself or some internal group was involved, and the truth behind New Delhis baseless allegations will come to light.

Following the Pahalgam attack, fearing a military action against India, Pakistan has mobilized its army towards the Line of Control. Pakistan has also issued nuclear threat to India.

mid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the Indian Army has responded to unprovoked small-arms fire from Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 5 to early hours of May 6, as per the Indian Army. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian army said in a statement, "During the night of 05-06 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded in proportionate manner."
Indo-Pak Tension: Since India ramped up its preparations to punish the preparators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has been in a panic mode. While Pakistan has been mobilising its army towards the borders, it also asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to hold closed-door consultation on the evolving situation. What is interesting is that even after the meeting was called at the request of Pakistan, the Islamic nation failed to garner any support as the meeting ended with no outcomes, no statement and no official release. The fresh humiliation at the UNSC comes days after India thrashed Islamabad at the UNSC calling it a 'terror-state'.

According to reports, the UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal session today. They refused to accept the false flag narrative and asked whether LeT was likely to be involved. There was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability. Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith. Many members expressed concern that Pakistans missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistans efforts to internationalise the situation also failed. They were advised to sought out the issues bilaterally with India.

While the Security Council president President Evangelos Sekeris called the meeting 'productive', it did not yield any result. The Security Council is always helpful in such efforts to de-escalate. "It is the responsibility of the Council". It was a productive meeting and helpful, he said.

Since the meeting was a closed consultation, its proceedings are secret without official records. Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who briefed the meeting, said on his way out that all want de-escalation. Russias Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva, who attended the meeting, said, We hope for de-escalation".

Sekeris convened the meeting at the request of Pakistans Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Ahmad called for a closed consultation because countries that are not members of the Council are not allowed to participate in it under Council procedures. That effectively shut out India, while Pakistan, as a current elected member, attended.

Before the meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation was at a boiling point" and asked 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, he said. Condemning strongly the terrorist massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam last month, he said, "I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack.
Colorado lawmakers this month began reviewing the state's spending plan for the next fiscal year in the face of tight revenues and a budget deficit  even as policymakers are pushing for hundreds of millions of dollars in funding requests.
State Rep. Shannon Bird on Tuesday jumped into the Democratic primary for the chance to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in next year's election in Colorado's battleground 8th Congressional District.
Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann
Colorado lawmakers on Tuesday officially approved the proposal to eliminate the requirement for an election before labor organizations can negotiate to impose dues on non-union members.

The measure's fate remains uncertain, as Gov. Jared Polis has said he would veto it if business and labor, which had been negotiating over the legislation, failed to reach a compromise.

Both sides confirmed over the weekend that no deal had been reached.

Senate Bill 005, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Reps. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, seeks to repeal 80-year-old requirement to hold an election to establish a "union security" agreement at a an-already unionized workplace. Under that law, once agreed to by the company and the labor group, non-union workers would be required to pay union fees.

Polis has until June 6 to act on the bill, which passed on a 43-22 party-line vote. He could sign it or veto it  or allow the measure to go into effect without his signature.

Federal law governs union formation. For that election, a labor group must receive a simple majority to unionize  a related but separate issue than what's before Colorado lawmakers.

At issue at the Colorado Capitol is the state law requiring the "second" election to allow a unionized workplace to negotiate over fees on non-union members. That election requires a higher threshold of a 75% "yes" vote to pass. The unions want to get rid of it.

The business and labor sectors are divided on the measure since it was introduced early in the session. Polis told both groups he would not sign the measure into law unless they could reach a compromise. With the end of the session in sight, Polis pushed for a deal, but the parties did not reach a compromise.

Some Republicans took issue with the fact that under the bill, all employees at a unionized workplace  regardless of union membership  would be required to pay what labor calls "agency fees." Proponents argued that these fees are only fair since unions are legally required to represent all employees, whether they are members or not, and the benefits secured thereby applies to everybody.

The bill would take choice away from workers, said Rep. Rebecca Keltie, R-Colorado Springs, who noted her father was a union member.

"I do believe in unions; I believe in what they do," she said. "I'm proud to be a union daughter, but I believe this bill is not written in a way that allows for union and non-union to exist, so I will be a no."

Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, echoed Keltie, adding he even spent time as vice president of a union in the mid-2000s.

He noted an amendment introduced by Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, which sought to eliminate the second election but would decrease the threshold to allow a union to negotiate over the dues on non-union members.

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Had the amendment been included, Winter said he would've voted in favor of SB 005.

He said politicians around the country from both parties are sending jobs overseas, making life increasingly difficult for blue-collar workers.

"If we're gonna have genuine discussions about you making the best wage you can to take care of your family, shipping jobs out of this state is not fair to you all," he said. "It is not fair to take good-paying blue collar jobs and ship them out of this state, and I will never get behind that."

Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, spoke of how her mother's union membership helped her earn better wages and provide security for her family.

"We need to make it easier for people to unionize instead of harder," she said. "We know that when we uplift labor, that is a win-win for everybody It's a win for labor, and it's a win for business."

Union membership has been shown to increase job satisfaction and performance while decreasing turnover, something both business and labor can support, she said, adding that directly impacts a business's success and it "(enhances) morale, output, and ultimately the bottom line."

"This bill ensures that workers can organize without retaliation or fear of interference. That should be a basic right, not a battleground," she said.

Bacon expressed disappointment that the issue has become so polarized, especially when, she said, so many members from both parties have personal connections to unions.

Senate Bill 005 is "not asking for anything that is unique," Bacon argued, considering Colorado is the only state in the country that requires two elections to begin discussions on "union security" agreements.

"We all need labor, and the principle of this bill says that those that want to show up and say they want to collectively bargain can do so in one vote," she said.

union workers under a company agreement.

The labor coalition pushing the legislation and its allies at the state Capitol have insisted it's about workers' ability to unionize, a framing it adopted early on by arguing that unionization yields much better economic results for a state.

Business representatives have countered that the proposal has nothing to do with workers' ability to form a union. They maintained that the legislation deals with imposing dues on all workers, regardless of whether they are union members.
Inspired by Pikes Peak, the new Colorado Springs Temple for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will feature natural granite aggregate and artistic glass, be constructed as single story so not to detract from mountain views and is designed to fit in with the surrounding Flying Horse subdivision, according to plans released Monday.

They are prominent, high-quality buildings, and we look at many locations to make sure the one thats chosen is the appropriate place to build, said Mike Law, communication director for the Colorado Springs Coordinating Council, which covers southern Colorado.

The denominations temples are very spiritual, he said. It represents Jesus Christ, whom we think about as were doing the work in the temple.

The Colorado Springs Temple, which will be built on the citys northeast side as the fourth in Colorado, will serve 22,400 church members who are divided into five stakes in Colorado Springs and one in Pueblo. Each stake consists of six to 12 wards, or congregations.

Statewide, there are about 150,000 Latter-day Saints, who are sometimes referred to as Mormons though the church prefers the full name.

The church is growing regionally and globally, Law said, with membership topping 17.5 million worldwide in 2024 and convert baptisms reaching their highest level in nearly three decades, according to statistics released at the denomination's April general conference.

In the past six years, President Russell M. Nelson, recognized as the churchs prophet, has announced 153 new temples.

The local temple has been planned since 2012, when the church purchased several parcels of vacant land at 2396 Veneto Way for $4.81 million, county records show.

Nelson said at the October 2023 general conference that a new temple would rise in Colorado Springs and in 19 other communities around the world. Officials announced the location in November 2024.

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Construction at the southwest corner of Barossa Valley Drive and Flying Horse Club Drive will get underway as soon as the church receives requested permitting from the city and other government agencies, Law said.

The church is beginning the approval process to address the temples height, lighting and other features, including proposed parking that will exceed Colorado Springs required parking, to ensure zero impact to the neighborhood, according to the new local website, Coloradospringscoloradotemple.org, which went active Tuesday.

Law expects the Colorado Springs Temple will take a few years to complete.

He said he does not know the approximate cost but said all temples do not incur any debt and are 100% paid for as they are built.

The 45,000-square-foot building will sit on an 18.6-acre site, and the property also will include a meetinghouse, which is a chapel, and an accompanying utility building.

Latter-day Saints temples are not open on Sundays, Law said, but rather are considered special places of worship used for sacred religious ceremonies, called ordinances. Those include baptisms and confirmations, when commitments known as covenants are made.

Meetinghouses, or chapels, are used for regular worship services and weekday activities such as youth groups, service projects, sporting events and social gatherings. Those are open to the public.

Temples are not open to the public and available only to church members.

Before a dedication, a new temple is open briefly for public tours, Law said.

Colorado's third temple, in Grand Junction, is nearly completed, he said. The other existing two are in Fort Collins and Centennial.
The man accused of killing a father from Lamar in early 2023 pleaded not guilty to the murder Monday in the 4th Judicial District.

Damari Sims-Herrick, 29, allegedly shot and killed Darrian Adame, 31, in the early morning hours of Jan. 8, 2023, inside an apartment on East Brookside Street in Colorado Springs. Adame, who moved to Colorado Springs from Lamar in 2022, was a father to three children, according to prior Gazette reporting.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette, Adame was out with friends on Jan. 7, 2023, when he met two men he later invited back to his apartment at 319 E. Brookside St.

Sims-Herrick was arrested on Feb. 1, 2024, over a year after Adame's murder. His arrest followed the previous arrest of an alleged accessory in the case, Kerry Thomas, in April 2023.

Sims-Herrick appeared in custody Monday to enter his not-guilty plea. His defense attorney, Alison Blackwell, anticipates the trial, which is scheduled to start in late-October, will last one week.

According to court records, Thomas pleaded guilty to his accessory charge in October 2023 and was sentenced to four years of probation.

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After being arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, Thomas told investigators that he and another "unknown man" had been drinking and talking with Adame when the other man started arguing with Adame, according to prior Gazette coverage.

Thomas said he drove the man away from the scene after he allegedly pushed Adame to the floor and then shot him several times, according to his affidavit.

Thomas's charge was later amended to accessory first-degree murder.

Sims-Herrick's next appearance in the 4th Judicial District is set for Aug. 4 for a motions hearing.
Boxes of tissue occupied Sand Creek High Schools bleachers as hundreds were ushered into the gymnasium Sunday afternoon.

School District 49 was grieving at the type of assembly not often held in a school. Per his final wishes, a celebration of life was held at Sand Creek for assistant principal Lance Carroll, who died from complications of cancer April 7. He was 41.

Carroll is survived by his wife Lacy, his children Violet and Lance Thaddeus III, father Lance T. Carroll Sr., mother Deborah Ann Carroll, sister Ashley Miranda, nephew EJ Miranda, niece, Aiyanna Miranda and brother in-law Edmund Miranda.

Widely known as the guy with the bow tie, Carroll leaves a legacy of family and commitment across the school district. Having worked at Sand Creek since 2018, his wife Lacy is a reading interventionist at Evans Elementary and his two children both attend the high school.

The Carroll family is absolutely interwoven into the DNA of District 49, superintendent Peter Hilts said at an April board of education meeting. And so, we have lost a brother, a father, a son. We have lost one of us.

Born July 23, 1983 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Carroll attended the University of Florida and earned his master's degree at the Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

He began his career in education as a long-term substitute teacher at Coronado High School and Galileo Middle School as he earned his alternative teachers license in 2010. From 2011 through 2018, he worked at The Classical Academy as a teacher and later an administrator.

Hilts first met Carroll at TCA, calling him a rising star at the time, and later approving him for the assistant principal position at Sand Creek.

Amy Sanchez-Martinez, Sand Creeks principal, said the school was experiencing declining enrollment, test scores and other measurements at the time he arrived and that he played a huge role in improving performance and culture.

She added that he became like my brother over the past four years when she first came to the school.

I think of harmony, progress and a strong team, when I think of Lance, she said. He lived a life of kindness and he always believed in helping those who were forgotten and marginalized who feel like they didnt have a voice. And he walked it. He didnt just talk about doing something. He actually did it.

Students and colleagues alike recalled the attention, support and compassion Carroll had for everyone at the school through his work that focused on safety, discipline and the schools special education department.

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For staff like special education teacher Thora Norman, he encouraged her to earn her alternative teaching license while working as a paraprofessional and encouraged her students to be active members of their community.

He taught me how a leader should be; someone who leads with heart and looks at the whole person, she said. He knew everybody and remembered everyones name. He was all-in for the kids.

To Sand Creek junior Javier Vansluytman, Carroll seemed more like a father figure in the school than a dean. A self-described little troublemaker, Vansluytman said he first met Carroll during his freshman year after making a few bad decisions and multiple trips to his office.

Initially disliking him, Vansluytman came to respect Carroll after realizing he was simply doing his job while also noticing a genuine concern for him over the years.

Mr. Carroll takes the time to get to know every student, thats the thing. So, if he ever talked to you, he would know what you would or wouldnt do, he said. He wouldnt do something just to punish you. He would really work with you to make sure you dont make the same mistake again.

Vansluytman credited Carroll for both improving his behavior at school and helping him develop postsecondary aspirations that include studying at the Air Force Academy or becoming a firefighter.

Sundays crowd wiped away tears and sniffles resonated throughout the gym as family members and colleagues recalled memories of the longtime educator. Recurring themes included a love for hiking, learning and board games along with a commitment to helping others.

As early as his days in high school, Carroll found ways to give back that progressed from giving sandwiches to the homeless to building a school in Haiti to helping refugees resettle in his community.

This commitment to serve was passed on to the kids both in his family and in his school. Working with Sand Creeks student council, Carroll helped establish Sand Creeks culture and climate board and the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) group. He also started the Show Your Stripes scholarship for Sand Creek graduates through the Falcon Education Foundation.

Its hard to put into words what this loss means to the school, student councilmember Keira Teeples said. But I know he would want us to keep his spirit alive through our work. The optimism he displayed was just so inspiring.

Carroll maintained optimism through the end of his life. Martinez said he continued to come to work despite his declining health, with his last day at Sand Creek April 2.

He passed on Monday and he had just worked that previous Wednesday, she said. He only missed two days of work.
A storm system continues to bring rain to the Pikes Peak region Tuesday, which could lead to snow in higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

The Weather Service is predicting an accumulation of 47 to 52 inches on top of Pikes Pikes between Tuesday and overnight Wednesday, revised up from around 36 inches.

"The snow will likely melt very quickly Wednesday morning as it warms up so we don't expect any flooding impact," said Justin Louen, a hydrologist with the Weather Service.

Woodland Park is forecast to get up to 12.8 inches of snow by Tuesday night and Monument could get 3 inches while mountainous areas above 8,000 feet will likely see a few feet of snow.

"So far, areas of Colorado Springs have gotten 2.3 inches of rainfall at most," Michael Nosko, from the Weather Service, said. "But most of the city has gotten less than that."

The reading came from southwest of downtown Colorado Springs near Bear Creek Park. Less than an inch of rain was measured at the Colorado Springs Airport as of noon Tuesday.

Nosko predicted Colorado Springs will see another 1.9 inches of rain throughout the day Tuesday. Parts of the city were receiving snow as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.

"A strong area of low pressure moving into New Mexico this morning will bring steady and sometimes heavy rain to Southern Colorado throughout the day today," KOAA Meteorologist Alan Rose said. "Several feet of snow will be possible above 10,000 feet."

The National Weather Service did say that the multiple days of rain across the region could mean flooding issues along the Arkansas river, between Pueblo and La Junta.

The storm system is expected to roll out of the Pikes Peak region Thursday.

May is typically a wetter month for the area, averaging a little more than 2 inches of rain, according to the Weather Service.
A Monday vehicle altercation led to a criminal threat and a swift arrest, according to an online blotter entry by Colorado Springs police.

City dispatchers received a 911 call from a person who said they were the victim of a road rage around 12:20 p.m. The caller told dispatchers that a male had exited his vehicle and threatened the caller with a handgun on East Platte Avenue about three blocks east of Circle Drive. The caller was able to provide a vehicle description and license plate number.

Police said they found the suspect vehicle near the intersection of Fountain and Murray boulevards and arrested 25-year-old Kyle Harvey. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.

Harvey was booked into the El Paso County Jail on suspicion of felony menacing.
Democratic lawmakers are asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to share plans for cuts to civilian faculty members at the military academies and war colleges.

The May 1 letter signed by 14 Democratic representatives asked for Hegseth to provide the timeline and scale of cuts to the institutions and the metrics used to justify the changes.

The letter drew on Gazette reporting highlighting the coming cuts to civilian faculty and staff at the Air Force Academy and it could hurt technical majors. West Point and the Naval Academy have not announced cuts and did not respond to Gazette requests about whether the schools are planning cuts.

The lawmakers sent their request as the Department of Defense is cutting 5%-8% of its civilian workforce to focus on the presidents priorities and restoring readiness, a news release said.

The letter expressed concern that cutting civilian faculty could lead to cuts to majors and minors and hurt the diversity of thought at the institutions.

Gutting civilian faculty can harm educational quality, stretch military instructors even thinner, damage research partnerships, and limit the critical thinking skills that save lives when plans fall apart in the field, the letter said.

The letter gave a deadline of 14 days to respond to a series of questions about cuts and their potential impacts.

The questions asked for impact assessments of the coming cuts and for details about the processes to ensure that high academic standards will continue to be met.

The letter was also sent to the leaders of West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Naval War College, the Army War College, the Air University, the National Defense University and the Marine Corps War College.

The letter did not have any signatories from Colorado, but Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colorado Springs, said he planned to be engaged in the issue at the Air Force Academy.

As a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, I anticipate this being discussed in the coming months. I look forward to examining how any proposed changes would affect the curriculum at the Air Force Academy, he said.

Former Army Ranger Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, said he has heard about the concerns about cuts at the military academies.

I will always fight for young Americans who have made a commitment to serve our country, he said, in a statement.

The same day lawmakers sent their letter, the Denver Post published an opinion piece that raised similar concerns and garnered more than 90 signatures, including six retired generals. It specifically addressed the Air Force Academy.

Civilian faculty, almost all with PhDs and deep backgrounds in both education and related research (including many experienced U.S. military veterans), bring depth, balance, continuity, and forward-looking insights to cadet education, the opinion piece said. It also said the cuts would put the schools accreditation in technical fields at risk.

The school employs 491 faculty members, with 308 uniformed members and 183 civilians, the Gazette reported previously. Civilians represent about 37% of the faculty.

At West Point, civilians represent 26% of the faculty and at the Naval Academy its a 50-50 split between civilians and uniformed instructors.

The cuts at the Air Force Academy are expected to extend beyond faculty to other civilian positions, such as child care, finance roles and communication. In January, the Academy employed about 1,360 civilians.

Since the Air Force Academy is overbudget for its civilian workforce, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said on April 11 he is preparing to cut 240 civilian positions. He did not know at the time if 140 people who he said had resigned voluntarily or retired early would count toward the 240 positions to be eliminated.

The Secretary of the Air Force press desk said Monday it could not say how many Academy employees had currently taken deferred resignations or early retirement.

Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazette.com or (719) 429-9264.
At the end of May, Colorado Springs will begin a yearlong improvement project on Eighth Street from Fountain Creek south to Motor City Way.

The city estimated that more than 30,000 vehicles use the road daily to connect between the Interstate 25 exit at Cimarron Street and U.S. 24. The combined three phases of the project will cost roughly $12 million.

The first phase of the project begins with widening the bridge over Fountain Creek to add an additional northbound lane of traffic going past the Cimarron Street turn. The widened bridge will expand into and replace the pedestrian bridge that crosses the creek as part of Midland Trail with a sidewalk along the road.

Its a little more conventional. When you add that onto the vehicular bridge, it becomes a project for city engineers to maintain on a regular schedule, said Ryan Phipps, Colorado Springs capital improvements manager.

The second phase at the end of the year will involve replacing a 60-year-old water main that runs under a section of 8th Street and adding curbs, sidewalks and gutters along the road. Phipps said the improvements would hopefully help to address the flooding from Bear Creek that occasionally affects the road.

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The final phase of improvements, coming in the spring and summer of 2026, includes upgrades to the traffic signals at Lower Gold Camp Road and Moreno Avenue and resurfacing the entire stretch of Eighth Street.

The road improvements have been on the city project list since 2012, when voters approved an extension of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authoritys sales and use tax to fund dozens of projects across El Paso County. Phipps said Eighth Street was one of the citys last remaining projects from the 2012 list .

City engineers and other officials will be at a public open house at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Norris Penrose Event Center to answer more questions about the project. Phipps said businesses would not have to close during the roadwork.

The Colorado Department of Transportation previously made improvements near the north end of Eighth Street in 2017 as part of a two-year, $115 million project for the I-25 exit onto Cimarron.
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
David is an award-winning Senior Investigative Reporter at The Gazette and has worked in Colorado for more than two decades. He has been a journalist since 1982 and has also worked in New York, St. Louis, and Detroit.
While the Air Force Academy sent a letter to incoming cadets early last week reassuring them of a quality education at the school, a definitiv
A storm system continues to bring rain to the Pikes Peak region Tuesday, which could lead to snow in higher elevations, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service.
(Woman relaxing on a tropical beach with hat.)



Guam is unique and complex. It looks like one thing on the surface, but its entirely another animal underneath. Save time, money, and embarrassment on your trip (or move) to Guam with these tips! You can thank us later.

1. THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE CHAMORU

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Guams indigenous people have been calling the island home for thousands of years and are called CHamoru. It describes the people, language, food and culture of Guam. Learn a little bit of CHamoru. A simple Hafa Adai, which means hello, goes a long way when talking to locals.

2. THE REST OF GUAM LOOKS NOTHING LIKE TUMON

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Guams tourist center, Tumon, is a great place to rest, shop and dine. It also has some of the islands many gorgeous beaches. But if you want to experience Guam in all its beauty you have to venture out. Experience mountain views, historical sites and great local food by hitting the road. Read our guide to a Lazy Southern Drive or Go North!

3. YOU WILL HAVE SHARKS COVE TO YOURSELF

(Sharks Cove Beach)



If you explore outside of Tumon Bay, youll find beaches with almost no people. Some of them require some hiking like Sharks Cove to get to while others its just a drive away. Sharks Cove is also near Hilaan Beach, where Guams famous mushroom rocks are. Here are 9 breathtaking beaches on Guam to visit. Follow our directions and maps to explore the islands most rugged, dramatic, and secluded beaches from Ritidian to Ague Cove.

4. RENT A CAR/USE RIDE SHARE OR HOP ON A BUS OR TAXI TO GET AROUND

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Guams public transportation system is not great, so budget time and money to hire a car, bus or taxi or use ride share. Guam may look small on a map, but you cant get very far on foot due to heat, distance and lack of signage or sidewalks outside of Tumon.

Although there isnt Uber or Lyft on Guam, there is a local ride-hailing service called Good to Go Rides that is the same concept. View the Red Trolley route from to/from Micronesia Mall and major hotels. Most visitors use the trolley or taxi, which is more expensive. View an interactive map of trolley stops.

5. THERES NO SUCH THING AS A FAST LANE

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Research shows (and Guam proves) that life near the equator just moves slower than elsewhere. There are no freeways and no fast lanes on Guam, but who needs one when youre on vacation? Take a chill pill and just go with the (slow) flow when you get behind the wheel. Remember that you probably came to Guam to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life anyway.

6. THERE ARE TWO TEMPERATURES ON GUAM: HOT AND HOTTER

(Inarajan Natural Pool)



Or should we say, humid and humider. Guams temperature ranges between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 60-80% throughout the year. Its dry season runs between January and June, while the rainy season is between July and December. The months of January through March are generally the coolest with June through August being the hottest. Come prepared with lightweight clothing, a hat, water bottle, umbrella, sunglasses, and good walking shoes.

7. BE TYPHOON READY

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Guam being in the Pacific Ocean means the possibility of storms which are called typhoons in this part of the world. Fortunately, typhoons approach with some warning, which gives you some time to prepare. See our Guam Typhoon Preparation Guide: How to Prep Like a Local. Water, canned foods and a full tank of gas in your car are some ways locals prepare for a typhoon. June to September is storm season, so check National Weather Service Guam for weather updates. Read our Guide to Typhoon Readiness for more information.

8. SUNDAYS ARE QUIET

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Sunday is a day of rest for most of the island, some places wont be open. And if they are open they may close early or open later than usual. Check restaurant listings before you go to see whats open on Sundays. Hotel buffets are always an option if you dont mind spending $30+ per person for Sunday brunch, which is usually quite elaborate, varied, and good.

9. GUAM GECKOS ARE HARMLESS

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Youll see these little guys everywhere, but no need to be afraid as theyre harmless and more likely to run away from you than towards you. They dont crawl on people because like most things that are .000001% the size of humans, they are terrified and scurry away.

10. YOU WONT SEE A BROWN TREE SNAKE

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Despite news stories to the contrary, the brown tree snake doesnt harass the people of Guam. In fact, the snakes are reclusive jungle-dwellers, content to stay away from humans wielding traps, machetes, or cars. You would only be likely to see a snake during a boonie stomp or at the Aquarium of Guam in a glass cage.

11. INVEST IN SUNSCREEN

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Even when it doesnt look like you need it, like on a cloudy day, dont forget to use sunscreen. Guams sun is unforgiving and even through the clouds you can end up with some serious sunburn and look like a lobster the next day. If you want to prevent peeling of your skin and painful burns, invest in sunscreen.

12. TAX AND GRATUITY ARE USUALLY INCLUDED

If youre coming from the states and are used to having extra added onto your bill when you check out, you dont have to worry about that here. Taxes are included in the price and gratuity (sometimes shown as service charge) is usually included when you dine out. Check your bill or ask a server if youre not sure and if you want to add more gratuity you can.

13. (MOST) ALL THE BEACHES ARE FREE

(Fai Fai Beach)



With the exception of a few resorts or private beaches, all the islands beaches and respective parks are free. Some beaches are inaccessible because they are on private property, so if you see a No Trespassing sign, stay out. Here are 9 breathtaking beaches on Guam to visit. For more, see our section on Beaches and Parks.

14. TAKE TO THE HILLS

(Umatac Bay)



Dont visit Guam without venturing to Guams southern hills. Its easy enough to rent a car and drive south, stopping along the way at ocean overlooks, historical sites, cultural spots, and untamed beaches. After all, Guam is only 32 miles long. If youre a history buff, you will enjoy stopping at all the WWII sites, some of which even have audio tours. Read our guide to a Lazy Southern Drive.

15. GO AHEAD. RELAX.

(Woman relaxing on a tropical beach with hat)



The beauty of Guam is that its slow-paced. There isnt really a rush so people move slower than what you may be used to. Its an island in the middle of the sea. Take advantage of the beautiful views and take a deep breath of the clean air.

The Guam Guide logo (The Guam Guide)



Source - The Guam Guide
" " Trekkers walk to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Kriangkrai Thitimakorn / Getty Images

In the world of mountain climbing, few stories are as harrowing or as inspiring as that of Beck Weathers.

A Dallas pathologist with a lifelong love of adventure, Weathers became a household name after surviving the 1996 Mount Everest tragedy, one of the deadliest disasters in climbing history.

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His journey from the edge of death to a new lease on life has been told in books, films and interviews around the world.
If Quantum Computing is going to have such a profound effect on our lives why do just 5% of organisations have a defined quantum strategy in place?

That was one of the major findings in ISACAs inaugural Quantum Computing Pulse Poll which surveyed more than 2,600 professionals globally in digital trust, cybersecurity, IT audit, governance and risk on the perceptions and preparations around Quantum Computing. The findings suggest that while the potential of Quantum Computing to disrupt algorithms that secure nearly all online transactions, including digital signatures, websites, utilities and medical records, action remains stagnant.

Jamie Norton, ISACA Board Director, said Quantum Computing just hasnt had the ground swell of noise that something like AI has had.

It is as revolutionary as AI and it has the potential to completely change the way we do things with its additional computing power. We know it is not there yet and perhaps one of the reasons organisations arent doing anything is they cant see it.

There is no mini version of Quantum that they can look at to get a sense of its power. I dont think the industry is paying enough attention to it. The real concern is this harvest now, decrypt later approach which is about grabbing information now and waiting for the technology to catch up. When the first

Quantum Computing does come along organisations that will need to be in a good position to at least have their critical data protected.

He said Quantum Computing is accelerating fast, and the implications for digital trust, particularly in data-rich sectors like finance, health and government, are enormous.

Too many Australian and New Zealand organisations remain in reactive mode and underestimate Quantum Computings potential to break existing encryption, said Mr Norton. Now is the time to assess whether you have the expertise to implement post-quantum cryptography solutions and start building internal capability. This is essential to mitigate its impact and protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust and ensure long-term business resilience.

Transformational potential - if risk is addressed

Many respondents believe quantum technology has revolutionary potential and promises major breakthroughs with 63% expecting it to significantly accelerate computational tasks or data analysis;

46% anticipating revolutionary innovation; and 48% very or somewhat optimistic about its impact in their sector. Yet many also foresee new challenges:

63% say quantum will increase or shift cybersecurity risks

57% say it will create new business risks

52% say it will change the skills needs of businesses

50% say it will present regulatory and compliance challenges

Among a smaller group of Oceania respondents, all of those data points were higher by at least 10 percentage points, indicating that digital trust professionals in Australia are even more concerned about the changes and challenges quantum will bring.

Poll respondents (62%) are worried about Quantum Computing breaking todays internet encryption before browsers and websites fully implement the new post quantum cryptography algorithms approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Theres also significant worry around the harvest now, decrypt later threat, where encrypted data is stolen now to be unlocked in the quantum future - 56% of respondents cited this as a concern.

Lack of awareness slowing progress

Despite 25% of respondents believing the industry-wide impact of Quantum Computing will be felt within the next five years and 39% feeling it will happen in six to 10 years, 41% say they do not plan to address quantum computing at this time and 40% are not aware of their companys plans.

When asked how their organisation views Quantum Computing within its current technology or innovation strategy:

5% consider it a high priority for near-term planning

15% say it is on their long-term roadmap but not a near-term priority

19% say they have discussed it but not made any formal plans

37% have not discussed it at all

24% are unsure

Knowledge gaps are also evident. Only 7% of respondents say they have a strong understanding of the new post-quantum cryptography standards from the NIST despite the NIST working on them for over a decade; 44% had never heard of the standards.

Taking early action

More than half (55%) of enterprises have not taken steps to prepare for Quantum Computing. Of those that have, their actions include:

Assessing regulatory or compliance implications of quantum (46%)

Exploring quantum-safe cryptography (38%)

Collaborating with quantum hardware/software providers or consortia (28%)

Providing staff training and upskilling on quantum computing (27%)

Investing in research and development or proof-of-concepts (27%)

Still, 30% of global cyber and IT professionals admit they do not have a good understanding of Quantum Computings capabilities, indicating the need for education and skill development.

Mr Norton said not everyone was sitting back and waiting. There are organisations such as Telstra that are looking quite heavily at Quantum Computing.

The Australian and Queensland governments have also invested heavily  nearly $1 billion into Silicon Valley Quantum Computing start-up PsiQuantum. The company is attempting to build the worlds first quantum computer for commercial use in Brisbane.

Mr Norton said education is key to people understanding the challenge and at least being aware of the context. It needs to be something that an organisation has a view on and that starts at the executive level so there is sponsorship required. It is about having a plan.

At this stage I think it is a risked based view where companies are trying to work through their strategies. Planning needs to start today so by the time 2030 or whenever it is we are at least somewhat prepared.

ISACAs advice on the steps to take now are:

Educate and raise awareness.

Inform stakeholders about the opportunities and threats of quantum computing.

Highlight the risks of compromised data, digital signatures, transactions and communications.

Communicate the urgency of adopting quantum-resistant encryption before it is too late and harms people and organisations.

Develop a quantum computing encryption strategy for new and existing data.

Update security, risk, audit and compliance policies.

Align policies with the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms.

Integrate quantum threats into existing risk assessments and security frameworks.

Start now, as re-encryption will take timesome organisations generate or store exabytes of data

Learn more about ISACAS Quantum Computing Pulse Poll at www.isaca.org/quantum-pulse-poll.
The acquisition is Software Combineds 10th since the software aggregator was established in 2020 and it reflects the companys strategic approach to support its growth and portfolio diversity.

By joining the Software Combined group, Removify will be set up for further growth and will be able to take advantage of Software Combineds industry-leading support and strategic advice.

Based in Melbourne, with operations in the US and Europe, Removify helps manage companies online reputation, using custom-developed Online Reputation Management (ORM) software. The company has been growing strongly in recent years by solving challenges for its clients amid a global surge in negative, misleading and false content online.

Removify provides reputation management, including illegitimate review removal. The company also provides a service to collect positive reviews through automated feedback requests. Its systems draw partly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has successfully delivered reputational improvement outcomes for thousands of companies globally on commonly accessed, global online platforms.

Quote from Evert den Hollander CEO of Software Combined; Software Combined grows software companies and supports them on their mission while maintaining their unique culture. We see significant opportunities for Removify to accelerate their growth and cementing their global leadership position. Removify is a global leader in solving a very real and worsening problem for many companies, and we look forward to driving further success together.

The acquisition of Removify comes less than three months after Software Combined acquired home energy rating company, Hero Software. Previous acquisitions include companies in diverse industries such as database disaster recovery, retail pricing solutions, and mining industry business solutions. These organisations continue to benefit from Software Combineds extensive experience in consolidated support, strategic direction and guidance, market extension and other consolidated services to accelerate growth.

Quote from Andrew Whitford, CEO and founder of Removify; The internet can be an unfair place, capable of destroying brands of every size practically overnight. With the emergence of AI and other automated systems to spread false and misleading content on countless websites, we are seeing significant demand for Removifys unique and innovative approach to online reputation management and content removal. By joining forces with Software Combined, we are very confident our customers will see even more innovation and continue to benefit from working with Removifys team of experts. We are looking forward to accelerating our growth and success as part of the Software Combined family.

About Software Combined Group

Software Combined is a leading, Sydney-based software aggregator, on a mission to help exceptional software businesses maximise their full growth potential and secure continuity of what founders have built. Established in 2020, the company has expanded strongly, offering to be the Forever Home and providing customer-first outcomes with the benefits of support, resources and strategic counsel for its acquired companies.

About Removify

Removify is a reputation management company helping businesses take control of their online presence by removing harmful online content and generating authentic positive feedback. Powered by proprietary technology that harnesses AI models within its unique online platform, Removify enables brands to protect and enhance their reputation across a wide range of review sites and digital channels.
GUEST OPINION: May 6 - 9 marks Australian Manufacturing Week. But the weeks leading up to this date have been anything but stable  from the Australian Federal Election to Trumps tariffs, the future of the Australian manufacturing industry is at a complete crossroads. .

With the Albanese Government returned to power, Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President AUNZ of Epicor  a leading global business software company specializing in providing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, particularly for the manufacturing, distribution, and aged care industries - states that some of the first jobs to be done is to stick to the promises they made in the previous term and also negotiate a solid global tariff deal for the manufacturing and distribution industry.

Graeme explains:

What Does The Government Need To Do To Help The Australian Manufacturing Industry?

The Australian manufacturing industry employs around 900,000 workers but has been in steady decline over the past few years. We must plan to boost local manufacturing and safeguard the nation in being more resilient to global shocks. We know that Labor has pledged to continue funnelling more money into its Future Made in Australia plan  with investment including $1 billion in grants for supporting green iron production and $2 billion in grants to support aluminium smelters to switch to renewable electricity  which we support.

The Government must continue to invest in onshore capabilities, have robust procurement requirements in place for projects involving steel and aluminium, as well as negotiate a fair manufacturing and distribution agreement with the US. While the last few years have shown us that global make, move, sell industries are no strangers to disruption, we must find stability and move forward.

How Does The Current Tariffs Impact Manufacturing And Distribution Operations?

Tariffs increase the cost of production inputs, squeezing gross margins for manufacturers and distributors. Companies sourcing heavily from tariff-affected regions must reassess their procurement strategies. Higher costs may also alter the bill of materials, require supplier changes, and influence where production facilities are located.

With regards to the supply chain industry, the combination of tariffs and retaliatory trade policies leads to delays, logistics complexity, and the need to evaluate nearshoring or reshoring strategies  for example, relying on a single country for critical materials becomes a liability when tariffs are introduced, thus prompting companies to search for alternative suppliers, possibly at higher costs. Businesses must also reconsider their pricing strategy, balancing cost recovery with customer affordability and competitiveness.

Does Technology, Such As AI-Driven Trade Forecasting Tools, Help Manufacturers Anticipate And Mitigate Risks Related To Tariffs And Trade Restrictions?

When trade policies continue to evolve, manufacturers need a crystal ball for forecasting costs and disruptions. New technology, such as AI-driven ERP systems, provide real-time analysis of tariffs, regulations, and emerging supply chain risks  helping companies quickly adjust sourcing strategies, better control decisions and costs, and stay resilient. By centralising data and automating compliance checks, they help businesses respond instantly to tariff updates and reroute supply chains in an accelerated manner.

If you would like Graeme to expand on any of the points above relating to the Australian manufacturing industry, current and proposed legislation in place, or discuss the impacts of the global tariffs, let us know and we can facilitate an interview or supplied comments.

Additionally, Graeme and the Epicor team will be at the Australian Manufacturing Week event (6 - 9 May). If you are planning on attending and wish to drop by the Epicor stand for a chat, let us know.
Dan brings an impressive track record of driving partner relationships and market expansion and building high-performing sales teams in the technology sector, said Giovanni Goduti, VP Sales International at Barracuda. Dan will be instrumental in accelerating Barracudas growth in ANZ and in ensuring we support partners such as Managed Service Providers with advanced products and services that reduce complexity, meet evolving business needs and help our partners to build revenues and grow.



McLean joins Barracuda with extensive experience in sales leadership and go-to-market strategy across cloud, security, and workforce management solutions. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales at MyPass Global, where he led efforts to transform workforce compliance and safety across different industries. Prior to that, he played a pivotal role at Emertel, helping high-tech companies scale across Asia-Pacific. McLean also held senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and VMware.



McLeans appointment underscores Barracudas commitment to the channel in ANZ. The Barracuda Partner Success Program provides unmatched support and resources to help partners expand their Barracuda offerings, innovate new solutions, and better safeguard their customers as they face an increasingly complex threat landscape.



Cybersecurity continues to be a critical priority for businesses of all sizes, and Barracudas innovative approach to advanced, integrated security sets it apart from its competition, said Dan McLean, Country Manager, ANZ at Barracuda. Im thrilled to join the team and look forward to working with our partners and customers across ANZ to ensure we consistently deliver exceptional value for partners while helping their customers to strengthen their security posture with solutions that are easy to buy, deploy and use.
(Photo by Happoen Garden. Courtesy of Japan Travel.)



Venue: Takanawa Gateway Convention Center, Tokyo

When: Jun 28th - Jun 29th 2025

Step into the world of Japanese festivals at Matsuri Japan 2025, a two-day event in late June at Tokyos brand-new Takanawa Gateway Convention Center.

This unique event brings together traditional performers from across Japan for a celebration of dance, music, and food that evokes the full matsuri experience. Inside the Festival Area, youll see energetic YOSAKOI Soran dancers, hear the pounding of Aizu-Tajima taiko drums, and even join locals for a Bon Odori circle at the end of each day.

(Photo by Happoen Garden. Courtesy of Japan Travel.)



The eats are another highlight, with chef-designed street-food-style dishes reflecting the regional roots of the performers. You can taste Yonezawa beef curry from Yamagata, Nagasakis shrimp toast hatoshi, and a Hokkaido-style Genghis Khan sandwich, all in one place. Local favorites from the Shinagawa area, including conger eel sushi and seasonal sweets, add a Tokyo touch.

(Photo by Happoen Garden. Courtesy of Japan Travel.)



Theres also a nostalgic Fair Zone with classic festival games and a sake-focused Bar Area featuring premium brews and craft drinks from across Japan.

Entry to the main festival area is free. Hall performances and access to indoor zones requires a ticket, which includes one free drink. Early bird pricing is available through until May 28th, but regular pricing is set at 2000 JPY for adults, and 1000 JPY for junior high and high school aged students. Elementary-aged students and below receive free admission.

For more info and ticket reservations, please visit the official site here: https://matsuri-japan.happo-en.com

Getting there

The Takanawa Gateway Convention Center is directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station.
(Photo by YOUON JAPAN Co., Ltd. Courtesy of Japan Travel.)



At the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, YOUON JAPAN has introduced hydrogen-assisted bicycles and solar-powered hydrogen refueling stations to support staff mobility across the vast event grounds. This rollout marks the first real-world use of hydrogen mobility technology in Japan and aligns closely with the Expos mission to showcase sustainable innovations.

Developed by YOUON Technology, a mobility company based in China, the bicycles run on compact hydrogen fuel cells. Each bike can travel between 50 to 60 kilometers per charge, with a top speed of 24 kilometers per hour. The hydrogen cartridges are low-pressure, tool-free, and can be swapped out in just five seconds, offering both safety and convenience.

The hydrogen refueling units use solar energy to generate hydrogen from water, producing up to 250 liters per hour. This system enables clean, on-site energy use without relying on external infrastructure, significantly reducing environmental impact.

This initiative is part of the Smart Mobility Expo and supports key themes of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, including decarbonization, circular economy models, and the vision of a super-smart Society 5.0. Quiet, efficient, and zero-emission, the bikes are already in operation and proving their practicality in a real-world setting.

YOUON JAPAN plans to build on this momentum by collaborating with local governments and businesses to expand hydrogen infrastructure and integrate these bikes into public mobility systems. By collecting data from the Expo, the company hopes to refine its technology and contribute to a more sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.

(Photo by YOUON JAPAN Co., Ltd. Courtesy of Japan Travel.)



Getting there

For more information about Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, explore our dedicated event page here.

The Expo 2025 venue can be accessed via Yumeshima Station on the JR Chuo Line. Direct buses from locations like Kyoto Station will also operate to and from the event.
MATTOON  The city council, by unanimous action at its meeting on Tuesday evening, approved the course of various officers of the city government in giving back to the city each month a portion of their salaries, in this way replenishing the city treasury to the extend of $2000 a year or more. ...WASHINGTON  The funeral knell of mans rule of the earth has been tolled in the opinion of leading delegates to the convention of the International Council of Women. The revolutionary entrance of women, during the next few decades, into politics and other activities, heretofore regarded by man as being his exclusive province, was forecast today. CHARLESTON  Officials of Charleston and Seven Hickory townships met here this morning and let a contract to Thornton & Son of Mattoon to lay a nine-foot concrete slab for a distance of 2,165 feet north on Fifth street from the western limits of the city of Charleston. MATTOON  The Strand theater was filled with employees of the Illinois Central and Big Four railroads Tuesday night when they came with their wives, as well as children, to see the safety pictures shown on behalf of humanity. J.D. White, general safety agent for the Illinois Central, was the lecturer. He was introduced with a brief address by H.J. Roth, superintendent of the Indiana division of the road. In calling the meeting to order, Superintendent Roth said, I want to appear to employees of the Illinois Central and Big Four railroads to set and example to the public in safety methods. The time has come when something must be done to save the slaughter of human lives through carelessness  not on the part of the railroad employees, but through the carelessness of the people themselves.
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.

He left the sheriffs office in 2023 and now works for a nonprofit focused on sex trafficking. Because of his persistence, he says Waco is now free of illicit massage parlors.
Sitting in a sliver of shade on north side of the state Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, about a dozen Head Start students snacked on applesauce and carrot sticks and doodled flowers, suns and scribbles in chalk.

It was because of these children  and kids just like them across the state and nation  that about 100 Nebraska teachers, advocates, elected officials and community members gathered on the Capitol steps to show support for the child care program that has served an estimated 40 million children nationwide.

Head Start employees, past students, parents, local child care advocates, state senators from both sides of the political aisle and even those with no connection to the organization or education in general bore green Head Start Supporter stickers, held signs and cheered as passing cars honked in support.

Tuesdays rally in Lincoln comes after fears of funding cuts to the program that serves low-income families ramped up following the spread of a leaked Trump administration draft budget proposal late last month.

The draft would have cut funding to Head Start programs  which are primarily funded with federal dollars  entirely. However, a budgetary framework released Friday did not include any cuts to the programs funding.

But local advocates still want their message heard loud and clear: Head Start is an essential part of the community, both in Lincoln and in states across the country.

We have to raise our voices today and every day, so that lawmakers in Lincoln and lawmakers in Washington understand Head Start matters, said Liz Ring Carlson, a local advocate and volunteer for Head Start. It matters to families, it matters to children and it matters to the future of our country. So let's be clear, cutting funding for Head Start is not a budget decision. It's a moral one.

A loss in federal funding would be detrimental to the organization that serves more than 400 students each day, with waitlists ranging from 250 to more than 500 children, according to Heather Loughman, the CEO of Head Start in Lincoln.

Lincoln's Head Start program, which offers quality child care for low-income families at no cost, currently is awarded more than $10.4 million from the federal government each year to serve hundreds of children every day, which makes up about 80% of the organizations budget. The additional 20% comes from local and private donations.

Really, Head Start programs, for a lot of the families we serve, are the only way that families get access to child care, which is needed for their ability to work, to go to school, to achieve those long-term goals for themselves and their families, she said in an interview with the Journal Star ahead of the event.

The Tuesday rally also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the creation of the federal Head Start program and highlighted a resolution introduced by Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner commending the Nebraska Head Start Association for its service to Nebraska children and families.

A bipartisan group of 45 other senators in the officially nonpartisan Legislature also signed onto the resolution, including Sen. Jason Prokop of Lincoln.

Investing in the early years in life is the most fiscally responsible thing we can do, not just as a state, but as a country, he said. Any cut to Head Start is not just a cut to a program, it's a cut to our future.

Mark Haba, a parent of students who attend Head Start, said he shut down his planting tractor for the day in western Nebraska to travel to Lincoln to show his support for the program.

Without the affordable, quality child care offered by Head Start, rural towns across the state, like his community of Glenvil, would suffer and be in danger of dying out.

This is worth fighting for, he said.

Despite having no personal connection to Head Start, Thomas Bird drove from Omaha to advocate for the program. During a time when he feels many important organizations and funding sources are being taken away, Bird said Head Start is a line that should not be crossed.

This is an American institution  an important institution  and something that shouldn't be taken away, he said.

The leaked draft budget proposal was not the first time Head Start officials worried its federal funding could be on the chopping block in the months since President Donald Trump was sworn into office earlier this year.

In January, the Trump administration released a memo directing federal agencies to pause all federal grants, loans and other financial assistance, causing program leaders to fear its crucial funding would be included in the pause. Soon after, a clarification was sent, and ultimately a complete rescission, stating Head Start programs nationwide would not be affected by the funding freeze.

While federal funding for Head Start programs remains intact for now, Elizabeth Everett, deputy director of First Five Nebraska, said the communitys advocacy for the organization is far from over.

Everett asked community members to complete two simple actions in an effort to ensure every lawmaker and leader nationwide knows that Head Start matters. First, she recommended people reach out to elected officials, both locally and federally, to let them know why the program matters to them. Everett also asked people to share their stories of Head Start on social media and inspire others to do the same.

Head Start is more than just a program. It's a promise to invest in our youngest learners and support families in every corner of our community, she said. Your voices, your stories and your support are what keep that promise alive. But the work doesn't stop here. We need your voice now more than ever.
The Lancaster County Board on Tuesday approved the application for a turnback tax to fund Lincolns convention center  the next step to making the long-awaited project a reality.

I tell some folks were getting into the fun part, Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln told the commissioners. I think weve got some really good times ahead.

In March, Assemble Lincoln, the committee chaired by Bostar that is overseeing the process of getting a convention center built in the Capital City, recommended it be built on the block across the street from the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in downtown Lincoln.

On Tuesday, the County Board  which will ultimately own the convention center  unanimously voted to approve the application as well as authorized its submittal to the state. Once that is approved, the process of acquiring the site, design and construction process can begin in earnest.

Bostar said he didnt know how long the approval process by the state would take, but the application says construction isnt likely to begin until 2026 and wont be finished until the third quarter of 2028.

The revenue from the turnback tax will be used to pay off bonds, which will be issued by the county beginning late this year.

It is a really exciting day to get to this step, said Jason Ball, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. We are thrilled that we are at this moment. We get to take another step forward into a brighter future for the downtown in Lincoln, growth in the tourism economy in Lancaster County and just a big step forward for this entire economy."

Local leaders have been talking about getting a convention center in Lincoln for well over a decade. Before Assemble Lincoln was formed in 2023, consultants did two studies analyzing various issues related to a convention center.

Those studies made it clear Lincoln was missing out on a market that could spur business and private sector growth in downtown Lincoln, Ball said.

In 2023, state senators passed a turnback amendment in LB727 that will allow 70%  or up to $150 million  of the state sales tax collected on meals, drinks and other retail purchases near the proposed convention center to be allocated to the project.

The law allows the turnback tax to be collected within a 600-yard circumference of the site, but because the site selected is within the Capitol district, other areas can be designated for that 600 yards.

The application earmarks four areas for the convention centers turnback tax: along North 27th Street in the area where Menards, Home Depot and other retail outlets are located; in southeast Lincoln in a similar retail area near 84th Street and Nebraska Parkway; in southwest Lincoln near the new Warhorse Casino; and a developing commercial area in northwest Lincoln north of Interstate 80 between Northwest 48th and Northwest 27th streets.

Commissioner Matt Schulte noted during the meeting that the turnback tax is not an additional tax; it just reallocates the existing sales tax already collected.

The application updates cost estimates for the project to between $148 million to $180 million. Earlier estimates  done years earlier  put the cost between $111 million and $120 million.

Another bill in the Legislature this year would allow the county to allocate local tourism dollars to the convention center. Now those dollars can only go to nonprofits.

The site of the convention center is known as Block 90, bordered by M, L, 13th and 14th streets  one of three finalists the Assemble Lincoln committee considered for months.

Block 90  also known as the Garfield site  is owned by New Generation LLC, a Speedway Properties company; Agee Partners and the R.H. Rogers Trust.

The proposal from the group that owns that land included potential development ideas of Block 65, just to the north, most of which is owned by the city. But the convention center itself would be built on the block directly east of the Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St.

The two other finalist sites considered by the committee were the Post Office next to Pinnacle Bank Arena in the Haymarket and the southern portion of the Golds Building bordered by 10th, 11th, O and N streets.

Once Assemble Lincoln narrowed the possible sites down, the committee considered 53 different categories for each site  everything from the size of the lots, connectivity to other areas, parking and proximity to other amenities.

The application includes a number of possible investments spurred by the decision to build the convention center on Block 90. Among them:

* Marriott updating the Cornhusker and exploring the possibility of a skywalk between the convention center and hotel.

* A commitment by Nelnet to renovate the former Miller and Paine building at 121 S. 13th St. and bring 1,000 employees back to those offices.

* New tenants for the Atrium at 12th and N streets, a portion of the former Magees at 12th and O streets and the western portion of The Stables at 301 S. 12th St.

* Plans for a law firm to relocate to the Sharp Building on Block 65.

* Possible development of a portion of the block at 13th and L streets now being used as a staging area for the new League of Municipalities building into a specialty hotel, restaurants, bars, retail or mixed-use space. The land is owned by NEBCO, Inc.

*A planned city parking garage with 700-900 stalls on a portion of Block 65.

Schulte, who made the motion to approve the application, said hes looking forward to being a part of the convention center development.

Im really looking forward to the impact this project will have on our economy, he said.
China rolls out comprehensive measures to foster young scientific talent

Xinhua) 08:05, May 06, 2025

Researchers of an innovation team specializing in synthetic microbiomes and wastewater resource utilization of the Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, pose for a group photo at a laboratory in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, March 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

NANJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 China Youth May Fourth Medal honor was recently awarded to 30 individuals and 30 groups for making outstanding contributions, with sci-tech professionals accounting for a significant and growing share of recipients, showcasing the dynamism of China's young scientific talent.

Recipients this year include Gui Haichao, an astronaut who served as a payload expert on the Shenzhou-16 mission, and Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree Technology, who made breakthroughs in the robotic technology field. The 2025 list also features researchers such as Du Lingjie, whose team for the first time presented experimental evidence of a graviton-like particle called chiral graviton modes.

Du comes from the School of Physics, Nanjing University, in east China's Jiangsu Province. The findings presented by Du and his team were published in the journal Nature in 2024, marking the first experimental substantiation of the concept of gravitons, posited by pioneering works in quantum gravity since the 1930s.

As this study demanded costly and specialized equipment to operate in extremely low temperatures and strong magnetic fields, the research team once found itself in a budget crisis.

A lifeline came from the Jiangsu provincial natural science foundation, which had established a special funding channel for early-career researchers. After expert reviews of his efforts, Du secured 3 million yuan (about 416,586 U.S. dollars) in project funding, resolving the team's financial difficulties.

"Early-career researchers face critical funding gaps despite the transformative potential of their research," said Sun Jian, vice director of Nanjing University's Office of Science and Technology.

In recent years, Jiangsu Province has significantly boosted its support for early-career scientists, increasing both project allocations and financial grants -- while eliminating application quotas in physics and applied mathematics and other fields.

To incentivize innovation, a special funding channel for non-consensus research has been established, supporting projects that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. Once general objectives are approved, the funding channel grants the relevant research team full autonomy in terms of experimental design and budget execution.

This mechanism minimizes the burden of operational management for scientists and maximizes intellectual freedom for groundbreaking discoveries, Sun added.

A research team from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) conduct research at Shenzhen Synthetic Biology Infrastructure in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on March 27, 2025. (SIAT/Handout via Xinhua)

While easing financial concerns faced by fundamental researchers, China has simultaneously bolstered efforts to commercialize applied research -- ensuring that laboratory breakthroughs translate into tangible societal and economic gains while guaranteeing that scientists can benefit from the fruits of their applied work.

Taking drug development as an example. This process requires rigorous testing, leading-edge infrastructure and specialized industrial services. To empower medical researchers to translate theoretical achievements into tangible clinical applications, China's Ministry of Education and local governments in Jiangsu have established several biomedical innovation centers to facilitate related development. These centers provide research equipment leasing and other services, including intellectual property protection and funding applications.

To further lower the risks in commercialization for research institutions and businesses, the innovation center in the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu has creatively partnered with an insurer to launch an insurance program, which covers losses arising from failed technology transfers, patent disputes, and other risks.

Lin Yuhui, a 36-year-old associate professor at Nanjing Medical University, took part in this program through a stroke medication project. "Such institutional innovation empowers young scientists to focus on research and entrust commercialization to market forces, and provides financial incentives for our work," said Lin.

Many local governments across China are increasing the benefits scientific researchers can derive from transforming scientific research into practical outcomes -- thereby encouraging the commercialization of research.

Central China's Hubei Province has introduced a policy requiring that at least 70 percent of net income or equity from commercializing scientific breakthroughs should be allocated to the researchers or teams behind them.

East China metropolis, Shanghai, aims to achieve 100 billion yuan in cumulative technology commercialization contracts across public research institutions by 2027, while also embedding tech transaction services into Yangtze River Delta integration strategy.

Over the past several years, the central government has consistently emphasized support for young scientists and the need to give them important responsibilities in government work reports.

As part of this push to develop young scientists, China has introduced a series of policies, such as requiring researchers aged under 40 to fill at least half of leading or core roles in major science and technology projects. Meanwhile, the government requires setting aside over 45 percent of projects in the National Natural Science Foundation of China for early-career scientists, targeting pioneering work in emerging fields and interdisciplinary breakthroughs.

"While research funding and equipment have been improved, the spirit of truth-seeking has persisted across generations of scientists. Today's young researchers are not only passionate and innovative but also committed to upholding this spirit, thereby continuing to explore and pioneer new frontiers in technology," said Zhang Jingyang, a professor at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Nebraska's chief operating officer said Monday that the state is "reviewing every lease" it has with commercial real estate companies after Nebraska's auditor flagged a $6 million spike in state spending on privately owned office space over the past five years.

Lee Will, Nebraska's COO who also leads the department responsible for the state's real estate strategy, said the state could look to end some of its high-dollar leases in the coming years as Gov. Jim Pillen seeks to reduce government spending.

"I don't want to speak for prior administrations, but (the) current administration is making sure if we're renting out leased space: 'Does it make sense both in the short- and long-term?'" Will told the Journal Star. "And if you look at the costs on some of these, I would say you definitely have to question it."

His comments came after Auditor Mike Foley penned a letter to lawmakers warning that the state paid nearly $22 million to lease privately owned office space last year  a 37% increase from 2019, when the state paid less than $16 million to rent commercial space.

Foley said Monday he "was stunned" to learn the state leased more than 1.5 million square feet of office space last year in 193 privately owned buildings across 37 counties, including in Lincoln, which is home to the bulk of the state's workforce and its five most expensive commercial leases.

The state pays more than four times as much per square foot for some of its commercial leases compared to state-owned buildings, where state agencies paid a total of $7.98 million in rent last year.

The state's widespread reliance on privately owned office space  and the rising cost of its commercial leases  raises questions over the state's real estate strategy, which Foley urged lawmakers and the state's Department of Administrative Services, led by Will, to examine.

"It's hard to fit a purchase into a state budget, but over the course of time, it would be a good strategy to think long-term ... and say, 'What are we really paying from all this rent money going down the drain?'" Foley said in an interview.

"At the end of the month, at the end of the year, what do you have to show for it? Just a lot of money that went away, and you've got to do it again next year  and it'll be more expensive next year."

Foley's office's probe of the state's commercial leases focused on the state's five priciest contracts with private companies or other entities, including for three office buildings state departments moved into under former Gov. Pete Ricketts.

The state paid $2.68 million in rent last fiscal year to NEBCO Inc., a Lincoln-based developer that charged the state $466,591 for office space at 1010 Lincoln Mall and another $2.2 million for space at 245 Fallbrook Blvd.

When approximately 525 state employees moved into the Fallbrook building from various other offices in July 2022, state officials said the building reduced the government's physical footprint by about 60,000 square feet and would save Nebraska taxpayers about $700,000 per year.

But the state paid more to lease the Fallbrook office than it did any other office space last year. The $2.2 million lease cost the state $17.24 per square foot  about twice as much as state agencies pay for space in state-owned buildings downtown.

The state's annual rent at the Fallbrook office is scheduled to increase to $3.16 million by the end of the 20-year lease state officials signed with NEBCO in 2021. It's a contract the Pillen administration, which took office in 2023, is reconsidering.

"We're also looking at Fallbrook. We're looking at every state asset that we lease from," Will said. "I think, in the next couple of months to years, you'll see a fair amount of consolidation in that space, especially on high-cost real estate."

The state signed all three of its most expensive leases for office space in Ricketts' second term.

Nebraska's Department of Education paid State Farm $2.39 million last year to lease the insurance company's sprawling former complex near 84th and O streets that the state moved into in 2021. The department's annual rent there is set to rise to $2.69 million by 2028.

The Nebraska State Patrol, meanwhile, paid $1.46 million to lease the former Verizon Wireless call center from an LLC managed by the owner of Speedway Properties, according to Foley's office's audit. The state signed a 20-year lease there in 2021 and is scheduled to pay $1.64 million in the final year of the contract in 2041.

Meanwhile, the state abandoned plans it announced in 2020 to build a new state office building near 17th and K streets that, at the time, was projected to cost $56.2 million to build  but projected to save $35 million over 30 years compared to leasing commercial office space.

Foley seemed to question that move in his Monday letter to lawmakers, but Will said more recent estimates indicated it would cost $70.5 million to build a new office.

Foley, too, questioned the state's decision to seek a broker to facilitate the sale of its Omaha State Office Building at 1313 Farnam St., a move that would force the state to find  and potentially rent  new office space for 452 state workers.

But Will said the state doesn't intend to sell its downtown Omaha office without buying  not renting  cheaper office space elsewhere in Omaha.

Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, the chairman of the Legislature's Performance Audit Committee tasked with assessing the efficacy of state laws and spending, said he would urge the committee to examine state leases this year in response to Foley's letter.

"Quite often, you hear this in government: 'Well, if the government's gonna rent it, we can charge them a higher rate,'" Dorn said Monday. "I hope that's not happening. I don't know if it is or not. But at least we would have ... a better understanding of what's going on."
Six months to the day after Nebraskans passed ballot initiatives legalizing and regulating cannabis for medical use, some of those same Nebraskans questioned whether or not their elected representatives had received the message.

For two hours Monday evening at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, state lawmakers listened as Nebraskans from across the region voiced anger, frustration and, in some cases, despair over the lack of progress the Legislature has made in carrying out the will of voters expressed last November.

Nearly 71% of voters backed Initiative 437, which legalized cannabis for medical use and allows patients, at the recommendation of their doctor, to possess up to 5 ounces to treat any medical conditions, while 65% supported Initiative 438 to create a regulatory structure around the medical cannabis industry.

While both measures have been in effect since Gov. Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring them successful, a bill (LB677) from Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair to implement the initiatives has been slow to work its way through the legislative process this session.

An amended form of the bill, which is substantially narrower in scope than the language passed by voters, advanced from the General Affairs Committee on a 5-3 vote with a priority designation last Thursday, but has not yet been scheduled for debate.

On Tuesday, Day 73 of the 90-day legislative session, lawmakers will begin first-round debate to balance the state budget -- their only constitutional duty. Budget debate is expected to last up to two weeks, leaving about 10 days left for other matters, including the medical cannabis debate.

During the third of three town halls hosted by lawmakers to hear feedback from voters over the provisions of LB677 -- dozens spoke at similar forums in Omaha and La Vista over the weekend -- many said they were frustrated by the apparent lack of urgency by the Legislature.

"The people have spoken overwhelmingly," one man from Bellevue Sen. Rick Holdcroft's district said. "Nebraskans want to see exactly what they voted for without the needless compromises from Holdcroft and the like."

Several Nebraskans who addressed senators also said many provisions of the bill would limit access and criticized lawmakers for ignoring the language passed by voters -- to applause from a supportive audience.

They also criticized the $45 application fee for a medical cannabis card, the limitation on 30 dispensaries across the state, and the omission of post-traumatic stress disorder from the list of 15 qualifying medical conditions.

A handful of those who spoke also said the prohibition on smoking cannabis did not make sense within the context of the amended version of the bill, which allows for patients to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana plant typically used in smoking.

Many of those who spoke described struggles managing their own pain following cancer diagnoses or other ailments, while some went into detail about watching loved ones suffer without access to a product they said could have helped.

"I remember she had fentanyl patches and a morphine pump where her chemo port was," said Jill Heese, who told the panel about the experience of her mother, Bev, who received an aggressive cancer diagnosis in 2006. "She suffered a lot and it was devastating."

Heese said her mother, who she described as an "open-minded Republican," would not have been willing to go across state lines and break the law to purchase marijuana and bring it back to her Nebraska home.

"But had it been legal, she would have had the right to try," Heese said. "And this morning, when I called my father ... he confirmed that she would have tried."

She asked for the Legislature to put in place a process that reassured Nebraskans "when their loved one is taking it, it's safe and properly labeled for doses and strains."

Glenn Henry, also of Lincoln, said doctors diagnosed him with stage four metastatic prostate cancer in August 2021 despite him not having any signs of the disease a short time prior.

The cancer has since spread to Henry's shoulder blades, spine, and pelvis, he said, forcing him to live with a low dose morphine pump.

Cannabis has helped manage the pain further and improved his quality of life, he added: "This brings me peace, brings me relaxation, puts joy back into my life because hey, guess what? I can move around today."

Henry said while he would likely qualify as a patient who could access cannabis under the amended version of LB677, which includes cancer as one of 15 medical conditions, he said others should have the right to access it as well.

And, Henry added, those patients should be allowed to consume cannabis in whatever way works best for them. The ban on smoking, as included in the version of LB677 advanced to the floor, was out of touch for 2025, he said.

Ten months ago, Joshua Lux of Lincoln was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma -- brain cancer -- he told senators.

"They told me that's fatal," said Lux. "My doctors have admitted to me they don't really know anything about how to treat this disease, other than the standard of care that they were taught when they went to med school."

For Lux, Nebraska has the opportunity "to be at the forefront" of creating a medical cannabis system that benefits patients like him, involving farmers who can grow various strains of marijuana to provide benefits for different medical conditions.

A diverse group of Nebraskans supported Initiatives 437 and 438 and took time out of their lives Monday night to once again tell lawmakers to act on their behalf, he said.

"I don't know how much longer I have to live, but I'm going to give myself every opportunity that I can to heal and to grow and to have more time with my family," Lux added. "If that means being able to use something like cannabis to help that process for any reason, I should be able to."

Attending Monday evening's town halls were Holdcroft, Omaha Sens. John Cavanaugh and Margo Juarez, Lincoln Sens. George Dungan, Danielle Conrad, and Jane Raybould, Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, and Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston.
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Management consultant and author Roger A. Gerard discusses his article, 10 ways health care leaders sabotage their own successand how to stop. He identifies common, often unintentional, ways health care leaders undermine their credibility and effectiveness, frequently due to a lack of formal leadership training. Roger outlines ten key pitfalls, including failing to clarify priorities, attempting to motivate rather than listen to already dedicated staff, treating professionals as liabilities, leading remotely instead of observing frontline work, permitting blame, breaking promises, and ignoring the wisdom of those doing the daily tasks. To counter these tendencies, Roger proposes five promises every leader should make and keepfocused on listening, support, growth, compensation, and backing staffalong with two crucial actions: Go and see the work being done and Go and do whats needed to remove barriers and improve processes, ultimately fostering trust and a high-performing culture.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Roger A. Gerard. He is a management consultant and he is the author of the book Lead With Purpose. The KevinMD article that we are going to talk about today is 10 ways health care leaders sabotaged your own success and how to stop. Roger, welcome to the show.

Roger A. Gerard: Thank you. I appreciate being here, Kevin, and lets have some fun.

Kevin Pho: Just briefly share your story and then talk about the KevinMD article that you shared with us today.

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Roger A. Gerard: My story is 50-plus years in both administrative and executive roles in the health care industry. About a five-year detour into manufacturing back into health care. And I have been on the executive team of two health care systems: one based in Michigan, one based in Wisconsin. In addition to that, I have been a consultant for the last 10-plus years to three different large health care systems, and I have been out and about quite a bit with other kinds of smaller organizations as well.

I theoretically retiredmy wife wonders what all of the party was about. I theoretically retired in 2014 and I have been a full-time consultant since then.

Kevin Pho: Today we are going to talk about health care leadership, which is very salient in terms of what we do, and certainly what I do as a physiciantumultuous health care times to say the least. So talk about the article that you shared with us today on KevinMD.

Roger A. Gerard: What I focused on are the mistakes that leaders tend to make as they attempt to bring about engagement and the passion of the people who come to work. We have to understand that when professionals, particularly in health careas I have worked in other industries as well, but particularly in health careprofessionals come to their work with very limited intentions, one of which is to help people. That is a huge, grandiose intention. A second intention is the science. A lot of people in health care really appreciate and love the science. You as an internal medicine practitioner would probably appreciate that more than I would.

And so as you work with people in this industry, you have to appreciate as a leader why they are there, what they are coming to accomplish for themselves, and whether you can orchestrate the dynamics of your organization so that those needs are met. Leaders make mistakes. And the article I sent to you summarized a lot of those mistakes that leaders tend to make, and those mistakes sabotage your leadership. People want to trust their leaders. They want to help their leaders, and they come to the party with great intentions.

Unless they have been burned or damaged somewhere else. And because of that willingness to listen and learn and meet the needs of your organization, they are raw material for high levels of engagement, high levels of impact in the work that is being done on a daily basis in your organization.

What mistakes do we make? We fail to treat people with respect. Treat them as if we are not willing to have our position influenced. We set policy, we create procedures, we set standards, we set expectations, and then expect them to accommodate all of that without having any co-authorship, without having any input into the dynamics that affect their daily life. I worked in one organization where the mantra of the CEO was: You get paid, dont you? Go do your job. That is not respectful. That is totally disrespectful, especially with high-level professionals.

Second: Blame and shame. Things are going to go wrong, mistakes are going to be made. People are going to do things that they probably should not have done. And instead of looking at the dynamics, looking at the factors that led to those mistakes, led to those errors, we want to blame people. We either discipline them or send them off to some kind of training program, or do everything but get at the heart of why that mistake was made in the first place. And very often it is because of the way work has been set up, the way the workplace has been designed. I learned a ton in my experiments with Lean Enterprise work that came out of manufacturing where many of the problems we find in health care are problems that are generated by poor organization. And that is a leadership issue. That is not a staff issue.

Expecting loyalty without giving loyalty. This is a huge disincentive for professionals. Professionals can go just about anywhere today and practice their professions and do a great job. We talk in administrative circles about employees being our most important asset. The moment things get tough, we start laying people off. You do not lay off assets. That is wrong. That is not loyalty. And yet we expect loyalty in return. That is nonsense.

Another mistake: Over-standardization. When you over-standardize the work and compel people to follow scriptsand we are seeing this in medicine, we are seeing this in nursing, we are seeing this in teaching professions, we are seeing this in emergency rescue professionsa certain amount of standardization allows us to measure quality and allows us to measure productivity. When you over-standardize, you take away discretion. Professionals expect discretion. They expect to be able to use judgment. They have been trained to exercise judgment, and when you over-standardize, you take that away from the professional and they become cogs in a wheel. I call it commoditization of the professional. You become a commodity.

I do not want the doctor treating me to behave like a commodity. When I had a major pulmonary embolism shutting down both of my lungs, that doctor had to move fast and had to use judgment. I do not want standard work in that case. I want him to be able to do what he needs to do. So those are some of the major ways, as leaders, we fail to address the real needs of the professionals doing the daily work.

Kevin Pho: I want to come back to one of the things that you said: that health care leaders who fail sometimes are disrespectful of the staff. You gave that example, the CEO, who said, You get paid for this, dont you? Now, for those leaders who act like thatand I have heard multiple stories of such instanceswhat are some of the root causes that they become that way? Because it sounds like treating people with respect, that sounds like a common sense thing to do, but that does not always happen. Why is that?

Roger A. Gerard: The people in the administrative suiteand I have been there, I lived in that executive suite for 15 years of my careerthe people in the administrative suite are accountable to boards. Very often these boards are made up of business leaders. They are made up of people with expectations and the desire to advocate for special interests. And I can give you a couple of great examples of that, but when you bring business into your boardand health care is a business, we have to have that featurebut when you bring it in, in a way that supersedes the clinical needs of the patient in the moment, that is not good practice.

The people in administration are constantly under pressure to meet the business requirements of the business. There is no business if you do not declare a bottom line. What I have attempted to teach leaders in my work is that there are four dynamics that every executive needs to pay attention to.

The first is the quality of the work being done. It better be quality because if it is not quality, they are not going to keep coming to your shop, period. You better pay attention to the money because if you do not pay attention to the money, the business is going to go away. It has to be able to sustain its costs and health care is expensive. The third is the engagement of the professionals that are doing the work. If they are not engaged, they are going to go somewhere else. They are not going to care in their daily work. And the last piece is the community or the customer you are serving. And in health care, that is the patient, and sometimes the family members, and you have to be very careful that their needs and requirements are met.

This is a tricky balance and it is very stressful for people in the administrative suites. I hear from employees all the time: Those guys, they get paid the big bucks and they are in the administrative suite. And my response is: That CEO probably makes three decisions a year. But you need to understand that they are doozies; they are big decisions and they affect thousands of people, so they better get it right. They are under a great deal of stress.

I think that is what leads to cynicism. It leads to people burning out in the job and they do not realize they have burned out. You end up with people who slowly lose hope that there is a better way.

Kevin Pho: Let us talk a little bit about that tension: the tension between business and what is best for clinical care. I think some of the things that you mentioned in terms of commoditization of health care, that, I think, leads directly from some of those business pressures, right? They want to standardize everything because they want to maximize efficiency. As a management consultant who has been familiar with multiple hospital boards, how is that tension discussed behind the scenes? Because as a physician, obviously I am going to lean towards one side, but give me a sense of what those discussions are behind the scenes that we often do not hear about.

Roger A. Gerard: Typically I am brought into an organization when there is distress. And that distress is usually felt by the CEO or somebody else on the executive team. And I will come and sit with them and do a bit of a quick assessment with them. But one of the first things I am going to want to do is meet with them and some of their board leadership.

I walked into one client where the board waswe met offsite in Chicagoand the board was a group of about 40 people and about a third of them were physicians. A third of them were business people, and a third of them were just random people from the community. And it was a big board. A lot of people, very too many. And we did not have a lot of room in the group, but I am looking at that, and literally everyone around the table had their arms crossed, daring me to teach them anything. My first move was to get them all on their feet around flip charts, and I asked them to define their future as an organization. I also asked them to define all of the ways that that future was imperiled.

So we had two lists going in the room, and you would have thought I created an explosion in the room because all hell broke loose. It was very loud, it was very noisy, it was very robust. People were excited about putting these things on the flip chart. That told me a ton about what had gone before. This was bottled up. This wasso nobody had ever asked them about those two questions.

What I find in leadership is that we are not having the conversations behind the scenes that you are talking about. It is for several reasons. First of all, it is threatening to the people in leadership. They may not really want to hear what they are going to hear. Second, they do not know how to have the conversation. They do not know how to release that tension. And I am a trained facilitator. I havemy doctorate is in organizational behavior and I know how to bring people together and cause these kinds of conversations. Most leaders are not trained for that. There is no training program for this. It is about being able to conduct dialogue. So all this stuff goes under the surface and it gets bottled up. So people are more protective than they are open to ideas.

That is at the heart of what I see. But once you unleash it, change can start to happen. I do not know if that gets specifically to your question or not, but behind the scenes, there is a lot of, in many organizations, pent-up conversations. They are not having the conversations they really need to have.

Kevin Pho: Let us talk about physicians who aspire to be leaders within their health care system. A lot of times, as you know, physicians do not have any formal training unless they go and get an MBA degree into some of these leadership principles. What are some paths to success for physicians to become better leaders? Do they need formal training like an MBA? Can most physicians be trained on the job to be a health care leader? Tell us about some paths forward for doctors.

Roger A. Gerard: In the world of leadership development, there are three ways to gain knowledge and skill. One is through formal education: you can go and get a masters degree, and many of the folks that I have worked with as chief medical officers or department directors, they have gone back and they have gotten their masters, and that is great. But it is academic. It is not pragmatic; it is not practical leadership. Leadership is a practice. You must do it in order to learn it.

And so the second way you get there is through mentorship. You need to find somebody to hook your wagon to, and you need to allow them to influence you, and you must be very careful about who you pick as a mentor. The third thing is practical experience.

What I find among a lot of physicians who move into leadership is they believe that their medical training has prepared them for leadership. It has not. It has made them great scientists. It has made them great practitioners, but it has not made them great leaders. The decisional processes in leadership are much different than they are in medicine. When you are seeing a patient, you might have 15, 20, maybe even 30 minutes of diagnostic time. Then you have to draw some diagnosis and conclusions, and then you have to prescribe a decision, and then you move on to the next patient. And if you are in a practitioner that is doing surgical procedures or whatever, it is time-bound.

Leadership is not that way. What I see more than anything else among physicians moving into leadership is an impatience with the process for how long decisions take. A good leader, a good CEO is going to make sure that before they make good big decisions, they involve lots of players. And that is when the impatience of the physician leaders starts playing out and saying, I know what the right answer is. Let us just go do it. We have already done the assessment, we have already talked to thewe do not need all of this. Yes you do, because there are a lot of stakeholders in health care. So decisions take more time in the management arena than they do in the medical arena. That is a big difference.

Helping the physician leaders understand that they are in a different world now is part of the orientation to leadership. And I can tell you when I conduct orientations for new physicians coming into leadership, they hear the message. They humor me and they say, We understand. And then within the first six months they have come back frustrated saying, You told us, we did not believe you. We believe you now. This is frustrating. That is how the learning process takes place. I think there is going to be a certain amount of frustration for any new physician leader coming into the dynamic.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Roger Gerard. He is a management consultant. He is the author of the book Lead With Purpose. Todays KevinMD article is 10 ways health care leaders sabotage your own success and how to stop. Roger, let us end with some of your take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Roger A. Gerard: A couple of big ones. I tend to want to make sure that the people who are moving into leadership understand that their basic job is very simple. It is not hard but it I call it the five promises and the two steps.

The five promises are simple. If you are coming into leadership:

The first thing I want you to do is listen to people. The promise you are making is: I will listen to you with respect and I will take your input seriously. And if I disagree with it, I will tell you why. But I want the leader to listen. If you come into a new role and you do not spend the first six weeks just walking around and listening to people, you do not understand your job.

The second promise: I will help you learn and grow as a professional. Professionals want to know that their leaders are helping them. They want to grow in their profession. They want to do new things. They want to stay current in their profession. The leader who helps that wins a friend every time.

The third promise: I will help you be wildly successful in your profession. Too often the leaders are obstacles: We cannot do this because of the budget. We cannot do this because of the time constraints. We cannot do this because of something. Politics. Help your people be successful, find out what they need and want to be successful in their jobs and make sure they have it.

Fourth promise: I will make sure you are compensated competitively. This is a big deal among professionals. And competitive means 60 percent comp ratio or higher. It does not mean 50 percent. It does notthe surveys out there lag. The surveys are old. So if you are going to treat people competitively so that they do not get tempted to go somewhere else, you are going to pay them a little more than what the data tells you. And with high professionals like the physicians out therethere is this myth that we ought to be incenting physicians to do more. Incentives are manipulation, because the reason you have to use incentives to get them to do something is because they do not want to do it. Now you are using manipulation to get them to do it. And once you put people on strings, that is all you are going to get is what you want when you pull the string.

The fifth promise, the last one: I will have your back. When things go wrongthings are going to go wrongpeople want to know they are working in a safe environment. They want to know that when they make a mistake they are not going to be shamed for it and blamed for it; they want to learn from those mistakes. That is what a professional does. If you make those five promises and keep them, you are going to have a great team and you are going to have a great ride as a leader.

Then there are two steps. Step one: Take the time to go into the environment and see what people are doing. Go and see. Too many leaders think their job is in the executive suite. Their job is in their office. Their job is somewhere in the conference room, but not out where the work is being done. When I was in an administrative role, I was spending a day a month shadowing somebody for almost 25 years, a day a month. And I knew what was going on in the different departments and they knew who I was. We had first-name relationships throughout the organizations.

The second step: Go and do something about what you see. If you can find a way when you are wandering around talking with people, if you can find a way to help make their jobs easier and better, do it. And do it now. It is cheap. Do it before they ask for it. And what happens is you will become a leader who they want to see and who they know will help them. Five promises, two steps. Go and see, go and do. That is my takeaway.

Kevin Pho: Roger, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight and thanks again for coming on the show.
Press Release

May 5, 2025 IMSI denials fall flat: Tolentino cites more documents linked to Chinese embassy-funded troll operations Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino today said that the denials issued by InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. (IMSI) "fell flat" at today's Senate inquiry when ranged against additional documents exposing more details about its troll farm operations funded by the Chinese embassy. Tolentino said that the claim made by IMSI co-founder Paul (aka 'Pin') Li denying knowledge of the social media issue management operations contract between the PR firm and the Chinese embassy was contradicted by documents obtained by the committee, which were shown during the hearing. Among these is a document written in Chinese that outlined the scope of work of the "project publicity guidance for the Chinese embassy" that amounted to P930,000. Tolentino said that the amount in the document matches the P930,000 payment indicated on the check he earlier exposed - which the embassy issued to IMSI on September 11, 2023. The senator expressed disbelief with Li's claim that the said check, which the IMSI official acknowledged as authentic, was used to purchase COVID medical paraphernalia for a June 2023 event for the Chinese embassy. Tolentino said this was highly doubtful, noting that the pandemic had long been declared over during the said period. The senator also lamented the non-appearance of IMSI Filipino co-founder Myka Poynton, who could have personally attested to the signature bearing her name in the service contract that was also signed by the Chinese Embassy's media and public relations director, Wu Chenqi. Asked by the media if he would press to get the testimony of the other Filipino incorporator of IMSI, Christine Li, Tolentino said that he respected the latter's sensitive condition, considering that she is undergoing cancer treatment, as attested by her husband Paul. Despite Li's repeated denials throughout the hearing, Tolentino asserted that IMSI's troll farm operations are actively continuing, as evidenced by a notice seen posted on the PR firm's Makati office hiring TikTok influencers - which Li also acknowledged as authentic. "Yung nakapaskil sa office nila, nagre-recruit pa sila ng keyboard warriors eh. [Quoting] 'Applicants must have at least 200 followers sa TikTok' bago tanggapin," he noted, referring to a photograph of the notice that was taken a few days ago. Finally, Tolentino showed travel documents enumerating the frequent foreign trips of IMSI officials to China, including Li himself and Filipino incorporators Poynton and Ruby B. Gestiada - some of which date back to 2019. Li claimed that the travels were mostly personal trips.
For over a year, we, Koreas medical students, have lived under the weight of institutional threats

What began as a disagreement over health policy escalated into an all-out campaign to silence us. We were told that if we resisted, we would be punished. At first, the punishment was supposed to be academic probation. But on May 2, 2025, something changed.

Despite university rules that previously allowed for probation or suspension, the government exerted pressure on school presidents, resulting in a sudden shift: Students would no longer be held back. We would be expelled.

No hearing. No dialogue. Just a quiet, devastating change.

Meanwhile, the public was told that we were selfish. That we were obstructing the future of exam-takers. That we were being dramatic. They called us future elites who would earn enough money later that we had no right to protest now.

If that were true, maybe we could endure it.

But the truth is, this governments policy has not just threatened our present. It has attacked our future.

There is talk of banning new private clinics under a so-called clinic approval system, effectively limiting career paths for new doctors. Medical service fees are still below cost in many specialties. The government claims to be saving rural medicine but fails to mention that rural areas often lack patients, not doctors. And when serious conditions occur, patients from those very regions are transferred to Seoul anyway.

This is not health reform. This is political strategy.

We, Koreas medical students and residents, were never offered a legitimate way to express dissent. We were punished for walking out, punished for speaking up, and now punished for simply existing inside a broken future. Even now, many residents face legal threats for non-compliance with return-to-work orders from 2024.

And yet, we have no collective support.

The public has moved on. The government keeps changing the story. The media repeats whatever frame is offered. And we, the very people expected to care for others, are being dismantled one policy at a time.

The worst part is that no one is watching. Until now.

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May 8 is coming. We do not know what will be announced. But before the next official message is released to the world, I ask that this be heard:

We are not silent because we want to be.

We are silent because we were not allowed to speak.

And now, even silence has become dangerous.

The author is an anonymous medical student in South Korea.
Doctors are plagued by medical malpractice lawsuits. Every year, there are 85,000 lawsuits filed, of which 66.6 percent are frivolous. Each doctor has an 8.5 percent chance per year of being sued.

In the course of my efforts to make a difference, I personally contact 50 of the nations most prestigious medical malpractice law firms, both plaintiff and defense firms. I make it known that I developed a risk management process and that I would like to explore the possibility of collaborating with them in some capacity.

Most of these firms represent themselves as having years of experience in medical malpractice litigation. In fact, collectively, they represent over 2,000 years of experience and expertise. Collectively, they all retain thousands of qualified, preeminent, board-certified medical expert witnesses in virtually every medical specialty and subspecialty; in fact, they each have a stable full of them, and many are redundant.

Defense firms acquire cases from malpractice insurance companies, with which they do business, and are paid billable hours. They always get paid.

Plaintiff firms seek out clients and are paid a contingency fee. Some plaintiff firms unabashedly claim millions of dollars of settlements and verdicts on their websites. They advertise, If we dont win, you dont pay.

In my contact with both, I ask one question, which I would expect any attorney to be able to answer and which is never addressed on any of their websites: What do expert witnesses, who they retain, do, which sets them apart from other medical experts? By this question, I do not mean what do medical experts do? I know what they do. At best, medical experts are nonpartisan. At worst, they are hired guns.

I express that, in my humble opinion, because all medical experts are scientists, they should do what scientists do, not what lawyers who hire them tell them to do. According to Dr. Paul Brouardel, the father of forensic science, If the law has made you a witness, remain a man of science  bear testimony within the limits of science. Bearing witness within the limits of science follows four general principles.

1. Because the standard of care is the benchmark for competence, it stands to reason that any associated complication is a random error of nature and not an actionable medical error. This acknowledges that there are no medical errors with excellence, and random errors of nature just happen. Even standards of care are not immune to one.

2. Medical interventions should be facsimiles of standards of care. Both are separated into 10 counterpart phases; each phase represents a particular duty. Depending on circumstances, it stands to reason that a difference between the standard of care and the medical intervention does not necessarily represent a breach of duty. Sometimes, a calculated risk is necessary and a risk/benefit ratio needs to be objectively considered in this determination.

3. Because of the quantitative nature of the risk/benefit ratio, when the standard of care is compared to the medical intervention in a systematic way, the two are either the same or are different. Differences between a phase in the standard of care and the corresponding phase of the medical intervention are objective, quantitative, and measurable. Even when there is a difference, it stands to reason that, by following a properly executed calculated risk, the medical intervention is not a breach of duty. There may be a difference from the standard of care, but the difference is not statistically significant. Any complication that follows is an error of nature until proven otherwise.

4. Until proven otherwise is proving statistical significance. These differences from the standard of care represent the medical intervention. There is a sample of 10 quantitative measures. The sample is scrutinized using statistical analysis. If there is a statistical difference, there is a medical error, and the medical intervention departs from the standard of care. If there is no statistical difference, the opposite is true. The burden of proof corresponds to 50 percent probability plus a scintilla. Scintilla has a discretionary value. In statistical analysis, scintilla is 45 percent. Hence, the level of confidence is 95 percent, which is the sine qua non of science.

Understanding that this is what a medical expert, who is a scientist, should do, I ask: Can any one of the hundreds, if not thousands, of medical experts, who these attorneys retain, differentiate a medical error from a random error of nature with this same competence?

I go on to explain that I doubt so. I, alone, adapt the scientific method and I make this distinction. My protocol is peer reviewed. Even though their medical experts are not able to make this distinction, I am willing to share my protocol.

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If I spark just a scintilla of intellectual curiosity, any one of these attorneys should want to discuss this further to explore the possibility of promoting my protocol to their medical experts. It only takes a phone call, and they all have my contact information.

After three months, not a single law firm, who I contact, responds. Interpret this as you may, but to me it speaks volumes. What underlies their silence remains to be seen, but these attorneys, regardless of the side they represent, could not care less about the merit of a case. This is pathetic.

Howard Smith is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.
Press Release

May 6, 2025 'Sipag, malasakit at more serbisyo!' -- Bong Go maintains lead in Pulse Asia's latest senatorial survey Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed deep gratitude following the results of the latest 2025 Pulse Asia senatorial preference survey, which placed him at the top spot with 62.2 percent of respondents saying they would vote for him if elections were held today. The survey was conducted from April 20 to 24. Go, who currently serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, issued a public statement thanking Filipinos for their continued trust, vowing to further intensify his legislative work--especially programs aimed at aiding the poor and expanding access to healthcare. "Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta at tiwala," Go said. "Nag-uumapaw po ang aking pasasalamat para sa hindi natitinag na tiwala at suporta ng ating mga kababayan sa ating kakayahan at mga ipinaglalaban." He went on to emphasize his intention to push for more laws and programs that directly benefits ordinary Filipinos, particularly the poor who rely heavily on public services. "Sa abot po ng aking makakaya, patuloy kong isusulong ang mga programa at batas na mas lalong maglalapit ng mga serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga mahihirap at walang ibang malalapitan kundi ang pamahalaan." "Ilapit po natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap, ilapit po natin ang serbisyong medikal sa mga mahihirap na pasyente. Uunahin ko pong isusulong ang mga programang makakatulong sa mga mahihirap, 'yung mga pro-poor programs," he added. Among the key initiatives championed by Go is the institutionalized Malasakit Centers program, designed as one-stop shops that aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital expenses to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which established these centers nationwide. As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos with their medical expenses, according to the Department of Health (DOH). He also continues to push for the expansion of Super Health Centers, which focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection. These centers aim to strengthen the healthcare sector especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations will be handled by municipal health offices, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program. Through the efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH under Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, and LGUs, funding has been secured to build more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. In addition, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals to ensure advanced medical services become more accessible across the country. These efforts reflect his continuing legislative priorities on pursuing job creation, food security and healthcare access for all. "Pagtutuunan ko po ng pansin ang mga programang pangkalusugan, murang mga serbisyo at bilihin, sapat na pagkain, at maayos na trabaho at kabuhayan, lalo na sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino." Despite his survey numbers, Go aims to continue his momentum in support of the full Duter-TEN senatorial slate--candidates aligned with the legacy and platform of former President Rodrigo Duterte. "Suportahan din natin ang ating mga kasama sa Duter-TEN senatorial team. Ang kapanalunan ng Duter-TEN ay kapanalunan ng Pilipino." "Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta at tiwala. Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya. Muli, maraming salamat po." His top rank in Pulse Asia is further validated by two other recently released national surveys. Arkipelago Analytics, which conducted its poll from April 26 to May 1, also ranked Senator Go at Number 1, with 63 percent of respondents saying they would vote for him. Likewise, the Tangere survey conducted from April 29 to May 3 placed Go in the lead with 62.8 percent support among its participants.
Press Release

May 6, 2025 Senator Bong Go expresses sympathies to families of NAIA accident victims, urges thorough probe to ensure road safety measures are improved Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic vehicular accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 departure area on Sunday, May 4. According to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP Avsegroup), the fatal incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. when a black Ford Everest SUV, after dropping off a passenger, suddenly lurched forward and rammed into a group of people at the terminal entrance. The driver claimed that he was momentarily distracted by another vehicle that passed in front of him, causing him to forget to shift his foot to the brake pedal. Two individuals, including a 5-year-old girl and a 28-year-old male, died as a result of the crash. Among the fatalities was the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was set to fly to Europe that same day. In response, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Monday that it will provide the necessary assistance to the OFW, including helping him explain his absence to his overseas employer. Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers and member of the Senate Committee on Public Services, expressed his appreciation for the DMW's swift action in assisting the affected OFW. The DMW was officially established through Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed into law by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2021, with Go as an author and co-sponsor. Senator Go expressed deep sorrow over the incident. "Nakikiramay po ako sa mga naulila at nasaktan sa trahedyang ito. Isang paalala po sa ating lahat na kailangang maging laging maingat sa pagmamaneho, lalo na sa mga pampublikong lugar na matao," the senator said. He also underscored the need for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, calling on the relevant authorities to determine the root cause and identify actionable steps to prevent similar accidents in the future. "Paalala ito sa otoridad na kailangan nating mas gawing ligtas ang ating mga pampublikong gusali tulad ng airports upang maiwasan ang ganitong trahedya. Higit sa lahat, kailangan rin nating paigtingin ang road safety awareness, disiplina at kakayanan ng mga nagmamaneho. Ang kaligtasan sa daan ay responsibilidad ng lahat," he added. Meanwhile, New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation, the airport's private operator, has pledged to extend full assistance to all the victims and their families. This includes covering the hospital and related expenses of the casualties affected by the accident. Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to working with authorities to improve safety standards in public infrastructures and reiterated the importance of vigilance in ensuring the welfare of all Filipinos, especially in high-traffic and high-risk areas like airports. "Walang mas mahalaga kaysa sa buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan," he concluded.
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22:08 Sambhal violence: SIT grills SP MLA's son Suhail Iqbal for over 5 hours Local Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood's son Suhail Iqbal appeared before a Special Investigation Team on Tuesday and recorded his statement on the November 24 violence that erupted in Sambhal over the court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.Suhail Iqbal is named in the case along with... Read more >

21:54 Fire at Surat's private hospital; all patients evacuated safely, no casualty All patients were evacuated safely after a fire broke out on the ground floor of a four-storey private hospital in Surat city of Gujarat on Tuesday evening, officials said. No casualty was reported in the blaze which started in the store room of the medical facility, they said. The... Read more >

21:51 Absurd: India slams OIC's statement on Pahalgam India on Tuesday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for refusing to recognise cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam terror attack. The ministry of external affairs described the OIC's statement on the attack as absurd and said it was made at Pakistan's behest. The... Read more >

21:28 Qatar declares solidarity with India, backs fight against terrorism Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, conveyed his condolences and full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday. Expressing Qatar's backing for India's fight against terrorism and its... Read more >

21:05 Engineer dies in road accident hours before wedding in UP's Rampur A 25-year-old groom-to-be died in a road accident just hours before his wedding procession was set to depart in Rampur district, police said on Tuesday. According to the police, on Tuesday morning, Yogendra Kumar, a native of Mazhra in Sentakheda village, was returning from a gurdwara on his... Read more >

20:56 MP to create villagers' squads to fight Maoist threat in 3 districts The Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of 850 temporary posts for a special support squad aimed at combating Maoist activities in Mandla, Dindori and Balaghat districts. Each squad member will receive an honorarium of Rs 25,000 per month, amounting to a total... Read more >

20:34 Moscow-bound flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after fumes detected File image A full emergency was declared at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Tuesday after fumes were reported inside the cabin of an Aeroflot flight en route from Bangkok to Moscow, airport sources said. According to Delhi airport sources, the flight crew reported fumes in... Read more >

20:32 Social media under watch as Delhi set for mock drills File image The Delhi police has beefed up security measures in the national capital and will maintain a strict vigil on social media to check the spread of misinformation ahead of Wednesday's civil defence mock drill 'Operation Abhyaas'. The Union home ministry has asked all states to conduct the mock... Read more >

20:14 Rupee falls 15 paise to close at 84.45 against US dollar The rupee settled for the day 15 paise lower at 84.45 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, amid growing uncertainty and a cautious recalibration of risk appetite. According to forex traders, the USD/INR pair was supported by an overall decline in crude oil prices and sustained... Read more >

20:04 IAF's two-day drill along border with Pak from tomorrow The Indian Air Force will carry out a two-day mega military exercise along the border with Pakistan from Wednesday that will involve all the frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft, sources in the defence establishment said on Tuesday. The exercise is taking place... Read more >

19:49 8 killed, 2 injured in collision between car, tractor in Bihar Eight people were killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between a car and a tractor in Bihar's Katihar district in the early hours of Tuesday, the police said. The accident happened in the Sameli block when those in the car were returning home in Supaul from a wedding, they... Read more >

19:24 Lightning strikes kill 3, including couple, in UP's Mau Three people, including a married couple, died after being hit by lightning in separate incidents in the Mau district, police said on Tuesday. On Monday, Lalchand Rajbhar, 40, a native of Sehbarpur village, was grazing his buffaloes around 5.30 pm when he was struck by lightning. He died on... Read more >

19:02 13 booked in Mithi river desilting 'scam'; BMC suffered Rs 65 cr loss File image The police on Tuesday registered a case against 13 persons including contractors and civic officials for an alleged Rs 65 crore scam related to desilting of the Mithi river which flows through the city, and conducted searches at seven places. It is alleged that Brihanmumbai Municipal... Read more >

18:51 India-UK finalise free trade agreement, says Modi In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday. India and UK also firmed up Double Contribution Convention pact. These landmark agreements will further... Read more >

18:18 BSE Sensex top losers today Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower in a range-bound trade on Tuesday due to profit booking, mainly in banking and oil shares, and investors staying on the sideline amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Snapping its two days of gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex... Read more >

18:01 Principal, librarian exchange blows at MP school; suspended The corridor of a school in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district turned into a fighting zone with the principal and the librarian, both women, slapping and pulling each other's hair following an argument. Authorities suspended both women after a video of the physical fight at the Eklavya... Read more >

17:39 Maldives tweaks defence pacts with India The Maldives on Tuesday said existing defence agreements with India are being amended to ensure they do not compromise the Maldives' sovereignty and independence, media reports said in Male. Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon also told Parliament members that 74 Indian soldiers... Read more >

17:27 Proving assistance to Indians on death row in Indonesia: Centre to HC The Centre on Tuesday informed the Delhi high court that the Indian embassy in Indonesia was providing assistance, including legal aid, to the three Indians on death row in the foreign country. Justice Sachin Datta was assured by the Centre's counsel that the authorities would continue with... Read more >

17:09 Copyright: HC stays order against AR Rahman, 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' makers Music composer AR Rahman The Delhi high court on Tuesday stayed an interim order in a copyright case against music composer AR Rahman and the makers of the film Ponniyin Selvan 2 over a musical composition. A bench of Justices C Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul, however, directed Rahman and the makers of the film... Read more >

16:56 UK plans crackdown on misuse of study, work visas for asylum claims The UK government on Tuesday said that it is building intelligence around foreign nationals who abuse study and work visa grants to go on to claim asylum in the country, a category led by Pakistanis. The UK Home Office has not revealed details around the expected crackdown, first reported in... Read more >

16:46 UNSC questioning Pak: 'Writing on wall is pretty obvious' Syed Akbaruddin On closed-door UNSC meeting on Kashmir & UNSC questioning Pakistan over Pahalgam attack, India's former permanent representative to the UN, Syed Akbaruddin says, The writing on the wall is pretty obvious, I am not surprised because I am aware of Pakistan's standing in the Committee of... Read more >

16:35 Mamata provides job to slain Army man Jhantu Ali Sheikh's widow West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday provided the widow of slain Indian Army Havildar Jhantu Ali Sheikh with the job of a police home guard and assured his family of all help in future. Banerjee said that the state government has taken the responsibility of educating... Read more >

16:20 Stock markets close lower as investors turn cautious Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower in a range-bound trade on Tuesday due to profit booking, mainly in banking and oil shares, and investors staying on the sideline amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.Snapping its two days of gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined... Read more >

16:13 People of Pakistan are not made for kneeling: Bilawal After empty rhetoric where he threatened blood if the Indus water was stopped, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has sought peace with India, saying Pakistan was committed to fighting for freedom, not conflict, Dawn reported.During his address at Pakistan's National... Read more >

15:50 Huge spike in spy calls from Pakistan to India As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, security agencies have observed a marked rise in suspected spy calls in the border regions. In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudheer Choudhary revealed that there has been an increase in attempts to extract... Read more >

15:21 Pakistan to increase defence spending by 18% Pakistan coalition government has endorsed an 18 per cent increase in defence spending to over Rs 2.5 trillion in the next budget due to tensions with India, according to a media report on Tuesday. The government is set to unveil the 2025-26 budget in the first week of the next month ahead... Read more >

15:11 Rahul leaves Lt Narwal's home Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi leaves from the residence of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack. Read more >

15:08 Modern-day Mir Jaffar: BJP on Kharge's 'PM had intel' On Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP leader CR Kesavan says, He has made treacherous statements similar to a modern-day Mir Jaffar. His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Mr. Kharge's remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and... Read more >

15:03 Where will mock drills be held? India is gearing up for a nationwide security drill tomorrow amid heightened tension with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 innocents dead. In the Ministry of Home Affairs' directions to states regarding the drill - the first in 54 years - provision for crash... Read more >

14:55 Serena aces Met Serena Williams shares this image on X, writing: And one meltdown later we are finally on the way to the Met Gala #MetGala. Read more >

14:44 India-Pakistan: 'China Could Create Problems' The government directive to conduct national drills on Wednesday, May 7, may be part of the psywars currently being conducted by India and Pakistan, but it has spooked many Indians, one of who whatsapped this correspondent late on Monday evening to ask: Will there be war?The... Read more >

14:05 'PM had intel 3 days before J-K attack, cancelled his visit' Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received an intel report on a possible terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, following which he cancelled his own visit to the union territory. Kharge said an intel report was sent to the PM three days before... Read more >

14:01 NTA likely to postpone CUET-UG 2025 examination The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to postpone the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programmes (CUET-UG) 2025, which was scheduled to begin on May 8, according to official sources.While an official announcement is awaited, the decision is reportedly being considered... Read more >

13:58 SC directs state poll panel to notify local body elections in Maharashtra The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra state election commission to notify local body elections in the state within four weeks. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said the contentious issue of OBC reservation in local body polls of Maharashtra will be as it... Read more >

13:18 Rahul meets Pahalgam victim Vinay Narwal's kin in Karnal The funeral ceremony of Lt Vinay Narwal Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met the family members of Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha reached Karnal in Haryana in the afternoon. Congress' Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda was among the... Read more >

12:59 'UNSC won't pass resolution criticizing Pak because...' As the United Nations Security Council held a closed door session in New York, holding deliberations amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Tuesday that he does not expect anything specific from the meeting, as any resolution against Pakistan will... Read more >

12:55 SRK introduces himself at Met Gala Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's fans in India woke up on Tuesday morning to exciting pictures and videos of King Khan from his Met Gala debut.From X to Instagram, social media feeds have been flooded with discussions over SRK's Met Gala look in Sabyasachi's all-black creation since the... Read more >

12:51 Mock drills at Lucknow Civil Defence, Police and local administration rehearse mock drill exercise in Lucknow's Police Lines, following MHA's order for nationwide mock drills on May 7 A Police officer says, Nationwide mock drills will be held tomorrow. Civil Defence, Police and local administration are preparing for... Read more >

12:35 SDRF preps for mock drill at Dal Lake SDRF personnel hold exercise to prepare for tomorrow's mock drill at Dal lake. MHA has asked several states and UTs to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence, tomorrow, May 7. Read more >

12:21 Farmers along Indo-Pak border rush to finish harvesting Farmers living along the nearly 200-km-long International Border in Jammu and Kashmir are racing against time to complete the harvest process amid heightened tension following the Pahalgam terror attack. In the three districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, about 1.25 lakh hectares of agricultural... Read more >

12:00 SC rejects convicts' plea against 2-judge bench hearing Godhra case The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the vehement submissions of few convicts that a two-judge bench cannot hear their appeals against conviction as the matter pertained to the award of death penalty to 11 accused in the 2002 Godhra train burning case. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde,... Read more >

11:58 Moody's cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in 2025 Moody's Ratings on Tuesday cut India's GDP growth projections for 2025 to 6.3 per cent, from 6.5 per cent, saying economies globally will see a slowdown on account of heightened US policy uncertainty and trade restrictions. In its Global Macro Outlook 2025-26 (May update), Moody's said... Read more >

11:48 'US will support India's fight against terrorism' The Pahalgam victims US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has said that US will make every effort to support India in its fight against terrorism. He called India a very important partner for the US in so many ways.In his remarks at the Congressional briefing at the Capitol Hill on Monday (local time),... Read more >

11:36 Mock drills meeting on Several high-ranking officials, including DG Civil Defence and DG NDRF, arrive at the Ministry of Home Affairs for the meeting called by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan regarding the conduct of mock drills for effective Civil Defence across the nation on 7th May. Read more >

11:27 Airtel Rolls Out New Feature For Businesses Airtel's new Business Name Display (BND) service lets businesses showcase their brand on recipient screens during calls.This solution powered by artificial intelligence helps customers distinguish genuine calls from spam. Earlier, many crucial calls from banks, hospitals, and delivery... Read more >

11:25 Trump wants to open Alcatraz again US President Donald Trump has an idea to make Amercia great again'.Trump writes on X: 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.... Read more >

11:18 Man kills wife, gets caught transporting body A man allegedly killed his 26-year-old wife and was caught transporting her body on a scooter in Maharashtra's Pune district on Tuesday, police said. Based on a tip-off, a patrolling team of police intercepted the 28-year-old accused, who was riding his two-wheeler in the Nanded City area in the... Read more >

11:15 AI Adoption In Early Stages For Most Global Enterprises: Accenture Artificial intelligence adoption is still nascent across most enterprises, a survey by US-based IT firm Accenture said, as organisations try to frame and put in place an AI strategy that is cost-effective and built on trust.Accenture's survey of 2,000 global executives showed that 86 per cent... Read more >

11:05 Severe water shortage in Pakistan after India shuts dams The Indus river Pakistan has recorded a significant decrease in the waters of the Chenab river, after India held the Indus treaty in abeyance and the closure of the gates of Baglihar and Salal dams.According to Pakistan news site Dawn News, the water flows in the Chenab, recorded at the Marala headworks,... Read more >

11:02 Rahul leaves for Karnal to meet family of Navy officer killed in Pahalgam Himanshi Narwal Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday left from his residence in the national capital for Karnal, Haryana to meet the family of Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Gandhi's visit... Read more >

10:46 Which designer did Sabyasachi Mukherjee wear to the Met Gala? Naturally, Sabyasachi Mukherjee wore custom Sabyasachi at the Met Gala. The couturier writes on Instagram: Black dandyism originated as a form of self-expression to defy societal, racial and gendered norms. It was a tangible protest of the discrimination faced by those excluded from society,... Read more >

10:40 MHA to review prep for civil defence mock drills File pic Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will on Tuesday review the preparations for strengthening civil defence mechanisms that include conducting mock drills on air-raid warning sirens, training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and... Read more >

10:19 Defence Spend May Weigh On India's Fisc: Moody's Escalating tensions will hit Pakistan's economy hard and impair the cash-strapped country's access to external financing, in contrast to India which is expected to remain mostly unscathed, Moody's Ratings said on Monday In September last year, Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout programme... Read more >

10:08 Chenab river water level drops to 2 ft after India block File pic Parts of the Chenab river started to dry up as India closed up all the gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam and Salal dam, regulating water flow to Pakistan.The move comes as India takes multiple diplomatic steps against Paistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. India has also... Read more >

10:01 'Hi to India,' says Shakira as she bumps into Diljit at Met Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh left desi fans proud with his traditional yet modern appearance at the Met Gala 2025. Diljit honoured his Sikh roots on a global platform as he walked the iconic stairs of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City wearing a turban (a symbol of Sikh... Read more >

09:47 AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi departs for Srinagar All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi is set to visit Srinagar in Jammu Kashmir. Visuals showed him from leaving his residence in New Delhi.This is Owaisi's first visit to the region since the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were... Read more >

09:44 NSE To Regulate Algo Trading From August The National Stock Exchange on Monday released implementation standards for algorithmic (algo) trading, aligning with recent norms framed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to ensure safer participation for retail traders.The new norms, effective from August 1, were initially set for... Read more >

09:31 Kiara flaunts baby bump in Gaurav Gupta couture at Met Gala Actor Kiara Advani, who is expecting her first child with husband and her Shershaah co-star Sidharth Malhotra, debuted in a custom-made Gaurav Gupta couture titled Bravehearts at the 2025 edition of the Met Gala. Making the Met Gala debut, as both an artist and mother-to-be, feels incredibly... Read more >

09:23 UNSC asks Pakistan: Was LeT involved in Pahalgam? UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal session today. They refused to accept the false flag' narrative and asked whether LeT was likely to be involved. There was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for... Read more >

09:05 SRK, Diljit, Kiara dazzle at Met Gala Courtesy Pooja Dadlani on Instagram Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a smashing debut at the Met Gala 2025 in an all-black bespoke menswear crafted by celebrated designer Sabyasachi, who also made an appearance at the fashion fundraising gala.Wearing a crystal-studded pendant shaped as the letter 'K' in one of the necklaces... Read more >

08:36 RBI Adds 58 Tonnes Of Gold... Anupreksha Jain, Business StandardThe Reserve Bank of India added nearly 58 tonnes of gold in the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25), official data released on Monday showed.The central bank now holds 879.59 tonnes of gold in its reserves, of which 26 tonnes were added in the second half of... Read more >

08:24 Border skirmishes continue along LoC for 12th night Pakistani troops continued to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, resorting to unprovoked firing across multiple sectors and prompting a strong and calibrated response from the Indian Army. This marks the 12th consecutive night of such... Read more >

08:10 UNSC holds closed consultations on Indo-Pak tensions Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, the United Nations Security Council has held closed-door consultations where envoys called for restraint and dialogue. The consultations, held by the 15-nation Security Council, lasted about an hour and a half on Monday afternoon but no statement was... Read more >

00:27 SC puts asset details of judges in public domain In a bid to enhance transparency, the Supreme Court on Monday said it has uploaded statements of assets of judges on its website, in accordance with a full-court decision to place the relevant details in the public domain. The full court of the Supreme Court of India has on April 1, 2025... Read more >

00:22 Kerala Youtuber arrested for telecasting 'defamatory' content against woman YouTuber Shajan Skaria/Courtesy X A YouTuber was arrested on Monday by the cyber police based on a complaint from a woman who alleged that he broadcast defamatory content about her, the police said. The woman, currently residing abroad, had lodged the complaint against Shajan Skaria, accusing him of airing defamatory... Read more >
A surge of 850,034 visitor arrivals was recorded during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week holiday period.

According to preliminary data from the Public Security Police Force (PSP), the totals recorded from May 1 to May 5 far exceeded government projections and marked a strong rebound for the citys tourism sector.

Arrivals jumped 40.5% from last years figure of nearly 605,000.

On average, more than 170,000 visitors entered the city daily, surpassing the governments forecast of 127,000 to 140,000 per day.

Friday, May 2, saw the highest single-day total since the pandemic, with 221,968 arrivals. The city also welcomed 176,873 visitors on May 1, 204,041 on May 3, and 154,411 on May 4, according to figures from the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Mainland Chinese tourists drove much of the growth, accounting for 678,521 arrivals across the holiday period, a 39.6% increase from the previous year. Hong Kong visitors also surged, reaching 111,189  up 42.3%. Combined, these groups represented more than 90% of all arrivals during the holiday, as revealed by MGTO.

Border crossings soared alongside visitor numbers, with border checkpoints collectively handling a total of 3.75 million arrivals and departures.

The busiest crossing was the Border Gate, managing approximately 1.89 million entries and exits, accounting for over half of the total traffic. Qingmao checkpoint followed with around 584,000 crossings, while the Hengqin Port recorded about 513,000 crossings.

The influx of visitors to the city prompted local authorities to introduce special crowd control and traffic measures to maintain public safety.

The PSP established pedestrian zones near landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Pauls and temporarily closed parts of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro to vehicles.

For the first time during Labour Day, similar measures were introduced in Taipa Village around Rua do Cunha. Sections of Rua Fernao Mendes Pinto, Rua Direita Carlos Eugenio, Rua Correia da Silva, and adjacent roads were closed to traffic daily from noon to 7 p.m. from May 1 to May 5.

Police managed large crowds at busy bus stops and other areas with heavy tourist traffic, deploying rope barriers, while bus operators increased service frequency to every five minutes on key routes.

Despite these efforts, long taxi queues and crowded buses were common, with some residents voicing concerns to local media that tourists were prioritized over locals.

Bus rides that typically took 15 minutes stretched to 45 minutes due to congestion. Tourists also expressed frustration over overcrowding and limited ride-hailing options.

The tourism sector saw substantial benefits from the influx. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO Head, reported hotel occupancy rates above 95% on May 1, with many visitors opting for day trips from nearby Zhuhai.

Senna Fernandes said, We are very happy with this [figure]. It indicates that tourists are very willing to come to Macau [] So whether they stay overnight or not [] We also hope that they can get the feeling of greater ease to visit Macau. I think this is the most important thing.

Since January 1, 2025, residents of Zhuhai city with household registration have been able to apply for a new one-trip-per-week visa to visit Macau, allowing them to stay for up to seven days each time.

Meanwhile, mainland Chinese residents who hold both household registration and a residence permit for Hengqin can apply for a multiple-entry visa. This visa permits unlimited trips to Macau within its validity period, with each visit limited to seven days, promoting greater ease of travel between the cities. Nadia Shaw
IDAHO FALLS  In March 2023, Curtis and Kim Wormsbaker, of Kimberly, lost their 25-year-old son, Dylan, following a tragic crash in Twin Falls in which Dylans motorcycle was hit by a minivan that failed to yield.

But their parents at first didnt realize the seriousness of the crash that would eventually claim their sons life.

After hearing the news that their son had been taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, they began the two-hour drive from Kimberly. During the trip, the hospital called.

Up to this point, we thought it was a minor accident, Curtis Wormsbaker said last month at an event at the medical center recognizing National Organ Donation Month. They had told us the intersection where it happened, and it was a side street, maybe 35 miles per hour.

It was an urgent situation, however, and an emergency room neurosurgeon informed them that he was doing everything he could to keep their son alive until they arrived. He asked for permission to do a craniotomy to relieve the pressure on Dylans skull.

We couldnt get there fast enough. When we got to EIRMC, it took them a while to get him stable, but then they let us see him, Curtis said. Hed suffered a massive brain injury, but they didnt have enough information yet to make any decisions.

Compassionate care for a hero, his family

With Dylan being an organ donor, Donor Connect, a nonprofit community service organization that connects donors with recipients in addition to advocating for donors and donor families, contacted Curtis and Kim.

They knew Dylan was an organ donor, gave us papers to sign and took 15 vials of blood to start the matching process, Kim said. Throughout the week we were there, they were the nicest, kindest people.

Dylan decided to become an organ donor when he got his first motorcycle around the age of 20.

He was raised around motorcycles and had ridden with me or my wife since he was 8 or 9, Curtis said. Weve lost friends from motorcycle head injuries. Ive always said that its not if you get in an accident, its when. So, when he got his bike, he told me he wanted to become an organ donor. I told him I thought he was making a good decision.

At one point, the donor process was temporarily halted when a nurse thought she saw one of Dylans pupils dilate.

We were told more testing was needed. Curtis said. We wanted to know exactly what was happening so we could make the right decision. When the testing was done, the doctor showed us a picture of his brain, and that picture told us everything. Parts of his brain were already dying.

Curtis asked the doctor what he would do if Dylan were his son, and he said let him go. His quality of life would have been poor. He wouldnt have his memories or be able to create new ones, Curtis said.

So, I made the decision to take him off life support, and the family agreed. The doctor gave us peace of mind that we were making the right decision, said.

The Twin Falls man left behind a fiancee and four young children. But his legacy reaches far beyond the family members who suffered a great loss. In September 2024, the Wormsbakers learned that Dylan had provided lifesaving and life-changing gifts to 102 strangers by becoming an organ donor.

Its amazing to know that our son lives on in 102 people, Curtis said.

Dylan, through his gift of being an organ donor, was able to donate his heart, one kidney, both lungs, both eyes, as well as skin, bones, and veins. His gifts went to grateful recipients all across the country:

Dylans heart was gifted to a man from the West Coast.

Dylans left kidney was gifted to a retired father of one.

Dylans lungs were gifted to a woman from the Midwest.

Dylan has contributed to a research project that will help men who are infertile.

Dylans left cornea was gifted to an 81-year-old female in New York.

Dylans right cornea was gifted to an individual in Oregon.

Dylans tissue donation includes 84 bone grafts that were shipped to 22 states. Recipients included a 16-year-old male who had surgery to create new ligaments to stabilize his knee; a 71-year-old female to preserve tissue following a mastectomy; a 27-year-old female who had surgery to repair broken ankle bones; a 19-year-old male who had surgery on his nose.

Dylan is a hero, Curtis said. This has been very painful for us. A lot of our relief has come from knowing that our son has helped so many people.

One donor can save up to eight lives and heal dozens of others through tissue donation, says Leslie Anderson, a hospital specialist with Donor Connect. Right here in our region, 975 people are on the waitlist. Im not sure Dylan knew the full impact he would have when he registered as an organ donor. But his gift of life continues to shine through every life he touched  in laughter shared, in lives saved, and in hope renewed.

Woman donates kidney to co-worker Sometimes youre put in a place and time for a reason, and this happened to be one of those times, says an organ donor who gave up a kidney for a coworker.

Organ donation is not only an act of kindness. Its also the chance to be someones miracle.

With the strength of his family and the love they carry forward, his legacy stands as a powerful reminder: When we choose to register as organ donors, we become part of something bigger. We create a ripple of hope, strengthen our community, and help build a future full of life, Anderson said.

Special relationship with nurse Max

The Wormsbakers were especially grateful for the care provided by registered nurse Max Fransen, who had been at Dylans side for much of the week he was there. The family asked if Max could take an extra shift at the end of the week.

We had become very close with Max, Curtis said. He would make sure I was put together and presentable every morning before my family got to the hospital. Max was supposed to be off that last night, but I asked if he could stay on while my son passed. He also got to be part of the team that harvested Dylans organs. It was really special to us.

One of Dylans sisters, Brandi, sent a glowing letter to Maxs supervisor. Max was subsequently recognized with a prestigious Daisy Award, which celebrates the extraordinary skill and compassion nurses provide their patients and families every day.

Sharing Dylans life-saving example

Because of Dylans example, another of the Wormsbakers sons and his wife registered to become organ donors.
Press Release

May 6, 2025 Tolentino: Disinformation campaign vs Comelec highlights urgency to protect PH's 'digital sovereignty' vs foreign interference The recent series of disinformation campaigns in social media against the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) amid the country's preparations for the May 12 midterm polls underscores the urgency for the Philippines to protect its digital space from foreign interference. This was stressed by Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino during the Senate inquiry on Chinese espionage and interference in the country's internal affairs. Chairman George Erwin Garcia shared at the hearing that the COMELEC has been constantly targeted by disinformation operations in social media that seek to undermine the public's trust in the integrity of the coming elections. Tolentino said that many of these attacks have been linked to troll operations based in foreign countries, mainly China. The attacks have also coincided with the arrest of a Chinese national caught using an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) catcher near the Comelec premises last week. The senator said that protecting the country's 'digital sovereignty' is incorporated in his proposal, Senate Bill No. 2951, or the Counter Foreign Interference Act. He explained that the bill expands the scope of national security to include our digital space. "It is about time that we really involve national sovereignty side by side with our digital sovereignty," the senator stressed. "Pinapatrolya natin ang karagatan, Coast Guard Navy, PNP Maritime Group. Pero is there a cyber patrol out there?" he asked. Tolentino then explained the concept of digital sovereignty: "We have to bear in mind that cyber sovereignty is our right to govern our digital space. Kung pinapasok tayo ng mga ito [pro-China troll operations], hindi na natin maintindihan kung ano ang totoo at hindi [sa social media]. Nawawalan na tayo ng sovereignty doon." Tolentino's bill guards against harmful electronic communications. It requires internet service providers to block, among others, access to electronic communications that are "prejudicial to national security and public safety." "Foreign interference is ongoing, even though in a digital space. It undermines the sovereignty of our country, our institutions, as well as society itself," he said in a news conference. He said that Filipinos conspiring with these operations constitutes the highest form of betrayal to one's flag - referring to the troll farm operation he exposed between InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. (IMSI) and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. "Marami pang mga katulad ng InfinitUs out there na hindi pa natin nakikilala. Marami pang drones ngayon na nasa ilalim ng ating karagatan na hindi pa nahuhuli. Marami pang mga IMSI catchers na gumagala sa ating paligid," the senator warned. Citing the recent arrests of suspected Chinese spies, the senator remarked: "We'd like to thank our intelligence community sa pagkasawata sa dayuhang paniniktik. Subalit kulang pa rin. Kinakailangan natin talaga ang tulong ng ating mga kababayan, at palakasin pa ang ating batas." Tolentino concluded with an appeal to the public: "Bilang pagmamahal sa Pilipinas, tumulong po tayo sa cyber security. Tumulong po tayo na kontrahin ang mga espiya, dahil pinapahina n'yan ang ating lipunan."
Doctors have families too: Private GPs rally in black against mandatory drug price display, say subjected to overlapping laws

PUTRAJAYA, May 6  Hundreds of private medical practitioners gathered outside the Prime Ministers Office this morning to protest the mandatory drug price display ruling that came into effect on May 1.

Clad in black, the attendees held up red, blue, and black placards with messages such as Doctors have families too, GPs support fair drug pricing. Reject Act 723, and Unfair fees and policies are driving doctors away.

MMA in a statement last night, said that while doctors support the principle of price transparency, they oppose the use of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) for enforcing medicine price displays. Instead, they are calling for the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) to be used.

What the doctors are opposing:

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The use of Act 723  The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to enforce the display of medicine prices. Overregulation  Being subject to both Act 723 and Act 586, which could result in enforcement overlaps. Application of a non-medical law  Act 723 was designed for retail businesses, not for healthcare settings. Potential disruption  The overlap may cause confusion and disrupt primary healthcare services.

What the doctors are calling for:

Use of Act 586 instead  The Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which specifically governs the medical profession. Constructive engagement  Meaningful dialogue between the government and stakeholders to resolve the issue. Transparent pricing via proper legislation  Doctors support price transparency but insist it be implemented through Act 586. Clarity in regulation  A consistent legal framework to avoid duplication and ensure effective healthcare delivery.

The associations will hand over a memorandum to the Prime Ministers Office after the assembly.

The gathering, organised by the MMA, drew participation from 15 medical associations nationwide, including the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM), the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations Malaysia (FPMPAM), and others.

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After handing over a memorandum to the Prime Ministers Office, MMA President-Elect Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo told a press conference that professional medical services should not be equated with the sale of goods.

We are a professional service, meaning we provide a service to a patient. A patient goes through a journey. From registration, to seeing the doctor, receiving advice, undergoing a physical examination, maybe even some investigations, and finally receiving a diagnosis. Thats a process.

If we compare this to a retail shop or a pharmacy, each has its own role. A retail shop sells goods. We provide a professional service, he said.

Dr Thirunavukarasu added that opening a clinic requires nearly a decade of education and training, including A-levels, five to six years of medical school, and four years of clinical practice, making it a highly demanding path that consumes a persons prime years, unlike the low barrier to entry for starting a retail business.

Thats why you simply cannot equate professional services with selling goods. Thats the point, he said.

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Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that existing laws already uphold a patients right to be informed of the costs involved in medical services.

So thats why we feel disappointed, why was this suddenly done? The medical profession is one of the oldest in the world and has always practiced transparency, as it is built on the doctor-patient relationship. There is already an existing law, the Medical Act 1971, to regulate this relationship, he added.

When asked about the consultation fee issue, Dr Thirunavukarasu said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad is looking into it.

We have been communicating with the minister, all we know is that hes actually looking into it. So the details we have no idea, he said.

The organisations initially planned to march for 2.3km from the Health Ministrys headquarters to the Prime Ministers Office, but the decision was revised due to the presence of elderly participants and advice from the police.

Dr Thirunavukarasu said the assembly today emphasised the importance of primary care, trusting the government will take the right action without pressure or demands from the organisations.
Police doubles reward to P10m for co-mastermind

Two casino junket operators received the ransom money paid by the family of slain Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Congyuan Guo, also known as Anson Tan or Anson Que, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

The ransom money paid from March 31 to April 8, 2025 went through two junket operators, which are 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing yesterday.

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Fajardo also announced the PNP doubled the reward to P10-million for information leading to the arrest of one of the suspects in the kidnap-slay case.

She said the reward is offered for the capture of alleged co-mastermind Wenli Gong, a Chinese national also known by the aliases Kelly Tan Lim, Bao Wenli, Axin, and Huang Yanling.

The reward has been increased to P10 million for anyone who can provide information leading to the swift capture or arrest of alias Kelly, she said.

The ransom money sent to the two casino junket operators, Fajardo said, was then transferred to several other accounts, with some ending in crypto wallets.

The 9 Dynasty Group is led by Li Duang Wang, also known as Mark Ong, from Fujian, whose naturalization was vetoed last month by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing potential national security risks.

The 9 Dynasty Group transferred the ransom money to three accounts under the names Lin Tingyu, Deng Chengzhi, and Lin Ning, the PNP matrix showed.

Fajardo said Lin Tingyu and Deng Chengzhi then transferred parts of the monies they received to several crypto wallets, while Lin Ning made a transfer to an account identified only by its number.

Lin Ning was earlier linked to the case of Ni Qinhui, who was identified as one of the suspects arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for espionage, she said.

Sometime in June 2023, Lin Ning sent a large amount of money through an e-wallet to Ni Qinhui, the PNP official said.

The ransom money sent to White Horse Club, on the other hand, were transferred to accounts under the names Luo Guohui and Nguyen Huy Dung, as well as to an account identified only by its number.

Based on the PNP matrix, Luo Guohuis account appeared to have transferred monies through 9 Dynasty Group, which in turn sent monies back to Luo Guohui.

From Luo Guohuis account, monies were sent to Yuan Fangquiang, one of two Chinese nationals arrested over the kidnap-slay case.

Yuan Fangquiang made a transfer to a certain Bahari on April 8, or a day before the bodies of Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, were found in Rodriguez, Rizal.

The victims were first reported missing on March 29.

When (money) is put into a junket, when it is put into an e-wallet, the cryptocurrency, that money disappears, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said.

Once you open your e-wallet, its no longer like a bank that requires you to identify the person. There is no know-your-client. There is nothing like that. Anybody can open e-wallets and money can be transferred to you, he added.

Police have so far named a total of five suspects in the killing of Que David Tan Liao, Richardo Austria, and Reymart Catequista who are already in custody, and Jonin Lin and Kelly who are still at large.

Liao and Kelly were the alleged masterminds, Fajardo said, while Austria, Catequista, and Lin were accomplices.
On Saturday 26 April, a large demonstration led by the far right marched through Dublins North Inner City. The turnout was significant: estimates range from 5,000 to as many as 10,000. In fact, this was four or five times larger than the previous biggest far-right led mobilisation.

Lets be clear: their appeal is growing.

[Originally published at communism.ie]

On the other side of the Gardai fence, the counter-protest organised by United Against Racism (UAR) also gathered more than counter-protests in the past. But still, we were outnumbered.

Every honest socialist, communist and trade unionist  anyone indeed understanding the dangers the far right poses to the workers movement  will have undoubtedly asked themselves: how is it possible that these reactionaries can outnumber us in the streets of Dublin?

This article is intended as a comradely contribution to what we believe is a necessary and urgent discussion in the wake of last weekends events. A discussion about our tactics in the fight against the far right.

Fascism on our streets?

The first thing to make clear is that: no, this was not a march of thousands of fascists walking down OConnell Street. Ireland is not at threat of an imminent fascist takeover. Hyperbole on this account can only cause confusion.

Yes, at the head of the demo was a tight core of ultra-reactionaries  Nazi-sympathiser Justin Barrett, former-Sticky turned anti-immigration guru Malachy Steenson, convicted rapist and presidential-wannabe Conor McGregor etc. Many of their supporters are themselves racist bigots. And there were undoubtedly a couple of hundred actual fascists also among the protest. But it would be a mistake to claim that there were thousands of hardened racists or even fascists out on the streets.

What is striking is how the far right framed their protest. With Sinead OConnors version of Foggy Dew (the ballad commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising) playing in the background, Steenson announced this was going to be a rally to remember those that gave their lives to create this republic, on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Easter Rising. He described the rally as opposing government policy on housing, healthcare, education and all these diversity policies. He called on anyone who believes this country is being run for the benefit of a very small minority to join.

That is, they did not lead with racist or fascist slogans. They cloaked themselves in the revolutionary, Republican traditions of the Irish people. They tapped into real anger about the state of housing, healthcare, and inequality. And they had a fighting, anti-establishment and anti-government message: lets take our republic back!

From there, yes, they pivot to blaming immigrants, with talk of mass immigration and importing the Third World, pointing to the artificial scarcity in housing, hospital beds and good jobs that are an inherent part of capitalism, and blaming this on migrants taking them from Irish people. But their initial appeal is cleverer and broader than a simple anti-immigrant one: they tap into real, legitimate working-class rage, then distort it along reactionary lines. That is how they mobilised thousands.

A scroll through social media confirm what their appeal is:

This is a protest of the Centre Right common sense people who have had enough of being second class citizens through health, housing and cost of living

I havent heard about any fascist protest taking place tomorrow? Only a protest from people demonstrating their dissatisfaction with the government

Even on one online left-wing forum, a user commented: Here I was about to attend that protest until I looked it up and figure out it was an anti immigrant one. Thought it was just a commemoration of the Easter Rising as it was advertised.

How many others attended for similar reasons  drawn by their revolutionary traditions, frustration with the government, and the illusion that this is an anti-establishment movement?

Of course, Barrett, McGregor, Steenson & co. offer no real solutions to working-class people. But the pressing question remains: who else is offering workers a real, fighting, anti-establishment alternative right now?

The counter-protest

The key to depriving the far right of oxygen is building a really revolutionary alternative, a real anti-establishment alternative, on the left, that exposes the rottenness of the ruling class and the false anti-establishment credentials of the right.

The counter-protest revealed there is all the potential for this alternative. It too was large, and our comrades noted a really radical mood among the big majority of those there.

However, we wish to bring out what we think were very significant weaknesses, weaknesses which we believe answer the question: why was the far right able to mobilise larger numbers than the left?

What was the main slogan of the counter-protest?

Until two days before the counter-protest, the only statement about why United Against Racism was mobilising read as follows: When left unchallenged, these far-right rallies spread fear in our communities. Everyone in Dublin deserves to feel safe and welcome, no matter where theyre from.

The problem is: this is a slogan that anyone can agree with.

Even on the day, while there were a handful of slogans opposing the government and capitalism, these were only raised by individuals or separate organisations  for example, a placard that put it very well: the only minority destroying Ireland is the rich, and the chants we led: blame the bosses/landlords not the migrants. But the slogans at the forefront of the counter-demo were kept as broad and as apolitical as possible. They did not appeal to the class anger of the working class to unite in struggle against the capitalists, landlords, and the government.

We should have been the ones raising a fighting message that first attacks the government, the ruling class and imperialism, and then attacks the far right as wolves in sheeps clothing, pretending to oppose the establishment but actually pitting members of our class against one another, weakening our ability to fight that ruling class. Only in this way can we politically isolate the far right.

After all, 1916 is our proud tradition  not theirs. The republic Connolly fought for was our republic, i.e. a socialist republic / Image: public domain

After all, 1916 is our proud tradition  not theirs. The republic Connolly fought for was our republic, i.e. a socialist republic. It was the ruling class and middle-class nationalists that betrayed that revolutionary struggle. These are the same people that are now turning life into a nightmare for workers and youth in Ireland. It is our proud tradition to fight against the whole lot of them!

The message of the counter-protest should not just have been everyone has the right to feel safe but for revolution, for the Workers Republic of Connolly, for the revival of the revolutionary traditions of the Irish working class, and the need to fight the ruling class and the far right with class struggle.

That could have had a broader appeal and would be the first step towards channelling that class anger that the right are currently hijacking. After all, whilst it is true that the emboldened right wing threatens and abuses, and make many feel unsafe, the nice, smiling, liberal ruling class of Ireland has made millions  migrant or native born  feel unsafe through its policies, which leave tens of thousands on the street in the freezing cold, thousands on waiting lists, and thousands more one pay cheque away from real hunger.

Our main message to those on the far-right protests is: you are being misled. You think your leaders are anti-establishment but they are not.

It is a mistake to think that lowering the political content of the counter-protest to the lowest common denominator broadens its appeal. On the contrary, this can only serve to strengthen the far right, who in that political vacuum can present themselves as the only force opposing the establishment and offering a fighting alternative.

Why is it that we have abandoned our revolutionary message and left it to the Steensons of this world to parade around with a counterfeit version of it?

Broad front

Unfortunately, we believe this was not just a slip, but a conscious choice stemming from a political mistake made by People Before Profit (who, in the main, are the political force behind UAR).

Though we commend the tireless efforts made by the comrades in PBP to organise the counter-demonstration, we believe that the broad front approach of their party is misplaced.

In an effort to be palatable to all so-called progressive forces in Dublin, they ended up diluting the counter-protest main message to the point that even the Greens and Labour could subscribe to it.

And, in fact, there were a dozen or so Labour and Green party members on our side  something which we know was celebrated as a success by some of the organisers.

Having a clearer, more militant, class struggle approach would surely make it impossible for a few dozen members of these treacherous, pro-austerity parties to attend. But their absence would be more than compensated by the greater appeal the counter-protest would have had among more radical layers of our class  in fact, their absence would have added to this appeal!

These are parties that helped implement austerity and prop up Fine Gael and Fianna Fail! What are we doing rubbing shoulders with such progressives? How can we celebrate managing to coax them to attend? We only give easy ammunition to the far right.

While the latter raise anti-government and (apparently) anti-establishment slogans, they can then point at us and say, Ah! You see, they have establishment parties on their side. We are the only, true anti-establishment force, not the left. It is unanswerable, we did have establishment parties on our side and a sharper class-struggle approach would have excluded them.

As for Sinn Fein  which rose in electoral terms by seeming to be anti-establishment itself, but which has seen its anti-establishment credentials tarnished  if instead of watering down our message to accommodate them, we had raised an unapologetically anti-capitalist banner, it would have posed before them plainly: which side are you on?

Revolutionary message

There was clearly a thirst for militant politics in the ranks of the counter-demonstration. The majority of those attending were fresh, unorganised layers of workers and youth ready to fight against the far right  and capitalism.

Though the Revolutionary Communists of Ireland had a contingent counting only a dozen or so, we were able to lead chants against the bosses, the landlords, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and even on the need for revolution. On this, we were invariably joined by large numbers of those counter-protestors gathered around us. Indeed, despite being outnumbered, the energy and the mood in the counter-demonstration was electric.

A revolutionary message is what is needed. If we clearly distinguish ourselves from the establishment  and fight for bold working-class demands  we can drive a wedge between those confused layers of workers attending the far-right protests and those anti-worker reactionaries at their head.

The far right is already deeply divided and consumed by internal conflict. What is needed is a militant, organised, revolutionary struggle against the capitalist system, in the course of which the false anti-establishment colours of the far right will be stripped bare.
In a coordinated security sweep described as both decisive and unprecedented, the Malawian Government, in collaboration with United States intelligence, has arrested seven individuals suspected of operating within an international narcotics syndicate linked to a notorious Mexican cartel.

Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Chingoma, speaking to Anadolu Agency on Monday 05 May confirmed the arrests, noting that six of the suspects were intercepted at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe after arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. A seventh, identified as a Nigerian national residing in Malawis capital, was apprehended at the airport while allegedly awaiting the groups arrival.

This operation represents a landmark moment in Malawis fight against transnational organised crime, drawing praise for its cross-border intelligence coordination. Minister Chingoma acknowledged the critical support of the U.S. government in executing the sting and revealed that investigations are ongoing to map the full extent of the suspects operations. We have credible evidence suggesting affiliations with a Mexican cartel, but more work remains to uncover the depth of this network, he stated. The development comes amid increasing concern that Malawi is evolving into a pivotal route for traffickers moving illicit drugs across Africa and beyond.

Classified by the ENACT Africa Organised Crime Index as a burgeoning narcotics corridor, Malawi has reportedly become a favoured path for heroin transiting from East Africa to the southern tip of the continent. The nation also functions as a strategic waypoint for cocaine shipments smuggled from Mozambique and rerouted to Europe and Asia. With international trafficking routes becoming ever more sophisticated, the recent arrests underscore the urgent need for strengthened regional surveillance, enhanced judicial cooperation, and continued foreign intelligence support to disrupt the entrenchment of cartel operations within African borders.
In a bold declaration of intent, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed on Monday 06 May its unwavering commitment to eliminate AIDS in children by the year 2030.

Speaking in Abuja during a high-level stakeholders workshop on the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), noted that while significant milestones had been achieved over the past two decades, the final leg of the journey demands a refined and resource-efficient approach.

Bolstered by long-standing support from partners such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund, Nigeria is poised to shift its focus toward achieving universal treatment coverage for children, having already reached near 90 per cent coverage among adults.

Dr Bashorun disclosed that the government had sanctioned a $200 million allocation to bridge the funding vacuum left by the suspension of USAID support. This substantial injection of capital, he emphasised, will be directed toward bolstering human resources, strengthening health infrastructure, and investing in logistics. With Nigeria now operating an indigenous, fully functional national data reporting system, the country is gradually breaking its dependency on external partners. Bashorun also stressed the urgent need to optimise implementation modelspivoting toward scalable systems that deliver high-impact outcomes using fewer resources, a shift he said was made possible by unlocking the nations healthcare value chain.

Echoing this renewed momentum, Dr Modupe Elendu, UNICEFs focal person for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, outlined the four central pillars of the Global Allianceranging from preventing vertical transmission to universal HIV testing for pregnant women. Nigeria, she affirmed, is one of 12 countries spearheading this global push. While challenges persist, the establishment of a nationwide data system and enhanced local ownership of implementation processes signal a turning tide. The workshopconvened to review the Alliances progress, identify service delivery gaps, and align strategiesunderscored the countrys resolve to not only sustain gains but to ensure that no child is left behind in the march toward an AIDS-free generation.
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Pre-eclampsia is a danger to pregnant women. It's a complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, arising during the second half of pregnancy, in labor or in the first week after delivery.

It plays a major role in about 16% of the deaths of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa.

And it's on the rise: between 2010 and 2018, the incidence of pre-eclampsia in Africa jumped by around 20%.

Pre-eclampsia usually occurs in young mothers during a first pregnancy. Girls under the age of 18 years are most at risk. The probability that a 15-year-old girl will die from complications of pregnancy is one in 150 in developing countries, versus one in 3,800 in developed countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Not only does pre-eclampsia pose a serious health threat to women, it also harms babies. It contributes to stillbirth, preterm birth and low birth weight.

Yet we still do not know enough about pre-eclampsia. This gap has driven my research into the disease.

I conducted the first genetic case-control study on pre-eclampsia among African women in comparison to European women over a decade ago for my Ph.D. research.

My work revealed that both African and European populations have a gene (KIR AA genotype) that increases the chance of pre-eclampsia. However, African women are at greater risk of pre-eclampsia than other racial groups. This is because they're more at risk of carrying a fetus with a C2-type HLA-C gene from the father. African populations have a higher frequency of this gene, which raises the likelihood of risky mother-fetus combinations.

An additional finding from my research is that genetic protection from pre-eclampsia works differently across populationsand African populations carry unique protective genes. However, even with these additional protections, African women are at greater risk of developing severe pre-eclampsia due to other challenges, like access to health care and socio-economic constraints.

There's inequality in the treatment of the condition too. In my experience, wealthier and better-educated African women often receive the necessary diagnosis and treatment. Poorer and less-educated African women too often do not.

Pre-eclampsia research, especially in Africa, requires a lot more funding, as does broader research related to the maternal health of African women.

Pre-eclampsia in Uganda

Around 287,000 women worldwide die during pregnancy and childbirth every year. Shockingly, 70% of these are African women.

Most of these deaths are preventable. For example, around 10% are the result of high blood pressure-related conditions during pregnancy.

Uganda's Ministry of Health recorded in 2023 that out of 1,276 maternal deaths reported, 16% were associated with high blood pressure.

Hospitals are being overwhelmed by patients with the illness. For example, Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala receives around 150 patients with the condition every month. It has set up a special ward to treat them.

The maternal mortality rate (death due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth) in Uganda is 284 per 100,000 live births. In Australia it is 2.94. The neonatal mortality rate (death during the first 28 completed days of life) is 19 per 1,000 live births in Uganda against 2.37 in Australia. Infant mortality (death before a child turns one) is 31 per 1,000 live births in Uganda versus 3.7 in Australia, according to the WHO's Global Health Observatory.

This stark contrast highlights an enormous gap in care that the two countries' pregnant mothers and babies receive.

Part of the problem in Uganda, as in many developing countries, is persistent challenges in health care infrastructure. There are shortages of health care workers, medical supplies and facilities, particularly in the rural areas.

Early detection is key

As a clinician and researcher working at the center of Uganda's health care system, I witness mothers arriving at hospitals already in a critical condition, with limited options to treat the complications associated with pre-eclampsia. It is heartbreaking.

The condition is both preventable and treatable if caught early. My research focuses on identifying biological signs of the likelihood of complications during pregnancy, using data analysis informed by Artificial Intelligence.

These predictive biomarkers, as they are called, enable us to categorize patients based on their risk levels and identify those most likely to benefit from specific treatments or preventive measures.

The precise causes of pre-eclampsia are not certain, but factors beyond genetics are thought to be problems with the immune system and inadequate development of the placenta. But much of what researchers know comes from work done in high-income countries, often with a limited sample size of African women.

Consequently, the findings may not apply directly to the genetics of sub-Saharan African women. My research addresses this knowledge gap.

Building on my findings about genetic determinants, I am leading a research team at Makerere University to design interventions tailored to specific prevention and treatment strategies for African populations.

Raising pre-eclampsia awareness

Research alone is not enough. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between research and practice.

During my fieldwork, I have witnessed first-hand how many Ugandan women are not aware of pre-eclampsia's warning signs and miss out on vital prenatal care. These warning signs often include headache, disturbances with vision, upper pain in the right side of the abdomen and swelling of the legs.

But we can develop screening algorithms so that health care professionals can rapidly diagnose women at higher risk early in their pregnancy. Timely intervention, including specific treatment and plans for delivery, would reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and baby.

In my capacity as a national pre-eclampsia champion appointed by Uganda's Ministry of Health, I am spearheading initiatives to raise awareness and improve access to maternal health care services.

Through community outreach programs and educational campaigns, we want to empower all women, rich and poor, with knowledge about the condition and encourage them to seek medical assistance at an early stage.

More resources must be allocated to genetics research to realize our goals of prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia and its associated complications.

This investment will drive the development of predictive technology for precise diagnosis, and enable timely intervention for at-risk mothers.

Moreover, investigating the genetic roots of pre-eclampsia could lead to novel therapies that reduce the need for costly medical procedures or prolonged care for those affected.

This would reduce the strain on already overburdened African health care systems.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: AI-generated image

Mental health services around the world are stretched thinner than ever. Long wait times, barriers to accessing care and rising rates of depression and anxiety have made it harder for people to get timely help.

As a result, governments and health care providers are looking for new ways to address this problem. One emerging solution is the use of AI chatbots for mental health care.

A recent study explored whether a new type of AI chatbot, named Therabot, could treat people with mental illness effectively. The findings were promising: not only did participants with clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety benefit, those at high-risk for eating disorders also showed improvement. While early, this study may represent a pivotal moment in the integration of AI into mental health care.

AI mental health chatbots are not newtools like Woebot and Wysa have already been released to the public and studied for years. These platforms follow rules based on a user's input to produce a predefined approved response.

What makes Therabot different is that it uses generative AIa technique where a program learns from existing data to create new content in response to a prompt. Consequently, Therabot can produce novel responses based on a user's input like other popular chatbots such as ChatGPT, allowing for a more dynamic and personalized interaction.

This isn't the first time generative AI has been examined in a mental health setting. In 2024, researchers in Portugal conducted a study where ChatGPT was offered as an additional component of treatment for psychiatric inpatients.

The research findings showed that just three to six sessions with ChatGPT led to a significantly greater improvement in quality of life than standard therapy, medication and other supportive treatments alone.

Together, these studies suggest that both general and specialized generative AI chatbots hold real potential for use in psychiatric care. But there are some serious limitations to keep in mind. For example, the ChatGPT study involved only 12 participantsfar too few to draw firm conclusions.

In the Therabot study, participants were recruited through a Meta Ads campaign, likely skewing the sample toward tech-savvy people who may already be open to using AI. This could have inflated the chatbot's effectiveness and engagement levels.

Ethics and Exclusion

Beyond methodological concerns, there are critical safety and ethical issues to address. One of the most pressing is whether generative AI could worsen symptoms in people with severe mental illnesses, particularly psychosis.

A 2023 article warned that generative AI's lifelike responses, combined with most people's limited understanding of how these systems work, might feed into delusional thinking. Perhaps for this reason, both the Therabot and ChatGPT studies excluded participants with psychotic symptoms.

But excluding these people also raises questions of equity. People with severe mental illness often face cognitive challengessuch as disorganized thinking or poor attentionthat might make it difficult to engage with digital tools.

Ironically, these are the people who may benefit the most from accessible, innovative interventions. If generative AI tools are only suitable for people with strong communication skills and high digital literacy, then their usefulness in clinical populations may be limited.

There's also the possibility of AI "hallucinations"a known flaw that occurs when a chatbot confidently makes things uplike inventing a source, quoting a nonexistent study, or giving an incorrect explanation. In the context of mental health, AI hallucinations aren't just inconvenient, they can be dangerous.

Imagine a chatbot misinterpreting a prompt and validating someone's plan to self-harm, or offering advice that unintentionally reinforces harmful behavior. While the studies on Therabot and ChatGPT included safeguardssuch as clinical oversight and professional input during developmentmany commercial AI mental health tools do not offer the same protections.

That's what makes these early findings both exciting and cautionary. Yes, AI chatbots might offer a low-cost way to support more people at once, but only if we fully address their limitations.

Effective implementation will require more robust research with larger and more diverse populations, greater transparency about how models are trained and constant human oversight to ensure safety. Regulators must also step in to guide the ethical use of AI in clinical settings.

With careful, patient-centered research and strong guardrails in place, generative AI could become a valuable ally in addressing the global mental health crisisbut only if we move forward responsibly.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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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 prosecuteor threaten to prosecutepeople 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 5:45because that's how severe the need is, that's 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 would withhold funding from the Title X Family Planning Program for nine of the group's affiliates.

"We're 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 contextabout 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 countrywith 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.

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 is something that the attorney general might try to prosecute us over," said Robin Marty, WAWC's executive director.

Before the Dobbs decision, WAWC provided 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 even allowed to suggest to someone that they could leave the state to get an abortion, Marty said.

"There is nothing harder than looking into somebody's face when they are in crisis and saying, "I'm sorry, I just can't 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 to 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. "We'll 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.

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A new study from WashU Medicine examines the choices healthy research volunteers make when given the opportunity to learn their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. The researchers found a large discrepancy between the percentage of participants who said they would like to learn their risk if such estimates became available and the percentage who followed through to learn those results when given the actual opportunity. Credit: Sara Moser/WashU Medicine

As researchers make progress in understanding how Alzheimer's disease develops, there are growing opportunities for healthy research participants to learn their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia in the future. While many organizations often advocate for investigators to share risk estimates with individual participants, there are ethical concerns around doing so, given that there are no medical interventions to change that risk.

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examines the choices such healthy research volunteers make when given the opportunity to learn about their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia. The study is published in JAMA Network Open.

The researchers found a large discrepancy between the percentage of participants who said they would like to learn about their risk if such estimates became available and the percentage who followed through to learn those results when given the actual opportunity.

The knowledge could help researchers design studies that offer the option of receiving results in ways that don't pressure participants into making one choice over another. The study also emphasizes the importance of ensuring participants truly want their research results because hypothetical interest does not necessarily translate into wanting to learn one's risk of Alzheimer's disease dementia when it is actually offered.

"In general, there is movement toward giving research participants and patients their test results, even in situations when nothing can be done with those results," said senior author Jessica Mozersky, Ph.D., an assistant professor of medicine at the Bioethics Research Center and an investigator at the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, both at WashU Medicine.

"But our study suggests that in sensitive casessuch as when estimating the risk of developing a debilitating and deadly diseasepeople should have the option to not know."

In recent years, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have recommended that research study designs in general include the option to return test results to participants, even when such results can't be acted on. Similarly, a committee of study participants, their care partners and members of dementia advocacy organizations recently proposed a bill of rights for Alzheimer's disease research participants that advocates for access to such results.

At the same time, ethical concerns remain because of the possibility of causing anxiety and other harm to participants who learn they are at high risk of developing a debilitating and incurable dementia. Unlike preventive options for individuals who learn they are at high genetic risk of certain cancers, for example, there are currently no approved preventive treatments or medical interventions available to stave off Alzheimer's disease dementia.

In a recent study, researchers at WashU Medicine found a large discrepancy between the percentage of participants who said they would like to learn their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia if such estimates became available and the percentage who followed through to learn those results when given the actual opportunity. Credit: Sara Moser/WashU Medicine

To get a clearer picture of who declines Alzheimer's disease dementia risk results and why, Mozersky and her colleagues turned to long-running research at WashU Medicine's Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center. Since 1979, the Memory & Aging Project has provided a framework to study brain function in participants as they age. Over the decades, the project has evolved and expanded into several long-running studies of the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, including the development of biomarker tests to determine risk.

For the current study, Mozersky's team focused on cognitively normal volunteers who underwent a battery of tests, including genetic tests, blood draws and brain scans, from which researchers could estimate their probability of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia over the following five years.

Participants originally joined the long-term study understanding that they would not have the option to receive their own risk results. Even so, Mozersky said, over the years many have expressed a theoretical interest in learning their results.

The study, co-led with Sarah M. Hartz, MD, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine, offered results to a subset of participants in the Memory & Aging project274 participantsto assess the psychological impact of learning their risk, and the factors they consider when making that decision.

Before deciding, participants received an information guide explaining how risk is estimated and listing some examples of pros and cons of learning their results. For example, on the pro side, some people may learn their risk is lower than they might have expected. And if biomarker test results suggest a participant is at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia over the next five years, they may become eligible to participate in clinical trials of investigational prevention strategies.

On the other hand, knowledge of high risk may cause anxiety or complicate the purchase of some types of insurance.

When the results were theoretical, 81% of people in the larger, long-term research said they would choose to know. In contrast, when real results were offered to the 274 participants in the Memory & Aging Project, only 60% opted to receive them. Participants with a parental history of Alzheimer's disease and participants who self-identified as African American were more likely than others to decline the results.

A sample of participants who declined to learn their results were interviewed afterward, and the most common reasons given included that knowing would be a burden to themselves or their family members, their own negative experiences and perceptions of Alzheimer's disease dementia, that they feel good about their memory currently, that they're already prepared for the disease, and that there is still uncertainty in predictions of disease risk.

"The lack of preventive treatments is also a big factor in declining to receive the results of biomarker tests among people without symptoms of Alzheimer's disease dementia," Mozersky said.

"When we conducted interviews with some participants to better understand their choice not to know, many said that a new effective treatment might change their mind, if it became available."

Because the results are only available through research studies, they are not added to the participant's medical record by the investigators. Still, such results could end up in a patient's medical record if a participant shares them with their doctor.

"We plan to continue our research into the complexities of these questions, especially as returning results to research participants becomes more common, even if those results can't be acted on yet," Mozersky said.

More information: Research participant interest in learning results of biomarker tests for Alzheimer disease, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2919 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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A review by the American College of Physicians (ACP) of performance measures for diabetes found that of the 14 performance measures relevant to internal medicine, only four meet ACP's rigorous standards for appropriate use, high-quality evidence, and scientific acceptability. "Quality Indicators for Diabetes in Adults: A Review of Performance Measures by the American College of Physicians" was published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are prevalent chronic illnesses, are leading causes of mortality and morbidity, and result in substantial public health burden. Timely identification and appropriate management of diabetes can help reduce adverse consequences of diabetes. Several performance measures for diabetes are currently in use in public reporting and accountability programs.

The ACP Performance Measurement Committee (PMC) reviews performance measures using a rigorous process to recognize high-quality measures and address gaps and areas for improvement. ACP embraces performance measurement as a means to improve quality of care but believes that a performance measure must be methodologically sound and evidence-based in order to be considered for inclusion in payment, accountability, or reporting programs.

The PMC reviewed measures for diabetes screening; glycemic control; and monitoring comorbidities. In the paper, ACP supports kidney health evaluation, HbA1c control, eye examination, and ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy.

ACP also developed a new performance measure concept with a goal of increasing prescription rates for patients eligible for newer pharmacologic agents. Together, these recommendations aim to encourage implementers and developers to establish and test performance measures that will lead to improvement in health outcomes for patients with diabetes.

"Performance measurement is a means by which we look to improve the quality of care for our patients as internal medicine physicians," said Jason M. Goldman, President, ACP. "This review will prove valuable to practicing physicians and the medical community, as measures that provide minimal or no value to patient care, add an administrative burden to practices and systems of collecting and reporting data. Our time can be better spent on meaningful measures that help our patients."

In 2024, ACP published a clinical guideline, "Newer Pharmacologic Treatments in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians," to provide clinical recommendations on the topic.

More information: Amir Qaseem et al, Quality Indicators for Diabetes in Adults: A Review of Performance Measures by the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-03770 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine
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Los Angeles County has declared a community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A, a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to lasting liver damage or even death.

Although cases of hepatitis A are nothing new in the region, health officials are now expressing alarm both at the prevalence of the disease and who is becoming infected.

The total of 165 cases recorded in 2024 was triple the number seen the year before, and the highest in the county in at least a decade, officials say. Seven deaths have been linked to the now-13-month-old outbreak.

Historically, hepatitis A infections in L.A. County have largely been identified in homeless people, as limited access to toilets and handwashing facilities can help the disease spread more easily, county health officials say. But this year, most infections have been reported among people who aren't homeless, and who haven't recently traveled or used illicit drugs, which are other common risk factors.

"The ongoing increase in hepatitis A cases signals that quick action is needed to protect public health," Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County health officer said in a statement, urging people to get vaccinated against the disease.

Over the first three months of this year, 29 cases have been reported, double the total seen during the comparable period last year.

The highly contagious virus is found in the stool and blood of infected people, and can be contracted by unknowingly ingesting contaminated food and drink. Using drugs with, caring for or having sexual contact with an infected person are also common means of infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of confirmed cases in L.A. County is almost certainly an understatement of the disease's true prevalence, as infections can go undiagnosed. Even so, this outbreak already far surpasses what had been L.A. County's most significant hepatitis A outbreak in the last decade, when 87 confirmed cases were reported in 2017.

"We definitely think that the outbreak is bigger than the numbers imply," said Dr. Sharon Balter, director of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention in L.A. County. Balter urged health care providers to test for hepatitis A if they think a patient's symptoms are consistent with the disease.

The outbreak has also started to make itself apparent in L.A. County wastewater data, Balter said. Officials had been hopeful that a decline in viral levels in late 2024 suggested the outbreak was easing, but they have started to increase yet again.

Wastewater surveillance gives a better idea of the true scale of hepatitis A's presence in the community, Balter said, because "many people may not present for care when they're infected"either because they're asymptomatic or they don't have access to health care.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine. Among adults, infection usually results in symptoms, with jaundice occurring in more than 70% of patients, according to the CDC. Among children younger than 6, about 70% of infections are asymptomatic.

Most people will fully recover from the disease, "but it can occasionally result in liver failure and death," Balter said.

Genetic analysis indicates the strain identified in this outbreak has primarily been found in L.A. County, said Dr. Prabhu Gounder, medical director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health's viral hepatitis unit. A few cases linked to this strain have also been confirmed in Orange and San Bernardino counties.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis A, which was recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for young children starting in 1996 in areas with the highest rates of disease, and then in 2006 for all children.

"The vaccine is very effective," Gounder said.

The CDC recommends all children be vaccinated for hepatitis A at age 1 or 2. The shots are administered as a two-dose schedule, given at least six months apart. Older children and adults can also get vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A has never been required as a condition of entry to California's kindergartens or child-care centers, however.

"This does mean that there's a large cohort of adults who may not have been vaccinated," Balter said.

Because of the outbreak, the L.A. County Department of Public Health strongly encourages hepatitis A vaccinations for:

Any L.A. County resident who has not previously been vaccinated and is seeking protection

People experiencing homelessness

People using drugs, including non-injection drugs

"It's a very safe, very effective vaccine. You can get it through your [health care] provider, or you can just go to a pharmacy," Balter said. Millions of hepatitis A vaccination doses have been given since the 1990s, the CDC says.

People experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs "should especially get the vaccine," Balter said.

If you don't know whether you've been vaccinated, it's still safe to geteven if it means possibly being vaccinated again.

"You should just go and get vaccinated if you're not sure," Balter said.

If you've already had both vaccine doses, there is no need to get additional shots, with some exceptions. A bone marrow transplant patient may need to get re-vaccinated, for instance.

Another way to protect yourself is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or before preparing and eating food, Balter said.

"If you're going to use hand sanitizer, really, we're looking for hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol or more, and a lot of hand sanitizers don't," Balter said, noting that lower-alcohol options don't always eliminate the virus.

It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 days between exposure and illness, according to the CDC. Mild hepatitis A illness can last one to two weeks, but severely disabling illness can last several months. About 10% to 15% of infected people "have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over six to nine months," the CDC said.

Because of the lengthy incubation time, "we really have to get ahead of this," Gounder said. "Right now, what we're seeing [are cases resulting from] exposure that happened seven weeks ago."

Hepatitis A can also be challenging to diagnose because early symptoms might be mistaken for gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, Gounder said. More apparent signs of infection, such as yellow eyes, may emerge laterbut possibly only after a test for the virus starts showing as negative.

Diseases similar to hepatitis A have been described in records since ancient times, but the virus was isolated only in the 1970s. Hepatitis A was far more common before a highly effective vaccine was licensed for use in the U.S. in 1995.

Hepatitis A case rates fell by 95.5% from 1996 to 2011, according to the CDC, but a resurgence was recorded starting in 2016 "due to widespread outbreaks among persons reporting drug use and homelessness."

One area that saw substantial spread of the disease was San Diego County, which recorded 20 deaths and 592 cases during an outbreak that started in 2016 and ended in 2018.

The 2017 hepatitis A outbreak in L.A. County "ended with a tremendous effort" by public health officials to provide the vaccine to people who couldn't get it themselves and to increase public awareness of the disease, Balter said.

Of the 165 hepatitis A cases in L.A. County last year, most were among adults, officials said. "These are people who probably did not get vaccinated previously, and for whatever reason, weren't exposed when they were children," Balter said.

Detecting the scope of the current outbreak through wastewater data has been valuable, officials say. Federal budget cutbacks, however, could affect such services in the future.

"Absolutely, we're concerned about the impact of [reduced federal] funding on our ability to protect L.A. County from things like hepatitis A outbreaks," Balter said.

A recently released federal budget proposal would significantly cut or eliminate a number of grantssuch as those for epidemiology laboratory capacity and hospital preparedness, Balter said.

"These would really impact our ability to track an illness and, especially, to respond to it. So we are definitely very concerned about that," Balter said.

Another worry is the threat of reduced funding for vaccines. If funds are cut, "we will lose a substantial source of free vaccines that we need to increase immunity, which is ultimately what needs to happen to stop this outbreak," Gounder said.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Unadjusted rates of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) initiation among Medicaid patients with emergency department (ED) visits for opioid overdose, by racial and ethnic group, United States, 201620. Credit: Health Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00984

Medications proven to effectively treat opioid addiction are rarely given after emergency department visits for overdose, and who gets them varies, sometimes greatly, depending on race, ethnicity or geography, University of Michigan researchers say.

In their study analyzing 100% of Medicaid claims from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., between 2016 and 2020, the researchers found that a mere 6% of patients being treated for overdoses, or about 1 in 16, started treatment with any of the three medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD, within 30 days of leaving the hospital.

"The emergency department offers a critical window of time to initiate MOUD. It's critical because we know that patients who are discharged from the ED after a nonfatal opioid overdose are at increased risk of experiencing a fatal overdose within the next 12 months," said Thuy Nguyen, assistant professor of health management and policy at the U-M School of Public Health and founder and director of the Michigan-Substance Use Policy and Economic Research Network.

According to the study published in Health Affairs, the most stark difference in treatment was seen in race with 7.3% of white patients receiving medication to begin treatment for opioid use disorder compared to 4.3% of Black patients, 5.2% of Asian patients, 5.4% of American Indian and Alaska Native patients and 4.9% of Hispanic patients. The study was based on a sample of 249,735 emergency department visits involving 214,101 patients aged 1564 years old.

The study also broke down differences in which specific drugs were prescribed, buprenorphine, methadone or extended-release naltrexone, within 30 days of discharge from emergency department visits for overdose and also sorted patient demographics by geography and race/ethnicity.

Among the 249,735 visits used in the study, 69% were for white patients, 17.7% were for Black patients, 10% were for Hispanic patients, 2.1% were for American Indian and Alaska Native patients, 0.6% were for Asian patients and 0.5% were for patients of another race. Of the visits, 4.7% were associated with claims for buprenorphine, 1% with methadone claims and 0.8% of claims for extended-release naltrexone.

"The gap between Black and white patients got even wider during the study period," Nguyen said. "This is especially worrying because overdose deaths and emergency visits involving opioids have been rising faster among Black patients."

Opioid overdoses, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, took approximately 81,000 lives in the U.S. in 2023, a decrease of about 2,000 deaths from the prior year and the first downturn in all drug overdoses since 2018, according to provisional data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Still, overdose deaths and opioid addiction remain a major public health concern that harms families and friends and also negatively impacts communities and economies by taxing social services, law enforcement agencies and health care systems. Medicaid is the largest payer of substance use disorder treatment in the U.S., covering about 38% of nonelderly adults with opioid use disorder as of 2019.

"There are many reasons for the low rate of initiating MOUD in the ED, including stigma toward opioid addiction, lack of clinician education on the management of this condition, and lack of time," Nguyen said. "It is possible that race and ethnicity are proxies for some of these factors, leading to the differences in MOUD initiation rates that we report in this study."

Geographically, the U.S. Northeast had the most patients who had been treated for overdose at 8.6%. In the Midwest, the rate was 6.5% compared to 5.5% in the South and 5% in the West, where the disparity in treatment between Black and white patients was lowest.

When looking at rural vs. urban patients, the differences were not substantial.

Nguyen and colleagues urge health care providers to use the study to tailor care around the needs and disparities that affect different patients.

Increasing the initiation of opioid addiction medications in the emergency department could also benefit hospitals by preventing patients, many of whom have no primary care doctor, from returning to the ED for another overdose, thus reducing the strain on an already overwhelmed system.

"Intervening at the time of the overdose emergency is beneficial for everyone, in many ways," Nguyen said. "It's also important to note the patient role, adherence, and other barriers to MOUD access after discharge."

More information: Thuy Nguyen et al, Medicaid Patients With ED Visits For Overdose: Disparities In Initiation Of Medications For Opioid Use Disorder, Health Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00984 Journal information: Health Affairs
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Each year, more than 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally from petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels. Only 9% of this plastic is recycled and 19% is incinerated; 72% goes to landfills, other dumpsites or ends up in our environment.

These plastics degrade into smaller and smaller pieces through exposure to sunlight, wind or waves, eventually becoming microplastics or even smaller nanoplastics.

What are nanoplastics?

Microplastics are plastic pieces or fibers less than 5 millimeters in sizesmaller than a pencil eraser. As they degrade further, they become nanoplastics, which measure less than 1 micrometer1/1,000 of a millimeter. Nanoplastics behave very differently from larger fragments of plastic because they are so tiny, have relatively large surface areas and are more reactive.

They cannot easily be observed, characterized or quantified. However, we do know that over 1,500 species, including humans, ingest these plastics. Nanoplastics have also been found in oceans, rivers, the Alps, Antarctic ice, foods and in bottled and tap water.

Nanoplastics in bottled water

A 2024 study by Columbia University scientists revealed that a liter of bottled water (they tested three brands they did not identify) contained between 110,000 and 370,000 particles, 90% of which were nanoplastics; the rest were microplastics. The study's co-author, Beizhan Yan, an environmental chemist at Columbia Climate School's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, said, "Previously, this was just a dark, uncharted area. Toxicity studies were just guessing what's in there."

But for this study, a new method called Raman scattering microscopy, developed by study co-authors Wei Min and chemistry graduate student Naixin Qian, hit plastic particles with laser beams, enabling the scientists to analyze their chemical structure and identify specific nanoplastics. Seven common plastics were recognized, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which water bottles are made of, and polyamide (PA), which is used to filter water before it is bottled.

Most of the nanoplastics appear to come from the bottle itself as well as from the reverse osmosis membrane filter used to purify the water before it is bottled. Other studies indicate that PET plastic particles can come from opening and closing the bottle cap, crushing the bottle or exposing it to heat, for example, in a car.

Nanoplastics in tap water

Tap water also contains nanoplastics, as microplastics and nanoplastics are not completely removed by wastewater and drinking water treatment plants. Microfilters used in water treatment are effective at removing larger microplastics from raw water, but studies have shown that particles 120 micrometers in size remain after water is treated.

Reverse osmosis, which uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, is used in many municipal water treatment systems, as well as in desalinization systems, to remove pollutants and other impurities in a third or fourth stage of treatment.

But reverse osmosis membranes degrade over time, releasing micro- and nanoplastics into the water. While one study found that reverse osmosis combined with other processes removed 93-98% of microplastics, nanoplastics have still been found in water after treatment.

The water distribution system itselfpipes, pumps and valves, especially old and worn onescan also be a source of microplastics and nanoplastics through the corrosion of pipes and fittings. Pipes in drinking water distribution systems or households are often made of polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene or cast iron with PA fittings used to connect pipes in plumbing systems.

Where do nanoplastics originate?

Since tires and laundry wastewater have been identified as significant sources of microplastics, they are also likely the main sources of nanoplastics. It's estimated that 30% of a tire's weight is emitted into the environment from friction and braking.

Up to 279,972 metric tons of acrylic, nylon and polyester microfibers come from the washing of synthetic materials and laundry wastewater around the world, of which about half makes its way into rivers, lakes or oceans. Yan and his Lamont colleague Joaquim Goes are working on ways to remove nanoplastics from laundry wastewater. Wastewater treatment plants and stormwater systems are major sources of nanoplastics that enter surface waters.

Microplastics are also found in sludge, a byproduct of the water treatment process. These accumulate from the PA and polyester in membranes, and polyacrylamide used during water treatment to facilitate the clumping of particles to make them easier to remove, and from the microplastics that remain from the original raw water. After sludge is treated to break down the organic matter within, it is often used as fertilizer or sent to landfills, and thus nanoplastics enter the soil.

How are humans exposed to nanoplastics?

We humans are exposed to nanoplastics throughout our lives, and because of the size of these particles, they can migrate through our bodies, penetrating tissues and cells. Their effects are not fully understood, because analytical techniques are not developed enough to quantify nanoplastics in the environment or in our bodies.

Most studies about the impact of nanoplastics on health have been conducted on animals or in cell cultures. And most have exposed organisms to very high concentrations of nanoplastics, not reflective of real-world environmental conditions. While the findings are worrisome, scientists do not yet know what effects real exposure levels might be having on human health, and therefore there are no established safe levels for micro- or nanoplastics in the body.

We are exposed to nanoplastics through what we eat. Nanoplastics in the ocean are consumed by microscopic organisms like plankton and algae; these organisms are eaten by small fish, which are then consumed by larger fish. As nanoplastics accumulate in these organisms, the tiny particles make their way up the food chain to humans. Human beings ingest nanoplastics in seafood, salt, chewing gum and many other foods, and through eating plants grown in soil and drinking water contaminated with nanoplastics.

We also breathe in nanoplastics. Car tires produce nanoplastics that enter the air around streets. Industrial plants that produce plastic emit aerosolized nanoplastics that enter the atmosphere, and eventually rain and water.

We are exposed through our skin by taking showers with water that carries nanoplastics, or using personal care products and cosmetics that contain nanoplastics.

Naixin Qian asserts, however, that humans are most directly exposed to nanoplastics through medical procedures. So far, this is an area that has not gotten much attention, but she and colleagues who are now researching this believe there is real urgency about exposure to nanoplastics in medical settings.

"If you go to the hospital and have an IV injection of a drug, that process actually delivers whatever plastic was in the liquid directly into your body," she said. "That is a much more dangerous process than, say, drinking bottled water. We know the package of the bag can introduce additional plasticizers, also in the form of nanoparticles, into the blood stream. And by imaging mice as a model, we see that the [nano]particles get distributed across the entire body to all varieties of organs."

Health care depends on single-use plastics. For example, blood is collected in plastic bags for blood infusions. Dialysis involves plastic tubing and membranes for the entire dialysis process. Moreover, dialysis patients must have these procedures repeatedly.

"How many of those processes can introduce micro- and nanoplastics to the patients?" Qian asked. "And more importantly, these people already have bad health or an impaired immune system. So the toxicity implications from the nanoplastics are only going to be more significant and dangerous for them."

Impacts on human health

Ingested nanoplastics can affect the microbiome , potentially leading to the development of inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Studies have shown that nanoplastics in the intestines also penetrate the intestinal barrier to enter the blood stream. The circulatory system can then carry nanoplastics to the neurological, musculoskeletal, reproductive and endocrine systems.

According to studies of fish, nanoplastics caused an impaired heart rate, thrombosis, damage to the vascular structure, hormone changes, reduced immunity and altered blood biochemistry. A 2024 study analyzed the plaque buildup removed from patients who had narrowing of the carotid arteries for micro- and nanoplastics. They found that 34 months later, patients with micro- and nanoplastics in their carotid artery plaque had a higher risk of heart attacks, stroke or death from any cause than patients in whom no plastic particles had been detected.

Research also shows that nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause brain damage in fish. Mice fed nanoplastics showed a decline in cognitive function and short-term memory. One recent study analyzed the brains of people who had recently died and discovered 50% more plastic in them than brain samples from 2016.

The scientists also found that the brains of people with dementia contained far more nanoplastic in them than people without it, but they were not sure if this was because their brains had a less robust blood-brain barrier.

Nanoplastics have also been found in the placenta, potentially causing harm to the developing fetus, as well as in testes, semen and breast milk.

Inhaled nanoplastics can affect the respiratory tract, leading to chronic inflammation of the lungs, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and increased risk of lung cancer.

Research has shown that almost every cell type in the body is affected if it comes into contact with nanoplastics, and generally, the interaction results in inflammation, which can cause other problems. However, scientists still do not understand the underlying mechanisms for these effects.

In addition to the impacts from the nanoplastic particles themselves, because of their large surface area, they can transport toxic chemicals such as the PCBs, dioxins, DDT, PAH, BPA and phthalates used in the manufacturing of plastic. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic or endocrine disrupters. A new study has linked 356,238 deaths globally from cardiovascular disease to the phthalates typically used in personal care products, packaging and food containers.

Solutions to nanoplastic pollution

Researchers are trying to develop better technologies to remove nanoplastics from water. Physical methods include filtration using new membrane materials, and adsorption with various materials that can bind to pollutants and remove them from liquids. Magnetic particles are being developed that can be altered to attract nanoplastics and allow them to be removed by a magnetic field.

Electrochemical techniques apply electricity that enables certain materials to identify, separate and attract nanoplastics or break them into smaller, less harmful pieces. Biodegradable polymers that decompose into natural substances aided by microorganisms are being used to attract and bind to nanoplastics, allowing them to be easily removed.

Scientists at the University of Missouri developed a new nontoxic chemical solvent that captured nanoplastics from water, then rose back to the top, allowing for easy removal of 98% of the nanoplastics from both fresh and salt water in the lab.

Chinese researchers have experimented with boiling water and then filtering out the nanoplastics, removing up to 90% of them. Qian said she herself boils her water before drinking it.

"Nanoplastics tend to aggregate and form larger particles at higher temperatures. By boiling the water, you can make small nanoparticles aggregate into larger, micro particles, thousands of them into one. That reduces their toxicity implications, because their larger size reduces their ability to cross the biological barrier and get into your cells," she said.

These removal techniques have shown promise in the lab, but more research is needed to see if they can be scaled up, and to determine their impact on the environment.

Qian believes it's also important to explore new materials to replace plastics and hopes to pursue post-graduate research in this area.

"There is a good chance we can build materials that will have friendly interactions with biological systems," she said. "There should be a way we can learn from nature and come up with solutions that are friendly to our health."

Right now, however, she hopes that the potential peril of micro- and nanoplastics in the medical area will be more widely acknowledged and that measures will be taken to address it.

"It's going to need collaborative efforts from the whole society, with manufacturing to reduce the exposure of micro- and nanoplastics in their products, agencies to impose regulations on products, and researchers from all different areasmaterial science, biology and chemistryto understand their toxicity and provide alternatives to adopt," she said.

How to reduce your exposure to nanoplastics

Avoid:

Bottled water

Processed foods; their production and packaging convey nanoplastics

Dishwasher or laundry pods

Washing plastic products in hot water and microwaving plastics

Single-use plastics, such as cutlery or cups

Plastic wrap and packaging

Cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads, and silicone-based polymers used as thickeners; use bar soap and shampoo bars

Clothes made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or spandex; choose natural fibers like cotton, wool or linen instead

Do:

Buy and store products in glass if possible

Filter your tap water or boil it before drinking.

Opt for loose leaf teas; many tea bags shed nanoplastics

Reduce seafood consumption

Eat deeply colored fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in them reduce microplastic-induced inflammation

Be aware of plastics in medical procedures and avoid them if at all possible

Provided by State of the Planet

This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu.
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Credit: Matthias Zomer from Pexels

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has published a new paper addressing the challenges and ethical implications of current long-term care services and business models, calling for more research into meeting vulnerable patient interests and scrutiny into the business practices. "Optimizing Ethical Care, Quality, and Safety in Long-Term Services and Supports: A Position Paper from the American College of Physicians" was published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Long-term care encompasses a wide variety of facilities and services for individuals who can no longer independently care for themselves due to cognitive decline, functional limitations, chronic illness, or the consequences of such conditions. These services are delivered in institutional and non-institutional settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home and community-based programs, and hospice.

Eight million people receive long-term care services, but despite its prevalence, the substantial challenges that the long-term care system in the United States faces has received limited attention. With 90% of current nursing home residents aged 65 or older, and the U.S. population of persons older than 65 years expected to double by 2030, addressing these challenges has become urgent.

Facilities grapple with inadequate staffing, and the complexity of systems and business models has resulted in inconsistent regulations and oversight. The majority of individuals receiving long-term care have Medicaid or Medicare as their primary payer, but growing budget pressure on states and the federal government may further limit continued coverage.

The COVID-19 pandemic "lifted the veil" over systemic issues in long-term care, exposing U.S. financing, delivery, and regulation of nursing home care as "ineffective, inefficient, fragmented, and unsustainable," per a 2022 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine cited in the paper.

Because of inadequate infection control in care facilities such as nursing homes, and the undervaluing and misrepresentation of their residents, COVID-19 related deaths resulted in a 13% decrease in the total number of nursing home residents nationally.

Quality of care is inconsistent across long-term care business models, and can fluctuate among for-profit, nonprofit, government-owned, and private-equity-owned. The latter business model is linked to higher rates of hospitalization, practices that can endanger residents, and reduced staffing levels of registered nurses. Such models can put profits before patient well-being, leaving a vulnerable population at risk.

The paper, developed by ACP's Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights Committee, outlines four positions from an ethical, patient-centered perspective.

Long-term care professionals and facilities, its associated legislative policy, and business practices should incentivize and promote ethical evidence-based use of resources. This approach should optimize care quality and plans, patient preferences, and decision-making while prioritizing the safety of persons across lifespans residing in various settings in the community. Long-term care professionals and facilities must respect the dignity, autonomy, and uniqueness of each individual and they have an ethical duty to do so. Individuals receiving long-term care can be vulnerable because of cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and a limited social support network, and may lack advocates to speak on their behalf. Care should be patient-centered, not institution-centered, and tailored to individual needs rather than organizational efficiency or profit. Long-term care professionals and facilities must prioritize health equity in long-term care and undergo efforts to improve access to care and overcome stereotypes and prejudice based on race, ethnicity, age, and income. Ageism has a significant influence on long-term care. ACP recommends improved education of health care professionals and the public about the value of older adults in our society and the harms of prejudice against them. Patients and families have the right to hold responsible parties accountable for the quality of long-term care, and this requires increased transparency and accountability. Information about those with a stake in management, operations or facility of long-term care should be readily accessible and easily interpretable so patients and families can evaluate quality, standards of care, and potential competing interests.

"A physician's ethical responsibility to the well-being of their patient extends throughout the patient's lifetime. For many older adults who depend on long-term care, it is more important than ever that their interests and their health be prioritized, even if they have no way to advocate for themselves," said Jason M. Goldman, M.D., FACP, President, ACP.

"ACP believes that an ethical, evidence-based and collaborative approach is the way to improve long-term care and create a compassionate, equitable system. Collaboration among health care systems, policymakers, owners and operators of long-term care facilities, and caregivers can ensure individuals receive safe, quality care across their lifespan."

More information: Mark Aaron Unruh et al, Optimizing Ethical Care, Quality, and Safety in Long-Term Services and Supports: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-03641 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine
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This 2009 electron microscope image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a large group of Gram-negative Salmonella typhimurium bacteria that had been isolated from a pure culture. Credit: Janice Haney Carr/CDC via AP, File

A new salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry has sickened at least seven people in six states, health officials said Monday.

Two cases were identified in Missouri, and one each in Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

People got sick in February and March of this year, the CDC said. They all had the same strain of salmonellaa version that has been traced to hatcheries in the past. The investigation is continuing, health officials said.

Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year, and recent outbreaks have been tied to sources such as cucumbers, eggs, unpasteurized milk, fresh basil, geckos and pet bearded dragons.

But one concern is that chickens and other backyard poultry can carry salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean. A backyard poultry-associated outbreak that ended last year was tied to 470 cases spread across 48 states, including one death.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Helen Xiao, Ph.D., (front) and Ruben Mars, Ph.D., work in an anaerobic chamber workstation, used to create an oxygen-free environment, in the Microbiomics Program laboratory at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine, October 9, 2024. Credit: Mayo Clinic

At Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine, scientists are investigating stool samples to uncover new insights into cancer treatment. Often seen as waste, stool may provide valuable information about the microbiomea complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses in the gut.

Growing evidence shows the microbiome plays a significant role in health, including how the body responds to diseases like cancer and how it influences treatment outcomes.

A key part of the team's research is the oncobiome project, which includes a large collection of stool samples from cancer patients across Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. These samples, collected before patients began treatment, are helping researchers identify microbial patterns that predict how well a patient will respond to treatments, and potentially pave the way for more personalized cancer care strategies.

What sets the oncobiome project apart is its strategic design, which bridges research and clinical practice. This approach makes it easier to translate scientific discoveries into personalized treatments for cancer patients.

"Ultimately, we hope to individualize treatment plans that provide the right drug at the right time based on a person's unique microbiome and genetics," says Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S., the Bernard and Edith Waterman Director of the Mayo Clinic Microbiomics Program.

At the heart of the project is the collection and analysis of more than 2,000 stool samples. This extensive biobank allows Dr. Kashyap and his team to examine whether the microbiome composition correlates with specific types of cancer. They also are investigating whether the microbiome can predict the likelihood of event-free survival for patients with cancers such as lymphoma who are undergoing various treatments.

Credit: Mayo Clinic

Additionally, the project explores whether enzymes and metabolites produced by the gut microbiome can offer insights into how patients will respond to cancer immunotherapies and help identify potential adverse reactions.

"We included a diverse group of patients at various stages of different cancers and undergoing various treatments. This allows us to identify microbial patterns that forecast optimal cancer outcomes, independent of the underlying cancer," Dr. Kashyap says.

Beyond personalizing cancer care, the team is integrating additional "omics" to gain deeper insights into patients' genetics, environment and immune status. This includes genomics (the study of genes), proteomics (proteins), exposomics (environmental exposures), metabolomics (metabolic processes) and transcriptomics (RNA transcripts).

Ruben Mars, Ph.D., a research scientist at the Center for Individualized Medicine, is playing a key role in leading several studies within the oncobiome project to understand the impact of microbes on cancer risk, treatment efficacy and the underlying mechanisms of any treatment side effects.

"Although a diverse and balanced gut microbiome is widely recognized as beneficial for our health, pinpointing specific microbial changes that enhance treatment outcomes remains challenging," Dr. Mars says. "Through the oncobiome project, we're optimistic about developing innovative methods to manipulate the microbiome and ultimately improve cancer care for patients."

This research is part of a broader series of the team's investigations into the microbiome. Their recent published studies focus on the microbiome's role in gut-brain disorders, including how bacteria affect intestinal functions like motility. Other published work examines C. difficile infections, exploring how the bacteria persist in the intestine.

Mayo's microbiome scientists are also studying the impact of the gut microbiome on the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and patients' response to treatment. In another study, the team linked a specific microbe, Porphyromonas somerae, to endometrial cancer, finding its intracellular activity may play a pathogenic role in the disease.
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US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks alongside (L-R) Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary, Director of the National Institutes of Health Jayanta Bhattachary, President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered new limitations on a form of biological research his administration says caused the COVID-19 pandemic through a lab leak in China.

The United States will halt funding in certain countries for so-called "gain-of-function" experimentsaimed at enhancing the properties of pathogensaccording to an executive order Trump signed Monday at the White House.

"There's no laboratory that's immune from leaksand this is going to prevent inadvertent leaks from happening in the future and endangering humanity," Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote on X.

"Any nation that engages in this research endangers their own population, as well as the world, as we saw during the COVID pandemic," added Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health.

Trump has long championed the theory that SARS-CoV-2 leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology as a result of gain-of-function researchan alternative to the theory that the virus spilled over naturally from wild animals to humans at a seafood market in the same city.

The US government website COVID.gov, which previously focused on promoting vaccine and testing information, is now devoted to highlighting arguments that favor the lab leak.

Several US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Energy, and, most recently, the Central Intelligence Agency which shifted its stance under Trump's second termnow lean toward a lab origin. Several other intelligence agencies favor natural spillover.

During the 2010s, the National Institutes of Health funded bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute via the US-based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliancea grant axed by Trump in 2020 during his first term, but later partially restored under President Joe Biden.

Complicating matters, former top infectious disease official Anthony Fauci has maintained that the work in Wuhan did not meet the federal definition of gain-of-function, though some virologists and US officials have disputed that claim.

Trump's order names China as an example of a "country of concern" where such research should not be supported.

The order also seeks to end funding for other types of life sciences research in countries deemed to lack sufficient oversight, significantly broadening the types of foreign research that could be targeted.

It further calls for the development of a strategy to "govern, limit, and track dangerous gain-of-function research across the United States that occurs without federal funding"though the extent of the government's control over non-federal research is unclear, and the order also calls for new legislation to fill any gaps.

Trump's executive order comes amid broader efforts by his administration to reshape American science and health policy, including mass firings to government scientists and steep slashes to research budgets.

 2025 AFP
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A patient receives a dental procedure at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, a clinic serving low-income Utah residents, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum

With Utah's first-in-the-nation ban on fluoride in public drinking water set to take effect Wednesday, dentists who treat children and low-income patients say they're bracing for an increase in tooth decay among the state's most vulnerable people.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed the law against the recommendation of many dentists and national health experts who warn removing fluoride will harm tooth development, especially in young patients without regular access to dental care.

Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride under a bill that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday he would sign soon. The Ohio and South Carolina legislatures are considering similar measures.

Supporters of states' efforts to ban fluoride said they did not dispute that it could have some benefits but thought people should not be given it by the government without their informed consent.

"It really shouldn't be forced on people," DeSantis said.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has applauded Utah for being the first state to enact a ban and said he plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation nationwide.

Many patients not in the know

A majority of Utah water systems already did not add fluoride. The state ranked 44th in the nation for the percentage of residents receiving fluoridated water, with about 2 in 5 receiving it in 2022, according to CDC data. The law will impact about 1.6 million people in Salt Lake City and elsewhere in northern Utah who are losing fluoridation, state officials say.

Dissected human teeth are displayed in the office of dentist Dr. James Bekker, April 30, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum

Dentists in Salt Lake City over the past week said many patients were unaware of the upcoming ban, and most did not realize the city had been adding fluoride to their drinking water for nearly two decades.

"I did not know about a ban," said Noe Figueroa, a patient at Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, a clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income residents. "Well, that's not good. I don't think that's good at all."

At Donated Dental, providers expect their monthslong waitlist for children's procedures to grow significantly and their need for volunteer dentists to skyrocket. The effects of the ban in children's teeth will likely be visible within the next year, said Sasha Harvey, the clinic's executive director.

"Fluoridated water is the great equalizer," Harvey said. "It really benefits everybody, regardless of your age, gender, your ethnicity, your education level, your income levelit helps everyone."

A public health achievement under scrutiny

The fluoridation process involves supplementing the low levels of fluoride that occur naturally in most water to reach the 0.7 milligrams per liter recommended by the CDC for cavity prevention. Water treatment plants dump fluoride into the water in liquid or powder form and often use dosing pumps to adjust the levels.

Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population receives fluoridated drinking water, according to health officials. It was long considered among the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

Sasha Harvey, executive director of Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, stands in her clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income patients, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum

Fluoride fortifies teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC. It's especially important to children whose teeth are still developing. For some low-income families, public drinking water containing fluoride may be their only source of preventative dental care.

Some supporters of the Utah law pointed to studies linking high levels of fluoride exposure to illness and low IQ in kids. The National Institutes of Health says it's "virtually impossible" to get a toxic dose from fluoride added to water or toothpaste at standard levels.

Elaine Oaks, a Bountiful resident and trustee of her local water district, said it's not the role of government to decide that the entire population should receive fluoride in their drinking water. Individuals and parents should be able to make that decision for themselves, she said.

Before signing the bill, Cox said there is no difference in health outcomes between communities with and without fluoridea statement Utah dentists say is false.

"Any dentist can look in someone's mouth in Utah and tell exactly where they grew up. Did you grow up in a fluoridated area or a non-fluoridated area? We can tell by the level of decay," said Dr. James Bekker, a pediatric dentist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Barriers to fluoride supplements

The law shifts responsibility to individuals, meaning all Utah residents will need to be proactive about their oral health, Harvey said. Most patients at her clinic only come in when a toothache becomes unbearable, and many cannot spare the few dollars a month needed to buy fluoride supplements to add to their drinking water at home.

Fluoride varnish, a topical form of fluoride typically administered by dentists, is seen Monday, May, 5, 2025, at the Salt Lake Donated Dental Services clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum

Figueroa, the free dental clinic patient, said other expenses take priority.

Fluoride toothpaste alone is insufficient for children because it doesn't penetrate the tooth's outer layer, Bekker said. When a person regularly ingests fluoridated water, their saliva bathes the teeth in fluoride throughout the day and makes them stronger.

Bekker said he recommends Utah parents add fluoride supplements to their children's drinking water. But for families who don't visit doctors regularly, that may prove difficult.

Fluoride tablets require a prescription from a doctor or dentist. Utah providers are working to make the supplement accessible over the counter, but Bekker said that change may be months or years away.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
On 29 April 2025, the Supreme Court of India (SC), issued a landmark order directing the central bureau of investigation (CBI) to register seven preliminary enquiries and set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe, what it termed as, an unholy nexus between lenders and real estate developers. The probe spans major urban centres including the National Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chandigarh (Read: Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe in Builder-bank Nexus in Supertech Projects across NCR ).

This order, delivered by justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, is part of a broader judicial assertiveness. Another ruling in the same week cancelled Jindal Steels acquisition of Bhushan Steel under Indias insolvency code. Both orders, taken together, may well trigger regulatory reform across banking, real estate and insolvency resolution.

The initial focus of the 29th April order is Supertech Ltd, a developer notorious for its now-demolished 40-storey twin towers in Noida. The towers were razed in 2022 after a decade-long legal battle following a 2014 ruling by the Allahabad High Court ordering demolition. Though the demolition was widely televised, it was more of a spectacle than a deterrent. Supertech declared bankruptcy shortly after and continues to have over 21 projects in six cities, financed by 19 financial institutionsaffecting thousands of home-buyers.

In 2022, when the Supertech twin-towers at Noida were demolished, I wrote that the wildly expensive demolition would not deter wrongdoers since it did nothing to nail those who facilitated the brazen actions of the realty group by granting illegal permissions and financing the ongoing construction and then went on to ignore home buyers complaints. I also said, For far too long, bankers and lenders have gotten away by colluding with over-leveraged realty companies breaking the rules. They have not only failed in their fiduciary duties but have ruthlessly tried to use the law to make scapegoats out of home-buyers. As secured creditors, they also head the queue during the insolvency resolution process. This time, the SCs focus is precisely on the unholy nexus between builders, lenders and, of course, government officials, to facilitate the abuse of rules, through a court-monitored investigation. Here is a quick summary of issues.

Deciding on a batch of 170 petitions involving over 1,200 houses, the SC has first provided relief to home-buyers by halting recovery certificates being executed against them until further notice. The trap here was the interest subvention scheme under which buyers are persuaded to sign a tripartite agreement (between home-buyer, builder and lenders), where the builder agrees to pay the equated monthly instalments (EMIs) on home loans until the property is handed over. This is a big lure, especially when the builder confidently advertises a specific date on which the completed homes will be handed over.

What has happened is vastly different. Many large developers failed to make payments, complete projects or went bankrupt over the past decade, especially since 2017-18. That is when lenders began to coerce payment from home-buyers. Many have ended up paying substantial amounts for projects that have not even been launched or begun construction. What is worse, lenders had disbursed as much as 70%-80% of the sanctioned loans to developers instead of ensuring milestone-based payments. The SC scathingly observed that Supertech alone had secured loans of nearly Rs5,000 crore since 1998 through tripartite agreements with 19 financial institutions. This clearly smacks of collusion and violation of the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA).

Leading realty experts like advocate Vinod Sampat, who practices in Mumbai, say collusion between builders and bankers is common knowledge and there are plenty of examples of builders having stopped paying EMI within a few months of signing the tripartite deal. He has been warning buyers to be alert to the mischief, ensure that construction is proceeding as documented and file a police complaint at the first sign of failure to comply with statutory and contractual obligations. Why would this order lead to action, when a spectacular demolition made no difference?

First, because the apex court plans to monitor the investigation on a monthly basis which should ensure accountability and seriousness. Second, in addition to forming a SIT, the SC has directed the secretary, union ministry for housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) each to have a senior official designated to assist itthis effectively becomes a multi-disciplinary investigation that has delivered good results in the past. Third, apex courts hearings are widely reported and will have repercussions across the country. They will encourage other affected home-buyers to seek legal recourse and also have an impact on ongoing proceedings filed by buyers in various high courts. It may also create pressure to include more cases in the SIT investigation or lead to fresh investigations into similar cases.

Indias regulatory architecture has struggled to match the scale of real estate malpractice and corruption. RERA promised fast-track dispute resolution and conciliation, but its implementation has been poor and patchyeven in better-governed states. The SC order unequivocally signals that Indias regulators have failed to deliver the protection promised to home-buyers. Hopefully RBI and the government will respond to the Court order, instead of waiting for SCs directions to initiate systemic changes and plug loopholes that permitted a unholy nexus.

Unfortunately, a deep-rooted culture of corruption continues to thrive in this industry. Bribes remain obligatory for building permissions, occupancy certificates and even routine registration of property or rent agreements. Since real estate attracts enormous political money and political actors, as well as proceeds of government corruption, there are multiple forces shielding it from reform.

The SIT investigation, if properly conducted, ought to expose the true extent of corruption in realty deals. Even a cursory look at the spectacular realty sector failures in India highlight the enormity of the problem. Among the large failures have been Unitech Ltd, Jaypee Infratech, Amrapali group, Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL) and Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (belonging to two branches of the Wadhawan family). Then there are innumerable smaller, but trusted, groups that went under or ran into serious financial trouble. A sample list would include DS Kulkarni, ATS Infrastructure, Omaxe, Radius Estates and DB Realty. Each of these has triggered a gruelling battle for home-buyers, often without clear outcomes.
The Morganton Greenway is another step closer to getting the boardwalk behind the River Village shopping center rebuilt.

The Morganton City Council got the ball rolling on the design process for a replacement Monday night, contracting with Morganton-based Arete Engineers for up to $120,730 for design, bid and construction oversight on the project.

The boardwalk was washed out when the area flooded during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Floodwaters caused partial collapses and pushed some parts of the boardwalk to overlap. Council members approved a contract to remove the damaged boardwalk in February, said City Manager Sally Sandy.

Sandy said the engineering firm has a vested interest in doing the work there because its office is in the River Village shopping center.

They are some of the tenants planning to go back and be back there, so this is literally in their back door, Sandy said.

Aretes bid was the lowest responsive, responsible bid submitted to the city for the project.

The city plans to apply for a grant of up to $1 million to help pay for the boardwalks rebuild.

Sandy said the North Carolina Department of Commerce has opened a small business infrastructure program allowing local governments to apply for grants of up to $1 million for projects that would improve access to impacted small businesses who have 150 or fewer employees.

She said she thinks the boardwalk would be a perfect example because of the number of small businesses in River Village that would be impacted by its reopening, including the restaurant Town Tavern.

City officials estimate the cost of rebuilding the boardwalk will be somewhere in the $1.5-2 million range, Sandy said. She said the city hopes to get this grant, which does not require a local match, but will seek FEMA reimbursement for any costs for the boardwalk the grant may not cover.

Council gives thumbs down to proposed legislation

Several bills in the states General Assembly were opposed by the council after a vote Monday night.

Wendy Smith, director of development and design for the city, said there are about 120 different bills in the NC legislature pertaining to building and zoning matters, but the three bills the council voted to oppose Monday night would have the most significant impact on the citys ability to do its job.

NC House Bill 765 would reform some development regulations in the state and eliminates elements of site designs the city can regulate, Smith said. Some of those elements include landscaping standards in some instances and how large driveways can be coming off the street. It would set statewide standards for medium density zones, requiring allowing up to four living units per acre in cities with populations smaller than 125,000 people.

A big concern that we have about that is we dont have enough water and sewer capabilities to service four dwelling units per acre throughout the city, but this would say that we cant deny them, Smith said. The intent of the bill is obviously to make housing cheaper for people, but if we cant get sewer there and youve got to put in a $50,000 alternative septic system because youre on such a small lot, youre not really making housing cheaper for people.

Council members would no longer get to review subdivisions, something they can now do only if the council needs to approve new city infrastructure. Instead, those would become administrative approvals, Smith said. The bill would limit staff members and other government officials, including council members, from voting on some matters.

Senate Bill 492 allows single exit stairways in multi-family residential buildings. Smith said fire officials are concerned this could be a safety issue for residents trying to escape a burning building.

People need at least two different ways to get out of a building in case there is a fire, said Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson. You never know where the fires going to start.

Senate Bill 451 would reduce continuing education requirements for certain occupational and professional licensing boards, including building inspectors, engineers, landscape architects and general contractors.

Our building inspectors are telling us we actually need more education every year to keep up with the advances and changes in technology, and were very concerned that general contractors might not have the ability to keep up with those as well, resulting in buildings that maybe are unsafe for our residents, Smith said. Council members unanimously voted to oppose the bills.

I think most people are for affordable housing, but its got to be a good plan, and this doesnt seem to be one, said Councilman Chris Hawkins.

Other actions taken by the council Monday night included:

Assuming an annual share of Salem Fire and Rescues debt proportionate to the amount of land the city annexed from the fire district at its April meeting. The city will be responsible for paying the department about $3,862 annually as required by law. A budget amendment to move $130,000 from the general fund to the Hurricane Helene project fund for continued hurricane recovery expenses. Establishing filing fees for this years city council election. Two seats are up, currently occupied by Wendy Cato and Chris Hawkins. Anyone looking to run for office will pay a $25 filing fee. Permit fees for storm-damaged properties have been waived through Dec. 31. The city has not charged any permit fees related to storm damage since the hurricane, Sandy said.


The Auditor General has exposed a major failure in Kenyas Land Settlement Fund, established over a decade ago to address the nations landlessness crisis. According to the 2024 audit report, the fund has spent a staggering Ksh1.6 billion, yet failed to deliver any meaningful resettlement outcomes.

The Land Settlement Fund, launched in 2012, was intended to purchase and allocate land to displaced and landless Kenyans, but it has fallen short of its core objective. Auditor General Nancy Gathungu highlighted that despite the significant spending, no Kenyan has been resettled on land purchased through the fund.

Despite the substantial expenditure, no Kenyan has been resettled on the land acquired using these funds, Gathungu said. As a result, the objectives for which the parcels were acquired and the expected value for money have not been realized.

The audit findings have spotlighted several land parcels, bought at significant cost, that remain unused and unproductive. One glaring example is the Kisima Njoro property in Nakuru County, a 1,112-acre farm bought in 2012 for Ksh396.9 million to resettle victims of the 2007/08 post-election violence. Twelve years later, no beneficiary has been allocated any land.

At the time of the audit in November 2024, the land had not been surveyed or subdivided, and the beneficiaries had not been settled, Gathungu reported.

This failure extends beyond Nakuru. In Kilifi County, the Mikanjuni Farm, purchased in 2020 for Ksh377 million, stands vacant, despite a verified list of beneficiaries.

Similarly, only a portion of the Mazrui Farm, bought in 2022 for Ksh445.4 million, has been distributed. The Kadza Ndani plot in Mombasa, purchased for Ksh378 million, is also unoccupied, leaving the informal settlers it was meant to house still waiting.

The delays have left thousands of Kenyans, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), squatters, and families living in extreme poverty, trapped in a state of uncertainty. Gathungu emphasized that the continued failure to settle these individuals undermines justice for the displaced and deepens generational poverty within landless communities.

The audit also criticizes the Land Settlement Funds management for neglecting past recommendations and lacking proper accountability. The issues remain unresolved, and management did not provide an explanation for the failure to implement recommendations, the report states.

Moreover, the audit flagged Ksh6.6 billion in outstanding loans, with an additional Ksh5 billion in accrued interest. Gathungu cautioned that the funds management lacks a clear policy for evaluating and managing these accounts.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has urged Kenyans to stop self-medicating with over-the-counter antibiotics, warning that the growing trend is fueling a global health crisis.

Speaking on Sunday, Muthoni expressed deep concern over the widespread misuse of antibiotics, emphasizing that repeated and unprescribed use could lead to antimicrobial resistance. This condition renders antibiotics ineffective, especially when patients need them most.

We are asking members of the public to avoid over-the-counter medication and prescribing drugs for themselves. It is important to note that antibiotic resistance is a reality now, she said.

She encouraged Kenyans to seek treatment at registered health facilities, where qualified professionals can assess symptoms and provide appropriate prescriptions.

We request that members of the public, should you get unwell, please visit a health facility where you will find a skilled healthcare workforce to guide you and prescribe to you the kind of drugs that you require for your body and your ailments, Muthoni advised.

The PS highlighted antimicrobial resistance as a growing global threat, worsened by peoples tendency to medicate themselveseven for the mildest symptoms. She singled out illnesses like the common cold and flu, where many Kenyans bypass doctors and go straight to pharmacies for antibiotics.

Most people are getting minor ailments and rushing to the chemist and prescribing themselves antibiotics, she said. When these drugs stay in the body for too long, they lose effectiveness. The day you truly need them, they wont work.

Muthoni called this behavior a form of drug abuse and stressed the need for Kenyans to rethink their approach to managing illness.

When you have a common cold or the flu, dont rush to buy antibiotics, she warned. Go to the doctor, ask for a proper prescription, and get the right drugs from someone who understands what your body needs.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved charges against four individuals in connection with the murder of Baby Samantha Pendo, while dropping charges against six others after a fresh review of the case files.

Prosecution counsel Vincent Monda informed High Court Judge Margaret Mbugua that the amended charge sheet now lists only four accused persons. Among them is John Chengo Masha, who faces grave charges of murder and crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act.

Your honour, we will be charging only four accused persons in the case, and with us in court is the amended charge sheet ready to charge the four, Monda told the court.

The ODPP told the court it had re-evaluated the case following new findings. In view of the report, the ODPP has reviewed the case and amended the information accordingly, the prosecution stated. However, defence lawyers pointed out that the nature of the amendments has not yet been made public.

The court also heard that Mohammed Baa, the eleventh suspect in the case and a retired police officer, remains at large. According to a report from the National Police Service, officers were unable to trace him at his rural home in Wajir County.

The homestead appeared deserted, with no visible signs of human movement, the police reported to the court.

Baa has never been arrested since the case began, despite being linked to the violent crackdown that led to Baby Pendos death.

A Nation Still Demanding Justice

The Baby Pendo case stems from events in August 2017, when six-month-old Samantha Pendo was fatally injured during a police operation to quell post-election protests in Kisumu. Her death, caused by blunt force trauma allegedly inflicted by security officers, sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.

A subsequent inquest found multiple officers culpable, leading to sustained demands for justice from civil society, religious leaders, and the general public.

As the trial moves forward with four suspects, many Kenyans continue to watch the proceedings closely, hoping that the long-delayed case will finally deliver justice for Baby Pendo and her family.
Kenya will begin publishing its bilateral agreements and treaties with other countries in a bid to promote transparency and accountability, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has announced.

As part of a broader open government policy, the government will no longer treat such international deals as confidential documents. Instead, they will be made publicly available once Parliament approves them.

Mudavadi said the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will upload all approved treaties and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to its official online portal. This move aims to give Kenyans easy access to vital information that directly affects their lives, especially those living or working abroad.

We do not intend to hide any information, and we will share it with Kenyans because they are entitled to it, he stated. Once any MoU is concluded, it shall be made available to relevant parliamentary committees. We are fully committed to open governance.

The CS noted that a sessional paper on Kenyas foreign policy is currently in the works. Once adopted, the policy will drive sweeping reforms, including the mandatory publication of all bilateral treaties and agreements that receive Parliaments approval.

This initiative comes in response to mounting concern over lack of transparency in government contracts, particularly those related to labour export. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka raised the alarm in Parliament, arguing that hidden clauses in international labour agreements have contributed to the suffering of Kenyan workers abroad.

The reason why our people keep suffering out there is because most of those agreements are hidden, Onyonka told the Senate. No one knows whats written in those agreements or understands the terms.

Kenyas International Treaties and MoUs

In response, Mudavadi reassured legislators that the government has already made progress. Kenya has signed bilateral labour agreements with Germany and Austria, and 19 more are currently under negotiation. He added that Kenya is actively engaging with countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar to ensure labour migration adheres to international legal and human rights standards.

Each country has its own issues, and we are navigating them through bilateral talks, he said. We are making good progress and aim to accelerate where possible.

He emphasized that Kenyas international labour strategy goes beyond low-skilled workers. The government is also developing a skills policy to help professionals such as doctors, teachers, and technicians find opportunities abroad under structured, rights-based agreements.

Were talking about 3.5 million Kenyans living and working in different parts of the world, Mudavadi said. These negotiations arent just about labourers. Our professionals must also benefit.

Senator Onyonka Questions Ethnic Bias in Foreign Job Placements

However, the debate turned contentious when Senator Onyonka questioned the fairness of overseas job distribution. He claimed that all 400 Kenyans working in Iowa, USA, hail from a single community and demanded a guarantee of inclusivity in future placements.

Is the Prime Cabinet Secretary aware that all of the 400 Kenyans working in Iowa in the USA come from one Kenyan community? Can you promise this House that when those positions come out and are going to be distributed to Kenyans, especially those targeting certain areas, that all our 47 counties are going to be included and will get their small share of the cake of whatever the government is baking? Onyonka asked.

Mudavadi denied any deliberate bias, explaining that most overseas job recruitments are conducted by private sector players, not the state. Still, he assured Parliament that the government would not allow ethnic-based discrimination in labour export.

The government will not support or tolerate any ethnic-driven arrangements, he said. Some of these issues are historical, and we all know them.
Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has cast doubt on Fred Matiangis readiness to run for president in 2027, advising the former Interior Cabinet Secretary to first seek a parliamentary seat and gain grassroots political experience.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, May 5, Koech referenced the long political journeys of former leaders to emphasize his point. He noted that the late President Mwai Kibaki spent nearly four decades in politics before winning the presidency in 2002, while President William Ruto campaigned for others as early as 1992 and only clinched the top seat three decades later.

William Ruto started his campaigns in 1992, just campaigning for someone else, and he won the presidential elections in 2022. Look at the history before he was elected, Matiangi should start with running for a member of parliament so that he knows the ropes, Koech stated.

Koech also weighed in on the internal dynamics of the opposition coalition, predicting a potential fallout if any of its principals were endorsed for the presidency. According to him, the coalitions top figures are unlikely to support each other due to inflated egos and personal ambitions.

The biggest problem that you will see shortly is egos, Koech said. Who is going to run for president? Matiangi has a huge ego and wont agree to deputize Gachagua or Kalonzo. Kalonzo has deputized for a whilewill he accept to deputize Matiangi again?

Matiangi Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition, Slams Rutos Government

Matiangi announced his presidential ambitions on Friday, May 2, during a homecoming tour in Nyamira and Kisii counties. He told supporters that he intends to work with leaders who share his vision as he prepares for the 2027 general election.

That weekend, he also attended a gathering at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where he criticized President William Rutos administration for failing to serve the people.

I pledge to streamline and clean up this country, and restore the faith of people in government so they can trust it againthat a government official can tell you something and you will believe them, Matiangi said. A government should not be playing with its people like is happening currently.

Reflecting on his time as Education CS, Matiangi described himself as a results-driven leader who tackled exam cheating head-on.

He also promised to root out corrupt individuals from government and urged Kenyans to vote for leaders who uphold integrity.

As CS for Education, I was a very hard worker. I get excited at the mention of work; I used to inspect schools from dawn across counties and still open national examination containers at 4 a.m. the next day in a different county, said Matiangi.

I am ready to weed out rogue people in government, and as voters, it is your responsibility to choose whoever you will trust with that power.

Matiangi warned that some government officials are stoking division to distract citizens from the countrys pressing problems, calling for national unity in the face of poor governance.
Security agencies have reported a major decline in banditry-related deaths and livestock theft during the first quarter of 2025, signaling progress in the governments efforts to improve security in affected regions.

Interior Ministry data shows that bandit attacks claimed 21 lives between January and March, a sharp drop from the 58 fatalities reported during the same period last year. The deaths included one police officer, eight civilians, and 12 suspected bandits.

The number of livestock stolen also dropped significantly. Security agencies reported 4,935 animals stolen in the first quarter of 2025, down from 8,557 recorded during the same timeframe in 2024.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen credited the decline to intensified operations by security forces, particularly the National Police Reservists (NPRs), who worked closely with other agencies to combat criminal activity and recover stolen livestock.

The latest security report covering January to March 2025 indicates significant progress in the fight against banditry and stock theft, Murkomen said during the release of the report.

To sustain the momentum, the government has expanded security operations in banditry-prone areas by deploying more personnel, strengthening coordination, and enhancing intelligence-sharing. Officials believe these efforts have boosted response times and improved the capacity to prevent attacks.

Despite the progress, Murkomen noted that security teams still face several persistent challenges. He pointed to the rampant circulation of illegal firearms, the commercial nature of banditry fueled by ready markets for stolen livestock, and political interference as major obstacles.

He also highlighted environmental and logistical issues, including competition over water and pasture during droughts, land disputes, and the presence of criminal hideouts in remote areas with poor infrastructure and limited network access.

To address these gaps, Murkomen said the government is prioritizing infrastructure development, building schools, and upgrading resources and equipment for security officers operating in high-risk regions.

Members of the public should collaborate with our security officers and shun all acts of political incitement and revenge. Political leaders should stop playing politics with such important national security concerns, he said.

Murkomen reaffirmed the governments commitment to supporting police officers both in their operations and welfare.

We will stand with our security officers and ensure they receive the support they need to perform their duties effectively, he said. At the same time, we urge you not to misuse your authority. Carry out your responsibilities with courage and professionalism.
Even the brightest enterpreneurial ideas can be undermined by chaotic software and an understimulating work setting. To avoid any potential disruptions, there are many solutions, and SAP Business Suite is one of them, serving as an on-demand solution for ventures all across the globe.

Not sure where to start your SAP Business Suite journey? Keep reading the article to learn more about the solution and find out where to start your business transformation.

SAP Business Suite  A Whole New Level?

As pressure mounts on enterprises, business owners are in search of next-generation software that can unify data management, analytics and planning  all in one package. SAP Business Suite is an empowering recommendation for those who strive to be knowledgeable on software innovations.

It is impossible to underestimate its core benefits, including extensive functionality and a wide choice of modules.

The initial step for your enterprise is to properly install and customize SAP Business Suite to tailor this efficient software to your business needs. Different organizations have varying requirements, so it is essential to navigate through multiple modules and get acquainted with bundled software opportunities.

The Structure of Updated SAP Business Suite

It is well known that the cutting-edge SAP Business Suite has a modular structure. Unlike previous versions, these modules are combined not by business applications (ERP, CRM, BI, etc.), but by business processes.

End-to-end business procedures can go beyond individual applications, providing users with a holistic picture of specific tasks or areas of activity. The user interface is also designed according to the same principle, with the primary focus on business users and their needs.

Hidden Possibilities and Maximum Value

The SAP Business Suite, based on the SAP HANA platform, enables real-time business management. What does it mean for an individual company? This implies that transaction processing, data analysis, and forecasting in conditions of unpredictability for contemporary business are performed simultaneously.

This considerate approach provides companies with luxurious opportunities for immediate response to challenging situations while reducing complexity and eliminating data and system duplication.

Advanced innovations allow for the creation of business value within the framework of all business operations, fostering enterprises to interact with each other.

A wide range of business scenarios, including marketing analytics, financial close, accounts receivable, material resource planning, and consumer analytics, have been optimized to create maximum value for customers.

Moreover, the SAP Business Suite on the SAP HANA platform takes business agility and innovation to a whole new level, breathing in fresh growth opportunities for enterprises. As a result, users can manage all their critical business processes in real time by applying the same, meaningful data to plan, execute, report, and analyze.

The contemporary SAP Business Suite comprises a new category of analytics applications and provides reporting capabilities based on the latest data.

As well, SAP has released a service pack to ensure a smooth transition and a solution with rapid deployment support so that existing customers can seamlessly migrate their database to the SAP HANA platform, if necessary.

This modern platform equips SAP customers to achieve profound business transformation in real time without interrupting ongoing operations.

It gives the opportunity to implement business innovations, accelerate business processes and optimize communications.

SAP Business Suite in Action

One of the most indicative processes enhanced by the SAP HANA platform is financial management, the most important process of the company, which has become the flagship of innovations in the SAP Business Suite (Simple Finance). As part of the process, many cumbersome budget procedures were eliminated.

By eliminating batch data processing and significantly reducing transaction execution time, the duration of closing the financial period has been reduced.

One of the first customers to leverage these financial innovations from SAP, the insurance company Zurich, reported that thanks to Simple Finance, the cycle of controlling recalculations decreased from 5 hours to just 1 hour.

The time required for executing reports on individual items of the general ledger has been reduced by 1,000 times (from 15 minutes to just 1 second).

Additionally, operations for evaluating positions in foreign currency are now twice as fast, thanks to the improved possibilities of SAP Datasphere.

AI and the Future of SAP

SAP Business AI offers automated solutions, which are a part of a broader initiative. A lot of companies turn to SAPs business portfolio with AI features, which are bringing unparalleled value and profits.

SAP Business AI is transforming the management of both big and small ventures, and it is being actively utilized in the supply chain, transportation, and business impact spheres.

With the use of SAP AI, business objectives dont seem vague anymore since they help organizations focus on their roadmap in the long run. Soon, SAP AI will assist in driving business value across various industries while also upskilling the team and building leadership development.
On Monday, May 5, the High Court ordered the Worldcoin Foundation to delete all iris and facial data it had unlawfully collected from Kenyans in September 2023. The deletion must be completed within seven days, under the supervision of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).

Lady Justice Aburili Roselyne, who issued the ruling, also prohibited the Worldcoin Foundation and its agents from further processing, collecting, or handling biometric data. They must first conduct a thorough Data Protection Impact Assessment and secure valid consent before proceeding with any such activities.

An order of Mandamus compelling the Worldcoin Foundation and its agents to permanently delete (under the supervision of the Data Protection Commissioner) within seven days any biometric data collected in Kenya without undertaking (or using an inadequate) Data Protection Impact Assessment contrary to section 31 of the Data Protection Act, 2019 and by consent obtained through inducement of a cryptocurrencyWorldcoin, the orders read.

The ruling followed an application filed by the Katiba Institute, which challenged the collection, processing, and transfer of biometric data via the Worldcoin App and Orb. During the court hearing, the Office of Data Protection argued that Worldcoins actions violated key data protection principles as outlined in Kenyas Data Protection Act, 2019.

Deputy Data Commissioner Oscar Otieno submitted that after reviewing Worldcoins operations in Kenya, he found the project posed significant risks to the safety and privacy of Kenyans. He emphasized that without proper legal intervention, the personal data collected from Kenyans could be altered or erased.

The Worldcoin project, which offered $50 USD in exchange for biometric data, was banned in Kenya after concerns about privacy and data security. In 2024, Worldcoin, led by tech entrepreneur Sam Altman, announced its return to Kenya, despite the earlier ban.
John Lee to visit Qatar and Kuwait on Saturday

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Qatar and Kuwait on Saturday to explore business opportunities.



This is his second trip to the Middle East since taking office, following his 2023 visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.



Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee said the 50-strong delegation comprises local officials and enterprises from Hong Kong and the mainland.



"During the visit, I will meet with leaders of the two countries, and we will strengthen communications and liaison with the governments concerned," he said.



Lee said he will lead the delegation to inspect facilities to understand the latest developments in finance, trade and technology.



The trip aims to showcase the city's advantages under One Country, Two Systems as a super-connector and to show the synergy between mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, he added.



Qatar, he noted, has the highest GDP per capita among Gulf countries, while Kuwait has one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds.



"The Middle East is developing rapidly. It has an abundant supply of funds and it's keen on diversifying its risks," Lee said.



"So this is part of the global trend in terms of gravitating towards the East."



The government is planning to set up an Economic and Trade Office in Saudi Arabia, in addition to the existing one in Dubai, Lee added.
By Tomas Baranec

On March 1, 2025, the second round of the de facto presidential elections took place in Abkhazia. The incumbent de facto President, Badra Gunba, secured 55.66 percent of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Adgur Ardzinba, who received 42.25 percent. The 2025 elections were marked by two notable features. First, Russia directly intervened in the electoral process for the first time since the 2004 presidential elections, during which Moscow openly supported Raul Khajimba. Second, a political faction recently ousted through mass protests returned to power through electoral means. Both developments may have significant consequences for Abkhazias political trajectory.

Photo source: Andrey Danilov

BACKGROUND: The latter half of 2024 in Abkhazia was characterized by widespread public mobilization against the proposed so-called investment agreement with Russia. Critics expressed concern that the agreement would strip the region of its remaining de facto sovereignty and potentially threaten the precarious demographic majority held by ethnic Abkhazians. These tensions culminated in an assault on the presidential palace in Sukhumi and the subsequent resignation of de facto President Aslan Bzhania and de facto Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab on November 19.

Following the first round of the presidential elections held on February 15, 2025, two traditional political factions competed for power. Gunba represented the interests of the Ankvabist bloc (United Abkhazia), aligned with Alexander Ankvab and the ousted president Aslan Bzhania. Adgur Ardzinba of the Abkhazian National Movement led the opposing groupthe Khajimbists. Initially, Ardzinba received support from Kan Kvarchia, chairman of the Aidgylara movement, and Leuan Mikaa, chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Abkhazias Sovereignty. However, both opposition figures ultimately refrained from actively participating in Ardzinbas election campaign.

The catalyst for the early elections was the "unfinished revolution" of November 2024, during which President Bzhania and Prime Minister Ankvab were compelled to resign, leading to the abandonment of the highly unpopular investment agreement with Russia.

Gunba, as a representative of the recently ousted political faction, was initially expected to enter the early elections as a marginal contender. Despite the apparent achievements of the revolution, it remained incomplete. Prior to the elections, Ankvabs faction continued to control all key ministries, administrative apparatuses, and the media landscape.

The Ankvab faction also secured a strategic advantage during the election campaign. Employing black PR tactics, they compelled Ardzinbas campaign team to focus their efforts on countering numerous accusations and rumors. Consequently, the opposition leader had limited opportunity to engage with issues that were critical and sensitive for the Ankvab group, including cryptocurrency mining, the investment agreement, and the deterioration of the energy infrastructure.

The Ankvab faction structured its campaign around two principal narratives. In the first, Ardzinba was portrayed as anti-Russian, implying that only Gunba could guarantee the continuation of Russian support. In the second, Ardzinba was depicted as a proponent of Turkish interests, thereby suggesting that the opposition harbors hostility toward the Armenian community in Abkhazia.

By maintaining control even after the revolution, Ankvabs supporters were able to utilize the local medias propaganda apparatus and deploy the standard array of administrative resources in the lead-up to the elections.

However, the Kremlins overt intervention in support of Gunba introduced a new variable into an otherwise conventional electoral equation. In addition to supplying Abkhazia with so-called humanitarian gas at a reduced rate, senior Kremlin officials publicly aligned themselves with the candidate representing the Ankvab faction. Simultaneously, Russian media at all levels, along with coordinated bot networks on social media, intensified the black PR campaign against Ardzinba and the opposition with unprecedented intensity. Within this framework, the revocation of Russian citizenship from Mikaa and Kvarchia at the end of January functioned as a broader signal of warning to the entire Abkhazian populace.

IMPLICATIONS: The Ankvab faction secured electoral victory shortly before the plebiscite through the implementation of several active measures. At the last moment, it blocked the establishment of a polling station in Turkey, out of concerns that the diaspora electorate there might favor the opposition. Conversely, reports of significant, organized voter fraud surfaced at polling stations in Moscow and Cherkessk. Additionally, allegations emerged that Abkhaz authorities were distributing drivers licenses in exchange for votes cast in favor of Gunba.

However, none of these measures alone guaranteed a seamless victory. The decisive factor was a targeted campaign directed at the Armenian minority, bolstered by substantial support from Russian media and the influential Armenian diaspora based in Sochi. For the first time, a majority of this demographic explicitly endorsed a single candidateGunba. Given that ethnic Armenians constitute approximately 17 percent of the population, according to local expert Said Gezerdava, their unified support proved pivotal in enabling the Ankvab faction to retain political control.

Despite achieving a lead of over 13 percent against the opposition candidate, the position of the Ankvab faction remains precarious, particularly considering probable expectations from Moscow. A victory by the Khajimba faction would have brought minimal change for Russia regarding Abkhazia, as one pro-Russian bloc would have merely supplanted another. The intensity with which the Kremlin committed to overtly supporting Gunbaeven at the expense of discrediting the opposition and estranging segments of the local populaceindicates that it anticipates reciprocal concessions.

Moscows demands are well known. The Kremlin outlined them in the so-called protocol of August 19, calling on Sukhumi to lift restrictions preventing Russian citizens from purchasing real estate in Abkhazia and to adopt a commercial pricing model for electricity supply. An additional, longstanding demand includes the privatization of Abkhazias energy sector in favor of Russian enterprises.

In such a scenario, the outcome of the presidential election would merely represent a return to the political deadlock of summer 2024, which culminated in Bzhanias downfall only a few months later. Given this reset, it is unreasonable to expect that identical measures, implemented under the same conditions, will yield a different result.

Therefore, if Russia and the de facto administration under Gunba aim to produce a different outcome, they will be compelled to fundamentally alter either the basic conditions or their approach.

Altering the terms in this context effectively entails changing public opinion within Abkhazian society regarding the agreements, which are widely perceived as posing a threat to the survival of the Abkhazian nation. A more conciliatory final version of the agreement, accompanied by a comprehensive and persuasive information campaign, could potentially lessen societal resistance. However, this would necessitate significant concessions from oligarchic groups in Russia closely affiliated with the Kremlin. A shift in approach would likely involve heightened repression, relying on coercion and intimidation to impose compliance amid sustained and widespread local opposition.

Events following Gunbas electoral victory quickly revealed that the Kremlin is amenable to this scenario. On March 7, prominent Abkhazian journalist Inal Khashig was added to Russias list of foreign agents. That Khashigs case was not an isolated incident, but indicative of a broader trend became evident two weeks later, when two other well-known journalists, Izida Chania and Nizifa Arshba, were similarly designated as foreign agents.

CONCLUSION: For Russia, the 2025 Abkhazian presidential election was less about preserving regional influence and more about securing the passage of a widely unpopular investment agreement. Two key factors support this interpretation: the unprecedented extent to which the Kremlin committed its support to Gunba, despite the fact that an Ardzinba victory posed no real threat to its position; and the revocation of citizenship from Kvarchia and Mikaanot for their early endorsement of Ardzinba, but for their involvement in the events of November 2024.

Gunbas victory, secured with Russian support, is likely to result in three key developments: increased direct control by Moscow over the region (with both Bzhania and Ankvab reportedly being gradually sidelined from power, according to Gezerdava); the advancement of Moscows interests through the use of repressive measures; and heightened tensions between ethnic Abkhazians and Armenians.

Drawing on the experience of recent years, it is reasonable to expect that local resistance to Russias unpopular demands will persist. However, the effectiveness of this resistance will largely depend on the extent to which the new repressive strategy impacts local elites, journalists, and activists. A key early indicator of future developments will be whether self-censorship emerges among local journalists following the designation of three of the most prominent media figures as foreign agents.

AUTHOR BIO: Tomas Baranec is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Black Sea Studies as well as a Research Fellow and Head of the Caucasus Program of the Slovak think tank Strategic Analysis. He worked as a field researcher on the Georgian-Ossetian ABL. Tomas studied Balkan, Central European and Eurasian Studies at Charles University in Prague.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, addressed the Indian diaspora and key international dignitaries during her visit to Milan, Italy, where she highlighted the significant progress made by India in the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Speaking at an interaction programme organised for the Indian community, Sitharaman said that what many governments could not achieve for decades due to inefficient delivery mechanisms has been accomplished over the last 10 years. She emphasized that while earlier governments may have had good intentions, their efforts often did not translate into results because of weak implementation. She said, "I'm not suggesting that earlier governments did not intend to deliver. The intention might have been there, but the delivery was not efficient. And therefore, in spite of several slogans, actually delivering, was not happening on the ground". In a social media post also the minister added "Several governments could not achieve over several decades because their delivery was not efficient. But in the last 10 years, what primarily had to be delivered for every citizen without any differentiation or discrimination, has been delivered" Highlighting the achievements of the last decade, she noted that basic amenities like electricity, piped water, pucca houses, good roads, and quality healthcare have now been delivered to citizens across the country without discrimination. Earlier, Sitharaman met her Japanese counterpart, Katsunobu Kato, Minister of Finance, Japan, on the sidelines of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Both leaders discussed ways to deepen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan. The Finance Minister underlined the importance of the relationship between the two democracies, especially in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. She also participated in the Governors' Business Session at the ADB Annual Meeting, where she showcased India's growth story and the vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'--a developed India by its centenary of independence. She expressed India's strong support for ADB's vision to become more proactive, agile, bold, and client-centric, adding that these traits are essential for achieving a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region. Sitharaman is leading the Indian delegation of officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance for the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled from May 4 to 7 in Milan. (ANI)
BusinessWire India Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 6: KRAFTON India is celebrating its vibrant BGMI community with a new batch of official redeem codes, offering players access to exclusive in-game rewards. From unique skins to weapon cosmetics and limited-edition items, these codes are crafted to deepen personalization and enhance gameplay. With this exciting offering, KRAFTON invites players to express their style and stand out on the battleground. Available exclusively through the official BGMI redemption portal, these codes can be used from 0:00 Hrs of 22nd April to 23:59 Hrs of 6th June 2025, only via BGMI's official website www.battlegroundsmobileindia.com/redeem. Redeem codes: 1. CNZBZHKKF6PF 2. CNZCZPRP8SCA 3. CNZDZC95WT7P 4. CNZEZU6P9585 5. CNZFZ4JEDHN6 6. CNZGZCN43R77 7. CNZHZ5NM495N 8. CNZIZSTS7467 9. CNZJZ7HP6R6P 10. CNZKZSRFNSB4 11. CNZLZ4E4SM4C 12. CNZMZGRXPQX6 13. COZBZWPPFAED 14. COZCZ8QDH5DH 15. COZDZU7PMN3J 16. COZEZ9SMB98H 17. COZFZU56W3S7 18. COZGZ4MPF5GT 19. COZHZG68E8SD 20. COZIZ7VEDEQS 21. COZJZXWEW478 22. COZKZWFKC8UB 23. COZLZWBNF8WG 24. COZMZMXA8M4G Steps to redeem: Players can follow these simple steps to claim their rewards: * Step 1: Go to the Redeem section on BGMI's official website www.battlegroundsmobileindia.com/redeem * Step 2: Enter your Character ID * Step 3: Enter the Redemption Code * Step 4: Enter the verification/ Captcha code > A message will confirm 'Code redeemed successfully' * Step 5: The reward will be delivered via in-game mail Rules to Remember: * A maximum of 10 users can redeem each code on a first-come, first-served basis * A user cannot redeem a code twice * Users must claim their rewards via in-game mail within 7 days, else the mail will expire * If a player is among the first 10 users to successfully redeem the code, a message will confirm 'Code redeemed successfully'. If not, users will see 'Code expired' or a similar expiry message * Each user account can redeem only one code per day and a maximum of two codes until June 6th, 2025 * Redeem codes cannot be used via guest accounts. For the latest updates, follow BGMI's official YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
HT Syndication New Delhi [India], May 6: Ashok Enterprises, popularly known by its brand name Niscomed, is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality medical equipment based in New Delhi, India. Established in 1982, the company has steadily grown into a reputable player in the healthcare sector, offering a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic devices designed for hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare providers. The proprietor of Ashok Enterprises, the company behind the Niscomed brand, is Mr. Ashok Kumar Nagpal. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and affordability, Niscomed produces a broad array of products, including multipara patient monitors, ECG machines, pulse oximeters, suction machines, nebulizers, syringe pumps, and oxygen concentrators. These devices are developed using cutting-edge technology to ensure accuracy, durability, and user-friendliness, making them highly suitable for both urban and rural medical settings. Ashok Enterprises operates as a proprietorship firm and maintains a significant presence in the Indian market, with an annual turnover estimated between Rs5 to Rs25 crore. The company is ISO 9001:2008 certified, reflecting its commitment to international quality standards and best manufacturing practices. Over the years, Niscomed has built a reputation for delivering reliable medical solutions at competitive prices. Its products are not only distributed across India but are also gaining recognition in international markets. The company continues to invest in research, development, and customer service to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and patients. Niscomed, the flagship brand of Ashok Enterprises, has been a pioneer in the medical equipment industry since its launch in 2007. With a strong commitment to providing innovative, reliable, and affordable healthcare solutions, Niscomed has become a respected name among hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals across India. Since its inception, Niscomed has actively expanded its presence in both domestic and institutional markets. One of its key achievements has been its successful onboarding to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), making its wide range of medical devices easily accessible to government bodies and public healthcare institutions. This step has further reinforced its position as a dependable supplier in the Indian healthcare ecosystem. To connect with healthcare professionals and showcase its latest technologies, Niscomed has participated in over 50 national and international medical exhibitions. These events have played a crucial role in building strong relationships, gathering real-time feedback, and strengthening brand awareness within the medical community. The brand's diverse product portfolio includes multipara monitors, ECG machines, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, suction machines, and more. Each product is developed with precision and tested for reliability to meet the high demands of clinical environments. Driven by a vision to support better patient care through technology, Niscomed continues to innovate and expand its footprint. Backed by over four decades of industry experience through Ashok Enterprises, the brand remains committed to quality, service, and long-term partnerships. Niscomed Focused on delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or durability--ideal for Indian healthcare settings. For more information, Ashok Enterprises can be reached through their official website www.niscomed.com, where detailed product catalogue and contact details are available. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 6: Mumbai has a new shopping destination with the launch of Nirmooha by Prreeti Jaiin Nainutia's first flagship store - a space that brings together contemporary fashion and thoughtful design. Located in Fort, the heart of Mumbai's historic heritage precinct, the store offers a curated edit of the label's pret and couture collections across womenswear and menswear. This marks a key milestone for the label following its recent debut showcase at Paris Fashion Week 2025. Nirmooha's collections bring together modern silhouettes and traditional craftsmanship from draped co-ords and fluid sets to reimagined Indianwear. Clean tailoring, metallic accents, and layered textures define the pieces, offering a fresh take on everyday dressing. The label also extends its vision to menswear, with contemporary summer shirts and occasion wear designed for the modern man seeking ease and structure. The store also features 'Shree' - the collection showcased at Paris Fashion Week 2025, rooted in the idea of transformation, with sculpted silhouettes, gold accents, and a palette of jewel tones and neutrals. The store's interiors are shaped by 'The Tale of Two Arches', a concept that explores the duality between tradition and evolution. Tall arched windows, a double-height ceiling, and S-shaped curves inspired by Hogarth's "line of beauty" define the space. Rope-draped hangers, layered textures, and a handcrafted metal mesh chandelier create structure and softness in equal measure. Each element is built to echo the signature cording seen in Nirmooha's garments. "Opening our first flagship store is a proud moment, it's a vision we have worked towards for a long time. Every element, from the interiors to the detailing, reflects our story and signature style. Our ensembles are for the contemporary individual - modern in spirit, yet grounded in tradition and a strong sense of self", says Founder and Creative Designer Prreeti Jaiin Nainutia. The flagship store reinforces Nirmooha's presence in Mumbai and offers an artistic, immersive experience that brings together fashion, storytelling, and design in one destination. Visit Nirmooha at: F1, G7, Vikas Building, Green Street, Fort, Mumbai - 400023 Discover Nirmooha's latest collections at: Website: www.nirmohafashionhouse.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/nirmooha (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], May 6: After the successful debut of his book How AJ Made It in London, globally renowned fund manager Ashish Jain is now preparing to launch the book across key international cities. The global launch tour will include events in Dubai, Mumbai, New York, Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, offering readers worldwide a chance to engage with Jain's unique insights into the world of finance. How AJ Made It is not a conventional autobiography. Rather, it is a strategic guide filled with real-world insights into trading, investment banking, and wealth-building techniques. The book is designed to benefit both novice and experienced investors, aiming to bridge the gap between everyday individuals and complex financial markets. Jain breaks down practical strategies in a simplified manner, ensuring that even those new to finance can apply them with confidence. What sets this book apart is its global applicability. The strategies presented are relevant for investors in the USA, UK, India, Germany, and beyond. It covers trading in stocks, financial indexes, and major global commodities, including gold, silver, and crude oil. Readers will find actionable techniques to approach different asset classes, diversify portfolios, and navigate volatile markets with clarity. To ensure wide accessibility, the book will be available in English, Hindi, French, and Spanish. With its structured, example-rich content, How AJ Made It serves as a roadmap for those aspiring to build sustainable financial success across geographies and market types. This global launch represents a new chapter in Ashish Jain's commitment to democratizing financial knowledge and empowering individuals to take charge of their economic future. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Commentary: 50 years on, China-EU partnership remain a stabilizing force amid global uncertainties

08:06, May 06, 2025 By Zhang Zhaoqing, Chen Binjie ( Xinhua

This photo taken on Dec. 3, 2024 shows the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

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.

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.

This photo shows a scene of the opening ceremony of 2025 Chengdu Europe Culture Season &European Culture Street in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
ADDIS ABABA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to expanding the role of the Chinese-built railway as a "crucial artery of trade and connectivity" between the two countries, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and spur regional economic growth.

In a response to Xinhua, the EDR outlined plans to raise the 752-km electrified railway's annual freight capacity from the current two million tonnes to 6.2 million tonnes by 2027. Ultimately, the railway aims to handle at least 25 percent of Ethiopia's total import and export trade.

Touting the railway's growing strategic importance, the EDR said its operations are anchored in value-added services such as multimodal transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and passenger services, helping reshape logistics between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

"The railway has significantly improved Ethiopia's import-export trade by providing a reliable and efficient transportation corridor to the port of Djibouti. It has streamlined logistics, reduced transportation time and costs, ultimately increasing trade competitiveness," it said.

Data from the EDR suggested that the railway has slashed freight transport time between the two countries from more than three days to under 18 hours.

According to the EDR, the railway's ability to "seamlessly connect major cities, industrial parks, and key economic zones in Ethiopia and Djibouti" has enabled the efficient movement of cargo and passengers. Its electrified system offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport.

The EDR also highlighted the railway's broader socio-economic benefits, including job creation, stimulation of local economies along the route as well as its role in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

As part of its "ambitious yet achievable" five-year growth plan, the EDR aims to increase its annual cargo capacity from the current 2.09 million tonnes to 10.1 million tonnes and passenger numbers from around 180,000 to over 560,000, while improving its net profit margin by 38.2 percent.

The railway is implementing a multifaceted strategy involving infrastructure expansion, enhancement of its rolling stock, digitalization of logistics operations, and diversification of services. With newly added capabilities such as multinational operations, customs clearance, and freight documentation, the EDR is also working to deepen partnerships and attract new clients.

By offering "end-to-end comprehensive services," the EDR said it is positioning itself as a regional logistics leader. Its growing role, the company emphasized, is helping to reshape trade dynamics and lay the groundwork for sustainable regional development.

Jointly constructed by China Railway Engineering Corporation and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the 752-km standard-gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, is Africa's first electrified transboundary rail line. 
PRNewswire London [UK], May 6: Caresoft Global, a global leader in automotive benchmarking, Cost reduction strategies, and engineering solutions, today announced a strategic realignment of its business and a new chapter in its growth journey. The company will restructure its business into three business units: 1. Benchmarking, Technology Optimization & Cost Reduction Engineering, 2. Engineering Talent Solutions and 3. Engineering Solutions. * Caresoft Global's engineering solutions business is to join KPIT, as Caresoft doubles down on technology optimization and cost reduction engineering for the automotive industry. As part of this strategic realignment, KPIT Technologies, a global leader specializing in software-defined vehicles (SDV), embedded systems, and system integration, will acquire Caresoft Global's carved-out Engineering Solutions business, which is especially focused on off-highway and truck and bus segments globally. Caresoft Global will continue strengthening its Automotive vertical while partnering with KPIT to expand its benchmarking and cost reduction business into new areas such as software benchmarking, creating unique market differentiators, and jointly exploring downstream implementation opportunities. With China continuing to lead in vehicle electrification, AI, modular architectures, and aggressive cost leadership, Caresoft Global, with its strong market presence and deep relationships in China, will partner with KPIT in that region. Together, they aim to bring Chinese innovation to the rest of the world. "This is a defining moment for Caresoft," said Mathew Vachaparampil, CEO of Caresoft Global. "The strength of this partnership is greater than the sum of its parts. While our engineering services are moving into great hands, Caresoft and KPIT will now focus on delivering greater value to customers seeking to save costs in a world of rapid technological evolution and geopolitical complexities. We will jointly deliver more value to our automotive customers in terms of technology, cost, and speed to market." In a statement, Kishor Patil, Co-founder, CEO & Managing Director of KPIT Technologies, said, "We are excited to welcome Caresoft Global's Engineering Solutions business to the KPIT family. At KPIT, we are deepening relationships with trucks and off-highway makers and accelerating our foray into China. Also, OEMs across segments are looking for a partner who can bring more agility and cost efficiency by taking an integrated view of software, hardware, and manufacturing. With Caresoft Global's strong expertise, we have a strategic partnership which will bring unparalleled value to the mobility ecosystem." Continuity of Leadership Key leaders from Caresoft Global's Engineering Solutions division, including Caresoft veteran and President of Engineering, Kalyan Nagarajan, and his team, will transition to KPIT to ensure leadership continuity and sustained growth. "I am confident that with strong synergistic capabilities, shared values, a customer-centric approach, and KPIT's laser-focused execution, we are well-positioned to deliver more value to our existing off-highway and truck & bus customers," said Kalyan. "We are also now set up with the depth and scale to expand our vehicle engineering, cost transformation, and manufacturing solutions." About Caresoft Global Caresoft Global is a leader in automotive benchmarking, technology optimization, cost reduction engineering strategies, and engineering solutions. The company helps automotive OEMs and suppliers optimize their current and future programs' design, cost, and performance. Headquartered in the USA, with a strong global presence in Europe, Japan, China, India, and the UAE, Caresoft Global is trusted by world's leading automotive companies. About KPIT Technologies KPIT Technologies is a global partner to the automotive and mobility ecosystem, making software-defined vehicles a reality. With around 13,000 "automobelievers" specializing in embedded software, AI, and digital solutions, KPIT is helping the mobility industry leapfrog toward a cleaner, smarter, and safer future. Marketing and Communications marcom@caresoftglobal.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680233/Caresoft_Global_KPIT.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680232/Caresoft_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Despite their belief that artificial intelligence is bringing about a new age in business, 77 per cent of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) feel that their company's top tech specialists are not equipped to support, drive, or accelerate business outcomes in this changing environment. A survey by Gartner Inc further added that only 44 per cent of Chief Information Officer (CIOs) are deemed by their CEOs to be "AI-savvy". The Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey of 456 CEOs and other senior business executives worldwide was conducted from June to November 2024 and measured CEO's perceptions of the C-suite. "We have never seen such a disproportionate gap in CEOs' impressions about technological disruption," said David Furlonger, Distinguished VP Analyst and Gartner Fellow. "AI is not just an incremental change from digital business. AI is a step change in how business and society work. A significant implication is that, if savviness across the C-suite is not rapidly improved, competitiveness will suffer, and corporate survival will be at stake." CEOs perceived even the CIO, chief information security officer (CISO), and chief data officer (CDO) as lacking AI savviness. CEOs' concern about the technology savviness of their C-suite is not new. The 2019-2020 Gartner CEO survey showed that CEOs' assessment of their executives' technology savviness required for the digital era was suboptimal.Limiting Factors Impacting AI's Deployment CEOs highlighted that the top two limiting factors impacting AI's deployment and use are the inability to hire adequate numbers of skilled people and an inability to calculate value or outcomes. "CEOs have shifted their view of AI from just a tool to a transformative way of working," said Jennifer Carter, Principle Analyst at Gartner. "This change has highlighted the importance of upskilling. As leaders recognise AI's potential and its impact on their organisations, they understand that success isn't just about hiring new talent. Instead, it's about equipping their current employees with the skills needed to seamlessly incorporate AI into everyday tasks." This focus on upskilling is a strategic response to AI's evolving role in business, ensuring that the entire organisation can adapt and thrive in this new paradigm. Sixty-six per cent of CEOs said their business models are not fit for AI purposes, according to the survey. Executives must, therefore, build and improve AI savviness related to every mission-critical priority. (ANI)
India's small business sector is one of the most dynamic and optimistic in the Asia-Pacific, according to the results of the 16th Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey conducted by one of the world's largest accounting bodies, CPA Australia. The survey findings for India reveal 78 per cent of Indian small businesses grew last year, reflecting the country's strong post-pandemic recovery. Prafulla Chhajed, a Certified Practicing Accountant with CPA Australia, who has more than 30 years of accounting and finance experience in India said: "This momentum has been driven by a vibrant business environment, a strong emphasis on innovation and rapid digital transformation." Business confidence is high, with 86 per cent of respondents expecting their business to grow this year. Another standout trend is the growing export focus of India's small businesses, with 64 per cent expecting an increase in overseas sales this year, higher than most of the surveyed markets. "India's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) continue to perform strongly in a fast-changing economic environment," said Chhajed. "Their confidence, willingness to embrace technology and innovation and explore new markets positions them as a driving force in India's fast-growing economy." The positive outlook among MSMEs can be attributed to a combination of domestic and international factors. Domestically, technological advancements, improved infrastructure like the enhanced internet connectivity, and supportive government policies for MSMEs in finance and digitalisation have fostered a beneficial environment for small businesses to thrive, Chhajed added. "Booming global demand for Indian products and services has further buoyed MSMEs, encouraging many to export for higher profits. Government schemes offering financial incentives and export support have also motivated more MSMEs to expand their international presence," Chhajed noted. However, rising costs have been a challenge for many small businesses. Last year, 40 per cent of respondents identified increasing expenses as their biggest challenge. Reflecting this pressure, of the 72 per cent of businesses that sought external funds in 2024, 34 per cent cited rising costs as the primary reason for needing finance. Despite this, access to finance remains relatively favourable. Of those that sought external funding in 2024, 43 per cent reported that obtaining finance was easy or very easy. This trend is expected to continue this year, with 39 per cent anticipating smooth access to finance. Another notable finding is the strong hiring trend. In 2024, 46 per cent of Indian small businesses reported increasing the size of their workforce, making them the leading job creators among the surveyed Asia-Pacific markets. An even better result is expected this year, with 64 per cent planning to hire more employees, well above the survey average of 45 per cent. In conclusion, the report said that the people remain a key asset for India's small businesses, with good staff emerging as their most influential positive factor in 2024. India also has a high proportion of small business owners or leaders under 40, and younger entrepreneurs are more likely to be running businesses that are growing and creating new jobs. Small businesses are doubling down on innovation. In 2025, 78 per cent of Indian small businesses intend to innovate through the introduction of a product, process or service that is new to India or the world. There has also been a sharp rise in businesses identifying artificial intelligence (AI) as their primary technology investment in 2024. "Small businesses not only create jobs but also nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs," Chhajed said. "In a tech driven era, India's abundant young population will continue to drive economic momentum. As digital natives, they are well positioned to innovate and harness emerging technologies." "By leveraging government initiatives, such as Stand-Up India and Startup India, which offer financial and infrastructure support, many young Indians have the opportunity to establish and expand their own business with greater ease," Chhajed added. Conducted by CPA Australia, the annual survey collected responses from 4,236 small businesses with fewer than 20 employees across 11 Asia-Pacific markets in November and December 2024, including 507 from India. (ANI)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 6: SBI Life Insurance, one of India's most trusted private life insurers, launched the 1st edition of 'Hack-AI-thon'; a nationwide innovation initiative encouraging bright minds to leverage AI for transforming the future of life insurance. The initiative offers a unique platform for tech students, across India, to co-create solutions for business-critical challenges in insurance, with a sharp focus on transforming customer experience, product accessibility and fraud prevention. The regional rounds of SBI Life's Hack-AI-thon saw an overwhelming response with over 7,500 registrations from tech students across India. Following a rigorous selection process, over 50 teams from across India were chosen to present their innovative ideas at regional locations, held in Pune, Delhi & Chennai. Out of these regional finalists, the top 15 teams will be selected for presenting their innovative solution at the grand finale in Mumbai. The jury will rate the innovative solutions based on originality, feasibility, and real-world relevance Speaking on the inaugural launch of SBI Life's Hack-AI-thon, Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communication and CSR, SBI Life Insurance, said, "Innovation flourishes when diverse minds collaborate outside conventional boundaries. By inviting young talent to solve real life challenges--such as cybersecurity, personalization, and fraud prevention-- SBI Life's Hack-AI-thon encourages future-ready solutions that are deeply aligned with the evolving needs of the insurance industry. This initiative reinforces our commitment to a collaborative, technology-led approach for enhancing customer experience." He added , "At SBI Life, our purpose is to liberate individuals to pursue their dreams by providing necessary security safeguards for their loved ones. SBI Life Hack-AI-thon is a natural extension of this vision-- which empowers the youth to drive innovations which make insurance simpler, more accessible, and relevant in a digital-first world. The creativity and problem-solving mindset of participants reaffirms our belief in the strength of our coming generations to shape meaningful change. With this initiative, we continue delivering on our promise: not just to insure lives, but to empower them--Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye." By inviting fresh perspectives and collaborative solutions, the initiative aims to generate actionable ideas that align with SBI Life's digital transformation journey--ultimately shaping a smarter, more inclusive, and customer-first insurance experience. About SBI Life Insurance: SBI Life Insurance ('SBI Life' / 'The Company'), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001. Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life's diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions. Driven by 'Customer-First' approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike. SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,110 offices, 26,355 employees, a large and productive network of about 240,304 agents, 60 corporate agents and 13 bancassurance partners with more than 41,000 partner branches, 141 brokers and other insurance marketing firms. In addition to doing what's right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally. SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2024-25, the Company touched over 50,000 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions. Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange ('BSE') and the National Stock Exchange ('NSE'), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs.4,480.4 billion. For more information, please visit our website- www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. (Numbers & data mentioned above are for the year ended March 31, 2025) Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680334/SBI_Life_Hack_AI_Thon_Event.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Social media has been abuzz with pictures and videos of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan ever since he made his Met Gala debut on Monday (early Tuesday). From stealing attention with his all-black Sabyasachi look to leaving his charm on the iconic stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute with his flying kisses, and of course, his arm-stretch pose, SRK, aka King Khan, left no stone unturned to make fans go gaga over his first-time appearance at Met Gala. With his enchanting presence, Hollywood's biggest fashion night undoubtedly got a flavour of Bollywood as well. A video of him recreating his signature pose went viral on the internet, leaving 'SRKIANS' excited. After all, it's one of the magical highlights of his Met Gala debut. Have a look at that moment. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJSp_tbSFy4/?hl=en For Shah Rukh's Met Gala appearance, ace designer Sabysachi created a black floor length elongated coat in Tasmanian superfine wool with monogrammed, Japanese horn buttons. The coat is hand canvassed, single breasted with a peak collar and wide lapels. Paired with a crepe de chine silk shirt and tailored superfine wool trousers. A pleated satin kamarbandh completed this bespoke look. SRK layered the outfit with a custom stack and complemented with The Bengal Tiger Head Cane crafted in 18k gold with tourmalines, sapphires, old mine cut and brilliant cut diamonds. On collaborating with SRK, Sabyasachi said, "Shah Rukh Khan is one of the greatest superstars in the world. A cinematic hero, his blockbuster performances and leading-man charisma have created a legendary international fan following. My interpretation of the Black Dandy is demonstrating his super stardom on a global stage. Dressed in classic menswear with the maximalist flourish of Sabyasachi, Shah Rukh Khan is a magician, superstar, and icon. Period." SRK's manager, Pooja Dadlani, also shared some pictures of SRK from his Met Gala appearance. Take a look https://www.instagram.com/p/DJSgmZoTpqU/?hl=en&img_index=1 SRK's close friend and filmmaker Karan Johar was among the first Bollywood celebrities to react to SRK's grand debut at the biggest fashion event. "ALLL HAIL the KING of the MET. The internet just broke into a gazillion hearts!!!!! @iamsrk .... bhai you RULE! (sic)," Karan wrote on his Instagram stories. (ANI)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Harris stunned in a bespoke black-and-cream gown designed by Off-White creative director IB Kamara, perfectly capturing the essence of the evening's theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.'

Harris's Met Gala look departed from her typical well-tailored pantsuits.

The outfit, featuring a dramatic sleeve and silk scarf, was a masterclass in elegance and sophistication.

Kamara's inspiration behind the design was to highlight Harris's strength and confidence, qualities he believes are at the core of dandyism.

"The precise simplicity of this black and cream look for Kamala D. Harris complements her own strength and confidence, two qualities I consider to be the core of dandyism," Kamara said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

The 2025 Met Gala celebrated the Costume Institute's spring fashion exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' with an impressive lineup of co-chairs, including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.

LeBron James was initially set to be an honorary chair, but unfortunately pulled out due to a knee injury. (ANI)
Actress Alia Bhatt was all praise for Kiara Advani's Met Gala look as she made her debut in Hollywood's biggest fashion night on Monday (early Tuesday) and publicly revealed her baby bump for the first time. Kiara turned heads at the Met Gala 2025, confidently showcasing her baby bump in a breathtaking gown by renowned Gaurav Gupta. She paired her dress with the golden breastplate. She also relied on accessories and wore charms on her nails along with chunky golden jewellery on her fingers. In addition to her fans, the Bollywood fraternity was also in awe of her ethereal beauty at the Met Gala 2025. Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt posted on her Instagram handle to praise the 'Shershaah' actress's Met Gala look. In the comment section of Kiara's Insta post, which features her Met Gala look, Alia Bhatt wrote, "Gorgeous mama," accompanied by white hearts, to express her admiration for the actress as she showcased her baby bump in a gorgeous black gown at Hollywood's biggest fashion event. Along with her, actress Athiya Shetty also praised Kiara's look with red hearts in the comment section of the post. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJSl356oCMH/?img_index=1 Kiara's look at the Met Gala 2025 also paid homage to the late Andre Leon Talley, legendary fashion editor and Black icon, through a dramatic double-panelled cape--a nod to his iconic silhouettes and influence on the fashion world. Speaking about her Met Gala debut, Kiara said, "Making my Met Gala debut at this point in my life, as both an artist and mother-to-be, feels incredibly special. When my stylist, Anaita, approached Gaurav to design my look, he created 'Bravehearts', a vision that honours the transformative phase I'm stepping into connecting it beautifully to this year's dress code 'Tailored for You.' Inspired by the legacy of Andre Leon Talley, we reflected on what it means to show up with intention, individuality, and strength. This is a silent tribute to that -- it's a reminder that everything we do paves the way for the next generation." Kiara's husband and actor Sidharth Malhotra also took to Instagram to express his excitement about Kiara's Met Gala debut. He shared a video that showcased what went on behind the creation of Kiara's Met Gala look. He was all hearts. Filmmaker Karan Johar also gave a shoutout to Kiara over her Met Gala debut. "Look at this beauty!!! So stunning Ki. Mommy glow and fashion to bestow.....Love you Kiara. So gorg," he wrote. Kiara was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania. (ANI)
"As far as water is concerned, Congress will fight for Punjab's share of water. We will not let anyone take it. We request the order of the court. But even if any such order comes, we will not give water," Warring told ANI.

Amid the ongoing water dispute with Haryana, the special session of the Punjab assembly was convened on Monday.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Haryana government is trying to steal his state's share of water.

"Haryana government and the BJP government are trying to steal Punjab's share of water...We have requested the central government to repeal the Dam Safety Act 2021. This Act comes under Punjab's jurisdiction...We will not let anyone take Punjab's share of water..." Cheema told ANI.

Earlier, 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. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing water dispute with Haryana, the special session of the Punjab assembly was convened on Monday. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Haryana government is trying to steal his state's share of water. "Haryana government and the BJP government are trying to steal Punjab's share of water...We have requested the central government to repeal the Dam Safety Act 2021. This Act comes under Punjab's jurisdiction...We will not let anyone take Punjab's share of water..." Cheema told ANI. The same sentiments were expressed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on the ongoing dispute. "This is not only about Punjab's right, it is in the interest of the nation. The water used by Punjab is used to supply the whole country with food. If you do not give Punjab's share of water, then how will we be able to provide wheat and grains to the nation...We condemn the Dam Safety Act, and a new BBMB should be constituted..." he said. Earlier, 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. 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." (ANI)
The CM has stated that farmers, KVK, sugar mills and committees should make joint efforts for sugarcane development. Strict actions would be taken against mills that do not make timely payments, as per an official statement.

Furthermore, cooperative and federation mills will be reviewed as capacity and qualification testing would be necessary. There is a full possibility of doubting the production and productivity in the state, CMO stated.

Meanwhile, UP CM also held a Janata Darshan at his residence in Lucknow, where he met citizens and listened to their grievances, including those raised by the women attendees.

The Chief Minister personally reviewed the concerns and assured necessary action.

On Thursday, CM Yogi had directed officials to expedite relief work in areas affected by storms, rain, and hailstorms. He stressed the need for timely compensation in cases of human or livestock casualties and instructed that injured persons receive proper medical treatment.

"Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the officers of the concerned districts to conduct relief work with full promptness in view of the storm, rain and hailstorm," the Chief Minister's Office posted on X. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the permanent drinking water supply project to taluks in Bengaluru South district would be completed by December this year. "The drinking water project has been taken up at the cost of Rs 540 crores. We had promised to supply drinking water to all taluks in Bengaluru South district during the Chennapatna by-polls, and we are committed to honour the promise," the Deputy Chief Minister told reporters at Belakawadi in Malavalli taluk. The DCM performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project near Sattegala reservoir on Monday morning. The project envisages the supply of drinking water to Ramanagar, Kanakapura, Chennapatna and Magadi taluks in Bengaluru South district. He pointed out that the project was launched during his earlier tenure as Water Resources Minister, and said that he had come to enquire about the delay. "3.3 TMCft of water is being supplied at a nominal cost." He sought details from officials and representatives of Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering, which is executing the project, about the reason for the delay. When asked if land belonging to farmers was being acquired for the projects, Shivakumar said, "Land belonging to farmers is being acquired as per the need. The Deputy Commissioner has been asked to provide good compensation to farmers who co-operate in the project by giving up their lands. This project will help increase the groundwater level and address the problem of water scarcity in the area." The project is set to help about 10.82 lakh people and about 9.03 lakh cattle heads in the district that is affected by a scarcity of rainfall over the last several years. About 220 cusecs of water will be supplied to the Iggalur barrage from Sattegala reservoir across the river Cauvery for 180 days using gravity. Of the total length of 25.40 kms between Sattegala reservoir and Iggalur barrage, water will pass through a 12.05 kms long 'D' shaped tunnel, out of which 11.33 kms of work has been completed. The diameter of the tunnel is 4 meters. Of the 13.35 km long pipeline, work on 5.5 km has been completed. Water will be supplied to the Mogenahalli tank through lift irrigation, and it will be pumped to fill the Kanva, Manchanbele, and Y.G. Gudda reservoirs. The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed the tunnel work along with former Member of Parliament D. K. Suresh, MLAs C.P. Yogeshwar and Kadalur Uday, and MLCS S. Ravi and Sudham Das. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the Indian Army has responded to unprovoked small-arms fire from Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 5 to early hours of May 6, as per the Indian Army. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army said in a statement, "During the night of 05-06 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded in proportionate manner." Earlier on the night of May 4 and 5, the Indian Army had responded to the unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Indian Army, the troops responded calibrated and proportionately. This is the twelfth consecutive day of India's effective retaliation since the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing began on the night of April 25 to 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 April 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. (ANI)
In the wake of protests over the newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha being called Jagannath Dham, the word Dham was replaced with temple in the signboards. Daitapati Bhabani Das Mohapatra, Chief Servitor of Jagannath Puri Temple, said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to remove the word Dham from the Digha temple after the move sparked controversy. Mohapatra said, "This had to happen. This is a victory of righteousness. This is the victory of 4.5 crore devotees of Lord Jagannath. Mamata didi removed the word Dham from there. You have built the Jagannath temple, you have done good work, but write it by saying Jagannath temple, and you cannot write Dham... No wood has gone from here- Jagannath Puri Dham. Whatever conspiracy was planned by the Chief Minister of Bengal, religion has won in it." He further said that the Law Minister of Odisha has clarified that no sacred wood from Jagannath Puri Temple has been used to create the idol in Digha temple. Minister of Law, Prithviraj Harichandan, held a review meeting with Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, regarding the newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha, as Jagannath Dham. "Jagannath temples can be established worldwide, but they must adhere to the rituals and guidelines issued by the temple administration in Puri. The Odisha government plans to write to the West Bengal government requesting the removal of the word "Dham" from the name of the newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued for servitors (sevayats), specifying where they may perform rituals outside the Jagannath Temple in Puri." Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister of Law, said. He said that Dharu Katta (sacred wood) was not used for constructing Lord Jagannath idol at the newly inaugurated temple in Digha, only neem wood was used to construct idols in Jagannath temple in Digha Earlier West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday emphasised the importance of respecting all religious institutions, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Digha Jagannath Temple. Speaking to the media, CM Mamata Banerjee stated, "We respect the temple in Puri and we also respect Jagannath Dham. Kaali Temples and Gurdwaras are found throughout the country. Temples exist in all areas. Why is there so much anger on this issue?" This comes after West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to the Digha temple as "Jagannath Dham," a term traditionally reserved for the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The Chief Servitor of the Puri Jagannath Temple had strongly criticised the West Bengal government's decision to label the newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha as "Jagannath Dham, " describing it as a "political stunt." (ANI)
Ahead of the Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal which are being organised across 244 districts in the country on May 7 amid tensions with Pakistan, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has called for a meeting regarding the exercises at 10:45 AM on Tuesday. The Home Secretary will be reviewing the preparations for the exercise which are set to begin on May 7 as announced by Union Home Ministry, in an effort to boost to civil defence preparations and aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories. The exercise is planned up to the village level. Chief Secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country will participate in the meeting via video conferencing. On May 5, a letter from the MHA informed about the mock drills, and asked several states to conduct their drills for effective civil defence. "Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025," the letter said. The primary objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with IAF, testing functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, training of civilians including students on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack and provision of crash blackout measures. The objectives also include the provision of early camouflaging of vital installations, to verify the activation and response of Civil Defence Services including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot management, assessing the implementation of crash blackout measures and evaluating the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution. The Home Ministry had on May 2 written to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs about civil defence preparedness in the vulnerable areas and districts. MHA has identified a total of 295 vulnerable towns/districts of the country, where Civil Defence measures needs to be implemented during the peace time. Tensions have risen with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Indian fishermen following a spate of recent attacks and ongoing issues related to confiscated boats held by Sri Lankan authorities. In his letter, Stalin highlighted the growing concerns of Tamil Nadu's fishing communities, particularly in Nagapattinam district, where 23 fishermen were reportedly assaulted at sea on May 2 by unidentified Sri Lankan nationals. According to CM Stalin's letter, the attackers seized GPS devices, mobile phones, VHF equipment, engine components, ice boxes, fishing nets weighing around 470 kg, inverter batteries, cooking stoves, and even personal belongings, including gold and silver jewellery. "On May 2, 23 fishermen from the coastal villages of Nagapattinam District and their five county boats were attacked at sea by unidentified Sri Lankan nationals in separate incidents. Their GPS devices, mobile phones, VHF equipment, ice boxes, engine components, inverter batteries, stove, approximately 470 kg of fishing nets, and personal belongings such as gold and silver jewellery were snatched away. I request you to take this up urgently with the authorities concerned both in India and Sri Lanka, so that such instances threatening lives and livelihoods do not occur again and the attackers are deterred from indulging in such acts," Stalin said. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also expressed deep concern over a recent decision by Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), which has recommended the scuttling of 34 Indian fishing boats seized during 2022 and 2023. "It has been reported that Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) has formally recommended the scuttling of 34 Indian boats confiscated in 2022 and 2023 as part of a project to develop artificial reef ecosystems. The loss of fishing boats will be detrimental to the livelihood of fishermen. I request the Government of India to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government not to scuttle the boats seized from our fishermen and also to ensure the return of boats to the fishermen," MK Stalin said in his letter. Stalin further noted that as of May 5, 2025, a total of 229 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu remain in Sri Lankan custody. He emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government has already submitted a proposal to the Union Government to facilitate the repatriation of 12 boats cleared by Sri Lankan courts and to obtain permission for 14 salvage boats along with 101 fishermen to assist in the recovery operation. "I earnestly urge you to take up these pressing issues with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the security of Indian fishermen and to prevent the recurrence of such attacks, to stop the scuttling of apprehended fishing boats and to take all necessary steps to bring back 229 fishing boats apprehended by Sri Lanka," he said. (ANI)
Amid chaos over the murder of Suhas Shetty, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brijesh Chowta hit out at Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, accusing him of handing out "clean chits" to those who are allegedly involved in the Suhas Shetty murder case. He said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sends Parameshwara to protect "his partners in crime", those who have extended support to Congress, Popular Front of India (PFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which is allegedly known as the political arm of the banned PFI. "Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara seems to be like a clean chit minister. It looks like CM Siddaramaiah, wherever required, to protect his partners in crime and the elements that have supported Congress, PFI, and SDPI, sends Parameshwara to give clean chit to such elements. Parameshwara came to Mangaluru in a hurry and failed to hold a meeting with any elected or civil society representatives," Chowta told ANI. His remarks come after Parameshwara refused to entertain the demand to transfer the murder case of Suhas Shetty to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), stating that the government was probing the matter well. Levelling serious allegations against Congress in Karnataka, Chowta said that the state government was rejecting an NIA probe while fearing their nexus with PFI and "anti-national elements" would get exposed. "We don't have any hopes with the state government and its police. This is why Congress is rejecting an NIA investigation. They fear that their nexus with SDPI, PFI and anti-national elements will get exposed," he said. "He (Parameshwara) has conducted a meeting with a few Muslim leaders and said that the Suhas Shetty murder case will not be handed over to the NIA. What is Congress afraid of? Are they afraid that their nexus with PFI and SDPI will be exposed through NIA? Is this their fear?" the BJP leader added. The BJP in Karnataka has been demanding an NIA probe into the Suhas Shetty murder, who was reportedly associated with Bajrang Dal, and the main accused in the 2022 Mohammed Fazil murder case. Earlier, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Shetty also wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah making a similar demand the murder case. "In the past, the NIA had successfully uncovered PFI's role in such targeted killings and there is growing suspicion that similar forces might be involved in this case too. In view of this, I strongly urge the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to transfer the investigation of Suhas Shetty's murder to the NIA. A central agency inquiry will ensure a fair, transparent and thorough investigation and help bring those responsible to justice, " read the letter. On Saturday, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara informed that eight people have been arrested in connection with the Suhas Shetty murder case. He said the state government planned to form an anti-communal task force to ensure action against those who indulge in communal activities. Addressing the media, Parameshwara said that the police have managed to deter the escalation of communal tension in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which he suggested are known for drawing the nation's attention due to incidents rooted in communal tensions. "Around eight people involved in the murder of Suhas Shetty have been arrested. For many years, the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have drawn the attention of the state and the nation due to incidents rooted in communal tensions. This time, too, after the incident, it was feared that communal tensions would resurface, but the police did not allow that to happen," Parameshwara told reporters in a press conference. Suhas Shetty was killed by a group of unidentified men in Mangaluru around 8:30 pm on May 1, as per the Mangaluru Police Commissioner. (ANI)
Padma Shri awardee and Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has objected to naming a newly built Jagannath temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham,' saying it undermines the sanctity of Puri's Jagannath Dham and called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to clarify the state's stand. Speaking to ANI, Pattnaik said,"...We welcome that the Jagannath temple has been built by the West Bengal government, but how can you name the Jagannath temple as Jagannath Dham, no one will accept this ..." The artist clarified that there was no opposition to the construction of the temple itself but questioned the use of the term 'Dham,' which holds significant religious importance. "There is no objection to the temple, we only have a problem with why you naming it as Jagannath Dham, because there are four Dhams in our Hindu scriptures and the Dham of Mahaprabhu Jagannath is in Puri, then how can another Jagannath Dham be built in Digha?" he said. He further urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to clarify the state government's position on the matter. "You (Mamata Banerjee) will have to give an official statement because this is not Jagannath Dham, this is Jagannath Temple," Pattnaik told ANI. Chief Servitor Daitapati Bhabani Das Mohapatra asserted that, according to sacred texts, there are only four recognised dhams (pilgrimage sites): Rameswaram, Badrinath, Dwarka, and Jagannath Dham, and no other place can be designated as a 'dham.' Jagannath Puri Chief Servitor Bhabani Das Mohapatra accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of conspiring by dropping "Dham" from the name of Kolkata's Jagannath temple. "...Mamata didi removed the word Dham from there. You have built the Jagannath temple, you have done good work, but write it by saying Jagannath temple, and you cannot write Dham... No wood has gone from here- Jagannath Puri Dham. Whatever conspiracy was planned by the Chief Minister of Bengal, religion has won in it," he told ANI. Meanwhile, on Monday, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also refuted allegations that "sacred neem wood" from Puri's Jagannath Temple was used in making the idols in Digha's Jagannath Temple, clarifying that the idols there are made of marble. The Rs 250 crore temple in Digha, constructed over 20 acres, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025. The temple, inspired by the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, houses the same deities. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi is set to visit Srinagar in Jammu Kashmir. Visuals showed him from leaving his residence in New Delhi. This is Owaisi's first visit to the region since the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. Earlier on Sunday, the AIMIM leader strongly condemned Pakistan's continued denial of cross-border terrorism, and said that the time for dialogue has passed and that a firm response is now necessary. "Pakistan will never accept that terrorists from their soil are infiltrating into India and taking innocent lives. The time to reason with Pakistan has now ended. It is time to reply. I say this with full responsibility," he told ANI. Owaisi expressed concern over the recurring terror attacks, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where soldiers and civilians alike have been targeted. "Every two to six months, we lose Army, CRPF personnel, or innocent Kashmiris. This cycle cannot continue." Declaring his party's support for the central government's response, the AIMIM leader said, "AIMIM party supports all decisions that have been taken by the Government of India. Ye desh ka masla hai, siyasi masla nai hai. I appeal parties not to politicise this matter." Owaisi called Pakistan a "failed state" and urged the Indian government to take 'strong' and decisive action against terrorists for supporting terrorism. Addressing a public meeting, Owaisi said, "We hope the Prime Minister will take strong action against the Pakistani terrorists and the failed state of Pakistan that it will think a hundred times before sending anyone to harm India again." Referring to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Owaisi shared a personal story to highlight the pain caused by cross-border terrorism. "The 26/11 attacks happened. I know a place in Telangana called Nizamabad. One of our daughters from there had just gotten married a few days before, and she was at VT Station with her family when Pakistani terrorists opened fire. She, too, was killed," he said. He accused Pakistan of continuously denying its role in such attacks. "Pakistan will never admit that terrorists from its land come and kill people in India. The time to try and convince Pakistan is over," he said. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Dasoju Sravan Kumar has accused the Congress government in Telangana of "mudslinging" and "indulging in false campaigns" against his party while claiming that leaders from the opposition party were trying to defect. He said this comes since the Revanth Reddy government failed to fulfil its electoral promises. "Completely failed in delivering and fulfilling the electoral promises made by the Congress government led by Revanth Reddy. They are now brazenly indulging in mudslinging on the BRS party and then making an attempt and spreading the false campaign that the BRS party is destabilised and some of the senior leaders are trying to defect from the party and so on," Kumar told ANI. "He (Revanth Reddy) talks about fairness, transparency, but then he, from his own paid Twitter handles, Facebook handles, and WhatsApp groups, his government is trying to spread the false campaign to destabilise the BRS government (sic)," he added. The BRS leader said that they have filed a complaint with the cybercrime police, demanding action against the culprits indulged in spreading "malicious campaign" against his party. "We are here in front of the cybercrime police station in Hyderabad to lodge a complaint. We made a humble appeal to take action against all these culprits. These are all verified handles. Today, in the name of freedom of speech, Revanth Reddy and his company are trying to indulge in a malicious campaign against the BRS party," Kumar said. Earlier, at the celebration marking 25 years of BRS, party founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of systematically betraying the people of Telangana. "Congress didn't just betray Telangana once or twice; it betrayed us repeatedly, systematically crushing the aspirations of our people. Just as Rama valued his motherland, Ayodhya, we valued Telangana. For us, Telangana was not just geography, it was identity, life, and honour. But we persevered. We fought. We won. Telangana was born, not as a gift from Congress, but through the blood, sweat, and sacrifices of Telangana sons and daughters," KCR said. Addressing a gathering of party workers and supporters on Sunday, KCR pointed to ongoing protests against the current Congress-led government, highlighting alleged financial mismanagement and public dissatisfaction. (ANI)
The security forces recovered arms cache, including multiple rifles, ammunitions, demand letters, aadhar cards. bombs, war gear and more from the operations.

Manipur Police's statement on May 5 read, security forces arrested Naorem Rabichandra Singh (30), Yengkokpam Premchan Singh (22), Ningthoukhongjam Bikash Singh, Sanabam Ratan Singh (60) and recovered 2 AK Rifles loaded with 4 live rounds each, 1 M4 rifle with magazine, 1 SLR rifle loaded with 5 live rounds, 1 .303 rifle loaded with 5 live rounds, 25 ammunitions of .303 rifle, and 1 wireless set. From Ratan Singh, two mobile phones, and one aadhar card were seized.

In another operation in Mantiripukhri French Colony in Imphal east, 4 other cadres of KCP (PWG) were arrested on May 5. Wahengbam Bimal Meiti (25), Sorenshangbam Sanjana Devi (25), and Senjam James Singh (30), Wangkheimayum Tarun Singh (24) were arrested and 2 pistols, 5 demands letters of the banned organisation, 5 mobiles, 2 aadhar cards, 3 hand gloves and 1 camoflage cap was seized from the cadres.

One active cadre of People's Liberation Army (PLA) was also arrested, identified as Moiranthem Oken (55), recovering 2 pistols, 1 hand grenade, 1 detonator, 3 mobile phones and 1 sling bag.

In a third operation, security forces arrested 2 active cadres of militant organisation KCP (Apunba). Soibam Adit Singh (19), Ningthouham Nagairam Meitei (19) were arrested, and 2 mobile phones, 3 im cads, 1 aadhar card, 1 PAN card and 1 wallet were recovered.

In separate search operations carried out from May 4-5, security forces also recovered arms and ammunition cache in fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. Semi-Automatic rifles, pistols with magazines, 12 bore single barrel gun, multiple BP Plates, jackets, and helmets, hand grenades, and 12 inch mortar HE MK 1 bomb were recovered, according to Manipur police. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Tuesday slammed the opposition parties for taking credit for the caste-census, accusing them of ignoring the demand during their time in power. Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar questioned the Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP, and the RJD for failing to act on the issue despite being in power. He claimed that his party has been at the forefront of the fight for a caste census from the very beginning. "Congress couldn't conduct a caste-census even after being in power for 60 years. Samajwadi Party, BSP, and RJD couldn't get it done even while supporting Congress. People took ministries like Defence and Railways just to enjoy the benefits, but never remembered caste-based census then. Akhilesh Yadav was Chief Minister for five years, and not once did he tell the Prime Minister that he demanded a caste-based census. He must have held many press conferences in those five years, but this issue never came up," Rajbhar said. "Now that the central government has said it will conduct the census, these people are rushing to take credit. Had we not aligned with them in 2022, they wouldn't have even remembered caste-based census. Our party has been fighting for this from the very beginning," OP Rajbhar asserted. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the BJP is conducting a caste census out of fear of a united PDA- Picchda (backwards), Dalit (scheduled caste) and Alphshankyak (minorities). Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP government's corruption and injustice have united the PDA against them, adding that they will remain together to ensure that "there are no irregularities in the caste census." Addressing a press conference here, the SP leader said, "There's no limit to the corruption in this governemnt. Injustice is on the same level, and that is why the PDA family has come together. BJP is conducting a caste census out of fear of this unity. The PDA family will remain united to ensure "no irregularities in the caste census." (ANI)
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Tuesday spoke about the naming of the newly built Digha temple as 'Jagannath Dham' and stated that a 'Dham' can only be in one place, and it would not be right to call this temple as 'Dham'. Speaking to ANI, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said, "The word 'dham' should not be used as there is only one 'Dham' of Lord Jagannath, which is in Puri. A 'Dham' can only be in one place. It would not be right to call this temple as 'Dham'." This comes after the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to the Digha temple as "Jagannath Dham," a term traditionally reserved for the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Meanwhile, the word Dham has been replaced with temple in the signboards at the 'Jagannath Digha' temple. The Chief Servitor of Jagannath Puri Temple, Daitapati Bhabani Das Mohapatra, said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to remove the word Dham from the Digha temple after the move sparked controversy. Mohapatra said, "This had to happen. This is a victory of righteousness. This is the victory of 4.5 crore devotees of Lord Jagannath. Mamata didi removed the word Dham from there. You have built the Jagannath temple, you have done good work, but write it by saying Jagannath temple, and you cannot write Dham... No wood has gone from here- Jagannath Puri Dham. Whatever conspiracy was planned by the Chief Minister of Bengal, religion has won in it." Additionally, Shankaracharya also spoke about Rahul Gandhi's remarks referring to Lord Ram and deities as "mythological", and stated that, "How can you be a Hindu if you criticise Manusmrti?... Any Sanatan Dharma follower will object to this." He also said that the government should ensure that perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack are punished. "The government should ensure that the perpetrators are punished," Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand said. Earlier, West Bengal Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasised the importance of respecting all religious institutions, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Digha Jagannath Temple.Speaking to the media, CM Mamata Banerjee stated, "We respect the temple in Puri and we also respect Jagannath Dham. Kaali Temples and Gurdwaras are found throughout the country. Temples exist in all areas. Why is there so much anger on this issue?" The Rs 250 crore temple in Digha, constructed over 20 acres, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025. The temple, inspired by the 12 th- century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, houses the same deities. (ANI)
Amid heightened security following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives, tourists are once again flocking to Kashmir, captivated by its natural beauty and the serene Dal Lake. Known as "heaven on earth," the region continues to attract visitors, who are reassured by the safe environment and the warm hospitality of the locals. Tourists are urging others to explore the valley, appreciating not only its landscapes but also the warm, cooperative spirit of the locals. Faizan Ansari, a tourist visiting the valley, shares his experience."People of Kashmir are cooperative and well qualified, there is no issue...Right now, the situation is very good...I want to say to all tourists not to cancel your trip, you should visit Kashmir," he told ANI. Another tourist from Mumbai told ANI, "This is a very good place, that's why Kashmir is called heaven on earth. Everybody should visit this place...the situation here is very safe and people are nice...it is like a home away from home." Earlier, a tourist from Gujarat's Vadodara Vikram Bhai Vyas told ANI, "I don't feel good about leaving today. I've had a great time here. The hoteliers have supported us throughout our stay. We felt no fear, and locals have been welcoming. Tourists must visit -- there is no fear as such." Meanwhile, visuals from Pahalgam's Baisaran valley -- the site of the attack -- tell a different story. Once teeming with tourists, the area now shows sparse movement, limited to a few civilians and patrolling security forces. Security agencies and Jammu and Kashmir authorities have intensified their crackdown on those linked to the attack. Earlier today, the Indian Army responded to unprovoked small-arms fire from Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (Loc) during the night of May 5 to early hours of May 6, as per the Indian Army. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian army said in a statement, "During the night of 05-06 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded in a proportionate manner." (ANI)
Amid the ongoing Anti-naxal operations at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border at KGH Hills, Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade sustained serious injuries, with his leg eventually being amputated due to stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). This operation, led by the elite 204 CoBRA Battalion of the CRPF, saw a jawan injured in an IED blast earlier. Borade, who was leading the team, stepped up to evacuate the injured jawan without any regard for his own safety. The KGH Hills are believed to be a hideout for several most-wanted Naxal leaders, and the area is densely forested and heavily laden with deadly IEDs. Prioritizing the safety of his team and displaying exceptional bravery, Borade himself stepped on an IED during the evacuation effort, which resulted in severe damage to his left leg. He was immediately moved to Raipur and later airlifted to Delhi, where his left leg had to be medically amputated to prevent the spread of infection. At present, Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade is reported to be in stable condition and is under close medical supervision. His bravery, leadership, and sense of duty stand as a shining example of the indomitable spirit of India's security forces. Meanwhile, the operation in the KGH Hills continues, as security forces search these highly dangerous and IED-infested forests for Naxal hideouts. Security forces have been carrying out intense anti-naxal operations at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, in an effort to eradicate Maoist forces by March 2026. The operation has been going on for 2 weeks. On April 29, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai thanked the security forces for handling the situation. "We keep holding review meetings of all departments. I have just taken information about the biggest Naxal operation going on at the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, We want to thank the security forces for handling the situation there," Sai said speaking to the media. The operation is being carried out across a large 800 square km area near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, including the Karegutta hills. Over 24,000 personnel from Chhattisgarh and central forces are taking part in the mission, either directly or indirectly. (ANI)
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, a goatherd from Sadevala village located close to the India-Pakisatn Border in Rajasthan, has voiced his unwavering support for the Indian armed forces even as his flock are bearing the brunt due to security restrictions. Lal Singh, who tends to over 1,200 sheep and goats, told ANI that his livelihood has been upended since movement near the border was curtailed on May 1. "We were told we can't take the animals forward because the situation is not safe. But here there's no grass, no water. Over 10 of my goats have died already, Singh said. He also said that while herders were once allowed to move up to 10 kilometres inside the border area, they are now requesting access to just 5-7 kilometres. "If the situation gets worse, we'll come back immediately." Lal Singh also expressed anguish over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were shot dead. "Those were our people. If there's a war, we'll support the BSF. We'll help deliver food and water. Whatever is needed," he emphasised. Sadevala, located close to the India-Pakistan border in western Rajasthan, frequently sees movement of pastoral communities who depend on seasonal grasslands. Security restrictions during times of heightened tension often leave them with few alternatives. In a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh asserted, "Modi ji, give them a strong reply. We are with you. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the BSF and the Air Force." Following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, India took several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty. (ANI)
As part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' initiative for nationwide civil defence preparedness, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a mock drill at Dal Lake, Srinagar, focusing on a boat capsize scenario on Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, an SDRF personnel, Arif Hussain, said, "Yesterday we received an order to do a mock drill regarding boat capsize... We will demonstrate how to use our equipment. We are here following that (MHA) order." Another SDRF personnel said, "We are here to do a mock drill, especially for conditions like boat capsize...It is also per that initiative (MHA order to conduct mock drills)." Earlier today, several high-ranking officials, including DG Civil Defence and DG NDRF, arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs for the meeting called by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan regarding the conduct of mock drills for effective Civil Defence across the nation on May 7. Several states have been asked to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness, government sources said. The measures include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens, training of civilians and students on protective actions during a hostile attack. Sources said measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. Tensions have risen between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment. Earlier, a 30-minute rehearsal for blackout was conducted in the entire Ferozpur Cantonment area on Sunday amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The rehearsal was conducted on the guidelines of the Cantonment Board/Station Commander. "The blackout was from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. As per the orders of the senior officers, lights were fully switched off. If any vehicle was found with its light turned on, it was turned off...Police are fully alert. Deployment has been made at all intersections," said Gurjant Singh, SHO, Ferozepur Cantt Police Station. 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. (ANI)
At least six people were killed when a car and a bike collided violently in Shahjahanpur district on Monday night. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the road accident and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite the relief work. Furhter, he has directed officials of the district administration to ensure the proper treatment of the injured. Along with this, he also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Superintendant of Police, Shahjahanpur Rajesh Dwivedi said, "A tragic accident took place late at night in the Madanpur police station area of Shahjahanpur in which a car and a bike collided violently. The collision was so severe that 6 people died tragically. The injured in the accident have been admitted to the medical college, where they are undergoing treatment. The police reached the spot and started investigating the case, and sent the body for a postmortem." Earlier, two people were killed in a tragic accident on the Yamuna Expressway near Milestone 98 in the Thana Mant area of Mathura, in which five people sustained injuries on May 3, as per the officials. A four-wheeler, travelling from Noida towards Agra, collided with a vehicle and overturned. A total of seven people were travelling in the car. Two of them, a woman named Pooja from Gaur City and a man named Sumit from Darbhanga, Bihar, died while being taken to the hospital. (ANI)
Congress party's General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday that the party's president Mallikarjun Kharge has written a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, putting forward three demands regarding the caste census. The demands include having a comprehensive questionnaire on caste census, abolishing the 50 per cent reservation cap, and implementing reservation in private educational institutions. The Congress General Secretary said that since the party President had not recieved a reply on the letter sent on April 16, on the night of May 5, another letter was sent to the Prime Minister from Kharge. "The Congress President had written to Prime Minister that a caste census is necessary to take place. He had requested that the national census be done as soon as possible, which was supposed to happen in 2021, and in that caste census be done too, he had written on 16 April. We did not get a reply of that letter, so yesterday night (May 5), Kharge had written to PM again," Jairam Ramesh told ANI on Tuesday. Talking about the three suggestions of Congress to the PM on caste census, Ramesh showed the questionnaire of previous national census, consisting of 34 questions, and highlighted the 13th question which pertains to caste. "Questionnaire prepared should be done correctly. This questionnaire, which is prepared by the census commissioner, there are 34 questions in this, and the 13th question is related to caste, and it asks whether you are an ST (Scheduled Tribe), or SC (Scheduled Caste) or other? This is the question? Caste census cannot happen like this. Kharge ji has asked that the questions be made properly and with care, just don't look at counting in mind," the Congress leader added. Ramesh highlighted how the "Telangana model" for caste census could be used as a reference, highlighting that it had 56 questions, and also looked to understand the social and economic conditions of the people. "They have mentioned the Telangana model, in which there were 56 questions, and that was not just for counting but to understand the social and economic situation of the people, so that Constitutional right are given to everyone," he said. Talking about the second suggestion of removing the 50 pc reservation cap, he said, "Second thing is the demand of removing the 50 pc reservation cap of SC, ST, OBC groups, which was put in 1962 through a Supreme Court judgement. An amendment should be brought in the Constitution, so the ceiling does not exist." On the third suggestion, of implementing reservation in private educational institutions, he said that Article 15 (5) has already been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court, however it could not be implemented by the previous Congress government due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being imposed for the 2014 general elections. "Third suggestion is the Section 15 (5) which was brought in, through which reservation in private educational institutions will be implemented for SC, ST, OBC communities. It has not been implemented because for 10 years there was a petition on it in Supreme Court. On January 30 2014, the decision was given that 15 (5) is Constitutional. However, the model code of conduct was imposed, so our PM Manmohan Singh could not bring it forward," Ramesh claimed. Ramesh further criticised the PM and the central government, claiming that they took a "u-turn on caste census." "Suddenly, as you are scared and were caught off guard, you had announced this, suddenly as the nation mourns the Pahalgam attack, the mood of the nation is different and in the middle of this were people are scared and you have announced this and took a u turn on caste census," Ramesh said. Criticising the previous statements of PM Modi on the caste census Ramesh alleged, "You had called Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, other Congress leaders as urban-naxals, you claimed we want to do division in society through caste census. 'Ek ho toh safe ho', those were the slogans." Kharge's first letter to the PM had read, "I wrote to you on 16 April 2023 and placed before you the demand of the Indian National Congress to conduct a caste census. Unfortunately, I did not receive any reply to that letter. Thereafter, your party leaders and you yourself continuously attacked the Congress Party and the Congress leadership for raising this legitimate demand. Today, you yourself are admitting that this demand is in the interest of profound social justice and empowerment." (ANI)
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Tuesday slammed Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bihari Yadav's remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing him of giving a clean chit to Pakistan. "After the all-party meet, one by one, Congress leaders, RJD leaders and now, SP leaders are giving a clean chit to Pakistan," Poonawalla told ANI. The BJP leader alleged that the INDIA bloc and Pakistan are like two different bodies and one soul. "SP leader is saying that this (Pahalgam attack) was carried out politically. Means they have given a clean chit to Pakistan, and they are trying to bring down the morale of the security forces. SP's Ram Gopal Yadav had once said that the Pulwama attack was carried out for votes....INDI alliance and Pakistan are like two different bodies and one soul," Poonawalla said. Meanwhile, as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, a goatherd from Sadevala village located close to the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan has voiced his unwavering support for the Indian armed forces even as his flock is bearing the brunt due to security restrictions. Lal Singh, who tends to over 1,200 sheep and goats, told ANI that his livelihood has been upended since movement near the border was curtailed on May 1. "We were told we can't take the animals forward because the situation is not safe. But here there's no grass, no water. Over 10 of my goats have died already, Singh said. He also said that while herders were once allowed to move up to 10 kilometres inside the border area, they are now requesting access to just 5-7 kilometres. "If the situation gets worse, we'll come back immediately." Lal Singh also expressed anguish over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were shot dead. "Those were our people. If there's a war, we'll support the BSF. We'll help deliver food and water. Whatever is needed," he emphasised. Sadevala, located close to the India-Pakistan border in western Rajasthan, frequently sees movement of pastoral communities who depend on seasonal grasslands. Security restrictions during times of heightened tension often leave them with few alternatives. In a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh asserted, "Modi ji, give them a strong reply. We are with you. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the BSF and the Air Force." Following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, India took several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CT Ravi on Tuesday criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government over the murder case of Suhas Shetty, and stated that they give compensation to cow thieves but not to patriots and Hindu activists. Ravi added that Speaker UT Khader said that the Fazil's family had no role in Suhas's murder, even though the investigation is still underway. He also said that while Minister Zameer Ahmed says he is ready to fight Pakistan if the Prime Minister permits, he should first act against those who shouted 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans inside the Vidhana Soudha. Speaking to the mediapersons, BJP leader CT Ravi said, "The Congress government gives compensation to cow thieves but not to patriots and Hindu activists. How did they know that Suhas was a goon in the murder of Fazil? Why are such claims being made? Why did Speaker Khader quickly say that Fazil's family had no role in Suhas's murder, even though the police are still investigating? There is doubt about the family's involvement. Minister Zameer Ahmed says he wants to fight Pakistan if the Prime Minister allows it, but first, he should act against those shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans in the Vidhana Soudha. Our soldiers are ready to face Pakistan; we must first deal with enemies within." He concluded by saying that the soldiers are ready to face Pakistan, but we must first deal with enemies who are within the country. Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara informed that eight people have been arrested in connection with the Suhas Shetty murder case. He said the state government planned to form an anti-communal task force to ensure action against those who indulge in communal activities. Suhas Shetty, the main accused in the Fazil murder case, was killed by a group of unidentified men in Mangaluru around 8:30 pm on May 1, as per the Mangaluru Police Commissioner. (ANI)
Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Dilip Jaiswal on Tuesday said that India could "go to any extent" to eliminate terrorists, who were being sheltered by Pakistan. He said that the government will not spare the terrorists responsible for the deadly Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the country can go to any limit to combat terrorism and to send a message against the same. He said that the country can't forget the killing of innocent people in Pahalgam. "The kind of incident that has occurred in Pahalgam and the entire country cannot forget the killings of innocent people by terrorists. Prime Minister has announced that we can go to any limit. We won't spare the terrorists. We want to send a message that India is against terrorism. The developed countries that are against terrorism also stand with India," Jaiswal told ANI. "Some neighbouring countries shelter terrorists, and India can go to any extent (to eliminate it). This is why we are conducting mock drills so that in case of a war-like situation, people know what they have to do," he added. Meanwhile, amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has instructed the districts in the state to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. "Instructions were received from the Government of India regarding the mock drill of civil defence. From there, 19 districts have been identified: one is in the A category, two are in the C category, and all the rest are in the B category. However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the place, instructions have been given by the government that this mock drill should be conducted in all the districts in collaboration with all our verticals - be it police, fire, civil administration or disaster department, so that we can deal with any emergency situation," DGP Kumar told reporters here. This comes after the Union Home Ministry issued directions for the mock drill for effective civil defence in all the states and union territories on May 7. While the army is preparing on the border for a possible war with Pakistan, the civil defence volunteers have also become active in protecting the citizens in the city from attacks. The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence, government sources said. They said the measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The sources said measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. Tensions have risen between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment. (ANI)
BPSC Teacher Recruitment Exam 3.0 aspirants held a protest outside the official residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here on Tuesday. As the protesters entered the "restricted area", the police lathi-charged them. Visuals from the scene showed police forcefully removing the women protesters from the area around the CM's house. The visuals also showed police personnel baton-charging male protesters. However, some allege that women protesters were also subjected to baton charging. The protesters are demanding a resolution regarding discrepancies in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) TRE 3.0 exam results, in which candidates were concerned about vacant posts and issues with the declaration of results. The protesters want the release of the supplementary results of the exam. "Supplementary result should be released. Vacancies come again and again but the seats remain vacant. If the government has the supplementary result, then why is it not being released," a woman protester told ANI. The issue at hand stems from the BPSC TRE 3.0 examination, for which 87,774 posts were advertised. However, only 66,000 results were declared, leaving 21,000 vacancies unexplained. Aspirants were particularly concerned after noticing that the published results included duplications, with one student appearing on three different lists. In March, BPSC Teacher Recruitment Exam 3.0 aspirants protested for over 50 days in Patna. The protesters were demanding a resolution regarding discrepancies in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) TRE 3.0 exam results, in which candidates were concerned about vacant posts and issues with the declaration of results. In the BPSC TRE 3.0 examination, 87,774 posts were advertised. However, only 66,000 results were declared, leaving 21,000 vacancies unexplained. Aspirants were particularly concerned after noticing that the published results included duplications, with one student appearing on three different lists. At the time, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan met with a delegation of BPSC aspirants and heard their grievances, assuring them of issuing necessary instructions to relevant authorities. The matter also reached the Supreme Court; however, the court refused to interfere and dismissed the plea that raised allegations regarding the BPSC preliminary examination. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Tuesday slammed Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bihari Yadav's remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that the entire country is against Pakistan. He alleged that Uttar Pradesh witnessed gundagardi, corruption and loot when the SP was in power. "You have seen the administration during SP's tenure. There was gundagardi, corruption and loot. Today, BJP has been in power for the last 8 years, and there is a peaceful atmosphere in the state along with law and order.... The entire country is against Pakistan," Dev Singh told ANI. Earlier in the day, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also slammed the Lal Bihari Yadav's remarks, accusing him of giving a clean chit to Pakistan. "After the all-party meet, one by one, Congress leaders, RJD leaders and now, SP leaders are giving a clean chit to Pakistan," Poonawalla told ANI. The BJP leader alleged that the INDIA bloc and Pakistan are like two different bodies and one soul. "SP leader is saying that this (Pahalgam attack) was carried out politically. Means they have given a clean chit to Pakistan, and they are trying to bring down the morale of the security forces. SP's Ram Gopal Yadav had once said that the Pulwama attack was carried out for votes.... INDI alliance and Pakistan are like two different bodies and one soul," Poonawalla said. Meanwhile, The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has instructed the districts in the state to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. The district officials have also been instructed to make adequate security arrangements. "Instructions were received from the Government of India regarding the mock drill of civil defence. From there, 19 districts have been identified: one is in the A category, two are in the C category, and all the rest are in the B category. However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the place, instructions have been given by the government that this mock drill should be conducted in all the districts in collaboration with all our verticals - be it police, fire, civil administration or disaster department, so that we can deal with any emergency situation," DGP Kumar told reporters. (ANI)
After the Home Ministry gave instruction to conduct nationwide mock drills on May 7, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the Centre should take the opposition into confidence and be prepared to face the situation after war. He hit out at Home Minister Amit Shah and said that he was not efficient enough to handle war war-like situation in the country. Sanjay Raut said, "Mock drills keep happening in the country where a war-like situation arises...We have the experience of 1971 and the Kargil war, if the govt wants to conduct a mock drill, then fine. In 1971, there was no means of communication, but today you can tell people what to do and what not to like it was done during Covid. Now it is a real war. The situation in the country after the war becomes very serious. For that, there should be discussions with the opposition. PM Modi should take everyone into confidence. Rahul Gandhi had called for a special session of Parliament." He further said that the country is facing war war-like situation and the opposition won't do politics during this moment. "The situation which will arise in the country, is the Home Minister efficient in handling it? The Home Ministry is responsible for the anarchy in the country over the last 10 years. The way in which Pakistan is threatening and China is standing behind it, PM will have to make changes in the government, weak people like the Home Minister will have to be removed, and a National government will have to be formed. PM 's agenda is only to fight the war and win the election," he added. In a boost to civil defence preparations amid tensions with Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised districts on May 7. According to a letter written to Chief Secretaries, the Union Home Ministry said the exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories. The exercise is planned up to the village level. "Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025," the letter said. The primary objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with IAF, testing functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, training of civilians including students on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack and provision of crash blackout measures. The objectives also include the provision of early camouflaging of vital installations, to verify the activation and response of Civil Defence Services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot management, assessing the implementation of crash blackout measures and evaluating the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution. (ANI)
A day ahead of national mock drills scheduled for May 7, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema confirmed that exercises will be held across 20 districts in the state. The drills will involve teams from the Civil Defence, Punjab Police, and the Home Ministry, aimed at ensuring preparedness for any emergency situations. Speaking on the preparations, Cheema said, "Mock drills will be conducted in 20 districts of the state. Teams of Civil Defence, Punjab Police, along with the Home Ministry will conduct mock drills tomorrow. We have to protect our 500km border and citizens." Cheema further assured that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is closely monitoring the exercise to ensure the safety of citizens. Our chief minister Bhagwant Singh himself is monitoring all this and there will no threat to loss of life and property." Meanwhile, the Civil Defence in Lucknow rehearsed mock drill exercises in the police lines area amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The police and local administration were also part of the rehearsal mock drills, which are scheduled to be carried out tomorrow. A police officer said, "Nationwide mock drills will be held tomorrow. Civil Defence, Police and local administration are preparing for it today." Moreover, the administration also conducted an air raid siren test as a part of a rehearsal for a nationwide mock drill exercise. "We are a disciplined team. We know what to do and what not to do. We will clearly show what is to be done when there is a bomb threat. We are making the public aware - how can one take shelter in the open, and if you are in the house, what corner should you choose to take shelter? We will also raise sirens in case of a blackout announcement. We should keep torches at our house for some ease," Amarnath Mishra, Chief Warden of Civil Defence, told ANI. The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. (ANI)
Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Border Security Force and the Rajasthan Police personnel are creating awareness among the people around defence establishments in the border area of the State, said Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudhir Choudhary. The police officer also warned of "severe" action against people who leak any information to Pakistan for money. "In border areas, we, along with BSF officials, are inspecting and creating awareness among the people around defence establishments... If someone leaks any information for money, they must face severe action," Choudhary told ANI. "If anyone is doing so out of fear or being blackmailed by the Pakistani side via any relatives, that person needs to inform us... We have our eyes on everyone, all the machinery, and intelligence agencies are active; even civilians provide us information," he added. Meanwhile, in response to the directives from the Home Ministry, preparations for a mock drill scheduled for May 7 have commenced at the Civil Defence Control Room in Lucknow on Tuesday. The drill, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to simulate protective measures in case of an air attack or disaster, with special focus on safeguarding citizens. Amarnath Mishra, Chief Warden of Civil Defence, explained that the team conducted a meeting with all employees to prepare them for the eventuality of an enemy airstrike on the city. "Today, the Civil Defence held a meeting with all its employees regarding how to protect the citizens if the enemy country launches an air attack in the city at any time... Along with this, everyone was also given guidelines on how to protect the people..." The session also focused on crowd control during a disaster. "The Defence people were also made aware of what the citizens should do during a sudden attack, what precautions they should take so that there is minimum damage, and their responsibilities were explained to them. Everyone was also explained how to control the crowd during a disaster," Mishra said "While the army is preparing on the border for a possible war with Pakistan, the Civil Defence volunteers have also become active to protect the citizens in the city from attacks," he added emphasizing the importance of citizen preparedness. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has instructed the districts in the state to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. The district officials have also been instructed to make adequate security arrangements. "Instructions were received from the Government of India regarding the mock drill of civil defence. From there, 19 districts have been identified: one is in the A category, two are in the C category, and all the rest are in the B category. However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the place, instructions have been given by the government that this mock drill should be conducted in all the districts in collaboration with all our verticals - be it police, fire, civil administration or disaster department, so that we can deal with any emergency situation," DGP Kumar told reporters. The Union Home Ministry had asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. (ANI)
Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Dilip Jaiswal on Tuesday lashed out at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chairman Tejashwi Yadav over the latter's "hijacked" remarks against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying that Yadav has no issues to talk about, and thus, he repeats the same things. Labelling the RJD as "issue-less opposition", he said that the opposition had no issue to raise and was only indulging in "personal attacks". "The Bihar Leader of Opposition (LoP) repeats the same things every time. The people have also understood that they (the opposition) has no issue, and thus, they repeat the same thing repeatedly. This is an opposition with no issues (it can raise). As soon as there is a personal attack (or objection) by political parties, it must be understood that they (opposition) have no issue," Jaiswal told ANI. This comes after Yadav on Monday took a jibe at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying that the CM has been hijacked and the RJD is pained by the situation of Nitish Kumar. "We are pained by the situation the Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) is going through... We repeatedly tell the Chief Minister that he is tired now. The Chief Minister is proving that someone else is running Bihar, the Chief Minister has been hijacked," Tejashwi Yadav told reporters. Earlier on April 16, the Election Commission of India (ECI) started preparations for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with over 200 booth-level agents participating in a national-level training programme at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, Delhi. According to sources, the ECI has stepped up efforts to conduct a smooth, free and fair election set to happen later this year. Notably, this will be the first Assembly Polls Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will be overseeing following his appointment in February of this year. Meanwhile, apart from the 200 booth level agents (BLAs) from Bihar, a total of 1 lakh officers will be trained at the IIIDEM in the coming years. The CEC had inaugurated the training on March 26, and underlined the importance of the training. "India's election is the biggest election in the world. To conduct this election, the Election Commission sets up 10,50,000 booths. In every polling booth, there is a booth-level officer who helps in making the electoral roll and goes to houses to check the names in the electoral roll," CEC Kumar said. The Bihar Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies is scheduled to be held in October or November this year. The last assembly elections were held in October-November 2020. (ANI)
The initiative is part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Tripura Urban and Tourism Development Project (TUTDP), aimed at enhancing eco-tourism and cultural heritage in the region.

The ceremony, held at the Chabimura site in Amarpur, was attended by Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, MLA Ranjit Das, and senior officials, including UK Chakma (Secretary, Tourism Department), Tarit Kanti Chakma (DM and Collector, Gomati), and Namit Pathak (Superintendent of Police, Gomati).

The event was presided over by the Chairman of the Block Advisory Committee, Amarpur RD Block, Rabitra Jamatia and organised under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (TTDCL) and the Director of the Tourism Department, Prashant Badal Negi.

The project aims to transform Chabimura, renowned for its ancient rock carvings along the Gomati River, into a major tourist hub by improving infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism. Enhancements at Fatik Sagar and Amar Sagar are also planned to boost the region's appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

This development aligns with Tripura's broader strategy to position itself as a gateway to Southeast Asia via the Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, leveraging improved connectivity to stimulate economic growth and tourism.

The ADB's involvement underscores the project's significance in Tripura's tourism development agenda, with the TUTDP focusing on enhancing liveability and infrastructure in key tourist areas.

With these initiatives, Tripura aims to attract more visitors, create employment opportunities, and preserve its rich cultural heritage, contributing to the state's overall economic development. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met with the family of Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini's wife, Suman Saini had on Sunday paid respects to the late Navy officer at a 'Shraddhanjali Sabha' organised by his family members at their residence in Karnal. Addressing reporters after the ceremony, she said, "Today is a deeply sorrowful day. The family lost their beloved son, and I pray to God to give them strength. The terror attack of April 22 is beyond condemnation. The entire nation mourns this loss." Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job to the family member of Vinay Narwal. Narwal, a native of Karnal, Haryana, was given an emotional farewell by family members last month. His father, Rajesh Narwa, and maternal uncle performed the last rites in the presence of hundreds. Narwal's father expressed faith in the government and said that the Union government would do justice, adding that the loss was "unbearable and irreplaceable." Vinay Narwal had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Lt Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on leave and was in Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists opened fire. The widow of the deceased naval officer bid an emotional farewell during the solemn military ceremony, remembering her late husband as a man who lived with honour and left behind a legacy of courage. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)
A four-member team of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos visited the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday to carry out a routine security review as part of their annual calendar. Speaking to the media, Superintendent of Police (SP), Puri, Vinit Agrawal said, "A four-member team of NSG commandos has come here to review the security around Shri Jagannath temple as part of a routine process which is part of their annual calendar." The visit by the elite NSG team is aimed at assessing existing security measures at the temple, which is one of the most revered and heavily visited pilgrimage sites in India. Officials said the review included inspection of entry and exit points, crowd management protocols, emergency response mechanisms, and coordination among local police and temple security staff. The NSG, India's premier counter-terrorism force, periodically undertakes such reviews at prominent religious and public places to ensure preparedness against any potential security threats. The exercise in Puri is in line with these standard operating procedures and is not linked to any specific alert, sources added. The Shri Jagannath Temple, which draws lakhs of devotees every year, especially during the annual Rath Yatra, remains a high-security zone, with multiple layers of protection and surveillance. The routine visit by the NSG team is seen as a proactive step to strengthen security frameworks and ensure the safety of devotees and temple premises. Local authorities confirmed that the visit went off smoothly, and the NSG team shared their observations with the district police for any possible enhancements in security arrangements. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Pahalgam attacks that killed 26 people, the Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday questioned the Central government's handling of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an intelligence report three days before the attack. Addressing a 'Samvidhan Bachao' rally in Jharkhand, Kharge questioned why no preventive measures were taken despite reported advance warnings. He criticised the Prime Minister for allegedly cancelling his Kashmir visit based on the same intelligence while failing to protect civilians. "A major terrorist attack took place in the country on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. There was an intelligence failure; the government has acknowledged it and said they will resolve it. But if they were aware of it, then why wasn't anything done?" Kharge said. "I have received information that three days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Modi, and based on that, he cancelled his program to visit Kashmir. I also read this in a newspaper. If intelligence could warn that it wasn't safe for you (the PM) to go there, why didn't you take proper steps to protect the tourists and civilians?" the Congress President said. Kharge further said that they are standing with the government in whatever decision it takes against Pakistan. "We have already stated that whatever strong decisions the government takes against Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, we will stand with the government. Because this is a matter of national security. The country comes first; everything else is secondary. We have made sacrifices for this nation," Kharge said. The Congress President also stressed that he comes from a party in which a former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, gave her life. "Indira Gandhi gave her life. Mahatma Gandhi gave his life after independence, a traitor shot him dead. We come from there. Sonia Gandhi gave everything for the country. She refused the Prime Ministerial post twice, and these people want to be in power after taking a hundred lives," Mallikarjun Kharge said. Further, speaking on the caste-census, Kharge said that the BJP has done what Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was demanding for a long time. "Rahul Gandhi has decided that the census of OBC should be done. First, the BJP people blamed Rahul Gandhi for dividing the country on caste politics. Now I am asking that you repeat the same things that Rahul Gandhi was demanding," Kharge said. Tension escalated between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions, a Pakistani national has been apprehended from the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, Army officials said on Tuesday. Further investigation is underway. This comes after another Pakistani national was detained by Border Security Force (BSF) troops after he illegally crossed the border in the Gurdaspur area of Punjab, an official said on Monday. According to a senior BSF officer, the troops were on patrolling duty when they detained the individual on the intervening night of May 3-4, The individual has been handed over to the Punjab Police for further investigation.The BSF is the primary force responsible for guarding the 3,323 km long India-Pakistan border, spanning the states of Jammu and Kashmir (including parts of the LoC), Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This border is one of the most sensitive and volatile in the country, due to historical tensions and ongoing security challenges. On April 23, Pakistan Rangers detained a BSF trooper after he inadvertently crossed the International Border near Punjab's Firozpur. The incident occurred while a BSF trooper was crossing the border to provide security to local farmers working near the fence.According to initial reports, the trooper unintentionally stepped into Pakistani territory. Following the incident, BSF issued a strict advisory to Jawans to be alert and vigilant during border patrol. A senior BSF officer confirmed that, although the advisory has been part of their regular briefing, after Pakistani Rangers detained the jawan during patrolling duty, all patrolling parties have been instructed to be extra cautious during duty. Amid ongoing tension at the border, jawans have been asked to be extra cautious and avoid inadvertently crossing the border during patrol duty. Even the farmers working on farms at the borders have been asked to be vigilant," the officer added. Another BSF officer said that such incidents are common in the Punjab border where jawans from both sides often cross the border inadvertently and issues are used to get resolved in a single flag meeting, but this time Pakistan is not turning up for the meeting despite several attempts. "Pakistan is not responding because of ongoing tension after the Pahalgam attack, but we have lodged our protest with the Pak Rangers and are making all efforts to bring back the jawan," the officer added. (ANI)
Calling the Pahalgam attack the "most heinous crime" committed by terrorists, former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha member HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response, stating that this is the "first time" a Prime Minister has given such operational freedom to the Armed Forces. "Most heinous crime by the terrorist, I think this is the first time when tourists were massacred in Kashmir. This is a masterminded attack; 28 people have lost their lives. Including Kumaraswamy, our party's (Janata Dal Secular) stand is very clear, we are with the decision taken by the Prime Minister. PM has cancelled his visit to Russia. He gave freedom to the army, whatever steps you (PM) want, take it," Devegowda said. A few weeks ago, after a series of meetings with the Armed Forces chiefs, the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi said that the armed forces have full operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. "This is the first time. I was also the PM, and I know the ground realities. This is the first time the PM has taken such bold steps to give such freedom to the Army. Never in the past has it happened," Devegowda said. Reaffirming his support for the PM, the JD(S) Chief said that several steps have been taken, and the PM has assured that he will ensure that those responsible for the attack are taught a lesson. "The Home Minister and also the Defence Minister are collectively operating, and their entire response is on the shoulders of the PM. The country is with the Prime Minister, all political parties should, with one voice, talk about the action taken by the Prime Minister. He has already taken several steps to teach a lesson," Devegowda said. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry issued directions for a mock drill on May 7 for effective civil defence in all the states and union territories. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese on Tuesday. The two leaders agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. PM Modi also personally congratulated Albanese on his party's historic victory. "Spoke with my friend @AlboMP to personally congratulate him on his party's historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi said in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1919672478567170470 On Saturday, PM Modi had congratulated Albanese on his "resounding victory" and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia. PM Modi had said that he looked forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, he had said, "Congratulations Anthony Albanese on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Albanese is the first Prime Minister in more than two decades to secure back-to-back election victories, the first since John Howard, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to cheering supporters at the Labor Party's headquarters on Saturday, he said the government will invest in young Australians while looking after the older people, as well. He also spoke about the resilience of the economy and about a unified Australia. "In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination," he told the crowd in Sydney, as cheers erupted, "Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way - looking after each other while building for the future," he added. The Australia-India relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic partnership in June 2020. The relationship is based on mutual understanding, friendship and a shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both nations are committed to collaborating on science and technology, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, defence ties, agriculture, education and tourism. (ANI)
Odisha Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahoo chaired a review meeting on Civil Defence preparedness at the Home Department in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, following directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Senior officials attended the meeting, while Superintendents of Police (SPs) of respective districts participated virtually. The review was conducted in response to the MHA's recent directives regarding Civil Defence, with a focus on assessing preparedness levels across the state. According to government sources, the Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance Civil Defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. Sources further said that other preparedness steps include the provision of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital installations, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has stated that the perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment. In Uttar Pradesh, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar instructed the districts in the state to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. The district officials have also been instructed to make adequate security arrangements. "Instructions were received from the Government of India regarding the mock drill of civil defence. From there, 19 districts have been identified: one is in the A category, two are in the C category, and all the rest are in the B category. However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the place, instructions have been given by the government that this mock drill should be conducted in all the districts in collaboration with all our verticals - be it police, fire, civil administration or disaster department, so that we can deal with any emergency situation," DGP Kumar told reporters. The Civil Defence in Lucknow rehearsed mock drill exercises in the police lines area amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured many. The police and local administration were also part of the rehearsal mock drills, which are scheduled to be carried out on Wednesday as per the instructions of the Union Home Ministry. (ANI)
The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of the Himachal Pradesh government, Vikramaditya Singh, said that the department is all set to start the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) stage four once it's approved by the Union government. After meeting the Union ministers during his recent visit to Delhi, he was addressing a press conference in Shimla on Tuesday. Singh detailed Himachal Pradesh's progress under the PMGSY, highlighting key milestones achieved in road infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the state. "Our government is making sustained efforts to strengthen the road network across Himachal, especially in remote and backward regions where all-weather connectivity is crucial," Singh said. He reported that under PMGSY-III, 3,100 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges have already been sanctioned, with projects spread across Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur districts. "We are executing PMGSY-III projects worth Rs 345 crore. Our goal is to complete these within 18 months. Already Rs 802 crore has been spent, and by the end of 2024-25, Rs 650 crore more will be utilised out of the Rs 905 crore budget," he said. Singh further shared that meetings with the Minister of State for Rural Development had yielded positive responses. "I was supposed to meet the Union Minister for Rural Development, but he had to travel to Hyderabad for the Prime Minister's program. However, I had a productive discussion with the Minister of State," he said. Looking ahead to PMGSY-IV, Singh expressed optimism. "We are aiming for approval of 1,400 kilometres of roads and to connect 1,560 habitations with populations between 200 to 250 people. We raised objections flagged by NRIDA, and now their team has visited Himachal to inspect the proposals. We are striving for 100 percent approval," he added. The minister emphasised the unique challenges of Himachal's terrain. "We are a hilly state, and 99 percent of our transportation depends on roads. Rail connectivity is minimal. That's why road connectivity is critical not just for residents but also for tourists," he added. He also said a special request was made for the use of cemented roads in high-altitude areas. "In regions between 14,000 to 15,000 feet, roads often get damaged due to snow. We've submitted a video note requesting a separate approval for these roads. We want to use the latest technology to increase their durability and avoid damage after snowfall," he explained. Singh appealed to the public for cooperation in land acquisition. "Roads can only be built when people voluntarily provide land. If someone donates more than the required land, we'll explore the possibility of honouring them by naming the road after their family, subject to approval from the Chief Minister." He also said that the NH 5 from Shimla to Narkanda would be expanded to a four-lane and most focus on it would be on tunnelling. On the New National Highways, he said that 69 could not be made but the previous government had shortlisted 25 NH instead of announced earlier by the Union government to 69. He said now the present government has shortlisted it to 5 as that is the feasibility from the Union ministry, and for both above letters have been sent to the ministry concerned. He added that the government's efforts to go beyond party lines in infrastructure development. "In the past two and a half years, the PWD has received Rs 5,000 crore from the Centre. We believe in working above party politics and remain committed to the balanced development of all regions of Himachal." Singh said. Singh has announced a major reform to end VIP culture in government rest houses and circuit houses. He said that out of approximately 2,500 rooms available in such facilities across the state, only one room per rest house will be reserved for official or VIP use, and the remaining rooms will be opened for the general public, including Himachali residents and tourists. "To end the VIP culture, only one room per rest house will remain available for official purposes. The rest will be opened to the public," Singh said. "PWD Secretary has been instructed after discussion, and a notification has been issued," he said. Acknowledging that the condition of many rest house rooms is not ideal, Singh assured that efforts will be made to improve them. "We will upgrade the basic furnishings, ensure cleanliness, and provide standard amenities to those who are paying for their stay," he added. Responding to political criticism, Singh accused opposition leaders of consistently conspiring and targeting ruling party ministers and MLAs. "Our opposition colleagues are constantly plotting. They keep trying to create disturbances. But we are focused on taking the state forward with positivity, and working with everyone," he said. "Targeting our leaders all the time is not right. When the elections come, that's a separate matter." On Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Singh said, "It is a noted fact that he is one of the tallest leaders in the state. He has won five elections and is now leading the state as Chief Minister. If BJP leaders are troubled by the development work happening in Haroli or the employment generation efforts, that reflects poorly on them." He further added, "Standing with one's colleagues is in my DNA. I said clearly -- I stand with him. We must avoid such conspiracies. The people of Himachal are aware, observant, and understand everything." Vikramaditya Singh reiterated his commitment to unity and inclusive progress, drawing on his father's legacy. "Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh led the state six times. That's not an easy feat -- it requires strength and broad public support," he said. "Trying to categorise leaders into different levels is a sign of narrow thinking. I don't want to engage in such petty party politics. Let's talk about the present and future, not things that are buried in the pages of history. History cannot be erased -- we must look forward and work together, rising above party lines." On the government's decision to shift some departments from Shimla to Dharamshala, Singh clarified that such steps have been taken periodically in the past. "This is being done as part of a plan to decongest Shimla. It's not something new," he said. He added that the government is considering the concerns of employees, especially women nearing retirement age. "The matter has been discussed with the Chief Minister and taken up in the Cabinet. A resolution will be found," he said. "Shifting departments is not wrong. It's a strategic move and one that will help the state function more efficiently," he replied to a question on the latest decision by the state cabinet. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Tuesday urged citizens to participate in mock drills called by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) across various cities in India. He also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left the country in a state of shock. Speaking to ANJI in Hyderabad, KT Rama Rao said, "The most reprehensible terrorist attack that happened in Pahalgam has left the country in a state of shock. Today, whatever the Union government decides in terms of decisive action against these terrorists, I think the country should stand with them." He highlighted the significance of the security preparedness initiative, stating, "And a mock drill is being called by the MHA across various cities in India. I think all citizens should participate to make it a success." Calling the initiative a matter of collective responsibility, he added, "Because this is in the national interest, and anything in the national interest, BRS will certainly support it." Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance Civil Defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. According to a letter written to Chief Secretaries, the Union Home Ministry said the exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories. The exercise is planned up to the village level. "Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025," the letter said. The primary objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of hotline, radio communication links with IAF, testing functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, training of civilians including students on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack and provision of crash blackout measures. The objectives also include the provision of early camouflaging of vital installations, to verify the activation and response of Civil Defence Services including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot management, assessing the implementation of crash blackout measures and evaluating the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution. The Home Ministry had on May 2 written to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs about civil defence preparedness in the vulnerable areas and districts. Twenty-six people were killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The government has said that perpetrators will face severe punishment. (ANI)
Ahead of the nationwide mock drill scheduled for May 7 in 244 districts of the country spread across several states, the BJP Parliamentary Party office has directed all BJP MPS to participate in the drill as ordinary citizens and cooperate with the local administration. Each MP will participate in their respective constituency. State presidents have also been asked to coordinate with senior office-bearers and district presidents to ensure the smooth execution of the drill, sources told ANI. Taking to X and Facebook, the BJP urged all citizens, party workers (Karyakartas), leaders, and students to come forward and volunteer for the mock drill. The party emphasised that every participant's involvement would make a significant difference in the success of the exercise. Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian tourists, the Government of India has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked states and union territories to conduct the exercise for effective civil defence. The exercise will include blackout simulations, air raid sirens, evacuation drills, and public training sessions to prepare for war-like emergencies. Meanwhile, the civil defence held a meeting with all its employees on the ways to protect citizens in case of an air attack in the city. Along with this, everyone was also given guidelines on protecting the public. The civil defence individuals were also made aware of activities to be undertaken by citizens during a sudden attack, and what precautions they should take to ensure minimum damage. Information on how to manage the crowd during a disaster was also provided. While the army is preparing on the border for a possible war with Pakistan, the civil defence volunteers have also become active in protecting the citizens in the city from attacks. Measures to be undertaken, according to sources, include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The sources said measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. Tensions have risen between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment. (ANI)
The Supreme Court dismissed the plea of Roshan Ara, who claims to be the descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, seeking ownership of Delhi's historic Red Fort. The family, battling financial hardship, accused the government of ignoring their legacy and failing to acknowledge their contributions to the nation's history. While speaking to ANI, Roshan Ara said that the petition was filed despite knowing the outcome, citing financial distress faced by the family. "We claimed possession of the Red Fort. Although we knew we would not get this, we still filed a plea because we are going through a financial crisis. We belong to a family that has sacrificed for the nation," she said on Monday. Expressing disappointment over the verdict, she added, "We claimed possession of the Red Fort. Although we knew we would not get this, we still filed a plea because we are going through a financial crisis. We belong to a family that has sacrificed for the nation...Today, our plea was rejected, which is an injustice to us. Bahadur Shah Zafar was always loyal to the country; he sacrificed everything. But in return, what did we get? We were loyal to the country, and in return, our plea is not being heard.." She also recalled earlier efforts of Sultana Begum, claiming to be the widow of late Mirza Mohammed Bedar Bakht, the great-grandson of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, saying, "Sultana Ji also sought help many times, but the court has not done justice to us. The British did so much injustice to us. Now, if the government does not listen to us, where should we go?" Roshan Ara pointed to the family's limited financial means, noting, "I don't know what our next move will be because we are not in a financial condition where we can go to the court every time." She urged the government to intervene."I request that the government take note of our family...There are several Mughal buildings in India from which the government generates revenue, but one of the families of the Mughals is forced to live like a poor...I request the government to look into this matter..." Begum on Monday said she is "shattered" and will seek help from the public after the Supreme Court rejected her plea to seek possession of the Mughal emperor's house. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar dismissed her plea saying, "Why only Red fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri? Why leave them also? Writ is completely misconceived. Dismissed." Begum approached the apex court in an appeal against a division bench order of the Delhi High Court order which rejected her plea on December 13, 2024. High Court's division bench had rejected her plea filed against the December 2021 decision of a single-judge bench of the court which also dismissed her plea. On December 20, 2021, a single-judge bench of the High Court dismissed Begum's petition seeking possession of the Red Fort saying there was no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years. Begum had said she was "the rightful owner of Red Fort as she inherited this property from her ancestor Bahadur Shah Zafar II and the government of India is illegal occupant of such property". The plea sought a direction to the Centre to hand over the Red Fort to Begum or give adequate compensation, besides the compensation from 1857 to till date for alleged illegal possession by the government. She said that in 1960, the government, under the Prime Ministership of Jawaharlal Nehru, had recognised Mirza Muhammad Bedar Bakht as the inheritor of Bahadur Shah and granted a political pension. She also claimed that on August 15, 1965, Begum married Bedar Bakht, and after his death on May 22, 1980, Begum was granted a political pension by the then government from August 1, 1980. (ANI)
The Election Commission of India on Tuesday held a meeting with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati and senior party leaders at Nirvachan Sadan, its headquarters in the national capital, as per the statement from ECI. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. From the BSP, party General Secretary Satish Chandra Mishra and Treasurer Sridhar joined Mayawati in the discussions. This meeting was in continuation of the Election Commission of India's emphasis on fostering greater and regular engagement with different stakeholders, ECI has initiated interactions with National and State political parties, said an official statement. These interactions would provide a long-felt need of constructive discussions which enable National and State Party Presidents to share their suggestions and concerns directly with the Commission, added the statement This initiative aligns with the Commission's broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process in accordance with the existing legal framework with all stakeholders. Earlier, a total of 4,719 all-party meetings have been conducted including 40 meetings by CEOs, 800 by DEOs, and 3879 by EROs engaging over 28,000 representatives of various political parties, mentioned the statement. On May 1, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced three new initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls. These measures are in line with the initiatives as envisaged by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Gyanesh Kumar, during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi in March this year, as per an ECI release According to the release, the poll body has decided to electronically integrate death registration data with the electoral database, ensuring the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) receive timely information about registered deaths. "The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023). This will also enable Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to re-verify the information through field visits, without waiting for a formal request under Form 7," it said. ECI is also set to redesign Voter Information Slips to make them more user-friendly and informative. (ANI)
Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday courted controversy when he attacked the BJP government accusing it if being unable to manufacture even a local bomb in Uttar Pradesh as they had promised. Taking a potshot on the ruling BJP government, Yadav claimed that BJP had promised to manufacture fighter pilots, rifles, arms and ammunitions in Jhansi and Bundelkhand region of the state, but they didn't even make a "sutli bomb" there and the Centre is still importing defence equipment from different countries. "The people of BJP is snatching lands of the farmers.... Lands are diminishing due to expanding infrastructure. We do not want our farmers to get cheated, we want to help the farmers of Jhansi. We want farmers to get rate of their lands at market price. BJP should not forget they tried to differentiate on the land of Lord Shri Ram and hence they were defeated in Ayodhya. BJP snatched and looted the lands of poor of Ayodhya. It was message to the country that it was the end of communal politics. I urge the farmers of Bundelkhand to teach a lesson to BJP, he said. "They had lied that they will manufacture fighter pilots, missiles. If these missiles, arms, ammunitions were made in our Bundelkhand, then we didn't need to import it from different countries. BJP has promised to manufactures all arms and ammunitions. But we have heard that in Jhansi and Bundelkhand, they didn't even make any sutli bombs and missiles and took lands of the farmers. We urge the farmers to form a government of Samajwadi Party and we will give market price rate of their lands. We urge them to not to sign on any government document," Yadav added. while addressing a press conference. The Samajwadi Party chief demanded to the government to give fair compensation for farmers' lands. Yadav said, "This is an important issue of Jhansi in Bundelkhand. Lands of 25 thousand farmers is being usurped through the authority. The Samajwadi Party demands for fair compensation for farmers in Jhansi and Uttar Pradesh whose land is being acquired for development, industry, or business projects. We demand that farmers receive fair market value for their land. We insist that farmers should not be pressurised to signing any agreement without their full consent. Our farmers sometimes do not understand and are misled into signing documents, after which they lose their rights." He further said, "The government is selling JPNIC (Jai Prakash Narayan International Center). We are also ready to buy it on the same price on which the government is selling." Citing a purported post of BJP where they said they need volunteers for help, Yadav questioned if the party knows war is going to happen. "How does BJP know war will happen? How do they know? Their IT cells, media cells have said they need volunteers, how do they know? Desh bachao, hum sab bachenge tab hi (Save the country, then we will be saved). How BJP can tweet this? BJP is not serious even on the issue of security. How their party people know war is going to happen? This is not a time to show off... We all stand with government, we all stand with government's decision. Now, mock drill will be conducted tomorrow..." he said. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the violence-affected areas of Dhuliyan in Murshidabad on Tuesday and met with families impacted by the recent unrest. Addressing the crowd, the Chief Minister announced relief for the victims. "Today, I visited Dhuliyan violence-affected areas and spoke to 400 families. We will give Rs 1.20 lakhs each to 280 families," CM Banerjee said in her speech. During the visit, CM Banerjee also extended condolences to the family of Jhantu Ali Sheikh, a soldier who lost his life during an operation in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. "I salute Jhantu Ali Sheikh and his family. He laid down his life for the nation. His wife and children are present here today. We have given an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakhs and a job in Police Lines to his family," CM Banerjee added. Rafikul SK, elder brother of Jhantu Ali Sheikh, expressed pride in his brother's heroic service. "Today, the country and the village have lost a brave soldier. I am proud that my brother made a super sacrifice for the country," he said. Ali Sheikh, an army special forces commando soldier of 6 Para from Nadia district of the State, succumbed to injuries from the April 24 militant attack in Udhampur, while two of his colleagues were critically injured. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women received a letter from the widows of Haragobindo Das and Chandan Das--two men killed during the recent religion-based violence in Murshidabad in West Bengal, an official statement said. NCW in its release stated, "The letter, addressed to the Chairperson, is not merely a complaint--it is 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." "According to their letter, instead of receiving justice, they alleged persecution. Instead of protection, they face threats and coercion to appear at a political event--an act they consider deeply insensitive to their grief and against their will," the women's rights panel added. NCW said that the letter sent by the widowed mentions a "chilling episode in which their temporary shelter in Kolkata was allegedly stormed by a large contingent of male police officers". Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that last month's violence in Murshidabad was orchestrated and, well planned. CM Banerjee hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that West Bengal would not tolerate people who instigate riots. The Chief Minister visited Murshidabad to take stock of the situation. Murishdabad in April had 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. (ANI)
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has slammed the BJP over its criticism of the state government's proposed Anti-Communal Task Force and accused the party of fostering communal tensions in the state. "Whatever BJP wants to do, let them be held accountable for it. How did places like Mangaluru's Karavali and the coastal belt become a laboratory for Hindutva?" Kharge asked. "How many BJP members are being murdered? It is the poor and backward communities who are getting caught up in this. Why is this vicious cycle of revenge killings happening? Because they (BJP) bred this," he added. He was answering a query on BJP's criticism of the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force to be set up by the state government. Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara had said that the state government will set up Anti-Communal Task Force (ACTF) in the wake of incidents of communal violence in Dakshina Kannada and Udipi districts. He said ACTF would be set up on the lines of the Anti-Naxal Force. Parameshwara said on Saturday that eight people have been arrested in connection with the Suhas Shetty murder case. "Around eight people involved in the murder of Suhas Shetty have been arrested. For many years, the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have drawn the attention of the state and the nation due to incidents rooted in communal tensions. This time, too, after the incident, it was feared that communal tensions would resurface, but the police did not allow that to happen," Parameshwara said at a press conference. "We will not tolerate any kind of communal forces. Our government is committed to maintaining peace in the area. We are actively investigating these incidents. We will establish an Anti-Communal Task Force similar to our anti-Naxal force. This will be a separate wing with comprehensive authority to address communal activities and those who support them. We have instructed officers to take strict action against anyone who delivers provocative speeches or statements," Parameshwara added. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said that mock drills for effective civil defence will be held in five major cities in the state on May 7 as part of nationwide exercise on the call of the Union Home Ministry. The cities include state capital Bhopal along with Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni. The drills aim to simulate protective measures in case of attack or disaster, with special focus on safeguarding citizens. During the address ahead of the cabinet meeting in the capital city, CM Yadav informed that in view of the current national and international circumstances, mock drills will be held on Wednesday in five cities Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni in the state. The drills will include activities like warning sirens, crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and evacuation plans. The CM Yadav further highlighted that detailed guidelines are being issued to the District Collector and Superintendents of Police (SP) for the purpose. Meanwhile, Indore Collector Asheesh Singh said that the state government would release detailed guidelines for the purpose on Tuesday evening. Though ahead of it, the district administration will hold a meeting of police, home guards, SDERF (State Disaster Emergency Response Force), Health department, Municipal Corporation and other departments concerned for the same. All the volunteers related to civil defence have been called and necessary arrangements are also being made, he added. The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updating of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7. (ANI)
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday wrote a letter to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha seeking the release of Kashmiris detained by the security forces in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Mentioning local Kashmiris' efforts to safeguard citizens following the Pahalgam attack, Mehbooba Mufti called the security agencies' actions a "sweeping and indiscriminate crackdown" on locals. Mufti said that over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 Public Safety Act (PSA) detentions have been reported since the Pahalgam attack. She added that such numbers reflect a "collective form of punishment." "The response from various security agencies that have followed (After the Pahalgam terror attack) appears less like a focused investigation and more like a sweeping and indiscriminate crackdown. Over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 Public Safety Act (PSA) detentions have been reported. Such numbers are alarming and don't reflect justice but rather a collective form of punishment. This approach not only risks alienating families and communities but also begs the question: where will all this lead us?" Mehbooba Mufti wrote to LG Manoj Sinha. Extending complete support in favour of Justice, Mehbooba Mufti said that the current actions "amount to mass retribution." "While we are all unequivocally in favour of justice, the actions currently being undertaken amount to mass retribution. No democratic and responsible society can or should accept such treatment of its own people. I have long maintained that the people of Kashmir have extended a hand of goodwill. But it is now for the rest of the nation to respond in kind. It is deeply disheartening that the actions of a few terrorists are now determining how security agencies respond to the situation and go on a spree of arrests of innocent civilians," she said. Mufti requested Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure the release of innocent Kashmiris. "I humbly request your urgent intervention to put an end to this policy of arrests, punitive measures and ensure the release of innocents. Let the people of Kashmir breathe easy and prepare to welcome the Yatris with the warmth and hospitality they are well recognised for." She said. The attack in Pahalgam occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Haryana's Karnal. The Congress MP demanded harshest possible punishment for the culprits while exhorting opposition's support to the government. In a social media post on X, Gandhi wrote, "I met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal ji who was martyred in the Pahalgam attack and shared their grief and consoled them. Their courage and bravery even in the midst of immense grief is a message for the country - we have to remain united. The whole country stands with the families of the martyrs. The opposition fully supports the government - the culprits should be punished in such a way that no one dares to raise an eye towards India. Today the entire nation along with the victim families is waiting for justice." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1919699222003118502 Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda said that the LoP met and consoled the family members. "...Rahul Gandhi met and consoled the family members... Our only objective was to pay tribute to Vinay Narwal," Hooda said. Earlier on Sunday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini's wife, Suman Saini had paid respects to the late Navy officer at a 'Shraddhanjali Sabha' organised by his family members at their residence in Karnal. Addressing reporters after the ceremony, she said, "Today is a deeply sorrowful day. The family lost their beloved son, and I pray to God to give them strength. The terror attack of April 22 is beyond condemnation. The entire nation mourns this loss." Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job to the family member of Vinay Narwal. Indian Navy Officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a native of Karnal, Haryana, was among the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Vinay Narwal had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Lt Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on leave and was in Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists opened fire. Narwal was given an emotional farewell by family members last month. His father, Rajesh Narwa, and maternal uncle performed the last rites in the presence of hundreds. Narwal's father expressed faith in the government and said that the Union government would do justice, adding that the loss was "unbearable and irreplaceable." As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced several initiatives to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered figure in Indian history. The initiatives aim to honour her legacy and provide benefits to the Dhangar community. A special postal ticket and logo will be released in the name of Ahilya Devi to commemorate her 300th birth anniversary. "To mark the 300th birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai, a post ticket and logo are also being released today in the name of Ahilya Devi," Fadnavis said during a Press Conference in Ahilya Nagar. As part of the state's targeted welfare approach, the Chief Minister also announced infrastructure projects for youth from the Dhangar community. "Hostels for Dhangar community boys and girls to be made in Pune and Nashik," he said. He further announced that a separate Industrial Training Institute (ITI) will be set up at Ahilya Nagar, specifically for girls, to provide them with vocational training and skills. "A separate ITI to be made here at Ahilya Nagar for girls," Fadnavis stated. Ahilyabai Holkar was the queen and ruler of the Malwa territory in central India during the 18th century. Ahilyabai Holkar was born in Chaundi village of Ahmednagar district on May 31, 1725 and became the queen of Maheshwar after the death of her husband, Khande Rao Holkar. She is known for the construction and development of temples, Ghats, and Dharmshalas. Known for her dedication to justice, Ahilya earned the admiration of her subjects and the support of other rulers, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and current Deputy Eknath Shinde CM in 2023 announced that the state government had decided to name the Ahmednagar district after Queen Ahilya Devi Holkar. "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the state government has decided to name the Ahmednagar district after Ahilya Devi Holkar. The Chief Minister was speaking at a program organised on the 298th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar at Chaundi. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and dignitaries were present," a statement issued by the Maharashtra Chief Minister's office said. In a tweet, CM Shinde had said, "The soil where Ahilya Devi Holkar was born owes us a great debt. Ahilya Devi worked for the welfare of people from all walks of life. This government is also a government of the common people and a government that gives justice to the common people. In the cabinet meeting held yesterday in the state, Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana has been launched and through this, a total of Rs 6,000 from the Center and Rs 6,000 from the state will be given to the farmers. Ahilyadevi Holkar's reign is still cited for many things. She gave a great lesson in administrative affairs." (ANI)
Bihar will conduct the civic defence mock drills on Wednesday, which include simulating air raid sirens, blackouts, and evacuation plans. This nationwide drill, mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is part of a larger exercise to assess preparedness for potential security threats, particularly in light of rising tensions with Pakistan. Speaking with ANI, DGP of Bihar, Vinay Kumar, said that the state is prepared to conduct the mock drills and assured that all the preparations for it have been made. "Bihar is all prepared for the mock drill. We also held a meeting with all our departments. All the arrangements have been made. Some districts have been kept on standby, too...We will also explain to the public what to do and what not to do... They are also being made aware of the procedure," he said. The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updating of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal. Authorities in Kashmir are set to conduct a Civil Defence Mock Drill and said the official handle of the Srinagar Police on Tuesday, while urging the public to cooperate and remain calm during the exercise. The police department stated that this is a practice exercise to test emergency response systems, and during the exercise, sirens will be activated at various locations in Kashmir. In a post on X, Srinagar Police wrote, "Through Directorate of SDRF & Civil Defence Kashmir. Public Advisory: Civil Defence Mock Drill. To enhance the Civil Defence preparedness for emergencies, a Civil Defence Mock Drill will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM. As part of the drill, sirens will be activated at various locations in Kashmir. This is a practice exercise to test our emergency response systems. We kindly request all members of the public to remain calm and not be alarmed. Your cooperation is essential in making this safety initiative a success." This comes amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reacted to 'Operation Sindoor', launched by the Indian Armed Forces to carry out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, "Bharat Mata ki Jai." Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also lauded the Indian Army. In a post on X, he wrote, "Jai Hind! Jai Hind Ki Sena!" However, Pakistan still violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhimber Gali area, just hours after India carried out the precision strikes. The Indian Army is responding "appropriately in a calibrated manner", officials said. In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) stated: "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner." The artillery fire came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor -- a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK. "A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence. Altogether, nine sites were targeted. "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution," the statement added. According to the Ministry, these steps were taken in response to the "barbaric" Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government reiterated its commitment to hold those responsible accountable. A detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' will be held later today, the Ministry added. Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Indian Army said: "Justice is served. Jai Hind!" In an earlier post, the Army had written: "Ready to strike, trained to win." (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Wednesday hailed the Indian Army after it launched 'Operation Sindoor', carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In a post on X, the UP CM wrote,"(Jai Hind! Jai Hind Ki Sena!)." Meanwhile, Pakistan violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Bhimber Gali area, just hours after India carried out the precision strikes. The Indian Army is responding "appropriately in a calibrated manner", officials said. In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) wrote: "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner." The artillery fire came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor -- a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK. "A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence. Altogether, nine sites were targeted. "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution," the statement said. According to the Ministry, these steps come in response to the "barbaric" Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The government reiterated its commitment to hold those responsible accountable. A detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' will be held later today, the Ministry added. Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Indian Army said: "Justice is served. Jai Hind!" In an earlier post, the Army had written: " Ready to strike, trained to win." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer had a telephone conversation today and the two leaders agreed that expanding economic and commercial ties between India and the UK remain a cornerstone of the increasingly robust and multifaceted partnership. The two leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of an ambitious and mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement along with the Double Contribution Convention. The Leaders described it a historic milestone in the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that would foster trade, investment, innovation and job creation in both the economies. Both agreed that the landmark agreements between the two big and open market economies of the world will open new opportunities for businesses, strengthen economic linkages, and deepen people-to-people ties. PM Starmer said that strengthening alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of their Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy. The two leaders agreed that expanding economic and commercial ties between India and the UK remain a cornerstone of the increasingly robust and multifaceted partnership. An official release said that the conclusion of a balanced, equitable and ambitious FTA, covering trade in goods and services, is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, generate new avenues for employment, raise living standards, and improve the overall well-being of citizens in both countries. It will also unlock new potential for the two nations to jointly develop products and services for global markets. This agreement cements the strong foundations of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and paves the way for a new era of collaboration and prosperity. According to Ministry of Commerce, India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a historic and ambitious deal that would boost jobs, exports and national growth. India-UK FTA negotiations were launched on January 13, 2022. Multiple rounds of negotiations have been held before finally reaching the deal. It said 99 per cent Indian exports to benefit from zero duty. The FTA ensures comprehensive market access for goods, across all sectors, covering all of India's export interests. India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of the tariff lines covering almost 100% of the trade value offering huge opportunities for increase in the bilateral trade between India and the UK. India's main exports to the UK are articles of textile, yarn, fabric, apparel & clothing accessories, footwear, power generating machinery & equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, medicinal & pharmaceutical products, telecoms & sound equipments and manufactures of metal. The main imports from the UK to India are non-ferrous metals, metalliferous ores & metal scrap, industrial machinery, transport equipment, beverages, electrical machinery, and appliances, professional- scientific instruments and chemicals. (ANI)
In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) posted: "Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in the Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner."

The artillery fire from across the border came hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

"A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ''OPERATION SINDOOR'', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed," said an official statement from the Minister of Defence.

Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.

Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution, said MoD.

Further, as per the Ministry, these steps come in the wake of the "barbaric" Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.

There will be a detailed briefing on ''OPERATION SINDOOR'', later today, the MoD added in its statement.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Indian Army said: "Justice is served. Jai Hind!"

In an earlier post, the Army had written: "prhaaraay snnihitaaH, jyaay prshikssitaaH" Ready to strike, trained to win. (ANI)
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark "this is not an era of war", former Indian diplomat Manju Seth on Monday said that any involvement in a military confrontation can likely result in a "counterproductive" outcome for India. Speaking to ANI, Manju Seth said, "Russia had condemned the terror attacks immediately after they took place, and today President Putin has spoken to our Prime Minister Modi and conveyed their condolences and condemned terrorism and said that they stand with India on this...Nobody is supporting military confrontation; I don't think this is a time for us to go into that. I believe this is not the right time. Our Prime Minister has said this is not an era of war...This is not a good time and can impact national interests." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack and expressed "full support" to India in the fight against terrorism, said a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). President Putin emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice.It was also noted that during the conversation, both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi also extended greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year. Earlier on May 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S V Lavrov in a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the terrorist attack near Pahalgam. Lavrov in his call with Jaishankar called for the settlement of disagreements between Delhi and Islamabad. Lavrov called for settlements by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis. Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. (ANI)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday highlighted the strengths and the value the Indian diaspora brings to the economies across the globe. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Milan, Finance Minister Sitharaman said, "Indian diaspora anywhere is held in great respect. Indian diaspora anywhere is seen as a very constructive, positive contributor to the respective economies where they are." "And as a result, you (Indian diaspora) bring immense pride to India because of the contributions you are making, as law-abiding citizens, as citizens who care and identify with the economy where you are, and equally remaining connected to the motherland," she added. Sitharaman offered a sharp overview of the Modi government's 10-year track record, while underlining the importance of political continuity for India's long-term development. https://x.com/nsitharamanoffc/status/1919441241747407349 In her remarks, Sitharaman drew attention to the government's focus on transparent policymaking, corruption-free governance, and inclusive delivery of essential services. She asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past decade has marked a significant shift from past approaches that were often well-intentioned but ineffective in execution. "Normally, in an interaction of this nature, I would tend to speak on what the government has done in the last 10 years...Why it is important for Prime Minister Modi to have won the third term, in the sense of why a stable government, which comes out with transparent policies and completely rejects corruption is so important for India, as India stands where it stands now, and also because we have given ourselves a very ambitious goal, that by 2047 India would be a developed one," she said. Sitharaman positioned the current administration as uniquely capable of delivering on that vision, noting that continuity in governance was not just desirable but necessary. "So in fact you need some government which understands what it takes to deliver India to that goal, and therefore the Prime Minister getting a third term just for the sake of continuity, for stability, is important abd was important." Focusing on the achievements of UPI, Sitharaman stated that 1,800 crore transactions worth Rs 24 lakh crore were done through UPI in the month of March 2025 alone. "You can imagine the robustness with which the UPI functions. Today, 55.17 crore Jan Dhan accounts are there in India with a balance of Rs 2.614 lakh crore in their deposits," she said. The Finance Minister also addressed the broader challenge of effective implementation -- something she said had been lacking in past administrations. While acknowledging that earlier governments may have intended to uplift people, she pointed out that systemic inefficiencies had often blocked those efforts from translating into results. "Several governments could not achieve this over several decades because their delivery was not efficient. But in the last 10 years, what primarily had to be delivered for every citizen without any differentiation or discrimination has been delivered," the Finance Minister said. In a particularly pointed example, Sitharaman described the government's program to support India's street vendors, many of whom had never accessed formal loans or credit. "There are sections of Indian society who, for sheer absence of bargaining power, have never been included in, for instance, the street vendors in our towns who come with the push-carts and sell fruits, vegetables, flour, have never had access to credit from institutions. He designed a program so that street vendors who are authorised by the local municipality, who are in the street, have been in the street, are street vendors. They were given security-free concessional loans," she said. 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)
India's ancient heritage was presented as part of the United Nations' Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, where a special display highlighted the country's 2000-year-old cultural traditions. Prasad Pawar, a research and restoration worker for the Ajanta, said, "Today we have displayed the culture of India 2000 years ago. We have showcased all possible information which we can provide." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has led the dand Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh. The delegation is accompanying the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which have been brought from Sarnath, India. Upon their arrival in Vietnam, the delegation was received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Monks and senior officials have also joined the visit. The Sacred Relics are being exhibited in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025. According to the Ministry of Culture, the relics will then travel to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam, and will remain on display in Vietnam until May 21, 2025. In the context of the UN Day of Vesak and deep connections between India and Vietnam, a specially curated exhibition about historical linkage relating to Buddhist spiritual beliefs and arts and culture dating back about two millennia will also be displayed during the UN Day of Vesak at Vietnam Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City. Further, an Indian cultural group will travel from India to present a special dance-drama "The Journey of Gautama Buddha" representing the life and messages of Shakyamuni Buddha in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and other locations between 5-13 May 2025. Earlier during the trip, Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Samten Hills Dalat in Vietnam, which is home to the World's Largest Prayer Wheel. Sharing photos from the visit, he wrote on X, "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." The Sacred Relics will continue to be displayed across multiple locations in Vietnam throughout the Vesak period. (ANI)
At the inauguration ceremony of the United Nations' Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese spiritual practitioner and artist Vu Khac Diep, professionally known as Master Thien Hai, showcased a unique artwork of Lord Buddha created using melted gold powder. The artist, who currently serves as the Head of the Feng Shui Department at the Centre for Human Potential Research in Vietnam, presented several Buddha paintings made using a highly specialised technique. Born in 1981, Master Thien Hai is a Feng Shui master and artistic innovator known for combining spiritual symbolism with rare artistic materials. His process involves melting and dissolving pure gold bars, which are then transformed into powder and liquid forms. These are meticulously applied onto copper metal canvases to create paintings that reflect both visual elegance and spiritual depth. The exhibition was part of the 2025 United Nations Vesak Day inaugural event, which is being marked with a series of commemorative activities across Vietnam. Among the highlights is the arrival of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India, brought to the country for public exposition for the first time. The relics are being accompanied by a high-level Indian delegation led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, along with monks and senior officials. Upon their arrival in Vietnam, the delegation was received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in a ceremony that highlighted the long-standing spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations. The Sacred Relics were brought from Sarnath, India, and are being exhibited in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025. They will then travel to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam, and remain in Vietnam until May 21, 2025. The exhibition of the relics is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. According to the Ministry of Culture, the visit is part of the Vesak Day commemorations and aims to strengthen people-to-people connections and honour the teachings of Lord Buddha. (ANI)
Referring to Japan's Imperial Household Agency, NHK reported that the Emperor Emeritus underwent a regular checkup at the Imperial Household Hospital in mid-April earlier, where he showed signs of possible myocardial ischemia. The condition occurs when blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart muscle is insufficient.

Citing the Agency officials, NHK further observed that he had not noticed any symptoms, such as chest pains, but after reexamination, he was diagnosed with a high probability of myocardial ischemia on Sunday. They say the 91-year-old Emperor Emeritus will be admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital for a more detailed examination.

NHK reported that the former Emperor Emeritus underwent coronary bypass surgery after being diagnosed with angina in 2012, when he was 78.

In July 2022, he was diagnosed with right heart failure. He began taking medication and restricting his fluid intake.

Citing the agency, NHK reported that the Emperor would postpone plans to stay at the Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, starting Thursday.

As per CNN, Akihito, who ascended to the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in 1989, became the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to abdicate his post.

CNN reported that he cited health reasons for standing down, having undergone heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer in the years preceding his abdication.

According to CNN, Akihito was the first Japanese emperor to marry a commoner, speak to his subjects live on television, and be hands-on in raising his children.

Notably, the emperor is a ceremonial but revered figure in Japan's constitutional monarchy. It is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back 14 centuries. (ANI)
The United Nations Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal session, sources in New York told ANI about the closed-door UNSC meeting convened on Kashmir. The 15-nation Security Council held deliberations on Monday afternoon amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan. There was no statement published by the UN body following the "closed consultations" that was requested by Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Council whose presidency for the month of May is currenlty held by Greece, a permanent representaive to the United Nations. Sources told ANI that UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed door session. The members refused to accept the "false flag" narrative planted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terror organisation with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack. Sources said, there was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability. Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith. Many members expressed concern that Pakistan's missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistan on Monday conducted a training launch of a Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres as part of the ongoing "Execises Indus", Pakistan's efforts to internationalize the situation also failed. They were advised to sort out the issues bilaterally with India. Meanwhile, Dawn News has reported that water flows in the Chenab, recorded at the Marala headworks, decreased from up to 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to about 3,100 cusecs on Monday morning. Chenab is very important for Pakistan's irrigation system, as its canals, including the UCC and BRB canals, irrigate a vast tract of agricultural land in Punjab. India had held the Indus Water treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack and the shortage of water is seen as a likely fallout of that. In anothet setback for Pakistan, Lufthansa Airlines on Monday suspended operations via the Pakistani airspace, according to an official release of the German aviation group. 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)
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shared the details of its strikes on terror infrastructure sites within a Hezbollah strategic weapons production and storage facility. In a post on X social media platform on Monday the IDF posted, "The IDF struck terror infrastructure sites within a Hezbollah strategic weapons production and storage facility in the Beqaa area in Lebanon, a short while ago." IDF noted that it had identified Hezbollah's attempts to re-establish presence and operations within the facility, and additionally struck infrastructure sites in the area of Srifa. IDF called these activities along with the presence of weapons in these areas to constitute "a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". IDF asserted that it would continue to operate to "remove any threat to the State of Israel and will prevent any attempt by Hezbollah to reestablish its terror capabilities". https://x.com/IDF/status/1919486486828753171 In another post on X, the IDF shared that Israeli Air Force Fighter jets struck Houthi terror targets, along Yemen's coastline. "The strike was conducted in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthis against Israel, during which surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs were launched toward Israeli civilians. The terrorist infrastructure sites struck in the Hudaydah Port serve as a central supply source for the Houthis, and is used for the transfer of Iranian weapons. The "Bajil" Concrete Plant, east of the city of al-Hudaydah, was also struck, which functions as a significant economic resource and is used for the construction of underground tunnels and terrorist infrastructure for the Houthis", IDF wrote on X. It further informed that the strike on the terrorist infrastructure sites was conducted precisely, with measures taken to mitigate harm to vessels docked at the port. "The Houthi terrorist regime has been operating under Iranian direction and funding, in order to target Israel and its allies, undermine regional stability and disrupt global freedom of navigation. The IDF is determined to continue operating, at any distance, against all threats posed to the State of Israel", the post concluded. https://x.com/IDF/status/1919455623348908199 According to Al Jazeera, Israel launched attacks on Yemen, Lebanon and Syria, as well as Gaza, where air strikes killed at least 54 people on Monday. (ANI)
Pakistan has recorded a significant decrease in the waters of the Chenab river, after India held the Indus treaty in abeyance and the closure of the gates of Baglihar and Salal dams. According to Pakistan news site Dawn News, the water flows in the Chenab, recorded at the Marala headworks, decreased from up to 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to about 3,100 cusecs on Monday morning. "They have almost blocked the River Chenab flows to downstream (Pakistan) after they (Indian authorities) took the decision on Sunday," a senior official of Pakistan's Punjab irrigation department confirmed on Monday to Dawn. Separately, a meeting of the advisory committee of the Indus River System Authority held in Islamabad on Mondy also expressed concerns over the unilateral Indian decision that would cause additional shortages to Kharif crops, already facing an estimated 21 percent shortfall. The water regulator declared an overall shortage of 21pc for the remaining early Kharif season in case supplies in River Chenab remained normal. However, the situation would be monitored on a daily basis and if the decrease continues, the shortages would be revisited accordingly, Dawn News reported. Pakistan's depends on these river systems to supply irrigation for a majority of their agriculture. Meanwhile, the latest pictures from the Reasi region in Jammu and Kashmir showed all gates of Salal Dam on Chenab River as being closed. Visuals from Ramban also showed all gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on Chenab River as being closed. The move has found strong support from the residents of the region. They have condemned Pakistan's actions, warning that continued provocation could lead to war and reiterating support for India's recent measures. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, the Indian government took various measures against Pakistan. 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 reaffirmed its commitment to taking strong action against terrorism and has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the Pahalgam attack face severe punishment. (ANI)
Pakistan has recorded a significant decrease in the waters of the Chenab river, after India held the Indus treaty in abeyance and the closure of the gates of Baglihar and Salal dams. According to Pakistan news site Dawn News, the water flows in the Chenab, recorded at the Marala headworks, decreased from up to 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to about 3,100 cusecs on Monday morning. "They have almost blocked the River Chenab flows to downstream (Pakistan) after they (Indian authorities) took the decision on Sunday," a senior official of Pakistan''s Punjab irrigation department confirmed on Monday to Dawn. Separately, a meeting of the advisory committee of the Indus River System Authority held in Islamabad on Monday also expressed concerns over the unilateral Indian decision that would cause additional shortages to Kharif crops, already facing an estimated 21 percent shortfall. The water regulator declared an overall shortage of 21pc for the remaining early Kharif season in case supplies in River Chenab remained normal. However, the situation would be monitored on a daily basis and if the decrease continues, the shortages would be revisited accordingly, Dawn News reported. Pakistan''s depends on these river systems to supply irrigation for a majority of their agriculture. Meanwhile, the latest pictures from the Reasi region in Jammu and Kashmir showed all gates of Salal Dam on Chenab River as being closed. Visuals from Ramban also showed all gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on Chenab River as being closed. The move has found strong support from the residents of the region. They have condemned Pakistan''s actions, warning that continued provocation could lead to war and reiterating support for India''s recent measures. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, the Indian government took various measures against Pakistan. 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 reaffirmed its commitment to taking strong action against terrorism and has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the Pahalgam attack face severe punishment. (ANI)
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has said that US will make every effort to support India in its fight against terrorism. He called India a "very important" partner for the US in so many ways. In his remarks at the Congressional briefing at the Capitol Hill on Monday (local time), Johnson also spoke about the trade deal between India and the US and expressed hope that the trade negotiations will work out well between two nations. When asked about his message for India who has been at the receiving end of cross border terrorism for past several decades, Mike Johnson said, "Look, we have great sympathy for what's happening over there and we want to stand with our allies. I think India is a very important partner to us in so many ways. I hope that the trade negotiations will work out well between the two countries. No one asked me about tariffs, I'm glad. Yes, but a critically important relationship for us and such a large population in such an important country. And India has to stand against terrorism there as well." "We'll do everything we can in the US to support those efforts. And I think that's all part of this relationship as it develops. The Trump administration clearly understands the importance of that relationship and clearly understands the importance of the threat of terrorism. And so I think if that threat is increased, I think you'll see the administration, my belief is that they will focus more energy and resources and time to help assist with that. That's certainly our hope," he added. The Trump administration has expressed support for India in its fight against terrorism following the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. On April 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. In a statement, Tammy Bruce said, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today. The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia." On April 23, US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on and offered his condolences at the loss of lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Trump condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this "heinous attack." In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror." (ANI)
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita is set to visit New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12. In a statement on Tuesday, the External Affairs Ministry announced that during the minister's visit to New Zealand from May 8-9, he is expected to have bilateral meetings with the political leadership. He will also interact with prominent leaders of the business community and members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, the MEA statement read. India and New Zealand have historically shared close and cordial ties. Similarities such as membership in the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems for diverse communities in both countries provide an excellent backdrop for deepening the friendly ties. Both countries became independent in the same year and diplomatic representation of India was established in 1950 with the opening of a Trade Commission, which was later upgraded to High Commission. The MEA noted that in Fiji, MoS Margherita is scheduled to attend the third Girmit Day ceremony as the Guest of Honour. In addition, he will have meetings with the political leaders of Fiji during his visit. India's links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian labourers were brought here under indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916 around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished. Prior to Fiji's independence in 1970, India had a Commissioner since 1948 who was later upgraded to High Commissioner after independence. MEA underscored that India's relations with the Pacific region have diversified & strengthened with regular bilateral engagements. The visit of MoS Margherita to Fiji & New Zealand is expected to further deepen India's bilateral ties with the region. (ANI)
Afghans reported continued inhumane treatment by Pakistani Police and are now calling for greater support from the Islamic Emirates as they face deportations, Afghan news site Tolo News reported. According to Tolo News, more than 110,000 were returned from Pakistan, and the rest were from Iran and Turkey. Notably, some of the deportees from Pakistan and Iran face economic hardship as the main reason for their migration. They emphasized that the Islamic Emirate should help provide shelter and job opportunities. One of the deportees from Pakistan, told Tolo News, "Our child is sick. He became ill while in prison in Pakistan. My wife is also unwell. We need assistance." Another deportee from Pakistan, said: "We lived in Pakistan for ten years. All of our property is still there." "I lived in Iran for about one year and three months. We were deported once and sent back to the border. Because of our family's weak financial condition, we couldn't afford to manage, so we had to return and try again," one of the deportees from Iran said. As per Tolo News, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced that since April 1, over 144,000 Afghan migrants have returned from various countries. "From the beginning of April this year until now, 144,783 migrants have returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries -- 110,529 from Pakistan, 34,108 from Iran, and 1,322 from Turkey. In addition, 3,085 prisoners were released from various prisons in Pakistan and returned through the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings," Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the ministry, said on Monday to Tolo News. However, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported in its latest update that more than 190,000 people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan over the past 26 days. Previously, Amnesty International had called on Pakistan to halt the detentions and deportations, stressing that these actions violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they face persecution. Deporting Afghan refugees, particularly women and girls, could deprive them of safety, education, and livelihood opportunities. In response to these developments, international organisations and advocacy groups are urging Pakistan to reconsider its deportation plans and honour its commitments to refugee protection, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety and rights of Afghan refugees to avoid exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. (ANI)
A public health employee from the Dank area of Balochistan's Turbat, Abdul Lateef, has allegedly been forcibly taken by Pakistani security forces, The Balochistan Post reported. Lateef, who served in the Public Health Department, was reportedly taken from his residence during a late-night raid, with his current whereabouts unknown. According to The Balochistan Post report, relatives claimed that security officials entered the home without presenting a warrant and detained Lateef without offering any justification. His disappearance adds to the rising number of enforced disappearances reported in Balochistan, which have sparked growing outrage from human rights organisations and members of civil society. In response to these abductions, students at the University of Turbat staged a peaceful campus protest on Monday, demanding the immediate release of Javed Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch Students Front (BSF), and Gwahram Ishaq, the BSF's Shal Zone General Secretary. Both individuals have reportedly gone missing under similar circumstances, as reported by The Balochistan Post. The demonstration, organised by the Baloch Students Alliance, saw a large turnout of both male and female students. Javed Baloch, a graduate of the University of Karachi and resident of Awaran, was allegedly abducted from his Karachi home on the night of April 23 and remains missing. According to The Balochistan Post report, student groups have vowed to continue a series of demonstrations under the banner of the Baloch Students Alliance to draw attention to the crisis and pressure authorities to act. As part of this campaign, a rally was held at Karachi University on Monday. These developments reflect a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances affecting students, professionals, and activists in Balochistan and other regions, amid persistent political instability and unrest. Enforced disappearances in Balochistan remain a critical human rights issue, with students, activists, and professionals frequently abducted by security forces without due process. Families are left without answers, fueling widespread fear and protest. Despite growing public outcry, the practice continues, highlighting the region's deep-rooted political and humanitarian concerns. (ANI)
Local Brahvi language poet and writer, Mir Allah Bakhsh Shahzad, was shot dead by unknown armed men in Sabzal Road area of Quetta in Pakistan's Balochistan on Monday, Dawn reported. According to police, armed motorcyclists targeted Shahzad when he was passing through the area. He suffered bullet injuries and died on the spot. Police took his body to Civil Hospital and later handed it over to his family, Dawn reported. Earlier on May 2, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) President, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, declared the beginning of a "politics of national resistance," criticising the failure of Pakistan's parliament, judiciary, and other state institutions to safeguard the rights of the Baloch people, Dawn reported. Speaking at a large party gathering at Shahwani Stadium, Mengal said his party would no longer seek government permission to pursue its political activities. He questioned how the BNP-M could remain silent when the authorities were "dishonouring people and Baloch women, carrying out genocide, and dumping mutilated bodies of our youths." Mengal issued a stern warning that his party would not hesitate to organize demonstrations even outside military cantonments if state repression continued. As per Dawn report, he criticised the judiciary for failing to dispense justice, accusing courts of giving repeated adjournments rather than protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. He further alleged that judicial decisions were being made "according to the will of sector commanders instead of the law and Constitution." According to reports, the event was also addressed by BNP-M Senior Vice President Sajid Tareen Advocate; Iqra Baloch, sister of prominent activist Mahrang Baloch; Nasarullah Baloch, chairman of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP); and several other political figures. The speakers demanded the immediate release of Mahrang Baloch and other activists who have been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. (ANI)
Ahead of the secretive conclave to elect the next pope, all mobile phone signals will be deactivated in the Vatican on Wednesday, CNN reported, citing Italian state media. The Vatican also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel to stop electronic surveillance or communication outside the conclave, where 133 cardinals vote to decide who will be succeed Pope Francis, CNN reported, citing Italian news agency ANSA. Phone signals will be deactivated at 3 pm (local time) on Wednesday, an hour and a half before the cardinals are scheduled to proceed to the Sistine Chapel to start the papal conclave, CNN reported, citing Italian state broadcaster RAI reported on Monday. On Monday, the Vatican announced that all 133 cardinals who will vote to decide the successor of Francis have reached Rome. For centuries the Catholic Church leader has been selected in a highly secretive gathering known as "conclave", meaning "with key" in Latin, a nod to how cardinals get locked in until a new pope is chosen. Cardinals have been given the task to choose the next pope after an elaborate process with roots in the Middle Ages. The cardinals will have to give up their mobile phones and electronic devices on Tuesday and they will receive their devices back after the conclave ends, a Vatican spokesman said. The cardinals will remain in the Sistine Chapel and cut off from the outside world from Wednesday. All of the cardinals who will participate in the conclave will remain in complete isolation and will take a vow to observe "absolute and perpetual secrecy." The signal deactivation will not impact St Peter's Square, where the people often gather, according to the spokesman. However, security has been increased throughout St Peter's Square, with checkpoints at the entrances and the deployment of metal detectors and anti-drone systems at the public space, CNN reported citing news outlet Corriere della Sera. During the conclave, the Sistine Chapel is placed under total lockdown to have complete secrecy. In 2013, signal blockers were installed to stop any calls, texts, or internet access that elected Francis. In addition, the electricians, plumbers and elevator operators who will keep the Vatican running during the conclave will commit themselves to secrecy. The statement from the Vatican City State Governorate said, "They all take an oath and will be in full-time service, staying overnight in the Vatican, without having contact with their families." The funeral mass of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, concluded at St. Peter's Square on April 26, with the bells of St Peter's Basilica tolling to signal the end of the 2 hours and 10 minutes long service. Large crowds lined up along Rome's streets to pay their respects to Pope Francis as the white popemobile carrying his coffin made its way across the Vatican flanked by motorbikes on its way to the pope's final resting place, a place of his choosing. Pope Francis' coffin was transported across the River Tiber to the fifth-century church in Rome, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where bells tolled ahead of the arrival of the pontiff's body. The Basilica of Saint Mary Major in was a place that the pope visited frequently throughout his 12-year papacy. (ANI)
Vietnam has expressed its objections to China and the Philippines regarding their conflicting activities at Sandy Cay in the disputed South China Sea, demonstrating the nation's growing assertiveness in regional maritime disputes, the Radio Free Asia (RFA) has reported Last week, China and the Philippines conducted separate flag-raising events at Sandy Cay, an important location for Manila to oversee Chinese activities within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Hanoi, which also claims the sandbank as part of its territory, announced on Saturday that it had issued diplomatic notes to China and the Philippines protesting their recent actions at the contested site. Vietnam foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said, "Vietnam urges the concerned parties to acknowledge Vietnam's sovereignty, adhere to international law, and work towards maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea." China's coast guard had landed on Sandy Cay as part of an operation to assert Beijing's claim over the Spratly Islands, Chinese state media outlet CCTV reported on April 26. The following day, the Philippines dispatched its own coast guards and police personnel to the sandbars but found no one present, with both countries raising their flags over the disputed reef, as highlighted in the RFA report. Vietnam has utilised a combination of balancing, bandwagoning, and neutrality in addressing the conflicts between China and the Philippines within the region. In April, coast guards from China and Vietnam conducted their first joint patrol of 2025 in the Gulf of Tonkin, representing the 29th joint patrol since 2006, as cited by RFA. During the operation, the vessels performed joint maritime search and rescue drills and observed fishing activities along designated maritime boundaries, which China described as "a model for maritime law enforcement collaboration in the South China Sea." In August 2024, the coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnam carried out their inaugural joint firefighting and search-and-rescue drills off the coast of Manila, emphasising the humanitarian dimensions of maritime operations. At that time, Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang engaged in discussions with Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila, where they signed letters of intent aimed at enhancing cooperation in disaster response and military medicine. Both defence leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening military cooperation through "ongoing interactions and engagements at all levels." They agreed to settle disputes peacefully within the framework of international law. Additionally, Vietnam has taken measures to reinforce its legal stance regarding its maritime claims. In February 2025, the Southeast Asian nation announced a new baseline defining its territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin, as cited by RFA. In response to this announcement, China initiated live-fire military drills in the Gulf of Tonkin, indicating Beijing's opposition to Hanoi's claims of sovereignty. (ANI)
In the ongoing crackdown on Afghan migrants, Pakistan released 104 Afghan migrants from its jails, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriates of the Interim Government of Afghanistan confirmed on Monday, Khama Press reported. According to Afghan news site Khama Press, the freed individuals had been detained from various parts of Pakistan for periods ranging from one to 15 days before being deported to Afghanistan. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that in April alone, more than 250,000 Afghan migrants returned from Iran and Pakistan under dire conditions. Among them, 96,000 individuals were forcibly deported, Khama Press reported. The UNHCR further stated in its report that "from 2023 to the present, over 3.4 million Afghan migrants have either been forcibly expelled or have been forced to return to Afghanistan" from Iran and Pakistan. The Afghan government said that upon their return, the migrants were given assistance to help them reintegrate into Afghan society. This release comes amid a continuous flow of Afghan migrants being deported from Pakistan back to their home country. Meanwhile, the mass deportations and arrests of Afghan migrants have raised concerns about their well-being and reintegration challenges. The Afghan administration, along with international organizations, has been urged to step up efforts to create support systems for these returning migrants. However, many believe that long-term solutions and international cooperation are essential to address the root causes of the displacement, including security concerns, lack of livelihoods, and ongoing political uncertainty. The continued migration crisis underlines the urgent need for coordinated policy responses that not only tackle migration at the borders but also improve living conditions within Afghanistan, thereby reducing the pressure to migrate in the first place. Meanwhile, Afghans reported continued inhumane treatment by Pakistani Police and are now calling for greater support from the Islamic Emirates as they face deportations, Afghan news site Tolo News reported. According to Tolo News, more than 110,000 were returned from Pakistan, and the rest were from Iran and Turkey. Notably, some of the deportees from Pakistan and Iran face economic hardship as the main reason for their migration. They emphasized that the Islamic Emirate should help provide shelter and job opportunities. (ANI)
Drones believed to have been launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are said to have struck a fuel depot, causing a huge fire, Al Jazeera reported, citing reports. According to Al Jazeera, multiple explosions were heard and a huge fire erupted in Port Sudan, though the exact locations and causes were unclear. As per the publication, dark plumes of smoke could be seen on Tuesday emerging from the vicinity of the country's main maritime port in the city, where thousands of displaced people have sought refuge. Al Jazeera's reporter said residents in the port city reported that attack drones launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit multiple locations, including a fuel depot, Port Sudan International Airport and a hotel. The media outlet hotel reported to have been hit is located near government buildings, including the Presidential Guest House, where the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, receives visitors and has his offices, the Al Jazeera reporter noted. The conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF has created the a humanitarian crisis, which Al Jazeera noted is likely to be worsened by these latest attacks on Port Sudan, where the United Nations and aid agencies, as well as army-aligned government ministries, have set up headquarters. Earlier on Sunday, a military base in the city, near the country's only functioning international airport, was struck by drones, which was followed by the targeting on Monday of fuel depots in the city. In both cases, military sources blamed the RSF, according to Al Jazeera. The attacks came after a military source said the army had destroyed an aircraft and weapons depots in the RSF-controlled Nyala airport. The RSF did not claim responsibility for the attacks. (ANI)
An 11-member delegation of the Pakistani Army is in Kathmandu following the Pahalgam terror attack, a Nepali Member of Parliament, Amresh Kumar Singh, claimed on Tuesday. Addressing the meeting of House of Representatives on Tuesday, the independent MP said, "There is tension between India and Pakistan after attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam. War can break out at any time. In such a situation, the Nepal government has invited an 11-member delegation of the Pakistani army...What message does the Government of Nepal trying to send out?" The MP further laid out the details of the flight from which the Pakistani delegation arrived in Kathmandu, "That Pakistani Army delegation came on Qatar Airways flight number 646... under the leadership of Mansur Ansari", said MP Singh. "Can we take anyone's side? The timing is not right. I don't mean that Pakistanis should not come but it is the time when a Nepali citizen also was killed in that terror attack." The Nepal Army is yet to comment on the issue. Meanwhile, in a setback for Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed door session on Monday. There was no statement published by the UN body following the "closed consultations" that was requested by Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Council whose presidency for the month of May is currently held by Greece. Sources told ANI that UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed door session. The members refused to accept the "false flag" narrative planted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terror organisation with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack. Pakistan based Dawn News has reported that water flows in the Chenab, recorded at the Marala head works, decreased from up to 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to about 3,100 cusecs on Monday morning. Chenab is very important for Pakistan's irrigation system, as its canals, including the UCC and BRB canals, irrigate a vast tract of agricultural land in Punjab. India had held the Indus Water treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam attack and the shortage of water is seen as a likely fallout of that. (ANI)
The new vehicles combine advanced medical equipment with high-level armor protection, addressing a critical need identified during the current conflict. These mobile medical units will provide immediate treatment on the battlefield inside a protected environment, significantly improving survival chances for injured personnel.

The project was developed through collaboration between Shefer-Bar (of the Yossi Ambulances Group) and Plasan Sasa. (ANI/TPS)
After empty rhetoric where he threatened blood if the Indus water was stopped, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has sought peace with India, saying Pakistan was committed to fighting for freedom, not conflict, Dawn reported. During his address at Pakistan's National Assembly on Tuesday, he claimed that Pakistan was the victim of terrorism and does not export terror. He said, "If India wishes to walk the path of peace, let them come with open hands and not clenched fists. Let them come with facts and not fabrication. Let us sit as neighbours and speak the truth." "If they do not ... then let them remember that the people of Pakistan are not made to kneel. The people of Pakistan have a resolve to fight, not because we love conflict, but because we love freedom," he added, as per Dawn report. Earlier, addressing a public gathering in Sukkur on April 25, Zardari stated that just as the PPP did not approve the canal project without consensus, Pakistanis will stand united and give a resounding response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aggression on the Indus River His remarks to the National Assembly come as tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali national, while several others were injured. Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India took a firm step by announcing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. In response, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had resorted to empty rhetoric in a speech during a public rally. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. India also halted the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960. Meanwhile, in a setback to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed door session on Monday. The 15-nation Security Council held deliberations on Monday afternoon amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan.There was no statement published by the UN body following the "closed consultations" that was requested by Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Council whose presidency for the month of May is currently held by Greece. Sources told ANI that UN Security Council members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed door session. The members refused to accept the "false flag" narrative planted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terror organisation with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack. Sources said, there was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability. Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith. (ANI)
India's Former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Syed Akbaruddin, said on Tuesday that Pakistan's effort at grandstanding has "faltered, flopped" as there was no presidential statement, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) President's oral statement or a resolution passed following the closed-door UNSC meeting held after Pakistan had made the request for it on tensions with India. In an interview with ANI, Akbaruddin noted that Pakistan's quest to use multilateral organisations to attract global attention is not new and recalled attempts made by Islamabad previously. He stated that Pakistan's arguments on the Indus Waters treaty or about an imminent attack received no attention from members during the UNSC meeting. When asked about adverse comments made by members when Pakistan raised the issue during the UNSC meeting, he responded, "Pakistan's quest to use multilateral organisations to attract global attention is not new. We have seen that on many occasions. This time, what it tried was to use an agenda item which has not been used formally in 60 years, the India-Pakistan question. The India-Pakistan question was last discussed in a formal meeting in 1965. So, Pakistan thought that perhaps it could use a channel of this sort to try and bring the issue between India and Pakistan onto the front burner. Alas, this is only grandstanding; we know that Pakistan focuses on public diplomacy rather than serious negotiations." "It uses all platforms primarily to project its image within the country and not outside. So, the effort, as has previous efforts, has altered. the grandstanding did not work, and what happened was that once Pakistan made its case, there was no outcome, which means that the council refused to buy its case. That's a fairly substantial setback for any country that has been working with the 15 countries for several months, but finds that what it wants is not being accepted by them, because if something was accepted, what happens is usually the president of the Security Council walks out. This is the lowest form of response. The president walks out and makes an oral statement, reading out a few points, but there is no such oral statement." Recalling what happened when Pakistan tried to raise the issue of Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, he said, "It reminds me of 2019 when, after Article 370 was abrogated, Pakistan again tried to say that this happened inside and that happened inside, and then we had to respond to it. So, my take is it's pretty simple. Pakistan's effort at grandstanding has faltered. It has flopped in fact, and they're making the best of a bad bargain where they couldn't get any purchase among the 15 members and are now trying to sell it for their domestic audience. You would have noticed that they did not even answer a single question from the media because everything would have come out and that's the sad reality of Pakistan's place in the international community today that nobody takes their view into account and there is no resonance for their nuclear bogey or Indus Waters treaty argument or argument about an imminent attack. All three were made repeatedly in the council with no traction." The UNSC members raised tough questions for Pakistan at its informal closed-door session on Monday, sources in New York told ANI. The 15-nation Security Council held deliberations on Monday afternoon amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan. There was no statement published by the UN body following the "closed consultations" that were requested by Pakistan. The members refused to accept the "false flag" narrative planted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a proscribed terror organisation with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack. When asked whether Pakistan has lost credibility as there was no statement released following the UNSC meeting, Syed Akbaruddin said, "It's not a statement, but an oral statement. A written statement is much higher, not even an oral statement, or a few points to the press were made. So, you can see that's the lowest form of response. Let me tell you, in the Security Council, the way the responses work is highest is a resolution, after that a presidential statement, a press statement, and the last format is an oral statement by the president of the Security Council to the press. None of these four modalities came into being. So, you can see that it has failed to gain any purchase of a limited nature, also, despite all its efforts." India's Former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva said that he is not surprised as Pakistan faced tough questions during the meeting as he is aware about Pakistan is not a credible interlocutor and everybody knows it is aiming at grandstanding at not seriously advancing negotiations. When asked whether he was surprised as Pakistan was asked tough questions by the members during the UNSC meeting, or was it a writing on the wall, Syed Akbaruddin said, "So, the writing on the wall is pretty obvious. I'm not surprised because I'm aware of Pakistan's standing in the Committee of Nations. It's not a credible interlocutor because everybody knows it's aiming at grandstanding, not at seriously advancing negotiations or de-escalating through engagement. So, for 50 years he's been trying." "So, as I told you, the last time this issue was discussed at the Security Council in a formal meeting was 1965. 60 years have passed, and Pakistan has not been able to get this back onto the agenda and discuss it in a formal meeting. Even in an informal meeting, it could not get traction. So, I rest my case beyond that, I think the Indian diplomacy has been able to thwart these efforts by Pakistan, it's not surprising because the world recognises who is in the right and who is in the wrong in this instance and we need to congratulate our diplomats for their quiet but efficient way in which they have managed to thwart one more effort of Pakistan at the United Nations," he added. According to sources, there was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability during the meeting. Some members specifically brought up the targeting of tourists based on their religious faith. Many members expressed concern that Pakistan's missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistan's efforts to internationalise the situation also failed. They were advised to sort out the issues bilaterally with India. (ANI)
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned to Dhaka on Tuesday after undergoing medical treatment in London. She had gone to London on January 8 this year for treatment of various health complications. Thousands of leaders and workers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lined both sides of the road from the airport to Khaleda Zia's residence in Gulshan area in Dhaka to welcome her. The leaders and workers were carrying placards with Khaleda Zia's picture, the BNP party flag, and Bangladesh's national flag. The army was deployed to maintain security. Zia's two daughters-in-law, Zubaida Rahman and Sharmila Rahman, accompanied her. She returned home on a special plane sent by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Zia's son Tarique Rahman has been living in London for the past 17 years due to various cases filed during the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. He is currently serving as the acting chairman of BNP from abroad. More significant than her return is the fact that she is recovering. For a woman long portrayed by her rivals as terminally ill and politically irrelevant, her gradual physical revival offers not just hope to her supporters but a quiet rebuttal to the cynicism and cruelty that previously surrounded her treatment. Years of resistance to her medical care abroad, and the mocking public rhetoric that accompanied it, shook the conscience of many, The Daily Star reported. Now, attention turns to the question of succession within the party. It's widely believed that Khaleda and her son, acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, have had in-depth conversations about the party's future. Although Tarique has led the BNP since 2018, the recent return of his wife, Zubaida Rahman, after nearly two decades in exile, adds a new dynamic. Zubaida has never held political office, but her reemergence is already drawing interest and speculation about whether she might step into a more active role. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described her homecoming "a significant day for the country." "This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zia's return will facilitate the path to democratic transition," Alamgir said, according to Al Jazeera. The BNP itself faces deep internal issues. Years of repression, weakened organisational structures, and leadership in exile have taken a toll. Reports of misconduct among some grassroots leaders--including extortion, internal disputes, and power struggles--have tarnished the party's image in several regions. Unless these challenges are addressed through internal reform and disciplined leadership, the party risks squandering the renewed hope Khaleda Zia's return has stirred. Her current role seems to be evolving--from fierce political competitor to a symbol of endurance and moral authority. Given her health, a full return to frontline politics appears unlikely. Nonetheless, her influence over the BNP and its direction remains significant. (ANI)
Syed Akbaruddin, India's former permanent representative to the UN, has sharply criticised the ongoing political tactics between Pakistan and China, highlighting how their close relationship continues to influence decisions in international organisations. Commenting on China's support for Pakistan's demand for an inquiry into the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Akbaruddin pointed out that decisions in multilateral platforms are often influenced more by the political ties between countries than by the merits of the case. While speaking with ANI, Akbaruddin said, "We need to understand multilateral organisations are playgrounds of geopolitics and therefore, countries will decide not on the merits of the case but in terms of their ties with respective countries. We know the ties between Pakistan and China. In 2019, when Pakistan was not even a member of the Security Council, it was China which tried to bring this agenda item for a discussion, similar to what Pakistan has done here. It failed then, and that was after Article 370 was abrogated. Yet, a permanent member could not succeed. So, the Chinese and Pakistani relationship is well-known to the world and people quickly understand." He added, "This is a game that Pakistan plays regularly, it's a game that it falters at, it is a game that its only ally in such thing is its all-weather friend China but the rest of the world has moved on, it recognises Pakistan for what it is." Pakistan had called for an emergency UNSC consultation under severe international pressure following the Pahalgam attack. However, in the closed-door meeting held in New York, UNSC members raised tough questions for Pakistan, sources in New York told ANI. The members refused to accept the "false flag" narrative planted by the Pakistani side and asked whether the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terror organisation with deep ties to Pakistan, was likely to be involved in the terror attack, they said. Sources said there was broad condemnation of the terrorist attack and recognition of the need for accountability. Some members specifically brought up targeting of tourists on the basis of their religious faith. There was no statement published by the UN body following the "closed consultations" that wasrequested by Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Council. (ANI)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him on his election win and said that he looked forward to working with him in the coming years to build a prosperous future for the two nations. He emphasised the strong ties between India and Australia. Albanese's statement came in response to a post shared by PM Modi on X. In a post on X, Albanese stated, "Thank you for the call Prime Minister @narendramodi and for your warm congratulations. The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger. I look forward to working with you over the coming years to build a prosperous future for our region." https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1919715342722728147 PM Modi said he congratulated Albanese on his re-election. Both leaders agreed to work together to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). "Spoke with my friend @AlboMP to personally congratulate him on his party's historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi invited Albanese to visit India, including for the Annual Summit and the QUAD Summit, which will be hosted in India later in the year. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries. They noted that in its five years, the CSP has seen robust cooperation developing across a diverse range of sectors. They stressed on the role played by the vibrant Indian origin diaspora in cementing bilateral ties." PM Modi and Albanese exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest. They reiterated their commitment to working together to promoting a free, open, stable, rules-based, prosperous Indo-Pacific. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. Albanese is the first Prime Minister in Australia in more than two decades to secure back-to-back election victories, the first since John Howard, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to cheering supporters at the Labor Party's headquarters on Saturday, he said the government will invest in young Australians while looking after the older people, as well. He also spoke about the resilience of the economy and about a unified Australia. "In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination," he told the crowd in Sydney, as cheers erupted. "Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way - looking after each other while building for the future," he said.(ANI)
US lawmakers, national security experts, human rights advocates, and faith leaders convened at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill today for a high-level congressional briefing titled "Pakistan's Proxy War Against Hindus: Global Implications," an official statement by Hindu Action reported. The urgently called session addressed Pakistan's continued role in enabling jihadist violence, with particular focus on the recent targeted massacres in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The May 5 event was organised by HinduACTion in collaboration with the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) and the Kashmir Overseas Association USA (KOA). Six congressional staffers representing both major US parties were in attendance. The proceedings began on a solemn note, with HinduACTion's Paro Sarkar leading a minute of silence for each of the victims of the Pahalgam killings, during which their names were read aloud, followed by recitations of slokas from the Bhagavad Gita. Sushant Sareen, a counter-terrorism expert from the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), addressed the gathering with a direct call for American lawmakers to acknowledge the revival of Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorism not just as a regional threat but as one with direct consequences for the United States. Sareen cautioned against falling for Pakistan's nuclear blackmail and emphasised the security stakes for the US. Congressman Shri Thanedar delivered a passionate critique of the US administration's response to the Pahalgam jihad attack. "More than just calls for calm are needed," he said, urging American Hindus to become politically engaged. He further called on the Trump administration to treat India with the strategic respect reserved for close allies such as Israel. Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), delivered a stark assessment of Pakistan's complicity in terrorism. "There is absolutely no question that Pakistan was involved in the deaths of dozens if not hundreds of Americans [in Afghanistan]," Rubin stated. "90 per cent of the fertiliser precursors used in Taliban IEDs came from one of two Pakistani factories. The idea that ISI didn't know is absolute nonsense." Rubin also emphasised the strength of the personal alliance between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump. Referencing historical alliances such as the one between Margaret Thatcher and George H. W. Bush, Rubin said: "The personal relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is even tighter... What we need is for Modi not to simply call once but to call repeatedly -- and maybe not publicly -- but to give the message, 'don't go wobbly on me now, Don.' There is absolutely no excuse for the United States not to stand up for its top allies in the world's largest democracy." Clifford Smith, attorney and Government Affairs Director at the North American Values Institute (NAVI), compared the treatment of religious minorities in India and Pakistan. "One may only look at the demographic decline of Pakistani Hindus over the decades, while India's Muslim population stayed relatively stable, to understand that these differences are not superficial," Smith said. Referring to anti-Hindu statements by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, he added, "the difference between India and Pakistan is visible in the way the Asim Munir spoke before the Jihad attacks and how people in India spoke after the attack," as per the press release. Jesse Singh, Chairman of Sikhs of America, invoked the memory of the 1999 Chittisinghpura massacre in which 36 Sikhs were killed in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. "This same thing is happening to our Hindu brothers now," Singh remarked, adding that Sikhs and Hindus have long resisted injustice in the region. "The gurus sacrificed their lives for this," he said, "and that's not going to change." Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), addressed the role of legacy Western media outlets in misrepresenting Hindu issues. She specifically called out the BBC and The Washington Post for perpetuating misinformation. Nikunj Trivedi, from the Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA), called attention to what he described as the anti-Hindu narratives promoted by radical Islamist-aligned organisations including CAIR, ICNA, the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), and Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR). Surinder Kaul of the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) and Uphaar Kotru of the Kashmir Overseas Association USA (KOAUSA), representing the event's co-hosts, shared personal accounts of the long-standing suffering endured by Kashmiri Hindus. They were joined by US Department of Defense consultant Krystle Kaul, as all three issued a joint appeal for international solidarity against radical Islamist violence and for justice for persecuted Hindu communities. Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of HinduACTion, thanked all participants and acknowledged the attendance of five congressional staffers. Drawing attention to the continued financial relationship between the US and Pakistan, Chakrabarti revealed that between 2020 and 2024, Pakistan received between USD 1.5 and USD 2 billion in US foreign assistance, spanning civilian and humanitarian aid. He added that during the same period, the US also sold approximately USD 600 million worth of military hardware to Pakistan, the press release stated. Speaking on behalf of the organising groups, Chakrabarti concluded the briefing by issuing three urgent policy recommendations: first, for Congress to pass a bipartisan concurrent resolution declaring Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism; second, for an immediate halt to all multilateral loans and economic aid to Pakistan; and third, for the enforcement of a complete ban on the sale of military and dual-use technologies to the country. (ANI)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday hailed the finalisation of a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and India, calling it a landmark deal with far-reaching economic implications. Starmer said the agreement would benefit British businesses, workers, and consumers, and aligns with his government's "Plan for Change." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1919745993123193036 "Today Britain has agreed a landmark trade deal with India," he posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Fantastic news for British business, British workers, and British shoppers, delivering on our Plan for Change. Good to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as we mark this historic moment." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1919778606978363471 Starmer also highlighted the political shift the deal represents, contrasting it with the previous administration. "The Tories talked up a trade deal with India for eight years, but never delivered. My Labour government rolled up our sleeves and got the job done in 10 months. We are delivering for working people," Starmer said. In a formal statement following the signing, Starmer described the agreement as both a strategic milestone for the UK and a record-setting commitment by India. "Well, this is a historic day for the United Kingdom and India because this is the biggest trade deal we, the UK, have done since we left the EU, and it's the most ambitious trade deal that India has ever done. This will be measured in billions of pounds into our economy and jobs across the whole of the United Kingdom. So it is a really important, significant day." He added that the agreement was made possible by a joint decision with Prime Minister Modi during a meeting in Brazil the previous year. "It's been promised many times over the last eight years. Prime Minister Modi and I decided in Brazil last year that we would move at pace in relation to these negotiations. We've done that in a serious way, in a pragmatic way, and we're able to show that that's what delivers results. I'm really pleased for working people across the country who will feel the benefits of this." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1919794386117763316 In a follow-up post on X, Starmer said: "The trade deal with India will raise living standards, put more money in the pockets of British working people, and deepen the unique ties between our two nations." (ANI)
Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, a 2000-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Romania. He is currently serving as India's Ambassador to Guatemala and is expected to assume his new responsibilities in Bucharest shortly, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Monday. Mohapatra's diplomatic career includes notable postings, including his tenure as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington from July 2019. Since December 2021, he has been serving as the Ambassador to Guatemala, strengthening India's diplomatic presence in Central America. His upcoming posting to Romania reflects the government's continued focus on nurturing bilateral partnerships with European nations. India and Romania share a longstanding relationship, having established diplomatic ties in 1948. The relationship was elevated to the Ambassadorial level in 1968. The two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, marking a significant milestone in their warm and friendly bilateral ties. Both sides regularly extend support to each other on multilateral platforms, including at the United Nations and other international organisations. To maintain momentum in engagement, regular Foreign Office Consultations have been instituted. Cultural collaboration has also been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. On July 1, 2022, the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2022-2027 was signed between the two governments. The Embassy of India in Bucharest works closely with Romanian cultural organisations such as the Rabindranath Tagore Cultural Centre to host the "Namaste India" festival, which has become an annual and widely celebrated event in the country. India's soft power has seen growing appeal in Romania, with the International Day of Yoga celebrated annually since 2015 and reaching a record 17 cities in 2024. Ayurveda is gaining popularity, with AMN Romania hosting regular events and the establishment of the first Ayush Information Cell in Bucharest in April 2021. The Indian community in Romania now stands at around 9,000, including approximately 8,100 workers, with a noticeable rise in Indian professionals joining sectors like construction. (ANI)
GIFU, May 06 (News On Japan) - A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

The main hall of the Ontake Kyosho-Okyo Church headquarters in Naramachi was recorded collapsing around 7:15 p.m. by a nearby resident. The resident reported hearing creaking noises earlier in the evening and began filming out of concern.

According to people affiliated with the church who live on the premises, no one was injured. The local fire department also confirmed that no one required emergency transport, and there were no injuries among nearby residents.

Sources said the building had been deteriorating for years, and discussions about demolishing it began four to five years ago. However, the plan was never realized due to funding difficulties.

Despite the use of the word "church" ( kyokai) in its namecommon among groups within Sect Shinto (Kyoha Shinto)the Ontake Kyosho-Okyo Church is affiliated with Ontake-kyo, a Shinto sect that venerates Mount Ontake as sacred. These groups sometimes adopt organizational terms like "church" or "headquarters" to reflect their structure, especially in the Meiji period when religious groups had to register formally under state-defined categories.

Source: Nagoya TV News
TOKYO, May 06 (News On Japan) - Japans top AI influencer, Takumi Ushii, appeared on the business interview program "1on1" to explain how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing music creation.

With the rise of generative AI tools, Ushii emphasized that anyoneeven without musical experiencecan now easily write lyrics and compose songs using AI.

Ushii, CEO of Michikusa Inc. and an AI trainer for businesses, described his first encounter with ChatGPT in late 2022 as a turning point. He realized that AI could instantly generate code that previously took him hours to write. This shock led him to start his own company, recognizing the disruptive power of generative AI.

In the program, Ushii introduced "Suno," an AI music generation tool that creates songs from simple prompts. Users can enter either detailed instructions or vague ideas, and the AI handles the rest, generating lyrics and melodies in seconds. He noted that such tools are useful for producing background music for videos, corporate anthems, and social media contentespecially for those concerned about copyright issues.

Ushii highlighted that the key to adopting AI is to enjoy the experience. He uses music generation as a fun and engaging entry point for beginners in his corporate AI training, showing that AI can be both accessible and practical across creative and business fields.

Source: TBS CROSS DIG with Bloomberg
KYOTO, May 06 (News On Japan) - A traditional tea maker in Kyoto is raising concerns over Chinese-made products being sold under the name "Uji matcha," a term long associated with premium green tea grown and produced in parts of Kyoto Prefecture.

The company, Marukyu Koyamaen, says it discovered its well-known product names, such as "Seiran" and "Wakae," being used without permission on matcha sold through online retailers in China, with packaging that strongly resembles its own.

Marukyu Koyamaen, a long-established company dating back to the Edo period, is known for its high-quality matcha made by grinding tea leaves cultivated in specific regions, including Kyoto. Its flagship products have been highly sought after overseas, to the point that sales were once temporarily restricted to meet demand. The president of the company, Koyama, expressed frustration after discovering a Chinese company selling matcha labeled as "Uji matcha," complete with similar names and packaging. However, the fine print reveals the products are manufactured in Shanghai, not Japan.

One such product bore the name of the companys own brand but was entirely unrelated. A close inspection of the color and taste revealed notable differences. While the Kyoto product had a deep green hue and a rich flavor, the Chinese version appeared yellowish and lacked the signature bitterness and aroma. Koyama emphasized that this not only misleads consumers but also undermines the reputation painstakingly built over generations. "To have our teanurtured with such careviolated in this way is deeply frustrating," he said.

Under Chinese law, the term "Uji matcha" is not trademarked, so there is technically no violation within China. The Shanghai-based company behind the Chinese product claims that it began operations in 2006 with the goal of reviving Chinese traditions of powdered tea. The companys website even displays a statement suggesting their efforts are supported by tea masters from Kyoto, and that they have introduced equipment and techniques from Japan.

When confronted by the Japanese press, the company acknowledged using both "Uji matcha" and a slightly altered version, "Oji matcha," on its products. They denied any intent to deceive consumers and insisted that multiple companies use similar names. "If this is considered imitation, then other companies would be guilty too," a representative stated over the phone, adding, "Weve completed all procedures properly. We dont see how this could mislead consumers."

However, legal experts in Japan warn that even under Chinese law, misleading use of a brand nameespecially one that could cause confusion about the products originmay still constitute a legal problem. If consumers are led to believe that the product is made in Kyoto or affiliated with a specific Japanese brand, it could violate laws concerning origin labeling and brand misrepresentation.

Despite this, taking legal action remains difficult. There are multiple companies in China marketing matcha under the Uji name, and each would have to be individually sued. Legal costs, jurisdictional hurdles, and limited protection for unregistered foreign trademarks in China complicate matters for Japanese firms.

As the global popularity of matcha continues to rise, experts and producers are calling for more robust international safeguards to protect Japans traditional industries. Without urgent countermeasures, products labeled "Uji matcha" may continue circulating far from Kyoto, while undermining the integrity of a cherished cultural symbol.

Source: MBS
The medical certificate is frequently needed to verify that the patient has seen a doctor in person to check on the disease they have just contracted. People no longer need to go to the doctor to receive medical certifications because they can now access them online. You may now get prescriptions and referrals to specialists, speak with medical professionals, and even receive medical certificates online, with one notable company NextClinic. Despite this ease, there are concerns over the accuracy and dependability of these digital documents. Do online medical certifications have real validity?

Why do medical certifications matter?

Medical certifications are valuable resources for both businesses and workers. Employers can use them to confirm an employees illness or injury and make well-informed choices regarding an employees absence and possible return to work. Conversely, workers can safeguard their rights and privileges at work by using medical certifications.

How do workers utilize a medical certificate service that is available online?

All an employee has to do to utilize an online medical certificate service is go to the providers website and finish an online consultation. During the appointment, you will usually be asked a few questions about the injury or sickness. Following the consultation, the physician will examine the data and, if they determine the worker is unsuitable to work, will issue a medical certificate.

Employers may look for a telehealth medical certificate if they are hesitant to accept an online medical certificate. A doctor provides a telehealth medical certificate over the phone or through a video conversation. Medical certifications obtained by telehealth are as legitimate as those obtained in person, and employers in Australia are required to accept them.

The Future of Online Medical Certifications

Creation of More Complex Verification and Authentication Methods

The growing rate of improved verification and the inclusion of the authentication process inside online platforms make it simpler to get a medical certificate online and check its validity.

Connectivity to Electronic Health Records and Medical Information Systems

Link this technique to the advancement of electronic medical records and healthcare systems, as its legitimacy as an official document might get strengthened.

Growing Telemedicine Utilization for Online Medical Certification

By offering online medical certifications, telemedicine will help each other in its many applications.

The Expanding Online Medical Certificate Obtaining Trend

The number of people getting medical certifications online has increased since its convenient, accessible, and has fewer prerequisites. Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of persons obtaining medical credentials through online means has dramatically grown.

Online Medical Certificates Advantages

Online medical certifications provide the following advantages:

Easy Access and Convenience:

Online certifications provide a convenient option for users to obtain medical records without going to the doctors office. Those who live in remote or rural locations, have busy schedules or have limited mobility can benefit from this accessibility.

Cost-effectiveness:

Compared to typical in-person appointments, online medical consultations can often be less expensive. When considering things like possible time off work and transportation costs, this can save patients money overall.

Time-saving Features:

Time sensitivity is a common concern when requesting a medical certificate, especially for employees who must notify their employers or students who need to submit documentation for academic consideration. Online medical certificate providers like NextClinic prioritize fast service, often offering same-day consultations and digital delivery of documents. This rapid turnaround allows individuals to meet deadlines and comply with workplace or institutional requirements without unnecessary delay. In emergencies, such promptness can be critical to avoiding disciplinary action or securing necessary accommodations.

Having Access to Skilled Medical Professionals

Reputable online medical certificate businesses have legitimate worries, use certified and licensed healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose illnesses, offer consultations, and issue paperwork. The same medical and ethical guidelines that apply to experts working in actual clinics also apply to these professions. Additionally, more online services let consumers choose from a range of doctors according to availability, specializations, or preferred languages, which improves the experience overall. It can also be a helpful means of communication for people who dont have a regular primary care physician.

Perfect for Common Illnesses and Minor Conditions

Online medical certification works particularly well for mild diseases that dont need lab work or a physical examination. Through telemedicine consultations, symptoms like migraines, mental exhaustion, gastrointestinal distress, flu, and light colds may get accurately evaluated. For assessing eligibility for a medical certificate in certain situations, an online assessment may be as valid as an in-person visit to the doctor. Additionally, this lessens the burden on medical facilities by cutting down on pointless in-person visits, freeing up clinics to concentrate on more urgent situations.

Conclusion

Online medical certificates offer a practical and easily accessible way to acquire the required paperwork. They provide flexibility for people with hectic schedules or limited mobility, time, and perhaps cost savings. Both patients and organizations demands can be successfully met by online certifications that follow legal requirements and uphold quality standards. Online medical certificates, with their speed and convenience of use, are a good step forward in healthcare accessibility, enabling people to take better care of their health.
You won't find many Harvey Specters or Mike Rosses from "Suits" in the world, the lack of their presence goes deeper than just by name.

Iowa is facing a lawyer shortage, especially in its rural communities. While many associate lawyers with what we see on TV or the horror stories we hear from others, lawyers play an essential role in everyday life.

The American Bar Association says that, as of last year, there are 7,190 lawyers in Iowa or roughly an attorneys per every 500 people. This is down from 7,452 in 2021. Many of them, however, are concentrated in urban ares.

As of September 2024, Iowa had 56 counties that were considered "legal deserts" or counties that have less than one attorney per 1,000 population.

While smaller, rural counties will likely face these challenges, the problem doesnt stop there. The decline in lawyers is affecting legal practice across the state, from Polk County to Fremont County.

The issues faced by rural areas are now being faced by prosecutor offices statewide, Fremont County Attorney Peter Johnson said.

Whether youre looking for a court-appointed attorney or just need someone to help with a will or divorce, everyone is affected.

This isn't really a poor lawyer situation. This is poor people who have to travel now and pay big city prices, big city rates for maybe not even as good as service, Johnson said. This is a problem. Like, you shouldn't have to drive to Council Bluffs from Sidney to get your will reviewed, right?

Johnson, who grew up in Sidney and returned to the area after college, shared his story of becoming a county attorney with The Nonpareil.

Johnson said he took over the role because the slot was vacant and Fremont County had to rely on sharing with another county. Now Johnson balances acting as county attorney and working for a private practice.

We're not getting the applicants for positions. We used to get 30 to 40 applications. Now we're maybe getting two, three, four, applications, and two of them aren't qualified, Johnson said.

On top of private practices struggling to hire, the State Public Defender's Office cant fill the void.

Despite hiring a bunch of attorneys and having a bunch of attorneys work in the State Public Defender's Office, there aren't enough attorneys to cover every case in every county, Johnson said.

The office can hire contract attorneys to take on cases as well. But, when there arent attorneys to hire, what do you do?

Less local attorneys increases the distance that these contract attorneys have to travel in that makes the math work worse for them, Johnson said. We're still having a hard time incentivizing lawyers to take those cases.

It's a problem that not only causes residents to struggle to find representation but for courts to be effective.

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees criminal defendants the right to an attorney. But when an attorney is unavailable, the the right to counsel can come up against a defendant's right to a speedy trial.

The most glaring, common issue is when it comes to appointing attorneys for criminal defense. We have very few attorneys in this district that will take those cases on, District 4 Judge Jeffery Larson told The Nonpareil. We're having to search further and further to find replacements. That's a day to day issue for all court staff. We are not able to conduct our business as efficiently as we could, because we have to be willing to accommodate attorney schedules.

Cases could drag on causing people to sit longer in jail while the court searches to find an attorney.

It's not a matter of what happens if we can't find them, because we have to. Sometimes it delays the process, and people end up sitting in jail longer because theres no attorney yet and, in extreme situations that could happen  that hasn't happened, to my knowledge in our district  but a case could end up being dismissed because of the delays, Larson said.

Johnson said that problems could also arise within communities with people attempting to help themselves.

If there is not accessible and consistent legal service in communities, you're going to have a lot more self-help. And self-help can work, but oftentimes self help leads to situations where more stuff goes wrong, Johnson said.

Johnson fears that as the problem worsens, self-help cases will also lead to larger crimes being committed.

I think in these small communities, instead of addressing problems early on, or kind of taking that extra step to having a lawyer look at issues, you have disputes that go from, well, I didn't have a good contract language, so now we're in a fight, and now, we're so mad at each other that a crime is committed, Johnson said.

When there isn't that legal service in the community, people don't view that as an option and how valuable that early service is like, I would much rather charge somebody a nominal fee to provide a standard boilerplate lease, then deal with a self help eviction that led to some type of crime, Johnson said. How bad will people let problems get before seeking help, and how much more expensive and time intensive is that going to be to fix?

Johnson noted that while workloads are increasing for lawyers due to the shortage, the problem isnt so much in the amount of work but the breadth of work, as not all lawyers have the same skills.

Having to fill the void of a shortage, lawyers are having to balance cases anywhere from a lease to a criminal case. They have to educate themselves on a wide variety of topics instead of being able to specialize in one area.

Public perception also plays a role in the problem with people struggling to realize the impact lawyers can have on everyday life. A lot of people may not have had to deal with the legal system yet but, ultimately, will one day, even if only through creating a will.
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
Chinese automakers adjust terminology to clarify assisted driving standards

08:28, May 06, 2025 By Zhang Yiyi ( Global Times

An autonomous driving minibus runs on a road in Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 22, 2024. The autonomous driving bus route in Yuhang District is the first one of its kind powered by vehicle-road coordination technology in Hangzhou. This 5-kilometer bus line winds through schools, industrial parks, residential compounds and subway stations, free of charge for all citizens. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are adjusting promotional terminology for advanced driving systems, replacing terms like "intelligent driving" with descriptions such as "assisted driving" to align with stricter regulatory definitions.

Xiaomi recently revised the SU7's driving technology terms from "Intelligent Driving" to "Assisted Driving" in Chinese on its official ordering platforms, which trended on Chinese social media Weibo with more than 22 million views on Monday. In the English version, the standard model retains "Xiaomi Pilot Pro," while the Max version shifts from "Pilot Max" to "Xiaomi HAD" (Highway Assisted Driving).

Under updated guidelines from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), several major Chinese automakers have adjusted their technical labeling since April. At the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, XPeng rebranded its driver-assistance technology as "AI-assisted driving" and announced plans to launch the industry's first "AI Driving Safety Boot Camp," focusing on clarifying system limitations and demonstrating new features through enhanced user training, the Economic Observer reported.

Horizon Robotics named its newly released Level 2 (L2) driver-assistance system "Urban Driver-Assistance System. At Huawei's Qiankun booth, all descriptions of technologies such as "smart driving" and "automatic parking" were revised to "Intelligent Driver Assistance" and "Intelligent Parking Assistance," the China Media Group (CMG) reported.

An industry analyst attributed this terminology recalibration to growing regulatory scrutiny. "Overly optimistic terms like 'fully autonomous' created dangerous gaps between consumer expectations and technological realities," Wu Shuocheng, a veteran automobile industry analyst, told the Global Times on Monday. "Standardized labeling helps reset public understanding."

"These changes reflect China's balanced approach to fostering innovation while prioritizing safety," Wu said. "By tempering marketing hype, regulators create space for sustainable technological advancement."

Zhang Jinhua, president of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, said that most commercially available vehicles in consumer use today are at the L1 or L2 levels. It's important to remember that the L0 to L2 levels represent driver assistance systems, as human drivers remain primary, with machines only playing a supporting role, Zhang told CMG.

As public discussion about smart driving safety intensifies, Wu called for people to have realistic expectations: "While new technologies bring exciting possibilities, drivers should never become complacent. These systems require active human oversight at all times."

Safety is paramount, including the protection of personal and information security, according to Wu. He said that these changes show a significant shift in awareness but stressed that to be truly effective, these guidelines must eventually be formalized into laws and regulations.

On April 16, a department under the MIIT held a meeting to advance the regulation of market access and over-the-air software updates for intelligent connected vehicles. Nearly 60 representatives and major automakers attended.

The meeting emphasized that vehicle makers must rigorously test combined driver-assistance systems, clearly define system boundaries and safety response protocols, and avoid misleading or exaggerated claims. They are also required to fulfill disclosure obligations, ensure production consistency, and take full responsibility for product quality and safety, with the goal of enhancing the safety of intelligent connected vehicles.

On April 14, the Road Safety Research Institute under the Ministry of Public Security reaffirmed that all commercially available driver-assistance systems in China operate at L2 under national standards, declaring "assisted = autonomous" amid overstatements about smart driving capabilities. The institute urged drivers to strictly respect technical boundaries while demanding that automakers enhance user education and eliminate misleading terminology.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat, who is currently on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited on Monday Bakus Alley of Honor, where she laid a wreath at the tomb of the national leader Heydar Aliyev.

The Princess then visited the Martyrs Alley to pay respects to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans independence. She laid red carnations on four martyrs tombs and a wreath of flowers at the eternal flame monument.

Princess Lalla Hasnaa, later on Monday, met at the headquarters of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Baku with Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan.

The meeting was attended by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Princess Lalla Hasnaas accompanying delegation, and other Azerbaijani officials.

On Sunday, Princess Lalla Hasnaa visited the International Carpet Festival, which celebrates the cultural heritage of this West Asian country and honors master craftsmen and their ancestral skills.
In a renewed diplomatic overture, Libya and Malta have initiated a dialogue aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, signaling a broader Mediterranean alignment on oil and gas development.

Libyas Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdelsadeq, met with Maltas Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, on Monday May 5 to explore avenues for mutual investment in hydrocarbons and related energy infrastructure. The high-level talks reflect Libyas ongoing efforts to reassert its position as a key energy hub, as it seeks to draw in strategic foreign capital to revitalize its resource-rich yet underutilized sector.

Central to the discussions was Libyas active licensing round, the first of its kind since 2007, which has placed 22 exploration blockssplit between offshore zones and inland regionson offer to global investors. Minister Abdelsadeq underscored the countrys readiness to receive foreign participation, reiterating the National Oil Corporations ambition to increase daily output to two million barrels. Against this backdrop, both Libya and Malta see a unique opportunity to leverage historical ties and regional proximity to cultivate deeper economic synergy, particularly in upstream exploration and joint venture development.

Looking ahead, Libya has proposed the formation of a joint economic forum facilitated by the Maltese embassy, with the goal of galvanizing private sector collaboration across both nations. Such a platform, envisioned as a nexus for knowledge exchange and strategic alliance-building, would symbolize a pragmatic step towards economic re-engagement after years of instability. As Libya eyes a return to global energy relevance, this dialogue with Malta epitomizes a broader aspirationto recast itself as a credible and attractive partner within the evolving Mediterranean energy landscape.
Moroccos experience with aviation liberalization demonstrates how strategic reforms can transform air travel across Africa, according to a new analysis by Marie-Noelle Nwokolo of The Brenthurst Foundation.

As the first African country to sign an Open Skies agreement with the European Union in 2006, Moroccos bold move yielded impressive results despite initial skepticism. Passenger volumes between Morocco and Europe grew approximately 18% annually in the four years following the deal, generating an additional 1 billion for Moroccos GDP by 2009 and creating an estimated 24,000 jobs.

Skeptics feared the onslaught of European low-cost carriers would kill the national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM); it did not, Nwokolo wrote in her report Soaring above the Aviation Blues: How Reforms can Transform Air Travel across Africa.

Tourist arrivals climbed steadily at around 6% per year while average fares dropped by roughly 7%. Royal Air Maroc adapted to the competitive environment and remains the markets largest player despite competition from a dozen European carriers. The agreement also sparked domestic innovation, with Air Arabia Maroc launching in 2009 to serve the low budget travel segment.

The implementation wasnt without challenges. RAM CEO Abdelhamid Addou described an imbalance where European airlines gained unfettered access to Moroccan markets while RAM faced difficulties securing landing slots at major European airports.

Moroccos approach contrasts sharply with widespread protectionism across Africa. Despite housing 18% of the worlds population, Africa accounts for just 2% of global air passenger traffic. A 2022 African Union study projected that full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market would boost Africas GDP by $4.2 billion, create almost 600,000 jobs, and reduce average airfares by 27%.

Previous limited liberalization between Kenya and South Africa saw passenger traffic surge 69%, while South Africa-Zambia routes experienced a 38% traffic increase when low-cost carriers entered the market.
The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project is gaining momentum as the United Arab Emirates has agreed to contribute to the funding of this $25 billion project to ship Nigerian gas to Europe through Morocco.

The announcement was made lately by Moroccos Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali in a statement at the Moroccan Parliament.

She told MPs that other major investors and financial institutions including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the OPEC Fund will also contribute to this landmark energy project to transform the economies of several African countries and create more job opportunities.

Chinas Jingye Steel Group has been awarded a contract to supply pipes to the African-Atlantic project which will diversify export routes, reduce gas flaring and reshape the regions energy landscape. The United States has also expressed interest in investing in this gas pipeline project, according to Nigerias Finance Minister Wale Edun.

Morocco has completed all preliminary feasibility and engineering studies for the 5,660-km long gas pipeline to cross 13 African coastal countries before reaching Europe. Additional lines will be made to connect member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA), formed of Mali, Niger and Burkina-faso.

Last month, Morocco and Nigeria agreed to create a joint venture to spearhead management of the pipeline which will have a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The first gas shipments is expected in 2029.
The 4th Europe-Africa Forum held this Tuesday in Marseille, southeastern France, features Morocco as the guest of honor. This business-focused event brings together leaders, investors, and decision-makers from both continents.

Morocco is represented at the forum by Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh; Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali; Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies Karim Zidane; and the Kingdoms ambassador to France, Samira Sitail.

The forum, which highlights key challenges and opportunities in Africa-Europe relations, opened with a high-level segment dedicated to Morocco.

According to organizers, the event takes place in an evolving global context, where Europe and Africa, working together, form a powerful force capable of shaping the international landscape.

Bound by complementary resources and shared interests, the two continents must show boldness, innovation, and the ability to create a new model. With the Mediterranean as a common link and shared wealth, the will to play a role in the coming decade is possibleprovided the foundations for fair cooperation are established, organizers argue.

The Mediterranean is more than a geographic spaceit is a bridge between continents, cultures, and economies. Developing a robust cooperation strategy for the Mediterranean is essential for shared prosperity, stability, and innovation. The region must foster trust and tangible partnerships that go beyond politics and prioritize human development.

The one-day forum features thematic roundtables addressing a range of pressing topics, including on how to bridge the two continents, through innovation, cooperation, the Future of the Mediterranean and Africa-Europe Relations, the role of business and education, and Agenda 2063 as a roadmap for a new era in Europe-Africa partnership. Actually, the African Unions Agenda 2063 outlines an ambitious vision for the continents future and could also signal a new era for the Europe-Africa bloc, and an opportunity for long-term collaboration anchored in mutual respect and shared development goals.

The agenda also features the critical role Mediterranean ports can play in trade and logistics. With advancements in green technology and digital infrastructure, these ports could become models of sustainable development and smart innovationconnecting supply chains while minimizing environmental impact.

Participants are also discussing how the space sector is emerging as a frontier of innovation for both continents. From satellite-based agriculture to Earth observation and telecommunications, space technologies could transform how Africa and Europe address climate, health, and connectivity challenges.

Regarding the two continents connectivity, besides infrastructure development of bridges, ports, and energy grids, participants are aware that digital highways are reshaping how continents connect and cooperate and that such projects are laying the foundation for the future of transcontinental collaboration.

The forum is also addressing Artificial Intelligence as Europe and Africa face the dual challenge of regulation and innovation and how to ensure ethical AI that benefits all; the profound transformation of the cultural sector; and young people and health equity which form a crucial area for joint action, shared programs and investment in youth well-being, cross-border commitments that promise long-term societal dividends.

The future of the Mediterranean and Europe-Africa relations hinges on cooperation, innovation, and shared values. By working together across sectorsfinance, infrastructure, culture, education, and technologythese regions can not only overcome current challenges but also redefine their roles in the global order.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage of Rabat, who is currently visiting Azerbaijan, inaugurated on Tuesday in Baku the digital exhibition The Art of Rabat Carpet.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of Mrs. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Mrs. Arzu Aliyeva, Head of Baku Media Center.

Organized in partnership with National Carpet Museum in Baku, La Maison de lArtisan and Moroccos National Foundation of Museums, the exhibit celebrates one of Moroccos most emblematic ancestral skills. It uses an innovative interactive approach enabling visitors to appreciate the origins of the Rabat carpet, its meticulous crafting techniques and the central role played by women artisans in the transmission of this authentic art.

Speaking on this occasion, Museum Director Amina Melikova said she was honored to receive Princess Lalla Hasnaa at this exceptional exhibition, celebrating carpet artistry in both countries.

The Princess, accompanied by Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, attended a presentation on Rabat carpets history, its origins and evolution over centuries, as well as various crafting phases, from the choice of materials to the finished piece (wool preparation: selection, washing, carding and spinning, natural dyeing: traditional techniques and pigments).

Princess Lalla Hasna also visited an exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani carpet, its weaving tools and the role of women in safeguarding this ancestral know-how. She also visited the permanent exhibition of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, before signing the Golden Book of this institution.

The Princess visited the same day the International Mugham Center in Baku. This institution is entrusted with preserving and teaching this ancestral musical art, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On Monday, Princess Lalla Hasnaa visited Bakus Alley of Honor, where she laid a wreath at the tomb of the national leader Heydar Aliyev.

The Princess then visited the Martyrs Alley to pay respects to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans independence. She laid red carnations on four martyrs tombs and a wreath of flowers at the eternal flame monument.

Princess Lalla Hasnaa, later on Monday, met at the headquarters of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Baku with Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan.

The meeting was attended by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Princess Lalla Hasnaas accompanying delegation, and other Azerbaijani officials.

On Sunday, Princess Lalla Hasnaa visited the International Carpet Festival, which celebrates the cultural heritage of this West Asian country and honors master craftsmen and their ancestral skills.
With proposed funding cuts anticipated from both state and federal governments, The Connection Homeless Shelter stands to lose a quarter of its annual budget, The Connection Executive Director Ashley Lewis said Monday.

Those losses could include funds for the shelters transitional housing and rapid rehousing programs.

Lewis spoke to Lincoln County commissioners Monday about what her organization does, the impact it has and what funding cuts could mean.

The Connection is part of the United in Purpose Lincoln County Collective, which includes nonprofit leaders across the county. In an April 11, press release, the collective said it is working to raise awareness about how potential cuts to federal support could impact Lincoln County.

Total projected losses to the shelter total roughly $115,000, Lewis said. She said those funds are typically used for shelter operations for the 65-bed facility: food, client needs and some of the staff wages.

Any decrease in funding would lead to a decrease in capacity within our organization, Lewis said. I spent a lot of time these last few months contemplating different scenarios in my head and the possible ways to address them that would allow us to continue serving our community and some of our nations most vulnerable humans.

Both the rapid rehousing and transitional housing programs are funded through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants. Each provides temporary housing support such as rental assistance or help finding housing.

On May 2, a federal budget request released by the Trump administration showed a 44% decrease to HUD spending and a 43% cut to the federal rental assistance programs for 2026.

Lewis added that HUDs technical assistance programs were almost immediately cut, making it difficult to ensure that were accurately and appropriately spending funding.

Due to staffing cuts in the federal department, it has also been increasingly difficult to stay in contact with The Connections HUD representatives, she said.

Theres just so much that is up in the air right now, Lewis said. And the potential for more cuts and changes in how things operate, and thats always kind of an overwhelming and stressful place to be when you just dont have the answers.

Eric Seacrest, the executive director of the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, sat alongside Lewis and added that while there is a largely worthy effort to get rid of fraud and waste, the effects have not been limited to just waste and abuse.

Im here to tell you that these local nonprofits are not into fraud or waste, he said. Theyre efficient. They run, many of them, on a shoestring budget. ... They do not deserve to be in the same category as the fraudsters and the wasteful, goofy things.

The Connection focuses on increasing self-sufficiency and stability in those they serve, which both of the HUD-funded programs help to accomplish, Lewis said.

According to 2022 Census Bureau numbers, roughly 12.5% of people living in Lincoln County live in poverty.

Many more of our county residents are considered low income and are just one car breakdown, accident or major medical event away from poverty, Lewis said. Weve all faced those types of unexpected expenses, and its even harder when you have kids to support or experience other barriers.

Lewis shared several stories with the commissioners of those she had worked with over the years and how they have been helped and cared for by the shelter.

The fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness is senior citizens, Seacrest said, and the last thing we need is to go backwards.

All kinds of people get affected by these kinds of problems, he said, and its time, to the extent that we can, that this community stand together.

While thinking about alternative funding sources, Lewis said, the shelter likely will be relying on private funding.

The Connection will be among nonprofits people can donate to this Wednesday on North Platte Giving Day, which is hosted by the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation. Seacrest said the foundation will be covering processing fees for donations.

In other business:

Lincoln County commissioners reviewed two bids for the Roads Departments asphalt projects: overlays for three subdivisions, Fairway Estates, Calgary Hills and Prairie View Acres West. Both bids, one from Shelco and one from Western Engineering, came in at the same amount, just under $671,500. Board members ultimately decided on Shelco because of its earlier completion date of May 14.

The board approved the purchase of Tasers for both the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and the Detention Center were approved unanimously. Cost for the Sheriffs Office comes out at a total of $108,000 over a 60-month period and $126,184 for the Detention Center, also over a 60-month period.

Commissioners also agreed to sign a letter of support for the Sheriffs Office as it seeks a $30,000 safety grant from Union Pacific Railroad. The grant would cover a drone the Sheriffs Office could use to survey and monitor scenes.
Big Oil majors have no plans to scale back their budgets despite oil prices softening and more barrels poised to hit the market. That may sound reckless in a bearish environment, but its anything but. With demand picking up in Asia and OPEC+ preparing to unwind production cuts faster than expected, Exxon, Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies are digging inready to pump more, not less.

ExxonMobil reported a decline in net profits for the first quarter to $7.7 billion, down from $8.2 billion a year ago. Chevrons earnings fell more sharply to $3.8 billion from $5.4 billion, and Shell saw a 28% drop in Q1 profit. TotalEnergies reported a more modest 5% dip. Still, none of these companies flagged any spending cuts or strategic retreats. In fact, theyre doing the opposite: raising production targets and sticking to growth plans.

TotalEnergies saw its oil and gas output rise 4% in Q1, boosted by ramp-ups in Brazil, the U.S., Malaysia, and Argentina. Exxon is targeting a 7% production increase for the year. Chevron is aiming for 9%. Even Shell, while more cautious, continues aggressive buybacks and refuses to blink on capex.

The only supermajor to tweak its plans was BPand even that move came under pressure from Elliott Management, the activist investor calling for deeper cuts and a clearer strategic direction. BPs Q1 results showed weaker-than-expected earnings, sagging cash flow, and rising net debtleaving it as the outlier in an otherwise unflinching group.

Related: Saudi Arabias New Oil Play  Embracing the Glut to Win the Long Game

And now comes the real test: OPEC+ is reportedly planning to dump as much as 2.2 million barrels per day back into the market by November. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the Saudis have lost patience with serial quota-busters Iraq and Kazakhstan. But theres a twistmany of the companies responsible for Kazakhstans overproduction are Western majors: Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and TotalEnergies.

Thats rightBig Oil is now part of the cartels internal compliance headache.

The presence of U.S. companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron in Kazakhstan could play a key role in driving the supply growth, said Rystad Energy analyst Mukesh Sahdev. This raises questions about the potential for U.S. backing to pressure OPEC+ into adding more barrels to the market.

Which begs the real question: is this shaping up to be a good old-fashioned supply war?

There are certainly signs. Chinas crude imports hit a 20-month high in March, jumping to over 12 million barrels per day. That surge reversed the slump seen in January and February and underscored Beijings appetite for bargain barrels. India, too, boosted imports from Russia to a nine-month high. When prices fall, the worlds biggest buyers step in.

Thats precisely what Big Oil is counting on. As prices soften, demand will rebound. And the majors want to be front and center when that happens. That explains why theyre not panicking over Q1 earnings declines. Theyre playing the long game.

U.S. shale producers, however, are not nearly as relaxed. At sub-$60 Brent and WTI hovering near $56, the economics for independents are breaking down. Bloomberg reports that EOG Resources has cut $200 million from its 2025 capex and dialed back production growth from 3% to 2%. JPMorgan analysts called EOG the canary in the coalminea warning that more revisions may follow.

And they likely will. While shale drillers have made impressive gains in efficiency over the last decade, theyre still more exposed to price shocks than the vertically integrated supermajors. Shale needs sustained prices closer to $65$70 to grow comfortably. Below $60, investment dries up fast.

That opens the door for Big Oil. With a mix of conventional, deepwater, and shale projectsand balance sheets padded by years of capital disciplinethey can afford to wait out the noise. In fact, theyre betting the current softness in prices will be short-lived, and that when the rebound comes, theyll be in position to dominate.

Meanwhile, OPEC+ is also feeling the pressure. The decision to accelerate the rollback of production cutscramming three months of increases into one, starting in Junesuggests a cartel trying to get ahead of a deteriorating market. Whether this move is a show of strength or a prelude to discord remains to be seen. But it adds even more barrels into a market where Big Oil is already ramping up.

If there is a war brewing, its not just OPEC vs. shale anymoreits OPEC vs. Big Oil, with shale sidelined and Asian buyers cheering from the stands.

In short, the next few months could set the tone for the next chapter of global oil. Will the majors pull back if Q2 earnings disappoint? Possiblybut not likely. So far, theyve shown every intention of outlasting the storm. And if that storm happens to knock out weaker rivals in the process, all the better.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The recent oil price crash will surely hit Saudi Arabias state finances going forward, but the Kingdom already booked a hefty budget deficit for the first quarter, before oil prices dropped dramatically.

During the first quarter of the year, the budget deficit of the worlds top crude oil exporter swelled to $15.6 billion (58.7 billion Saudi riyals), data from the Saudi Finance Ministry showed.

Thats already more than half of the deficit the Kingdom had forecast for the full year in its FY 2025 budget statement a deficit of $27 billion (101 billion riyals), which represents about 2.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In the first quarter, Saudi oil revenues slumped by 18% from a year earlier to $40 billion (150 billion riyals). Non-oil revenues inched up by only 2%, leaving a bigger-than-planned gap in total revenues.

All the deficit in the first quarter was covered by borrowing, the finance ministry data showed, suggesting that Saudi Arabia prefers to continue tapping debt markets to using central bank foreign currency reserves.

The budget deficit soared in the first quarter, putting pressure on Saudi Arabias planned expenditures and investments this year, even before the price crash, which saw oil prices slump by more than $10 per barrel. The oil price slide  due to tariff-related concerns about oil demand and the Saudi-led hike of OPEC+ oil production  will additionally burden the finances of the OPEC+ leader.

Yet, Saudi Arabia appears to be willing to sustain a period of low oil prices to punish OPEC+ overproducers and discipline U.S. shale producers.

With oil at $60 per barrel, Saudi Arabia may have to accelerate borrowings and defer planned investments in its mega initiatives such as the futuristic city of Neom, analysts say.

As early as last month, Goldman Sachs economist Farouk Soussa told Bloomberg that if Brent averages about $62 per barrel this year (which is now the base-case of most investment banks), Saudi Arabias deficit could soar to $67 billion for the full-year 2025, more than double the Kingdoms budget plan of a deficit of $27 billion.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Abu Dhabis state oil giant ADNOC is reportedly on track to secure unconditional EU antitrust approval for its 14.7 billion ($16.6 billion) acquisition of Germanys Covestro, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The European Commission, expected to decide by May 12, sees no competition issues with the deal due to the lack of overlap between ADNOC and Covestros operations. That paves the way for ADNOCs largest-ever acquisitionand a major milestone in its strategy to pivot beyond crude and into downstream and advanced materials.

The transaction will place Covestromaker of plastics and chemicals used in cars, buildings, and electronicsunder the wing of XRG, ADNOCs international investment arm. Once complete, XRG becomes majority shareholder, marking a major foray by the Gulf into Europes industrial backbone.

Its a notable move in the context of ADNOCs broader diversification push. As the global energy transition tightens the screws on traditional hydrocarbons, Gulf producers like ADNOC are deploying oil windfalls to snap up strategic assets in chemicals, fertilizers, and renewables.

So far, the deal has cleared regulators in South Africa and India with no remedies. Still looming, however, is scrutiny under the EUs new Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), which targets non-EU firms perceived to benefit from unfair state support. ADNOC has not yet filed under the FSR, though it successfully passed that hurdle last year in its acquisition of Fertiglobe.

Covestro, for its part, is projecting a weaker 2025, having cut its core profit outlook Tuesday morning. But with ADNOCs backing, the company gains both financial firepower and long-term security.

If the deal closes as expected in the second half of 2025, it will mark one of the clearest signs yet that Middle Eastern oil wealth is being redeployed to secure a stake in the industries of tomorrowbefore Europe shuts the door.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Chinas streak of weak monthly coal imports continues, dragging thermal coal prices in Asia to a four-year low.

Record-high domestic coal production and weaker coal-fired power generation in China have resulted in declining demand for thermal coal imports into the worlds biggest coal market.

In April, Chinas coal imports fell to 22.72 million metric tons, from 23.84 million tons imported in March, per data from commodity analysts Kpler cited by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell.

Over the period January to April, Chinas thermal coal imports slumped by 13.1% from a year earlier, to 91.56 million tons, according to the data compiled by Kpler.

Indias coal imports rebounded in March and April, but were weak for January and February, meaning that the overall imports for the first four month of 2025 were down by 6.7% from a year earlier, Kplers estimates showed.

Japans imports of thermal coal were also weaker by 5% in January-April compared to the same period of 2024.

As a result, the price of the Australian thermal coal grade popular with Chinese importers slumped to below $70 per ton last week, for the first time since May 2021.

The price of Indonesias coal also dropped to a four-year low on May 2, per the data reported by Reuterss Russell.

In China, in view of the low domestic coal prices, weaker demand, and high coal inventories at ports, Chinas import decline has not been a surprise, and analysts will not be surprised if the trend of lower coal imports continues for the next few months.

Globally, China is the leader in renewable energy capacity installations, but it is also a leader in coal-fired power and continues to be the key driver of record-high global coal demand.

The persistent growth in Chinese coal demand, including for power generation, goes to show that coal remains the baseload of Chinas power system to back up the surge in renewables and will stay such for years to come as power demand jumps with the increasing electrification of homes and transport.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

In 2023, both Legacy Health and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) announced the intent to merge, which at the time of the announcement of the merger would have more than 32,000 employees and 100-plus locations, including 10 hospitals, and more than 3 million patient visits a year. However, the merge was not meant to be. Today, on March 5th, 2025, in a joint statement, Oregons two great health giants announced they mutually terminated the merger. The key reason cited in the joint statement was evolving operating environment, the organizations have determined that the best way to meet the needs of the communities they serve is to move forward as individual organizations.

Likely factors that caused the two prominent health providers to is likely due to OHSU funding is not stable anymore, as a report from the Willamette Week cited that OHSU is struggling with its finances and operations, and is at risk of cutting 75% of its research due to decrease support from state and federal government. It was also a key reason for OHSU seeking to merge with Legacy, as in another article from Willamette Week, Simply put, Legacy Health must find a strategic partner to achieve financial sustainability, in a regulatory filing in which S&P Global Ratings gave Legacy an A with a stable outlook.

As the two organizations part ways, a significant question for OHSU is how it will survive and whether the break-off of the merger will result in layoffs at Oregons most prominent research hospital.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

First, there was a blackout at the Newark airport that left air traffic control agents in the dark for a dangerous 90-seconds. Secondly, thousands of flights surrounding Newark airport have been canceled or delayed over constant system failures.

One of the problems is that airlines and airports are understaffed.

To cure the longstanding problem, President Obama lowered the standards for the FAA Academy. It was designed to help minorities. It made things worse because it attracted people who were not fit for the program. Now nearly 50% of the people who enter the program quit. A staggering waste of resources for both the government and the individual. Furthermore it made the staffing crisis worse.

This is the exact solution Oregon applied to its abysmal graduation rate. The liberal politicians simply addressed the problem by voting to lower graduation standards. Once you lower academic standards, these under-prepared students go on to fail in college in greater numbers. Furthermore, they are stuck taking remedial classes which further pulls them behind and drives up their cost.

W noticed the irony that as Oregon lowered graduation standards, they also kept their strict limits on who could attend a public chart school (where students have a higher chance of succeeding).

Also, at this exact moment, Oregon is considering two Kotek bills that would lower the standard for what qualifies as a registered sex offender. They wish to lower the standard in order to deal with the backlog of 18,000 sex offender cases that have not been processed. You can guess the impact that this will have.

Portland experienced the experiment for low standards when they stopped enforcing minor traffic violations as a way to achieve more equity. The end result was a record-number of traffic fatalities.

This is a warning to Oregon from Newark. Dont lower standards, neither in school nor in traffic fines , nor in criminal sex offenders. It is a recipe for disaster.

Additional lessons from airport failures

In addition to lower educational standards, the FAA and control towers rely on outdated technology. According to a report from ABC 7, the recent outage was caused by a fried piece of copper wire that sparked a temporary radar and communications blackout for air traffic controllers. This incident has highlighted a larger issue: a shortage of trained air traffic controllers. Many are taking advantage of the 45-day leave permitted under the Federal Employees Compensation Act due to the stress from this traumatic event, as stated by a union representative. This raises an important question: How outdated and unreliable is our technology in airport control towers?

In a New York Post article, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy appeared on Fox News to discuss the critical issues affecting our infrastructure. He remarked, We have really old infrastructure in America; it hasnt been updated in the last 30 to 40 years. During the live interview with host Laura Ingraham, Secretary Duffy acknowledged the fragility of the infrastructure and criticized the Biden administration for its failure to modernize it. He also pledged to restore public confidence by committing to a complete system overhaul, including telecommunications, radar, and overall infrastructure updates. Duffy mentioned that he is in discussions with President Trump regarding these plans.

Its not just the Trump administration that sees the significant problems associated with this outdated system. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also recognized the issue and called for a full investigation by the Transportation Departments Office of Inspector General. He stated, The FAA is really a mess We are using 1990 technology in 2025.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is vital for commerce, which raises two critical questions: How outdated is our air traffic control technology, and if a similar situation arises, do we have enough qualified personnel to replace those who may take a 45-day leave or even resign after such an event?
NORMAL  The Normal Town Council has extended its moratorium on new short-term rental businesses, which includes Airbnb operators, by one month, citing pending state legislation.

The Normal Town Council on Monday approved the extension, which will allow the town to respond to any new land-use laws being considered by the state legislature.

In November, the council imposed a six-month moratorium on issuing business licenses for residential short-term rental businesses. The moratorium was set to expire June 1, before Monday's vote extended the date to July 1. The six-month period was implemented to give the council and town staff time to consider and review regulatory alternatives for these businesses.

Current regulations require each owner or operator of a short-term rental to obtain a general business license for each dwelling unit used as a rental space. The town does not impose a fee for these general business licenses, but it puts the owners on record and requires them to pay associated taxes. In November, Town Planner Mercy Davison said only a third of the recorded short-term rentals in town were registered and paying taxes.

During Monday's meeting, City Manager Pam Reece said Illinois legislators are considering various land-use bills during their spring session that, if enacted, could affect the towns regulation of short-term rentals.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 31, and extending the moratorium for a month will allow the town to review and react to any new state laws, Reece said.

"We want to make sure we understand the legislation, see if it gets passed and see if it impacts anything pertaining to short-term rentals before we ask council to take formal action on a short-term rental ordinance," Reece said.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked when the council will be making action on an short-term rental ordinance and what pending state legislation is the town observing.

The town council will review what, if any, related bills are passed by the state legislature at the end of its spring session and will likely take action on an ordinance at the June 16 meeting, Reece said.

Assistant City Manager Brian Day said there a number of bills being floated around that go as extreme as to suggest completely getting rid of single-family zoning and others revolving around accessory dwelling units.

"There's about five or six bills that we're tracking that would in some way possibly affect how we would regulate short-term rentals," Day said.

There are 143 short-term rentals across the Twin Cities, with 63 recorded in Normal and 80 in Bloomington.

There is currently no limit on how many short-term rentals can operate in Normal.

Other business

Before Monday's regular meeting, the town also swore in its newly elected town councilmembers: incumbents Kevin McCarthy and Scott Preston and newcomer Rory Roberge.

Roberge, who is a former member of the McLean County Regional Planning Commission, won Chemberly Harris' seat. Harris opted not to run for reelection to challenge Chris Koos for mayor in the April 1 election.

The council also initiated amendments that will further clarify, address omissions and make a few changes to the zoning code. The council previously adopted changes to the zoning code on Oct. 22, 2024.

The changes enhanced clarity, modernized terminology and brought the code into better alignment with interpretations, variances and the director of current policy, according to town documents.

It was anticipated at the time that staff would return to the council with additional amendments within six months to address any errors or omissions, to further clarify and to make minor amendments that may have come up since then.

The proposed amendments include corrections and clarifications to transitional yard and height requirements, fences, self-service storage, the parking impact zone, ground-mounted solar panels and illustrations.

There would also be substantive changes and discussions on the parking of major recreational equipment and allowing contractors shops in the P-1 corridor.

The town will hold a public hearing at the planning commission's June 5 meeting and will return with the commission's recommendation to the council for final approval as early as June 16.

In other business, the council approved its risk management program, which saw an increase from last year but came out under budget expectations.

The town's Municipal Insurance Cooperative Agency Insurance (MICA) program provides the town with comprehensive insurance coverage for several areas, including general liability, automobile liability, property and workers compensation. MICA is a consortium comprising 22 public entities in Illinois, primarily municipalities.

For 2025-26, the insurance premiums were set at $2,330,026, a 6.05% increase from last year's cost of $2,197,007.

Town staff budgeted $2,416,701 for insurance premiums this year, which resulted in saving $86,675.

The council also approved other items including:

awarding a contract to George Gildner Inc. for the 2025 Sump Pump Discharge and Storm Sewer Improvements Project for $296,364;

vacating easement on lots 367-368 of the Eleventh Addition to Vineyards Subdivision at 3623 and 3625 Cabernet Court to create one large lot for a single-family residence;

approving the resubdivision of lots 367-368 of the Eleventh Addition to Vineyards Subdivision at 3623 and 3625 Cabernet Court to create one large lot for a single-family residence.

Illinois Art Station

During public comment, three residents expressed their concerns and distaste regarding the town's new Illinois Art Station staff that was hired late last month.

The council accepted the donation of the land, building and other assets of IAS in March after the IAS board and foundation approached the town about the donation as part of plans for a future that would increase the organization's reach and further its mission.

Illinois Art Station, which is now part of the Town of Normal Cultural Arts Department, hired Nicole Learned as manager, Rachel Ratliff as the education coordinator and Lauren Bachman as a part-time educator in April. No one from the IAS' previous staff was hired for the new positions.

The commentors asked the council to review the town's hiring process, its ethics and communication to former staff as well as why former staff at IAS weren't considered as qualified for the positions when they had worked there prior to the transition.

One commentor pointed out that Ratliff and Learned both worked at the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal prior to their new positions and told the council they believed nepotism may have been involved.

Beth Whisman, director of Normal's Cultural Arts Department and the Children's Discovery Museum, told The Pantagraph on April 25, the town carried out a "fair and equal opportunity" hiring process for a large pool of applicants looking to work at IAS.

The asset transfer agreement between IAS and the town said current employees would have the opportunity to apply for any positions created as a result of the acquisition, and all recruitment and hiring decisions would be made in accordance with town personnel code and other policies.

"We used a full-scale employment search for artists and professionals with art education backgrounds to staff Illinois Art Station to be able to serve the mission that was defined to us by the donor who gave this facility and property to the town," Whisman told The Pantagraph. "They really wanted us to look at how we were serving children who were not getting their resources, and we felt like public schools were a great way to start."

Homeless encampment cleanup

Towards the end of the meeting, councilmember Lorenz mentioned a cleanup day planned at the homeless encampment near Sugar Creek off of South Center Street in south Normal.

The cleanup day will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, hosted by the Ecology Action Center in partnership with Home Sweet Home Ministries.

Visit ecologyactioncenter.org to learn more about the volunteer opportunity.
SPRINGFIELD  Casting herself as an "underdog," U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, launched her campaign for the United States Senate on Tuesday.

Kelly, 68, is the second major Democrat to throw her hat into what's expected to be a crowded ring to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, who announced two weeks ago that he would not seek a sixth term in the upper chamber.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton declared her candidacy less than a day after Durbin's announcement and quickly rolled out endorsements from the state's top two Democrats: Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Other Democrats are expected to give the race a look, including Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Lauren Underwood. State Treasurer Mike Frerichs on Monday said that he would not run for Durbin's seat.

On the Republican side, Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, has expressed interest.

Kelly's entry into the race once again puts her on the opposite side of Pritzker and his political operation. The billionaire governor backed opponents to Kelly when she ran for chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois in 2021 and 2022. Kelly won the first race but dropped her bid for a full term when Pritzker's candidate, state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, secured the necessary votes.

In this race, Stratton is expected to receive financial backing from Pritzker in addition to his endorsement.

In a 2 1/2 minute introductory video, Kelly, looking directly at the camera, acknowledged her unfavored status, saying that "you could say I've been an underdog my whole life."

She then weaved in elements of her life story, described the "early mornings and long days" working at her family's "mom-and-pop" grocery store and working herself through college to the legislative battles she waged against the gun lobby in Springfield and Washington.

"But our situation now, this is a whole different moment," Kelly said. "That's why I'm running for the United States Senate: to fight for health care that doesn't bankrupt families, for wages that lift people up, for housing that's affordable, for neighborhoods safe from gun violence. These are the issues and the people I'm fighting for."

"Donald Trump, he may think he's a king and can order people around," Kelly said. "But I don't take orders from him. I'm standing up for you because I'll keep fighting however I have to."

Kelly, who's served in the U.S. House since 2013, brings a unique perspective to the race. Her congressional district stretches from Chicago's South Side and south suburbs all the way down to Danville, making her one of the few federal lawmakers who represents the city, suburbs and downstate.

She recently hosted a town hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, which is Republican Rep. Mary Miller's turf. It's part of a national effort by Democrats to hold meetings in Republican districts.

"My philosophy is that whether you are urban, suburban or rural, most people want a job and a roof over their head, they want healthcare, they want a good education for their kids," Kelly told the crowd. "People bring up the same concerns and it's around a lot of those kitchen table issues."

A native New Yorker, Kelly first came to Illinois to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she subsequently lived for two decades.

After relocating to the south suburbs, Kelly was elected to two terms in the Illinois House. She resigned in 2007 to become then-Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' chief of staff. Kelly sought Giannoulias' job in 2010 when he opted to run for U.S. Senate. She lost the general election to Dan Rutherford.

In 2013, she won a special election to the congressional seat vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr. Her campaign emphasized the issue of gun control, a message that was backed up by millions from a political action committee bankrolled by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In 2021, Kelly won a razor-thin election to succeed former House Speaker Michael Madigan as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. She received Durbin's backing and defeated a candidate supported by Pritzker.

But the honeymoon was short. Just over a year later, Kelly was deposed at the behest of Pritzker and his allies, who expressed longstanding concern that she was not the best fit for the job since she's a federal officeholder, which means she is barred from raising or controlling soft money used in state and local races. Kelly, facing certain defeat, dropped her bid for reelection as party chair.

Kelly will likely begin the race at a financial disadvantage. She had about $2 million in her campaign account as of the end of March. Krishnamoorthi, who's expected to launch a campaign soon, had about $19 million in the bank.

Stratton did not report any numbers, but is expected to receive support from Pritzker.

Two weeks in, the race to succeed Durbin continues to take shape.

In addition to Kelly's entry, Frerichs took himself out of consideration after flirting with a bid.

Frerichs, the state's chief investment officer since 2015, told supporters in an email that he had "aspired to follow in Sen. Durbins footsteps."

But, the father of a teenager and two-year-old twins said he was "not willing to travel to Washington, D.C. 30-some weeks a year and spend so many nights away from my children."
Holi originated in ancient India with deep religious significance tied to the mythology of Lord Vishnu  who appeared as a half lion to destroy evil  and the Hindu figure Prahlad, who was miraculously saved from fire while his evil aunt Holika burned.

This event is remembered during the night before Holi, when people light bonfires to symbolize the burning of evil.

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Another Holi legend involves the demoness Putana, who attempted to kill the infant Krishna by breastfeeding him poisoned milk. Baby Krishna miraculously survived and vanquished Putana.

A Colorful Start

Yet another central story involves Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity whose blue skin and playful nature inspired the tradition of throwing colors.

According to legend, the Hindu god Krishna played Holi with the gopis (cowherd women, many of whom were married) of Vrindavan in northern India, playfully splashing them with colored powder and water.

Romantic Beginnings

Holi is also associated with the divine love between Krishna and Radha, though Krishna was already in love with Radha before the festival.

In the legend, Krishna worried that Radha might dislike his blue skin, so on his mothers advice he smeared color on Radhas face  upon which Radha fell in love with Krishna.
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The averaged continuum image of G24.33+0.14 from NOEMA. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.19782

Using the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Chinese astronomers have observed a young stellar object known as G24.33+0.14 in the process of cooling after an accretion burst. Results of the observations are published on the arXiv preprint server.

In general, young stellar objects (YSOs) are stars in early stages of evolution; in particular, protostars and pre-main sequence (PMS) stars. They are usually detected within dense molecular clusters, which are abundant in molecular gas and interstellar particles.

Observations show that episodic accretion processes occur in YSOs. Therefore, these objects may experience accretion-driven outbursts. Astronomers usually divide such events into EX Lup (also known as EXors) and FU Ori outbursts (or FUors). EXors are a few magnitudes in amplitude, and last from a few months to one or two years; FUors are more extreme and rare, can be up to 5 to 6 magnitudes in amplitude, and last from decades to even centuries.

G24.33+0.14 (or G24 for short) is a high-mass young stellar object (HMYSO) at a distance of some 23,500 light years away from the Earth. Previous observations have found that G24 is a recurrent accretion burst source, exhibiting a cycle of 8.5 years and a burst duration of about two years.

Recently, a team of astronomers led by Xiaoyun Xu of the Guangzhou University in China performed interferometric observations of G24 during its post-burst phase, in order to better understand its evolution during this period. Their study was complemented by data from ALMA.

The observations found that after the accretion burst, the continuum emission in the inner core region of G24 decreased by some 20%, while the emission in the outer region increased by about 30%. These findings suggest that the burst caused a heat wave, which radiated outward from the core's interior to its periphery over a period of about six months.

Furthermore, it was found that the methanol emission intensity decreased notably in G24. It turned out that as the energy of the upper state of G24 increases, the decrease in the methanol emission intensity becomes more pronounced.

Based on the analysis of the methanol rotational temperature, the astronomers identified a modest decrease in both the gas temperature and column density of methanol in the innermost layer of the methanol emission region. This indicates that both the temperature ratio and column density ratio between the two observation periods generally increased with increasing distance from the core of G24.

According to the authors of the paper, the results confirm that while the core region of G24 cooled down after the burst, the outer region experienced persistent heating. The observations also proved that variations in the physical environment are a direct consequence of the bursts that occur during the high-mass star formation process.

More information: Xiaoyun Xu et al, Cooling process of the high-mass young stellar object G24.33+0.14 following an accretion burst, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.19782 Journal information: arXiv

 2025 Science X Network
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Visualization of the nine border regions by Kreis (district). Note: Each 'dot' indicates the geographical centroid of a Kreis. If the centroid is within 25 km of a German land border with a neighboring country, we consider it to be part of the corresponding border region. Credit: European Journal of Political Research (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1475-6765.70025

The sudden closure of internal European borders during the COVID-19 crisis had not only practical consequences, but also changed how people thought about immigration and Europe. Recent research from the University of Amsterdam and international partners shows that these measures temporarily undermined trust in the EU and increased hostility toward immigrantsespecially among people living near the borders.

In early 2020, as COVID-19 spread rapidly, 18 European countries closed their borders. This especially affected people in border regions, where daily cross-border interaction is common. "The border suddenly highlighted the divide between 'us' and 'them,' between insiders and outsiders," says lead researcher and political scientist Lisa Herbig from the University of Amsterdam. This had consequences for how people viewed migration and European cooperation.

The work is published in the European Journal of Political Research.

Closed borders, immediate impact

To understand the impact of national border closures, the researchers focused on Germany. "Germany was an interesting case because some regions saw their borders close, while others remained open," says Herbig. "This allowed us to compare attitudes in regions that were and weren't affected by closures, both before and shortly after the measures."

The team analyzed detailed data on the border closures alongside survey results from the German Socio-Economic Panel. This long-running panel surveys a representative sample of the population at regular intervals, asking about, among other things, migration and Europe.

A clear trend emerged: in the week after a border closure, people's positive attitudes toward immigrants dropped sharply, as did their sense of connection to Europe. Affected border regions saw a decrease of 7.6% in welcoming attitudes towards refugees and 6.5% in peoples attachment with Europe.

Temporary effects

Strikingly, these negative effects didn't last long. Within a few weeks, attitudes toward immigrants returned to previous levels. "It seems people were initially shocked and saw immigrants more as a threat, but that reaction quickly faded."

Views on Europe also bounced back within a month. "This slightly delayed response might reflect how broader contextual factors like the erosion of European solidarity and the breakdown of cross-border exchange take longer to sink in than the immediate sense of threat from across the border," Herbig explains.

The fact that both effects disappeared so quickly likely reflects the gradual control of the pandemic and better coordination between countries. "People in the EU may react strongly to sudden policy changes, but they also tend to recover over time," Herbig adds.

The symbolic power of border politics

Even though the changes in attitude were relatively small and short-lived, they are still meaningful, the researchers argue. "Political opinions don't usually shift this quickly. A 6 to 8% drop within a week is striking," says Herbig.

"Our study connects directly to today's political debate around Schengen border closures in countries like the Netherlands and Germany. It shows how such measures can have unintended, negative effects on public opinion and the broader political discussion."

More information: Lisa Herbig et al, Closed borders, closed minds? COVIDrelated border closures, EU support and hostility towards immigrants, European Journal of Political Research (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1475-6765.70025
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Credit: Remote Sensing of Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2025.114717

When it comes to climate, what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic. The effects of Arctic warming are a harbinger of what's coming to all terrestrial biomes, including the deserts of Arizona.

That's why an international project led by NAU researchers, which has resulted in the first high-resolution maps of plant biomass and woody plant dominance in the Arctic, is so important. It establishes baseline conditions for the year 2020 and allows scientists to track changes moving forward.

They used satellite imagery, machine learning and field data collected from more than 600 sites to create these maps, which reveal detailed patterns of vegetation linked to climate, terrain and past disturbancesall of which could play an important role in carbon accounting, conservation and climate modeling.

"The Arctic is a bit of a canary in the coal mine for climate change and has impacts across the rest of the globe, including right here in Arizona," said Katie Orndahl, a research scientist in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) and first author on the paper published in Remote Sensing of Environment. "The Arctic is ground zero for climate tipping pointsthresholds which, if crossed, will likely lead to irreversible, abrupt and dangerous impacts."

The study is groundbreaking in its depth and participation; 49 researchers from 34 institutions in six countries collected data, including Logan Berner, assistant research professor in SICCS and the second author on the paper; Regents' Professor Michelle Mack from the Department of Biological Sciences; and Regents' Professor Scott Goetz from SICCS.

Logan Berner and Katie Orndahl working in the Arctic tundra in Finland. Credit: Northern Arizona University

What they did and why it matters

The research builds on previous work by Berner and Orndahl that assembled the underlying field data from colleagues around the world. Orndahl spearheaded the modeling effort, including gathering satellite data, fitting models, mapping biomass (the amount of living plants in an area) and analyzing map data. Linking the available data was critical to this work, Berner said.

"The Arctic is undergoing rapid environmental changes that are impacting plant biomass, but until now, we lacked a detailed understanding of this fundamental ecosystem attribute, let alone how it's changed in recent decades," he said.

Besides establishing baseline conditions for the year 2020, the maps also allow scientists to virtually visit any place throughout the biome and learn more about the area, providing a snapshot of conditions in the Arctic that helps explain ecological processes and inform decision-making.

"The maps capture the legacy of disturbance across the Arctic, revealing scars left by permafrost thaw slumps, traces of human development and the patchwork of wildfire across the region," Orndahl said. "We believe the real power lies in how they will be used moving forward.

"We hope these maps can be useful for a diverse set of applications and users including, but certainly not limited to, wildlife habitat models, carbon flux upscaling, fire fuels mapping and as input to large ecosystem or land-surface models."

More information: Kathleen M. Orndahl et al, Next generation Arctic vegetation maps: Aboveground plant biomass and woody dominance mapped at 30 m resolution across the tundra biome, Remote Sensing of Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2025.114717
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Credit: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main

Climate change is altering water availabilityacross the globe, and right on our doorstep. With a new interactive map, users can now see online how renewable water resources, groundwater recharge, and evapotranspiration might change in a specific region under various climate futures. The "Explorer for Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources" was developed by the Hydrology Working Group at Goethe University Frankfurt in cooperation with the French company AGEOCE.

"Water is one of the key resources of our futurewith the Explorer, we are providing society with a tool to prepare for changes early and knowledge-based," says Prof. Petra Doll, head of the working group. The tool visualizes scientifically-based simulations of future water availability under the influence of climate change. It displays the results of a multi-model ensemble, i.e., the results of several global hydrological models driven by multiple climate models.

The application shows, for all land areas of Earth and with a spatial resolution of approximately 50 km, how groundwater recharge could change in different regions, whether to expect more or less overall water availability, and to what extent evapotranspiration increases due to the changing climate.

Users can select a specific region on the world map and receive a clear diagram showing projected changes between the reference period 1985 to 2014 and three future time periods. A particularly helpful feature is that the Explorer shows not only mean values but also the range of possible developmentsdepending on the emissions scenario and model uncertainties. This allows for less favorable developments to be considered and better incorporated into local planning.

Additionally, the Explorer can indicate how many of the models exceed certain thresholdsfor example, a decrease in groundwater recharge by more than 20%. This helps assess how robust certain developments are and whether there is broad agreement among the models.

"Our application is based on simulation results from an international multi-model ensemble that makes climate impacts comparable across different levels," explains Dr. Fabian Kneier, research associate in the Hydrology Working Group, about transdisciplinary research. "We account not only for uncertainties in the climate projections but also in the hydrological models. This was only made possible through close collaboration between science and practiceacross disciplinary boundaries."

A practical tool for science, policy, and society

The web application is aimed at a broad target group and offers a wide range of possible uses: Experts in water management and environmental planning can make well-founded assessments, for example, regarding future water supply or the adaptation of existing infrastructures. Political decision-makers are provided with a reliable data basis for developing regional and supraregional adaptation strategies. Researchers and students gain access to complex modeling results that they can use for scientific analyses and teaching purposes.

"Our platform makes it possible to present complex multi-model results in an accessible wayfor research, policy, and practice worldwide," says Dr. Guillaume Attard, CEO of project partner AGEOCE.

People from civil society, initiatives, or educational institutions also benefit from the accessible presentation of the data. They can use the tool to inform themselves about possible consequences of climate change in their region, raise public awareness of water issues, or initiate discussions. For instance, in the Rhine-Main region, the tool can help explore whether groundwater recharge is likely to decrease in the coming decadesan important piece of information for cities like Frankfurt, which source a large part of their drinking water from surrounding areas.

The application supports the understanding of regional developments and helps to discuss appropriate adaptation measures at an early stage.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Families of men held in rural jails play an important role when it comes to navigating and making sense of the legalities, consequences and often conflicting responsibilities that accompany incarceration in rural jails, according to a new study by a University at Buffalo sociologist.

Nearly half of the U.S. population has experienced the incarceration of a sibling, child, partner or parent. Despite that widespread reality, families have no official place in the criminal justice system. Still, they create and take on substantial support roles for incarcerated people both during and after the incarceration, according to the study's author, Allison Dwyer Emory, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology and criminology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences.

"Families are problem-solvers," says Dwyer Emory. "They're on the front lines of addressing issues within the family, including serious problems like addiction, alcoholism and other sometimes overwhelming challenges."

Dwyer Emory interviewed 41 family members of men held in a rural New York jail for her paper published in the journal Social Problems. Her semi-structured interviews proceeded conversationally, but included questions asked to all study participants to frame and deeply understand how families experienced jail incarceration in a rural county.

Jails are distinct from prisons, but not as well studied. New York prisons hold people who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to incarceration for more than a year. People in jails have either received a sentence of less than a year following a conviction, or are being detained while their case works its way through the courts. Roughly two-thirds of people held in jails nationally have not been convicted. They're jailed because they were deemed ineligible for pretrial release, or the money required for bail could not or was not raised.

"Some families in this study chose not to post bail, despite having the means, because they saw jail as a safer place than the community for their loved one to be," says Dwyer Emory. "I also spoke with many family members who initiated the incarceration in some way, by calling in a technical or parole violation, or by reporting the initial crime."

It's a surprising finding to emerge from the study, but Dwyer Emory points out that rural communities often lack the infrastructure and services that families in urban areas rely on to help address problems.

The jail, under these circumstances, was seen by some as an ally, a means of accessing whatever services might be available to an incarcerated individual.

It was a matter of life or death, according to Dwyer Emory. Family members said it was clearly not an ideal option, but they feared outcomes like an overdose if nothing was done. They were out of options in the community.

"Many of the families I talked to were dealing with issues of addiction, but because of the scarcity of resources characteristic of rural America, they couldn't access the services needed to manage issues like opioid addiction or serious mental health needs," she says. "In this context, the jail was one of the only institutional responses available to families."

But not everyone shared the perception of jail as an ally.

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"Some families saw the jail as something to work around," says Dwyer Emory. "The constraints of incarceration were not helping, but families worked to plan legal strategies or to help with the re-entry phase that follows a release from incarceration."

A final, broadly defined perspective to come out of the interviews was people who felt that there was nothing they could do once the jail was involved. They maintained personal relationships with the incarcerated individual, but didn't see any way they could help with their situation.

Jail marked the end of their involvement.

"Relinquishing responsibility was a relief for some family members," said Dwyer Emory. "There was sadness and mourning for families, but they felt that a problem that was out of control for them had been handed over to another authority.

"This group included many mothers with young children who were focused on managing the fallout of incarceration for their family but weren't actively engaged with the jail or the legal process."

Dwyer Emory says families are working hard but need additional support to manage the social problems they face including incarceration. The criminal justice system is focused on the individual going through the process, but Dwyer Emory says it's necessary to understand how that individual is embedded within a family system.

"Some families approached the jail about being a partner but were shut down," she says. "It's time to start thinking about families as potential partners with shared rehabilitative goals when addressing the needs of an incarcerated person."

More information: Allison Dwyer Emory, Navigating the Situation: Family Experiences of Jail Incarceration in Rural America, Social Problems (2025). DOI: 10.1093/socpro/spaf017
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new planning formula to optimize the lifecycle value of Australia's warships in an era of geopolitical instability has been proposed by researchers at the University of South Australia.

Based on an existing model used in financial decision makingthe Real Options Approach (ROA)but with modifications to address the unique nature of warship planning, the formula has the potential to transform the way the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) manages its fleet.

"Due to diminishing budgets, rapid advances in technology, and emerging threats, it is more important than ever to build a naval framework that is more flexible and cost effective," according to lead researcher Ben Petersen, a recent UniSA graduate who undertook this research as part of his university degree.

Along with UniSA systems engineer Dr. Mahmoud Efatmaneshnik, the pair recently outlined their proposed model to the International Symposium on Systems Engineering, held in Italy in late 2024.

"Military assets such as warships and other naval vessels must maintain high levels of readiness and capability despite constrained financial resources," Petersen says.

"Warships typically undergo major upgrades every seven to 10 years, with a service life of approximately 30 years, unlike other industries that have much shorter product lifecycles. These upgrades are substantial in scale and complexity, and they often go way over projected budgets.

"Traditional lifecycle planning models for warships are rigid and do not account for uncertainties in long-term naval investments, such as technological advancements, geopolitical shifts or budget constraints."

Using an adaptation of the ROA model, naval forces will be able to assess multiple future scenarios, reducing the risk of overinvestment or premature commissioning, according to the researchers in a new paper.

The research identified key benefits to adopting a Real Options Approach:

Operational readinessensuring that naval assets remain technologically advanced and mission-capable over time

Cost efficiencymore efficient budgeting, prioritizing upgrades and maintenance that deliver the best value

Risk mitigationreducing the financial and strategic risks associated with overinvestment in outdated technologies

Sovereign defense capabilitysupporting Australia's goal of strengthening its defense industry by improving long-term planning for sustainable ship building.

With Australia investing heavily in maritime defense capabilitiesincluding the Hunter-class frigates, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, and upgrades to existing vesselsDr. Efatmaneshnik says the research is highly relevant.

"By applying financial risk management principles to warship design, acquisition, and maintenance, our study offers a new model for sustaining naval superiority in an era of geopolitical uncertainty," he says.

"Australia's defense environment is evolving rapidly. Our research provides a clear pathway for defense planners to ensure that our warships remain at peak capability while maximizing taxpayer investment in national security."

Petersen says the next steps involve improving the model to capture additional nuances in naval warship designs, and to avoid oversimplification.

More information: Benjamin Petersen et al. Optimising Warship Lifecycle Value: A Real Options Approach, 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Systems Engineering (ISSE). DOI: 10.1109/ISSE63315.2024.10741125
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Distribution of authorship in global studies in the fields of ecology and conservation. Data represent log-transformed number of coauthored publications per country; blank countries - no authorship in assessed publications. Credit: Ivan Jaric

There is an increasing awareness and understanding in global science about a troubling and persistent research imbalance, where studies overwhelmingly originate from economically developed countries, particularly those in Europe and North America.

However, a new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment argues that despite growing efforts within the scientific community to promote inclusivity, such initiatives often fail to address, or even perpetuate underlying regional biases that continue to shape research collaborations. In reality, research collaborations and consortia claiming to be based on global involvement are regionally mostly skewed towards a few particular countries within the continent.

"Our analysis of global studies within the wider field of ecology and conservation revealed surprisingly huge regional disparities in authorship," says Ivan Jaric, researcher from the Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of Paris-Saclay, and lead author of the study.

"For example, studies involving researchers from Africa had only a quarter of authorships coming from regionally low-income countries, while the majority of studies were from South Africa. In fact, just South Africa alone published twice more than all the regionally low-income countries put together."

Regional inequalities hidden behind 'global' research labels

The study revealed such trends in all of the continents. As much as two-thirds of studies involving researchers from Asia and South America were published respectively by China and Brazil, while all the regionally low-income countries together contributed to less than a quarter of studies.

This disparity largely comes from the tendency of international research networks to prioritize traditional partners, established institutions, and experts from economically developed countries. At the same time, experts from regionally misrepresented countries often face limited professional visibility, and restricted access to international meetings, funding and collaboration networks.

Such widespread and persistent regional biases provide a misleading image of global inclusiveness. "Beside poor global coverage of studies and considerable data gaps, this could misleadingly suggest that no research is being conducted in these underrepresented countries," says Shawan Chowdhury from the Monash University in Australia, one of the authors of the study.

"Such collaboration practices are excluding voices from these regions, and missing the opportunity to build capacity in marginalized countries. What is especially worrying is that many of those countries are characterized by a high level of biodiversity, and with an urgent need for the local scientific community to implement effective conservation plans."

A shift towards fairer research partnerships is urgently needed

"We believe that science must urgently move beyond continents and prioritize regional geographical equity in research," explains Christophe Diagne from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, another co-author of the study.

"It is necessary to proactively engage scientists from underrepresented countries, and move beyond traditional partners within regions when planning international research teams and consortia.

"Alongside long-term, structural and systemic solutions promoted by sustainability sciencewhich we consider essential and seek to actively promotewe also strongly advocate the creation of a global, open-access database that would aggregate local expertise, and build equitable partnerships by facilitating access to international collaborations and funding opportunities."

More information: Ivan Jaric et al, Moving beyond continents for global and inclusive science, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1002/fee.2851 Journal information: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
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Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

India's space agency said Tuesday it planned to launch an uncrewed orbital mission later this year before its first human spaceflight in early 2027.

"It represents India's rise as a global space power," Jitendra Singh, the country's science and technology minister, said in a statement.

The world's most populous country has flexed its spacefaring ambitions in the last decade with its space program growing considerably in size and momentum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to send a man to the moon by 2040.

"The uncrewed orbital Gaganyaan ("space craft") mission is on track for launch later this year, with recovery trials already conducted with the Indian Navy, and more sea recovery simulations planned," the Department of Space said in a statement.

Along with other tests, this will lead to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) sending astronauts into space.

"These milestones will culminate in India's maiden human spaceflight in 2027, launching Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an Indian rocket from Indian soil," it added.

ISRO said the spaceflight was scheduled for "the first quarter" of 2027.

"Training of astronauts is also progressing steadily," the statement added.

"Four Indian Air Force pilots, selected as astronaut-designates, have completed training in Russia and are undergoing further mission-specific training in India."

India has matched the achievements of established powers at a much cheaper price tag.

In August 2023, it became just the fourth nation to land an unmanned craft on the moon after Russia, the United States and China.

This month, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, 39, is expected to fly to the International Space Stationbecoming the first Indian astronaut to do so and the second in orbit ever.

The mission, which is jointly being undertaken by NASA and the ISRO, will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Shukla, who is set to pilot the Axiom Mission 4, is likely among the top candidates for ISRO's spaceflight program.

Shukla's travel to space will come four decades after India's Rakesh Sharma's iconic spaceflight onboard a Russian spacecraft in 1984.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A pandemic of lianas is sweeping through tropical forests, reducing their ability to store carbon and limiting their role in mitigating climate change. Two recent studies from Leiden University highlight the issue. "We now understand why lianas are visible in satellite imagery," say the researchers.

Tropical forests annually absorb roughly the amount of CO emitted by the whole of Europe. They also house around half of the world's biodiversity. However, their contribution to climate regulation and biodiversity is under threatnot only from deforestation but also from an extraordinary surge in lianas. Ecologist Marco Visser from Leiden's Center for Environmental Sciences (CML) explains, "Lianas can smother and kill trees. When they dominate, the forest becomes choked, and mainly lianas continue growing over fallen trees."

A liana pandemic for more than 30 years

During his doctoral research in 2016, Visser was the first to model lianas as if they were infectious diseases. "Lianassuch as passionflowers and numerous other speciescan be compared to tapeworms. They intercept trees' resources and can more than double tree mortality."

At CML, Visser now supervises Ph.D. candidate Manuela Rueda-Trujillo, who has analyzed hundreds of liana studies. Their paper, published last summer in Global Change Biology, reveals that the increase is not confined to South and Latin America, as previously thought, but is happening wherever tropical forests exist. "A liana pandemic has been raging for more than 30 years, with their prevalence rising by 10% to 24% every decade," Visser states.

Lianas are rapidly expanding their territory in tropical forests, sometimes suppressing tree growth entirely in certain locations. In such areas, forest regeneration halts, and carbon storage can decline by as much as 95%. "That's almost equivalent to deforestation," Visser says.

He attributes this to rising atmospheric CO levels. "All plants grow faster with more CO, but lianas benefit even more. They cheatthey don't invest in structural support, borrowing it from trees instead, and their leaves require less energy and nutrients to produce." A liana can quickly climb to the canopy, spread a leafy cover over tree crowns, and steal all the sunlight for itself.

Lianas can be seen in satellite images

On 28 April, Visser published research in the journal Ecology demonstrating that lianas are visible from space. Collaborating with American and British colleagues, he has now shown why this is the case.

Visser developed mathematical models predicting how light interactions occur. "Then, we used cranes to access treetops in Panama to measure leaf properties. Our findings confirmed the models were correct."

The leaves that make lianas ultra-efficient reflect more light and infrared radiation than tree foliage. They also lie much flatter than tree leaves. "Lianas are true egoists," Visser explains. "Tree leaves tilt, allowing light to reach lower neighborseven the forest floor gets some sunlight. But lianas leave almost nothing for others." These properties make them visible in satellite images. "Now that we understand why lianas are detectable from space, we can develop targeted techniques to map their spread and impact worldwide."

Can anything be done about the liana problem? Should we start cutting them down? Definitely not, says Visser. "We shouldn't intervene until we fully understand their ecological role. They bear fruit year-round and are vital for rare monkey and bird species." The only necessary action, he insists, is halting climate change, which will also slow the expansion of lianas.

More information: Manuela A. RuedaTrujillo et al, Global increase of lianas in tropical forests, Global Change Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17485 Marco D. Visser et al, When can we detect lianas from space? Toward a mechanistic understanding of lianainfested forest optics, Ecology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.70082 Journal information: Global Change Biology , Ecology
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This North Atlantic right whale, named "Bowtie," was spotted feeding in southern Maine waters in January 2025. A new technique aims to use NASA satellite data to see the plankton these whales depend on from space. Credit: New England Aquarium, taken under NMFS permit # 25739

In the waters off New England, one of Earth's rarest mammals swims slowly, mouth agape. The North Atlantic right whale filters clouds of tiny reddish zooplanktoncalled Calanus finmarchicusfrom the sea. These zooplankton, no bigger than grains of rice, are the whale's lifeline. Only about 370 of these massive creatures remain.

For decades, tracking the tiny plankton meant sending research vessels out in the ocean, towing nets and counting samples by hand. Now, scientists are looking from above instead.

Using NASA satellite data, researchers found a way to detect Calanus swarms at the ocean surface in the Gulf of Maine, picking up on the animals' natural red pigment. This early-stage approach, described in a new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science, may help researchers better estimate where the copepods gather, and where whales might follow.

Tracking the zooplankton from space could aid both the whales and maritime industries. By predicting where these mammals are likely to feed, researchers and marine resource managers hope to reduce deadly vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglementstwo major threats to the species. Knowing the feeding patterns could also help shipping and fishing industries operate more efficiently.

"NASA invests in this kind of research because it connects space-based observation with real-world challenges," said Cynthia Hall, a support scientist at NASA headquarters in Washington. She works with the Early Career Research Program. "It's yet another a way to put NASA satellite data to work for science, communities, and ecosystems."

Revealing the ocean's hidden patterns

The new approach uses data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA's Aqua satellite. The MODIS instrument doesn't directly see the copepods themselves. Instead, it reads how the spectrum of sunlight reflected from the ocean surface changes in response to what's in the water.

When large numbers of the zooplankton rise to the surface, their reddish pigmentastaxanthin, the same compound that gives salmon its pink colorsubtly alters how photons, or particles of light, from the sun are absorbed or scattered in the water. The fate of these photons in the ocean depends on the mix of living and non-living matter in seawater, creating a slight shift in color that MODIS can detect.

"We didn't know to look for Calanus before in this way," said Catherine Mitchell, a satellite oceanographer at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine. "Remote sensing has typically focused on smaller things like phytoplankton. But recent research suggested that larger, millimeter-sized organisms like zooplankton can also influence ocean color."

A few years ago, researchers piloted a satellite method for detecting copepods in Norwegian waters. Now, some of those same scientistsalong with Mitchell's teamhave refined the approach and applied it to the Gulf of Maine, a crucial feeding ground for right whales during their northern migration.

Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny zooplankton powering North Atlantic food webs, fuels right whale populations with its energy-rich lipid reserves. Credit: Cameron Thompson

By combining satellite data, a model, and field measurements, they produced enhanced images that revealed Calanus swarms at the sea surface, and were able to estimate numbers of the tiny animals.

"We know the right whales are using habitats we don't fully understand," said Rebekah Shunmugapandi, also a satellite oceanographer at Bigelow and the study's lead author. "This satellite-based Calanus information could eventually help identify unknown feeding grounds or better anticipate where whales might travel."

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Tracking elusive giants

Despite decades of study, North Atlantic right whales remain remarkably enigmatic to scientists. Once fairly predictable in their movements along the Eastern Seaboard of North America, these massive mammals began abandoning some traditional feeding grounds in 20102011. Their sudden shift to unexpected areas like the Gulf of Saint Lawrence caught people off guard, with deadly consequences.

"We've had whales getting hit by ships and whales getting stuck in fishing gear," said Laura Ganley, a research scientist in the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium in Boston, which conducts aerial and boat surveys of the whales.

In 2017, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration designated the situation as an "unusual mortality event" in an effort to address the whales' decline. Since then, 80 North Atlantic right whales have been killed or sustained serious injuries, according to NOAA.

NASA satellite imagery from June 2009 was used to test a new method for detecting the copepod Calanus finmarchicus in the Gulf of Maine and estimating their numbers from space. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using data from Shunmugapandi, R., et al. (2025)

In the Gulf of Maine, there's less shipping activity, but there can be a complex patchwork of lobster fishing gear, said Sarah Leiter, a scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. "Each fisherman has 800 traps or so," Leiter explained. "If a larger number of whales shows up suddenly, like they just did in January 2025, it is challenging. Fishermen need time and good weather to adjust that gear."

What excites Leiter the most about the satellite data is the potential to use it in a forecasting tool to help predict where the whales could go. "That would be incredibly useful in giving us that crucial lead time," she said.

PACE: The next generation of ocean observer

For now, the Calanus-tracking method has limitations. Because MODIS detects the copepods' red pigment, not the animals themselves, that means other small, reddish organisms can be mistaken for the zooplankton. And cloud cover, rough seas, or deeper swarms all limit what satellites can spot.

MODIS is also nearing the end of its operational life. But NASA's next-generation PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellitelaunched in 2024is poised to make dramatic improvements in the detection of zooplankton and phytoplankton.

"The PACE satellite will definitely be able to do this, and maybe even something better," said Bridget Seegers, an oceanographer and mission scientist with the PACE team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

NASAs Ocean Color Instrument on the PACE satellite captured these swirling green phytoplankton blooms in the Gulf of Maine in April 2024. Such blooms fuel zooplankton like Calanus finmarchicus. Credit: NASA

The PACE mission includes the Ocean Color Instrument, which detects more than 280 wavelengths of light. That's a big jump from the 10 wavelengths seen by MODIS. More wavelengths mean finer detail and better insights into ocean color and the type of plankton that the satellite can spot.

Local knowledge of seasonal plankton patterns will still be essential to interpret the data correctly. But the goal isn't perfect detection, the scientists say, but rather to provide another tool to inform decision-making, especially when time or resources are limited.

More information: Rebekah Shunmugapandi et al, Ocean color anomaly detection to estimate surface Calanus finmarchicus concentration in the Gulf of Maine, Frontiers in Marine Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1507638 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science

Provided by NASA
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A system astronomers call Ansky, in the galaxy at the center of this image, is home to a recently discovered series of quasi-periodic eruptions. Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey

For the first time, astronomers have probed the physical environment of repeating X-ray outbursts near monster black holes thanks to data from NASA's NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) and other missions.

Scientists have only recently encountered this class of X-ray flares, called QPEs, or quasi-periodic eruptions. A system astronomers have nicknamed Ansky is the eighth QPE source discovered, and it produces the most energetic outbursts seen to date. Ansky also sets records in terms of timing and duration, with eruptions every 4.5 days or so that last approximately 1.5 days.

"These QPEs are mysterious and intensely interesting phenomena," said Joheen Chakraborty, a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

"One of the most intriguing aspects is their quasi-periodic nature. We're still developing the methodologies and frameworks we need to understand what causes QPEs, and Ansky's unusual properties are helping us improve those tools."

Ansky's name comes from ZTF19acnskyy, the moniker of a visible-light outburst seen in 2019. It was located in a galaxy about 300 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. This event was the first indication that something unusual might be happening.

A paper about Ansky, led by Chakraborty, was published Tuesday in The Astrophysical Journal.

A leading theory suggests that QPEs occur in systems where a relatively low-mass object passes through the disk of gas surrounding a supermassive black hole that holds hundreds of thousands to billions of times the sun's mass.

When the lower-mass object punches through the disk, its passage drives out expanding clouds of hot gas that we observe as QPEs in X-rays.

Scientists think the eruptions' quasi-periodicity occurs because the smaller object's orbit is not perfectly circular and spirals toward the black hole over time. Also, the extreme gravity close to the black hole warps the fabric of space-time, altering the object's orbits so they don't close on themselves with each cycle.

Scientists' current understanding suggests that the eruptions repeat until the disk disappears or the orbiting object disintegrates, which may take up to a few years.

"Ansky's extreme properties may be due to the nature of the disk around its supermassive black hole," said Lorena Hernandez-Garcia, an astrophysicist at the Millennium Nucleus on Transversal Research and Technology to Explore Supermassive Black Holes, the Millennium Institute of Astrophysics, and University of Valparaiso in Chile.

"In most QPE systems the supermassive black hole likely shreds a passing star, creating a small disk very close to itself. In Ansky's case, we think the disk is much larger and can involve objects farther away, creating the longer timescales we observe."

Hernandez-Garcia, in addition to being a co-author on Chakraborty's paper, led the study that discovered Ansky's QPEs, which was published in April in Nature Astronomy and used data from NICER, NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and Chandra X-ray Observatory, as well as ESA's (European Space Agency's) XMM-Newton space telescope.

NICER's position on the International Space Station allowed it to observe Ansky about 16 times every day from May to July 2024. The frequency of the observations was critical in detecting the X-ray fluctuations that revealed Ansky produces QPEs.

Chakraborty's team used data from NICER and XMM-Newton to map the rapid evolution of the ejected material driving the observed QPEs in unprecedented detail by studying variations in X-ray intensity during the rise and fall of each eruption.

The NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) X-ray telescope is reflected on NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 flight engineer Nick Hagues spacesuit helmet visor in this high-flying space-selfie taken during a spacewalk on Jan. 16, 2025. Credit: NASA/Nick Hague

The researchers found that each impact resulted in about a Jupiter's worth of mass reaching expansion velocities around 15% of the speed of light.

The NICER telescope's ability to frequently observe Ansky from the space station and its unique measurement capabilities also made it possible for the team to measure the size and temperature of the roughly spherical bubble of debris as it expanded.

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"All NICER's Ansky observations used in these papers were collected after the instrument experienced a 'light leak' in May 2023," said Zaven Arzoumanian, the mission's science lead at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

"Even though the leakwhich was patched in Januaryaffected the telescope's observing strategy, NICER was still able to make vital contributions to time domain astronomy, or the study of changes in the cosmos on timescales we can see."

After the repair, NICER continued observing Ansky to explore how the outbursts have evolved over time. A paper about these results, led by Hernandez-Garcia and co-authored by Chakraborty, is under review.

Observational studies of QPEs like Chakraborty's will also play a key role in preparing the science community for a new era of multimessenger astronomy, which combines measurements using light, elementary particles, and space-time ripples called gravitational waves to better understand objects and events in the universe.

One goal of ESA's future LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission, in which NASA is a partner, is to study extreme mass-ratio inspiralsor systems where a low-mass object orbits a much more massive one, like Ansky. These systems should emit gravitational waves that are not observable with current facilities. Electromagnetic studies of QPEs will help improve models of those systems ahead of LISA's anticipated launch in the mid-2030s.

"We're going to keep observing Ansky for as long as we can," Chakraborty said. "We're still in the infancy of understanding QPEs. It's such an exciting time because there's so much to learn."

More information: Joheen Chakraborty et al, Rapidly Varying Ionization Features in a Quasi-periodic Eruption: A Homologous Expansion Model for the Spectroscopic Evolution, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/adb972 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal , Nature Astronomy
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Credit: ACS Omega (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07476

The substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Previously, researchers proposed using these sticky natural polymers to clean up water. Now, they report in ACS Omega that okra and/or fenugreek extracts attracted and removed up to 90% of microplastics in ocean water, freshwater and groundwater.

Rajani Srinivasan and colleagues have been exploring nontoxic, plant-based approaches to attract and remove contaminants from water. In one set of lab experiments, they found that polymers from okra, fenugreek and tamarind stick to microplastics, clumping together and sinking for easy separation from water.

Srinivasan spoke about successful demonstrations of the plant extracts in freshwater and ocean water at ACS Spring 2022, a meeting of the American Chemical Society. In this next stage of the research, they have optimized the process for okra and fenugreek extracts in various types of water.

To extract the sticky plant polymers, the team soaked sliced okra pods and blended fenugreek seeds in separate containers of water overnight. Then, researchers removed the dissolved extracts from each solution and dried them into powders. Analyses showed that the powdered extracts contained polysaccharides, which are natural polymers. Initial tests in pure water spiked with microplastics showed that:

One gram of either powder in a quart (one liter) of water trapped microplastics the most effectively.

Dried okra and fenugreek extracts removed 67% and 93%, respectively, of the plastic in an hour.

A mixture of equal parts okra and fenugreek powder reached maximum removal efficiency (70%) within 30 minutes.

The natural polymers performed significantly better than the synthetic, commercially available polyacrylamide polymer used in wastewater treatment.

Then the researchers tested the plant extracts on real microplastic-polluted water. They collected samples from waterbodies around Texas and brought them to the lab. The plant extract removal efficiency changed depending on the original water source: Okra worked best in ocean water (80%), fenugreek in groundwater (8090%), and the 1:1 combination of okra and fenugreek in freshwater (77%). The researchers hypothesize that the natural polymers had different efficiencies because each water sample had different types, sizes and shapes of microplastics.

Polyacrylamide is currently used to remove contaminants during wastewater treatment, but the researchers say that okra and fenugreek extracts could serve as biodegradable and nontoxic alternatives.

"Utilizing these plant-based extracts in water treatment will remove microplastics and other pollutants without introducing additional toxic substances to the treated water," says Srinivasan, "thus reducing long-term health risks to the population."

More information: Rajani Srinivasan et al, Fenugreek and Okra Polymers as Treatment Agents for the Removal of Microplastics from Water Sources, ACS Omega (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07476 Journal information: ACS Omega
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Many video calls in 2020 began with "Can you hear me?" Digital work was still relatively uncommon in Germany at the time, and many struggled with both the technology and the new form of communication. A recent study by four WISNA professors from the University of Duisburg-Essen has examined whether the COVID-19 lockdowns actually improved the digital skills of people in Germany. The study has been presented at the Conference of Human-Computer Interaction (CHI 2025), which took place in late April in Yokohama, Japan.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many people to improve their digital skillseither intentionally or as a natural consequence of modified living, learning, and working conditions. However, the study by the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) reveals significant disparities: young, male, higher-educated individuals and those living in urban areas were most likely to enhance their digital competencies during the pandemic. While other social groups also made progress, it was comparatively limitedthe divide concerning digital literacy persists.

The study is based on a survey of 1,143 individuals aged 18 to 87 living in Germany who use the internet regularly. It assessed a range of digital competenciesfrom participating in video conferences to conducting targeted online searches.

One of the central findings: The development of digital skills during the lockdowns was associated with mixed emotions. "The more individuals improved digital competencies, the stronger were their feelings of connectedness and securitybut also of loneliness," explains media psychologist German Neubaum, one of the study's authors. This highlights that digital communication can partially, but not fully, meet people's social needs.

The rapid digitalization of everyday life during the pandemic, along with the so-called infodemican overwhelming surge of both true and false informationalso made it clear which digital skills will be essential in the future. "According to participants, it is crucial that internet users learn how to better identify misinformation, distinguish trustworthy from unreliable sources, and assess the consequences of their own actions online," Neubaum continues. Respondents also identified the infodemic as a key problem in our digitalized society, with schools and politicians also having a responsibility.

The paper is published in the journal Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

More information: German Neubaum et al, A Pandemic for the Good of Digital Literacy? An Empirical Investigation of Newly Improved Digital Skills during COVID-19 Lockdowns, Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1145/3706598.3713148
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Leading up to the 2020 election, two Texas A&M University political scientists wanted to know how sincere voters considered Joe Biden. The researchers divided statements from the Biden campaign into two types: those that made a pragmatic argument, such as the campaign's assertion that mass imprisonment hurts the economy; and declarations based in a moral appeal, such as an imperative to make the country's justice system fairer. Voters then judged how convincing various statements were.

The results suggested what a series of related tests showed definitely: voters respond better to moral arguments than practical ones. Candidates who framed arguments in terms of right and wrong were judged more sincere, and thus trustworthy. Even moderationoften derided in today's political climateappeared to work if paired with a right-wrong argument.

But a surprising corollary emerged in those related tests: candidates who emphasized ideologically extreme positions were not seen as particularly sincere. Extreme positions actually appeared to hurt a candidate's chances by making them seem less trustworthy to some voters, according to findings by Scott Clifford and Elizabeth Simas, a pair of Ph.D. professors with The Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Their research was published in the journal Political Behavior.

"I think people often think of moralizing in politics as inherently polarizing, but we found that's not the case," Clifford said. "Casting politics in moral terms can even make politicians look more sincere to people who are skeptical of them."

"But taking extreme positions," Simas said, "can be extremely polarizing."

Trust: It does a body (politic) good

Simas and Clifford examined an issue that seemingly every politician in history has dealt with but is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate: how to project sincerity, which engenders trust. Sincerity is necessary for a variety of reasons:

Candidates need it. Voters tend to support candidates who seem more likely to follow through on their promises.

Voters need it. Without trust, voters cannot rely on politicians' policy platforms in the voting booth, which can lead to confusion and apathy, Clifford and Simas write.

Society needs it. Without trust, voters will not support major proposals. Lack of support means politicians will not take the risk of working with opponentsand difficult issues become seemingly intractable problems. As Simas and Clifford write, "This deep level of cynicism threatens to break a fundamental link in representation and undermines the legislative process."

Trust is important. But, according to Clifford and Simas, "We know relatively little about how candidates can use their campaign messaging to display sincerity."

To that end, Simas and Clifford examined a pair of increasingly common, overlapping rhetorical tactics: emphasizing ideologically extreme positions and pronouncing those positions a matter of right and wrong. Both tactics appeal to the same basic psychology, Clifford and Simas write: to signal passion to voters, who often see that passion as reliability. The more passionate the belief, the more likely that a politician will stick to it.

The two tactics, extremity and morality, are deployed to achieve the same end: trust. But Simas and Clifford found that the tactics actually evoke very different responses.

Virtue signals, vicious cycles

Extreme positions are becoming increasingly common in politics, according to Clifford and Simas. Even in places where moderation is generally considered the better tactic, candidates are emphasizing policy positions that run to the extreme end of their parties' ideologies.

This dynamic was on full display in Florida's 2018 gubernatorial race, according to Simas and Clifford. Florida for years was a place where statewide candidates tended to run centrist campaigns appealing to swaths of moderate and swing voters. But Republican candidate Ron DeSantis eschewed conventional wisdom, appearing on television showing his child how to build an immigration-preventing wall out of toy blocks, a position considered hard-right at the time.

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Democrat Andrew Gillum likewise deviated from the conventional political path, emphasizing his support for an assault weapons ban and $15 universal minimum wage, positions considered far left by Florida standards. DeSantis narrowly prevailed.

Why the deviation on both sides? Clifford and Simas did not study party primaries but write that primaries may play a factor. They tend to draw the party's most passionate and ideologically driven members. Extreme positions can signal passion that might help a candidate appeal to those passionate voters and stand out in a crowded field.

But in surveying voters, Simas and Clifford found that, in general elections, extreme positions tend to be counterproductive. Candidates who emphasize such positions not only tend to repel voters who are not already strongly in favor of one party or anothersuch candidates even seem to diminish their standing among their own party's voters.

Those candidates also contribute to political polarization.

That polarization is a growing problem. Clifford and Simas cite studies that outline a vicious cycle: voters of one party growing frustrated that the other side appears to ignore their priorities; those voters electing someone who promises to fight harder for their beliefs; that politician disregarding the other side's priorities, frustrating that side enough to elect someone who promises to likewise fight rather than compromise; the views of the elected representatives growing further apart, until they cannot agree on anything important.

This happens not because politicians disregard their promises but because they keep them. After all, a litany of research shows that, contrary to popular belief, politicians actually do tend to follow through on their promises. The sincerity voters detected did translate to promises fulfilled.

Simas and Clifford found that there is another way to convey that sincerity, howeverone that does not appear to alienate voters or erode the political process.

Left and right, right and wrong

Clifford was surprised to find that framing issues as right and wrong did not result in more polarization, he said. After all, right and wrong are absolutes, while political accomplishment often involves bridging competing viewpoints through compromise.

Moral stances can also be risky for a politician, Simas said. She has led previous studies showing that voters are relatively forgiving on pragmatic matters, such as budgets and taxes, while voters are "more likely to punish parties and politicians for changing positions on issues with a greater tendency to be moralized," such as same-sex marriage.

Going against what many voters consider universal, immutable truths is often seen not as an attempt to account for new circumstances or information, but a betrayalsuggesting the very inflexibility that tends to exacerbate polarization.

But moral convictions are also difficult to inflame or catch in a vicious cycle. They are stable, making them difficult to influence, according to Clifford and Simas. And voters, even skeptical ones, appear to respect politicians with whom they disagree if those politicians seem to firmly, sincerely believe an issue to be one of right and wrong.

The Biden experiment conducted by Simas and Clifford was not definitive. Voters seemed to find the campaign's moral arguments more persuasive than pragmatic ones, but the correlation was weak enough that it was not statistically significant.

The weak correlation might have been due to the difficulty of influencing perceptions of a politician such as Biden, whose reputation has solidified over decades in the public eye, according to Clifford and Simas. But their related experiments, testing the persuasiveness of arguments made by hypothetical candidates, were definitive.

Candidates who framed issues as matters of right and wrong appealed to voters. And not just their party's voters. Even voters from the opposition party tend to view candidates who cast issues in moral terms more favorably, perhaps seeing a right-wrong framing as an act of civic candor, according to Simas and Clifford.

Why do voters respond to this approach? It is rooted in sound psychology.

"When people moralize an issue, they are less likely to change their mind over time  less willing to compromise  and are more resistant to group influence," Clifford and Simas write, citing various studies. Politicians who speak in moral terms are generally reliable, in other words.

And that reliability translates to trust.

"Some psychological research," Simas and Clifford write, "suggests that when people view others as caring deeply about a political issue, they view them as more trustworthyand this effect holds even when they disagree with that person's position on the issue."

More information: Scott Clifford et al, Moral Rhetoric, Extreme Positions, and Perceptions of Candidate Sincerity, Political Behavior (2022). DOI: 10.1007/s11109-022-09835-w Journal information: Political Behavior
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

From "Kate the Great" to "Neutron Jack," nicknames are often a staple of office culture. But do they truly belong in a professional setting?

Ivey marketing professor Zhe Zhang partnered with Shuili Du from the University of New Hampshire on a new study published in Harvard Business Review to research how workplace nicknames impact professional relationships and employee well-being. An earlier version of the research is available on the SSRN preprint server.

"The existing literature suggests that nicknames serve as an emotional bond, which can facilitate and improve interpersonal relationships," Zhang said. "However, professional relationships are different than everyday relationships as they usually involve power disparities."

Zhang ran a series of experiments with over 1,100 U.S.-based adults. Participants were placed in workplace scenarios where nicknames were usedsometimes for the boss, sometimes for employeesand asked how it shaped their sense of power, respect and psychological safety.

The findings reveal how small names can have a big impact on power dynamics.

When nicknames workand when they don't

Two key lessons emerged from Zhang's study:

1. Managers should avoid giving employees nicknames. When managers assign nicknames to their employees, those employees feel less psychologically safe, less powerful and less respected than their colleagues who are addressed by their formal names. Instead of feeling valued, employees may perceive a nickname as a way for the boss to assert controlessentially assigning a new identity without consent.

"Because there is a power disparity between the supervisor and the subordinate, nicknaming a subordinate may make the manager seem like they are abusing their power," Zhang said.

2. Nicknaming a manager can give employees a sense of empowerment. Inversely, when employees are encouraged to use a nickname for their manager, they feel more psychologically safe, more powerful and more respected at work.

"It shows that the higher-power party respects and is willing to protect the voices of the lower-power party," Zhang said.

Beyond individual interactions, Zhang's research found organizational culture also plays a major role in how nicknames are perceived.

"In hierarchical workplaces, the effects of nicknaming are more pronounced," he said. "Employees in highly structured, hierarchical environments feel a stronger impact from nicknames than those in flatter, more egalitarian organizations.

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Navigating workplace nicknames

Based on his research, Zhang shared four important lessons for leaders navigating nicknames at work.

Establish clear guidelines. Organizations should set expectations around workplace nicknames to ensure a respectful environment. Policies and training can help employees navigate these dynamics.

Consider your company's culture. In hierarchical workplaces, nicknames can reinforce power imbalances. Leaders should be mindful of their organizational structure before encouraging or using nicknames.

Never assume. Regardless of hierarchy, never assume an employee is comfortable with a nickname. Missteps can lead to discomfort, strained relationships and even HR or legal concerns.

Always check in. The best approach? Ask. A private check-in ensures that employees feel respected and comfortable with how they're addressed.

While Zhang emphasizes nickname acceptance is ultimately up to the individual, he embraces one himself. His Ivey students affectionately call him "Professor CMO," the Professor of Chief Marketing Officer, and he proudly approves.

More information: Zhe Zhang et al, The Effects of Nicknaming in the Workplace on Perceived Supervisor Communality and Employee Well-being, SSRN Electronic Journal (2024). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4929259
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Credit: CDC from Pexels

A new University of Ottawa study found a causal link between racial discrimination within schools and symptoms of depression in Black students.

The mixed-method, multi-study approach revealed a clear link between racism and mental health inside educational systems, with racial discrimination increasing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD for Black students.

Professor Jude Mary Cenat, a national leader in research on the mental health of Canada's Black communities, is the lead author on the study examining the well-being and mental health of young Black students, identifying how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society. The paper is published in the journal Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology.

Professor Cenat, who is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Black Health and of the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience and Culture Research Laboratory, led the five-year study which focused on the seven provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Manitoba) where 98.3% of Canada's Black population reside.

Using quantitative data from a pair of large samples of Black students and in-depth interviews, researchers found:

Over forty percent of Black students have experienced racial discrimination, slamming the public myth that schools are a safe space.

A permissive climate of racism festers within schools and universities increases negative mental health symptoms, and impacts families and communities.

The role of school as a "protector" of students breaks down due to racial discrimination, with Black students losing trust in these systems as they are deemed less capable than their peers.

There is an absence of adequate intervention by teachers and school workers to stop racial discrimination, which can often be ignored by school authorities.

Professor Cenat says the findings spell out an urgent need for government action to reduce and eliminate racism in the academic environment for the well-being and mental health of young Black students in Canada.

"Even though resources are available, most students see these as being impacted by racial discrimination. We can't just ask Black youths to be strong, we must change the systems they rely on," says Professor Cenat, who is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

"These systematic reforms should include culturally appropriate policies, anti-racist interventions, and further training for educators. This study represents an invitation to take collective action to ensure that schools become truly inclusive and safe."

More information: Jude Mary Cenat et al, Racism in Education among Black Youth in Canada and its Association with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10802-025-01316-y
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The research was part of a doctoral research project by Jouni Ruotsalainen. Credit: University of Jyvaskyla

Neutrinos and antineutrinos are elementary particles with small but unknown mass. High-precision atomic mass measurements at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, have revealed that beta decay of the silver-110 isomer has a strong potential to be used for the determination of electron antineutrino mass. Silver-110 isomer refers to a long-lived, excited (metastable) state of the silver-110 isotope, distinct from its ground state. The result is an important step in paving the way for future antineutrino experiments.

The mass of neutrinos and their antineutrinos is one of the big unanswered questions in physics. Neutrinos are elementary particles in the Standard Model of particle physics and are very common in nature. They are produced, for example, by nuclear reactions in the sun. Every second, trillions of solar neutrinos travel through us.

"Their mass determination would be of utmost importance," says Professor Anu Kankainen from the University of Jyvaskyla. "Understanding them can give us a better picture of the evolution of the universe."

A path to understanding electron antineutrinos

One way of producing electron antineutrinos and determining their mass is via nuclear beta decay. It is a weak interaction process that produces a daughter nucleus, an electron and its antineutrino. The energy released in the process is known as the decay Q value. It is set by the masses of the parent nucleus and the decay products.

"Since the electron antineutrino mass is estimated to be at least five orders of magnitude smaller than the electron mass, it is very challenging to observe its contribution to the beta decay," says doctoral researcher Jouni Ruotsalainen from University of Jyvaskyla, who is studying this issue as part of his doctoral thesis.

"To make it more accountable, beta decays which release very little energy, the so-called low-Q-value beta decays, are of particular interest."

Beta decay of silver-110 isomer: a new and promising candidate for antineutrino mass measurements

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla have discovered a potential nuclear beta decay that could be used for antineutrino mass determination. The study is published in Physical Review Letters.

"Previous searches have mainly focused on ground-state beta decays but also many long-lived excited states known as isomers decay via beta decay," says Ruotsalainen.

"One such case is the isomer in the silver-110 isotope. It has a long half-life of around 250 days and decays primarily via beta decay to excited states in its daughter nucleus cadmium-110."

Researcher surprised by the ease of mass measurement and results

Based on the literature values, the beta-decay Q-value from the silver-110 isomer to an excited state at 3008.41 keV could be negative, meaning that the decay is not possible, or slightly positive. The main uncertainty comes from the parent and daughter nuclide ground states.

"We could considerably reduce the uncertainty of this Q value by measuring the mass difference between the stable silver-109 and cadmium-110 isotopes with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap mass spectrometer of the Accelerator Laboratory," explains Ruotsalainen.

"It was quite easy to produce the stable silver and cadmium ions with our existing electric discharge ion sources and measure their mass difference using the phase-imaging ion cyclotron resonance technique. I was thrilled to see that the resulting Q value, 405(135) eV, is positive and actually the lowest for any allowed beta decay transition discovered so far."

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Theoretical physicists confirm experimental results

Not all the decays of the silver-110 isomer lead to the state at 3008.41 keV in cadmium-110. To estimate their fraction, shell-model calculations were performed.

"Our calculations show that about three out of every million decays from this isomer follow the fascinating, low-energy route. While that may sound tiny, it's actually quite significant for such a low-energy transition.

"Moreover, with a half-life of around 250 days, the isomer sticks around long enough for researchers to produce a meaningful sample and hopefully catch a good number of these rare decays in action," comments researcher Marlom Ramalho, who performed the theoretical work. Ramalho recently defended his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Jyvaskyla and is currently a postdoctoral fellow of the Oskar Huttunen Foundation at the University of York.

Measurements continue

The allowed character of the beta decay of the silver-110 isomer, the obtained very low Q value, and the fact that the isomer is easily produced in nuclear reactors via thermal neutrons, makes silver-110 a very attractive candidate for future antineutrino experiments.

"This is certainly a case to be studied in more detail," says Kankainen. "Our fruitful collaboration with the local theorists also indicated a couple of new isomeric beta decays that could be studied next for neutrino physics. It is nice to see that measurements of stable or near stable isotopes can still be very impactful."
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Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus). Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Ryan Hodnett Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Rusty crayfish, an aquatic nuisance and an invasive species, has been discovered in a Larimer County river south of Estes Park, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

This is the first time the crayfish has been confirmed in the agency's northeast region and the second time it's been found east of the Continental Divide in Colorado, state officials said in a news release.

Wildlife officials said the crayfish was reported April 7 in Larimer County's West Fork Little Thompson River by a user on iNaturalist, a species identification app.

A team from Colorado Parks and Wildlife was able to confirm the aquatic nuisance's presence with genetic testing later that month, according to the agency's news release.

The rusty crayfish is native to the Ohio River basin and is one of Colorado wildlife managers' top invasive concerns in the state. It is larger and more aggressive than Colorado's native crayfish species, often outcompeting them for food and resources, state wildlife officials said.

The crayfish has been confirmed in five Colorado waterways since 2009, including Lake Granby in August 2023, according to the release. Wildlife managers believe they were introduced after anglers used them as bait.

State officials said the rusty crayfish is classified as a prohibited aquatic nuisance species "due to their voracious appetite on critical habitat vegetation and prolific reproduction habits."

"Rusty crayfish are much more aggressive than our native crayfish species and are not an ideal food source for our sportfish," said Robert Walters, CPW's Invasive Species Program Manager, in the release. "They also eat aquatic vegetation, which native fish rely on for spawning, cover and food."

The rusty crayfish has dark black rings near the tips of its claws and eponymous rusty patches on either side of its abdomen. Males can grow up to 5 inches long.

Colorado wildlife crews are working to conduct additional surveys of the Little Thompson River to determine the size and extent of the invasive population.

2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Western drywood termite colony. Credit: Dong-Hwan Choe / UCR

Drywood termites, the ones that hide in wooden structures, molt about seven times in their lives. UC Riverside researchers have found that a chemical preventing them from growing new exoskeletons will also end their infestation of your home.

The chemical, bistrifluron, and its ability to kill about 95% of a termite colony without off-target effects on mammals, are documented in a paper published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

"This chemical is more environmentally friendly than ones traditionally used for drywood termite infestations," said Nicholas Poulos, corresponding author of the paper and a doctoral student in UCR's Department of Entomology. "It's specific to insects and can't harm humans."

Unlike humans with skeletons located inside their flesh, termites have exoskeletons on the outside that protect them from the elements. The main component of these external skeletons is chitin, which is also found in fungal cell walls, fish scales, and the beaks of squids and octopuses. Chitin also provides mechanical strength for insect exoskeletons, making them suitable as armor as well as sites for muscle attachment.

As termites are getting ready to molt, something they must do in order to grow, they also produce chitin to create the new exoskeleton. Bistrifluron prevents them from doing so.

"Once the termites reach a certain stage, they have to molt. They cannot avoid that," said Dong-Hwan Choe, UCR entomology professor and senior paper author. "With a lethal dose of this chemical, they'll try to shed their old exoskeleton but won't have a new one ready to protect them."

The researchers observed that bistrifluron initially slows the termites down, reducing their feeding activity. Eventually it prevents them from molting, and they die. This is one of the first studies, Choe said, that looks at the impact of chitin-inhibiting chemicals on drywood termites.

"It's been successfully used on subterranean termites, which are also important structural pests," Choe said. "But native western drywood termites are also important, especially in California."

As the termites eat the treated wood, they also spread the chemical to other members of the colony. Full collapse happens in about two months, which is slower than other methods but carries certain advantages in addition to lower toxicity.

"Donor" termites share food and other material with the colony. Credit: Dong-Hwan Choe / UCR

"We believe this method of spot treatment can kill a larger colony and spread more easily than current termite control methods," Choe said. "You don't have to apply too much to get a very good result. The chitin synthesis inhibitors show promise as a localized treatment for drywood termites."

Traditional fumigation is not only toxic to humans and stressfulit requires people to bag all of their food and move out of their homeit also does not keep the termites from returning.

"Low-impact strategies like this one will become an attractive option in many cases. Furthermore, the chemical may stay active in the wood for some time, potentially providing protection from future infestations," Choe said.

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The Choe laboratory had previously discovered a potent yet nontoxic way to lure western drywood termites to their doom. Pinene, a pleasant-smelling chemical released by forest trees, reminds the insects of their food. They follow the scent to wood treated with insecticide.

"We saw significant differences in the death rates using insecticide alone versus the insecticide plus pinene," said Choe. "Without pinene, we got about 70% mortality. When we added it in, it was over 95%."

Moving forward, the researchers are looking into ways to make bistrifluron easier to apply to wood. For the research described in the paper, the chemical was dissolved in acetone and applied to wood. However, in real life, this solvent isn't desirable because it is flammable and smells bad.

"We are working to make it more feasible for practical application in real life scenarios," Poulos said.

Property owners will likely welcome the innovation, as this species of termite causes a great deal of damage. They are endemic to northern Mexico and California, but as the climate warms, their range is expanding north to areas they did not previously inhabit.

"As we move lumber around the world, the termites are constantly transported to new locations. If they find the climate there acceptable, the problem will spread," Choe said. "In areas where these termites are common, it's just a matter of time before homes are infested, so this study is a good initial step toward alternative strategies for controlling them."

More information: Nicholas A Poulos et al, Toxicity and horizontal transfer of chitin synthesis inhibitors in the western drywood termite (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae), Journal of Economic Entomology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaf064 Journal information: Journal of Economic Entomology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As climate and health researchers, we find it hard not to notice the lack of debate around climate change in this federal election.

Both major parties have chosen not to announce their 2035 Paris Agreement targets ahead of the polls.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers' recent 202526 budget speech did not use the words "climate change" once. He did, however, announce a funding reduction of $AU2.4 million to the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

There may be method to the madness. Cost of living pressures, which continued to increase throughout 2024, are front of mind for many voters.

With economic spending under constant scrutiny, it has never been more important to demonstrate the benefits of government spending on policies and programs.

The current Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, has historically argued that good climate policy is good health policy.

We agree, and research demonstrates that good climate policy also reaps strong economic returns by safeguarding against future government spending on health.

The economic costs associated with health and climate change can relate to direct impacts like injury or death, but also extend to secondary impacts, like reduced labor productivity.

Research from the University of Melbourne's Climate CATCH lab consistently shows the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of investment in urgent action.

In fact, it has been demonstrated that spending on climate action leads to net economic benefits, both in Australia and internationally.

At the time of writing, with the Australian Government in caretaker mode, it is difficult to determine which climate policies will be pursued after the election.

What is clear, however, is that there are opportunities to more clearly communicate the links between climate, health and the economy to both politicians and the public.

In a recent policy brief, we've set out six steps that aim to shore up health, climate and economic resilience in Australia.

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1. Invest adequate resources

Investing in climate policy now will save our economy billions of dollars in the future.

In Victoria, if 2035 climate targets are achieved, the health benefits alone are estimated to be worth $AU23 billion by 2050.

As an example, we've estimated that the economic impact of childhood asthma attributable to air pollution from idling vehicles in Australia in 2022 was $AU12.28 million. Implementing an anti-idling campaign at $AU2.77 million clearly shows the economic savings of preventive policies.

However, funding to date is insufficient to address critical data gaps and evidence needed to support decision-making processes.

Adequately resourcing health and climate action, including additional dedicated funding for solutions-oriented climate and health research, set us up for a stronger economic future.

2. Protect future generations

The impacts of climate change on child mental health and well-being are enormous and there is a critical gap in trauma-informed services for vulnerable groups.

We should follow models like the one in Wales, by implementing a Future Generations Commission and developing an early years' strategy that incorporates a disaster mental health perspective for infants, children and their caregivers.

This will shore up our future labor force and our future economy.

3. Decarbonize the health care sector

The health care sector, which accounts for around 7% of Australia's emissions, has an opportunity and a responsibility to rapidly reduce its emissions.

Opportunities exist to reap health and economic rewards from investments in sustainable practices. Efforts both in Australia and abroad have shown that direct climate action in health care is beneficial for health and the economy.

The rapidly expanding University of Melbourne-led Health Service Sustainability Competition has already demonstrated climate, health and economic benefits, including savings of $AU800,000 and the diversion of 3 tons of waste from landfill over the first two years.

4. Get ahead of climate disasters

Australians are already experiencing physical and mental health impacts from extreme weather events.

Investing in disaster preparedness early will save huge amounts in the future, with a recent report by the US Chamber of Commerce concluding that, for every US dollar invested in disaster preparedness, $US13 was saved in economic costs, damages and clean up.

Rather than focus on response and recovery, a national adaptation plan would help us to prioritize preventing impacts for stronger and more resilient communities.

5. Be better neighbors

Australia's resilience to climate change is shaped by the climate resilience of our regional neighbors.

A number of programs, like the World Health Organization's Asia-Pacific Center for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region, are already doing incredible work to prevent and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Increasing aid to our neighbors across the Indo-Pacific to 0.7% of our gross national income (official development assistance was 0.19% of GNI in 2024) will build climate resilience among the most at-risk populations and prevent the cost of climate impacts from reaching our shores.

6. Get creative

The arts sector plays a vital role in engaging Australians from diverse walks of life and improving climate and health literacy through thought-provoking conversations, while increasing social license and addressing mental health impacts.

Projects like our Sonic Youth music project for young Victorians in climate-affected areas allow Australians to reap the health and other benefits of embedding climate change in creative processes.

If we continue to delay debate on ambitious climate action in this country, we are at risk of working within a policy context that does not acknowledge and prioritize the fundamental link between climate change and the cost of livingand to our economy more broadly.

These actions are sensible investment opportunities that bring climate, health and economic benefits, in addition to supporting disaster preparedness.

Asking our political candidates to commit to these steps now will ensure a stronger economic future in which Australians can thrive.
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Distribution and climatic adaptation of Boechera stricta. Credit: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr1010. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr1010

A team of plant biologists, geneticists and ecologists from the University of Georgia, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, the University of California and Davidson College has found via a nine-year study of Drummond's rockcress plants that many mountain plants will not be able to adapt to rising temperatures quickly enough to survive in the face of global warming.

Their paper is published in the journal Science. Sally Aitken, a conservation scientist at the University of British Columbia, in Canada, has published a Perspective piece in the same journal issue outlining the work.

Prior research has suggested that many species of plants and animals will find it difficult to adapt to climate change and will likely become extinct. In this new effort, the research team wondered about the ability of plants that grow in the mountains to adapt to rising temperatures.

Researchers have assumed that many such plants will be able to survive by spreading to higher elevations as temperatures rise. To determine if that is the case, the researchers conducted a near-decade-long field study of Drummond's rockcress plants, a flowering species common across all of North America's mountains.

The study involved planting 102,000 specimens at different elevations and manipulating snowpacks in some areas to simulate warming temperatures. The team also conducted a genetic analysis of sample plants from different areas to find out if evolutionary changes were occurring related to warming temperatures.

The research team found no strong evidence suggesting that the plants were able to either change their nature in a way that allowed them to survive warmer temperatures or to spread up the sides of mountains quickly enough to keep ahead of warming temperatures.

The researchers note that despite their focus on a single species, their findings may have implications for a wide variety of plants that live in narrow-band mountainous ecosystems. Aitken suggests it is possible some species could be saved via human assistancebut that will only happen if there are groups willing to make the effort.

More information: Jill T. Anderson et al, Adaptation and gene flow are insufficient to rescue a montane plant under climate change, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr1010. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr1010 Sally N. Aitken, An uphill grind for wild plant populations, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adx5165. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx5165 Journal information: Science

 2025 Science X Network
The new bishop of Camden said Monday that his diocese would no longer oppose a statewide investigation of sex abuse by clergy  a stunning reversal after the diocese had spent years arguing in sealed court documents that the probe proposed by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office should not be allowed to move forward.

In an interview, Bishop Joseph A. Williams, who took over as the dioceses sole leader in March, said he had asked the churchs attorneys to send a letter to the state Supreme Court on Monday outlining the new position  one that made clear the diocese no longer wants to prevent a grand jury from being impaneled to investigate sexual abuse by priests and other clergy.

Williams said he viewed it as critical for the diocese to support those who had been harmed by the church. We dont want to do anything that would keep their voices from being heard, he said.

Our people need to hear this, the clergy needs to hear this, so that it never happens again, first of all, Williams said. But [also] so that we can do the right thing by the survivors to win their trust, restore their faith, and, God willing, someday maybe find them back in the communion of friendship and worship within the church.

He later added: Were not going to block a grand jury. Were not going to block a report. Were not going to block a presentment or presentment report.

The reversal in position came just days after attorneys for the diocese had asked the state Supreme Court to prevent prosecutors from pursuing a grand jury report on the subject.

The dioceses attorneys had argued for years  and two lower courts had agreed  that New Jersey law does not permit prosecutors to prepare grand jury reports detailing allegations about private institutions that cannot be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations or problems with evidence.

But Williams  who had spent the past year serving as co-bishop with the recently-retired Dennis J. Sullivan  said he began reexamining that position after an Inquirer article on the subject was published last week.

In the days that followed, Williams said, he spoke to a variety of diocesan officials and the churchs attorneys about changing the stance of the diocese toward the proposed investigation.

Then, on Friday, Williams said he met with officials in the Attorney Generals Office to tell them about his intent to work with  rather than oppose  prosecutors handling of the matter. He said he left the meeting encouraged by speaking with prosecutors, whom he viewed as public servants trying to do the right thing.

Theres no reason we cant be working together to make sure the full story is told and due process is protected, Williams said.

The letter the dioceses lawyers sent to the state Supreme Court on Monday does not end the ongoing legal case  and it was not clear what impact, if any, the change in position might have on the courts decision. The justices had already accepted the case and heard arguments on it, and they could still rule that the attorney generals probe is not permitted under state law.

A spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office said prosecutors welcomed the introspection that produced this shift. But the office remains subject to a trial court ruling, entered at the Diocese of Camdens urging, blocking this presentment process from going forward.

After years of litigation, kept hidden from public view until the Supreme Court granted our unsealing motion this past March, we look forward to an opinion addressing these important questions, the spokesperson said.

Mark Crawford, the New Jersey director for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said he was very pleased to hear about Williams new position.

Im cautiously optimistic that were finally seeing a bishop who has the backbone to do what is morally right instead of the hardball legal tactics victims have experienced time and time and time again, Crawford said.

Meet the lawyers representing hundreds of NJ child sex abuse cases When New Jersey relaxed the law in 2019 for child sexual abuse victims to file civil lawsuits against their predators, it opened a floodgate of legal cases.

The dioceses legal fight has its roots in a 2018 announcement by then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. After prosecutors in Pennsylvania that year released a sprawling grand jury report detailing decades of clergy abuse across the state, Grewal said his office would seek to do the same.

But in 2021, Camdens diocese filed a sealed motion in the case, saying grand jury reports in the state cannot single out the church or any other private organization and detail allegations that prosecutors cant or wont charge, either due to the statute of limitations or other issues with evidence.

Such reports, lawyers for the church said, must instead be focused on misconduct by government agencies or officials.

Two years later, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw sided with the diocese during a closed-door hearing. And he went a step further and blocked prosecutors from impaneling a special grand jury, ruling that to do so would be a waste of time and resources if the intended outcome was not legal.

An appellate court later affirmed Warshaws ruling. Prosecutors appealed both decisions.

The diocese continued its opposition  insisting that it did not oppose grand juries investigating and charging crimes by priests, but saying that state law simply didnt allow prosecutors to produce the type of wide-ranging report that Grewal had promised.

Victims of clergy abuse said the churchs attempts to block a public reckoning were an effort to protect the institution at the expense of its parishioners welfare. And some were particularly outraged that the source of the resistance was Camdens diocese, which declared bankruptcy in 2020 over a wave of sex abuse lawsuits and ultimately agreed to pay about 300 complainants $87.5 million.

(The dioceses role in opposing the investigation was revealed in March, when the states high court agreed to hear the case and unsealed documents that revealed the churchs legal stance.)

Manahawkin man gets life in prison for murder, sexual assault of 23-month-old A Manahawkin man who sexually assaulted and murdered a 23-month-old girl was sentenced to life in prison without parole Thursday, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said.

Williams alluded to his different views on the matter in a letter to parishioners last week, writing: It must be demoralizing to hear the Church preach transparency and then, apparently, to fight against the very transparency it preaches.

He also said he met in February with an abuse victim who disapproved of the dioceses legal stance. Williams, in his letter, called his conversation with the victim outstanding, adding: It has helped me to be a better bishop and to work toward a healthier, more transparent Church.

Still, he did not instruct his attorneys to change the dioceses position in court until last week  after they had argued before the state Supreme Court.

He said in the interview Monday that the issue wasnt on my front burner as he got up to speed during his first few weeks as the dioceses lone bishop during a busy month  one in which Catholics celebrated Easter and mourned the death of Pope Francis.

But after having spent more time with the matter in recent days, he said, it became clear that he wanted to partner with prosecutors  and ultimately allow victims to be heard  rather than seek to stymie the investigation.

Were going to work as closely as possible with the Attorney Generals Office in good faith, he said. Assuming were at the table together ... I have almost 100% confidence that that collaboration is going to bear good fruit.
On March 31, Jacob Vostad, a junior at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, leaned forward in a Devereaux Library study room chair and praised Gov. Larry Rhoden for signing a bill that will allow concealed carry on South Dakota public college campuses.

Would really be a nice cushion  in case something did happen, Vostad said, and 18 days later, something did happen: a mass shooting at Florida State. Two were killed and six were injured, according to media reports.

Had other students been armed on that campus, they may have been able to stop him, Vostad told the Journal after the Florida State tragedy.

Florida is among the 18 states that dont allow concealed carry on college campuses, according to Campus Safety Magazine in 2024. Florida legislators vetoed a bill in March that would have allowed for concealed carry on college campuses.

And now, as another mass shooting spurs debate, Vostad is among a contingent of South Dakotans who are thankful SB100 passed. Maybe, just maybe, it could set a precedent for states without concealed carry on college campuses to pass a similar bill  despite concerns from opponents it could cause more violence.

I think Florida will go Well, South Dakota was able to pass this bill and give their students the ability to responsibly carry and maybe we should now do that, now that we see what can happen if the students don't have that level of protection for their own safety as well as the safety of others, Republican State Sen. John Carley of Piedmont told the Journal April 23.

The bills language states some locations on campus, such as science labs or computer labs, are prohibited areas. Enhanced permits are required. When a gun is not being carried, the law requires it be kept in a locked box. It advanced in Pierre with a 7-2 vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee, 33-2 in the Senate, 10-3 in House State Affairs Committee and 55-14 in the House of Representatives before Rhoden signed it into law.

Outside of the Second Amendment right to bear arms, the core argument for SB100, according to Carley, Vostad and other advocates, is legally armed students would have the opportunity to fire at an active mass shooter. Doing so could decrease the number of victims, they argued.

The bill was designed exactly for this situation to allow people to defend themselves from a lunatic with a gun and unfortunately it failed because of Democrats, Randy Fine, the Florida congressman who proposed a bill to allow concealed carry on college campuses, told a reporter after the Florida State tragedy.

But Rapid City Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk, D-32, who voted against SB100, told the Journal in an April 25 interview, I feel like it's just a greater risk of more people getting hurt than was even intended by the actual shooter.

Daniel Semenza, a director of interpersonal violence research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center (GVRC) and an associate professor at Rutgers University, said, A single tragedy does not justify expanding concealed carry, which we know is linked to greater harm, in an email to the Journal. The idea that a good guy with a gun is the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is pure myth  a cynical slogan used to sell more guns.

Mass shootings on college campuses are rare, according to Semenza. Prior to the Florida State incident, there were 17 in the United States from 1996-2025, according to Lyss Welding, a higher education research analyst for Best Colleges. None occurred at a college in South Dakota, public or private. Plus, college campuses are often safer than the cities theyre located in. From 2021-23, a Mines Campus Security and Fire Safety report found the university saw zero murders, one robbery and five burglaries on campus and at on-campus student housing facilities. Rapid City saw 27 homicides, 242 robberies and 1,367 burglaries during that same time frame, according to Rapid City Police Departments 2024 annual report.

In the Florida State shooting, Semenza said the focus should be placed on the shooter who obtained at least one firearm through a family member. The events highlight the importance of all firearm owners making sure to store their firearms securely to protect themselves and others.

Rep. Jim Halverson, an East River Republican representing District 21, meanwhile, called SB100 a potential recipe for disaster, during a South Dakota House of Representatives session on March 6.

Wesley Skogan, a professor emeritus from Northwestern University and author of several books on policing, said that's because firearms, alcohol and college students navigating no supervision for the first time can be a toxic combination.

The other worrisome combination for opponents are college students grappling with mental health struggles who can keep a firearm by their bedside.

Oftentimes, trying to hurt yourself or trying to die by suicide is a very kind of impulsive behavior that some people might do, and in the next minute they wouldn't have done that, right? Semenza said. When you have a gun available, especially if it's not properly secured, that increases the likelihood of that impulsive decision or that behavior and that pressure cooker environment turning into something permanent that can't be undone.

While tucked inside that Devereaux Library study room on March 31, Vostad acknowledged the potential dangers and expressed empathy for anyone dealing with mental health struggles. He encouraged them to utilize the schools mental health resources. But, he said, It's not on the other people who are not depressed or suicidal to have to bear that burden, right?

And what about those who, like Vostad, are well-trained and responsible?

Vostad was born and raised in an East River ranch town he affectionally said was dotted with "God-fearing, gun-loving" citizens. His dad works at a gun shop. His grandpa gifted him a gun when he was 2 years old. He shot his first, a .223 rifle, at 9 years old. On hunting trips, grandpa was a stringent-rule forcer. The tiniest infraction could lead him to unleash a lot of words  angry words, Vostad remarked.

Vostad said he grew to understand a gun's purpose, the dangers and loathed anyone who flaunted one on their hip. Guns were for safety, he said, not a boost in confidence. Besides, it was making a mockery of a second amendment right the Founding Fathers fought for  and one South Dakota legislators and decision-makers like Rhoden argued for.

One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how much we respect freedom , Rhoden told reporters during a bill-signing ceremony at Boyds Gunstocks in Mitchell, according to South Dakota Searchlight.

Clive Uy, a South Dakota Mines junior studying mechanical engineering, can relate.

Uy grew up in a coastal city in Washington state and couldve gone to school there. But he decided on South Dakota Mines after Washington states COVID-19 enforcement  with directives for masks and vaccinations  drew him to South Dakota, where restrictions were more lax. Years later, as vaccination debates have dissolved, the passing of SB100 is another reminder of why he made the decision.

"I think in this case, freedom has won," Uy said April 14 of SB100.

Three days later, as the news of the Florida State tragedy flashed across his screen, Carley said he reflected on his decision to help pass SB100. He said it felt nice to know that he provided protections for students like Uy, Vostad and anyone else attending a South Dakota public university.

This feeling, Carley said, was validated during a trip to the store.

Did you hear about that FSU shooting? a West River citizen asked him, according to Carley.

I saw that, Carley replied. Really sad.

It's a good thing you guys got through some legislation  to give our students here in South Dakota some more protection against bad people like this, the citizen remarked to Carley.

Uhre-Balk, meanwhile, said she got feedback from citizens, too. They were students. And they told her they dont feel comfortable being on campus  or  where theyll sleep at night.

If I get randomly put with a roommate (and) I don't know that person, and they have a gun in their room, it just doesnt make me feel safe, Uhre-Balk said, summarizing some emails sent to her.
For generations, Indigenous people in South Dakota have faced disproportionate rates of violence, going missing at much higher rates than other groups. Its part of a nationwide crisis, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

I dont think we truly understood (MMIP) until it touched our family, said Leticia Fernandez, the cousin of Autumn Emery, who was found dead in Rosebud, South Dakota on July 19, 2019. I dont think we ever thought it would touch our family, especially not Autumn. She was good, she was kind, she was smart, but I wouldn't truly know that, because when she was murdered, the opportunity for me to get to know her was gone with her.

Fernandez, Sicangu Lakota, spoke during the 2025 Red Dress Gala on Saturday. Emerys death is still unsolved six years later, after her body was found in a remote area of the Rosebud Reservation by a grassroots search team.

How do you explain how a name can silence a room, how laughter can die down with one mention, Fernandez said. How do you explain the need to avoid some roads in some places, because it brings along too much pain. It brings on the hurt all over again. How do you explain how, when you pass someone on the side of the road, you document the time, the clothes, the place, you document everything. Because, what if that was someone's family? What if something happens to them?

As of May 1, there are 77 Indigenous people missing in South Dakota. That count comes from data provided by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Victim Services, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Victim/Witness Services Program, South Dakota Missing Persons Clearinghouse, Sicangu MMIW, Native Women's Society of the Great Plains and Okichile.

The South Dakota Missing Persons Clearinghouse shows 105 missing persons cases statewide, out of which 64 are missing Indigenous people  61% of all missing persons cases in the clearinghouse are Native people. Its up to local authorities to report missing people to the Department of Criminal Investigation for entry into the clearinghouse.

Aside from a high number of missing persons, murder rates of Indigenous people remain high.

Information from the Department of Criminal Investigation lists 29 murders of Indigenous People on South Dakota Reservations in 2023 and 27 murders in 2024.

And in late 2024 and the first few months of 2025, several missing Indigenous people were found dead in the state.

Michelle Elbow Shield, a 26-year-old Oglala woman missing from Rapid City, was found dead in Wanblee on Jan. 15. Elbow Shield had been missing since September 2023 and her death is being investigated by the FBI as a homicide.

Lloyd Bald Eagle, a Cheyenne River Lakota filmmaker from Red Scaffold, was found dead in Rapid City on Oct. 15  two years after he was reported missing.

Sahela Sangrait, a 21-year-old Cheyenne River Lakota woman who had been missing since Aug. 11, was found dead in Hill City in March. Ellsworth Airman Quinterius Chappelle, who friends said was Sangraits boyfriend, is charged with first-degree murder and awaiting trial.

Jerry Evans, a 64-year-old Oglala Lakota man, was found dead under the I-190 bridge in Rapid City on March 24. Evans' death is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Rapid City Police Department.

Francis Tobacco, a 55-year-old Oglala Lakota man, was murdered in downtown Rapid City on April 1. Diontae Eagleman, 22, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in the case, according to the Rapid City Police Department.

The trauma left on families is immense, said Crow Creek Chairman Peter Lengkeek. While resources are available for grief, not all families are comfortable using them.

Recently on the Crow Creek Reservation, the son of a murdered tribal member died by suicide unable to deal with the grief, Lengkeek said.

We hear a lot of talk about those that are missing and murdered, but not a lot about the families that are left behind, Lengkeek said. Those who are left behind to wonder, to pray and try and get answers.

While cases in South Dakota remain high, general knowledge of services, new services implemented and the presence of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit has improved, advocates said.

Things like this (conference) happening are good for everybody, not just Indian people, Lengkeek said. Theyre good for everybody present in this state because the things that will come from this, I can see being used all over the world.

While the first week of May is MMIP week, advocates across the state work tirelessly year-round to protect vulnerable populations and raise awareness.

The annual Red Ribbon Skirt Society Red Dress Gala on May 3 brought families, advocates and youth together for a night of remembrance.

That pain never goes away, said Sharon Brings Plenty, the mother of Tessa Curley, during the gala. It changes our lives. Its not the same anymore, it never will be the same, but we have to move forward and bring more awareness to what's happening in Indian Country.

Curley, a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, was murdered in her Box Elder apartment on Oct. 12, 2020. Curleys death is still unsolved and shes not alone.

Of the 107 murders examined by the Journal, only 32 were solved. Many others remain under investigation or are pending trial, but 75 cases still need answers.

At the second Department of Criminal Investigations Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness event on May 5, advocates like Gabby Petito's father, Joe Petito, and stepfather Jim Schmidt called for change.

Petito's case received significant media attention and ignited a social media frenzy in 2021. Her family founded the Gabby Petito Foundation on Oct. 22, 2021, to raise awareness for the differences in attention received by cases of missing and murdered women and men of color.

In sharing missing persons' cases through the foundations social media, Petito said the foundation has witnessed firsthand a disparity in online shares when it comes to missing white women versus missing women of color and men.

One of the familys goals is to help change that.

What we can do is lead by example, and hopefully that will inspire others to do the same, Petito said. I don't have any other areas that I can go down other than taking your phone and sharing it myself, I can't do that. You know what I mean? I can't force the legacy media to do that. So we call it out, we say it as much as we can, and I think it's starting to change, because I've seen more people of color get the news coverage that they should.

Since arriving in Rapid City, Petito and Schmidt have met with tribal leaders and advocates for productive conversations.

Its going to take everyone to figure out where these (missing) people are, Petito said. They could be anywhere, and thats why we have to be in it together. The more we learn, the more effective it will be in getting that message to come across.

This isnt the first time the foundation has spoken up for MMIP. The foundation has worked with the locally based Medicine Wheel Riders and last year Schmidt and Tara Petito traveled to Arizona to raise awareness for Navajo citizen Jamie Yazzies murder.

Trying to harness social media for pressure is huge, Schmidt said. Something we noticed in Gabbys case was how big it got on social media. I think its (about) harnessing different ways to get to different groups. Harnessing it and using it for reaching different age demographics, reaching out to people who work on missing persons cases.

The Petito Foundation was invited to the event by state MMIP Liaison Allison Morrisette.

Morrisette herself has been working to provide communities with resources needed for the crucial hours after a loved one goes missing.

Shes produced several videos with the DCI to help dispel the belief that you need to wait 24 hours before reporting a loved one missing. In South Dakota, there is no limitation on when someone can be reported missing.

The video and upcoming videos can be found on the South Dakota AG MMIP YouTube page.

When your loved one goes missing, its frantic, Morrisette said. Being able to have someone like your cousin or relative put something together is (key).

Morrisette, who is Oglala Lakota, assumed her role in 2023. Morrisette works to connect victims families with the proper resources needed and education.

In Rapid City, several organizations are available for those looking to escape domestic violence. Domestic violence relief organizations like WAVI (Working Against Violence), the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and others tabled at the event on Monday to offer information about services and getting help.
Richmond Public Library has frozen hiring and cut hours for part-time employees amid budget concerns, according to an email sent from RPL Director Scott Firestine to staff.

RPL, along with other city departments, is likely to exceed its personnel budget by the end of fiscal year 2025 on June 30, Firestine wrote in the Wednesday email, ordering managers to stop filling vacant positions and to limit part-time employee hours to 25 per week.

The decision came two days after City Council approved Mayor Danny Avulas request for a 3.25% salary increase for all City Hall employees  including the citys top earners.

That proposal encountered resistance from councilwomen Kenya Gibson and Sarah Abubaker. Gibson, who represents the 3rd District, introduced an amendment to strip the raises from city staff making $150,000 or more, citing Avulas claim that the city is weathering a budget crunch.

Abubaker, who represents the 4th District, attempted to broker a compromise, suggesting shrinking the raises for employees making $175,000 or more. But last Monday, she acknowledged that her proposal did not have the five votes needed to pass, and the across-the-board raises survived.

In his email, Firestine said the raises would apply to vacant RPL positions if they are unfrozen in July, but forecasted financial uncertainty  and difficulties  ahead.

Operations and other lines (in the city budget) are held at FY25 levels, Firestine wrote. This will create challenges in maintaining current levels of materials and service.

City budget documents show that, while RPLs total funding will increase by $565,498 next fiscal year, most of that amount will pay for the salary increases for its approximately 80 employees. RPLs operating budget will only increase by $1,122.

Firestine told The Times-Dispatch that the tariffs on imported books levied by President Donald Trumps administration and the surging price of printer ink  which he said has tripled recently  were likely to put stress on RPL.

Were going to be very deliberate and cautious going into the next fiscal year, he said. Our consistent priority is to carefully manage expenditures while minimizing any impact on the quality of library services for our Richmond community.

Council staff accidentally included funds for ex-councilwomans nonprofit

The raises were not the only controversy to arise as City Council wrapped up its budget deliberation process. After voting on their proposed cuts and additions, the body had $50,000 in unallocated funds left over and agreed to pocket them for later use.

But budget documents posted online a short while later indicated that the $50,000 would go to Help Me Help You  the nonprofit founded and run by former 9th District City Councilwoman Michelle Mosby.

Help Me Help You has received $550,000 in city funds since 2022, but was not included in Avulas initial budget proposal for 2026. City Council President Cynthia Newbille proposed an amendment to award $50,000 to the organization, but it was not approved by the body.

Matthew Slaats, interim chief of staff for City Council, told The Times-Dispatch that the line item had been included in the document in error, and that it was subsequently removed. The mistake was first reported by the Richmonder.

Last year, 8th District City Councilwoman Reva Trammell argued that funding Help Me Help You was a conflict of interests, given Mosbys relationships with her former colleagues. Mosby countered that she did not believe her career in public service disqualified her from receiving public dollars.

Mobile home funding nixed, Black History Museum funding restored

The Council did not pass Gibsons amendment to restore funding to the citys mobile home repair program, which supports the restoration of aging, dilapidated trailers.

Avula had previously said his budget would include $800,000 for the program in 2026, but later said he had confused unspent dollars from the previous fiscal year with a new financial commitment. In response, Gibson submitted a proposal to put $1 million toward mobile home repair.

The councilmembers did vote to restore $100,000 to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The museum on West Leigh Street has received that amount from the city annually since 2023, but Avulas proposed financial plan did not renew that award.

Trammell during last Mondays meeting said former Gov. Doug Wilder had reached out to ask the councilmembers to continue their support for the museum.

The body also rejected policy changes that Avula previously said were included in his proposed budget by accident.

The changes included eliminating a requirement that the city attorney publish written legal opinions, and relaxing residency requirements for senior City Hall officials.

Non-budget-specific items  still need to be addressed at some point, and will come back to Council, said Newbille.
Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, is drawing the line on potential cuts to federal spending on Medicaid, calling proposals to reduce the federal match rate or impose a per-capita cap on spending an absolute no-go and a non-starter.

Wittman said in an interview that he has expressed his concerns about the proposals to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. Both are courting moderate Republicans in political swing districts to back those options in order to meet an $880 billion target for cuts in federal spending under the jurisdiction of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

He said he would not support cuts that would trigger the kill switch in Virginia law to roll back expansion of Medicaid health care benefits to more than 641,000 Virginians. The trigger would reverse Medicaid expansion if the federal share of the costs fell by 1% or more beneath the current 90% threshold provided under the Affordable Care Act.

Ive told the Speaker and the Majority Leader thats an absolute no-go, he said. Ive told the Speaker and the leadership that thats a non-starter.

Theres no misunderstanding about where I stand on these things, he said.

Johnson was to meet with Wittman and other moderate Republicans on Tuesday afternoon about their concern over deep cuts in federal support of Medicaid. Scalise said publicly last week that he was confident that moderate Republicans would accept a proposed reduction in the federal match rate and a per-capita spending cap for people covered by Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Weve been meeting with all our members but especially our most vulnerable members, the majority leader said in a social media post by Punchbowl News on Thursday.

Wittman, whose district is based in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, represent Virginia districts that Democrats are targeting in congressional midterm elections next year.

They were among 12 Republicans who signed a letter to House GOP leadership on April 14 expressing their concern about potential cuts to the safety net health care program for low-income, elderly and disabled Americans.

The letter said they would support reforms to the program to improve its integrity, reduce improper payments and modernize delivery of care, but added, However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.

Wittman said Monday that Scalise appeared to have misspoken after talking to some concerned members of the Republican conference.

He had conversations with some members, but certainly not all members, he said.

Wittmans comments came after the House Committee on Energy & Commerce delayed for a week its planned markup of budget cuts to support the $880 billion reduction over 10 years that is part of the budget reconciliation framework that he and Kiggans supported last month.

The Congressional Budget Office said that achieving that level of reduced spending would require cuts to Medicaid, which is an obligation shared by federal and state governments.

Virginia pays 49% of the costs for health care services for people under the states traditional Medicaid program, primarily children, low-income parents, people with disabilities and seniors receiving long-term care.

The federal government pays 90% of the costs for people under Medicaid expansion, primarily low-income adults, while health care providers pay the remaining 10% under a budget agreement that the General Assembly adopted in 2018, effective on Jan. 1, 2019.

Last week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he was hopeful that Congress would be able to reduce Medicaid spending without triggering a rollback in care for Virginians.

There is a trigger law in Virginia, and my current understanding is that is not something that is advancing, but were paying close attention, Youngkin said after announcing actions on the state budget on Friday.

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, who serves on the committee, welcomed Wittmans position on the proposed spending cuts.

I hope he stands firm, both on the federal match and the per-capita cap, she said Tuesday.

McClellan also expressed concern about proposals to reduce federal reimbursements to health care providers, especially the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, which runs the states largest safety net hospital.

The VCU hospital system would be hit very, very hard, she said.

Sean Connaughton, president and CEO of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, said Tuesday that the potential cuts would hurt hospitals and providers statewide.

From large places to rural communities, Medicaid is a critical lifeline for people young and old across all racial groups, Connaughton said in a statement. Without Medicaid, millions of people who now have coverage would face limited access to care. 

It is imperative for policy makers to understand that cuts to Medicaid would jeopardize public health, access to essential care for millions of Americans, and the availability of medical services in communities across the nation, he said.

That would also have devastating economic impacts by eroding the health care workforce and the viability of providers who deliver life-saving care to patients and families.

McClellan also called on Congress to provide an exemption for caregivers from the proposed work requirement for Medicaid recipients. A work requirement was part of the 2018 budget agreement to expand Medicaid, but then-Gov. Ralph Northam did not implement it.

The only able-bodied people not working are caregivers, she said.

Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th, also serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee, but he could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

McClellan said she has not talked about the potential cuts directly with Wittman and Kiggans.

I am monitoring what theyre saying and what theyre doing, she said. I know theyre very concerned and Im encouraged by their concern.

Wittman emphasized that he supports efforts to reduce Medicaid spending by targeting improper payments for people who arent lawfully eligible, such as undocumented immigrants and people who earn too much to qualify, and other forms of waste and abuse.

But, as someone who was adopted at a young age, he said he thinks of my birth mother in protecting benefits for those most in need.

This is about making sure we live up to our obligation to help the most vulnerable and make sure the system is sustainable, Wittman said.
American with cardboard box of undeclared cash arrested inside Tulum International

Tulum, Q.R.  National Guard officers arrested an American woman after she was found with more than $80,000 undeclared USD cash. Her inspection and subsequent arrest happened inside the Tulum International Airport Saturday.

The 55 year old woman arrived at Tulum International on a 4:15 p.m. direct flight May 3 from New York. During a routine luggage inspection, Mexicos National Customs Agency located the cash. She was found in possession of $87,900 USD, the equivalent of over 1.5 million Mexican pesos, in undeclared money.

In Tulum, National Guard and Customs officers, while inspecting passenger luggage at the airport, detained a U.S. woman and seized $87,900 in undeclared cash without any proof of legal origin, authorities stated regarding the weekend arrest.

Mexicos National Customs Agency located the U.S. cash stuffed inside a cardboard box inside her luggage. Taken into legal custody was 55 year old Leslie G from New York. She was arrested inside the Tulum International Airport after arriving on a United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Passenger tax for cruise ships docking in Mexico significantly decreased from original proposal

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Travel authorities have agreed that the up-and-coming Non-Resident Duty (DNR) tax for cruise passengers will be $5 USD. The tax per person entering Mexico by cruise ship is down from the initial proposed fee of $42 USD per passenger.

Eugenio Segura Vazquez

The collection of $42 USD per cruise ship passenger docking in Mexico was set to begin January 2025, however, it quickly became a concern for port towns. In December of 2024 when the tax was announced, residents in Cozumel voiced their concern saying it was a decision that will affect the arrival of cruise ships to our port.

The following day, Governor Mara Lezama Espinoza announced the postponement of the DNR cruise passenger tax. Lezama said the federal government, who approved the tax, had agreed to postpone its collection for six months.

Instead of a January 1, 2025 start date, Lezama reported the new federal tax collection date for cruise ship passengers will begin July 1, 2025. As of July 1, cruise ship passengers docking in Mexico will be charged $5 USD, a fee that will be collected by the cruise companies.

According to State Senator Eugenio Segura Vazquez, the Derecho de No Residente (DNR) fee will gradually increase. The initial fee for the remainder of 2025 will be $5 USD, however next year, that fee will be increased to $10 USD and in 2027, to $21 USD.

The tax amounts have been agreed upon by the Federation of Cruise Services and Related Activities (FSCA) and the Mexican government, he said. According to Segura Vazquez. The DNR tax is the result of efforts by President Claudia Sheinbaum, Governor Mara Lezama and Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodriguez, with the goal of ensuring that cruise tourism contributes more significantly to the countrys economic development.

In addition to the new fee, the agreement includes commitments from the cruise ship companies to increase the number of cruise passengers to Mexican ports, promote infrastructure projects such as the fourth pier in Cozumel and the acquisition of domestic supplies, especially artisanal products, for sale on cruise ships.
It was mutual congratulations for PM Wong and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, who claimed a historic second term as prime minister on May 3.

SINGAPORE - Leaders from Australia, Bhutan, Indonesia and Malaysia have called Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to congratulate him on his partys victory at the 2025 General Election.

In his first election as prime minister on May 3, PM Wong and the PAP won 65.57 per cent of the vote.

It was mutual congratulations for PM Wong and Australias Mr Anthony Albanese, who claimed a historic second term as prime minister on May 3 at the Australian federal election.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Albanese on May 5, PM Wong noted how Singapore and Australia share a strong partnership and a high level of strategic trust.

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We are like-minded partners with a common interest in upholding an open, inclusive and rules-based global order, he wrote, in the letter shared by Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

We work well together to promote substantive and pathfinding regional and international initiatives, including in Asean and at the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

MFA on May 5 said that the two prime ministers reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations ahead of the Singapore-Australia Annual Leaders Meeting later in 2025.

There, the countries will launch the next phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In his letter, PM Wong also noted that bilateral cooperation has grown in areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, the arts and culture, education, science and innovation, as well as in the digital and green economies.

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In a Facebook post on May 5, PM Wong also said he had received calls from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

They congratulated me on the outcome of the elections, and we had good discussions on regional developments and bilateral cooperation, wrote PM Wong. I look forward to catching up with them in person before too long.

In a Facebook post on May 5, Datuk Seri Anwar said he called to congratulate PM Wong on the PAPs resounding victory.

The PAPs strong mandate  securing 87 out of 97 seats  reflects the deep trust and confidence the Singaporean people have placed in PM Wongs leadership, he said, as he reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Singapore and Malaysia, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties and close economic cooperation.

He added: I am confident that under his leadership, our bilateral relations will continue to grow from strength to strength, especially as Malaysia takes on the Asean chairmanship this year.

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Indonesian President Prabowo, who shared footage of his call with PM Wong on his YouTube page on May 5, said: You came to me and congratulated me yourself, so I would like to go to Singapore and congratulate you myself.

PM Wong was the first foreign leader to visit Jakarta after Mr Prabowo took office in October 2024.

In the video, Mr Prabowo also said he would drop by Singapore soon and call on PM Wong.

Bhutans Mr Tobgay wrote on Facebook that he was delighted to speak with (his) schoolmate and good friend. He had crossed paths with PM Wong at Harvard Kennedy School.

I congratulated him on his landslide electoral victory which is a clear reflection of the peoples trust in his leadership, he wrote.

With him at the helm, Singapore is secure in excellent hands, he said, adding that he had invited PM Wong to Bhutan, and that he looked forward to deepening the friendship between the countries.

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Leaders around the world, from the US and Europe to Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand, have extended their congratulations to PM Wong since May 4.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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SIOUX CITY  They're big, they're oddly shaped, they're all over town, they're a little bit noisy, they leave a wet streak everywhere they've been.

They're Sioux City's street sweepers.

But what are these machines for, really? Do the streets need to be so clean you could eat breakfast off them? Streets are outside, after all, and isn't everything outside a little dirty?

The Journal spoke with Sioux City Field Services Supervisor Patrick Simons about street sweepers for Five Questions. The conversation has been edited for style and clarity.

What is the purpose of street sweepers -- why do we need the streets so clean? Is there a practical reason, or is it just to make the streets look nice?

"It's kind of a two-part thing. Like you touched on, yes, it's cosmetic, it's beautification of our city. But that's just kind of an added benefit of the primary function, which is -- to keep road debris, whether it's leftover sand, or dirt, gravel, rocks, anything like that, trying to capture all of that before it gets into our waterways. And if we can get it off of the road surface before it gets into our catch basins or anything like that -- it's just kind of being good stewards of the land."

How many street sweepers does Sioux City have in its fleet?

"We currently have four sweepers."

How do the street sweepers work? There are obviously brushes, and there appears to be water.

"They have those gutter brooms, that are on the side of the machine that you're talking about, that kind of grab that material from the gutter line itself, and they pull it away from the gutter line -- which is where the majority of that debris is collected, and they'll push it out into the underbelly of the sweeper itself, where there's a main broom that's turning as well, and that kind of pushes it up into a hopper that's in the front of the sweeper that'll contain that. And then that (debris) gets loaded up into the back of a dump truck, and hauled away for disposal."

How often is a given stretch of road in Sioux City swept?

"It's definitely dependent upon what our year looks like. If we have pretty significant snowfall, then we're out quite a bit, putting out a lot of material, or if there's special events -- there's a lot that goes into it. But typically we try to get on every street at least twice a year."

Are the sweepers more active certain times of the year?

"Definitely in the spring and fall."

BONUS QUESTION:

What's it like to drive a street sweeper? Is it like driving a truck?

"It's a rear-steer vehicle -- so think of it more like a forklift. So you're going to steer with that rear tire. It's not extremely difficult. But it definitely is something that takes a little bit of practice to get used to."
SIOUX CITY -- Pressured by the federal government, the Sioux City Council approved three resolutions Monday to reverse a series of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

The council green-lighted measures to dissolve the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee and reclassify the diversity and inclusion coordinator position. The changes are necessary in order for the city to maintain federal funding for local infrastructure projects. Failure of the city to become compliant could result in the loss of millions of dollars of federal grants.

"They made it crystal clear that we have to comply or we will get zero," Councilwoman Julie Schoenherr said, referring to the Trump administration.

Before the council voted on the resolutions, Monique Scarlett, president of the Sioux City NAACP and Unity in the Community, challenged the council to take a "hard look" at the city's future.

"What do we really want our city to mirror? Do we just want to select a few and have them in control, or do we want a city that will meet the needs by supporting equity, inclusion and diversity for growth? I would hope that we would want to embrace and include everyone," she said.

Ike Rayford, who serves as the Sioux City NAACP's treasurer, said the city "cannot" and "must not be bullied" into abandoning its moral obligation to serve all citizens equitably. He said this moment isn't just about dollars, but dignity.

"We cannot claim to be a city that values its people while simultaneously stripping away the very frameworks meant to protect and empower them," he said. "These initiatives were put in place because our community asked for them, because history demanded them and because progress required them. I urge you to stand firm. Do not allow fear to override your responsibility to lead with integrity."

In an April 24 letter to the city and other recipients of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned they risked losing funding if they continue DEI policies, fail to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions, or defy other directives from the Trump administration.

"Federal grants come with a clear obligation to adhere to federal laws," Duffy said in a news release. "It shouldn't be controversial  enforce our immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies, and protect free speech. These values reflect the priorities of the American people, and I will take action to ensure compliance."

Resident Carolyn Goodwin said she wanted to be on the record stating that she's "highly disappointed" in the federal government.

"I continue with the hope that there can be a way around some of these cuts being dictated in a country that should not be one that dictates at the local level," she said.

One of the resolutions passed Monday reclassifies the diversity and inclusion coordinator position in the Human Resources Department to a human resources specialist position.

The pay grade for the coordinator is $63,589 to $92,864.47 and the specialist $67,405.05 to $98,436.59. The current coordinator makes $75,245.46, according to the documents. The documents stated that "there will be an immediate financial impact of $1,588.40 to place the incumbent on a step within the Human Resources pay scale." Future salary impacts at the maximum rate of the Human Resources pay scale will be $6,908.67.

"This position was never, ever meant to somehow give minorities, handicapped people, women a leg up. It was only to make the jobs known," Scott said of the coordinator.

The mayor wondered what's wrong with giving people in the community knowledge of those jobs so they can apply.

"We don't hire people because you're Black. We don't hire people because you're a handicapped person. We don't hire people because you're a woman. We hire the best candidates. But to not have people in this community have the knowledge about what jobs are available -- it's just wrong in my opinion."

Last August, the council approved a resolution to create the diversity and inclusion coordinator position, which replaced the previous community inclusion liaison position. The city hired Nancy Li as the coordinator. Her first day on the job was Dec. 9.

Scott was the lone council member to vote against the creation of the diversity and inclusion coordinator position. Before the council voted to add the position in August, Scott told his colleagues: "I'm just not comfortable, especially in this age where you have to be even careful doing this type of stuff, because the state has laws now. This position is going to have a real significant impact on our operations."

The city created the diversity and inclusion coordinator position following the May 28, 2024 firing of the city's first and only community inclusion liaison, Semehar Ghebrekidan. Ghebrekidan, who was hired in 2021. had been on administrative leave since Feb. 21, 2024. She was ultimately fired for violating general standards of conduct, work rules, Iowa code and city administrative policy.

Ghebrekidan reported to then-city manager Bob Padmore. The new diversity and inclusion coordinator, meanwhile, was assigned to the Human Resources Department, with an emphasis on diversity recruitment.

Sister City anniversary (copy) Trisha Rivers places a star quilt on Yu Wantanabe, a Yamanashi City Hall Regional Resource Development Department staff member, while presenti

Scott and Councilman Matthew O'Kane cast the lone "no" votes on the reclassification of the coordinator. O'Kane suggested the coordinator be placed under the supervision of the Human Rights Department. He said the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee could also be moved to Human Rights.

In the fall of 2020, the council approved a resolution to establish the committee, which provided guidance on matters relating to diversity, inclusion and equity. The committee's goal was to represent the interests of and enhance the quality of life for all who live in the city.

"That just makes more sense than just completely dissolving them. As far as the inclusive language notice goes, that took the better part of two years to get passed," O'Kane said.

On the resolution to dissolve the inclusion committee, the vote was 4 to 1, with O'Kane casting the lone "no" vote. Human Rights Director Karen Mackey said she will look into the possibility of having the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee act as sub board to the Human Rights Commission.

The council voted 4 to 1 to rescind the resolution that adopted an inclusive language notice for the city. The notice was included on forms of communications from the city. O'Kane again voted "no."

"You can't put a price on trust. And when people stop trusting who's leading the city, they don't want to work together," Scarlett said. "Sioux City is starting to look unfamiliar to me, and I don't like that."
How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

My boyfriend is trying to get me to allow him to try something in bed.

He wants to work his way up to fisting me but Im nervous about it. Is it painful? Will I get permanently stretched out? Does it lead to greater chances of developing incontinence later in life? Any guidance would be appreciated.

The Whole Thing

Dear the Whole Thing,

Before we get into your actual questions, I want to point out that you can absolutely decline to participate in fisting. You can simply say no, or you can have a conversation with your boyfriend about what he finds appealing about the practice and try to find other activities that light up the same circuits. You dont have to justify your boundary with risk factors. That said, I reached out to Kitty Stryker, author, sex educator, and a former curator of Fisting Day, for some insight. Heres what she had to say:

Fisting can be a powerful, romantic, and incredibly sexy moment when given time to really melt into the experience. Its not something you can rush, and its not always something your body may be up forI have found that there are times I am especially open to taking a whole fist, and sometimes I just cramp up! It really puts you in touch with your body in a visceral way. I think its important not to have fisting be a goal youre fighting to achieve but something that will happen when it feels safe, and comfortable, and right. It can be incredibly intimate when done with patience and love.

Is it painful? It can be somewhat uncomfortable, particularly in the moment where the widest part of the hand goes past your pelvic bone. Personally, I always enjoyed using a vibrator on my clit, which counterbalanced any discomfort. Also, go slow! Take your time. Thats part of what makes fisting so powerful, is that it cant be rushed. I also recommend using plenty of lubricant and making sure your partner has trimmed their nails, softened their cuticles, etc. I often prefer to use gloves, just for the extra smoothness. Its also helpful to know where you are in your cycle, as near your period, your cervix is tougher and lower, which can make bumping against it a little more unpleasant (whether thats through fisting, deep thrusting, or using a toy).

Also, use more lube than you think youll need. Have it easily accessible so you can add more. Fisting can be messylube, squirting, cumand thats part of the fun!

Fisting isnt without its risks, like any sexual activity. Even if youre careful and theres no pain, there is some possibility that you might experience some microtears, so I recommend saving fisting for the last sexytimes of the night, after any vaginal or anal sex. This risk is lessened by having a couple orgasms before you start working up to fisting, as your muscles will be more relaxed. Breathing deeply and steadily also helps a lot! Fisting is kind of a meditative process through which a partner and I play with the limitations of my body in a way that is really intense and beautiful. A little movement goes a long way, so keep communicating about how it feels as each finger is added.

And no, you wont get permanently stretched out if you get fisted a few timesthe vagina is capable of handling babies, after all! If youre concerned about it, or about the potential increased risk of incontinence, I recommend doing Kegel exercises afterwards to ease your mind. Its good to know how to activate those muscles anywaylike leg day, but for your vagina.

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Harvard Health has a quick guide for Kegel exercises here, and, if its in your budget, a consultation with a pelvic floor therapist can help you understand exactly whats best for your particular body.

Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit

Dear How to Do It,

We are a couple who have been married for 22 years. Lately, I have been waking up to find my husband sleeping on the sofa on the occasional morning. He says that the reason is that on these nights, I talk in my sleep during what sounds and looks like sex dreams.

He says that I grind my hips against my sleep pillow that lives between my legs, and has heard me say various expletives and the names of other men and women we know. If he wakes up because of this, he now moves out to the sofa because he feels like its a private moment. I dont remember any of these dreams (sure wish I could! They sound fun!).

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We have an active fantasy life, and he often incorporates a third/fourth into our play using toys, blindfolds, and creativity. He knows I fantasize about others because we openly talk about it and realize that it is pretty normal. So he hasnt expressed jealousy. I appreciate that he moves to the sofa, but I also dont know how long he really stays and listens and watches. That feels kind of voyeuristic. I dont want to sleep in separate rooms. I like having him next to me. But I am getting self-conscious about all of this.

Dream Girl Dilemma

Dear Dream Girl Dilemma,

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From what youve written, it seems likely that your husband is already giving you privacy in those momentsthe opposite of the voyeurism youre concerned about. Presuming that you trust your husband to tell you the truth, your next steps are pretty simple. Ask him how long he stays, listens, and watches. Once youre working with facts, instead of speculation, you can have a conversation about what you prefer he do in these moments. If his current behavior is beyond your boundaries, communicate that directly.

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Consider whether you have the sort of relationship that allows you to be vulnerable with your husband and receive emotional support. If thats the case, share the details of where your self-consciousness is coming from. These kinds of discussions have a way of alleviating distress. If thats not the case, think about where else you can turndo you have a trusted friend or sibling? Is journaling something youre open to?and also consider whether you might want to take steps toward deepening your relationship with your spouse.

Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace!

The columnists behind our new advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here!

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Dear How to Do It,

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My wife has asked for a champagne bubble bath for her birthday and wants to have me join her in it so we can screw during the experience. I have been trying to talk her out of it. In addition to the obvious expense involved and waste of good champagne, my biggest concern of all is the burning the alcohol would inflict on sensitive areas. Is this worry a valid reason to ask her to come up with a different fantasy to be fulfilled?

Bubbly Fine, Burning Privates Not Fine

Dear Not Fine,

The fact that you dont want to participate in sex while submersed in champagne is valid enough of a reason to say no. From an autonomy-first perspective, you shouldnt be pressured to join in the bath, and your wife, who is presumably a legal adult, should be free to risk giving herself chemical vulvovaginitis or potential alcohol poisoning, if she pleases. Maybe theres a compromise where you sit next to the bath and use a vibrator or dildo on her, while keeping an eye out for symptoms of dangerous levels of intoxication.

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So, if your concern is sparing your own genitals from what you fear will be a burning sensation, simply say no and hold your ground. But if your concern is for your wifes health, present her with your concerns about the potential risks.

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Regardless, when you lead with the expense and waste, you are risking the implication that she isnt worth such money or quality. If your wife is one of the many people in the world who consider the luxuriousness of their birthday celebrations an indication of their value or how loved they are, this is a recipe for hurt feelings and may be compounding her desire to insist. If you really want to help her feel special, you might propose some other birthday scenario with equally decadent details and fewer downsides.

Jessica

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I have a wonderful, loving husband and we have an active sex life. However, I am currently in the final year of an exhausting PhD, which has left me drained and riddled with anxiety. I find sex the last thing on my mind when I get home, and I often just want to collapse my numb body into bed and sleep like the dead. He tries to initiate sex with me, and when I have the energy he is wonderful, giving, and focused on my pleasure. The problem is his desire for me is usually far greater than the amount of energy I have for playtime.
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The problem of secrecy now surrounding the execution process in the United States is well documented. Over the past decade, as the Death Penalty Information Center reports, death penalty states across the country have enacted new secrecy statutes that conceal vital information about the execution process.

Some prevent witnesses from seeing at least some part of the execution  (or) from hearing whats happening inside the execution chamber, the center notes. No state  has allowed any witness  to know when each drug is being administered.

Abolitionists have long contended that the news media should be able to witness every stage of the execution process in order to provide the public a clear view of what it is the population is supporting when it allows the state to put people to death. Courts have generally rebuffed these requests for unimpeded access.

But late last month, Debora Grasham, a U.S. magistrate judge for the District of Idaho, issued an unprecedented ruling enjoining the state from carrying out any executions until it can allow media witnesses to see and hear them from beginning to end. She was explicit that this must include the preparation and administration of the lethal injection drugs.

In that order, she pulled back the curtain on a critical stage in the lethal injection process, when the lethal drugs are handled and given to condemned inmates. In her opinion, Grasham recognized that transparency in that moment is especially important at a time when, as the DPIC argues, states have conducted some of the most problematic executions in American history.

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Her opinion offers a model for judges in other jurisdictions to follow. It carefully parses existing precedent, forcefully articulates First Amendment values, balances competing interests, and suggests that if the state is going to kill, it cannot hide the method and manner it uses to put people to death.

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Grasham rightly asserts that viewing the method and manner used to execute a person has been historically open to the public and viewing the entirety of an execution plays a significant positive role in the publics understanding of modern execution procedures.

My research on the history of execution secrecy in the United States supports her conclusion. As I have written, In the late 1800s and early 1900s, local newspapers frequently reported details about hangings, including the ropes price, manufacturer, and materials. As the State of Virginia planned to hang the abolitionist John Brown, it conducted a public vetting process to select the particular kind of rope that would be used in Browns execution. All of the ropes it considered were displayed for the public.

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In addition, during the period when hanging was Americas primary execution method  rope makers often openly displayed and marketed their hanging ropes. Additionally, the specifications and construction of the gallows were frequently discussed in the press.

To offer one more example, when the electric chair was first used, Edwin Davis, the man who built the device, obtained a patent for it in 1897. The patent, I found, contained a detailed drawing explaining all of the components of the electric chair apparatus and their function.

And it was available to the public.

But that was then.

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In our era, the response of death penalty states to botched executions is to enact new laws hiding much of the execution process from the public.

In 2013, in reaction to drug manufacturers experiencing cold feet about their products being used in executions, Georgia enacted a statute that forbade disclosure of the identifying information of any person or entity that manufactures, supplies, compounds, or prescribes the drugs, medical supplies, or medical equipment utilized in the execution of a death sentence. That information, Georgia said, was a confidential state secret.

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Other states have not used the language of state secret, even as they have done more to hide executions.

As the DPIC observes, Recent secrecy laws hide critical details like the source of execution drugs and the identities of execution team members from the publicsometimes even from death-sentenced prisoners and their lawyers, who must obtain a court order for these details.

Lawmakers, it explains, argue that the laws protect the safety of the people who assist in executions. However, researchers have found no evidence of a credible threat to any person associated with an execution.

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Some death penalty states rely on the discretion of corrections officials, allowing states to restrict media access without notice. Many states also impose additional restrictions on media access not listed in their formal policies, such as cutting audio during the execution or permitting visual access to the prisoner only after the IV has already been inserted.

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Idaho claimed that allowing news media to see and hear what transpired in the so-called medical team room would threaten the safety and anonymity of the medical team members and require renovations to equip the rooms with additional cameras and microphones.

Grasham was not convinced. She insisted that without media access to the room, the publics right to know would be severely compromised.

The judge listed the kinds of things that are typically done in that room, including preparing and labeling syringes that will be used to contain the lethal injection drugs, drawing the lethal injection drugs into the prepared syringes, tracking the syringes, and monitoring the condemned person and their vital signs.

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Most importantly, the medical team members are responsible for administering the lethal drugs from the prepared syringes into the IV lines attached to the condemned person.

These are critical steps in any lethal injection.

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The judge noted that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which handles appeals from Idaho, long ago found that the First Amendment applies to executions and has reaffirmed that view on many occasions. It held that the public enjoys the First Amendment right to view executions from the moment the condemned is escorted into the execution chamber, including those initial procedures that are inexorably intertwined with the process of putting the condemned inmate to death.

Related From Slate Trump Just Issued an Executive Order Aimed at Decimating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Read More

In Grashams view, what happens in the medical team room is certainly inexorably intertwined in that process. She insists: The ability to see and hear executions in their entirety, including the preparation and administration of the means of achieving death, has a historical tradition of being open to the public.

Restrictions like the one imposed in Idaho may serve the states interest, but they do not serve the public interest. They make it easier for state officials to hide mistakes and to escape accountability.

Judges should not acquiesce in that effort.

As the Death Penalty Information Center explains, Unobstructed media access to executions is critical because the media observes what the public cannot. States generally prohibit citizens from attending executions, so the media becomes the publics watchdog, providing important information about how the government is following the law and using taxpayer funds.

Grasham agrees and has done us all a service by bringing that insight more fully into view and offering a compelling legal justification for it.
This piece was originally published on State Court Report , a hub for reporting, analysis, and commentary about state courts and constitutions. State Court Report is a project of the Brennan Center for Justice.

Laws around marriage equality have rapidly changed over the past decade, leaving some families in a legal gray zone. A case before the Ohio Supreme Court highlights the ways laws defining parenthood can fall short for people who have children and are in same-sex relationships.

In the early 2000s, Priya Shahani and Carmen Edmonds began a long-term romantic relationshipbut they were banned from marrying under Ohio law. Nonetheless, according to a legal brief filed by Edmonds, their relationship resembled a marriage in meaningful ways: They lived together, had children, and gave their children hyphenated last names that included both their surnames. Shahani gave birth to and was the biological mother of their kids, who were conceived using sperm from an anonymous donor.

Shahani and Edmonds broke up in early 2015. Their entire relationshipincluding the birth of their kidstook place before the U.S. Supreme Court declared in 2015s Obergefell v. Hodges that bans on same-sex marriage violated the U.S. Constitution.

In 2018, Edmonds filed a petition for parental rights over the couples children. A lower court ruled she did not meet the definition of parent under Ohio law because she is not a biological parent of the children and was not married to Shahani when they were born. That decision was reversed on appeal. Edmonds can be recognized as a legal parent, the appellate court held, if she can prove that she and Shahani would have been married when the kids were conceived absent the same-sex marriage ban.

On appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court, Shahani argues that a would have been married standard violates separation of powers principles because the test effectively amends state laws that do not recognize common-law marriagewhich only the legislature has the power to do. The courts rewriting of legislation, she further maintains, violates the state constitutions bar on retroactive changes to laws. In addition, she argues that her due process right to parental autonomy under the federal Constitution would be violated if she were required to share parental control with Edmonds, whom she considers a nonparent.

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Edmonds, for her part, says the appellate court did not overstep its power by announcing a test that allowed for the recognition of the parental rights of people in same-sex couples. Judges have the power to extend laws when a statue has fallen short of reaching every person who, under Equal Protection, must be included, she says.

During last months oral arguments in the case, In re L.E.S., the justicesat least the few who asked any questions during the roughly 30 minutes of argumentsappeared skeptical of Edmonds argument. Justice Patrick DeWine said Edmonds was advocating for an impossible standard.

Related From Slate Trump Just Issued an Executive Order Aimed at Decimating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Read More

No one actually knows what someone would have done, DeWine asserted about the would have been married test. Seems like a purely hypothetical exercise that Im not sure how any court could really sort out.

Shahanis lawyer reiterated that the intermediate appellate court effectively created an exception to a state statute without ever saying thats what it was doing. In any event, he said, Ohios ban on common-law marriage, read in sex-neutral terms, applies equally to different-sex couples and same-sex couples.

Obergefell did not require that states recognize common-law marriage, he added.

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Common-law marriage is for slackers, Edmonds lawyer said when Justice Patrick Fischer asked him to address that argument. Common-law marriage is for people who could have gotten married under Ohio law but they chose not to.

Justice Jennifer Brunner, the lone Democrat on the seven-member court, asked difficult questions of both sides, focusing on topics like the well-being of the children and the significance of a commitment ceremony that Edmonds alleged the couple participated in.

Until Obergefell declared marriage equality the law of the land, at least 15 states banned same-sex marriage. Ohio is just the latest to confront the lingering impacts of these past marriage bans on parental rights.

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In 2023s Pueblo v. Haas, for example, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that a nonbirth parent had standing to sue her former partner, the biological mother of the couples child, for joint custody. Relying on the equitable parent doctrinewhich grants custody over a child to an adult who has acted as the childs parent but is not recognized as such by existing lawthe court allowed the nonbirth parent the opportunity to prove that she would have been married to the childs biological mother if same-sex marriage had been legal when the child was born.

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And in a 2019 case concerning the children of same-sex ex-partners who had built and shared a life together in the 10 or so years before they could legally marry, the Oklahoma Supreme Court declared that a non-biological same-sex parent stands in parity with a biological parent. Rather than a would have been married test, the court in Schnedler v. Lee ruled that a non-biological same-sex parent seeking custody must show that he or she has engaged in family planning with the intent to parent jointly, acted in a parental role for a length of time sufficient to have established a meaningful emotional relationship with the child, and resided with the child for a significant period while holding out the child as his or her own child.

Their children see them as mom or dad, the court said of non-biological parents in same-sex marriages, and the law should treat them as such.

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But that decision has not removed all barriers to establishing parentage over children born to same-sex couples in Oklahomaeven those that were married when their children were born. In 2023, a lower court in Oklahoma denied parental rights to a woman who was married to the childs biological mother when the child was born because, it said, she had presented no evidence regarding the length of time it would take to establish a meaningful emotional relationship with the child  as required by Schnedler. Instead, the court in Wilson v. Williams said it could only allow the ex-wife custody if she had adopted the child or could show a pre-conception agreement establishing her as a parent.

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The Wilson court also noted that because Oklahomas statute establishing a presumption of parentage for the spouse of a biological mother was enacted before the legalization of same-sex marriage, it was not meant to extend the presumption to people in same-sex marriages. As Oklahoma has not yet adopted gender-neutral language in its parentage laws and the plaintiff identifies as female and was born a woman, the court said, she cannot establish a father-child relationship. An appeal in the case is pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

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Similarly, in last years Serrano v. Foret a Louisiana appellate court rejected a nonbiological fathers attempt to establish joint custody over a child born by surrogate using his ex-husbands sperm during their marriage. The plaintiff claimed that not providing him with the presumption of parentage granted under the state paternity statute was an unconstitutional denial of the constellation of benefits that Louisiana has linked to marriage. The court held that the presumption of paternity did not extend to cases involving surrogacy; rather, parentage of children born by surrogate must be proven by the terms of the surrogacy contract.

Determination of legal parenthood has historically rested in large part on the marital presumption of parentage, which assumes that a child born during a marriage is the biological child of the mothers husband. Under this doctrine, it is the marital relationship of the childs parents that establishes paternity rather than the fathers biological relationship to the child. But, as Wilson and Serrano underscore, past legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ people can undermine efforts to establish parental rights by even same-sex couples who were married.
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Over the past few months, millions of people across the country have poured into the streets to protest the Trump administration, thanks to the organizing efforts of groups like Hands Off and 50501. Sometimes they focus on specific government policies targeting immigrants, tariffs, trans people, and DOGE cuts, but theyre broadly all pro-democracy demonstrations that started with the Peoples March before Trumps second inauguration in January.

In previous years, I would have been right there with them, but not this time around. Instead, I smile and wave at the protesters, sometimes raising a fist in solidarity, then I carry on with my day. When I read about themor the administrations plummeting approval ratingsI feel strangely unmoved.

Some observers think these protests are more effective than the ones associated with the first Trump administration, namely the 2017 Womens March and the 2020 BLM protests. The main difference seems to be that the earlier iterations had the words women and Black in them, while these are focusing on democracy. The implication is that the earlier protests problematically emphasized identity over democracy and that perhaps that flaw is why we still ended up with a majority of voters signing everyone up for four more yearsat leastof Trump. Maybe focusing on identity got us into this mess, or maybe its the identities weve been focusing on: gender (read: women), race (Black Americans), trans people.

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But how can identity alone be the scapegoat when 92 percent of Black women voted for democracy in 2024? When Black people have consistently been the most pro-democracy progressive voting bloc in American history? Maybe the real change in the latest protest movements is simply that 92 percent of Black women are fed up with explaining just how much racism costs all Americans.

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The 92 Percent Movement is about Black women taking time for ourselves even during this political crisis, or maybe especially during it. Some have wondered why more Black people arent showing at this iteration of anti-Trump rallies. Well, were taking a breather, or maybe were just sitting this one out altogether. It seems like an inopportune time to be a political wallflower, but its not so easy to bounce back from what happened on Nov. 5. Weve turned inward, drawing support from other Black women, reminding each other of our worth and protecting our mental health. Its still true what Malcolm X said about Black women being the most disrespected and unprotected in America, so we look out for each other. Thats what Michelle Obama did when she decided to skip Trumps inauguration and even Jimmy Carters funeral, where she would have been seated next to Trump. Nope, not doing it this time.

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During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, writer Maya Angelou famously advised, When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. I think that applies to countries and electorates too. This wasnt even the first time, so hopefully we really believe them now. Kamala Harris did not lose in a landslide but she should have won in one as the most qualified candidate in recent history, running against an opponent who couldnt be more different. It felt like a referendum on women, specifically Black women. It wasnt just that 8 in 10 Trump voters were white or that 53 percent of white women voters supported him, but that more voters of color were drawn to Trump, including a record number of Latino voters showing support for the Republican candidate.

To be fair, Trumps fake populism weakened Democratic support across all minority groups, including Asian Americans and Black Americans, with more younger men of color voting Republican than ever before. Basically, the Trump campaign was able to chip away at a coalition Black women thought they could rely on. Everyone has their reasons for how they voted, but it hurt, and the rejection felt personal on some level.

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Related From Slate I Almost Joined Big Law. I Always Knew What It Would Do When Trump Came Calling. Read More

And still, Black women turned out in record numbers to support Harris because we knew just how much was at stake and we wanted to be proud of the role we played in helping to elect Americas first female president, a Black woman. My hands were actually shaking when I cast my ballot because I was so excited to be a part of such a historic day and proud of how far we had come as a nation. By the end of the day, I was reminded where I live. I was reminded of what the majority of Americans think about women, especially Black women, and the deliberate ignorance of the misconduct (and downright criminal behavior) of powerful white men.

Harris loss was more than just heartbreaking for us. It provided clarity about just how uninterested America remains in protecting or listening to Black women, and certainly in how little it cares to be run by one. America wants to protect its love affair with white supremacy. At the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries hilariously riffed on a Taylor Swift song when he compared candidate Trump to an old ex-boyfriend who keeps hanging around, saying, Bro, we broke up with you for a reason. We are never, ever getting back together again. But here we are, and it sort of feels as if Black women are the third wheel. White America and its allies have to figure out something about themselves that we cant teach them. They need to realize how whiteness in all its formsincluding white supremacy and the way it intersects with democracyis the biggest identity politics of them all.

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Ive been thinking a lot about George Yancys New York Times op-ed Should I Give Up On White People?, published two years into Trumps first presidency. In it, he reflects on the hate mail he received, including detailed death threats, after daring to ask white people to reflect on their racial biases and racism in an earlier piece, called Dear White America. Yancy, a Black philosopher, had tried to model radical honesty by acknowledging his own sexism and how being a man affords him privileges compared with Black women. He was calling for white America to, as Luvell Anderson described it, stop believing lies about its history, lies about the havoc whiteness has wreaked and how it weakens democracy. In the end, Yancy decided to focus on the greater good, on the white people who had also reached out to thank him for sharing his thoughts and challenging them to reflect more deeply about their own.

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Im glad that worked for Yancy. But the 92 Percent Movement is not about waiting for white people to finally appreciate the many faces of white supremacy. Being a 92 Percenter means turning inward at this critical moment. Thats not the same as giving up. We are caucusing among ourselves and rallying around those who have been unceremoniously sidelined and cheering on our rising political stars. Through consumer boycotts and buycotts, were spending with politics in mind. Were not holding a grudge or licking our woundswere trying to process what seems like a tragic misunderstanding America cant see its way out of.

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At a conference for female leaders, Harris herself spoke about the chilling effect Trumps turbulent first months back in the Oval Office have had on people afraid to speak out. As a college professor, I see that among students, faculty, and administrators alike, who fear becoming targets. But she also said, with a laugh, Im not here to say I told you so.  Some folks have been asking her to do and say more, as if she ought to be one of the leaders of an anti-Trump push, despite literally being the main person trying to defeat him in the first place. She likely will not be that leaderand its not a chilling effect that has her and other Black women sitting this one out. Were not afraid. Were just reclaiming our time.
Logan Park extended his seasonal win streak to three with a powerful performance in the $36,000 Preferred Trot on Monday, May 5 at Woodbine Mohawk Parkhis final Canadian start before heading overseas for the prestigious Elitloppet in Sweden.

At the start, Fashion Frenzie (Louis-Philippe Roy) surged to the early lead, while Gaines Hanover (Bob McClure), the 1-5 betting favourite, settled into the pocket spot. The opening quarter was clocked in a swift :26. Logan Park, sitting third early, launched a powerful move on the backstretch and surged to the front, reaching the half in :55.4 and three-quarters in 1:24.2.

As the field turned for home, Gaines Hanover tipped out and turned up the pressure, but Logan Park dug in gamely and held off the challenge to win by a neck in 1:50.4, a new national season's trotting record. Gaines Hanover, who won in the absence of Logan Park last week, returned with a gritty runner-up finish, pushing his rival to the limit in a thrilling stretch drive. Fashion Frenzie rounded out the top three.

The seven-year-old gelded son of ArchangelRite Outa The Park is trained by Kyle Fellows and co-owned by Outofthepark Stable of Rockwood, Ont., Reg Higgs of Blenheim, Ont., and Arpad Szabo of Bradford, Ont. The win was the 39th of his career and boosted his lifetime earnings of the two-time O'Brien Award winner to $2,063,432.

Fellows confirmed that Logan Park is scheduled to begin his overseas journey this Thursday, shipping to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York before flying to Frankfurt, Germany on Friday. From there, hell travel overland for a day and a half to Bernie Norens farm in Sweden to settle in ahead of the race.

Dale Devine Transport is shipping him to JFK and flying with him to Frankfurt, Fellows told Trot Insider. My mom and dad [Yolanda and Rob] will leave Friday afternoon from Toronto and meet Logan in Sweden. Im gonna stay here and hold down the fort and fly out on the 23rd to Sweden to enjoy the race with the owners, some family, and a small fan club of other owners and friends that are planning on making the trip.

On his expectations heading into one of Europes most prestigious trotting events, Fellows is cautiously optimistic.

Its hard to have high expectations. I mean, we wouldnt go unless he was perfect. Hes trained back perfect and his first two starts have been awesome, and we expected a big effort tonight, he said. The biggest concern will be the trip overif he can handle the long ship or not. Hopefully he stays healthy and continues eating well, but well have a couple weeks once hes there to get him settled in.

Being invited to the Elitloppet is a dream come true for the Fellows family and connections.

Its pretty exciting. Its not every year a horse from Canada even gets invited, said Fellows. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so were gonna enjoy it to the best of our ability and hope for some racing luckand represent Canada well.

Logan Park is one of nine horses currently confirmed for the Elitloppet, set for Sunday, May 25 at Solvalla Racecourse. The international field includes Swedens A Fair Day, Borups Victory, Francesco Zet, Mellby Jinx, and Mellby Knekt, along with Frances Etonnant and Go On Boy, and Australias The Locomotive.

Also on Mohawk's Monday card, one $15,000 division of the first leg of a Pop-Up Series was contested for trotters who are non-winners of $20,000 (fillies and mares $25,000) or have not averaged $1,700 (fillies and mares $2,125) per start in 2025, with a minimum of eight starts. The second leg is set for Monday, May 12, with the $25,000 final scheduled for Monday, May 19.

Monday's division went to Eternally Hanover and driver Jody Jamieson, who pulled off a 28-1 upset in 1:54.4 for trainer Katarina Bosnjak.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
Joey Putnam took the initiative with Lyin Eyes and rated a powerful mile to hold on for the 1:53.3 victory in the $45,833 Fillies & Mares Open Pace on what became a record-breaking day at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Monday, May 5.

Leaving from post three, Putnam put 7-2 third choice Lyin Eyes into play after back-to-back off the speed efforts and grabbed the lead from 3-2 chalk Kobes Gigi (Marvin Luna) moving past a :27.1 first quarter. Putnam then rationed speed to a :57.1 half and only slightly accelerated up the backside when JKs Shining Star (Randy Crisler) came marching first over. Lyin Eyes held a snug lead to three-quarters in 1:25.3, and Putnam pushed the button at the top of the stretch to scoot away to a near two-length cushion. Dandys Mercy (Marcus Miller) rallied from third over down the center of the track in an attempt to reel in the leader, but Lyin Eyes held firm to the line by a half length. Kobes Gigi settled for third.

A four-year-old mare by Odds On Equuleus out of Miswave Hanover, Lyin Eyes (pictured above) won her eighth race from 29 starts and has now earned $455,079 for owners J. P. Racing LLC, Joey Putnam, and Crazy Parrot Farm LLC. She paid $9.24 to win.

Monday's card also featured a $30,556 mini-series final for $16,667 claimers won by 11-1 shot Normandy Beach, who gave trainer Trey Brinson a hat trick on an afternoon celebrating his daughter's birthday.

Normandy Beach led his competition pillar to post from the rail to register a 1:54.3 upset over Sonic Star (Trace Tetrick) and Americas Fleet (Marvin Luna). Brinson trains the 11-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere-Symphony In Motion for owner Tony Troy. Normandy Beach paid $25.26 to win.

Brinson also won on the day with Capt Karma (Pat Curtin, 1:54.3; $4.50) and later with Talk Racy To Me (Devon Tharps, 1:53.1; $23.94).

Normandy Beach's upset came in the middle of a monumental Pick 4 sequence at Oak Grove, which featured a $7,746.19 carryover that -- with a $25,000 guaranteed pool -- drew $43,637 in new money. The sequence opened with a pair of longshots, starting with Talk Racy To Me and then with The Hulkster (Devon Tharps; $18.34), before wrapping with favourite Western Era (Atlee Bender; $5.22) to pay $23,528.72 on a $1 ticket.

The large Pick 4 pool helped bolster Oak Grove to record-breaking numbers for the third straight year on this post Kentucky Derby Monday. Monday's 13-race card handled a total $582,666.19 USD, up from the previous record set on May 6 last year of $522,939.11 USD. Oak Grove wishes to thank all the bettors for tuning in and hopping into the action.

Racing continues at Oak Grove on Tuesday, May 6 with a 13-race card headlined by a $33,000 USD Open Trot in Race 9. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:45 p.m. (CDT).

(With files from Oak Grove Racing)